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6.1s 
 
A  NEW 
 
 FAMILY  B  I  «  L  E, 
 
 CONTAINING  THE 
 
 OLD  AND  NEW  TESTAMENTS, 
 
 WITH 
 
 NOTES,  ILLUSTKATJONS, 
 
 AND 
 
 PRACTICAL  IMPROVEMENTS. 
 
 SELECTED  FROM  THE  EXPOSITION  OF 
 
 THE  REVEREND  MATTHEW  HENRY, 
 
 BY  THE 
 
 REVEREND  E.  BLOMFIELD. 
 
 EMBELLISHED  WITH  FIFTY  BEAUTIFUL  ENGRAVINGS. 
 
 VOL.  I. 
 
 y 
 
 BUNGAY : 
 
 PRINTED  AND  PUBLISHED  BY  J.  R.  AND  C.  CHILDS. 
 
 MDCCCXXVIII. 
 
JL  HE  Holy  Bible  has  been  considered  by  all  real  Christians  as  containing  such 
 a  revelation  of  the  mind  of  God,  as  is  infinitely  more  conducive  to  the  divine  glory 
 and  the  true  happiness  of  man,  than  all  the  reasonings  of  the  ancient  philosophers,  or  the 
 refined  speculations  of  modern  unbelievers.  Here  is  contained  clear  and  certain  information 
 respecting  God  as  related  to  man,  and  respecting  man  as  related  to  God.  Infinite  power, 
 wisdom,  and  goodness  are  visible  in  the  works  of  creation,  while  the  justice  and  holiness  of 
 God  are  frequently  to  be  discovered  in  the  dispensations  of  his  providence ;  but  it  is  only 
 from  the  Volume  of  divine  Revelation  we  can  learn  how  sin  can  be  pardoned,  and  man, 
 who  hath  fallen  so  far  from  his  Creator,  be  prepared  to  dwell  with  him  for  ever  in  the 
 regions  of  bliss. 
 
 It  was  a  sense  of  the  infinite  value  of  the  Scriptures  that  induced  the  learned  and  pious 
 Henry,  not  only  to  employ  his  whole  life  in  the  study  of  the  Bible,  but  to  publish  his 
 elaborate  Exposition  for  the  instruction  of  others.  In  the  prosecution  of  this  work  he  ap¬ 
 pears  to  have  intended  first  to  direct  the  reader  to  the  true  sense  of  the  passage,  and  then 
 to  suggest  the  most  important  practical  observations:  how  far  he  has  succeeded- in  his 
 design  the  Christian  world  has  already  determined  ;  for  his  works  are  generally  read,  and 
 authors  of  the  first  respectability  acknowledge  themselves  indebted  to  him  for  some  of 
 their  most  important  ideas.  There  are,  however,  many  individuals  earnestly  desirous  of 
 religious  improvement,  who  are  prevented  from  reaping  the  benefit  of  Mr.  Henryks  labours 
 from  their  inability  to  purchase  so  large  a  publication,  or  to  spare  the  time  necessary  to 
 peruse  it  with  attention  :  to  accommodate  such  persons  the  present  edition  is  under¬ 
 taken  ;  in  which  the  editor  has  constantly  endeavoured  to  select  the  most  beautiful  and 
 important  passages,  and  so  to  exhibit  them  to  the  view  of  the  reader  as  may  be  best 
 calculated  to  communicate  instruction.  It  is  therefore  hoped  it  will  be  found  on  an 
 attentive  perusal,  that  the  most  difficult  texts  are  sufficiently  illustrated,  the  mo«t  im 
 
 portant  practical  inferences  forcibly  stated,  and  the  connected  sense  of  the  author  crene 
 rally  preserved.  ^ 
 
 May  the  extensive  oirculation  of  this  work,  by  increasing  the  knowledge  of  religious 
 
 truth,  guide  many  to  the  fountain  of  present  and  eternal  happiness,  and  promote  the  well- 
 being  of  society  at  large !  *  i  r  v. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 The  Narnes  and  Oi'der  of  all  the  Books  of  the  Old  and  New  Testaments,  and  the  Apocryphay 
 
 with  the  Numher  of  their  Chapters. 
 
 THE  BOOKS  OF  THE  OLD  TESTAMENT. 
 
 ENESIS,  hath  chapters 
 Exodus 
 Leviticus  .  -  - 
 
 Numbers  -  -  - 
 
 Deuteronomy 
 Joshua  _  -  - 
 
 Judges  -  -  - 
 
 Ruth  -  -  -  - 
 
 I.  Samuel  .  -  - 
 
 II.  Samuel 
 
 I.  Kingfs  -  -  - 
 
 II.  Kings  -  -  - 
 
 I.  Chronicles 
 
 II.  Chronicles 
 
 Ezra  -  -  - 
 
 Nehemiah  -  -  - 
 
 Esther 
 
 Job  -  -  -  - 
 
 Psalms  -  -  - 
 
 Proverbs  -  -  - 
 
 50 
 
 Ecclesiastes 
 
 - 
 
 40 
 
 The  Song  of  Solomon 
 
 27 
 
 Isaiah 
 
 - 
 
 36 
 
 Jeremiah 
 
 - 
 
 34 
 
 Lamentations 
 
 - 
 
 24 
 
 Ezekiel 
 
 - 
 
 24 
 
 Daniel 
 
 - 
 
 4 
 
 Hosea 
 
 - 
 
 31 
 
 Joel 
 
 - 
 
 24 
 
 Amos  - 
 
 - 
 
 22 
 
 Obadiah 
 
 - 
 
 25 
 
 Jonah 
 
 - 
 
 29 
 
 Micah 
 
 - 
 
 36 
 
 Nahum 
 
 - 
 
 10 
 
 Habakkuk 
 
 - 
 
 13 
 
 Zephaniah 
 
 - 
 
 10 
 
 Haggai 
 
 - 
 
 42 
 
 Zechariah 
 
 - 
 
 150 
 
 31 
 
 Malachi 
 
 •• 
 
 THE  BOOKS  OF  THE  APOCRYPHA. 
 
 I.  TjiSDRAS,  hath  chapters 
 ri  II.  Esdras 
 Tobit 
 
 Judith  _  .  _ 
 
 The  rest  of  Esther 
 Wisdom  -  -  - 
 
 ■  Ecclesiasticus 
 
 9 
 
 16 
 
 14 
 
 16 
 
 6 
 
 19 
 
 51 
 
 Baruch,  with  the  Epistle  of  Jeremiah 
 The  Song  of  the  Three  Children 
 The  story  of  Susanna 
 The  Idol  Bel  and  the  Dragon  - 
 The  Prayer  of  Manasseh 
 
 I.  Maccabees 
 
 II.  Maccabees  _  -  - 
 
 THE  BOOKS  OF  THE  NEW  TESTAMENT. 
 
 MATTHEW,  hath  chapters 
 Mark  -  -  > 
 
 Luke  -  -  -  -  - 
 
 John  _  -  -  -  - 
 
 The  Acts  -  -  -  - 
 
 The  Epistle  to  the  Romans 
 I-  Corinthians  _  >  - 
 
 II.  Corinthians  -  -  - 
 
 Galatians  .  -  -  - 
 
 Ephesians  _  -  -  - 
 
 Philippians  _  -  -  - 
 
 Colossians  .  -  -  - 
 
 I.  Thessaloniaiis  -  -  - 
 
 II.  Thessalonians  -  -  - 
 
 28 
 
 16 
 
 24 
 
 21 
 
 28 
 
 16 
 
 16 
 
 13 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 4 
 
 4 
 
 5 
 3 
 
 I.  Timothy 
 
 II.  Timothy 
 
 Titus  -  -  - 
 
 Philemon 
 To  the  Hebrews 
 The  Epistle  of  James 
 
 I.  Peter 
 
 II.  Peter 
 
 I.  John 
 
 II.  John 
 
 HI.  John  - 
 Jude  -  -  - 
 
 Revelation 
 
 12 
 
 8 
 
 66 
 
 52 
 
 5 
 
 48 
 
 12 
 
 14 
 
 3 
 9 
 1 
 
 4 
 7 
 3 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 2 
 
 14 
 
 4 
 
 6 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 16 
 
 15 
 
 6 
 
 4 
 3 
 1 
 
 12 
 
 5 
 5 
 3 
 5 
 1 
 1 
 1 
 
 22 
 
CALLED 
 
 GENESIS 
 
 m  m©s}issj> 
 
 Year  beforo 
 
 the 
 
 ,4 
 
 coinHion  vi 
 
 ar  ot 
 
 (inusT 
 
 .Imiun  I'ciTcd 
 
 7iO 
 
 IS, 
 
 Lyc.  iSiiii 
 
 Doin.  f.cl. 
 
 10 
 
 B 
 
 C'37‘.  .iloou 
 
 7 
 
 1;  if  Motion 
 
 Ci  vil,  fi  om  'l  l.. 
 
 i’i  1, 
 
 THE  ARGUMENT. 
 
 Genesis,  that  is  Generation  ;  because  therein  Moses  gives  an  account  of  the  origin  of  all  things, 
 yeart  ^  ^  ^  (Nation  oj  the  'world,  and  ends  at  the  death  of  Joseph  ;  comprehending  the  space  of  about  2100 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 4004. 
 
 a  Pfalms 
 35.  6.  & 
 136.  5. 
 A6ls 
 14.  15.  & 
 7.  24. 
 Hebr. 
 
 11.  3. 
 b  2  Cor. 
 4.  6. 
 t  Heb. 
 between 
 the  light 
 and  be¬ 
 tween  the 
 darknej's. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 mvj.  the' 
 evening 
 ivas,  and 
 the  morn¬ 
 ing  was, 
 
 e  Pfalm 
 136.  5. 
 •Jerom. 
 
 10.  12.  & 
 51.  15. 
 f  Heb. 
 expanpon, 
 
 ’  d  Job 
 38.  8. 
 Pfalms 
 33.  7.  & 
 136.  6. 
 t  Heb. 
 tender 
 grafs. 
 
 CHAP.  I. 
 
 1  The  creation  of  heaben  and  earth,  ^c.  26  0/man  in  the  image  of  God. 
 
 29  The  appointment  of  food.  c  j  '■ 
 
 JTN  *  the  beginning  God  created  the  heaven  and 
 ^  the  earth. 
 
 2  And  the  earth  was  without  form,  and  void  ;  and 
 darknefs  upon  the  face  of  the  deep:  and  the 
 «  i  ^  of  the  waters, 
 
 was  light  there  be  light :  and  there 
 
 4  And  God  faw  the  light,  that  zV teas  good:  and 
 God  divic^d  t  the  light  from  the  darknefs. 
 
 darknefs 
 
 were  the  fo-lt  d'ay.’^  the  evening  and  the  morning 
 
 ^  +  firmament  in 
 
 the  midft  of  the  waters,  and  let  it  divide  the  waters 
 from  the  waters.  vvcticis 
 
 7  And  God  made  the  firmament,  and  divided  the  I 
 
 Ss  which ""'k  firmament  from  the  wa- 
 
 «  A  n5  V  7  the  firmament :  and  it  was  lo. 
 evLwln^^t'h''''  firmament  Heaven.  And  the 
 o  4  AnoV^!  morning  were  tne  fecond  day. 
 
 9  J  And  God  faid,  <i  Let  the  waters  under  the  hea 
 ven  be  gathered  together  unto  one  place,  and  let  the 
 dry  land  appear  :  and  it  was  fo. 
 
 10  And  God  called  the  dry  land  Earth :  and  the 
 God  &w^b2?:;;good. 
 
 the  herb  yielding  I'eed^^rd’thrtaiMrel  yWdiJg^frdu 
 gTod:" 
 
 thild  ""“e  the 
 
 explanatory  NOTEsToiTp.  I  Ver  1  Tn  fi.  j  - 
 
 end  things,  the  tliree  divine  perfons,  in  one  G^lh»  ^  beginning  of  tune 
 tliird  heaven,  or  refidence  of  the  bleffed  and  the  I  nothing  the 
 
 the  an-  and  tlaiTy  heavens,  the  fea  and  Vm-th  v  .  °  matter  out  of  which 
 
 Word  i,7o/«m,  here  rendered  God  is  nlnrnl'  ’ .  'riie 
 
 divine  perfons  who  equally  concurred  in  tbt”  die  woijhipful  ones  the 
 
 It  was  without  form;  without  any  agreeable  Ihane  orX- 
 
 without  either  vegetables  to  fuiXlh  it  or  o™amont ;  android, 
 
 bis  almiabty  influence,  mmmi  or  I't  i  X-  as  there  was  no  air,)  in 
 
 prepare  it-, for  the  intended  fepaiation  ofTanXanrXa??**  "‘‘"f'X 
 du«,o„  of_...o,.u..  luteolfe 
 
 that  it  xms  good.  ^  ^ 
 
 2G  H  And  God  faid,  ’  Let  us  make  man  in  our  imace,  “• 
 after  our  likenels ;  and  let  them  have  dominion  over  f 
 fifh  of  the  tea,  and  over  the  fowl  of  the  air,  and  over  Coi. 3.10. 
 
 Ephes. 
 
 O - - 
 
 It  9»*6r/i 
 
 parts  of  creation  was  produced  by  thrift,  who  is  God’s  perfonal  word  John 
 
 XfofTt  th?  lr  X  'X  fir®  in  tbe  wildernefs’;  alid 
 
 ^  /X,/  V  ,  X  ^  ere  perhaps  afterwards  formed.  Ver  f  God 
 
 pXcef  by  Stki'X-  'the'^Xthf  f''  tbeiA  to  take  diffeSnt 
 
 puues  oy  rotation,  the  light  always  fhining  upon  the  one  half  of  iI.a 
 
 Ts' mm  fXf\r?urm  fame  maim.r 
 
 r"  Vers  tI'  1-  e'Tn'r 
 
 tiK-  d.arknefs  and  of  X  i: the  firft  revelation  of 
 tJi'  darkXft  XL?,  1  “  both  die  light  and 
 
 the  fun  moon  6«v- ^  biTuamcHt  iivlu^li?!?-  the  regidn  oF 
 
 I'urroiuids  our  earth  T’ f  titmofphercs  whieij 
 
 luiroiuuls  our  earth,  and  fcYarates  between  the  ^ter  which  in  fii. 
 
 14  1  And  God  faid,  Let  there  be  '  lights  in  the 
 
 firmament  of  the  heaven,  to  divide  f  the  day  from  the 
 night ;  and  let  them  be  for  figns,  and  for  feafons,  and 
 for  da^-s,  and  years :  ,j 
 
 15  And  lenhem  be  for  lights,  in  the  firmament  of  the  4. 19.  ’ 
 heaven,  to  give  light  upon  the  earih  :  and  it  was  lo.  Efaim 
 
 16  And  God  made  tvvogreat  lights  ;  the  greater  light  ^ 
 t  to  rule  the  day,  and  the  lelTer  light  to  rule  tne 
 
 n  ght :  he  made  the  liars  alfo.  the  day 
 
 17  And  God  fet  them  in  the  fi.’maiiient  of  the  hea-"’"^'^'” 
 ven,  to  give  light  upon  the  earth. 
 
 18  And  to  f  rule  over  the  day  and  over  the  night,  XiRb. 
 
 and  to  divide  the  light  from  the  darknefs :  and  God/»-  the 
 lavf  that  it  teas  good.  rule  of  the 
 
 19  And  the  evening  and  the  morning  wmre  the?T‘^'^‘ 
 
 fourth  day.  ^1  X?* 
 
 20  And  God  faid,  2  Let  the  waters  bring  forth  g-  Aij. 
 abundanily  the  ||  moving  creature  that  hath  f  life,  and 
 
 lowl  that  may  fly  above  the  earth  in  the  f  open  firraa-  ’ 
 meat  of  heaven.  {uX?' 
 
 21  And  God  created  great  whales,  and  every  living 
 
 creature  that  rnoveth,  which  the  waters  brought  forth  t 
 abundptly,  after  their  kind,  and  every  winged  fowl'LX?'^^*^ 
 after  his  kind  :  and  God  faw  that  it  w/s  good.  nunt  of 
 
 22  And  God  blelTed  them,  faving,  Be  fruitful,  and 
 
 multiply,  and  fill  the  waters  in'the  feas,  and  let  fowls 
 multiply  in  the  earth.  ? * 
 
 23  And  the  evening  and  the  morning  wmre  the  fifth 
 day. 
 
 24  H  And  God  faid.  Let  the  earth  bring  forth  the 
 living  creature  after  his  kind,  cattle,  and  creeping  thing, 
 and  beaft.  of  the  earth  after  his  kind  :  and  it  was  L 
 
 25  And  God  made  thb  be.ift  of  the  earth  after  his '  Giap. 
 kind,  and  cattle  after  tneir  kind,  and  every  thing  that  ^ 
 
 God  faw  54:2.25, 
 
 1  Cor. 
 
/j'  vianner  of  the  creation. 
 
 J3cforo 
 
 GENESIS. 
 
 Man*s  miseralle  full. 
 
 1  Chap, 
 9.  1. 
 
 Heb. 
 
 creepeth. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 seeding 
 seed. 
 
 ChHft  catile,  and  over  all  the  earth,  and  over  every  creep- 
 4004.^  ing  thing  that  creepeth  upon  the  earth. 
 
 V.  ‘■21  So  God  created  man  in  his  uim  image :  in  the 
 
 k  Matth.  image  of  God  created  he  him ;  ‘‘  male  and  female 
 19.4.  created  he  them. 
 
 28  And  God  blefled  them :  and  God  faid  unto  them, 
 
 ‘  Be  fruitful,  and  multiply,  and  replenifh  the  earth, and 
 fubdue  it ;  and  have  dominion  over  the  filh  of  the  fea, 
 and  over  the  fowl  of  the  air,  and  over  every  living 
 thing  that  f  moveth  upon  the  earth. 
 
 29^1  And  God  faid.  Behold,  I  have  given  you  every 
 herb  f  bearing  feed,  which  h  upon  the  face  of  all  the 
 scfu.  earth,  and  every  tree,  in  the  which  is  the  fruit  of  a 
 m  Chap,  tree  yielding  feed  ;  “  to  you  it  (hall  be  for  meat. 
 
 80  And  to  every  beaft  of  the  earth,  and  to  every 
 fowl  of  the  air,  and  to  every  thing  that  creepeth  upon 
 t  Heb.  earth,  wherein  there  is  j-  life,  I  have  given  every 
 green  herb  for  meat  :  and  it  was  fo. 
 n  Ecciuf.  31  And  “  God  faw  every  thing  that  he  had  made, 
 S9. 16.  and,  behold,  it  zt-as  very  good.  And  the  evening  and 
 the  morning  were  the  fixth  day.* 
 
 CHAP.  II. 
 
 1  The  Jirft  fabhath.  9  The  planthig  of  Eden.  \1  The  tree  of  knowledge. 
 
 1 9,  20.  The  creatures  named.  21  Woman  made,  and  marriage  injHtuted. 
 
 Thus  the  heavens  and  the  earth  were  finilhed, 
 and  all  the  hofl  of  them. 
 
 »  Exod.  2  *  And  on  the  feventh  day  God  ended  his  work 
 s?  17^  which  he  had  made;  and.  he  refted  on  the  feventh  day 
 from  all  his  work  which  he  had  made. 
 
 3  And  God  blefled  the  feventh  day,  and  fan^tified  , 
 it ;  becaufe  that  in  it  he  had  refted  from  all  his  work 
 which  God  f  created  and  made. 
 
 4  H  Thefe  are  the  generations  of  the  heavens  and  of 
 the  earth  when  they  were  created,  in  the  day  that 
 the  Lord  God  made  the  earth  and  the  heavens. 
 
 5  And  every  plant  of  the  field  before  it  was  in  the 
 earth,  and  every  herb  of  the  field  before  it  grew :  for 
 the  Lord  God  had  not  caufed  it  to  rain  upon  the 
 earth,  and  there  was  not  a  man  to  till  the  ground. 
 
 Deut. 
 
 5.  14. 
 Hebr, 
 
 4.  4. 
 
 •}■  Heb. 
 created  to 
 make. 
 
 6  But  II  there  went  up  a  mifl  from  the  earth,  and 
 
 watered  the  whole  face  of  the  ground.  40JI 
 
 7  And  the  Lord  God  formed  man  f  ^the  **  duft^  -v^ 
 
 of  the  ground,  and  breathed  into  his  noftrils  the  breath  U  Or, 
 of  life  ;  and '  man  became  a  living  foul.  “2* 
 
 8  U  And  the  Lord  God  planted  a  garden  eaft ward 
 
 in  Eden ;  and  there  he  put  the  man  whom  he  had/row,  Jc.' 
 formed.  f 
 
 9  And  out  of  the  ground  made  the  Lord  God  * 
 
 grow  every  tree  that  is  pleal’ant  to  the  fight,  and  good  t  EccIus. 
 for  food :  the  tree  of  life  alfo  in  the  midft  of  the  gar- 17. 1. 
 den,  and  the  tree  of  knowledge  of  good  and  evil. 
 
 1011  And  a  river  went  out  of  Eden  to  water 
 garden  ;  and  from  thence  it  was  parted,  and  became  1$.  45/ 
 into  four  heads. 
 
 1 1  The  name  of  the  firfl;  is  Pifon  :  that  is  it  which  a  EccIus. 
 compafleth  the  whole  land  of  Havilah,  where  there  is^‘^‘ 
 gold ; 
 
 12  And  the  gold  of  that  land  «  good  :  there/*  bdel¬ 
 lium  and  the  onyx-ftone. 
 
 13  And  the  name  of  the  fecond  river  is  Gihon  :  the 
 fame  is  it  that  compaflTeth  the  whole  land  ot  f  Ethiopia,  t  Heb. 
 
 14  And  the  name  of  the  third  river  /s  Hiddekel ;  that 
 is  it  which  goeth  II  toward  the  eatt  of  Affyria.  And 
 
 the  fourth  river  is  Euphrates.  toAjyria, 
 
 15  H  And  the  Lord  God  took  II  the  man,  and  put  8  Or, 
 him  into  the  garden  of  Eden,  to  drefs  it,  and  to  keep  it. 
 
 16  And  the  Lord  God  commanded  the  man,  fay¬ 
 ing,  Of  every  tree  of  the  garden  t  thou  mayeft  freely  t^Heb. 
 
 oat ;  r  j  j 
 
 17  But  of  the  tree  of  the  knowledge  or  good  2tmeat. 
 evil,  thou  (halt  not  eat  of  it :  for  in  the  day  that  thou  t  Heb. 
 
 eateft  thereof  f  thou  (halt  furely  die.  'IhTufhait 
 
 18  H  And  the  Lord  God  laid,  It  is  not  good  that^j^. 
 the  man  (hould  be  alone ;  I  will  make  him  an  help 
 
 t  meet  for  him.  t  He^* 
 
 19  And  out  of  the  ground  the  Lord  God  formed 
 every  beaft  of  the  field,  and  every  fowl  of  the  air,  and  y  or, 
 brought  them  unto  1|  Adam,  to  fee  what  he  would  call  the  man. 
 
 clouds,  and  that  which  is  in  the  feas  and  rivers.  Ver.  9,  10.  The  waters 
 are  colledled  into  proper  receptacles,  which  God  called  Seas ;  and  the  waters 
 being  drawn  off,  the  dry  land  appears  and  acquires  its  folidity  ;  and  is  named 
 EarUi.  The  reparation  of  the  waters  being  completed,  God  gives  his  approba- 
 tion  to  the  fecond  day’s  work.  Ver.  11—13.  The  earth  being  prepared  is. 
 now  filled  with  vegetative  life,  for  prefent  ufe,  and  perpetuity  too  ;  each  of  the  ! 
 ▼arious  and  innumerable  fpecies  of  trees,  plants,  and  flowers,  bearing  feed  in 
 itlelf.  In  this  firft  produdlion  of  vegetables,  the  folar  heat  had  no  influence,  as 
 it  was  not  yet  formed ;  nor  had  there  been  any  rain.  Ver.  14,  15.  The  light 
 had  been  before  created,  but  diffufed  abroad ;  now  it  is  colleaed  into  feyeral 
 bodies,  and  thereby  becomes  more  powerful,  glorious,  and  ferviceable.  Where 
 God  is  the  agent,  the  work  mull  be  perfe<5l.  The  defign  of  the  luminaries  is 
 to  divide  the  day  from  the  night,  and  to  mark  out  or  produce  the  fealons  ot 
 the  year;  fummer  and  winter,  fpring  and  autumn.  Ver.  16 — 19.  The  lights 
 mentioned  before,  are  here  particulaiized ;  the  fun,  the  greater  light,  which  is 
 more  than  one  hundred  and  fixty  times  bigger  than  our  ^arth,  and  is  the  foun¬ 
 tain  of  all  thelight^nd  heat.  The  moon,  the  lejfer  light,  is  dark,  and  borrows  all 
 her  light  from  the  fun,  as  doth  alfo  all  the  other  bodies  in  our  planetary  fyllem. 
 The  ftars  are  vaft  in  fize  and  numberlefs.  He  that  made  them  bnngeth  them 
 forth  in  their  order,  and  calleth  them  all  by  their  names.  Ver.  20—25.  Animal 
 life  had  not  as  yet  appeared  on  the  earth,  amongft  the  other  works  of  creation. 
 The  fifli  and  fowl  are  firft  formed  of  the  water,  dead  in  themfelves,  but  teeming 
 v'ith  life  the  moment  the  creative  word  goes  forth  ;  the  greateft  as  well  as  the 
 loweft  owe  their  exiftence  to  God.  The  fifth  day  begins  this  work ;  and  as 
 there  is  provifion  made,  mouths  are  found  for  the  meat.  Beafts  are  the  produc¬ 
 tion  of  the  fixth  day  ;  now  the  earth  as  well  as  the  fea  pours  forth  her  offspring  ; 
 <rrazing  herds,  various  reptiles,  and  the  ravenous  inhabitants  of  the  foreft,  each 
 after  its  kind,  fuited  to  anfwer  the  purpofes  of  the  Creator,  and  to  fill  the 
 tilace  affigned  it  in  the  rank  of  beings.  And  God  blejed  them.  That  is,  gave  them 
 '  power  of  preferving  and  multiplying  their  fpecies  by  generation.  Ver. 
 
 26 _ 31.  Behold  the  finilliing  ftroke,  MAN,  the  laft  and  greateft  work  of  God; 
 
 now  at  laft  the  crown  of  the  creation  is  brought  forth.  1.  See  the  folemnity  when 
 he  was  about  to  be  made.  A  facred  counfel  is  held  by  the  Three  Perfons  of 
 the  Trinity,  Let  us  make  man.  2.  The  pattern  after  which  he  was  formed,  in  our 
 form  and  likenefs.  This  likenefs  appears  in  his  poffelling  a  rational  and  immortal 
 foul.  His  body,  however  beautiful  and  glorious,  was  of  the  earth,  earthy  ;  his 
 fpirit  from  the  Father  of  Spirits;  as  a  ray  from  tlie  uncreated  Sun  of  light  and 
 life.  He  is  created  a  male  and  female,  two  pcrlbns,  but  one  by  the  marriage 
 union  ;  he  receives  the  Creator’s  bleffuig,  and  having  the  earth  in  poffellion,  he 
 is  commanded  to  multiply  and  replenifli  it  with  inhabitants.  And  fubdue  it.  To 
 fubdue,  denotes  fuch  a  prevailing  and  poffelfing,  as  a  mafter  hath  over  his  fervants  ; 
 
 2  Chron.  xxviii.  10.  Neh.  v.  5.  Jer.  xxxiv.  11,  16.  From  this  exalted  ftate  con¬ 
 ferred  gracioufly  on  man,  the  Pfalmift  praifes  Gotl,  Pfal.  viii.  God  having 
 given  man  a  general  dominion,  gives  liim  a  particular  grant  of  provifions,  not  only 
 ft)r  himfelf,  but  for  every  beaft,  fowl,  and  creeping  thing,  even  for  all  creatures 
 poffeffed  of  life.  God,  near  theclofe  of  the  fixth  day,  takes  a  review  of  the  whole, 
 and  expr^ies  his  approbation,  and  behold  it  was  very  good.  Neither  fin  normifery 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  II.  Ver,  1—3.  We  have  here  the  fet- 
 tlement  of  the  kingdom  of  nature,  as  nothing  farther  remained  to  be  done:  the 
 whole  was  finiflied  to  the  utmoft  perfedlion  and  regulated  according  to  the  belt 
 order.  How  o-reat  and  immenfe  are  the  holt  of  heaven  !  yet  every  one  knows,  and 
 keens  his  place“and  rank.  We  have  likewife  the  commencement  of  the  kingdom 
 of  grace  in  the  divine  appointment  of  the  feventh  day,  as  a  fabbath-day  ;  in  vvhich 
 the  Creator  refted ;  not  as  fatigued  or  exhaulted,  but  with  complaifance  and  de¬ 
 light,  in  contemplation  of  his  own  wifdom,  power,  and  grace,  fo  glorioufly  mani- 
 fefted  in  ail  his  works.  God  claims  one  day  in  feven  wholly  lor  bimfell,  to  be  ob- 
 ferved  by  all  his  faithful  followers,  in  which  they  are  to  remember  him  in  the  wwks 
 he  has  wrought,  particularly  in  the  work  of  redemption.  Ver.  4—7.  Here 
 God  calls  himfelf  Jeliovah,  alone  felf-exiftent,  while  all  befides  him  is  ol  him 
 
 - - — - — - -  we  mull  for  ever  have  remained  ignorant  of  the  true  God.  O  how 
 
 PllACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  1.]  '''I*™' J7‘“' |T„f  cpea’tupcs,  rational  and  itraUoiial,  atiiinale  and  inanimate.  Tbough  the 
 
 feneotpr.,*  ofeenda  hepond  Ute  dtie. i  *n  the 
 
Mans  miserable  Jail. 
 
 GENESIS. 
 
 ' . 
 
 T7ie  seed  of  the  •njornan  i/romhtu^ 
 
 .  i5t'fore  them  :  and  whatfoever  Adam  called  every  living  crea- 
 ture,  that  "was  the  name  thereof. 
 
 20  And  Adam  1  gave  names  to  all  cattle,  and  to  the 
 ■f  iieb.  fowl  of  the  air,  and  to  every  beaft  of  the  field  :  but 
 eaUcd.  for  Adam  there  was  not  found  an  help  meet  for  him. 
 
 21  11  And  the  Lord  God  caufed  a  deep  fleep  to  fall 
 upon  Adam,  and  heflept :  and  he  took  one  of  his  ribs, 
 and  doled  up  the  flelh  inftead  thereof. 
 
 22  And  the  rib,  which  the  Lord  God  had  taken 
 f  Heb.  from  man,  f  made  he  a  woman,  and  brought  her  unto 
 
 iuiided.  man. 
 
 23  And  Adam  faid,  This  is  now  bone  of  my  bones, 
 and  fl^  fh  of  my  flelh  ;  (he  fhall  be  called  Woman ;  be- 
 
 e  1  Cor.  caufe  (he  was  '  taken  out  of  man. 
 f  M^tth.  Therefore  (hall  a  man  leave  his  father  and  his 
 
 19.  5.  *  mother,  and  (hall cleave  unto  his  wife;  and  they  (hall 
 be  one  flefli. 
 
 25  And  they  were  both  naked,  the  man  and  his 
 wife,  and  were  not  alhamed.* 
 
 CH4P.  HI. 
 
 1  The  Jerpent  deceivetk  Eve.  6  Man's  fall.  \  5  The  promifed  seed.  16 
 Mans  punijhment,  22  and  lojs  of  paradise. 
 
 Mark 
 10.  7. 
 1  Cor. 
 6.  16. 
 Epb. 
 5.  31. 
 
 f  Heb 
 
 Yea  he- 
 Itaufe,  ^c. 
 
 a  2  Cor. 
 
 11.  3. 
 
 1  Tim. 
 2.  14. 
 
 N  OW  the  I'erpeut  was  m^  re  fubtile  than  any  beaft 
 of  the  field  weich  the  Lord  God  had  made. 
 And  he  faid  unto  the  woman,  f  Yea,  hath  God  faid, 
 Ye  (hall  not  eat  of  every  tree  of  the  garden  ? 
 
 2  i^nd  the  woman  laid  unto  the  ferpent.  We  may 
 eat  of  the  fruit  of  the  trees  of  the  garden  : 
 
 3  But  of  the  fruit  of  the  tree  wnich  is  in  the  midft 
 of  th'  garden,  God  hath  had.  Ye  (hall  not  eat  of  it, 
 neitner  (hall  ye  t  meh  it,  left  ye  die. 
 
 4  ®  And  the  ferpent  faid  unto  the  woman.  Ye  (hall 
 not  fur -ly  di  : 
 
 5  For  G  d  doth  know,  that  in  the  day  ye  eat  there^ 
 o‘,  then  your  eyes  (hall  be  opened  ;  and  ye  (hall  be  as 
 gods,  knowing  good  and  evil. 
 
 I  6  If  And  when  the  woman  faw  that  the  tree  zvas 
 I  good  for  food,  and  that  it  was  f  plealant  to  the  eyes, 
 
 I  and  a  tree  to  be  defired  to  make  one  wife,  (he  took  of  _ 
 j  the  fruit  thereof,  and  did  eat ;  and  gave  alfo  untO|  Heb. 
 
 !  her  hufband  with  her,  and  he  did  eat.  “  <i>fre. 
 
 j  7  And  the  eyes  of  them  both  were  opened,  and  they 
 knew  that  they  were  naked  ;  and  they  lewed  fig-leaves  j  ‘ff 
 together,  and  made  themfelves  I1  aprons.  2. 14, 
 
 8  And  they  heard  the  voice  of  the  Lord  God  walk-  II  Or, 
 
 ing  in  the  garden  in  the  fcool  of  the  day :  and  Adam  , 
 
 and  his  wife  hid  themfelves  from  the  prefence  of  * 
 
 Lord  God  among  the  trees  of  the  garden.  vnnd. 
 
 9  If  And  the  Lord  God  called  unto  Adam,  and  faid 
 unto  him,  Where  art  thou  ? 
 
 10  And  he  faid,  1  heard  thy  voice  in  the  garden,  and 
 I  was  afraid,  becaufe  I  was  naked;  and  1  hid  myfelf. 
 
 1 1  And  he  (aid.  Who  told  thee  that  thou  waft  naked  ? 
 
 Haft  thou  eaten  of  the  tree,  whereof  I  commanded 
 thee  that  thou  (houldelt  not  eat  ^ 
 
 1 2  And  the  man  faid.  The  woman  whom  thou  gavefl 
 to  he  with  me,  (he  gave  me  of  the  tree,  and  I  did  eat. 
 
 13  And  the  Lord  God  faid  unto  the  woman. 
 
 What  is  this  that  thou  haft  done  ^  And  the  woman 
 laid,  The  ferpent  beguiled  me,  and  I  did  eat. 
 
 14  If  And  the  Lord  God  faid  unto  the  ferpent, 
 
 Becaufe  thou  haft  done  this,  thou  art  curfed  above 
 •ill  cattle,  and  above  every  beaft  of  the  field  :  upon 
 thy  belly  (halt  thou  go,  and  duft  fhalt  thou  eat  all  the 
 days  of  thy  life. 
 
 1 5  And  I  will  put  enmity  between  thee  and  the  wo¬ 
 
 man,  and  between  thy  feed  and  her  feed  :  it  (halt  bruife 
 thy  head,  and  thou  (halt  bruife  his  heel.  y  or, 
 
 1 6  ^  Unto  the  woman  he  faid,  I  w’ili  greatly  multiplyjw>^? 
 
 fhy  forrow  and  thy  conception :  in  forrow  thou  (halt'*-^^"** 
 bring  forth  children  ;  and  thy  defire  shall  he  H  to  thyg^fcor. 
 uufband,  and  he  (hall  =  rule  over  thee.  14,  34.  * 
 
 and  from  him.  Further  notice  is  taken  of  plants  and  herbs,  and  the  ftate  of  per- 
 fedtion  they  were  in,  although  they  had  not  the  frudtifying  influence  of  the  fun. 
 nor  had  they  been  refreflted  by  gentle  Ihowers  of  rain,  neither  had  they  any  affif- 
 tance  from  culture  by  man.  Here  the  formation  of  man  and  the  difterent  parts 
 of  which  he  was  compofed  is  more  particularly  taken  notice  of.  1.  He  was 
 formed  of  the  duft  of  the  ground,  with  refpetft  to  his  body  ;  but  his  fpirit  is 
 immediately  from  God,  who  is  the  father  of  fpirits.  2.  The  union  of  body  and 
 ,  foul  conftitutes  the  living  man,  and  however  beautiful  the  body  might  be  when 
 created,  it  was  dead  and  ufelefs  until  it  was  united  with  the  foul.  Ver.  8 — 15. 
 Thefe  verfes  contain  a  defeription  of  the  place  appointed  for  man’s  refidence,  it 
 was  a  garden,  not  an  ivory  houfe  or  a  ftately  and  magnificent  palace :  but  a 
 fertile  fpot  of  ground  richly  adorned  by  nature,  not  by  art.  The  fituation  ;  it 
 was  eajlward  in  Eden.  The  curious  have  employed  their  time  in  endeavouring 
 to  afeertain  the  exa<51,  place  or  piece  of  ground  called  Eden;  but  in  vain  no  traces 
 b-’ing  now  left.  All  that  we  know  is,  that  it  lay  eaftward  of  Judea.  Eden  fig- 
 iiifies  pleafure,  and  the  name  fliewed  it  to  be  the  moft  pleafant  part  of  the  world  ; 
 hence  the  name  is  often  ufed  to  denote  an  exceedingly  delightful  ohjedl ;  Ifa.  li. 
 3.  Ezek.  xxxi.  16,  18.  Its  produce;  evcip  tree  pleafant  to  the  tajie  and  good  for 
 food;  it  had  alio  two  trees  peculiar  to  itfelf;  and  the  tree  of  life  and  the  tree  of 
 knowledge.  The  firft  was  a  fign  or  feal  of  man’s  immortality  while  he  continued 
 in  a  ftate  of  obedience,  the  latter  was  defigned  to  point  out  the  knowledge  of 
 good  and  evil ;  for  as  much  as  it  was  to  ftand  for  a  teft  of  man’s  obedience  or 
 difobedience  to  the  pofitive  command  of  God  ;  and  it  eventually  ferved  to  teach 
 man  of  the  good  he  forfeited  and  loft,  and  the  evil  he  became  fubje<5l  to  from 
 eating  it.  Its  inhabitants ;  God  made  the  refidence  and  put  man  into  it ;  be  . 
 held  it  not  as  a  right,  but  as  a  matter  of  gift,  and  even  when  in  innocence  was  1 
 indebted  for  all  to  fovereign  grace.  Man  when  placed  in  paxadife  was  not  to  be  ' 
 
 flothful  or  idle ;  though  it  was  made  ready  to  his  hand,  he  was  to  drefs  and  keep 
 it :  fecular  employments  very  well  confift  with  a  ftate  of  innocency  and  a  life  of 
 communion  with  God.  Ver.  1 6 — 1 9.  God  having  placed  man  in  the  garden  of 
 Eden,  gives  him  conditions  and  diredlions  how  to  hold  the  grant  that  it  might  he 
 continued  to  him  and  his  pofterity.  God  has  an  abfolute  right  over  his  creatures, 
 and  he  cannot  in  confiftency  with  his  divine  attributes  command  them  to  do  any 
 thing  but  what  is  holy,  juft,  and  good  ;  he  gives  man  an  atfurance  of  his  prefent 
 liappinefs  on  his  obedience  ;  and  the  proof  of  this  obedience  is  hisahftaining  from 
 eating  of  the  tree  of  good  and  eviL  Death  is  denounced  on  the  offence,  and  life 
 implied  therein  on  obedience  — Though  man  poflefled  all  the  hlifs  of  paradife,  one 
 thing  was  ftill  wanting  to  complete  liis  felicity.  He  was  alone,  and  had  no  ra¬ 
 tional  companion  to  converfe  with.  God  obferved  this  and  pitied  him  witli  the 
 kind  affection  of  a  father,  and  unfolicited  refolves  to  fupply  him  with  a  help-meet, 
 Ver.  20 — 25.  We  have  in  thefe  verfes  the  making  of  the  woman  to  be  a  help-meet 
 for  Adam,  «hich  was  done  upon  the  fixth  day,  as  mentioned  in  chap.  i.  but  here 
 the  manner  of  doing  it  is  recited.  Man  being  firft  formed,  received  the  priority 
 and  pre-eminence  in  all  things.  The  woman  was  formed  of  a  rib  taken  froi» 
 Adam’s  fide,  while  he  flept,  by  which  we  may  learn,  that  the  woman  ought  not  to 
 ufurp  authority  over  the  man,  nor  yet  to  be  treated  by  him  as  a  flave  :  but  ufed 
 like  a  companion  with  moderation,  rcl^ecft,  and  aftedlion.  God  prefents  the  wo¬ 
 man  to  the  man,  from  whom  flie  receives  an  afifeiftionate  reception,  and  a  name 
 exprelTive  not  only  of  her  fiibje6tion  but  of  her  affinity  ;  though  differing  in  fex 
 the  fame  in  nature.  From  this  marriage  we  may  eafily  perceive  tliat  of  all  rela¬ 
 tions,  hulband  and  wife  is  tlie  clofeft.  While  they  continued  in  a  ftate  of  inno¬ 
 cency,  clothes  were  not  needed  either  for  defence,  decency  or  ornament,  having 
 no  guilt  nor  caufe  of  fliame,  no  evil  concupifence  or  impure  emotions  in  their 
 hearts  ;  being  fpotlefs,  innocent,  and  perfeeft. 
 
 heavens  lhall  be  rolled  together  as  a  fcroll,  we  lhall  fee  the  glories  now  concealed,  and  behold  him  face  to  face  who  created  all  things.  Let  us  at  all  times  coufider 
 the  ersatures  as  memorials  of  his  creating,  preferving,  and  ruling  powers,  and  as  means  of  delightfully  and  awfully  impreffing  ©ur  hearts  with  his  prefeuce,  obfervations, 
 and  influence.  Men  having  one  Father,  they  are  brethren  of  one  family  ;  therefore,  brotherly  aft’edtion  fliould  reign  in  our  hearts  to  one  another. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chai>.  II.]  Nothing  remained  farther  to  be  done,  God  appoints  the  fabbath.  Everyday  of  our  life  Ihould  be  devoted 
 to  his  fervice  ;  but  one  in  feven  he  has  more  peculiarly  fet  apart  to  be  fpent  in  the  delightful  work  of  prayer  and  praife,  meditation  and  mutual  conference.  Let  us 
 never  prefer  the  example  of  a  wicked  generation  to  the  command  of  God  ;  nor  prefer  the  pleafure  of  recreation,  and  lloth  to  fellowlliip  with  and  enjoyment  of  him. 
 May  it  be  our  difpofitions  to  honour  the  Lord’s  day,  on  account  of  tlie  many  precious  purpoies  for  which  the  Lord  himfelf  honoured  it ;  and  to  ceafe  from  our  own 
 VOrks  as  the  Lord  did  from  his.  Sabbath  breaking  is  the  door  to  every  evil,  hut  labbatli  obferving  is  the  way  to  never  ending  blelTednefs,  Here  we  meet 
 
The  seed  of  the  •wo7nan  promised. 
 
 GENESIS. 
 
 •  Before 
 Chrill 
 4u04. 
 
 i  Heb. 
 cavje  to 
 bud. 
 
 t  Hfib. 
 
 Chavah. 
 
 4003 
 II  That 
 Gotten, 
 or  ac¬ 
 quired. 
 
 IS 
 
 17  And  unto  Adam  he  faid,  Becaufe  thou  haft 
 hearkened  unto  the  voice  of  thy  wife,  and  haft  eaten 
 
 ot  vyhich  1  commanded  thee,  faying,  Ttiou 
 ihalt  not  eat  of  it :  curfed  is  the  ground  for  thy  lake  ; 
 m  forrow  (halt  thou  eat  y/'it  all  the  days  of  thy  life  : 
 
 18  1  horns  alio  and  thiftles  (hall  it  f  bring  forth  to 
 thee ;  and  thou  Ihalt  eat  the  herb  of  the  field. 
 
 19  In  the  Iweat  ot  thy  face  (halt  thou  eat  bread,  till 
 thou  return  unto  the  ground  :  for  out  of  it  waft  thou 
 taken ;  for  duft  thou  aity  and  unto  duft  (halt  thou  re¬ 
 turn. 
 
 20  And  Adam  called  his  wife’s  name  f  Eve  ;  be¬ 
 caufe  fhe  was  the  mother  of  all  living. 
 
 21  11  Unto  Adam  alfo,  and  to  his  wife,  did  the 
 Lord  God  make  coats  of  (kins,  and  clothed  them. 
 
 22  f  And  the  Lord  God  faid.  Behold,  the  man  is 
 
 become  as  one  of  us,  to  know  good  and  evil :  and 
 cow,  left  he  put  forth  his  hand,  and  take  alfo  of  the 
 tree  of  life,  and  eat,  and  live  for  ever  ;  , 
 
 23  Therefore  the  Lord  God  fent  him  forth  from 
 the  garden  of  Eden,  to  till  the  ground  from  whence 
 he  was  taken. 
 
 24  So  he  drove  cut  the  man  :  and  he  placed  at  the 
 eaft  of  the  garden  of  Eden  cherubims,  and  a  flaming 
 fword  which  turned  every  way,  to  keep  the  way  of 
 the  tree  of  life.* 
 
 CHAP.  IV. 
 
 1  The  birth  of  Cain  a7id  Abel.  8  The  murder  of  Abel,  12  Thecurfeof 
 
 Cain.  1 9  Lamech  and  his  Hi'o  wives,  23  The  birth  of  Seth,  26  atul  Enos. 
 
 And  Adam  knew  Eve  his  wife ;  and  (he  con¬ 
 ceived,  and  bare  |1  Cain,  and  faid,  I  have  gotten 
 a  man  from  the  Lord. 
 
 The  birth  of  Cam  and  Abel, 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrill 
 
 4003. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  III.  Ver.  1—5.  We  have  in  thefe 
 verfes  an  account  of  1 .  The  tempter  i  Satan  in  the  fliape  and  likenefs  of  a  fei  pent ; 
 he  was  once  an  angel  of  light,  and,  an  immediate  attendant  at  the  throne  of 
 God,  but  felf-tempted  he  had  become  a  fiend  of  darknefs,  and  had  been  ex¬ 
 pelled  from  heaven  for  his  difobedience  and  rebellion.  2.  The  perfon  tempted  ; 
 the  woman,  wlio  the  tempter  knew  was  the  weaker  velTel,  botli  in  body  and 
 mind  ;  and  perhaps  he  took  occafion  to  tempt  her  when  llie  was  near  tlie 
 forbidden  tree.  3.  The  temptation  or  artfid  quejiion ;  in  which  the  intention  is 
 concealed  under  the  guife  of  innocent  inquiry,  and  infinuates  that  it  was 
 unkind  to  lay  them  under  fuch  reftraint,  while  he  fuggefts  a  doubt  whether  God 
 bad  given  a  command  to  that  effecSti  In  verfes  4,  5.  we  have  the  ferpent 
 denying,  or  rather  afferting  that  there  was  no  danger  in  breaking  the  prohibition 
 or  command ;  though  it  might  be  the  tranfgreffing  of  a  precept,  yet  the 
 threatening  he  boldly  denies,  and  promifes  her  not  only  forgivSnefs,  but  pro¬ 
 fit ;  an  acquifition  of  both  knowledge  and  power.  Ver.  6,  7,  8.  The  tempter 
 fucceeds  in  his  temptation,  and  the  w'oman  gives  heed  to  a  lying  and  feducing 
 fpirit  rather  than  to  the  God  of  truth.  The  inducements ;  1 .  She  looked  upon 
 the  fruit  wdiich  appeared  beautiful  to  the  fight  and  concluded  the  ferpent  to 
 be  right  in  what  he  had  aflerted.  2.  She  not  only  promifes  herfelf  pleafure  in 
 eating,  but  alfo  profit,  trulling  from  what  the  ferpent  had  faid,  that  it  would 
 Brake  her  wife  and  increafe  her  knowledge.  3.  She  plucks  the  fruit  and  did 
 eat,  eager  to  try  the  experiment ;  probably  expecSling  to  furprife  her  huflrand 
 with  the  transforming  change  and  fuperior  knowledge  (he  had  attained  from 
 •atino-  of  the  fruit.  4.  She  gave  her  hulband  and  he  did  eat ;  in  all  probability 
 file  overcame  him  from  ufing  the  fame  arguments  that  tlie  ferpent  had  done  to 
 her,  and  cither  out  of  love  wiflied  him  to  make  the  trial  and  enjoy  the 
 benefit  or  pleafure  to  be  derived  from  it,  or  out  of  malice  refolves  if  flie  incurs 
 the  penalty,"  flie  would  not  fink  alone.  5.  Vanquilhed  by  her  importunity,  or 
 reduced  by  the  fame  pleafmg  hopes  and  expeditions,  he  joins  her  in  the 
 tranfgreffion.  The  immediate  confequences  which  follow  are  ;  their  eyes  u-ere 
 opeiud,  not  their  natural  eyes  but  the  eyes  of  their  underllanding,  whereby 
 tliey  perceived  the  robe  of  innocence  to  be  rent ;  the  image  of  God  defaced ; 
 their  mind  dillurbed  ;  their  happinefs  departed ;  all  w  as  loft,  and  nothing  but 
 a  fenfe  and  dread  of  deferred  punilhment  prevailed  in  their  guilty  minds. 
 They  feek,  but  in  vain  to  palliate  their  crime,  arm  themfelves  againft  its 
 curfe;  they  fewed  or  plaited  fig-leaves  to  make  aprons,  which  with  regard 
 to  tlremfelves  was  a  poor  coveringj  and  ufelefs  with  refpedt  to  God.  The 
 unhappy  pair  now  become  afraid  and  are  filled  with  horror  and  confufion  at 
 
 2  And  (he  again  bare  his  brother  f  Abel.  And 
 Abel  was  f  a  keeper  o(  (keep,  but  Cain  was  a  tiller  of 
 the  ground. 
 
 3  And  t  in  procefs  of  time  it  came  to  pafs,  that  Cain  f  iieb. 
 
 brought  ot  the  fruit  of  the  ground,  an  offering  unto  the 
 Lord.  r 
 
 4  And  Abel,  he  alfo  brought  of  the  firftlings  of  his 
 
 t  (lock,  and  of  the  fat  thereof.  And  the  Lord  \rdd  at  the  La 
 ■*  relpect  unto  Abel,  and  to  his  offering :  (f  days, 
 
 5  But  unto  Cain,  and  to  his  offering,  he  had  not  re-L“f  .• 
 
 fpeift.  And  Cain  was  very  wroth,  and  his  counie- goal  s’. 
 nance  lell.  ^  Hebr. 
 
 6  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  Cain,  Why  art  thou^^' 
 wroth  ?  and  why  is  thy  countenance  fallen  ? 
 
 7  If  thou  doeft  well,  (halt  thou  not  1|  be  accepted  ?  1 
 and  if  thou  doeft  not  well,  fin  lieth  at  the  door.  And 
 
 II  unto  thee  shall  be  his  defire,  and  thou  (halt  rule  overSf’ 
 him.  _  _  ,1 
 
 8  If  And  Cain  talked  with  Abel  his  brother ;  and  it  subject 
 came  to  pafs,  when  they  were  in  the  field,  that  Cain 
 
 rofe  up  againft  Abel  his  brother,  and  ’’  (lew  him.  T™.  ' 
 
 9  U  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  Cain,  Where  is  Abel  lo.  3. 
 thy  brother?  And  he  faid,  1  know  not.  1  ray 
 brother’s  keeper. 
 
 10  And  he  (aid.  What  haft  thou  done  ?  The  voice  of  s.  12. 
 thy  brother  s  -[-  blood  ciieth  unto  me  from  the  ground.  it* 
 
 1 1  And  now  art  thou  curfed  from  the  earth,  which  ^ 
 hath  opened  her  mouth  to  receive  thy  brother’s  blood 
 from  thy  hand. 
 
 12  When  thou  tilleft  the  ground,  it  (hall  not  hence¬ 
 forth  yield  unto  thee  her  ftrength.  A  fugitive  and  a 
 vagabond  (halt  thou  be  in  the  earth. 
 
 the  approach  of  their  Creator,  whofe  prefence  was  formerly  their  joy  and 
 delight;  their  prefumptuous  hopes  are  now  at  an  end,  the  fallacy  of  the 
 tempter’s  promifes  appear  clearly  to  their  view  5  their  exaltation  is  debafed  into 
 j  the  loweft  wretchednefs,  and  their  expedled  power  into  al)ic<a:  weaknefs, 
 and  their  promifed  wifdom  into  the  greateft  folly.  The  Ci  eator  «dls  on  Adam  ; 
 
 1  but  his  voice  was  then  become  to  tl:<j  guilty  pair  as  a  call  to  judgment.  Adam's 
 reply  feems  to  imply  his  fear  and  fha^.ie,  and  juft  apprehenlions  of  his  doom, 
 Ver.  11 — 13.  God  propofes  the  alarming  queftion,  although  he  was  fully 
 acquainted  with  the  tranfadlion,  but  willies  to  hear  their  anfwer,  douhtlefs  with 
 the  merciful  defign  of  fixing  guilt  in  their  confciences,  that  they  might  implore 
 or  receive  gratefully  his  purpofed  mercy.  When  they  cannot  deny  they 
 endeavour  to  extenuate ;  Adam  throws  the  blame  upon  the  woman,  and 
 expreffeth  himfelf  in  fuch  a  way,  as  tacitly  to  reflea  upon  God  himfelf.  Eve 
 calls  it  upon  Ihe  fei'pent,  which  perhaps,  Ihe  intended  as  a  refieaion  ujion  God 
 for  making  and  allowing  the  lerpent  to  enter  paradife,  as  well  as  to  excufe  herfelf 
 Ver.  14,  15.  God  having  brought  our  firft  parents  to  a  juft  fenfe  of  their 
 crime,  next  proceeds  to  pronounce  fentence  upon  them  and  the  ferpent.  He 
 begins  with  the  ferpent  as  tlie  principal  offender,  and  curfes  it  above  the  whole 
 animal  creation,  and  degrades  it  from  flying  in  the  air,  or  walking  with  its  head 
 and  breaft  eredl,  to  go  crawling  on  the  ground,  and  inftead  of  feeding  on  herbs 
 and  frilits,  to  live  in  a  great  meafure  on  the  duft  of  the  earth.  And  I  will  put 
 enmity  between  thee  and  the  womans  This  is  true  in  a  natural  fenfe,  but  the  Ipj- 
 ritual  meariing..certainly  refers  to  the  enmity  that  flrould  exift  between  Satan, 
 the  old  ferpent,  and  all  the  faithful  followers  of  Chrill  in  every  age.  Tliis 
 predi<5lion  of  a  Saviour,  given  in  a  figurative  llyle  common  to  the  Old 
 Teftament  writers,  may  comprehend  thefe  four  things.  1.  That  the  pro* 
 mifed  Saviour  was  not  to  be  the  man’s  feed,  but  brought  forth  by  a  virgim 
 2.  That  he  was  to  be  man  as  well  as  God,  thou Jhalt  bruife  his  heel.  3.  That 
 he  lliould  break  or  bruife  tlie  ferpent’s  head,  that  is,  deftroy  his  power 
 and  dominion  over  mankind ;  and  punilli  him  and  all  his  votaries  w  ith 
 utter  deftrudlion.  4.  That  in  our  Saviour’s  doing  fo,  he  w'ould  have  his  heel 
 or  human  nature  bruifed  by  Satan  or  his  emiffaries  by  putting  him  to  death 
 on  the  crofs.  This  was  the  firft  intimation  of  the  Saviour  that  was  made 
 to  the  world.  Ver.  15 — 19,  Next  to  the  ferpent,  the  woman  was  firft  in 
 the  tranfgrelTion  ;  therefore  fhe  next  to  him  receives  her  fentence.  Her 
 puniffiment  was  forrow  in  conception,  anguiffi  in  child-bearing ;  and 
 fubjedlion  to  her  hulband.  Laft  of  all  the  fentence  is  pronounced  on 
 Adam,  which  was,  that  the  ground,  inftead  of  its  original  fertility  lliould 
 
 alfo  with  the  firft  inftitution  of  marriage.  May  a  due  fenfe  of  the  divine  appointment  of  the  marriage  Hate,  imprefs  all  to  remember  what  the  apoftle  inculcates. 
 IVlarria<re  is  honourable  unto  all  and  the  bed  undefiled  ;  but  tvhoremongers  and  adulterers  God  will  judge. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.— ♦  Chaf;  III.]  Our  firft  parents  being  agreeably  fituated  in  paradife,  little  fufpefted  the  dreadful  ftorm  they  were  about 
 
f  ■,xne  seed  of  the  •woman  promised, 
 17  And 
 
 GENEi 
 
 .  Clirilt  17  And  unto  Adam  he  faid,  Becaufe  then  haft 
 .4004.  hearkened  unto  the  voice  of  thy  wife,  and  haft  eaten 
 ^  ^1^^  tree,  of  which  1  commanded  thee,  faying,  Thoii 
 malt  not  eat  of  it :  curfed  is  the  ground  for  thy  fake  ; 
 forro-  '^thou^eat  ofit  all  the  days  of  thy  life  : 
 
 S4-.'  -  «  ic  ^.^jj-ine  f'f^’"’' 
 
 A 
 
 r.f 
 
 .  l’VT' 
 
 *•  ' 
 
 ^  ■ 
 
 »  -  •  V. 
 
The  hlrlh  of  Seth, 
 
 BePore 
 
 (.,'hrifl; 
 
 3875. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 Mine  in- 
 iquity  is 
 greater 
 
 GENESIS. 
 11  My  puni(h- 
 
 3875. 
 
 Vagof 
 
 bond. 
 
 13  And  Cain  faid  unto  the  Lord, 
 
 ment  is  greater  than  I  can  bear.  [ 
 
 14  Behold,  thou  haft  driven  me  out  this  day  from  | 
 the  face  of  the  earth  ;  and  from  thy  face  (hall  1  be  ! 
 hid  ;  and  1  fhall  be  a  fugitive  and  a  vagabond  in  the 
 earth  :  and  it  fhall  come  to  pafs,  that  every  one  that  j 
 
 t/ilTthat  findeth  me  fhall  flay  me. 
 
 itmayfte  15  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  him,  Therefore,  vrho- 
 forgwen.  foevcr  flaycth  Cain,  vengeance  fhall  be  taken  on  him 
 feven-fold.  And  the  Lord  fet  a  mark  upon  Cain, 
 left  any  finding  him  fhould  kill  him. 
 
 16  f  And  Cain  went  out  from  the  prefence  of  the 
 Thatis,  Lord,  and  dwelt  in  the  land  of  11  Nod,  on  the  eafh  of 
 
 Eden. 
 
 1 7  H  And  Cain  knew  his  wife  ;  and  fhe  conceived, 
 
 +  Heb.  and  bare  f  Enoch  :  and  he  builded  a  city,  and  called 
 Chonakh.  name of  the  city,  after  the  name  of  his  fon,  Enoch. 
 
 18  And  unto  Enoch  was  born  Irad:  and  Irad 
 begat  Mehujael:  and  Mehujael begat  Methufael:  and 
 Methufael  begat  f  Lamech. 
 
 19  f  And  Lamech  took  unto  him  two  wives :  the 
 name  of  the  one  was  Adah,  and  the  name  of  the  other 
 Zillah. 
 
 20  And  Adah  bare  Jabal :  he  was  the  father  of 
 fuch  as  dwell  in  tents,  and  of  such  as  have  cattle. 
 
 21  And  his  brother’s  name  was  Jubal:  he  was  the 
 father  of  all  fuch  as  handle  the  harp  and  organ. 
 
 22  And  Zillah,  fhe  alfo  bare  TubaUcain,  an  f  in- 
 ftruftor  of  every  artificer  in  brafs  and  iron  ;  and  the 
 After  of  Tubal-cain  was  Naamah. 
 
 23  And  Lamech  faid  unto  his  wives,  Adah  and 
 Zillah,  hear  my  voice  ^  ye  wives  of  Lamech,  hearken 
 unto  my  fpeech :  for  H  I  have  flain  a  man  to  my 
 wounding,  and  a  young  man  H  to  my  hurt : 
 
 24  If  Cain  fhall  be  avenged  feven-fold,  truly  La¬ 
 mech  feventy  and  feven-fold. 
 
 The  genealogy  of  the  patriarchs* 
 his  wit'e  again  ;  and 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 Xttmech. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 witfilter, 
 
 !l  Or. 
 
 I  would 
 Jlay  a 
 
 man  ill 
 mxj 
 
 zvoundy 
 
 ‘S'*"' 
 
 II  Or,  in 
 my  hurt. 
 
 ^  And  Adam  knew  his  wife  again ;  and  fhe 
 bare  a  fon,  and  called  his  name  f  Smh  :  For  God, 
 said  she,  hath  appointed  me  another  feed  inftead  of  ^ 
 Abel,  whom  Cain  flew.  + 
 
 26  And  to  Seth,  to  him  alfo  there  was  bom  a  fon  ;  ,  i'j 
 
 and  he  called  his  name  f  Enos  :  tuen  began  men  \\  to 
 call  upon  the  name  of  the  Lord  *  t  f- 
 
 CHAP.  V. 
 
 I  The  genealogy,  age,  and  death,  of  the  patriarchi,  from  Adam  un  '.  ,  i.,  ciJ.l 
 Noah,  The  godlinefs  and  tranjlation  of  Enoch .  t);< '  i- 
 
 ^HIS  A  the  *  book  of  the  g  nerations  of  Adam,  i  i-  ~i>y 
 In  the  day  that  God  created  man,  in  the  ^  like-  e  -  ^  tc 
 ntfs  of  God  made  he  him  ;  'i <  f;D 
 
 2  Male  and  female  created  he  them  ;  and  blefled 
 them,  and  called  their  name  Adam,  in  the  day  when  a  i  Chro. 
 
 they  were  created.  b  wifd 
 
 3  H  And  Adam  lived  an  hundred  and  thirty  years,  ^  ‘ 
 
 and  begat  a  son  in  his  own  likenefs,  after  his  image ; 
 
 and  called  his  name  Seth. 
 
 4  <=  And  the  days  of  Adam,  after  he  had  begotten  e  i  Cbro. 
 Seth,  were  eight  hundred  years;  and  he  begat  fons 
 
 and  daughters. 
 
 5  And  all  the  days  that  Adam  lived  were  nine  hun¬ 
 dred  and  thirty  years  :  and  he  died. 
 
 6  H  And  Seth  lived  an  hundred  and  five  years,  and  37fif>. 
 begat  Enos. 
 
 7  And  Seth  lived,  after  he  begat  Enos,  eight  hun- 
 '  dred  and  feven  years,  and  begat  fons  and  daughters. 
 
 8  And  all  the  days  of  Seth  were  nine  hundred  and 
 
 twelve  years  :  and  he  died.  3579. 
 
 9^  And  Enos  lived  ninety  years,  andbegat  f  Cainan.  t  He*’* 
 
 10  And  Enos  lived,  after  he  begat  Cainan,  eight 
 hundred  and  fifteen  years  and  begat  fons  and  daugh¬ 
 ters. 
 
 1 1  And  all  the  days  of  Enos  W’ere  nine  hundred  and 
 five  years :  and  he  died. 
 
 be  curfed  with  barrennefs,  and  fliould  produce  briers  and  thorns  ;  whereas  pre^d- 
 Qufly  its  produce  was  abundant  without  tlie  leaft  cultivation.  Adam  Ihould  now 
 l)e  forced  to  labour  and  till  the  ground  for  a  fubfiftence ;  and  inftead  of  being 
 tranflated  foul  and  body  to  the  paradife  above,  his  body  Ihould  return  to  its  origi¬ 
 nal  drift,  and  the  immortal  fpirit  to  God  who  gave  it.  Ver.  20.  And  Adam  called 
 his  wfe’s  name  Eve.  The  only  name  we  find  given  to  her  before  was  Ischa,  wo¬ 
 man  or  wife.  Now  Adam  calls  her  Chavah,  or  Eve,  living,  or  gioing  lifes  be- 
 caufe  by  the  promife  of  God,  flie  was  not  only  to  live  herfelf,  but  to  be  the  mo¬ 
 ther  of  all  mankind,  and  particularly  of  the  great  Redeemer,  by  whom  they  were 
 to  be  recovered  from  death  to  life  everlafting.  Ver.  21.  The  coats  here  provided 
 by  God  for  our  firft  parents  r^ere  made,  it  is  natural  to  fuppofe,  of  the  ikns  of 
 beafts  flain  and  offered  in  facrifice  by  divine  appointment,  as  a  prefigutation  of  the 
 facrifice  of  Cluift,  who  is  therefore  called  the  lamb  flain  from  the  fouivlation  of  the 
 world,  and  as  a  confirmation  of  the  covenant  of  grace  now  revealed  to  them.  Ver. 
 22.  And  the  Lord  God  faid,  Behold  the  man  is  become  as  one  of  ws.  As  tlie  moft 
 high  God  can  be  fuppofed  to  fpeak  here  to  none  inferior  to  himfelf,  thefe  words. 
 The  man  is  become  as  one  of  us,  afforded  an  evident  proof  of  a  plurality  of  diftinrft 
 perfons  in  the  Godhead.  The  natural  import  of  the  words  is  plainly  this  :  Be¬ 
 hold,  the  man  hadi  done  that,  by' tlie  doing  of  which  the  ferpent  made  him  be- 
 lieve  he  would  become  like  to  God  in  univerfal  knowledge  :  or,  Behold,  the  man 
 is  become  as  one  of  us,  to  know  in  his  experience,  what  we  knew  in  our  prefcieuce, 
 that  is,  what  good  he  was  to  forfeit,  and  what  evil  he  was  to  incur  by  eating  the 
 forbidden  fruit.  And  now  lejl  he  take  of  the  tree  of  life.  The  tree  of  life  may  be 
 confidered  both  as  the  means  of  preferving  the  natural  life  our  firft  parents  were 
 in  polfeflion  of,  and  as  a  feal  of  that  eternal  life  in  heaven  that  had  alfo  been  pro- 
 mifed  them.  Both  the  one  and  the  other  depended  on  their  obedience  to  the  law 
 of  God  ;  by  their  tranfgrelfion  of  it  both  were  now  forfeited.  Ver.  24.  So  he 
 
 drove  out  the  man.  To  convince  our  firft  parents,  that  by  eating  of  the  tree  of 
 knowledge,  they  had  forfeited  paradife,  and  the  tree  of  life  ;  that  all  their  hopes  of 
 life  and  happiiiefs  muft  be  founded  on  the  great  Deliverer;  God  expels  them  from 
 the  garden,  and  places  at  the  eaft  fide  of  it,  where  was  its  only  entrj',  a  guu.  d  of 
 cherubim  angels,  with  a  flaming  fword  hrandiftied  aloft  in  the  air,  and  turning 
 about  every  way  to  prevent  their  return  into  the  garden,  and  accefs  to  the  tree  of 
 life. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  IV.  Ver.  1.  Ihavegcftenamanfrom 
 the  Lord.  The  Saviour  was  proihifed  to  be  the  woman’s  feed  ;  and  no  time  for 
 bis  birth  being  fpecified.  Eve  fondly  hoped  that  her  very  firfi-horn,  if  a  male  wouhl 
 he  the  hlelfedperfon.  A  man-child  being  accordingly  born,  file  cries  out  in  a  traiifi. 
 port  of  joy  and  gratitude,  “  I  have  gotten  a  man  from  the  Lord  nay,  one  who  is 
 more  than  a  man,  even  as  is  in  the  Hebrew,  a  man  the  Lord,  the  glorious  Deli¬ 
 verer.  Accordingly  llie  calls  him  Cain,  which  figriifies  an  acquijition.  Ver.  2. 
 And  /he  again  bare  his  brother  Abel.  Abel  fignifies  va  niti/.  This  n.ame,  if  given 
 him  from  his  birth,  might  denote  the  fmall  efteem  his  motlier  had  of  him,  incom- 
 parifon  of  Cain,  who  ftie  hoped  was  to  be  the  proniifed  feed.  Ver.  3,  O'.  Arul  in 
 process  of  time.  In  the  end  ofda:/s,  as  the  Hebrew  exprelTes  it ;  that  is,  either  at  the 
 end  of  the  year,  or  the  days  of  the  week,  the  two  brothers  brought  each  of  them  an 
 oblation  to  the  Lord-  Cain  asan  hulb.indman,  brought  of  the  pr^uce  of  the grounds 
 he  cultivated  ;  Abel,  as  a  fhepherd,  I'ome  of  the  firftlings  of  his  flock,  with  the  fat  of 
 them.  Cain’s  facrifice  was  wholly  eucharifticai,  or  a  thank-offering  to  God  for 
 the  bleffings  of  his  providence.  Abel’s  was  not  only  of  tlie  euch.iriftic,  but  <.('  the 
 expiatory  kind  ;  and  while  it  was  an  expreflion  of  gratitude  for  the  blefling:  of 
 the  divine  Providence,  it  w-as  alfo  tj^iical  of  the  atmiernent  by  Cmift,  aiuUx- 
 preflive  of  his  hope  of  redemption  through  him.  Cain,  it  would  feem,  oh.  red 
 [  not  the  heft  of  his  fruits,  but  Abel  the  very  heft  of  his  flock.  But  what  made 
 
 to  encounter  from  the  great  enemy  of  fouls.  How  much  ought  Chriftians  to  be  on  their  guard,  and  be  ^ber  and  vigilant  left  their  adverfary  ihc  devil  gain ; 
 tao-e  over  them.  Let  the  Chriftian  never  encounter  him  in  his  own  ftrength,  but  always  implore  the  affiftance  of  Jet  us;  and  ne^^ir  to  dally  with,  but  holdl. 
 mediately  refift  him  and  he  will  flee  from  him.  We  fliould  never  indulge  the  fmalleft  doubt  of  the  veracity  and  importance  df  what  the  Lord  command 
 
 t  an  ailvan- 
 
 ,er  him  in  ms  own  urengm,  oui  aiwajs  n.c  .ii.wiani-c  a<.ius;  auu  iic\tfr  lo  uaiiy  w  irnj  out  boldly  au  l  ini- 
 
 meiiiatelv  relilt  mm  ana  ne  wui  uec  iruu.  We  fliould  never  indulge  the  fmalleft  doubt  of  the  veracity  and  importance  df  what  the  Lord  commands;  H5yf 
 
 dreadful  is  fin  and  t»  what  an  awful  ftate  hatli  it  reduced  pur  nature  !  The  ferpent  is  curfed  but  Adam  is  uot.  Indeed  the  earth  is  curled  for  his  lake,  and  the  whoIb 
 creation  doomed  to  groan  and  travail  together  in  pain.  But  behold!  how  the  offended  majefty  of  heaven  flies  on  the  wings  of  infinite  love  and  mercy- for  the 
 immediate  relief  of  lelf-ruined  man,  and  to  proclaim,  offer,  and  beftow  upon  him  redemtttioii  through  the  blood  of  his  Son  !  Guilt  and  ftar-al-e  infepardble ;  lbi‘  ihfc 
 guilty  pair  endeavouring  to  find  thelter  from  the  divine  prefence.  Learn  from  this,  the  duty  upon  all  occalions  of  guilt,  to  feek  a  throne  of  grace,  thougli  hut  fin 
 
 and  confcience  accufe,  and  never  think  of  running  away  from  the  offers  of  divine  mercy.  ,  .  . 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. _ *  Chap.  IV.]  Parents  are  very  apt  to  he  too  tanguino  in  then-  expe^aticns  from  their  children,  and  that  caufes  tlii*- 
 
 appointment  to  be  more  keenly  felt.  The  employment  of  bur  fathers  in  the  patriarchal  age,  gives  the  high'eft  fanAion  of  aiiti(j[uity  to  the  different  labours  of  liiW 
 
 No*  ^ 
 
21li 
 
 enealogy  of 
 
 GENESIS. 
 
 The  patriarchs. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 3679. 
 
 3609. 
 
 “  Gr. 
 
 Zlalaleel, 
 
 3544. 
 
 Heb. 
 
 Jared, 
 
 3382. 
 
 5317. 
 
 *  Gr. 
 
 Matku- 
 
 sala. 
 
 12  %  And  Cainan  lived  feventy  years,  and  begat 
 *  Mahaialeel. 
 
 ^  13  And  Cainan  lived,  after  he  begat  Mahaialeel, 
 eight  hundred  and  forty  years,  and  begat  fons  and 
 daughters. 
 
 14  And  all  the  days  of  Cainan  were  nine  hundred 
 and  ten  years  :  and  he  died. 
 
 1 5  U  And  Mahaialeel  lived  fixty  and  five  years,  and 
 begat  t  Jared. 
 
 16  And  Mahaialeel  lived,  after  he  begat  Jared,  eight 
 hundred  and  thirty  years,  and  begat  fons  and  daughters. 
 
 17  And  all  the  days  of  Mahaialeel  were  eight  hun¬ 
 dred  ninety  and  five  years  :  and  he  died. 
 
 18  If  And  Jared  lived  an  hundred  fixty  and  two 
 years,  and  he  begat  Enoch. 
 
 19  And  Jared  lived,  after  he  begat  Enoch,  eight 
 hundred  years,  and  begat  fons  and  daughters. 
 
 20  And  all  the  days  of  Jared  were  nine  hundred 
 fixty  and  two  years  :  and  he  died. 
 
 2 1  ^  And  Enoch  lived  fixty  and  five  years,  and  be¬ 
 gat  *  Methufelah. 
 
 22  And  Enoch  walked  with  God,  after  he  begat 
 Methufelah,  three  hundred  years,  and  begat  fons  and 
 daughters. 
 
 23  And  all  the  days  of  Enoch  were  three  hundred 
 fixty  and  five  years. 
 
 24  And  ^  Enoch  walked  with  God ;  and  he  •was 
 not ;  for  God  took  him. 
 
 25  H  And  Methufelah  lived  an  hundred  eighty  and 
 feven  years,  and  begat  t  Lamech. 
 
 26  And  Methufelah  lived,  after  he  begat  Lamech, 
 leven  hundred  eighty  and  two  years,  and  begat  fons 
 and  daughters. 
 
 27  And  all  the  days  of  Methufelah  were  nine  hun¬ 
 dred  fixty  and  nine  years  :  and  he  died. 
 
 28  If  And  Lamech  lived  an  hundred  eighty  and  two 
 years,  and  begat  a  fon ; 
 
 29  And  he  called  his  name  *  Noah,  faying,  This 
 sarne  fhall  comfort  us  concerning  our  work  and  toil  of 
 our  hands,  becaufe  of  the  ground  which  the  Lord 
 hath  curfed. 
 
 30  And  Lamech  lived,  after  he  begat  Noah,  five 
 hundred  ninety  and  five  years,  and  begat  fons  and 
 daughters. 
 
 31  And  all  the  days  of  Lamech  were  feven  hundred 
 feventy  and  feven  years  :  and  he  died. 
 
 32  ^  And  Noah  was  five  hundred  years  old  :  and 
 Noah  begat  Shera,  Ham,  and  Japheth.* 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 2448. 
 
 d  Ecdus. 
 44. 16. 
 Hebr. 
 
 11.  5. 
 
 3130. 
 t  Heb. 
 Lemecfh 
 
 2943* 
 
 •  Gr* 
 Noe. 
 
 235S. 
 
 2448. 
 
 the  chief  difference  betwixt  them,  was,  that  Cain  prefented  his  offering,  while  his 
 heart  was  withheld :  Abel  brought  both  his  perfon  and  facrifice ;  an  offering  to 
 the  Lord.  Accordingly  God  had  refpe<5t  to  Abel  and  to  his  facrifice  ;  and  figni- 
 £ed  his  acceptance  of  it,  either  by  words,  by  fire  from  the  Shechinah  confuming 
 the  facrifice,  or  foine  other  mark  of  approbation  confpicuous  to  all  that  beheld  it. 
 Upon  feeing  Abel’s  offering  accepted,  and  his  reje<5ted,  Cain  is  difpleafed  with 
 God,  for  the  diflindlion  he  had  made,  and  enraged  at  Abel  for  the  preference  he 
 had  obtained.  Ver.  7.  Jf  thou  doJl  %uell,Jhalt  thou  not  be  accepted  ?  To  appeafe 
 Cain’s  wrath,  God  here  alfures  him,  that  he  was  no  refpe<5tor  of  perfons;  that  if 
 Cain  were  influenced  by  the  fame  faith  and  piety  with  Abel,  he  and  his  facrifice 
 Ihould  be  equally  refpedled ;  that  if  in  any  thing  he  a(5led  contrary  to  his  duty  to 
 God,  or  charity  to  his  brother,  the  punilhment  due  to  his  fin  was  ready  to  over¬ 
 take  him  ;  and  that  whatever  preference  Abel  held  in  religious  matters.  Hill  as  tlie 
 younger  brother,  he  fhould  be  fubje<5l  to  the  elder,  and  pay  him  all  the  refpedl 
 Ills  birth-right  claimed.  Sin,  or  according  to  fome  critics,  a  fin-offering,  lieth  at 
 the  door.  If  this  is  the  real  meaning  of  the  expreflion,  the  reproof  is  adminif- 
 tered  in  merciful  language,  and  renders  Cain’s  impenitence  and  future  wdeked- 
 Xiefs,  increaflngly  inexcufable.  If  he  had  offered  an  acceptable  facrifice,  he  had 
 been  accepted  with  his  brother ;  for  God  hath  no  refpedl  of  perfons ;  and  even 
 though  he  had  erred,  and  juflly  expofed  himfelf  to  divine  wrath,  a  facrifice  was 
 Hill  at  hand,  and  God  was  ready  to  accept  it  Since  God  was  thus  merciful  to 
 liim,  notwitliflan'ding  his  guilt,  how  ill  did  it  become  him  to  wax  wroth  againfl 
 his  brother,  w  ho  was  more  righteous  tlian  he,  and  who  had  done  him  no  injury. 
 Ver.  «.  A7id  Cain  talked  with  Abel.  And  Cain  /aid  to  Abel,  Let  us  go  into  the 
 yields,  as  the  Samaritan  verfion  fupplies  it.  But  no  fooner  had  he  got  him  at  a 
 Tufficient  diflance  from  their  father’s  habitation,  than  the  malicious  felon  falls 
 upon  Abel,  who  fufpedled  no  fuch  treatment ;  and,  it  is  probable,  cither  with  a 
 iharp  flone,  or  with  fome  inllrument  of  hufbandry,  he  had  carried  along  with 
 him  for  the  purpofc,  murders  his  brother,  and,  as  Jofephus  tells  us,  buries  him  in 
 the  earth,  to  prevent  a  difeovery.  Ver.  10,  11,  12.  And  he  /aid.  What  hajl  thou 
 Aone  ?  The  omnifeient  God,  after  Cain’s  evafive  and  irreverent  anfwcrs,  charges  | 
 him  exprefsly  w  ith  the  horrid  crime  of  murder,  and  of  the  murder  too  of  his  own  i 
 brother.  In  tlie  Hebrew  it  is  bloods,  in  the  plural,  becaufe,  fay  the  Jewifh 
 eloaors,  he  killed  not  Abel  only,  but  his  poflerity  alfo  then  in  his  loins.  Abel’s 
 tlood,  faith  God,  crieth  unto  me  from  the  ground,  for  vengeance  on  the  murderer. 
 Accordingly  God  curfes  the  ground  with  additional  barrennefs ;  and  tells  Cain, 
 that  he  fhall  be  banifhed  far  from  the  dwelling  of  his  father,  to  roam  through  the 
 earth  a  fugitive  and  a  vagabond,  abhorred  of  God  and  man.  Ver.  13,  14.  My 
 ytunfhment  is  greater  than  I  can  beur  ;  Or,  as  it  is  in  the  original.  Mine  Iniquity 
 is  greater  than  that  it  can  be  borne  or  expiated.  He  recapitulates  this  punifli- 
 inent :  that  he  was  from  that  day  forth  to  be  banifhed  his  native  country,  banifh¬ 
 ed  God’s  prefence,  to  behold  the  Shechinah  of  glory  no  more ;  and  that  being 
 abandoned  of  God,  and  become  obnoxious  to  man,  whoever  found  him  would 
 certainly  kill  him.  Ver.  15.  And  the  Lordfaid  unto  him.  To  allay  Cain  s  fears 
 of  being  flain,  God  allures  him  that  he  meant  to  preferve  him  alive  as  a  monu¬ 
 
 ment  of  his  indignation  at  murder  to  deter  mankind  from  fuch  hon  id  wicked* 
 nefs  j  that  if  any  one  fhould  kill  him,  he  lliould  be  punifhed  in  a  very 
 high  degree ;  and  to  confirm  the  whole,  fet  a  mark  upon  him,  to  prevent 
 any  from  flaying  him.  Ver.  16.  Atid  Cain  went  out.  That  is,  he  went  out 
 from  the  place  where  God  then  refided  in  the  fymbol  of  his  prefence.  He 
 dwelt  in  the  land  of  Nod,  which  fignifies  wandering,  becaufe  Cain  wandered 
 up  and  down  in  it,  a  vagabond  and  outcafl.  He  knew  his  wife,  one  of  liis 
 own  flflers,  which,  in  his  peculiar  circumltances,  he  was  permitted  to  marry. 
 Ver.  23.  And  Lamech  /aid  unto  his  wives.  Thefe  words  fome  have  confidered 
 as  a  piece  of  poetry,  compofed  by  Lamech,  to  be  fet  to  mufic  by  liis  Ion 
 Jubal,  and  performed  before  his  wives  in  praife  of  his  greatnefs.  The  occafion 
 of  this  fpeech  not  being  related,  makes  it  difficult  to  determine  the  precife 
 meaning  of  it,  nor  is  it  of  great  importance  for  us  to  know  it.  Ver.  26.  Then 
 began  meti  to  call  on  the  name  of  the  Lord.  That  is,  the  friends  of  God,  and 
 religion,  recorded  in  the  following  chapter,  feeing  the  impiety  and  wickednefs 
 that  abounded  among  the  Cainites,  began  now  to  meet  more  frequently,  and  in 
 larger  affemblies  than  before ;  and  by  worfliipping  the  name  of  the  eternal  and 
 gracious  Jehovah,  their  Creator,  Preferver,  and  Redeemer,  to  diflinguifh  them- 
 felves  from  the  idolatrous  family  of  Cain,  and  maintain  the  true  religion  in  the 
 world.  \ 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  V.  Ver.  1.  Thp  is  the  book  of  the 
 generations  of  Adam.  This  chapter  contains  the  genealogy,-«ge,  and  death  of 
 the  patriarchs,  from  Adam  to  Noah  ;  including  a  hiftory  of  the  fathers  of  the 
 church,  from  the  creation  to  the  flood  ;  that  is,  1656  years.  Adam’s  poflerity 
 by  Seth  only  is  recorded  j  becaufe  his  family  only  was  to  be  preferred  on  earth, 
 while  that  of  Cain  was  to  be  dellroyed  j  or  becaufe  the  former  family  contained 
 the  church  of  God.  Many  collateral  branches  of  every  family  doubtlefs  there 
 were,  befides  what  are  here  mentioned  ;  but  thefe  are  recorded,  as  being  the 
 chief  of  the  fathers  ;  the  line  in  which  mankind  was  to  be  preferred  from  the 
 deluge,  and  in  which  the  promifed  deliverer  was  to  be  born.  Ver.  3.  By  his  own 
 ''  likenefs  cannot  be  meant  any  natural  refembl  .nce  of  body  or  mind  ;  for  that  all 
 i  men  were  born  in,  as  well  as  Seth.  But  the  likenefs  and  image  of  Adam  in 
 which  Seth  was  begotten,  is  here  oppofed  to  the  likenefs  of  God,  in  which 
 Adam  was  declared  to  have  been  created,  in  the  firfl  verfe.  And  fo  the  meaning 
 is,  that  he  begat  a  fon,  not  in  the  perfedl  image  of  God,  but  deflinte  of  this  and 
 fubjedl  to  fin  and  death,  as  his  father  now  was.  Ver.  5.  From  the  moment  Adam 
 had  eaten  the  forbidden  fruit,  he  became  liable  to  death ;  but  nine  hundred  and 
 thirty  years  elapfed  before  it  was  actually  inflidled.  At  lafl  wearied  and  worn 
 out  with  a  life  of  affli(5lion  and  forrowq  he  refigns  his  body  to  its  original  dufl  ; 
 while  his  foul,  w'e  may  believe,  was,  through  faith  in  the  promifed  Deliverer,  raifed 
 to  the  paradife  above.  Ver.  24.  And  Enoch  walked  with  God.  He  lived  in  con- 
 ftant  faith,  in  reverence  and  love  towards  God,  and  in  happy  intercourfe  and 
 communion  with  him,  making  it  his  daily  care  to  ferve  and  pleafe  him  j 
 and  his  higheft  ambition  to  be  accepted  of  him  through  the  blefled  Saviour. 
 In  this  courfe  of  piety  and  holinefs,  he  perfevered  for  three  hundred  years,  if 
 
 From  the  offeringsof  die  fons  of  our  firft  Parents  of  their  firfl  fruits  to  God,  we  learn  how  early  the  praaice  of  acknowledging  the  Lord  as  the  original  giver  of  all  we  have 
 or  enjoy  In  the  murder  of  Abel  by  his  brother,  let  us  contemplate  with  felf  abafement,  the  awful  effeas  of  our  fallen  nature  !  Alas,  what  crime  is  there,  that  man  is 
 not  capable  of  committing,  unlefs  reflrained  by  Almighty  grace.  Let  us  remark  the  firfl  who  tafted  death  in  confequence  of  the  fall,  died  in  the  faith  of  Jefus.  The 
 faints  of  God  are  mortal,  but  blefled  be  God  they  have  a  hope  full  of  immortality.  As  the  firfl  fruits  of  the  dufl  of  the  earth  is  our  Redeemer’s,  fo  is  he  the  firfl 
 
 in  the  refurreaion.  The  blood  of  Abel  eries  for  vengeance,  but  the  blood  of  Jefus  pleads  for  mercy. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. _ *  Chap.  V.]  Behold,  how  death  reigns,  througli  fin,  from  Adam  to  Noah.  No  lets  than  the  hiflory  ot  1656  years  ifi 
 
 Recorded  in  this  Angle  chapter.  Let  us  ferioufly  confider  the  frailty  and  uncertainty  of  all  human  excellence.  The  lives  of  the  patriarchs  were  exceeding  long 
 but  the  burden  of  the  tale  is,  “  And  he  died,”  Wildom,  health,  riches,  and  whatJs  fuperior  to  aU  thefe,  godlinefs,  here  makes  ho  diftindion. 
 
 H  Xis  all  thou  art 
 
M  wickedness  the  cause  of  the  floods 
 
 GENESIS. 
 
 Noah  and  family^  ^c,  go  into  the  ark. 
 
 Ht'fore 
 
 Ciiri/t 
 
 2448. 
 
 II 
 
 2449. 
 
 I  Or, 
 
 CHAP.  VI. 
 
 1  The  wkhednefs  of  the  world,  which  provoked  God's  wrath  and  caufed  the 
 flood.  S  Noah  findeth  grace.  The  order, form,  and  end  of  the  ark- 
 
 And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  men  began  to  mubi 
 ply  on  the  face  of  the  earth,  and  daughters 
 were  born  unto  them, 
 
 2  That  the  Tons  of  God  faw  the  daughters  of  men 
 that  they  were  fair  ;  and  they  took  them  wives  of  all 
 which  they  chofe. 
 
 3  And  the  Lord  faid,  My  Spirit  (hall  not  always 
 ftrive  with  man,  for  that  he  alfo  is  flelh :  yet  his  days 
 fhall  be  an  hundred  and  twenty  years. 
 
 4  There  were  giants  in  the  earth  in  thofe  days  ; 
 and  all'o  after  that,  when  the  fons  of  God  came  in 
 
 the  whole  unto  the  daughters  of  men,  and  they  bare  children  to 
 
 xmagina- 
 
 tion  The  became  mighty  men  which  were  of  old, 
 
 Hebrew  men  of  renown. 
 
 word  fig-  5  And  God  faw  that  the  wickednefs  of  man  was 
 the  earth,  and  that  H  every  *  imagination  of 
 theima^d-  thoughts  of  his  heart  teas  only  evil  t  continually. 
 nation,  6  And  it  repented  the  Lord  that  he  had  made  man 
 butaiib  on  the  earth,  and  it  grieved  him  at  his  heart. 
 
 ^o/isand  Lord  faid,  I  will  deftroy  man  whom  I 
 
 ^dfreT  have  created  from  the  face  of  the  earth  ;  f  both 
 a  Chap,  man  and  beaft,  and  the  creeping  thing,  and  the  fowls 
 8.22.  of  the  air:  for  it  repenteth  me  that  1  have  made 
 
 ““‘,9.  ‘I'**™ 
 
 t  Heb.  8  But  Noah  found  grace  in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord. 
 every  day.  9  f  Thcfc  are  the  generations  of  Noah :  ^  Noah  was 
 t  Heb.  ^  II  perfeft  in  his  generations,  and  Noah 
 
 walked  wit n  God.  .  ^ 
 
 bEccius  10  And  Noah  begat  three  fons,  Shem,  Ham,  and 
 Japheth. 
 
 1 1  The  earth  alfo  was  corrupt  before  God,  and 
 the  earth  was  filled  with  violence. 
 
 12  And  God  looked  upon  the  earth,  and,  behold 
 
 44.  17. 
 2  Peter 
 2.  5. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 vpright. 
 
 Slot  from  his  infancy  till  his  death,  which  was  three  hundred  and  fixty  five 
 years  ;  and  tlie  particular  mention  of  his  religion  and  virtue  here,  feems  to  indi¬ 
 cate  that  he  had  arrived  at  degrees  of  thefe,  fuperior  to  the  holieft  of  men  then 
 upon  earth.  He  was  an  eminent  prophet,  and  foretold,  Ibrae  think,  the  deluge. 
 The  apoftle  Jude  tells  us,  he  foretold  the  final  judgment  of  the  world,  and  de- 
 ftrucSion  of  the  ungodly  by  Jefus  Chrift,  Judever.  14.  A nd  he  was  not ;  for  God 
 took  him.  That  is,  he  was  not  any  more  upon  earth,  for  God  took  him  home 
 jt  to  himfelf  into  heaven.  For  his  fignal  faith  and  piety,  he  was  honoured  with  an 
 "  exemption  from  the  great  law  of  mortality,  and  tranflated,  as  the  apoftle  tells  us, 
 Heb.  xi.  5.  without  feeing  death.  Vcr.  27.  And  all  the  days  of  Methufelah  were 
 nine  hundred  Jixly  and  nine  years.  The  name  Methufelah  imports  tliat  be 
 fliould  die  at  the  fending  forth,  perhaps  of  the  waters  of  the  deluge  ;  and  feems  to 
 have  been  given  him  by  his  father  Enoch,  in  view  of  that  event  which  atftually 
 came  to  pafs  at  Mcthufelah’s  death.  He  was  the  oldeft  man  that  ever  exifted 
 Upon  earth,  having  lived  to  nine  hundred  and  fixty-nine  years.  This  prodigious 
 Uge  of  tlie  antideluvians,  has  induced  fome  to  think,  that  the  years  by  which  their 
 lives  are  computed,  are  not  folar  years,  or  revolutions  of  the  fun,  containing  365 
 days  ;  hut  lunar  revolutions,  or  months  which  confift  only  of  about  30  days.  But 
 this  opinion  is  moft  abfurd,  as  it  would  reduce  the  time  from  the  creation 
 to  the  flood,  to  no  more  than  136  years;  too  fliort  by  a  great  deal,  for  the 
 fourteen  generations  which  we  are  aflured  lived  in  it  Methufelah’'s  age  would 
 be  brought  down  to  fcarce  eighty  years.  And  fome  of  the  patriarchs  here 
 mentioned  mull  have  begot  children  when  only  five  or  fix  years  old.  The 
 years  therefore  are  of  the  folar  kind.  Ver.  29.  And  he  called  his  name  Noah. 
 This  name  fignifies  rejl,  and  was  given  by  Lamech  to  his  fon,  becaufe  by  his  in¬ 
 vention  of  better  inftruments,  and  facilitating  the  art  of  hulbandry,  he  was  in 
 R  great  mcafure  to  cafe  their  toils  and  labours  in  cultivating  the  ground  ;  or  if  by 
 .  the  curfe  of  the  ground  is  meant,  that  deluge  that  had  been  foretold  to  defolate 
 the  earth,  the  realbn  of  the  name  will  be,  that  he  was  to  comfort  them  by  the 
 populating  and  cultivating  the  new  world,  and  by  proving  an  eminent  type  of 
 Chrift,  the  Saviour  of  the  world. 
 
 I  it  was  corrupt :  for  all  flelh  had  corrupted  his  way 
 '  upon  the  earth.  2448. 
 
 13  And  God  faid  unto  Noah,  The  end  of  all  flefh  is 
 
 come  before  me ;  for  the  earth  is  filled  with  violence 
 through  them  :  and,  behold,  I  will  deliroy  them  ||  with  «  Or, 
 the  earth.  ’^elnh!^^ 
 
 14  If  Make  thee  an  ark  of  gopher- wood  :  t  rooms  f  Heb. 
 ihalt  thou  make  in  the  ark,  and  (halt  pitch  it  within  wjis. 
 and  without  with  pitch. 
 
 15  And  this  is  the  fashion  which  thou  (halt  make  it 
 of:  The  length  of  the  ark  shall  be  three  hundred  cubits, 
 the  breadth  of  it  fifty  cubits,  and  the  height  of  it  thirty 
 cubits. 
 
 16  A  window  (halt  thou  make  to  the  ark,  and  in  a 
 cubit  (halt  thou  fini(h  it  above ;  and  the  door  of  the 
 ark  (halt  thou  fet  in  the  fide  thereof;  with  lower, 
 fecond,  and  third  stories  (halt  thou  make  it. 
 
 17  And,  behold,  I,  even  I,  do  bring  a  flood  of 
 waters  upon  the  earth,  to  deftroy  all  fle(h,  wherein  is 
 the  breath  of  life,  from  under  heaven;  and  every 
 thing  that  is  in  the  earth  (hall  die. 
 
 18  But  with  thee  will  I  eftablKh  my  covenant :  and  ’ 
 thou  (halt  come  into  the  ark,  thou,  and  thy  fons,  and 
 
 thy  wife,  and  thy  fons’  wives  with  thee. 
 
 19  And  of  every  living  thing  of  all  flefti,  two  of 
 every  sort  (halt  thou  bring  into  the  ark,  to  keep  them 
 alive  with  thee ;  they  (ball  be  male  and  female. 
 
 20  Of  fowls  after  their  kind,  and  of  cattle  after  their 
 cind,  of  every  creeping  thing  of  the  earth  after  his 
 cind  ;  two  of  every  sort  (hall  come  unto  thee,  to  keep 
 them  alive. 
 
 21  And  take  thou  unto  thee  of  all  food  that  is 
 eaten,  and  thou  (halt  gather  it  to  thee :  and  it  (hall 
 3e  for  food  for  thee  and  for  them. 
 
 22  «  Thus  did  Noah ;  according  to  all  that  God  ^ 
 
 commanded  him,  fo  did  he.*  ”• 
 
 explanatory  NOTES.  Chap.  VI.  Ver.  1.  When  men  began  to  mul- 
 tiply,  ^c.  Mankind  had  long  been  multiplying  in  the  earth  :  and  from  the  lon¬ 
 gevity  and  increafe  of  the  antediluvians,  fome  have  computed  the  number  of 
 mankind,  that  might  exift  at  one  time  upon  the  eartli,  to  be  no  lefs  than 
 1 0,000,000,000 ;  the  tenth  part  of  which  it  is  reckoned,  have  never  exifted  in  it 
 at  any  one  time  fince.  Or  by  men  here  may  be  underftood  the  race  of  Cain,  as 
 oppofed  to  the  pofterity  of  Seth  mentioned  in  tlie  next  verfe.  Ver.  2.  By  the  fons 
 of  God,  we  are  to  underftand  the  pofterity  of  Sath,  called  the  children  of  God, 
 as  his  faints  in  every  age  have  been ;  becaufe  they  were  called  by  Ids  name,  and 
 nad  devoted  themfelves  to  the  worftiip  of  the  true  God,  amidft  the  idolatry  and 
 lUipiety  which  now  abounded.  Many  of  thele,  beholding  the  daughters  of  men, 
 or  teinale  oftspring  of  Cain,  tliat  they  were  beautiful,  entered  into  the  marriao-e 
 contradl  with  them.  Ver.  3.  Myfpirit  JhaU  not  always Jlrive  with  man.  As°if 
 the  Alndghty  had  faid,  I  will  not  always  exercile  that  long  fuffering  patienco 
 with  degenerate  mankind,  that  I  have  hitherto  exercifed :  nor  will  I  any  more 
 ftrive  witli  him  by  my  Spirit,  fpeaking  by  prophets,  to  reclaim  him  from  his 
 wick^nefs,  for  tliat  now  the  Setidtes,  as  well  as  Cainites  have  become  carnal 
 and  degenerate.  But  though  I  might  immediately  proceed  to  deftrudtion,  yet 
 I  will  give  him  an  hundred  and  twenty  years  to  repent  of  his  wickednefs.*’ 
 Ver.  4.  There  were  gia7its  in  the  earth  in  thofe  days.  That  is,  men  of  monftrous 
 ftature  and  great  ftrength,  but  no  lefs  enormous  for  their  abufe  of  it,  in  a^s  of 
 tyranny  and  oppreffion.  Thele  had  exifted  in  the  world  before ;  having  fprung 
 from  the  marriages  of  the  defendants  of  Seth  with  thofe  of  Cain,  and^y  their 
 remarkable  achievements  of  ftrength  end  courage,  had  in  thefe  ages  become 
 noted  among  mankind.  The  original  word  tranflated  giants,  fignifies  fallen,  and 
 may  denote  that  they  were  aportates  from  God,  and  were  the  enemies  of  man¬ 
 kind.  Ver.  6.  And  it  repented  the  Lord.  Ttiis  mud  not  be  underftood  in  the 
 fame  fenfe  as  it  is  applied  to  man :  for  God  is  not  « the  fan  of  man  tliat  he 
 Ihould  repent.”  No  meafure  ef  the  divine  government  can  be  difconcerted.  No 
 event  can  take  place  that  He  did  not  forefee ;  nor  can  any  tliino'  create  Him 
 any  painful  refleiSlions,  or  make  him  change  his  purpofes,  as°is  the  cafe 
 
 and  all  tiie  proud  muft  be.”  What  a  relief  is  it  to  the  Chriftian  that  amidft  all  the  death  whieh  he  beholds,  Chrift  lives  and  abides  for  ever  !  The  life  of  every 
 Chriftian  is  walking  with  God.  True  faith  never  faileth.  Early  and  fudden  deaths  are  reckoned  untimely,  but  who  can  think  it  too  foon  to  go  to  the  bofom  of 
 Jefus.  By  faith,  faith  an  apoftle,  Enoch  was  tranflated  that  he  Ihould  not  fee  death  ;  and  was  not  found  becaufe  God  had  tranflated  him ;  for  before  his  tranflatiod 
 he  had  this  teftimony,  that  be  plcafed  God.  Precious  teftimony  !  may  it  be  our  portion. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  VI.]  Behold  the  dreadful  effeas  of  ungracious  and  unholy  matrimonial  couneaions.  A  bad  beautiful 
 'U-oman  is  one  of  the  moft  deadly  inftruments  the  devil  can  employ  againft  a  godly  man  A  Chriftian  man  or  woman  Ihould  dread  as  much  to  be  yoked  with  unbe¬ 
 lievers,  as  a  living  body  to  be  faftened  for  life  to  a  dead  corpfe,  the  one  can  communicate  contagion,  but  the  other  cannot  enliven,  Though  it  is  faid,  Ood  rejiented  thaS 
 
to  t» 
 
 ^oaJi  and  family ^  S^c.  go  into  the  arlc. 
 
 GENESIS. 
 
 The  leginnwgy  increase^  ^c.  of  the  food. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 2349. 
 
 2  Pet. 
 
 .  5. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 seven 
 
 seven. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 blot  out. 
 
 CHAP.  VIT. 
 
 1  Koah  tuith  his  family  and  the  living  creatures,  enter  into  the  ark,  10 
 The  beginning,  increefe,  and  continuance  of  the  flood, 
 
 And  the  Lord  laid  unto  *  Noah,  Come  thou, 
 and  all  thy  houfe,  into  the  ark  :  for  thee  have 
 I  feen  righteous  before  me  in  this  generation. 
 
 ‘2  Of  every  clean  beatt  thou  (halt  take  to  thee  by 
 +  fevens,  the  male  and  his  female  :  and  of  beads  that 
 are  not  clean  by  two,  the  male  and  his  female. 
 
 3  Ot  fowls  alfo  of  the  air,  by  fevens,  the  male  and 
 the  female ;  to  keep  feed  alive  upon  the  face  of  all  the 
 earth. 
 
 4  For  yet  feven  days,  and  I  will  caufe  it  to  rain  upon 
 the  earth  forty  days  and  forty  nights ;  and  every  living 
 fubftance  that  I  have  made  will  I  f  deftroy  from  off  the 
 face  of  the  earth. 
 
 5  And  Noah  did  according  unto  all  that  the  Lord 
 commanded  him. 
 
 6  And  Noah  uas  fix  hundred  years  old  when  the 
 flood  of  waters  was  upon  the  earth. 
 
 7  And  Noah  went  in,^  and  his  fons,  and  his  wife, 
 and  his  fon’s  wives  with  him,  into  the  ark,  becaufe  of 
 the  waters  of  the  flood. 
 
 8  Of  clean  beafts,  and  of  beafls  that  are  not  clean, 
 and  of  fowls,  and  of  every  thing  that  creepeth  upon 
 the  earth, 
 
 9  There  went  in  two  and  two  unto  Noah  into  the 
 ark,  the  male  and  the  female,  as  God  had  commanded 
 Noah. 
 
 11  Or,  10  f  And  it  came  to  pafs,  H  after  feven  days,  that 
 on  thefe-  waters  of  the  flood  were  upon  the  earth. 
 venthday.  j  j  jjj  the  flx  hundredth  year  of  Noah’s  life,  in  the 
 fecond  month,  the  feventeenth  day  of  the  month,  the 
 lame  day  were  all  the  fountains  of  the  great  deep  bro¬ 
 ken  up,  and  the  ||  windows  of  heaven  were  opened. 
 
 12  And  the  rain  was  upon  the  earth  forty  days  and 
 forty  nights. 
 
 13  In  the  felf-fame  day  entered  Noah,  and  Shem, 
 
 and  Ham,  and  Japheth,  the  fons  of  Noah,  and  Noah’s 
 wife,  and  the  three  wives  of  his  fons  with  them,  into  0349. 
 
 the  ark 
 
 11  Or, 
 flood¬ 
 gates. 
 
 a  means  of  prevent- 
 would  become  highly 
 
 with  man,  but  the  meaning  is,  that,  difpleafed  with  their  infufferable  impiety 
 and  wickednefs,  he  was  determined,  inftead  of  preferving  mankind,  to  deftroy 
 them  from  the  earth.  When  God  changes  his  conducft  from  goodnefs  to 
 leverity,  from  the  exercife  of  mercy  to  that  of  juftice,  he  doth  as  men  do 
 when  they  repent.  Ver.  7.  Both  man  and  leaf,  in  the  deftru(5libn  of  the  beaft 
 there  was  no  injuftice,  as  it  was  no  more  but  a  recalling  of  that  life  the 
 Almighty  had  given  them ;  and  as  it  afforded  the  world  a  moft  awful 
 difplay  of  God’s  abhorrence  of  fin,  and  fo  might  be 
 ing  fuch  enormous  wickednefs  for  the  future ;  it 
 conducive  to  the  glory  of  God  and  the  good  of  mankind.  Ver.  15.  The  length 
 cf  the  ark  Jhall  be  three  hundred  cubits.  The  ftandard  cubit  of  the  Jews  was 
 one  foot  and  a-half,  and  the  geometrical  cubit  fix  times  as  much.  The  four- 
 footed  beafts  hitherto  known,  are  not  reckoned  to  exceed  an  hundred  fpecies, 
 of  which  not  above  fix  fpecies  are  larger  than  a  horfe,  few  fo  large,  and 
 moil  of  them  lefs  than  a  flieep.  The  birds  are  computed  to  be  not  two 
 hundred,  moft  of  w'hich  are  very  fmall.  The  reptiles  are  reckoned  about 
 fifty.  Conftrucfled  according  to  the  common  cubit,  the  ark  w'as  four  hundred 
 and  fifty  feet  in  length,  feventy-five  in  breadth,  and  forty-five  in  height.  It 
 W'as  divided  into  three  ftories,  each  of  which  might  be  twelve  feet  high,  the 
 remaining  nine  feet  being  allowed  for  the  roof,  floors,  and  a  hold  of  a  few 
 feet  deep  between  the  loweft  floor  and  the  bottom  of  it.  Thus  it  is  evident, 
 whatever  the  enemies  of  our  religion  have  fuggefted  to  the  contrary,  that  the  ark 
 was  fuflScient  to  contain  all  the  creatures  that  were  appointed  to  be  preferved  in  it. 
 
 14  They,  and  every  beaft  after  his  kind,  and  all  the 
 cattle  after  their  kind,  and  every  creeping  thing  that 
 creepeth  upon  the  earth  after  his  kind,  and  every 
 fowl  after  his  kind,  every  bird  of  every  f  fort. 
 
 15  And  they  went  in  unto  Noah  into  the  ark,  two*^"*®' 
 and  two  of  all  flefli,  wherein  is  the  breath  of  life. 
 
 16  And  they  that  went  in,  went  in  male  and  female 
 of  all  flelh,  as  God  had  commanded  him  :  and  the 
 Lord  fhut  him  in. 
 
 17  t  And  the  flood  was  forty  days  upon  the  earth  ; 
 and  the  waters  increafed,  and  bare  up  the  ark,  and 
 it  was  lift  up  above  the  earth. 
 
 18  And  the  waters  prevailed,  and  were  increafed 
 greatly  upon  the  earth  ;  and  the  ark  went  upon  the 
 face  of  the  waters. 
 
 19  And  the  waters  prevailed  exceedingly  upon  the 
 earth  ;  and  all  the  high  hills  that  "mere  under  the 
 whole  heaven  were  covered. 
 
 20  Fifteen  cubits  upward  did  the  waters  prevail ; 
 and  the  mountains  were  covered. 
 
 2 1  And  all  flefh  died  that  moved  upon  the  earth,  b  wifJi 
 both  of  fowl,  and  of  cattle,  and  of  beaft,  and  of  every 
 creeping  thing  that  creepeth  upon  the  earth,  and 
 every  man : 
 
 22  All  in  whofe  noftrils  ws  f  the  breath  of  life,  oft  H^b. 
 
 all  that  was  in  the  dry  land,  died.  ^ 
 
 23  And  every  living  fubftance  was  deftroyed  which 
 was  upon  the  face  of  the  ground,  both  man  and  cattle, 
 and  the  creeping  things,  and  the  fowl  of  the  heaven  ; 
 
 and  they  were  deftroyed  from  the  earth  :  and  Noah  c  wifd. 
 only  remained  alive,  and  they  that  were  with  him  in 
 
 ,  .  z  L  etf 
 
 th0  3rk*  2.  5. 
 
 24  H  And  the  waters  prevailed  upon  the  earth  an 
 hundred  and  fifty  days.* 
 
 ti 
 
 together  with  their  neceflary  provifion.  Ver.  IG.  A  window  fhalt  thou  make. 
 That  is,  fome  opening,  probably  in  the  roof  of  it,  that  might  let  down  the  liglit 
 upon  its  feveral  ftories,  and  by  which  they  might  alfo  have  a  proper  communication 
 with  the  frelli  air.  Ver.  18.  But  ivilh  thee  will  I  eflablijh  my  covenant.  By  the 
 covenant  we  may  uiiderftand  the  promife  of  the  Saviour  and  covenant  of  I'alva- 
 Oiop,  that  was  revealed  to  Adam  the  father  of  the  old,  ahd  is  now  to  be  ellabliftied 
 with  Noah,  who  was  to  be  the  father  of  the  new  world.  As  if  God  had  laid, 
 “  From  thee  lhall  the  promifed  Deliverer  defeend,  and  therefore  thou  and  tliy  fa¬ 
 mily  fliall  be  faved  from  the  general  deftru<5l!on.” 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  VII.  Ver.  2.  Of  evcrycleanbeaf,ifci 
 The  diftintftion  of  beafts  into  clean  and  unclcanj  with  regaid  to  their  being  eaten, 
 was  not  eftabliflied  till  the  giving  of  the  law  to  the  Ifraeiites.  Rut  with  regard 
 to  their  being  offered  in  facrifice,  it  is  evident  from  this,  that  it  exifted  before 
 tlie  flood ;  and,  it  is  natural  to  believe,  was  pointed  out  by  God  to  mankind, 
 from  his  firft  inftitution  of  facrifice.  Of  the  clean  beafts  Noah  was  to  take 
 seven  seven,  as  it  is  in  the  original,  that  is,  feven  couple ;  becaufe  they  were  to 
 be  ofiered  in  facrifice  when  he  came  out  of  the  ark,  and  were  thenceforth 
 to  be  given  to  man  for  food,  Gen.  ix.  3.  Ver.  11.  In  the  fx  hundredth  year, 
 Noah  lived  in  all  nine  hundred  and  fifty  years,  and  three  hundred  and  fifty  of 
 thefe  after  the  flood,  Gen.  ix.  28,  29.  So  that  at  the  beginning  of  it  his  fix 
 hundredth  year  was  only  begun.  According  to  the  common  chronology  this 
 was  the  1656th  year  of  the  world:  and,  as  this  verfe  informs  us,  the  fecor. a 
 month  of  that  year.  Tlie  facred  year  of  the  Jews,  in  commemoration  of  their 
 
 he  had  made  man  •  yet  we  neVer  read  he  repented  that  he  had  redeemed  man.  Noali  walked  with  God.  When  the  wlmle  W’orld  was  funk  in  iniquity,  he  dared  to 
 be  eminentlv  fingular  in  piety.  The  men  of  the  world  view  the  people  of  God  ufually  as  the  burden  and  troublers  of  the  earth  ;  how  inconfiderate  are  they,  other- 
 wife  they  would  perceive  that  for  their  fakes  only,  judgment  is  deferred.  How  great  the  blefling  of  havjng  pious  parents  ;  No^’s  whole  family  are  preferved  alive 
 for  their  father’s  fake.  Noah  not  only  preached  to  thofe  who  periflied,  but  became  a  faviour  to  thofe  who  furvived ;  m  both,  he  is  an  eminent  type  of  our  Redeemer. 
 In  him  as  the  true  ark  may  we  be  found  at  the  day  of  judgment,  being  clothed  with  his  rigkteoufnefs.  Thofe  who  cannot  bear  the  taunts  and  fcofls  of  the  world,  o 
 
 be  ready  to  part  w  ith  all  for  Chrift,  will  not  be  allowed  to  fwim  in  “  the  ark.  ”  ;  ;  .  ,  i.  •  i  j  u  • 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  VII.]  How  kind  is  the  Lord  to  his  faithful  people,  that  amidft  all  the  judgments  upon  the  wicked,  he  is  ever 
 careful  to  their  interefts  and  fafety.  Noah  is  commanded  to  enter  with  his  family,  and  all  the  creatures.  Sweet  voice  of  merty,  thus  inviting  to  a  fure^  refuge  from 
 the  impending  ftorm.  Such  is  the  gracious  call  of  Jefus  to  the  finful  foul.  Man,  in  the  provifion  that  is  made  for  his  comfort,  ftiould  never  loie  fight,  that  the 
 greater  end  ftill  propofed  in  all  God’s  works  is  his  own  glory.  Before  the  wicked  be  driven  away  with  everlafting  deftruaion,  from  the  prefence  of  the 
 Lord  Jefus  will  make  up  his  jewels,  and  be  glorified  in  them  that  believe.  Seven  days  are  granted  additional  to  the  former  reprieve  of  1 20  years,  and  the  flooa 
 gradually  overflows  the  ear'tb,  that  the  wicked  tnight  have  time  to  repent.  In  tliis  let  us  adore  a  merciful  God  j  but  at  the  fame  time  tremble  at  his  nghteou, 
 
The  arJc  resteth 
 
 GENESIS. 
 
 en  mount  Ararat, 
 
 Before 
 Chri  (I 
 2:549. 
 
 CHAP.  VIIL 
 
 A 
 
 The  waters  ajfjiage.  10  Noah  goeth  forth  of  the  ark,  ^0  buUdelh  an 
 altar  and  offereth  sacrifice.  21  God  promiseih  to  curse  the  earth  no  more. 
 
 NL)  God  remembered  Noah,  and  every  living 
 _  —  thing,  and  all  the  cattle  that  luas  with  him  in 
 the  ark :  and  God  made  a  wind  to  pals  over  the  earth, 
 and  the  waters  affuaged : 
 
 2  The  fountains  alfo  of  the  deep,  and  the  windows 
 of  heaven,  were  flopped,  and  the  rain  from  heaven 
 was  retrained  : 
 
 3  And  the  waters  returned  from  off  the  earth  f  con¬ 
 tinually  ;  and  after  the  end  ofsthe  hundred  and  fift\' 
 days  the  waters  were  abated. 
 
 4  H  And  the  ark  refted  in  the  feventh  month,  on 
 the  leventeenth  day  of  the  month,  upon  the  mountains 
 of  Ararat. 
 
 5  And  the  waters  t  decreafed  continually  until  the 
 month  :  in  the  tenth  ?nonth,  on  the  firft  day  of 
 
 decrtas-  month,  Were  the  tops  of  the  mountains  feen. 
 
 6  And  it  came  to  pals  at  the  end  of  forty  days, 
 that  Noah  opened  the  window  of  the  ark  which  he 
 had  made: 
 
 7  And  he  fent  forth  a  raven,  which  went  forth  f  to 
 and  fro,  until  the  waters  were  dried  up  from  off  the 
 earth. 
 
 8  Alfo  he  fent  forth  a  dove  from  him,  to  fee  if  the 
 waters  were  abated  from  off  the  face  of  the  ground  : 
 
 9  But  the  dove  found  no  reftfor  the  foie  of  her  foot, 
 and  fhe  returned  unto  him  into  the  ark ;  for  the  waters 
 were  on  the  face  of  the  whole  earth.  Then  he  put 
 forth  his  hand,  and  took  her,  and  t  pulled  her  in  unto 
 
 to  come  into  the  ark. 
 
 10  And  he  ftayed  yet  other  feven  days :  and  again 
 he  fent  forth  the  dove  out  of  the  ark : 
 
 1 1  And  the  dove  came  in  to  him  in  the  evening, 
 and,  lo,  in  her  mouth  an  olive-leaf  plucked  off". 
 
 2S4' 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 in  going 
 and  re¬ 
 turning. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 were  in 
 going  a 
 decreas¬ 
 ing. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 in  going 
 forth  and 
 returning 
 
 tHeb. 
 
 deliverance  out  of  Egypt,  was  reckoned  to  begin  on  Mai'ch.  But  the  ancient 
 civil  year,  was  in  memory  of  the  creation,  held  by  all  nations  to  begin  in 
 September.  In  OAober,  therefore,  when,  liy  the  harveft,  Noah  had  got  a  fuffi- 
 c^nt  provifion  laid  in  of  all  neceffary  food,  and  the  rainy  winter  came  bn,  be-ran 
 that  terrible  deluge  -w-hich  deflroyed  the  earth.  In  order  to  this,  the  foun- 
 ^ins  of  the  great  deep,  or  that  vail  abyfs  of  waters,  flint  up  by  the  power  of 
 Ood,  at  the  creation,  in  the  bowels,  and  ditfufed  over  a  great  part  of  the  fur- 
 ^ce  of  the  earth,  w'ere,  by  the  fame  power,  recalled  from  their  receptacles. 
 
 he  air  and  clouds,  called  the  wtndmcs  of  heaven,  for  forty  days  to^-ether 
 poured  down  their  ftores,  not  in  fliowers,  but  in  w'hole  cataratils  or  fpouts  of 
 water,  to  concur  with  the  overflowing  deep  in  deftroying  the  earth.  Ver.  16. 
 And  the  Lord  Jhut  him  in ;  or,  flui't  Ihe  door  of  the  ark  after  him  fo  clofe,  that 
 no  v^ter  could  get  in  for  his  deftrublion,  and  no  man  more  be  faved  from  de- 
 Itruetion.  Having  thus  provided  for  the  fafety  of  his  faithful  fervant  and  his 
 tatnilj^  that  v-ery  day,  probably  that  veiy  hour,  the  deluge  began,  that  would 
 loon  lurround  the  ark  in  the  plain  where  it  was  built,  and  prevent  all  from 
 ge  ing  near  to  it  any  more;  Ver.  19.  The  deluge  was  not  confined  to  fome 
 ew  regions  of  the  earth,  as  fome  have  imagined  ;  but  overflowed  the  whole  of 
 the  longevity  and  increafe  of  the  antideluvians,  and  the  dillance 
 ot  time  trom  the  creatmn  to  the  flood,  the  earth  mull  have  been  moil  populous 
 likpw  Y  ^  inhabited;  and  therefore  the  deluge  that  was  to  deflroy  it,  muft 
 ikewife  be  univerfal.  This  the  feripture  exprefsly  declares,  and  the  hiftory  of 
 ThatT  .  '""firms.  Ver.  20.  Fifteen  eiibils  upward  did  the  tvaters  prevail. 
 
 bitrhoft  ’  "  and  a  half  did  the  waters  rile  above  the  tops  of  the 
 
 crfature“(‘hT‘'‘-"?\'^‘”‘'!j  Sufficient  to  deftroy  the  talleft  man,  or  any  other 
 ark  onTv  iffiiabitants  ofthe 
 
 mieht  IN  f  mountains,  to  which  they 
 
 thefr  give  no  prefervation  to  the  reft  of  mankind  from 
 
 them.  ^  their  wickednefs  and  impenitence  had  drawn  upon 
 
 So  Noah  knew  that  the  waters  were  abated  from  off 
 the  earth. 
 
 12  And  he  ffayed  yet  other  feven  days,  and  fent  forth 
 the  dove,  which  returned  not  again  unto  him  anymore. 
 
 13  II  And  it  came  to  pafs,  in  the  fix  hundred  and 
 firfl  year,  in  the  firft  mouthy  the  firft  datj  of  the  monih, 
 the  waters  were  dried  up  from  off  the  earth ;  and 
 Noah  removed  the  covering  of  the  ark,  and  looked, 
 and,  behold,  the  face  of  the  ground  was  dry. 
 
 14  And  in  the  fecond  month,  on  the  I'even  and 
 twentieth  day  ofthe  month,  was  the  earth  dried. 
 
 1 5  H  And  God  fpake  unto  Noah,  faying, 
 
 IG  Go  forth  of  the  ark,  thou  and  thy  wife,  and  thy 
 
 Ions,  and  thy  Ions’  wives  with  thee. 
 
 17  Bring  forth  with  thee  every  living  thing  that  is 
 with  thee,  of  all  flelh,  both  of  fowl,  and  of  cattle,  and 
 of  every  creeping  thing  that  creepeth  upon  the  earth  ; 
 that  they  may  breed  abundantly  in  the  earth,  and  be 
 fruitful  and  multiply  upon  the  earth. 
 
 18  And  Noah  w^ent  forth,  and  his  Tons,  and  his  wife, 
 and  his  fons’  wives  w'ith  him  : 
 
 19  Every  beaft,  every  creeping  thing,  and  every 
 
 fowl,  wbatfoever  creepeth  upon  the  earth,  after 
 their  f  kinds,  went  forth  out  of  the  ark.  |  Heh 
 
 20  ^  And  Noah  builded  an  altar  unto  the  Lord 
 and  took  of  every  clean  beaft,  and  of  every  clean 
 fowl,  and  offered  burnt-offerings  on  the  altar. 
 
 21  And  the  Lord  fmelled  f  a  fweet  favour  ;  and  ^  Heb. 
 the  Lord  laid  in  his  heart,  I  will  not  again  curie  the  a  savour 
 ground  any  more  for  man’s  fake ;  for  the  ®  imagina- 
 
 tion  of  man’s  heart  is  evil  from  his  youth  :  neither  g 
 w'ill  I  again  fmite  any  more  every  thing  living,  as  1  iirnb 
 nave  done.  15.19. 
 
 22  f  While  the  earth  remaineth,  feed-time  and  f 
 harveft,  and  cold  and  heat,  and  fummer  and  winter, 
 
 and  day  and  night,  fhall  not  ceafe.*  theeLf. 
 
 judgments, 
 or 
 
 explanatory  NOTES.  Chap.  VIIL  Ver.  1.  And  God  n>membered 
 
 Noah.  Not  thiu  God  had  forgotten  Noali,  for  he  does, not  and  cannot  forget  his 
 creatures  ;  but  God  may  be  here  faid  particularly  to  remember  him  and  his 
 tamiiy  nhen  he  began  to  take  meafurcs  for  removing  the  waters  from  the  eartli, 
 Md  rendering  it  again  habitable,  as  he  did  by  fending  the  wind  next  mentioned. 
 He  not  on.y  remembered  Noah  and  his  family,  but  alfo  cverp  living  thing;  for 
 as  the  creatures  futtered  in  the  deluge  for  the  fins  of  men,  I'o  thole  in  the  ark 
 were  remembered  for  the  fake  of  Noah  and  his  family,  and  the  world  of  men 
 that  flionld  Ipnng  from  them.  Ver.  4  The  seventh  month  of  the  year  ;  that  is 
 
 he-If  of  tW ''•as  making  its  approach,  am’  the 
 heat  of  t.ie  fun  would  help  to  carry  oft'  the  waters,  and  wai'm  tlie  ear-h.  Uvoii 
 the  mountains  of  Arorat.  There  have  been  various  opinions  with  re<Tard  t  the 
 true  fituation  of  mount  Ararat ;  but  the  moft  pi-obable  is  that  wliich  nla'' -s 
 It  about  the  middle  of  Armenia,  near  the  river  Araxes,  or  Av^  xTr  r 
 Forty  days.  This  interval  had  clap  fed  after  the  tops  of  the  mountains  appeared’ 
 and  was  about  the  end  of  July.  Ver.  7.  ^  raren  which  went  to  a,ui  fi^  S 
 
 Hebrew  fignifies,  mi /yrl/i  w  gomg /or«A  and  returning;  wradi  uni.lies  it 
 fluttei^d  backwards  and  forwards  until  the  waters  were  dried  up  wh^n  ft  k 
 turned  no  more  The  feent  of  dead  carcafes,  Noah  knew,  would  draw  ft.o  ral 
 ven  to  fome  diftance;  and  that  when  the  waters  were  luriieienty  abated,  he 
 would  be  fo  much  employed  in  preying,  as  not  to  return.  Ver  S  -lllb  '  ■ 
 forth  a  dove  from  him,  feven  days  after  be  bad  ft-n_  oui  tne  raven  /L 
 
 waters  had  abated  from  of  the  ground ;  for  the  dove  is  a  bird  that  deliglits  in 
 cleanhnofs,  flies  low,  and  does  not  go  fir  oft';  lb  that,  if  ii  returned  no-  a.^alo  lie 
 lAight  conclude  that  the  waters  were  gone  off  the  earth  ;  but  beinc  a  ft  ,-iable 
 creature,  and  familiar  to  men,  and  efpecially  lovjng  to  its  mate,  if  they  v  -rc  not 
 A  certainly  return  again.  Ver.  9.  But  the  d-we fouj no  reft  for 
 
 t^Jole  of  her  fool ;  nor  any  cleanly  food  to  live  upon;  for  thorn.  I .  the  f  ps' of 
 the  mountains  were  cleai-  ofthe  waters,  yet  thev  uiigl,,  be  muddy  and  ft  thv 
 
 wtl.  ,,h.t  the  to,  left  1,  U'vnM  lo 
 
 1  '1“  >■’“  -- j-W„.  ..oL,  Mat';  “.fs 
 
 i^fei-tlifol  altimcs.fcomtobeforroken,  ftiou!d”n,sy  toIyi„d”S  fotoZ'X  hS'o  ^  in  Ji.cliir.e!  Thoo.h  tlie 
 
 i«rLSo„-;x‘Vtols  2 1  s  •'  - 
 
 i  hi  the  cl’uxch  fullers 
 flmrct:,  n  ivh'cii,  r,  .c-d  by 
 A:.  I,  hiippy  period,  v.  h  at 
 
GENESIS. 
 
 God  s  covenant  signified  hy  the  rai/ibo'Wt 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 2238. 
 
 a  Chap. 
 I.  28. 
 Verfe 
 7,  1 9. 
 
 b  Chap. 
 1.  29. 
 
 c  Levit. 
 17.  14. 
 
 d  Matth, 
 26.  52. 
 Revel. 
 13.  10. 
 e  Chap. 
 1.  27. 
 
 f  Ifaiah 
 54.  9. 
 
 CHAP.  IX. 
 
 1  God  bleffl’th  ^Coah.  ^  Blood  and  murder  are foriidden.  8  God's  cove¬ 
 nant,  ISJignified  bv  tlie  rainbow.  18  Noah  replenifhcth  the  world, 
 20  planteth  a  vinepard,  21  is  drunken,  and  mocked  of  his /on,  25  cur- 
 feUi  Canaan,  25  blejfeth  Shem,  27  prayethfor  Japheth,  29  and  di  th. 
 
 And  God  bleffed  Noah  and  his  ions,  and  laid 
 unto  them,  Be  fruitful,  and  multiply,  and  re- 
 pleniih  the  earth. 
 
 2  And  the  fear  of  you,  and  the  dread  of  you,  fhall 
 be  upon  every  beaft  of  the  earth,  and  upon  every 
 fowl  of  the  air,  upon  all  that  moveth  upon  the  earth, 
 and  upon  all  the  filhes  of  the  fea  :  into  your  hand  are 
 they  delivered. 
 
 3  Every  moving  thing  that  llveth  (ball  be  meat  for 
 you  ;  even  as  the  ”  green  herb  have  I  given  you  all 
 things : 
 
 4  *=  But  flefh  with  the  life  thereof  which  is  the  blood 
 thereof,  ihall  ye  not  eat. 
 
 5  And  furely  your  blood  of  your  lives  will  I  re¬ 
 quire  :  at  the  hand  of  every  beaft  will  I  require  it, 
 and  at  the  hand  of  man  ;  at  the  hand  of  every  man’s 
 brother  will  I  require  the  life  of  man. 
 
 6  ^  Whofo  iheddeth  man’s  blood,  by  man  ftiall  his 
 blood  be  fhed  :  ®  for  in  the  image  of  God  made  he  man. 
 
 7  And  you,  be  ye  fruitful,  ahd  multiply ;  bring  forth 
 abundantly  in  the  earth,  and  multiply  therein. 
 
 8  H  And  God  fpake  unto  Noah,  and  to  his  fons 
 with  him,  faying. 
 
 9  And  I,  behold,  I  eftablifti  my  covenant  with  you, 
 and  with  your  feed  after  you  ; 
 
 10  And  with  every  living  creature  that  A  with  you 
 of  tue  fowl,  of  the  cattle,  and  of  every  beaft  of  the 
 earth  with  you  ;  from  all  that  go  out  of  the  ark,  to 
 every  beaft  of  the  earth. 
 
 1 1  And  ^  I  will  eftablifti  my  covenant  with  you  : 
 neither  (hall  all  flefti  be  cut  oft'  any  more  by  the 
 w'aters  of  a  flood  ;  neither  (hall  there  any  more  be  a 
 flood  to  deftroy  the  earth. 
 
 12  And  God  faid.  This  is  the  token  of  the  covenant 
 which  I  made  between  me  and  yon,  and  every  living 
 creature  that  is  with  you,  for  perpetual  generations  : 
 
 13  I  do  fee  my  bow  in  the  cloud,  and  it  fhall  be  for 
 a  token  of  a  covenant  between  me  and  the  earth. 
 
 IJoah  a«-ain,  and  not  only,  like  the  raven,  unto  the  ark,  but  into  it.  Ver.  11.  J7id 
 lo  in  her  mouth  was  an  olive  leaf.  This  branch  was  a  fufficient  token  that  the 
 waters  were  departed  from  the  lower  grounds,  at  leaft  from  the  little  hills  on 
 which  the  olive-trees  delight  to  grow;  but  yet  the  return  of  the  dove  indicated 
 that  the  earth  was  Hill  wet,  and  covered  with  llime.  Ver.  13.  In  the  ftxlh  hun¬ 
 dredth  a7id  lira  year.  That  is,  of  Noah’s  life.  The  Septuagint  adds,  in  the  firll 
 month,  in  the  lirft  day  of  the  month  ;  fo  that  it  was  the  firft  day  of  the  yeai-, 
 jiew-year’s  day  :  and  a  joyful  one  it  was  to  Noah  and  his  family  when  they  law 
 drv  -around,  which  they  had  not  feen  for  above  ten  months  Ver.  17.  Multiply 
 viLt  the  earth.  It  has  been  a  queftion  how  the  creatures  which  were  only  in  Afia 
 at  their  comin"-  out  of  the  ark,  could  fpread  themfelves  all  over  the  earth  ;  par¬ 
 ticularly  how  they  could  get  into  the  illands,  and  efpecially  into  America.  In- 
 Read  of  adopting  any  of  the  uncertain  conjedtures  which  this  queftion  has  given 
 rife  to,  let  us  confider.  What  is  it  the  power  and  povidence  of  God  cannot  do  ? 
 Ver  20  And  Noah  builded  an  altar  unto  the  Lord.  Not  an  houfe  for  himlelf 
 and ’family,  but  an  altar  for  God  ;  his  firft  and  greateft  concern  was  for  the  glory 
 of  God,  and  not  his  own  temporal  good.  Ver-  21 .  The  Lorclfmelled  a  fweet  Ja- 
 vour  From  the  purity  of  the  intention,  not  from  the  facnfice  itfelf,  or  from  the 
 facrifice  only  as  it  refpe^ed  the  atonement  of  Mefliah.  J W7ll  not  again  curfe  the 
 srou7pl  for  man's  fake  for  the  imagmation  of  man’s  heart  is  evil  from  his  youth. 
 The  finfulnels  of  mankind,  which  was  a  reafon  for  deftroymg  the  eaith  by  the 
 Rood,  is  here  mentioned  as  the  reafon  why  it  will  be  deftroyed  no  more. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  IX.  Ver.  1.  And  God  blejfed  JS,oah, 
 
 jVba/i  replcnisheth  the  World, 
 
 14  5  And  it  (hall  come  to'pafs,  when  I  bring  a  cloud 
 over  the  earth,  that  the  bow  (hall  be  feen  in  the  cloud, 
 
 15  And  I  will  remember  my  covenant,  which  « 
 between  me  and  you,  and  every  living  creature  of  all  g  Eccius. 
 flefti ;  and  the  waters  (hall  no  more  become  a  flood 
 deflroy  all  fleflh. 
 
 16  And  the  bow  (hall  be  in  the  cloud  ;  and  I  will 
 look  upon  it,  that  I  may  remember  the  everlafting 
 covenant  between  God  and  every  living  creature  of 
 all  flelh  that  is  upon  the  earth. 
 
 17  And  God  faid  unto  Noah,  This  is  the  token  of 
 the  covenant,  which  I  have  eftabliflied  between  me 
 and  all  flefh  that  is  upon  the  earth. 
 
 IS  H  And  the  fons  of  Noah,  that  went  forth  of  the  2347. 
 ark,  were  Shem,  and  Ham,  and  Japheth :  and  Ham 
 is  the  father  off  Canaan.  f  iieb. 
 
 19  Thefe  are  the  three  fons  of  Noah  ;  and  of  them  chenaaok 
 was  the  whole  earth  overfpread. 
 
 20  %  And  Noah  began  to  he  an  hufbandman,  and  he 
 planted  a  vineyard : 
 
 21  And  he  drank  of  the  wine,  and  was  drunken  ; 
 and  he  was  uncovered  within  his  tent. 
 
 22  And  Ham,  the  father  of  Canaan,  faw  the  naked- 
 nels  of  his  father,  and  told  his  two  brethren  without. 
 
 23  And  Shem  and  Japheth  took  a  garment,  and 
 laid  it  upon  both  their  (boulders,  and  went  backw’ard, 
 and  covered  the  nakednefs  of  their  father  :  and  their 
 faces  were  backward,  and  they  faw  not  their  father’s 
 nakednefs. 
 
 24  And  Noah  awoke  from  his  wine,  and  knew  what  ' 
 his  younger  Ion  had  done  unto  him. 
 
 25  And  he  faid.  Curled  he  Canaan ;  a  fervant  of 
 fervants  (ball  he  be  unto  his  brethren. 
 
 26  And  he  faid,  Bleffed  he  the  Lord  God  of  Shem  ; 
 
 and  Canaan  (hall  be  l|  his  fervant.  II  Or, 
 
 27  God  (ball  ||  enlarge  Japheth,  and  he  (ball 
 
 in  the  tents  of  Shem  ;  and  Canaan  (ball  be  his  fervaur.  n'or, 
 
 28  ^  And  Noah  lived  after  the  flood  three  hundred  persuade, 
 and  fifty  years. 
 
 29  And  all  the  days  of  Noah  were  nine  hundred 
 and  fifty  years :  and  he  died.* 
 
 The  blefiing  pronounced  upon  Noah  and  his  pofterity  is  renewed  by  this  vaft  be- 
 queft  and  legacy,  no  lets  than  univerful  poll'effion  and  dominion  of  tlie  new 
 earth.  The  Hood  was  the  penalty  of  non-allegiance ;  w  hereas,  by  this  renewal 
 of  leafe  and  tenure,  the  curfe  on  the  old  territory  of  man  was  fully  accompliftied, 
 and  man  made  a  free  tenant  again.  Ver.  4.  But  f  eft,  with  the  life  thereof,  which 
 is  the  blood.  This  precept  is  chiefly  written  or  delivered  to  inlpire  a  due  fenfe 
 of  tendernefs  to  the  blood  of  the  animals,  as  the  grancj  prefervative  againll 
 murder,  with  all  its  train  of  human  facrifice.  Ver.  6.  ll'hofp  jheddelh  man’s  blood 
 by  man  fall  his  blood  be  fed.  That  is,  he  that  is  guilty^  #  a  wilful  murder, 
 Ihall  furely  be  put  to  death  by  order  of  the  civil  magillrate;  for  this  is  but  the 
 law  of  retaliation,  a  juft  and  equitable  one,  blood  for  blood,  or  life  for  life. 
 In  the  image  of  God.  The  reafon  of  the  above  law  is  enforced  by  tlie  confidera- 
 tion,  that  man  was  made  in  the  image  of  God,  which,  tliough  fadly  defaced  and 
 obliterated  by  fin,  yet  there  are  fuch  remains  of  it,  as  render  man  more  efpecially 
 the  ol)je(5l  of  the  care  and  providence  of  God,  and  gave  him  a  fuperiority  to 
 other  creatures.  Ver  13.  /  do  fet  my  bow  in  the  cloud.  Here  the  Almighty 
 makes  a  natural  and  beautiful  plieuomenon,  feen  over  the  whole  habitable  world, 
 a  token  of  his  covenant  with  the  whole  race  of  mankind,  that  he  would  no  more 
 deftroy  the  earth,  and  cut  off  the  creatures  in  it  by  a  flood.  The  r.iinbow  is  alfo 
 a  fign  of  tlie  covenant  of  mercy  with  his  church,  Ezek.  i.  28.  Rev.  x.  1.  Ver.  14. 
 When  I  bring  a  cloud  over  the  earth,  the  bow  fall  be  feen  in  the  cloud.  The  ap¬ 
 pearance  of  which  tends  to  remove  thofe  fears  of  a  fecond  deluge  which  would 
 naturally  arife  upon  the  gathering  of  the  clouds  in  the  heavens.  For  when 
 
 UieLord  (h.ll  call  us  fonl,  into  tl.elclds,  o,  houfe'^ual  iu  teavens,  where  rains,  liorms,  nights,  winters  and  curfe.  II, .11  neve, 
 
 enter.  _ ^  -x  r  a  \  ™on  tlmt  tlmu  lliouldeft  be  fo  mindful  of  him,  and  bis  concerns.  May  we  always  accept 
 
 PRACTICAL  observations.-*  Chap  IX.]  are  an  heritage  and  gift  that  coineth  from 
 
 thy  favours  with  thankfulnefs,  and  obey  thy  commands  wit  i  c  leei  “  ^  *  acknowledo’e  the  gift,  and  adore  the  gracious  giver.  God  figns  and  feals 
 
 U,;  Lord.  Before  we  p»lake  of  the  Lord  s  bounty  at  our  tables,  may  we  not  fo^ot  to  T„  „„r  ..?s,  or  are  prefent  to  our  re- 
 
 "AblTouyl  we'Swter  tot  beSfaT.,cl.  hfomsT  te  heave'...  is  prtiduced  Iron,  natural  cdufes.  Mid  is  conllrufcd  folely  by  Ute  reHeaion  of 
 
Canaan  s  desCcnda^iiSf 
 
 GENESIS. 
 
 and  their  settlemmts* 
 
 CHAP.  X. 
 
 Ciiriit 
 
 1978.  ^  The  generations  of  Noah.  2  The  fons  of  Jajiheth.  6  The  fans  of  Ham. 
 
 8  Nimrod  the  frjl  monarch.  21  The  fons  of  Shem. 
 
 TVyOW  thefe  are  the  generations  of  the  (bns  of 
 Noah,  Shem,  Ham,  and  Japheth :  and  unto 
 them  were  fons  born  after  the  flood, 
 a  1  Chro.  2  H  ®  The  fons  of  Japheth  ;  Corner,  and  Magog, 
 1.  5,  &c.  and  Madai,  and  Javan,  and  Tubal,  and  Melhech,  and 
 Tiras. 
 
 3  And  the  fons  of  Comer  ;  Afhkenaz,  and  Riphath, 
 and  Togarmah. 
 
 4  And  the  fons  of  Javan;  Elifliah,  and  Tarfhifh, 
 Kittira,  and  Dodanim. 
 
 5  By  thefe  were  the  ifles  of  the  Gentiles  divided 
 in  their  lands  ;  every  one  after  his  tongue,  after  their 
 families  in  their  nations. 
 
 b  1  Chro.  6  f  And  the  fons  of  Ham  ;  Cufli,  and  Mizraim, 
 and  Phut,  and' Canaan. 
 
 7  And  the  fons  of  Cufli ;  Seba,  and  Havilah,  and 
 Sabtah,  and  Raamah,  and  Sabtecha :  and  the  fons  of 
 Raamah  ;  Shebah,  and  Dedan. 
 ter. 2218.  8  And  Cufh  begat  Nimrod:  he  began  to  be  a 
 
 mighty  one  in  the  earth. 
 
 9  He  was  a  mighty  hunter  before  the  Lord  :  where¬ 
 fore  it  is  faid.  Even  as  Nimrod  the  mighty  hunter  be¬ 
 fore  the  Lord. 
 
 »  Gr.  10  And  the  beginning  of  bis  kingdom  was  *  Babel, 
 Babylon,  and  Erech,  and  Accad,  and  Calneh,  in  the  land  of 
 Shinar. 
 
 I!  Or,  1 1  Out  of  that  land  [j  went  forth  Afhur,  and  builded 
 he  wciu  Nineveh,  and  I1  the  city  Rehoboth,  and  Calah, 
 
 12  And  Refen  between  Nineveh  and  Calah;  the 
 y  Or,  fame  is  a  great  city. 
 
 thejireets  ]3  And  Mizraim  begat  Ludira,  and  Anamim,  and 
 of  the  city.  _Lghabim,  and  Naphtuhim, 
 
 14  And  Pathruflm,  and  Cafluhim,  (out  of  whom 
 came  Ph’iiftim,)  and  Caphtorim. 
 f  Heb.  1 5  ^  And  Canaan  begat  f  Sidon  his  firfl:  born,  and 
 
 Tzidon. 
 
 they  fee  this,  it  is  a  fare  figii  the  rain  is  gone  off,  fmce  the  cloud  is  thinned  or 
 otiicrwife  the  rain-bow  could  not  appear  ;  and  a  molt  glorious  and  beautiful  fight 
 it  is,  exhibiting  luch  a  variety  of  colours,  and  in  fuch  a  pofition  and  form.  Ver. 
 21.  And  he  drank  of  the  wine  and  was  drunken.  Noah,  we  read,  had  efcaped  the 
 pollutions  of  the  world,  and  approved  his  fidelity  to  God  in  every  trying  junc¬ 
 ture  ;  and  yet  we  fee  him  here  falling  of  his  own  accord,  and  fiiamefully  over¬ 
 come  in  a  time  of  fecurity  and  peace,  when  he  had  no  temptations  to  befet  him. 
 But  perhaps,  after  all,  there  is  no  necelfity  for  impeaching  Noah’s  fobriety  ;  for 
 the  word  we  render  drunken  does  not  abfolutely  imply  a  degree  of  intoxication, 
 but  only  that  he  was  heated  by  the  liquor.  And  he  was  uncovered.  This  may 
 be  accounted  for  without  any  fiain  upon  his  modetly  ;  for  the  loofe  drefs  of  thofe 
 times  rendered  it  eafy  for  the  wind,  or  any  flight  difeompofure  of  the  body,  to 
 expofe  thofe  parts  which  nature  teaches  us  to  conceal.  Ver.  25.  Curfed  be  Ca¬ 
 naan.  It  may  feem  ftrange,  that  the  curfe,  which  properly  belonged  to  Ham 
 fhould  be  inllidled  on  his  fon  Canaan.  The  Jewilh  dodtors  are  therefore  of 
 opinion,  that  Canaan,  having  firfl;  difeovered  his  grandfather’s  nakednefs,  made 
 himfelf  merry  therewith  and  afterwards  expofed  it  to  the  fcorn  of  his  father 
 Ham.  Ver.  26.  And  he  faid,  Blef'ed  be  the  Lord  God  of  Shem.  Though  thefe 
 words  are  in  the  form  of  an  afcr.'ption  of  blelfednefs  to  God,  the  fountain  of  all 
 good,  and  by  whofe  grace  Shem  was  influenced  and  enabled  to  do  the  good  he 
 did,  for  which  the  Lord’s  name  w'as  to  be  praifed  and  blelfed ;  yet  it  includes 
 the  blefilng  of  Shem,  and  indeed  the  greateft  blefling  he  could  pofllbly  enjoy  ; 
 But  the  opinion  which  deferves  rather  to  be  adopted,  is  that  the  God  of  Shem 
 ought  to  be  interpreted  of  Chriji,  w'ho,  according  to  the  human  nature,  was  a  de- 
 feendant  of  Shem,  and  according  to  the  divine  nature,  the  God  of  Shem.  Canaan 
 ihall  be  his  'ervant.  This  was  fulfilled  in  the  times  of  Jolhua,  when  the  Ifrael- 
 
 16  And  the  Jebufite,  and  the  Amorlte,  and  the 
 
 r  ^  .  Clinlt 
 
 Girgafitc*  ^  1^2-17. 
 
 17  And  the  Hivite,  and  the  Arkite,  and  the  Sinite, 
 
 1 8  And  the  Arvadite,  and  the  Zemarite,  and  the 
 Hamathite :  and  afterward  were  the  families  of  the 
 Canaanites  fpread  abroad. 
 
 19  And  the  border  of  the  Canaanites  was  from 
 Sidon,  as  thou  comeft  to  Gerar,  unto  f  Gaza  ;  as  thou 
 peft  unto  Sodom,  and  Gomorrah,  and  Admah,  and 
 Zeboim,  even  unto  Lafha. 
 
 20  Thefe  are  the  fons  of  Ham,  after  their  families, 
 after  their  tongues,  in  their  countries,  and  in  their 
 nations. 
 
 21  5f  Unto  Shem  alfo,  the  father  of  all  the  children 
 of  Eber,  the  brother  of  Japheth  the  elder,  even  to  him 
 were  children  born. 
 
 22  The  <=  children  of  Shem  ;  Elam,  and  Afhur,  and  ^  Chro. 
 
 t  Arphaxad,  and  Lud,  and  Aram.  +  iilb 
 
 23  And  the  children  of  Aram  ;  Uz,  and  Hul,  and  ArZek. 
 
 Gether,  and  Mafh.  fimt. 
 
 24  And  Arphaxad  begat  t  Salah ;  and  Salah  begat  t 
 
 Eber.  Shelah. 
 
 25  And  unto  Eber  were  born  two  fons :  the  name  ^  Chro. 
 of  one  vaas  Peleg  ;  for  in  his  days  was  the  earth  divid- 
 
 ed  :  and  his  brother’s  name  teas  Joktan. 
 
 26  And  Joktan  begat  Almodad,  and  Sheleph,  and 
 Hazarmaveth,  and  Jerah, 
 
 27  And  Hadoram,  and  Uzal,  and  Diklah, 
 
 28  And  Obal,  and  Abimael,  and  Sheba, 
 
 29  And  Ophir,  and  Havilah,  and  Jobab :  all  thefe 
 voere  the  fons  of  Joktan. 
 
 30  And  their  dwelling  was  from  Mefha,  as  thou 
 goeft  unto  Sephar,  a  mount  of  the  eaft. 
 
 31  Thefe  are  the  fons  of  Shem,  after  their  fa¬ 
 milies,  after  their  tongues,  in  their  lands,  after  their 
 nations. 
 
 32  Thefe  are  the  families  of  the  fons  of  Noah,  after 
 their  generations,  in  their  nations  :  and  by  thefe  were 
 the  nations  divided  in  the  earth  after  the  flood.* 
 
 Ver.  5.  IJles  of  the  Gentiles.  The 
 a  country,  region  or  province  and 
 
 ites,  who  fprung  from  Shem,  conquered  the  land  of  Canaan.  Ver.  27.  God Jhall 
 enlarge  Japheth.  That  is,  God  fliall  enlarge  the  bounds  of  the  countries  pofleff- 
 ed  by  the  children  of  Japheth.  A  preditflion  wLich  was  fully  accompiiflied ;  for 
 not  only  Europe,  but  the  LeflTer  Afia,  Media,  part  of  Armenia,  Iberia,  Albania, 
 and  the  vafl  regions  towards  the  North,  fell  to  the  fliare  of  his  pofterity.  He 
 fall  dwell  in  the  tents  of  Shem.  That  is,  forae  of  the  countries  of  Shem  ihall  be 
 polTeffed  by  the  defeendants  of  Japheth. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  X. 
 word  which  we  tranflate  yics  fignifies  alfo 
 thould  have  been  fo  tranllated  here.  They  are  called'  the 'countries  of  theG^en- 
 dles,  becaufe  in  the  times  of  Mofes,  and  at  the  writing  of  this  hiflory,  they  were 
 i  inhabited  by  heathens,  and  idolaters,  ftrangers  to  the  true  religion.  Ver.  9.  Ha 
 was  a  mighty  hunter  before  the  Lord.  The  phrafe  before  the  Lonl,  is  ufed  to  ex- 
 prels  any  quality  poffefled  in  a  fuperlative  degree.  The  meaning  therefore  is  he 
 was  an  exceeding  mighty  hunter,  expert  in  the  chafe  and  deflruaion  of  wild  hearts 
 Ver.  10.  Itiseafy  to  conceivehow  Nimrod  arrived  to  the  fupreme  authority.  For 
 if  we  confider,  that  men  now  dwelt  in  tents  weakly  defended,  and  confe'quently 
 expoled  to  the  ravages  of  wild  hearts,  we  will  naturally  conclude,  that  Nimrod 
 (being  a  mighty  hunter,)  by  delivering  his  affociates  from  thefe  favage  enemies! 
 would  be  confidered  as  their  guardian  and  benetaeJor,  whence  it  was  an  eafy  tran- 
 lition  to  become  their  fovereign.  He  began  his  reign  in  the  vear  of  the  w'orld 
 1757,  and  reigned  148  ye^s  Ver.  21.  Shem  the  father  of  aU  the  children  of  Eber. 
 
 \  lhat  IS,  the  father  of  the  Hebrew  nation,  called  Eber,  Numb,  xxiv  Ver  ok 
 
 \  of  Eber.  His  name  was  called  Pele^, 
 
 which  implies  dmfion,  becaufe  about  the  time  of  his  birth,  the  great  difperCon  ts 
 I  mankind  related  in  the  fucceeding  chapter  happened. 
 
 Jefus,  the  Son  of  Righteoufnefs,  fits  with  the  rain-bow  round  about  his  throne,  and  therefore  his  people  are  i5(fe  from  fear  of 
 
The  building  of  Baleh 
 
 GENESIS. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 2247. 
 
 The  calling  of  Ahram, 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 CHAP.  XT. 
 
 1  One  language  in  the  U'orld.  4  2Vte  building  of" Sahel.  5  Theconfufton 
 of  tongues.  10  The  generations  qfSheni.  27  The  generations  of  Terah 
 the  father  of  Abram.  31  Terah  goethfrom  Ur  to  Haran,  and  dieth  there. 
 
 And  the  whole  earth  was  of  one  f  language,  and 
 of  one  t  fpeech, 
 
 2  And  it  came  to  pafs,  as  they  journeyed  from  the 
 ealf,  that  they  found  a  plain  in  the  land  of  Shinar ; 
 and  they  dwelt  there. 
 
 3  %  And  f  they  faid  one  to  another,  Go  to,  let  us 
 make  brick,  and  burn  them  thoroughly.  And  they 
 wighbour,  brick  for  ftone,  and  flime  had  they  for  mortar, 
 t  Heb.  4  And  they  faid.  Go  to,  let  us  build  us  a  city,  and  a 
 lurnthem  tower  whofe  top  m'ty  reach  unto  heaven  ;  and  let  us 
 Xit  ^  name  lefi;  we  be  fcattered  abroad  upon  the 
 
 face  of  the  whole  earth. 
 
 5  And  the  Lord  came  down  to  fee  the  city  and  the 
 tower,  which  the  children  of  men  builded. 
 
 6  And  the  Lord  faid,  Behold  the  people  is  one, 
 and  they  have  all  one  language ;  and  this  they  begin 
 to  do  :  and  now  nothing  will  be  reftrained  from  them 
 which  they  have  imagined  to  do. 
 
 7  Go  to,,  let  us  go  down,  and  there  confound  their 
 language,  that  they  may  not  underftand  one  another’s 
 fpeech. 
 
 8  So  the  Lord  fcattered  them  abroad  from  thence 
 upon  the  face  of  all  the  earth  ;  and  they  left  off  to 
 build  the  city. 
 
 '  9  Therefore  is  the  name  of  it  called  ||  Babel ;  ®  be- 
 
 the  language  ol 
 
 all  the  earth  :  and  from  thence  did  the  Lord  fcatter 
 
 1.  17. 
 
 2346. 
 
 2311. 
 
 |]  That  is. 
 
 caufe  the  Lord  did  there  confound 
 
 a  Wifdi 
 
 10,  5. 
 
 them  abroad  upon  the  face  of  all  the  earth, 
 b  1  Chro.  10  ^  ^  Thefe  are  the  generations  of  Shem  :  Shem 
 tecs  an  hundred  years  old,  and  begat  Arphaxad  two 
 years  after  the  flood. 
 
 1 1  And  Shem  lived,  after  he  begat  Arphaxad,  five 
 hundred  years,  and  begat  fons  and, daughters. 
 
 12  And  Arphaxad  lived  five  and  thirty  years,  and 
 begat  Salah. 
 
 13  And  Arphaxad  lived,  after  he  begat  Salah,  four 
 hundred  and  three  years,  and  begat  fons  and  daughters. 
 
 14  And  Salah  lived  thirty  years,  and  begat  Eber. 
 
 15  And  Salah  lived,  after  he  begat  Eber,  four  hun¬ 
 dred  and  three  years,  and  begat  fons  and  daughters. 
 
 16  *=  And  Eber  lived  four  and  thirty  years,  and 
 begat  ^  Peleg 
 
 17  And  Eber  lived,  after  he  begat  Peleg,  four  hun¬ 
 dred  and  thirty  years,  and  begat  fons  and  daughters. 
 
 2281. 
 2247. 
 c  1  Chro. 
 1.  19. 
 d  CaUed, 
 L.uke 
 8.  3S. 
 Pkalec. 
 221 7i 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chaf.  XI.  Ver.  D  Of  one  language.  The 
 language  then  univerfally  fpoken,  was  that  ufed  by  Adam  from  whom  it 
 might  be  eafily  communicated  to  Methufelah,  and  from  him  to  his  grandfon 
 Noah,  who  propagated  it  among  his  pofterity  to  this  time.  Ver.  3. 
 fooner  fixed  on  a  place  to  fettle  in,  but  they  determined  to  render  it  r^arkable  to 
 future  ages,  by  building  a  ftrong  city,  and  in  it  a  vaft  high  tower,  which  fliould  be 
 tSe  wonder  of  the  world.  Ver.  5.  T/i.  Lord  came  to.  Not  locally  or  vifi- 
 bly,  being  immenfe,  omniprefent,  and  invifible  ;  but  this  is  fpoken  after  the  -an- 
 *ier  of  men  and  only  fignifies  that  he  obferved  their  works,  and  knew  the  inten¬ 
 tion  of  their  heai  ts.  This  and  fimilar  expreffions  are  ufed  when  ^od  is  about^o 
 make  any  fignal  difplay  of  his  perfeaions;  particularly  of  his  infinite  know¬ 
 ledge  o/the^world,  of  his  love  of  righteoufnefs  and  hatred  of  iniquit}',  fee  chap. 
 vI  4  12  13.  Pfal.  ix.  12.  Ver.  7.  Let  us  go  down  a7id  confound  their  language. 
 
 Not  that’ every  man  had  a  diftinft  language  given  him,  for  then  there  could  have 
 been  no  fociety  or  converfe  in  the  world  ;  but  one  was  given  to  each  family,  oi 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift, 
 
 2217. 
 
 2183. 
 e  Luke 
 
 18  And  Peleg  lived  thirty  years,  and  begat  Reu. 
 
 19  And  Peleg  lived,  after  he  begat  Reu,  two  hun¬ 
 dred  and  nine  years,  and  begat  Ions  and  daughters. 
 
 20  And  Reu  lived  two  and  thirty  years,  and  begat 
 ®  Serug. 
 
 21  And  Reu  lived,  after  he  begat  Serug,  two  hun-  ** 
 dred  and  feven  years,  and  begat  fons  and  daughters. 
 
 22  And  Serug  lived  thirty  years,  and  begat  Nahor.  2155. 
 
 23  And  Serug  lived,  after  he  begat  Nahor,  two  hun¬ 
 dred  years,  and  bept  fons  and  daughters. 
 
 24  And  Nahor  lived  nine  and  twenty  years,  and 
 
 begat  ^  Terah.  ^  ^4^° 
 
 25  And  Nahor  lived,  after  he  begat  Terah  an  hun-rw. 
 dred  and  nineteen  years,  and  begat  fons  and  daughters, 
 
 26  And  Terah  lived  feventy  years,  and  s  begat  ^ 
 
 Abram,  Nahor,  and  Haran.  rchro. 
 
 27  f  Now  thefe  are  the  generations  of  Terah  ;  1. 
 
 Terah  begat  Abram,  Nahor,  and  Haran  ;  and  Haran 
 begat  Lot. 
 
 28  And  Haran  died  before  his  father  Terah  in  the 
 land  of  his  nativity,  in  Ur  of  the  Chaldees. 
 
 29  And  Abrann  and  Nahor  took  them  wives  ;  the  ■ 
 name  of  Abram’s  wife  xvas  Sarai ;  and  the  name  of 
 Nahor’s  wife  Milcah,  the  daughter  of  Haran,  the 
 father  of  Milcah,  and  the  father  of  Ilcah. 
 
 30  But  Sarai  was  barren  ;  (he  had  no  child. 
 
 31  t  And  Terah  took  Abram  his  fon,  and  Lot  the 
 Ton  of  Haran,  his  foil’s  fon,  and  Sarai  his  daughter-in- 
 law,  his  fon  Abram’s  wife  ;  and  they  went  forth  with 
 them  from  Ur  of  the  Chaldees,  to  go  into  the  land  of  i>  Nch. 
 Canaan ;  and  they  came  unto  Haran>  and  dwelt  there. 
 
 32  And  the  days  of  Terah  were  two  hundred  and 
 
 five  years:  and  Terah  died  in  Haran.*  Aa's7.8. 
 
 CHAP.  XII.  1921. 
 
 1  God  calleth  Abrani  and  hkjJ'lh  him  with  a  promise  of  Chrijl;  4  hedepart- 
 eth  from  Haran  ;  6  hejourneyeth  through  Canaan  ;  1 0  he  is  driven  by  a 
 famine  into  Egypt;  11  he  denieth  his  wife ;  14  Pharaoh  taketh  her,  i^c. 
 
 NOW  the  ^  Lord  had  faid  unto  Abram,  Get  thee  a  Aas 
 out  of  thy  country,  and  from  thy  kindred,  and 
 from  thy  father’s  houfe  unto  a  land  that  I  will  (hew 
 thee : 
 
 2  And  I  will  make  of  thee  a  great  nation,  and  I  wi'l 
 blefs  thee,  and  make  thy  name  great ;  and  thou  (halt 
 be  a  bleffing  :  i, 
 
 3  And  I  will  blefs  them  that  blefs  thee,  and 
 him  that  curfeth  thee  :  and  in  thee  fliall  all 
 of  the  earth  be  bleflTed.  3  25. 
 
 4  U  So  Abram  departed,  as  the  Lord  had  fpoken  Cai.  s.s. 
 
 Chap. 
 
 curfe  18. 18.  &  - 
 families 
 
 Acts 
 
 rather  to  as  many  families  as  conftituted  a  nation  or  colony  defigned  for  the 
 fame  habitation.  We  have  here  an  'account  of  a  tranfadlion  which  has  greatly 
 perplexed  the  heathen  philofophers,  namely,  how  mankind  came  to  fpeak  fuch 
 a  multiplicity  of  languages.  Ver.  8.  And  they  left  off  to  build  the  city.  It  how¬ 
 ever  long  remained  a  monument  of  human  vanity.  Herodotus,  who  viewed  this 
 ftrudlure  attentively,  tells  us,  that  it  was  a  fquare  of  a  furlong  on  each  fide,  and 
 confequently  half  a  mile  in  circumference.  The  height  was  equal  to  the  circum¬ 
 ference  of  the  bafe,  and  divided  into  eight  towers,  built  one  upon  another ;  but 
 probably  what  made  it  appear  like  eight  towers,  was  the  manner  of  its  afeent,  which 
 was  a  circular  or  winding  way  carried  round  the  outfide  of  the  building  to  its 
 higheft  poiiiti  In  this  condition  continued  the  tower  of  Babel  or  temple  of  Belus 
 until  the  time  of  Nebuchadnezzar,  who  furrounded  it  with  vali  buildings,  and  en- 
 clofed  the  whole  with  a  w-all  of  two  miles  and  a  half  in  compafs,  in  which  were 
 feveral  gates  leading  to  the  temple,  all  of  folid  brafs. 
 
 explanatory  NOTES.  Chap.  'Kll.'V er.l. TheLordhad  saidunto  Abram  ; 
 
 - /vT^CTn?VATTn>JS_»  Thaf  XIl  Deeply  fliould  it  affea  us,  that  we  find  the  ferpent’s  feed  fo  harmonioufly  aclive  in  wickednefs,  while 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVAT  .  1  hnlinpfs  So  little  had  the  deluge  left  upon  the  human  mind,  that  inftead  of  being  humbled,  they  unite  in 
 
 the  children  of  promife  are  ^  rod  in  future  God  does  not  always  flop  the  finner  in  the  beginning  of  his  mad  career,  but  allows  him  to 
 
 contriving  a  plan  to  Ind  us  call. ff  his  bands  and  break  his  cords  afund%”  they  are  only  forging  their  own  chains, 
 
 go  on  and  profper.  effeSd  the  difperfion  of  mankind  ;  the  miraculous  gift  of  tongues  in  the  day  of  Peiitecoft  has  contri- 
 
 o  Je S:  I ™  «nde„  .r  .u.  a.,  .r  ..ms  of  B.b.i ,  .„d  foms  U, 
 
 JTalm  Ixxvi.  10,  “  Surely  the  wrath  ef  man  lhall  praife  thee. 
 
pJi((raoJi  iaJcetTi  Sarai  into  his  house* 
 
 genesis. 
 
 'Abram  and  Lot  return  out  of  Egypt. 
 
 I?  s  fore 
 Chrilt 
 1921. 
 
 C  Chap. 
 13.  15. 
 d  Chap. 
 13.  4. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 in  going 
 and  jour¬ 
 neying. 
 
 1921. 
 
 cir.  1920. 
 
 unto  him  ;  and  Lot  went  with  him :  and  Abram  xms 
 feventy  and  five  years  old  when  he  departed  out  of 
 Haran. 
 
 5  And  Abram  took  Sarai  his  wire,  and  Lot  his 
 brother’s  fon,  and  all  their  fubftance  that  they  had 
 gathered,  and  the  fouls  that  they  had  gotten  in  Haran  ; 
 and  they  went  forth  to  go  into  the  land  of  Canaan  : 
 and  into  the  land  of  Canaan  they  came. 
 
 6  H  And  Abram  pafied  through  the  land  unto  the 
 
 place  of  Sichem,  unto  the  plain  of  Moreh.  And  the 
 Canaanite  "was  then  in  the  land.  ,  r  -  j 
 
 7  And  the  Lord  appeared  unto  Abram,  and  laid, 
 «  Unto  thy  feed  will  1  give  this  land  :  and  there  builded 
 he  an  ^  altar  unto  the  Lord,  who  appeared  unto  him. 
 
 8  And  he  removed  from  thence  unto  a  mountain  on 
 the  eaft  of  Beth-el,  and  pitched  his  tent,  having  Beth-el 
 on  the  weft,  and  Hai  on  the  eaft  ;  and  there  he  budd¬ 
 ed  an  altar  unto  the  Lord,  and  called  upon  the  name 
 
 of  the  Lord.  , 
 
 9  And  Abram  journeyed,  t  going  on  ftill  toward 
 
 the  fouth.  .  .  .  ,  1  1  j 
 
 10  H  And  there  was  a  famine  in  the  land:  and 
 
 Abram  went  down  into  Egypt  to  fojourn  there  ;  for 
 the  famine  was  grievous  in  the  land. 
 
 1 1  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  he  was  coine  near 
 to  enter  into  Egypt,  that  he  faid  unto  Sarai  his  wife, 
 Behold  now,  I  know  that  thou  art  a  fair  woman  to 
 
 look  upon.  „  ,  ^  ^ 
 
 12  Therefore  it  ftiall  come  to  pals,  when  the  Egyp¬ 
 tians  (hall  fee  thee,  that  they  ftiall  fay,  This  is  his  wife  ; 
 and  they  will  kill  me,  but  they  will  fave  thee  alive. 
 
 13  Say,  T  pray  thee,  thou  art  my  fifter  ;  that  it  tnay 
 be  well  with  me  for  thy  fake ;  and  my  foul  (hall  live 
 becaufe  of  thee. 
 
 14  H  And  it  came  to  pafs,  that,  when  Abram  was 
 come  unto  Egypt,  the  Egyptians  beheld  the  woman, 
 
 that  fhe  was  very  fair.  ,  ^  ,  , 
 
 15  The  princes  alio  of  Pharaoh  faw  her,  and  com- 
 mended  her  before  Pharaoh :  and  the  woman  was 
 taken  into  Pharaoh’s  honfe. 
 
 16  And  he  entreated  Abram  well  for  her  lake : 
 and  he  had  fheep,  and  oxen,  and  he-affes,  and  men- 
 fervants,  and  maid-lervants,  and  fhe-afles,  and  camels. 
 
 Before 
 
 Clii'ilt 
 
 1920. 
 
 17  And  the  Lord  plagued  Pharaoh  and^his  houfe 
 with  great  plagues  becaule  of  Sarai,  Abram’s  wit^e. 
 
 18  And  Piiaraoh  called  Abram,  and  faid,  v\  hat  is 
 this  that  thou  haft  done  unto  me  ?  why  didft  thou  not 
 
 tell  me  that  (he  xms  thy  wife  ?  r  r  •  u 
 
 19  Why  faidft  thou,  She  is  my  fifter?  lo  1  might 
 have  taken  her  to  me  to  wife :  now,  therefore,  behold 
 thy  wife,  lake  ker^  and  go  thy  way. 
 
 20  And  Pparaoh  commanded  his  men  concerning 
 him  :  and  they  fent  him  away,  and  his  wife,  and  all 
 that  he  had.* 
 
 CHAP.  XIII. 
 
 I  Ahram  and  Lot  return  nut  of  Egypt :  7  by  difagreement  of  their  herd- 
 men  they  part  oftnder,  lO  Lot  goetli  to  wicked  Sodom.  24  God  re- 
 ncwcththe  iiromife  to  Abram;  18  he  removeth  to  Hebron,  and  there 
 buildcth  an  altar.  j  u  • 
 
 ND  Abram  v.^ent  out  of  Egypt,  he,  and  his 
 _ wife,  and  all  that  he  had,  and  Lot  with  him, 
 
 into  the  fouth.  .  ,  .  r,  ^  rr  i 
 
 2  And  Abram  teas  very  rich  f  in  cattle,  m  Clver,  t 
 
 and  in  gold.  .  r  u 
 
 3  And  he  went  on  his  journey  from  the  fouth  even 
 to  Beth-el,  unto  the  place  w^here  hjs  tent  had  been  at 
 the  beginning,  between  Beth-el  and  Hai ; 
 
 4  Unto  the  "  place  of  the  altar,  wEich  he  had  made^  Cbap. 
 there  at  the  firft :  and  there  Abram  called  on  the  name  -  '* 
 of  the  Lord. 
 
 5  And  Lot  alfo,  which  went  with  Abram,  had  nocks, 
 and  herds,  and  tents. 
 
 6  And  the  land  was  not  able  to  bear  them,  that 
 they  might  dwell  together  :  for  their  fubftance  was 
 great,  fo  that  they  could  not  dwell  together. 
 
 7  H  And  there  was  a  ftrife  between  the  herdmen  of 
 Abram’s  cattle  and  the  herdmen  of  Lot’s  cattle.  And 
 the  Canaanite  and  the  Perizzite  dwelt  then  in  the  land. 
 
 8  And  Abram  faid  unto  Lot,  Let  there  be  no  ftrife, 
 
 I  pray  thee,  between  me  and  thee,  and  between  my 
 herdmen  and  thy  herdmen  ;  for  we  be  f  brethren.  t  Heb. 
 
 9  ts  not  the  whole  land  before  thee  ?  Separate  thy-  ^ 
 felf,  I  pray  thee,  from  me :  if  t/ion  wilt  take  the  left 
 
 J  hand,  then  I  will  go  to  the  right ;  or  if  thou  depart  to 
 the  right  hand,  then  I  will  go  to  the  left. 
 
 10  ^  And  Lot  lifted  up  his  eyes,  and  beheld  all  the 
 plain  of  Jordan,  that  it  was  well  watered  every  where. 
 
 1917, 
 
 That  is,  the  Almighty  had  revealed  himfelf  to  Abram, ^  bef^-j.ps  father  s 
 death,  while  he  lived  in  Ur  of  the  Chaldeans;  but  probably  it  vyAS  liy  a  voice,  the 
 Shechinah  or  fymbol  of  the  divine  prelence  ;  for  Stephen  exprefsly  fays,  The  God 
 of  glory  ai>j)earcd  Unto  him  before  he  dwelt  in  Haran,  A6ls  vii.  Get  thee  out. 
 As  the  Lord  did  not  fliew  him  whither  he  was  to  go,  the  readmefs  with  which 
 
 he  complied  added  to  the  value  of  his  faith,  as  appears  from  Heb.  xi.  3.  He  went 
 out,  not  knowing  ivhither  he  ivent.  Ver.  3.  And  I  lodl  hlfs  them  that 
 All  men  of  all  nations,  and  of  every  age,  that  fpeak  well  of  him,  commend  him 
 for  his  faith  and  holinefs,  and  tread  in  his  Heps  ;  thefe  are  Ucjfcd  with 
 Abraham,  Gal.  ii.  7,  9.  And  in  thee  fiall  all  fannlm  of  the  earth 
 That  is,  in  him  as  the  father  of  the  faithful,  and  in  his  feed,  as  in  chap.  xxii.  18. 
 Which  is  interpreted  of  Chrift,  Afls  Hi.  25.  Gal.  Hi.  26.  meaning  not  every  uv 
 dividual  of  all  the  families  or  nations  of  the  earth,  but  that  as  manj  as  believe  m 
 Chrift  of  all  nations,  are  bleffed  in  him,  and  only  in  him,  and  for  Ins  Hike,  with 
 all  fpiritual  blelTings,  (Eph.  i.  3  )  Ver.  7.  Unto  thy  feed.  Abram,  at  Ins  firft 
 leaving  his  father’s  houfe,  entirely  religned  lumfelf  to  the  difpofal  of  heaven, 
 without  knowing  whither  he  was  to  go.  When  he  was  come  into  the  land  of 
 Canaan,  his  faith  was  rewarded  by  God,  with  a  further  revelation  O^iis  will, 
 Ver.  8.  And  called  uiwn  the  name  of  the  Lord.  Prayed  unto  him  for  frelh  mercies^ 
 as  well  as  gave  thanks  for  paft  ones.  Or,  he  called  upon  the  name  of  the  Lord;  ftiat 
 is,  he  called  upon  Jehovah  the  Father,  in  the  name  of  his  Son,  the  glorious  Media- 
 
 tor,  who  had  appeared  to  him,  and  whofe  day  he  fate  afar  off  and  was  glad-. 
 Ver.  10.  Canaan  was  a  very  fruitful  country,  ufually  abounding  with  all  kinds  of 
 provifions ;  but  now  there  happened  to  be  a  great  famine  in  the  land,  which 
 might  be  both  for  the  fins  of  the  inhabitants,  and  for  the  trial  of  Abram’s  faith. 
 JFcnt  down  into  Egyfd  to  fojourn  there.  Not  to  dwell  there,  but  only  till  the 
 famine  was  over.  Ver.  13.  Say,  I  pray  thee,  thou  art  my  fifer.  This,  though  it 
 was  not  putting  a  dire(5l  lie  into  her  mouth,  Ihe  being  his  fifter  in  fome  fenfe,  as 
 appears  from  chap.  xx.  12.  yet  it  was  done  to  conceal  truth,  and  to  deceive  tlie 
 Egyptians,  and  tended  to  endanger  his  wife’s  chaftity,  as  well  as  fhewed  great 
 tinioroufnefs  in  him,  and  diftnift  of  the  divine  care  and  prote<5lion  of  him ;  fo  that 
 upon  the  whole  he  cannot  be  vindicated  as  innocent.  Ver.  17.  Pharaoh  and  his 
 courtiers  were  fmitten  becaufe  they  had  taken  Sarai,  and  detained  her  in  Pha¬ 
 raoh’s  houfe,  and  defigned  to  make  her  his  wife  or  concubine.  Ver.  1 8.  Pharaoh, 
 having  fomehow  come  to  the  knowledge  that  Sarai  was  not  Abraham’s  lifter, 
 but  his  wife,  fent  for  him,  and  juftly,  though  gently,  reproved  him,  faying,  “  What 
 is  this  that  thou  haft  done  unto  me,  to  impofe  upon  me,  and  deceive  me  in  tliis 
 manner,  by  giving  out  that  (lie  is  thy  fifter,  when  yet  flie  is  thy  wife.” 
 
 EXPI.ANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XIII.  Ver.  2.  Abram  was  very  rich 
 in  fpiritual  things,  in  faith  and  all  the  other  graces,  and  was  an  heir  of  the' 
 kingdom  of  heaven  ;  and  in  temporal  things,  as  it  is  fometimes  the  lot  of  good 
 men  to  be,  though  but  rarely,  at  leaft  to  be  exceeding  rich,  as  Abram  was 
 
 PTJ  A  PTTC  AT  ORSEllVATIONS _ *  Chap.  XII.]  HoW  ready  and  cheerful  ought  our  obedience  to  be,  when  God  plainly  calls  and  powerfully  encourages 
 
 PKAC 1  ^  obferve  the  patriarch’s  ready  faith  to  obey  God’s  call.  .  He  will  not  fuffer  his  people  to  lake  up  their  reft  any  where  ftiort  of  heaven  !  Behold 
 
 vith  which  we  are  called  to  follow  Jefus  in  the  regoneration.  ^  Learn  in  the  condua  of  Abram  the  duty  of  Cvei-y  faithful  foul.  He  give* 
 
 renounces 
 
 his  houfe,  liomc,  kindred,  and  relations: 
 
 and  by  faith  becomes  the  follower  of  them  who 
 Their  names  ftiall  be  enrolled  in  the  book  of  lifei 
 
 to  it !  We  may  1 
 
 the  many  precious  invitations  wi  ,  r  i  .  ■ 
 
 up  all,  and  is  entirely  guided  ’pjjg  ijgjyg  ],:s  faith  like  Abram  (liall  inherit  the  blefiing. 
 
 ^w  and  angi  v  with  their  enemies.  His  wife  and  nephew'  accompany  him.  Thole  who  have  one  hope  will  follow  one  wav  ;  and  rejoice 
 
 i^'the'^cmuuanv'of'the  godly  wliile  they  continue  Tojourners  in  the  wildernefs  of  this  world.  May  thou.  Lord,  grant  us  freiiuent  vifits  of  thy  love,  that  in  whatevei 
 ftraits  oJ  tSs  we  may  be  placed,  we  may  prefer  thy  prelence  before  every  earthly  enjoymenU 
 
 Lio.  E) 
 
Cod  reneu'dh  his  promise  to  Ahram^ 
 
 cjnhi  Lord  deflroyed  Sodom  and  Gomorrah, 
 
 cir.  1917.  ss  the  garden  of  the  Lord,  like  the  land  of 
 Egypt^  as  thou  comeft  unto  Zoar. 
 
 1 1  Then  Lot  choofe  him  all  the  plain  of  Jordan  and 
 Lot  journeyed  eaft :  and  they  feparated  themfelves 
 the  one  from  the  other. 
 
 12  Abram  dwelt  in  the  land  of  Canaan,  and  Lot 
 dwelt  in  the  cities  of  the  plain,  and  pitched  /ds  tent 
 toward  Sodom. 
 
 1 3  But  the  men  of  Sodom  xcere  wicked  and  finners 
 before  the  Lord  exceedingly. 
 
 14  H  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  Abram,  after  that! 
 Lot  was  feparated  from  him,  Lift  up  now  thine  eyes, 
 and  look  from  the  place  w’here  thou  art,  northward, 
 
 ,  and  fouthward,  and  eaftward.  and  weftward  ; 
 
 12.7!^  Eor  all  the  land  which  thou  feeft,  to  thee  will 
 
 &  26.’ 4.  Igive  it,  and  to  thy  Led  for  ever 
 Deut.  16  And  1  will  make  thy  feed  as  the  duft  of  the 
 34.  4.  earth  ;  fo  that  if  a  man  can  number  the  dull;  of  the 
 
 earth,  then  fliall  thy  feed  alfo  be  numbered. 
 
 17  Arife,  walk  through  the  land,  in  the  length  of  it, 
 and  in  the  breadth  of  it :  for  I  will  give  it  unto  thee. 
 
 18  H  Then  Abram  removed  his  tent,  and  came  and 
 
 >  Heb.  in  the  f  plain  of  Harare,  which  is  in  Hebron, 
 
 CHAP.  XIV. 
 
 1  The  battle  of  four  kings  againjl  five.  12  I.ot  is  taken  prifoner ;  14 
 
 ylbram  rescueth  him,  1 8  Melchixcdek  hi fieth  Abram.  20  Abram 
 
 giveth  him  tithes  i  22  The  refi  of  the  fpoil,  his  partners  having  had  their 
 
 portions,  he  refioreth  to  the  king  of  Sodom. 
 
 'clr.  1917.  A  ND  it  came  to  pafs,  in  the  days  of  Amraphel  king 
 jfX  of  Shinar,  Arioch  king  of  ElalTar,  Chedorlao- 
 mer  king  of  Elam,  and  Tidal  king  of  nations ; 
 
 2  Fhat  these  made  war  with  Bera  king  of  Sodom, 
 and  with  Birfha  king  of  Gomorrah,  Shinab  king  of 
 Admah,  and  Shemebar  king  of  Zeboiim,  and  the  king 
 of  Bela,  which  is  Zoar. 
 
 3  All  thefe  were  joined  together  in  the  vale  ofSid- 
 ^  dim,  which  is  the  fait  fea. 
 
 tir.  1913.  4  Twelve  years  they  ferved  Chedorlaomer,  and  in 
 
 the  thirteenth  year  they  rebelled. 
 
 5  And  in  the  fourteenth  year  came  Chedorlaomer, 
 and  the  kings  that  were  with  him,  and  fmote  the  Re- 
 phaims  in  Afhteroth  Karnaim,  and  the  Zuzims  in  Ham, 
 !J  Of,  and  the  Emims  in  1|  Shaveh  Kiriathaim. 
 
 ^ofliria-  ^  Horites  in  their  mount  Seir,  unto  II  El- 
 
 thaim.^^’  paran,  which  is  by  the  wildernels. 
 
 ]\  Or,  7  And  they  returned  and  came  to  En-milhpat,  which 
 
 plain  of  Kadefn,  and  fmote  all  the  country  of  the  Amalekites, 
 Paraiu  Amoritcs  that  dwelt  in  Hazezon-tamar. 
 
 Ver.  4.  And  there  Abram  called  on  the  name  of  the  Lord.  See  Note  on  chap, 
 ^ii.  8.  where  the  fame  form  of  expreffion  is  ufed.  Ver.  6.  Here  may  be  noted  an 
 inconvenience  which  arifes  from  a  large  increafe  of  riches,  that  relations  and 
 friends  are  obliged  to  part,  and  cannot  dwell  together.  And  on  all  occafions,  when 
 friends  cannot  er.joy  peace  together,  it  is  wifdom  to  decide  fpeedily  on  a  friendlj 
 fejmration  ;  for  the  land  is  able  to  bear  them  ;  and  an  imprudent  delay  may  widen 
 differences,  and  produce  a  fixed  alienation  of  heart  from  each  other.  Ver.  8.  A)id 
 Abram  faid  unto  Lot,  Let  there  be  no  Jlrife,  I  pray  thee.  How  ready  was  Abram 
 to  prevent  all  kinds  of  animofities !  To  prevent  any  mifunderllahding  between 
 4)im  and  Lot,  he  propofes  a  friendly  feparation.  Nor  does  he  propofe  even  tliis, 
 witliout  adding  an  endearing  reafon,/or  we  be  brethren;  they  were  brethren  being 
 
 Lot  is  tahen  prisoner. 
 
 ^  8  And  there  went  out  the  king  of  Sodom,  and  the  Before 
 king  of  Gomorrah,  and  the  king  of  Admah,  and  the 
 king  of  Zeboiim,  and  the  king  of  Bela,  (the  fame 
 Zoar,)  and  they  joined  battle  with  them  in  the  vale 
 of  Siddim ; 
 
 9  With  Chedorlaomer  the  king  of  Elam,  and  with 
 j  Tidal  king  of  nations,  and  Amraphel  king  of  Shinar, 
 j  and  Arioch  king  of  Ellafar  ;  four  kings  with  five, 
 j  10  And  the  vale  of  Siddim  was  f  ull  of  flime  pits  ;  and 
 j  the  kings  of  Sodom  and  Gomorrah  fled,  and  fell  there; 
 land  they  that  remained  fled  to  the  mountain. 
 
 1 1  And  they  took  all  the  goods  of  Sodom  and  Go¬ 
 morrah,  and  all  the  victuals,  and  went  their  way. 
 
 12  And  they  took  Lor,  Abram’s  brother’s  fon,' 
 
 (who  dwelt  in  Sodom,)  and  his  goods,  and  departed. 
 
 13  And  there  came  one  that  had  efcaped,  and  told 
 Abram  the  Hebrew ;  for  he  dwelt  in  the  plain  of 
 Harare  the  Amorite,  brother  of  Efhcol,  and  brother 
 
 I  of  Aner  :  and  thefe  were  confederate  with  Abram. 
 
 14  If  And  when  Abram  heard  that  his  brother  was 
 taken  captive,  he  |)  armed  his  ||  trained  setvanfs,  born  II 
 in  hfe  own  houfe,  three  hundred  and  eighteen, 
 
 purfued  them  unto  Dan.  drualu" 
 
 15  And  he  divided  himfelf  againfi:  them,  he  and  his 
 fervants,  by  night,  and  fmote  them,  and  purfued  them 
 unto  Hobah,  which  is  on  the  left  hand  of  Damafcus. 
 
 16  And  he  brought  back  all  tht-  goods,  and  alfo 
 brought  again  his  brother  Lot,  and  his  goods,  and  the 
 women  alio,  and  the  people. 
 
 17  If  And  the  king  of  Sodom  went  out  to  meet  him, 
 
 (after  his  return  from  the  (laughter  of  Chedorlaomer, 
 and  of  the  kings  that  were  with  him,)  at  the  valley  of 
 Shaveh,  which  ?s  the  ®  king’s  dale.  a  eSam; 
 
 IS  And  Helchizedek  king  of  Salem,  brought  forth 
 bread  and  wine  :  and  he  was  the  pnelt  ot  the  molt  7  r' 
 high  God. 
 
 19  And  he  blefTed  him,  and  laid,  Blefled  be  Abram 
 of  the  mofl  high  God,  pofTefTor  of  heaven  and  earth  ; 
 
 20  And  bltfTed  be  the  riiofl  hign  God,  which  hath 
 delivered  thine  enemies'into  thine  hand.  And  he  gave 
 
 him  tithes  of  all.  c  Hebr. 
 
 21  f  And  the  king  of  Sodom  faid  unto  Abram,  Give^'^’ . 
 
 me  the  f  perfons.  and  take  the  goods  to  thyfelf.  ' 
 
 22  And  Abram  faid  to  the  king  of  Sodom,  I  have 
 lift  up  mine  hand  unto  the  Lord,  the  moli  high  God, 
 the  pofLflbr  of  heaven  and  earth. 
 
 23  1  hat  I  will  not  take  from  a  thread  even  to  a  fhoe- 
 iatchet,  and  that  I  will  not  take  any  thing  that  A  thine, 
 left  thou  fliouldefl;  fay,  I  have  made  Abram  rich  : 
 
 24  Save  only  that  which  the  young  men  have  eaten, 
 
 men,  fo  by  nature  all  are  brethren  ;  by  natural  relation,  Lot  being  the  fon  of  his 
 brother  Haran  ;  and  by  a  ftill  more  endearing  relation,  for  they  were  the  children 
 of  God.  Ver.  13.  The  men  of  Sodom  were  wicked,  and  finners  before  the  Lord  esc- 
 ceedingly  :  exceeding  great  finners,  guilty  of  the  moft  notorious'  crimes,  and  ad- 
 dialed  to  the  moft  Icandalous  and  unnatural  lufts  that  can  be  thoun-ht  of  -  and 
 thefe  they  continued  openly  and  publicly  in  the  light  of  God,  in  the  moft  daring 
 and  impudent  manner,  and  in  defiance  of  him,  without  any  fear  or  lhame.  Ver. 
 14,  15.  Look  from  ike  place.  Every  fuceeflive  revelation  given  to  Abram,  was  a 
 reward  of  his  piety,  and  clearer  .han  that  which  preceded.  Thus  he  now  marks 
 out  the  bounds  of  the  land,  which  he  affured  him  lliould  be  given  to  him  and  his 
 feed  for  ever.  And  thus  God  manifelts  his  love  of  righteoufnefs. 
 
 GENESIS. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  XIII.],  ,A  wealthy  man,  (though  feldom,)  may  be  a  child  of  God.  Pro'fperity  is  a  bleffmg,  when  emploved  in 
 promoting  the  caufe  of  God,  and  advancing  his  glory.  Wherevo  a  good  man  refides  it  will  be  a  place  of  prayer.  May  We  learn  from  the  condua  of  Abram  how 
 imprudent  it  is  to  indulge  in  contentions,  ftrifes,  and  jealoufies,  about  this  world’s  goods.  The  Chriftiart  had  better  be  a  loofer  tha  ftrive.  The  wifeft  ahd  beft  t 
 men  will  always  be  the  firft  to  fue  for  peace.  It  is  Often  difficult,  but  lliould  be  tried  to  bring  thofe  Who  are  in  the  wrong  to  an  accommodation.  How  fiuful  °d 
 Imprudent  it  is  for  faints  to  indulge  contention  before  a  Carnal  generation  :  Oh  ]  if  Chriftians  would  be  content  to  unite  in  love,  and  think  and  let  think  in  fmau”  r 
 Shatters,  how  much  unprofitable  and  perreVfe  difputing  vvould  be  prevented.  Though  we  might  command,  it  is  more  Chriftian  to  intreat.  After  Lot’s  feparation  ^God 
 Vifits  Abram,  and  gives  him  a  gracious  call  to  lift  up  his  eyes  and  look  from  the  place  Where  he  is.  The  limfie  is  faid  in  effedt  to  eVery  believer  He  is  called  to  Inrik 
 Vbith,  fouth,  Call,  aiid  well,  hoW  all  mercies  and  i)romife6  are  confirmed  to  the  faithful  in  Chrilt  JcniS,  “All  are  jours,”  faith  an  apofxle,  “If  ye  are  Chrift’s  ” 
 
God  promiseth  Abram  a  son. 
 
 The  promise  of  Cayiaan  reneicedy  S'C' 
 
 Before 
 
 Clirift 
 
 1913. 
 
 a  Pfalm 
 16.  5. 
 
 b  Rom. 
 4.  18. 
 c  Rom. 
 4.  3. 
 
 Gal.  6 
 James 
 2.  23. 
 
 and  the  portion  of  the  men  which  went  with  me,  Aner, 
 Eihcol,  and  Mamre  ;  let  them  take  their  portion.* 
 
 CHAP.  XV. 
 
 1  Goil  enceurageth  Abram.  2  Abram  complaineth  for  want  of  an  heir ; 
 4  Gpd  prornifeth  him  a  foyi,  and  a  mtdtiplying  f  his  feed.  6  Abram  is 
 jufified  by  faith.  7  Cayman  ispromifed  ogam,  and  conformed  by  afign. 
 
 After  thefe  things,  the  word  of  the  Lord  came 
 unto  Abram  in  a  vifion,  faying,  Fear  not  Ab¬ 
 ram  :  I  am  thy  fhield,  and  thy  exceeding  ®  great  reward. 
 
 2  And  Abram  faid,  Lord  God,  what  wilt  thou  give 
 me,  feeing  I  go  childlefs,  and  the  ileward  of  my  houfe 
 is  this  Eliezer  of  Damafeus  ? 
 
 3  And  Abram  laid,  Behold,  to  me  thou  haft  given 
 no  feed  :  and,  lo,  one  born  in  my  houfe  is  mine  heir. 
 
 4  %  And,  behold,  the  word  of  the  Lord  catne  unto 
 him  faying.  This  fhall  not  be  thine  heir ;  but  he  that 
 fhall  come  forth  out  of  thine  own  bowels  (hall  be  thine 
 heir. 
 
 5  And  he  brought  him  forth  abroad,  and  faid,  Look 
 now  toward  heaven,  and  tell  the  ftars,  if  thou  be  able 
 to  number  them.  And  he  faid  unto  him,  ^  So  fhall 
 thy  feed  be. 
 
 6  f  And  he  «  believed  in  the  Lord  ;  and  he  count- 
 s.ed  it  to  him  for  righteoufnefs. 
 
 7  II  And  he  faid  unto  him,  I  am  the  Lord  that 
 brought  thee  out  of  Ur,  of  the  Chaldees,  to  give  thee 
 this  land  to  inherit  it. 
 
 8  And  he  faid  Lord  God,  whereby  fhall  I  know 
 that  I  lhall  inherit  it  ? 
 
 9  And  he  faid  unto  him.  Take  me  an  heifer  of  three 
 years  old,  and  a  fhe-goat  of  three  years  old,  and  a  ram 
 of  three  years  old,  and  a  turtle-dove,  and  a  young 
 pigeon. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrill 
 
 1913. 
 
 GENESIS. 
 
 10  And  he  took  unto  him  all  thefe,  and  divided 
 them  in  the  midft,  and  laid  each  piece  one  againft 
 another  ;  but  the  birds  divided  he  not. 
 
 1 1  And  when  the  fowls  came  down  upon  the  car- 
 cafes,  Abram  drove  them  away. 
 
 12  f  And  when  the  fun  was  going  down,  a  deep 
 fleep  fell  upon  Abram  ;  and,  lo,  an  horror  of  great 
 darknefs  fell  upon  him. 
 
 13  And  he  faid  unto  Abram,  Know  of  a  furety 
 that  thy  feed  fliall  be  a  ftranger  in  a  land  that  is  not^ 
 
 theirs,  and  fhall  ferve  them  y  and  they  fhall  afiiift  them 
 four  hundred  years. 
 
 14  And  alfo  that  nation,  whom  they  fhall  ferve,  will 
 I  judge  ;  and  afterward  fhall  they  come  out  with  great 
 fubfiance. 
 
 15  And  thou  fhalt  go  to  thy  fathers  in  peace ;  thou 
 fhalt  be  buried  in  a  good  old  age. 
 
 16  But  in  the  fourth  generation  they  mail  come 
 hither  again  :  for  the  iniquity  of  the  Araorites  is  not 
 I  yet  full. 
 
 I  17  And  it  came  to  pafs,  that,  when  the  fun  went 
 down,  and  it  was  dark,  behold  a  fraoking  furnace,  and 
 I  f  a  burning  lamp  that  pafled  between  thofe  pieces.  t 
 
 18  In  that  fame  day  the  Lord  made  a  covenant 
 
 with  Abram,  faying,  *  Unto  thy  feed  have  I  given  e  chap. 
 this  land,  from  the  river  of  Egypt  unto  the  great  river,  12.  7.  & 
 the  river  Euphrates :  ^ 
 
 19  The  Kenites,  and  the  Kenizzites,  and  the  Kad- 
 
 monites.,  S4. 4. 
 
 20  And  the  Hittites,  and  the  Perizzites,  and  the- 
 Rephaims, 
 
 21  And  the  Amorites,  and  the  Canaanites,  and  the 
 Girgafhites,  and  the  Jebufites.f 
 
 13.  15.  Se 
 26.  4. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XIV.  Ver.  12.  Lot  being  a  neigh- ! 
 hour  of  tlie  men  of  Sodom,  and  a  fojonrner  among  them,  partakes  ofpunifliment ; 
 he  and  his  family  being  taken  captives,  and  all  his  fubftance  carried  off  by  the  in¬ 
 vaders.  Ver.  1 3.  The  word  Heber,  rendered  the  Hebrew,  fignifies,  the  fide  ;  this 
 appellation,  therefore,  was  given  by  the  Canaanites  to  Abram  and  his  family,  from 
 their  coimag  irom.  the  other  fde  of  the  river  Euphrates.  Ver.  18.  Melchizedek. 
 Various  have  been  the  opinions  of  interpreters  concerning  Melchizedek  ;  fome  of 
 whom  have  thought  him  to  be  more  than  a  mere  man,  even  the  Son  of  God  him- 
 felf;  but  he  is  inanifeftly  dillinguiflied  from  him  in  Hebr.  vii.  3.  The  true  and 
 moll  rational  opinion  feems  to  be,  that  he  was  a  Cannanitilh  prince,  a  pious  and 
 religious  man,  eminently  raifed  up  by  God,  and  whofe  genealogy  was  kept  a  fe- 
 cret°  tliat  he  might  in  his  original,  as  in  other  things,  be  a  type  of  Chrill.  Alng 
 of  Salem.  By  Salem  moll  commentators  underlland  Jerufalem,  which  is  called 
 Salem  in  Scripture  :  “  In  Salem  alfo  is  his  tabernacle,  and  his  dwelling-place  in 
 Zion.”  Some,  however,  from  its  fituation,  take  it  to  be  the  fame  place  with  Sha- 
 lem,  in  Gen.  xxxiii.  18.  and  Salim,  near  to  which  John  was  baptizing,  John  iii. 
 23.  And  he  was  the  priif.  He  was  a  priefl,  as  well  as  a  king,  and  therefore  a 
 proper  type  of  Chrill  in  his  kingly  and  priellly  ofBces,  who  is  both  a  king  and  a 
 priell  upon  his  throne.  Of  the  mof  high  God.  Melchizedek  was  a  priell,  not  any 
 of  the  Phoenician  deities,  but  of  the  true  and  living  God,  who  is  above  all  gods, 
 dwells  in  the  highell  heavens,  and  is  the  Moll  High  over  all  the  earth.  Ver.  19. 
 And  he  bl  fed  him.  This  was  one  part  of  his  office  as  a  priell,  to  wifli  and  pray 
 for  a  blelling  on  others  ;  and  herein  he  typified  Chrill,  who  bleffes  all  his  people, 
 tven  witli  fpiritual  bleffings.  Ver.  20.  And  he  gave  him  tithes  of  all  .■  that  is, 
 Abram  gave  tithes  to  Melchizedek,  not  Melchizedek  to  Abram,  fee  Heb.  vii.  4. 
 
 EXPLAN ATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XV.  Ver.  1.  Fear  not,  Abram.  Cal- 
 lino-  him  by  his  name,  the  more  to  encourage  him,  and  to  diffipate  any  fears  he 
 mi”ht  be  under,  left  the  nations  that  belonged  to  the  four  kings  he  had  con- 
 tiuered  and  flain,  lliould  recruit  their  armies,  and  come  againft  him  with  greater 
 force  to  revemre  themfolves  on  him  for  the  llaughter  of  their  countrymen  and 
 friends.  I  anUhy  field,  to  protedl  thee  againft  all  thy  enemies,  be  they  ever  fo 
 llrong  and  numerous.  The  ftiield  was  the  chief  defenlive  weapon  among  anciet  t 
 Va! .  lors.  Thy  exceeding  great  reward.  Though  he  had  generoufly  refufed  taking 
 
 '  any  reward  for  the  fenuce  he  had  done  in  refeuing  the  perfons  and  goods  carried 
 off  by  the  kings,  yet  the  Lord  would  reward  him  in  a  way  of  grace  with  greater 
 and  better  things.  Ver.  2.  And  Abram  faid,  Lord  God,  w.'iat  wilt  thou  give  me, 
 feeing  I  go  childlefs  ?  As  if  he  Ihould  fay,  “  What  fignilies  what  thou  giveft  me 
 of  temporal  bleffings,  if  thou  with-holdeft  from  me  the  blelling  of  a  child  ;  from 
 whom  it  might  be  hoped  and  believed  would  fpring  the  promifed  jMelfiali,  in 
 v»hom  all  nations  of  the  eartlr  lhall  be  blelTed?”  Ver.  6.  And  he  believed  in  the 
 Lord ;  or,  according  to  the  Targura  of  Onkelos  and  Jonathan,  “in  the  word  of 
 the  Lord,”  that  is,  in  the  elfential  word,  the  Lord,  in  Chrill,  the  Lord  hia 
 righteoufnefs.  He  believed  in  die  promiles  of  God  that  he  Ihould  have  a  feed 
 and  a  very  numerous  one.  And  he  counted  it  to  him  for  righteoufnfs.  Read,  as 
 the  bell  comment  on  this  paffage,  the  fourth  chapter  of  the  apoftle  Paul’s  epiftle 
 to  the  Romans,  efpecially  verfes  3,  10,  22,  23,  24.  Ver.  7.  He  mentions  his 
 having  brought  him  out  of  Chaldea  into  this  land  of  Canaan,  to  confirm  his  faith, 
 in  the  promifed  inheritance  of  it.  Ver.  8.  And  he  faid.  Lord  God,  whereby  fall  I 
 know  that  I  fall  inherit  it.  Not  as  queftioning  or  doubting  whether  he  Ihould  or 
 not;  but  tills  he  alked  for  the  further  confirmation  of  his  faith  in  the  promife,  and 
 for  the  fake  of  his  pofterity,  that  tliey  might  the  more  eafily  believe  that  they 
 lliould  inherit  the  land  given  and  promifed  to  them.  V’er.  9.  And  he  faid  amo 
 her.  Take  me  an  heifer.  This  with  what  follows,  is  the  lign  by  wliich  Abram 
 might  know  tliat  he,  that  is,  his  feed,  lliould  inherit  the  land  of  Canaan  ;  for  the 
 whole  is  an  emblem  of  the  Hate  and  condition  of  his  pofterity,  until  they  Ihould 
 enter  into  that  land.  Ver.  10.  And  he  divided  them  in  the  niidf  The  manner 
 of  making  a  covenant  in  thofe  days  was  to  divide  the  vi<5lim  into  two  parts,  and  to 
 lay  them  on  two  altars,  oppolite  to  each  other  ;  after  which  the  contracling  parties 
 walked  between,  lignifying,  that  the  party  wliicli  violated  the  covenant  lliould  be 
 cut  afunder,  as  the  vidtim  was,  Jer.  xxxiv.  18,  19.  and  the  Deity  confirmed  it, 
 by  pairing  between  the  altars,  in  the  liniilitude  of  a  lamp,  ver.  17.  Ver.  12. 
 A  deep  feep fell  upon  Abram.  Through  a  more  than  ordinary  influence  of  God, 
 
 upon  him,  which  bound  up  his  fenfes,  and  call  him  into  an  eeftafy  or  trance, 
 when  he  had  the  following  prophecy  and  vifion,  which  more  fully  e.xplained  to 
 Iiim,  what  was  reprelented  by  the  tranfadlion  he  bad  been  employed  in.  Ver.  13. 
 The  term  of four  hundred  years  is  not  to  be  joined  either  with  the  word  aflicl  or 
 
 t.  •  ......... - — - - — — — - - - - - - - - -  i  - - — - 
 
 PRAC  IT  CAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap,  XIV.]  How  awful  is  it  to  contemplate  the  bloodflied,  ravages,  and  defolation,  made  by  war  among  the  inhabi¬ 
 tants  of  the  earth.  Who  can  calculate  the  groans,  heart-aches,  and  forrows,  which  warlias  occafioned  fnee  that  period.  Prince  of  Peace,  liaften  that  glorious  epoch 
 promifed  to  the  clnircb,  when  nation  fliall  not  lift  fword  againft  nation,  neither  fliall  they  learn  war  any  more.  How  becoming  and  godlike  to  forget  the  injuries  of 
 our  avowed  enemies,  and  ingratitude  of  our  friends  ;  and  to  rifk,  and  even  ^lown  our  lives  for  the  brethren.  But  in  this  Melchizedek,  king  of  Salem,  and  priell  of 
 Ihc  moll  bio'll  God,  let  Us  behold  Him,  who  is  a  priell  for  ever.  He  was  indeed,  in  the  fulleft  fenfe  of  the  word,  tvithout  father  as  man,  and  without  motlier  as  God  - 
 liaving  neither  beginning  of  days  nor  end  of  life  ;  fur  he  is  Jefus  Clirift,  the  fame  yefterday,  to-dav,  and  for  ever.  He  is  king  of  iughteousness.  In  his  obedieifce 
 Ohd  rnff-rin'o  he  made  reconciliation  for  iniquity,  and  brouglit  in  an  cverlafting  righteoufnefs,  -which  is  unto  all  and  upon  all  them  tiiat  believe. 
 
 i'UACTlCAL  OBSEPtVATrOKS.-  f  XV.]  BlelTed  indeed  are  they  whom  God  favours  with  his  gracious  uiauiiefutious  of  diviue  love.  How  happy 
 
He 
 
 Jtceth  from  Sarai, 
 
 Before 
 
 Clirift 
 
 1913. 
 
 GENESIS. 
 
 CHAP.  XVI. 
 
 Cimmehion  i nslilufed. 
 
 Sarm  being  ha^en,  giveth  Hager  to  Abram.  Hagar  being  affliSfed 
 {TrtSj  „„  angd  fendeth  back 
 
 cir.  1913. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 that 
 
 which  is 
 gotd  in 
 
 wife,  bare  him  no  children  : 
 and  me  had  an  handmaid,  an  Egyptian,  whofe 
 name  "joas  Hagar. 
 
 2  And  Sarai  faid  unto  Abram,  Behold  now,  the 
 
 +  Heb.  reftrained  me  from  bearing  :  I  pray  thee, 
 
 be  bui/ded  ^P.jj  f  it  may  be  that  I  may  f  obtain 
 
 bjt/ter.  trnildren  by  her.  And  Abram  hearkened  to  the  voice 
 
 or  barai. 
 
 3  And  Sarai,  Abram’s  wife,  took  Hagar  her  maid. 
 
 Sypt'sn>  after  Abram  had  dwelt  ten  years  in  the 
 land  or  Canaan,  and  gave  her  to  her  huiband  Abram 
 to  be  his  wife. 
 
 4  if  And  he  went  in  unto  Hagar,  and  (he  conceived  : 
 and  whenfhe  faw  that  fhe  had  conceived,  her  miftrefs 
 was  defpifed  in  her  eyes. 
 
 5  And  Sarai  faid  unto  Abram,  my  wrong  he  upon 
 thee:  I  have  given  my  maid  into  thy  bofom  ;  and 
 when  me  faw  that  fhe  had  conceived,  I  was  defpifed  in 
 her  ^es :  the  Lord  judge  between  me  and  thee. 
 
 6  But  Abram  laid  unto  Sarai,  Behold,  thy  maid  is  in 
 thy  hand  :  do  to  her  f  as  it  pleafeth  thee.  And  when 
 Sarai  f  dealt  hardly  with  her,  fhe  fled  from  her  face. 
 
 r  ^  Lord  found  her  by  a 
 
 fountain  of  water  in  the  wildernefs,  by  the  fountain 
 qj^ibied  in  the  way  to  Shur. 
 
 ber.  8  And  he  faid,  Hagar,  Sarai’s  maid,  whence  cameft 
 thou  and  whither  wilt  thou  go  ?  And  fhe  faid,  I  flee 
 from  the  face  of  my  miftrefs  Sarai. 
 
 9  And  the  angel  of  the  Lord  faid  unto  her,  Return 
 to  thy  raiftrefs,  and  fubmit  thyfelf  under  her  hands,  j 
 
 10  And  the  angel  of  the  Lord  faid  unto  her,  I  will  i 
 multiply  thy  feed  exceedingly,  that  it  fhall  not  be  ■ 
 numbered  for  multitude. 
 
 11  And  the  angel  of  the  Lord  faid  unto  her,  Be- 
 hold,  thou  arif  with  child,  and  lhalt  bear  a  fon,  and 
 
 his  name  ||  lihmael ;  becaufe  the  Lord  hath 
 heard  thy  afflidfion. 
 
 12  And  he  will  be  a  wild  man  :  his  hand  m'/l  he 
 againft  every  man,  and  every  man’s  hand  againlt  him  : 
 
 *  and  he  fhall  dwell  in  the  prefence  of  all  his  brethren. 
 
 13  And  fhe  called  the  name  of  the  Lord  that  fpake 
 unto  her,  Thou  God  feefl:  me :  for  fhe  faid,  Have  I 
 alfo  here  looked  after  him  that  feeth  me  ? 
 
 Before 
 
 Clirift 
 
 1913. 
 
 a  Chap. 
 25.  1 8. 
 
 serve,  (for  their  hard  fervitude  and  fevere  affliaion  did  not  laft  long,  but  a  few 
 years  at  moft;)  but  ought  to  be  joined  with  the  phrafe,  a  Jlranger,  in  a  land  not 
 theirs;  and  the  reft  is  to  be  included  in  parenthefis  thus:  fT/iy  seed  Jhall  be  a 
 stranger  in  a  land  not  theirs  J  and  JhaU  feme  them;  and  they  Jhall  cffliH  them  four 
 hundred  years.  Thefe  years  rauft  be  counted  from  Ifaac’s  birth  ;  for  froni  the 
 birth  of  Ifaac  to  that  of  Jacob  were  60  years  ;  thence  to  the  birth  of  Jofeph  were 
 90  ;  thence  to  Jofeph’s  death  1 10  years ;  thence  to  the  birth  of  Mofes  60  years  • 
 mid  in  the  SOtli  year  of  Mofes’  life,  the  children  of  Ifrael  came  out  of  Egypt.’ 
 Thefe  feveral  fums  added  together,  amount  to  400  years,  the  time  detei-mined  by 
 this  vifion.  ,Ver.  14.  And  afterwards  fall  they  come  out  with  great  snbjlance. 
 See  the  exaa  fulfilment  of  this,  Exod.  xi.  2,  3.  and  xii.  35,  36.  Pfal.  cv.  37.  Ver. 
 1 5.  Aid  thoufhalt  go  to  thy  fathers  in  peace.  That  is,  he  (hoiild  be  freed  from  all 
 the  fatigues  of  his  journeying  from  place  to  place  in  his  ftate  of  pilgrimage,  and 
 not  live  to  fee  the  affli6lions  of  his  pofterity  or  have  any  fliare  in  them,  Ver.  1 7. 
 A  burninglamp.^  An  emblem  of  the  Shechinah  or  majefty  of  God,  M'ho  after- 
 yyards  appeared  in  a  pillar  of  fire  before  the  Ifraelites  in  the  wildernefs  after  their 
 
 14  Wherefore  tlie  well  was  called  ^  ||  Beer-Iahai- 
 roi :  behold,  it  is  between  Kadefli  and  Bered. 
 
 Abram  a  (bn  :  and  Abram 
 
 called  his  Ion  s  name,  which  Hagar  bare,  Ifhraael.  b  chap. 
 
 16  And  Abram  was  fourfeore  and  fix  years  old  24. 62. 
 when  Hagar  bare  Iflimael  to  Abram.* 
 
 The  well  of  him  that  livetk  and  feeth  we.  >qin 
 
 CHAP  XVIL  9 
 
 1  God  reneweth  the  covenant.  5  Abram's  name  is  changed  in  token  of  a  ' 
 greater  blcjftng.  9  Circumcifton  is  injlituted.  15  Sarai' s  name  is 
 changed,  and  Jhe  blejfed.  16  Tfaac  is  promfed,  with  the  bleljing  of  a 
 immerous  ijfue.  23  Abram  and  his  son  Ijhmael,  and  allhis  nien. 
 fervants,  are  circumcifcd. 
 
 And  when  Abram  was  ninety  years  old  and  nine  I895. 
 
 the  Lord  appeared  to  Abram,  and  faid  unto 
 him,  I  am  the  Almighty  God  :  »  walk  before  me,  and  a  Chap 
 be  thou  II  perfeft.  s.  22. 
 
 2  And  I  will  make  my  covenant  between  me  and  11.®''’"^’- 
 thee,  and  will  multiply  thee  exceedingly. 
 
 _3  And  Abram  fell  on  his  face :  and  God  talked 
 with  him,  faying, 
 
 4  for  me,  behold,  my  covenant  ?s  with  thee,  and 
 thou  (halt  be  a  father  of  f  many  nations,  f  iieb. 
 
 5  Neither  fiiall  thy  name  anymore  be  called  Abram  • 
 but  thy  name  fhall  be  H  Abraham  :  for  a  father  of 
 many  nations  have  I  made  thee.  futhToT 
 
 6  And  I  will  make  thee  exceeding  fruitful,  and  I  will  a  great 
 make  nations  of  thee,  and  kings  fhall  come  out  of  thee.  multitude, 
 7  And  I  will  eftablifh  my  covenant,  between  me  and 
 thee,  and  thy  feed  after  thee,  in  their  generations,  for 
 an  everlafting  covenant,  to  be  a  God  unto  thee,  and 
 to  thy  feed  after  thee. 
 
 8  And  I  will  give  unto  thee,  and  to  thy  feed  after 
 thee,  thejand  f  wherein  thou  art  a  ffranger,  all  the+Hek 
 land  of  Canaan,  for  an  everlafting  pofTeflion  j  and  1 
 will  be  their  God.  journingst 
 
 9  11  And  God  faid  unto  Abraham,  Thou  fhalt  keep  A,a 
 my  covenant  therefore,  thou,  and  thy  feed  after  thee,  7.  s 
 in  their  generations.  a  Aas 
 
 10  This  is  my  covenant,  which  ye  fliall  keep,  be- 
 tween  me  and  you,  and  thy  feed  after  thee  ;  "  Every  4. 
 man-child  among  you  fliall  be  circumcifed.  f  iicb,- 
 
 11  And  ye  (hall  circumcife  the  fle(h  of  your  fore- 2^ 
 fkin ;  and  it  fhall  be  a  token  of  the  covenant  betwixt 
 me  and  you. 
 
 12  And  t  he  that  is  eight  days  old  ‘  fhall  be  cir- 12.3. 
 cumcifed  among  you,  every  man-child  in  your  genera- 
 tions ;  he  that  is  born  in  the  houfe,  or  bought  withjoj^^’ 
 money  of  any  ftranger,  which  is  not  of  thy  feed.  7.  22. 
 
 deliverance  out  of  E^pt,  when  their  falvation  went  forth  as  a  lamp  that  burnetii. 
 This  burning  lamp,  in  confirmation  of  the  covenant,  palTed  between  the  pieces  of 
 the  heifer,  goat,  and  ram,  that  Abram  bad  divided  in  the  midft. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XVI.  Ver.  2.  The  Lord  hath  re. 
 Jlrained  me  from  bearing 
 
 She  now  at  this  age  defpaired  of  having  children. 
 
 Her 
 
 barrennefs  Ihe  refers  to  the  will  and  power  of  God  j  for  as  children  are  his  gifts, 
 and  a  heritage  from  him,  fo  it  is  his  will  and  pleafure  fometimes  to  withhold  this 
 bleffing  from  thofe  who  are  very  defirous  of  them.  Ver.  3.  And  gave  her  to  her 
 hvjband  Abram  to  be  his  wife.  That  is,  the  fecondary  wife,  or  concubine.  This 
 was  contrary  to  the  firft  inftitution  of  marriage.  Sarai’s  propofal,  therefore,  and 
 Abram’s  compliance  with  it  cannot  be  vindicated  ;  though  the  blame  may  be  ex- 
 ti<.)uated  by  this  confideration,  that  it  wasowing  to  the  eager  defire  of  each  after  the 
 promifed  feed.  Ver.  5,  6.  The  mild  temper  ofthe  good  patriarch  was  no  wife  ruffled, 
 or  his  anger  excited,  by  the  unjuft  invedlives  of  Sarai ;  and  though  he  deferved  no 
 fuch  reproaches,  yet  fenfible  that  the  infolent  behaviour  of  Hagar  bad  juftly  in¬ 
 curred  her  refentment,  he  thus  replies;  Behold,  thy  maid  is  in  thy  hand.  When  Sarai 
 
 the  ifTue  of  familiar  intimacy  with  him.  G  od  is  his  people’s  guardian,  none  can  appro^acji  to  hurt  thofe  over  whom  the  ftiield  of  Almighty  love  is  held  Every  thimr 
 befide  a  great  reward  to  a  believing  foul  is  light  upon  the  balances  ;  the  enjoyment  of  Ihe  bleffed  God  is  tlie  ultimatum  5  lirfelfcS!^  But  Iven  Se  chiefSu  itef 
 
 ns  Sit  with  pltL^nre'ipeaftion  andTth  dfe  naS  P-;pniifes*;  and  through  manifold  trials  it  niuft  be  obtained.  Meanwhile^  then,  let 
 
 PRACTICAL  OLSERVATIONS.—  Chap.  XVL]  What  bad  effec'ts  have  in  all  ages  flowed  from  unlawful  connexions.  The  heft  of  faints  too  often  do^ 
 
Sarai^s  name  changed* 
 
 genesis. 
 
 Abraham  entcrtamclh  three  angels. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chria 
 
 f  Heb. 
 she  shall 
 become 
 nations. 
 
 13  He  that  is  bom  in  thy  houfe,  and  he  that  is 
 1898.  bought  with  thy  money,  muft  needs  be  circumcifed  : 
 
 and  my  covenant  (hall  be  in  your  llelh  for  an  ever- 
 lading  covenant. 
 
 14  And  the  uncircumcifed  man-child,  whole  flefh 
 of  his  foreildn  is  not  circumcifed,  that  foul  fhall  be 
 cut  off  from  his  people;  he  hath  broken  my  covenant. 
 
 15  ^  And  God  laid  unto  Abraham,  AsforSarai 
 II  That  IS,  t];iy  vvde,  thou  (halt  not  call  her  nameSarai,  but  II  Sa- 
 
 prineess. 
 
 16  And  I  will  blefs  her,  and  give  thee  a  fon  alfo  of 
 her :  yea,  I  will  blefs  her,  and  f  (he  (hall  be  a  mother 
 of  nations  ;  kings  of  people  (hall  be  ofhf  r. 
 
 17  Then  Abraham  fell  upon  his  face,  and  laughed, 
 and  (aid  in  his  heart.  Shall  a  child  be  born  unto  him 
 that  is  an  hundred  years  old  ?  and  fhall  barah,  that  is 
 ninety  years  old,  bear? 
 
 18  And  Abraham  laid  unto  God,  O  that  Khmael 
 might  live  before  thee  ! 
 
 19  xAnd  God  (aid,  ‘  Sarah  thy  wife  (hall  bear  thee  a 
 18. 10.  &  indeed  ;  and  thou  (halt  call  his  name  Ifaac  :  and  1 
 
 will  eftablKh  my  covenant  with  him  for  an  everiafling 
 covenant,  and  with  his  feed  after  him. 
 
 20  And  as  for  Khmael,  I  have  heard  thee  :  behold, 
 I  have  bieffed  him,  and  will  make  him  fruitful,  and  ^ 
 will  multiply  him  exceedingly ;  twelve  princes  (hall  he 
 beget  ;  and  1  will  make  him  a  great  nation. 
 
 21  But  my  covenant  will  1  cffablilh  with  Ifaac, 
 which  Sarah  (hall  bear  unto  thee  at  this  let  time  in  the 
 next  year. 
 
 22  And  he  left  off  talking  with  him,  and  God  went 
 up  from  Abraham. 
 
 Bi'fore 
 
 Clirift 
 
 1898. 
 
 {  Chap. 
 
 g  Chap. 
 16.  10. 
 
 23  ^  And  Abraham  took  Khmael  his  fon,  and  all  that 
 were  born  in  his  houfe,  and  all  that  were  bought  with 
 his  money,  every  male  among  the  men  of  -Afiraha  s 
 houfe,  and  circumofed  the  flelli  of  their  forefkin  in  the 
 felf-fame  day,  as  God  had  (aid  un'o  him. 
 
 24  And  Abraham  -ai/s  ninety  voars  eld  and  nine 
 wh  n  he  was  circumcifed,  in  the  fl'-bi  of  his  foreikm. 
 
 25  And  Khmael  his  fon  -xws  thirteen  years  old  wmen 
 he  was  circumcifed  in  the  flefh  of  hi .  forefkiiir 
 
 26  In  the  felf-fame  day  was  Abraham  circumcilcJ, 
 
 and  Khmael  his  fon  ;  •  \  u  r 
 
 27  >''ind  all  the  men  of  his  houfe,  born  in  the  houie 
 and  bought  with  money  of  the  ftranger,  were  circum¬ 
 cifed  with  him.* 
 
 CHAP.  XVIIT. 
 
 I  Abraham  enterlaimlh  three  angels.  9  Sarah  is  rejrroivlJ'or  laughing  at 
 the  strange  promise.  1  7  The  destruclion  of  Sodom  is  revt  aied  to  Abra¬ 
 ham  :  23  Abraham  maketh  interccffion  for  the  men  thereof 
 
 \ND  the  Lord  appeared  unto  him  in  the  plains 
 of  Mature  :  and  he  (at  in  the  tent-door  in  the 
 heat  of  the  day  ; 
 
 2  *  And  he  lift  up  his  eyes  and  looked,  and,  lo,  a  Hd>r. 
 three  men  flood  by  him:  and,  when  he  law  he 
 ran  to  meet  them  from  the  tent-door,  and  bowed  him- 
 felf  toward  the  ground, 
 
 3  And  faid,  J\ly  Lord,  if  now  I  have  found  favour 
 in  thy  light,  pals  not  away,  1  pray  thee,  from  thy  fer- 
 vanr.  • 
 
 4  Let  a  little  water,  I  pray  you,  be  fetched,  and 
 wa(h  your  feet,  and  rell  yourfelves  under  the  tree  : 
 
 5  And  I  will  fetch  a  morfel  of  bread,  and  f  comfort 
 ye  your  hearts  ;  after  that  ye  (hall  pafs  on  :  for  there- 
 
 1898. 
 
 dealt  hardly  with  her.  Perhaps  Sarai  exceeded  the  power  given  her  by  Abram, 
 and  ufed  Hagar  too  unmercifully  j  though  perhaps,  after  all,  (he  only  chaftifed 
 her  in  fuch  a  manner  as  a  miftrels  may  chaftife  her  maid,  fince  the  angel  feems 
 to  approve  of  what  flie  did.  Ver.  8.  And  he  said,  Hagar,  Sarai' s  maid.  The  an-  j 
 gel  calls  her  by  her  name,  and  deferibes  her  by  her  charadler  and  condition,  in  I 
 order  to  check  her  pride,  and  put  her  in  mind  of  her  duty  to  her  millrefs ;  and 
 to  fuggeft  to  her,  that  llie  ought  to  have  been,  not  where  tlie  was,  but  in  the 
 houfe  of  her  miftrefs.  Whence  earnest  thou  ?  This  queAion  the  angel  alkod,  not  as 
 being  ignorant  of  her  flight,  but  to  put  her  upon  con fidcring  whence  Ihe  came  ; 
 what  the  had  left  behind,  and  what  blelTings  flie  had  deprived  herfelf  of.  Ver.  9. 
 Return  to  thy  mistrefs,  and  submit  thyself  under  her  hands.  Co  back  to  her,  hnmble 
 thyfelf  before  her,  acknowledge  thy  fault,  enter  into  lier  fervice  again,  and  be 
 fubjedt  to  her.  And  the  more  to  encourage  her  to  take  his  advice,  the  angel  pro- 
 miles  the  blcfling  mentioned  in  the  following  verles.  Ver.  i^.  A  wild  man,  or 
 like  to  a  wild  afs  among  men  ;  that  is,  wild,  fierce,  untamed,  not  fubject  to  a  yoke, 
 and  impatient  of  it.  Such  was  Itlimael  j  and  fucli  are  his  potlerity,  who  never 
 could  be  fubdued  or  brought  into  bondage,  either  by  the  Aflyrians,  Medes,  Per- 
 fians,  Greeks,  Romans,  or  any  other  people.  And,  at  this  day,  the  Arabs  his 
 defeendants  live  independent,  and  even  oblige  the  Turks  to  pay  an  yearly  tribute 
 for  the  palfuge  of  their  pilgrims  to  Mecca,  and  alfo  to  pay  for  their  caravans  which 
 pafs  tlirough  that  country. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XVII.  Ver.  1.  I  am  the  Almighty  God, 
 or  the  al,  suffleient  God,  as  it  may  be  rendered.  A  title  affuring  him  that  he  was  able 
 to  perform  the  promife  he  was  .about  to  make,  of  giving  him  and  Sarai  a  fon, 
 though  they  were  fo  much  flricken  in  years.  Walk  before  me  and  be  thou  perfbl, 
 or  upright ;  Thefe  words  feein  to  be  defigned  as  a  gentle  reproof  to  Abram,  on  ac¬ 
 count  of  going  into  Hagar,  in  order  to  obtain  an  heir.  As  if  the  Lord  had  faid, 
 “  Have  recourfe  no  more  to  unbelieving  expedients,  be  guided  no  more  by  crook¬ 
 ed  policy,  keep  thou  the  path  of  duty,  and  leave  it  to  me  to  fulfil  my  promifes, 
 at  the  time,  and  in  the  manner  that  feem  good  to  me.”  Ver.  3.  And  Abram  fell 
 on  his  face.  At  the  fight  of  fo  glorious  a  perfoh  that  appeared  to  him,  and  in  re¬ 
 verence  of  his  Majefty,  and  as  fenlible  of  his  own  unwortliinefs  at  fuch  a  vifit, 
 and  of  having  fuch  favours  bellowed  upon  him.  Ver.  4.  Father  of  many  naliorts. 
 In  a  literal  fenfe  the  inhabitants  of  Arabia,  Idumea,  and  Canaan,  befides  the 
 tribes  fprung  from  his  children  by  Keturah,  were  the  defeendants  of  Abram.  | 
 Ver.  5.  Thy  name  /hail  be  Abraham,  That  is,  The  julkeroj  n  multitude.  Ver.  6. 
 Kings  shall  come  out  of  thee.  As  did  the  twelve  princes  of  Ifliniael,  the  kings  of 
 Edom  and  Midian,  of  the  Arabs,  Saracens,  and  Turks ;  and  lallly,  our  great 
 
 King  the  Meflias 
 
 Ver.  7.  And  I  ivili  establish  my  covenant.  Not  only  renew  it 
 but  confirm  it  by  the  following  token  of  circumcifion.  For  an  everlasting  covenant. 
 That  is,  to  bis  natural  feed,  as  long  as  they  fiiould  continue  in  the  true  worfliip 
 of  God,  and  in  their  own  land  ;  or  until  the  Meflias  came,  in  whom  the  cove¬ 
 nant  of  circumcifion  had  its  accomplilhment;  and  to  all  his  fpiritual  feed,  with 
 reipe<5l  to  the  fpiritual  blctfings  of  it,  which  are  everlafting,  and  are  never  taken 
 away  or  become  void.  To  be  a  God  unto  thee  and  to  thy  seed  after  thee.  To  his 
 natural  feed,  as  the  God  of  nature  and  providence,  communicating  the  good. 
 things  of  life  unto  them,  proteiiling,  prefei-ving,  and  continuing  them  in  the  land 
 he  gave  them  ;  and  in  the  polfeflion  of  all  the  good  things  they  enjoyed  in  it ; 
 and  to  his  fpiritual  feed,  as  the  God  of  .all  grace,  fupplying  them  with  grace  here, 
 arid  beftowing  upon  them  glory  hereafter.  Ver.  8.  To  thee,  and  fo  thy  feed  after 
 thee.  That  is,  to  tiim  in  right,  and  to  them  in  polTeflion.  Ver.  10.  Tiiis  waslhfc 
 lirfl  inflitution  of  circumcifion,  and  it  was  an  inftitution  of  God,  and  not  of  raau. 
 The  ti'uth  of  this  is  indeed  controverted  by  many  ancient  as  well  as  mo<k s'l 
 writers,  but  their  arguments  have  been  ■fufiiciently  refuted.  Ver.  11.  Anitt! 
 shall  be  a  token  of  the  covenant  betwixt  me  and  you;  that  is,  of  tiia  promife  of  God  to 
 Abraham,  that  he  fliould  be  the  father  of  many  nations.  For  the  apoftle  ex¬ 
 plains  it,  Rom.  iv.  1 1.  to  be  a  feal  or  a  fure  token  to  Abraham,  that  rigliteoufuefis. 
 would  be  wrought  out  by  Chrift,  by  his  obedience  and  the  llieddiug  of  his 
 blood,  which  is  received  by  faith  ;  and  that  this  Wiis  imputed  to  him  whilft  he 
 was  uncircumcifed,  Gen.  xv.  18.  and  would  be  alfo  imputed  to  the  uncircunicii'V-i 
 Geniiles  that  Ihould  believe  as  be  did ;  and  fo  be  would  appear  to  be  lias 
 father  of  them  all.  IMoreover  this  was  a  fign  of  that  part  of  the  promife  or 
 covenant,  w-hich.gave  to  his  feed  the  land  of  Canaan  ;  it  v.  as  a  feal  of  the  leafe 
 of  that  land  which  was  made  whilll  Abraham  was  in  it,  and  which  hj< 
 pollerity  were  obliged  to  fubmit  to,  upon  their  entrance  into  it  in  Jollma’s 
 time,  as  a  token  of  that  leafe  being  extended  to  them.  It  was  alfo-  to  be 
 a  mark  if  diJlinStion  betwixt  Abram’s  pollerity  (as  of  them  the  MelBas  was  to 
 fpring)  and  all  other  nations,  until  the  coming  of  that  Meflias.  It  was  likewife. 
 to  be  n  note  oj  commemoration,  to  put  them  continually  in  mind  w  hofe  oft’spring' 
 they  were,  and  what  advantage  they  were  entitled  to  upon  that  account,  pro¬ 
 vided  they  took  care  not  to  degenerate  from  the  glories  of  that  Rock  whence 
 theyfprang;  but  to  confider  that  the  only  valuable  relation  to  Abraham,  was 
 not  that  of  confanguinity  ^and  natural  defeeut,  but  the  refemblance  of  his 
 virtues,  which  he  polfelfed  as  the  father  of  the  faithful.  This  rite  of  cir¬ 
 cumcifion  was  typical  of  Chilli,  the  end  of  it,  who  fubmitted  unto  it,  tliat  it 
 might  appear  he  was  really  man,  a  fon  of  Abraham,  and  a  miniller  of  the  cir_ 
 
 grade  thenifelves  to  obtain  vhat  they  d.  tire  before  God’s  time,  and  with  feme  plaufible  pretexts  endeavour  to  conceal  their  guilt.  Hereby  was  Sarai  brought  into 
 difirels,  Abraham  into  vexation,  and  Hagar  into  mifery.  How  tranfeendaut  the  mercy  of  God  in  vifiting  tranigrelfors  in  the  very  troubles  which  they  bring  upon 
 thcmlclves.  V'et  we  ought  to  remen.uer  no  ha-ppy  deliver.aKce  is  to  be  expt-aed  but  in  the  -ivay  of  returning  to  our  duty.  And  fliould  God  graut  US  uudeferved 
 vifits  while  under  u  -inlgreflioiis,  I'.  jj  we  with  w  onder  reinaik  his  kindnef-,  and  take  to  ourivlves  fliame  and  confulion  of  face. 
 
 No.  2  .  •r.-  L 
 
Sarah,  reproved  for  'laughinn. 
 
 GENESIS. 
 
 Chr^  Jp^’^tare  ye  come  to  your  femnt..  And  they  faid, 
 
 1898.  do  as  thou  haft  laid. 
 
 — 6  And  Abraham  haftened  into  the  tent  unto  Sarah, 
 t  Heb.  and  laid,  f  Make  ready  quickly  three  mealures  of  fine 
 meal,  knead  it,  and  make  cakes  upon  the  hearth. 
 
 7  And  Abraham  ran  unto  the  herd,  and  fetched  a 
 
 calf  tender  and  good,  and  gave  it  unto  a  ^'■oung  man  ; 
 and  he  hafted  to  drefs  it.  i  > 
 
 8  And  he  took  butter  and  milk,  and  the  calf  which 
 he  had  dreffed,  and  fet  it  before  them  ;  and  he  ftood 
 by  them  under  the  tree,  and  they  did  eat. 
 
 9  ^  And  they  laid  unto  him.  Where  is  Sarah  thy 
 wife  ^  And  he  laid,  Behold,  in  the  tent. 
 
 10  And  he  faid,  I  will  certainly  return  unto  thee 
 
 of  life  ;  and,  lo,  ^  Sarah  thy  wife 
 
 Ahraharrds  intercession  for  Sodomi 
 
 you  have 
 jwjed. 
 f  Heb. 
 Hasten. 
 
 21.2. 
 
 c  1  Pet. 
 3.  6. 
 
 d  Chap. 
 12.  38.  & 
 22.  1. 
 Acts 
 3.  25. 
 Gal.  S.  8. 
 
 (hall  have  a  fon.  And  Sarah  heard  /V  in  the  tent-door 
 which  was  behind  him. 
 
 11  Now  Abraham  and  Sarah  ivere  old,  and  well 
 ftricken  in  age ;  and  it  ceafed  to  be  with  Sarah  after 
 the  manner  of  women. 
 
 12  Therefore  Sarah  laughed  within  herfelf,  faying. 
 After  I  am  waxed  old  (liall  1  have  pleafure,  my  lord 
 being  old  alfo  ? 
 
 13  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  Abraham,  Wherefore 
 did  Sarah  laugh,  laying.  Shall  1  of  a  furety  bear  a 
 child,  which  am  old  ^ 
 
 14  Is  any  thing  too  hard  for  the  Lord?  At  the 
 time  appointed  I  will  return  unto  thee,  according  to 
 the  time  of  life,  and  Sarah  (hall  have  a  fon. 
 
 15  Then  Sarah  denied,  faying,  I  laughed  not:  forftie 
 was  afraid.  And  he  faid,  Nay  ;  but  thou  diuft  laugh. 
 
 16  And  the  men  role  up  from  thence,  and  looked 
 toward  Sodom  :'and  Abraham  went  with  them,  to 
 bring  them  on  the  way. 
 
 1 7  H  And  the  Lord  faid.  Shall  I  hide  from  Abra¬ 
 ham  that  thing  which  I  do ; 
 
 18  Seeing  that  Abraham  lhall  furely  become  a  great 
 and  mighty  nation,  and  all  the  nations  of  the  earth 
 lhall  be  bleffed  in  him? 
 
 19  For  I  know  him,  that  he  will  command  his  chil¬ 
 
 dren  and  his  houfehold  after  him,  and  they  lhall  keep  Before 
 the  way  of  the  Lord,  to  do  juttice  and  judgment ; 
 that  the  Lord  may  bring  upon  Abraham  that  which 
 he  hath  Ipoken  of  him. 
 
 20  And  the  Lord  faid,  Becaufe  the  cry  of  Sodom 
 and  Gomorrah  is  great,  and  becaufe  their  fin  is  very 
 grievous. 
 
 21  I  will  go  down  now,  and  fee  whether  they  have 
 done  altogether  according  to  the  cry  of  it,  w'hich  is 
 come  unto  me;  and  if  nor,  I  will  know. 
 
 22  And  the  men  turned  their  faces  from  thence, 
 and  went  toward  Sodom ;  but  Abraham  ftood  yet  be¬ 
 fore  the  Lord. 
 
 23 II  And  Abraham  drew  near,  and  faid.  Wilt  thou 
 alfo  deftroy  the  righteous  with  the  wicked  ? 
 
 _  24  Peradventure  there  be  fifty  righteous  within  the 
 city  :  wilt  thou  alfo  deftroy  and  not  fpare  the  place 
 lor  the  fifty  righteous  that  are  therein? 
 
 25  That  be  far  from  thee  to  do  after  this  manner, 
 to  flay  the  righteous  with  the  wicked  :  and  that  the 
 righteous  Ihould  be  as  the  wicked,  that  be  far 
 from  thee.  Shall  not  the  judge  of  all  the  earth  do 
 right. 
 
 26  And  the  Lord  faid,  If  I  find  in  Sodom  fifty 
 righteous  within  the  city,  then  1  will  fpare  all  the 
 place  for  their  fakes. 
 
 27  And  Abraham  anfwered  and  faid.  Behold  now, 
 
 I  have  taken  upon  me  to  fpeakunto  the  Lord,  which 
 am  but  dull  and  afhes  : 
 
 28  Peradventure  there  lhall  lack  five  of  the  fifty 
 righteous  :  wilt  thou  deftroy  all  the  city  for  lack  of 
 five  ?  and  he  faid,  If  I  find  there  forty  and  five,  I  will 
 nor  deftroy  it. 
 
 29  And  he  fpake  unto  him  yet  again,  and  faid,  Per¬ 
 adventure  there  lhall  be  forty  found  there.  And  he 
 faid,  I  will  not  do  it  for  forty’s  fake. 
 
 30  And  he  faid  unto  him,  Oh  let  not  the  Lord  be 
 angry,  and  I  will  (peak :  Peradventure,  there  lhall 
 thirty  be  found  there.  And  he  faid,  1  will  not  do  it 
 if  I  find  thirty  there. 
 
 cumcifion,  and  was  made  under  the  law,  and  fo  laid  under  obligations  to  fulfil  it ;  | 
 and  that  he  was  to  fatisfy  for  the  fins  of  men  by  the  elfufion  of  his  blood,  and  en-  \ 
 dure  fins  and  fufferings,  fignified  thereby.  Ver.  14.  That  soul  giall  he  cut  off' 
 from  his  people.  Some  refer  this  exprelTion  to  tlie  parents,  who  were  to  be  cut  oif  I 
 by  an  untimely  death,  for  neglecting,  as  appears  from  Exod;  iv.  24.  to  perform 
 this  ceremony.  But  thefimpleft  and  plainelt  meaning  of  the  phrafe  feems  to  be, 
 that  fuch  who  were  uncircumcifed  fliould  be  cut  oil'  and  deprived  of  all  civil  and 
 religious  privileges  with  their  brethren  in  the  land  of  Canaan,  and'be  reckoned  as 
 Heathens.  Ver.  15.  The  word  Sni'ni,  in  Hebrew,  fignifies  and  | 
 
 princes  of  miiltUudes.  Ver.  IT.  Laughed;  for  joy  at  fuch  good  news  ;  he  rejoiced  i 
 with  the  joy  of  faith.  Perhaps  our  Lord  refers  to  this  in  John  viii,  4,  6.  He  faw  ■  1 
 Chrift  in  the  promife  of  Ifaac,  and  rejoiced  that  he  fliould  Ipring  from  his  feed,  j 
 It  w  as  from  this  circumltance,  that  Ifaac  had  his  name,  which  fignifies  laughter i 
 and  not  from  Sarah’s  laughter  which  had  not  vet  happened.  Ver.  18 — 22.  The  ' 
 good  patriarch  was  now  grown  fond  oflflimael,  and  reckoned  probably  upon  him, 
 for  the  inheritor  of  the  promifes.  To  correCl  this  miflake,  God  gives  him  a  new  I; 
 revelation,  in  which  he  is  told,  that  it  was  not  the  fon  of  the  bond-woman,  but  of  | 
 Sarah,  who  was  ordained  to  be  the  heir  of  liiJ  promifes.  But  Abraham  did  not  j 
 on  this  information  ceafe  to  love  Iflimael,  nor  did  be  fufpeCt,  that  the  riches  of 
 divine  goodnefs  was  exhaulled  by  the  promifes  to  Ifaac  :  he  loved  Iflimael,  and  j 
 he  knew'  the  bountv  and  grace  of  God  ;  hence  his  fervent  prayer  ; — “  O  that  Ifli-  j 
 mael  might  live  before  thee  !”  And  God  in  compaffion  to  his  paternal  fondnefs,  | 
 gracicully  promifes,  that  the  poflerity  of  Iflimael  fliould  become  exceeding  great  | 
 and  powerful,  (which  we  find  accomplifhccl,  chap.  xxv. )  And  God  was  pleafed  to  | 
 repeat  the  promife  of  a  fon  by  Sarah,  and  even  to  m^k  out  the  time  of  his  birth,  ‘ 
 
 according  to  which  flic  conceived  and  bare  a  fon.  Ver.  22.  Jnd  he  left  off  tallai 
 ing  ivithlheni.  After  he  had  finilhed  all  he  had  to  fay  to  him  at  this  time.  It 
 was  great  condefeenfjon  in  the  Divine  being  to  talk  with  a  creature  ;  it  was  won¬ 
 derful  grace  and  kindnefs  to  make  fuch  promifes  to  him  as  he  did,  and  indulge 
 him  with  anfvvers  of  prayer  and  communion  with  him.  And  God  went  up,  from 
 the  earth  where  he  had  been  with  Abraham,  and  afeended  above  him  to  heaven  in 
 a  vifible,  and  very  likely  in  a  human  form,  in  which  he  defeended.  The  Targums 
 of  Ankelos  and  Jonathan  paraphrafe it,  “the  glory  of  the  Lord,”  the  glorious  Shc- 
 chlnah,  the  Lord  of  lifeand  glory.  Ver.  23.  The  faith  and  piety  of  Abraham  arecon- 
 fpicuous  in  his  performing  this  rite  the  fame  day  that  God  had  enjoined  it,  notnith- 
 llanding  the  operation  mull  have  been  both  painful  and  dangerous  to  a  perfonofhisagc. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chai*.  XVIII.  Ver.  I.  And  the  Lord  ap. 
 peered  unto  him.  Divines  are  of  opinion  that  it  was  the  Logos,  or  Son  of  God, 
 who  now  deigned  to  vifit  him.  The  text  fufficiently  indicates,  that  he  was  emi¬ 
 nently  confpicuous  from  the  other  two  angels,  becaufe  ylbraliam  makes  his  ad- 
 dreffes  to  him  as  chief.  Comp.  Judg.  xiii.  18.  Ifa.  ix.  6.  Ilev.  xix.  12.  Ver.  3. 
 The  epiftle  to  the  Hebrews  feems  to  allude  to  this  inftance  of  hofpit^ility,  and 
 the  reward  which  was  the  confequence  of  it,  chap.  xiii.  2.  Ver.  6.  Three  men. 
 sures.  A  meafure  weighing  about  twelve  pounds,  the  quantity  of  bread  mufl. 
 have  amounted  to  thirty-fix  pounds' ;  which  with  the  calf  a  great  delicacy  in 
 thofe  countries,  was  not  only  an  ample,  but  likewife  an  elegant  entertainment. 
 Ver.  8.  They  did  eat,  Jofephus  qualifies  this  fentence  by  rendering  '\t,  lhcy  seemed 
 to  cat.  Ver.  10.  Sarah  thy  wife  shall  have  a  son.  It  'vas  by  degrees  that  this  was 
 made  known  unto  Abraham.  Firfl.  he  was  told  he  Ihould  have  a  fon,  but  it  was 
 not  faid  by  whom  he  fliould  have  him  ;  fome  years  after  that,  he  was  informed  he 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.  — »  Chap.  XVII.]  How  infinite  the  extent,  how  rich  the  mercy  bf  God  granting  himfelf  as^  God  Almighty,  God  All- 
 fufficient,  to  be  our  God,  and  the  God  of  our  feed.  God’s  covenant  is  as  fure  as  his  faithfulnefs  and  power  can  make  it.  The  great  bletimg  of  the  covenant  of  grace 
 is,  that  all  God  is  and  hath,  is  made  over  to  his  ))eopie.  And  it  is  as  eternal  in  its  continuance  as  it  was  in  its  contrivance.  Let  us  whether  we  have  the 
 
 marks  and  characlcrs  of  this  bleficd  covenant?  Are  we  the  true  circunicifion,  which  worfliip  God  in  fpirit ;  rejoice  in  Clirifl;  Jefus,  and  avo  no  confidence  in  the 
 flefli.  If  this  be  our  cafe,  God  faith  to  us  as  to  tlie  patriarch,  I  U'ill  give  you  the  layid  wherein  you  are  a  stranger,  even  Heaven.  May  we  never  forget  to  entreat 
 that  the  Ilhmaels  of  our  carnal  relations  jnay  be  made  alive  to  God  through  our  Lord  Jefus  Chrift*  The  pofitive  inftitution  of  God  admits  no  reafoning  :  it  is  enouglj 
 
The  Sodomites  Uticheti  blind. 
 
 GENESIS. 
 
 Lot  obtaineth  leave  to  flee  into  Zoar, 
 
 ChHft  31  And  he  faid,  Behold  now,  I  have  taken  upon 
 1898.  fpeak  unto  the  Lord  :  Peradventure there  lhall 
 
 be  twenty  found  there.  And  he  laid,  1  will  not  de- 
 ftroy  it  for  twenty’s  fake. 
 
 32  And  he  faid,  Oh,  let  not  the  Lord  be  angry, 
 ^d  I  will  fpeak  yet  but  this  once  :  Peradventure  ten 
 lhall  be  found  there.  And  he  faid,  1  will  not  deftroy 
 it  for  ten’s  fake. 
 
 33  And  the  Lord  went  his  way,  as  foon  as  he  had 
 left  communing  with  Abraham  :  and  Abraham  re¬ 
 turned  unto  his  place.* 
 
 chap.  XIX. 
 
 1  Lot  entertaineth  two  angels.  4  The  vicious  Sodomites  strickenwith  blind¬ 
 ness.  12  Lot  is  sent  J or  safety  into  the  mountains;  18  he  obtaineth 
 
 leave  to  go  into  Zoar.  2^1  Sodom  and  Gomorrah  destroyed.  26  Lot's 
 
 Wife’s  punislunent.  5\  The  origin  of  Moab  and  Ammon. 
 
 1898.  A  ND  there  came  two  angels  to  Sodom  at  even  ; 
 
 and  Lot  (at  in  the  gate  of  Sodom  :  and  Lot, 
 feeing  them^  rofe  up  to  meet  them ;  and  he  bowed 
 himfelf  with  his  face  toward  the  ground  : 
 
 2  And  he  faid.  Behold  now,  my  lords,  turn  in, 
 I  pray  you,  into  your  fervant’s  houfe,  and  tarry  all 
 
 a  Chap,  night,  and  ®  wafh  your  feet,  and  ye  (hail  rife  up  early, 
 and  go  on_  your  ways.  And  they  faid.  Nay;  but 
 we  will  abide  in  the  ftreet  all  night. 
 
 3  And  he  prefTed  upon  them  greatly  ;  and  they 
 turned  in  unto  him,  and  entered  into  his  houfe :  and 
 he  made  them  afeatt,  and  did  bake  unleavened  bread, 
 and  they  did  eat. 
 
 4  f  But,  before  they  lay  down,  the  men  of  the  city, 
 even  the  men  of  Sodom,  compafled  the  houfe  round, 
 both  old  and  young,  all  the  people  from  every  quarter 
 
 5  And  they  called  unto  Lot,  and  faid  unto  him, 
 Where  are  the  men  which  came  in  to  thee  this  night  ? 
 bring  them  out  unto  us,  that  we  may  know  them. 
 
 6  And  Lot  went  out  at  the  door  unto  them,  and 
 ihut  the  door  after  him. 
 
 7  And  faid,  I  pray  you,  brethren,  do  not  fo  wickedly. 
 
 8  Behold  now,  I  have  two  daughters,  which  have 
 hot  known  man ;  let  me,  I  pray  you,  bring  them  out 
 Unto  you,  and  do  ye  to  them  as  is  good  in  your  eyes : 
 only  unto  thele  men  do  nothing ;  for  therefore  came 
 they  under  the  fhadow  of  my  roof. 
 
 ^  9  And  they  faid.  Stand  back.  And  they  faid  aoain 
 This  one/t^/ow  came  in  to  lojourn,  and  he  will  needs 
 be  a  judge  :  now  will  we  deal  worfe  wi  h  thee  than 
 with  (hem.  And  they  prelfed  (ore  upon  the  man, 
 even  Lot,  and  came  near  to  break  the  (Joor, 
 
 fhould  have  a  fon  by  Sarah,  but  not  when  }  now  it  is  revealed  to  him,  that  he 
 fliould  have  one  !)y  her  the  next  year.  Ver.  1.8.  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  Abraham. 
 This  diCcovers  who  the  perl'on  was  that  had  been  converfing  with  Abraham* 
 that  he  was  a  divine  perfon,  as  appears  by  his  name  Jehovah,  as  well  as  by  his 
 knowledge  of  Sarah’s  behaviour.  Ver.  15.  Sarah  denied,  faying,  Ih.ughed  not  ■ 
 for  she  w -s  afraid.  She  had  now  reafon  to  believe  that  it  was  die  Loi^  himfelf 
 w'ho  had  fpoken  thefe  words,  and  therefore  dreading  his  difpleafure,  would  gladly 
 have  excufed  herfelf,  and  wiped  off  the  reproach  by  a  lie.  Ver.  20.  See  Note 
 on  chap.  xi.  5.  Ver.  21.  I  will  go  down  and  see.  This  is  fpoken  after  the  manner 
 of  men  ;  for  otherwife  God  faw  all  their  wickednefsj  and  knew  full  well  the 
 nature  and  circuniftances  of  it,  and  how  general  it  was.  The  paffage  may  be 
 paraphr.afed  thus  :  “  If  they  have  fo  done,  (according  to  the  erv;)  I  will  make  a 
 confumption  among  them  ;  but  if  not,  I  will  have  mercy  on  tliern.”  Ver. 
 Abraham  stood  yet  before  the  Lord.  In  the  prefence  of  the  angel,  who  was"  the 
 Word  of  God,  the  Sou  of  God,  the  vifible  image  of  the  invifible  God,  reprefentino- 
 the  majefty  of  his  Father,  and  a^ing  in  his  name ;  the  angel  who  appeared  to 
 
 10  Bat  the  men  put  forth  their  hand,  and  pulled  B'f”™ 
 Lot  into  the  houfe  to  them,  and  (hut  to  the  door. 
 
 1 1  And  they  fmote  the  men  that  ivere  at  the  door 
 of  the  houfe  with  blindne(s,  both  fmall  and  great ;  fob 
 that  they  wearied  themfelves  to  find  the  door. 
 
 12  If  And  the  men  faid  unto  Lot,  Haft  thou  here 
 any  befides?  fon-in  law,  and  thy  tons,  and  thy  daugh¬ 
 ters,  and  whatfoever  thou  haft  in  the  city,  bring  them 
 
 out  of  this  place  :  ,  ^ 
 
 13  For  we  will  deftroy  this  place,  becaufe  the  ^  cry  ^  Chap, 
 of  them  is  waxen  great  before  the  (ace  ot  the  Lord  ; 
 
 and  the  Lord  hath  fent  us  to  deftroy  it. 
 
 14  And  Lot  went  out,  and  fpake  unt(3  his  fons-in- 
 law,  which  married  his  daughters,  and  (aid.  Up,  get 
 you  out  of  this  place  ;  for  the  Lord  will  deftroy  tnis 
 city.  But  he  feemed  as  one  that  mocked  unto  his 
 fons-in-law. 
 
 15  If  And  when  the  morning  arofe,  then  the  angels 
 haftened  Lot,  faying,  A  rife,  take  thy  wife,  and  thy 
 
 two  daughters,  which  t  are  here;le(t  thou  be  con-fH^* 
 fumed  in  the  il  iniquity  of  the  city.  _  ij  or^^  ' 
 
 IG  And,  '*  while  he  lingered,  the  men  laid  hold  upon^,Mww^- 
 his  hand,  and  upon  the  hand  of  his  wife,  and  upon  wetif, 
 the  hand  of  his  two  daughters,  the  Lord  being  mer-J  '™ 
 ciful  unto  him  ;  and  they  brought  him  forth,  and  fet 
 him  without  the  city. 
 
 17  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  they  had  brought 
 them  forth  abroad,  that  he  faid,  Efcape  for  thy  life  : 
 look  not  behind  thee,  neither  ftay  thou  in  all  the  plain  ; 
 efcape  to  the  mountain,  left  thou  be  confumed. 
 
 18  And  Lot  faid  unto  them,  Oh  !  not  fo,  my  lord. 
 
 19  Behold  now,  thy  fervant  hath  found  grace  in 
 thy  fight,  and  thou  haft  magnified  thy  mercy,  which 
 thou  haft  (hewed  unto  me  in  Caving  my  life  ;  and  I 
 cannot  efcape  to  the  mountain,  left  Come  evil  take  me, 
 and  I  die. 
 
 20  Behold  now,  this  city  is  near  to  flee  unto,  and  it 
 is  a  little  one  ;  Oh  !  let  me  efcape  thither,  (is  it  not 
 a  little  one  ?)  and  ray  foul  (hall  live. 
 
 21  And  he  faid  unto  him.  See,  I  have  accepted  fl’ 
 thee  concerning  this  thing  alfo,  that  1  will  not 
 throw  this  city,  for  the  which  thou  haft  fpoken. 
 
 22  Hafte  thee,  efcape  thither ;  for  I  cannot  do  any 
 thing  till  thou  be  come  thither :  therefore  the  name  of 
 
 the  city  was  called  |{  Zoar.  li;Thatis, 
 
 23  The  (bn  was  t  rifen  upon  the  earth  when  Lotf^Jb 
 
 entered  into  Zoar.  gonejonh, 
 
 Manoah,  Judg.  xiii.  18.  deferibed  in  Ifa.  ix.  6.  and  fpoken  of  in  Rev.  xix.  12. 
 For  there  were  three  angels  who  appeared  to  Abraham,  but  only  two  of  them 
 went  to  Sodom,  and  he  who  remained,  is  in  the  Hebrew,  honoured  by  the 
 title  of  JEHOVAH,  the  incommunicable  name  of  God.  The  Chaldee  trandates 
 the  words,  prayed  bifore  the  Lord.  Ver.  23.  Abraham  drew  near,  with  faith  and 
 freedom,  and  an  holy  boldnefs  and  confidence,  and  yet  with  great  reverence  to 
 the  divine  Majefty ;  and  in  all  humility,  under  a  deep  fenfe  of  his  own  inean- 
 nefs  and  imworthinefs.  Ver.  25  Judge  of  all  the  earth.  This  is  a  confirmation 
 of  what  we  have  alferted,  ver.  22.  It  exprefsly  confines  the  fenfe  to  that  be¬ 
 ing  “  who  is  the  exprefs  image  of  God,  and  who  thought  it  no  robbery  to 
 be  equal  with  God  who  as  he  made  the  world,  was  the  Governor  and  Jud^re 
 of  It,  and  as  Mediator,  has  all  judgment  committed  to  him,  and  is  appointed 
 to  be  judge  of  quick  and  dead  at  the  laft  day,  and  who  does  all  thin -'s  that 
 are  juft  and  equitable  in  providence  now,  for  there  is  no  unrightecufiicfs  in 
 him.  I  ® 
 
 _____  EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chav.  XIX.  Ver.  1.  There  came  two  angels 
 
 he  enjoins  the  fign  for  us  to  ufe  it  As  it  is  known  only  to  God  who  ui-o  ^  i  TT  ~~  - - - 
 
 covenant  before  Chrift’s  coming,  w’by  not  after?  ’  <  >  c  ,wein  lope  baptize  iiilaiits  as  well  as  others ;  if  they  could  be  members  of  the 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATION.S.—*  Chap.  XVni.l  Whilft  i  •  m 
 
 rhiefly  admire  the  kindiiefs  of  our  Redeemer,  in  fo  frequently  vifitino-  our  world^in^bumn!?  and  hutnble  modefty  of  thefe  ancient  times,  let  us 
 
 ...  .ediy  truly  m.u  ;  au.l  tl.yy  ha.a’feu  l.I.  gl  “r  r.L  ,Wy  ,f  “f  Abrul.a.u  i.e 
 
 patriarch  Abraham  drawing  near  and  pleading  with  God  for  Sodoin,  who  can  foAear  to  call  to  m  id  ftl  ^  t 
 
 gracious  interceffor  with  GocI,  lor  his  people,  vehom  the  Father  hearcth  alwau  Thontrl,  i  >  *  charaaer  of  the  Lord  Jefus;  or  overlook  that 
 
 cth  a! way.  f  hough  Abraham’s  mediation  was  not  fuccefsf  ul ;  fuch  can  never  be  the  iffue  of  the 
 
The  origin  of  Moah  and  Ammon, 
 
 GENESIS. 
 
 AhraJiam  sojourning  fd  Ge  rai . 
 
 Before 
 
 Clirift 
 
 1898. 
 
 e  Di  ut. 
 29.  23. 
 Ifaiah 
 33.  19. 
 Jereiti. 
 50.  40. 
 Atnos 
 4.  11. 
 Luke 
 17.  29. 
 Jude  7. 
 cir.  1898. 
 
 24  f  Then  « the  Lord  rained  up^  Sodom  and 
 upon  Gomorrah  brimltone  and  fire  from  the  Lord 
 our  of  heaven : 
 
 25  And  he  overthrew  thofe  cities,  and  all  the  plain, 
 and  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  cities,  and  that  which 
 grew  upon  the  ground. 
 
 26  1]  But  his  wife  looked  back  from  behind  him, 
 and  fhe  became  a  pillar  of  fait. 
 
 27  ^  And  Abraham  gat  up  early  in  the  morning  to 
 the  place  where  he  ftcod  before  the  Lord  : 
 
 28  Aod  be  looked  toward  Sodom  and  Gomorrah, 
 and  toward  all  the  land  of  the  plain,  and  beheld,  and 
 lo,  the  fmoke  of  the  country  went  up  as  the  fmoke  ot 
 a  furnace. 
 
 29  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  God  deftroyed  the 
 cities  of  the  plain,  that  God  remembered  Abraham, 
 and  lent  Lot  out  of  the  midli  of  the  overthrow,  when 
 he  overthrew  the  cities  in  the  w'bich  Lot  dwelt. 
 
 30  %  And  Lot  went  up  out  of  Zoar,  and  dwelt  in 
 the  mountain,  and  his  two  daughters  with  him  ;  for 
 he  feared  to  dwell  in  Zoar  :  and  he  dwelt  in  a  cave,  he 
 and  his  two  daughters. 
 
 31  H  And  the  firft-born  faid  unto  the  younger.  Our 
 father  is  old,  and  t/uf'e  is  not  a  man  in  the  earth  to 
 come  in  unto  us  alter  the  manner  ot  all  the  prth  ; 
 
 32  Come,  let  ns  make  our  father  drink  wine,  and 
 
 we  will  lie  with  him,  that  we  may  prelerve  feed  ot  our 
 father.  ... 
 
 33  And  they  made  their  father  drink  wine  that 
 night ; 
 
 Before 
 
 Clirift 
 
 1898. 
 
 1897. 
 
 35  And  they  made  their  father  drink  wine  that  night 
 alfo  :  and  the  younger  arofe,  and  lay  with  him  ;  and  he 
 perceived  not  when  fhe  lay  down  nor  when  (he  arole. 
 
 36  'i'hus  were  both  the  daughters  of  Lot  with  child 
 by  their  father. 
 
 37  And  the  firft-born  bare  a  fon,  and  called  his 
 name  Moab  :  the  fame  is  the  father  of  the  Moabites 
 unto  this  day. 
 
 38  And  the  younger,  (he  alfo  bare  a  fon,  and  called 
 I  his  name  Ben-ammi :  the  fame  is  the  father  of  the  chil- 
 I  dren  of  Ammon  unto  this  day.* 
 
 CHAP.  XX. 
 
 1  Abraham  snjonrning  at  Gt'rar,  2  dcnieth  his  wife,  and  lojeth  her.  5 
 
 bim.iech  is  r.})rovcd  for  her  in  a  dream  ;  he  rebuketh  Abraham,  14  re- 
 f  oreth  Sarah,  and  reproveth  her  ;  17  he  is  healed  by  Abraham’ s  p/rayer. 
 
 And  Abraham  journeyed  from  thence  toward 
 the  fouth  country,  and  dwelled  between  Kadelh 
 and  Shur,  and  fojourned  in  Gerar.  _ 
 
 2  And  Abraham  faid  of  Sarah  his  wife.  She  is  my 
 fifter :  and  Abimelech  king  of  Gerar  lent  and  took 
 Sarah. 
 
 3  And  God  came  to  Abimelech  in  a  dream  by  night 
 and  faid  to  him,  Behold,  thou  art  hut  a  dead  man, 
 for  the  woman  which  thou  haft  taken  *,  for  (he  zs  f  a'l’ 
 man’s  wife. 
 
 father 
 
 when  (he  arofe. 
 
 34  And  it  came  to  pafs  on  the  morrow,  that  the  (irfl- 
 born  faid  unto  the  younger,  Behold  I  lay  yefternight 
 with  my  father  :  let  us  make  him  drink  wine  this  night 
 alfo  ;  and  go  th  u  in,  and  lie  with  him,  that  w'e  may 
 prelerve  (eed  of  our  father. 
 
 married 
 to  an  huS/, 
 
 4  But  Abimelech  had  not  come  near  her:  and  heianrf. 
 faid,  Lord,  wilt  thou  flay  alfo  a  righteous  nation  ^ 
 
 5  Said  he  not  unto  me,  She  is  my  fifler  ?  and  (he, 
 even  (he  herfelf  faid,  He  is  my  brother.  In  the  |1 
 
 and  the  firft-born  went  in,  and  lay  with  her  tegrity  of  my  heart,  and  innocency  of  my  hands,  have 
 
 and  he  perceived  not  when  (he  lay  down,  nor  I  done  this.  ^  ^ 
 
 6  And  God  faid  unto  him  in  a  dream,  Yea,!  know 
 
 that  thou  didft  this  in  the  integrity  of  thy  heart;  for  I 
 alfo  withheld  thee  from  finning  againft  me:  therefore 
 fuffered  1  thee  not  to  touch  her. 
 
 7  Now  therefore  reftore  the  man  his  wife  ;  for  he  zs 
 a  prophet,  and  he  (hall  pray  for  thee,  and  thou  (halt 
 
 Thefp  are  called  men,  chap,  xviii.  2,  22.  on  account  of  the  manner  in  which 
 they  appeared.  That  they  were  beings  of  an  inferior  order  to  the  third,  who 
 remained  talkii'.g  with  Abraham  has  been  fhewn  in  the  Notes  on  the  place 
 iuft  quoted.  V'er.  2.  Turn  in  I  pray  yotu  The  warm  benevolence  and  hearty 
 liofpitality  of  Lot  are  remarkable  in  the  importunities  which  he  ufes  to  tlie 
 angels  •  and  they  are  the  more  remarkable,  as  lie  was  then  fettled  among  a 
 people,  who  accoruing  to  Jofephus,  were  infolent  on  account  of  their  wealth, 
 and  void  of  benevolence  to  men,  or  piety  to  God.  Vcr.  4.  All  the  people  from 
 even,  quarter.  This  fliews  that  their  depravity  was  univerfal,  and  had  leized 
 not  only  on  all  ranks,  but  likewife  on  all  ages.  Ver.  5.  Bring  them  out  unto  us. 
 Jofeph4  favs,  the  Sodomites  were  ftruck  with  the  extraordinary  beauty  of 
 the  divine  n.cflengers,  and  were  on  that  account  fo  furious  to 
 laws  of  hoii'italifv,  and  burft  through  the  barriers  of  vice.  Ver.  8.  Bchoid 
 note,  I  hare  two  daughters.  Lot’s  higl.  regard  to  hofpitahty  here  leads  him  to  an 
 aaion  undotibte  -ly  culpable.  It  was  his  duty,  and  what  became  the 
 nofs  of  his  character,  to  ufe  every  lawful  method  to  preferve  the  guefts  wlm 
 had  taken  refuge  under  the  ftiadow  of  his  roof;  but  his  attempt  to  effea 
 their  prefervation  at  the  expence  of  his  daughters’  chaltity,  which  it  is 
 for  a  parent  by  all  means  to  guard  againft  violation,  was  certainly  far  beyond 
 what  the  laws  of  hofpitahty,  however  facred,  required,  and  at  the  fame 
 time  contrarvto  parental  love  anrl  affetftion.  Ver.  11.  Wuh  bluulnejs.  The 
 W'crd  for  hllulnefs  is  only  ufed  heie,  and  in  2  Kings  vu  18.  and  denotes  a 
 peculiar  fort  of  blindrefs,  not  an  entire  blindnefs  with  refpea  to  eveiy 
 ob^ea,  but  only  with  regard  to  that  they  were  intent  upon.  Ver.  lo.  lake 
 tC  wife.  This  illuftrates  the  twenty-foiirth  verfe  in  the  preceding 
 and  d'tmon  ft  rates,  that  God  is  no  Ms  juft  than  he  is  mercvul.  \  er.  25.  Ihe 
 -  f.arra  of  thunder  and  ligluning,  or,  as  others  think,  of  liquid  fire,  which  over- 
 tJirfw  thofe  cities,  is  thought  to  have  been  accompanied  with  a . 
 eai  iiiaaitke.  But  be  this  as  it  may,  we  fliould  learn  from  lienee,  that  i  o 
 f-aied  not  the  c!d  world,  but  brought  in  a  flood  upon  the  ungodly;  and  i  le 
 
 buniin'T  the  cities  of  Sodom  and  Gcmiorrah  iiito  allies,  condemned  them  with  an 
 overthrow,”  or,  according  to  Jude,  condemned  them  to  the  “vengeance  of  eter¬ 
 nal  fire,”  the  ungodly  Ihnll  affuredly  fuller  the  juft  punilhment  of  their  fins. 
 Ver.  26.  Nis  wife  looked  back  from  behind  him,  andjhe  became  a  pillar  of  fait. 
 It  is  fuppofed  Ihe  was  a  native  of  Sodom,  and  on  that  account  unvrilling  to  leave 
 the  place  of  her  nativity  fo  fuddenly  and  fo  abruptly  ;  and  therefore  Ihe  could 
 not  refrain  from  cafting  a  longing  lingering  look  behind.  Commentators  are 
 divided  in  their  opinion  concerning  tlio  words  a  pillar  oj  salt.  Some  take 
 it  fio-uratively,  to  imply  a  laliing  monument  of  the  divine  wraUi  ;  a  laf  ing  cove¬ 
 nant  being  ftyled  a  covenant  of  salt.  Numb,  xviii.  19.  others  are  for  taking  it  in 
 a  literal  fenfe,  v^hich  is  fimplell  and  moll  agreeable  to  t!ie  text;  and  therefore 
 we  may  interpret  it,  that  the  was  ftruck  dead  at  once,  cither  by  the  immediate 
 hand  of  God,  or  bv  the  Ihower  of  fire  and  briinftone  ;  and  her  body  changed 
 into  a  meulic  fubftance,  a  kind  of  hard  and  durable  fait,  but  probably  ftill 
 retaining  the  human  form.  Jofephus  ipcaks  of  it  as  remaining  in  Ins  time, 
 and  that  be  faw  it;  and  feme  modern  travellers  pretend  that  relics  of  >t  are 
 ftill  Ihevvn  by  the  inhabitants  of  thofe  places.  Ver.  31-36.  The  tranfaamn 
 recorded  in  thefe  verles  affords  us  a  melancholy  mftance  of  fhe  depravity  ot 
 human  nature,  and  how  liable  even  the  beft  of  men  are  to  fall,  if  not  aided 
 by  continual  fupplies  of  grace.  This  palfagc  -.leferves  our  notice  ;  and,  m 
 .riving  our  opinion  of  it,  we  cboofe  to  follow  the  fnggeftioiis  of  ferity,  by 
 endeavouring  to  extenuate  the  guilt,  though  we  cannot  juftify  the  adtmii. 
 1.  As  the  daughters’  crime;  it  was  at  that  time  an  univerfal  law,  which 
 '  became  afterwards  a  particular  one  of  the  Jews,  that  marnages  ftiould  be 
 contradled  within  the  family,  to  preferve  inheritances,  anu  to  avoid  the  mix¬ 
 ture  of  feeds ;  but  there  was  not  lb  much  as  one  ot  all  their  kindred  left.  >'7 
 whom  they  could  raile  up  feed  or  fucceffors  to  their  father ;  thofe  of  their 
 father’s  fide  being  at  a  vaft  diftance  from  them,  and  thofe  of  their  s  fide 
 
 being  every  one  deiiroycd  in  the  conflagration  of  Sodom.  But  hefides 
 
 it  is^no  improbable  opinion,  that  ibeir  anxiety  to  preferve  feed  of  ilieir  father. 
 
AUmclech  reluJcdJi  Abrahain,  GENESIS. 
 
 Before  live  .  jind  if  thou  reftore  her  not,  know  thou  that  thou 
 cir.  *1896  thou,  and  all  that  arc  thine. 
 
 8  Therefore  Abimelech  role  early  in  the  morning, 
 and  called  all  his  fervants,  and  told  all  thefe  things  in 
 their  ears  :  and  the  men  were  (ore  afraid. 
 
 9  f  Then  Abimelech  called  Abraham,  and  faid  unto 
 him,  What  haft  thou  done  unto  us  ?  and  what  have  I 
 offended  thee,  that  thou  haft  brought  on  me  and  on 
 my  kingdom  a  great  fin  ?  thou  haft  done  deeds  unto 
 me  that  ought  not  to  be  done. 
 
 10  And  Abimelech  laid  unto  Abraham,  Whatfaw- 
 eft  thou,  that  thou  haft  done  this  thing? 
 
 11  And  Abraham  faid,  Becaufe  I  thought,  Surely 
 the  fear  of  God  h  not  in  this  place  ;  and  they  will  flay 
 me  for  my  wife’s  fake. 
 
 12  And  yet  indeed  she  is  my  fifter :  fhe  is  the  daugh¬ 
 ter  of  my  father,  but  not  the'daughter  of  my  mother ; 
 and  fhe  become  my  wife. 
 
 13  And  it  came  to  pals,  when  God  caufed  me  to 
 wander  from  my  father’s  houfe,  that  I  faid  unto  her, 
 
 This  zsthy  kindnefs  which  thou  fhalt  fhew  unto  me  ; 
 at  every  place  whether  we  fhall  come,  ^  lay  of  me, 
 
 He  is  my  brother. 
 
 14  And  Abimelech  took  fheep,  and  oxen,  and 
 men-fervants,  and  women-lervants  and  gave  the7n  un¬ 
 to  Abraham,  and  reftored  him  Sarah  his  wife. 
 
 1 5  And  Abimelech  faid.  Behold,  ray  land  is  before 
 thee  :  dwell  where  it  pleafeth  thee. 
 
 16  And  unto  Sarah  he  faid.  Behold,  I  have  given 
 thy  brother  a  thoufand  pieces  of  filver :  behold,  he  is 
 to  thee  a  covering  of  the  eyes,  unto  all  that  are  with 
 thee,  and  with  all  other.  Thus  fhe  was  reproved. 
 
 The  birth  of  Isaac ;  Satalis  joi/. 
 
 &  Chap. 
 
 12. 13. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 «s  is  good 
 in  thine 
 
 17  If  So  Abraham  prayed  unto  God  :  and  God 
 healed  Abimelech,  and  his  wife  and  his  maid-lervants . 
 and  they  bare  children. 
 
 18  For  the  Lord  had  faft  clofed  up  all  the  wombs 
 of  the  houfe  of  Abimelech  becaufe  of  Sarah,  Abra- 
 ham’s  wife.* 
 
 1  Isaac  is  born  :  4  he  is  circumcised,  6  Sarah's  joy.  9  Hagar  and  IJh- 
 mad  are  cast  out.  15  Hagar  in  distress;  17  The  angel  comfortelh 
 her.  22  Abimelech' s  covenant  with  Abraham  at  Beer-pieba, 
 
 And  the  Lord  vifited  Sarah  as  he  had  faid,  and 
 the  Lord  did  unto  Sarah  *  as  he  had  fpokem 
 2  For  Sarah  conceived,  and  bare  Abrahana  a  fon 
 in  his  old  age,  at  the  let  time  of  which  God  had  fpoken 
 
 to  hirn#  ,  ,  p  t 
 
 3  And  Abraham  called  the  name  or  his  ion  that 
 
 was  born  to  him,  whom  Sarah  bare  to  him,  Ilaac.  ^ 
 
 4  And  Abraham  circumcifed  his  fon  Ifaac,  being 
 eight  days  old,  as  God  had  commanded  him. 
 
 5  And  Abraham  was  an  hundred  years  old  when 
 his  fon  Ifaac  was  born  unto  him. 
 
 6  ^1  And  Sarah  laid,  God  hath  made  me  to  laugh, 
 so  that  all  that  hear  will  laugh  with  me. 
 
 7  And  fhe  laid.  Who  would  have  faid  unto  Abra¬ 
 ham  that  Sarah  fhould  have  given  children  fuck  ?  for 
 I  have  born  him  2l  fon  in  his  old  age. 
 
 8  And  the  child  grew,  and  was  w'eaned  ;  and  Abra¬ 
 ham  made  a  great  feaft  the  same  day  that  Ifaac  was 
 weaned. 
 
 9  H  And  Sarah  faw  the  fon  of  Hagar  the  Egyptian, 
 which  fhe  had  horn  unto  Abraham,  mocking. 
 
 10  Wherefore  fhe  faid  unto  Abraham,  Caft  out  this 
 
 a  Chap. 
 
 17.  19.  Sc 
 
 18.  10. 
 b  Aas 
 7.8. 
 
 Gal.  4.22. 
 Hebr. 
 
 11.  11. 
 
 c  Chap. 
 17.  12. 
 cir.  1897. 
 
 proceeded  from  an  eager  defter  the  Meff.ah,  wlu^  they  might 
 
 fpring  from  them,  their  father  being  a  defendant  of  Shem,  and  a  fon  of  ..Ira- 
 
 ham’seldell  brother:  and,  in  faa,  ^ 
 
 the  eldea  daughter  of  Lot,  ftands  in  the  genealogy  of  our  Loid  Indeed  it  is 
 evident,  that  fome  fuch  matter  of  a  high  concernment  muft  have  influenced  their 
 condua.  2.  As  to  Lot’s  lhare  in  this  aflair,  it  will  fcarcely  admit  of  any  vindi- 
 lliion.  In  the  matter  of  inceft,  he  may  in  fome  meafure  be  excufecj  for  as  much 
 as  he  offered  no  violence  to  his  daughters,  but  was  altogether  palhve,  and  im- 
 Toffd  upon  by  them  ;  but  then  it  muff  be  confldered,  that  had  he  not  al  ow^d 
 himfelf  to  drink  to  excefs,  it  had  not  been  in  the  power  of  his  daughters  to  de¬ 
 ceive  him.  Upon  the  whole,  both  father  and  daugliters  in  this  whole  tranfaaion 
 Zre  not  without  fin.  And  therefore,  whatever  may  be  faid  m  mit.ption  of 
 their  faults,  we  miftake  the  matter  widely,  if  we  think  that  the  facred  hiiloi  j, 
 in  ba  X  relating  tliem,  means  either  to  approve  or  commend  them.  Ver.  30 
 38  Ltding  to'the  perfon  from  which  he  derived  Ins  birth,  flie  called  h.s  name 
 ILb  -  thatls  in  the  Hebrew,  from  my  father.  Ben-amnn,  the  name  pyen  by 
 thefecond  daughter  to  her  ion,  implies  the  son  of  my  people;  thereby  defiling  to 
 have  k  known!  that  he  Mas  not  the  fon  of  a  ftranger,  but  of  a  relation  ot  her 
 
 "’'"explanatory  notes.  Chap.  XX.  Ver.  And  Abraham  said  of 
 t.  '^17'  -rh  A  mu  nsler.  This  he  gave  out  in  all  converfations,  and  to 
 Zn  oZ'xL  ^tked  who  fl.e  was ;  which  was  little  better  than  a  be,  at  leaft  was 
 an  equivocation  not  at  all  jnftifiable,  and  tended  to  expofe  h.s  wife  s  cbaflity,  s 
 tell  a^difeovered  adiftruft  of  divine  providence  _  I  he  fame  infirmitv  he  had 
 Sven Way  to,  and  the  fame  deception  he  had  ufed,  in  the  adventu.es  which  be- 
 IThmi  ill  E^vpt,  (fee  chap,  xii.)  and  therefore  was  the  more  inexcufable  now. 
 
 cir.  1692. 
 
 d  Gala. 
 
 4.  30. 
 
 Ver.  4.  V/ilt  thou  slay  also  a  righteous  nation  F  Either  God  had  threatened  to  de- 
 ftroy  his  people  as  well  as  himfelf,  if  he  did  not  return  Sarah  to  her  hufband ;  or 
 Abimelech  knew  that  it  had  been  ufual  for  the  people  to  fuffer  for  tlie  crimes  of 
 tlieir  governor,  and,  like  a  true  father  of  his  country,  fhews  an  afte6tionato 
 concern  for  their  welfare  in  tlie  firft  place;  for  this  may  be  the  feiife  of  the 
 word  also,  on  which  an  emphafis  is  put :  as  if  he  had  faid,  Wilt  thou  not  only 
 flay  me,  but  alfo  a  whole  nation  for  my  fake,  a  nation  free  from  all  fault  and 
 blame  in  this  matter?  Ver.  5.  In  the  integrity  of  my  heart.  Hereby  declaring, 
 that  his  defign  was  not  to  defile  the  woman,  and  to  gratify  his  lull ;  but  to  take 
 her  to  be  liis  wife.  This  he  thought  to  be  no  evil,  though  he  had  a  w  ife  al¬ 
 ready,  ver.  17.  polygamy  not  being  reckoned  a  fm  in  thofe  times.  Ac¬ 
 cordingly,  in  the  next  verfe  we  fee  his  plea  is  admitted  by  God,  and  a  very  great 
 tefiimony  borne  to  his  integrity  in  tlus  matter.  Ver.  6.  Therefore  furred  I  thee 
 nut  to  touch  her.  As  tliere  is  nothing  done  but  by  divine  permiflioii,  fo  many 
 more  evils  would  be  committed  than  there  are,  were  it  not  that  men  are  re- 
 1  ftraiued  from  them  by  the  power  and  providence  of  God  ;  and  in  particular, 
 i  this  fin  was  prevented  that  it  might  not  in  any  refpecl  be  a  doubtful  point, 
 whether  Ifaac,  whom  Sarah  had  now  conceived,  was  a  legitimate  fon  of  Abra¬ 
 ham.  Ver.  16.  H:  is  to  thee  a  covering  of  the  eyes.  A  proteaion  of  her  perfon, 
 and  chaftity  ;  fo  a  hulband  in  our  language  is  laid  to  be  a  cover  to  his  wife.  But 
 it  feems  bell  to  refer  this  to  the  gift  of  1000  pieces  of  filver  jufl;  mentioned,  and 
 to  read  the  words  thus  :  “  Bidiold  this  is  to  thee  a  covering  of  tlie  eyes  for  the 
 words  are  a  fevere  farcafm  on  Sarah.  As  Abimelech  upbraids  her  with  calling 
 Abraham  her  brother  in  the  preceeding  claufe,  fo  in  this  he  tells  her,  that  he 
 had  given  him  fo  much  money  to  fupply  her  with  vails  from  time  to  time-  to 
 cover  her  eyes,  that  nobody  might  be  tempted  to  lull  after  her,  and  that  iE  might 
 
 - - TT  thofe  who  reprove  fin  by  their  godlv  converfation,  become  an  eye-fore  to  the  wicked.  How  quickly  tlie  proteaors  of  God’s  meffengers  are  - 
 
 deliverances.  How  ream  y  danger.  Behold  the  gracioufnefs  of  God’s  mercy  in  the  inidH  of  judgment,  and  connea  witli  it  this  precious 
 
 rewarded  vvith  ®  ^  corruption  like  this,  that  the  Lord  knoxveth  hoxv  to  deliver  the  godly  out  of  danger  ns  well  us  temptation.  Thofe  who  are  themf dves 
 
 affurance,  in  all  nines  o  P  endeavours  to  perfuade  others  to  fly  from  the  wratli  to  come.  They  who  are  iu  jeopardy  every  hour,  have  not  a  mo- 
 
 fenfible  •  gptc,-,  pvcve  a  great  fnare  to  the  heart.  To  look  hack  with  regret  on  the  pleafures  of  fin,  is  apt  to  entangle  us  again  therein.  Till  the 
 
 ment  to  lofe.  V\  orimy  B  quicker  and  quicker  from  a  world  which  lietli  in  wickednefs.  When  wc  drink  of  leaving  our  fins,  we  muft  make  no  r«- 
 
 tcrmination  of  ,,,.f,aicc  •  ouce  fet  out  for  heaven,  we  muft  perfevere.  Let  us  centimially  fear  left  we  folk  Many  a  faint  goes  to  heaven,  and  leaves  his 
 
 ferve  either  in  •  .-.p.-verfenefo  in  the  call  of  bitternefs  and  bond  of  iniquity.  No  inducement  muft  prevent  us,  if  they  will  not  accompany  us,  we  muft 
 
 neared  relations  through  then  intoxfoatiou ;  for  it  geu.-’rally  ilfoes  in  whoredom  and  lading  fliaine. 
 
 leave  them  to  tneii  ”  _ *  Chap.  XX.]  In  our  wanderings  through  this  world,  let  us  commit  oiulelves  and  all  our  concerns  to  God  as  our  God  ! 
 
 PRACTICAL  OLv  remember  vve  are  but  fojourners  as  all  our  fathers  were.  Let  not  the  greatnels  of  Abraham’s  charadler  tempt  us  to  over- 
 
 V'herevcr  we  arc  in  t  ’!“  j^^an  in  his  higlieft  attainments.  It  is  a  fad  thing  to  be  overtaken  iu  fin,  it  is  worfe  to  velapfe  into  it,  but  Hill  tlie  back- 
 
 look  Abraham  s  inhimi  y.  p  „  „  .i,™  cannot  fall ;  let  none  fallen  fink  into  defpair.  If  Jehovah  be  our  God,  our  fliield,  and  our  exceeding  great  reward,  we 
 
 llider  mav  return.  Let  none  prviu..  .  ^  .  r,.... _ _ i,  r:„.i  . 
 
 Ko,  2,t.t6dt 
 
flcgitr  cast  outf  and  in  distress. 
 
 GENESIS. 
 
 AhimeUclis  covenant  voitJi  Abraham. 
 
 c^a  tiond-woman  and  her  fon  ;  for  the  fon  of  this  bond- 
 1892.  woman  (hall  nor  be  heir  with  my  Ion,  even  with  Il'aac. 
 
 11  And  the  thing  was  very  grievous  in  Abraham’s 
 fight  becaufe  of  his  fon. , 
 
 12  And  God  faid  unto  Abraham,  Let  itnot  be  grie¬ 
 vous  in  thy  fight  becaufe  of  the  lad,  and  becaufe  of  thy 
 bond-woman  ;  in  all  that  Sarah  hath  faid  unto  thee, 
 hearken  unto  her  voice  ;  for  in  Ifaac  (hall  thy  feed  be 
 called. 
 
 13  And  alfo  of  the  fon  of  the  bond-woman  will  I 
 make  a  nation,  becaufe  he  is  thy  feed. 
 
 14  And  Abraham  rofe  up  early  in  the  morning,  and  | 
 
 ^ok  bread  and  a  bottle  of  water,  and  gave  it  unto  I 
 Hagar,  (putting  it  on  her  (boulder,)  and  the  child,  and  I 
 fent  her  away  :  and  (he  departed,  and  wandered  in  the  ! 
 wildernefs  of  Beer-fheba.  j 
 
 15  And  the  water  was  fpent  in  the  bottle,  and 
 (he  caft  the  child  under  one  of  the  (hrubs. 
 
 16  And  (lie  went  and  fet  her  down  over  againfl 
 him  a  good  way  off,  as  it  were  a  bow-(hot ;  for  (he 
 faid.  Let  me  not  fee  the  death  of  the  child.  And 
 (he  fat  over  agairift  him,  and  lift  up  her  voice,  and 
 wept. 
 
 17  And  God  heard  the  voice  of  the  lad:  and  the 
 angel  of  God  called  to  Hagar  out  of  heaven,  and  faid 
 unto  her.  What  aileth  thee,  Hagar fear  not  ;  for 
 God  hath  heard  the  voice  of  the  lad  where  he  is. 
 
 18  Arife,  lift  up  the  lad,  and  hold  him  in  thine 
 hand  ;  for  I  will  make  him  a  great  nation. 
 
 19  And  God  opened  her  eyes,  and  (he  faw  a  well 
 of  w'ater :  and  (he  w^ent  and  filled  the  bottle  with 
 water,  and  gave  the  lad  drink. 
 
 20  And  God  was  with  the  lad  ;  and  he  grew,  and 
 dwelt  in  the  v.^ildernefs,  and  became  an  archer. 
 
 21  And  he  dwelt  in  the  wildernefs  of  Paran :  and 
 his  mother  took  him  a  wife  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt. 
 
 22  H  And  it  came  to  pafs  at  that  time,  that  Abi- 
 
 melech  and  Phichol  the  chiefcaptainof  his  hoft,  fpake  Before 
 unto  Abraham,  faying,  God  is  with  thee  in  all  that 
 thou  doeft.  V 
 
 23  Now  therefore  fwear  unto  me  here  by  God, 
 
 t  that  thou  wilt  not  deal  falfely  with  me,  nor  with  my  f  Heb. 
 fon,  nor  with  my  (bn’s  fon  :  hut  according  to  the  kind- ^ 
 nels  that  I  have  done  unto  thee,  thou  (halt  do  unto^^'"^^^*® 
 m.e,  and  to  the  land  wherein  thou  haftfojourntd.  ^ 
 
 24  And  Abraham  faid,  I  will  fwear. 
 
 25  x'^nd  Abraham  reproved  Abimelech  becaufe  of 
 a  well  of  water,  which  Abimelech’s  fervants  had  vio¬ 
 lently  taken  away. 
 
 26  And  xWimelech  laid,  I  wot  not  who  hath  done 
 this  thing  ;  neither  didft  thou  tell  me,  neither  yet 
 heard  I  ([f  it,  but  to-day. 
 
 27  And  Abraham  took  (beep  and  oxen,  and  gave 
 them  unto  Abimelech  :  and  both  of  them  made  a 
 covenant. 
 
 28  And  Abraham  fet  feven  ewe-lambs  of  the  flock 
 by  themlelves. 
 
 29  And  Abimelech  faid  unto  Abraham,  What  mean 
 thefe  feven  ewedambs  which  thou  haft  fet  by  them- 
 felves  ? 
 
 30  And  he  faid.  For  these  feven  ewe-lambs  (halt 
 thou  take  of  my  hand,  that  they  may  be  a  witnefs 
 unto  me  that  I  have  digged  this  well. 
 
 31  Wherefore  he  called  that  place  ||  Beer-(heba  ;  )|  xhatis 
 
 becaufe  there  they  (ware  both  of  them.  the  well  0/ 
 
 32  Thus  they  made  a  covenant  at  Bter-(heba :  then^{'^ 
 Abimelech  rofe  up,  and  Pnichol  the  chief  captain 
 
 his  hoft,  and  they  returned  into  the  land  of  the  Phili- 
 ftines. 
 
 33  ^  And  Abraham  planted  a  0  grove  in  Beer-fheba,  [|0r,  tree’. 
 and  called  there  on  the  name  of  the  Lord,  the  ever- 
 lafting  God. 
 
 34  And  Abraham  fejourned  in  the  Philiftines’ land 
 many  days.* 
 
 be  known  the  was  a  married  woman,  (for  in  thofe  countries  married  women 
 wore  veils  for  difl;in(5lion.)  The  following  phrafe,  and  with  all  other;  ought  to 
 be  read,  with  what  follows,  without  a  flop  thus,  “  And  with  all  this  was  flie  re¬ 
 proved  that  is.  With  all  this  that  Abimelech  had  faid  and  done,  Sarah  was  re¬ 
 proved  for  faying  that  Abraham  washer  brether.  Or  tlie  words  may  be  rendered 
 thus,  “  And  fb  before  all  the  was  reproved  that  is,  before  her  hulband,  before 
 Abiinelech’s  courtiers,  and  perhaps  before  her  own  fervants. 
 
 EX  PliANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXI.  Ver.  I  •  And  the  Lordvisited  Sarah. 
 He  vifited  her  in  a  way  of  mercy  and  kindnefs,  by  fulfilling  his  promile,  giving 
 her  ftrength  to  conceive  and  bear  a  child,  1  Sam.  ii.  21.  Ver.  2.  At  the  set  time, 
 of  which  God  had  spoken  to  him.  God  was  not  only  faithful  in  fulfilling  the  pro- 
 mife,  but  in  keeping  the  exa<5l  time  of  it.  Ver.  4.  And  Abraham  circumcised  his 
 son  Isaac  being  eight  days  old.  Though  this  was  the  fon  of  the  promife  and  of  his 
 old  age,  for  whom  he  had  the  moft  tender  atfedlion  ;  yet  he  performed  this 
 bloody  ordinance  on  him  without  deferring  it  beyond  the  time,  and  as  it  would 
 feem,  was  himfelf  the  operator  ;  all  which  Ihews  his  ftri(5l  regard,  and  ready  ani 
 cheerful  obedience  to  the  command  of  God.  Ver.  6.  And  Sarah  said,  God  hath 
 made  me  to  laugh.  This  fbe  faid  on  occafion  of  the  name  of  her  fon  Ifaac,  which 
 name  her  hulband  had  given  him,  and  to  which  Ihe  alTented.  Ver.  9.  Moeking, 
 at  Ifaac  ;  laughing  at  his  name,  treating  him  with  contempt  as  his  younger  bro¬ 
 ther,  and  hoalling  that  Ifiimael  was  the  firll-born,  and  that  the  inheritance  be¬ 
 longed  to  him  ;  and  perhaps  deriding  the  promife  of  God  that  Ifaac  Ihould  be 
 Abraham’s  heir ;  for  that  this  contention  was  about  the  inheritance,  feems  plain 
 from  the  w'ords  of  Sarah  in  the  next  verfe.  As  the  apollle,  Gal.  iv.  39.  llyles  it 
 
 !|  persecution,  wc  may  conclude,  that  Ifaac’s  piety  alfo  was  the  continual  fuhjetfl  of 
 i;  Iflimael’s  ridicule,  derifion,  or  hard  ufage.  Ver,  10.  Cast  out  this  bond- wo  man  and 
 i'  her  Jon.  This  was  not  faid  merely  in  a  pallion,  but  by  divine  dire<5Iioii  and  iii- 
 i  flucncc,  as  is  evident  from  God’s  approbation  of  it  in  ver.  12.  The  defign  of 
 '  God  in  guiding  Sarah  to  make  fiieh  a  motion  as  this  to  Abraham,  is  taught  us 
 by  the  apollle  Paul,  who  makes  thefe  two  women  to  be  types  and  figures  of  the 
 ji  two  covenants,  and  their  fons  of  thofe  that  are  under  them,  Gal.  iv.  22,  &c. 
 Ver.  12.  In  Isaac /hall  thy  seed  be  call  d.  This  is  a  good  reafon  why  the  bond-wo¬ 
 man  and  her  fon  tliould  be  call  out,  that  they  or  their  otfspring  might  not  inhe¬ 
 rit  the  land  w  itli  Ifaac  or  his  defeendants  ;  and  that  it  might  indilpiitably  appear, 
 tliat  from  Abraham  in  tlie  line  of  Ilaac,  and  not  in  the  line  of  Ifiimael,  the  Melfiah 
 lliould  fpring ;  that  feed  in  wliom  all  the  nations  of  the  earth  Ihould  be  blelfed. 
 Ver.  14.  The  behaviour  of  Abraham  towards  his  fon  lllimael  has  been  reprefent- 
 ed  cruel  to  the  lad  degree.  In  order  to  remove  the  opprobrium  tijat  has  been 
 thrown  upon  it,  it  will  be  necelfary  to  obferve,  that  though  Ilhmael  is  called  a 
 I  child  according  to  the  Hebrew  idiom,  yet  he  vi'as  really  fifteen  or  fixteen  years 
 I  old;  and  that  by  bread  and  water,  is  meant,  in  Icripture,  all  kinds  of  provilions, 
 Befides,  it  may  be  added  that  it  was  no  difficult  thing  for  any  perfon  to  find  a 
 I  livelihood  in  this  early  age  of  the  world  ;  thofe  who  had  flocks  found  ground  enough 
 in  every  country  to  maintain  them;  and  creatures  were  lb  numerous  that  a  perlbn 
 i  who  had  no  flocks  might,  in  uncultivated  places,  kill  enough  of  all  forts  for  his 
 ;  maintenance,  and  accordingly  we  find,  that  Ifiimael  choofe  to  refide  in  the  wilclcr- 
 !  nefs,  where  he  became  an  archer.  Ver.  1 9.  God  opened  her  eyes.  Through  inattention 
 :  and  diftradlion  of  mind,  fhe  had  not  obfervedthis  well  before,  or  perhaps  her  eyes 
 
 r.iiflaken  to  our  fhame ;  their  pra(5lice  reproves  us.  All  equivocations  generally  lead  us  into  ferapes.  Truth  will  never  fliame  its  author.  How  pitiful  are  the  bed 
 excufes  which  men  particularly  faints,  can  make  for  their  finning  !  And  it  mull  be  confidered  as  an  infinite  mercy  that  God,  though  he  fometimes  puts  his  people  to 
 lliame  for  their  folly,  takes  more  care  of  their  honour,  and  efpecially  of  the  honour  of  his  promifes,  than  they  do.  And  the  prayers  of  penitent  faints  are  profitable  to 
 the  greateft  men  upon  earth.  • 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XXI.]  What  a  pleafure  God  fometimes  takes  to  delay  the  fulfilment  of  promifes,  till  it  becomes,  humanely  fpeak- 
 ing,  improbable,  if  not  impoffible,  for  the  trial  of  our  faith  and  patience,  but  he  never  defers  it  a  moment  beyond  the  due  time,  and  the  joys  which  attend  the  lea- 
 fonable  fulfilment  thereof  are  great  and  certain,  and  yet  even  then  our  attempts  to  anticipate  it  often  mingle  our  joys  with  wormwood  and  gall !  It  is  exceedingly 
 proper  on  all  occafions  to  mark  the  Lord’s  gracious  dealings  with  his  people.  Chriftians  love  to  contemplate  the  evidences  of  a  faithful  God.  While  Sarah  and 
 lier  family  rejoices  over  her  fon,  let  all  the  redeemed  rejoice  that  to  them  a  child  is  born,  to  us  a  fon  is  given,  whofe  name  is  wonderful,  Counfellor  ;  the  mighty 
 God  •  the  everlafting  Father ;  the  Prince  of  Peace,  May  we  adore  him  of  whom  Ifaac  is  a  ftriking  type,  and  in  whom  all  the  promifes  centre.  Paul  informs 
 the  believing  church  of  Galatia,  that  aa  Sarah  was  a  figure  of  the  church,  fo  Ifaac  became  a  figure  of  the  children  of  that  church.  «  Now  we  brethren,  as  Ifaac 
 
GENESIS. 
 
 The  trial  of  AhraJiam^s  faith 
 
 CHAP.  XXII. 
 
 Before 
 Chriil 
 
 1872.  1  Abraham  is  tempted  to  offer  Isaac;  3  he  giveth  proof  of  his  faith  and 
 
 obedience ;  11  the  angel  Jlayeth  him;  13  I^aac  is  exchanged  with  a 
 ram.  14  The  place  is  called  Jeliovah-jireh.  13  Abraham  is  blejffed 
 again.  20  The  generation  of  Nahor  with  Rebekah. 
 
 And  it  came  to  pafs,  after  thefe  things,  that 
 ^  God  did  tempt  Abraham,  and  faid  unto  him, 
 t'Heb.  Abraham.  And  he  faid,  t  Behold,  here  I  am. 
 
 \ckoid  2  And  he  faid.  Take  now  thy  fon,  thine  only  fon 
 me.  Ifaac,  whom  thou  loveft,  and  get  thee  into  the  land  of 
 
 Moriah  ;  and  offer  him  there  for  a  burnt-offering  upon 
 one  of  the  mountains  which  I  will  tell  thee  off. 
 
 3  H  And  Abraham  rofe  up  early  in  the  morning,  and 
 faddled  his  afs,  and  took  two  of  his  young  men  with 
 him,  and  Ifaac  his  fon,  and  clave  the  wood  for  the 
 burnt -offering,  and  rofe  up,  and  went  unto  the  place 
 of  which  God  had  told  him. 
 
 4  Then  on  the  third  day  Abraham  lifted  up  his  eyes, 
 and  faw  the  place  afar  off. 
 
 5  And  Abraham  faid  unto  his  young  men.  Abide  ^ 
 ye  here  with  the  afs ;  and  I  and  the  lad  will  go  yonder , 
 and  worfhip,  and  come  again  to  you. 
 
 6  And  Abraham  took  the  wood  of  the  burnt-offer¬ 
 ing,  and  laid  it  upon  Ifaac  his  fon ;  and  he  took  the 
 fire  in  his  hand,  and  a  knife  ;  and  they  w'ent  both  of 
 them  together. 
 
 7  And  Ifaac  fpake  unto  Abraham  his  father,  and 
 f  iieb.  faid,  My  father,  and  he  faid,  t  Here  am  I,  my  fon. 
 Rehold  he  faid,  Behold  the  fire  and  the  wood  ;  but 
 
 where  is  the  11  lamb  for  a  burnt-offering  ? 
 
 8  And  Abraham  faid,  My  fon,  God  will  provide 
 himfelf  a  lamb  for  a  burnt-offering :  fo  they  went 
 both  of  them  together. 
 
 9  And  they  came  to  the  place  which  God  had  told 
 him  of ;  and  Abraham  built  an  altar  there,  and  laid  the 
 b  James  wood  ip  Order ;  and  bound  Ifaac  his  fon,  and  ^  laid 
 him  on  the  altar  upon  the  wood. 
 
 10  And  Abraham  ftretched  forth  his  hand,  and 
 took  the  knife  to  flay  his  fon. 
 
 1  i  H  And  the  angel  of  the  Lord  called  upon  him 
 
 me. 
 
 U  Or,  hid. 
 
 had  been  hidden  or  reftrained  by  the  providence  of  God  from  feeing  it.  It  is  not 
 iinjjrobable,  however,  that  this  well  was  not  in  being  before,  but  was  immediately 
 produced  by  the  power  of  God,  who,  wlien  he  pleafes,  can  open  fountains  in  the 
 midll  of  the  valleys,  and  make  the  wildernefs  a  pool  of  water.  Ver.  25.  And 
 Abraham  reproved  Abimeleck.  In  thefe  hot  and  dry  countries  a- well  of  water 
 was  an  ineftimable  treafiire,  and  the  digging  of  it  a  work  of  prodigious  labour, 
 both  on  account  of  the  rockinefs  of  the  foil,  and  the  great  depth  it  was  necelfary 
 to  dig  before  they  could  lind  a  fpring.  Ver.  31.  He  called  that  place  Beer-Jheba. 
 Reer  fignifics  a  xvell,  and  Jliebu,  both  an  oath,  and  seven  ;  fo  that  the  name  alludes 
 not  only  fo  the  oath,  as  mentioned  in  the  text,  but  likewife  to  the  seven  flieep  giv¬ 
 en  by  Abraham  in  purchafe  for  the  well.  Ver.  23.  And  Abraham  planted  agiove. 
 Tlie’filence  and  natural  gloom  which  reigns  in  thefe  bowry  folitudes  difpofe  the 
 mind  to  ferious  contemplation  ;  on  which  account  they  were  chofen  by  the  pious 
 fathers  of  antiquity,  as  their  temples  and  folemn  theatres  of  devotion.  But  this 
 pradlice  becoming  at  length  to  be  abufed  to  idolatrous  purpofes  by  the  fiiperftition 
 of ’the  heathens,  was  afterwards  forbidden  by  the  law  of  Mofes ;  as  in  Exodus 
 xxxiv.  13,  14.  Deut.  xii.  3.  and  xvi.  21,  dec. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXII,  Ver.  1.  God  did  tempt  Abra¬ 
 ham.  Not  to  fin,  as  Satan  does;  for  God  tempts  no  man,  neither  can  be  be 
 tempted  of  anv ;  but  the  meaning  is,  he  tried  him,  to  prove  him,  and  to  know  his 
 faith  in  him,  his  fear  of  him,  his  love  to  him,  and  cheerful  obedience  to  his  com- 
 
 He  is  again  hlrfed, 
 
 out  of  heaven,  and  faid,  Abraham,  Abraham.  And  Bef?™ 
 he  faid,  Here  am  I. 
 
 12  And  he  faid,  Lay  not  thine  hand  upon  the  lad, 
 neither  do  thou  any  thing  unto  him :  for  now  I  know 
 that  thou  feareft  God,  feeing  thou  haft  not  withheld 
 thy  fon,  thine  only  son  from  me. 
 
 13  And  Abraham  lifted  up  his  eyes,  and  looked, 
 and,  behold,  behind  him  a  ram  caught  in  a  thicket 
 by  his  horns:  and  Abraham  went  and  took  the  ram, 
 and  offered  him  up  for  a  burnt-offering  in  the  ftead  of 
 his  fon. 
 
 14  And  Abraham  called  the  name  of  that  place, 
 
 II  Jehovah-jireh  :  as  it  is  faid  to  this  day,  In  the  mount 
 
 of  the  Lord  it  fhall  be  feen.  rord 
 
 15  H  And  the  angel  of  the  Lord  called  unto  Abra-  will  see, 
 
 ham  out  of  heaven  the  fecond  time,  ®|’> 
 
 16  And  faid,  By  myfelf  have  I  (worn,  faith 
 
 Lord  ;  for  becaufe  thou  haft  done  this  thing,  and  105,  9. 
 haft  not  withheld  thy  fon,  thine  only  Jon ;  Ecdef. 
 
 17  That  in  blefling  I  will  blels  thee,  and  in  multi- 
 
 plying  I  will  multiply  thy  feed  as  the  ftars  of  the  hea-  j 
 ven,  and  as  the  fand  which  is  upon  the  fea-fhore ;  and  iiebr. 
 thy  feed  fhall  poffefs  the  gates  of  his  enemies  :  e.  13. 
 
 18"*  And  in  thy  feed  fhall  all  the  nations  of  the  earth  j. 
 be  blefl'ed  ;  becaufe  thou  haft  obeyed  my  voice.  cf  chap. 
 
 19  So  Abraham  returned  unto  his  young  men,  and  12. 3.  & 
 
 they  rofe  up,  and  went  together  to  Beer-fheba  :  and  is.  is. 
 Abraham  dwelt  at  Beer-fheba.  Ecdef. 
 
 20  f  And  it  came  to  pafs,  after  thefe  things,  that 
 
 was  told  Abraham,  faying,  Behold,  Milcah,  (he  hath  3.  25. 
 alfo  born  children  unto  thy  brother  Nahor  ;  Gal.  3.  s. 
 
 21  Huz  his  firft-born,  and  Buz  his  brother,  and 
 Kemuel  the  father  of  Aram, 
 
 22  And  Chefed,  and  Hazo,  and  Pildafh,  and  Jid- 
 laph,  and  Bethuel- 
 
 23  And  Bethuel  begat  ®  Rebekah  :  thefe  eight  Mil-  e  Called 
 
 cah  did  bear  to  Nahor,  Abraham’s  brother.  Romans 
 
 24  And  his  concubine,  whofe  name  was  Reumah.  „  i®' 
 fhe  bare  alfo  Tebah,  and  Gaham,  and  Thahafh,  and 
 Maachah.* 
 
 mands  ;  not  indeed  in  order  to  know  thefe  himfelf,  for  of  thefe  he  was  fully 
 fatisfied  ;  but  to  make  them  known  to  others,  and  that  Abraliam’s  faith  mi-^ht 
 be  llrengthened  yet  more  and  more,  as  in  the  iiTue  it  was.  Ver.  2.  Take  nuw°lii/ 
 son  thine  only  son.  The  order  in  wiiich  the  words  are  placed  in  the  ori.nnal 
 giadually  increafes  the  fenfe,  and  railes  the  pafiions  higher  and  higher,  Take 
 
 now  thy  son,  thine  only  son  whom  thou  lovejl,  even  I'hao _ -Abraham  defired 
 
 earneftly  to  be  Jet  into  tlie  myllery  of  the  redemption  ;  and  God  to  inftrudt  him  in 
 the  heft  manner  humanity  is  capable  of  receiving  inftrudlion,  in  the  infinite 
 extent  of  divine  goodnefs  to  mankind,  “who  fpared  not  his  own  Son,  but  de¬ 
 livered  him  up  for  us  ail,”  let  Abraham  feel  by  experience  wliat  it  was  to  lofe  a 
 beloved  fon.  Ver.  4.  On  the  third  day.  The  Jews  take  great  notice  of  this  third 
 day,  and  compare  the  patTage  with  Hof.  vi.  2.  whicli  they  interpret  of  the  third 
 day  of  the  refurreaion.  And  the  deliverance  of  Ifaac  on  the  third  dav  was 
 doubtlefs,  typical  of  Chrifl’s  refurreaion  from  the  dead  on  the  third  day.  Ver.  c'. 
 Abraham  took  the  wood, — and  laid  it  upon  Isaac.  In  tliis  was  reprefented 
 another  circumftance  attending  the  crucifixion,  that  of  Ghriil’s  bearing  his  own 
 crofs ;  and  this  wood  may  alfo  be  a  figure  of  our  fins  laid  on  him  by  his 
 Father ;  and  which  he  bore  in  his  own  body  on  the  tree.  Ver.  7.  And  Isaac 
 said,  My  father.  This  fentence  is  the  moll  exprefiive  that  ever  was  uttered 
 Let  the  tender  parent  fuhilitute  himfelf  in  the  dead  of  Abraham,  and  then  he 
 will  not  only  underftand,  but  likewife  feel,  all  the  pathos  comprehended  in  thefe 
 
 was,  are  children  of  the  promle.  i>ei  us  make  the  enquiry,  is  this  our  privilege  ?  Are  we  of  the  feed  of  the  bond-woman  or  of  the  free  ’  Defeendants  of  Ha<Tar  n,. 
 of  Sarah  ?  Or  in  other  words,  do  we  expedl  falvation  by  works  or  of  grace  ?  upon  the  decifion  of  this  important  querrv  depends  our  everlallimr  welfare  ^  I 
 
 tliat  we  -never  feek  juftification  from  a  covenant  of  works,  which  never  did  or  will  be  able  to  fave  the  fouL  But  the  gofuil  is  the  ndniftrluo  .“oTl  fe  n.r  S  ^  °"T 
 
 S'.™  Se  of  r  Ibnl  o?  God  “  bo  voodooing,’  lad.  "^d^.G 
 
 how 
 
 command,  wucic  -  .  ^  ^  “'=“*>•.  xuuiu  mais  are  moil,  araictins  to  tlie  heiicver  which  r,ef  a,. 
 
 Of  natural  alFedion,  but  even  threaten  to  rufuate  the  promifes  of  God:  yet  thrice  happy  are  they,  who,  under  the  foreft  trials,  heartily  acquiefee^fn ‘the  wiuS 
 
The  age  and  death  of  Sarah, 
 
 ,  GENESIS. 
 
 Abraham  htyeth  a  burial  place. 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 cir.  1860. 
 
 CHAP.  XXTII. 
 
 1  The  age  avd  death  of  Sarah.  3  The  purchase  of  Machpclah,  19  luhcrc 
 Sarah  7uas  buried, 
 
 And  Sarah  was  an  hundred  and  feven  and  twenty 
 years  old  :  these  "dca's  the  years  of  the  life  of 
 
 Sarah. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 a  prince 
 ^  God. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 full  of 
 money. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 ears* 
 
 2  And  Sarah  died  in  Kirjath-arba ;  the  fame  is 
 Hebron  in  the  land  of  Canaan  :  and  Abraham  came 
 to  mourn  for  Sarah,  and  to  weep  for  her. 
 
 3  ^  And  Abraham  ftoed  up  from  before  his  dead, 
 and  fpake  unto  the  fons  of  Heth,  faying, 
 
 4  1  a  ftranger  and  a  fojourner  with  you:  give  me 
 a  prfleflion  of  a  burying-place  with  you,  that  I  may 
 bury  my  dead  out  of  my  fight. 
 
 5  And  the  children  of  Heth  anfwered  Abraham, 
 faying  unto  him, 
 
 6  Hear  us,  my  lord :  Thou  art  f  a  mighty  prince 
 among  us ;  in  the  choice  of  our  fepulchres  bury  thy 
 dead  :  none  of  us  fhall  withhold  from  thee  his  lepul- 
 chre,  but  that  thou  ma^’-efl:  bury  thy  dead. 
 
 7  And  Abraham  flood  up,  and  bowed  himfelf  to  the 
 people  of  the  land,  even  to  the  children  of  Heth. 
 
 8  And  he  communed  with  them,  faying.  If  it  be  your 
 mind  that  I  fliould  bury  my  dead  out  of  ray  fight,  hear 
 me,  and  entreat  for  me  to'Ephron  the  fon  of  Zohar, 
 
 9  That  he  may  give  me  the  cave  of  Machpelah 
 which  he  hath,  which  is  in  the  end  of  his  field  :  for 
 t  as  much  money  as  it  is  worth  he  (hall  give  it  me, 
 for  a  pofiTeffioo  Of  a  burying-place  among  vou. 
 
 10  And  Ephron  dwelt  among  the  children  of  Heth. 
 And  Ephron  the  Hitfite  anfwered  Abraham  in  the 
 t  audience  of  the  children  of  Heth,  even  of  all  that 
 went  in  at  the  gate  of  his  city,  faying, 
 
 1 1  Nay,  my  lord,  hear  me :  The  field  give  I  thee, 
 and  the  cave  that  is  therein,  I  give  it  thee  j  in 
 prefence  of  the  fons  of  my  people  give  1  it  thee  ;  bury 
 thy  dead. 
 
 12  And  Abraham  bowed  down  himfelf  before  the 
 people  of  the  land. 
 
 13  And  he  fpake  unto  Ephron,  in  the  audience  of 
 I  he  people  of  the  land,  faying,  But  if  thou  wilt  give  it, 
 I  pray  thee,  hear  me  :  I  will  give  thee  m.oney  for  the 
 field  ;  take  it  ot  me,  and  1  will  bury  my  dead  there: 
 
 14  And  Ephron  anfwered  Abraham,  faying  unto 
 him, 
 
 15  My  lord,  hearken  unto  me;  The  land  is  worth 
 four  hundred  fhekels  of  filver ;  what  is  that  betwixt 
 me  and  thee  ?  bury  therefore  thy  dead 
 
 16  And  Abraham  hearkened  unto  Ephron  ;  and 
 Abraham  weighed  to  Ephron  the  filver,  which  he  had 
 named  in  the  audience  of  the  fons  of  Herb,  four  hun¬ 
 dred  ihekels  of  filver,  current  money  with  the  merchant. 
 
 17  And  the  field  of  Ephron,  which  was  in  Mach¬ 
 pelah,  which  voas  before  Mamre,  the  field,  and  the 
 cave  which  was  therein,  and  all  the  trees  that  were  in 
 the  field,  that  were  in  all  the  borders  round  about, 
 were  made  fure. 
 
 18  Unto  Abraham  for  a  poflefTion,  in  the  prefence 
 I  of  the  children  of  Heth,  before  all  that  went  in  at  the 
 j  gate  of  his  city. 
 
 I  19  And  after  this,  Abraham  buried  Sarah  his  wife 
 in  the  cave  of  the  field  of  Machpelah  before  Mamre  : 
 the  fame  is  HebPon  in  the  land  of  Canaan. 
 
 20  And  the  field,  and  the  cave  that  is  therein,  were 
 I  made  fure  unto  Abraham,  for  a  pofTeifion  of  a  bury- 
 I  ing  place,  by  the  Ions  of  Heth.* 
 
 few  words;  words  that  were  echoed  by  oiir  deareft.  Saviour,  ainidfl-.  his  agony  in 
 the  garden  of  Gethfemaoe;  “  Abba  Father,”  laid  h,e,  “  all  things  are  poflible  for 
 thee.”  Mark  xiv.  36.  Ven  9.  Bound  Ifaac  his  son.  The  facred  hifldrian  has  like 
 the  celebrated  painter,  drawn  a  Vail  over  the  foirows  of  Abraham,  and  the  rcfig- 
 nation  of  Ilaac,  that  the  imagination  of  the  reader  might  paint  to  himfelf  more 
 forcibly  the  llruggles  of  the  parent  and  the  agonies  of  the  fon,  than  it  is  in  the 
 power  of  language  to  exprefs.  Jofephus  has,  upon  this  occafion,  prefented  us  with 
 a  very  pathetic  I'peech  to  Ifaac,  to  prevail  upon  him  to  fubmit  to  this  facrifice ; 
 but  the  lilence  of  Mofes  is  abundantly  more  exprefiive.  Ifaac  was  at  this  period  I 
 about  five  and  twenty  years  of  age,  and  his  father  enfeebled  with  years;  his  rcfig- 
 nation  therefore  at  this  time  mull  certainly  have  been  voluntanj ;  and  in  this  re- 
 fpedt  he  was  a  ftrong  and  exadl  type  of  our  ever  blcfled  Saviour,  wlio  voluntarily 
 “  laid  down  his  life,  though  no  man  could  otherwile  take  it  from  him,”  John  x.  1 7, 
 18.  Ver.  12.  Lay  not  thine  hand  itptn  the  lad.  Though  God  had  bid  him  take 
 his  fon,  and  offer  him  for  a  burnt-oftering,  to  try  bis  faith  and  obedience ;  yet  he 
 meant  not  that  he  Ihould  actually  fiay  him,  and  thereby  eftablilli  a  precedent  for 
 bumau  facrifices,  fer  thefe  are  an  abomination  to  him  ;  therefore,  in  the  very  cri¬ 
 bs,  he  appears  and  prevents  tlie  impending  llroke.  Ver.  12.  Fearefl  God,  This 
 was  not  a  fervile  fuperltitious  fear  arifing  from  narrow  ideas  of  the  divine  good- 
 nefs  and  power;  but  a  filial  fear,  that  includes  the  whole  of  religious  worlliip,  a 
 becoming  awe  of  the  divine  Being,  fubmiflion  to  his  will,  faith  in  liim,  love  to  him, 
 and  obedience  fpringing  from  thence.  Ver.  13.  Behold  a  ram  caught  in  a  thicket 
 -w-aiid  A'braham  afered  him  up  for  a  burnt-offering  instead  of  his  son.  In  this  part 
 of  the  tranfaflion,  Ifaac  was  typical  of  the  fpiritual  feed  of  Abraham,  in  whofe  bead 
 Chrib;  here  typified  by  the  ram.  Was  ob'ered,  and  with  whofe  fulferings  and  fatif- 
 faOlicn,  thcjubice  of  God  was  fatisfied.  Ver.  14.  Jehovah-jireh  ;  the  beb  inter¬ 
 preters  agree,  fignifies,  the  God  f  tall  be  seen  ;  a  name  extremely  appofitc,  as  in  this 
 tr3nfa(5fioii  he  had  feen  the  reprefentation  of  our  Lord’s  paflion.  The  ahfwer  of 
 
 Jefus  to  the  Jews,  in  thelfe  words,  “  Abraham  rejoiced  to  fee  my  days,”  perhap  , 
 
 '  alludes  to  this  verfe.  Jefus  fays,  Abraham  “  faw  his  days  and  Abraham,  by 
 ,  the  name  he  impofed  upon  the  mount,  declares  the  fame  thing — The  vifioi. 
 which  he  had  prefently  feen,  gave  name  to  the  prince ;  but  as  it  was  of  a  public. 
 
 I  not  of  a  private  nature,  it  is  exprebed  in  terms  to  lignify  what  mankind  in  future 
 I  Piall  fee*  ■  The  Lord  fiall  be  seen  ;  that  is,  God  manlfcb  in  the  llelh,  the' 
 j  Immanuel,  God  with  us,  who  was  frequently  in  the  temple  built  on  this  mount 
 and  often  feen  there  in  his  bate  of  humiliation  on  earth.  Ver.  16.  By  niysd 
 In  the  preceeding  verfe,  it  is  said.  The  angel  of  the  Lord  called ;  but  in  this,  B^ 
 myself  have  I  f worn,  faith  the  Lord.  This  was  therefore  Jehovah  himfelf,  as  ap¬ 
 pears  from  Ileb.  vi.  13.  “When  God  matle  promife  to  Abraham,  becaufe  In 
 could  fwear  by  no  greater,  he  fware  by  himfelf.” 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  XXIII.  Ver.  1,  Interpreters  rc.* 
 mark,  that  Sarali  is  the  only  woman  whofe  age  is  reckoned  in  the  holy  feripturesf 
 Ver.  2.  To  mourn  and  to  loccp.  Some  commentators  imagine  that  mourning  im¬ 
 plies  private  forrow,  but  weefng  public  grief.  Ver.  10.  The  word  rendered  dwe/f 
 by  our  tranbator,  is  interpreted  sat  by  the  Vulgate  and  Syriac.  The  Chaldee 
 tranbates  it  stood,  and  the  Arabic,  he  spake  in  Ike  presence,  whence  it  follows,  that 
 Ephron  was  prefent  at  this  alfembly,  Jitting;  but  that  he  rose  after  the  patriarch 
 had  finibiedhis  difeourfe,  in  order  to  make  the  reply  which  follows,  ver.  11.  Ver. 
 16.  Four  hundred  fhekels.  This  amounted  to  forty-fix  pounds  three  fliillings  and 
 upwards;  and  was  weighed,  becaufe  at  that  time  no  coinage  was  inventecL  Its 
 currency  with  the  merchant,  mentioned  at  the  end  of  the  verfe  implies,  that  no 
 bafe  alloy  was  mixed  with  it,  nor  any  artifice  or  fraud  ufed  to  impofe  upon  the 
 feller.  Ver.  18.  For  a  pojpjfion.  This  purchafe  not  only  prevented  any  diben- 
 fion  between  the  poftcriiy  of  Abraham  and  the  natives  ;  but  likewife  verified  in 
 part  the  promife  which  God  had  made,  “  that  he  and  his  feed  biould  have  a  pofef- 
 fion  in  that  land.” 
 
 God  and  firmly  cleave  to  his  promife  !  ^  Who,  though  he  flay  them,  yet  will  they  bill  trub  in  him  !  When  we  give  up  every  creature  comfort  to  God,  then  fliall  we  moft 
 enjoy  them.  Man’s  extremity  is  God’s  opportunity.  He  accepts  our  intentions  as  if  accomplibied  ;  to  him  the  will  is  tiie  deed.  But  while  wc  admire  the  faith  and 
 
 obedience  of  Abial-.am,  and  the  cheerful  fubmiflion  of  Ifaac ;  while  wc  place  thefe  bright  examples  before  us,  our  faitli  dircAs  us  to  more  glorious  ohjeefts. _ Let  us 
 
 with  abonifliment  contemplate  Tchovah  bringing  his  only  begotten  Son  into  this  world,  ftretching  him  on  the  altar,  and  making  his  fold  an  offering  for  our  fins. 
 Let  us  behold  Jefus  caught,  feafouahly  caught,  in  the  thicket  of  his  Father’s  commandments;  of  his  own  engagement,  and  of  our  tj-anfgreflionS  imputed  to  him,  and 
 offered  in  our  bead?  May  we  liben  to  tlie  New  Tebament  in  his  blood,  in  which  Jehovah  fwears  that  men  biall  be  bleffcd  in  him,  and  all  nations  fliall  call  him 
 bieffed ! 
 
 ERACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS — *  Chap.  XXIII.]  Death  parts  the  n'eareft  relatives.  Tears  and  grief  are  the  tribute  we  owe  to  our  departed  friends. 
 “  Blcfled  .are  the  dead  which  die  in  the  Lord  — they  are  not  lob  but  gone  before  lis.  Lcl  the  death|of  others  always  remind  us  of  our  own.  How  death  chano'es  the 
 countenance,  and  makes  t!ie  mob  beloved  body  loatlifome.  Let  us  carefully  avoid  being  a  burden  to  our  neighbours,  or  being  too  much  indebted  for  favours  to'camal 
 men  ;  anc-  though  we  be  heirs  of  the  world  through  the  righreoufnefs  of  faith,  let  us  be  content  with  little  of  it  now,  and  rejoice  that  the  Canaan  above,  where  neither 
 death,  u©r  famine,  nor  war,  ever  eater,  is  our  inheritance,  “If  our  fielh  reft  in  hope we  have  tnough  of  thi^  w  o  rld’s  goods  if  we  are  allowed  a  grave. 
 
Ahrdham.  ^^meareth  his  servant. 
 
 genesis. 
 
 The  servant's  journey. 
 
 Before 
 
 Clirift 
 
 1857. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 gone  into 
 days. 
 
 »  Chap. 
 
 47.  29. 
 
 b  Chap. 
 
 12.  7.  & 
 
 13.  15.  & 
 
 15.  1 
 17.  8. 
 
 CHAP.  XXIV. 
 
 Abraham  sweareth  his  servant.  1 0  The  servant's  journey  :  '  2  /ns 
 prayer:  \4  his  fgn.  ]  5  Rebek'ah  meeteth  him,  \S  Jvijillelhhis  Jtgn, 
 22  receivelh  jewels,  23  sheweth  her  kindred,  2-5  and  inviteth  him  home. 
 26  The  servant  blejfelk  God,  29  Laban  entertaineth  hhn.  34  Thefer- 
 vnnt  Piewelh  his  meffage ;  50  Laban  and  lielhnel  approve  it.  58  lie- 
 bekah  consenleth  to  go ;  62  Isaac  meeteth  her. 
 
 ND  Abraham  was  oH,  nnd  I  well  ftricken  in  age : 
 ^  and  the  Lord  had  bleffed  Abraham  in  all  things, 
 
 2  And  Abraham  faid  unto  his  eldeft  lervant  of  his 
 houfe,  that  ruled  over  all  that  he  had,  *  Put,  1  pray 
 thee,  thy  hand  under  my  thigh  ; 
 
 3  And  I  will  make  thee  fwear  by  the  Lord,  the 
 God  of  heaven,  and  the  God  ot  the  earth,  that  thou 
 (halt  not  take  a  wife  unto  my  fon  ot  the  daughters  ot 
 the  Canaanites,  among  whom  I  dwell : 
 
 4  But  thou  fiaalt  go  unto  ray  country/,  and  to  my 
 kindred,  and  take  a  wife  unto  ray  fon  llaac. 
 
 5  And  the  fervant  faid  unto  him,  Peradventure  the 
 woman  will  not  be  willing  to  follow  me  unto  this 
 land  :  muft  I  needs  bring  thy  fon  again  unto  the  land 
 from  whence  thou  cameft  ? 
 
 6  And  Abraham  faid  unto  him.  Beware  thou  that , 
 
 thou  bring  not  my  fon  thither  again.  ' 
 
 7  The  Lord  God  of  heaven,  which  took  me  from 
 my  father’s  houfe,  and  from  the  land  of  my  kindred, 
 and  which  fpake  unto  me,  and  that  fware  unto  me, 
 faying,  Unto  thy  feed  will  I  give  this  land  ;  he  (hall 
 fend  his  angel  before  thee,  and  thou  (lialt  take  a  wife 
 
 Before 
 
 Clirift 
 
 1857. 
 
 si  &  unto  my  fon  from  thence. 
 
 8  And  if  the  woman  will  not  be  willing  to  follow 
 thee,  then  thou  (halt  be  clear  from  this  my  oath:  only 
 bring  not  my  I'on  thither  again. 
 
 9  And  the  fervant  put  his  hand  under  the  thigh  of 
 Abraham  his  malter,  and  fware  to  him  concerning  that 
 matter. 
 
 1 0 II  And  the  fervant  took  ten  camels,  of  the  camels  j 
 of  his  mafter,  and  departed ;  (1|  for  all  the  goods  ot 
 his  mafter  'were  in  his  hand  ;)  and  he  arofe,  and  went 
 to  Mefopotamia,  unto  the  city  of  Nahor. 
 
 1 1  And  he  made  his  camels  to  kneel  down  without 
 the  city  by  a  well  of  water,  at  the  time  of  the  evening, 
 even  the  time  t  that  women  go  oat  to  draw  water. 
 
 12  f  And  he  faid,  O  Lord  God  of  my  mafter 
 towa-  Abraham,  I  pray  thee,  fend  me  good  fpeed  this  day, 
 ter  go  and  (hew  kindnefs  unto  my  mafter  Abraham. 
 
 jorih.  13  gehold,  =  I  (tand  here  by  the  v/ell  of  water ;  and 
 cVer.43.the  daughters  of  the  men  of  the  city  come  out  to 
 draw  water : 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 nnd. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 that  wo 
 men  ivhich 
 
 I  14»  And  let  It  come  to  pafs,  that  the  damfel  to  whom 
 I  (hall  fay,  Let  down  thy  pitcher  I  pray  thee,  ^ 
 may  drink  ;  and  (he  (hall  fay,  Drink ;  and  I  will  give 
 thy^ camels  drink  alfo :  lei  the  same  be  (he  the^  thou 
 haft  appointed  for  thv  fervant  Ifaac ;  and  thereby  (hall 
 I  know  that  thou  haft  (hewed  kindnefs  unto  my  mailer. 
 
 15  f  And  it  came  to  pafs,  before  he  had  done  (peak¬ 
 ing,  that.  Behold,  Rebekah  came  out  who  was  born 
 to  B^thuel,  fon  of  Milcah,  the  wifh  Nahor,  Abra¬ 
 ham’s  brother,  uith  her  pitcher  upon  her  Moulder. 
 
 16  And  the  damfel  tvas  t  very  fair  to 'Ook  upon,  ‘‘t  ^  tn 
 virgin  :  neither  had  any  man  known  her :  and  fne  went 
 down  to  the  well,  and  filled  her  pitcher,  and  came  up. 
 
 17  And  the  fervant  ran  to  meet  her,  and  faid.  Let 
 me  I  pray  thee,  drink  a  little  water  of  thj 
 
 18  And  (he  faid.  Drink,  my  lord  :  and  (he  hafted, 
 and  let  down  her  pitcher  upon  her  hand,  and  gave  him 
 
 ‘’■'Ts  And  when  fhe  had  done  giving  him  f  <he 
 faid,  I  will  draw  for  thy  camels  alfo,  until  they 
 
 have  done  drinking.  .  ,,  _ • 
 
 20  And  Ihe  hafted,  and  emptied  her  pitcher  into  the 
 trough,  and  ran  again  unto  the  well  to  draw  tsatsi 
 
 and  drew  for  all  his  camels.  ,  u  u-o 
 
 21  And  the  man,  wondering  at  her,  held  his  peace, 
 
 to  wit  whether  the  Lord  had  made  his  journey  prol- 
 
 ^  22  ^  And  it  came  to  pafs,  as  the  camels_ had  done 
 drinking,  that  the  man  took  a  golden  Jl  ear-ring  of  halH^^^ 
 a  fhekel  weight,  and  tw'o  bracelets  for  her  hands  of  forc~ 
 
 ten  s/id'Ar/s  weight  of  gold, 
 
 23  And  faid,  Whefe  daughter  art  thou  ?  tell  me,  1 
 pray  thee.  Is  there  room  m  thy  father’s  houfe  tor  us 
 
 to  lodge  in?  ^  ,  j  u.  c 
 
 24  And  (he  faid  unto  him,  I  am  the  daughter  ot 
 
 Bethuel  the  ion  of  Milcah,  which  (he  bare  unto  N^o^ 
 
 25  She  faid,  moreover,  unto  him.  We  have  both 
 ftraw  and  provender  enough,  and  room  to  lodge  in. 
 
 26  And  the  man  bowed  down  his  head,  and  wor- 
 
 (hipped  the  Lord.  ,  c 
 
 27  And  he  faid,  BlefTed  be  the  Lord  God  ot  my 
 mafter  Abraham,  who  hath  not  left  dettitute  my  mafter 
 of  his  mercy  and  his  truth  :  I  being  in  the  way,  the 
 Lord  led  me  to  the  houfe  of  my  raafter’s  brethren. 
 
 28  And  the  damfel  ran,  and  told  them  of  her  mo¬ 
 ther’s  houfe  thefe  things. 
 
 29  f  And  Rebekah  had  a  brother,  and  his  name  toes 
 Laban :  and  Laban  ran  out  unto  the  man  unto  the  well. 
 
 explanatory  NOTES.  Chap.  XXIV.  Ver.  1.  Abraham  was  an 
 hundred  years  old  when  Kaac  was  born,  and  Ifaac  was  forty  when  he  married 
 Rebekah-  confequently  Abraham  was  now  about  an  hundred  and  forty  years  of 
 Ver  Put  thy  hand  under  my  thigh.  Tins  was  the  common  method  of 
 tfkintr  an  oaTh,  both  among  the  Hebrews  and  all  the  oriental  nations  The 
 -iffio-ned  for  this  ceremony  by  commentators  are  almoft  entirely  con- 
 •pAural  It  was  however  probably  a  fign  of  fubjeaion  5  an  expreflive  mode  of 
 
 -  the  unfeiuned  delire  and  determination  of  an  inferior  to  regard  the 
 
 MmS  on.  .rdSf,.tion.  ot .  fuperior.  Thu,  Jacob  required  hi.  fon  JofcpI. 
 injuna  jjp  blefled  him  and  his  children,  fee  chap. 
 
 ^  Ver  3  The  Lord,  the  God  of  heaven.  This  oath  ftrongly  proves  the 
 *  u. Inf  A  hrih’am’s  religion,  and  afferts  the  unity  of  the  fupreine  Being.  In 
 t-  in  the  falfe  "ods  around  him,  Abraham  fwears  by  the  “  Lord,  the  God 
 oppofi  ion  omniprefence  rendering  him  a  fit 
 
 rrffolemn  an  appeal,  and  his  omnipotence  capable  of  punifliing  any 
 objea  o  country  That  is,  to  Mefopo- 
 
 Violation  o  .  •  nativity,  and  where  he  lived  many  years, 
 
 hnmia,  t  le  P®  chapter  feem  to  intimate  that  Abraham’s  kindred, 
 
 Seveial  *  p  ,  which  'Was  a  fufficient  reafon  why  the  patriarch  was 
 
 worftipped  the  true  God,  ^  _  J  particularly 
 
 felicitous  to  ®  Ufi(o  thy  seed  unit  I  give  this  land.  And  for  this  reafon  his 
 
 Ver.  31,  50.  er-  ‘  called,  muft  not  be  removed  from  hence, 
 
 foi>  Ifaac,  in  w  101  yer.  11.  Made  his  camels  to  kneel,  Thefe  creatures 
 
 to  fettle  in  another  cofinuy. 
 
 are  taught  to  kneel  down  when  they  are  loaded  or  unloaded,  and  when  they  are 
 to  take  reft.  Ver.  12.  And  he  faid,  0  Lord  God  of  my  majler  Abraham.  We 
 have  here  a  pleafing  inftance  of  the  patriarch’s  care  in  trmning  up  his  ferVants  m 
 the  paths  of  religion,  as  well  as  a  noble  example  of  truft  in  Providence.  V  er.  1  9. 
 /  wdl  draw  water  for  thy  camels  also.  It  was  cuftoraary  for  the  young  women  m 
 the  eaft  to  draw  water  for  the  cattle  and  the  ufe  of  the  family,  as  appears  from. 
 1  Sam.  ix.  11.  The  humility  and  courtefy  which  Rebekah  (hewed  on  this  occa- 
 fion,  ftrongly  marks  the  fimplicity  of  thefe  early  ages,  and  vindicates  the  fide¬ 
 lity  of  Abraham’s  fervant,  in  clioofing  a  perfon  whofe  morals  rendered  her 
 worthy  of  Ifaac’s  aft’eaion.  And  this  now  was  the  fign  or  token  the  fervant  had 
 defired  might  be,  by  which  he  would  know  who  was  the  pei-fon  intended  for 
 the  wife  of  his  mafter’s  fon  and  this  was  granted  him  ;  which  (hews  that  it  was 
 not  a  rafli  and  impei-tinent  thing,  wliich  he  alked,  but  what  was  agreeable  to  the 
 will  of  God,  and  to  which  ho  was  diveaed  by  a  fupernatural  impiilfe.  Ver.  22. 
 Tlie  word  tranllated  ear-ring,  being  in  the  fmguiar  number,  it  is  probable,  that 
 it  was  fome  ornament  worn  on  the  (ace,  called  in  other  parts  of  feripture,  a  mpe 
 jewel,  which  Thevenot  remarks  to  be  worn  in  moft  of  the  eaftern  countries. 
 Ver.  27.  Blcffcd  be  the  God  of  my  majler  Abraham,  who  hath  not  I  ft  dejlilule  my 
 majler  of  his  mercy  and  truth,  or  hath  not  withdrawn  his  mercy  and  faithful- 
 nefs.  Abraham,  ver.  7.  believed  in  God,  that  he  would  fend  his  angel,  and 
 direa  his  fervant,  and  make  his  way  profperous ;  and  in  the  event  we  fee 
 that  his  faith  was  built  on  a  fure  foundation.  L  being  in  the  way ;  In  the  right 
 way  in.  which  he  was  direaed,  as  Jorclii  interprets  it  j  in  the  way  of  his  duty 
 
Lahau  eixtertaineth  Abraham* s  savant. 
 
 GENESIS. 
 
 30  And  It  came  to  pafs,  when  he  faw  the  ear-ring, 
 
 fh  upon  his  filter’s  hands,  and  when  he  heard 
 
 the  words  ot  Rebekah  his  filter,  faying,  thus  Cpake 
 
 K  me,  that  he  came  unto  the  man  ;  and, 
 
 behold,  he  flood  by  the  camels  at  the  well. 
 
 3 1  And  he  faid.  Come  in  thou  bleffed  of  the  Lord  : 
 wherefore  flandefl  thou  without  ?  for  I  have  prepared 
 the  houle,  and  room  for  the  camels. 
 
 .  ui^n  came  into  the  houfe  ;  and  he  un- 
 
 girded  his  camels,  and  gave  flraw  and  provender  for 
 t^he  camels,  and  water  to  walh  his  feet,  and  the  men’s 
 feet  that  were  with  him. 
 
 ,  there  was  let  tueat  before  him  to  eat:  but 
 
 he  laid,  I  will  not  eat  until  I  have  told  mine  errand. 
 And  he  laid,  Speak  on. 
 
 34  H  And  he  faid,  1  am  Abraham’s  fervant. 
 
 3.5  And  the  Lord  hath  bleffed  ray  mafler  greatly, 
 and  he  is  become  great ;  and  he  hath  given  him  flocks, 
 and  herds,  and  filver,  and  gold,  and  men-fervants,  and 
 maid-lervants,  and  camels,  and  affes. 
 
 36  And  Sarah  my  mafler’s  wife,  bare  a  fon  to  my 
 mafler  when  Ihe  was  old  j  and  unto  him  hath  he  given 
 all  that  he  hath. 
 
 37  And  ray  mailer  made  me  fwear,  faying,  Thou 
 flialt  not  take  a  wife  to  my  fon  of  the  daughters  of 
 the  Canaanites,  in  whofe  land  I  dwell : 
 
 38  But  thou  lhalt  go  unto  my  father’s  houfe,  and 
 to  my  kindred,  and  take  a  wife  unto  my  fon. 
 
 39  And  I  faid  unto  my  mafler,  Peradventure  the 
 woman  will  not  follow  me. 
 
 40  And  he  faid  unto  me.  The  Lord,  before  whom 
 I  W'alk,  will  fend  his  angel  with  thee,  and  profper  thy 
 way ;  and  thou  fhalt  take  a  wife  for  my  fon  of  my 
 kindred,  and  of  .my  father’s  houfe. 
 
 4 1  Then  lhalt  thou  be  clear  from  th^s  my  oath,  when 
 thou  Cornell  to  my  kindred ;  and  if  they  give  not  thee 
 one,  thou  lhalt  be  clear  from  my  oath. 
 
 42  And  I  came  this  day  unto  the  well,  and  faid,  O 
 Lord  God  of  my  mafler  Abraham,  if  now  thou  do 
 profper  my  way  which  I  go  : 
 
 dVer.13.  43  d  Behold,  I  Hand  by  the  well  of  water;  and  it 
 fhall  come  to  pafs,  that  when  the  virgin  cometh  forth 
 to  draw  water,  and  I  fay  to  her,  give  me,  I  pray  thee, 
 a  little  water  of  thy  pitcher  to  drink  ; 
 
 44  And  Ihe  fay  to  me,  both  drink  thou,  and  I  will 
 alfo  draw  for  thy  camels :  let  the  lame  he  the  woman 
 whom  the  Lord  hath  appointed  out  for  my  mafler’s 
 fon. 
 
 45  And  before  I  had  done  fpeaking  in  mine  heart, 
 behold,  Rebekah  came  forth  with  her  pitcher  on  her 
 Ihoulder ;  and  Ihe  went  down  unto  the  well,  and  drew 
 water:  and  I  faid  unto  her,  Let  me  drink,  I  pray  thee. 
 
 46  And  Ihe  made  hafle,  and  let  down  her  pitcher 
 
 IteleJcah,  given  to  Isaac, 
 
 from  her  shoulder,  and  faid.  Drink  ;  and  I  will  give  thy  Before 
 camels  drink  alfo  :  fo  I  drank,  and  Ihe  made  the  camels 
 drink  alfo.  }  ' 
 
 47  And  I  alked  her,  and  faid,  Whofe  daughter 
 thou  ?  And  fhe  faid.  The  daughter  of  Bethuel,  Nahor’s 
 fon,  whom  Milcah  bare  unto  him  :  and  1  put  the  ear¬ 
 ring  upon  her  face,  and  the  bracelets  upon  her  hands. 
 
 48  And  I  bowed  down  my  head,  and  worlhipped  the 
 Lord,  and  blefl'ed  the  Lord  God  of  my  mafler  Abra¬ 
 ham,  which  had  led  me  in  the  right  way,  to  take  my 
 mafler’s  brother’s  daughter  unto  his  fon. 
 
 49  And  now,  if  ye  will  deal  kindly  and  truly  with 
 my  mailer,  tell  me:  and  if  not,  tell  me  ;  that  I  may 
 turn  to  the  right  hand,  or  to  the  left. 
 
 50  Then  Laban  and  Bethuel  anfwered  and  faid. 
 
 The  thing  proceedeth  from  the  Lord  ;  we  cannot 
 fpeak  unto  thee  bad  or  good. 
 
 51  Behold  Rebekah  is  before  thee,  take  her,  and 
 go,  and  let  her  be  thy  mafler’s  Ion’s  wife,  as  the  Lord 
 hath  fpoken. 
 
 52  And  it  came  to  pafs,  that,  when  Abraham’s  fer¬ 
 vant  heard  their  words,  he  worlhipped  the  Lord, 
 bowing  himself  to  the  earth. 
 
 53  And  the  fervant  brought  forth  f  jewels  of  filver,  t  HeW 
 and  jewels  of  gold,  and  raiment,  and  gave  them  to 
 
 bekah  :  he  gave  alfo  to  her  brother  and  to  her  mother 
 precious  things. 
 
 54  And  they  did  eat  and  drink,  he  and  the  men 
 that  were  with  him,  and  tarried  all  night  :  and  they 
 
 role  up  in  the  morning  ;  and  he  faid,  '  Send  me  away  e  Verfes 
 unto  my  mafler.  so,  &  59. 
 
 55  And  her  brother  and  her  mother  faid.  Let  the 
 
 damfel  abide  with  us  ||  a  few  days,  at  the  leall’  ten  ;  |l  Or, 
 after  that  Ihe  lhall  go.  yull  year, 
 
 56  And  he  faid  unto  them.  Hinder  me  not,  feeing  ^ 
 the  Lord  hath  profpered  my  way  ;  fend  me  away,  ^ 
 that  I  may  go  to  my  mailer. 
 
 57  And  they  faid,  We  will  call  the  damfel,  and  en¬ 
 quire  at  her  mouth. 
 
 58  And  they  called  Rebekah,  and  faid  unto  her. 
 
 Wilt  thou  go  with  this  man  ?  And  Ihe  faid,  I  will  go. 
 
 59  And  they  fent  away  Rebekah  their  filler,  and 
 her  nurfe,  and  Abraham’s  fervant,  and  his  men. 
 
 60  And  they  bleffed  Rebekah,  and  faid  unto  her. 
 
 Thou  art  our  filler  ;  be  thou  the  mother  of  thoufands 
 of  millions,  and  let  thy  feed  poffefs  the  gate  of  thofe 
 which  hate  them. 
 
 61 II  And  Rebekah  arofe,  and  her  damfels,  and  they 
 rode  upon  the  camels,  and  followed  the  man ;  and  the 
 fervant  took  Rebekah,  and  went  his  way.  f  Chap, 
 
 62  And  Ifaac  came  from  the  way  of  the  f 
 Lahai-roi :  for  he  dwelt  in  the  fouth  country. 
 
 63  And  Ifaac  went  out  \\  to  meditate  in  the  field  at  i 
 
 following  the  fteps  of  divine  providence,  and  obferving  them.  Ver.  28.  Mother  s 
 houfe.  The  women  in  the  eaftern  countries  had,  in  thofe  days,  feparate  tents 
 for  themfelves.  Ver.  31.  Come  in,  thou  blejfed  of  the  Lord  How  amiable  a 
 pi(5lure  of  ancient  hofpitality  and  warm  benevolence,  does  this  verfe  prefent 
 us  with  !  Abraham’s  fervant  was  a.  ftranger,  whom  Laban  had  never  feen  ;  he 
 had  not  as  yet  imparted  his  bufinefs,  but  is  received  with  all  the  tendernefs  of  a 
 brother ;  and  is  complimented  with  a  title  which  every  one  mull  wilh  to  poffefs, 
 with  the  title  of  The  bleffed  of  the  Lord.  Ver.  32.  He  ungirded.  Though  the 
 pronoun  he  feems  to  imply,  that  the  man  ungirded  his  camels ;  yet  it  was 
 Laban  or  his_fervants  that  performed  this  kind  office,  as  may  be  concluded  from 
 what  follows  in  this  verfe,  Ver.  33.  We  have  here  the  piaure  of  a  faithful 
 fervant,  one  who  prefers  his  mailer’s  bufinefs  to  his  own  pleafure,  and  is  there¬ 
 fore  impatient  till  he  has  delivered  his  meffage,  and  fatisfied  himfelf  whether 
 his  journey  Ihould  be  profperous  or  not.  Ver.  85.  And  the  Lord  hath  blejfed 
 my  mafer  greatly.  All  bleflings  both  fpiritual  and  temporal,  are  of  God ;  from 
 whom  as  the  father,  fountain,  and  author  of  all  mercies,  cometh  down  every 
 good  and  perfeA  gift.  Ver.  49.  That  I  may  turn  to  the  right  hcrnd  or  to  the  left. 
 
 This  feems  to  be  a  proverbial  expreffion,  and  fignifies  that  if  they  did  not  choofe 
 to  attend  to  his  propofal  in  his  mailer’s  name,  he  mull  take  fome  other  courfe. 
 Ver.  50.  The  thingyroceedelh  from  the  l.ord.  Thefe men,  though  perhaps  they  W'cre 
 in  part  idolaters,  yet  had  fome  good  notions  of  the  true  God,  of  his  government 
 of  the  world,  and  of  his  ordering  all  things  in  it  according  to  the  counfel  of  his 
 will;  therefore  their  alliance  was  julliy  preferred  by  Abraham,  before  the 
 curfed  Canaanites,  who  were  for  their  abominable  wickednefs  devoted  to  de- 
 llrudlion  Ver.  53.  And  the  servant  brought  forth  jeiucls.  Ornaments  for  women, 
 which  he  had  brought  along  with  him  for  prefents ;  thefe  were  a  proof  of  the 
 grandeur  and  generofity  of  his  mailer,  who  had  furnillied  him  with  fucli  a  profu- 
 fion  of  rich  things,  to  bellow  on  the  perfon  that  lliould  be  got  for  his  fon’s  wife. 
 Ver.  58.  And  fie  said,  I  will  go.  The  authority  which  parents  have  over 
 children,  being  founded  in  nature,  was,  and  mull  be  always  the  fame  :  but  we 
 find  that  no  force  was  put  upon  the  will  of  Rebekah  in  this  cafe.  And  why 
 Ihould  it  ?  The  happinefs  of  the  connubial  Hate  depends  upon  the  reciprocal 
 affedlion  which  the  parties  bear  to  each  other ;  but  this  afletSlion  mull  proceed 
 from  the  will,  and  the  will  cannot  be  forced ;  the  choice,  therefore,  fliouid  be 
 
'The  pms  of  Abraham  by  KehiraJi. 
 
 GENESIS.’ 
 
 Ijaac  prayelh  Jor  Uebekahy  being  barren* 
 
 Before 
 
 Chria 
 
 1858. 
 
 the  even-tide  ;  and  he  lifted  up  his  eyes,  and  faw,  and 
 behold,  the  camels  ’voere  coming. 
 
 64-  And  Rebekah  lifted  up  her  eyes  :  and  v^hen  fhe 
 faw  Ifaac,  (he  lighted  o(f  the  camel. 
 
 65  For  ^ehad  laid  unto  the  fervant.  What  man  is 
 this  that  walketh  in  the  field  to  meet  us  ?  And  the  fer¬ 
 vant  had  laid.  It  is  my  mailer :  therefore  Ihe  took  a 
 vail,  and  covered  herfelf. 
 
 66  And  the  fervant  told  Ifaac  all  things  that  he  had 
 done. 
 
 67  And  Ifaac  brought  her  into  his  mother  Sarah’s 
 tent,  and  took  Rebekah,  and  Ihe  became  his  wife  ; 
 and  he  loved  her ;  and  Ifaac  was  comforted  after  his 
 mother’s  death.* 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 1822. 
 
 29. 
 
 1775, 
 
 CHAP.  XXV. 
 
 1  The  fans  of  Abraham  by  Keturah  ;  the  divijion  of  his  goods  ;  7  his  age 
 and  death  ;  9  his  burial.  12  The  generations  of  IJhmael ;  17  his  age 
 and  death.  21  Ifaac  prayeth  for  Rebekah,  being  barren;  22  the  chil¬ 
 dren  strive  in  her  loomb.  24  The  birth  of  Efau  and  Jacob  ;  27  their 
 difference.  29  Esau  sellelh  his  birthright. 
 
 cir.  1853.  rT^HEN  again  Abraham  took  a  wife,  and  her  name 
 was  Keturah. 
 
 a  1  chro.  2  And  *  Ihe  bare  him  Zimran,  and  Joklhan,  and  Me. 
 32.  dan,  and  Midian,  and  Ifhbak,  and  Shuah. 
 
 3  And  Jokfhan  begat  Sheba  and  Dedan._  And 
 the  fons  of  Dedan  were  Alhurim,  and  Letulhim,  and 
 Leummim. 
 
 4  And  the  fons  of  Midian  :  Ephah,  and  Epher,  and 
 Hanoch,  and  Abidah,  and  Eldaah.  All  thefe  -xere  the 
 children  of  Keturah. 
 
 5  H  And  Abraham  gave  all  that  he  had  unto  Iiaac. 
 
 6  But  unto  the  fons  of  the  concubines,  which  Abra¬ 
 ham  had,  Abraham  gave  gifts,  and  fent  them  away 
 from  Ifaac  his  Ion,  (while  he  yet  lived,)  eaftward  unto 
 the  call  country. 
 
 1822.  7  *11  And  thefe  are  the  days  of  the  years  of  Abra¬ 
 
 ham’s  life  which  he  lived,  an  hundred  threefcore  and 
 
 fifteen  years.  ,  j.  j  • 
 
 S  Then  Abraham  gave  up  the  ghoft,  and  died  m  a 
 good  old  age,  an  old  man,  and  full  of  years  and  was 
 
 gathered  to  his  people.  . 
 
 9  And  his  fons  Ifaac  and  Ilhmael  buried  him  in  the 
 cave  of  Machpelah,  in  the  field  of  Ephroo  the  fon  or 
 Zohar  the  Hittite,  which  is  before  Mamre ; 
 b  Chap.  1 0  3  The  field  which  Abraham  purchafed  of  the  fons 
 ofHeth ;  there  was  Abraham  buried,  and  Sarah  his  wife. 
 
 23.  16. 
 
 1 1  And  it  came  to  pafs,  after  the  death  of  Abra¬ 
 
 ham  that  God  bleffed  his  fon  Ifaac  :  and  Iiaac  dwelt 
 by  the  <=  well  Lahai-roi.  , 
 
 12  ^  Now  thefe  are  the  generations  of 
 Abraham’s  fon,  whom  Hagar  the  Egyptian,  Sarah  s 
 
 hand  maid, --bare  unto  Abraham.  a  i  Chro. 
 
 13  And  thefe  are  the  names  of  the  Ions  of  Ilhmael,  i. 
 by  their  names,  according  to  their  generations  :  The 
 firR-born  of  Ilhmael,  Nebajoth  ;  andKedar,  and  Ad- 
 
 beel,  and  Mibfam,  ,  rr 
 
 14  And  Milhma,  and  Dumah,  and  Mallah. 
 
 1 5  Hadar,  and  Tema,  Jetur,  Naphilh,  and  Kedemah. 
 
 16  Thefe  are  the  fons  of  Ilhmael,  and  thefe  are  their 
 names,  by  their  towns,  and  by  their  cattles ;  twelve 
 princes  according  to  their  nations. 
 
 17  And  thefe  are  the  years  of  the  life  of  Ilhmael,  an 
 hundred  and  thirty  and  feven  years :  and  he  gave  up 
 the  ghoft,  and  died,  and  was  gathered  unto  his  people. 
 
 18  And  they  dwelt  from  Havilah  unto  Shur,  that  is 
 
 before  Egypt,  as  thou  goeft  toward  Aflyria  :  and  he 
 +  died  in  the  prefence  of  all  his  brethren.  I 
 
 19  H  And  thefe  are  the  generations  of  Ifaac,  Abra--' 
 ham’s  fon  :  Abraham  begat  Ifaac. 
 
 20  And  Ifaac  was  forty  years  old  when  he  took  Re¬ 
 bekah  to  wife,  the  daughter  of  Bethuel  the  Syrian  of 
 Padan-aran,  the  fitter  to  Laban  the  Syrian. 
 
 21  And  Ifaac  intreated  the  Lord  for  his  wife,  be- 
 caufe  fhe  was  barren  :  and  the  Lord  was  entreated  of 
 him,  and  Rebekah  his  wife  conceived. 
 
 22  And  the  children  ftruggled  together  within  her  : 
 and  Ihe  faid.  If  it  be  fo,  why  am  I  thus  ?  And  Ihe 
 went  to  enquire  of  the  Lord. 
 
 23  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  her,  Two  nations  are 
 in  thy  womb,  and  two  manner  of  people  fhall  be  fe- 
 parated  from  thy  bowels  ;  and  the  one  people  fhall  be 
 ftronger  than  the  otlm'  people ;  and  the  *  elder  (hall  e  Rom. 
 ferve  the  younger. 
 
 24  H  And  when  her  days  to  be  delivered  were  ful¬ 
 filled,  behold,  there  xvere  twins  in  her  womb. 
 
 25  And  the  firft  came  out  red,  all  over  like  an  hairy 
 garment :  and  they  called  his  name  Efau. 
 
 26  And  after  that  came  his  brother  out,  and  ^  his^^°^^^ 
 hand  took  hold  on  Efau’s  heel;  and  his  name  was^^’^‘ 
 called  Jacob :  and  Ifaac  was  threefcore  years  old 
 when  Ihe  bare  them. 
 
 27  And  the  boys  grew :  and  Efau  was  a  cunning  iss?. 
 
 Heb. 
 
 1857. 
 
 1838. 
 
 voluntary.  Nay,  if  it  be  not  voluntary,  the  feeds  of  unhappinefs  are  fown  by 
 the  perfon  who  compels,  becaufe  we  are  generally  exceedingly  difpleafed  with 
 that  which  is  forced  upon  us.  Ver.  63.  The  word  tranflated  meditate,  is  rendered 
 in  the  Syriac  to  walk,  and  by  the  Chaldee,  the  Samaritan,  and  Arabic  verfions, 
 to  pray,’ ill  which  fenie  it  is  ufed  likewife  in  Pfalm  cii.  1.  Whence  we  may 
 collea,  that  the  employment  of  Ifaac’s  thoughts  were  religious  ;  and  can  any 
 thine  eive  us  a  nobler  idea  of  Ifaac’s  piety  than  this  verfe,  wherein  he  is  repre¬ 
 fen  ted  as  abftraainghimfelf  from  fociety,  in  order  to  meditate  on  the  beauties  of 
 the  creation,  and  olTer  up  his  prayers  and  praifes  to  the  bountitul  Creator,  who 
 openeth  his  hand,  and  filleth  all  things  living  with  good  !  Ver.  65.  The  word 
 tranllated  vuU,  is  by  the  Septuagint  rendered  afummer  cloak  or  garment.  1 1  was  a 
 common  pradice  among  the  women  of  the  eaft,  to  wear  a  vail  whenever  they 
 went  abroad  •  but  this  particular  aaion  of  Rebekali’s  feems  to  be  done  in  con¬ 
 formity  to  the  cuftom  of  all  brides,  who  covered  themfelves  with  the  nuptial 
 vail,  when  they  were  firft  introduced  to  their  husbands.  Ver.  67. 
 
 Isaac  was  comforted  after  his  mother's  death.  A  remarkable  inftance  of  filial 
 affeaion !  Sarah  had  now  been  dead  three  years,  and  yet  Ifaac  continued  to  la- 
 incnt  liGr  ^ 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXV.  Ver.  1.  Took  a  tvife.  It  ap¬ 
 
 pears  from  1  Chron.  i.  S2.  that  ftie  was  only  a  concubine,  a  perfon  admitted  to  his 
 bed  without  the  ufual  forms  of  matrimony ;  but  in  ord-r  to  prevent  his  poft. 
 terity  from  imitating  a  pradlice  neceiiary  for  replenidiing  the  earth  in  the  firft 
 ages  of  the  world,  Mofes  probably  calls  her  by  tlie  honourable  name  of  a  wife. 
 A  concubine  however  was  confidered  in  ancient  times  a  fecond  wife,  but  fubjedt 
 to  the  firft.  Ver.  2  And  fhe  bare.  This  was  a  pledge  of  the  divine  veracity  in 
 fulfilling  the  promife  made  to  him  in  chap.  xvii.  6.  'V'er.  8.  Gave  up  the  ghoft. 
 This  phrafe  fignifies  a  death  without  pain  or  agony.  The  ancient  verfions  are  in- 
 duftrious  to  prefervethis  fenfe,  as  reflecling  honour  on  Abraham’s  memory.  Was 
 gathered  to  his  people.  This  is  probably  to  be  underftood,  not  of  his  interment, 
 there  being  only  the  body  of  Sarah  in  the  fepulchre  in  which  he  was  laid;  but 
 of  the  admiflion  of  his  foul  into  the  heavenly  ftate,  upon  its  feparation  from  tha 
 body.  Ver.  18.  He  died  in  the  pre/ence  of  all  his  brethre'i.  In  the  Hebrew  it  is 
 he  fell,  in  the  Chaldee  and  Arabic,  he  dwelt ;  and  in  this  fenfe  the  verfe  is  an  accom- 
 plifliment  of  t!ie  predidlion  at  his  birth,  chap.  xvi.  12.  Ver.  22.  If  it  be  so,  why 
 am  I  thus  ?  The  Chaldee  renders  it.  If  it  was  to  be  so,  why  did  I  conceive  ?  The 
 Arabic  pharaphrafes  it  thus,  If  I  knew  that  the  thing  would  have  been  so,  I  tvould 
 not  have  requfted  it.  That  is,  Why  did  I  conceive,  if  I  muft  fuffer  fuch  un¬ 
 common  excruciating  pains?  it  is  better  for  me  to  die  than  to  live  in  fuch 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XXIV.]  What  a  mercy  is  conferred  on  a  Chiiftian,  when  he  has  a  gracious  God,  a  good  Ion.  and  a  faithful 
 fervant  A  noble  foundation  thefe  for  happy  fuccefs  in  our  defigns.  The  marriages  of  believers,  on  which  the  temporal  and  eternal  happiuefs  of  multitudes  may 
 depend’  ftiould  be  formed  with  remarkable  and  religious  attention  ;  for  an  uncenverted  partner  in  life  often  proves  a  dreadful  fnare.  In  difficult  cafes  it  is  beft  to 
 be^in  vvith  prayer  if  we  wlfti  to  fucceed.  In  order  to  obtain  a  truly  happy  marriage,  how  much  more  efficacious  are  a  fingle  eye  to  God’s  glory,  and  a  dependauce 
 onliis  direction,  than  aU  the  wanton  dalliances,  or  fulfome  an^  falfe  flattery,  in  the  world ! 
 
Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 1837. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 with  that 
 red,  with 
 that  red 
 pottage, 
 cir.  1805 
 ■J-  Heb. 
 going  to 
 die., 
 
 g  Hebr. 
 
 12.  16. 
 
 mr.  1804. 
 
 15.18.  will  give  all  thefe  countries;  and  I  will  perform  the 
 oath  which  I  fware  unto  Abraham  thy  father : 
 
 4  And  I  will  make  thy  feed  to  multiply  as  the  ftars 
 
 IsaaCf  because  of  faminey  gociJi  to  Gerar,  GENESIS. 
 
 hunter,  a  man  of  the  field  ;  and  Jacob  tras  a  plain 
 man,  dwelling  in  tents. 
 
 28  And  Ifaac  loved  Efau,  becaiife  f  he  did  eat  of 
 t  Heb.  Jiis  vemfon  ;  but  Rebekah  loved  Jacob. 
 was^inAis  29  f  And  Jiicob  lod  pottage  :  and  Efau  came  from 
 
 Tiioutf}*  tu0  iiGidy  3nG  110  "wos  riiint* 
 
 30  And  Efau  faid  to  Jacob,  Feed  me,  I  pray  thee, 
 f  with  that  fame  red  •pottage  ;  for  I  am  faint :  there¬ 
 for  was  his  name  called  Edom. 
 
 31  And  Jacob  faid.  Sell  me  this  day  thy  birthright. 
 
 32  And  Efau  faid,  Behold,  I  am  f  at  the  point  to 
 die ;  and  what  profit  lhall  this  birthright  do  to  me  ? 
 
 33  And  Jacob  faid.  Swear  to  me  this  day ;  and  he 
 
 fware  unto  him  :  and  s  he  fold  his  birthright  unto 
 Jacob.  . 
 
 34  Then  Jacob  gave  Efau  bread  and  pottage  of  len- 
 tiles  ;  and  he  did  eat  and  drink,  and  rofe  up,  and  went 
 his  way.  Thus  Efau  defpifed  his  birthright.*' 
 
 CHAP.  XXVI. 
 
 3  I/aac  because  of  famine,  gocth  to  Gerar  2  God  instruSleth  and  Uef- 
 selhhim;  9  he  is  reproved  bn  Abimelech  for  denying  his  wfc  ;  12  he 
 groiveth  rich;  IS  he  diggeth  Efek,  Silnah,  and  Rehoboth;  2S  Abivnelech 
 viaketh  a  covenant  with  him  at  Beer  sheba,  24  Esau’s  wives, 
 
 And  there  was  a  famine  in  the  land,  befides  the 
 firft  famine  that  was  in  the  days  of  Abraham. 
 
 And  Ifaac  went  unto  Abimelech  king  of  thePhiliftines 
 unto  Gerar. 
 
 2  And  the  Lord  appeared  unto  him,  and  faid.  Go 
 not  down  into  Egypt ;  dwell  in  the  land  which  I  (hall 
 tell  thee  of. 
 
 3  Sojourn  in  this  land,  and  I  will  be  with  thee,  and 
 13.  thee,  and  unto  thy  feed,  ^  I 
 
 He  is  reprcveJ  for  denying  his  ^ife* 
 
 of  heaven,  and  will  give  unto  thy  feed  all  thefe  coun-  Before 
 tries:  '’and  in  thy  feed  fliall  all  the  nations  of  the 
 earth  be  blefled  ; 
 
 5  Becaufe  that  Abraham  obeyed  my  voice,  andbchap. 
 kept  my  charge,  my  commandments,  my  ftatutes  and  12.  s.  & 
 my  laws. 
 
 6  if  And  Ifaac  dwelt  in  Gerar. 
 
 7  And  the  men  of  the  place  aflced  him  of  his  wife  ; 
 and  he  faid.  She  is  my  fifter :  for  he  feared  to  fay.  She  is 
 my  wife  ;  left  said  he^  the  men  of  the  place  fhould  kill 
 me  for  Rebekah  ;  becaufe  fbe  was  fair  to  look  upon. 
 
 8  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  he  had  been  there 
 a  long  time,  that  Abimelech  king  of  the  Philiftines 
 looked  out  at  a  window,  and  faw,  and,  behold,  Ifaac 
 was  fporting  with  Rebekah  his  wife. 
 
 9  And  Abimelech  called  Ilaac,  and  faid.  Behold, 
 ofa  furety  Ihe  is  thy  wife  ;  and,  how  faidft  thou.  She 
 is  my  fifter  ?  And  Ifaac  faid  unto  him,  Becaufe  I  faid. 
 
 Left  1  die  for  her. 
 
 10  And  Abimelech  faid.  What  is  this  thou  haft 
 done  unto  us  ?  one  of  the  people  might  lightly  have 
 lien  with  thy  wife,  and  thou  Ihouldeft  have  brought 
 guiltinefs  upon  us. 
 
 1 1  And  Abimelech  charged  all  his  people,  faying,  . 
 
 He  that  toucheth  this  man,  or  his  wife,  lhall  furely 
 be  put  to  death. 
 
 12  If  Then  Ifaac  fowed  in  that  land,  and  t  received  t  Heb. 
 in  the  fame  year  an  hundred-fold ;  and  the  Lord-''"””'^* 
 blefled  him. 
 
 1 3  And  the  man  waxed  great,  and  f  went  forward,  1' 
 and  grew,  until  he  became  very  great : 
 
 14  For  he  had  polfelTion  of  flocks,  and  poflTeflion 
 
 of  herds,  and  great  ftore  of  11  fervants;  and  the  Phili- 
 ftines  envied  him.  dry. 
 
 continual  mifery.  And  Jhe  went  to  enquire  of  the  Lord.  That  is,  aceoi'cling  to 
 fome  Jewifli  interpreters,  (lie  enquired  of  fome  prophet,  or  of  Abraham,  who 
 lived  fifteen  years  after  this  event.  x\nd  indeed,  if  flie  enquired  of  any  particular 
 perfon  of  note  for  religion,^  and  as  a  prophet,  there  is  none  fo  likely  as  he,  who 
 was  the  friend  of  God,  and  had  great  intimacy  with  him,  and  to  whom  he  revealed 
 his  fecrets.  Ver.  23.  Two  nations.  That  is,  the  founders  of  two  nations ;  name¬ 
 ly,  the  Ifraelites  and  fdumeans,  the  former  being  defeende'd  of  Jacob,  and  the  lat¬ 
 ter  from  Efau — The  Edomites  W'ere  the  offspring  of  Efau,  as  the  Ifraelites  were 
 of  Jacob  ;  and  who  but  the  author  and  giver  of  life  could  forefee,  that  two  children 
 in  the  womb,  would  multiply  into  two  nations.  They  were  not  only  to  grow  up 
 into  two  nations,  but  into  two  very  different  nations,  and  two  manner  of  people 
 •were  to  be  separated  from  her  bowels.  The  elder Jhull  ferve  the  younger.  The  He¬ 
 brew  may  be  tranflated,  the  greater  Jknll  serve  the  lesser.  The  family  of  Efau  v  as 
 the  elder,  and  for  fome  time  the  greater  and  more  powerful  of  the  two,  there 
 having  been  dukes  and  kings  in  Edom  before  “there  reigned  any  king  over  the 
 children  of  Ifrael.”  But  David  made  an  entire  conqueft  of  the  Edomites,  and 
 compelled  them  to  become  his  tributaries.  In  this  Rate  of  ferritude  they  con¬ 
 tinued  about  an  hundred  and  fifty  years.  Ver.  23.  Red  all  over  like  an  hairy  gar¬ 
 ment  ;  and  they  called  his  name  Esau.  This  exprefilon  may  denote,  either  that 
 Efau  at  his  birth,  W'as  wholly  covered  with  red  hair,  or  that  the  colour  of  his  flefh 
 was  ruddy,  like  a  garment  of  red  hair.  And  hence  his  name  was  called  Esau, 
 from  Eschau,  which  among  the  ancient  Hebrews  fignified  a  hair-cloth.  His  co¬ 
 lour  was  probably  a  fign  of  his  fierce,  cruel,  and  bloody  difpofition.  Rev.  xii.  3. 
 Yer.  2.6.  His  nanie  iv.is  called  Jacob,  which  fignifies  a  supplanter.  Ver.  27.  A 
 j)lain  man  dwelling  in  tents.  That  is,  he  was  of  a  mild  and  gentle  nature,  one 
 that  delighted  in  the  foft  arts  of  jjcace,  and  the  innocent  pleafures  of  a  paftoral 
 life.  ^  er.  30.  Feed  me  with  that  same  red  pottage.  The  words  in  *^he  original 
 are  Feed  me  with  that  red  that  same  red;  which  fome  confidcr  as  a  plain  proof, 
 that  Efau  did  not  know  the  ingredients  of  which  this  pottage  was  made ;  but 
 .ethers  think  the  repetition  is  ufed  to  paint  his  extieme  fhintnefs,  and  the  impa¬ 
 tience  of  his  appetite.  Ver;  31.  Sell  me  this  day  thy  birth-right.  It  is  thought,  that 
 
 whoever  enjoyed  the  birth-right  had  a  title  to  the  land  of  Canaan  which  included 
 a  blcffmg  promifed  to  the  peculiar  feed  of  Abraham,  from  which  the  Mefliah  was 
 to  defceiid.  The  dignity  of  the  firft-born  under  the  law  was  very  great ;  they  were 
 confecrated  to  God  ;  Iiad  a  double  portion  of  theirfatber’s  goods  ;  and  were  lords  of 
 their  brethren.  Befides,  among  the  patriarchs,  the  promifes  to  Abraham  belonged  to 
 the  firft-born.  Ver.  32.  I  am  at  ihe  point  to  die.  Wehave  hereatruepidtureofaprofane 
 fenfualift,  whofora  fordid  momentary  pleafure,  will  give  upthe  folidjoysof  futurity. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXVI.  Ver.  2.  It  appe  rs  from 
 this  paffage  that  Ifaac  had  formed  a  defign  of  going  down  into  Egypt,  becaufe 
 of  the  famine  which  then  raged  in  the  land  of  Canaan  ;  but  God  diffuaded  him 
 from  it,  left  that  fruitful  country  ftiould  have  induced  him  to  have  fixed  his 
 refidence  there,  and  left,  by  that  means,  his  feed  ftiould  h^ve  been  confounded 
 witli  the  Egyptians,  and  the  dodlrine  of  the  OiiE  God  ftiould  by  that  means  be 
 entirely  loft.  Ver.  4.  I  will  make  thy  seed  to  multiply.  Not  to  mention  the  vast 
 increafe  of  Ifaac’s  posterity  by  Efau,  how  foon  did  his  defeendants  by  Jacob 
 grow  up  into  a  mighty  nation  ?  and  how  numerous  were  they  formerly  in  the 
 land  of  Canaan  ?  How  humerous  were  they  in  other  parts  of  the  world,  accord¬ 
 ing  to  the  accounts  of  Philo  and  Jofephus?  How  numerous  are  they  stillin  their 
 prefent  difperfion  among  all  nations.  And  who  could  foretel  fuch  a  wonderful 
 increafe  by  propagation  of  one  branch  only  of  one  man’s  family  but  the  fame 
 divine  power  that  could  effedl  it  ?  And  in  thy  seed Jhall  all  the  nations  of  the  earth 
 be  Ucffcd.  See  Note  on  chapter  xxii.  18.  Verfe  6.  God’s  approbation  of 
 Abraham  by  fuch  a  variety  of  expreffions,  may  be  confidered,  as  Intended  to 
 encourage  Ifaac  to  tread  in  the  pious  footsteps  of  his  illustrious  fire.  Ver.  7. 
 She  is  my  fisler.  Ifaac  in  this  particular  imitated  the  weaknefs  of  his  father, 
 and  made  ufe  of  a  prevarication  which  was  more^  dangerous  than  the  trulh, 
 Ver.  12.  Sowed  in  that  land,  a7ul  received  an  hundred  fold.  This  dpgree  of  in- 
 creafe  was  an  illustrious  proof  that  the  Lord  indeed  blessed  him.  All  the  patriarchs 
 like  their  posterity,  were  under  an  extraordinary  providence.  Ver.  16.  Not¬ 
 withstanding  all  thje  friendftiip  which  Abimelech  had  fliewn  to  Ifaac,  and  the 
 league  that  had  been  made  with  Abraham,  Abimelech,  when  he  feared  that 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS — »  Chap.  XXV.]  Before  we  part  with  Abraham,  this  celebrated  patriarch,  let  us  in  him,  contemplate  J.efus  tlie  everlast¬ 
 ing  father.  How  astonifliii-,g  his  meeknefs  and  kindnefs  to  men.  He  is  the  chofen  favourite  of  Jehovah,  the  father  and  covenant  head  cf  innumerable  millions  of 
 believers.  All  obedient  at  his  father’s  call,  he  left  his  native  abodes  of  hlefs,  and  became  a  stranger  and  fojourner  on  earth,  not  having  wliere  to  lay  his  Ipead.  Let 
 us  obferve  how  invigorating  is  a  strong  faith  in  God’s  promife ;  for  God  delights  to  add  abundant  bleffings  to  fuch,  as  by  courageous  believing  give  him  the  glory  of 
 liis  power  and  faitlifulnefs_.  Promifed  events  are  often  uftiered  in  by  the  moft  difeouraging  appearances  ;  and  mercies  must  be  long  prayed  for  and  waited  for  before 
 tliey  are  grantol.  How  often  much  trouble  and  vexation  attend  what  is  too  eagerly  defired.  Parents  freqiiently  expole  theinfelves  to  future  troubles  by  their  partial 
 regard  bJ  cbildEQn. 
 
Abimelech  maketh  a  c&omant  'with  Isaac, 
 
 genesis. 
 
 Isaac  sendeth  Esau  for  venison. 
 
 Before  15  FoT  all  the  wel!s  which  his  father’s  fervants  had 
 cir^*i804  in  the  days  of  Abraham  his  father,  the  Phili- 
 
 ftines  had  flopped  them,  and  filled  thein  with  earth. 
 
 16  And  Abimelech  faid  unto  Ifaac,  Go  from  us; 
 for  thou  art  much  mightier  than  we. 
 
 ,  17  f  And  Ifaac  departed  thence  andpitched  his  tent 
 in  the  valley  of  Gerar,  and  dwelt  there. 
 
 18  And  Ifaac  digged  again  the  wells  of  water, 
 which  they  had  digged  in  the  days  of  Abraham  his 
 father  ;  for  the  Philiftines  had  flooped  them  after  the 
 death  of  Abraham  :  and  he  called  their  names  after 
 the  names  by  which  his  father  had  called  them. 
 
 19  And  Ifaac’s  fervants  digged  in  the  valley,  and 
 iieb.  found  there  a  well  of  f  fpringing  water. 
 
 living.  20  And  the  herdmen  of  Gerar  did  flrive  with  Ifaac’s 
 herdmen,  faying,  The  water  is  ours :  and  he  called 
 H  That  is,  the  name  of  the  well  H  Ef'ek;  becaufe  they  flrove 
 
 Conten- 
 
 non.  digged  another  well,  and  flrove  for 
 
 I  That  is,  that  alfo:  and  he  called  the  name  of  it  |1  Sitnah. 
 jiatred.  22  And  he  removed  from  thence,  and  digged  ano¬ 
 ther  well ;  and  for  that  they  flrove  not :  and  he  called 
 
 II  Thatis,  the  name  of  it  |1  Rehoboth  ;  and  he  faid,  For  now  the 
 Room.  Lord  hath  made  room  for  us,  and  we  fhall  be  fruitful 
 
 in  the  land. 
 
 23  H  And  he  went  up  from  thence  to  Beer-fheba. 
 
 24  And  the  Lord  appeared  unto  him  the  fame 
 night,  and  faid,  1  am  the  God  of  Abraham  thy  father  : 
 fear  not,  for  I  am  with  thee,  and  will  blefs  thee,  and 
 multiply  thy  feed,  for  my  fervant  Abraham’s  fake. 
 
 25  And  he  builded  an  altar  there,  and  called  upon 
 the  name  of  the  LorD)  and  pitched  his  tent  there : 
 and  there  Ifaac’s  fervants  digged  a  well. 
 
 26  %  Then  Abimelech  went  to  him  from  Gerar,  and 
 Ahuzzath  one  of  his  friends,  and  Phichol  the  chief 
 captoin  of  his  army. 
 
 27  And  Ifaac  faid  unto  them.  Wherefore  come  ye 
 to  me,  feeing  ye  hate  me,  and  have  fent  me  away  from 
 you  ? 
 
 f  Heb.  28  And  they  faid,  f  We  faw  certainly  that  the  Lord 
 Seeing  ^^s  with  thee  :  and  we  faid.  Let  there  be  now  an  oath 
 tve/aw.  betwixt  US  and  thee,  and  let  us  make 
 
 a  covenant  with  thee  : 
 
 If  thou  29  t  That  thou  wilt  do  us  no  hurt,  as  we  have  not 
 %ait,  ^c.  touched  thee,  and  as  we  have  done  unto  thee  nothing 
 
 but  good,  and  have  fent  thee  away  in  peace :  thou  art 
 now  the  blefled  the  Lord.  dr.  i804. 
 
 30  And  he  made  them  a  feafl,  and  they  did  eat 
 and  drink. 
 
 31  And  they  role  up  betimes  in  the  morning,  and 
 fware  one  to  another  :  and  Ifaac  fent  them  away,  and 
 they  departed  from  him  in  peace. 
 
 32  And  it  came  to  pals  the  fame  day,  that  Ifaac’s  fer-  j|  Thatis, 
 vants  came  and  told  him  concerning  the  well  which  they 
 
 had  digged,  and  faid  unto  him,  We  have  found  water. 
 
 33  And  he  called  it  |1  Shebah  :  therefore  the  name  ^ 
 
 of  the  city  is  ||  Beer-fheba  unto  this  day.  omh. 
 
 34  H  And  Efau  was  forty  years  old  v.^hen  he  took 
 
 to  wife  Judith  the  daughter  of  Beeri  the  Hittite,  andgy^ 
 Bafhemath  the  daughter  of  Elon  the  Hittite ;  |  Heb. 
 
 35  Which  '  were  t  a  grief  of  mind  unto  Ilaac  andiiwern^* 
 to  Rebekah.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXVII. 
 
 1  Isaac  sendeth  Efau  for  venison.  6  Rebekah  in/lrulteth  Jacob  to  obtain, 
 the  blejfing.  \  5  Jacob,  wider  the  jitrson  of  Efau,  obtatneth  it.  oO  Esau 
 bringetli  venison.  '33  Isaac  trembleth.  34  Esau  complaineth,  and 
 bp  impm-l unity  obtaineth  a  blefjing ;  41  he  Ikreatenelh  Jacob;  42  Ue- 
 bekah  disappointeth  it.  ,  _ 
 
 And  it  came  to  pafs,  that  w'hen  Ifaac  was  old,  and 
 his  eyes  were  dim,  fo  that  he  could  not  fee,  he 
 called  Efau  his  eldefl  fon,  and  faid  unto  him.  My  fon. 
 
 And  he  faid  unto  him.  Behold,  here  am  I. 
 
 2  And  he  faid.  Behold  now,  I  am  old,  I  know  not 
 the  day  of  my  death. 
 
 3  Now  therefore  take,  I  pray  thee,  thy  weapons, 
 thy  quiver  and  thy  bow,  and  go  out  to  the  field,  and 
 f  take  me  some,  venilon  ;  t  Heb. 
 
 4  And  make  me  favoury  meat,  fuch  as  I  love,  and 
 bring  it  to  me,  that  I  may  eat ;  that  ray  foul  may  blefs 
 thee  before  I  die. 
 
 5  And  Rebekah  heard  when  Ifaac  fpake  to  Efau 
 his  fon.  And  El'au  went  to  the  field  to  hunt for  veni- 
 fon,  and  to  bring  it. 
 
 6  f  And  Rebekah  fpake  unto  Jacob  her  fen,  fay¬ 
 ing,  Behold,  1  heard  thy  father  fpeak  unto  Efau  thy 
 brother,  faying, 
 
 7  Bring  me  venifon,  and  make  me  favoury  meat, 
 that  I  may  eat,  and  blefs  thee  before  the  Lord  before 
 my  death. 
 
 8  Now  therefore,  my  fon,  obey  my  voice,  accord¬ 
 ing  to  that  which  I  command  thee. 
 
 Ifaac  would  rival  him  in  power,  a6ls  according  to  the  policy  of  kings,  and  de. 
 fires  Ifaac  to  retire  from  him.  Ver.  18.  And  Ifaac  digged  again  the  wells  of  water. 
 This  refers  to  the  fame  wells  made  mention  of  ver.  15.  fince  it  follows  for  the 
 Philijlines  had  fopped  them  after  the  death  of  Abraham  ;  which  they  did  out  of  envy 
 to  his  foil  Ifaac,  whofe  profperity  they  beheld  with  a  jealous  and  ill-natured  eye. 
 Ver.  19.  Of  springing  or  living  water;  hence  this  phrafe  is  ufed  of  the  perpetual 
 and  ever-living  graces  of  the  Spirit  of  God,  John  iv.  10,  ll.andvii.  38.  Ver,21. 
 
 Sitnah.  That  is, From  the  fame  word  Satan  has  his  name.  Ver.  22. 
 Rehoboth ;  That  is,  free  space  or  room,  becaufe  his  flocks  had  now  room  to  feed 
 at  large,  and  range  the  country  in  fearch  of  the  richell  pallures.  Ver.  24.  I  am 
 the  God  0/  Abraham  thy  father.  Though  Abraham  was  dead,  God  remembered 
 the  covenant  he  had  made  with  him ;  and  be.fldes,  though  he  was  dead  as  to  his 
 body,  yet  he  was  alive  in  his  foul ;  for  God  is  not  the  God  of  the  dead,  but  of 
 the  living,  Matth.  xxii.  32.  Ver.  26.  Fhichol.  There  was  one  of  this  name,  and 
 in  the  fame  office,  in  the  days  of  Abraham,  and  who  attended  the  then  prefent 
 king  on  a  like  account  as  here,  chap,  xxi,  22.  but  as  the  one  affair  was  at  the  dif- 
 tanceofan  hundred  years  or  more  from  the  other,  it  is  probable,  tliat  as  this 
 Abimelech  might  be  the  foil  of  him  who  lived  in  the  time  of  Abraham,  fo  this 
 I’hichol  might  be  the  fon  of  him  who  lived  then,  and  who  fucceeded  his  father 
 in  his  office.  Ver,  30.  And  he  made  them  afeaf ;  This  was  cuftomary  between 
 
 the  parties,  when  they  entered  into  a  covenant ;  efpecially  when  a  facrifiee  pro¬ 
 ceeded,  as  appears  from  chap.  xxxi.  53.  Ver.  35.  A  grief  of  mind  unto  Isaac.  Jc- 
 fephus  affigns  Efau’s  marriage  without  his  father’s  confent,  as  the  caufe  of  his 
 uneafinefs.  And  if  it  be  confidered  that  they  were  Canaanites  whom  he  married, 
 a  people  notorious  for  atrocious  inhumanity,  and  enemies  to  the  religious 
 fentiments  of  Ifaac,  his  forrow  was  well  founded.  But  the  women  added  to 
 the  grief  of  Rebekah,  whom  they  are  faid  to  have  made  weary  of  life,  chap,  xxvii. 
 46,  &e. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap,  XXVII.  Ver.  1.  Ifaac  was  now  an 
 hundred  and  thirty-feven,  as  appears  from  comparing  feveral  parts  of  this  hiftory, 
 but  he  lived  thirty  years  alter  this  tranfaclion  happened.  Ver,  4.  2.1ake  me  sa¬ 
 voury  meat.  Ifaac,  who  always  loved  Efau  better  than  Jacob,  now  deflres  tha 
 former  fon  to  procure  him  foine  venifon,  and  make  him  favoury  meat,  that 
 his  fpirits  might  be  exhilarated,  and  his  mind  properly  difpofed  for  giving 
 the  prophetic  benediaion.  Ver.  5.  Rebekah  well  knew  that  Ifaac  prArred 
 Elau  to  Jacob,  and  had  now  fent  him  to  take  venifon,  that  he  might  pro¬ 
 nounce  upon  him  the  blejfng  of  Abraham.  She  was  tlierefore  determined, 
 if  poffible,  to  prevent  it,  and  by  ftratagem  get  it  pronounced  upon  her 
 younger  fon.  Ver.  12.  And  I  fialt  bring  a  curse  upon  me,  and  not  a  blefjing. 
 He  might  juftly  fear,  that,  fliould  he  be  found  out,  it  would  fo  provoks 
 
 PPi-ACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS — *  Chap.  XXVI.]  A  mixture  of  providential  fmiles  and  frowns  is  ordinarily  in  the  lot  of  God’s  principal  favourites. 
 The  fear  of  men  often  caufeth  a  fnare  ;  and  we  very  readily  rufli  into  the  fame  fnares  in  which  others  before  had  almoft  ruined  themfelves.  Yet  the  kindnefs  of  God 
 is  infinitely  great  in  refeuing  his  people,  when  they  are  thus  bufied  in  entangling  themfelves.  It  is  a  great  blot  upon  the  cliaraaer  of  a  Chriftian  to  be  found  a  di^' 
 fembler :  and  how  exceeding  painful  to  have  the  fnares,  which  we  laid  to  entrap  the  innocent,  recoiling  upon  ourfelves,  and  their  fins  char<red  tp  our  account  before 
 God.  The  wickednels  of  children,  who  caufe  their  parents’  hearts  to  finart  by  their  difobedieuce  is  obferved  by  Cod  :  aud  his  curfe  frequeuriy  attends  thofe  marriacrea 
 which  are  made  without  the  conl'ent  of  parents.  x  /  o 
 
 Ho.  2....6rf.  H 
 
GENESIS. 
 
 obtaineth  his  father's  blessing. 
 
 Jacob,  under  the  pei'son  of  Esau, 
 
 chrift  ^  flock,  and  fetch  me  from  thence 
 
 dr.  1760.  goats  ;  and  I  will  make  them 
 
 favoury  meat  for  thy  father,  fuch  as  he  loveth  : 
 
 10  And  thou  (halt  bring  it  to  thy  father,  that  he 
 may  eat,  and  that  he  may  blefs  thee  before  his  death. 
 
 1 1  And  Jacob  faid  to  Rebekah  his  mother,  Behold, 
 Efau  my  brother  is  a  hairy  man,  and  I  am  a  I'mooth 
 man ; 
 
 12  My  father  peradventure  will  feel  me,  and  T  (hall 
 feem  to  him  as  a  deceiver ;  and  I  (hall  bring  a  curfe 
 upon  me,  and  not  a  blelTing. 
 
 1 3  And  his  mother  faid  unto  him,  Upon  me  be  thy 
 curie,  my  fon  ;  only  obey  my  voice,  and  go  fetch  me 
 them. 
 
 14  And  he  went,  and  fetched,  and  brought  them  to 
 his  mother  :  and  his  mother  made  favoury  meat  fuch 
 as  his  father  loved. 
 
 t  Heb.  15  And  Rebekah  took  f  goodly  raiment,  of  her 
 dejirabic.  eldeft  fon  Efau,  which  were  with  her  in  the  houfe,  and 
 put  them  upon  Jacob  her  younger  fon. 
 
 16  And  (he  put  the  (kins  of  the  kids  of  the  goats 
 upon  his  hands,  and  upon  the  fmooth  of  his  neck. 
 
 17  And  (he  gave  the  favoury  meat  and  the  bread, 
 which  (he  had  prepared,  into  the  hand  of  her  fon  Jacob. 
 
 18  ^  And  he  came  unto  his  father,  and  faid.  My  fa¬ 
 ther.  And  he  faid,  Here  am  I ;  who  art  thou  my  fon  ? 
 
 19  And  Jacob  faid  unto  his  father,  I  am  Efau  thy 
 firft-born  ;  1  have  done  according  as  thou  badefl  me: 
 arife,  I  pray  thee,  fit  and  eat  of  my  venifon,  that  thy 
 foul  may  blefs  me. 
 
 20  And  Ifaac  faid  unto  his  fon.  How  is  it  that  thou 
 haft  found  it  fo  quickly,  my  (bn  ?  And  he  faid,  Be- 
 
 ^  Heb.  caufe  the  Lord  thy  God  brought  it  t  to  me. 
 before  me.  g  ^  Jacob,  Come  near,  I  pray 
 
 thee,  that  I  may  feel  thee,  my  fon,  whether  thou  be 
 my  very  fon  Efau  or  not. 
 
 22  And  Jacob  went  near  unto  Ifaac  his  father ; 
 and  he  felt  him,  and  faid,  The  voice  is  Jacob’s  voice, 
 but  the  hands  are  the  hands  of  Efau. 
 
 23  And  he  difeerned  him  not,  becaule  his  hands 
 were  hairy,  as  his  brother  Efau’s  hands.  So  he  bleflf- 
 
 ed  him.  r-r  n  a  l 
 
 24  And  he  faid,  Art  thou  my  very  fon  Elau  ?  And 
 he  faid,  I  am. 
 
 25  And  he  faid.  Bring  it  near  to  me,  and  I  will  eat 
 of  my  (bn’s  venifon,  that  my  foul  may  blefs  thee. 
 And  he  brought  it  near  to  him,  and  he  did  eat :  and 
 he  brought  him  wine,  and  he  drank, 
 
 26  And  his  father  Ifaac  faid  unto  him.  Come  near 
 now,  and  kifs  me,  my  fon. 
 
 his  father,  that  inAead  of  a  blefling,  he  would  curfe  him,  as  the  worA  of  deceivers, 
 a  deceiver  of  a  parent,  a  parent  both  aged  and  blind.  Ver.  1.3.  Upon  me  be  thy 
 curse  Rebekah  feems  to  have  been  perfuaded,  that  Jacob  had  a  juA  t'*-  «  to  the 
 firA  bleffing,  which  Efau  had  fold  with  his  birthright,  and  which  God  haddelign- 
 ed  for  Jacob  from  the  beginning ;  wherefore  flie  thought  it  her  duty  to  deceive 
 Ifaac  into  an  aaion,  which  he  ought  to  have  done  voluntarily,  and  the^fore  takes 
 the  whole  curfe  upon  herfelf,  provided  Ifaac  difeovered  the  fallacy,  for  (he  was  per- 
 fiiaded  that  the  curfe  caufelefs  (hall  not  come.  But  though  thefe  circumAances 
 have  a  great  tendency  to  palliate  the  guilt  of  Jacob  and  his  mother,  yet  t  ley  are 
 far  from  being  entirely  fufficient  to  exculpate  them,  efpccially  Jacob,  whole  crime 
 was  increafed  by  the  many  falfehoods  which  he  uttered  to  his  father,  when  coun- 
 terfeitino-  the  perfon  of  Efau.— It  cannot  however  be  denied,  on  the  one  liand, 
 that  both  Jacob  and  his  mother  were  juAly  to  be  praifed  for  having  a  due  eAeera 
 of  the  paternal  benediaion,  and  for  their  endeavouring  to  attain  it  ;  hnce  this 
 could  proceed  from  no  other  motive  but  a  full  perfuafion  of  the  truth  of  God  s 
 covenant  with  Abraham,  and  the  divine  purpofe  revealed  refpeaing  Jacob,  chap. 
 
 „  23. _ But  on  the  other  hand,  it  muA  be  confeffed,  that  the  means  ufed  to 
 
 attain  their  ends  were  highly  criminal.  Ver.  16.  And  she  jmt  the  skins  o  '  the  kids 
 
 _ /.£c  hands.  Travellers  remark  that  goats’  hair  in  the  eaAern  countries,  is 
 
 not  much  unlike  human  hair ;  fo.that  Ifaac  might  be  eafily  impofed  upon  by  tins 
 
 27  And  he  came  near,  and  kKTed  him :  and  he 
 fmelled  the  fmell  of  his  raiment,  and  blefTed  him, 
 
 faid,  See,  the  fraell  of  my  fon  is  as  the  fmell  of  a  field  v  ^  ^ 
 which  the  Lord  hath  blelTed  : 
 
 28  Therefore  ®  God  give  thee  of  the  dew  of  heaven, »  Hebi\ 
 and  thefatnefsoftheearth,and  plenty  of  cornand  wine;  h.so, 
 
 29  Let  people  ferve  thee,  and  nations  bow  down 
 to  thee :  be  lord  over  thy  brethren,  and  let  thy  mother’s 
 Cons  bow  down  to  thee :  curled  be  every  one  that 
 curfeth  thee,  and  blefTed  be  he  that  blefl'eth  thee. 
 
 30  H  And  it  came  to  pafs,  as  foon  as  Ifaac  had  made 
 an  end  of  blefling  Jacob,  and  Jacob  was  yet  fcarce 
 gone  out  from  the  prefence  of  Ifaac  his  father,  that 
 Efau  his  brother  came  in  from  his  hunting. 
 
 3 1  And  he  alfo  had  made  favoury  meat,  and  brought 
 it  unto  his  father,  and  faid  unto  his  father,  Let  my  fa¬ 
 ther  arife,  and  eat  of  his  fon’s  venifon,  that  thy  foul 
 may  blefs  me. 
 
 32  And  Ifaac  his  father  faid  unto  him.  Who  art 
 thou  ?  And  he  faid,  I  am  thy  fon,  thy  firft-born  Efau. 
 
 33  And  Ifaac  t  trembled  very  exceedingly,  and  f 
 faid.  Who?  where  is  he  that  hath  f  taken  venifon, 
 and  brought  it  me,  and  I  have  eaten  of  all  before  thou  ^reat 
 cameft,  and  have  blefTed  him  ?  yea,  and  he  fhali  ht  trembling 
 blefled. 
 
 34  U  And  when  Efau  heard  the  words  of  his  father,  hunted. 
 he  cried  with  a  great  and  exceeding  bitter  cry,  and  faid 
 unto  his  father,  Blefs  me,  (ven  me  alio,  O  mv  father ! 
 
 35  And  he  faid.  Thy  brother  came  with  lubtility, 
 and  hath  taken  away  thy  bleffing. 
 
 36  And  he  faid.  Is  not  he  rightly  named  H  Jacob  ?|i  That  is, 
 for  he  hath  fupplanted  me  thefe  two  times  :  he  took^  «';’- 
 away  my  birthright ;  and,  behold,  now  he  hath  taken^^””^'’’^* 
 away  my  blefling.  And  he  faid,  Halt  thou  not  re- 
 ferved  a  bit  (Ting  for  me? 
 
 37  And  Ifaac  anfwered  and  faid  unto  Efau,  Behold, 
 
 I  have  made  him  thy  lord,  and  all  his  brethren  have  I 
 given  to  him  for  fervants  ;  and  with  corn  and  wine 
 have  I  II  fuftained  him  :  and  what  fhali  1  do  now  unto  II  Or, 
 thee,  my  Ion  ? 
 
 38  And  Efau  faid  unto  his  father.  Haft  thou  but  one 
 bleffimg,  my  father  ?  blefs  me,  even  me  allb,  O  my 
 father !  And  Efau  lifted  up  his  voice,  and  wept.  ^  Hebr. 
 
 39  And  Ifaac  his  father  anfwered  and  faid  unto  him, 
 
 Behold,  '  thy  dwelling  (itall  be  II  the  fatnefs  of  tbecVer.28. 
 earth,  and  of  the  dew  of  heaven  from  above  ;  J 
 
 40  And  by  thy  (word  (halt  thou  live,  and  (halt  ferve/^j^^yj, 
 thy  brother:  and  it  (hall  come  to  pafs,  when  thou 
 (halt  have  the  dcminioii,  that  thou  ftialt  break  his 
 yoke  from  off  thy  neck. 
 
 artifice.  Ver.  27.  He  smelled  the  smell  of  his  raiment.  Hence  we  may  infer  that 
 the  Orientals  perfumed  their  garments  with  the  odoriferous  feent  of  (towers  in 
 which  the  country  of  Arabia  abounded  ;  and  this  elegant  Cmell  had  fuch  an  in- 
 flucnce  on  the  Cpirits  of  Kaac,  that  he  tireaks  out  in  a  kind  of  rapture  :  See,  the 
 smell  of  my  son  is  as  the  smill  oj  a  feld  which  the  Uoid  hath  blejfed.  Ver,  28. 
 Give  thee  of  the  dew  of  heaven.  In  the  hot  country  where  Ifaac  dwelt,  (howers 
 bein<r  lefs  frequent  than  with  us,  the  morning  and  evening  dews  were  of  the  ut- 
 moA'’  importance  to  refrefii  the  earth,  and  produce  that  plenty  for  which  the 
 country  was  fo  remarkable.  And  the  fatness  of  the  earth,  and  plenty  of  corn  and 
 wine.  Under  thefe  impreffions,  Ifaac  withes  his  fon  all  the  blefiings  which  a 
 fruitful  country  can  produce.  And  this  prophecy  was  remarkably  verified  by 
 God’s  fettling  the  Ifraelites  in  the  potfeffion  of  the  land  of  Canaan,  a  land  flowing 
 with  milk  and  honey.  Ver.  29.  What  is  here  predicted  concerning  Efau  and 
 Jacob  was  not  verified  in  themfelves,  but  in  their  poAenty,  as  we  had  oceafion 
 formerly  to  obferve.  Ver.  33.  Isaac  trembled  very  exceedingly  The  Hebrew  is, 
 Is.ac  trembled  with  an  exceeding  great  trembling.  What  words  can  more  forci¬ 
 bly  exprefs  that  anxiety,  folicitude,  and  agonizing  terror  which  Aiook  the  frame 
 of  the  aAonithed  patriarch,  at  fo  Arange,  lb  perplexing  an  adventure.  Ver.  36. 
 
 1  He  took  away  my  birthright.  In  the  heat  of  his  palTion,  Efau  here  loads  Ins  bro¬ 
 ther  with  the  moft  falfe  accufations ;  for  Jacob  took  it  away  from  him  neither  by 
 
Esati  tlireatemlli  Jacob, 
 
 genesis. 
 
 Jacol/s  vision  of  o,  ladder,^ 
 
 Before 
 Clirilt 
 17  CO. 
 
 d  Obad. 
 
 10. 
 
 e  Chap. 
 26.  35. 
 
 1760. 
 
 a  Ilofea 
 
 12.  13. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 an  affem- 
 hly  of 
 jKople. 
 
 41  t  And  Efan  hated  Jacob,  becaufe  of  the  bleffing 
 wherewith  his  father  bleffed  him :  and  Efau  faid  in  his 
 ,  heart,  The  days  of  mourning  for  mv  father  are  at 
 hand  :  then  will  I  flay  my  brother  Jacob. 
 
 42  H  And  thefe  words  of  Efau  her  elder  Ton  were 
 told  to  Rebekah.  And  (he  fent  and  called  Jacob  her 
 younger  fon,  and  faid  unto  him,  Behold,  thy  brother 
 Efau,  as  touching  thee,  doth  comfort  himfelf,  purpos¬ 
 ing  to  kill  thee. 
 
 iS  Now  therefore,  my  fon,  obey  my  voice;  and 
 arife,  flee  thou  to  Laban  my  brother,  to  Haran  ; 
 
 44  And  tarry  with  him  a  few  days,  until  thy  bro¬ 
 ther’s  fury  turn  away ; 
 
 45  Until  thy  brother’s  anger  turn  away  from  thee, 
 and  he  forget  t/iai  which  thou  haft  done  to  him  :  then 
 I  will  fend  and  fetch  thee  from  thence  :  why  fhould  I 
 be  deprived  alfo  of  you  both  in  one  day  ? 
 
 46  And  Rebekah  faid  to  Ifaac,  ®  I  am  weary  of  my 
 life  becaufe  of  the  daughters  of  Heth  :  if  Jacob  take  a 
 wife  of  the  daughters  of  Heth,  fuch'as  thefe  tej/zzc/i  are 
 of  the  daughters  of  the  land,  what  good  fhall  my  life 
 do  me?* 
 
 CHAP.  XXVIII. 
 
 1  Issnc  blesselh  Jacob,  and  sendeth  him  to  Padan-aram.  9  IUsnumar- 
 
 rieth  Mahalath  the  daughter  of  Ishmael.  11  Jacob's  vijioji  of  a  ladder. 
 
 18  The  stone  of  Bethel.  20  Jacob' s  vow. 
 
 And  Ifaac  called  Jacob,  and  bleflTed  him,  and 
 charged  him,  and  faid  unto  him.  Thou  lhalt  not ! 
 take  a  wife  of  the  daughters  of  Canaan. 
 
 2  “  Arife,  go  to  Padan-aram,  to  the  houfe  of  Be- 
 thuel  thy  mother’s  father,  and  take  thee  a  wife 
 from  thence  of  the  daughters  of  Laban  thy  mother’s 
 brother. 
 
 3  And  God  Almighty  blefs  thee,  and  make  thee 
 fruitful  and  multiply  thee,  that  thou  mayeft  be  f  a 
 multitude  of  people ; 
 
 4  And  give  thee  the  blefling  of  Abraham,  to  chriii 
 
 and  to  thy  feed  with  thee;  that  thou  mayeft  in^rit  1760. 
 the  land  f  wherein  thou  art  a  Ilranger,  which  God 
 
 gave  unto  Abraham.  Ifthy  'so- 
 
 5  And  Ifaac  fent  away  Jacob ;  and  he  went  to  Padan  *  journey  • 
 
 aram  unto  Laban,  fon  of  Bethuel  the  Syrian,  the  bro-  ings. 
 ther  of  Rebekan,  Jacob’s  and  Eiau’s  mother.  b  Chap. 
 
 6  When  Iflau  law  that  Ifaac  had  blefled  Jacob,  and 
 fent  him  away  to  Padan-aram,  to  take  him  a  wife  from 
 thence  ;  and  that  as  he  bleflTed  him,  he  gave  him  a 
 charge,  faying.  Thou  (halt  not  take  a  wite  of  the 
 daughters  of  Canaan  ; 
 
 7  And  that  Jacob  obeyed  his  father  and  his  mother, 
 and  was  gone  to  Padan-aram  ; 
 
 8  And  Elau  feeing  that  the  daughters  of  Canaan 
 
 f  pleafed  not  Ifaac  his  father  ;  l/ercevU 
 
 9  Then  went  Elau  unto  Ifhmael,  and  took  unto  the  in  the 
 wives  which  he  had,  Mahalath  the  daughter  of  Ifhmael,  eyes,  .jc. 
 Abraham’s  fon,  the  filter  of  Nebajoth,  to  be  his 
 wife. 
 
 10  H  And  Jacob  went  out  from  Beer-Iheba,  and 
 
 went  toward  =  Haran.  ^^*'7*2 
 
 11  And  he  lighted  upon  a  certain  place,  and  tanned 
 there  all  night,  becaufe  the  I'un  was  fet :  and  hetook  of 
 the  ftones  of  that  place,  and  put  them  for  his  pillows, 
 and  lay  down  in  that  place  to  fleep. 
 
 12  And  he  dreamed,  and  behold  a  ladder  fet  upon 
 the  earth,  and  the  top  of  it  reached  to  heaven  ;  and 
 behold  the  angels  of  God  afeending  and  defeending 
 on  it. 
 
 13  And,  behold,  the  Lord  flood  above  it,  and  35 
 faid,  I  am  the  Lord  God  of  Abraham  thy  father,  and  4s.  3. 
 the  God  of  Ifaac  :  the  land  whereon  thou  lieft,  to  thee  t  Web. 
 will  I  give  it,  and  to  thy  feed  ; 
 
 14  And  thy  feed  (hall  be  as  theduft  of  the  earth  ;  e  Deut. 
 and  thou  lhalt  f  fpread  abroad  to  the  weft,  and  to  the  12.  20. 
 
 force  or  fraud  ;  but  Efau  profanely  defpifed  it,  and  meanly  fold  it  for  a  mefs  of  j 
 pottage.  Ver.  38,  39.  Efau  endeavours  by  tears  and  entreaties  to  move  the  affec-  j 
 tions  of  his  father,  and  to  prevail  upon  him  to  reverfe  the  blelling  he  had  bellowed 
 on  Jacob ;  but  his  tears  and  cries  were  in  vain  ;  nothing  could  bring  Ifaac  to 
 repent  or  change  his  mind.  Neverthelefs,  being  melted  by  Efau’s  behaviour, 
 and  willing  to  beftow  what  he  could  upon  him,  without  lellcning  or  breaking  in 
 upon  the  divine  grant  made  to  Jacob,  he  pronounces  the  following  blelling. 
 Ver.  39.  The  blelTing  here  pronounced  upon  Efau  feems  to  be  little  inferior  to 
 that  of  Jacob  ;  for  Efau  is  alfo  bleffed  with  the  fatnefs  of  the  earth,  and  the  dew 
 of  heaven,  and  with  temporal  power  ;  but  there  is  this  limitation  in  it,  Thon  shah 
 serve  thy  brother ;  fo  that  whatever  was  peculiarly  given  to  Jacob,  was  contained 
 in  tiie  grant  of  being  lord  over  his  brethren,  which  doubtlefs  implied  that  Jacob 
 was  bleffed  as  the  heir  of  the  promifes  given  to  Abraham  and  Ifaac.  \'er.  40. 
 When  Ihou  fialt  have  the  dominion  that  thou  fialt  break  his  yoke  jroni  of  thy  neck. 
 It  is  not  faid  that  they  lliould  have  dominion  over  the  feed  of  Jacob,  but  fimply 
 have  dominion  .as  they  had  when  they  appointed  a  king  of  their  own.  Ver.  41. 
 The  days  of  mourning  for  my  father  are  at  hand,  then— That  is,  the  time  of  his 
 father’s  death  was  drawing  nigh,  when  there  would  be  a  mourning  for  him  for  > 
 fome  days ;  at  which  time  he  propofed  to  pick  a  quarrel  with  Jacob  about  his  title  i 
 to  their  father’s  fubllance,  and  in  the  quarrel  kill  him,  and  fo  regain  the  birthright  ; 
 and  blelling,  and  then,  Jacob  dying  unmarried  and  witiiout  iffue,  both  the  oracle  ‘ 
 of  God  and  the  prophetic  benedi<5tion  of  his  father  w'ould  be  defeated.  But  he  ; 
 failed  in  all ;  the  time  of  his  father’s  death  was  not  fo  near  as  he  imagined,  for  he 
 lived  a  number  of  years  after  this. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXVIII.  Ver.  1.  The  anxious  ap-  | 
 
 prehenfions  lliewn  by  Rebekah  and  Ifaac  on  this  occalion,  flowed  not  only  from 
 paternal  affeclion,  but  likewife  from  a  proper  fenfe  of  the  blefling  entailed  upon 
 their  pollerity.  To  intermarry  with  a  people  which  were  decreed  to  dellru<5lion 
 on  account  of  their  vices,  would  be,  in  one  refpedl,  to  counterac'l,  if  not  to 
 frullrate  the  plan  of  Providence.  Ver.  3.  (7od  Mmighty  bless  tlwe.  As  the 
 bleffmg  in  the  preceding  chapter  was  obtained  by  fraud,  this  repetition  of  it  may 
 appear  nowife  unneceffary.  Ver.  4.  The  blejjing  of  Abraham.  What  this  was 
 may  be  underflood  by  comparing  chap.  xii.  2,  3.  with  chap.  xxii.  17,  IS.  That 
 thou  ?nayest  inheric  the  hnd  wherein  thou  art  a  stranger :  that  ts,  the  land  of  Ca¬ 
 naan,  which  was  given  to  Abraham  by  promife,  but  not  in  poffeflion  :  he  was  a 
 Ilranger  and  fojourner  in  it,  and  fo  Ifaac  had  been  all  his  da3’s  :  and  now  Jacob 
 who  through  the  blelfing  was  become  heir  of  it.  And  Isaac  sent  away  Jacob  ; 
 Not  in  anger  or  in  a  dilhonourable  way,  but  after  taking  an  affe6lionate  leave, 
 and  giving  him  his  blelfing  and  good  w'iflies  for  a  profi>erous  journey.  Ver.  7. 
 Jacob  obeyed  his  father  and  his  mother  ;  as  it  became  him,  and  as  it  becomes  all 
 children  to  be  obedient  to  their  parents  in  every  thing  lawful  j  and  it  would 
 have  been  well  if  Efau  had  been  obedient  to  them  in  a  like  cafe,  the  cafe  of  his 
 marriage.  Ver.  9.  Then  went  jblsau  unto  I/hinael :  Not  to  Ilhinael  in  perfon  ; 
 for  he  was  now  dead,  chapter  xxv.  17.  and  had  been  dead,  as  is  reckoned, 
 about  fourteen  years  before  this;  but  to  the  houfe  of  Ilhmael.  Verfe  11. 
 And  he  lighted  upon  a  certain  place.  So  fcrupulous  was  Jacob  in  obferving 
 the  command  of  his  father,  that  he  would  not  enter  into  any  houfe  that 
 belonged  to  a  Canaanitc,  but  choofe  rather  to  lleep  abroad,  having  no  other 
 bed  than  the  earth,  no  other  pillow  than  a  ffone,  and  the  open  heaven  for 
 his  canopy  or  curtain.  The  place  might  perhaps  have  been  pitched  upon  on 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XXVII.]  When  dimnefs  of  fight,  or  other  harbingers  of  death,  fallen  upon  us,  it  is  time  for  fpir.tual  diligence, 
 particularly  in  committing  ourfelves  and  families  to  God.  How  improper  for  parents,  efpecially  if  godly,  to  become  tempters  of  their  children  to  offend  God,  and  to 
 defpife  the  awful  curfe  which  he  has  annexed  to  lin  !  The  fovereignty  of  God  is  often  remarkably  evident  in  accomplifliing  his  great  defigns,  through  means  of  the 
 wicked  practices  of  men  ;  but  the  heirs  of  a  promife,  entail  upon  themfelves  the  moll  fearful  perplexity  and  trouble,  in  taking  finful  methods  to  obtain  their  promifed 
 benefits.  Thofe  who  would  ever  appear  before  God  with  acceptance,  mull  come  in  the  garments  of  the  all-perfccT  righteoufnefs  of  Jefus  their  elder  brother  •  and 
 
 though  they  are  known  to  be  liuners,  they  fliall  find  the  blefling,  becaufe  complete  in  him.  How  foon  the  aboniinable  practice  of  lying  is  learnt.  When  we  rre  found 
 out  in  one  lie,  we  are  often  led  to  forge  many  more  to  fupport  ourfelves  in  it.  May  we  Hand  in  awe  and  flu  not ;  and  feek  the  Lord“s  blefiin<>-*onIy  in  his  t'.wn  time 
 and  method.  Let  lying  bean  abomination  to  us.  Never  let  us  defpife  the  heavenly  birthright  left  we  be  denied  the  blefling  when  afterwards  we  feek  it  carefully 
 with  tears.  Is  any  provoked  by,  or  even  unjuflly  enraged  at  us,  let  us,  by  yielding,  pacify  great  offences  ;  or  by  flight  efcape  for  our  lafety.  Perhaps  wliat  now 
 leems  bafe  or  bitter  to  our  corrupt  heart,  may  yield  us  confolation  in  tlie  latter  end.  Let  intimacy,  therefore,  and  efpecially  marriage  conneaion  with  the  wicked  be 
 always  the  deteflatiou  of  our  fouh 
 
The  Slone  of  Bethel.  ' 
 
 GENESIS. 
 
 dacoh  and  Bachel  meet. 
 
 cS  and  to  the  north,  and  to  the  fouth  :  and  in  thee, 
 1760.  ^nd  111  thy  feed,  (hall  all  the  families  of  the  earth  be 
 blelied. 
 
 t>ehold,  I  am  with  thee,  and  will  keep  thee 
 is!  18.  & whither  thou  goeft,  and  will  bring  thee 
 22. 18.  &  again  unto  this  land  ;  for  I  will  not  leave  thee,  until  I 
 26.  4.  have  done  that  which  I  have  fpoken  to  thee  of. 
 
 16^  And  Jacob  awaked  out  of  his  deep,  and  he  faid, 
 Surely  the  Lord  is  in  this  place,  and  I  knew  it  not. 
 
 17  And  he  was  afraid,  and  faid,  How  dreadful  is 
 this  place  .  this  is  none  other  but  the  houfe  of  God, 
 and  this  is  the  gate  of  heaven. 
 
 18  And  Jacob  rofe  up  early  in  the  morning,  and 
 took  the  ftone  that  he  had  put  for  his  pillow,  and  fet 
 it  up^or  a  pillar  and  poured  oil  upon  the.top  of  it. 
 
 ^9  And  he  called  the  name  of  that  place  |1  Beth-el : 
 oj  God.  name  of  that  city  ivas  called  Luz  at  the  firft. 
 
 20  H  And  Jacob  vowed  a  vow,  faying.  If  God  will 
 be  with  me,  and  will  keep  me  in  this  way  that  I  go, 
 and  will  give  me  bread  to  eat,  and  raiment  to  put  on, 
 
 21  So  that  I  come  again  to  my  father^s  houfe  in 
 peace,  thenihall  the  I.,ord  be  my  God. 
 
 22  And  this  ftone  which  I  have  fet  for  a  pillar,  fhall 
 be  God’s  houfe  :  and  of  all  that  thou  (halt  give  me,  I 
 will  furelygive  the  tenth  unto  thee.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXIX. 
 
 1  Jacob  Cometh  to  thewell  of  Ilaran  ;  9  hemakelh  acquaintance  with  Rachel. 
 
 13  Laban  entertaincth  him.  18  Jacob  covenantclh  for  Rachel;  23  he  is 
 
 deceived  with  Leah  ;  28  he  marrielh  also  Rachel,  and  servelhjor  seven 
 f  Heb.  yearsmore.  32 1.eahbcareth  Reuben,  33  Simeon,  5^  Levi,  35  and  Judah. 
 
 ^  I  "^HEN  Jacob  t  went  on  his  journey,  and  came 
 f  Heb.  JL  irilo  the  land  of  the  f  people  of  the  eaft. 
 children.  2  And  he  looked,  and  behold  a  well  in  the  field> 
 
 land,  lo,  there  \ioere  thre6  flocks  of  fbeep  lying  by  it ; 
 tor  out  of  that  well  they  watered  the  flocks  :  and  a 
 great  ftone  ivas  upon  the  well’s  mouth. 
 
 3  And  thither  were  all  the  flocks  gathered  :  and 
 they  rolled  the  ftone  from  the  well’s  mouth,  and  wa¬ 
 tered  the  Iheep,  and  put  the  ftone  again  upon  the 
 well’s  mouth  in  his  place. 
 
 4  And  Jacob  faid  unto  them.  My  brethren,  whence 
 be  ye  ?  And  they  faid.  Of  Haram  are  we 
 
 5  And  he  faid  unto  them.  Know  ye  Laban  the  fon 
 of  Nahor  ?  And  they  faid.  We  know  him. 
 
 6  And  he  faid  unto  them,  f  Is  he  well  ?  And  they!  Heb. 
 faid,  He  is  well ;  and,  behold,  Rachel  his  daughter 
 cometh  with  the  fheep. 
 
 7  And  he  faid,  Lo,  f  it  is  yet  high  day,  neither  is  j-  lieb. 
 
 it  time  that  the  cattle  Ihould  be  gathered  together  ;  yet  the  day 
 water  ye  the  fheep  and  go  and  feed  them. 
 
 8  And  they  faid.  We  cannot  until  all  the  flocks  be 
 gathered  together,  and  till  they  roll  the  ftone  from  the 
 well's  mouth  ;  then  we  water  the  fheep. 
 
 9  ^  And  while  he  yet  fpake  with  them,  Rachel 
 icame  with  her  father’s  fheep;  for  (he  kept  them. 
 
 10  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  Jacob  law  Rachel, 
 the  daughter  of  Laban  his  mother’s  brother,  and 
 the  fheep  of  Laban  his  mother’s  brother,  that  Jacob 
 went  near,  and  rolled  the  ftone  from  the  well’s  mouth, 
 and  watered  the  flock  of  Laban  his  mother’s  brother. 
 
 1 1  And  Jacob  kified  Rachel,  and  lifted  up  his 
 voice  and  wept. 
 
 12  And  Jacob  told  Rachel  that  he  was  her  father’s 
 brother,  and  that  he  was  Rebekah’s  fon  :  and  fhe  ran 
 and  told  her  father. 
 
 account  of  its  fliade,  efpecially  as  it  is  named  Luz,  which  fignifies  an.almond ; 
 and  might  probably  have  received  that  name  on  account  of  the  abundance  of  al¬ 
 mond-trees  which  grew  there.  Ver.  12.  Comp.  Note  on  John  i.  5).  That  dreams 
 or  nodlurnal  vifions,  were  a  common  way  of  God’s  revealing  himfelf  to  mankind 
 of  old,  is  evident  from  inllances  almolt  innumerable  ;  and  the  reafon  of  his  mak¬ 
 ing  choice  of  this  method  might  be,  either  to  convince  them  of  his  omniprefence, 
 that  lie  w'as  about  their  bed,  and  about  their  path,  and  fpied  out  all  their  ways  ;  or, 
 to  convince  them  of  their  conflant  care,  and  that  he  was  not  unmindful  of  them, 
 even  when  they  little  thought  of  him,  and  were  moft  abfent  from  themfelves. 
 And  behold  a  ladder.  This  ladder,  according  to  the  fenfc  of  the  belt  intetpreters, 
 is  an  emblem  of  the  divine  jProtiK/mce,  which  governs  all  things.  Its  being 
 ujKJi  the  earth,  denotes  the  steadiness  of  Providence,  which  nothing  is  able  to  un¬ 
 fettle  ;  its  reaching  up  to  heaven,  figniSies  its  universality,  or  that  it  extends  to  all 
 things  ;  the  feveral  steps  of  the  ladder  are  the  motions  and  a<5lions  of  providence  ; 
 the  angels  going  up  eind  down,  ihew  tliat  they  are  tlie  great  mi nillers  of  provi¬ 
 dence,  never  idle,  but  always  employedin  the  prefervation  oftlie  juA  ;  their  ascend¬ 
 ing,  means  their  going  up  to  receive  the  divine  orders  and  commands;  and  their 
 descending,  their  coming  down  upon  earth  to  put  them  in  execution.  Anotlier  in¬ 
 terpretation  of  this  vifion  deferves  notice. — The  promife,  (we  may  remember) 
 which  God  is  introduced  as  making  to  Jacob  from  the  top  of  the  ladder,  does 
 chiefly  relate  to  the  covenant  w'ith  Abraham,  which  was  principally  founded  in 
 Chrilt,  that  chofen  feed,  “in  ivhom  all  the  families  of  the  earth  were  to  be  blefled.” 
 And  the  analogy  of  the  thing  may  induce  us  to  believe  that  this  ladder  was  de- 
 ligned  for  a  type  and  emblem  of  the  covenant  of  grace,  which  was  in  force  from 
 the  time  of  man’s  apoftacy,  but  began  to  be  put  in  execution  at  the  incarnation 
 of  our  Saviour  Chrill,  that  only  Mediator.  VTr.  IS.  In  oppofition  to  thefalfe 
 gods  of  the  neighbouring  nations,  God^here  diflinguiflies  himlelf  to  Jacob  by  the 
 title  of  the  God  of  Abraham.  The  land  whereon  thou  liest,  to  thee  U'ill  I  give  it, 
 and  to  thy  seed.  Meaning  not  that  IVnall  pittance  of  land  only  on  which  his  body 
 then  lay,  and  which  it  covered  ;  but  all  the  land  of  wliicli  it  was  a  part,  even  the 
 whole  land  of  Canaan  ;  hereby  entailing  it  on  him  and  his  feed,  and  fo  explaining 
 and  confirming  the  bleffing  of  his  father  Ifaac.  Ver.  16.  And  he  said,  surely  the 
 
 Lord  is  in  this  place.  God  is  in  a  general  way  every  where  upholding  all  things 
 by  his  pov^er,  as  he  is  immenfe  and  oinniprefent;  but  here  he  was  in  a  fpecial  fenfe 
 by  fome  fignal  token  of  his  prefence,  by  a  ftream  of  light  and  glory,  darting  from 
 the  heavens,  and  by  the  appearance  of  angels.  I  knew  it  not ;  that  is;  he  did  not 
 expect  to  meet  with  God  in  fuch  a  place.  He  did  not  know  that  God  ever  ap¬ 
 peared  any  where  but  in  the  houfes  of  his  people,  fuch  as  his  father’s  houfe  ;  and 
 in  the  congregation  of  the  faithful,  or  where  the  faints  met  for  public  worfltip,  or 
 where  an  altar  was  erected  to  God.  Ver.  17.  And  he  was  afraid.  Not  with  a 
 fervile,  hut  a  filial  fear ;  not  w  ith  a  fear  of  the  wrath  and  difpleafure  of  God,  but 
 with  an  awe  of  his  greatnefs  and  glory  ;  being  confeious  of  his  own  unworthinefs 
 to  receive  favours  from  him.  And  he  said.  How  dreadful  is  this  place!  Not  ter¬ 
 rible  and  horrible,  like  mount  Sinai ;  but  like  Sion,  majeflic  and  venerable,  bei 
 caufe  of  the  glory  of  God  that  appeared  in  it,  whofe  name  is  holy  and  reverend  ; 
 and  becaufe  of  the  holy  angels  here  prefeUt.  I'his  is  none  ocher  but  the  house  of 
 God.  Wlierefore  he  afterwards  called  it  Beth-el,  which  fignifies  the  house  of  God* 
 And  this  is  the  gate  of  heaven.  He  calls  it  fo,  becaufe  the  heavens  were  opened, 
 and  the  glory  of  the  Lord  was  feen,  attended  by  his  angeL,  who  were  palfing  and 
 repairing,  as  people  through  the  ftreets  of  a  city.  Ver.  1 8.  2'ook  the  stone — and 
 set  it  up.  Not  only  to  preferve  the  memory  of  this  heavenly  vifion,  but  like- 
 wife  to  make  ufe  of  it  as  an  altar,  as  appears  from  the  words  immediately  fol¬ 
 lowing.  And  poured  oil.  We  find  from  ancient  authors,  that  this  ceremony  was 
 ufed  in  confecrating  fuch  things  to  divine  ufe.  Ver.  19.  That  city  was  called 
 Luz.  This  city  was  at  fome  diflance  from  w'here  Jacob  llept,  and  not  the 
 fame  place,  as  appears  from  the  expreffion  of  that  place,  when  applied  to  the 
 fpot  where  he  had  feen  his  vifion,  and  that  cily^  when  applied  to  Luz.  Ver,  20. 
 And  Jacob  vowed  a  vow.  This  is  the  firft  vow  we  read  of  in  fcripturc.  Ver.  21. 
 Then  the  I..ord  fhall  he  my  God.  The  meaning  is,  that  he  ftiould  not  only  con¬ 
 tinue  to  own  him  as  his  God,  and  to  worftiip  him ;  but,  having  frefh  obli¬ 
 gations  upon  him  lliould  be  ftirred  up  more  eagerly  and  devoutly  to  ferve 
 him,  and  under  a  grateful  fenfe  of  the  divine  favour,  to  pay  him  continually 
 the  tribute  of  thankfgiving  and  praife. — The  Targum  of  Jonatlian  begins  the 
 paragraph  thus  ;  “If  the  word  of  the. Lord  will  be  my  help,  &c.  then  the  Lord 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  XXVHL]  How  croffes  and  crowns  are  mingled  together  in  the  lot  of  the  faints.  It  is  comfortable  to  have 
 a  godly  frienn  s  houfe  where  we  can  find  an  afsylum.  How  Ihrewd  the  contrivance  of  worldly  men  to  promote  their  temporal  advantages.  They  who  reft  on  partial 
 reformation,  lie  down  but  the  more  fecurely  under  the  wrath  of  God.  It  is  too  late  to  be  wife  when  the  opportunity  is  loft.  If  God  be  bur  guardian,  no  danger 
 can  pproach  us.  Whom  he  loves  he  never  forfakes  The  comfortable  pref’ence  of  God  is  the  joy  of  heaven  ;  we  are  at  the  gate,  when  he  in  his  ordinances,  raanifefts 
 lijmfelf  and'holds  communion  wit''  us.  When  we  are  confeious  of  his  ncarnefs,  it  will  ever  produce  humility,  and  canfe  us  to  he  filled  with  abhorrence  at  our  vilenefs 
 and  corruption.  But  wjiile  we  regard  the  kindnefs  of  his  providence,  let  us  contemplate  the  perfon  and  work  of  our  glorious  Redeemer,  that  Mediator  between  God 
 and  man;  On  earth,  in  the  condefcenlion  of  his  humanity ;  in  heaven,  in  the  glory  of  his  divinity  ;  through  him  we  come  near  to  God,  and  enjoy  his  prefence  and 
 his  favour ;  through  him  we  behold  the  promifes  of  guidance  and  prote(5Iion  ;  and  after  all  our  wanderings  in  this  world  Ihall  return  to  our  father’s  houfe  in  peace, 
 laden  with  the  bleflings  of  eternal  glory. 
 
Jacob  coDcnanteth  for  Jlacliel, 
 
 GENESIS. 
 
 He  is  deceived  voith  Leah* 
 
 Before 
 
 Clirift 
 
 1760. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 hearing. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 a  moiUh 
 ff  (lays. 
 
 13  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  Laban  heard  the  t 
 tidings  of  Jacob  his  fiber’s  fon,  that  he  ran  to  meet 
 
 .  him,  and  embraced  him,  and  killed  him,  and  brought 
 him  to  his  houfe.  And  he  told  Laban  all  thefe  things. 
 
 14  And  Laban  faid  to  him,  furely  thou  art  my 
 bone  and  my  flefh.  And  he  abode  with  him  f  the 
 Ipace  of  a  month. 
 
 15  H  And  Laban  faid  unto  Jacob,  Becaule  thou 
 art  my  brother,  Ihouldeft  thou  therefore  ferve  me  for 
 nought  ?  tell  me,  what  shall  thy  wages  be  P 
 
 16  And  Laban  had  two  daughters :  the  name  of 
 the  elder  xms  Leah,  and  the  name  of  the  younger  was 
 Rachel. 
 
 Before 
 
 Cbrifl 
 
 1753. 
 
 it  xvas  Leah :  and  he  faid  to  Laban,  What  « this  thou 
 halt  done  unto  me?  Did  not  I  lerve  with  thee  tor 
 :  Rachel  ?  wherefore  then  haft  thou  beguiled  me 
 '  ‘26  And  Laban  faid.  It  mult  not  be  fo  done  in  our 
 
 country,  to  give  the  younger  before  the  firft-born.  t  Heb 
 I  27  Fulfil  her  week,  and  we  will  give  thee  this  allo,^ 
 ifor  the  fervice  which  theu  Ihalt  ferve  with  me  yet 
 
 i  feven  other  years.  ,  ^  j  u  i  j 
 
 I  28  And  Jacob  did  fo,  and  fulfilled  her  week;  and 
 ;he  gave  him  Rachel  his  daughter  to  wife  alfo. 
 
 29  And  Laban  gave  to  Rachel  his  daughter,  Bilhah 
 
 '  his  handmaid  to  be  her  maid.  ,  ,  ,  , 
 
 30  And  he  went  in  alfo  unto  Rachel,  and  he  loved 
 
 17  Leah  was  tender-eyed  ;  but  Rachel  was  beauti-  jalfo  Rachel  more  than  Leah,  and  ferved  with  him  yet 
 
 1753. 
 
 ful  and  w‘ell-favoured. 
 
 18  And  Jacob  loved  Rachel ;  and  faid,  I  will  lerve 
 thee  feven  years  for  Rachel  thy  younger  daughter. 
 
 19  And  Laban  laid.  It  is  better  that  I  give  her  to 
 thee,  than  that  I  fhould  give  her  to  another  man  : 
 abide  with  me. 
 
 20  And  Jacob  ferved  feven  years  for  Rachel ;  and 
 they  feemed  unto  him  but  a  few  days,  for  the  love  he 
 had  to  her. 
 
 21  H  And  Jacob  faid  unto  Laban,  Give  me  my  wife, 
 for  my  days  are  fulfilled,  that  I  may  go  in  unto  her. 
 
 22  And  Laban  gathered  together  all  the  men  of  the 
 place,  and  made  a  feaft. 
 
 23  And  it  came  to  pafs  in  the  evening,  that  he  took 
 Leah  his  daughter,  and  brought  her  to  him  ;  and  he 
 went  in  unto  her. 
 
 24  And  Laban  gave  unto  his  daughter  Leah,  Zil- 
 pah  his  maid  for  an  handmaid. 
 
 25  And  it  came  to  pafs,  that,  in  the  morning,  behold, 
 
 feven  other  years.  j  • 
 
 3 1  H  And  when  the  Lord  favv  that  Leah  was  hated,  «=»'••  1752. 
 he  opened  her  womb  ;  but  Rachel  was  barren. 
 
 32  And  Leah  conceived,  and  bare  a  fon  ;  and  fhe  _ 
 called  his  name  1|  Reuben:  for  fhe  faid.  Surely  the 
 Lord  hath  looked  upon  my  afiliftion  ;  now  therefore 
 
 my  hufband  will  love  me. 
 
 33  And  Ihe  conceived  again,  and  bare  a  fon  ;  and 
 laid,  Becaule  the  Lord  hath  heard  that  I  was  hated, 
 he  hath  therefore  given  me  thisyo;?  alfo  :  and  fhe  call- 
 
 ("ir  1750. 
 
 That  ia. 
 
 ed  his  name  il  Simeon. 
 
 I  34  And  Ihe  conceived  again,  and  bare  a  fon  ;  and  .. 
 faid.  Now  this  time  will  my  hufband  be  joined 
 
 hprjjnCp  T  hnve  horn  him  three  Tons:  therefore^ 
 
 1,  2. 
 
 me,  becaule  I  have  born  him 
 i  was  his  name  called  \\  Levi. 
 
 \re  a 
 
 fon 
 
 and  il  That  is, 
 
 35  And  fhe  conceived  again,  and  h: 
 fhe  faid.  Now  wall  I  praife  the  Lord:  therefore  Ihe^’'""^^* 
 called  his  name  11  Judah  ;  and  f  left  bearing.*  Jiood  from, 
 
 bearina. 
 
 fhsll  be  my  God”  Ver.  22.  And  this  /lone— f tall  be  God’s  houfe.  Every  place 
 fet  apart  for  divine  worlhip,  or  honoured  with  an  extraordinary  manifeftation  of 
 the  divine  prefence,  is  in  feripture  ftyled  God' s  houfe.  I wUl  purely  give  the  tenth  un- 
 io  thee;  for  the  fupport  of  his  worfhip,  for  the  maintenance  of  burnt- faerifices  and 
 for  the  relief  of  the  poor,  or  for  any  ufe  or  fervice  in  which  God  might  be  glorified. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Caap.  XXIX.  Ver.  1.  Land  of  the  people 
 of  the  east.  This  was  Mefopotamia  which  lay  eaftward  from  Canaan.  Ver.  4. 
 And  Jacob  faid  unto  them  ;  to  the  (hepherds,  though  not  exprefsly  mentioned, 
 for  it  cannot  be  imagined  that  he  fpoke  to  the  flocks.  My  brethren  ;  a  benevo¬ 
 lent  and  affable  way  of  fpeaking,  ufed  even  to  flrangers,  fince  all  men  are 
 brethren  by  nature'^  or  perhaps  Jacob  might  addrefs  them  in  this  manner, 
 becaufe  they  were  of  the  fame  occupation  with  himfelf,  ftiepherds.  Ver.  5. 
 Know  ye  Laban  the  fon  of  Nahor ;  He  was  the  fon  of  Bethuel,  the  grandfon  of 
 Nahor  ;  but  grandfons  are  often  called  the  fons  of  their  grandfather.  Ver.  8. 
 The  word  rendered  flocks,  ftiould  be  ^/hepherds,  otherwife  the  fenfe  would  be 
 that  the  flocks  were  to  roll  away  the  ,ftone.  Tnis  Hone  is  reprefented  to  have 
 been  very  large,  fo  large  that  it  could  not  be  moved  any  other  way  than  by 
 rolling,  and  by  the  united  efforts  of  all  the  (hepherds  who  watered  their  fiieep 
 at  that  place  Ver.  9.  liachel  in  the  Hebrew  tongue  fignifies  /%gep.  Nor  need 
 we  wonder  at  her  being  called  fo,  (ince  it  was  a  common  thing  among  the 
 ancients  to  give  names,  not  only  to  particular  perfons,  but  even  to  confiderable 
 families,  from  cattle  both  great  and  fmall.  In  the  eaft  in  the  early  ages,  a  man’s 
 wealth  conlifted  in  the  number  of  his  flocks;  and  it  was  common  for  the 
 daughters  of  the  principal  men  to  attend  their  father’s  (heep,  flSe  Exod.  ii,  1  6. 
 Ver.  11.  And  Jacob  kijfed  Rachel.  He  faluted  her,  after  making  known  bow 
 nearly  be  was  related  to  her.  And  lifted  up  his  voice  and  wept.  For  joy  at  the 
 providence  of  God  that  had  brought  him  fo  opportunely  to  the  place,  and 
 at  the  fight  of  fo  near  a  relation,  who  probably  he  hoped  would  be  his  wife. 
 Ver.  13.  And  he  told  Laban  all  thefe  things.  That  is,  how  he  was  fent  thither  by 
 his  parents,  on  account  of  the  hatred  of  his  brother  Efau.  becaufe  he  had  got 
 the  birih-rigbt  and  blefling  from  him ;  how  God  had  appeared  to  him  at  Luz, 
 and  the  promifes  he  had  made  him  ;  how  providentially  he  had  met  with 
 Rachel  at  the  well.  Ver,  14.  Surply  thou  art  my  bone  and  my  fiefi.  That  is, 
 nearly  allied  to  him  in  blood,  being  his  fifter’s  fon.  The  /pace  #/  a  month.  It  is 
 fuppofed  that  this  fpace  was  agreed  on  for  a  trial  of  his  fervice.  Ver.  15.  Becaufe 
 theu  art  my  brother.  Jacob  was  only  his  fifter’s  fon  ;  but  nephews  were  fometimes 
 
 called  brothers,  as  Lot,  Abraham’s  nephew,  is  called  his  brother,  chap.  xv.  12,  14, 
 16.  Ver.  20.  Though  to  lovers  time  ftem  long  ere  they  enjoy  the  object  beloved  ; 
 yet  .Tacob  here  refpedts  not  fo  much  the  time,  as  the  toil  and  labour  he  endured  in 
 it :  he  thought  that  feven  years’  fervice  was  a  trifle,  like  the  fervice  of  fo  many 
 days  in  comparifon  of  the  lovely  and  worthy  objeifl  of  his  wjfhes,  the  pcff-lfi-in 
 of  whom  was  to  reward  all  his  hardlhips.  Ver.  23.  The  modefty  of  thofe  times 
 made  them  bring  the  bride  to  her  hufband’s  bed  veiled,  and  without  lights; 
 which  gave  Laban  an  opportunity  to  impofe  upon  Jacob,  and  made  it  a  thing 
 almoft  impoflible  for  him  to  difeern  the  deception,  until  next  morning.  Ver. 
 25.  Though  Laban  is  not  to  be  ju/lified  in  this  acFlion.  yet  here  appears  in  pro¬ 
 vidence  a  righteous  retaliation  ;  for  Jacob  beguiled  h’s  own  father,  pr.  tending 
 he  was  Efau  ;  and  now  his  father-in-law  beguiles  birn,  giving  him  blear-eyed 
 Leah,  inftead  of  the  beatiful  Richel.  Ver.  27.  Fulfil  her  week-  That  is,  con- 
 fummate  thy  marriage  with  Leah,  by  keeping  the  folemnity  of  feven  days’ 
 feafting,  the  fpace  allowed  for  marriage-feails,  as  appears  from  Judges  xiv  15» 
 Ver.  28.  After  Jacob  had  confummated  his  marriage  with  Leah,  and  kept  the 
 folemnity  of  feven  days’  feafting,  the  fraudulent  and  avaricious  Laban  now  gives 
 him  the  other  daughter  Rachel,  upon  condition  that  he  was  to  ferve  him  other 
 i  feven  ye.irs  ;  which  Jacob,  for  the  love  he  bore  her,  agreed  to.  Ver.  3  1 .  Leah 
 I  was  hated.  We  are  not  from  this  to  underftand  that  Jacob  hated  Leah,  but  onlr 
 that  he  loved  her  lefs  than  Rachel ;  for  Rachel  was  Jacob’s  choice,  and  his  firll 
 love :  whereas  Leah  was  irapofed  upon  him  through  deceit,  and  was  neither  fo 
 beautiful  as  Rachel,  nor  his  voluntary  choice.  Neverihelefs,  in  this  inftance, 
 we  may  fee  the  kind  feverity  of  providence  in  the  means  it  ufes  to  divert  us  from 
 :  careffmg  any  perfon  or  thing  with  an  immoderate  affection  ;  and  we  are  taught 
 at  the  fame  time,  that  no  condition  is  without  its  inconveniences,  no  mifery 
 without  its  comforts  Jacob  defpifed  Leah,  but  the  Lord  pitied  her,  and  made 
 her  fruitful.  Ver.  32.  Reuben.  This  name  fignifies  dt'yine  regard  ;  or,  according 
 to  Jofephus,  divine  mercy ;  alluding  to  her  expreflion.  Surety  the  Lord  hath  looked 
 upon  my  nffidlion.  Ver.  35.  Simeon  fignifies,  God  hath  heard  pr  confidered  me; 
 and  alludes  to  her  expreflion.  The  Lnd  hath  heard  that  I  was  hated.  Ver.  34. 
 ,  Levi  frgnides Joined ;  and  alludes  to  her  faying,  Mow  this  time  will  my  hufband  be 
 Joined  unto  me.  Ver.  35.  And  /he  conceived  again  and  bare  a  fon-  A  fourth  (bn, 
 a  fon  in  whofe  line,  and  from  whofe  tribe  the  Mtfliah  was  to  fpring.  And fhe  said, 
 j  Now  ivill  L praife  the  Lord.  She  had  praifed  him  before  for  looking  on  her  afflic¬ 
 tion,  and  bearing  her  cries,  and  giving  her  one  fon  after  another  ;  but  now  (he  deter- 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.^ — *  Chap.  XXIX.]  Behold  how  cheerful  and  p>-ofperous  tlie  gracious  vifits  of  a  reconciled  God  render  men  !  Ob''frve 
 tke  plainnefs,  humility,  and  kindnefs,  which  once  prevailed  in  the  w'orld  !  How  kind  is  it  to  affift  others  unalked  ;  and  how  unnatural  to  refufe  relations  aflldance 
 in  the  time  of  their  diftrefs  !  The  diligent  labourer  is  worthy  of  bis  hire.  Virtuous  love  brings  its  own  reward  with  it.  How  powerful  is  the  abominab'e 
 influence  of  a  covetous  heath — It  fometimes  makes  parents  fell  their  childrert  to  wicked  hufliands;  proftitute  them  as  harlots;  and  men  to  impofe  upon  ihtir  neareft 
 
 I  3  • 
 
 V 
 
Jjcn^  Naphtalif  Gad^  and  Ashei\  horn* 
 
 GENESIS. 
 
 Rachel  heareth  Joseph, 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 cir.  1749. 
 
 CHAP.  XXX. 
 
 1 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 he  built 
 by  her. 
 
 cir.  1748. 
 
 Rachel,  in  grief  for  her  barrennefs,  giveth  Bilhah  her  maid  unto  ,Tacub  ; 
 5  Jhe  bearelh  Don  and  ^aphtali.  9  Leah  giveth  Zilpnh  her  maid,  who 
 heareth  Gad  and  AJher.  14  Reuben  Jindeth  mandrakes  with  which 
 Leah  buyelh  her  htjband  of  Rachel.  17  Leah  bearelh  IJfachar,  Zebu- 
 tun,  and  Dinah  22  Rachel  beareth  Jofeph.  25  Jacob  dejirelh  to  de¬ 
 part,  27  Laban  stayelh  him  on  a  new  covenant,  37  Jacob's  policy, 
 whereby  he  became  rich, 
 
 A  ND  when  Rachel  faw  that  Ihe  bare  Jacob  no 
 children,  Rachel  envied  her  filter ;  and  faid 
 unto  Jacob,  Give  me  children,  or  elfe  I  die. 
 
 2  And  Jacob’s  anger  was  kindled  againft  Rachel ; 
 and  he  faid,  Atn  I  in  God’s  Head,  who  hath  withheld 
 from  thee  the  fruit  of  the  womb  ? 
 
 3  And  fhe  faid,  Behold  my  maid  Bilhah,  go  in 
 unto  her;  and  Ihe  fliall  bear  upon  ray  knees,  that 
 I  may  alio  have  f  children  by  her. 
 
 4  And  Ihe  gave  him  Bilhah  her  handmaid  to  wife ; 
 and  Jacob  went  in  unto  her. 
 
 5  If  And  Bilhah  conceived,  and  bare  Jacob  a  fon. 
 
 6  And  Rachel  faid,  God  hath  judged  me,  and  hath 
 alfo  heard  my  voice,  and  hath  given  me  a  fon  :  there- 
 
 cir.  1^47.  fore  called  fhe  his  name  I1  Dan. 
 t  Heb.  7  And  Bilhah,  Rachel’s  maid,  conceived  again,  and 
 wrestlings  Jacob  3  fecond  fon. 
 
 Thatij,  ^  Rachel  faid.  With  f  great  wrefllings  have 
 My  *  ’  I  wreftled  with  my  filter,  and  I  have  prevailed  :  and 
 
 Ihe  called  his  name  H  “  Naphtalk 
 
 9  When  Leah  faw  that  fhe  had  left  bearing,  Ihe 
 took  Zilpah  her  maid,  and  gave  her  Jacob  to  wife. 
 
 10  And  Zilpah,  Leah’s  maid,  bare  Jacob  a  fon. 
 
 1 1  And  Leah  faid,  A  troop  coraeth  :  and  fhe  called 
 
 dr  1748  II 
 
 H  That  is,  12  And  Zilpah,  Leah’s  maid,  bare  Jacoba  fecond  fon. 
 A  troop,  1  3  And  Leah  laid,  t  Happy  am  I,  for  the  daughters 
 or  com-  call  me  blelfed :  and  llie  called  his  name  ||  Afher. 
 ci>”n47  *11  Reuben  went,  in  the  days  of  wheat-har- 
 
 b  Heb.  veft,  and  found  mandrakes  in  the  field,  and  brought 
 In  my  them  unto  his  mother  Leah.  Then  Rachel  faid  to 
 bappinefs.  Lgah,  Give  me,  I  pray  thee,  of  thy  fon’s  mandrakes. 
 
 15  And  fhe  faid  unto  her.  Is  it  a  fmall  matter  that 
 cir?T748.  thou  halt  taken  my  hufband?  and  wouldelt  thou 
 
 wrestling. 
 a  Called 
 Matth. 
 
 4.  14. 
 
 Maj)h- 
 
 thalini. 
 
 mines  to  praife  him  more  than  ever  after  this  frefli  ioAance  of  his  goodnefs  to  her 
 For  this  reifon  ibe  called  his  name  Judah,  which  figniiies  praise  and  thanksgiving. 
 Left  bearing  The  Hebrew  fignifies,  “  She  was  at  a  stand  from  bearing  that 
 is,  (he  palled  feme  time  before  the  bad  any  more  children,  for  after  this  file  bore 
 two  fons  and  a  daughter. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chaf.  XXX.  Ver,  1.  Though  barrennefs 
 was  always  confidered  as  a  curfe,  yet  Rachel  had  another  motive  for  envy,  name 
 ly,  fhe  defire  of  fulfilling  the  promife  to  Abraham,  that  his  feed  fhould  be  as 
 the  ftars  of  heaven,  and  that  in  him  all  nations  of  the  earth  Ihould  be  blelfed. 
 Give  me  children,  or  else  I  die.  Rachel’s  uneafinefs  on  account  of  her  fterility 
 became  at  length  too  great  for  her  to  bear,  and  in  a  fit  of  melancholy  and  dif- 
 content  heightened  with  envy,  Ihe  inconfiderately  reproaches  Jacob  as  the 
 caufe  of  her  barrennefs,  as  if  he  could  give  her  children  at  his  pleafure. 
 Though  Jacob  dearly  loved  Rachel,  yet  his  anger  is  kindled  against  her,  for  Ihefe 
 extravagant  and  impious  expreffions,  and  he  thus  feverely  reproves  her :  '‘Am 
 J  in  God's  stead,"  or  one  that  has  a  difpenfing  power  from  him  to  do  what  other- 
 wife  no  creature  can  do  ?  Children  are  the  gift  of  God,  and  therefore  he  alone 
 is  to  be  fought  unto  for  them.  God,  who  hath  fhut  up  thy  womb,  is  alone 
 able  to  open  it,  and  to  make  thee,  though  hitherto  barren,  a  fruitful  mother 
 of  children  Ver.  4.  And  she  gave  him  Bilhah,  her  handmaid,  to  wife.  That  is, 
 to  be  enjoyed  as  his  fecondary  wife.  Thefe  fecondary  wives,  or  wives  of  a  lower 
 order  were  accounted  lawful  and  true  wives,  had  an  equal  right  to  the  marriage- 
 bed  with  the  chief  wife,  and  their  ilTue  was  reputed  as  legitimate ;  but  in  all 
 other  refpeas  they  were  inferior.  And  Jacob  went  in  unto  her.  Perhaps  Jacob 
 might  the  more  readily  comply  with  this  propofal  of  his  wife,  from  the  example 
 of  his  grandfather  Abraham,  who  took  Hagar  to  wife  at  the  inftance  of  Sarah. 
 
 ctr, 
 
 Before 
 Chriil 
 1747. 
 
 take  away  my  Ton’s  mandrakes  alfo?  And  Rachel 
 laid.  Therefore  he  fhall  lie  with  thee  to-night  for  thy 
 Ton’s  mandrakes. 
 
 16  And  Jacob  came  out  of  the  field  in  the  evening, 
 and  Leah  went  out  to  meet  him,  and  faid,  Thou  muft 
 come  in  unto  me  ;  for  furely  I  have  hired  thee  with  my 
 fon’s  mandrakes.  And  he  lay  with  her  that  night. 
 
 1 7  And  God  hearkened  unto  Leah,  and  fhe  con¬ 
 ceived,  and  bare  Jacob  the  fifth  fon. 
 
 18  And  Leah  faid,  God  hath  given  me  my  hire, 
 becaufe  I  have  given  ray  maiden  to  my  hufband  ;  and 
 
 fhe  called  his  name  !l  IfTachar.  cir.  1747. 
 
 19.  And  Leah  conceived  again,  and  bare  Jacob  the  11  That  is, 
 fixth  fon. 
 
 20  And  Leah  faid,  God  hath  endowed  me  mth  a  cir.  1745, 
 
 good  dowry  ;  now  will  my  hufband  dwell  with  me, 
 becaufe  1  have  born  him  fix  fons :  and  fhe  called  his 
 name  \\  Zebulun.  u  That  is, 
 
 21  And  afterwards  fhe  bare  a  daughter,  and  called 
 
 her  name  If  Dinah.  Matth!*^ 
 
 22  ^  And  God  remembered  Rachel,  and  God  hear- 4. 13.* 
 
 kened  to  her,  and  opened  her  womb.  Zabuion. 
 
 23  And  fhe  conceived,  and  bare  a  fon  ;  and  faid, 
 
 God  hath  taken  away  my  reproach  :  , 
 
 24  And  fhe  called  his  name  U  Jofeph  ;  and  faid,  ment. 
 
 The  Lord  fhall  add  to  me  another  fon.  cir.  1745. 
 
 25  II  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  Rachel  had  boHi 
 Jofeph,  that  Jacob  faid  unto  Laban,  Send  me  away  that. 
 
 I  may  go  unto  mine  own  place,  and  to  my  country. 
 
 26  Give  me  ray  wives  and  my  children,  for  whom 
 I  have  ferved  thee,  and  let  me  go :  for  thou  knowefh 
 my  fervicc  which  I  have  done  thee. 
 
 27  And  Laban  faid  unto  him,  I  pray  thee,  if  I  have 
 found  favour  in  thine  eyes,  tarry  ;Jor  1  have  learned  by 
 experience  that  the  Lord  hath  bleffed  me  for  thy  fake. 
 
 28  And  he  faid,  Appoint  me  thy  v^ages,  and  I  will 
 give  it. 
 
 29  And  he  faid  unto  him,  Thou  knoweft  how  I 
 have  ferved  thee,  and  how  thy  cattle  was  with  me. 
 
 30  For  it  was  little  which  thou  hadft  before  I  came,lroPe^’ 
 and  it  is  tiow  f  increafed  unto  a  multitude ;  and  the/ori*. 
 
 Ver.  6.  God  hath  judged  me,  and  hath  also  heard  my  voice,  and  hath  given  me  a  son. 
 She  had  prayed  to  God  that  her  maid  might  have  a  fon  ;  and  God  accordingly 
 bleffed  her  with  conception.  This  fon  (he  adopted  and  called  her  own,  as  being 
 born  of  her  fervant  Bilhah.  She  called  his  name  Dan,  which  Rgni&cs  judgment. 
 Ver.  8.  With  great  wrestlings  have  I  wrestled  with  my  sister,  or,  with  the  wrest~ 
 lings  of  God ;  having  wreAled  and  ftriven  in  prayer  with  God,  and  been  vehe¬ 
 ment  and  importunate  in  her  petitions  to  him,  that  ffie  might  have  children 
 as  well  as  her  lifter :  therefore  the  called  his  name  Naphtali,  which  fignifies  my 
 wrestling,  Ver.  14.  And  Reuben  went  in  the  days  of  wheal-harvest.  He  was  a 
 child  at  this  time  about  fix  years  old,  and  went  out  from  the  tent  to  the  field. 
 The  time  of  the  wheat-barveft  was  in  the  month  Sivan,  which  anfwers  to 
 part  of  our  May,  a  time  of  the  year  when  the  earth  is  covered  with  ilowers. 
 And  found  mandrakes.  It  was  a  general  opinion  among  the  ancients,  that  there 
 was  a  certain  quality  in  the  juice  of  the  mandrakes  to  excite  amorous  inclina¬ 
 tions,  and  help  conception;  and  therefore  they  called  them  the  apples  of  love  t 
 for  which  reafon,  it  is  thought,  Rachel  was  fo  defirous  of  thefe  mandrakes. 
 The  Hebrew  word  Iranilated  mandrakes,  is  only  ufed  here  and  in  Caqt.  vii  13. 
 where  they  are  commended  for  their  good  fmell ;  from  which,  and  the  above 
 deferiptions,  they  cannot  be  the  plant  which  now  goes  by  that  name,  fince 
 it  neither  gives  an  agreeable  fmell,  nor  bears  good  fruit.  It  is  very  probable 
 they  were  lovely  and  pleafant  flowers  the  boy  picked  up  in  the  field,  iuch  as 
 children  delight  in ;  feme  think  them  jeffamines,  others  lilies,  others  violets.  Itf 
 is  not  eafy  to  determine  what  they  were ;  nor  is  it  material  further  to  enquire, 
 Ver.  16.  Surely  I  have  hired  thee  with  my  son's  mandrakes.  She  had  hired  that 
 night’s  lodging  with  him  of  Rachel.  Jacob  made  no  objedlion,  but  confented 
 to  it,  being  willing  to  pleafe  both  his  wives,  who  he  perceived  had  made 
 
 r  •  nds  Little  comfort  has  been  derived  in  all  ages  from  tranfgreffmg  God’s  original  inftitution,  by  taking  a  plurality  of  wives  !  Real  marriage  love  cannot  be  di- 
 •  a  A  Noihins  can  be  heavier  to  an  affeaionate  wife,  than  to  have  her  hufband’s  love  eftranged  from  her.  Let  us  therefore,  like  Leah,  diligently  obferve  the  pro¬ 
 vidence  of  Godfnot  only  in  the  birth  of  children,  but  in  every  thing  which  may  befal  us;  that  we  may  acknowledge  it  with  gratitude,  trull  him  more  cheerfuUy,  and 
 
 Viaife  him  to  his  glory. 
 
Clirift 
 :ir.  1745. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 ta-mor- 
 row. 
 
 Jacob* s  policy,  xJierehy  he  hecometh  rich. 
 
 Before  Lqru  hath  bleffed  thee  t  fince  my  coming :  and  now, 
 when  fhall  I  provide  for  mine  own  houfe  alfo? 
 
 31  And  he  faid,  What  fhall  I  give  thee?  And  Jacob 
 faid,  Thou  lhalt  not  give  me  any  thing.  If  thou  wilt 
 do  this  thing  for  me,  I  will  again  feed  and  keep  thy 
 
 flock.  „  .  , 
 
 32  I  will  pafs  through  all  thy  flock  tq-day,  remov¬ 
 ing  from  thence  all  the  fpeckled  and  fpotted  cattle, 
 and  all  the  brown  cattle  among  the  fheep,  and  the 
 fpotted  and  fpeckled  among  the  goats ;  and  ^ fuch 
 fhall  be  my  hire. 
 
 33  So  fhall  my  righteoufnefs  anfwer  for  me  f  in 
 time  to  come,  when  it  fhall  come  for  my  hire  before 
 thy  face :  every  one  that  is  not  fpeckled  and  fpotted 
 among  the  goats,  and  brown  among  the  fheep,  that 
 fhall  be  counted  ftolen  with  me. 
 
 34  And  Laban  faid.  Behold,  I  would  it  might  be 
 according  to  thy  word. 
 
 35  And  he  removed  that  day  the  he-goats  that 
 were  ring-ftraked  and  fpotted,  and  all  the  fhe-goats, 
 that  were  fpeckled  and  fpotted,  a7id  every  one  that 
 hdid  fame  white  in  it,  and  all  the  brown  among  the 
 fheep,  and  gave  them  into  the  hand  of  his  f’qns. 
 
 36  And  he  fet  three  days’  journey  betwixt  himfelf 
 and  Jacob  :  and  Jacob  fed  the  reft  of  Laban’s  flocks. 
 
 37  II  And  Jacob  took  him  rods  of  green  poplar, 
 and  of  the  hazel  and  chefnut-tree,  and  pilled  white 
 ftrakes  in  them,  and  made  the  white  appear  which 
 •was  in  the  rods. 
 
 38  And  he  fet  the  rods  which  he  had  pilled  before 
 the  flocks  in  the  gutters  in  the  watering  troughs,  when 
 the  flocks  came  to  drink,  that  they  fhould  conceive 
 when  they  came  to  drink. 
 
 39  And  the  flocks  conceived  before  the  rods,  and 
 brought  forth  cattle  ring-ftraked,  fpeckled,  and  fpotted. 
 
 GENESIS. 
 
 Jacob  departeth  Jlrom  Liohan, 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrifl 
 
 1745. 
 
 this  agreement  between  themfelves.  Ver  17.  God  hearkened.  The  Chaldee 
 renders  it,  “  God  received  the  prayers  of  Leah.”  Ver.  18.  Jssachar.  This  man 
 lignifies  a  man  of  reward,  and  alludes  to  her  expreflion  in  the  beginning  of  the 
 verfe.  Ver.  20.  Leah  faid,  God  hath  endowed  me  with  a  good  dowry.  Her  huf- 
 band  could  give  her  nothing  at  marriage,  and  her  father  gave  her  no  more  than 
 one  handmaid  ;  yet  God  had  abundantly  made  up  to  her  the  want  of  a  dowry,  in 
 giving  her  fo  many  fons  :  thefe  are  the  heritage  of  the  Lord,  Pfalm  cxxvii.  3. 
 Ver.  21,  Dinah.  This  is  the  feminine  of  Dan,  and  fignifies judging.  Ver.  24. 
 And Jhe  called  his  name  Jofeph.  Jofeph  fignifies  increafe,  or  to  add  ;  and  the  rea- 
 fon  why  Rachel  named  him  fo  is  faid  to  be,  becaufe  God  had  taken  away  her  re¬ 
 proach,  Ver.  25,  Jacob  had  now  ferved  Laban  fourteen  years,  and  was  about 
 ninety  years  old ;  and  his  parents  being  now  much  advanced  in  years  he  was  im¬ 
 pelled  by  the  longings  of  filial  piety,  to  vifit  them  before  they  were  gathered  unto 
 their  fathers.  Ver.  27.  Laban  had  fo  much  religion  as  to  afcribe  the  bleflings  and 
 good  things  be  had  to  the  Lord  as  the  author  and  giver  of  them  ;  or  at  lead  be 
 had  the  policy  to  diifemble,  as  thinking  it  more  his  intered.  at  this  time  to  own  that 
 it  was  for  Jacob’s  fake  that  he  was  thus  blefled.  Ver.  28.  Appoint  me  thy  wages. 
 This  he  craftily  faid,  not  choofing  to  propofe  any  thing  himfelf,  but  leaving  it  to 
 Jacob,  knowing  very  well  the  honedy  and  modedy  of  his  fon-ia-law,  that  he 
 would  mention  lefs  wages  than  he  could  have  the  face  to  offer  him.  Ver.  32.  / 
 tvill  pafs  through  all  thy  flock  to-day  ;  not  alone,  but  with  Laban  and  his  fons. 
 The  speckled  and  spotted :  that  is,  fuch  as  were  black,  and  had  white  fpots  on 
 them  ;  or  were  white,  and  had  black  fpots  on  them.  And  of  such  fhall  be  my  hire; 
 not  thofe  that  were  now  in  the  flock,  but  fuch  as  were  like  them,  that  fhould  be 
 brought  forth  for  the  time  to  come.  Ver.  34  As  Jacob  here  propofed  to  have  a 
 flock  of  fheep  entirely  white  committed  to  him,  and  as  his  hire  was  to  confid  only 
 
 '  40  And  Jacob  did  feparate  the  Iambs,  and  fet  the 
 
 faces  of  the  flock  tovi^ard  the  ring-ftraked  and  all 
 the  brown  in  the  flock  of  Laban  ;  and  he  put  his  own 
 flocks  by  themfelves,  and  put  them  not  unto  Laban’s 
 cattle. 
 
 41  And  it  came  to  pafs,  whenever  the  ftronger 
 cattle  did  conceive,  that  Jacob  laid  the  rods  before  the 
 eyes  of  the  cattle  in  the  gutters,  that  they  might  con¬ 
 ceive  among  the  rods. 
 
 42  But  when  the  cattle  were  feeble,  he  put  them  not 
 in :  fo  the  feeble  were  Laban’s,  and  the  ftronger  Jacob’s. 
 
 43  And  the  man  increafed  exceedingly,  and  had 
 much  cattle,  and  maid-lervants,  and  men-fervants,  and 
 camels,  and  aflTes.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXXI. 
 
 1  Jacob  upon  displeasure  departeth  secretly,  1  9  Rachel  stealeth  her  fa- 
 ther's  images ;  22  Laban  pursueth  after  him,  26  and  complaineth  of 
 the  wrong,  34  Rachel's  policy  to  hide  the  images.  36  Jacob's  com¬ 
 plaint  of  Laban.  43  The  covenant  of  Laban  and  Gilead. 
 
 And  he  heard  the  words  of  Laban’s  Ions,  fajdng, 
 
 Jacob  hath  taken  away  all  that  -jcas  our  father’s  : 
 and  of  that  which  was  our  father’s  hath  he  gotten  all 
 this  glory. 
 
 2  And  Jacob  beheld  the  countenance  of  Laban,  and, 
 behold,  it  was  not  toward  him  f  as  before.  f  Heb. 
 
 3  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  Jacob,  Return  unto 
 land  of  thy  fathers,  and  to  thy  kindred  ;  and  I  will  be^^f^ 
 With  thee. 
 
 4  And  Jacob  fent  and  called  Rachel  and  Leah  to 
 the  field  unto  his  flock, 
 
 5  And  faid  unto  them,  I  fee  your  father’s  counte¬ 
 nance,  that  it  is  not  toward  me  as  before ;  but  the 
 God  of  my  father  hath  been  with  me. 
 
 6  And  ye  know,  that  with  all  my  power  I  have 
 ferved  your  father. 
 
 1739. 
 
 of  the  fpeckled  and  fpotted  that  fliould  be  produced  of  them,  Laban  concluded 
 that,  according  to  the  courfe  of  nature,  he  could  have  but  very  few.  Behold,  I 
 would  it  might  be  according  to  thy  word;  he  wiflied  the  agreement  concluded. 
 Ver.  38.  It  is  afferted,  by  the  cavillers  at  Jacob’s  charadler,  that  the  effects  which 
 followed  from  the  artifice  might  be  produced  by  the  force  of  imagination,  without 
 the  influence  or  direction  of  a  divine  power  and  providence. — But  this  affertioa 
 maybe  obviated  by  attending  to  the  whole  fcope  of  the  context.  The  Samaritaa 
 copy  inferts  between  the  36lh  and  37th  verfes  a  narrative  of  the  vifion  defcribed 
 verfe  11,  of  the  following  chapter,  which,  though  not  to  be  found  in  any  other  ver- 
 fion,  throws  a  great  light  upon  this  paffage,  and  vindicates  the  chararSter  of  Jacob 
 from  the  afperfions  of  fraud  fo  freely  bellowed  on  him  by  infidels.  It  afligns  in 
 the  firft  place,  the  reafon  why  he  made  ufe  of  this  artifice,  was  the  command  of 
 God.  2dly,  It  confutes  the  affertion  mentioned  above,  and  afcribes  it  entirely  to 
 the  interpofition  of  the  Almighty.  3dly,  It  furnilhes  us  with  an  amiable  idea  of 
 divine  juflice,  in  thus  retaliating  upon  Laban  for  his  unjuft  and  fraudulent  dealings 
 with  Jacob.  And  4thly,  From  this  we  fee  the  extraordinary  providence  which 
 conftantly  attended  and  protetfted  the  patriarchs,  and  enabled  them  to  overcome 
 their  enemies,  Ver.  43.  And  the  man  increased  exceedingly.  Throughout  this 
 narrative  of  Jacob  s  contrail  with  Laban,  we  cannot  help  remarking,  that  covet— 
 oufnefs  overlhoots  its  mark.  Thus  Laban’s  covetoufnefs  would  not  allow  him  to 
 fettle  upon  Jacob  any  fixed  wages,  though  he  owed  the  greateft  part  of  his  riches 
 to  his  care ;  but  his  unrighteous  condutft  iffued  in  his  confufion  and  difhonour 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES  Chap.  XXXI.  Ver.  1.  All  his  glory.  The 
 ancient  verfions  explain  what  is  meant  by  glory  in  this  place.  The  Chaldee  ren¬ 
 ders  it  substance  ;  the  Syriac,  possession  ;  and  the  Arabic  riches.  Ver  4.  Having 
 received  encouragement  and  direftion  from  the  Lord,  (probably  while  in  the  field 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XXX.]  Sinful  marriages  are  often  attended  with  bad  confequences.  Wives  chofen  for  their  beauty  have  often 
 troublefome  tempers.  Envious  difcontentment,  and  difappointed  pride  make  multitudes  miferable.  Immoderate  delire  of  children,  or  other  created  enjoyments,  hurry 
 many  into  fearful  mifery.  When  we  are  overcome  by  fin  once,  we  are  more  apt  to  yield  to  it  a  fecond  time.  Many  are  more  governed  by  the  eftimation  of  the  world 
 than  by  reafon  or  religion.  But  it  is  vain  ever  to  expetSl  that  happinefs  from  creatures,  which  can  be  had  only  In  and  from  God  himfelf.  No  love  to  perfons  fhould 
 hinder  our  deteftation  and  reproof  of  their  flhs.  Even  the  ungodly  are  apt  to  fall  into  fnares,  laid  for  them  by  their  near  relations.  And  bad  examples  are  more  readily 
 imitated  than  good  ones.  It  is  very  wicked  for  parents  to  tranfmit  their  quarrels  to  their  children.  It  is  no  leffening  of  our  guilt  that  God  brings  good  out  of  evil. 
 People  often  promife  themfelves  happinefs  in  that  which  will  be  their  death  or  ruin,  Saints  fhould  trull  only  in  God,  as  others  may  deceive  them.  What  advantage 
 to  families  are  fervants  remarkably  pious!  How  criminal  for  covetous  monllers  to  defraud  them  of  their  wages!  What  fine  fpeeches  worldly  men  make  ufe  of  to  ferve 
 their  own  intereft  !  But  their  caution  is  vain,  when  God  defigns  to  fruftrate  their  purpofesf  and  they  often  outwit  themfelves  who  intend  to  impofe  upon  others. 
 All  agreements  ought  to  be  made  with  great  clearnefs  and  accuracy,  that  no  ftain  be  thereby  occafioned  to  our  character.  And  in  the  ufe  of  lawful  means  to  promote 
 tur  wealth,  our  trull  fhould  be  fixed  on  the  promifed  providence  of  God,  His  bleffing  can  quickly  increafe  a  little  into  a  great  abundance,  ^ 
 
Rachel  sicaleih  her  fatha^s  images,  GENESIS.  Lahan  pur  sue  th  after  Jacob, 
 
 cS  deceived  me,  and  changed 
 
 1739.  wages  ten  times  :  but  God  fufFered  him  not  to 
 v^»i-Y-v.  hurt  me. 
 
 8  It  he  faid  thus,  The  fpeckled  fhall  be  thy  wages  ; 
 then  all  the  cattle  bare  fpeckled  :  and  if  he  laid  thus, 
 The  ring-ftraked  (hall  be  thy  hire  ;  then  bare  all  the 
 cattle  ring-ftraked. 
 
 9 1  hus  God  hath  taken  away  the  cattle  of  your 
 father,  and  given  them  to  me. 
 
 10  And  it  came  to  pafs,  at  the  time  that  the  cattle 
 conceived,  that  I  lifted  up  mine  eyes,  and  law  in  a 
 
 B  Or,  dream,  and,  behold,  the  \\  rams  which  leaped  upon 
 cattle  ’a^ere  ring-ftraked,  fpeckled,  and  grilled. 
 
 1 1  And  the  angel  of  God  fpake  unto  me  in  a  dream. 
 Joying,  Jacob.  And  I  faid.  Here  am  I. 
 
 12  And  he  faid.  Lift  up  now  thine  eyes  and  fee,  all 
 the  rams  which  leap  upon  the  cattle  are  ring-ftraked, 
 fpeckled,  and  grilled  :  for  I  have  feen  all  that  Laban 
 doeth  unto  thee. 
 
 »  Chap.  13  I  fl/tt  the  God  of  Beth-el,  ®  where  thou  anoint- 
 28  18.  pillar,  a?iti  where  thou  vowedft  a  vow  unto 
 
 me :  now  arife.  Get  thee  out  from  this  land,  and  re¬ 
 turn  unto  the  land  of  thy  kindred. 
 
 14?  And  Rachel  and  Leah  anfwered  and  (aid  unto 
 him.  Is  there  yet  any  portion  or  inheritance  for  us  in 
 our  father’s  houfe  ? 
 
 15  Are  w'e  not  counted  of  him  ftrangers?  for 
 he  hath  fold  us,  and  hath  quite  devoured  alfo  our 
 money. 
 
 16  For  all  the  riches  which  God  hath  taken  from 
 our  father,  that  is  ours,  and  our  children’s  :  now  then, 
 whatfoever  God  hath  faid  unto  thee,  do. 
 
 1739.  17  ^  Then  Jacob  rofe  up,  and  fet  his  fons  and  his 
 
 wives  upon  camels : 
 
 18  And  he  carried  away  all  his  cattle,  and  all  his 
 goods  which  he  had  gotten,  the  cattle  of  his  getting, 
 which  he  had  gotten  in  Padan-aram,  for  to  go  to  Ifaac 
 his  father  in  the  land  of  Canaan, 
 t  Heb.  19  And  Laban  went  to  fhear  his  flieep  :  and  Rachel 
 ter^kim.  ftolen  the  t  images  that  ivere  her  father’s. 
 the  heart  ^0  And  Jacob  ftole  away  f  unawares  to  Laban  the 
 o/ia6an.  Syrian,  in  that  he  told  him  not  that  he  fled. 
 
 tending  his  flocks,)  Jacob  difpatcbed  a  meflenger  home  to  his  wives.  Like  a  pru. 
 dent  man  and  an  affedlionate  huflband,  he  thought  proper  to  acquaint  bis  wives  with 
 his  cafe  end  defigns,  and  advife  with  them,  and  neither  leave  them  nor  take  them 
 away  by  force.  Ver.  7.  Ten  limes ;  that  is,  very  efteri,  or  many  times  ;  the  num¬ 
 ber /en  being  often  ufed  indefinitely  for  many,  as  appears  from  Lev.  xxvi.  26. 
 Numb.  xiv.  22.  1  Sam.  i.  8.  Ver.  8.  the  cattle ;  that  is,  the  greaicft  part.  See 
 Chap.  xli.  57.  Ver  11.  The  angel  of  God.  This  was  no  created  being,  but  God 
 the  Son,  he  being  ver.  13.  cxprefsly  named  the  Gad  of  Beth-el.  Ver.  13,  I  am  the 
 God  of  Beth-el  Language  ftrongly  expreflive  of  the  divine  approbation  of  Jacob’s 
 condudl  at  Beth-el ;  and  at  the  fame  time  fifed  to  remind  the  patriarch  of  his 
 diftrefsful  circumftances,  and  the  vow  he  had  made  at  Beth-el.  Ver,  14.  Is  there 
 any  portion.  It  was  what  might  have  been  juftly  expected,  as  they  were  his  chil¬ 
 dren,  that  they  Ihould  have  been  ufed  as  fneh,  and  have  had  children’s  portions 
 given  them  ^  but  it  appears  from  the  whole  of  Laban  s  carnage  to  them,  both  at 
 their  marriage,  and  ever  after,  that  he  never  intended  to  give  them  any  thing, 
 and  therefore  they  might  juftly  fay,  (as  the  Syriac  renders  the  words,)  “  We  have 
 not  any  portion  or  inheritance  in  our  father’s  houfe.”  Ver.  15.  Are  we  not  counted 
 of  him  strangers  ?  He  had  not  treated  them  as  children,  nor  even  as  freeborn 
 perfons ;  but  as  prifoners  whom  he  had  taken  in  war,  or  bought  of  others,  and 
 whom  he  had  a  right  again  to  fell.  Ver.  19.  The  Hebrew  word  teraphim  fignifies 
 idols,  as  appears  from  ver.  30,  where  they  are  termed  elohai,  or  gods,  but  more 
 cfpecially  from  Zech.  x,  2.  The  teraphim  have  uttered  vain  things.  The  Vulgate, 
 the  Sepfuagint  and  Samaritan  verfions,  render  the  word  idols.  They  were  held  in 
 high  efteem  by  the  Chaldeans  and  Syrians,  a  people  much  additfted  to  aftrology, 
 who  ccnfulted  and  prayed  to  them  as  oracle.",  at  certain  times,  and  under  par- 
 ticular  afpeas  of  the  planets,  fuppofing  them  to  foreiel  what  was  to  come,  to 
 difeover  what  was  loft,  or  to  reveal  what  was  bidden.  Some  are  of  opinion,  that 
 this  aaion  of  Rachel  proceeded  from  her  zeal  for  the  true  religion,  in  the  know¬ 
 ledge  and  praaice  of  which  ihe  had  much  improved  by  the  inftruaions  of  Jacob, 
 (who  probably  had  alfo,  though  in  vain,  endeavoured  to  reclaim  Lahan  from 
 
 21  So  he  fled  with  all  that  he  had  ;  and  he  role  up, 
 and  pafTed  over  the  river,  and  fet  his  face  to-mrU  the 
 mount  Gilpd. 
 
 22  And  it  was  told  Laban  on  the  third  day,  that 
 Jacob  was  fled. 
 
 23  And  he  took  his  brethren  with  him,  and  purfued 
 after  him  (even  days’  journey  ;  and  they  overtook  him 
 in  the  mount  Gilead. 
 
 24  And  God  came  to  Laban  the  Syrian  in  a  dream 
 
 by  night,  and  faid  unto  him.  Take  heed  that  thou 
 fpeaknot  to  Jacob  t  either  good  or  bad.  f  Heb. 
 
 25  f  Then  Laban  overtoolc  Jacob.  Now  Jacob-^''®"^ 
 had  pitched  his  tent  in  the  mount:  and  Laban  with'"*"''' 
 his  brethren  pitched  in  the  mount  of  Gilead. 
 
 26  And  Laban  faid  to  Jacob,  What  haft  thou  done, 
 that  thou  haft  ftolen  away  unawares  to  me,  and  carried 
 away  my  daughters,  as  captives  tohen  with  the  fword  ? 
 
 27  Wherefore  didlt  thou  flee  away  fecretly,  and  ft  Heh, 
 fteal  away  from  me,  and  didft  not  tell  me,  that  I  might 
 have  fent  thee  away  with  mirth,  and  with  fongs,  with’"®* 
 tabret,  and  with  harp  ? 
 
 28  And  haft  not  fuffered  me  to  kifs  my  Tons  and  my 
 daughters  ?  Thou  haft  now  done  foolifhly  in  /d  doing. 
 
 29  It  is  in  the  power  of  my  hand  to  do  you  hurt : 
 but  the  God  of  your  father  fpake  unto  me  yefter- 
 nighr,  faying.  Take  thou  heed  that  thou  fpeak  not  to 
 Jacob  either  good  or  bad. 
 
 so  And  no’sv,  though  thou  wouldeft  needs  be  gone, 
 becaufe  thou  fore  longeft  after  thy  father’s  houfe, 
 yet  wherefore  haft  thou  ftolen  my  gods  ? 
 
 31  And  Jacob  anfwered  and  faid  to  Laban,  Becaufe 
 I  was  afraid :  for  I  faid,  Peradventure  thou  wouldeft: 
 take  by  force  thy  daughters  from  me. 
 
 32  With  whomfoever  thou  findeft  thy  gods,  let  him 
 not  live:  before  our  brethren  difeern  thou  what  is 
 thine  with  me,  and  take  it  to  thee.  For  Jacob  knew 
 not  that  Rachel  had  ftolen  them. 
 
 33  And  Laban  went  into  Jacob’s  tent,  and  into 
 Leah’s  tent,  and  into  the  two  maid-fervants’  tents ; 
 but  he  found  them  not.  Then  went  he  out  of  Leah’s 
 tent,  and  entered  into  Rachel’s  tent. 
 
 34  Now  Rachel  had  taken  the  images,  and  put  them 
 
 his  errors;)  and  that  (he  ftole  away  his  idols,  that  (he  might  remove  the  occa- 
 fion  cf  his  fuperftiiious  worftiip,  and  hinder  him  from  going  on  in  his  impiety, 
 and  at  the  fame  time  rectify  his  notions  of  them,  and  convince  him  that  they 
 were  not  gods,  but  altogether  vanity,  fince  they  could  neither  inform  him  of  Ja¬ 
 cob’s  defigns,  nor  fecure  themfeives  from  being  carried  away.  Others  think 
 that  thefe  idols  being  made  of  gold,  or  fome  very  valuable  fubftance,  (he  took 
 them  along  with  her,  not  ordy  to  deftrisy  them,  but  alfo  to  make  herfelf  a  re¬ 
 paration  for  the  wrongs  (lie  had  received  from  him,  judging  herfelf  entitled  to 
 fome  portion  of  her  father’s  riches,  efpecialiy  as  the  greated  part  of  them  bad 
 flowed  to  him  from  her  huflband’s  care,  and  by  the  bleffing  of  God  wherewith  he 
 had  been  bleffed  for  Jacob’s  fake.  Ver.  20.  And  Jacob  stole  away  unawares  to 
 Lahan  the  Syrian  ;  went  away  without  his  knowledge,  or  wiihotit  giving  him  any 
 notice  of  it.  Ver.  21.  The  river.  This  was  the  Euphrates,  which  lay  between  Me- 
 fopolamia  and  Canaan.  And  set  his  face  toward  the  mount  Gilead,  He  travelled 
 and  bent  his  courfe  that  W'ay.  This  was  a  mountain  on  the  border  of  the  land  of 
 Canaan,  adjoining  to  Lebanon,  near  which  was  a  very  fruitful  country,  which  had 
 its  name  from  it.  Ver.  23.  Seven  days’  journey.  The  diftance  between  Haran  and 
 Mount  Gilead,  is  nearly  two  hundred  and  fifty  miles ;  confequently  Laban  muft 
 have  marched  thirty-five  miles  each  day.  Ver.  24.  Either  good  or  bad.  Not  that 
 he  fhould  keep  an  entire  filence;  but  that  he  (hould  fay  nothing  with  a  defign  to 
 bring  him  back,  or  to  do  him  any  harm.  Ver.  27.  Here  Laban  appears  in  his  real 
 colours,  a  deep  difiembler  and  an  odious  hypocrite.  Ver.  30.  Wherefore  hast  thou 
 stolen  my  gods  ?  There  feems  to  have  been  in  Lahan  an  odd  mixture  of  religion. 
 In  his  converfation  with  Abraham’s  fteward,  (chap,  xxiv.)  when  he  came  to  nego- 
 ciate  a  match  for  Ifaac,  he  feems  to  exprefs  a  very  devout  fenfe  of  the  being  and 
 providence  of  God;  and  yet  at  his  firft  coming  up  with  Jacob,  he  feems  to  be 
 chiefly  felicitous  for  the  lofs  of  his  gods,  (as  he  calls  them)  which  were  but  dumb  and 
 fenfelefs  idols.  In  the  treaty  which  he  makes  with  Jacob,  he  invokes  the  God  of  Abra¬ 
 ham  whom  he  allows  to  be  the  God  of  heaven  and  earth  ;  and  yet  we  can  fcarcely 
 forbear  thinking  that  he  muft  have  believed  a  plurality  of  gods  in  fabordinatiof 
 
Lahan  and  JacoVs  covenant  at  Galeed, 
 
 GENESIS. 
 
 Jacobis  vision  at  Mahanaim* 
 
 Before 
 
 Christ 
 
 1739. 
 
 I»  Ezod. 
 
 S2.  12. 
 
 in  the  camel’s  furniture,  and  fat  upon  them.  And 
 Laban  t  fearched  all  the  tent,  but  found  them  not. 
 
 35  And  (he  (aid  to  her  father.  Let  it  not  diipleale 
 my  lord  that  I  cannot  rife  up  before  thee ;  for  the 
 cuftom  of  women  is  upon  me.  And  he  fearched,  but 
 
 found  not  the  images.  .  t  u 
 
 36  H  And  Jacob  was  wroth,  and  chode  with  Laban  : 
 and  Jacob  anfwered  and  faid  to  Laban,  What  is  my 
 trefpafs  ?  what  is  my  fin,  that  thou  haft  fo  hotly  pur- 
 
 fiied  after  me  ^  n  m  i. 
 
 37  Whereas  thou  haft  fearched  all  my  fluff,  what 
 haft  thou  found  of  all  thy  houfehold-ftuff  ?  fet  it  here 
 before  my  brethren  and  thy  brethren,  that  they  may 
 judge  betwixt  us  both. 
 
 38  This  twenty  years  have  I  been  W'ith  thee ;  thy 
 ewes  and  thy  (he-goats  have  not  caft  their  young,  and 
 the  rams  of  thy  flock  have  I  not  eaten. 
 
 39  That  which  was  torn  of  heafls  I  brought  not  unto 
 thee ;  I  bare  the  lofs  of  it :  of  my  hand  didft  thou 
 require  it,  vohether  ftolen  by  day,  or  llolen  by  night,  j 
 
 40  Thus  I*  was ;  in  the  day  the  drought  confumed 
 me,  and  the  froft  by  night ;  and  my  deep  departed 
 from  mine  eyes. 
 
 41  Thus  have  I  been  twenty  years  in  thy  houfe: 
 
 I  ferved  thee  fourteen  years  for  thy  two  daughters, 
 and  fix  years  for  thy  cattle ;  and  thou  haft  changed 
 my  wages  ten  times. 
 
 42  Except  the  God  of  my  father,  the  God  of  Abra¬ 
 ham,  and  the  Fear  of  Ifaac  had  been  with  me,  furely 
 thou  hadft  fent  me  away  now  empty.  God  hath  feen 
 mine  aftli6lion,  and  the  labour  of  my  hands,  and  re¬ 
 buked  thee  yefternight. 
 
 43  f  And  Laban  anfwered  and  faid  unto  Jacob, 
 Thefe  daughters  are  ray  daughters,  and  thefe  children 
 are  my  children,  and  thefe  cattle  are  my  cattle,  and  all 
 that  thou  feed  is  mine  ;  and  what  can  I  do  this  day 
 Unto  thefe  my  daughters,  or  unto  their  children  which 
 they  have  born  ? 
 
 44  Now  therefore  come  thou,  let  us  make  a  cove¬ 
 nant,  I  and  thou ;  and  let  it  be  for  a  witnefs  between 
 me  and  thee. 
 
 45  And  Jacob  took  a  ftone,  and  fet  it  up  for  a  pillar. 
 
 46  And  Jacob  faid  unto  his  brethren,  Gather  ftones ; 
 
 and  they  took  ftones,  and  made  an  heap  :  and  they  ,  733^ 
 did  eat  there  upon  the  heap. 
 
 47  And  Laban  called  it  ||  Jegar-fahadutha  :  but  Ja- 
 
 cob  called  it  Galeed.  ,  ,  of  wilnesu 
 
 48  And  Laban  laid,  This  heap  is  a  witnefs  between 
 ;  me  and  thee  this  day.  Therefore  was  the  name  of  it 
 called  Galeed. 
 
 49  And  II  Mizpah  :  for  he  faid.  The  Lord  w'atch  ||  Than*, 
 between  me  and  thee,  when  we  are  abfent  one  from 
 
 another.  lower. 
 
 50  If  thou  (halt  afflift  my  daughters,  or  if  thou  (halt 
 take  other  wives  befides  my  daughters,  no  man  is  with 
 us  ;  fee,  God  is  witnefs  betwixt  me  and  thee. 
 
 51  And  Laban  (aid  to  Jacob,  Behold  this  heap,  and 
 behold  this  pillar,  which  I  have  caft  betwixt  me  and 
 
 thee ;  .  •  r 
 
 52  This  heap  be  witnefs,  and  this  pillar  be  witnels, 
 that  I  will  not  pals  over  this  heap  to  thee,  and  that 
 thou  (halt  not  pafs  over  this  heap  and  this  pillar  unto 
 me,  for  harm. 
 
 53  The  God  of  Abraham,  and  the  God  of  Nahor, 
 the  God  of  their  fathers,  judge  betwixt  us.  And  Jacob 
 fware  by  the  Fear  of  his  father  Kaac. 
 
 54  Then  Jacob  H  offered  facrifice  upon  the  mount,  jj  Or, 
 
 and  called  his  brethren  to  eat  bread;  and  they  did^‘/^«'-^ 
 eat  bread,  and  tarried  all  night  in  the  mount.  beans. 
 
 55  And  early  in  the  morning  Laban  refe  up,  and 
 kiffed  his  fons  and  his  daughters,  and  bleft'ed  them  : 
 and  Laban  departed,  and  returned  unto  his  place.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXXII. 
 
 1  Jacob' s  vision  at  Mukanaim ;  3  his  message  to  Esau:  he  is  afraid  of 
 Esau's  coming  ;  9  he  prayeth  for  his  deliverance  ;  he  sendeth  a  present 
 to  Esau  ;  ‘24  he  wrestlelh  with  an  angel  at  Peniel,  where  he  is  called 
 Israel;  31  he  haltelh. 
 
 to  the  Supreme  by  reafon  of  his  anxious  concern  and  great  wrath  for  the  lofs  of  his 
 teraphim,  Ver.  .32.  With  whomsoever  thou  findest  thy  gods  let  him  not  live.  Bloft 
 •commentators  infer  from  hence,  that  theft  was,  at  this  time,  puniflied  with  death. 
 Ver.  35.  And  he  seardhed.  He  fearched  all  about  her  and  around  her,  but  did 
 not  oblige  her  to  get  up,  not  imagining  the  images  could  be  under  her  in  fucb 
 circumftances.  Ver.  SB.  Having  anfwered  Laban’s  queilions,  and  put  him  to 
 filence;  and  nothing  of  his,  upon  fearch,  being  found  with  him,  Jacob  was  of 
 good  courage,  and  in  high  fpirits ;  and  in  his  turn  was  warm  alfo,  and  boldly 
 pleaded  his  own  caufe.  Ver.  39.  Of  my  hand  didst  thou  require  it.  Laban  was 
 fo  rigorous  and  unjuft  as  to  require  the  reftoration  not  only  of  whatever  was  ftolen 
 or  had  ftrayed  from  the  flocks,  but  alfo  of  what  was  torn  of  beafts,  or  an  equivalent 
 for  them  at  the  hand  of  Jacob ;  which  was  contrary  to  the  law  of  God,  Exod 
 xxii.  12,  13.  Ver.  40.  The  frost  by  night.  In  thefe  countries  it  was  cuftomary 
 for  the  (hepherds  to  watch  their  flocks  in  the  night,  as  appears  from  Luke  ii.  8. 
 In  the  eaftthe  cold  dews  and  the  froft  are  not  lefs  feverely  felt  by  thofe  expofed  to 
 them  than  the  intenfe  heat  and  fcorching  rays  of  the  fun  by  day.  The  folicitude 
 which  Jacob  deferibes  in  this  verfe,  throws  a  noble  fplendour  upon  his  character, 
 and  reprefents  him  as  exemplary  for  his  fidelity,  as  he  was  for  his  devotion. 
 Ver.  42.  The  God  of  my  father,  the  God  of  Abraham,  and  the  Fear  of  Isaac 
 One  and  the  fame  God  is  meant,  who  was  the  God  of  his  father  Ifaac,  and  be¬ 
 fore  him  the  God  of  Abr.aham,  and  now  the  Fear  of  Ifaac,  who  was  at  this  pre¬ 
 sent  time  a  worihipper  of  him,  and  ferved  him  with  reverence  and  godly  fear, 
 Ver.  44.  Laban  perceiving  that  Jacob’s  God  was  with  him,  and  blefled.  profper- 
 ed,  and  protefled  him,  was  fearful,  left,  growing  powerful,  he  Ihould  fonie  time 
 or  other  revenge  himfelf  on  him  for  his  ill-ufage  ;  and  therefore  he  was  defirous 
 of  entering  into  a  covenant  of  friendfliip  with  him,  to  he  for  a  witness  between  them. 
 
 ND  Jacob  went  on  his  w’ay,  and  the  angels  of 
 God  met  him. 
 
 A  - . 
 
 2  And  when  Jacob  faw  them,  he  faid.  This  is  God’s 
 
 hoft  :  and  he  called  the  name  of  that  place  ||  Mahanaim.  U  That  is, 
 
 3  H  And  Jacob  fent  meffengers  before  him  to  Efau 
 
 his  brother,  unto  the  land  of  Seir,  the  t  country  of 
 Edom.  f 
 
 4  And  he  commanded  them,  faying,  Thus  (hall  ye 
 
 field. 
 
 Ver.  46.  They  fetched  ftones  that  lay  about  here  and  there,  and  laid  them  in  or¬ 
 der  one  upon  another,  and  fo  made  a  heap  of  them.  And  they  did  eat  there  upon 
 the  heap.  They  made  it  like  a  table,  and  fet  their  meat  upon  it.  In  making  co¬ 
 venants,  the  ancients  were  accuftomed  either  to  offer  up  a  facrifice,  or  to  make  a 
 feaft  ;  and  the  contracSling  parties  ufed  to  eat  together  in  token  of  their  friend¬ 
 fliip,  and  of  their  intention  to  keep  the  conditions  without  violation,  fee  chapter 
 xxvii  28 — 30.  Ver.  47.  The  words  ufed  by  the  two  parties,  though  diflTerent  ia 
 language,  were  the  fame  in  fenfe.  Laban,  who  ufed  the  Syriac,  named  it  Jegar- 
 sahadutha,  which  fignifies  the  heap  of  witness;  and  Jacob,  who  fpoke  in  the  He¬ 
 brew,  called  it  Galeed,  which  alfo  fignifies  the  heap  of  witness,  or  an  heap  the  wit¬ 
 ness.  Ver,  53.  The  God  of  their  father.  As  Laban  fpeaks  to  Jacob,  the  pronoun 
 their  can  only  refer  to  Abraham  and  Nahor;  and  their  father  was  Terah.  But 
 the  God  of  Terah,  is  an  expreffion  which  feems  to  have  no  authority  from  forip- 
 ture ;  for  Terah  was  perhaps  an  idolater,  Jofh.  xxiv.  2.  The  Septuagint  entirely 
 omits  this  fentence,  reading,  “  The  God  of  Abraham  and  the  God  of  Nahor  judge 
 between  us.”  Ver.  55.  And  blessed  them  ;  wifhed  all  happinefs  to  them.  And 
 Laban  returned  unto  bis  place.  To  the  city  of  Haran.  where  he  dwelt.  After 
 this,  we  hear  no  more  of  him,  nor  of  any  tranfa<5lion  of  his  in  life,  or  when  and 
 where  he  died;  only  his  name  is  once  mentioned  by  Jacob,  chap,  xxxii,  4.  Gc- 
 nefis  confifts  chiefly  of  a  hiftory  of  the  church  of  God  ;  others  are  mend^ned  only 
 according  to  their  conneaion  with  the  faithful.  When  any  man  forl'akes  God 
 and  his  people,  the  facred  hiftorian  forfakes  him.  T.,is  is  particularly  obfervabla 
 in  refpea  of  Cain  and  Efau.  And  even  righteous  Lot  is  purfued  no  farther 
 than  that  fatal  rtep  which  fixes  an  indelible  ftigma  of  diflionour  upon  his  charac¬ 
 ter,  which  nothing  but  divine  mercy  and  grace  can  wipe  off’,  or  rather  gracioufly 
 forgive.  ^ 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XXXI.]  Thofe  who  fojourn  through  life  under  the  divine  guidance  need  fear  no  evil ;  for  God  will  fupply 
 their  wants  and  preferve  them  fafe  amidft  all  dangers  But  when  he  gives  us  profperity  let  us  never  forget  that  heaven  is  our  home,  left  this  world  gain  an  improper 
 place  in  our  hearts.  It  is  pleafant  when  married  perfons  live  together  in  unfeigned  and  ardent  affeaion  and  do  nothing  important  without  mutual  conlent.  The  co¬ 
 vetous  pierce  themfelves  through  with  many  farrows,  and  hefitate  not  to  oppofe  the  heft  interefts  of  thek  neareft  and  moft  afleeSliouate  friends. 
 
 K  3 
 
Jacob  Jerum  a  prrfenl  io  Efmi.  GENESIS 
 
 Ih!?  l“h'°  '"7- F"*"  5  Thy  'efvant  Jacob  faith 
 muii  novvT  "'"h  Tatar,  and  flayed  there 
 
 5  Audi  have  oxen,  and  afles,  flocks,  and  men-fer 
 
 n^v  '•  ^  to  tell 
 
 r  S  A  u  grace  in  thy  fight. 
 
 b  I  And  the  melTengers  returned  to  Jacob,  faying, 
 
 il^eerXp  ^t'other  E fa u,  and  alfo  he  come[h  fo 
 
 meet  thee,  and  four  hundred  men  with  him. 
 
 -.n/t  ho  greatly  afraid  and  diflrelTed  : 
 
 and  he  divided  the  people  that  n-as  with  him,  and  the 
 nocks,  and  herds,  and  the  camels,  into  two  bands  ; 
 b  Ana  laid,  It  Elan  come  to  the  one  company,  and 
 
 Iniite  It,  then  the  other  company  which  is  left  fhall 
 clc<ip0. 
 
 9  ^And  Jacob  faid,  O  God  of  my  father  Abraham, 
 and  God  of  my  father  Ifaac,  the  Lord  which  faidft 
 unto  me,  »  Return  unto  thy  country,  and  to  thy  kin¬ 
 dred,  and  I  will  deal  well  with  thee : 
 
 t  worthy  of  the  leaft  of  all  the  mercies, 
 
 rnd  of  all  the  truth,  which  thou  haft  fhewed  unto  thv 
 fervants  ;  for  with  my  flaff  I  pafifed  over  this  Jordan, 
 and  now  1  am  become  two  bands. 
 
 1 1  Deliver  me,  I  pray  thee,  from  the  hand  of  my 
 brother,  from  the  hand  of  Efau  ;  for  I  fear  him,  left 
 
 ,  faiite  me,  and  the  mother  +  with  the 
 
 children. 
 
 12  And  thou  faidft,  I  will  furely  do  thee  good,  and 
 make  thy  feed  as  the  fand  of  the  fea,  which  cannot  be 
 numbered  for  multitude. 
 
 13  ^  And  he  lodged  there  that  fame  night;  and 
 ^ok  of  that  which  came  to  his  hand  a  prelent  for 
 Efau  his  brother ; 
 
 14  1  wo  hundred  fhe-goats,  and  tw^enty  he-goats, 
 two  hundred  ewes  and  twenty  rams. 
 
 15  Thirty  milch  camels  with  their  colts,  forty  kine, 
 and  ten  bulls,  twenty  fhe-afTes  and  ten  foals. 
 
 16  And  he  delivered  them  into  the  hand  of  his  fer¬ 
 vants,  every  drove  by  themfelves ;  and  laid  unto  his 
 
 a  Chao. 
 Si.  1.3. 
 
 ■}•  Heb. 
 
 I  'im  le  s 
 
 than  a  I, 
 
 ic. 
 
 +  Heb. 
 
 vpon. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 1739. 
 
 Jacob* s  name  changed* 
 
 fervants,  Pafs  over  before  me,  and  put  a  (pace  betwixt 
 drove  and  drove. 
 
 17  And  he  commanded  theforemoft,  faying.  When 
 Efau  my  brother  meeteth  thee,  and  allceth  thee,  fay¬ 
 ing,  Whole  art  thou  ?  and  whither  goett  thou  ?  and 
 whofe  are  thefe  before  thee  ? 
 
 18  Then  thou  (halt  fay,  Ehey  be  thy  fervant  Ja¬ 
 cob’s  ;  it  h  a  prelent  fent  unto  my  lord  Efau :  and, 
 behold,  alfo  he  is  behind  us. 
 
 19  And  fo  commanded  he  the  fecond,  and  the  third, 
 and  all  that  followed  the  droves,  faying.  On  this  man¬ 
 ner  fhall  ye  fpeak  unto  Efau,  when  ye  find  him, 
 
 20  And  fay  ye  moreover.  Behold,  thy  fervant  Jacob 
 is  behind  us.  For  he  laid,  I  will  appeafe  him  with  the 
 prefent  that  goeth  before  me,  and  afterward  I  will  fee 
 
 his  face  ;  perad venture  he  will  accept  t  of  me.  t  Heb. 
 
 21  So  went  the  prefent  over  before  him ;  and  him-  my  Jacs% 
 felf  lodged  that  night  in  the  company. 
 
 22  And  he  rofe  up  that  night,  and  took  his  two 
 wives,  and  his  two  women-fervants,  and  his  eleven 
 fons,  and  paffed  over  the  ford  JabboL 
 
 23  And  he  took  them,  and  t  fent  them  over  thet  Heb. 
 
 brook,  and  fent  over  that  he  had.  caujed  la 
 
 24  H  And  Jacob  was  left  alone ;  and  there  wreftled^'"-^*' 
 
 a  man  with  him  until  the  t  breaking  of  the  day.  t  Heb. 
 
 25  And  when  he  law  that  he  prevailed  not  againft 
 
 him,  he  touched  the  hollow  of  his  thigh  ;  and  the  hol-"^,tm„„ 
 low  of  Jacob’s  thigh  was  out  of  joint  as  he  wrettled 
 with  him. 
 
 26  And  he  faid.  Let  me  go,  for  the  day  breaketh. 
 
 And  he  faid,  I  will  not  let  thee  go,  except  thou  blefs  b  Hofea 
 
 me. 
 
 12.  4. 
 
 27  And  he  faid  unto  him,  What  is  thy  name?  And 
 he  faid,  Jacob. 
 
 28  And  he  faid,  Thy  name  fhall  be  called  no  more‘s  ctap. 
 
 power 
 
 Jacob,  but  Ifrael :  for  as  a  prince  haft  thou 
 with  God  and  with  men,  and  haft  prevailed. 
 
 29  And  Jacob  afked  him,  and  laid.  Tell  me,  I  pray 
 thee,  thy  name.  And  he  laid.  Wherefore  is  it  that 
 
 36.  10. 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  XXXH.  Ver.  I.  As  Jacob  was 
 favoured  with  a  heavenly  vifion  when  he  firft  departed  from  liis  fither’s  houfe  ; 
 fo  the  Divine  being  thought  proper  again  to  favour  bi.-n  wifh  the  fame  token  of 
 bis  prote<5lion  at  his  return  thither,  thereby  to  encourage  him  to  meet  with  confi¬ 
 dence  thofe  dangers  he  had  to  encounter.  Ver.  2.  Mahanaim  ;  that  is,  two  hnjls, 
 or  two  camfs,  becaufe  the  angels  appeared  like  two  armies  drawn  up  on  each  fide 
 Tor  his  proteJlion.  Ver.  3.  Though  Jacob  had  the  gre.-tcR  reafon  to  rely  on 
 the  prote(5lion  of  the  Almighty,  yet  be  thought  it  his  duty  to  make  ufe  of  all 
 providential  methods  for  his  fafety.  He  therefore  fent  his  melfage  to  EfiU  in 
 Order  to  foften  his  refentment,  and  to  regain  his  affedlions.  Ver.  4.  Thus  /hall  yt 
 speak  unto  my  lord  Esau  ;  Thy  servant  Jacob  sailh  thus  Efau  was  not  only  lord 
 of  a  country,  but  his  elder  brother.  Though  the  privileges  of  the  firil-born 
 became  Jacob’s  by  purchafe,  and  by  the  divine  grant  and  his  father’s  bleffing, 
 bis  humble,  gentle,  and  prudent  dirpofnion,  preferved  him  from  affuming  his  right 
 when  he  either  fent  a  meflage  to  his  haughty,  revengeful  brother,  or  addrelTed 
 him.  A  foft  anfwer  turneth  away  wrath  ;  and  doubtlefs  Jacob’s  modefl,  fub- 
 miffive  language  tended  to  foften  the  afperity,  and  conciliate  the  aifedlions  of 
 Efau.  Ver.  6.  Jacob  gives  him  a  Ihort  account  of  himfelf,  his  circumftances, 
 and  fubflance,  to  fbew  that  he  did  not  come  home  as  a  beggar.  And  no  doubt 
 bis  a(re<5lioDate  nature  began  to  warm  at  (he  thoughts  of  being  fo  near  Efau,  after 
 fo  long  abfencp,  notwithftanding  the  difference  that  fubfided  between  them. 
 Ver.  7.  Upon  the  report  of  bis  milTengerS,  Jacob,  though  a  man  of  great  faith, 
 yet  was  now  greatly  afraid.  Nor  is  this  at  all  derogatory  from  his  cbara(5ler  : 
 for  a  lively  apprehenfion  of  danger,  and  a  quickening  fear  arifing  from  it,  may 
 Very  well  confili  with  a  humble  confidence  in  God’s  power  and  promife.  The 
 remembrance  of  bis  brother’s  ancient  enmity,  and  the  news  of  bis  approach  at 
 the  head  of  fuch  a  formidable  retinue,  feemingly  fo  inconfiAent  with  the  intent 
 of  a  friendly  meeting,  were  fuSicient  caufes  to  raife  his  fufpicion  of  a  hollile  in¬ 
 tention.  Ver.  9.  Jacob,  notwilhftanding  his  terror,  Ihewed  the  moft  confummate 
 prudence  in  the  order  and  difpofition  of  his  flocks  and  retinue,  and  made  ufe  of 
 every  expedient  to  divert  the  impending  florm  ;  and  having  done  all  that  was  in 
 ihe  power  of  human  wifdom,  had  recourfe  to  the  God  of  his  father  for  protec¬ 
 tion  and  deliverance.  Saidjl  unto  me  1  will  deal  well  with  thee.  As  if  he  had 
 faid,  Lord,  when  thou  Commandeft  me  to  undertake  this  journey,  thou  didft  pro- 
 aoife  U>  deal  well  with  me,  and  wilt  thou  not  U  as  good  as  tby  word,  the  word 
 
 upon  which  thou  haft  caused  me  to  hope  F  Ver.  lO.  If  we  confider  the  purity  and 
 holinefs  of  God,  and  the  infirmity  of  created  beings;  we  muft  acknowledge  with 
 Jacob,  that  we  are  not  worthy  of  the  leajl  of  all  thy  mercies  and  all  the  truth  which 
 he  hath  /hewed  unto  us.  With  myjlnff.  He  thankfully  acknowledges  God’s  good- 
 nefs  to  him  in  his  baniftiment,  and  how  much  it  had  exceeded  his  expedtations. 
 Ver.  1 1.  To  fmite  the  mother  wiih,  or  upon  the  children,  denotes  extreme  cruel¬ 
 ty  and  utter  deft.1 1’dlion,  fee  Hof.  x.  14.  Ver.  13.  Jacob,  having  pioully  made 
 God  his  friend  by  prayer,  is  here  prudently  endeavouring  to  make  Efau  bis 
 friend  by  a  prefent.  Ver.  24.  Jacob  had  helped  bis  wives  and  children  over  the 
 river,  and  was  now  left  alone,  very  early  in  the  morning,  a  great  while  before  day, 
 And  there  wre/iled  a  man  with  him.  Hs  is  exprefsly  called  God,  ver.  28,  30.  and 
 was  doubtlefs  the  Son  of  God,  who  appeared  occafionally  in  human  form,  as  a 
 token  and  pledge  of  his  future  incarnation.  This  wreftling  was  real  and  corpo¬ 
 real  on  the  part  of  both  ;  the  man  took  hold  of  Jacob,  and  Jacob  took  hold  of  the 
 man,  and  they  ftruggled  together  for  vi<5lory,  as  wreftlers  do.  It  was  alfo  men¬ 
 tal  and  fpiritual  on  the  part  of  Jacob ;  for  we  are  told  by  the  prophet,  Hofea 
 xii.  4.  how  Jacob  wreftled  ;  be  wept  and  made  supplication  ;  prayers  and  tears 
 were  his  weapons.  Ver,  25  He  prevailed  not.  The  man,  or  the  Son  of  God  in 
 the  form  of  man,  prevailed  not  againft  Jacob,  by  calling  him  to  the  ground,  or 
 caufing  him  to  defift  from  the  confli<5l ;  not  becaufe  he  could  not,  but  becaufe 
 he  would  not,  being  willing  to  encourage  the  faith  of  Jacob  againft  future  trials 
 and  exercifes.  He  touched  the  hollow  of  Jacob’s  thigh  and  it  was  out  of  joint. 
 That  is,  (he  (high  bone  was  moved  cut  of  the  hollow  place  in  which  it  was.  This 
 was  done  to  let  Jacob  know,  that  it  was  God  he  had  been  wreftling  with,  for  do 
 man  could  disjoint  his  thigh  with  a  touch.  Ver.  26.  Let  me  go.  Could  not  a 
 mighty  angel  get  clear  of  Jacob’s  grapples  ?  Jle  could  ;  but  by  this  he  would  put  an 
 honour  upon  Jacob’s  faith  and  prayer,  and  further  try  his  conftancy.  For  the  day 
 breaketh.  Therefore  he  would  not  any  longer  detain  Jacob,  who  had  bufinefs  to 
 do,  a  journey  to  go,  a  family  to  look  after,  which  efpecially  at  this  critical  junc¬ 
 ture  called  for  bis  attendance.  I  will  not  let  thee  go  except  thou  bless  me.  He 
 had  by  this  time  perceived  that  this  was  a  divine  perfon  by  the  effe<5ls  of  his  power¬ 
 ful  touch  on  his  thigh,  and  therefore  infills  upon  bis  being  blelTed  by  him.  Ver. 
 28.  Thy  name  fhall  be  called  no  more  Jacob,  but  Israel,  By  this  new  name,  the 
 angel  bellows  upon  Jacob  a  perpetual  mark  of  honour.  He  was  henceforth  to  be 
 Celebrated*  not  for  cruft*  or  artful  management*  (as  the  name  Jacob  implies)  but  for 
 
Jacob  ond  Bfau  meet. 
 
 GENESIS. 
 
 Jacob  luyeth  ajkld  and  btiildeth  an  altar* 
 
 Before  thou  (loft  aflc  after  my  name  ?  And  he  bleffed  him 
 ciirid  there. 
 
 30  And  Jacob  called  the  name  of  the  place  II  Peniel : 
 "rh^  for  Ihave  feen  Godfaceto  face, and  my  life  is  preferved. 
 
 The  f'nct 
 of  Gud- 
 
 t  Heb. 
 to  thee. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 Jf  'krU  is 
 (ill  this 
 band  to 
 thee. 
 
 3 1  And  as  he  pafTed  over  Penuel  the  fun  rofe  upon 
 him,  and  he  halted  upon  his  thigh. 
 
 32  Therefore  the  children  of  Ifrael  eat  not  of  the 
 finew  which  Ihrank,  which  is  upon  the  hollow  of  the 
 thigh,  unto  this  day  :  becaufe  he  touched  the  hollow 
 of  Jacob’s  thigh  in  the  finew  that  Ihrank.* 
 
 CTIAP.  XXXIII. 
 
 1  The  kindness  of  Jacob  and  Esau  at  their  meeting.  17  Jacob  cometh  to 
 Succnth.  18  At  Shalem  he  bvyeth  a  field,  and  buildeth  an  altar  called 
 El  e'ohe-Jsrael. 
 
 And  Jacob  lifted  up  his  eyes,  and  looked,  and, 
 behold,  Efau  came,  and  with  him  four  hundred 
 men.  And  he  divided  the  children  unto  Leah,  and 
 unto  Rachel,  and  unto  the  two  handmaids. 
 
 2  And  he  put  the  handmaids  and  their  children  fore- 
 mort,  and  Leah  and  her  children  after,  and  Rachel 
 and  Jofeph  hindermoft. 
 
 3  And  he  palled  over  before  them,  and  bowed  him- 
 felf  to  the  ground  feven  times,  until  he  came  near  to 
 his  brother. 
 
 4  And  Efau  ran  to  meet  him,  and  embraced  him, 
 and  fell  on  his  neck,  and  killed  him  :  and  they  wept. 
 
 5  And  he  lifted  up  his  eyes,  and  faw  the  women 
 and  the  children,  and  faid.  Who  are  tfeofe  f  with  thee? 
 And  he  faid.  The  children  which  God  hath  gracioully 
 given  thy  fervant. 
 
 6  Then  the  handmaidens  came  near,  they  and  their 
 children,  and  they  bowed  themfelves  : 
 
 7  And  Leah  allb  with  her  children  came  near,  and 
 bowed  themfelves :  and  after  came  Jofeph  near  and 
 Rachel,  and  they  bowed  themfelves. 
 
 8  And  he  faid,  f  What  meaneji  thou  by  all  this 
 drove  which  I  met  ?  And  he  faid,  Tliefe  are  to  find 
 grace  in  the  fight  of  my  lord. 
 
 true' valour,  and  as  a  prince  with  God,  (which  the  name  Israel,  fignifies)  a  name 
 greater  than  that  of  the  great  men  of  the  earth.  For  as  a  prince  hast  thou  power 
 with  God  and  with  man,  and  hast  prevailed.  This  is  given  as  a  reafon  of  Ins  name 
 Israel,  or  one  who,  as  a  prince  prevails,  with  God.  He  now  prevailed  with  God 
 in  prayer,  and  by  faith  got  the  blefllng  ;  as  he  had  before  prevailed  with  Efau  and 
 Liban,  and  would  again  prevail  with  Efau.  Hence  feme  render  the  word,  and 
 /hall  prevail.  Ver.  29.  IVherefore  is  it  that  thou  dost  ask  after  my  name?  This 
 contains  both  a  reproof  of  his  curiofity,  and  a  denial  of  his  requeft ;  fignifying 
 that  he  had  no  need  to  put  that  queftion,  it  was  enough  for  him  that  he  had  got 
 the  blefllng.  An  interefl  in  the  angel’s  blefllng  was  better  than  acquaintance 
 with  his  name.  And  he  bleffed  him  there.  This  was  a  farewell  blefllng,  and  a  con¬ 
 firmation  of  what  he  had  already  received.  Ver.  30.  Peniel  i  or,  as  in  ver.  31. 
 Penuel,  which  fignifies  the  face  of  God.  For  I  have  seen  God  face  to  face.  It 
 may  be  obferved,  that  in  wreftling,  men  are  face  to  face  ;  which  pofition  Jacob 
 feems  to  have  refpetft  unto,  as  well  as  to  the  familiarity  and  intimate  communion 
 to  which  he  was  gracioufly  admitted  by  this  reprefentation  of  the  Almighty.  And 
 rny  life  is  jwe served.  It  was  a  notion  that  obtained  early,  even  among  good  men, 
 that  upon  the  fight  of  God  a  man  inftantly  died,  though  we  have  no  example  of 
 that  kind  ;  in  reference  probably  to  this  notion,  and  upon  recolleaing.  that  he 
 had  wreflled  with  that  God  who  could  eafily  have  cruftied  the  ivorm  Jacob  to  piece* 
 he  is  amazed  that  he  ftill  lives.  Ver.  32,  Therefore  the  children  of  Israel  eat  not  of 
 the  f  new  which  fhrank.  Here  the  infpired  penman  mentions  a  traditional  cuftom 
 which  the  feed  of  Jacob  had  in  remembrance  of  this,  never  to  eat  of  that  finew  in 
 any  beaft,  by  which  the  hip-bone  is  fixed  in  its  focket. 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  XXXIII.  Ver.  2.  Rachel  and  Joseph 
 hindermost.  He  places  them  in  the  rear  of  his  retinue,  as  being  a  fituation  the 
 
 j.  Before 
 '  Chrift 
 
 1739. 
 
 9  And  Efau  faid,  I  have  enough,  my  brother ; 
 keep  that  thou  halt  unto  thyleJf. 
 
 10  And  Jacob  faid,  Nay,  I  pray  thee,  If  now  I  have 
 found  grace  in  thy  fight,  then  receive  my  prefent  at  f  Hei*. 
 my  hand  ;  for  therefore  I  have  feen  thy  face,  as  though  that  to 
 I  had  feen  the  face  of  God,  and  thou  waft  plealed 
 
 with  me. 
 
 1 1  Take,  I  pray  thee,  my  blefiing  that  is  brought  to 
 thee ;  becaufe  God  hath  dealt  gracioully  with  me, 
 and  becaufe  1  have  enough.  And  he  urged  him,  and 
 he  took  it. 
 
 12  And  he  faid.  Let  us  take  our  journey,  and  let  us 
 
 go,  and  I  will  go  before  thee.  f 
 
 13  And  he  laid  unto  him.  My  lord  knoweth  that“^‘^^^g^”f^ 
 
 the  children  are  tender,  and  the  flocks  and  herds  with  ef  the 
 young  are  with  me ;  and  if  men  Ihould  overdrive  them  ^c. 
 one  day,  all  the  flock  will  die.  lordin' 
 
 14  Let  my  lord,  I  pray  thee,  pafs  over  before 
 
 j  fervant ;  and  I  will  lead  on  Ibftly,  according  f  as  the  of  the 
 cattle  thatgoeth  before  me  and  the  children  be  able  ioohUdren. 
 endure,  until  I  come  unto  my  lord  unto  Seir. 
 
 15  And  Efau  faid,  I.,et  me  now  f  leave  with  theepacc.*^’ 
 /owe  of  the  folk  that  cie  with  me.  And  he  faid,  ft  Heb. 
 What  needeth  it  ?  let  me  find  grace  in  the  fight  of  my 
 lord. 
 
 16  ^  So  Efau  returned  that  day  on  his  way  unto  Seir.  H  That  is, 
 
 17  And  Jacob  journeyed  to  Succoth,  and  built  him.»>>o<**. 
 an  houfe,  and  made  booths  for  his  cattle  :  therefore  II 
 
 the  name  of  the  place  is  called  11  Succoth. 
 
 18  H  And  Jacob  came  to  Shalem,  a  city  of  H  She-syebem, 
 chem,  which  is  in  the  land  of  Canaan,  when  he  came  II  Called, 
 from  Padan-aram,  and  pitched  his  tent  before  the  city. 
 
 19  And  he  bought  a  parcel  of  a  field,  where  he  had 
 
 fpread  his  tent,  at  the  hand  of  the  children  of  H  Lla- 1|  Or, 
 mor,  Shechem’s  father,  for  an  hundred  I1  pieces  of^®”**** 
 money.  II  That  is, 
 
 20  And  he  erefted  there  an  altar,  and  called  it  U  So? 
 
 El-elohe-llrael.f  /irieL 
 
 moft  remote  from  danger,  for  they  were  the  objetRs  of  bis  peculiar  affeaion. 
 Ver.  4.  The  ardour  of  Efau’s  affeaion  is  painted  by  the  facred  hiftorian  in  the 
 ftrongeft  colours,  which  (hews  that  his  reconciliation  was  fincere.  He  does  not 
 
 ftay  till  Jacob  comes  up  to  him,  but  he  runs  to  meet  him — he  embraces  him _ he 
 
 hangs,  rulhes,  or  falls  upon  his  neck— he  kiifes  him— and  no  longer  able  to  fuf- 
 tain  his  tranfport,  pours  out  a  flream  of  affeaion  from  his  eye*,  which  mingles 
 with  that  which  iffues  from  the  eyes  of  his  brother.  Ver.  8.  These  are  to  find 
 grace  m  thy  fight.  This  was  not  merely  a  temporary  expedient  invented  by  Jacob 
 to  molhfy  the  refentment  of  his  brother;  but  in  purfuance  of  a  conftant  cuffom 
 among  the  eaftern  and  other  nations,  who  always  made  a  prefent  to  the  perfon 
 whom  they  viCted  or  paid  their  court  to  ;  fee  Mattb.  iii  H  .  Efau  mcdeftly  re- 
 fufes  his  brother  s  prefent  becaufe  he  had  enough :  a  proof  that  the  bU fling  of  his 
 father  had  '"“eupon  him,  chap,  xxvi  39.  Ver.  10.  Ihave  seen  thy  face,  aslhougk 
 I  had  seen  the  face  of  God.  The  Onkelos  renders  it,  “  I  have  feen  thy  face,  as. 
 though  I  h.ad  feen  the  face  of  princes,”  or  of  feme  great  perfonage,  as  Efau  was. 
 Ver.  1 1 ,  God  hath  dealt  graciously  with  me.  In  giving  him  fo  much  fubflance,  and 
 now  in  giving  him  fo  much  favour  in  the  fight  of  Efau,  whom  he  dreaded.  Ver. 
 12.  Let  us  take  our  Journey.  This  invitation  which  Efau  gives  his  brother  to  ac¬ 
 company  him  to  Mount  Seir,  is  a  further  proof  of  his  perfedt  reconciliation.  Ver. 
 14.  /  wiU  lead  on  softly,.— until  I  come  unto  my  lord  unto  Seir.  Jacob,  like  a  good 
 Ihepherd,  and  a  good  father,  (hews  a  tender  concern  for  his  family  and  flocks, 
 which  would  not  allow  him  to  keep  pace  with  Efau  ;  he  therefore  very  refpeafully 
 defires  his  brother  not  to  flacken  his  pace  in  complaifance  to  him,  but  to  march  on 
 before,  and  promifes  to  follow  him  leifurtly  as  be  could.  Ver  15.  Let  me  leave 
 with  thee  some  of  the  folk  that  are  with  me.  Efau  faw  Jacob  but  poorly  attended 
 and  his  numerous  flocks  and  great  riches  guarded  only  by  a  few  Ample  huiband- 
 
 the  chfldren  of  God.  Severe  and  numerous  trials  often  fwYu  us^in  ‘the  m?fn‘’whkhSre‘'?iSm  dS  i^tHalk 
 
 call  to  mind  the  dme.  the  place,  when  'they  have  difmiffed  from  their  hearts  tL  bed  and  tendereft  of  all  earthly  ei^de^ents  tbatlh^v  1  f  ^ 
 
 Iheir  Saviour.  They  who  have  received  moft  from  God  feel  moft  deeply  their  own  unworthinefs  and  are  w  r.  ’  c  ^ 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.-t  C„.,.  XXXIII.]  of  bi.gr.c.  »d  gcdn.f,. 
 
 tvhich  we  commit  to  God  :  be  often  makes  the  end  of  our  trials  much  better  than  our  fears  fuir^efted  a  crnAi  °  °  •  i  ^  cheerfully  wait  the  iffue  of  that 
 
 .1  Ufe,  G,„„u.e  Kligio.  diffofc,  ,he  .o  aflion.,  and  praraals  from  lUgbUap  ,ba  favom »f  ftU.d.,“b“g.L°;"a  to  Wa  irgvtb'to. 
 
Dinah  is  defiled  lij  Skechenu 
 
 Severe 
 Chrift 
 cir."  1752. 
 
 GENESIS. 
 
 cir.  1732 
 
 t  Heb. 
 humbled 
 her, 
 t  Heb. 
 to  her 
 heart. 
 
 CHAP.  XXXIV. 
 
 Bjnak  ts  defiled  by  Shechem;  4  he  sueth  to  marry  her.  13  The  sont 
 
 Sl^^chemiles  :  20 
 
 Ham  r  and  Shechem  persuade  them  to  accept  it.  25  The  sons  of  Ja 
 cob  upon  that  advanlanejlay  them,  27  and  spoil  their  city.  ZO  Jacob 
 reprov-tk  Simeon  and  Levi.  jacoo 
 
 And  Dinah  the  daughter  of  Leah,  which  fhe  bare 
 
 unto  Jacob,  went  out  to  fee  the  daughters  of 
 ttl6  l^nd. 
 
 2  And  when  Shechem  the  fon  of  Hamor  the  Hivite, 
 prince  or  the  country,  law  her,  he  took  her,  and  lay 
 with  her,  and  t  defiled  her.  ^ 
 
 3  And  his  foul  clave  unto  Dinah  the  daughter  of 
 Jacob  ;  and  he  loved  the  damfel,  and  Ibake  t  kindlv 
 unto  the  damfel.  ^ 
 
 4  H  And  Shechem  fpake  unto  his  father  Hamor, 
 laying.  Get  me  this  damfel  to  wife. 
 
 5  And  Jacob  heard  that  he  had  defiled  Dinah  his 
 daughtei  ^  now  his  fons  were  with  his  cattle  in  the 
 field  ]  Rnd  Jacob  held  his  peace  until  they  were  come 
 6  H  And  Hamor  the  father  of  Shechem  went  out 
 unto  Jacob  to  commune  with  him. 
 
 7  And  the  fons  of  Jacob  came  out  of  the  field  when 
 they  heard  it :  and  the  men  were  grieved,  and  they 
 were  very  wroth,  becaufe  he  had  wrought  folly  in  If- 
 rael,  in  lying  with  Jacob’s  daughter;  which  thing  ought 
 not  to  be  done. 
 
 8  And  Hamor  communed  with  them,  faying,  The 
 foul  of  my  fon  Shechem  longeth  for  your  daughter  :  I 
 pray  you  give  her  him  to  wife. 
 
 9  And  make  ye  marriages  with  us,  and  give  your 
 daughters  unto  us,  and  take  our  daughters  unto  you. 
 
 10  And  ye  fhall  dwell  with  us  :  and  the  land  fhall 
 be  before  you ;  dwell  and  trade  ye  therein,  and  get 
 you  poffeffions  therein. 
 
 1 1  And  Shechem  faid  unto  her  father,  and  unto  her 
 brethren.  Let  me  find  grace  in  your  eyes,  and  what 
 ye  lhall  fay  unto  me  I  will  give. 
 
 12  Aik  me  never  fo  much  dowry  and  gift,  and  I 
 will  give  according  as  ye  lhall  fay  unto  me  ;  but  give 
 me  the  damfel  to  wife. 
 
 13  ^  And  the  fons  of  Jacob  anfwered  Shechem  and 
 
 T^ie  sons  of  Jacob  slay  the  Shechemites^ 
 
 deceitfully,  and  faid,  (becaufe  he  B.fo„ 
 had  defiled  Dinah  their  filter ;)  Ch,m 
 
 14  And  they  faid  unto  them.  We  cannot  do  this"'’ ‘“”- 
 
 hncircuracifed ; 
 
 tor  that  were  a  reproach  unto  us :  - 
 
 15  But  m  this  will  we  confent  unto  you  :  if  ye  will 
 
 f  be  circumdfed  ; 
 
 16  I  hen  will  we  give  our  daughters  unto  you  and 
 we  will  take  your  daughters  to  us,  and  we  Jill  dweU 
 With  you,  and  we  will  become  one  people. 
 
 •rll  not  hearken  unto  us  to  becircum- 
 
 cued  ;  then  will  we  take  our  daughter,  and  we  will  be 
 gone.  o  j  V.  ill  uc 
 
 18  And  their  words  pleafed  Hamor,  and  Shechem 
 Hamor  s  (on. 
 
 19  And  the  young  man  deferred  not  to  do  the  thing, 
 becaufe  he  had  delight  in  Jacob’s  daughter :  and  he 
 was  more  honourable  than  all  the  houfe  of  his  father. 
 
 20  H  And  Hamor  and  Shechem  his  fon  came  unto 
 the  gate  of  their  city,  and  communed  with  the  men  of 
 their  city,  laying, 
 
 2 1  Thefe  men  are  peaceable  with  ns ;  therefore  let 
 them  dwell  in  the  land,  and  trade  therein ;  for  the  ' 
 land,  behold,  it  is  large  enough  for  them  ;  let  us  take 
 their  daughters  to  us  for  wives,  and  let  us  give  them 
 our  daughters. 
 
 22  Only  herein  will  the  men  confent  unto  us  for  to 
 dwell  with  us,  to  be  one  people,  if  every  male  among 
 us  be  circumcifed,  as  they  are  cirenmeifed. 
 
 23  Shall  not  their  cattle,  and  their  fubftance,  and 
 every  beaft  of  theirs,  be  ours  ?  only  let  us  conl'ent  un¬ 
 to  them,  and  they  will  dwell  with  us. 
 
 24  And  unto  Hamor,  and  unto  Shechem  his  fon, 
 hearkened  all  that  went  out  of  the  gate  of  his  city  i 
 and  every  m.ale  was  circumcifed,  all  that  went  out  of 
 the  gate  of  his  city. 
 
 25  H  And  it  came  to  pafs  on  the  third  day,  when 
 they  were  fore,  that  two  of  the  fons  of  Jacob, »  Simeon  a  Cba,»* 
 and  Levi,  Dinah’s  brethren,  took  each  man  his'fword 
 
 and  came  upon  the  city  boldly,  and  flew  all  the  males’. 
 
 26  And  they  (lew  Hamor  and  Shechem  his  fon  with 
 
 men  and  peaceable  fhepherds.  What  needeth  it  ?  Jacob  faw  not  the  necelTity  of  it. 
 He  was  hunable,  and  needed  it  not  for  Hate;  he  was  under  the  divine  protedlion, 
 and  needed  ft  not  for  fafety.  Ver,  17.  To  Succoth.  This  name  was  not  given  it 
 till  afterwards ;  for  it  appears  that  it  was  given  to  this  place  on  account  of  the 
 booths  Jacob  made  for  bis  cattle,  Succoth  fignifying  booths.  Ver.  18.  Came  to  Sha- 
 fem  a  ci'y  of  Shechem  Shatem  is  not  a  proper  name  of  a  place,  but  an  appellative 
 or  common  noun  fignifying  peace  or  safety  ;  according  to  which  the  fentence 
 Ihould  be  rendered,  Jacob  came  in  peace  or  safety  to  the  city  of  Shechem ;  bavin>r 
 obtained  deliverance  from  all  his  troubles  and  dangers,  according  to  the  divine  pro-  I 
 mifes,  chap,  xxxi.  3.  xxxiii  28.  Ver.  20.  And  called  it  ^Uelohe- Israel.  That  is,  \ 
 God,  the  God  of  Israel.  He  dedicated  this  altar  lo  the  honour  of  God,  the  only 
 living  and  true  God.  the  heft  of  beings,  and  the  firfl  of  caufes. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXXIV.  Ver.  1.  According  to  Jofe- 
 phus,  on  oneofthe  feftival  days  of  the  Shechemites,  Dinah,  who  was  now  about  16 
 years  of  age,  and  defirous  of  feeing  the  drelfes  and  ornaments  of  the  women  of  that 
 country,  rambled  from  her  mother’s  tent.  Ver.  2.  Took  her.  Jofephus  and  the 
 Vulgate  render  it  rnvifhed,  or  took  by  force.  Ver.  3.  And  his  soul  clave  unto  Di¬ 
 nah.  In  the  Hebrew  it  is  spake  to  the  heart  of  the  damsel.  His  inclination  wns  to 
 her,  file  was  always  in  his  thoughts.  Ver.  4.  Get  me  this  damsel  to  wife.  He 
 meant  not  only  that  his  father  would  give  his  confent  that  he  might  marry  her,  but 
 that  he  would  alfo  get  the  confent  of  her  parents  unto  it,  and  fettle  the  matter 
 with  them.  Ver.  5.  Jacob  held  his  peace  until  they  were  come ;  tliatis,  be  conceal¬ 
 ed  his  refentroent  till  his  fons  returned,  who  were  then  with  his  cattle  in  the  field, 
 and  probably  atfome  diftance,  it  being  common  for  them  to  range  about  the  coun¬ 
 try  in  fearch  of  pafture.  Ver.  7.  In  Israel,  or  against  Israel :  that  is,  to  his  grief, 
 and  to  the  reproach  of  him  and  his  family.  Which  thing  ought  not  lo  be  done. 
 Seing  again!!  the  law  and  light  of  nature  to  do  fuch  an  a<5lion  by  force  and  violence, 
 and  againfi.  the  law  of  nations  to  fuffer  it  to  go  with  impunity.  Ver.  8.  And  Hu¬ 
 mor  communed  with  them.  Thearguments  ufed,  and  the  propofalsmade  by  Hamor, 
 
 to  gain  the  confent  of  Jacob  and  his  family  that  his  fon  might  marry  Dinah  are 
 honourable  and  generous.  Ver.  1 1 .  What  ye  fhall  say  unto  me  I  will  give.  Thia 
 fiiewed  his  great  affeaion  for  her,  and  that  he  was  willing  to  do  any  thinor  to  make 
 amends  for  the  injury  done.  Ver.  13.  And  the  sons  of  Jacob  Hamol^  came  to 
 treat  with  Jacob  himfelf;  it  is  probable  they  would  foon  have  concluded  an  agree¬ 
 ment  with  mutual  integrity  and  uprightnefs,  and  to  their  mutual  fdtisfatftion ^  but 
 Jacob  turned  him  over  to  his  fons,  to  whom,  (it  would  feem)  he  left  too  much  the 
 management  of  his  sfFairs.  Ver.  \5.  If  ye  will  be  as  we  be  that  every  male  of  you  be 
 1  circumcised.  Had  they  been  fincere  herein,  or  prompted  by  a  religious  principle 
 their  propofal  of  thefe  terms  had  been  very  commendable.  But  their  intention 
 v/as  malicious,  as  appears  by  the  fequel ;  all  they  aimed  at  was  to  prepare  them  for 
 the  day  of  flaughter.  Ver.  18.  Their  words  pleased  Hamor,  and  Shechem  Humor's 
 son.  Their  unfufpicious  tempers  fearing  no  deceit,  the  condition  propofed  was  ac¬ 
 ceptable  to  them  both,  and  they  agreed  to  comply  with  it.  Ver.  19.  And  the  young 
 man  deferred  not  to  do  the  thing.  He  delayed  not  a  moment,  but  made  all  the  halle 
 he  could  both  to  be  circumcifed  himfelf,  and  to  get  all  the  males  of  the  city  circum¬ 
 cifed  alfo.  He  had  delight  in  Jacob’s  daughter.  He  really  loved  her,  and  delighted 
 in  her  perfon  and  company.  Ver.  20  Came  unto  the  gate  of  their  city.  Where 
 courts  of  judicature  were  held,  and  all  public  affairs  refpedling  the  common  interef! 
 of  the  city  were  tranfa^ed,  fee  Deut.  xvii.  5  Ruth  iv.  1,  1 1.  Ver.  24.  And  unto 
 Hamor  and  unto  Shechem  his  son,  hearkened  all  that  went  out  of  the  gate  of  his  cityt 
 This  fhews  the  great  influence  and  authority  which  Hamor  and  Shechem  had  over 
 their  fubje<5!s,  as  well  as  the  great  refpefl  and  affe(5!ion  which  their  fubje<5!s  had  for 
 them,  in  fubmitting  by  their  example  and  perfuafion  to  this  painful  operation.  They 
 were  circumcifed  without  the  knowledge  of  God,  and  faith  of  Mefliah  j  which  was  a 
 profanation  of  the  ordinance  of  God,  and  which  coiild  not  go  unpunifiied.  Ver< 
 25.  The  third  day,  as  phyficians  take  notice,  was  the  time  when  fevers  generally  at¬ 
 tended  circumcifloD,  occaiioned  by  iheinflammatienof  the  wound,  which  wasgeneral- 
 ly  more  painful  then  (as  the  Hebrews  obferve)  than  at  any  time  elfe.  Two  of  the  sons 
 
 rcfp€<5lfully  to  all  men  ;  and  compaflionately  towards  the  young  and  infirm.  Perils  of  a  journey  efcaped,  and  a  comfortable  place  of  refidence  deferve  a  grateful 
 rmembrance,  And  let  us  at  all  times,  and  in  all  places  where  we  ftyourh,  bpenly  avottr  that  we  have  chofen  Jehovah  to  be  our  Clod,  ° 
 
God  scndeth  Jacob  to  J^eth-el, 
 
 GENESIS. 
 
 He  blesseth  him  there. 
 
 tir. 
 
 Before  {^0  -j-  edge  of  the  fword,  and  took  Dinah  out  ot  She- 
 chem’s  houfe,  and  went  out. 
 
 27  The  fons  of  Jacob  came  upon  the  flain,  and 
 f  Heb,  fpoiied  the  dty,  becaufe  they  had  defiled  their  filter. 
 tnauih,  28  They  took  their  fheep,  and  their  oxen,  and  their 
 afles,  and  that  which  was  in  the  city,  and  that  which 
 was  in  the  field. 
 
 29  And  all  their  wealth,  and  all  their  little  ones,  and 
 their  wives  took  they  captive,  and  Ipoiled  even  all 
 that  ttvzs  in  the  houfe. 
 
 30  II  And  Jacob  laid  to  Simeoti  and  Levi,  ye  have 
 troubled  me,  to  make  me  to  (link  among  the  inhabi¬ 
 tants  of  the  land,  among  the  Canaanites  and  the  Periz- 
 zites  ;  and  I  beino  few  in  number,  they  lhall  ga^er 
 theml'elves  together  againft  me,  and  flay  me;  and  I 
 fhall  be  deftroyed,  I  and  my  houfe. 
 
 31  And  they  faid.  Should  he  deal  with  our  filter  as 
 with  an  harlot  ?* 
 
 CHAP.  XXXV. 
 
 1  Gad  sendelh  Jacob  to  Beth- el ;  ke.purgeth  his  house  of  idols;  6  he 
 buildelk  an  altar  at  Beth  el.  8  Deborah  dielh  at  Allon-bachuth.  9 
 God  blejftth  Jacob  at  Beth-cl.  16  Rachel  travaileth  oj" Benjamin,  and 
 dielh  in  the  way  to  Ephralh.  22  Reuben  lieth  iviih  Bilhah.  25  The 
 ■  sms  of  Jacob.  27  Jacob  cometh  to  Isaac  at  Hebron.  28  The  age, 
 
 death,  and  burial  of  Isaac. 
 
 \  ND  God  faid  unto  Jacob,  Arife,  go  up  to  Beth- 
 Jt\  el,  and  dwell  there  ;  and  make  there  an  altar 
 a  Chap,  unto  God,  that  appeared  unto  thee  *  when  thou  fled- 
 
 27. 54.  brother. 
 
 2  Then  Jacob  faid  unto  his  houfehold,  and  to  all  that 
 were  with  him.  Put  away  the  flrange  gods  that  arc 
 among  yon,  and  be  clean,  and  change  your  garments  : 
 
 3  And  let  us  arife,  and  go  up  to  Beth-el ;  and  I  will 
 make  there  an  altar  unto  God,  who  anfwered  me  in 
 the  day  of  my  diftrefs,  and  was  with  me  in  the  way 
 which  I  went. 
 
 4  And  they  gave  unto  Jacob  all  the  ftrange  gods 
 which  were  in  their  hand,  and  all  their  ear-rings  which 
 were  in  their  ears ;  and  Jacob  hid  them  under  the  oak 
 which  was  by  Shechem. 
 
 5  And  they  journeyed  :  and  the  terror  of  God  was 
 upon  the  cities  that  were  round  about  them,  and  they 
 did  not  purfue  after  the  fons  of  Jacob. 
 
 Jacob.  Here  follows  a  feeno  of  llaughter  barbarous  and  fhocking  to  humanity  - 
 the  guilt  aggravated  by  many  circumAances,  and  extenuated  by  few.  It  was  true 
 that  Shechem  had  wrought /o%  against  Israel,  in  defiling  Dinah  ;  but  it  ought  (o 
 have  been  confidered,  how  far  Dinah  herfelf  had  been  acceffory  to  it  Wheu  we 
 are  fevere  upon  the  tinner,  we  ought  to  confider  who  was  the  tempter.  It  was 
 true,  that  Shechem  had  done  ill ;  but  he  was  endeavouring  to  atone  for  the  injury 
 Thy  every  methbd  in  hfe  power,  by  making  generous  propofals  for  a  treaty  of  mar¬ 
 riage  with  bet.  by  granting  every  conceflion  which  the  haughty  brothers  demand- 
 >ed,  and  honel^ly  fulfilling  all  his  engagements:  in  Aiort,  he  attempted  not  tojuf- 
 tify  what  he  had  done,  but  courted  a  reconciliation  upon  any  terms.  Ver.  26 
 'Though  Simeon  and  Levi  are  mentioned  as  the  murderers,  yet  it  is  intimated  in 
 'the  next  verfe,  that  others  of  the  sons  of  Jacob  came  upon  the  slain,  and  spoiled  the 
 xity,  and  fo  became  acceffory  to  the  murder.  Thefe  things  were  done  without  Ja¬ 
 cob’s  knowledge  or  concurrence,  cbap.xlix.  Ver  30.  To  mafee  me  to  stinlc  among 
 Vie  inhabitants  of  the  land  ;  that  is,  this  fin  which  they  had  committed,  it  (he  fame 
 lime  that  it  brought  diOionour  upon  religion,  tended  alfo  to  make  him  odious  and 
 abominable  to  all  the  people  round  about;  to  be  looked  upon  and  treated  as  a  de- 
 teiiful,  treacherous,  and  perfidious  man,  that  had  no  regard  to  covenants  and  agree¬ 
 ments.  Ver.  51.  A  perverfe  infwer  to  an  affedlionate  father,  when  he  reproved 
 them  for  a  deed  which,  under  the  fpirit  of  infpiration,  he  afterwards  curfed,  ebao 
 ilix.  7. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXXV.  Ver.  1.  Jacob  beincr  in 
 •great  diArefs  on  account  of  the  Aaughter  of  the  ShechemiteS  by  his  fons,  and^not 
 knowing  what  Aep  to  take,  or  what  courfe  to  Acer  for  the  fafety  of  hirafelf  and 
 family,  God  appears  for  his  comfort  and  direaion,  and  orders  him  to  remove 
 
 6  H  So  Jacob  cafne  to  Luz,  which  is  in  the  land  of  Before 
 Canaan,  (that  is  Beth-el,)  he,  and  all  the  people  that 
 
 were  with  him. 
 
 7  And  he  built  there  an  altar,  and  called  the  place 
 
 II  El-beth-el ;  becaufe*’  there  God  appeared  unto  him,  n  That  is, 
 when  he  fled  from  the  face  of  his  brother.  ^7'* 
 
 8  But  Deborah,  Rebekah’s  nurfe,  died,  and 
 
 w'as  buried  beneath  Beth-el  under  an  oak  :  and  the  28. 1.5. 
 name  of  it  was  called  II  Allon-bachuth.  .  ,  II  That  is, 
 
 9  H  Arid  God  appeared  unio  Jacob  again,  when  he 
 
 came  out  of  Padan-arara,  and  bleflTed  him.  u.epmg. 
 
 10  And  God  faid  unto  him.  Thy  name  is  Jacob: 
 
 thy  name  (hall  not  be  called  any  more  Jacob,  =  but  c  Chap. 
 Ifrael  fhall  be  thy  name  ;  and  he  called  his  name  2?* 
 Ifrael. 
 
 1 1  And  God  faid  unto  him,  I  am  God  Almighty ; 
 be  fruitful  and  multiply :  a  nation,  and  a  company  of 
 nations,  lhall  be  of  thee,  and  kings  fhall  come  out  of 
 thy  loins ; 
 
 12  And  the  land  which  I  gave  Abraham  and  Ifaac, 
 to  thee  will  I  give  it,  and  to  thy  feed  after  thee  w'ili  I 
 give  the  land. 
 
 13  And  God  w^ent  up  from  him  in  the  place  where 
 he  talked  with  him. 
 
 1 4  f  And  Jacob  fet  up  a  pillar  in  the  place  where  he 
 talked  with  him,  even  a  pillar  of  ftone  ;  and  he  poured 
 a  drink-offering  thereon,  and  he  poured  oil  thereon. 
 
 15  And  Jacob  called  the  name  of  the  place  where 
 God  fpake  with  him,  Beth  el. 
 
 16  ^  And  they  journeyed  from  Bethel ;  and  there 
 
 was  but  t  a  little  way  to  come  to  Ephrath :  and  Ra-t  Heb, 
 chel  travailed,  and  fhe  had  hard  labour.  a  mie 
 
 17  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  fhe  w’as  in  hard  la- 
 hour,  that  the  midwife  faid  unto  her,  Fear  not  ;  thou 
 flialt  have  this  fon  alfo. 
 
 18  And  it  came  to  pafs,  as  her  foul  W’as  in  depart-*^'*’- 
 ing,  (for  fhe  died,)  that  fhe  called  his  name  1|  Ben-oni : 
 
 but  his  father  called  him  i|  Benjamin.  0/ my"** 
 
 19  And  Rachel  died,  and  was  buried  in  the  way 
 
 to  Ephrath,  which  is  Beth  lehem.  II  is, 
 
 ,20.Aod  Jacob  fet  a  pillar  upon  her  grave;  that  .'s 
 the  pillar  of  Rachel  s  grave  unto  this  day.  hand". 
 
 his  fettlement,  and  repair  to  Beth-el.  This  injunaion  probably  contained  1 
 tacit  reproof  to  Jacob  for  not  taking  up  his  refidence  fooner  at  mccordink 
 
 to  his  former  vow,  chap.  xxViii.  22.  Ver  2.  Whence  came  thofe  Jlrange  gods 
 that  Jacob  order^  to  be  put  away  ?  Jofephus  imagines  that  Jacob  meant  the 
 leraphim,  which  Rachel  had  Aolen  from  Laban  But  this  feems  improbable  frotn 
 this  confideration.— The  Hebrew  fignifies  the  gods  of  the  stranger;  and  the  Chal¬ 
 dee  renders  It,  Pat  away  the  idols  of  the  people  that  are  amon”  you.  We  may 
 therefore  fuppofe,  that  they  were  the  idols  of  the  Canaanites  or  SUechemites.  who 
 were  taken  prifoiiers,  and  incorporated  into  his  family,  Ver.  4.  And  all  their 
 ear  rings.  Not  thofe  ear-rings  which  it  vvas  faAiionable  for  women  to  wear,  but 
 ^ch  as  were  ufed  for  fuperAitious  purpofes,  or  made  fubfervient  to  idolatrous  wor- 
 fhip.  Ver.  5.  And  the  tersorof  God  was  Xipontke  cities.  The  terror  frotn  the 
 Lord  vvhich  fuzed  the  inhabitants,  was  a  Ariking  and  awfully  inArutfUve  proof  of 
 the  divine  care  of  Jacob  and  his  family;  for  otberwife  the  cities  round  about 
 might  have  eafily  deAroyed  them.  Ver.  9.  ileborah,  Rebekah’f  nurse,  died.  This 
 woman  came  with  her  miilrefs  from  Mefopotamia  to  Canaan,  when  Aie  marriedl 
 llaac.  Ver.  1 1-  nation,  and  a  company  nf  nations  fhall  be  of  thee,  riz.  The 
 r.ation  of  Ifrael  in  called  after  his  name.  And  kings  /hall  come  out  of  thy'^loins. 
 
 m  of  Ifrael  and  Judah,  and 
 
 erpeciahy  the  Meffiah  Ver.  13.  And  God  went  Up  from  him,  or  from  over  him. 
 Prom  this  we  may  mfer.  that  there  was  a  vifible  difplay  of  the  glory  of  the  Lord 
 which  hovered  over  him  when  he  fpoke,  and  then  Vaniftied.  Ver.  IS.  Ephrath 
 This  p  ace  wasaf.erwards  called  Beth  lehem,  a  city  about  t*o  leagues  diAain  from 
 
 ?rtJfhTr;h  oTph  but  infinitelv  mor^  S 
 
 for  the  birth  of  ChriA,  ihe  Son  of  God  and  Saviour  of  Uie  World.  Ver.  15.  Shi 
 
 Of  youth  is  their  fir  A  fin ;  pieafure  gives  Arength  to  IhJr^e^ipTaions  7nd  plffion  t  nd^  You^  women*  Wh^forgeAhm^S'A 
 
 Judge.  Wdrldly  motives  induce  hwny  to  ^rofefs  the  trut  reUgioa ;  but  foQUer  or  later  itrej  WpeHeti^e^hb Voft  fftinfSf  djf^poVtmwt^ 
 
The  sons  of  Jacob.  Isaac^s  death. 
 
 GENESIS. 
 
 The  generations  of  Esau, 
 
 Before 
 Clirid 
 cir,  17-29 
 
 d  Chap. 
 39.  4. 
 
 21  And  Ilirael  journeyed,  and  I’pread  his  tent  be¬ 
 yond  the  tower  of  Edar. 
 
 22  H  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  Ifrael  dwelt  in  that 
 land,  that  Reuben  went,  and  ^  lay  with  Bilhah  his 
 father’s  concubine :  and  llfael  heard  it.  Now  the 
 ions  of  Jacob  were  twelve. 
 
 23  The  Ions  of  Leah ;  Reuben,  Jacob’s  firft-born, 
 and  Simeon,  and  Levi,  and  Judah,  and  lllachar,  and 
 Zebulun. 
 
 24  The  Tons  of  Rachel ;  Jofeph  and  Benjam.in. 
 
 25  And  the  fons  of  Bilhah,  Rachel’s  handmaid ; 
 Dan  and  Naphtali. 
 
 26  And  the  ions  of  Zilpah,  Leah’s  handmaid  ;  Gad 
 and  A  (her.  Thefe  are  the  fons  of  Jacob,  which  were 
 born  to  him  in  Padan-aram. 
 
 27  H  And  Jacob  came  unto  Ifaac  his  father  unto 
 Mamre,  unto  the  city  of  Arba,  (which  is  Hebron,) 
 where  Abraham  and  Ifiiac  fojourned. 
 
 28  H  And  the  days  of  Ilaac  were  an  hundred  and 
 fourl'core  years. 
 
 29  And  Ifaac  gave  up  the  ghoft,  and  died,  and  =  was 
 gathered  unto  his  people,  being  old  and  full  of  days  : 
 and  his  fons  Efau  and  Jacob  buried  him.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXXVI. 
 
 2  Esau’s  three  tuives ;  6  his  removing  to  mount  Seir ;  9  his  sons;  15  the 
 dukes  which  descended  oj  his  sovs^  20  ’The  sons  and  dukes  of  Seir, 
 24  Anah  Jindetk  mules.  31  The  kings  of  Edom.  40  The  dukes  that 
 descended  f  Esau. 
 
 cir.  i796.y^TOW  thefe  are  the  generations  of  Efau,  who  is 
 IN  Edom. 
 
 2  Efau  took  his  wives  of  the  daughters  of  Canaan  ; 
 Adah  the  daughter  of  Elon  the  Hittite,  and  Aholi- 
 bamah  the  daughter  of  Anah,  the  daughter  of  Zibeon 
 the  Hivite  ; 
 
 cir,  1760.  3  And  Bahiemath,  lihmael’s  daughter,  filler  of 
 
 Nebajoth. 
 
 a  1  Chro.  4  And  ^  Adah  bare  to  Efau  Eliphaz  ;  and  Baihe- 
 1.  35.  math  bare  Reuel ; 
 
 5  And  Aholibamah  bare  Jeufh,  and  Jaalam,  and 
 Korah.  Thefe  are  the  fons  of  Efau,  which  were  born 
 unto  him  in  the  land  of  Canaan, 
 cir.  1740.  6  And  Eiau  took  his  wives,  and  his  fons,  and  his 
 
 daughters,  and  all  the  f  perlbns  of  his  houfe,  and  his 
 
 1716. 
 
 e  Chap. 
 25.  8. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 souls. 
 
 cattle,  and  all  his  beads,  and  all  his  fubttance,  which 
 
 had  hard  labour !  pains  and  fortows  in  child  binh  are  the  fruit  of  fin,  (Gen^ni.  16.) 
 Ver  18  Dying  is  here  called  the  departing  of  the  soul ;  for  death  is  but  '.he  lepa. 
 ration  and  d.funion  of  the  foul  and  body.  She  called  his  name  Ben-onif  on  of  iny 
 forrow;  but  his  father  called  him  Benjamin,  fon  of  noy  nght  hand.  Ibis  is  the 
 only  fon  who  was  born  to  Jacob  in  Canaan.  Rachel  had  impatiently  longed  for 
 children,  and  impioufly  faid  to  Jacob,  Give  me  children  or  else  I  die,  chap,  xxx  1. 
 Ver  20  The  pillar  of  Rachel's  grave  unto  this  dap.  It  continued  to  the  times  of 
 Mofes  the  writer  of  this  biftory,  and  to  the  times  of  Samuel,  as  appears  froin 
 1  Sam  X  2.  and  even  travellers  of  late  times  affirm  it  to  be  feen  ftill,  to  the  north 
 of  B  thlehcm,  on  the  right  of  the  way  from  that  place  to  Jerufalem.  Ver.  21. 
 Edar  Sogni&esthe  tower  the  Jock,  Mic.  iv.  8  and  was  pitched  upon  by  Jacob,  as 
 bliog  a^place  affording  plenty  of  rich  pafturage.  Ver.  22.  Reuben  went  and  tap 
 wilh^Bdhnh  his  father's  concubine  i  and  Israel  heard  it.  Thofe  who  enjoy  the  fa- 
 vours  peculiar  to  the  children  of  God,  may  expea  the  troubles  that  are  common  to  the 
 childZi  of  mens  and  great  affliaions  often  befal  us  immediately  after  great  conti- 
 fortl  ifrael  heard  U.^  An  empty  fpace  with  a  paufe  in  it.  follows  in  the  origi¬ 
 nal  denoting  perhaps,  the  amazement  with  which  the  patriarch  was  flruck  at  the 
 Hdeous  tale  f  £s  hearl  was  too  full,  and  his  grief  too  big  for  utterance  I^ow  the 
 sons  of  Jacob.  This  is  the  firft  lime  that  we  have  the  names  of  thefe  heads  of  the 
 twelve  .ribes  together.  Ver.  28,  And  the  daps  of  Isaac  were  an  hundred  and 
 
 he  had  got  in  the  land  of  Canaan,  and  went  into  the 
 country  from  the  face  of  his  brother  Jacob.  c^^!*^4o. 
 
 7  For  their  riches  were  more  than  that  they  might 
 dwell  together  ;  and  the  land  wherein  they  were 
 llrangers  could  not  bear  them  becaufe  of  their  cattle. 
 
 •8  Thus  dwelt  Etau  in  mount  Seir.  Efau  is  Edom,  b  Joih. 
 
 9  ^  And  thefe  ore  the  generations  of  Efau,  the  24. 4. 
 father  of  f  the  Edomites,  in  mount  Seir.  t  Heb. 
 
 i  0  Thefe  are  the  names  of  Efau’s  Ions ;  =  Eliphaz 
 the  Ion  of  Adah  the  wife  of  Efau  ;  Reuel  the  Ion  of*: 
 Balhemath  the  wife  of  Efau.  ‘  ’ 
 
 1 1  And  the  fons  of  Eliphaz  were  Teman,  Omar, 
 
 Zepho,  and  Gatam,  and  Kenaz. 
 
 12  And  Tirana  v\ as  concubine  to  Eliphaz,  Efau’s 
 fon  ;  and  fhe  bare  to  Eliphaz  Amalek :  thefe  u'cre 
 the  fons  of  Adah,  Efau’s  wife. 
 
 13  And  thefe  are  the  fons  of  Reuel;  Nahath,  and 
 Zerah,  Shamraah,  and  Mizzah  ;  thefe  were  the  fons 
 of  Balhemath,  Efau’s  wife. 
 
 14  ^  And  thefe  were  the  fons  of  Aholibamah,  the 
 daughter  of  Anah,  the  daughter  of  Zibeon,  Efau’s 
 wife  ;  and  Ihe  bare  to  Efau,  Jeufli,  and  Jaalam,  and 
 Korah, 
 
 15  H  Thefe  >were  dukes  of  the  fons  of  Efau:  the^ir,  1715, 
 fons  of  Eliphaz,  the  firfl-born  fun  of  Efau  ;  duke 
 Teman,  duke  Omar,  duke  Z-  pha,  duke  Kenaz, 
 
 16  13uke  Korah,  duke  Gatam,  and  duke  Amalek. 
 
 Thefe  are  the  dukes  that  came  of  Eliphaz  in  the  land 
 of  Edom  :  thefe  vnere  the  fons  of  Adah. 
 
 17  51  And  thefe  are  the  fons  of  Reuel,  Efau’s  fon  ; 
 duke  Nahath,  duke  Zerah,  duke  Shammab,  duke 
 Mizzah.  Thefe  arc  the  dukes  that  came  ot  Reuel  in 
 the  land  of  Edom  :  thefe  are  the  fons  of  Bafliemath, 
 
 Efau’s  wife. 
 
 1 8  And  thefe  are  the  fons  of  Aholibamah,  Efau’s 
 wife ;  duke  Jeufh,  duke  Jaalam,  duke  Korah  :  thefe 
 were  the  dukes  that  came  of  Aholibamah,  the  daughter 
 of  Anah,  Efau’s  wife. 
 
 19  Thefe  are  the  fons  of  Efau,  (who  is  Edom,)  and 
 thefe  ore  their  dukes. 
 
 20  II  Thefe  are  the  fons  of  Seir  the  Horite,  who  dr.  i84o. 
 
 inhabited  the  land  ;  Lotan,  and  Shobal,  and  Zibeon,  1  Chro. 
 and  Anah,  .  , 
 
 21  And  Dilhon,  and  Ezer,  and  Dtfhan.  Ihefe 
 
 fourscore  pears.  Ifa.'ic,  a  mild  and  quiet  man,  lived  longell  of  all  the  patriarchs. 
 Throughout  his  whole  life,  in  every  part  of  his  conduct  we  difeover  him  to  have 
 been  eminently  a  man  of  unfeigned  devotion,  and  a  lover  of  peace.  Ver.  29. 
 And  he  was  gathered  unto  his  people.  His  foul  was  gathered  to  the  righteous,  and 
 his  body  buried  in  the  cave  of  Machpelah,  where  the  remains  of  Abraham  and  Sa¬ 
 rah,  his  father  and  mother,  were  depofited.  His  sons  Esau  and  Jacob  buried  him. 
 Particular  notice  is  taken  of  the  amicable  agreement  cf  Efau  and  Jacob  in  folem- 
 nizin<r  their  father’s  funeral.  Though  Ifaac’s  death  is  mentioned  here,  it  did  not 
 take  "place  before  the  events  refpeiiing  Jofeph  and  Judah,  narrated  in  chapter 
 xxxvii.  and  xxxviii.  had  taken  place.  _ 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXXVI.  Ver.  1.  This  genealogy 
 of  Efau  was  inferted  to  anwfer  a  double  intention  ;  to  (hew  the  fulfilinent  of  bis 
 father’s  prophetic  bleffing  concerning  tlie  multiplication  of  his  feed,  and  the  ac- 
 compIiOimerit  of  the  oracle  to  Re’oekah,  fignifying  that  two  nations  were  in  her 
 womb,  one  of  which  were  ihofe  Edomites.  Who  is  Edom,  He  was  thus  ur- 
 named  from  the  red  poUage  for  which  he  fold  his  birth-right  to  his  brother 
 Jacob,  chap.  xxv,.  ZO.  Ver.  ,2.  It  appears  from  ver  24.  that  Anah  was  Zibeon  s 
 son;  and  accordingly  it  is  fo  rendered  by  the  Septaagint,  Syriac,  and  Samaritan 
 verfions.  Ver.  15.  Thofe  perlbns  ftylcd  dukes  were  not  rulers  of  provinces,  but 
 only  the  heads  or  chiefs  of  paiticular  families.  Ver.  2.4  Mules  do  not  generate, 
 
 OBSERVATIONS.-.  c.„.  XXXV  ]  I.  '»>"  ::rf;:,:’riir.Vot''iTh7 
 
 trefs  forgotten.  God  a. u ft  be  of  our  wSft  efteem  sL^'tend 'reft  love  return  to  the  dull.  Old  Lithful  fe.  yams  deferve  relpeft  ;  and  it  is 
 
 this  is  a  world  cf  care  and  forrow  ;  the  objetfts  J  affcdlionate  wife  mufi  produce  more  tender  fenfat.ons  of  forrow  and  leave  deeper 
 
 fei^ion  there  can  he  little  hope  of  their  future  peace. 
 
The  generations  of  Esau. 
 
 GENESIS. 
 
 lusejJi  s  t-joo  dreams^ 
 
 cir 
 
 Clirill 
 1781. 
 
 cir.  1780. 
 
 are  the  dukes  of  the  Horites,  the  children  of  Seir  in 
 the  land  of  Edom. 
 
 22  And  the  children  of  Lotan  were  Hori  and  He- 
 man  ;  and  Lotan’s  filler  was  I'imna. 
 
 23  And  the  children  of  Shobal  were  thele  ;  Alvan, 
 and  Manahath,  and  Ebal,  Shepho,  and  Gnam. 
 
 21<  And  thefe  are  the  children  of  Zibeon  ;  both 
 Ajah  and  Anah  :  this  was  that  Anah  that  found  the 
 mules  in  the  wildernefs,  as  he  fed  the  afles  of  Zibeon 
 his  father. 
 
 2.5  And  the  children  of  Anah  were  thefe  ;  Difhon, 
 and  Aholibamah  the  daughter  of  Anah. 
 
 26  And  thefe  are  the  children  of  Difhon  ;  Hem- 
 dan,  and  Efhban,  and  Ithran,  and  Cheran. 
 
 27  The  children  of  Ezer  are  thefe ;  Bilhan,  and 
 Zaavan,  and  Akan. 
 
 28  The  children  of  Difhan  are  thefe ;  Uz  and  Aran. 
 
 29  Thefe  are  the  dukes  that  came  of  the  Horites  ; 
 duke  Lotan,  duke  Shobal,  duke  Zibeon,  duke  Anah, 
 
 30  Duke  Difhon,  duke  Ezer,  duke  Difhan.  Thefe 
 are  the  dukes  that  came  of  Hori,  among  their  dukes 
 in  the  land  of  Seir. 
 
 31  f  And  thefe  ore  the  kings  that  reigned  in  the 
 land  of  Edom,  before  there  reigned  any  king  over 
 the  children  of  Ifrael. 
 
 32  And  Bela  the  fbn  of  Beor  reigned  in  Edom : 
 and  the  name  of  his  city  was  Dinhabah. 
 
 33  And  Bela  died  ;  and  Jobab  the  fon  of  Zerah  of 
 Bozrah  reigned  in  his  head. 
 
 34  And  Jobab  died ;  and  Hufham  of  the  land  of 
 Temani  reigned  in  his  flead. 
 
 35  And  Hufham  died  ;  and  Hadad  the  fon  of  Ee- 
 dad,  (who  fmote  Midian  in  the  field  of  Moab,)  reigned 
 in  his  flead  :  and  the  name  of  his  city  tews  Avith.  i 
 
 38  And  Hadad  died ;  and  Samlah  of  Mafrekah 
 reigned  in  his  ftead.  I 
 
 37  And  Samlah  died ;  and  Saul  of  Rehoboth  bij  the , 
 
 river  reigned  in  his  Head.  i 
 
 38  And  Saul  died ;  and  Baal-hanan  the  fon  of: 
 
 Achbor  reigned  in  his  flead.  i 
 
 39  And  Baal-hanan  the  fon  of  Achbor  died  ;  and 
 Hadar  reigned  in  his  Head  :  and  the  name  of  his  city 
 was  Pau ;  and  his  wife’s  name  was  Mehetabel,  the  j 
 daughter  of  Hatred,  the  daughter  of  Mezahab.  | 
 
 cir.  H9S.  40  And  thefe  are  the  names  of  the  dukes  that] 
 of  Efau,  according  to  their  families,  after  their  j 
 places,  by  their  names ;  duke  Timnah,  duke  Alvah, 
 duke  Jetheth, 
 
 41  Duke  Aholibamah,  duke  Elab,  duke  Pinon, 
 
 42  Duke  Kenaz,  duke  Teman,  duke  Mibzar, 
 
 43  Duke  Magdiel,  duke  Iram.  Thefe^;.^  the  dukes  of 
 Edom,  according  to  their  haliitations  in  the  land  of^jj. 
 their  pofleflion;  he  AElau,  the  father  off  the  Edomites.^  — , 
 
 CHAP.  XXXVII.  ^ 
 
 J  Joseph  is  hnt‘’rl  bi/ his  hrelhren,  .5  his  tutu  dreams  \o  Jacob  Sendeth  ‘'om% 
 him  to  vifil  his  brethren ;  ]0  his  brethren  consjitre  his  death  :  2\  lieu- 
 ben  save'th  him;  20'  They  sell  him  to  th.-  IpimaUles.  31  His  father, 
 dec-iued  bt/  the  bloody  coat,  vioumeth  for  him  ;  36  he  is  sold  to  Poti- 
 phar  in  lieypt. 
 
 And  Jacob  dwelt  in  the  land  f  wherein  his  fathert 
 
 was  a  flranger,  in  the  land  of  Canaan.  ^  °the7sil- 
 
 2  Tliefe  are  the  generations  of  Jacob.  Jofeph,  being ^^^rnings.. 
 feventeen  years  old,  was  feeding  the  flock  with  his  1729. 
 brethren,  and  the  lad  was  with  the  Ions  of  Bilhah, 
 and  with  the  Ions  of  Zilpah,  his  father’s  wives ;  and 
 Jofeph  brought  unto  his  father  their  evil  report. 
 
 3  Now  Ifrael  loved  Jofeph  more  than  all  his  chil¬ 
 dren,  becaufe  he  was  the  ion  of  his  old  age  :  and  he 
 made  him  a  coat  oi  many  ||  colours.  II  Or, 
 
 4  And  when  his  brethren  faw  that  their  father 
 loved  him  more  than  all  his  brethren,  they  hated  him, 
 and  could  not  fpeak  peaceably  unto  him- 
 
 5  And  Jofeph  dreamed  a  dream,  and  he  told  it 
 his  brethren,  and  they  hated  him  yet  the  more. 
 
 6  And  he  faid  unto  them,  Hear,  1  pray  you,  this 
 dream  which  I  have  dreamed ; 
 
 7  For,  behold,  we  icere  binding  fheaves  in  the  field, 
 and,  lo,  my  fheaf  arol’e,  and  alfo  flood  upright ;  and, 
 
 I  behold,  your  fheaves  flood  round  about,  and  made 
 !  obeifance  to  my  fheaf. 
 
 j  8  And  his  brethren  faid  to  him,  Shalt  thou  indeed 
 reign  over  us  ?  or  fhalt  thou  indeed  have  dominion 
 over  us  ?  And  they  hated  him  yet  the  more  for  his 
 dreams,  and  for  his  words. 
 
 9  H  And  he  dreamed  yet  another  efream,  and  told 
 it  his  brethren,  and  faid,  Behold,  I  have  dreamed  a 
 dream  more;  and,  behold,  the  fun,  and  the  moon, 
 and  the  eleven  flars,  made  obeifance  to  me. 
 
 10  And  he  told  it  to  his  father,  and  to  his  brethren  : 
 and  his  father  rebuked  him,  and  faid  unto  him.  What 
 is  this  dream  that  thou  haft  dreamed  ?  Shall  I,  and 
 thy  mother,  and  thy  brethren,  indeed  come  to  bow 
 dowm  ourfelves  to  thee  to  the  earth  ? 
 
 1 1  And  his  brethren  envied  him  ;  but  his  father 
 obferved  the  faying. 
 
 12  ^1  And  his  brethren  went  to  feed  their  father’s 
 flock  in  Shechem. 
 
 13  And  Ilrael  faid  unto  Jofeph,  Do  not  thy  bre- 1  Heb. 
 thren  feed  the  flock  in  Shechem  ?  come,  and  I  will  fend 
 thee  unto  them.  And  he  faid  to  him.  Here  am  I. 
 
 14  And  he  faid  to  him,  Go,  I  pray  thee,  f  fee  whe-zAL^r* 
 
 and  hence  it  is  obvious  that  they  were  not  created  by  God  ;  for  be  pronounced 
 on  all  his  creatures  the  bleffing,  “  Be  fruitful  and  multiply.”  Ainfworth  fup. 
 pofes  that  the  latter  part  of  this  verfe  intimates  that  Anah  was  the  firft  who 
 procured  this  kind  of  animals,  by  caufing  the  afs  to  engender  with  the  horfe ; 
 this  was  contrary  to  nature,  and  to  the  law  afterwards  delivered  to  Ifrael’, 
 liev.  xix.  19.  ’ 
 
 explanatory  NOTES.  Chap  XXXVII.  Ver.  1.  Wherein  his  father 
 was  a  stranger.  The  Hebrew  fignifies  In  the  land  of  his  father' s  snjournings,  and 
 ought  lo  have  been  fo  tranflated.  Ver  3.  Ifrael  is  here  faid  to  have  loved  Jofeph 
 more  than  all  his  other  children,  becaufe  he  was  the  fon  of  his  old  age.  A  coat  of 
 many  colours.  The  Hebrew  is,  many  pieces.  The  Arabic  renders  it  a Jitken  coat. 
 Whatever  the  m.itter  might  be  of  which  it  was  made,  it  is  plain,  that  it  was  com- 
 pofed  of  different  colours.  It  was  probably  fuch  as  the  children  of  great  men  ufed 
 to  wear,  2  Sam.  xiii.  8.  Ver,  1 8.  And  when  his  brethren  saw  that  their  father  loved 
 him,  they  haled  him.  This  hatred  of  him  was  increaled,  becaufe  he  brouAit  to  his 
 
 father  their  evil  report.  Could  not  speak  peaceably  unto  him.  The  Arabic  renders 
 it,  they  could  not  salute  him  ;  which  conveys  to  us  the  fenfe  of  the  hillorian  better 
 than  our  tranflation.  Ver.  5,  Joseph  dreamed  a  dream.  Though  he  w-as  very 
 young,  about  feventeen  years  old,  yet  he  was  pious  and  devout,  and  therefore  fitted 
 to  receive  God’s  gracious  difeoveries  of  hirafelf  to  him.  And  he  told  it  his  brethren. 
 By  innocently  telling  to  his  brethren  thefe  dreams  which  prognoilicated  his  future 
 grandeur,  be  Ihews  himfelf  more  of  a  prophet  than  a  politician,  clfe  he  would 
 have  concealed  them  within  his  own  bread.  Ver.  7.  Your Jheavis  flood  round  about 
 and  made  obeifance  to  myjlieaf.  This  prediaed  what  really  happened,  when  they 
 went  for  fupplies  of  corn  into  Egypt,  and  bowed  themfelves  before  him,  with  their- 
 faces  to  the  earth,  chap.  xlii.  6.  Ver.  8.  Shalt  thou  indeed  reign  over  us  ?  His  bre- 
 thren  underflood  the  dream  and  the  interpreUiion  thereof,  that  be  Ihould  rei^n 
 over  them;  the  truth  of  which  was  verified  by  the  event,  though  at  prefent  they 
 only  treated  it  as  an  idle  fancy,  or  a  fiaion  invented  by  his  vanity,  which  they  refent 
 in  the  mod  fcornful  manner.  Ver  9.  He  dreamed  yet  another  dream.  This  othe. 
 
 yn  How  midaken  are  our  views  of  things,  and  what  falfe  calculations  do  we  often  make  of  happinefs 
 Efau  3  rate  foon  role  to  wealth  and  honoun  while  Jacob  s  Ibjourned  in  a  flrange  land,  and  felt  levere  afflitSlion  :  yet  who  would  not  choofe  the  nortt  >n  t  »  * 
 
 rather  than  that  of  the  former.  The  children  of  Jacob  were  the  objedts  of  God’s  fpecial  love  ;  and  it  became  them  with  patience  to  wait  the  li™  ^  T  '1! 
 
 deliverance.  Thofe  are  not  to  be  envied  who  choofe  their  portion  in  this  life;  end  thofe  who  have  the  hope  of  enjoying  the  heRvenly  Canaan  may  weuTal^e  wit  out 
 murniunng,  a  few  days’  momentary  trials,  j  j  vanaan  may  well  euaure  wit;,out 
 
Joscp?}  IS  tc7it  to  visit  his  brethren.  GENESIS. 
 
 ther  it  be  well  wir  i  thy  brethren,  and  well  with  the 
 nocks ;  and  bring  me  word  ai-tain.  So  he  Cent  him 
 out  or  the  vale  of  iiebron,  and  he  came  to  Shechem. 
 
 15  And  a  certain  man  found  him,  and,  behold,  he 
 jms  wandering  in  the  field  :  and  the  man  alked  him, 
 laying.  What  feekeft  thou  ? 
 
 16  And  he  faid,  I  l^k  my  brethren  :  tell  me,  I  pray 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 master  of 
 
 breams. 
 
 3  Chap. 
 ■42.  22. 
 
 HOr, 
 
 pieces. 
 
 departed  hence ;  for 
 
 , ,  _ go  to  Dothan.  And  Jofeph 
 
 went  after  his  brethren,  and  found  them  in  Dothan. 
 
 18  And  when  they  faw  him  afar  off,  even  before 
 he  came  near  unto  them,  they  confpired  againft  him 
 today  him. 
 
 19  And  they  faid  one  to  another.  Behold,  this 
 f  dreamer  cometh. 
 
 20  Come  now  therefore,  and  let  us  flay  him,  and 
 caft  him  into  fome  pit ;  and  we  will  fay,  Some  evil 
 bead  hath  devoured  him  :  and  we  lhall  fee  what  will 
 become  of  his  dreams. 
 
 21  And  *  Reuben  heard  it^  and  he  delivered  him 
 out  of  their  hands  ;  and  faid.  Let  us  not  kill  him. 
 
 22  And  Reuben  faid  unto  them.  Shed  no  blood,  but 
 caft  him  into  this  pit  that  is  in  the  wildernefs,  and 
 lay  no  hand  upon  him  ;  that  he  might  rid  him  out  of 
 their  hands,  to  deliver  him  to  his  father  again. 
 
 23  And  it  came  to  pal’s,  when  Jol'eph  was  come 
 unto  his  brethren,  that  they  ftripped  Jol'eph  out  of  his 
 coat,  his  coat  of  II  many  colours,  that  xms  on  him  ; 
 
 24  And  they  took  him,  and  caft  him  into  a  pit : 
 and  the  pit  was  empty,  there  was  no  water  in  it. 
 
 25  And  they  fat  down  to  eat  bread  :  and  they  lifted 
 up  their  eyes,  and  looked,  and,  behold,  a  company  of 
 Ifhmaelites  came  from  Gilead,  with  their  camels  bear¬ 
 ing  fpicery,  and  balm,  and  myrrh,  going  to  carry  it 
 down  to  Egypt. 
 
 dream  was  not  only  intended  to  confirm  the  event  predi(5led  by  the  former,  but  to 
 heighten  its  (ignification,  by  foretelling  that  not  only  the  brethren,  but  the  parents 
 of  Jofeph  fhould  acknowledge  the  fuperiority  of  his  condition.  Ver.  1 1.  His  father 
 'observed  the  saying.  The  Syriac  renders  the  laft  word  speech,  but  the  Arabic 
 speeches;  applying  it  to  both  the  dreams.  Jacob  gently  rebuked  his  fon  either 
 for  his  imprudence  in  telling  his  dreams,  or  becaufe  the  patriarch  did  not  fully 
 underfland  them.  But  judging  that  they  were  from  God,  he  obferved  them, 
 treafured  them  up  in  his  memory,  in  order  to  wait  for  the  interpretations  of 
 them  in  the  courfe  of  Providence.  Thus  adled  Mary  the  mother  of  our  Lord, 
 Luke  ii  19.  Ver.  15.  Come,  and  I  will  send  thee.  It  was  no  wonder  that  Jacob 
 was  uneafy  with  regard  to  his  fons,  who  were  now  feeding  their  docks  in  She¬ 
 chem,  when  we  remember  the  horrid  deed  which  they  had  committed  there. 
 He  therefore  thought  proper  to  fend  Jofeph  to  them,  though  it  was  near  fixty 
 miles  diflant  from  Hebron,  the  place  where  be  now  dwelt.  And  he  said  unto  him, 
 Here  am  I.  Here  .we  have  in  Jofeph  an  eminent  inllance  of  dlial  duty  and  fra¬ 
 ternal  love ;  and  here  we  have  an  example  of  that  rule  lb  hardly  learned,  and 
 rarely  pracSlifed,  to  lobe  those  that  hate  us.  Ver.  17.  .fofeph  repaired  to  Shechem  ; 
 but  finding  his  brethreli  were  retired  thence  in  quell  of  paflui'e,  he  continued 
 his  fearch  till  he  found-them  in  Dothan,  a  place  about  eight  miles  north  from 
 Shechem  ^  Ver.  19.  Behold  this  dreamer  cometh.  In  the  Hebrew  it  is,  master 
 of  dreamt,  one  greatly  IkiMed  in  dreams.  Ver.  20  Come  now  therefore,  and  let  ms 
 s'ay  hiui.  This  inllance  teaches  us  the  natural  progrefs  of  fm.  The  feeds  of 
 envy  grow  into  a(5lual  hatred  ;  and  hatred  by  an  eafy  tranfition,  degenerates 
 into  intentional  murder.  Ver.  22.  Compare  chap.  xlii.  22.  Reuben,  who  was 
 the  eldea  brother,  and  confequently  had  the  greateft  authority  among  them^, 
 defpairing  to  protea  him  by  any  open  or  direa  method,  perfuaded  them  to  call 
 him  into  a  pit,  that  he  might  have  an  opportunity  of  delivering  him  aga'"  “> 
 father _ Reuben  of  all  the  brothers  had  moa  reafon  to  be  jealous  of  Jofeph  ;  tor 
 
 17  29. 
 
 He  is  sold  to  Potiphar  in  Egijpl, 
 
 26  And  Judah  faid  unto  his  brethren.  What  profit  before 
 is  it  if  we  flay  our  brother,  and  conceal  his  blood  ? 
 
 27  Come,  let  us  fell  him  to  the  Ifhmaelites,  and 
 let  not  our  hand  be  upon  him ;  for  he  is  our  brother, 
 and  our  flefh  :  and  his  brethren  f  were  content,  f  Heb. 
 
 28  Then  there  pafl'ed  by  Midianites,  merchant  -men  ;  hearken- 
 and  they  drew  and  lifted  up  Jofeph  out  of  the  pit,®^^- 
 
 ^  and  fold  Jofeph  to  the  Ilhmaelites  for  twenty  Pfaim 
 
 of  filver  :  and  they  brought  Jofeph  into  Egypt.  19; 
 
 29  H  And  Reuben  returned  unto  the  pit ;  and, 
 
 hold,  Jofeph  was  not  in  the  pit :  and  he  rent  his  clothes.  acSIs  7'.  9. 
 
 ^  30  And  he  returned  unto  his  brethren,  and  faid. 
 
 The  child  is  not ;  and  I,  whither  fhall  I  go  ? 
 
 31  And  they  took  Jofeph’s  coat,  and  killed  a  kid 
 of  the  goats,  and  dipped  the  coat  in  the  blood  : 
 
 32  And  they  fent  the  coat  of  7nany  colours,  and  they 
 brought  it  to  their  father ;  and  faid,  I’his  have  we 
 found  :  know  now  whether  it  be  thy  fon’s  coat  or  no. 
 
 33  And  he  knew  it,  and  faid.  It  is  my  fon’s  coat : 
 
 an  «=  evil  beaft  hath  devoured  him  :  Jofeph  is  without  c  Chap, 
 doubt  rent  in  pieces.  28, 
 
 34  And  Jacob  rent  his  clothes,  and  put  fackcloth 
 upon  his  loins,  and  mourned  for  his  fon  many  days. 
 
 35  And  all  his  fons,  and  all  his  daughters,  role  up 
 to  comfort  hhn ;  but  he  refufed  to  be  comforted  :  and 
 i  he  faid.  For  I  will  go  down  into  the  grave  unto  my 
 ifon  mourning.  Thus  his  father  wept  for  him. 
 
 36  And  the  Midianities  fold  him  into  Egypt  unto  „ 
 Potiphar,  an  f  officer  of  Pharaoh’s  a7id  f  ||  captain 
 
 the  guard.*  But  .he 
 
 word  doth  fignify  not  only  eunuchs,  but  alfo  chamberlains,  courtiers,  and  officers., 
 f  Heb.  chief  of  the  slaughtermen,  or  enecutioners.  ||  Or,  chief  marflial. 
 
 CHAP.  XXXVIII. 
 
 1  Judah  begelUth  Er,  Onan,  and  Shelah.  6  Er  marrietk  Tamar.  8  The 
 trefpafs  of  Onan-  H  Tamar  fayeth  fur  Shelah,  13  She  deceiveth 
 Judah  ;  27  She  bearelh  twins,  fharez  and  Zarah, 
 
 he  was  the  firft-born,  and  fo  entitled  to  thofe  diftinguifliing  favours  which  Jacob 
 was  conferring  on  Jofeph  ;  yet  he  proves  bis  heft  friend.  Ver.  25.  S^plcery,  balm. 
 Thefe  were  commodities  of  which  there  was  a  vaft  confumpt  in  Bgypt,  being  the 
 ingredients  made  ufe  of  in  embalming  the  dead,  which  was  at  that  time  become 
 a  general  pra<5lice  in  that  country,  Ver.  28.  There  pajfed  by  Midianites.  In 
 ver.  25.  they  are  called  I/hmaelites,  The  caravan  (eems  to  have  confided  of 
 both,  for  they  were  near  neighbours.  Twenty  pieces  of fiver.  About  forty- 
 feven  fhillings  fterling.  Ver.  29  He  rent  his  clothes-  This  was  one  of  the  figns 
 of  ancient  mourning,  and  ufed  in  cafes  of  the  grea.eft  did  refs.  From  this  be¬ 
 haviour  of  Reuben,  it  is  plain  that  he  was  not  privy  to  the  tr.anfacflion  of  felling 
 Jofejih  to  the  Idimaelites,  but  fomewhere  abfent  when  it  was  done.  Ver.  30. 
 Whither  fhall  I  go  t  Where  fliall  I  go  to  feek  the  child,  or  whether  fhall  I  fly  to 
 conceal  myftlf  from  my  father’s  anger.  Ver.  32  And  they  fent  the  coat  of  many 
 colours  ;  probably  by  the  hand  of  their  fervants,  whom  they  inflrut^ed  what  to 
 fay  to  their  father  when  they  prefented  it  to  him,  And  they  brought  it  to  their 
 father.  That  is,  the  melTengers  carried  it  to  the  father  of  Jofeph’s  brethren. 
 Ver.  35.  He  knew  it  and  faid.  It  is  my  fan's  coat.  If  this  be  read  without  the 
 fupplement  it  is,  the  pathos  will  appear  more  ftrong  t  he  knew  it,  and  said — My 
 son's  coat  / — an  evil  beast  hath  devoured  him.  Here  conceive,  if  poflible,  the  ftrOng 
 emotions  of  the  aged  father  at  fo  difmal  a  Ipedlacle ;  fo  convincing,  ah  !  too  con¬ 
 vincing  a  proof  (as  he  thought)  of  the  fad  catadropbe  of  the  darling,  hut  ill-fated 
 fon  of  his  age  !  But  the  pathos  conveyed  in  the  fimple  and  laconic  words  of  the 
 text,  is  weakened  by  any  paraphrafe.  Ver,  34.  Jacob  rent  his  clothes.  An  affedl- 
 ing  idea !  The  hoary  patriarch  rends  his  clothes,  covers  his  aged  body  with  fack- 
 cloib,  and  refufes  to  be  comforted.  Ver.  35.  I  will  go  down  into  the  grave  unto 
 my  son,  mourning;  that  is,  he  would  receive  no  comfort  in  this  life,  but  go 
 mourning  all  his  days  for  his  fen,  till  death,  at  the  appointed  time,  (houid  put  an 
 end  to  liis  forrows. 
 
 ^T.ot7ox7  4-rTr»\r«  •  Thap  XXXVII.l  He  that  reproveih  a  Iborner  getteth  to  himfelf  a  blot.  We  muft  not  however  negka  to  difeoun- 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSER  finnpr<i  of  their  dancer  This  however  is  a  duty,  in  the  performance  of  which  we  may  expcift  the  ill-will  of  the  perverfe.  One 
 
 tenance  fin.  nor  ceafe  prudently  to  warn  finners  of  t  g  •  manifeft  partiality.  Envy  is  a  detefiable  tempel ;  for  it  makes  excellency, 
 
 child  in  a  family  may  deferVe  and  repays  the  moft  affedionate  love  fometimes  with  a  deliberate  murder.  God  makes  his  darkeft 
 
 and  even  the  favour  of  God,  a  reafon  of  ^  nurpofes.  Seldom  is  an  atrocious  crime  committed  but  a  lie  is  framed  to  conceal  it.  We  may  belter  prevail 
 
 Providence  fubfervier.t  to  ^pp^fition.  Our  well  meant  endeavours  may  be  difappointed,  which  may  give  us  pain,  when  afterwards  it  is  feet, 
 
 over  ragmg  palTions  by  yield.ng  a  little  ‘f’*"  “y  “  immoderate  love :  and  many  of  our  bittereft  griefs  as  well  as  our  greateft  pleafures  in  this  world  are  formed  on 
 to  b.  mercy  Immoderate  forrow  in  his  fufferings  as  a  type  of  JeAis,  who.  for  the  benefit,  fubmitted  to  be  rejeaed 
 
 p„.  Thefe  .hi.p  g.ic.o.%  «pp,.®d  Ih.  fplrife  of  hi.  difeipfe.  i  W.  feo-r  o.p.„.g  hop.,  «« 
 
 re77rolh.o  roi«d.  Tho,  .0  (ho  hpright  light  Ihidl  aiife,  Ihoogh  IheJ  f«  «  tokoof.. 
 
TCivnaf  decBiveth  Judahs 
 
 genesis. 
 
 She  beareth  Pharez  and  %arah, 
 
 Bef -re  A  ND  it  camc  to  pafs,  at  that  time,  that  Judah  went 
 
 chrift  down  from  his  brethren,  and  turned  in  to  a  cer- 
 
 cir,  1729.  AduUamite,  whole  name  was  Ilirah. 
 
 2  And  Judah  faw  there  a  daughter  of  a  certain 
 a  1  Cbro.  Cdnaanite,  whofe  name  xms  ®  Shuah  ;  and  he  took 
 2.5.  her,  and  went  in  unto  her. 
 
 3  And  (he  conceived,  and  bare  a  fon  ;  and  he  called 
 b  Numb,  his  name  Er. 
 
 26. 19.  4  And  (he  conceived  again,  and  bare  a  fon  ;  and 
 
 cir.  called  his  name  Onan. 
 
 5  And  (he  yet  again  conceived,  and  bare  a  fon  ;  and 
 called  his  name  Shelah  ;  and  he  was  at  Chezib  when 
 fhe  bare  him. 
 
 6  And  Judah  took  a  wife  for  Er  his  firll-born, 
 whole  name  was  Tamar. 
 
 c  1  Chro.  7  And  =  Er,  Judah’s  firft-born,  was  wkked  in  the 
 'fight  of  the  I.,ORD  ;  and  the  Lord  flew  him. 
 
 8  And  Judah  faid  unto  Onan,  Go  in  unto  thy  bro¬ 
 ther’s  wife,  and  marry  her,  and  raife  up  feed  to  thy 
 brother. 
 
 9  And  Onan  knew  that  the  feed  (hould  not  be  his ; 
 
 and  it  came  to  pal's,  when  he  went  in  unto  his  bro- ! 
 ther’s  wife  that  he  (pilled  on  the  ground,  left  that  he 
 fhould  give  feed  to  his  brother.  _  _  j 
 
 10  And  the  thing  which  he  did  f  difpleafed  the 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 cir.  1727. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 was  evil 
 in  the  eyes 
 of  the 
 LORD. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 the  days 
 were  mul- 
 tijilied. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 Lord  ;  wherefore  he  flew  him  alfo. 
 
 1 1  Then  faid  Judah  to  Tamar  his  daughter-in-law,  j 
 
 Remain  a  widow  at  thy  father’s  houfe,  till  Shelah  i 
 my  fon  be  grown :  (for  he  faid,  Left  peradventure  he ; 
 die  alfo,  as  his  brethren  did.)  And  Tamar  w^ent  and  j 
 dwelt  in  her  father’s  houfe.  I 
 
 12  H  And  t  in  procefs  of  time,  the  daughter  ofj 
 Shuah,  Judah’s  wife,  died  :  and  Judah  was  comforted, 
 and  went  up  unto  his  (heep-(hearers  to  Timnath,  he 
 and  his  friend  Hirah  the  AduUamite. 
 
 13  And  it  was  told  Tamar,  faying,  Behold,  thy 
 father-in-law  goeth  up  to  Timnath  to  (hear  his  (beep. 
 
 14  And  (he  put  her  widow’s  garments  oft"  from 
 her,  and  covered  her  with  a  vail,  and  wrapped  herfelf, 
 and  fat  in  f  an  open  place,  which  is  by  the  way  to 
 
 eyes,  or, 
 oj  Ena- 
 jim. 
 
 tAedooro/^-'ininath  :  for  (he  faw  that  Shelah  was  growm,  and  fhe 
 was  not  given  unto  him  to  wife. 
 
 15  "When  Judah  faw  her,  he  thought  her  to  be  an 
 harlot ;  becaufe  fhe  had  covered  her  face. 
 
 16  And  he  turned  unto  her  by  the  way,  and  faid, 
 Go  to,  I  pray  thee,  let  me  come  in  unto  thee ;  (for 
 he  knew  not  that  (lie  was  his  daughter-in-law.)  And 
 (he  faid,  What  wilt  thou  give  me,  that  thou  mayeft 
 come  in  unto  me  ? 
 
 17  And  he  faid,  I  will  fend  thee  f  a  kid  from  the  flock. 
 
 f  Heb 
 
 a  kid  of 
 the  goats. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXXVIll,  Ver.  1.  Chronolo^fts 
 ■arejuftly  of  opinion  that  Judah’s  marriage  happened  a  confiderable  time  before 
 the  felling  of  Jofeph  to  the  Ifhmaelites.  Mofes  does  not  always  obferve  the  pre- 
 cife  time  in  his  hiftory.  Judah  married  about  the  time  that  .Tacob  returned  to 
 Canaan.  Ver.  2.  A  certain  Canaanite.  This  marriage  with  a  Canaanitifh  woman 
 was  oppofife  to  the  received  cuftora  of  his  predecellors,  who  particularly  guarded 
 their  fons  from  making  any  alliance  with  this  nation.  The  Chaldee  and  Tigurine 
 verfions  render  the  word  a  merchant ;  in  which  fenfe  it  is  likewife  ufed,  Prcv. 
 Sxxi.  24.  Ver,  10.  Onan’s  fin  proceeded  from  envy  to  his  brother,  and  fiomwant 
 of  affei5lion  to  the  memory  of  his  name,  and  principally  from  covetoufnefs  to  get 
 his  brother’s  eftate  into  his  own  hands.  Ver.  11.  Remain  a  widow.  Hence  we 
 may  infer,  that  the  contrail  of  marriage  in  thofe  days  oljligcd  the  woman,  in  cafe 
 the  bufband  died  without  iffue,  to  marry  his  next  brother  ;  and  that  as  long  as  any 
 
 And  (he  faid,  Wilt  thou  give  me  a  pledge  till  thou 
 (end  it  ? 
 
 18  And  he  faid.  What  pledge  fliall  I  give  thee 
 And  fhe  faid.  Thy  fignet,  and  thy  bracelets,  and  the 
 ftaff  that /s  in  thine  hand:  and  he  gave  her,  and 
 came  in  unto  her ;  and  (he  cqgceived  by  him. 
 
 19  And  (he  rofe,  and  w^nraway,  and  laid  by  her 
 vail  from  her,  and  put  bn  die  garments  of  her  w’idow- 
 hood. 
 
 20  And  Judah  fent  the  kid  by  the  hand  of  his  friend 
 the  AduUamite,  to  receive  his  pledge  from  the  woman’s 
 hand  ;  but  he  found  her  not. 
 
 21  Then  he  alked  the  men  of  that  place,  faying, 
 
 Where  is  the  harlot  that  -was  1|  openly  by  the  way-llde  ? 
 
 And  they  faid.  There  was  no  harlot  in  this  place. 
 
 22  And  he  returned  to  Judah,  and  faid,  I  cannot 
 find  her ;  and  alfo  the  men  of  the  place  faid,  that  there 
 was  no  harlot  in  this  place. 
 
 23  And  Judah  faid,  Let  her  take yV  to  her,  left  we 
 
 I  be  afhamed  :  behold,  I  fent  this  kid,  and  thou  haftt  Web. 
 
 not  found  her.  contempt 
 
 24  *(  And  it  came  to  pafs,  about  three  months  after, 
 
 that  it  was  told  Judah,  faying,  Tamar  thy  daughter-in- 
 law  hath  played  the  harlot ;  and  alfo,  behold,  fhe  is 
 with  child  by  Whoredom.  And  Judah  faid,  Bring  her 
 forth,  and  let  her  be  burnt.  * 
 
 25  When  file  was  brought  forth,  fhe  fent  to  her 
 father-in-law,  faying,  By  the  man  whole  thefe  are  am 
 I  with  child  :  and  (he  faid,  Difcern,  1  pray  thee,  whole 
 arc  thefe,  the  fignet,  and  bracelets,  and  (taff. 
 
 26  And  Judah  acknowledged  them,  and  faid,  She 
 hath  been  more  righteous  than  I ;  because  that  I  gave 
 her  not  to  Shelah  my  fon :  and  he  knew  her  again 
 no  more. 
 
 27  ^  And  it  came  to  pafs,  in  the  time  of  her  travail^ 
 
 that,  behold,  twins  were  in  her  womb.  H  Or, 
 
 28  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  (he  travailed,  that 
 the  one  put  out  his  hand  ;  and  the  midwife  took 
 
 bound  upon  his  hand  a  fcarlet  thread,  faying,  This  ihis6rcoc/» 
 came  out  flrft.  against 
 
 29  And  it  came  to  pafs,  as  he  drew  back  his  hand,  . 
 that,  behold,  his  brother  came  out :  and  (he  faid,  trelck. 
 !1  How  haft  thou  broken  forth  ?  this  breach  be  upon  a  i  cfaro! 
 thee  :  therefore  his  name  was  called  H  Pharez.  2.  4. 
 
 SO  And  afterward  came  out  his  brother,  that  had  ^ 
 the  fcarlet  thread  upon  his  hand;  and  his  name  was]j,.,„/i^l'*’ 
 called  II  Zarah.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXXIX. 
 
 1  Joseph  advanced  in  Poliphar's  hovse  ;  7  he  resisteth  his  mistress'  tempta¬ 
 tions,  12  he  is  falsely  accused  ;  19  he  is  cast  into  prison  ;  21  Cod  is 
 
 with  him  there. 
 
 of  his  brethren  remained,  they  were  bound  to  marry  his  wife,  nnlefs  the  Ijjd  a  child 
 And  this  cuftom  was  afterwards  made  one  of  t.he  laws  of  Mofes,  D'ut.  xxv.  5 
 Ver.  15.  As  her  face  was  covered  with  a  vail,  he  did  not  know  her  to  be  his  daiig 
 ter- in- law ;  but  thought  her  an  harlot,  as  flie  was  fitting  in  an  open  place  withou 
 
 the  city,  or  where  two  ways  met,  the  ufual  haunts  of  proftitutes,  Prov.  ix.  13 _ !5 
 
 Ver.  26.  She  hath  been  more  righteous  than  1.  Not  more  virtuous  or  chaste-  fu 
 (he  knowingly  committed  adultery,  w  hile  he  was  wholly  ignorant ;  but  more  'jusl 
 iri  that  he,  by  withholding  Shelah  from  her,  had  provoked  her  to  lay  this  trap  fo 
 him.  So  that,  though  Tamar  was  more  wicked  in  the  fight  of  God,  yet  fhe  ma 
 be  faid  to  be  more  juft  before  Judah,  or  to  have  done  no  more,  in  drav/ine  hin 
 into  this  ferape,  than  what  be  juftly  deferved.  Ver.  29  His  name  was  called  Pha 
 rez ;  That  is,  Be  thoU  for  ever  called  Irrujdion,  or  Breach  ;  which  is  the  meanini 
 of  the  vrord  Pharezo  * 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  XXXVIII.j  Unhallowed  marriages  are  generally  produdlive of  much  mifehief.  Sins  which  dilhonour  the  br* 
 
 dy^  if  not  vifited  by  immediate  judgments,  often  iffue  in  untimely  death.  Forced  continence  is  dangerous  ;  thofe  v.’bo  muft  not  trtarry,  feldom  maintain  ur  i  f  '  '  d 
 
 t6r  condudl.  They  adl  as  if  infatuated,  who,  for  momentary  enjoyment,  facrifiee  their  peace  and  honour  and  the  divine  approbation.'  Many  are  ^ 
 
 avoid  the  difgrace  connedled  with  fin  in  this  life  than  the  difpleafure  of  the  Almighty.  Malice  againft  men’s  perfons  often  gratifies  itfelf  under  coiicerne  to 
 
 Secret  fins  are  frequently  manifefted  in  this  world,  and  they  cannot  be  hid  before  the  tribunal  of  God.  Happy  is  he  who  confeffes^g^  ferf^es 
 
 borrence  of  fin 
 for  he  {hall  find  mercy. 
 
 M 
 
Joseph  is  advanced  in  Pufiphar*s  house] 
 
 GENESIS. 
 
 He  is  falsely  accused  hij  his  mistress. 
 
 Before 
 Chrifl 
 1729. 
 
 Cir. 
 
 And  Jofeph  was  brought  down  to  Egypt ;  and 
 Potiphar,  an  officer  ot  Pharaoh,  captain  of  the 
 guard,  an  Egyptian,  bought  him  of  the  hands  of  the 
 llhmaelites,  which  had  brought  him  down  thither. 
 
 2  And  the  Lord  was  with  Jofeph,  and  he  was  a 
 profperous  man ;  and  b^was  in  the  houfe  of  his  mafter 
 the  Egyptian, 
 
 3  And  his  mafter  fawtha't  the  Lord  was  with  him, 
 and  that  the  Lord  made  all  that  he  did  to  profper  in 
 his  hand. 
 
 _  4  And  Jofeph  found  grace  in  his  fight,  and  he  ferved 
 him  :  and  he  made  him  overfeer  over  his  houfe,  and 
 all  that  he  had  he  put  into  his  hand. 
 
 5  And  it  came  to  pafs,  from  the  time  that  he  had 
 made  him  overfeer  in  his  houfe,  and  over  all  that  he 
 had,  that  the  Lord  bleffed  the  Egypftan’s  houfe,  for 
 Jofeph’s  fake  ;  and  thebleffing  of  the  Lord  was  upon 
 all  that  he  had  in  the  houfe,  and  in  the  field. 
 
 6  And  he  left  all  that  he  had  in  Jofeph’s  hand  ;  and 
 he  knew  not  ought  he  had,  fave  the  bread  which  he 
 did  eat :  and  Jofeph  was  a  goodly  perfon,  and  well- 1 
 favoured.  I 
 
 7  II  And  it  came  to  pafs  after  thefe  things,  that  his 
 matter’s  wife  caft  her  eyes  upon  Jofeph  ;  and  Ihe  laid. 
 Lie  with  me. 
 
 8  But  he  nefufed  ;  and  faid  unto  bis  matter’s  wife, 
 Behold,  my  mafter  wotteth  n‘ot  what  is  with  me  in  the 
 houfe,  and  he  hath  committed  all  that  he  hath  to  my 
 hand : 
 
 9  There  is  none  greater  in  this  houfe  than  I ;  neither 
 hath  he  kept  back  any  thing  from  me  but  thee,  becaule 
 thou  art  his  wife  :  how  then  can  I  do  this  great  wick- 
 ednefs,  and  fin  againtt  God  ? 
 
 1 0  And  it  came  to  pafs,  as  ffie  fpake  to  Jofeph  day 
 by  day,  that  he  hearkened  not  unto  her,  to  lie  by  her, 
 or  to  be  with  her. 
 
 11  And  it  came  to  pafs,  about  this  time,  that  Jofeph 
 went  into  the  houfe  to  do  his  bufinefs  ;  and  there  was 
 none  of  the  men  of  the  houfe  there  within. 
 
 12  And  {he  caught  him  by  his  garment,  faying,  Lie 
 with  me  :  and  he  left  his  garment  in  her  hand,  and  fled, 
 
 and  got  him  out.  ,  ,  .  i 
 
 1 3  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  fhe  taw  that  he  had 
 left  his  garment  in  her  hand,  and  was  fled  forth, 
 
 1 4  That  the  called  unto  the  men  of  her  houfe,  and 
 
 cir. 
 
 Before 
 Chrifl 
 1729, 
 
 faying, 
 
 fpake  unto  them,  faying.  See,  he  hath  brought  in  an 
 Hebrew  unto  us  to  mock  us ;  he  came  in  unto  me  to 
 lie  with  me,  and  1  cried  with  a  f  loud  voic^  ; 
 
 15  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  he  heard  that  I  lifted  i  Heb. 
 up  my  voice  and  cried,  that  he  left  his  garment  with 
 
 me,  and  fled,  and  got  him  our. 
 
 16  And  the  laid  up  his  garment  by  her  until  his  lord 
 came  home. 
 
 17  And  the  fpake  unto  him  according  to  thefe  words. 
 
 Idle  Hebrew  fervant  which  thou  haft  brought 
 
 unto  us,  came  in  unto  me  to  mock  me  : 
 
 1 8  And  it  came  to  pafs,  as  I  lifted  up  ray  voice 
 and  cried,  that  he  left  his  garment  with  me  and  fled 
 out. 
 
 19  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  his  mafter  heard  the 
 words  of  his  wife,  which  fhe  fpake  unto  him,  faying, 
 
 After  this  manner  did  thy  fervant  to  me ;  that  his 
 wrath  w'as  kindled. 
 
 20  And  Jofeph’s  mafter  took  him,  and  put  him  into 
 the  prilbn,  a  place  where  the  king’s  prifoners  were 
 bound  :  and  he  was  there  in  the  prifon. 
 
 21  ®il  But  the  Lord  w'as  with  Jol’eph,  and  f  thewed  t  Heb. 
 
 him  mercy,  and  gave  him  favour  in  the  fight  of  the 
 keeper  of  the  pril'on.  unfo^hUa. 
 
 22  And  the  keeper  of  the  prifon  committed 
 Jofeph’s  hand  all  the  prifoners  that  were  in  the  prifon  ; 
 and  whatfoever  they  did  there,  he  was  the  doer  of  it. 
 
 23  The  keeper  of  the  prifon  looked  not  to  any  thing 
 that  was  under  his  hand  ;  becaufe  the  Lord  w^as  with 
 him,  and  that  which  he  did,  the  Lord  made  it  to 
 prolber.* 
 
 CHAP.  XL. 
 
 1  The  buller  and  laker  op  Pharaoh  in  prison,  4  Joseph  hath  charge  op 
 
 them  ;  5  he  interpreieth  their  dreams  ;  20  they  come  to  pass  according 
 to  his  interpretation.  25  The  ingratitude  of  the  butler. 
 
 ND  it  came  to  pat's  after  thefe  things,  that  the  etr.  17201 
 
 _ butler  of  the  king  of  Egypt  and  his  baker  had 
 
 oft'ended  their  lord,  the  king  of  Egypt. 
 
 2  And  Pharaoh  was  wroth  againfi  two  ^his  officers, 
 againft  the  chief  of  the  butlers,  and  againtt  the  chief 
 of  the  bakers. 
 
 3  And  he  put  them  in  ward  in  the  houfe  of  the  cap¬ 
 tain  of  the  guard,  into  the  pritbn,  the  place  where 
 Jofeph  was  bound. 
 
 4  And  the  captain  of  the  guard  charged  Jofeph  with 
 
 A’ 
 
 ^EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXXIX.  Ver  1.  And  Joseph  was 
 brought  down  to  Egypt,  by  the  llhmaelites,  chap,  nxxvih  28.— The  hiftory  of  Jo^ 
 feph  is  now  refumed,  which  had  been  inleiiupied  by  the  tranLdrtions  relative  to 
 Judah’s  family.  Ver.  2.  Here  the  wife,  the  viriuoui  Jofeph,  though  be  had  none 
 of  all  his  relaiions  with  him,  yet  bad  his  God  with  him,  even  in  the  houfe  of  the 
 E-nptian,  Jofeph  was  feparated  from  his  brethren,  banifhed  from  his  father  s 
 houfe,  but  not  from  the  gracious  prefence  of  his  God,  and  the  comforts  of  commu¬ 
 nion  wi'h  him.  Ver.  7.  Cast  her  eyes.  The  Hebrew  reads,  Ift  up  her  eyes. 
 Modefty  is  celebrated  for  a  downtaft  look,  and  is  fearful  to  dare  any  perforr  rn 
 the  facei  But  luft  gazes  undaunted,  and,  by  amorous  glances,  endeavours  to  cap¬ 
 tivate  the  oDiea  of  defire.  Ver.  8.  But  he  refused,  and  said,— Behold  my  master. 
 There  is  not  an  inftance  left  on  record,  in  ar  y  hlflory,  of  a  behaviour  <0  'soneft, 
 
 fo  generous,  and  fo  noble,  as  that  of  Jofeph.  When  ^ 
 
 fo  unrefervedly,  be  was  fo  happy  as  to  appear  irrefillibly  beautiful  ‘he  eyes 
 
 ri  ’  rt  hnf  hp  ^ledfiftlv  lelUied  all  uer  folicUaticus-  Ver.  9  How  can  1 
 ofbis  miftiefs  bu^  folicitauons  of  his  miftrefs.  he  choofes  to 
 
 fpring  of  human  ardions,  and  includes  in  it  all  the  mod  powerful  motives  by 
 which  the  condurd  of  mankind  is  determined.  Ver.  13.  He  left  his  garment.  The 
 ancient  verfions  tranflate  it  a  cloak  or  mantle.  He  flew  out  from  her  with  the 
 utmod  abhorrence,  and  left  his  garment  as  one  efcaping  for  his  life.  Ver.  17. 
 And  Pie  spake — saying.  The  Hebrew  servant.  Now  was  her  impure  love  turned 
 into  hatred ;  unlike  true  and  chade  love,  which  though  flighted,  will  continue  to 
 wilh  the  happinels  of  the  beloved  objetd.  She  falfely  accufes  innocent  Jofeph  of 
 having  attempted  to  commit  a  crime  of  the  mod  black  and  detedable  nature,  gains 
 the  belief  of  her  hulband,  and  incenfes  him  fo  highly  againd  Jofeph,  as  to  pro¬ 
 cure  his  imprifonment,  without  the  lead  inquiry  being  made  into  the  veracity  of  her 
 charge.  Ver.  20.  Put  him  in  prison.  From  Jofephus  and  the  Ffalmid  it  appears 
 ibat  the  patriarch  was  treated  wilh  the  greated  rigour  and  inhumanity  He  was 
 fecured  with  fetters  which  ate  into  his  flelh,  or  put  him  to  the  rood  exquilite  tor* 
 lures,  F  al.cv  18. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XL.  Ver  1.  The  butUr  and  baker, 
 'fhe  former  of  thefe  appear  to  have  been  the  king’s  principal  cup-bearer,  and  the 
 other  his  chief  cook.  Had  offended.  'Fhe  crime  for  which  thefe  malefatdors  were 
 conninitted,  is  not  exprtlfed.  Ver.  3.  In  the  house  oj  ihe  captain  of  the  guard.  By 
 this  title,  it  feems  that  Potiphar,  Jofeph’s  foiratr  mafter.  was  the  warden  of  the 
 prifon  :  and  if  fo.  we  need  not  wonder  that  Jofeph  was  confined  fb  eafily.  See 
 
 - - — — — —  _  yvYTV  T  Hp  who  wa’ketb  iipriKhtly  walketh  lurely,  however  low  and  debafed  ois  fta;  may  be  on  this  earth. 
 
 practical  observation  .  .j  his  bleffing  maketh  rich  and  addeth  no  forrow.  A  godly  fervant  is  an  meftimab'e  treasure;  and 
 
 When  God  is  with  us,  we  are  happy  in  a  p  affrceable  fitualion  is  fom.  iimes  the  mod  dangerous.  Impetuous  paflions  breaks  through  every  redrainf.  When 
 
 evtrv  wife  trader  wilt  fuitably  edeem  hi  .  g  bounds  of  her  wickednefs.  It  is  good  to  flee  youthrui  luiis ;  teiupiat'o-  is  not  t>  be  little 
 
 a  wom-a  ^afes  to  IhV  b-^inning^^^^  he  who  hath  it  fltall  be  late  from  evil,  He  may  be  accufed  falfely  j  but  bis  trod  will  deliver  bia^ 
 
 St  1st  tit  If  eod  be  with  him.  who  can  be  againft  him  f 
 
Joseph  inlcvprcteth  two  dreams* 
 
 GENESIS. 
 
 head  from  off  thee,  and  (hall  hang  thee  on  a 
 
 Pharaoh  dreameth  two  dreams} 
 
 tree ; 
 
 Before 
 
 Phar-aoh’s  t,,rd.day.  that^he  made  a  *eaff^-L-ib 
 
 the  chief  U  o^ 
 
 rechonvh 
 
 Before  them,  and  he  ferved  them  ;  and  they  continued  a  lea- 
 fon  in  ward. 
 
 cir.  17 iH.  ^  ^  dreamed  a  dream  both  of  them,  each 
 
 man  his  dream  in  one  night,  each  man  according  to  the 
 
 interpretation  of  his  dream;  the  butler  and  the  ‘^flj-J-thV/chief  baker his  fervants. 
 
 ot  the  king  of  Egypt,  which  were  bound  in  the  prilon. „,tored  the  cnief  butler  unto  his  butler- 
 
 6  And  Joleph  came  m  unto  them  in  the  morning, And  ne  r  Pharaoh  s  hand  : 
 
 and  looked  upon  them,  and,  behold,  they  were  lad.  j;  (bip  again  ,  Jj  .  chief^baker  •  as  Joleph  had 
 
 7  And  he  alked  Pharaoh’s  officers,  that  with  .|  22  But  he  hanged  the  chiet  baicer ,  as  joiep 
 
 him  in  the  ward  of  his  lord’s  houfe,  faying.  Where- j,  interpreted  to ^hem.^  remember  Jofeph, 
 
 fore  f  look  ye /o  ladly  to-day  ?  |  ^ 
 
 S  And  they  laid  unto  him,  We  have  dreamed  a  bat  forgat  him 
 dream,  and  there  is  no  interpreter  of  it.  And  Jorepi 
 Do  not  interpretations  belong  to  Go(J  ? 
 
 f  Heb. 
 are  yoar 
 faces 
 evil  ? 
 
 faid  unto  them, 
 tell  me  them^  I  pray  you. 
 
 9  And  the  chief  butler  told  his  dream  to  Jofeph, 
 and  laid  unto  him,  In  my  dream,  behold,  a  vine  was 
 before  me ; 
 
 1 0  And  in  the  vine  were  three  branches  :  and  it  was 
 as  though  it  budded,  and  her  blolToms  fhot  forth  ;  and 
 the  clufters  thereof  brought  forth  ripe  grapes : 
 
 1 1  And  Pharaoh’s  cup  was  in  my  hand  :  and  I  took 
 the  grapes,  and  preffed  them  into  Pharaoh’s  cup,  and 
 I  gave  the  cup  into  Pharaoh’s  hand. 
 
 12  And  Joleph  faid  unto  him.  This  is  the  interpre¬ 
 tation  of  it :  The  three  branches  are  three  days. 
 
 13  Yet  within  three  days  ffiall  Pharaoh  \\  lift  up 
 thine  head,  and  reftore  thee  unto  thy  place  ;  and  thou 
 ffialt  deliver  Pharaoh’s  cup  into  his  hand,  after  the 
 former  manner  when  thou  waft  his  butler. 
 
 1 4  But  t  think  on  me  when  it  ffiall  be  well  with 
 thee,  and  ffiew  kindnefs,  I  pray  thee,  unto  me ;  and 
 make  mention  of  me  unto  Pharaoh,  and  bring  me  out 
 of  this  houfe ; 
 
 15  For  indeed  I  was  ftolen  away  out  of  the  land  of 
 the  Hebrews  :  and  here  alfo  have  I  done  nothing  that 
 they  fhould  put  me  into  the  dungeon. 
 
 neat  of  16  When  the  chief  baker  faw  that  the  interpretation 
 Fharaoh  was  good,  he  laid  unto  Jofeph,  I  alfo  was  in  my  dream, 
 thework  and,  behold,  lhad  three  |l  white  balkets  on  my  head. 
 wcook!’’’  nppermoft  balket  there  was  of  all 
 
 manner  of  f  bake-meats  for  Pharaoh  ;  and  the  birds 
 did  eat  them  out  of  the  balket  upon  my  head. 
 
 18  And  Jofeph  anfwered  and  faid,  This  is  the  inter¬ 
 pretation  thereof:  The  three  balkets  are  three  days. 
 
 19  Yet  within  three  days  ftiall  Pharaoh  H  lift  up  thy 
 
 1!  Or, 
 reckon. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 remember 
 me  wU/t 
 thee. 
 
 If  Or, 
 
 full  of 
 holes. 
 f  Heb. 
 
 «  Or, 
 reckon 
 thee,  and 
 take  th]r 
 office 
 from  thee. 
 
 chap,  xxxvii.  36.  Ver.  4.  And  the  captain  of  the  guard  charged  Joseph  with  them 
 This  was  Potiphar,  his  old  mafter,  who  mull  now  have  been  convinced  of  his  in¬ 
 nocence,  by  the  confidence  he  placed  in  him  ;  though  to  conceal  the  difhonour  of 
 his  wife,  he  thought  proper  Hill  to  confine  him.  Ver.  7.  Wherefore  look  ye  so 
 Sadly  to-day  ?  Communion  in  fufferings,  helps  to  work  compaffion  towards  thofe 
 that  do  fuffer.  Jofeph  was  the  companion  in  tribulation  of  thefe  two  criminals  ; 
 he  was  now  a  prifoner  with  them,  and  had  been  a  dreamer  too ;  therefore  he 
 compaffionately  enquired  into  the  caufe  of  the  unufual  fadnefs  which  fat  on  the 
 countenances  of  his  fellow-fufierers,  that  he  might  know  if  it  was  in  his  power  to 
 alleviate  their  griefs.  Ver,  8.  There  is  no  interpreter.  That  is,  there  is  no  inter¬ 
 preter  here  in  the  prifon,  for.;n  this  place  they  could  not  have  recourfe  to  their 
 foothfayers  or  magicians,  in  whom  the  Egyptians  foolifhly  placed  great  confidence. 
 Do  not  interpretations  belong  to  God  ?  meaning  the  true  God  whom  he  worfhipped 
 It  is  probable  from  this  expreffion,  that  he  had  made  known  to  them  the  God  of 
 bis  fathers.  Tell  me,  I  pray  you.  Jofeph  does  not  hereby  arrogate  to  himfelf  the 
 power  of  foretelling  future  events,  which  he  owns  to  be  the  prerogative  of  God ; 
 but  fuggefis,  that  if  interpretations  belong  to  God,  he  is  a  free  agent,  and  may 
 communicate  the  power  to  whom  he  pleafes.  Ver.  14.  But  think  on  me  when  it 
 JJtall  be  well  with  thee.  Jofeph  being  divinely  affured  of  the  certainty  of  his  pre- 
 didlions,  intreats  the  butler  to  think,  when  he  fhall  be  reflored,  on  the  perfon  wh  - 
 
 CHAP.  XLI. 
 
 Joseph  interprelelh  them;  Ae  giveUs 
 
 1  Pharaoh’s  two  dreams:  25  -  - i  ,  -.r 
 
 Fnaraoh  counsel.  38  Joseph  is  advanced  ;  50  he  begeitelh  Manajeh 
 
 and  Ephraim.  53  Thejamine  begmneth. 
 
 And  it  came  to  pals,  at  iho  end  of  two  fffil  years, 
 that  Pharaon  dreamed  ;  and,  benold,  he  itood 
 
 by  the  river.  ^  , 
 
 2  And,  behold,  there  came  up  out  of  the  river 
 
 feven  well-favoured  kine,  and  lat-fleftiea  ;  and  they  red 
 
 in  a  meadow.  ,  ,  . 
 
 3  And,  behold,  feven  other  icine  came  uP  after 
 them  out  of  the  river,  ill-fivcured  and  lean-ftelhed ; 
 and  ftood  by  the  other  kine  upon  itie  brink  of  the  river. 
 
 4  And  the  ill-favoured  and  lean-tielhed0ine  did  eat 
 up  the  ibven  w6U-f^vour«r  and  fat  kine.  So  Pharaoli 
 
 awoke.  ,  ,  p  ,  •  j 
 
 5  And  he  llept,  and  dreamed  the  fecond  time  :  and, 
 
 behold,  feven  ears  of  corn  came  up  upon  one  ftalk, 
 
 t  rank  and  good.  ^  ,  n  j  •  u  > 
 
 6  And,  behold,  feven  thin  ears,  and  blaited  with/ai. 
 
 the  eaft  wind,  fprung  up  after  them. 
 
 7  And  the  feven  thin  ears  devoured  the  feven  rank 
 and  full  ears.  And  Pharaoh  awoke,  and,  behold,  it 
 
 was  a  dream.  .  ^  . 
 
 8  And  it  came  to  pafs  in  the  morning,  that  his  fpirit 
 was  troubled  ;  and  he  fent  and  called  for  all  the  ma¬ 
 gicians  of  Egypt,  and  all  the  wife  men  thereof :  and 
 Pharaoh  told  them  his  dreams :  but  there  was  none 
 that  could  interpret  them  unto  Pharaoh. 
 
 9  H  Then  Ipake  the  chief  butler  unto  Pharaoh,  fay¬ 
 ing,  I  do  remember  my  faults  this  day :  - 
 
 ]  0  Pharaoh  was  wroth  with  his  fervants,  and  put 
 me  in  ward  in  the  captain  of  the  guard’s  houfe,  both 
 me  find  the  chief  baker  : 
 
 17U, 
 
 t  Heb, 
 
 foretold  the  happinefs  be  was  to  enjoy.  His  requefl  is  modeft  and  unambiliousr, 
 Ver,  19.  Thy  head  from  off  thee  and  Jhall  hang  thee  on  a  tree.  It  may  feem 
 (Irange  to  find  the  hiftorian  afferting,  that  the  baker  fhould  be  beheaded  firfl,  and 
 hanged  afterwards.  But  it  muft  be  obferved,  that  it  was  cufloinary  to  behead  a 
 criminal,  and  then  to  hang  him.  Ver.  20,  The  phrafe,  lifting  up  the  head,  has 
 been  ufed  in  various  fenfes  in  this  chapter, — The  lifting  up  a  perfon’s  head,  is 
 often  ufed  in  feripture  to  fignify  deliverance  from  mifery,  or  the  relloring  of  a  per¬ 
 fon  to  his  former  dignity.  In  ver.  19.  when  applied  to  the  baker,  it  is  made  toex- 
 prefs  a  different  fignification,  by  the  addition  of  the  word  off,  and  means,  that  hia 
 head  was  to  be  (truck  off.  And  here  in  the  twentieth  verfe,  it  is  applied  to  both 
 butler  and  baker,  in  one  and  the  fame  fenfe.  For,  the  Hebrew  word  which  is  ren¬ 
 dered  to  lift  up  the  head,  fignifies  to  reckon  or  examine  an  account ;  and  there¬ 
 fore  here  means,  that  Pharaoh  examined,  or  caufed  examine  both  their  accounts. 
 Ver.  23.  Yet  did  not  the  chief  butler  remember  Jofeph.  This  charge  argues  him 
 not  only  to  have  been  guilty  of  ingratitude,  but  likewife  of  a  breach  of  promife, 
 and  inhumanity.  In  the  cup-btarer’s  not  remembering  him,  however,  we  may 
 obferve  fomething  that  feems  providentially  to  have  turned  to  his  advantage ; 
 fince,  had  he  been  enlarged  from  prifon,  before  Fharach's  dream,  he  might  many 
 ways  have  miffed  of  that  prodigious  favour  and  advancement,  which  by  this  means 
 he  attained. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  XL,]  Whether  in  a  prifon  or  a  palace  the  faithful  have  God  for  a  portion,  and  his  providence  for  their  guide. 
 It  is  a  mercy  in  afflidliun  to  have  one  to  compafiionate  to  us  ;  and  communication  of  our  grief  to  godly  njen  is  the  mod  probable  way  of  obtaining  relief.  Contentment 
 in  fervitude  is  our  duty,  but  freedom  is  preferable  and  may  be  lawfully  fought.  It  is  prudent  to  conceal  the  infirmities  of  our  friend?,  evan  when  we  plead  our  owti 
 innocence.  G^eat  events  often  depend  on  a  moment  of  time,  and  on  a  fmgle  emotion  of  the  mind.  Difappointment  frequently  follows  dependence  on  men,  efpeci- 
 «liy  on  thofe  who  are  piofperous;  but  they  who  tiuft  in  the  Lord  fbali  not  be  confounded. 
 
^haraoh^s  dream  interpreted  hy  Joseph. 
 
 Before 
 
 cir 
 
 »  Chap, 
 40.  12, 
 
 '&C. 
 
 GENESIS. 
 
 ^  dreamed  a  dream  in  one  night,  1  and 
 
 r.  1715.  ^  '-''c  dreamed  each  man  according  to  theinterpre- 
 tanon  of  his  dream. 
 
 ^2  And  rvas  there  wifh  us  a  young  man,  an 
 Hebrew,  leriMnt  to  the  captain  of  the  guard  ;  and  we 
 told  him,  and  *  he  interpreted  to  us  our  dreams :  to 
 each  man  according  to  his  dream  he  did  interpret. 
 
 ^  13  And  it  came  to  pafs,  as  he  interpreted  to  us,  fo 
 It  was  ;  me  he  reHored  unto  mine  office,  and  him  he 
 hanged. 
 
 los^^eo.  ,  ^  Then  Pharaoh  fent  and  called  Jofeph,  and 
 
 t  Heb.  brought  him  haftily  out  of  the  dungeon  :  and 
 
 made  Airnhs  fhaved  himfelfy  and  changed  his  raiment,  and  came 
 run.  in  unto  Pharaoh. 
 
 15  And  Pharaoh  faid  unto  Jofeph,  I  have  dreamed 
 a  dream,  and  there  is  none  that  can  interpret  it :  and 
 when heard  fay  of  thee,  t/iat  1|  thou  canft  underftand 
 heareit  a  ^  ^^^am  to  interpret  it. 
 
 dream  ^  16  And  Jofeph  anfwered  Pharaoh,  faying,  It  is  not 
 thou  cansi  in  me :  God  (hall  give  Pharaoh  an  anfwer  of  peace. 
 tK^terprei  jy  Pharaoh  faid  unto  Jofeph,  In  my  dream, 
 behold,  I  flood  upon  the  bank  of  the  river  : 
 
 18  And,  behold,  there  came  up  out  of  the  river, 
 ifeven  kine,  fat -fieffied,  and  well-favoured  ;  and  they 
 
 fed  in  a  m.i^dow. 
 
 19  And, behold,  feven  (^er  kine  came  up  after 
 them,  poor,  and  very  ill-faTOiired,  and  lean-flefhed, 
 fuch  as  I  never  faw  in  all  the  land  of  Egypt  for  badnefs. 
 
 20  And  the  lean  and  the  ill-favoured  kine  did  eat 
 up  the  foil  feven  fat  kine. 
 
 21  And  when  they  had  f  eaten  them  up,  it  could 
 not  be  known  that  they  had  eaten  them ;  but  they 
 •were  ftill  ill-favoured,  as  at  the  beginning.  So  I  awoke. 
 
 22  And  I  faw  in  my  dream,  and,  behold,  feven  ears 
 came  up  in  one  ftalk,  full  and  good  : 
 
 23  And,  behold,  feven  ears  ij  withered,  thin,  and 
 blafted  with  the  eaft  wind,  Iprung  up  after  them  : 
 
 24  And  the  thin  ears  devoured  the  feven  good 
 ears.  And  I  told  this  unto  the  magicians  ;  but  there 
 ivas  none  that  could  declare  it  to  me. 
 
 25  f  And  Jofeph  faid  unto  Pharaoh,  The  dream  of 
 Pharaoh  is  one  :  God  hath  fhewed  Pharaoh  what  he 
 75  about  to  do. 
 
 26  The  feven  good  kine  ore  feven  years  ;  and  the 
 feven  good  ears  are  feven  years :  the  dream  is  one. 
 
 27  And  the  feven  thin  and  ill-favoured  kine,  that 
 came  up  after  them,  are  feven  years  :  and  the  feven 
 empty  ears,  blafted  with  the  eaft-wind,  fhall  be  feven 
 years  of  famine. 
 
 28  This  is  the  thing  which  I  have  fpoken  unto 
 Pharaoh  :  what  God  is  about  to  do  he  fhevveth  unto 
 Pharaoh. 
 
 29  Behold,  there  come  feven  years  of  great  plenty 
 throughout  all  the  land  of  Egypt : 
 
 t  H«b. 
 
 come  to 
 the  iti‘ 
 ward 
 parts  of 
 them. 
 
 11  Or. 
 tmall. 
 
 Joseph  advancedi 
 
 30  And  there  (hall  arife  after  them  feven  years  of 
 famine;  and  all  the  plenty  fliall  be  forgotten  in 
 land  of  Egypt ;  and  the  famine  fhall  confume  the  land  : 
 
 31  And  the  plenty  fhall  not  be  known  in  the  land 
 
 by  reafon  of  that  famine  following ;  for  it  shall  be 
 very  f  grievous.  t 
 
 32  And  for  that  the  dream  was  doubled  unto  Pha-'‘^“*’^’ 
 
 '  raoh  twice ;  it  is  becaule  the  thing  is  11  eftabliffied  by  i|  Or, 
 
 God,  and  God  will  fhortly  bring  it  to  pafs.  of 
 
 33  Now  therefore  let  Pharaoh  look  out  a  man  dif-"^ 
 creet  and  wife,  and  fet  him  over  the  land  of  Egypt. 
 
 j  34  Let  Pharaoh  do  this,  and  let  him  appoint  II  offi- 1]  Or, 
 leers  over  the  land,  and  take  up  the  fifth  part  of  the 
 !  land  of  Egypt  in  the  feven  plenteous  years. 
 
 '  25  And  let  them  gather  all  the  food  of  thofe  good 
 
 years  that  come,  and  lay  up  corn  under  the  hand  of 
 Pharaoh,  and  let  them  keep  food  in  the  cities. 
 
 36  And  that  food  fhall  be  for  ftore  to  the  land 
 againft  the  feven  years  of  famine,  which  fhall  be  in 
 
 the  land  of  Egypt ;  that  the  land  f  perilh  not  through  t  Hob. 
 j  the  famine. 
 
 37  *11  And  the  thing  was  good  in  the  eyes  of  Pha-‘^“  ® 
 [raoh,  and  in  the  eyes  of  all  his  fervants. 
 
 38  And  Pharaoh  faid  unto  his  fervants,  Can  we 
 ftndjitch  a  one  as  this  is,  a  man  in  whom  the  Ipirit  of 
 God  is  ? 
 
 39  And  Pharaoh  faid  unto  Jofeph,  Forafmuch  as 
 God  hath  fhewed  thee  all  this,  there  is  none  fo  difereet 
 and  wile  as  thou  art : 
 
 40  =  Thou  {halt  be  over  my  houfe,  and  according  ^  rraim 
 I  unto  thy  word  fhall  all  my  people  f  be  ruled  :  only  in 
 
 the  throne  w  ill  I  be  greater  than  thou.  2.55. 
 
 41  And  Pharaoh  laid  unto  Jofeph,  See,  I  have  fet  aas 
 ,  thee  over  all  the  land  of  Egypt.^ 
 
 j  42  And  Pharaoh  took  offhis  ring  from  his  hand,  and  be  armed 
 i  put  it  upon  Jofeph’s  hand,  and  arrayed  him  in  veliures„rWss. 
 
 ’  of  II  tine  linen,  and  put  a  gold  chain  about  his  neck  ;  ll  Or, 
 
 43  And  he  made  him  to  ride  in  the  fecond  chariot 
 which  he  had  ;  and  they  cried  before  him,  II  f  Bow  ihel^der 
 knee  :  and  he  made  him  nder  overallthe  land  of  Egypt. 
 
 44  And  Pharaoh  faid  unto  Jofeph,  I  am  Pharaoh, 
 and  wdthout  thee  fhall  no  man  lift  up  his  hand  or  foot 
 
 in  all  the  land  of  Egypt.  ,  ^  ,  u  ,  ..u  • 
 
 45  And  Pharaoh  called  Jofeph  s  name  ||  Zaphnath-  y  That  is, 
 
 paaneah ;  and  he  gave  him  to  wife  Afenath  the  daugh- 
 ter  of  Poti-pherRh  |1  prieft  ot  On.  And  Jofeph  went  y 
 out  over  all  the  land  of  Egypt.  prince. 
 
 46  f  (And  Jofeph  rvas  thirty  years  old  when  he 
 flood  before  Pharaoh  king  of  Egypt.)  And  Joleph 
 went  out  from,  the  prefence  of  Pharaoh,  and  went 
 
 throughout  all  the  land  of  Egypt. 
 
 47  And  in  the  feven  plenteous  years  the  earth 
 
 brought  forth  by  handfuls.  „  ^ 
 
 48  And  he  gathered  np  all  the  food  of  the  leven _ 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES  Chap.  XLL  Ver.  6.  pe  eaft  wind  is  dif- 
 tinguiftied  by  confuming  the  fruits  of  the  earth,  Ezek.  xvii.  10.  xix.  !-• 
 xUi.  15.  Ver.  16.  ylnd  Joseph  answered  Pharaoh  saying.  It  is  not  in  me.  This 
 declaration  previous  to  the  interpretation,  was  perfe^iy  proper,  and  of 
 force  to  befpeak  the  king’s  attention  and  regard,  at  the  fame  time  that  Joleph 
 was  afferting  the  being  and  interpofition  of  almighty  God,  in  the^  gm  ance  o 
 fauman  affairs— By  thefe  words  Jofeph  likewife  modeftly  difowns  his  having  yiy 
 power  and  abilities  in  hirnfelf  to  interpret  dreams.  Ver.  25.  The  dream  of  ta- 
 raoh  is  one.  That  is,  as  the  Arabic  explains  it,  “  the  fenfe  or  meaning  of  the  two 
 dreams  is  one  or  the  fame”  Ver.  32.  Established  by  God.  The  kingdom  o 
 Hgypt  had  no  rain,  but  the  plenty  of  the  year  depended  upon  the  annual  oVer  ow- 
 ings  of  the  river  Nile.  Thefe  Pharaoh  knew  were  the  natural  and  fecond  caulcs 
 t)f  plen'y  or  famine  in  the  land.  But  Jofeph  here  directs  him  to  look  up  to  o 
 the  fupreme  and  firft  caufe,  as  the  author  of  all  thefe  events  Ver.  54.  And  take 
 •tip  the  fjlh  ).art.  It  rs  commonly  tlked,  Why  an  half  part  was  not  ordered  / 
 taken  up,  fince  there  were  to  be  as  many  years  of  famine  as  of  plenty  :  to  Ibts 
 
 It  may  be  anfwered,  that  over  and  above  the  fifth  part  here  mentioned,  as  there 
 might  be  an  old  ftock  of  former  years,  fo  there  would  be  a  coiifiderable  feverfion 
 of  thefe  feven  years’  plenty,  which  men  of  fnbftance  would  lay  up  as  Pharaoh 
 did  So  that,  a  fifth  part  might  be  judged  fufficient  to  anfwer  the  extremity 
 of  the  feven  years’  famine,  and  even  to  allow  a  dillnbution  to  other  countries. 
 Ver.  44.  Without  thee  Jlmll  no  man  Hfi  up  his  hand  or  Joot  in  a  ^  ^ 
 
 Eoypt.  This  is  fpoken  proveibially,  fignifying,  that_  nothing  (hould  be  done  in 
 the  na'ion  of  any  moment  or  importance,  but  what  is  by  is  or  er  a  o- 
 ritv.  Ver.  45.  Zaphnath  paaneah.  It  was  an  ancient  cuftom 
 princes  upon  iheir  promotion  of  any  favourite,  lo  give  him  a  new  nam  . 
 
 Tcre  dveS  to  Jofeph  according  to  the  interpretation  of  the  ancent  verfions  and 
 moft  of  the  Jewifh  writers  fignifies  a  revealer  of  secrets  ;  t  oug  t 
 
 ft  to  be  Coptic,  and  to  fign  fy  the  Saviour  of  the  world.  The  daughter  of 
 
 ISJa  .f  lb.  ting  ns  .  pri.H  i  ‘“n 
 
Uefore 
 
 tUirift 
 
 1715. 
 
 d  Chap. 
 
 Fruitful. 
 
 1708. 
 
 e  Pfalm 
 
 rn  was 
 
 Jacob  scnddh  his  scfis  to  haj  corn  in  Egypt. 
 
 years,  which  were  in  the  land  of  Lgypt,  and  laid  up 
 the  food  in  the  cities  :  the  food  of  the  field,  which 
 •was  round  about  every  city,  bid  he  up  in  the  lame._ 
 
 49  And  Jofeph  gathered  corn  as  the  hand  of  thcfea, 
 very  much,  until  he  left  numbering  :  for  it  was  with¬ 
 out  number. 
 
 50  ^  And  unto  Jofeph  were  born  two  fons  before 
 4G.  20.  &  years  of  famine  came  ;  which  Afeneth,  the  daugh- 
 
 ter  of  Poii-Pherah  ||  pried  of  On,  bare  unto  him. 
 princr.  51  And  Jofeph  called  the  name  of  the  firfl  born 
 cir.  1712.  1]  Manafleh  :  For  God,  faid  he,  hath  made  me  forget 
 II  That  13,  ^l[  rny  father’s  houfe. 
 
 name  of  the  fecond  called_  he  [j  Eph- 
 cinnii.  faim  ;  For  God  hath  caufed  me  to  be  fruitful  in  theji 
 land  of  my  allliftion. 
 
 53  II  And  the  feven  years  of  plenteoufnefs  that  was 
 in  the  land  of  Egypt  were  ended. 
 
 54  ®  And  the  feven  years  of  dearth  began  to  come, 
 105. 16.  according  as  Jofeph  had  faid  :  and  the  dearth  was  in 
 
 all  lands  ;  but  in  all  the  land  of  I^gypt  there  w'as  bread. 
 
 55  And  when  all  the  land  of  Egypt  was  famidied, 
 
 the  people  cried  to  Pharaoh  for  bread  :  and  Pharaoh 
 laid  unto  all  the  Egyptians,  Go  unto  Jofeph ;  what 
 he  faith  to  you,  do.  I 
 
 56  And  the  famine  w'as  over  all  the  face  of  the ; 
 t  ileb.  earth.  And  Jofeph  opened  f  all  the  ftorehoules,  and 
 all  luhcre-  KqU  unto  the  Egyptians  ;  and  the  famine  waxed  fore ' 
 
 in  the  land  of  Egypt. 
 
 57  And  all  countries  came  unto  Egypt  to  Jofeph  for 
 to  buy  corn  ;  becaufe  that  the  famine  was  so  fore  in  all 
 lands.* 
 
 CldAP.  XLII. 
 
 1  Jacnli  fetideth  his  ten  Jims  to  blip  corn  in  Egi/pt ;  6  they  are  impriforird 
 hyJoJejihforJpics;  18  they  are  Jet  at  liberty,  on  condition  to  bring 
 Benjamin  ;  21  they  have  remorje  Jor  Jojeph  ;  24  Simeon  is  hept  for  a 
 pledge  ;  25  th  y  return  with  corn,  and  their  money ;  29  their  relation 
 to  Jacob.  .  33  Jacob  rjujelh  to  fend  Benjamin. 
 
 OW  when  Jacob  ®  faw  that  there  was  corn  in 
 Egypt,  Jacob  faid  unto  his  fons,  Why  do  ye 
 look  one  upon  another  ? 
 
 2  And  he  faid.  Behold,  I  have  heard  that  there  is 
 corn  in  Egypt;  get  you  dowm  thither,  and  buy  for  us 
 from  thence  ;  that  we  may  live,  and  not  die. 
 
 3  f  And  Jofeph’s  ten  brethren  went  down  to  buy 
 corn  in  Egypt. 
 
 4  But  Benjamin,  Jofeph’s  brother,  Jacob  fent  net 
 with  his  brethren  ;  for  he  faid,  Left  peradventure  mif- 
 chief  befall  him. 
 
 5  And  thelbnsof  Ifraelcametobuy  corn  among  thofe 
 that  came  :  for  the  famine  w'as  in  the  land  of  Canaan. 
 
 6  And  Jofeph  was  the  governor  over  the  land,  and 
 
 render  it,  prince  of  Oh.  On  has  fiiice  been  called  Heliopolis,  \vhich  fignifies  the 
 ■city  of  the  fun,  and  is  the  fame  with  Bethfiemcfi,  the  houfe  of  the  fun.  Ver.  48. 
 Gather  up  all  thefood.  The  word  all  cannot  be  ufed  in  its  utmoft  latitude,  but 
 muft  be  reftrained  either  to  fignify  the  fifth,  or  elfe  all  the  fuperfluous  corn  which 
 he  acquired  by  purchafe.  \er.  51.  Manajph.  In  the  Hebrew,  Forgetfidnefs.  This 
 name  alludes  to  the  exprefilon,  God  hath  made  me.  forget  all  my  toil.  Ver.  52. 
 rciw ;  Which  fignifies and  allndos  to  the  words  immediately  following, 
 “  God  hath  made  me  fruitf  ul.”  Ver.  56.  And  fold  unto  the  Egi/piians.  .Tofeph 
 no  doubt  with  wifdom  and  jufticc,  fixed  the  price  of  the  corn  he  Ibid  ;  fo  that  Pha¬ 
 raoh  whofe  money  had  bought  it  up,  might  have  reafonable  profit,  and  vet  the 
 country  might  not  be  opprefled,  nor  advantage  taken  of  their  prevailin'^  iic'ceffitv 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XLII.  Ver.  1.  Jacob  faid  unto  his 
 fons.  It  would  here  feem  that  tlicy  were  fill  incorporated  in  one  focietv,  under 
 the  condua  and  prefidcncy  of  their  father  Jacob.  Ver.  4.  But  Benjamin,  Jofeph’ s 
 
 GENESIS. 
 
 Joseph  imprisoncth  his  brethren,  <.fr . 
 
 Eeforc 
 
 1707. 
 a  Aas 
 7.  21. 
 
 heb7  was  that  fold  to  all  the  people  of  the  land  ;  and 
 Jofeph’s  brethren  came,  and  bowed  down  themleives 
 before  them  with  their  faces  to  the  earth.  , 'v-. 
 
 7  And  Jofeph  faw  his  brethren,  and  he  knew  the.m, 
 
 but  made  himlelfftrange  unto  them,  and  fpake  f  rough- -J  neb. 
 ly  unto  them  ;  and  he  faid  uhto  thern,  Whence  come 
 ye  y  And  they  laid  from  the  land  of  Canaan  to  buy  t/iem. 
 
 ^bod.  ,  ,  ,  ,  , 
 
 8  And  Jofeph  knew  his  brethren,  but  they  knew 
 
 not  him.  ,  ,  ,  , .  ,  ,  >  /-i , 
 
 9  And  Jofeph  remembered  the  dreams  which  he'’ 
 
 dreamed  of  them,  and  faid  unto  them,  Ye  are  fpies  ;  “  ’ 
 to  lee  the  nakednefs  of  the  land  yc  are  come. 
 
 10  And  they  faid  unto  him,  Na\%  iny  Lord  ;  but  to 
 buv  food  are  thy  fervants  come. 
 
 i  1  W^’e  are  all  one  man’s  fons  :  we  are  true  men, 
 thv  fervants  are  no  fpies. 
 
 'l2  And  he  faid  unto  them.  Nay,  but  to  fee  the 
 nakednefs  of  the  Lnd  y^e  are  come. 
 
 13  And  they  faid,  Thy  fervants  are  twelve  bre¬ 
 thren,  the  fons  of  one  man  in  the  land  of  Canaan  ; 
 and  behold,  the  youngeft  is  this  day  with  our  father, 
 and  one  is  not. 
 
 14  And  Jofeph  faid  unto  them,  That  rs  zV  that  I 
 fpake  unto  you,  faying.  Ye  are  fpies, 
 
 15  Hereby  ye  ftiall  be  proved  :  by  the  life  of  Pha¬ 
 raoh  ye  fhall  not  go  forth  hence,  except  your  youngeft  .  > 
 brother  come  hither. 
 
 16  Send  one  of  you,  and  let  him  fetch  your  bro¬ 
 ther,  and  ve  fhall  be  f  kept  in  prilbn,  that  your  '■''Ofds 
 may  be  proved,  whether  there  be  any  truth  in  you  :  or 
 elfe  by  the  life  of  Pharaoh,  furely  ye  are  fpies. 
 
 17  And  he  f  put  them  all  together  into  w'ard  three 
 
 days.  ' 
 
 18  And  Jofeph  faid  unto  them  the  third  day.  This 
 do  and  live  ;  for  I  fear  God. 
 
 19  If  ye  be  true  men,  let  one  of  your  brethren  be 
 bound  in  the  houfe  of  your  prifon  ;  go  ye,  carry  corn 
 for  the  famine  of  your  houfes  ; 
 
 20  But'  bring  your  youngeft  brother  unto  me  ;  foc  Chap, 
 fhall  your  words  be  verified,  and  ye  fhall  not  die.  '^3.  5. 
 And  they  did  fo. 
 
 ^1  H  And  they  faid  one  to  another,  We  are  verily 
 guilty  concerning  our  brother,  in  that  we  faw  the  an- 
 -uifti  of  his  foul,  when  he  befought  us,  and  we  would 
 not  hear  ;  therefor  -  is  this  diftrefs  come  upon  us. 
 
 22  And  Reuben  anfwered  them,  fayng,  ^  Spake  3  Chap. 
 
 I  not  unto  you,  faying.  Do  not  fm  againfl  the  child  ?®'- 
 and  ye  would  not  hear  ;  therefore,  behold,  alfo  his 
 blood  is  required. 
 
 brother,  Jacchfent  not.  BenjaiTiin  was  called  Jofeph’s  brother,  becaufe  he  was  fo 
 both  by  father  and  mother’s  fide,  which  the  reft  were  not.  Him  he  retained  at 
 home  with  him,  not  only  to  keep  him  company  and  minifter  unto  him,  but  alfo, 
 “  left  peradventure  mifehief  fliould  befal  him.”  Ver.  5.  For  the  famine  was  in  the 
 land  of  Canaan.  Canaan,  though  a  very  fruitful  coxintr}-,  yet  became  barren  when 
 God  withheld  a  blcffing  from  it.  Ver.  6.  Aiui  bowed  down  themfelves  before  him. 
 Thus,  though  without  their  knowledge,  they  fulfilled  JofepU’s  dream,  of  their 
 flieavcs  bowing  down  to  liis  flieaf,  chap,  xxxvii.  7.  Ver.  9.  And  Jefeph  remembered 
 thd  dreams  which  he  dreamed  of  them.  This  is  mentioned  to  point  out  to  the  reader 
 the  reafon  of  his  feemingly  harlli  behaviour  to  his  brethren.  Ye  are  fpies.  This 
 is  to  be  underftood  as  a  charge,  not  a  pofitive  affirmation,  and  Ihould  have  bean 
 rendered  interrogativelj'.  Are  ye  not  fpies  ?  To  fee  the  nafeednefs  of  the  land  .■  that 
 is  to  obftrve  tlic  fortifications  and  remark  the  w  eaknefs  or  naAedw^ysof  the  land, 
 ^  cf.  15.  By  the  life  <f  Pharaoh.  Jbleph  is  cenfured  by  fome  for  fo  frequently 
 
 PRACTIC  AJv  OBSERV  ATI  ONS — *  Chap.  XLI.]  The  purpofes  of  God  arc  often  accomplifliedby  very'  improbable  means ;  .and  he  can  Gafily  at  the  proper 
 time,  effect  the  deliverance  of  his  people.  I^e  whofe  greateft  gifts  and  graces  arc  adorned  with  humility,  is  a  character  truly  amiable  and  defei-ving  imitation.  Earthly 
 good  IS  uncertain  and  pcrifliing.  Happy  are  they,  therefore,  who  Have  God  for  their  unchangeable  and  fatisfying  portion.  Prudence  dictates  tliat  we  ought  to  pre¬ 
 pare  for  future  evil.  It  is  liowevev  to  be  lamented,  that  mankind  are  much  more  provident  againft  temporal  than  fpiritual  evils.  That  nation  is  blclTed,  whofe  rulers 
 .are  guided  by  the  Spirit  of  God — In  Jofeph  exalted,  we  behold  an  eminent  type  of  king  Meffiah,  who  having  been  perfected  through  fufterings  was  crowned  with 
 iionour  and  glorj'.  He  has  difpci  ieu  abroad,  and  given  to  the  poor  ;  his  rlghteoulhelh  endurcth  for  ever, 
 
 JSo.  4...6£/.  N 
 
JcscpJi\,  hrclJiren  return 
 
 corn. 
 
 GENESIS. 
 
 chiTif  p  ^hey  knew  not  that  Jofeph  underftood  them ; 
 
 1707.  f  he  ipake  unto  them  by  an  interpreter. 
 
 24  And  he  turned  himl'elf  about  from  them,  and 
 .  and  returned  to  them  again,  and  communed 
 
 ;wfcrwas''-!^  frojm  them  Simeon,  and  bound 
 
 bvtiveeii 
 them. 
 
 Jadoh  is  liardhj  persuaded  to  send  Benjamin. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 n-ent 
 
 Jonh. 
 
 f  Ueb. 
 with  us 
 hard 
 things. 
 
 him  before  their  eyes. 
 
 25  H  1  hen  Jofeph  commanded  to  fill  their  facks  with 
 corn,  and  to  reftore  every  man’s  money  into  his  fack, 
 and  to  give  them  provifion  for  the  way  :  and  thus  did 
 he  unto  them. 
 
 26  And  they  laded  their  afles  with  the  corn,  and 
 departed  thence. 
 
 27  And  as  one  of  them  opened  his  fack,  to  give  his 
 afs  provender  in  the  inn,  he  efpied  his  money ;  for, 
 behold,  it  ivas  in  his  fack’s  mouth. 
 
 28  And  he  faid  unto  his  brethren.  My  money  is 
 reitored ;  and,  lo,  it  /seven  in  my  fack :  and  their 
 heart  f  failed  them,  and  they  were  afraid,  faying  one 
 to  another,  AVhat  is  this  that  God  hath  done  unto  us  ? 
 
 29  %  And  they  came  unto  Jacob  their  father  unto 
 the  land  of  Canaan,  and  told  him  all  that  befell  unto 
 them  ;  laying, 
 
 30  The  man,  ‘who  is  the  lord  of  the  land,  fpake 
 f  roughly  to  us,  and  took  us  for  fpies  of  the  country. 
 
 31  And  we  faid  unto  him,  We  are  true  men ;  we 
 are  no  fpies. 
 
 32  We  be  twelve  brethren,  fons  of  our  father  :  one 
 is  not,  and  the  youngeft  is  this  day  with  our  father  in 
 the  land  of  Canaan. 
 
 33  And  the  man,  the  lord  of  the  country,  faid  unto 
 us,  Elereby  Ihall  I  know  that  ye  are  true  men  ;  leave 
 cne  of  your  brethren  here  with  me,  and  xtiko.  food  for 
 the  famine  of  your  houfeholds,  and  be  gone  ; 
 
 34  And  bring  your  youngeft  brother  unto  me  :  then 
 Ihall  1  know  that  ye  are  no  fpies,  but  that  ye  cire  true 
 men  :  (o  will  1  deliver  you  your  brother,  and  ye  Ihall 
 traffick  in  the  land. 
 
 35  U  And  it  came  to  pafs,  as  they  emptied  their 
 facks,  that,  behold,  every  man’s  bundle  of  money 
 was  in  his  fack:  and  when  both  they  and  their  father 
 law  the  bundles  of  money,  they  were  afraid. 
 
 36  And  Jacob  their  father  faid  unto  them.  Me  have 
 y'e  bereaved  of  unj  children  Joleph  is  not,  and  Simeon 
 is  not,  and  ye  wdil  take  Benjamin  away.  All  thefe 
 things  are  againft  me. 
 
 37  And  Reuben  fpake  unto  his  father,  faying.  Slay 
 my  two  Tons,  if  I  bring  him  not  to  thee  :  deliver 
 him  into  my  hand,,  and  1  will  bring  hint  to  thee 
 again, 
 
 38  And  he  faid.  My  fon  fhall  not  go  down  with 
 you  ;  for  his  brother  is  dead,  and  he  is  left  alone :  if 
 raifehief  befall  him  by  the  way  in  the  which  ye  go, 
 
 then  fiiall  ye  bring  down  my  grey  hairs  with  forrow 
 to  the  grave.*  ^’*’"3 
 
 CHAP.  Xldll. 
 
 \  Jacob  is  hardly  perfuaded  to  fend  licmjamin.  \t>  Jofeph  entertaineth 
 
 his  brethren  ;  ‘J 1  he  maketh  them  a  J'cast. 
 
 ND  the  famine  was  fore  in  the  land. 
 
 2  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  they  had  eaten  up 
 the  corn  \vhich  they  had  brought  out  of  Egypt,  their 
 father  laid  unto  them,  Go  again,  buy  us  a  little  food. 
 
 3  And  Judah  fpake  unto  him,  faying,  The  man  f  did  f 
 folemnly  proteft  unto  us,  faying,  Ye  ihall  not  fee 
 face,  except  your »  brother  be  v/ith  you. 
 
 4  If  thou  wilt  fend  our  brother  with  us,  we  W’ill  goa2.  20. 
 
 ;  down  and  buy  thee  food  : 
 
 5  But  if  thou  wilt  not  fend  him,  we  will  not  go 
 down  :  for  the  man  faid  unto  us.  Ye  fnall  not  fee  my 
 I  face,  except  your  brother  be  with  you. 
 
 !  6  And  Ifrael  laid.  Wherefore  dealt  ye  fo  ill  with 
 
 me,  as  to  tell  the  man  whether  ye  had  yet  a  brother? 
 
 I  7  And  they  faid.  The  man  f  afked  us  ftraitly  of  our  f  Heb. 
 ftate,  and  of  our  kindred,  faying.  Is  your  father  yet 
 ; alive?  have  ye  another  brother?  and  we  told  him  **** 
 
 cording  to  the  f  tenor  of  thefe  words,  f  Could  wef  Heb. 
 certainly  know  that  he  would  fay,  Bring  your  brother 
 idown? 
 
 8  And  Judah  faid  unto  Ifrael  his  father.  Send  the  could  we 
 lad  with  me,  and  we  will  arife  and  go ;  that  we 
 
 live,  and  not  die,  both  we,  and  thou,  and  alfo  our 
 little  ones. 
 
 9  I  will  be  furety  for  him  ;  of  my  hand  fhalt  thou 
 require  him  :  ^  if  I  bring  him  not  unto  thee,  and  fet'^ 
 him  before  thee,  then  let  me  bear  the  blame  for  ever  ; 
 
 10  For  except  v^e  had  lingered,  furely  now  we  had 
 
 returned  |]  this  fecond  time.  H 
 
 11  And  their  father  Ifrael  faid  unto  them,  If  itmust^l^^jj^^ 
 be  so  now,  do  this  ;  Take  of  the  beft  fruits  in  the  land 
 
 in  your  veflels,  and  carry  down  the  man  a  prefent,  a 
 little  balm,  and  a  little  honey,  fpices  and  myrrh,  nuts 
 and  almonds. 
 
 12  And  take  double  money  in  ymur  hand  :  and  the 
 money  that  was  brought  again  in  the  mouth  of  your 
 facks,  carry  it  again  in  your  hand ;  peradventure  it 
 ivas  an  overfight. 
 
 13  Take  alfo  your  brother,  and  arife,  go  again  unto 
 the  man  : 
 
 14  And  God  Almighty  give  you  mercy  before  the 
 
 man,  that  he  may  fend  away  your  other  brother,  and 
 Benjamin.  II  If  I  be  bereaved  of  my  children,  I  am  II 
 bereaved.  ffjf 
 
 15  H  And  the  men  took  that  prefent,  and  they, took  ^c. 
 
 double  money  in  their  hand,  and  Benjamin  ;  and  rofe 
 
 up,  and  went  down  to  Egypt,  and  flood  before  Jofeph. 
 
 fwearing  by  the  life  of  Fharaoh.  But  it  muft  be  obferved  that  this  wa's  not 
 ail  oath,  but  a  vehement  affeveration,  as  if  he  had  faid,  As  fure  and  certain  as 
 Pharaoh  liveth,  ye  are  fpies.  Ver.  24.  And  he  turned— from  them,  and  ivept. 
 .Though  Jofepli  could  counterfeit  the  ftranger  in  his  looks,  his  air,  his  voice, 
 he  ftill  retained  the  brother  in  his  heart.  And  took— Simeon,  and  bound  him. 
 Simeon  was  the  principal  adtor  in  the  cruel  murder  of  the  Shechemites ;  and 
 there  is  reafon  to  tliink,  from  his  fiery  nature,  tliat  he  had  been  one  ^  ^ 
 moft  implacable  enemies  to  Jofeph.  Ver.  36.  Me  have  ye  bereaved.  The  " 
 gate  renders  the  former  pai't  of  the  verfe  thus,  “  Ye  have  made  me  child- 
 lefs,  Jofeph  is  dead,  Simeon  is  detained  in  bonds;”  and  the  Septuagint  ren¬ 
 ders  the  latter  part  thus,  “  And  will  ye  take  away  Benjamin  ?”  which  is 
 
 highly  natural.  All  thefe  things  are  againf  me.  In  Hebrew,  All  thife  'things 
 are  upon  me.  Slay  hiy  tiuo  funs,  if  I  bring  him  not  to  thee.  Tliis  may  feein  to 
 be  a  ilrange  propofal,  as  if  the  death  of  two  gi'andfons  could  fatisfy  Jacob 
 for  the  death  of  a  fon.  Reubtii  therefore  only  fays  this  to  fliew,  that  he 
 would  be  as  careful  and  folicitous  for  the  return  of  Benjamin,  as  if  the  life  of 
 his  two  fons  lay  at  ftake.  Ver.  38.  This  verfe  is  remarkably  pathetic  and 
 pi<5lurefque ;  it  paints  to  us  the  110017  patriarch  in  the  attitude  of  grief,  la¬ 
 menting  the  lofs  of  his  children  in  the  moll  melting  exprelTions  of  paternal 
 fondnefs. 
 
 EXPLx\NATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XLIII.  Ver.  8.  Send  the  lad.  ^  Ben¬ 
 jamin  was  now  twenty-four  years  of  age,  and  had  children  of  his  own  ;  but  is  here 
 
 TiBAPTirAT  OBSERVATIONS—*  Chap  XLIII  Bleffed  are  they  whofe  inheritance  is  111  heaven ;  for  there  fcai  city  01  famine  can  nevei  entei.  The 
 PRACnCAL  OBSER\A110JNS.  — _  Chap.  J  ^  , J,.  God  gives  always  feed  time  and  haivell,  that  his  people  may  not  lack  bread. 
 
 abundanceofonecountryisgenerallyfufficienttofupply  thewantsofaiiother  to  «  ^  aftecSlion  for  our  friends  is  its  own  punilhment. 
 
 Severe  providences  often  produce  bleffed  efiedls.  ^  gmlty  conlcience  is  op  P  P  ^  j  ciiilclren  fi‘om  whom  diffinguil!;ed  comforts  are 
 
 We  are  fometimes  greatly  alarmed  and  dillreffed  by  effeas  winch  are  f  Le^  us  uirtS  e  plttCCPur  affeaipns  on  Ihin.  s  above,  not  on 
 
 juftly  expeaed,  very  often  by  tlieir  wickedneft,  bring  their  parents’  gray  hairs  with  forrow  to  the  giave.  Let  us  uieuioie  p  «cc  o 
 
 things  of  tliis  eai  th. 
 
GENESIS. 
 
 Joseph  fedstcth  lih  hrcthroi. 
 
 Bi'f6rc 
 
 Chrift 
 
 f  Heb. 
 hill  a  kil¬ 
 ling- 
 t  Heb. 
 eat. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 roll  hini- 
 J'df  upon 
 us- 
 
 c  Chap. 
 42.  3. 
 f  Heb. 
 coming 
 down  ivc 
 came 
 down. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 pour 
 ‘money 
 tame  to 
 me. 
 
 d  Chap. 
 18.  4.  & 
 24.  32. 
 
 .t  I^eb. 
 peace. 
 t  Heb. 
 Is  there 
 peace 
 to  your 
 father  ? 
 
 16  And  when  Jofeph  faw  Benjamin  with  them,  he 
 faid  to  the  ruler  of  his  houfe,  Bring  thefe  men  home, 
 
 .  and  t  flay,  and  make  ready :  for  thrje  men  fhall  f  dine 
 with  me  at  noon. 
 
 17  And  the  man  did  Jofeph  bade :  and  the  man 
 brought  the  men  into  Jofeph’s  houle. 
 
 18  And  the  men  v/ere  afraid,  becaufe  they  were 
 brought  into  Jofeph’s  houfe ;  and  they  laid,  Becaule 
 of  the  money  that  was  returned  in  our  lacks  at  the 
 firfl;  time  are  we  brought  in  ;  that  he  may  f  feek  occa- 
 fion  againlt  us,  and  fall  upon  us,  and  take  us  for  bond¬ 
 men,  and  our  afl'es. 
 
 19  ^  And  they  came  near  to  the  Reward  of  Jofeph ’s 
 houfe,  and  they  communed  with  him  at  the  door  of 
 the  houfe, 
 
 20  And  faid,  O  fir,  <=  f  we  came  indeed  down  at 
 the  firll  time  to  buy  food  : 
 
 21  And  it  came  to  pals,  when  we  came  to  the  inn, 
 that  we  opened  our  hacks,  and,  behold,  man’s : 
 money  ’mas  in  the  mouth  of  his  lack,  our  m©ney  in  full ; 
 weight ;  and  we  have  brought  it  again  in  our  hand.  | 
 
 22  And  other  money  have  we  brought  dowm  in  our : 
 
 hands  to  buy  food ;  we  cannot  tell  who  put  our  money  ] 
 in  our  lacks.  1 
 
 23  And  he  faid.  Peace  he  to  you,  fear  not ;  your ; 
 
 God,  and  the  God  of  your  father,  hath  given  you ! 
 treafure  in  your  lacks f  I  had  your  money.  And  he , 
 brought  Simeon  out  unto  them.  _  i 
 
 24  And  the  man  brought  the  men  into  Jofeph’s 
 houfe,  and  ^  gave  tkem  water,  and  they  wafhed  their 
 feet ;  and  he  gave  their  afl'es  provender. 
 
 25  And  they  made  ready  the  prefent  againft  Jofeph 
 
 came  at  noon  :  for  they  heard  that  they  fhould  eat 
 bread  there.  j 
 
 26  «I  And  when  Jofeph  came  home,  they  brought  I 
 him  the  prefent  which  ivas  in  their  hand  into  the  houfe, 
 and  bowed  themfelves  to  him  to  the  earth. 
 
 27  And  he  afleed  them  of  their  f  welfare,  and  faid, 
 t  Is  your  father  w^ell,  the  old  man  of  whom  ye  fpake  ? 
 is  he  yet  alive  ? 
 
 2S  And  they  anfv/ered,  Thy  fervant  our  father  is 
 in  good  health,  he  is  yet  alive :  and  they  bowed  down 
 their  heads,  and  made  obeifance. 
 
 29  And  he  lifted  up  his  eyes,  and  law  hi^  brother 
 Benjamin,  his  mother’s  fon,  and  laid.  Is  this  your 
 younger  brother,  of  w'hom  ye  fpake  unto  m.e  ?  And 
 he  faid,  God  be  gracious  unto  thee,  my  fon. 
 
 called  a  lad,  becaufe  he  was  the  youngefl  of  all  the  fons  of  Jacob,  and  the  darling 
 of  their  aged  father.  Ver.  11.  Jf  it  mvji  be  Jo  noiv.  Jacob  leeing  there  was  no 
 icniody,  reluctantly  yields  to  his  fun’s  arguments  and  the  neceflity  of  the  cafe. 
 Ver.  14.  If  I  he  bereaved — I  am  bereaved.  A  fnnilar  expreffion  occurs  in  Either 
 iv.  16.  and  in  both -places  it  feems  to  denote  the  committing  of  one’s  felf,  and  the 
 event  of  one’s  a<5tion  entirely  to  God  in  a  time  of  the  greatell  extremity.  Ver. 
 23.  Your  God,  and  the  God  of  your  fithcrs  hath  given  you,  treafure  in  your  fachs. 
 Jofeph’s  llewaid  perceiving  tlic  concern  they  were  in,  and  being  probably 
 let  into  the  fecret  by  Jofeph,  endeavours  to  encourage  them  by  thefe  words  and 
 by  the  friendly  falutatlon  of  Peace  Ver,  26.  Bowed  themfelves.  Tliis 
 
 ciicumltance  is  a  more  complete  accomplilhment  of  Jofeph’s  dream ;  for  now  all 
 his  eleven  brethren  were  together,  fignitied  by  the  eleven  liars  tliat  made  obei¬ 
 fance  to  him,  fee  chap,  xxxvii.  9.  xlii.  6.  Ver.  27.  The  burlts  of  filial  afiedlion 
 and  impetuous  curiofity  are  llrongly  marked  by  thefe  interrupted  exprelRons, 
 which  are  extremely  natural,  and  vallly  affedtiirg.  Ver.  29.  Is  this  ycrur  younger 
 brother  ?  ~  God  be  gracious.  There  never  was  a  llronger  picture  of  nature  than 
 this  whole  narrative  of  the  interview  lietween  Jolfcph  and  his  brethren.  He 
 
 His  policy  to  stay  Benjamin* 
 
 SO  And  Jofeph  made  hafle ;  for  his  bowels  did  yearn 
 upon  his  brother  :  and  he  fought  -mhere  to  weep  ;  ana 
 he  entered  into  his  chamber,  and  wept  there. 
 
 31  And  he  walhed  his  face,  and  went  out,  and  re¬ 
 frained  himfelf,  and  faid.  Set  on  bread. 
 
 32  And  they  let  on  for  him  by  himielr,  and  tor 
 thim  by  themfelves,  and  lor  the  Egyptians  which  did 
 eat  with  him  by  themfelves :  becaufe  the  Egyptians 
 might  not  eat  bread  with  the  Hebrews  j  tor  that  is  an 
 abomination  unto  the  Egyptians. 
 
 33  And  they  fat  before  him,  the  firfl-born  accord¬ 
 ing  to  his  birthright,  and  the  youngefl  according  to  his 
 youth  ;  and  the  men  marvelled  one  at  another. 
 
 34  And  he  took  and  fent  mefles  unto  them  from 
 before  him:  but  Benjamin’s  mds  was  five  times 
 much  as  any  of  theirs.  And  they  drank,  and  t 
 
 merry  with  him.*  largely, 
 
 CHAP.  XlflV. 
 
 I  Jofeph' s  policy  to  flay  Benjamin  ;  Okie  cup  is  found  in  Bcvj-i.iins 
 fade.  14  Judah's  humble  fupplicatiooi  to  Jofeph. 
 
 And  he  commanded  t  the  Reward  of  his  houfe,  t  Heb. 
 
 laying,  Fill  the  men’s  lacks  'vcith  food,  as  much^^'^j; 
 as  they  can  carry,  and  put  every  man’s  money  in  hh  Uouft. 
 lack’s  mouth.  _  .  ^ 
 
 2  And  put  my  cup,  the  fflver  cup,  in  the  lack’s 
 mouth  of  the  youngeR,  aod  his  corn-money.  And  he 
 did  according  to  the  word  that  Jofeph  had  fpoken. 
 
 3  As  foon  as  the  morning  was  lignt,  the  men  were 
 fent  away,  they  and  their  afl'es. 
 
 4  And' when  they  W'ere  gone  out  of  the  city,  and 
 not  yet  far  off,  Jofeph  faid  unto  his  Rew’ard,  Up,  fol¬ 
 low  after  the  men  ;  and  when  thou  doR  overtake 
 them,  fay  unto  them,  Wherefore  have  ye  rewarded 
 evil  for  good  ? 
 
 5  Is  not  this  it  in  w'hich  my  lord  drinketh,  and 
 whereby  indeed  he  li  divineth  ?  ye  have  done  evil  in  i! 
 lo  doing.  , 
 
 6  ^  And  he  overtook  them,  and  he  fpake  unto  them 
 thefe  fame  words. 
 
 V  And  they  laid  unto  him,  Wherefore  faith  my 
 lord  thefe  words  ?  God  forbid  that  thy  fervants  fliouk! 
 do  according  to  this  thing. 
 
 8  Behold,  the  money  which  we  found  in  our  facks’ 
 mouths  we  brought  again  unto  thee  out  of  the  land  of 
 Canaan  :  how  then  fhould  we  Real  out  of  thy  lord’s 
 houfe  fi'iver  or  gold  ? 
 
 9  With  whomfoever  of  thy  fervants  it  be  found, 
 
 fees  Benjamin,  liis  only  brother  by  the  fame  mother ; — and  left  he  fliould  be  milt 
 taken  by  the  alteration  winch  age  had  -wTOught  in  his  features — he  alks  whether 
 it  really  was  their  younger  brother? — But  nature  anfwered  bis  queftion, — and 
 before  his  brethren  could  reply,  the  warm  tranfports  of  liis  love  break  forth 
 into  a  blefllng  and  a  prayer,  ^•'er.  32.  Becaufe  the  Egyptians  might  not  eat  bread 
 with  the  Hebrews.  Tliis  is  fuppbfed  to  have  been  owing  to  certain  rites  and 
 cuftoms  the  Egyptians  had  peculiar  to  themfelves  in  drelTmg  their  food  and 
 eating  it.  Or  rather,  the  enmity  which  the  Egyptians  bore  the  Hebrews,  was  on 
 account  of  tlieir  hoingfliepihcrds  ;  a  profellion  which  they  alximinated  on  account 
 of  the  heavy  flavery  they  groaned  under  from  tlie  invafion  and  conquefts  of  the 
 ICyhfos,  or  Boyal  fiepherds,  in  the  reign  of  Timaus. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Cfi.Vr.  XLIV.  Ver.  1,  2.  It  may  be  thought 
 perhaps  a  piece  of  cruelty  in  Jofeph,  upon  their  fecond  difmiffion,  and  after  fo 
 kind  an  entertaintnent,  to  have  his  cup  conveyed  into  Benjamin’s  fack,  and 
 thereupon  to  threaten  to  make  him  a  bond-flave  for  a  pretended  felony.  But 
 Iierein  was  Jofeph’s  great  policy  and  nicety  of  jiulgment.  He  himfelf  had  been 
 feverely  treated  by  the  reft  when  be  was  young,  and  therefore  was  minded  to 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS — *  Chap.  XLIII.l 
 
 Tlie  trials  of  God’s  people  may  be  fevere,  numerous,  and  of  long  duration.  Let  them  in  difficult 
 circumftances  not  finl,  when  foiiiethmg  clear  is  at  Hake,  to  liften  to  the  prudent  advice  of  otliers,  w'ho  are  lefs  interefted.  In  endeavouring  to  avoid  damrer  it  is 
 our  intereft  and  duty  to  commit  otirfdve^  and  all  affairs  to  God ;  for  he  alone  can  profper  the  w  ’  ^  °  ’ 
 
 guilt,  they  are  apt  to  fear  without  gn'-: 
 
 Their  ..-aniLi!;  p-rayers  fur  our  Vv-.'.U-  ■ 
 
 Joyc. 
 
 i-J  c< 
 
 profper  the  work  of  our  hands.  When  men’s  confciences  are  overwhehned  by 
 the  TToft  favourable  events  into  reafons  of  nncafmefs.  Tlie  tendereft  palfions  poffefs  the  nobleft  minds. 
 .u,uc[c,  i  V  Urn.-;  withivhom  we  have  inteiuourfe  have  wliiiiifical  feruples,  let  us  bear  with  them  in 
 
Ju:lr7:*s  7 umble u^ur)p7icaiio?i. 
 
 GENJiSIS. 
 
 Joseph  made  knoxm  to  his  bfethrcn. 
 
 Hcfore 
 
 Chrirt 
 
 1707. 
 
 11  Or, 
 
 make 
 trial  F 
 
 a  Chap. 
 43.  3. 
 
 both  let  mi  n  die,  and  we  alTo  will  be  my  lord’s  bond¬ 
 men. 
 
 10  And  he  laid,  Now  alf .  let  it  he  according  unto 
 your  words ;  he  with  whom  it  is  founu  fliall  be  my 
 iervant  ;  and  ye  fhall  be  blamelels. 
 
 1 1  Xhen  they  fpeedily  took  down  every  man  his 
 fack  to  the  ground,  and  opened  every  man  his  lack. 
 
 12  And  he  fearched,  ana  began  at  the  eldeli,  and 
 left  at  the  youngeft;  and  the  cup  was  found  in  Ben¬ 
 jamin’s  lack. 
 
 13  Then  they  rent  their  clothes,  and  laded  every 
 man  his  afs,  and  returned  to  the  city. 
 
 14  *11  And  Judah  and  his  brethren  came  to  Jofeph’s 
 houl'e  :  (for  he  'isas  yet  there  :)  and  they  fell  before 
 him  on  the  ground. 
 
 15  And  Jofeph  laid  unto  them.  What  deed  is  this 
 that  ye  hpe  done  ?  wot  ye  not  that  fuch  a  man  as  1 
 can  certainly  ||  divine? 
 
 16  And  Judah  faid.  What  fliall  we  fay  unto  my 
 lord  ?  what  fhall  vve  fpeak  ^  or  how  fnall  we  clear 
 ourfelves  ?  God  hath  found  out  the  iniquity  of  thy 
 fervants  :  behold,  we  are  my  lord’s  fervants,  both  we, 
 and  he  alfo  with  whom  the  cup  is  found. 
 
 17  And  he  faid,  God  forbid  that  I  fhould  do  fo : 
 but  the  man  in  whe  fe  hand  the  cup  is  found,  he  fhall 
 be  my  fervant ;  and  as  for  you,  get  you  up  in  peace 
 unto  your  father. 
 
 18  H  Then  Judah  came  near  unto  him,  and  faid, 
 Oh,  my  lord,  let  thy  fervant,  I  pray  thee,  fpeak  a 
 word  in  my  lord’s  ears,  and  let  not  thine  anger  burn 
 againft  thy  fervant :  for  thou  art  even  as  Pharaoh. 
 
 19  My  lord  aflced  his  fervants,  faying.  Have  ye  a 
 father,  or  a  brother? 
 
 20  And  we  faid  unto  my  lord,  We  have  a  father, 
 an  old  man,  and  a  child  of  his  old  age,  a  little  one  : 
 and  his  brother  is  dead,  and  he  alone  is  left  of  his 
 mother,  and  his  father  loveth  him. 
 
 21  And  thou  faidft  unto  thy  fervants,  Bring  him 
 down  unto  me,  that  I  may  fet  mine  eyes  upon  him. 
 
 22  And  we  laid  unto  my  lord.  The  lad  cannot  leave 
 his  father  ;  for  ^he  fhould  leave  his  father,  his  father . 
 would  die. 
 
 23  And  thou  faidft  unto  thy  fervants,  “  except  your 
 youngeft  brother  come  dowm  W’ith  you,  ye  fhall  lee 
 my  face  no  more. 
 
 24  And  it  camevto  pafs,  when  we  came  up  unto  thy 
 fervant  my  father,  w^e  told  him  the  words  of  my  lord. 
 
 25  And  our  father  faid,  Go  again,  and  buy  us  a 
 little  food. 
 
 26  And  we  faid,  "We  cannot  go  down  ;  if  our 
 youngeft  brother  be  with  us,  then  will  we  go  down  : 
 
 Bcfoi-e 
 
 CliiiA. 
 
 1707. 
 
 37.  33. 
 
 c  Chap. 
 43.  9. 
 
 for  we  may  not  fee  the  man’s  face,  except  our  young- 
 eft  brother  be  with  us. 
 
 27  And  thy  fervant  my  father  faid  unto  us.  Ye 
 know  that  my  wife  bare  me -two  pms 
 
 28  And  the  one  went  out  from  me,  and  T  faid, 
 burely  he  is  torn  in  pieces ;  and  1  law  him  not  ^^’•'4’- 
 
 fince: 
 
 29  And  if  ye  take  this  alfo  from  me,  and  mifehief 
 befall  him,  ye  lhall  bring  down  my  grey  hairs  with 
 forrow  to  the  grave. 
 
 30  Now  therefore,  when  I  come  to  thy  fervant  my 
 father,  and  the  lad  be  not  with  us  ;  (feeing  that  his  life 
 is  bound  up  in  the  lad’s  life ;) 
 
 31  It  fhall  come  to  pafs,  when  he  feeth  that  the  lad 
 is  not  xviUi  ns,  that  he  will  die  ;  and  thy  fervants  fhall 
 bring  down  the  grey  hairs  of  thy  fervant  our  father 
 with  forrow  to  the  grave.  " 
 
 32  For  thy  fervant  became  furety  for  the  lad  unto 
 my  father,  faying,  If  I  bring  him  not  unto  thee,  then 
 jl  lhall  bear  the  blame  to  my  father  for  ever, 
 j  33  Now  therefore,  I  pray  thee,  let  thy  fervant  abide 
 j  inftead  of  the  lad  a  bond-man  to  my  lord ;  and  let  the 
 (lad  go  up  with  his  brethren. 
 
 i  34  For  how  fhall  I  go  up  to  my  father,  and  the  lad  t  n^b. 
 be  not  with  me?  left  peradventure  I  fee  the  evil 
 fliall  t  come  on  my  father.* 
 
 CHAP.  XLV. 
 
 1  Jofeph  maketh  himfdf  knoivn  to  his  brethren  ;  5  he  emnforteth  them  in 
 God's  provvlcncs  i  9  he  fendeth  for  his  father  ;  16  Pharaoh  confrmeth 
 it.  21  Jofeph  furnijhcth  them  for  their  journey,  and  exhorteth  them  to 
 concord.  24  Jacob  is  reviued  at  the  news. 
 
 "^HEN  Jofeph  could  not  refrain  himfelf  before  all 
 
 _  them  that  flood  by  him  ;  and  he  cried,  Caufe 
 
 every  man  to  go  out  from  me.  And  there  flood  no 
 m.an  w  ith  him  while  Jofeph  made  himfelf  known  unto^ 
 his  brethren.  gave  forth 
 
 2  And  he  f  wept  aloud  :  and  the  Egyptians  and  hk  voice 
 the  houfe  of  pharaoh  heard. 
 
 3  And  Jofeph  hiid  unto  his  brethren,  ®  I  aiw  Jofeph  ;  a  A(51s 
 doth  my  fatner  yet  live?  And  his  brethren  could  not  7.  13. 
 anfwer  him  ;  for  they  were  !l  troubled  at  his  prefence. 
 
 4  And  Jofeph  faid  unto  his  brethren,  come  n^’ar 
 to  me  I  pray  you.  A.nd  they  came  near.  And  he  faid, 
 
 I  am  Jofeph  your  brother,  whom  ye  fold  into  Egypt,  there  be 
 
 5  Now  therefore  be  not  grieved,  f  nor  angry  with 
 
 yourfelves,  that  ye  fold  me  hither  ;  for  God  did  fend^^r^’ 
 me  before  you  to  preferve  life.  ^  _  n  Chap. 
 
 6  For  thefe  two  years  hat/i  the  famine  been  in  the  so.  20. 
 land  ;  and  yet  there  are  five  years,  in  the  which  there 
 
 shall  neither  be  earing,  nor  harveft.  _  youa"' 
 
 7  And  God  fent  me  before  you  f  to  preferve  you  remnant. 
 
 make  an  experiment  in  what  manner  they  would  now  behave  toward  his  brotlier. 
 Ver.  5.  The  word  tranflated  dnwe</i,  bears  another  lenfe  in  chap  xxx.  27.  and 
 1  Kings  XX.  33.  where  it  tigaifics  to  try,  fearch,  or  make  experiment.  The  above 
 fenfe  is  confirmed  by  the  Arabic  and  Chaldee  verfions.  Ver.  ll.  ^ind  they 
 f)>ecdUy  took  down.  In  the  Hebrew,  “  They  haftened  and  took  down.”  Ver.  15. 
 IFot  ye  not  that  fuch  a  man  as  I  can  certainly  divine  F  As  if  he  had  faid,  You 
 might  eafily  have  concluded,  that  fuch  a  man  as  I,  who  have  raifed  myfelf  to  this 
 
 eminence  by  my  interpretation  of  dreams,  and  may  therefore  "  . . . . . 
 
 adept  in  all  other  fciences,  could  not  be  long 
 Ions  were  that  had  taken  away  my  cup.  Ver  ^ 
 
 Judah  refledled  on  the  iniferies  to  which  Benjamin  was  expofed,  and  the 
 
 nature  of  t)ie  crime,  of  which  he  was  conviiSled  ; 
 
 well  be  accounted 
 at  a  lofs  to  know  who  the  per- 
 16.  What  fludl  we  fpeak  ?  When 
 
 heinoufnefs  and 
 
 on 
 
 ungrateful 
 
 when  he  tliought  on  the  confequences  his  detention  would  have  on  a  fond 
 
 parent,  i\hofe  life  was  wrapped  up  in  flic  life  of  his  fon  ;  his  grief  might  rca- 
 j  fonably  fwell  too  big  for  words,  and  his  conllernation  exprefs  itfelf  in  broken 
 i  I'cnten'ces  like  thefe,  “What  fliall  we  fay  unto  ray  lord?—  what  fliall  we  fpeak? 
 
 '  or  how  fliall  we  clear  ourfelves?”  Ver.  30.  His  life  is  bound  up.  This  is  a  very 
 flron  O' expreflion  of  paternal  affciSlion.  Ver.  34.  Lcf  peradventure  If  tall  fee  the 
 exnl  that  fhall  come  on  my  father.  This  whole  fpecch  of  Judah  highly  deferves  the 
 reader’s'attcntion.  He  a6ts  both  the  part  of  a  faithful  brother,  and  dutiful  fon, 
 wlio,  rather  than  behold  the  milbry  of  his  father,  in  cafe  Benjamin  was  left 
 behind,  fubmits  to  become  a  bond-man  in  his  Head.  Such  an  air  of  candour  and 
 '  oencrofity  runs  tlirough  flie  whole,  the  fcntimCnts  are  fo  tender  and  affcbling,  the 
 '  expreflions  ib  pathetic,  and  flow  fo  much  from  artlefs  nature,  that  it  is  no  wonder 
 I  they  came  to  Jofeph’s  heart,  and  rendered  it  mipolhble  for  him  to  conceal  himfelf 
 any  longer. 
 
 PRACTIC  VL  OBSERVATIONS _ Chap.  XLIV.]  God  can  convince  tlic  moft  hardened,  and  awaken  the  moll  iccuro  finners.  Let  us  in  all  the  clie- 
 
 Goa;Vo.  .y 
 
 w tlZ  'And'kcrSly  let  us  Wnscu.bur  .Ins  b.fo.e  G»d,  aud  usknowlrfsc  .hat  ho  hath  deal,  u-i.h  us  l.fa  U.„ 
 
 yve  have  deferved. 
 
Joseph 
 
 Ilefore 
 
 C'hrift 
 
 1706. 
 
 sendelh  for  his  father. 
 a  pofterity  in  the  earth,  and  to  lave  your  lives  by  a 
 
 t  Hob. 
 
 was  good 
 in  th:  eyes 
 <p  Pha¬ 
 raoh. 
 
 great  deliverance. 
 
 8  So  now,  it  was  not  you  that  fent  me  hither,  but 
 God  ;  and  he  hath  made  me  a  father  to  Pharaoh,  and 
 lord  of  all  his  houfe,  and  a  ruler  throughout  all  the 
 land  of  Egypt. 
 
 9  Hade  ye,  and  go  up  to  my  father,  and  fay  unto 
 him,  Thus  faith  thy  Ion  Jofeph,  God  hath  made  me 
 lord  of  all  Egypt ;  como  down  unto  me,  tarry  not. 
 
 10  And  thou  (halt  dwell  in  the  land  of  Golhen,  and 
 thou  fhalt  be  near  unto  me,  thou,  and  thy  children, 
 and  thy  children’s  children,  and  thy  flocks,  and  thy 
 herds,  and  all  that  thou  haft : 
 
 1 1  And  there  will  I  nourifh  thee,  (for  yet  there  are 
 five  years  of  famine,)  left  thou,  and  thy  houfehold, 
 and  all  that  thou  haft,  come  to  poverty. 
 
 12  And,  behold,  your  eyes  fee,  and  the  eyes  of  my 
 brother  Benjamin,  that  it  is  my  mouth  that  fpeaketh 
 unto  you. 
 
 13  And  ye  fliall  tell  my  father  of  all  my  glory  in 
 Egypt,  and  of  all  that  ye  havefeen  ;  and  ye  fhall  hafte 
 and  bring  down  my  father  hither. 
 
 14  And  he  fell  upon  his  brother  Benjamin’s  neck, 
 and  wept ;  and  Benjamin  wept  upon  his  neck.  ' 
 
 J  5  Moreover,  he  kifled  all  his  brethren,  and  wept 
 upon  tnem  :  and  after  that  his  brethren  talked  with 
 him. 
 
 16  H  And  the  fame  thereof  was  heard  in  Pharaoh’s 
 houl'e,  faying,  Jol’eph’s  brethren  are  come.  And  it 
 f  pleafed  Pnaraoh  well,  and  his  fervants. 
 
 GENESIS.  Jacob  and  his  family  go  into  Egypt* 
 
 24  So  he  fent  his  brethren  away,  and  they  depart- 
 ed :  and  he  faid  unto  them.  See  that  ye  fall  not  out 
 the 
 
 Before 
 
 Cairifl 
 
 1706. 
 
 by  the  way. 
 
 2r>  51  And  they  w'ent  up  out  of  Egypt,  and  came  into 
 the  land  of  Canaan  unto  Jacob  their  father, 
 
 26  And  told  him,  faying,  Joleph  is  yet  ^^ve,  and 
 he  is  governor  over  all  the  land  ot  Egypt.  And  t  Ja- 
 cob’s  heart  fainted,  for  he  believed  them  not. 
 
 27  And  they  told  him  all  the  words  ot  joleph, 
 which  he  had  faid  unto  them  ;  and  when  he  faw  the 
 waggons,  which  Joleph  h^d  lent  to  c^rry  him,  the  Ipi- 
 
 rit  of  Jacob  their  father  revived. 
 
 28  And  Ifrael  faid,  It  is  enough  ;  Joleph  my  Ion  zs 
 vet  alive :  1  will  go  and  lee  him  before  1  die. 
 
 CHAP.  XLVI. 
 
 1  Jacob  is  comforted  by  God  at  Becr-fudoa  :  5  thence  he  wUh  his  corn}Kiny 
 goeth  into  Egyjd ;  S  the  number  of  his  family  that  went ’into  Egypt. 
 28  Jfeph  meeteth  Jacobs  31  he  inJlruOeth  his  brethren  how  to  make 
 anfwer  to  Pharaoh.  ^  , 
 
 And  Ifrael  took  a  journey  with  all  that  he  had, 
 and  came  to  Beer-fheba,  and  offered  facrifices 
 unto  the  God  of  his  father  Ifaac. 
 
 2  And  God  fpake  unto  Ifrael  in  the  vifions  of  the 
 night,  and  faid,  Jacob,  Jacob!  And  he  faid,  Here  aw  I. 
 
 3  And  he  faid,  I  am  God,  the  God  of  thy  father : 
 fear  not  to  Go  dowm  into  Egypt ;  for  1  will  there  make 
 of  thee  a  great  nation. 
 
 4  1  w'ill  go  down  w'ith  thee  into  Egypt  ;  and  I  wall 
 alfo  furely  bring  thee  up  again :  and  Jofeph  fhall  put 
 his  hand  upon  thine  eyes. 
 
 5  51  And  Jacob  rofe  up  from  Beer-fheba  :  and  the 
 
 t  H«b. 
 
 17Q^^ 
 
 17  And  Pnaraoh  faid  unto  Jofeph,  Say  unto  thy  j:  Tons  of  Ifrael  carried  Jacob  their  father,  and  their  littk 
 
 f  Heb. 
 let  not 
 your 
 
 Spare,  ^;c. 
 t  Heb. 
 mouth. 
 
 +  Hob. 
 
 carrying. 
 
 brethren.  This  do  ye  ;  lade  your  bealls,  and  go,  get 
 3'ou  unto  the  land  of  Canaan  ; 
 
 18  And  take  your  father,  and  your  houfeholds,  and 
 come  unto  me  ;  and  I  will  give  you  the  good  of  the 
 land  of  Egypt,  and  ye  ftiall  eat  the  fat  of  the  land. 
 
 19  Now  thou  art  commanded,  this  do  ye;  Take  you 
 waggons  out  of  the  land  of  Eg^^pt  for  your  little  ones, 
 and  for  your  w'ives,  and  bring  your  hither,  and  come. 
 
 20  Alfo  t  regard  not  your  ftuflf :  for  the  good  of  all 
 the  land  of  Egypt  is  yours. 
 
 21  51  And  the  children  of  Ifrael  did  fo :  and  Jofeph 
 gave  them  waggons,  according  to  the  f  commandment  1; 
 of  Pharaoh,  and  gave  them  provifion  for  the  way. 
 
 22  To  all  of  them  he  gave  each  man  changes  of 
 raiment ;  but  to  Benjamin  he  gave  three  hundred 
 pieces  of  filver,  and  five  changes  of  raiment. 
 
 23  And  to  his  father  he  fent  after  this  manner  s  ten 
 aftes  +  laden  with  the  good  things  of  Egypt,  and  ten 
 ftie  affes  laden  with  corn  and  bread  and  meat  for  his 
 father  by  the  w’ay. 
 
 ones  and  their  w'ives,  in  the  waggons  which  Pharaoh 
 I  had  fent  to  carry  him. 
 
 6  And  they  took  their  cattle,  and  their  goods,  w'hich  a  Jofli. 
 
 they  had  gotten  in  the  land  of  Canaan,  and  came  into 
 Egypt,  “  Jacob  and  all  his  feed  with  him  :  io5.*23. 
 
 7  His  Ions  and  his  fon’s  fons  with  him,  his  daugh- Ha.52.4. 
 ters,  and  his  fon’s  daughters,  and  all  his  feed,  brought 
 
 he  with  him  into  Egypt.  ^ 
 
 8  51  And  ^  thefe  are  the  names  of  the  children  of  c  Numb. 
 Ifrael  which  came  into  Egypt,  Jacob  and  his  fons  :  26.  5. 
 
 ■=  Reuben,  Jacob’s  firft  born.  ^  Chron. 
 
 9  And  the  fons  of  Reuben  ;  Hanoch,  and 
 
 and  Hezron,  and  Carmi.  g.  15. 
 
 10  51  And  **  the  fons  of  Simeon  ;  Jemuel,  and  Jamin,  1  Chron. 
 
 and  Ohad,  and  Jachin,  and  Zohar,  and  Shaul  the  fon^’,^^'. 
 of  a  Canaanitifh  woman.  I 
 
 1 1  51  And  the  fons  of  *  Levi ;  Gerfhon,  Cohath,  and  f  'l  Chr^. 
 
 Merari.  2.  3.  &4. 
 
 5  Er,  and  Onan,  and  ^'chap 
 jShelah,  and  Pnarez,  and  Zarah  :  but  s  Er  and  Onanss.  3. 
 
 Phallu,  ^Ekod. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XLV.  Ver.  3.  I  am  Jofeph ;  Doth 
 my  father  yet  live  ?  How  quick  the  tranfitioii,  his  foul  is  fo  full  of  filial  afteaion 
 for  his  father,  tliat,  before  he  has  finifiied  his  feiitence,  lie  enquires  after  him 
 though  they  had  before  told  liim  he  was  alive.  And  how  muft  fuch  an 
 abrupt  declaration  affea  his  brethren  !  Ver.  5.  Noiu  Jherefore  be  not  grieved. 
 Abundantly  convinced  by  their  whole  lichaviour,  but  they  repented  of  what 
 tliey  had  done,  with  fentiments  equally  generous  and  pious,  he  bids  them 
 think  no  more  of  their  ill  ufage  of  him,  but  adore  the  divine  Providence 
 tliat  had  turned  their  aaion  into  fo  fignal  a  bleffing  to  them  and  the  whole  family. 
 Ver.  20.  Eegard  not  yourjlvff.  Be  not  too  folicitous  about  bringing  down  your 
 implements  of  hulbandry  and  houfehold  goods,  nor  retai'd  your  journey  by 
 ufelefs  incumbrances,  nor  regret  the  lofs  of  any  thing  you  may  be  conftrained  to 
 leave  behind;  for  Egypt  fliall  abundantly  fupply  all  your  wants,  and  the  fat 
 
 of  the  land  fhall  be  yours.  Ver.  24.  See  that  ye  fall  not  out  by  the  way.  Jofeph 
 was  no  flranger  to  the  temper  of  his  brethren,  and  therefore  thought  proper  to  re^ 
 prove  them  in  this  gentle  manner. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XLVI.  Ver.  1.  Came  to  Beer-fheba. 
 This  lay  m  his  road  from  Hebron  to  Egypt,  and  therefore  Jacob  made  it  no‘w  the 
 place  of  ms  devotion,  where  he  offered  facrifices  to  the  God  of  his  father  Ifaac 
 attended  witli  praife  and  thankfgiving  for  the  late  bleffed  change  in  the  face  of 
 ns^  family,  and  the  joyful  news  that  Jofeph  was  yet  alive,  and  had  been  fent 
 beiore  him  by  the  God  of  his  falvation  to  be  the  preferver  of  the  houfe  of 
 Ifrael.  ^  er.  2.  End  hef.td,  Here  am  I.  Jacob,  like  one  well  acquainted  with 
 the  Mfions  of  the  Almighty,  anfwers  the  call  without  hefitation  or  furprife,  Here 
 am  I  ready  to  obey  the  will  of  my  God.  Ver.  3.  Fear  not  to  go  down  t^to  E<rul 
 Jacob  upon  the  firfl  intelligence  of  Jofepli’s  life  and  glorv  in  Egypt,  refS 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  XLV.j  How  amiable  is  a  tender  heart  and  forgiving  fpirit  It  is  that  wbi  b  r  ^ 
 
 recommends  to  our  imitation.  Let  us  carefully  conceal  the  faults  of  our  brethren  from  the  world;  and  render  to  dl  ffo^d  for  .  n  ^  towards  iis^ 
 
 wants  and  comfiirts  of  our  aged  parents,  that  they  may,  if  poffible,  fpend  their  latter  days  in  peace  Let  us  patiently  bear  the  evil  f  i  f  "  provide  for  the 
 
 convince  us  that  all  things  have  been  working  for  our  good.  t  p  leniiy  Dear  tlie  evils  of  life ;  a  few  more  days  will  fully 
 
 Ho,  O 
 
1. 
 
 i  1  Chro. 
 7.  30. 
 
 The  number  of  those  that  •went  into  Eaypt.  GENESIS. 
 
 Qirift  of  Canaan.  And  the  fons  of  Pharez 
 
 1706.  Hezron  and  Hamul. 
 
 -  ^ Iffachar ;  Tola,  and  Phuvah, 
 
 hi  Chro. and  Job,  and  Shimron. 
 
 14-  H  And  the  fons  of  Zebulun  ;  Sered,  and'Elon, 
 and  Jahleel. 
 
 1 5  Thefe  he  the  fons  of  Leah,  which  (he  bare  unto 
 Jacob  in  Padan-aram  vvi^h  his  daughter  Dinah  ;  all  the 
 fouls  of  his  fons  and  his  daughters  Ttwr  thirty  and  three. 
 
 16  H  And  the  tons  of  Gad  ;  Ziphion,  and  Haggai, 
 
 Shuni,  and  Ezbon,  Eri,  and  Arodi,  and  Areli. 
 
 1 7  ^  ‘  And  the  fons  of  Afher ;  Jimnah,  and  Khuah, 
 and  llui,  and  Beriah,  and  Serah  their  fifter.  And  the 
 fons  of  Beriah  ;  Heber,  and  Malchiel. 
 
 18  Thel'e  are  the  fons  of  Zilpah,  whom  Laban  gave 
 to  Leah  his  daughter  ;  and  thefe  (he  bare  unto  Jacob, 
 even  fixteen  fouls. 
 
 1 9  H  The  fons  of  Rachel,  Jacob’s  wife  ;  Jofeph  and 
 Benjamin. 
 
 20  ^  And  unto  Jofeph,  in  the  land  of  Egypt,  were 
 born  ManaiTeh,  and  Ephraim,  which  Alenath,  the 
 daughter  of  Poti-pherah  l|  prieft  of  On,  bare  unto  him. 
 
 2 1  H  *  And  the  fons  of  Benjamin  were  Belah,  and  Be- 
 cher,  and  A(hbel,  Gerah,  andNaaman,  Ehi,  and  Rofh, 
 Muppim,  and  Huppim,  and  Ard. 
 
 22  Thefe  are  the  fons  of  Rachel,  which  were  born 
 to  Jacob  :  all  the  fouls  were  fourteen. 
 
 23  ^  And  the  fons  of  Dan  ;  Hufhim. 
 
 24  %  i^nd  the  fons  of  Naphtali ;  Jahzeel,  and  Guni, 
 and  Jezer,  and  Shiliem. 
 
 25  Thefe  are  the  fons  Bilhah,  which  Laban  gave 
 unto  Rachel  his  daughter;  and  (he  bare  thefe  unto 
 Jacob  :  all  the  Ibuls  were  (even. 
 
 26  All  the  fouls  that  came  with  Jacob  into  Egypt, 
 which  came  out  of  his  f  loins,  befides  Jacob’s  fons’ 
 wives,  all  the  fouls  were  threefcore  and  fix. 
 
 27  And  the  fons  of  Jofeph,  which  were  born  him  in 
 m  Deut.  Egy.pt,  were  two  fouls  :  all  the  fouls  of  the  houfe  of 
 10. 22.  Jacob,  which  came  into  Egypt,  were  threefcore  and  ten. 
 
 28  II  And  he  Cent  Judah  before  him  unto  Jofeph,  to 
 direct  his  face  unto  Gcfhen  ;  and  they  came  unto  the 
 land  of  Gofhen. 
 
 29  And  Jofeph  made  ready  his  chariot,  and  went  up 
 to  meet  llrael  his  father,  to  Gofhen  ;  and  prefented 
 himfelf  unto  him :  and  he  fell  on  his  neck,  and  wept 
 on  his  neck  a  good  while. 
 
 30  And  llrael  laid  unto  Jofeph,  Now  let  rhe  die, 
 
 k  Chap. 
 41.  50. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 prince. 
 
 1  1  Chro, 
 
 7.  6.  & 
 
 8.  1. 
 
 Joseph  meetcth  his  father, 
 have  feen  thy  face,  becaufe  thou  art  yet 
 
 Before 
 
 Cliria 
 
 1706. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 thigh. 
 
 without  any  hefitation  to  go  and  fee  him ;  yet  it  feems  that  afterwards  many 
 difficulties  occurred,  many  fears  arofe  in  his  mind,  about  this  journey.  For  I  will  ‘ 
 there  make  of  thee  a  great  nation.  This  prophecy  was  miraculoully  fulfilled.  No  i 
 more  than  I’eventy  perfons  went  down  into  Egypt,  and,  behold,  in  the  fpace  of , 
 two  hundred  and  fifteen  years  they  increafed  to  about yij  hundred  thovfand  !  \ 
 Ver.  4.  Shall  put  his  hand  upon  thine  eyes.  What  could  have  given  greater  com-  , 
 fort  and  confolation  to  Jacob,  than  to  be  alfured,  that  the  Ibn  whom  he  loved  mofit 
 fhould  be  %vith  him,  and  perform  this  laft  kind  office  to  a  beloved  parent? 
 Ver;  7.  All  his  feed  brought  he  viith  him  into  Fgypt.  The  whole  account  of 
 cob’s  fons  and  grandfons  who  went  along  with  him  into  Egypt,  Hands  thus  :  By 
 Leah,  32;  by  Zilpaii,  16;  by  Rachel,  1 1  ;  by  Bilhah,  7  ;  in  aU  66,  exclufive  o! 
 Jacob  himlelf,  and  of  Jofeph  and  his  two  fons,  which  make  up  the  70.  Ver.  2K 
 To  direSl  his  face  unto  Gofhen.  The  Vulgate  renders  it,  “  To  acquaint  him  ot  his 
 coming,  that  he  might  meet  with  him  in  Gofhen.”  Ver.  SO*  Now  let  me  dk.  .^Vi 
 expreffion  that  Implies  the  greateft  refignation,  joy,  and  afiedtion.  Ver.  ^ 
 (hull  fay,  Thyfervants  trade  hath  been  about  cattle.  A  modefl  and  humble  di^ 
 pofition  of  mind  is  exemplified  by  Jofeph’s  condudl  with  refpedl  to  his  fathers 
 family  ana  Pharaoh.  Though  fliepherds  were  looked  upon  with  contempt  by  tJie 
 
 fince  I 
 alive. 
 
 31  And  Jofeph  faid  unto  his  brethren,  and  unto  his 
 father’s  houfe,  I  will  go  up,  and  (hew  Pharaoh,  and  fay 
 unto  him,  my  brethren,  and  my  father’s  houfe,  which 
 were  in  the  land  of  Canaan,  are  come  unto  me  : 
 
 32  And  the  men  are  (hepherds,  for  t  their  trade  t  Heb. 
 
 nath  been  to  feed  cattle  ;  and  they  have  brought  their 
 flocks,  and  their  herds,  and  all  that  they  have.  ^ 
 
 33  And  it  fhall  come  to  pafs,  when  Pharaoh 
 call  you,  and  fhall  fay,  What  is  your  occupation  ? 
 
 34  That  ye  (hall  fay,  Thy  fervants’  trade  hath  been 
 about  cattle  from  our  youth  even  until  now,  both  v/e 
 and  alfo  our  fathers :  that  ye  may  dwell  in  the  land  of 
 Gofhen  ;  for  every  (hepherd  is  an  abomination  unto 
 the  Egyptians.* 
 
 CHAP.  XLVII. 
 
 1  Jofeph  prefcnteth  fve  of  his  brethren,  1  aiA  his  father,  before  Pharaoh  * 
 
 I  I  he  giveth  them  habitation  and  maintenance.  28  Jacob's  age  ;  29  he 
 fweareth  Jqfejth  to  bury  him  with  his  father. 
 
 Then  jofeph  came  and  told  Pharaoh,  and  faid, 
 
 My  father,  and  my  brethren,  and  their  flocks, 
 and  their  herds,  and  all  that  they  have,  are  come  out 
 of  the  land  of  Canaan;  and,  behold,  they  are  in  the 
 land  of  Goflien. 
 
 2  And  he  took  fome  of  his  brethren,  even  five  men* 
 and  prefented  them  unto  Pharaoh. 
 
 3  And  Pharaoh  faid  unto  his  brethren,  What  is  your 
 occupation  ?  and  they  faid  unto  Pharaoh,  Thy  fer* 
 vants  are  (hepherds,  both  we,  and  alfo  our  fathers. 
 
 4  They  faid.  Moreover,  unto  Pharaoh,  For  to  fojourn 
 in  the  land  are  we  come ;  for  thy  fervants  have  no 
 pafture  for  their  flocks ;  for  the  famine  is  fore  in  the 
 land  of  Canaan  :  now  therefore,  we  pray  thee,  let  thy 
 fervants  dwell  in  the  land  of  Gofhen. 
 
 5  And  Pharaoh  fpake  unto  Jofeph,  faying,  Thy 
 father  and  thy  brethren  are  come  unto  thee  : 
 
 6  The  land  of  Egypt  is  before  thee  :  in  the  beft  of 
 the  land  make  thy  father  and  brethren  to  dwell;  in 
 the  land  of  Gofhen  let  them  dwell :  and  if  thou  know- 
 eft  any  men  foraftivity  among  them,  then  make  them 
 rulers  over  my  cattle.  * 
 
 7  And  Jofeph  brought  in  Jacob  his  father,  and  [tt7nanyare 
 him  before  Pharaoh  :  and  Jacob  bleffed  Pharaoh.  thedaysof 
 8  And  Pharaoh  faid  unto  Jacob,  f  How  old  art  thou  ? 
 
 9  And  Jacob  faid  unto  Pharaoh,  *  The  days  of  the/i|^.bL' 
 yearsof  my  pilgrimage  are  an  hundred  and  thirty  years :  ii.  9, 13. 
 
 Egyptians,  yet  he  does  not  enjoin  his  brethren  to  conceal  their  trade,  but  on  the 
 contrary,  inllrudls  them  to  be  very  particular  in  the  account  of  their  occupation  to 
 Pharaoh,  the  better  to  difpofe  him  to  grant  them  a  fettlement  in  the  land  of  Goflien, 
 in  which  his  prudence  was  as  confpicuous  as  his  humility.  That  ye  may  dwell  in 
 the  la7vd  of  Gofhen.  The  chief  motives  wliich  induced  Jofeph  to  acquire  this  fet¬ 
 tlement  for  his  family,  were,  according  to  Jolephus,  to  prevent  tlieir  difperfion, 
 and  to  provide  for  their  attendance  upon  his  aged  father  ;  and  likewife  to  prevent 
 any  mifunderllanding  or  enmity  between  tliem  and  the  Egyptians,  who  hated  the 
 profeffion  of  ffiepherds. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XLVII.  Ver,  1.  Told  Pharaohs 
 This  (hews  tlie  refpedt  jofeph,  as  a  fiibjedt,  paid  to  his  prince.  Though  he  was 
 nis  favourite,  and  prime  minifter  of  Hate,  and  had  received  particular  orders  from 
 him  to  fend  for  his  father  down  to  Egypt ;  yet  he  would  not  prefume  to  fettle 
 liim,  till  Pharaoh  lliould  be  informed  of  his  arrival,  and  preferibe  the  place  of 
 Ids  fettlement.  My father  and  my  brethren.  Neither  his  exalted  ftation,  nor  the 
 honour  of  a  monarch’s  friendfliip,  had  tended  in  the  leaft  to  obliterate  from  the 
 heart  of  Jofeph,  his  primitive  fentiments  of  filial  piety  and  fraternal  aff’edtion,  nor 
 to  make  1dm  difown  his  poorer  relations,  as  is  often  the  cafe  of  grandeur  and  unex- 
 
 ' - 77777  TTrTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT  TTm  vt  vr  l  in  all  the  chann-es  of  life  it  is  good  to  confult  the  I.ord’s  diredtion,  and  fupplicate  his  prefence.  We 
 
 PRACilCAL  OBSERVAflONS.--  Chap.  XLVLl  ^  though  they  belong  under  the  ground,  will  fpring  up,  and  ripen  at  laft. 
 
 may  cu-.aluJ.y  detoi.a  to  the  gr.o  e.  ...  .  ■  am  .  .S® „i  i*  people!  from  all  tlanget  However  erolteil  oor  ftation, let  us  regard  ever,  relative  duly, 
 
 '  ilayitbeour  care  «.  avoid  elofe  conneaion  with  ungodly  men,  remembering  .ha,  «e  are  ftr.ngers  on  this  emib,  and 
 
 that  heaven  is  our  homei 
 
Josephus  conduct  during  the  famine. 
 
 GENESIS. 
 
 Jacobis 
 
 1706. 
 
 n  O'*’.  , 
 
 as  a  hula 
 child  is 
 nouripied 
 f  Heb 
 
 ones. 
 
 1702. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 ted  them. 
 
 chrbT  years  of  my  life  been,' 
 
 *'''  and  have  not  attained  unto  the  days  of  the  years  of 
 the  life  of  my  fathers,  in  the  days  of  their  pilgrimage. 
 
 10  And  Jacob  blefled  Pharaoh,  ancJwent  out  from 
 before  Pharaoh. 
 
 1 1  H  And  Jofeph  bleffed  his  father  and  his  brethren, 
 and  gave  them  a  pofleflion  in  the  land  of  Egypt,  in  the 
 beft  of  the  land,  in  the  land,  of  Ramefes,  as  Pnaraoh 
 had  commanded. 
 
 1 2  And  Jofeph  nourifhed  his  father  and  his  brethren, 
 and  all  his  father’s  houfehold,  with  bread,  |1  f  accord¬ 
 ing  to  their  families. 
 
 13  ^  And  there  was  no  bread  in  all  the  land  ;  for  the 
 famine  was  very  fore,  fo  that  the  land  of  Egypt,  and  all 
 
 according  the  land  of  Canaan,  fainted  by  reafon  of  the  famine. 
 totheiittie  14  Joleph  gathered  up  all  the  money  that  was 
 found  in  the  land  of  Egypt,  and  in  the  land  of  Canaan, 
 for  the  corn  which  they  bought ;  and  Jofeph  brought 
 the  money  into  Pharaoh’s  houfe. 
 
 15  And  when  money  failed  in  the  land  of  Egypt, 
 and  in  theland  of  Canaan, all  the  Egyptians  came  unto 
 Jofeph,  and  faid,  Give  us  bread  :  for  why  fhould  we 
 die  in  thy  prefence  ?  for  the  money  faileth. 
 
 16  And  Jofeph  faid.  Give  your  cattle  ;  and  I  will 
 give  you  for  your  cattle,  if  money  fail. 
 
 17  And  they  brought  their  cattle  unto  Jofeph  :  and 
 Jofeph  gave  them  bread  in  exchange  for  horfes,  and 
 for  the  flocks,  and  for  the  cattle  of  the  herds,  and  for 
 the  afles ;  and  he  f  fed  them  with  bread  for  all  their 
 cattle  for  that  year. 
 
 18  When  that  year  was  ended,  they  came  unto  him 
 the  fecond  year,  and  faid  unto  him.  We  will  not  hide  it 
 from  my  lord,  how  that  our  money  is  fpent ;  my  lord 
 alfo  hath  our  herds  of  cattle  :  there  is  not  ought  left  in 
 the  fight  ot  my  lord,  but  our  bodies  and  our  lands  : 
 
 19  Wherefore  fhall  we  die  before  thine  eyes,  both 
 we  and  our  land  ?  buy  us  and  our  land  for  bread,  and 
 we  and  our  land  will  be  fervants  unto  Pharaoh;  and 
 give  us  feed,  that  we  may  live,  and  not  die,  that  the 
 land  be  not  defolate. 
 
 20  And  Jofeph  bought  all  the  land  of  Egypt  for 
 Pnaraoh;  for  the  Egyptians  fold  every  man  his  field, 
 becaufe  the  famine  prevailed  over  them  :  fo  the  land 
 became  Pharaoh’s. 
 
 21  And  as  for  the  people,  he  removed  them  to  cities 
 from  07«e  end  of  the  borders  of  Egypt  even  to  other 
 end  thereof. 
 
 22  Only  the  land  of  the  II  priefls  bought  he  not:  for 
 the  priefls  had  a  portion  aligned  them  of  Pharaoh,  and 
 
 pedted  promotion.  Ver.  6.  Then  make  them  rulers  over  my  catlle.  That  is,  ru¬ 
 lers  over  his  fliepherds,  an  office  like  that  of  Doeg  the  Edomite,  who  was  the  chief 
 of  the  herdmen  of  Saul.  Ver.  7.  AmlJacob  blejfed  Pharaoh.  According  to 
 Jofephus,  he“  faluted  the  king,  and  prayed  for  the  profperity  of  his  kingdom.” 
 He  blefi'ed  him  not  only  in  a  way  of  civility,  as  was  ufual  when  men  came  into  the 
 prelcnce  of  princes ;  but  in  an  authoritative  way,  as  a  prophet,  a  patriarch,  a  m:in 
 divinely  inlpired,  and  having  great  power  in  prayer  with  God.  Ver.  9.  The  t/ears 
 of  my  pUgrimage.  He  calls  his  life  o.pilgrim„ge,  looking  upon  himfelf  as  a  llran- 
 ger  in  this  world,  and  a  traveller  towards  a  better  and  heavenly  country  •  lie  con- 
 iiders  the  earth  as  his  inn,  not  liis  home.  He  calls  his  days  but few,  in  comparifon 
 of  the  long  lives  of  the  patriarchs  in  former  tunes,  and  efpecially  in  comparifon  of 
 the  days  of  eternity ;  and  evU,  becaufe  of  the  many  affliaions  he  had  met  witii. 
 Ver.  13.  And  all  the  land  fainted  by  reafon  of  the  famine.  The  famine  began 
 now  to  rage  m  all  its  horrors,  with  a  feverity  that  threatened  the  mod  fatal  confe- 
 calamitous  circiimftances,  Jofeph  equally  exerted  the  abilities 
 ot  a  faithful  minifter,  and  the  amiable  virtues  of  a  benevolent  patriot.  Ver.  22 
 
 charge  to  Joseph^  S^c, 
 
 Before 
 
 i70l, 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 ^mnces. 
 
 j  did  eat  their  portion  which  Pharaoh  gave  them  ; 
 
 { wherefore  they  Ibid  not  their  lands.  ly’oi. 
 
 I  23  *1  Then  Jofeph  faid  unto  the  people,  Behold, 
 
 I  have  bought  you  this  day,  and  your  land,  for 
 ;  Pharaoh  :  lo,  here  leed  for  y^ou,  and  ye  fhall  fow 
 !  the  land. 
 
 I  24  And  it  fhall  come  to  pafs,  in  the  increafe,  that  ye 
 !  fhall  give  the  fifth  part  unto  Pharaoh  ;  and  four  parts 
 bJiall  be  your  own,  for  feed  of  the  field,  and  for  ymur 
 ;  food,  and  for  them  of  your  houl'eholds,  and  for  food 
 I  for  your  little  ones. 
 
 I  25  And  they  laid,  Thou  halt  faved  our  lives  :  let 
 us  find  grace  in  the  fight  of  my  lord,  and  we  will  be 
 Pnaraoh’s  fervants. 
 
 26  And  Jofeph  made  it  a  law  over  the  land  of 
 
 Egypt  unto  this  day,  that  Pharaoh  fhould  have  the 
 fifth  part ;  except  the  land  of  the  ||  priefls  only,  which  II  Or, 
 becanje  not  Pharaoh’s.  princes, 
 
 27  II  And  Ifrael  dwelt  in  the  land  of  Egypt,  in  the 
 country  of  Gofhen  ;  and  they  had  pofllffions  therein, 
 and  grew,  and  multiplied  exceedingly. 
 
 28  And  Jacob  lived  in  the  land  of  Egypt  feventeen 
 years :  lb  f  the  whole  age  of  Jacob  was  an  hundred 
 forty  and  feven  years. 
 
 29  And  the  time  drew  nigh  that  Ifrael  muft  die  :  years  of 
 and  he  called  his  fon  Jofeph,  and  faid  unto  him, 
 
 now  I  have  found  grace  in  thy  fight,  put,  I  pray  thee,  ^ 
 thy  hand  under  my  thigh,  and  deal  kindly  and  truly 
 with  me ;  bury  me  not,  I  pray  thee,  in  Egypt : 
 
 30  But  I  will  lie  with  my  fathers ;  and  thou  fhalt 
 carry  me  out  of  Egypt,  and  bury  me  in  their  burying- 
 place.  And  he  laid,  I  will  do  as  thou  haft  faid. 
 
 31  And  he  faid,  Swear  unto  me.  And  he  fware 
 unto  him.  And  ^  Ifrael  bowed  himfelf  upon  the  bed’s  ^ 
 head.* 
 
 CHAP.  XLVIII. 
 
 1  .Lfeph  with  his  fans  vifitetk  Ids  fck  father.  2  Jacob  Jlrengtheneth  him- 
 Jelfto  blefs  them  21  he  prophefieth  their  return  to  Canaan. 
 
 And  it  came  to  pals  after  thefe  things,  that  one  ^^^9. 
 
 told  Jofeph,  Behold,  thy  father  is  fick  :  and  he 
 took  with  him  his  two  fons,  Manafl'eh  and  Ephraim. 
 
 2  And  one  told  Jacob,  and  faid,  Behold,  thy  ibn 
 Joleph  cometh  unto  thee.  And  Ifrael  ftrengthened 
 himleif,  and  fat  upon  the  bed. 
 
 3  ^  And  Jacob  faid  unto  Jofeph,  God  Almighty 
 appeared  unto  me  at  =*  Luz  in  the  land  of  Cauaan,  a  Chap, 
 and  blelled  me,  28.  is.  & 
 
 4  And  laid  unto  me,  Behold,  I  will  make  thee 
 rruitiul,  and  multiply  thee,  and  I  will  make  of  thee 
 
 Only  the  laM  of  the  pnejls  bought  he  not.  The  priefts  among  the  Egyptians  wern 
 mamtamed  on  free  colt,  fo  tlrat  they  were  not  under  the  like  neSffity  as  the 
 laity  of  felling  their  lands  for  corn.  Ver.  29.  Put  thu  hand  I  nrn,.  th..  T 
 
 thigh:  See  chapter  xxiv.  2,  3.  Ver.  ^0.  But  I  JillZuM 
 
 there  be  fometlung  of  a  natural  defire  in  moll  men  to  be  bmied  in  thl  p^Ss 
 where  their  anceftors  he,  yet  Jacob’s  averfion  to  have  his  remains  depoLed  S 
 Egypt,  feems  to  be  more  earneft  than  ordinarj,  or  other,,-ife  he  wouW  never 
 have  inipofed  an  oaUi  upon  his  fons,  and  charged  them  aU  with  his  dying  breath 
 not  to  lufter  it  to  be  done.  He  doubtlefs  declared  his  purnofe  of  k  .  » 
 Canaan,  to  intimate  his  alTured  faith  in  the  promifes  of^God  ^tha^t  his  feed  Ih*^  M 
 inherit  tliat  land,  which  he  viewed  as  a  tjTie  of  heaven  tftph  Should 
 
 A  Tfr'Vb"  chil£;n!  v^r  m 
 
 And  Jjrael  bowed  nmfef  upon  the  bed’s  head  :  That  is,  Jacob  having  fpent  hTmfelf 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Ch.v.  XLVIII.  Ver.  2.  And  Ifrael Jlrength- 
 
 to  betorem^d  h  ‘hey  are  alfo  few.  Le^Js’l^ikli  7rfdVe7pfigSrand7e7k'^  S^G^or^'^ThJ  f"-7 
 
 Earthi;  coXts  a^unc'Lnr  ilTod  wi7hoTd1lie  day  7  ^aver^hal^^prSe't^L^^^^  S"e<f  T"  "  ^VinlTfZ" he'avem 
 
 we  are,  and  whatever  we  have,  let  us  not  forget  the  pron4s  of  God.’  It  is  onl^y  cSlfiLnclTtS^^^^  S  Lfeat”" 
 
Jacob  hlcssetli  Joseph’s  sofis. 
 
 GENESIS. 
 
 IVie  2mrticular  blessings  of  Jacob’s  sons. 
 
 I^efore 
 
 C^hrift 
 
 ]()89. 
 
 1)  Chap. 
 41.  50. 
 Jofluia 
 14.  4. 
 
 c  Chap, 
 85.  19. 
 
 •f  Heb, 
 heaiy. 
 
 a  multitude  of  people  ;  and  will  give  this  land  to  thy 
 feed  after  thee^/or  an  everlafting  poffeffion. 
 
 5  And  now  thy  ^  twofons,  Ephraim  and  Manafleh, 
 which  were  born  unto  thee  in  the  land  of  Egypt, 
 before  I  came  unto  thee  into  l^ypt,  arc  mine :  as 
 Reuben  and  Simeon,  they'^  lhall  be  mine. 
 
 6  And  thy  ilTue,  which  thou  begettefl  after  them, 
 mall  be  thine,  and  (Viall  be  called  after  the  name  of 
 their  brethren  in  their  inheritance. 
 
 7  And  as  for  me,  when  I  came  from  Padan, '  Rachel 
 died  by  me  in  the  land  of  Canaan,  in  the  way,  when 
 yet  f/ic?-c  ivas  but  a  little  w'ay  to  come  unto  Ephrath  : 
 and  I  buried  her  there  in  the  way  of  Ephrath  ;  the 
 fame  is  Beth-lehem. 
 
 8  ^  And  Ifrael  beheld  Jofeph’s  fons,  and  faid,  Who 
 arc  thefe  ? 
 
 9  And  .Tofeph  faid  unto  his  father.  They  ore  my  Tons, 
 whom  God  hath  given  me.  in  thisj^/oc^.  And  l^e  (aid. 
 Bring  them,  I  pray  thee,  unto  me,  and  I  will  blels  them. 
 
 10  (Now  the  eyes  of  ifrael  were  f  dim  for  age,  /d 
 that  he  could  not  fee.)  And  he  brought  them  near 
 unto  him  ;  and  he  killed  them,  and  embraced  them. 
 
 11  And  Ifrael  faid  unto  Joleph,  I  had  not  thought 
 to  fee  thy  face  ;  and,  lo,  God  hath  fhewed  me  alfo 
 thy  feed. 
 
 12  And  Jofeph  brought  them  out  from  between 
 his  knees,  and  he  bowed  himfelf  with  his  face  to  the 
 earth. 
 
 13  And  Jofeph  took  them  both,  Ephraim  in  his 
 right  hand  towards  Ifrael’s  left  hand,  and  Manaffeh  in 
 his  left  hand  toward  Ifrael’s  right  hand,  and  brought 
 ihevi  near  unto  him. 
 
 I4‘  And  Ifrael  ftretched  out  his  right  hand,  and 
 laid  it  upon  Ephraim’s  head,  w'ho  was  the  younger, 
 •and  his  left  hand  upon  Manafleh’s  head,  guiding  his 
 hands  fittingly  ;  for  Manaffeh  wjas  the  firlt-born. 
 
 15  ^  And  he  bleffed  Jofeph,  and  faid,  God,  before 
 wdiom  my  fathers  Abraham  and  Ifaac  did  walk,  the 
 God  which  fed  me  all  ray  life  long  unto  this  day. 
 
 1C  The  angel  which  redeemed  me  from  all  evil,  blefs 
 the  lads ;  and  let  my  name  be  named  on  them,  and  the 
 name  of  my  fathers  Abraham  and  Ifaac  ;  and  let  them 
 f  Heb.  f  grow  into  a  multitude  in  the  midft  of  the  earth. 
 afjijh^sdo  17  And  when  Jofeph  favv  that  his  father  laid  his 
 increafe.  j-ighj  hand  upoD  the  head  of  Ephraim,  it  dilpleafed 
 
 Before 
 
 Ctirift 
 
 1689. 
 
 d  Hcbr. 
 11.  21. 
 
 he  chargeth  them 
 
 him  :  and  he  held  up  his  father’s  hand,  to  remove  it 
 (rom  Ephraim’s  head  unto  Manaffeh’s  head. 
 
 ^18  And  Jofeph  faid  unto  his  father,  Not  fo,  my 
 I  father  :  for  this  is  the  firlt-born  ;  put  thy  right  hand 
 I  upon  his  head. 
 
 !  19  And  his  father  refufed,  and  faid,  I  know  it  my 
 
 j  fon,  I  know  ?V  .•  he  alfo  (hall  become  a  people,  and 
 he  alfo  (hall  be  great ;  but  truly  his  younger  brother 
 ,  (hall  be  greater  than  he,  and  his  feed  (hall  become  a 
 I  f  multitude  of  nations.  I 
 
 !  20  And  he  blefled  them  that  day,  faying.  In  thee  (hair  “ 
 
 Ifrael  blefs,  faying,  God  make  thee  as  Ephraim,  and  as 
 Manafleh.  And  he  fet  Ephraim  before  Manafleh. 
 
 I  2 1  f  And  Ifrael  faid  unto  Jofeph,  Behold,  I  die  ; 
 but  God  fhall  be  with  you,  and  bring  you  again  unto 
 '  the  land  of  your  fathers. 
 
 ;  22  Moreover,  I  have  given  to  thee  one  portion 
 
 I  above  thy  brethren,  which  I  took  out  of  the  hand  of 
 the  Amorite  with  my  fword  and  with  my  bow.* 
 
 CHAP.  XLIX. 
 
 1  Jacob  calleth  his  Jons  to  bl  js  them  :  3  their  blejfing  in  particular  :  23 
 about  his  burial ;  33  he  dietlu 
 
 ND  Jacob  called  unto  his  fons,  and  faid.  Ga¬ 
 ther  yourfelves  together,  that  I  may  tell  you 
 that  which  fhall  befall  you  in  the  laft  days. 
 
 2  Gather  yourfelves  together,  and  bear,  y^e  fons  of 
 Jacob  ;  and  hearken  unto  Ifrael  your  father. 
 
 3  51  Reuben,  thou  art  my  firft-born,  my  might, 
 and  the  beginning  of  my  ftrength,  the  excellency  of 
 dignity,  and  the  excellency  of  power  : 
 
 4  Unftable  as  water,  f  thou  (halt  not  excel;  be-fHeb. rfo 
 
 Taufe  thou  ®  wenteft  up  to  thy  father’s  bed;  ihen”®^^^^^*®^ 
 defiledfl;  thou  it :  ||  he  went  up  to  ray  couch.  a  Chap. 
 
 5  51  Simeon  and  Levi  ca-e  brethren  :  II  inftruments  35.  22. 
 
 of  cruelty  are  in  their  habitations.  ^  cin-on. 
 
 6  O  my  foul,  come  not  thou  into  their  fecret ;  un¬ 
 to  their  affembly,  mine  honour,  be  not  thou  united  ! 
 for  in  their  anger,  they  flew  a  man,  and  in  their  felf- 
 will  they  ||  digged  down  a  wall. 
 
 7  Curled  be  their  anger,  for  it  was  fierce  :  and  theirjr^^"^^^ 
 wrath,  for  it  was  cruel ;  I  will  divide  them  in  Jacob,  weapons  of 
 and  fcatter  them  in  Ifrael. 
 
 8  51  Judah,  thou  art  he  whom  thy  brethren  ^^f^loughcd 
 praife :  thy  hand  sball  be  in  the  neck  of  thine  enemies  ;  oxen. 
 thy  father’s  children  fhall  bow  down  before  thee. 
 
 5.  1. 
 
 ;  II  Or, 
 
 couch 
 .  is  gone. 
 
 Or, 
 their 
 
 arc 
 
 rued  himfelf  and  fat  upon  the  bed.  Upon  hearing  that  his  favourite  fon,  was  come, 
 he  fuininoned  toge  ther  all  his  fpirits,  exerted  his  ftrength,  andraifed  himfelf  by  the 
 help  of  his  ftaff,  upon  his  Led,  to  receive  his  vifit.  Ver.  5.  And  now  thy  twofons 
 u'hich  were  bom  unto  thee — as  Reuben  and  Simeon,  they  fiall  be  mine;  That  is, 
 ftiall  become  heads  of  two  diftin<5l  tribes,  and  have  each  an  inher  itance  equal  with 
 .Tacob’s  own  fons.  Vcr.  6.  And  Jhalt  be  ealled  after  the  name  of  their  brethren  in 
 'their  inheritance.  They  ftiould  not  be  accounted  heads  of  tribes  as  Ephraim  and 
 Manaffeh  were,  but  fnould  fall  in  either  \r  ith  the  one  cr  the  other  of  their  brethren. 
 Ver.  7.  Rachel  died  by  me.  Jacob  feems  to  mention  this  circumftance,  as  a  reafon 
 why  he  adopted  Ephraim  and  Manaffeh,  being  willing  to  honour  her  memory 
 who  died  in  child-birth,  by  adding  her  two  grandchildren  to  the  number  of  his 
 owm.  fons.  Ver.  1 6.  The  angel  which  redeemed  me  from  all  evil.  The  word  in 
 the  Hebrew  which  we  render  angel,  fignifies  a  meffenger.  Now  Jacob  was  dying, 
 he  looked  upon  himfelf  as  redeemed  from  all  evil,  and  bidding  an  everlafting 
 farewell  to  fin  and  ferrow.  Ver.  16.  And  let  them  grow  into  a  multitude  in  the 
 midft  of  the  earth  ;  The'Hebrew  fignifies,  “  Let  them  increafe  like  fifties,”  w  hich 
 arereAoned  the  moft  prolific  of  all  creatures.  Ver.  19.  And  his  father  ref ufed, 
 and  faid,  I  know  it,  my  fon,  I  know  it.  Jofeph  had  placed  his  fons,  fo  as  that 
 Jacob’s  right  hand  ftiould  be  put  on  the  head  of  Manaffeh  the  eldeft,  ver  12,  13. 
 but  Jacob  would  put  it  on  the  head  of  Ephraim  the  youngeft,  ver.  1 4.  This  dif- 
 
 pleafed  Jofeph,  who  was  willing  to  fupport  the  reputation  of  his  firft-born, 
 and  w'ould  therefore  have  removed  his  father’s  hands,  ver.  17,  18.  But  Jacob 
 gave  him  to  underftand,  that  he  knew  what  he  did,  and  that  his  condudl  was 
 neither  owing  to  miftake,  nor  proceeded  from  a  partial  affection  for  one  more 
 than  another,  but  from  a  fpirit  of  prophecy ;  and  in  compliance  with  the  divine 
 counl'els.  Ver.  20.  In  thee  fiall  Ifrael  blefs,  faying.  That  is,  thefe  two  tribes  lhall 
 be  fo  eminent  and  profperous,  that  it  lliall  become  a  proverbial  form  among  my 
 pofterity,  in  wiftiing  liappinefs  to  others,  God  make  you  as  happy  as  Rphraim,  and 
 Manaffeh.  Ver.  22.  One  portion  above  thy  brethren.  This  appears  from  Jolh. 
 xxiv.  32.  to  have  been  that  parcel  of  ground  which  lay  near  Shechem,  which  Jacob 
 bought  of  the  fons  of  Hamor  for  an  hundred  pieces  of  filver,  Gen.  xxxiii.  19. 
 Which  I  took.  This  feems  fpoken  prophetically  ;  and  fignifies  his  full  perfuafion 
 that  his  children  lliould  take  poffeffion  of  the  promifed  land. 
 
 EXPLxVNATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XLIX.  Yer.  1.  Gather  yourfelves  to¬ 
 gether.  Jacob  finding  himfelf  growm  faint,  and  the  hour  of  his  departure  near  ap¬ 
 proaching,  called  the  reft  of  his  fons  together,  to  take  his  farewell  of  tliem,  and  dif- 
 tribute  liis  bleffmg,  or  rather  to  foretel  what  Ihould  befal  them  and  their  pofterity 
 in  future  ages.  Ver.  3.  The  excellency  cf  dignity,  and  the  excellency  of  power. 
 Thefe  epithets  refer  to  the  prerogatives  of  the  firft-boni,  which  confifted  chiefly  in 
 the  honour  of  the  priefthood,  in  the  rule  and  government  of  the  family,  and  in 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  XLVHI.]  It  is  profitable  for  children  to  vifit  their  dying  parents,  whofe  laft  ^ 
 
 nf  God  is  fitted  to  make  a  lading  impreffion  on  the  mind.  While  it  is  proper  in  the  profpeift  of  death  to  make  an  exaift  will  to  prevent  "  P  5 
 
 Wv  pleaS  ai^d  profitable  to  comi^morate  pdl  tokens  of  the  divine  love"  God’s  favours  often  exceed  cm  largeft  expectations, 
 
 S  ^  In  his  Providence  and  grace  he  does  according  to  his  fovereign  pleafure,  enriching  whom  he  will.  We  have  no  right  its  Z^moke  a 
 
 cheerfully  fubmit  to  his  fovereign  mercy.  Let  us  blefs  God  that  when  friends  die  or  forfake  us,  he  icmains  our  God  an  nen  7  ‘ 
 
 in  the  portions  of  their  children ;  for  peculiar  defert  deferves  peculiar  reward. 
 
Jacob  blesseth  his  sons,  each 
 
 genesis. 
 
 <ivi(h  his  ■particular  blessing. 
 
 Before  9  Judah  is  a  lion’'s  whelp  ;  from  the  prey,  my  Ton, 
 thou  art  gone  up  :  he  (looped  down,  he  couched  as 
 
 roufe  him  up. 
 
 10  'fhe  feeptre  (hall  not  depart  from  Judah,  nor  a 
 lawgiver  from  between  his  feet,  until  Shiloh  come  ; 
 and  unto  him  shall  the  gathering  of  the  people  /)<?. 
 
 1 1  Binding  his  foal  unto  the  vine,  and  his  afs’s  colt 
 unto  the  choice  vine ;  he  walhed  his  garments  in  wine, 
 and  his  clothes  in  the  blool  of  grapes  : 
 
 1 2  His  eyes  shall  be  red  with  w'ine,  and  his  teeth 
 white  with  milk. 
 
 13  t  Zebulun  (hall  dwell  at  the  haven  of  the  fea  ; 
 and  he  shall  be  for  an  haven  of  (hips :  and  his  border 
 shall  he  unto  Zidon. 
 
 14  II  Iflachar  is  a  ftrong  afs  couching  dowm  between 
 two  burdens : 
 
 15  And  he  faw  that  reft  was  good,  and  the  land  that 
 it  was  pleafant ;  and  bowed  his  Ihoulder  to  bear,  and 
 became  a  fervant  unto  tribute. 
 
 a  double  portion  of  the  inheritance.  Ver.  4.  Vnjlahle  as  water.  His  virtue  was 
 unftable,  he  had  not  the  government  of  liis  appetites,  and  was  incapable  to  main^ 
 tain  the  dignity  becoming  the  firft-born.  2'hou  Jhalt  not  excel;  Thou  flialt  be 
 deprived  of  the  excellency  of  dignity  and  power  which  belonged  to  thee,  ^  the 
 firft-born.'  Becauje  thou  wentejl  up  to  thy  father  s  bed.  This  refers  to  his  inceft 
 with  Bilhah,  his  father’s  concubine,  chap.  xxxv.  22.  Ver.  5.  Simeon  and  Levi  are  j 
 brethren.  They  were  fimilar  in  their  difpofitions,  being  both  alike  turned  to  | 
 cruelty ;  they  were  brethren  in  iniquity,  aflbeiates  in  contriving  the  barbarous 
 murder  of  the  Shechemites.  Ver.  6.  0  my  foul  come  not  thou  into  their  fecret.  j 
 b  my  foul,  be  thou  never  a  partaker  in  fuch  wicked  defigns !  here  ftyled  their 
 fecret,  becaufe  they  concerted  it  in  fecret,  and  probably  under  the  fable  veil  of 
 darknefs.  For  in  their  anger  they  few  a  man,  and  in  their  f elf  will.  TiiispalTage 
 has  been  varioufty  rendered  by  commentators  j  but  the  true  fenfe  of  it  feems  to  be. 
 In  their  anger  they  few  a  nation,  (viz.  the  Shechemites,)  and  in  their  felfwill,  or 
 head/lrong  jiafion,  they  few  a  2>rhice,  (viz.  Harnor  or  Shechem. )  Ver.  7.  Curfed 
 he  their  anger.  It  fllould  be  obferved  here,  that  the  prophetic  patriarch  does  not 
 pour  out  this  execration  on  their  perfons,  much  lefs  on  their  pofterity  j  but  on 
 their  deteftable  paftions.  I  will  divide  them  in  Jacob.  This  was  eminently  ful¬ 
 filled  in  the  tribe  of  Levi,  who  had  no  portion  or  inheritance  of  tlieir  own,  but  were 
 difperfed  among  other  tribes  ;  and  it  was  no  lefs  ftrikingly  verified  in  die  tribe 
 of  Simeon,  when  they  received  their  inheritance  in  the  midft  of  the  inheritance 
 of  Judah,  and  fubmitted  to  feek  a  larger  poffeflion,  Jofti.  six.  1.  1  Cluon.  iv. 
 39,  40.  Ver.  8.  Thou  art  he  whom  thy  brethren  fiall  jmiife.  His  name  figni- 
 fies  praife,  and  was  given  him  by  his  mother,  her  heart  being  filled  with  praifes 
 to  God  for  him,  chap.  xxix.  35.  Thy  father  s  children  f tall  bow  dotun  before  thee. 
 This  was  remarkably  fulfilled  in  God’s  choOfing  David  out  of  this  tribe,  and  fet¬ 
 tling  the  fucceflion  in  his  defeendauts,  Pfal.  Ixxviii.  68 — 71.  and  xxxix.  20,  21. 
 and  more  particularly  in  Mefliali,  who  Came  of  the  tribe  of  Judali.  Ver.  9.  Judah 
 is  a  lion's  whelj).  The  hoary  patriarch  now  illuftrates  what  he  had  faid  before  by 
 fimilics,  comparing  Judah  to  a  lion’s  whelp,  a  lion,  and  an  old  lion,  to  exprefs 
 the  beginning,  increafe,  and  full  growth  of  the  power  of  that  fa-ibe.  From  the 
 prey  myfon  thou  art  gone  up.  Tills  is  a  beautiful  manner  of  expreffion  among 
 tlie  ancient  prophets,  reprefenting  things  to  come  as  if  already  paft.  In  tliis  man¬ 
 ner  Jacob  reprefents  the  tribe  of  Judah.  He  foojied  down,  he  couched  as  a  lion, 
 and  as  an  old  lion.  As  one  that  is  grown  up,  and  has  arrived  at  its  full  ftrength. 
 Who  fiall  rovfe  him  up  ?  That  is,  it  would  be  more  eligible  to  provoke  the  rage 
 of  a  {lumbering  lion,  tlian  to  difturb  the  repofe  of  this  warlike  tribe.  Ver.  lO. 
 In  explaining  this  celebrated  prophecy  of  Chrift,  we  fliall  not  puzzle  our  readers 
 with  the  Various  opinions  of  the  different  interpreters,  but  adopt  that  wliich 
 feems  to  have  fet  it  in  the  cleareft  light.  Jacob  here  foretels,  Firf,  That  tlie 
 feeptre  lliould  come  into  the  tribe  of  Judali;  which  was  fulfilled  in  David,  on 
 whofe  family  the  crown  was  entailed.  Seeondly,  That  Shiloh  (hould  be  of  this  tribe  ; 
 his  feed,  that  promifed  feed  in  whom  all  the  families  of  the  earth  fliould  be  blefled. 
 Thirdly,  That  after  the  coming  of  the  feeptre  into  tlie  tribe  of  Judali,  it  fliould 
 continue  in  that  tribe,  at  leaft  a  government  of  tiieir  own,  till  the  coming  of  the 
 Mefliah.  Nor  a  lawgiver  from  between  his  feet.  The  word  in  the  original  figni- 
 fies  a  judge  or  governor  j  and  imports  either  one  that  makes  laws,  or  one  that  ad- 
 minifters  juftice  according  to  law.  This  claufe  may  be  rendered  disjundtively, 
 or  a  lawgiver  ;  and  the  fenfe  will  be,  tliat  till  tlie  Mefliah  came,  there  fhould  be 
 in  the  tribe  of  Judah,  either  a  king,  a  feeptre  bearer,  as  there  was  until  the  cap¬ 
 tivity  ;  or  a  governor,  tiiough  under  others,  as  there  was  until  the  times  of 
 Chrift,  under  the  Babylonians,  Perfians,  Greciails,  and  Romans,  fuch  as  Ge- 
 'daliah,  Zorobabel,  &c.  and  particularly  the  Sanhedrim,  a  court  of  judicature,  the 
 members  of  which  cliiefly  confifted  of  the  tribe  of  Judah,  and  the  prince  of  it 
 Was  always  of  that  tribe ;  and  this  court  retained  its  power  till  the  latter  end  of 
 Herod’s  reign,  when  Chrift  was  come.  Until  Shiloh  come.  The  word  Shiloh,  is 
 varioufly  rendered,  but  the  moft  ancient  do61ors  among  the  Jews  have  unani- 
 inoufly  appropriated  the  term  to  the  Mefliah ;  and  in  their  Taimuds,  as  well  as 
 many  of  their  other  writings,  both  ancient  and  modern,  Shiloh  is  the  name  of  the 
 
 No,  .P 
 
 16  f  Dan  fiiall  judge  his  people  as  one  of  the  tribes 
 
 oflifael.  1689. 
 
 17  Dan  fhall  be  a  ferpent  by  the  way,  t  an  addtT 
 
 in  the  path,  that  biteth  the  horfe-heels,  fo  that  his  t  iieb. 
 rider  fhall  fall  backward.  _ 
 
 18  I  have  waited  for  thy  falvation,  O  Lord.  jnc... 
 
 19  H  Gad,  a  troop  fhall  overcome  him  :  but  he 
 fhall  overcome  at  the  laft. 
 
 20  II  Out  of  Afher  his  bread  shall  he  fat,  and  he 
 fhall  yield  royal  dainties. 
 
 21  ^  Naphtali  is  a  hind  let  loofe  :  he  giveth  goodly 
 words. 
 
 22  H  Jofeph  is  a  fruitful  bough,  even  a  fruitful 
 bough  by  a  well,  who/e  t  branches  run  over  thet 
 
 wall.  ^  ■ 
 
 23  The  archers  have  forely  grieved  him,  and  (hot 
 at  him,  and  hated  him: 
 
 24  But  his  bow  abode  in  ftrength,  and  the  arms  of 
 his  hands  were  made  ftrong  by  the  hands  of  the  mighty 
 
 MelTiah.  Tlie  word  comes  from  a  root  wliich  fignifies  to  be  quiet  and  peaceable 
 and  is  tlierefore  peculiarly  applicable  to  that  IMelTiali,  the  Prince  of  Peace.  The 
 learned  M  Le  Clerc  is  of  opinion,  tliat  it  (hould  be  rendered  the  end which 
 makes  no  difference  in  tlie  prophecy,  as  the  promife  dill  terminates  in  Chrift. 
 And  unto  him  fiall  the  gathering  of  the  jieojyle  be.  ThLs  pafTage  has  been  applied 
 to  die  iMelTiali  by  fome,  and  to  Judah  by  others.  If  it  is  applied  to  Judah  tho 
 prophecy  contains  an  exa6t  defeription  of  the  polity  of  that  tribe  during  the  con¬ 
 tinuance  of  the  feeptre,  after  die  feeptres  were  removed  from  the  o'Jier  tribes  of 
 Ifrael — However,  it  feems  more  agreeable  to  the  tenor  of  the  prophecy  to  ap¬ 
 ply  diis  to  Chrift,  upon  Whofe  deadi,  the  gofpel  being  preached  to  all  nations, 
 multitudes  of  the  Gendles  were  converted  to  liim,  embraced  his  doiftrine,  and 
 abode  by  him ;  fee  Ifa.  xi.  10.  Some  render  it  the  obedience  of  the  jieople,  from, 
 the  ufe  of  the  word  in  Prov.  xxx.  7.  Ver.  11.  Binding  his  foal  unto  the  vine, 
 and  his  afs’s  colt  unto  the  choice  vine  ;  he  wafied  his  garments  in  wine,  ^  c.  Tliele 
 are  exprelTions  fomewhat  hyperbolical ;  for  they  imply  that  vines  in  this  country 
 (hould  be  as  common  as  tlioms  in  other  places,  and  wine  as  plentiful  as  water  ; 
 they  were  however,  in  a  great  meafure,  anfwered  in  that  fertile  land,  which  fcdl  to 
 the  tribe  of  Judah.  Ver.  12.  His  eyes  fiall  be  red  with  wine.  Thefe  exprc-fiions 
 properly  refer  to  the  healdi  and  comelinefs  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  land  of  Judah, 
 which  fliould  appear  in  the  radiance  of  the  eyes,  and  die  whitenefs  of  the  teeth. 
 And  conformable  to  diis  explication,  the  wor^  are  rendered  both  in  the  Vul-. 
 gate  and  Septuagint  tranfiations.  His  eyes  fudl  be  more  bemitfid  than  wine,  his 
 teeth  whiter  than  milk.  Ver.  13.  Had  Jacob  been  prefent  at  the  di^-ifion  of  the 
 land  of  Canaan,  he  could  hardly  have  given  a  more  cxacl  defeription  of  Zebulun’.s 
 lot,  than  he  does  two  hundred  and  fiftj-  years  before  it  happen^ ;  for  it  extended 
 from  the  Mediterranean  (ea  on  die  weft,  to  die  lake  of  Geniicfaicth  on  die  caft, 
 and  therefore  lay  veiy  commodious  for  trade  and  nawgation.  Ver.  14.  IJfcuekar 
 is  a  f rang  afs.  Ill  the  Hebrew  it  is,  an  afs  of  bone  ;  tliat  is,  one  ftrong  cr  robuft. 
 The  afs  was  in  thofe  countries,  the  principal  animal  ufed  in  labour.  Couching 
 down  6  tween  two  burdens.  This  expreffion  reprefents  the  tame  and  indolent  tem¬ 
 per  ot  this  tribe,  that  would  radier  fuhmit  to  die  heavieft  taxes  and  impofltions, 
 dian  engage  in  war,  and  lofe  tiieir  beloved  quiet,  or  ratlier  perhaps  dieir  peace¬ 
 able  difpoiition ;  and  hence  diey  are  reprefented  by  Mofes  to  be  more  di(k 
 pofed  to  call  their  neighbours  to  the  knowledge  and  fcrnce  of  God,  dian  to 
 fight  againft  them,  Deut.  xxxiiL  19.  Ver.  16.  Dan  fiall  judge  his  peojde.  Al¬ 
 luding  to  die  name  Dan,  whicli  fignifies  jWgzng.  The  patriaicli’s  meaning  is, 
 that  Dan,  notwithftanding  liis  being  die  fon  of  a  concubine,  (hould  not  be  inferior 
 to  his  brediren.  Ver.  17.  Dan  fiall  be  a  ferpent  by  the  way.  Tliat  is,  the  tribe 
 of  Dan  (hall  be  lemarkable  for  ftratagems  in  war,  defeating  dieir  enemies  more 
 by  poUcy  than  open  force  ;  like  thole  ferpents  which  conceal  themfelves  in  the 
 way,  and  unexpedledly  bite  the  heels  of  die  horfes,  and  make  diem  throw  their 
 riders.  This  prophecy  of  Dan  is  true,  as  may  be  feen  in  the  liiftory  of  Sampfon, 
 who  belonged  to  diis  teibe ;  and  in  the  manner  by  which  they  got  polTeffion  of 
 Laiffi,  fee  Judges  xviiL  Ver,  18.  I  have  waited  for  thy  falvation,  0  Lord.  The 
 feeble  patriarch,  finding  his  fpirits  begin  to  fail,  (lops  and  breathes  awhile  be¬ 
 fore  he  proceeds  any  further  in  blefling  the  tribes ;  and  as  he  perceived  that  the 
 time  of  his  dilTolution  was  drawing  nigh,  and  knew  not  how  foon  he  (hould  ex¬ 
 pire,  pours  out  liis  foul  in  refignation  into  die  bofom  of  his  God,  and  expreiTes 
 
 o  ?  waUedfor  the  falvation  of  the  Lord, 
 
 diatis,  the  Mefliah,  Luke  u.  30.  Ver.  19.  The  word -Gad  fignifies  a  trooii - 
 
 and,  in  allufion  to  the  name,  Jacob  foretels  that  they  fliould  be  furrounded  bv 
 
 enemies;  but  that  afer  many  difficulties,  they  fliould  triumph  over  all  oppo- 
 fition.  Gadites  (hew^  themfelves  a  people  of  diftinguiflied  valour,  accord¬ 
 
 ing  to  what  Jacob  and  Mofes  foretold,  compare  Deut.  xxxiii.  20.  Jofli.  iv,  12  13 
 
 fifp’nf  d  d  ‘‘♦nation  of  this  tribe  required  the  exerl 
 
 ale  of  ^  their  course  and  foititude;  for  Uiey  were  much  expofed  to  die  at- 
 
 cTn  of  Ammon,  Judg.  x.  7,  8.' Jerl  xlix.  1.  Ver. 
 
 .  u  ^  Jher  s  bread  fiall  be  fat.  That  is,  the  tribe  of  Aflier  (liall  be  fituat- 
 cd  in  a  plentiful  trad,  abounding  not  only  with  all  forts  of  prcvifious  necellary 
 
Junh  t^helTi  clargt  aim!  h!s  hinai. 
 
 GENESIS. 
 
 b  Chap. 
 47.  SO. 
 
 C  Chap. 
 23.  16. 
 
 Shepherd,  the  ftone 
 
 father,  who  fhall  help 
 thep  And  by  the  Almighty,  who  fhall  blefs  theewath 
 bleffings  of  heaven  above,  bleffings  of  the  deep  that 
 heth  under  buffings  of  the  breaffs  and  of  the  womb  : 
 
 ,  blemngs  of  thy  hither  have  prevailed  above 
 
 the  bltllings  or  my  progenitors  unto  the  utmoft  bound 
 ot  the  everlafbng  hills;  they  fhall  be  on  the  head  of 
 Joleph,  and  on  the  crown  of  the  head  of  him  that  was 
 leparare  from  his  brethren. 
 
 •  ^ L  ravin  as  a  wolf :  in  the  morn¬ 
 
 ing  he  fhall  devour  the  prey,  and  at  night  he  fiiall  di- 
 vide  the  fpoil. 
 
 28  ^  All  thefe  are  the  twelve  tribes  of  Ifrael :  and  this 
 is  it  that  their  father  fpake  unto  them,  and  bleffed  them ; 
 every  one  according  to  his  bleffing  he  bleffed  them  ; 
 
 29  And  he  charged  them,  and  laid  unto  them,  I  am 
 to  be  gathered  unto  my  people  :  ^  bury  me  with  my 
 fathers  in  the  cave  that  is  in  the  field  of  Ephron  the 
 Elittite  ; 
 
 SO  In  the  cave  that  is  in  the  field  of  Machpelah, 
 which  is  before  INIamre,  in  the  land  of  Canaan,  which 
 Abraham  bought  with  a  field  of  Ephron  the  Hittite, 
 for  a  poffeflion  of  a  burying-place. 
 
 3 1  (There  they  buried  Abraham  and  Sarah  his  wife ; 
 
 The  mourning  fur,  and  funeral  of  Jacob. 
 
 there  they  buried  Tfaac  and  Rebekah  his  wife ;  and  iicforc 
 there  I  buried  Leah.) 
 
 32  1  he  purchale  of  the  field,  and  of  the  cave  that  is 
 therein,  ivas  from  the  children  of  Heth. 
 
 •  '^'hen  Jacob  had  made  an  end  of  command- 
 
 he  gathered  up  his  feet  into  the  bed,  and 
 yielded  up  the  ghoff,  and  W'as  gathered  unto  his 
 people.^ 
 
 CHAP.  L. 
 
 1  The  motirningfor  Jacob.  4  Jifcph  getteth  leave  of  Pharaoh  to  go  to 
 burl/ him.  7  The  funeral.  15  Jofeph  comforteth  hh  brethren,  vho 
 craved  his  pardoii :  ‘22  his  age  ;  23  hefeeth  the  third  generation  of  his 
 Jo7is  ;  24  he propkffeth  unto  his  brethr  n  of  their  return  ;  he  tahi  th  an 
 oath  oj  them  for  his  bones ;  26  he  dieth,  ciid  is  put  in  a  coffin  in  Egi/pt. 
 
 ND  Jofeph  fell  upon  his  father’s  face,  and  wept 
 upon  him,  and  kiffed  him. 
 
 2  And  Jofeph  commanded  his  fervants  the  Phyficians  " 
 to  embalm  his  father  j  and  the  phyficians  embalmed 
 lirael. 
 
 days  were  fulfilled  for  him  ;  (for  fo  are 
 V?  ^  days  of  thofe  which  are  embalmed  :)  and 
 the  Egyptians  t  mourned  for  him  threefcore  and  tent  iieb. 
 
 d^ys.  wept. 
 
 r  when  the  days  of  his  mourning  were  paft, 
 
 Joleph  fpake  unto  the  houle  of  Pharaoh,  laying,  if  now 
 1  have  found  grace  in  your  eyes,  fpeak,  I  pray  you,  in 
 the  ears  of  Pharaoh,  faying, 
 
 to  human  life,  but  alfo  with  the  choiceft  fruits,  and  moft  luxuriant  produdtions  of 
 the  earth,  Deut.  xxxiii.  24,  25.  Ver.  21.  Naphtali  is  a  hind  let  loofe he  giveth 
 goodly  U’ords.  The  learned  Bochart  gives  a  different  turn  to  the  ienfe  of  this 
 paffage,  by  rendering  it,  “  Naphtali  is  a  fpreading  tree,  which  produceth  fruitful 
 branches and  makes  it  refer  to  the  wonderful  increafe  of  this  tribe,  which,  in 
 lefs  tlian  220  years,  amounted  to  upwards  of  53,000  men  able  to  bear  arms,  though 
 Naphtali  had  but  four  fons  when  he  came  into  Egj  pt.  But  as  this  fenfc  is  con- 
 traiy  to  tlie  points,  and  coincides  with  the  next  verfe,  it  is  rejedted  by  many  learn¬ 
 ed  men,  who  choofe  rather  to  adliere  to  the  Englifli  verfion,  as  being  tiie  fimpleft 
 and  mofi;  natural.  It  deferibes  the  genius,  difpofition,  and  manners  of  this  tribe, 
 and  was  more  particularly  illuftrated  in  Barak,  a  man  of  Naphtali ;  he  put  to 
 ilight,  purfued,  and  overcame  Ifrael’s  enemies,  and  his  victory  is  celebrated  by 
 Deborah  in  goodly  words,  Jiidg.  iv.  15.  Ver.  22.  In  tire  benedidtion,  which  the 
 patriarch  Jacob  gives  his  favourite  fon  Jofeph,  tliere  are  two  remarkable  titles 
 which  he  confers  upon  him  ;  1  ft,  That  he  was  the  fhepherd  and  the  Jione  of  Ifrael, 
 which  feems  to  be  a  thankful  recognition  of  Jofeph’s  kindnefs  to  his  father  and 
 family,  in  keeping  and  feeding  them,  even  as  a  theplierd  does  his  llieep.  2dly, 
 The  other  title  is,  that  he  was  feparate from  his  brethren:  where,  though  the  word 
 Uazir,  fignifies  to  feparate,  (as  Jofeph  was  certainly  feparated  from  his  brethren 
 when  he  was  fold  into  Egypt,)  yet  as  it  is  hardly  fuppofeable,  that  Jacob  would 
 couch  fo  cruel  an  atffion  in  lb  loft  a  term,  it  is  rather  to  be  thought,  that  he  ufed 
 the  word  Hazir,  which  fignifies  crowned,  in  allufion  to  the  fuperintendants  of  the 
 king’s  houfehold,  in  all  the  eaftern  countries,  who  were  called  Nazirs.  And  as 
 for  the  fruitfulnel's  promifed  liiin,  this  w.as  exemplified  in  the  large  extent  of  this 
 twofold  tribe,  Ephraim  and  Manaffeh.  V^er.  23.  By  the  archers  we  are  to  under- 
 iiand  Jofeph’s  brethren,  who  hated  him  and  fold  him  into  Egypt.  Ver.  24.  Put 
 ids  bow  abode  injlrength.  The  fenfe  is,  he  fuftained  all  the  Ihocks  of  his  enemies 
 witJi  unbroken  fortitude  and  refolution,  like  a  tough  bow,  which  ftill  continues 
 tiic  fame,  though  long  ufed  in  battle.  .And  the  arms  of  his  hands  were  madejlrong 
 by  the  hands  of  the  mighty  God  of  Jacob.  He  placed  his  only  hope  in  the  provi¬ 
 dence  of  tlic  Almighty,  %vhofe  all-powerful  arm  I'upported  him  in  the, greateft  dan¬ 
 gers,  and  delivered  him  from  every  diftrefs.  Ver.  26.  The  bleffings  of  thy  father 
 have  prevailed  above.  Tliis  will  appear  to  be  literally  true,  if  we  confider  that  they 
 were  greater  than  thofe  wliich  Abralram  or  Ifaac  conferred  on  their  fons.  XJnto 
 the  ulmofl  bounds  of  the  everlajling  hills.  That  is,  Thefe  bleffings  lhall  be  upon  the 
 head  of  Jofeph  unto  the  utmoft  bound  or  duration  of  the  everlafting  hills,  particu¬ 
 larly  thofe  of  a  fpiritual  kind,  for  they  endure  for  ever.  Whether  we  confider  the 
 Tufterings  and  honours  of  Jofeph,  or  his  father’s  prophecy  of  him,  he  appears  an 
 eminent  type  of  Meffiah.  Ver.  27.  As  Judah  had  been  compared  to  a  lion,  Iffa- 
 char  to  a  ftrong  afs,  Dan  to  a  ferpent,  Naphtali  to  a  hind  let  loofe,  Jofeph  to  a 
 fruitful  bough  or  tree ;  fo  Benjamin  is  fitly  compared  to  a  ravenous  wolf  for  his  cou- 
 I’age  and  fuccefs  in  war.  And  how  brave  and  warlike  a  body  of  men,  and  hov- 
 ve?y  expert  in  feats  of  arms,  this  tribe  became,  we  may  conceive  from  what  we  are 
 told  of  them,  Judg.  xx.  16.  that  “there  were  feven  hundred  chofen  men  among 
 tliem,  left-handed,  every  one  of  them  could  fling  ftones  at  an  hair  s  breadth,  and 
 not  niifs.”  The  morning  and  night,  in  this  place,  can  mean  nothing  elfe  but  the 
 
 morning  and  night,  (that  is,  the  beginning  and  final  period)  of  the  Jewiffi  ftate ; 
 tor  this  ftate  is  the  lubjebl  of  all  Jacob’s  prophecy,  from  the  one  end  to  the  other; 
 and  confequeiitly  it  is  liere  foretold  of  Benjamin,  that  he  ftiould  continue  to  the 
 very  Lift  time  ot  the  Jewifh  ftate.  This  was  fulfilled  ;  for  this  tribe  returned  from 
 captivity  with  Judah,  and  they  lived  as  one ;  and  of  this  tribe  was  Mordecai  and 
 Eftiiei  who  delivered  Ifrael;  and  Paul  who  fouglit  fucceflively  the  battles  of  the 
 Lord.  Ver.  28.  The  tribes  are  generally  reckoned  twelve,  though  they  were  in¬ 
 deed  thirteen,  bccaufe  the  land  was  divided  only  into  twelve  parts,  Levi  having  no 
 ffiftinift  part  of  his  own.  Every  one  according  to  his  bleffing  he  bleffed  them  :  that 
 is,  according  to  that  bleffing  whicli  God  in  his  purpofe  had  allotted  to  each  of  them, 
 which  alfo  he  manifefted  to  Jacob  by  his  Spirit.  Ver.  S3.  Gathered  up  his  feet  into 
 hw  bed.  Whilft  he  was  employed  in  the  foleinn  and  religious  work  of  bleffing  his 
 children  in  the  name  and  by  the  Spirit  of  God,  he  ufed  as  decent  a  pofture  as  his 
 aged  and  infirm  body  would  pennit,  and  therefore  is  fuppofed  to  have  fat  upon  the 
 bed’s  fide,  with  his  feet  hanging  downward ;  and  now  having  finiffied  that  great 
 work,  he  drew  his  feet  into  the  bed,  and  reclining  his  head  on  the  pillow,  calmly- 
 yielded  up  his  breath  into  the  hands  of  liis  merciful  Creator. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  I..  Ver.  1.  Jofeph  firft  clofed  his 
 father’s  eyes,  as  God  had  promifed  Jacob  he  fhould ;  and  then,  according  to  the 
 cuftom  of  thofe  times,  parted  from  tlie  body  with  a  kifs.  Ver.  2.  Tlie  manner 
 of  embalming  among  the  Egyptians,  according  to  the  accounts  given  of  it  by 
 the  ancient  Greek  hiftorians,  was  ns  follows :  When  a  man  died,  his  body  was 
 carried  to  the  artificers,  whole  bufinefs  was  to  make  coffins.  Wlien  tlie  body 
 was  brought  home  again,  they  agreed  with  the  embalihers.  The  higheft  was  a 
 talent,  that  is,  about  3001.  Sterling;  twenty  mime,  (621.  10s.)  was  a  moderate 
 one,  and  the  lowcft  a  very  finall  matter.  As  the  body  lay  extended,  one  of  them 
 marked  out  the  place,  on  tlie  left  fide,  where  it  was  to  be  opened ;  and  then  a 
 diffeiftor,  with  a  very  iharp  ftone,  made  the  incifion,  through  which  they  drew  all 
 the  inteftines,  except  the  heart  and  kidneys,  and  then  wafhed  them  with  palm 
 wine,  and  other  ftrong  and  binding  drugs.  The  brains  they  drew  through  thh 
 noftrils,  with  an  hooked  piece  of  iron,  and  filled  the  fkull  with  aftringent  drugs. 
 The  whole  body  they  anointed  with  oil  of  cedar,  with  myrrh,  cinnamon,  and  other 
 drugs,  for  about  thirty  days ;  by  which  means  it  was  prefei-ved  entire,  without  fo 
 much  as  lofing  its  hair ;  and  fwcet,  without  any  figns  of  putrefaiffion.  After  this, 
 it  was  put  into  fait  about  forty  days,  Laft  of  all,  the  body  was  taken  out  of  the 
 fait,  waflied,  and  wrapped  up  in  linen  fwaddling-bands  dipped  in  myrrh,  rubbed 
 with  a  certain  gum,  and  fo  returned  to  the  relations,  who  put  it  into  the  coffin, 
 and  kept  it  in  Ibme  repofitory  in  their  houfes,  or  in  tombs  made  particularly  for 
 that  purpofe.  Ver.  4.  It  was  againft  rule,  for  any  perfon,  how  great  foever,  in 
 mourning  apparel,  to  appear  in  public,  and  efpecially  in  the  royal  prefence ;  and 
 therefore  Jofeph  does  not  go  himfelf,  but  defires  Ibme  of  the  courtiers  to  carry, 
 his  requeft  to  the  king.  Ver.  7.  The  fplendour  and  magnificence  of  this  patri¬ 
 arch’s  funeral  feems  to  be  without  a  parallel  in  hiftory  :  attended  by  all  Pharaoh's 
 fervants,  the  elders  of  his  hou  fe,  and  all  the  ciders  of  the  land  of  Egypt ;  that  is,  tlie 
 officers  of  his  houfehold,  and  deputies  of  his  provinces,  with  all  the  houfe  of  Jofeph, 
 imd  liis  brethren,  and  his  father’s  houfe,  conducting  their  folemn  forrow  for  near 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. _ *  Chap.  XLIX.]  While  we  cannot  prophecy,  let  us  not  fail  living  or  dying,  to  inftrua  and  warn  finners,  efpecially  our 
 
 relations  The  greateft  diflerence  frequently  appears  in  the  charaaers  and  portions  of  the  fame  family.  Even  when  fin  is  forgiven,  grofs  crimes  leave  a  ftigma,  that 
 ••annot  be  wiped  away.  Let  this  prove  a  folemn  caution  to  avoid  every  appearance  of  evil.  Oh  that  in  life  and  death,  when  moft  retired  from  the  world,  or  moft 
 
xJosrph  comfurteth  his  hrethreu> 
 
 GENESIS. 
 
 His  age  and  death*. 
 
 jRpforc 
 
 (’lirill 
 
 1689. 
 
 a  C^hap. 
 47.  29. 
 
 ^  Tliat  is, 
 The 
 
 mourning 
 c^'  the  E- 
 gyplinns. 
 b  A<5ls 
 7.  16. 
 
 c  Chap. 
 £3.  16. 
 
 5  *  My  father  made  me  fwear,  ra}»ing,  Lo,  I  die  :  in 
 my  grave  which  I  have  digged  for  me  in  the  land  ot 
 
 /  Canaan,  there  (halt  thou  bury  me.  Now,  therefore, 
 let  me  go  up,  I  pray  thee,  and  bury  my  father,  and  1 
 will  come  again. 
 
 6  And  Pharaoh  faid,  Go  up,  and  bury  thy  father, 
 according  as  he  made  thee  fwear. 
 
 p  H  And  Jofeph  went  up  to  bury  his  father  :  and 
 with  him  went  up  all  the  lervants  of  Pharaoh,  the 
 elders  of  his  houfe,  and  all  the  elders  of  the  land  of 
 
 Egypt, 
 
 8  And  all  the  houfe  of  Jofeph,  and  his  brethren,  and 
 his  father’s  houfe :  only  their  little  ones,  and  their 
 flocks,  and  their  herds,  they  left  in  the  land  of  Golhen. 
 
 9  And  there  went  up  with  him  both  chariots  and 
 horlemen  ;  and  it  was  a  very  great  company. 
 
 10  And  they  came  to  the  thrafhing-floor  of  Atad, 
 which  is  beyond  Jordan  ;  and  there  they  mourned 
 v/ith  a  great  and  very  fore  lamentation  ;  and  he  made 
 a  mourning  for  his  father  feven  days. 
 
 1 1  And  when  the  inhabitants  of  the  land,  the  Ca- 
 
 naanites,  law  the  mourning  in  the  floor  of  Atad,  they 
 faid.  This  is  a  grievous  mourning  to  the  Egyptians  : 
 wherefore  the  name  of  it  was  called  II  Abel-Mizraim, 
 which  is  beyond  Jordan.  * 
 
 12  And  his  fons  did  unto  him  according  as  he  com¬ 
 manded  them : 
 
 13  For  ^  his  fons  carried  him  into  the  land  of  Ca¬ 
 naan,  and  buried  him  in  the  cave  of  the  field  of  Mach- 
 pelah,  which  Abraham  =  bought  with  the  field,  for  a 
 pofifellion  of  a  burying-place,  of  Ephron  the  Hittite, : 
 before  Mamre. 
 
 14  <11  And  Jofeph  returned  into  Egypt,  he,  and  his 
 brethren,  and  all  that  went  up  with  him  to  bury  his 
 father,  after  he  had  buried  his  father. 
 
 1 5  And  when  Jofeph’s  brethren  faw  that  their 
 
 three  hundred  miles  into  a  diftant  country.  Ver.  9.  Chariots  and  horfemen,  Thefc 
 not  only  added  to  the  pomp  of  the  funeral,  but  alfo  ferved  for  a  defence  in  cafe  of 
 any  oppofition.  Ver.  16.  Thy  father  did  command.  The  wrongs  they  had  done 
 their  brother  fdled  their  minds  with  fuch  gloomy  apprehenfions,  that  they  fancied 
 Jofeph  had  hitherto  only  fmothered  Ins  refentment  out  ofrefpedl  to  his  father,  and 
 would  now  take  ample  vengeance  on  them  for  their  perfidious  behaviour.  Ver.  1 7. 
 Jofeph  wejit  when  tkeyfpake  unto  him  :  his  tears  difeovered  the  compaffion  and 
 gencrolity  of  his  foul.  Ver.  19.  Am  1  in  the  place  of  God;  “Am  I  in  God’s 
 Ilead  to  forgive  fm,  or  take  vengeance  for  injuries,  which  belongs  to  God  .alone?” 
 
 father  was  dead,  they  faid,  Jofeph  will  peradventure 
 hate  us,  and  will  certainly  requite  us  all  the  evil  which  jgg^^ 
 
 W'-*  did  unto  him.  r  u  r  • 
 
 IG  And  they  f  fent  a  meflenger  unto  Jofeph,  laying,  t  neb. 
 Thy  father  did  command  before  he  died,  faying,  charged, 
 
 17  So  fhall  ye  fay  unto  Jofeph,  Forgive,  I  pray  thee 
 now,  the  trelpafs  of  thy  brethren,  and  their  fin  ;  for 
 they  did  unto  thee  evil :  and  now,  we  pray  thee,  for¬ 
 give  the  trefpafs  of  the  lervants  of  the  G6d  of  thy  fa¬ 
 ther.  And  Jofeph  wept  when  they  fpake  unto  him. 
 
 18  And  his  brethren  alfo  went  and  fell  down  before 
 his  face  ;  and  they  faid.  Behold,  we  be  thy  lervants. 
 
 19  And  Jofeph  faid  unto  them,  ^  Fear  not ;  for  aw  a  chap. 
 
 I  in  the  place  of  God  ?  .  -  n 
 
 20  But  as  for  you,  ye  thought  evil  againit  me ; 
 hut  God  meant  it  unto  good,  to  bring  to  pals,  as  it  is 
 this  day,  to  fave  much  people  alive. 
 
 21  Now  therefore,  fear  ye  not :  I  will  nourilh  yom 
 and  your  little  ones.  And  he  comforted  them,  and 
 
 Ipake  t  kindly  unto  them.  ^  L^th^’ 
 
 22  ^  And  Jofeph  dwelt  in  Egypt,  he  and  his  father’s 
 houfe:  and  Jofeph  lived  an  nundred  and  ten  years. 
 
 23  And  Jofeph  faw  Ephraim’s  cnildren  of  the  third  i633. 
 generation;  '  the  children  alfo  of  Machir,  the  fon 
 Manalfeh,  were  f  brought  up  upon  Jofeph’s  knees.  ^  Heb! 
 
 24  And  Jofeph  laid  unto  his  brethren,  I  die  ;  and  borne. 
 
 ^  God  will  furely  vifit  you,  and  bring  you  out  of  this  ^ 
 land  unto  the  land  which  he  fware  to  Abraham,  to^^‘ 
 Ifaac,  and  to  Jacob. 
 
 25  And  s  Jofeph  took  an  oath  of  the  children 
 Ifrael,  faying,  God  will  furely  vifit  you,  and  ye 
 carry  up  ray  bones  from  hence. 
 
 26  H  So  Jofeph  died,  being  an  hundred  and  ten  years  lesj. 
 old  :  and  they  embalmed  him,  and  he  was  put  in  a 
 coffin  in  Egypt.* 
 
 As  if  he  had  laid,  “  Make  your  peace  with  God,  and  tlien  you  tvill  find  it  an  ealy 
 matter  to  make  your  peace  with  me.”  Ver.  20.  This  is  a  generous  and  noble  apo¬ 
 logy  for  their  perfidious  treatment.  Ver.  23.  Jofeph  had  the  pleafure  of  feeing 
 hi.;  father’s  prophetic  blefling  upon  his  two  fons  in  part  fulfilled.  Ver.  25.  He 
 was  fo  confident  that  God  would  give  him  the  land  of  Canaan,  that  he  defires  his 
 remains  might  be  kept  unburied  till  the  God  of  their  fathers  thought  proper  to 
 vifit  them,  Heb.  xi.  22.  Accordingly  in  confequence  of  his  dying  requeft,  and  the 
 oath  which  he  made  his  brethren  to  fwear,  Mofes,  when  Ifrael  went  out  of  Egypt^ 
 took  the  bones  of  Jofeph  witii  him,  ExoiL  xiii.  19.  Jofli.  xxiv.  32.  A<5ls  vii.  16. 
 
 occupied  by  perfonal  or  domellic  alBurs,  the  honour  of  Meffiah  and  the  glory  of  his  kingdom  may  maintain  the  chief  place  in  our  aSe<51ions,  that  we  may  contemplate 
 tus  greatnefs  with  joy,  and  recommend  him  with  fervour  of  foul.  ^ 
 
 OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  L.]  May  we  fo  number  our  days  that  we  may  apply  our  hearts  to  wifdom,  that  our  charaaer  may  merit  refpea 
 wm  e  we  hve,  and  regret  when  we  die.  Tlie  departure  of  a  righteous  man  from  this  world  of  fin  and  iorrowis  an  alarming  event;  but  it  is  pleafing  to  reflek  Ea 
 eetl  a  erve  God  througaout  ;dl  generations.  It  is  comely  to  behold  a  family  manifefting  unfeigned  and  ardent  affeaion  for  each  other  on  the  death  of  their 
 parents  and  guides,  and  not  allowing  any  bequeathments  to  alienate  their  afibaions  or  ftir  up°  trife.  It  is  a  difficult  talk  to  pacify  a  guilty  confeience,  if  ffiorouililv 
 'll  1  ^  °  grant  pardon  of  paft  injuries,  if  not  to  the  children  of  our  father,  and  the  lervants  of  the  God  of  our  fathers  ?  To  finifii  a  reliirfoiis 
 
 m  1  vigorous  exei  ci  e  o  aith,  and  in  friendfiup  to  the  people  of  God,  muft  be  the  fummit  of  a  righteous  man’s  defires,  as  far  as  they  refpedl  himfelf  Let  us 
 
 tiU  he  has  placed  Jem  aB,  body  Si  fpSi^  S 
 
1  THE  SECOND  BOOK  OF  MOSES, 
 
 CALLED 
 
 EXODUS. 
 
 THE  ABGUMENT. 
 
 TJiis  book  is  called  Exodus,  "eohich  signifies  the  j^oing  forth  ;  because  it  begins  \soith  the  history  of  the  going  forth  of 
 the  childyen  of  Israel  out  of  Egypt.  It  contains  an  account  of  *mhat  happened  to  the  children  of  Israel,  from  the 
 death  oj  Joseph,  to  the  making  the  tabernacle  in  the  voilderness  ;  and  comprehends  the  space  of  about  an  hundred 
 and  forty  years. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 1706. 
 
 CHAP.  I. 
 
 1  The  children  qf  tCrael  after  the  death  of  Jifeph  do  multiply  greatly  : 
 8  the  more  they  are  oppreJJ'ed  by  a  new  king,  fo  much,  the  more  they 
 multiply.  15  The  godlinefs  of  the  mid  wives  infaving  the  men-children 
 alive.  22  Pharaoh  commandeth  the  male  children  to  be  caf  into  the 
 river. 
 
 NOW  ^  thefe  are  the  names  of  the  children  of 
 Ifrael,  which  came  into  Egypt :  every  man  and 
 his  houfehold  came  with  Jacob. 
 
 2  Reuben,  Simeon,  Levi,  and  Judah, 
 
 3  Iffachar,  Zebulun,  and  Benjamin, 
 
 4  Dan  and  Naphtali,  Gad  and  Alher. 
 
 5  And  all  the  fouls  that  came  out  of  the  t  loins  of 
 Jacob  were  ^  feventy  fouls  :  for  Jofeph  was  in  Egypt 
 already. 
 
 6  And  Jofeph  died,  and  all  his  brethren,  and  all  that 
 generation. 
 
 7  '  And  the  children  of  Ifrael  were  fruitful,  and  in- 
 creafed  abundantly,  and  multiplied,  and  vvaxed  ex¬ 
 ceeding  mighty  ;  and  the  land  was  filled  with  them. 
 
 8  %  Now  there  arofe  up  a  new  king  over  Egypt, 
 which  knew  not  Jofeph. 
 
 9  And  he  faid  unto  his  people,  Behold,  the  people 
 of  the  children  of  Ifrael  are  more  and  mightier  than 
 we. 
 
 10  Come  on,  let  us  deal  wifely  with  them  ;  left  they 
 multiply,  and  it  come  to  pal's,  that,  when  there  falleth 
 out  any  war,  they  join  alfo  unto  our  enemies,  and  fight 
 againfl  us,  and  so  get  them  up  out  of  the  land. 
 
 1 1  Therefore  they  did  fet  over  them  tauc-mauers 
 to  affli(4  them  with  their  burdens.  And  they  built 
 Pharaoh  treafure-cities,  Pithom  and  Raamfes. 
 
 ^c..  ’  12  f  But  the  more  they  afflifted  them,  the  more  they 
 
 a  Gen. 
 46.  8. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 thigh. 
 b  Gen. 
 46.  27. 
 Deuter. 
 10.  22. 
 
 1635. 
 c  A(5ts 
 7.  17. 
 
 BeforS 
 
 Clirisl 
 
 1635, 
 
 f  HeL. 
 idnd  as 
 they  af. 
 fueled 
 'them,fo 
 
 Explanatory  notes.  Chap.  I.  Ver.  l.  TIus  lift  is  here  recited, 
 
 that  by  comparing  tliis  fmall  number  with  its  gieat  increafe  afterwards,  we  may 
 behold  the  fulfilling  of  God’s  promifes.  Ver.  5.  Were  feventy  folds.  Including 
 Jacob  and  Jofeph  and  his  two  fons,  Gen.  xlvi.  26.  Deut.  x.  22.  Or  if  they  were 
 but  fixn-.nine,  they  are  called  feventy  by  a  round  number,  of  which  there  are 
 many  inftances  in  the  fcriptures.  Ver.  7.  Here  their  incredible  multiplication 
 is  fet  forth  in  verj^  cmphatical  language.  It  may  refer  either  to  their  vaft  num¬ 
 ber  ivliich  greatly  added  to  their  ftrength;  or,  to  their  conftitutions,  that  their 
 olFspring  was  healthy  as  well  as  numerous.  Ver  8.  Now  there  arofe  up  a 
 kiwy  That  is,  another  king,  one  of  another  difpofition,  intereft,  or  f^ily. 
 the  kingdom  of  EgjTt  often  changed  from  one  family  to  another,  ‘^^oofing  th«r 
 monarchs,  according  to  the  hiftory  of  tlie  dynafties.  Which  knew 
 not  recollea  the  eminent  fervices  which  Jofeph  had  accomphflied  for  ‘he  good 
 of  the  nation.  Ver.  11.  They  did  fet  over  them  tajknufers. 
 
 who  were  to  exaa  from  them  the  tribute  required,  which  confifted  of  both  money 
 and  labour  ;  that  their  purfes  might  be  exhaufted  by  the  one,  their  ftrcng  y 
 the  other ;  and  their  fpirits  by  both.  Ver.  13;  God  pei-mitted  the  Egyptians  to 
 
 multiplied  and  grew.  And  they  were  grieved  becaufe 
 of  the  children  of  Ifrael. 
 
 13  And  the  Egyptians  nlade  the  children  of  Ifrael 
 to  ferve  with  rigour, 
 
 14  And  they  made  their  lives  bitter  with  hard  bon¬ 
 dage,  in  mortar,  and  in  brick,  and  in  all  manner  of 
 fervice  in  the  field  :  all  their  fervice,  v/herein  they 
 made  them  ferve,  was  with  rigour. 
 
 1 5  ^  And  the  king  of  Egypt  fpake  to  the  Hebrew 
 midwives  ;  (of  which  the  name  of  the  one  was  Shiph- 
 rah,  and  the  name  of  the  other  Puah  ;) 
 
 16  And  he  faid.  When  ye  do  the  office  of  a  mid¬ 
 wife  to  the  Hebrew  Women,  and  fee  them  upon  the 
 ftools,  if  it  be  a  fon,  then  ye  Ihall  kill  him  j  but  if  it 
 be  a  daughter,  then  fhe  fliall  live. 
 
 17  But  the  midwives  feared  God,  and  did  not  as  thecir-  is3J. 
 king  of  Egypt  commanded  them,  but  faved  the  men- 
 children  alive; 
 
 18  And  the  king  of  Egypt  called  for  themidwiyes, 
 and  faid  unto  them,  Why  have  ye  done  this  thing, 
 
 land  have  faved  the  men-children  alive? 
 
 19  And  the  mid  wives  faid  unto  Pharaoh,  Becaufe 
 the  Hebrew  women  are  not  as  the  Egyptian  women  ; 
 for  they  are  lively,  and  are  delivered  ere  the  mid¬ 
 wives  come  in  unto  them. 
 
 20  Therefore  God  dealt  w'ell  with  the  midwives  : 
 and  the  people  multiplied,  and  waxed  very  mighty. 
 
 21  And  it  came  to  pals,  becaufe  the  mid  wives 
 feared  God,  that  he  made  them  houfes. 
 
 22  And  Pharaoh  charged  all  his  people,  faying, 
 
 Every  fon  that  is  born  ye  (hall  calf  into  the  river,  and 
 every  daughter  ye  (hall  fave  alive.* 
 
 exercife  tyranny  and  oppreffion,  without  the  leaft  mercy  or  mitigation,  over  the 
 Ifraelites,  to  wean  them  from  idolatry,  the  land  of  Golhen,  and  to  prepare  them 
 for  their  deliverance.  V^er.  15.  Some  think  tliefe  midwives  did  not  only  officiate 
 among  tlie  Hebrews,  but  alfo  belonged  to  the  Hebrew  nation  :  indeed  it  is  more 
 than  probable  tliat  the  Egyptians  would  not  employ  their  time  and  pains  among: 
 fuch  a  poor  and  defpifed  people.  Ver.  16.  Stools ;  A  feat  ufed  by  women  in  tliofe 
 days  to  affift  the  midwives  for  the  eafier  difeharging  of  tlieir  gffice. — The  females 
 were  to  be  fpared,  not  the  males.  It  lias  been  I'uppofed  that  Pharaoh  had  fome 
 intimation  that  a  male  child  was  to  be  bom  who  would  be  a  great  Icourge  to  his 
 nation  abbut  this  period.  Others  have  thought  that  the  females  were  fpmed  for 
 their  fervice :  but  the  principal  motive  appears  to  be  to  prevent  their  increafe. 
 “  Satan  has,”  fays  Ainfworth,  “  always  dilchvered  his  fubtlety  as  well  as  malice, 
 by  endeavouring  to  deftroy  the  men  children,  me  flrongeft  and  moft  valiant 
 among  God’s  children,”  Rev.  xii.  3—5.  Ver.  19.  The  Hebrew  women  are  lively  ; 
 Or,  vigorous,  and  adlive,  in  promoting  the  birth  of  their  children,  fomewhat 
 refcmbling  inferior  animals;  fo  the  Hebrew  fignifies.  This  might  proceed  in 
 fome  meafure  from  their  daily  and  exceffivC  labours,  joined  with  the  terror 
 
 '  T^HArTTPAT  OBSERVATIONS  — •  Chap.  I.l  One  generation  paffeth  away  and  another  cometh,  but  the  promiTes  of  God  never  fail.  Let  us  hence  l^n 
 in  prof^riTy  and  to  have  entire  confidence  in  God.  The  fulfilment  of  the  divine  promifes  to  Abraham  is  very  remarkable.  In  a 
 
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 ciitia 
 1G35 
 
 cir. 
 
 a  Chip, 
 6.  ^0. 
 Numb. 
 26  59. 
 
 1571. 
 b  Aits 
 7  20. 
 Kebr. 
 
 11.25. 
 
 Moses  is  born  and  laid  ni  aa  arl\  ^-c, 
 
 CHAP.  IL 
 
 Moses  is  horn,  5  avtl  in  an  ark  cast  into  thejlags ;  5  he  is  found,  and 
 broxfht  vp  by  Pharaoh' s  (laughter  i  12  he /layeth  art  K.a/ptimi  1-5 
 he  reprovelh  an  Il-brew  ;  15  he  Jleeth  into  Midian ;  21  he  marrieth 
 Zipporah.  22  Gerjhon  is  born.  25  GuU  respetlelh  the  Israelites’  cry. 
 
 And  there  went  »  a  man  of  the  houfe  of  Levi, 
 and  took  to  vcife  a  daughter  of  Levi. 
 
 2  And  the  woman  conceived,  and  bare  a  fon  :  and 
 **  when  (he  faw  him  that  he  was  a  goodly  child,  fhe 
 hid  him  three  months. 
 
 3  And  when  fhe  could  not  longer  hide  him,  (he 
 took  for  him  an  ark  of  bulrufhes,  and  daubed  it  with 
 flime  and  with  pitch,  and  put  the  child  therein ;  and 
 fhe  laid  it  in  the  flags  by  the  river’s  brink. 
 
 4  And  his  After  flood  afar  off,  to  wit  what  would 
 be  done  to  him. 
 
 5  And  the  daughter  of  Pharaoh  came  down  to  wafli 
 herfeifzi  the  river ;  and  her  maidens  walked  along 
 by  the  river’s  fide  :  and  when  fhe  law  the  ark  among 
 the  flags,  fhe  lent  her  maid  to  fetch  it. 
 
 6  And  when  fhe  had  opened  it,  fhe  faw  the  child  ; 
 and,  behold,  the  babe  wept.  And  fhe  had  compafTion 
 on  him,  and  faid.  This  is  one  of  the  Hebrews’ 
 children. 
 
 7  Then  faid  his  After  to  Pharaoh’s  daughter.  Shall  I 
 go  and  call  to  thee  a  nurfe  of  the  Hebrew  women, 
 that  fhe  may  nurfe  the  child  for  thee? 
 
 8  And  Pharaoh’s  daughter  faid  to  her.  Go 
 the  maid  went  and  called  the  child’s  mother.^ 
 
 9  And  Pharaoh’s  daughter  faid  unto  her.  Take  this 
 child  away,  and  nurfe  it  for  me,  and  I  will  give  thee 
 thy  wages.  And  the  woman  took  the  child,  and 
 nurfed  it. 
 
 10  And  the  child  grew,  and  fhe  brought  him  unto 
 Pharaoh’s  daughter,  and  he  became  her  fon.  And 
 if  That  is,  fhe  called  his  name  ||  Mofes  :  and  fhe  faid,  Becaule 
 Draien  I  (irew  him  out  of  the  water. 
 
 1 1  U  And  it  came  to  pafs  in  thofe  days,  when  Mofes 
 1531.  was  grown,  that  he  went  out  unto  his  brethren,  and 
 looked  on  their  burdens  :  and  he  fpied  an  Egyptian 
 fmiting  an  Hebrew,  one  of  his  brethren. 
 
 12  And  he  looked  this  way  and  that  way,  and  when 
 
 EXODUS. 
 
 And 
 
 out. 
 
 He  fiecth  into  Midian, 
 man,  he  flew  the  Egyptian, 
 
 Ilefore 
 
 Clirifl 
 
 1531. 
 
 he  faw  that  there  was  no 
 
 land  hid  him  in  the  fand.  u  i,  -ji 
 
 13  And  when  he  went  out  the  fecond  day,  bcho  d, 
 itwo  men  of  the  Hebrews  ftrove  together:  and  he  laid 
 I  to  him  that  did  the  wrong,  Wnerefore  fmitett  thou 
 
 thy  fellow  ?  •  j  +  iTeh 
 
 I  14  And  he  faid,  who  made  thee  f  a  prince  and 
 
 judge  over  us?  intendeft  thou  to  kill  me,  as 
 killedll  the  Egyptian  ?  and  Mofes  feared,  and  faid. 
 Surely  this  thing  is  known.  ,  .  ,  r  , 
 
 1.5  Now  when  Pharaoh  heard  this  thing,  he  fought 
 to  flay  Moles.  But  Mofes  fled  from  the  face  ot 
 Phar.aoh,  and  dwelt  in  the  land  of  Midiaii  :  and  he  lat 
 
 down  bv  a  well.  ,  .  , 
 
 16  H  Now  the  II  prieft  of  Midian  had  feven  daugn-^Or^ 
 ters  :  and  they  came  and  drew  water,  and  filled  the^”'"''*^' 
 troughs  to  water  their  father’s  flock. 
 
 17  And  thefhepherds  came  and  drove  them  away: 
 but  Moles  flood  up  and  helped  them,  and  w-atered 
 their  flock. 
 
 18  And  when  they  came  to  Reul  their  father,  he 
 laid.  How  is  it  that  ye  are  come  fo  loon  to-day  ? 
 
 19  And  they  faid,  An  Egyptian  delivered  us  out  of 
 the  hand  of  the  fhepherds,  and  alfo  drew  water  enough 
 for  us,  and  watered  the  flock. 
 
 20  And  he  faid  unto  his  daughters,  and  where  is 
 he?  why  is  it  that  ye  have  left  the  man?  call  him,  that 
 he  may  eat  bread. 
 
 2 1  And  Mofes  was  content  to  dwell  with  the  man : 
 and  he  gave  Mofes  Zipporah  his  daughter. 
 
 22  And  fhe  bare  him  a  fon,  and  he  called  his  name 
 Gerfhom  :  for  he  faid,  I,  have  been  a  ftranger  in  a  = 
 
 ftrangeland. 
 
 23  ^  And  it  came  to  pafs,  in  procefs  of  time,  that 
 the  king  of  Egypt  died  :  and  the  children  of  Ifrael 
 fighed  by  reaf'on  of  the  bondage,  and  they  cried  ;  and 
 their  cry  cameup  unto  God,  by  reafon  of  the  bondage. 
 
 24  And  God  heard  their  groaning,  and  God  re¬ 
 membered  his  covenant  with  Abraham,  with  Ilaac,  <1  tJen. 
 and  with  Jacob. 
 
 25  And  God  looked  upon  the  children  of  Ifrael,  and  ^  h 
 God  t  had  refpe^t  unto  them."' 
 
 ariling  from  the  ctuel  and  bloody  command  of  the  king.  Vci".  20  Gad  dealt  v)cU 
 si'itk  the  midwives;  becaufe  they  feai'cd  God  more  than  the  king,  and  fpared  the 
 children  whereby  they  expofed  themfelves  to  the  king’s  difpleal'ure  and  wrath, 
 ■which  might  have  proved  fatal  to  them  and  their  families.  Ver.  21.  And  it  came 
 to  pafs  that  he  made  them  houfes :  That  is,  God  greatly  increafed  their  families, 
 both  in  children,  wealth  and  other  temporal  bleflings. 
 
 ■  EXPLANATORY  NOTE.S.  Chap.  II.  Ver.  3.  And  i(hen  fhe  could  no 
 longer  hide  him  :  That  is,  with  fafety  to  herfelf,  becaufe  they  noW  grew  more  vio- 
 knt  in  executing  the  bloody  decree,  and  the  child  growing  up  was  more  likely  to 
 be  dil'covered.  She  took  for  him  an  ark  af  bidrujhes.  That  boats  were  made  of 
 iuch  materials,  is  evident  from  Ifa.  xviii.  9.  as  alfo  from  the  teilimony  of  Pliny. 
 Ver.  6.  This  is  one  of  the  Hebretvs'  children.  This  ilie  might  probably  know  both 
 from  the  circumftances  in  which  llie  found  him,  and  from  the  Angular  fairnefs  and 
 beauty  of  tlie  child.  Ver.  \0.  And  he  became  her  fon.  He  became  fo  by  adoption ; 
 for  according  to  Philo,  llie  had  been  married  for  a  confiderable  time,  and  had  no 
 children  ;  therefore  (he  treated  him  in  every  refpedl  as  if  he  had  been  her  own, 
 and  gave  him  all  the  learning  and  inftruftion  which  the  Egj'ptians  were  matters 
 of,  Adis  vii.  21,  22.  Ver.  il.  Whiltt  Mofes  lived  at  court,  he  was  looked  upon 
 as  the  fon  of  Pharaoh’s  daughter,  and  as  fome  fuppofe,  was  intended  to  fucceed 
 him  on  the  throne,  when  he  had  reached  his  fortieth  year.  Mofes  went  out  to  his 
 brethren  ;  Which  he  did,  partly  from  natural  affediion  and  inclination  to  learn 
 .their  ttate,  and  to  help  them  as  occafion  flioiild  offer  itfelf ;  and  partly  by  divine 
 impulfe  and  defign,  tluat  he  might  give  intimation  to  his  brethren  that  he  was 
 mifed  and  fent  of  God  to  deliver  them.  Ver.  12.  And  he  looked  this  ivay  and  that 
 way;  Not  from  oonfeious  guilt  in  what  he  intended,  but  from  human  and  war¬ 
 
 8t 
 
 eo. 
 
 knew. 
 
 rantable  prudence.  He  flew  the  Egyptian.  This  adlion  of  Mofes  was  extra¬ 
 ordinary,  and  is  not  to  be  juttified  from  a  right  of  defending  tlie  opprefled, 
 w'hich  does  not  belong  to  private  perfons,  Rom.  xii.  1 9.  but  only  by  Lis  dinne 
 and  fpecial  vocation  to  be  the  ruler  and  deliverer  of  Ifi-ael.  Xct.  13.  Pharaoh 
 sought  to  flay  Mofes  ;  Not  out  of  zeal  to  punifh  a  murderer,  but  to  fecurc  liimfelf 
 from  fo  dangerous  a  perfon,  in  all  probability  thinking  tliat  this  xvas  the  perfon, 
 who  was  not  only  to  be  a  fcourge  to  lire  Egyptians,  but  tlie  deliverer  of  Ilrael. 
 Ver.  16.  Hoiu  the  priefl  of  Midian  had  fevesi  daughters  ;  We  may  I'uppofe  that  he 
 was  a  worfliipper  of  the  true  God,  otlierwife  Mofes  w-ould  not  have  married 
 into  Ills  family ;  or  the  Hebrew  Cohen,  may  here  fignify  a  prince  or  potentate 
 as  Gen.  xli.  45.  All  the  accounts  which  we  have  of  the  kindred  of  die  wife  of 
 Mofes,  favour  the  opinion  that  they  were  not  idolaters,  or  tliat  they  had  re¬ 
 nounced  idolatry  ;  Exod.  xviii.  throughout,  prefents  tlie  chara<5ler  of  Jethro,  who 
 is  alfo  called  lleuel,  Mofes’  father-in-law,  in  a  very  interetting  light.  And  what 
 is  faid  of  liis  fon  Hobab  and  his  defeendant  is  notliing  to  their  dilhonour,  fee 
 Numb.  X.  29—32.  Judg.  iv.  11.  Ver.  21.  And  Mofes  Was  content  to  dwell  with 
 the  man.  Or,  accepted  of  liis  offer ;  and  fo  his  prefent  temporary  dwelling  is 
 made  a  fettled  habitation.  He  gave  Mofes  Zipporah  his  daughter ;  Whom  he  mar¬ 
 ried,  not  inftantly,  but  after  fome  years’  acquaintance  mth  the  family,  as  may  be 
 fuppofed  from  the  age  of  one  of  his  fons  who  was  circumcifed  forty  years  after 
 liis  going  to  refide  diere,  Exod.  iv.  26.  Ver.  25.  Axid  God  had  refpea  unto  them  ; 
 That  is,  was  acquainted  with  their  fituation  fo  as  to  have  companion  on  them  and 
 hell)  them ;  he,  who  feemed  for  a  while  to  have  rejeaed  tliem,  now  owns  them  fof 
 his  people,  and  came  for  tlieir  deliverance. 
 
 hundred  and  fifteen  ye.ars  his  race  by  Ifa.-ic  increafed  Only  to  feventy  perfons ;  in  as  many  more  they  amounted  to  about  a  million.  Thus  it  is  Tood  to  believe  the  Lord 
 an(^  patiently  wait  the  acconiplilhmcnt  of  his  word.  Services  done  men  are  foon  forgotten,  but  God  will  ever  remember  thofe  who  ferve  Iiira.  The  deenett  laid  tt, henii ’ 
 of  his  and  liis  people  will  ilhie  m  the  mamfett  folly  of  the  projeaors.  The  patience  of  the  laints  mutt  be  proved  bv  repeated  trials 
 
 TACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.-*  Chav.  II.]  The  fehemos  of  the  ungodly  to  opprefs  the  righteous  have  "ultimately  become  the  means  of  thei:-  dclivc^ 
 
 Ao.  4...6c/.  Q 
 
O 
 
 Gjd  seiidcth  ^oses  to  deliver  IsraeL 
 
 EXODUS. 
 
 77ie  name  of  Godt-  Moses^  mission. 
 
 Seforc 
 
 Ctuift 
 
 1491. 
 
 1491. 
 
 30. 
 
 b  Jolli. 
 5.  15. 
 Adis 
 7.  33. 
 c  Mattii. 
 22.  32. 
 Adis 
 7.  32. 
 
 CHAP.  III.  I 
 
 1  Afq/es  X'eepctk  Jctfiro'^  Jloch,  2  Ood  appeareth  to  kirn  in  a  burning 
 bujh  ;  Itefinxkth  him  to  deliver  Ifracl.  14  The  name  of  God  ;  15  his.  I 
 fnejjlige  to  Ifracl. 
 
 NCi,W  Mofes  kept  the  flock  of  Jethro  his  father-in- 
 Ww,  the  prielt  of  Midian  :  and  he  led  the  flock 
 to  the  back-fide  of  the  deferi,  and  came  to  the  moun¬ 
 tain  of  God,  exten  to  Horeb. 
 
 2  And  *  the  angel  of  the  Lord  appearedun  to  him 
 in  a  flame  of  fire  out  of  the  midft  of  a  bufh  ;  and  he 
 looked,  and,  behold,  the  bufh  burned  with  fire,  and  the 
 bufh  xeas  not  confumed. 
 
 3  And  Mofes  faid,  1  will  now  turn  afide,  and  fee 
 thrs  great  fight,  why  the  bufh  is  not  burned. 
 
 4  And  when  the  Lord  faw  that  he  turned  afide  to 
 fee,  God  called  unto  him  out  of  the  midft  of  the  bufh, 
 and  faid,  Mofes,  Mofes!  And  he  faid,  Here  am  I. 
 
 5  And  he  faid.  Draw  not  nigh  hither:  put  oft' thy 
 fhoes  from  off  thy  feet ;  for  the  place  whereon  thou 
 ftandeft  is  holy  ground. 
 
 6  Moreover  he  faid,  am  the  God  of  thy  father, 
 the  God  of  Abraham,  the  God  of  Ifaac,  and  the  God 
 of^Jacob.  And  Mofes  hid  his  face ;  for  he  was  afraid 
 to  look  upon  God. 
 
 7  %  And  the  Lord  faid,  I  have  furely  feen  the 
 affl.6tion  of  my  people  which  are  in  Egypt,  and  have 
 heard  their  cry  by  reafon  of  their  taflc-mafters  j  for  1 
 know  their  forrows  ; 
 
 8  And  I  am  come  down  to  deliver  them  cut  of  the 
 hand  of  the  Egyptians,  and  to  bring  them  up  out  of 
 that  land  unto  a  good  land  and  a  large,  unto  a  land 
 flowing  with  milk  and  honey  ;  unto  the  place  of  the 
 Canaanites,  and  the  Hittites,  and  the  Amorites,  and 
 the  Perizzites,  and  the  Hivites,  and  the  Jebufites. 
 
 9  Now'  therefore,  behold  the  cry  of  the  children  of 
 Ifrael  is  come  unto  me  :  and  I  have  alfo  leen  the  op- 
 preflion  wherewiih  the  Egyptians  opprels  them. 
 
 10  Come  now  therefore.  And  1  will  lend  thee  unto  Before 
 Pharaoh,  that  thou  raayeft  bring  forth  ray  people,  the 
 children  of  Ifrael  out  of  Egypt. 
 
 1 1  H  And  Mofes  faid  unto  God,  Who  am  I,  that 
 (hould  go  unto  Pharaoh,  and  that  1  Ihould  bring  forth 
 the  children  of  Ifrael  out  of  Egypt  ? 
 
 12  And  he  faid.  Certainly  1  will  be  with  thee;  and 
 this  shall  be  a  token  unto  thee  that  I  have  lent  thee: 
 
 When  thou  haft  brought  forth  the  people  out  of  Egypt, 
 ye  (hall  ferve  God  upon  this  mountain, 
 
 13  And  Mofes  faid  unto  God,  Behold,  nahen  I  come 
 unto  the  children  of  Ifrael,  and  fhall  lay  unto  them. 
 
 The  God  of  your  fathers  hath  fent  me  unto  you ;  and 
 they  fhall  fay  to  me.  What  is  his  name  ?  What  fhall  I 
 fay  unto  them  ? 
 
 1 4  And  God  faid  unto  Mofes,  I  AM  THAT  I  AM : 
 and  he  faid.  Thus  fhalt  thou  fay  unto  the  children  of 
 Ifrael,  I  AM  hath  fent  me  unto  you. 
 
 I.*!  11  And  God  faid  moreover  unto  Mofes,  Thus 
 flialt  thou  lay  unto  the  children  of  llfael,  the  Lord 
 God  of  your  fathers,  the  God  of  Abraham,  the  God 
 of  Ifaac,  and  the  God  of  Jacob,  hath  fent  me  unto 
 you  :  this  is  my  name  for  ever,  and  this  is  my  memorial 
 unto  all  generations. 
 
 16  Go  and  Gather  the  elders  of  Ifrael  together,  and 
 fay  unto  them,  The  Lord  God  of  your  fathers,  the 
 God  of  Abraham,  of  Ifaac,  and  of  Jacob,  appeared 
 unto  me,  faying,  1  have  furely  vifited  you,  and  seen  that 
 which  is  done  to  you  in  Egypt : 
 
 1 7  And  1  have  faid,  1  will  bring  you  up  out  of  the 
 affl:6i:ion  of  Egypt,  unto  the  land  of  the  Canaanites, 
 and  the  Hittites,  and  the  Amorites,  and  the  Perizzites, 
 and  the  Hivites,  and  the  Jebufites,  unto  a  land  flowing 
 with  milk  and  honey. 
 
 18  And  they  fhall  hearken  to  thy  voice :  and  thou 
 (halt  come,  thou  and  the  elders  of  Ifrael,  unto  the  king 
 of  Egypt,  and  ye  lhall  fay  unto  him,  the  Lord  God 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  III.  Ver.  1.  Noxu  Mofes  kept  the  flock 
 of  Jethro  ;  Either  the  fame  with  Reul,  or  his  fon,  who  upon  his  fother’s  deceafo, 
 Succeeded  him  in  office,  Exod.  ii.  18.  He  led  the  fock  to  the  backfde  of  the  dtfert. 
 To  its  innermoft  parts,  which  were  behind  Jethro’s  habitation  and  the  former  paf- 
 tures,  whether  he  took  them  for  frelh  pallurage.  ^Ind  came  to  the  mount  of  God. 
 So  called,  either  from  being  an  extraordinary  high  mountain  ;  or  from  the  vifion 
 of  God  he  was  to  behold  there,  (Aas  vii.  30.)  or  by  anticipation,  from  God’s  glo- 
 Jfiouj  appearance  on  it^  and  giving  the  lav/  from  thence,  Exod.  xviii.  5.  and  xix.  3. 
 Eo  .1  to  Horeb.  Alfo  called  Sinai,  Exod.  xix.  1.  Aas  vii.  SO.  or  probably  Iloreb 
 was  the  name  of  the  v/hole  racl  or  row  of  mountains,  and  Sinai  the  name  of  that 
 par+’Vular  mountain.  Ver.  2.  .Jnd  the  angel  of  the  Lord  ajijyeared  unto  him.  Not 
 a  created  angel,  out  the  Angel  of  tlie  covenant,  Chriil  Jefus,  who  then,  and  ever 
 w'as  God,  and  intended  to  ’.e  lent  into  the  world  as  man  and  mediator.  Tliefe 
 temporary  appeaiances  of  his  were  prefages  or  forerunners  of  his  more  folemn 
 jniffion,  and  therefore  he  may  properly  be  ftyled  here,  an  Angel.  That  this 
 angel  was  not  a  created  one  may  plainly  appear  from  the  context,  and  efpecially 
 by'his  faying,  I  am  the  Lord,  &c.  ^ppear.d  unto  him  in  aflame  of  fire  ;  W’here- 
 Ly  God’s  majefty,  purity,  and  power,  was  fitly  reprefented.  And  the  bufh  was  not 
 confumed.  Which  doubtlefs  may  be  confidered  as  a  reprefentation  of  the  llate  of 
 the'^church,  and  the  condition  of  the  people  of  Ifrael  at  this  period,  who  were 
 now  in  the  fire  of  afflidtion,  and  likewife  that  God  was  vrith  tliem,  and  al¬ 
 though  opprelfed,  tliey  fhould  not  be  confumed,  of  which  this  vifion  was  a  pledge. 
 Eirels  often  ufed  in  fcriptuie  as  an  emblem  of  calamity,  efpecially  that  winch  is 
 national.  Ver.  5.  And  he /aid,  Draw  not  nigh  hither.  Keep  thy  diftance ;  where¬ 
 by  he  checks  his  curiofity  and  forwardnefs,  and  works  liim  up  to  greater  reverence 
 and  humility.  Compare  Exod.  xix.  12,  21.  Jolh.  v.  15.  This  he  requires  as  an 
 aa  or  token,  1.  Of  his  reverence  to  the  divine  Majefty  then  enunently  prefent. 
 2.  Of  his  humiliation  for  h’ s  fins,  whereby  he  was  unfit  and  unwortliy  to  appeal 
 before  God,  for  this  was  a  humble  pofture,  2  Sam.  xv.  SO.  Ifa.  xx.  %  4. 
 Ezek.  xxiv.  17,  23.  3.  of  purification,  that  it  might  be  fit  to  approach  God, 
 
 John  xii.  10.  Heb.  x.  22.  4.  Of  his  fubmiffion  and  readinefs  to  obey  God’s 
 
 will.  For  the  place  where  thou  fiandejl  is  holy.  With  a  relative  hoUnefs  at  this 
 time,  becaufe  of  my  fpecial  prefence  in  it.  Ver.  6.  The  God  of  Abraham,  Ifaac,  ' 
 and  Jacob.  To  whom  I  engaged  my  covenant  or  promife,  which  I  am  now  come 
 to  perform.  Ver.  7.  And  the  Lord  faid,  I  have  furely  Jeen.  Heb.  in  feeing  I  have 
 feen,  that  is,  I  have  obferved  their  affliaion,  diligently,  accurately,  and  certainly, 
 for  fb  much  the  repetition  of  the  verb  fignifies.  Ver.  8.  And  I  am  come  down. 
 This  word  denotes  God’s  manifeftation  of  himfelf  and  his  favour,  and  giving  help 
 from  heaven,  Gen.  xviii.  21.  Unto  a  good  land,  and  a  large.  So  Canaan  was 
 when  compared  to  Golhen,  the  place  of  their  prefent  reCdence.  Unto  a  land  f  otc~ 
 ing  with  milk  and  honey.  That  is,  abounding  with  the  choiceft  fruits,  both  for  ne- 
 cellity  and  delight.  The  excellency  and  fingular  fruitfulnefs  of  this  land,  however 
 denied  and  dilputed  by  fome,  is  fufficiently  evident  from  tlie  exprefs  teftimony 
 of  Mofes,  Deut.  viii.  7,  8,  9.  the  fpies.  Numb.  xii.  27.  the  prophets,  David,  Pfal. 
 cvi.  24.  Joel  chap.  iL  3.  Ezekiel  calls  it  the  glory  of  all  lands,  cliap.  xx.  15. 
 Alfo  Jofephus,  St  Hierom,  and  others  have  highly  commended  it.  Ver.  1 1. 
 And  Mofes  faid  unto  God,  Who  am  I ;  That  is.  What  a  mean  inconfiderable  perfon 
 am  I,  how  unworthy  and  unfit  for  fuch  an  arduous  undertaking.  He  fliewed 
 more  forwaidnefs  when  young,  and  when  in  favour  of  the  court  of  Egypt,  tlian 
 he  does  now ;  age  and  experience  had  made  him  more  cool  and  confiderate,  efpe¬ 
 cially  when  he  remembered  tlieir  rejedlion  of  liim  as  a  judge  and  a  ruler,  when 
 he  was  a  great  men  at  court,  which  made  him  to  fufpe<5l  that  his  influence  and 
 intereft  would  not  nov/  prevail  with  his  brethren  to  follow  liim,  nor  with  Pharaoh 
 to  let  them  go.  Ver.  12.  This  f tail  be  a  token  unto  thee  r  Either,  1.  This  vifion; 
 or,  2.  The  fulfilling  this  promife ;  or  rather,  3.  This  which  follows,  Ye  fhall  ferve 
 God  on  this  mountain.  Signs  are  ufually  given  from  tilings  paft  or  prefent,  but 
 fometimes  from  tilings  to  come,  1  Sam.  ii.  34.  Ifa.  viii.  13,  14.  and  ix.  6.  &c. 
 Ver.  13.  ^hat  is  his  7iame  ?  Since  I  muft  go  to  them  in  thy  name,  as  thou  haft  a 
 variety  of  names  and  titles,  what  name  (hall  I  ufe,  whereby  both  thou  mayeft  be 
 ddlinguillied  from  the  falfe  gods  of  the  Egyptians,  and  thy  people  may  be  en- 
 
 a;;;rA„d  .o,u,  .„d  which  Goa 
 
 terelt  and  duty  cheei fully  to  obey,  and  to  venture  all  on  lus  providence.  u  g^Mteft  to  fympathile  with  the  meaneft  in)!>ir  adverfities.  The  fincereft  kindnefa 
 
 inftruments  to  pronmte  Ins  work,  even  from  his  enem:^  It  is  honourable  for  ^  a  place  of  refuge  for  his  perfecuted 
 
 wiirhetfc  ch^g^of  pS  cau  dopmo  uc  ofte  grcMca  Uetefi  wluch  ouc  Mturc.  «c  capable  of  rccciv. 
 
 ing, ^ the  enjoyment  of  the  love  and  firienalbip  of  God. 
 
The  signs  of  Moses  mission. 
 
 EXODUS. 
 
 Go(fs  message  to  Pharaoh, 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 eir.  H91 
 
 fl  Or, 
 
 Bui  by 
 .  Jirong 
 hand. 
 
 d  Chip. 
 tl  2.  &. 
 
 I  2.  35. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 of  the  Hebrews  hath  met  with  us :  and  now  let  us  go, 
 we  befeech  thee,  three  days’  journey  into  the  wilder- 
 nefs,  that  we  may  facrifice  to  the  Lord  our  God. 
 
 19  And  I  am  Cure  that  the  King  of  Egypt  will  not 
 let  you  go,  II  no,  not  by  a  mighty  hand. 
 
 20  And  I  will  ttretch  out  my  hand,  and  fmite  Egypt 
 with  all  ray  wonders  which  I  will  do  in  the  midlt 
 thereof;  and  after  that  he  will  let  you  go. 
 
 21  And  1  will  give  this  people  favour  in  the  fight  of 
 the  Egyptians  :  and  it  Ihall  come  to  pal’s,  tnat,  when 
 ye  go,  ye  fhall  not  go  empty  : 
 
 22  But  every  woman  Ihall  borrow  of  her  neigh¬ 
 bour,  and  of  her  that  fojourneth  in  her  houfe,  jewe  s 
 offilver,  and  Jewels  of  gold,  and  raiment  :  and  ye  fh.  II 
 put  them  upon  your  Ions,  and  upon  your  daughters ; 
 and  ye  Ihall  ipoil  11  the  Egyptians.* 
 
 CHAP.  IV. 
 
 I  M rod  is  turned  into  a  serpent :  6  bis  hand  is  leprous  ;  \0  he  is  loath 
 to  be  sent  ;  14  Aoron  is  appointed  to  ojjist  him.  18  Ai  s-s  deva'-.elh  from 
 Jethro  21  Qjd's  niejf  ge  to  Pharaoh.  24  Zipi  or  -  circuincisjih  t/ieir 
 son.  27  Aaron  is  sent  to  meet  Moses.  31  Tnepe  pie  believe  them. 
 
 And  Mofes  anfwered  and  laid,  Bur,  behold,  they 
 will  not  believe  me,  nor  hearaen  unto  my 
 voice  :  for  they  will  lay.  The  Lord  hath  not  appeared 
 unto  thee. 
 
 2  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  him.  What  is  that  in 
 thine  hand  ?  And  he  faid,  A  rod. 
 
 3  And  he  laid.  Calf  it  on  the  ground.  And  hecaft 
 it  on  the  ground,  and  it  became  a  ferpent  ;  and  Moles 
 fled  from  before  it. 
 
 4  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  Mofes,  Put  forth  thine 
 hand,  and  take  it  by  the  tail.  And  he  put  forth  his 
 hand  and  caught  it,  and  it  became  a  rod  m  his  hand : 
 
 5  That  they  may  believe  that  the  Lord  God  of 
 their  fatners,  the  God  of  Abraham,  the  God  of  Ifaac, 
 and  the  God  of  Jacob,  hath  appeared  unto  thee, 
 
 6  H  And  the  Lord  faid  furthermore  unto  him.  Put 
 now  thine  nand  into  thy  bofom.  And  he  put  his  hand 
 into  his  bofom  :  and  when  he  took  it  out,  behold,  his 
 hand  wm  leprous  as  fnow. 
 
 7  And  he  faid.  Put  thine  hand  into  thy  bolbm 
 again.  And  he  put  his  hand  into  his  bofom  again  ; 
 and  plucked  it  out  of  his  bofom,  and,  behold,  it  was 
 
 Before 
 
 Clirill 
 
 1491. 
 
 turned  again  as  his  other  flefh. 
 
 8  And  it  (hall  come  to  pals,  if  they  will  not  believe 
 thee,  neither  hearken  to  the  voice  of  tf  lirll  fign,  that 
 they  will  believe  the  voice  of  the  i.itter  h.  n. 
 
 9  And  it  fhall  come  to  pal's,  if  tney  w,.i  not  believe 
 aifo  thele  two  figns,  neither  hearken  unto  thy  voice, 
 
 !  that  thou  fhalt  take  of  the  water  of  the  river,  and 
 pour  it  upon  the  dry  lanrl:  and  the  water,  which  thou 
 rakelt  out  of  the  river,  f  ihall  become  blood  upon  thet 
 dry  iand.  Jhaiibc 
 
 10  11  And  Mofes  faid  unto  the  Lord,  O  my  Lord, 
 
 I  am  not  f  loquent,  neither  f  heretofore,  nor  fiiice  t  iieb. 
 thou  haft  Ipukeu  unto  thy  lervant ;  but  i  am  flow  of  “  °f 
 ipeech,  and  of  a  flow  tongue. 
 
 11  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  him,  Who  hath  made/„^/^' 
 
 man’s  mouth  ?  or  who  maketh  the  dumb,  or  deaf,  oxyejierday 
 the  leeing,  or  the  blind  ?  have  not  I  the  Lord  ?  tu/r  Jijice 
 
 12  Now  therefore  go,  and  1  will  be  *  with 
 
 mouth,  and  teach  thee  what  thou  fhalt  fay.  aMatth. 
 
 13  And  he  laid,  O  my  Lord,  fend,  I  pray  thee,  by  lo-  is.  * 
 
 the  hand  (f  him  ichom  thou  1|  wilt  fend.  Mark 
 
 14  And  the  anger  of  the  Lord  was  kindled  againftiJ^u]/^’ 
 Mofes,  and  he  laid,  Is  not  Aaron  the  Levite  thy  bro*  12^  11. 
 ther  ?  I  know  that  he  can  fpeak  well.  And  alfo,  be-  O^Or,* 
 hold,  he  cometh  forth  to  meet  thee  ;  and  when 
 
 feeth  thee,  he  will  be  glad  in  his  heart. 
 
 15  And  thou  fhalt  fpeak  unto  him,  and  put  wordsin 
 his  mouth  :  and  1  will  be  with  thy  mouth,  and  with 
 his  moutn,  and  will  teach  you  what  ye  fhall  do. 
 
 16  And  he  fhall  be  thy  Ipokefraan,  unto  the  people: 
 and  he  fhall  be,  evert  he  fhall  be  to  thee  inftead  of  a 
 mouth,  and  thou  lhalt  be  to  him  inftead  of  God.  b 
 
 17  And  thou  fhalt  take  this  rod  in  thine  hand 
 
 wherewith  thou  fhalt  do  flgns.  * 
 
 18  H  And  Mofes  went  and  returned  to  Jethro  his 
 rather-in-law,  and  faid  unto  him.  Let  me  go,  1  pray 
 thee,  and  return  unto  my  brethren  which  are  in  Egypt, 
 
 Chap, 
 
 1. 
 
 couraged  to  espea  deliverance  from  tliee.  Ver.  14.  1  am  that  I  am  :  A  moll 
 comprehenfive  and  fjgnilicant  name,  and  moft  proper  for  the  prel'ent  occafion.  It 
 fignifies,  1.  The  reality  of  his  being  when  compai  ed  with  idols,  tlieir  divinity  beino- 
 only  the  abfurd  notions  and  opinions  of  men.  2.  The  iiecclfary  eternity  and  un- 
 changeablenels  of  hi*  divinity.  3.  The  conllancy  and  certainty  of  his  nature,  will, 
 and  word.  The  meaning  is,  I  am  the  fame  that  ever  I  v/as,  the  fame  who  made 
 the  promifes  to  Abraham  j  as  it  is  in  my  power  to  do  what  I  pleaie,  fo  I  will  per¬ 
 form  wh^  I  have  promifed.  Ver.  18.  The  Lord  God  of  the  Hebrews  hath  met  with 
 us  :  Hath  appeared  to  us,  expreffing  his  cUfpleafure  for  our  neglea  of  Iiim,  and 
 
 will  .to,  we  a.euld  do  wto,  fouSwe.  to  «e  Ikra,  i.,.’ ,  1„  M  '  ^Tougitoto™  toe'i  'iXeeToTl’S  “"f  I  is  a  ver, 
 
 Me,  .ak.„g  u,.  oewed  ,ood  .he,  would  be  .d,!.  to.each  „ou„.  S.ill ;  forhe„|  oAo  g.tc  end  X  r.I ll' ™  Cauuot  1. 
 
 God  declmed  he  would  be  ferved.  Some  have  thought  tliat  this  was  deceitfully  I  thou  complaineft,  and  fullv  quamV  tliee  h  q  “=>Pediinent  whereof 
 
 and  unjuftly  fpoken  as  they  intended  not  to  return.  To  this  it  may  be  repliedl,  1.  now  iiivel  thee  ?  vJ.  1 4  \ird f  commiirion  with  which  I 
 pharaoh  Imd  no  jull  right  or  title  to  tliem,  to  keep  them  in  bondage,  as  they  came  The  prophet’s  backwardnefs  at  nr  kindled  againjl  Mofes, 
 
 pnlytolojourn  for  a  time,  and  Jefeph  by  liis  lervice  and  fidelity  had  more  Tn  moLrSlhdeS  aSm^^^  a 
 
 paid  lor  their  habitations.  2.  Mofes  fays  nothing  falfc,  but  only  conceals  a  part  of  '  rbjeaLTon  I  pJoiMfed  h  m  fucS ^  if  hf  r  to  obviate  his 
 
 .hd  ..udu  d.  Mofes  ton™,  u.  bi^nod  o,  to  was  no. of  ItaLin  lubjoaTand  !  dolpondonc'ofStw toch  n^ Sluft 
 
 md  command  ol  God.  4.  And  God  furely  was  no  ways  ;  \he  can  fpeak  well:  IMofes  Mmfelf.  /  know  that 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Caiip.  IV 
 cM,  Use  wLLoleproly,  is  b,  Collus  doomed  .taoil  inciaLlo.  mut  M  toUiSli 
 this  difeufe,  and  curing  it  again  mftantly,  Ihews  the  «-reetnels  of  tl.P  n,;.  ° 
 
 Vor.  10.  Mofes  boro  fe,,  of  Mmfelf.  .hi,’ ho  ovto  toa.  ”^“1“ 
 
 ferppltobo  allmnmorer  or  ftuttor.r;  And  ,ot  S.oph.n,  Aas  vii.  22.  difk”! 
 oi  him,  tnat  he  was  mighty  inwards  as  well  as  deeds.  But  this  ailnh  of 
 eafy  reconciliation,  if  we  do  but  fuppofe,  that  the  Anff  of  what  t  ^ 
 
 proncunciation  was  not  auifwerable  to  it.  Tf 
 'man’s  moiU/i  ?  This  is  a  very  (imng 
 
 *  .  -  ,  0.7  xic  vyao  uuc  ui  X  iiaraon  s  lUDiects  and 
 
 herein  obeys  the  direaion  and  command  of  God.  4.  And  God  furely  no  wavs 
 obligated  to  leveal  to  Pharaoh  all  his  mind  and  will  j  but  it  Ihews  Pharaoh  to  4  ' 
 the  greater  tyrant  not  to  confent  to  fuch  a  modell  requeft.  Ver.  1 9.  And  I  am  Pure  \ 
 that  the  king  of  E^pt  will  not  let  you  go  ;  That  is,  1  know  it  infiillibly  before  hand. 
 
 1  hough  he  lee  and  led  the  imraculous  works  of  a  llrong,  vea  Almighty  hand,  vet ' 
 he  will  not  confent  to  your  going,  which  the  liiftory  makes  good.  Nor  did  he  let 
 tliem  go  tiU  he  could  hold  them  no  longer,  being  afraid  of  his  own  life,  and  the  ' 
 clamour  oi  his  fubjeds.  ’  i 
 
 in 
 
 he  can  fpeak  well:  IMofes  excelled  in  wifdom  and  conduct  A^on  V'  k  T  '  • 
 eloquence.  Ver.  17.  It  muft  not  here  be  CpS  ,£t  Ih^n  . 
 m  the  rod  ;  the  meaning  is,  that  he  Hioald  wear  it  ^  a  bWe 
 give  him  the  more  autliority  in  the  eyes  of  his  people.  Ver  21  %  S  .  ^  ® 
 
 heart.  This  expreflion  HiouM  be  underftood  fo  not  to  contLh^^  7  '' 
 IX.  34.  where  Pharaoh  is  faid  r  liardeu  it  liimfeU'-  and  tliis 
 we  confider  it  as  fignhyhig,  »  Go  ..ould  fuller  lihn  to  harden  h  liSlf  rH”t? 
 ^pture  every  tmng  is  aferibed  he  immediate  agency  of  the  Se  Bei^:^ 
 
 faiy  d"  confpicuous  and  important  ftation,  he  will  fit  us  for  it  and  call  us  to  if  at  a  fit  tim^  Red  countenance  of  God.  If 
 
 the  LoiT?’'  learned  more  in  the  delert  than  all  the  forU^  years  which  he  foen^if T""  frequently  nccef- 
 
 the  Lord  knows  the  afliic't.oiis  ot  his  people,  and  that  he  who  is  tiieir  lliepherd  doth  not  fluinber  Wien  the  time  1  •  Let  us  rejoice  (hat 
 
 ourleur^f  “7  ^ promifes.  What  God  evidently  calls  us  to  d^it  becomes  us"  tonVxn  Purpofes  of  his  love 
 
 hearts  vi’nd  i'*  '^'^1  ‘«ake  all  grace  abound  toward  us ;  We  may  have  trials  to  endure  but  in  -'fcious  of  infufficiency  in 
 
 nearts,  vindicate  lus  caule  and  that  of  Ins  people.  ^  enuuie,  but  m  due  time  ne  wiU  accomplifli  the  defire  of  our 
 
Before 
 
 Cl'.rift 
 
 1491. 
 
 EXODUS. 
 And  Jethro  laid 
 
 that  I 
 know  not  the 
 
 H  or, 
 
 knife. 
 t  Heb. 
 made  it 
 touch. 
 
 ^ppomh  circmtdselh  her  son.  JLAUUUS.  The  Israelites'  task  increase, 1. 
 
 and  fee  whether  they  be  yet  alive, 
 to  Mofes,  Go  in  peace. 
 
 19  And  the  Lord  laid  unto  Mofes  in  Midian,  Go, 
 return  into  Egypt :  for  all  the  men  are  dead  whicl 
 fought  thy  life. 
 
 20  And  Mefes  took  bis  wife  and  his  fons,  and  fet 
 them  upon  an  afs,  and  he  returned  to  the  land  of  Egypt. 
 
 And  Moles  took  the  rod  of  God  in  his  hand. 
 
 21  ^  And  the  Lord  laid  unto  Moles,  When  thou 
 goeft  to  return  into  Egypt,  lee  that  thou  do  all  thofe 
 wonders  before  Pharaoh  which  I  have  put  in  thine 
 hand  :  but  I  will  harden  his  heart,  that  he  lhall  not 
 let  the  people  go. 
 
 22  And  thou  lhalt  fay  unto  Pharaoh,  Thus  faith  the 
 Lord,  Ifrael  is  my  fon,  even  my  firft-born. 
 
 23  And  I  fay  unto  thee,  Let  my  fon  go,  that  he 
 may  ferve  me:  and  if  thou  refufe  to  let  him  go,  be¬ 
 hold,  I  will  flay  thy  fon,  even  thy  firft-born. 
 
 24  ‘J  And  it  came  to  pals  by  the  way  in  the  inn, 
 that  the  Lord  met  him,  and  fought  to  kill  him, 
 
 25  Then  Zipporah  took  a  fharp  |l  ftone,  and  cut  off 
 the  forefkin  of  her  fon,  and  f  caft  it  at  his  feet,  and 
 faid,  Surely  a  bloody  hufband  art  thou  to  me. 
 
 26  So  he  let  him  go :  then  fhe  faid,  A  bloody  huf¬ 
 band  thou  art  becaufe  of  the  circumcifion. 
 
 27  f  And  the  Lord  faid  to  Aaron,  Go  into  thej 
 
 wildernefs  to  meet  Mofes.  And  he  went,  and  met  ■ 
 him  in  the  mount  of  God,  and  killed  him.  ! 
 
 28  And  Mofes  told  Aaron  all  the  words  of  the! 
 
 Lord  who  had  lent  him,  and  all  the  figns  which  hei 
 had  commanded  him.  ! 
 
 29  ^  And  Mofes  and  Aaron  went  and  gathered 
 together  all  the  elders  of  the  children  of  Ifrael* 
 
 30  And  Aaron  fpake  all  the  words  which  the  Lord  | 
 had  fpoken  unto  Mofes,  and  did  the  figns  in  the  fight 
 of  the  people. 
 
 31  And  the  people  believed  :  and  when  they  heard 
 that  the  Lord  had  vifited  the  children  of  Ifrael,  and 
 
 that  he  had  looked  upon  their  affli<5lion,  then  they  i  demanded,  Wherefore  have  ye  not  fulfilled  your 
 bowed  their  heads  and  wwlhipped.* 
 
 CLIAP.  V. 
 
 1  Pharaoh  chidetk  Mofes  and  Aaron  for  their  incjfage ;  6  he  incrcafeth  the 
 Jfraelites'  tajk  ;  15  he  checketh  their  complaints  ;  20  they  cry  out  upon 
 Mofes  and  Aaron.  22  Mofes  contjdaineth  to  God. 
 
 ND  afterward  Mofes  and  Aaron  went  in,  and 
 told  Pharaoh,  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God  of  If- 
 rael7Let  my  people  go,  that  they  may  hold  a  feaft  fervartts  ore 
 unto  me  in  the  wildernefs.  |!  people. 
 
 A: 
 
 2  And  Pharaoh  faid,  W^ho  is  the  Lord, 
 
 Ihould  obey  his  voice  to  let  Ifrael  go  ?  I 
 Lord,  neither  will  1  let  Ifrael  go. 
 
 3  And  they  faid.  »  The  God  of  the  Hebrews  hatha  ciiap. 
 met  with  ns:  let  us  go,  we  prav  thee,  three  days’ 3-  is. 
 journey  in  the  delert,  and  facrifice  unto  the  Lord 
 
 our  God,  left  he  fall  upon  us  with  peftilence,  or  with 
 the  fword. 
 
 4  r  nd  the  king  of  Egypt  faid  unto  them,  Where¬ 
 fore  do  ye.  Moles  and  Aaron,  let  the  people  from 
 their  wwks  ?  get  yon  unto  your  burdens. 
 
 5  And  Pharaoh  faid,  Behold,  the  people  of  the  land 
 
 now  are  many,  and  ye  make  them  reft  from  their  bur¬ 
 dens.  '  ’ 
 
 6  U  And  Pharaoh  commanded  the  fame  day  the 
 tafkmafters  of  the  people,  and  their  officers,  faying, 
 
 7  Ye  fliall  no  more  give  the  people  ftraw  to  make 
 brick,  as  heretofore :  let  them  go  and  gather  ftraw  for 
 themfelves. 
 
 8  Acd  the  tale  of  the  bricks,  which  they  did  make 
 heretofore,  ye  (hall  lay  upon  them  ;  ye  lhall  not  di- 
 minifh  ought  thereof:  for  they  idle  ;  therefore  they 
 cry,  fiiying,  Let  us  go  and  facrifice  to  our  God. 
 
 9  t  Let  there  more  work  be  laid  upon  the  men,  that  t 
 they  may  labour  therein  ;  and  let  them  not  regard 
 vain  words. 
 
 3  0  H  And^  the  taflcmafters  of  the  people  went  out 
 pd  their  officers,  and  they  fpake  to  the  people,  fay-”^'"' 
 ing.  Thus  (kith  Pharaoh,  I  will  not  give  you  ftraw. 
 
 1 1  Go  ye,  get  you  ftraw  where  ye  can  find  it :  yet 
 not  ought  of  your  work  fhall  be  diminifhed* 
 
 12  So  the  people  were  Icattered  abroad  throughout 
 all  the  land  of  Egypt  to  gather  ftubble  inftead  of 
 ftraw, 
 
 13  And  the  tafkmafters  hafted  them,  faying,  Fulfil 
 your  works,  f  daily  fafles,  as  when  there  was  ftraw.  t  iieb, 
 
 14  And  the  officers  of  the  children  of  Ilrael,  which 
 Pharaoh’s  tafkmafters  had  fet  over  them,  w'ere  heMeUffis  Zy. 
 and  demanded,  Wherefore  have  ye  not  fulfilled  your 
 
 I  tafle  in  making  brick,  both  yefterday  and  to-day,  as 
 heretofore  ? 
 
 1 5  H  Then  the  officers  of  the  children  of  Ifrael  came 
 and  cried  unto  Pharaoh,  faying.  Wherefore  dealeft 
 thou  thus  with  thy  fervants  ? 
 
 16  There  is  no  ftraw  given  unto  thy  fervants,  and 
 they  lay  to  us,  Make  brick :  and,  behold,  thy 
 
 beaten  ;  but  the  fault  is  in  thine  own 
 
 though  it  ntight  be  accounted  for  from  natural  caufes,  Rom.  ix.  17,  18.  Vcr.  22. 
 Jfrad  is  my  fon,  myjirf-borru  That  is,  Ifrael  is  moft  dear  to  me  higldy  fa^jured 
 above  all  people.  Ver.  24.  The  Lord  met  him.  That  is,  an  angel  appeared  unto 
 
 him  Cent  by  God  to  execute  what  is  here  related.  And  fought  to  kill  him.  He  ap¬ 
 peared  in  a  threatening  pofture,  and  put  him  in  fear  of  his  lilc.  It  appears  from 
 the  context,  that  Mofes’  offence  confifl^ed  in  having  neglected  to  circumcile  his 
 fon  Ver  25  Zipporali,  perceiving  the  caufe  of  the  divine  difpleafure,  and 
 terrified  at  the'  danger  which  threatened  Mofes,  immediately  proceeded  to  cir- 
 cumcife  her  fon,  and  thereby  appeafe  the  fury  of  the  angel,  and  refeue  hei  huf¬ 
 band  from  death.  And  caf  it  at  Ms  feet.  It  is  not  agreed  among  interpreters, 
 whether  this  refers  to  the  feet  of  the  angel,  or  the  feet  of  Mofes,  but  the  latter  is 
 moft  probable.  Surely  a  bloody  hujband  art  thou  to  me.  Neither  the  purport  nor 
 the  appUcation  of  thefe  words  is  agreed  upon  by  commentators.  Some  oblerve, 
 that  tlVe  word  chatan,  rendered  hufband,  fignifies  a  fon-in-law,  or  one  efjioufed  to 
 God  and  was  the  name  given  a  child  on  the  day  of  circumcifion,  and  that  the 
 
 words  are  applied  to  the  foni  Others  interpret  this  as  faid  to  her  hufband  in  art 
 angry  upbraiding  Way,  as  if  he  was  a  bloody  cruel  man,  to  oblige  l^er  to  do  fuch 
 an  atkion.  Others  again,  with  tnore  probability,  fuppofe  it  to  be  fpoken  to  Moles 
 in  a  gratulatory  Way,  as  being  thankful  and  rejoicing,  that  by  this  means,  through 
 the  blood  of  the  circumcifion,  fhe  had  faved  her  hufband’s  life.  The  Chaldee 
 verfion  of  this  paflage  is  very  remarkable,  and  further  confirms  the  lafl  interpreta¬ 
 tion  :  “  Zipporah  took  a  ftone,  and  circumcifed  the  forefkin  of  her  fon,  and  offered 
 
 it  before  him,  and  faid,  Becauffe  of  the  blood  of  this  circumcifion,  let  my  hufband 
 bo  givbn  unto  us.” 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  V.  Ver.  1.  After  Mofes  and  Aaron 
 had  convinced  the  elders  of  Ifrael  that  they  were  commiffioned  by  the  God  of 
 their  fathers,  they  repair  to  the  palace  of  Pharaoh,  to  deliver  their  meffage  to 
 that  monarch,  taking  with  them  a  body  of  the  elders  as  they  were  commanded. 
 Vcr.  3.  Finding  Pharaoh  not  difpofed  to  become  acquaint  ivith  the  nature  of 
 Jehovah,  the  fupreme  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth,  they  content  themfelves  with 
 
 r.T>  AnmiTA  T  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  IV.]  Never  ought  paft  difappointments  difeourage  us  in  duty,  for  God’s  promlfe  is  fufficient  to  balance  all  op- 
 PRACTICAL  k  -  in  arxrpr  Iw  vphiflancp  to  obev  his  commands,  or  bv  diftriift  of  his  power  and  faithfulncfs.  And  let  us  cheerfully  devote  our 
 
 pofition.  Let  us  no  while  no  fervice  in  which  we  may  be  employed  can  warrant  neglcdl  of  earthly  relations ;  yet  it  may  be  duty  to  part 
 
 an  incumbrance  to  us.  Let  no  di  (lance  from  the  fociety  of  the  faitidul,  nor  any  attachment  to  emthly  relations, 
 with  them  God,  left  we  expofe  ourfelves  and  friends  to  his  difpleafure.  It  becomes  us  to  guard  againft  the  indulgence  of  too  fanguine  hopes 
 
 '  Sim  prefent  appearances,  that  we  may  not  be  overwhelmed  by  future  difappointments. 
 
The  Israelites  cry  unto  Moses  and  Aar  of,  EXODUS. 
 
 17  But  he  (aid,  Ye  are  \d\ey  ye  are  \d\e  \  therefore 
 ye  fay,  Let  us  go  and  do  facrifice  to  the  Lord. 
 
 18  Go  therefore  now  and  work:  for  there  fhall  no 
 firaw  be  given  you,  yet  lhall  ye  deliver  the  tale  of 
 bricks. 
 
 Gad  renerjoeth  his  promise. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chriit 
 
 1491. 
 
 f  Ileb. 
 
 delivering 
 ikuu  hajl 
 not  deli¬ 
 vered. 
 
 8  And  I  will  bring  you  in  unto  the  land,  concerning 
 
 the  which  I  did  f  (wear  to  give  it  to  Abrahatn,  .o 
 Ilaac,  and  to  Jacob :  and  1  will  give  it  you  for  an  .x-  — , 
 
 ritage  :  I  am  the  Lord.  ‘  iieb. 
 
 9  «I  And  Moles  Ipake  fo  unto  the  children  of  Ifrael :  ti/i  w  my 
 
 19  And  the  officers  of  the  children  of  Ifrael  did  fee  |[  hut  they  hearkened  not  unto  Moles  for  f  hnguilh 
 
 that  -were  in  evil  erz/t’,  afrer  it  was  laid,  Ye  (hall  .j  fpirit,  and  for  cruel  bondage.  •  ,  ,  ^  •  jfiortne/v, 
 
 not  minilh  ought  from  your  bricks  of  your  daily  tadc.  |  10  f  And  the  Lord  un  o  Moles,  aymg,  or^rr;.i. 
 
 20  H  And  they  met  Moles  and  A  iron,  w'bo  (food  I  11  Go  in,  (peak  iinto  1  haraoh  king  o(  Egyp.,  t  t 
 
 in  the  way,  as  they  came  forth  from  Pharaoh  :  he  let  the  children  of  Krael  go  out  of  his  la  . 
 
 21  And  they  (aid  unto  them,  IV.e  Lord  look  upon  !  12  And  ^pa'je  before  the  Eord,  Be^ 
 
 you,  and  judged  b^caufe  ve  have  made  our  favour  f  to  I  hold,  the  dnldren  of  Jlrael  have  not  hearkened  umo 
 ^  -1  ,  ..  ..  *j  me ;  how  then  (hall  Pharaoh  hear  me,  who  of  un- 
 
 I  circumcifed  lips  ? 
 
 i  13  And  the  Lord  (pake  unto  Mofes  and  unto 
 Aaron,  and  gave  them  a  charge  unto  the  children  of 
 Ifrael,  and  unto  Pnaraoh  king  of  Kgvpt,  to  bring  the 
 children  of  Ifraei  out  of  the  land  o(  Egypt. 
 
 i^HThefe  tie  the  heads  of  their  fathers’ houfes : 
 
 "  The  ions  of  Reuben,  the  firft-born  of  ilfael  ;  Ha- a  Gen. 
 ncch,  and  Pillu,  Hezron,  and  Carmi :  thele  be  the^®-®* 
 ram  res  of  Reuben.  5.  3. 
 
 1 5  51  And  the  Ions  of  Simeon  ;  Jemuel,  and  Jamin,  b  1  ciir». 
 and  Orad,  and  Jachin,  and  Zohar,  and  Shaul  the  foo'^-  24. 
 of  a  Canaanitilh  woman  :  thel'e  are  the  families  of  Si- 
 
 t  Ileb. 
 
 ttr  Jiink:  ^  abhorrcd  111  the  eyes  of  Pharaoh,  and  in  the  eyes 
 of  his  fervants,  to  put  a  (word  in  their  hand  to  flay  us. 
 
 22  51  And  Miles  returned  unto  the  Lord,  and  (aid. 
 Lord,  wh'.refore  halt  thou //>  evil-intreated  this  peo¬ 
 ple  ?  why  is  it  that  thou  haft  lent  me  ^ 
 
 23  For  fince  I  ca  re  to  Pharaoh  to  fpeak  in  thy 
 name,  he  hath  done  evil  to  this  people  ;  f  neither  halt 
 thou  delivered  thy  people  at  all.* 
 
 CHAP  VI. 
 
 1  God  reneweth  his  promije  by  his  name  JEHOVxllT.  1 4  The  genealogy 
 of  lleuben,  15  f  Simeon,  •  6  of  J .cei,  of  whom  cams  Mofes  and  Aaron. 
 
 the  Lord  (aid  uuio  Moles,  iNow  (bait 
 JL  thou  fee  what  1  will  do  to  Phara  h  :  for  with  a 
 ftrong  hand  lhall  he  let  them  go,  and  with  a  ftrong 
 hand  fhall  he  drive  them  out  of  his  land. 
 
 2  And  God  (pake  unto  Mofes,  and  laid  unto  hin,, 
 
 I  am  the  Loro  : 
 
 3  And  I  appeared  unto  Abraham,  unto  Ifaac,  and 
 umo  Jacob,  hy  the  name  (f  God  Almighty;  but  bv 
 my  name  JEHOVAH  was  I  not  known  to  them. 
 
 4  And  1  have  aifo  ehabliihed  my  covenant  with  them, 
 to  give  them  the  land  of  Canaan,  the  land  of  their 
 plgrimage,  w'herein  they  were  ftrangers. 
 
 5  And  I  have  alfo  heard  the  groaning  of  the  chil¬ 
 dren  of  Ifruel,  whom  the  Egypti  ans  keep  in  bondage, 
 and  1  have  rememb  red  my  covenant. 
 
 6  Wiiercfore  fay  unto  the  children  of  Ifrael,  I  am 
 the  Lord,  and  1  will  bring  you  out  from  under  the 
 burdens  of  the  Egyptians,  and  i  will  rid  you  out  of! 
 their  bondage ;  and  1  will  redeem  you  with  a  ftretch- ! 
 ed  out  arm,  and  with  great  judgments. 
 
 7  And  I  will  take  you  to  me  for  a  people,  and  I  will 
 be  to  you  a  God  ;  and  ye  (hall  know  that  I  am  the 
 Lord  your  God,  which  bringeth  you  out  from  under 
 the  burdens  of  the  Egyptians. 
 
 aefcribiiig  lini  under  the  cliara(5ler  of  “the  God  of  the  Hebrews.”  Ver.  7.  | 
 What  thjg  life  of  llraw  was  in  making  bricks  i.s  varioufly  conje<5lured.  Some  ' 
 think  it  was  of  no  other  ufe  than  to  heat  the  kilns ;  the  moll  probable  opinion  ! 
 is,  that  llraw  was  mixed  with  the  claj-,  to  make  them  more  folid.  Ver.  15.  Then 
 the  officers  of  the  children  of  Ifrael  came— imto  Pharaoh.  They  flattered  them- 
 felves  that  this  inhuman  opprelfion  proceeded  only  from  tlie  talkmallers,  and  not 
 from  the  king  himfelf;  and  therefore  thought  proper  to  reprefent  their  cafe  to 
 him,  and  petition  for  relief.  Ver.  IT .  Put  he  fail,  Ye  arc  idle.  This  cruel  tyrant 
 inftead  of  pitying  the  barbarous  ufage  of  the  Ilraciites,  mocks  at  their  complaints. 
 Ver.  22  Mofs  returned.  The  ancient  verfions  concur  in  reprefenting  it,  “That 
 he  addrelfed  the  I>ord.”  He  conlidered  the  reproaches  thrown  upon  him  by  his 
 Ungrateful  and  unbelieving  brethren,  as  refleaing  on  God,  by  whofe  fpecial  direc¬ 
 tion  and  authority  he  had  proceeded. 
 
 h.XPI.  Ahi  A  1  0 11^  NOTES.  Chap.  ^  I.  Ver.  1.  In  anfwer  to  the  expollu- 
 lations  of  Mofes,  God  is  pleafed  to  affure  him,  that  now  the  time  was  come, 
 V-hcrein  he  would  manifeft  his  almighty  power;  and  perform  the  promife  made 
 him,  chap.  iii.  20.  Ajlrong  hand,  that  is,  by  force  and  conftraint,  liavlng  been 
 
 meon. 
 
 16  5f  And  thele  are  the  names  of  <=  the  fons  of  Levi,  c  NuMb; 
 according  to  their  generations :  Gerlhon,  and  Kohath,  j 
 
 and  Merari.  And  the  years  of  the  life  of  Levi  xntre  j/'*  " 
 an  hundred  thirty  and  feven  years. 
 
 17  The  (i>ns  of  Gerlhon ;  Libni,  and  Shimi,  ac- 
 cording  to  their  families. 
 
 18  And  the  Ions  of  Kohath  ;  Amram,  and  Izhar,  d  Numb, 
 and  Hebron,  and  Uzziel.  And  the  years  of  the  ftfe 
 
 of  Kohath  xi'cre  an  hundred  thirty  and  three  years.  g 
 
 19  And  the  fons  of  Merari ;  Mahli,  and  Mufhi : 
 thefe  arc  the  families  of  Levi,  according  to  their  ge¬ 
 nerations. 
 
 20  And  *  Amram  took  him  Jochebed,  his  father’s 
 lifter  to  wife;  and  (he  bare  him  Aaron  and  Mofes. 
 
 And  the  years  of  the  life  of  Amram  ’scere  an  hundred  26. 59. 
 and  thirty  and  leven  years. 
 
 2 1  And  the  fons  of  Izhar ;  Korah,  and  Nepheg^ 
 and  Zichri. 
 
 22  And  the  fons  of  Uzziel ;  Milhael,  and  Elzaphan, 
 and  Zithri. 
 
 23  And  Aaron  took  him  Elilheba,  daughter  of 
 
 compelled  by  the  divine  judgments  to  let  Ifrael  go.  Tiiis  was  fulfilled,  chap, 
 xii.  31,  33.  xiii.  9.  ;  and  celebrated  ever  after,  Deut.  xxvi.  7,  8.  Pfalm  cxxxvi, 
 10,  11.  Ver.  3.  God  Almighty,  or  all-fufticicnt,  are  titles  of  Jehovaii  notufed  in 
 feripture,  till  Abraliam’s  time,  Gen.  xiv.  8.  xvii.  1.  The  latter  title  feems  to  have 
 been  particularly  dear  to  the  patriarchs  ;  for  it  is  mentioned  by  them  almofi  on 
 every  memorable  occafion,  in  their  life  and  at  their  death.  It  was  admirably 
 fuited  to  fupport  their  minds  during  their  pilgrimage,  when  againft  hope  they 
 believed  in  hope,  that  Abraham  would  become  the  father  of  many  nations. 
 They  were  upheld  by  faith  in  the  all-fufficiency  of  God,  without  receivincr  the 
 tiling  promifed,  Acds  vii.  5.  Heb.  xi.  9,  10.  But  bij  my  name  Jehovah  was  I  not 
 known  to  them.  Did  not  Abraham  fwear  and  lift  up  his  haml  to  Jehovah  !  Gen. 
 xiv.  22.  Did  not  the  Lord  fay  unto  him,  I  am  the  God  Jehovah  that  brought 
 thee  oiUofUr  of  the  Chaldees  ?  Gen.  xv  7.  And  when  in  a  vifion,  Jacob  fawhim 
 lland  befoie  him,  did  he  not  fay,  I  am  Jehovah  the  God  <f  Abraham  thy  father, 
 and  the  God  of  Ifaac  ?  Gen.  xxviii.  13.  How  then  are  we  to  underftand  tliis  paC- 
 fage,  m  which  God  fays,  tliat  by  his  name  Jehovah  he  teas  not  known  unto  Abraham, 
 Ifaac,  u)ui  Jacob  t  To  reconcile  the  difficulty,  it  muft  be  obferved,  that  by  the 
 
 can  calculate  tlie  height  of  profanenefs  and  impiety  of  which  the  human  heart  is  capable,  unreflrained 
 by  almigiity  giace.  May  the  Lord  preserve  us  from  ddlikmg  to  retain  him  m  our  knowledge,  left  he  give  us  up  to  an  undiicerning  mind.  It  is  no  new  thine  for 
 worldly  men  to  view  rtlipous  lervices  as  uftlcfs  or  liurtful,  and  to  improve  God’s  demands  on  his  people  as  a  fpur  to  their  cruelty  ;  and  tliofe  who  ferve  God  mofl 
 thei'fr  ^  may  expecl  to  be  the  principal  fuficrers.  But  tliey  are  fate  even  in  the  midft  of  iinrealbnable  and  wicked  men  :  for  their  God  whom  they  ferve  will  hear 
 
 for  a  nS  bugorc-effi  moZg  '  deliverimce.  Weeping  may  endure 
 
 5,,,GUt  R 
 
The  genealogy  of  Lcvu 
 
 EXODUS. 
 
 Chriit  of  Naaflion,  to  wife;  and  (he  bare 
 
 •  1491.  nun  Nadab  and  Abihu,  Eleazar  and  Ithamar. 
 
 ' — ^  of  Korah;  Affir,  and  Elkanah, 
 
 and  Abialaph  :  thele  are  the  families  of  the  Korhites. 
 
 25  And  Eieazar,  Aaron’s  fon,  took  him  o«t.' of  the 
 f ^umb.  daughters  of  Pntiel  to  wife  ;  and  f  the  bare  him  Phi- 
 
 nehas  :  thefearethe  heads  of  the  fathers  of  the  Le- 
 vites,  according  to  their  families. 
 
 26  1  hefe  are  that  Aaron  and  Mofes,  to  whom  the 
 ^  Lord  faid,  Bring  out  the  children  of  Ifrael  from  the 
 
 land  of  Egypt,  according  to  their  armies. 
 
 27  Thefe«rc  they  which  fpake  to  Pharaoh  king  of 
 Egypt,  to  bring  out  the  children  of  Ifrael  from  Egypt : 
 thefe  are  that  Mofes  and  Aaron. 
 
 28  %  And  it  came  to  pafs,  on  the  day  >whe?i  the 
 Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes  in  the  land  of  Egypt, 
 
 29  That  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  faying,  I  o??2 
 the  Lord  ;  fpeak  thou  unto  Pharaoh  king  of  Egypt 
 all  that  I  fay  unto  thee. 
 
 30  And  Moles  faid  before  the  Lord,  Behold  I 
 
 of  uncircumcifed  lips,  and  how  lhall  Pharaoh  hearken 
 
 Moses  encouraged  to  go  to  Pharaoh. 
 the  Lord  com- 
 
 I  6  And  Mofes  and  Aaron  did  as 
 manded  them,  fo  did  they. 
 
 I  7  And  Moles  teas  fourfeore  years  old,  and  Aaron 
 tourlcore  and  three  years  old,  when  they  fpake  unto 
 Pharaoh. 
 
 8  %  And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes  and  unto 
 Aaron,  laying, 
 
 9  When  Pharaoh  fliall  fpeak  unto  ycu,  faying, 
 bhew  a  miracle  for  you :  Then  thou  fhalt  fay  unto 
 Aaron,  Take  thy  rod,  and  cafl  it  before  tTaraoh, 
 a7id\t  diall  become  a  ferpent. 
 
 10^1  And  Mofes- and  Aaron  went  in  unto  Pharaoh, 
 and  they  did  fo  as  the  Lord  had  commanded  ;  and 
 Aaron  can;  down  his  rod  before  Pharaoh,  and  before 
 uis  lervants,  and  it  became  a  lerpent. 
 
 11  Then  Pharaoh  alfb  called  the  wife  men  and  the 
 lOrcerers  ;  now  the  magicians  of  Egypt,  they  alio  did 
 in  like  manner  with  their  enchantments. 
 
 12  For  they  caft  down  every  man  his  rod,  and  they 
 became  ferpents :  but  Aaron’s  rod  fwallowed  up  their 
 rods. 
 
 unto  me?* 
 
 CHAP.  VII. 
 
 1  Mofes  is  encouraged  to  go  to  Pharaoh  :  7  his  age;  10  his  rod  is  turned 
 into  a  ferpent.  13  Pharaoh's  heart  is  hardened,  li  God’s  niejage  to 
 Pharaoh.  1 9  The  river  is  turned  into  blood. 
 
 And  the  Lord  laid  unto  Mofes,  See,  I  have 
 made  thee  a  god  to  Pharaoh  ;  and  Aaron  thy 
 brother  fhall  be  thy  prophet. 
 
 2  Thou  fhalt  Ipeak  all  that  I  command  thee;  and 
 Aaron  thy  brother  fhall  fpeak  unto  Pharaoh,  that  he 
 fend  the  children  of  Ifrael  out  of  his  land. 
 
 3  And  1  will  harden  Pharaoh’s  heart,  and  multiply 
 my  figns  and  my  wonders  in  the  land  of  Egypt. 
 
 4-  But  Pharaoh  lhall  not  hearken  unto  you,  that  I 
 may  lay  my  hand  upon  Egypt,  and  bring  forth  mine 
 armies,  uttd  my  people  the  children  of  Ifrael,  out  of 
 the  land  of  Egypt,  by  great  judgments. 
 
 5  And  the  Egyptians  fhall  know  that  I  am  the 
 Lord,  when  I  liretch  forth  mine  hand  upon  Egypt, 
 and  bring  out  the  children  of  Ifrael  from  among 
 them. 
 
 Bame  Jehovah,  is  underllood  not  the  letters  or  fyllables,  but  what  is  properly  the 
 import  of  it,  viz.  not  only  God’s  eternal  exillence,  but  his  omnipotent  power 
 likewife,  and  unchangeable  truth,  which  give  being  to  his  promifes  by  the  adtual 
 performance  of  them.  The  name  Jehovah  importing  the  fupremac)',  indepen¬ 
 dence,  and  felf-exiftence  of  God,  had  been  little  illuflrated  by  the  works  of  God. 
 in  bclialf  of  Ifrael,  previous  to  the  time  he  began  to  deliver  them  out  of  Egypt. 
 Then  he  inanifefted  that  he  was  the  God  of  gods,  and  the  Lord  of  lor^s ;  that: 
 he  was  God,  and  befides  him  there  was  none  elfe.  He  faved  his  people  out  of 
 the  hands  of  all  tlieir  enemies,  and  confounded  all  the  idols  of  Egypt  and  Ca¬ 
 naan  and  their  fuperftitious  votaries.  There  was  therefore  a  divine  propriety 
 in  fixing  the  minds  of  Ifrael  at  this  time  on  the  expreffive  and  avd’ul  name  Jeh.o- 
 vah  ;  it  was  a  name  peculiarly  calculated  to  encourage  tlicir  confidence  in  God, : 
 and  reverence  for  his  laws.  Efablifhed,  or  eredted  firm  and  fure,  Gen.  A-i.  1 S. 
 which  was  done  to  Abraham  with  exprefs  limitation  of  the  time  of  Ifrael’s 
 releafe  out  of  Egypt,  Gen.  xv.  13,  18.  Ver.  9.  But  they  hearhened  not  unto  Mofes. 
 'rhey  were  fo  dejedled  with  their  late  difappointment,  that  they  did  not  believe  i 
 him  ;  that  they  had  fuch  a  dread  of  Pharaoh’s  power  and  wrath,  that  they  durlt ' 
 not  themfelves  move  in  the  leaft  towards  their  own  deliverance.  Ver.  I  '2.  The 
 word  xincircumcifed,  denotes  one  who  is  utterly  unworthy  of  Jeliovah’s  regard,  and 
 who  has  no  claim  to  any  of  the  privileges  of  his  people,  Eph.  ii.  11,  12.  Vtr.  20. 
 jind fie  bare  him  Aaron  and  Mofes.  This  verifies  the  promife  of  God,  Gen. 
 x\.  16.  of  delivering  the  Ifraelites  out  of  Egypt  in  the  fourth  generation  ;  for 
 •Mofes  was  the  fon  of  Amram,  the  fon  of  Kphath,  the  fon  of  Levi,  the  fon  of: 
 
 13  And  he  hardened  Pharaoh’s  heart,  that  he  heark¬ 
 ened  not  unto  them  ;  as  the  Lord  had  laid. 
 
 14-  ^  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  Mofes,  Pharaoh’s 
 heart  ts  hardened,  he  refufeth  to  let  the  people  go. 
 
 15  Get  thee  unto  Pharaoh  in  the  morning  :  !o,  he 
 goeth  out  unto  the  waters  ;  and  thou  fhalt  ftand  by 
 the  river’s  brink  againft  he  come  ;  and  the  rod  which 
 was  turned  to  a  ferpent  fhalt  thoii  take  in  thine  hand. 
 
 16  And  thou  fhalt  fay  unto  him,  The  Lord  God 
 of  the  Hebrews  hath  fent  me  unto  thee,  f lying,  Let 
 my  people  go,  that  they  may  ferve  mein  the  vvilder- 
 nefs  :  and,  behold,  hitherto  thou  wouldeft  not  hear. 
 
 lY  I  hus  filth  the  Lord,  In  this  thou  fhalt  know 
 that  I  a?u  the  Lord  :  behold,  I  will  finite  with  the  rod 
 that  IS  in  mine  band  upon  the  v/aters  w'hich  are  in  the 
 river,  and  they  fhall  be  turned  to  blood. 
 
 18  And  the  fjfli  that  is  in  the  river  fhall  die,  and 
 the  river  Iball  ftink  ;  and  the  Egyptians  fhall  loa.he  to 
 drink  of  the  water  of  the  river. 
 
 19  11  And  the  Lord  fpake  onto  Mofes,  fav  unto 
 Aaron,  Take  thy  rod,  andflretch  out  thine  hand  upon 
 
 Jacob.  Ver.  26.  which  intimates  their  great  number  and  order.  They 
 
 were  afterwards  arranged  according  to  their  tribes. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  VH.  Ver.  1.  A  god  to  Pharaoh.  In 
 the  <jl(l  verlion  it  is  rendered,  “  I  have  made  thee  Pliaraoh’s  god.”  The  Chaldee 
 tranflates,  “  A  prince  unto  Pharach  and  the  Arabic,  “  I  have  conltituted  tliee 
 a  lord,  cr  governor,  in  tlie  afiiu’r  of  Pharaoh.”  Tije  Hebrew  word  elohim,  ren¬ 
 dered  God,  is  in  feripture  applied  to  kings,  princes,  judges,  fee  John  x.  34,  35. 
 And  Aaron  fhall  be  thy  proph  t.  He  lliall  fpeak  from  thee  to  Pharaoh.  Ver.  5. 
 Ami  the  Egyptians  ftall  knoiv  that  I  am  the  Lord  The  intention  of  the  miracles 
 wrought  by  Mofes  in  Egypt,  was  not  only  to  procure  the  dcliverrnce  of  the 
 Ifraelites,  but  likewife  to  explode  the  fuperfiition  of  the  Egyptians,  and  to 
 pnnifii  the  crimes  by  which  tliey  fupported  it.  Ver.  9.  Jl'o'ndcr  or  miracle,  de- 
 figned  to  produce  credit  and  obedience  to  the  Avoid  of  God,  Deut.  xiii.  1,  2. 
 John  iv.  28.  Romans  xv.  18,  19.  A  ferpent,  or  dragon,  Avhich  was  a  fign  of  the 
 deftrudlion  of  tlie  Egyptians,  if  they  prefillc-d  in  dilbbedience ;  and  hence  the 
 defolation  of  a  country  is  fignified  by  its  being  made  a  place  for  dragons  to 
 dAvell,  Ffal.  xliv.  20.  Ifa.  xiii.  20,  22.  Mai.  i.  3.  Ver.  10.  Hod  became  afrpent. 
 Aaron  throws  down  his  rod,  “«and  it  became  a  ferpent.”  A  ferpent  in  tlie 
 Egyptian  hieroglyphics,  denoted  a  deity.  Ver.  11.  Concerning  forcery,  fee 
 Note  on  Adis  viii.  9*  Ver.  12^.  Aarons  rod  fwalloded  up  their  rods.  This  was  a 
 fufficient  demonfiration  of  the  fuperior  power  by  which  Mofes  adted  ateve 
 tlieirs ;  Avhich  might  have  convinced  Pharaoh.  Ver.  13.  And  he  hardened.  In 
 IlcbreAv,  “  Pharaoh’s  heart  hardened  itfclf the  Septuagint  renders  it.  “The 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS _ *  Chap.  VI.]  If  tlie  God  of  Iljrael  be  our  God,  Avhocan  harm  us?  The  work  of  mercy  or  judgment,  which  he  llretches 
 
 forth  his  hand  to  perform,  is  fpeedily  finifhed.  Certain  is  that  deliverance,  for  which  the  name,  the  piirpofe,  and  covenant  of  God,  arc  engaged  ;  and  yet  its  objedis, 
 throutTh  anguilh  of  fpirit,  or  delay  of  his  performance  put  his  confolations  far  from  them.  When  God  calls,  may  we  be  always  ready  to  obey;  and  tl.ough  our  Avork 
 be  diflScuIt,  let  us  not  forget  the  promife,  that  as  thy  day  is,  fo  fiiall  thy  ftrength  be.  'Whatever  be  cur  cartlily  pedigree,  let  us  reckon  it  our  chief  hot, -nr  tube  .xt’o- 
 ciated  with  the  children  of  God,  and  ufeful  in  promoting  liis  caiife  in  tJte  world. 
 
\s  fiver  is  hirned  into  Hood. 
 
 EX0DU3. 
 
 The  plagtie  of  frogs. 
 
 kforc  the  waters  of  Egypt,  upon  their  ftreams,  upon  their 
 rivers,  and  upon  their  ponds,  and  upon  all  their  t  pools 
 of  water,  that  they  may  become  blood  ;  and  that  there 
 tilk  may  be  blood  throughout  all  the  land  ot  Egypt,  both 
 tkering  in  vessels  of  wood,  and  in  vessels  leone. 
 their  Aud  Mofcs  and’  Aaron  did  fo,  as  the  Lord 
 
 SL  commanded:  and  he  *  lilted  up  the  rod,  'mof 
 .  5^  the  waters  that  were  in  the  river,  in  the  fight  of  I  na- 
 raoh,  and  in  the  fight  of  his  fervants  ;  /nd  all  the 
 Pfaim  b  waters  that  xvrre  in  the  river  were  turned  to  blood. 
 
 ’■  21  And  the  fi(h  that  zvas  in  the  river  died  >  snd  the 
 
 river  ftank,  and  the  Egyptians  could  not  dnnk  or  the 
 water  of  the  river  :  and  there  was  blood  throughout 
 
 all  the  land  of  Egypt.  _  vu  ; 
 
 wa-K  22  And  the  magicians  of  Egypt  did  lo  with  theu 
 •  enchantments ;  and  Pharaoh’s  heart  w/as  hardened, 
 neither  did  he  hearken  unto  them ;  as  the  Lord  had 
 
 23  And  Pharaoh  turned,  and  went  into  his  houfe, 
 neither  did  he  let  his  heart  to^  this  alfo. 
 
 24  And  all  the  Egyptians  digged  round  about  the 
 river  for  water  to  drink  ;  for  they  could  not  dunk  or 
 
 the  water  of  the  river.  . ,  ,  ^  . 
 
 25  And  feven  days  were  fulfilled,  after  that  the 
 
 Lord  had  fmitten  the  river.* 
 
 CHAP.  VIII. 
 
 1  Frogs  arefent.  12  Mofes  btj  prayer  removeth  them.  16  The  diijl  w 
 
 turned  into  lice.  20  The /warms  of  flies,  25  Fharaoh  lyidmeth  to  let 
 
 the  peojilc  30  hut  yet  is  hardened* 
 
 A  ND  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  Go  unto 
 Pharaoh,  and  fay  unto  him,  Ihus  laith  the 
 Lord,  Let  my  people  go,  that  they  may  ferve  me. 
 
 2  And  if  thou  refufe  to  let  them  go,  behold,  i  will 
 fmite  all  thy  borders  with  frogs ; 
 
 3  And  the  river  fnall  bring  torth  frogs  abundantly, 
 which  fhall  go  up,  and  come  into  thine  houfe,  and  in¬ 
 to  thy  bed  chamber,  and  upon  thy  bed,  and  into  the 
 houfe  of  thy  fervants,  and  upon  thy  people,  and  into 
 thine  ovens,  and  into  thy  H  kneading-troughs  : 
 
 4  And  the  frogs  [hall  come  up  both  on  thee,  and 
 upon  thy  people,  and  upon  all  thy  iervants. 
 
 5  And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  Say  unto 
 
 Or, 
 
 3ush. 
 
 Aaron,  Stretch  forth  thice  hand  with  thy  rod  over  the 
 [treams,  over  the  rivers,  and  over  the  ponds,  and 
 caufe  frogs  to  come  up  upon  the  land  of  Lgpt. 
 
 6  And  Aaron  ftretched  out  his  hand  over  the  watems 
 of  Egypt :  and  the  frogs  came  up  and  covered  the 
 
 “^iS^^he  magicians  did  fo  with  their  enchant- 
 ments,  and  brought  up  frogs  upon  tne  land  of  Egypt. 
 
 8  ’ll  d  hen  Pharaoh  caded  for  Mofes  and  Aaron,  and 
 fiid.  Entreat  the  Lord,  that  he  may  take  away  tne 
 frogs  from  me,  and  from  my  people  ;  and  I  wi.l  kt 
 the  people  go,  that  they  may  do  facrifice  unto  the 
 
 ^”9“  And  Mofes  faid  unto  Pharaoh,  II  Glory  overj  or, 
 me  :  II  when  fhall  I  entreat  for  thee,  and  for  thy  fer-"^;" 
 vants,  and  for  thy  people,  f  to  deftroy  the  frogs  ftotn 
 thee  and  thy  houfes,  that  they  may  remain  m  thcryc^^ 
 
 An^d  le  raid,  ||  To-morrow.  And  he  fkid.  Be  it 
 accordim^  to  thy  w'ord ;  that  thou  mayeft  know  that  ^  nei,. 
 there  is  none  like  unto  the  Lord  our  God.  to  cut  off. 
 
 1 1  And  the  frogs  ihall  depart  from  Again/i 
 
 thy  houfes,  and  from  thy  fervants,  and  from  thy  peo-  to-nu,r- 
 pie  ;  they  fiiall  remain  in  the  river  only.  row. 
 
 12  And  Mofes  and  Aaron  went  out  from  Pharaoh  ; 
 and  Mofes  cried  unto  the  Lord  becaufe  of  the  frogs 
 which  he  had  brought  againft.  Pharaoh. 
 
 13  And  the  Lord  did  according  to  the  word  of 
 Mofes ;  and  the  frogs  died  out  of  the  houfes,  out  of 
 the  villages,  and  out  of  the  fields. 
 
 14  And  they  gathered  them  together  upon  heaps ; 
 and  the  land  ftank. 
 
 15  But -when  Pharaoh  faw  that  there  was  refpite, 
 he  hardened  his  heart,  and  hearkened  not  unto  them  ; 
 as  the  Lord  had  faid. 
 
 16  ^  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  Mofes,  Say  unto 
 Aaron,  Stretch  out  thy  rod,  and  fmite  the  dufl  of  the 
 land,  that  it  may  become  lice  throughout  all  the  land 
 of  Egypt. 
 
 1 7  And  they  did  fo ;  for  Aaron  flretched  out  his 
 hand  w  ith  his  rod,  and  fmote  the  duft  of  the  earth, 
 and  it  became  lice  in  man  and  in  beail :  all  the  duft 
 
 leartof  Pharaoh  hardened  or  fortified  itfelf;”  the  Chaldee,  Syriac,  and  Arabic, 
 ‘Pharaoh’s  heart  was  hardened.”  It  hence  appears  that  Pharaohs  obduracy 
 «as  owing  tohimfelf.  Ver.  IS.  And  the  Egyptians  fhall  loathe.  It  is  hence  more 
 than  probable,  that  Uiis  plague,  like  thofe  which  fo.Howcd,  came  only  on  the  Egypt- 
 tians,  and  that  Ifrael  efcaped  it,  through  the  divine  mercy  toward  them,  chap.  vm. 
 22.  ix.  26.  X.  23.  Ver  20.  All  the  ivaters—were  turned  into  blood.  To  acquire  an 
 adequate  idea  of  the  greatnefs  of  this  calamity,  we  fliould  rccollea  that  the  land  of 
 Eo-vut  was  not  refreflied  by  gentle  (bowers,  or  rendered  fruitful  by  the  former  or 
 laUer  rain  ;  but  that  all  their  water,  in  thofe  parts,  was  fupplied  by  the  river  Nile. 
 To  what  diftrefs  then  mufi  they  have  been  reduced  by  thus  wanting  water  to  an^ 
 fwer  the  common  necelfaries  of  life  ?  Yet  their  miferies  were  further  augmented 
 by  the  deftruaion  of  the  fiflies,  which,  together  with  the  fruits  of  the  earth,  were 
 their  almoft  conftant  food.  Jofephus  fays,  that  the  waters  were  reduced  to  this 
 (late  of  putrefaaion  only  to  the  Egyptians  ;  but  to  the  Ifraelites,  they  continued 
 fweet,  drinkable,  and  in  their  natural  (late.  This  plague  was  a  righteous  judg¬ 
 ment  on  the  Egyptians  for  their  cruelty  in  drowning  tlie  infants  of  Ifrael  in  the 
 river.  Ver.  22.  And  the  magicians  did  fo  with  their  eiichantments.  By  thefe  efFea- 
 ino-  tlie  like  change  in  the  waters.  Pharaoh  vainly  imagined  that  Ids  god  was  as 
 powerful  as  the  God  of  the  Hebrews.  The  Divine  Being  permitted  thefe  deluded 
 men,  thus  far  to  fucceed  in  their  oppofition,  in  order  to  render  their  impious  folly 
 the  more  confpicuous.  They  could  by  their  enchantments  increafe  their  own 
 plagues,  but  could  not  deliver  themfelves. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  VHI.  \er.  1 .  ArA  brought  up  frogs 
 upon  the  land  of  Egypt.  Tlie  river  Nile  naturally  produces  frogs  ;  butfo  ^eat  an 
 abundance  appearing  on  a  Bidden,  filling  tlie  country,  and  leaving  the  river  and 
 fields,  to  go  into  the  cities  and  houfes,  was  really  miraculous.  Ver.  8.  Entreat  the 
 Lord  that  he  may  take  away  the  frogs.  This  is  tlie  very  man  who  proudly  faid 
 fome  time  ago,  “Who  is  tlie  Lord?”  Ver.  9.  And  Mofes  faul  unto  Fharaoh, 
 Glorxj  over  me  ;  when  fhall  I  entreat  for  thee  ?  That  is,  “  Have  thou  this  honour  over 
 me,  by  commanding  againft  what  time  I  (liall  pray  for  thee,  and  thou  (halt  be  obey¬ 
 ed.”  By  tins  IMofes  intended  to  obviate  every  objecilion  which  the  fuperftitious 
 prejudices  of  the  Egyptians  might  fugged.  On  tlie  one  hand  Mefes  expreifes 
 llrong  confidence  in  God  tliat  he  would  gracioully  hear  him  at  whatever  time  l.e 
 made  his  fuppHcation  before  his  throne  ;  and  on  the  otlier  hand  he  manifefts  great 
 humility  and  compaffion  towards  the  perverfe  king.  Ver.  10.  And  he  faid.  To¬ 
 morrow.  It  may  feem  (Iranga,  that  Pharaoh  did  not  defire  the  plague  to  be  re¬ 
 moved  immediately.  Probably  he  hoped,  tliat  before  to-morrow  came,  the  plague 
 would  go  off  of  itfelf,  and  tlien  he  fliould  not  be  beholden  to  the  Lord  or  Moles, 
 That  thoic  mayeft  know,  that  there  is  none  lUce  icnto  the  Lord  our  God,  who  can  fend 
 plagues  and  remove  them  at  his  pleafure.  Ver.  15.  But  when  Fharaoh  faw  thaF 
 there  was  rrfpitc,  he  hardened  his  heart.  Amazing  perverfenefs  !  ftiU  to  harden  his 
 heart,  without  coufidering  eitlier  what  he  had  lately,  felt,  or  what  he  had  veafon  to 
 fear!  Ver.  17.  Smote  the  dufl  of  the  earth — and  it  became  lice.  The  earth  was 
 under  the  name  of  Ills,  an  objedl  of  tlieir  adoration.  To  convince  them,  therefore 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  VII.]  How  great  is  the  divine  condefcenfion  to  fpeak  to  us  by  our  fellow  men,  whom  we  can  hear  without  diead! 
 Wo  need  no  greater  encouragement  in  our  work  than  to  know  that  the  Lord  will  be  glorified  by  it,  aud  his  promifos  to  his  people  fulfilled.  Jehovah  is  wife  in  h-eart 
 and  mighty  in  ftrength.  wholiath  hardened  himfelf  againft  him  and  profpered?  The  Lord  often  in  mercy  warns  ere  he  punifties.  But,  alas,  men  through  Uie  influ¬ 
 ence  of  Satan,  harden  tliemfelves  againft  warnings,  judgments,  and  deliverances ;  and,  whatever  fiiifts  they  try,  they  remain  prond  in  heart,  and  will  not  call  on  God 
 in  the  time  of  trouble.  The  caufe  of  truth  and  rightcoufnefs  fliall  prevail  at  laft,  and  reign  without  contradiaion ;  but  dreadful  (hall  be  the  juft  miferies  of  tiiofe  who 
 oppretfsd  the  people  of  God,  and  coxttemned  his  admonitions. 
 
l^haraoh  rndineth  io  let  the  pecple  go. 
 
 EXODUS. 
 
 l^ffore 
 
 Chriil 
 
 1-191. 
 
 of  the  land  became  lice  throughout  all  the  land  of 
 Egypt. 
 
 18  And  the  magicians  did  fo  with  their  enchant¬ 
 ments  to  bring  forth  lice,  but  they  could  not :  lo  there 
 were  lice  upon  man  and  upon  beait. 
 
 19  Then  the  magicians  laid  unto  Pharaoh,  This  is 
 the  finger  of  God :  and  Pharaoh’s  heart  was  har¬ 
 dened,  and  he  hearkened  not  unto  them ;  as  the  Lord 
 had  laid. 
 
 ^  20  ^  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  Mofes,  Rife  up  early 
 in  the  morning,  and  ftand  before  Pharaoh,  (lo,  he 
 cometh  forth  to  the  water,)  and  lay  unto  him.  Thus 
 hiith  the  Lord,  Let  my  people  go,  that  they  may 
 ferve  me. 
 
 21  EKe,  if  thou  wilt  not  let  my  people  go,  behold, 
 
 f  Heb. 
 Tcdemp- 
 tion, 
 
 II  Or, 
 to-mor¬ 
 row. 
 b  Wifd. 
 16.  9. 
 
 II  Or, 
 dejlroyed.^ 
 
 Or,  a  1  ^,i]i  lend  II  fvvarms  o/ftes  upon  thee,  and  upon  thy 
 and  upon  thy  people,  and  into  thy  houles  ; 
 bcaAs,  &c,  and  the  houfes  of  the  Egyptians  fhall  be  full  of  fwarms 
 and  alfo  the  ground  whereon  they  are. 
 
 22  And  I  will  fever  in  that  day  the  land  of  Goflien, 
 in  which  my  people  dwell,  that  no  fwarms  o/;^/>s  (hall 
 be  there  ;  to  the  end  thou  mayeft  know  that  i  am  the 
 Lord  in  the  midft  of  the  earth. 
 
 23  And  I  will  put  f  a  divillon  between  my  people 
 and  thy  people  :  u  to-morrow  fhall  this  fign  be 
 
 24  And  the  Lord  did  fo :  and  there  came  a 
 grievous  fwarm  of  fies  into  the  houfe  of  Pharaoh,  and 
 into  his  I'ervants’  houfes,  and  into  a!!  the  land  of  Egypt : 
 the  land  W'as  H  corrupted  by  reafon  of  the  fwarm  of^ies 
 
 25  11  And  Pharaoh  called  for  Mofes  and  for  Aaron, 
 and  faid,  Go  ye,  facrifice  to  your  God  in  the  land. 
 
 26  And  Mofes  faid,  It  is  not  meet  fo  to  do;  for  we 
 fliall  facrifice  the  abomination  of  the  Egyptians  to  the 
 Lord  our  God  :  lo,  fhall  w'e  facrifice  the  abomination 
 of  the  Egyptians  before  their  eyes,  and  wall  they  not 
 ftone  us 
 
 27  We  will  go  three  days’ journey  into  the  wilder- 
 nefs,  and  facrifice  to  the  Lord  our  God,  as  he  fhall 
 command  us. 
 
 2S  x4nd  Pharaoh  faid,  I  will  let  you  go,  that  ye  may 
 facrifice  to  the  Lord  your  God  in  the  wildernefs ; 
 only  ye  fnall  not  go  very  far  away  :  entreat  for  me. 
 
 29  And  Mofes  faid.  Behold,  I  go  out  from  thee, 
 and  I  will  entreat  the  Lord  that  the  fw'arms  of /lies 
 may  depart  from  Pharaoh,  from  his  lervants,  and  from 
 his  people,  tc-morrow:  but  let  not  Pharaoh  deal  de- 
 ceitfully  any  more  in  not  letting  the  people  go  to  fa¬ 
 crifice  to  the  Lord. 
 
 T/ie  murrain  of  leasts  ^ 
 
 30  And  Mofes  went  out  from  Pharaoh,  and  en-  Before 
 
 treated  the  Lord.  ciirim 
 
 31  And  the  Lord  did  according  to  the  word  of^J^^'' 
 Moles :  and  he  removed  the  fwarms  of  Jlics  from 
 
 f  haraoh,  from  his  fervants,  and  from  his  people  ;  there 
 remained  not  one. 
 
 o2  And  Pharaoh  liardened  his  heart  at  this  time 
 alio  neither  would  he  let  the  people  go.* 
 
 and  hlains.  14  Th& 
 27  Pharaoh  Jucth 
 
 C  Chap. 
 3.  18. 
 
 that  it  did  not  afford  its  life-fuflaining  fhiit  by  an  independent  virtue  of  its  own, 
 Cod  reverfed  the  nature  of  its  prodinStions.  Ver.  18.  A)vd  the  magicians  did  fo 
 with  their  enchantments.  Tliat  is,  they  ftruck  the  dufl  with  a  rod,  but  were  unable 
 to,  produce  the  miracle.  The  inability  of  the  magicians  in  this  latter  inflance, 
 fliewed  whence  they  had  their  ability  in  the  former  inftances,  which  feemed  great¬ 
 er  ;  and  that  they  had  no  power  but  what  was  givwi  them  from  above.  Ver  1 9. 
 This  is  the  fnger  of  God  In  the  Hebrew  it  is,  “  This  is  the  finger  of  Elohim,” 
 that  is,  “of  a  God.”'  The  Chaldee  renders  it,  “  This  plague  is  from  the  face  of 
 God.”  Ver.  21.  Swarins  of  flies.  The  Septuagint  verfion  renders  this  word  the 
 dog  fly.  According  to  the  learned  M.  Le  Clerc,  it  is  derived  from  an  Arabic  word 
 which  Sgnifies  to  devour for  thefe  flies  flick  fall  in  the  Ikin,  lance  it  with  a  fharp 
 probofeis,  and  fuck  the  blood.  Ver.  22.  yhid  I  irill  fever  in  that  day  the  land  of 
 Gofien.  Swanns  of  flies,  which  feem  to  ns  to  fly  at  random,  arc,  \vc  fee,  under 
 
 C^AP.  IX. 
 
 The  murrain  of  leaf  s.  8  The  ylague  of  boils 
 meffage  aboxit  the  hail.  22  The  plague  of  huU. 
 
 Mofes,  36  but  yet  is  hardened, 
 
 ^HEN  the  Lord  faid  unto  Moles,  go  in  unto 
 1  haraoh,  and  tell  him.  Thus  faith  the.  Lord 
 Uod  of  the  Hebrews,  Let  my  people  go,  that  they 
 may  lerve  me. 
 
 1-  ^  refufe  to  let  them  go,  and  wilt  hold 
 
 them  (ill!, 
 
 3  Behold,  the  hand  of  the  Lord  is  upon  thy  cattle 
 which  ?s  in  the  field,  upon  the  horLs,  upon  the  affes, 
 upon  the  camels,  upon  the  oxen,  and  upon  the  fheep  : 
 there  shall  be  a  very  giievous  murrain. 
 
 4-  And  the  Lord  (hall  (ever  between  the  cattle  of 
 llrael  and  the  cattle  of  Egypt :  and  there  fhall  nothing: 
 die  of  all  that  is  the  children’s  of  lirael. 
 
 5  And  the  Lord  appointed  a  let  time,  faying,  To¬ 
 morrow  the  Lord  fhall  do  this  thing  in  the  land. 
 
 Lord  did  that  thing  on  the  morrow,  and 
 
 ^[•1  I  ^  Egypt  died  ;  but  of  the  cattle  of  the 
 
 children  of  Ifrael  died  not  one. 
 
 7  Ana  Pnaraoh  fent,  and,  behold,  there  was  not  one 
 of  the  cattle  of  the  Ifraelites  dead.  And  the  heart 
 ot  1  haraoh  was  hardened,  and  he  did  not  let  tne 
 people  go. 
 
 8  11  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  Mofes  and  unto  Aaron, 
 
 laxe  to  you  handfuls  of  afhes  of  the  furnace,  and  let 
 Moles  fprinkle  it  toward  the  heaven  in  the  fight  of 
 Pharaoh.  ° 
 
 9  And  it  fliall  become  fmall  dull  in  all  the  land  of 
 Egypt,  and  fhall  be  a  boil  breaking  forth  uith  blains, 
 upon  man,  and  upon  beaft,  throughout  all  the  land  of 
 Egypt. 
 
 I  10  And  they  took  afhes  of  the  furnace,  and  Rood 
 I  before  I  haraoh  ;  and  Mofes  fprinkled  it  up  toward 
 I  heaven;  and  it  became  a  boil  breaking  forth  with 
 I  blains' upon  man  and  upi  n  bead;. 
 
 I  1 1  And  the  magicians  could  not  ftand  before  Mofes 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  VIII.]  Let  us  learn  the  vafl  importance  of  Imvinc 
 
 the  diredlion  of  the  Almighty.  He  commands  them  to  ravage  tlie  land  of  Egypt 
 “1 V  to  tl'eir  ravages,  and  they  obferve  them 
 
 f  H  To^onvince  iLe  Eevp 
 
 bans  that  the  God  who  wrought  thele  wonders  among  them,  was  the  God  o 
 Ifiael,  he  all  along  made  a  vifible  dill.naion  between  the  two  nations;  am 
 while  the  land  was  affliaed  with  thefe  plagues,  the  land  of  Gollien,  where  tin 
 Ifraehtes  dwelt,  remained  tree  and  unnioletled.  \'cr.  6.  Ami  all  the  cattle  o 
 Egypt  died;  or,  as  it  may  be  better  rendered,  “  All  tlie  cattle  that  died  were  J 
 Egypt,  that  is,  belonged  to  the  Egyptians.  For  it  appears  in  this  chapter,  flu 
 many  of  the  Egyptian  cattle  turvived  the  tlroke.  \  er.  10.  The  word  tranktcf 
 bod  occurs  1.1  the  book  of  Job,  where  it  fignifies  a  burning  itch,  or  an  Irflama 
 scab,  but  here  it  was  attended  witli  blains  and  ulcers.  '  er.  II  Tins  plague  com 
 pleted  the  defeat  of  the  magicians,  as  it  evidently  demonftrated  their  Vanity  ii 
 
 places.  If  the  moil  inconfiderable  inftruments,  which  he  commiffions,  became  fo  formidable  to  diflretiT;  how  needful  is^iMoTnioy^ahvIvTth^ 
 he  alone  can  rtiider  m»  bkffings,  hlcflings  indeed,  or  he  can  cafily  tranfinute  them  into  curfes.  Bleffed  im%d  are  the  people  w  hole  God  is  Jehovah  •''he  '  ’ 
 
 Tellous  loving-k.'ndnefs,  diftinguilh  between  them  and  his  enemies,  and  hide  tliemin  the  day  of  calamity  unefer  the  fliadow  of  his  Ting^'^The  bell^'^"  ’  “V'*  ’ 
 promifes  of  the  unrenewed,  have  little  influence  on  their  future  condua  ;  their  reigning  fiiiful  inclinations  break  through  every  bond  and  render  fliem'im.  ,fwi  !rV 
 fuuiptuous,  and  fcandaloully  perfidious.  Let  us  always  imitate  the  fortitude  and  fidelity  of  Motes  and  Aaron  in  the  fei-yice  of  God.  unmoved  l.v  tl,..  c 
 
 evil  angeis ;  and  let  us  ever  he  difpofed  to  pray  for  our  enemies,  and  by  every  poffible  means  feck  their  good.  ’  unmoved  by  the  wrath  of  men  ct 
 
ny  ,  fl  7  EXODUS. 
 
 Ihe  plagtte  of  had, 
 
 becaufe  of  the  boil ;  for  the  boil  was  upon  the  magi- 
 
 The  thundin-  and  had  ^e. 
 
 4. 
 
 Before 
 
 cirnsrand  upon  all  the  Egyptians.  .  u 
 
 ^  12  And  the  Lord  hardened  the  heart  of  Pharaoh, 
 
 a^hli^^and  he  hearkened  not  unto  them  ;  ®  as  the  Lord  had 
 
 fp : ken  unto  Moles.  r  r.T  i 
 
 ]3  II  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  Mofes,  Rife  up  early 
 in  the  morning,  and  Hand  before  Pnaraoh,  and  lay 
 unto  him,  bhus  faith  the  Lord  God  ot  the  Hebrews, 
 Let  my  people  go,  that  they  may  ferve  me. 
 
 M-  For  I  will  at  this  time  fend  all  my  plagues  upon 
 thine  heart,  and  upon  thy  fervants,  and  upon  thy 
 people ;  that  tnou  mayelt  know  that  there  is  none  like 
 me  in  all  the  earth. 
 
 15  For  now  I  will  Hretch  out  my  hand,  that  1  may 
 finite  thee  and  thy  p  ople  v/ith  peltilenee ;  and  thou 
 
 Ihalt  be  cut  oft' from  the  earth.  _  t  -r  a 
 
 16  And  in  very  deed  for  this  ca//fc  have  I  f  railed 
 thee  up.  for  to  Ihew  iu  thee  my  power ;  and  that  my 
 name  may  be  declared  throughout  all  the  earth. 
 
 17  As  yet  exalteft  thou  ihyfelf  againft  my  people, 
 
 that  thou  wilt  not  let  them  go  ?  _  ^  t  -n  r 
 
 18  Behold,  to-morrow,  about  this  time,  I  will  caule 
 it  to  rain  a  very  grievous  hail,  Inch  as  hath  not  been 
 in  Egypt  fince  the  foundation  thereof  even  until  no^’. 
 
 19  Send  therefore  now,  amt  gather  thy  cattle,  and 
 all  that  thou  haft  in  the  field  :  f/r  upon  every  man  and 
 beaft  which  lhall  be  found  in  the  field,  and  (hall  not 
 be  brought  home,  the  hail  (hall  come  down  upon  them, 
 and  they  fhall  die. 
 
 20  He  that  feared  the  word  of  the  I..ORD  arnong 
 
 li  Itom. 
 
 9.  17. 
 y  Helj. 
 made  thee 
 Jland- 
 
 t  Ilcb. 
 
 ^et  nut 
 fas  heart' 
 
 the  lervants  ol  Pnaraoh  made  his-  lervants  and  Lis 
 cattle  flee  mro  the  houfes ;  ,  ^  . 
 
 21  And  he  that  t  regarded  not  the  W'ord  or  the 
 Lord,  left  his  fervants  and  his  cattle  in  the  field. 
 
 22  H  And  the  Lord  laid  unto  Moles,  Streten  forth 
 thine  hand  toward  heiven,  that  there  may  be  hail  in 
 all  the  land  of  Egypt,  upon  man,. and  upon  beaft,  and 
 upon  every  herb  ot  the  field,  throughout  the  latid  of 
 Egypt. 
 
 ‘23  r\nd  Mefes  flreiched  forth  his  rod  toward  lea¬ 
 ven  ;  and  the  I.ORD  fent  thunder  and  hail, .and  the ; 
 fire  ran  along  upon  the  ground  :  and  the  Lord  rained  i 
 hail  upon  the  land  of  Egypt.  _  j 
 
 24.  So  there  was  hail,  and  fire  mingled  with  the  j 
 hail,  very  grievous,  fuch  as  there  was  none  like  it  in  ' 
 all  the  land  of  Egypt  fince  it  became  a  nation. 
 
 25  And  the  hail  fraote  throughout  all  the  land  of 
 Egypt,  all-that  ^ms  in  the  field,  both  man  and  beaft ; 
 
 and  the  hail  fmote  every  herb  of  the  field,  and  o.ake 
 
 everv  tree  ot  the  field.  ,  , 
 
 26  Only  in  the  land  ot  Gofhen,  w'here  the  children 
 
 of  Ifrael  were^  was  there  no  hail.  a/t  r  o 
 
 27  H  And  Pharaoh  fent,  and  called  for  Mofes  and 
 Aaron,  and  faid  unto  theni,  1  have  finned  this  time  : 
 the  Lord  is  righteous,,  and  1  and  my  peop.e  are 
 
 ‘^s'^Entreat  the  Lord  (for  it  is  enough)  that  there 
 be  no  more  f  mighty  thunderings  and  hail ;  and  1  will 
 let  you  go,  and  ym  (hall  ftay  no  longer. 
 
 29  And  Mofes  faid  unto  him,  As  loon  as  I  am  gone 
 out  of  the  city,  1  will  Ipread  abroad  my  hands  unto 
 
 I  the  Lord  ;  and  the  thunder  (hall  ceale,  neither  liia 
 I  there  be  any  more  hail ;  that  thou  mayeft  know  how 
 
 that  the  earth /s  the  I.ord’s.  .v,  .i 
 
 30  But  as  for  thee  and  thy  fervants,  1  know  that 
 
 ye  will  not  yet  tear  the  Lord  God.  _  n 
 
 31  And  the  flax  and  the  barley  was  Imitten  ;  tor  the 
 barley  in  the  ear,  and  the  flix  boiled.  ^ 
 
 32  But  the  wheat  and  the  rye  were  not  Imitten  j 
 
 for  they  1  grown  up.  _  u 
 
 33  And  M<,fes  went  out  ot  the  city  from  Pharaoh, 
 and  ipread  abroad  his  hands  unto  the  Lord  ;  and  the 
 ttiunJers  and  had  ceafsd,  and  the  rain  was  not  poured 
 
 upon  the  earth.  ^  .  ,  , 
 
 34  And  when  Pharaoh  faw  that  the  ram,  and  the 
 hail,  and  the  thunders  were  ceafed,  he  finned  yet  more, 
 and  hardened  his  heart,  he  and  his  lervants. 
 
 35  And  the  heart  of  Pharaoh  was  hardened,  neither  ^ 
 would  he  let  the  children  of  Ifrael  go  ;  as  the  LoRD^aiAe 
 
 c  Pfaha 
 24.  1. 
 
 had  fpoken  t  by  Mofes. 
 
 hand  ^ 
 M.'fes. 
 
 A 
 
 feppofing  Mofes,  when  they  could  not  even  defend  their  own  perfons  from  being 
 tormen^d  by  this  indanmiation.  Ver.  12.  And  the  Lord  hardened  the  heart  of 
 IViarao/i.  Pliaraoli  having  often  and  fo  long  hardened  his  ovs-n  heart,  God  gave  i 
 him  up  to  judicial  hardnefs  of  heart,  to  bis  own  corruptions,  and  the  temptations  j 
 of  Satan,  t'er.  1 5.  Ehai-aoh  and  his  peopje  were  not  deitroyed  by  petlilence,  and 
 therefore  the  beft  commentators  read  the  patfage  in  the  pretcr,  inftead  of  the  future 
 tenfe ;  and  then  the  I'enfe  will  be,  “  For  now  I  had  ftretched  forth  mine  hand  to 
 dellroy  tliee  and  thy  people  by  my  late  peftilence,  and  thou  fhouldeft  have  been 
 eut  off  from  the  earth;  but  indeed  for  this  very  caufe,  have  I  preferved  thee,  to 
 fliew  in  thee  my  power,  &c.  Ver.  16.  7  raifed  thee  up.  The  Hebrew  word  does 
 not  fignify  to  raife  a  thing  into  being,  but  to  preferve  and  ejtablijh  it  in  being ;  and 
 accordingly  the  Septuagint  verfion  has  it,  “  For  this  caufe  hail  thou  been  hitherto 
 preferveff”  Ver.  18.  Behold,  to-inorroio.  The  time  is  here  precifely  marked,  that 
 it  miglit  not  be  faid  to  have  fallen  out  by  chance.  I  u  Ul  caufe  it  to  rain  a  vcri/ 
 grievous  hail.  This  phenomenon  was  the  more  miraculous,  as  it  I’eldom  or  ever 
 
 CHAP.  X. 
 
 Locufts  threatened,  12  and  fent.  16  Fharaoh'  fueth  v-rdo  Mefes, 
 
 21  The  plague  of  darknefs.  24  Pharaoh  again  fueth  unto  MofeSf 
 27  but  pet  is  hardened.- 
 
 ND  the  Lord  faid  unto  Mofes,  Go  in  unto 
 J  Pnaraoh;  ®  for  1  have  hardened  his  heart,  a  Chap^ 
 and  the  heart  of  his  fervants,  that  Lmight  fhew  thefe"^* 
 my  figns  before  him  : 
 
 2  And  that  thou  mayeft  tell  in  the  ears  of  thy  fon, 
 ind  of  thy  fon^s  fon,  what  things  I  have  wrought  in 
 Egypt,  and  my  figns  which  I  have  done  among  them  j 
 tnat  ye  may  know  how  that  1  am  the  Lord. 
 
 3  And  Moles  and  Aaron  came  in  unto  Pharaoh,, 
 and  faid  unto  him.  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God  of 
 the  Hebrews,  How  long  wilt  thou  refufe  to  humble 
 
 rains  in  this  country ;  and  it  was  lik’ewife  tlie  more  terrible,  Lecaufe  it  was  a  phe 
 nomenon  tliey  had  never  feen  nor  heard  of  before. .  Vor.  29.  That  the  earth  is  the  ' 
 Lord’s.  The  heathens  were  perfuaded,  that  every  country  had  its  jjartkular  deity 
 whole  pow  er  did  not  extend  to  the  territories  of  his  brother  gods.  In  oppofition 
 to  this  notion;  Mofes  gives  Pharaoh  to  underffand,  that  Jehovah  was  not  only  the 
 God  of  the  Hebrews,  but  of  the  whole  earth. 
 
 EXPL.VNATORY  NOTES.  Cii.vr.  X.  Ver.  1.  For  1  have  hardened  hie 
 heart.  When  nothing  would  reclaim  this  wicked  king ;  when,  inftead  of  being 
 foftened  and  brought  to  repentance  by  fo  many  alternate  inftances  of  mercy  and 
 judgment,  he  became  more  liillen  and  obdurate.  Ver.  2.  By  the  miracles  which 
 were  wrought  in  Egypt,  God  defigned  not  only  the  releafe  of  the  Ifraelites,  but' 
 the  magnifying  his  own  name ;  and  that  they  might  be  monuments  to  the  lateft 
 pofterity  of  the  power  and  greatnefs  of  God,  and  ftanding  monitors  to  the  chil¬ 
 dren  of  men  in  all  ages,  Verfes  4,  5.  7  udll  bring  the  locujl — and  they  fhall  cover. 
 Thevenot,  and  other  modern  travellers  relate ;  “  That  they  are  brought  into 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—  *  Chap.  IX.]  When  men  rejea  God  it  is  juft  that  he  rejeA  them.  How  numerous,  diverftfied,  and  extenfive,  are  the 
 TudA-ments,  which  the  Almiglity  can  execute  on  his  enemies  !  It  is  a  fearful  thing  to  fall  into  the  hands  of  tlie  living  God.  He  will  punifh  moft  feverely  thofe,who 
 are  the  inftruments  of  deceiving  others.  In  tremendous  fovercignty  and  jullice,  the  profperity  of  fmners  is  rendered  the  means  of  their  ruin,  to  the  praife  of  the  glory- 
 of  divine  jufticc.  Mercy  is  generally  in  this  world  mingled  w  ith  jufticc.  If  any  man  will  hear  the  voice  of  God,  be  will  find  a  covert  in  the  day  of  wr.ath.  Thofe-' 
 -whom  divine  providence  exalts  to  the  higheft  ftations,  are  frequently  the  moft  backw.ard  to  receive  the  divine  admonition;  but  neither  dignity,  power,  nor  wealth,  caJV 
 ffielter  from  the  divine  vengeance.  Confelfions  extorted  by  fear,  arefcarcely  fooner  made  than  revoked.  Happy  are  they  who  have  God  lor  their  friend  and  refttg«»- 
 iEffedlual  fervent  prayer  to  him  is  tl»e  moft  powerful  antidote  againll  troubles ;  and  under  it  is  the  lureft  help  and  <onfolation» 
 
 i^O,  5,*t6d,  S 
 
T7ie  plague  x>f  locmh. 
 
 EXODTJS. 
 
 Pharaoh  siieth  nnlo  Mosci, 
 
 1(J.  9. 
 t  Heb, 
 
 tye. 
 
 Srirt  thyfelf  before  me?  Let  my  people  go,  that  they  may 
 1491.  ferveme; 
 
 4  Elfe,  If  thon  refufe  to  let  my  people  go,  behold, 
 to-inorrow  will  I  bring  the  locults  into  thy  coart  : 
 
 5  And  they  (hall  cover  the  f  face  of  the  earth,  that 
 one  cannot  be  able  to  fee  the  earth  :  and  they  flaall 
 eat  the  refidue  of  that  which  is  efcaped,  which  re- 
 maineth  unto  you  from  the  hail,  and  (hall  eat  every 
 tree  which  groweth  for  you  out  of  the  field. 
 
 6  And  they  (hall  fill  thy  houfes,  and  the  houfes  of 
 all  thy  fervants,  and  the  houfes  of  all  the  Egyptians  ; 
 which  neither  thy  fathers,  nor  thy  fathers’  fathers  have 
 Teen,  fince  the  day  that  they  were  upon  the  earth  unto 
 this  day.  And  he  turned  himfelf,  and  went  out  from 
 Pharaoh. 
 
 7  %  And  Pharaoh^s  fervants  faid  unto  him.  How 
 long  (hall  this  man  be  a  fnare  unto  us  ?  Let  the  men 
 go,  that  they  may  ferve  the  Lord  their  God.  Know- 
 eft  thou  not  yet  that  Egypt  is  delfroyed  ? 
 
 8  And  Moles  and  Aaron  were  brought  again  unto 
 Pharaoh  ;  and  he  faid  unto  them.  Go,  ferve  the  Lord 
 
 t  iiieb.  your  God  ;  but  t  who  are  they  that  fhall  go  ? 
 
 Tc  ^  Mofes  faid,  We  will  go  with  our  young  and 
 
 daughters, 
 
 with  our  flocks  and  with  oer  herds  will  we  go  :  for  we 
 7nust  hold  a  feaft  unto  the  Lord. 
 
 10  And  he  faid  unto  them.  Let  the  Lord  be  fo 
 with  you,  as  I  will  let  you  go,  and  your  little  ones  : 
 look  to  it  i  for  evil  is  before  you. 
 
 11  Not  fo  :  go  now  ye  that  are  men,  and  ferve  the 
 Lob^d  ;  for  that  ye  did  defire.  And  they  were  driven 
 out'irom  Pharaoh’s  prefence. 
 
 12  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  Mofes,  Stretch  out 
 thine  hand  over  the  land  of  Egypt  for  the  locufts,  that 
 they  may  come  up  upon  the  land  of  Egypt,  and  eat 
 every  herb  of  the  land,  even  all  that  the  hail  hath  left. 
 
 13  And  Mofes  ftretched  forth  his  rod  over  the  land 
 of  Egypt,  and  the  Lord  brought  an  eaft  wind  upon 
 the  land  all  that  day,  and  all  (hat  night  ;  and  when  it 
 was  morning,  the  eaft  wind  brought  the  locufts. 
 
 14  And  the  locufts  w^ent  up  over  all  the  land  of 
 Egypt,  and  refted  in  all  the  coafls  of  Egypt:  very 
 grievous  were  they ;  before  them  there  were  no  luch 
 locufts  as  they,  neither  after  them  fhall  be  fuch. 
 
 15  For  they  covered  the  face  of  the  whole  earth,  fo 
 that  the  land  was  darkened  ;  and  they  did  eat  every 
 herb  of  the  land,  and  all  the  fruit  of  the  trees  which 
 
 the  hail  had  left :  and  there  remained  not  any  green 
 thing  in  the  trees,  or  in  the  herbs  of  the  field,  through  ^ 
 all  the  land  of  Egypt.  _  ^ 
 
 16  H  Then  Pharaoh  f  called  for  Mofes  and  Aaron  in  t  ii0’- 
 halfe;  and  he  faid,  I  have  finned  againft  the  Lord 
 your  God,  and  againft  you. 
 
 17  Now  therefore  forgive,  I  pray  thee,  my  fin  only 
 this  once,  and  entreat  the  Lord  your  God,  that  he 
 may  take  away  from  me  this  death  only. 
 
 18  And  he  went  out  from  Pharaoh,  and  entreated 
 the  Lord. 
 
 19  And  the  Lord  turned  a  mighty  ft'rong  weft 
 wind,  which  took  away  the  locufts,  and  t  call;  them  ( 
 into  the  Red  fca  ;  there  remained  not  one  locuft  in 
 the  coafts  of  Egypt. 
 
 20  But  the  Lord  hardened  Pharaoh’s  heart,  fo  that 
 he  would  not  let  the  children  of  Ifraelgo. 
 
 21  H  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  Moles,  Stretch  cut 
 
 thine  hand  toward  heaven,  that  there  may  be  darknefs 
 over  the  land  of  Egypt  f  even  darknefs  ro/i/c/t  may  be  t 
 felt.  ^ 
 
 22  And  Mofes  ftretched  forth  his  hand  toward  he2.-2°riiys. 
 ven  ;  and  there  was  a  thick  darknefs  in  all  the  land  of 
 Egypt  three  days  : 
 
 23  They  faw  not  one  another,  neither  rofe  any  from 
 
 his  place  for  three  days  :  but  all  the  children  of  Ifrael  c  wird^ 
 had  light  in  their  dwellings. 
 
 24  51  And  Pharaoh  called  unto  Mofes,  and  faid.  Go 
 ye,  ferve  the  Lord  ;  only  let  your  flocks  and  your 
 herds  be  flayed  :  let  your  little  ones  alfo  go  with  you. 
 
 25  And  Mofes  faid,  Thou  muft  -f  give  us  alfo  laOri-  f 
 (ices  and  burnt  offerings,  that  we  may  facrifice  unto  the 
 I.ORD  our  God. 
 
 26  Our  cattle  alfo  (hall  go  with  us ;  there  (hall  not 
 an  hoof  be  left  behind  :  for  thereof  muft  we  take  to 
 ferve  the  Lord  our  God  ;  and  we  know  not  with 
 what  we  muft  ferve  the  Lord  until  we  come  thither. 
 
 27  11  But  the  Lord  hardened  Pnaraoh’s  heart,  and 
 he  would  not  let  them  go. 
 
 28  And  Pharaoh  faid  unto  him.  Get  thee  from  me, 
 take  heed  to  thyfelf,  fee  my  face  no  more  :  for  in  that 
 day  thou  feeft  my  face  thou  (halt  die. 
 
 29  And  Mofes  faid.  Thou  halt  fpoken  well  ;  I  will 
 fee  thy  face  again  no  more.* 
 
 CHAP.  XT. 
 
 1  God's  iw'Jfage  ii  the  Ifraetitcs  to  borrow  jewels  of  their  neifthonrs.  4 
 
 Mofes  threatnu’th  Pharaoh  with  the  death  of  the  ftf-born.  9  Pharaoh 
 
 Jim  hardened. 
 
 Scytliia  by  tlie  iiorth-eafl;  wind  in  fuch  numbers  that  they  foim  a  raR  cloud 
 I’ometimes  fifteen  or  eighteen  miles  long,  and  about  tenor  twelve  broad;  which 
 ohfeures  the  light  trf  the  fun,  and  produces  a  fudden  darknefs  amidll  the  hrightell 
 day ;  and  that  wherever  they  light,  they  devour  all  the  corn  in  a  Very  Ihort 
 time,  and  frequently  caufe  a  famine  in  the  counti'y.  5  cr.  iO.Pet  Ihc^  I.ord  oej'o 
 with  yon,  as  I  leill  Lt  you  go.  Though  fomc  imagine  this  to  be  an  ironical  ex- 
 prellion,  vet  it  feems  ratiier  to  be  a  ftrong  denial,  cxpreli'ed  m  the  ionn  of  an 
 imprecation.  P'oi-  evil  is  before  you  >  That  is.  Your  intentions  are  evidently  sedi¬ 
 tious:  as  if  he  had  faid,  Your  evil  defigns  are  feen  in  your  eyes.  Ver.  15.  For 
 tlwy  covered  the  face  ef  Ike  xuhole  earth.  In  tlie  Hebrew  it  is  the  eye  rf  all  the  land. 
 Ver.  17.  Take  away  from  me  this  death.  As  the  locufts  ravaged  the  field,  killed 
 the  trees  and  plants,  and  xleftroyed  the  fupports  of  human  life,^  they  are  juftly 
 called  a  death,  or  deadly  plague.  Ver.  22.  Jnd  there  was  a  thick  darkwfs.  Ihe 
 fun,  moon,  and  ftM.rs  were  the  fupreme  objecls  of  religious  adoration  among  the 
 Egyptians.  Jehovah,  tlierefore,  to  demonftrate  his  fuperiority  over  thefe  exalted 
 
 parts  of  nature,  fufpended  their  lights  and  emanations,  and  covered  all  the  land  of 
 Egypt  with  darknefs  for  three  days.  VYr.  23.  They  Jaw  notone  another,  neither 
 rnje  any  from  his  place  for  three. days.  This  patiage  is  elegantly  pidtiirefqiie ;  it 
 paints,  in  the  ftrongeft  colours,  tlie  horror  and  dilinay  which  tiiis  jialpahle  dark¬ 
 nefs  call  upon  their  minds.  We  muft  not  however,  underftand  tlie  expreliiou  in  its 
 full  extent  ',  for  it  is  not  to  be  fuppofed,  that  none  of  the  Egyptians  arofe  from 
 their  places  for  three  days;  it  only  implies,  that  none  ventured  out  of  their 
 houfes  during  that  time,  and  that  all  hiifinefs  was  entirely  at  a  Hand.  Put  all  the 
 children  of  IJ'rael  had  light  in  their  dwellings.  The  Ifraelitcs  might  liave  teken  ad¬ 
 vantage  of  the  darknefs  the  Egyptians  w'ere  in,  and  eafilyhave  made  their  efcape. 
 But  it  was  the  will  of  God  that  they  flioidd  not  fteal  away  privately  ;  or  depart  fud- 
 denly  as  timorous  or  guilty  fugitives;  hut  openly,  and  wilh  the  mighty  hand  and 
 ftrctciied  out  arm  of  God.  Ver.  29.  I  will  Jee  thy  face  again  no  wore.  That  is 
 after  this  time ;  for  his  conference  did  not  break  up  till  chap.  xi.  8.  when  Mofes 
 went  out  from  Fiiaraoh  in  great  anger. 
 
 PT?  ArTTGAL  OBSERVATIONS—*  Chai>.  X.l  Not  a  more  important  refleaion  can  be  kept  alive  on  the  mind,  than  that  the  creation  and  government 
 «f  all  intelligeiU  and  fpiritual  beings,  is  for  tlie  glory  of  God.  All  his  judgments,  as  well  as  mercies,  are  ftanding  memorials  of  his  power  and  grace  to  confer  liappi- 
 ®efs  on  die  oh\eAs  of  L  love.  Nothing  provokes  his  difpleafure,  and  calls  forth  his  vengeance,  more  than  the  prule  ot  ns  creatures.  .Sinners,  on  the  hnnk  of  de¬ 
 ft  rnafoirfecms  frequently  moft  fet  on  wdcLdnefs  :  Becaufe  fentenee  againft  an  .evil  work  is  not  fpecdily  executed,  the  hearts  of  the  d.ildren  of  men  are  fully  fet 
 the  n  to  evU.  But  the  proucleft  contemners  of  divine  warning  ftia.ll  fooner  or  later  feel  Ihe  importance  ot  regarding  them.,  7  hey  who  aro  more  fo  icitous  to  ayotd 
 t4)ein  lUv.ov-vM  ^  X.  ..  .  .  -r  ^  _ _ _  jsx.varx/sMfL.oi  •  nnfl  tlip  frrniicnt.  rclanies  into  fin  ulucaliv  imie  m  final  aDoftaev.  The 
 
 .  for 
 fever  oft 
 
 divine  judgnieiits  v  ill  no  longer  tarry* 
 
Hofore 
 
 Clirifl 
 
 M9I. 
 
 EXODUS. 
 
 The  pai^ff&er  instifu(ed>, 
 
 Heb. 
 It  is  at 
 tfiet. 
 Heb. 
 at  rf 
 
 ■9  Chap. 
 
 3.  23.  & 
 
 12.  3,5. 
 
 b  Kccliis. 
 4.5.  i. 
 
 c  Chap. 
 
 13.  1. 
 
 pst-horn  ihnatmed  mtli  death 
 A  ND  the  Lord  lUid  unto  Mofes,  Yet  will  I  “ 
 
 A.  “P?"  "^I'XdlfShoufeholdte  little  for  the  lamb, 
 
 “"2  Speak  now  in  the  ears  of  the  people,  and  let  every  jl  according  to  his  eating,  lhall  make  your  count  for  the 
 
 man  borrow  of  his  neighbour,  every  woman  of  j.  ^  ^1,  ^  yemifli,  4  mate  t  oft  H<<>. 
 
 her  neighbour,  jewels  of  filver,  and  jewels  of  gold.  |!  ■>  Mur  tamo 
 
 3  And  the  Lord  gave  the  people  tavour  in  the  light  j  tne  iirit  year  .  yc  k 
 
 of  the  Egyptians.  Moreover,  the  man/,Mofes_^vMS  from^the  goats.^^^  fourteenth  day  . 
 
 of  the  liime  month:  and  the  whole  aflembiy  of  the 
 congregation  of  Ifrael  lhall  kill  it  f  in  the  evening  ^ 
 
 *  7  And  they  lhall  take  of  the  blood,  and  Itnke 
 
 on  the  two  fide-pofts,  and  on  the  upper  door-poft  cf  evcTun^s* 
 the  houfes  wherein  they  lhall  eat  it.  v 
 
 8  And  they  lhall  eat  the  flelh  in  that  night,  roalt 
 with  lire,  and  unleavened  bread  ;  and  with  bitter 
 
 very  great  in  the  land  of  Egypt,  in  the  fight  of  Pha¬ 
 raoh’s  lervants,  and  in  the  fight  of  the  people. 
 
 4  f  And  Mofes  faid.  Thus  faith  the  Lord,  *=  About 
 midnight  will  I  go  out  into  the  midlf  of  Egypt : 
 
 5  And  all  the  firlt-born  in  the  land  of  Egypt  lhall  die, 
 from  the  firll-born  of  Pharaoh  that  fitteth  upon  his 
 throne,  even  unto  the  lirft-born  of  the  maid-fervant 
 that  h  behind  the  mill ;  and  all  the  firlt-born  of  beafts 
 
 6  And  there  lhall  be  a  great  cry  throughout  all  the  they  lhall  eat  it 
 
 land  of  Egypt,  Ibch  as  there  was  none  like  it,  nor  lhall 
 be  like  it  any  more. 
 
 7  Bat  againft  any  of  the  children  of  Ifrael  lhall  not 
 a  dog  move  his  tongue,  againlf  man  or  beaft;  that  ye 
 may  know  how  that  the  Lord  doth  put  a  difference 
 between  the  Egyptians  and  Ilfael. 
 
 8  And  ail  thefe  thy  lervants  lhall  come  down  unto 
 me,  and  bow  down  themfelves  unto  me,  faying.  Get 
 thee  out,  and  all  the  people  f  that  follow  thee  :  and 
 after  that  I  will  go  out.  And  he  went  out  Irom 
 Pharaoh  in  f  a  great  anger. 
 
 9  ^  And  the  Lord  laid  unto  Mofes,  Pharaoh  lhall 
 liOt  hearken  unto  you  ;  that  my  wonders  may  be 
 multiplied  in  the  land  of  Egypt. 
 
 10  And  Mofes  and  Aaron  did  all  thefe  wonders 
 before  Pharaoh  :  and  the  Lord  hardened  Pharaoh’s 
 heart,  lb  that  he  would  not  let  the  children  of  Ifrael  go 
 out  of  his  land,* 
 
 CHAP.  XII. 
 
 1  The  beginning  of  the  year  is  changed.  3,  ll 
 
 of  th"  pajfover.  15  unleavened  bread.  29 
 
 31  The  I/reelites  are  driven  oat  of  the  land. 
 
 And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Moles  and  Aaron  in 
 the  land  of  Egypt,  faying, 
 
 2  This  month  shall  be  unto  you  the  beginning  of 
 months :  it  shall  the  firff  month  of  the  year  to  you. 
 
 3  II  Speak  ye  unto  all  the  congregation  of  Ilfael, 
 faying.  In  the  tenth  da^  of  this  month  they  lhall  take 
 
 The  infilutio)i  ahi  rite 
 The  frjt-born  arc  fain. 
 
 9  Eat  not  of  it  raw,  nor  fodden  at  all  with  water^ 
 but  roaft  tn'M  fire ;  his  head  with  his  legs,  and  with' 
 the  purtenance  thereof. 
 
 10  And  ye  lhall  let  nothing  of  it  remain  until  the 
 
 morning ;  and  that  which  remaineth  of  it  until  the 
 morning  ye  lhall  burn  with  fire.  ^ 
 
 1 1  H  And  thus  lhall  ye  eat  it ;  mth  your  loins  gird¬ 
 ed,  your  Ihoes  on  your  feet,  and  your  ftaff  in  your  ^  ; 
 
 hand  ;  and  ye  lhall  eat  it  in  hafte ;  it  is  the  Lord’s 
 
 ’  paffbver.  ' 
 
 12  For  I  will  pafs  through  the  land  of  Egypt  this 
 
 i  night,  and  will  fmite  all  the  firft-born  in  the  land  of 
 :  Egypt,  both  man  and  beaft :  and  againft  all  the  fl  gods  !1  ^ 
 
 [of  Egypt  I  will  execute  judgment :  I  am  the  Lord. 
 
 I  13  And  the  blood  lhall  be  to  you  for  a  token  upon 
 the  houfeS  where  ye  are :  and  when  I  lee  the  blood,  I 
 ‘  will  pafs  over  you,"  and  the  plague  lhall  not  be  upon  _ 
 you  t  to  deftroy  you,  when  I  fmite  the  land  of  Egypt,  t 
 
 14  And  this  day  lhall  be  unto  you  for  a  memorial 
 and  ye  lhall  kebp  it  a  feaft  to  the  Lord  throughout 
 
 i  your  generations  ;  ye  lhall  keep  it  a  feaft  by  an  ordi¬ 
 nance  for  ever. 
 
 15  II  Seven  days  fhall  ye  eat  unleavened  bread  ; ' 
 even  the  firft  day  ye  lhall  put  away  leaven  out  of  your 
 houfes  :  for  whofoever  eateth  leavened  bread,  from 
 the  firft  day  until  the  feventh  day,  that  foul  lhall  b6 
 cut  off' from  Ifrael. 
 
 16  And  in  the  firft  day  there  shall  be  an  holy  con- 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XI.  Ver.  2.  Le-t  every  man  borroio  of 
 his  neighbour.  The  Hebrew  Saul,  figniiies  not  to  borroio,  but  to  afc,  to  beg,  or  to 
 jiray  for,  as  appears  from  Plal.  xsi.  4.  and  cxxii.  6,  Prov.  xx.  4.  Ver.  5.  Fronl 
 the  f if -born  of  Pharaoh  that  ftteth  upon  Iris  throne,  to  the  f  if -born  of  the  maid- 
 frvant  that  is  behind  the  mUl.  That  is,  all  in  general,  from  the  higheft.  to  the 
 lowed.  Ver.  7.  Shall  not  a  dog  mote  his  tongue.  This  is  a  proverbial  expredion, 
 implying,  that  in  that  memorable  night  all  diould  be  peace  and  quietnefs  among 
 the  Ifradites  ;  no  fearful  outcry  dtould  terrify  them,  nor  flirieks  of  terror  invade 
 their  habitation. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  KOTES.  Chap.  XII.  Ver.  2.  Tim  month  fhall  he 
 unto  you  the  beginning  if  months.  They  had  hitherto  begun  tlieir  year  from  the 
 middle  of  Tifri,  which  anlwers  to  our  September ;  but,  to  commemorate  tlieir  hap¬ 
 py  deliverance  from  Egypt,  they  were  henceforward,  in  all  tlieir  ecclefiadical  com¬ 
 putations,  to  begin  it  from  this  month.  Ver.  3.  In  the  tenth  day  of  this  month. 
 'i’lie  padbver  Was  not  to  be  held  till  the  fourteenth  day  of  the  month,  ver.  6.  but 
 
 the  lamb  was  ordered  to  be  fet  apart  four  days  before.  'Phis  order  tioi 
 obferved  in  future  ages,  but  was  a  circumdance  peculiar  to  the  fird  indituiiou  of 
 the  padbver  in  Egyjit.  A  lamb  for  an  houjb.  The  Hebrew  word  bet/r,  rendered 
 a  houje,  fignides  a  whole  people,  as  the  “  hotife  of  Ifrael and  fometimes  a  tribe 
 as  the  “houfe  of  Levi.  But  in  riiis  plaee  it  denotes  thofe  who  lived  under  one 
 mader,  or  head  of  a  family.  Ver.  6.  In  the  evening.  In  the  original,  ftetacert 
 the  two  evenings,  •  The  Hebrews  divided  the  afternoon  into  two  evenings,  the  fird 
 of  which- began  immediately  after  the  fun  had  paded  the  meridian,  and  laded  till 
 !  fun  fet  ;■  at  vvhich  time  the  fecoiVd  began,  and  laded  till  nigiit,  or  till  the  entl  of 
 i  the  twilight.  And  between  thefe  two  evenings  the  padbver  Was  offered that 
 '  is,  according  to  MaimonideSj  about  half  an  hour  after  three.  Ver.  7»  TliO 
 '  blood  was  to  be  fprinkled  Upon  the  lintel  and  fide-pofts,  but  not  upon  the  threfhold, 
 becaufe  it  was  always  confidered  as  profane  to  tread  upon  blood-,  Ver.  8>  Rodf, 
 ivithfre.  They  were  in  hafte  to  be  gone ;  and  therefore  they  were  commanded 
 to  road  the  lamb,  becaufe  it  required  lefs  time  than  to  boil  it — 'llie  original  Word 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  XI.]  How  dreadful  the  indignation,  and  hovv  extenfive  the  judgments  of  God!  Ire  has,  even  in  this  life,  one 
 plague  more  to  inflibt,  death  on  thofe  who  have  foftered  mod  ;  and  eternal  punifliment  lhall  convince  the  mod  hardened  finncrs  Of  tlieir  folly  in  oppofing  hitn-.  Of 
 this  they  are  now  warned ;  may  the  divide  goodnefs  of  which  they  are  dill  partakers,  lead  them  to  repentance!  The  Lord  can  by  increafihg  liis  judgments  compel  his 
 enemies  to  execute  his  purpofes  of  mercy,  aOd  fulfil  his  promifes  fO  his  people.  W  hile  they  lhall  be  preferVed  fafe  in  tire  midft  of  their  enemies,  and  in  the  Inidft  of 
 ■danger.  And  he  will  effeblually  vindicate,  in  the  proper  time,  the  calil'e  of  his  IVrvants,  and  redrefs  all  their  grievances.  The  condutSl  of  unrcafonUble  and  w  icked 
 men,  hcnt  oh  their  own  ruin,  has  often  excited  tlie  grief,  compalfion,  aiid  holy  indignation  of  righteous  men.  The  impeniteneC  and  Unbelief  of  fihners  heed  nijl 
 durable  Us,  for  it  is  no  more  than  the  \v6rd  of  God  Warmnts  us  to  txpea  ;  let  Us  tticrefore  obey  tire  divine  Will,  faitlifully  iaftruiif,  and  warn  the  ungodly,  and  IcaVB 
 the  event  with  the  Lord. 
 
Tfiejim!  of  initcaven^d  dirad"^ 
 
 EXODUS, 
 
 Tfi^  Israelites  driven  from  Egyp(^^ 
 
 Before 
 
 Chria 
 
 1491. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 Jbul,. 
 
 a  l^evit, 
 £3.  5. 
 Numb, 
 S8.  16.. 
 
 vocation,  and  in  the  feventh  day  there  (hall  be  an 
 holy  convocation  to  you ;  no  manner  of  work  fhall 
 be  done  in  them,  fave  that  which  every  t  man  mult 
 eat,  that  only  may  be  done  of  you. 
 
 17  And  ye  fballobferve  the  feast  (f  unleavened  bread : 
 for  in  this  fell-lame  day  have  I  brought  your  armies 
 out  of  the  land  of  Egypt :  therefore  (hall  ye  obferve 
 this  day  in  your  generations  by  an  ordinance  for  ever. 
 
 is  »  In  the  frit  months  on  the  fourteenth  day  of  the 
 month  at  even,  ye  (hall  eat  unleavened  bread,  until 
 the  one  and  twentieth  day  of  the  month  at  even. 
 
 19  Seven  days  lliall  there  be  no  leaven  found  in  your 
 houfes :  for  whofoever  eateth  that  which  is  leavened, 
 even  that  foul  (hall  be  cut  oft  from  the  congregation 
 of  Ifrael,  whether  he  be  a  ftranger,  or  born  in  the  land. 
 
 20  Ye  (hall  eat  nothing  leavened  ;  in  all  your  habi¬ 
 tations  lhall  ye  eat  unleavened  bread. 
 
 21  f  Then  Mofes  called  for  all  the  elders  of  Ifrael, 
 Or,«a'.  and  faid  unto  them.  Draw  out,  and  take  you  a  (I  lamb, 
 
 according  to  your  families,  and  kill  the  paflbver. 
 
 22  And  ye  lhall  take  a  bunch  of  hyftbp,  and  dip 
 
 it  in  the  blood  that  is  in  the  bafon,  and  ftrike  the  lintel 
 and  the  two  ftde-pofts  with  the  blood  that  is  in  the 
 bafon  ;  and  none  of  you  fhall  go  out  at  the  door  of  his 
 houle  until  the  morning.  '  ^ 
 
 23  For  the  Lord  will  pafs  through  to  fmite  the 
 Egyptians ;  and  when  he  feeth  the  blood  upon  the 
 lintel,  and  on  the  two  fide-pofts,  the  Lord  will  pafs 
 over  the  door,  and  will  not  fufer  the  deftroyer  to 
 come  in  unto  vour  houfes  to  {rente  you. 
 
 24  And  ye  lhall  obferve  this  thing  for  an  ordinance 
 to  thee  and  to  thy  fons  for  eier. 
 
 25  And  it  fhall  come  to  pafs,  when  ye  be  come  to 
 the  land  which  the  Lord  will  give  you,  according  as 
 he  hath  promifed,  that  ye  fhall  keep  this  fervice. 
 
 26  ■=  And  ir  fhall  come  to  pafs,  when  your  children 
 fliall  fay  unto  you,  W^hat  mean  ye  by  this  ervice  ? 
 
 Or, 
 
 ^Kebr. 
 
 41.,  28.. 
 
 %.  6^ 
 
 27  That  ye  fhall  fay,  It  is,  the  facrifice'  of  the 
 
 ti  Chap. 
 S  i,  4. 
 
 T,op.dT  paflbver,.  who  pafled  over  the  houfes  of  the 
 children  of  ifrael  in  Egypt,  when  he  fmote  the  Egyp¬ 
 tians,  and  delivered  our  houfes.  And  the  people 
 bov/ed  the  head,  and  worfhipped. 
 
 2S  And  the  children  of  Ifrael  went  awa^^  and  did  as 
 the  Lord  had  commanded  M.ofes  and  Aaron,  fo  did 
 they. 
 
 29  H  And  it  came  to  pafs,  that,  at  midnight,  the 
 
 31  51  And  he  called  for  Mofes  and  Aaron  by  night, 
 and  laid,  Rife  up,  and  get  you  forth  fr:^m  among  my 
 people,  both  ye  and  the  children  of  Ifrael ;  and  go, 
 ferve  the  Lord,  as  ye  have  laid. 
 
 32  Alfo  take  your  flocks  and  your  herds,  as  ye  have 
 faid,  and  be  gone  ;  and  blefs  me  alfo. 
 
 33  And  the  Egyptians  were  urgent  upon  the  people, 
 that  they  might  fend  them  out  of  tjie  land  in  hafte 
 for  they  faid,  We  all  dead  men. 
 
 34  And  the  people  took  their  dough  before  it  was 
 leavened,  their  \\  kneading-troughs  being  bound  up  in 
 
 I  their  clothes  upon  their  Iboulders. 
 
 \  35  And  the  children  of  Ifrael  did  according  to  the 
 
 word  of  Mofes  ;  and  they  borrowed  of  the  Egyptians  ’ . 
 ^jewels  of  filver,  and  jewels  of  gold,  and  raiment- 
 
 36  And  the  Lord  gave  the  people  favour  in  thcjj^i;'^  ; 
 
 fight  of  the  Egyptians,  lb  that  they  lent  unto  themfuch  '  "  [ 
 
 things  as.  they  required :  and  they  fpoiled  the  Egyp- 
 tians. 
 
 37  f  And  5  the  children  of  Ifrael  journeyed  from  s  Numb, 
 Ramefes  to  Succoth,  about  fix  hundred  thoufand  on^^’ 
 foot  that  irere  men,  befides  children. 
 
 38  And  f  a  mixed  multitude  went  up  alfo  with  f  HfK 
 them  ;  and  flocks  and  herds,  even  very  much  cattle.  “ 
 
 39  And  they  baked  unleavened  cakes  of  the  dough  ^ 
 which  they  brought  forth  cut  of  Egypt,  for  it  was- 
 not  leavened  ;  becaufe  they  were  thruft  out  of  Egypt, 
 and  could  not  tarry,  neither  had  they  prepared  for 
 tliemlelves  any  vi<frual. 
 
 40  H  Now  the  fojourning  of  the  children  of  Ifraefi.  "  ^ 
 
 who  dwelt  in  Egypt,  was  ’’  four  hundred  and  thirty  ^  Gen. 
 years.  *  is. 
 
 41  And  it  came  to  pafs,  at  the  end  of  the  four  sfkJaifs 
 hundred  and  thirty  years,  even  the  felf'-fame  day  it  s.  n, 
 came  to  pafs,  that  all  the  hofts  of  the  Lord  went  out 
 from  the  land  of  Egypt. 
 
 42  It /s  t  a  night  to  be  much  obferved  unto  thefHeb. 
 
 Lord  for  bringing  them  out  from  the  land  of  Egypt :  ’’•t 
 
 this  is  that  night  of  the  Lord  to  be  oblerved  of  all  the^fo 
 children  of  ifrael  in  their  generations. 
 
 ^  43  51  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  Mofes  and  Aaron, 
 
 This  /s  the  ordinance  of  the  pafTov.er ;  There  fliall  no 
 j  ftranger  eat  thereof: 
 
 j  44  But  every  man’s  Jervant  that  is  bought  for 
 ij  money,  when  thou  haft:  circuracifed  him,,  then  fhall 
 "  he  eat  thereof. 
 
 ions. 
 
 <£  WifcL 
 
 is.,  11. 
 
 Lord 
 
 €  fV 
 
 f  Heb. 
 Sov/eef 
 ihe  pit. 
 
 fmote  all  the  nrft-born  in  the  land  of  Egypt, 
 from  the  firft-born  of  Pharaoh  that  fat  on  his  throne, 
 unto  the  firft-born  of  the  captive  that  was  ia  the 
 f  dungeon,,  and  all  the  firft-born  of  cattle. 
 
 ■  30  And  Pharaoh  rofe  up  in  the  night,  he,,  and  all 
 his  fervants,  and  all  the  Egyptians;  and  there  was 
 a  great  cry  in  Egypt :  for  there  was  not  a  houfe  where 
 there  loas  not  one  dead.. 
 
 is  rendered  properly  fignities^iMr?,  unmixcdyuncorrupied.  Gro- 
 
 iSjus  therefore  imagines,  that  tlie  unleavened  bread  was  typical  of  internal  purity, 
 i-  Cor.  V,  7,  8.  ynd.  wiih. bitter  herbs.  This  was  alfo  enjoined,  to  remind  them, 
 ^  their  Egyptian  bondage,  which  made  “  their  lives  bitter  to  them.”  Ver.  1,0. 
 Wh'jd  tahich  revioitielh,  of  it  until  th^  morning,  ye  Jhall  burn  with  fire.  The 
 S’^afon  of  this  law  was,  that  none  of  what  remained  uneaten,  might  be  converted 
 io  cammon  or  fiiperftitious  ufes ;  nor  the  Egyptians  have  an  opportunity  of  treat¬ 
 ing  it  with  contempt.  Vc-r,  12.  Your  loins  girded.  This  injunAion  alludes  to  the 
 long  Sowing  garments  wore  ia  the.  Eaft,  which  require  to  be  tucked  up  by  a  girdle 
 in  order  to.  journeying.  They  were  to  eat  it  in  a  travelling  poRure  that  tlicy  might 
 be  ready  to  fet  out  on  a  moment' s  warning.  It  is  the  Lord's  pajfover.  In  the  Ile.- 
 breWf  “  A  paflbver  to  the  Eord  that  is,  a  facrifice  wherein  they  commemorated 
 toe  Eord’s  ppjjing  over,  or  fparing  the.  Ifraelites,  when  he  finote  the  firft-born  of 
 ^e  I^y'ptians.  \T-r.  22.  And.  none  of  you  Jhall  go  but  at  the  door  of  his  hovfie 
 ihe  nwrhingi  Doubtlefs,  left  they  fliould  fufptdl  the  Ifraelites  as  the  real 
 
 45  A  foreigner  and  an  hired  fervant  fhall  not  eat 
 thereof. 
 
 46  In  one  houfe  fnall  it  be  eaten :  thou  fhalt  npt 
 
 carry  forth  ought  of  the  flefh  abroad  out  of  ttie  houfe  ;  i  Numb. 
 '  neither  ftiali  ye  break  a  bone  thereof.  9.  12. 
 
 47  All  the  congregation  of  Ifrael  fhall  f  keep  it. 
 
 48  And  when  a  ftranger  lhall  fojourn  with  thee,  andi^frf^; 
 wiil  keep  the  paflbver  to  the  Lord,  let  all  his  males  Ld. 
 
 authors  of  their  national  calamity.  Vcr.  20.  The  Lord  fmote  all  the  firfi-born.  The 
 Hebrew  bekor,  which  is  here  Vcaxii\at.ed  fi>fi-born,  fignifies  fometinies  a  perfon  of 
 eminence,  or  excellence  i  and  therefore  it  may  not  be  an  unreafonahle  fuppofition, 
 that  where  a  family  had  no  firft-born,  the  principal  or  moft  eminent  perfon  in  it 
 was  finitten  with  death.  All  the  fiijl-born  of  cattle.  By  tlie  firft-born  may  be  un- 
 derftood  the  haft,  that  is  the  prime  of  their  cattle.  Ver  32.  Blfs  me  alfo  ;  Or, 
 pray  to  Jehovah,  that  I  and  my  people  may  be  delivered  from  this  terrible  pefti- 
 lence.  Ver,  33.  T/ie  Egyptians  were  urgent.  ThcSeptuagintrenders.it,  “And 
 the  Eg)'ptians  compelled  the  jicojile  by  force  to  drive  out.  ”  Ver.  35.  They  borrowed 
 of  the  Egyptians,  It  may  here  he  further  added,  that  even  fuppofing  the  ftri^ 
 lenfe  of  the  word  to  be,  that  they  did  borroio,  and  take  aw.ay  many  valuable  things 
 from  the  Egyptians ;  yet  whatever  they  thus  horrotoed,  they  took  and  poffeffed, 
 not  only  by  the  law.  of  reprifiils  for  the  injuries  and  hardlhips  they  had  fufiered, 
 but  by  virtue  of  a  fpecial  warrant  from  the  Lord  himfelf,  who  was  now  become 
 not  th«ir  God  only,  but  Iheir  peculiar  king,  Ver.  40,  .The  word  tranllated 
 
M 
 
EXODUS, 
 
 The  flntUn^s  of  beasts  are  set  apart* 
 
 The  memorial  of  the  passffoer  commanded 
 
 be  circumcifed,  and  then  let  him  come  near  and  keep  1  hand,  and  for  a  memorial  between  thine  eyes,  that  the 
 it  •  and  he  (hall  be  as  one  that  is  born  in  the  land  ; Lord  s  law  may  be  m  thy  mouih  .  for  with  a  ..ro..g 
 
 Before 
 
 Cltrilt 
 
 1491. 
 
 ■6  tJhap. 
 
 •52.  29.  &  jQg- 
 ;i4.  19. 
 
 Levit. 
 
 ’  27.  26. 
 
 NumK 
 S.  13.  & 
 
 «.  16. 
 lallke 
 2.  23. 
 t  Heb. 
 farvants. 
 
 for  no  uncircuindfc’d  perfon  (hall  eat  thereof. 
 
 49  One  law  lhall  be  to  him  that  is  home-born,  and 
 tinto  the  ftran^er  that  ibjonrneth  among  you. 
 
 .'JO  Thus  did  all  the  children  of  llVael :  as  the  Lord 
 commanded  Mofes  and  Aaron,  lb  did  they. 
 
 51  And  it  came  to  pafs  the  felf-fame  day,  thatihe 
 Lord  did  bring  the  children  of  Ifrael  out  ot  the  land, 
 of  Egypt  by  their  armies.*  j 
 
 C-HAP.  XIII.  ' 
 
 1  The  firjl-born  are  fanaijied  to  God.  3  The  memorial  of  the  pajjbvcr  is 
 commanded,  11  The  firjllings  of  heajis  are  fet  apart. 
 
 And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  faying, 
 
 2  ^  Sandify  unto  me  all  the  firft-born,  what- 
 T  openeth  the  womb  araopg  the  children  of 
 Ifrael,  both  of  man  and  of  beaft  :  it  is  mine. 
 
 3  I!  And  Mofes  faid  unto  the  people,  Remember 
 this  day  in  which  ye  came  out  from  Egypt,  out  ot 
 the  houfe  of  f  bondage  ;  for  by  ftrength  of  hand  the 
 Lord  brought  you  out  from  this  place:  there  thall 
 no  leavened  bread  be  eaten. 
 
 4  This  day  came  ye  out,  in  the  month  Abib. 
 
 5  And  it  (hall  be,  when  the  Lord  Ihall  bring  thee 
 into  the  land  of  the  Canaanites,  and  the  Hittites,  and  ; 
 the  Amorites,  and  the  Hivites,  and  the  Jebufites, : 
 which  he  fware  unto  thy  fathers  to  give  thee  a  land 
 flowing  with  milk  and  honey,  that  thou  Ilialt  keep 
 this  I'ervice  in  this  month. 
 
 6  Seven  days  thou  (halt  eat  unleavened  bread,  and 
 in  the  feventh  day  shall  be  a  feaft  to  the  Lord. 
 
 7  Unleavened  bread  Ihall  be  eaten  feven  days  :  and 
 there  Ihall  no  leavened  bread  be  feen  with  thee ; 
 neither  Ihall  there  be  leaven  feen  with  thee  in  all  thy 
 quarters. 
 
 8  And  thou  Ihalt  Ihew  thy  fon  in  that  day,  faying, 
 This  is  done  becaufe  of  that  irhich  the  Lord  did  unto 
 me  when  I  came  forth  out  of  Egypt. 
 
 9  And  it  Ihall  be  for  a  fign  unto  thee  upon  thine 
 
 Before 
 
 ChrUt 
 
 1491. 
 
 dwelt,  fliouid  here  be  rendered  fojourned.  A  difficulty  here  occurs  ;  for  it  is  de- 
 monftrable,  that  the  children  of  Ifrael  did  not  fojourn  or  dwell  430  years  in  the 
 land  of  Egypt.  The  Samaritan  copy  however  enables  us  to  folve  this  difficulty 
 and  (liows  the  narrative  to  be  both  confident,  and  wortliy  of  the  pen  of  Mofes : 
 it  reads,  “  Now  tlie  fojourning  of  the  children  of  Ifrael,  and  of  their  fathers,  which 
 they  fojourned  in  the  land  of  Canaan,  and  in  the  land  of  Egypt,  was  430  years,” 
 fee  Note  on  Gal.  iii.  1 7.  Ver.  42.  Generations.  That  is,  in  fuccelTive  ages  until 
 the  coming  of  tlie  Meffiah. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XIII.  Ver.  2.  SanBify.  The  original 
 Word  fignifies  to  fet  apart,  and  whatever  was  fet  apart  for  the  Lord,  was  eflcemed 
 holy  orfanBified.  The  men  and  unclean  beads  were  to  be  redeemed  by  money. 
 Numb,  xviii.  15 — 17.  The  Levites  were  afterwards  taken  for  all  tlie  fird-born 
 Ifraelites,  and  devoted  to  God’s  fervice.  Numb.  iii.  6,  1 2.  Ver.  4.  Abib,  anfwer- 
 ing  to  our  March.  Its  name  denotes  green  ears,  or  fruit,  and  it  was  given  to 
 this  month,  becaufe  in  the  courfe  of  it  the  Jews  began  their  harved.  It  was  ap¬ 
 pointed  the  beginning  of  the  ecclefiadical  year,  becaufe  in  this  month  Ifrael 
 came  out  of  Egypt,  chap.  xii.  1.  Ver.  9.  It  Jhallbefor  a  fign  unto  thee  upon  thine 
 
 hand  hath  the  Lord  brought  thee  cut  ct  Egypt. 
 
 10  Thou  Ilialt  therefore  keep  this  ordinance  iu  his 
 feafon  from  year  to  year. 
 
 1 1  H  And  it  Ihall  be,  when  the  Lord  Ihall  bring 
 thee  into  the  land  of  the  Canaanites,  as  he  fware  unto 
 thee  and  to  thy  fathers,  and  Ihall  give  it  thee, 
 
 12  ‘'That  thou  Ihalt f  fet  apart  unto  the  Lord 
 
 that  openeth  the  matrix,  and  every  firllling  that  com-  'Jy/* 
 eth  of  a  bead  which  thou  haft ;  the  males  shall  be  the  Ezek.  ‘ 
 Lord^Sc 
 
 13  And  every  firftling  of  an  afs  thou  Ihalt  redeem 
 wnth  a  II  lamb;  and  if  thou  wilt  not  redeem  it,  then 
 
 thou  Ihalt  break  his  neck  :  and  all  the  firft-born  ot  n  or,  Ou. 
 man  among  thy  children  Ihalt  thou  redeem. 
 
 14  ^  And  it  Ihall  be,  when  thy  fon  allteth  thee  f  in  +  Heb. 
 time  to  come,  faying.  What  is  this  that  thou  Ihalt 
 
 fay  unto  him.  By  ftrength  of  hand  the  Lord  brought 
 ;  us  out  from  Egypt,  from  the  houfe  ot  bondage  : 
 
 15  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  Pharaoh  would 
 hardly  let  us  go, 'that  the  Lord  flew  all  the  firft-born 
 in  the  land  of  Egypt,  both  the  firft-born  of  man,  and 
 the  firft-born  of  beaft:  therefore  I  facrifice  to  the 
 Lord  all  that  openeth  the  matrix,  being  males  ;  but 
 all  the  firft-born  of  my  children  1  redeem. 
 
 16  And  it  thall  be  for  a  token  upon  thine  hand,  and 
 for  frontlets  between  thine  eyes :  fer  by  ftrength  of 
 hand  the  Lord  brought  us  forth  out  of  Egypt. 
 
 17  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  Pharaoh  had  let  the 
 
 i  people  go,  that  God  led  them  not  through  the  way  of 
 i  the  land  of  the  Philiftines,  although  that  was  near  : 
 for  God  faid,  Left  peradventure  the  people  repent 
 when  they  fee  war,  and  return  to  Egypt : 
 
 18  But  God  led  the  people  about,  through  the  way 
 of  the  wildernefs  of  the  Red  fea.  And  th^e  children 
 
 of  Ifrael  went  up  )|  harneftedout  of  the  land  of  Egypt.  II  Or, 
 
 19  And  Mofes  took  the  bones  of  Jofeph  with  him 
 tor  he  had  ftraitly  fworn  the  children  of  Ifrael,  faying,  “ 
 
 hand,  and  for  a  memorial  betiveen  thine  eyes.  Though  tliis  be  ouly  a  figurative  ex- 
 preffion,  taken  from  the  cuftem  of  wearing  fillets  in  thefe  days  and  ufed  to 
 fignify  only  a  lively  and  indelible  remembrance,  as  appears  from  Ifa.  xlix.  16- 
 Prov.  ii.  3.  yet  hence  the  Jews  derive  their  cuftom  of  wearing  phyladleries,  or 
 pieces  of  parchment,  inferibed  nath  fedtioiis  of  the  law  upon  their  foreheads  and 
 about  tlieir  wrifts.  The  deliverance  from  Egypt  by  a  ftrong  hand  prefigured  the 
 redemption  by  Chrill,  Luke  xi.  21,  22.  Ver.  13.  An  afs,  as  in  chap,  xxxir. 
 20.  or  it  may  be  put  here  for  any  unclean  beaft,  to  wliich  the  fame  law  is  applied. 
 Numb.  xviiL  15.  After  the  owner  of  an  afs,  or  any  unclean  bead,  had  re¬ 
 deemed  it  he  might  employ  it  in  his  own  work  which  otherwife  he  was 
 prohibited  from  doing,  Deut.  xv.  1 9.  The  redemption  of  the  firft-born  denoted 
 our  redemption  from  the  fecond  deatli,  efiedled  by  Jefus  Chrift.  "^'er.  17.  The 
 diftance  from  Egypt  to  Canaan,  through  the  land  of  the  Philiftines,  was  a 
 journey  only  of  a  fe^-  days.  But  the  Ifraelites,  were  no  ftrangers  to  the  fierce 
 temper  of  the  Philiftines,  for  they  had  killed  fome  of  the  Ifraelites  without  pro¬ 
 vocation,  while  they  dwelt  in  Egypt,  iu  the  days  of  Ephraim,  fon  of  Jofeph, 
 1  Chron.  vii.  21 — 23.  As  the  llavery  they  had  endured  in  Egypt  muft  have 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  XII.]  Behold  what  God  hath  wrought  for  Ifrael !  He  multiplied  them  in  the  midft  of  their  cruel  and  murderoiM 
 tnemies  ;  he  prote<5led  them  miraculoully  from  many  ruinous  plagues ;  gave  them  favour  in  the  fight  of  their  inveterate  foes,  who  willingly  granted  tliem  all  their 
 tequefts  ;  and  in  one  night  delivered  them  from  tlieir  captivity  and  cruel  bondage  :  they  departed  triumphantly  from  the  land  of  their  flavery,  with  wealth,  honour, 
 and  glory.  This  was  indeed  to  them  the  beginning  of  years  ;  a  feafon  never  to  be  forgotten.  Thus  God  manifefts  his  care  of  his  people,  and  diftinguiflies  them  from 
 the  reft  of  the  world.  lie  delivers  them  out  of  the  hands  of  all  their  fpiritual  enemies,  that  they  miglrt  ferve  him  without  fear  in  righteoufnefs  and  liolinefs  all  tlvJ 
 days  of  their  life.  The  time  of  every  believer’s  deliverance  from  the  dominion  of  fin,  Satan,  and  an  evil  world,  is  to  him  the  beginning  of  new  years,  new  enjoy¬ 
 ments,  new  privileges,  and  new  exercifes. — But  let  us  chiefly  contemplate  Ifracl’s  emancipation  in  conne<5lion  with  the  ordinance  of  the  paflbver;  they  were  faved 
 through  the  fliedding  of  blood.  Does  not  this  at  once  fix  our  attention  on  the  Lamb  of  God  who  hatli  taken  away  the  fins  of  the  world;  and  bv  whom  all 
 believers  obtain  complete  and  everlafting  redemption  ?  The  night  of  his  death  is  to  be  remembered  in  every  generation,  throughout  eternity.  Behold,  He  makes  all 
 ttings  new  !  See  peace  in  heaven  and  glory  in  the  higheft  ;  and  peace  on  earth  and  good  will  to  men.  The  heavenly  kingdom  is  eftabliflied  on  earth  •  Satan 
 M  defeated ;  the  promifes  to  the  fatliers  fulfilled  ;  the  expG(5tations  of  tlie  church  more  than  realized  ;  her  boundaries  extended  over  all  the  earth.  O  Cng'  to  thf*. 
 Lord*  praife  his  name  :  tell  his  falvation  from  day  to  day.  And  let  the  blood  of  the  everlafting  covenant  be  fprinkled  on  our  hearts,  tlrat  it  may  fecure  us  from 
 every  danger  and  from  every  evil.  And  while  we  live  by  faith  on  the  precious  blood  of  Immanuel,  let  us  be  fober  and  vigilant,  perfevering  and  fpiritual,  zealoufly 
 devoted  to  ferve  our  God  ;  giving  undoubted  evidence  that  we  aie  ftrangers  and  foreigners  on  earth,  but  have  afiuredly  a  defirable,  an  eternal  city  and  inheritance, 
 Which  we  hope  and  long  to  enjoy.  ■' 
 
 No,  5,,,6d, 
 
 T 
 
ii'O  n  ti 
 
 EXODUS, 
 
 J^hciraok  pursuelh  after  the  Israelites. 
 
 aSii  '  furely  vifit  you  ;  and  ye  fiiall  carry  up  myl] 
 
 1491.  tiones  awMY  hence  with  you. 
 
 ^  ‘iO  And  ^  they  took  their  journey  from  Succoth, 
 
 c  Gciv  and  encamped  in  Ethain,  in  the  edge  of  the  wilderneis. 
 joJiurv  Lord  went  before  them  by  day  in  a 
 
 ^  pillar  of  a  cloud,  to  lead  them  the  way  ;  and  by  night 
 Numb,  in  a  pillar  of  fire,  to  give  them  light,  to  go  by  day 
 3- <>•  and  night. 
 
 14^'m.**'  pillar  of  the  cloud  by  day, 
 
 X)Jut.*'  nor  the  pillar'^of  fire  by  night,/! o?j;  before  the  people.* 
 
 1.  as.  Nt'hcm.  9.  l‘J,  19.  rial.  78.  14.  1  Cor.  10.  1. 
 
 CdlAP.  XIV. 
 
 1  Gi'd  rn/i7'ueieth  the  Ifraelites  in  thcii-  Journey.  5  Pharaoh  jyurjtteth 
 after  them.  10  The  Tfracliles  murmur.  13  Mofes  comforteth  them. 
 15  God  ii^lriiGeth  Mofes.  19  The  cloud  removetk  b -hind  the  camp 
 21  The  IJ'raelites  prjs  through  the  lied  Jea,  23  which  drownelh  the 
 J'gyptuin!’. 
 
 ^  In'D  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  faying, 
 
 JVSl  -  Speak  unro  the  children  of  Ifrael,  that  they 
 *  N«:nb.  turn  and  encamp  before  ®  Pi-hahiroth,  between  Mig- 
 33.  7.  (IqI  jjnd  the  lea,  over  againlt  Baal-zephon  :  before  it 
 ftiall  ve  encamp  by  the  fea. 
 
 3  F'  r  Pnaraoh  will  lay  of  the  children  of  Ifrael, 
 They  are  entangled  in  the  land,  the  wildernefs  hath 
 fhut  them  in. 
 
 4  And  I  will  harden  Pharaoh heart,  that  be  fhall 
 follow  after  them  ;  and  1  will  be  honoured  upon 
 P'Mraoh,  and  upon  all  his  hell ;  that  the  Egyptians 
 niav  know  that  1  r/:«  the  Lord.  And  they  did  fo. 
 
 5  And  it  was  told  the  king  of  Egypt  that  the 
 people  fled  :  and  the  heart  of  Pnaraoh  and  of  his  fer- 
 vants  was  turned  againft  the  people,  and  they  laid, 
 Why  have  we  done  this,  that  W’C  have  let  Ifrael  go 
 from  ferving  us  ? 
 
 6  And  he  made  ready  his.  chariot,  and  took  his 
 people  wnth  him. 
 
 7  And  he  took  fix  hundred  chrfen  chariots,  and 
 all  the  chariots  of  Egypt,  and  captains  over  every  one 
 of  them. 
 
 8  And  the  Lord  hardened  the  heart  of  Pharaoh 
 king  of  Egypt,  and  he  pui  Ined  after  the  children  of 
 Ifrael:  and  the  children  of  ilrael  went  out  with  an 
 
 fc  jo^ua  jjjg’o  hand» 
 
 9  But  the  ^  Egyptians  purfued  after  them,  (all  the 
 horfes  a7id  chariots  of  P.'araoh,  and  his  horfem^n, 
 
 24.  e. 
 i  Mac 
 4.  9. 
 
 Moses  eomforteth  them. 
 
 and  his  army,)  and  overtook  them  encamping  by  the 
 lea,  befide  Pi-hahiroth,  before  Baal-zephon. 
 
 10  1!  And  w'hen  Pharaoh  drew  nigh,  the  children  of. 
 
 Ifrael  lifted  up  their  eyes,  and,  behold,  the  Egyptians 
 marched  after  them  ;  and  they  were  lore  afraid  :  and 
 the  children  of  Ifrael  cried  o.ut  unto  the  Lord, 
 
 1 1  And  they  faid  unto  Mofes,  Becaufe  there  were 
 no  graves  in  Egypt,  half  thou  taken  us  away  to  die  in 
 the  wildernefs  ?  wherefore  haft  thou  dealt  thus  with 
 us,  to  carry  us  forth  out  of  Egypt  ? 
 
 12  *=  Is  not  this  the  word  that  we  did  tell  thee  in® 
 
 Egypt,  faying,  Let  us  alone,  that  we  may  ferve  the®'®* 
 Egyptians  ?  For  it  hud  been  better  for  us  to  lerve  the 
 Egyptians,  than  that  we  Ihould  die  in  the  wildernefs. 
 
 13  '^1  And  Moles  faid  unto  the  people,  Fear  ye  nor, 
 ftand  ftill,  and  fee  the  lalvauon  of  the  Lord,  which 
 
 he  will  (hew  to  you  to-day:  ||  for  the  Egyptians  II  Or, 
 vvhom  ye  i)ave  leen  to-day,  ye  lhall  fee  them  again 
 no  mo"e  fi'm  ever.  ye  havt 
 
 14-  The  Lord  lhall  fight  for  you,  and  ye  lhall  hold 
 your  peace.  to'^ay, 
 
 1.5  ^1  And  the  Lord  laid  unto  Moles,  Wherefore 
 crieft  thou  unto  me  ?  fpeak  unto  the  children  of  Ilrael, 
 that  they  go  forward  : 
 
 16  But  lift  thou  up  thy  rod,  and  ftre'ch  out  thine 
 
 '  hand  over  the  fea,  and  divide  it ;  and  the  children  cf 
 i  Ifrael  lhall  go  on  dry  grounu  through  the  raidft  of  the 
 lea.. 
 
 17  And  I,  behold,  I  w  ill  harden  the  heaits  of  the 
 I  Egyptians,  and  they  fliali  follow'  them  ;  and  1  will  get 
 
 me  honour  upon  Pharaoh,  and  upon  all  his  hoft^ 
 upon  his  chariots,  and  upon  his  horfemen. 
 
 18  And  the  Egyptians  lhall  know  that  I  cw  the 
 Lord,  w  hen  I  have  got'en  me  honour  upon  Pharaoh, 
 upon  his  chariots,  and  upon  his  horlemen. 
 
 19  *il  And  the  angel  of  (lod,  w  hich  went  before  the 
 camp  of  Ilrael,  removed,  and  went  behind  them  ;  and 
 the  pillar  of  the  cloud  went  from  before  their  face, 
 and  ftood  behind  them. 
 
 20  And  it  came  betw-cen  the  camp  of  the  Egyp¬ 
 tians  and  the  camp  of  Ifrael ;  and  it  w'as  a  cloud  and 
 darknefs  to  ihnn,  but  it  gave  light  by  night  tutlufe: 
 lb  that  the  one  came  not  near  the  other  all  the  night. 
 
 2 1  11  And  Mofes  ftretched  out  his  hand  over  the  fea  ; 
 
 4>roken  their  fpirits  and  rendered  them  unfit  for  war,  thererore  God  was  pleafed 
 %o  lead  them  a  -very  different  way  tI;rough  the  defert.  Thus  God  had  compaffion 
 ©n  his  people’s  infirmity,  and  would  not  fufter  them  to  be  tempted  above  what 
 they  were  able  to  bear.  Vcr.  18,  The  word  hamejpid  is  varioufly  rendered,  feme 
 sender  it-Jive  in  a  rank.  Others  think  it  fignifies  girt  about,  that  is,  ready  for 
 a'aion,  or,  prejmred  for  war.  Thus  God  led  his  people  with  a  high  hand,  and 
 trained  them  for  future  wars  to  conquer  Canaan,  chap.  xiv.  8,  Numb.  i.  3.  xiv.  9. 
 Ver  20.  Etham  lay  in  the  edge  of  tlie  wildernefs  of  Sliur,  next  to  Egypt,  at  the 
 bottom  of  the  Arabian  gulfj  or  Red  fea.  Veit  21.  u4nd  the  Lord  went  before 
 them.  WTo  is  called  the  angel  of  God,  cliap.  xiv.  19.  ;  not  a  created,  but  the  un¬ 
 created  angel  of  .Jehovah’s  prefence,  even  the  Lord  Cbrift,  (1  Cor  x.  9.)  By  day 
 in  n  pillar  of  a  clond.  It  is  called  a  pillar,  becaufe  it  extended  from  the  earth  to 
 the  clouds,  and  aifurned  the  appearance  of  a  ftately  pillar.  By  night  in  a  pillar  of 
 fire.  Tills  was  to  direft  their  rnarchj  and  at  the  fame  time  to  give  them  light,  that 
 toe'y  might  travel  by  night  as  W'ell  as  by  day.  It  was  tlie  token  of  the  divine  pre¬ 
 fence  to  protedl  and  guide  his  people,  Ila.  iv.  5,  o.  Zech.  ii.  5.  Thefe  appearances 
 ®ontinued  till  the  death  of  Mofes,  when,  the  I fraelites  palled  over  Jordan,  and  were 
 directed  in  their  march  by  the  ark  of  the  covenant. 
 
 EXPtANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XIV.  Ver.  2.  The  intention  of  Ifrael 
 at  firft  was,  to  have  entered  the  wildernefs  from  Etham  ;  but  they  are  now  directed 
 ty  an  order  from  the  Shechinah  to  turn  to  the  right,  and  keep  along  the  weft  fide 
 of  the  Red  fea,  between  Migdol  and  the  fc-a.  Ver.  3.  Pharaoh  tmllfay  of  the 
 
 children  cf  I'rael,  They  are  entangled  in  the  land;  That  is,  he  will  be  perfuaded 
 that  they  were  liemmed  in  by  the  rocks  on  one  fide,  and  by  the  fea  on  tlic  other. 
 
 or  perplexed;  not  knowing  what  to  do,  they  wander  or Jiray, 
 Septuagint  hath  it.  The  word  is  applied  to  cattle  deftituie  of  pafturc,  and  v  an. 
 dcring  in  purfuit  of  it;  uncertain  wliere  to  find  it,  Joel  i,  18.  Probably  Pharaoh 
 learning  the  inxlircA  road  which  Ifrael  took,  concluded  that  tiiey  wandered  in 
 the  wildernefs,  peiplexed  in  mind  lio.v  to  adl :  and  hwice  he  hardened  his  heart, 
 and  refolved  to  cveitake  them,  anti  feize  them  as  captives  to  be  bond-flaves  for 
 ever.  Ver.  8.  And  he  purfwd  after  the  children  of  Ifrael;  and  the  children  of 
 IJrael  went  out  with  a  Idgh  hand.  This  paffage,  according  to  the  Hebrew,  ftiould 
 be  rendered:  “  And  lie  purfued  after  the  chiWren  of  Iliael,  even  the  children  of 
 Ifrael,  who  v/ere  going  out  %vith  a  high  hand.”  That  is,  boldly,  openly,  with  un¬ 
 daunted  fortitude,  as  armed  men  in  the  fight  of  their  enemies,  not  like  fugitives, 
 chap.  xiii.  18.  Numb,  xx.eiii.  S.  Thus  to  fin  with  a  high  hand,  is  to  fm  openly 
 and  boldly,  Numb.  xv.  30.  The  Ciialdee  renders  the  lalt  words,  “With  an  un. 
 covered  head.”  That  is,  boldly  and  joyfully,  in  oppofition  to  flmme  and  fbrrow, 
 the  fign  of  which  is  the  head  covered,  2  Sam.  xv.  22.  VTr.  14  Hold  your  peace. 
 or  be  filent,  ihall  ceafe  from  fpeakingor  dohrg  any  thing  in  this  battle.  The  ori¬ 
 ginal  word  denotes  to  ceafe  from  hearing,  or  from.perfoimingatlecd,  andtoceaft 
 frommurmuring  againft  God  or  man,  2  Sam.  xix.  11.  Plal.  Ixxxiii.  2.  v.  3.  Ifa.  xlii. 
 14,  15.  Ver.  17.  /  wdl  harden  the  hcurlt  of  the  Egyptians,  and  they  fhall  follovt 
 them.  Of  all  tire  infatuations  that  ever  poffeffed  the  Egyptians,  this  was  the 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  XIILl  Never  let  us  overlook  nor  forget  the  great  things  which  God  does  for  us  for  his  church  ;  and  let  us 
 sarefully  inform  our  children  of  them,  that  they  alfo  may  hope  in  God,  and  fmg  of  his  mercies  and  judgments.  Thofe  whom  he  Iratli  redeemed  are  not  their  own  ; 
 ^  his  ftrvico  it  becomes  them  to  be  demoted  in  Irody  and  fpirit,  family  and  fu!>ftance.  And  wliile  we  Ibjourn  in  this  wafte  howling  wildernefs,  and  our  fteps  are 
 befet  with  dangerous  fnares,  let  our  eyes  le  towards  tlie  Lord,  that  his  glorious  prefence  in  Chrift  Jefus  luay  protedh  Mid  guide  US.  Then  (hall  we  (unaount  every 
 danger  wid  w«t,  without  any  fearful  apprehenfions,  the  time  appointed  for  our  final  deliverance*. 
 
The  Egyptians  overt hremn. 
 
 EXODUS. 
 
 Moses  song  of  dcUverane^t 
 
 1491. 
 
 Or, 
 
 Fefore  and  the  Lord  caufed  the  fea  to  go  hack  by  a  ftrong 
 Chria  jtiat  night,  and  made  the  fea  dry  land, 
 
 and  toe  waters  were  divided. 
 
 22  And  '  the  children  of  Ifrael  went  into  the  midft 
 of  the  fea  up  >11  the  dry  grou id And  the  v/aters  were 
 a  wall  unto  them  01  fieir  right  hand,  and  ontbeir  left. 
 
 23  K  And  the  Egyptians  purfu  d,  and  went  in  after 
 them  to  the  midft  of  th  /  fea,  tvcn  all  Pnaraon’s  horfes, 
 his  c'lariots  and  his  horlennen. 
 
 24-  And  it  came  to  pals,  that,  in  the  morning- watch, 
 the  Lord  looked  unto  the  hoft  of  the  Egvptians 
 through  the  pillar  of  lire,  and  of  the  cloud,  and  trou¬ 
 bled  the  hoft  of  the  Egyptians. 
 
 25  And  took  off  their  chariot-wheels,  I|  that  they 
 d rave  them  heavily  :  lb  that  the  Egyptians  faid.  Let 
 
 flee  from  the  face  of  ifrael ;  for  the  Lord  fighteth 
 for  them  vgainlt  the  Egyptians. 
 
 26  f  And  he  Lord  fiid  unto  Mofes,  Stretchout 
 thine  hand  over  the  fea,  tnat  the  waters  may  com  ■ 
 again  upon  the  Egyptians,  upon  their  chariots,  and 
 upon  their  horfemen. 
 
 27  And  i'dof  s  ftrerch“d  forth  his  hand  over  the  fea, 
 and  t'le  fea  returned  to  his  ttrength  when  them  irning 
 appeared  ;  and  tne  Egyptians  fl^d  againft  it ;  and  the 
 Lord  f  overthrew  the  Egyptians  in  the  inidft  of  the 
 fea. 
 
 23  And  the  waters  returned,  and  ^  covered  the 
 chariots,  and  the  horfemen, a;;r/ ail  die  lioft  of  Pnaraoh, 
 that  came  into  the  fea  after  them :  there  remained 
 nor  lb  much  as  one  of  them. 
 
 29  But  tnechil  iren  of  Ifrael  walked  upon  dry  land 
 in  the  midft  of  the  fea  ;  and  the  waters  ncre  a  wall 
 unto  them  on  their  right  hand,  and  on  their  left. 
 
 SO  Thus  the  Lord  faved  Ifrael  that  d  ly  out  of  the 
 hand  of  the  Egyptians ;  and  ifrael  law  the  Egyptians 
 dead  up  Jii  the  tea-lhore. 
 
 3  i  And  ilrael  faw  that  great  f  work  which  the  Lord 
 
 r 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 diaok  off. 
 
 f  FCilm 
 105.  11. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 hand. 
 
 ftrongcll.  \er.  21.  And  the  Lord  caufal  the  fia  to  go  back.  So.ne  writers  have 
 endc.avourea  to  explain  this  in  a  natural  way ;  but  the  {‘acred  hiftory  plainly  repre- 
 ■fents  it  as  miraculous,  the  pillar  of  the  cloud  condcifling  them,  the  lea  beginning 
 to  retire  ujKni  Mofes’  lifting  up  his  rod,  and  Handing  as  an  heap  on  both  fides, 
 wliile  die  Ifraclites  jiafTed  over  dry  land.  The  Pfalmift  gives  us  a  moll  beautiful 
 defcrlption  of  this  miracle,  Pfal.  Ixxvii.  1C.  Ver.  21.  This  work  of  God  lliewed 
 forth  his  power  to  deliver  his  people  out  of  all  afflidlion,  and  give  his  church  vic¬ 
 tory  overall  their  enemies,  Pfal.  Ixvi.  12.  Ifa.  xliii.  2,  11,  15.  Ver.  24.  Andtrou- 
 hled  the  nop.  oj  the  Egyptians.  Tiiis  was  done,,  either  by  the  glorious  fplcndour 
 iffuing  from  the  pillar  of  the  cloud  flafhing  in  their  faces ;  or,  as  Jofephus  ex¬ 
 plains  it,  by  a  dreadful  tempell,  with  thunder  and  hail-ftones  lliot  from  die  cloud, 
 Whidi  put  them  into  the  greateft  difordcr.  To  this  the  pfalmift  alludes,  Pfal. 
 Ixxvii.  17,  18.  Ver.  27.  The  fea  returned  to  his  frength.  The  meaning  is,  this 
 tnonnous  inafs  of  water.s,  whiclj  had  been  as  it  were,  lufpended  by  the  pov/er  of 
 the  great  Creator,  had  now  full  fcope  given  to  its  impetuous  rage.  Ver.  29.  A  like 
 marvellous  work  God  performed  at  Jordan  when  Ifrael  entered  Canaan,  Jolh.  iii. 
 46*  _  Ver.  51.  Phis  great  miracle  for  fome  tune  filled  their  minds  with  awful  con¬ 
 ceptions  of  God ;  l)ut  thefe  were  immitdiately  defaced  by  the  firft  preffure  of  a 
 difficulty;  and  this  temporary  fit  of  religion  turned  into  infidelity  towards  God, 
 and  impatient  murmurings  againft  their  leader. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chav.  XV.  Ver.  1.  Then  fang.  Tliis  fong 
 is  theinoft  ancient  and  moft  fublime  piece  ofpoeti-y  in  the  world;  the  images  are 
 noble,  the  anangement  of  its  ideas  is  beautiful,  the  ftrain  of  piety  which  breathes 
 throughout  the  whole  is  angelical :  and  he  v  ho  can  read  it  without  bein<r 
 enraptured,  muft  be  harder  tlian  the.  rock  which  guflied  out  a  river,  and  more 
 imiienctrable  to  beauties  than  the  hearts  of  the  Ifraelites  were.  With  this 
 fong  God  compareth  the  fong  of  thofe  who  have  obtained  vidtory  over  anti- 
 chnft,  feeUev  xv.  2--4,  Ver.  2.  The  Lord  is  ny  frength  and  fong,  and  he  Is 
 become  myfalvahon.  The  fenfe  is,  The  Loi'd  is  mv^^iiowerful  proteaor,  the  objed 
 Of  my  praifc,  the  author  of  my  fafety,  and  glorious  deliverance.  I  will  prepare 
 him  an  habitation.  In  the  original  it  fignifies,  both  to  pnpare  or  bvUd  a  comely 
 
 did  upon  the  Egvpfians;  and  the  people  feared  the 
 Lord,  and  believed  the  Lord,  and  his  fervant  Mofes.* 
 
 CHAP.  XV. 
 
 1  Mof  s'  fong.  22  The  peojde  want  water.  23  The  waters  of  Marah 
 
 are  bitter;  25  a  tree fwceteneth  them.  At  Elim  are  twelve  wells  and 
 feventy  palm  trees. 
 
 I  JE^J  lang*  Mofes  and  the  c^:ildren  of  Ifrael 
 fong  unto  the  Lord,  and  i'pake,  faying,  I  will 
 fing  unt  t  the  Lord,  for  he  hath  triumphed  glorioufly : 
 the  horie  and  his  rider  nafh  he  thrown  into  tne  fea. 
 
 2  Ene  Lord  is  my  ftrengrh  and  Ibnr,  and  he  is 
 bee  ime  my  falvation  :  he  is  my  God,  and  1  v  ill  pre.< 
 pare  him  an  habitation  :  my  father’s  God,  and  1  will 
 exalt  him. 
 
 3  Tne  Lord  is  a  man  of  war  :  The  Lord  is  his 
 name. 
 
 4  Pharaoh’s  chariots  and  his  hoft  hath  he  caft  into 
 •he  (iea  :  his  eholen  captains  allb  are  drowned  in  the 
 Red  fea. 
 
 5  The  depths  have  covered  them  :  they  fank  into 
 the  bottom  as  a  ftone. 
 
 6  Thy  right  hand.  O  Lord,  is  become  glorious  is 
 P'9wer  :  thy  right  hand,  O  Lord,  hath  dafhed  in 
 pieces  the  en^ray. 
 
 7  And  in  the  greatnefs  of  thine  excellency  thou  haft 
 ■vertnrown  them  that  role  up  againft  thee  :  thou  fent- 
 
 eft  forth  thy  wrath,  xUikh  conl'umtd  them  as  ftubble. 
 
 8  An  i  with  the  blaft  of  thy  n.)ftri!s  the  waters  were 
 gathered  together,  the- floods  flood  uprignt  as  an  heap, 
 •md  the  depths  were  congealed  in  the  heart  <  f  the  fea, 
 
 9  The  enemy  laid,  1  will  puifue,  I  will  overtake,  I 
 '.vil!  divide  the  fjpoil  ;  mv  kift  fliafl  be  fatisfied  upon 
 
 I  hem:  1  will  draw  my  fworJ,  mv  hand  ftiall  ll  dellroy  I 
 th.'ni.  ,  .  . 
 
 10  T'^ou  didft  blow  with  tby  wind,  the  fea  covered 
 them  :  they  fank  as  lead  in  the  mighty  waters. 
 
 1 1  Who  is  like  unto  thee,  ()  Lop. d,  among  the 
 
 dwelling ;  and  t»  honour  or  adorn.  The  Vulgate,  the  Samaritan,  the  Arabic,  ani 
 Septuagint,  render  it,  “  I  will  glorify,  magnify,  or  exalt  liiin ;”  the  Chaldee, 
 “  I  will  build  him  a  fan<5tuary.  ”  Ver.  3.  A  man  of  war,  or  noble  warrior;  for  the 
 word  mail  is  often  joined  to  another  tiling,  to  denote  its  excellence.  Thus  in  the 
 original  a  man  of  arm,  means  a  mighty  one,  and  a  man  ^  words,  an  eloqueiit 
 man.  Job  xxii.  8.  Exodus  iv.  10.  This  awful  and  glorious  character  Jehovah  fre- 
 quen'.ly  alfumes,  Pfal.  xxiv.  8  Ilab.  iii  8,  9.  Rev.  ftx.  1  .  Ver.  5.  They  fank  into 
 the  bottom  as  a  fone.  Tiiis  circuinllance  adds  very'  much  toilie  miraculoufhefs  of 
 their  deftrusftioii,  bccaufe  the  Egyptians  were  celebrated  for  tlieir  dexterity  iiv 
 fwimmiiig.  Ver  6.  The  vxpreffion  implies  their  complete  and  perpetual  de-^ 
 ftrudlion,  and  hence  is  applied  to  ancient  Babylon,  and  to  fpiritual  Babvlon, 
 Jer.  li.  63,  64.  Rev.  xviii.  24.  Ver.  7.  Againf  th  e.  This  implies  that  wliat 
 w-as  done  againll  Ifrael,  God  confidered  as  done  againft  liimfeif.  Ver.  8.  The 
 blaf,  or  wind,  or  fpirit.  In  like  manner  fhail  Jehovah  confume  Antichrift,  fpiri- 
 tual  Egypt,  by  the  fpirit  of  his  mouth,  2  Tiicff.  ii.  8.  Congealed.  From  this  fbine 
 conclude  tliat  the  waters  were  frozen  ;  but  others  fuppofe  it  refers  to  the  bottcja 
 I  of  the  fea,  which  being  muddy  and  feft  became  hard;  which  opinion  is  counte- 
 I  nanced  by  Ifa.  Ixiii.  13.  Ver.  9.  The  enemy  faid.  Tliis  exultation  of  a  vain 
 glorious  enemy  is  as  noble  a  climax  or  gradation  as  ever  was  penned.  1  will 
 purftic  !  1  u-iU  overtake  !  I  will  divide  the  fpoil—  my  luf  fiall  be  fathfed  upon 
 them  !  What  could  advance  fmther?  My  hand  Jhall  d  froy  them  !  Ver.  10.  Thou 
 dilf  blow  with  thy  wind.  The  vanity  of.  the  Egyptians’  boafts  could  not  be 
 ^painted  in  more  lively  colours,  nor  could  the  omnipotence  of  the  Deity  be  con- 
 ■veyed  to  greater  advantage  than  by  Ikying,  Uiat  he  only  bio  .d  with  Ids  breath,  and 
 dtytroyed  their  numerous  arniy  in  the  fea.  \Tr.  11.  Hho  is  like,  unto  thee.  O 
 powerful  Jehovah  !  what  arc  all  the  imaginary  and  fupcrftitious  deifies- of  the 
 heathen  world,  when  compared  to  tliy  traufeendant  and  infinite  perfections?  Ver, 
 2.  The  earth  f wallowed  them.  That  is,  received  tliem  into  its  capacious  bofom, 
 w  herein  die  ocean  is  contained.  2  he  people  fiall  hear.  The  fame  of  thefe  wonders 
 I  fhail  go  before  us,  ftriking  terror  mto  ail  the  people  whofe  countries  we  areto  pofi. 
 fels,  and  into  fuch  as  fhail  attempt  to  ot,ftrudt  our  p.-ilfage  ciilther.  In  vain  Ihdl 
 
 OBSERVATIONS — *  Chap.  XIV.;  The  re.-ifonings  of  the  wicked  on  divine  providences  generally  liarden  their  iTearts  and  !  im-v  thcTn  on 
 irretiicvalne  ruin,  They  overlook  the  fupremacy  of  Jehovah,  and  interpret  his  conduct  Isy  the  wifdom  or  folly  winch  they  pollcfs,  or  the  inclinat-on  bv  w-hicli  theit 
 are  ed ;  and  hence  thc^-  fool.ffily  and  wickedly  pcrfill  m  oppefing  the  pDns  of  the  Alm.ghty  Let  paft  cleliveranees  fileLl  ever;  murn.u;  .1  urn.rnl  S 
 
 xci  e  us  o  ftrong  confidence  m  God.  His  coududt  in  permittnig  additional  affliction  toopprefs  Us,  We  may  not  be  able  to  explain  ;  but  w  Uiay  reft  allured  that  lid 
 fouudIraS  ut‘t^ly  ^  Of  tfoubk.  He  will  accomphlh  the  falytftiefl  hi»  fesiik  and  they  only  who  oppok  him  or  Uiem  lhaU  bo  COS* 
 
The  -people  waitf  teater^ 
 
 EXODUS. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 1491. 
 
 11  gods  ?  ujio  ts  like  thee,  glorious  In  holinefs,  fearf  ul 
 tn  praifes,  doing  wonders  ? 
 
 II  Or. 
 
 fnighty 
 ones  ? 
 
 fc  Deut 
 
 2.  25. 
 Jolh.  2. 9. 
 
 c  Deut 
 2.  25. 
 Jofla.  2.9 
 
 the  people 
 
 a  redeemed  ;  thou  haft  guided  t/iem  in 
 
 thy  fbength  unto  thy  holy  habitation. 
 
 be  afraid:  forrow 
 
 fhall  take  hold  on  the  inhabitants  of  Paleftina. 
 
 15  Ihen  the  dukes  of  Edom  fhall  be  amazed  •  the 
 
 them^^  ^^e^ibling  fhall  take  hold  upon 
 
 mhabitants  of  Canaan  fhall  melt  away. 
 
 16  Fear  and  dread  fhall  fall  upon  them  :  by  the 
 greatnels  of  thine  arm  they  fhall  be  as  ftill  as  a  ftone  ; 
 till  thy  people  pals  over,  O  Lord,  till  the  people  pals 
 over,  •w/nck  thou  haft  purchaled. 
 
 17  Thou  fhalt  bring  them  in,  and  plant  them  in  the 
 mountain  of  thine  inheritance,  in  the  place,  O  Lord 
 -which  thou  haft  made  for  thee  to  dwell  in  ;  in  the  Sano^ 
 tuary,  O  Lord,  which  thy  hands  have  eftablilhed. 
 
 18  The  Lord  fhall  reign  for  ever  and  ever. 
 
 ^  19  For  the  hoife  of  Pharaoh  went  in  with  his  cha¬ 
 riots  and  with  his  horfemen  into  the  lea,  and  the 
 Lord  brought  again  the  waters  of  the  fea  upon 
 them  :  but  the  children  of  Ifrael  went  on  dry  land  in 
 the  midft  of  the  fea. 
 
 20  ^  And  Miriam  the  prophetefs,  the  filler  of  Aaron, 
 took  a  timbrel  in  her  hand  ;  and  all  the  women  went 
 out  after  her  with  timbrels  and  with  dances. 
 
 21  And  Miram  anfwered  them.  Sing  ye  to  the 
 Lord,  for  he  hath  triumphed  glorioufly  ;  the  horfe 
 and  his  rider  hath  he  thrown  into  the  lea. 
 
 22  ^  So  Moles  brought  Ifrael  from  the  Red  fea  - 
 and  they  went  out  into  the  wildernefs  of  Shnr  ;  and 
 they  went  three  days  in  the  wildernels,  and  found  no 
 water. 
 
 23  II  And  when  they  came  to  Marah,  they  could 
 „  T,  .  drink  of  the  waters  of  Marah,  for  they  laere  bit- 
 
 therefore  the  name  of  it  was  called  ||  Marah. 
 
 24  And  the  people  murmured againft  Moles,  laying. 
 What  fhall  we  drink? 
 
 25  And  he  cried  unto  the  Lord  ;  and  the  Lord 
 
 The  Israelites  murjuin 
 
 iLewed  him  a  “  tree,  which  when  he  had  call  into  the  E-tw, 
 waters,  the  waters  were  made  fweet :  there  he  made 
 tor  them  a  ftatute  and  an  ordinance,  and  there  he 
 proved  them,  ^ 
 
 26  And  faid.  If  thou  wilt  diligently  hearken  to  thess!*. 
 
 God,  and  wilt  do  that  which 
 IS  right  in  his  fight,  and  wilt  give  ear  to  his  command- 
 2nd  keep  all  his  ftatutes,  I  will  put  none  of 
 thele  diieales  upon  thee,  which  I  have  brought  upon 
 ^“^^gyptians  :  for  I  am  the  Lord  that  healeth  thee. 
 
 27  H  ;  And  they  came  to  Elim,  where  were  twelve  e  Nun^i, 
 ot  water,  and  threefcore  and  ten  palm-trees  : 
 
 and  they  encamped  there  by  the  waters.* 
 
 CHAP,  XVI. 
 
 J  The  Ifraeltks  come  to  Sim  "  they  murmur  for  xoant  ofhrrnd;  4  God 
 prov^eth  them  bread  from  heaven.  1 1  Quails  arefent,  1 4  and  manna. 
 
 1 6  The  ordering  of  manna,  ^  c. 
 
 And  they  took  their  journey  from  Elim  ;  and  all 
 the  congregation  of  the  children  of  Ifrael  came 
 unto  the  wildernefs  of  Sin,  which  is  between  Elim  and 
 Smai,  on  the  fifteenth  day  of  the  fecond  month  after 
 their  departing  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt. 
 
 TP  ^  -^iid  the  whole  congregation  of  the  children  of 
 llrael  murmured  againft  Mofes  and  Aaron  in  the 
 Wildernels. 
 
 3  And  the  children  of  Ifrael  faid  unto  them.  Would 
 God  we  had  died  by  the  hand  of  the  Lord  in  the 
 land  of  Egypt,  when  we  fat  by  the  flelh-pots,  and 
 when  we  did  eat  bread  to  the  full!  for  ye  have  brought 
 us  forth  into  this  wildernefs,  to  kill  this  whole  aflein* 
 bly  with  hunger. 
 
 4  U  Then  faid  the  Lord  unto  Mofes,  Behold,  I  will 
 rain  bread  from  heaven  for  you  ;  and  the  people  lhall 
 go  out  and  gather  a  f  certain  rate  every  day,  that  I  ^ 
 
 may  prove  them,  whether  they  will  walk  in  my  law, 
 
 or  no. 
 
 5  And  it  fhall  came  to  pafs,  that  on  the  fixth  day 
 they  fhall  prepare  that  which  they  bring  in ;  and  it 
 lhall  be  twice  as  much  as  they  gather  daily. 
 
 6  And  Mofes  and  Aaron  faid  unto  all  the  children 
 of  Ifrael,  At  even,  then  ye  fhall  know  that  the  Lord 
 hath  brought  you  out  from  the  land  of  Egypt. 
 
 o/"  a  day 
 hi  his  d-oy. 
 
 the  warlike  Moabites  feek  to  refift';  in  vain  fhall  the  Edomites  bear  arms  againft 
 the  Almighty.  The  truth  of  this  fentiment  is  illuftrated,  Jofti.  ii.  9—11?  and 
 by  the  events  which  befal  Ifrael.  Ver.  16.  Till  iky  people  pafs  over— lohich  thou 
 haf  purchafed.  That  is,  till  they  pafs  over  the  brock  of  Arnon  and  the  ford  of 
 Jabbok,  according  to  the  Targum  of  Jonathan  ;  or  the  ford  of  Jabbok  and  the 
 ford  of  Jordan,  according  to  the  Jerafalem  Targum.  Ver.  17.  The  mnnntainof 
 thine  inheritance.  This  feems  to  refer  to  the  mountains  which  ftood  within  the 
 •walls  of  Jerafalem,  in  one  of  which  the  temple  was  built  Ver.  1 8.  Jehovali 
 manifefts  himfelf  king  when  he  fubdues  his  foes  and  delivers  his  people.  His 
 kingly  power  and  dignity  fhall  be  fully  difplayed  by  his  triumph  over  antichrift, 
 Rev.  ix.  15,  17.  Ver.  20.  Miriam  the  prophetefs.  She  was  fo  called,  becaufe  flie 
 •was  bleffed  with  revelations  from  God.  Took  a  tiinhrel  in  her  hand.  It  was  a 
 cuftom  from  the  earliell  ages,  to  ufe  mufical  inftruments  in  the  fervice  of  their 
 Maker,  efpecially  in  celebrating  the  divine  praifes.  Ver.  21.  And  Miriam  an- 
 fwered.  This  fubhme  piece  of  mufic  was  of  the  nature  of  a  regular  ode,  accom¬ 
 panied  with  chorufes  at  tlie  end  of  every  ftanza.  Mofes  and  Aaron  with  the  men 
 firft  fung  a  verfe,  and  Miriam  with  her  women  clofed  it,  with  the  noble  chorus,^ 
 Sing  to  the  Lord  for  he  hath  trhimjdied  glorioufly.  V^r.  25.  The  Lordfhewed  him 
 a  tree.  There  have  been  various  conjeiSlures  with  regard  to  the  nature  of  this 
 tree;  but  the  refearch  is  necdlefs,  fince,  whatever  tree  it  was,  the  effeeftmuft  have 
 been  miraculous,  it  being  produced  immediately,  and  to  fuch  a  degree  as  to  cor- 
 redl  the  tafte  of  the  waters  for  many  tlioufand  perfons.  Ver.  26.  I  am  the  Lord  1 
 
 that  healeth  thee.  In  the  Hebrew,  I  am  Jehovah  healing  thee.  The  Septuagint 
 j  render  it,  «  Tliy  God  who  healeth  thee.”  Junius  tranflates  it,  “  God  thy  Saviour.” 
 I  Ver.  27.  Twelve  wells  of  water.  A  modem  traveller  informs  us,  that  there  are 
 j  now  only  nine  wells  remaining,  the  other  three  being  filled  up  with  drifts  of  fand, 
 1  whicii  arc  common  in  Arabia  ;  but  that  this  lofs  is  amply  fupplied,  by  the  great 
 increafe  of  the  palm  trees,  tlte  feventy  having  propagated  Ihemfelves  into  more 
 than  two  thoufand.  Thefe  palm  or  date  trees  are  ftraight  and  tall,  leaves  always 
 green  and  flourinjing,  bearing  pleasant/ruit  ;  hence  they  are  pleafant  ftiadcs,  Lev, 
 xxiii.  40.  Song.  vii.  7.  Psal.  xcii.  1 3. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XVI.  Ver,  1.  This  part  of  the 
 wildernefs  ■«  as  called  Sin,  from  a  ftrong  city  or  fortrefs  of  that  name  which  was 
 near  it,  Ezek.  xxx.  15,  16.  Here  Ifrael  arrived  about  a  month  after  their  de¬ 
 parture  from  Egypt,  during  which  time  they  feemed  to  have  lived  on  the  food 
 which  they  brought  with  them.  Ver.  2.  The  'whole  congregation  ?nnrmvrcd. 
 This  murmuring  feonis  to  have  been  much  more  general  than  that  mentioned  in 
 the  preceding  chapter.  Ver.  3.  IFould  to  God  we  had  died.  As  if  they  had  faid. 
 Happy  would  it  have  been  for  us,  had  we  periftied  with  the  firft-born  of  Egypt. 
 Is  this  thy  gratitude,  O  Ifrael,  to  thy  God  for.fll  his  benefits!  Ver.  4.  The  peo¬ 
 ple  fhall —  gather  a  certain  rate  every  day.  It  came  down  in  dally  fiiowers,  that 
 they  might  he  kept  in  a  per]ietual  and  thankful  dependence  on  the  divine  pro¬ 
 vidence,  and  ceafe  from  anxiety  about  to-morrow,  Matth.  vi.  31,  34.  That  I  may 
 prove  them.  This  was  God’s  delign  in  all  bis  condua  to  Ifrael,  Deut.  viii.  2. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS — *  Chap.  XV.]  Awake,  awake,  and  utter  this  fong  of  Mofes,  and  let  it  be  accompanied  with  the  fong  of  the  Lamb  ? 
 “great  and  marvellous  are  thy  works.  Lord  God,  Almighty,  juft  and  true  are  thy  ways,  thou  king  of  faints.  Who  lhall  not  fear  thee,  O  Lord,  and  glorify  thy  name  ? 
 for  thou  art  holy  :  for  all,nations  lliall  come  and  worfiiip  before  thee  :  for  thy  judgments  are  made  manifeft.”  The  glorious  perfcaions  of  JeLovah,'’his  greatnefs  and 
 juftice,  his  mercy  and  grace,  were  feen  in  Ifrael’s  falvation,  and  the  Egyptians’  overthrow  ;  but  the  refulgence  of  the  divine  glory  lliines  moft  perfeaiy  in  the  exalta¬ 
 tion  of  Mefliali  and  his  people,  and  the  deftruftion  of  all  his  and  their  enemies.  If  w-e  have  hope  of  beholding  this  with  joy,  we  need  not  repine  becaufe  of  the  waters 
 of  Marah  ;  he  can  and  will  even  now  give  Elim  rcfrelhments ;  and  after  a  few  days’  pilgrimage,  he  lliall  lead  us  befide  tlie  fountain  of  living  waters,  and  God  lliall 
 w%}e  awaj  all  tears  from  our  eyes. 
 
Qi/ails  and  manna  are  sent, 
 
 7  And  in  the  morning,  then  ye  (hall  fee  the  glory 
 
 'EXODUS. 
 
 A  double  portion — on  the  sixth  day. 
 
 21  And  they  gathered  it  every  morning,  every 
 man  according  to  his  eating:  and  when  the  lun 
 waxed  hot,  it  melted. 
 
 22  11  And  it  came  to  pafs,  that  on  the  lixth  day  they 
 gathered  twice  as  much  bread,  two  omers  for  one 
 
 (liall  give  you  in  the'  evening  fle(h  to  eat,  and  in  the  man  .■  and  all  the  rulers  of  the  congregation  came  and 
 
 Ucfore  _  _ 
 
 of  the  Lord;  for  that  he  heareth  your  murmurings 
 againft  the  Lord  :  and  what  are  we,  that  ye  murmur 
 
 againft  us  ?  _  ,  ,  t 
 
 8  And  Mofes  faid.  This  shall  bcy  when  the  Lord 
 
 morning  bread  to  the  full ;  for  that  the  Lord  heareth 
 your  murmurings  which  ye  murmur  againft  him  :  and 
 whata;-!?  we?  your  murmurings  are  not  againlt  us, 
 but  againlt  the  Lord. 
 
 9  H  And  Mofes  fpake  unto  Aaron,  Say  unto  all  the 
 congregation  of  the  children  of  llfael,  Come  near  be¬ 
 fore  the  Lord  :  for  he  bath  heard  your  murmur- 
 
 ings 
 
 10  And  it  came  to  pafs,  as  Aaron  fpake  unto  the 
 
 whole  congregation  of  the  children  of  llfael,  that  they  worm  lUerein.  ■  „  ,  a  „  , 
 
 inrsVort  fho  n.iirtprnf^r-j  anH  hphnlH.  I  he  plnrv  25  And  Mofes  faid,  Eat  that  to-day  .  for  .o-day  zs 
 
 g.  Chap. 
 13.21. 
 
 b  Numb. 
 
 11.  31. 
 
 c  Numb. 
 11.  9. 
 
 Pfalm 
 78.  24. 
 Wii'dom 
 16.  20. 
 
 !|  Or, 
 filiiU  is 
 this  ?  or, 
 It  is  a 
 porthn. 
 d  John 
 6.  31. 
 
 1  Cor. 
 
 10.  3. 
 t  Hcb. 
 fcy  the  poll, 
 or,  head, 
 f  Ileb. 
 jhuls. 
 e  2  Cor. 
 8.  1.5. 
 
 told  Mofes.  ^  , 
 
 2.3  And  he  laid  unto  them,  This  is  that  which  the 
 Lord  hath  faid,  'i  o-morrow  is  the  reft  of  the  holy 
 fabbath  unto  the  Lord:  bake  that  which  ye  will 
 bake  to-daiy,  and  feethe  that  ye  will  feethe ;  and  that 
 which  remaineth  over  lay  up  for  you,  to  be  kept  un¬ 
 til  the  morning.  . 
 
 21-  And  thev  laid  it  up  till  the  morning,  as  Mofes 
 bade ;  and  it  'did  not  fiink,  neither  was  there  any 
 
 looked  toward  the  wildernefs,  and,  behold,  the  glory 
 of  the  Lord  ®  appeared  in  the  cloud. 
 
 11  11  And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  faying, 
 
 12  I  have  heard  the  murmurings  of  the  children  of 
 Ifrael :  f'peak  unto  them,  faying,  At  even  ye  fhall  eat 
 flefli,  and  in  the  morning  ye  fhall  be  filled  with  bread  ; 
 and  ye  fliall  knov/  that  1  am  the  Lord  your  God.  j 
 
 13  And  it  came  to  pafs,  that  at  even  ^  the  quails 
 
 came  up,  and  covered  the  camp  ;  and  in  the  morning  ! 
 the  dew  lay  round  about  the  hoft.  -  | 
 
 14  And  when  the  dew  that  lay  was  gone  up,  behold,  i 
 upon  the  face  of  the  w'ildernefs  there  lay  a  fmall 
 round  thing,  as  fmall  as  the  hoar-froafl,  on  the  ground. 
 
 15  And  when  the  children  of  Ifrael  faw  it,  they  laid 
 one  to  another,  ||  It  is  manna  :  for  they  wilt  not  what  [ 
 it  xvas.  And  Mofes  faid  unto  them,  This  zs  the  ^ 
 bread  which  the  Lor.d  hath  given  you  to  eat. 
 
 16  H  This  is  the  thing  which  the  Lord  bath  com¬ 
 manded,  Gather  of  it  every  man  according  to  his  eat¬ 
 ing,  an  omer  t  for  every  man,  according  to  the  num¬ 
 ber  of  your  f  perfons ;  take  ye  every  man  for  them 
 vdiich  arc  in  his  tents. 
 
 17  And  the  children  of  Ifrael  did  fo,  and  gathered, 
 fome  more,  fome  lefs. 
 
 IS  And  when  they  did  mete  it  with  an  omer,  ®  he 
 that  gathered  much  had  nothing  over,  and  he  that 
 gathered  little  had  no  lack  :  they  gathered  every  man 
 according  to  his  eating. 
 
 19  And  Mofes  faid,  let  no  man  leave  of  it  till  the 
 morning. 
 
 20  Notvvithflanding  thev  hearkened  not  unto 
 Mofes ;  but  fome  of  them  l  ?ft  of  it  onril  the  morning, 
 and  it  bred  worms,  and  flank  :  and  Mofls  was  wrotn 
 with  them. 
 
 Hence  what  bcfel  tliem  is  written  for  example,  Vcr.  7.  Tc  Jliall  fee  the  glory 
 Ihd  Lord.  In  the  Chaldee,  “The  munificence  of  the  Lord.”  A  miracle 
 mauitefta  the  glory  of  the  Lord.  Ver.  8.  Your  imirmurings  are  not  agaiitjf  its,  hut 
 agauif  the  Lord.  That  is,  not  fo  much  againlt  them,'- as  againlt  the  Loid, 
 whole  meffengers  they  were,  and  whom  they  reprefented,  and  I'crved,  1  Sam. 
 viii.  7.  John  xii.  44.  Ver.  9.  B.fore  the  Lord,  moans  before  the  cloud,  tlie  lymhol 
 of  God’s  prefeiice.  The  phrafe  is  frequently  uled  to  denote  the  fame  tiling,  or 
 tlie  place  where  Jehovali  was  worlhipped,  chap,  xxiii  27.  comp;  Deut.  xii.  5, 
 6.  Lev.  xvii.  4,  5.  1  Kings  xiv.  20.  and  2  Sam.  vi.  7.  1  Chron.  xiii.  10.  Ver.  13. 
 Tire  quail  is  a  bird  of  paffage,  and  abounds  gieatly  in  Egypt.  Ver.  15.  It  is 
 manna.  This  vorfipn  of  the  words  implies  a  plain  coatradidtion  ;  for  if  they 
 knew  not  what  it  was,  hoiv  came  tuey  to  call  it  manna  F  The  ifebrew  there¬ 
 fore  fliould  be  tranllatcd,  “  And  they  faid  every  man  to  his  liroilier,  I’/hat  is  it : 
 bccaufe  they  thi/f,  or  knew  not  what  it  was.  ’  The  vulgate  reads  u,  “  Tliey 
 faid,  Ma7i  hu  !  which  is,  beii.g  interpreted,  IF  nut  is  it  F"  And  this  trai-llation  is 
 fapportc  i  by  all  'he  oriental  vi.>‘lions.  It  w.as  entirely  diiiereut  from  the  con.- 
 muji  manna,  whicii  is  lliook  fn  m  the  leaves  of  trees,  and  nfed  only  in  medicines. 
 Tins  /ncinnawds  a  figure  of  CLiii'l,  Uie  bread  of  iite,  Joiia.  vi,  48,  58.  and  hence 
 
 o,,,(hdt  i-I 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 1491. 
 
 a  fabbath  unto  the  Lord  :  to-day  ye  fhall  not  find  it 
 in  the  field. 
 
 26  Six  days  ye  fhall  gather  it ;  but  on  the  fe- 
 venth  day,  which  is  the  fabbath,  in  it  there  fhall  be 
 none. 
 
 27  H  And  it  came  to  pafs,  that  there  went  out  fome 
 of  the  people  on  the  feventh  day  for  to  gather,  and 
 they  found  none. 
 
 28  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  Mofes,  How  long  re- 
 ful'e  ye  to  keep  my  commandments  and  my  laws  ? 
 
 29  See,  for  that  the  Lord  hath  given  you  the  fab¬ 
 bath,  therefore  he  giveth  you  on  the  fixth  day  the 
 bread  of  two  days  :  abide  ye  every  man  in  his 
 place  ;  let  nq  man  go  out  of  his  place  on  the  feventh 
 day. 
 
 30  So  the  people  relied  on  the  feventh  day. 
 
 91  And  the  houfe  of  Ifrael  called  the  name  thereof 
 Manna  :  and  it  was  like  coriander-feed,  white  ;  and 
 the  talle  of  it  was  like  wafers  made  with  honey. 
 
 32  11  And  Mofes  faid,  This  is  the  thing  which  the 
 Lord  commandeth,  Fill  an  omer  of  it,  to  be  kept  for 
 your  generations  ;  that  they  may  fee  the  bread  where¬ 
 with  1  have  fed  you  in  the  wildernefs,  when  1  brought 
 you  forth  from  the  land  of  egypt. 
 
 33  And  Mofes  faid  unto  Aaron,  Take  a  pot,  and 
 put  an  omer  full  of  manna  therein,  and  lay  it  up  be¬ 
 fore  the  Lord,  to  be  kept  for  your  generations. 
 
 34  As  the  Lord  commanded  Moles,  fo  Aaron  laid 
 it  up  before  the  teflimony,  to  be  kept. 
 
 35  And  the  children  of  ifrael  did  eat  manna  forty 
 years,  until  they  came  to  a  land  inhabited  :  they  did 
 
 eat  manna  until  they  came  unto  the  borders  of  the  xebein. 
 land  of  Canaan.  .  9.  15, 
 
 it  IS  called  fpiriltial  /neaf,  I  Cor.  x.  3.  Ver.  18.  See  Note  on  2  Cor.  viii.  14,  15. 
 where  Paul  refers  to  the  condu<5l  of  Ifrael  on  this  occafion,  to  enforce  Chrifciai> 
 liberality.  Ver.  22.  On  the  fixth  day  they  gathered  twice  as  much  bread,  two  omem 
 for  one  man.  They  had  no  intention  in  gatiiering  fo  much,  but  it  falling  in  a 
 greater  quantity,  was  more  eafily  taken  up ;  fo  that  wlien  they  came  to  meafure 
 wiiat  they  had  gathered,  it  turned  out  to  two  omers  inllead  of  one.  Ver.  23. 
 Tj  morrow  is  the  ref  if  the  holy  fabbath.  Tliis  feems  to  be  the  firft  time  that  the 
 relt  on  the  feventh  day  was  folemnly  appointed.  God  indeed,  from  the  very 
 firlt,  intended  to  preferve  the  memory  of  the  creation  in  fix  days,  by  appointino" 
 the  ifventli  day  to  be  kept  holy ;  but  when,  before  the  flood,  men  grew  18 
 wicked,  as  to  neglehT;  the  thoughts  of  God,  they  very  little  regarded  the  dillinc- 
 non  between  this  day  and  others ;  and,  after  the  flcotl,  the  difperfion  of  man¬ 
 kind  very  much  blotted  it  out  of  their  minds,  as  it  did  many  other  good  things. 
 Ver.  31.  Coruimierfecd.  One  of  the  verfions  render  it,  “rice.”  Tlie  origihal 
 word,  gad  feems  not  properly  tranflated  coriamler feed;  becaufe  that  is  not  white 
 ’out  brown.  Ihe  tafe  oj  it.  In  Nunjo.  xi.  8.  it  is  faid  to  tafle  like  frefh  oil. 
 Abt;i  Ezra  and  otiiers  lay,  that  it  eaten  raw,  it  was  as  cakes  of  honey;  but 
 when  urelied,  it  had  the  talle  ol  ireili  oiL  Ver.  34.  Ho  dLann  laid,  it  up.  It 
 
7%e  people  at  "Rephidim  murmur  for  *s£ai(r,  EXODUS. 
 
 Jethro  cometh  to  Mosfs» 
 
 •  Numb. 
 *0.  3,  4. 
 
 S6  Now  an  omer  the  tenth  part  of  an  ephah.* 
 CHAP.  XVII. 
 
 1  The  people  murmur  for  water  at  liephitlim  :  5  God  fend  th  them,  for 
 VJcUcr  to  the  rock  in  Iloreh.  14  God' s  lerath  againjl  Amalck, 
 
 And  all  the  congregationof  the  children  of  Ifrael 
 journeyed  from  the  wildernefs  of  Sin,  after 
 their  journeys,  according  to  the  commandment  of  the 
 Lord,  and  pitched  in  Rephidim  :.and  there '■ms  no 
 water  for  the  people  to  drink. 
 
 2  »  Wherefore  the  people  did  chide  with  Mofes,  and 
 faid.  Give  us  water  that  we  may  drink.  And  Mofes 
 faid  unto  them,  Why  chide  ye  with  me?  wherefore 
 do  ye  tempt  the  Lord  ? 
 
 3  And  the  people  thirfted  there  for  water  ;  and  the 
 people  murmured  againft  Mofes,  and  faid.  Wherefore 
 is  this  that  thou  haft  brought  us  up  out  of  Egypt, 
 to  kill  us,  and  our  children,  and  our  cattle  with 
 thirft  ? 
 
 4  And  Mofes  cried  unto  the  Lord,  faying.  What 
 fhall  I  do  unto  this  people  ?  they  be  almoft  ready  to 
 ftone  me. 
 
 5  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  Mofes,  Go  on  before 
 the  people,  and  take  with  thee  of  the  elders  of  Ifrael ; 
 and  thy  rod,  wherewith  ^  thou  fmoteft  the  river,  take 
 in  thine  hand,  and  go. 
 
 6  <=  Behold,  I  will  ftand  before  thee  there  upon  the 
 11.4.  rock  in  Horeb ;  and  thou  {halt  fmite  the  rock,  and 
 10  4  ’  there  lhall  come  water  out  of  it,  that  the  people  may 
 j!  That  is,  drink.  And  Mofes  did  fo  in  the  fight  of  the  elders 
 Tempta-  of  Ifrael. 
 
 .  7  And  he  called  the  name  of  the  place  ||  MalTah, 
 
 c/iidinV*’ and  11  Meribah,  becaufe  of  the  chiding  of  the  children 
 or,  stffe.  of  Ifrael,  and  becaufe  they  tempted  the  Lord,  faying, 
 d  Deut.  Is  the  Lord  among  us,  or  not  ? 
 
 8  H  Then  came  Amalek,  and  fought  with  Ifrael 
 in  Rephidim. 
 
 9  And  Mofes  faid  unto  «  Jofhua,  Choole  us  out 
 men,  and  go  out,  fight  with  Amalek :  to-morrow  I 
 will  ftand  on  the  top  of  the  hill,  with  the  rod  of  God 
 Heb.4. 8.  in  mine  hand. 
 
 b  Chap. 
 
 7.  20. 
 c  Numb. 
 20.  11. 
 Pfalms 
 78.  15.  & 
 105.  41. 
 V/ifdom 
 
 25.  17. 
 V/ifdom 
 11.  S. 
 e  Called 
 Jefus, 
 A6ts 
 7.  45 
 
 10  So  Jofhua  did  as  Mofes  had  faid  to  him,  and 
 fought  with  Amalek :  and  Mofes,  Aaron,  and  Hur, 
 went  up  to  the  top  of  the  hill. 
 
 11  And  it  came  to  pais,  when  Mofes  held  up  his 
 hand,  that  Ifrael  prevailed  ;  and  when  he' let  down  his 
 hand,  Amalek  prevailed. 
 
 12  But  Mofes’  hands  mre  heavy  :  and  they  took  a 
 
 ftone,  and  put  it  under  him,  and  he  fat  thereon  ;  and 
 Aaron  and  Hur  flayed  up  his  hands,  the  one  on  the 
 one  fide,  and  the  other  on  the  other  fide ;  and  his 
 hands  were  fteady  until  the  going  down  of  the  f  Numb, 
 fhn.  24.'2o. 
 
 13  And  Jofhua  difeomfited  Amalek  and  his  people  ^ 
 
 with  the  edge  of  the  fword.  . 
 
 14  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  Mofes,  Write  this /or  '**^  ^*' 
 a  memorial  in  a  book,  and  rehearfe  in  the  e^rsoi loud 
 Jofhua  ;  for  I  will  utterly  put  out  the  remembrance  ”‘•5' 
 
 of  Amalek  from  under  heaven. 
 
 15  And  Mofes  built  an  altar,  and  called  the  name 
 
 of  it  II  JEHOVAH-nifli :  the  hand 
 
 16  For  he  faid,  ||  Becaufe  f  the  Lord  hath  fworn,  A"®" 
 
 that  the  Lord  will  have  war  with  Amalek  from  gene- 
 radon  to  generation  f  frone 
 
 of  the  LORD,  therefore,  &c.  f  Heb.  the  hand  upon  the  throne  of 'the  LORD. 
 
 CHAP.  XVIII. 
 
 1  Jethro  bringeth  to  Mofes  his  wife  and  two  fons  ;  7  Mofes  entcrtainelh 
 him,  17  Jethro  giveth  Mofes  courf el, 
 
 WHEN  ®  Jethro,  the  pritft  of  Midian,  Mofes’ a  Chap, 
 father-in-law,  heard  of  all  that  God  had  done  2-  le. 
 for  Mofes,  and  for  Ifrael  his  people,  and  that  the 
 Lord  had  brought  Ifrael  out  of  Egypt ; 
 
 2  Then  Jethro,  Mofes’ father-in-law,  tookZipporah 
 Mofes’  wife,  after  he  had  fent  her  back, 
 
 3  And  her  two  fons ;  of  which  the  name  of  the*'  Chap, 
 one  was  II  Gerfhom;  For  ho  faid,  I  have  been  an  ^*3  . 
 alieninaHrangeland: 
 
 4  And  the  name  of  the  other  was  ||  Eliezer;  Fort/ter?. 
 the  God  of  my  father,  said  he,  was  mine  help,  and  U 
 delivered  me  from  the  fword  of  Pharaoh.  MyCodit 
 
 5  And  Jethro,  Mofes’  father-in-law,  came  with  his°” 
 
 was  laid  up  in  a  golden  pot  as  we  are  told,  Heb.  ix.  4.  and  kept  before  the  tefti- 
 monv,  or  the  ark,  when  it  was  afterwards  made,  chap.  xl. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XVII.  Ver.  2.  To  tempt  is  to  dif- 
 truft  the  power,  tlie  goodnefs,  and  the  faithfulnefs  of  God,  who  had  fo  often. 
 End  fo  miraculoufly  provided  for  the  children  of  Ifrael.  Ver.  4.  Prayer  was 
 Mofes’  ufual  refuge  in  time  of  trouble,  chap,  xiv,  xv.  15,  25.  Numb.  ix.  10,  11. 
 Ver.  6.  And  Mofes  did  fo.  That  is,  he  I'mote  the  rock,  and  brought  water  out 
 in  fuch  plenty,  that  «it  ran  down  like  rivers,”  Pfalm  Ixxviii.  15,  16’.  It  became 
 a  continual  fountain  or  ftream  of  water.  Thus  God  Ihewed  himfelf  gracious 
 and  merciful,  to  a  murmuring  and  ungrateful  people.  The  rock  and  water 
 wych  iflued  from  it  reprefented  Chrift,  1  Cor.  x.  4.  I  toill  fand  before  thee  : 
 That  is,  in  the  pillar  of  cloud  on  mount  Horeb,  chap.  iii.  1.  Ver.  7  And  he  cal- 
 led  the  name  Majfah  and  Meribah.  The  former  of  thefe  names  fignifies  tempta- 
 tiM,  and  the  latter  chiding.  Ver.  8.  Though  tWs  battle  with  Amalek  is  recorded 
 after  the  miracle  at  Horeb,  yet  it  certainly  happened  before  it;  for  it  is  here 
 ibid  that  they  came  and  fought  with  Ifrael  in  Rephidim.  Ver  11.  Held  up  his 
 t^itd.  This  was  both  to  revive  in  their  minds  the  miraculous  deeds  it  had  been 
 employed  in  amongft  the  Egyptians,  and  was  likewife  an  ufual  attitude  of  prayer. 
 
 Ver.  12.  Tf«r,  is  generally  fuppofed  to  have  been  the  hufband  of  Miriam,  and 
 the  brother-in-law  of  Moles  and  Aaron.  Ver.  14.  I  will  utterly  put  out  the  re¬ 
 membrance  of  Amalek  from  under  heaven.  God  denounces  this  heavy  doom  upon 
 them  to  terrify  others  from  the  like  malice.  Accordingly  they  were  partly  de- 
 ftroyed  by  Saul,  partly  by  David,  and  partly  by  tlie  children  of  Simeon.  Re- 
 hearfe  it  in  the  ears  of  Jofhua,  for  he  was  peculiarly  interefled  in  what  was  fpoken, 
 as  he  was  to  fucceed  Mofes  in  leading  Ifrael.  At  this  time  none  concerned 
 underftood  tliis  event ;  known  to  Jehovah  are  all  his  works  from  the  beginning. 
 Ver.  15.  He  called  the  name  of  it  Jehovah-nijji ;  That  Js,  Jehovah  my  banner, 
 Ver.  16.  Becaufe  the  Lord  hathfworn.  The  words  are  here  wrong  tranflated. 
 Some  render  them,  Becaufe  their,  [viz.  Amalek’s]  hand  is  againf  the  throne  of  the 
 Lord,  he  wilt  hav;  war.  The  injury  done  to  the  Ifraelites  was  not  fo  much  as  the 
 alFront  offered  to  the  divine  M.-ijedy ;  and  therefore  God  threatens  utterly  to  ex¬ 
 tirpate  the  defigners  of  it, —  Others  render  the  words  more  literally  tlius  :  Becaufe 
 the  hand  upon  ike  throne  of  Jah,  or,  Jah’s  hand  on  the  throne,  war  to  Jah  against 
 Amalek. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XVIII.  Ver.  5,  6,  7.  And  he  faid, 
 ,7  am  thy  father-in-law.  It  may  feem  llrange  that  Mofes  fliottld  go  out  to  meet 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS _ *  Chap.  XVI.]  Difbhntent  is  not  lefs  unamiable  than  finful}  it  villifies  our  mercies  and  magnifies  our  trials.  Pad  ex- 
 
 ■erience  oueht  to  teach  us  that  perfea  uninterrupted  peace  belongs  not  to  the  earth,  and  that  when  God  has  engaged  to  be  our  guide  we  need  fear  no  evil.  How 
 r^nal  to  yftruft  him  after  what  o-ood  he  has  promifed,  and  what  deliverance  he  has  wrought  1  But  alas  !  we  often  oblerve  not  his  Providence,  but  foolilhly  aferibe 
 Mir  calamities  to  thoft  whom  he  has  appointed  inftruments  fior  our  good.  God  will  reprove  the  backflidings  of  his  people,  while  he  gracioufly  fupplies  their  wants  and 
 w^as  their  errors.  While  we  with  prudence  and  diligence  provide  for  ourfelves  and  others,  let  us  guard  againft  covetoulhcfs  ;  for  this  lliali  affuredly  pierce  us  through 
 v^manv  forrows*  Havin-r  the  divine  promifes  let  us  alk  what  we  need,  and  never  forget  the  favours  which  we  have  received.— Above  all,  may  we  live  on  Jefus  as 
 ^  bread  of  life  which  cMne^down  from  heaven  :  he  who  cometh  to  him  lhaU  never  hunger,  and  he  who  beheveth  on  him  (hall  never  thirft. 
 
 T>R  ACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS  — f  Chap.  XVII.}  How  repeated  the  murmunngs  of  Ifrael.  Let  us  not  forget  tiiat  thefe  things  are  written  for  our  in- 
 •ruaion  left  wc  fall  after  their  example  of  unbelief*.  The  foiirces  of  unbelief  and  difeontent  in  us  :  let  us  feek  grace  to  avoid  iill  fin,  and  watch  and  pray  that  we 
 no*  into  temptation.  Prayer  is  the  beft  means  of  compofing  our  fpirits  under  fufferings  from  God  or  man.  Jehovah  is  rich  in  goodnefs  :  tlie  fountain  whence 
 fc  eonlVs  wants  are  fupplied  is  inexhauftible.  He  liath  gracioufly  fmitten  Jefus  our  rock,  and  the  ftreams  of  living  water  fhall  never  ceafe  to  flow  to  fatisfy  all  who 
 in  lum.  The  enemies  of  Ifrael  may  be  numerous,  but  in,  vain  are  aU  their  efforts ;  for  Jehovah  is  the  deliycrcc  of  the  feed  of  Abraiiaro  •,  And  he  has  appointed 
 
 Jefus  to  condudl  them  fafe  to  the  promifed  land. 
 
Moses  enlertainetJi  JctJir0^ 
 
 EXODUS. 
 
 Jethro*s  counsel  to  Moses* 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 1491. 
 
 fHeb. 
 
 peace- 
 
 f  Heb. 
 Jbwtd 
 them- 
 
 fons  3nd,  his  wife  unto  IVTofcs  into  tho  wildcrncfS) 
 where  he  encamped  at  the  mount  of  God  : 
 
 6  And  he  faid  unto  Moses,  I  thy  father-m-Iaw  Je¬ 
 thro  am  come  unto  thee,  and  thy  wife,  and  her  two 
 
 ions  with  her.  . .  r  .1  •  1 
 
 7  H  And  Mofes  went  out  to  meet  his  fatner-in-law', 
 
 and  did  obeifance,  and  kifTed  him ;  and  they  alked  each 
 other  of  theiv  J  welfare  '  and  they  came  into  the  tent. 
 
 8  And  Moles  told  his  father-in-law  all  that  theLoRU 
 had  done  unto  Pharaoh,  and  to  the  Egyptians,  for 
 Ifrael’s  fake,  and  all  the  travail  that  had  f  come  upon 
 them  by  the  way,  and  how  the  Lord  delivered 
 
 them.  ,  _  , .  , 
 
 9  H  And  Jethro  rejoiced  for  all  the  goodnels  which 
 the  Lord  had  done  to  Kfael,  whom  he  had  delivered 
 out  of  the  hand  of  the  Egyptians. 
 
 10  And  Jethro  faid,  Bleffed  ie  the  Lord,  who  hath 
 delivered  you  out  of  the  hand  of  the  Egyptians,  and 
 out  of  the  hand  of  Pharaoh  ;  who  hath  delivered  the 
 people  from  under  the  hand  of  the  Egyptians. 
 
 1 1  Now  I  know  that  the  Lord  is  greater  than  all 
 i  Chap,  gods  :  for  in  the  thing  wherein  they  dealt  proudiy 
 1. 10, 16,/;^  ,^as  above  them. 
 
 12  And  Jethro,  Mofes’  father-in-law  took  a  burnt- 
 *  offering  and  facrifices  for  God :  and  Aaron  came,  and 
 
 all  the  elders  ofifrael,  to  eat  bread  with  Mofes’  father- 
 in-law  before  God. 
 
 13  f  And  it  came  topafs  on  the  morrow,  that  Moles 
 fat  to  judge  the  people  :  and  the  people  ttood  by 
 Mofes  from  the  morning  unto  the  evening. 
 
 1 4  And  when  Mofes’  father-in-law  faw  all  that  he 
 did  to  the  people,  he  faid,  What  is  this  thing  that 
 thou  doeft  to  the  people?  why  fittelf  thou  thyfelf 
 alone,  and  all  the  people  (land  by  thee  from  morning 
 
 until  even  ?  -n  /• 
 
 15  And  Mofes  faid  unto  his  father-in-law,  Becaule 
 the  people  come  unto  me  to  enquire  of  God. 
 
 16  When  they  have  a  matter,  they  come  unto  me  ; 
 f  Heb.  o  and  I  judge  between  f  one  and  another,  and  1  do 
 
 wu/  know  the  fiatutes  of  God,  and  his  laws, 
 
 t  17  And  Mofes’  father-in-law  faid  unto  him,  The 
 
 'ading  thing  that  thou  doeft  is  not  good. 
 thou  Wilt  j’g  I  Xhou  wilt  furely  wear  away,  both  thou  and  this 
 *d  Deut.  people  that  is  with  thee :  for  this  thing  is  too  hpvy  for 
 1.  9.  '  thee  ;  thou  art  not  able  to  perform  it  thyl'elf  alone. 
 
 )9  Hearken  now  unto  my  voice,  I  will  give  thee 
 counlel,  and  God  fliall  be  with  thee :  Be  thou  for  the 
 people  to  God- ward,  that  thou  mayelt  bring  the 
 caufes  unto  God. 
 
 20  And  thou  (halt  teach  them  ordinance.?  and  lawjs, 
 and  flialt  Ihew  them  the  way  wherein  they  muft  walk, 
 
 and  the  work  that  they  muft  do. 
 
 21  Moreover  thou  (halt  provide  out  of  all  the  p^o- 
 ple^able  men,  fuch  as-^ear  God,  men  of  truth,  hating 
 covetoulhefs  ;  and  place  fuch  over  them,  to  he  rulers 
 of  thoufands,  and  rulers  ot  hundreds,  rulers  of  fifties, 
 
 and  rulers  of  tens.  ,,  r  r 
 
 22  And  let  them  judge  the  people  at  ail  leafons : 
 
 and  it  fhall  be,  that  every  great  matter  they  fhali 
 bring  unto  thee,  but  everv  fmall  matter  they  fhall 
 judge  :  fo  fhall  it  be  eafier  for  thyfelf,  and  they  Ihal) 
 bear  the  burden  with  thee. 
 
 23  If  thou  fhalt  do  this  thing,  and  God  command 
 
 thee  so,  then  thou  fhalt  be  able  to  endure,  and  all  this 
 people  (hall  alfo  go  to  their  place  in  peace.  _ 
 
 24  So  Mofes  hearkened  to  the  voice  of  his  father-in- 
 law,  and  did  all  that  he  had  laid. 
 
 25  And  Mofes  choofe  able  men  out  of  all  Ifrael,  and 
 made  them  heads  over  the  people,  rulers  of  thou¬ 
 fands,  rulers  of  hundreds,  rulers  of  fifties,  and  rulers 
 of  tens. 
 
 26  And  they  judged  the  people  at  all  feafons  :  the 
 hard  caufes  they  brought  unto  Mofes,  but  every  fmall 
 matter  they  judged  themfelves. 
 
 27  f  And  Mofes  let  his  father-in-law  depart  ;  and 
 he  went  his  way  into  his  owm  land.* 
 
 CHAP.  XIX. 
 
 1  The  people  come  to  Sinau  3  God's  meffage  bp  Mq/es  unto  the  people 
 out  of  the  mount.  8  The  jKopk' s  anfwcr  returned,  10  The  peoj)le 
 are  j)re2>ared  againjl  the  third  day. 
 
 IN  the  third  month,  when  the  children  of  Ifrael 
 were  gone  forth  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  the 
 fame  day  came  they  into  the  wildernefs  ot  Sinai. 
 
 2  For  they  w’ere  departed  from  Rephidim,  and  were 
 come  to  the  defert  of  Sinai,  and  had  pitched  in  the  wil¬ 
 dernefs  :  and  there  Ifrael  camped  before  the  mount. 
 
 3  U  And  ®  Mofes  went  up  unto  God,  and  the®^*^® 
 Lord  called  unto  him  out  of  the  mountain,  faying, 
 
 Thus  fhalt  thou  fay  to  the  houfe  of  Jacob,  and  tell 
 the  children  of  Ifrael ; 
 
 Jethro,  ver.  7.  after  he  had  been  with  him,  and  talked  with  him,  ver.  6 ;  but  the 
 Syriac,  the  Vulgate,  and  the  Septuagint,  folve  this  difficulty,  by  rendering  thefen- 
 tence,  “  And  he  fent  a  meflenger  to  him,  or  it  was  told  him,  Behold  thy  father- 
 in-law  cometh  unto  thee."  Ver.  11.  The  whole  verfe  may  be  rendered  thus  ;  “  Now 
 I  know  that  Jehovali  is  greater  than  all  gods,  even  in  the  very  thing  wherein  they 
 dealt  proudly  againfl  them.”  That  is,  he  Ihewed  himfelf  fuperior  to  all  gods, 
 by  confounding  the  Egyptians  even  when  prefuming  on  the  affiftance  of  their 
 gods,  they  proudly  threatened  the  ruin  of  his  people.  Ver.  15.  Come  to  enquire 
 of  God.  It  thus  appears  that  in  every  doubtful  matter,  Israel  had  recourfe  to 
 Mofes,  who  laid  it  before  the  Lord,  by  whofe  judgment  they  were  to  be  guided 
 in  every  thing,  Numb.  xv.  23,  24.  xxvii.  4,  5.  In  all  ages,  Ifrael  ufed  to  en¬ 
 quire  of  God  by  the  prophets,  1  Sam.  ix.  9.  Ver.  19.  Be  thou  for  the  jyeople  to 
 God-ward,  that  thou  mayejl  bring  the  causes  unto  God.  As  if  he  had  faid.  Do 
 thou  interpret  the  mind  of  God  to  Uie  people,  and  bring  the  caufes  of  the  people 
 to  God.  Jethro  here  delires  Mofes  to  confine  himfelf  to  his  proper  office  as  a  pi'o- 
 phet.  Ver.  21.  Able  men.  In  the  Hebrew  it  is,  men  of  fortitude  ;  incapable  of 
 being  turned  afide/rom  the  paths  of  juftice  and  integrity, by  either  fear  or  favour. 
 Men  of  truth.  The  Hebrew  word  which  is  rendered  truth,  fignifics  either  verity 
 or  juftice.  Thefe  are  indeed  fo  nearly  allied,  that  a  tribunal  which  cannot  boaft 
 
 of*  the  one,  muft  alfo- be  deftitute  of  the  other.  ITie  prophet  Ifaiah  lias  elegantly 
 deferibed  a  tribunal  of  this  kind,  Ifa.  lix.  14.  Hating,  covetoufnefs.  Men  of  a 
 difintereftedr  difpofition ;  fo  far  from  being  covetous,  that  they  hate  all  the  bafe 
 ways  of  gain,  and  abhor  bribes.  Other  qualifications  are  noticed,  Deut.  i.  1 3. 
 Ver,  22.  At  all  feafons  ;  the  fabbath  and  holy  days  feem  to  have  been  excepted  ; 
 for  all  civil  affairs  were  then  laid  afide.  Lev.  xxiii.  3,  7,  8,  21.  Ver.  23.  Go  to 
 their  place ;  fliall  not  be  too  long  detained  from  their  home  or  families,  in  order 
 to  have  their  diftcrences  settled,  or  doubts  removed  ;  which  was  not  to  be  expected 
 when  Mofes  in  perfon  decided  every  matter.  One’s  home,  is  called  his  place, 
 Judg.  vii.  7.  ix.  55.  xix.  28.  Ver.  25.  Mofes  chofe  the  elders  or  judges,  by  tlie 
 1  people’s  confent,  as  appears  from  Deut.  i.  13,  14.  And  made  them  head  ;  that  is, 
 rulers ;  to  whom,  at  the  fame  time,  he  folemtily  delivered  a  charge  to  perform 
 their  office  with  fidelity,  ib.  16,  17.  Ver.  27.  Before  Mofes  permitted 
 him  to  depart,  he  ftrongly  urged  him  to  continue  with  him;  compare  Numb.  x. 
 29—32. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XIX.  Ver.  1,  Sinai,  elfewhere  called 
 Horcb,  a  mount  in  Arabia,  from  which  this  part  of  the  wildernefs  derived  its 
 name.  Ver.  3.  And  Mofes  went  up  unto  God,  by  which  words  is  underftood,  that 
 he  afeended  the  mountain,  the  fymbol  of  the  divine  prefence  ha-ving  relied  upon 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS — ♦  Chap.  XVIII.]  It  is  good  to  remember,  efpecially  when  deftitute  of  fellowfhip  with  the  church,  that  we  are  ftrangers 
 and  fojourners  in  the  world.  This  will  prove  a  falutary  mean  of  preferving  us  from  feeking  our  happinefs  in  earthly  good.  It  is  truly  defirable  to  Ihare  in  domeftic 
 fociety  when  all  the  members  feel  mutual  intereft  in  each  other’s  profperity.  Good  counfel  is  helpful  to  the  wifeft,  and  proper  affiftance  to  the  ableft  in  office ;  and 
 will  be  readily  embraced  by  the  wife  and  prudent.  Happy  are  tlie  people  whofe  rulers,  for  number  and  excellence  of  charadler,  are  equal  to  all  the  important  duties 
 devolving  upon  them.  This  is  a  fpecial  gift  oflieaven,  \vhicL  was  fbmetiir.es  granted  to  tlie  defeendants  of  Jacob. 
 
,  jiqmreo..  EXODUS. 
 
 .,n1'  ^  “«o  Ae  Egyptians  ■ 
 
 and  ^ou-1  bare  you  on  eagles’  winys.  and 
 
 you  unto  myfelf.’'°“  ““  =>"<* 
 
 5  Now  ‘  therefore,  if  ye  will  obey  my  voice  indeed 
 and  keep  my  covenant,  then  ye  (fell  be  a  necS 
 
 iS  mine. 
 
 a  And  ye  (hall  be  unto  me  a  '  kingdom  of  prieRs 
 
 fta'tToe^''  "f  ">«  "  Wch  thou 
 
 2.  5,  9.  ipeak  unto  the  children  of  Ifrael. 
 
 Kev.  1.6.  7  ^  And  Mofes  came,  acd  called  for  the  elders  of 
 
 before  their  feces  all  thefe  words 
 Cha  ''bich  the  Lord  commanded  him. 
 
 t.'4.  sfv.  together,  and  laid, 
 
 jDfut,  All  that  the  Lord  hath  fpoken  we  will  do.  AndAioles 
 
 -  27.  &  returned  the  words  of  the  people  unto  the  Lord 
 
 T/ie  Lord  calldh  Moses  vp  to  the  moutii 
 
 17, 
 
 g  Ueb. 
 
 12.  20. 
 
 H  Or, 
 frrwt. 
 
 9  And  the  Lord  laid  unto  Mofes,  Lo,  I  come  unto 
 thee  in  a  thick  cloud,  that  the  people  may  hear  when 
 J  Ipeak  with  thee,  and  believe  thee  for  ever.  And 
 Moles  told  the  words  of  the  people  unto  the  Lord 
 
 10  ^  And  the  Lord  laid  unto  Mofes,  Go  unto  the 
 people,  and  fenftify  them  to-day  and  to-morrow,  and 
 let  them  walh  their  clothes. 
 
 H  And  be  ready  againft  the  third  day:  for  the 
 third  day,  the  Lord  w'ill  come  down  in  the  fight  ol 
 all  the  people  upon  mount  Sinai. 
 
 12  And  thou  lhalt  fet  bounds  unto  the  people  round 
 
 about,  laying,  Take  heed  to  yourfelves,  that  tie  go  7iot 
 up  into  the  mount,  or  touch  the  border  of  it :  s  whofo 
 ever  toucheth  the  mount  Iball  be  furely  put  to 
 death ;  ^ 
 
 13  There  lhall  not  an  hand  touch  it,  but  he  lhall 
 furely  be  ftoned,  or  Ihot  through  ;  whether  it  be  beaft 
 or  man,  it  lhall  not  live :  when  the  ||  trumpet  foundeth 
 long,  they  lhall  come  up  to  the  mount. 
 
 14  11  And  Moles  went  down  from  the  mount  unto 
 the  people,  and  fanaified  the  people ;  and  they  walk¬ 
 ed  their  clothes. 
 
 15  And  he  faid  unto  the  people.  Be  ready  againft 
 the  third  day  :  come  not  at  your  wives. 
 
 16  And  ir  came  to  pafs  on  the  third  dav,  in  the 
 
 morning,  that  there  were  thunders  and  lightnings,  Bofo,. 
 and  a  thick  cloud  upon  the  mount,  and  the  voice  of 
 the  trumpet  exceeding  loud;  fo  that  all  the  people 
 tnaMc,7.9  in  the  camp  trembled. 
 
 17  And  Moles  brought  forth  the  people  out  of  the 
 camp  to  meet  wdth  God  ;  and  they  ftood  at  the  ne- 
 ther  part  of  the  mount. 
 
 18  And  h  mount  Sipi  was  altogether  on  a  fmoke,  i*  Dm 
 becauie  the  Lord  defeended  upon  it  in  fire;  and  the^- 
 Imoke  thereof  alcended  as  the  fmoke  of  a  furnace,  and 
 
 the  whole  mount  quaked  greatly. 
 
 19  And  when  the  voice  of  the  trumpet  founded 
 long  and  waxed_  louder  and  louder,  Males  Ipake,  and 
 God  anlw'ered  him  by  a  voice. 
 
 20  And  the  Lord  came  dowm  upon  mount  Sinai, 
 on  the  top  of  the  mount :  and  the  Lord  called  Mofes 
 up  to  the. top  of  the  m.ount ;  and  Moles  went  up. 
 
 And  the  Lord  laid  unto  IVIoles,  Go  down 
 t  charge  the  people,  left  they  break  through  unto  thefHeb.  • 
 Gord  to  gaze,  and  many  of  them  perifn.  coiUt’Ji, 
 
 22  And  let  the  priells  alfo,  which  come  near  to  the 
 
 Lord,  lanftify  themifelves,  left  the  Lord  break  forth 
 upon  them. 
 
 23  And  Mofes  faid  unto  the  Lord,  The  people  can- 
 
 if  mm  a  nr^  f c: .*  r_-  .  i_  «  ^  ^  ^ 
 
 not  come  up  to  mount  Sinai :  for  thou  chargedft  us, 
 
 It.  .  er.  4.  This  fpeech  was  defigned  to  prepare  tliem  to  receive  what  God  was 
 about  to  give  them.  How  I  hare  you  on  eagles’  wings.  In  the  Arabic,  «  I  bare 
 you  like  one  wiio  was  carried  on  tlie  wings  of  an  eagle.”  The  eagle  is  reraaikalile 
 for  foaring  high.  The  meaning  is,  tliat  tliey  liad  palfed  the  fea,  and  elcaped  the 
 groateft  dangers  from  their  enemies,  as  if  tlicy  had  been  borne  aloft  on  eagles’ 
 wings.  Ver.  5.  Peculiar  treafur  ;  The  original  word  denotes  one’s  proper  good 
 pich  he  iovethaiid  keepethin  lloro,  for  his  Ipecial  ufe,  1  Chron.'xxix.  3  Ecclei; 
 in  8.  This  favour  is  often  mentioned  to  the  praife  of  God,  Dent.  vii.  6.  xiv.  2.' 
 xxvn  18.  Ver.  6.  .A  kingdom  of  priijls,  and  an  holy  nation.  All  the  Iliaelites' 
 
 , If  compared  with  other  people,  were  priefts  unto  God,  Pfalm  cxlviii.  14.  fo  much 
 were  they  employed  in  Ids  lervdce,  and  had  fuch  intimate  communion  with  him. 
 \en  8.  Tney  now  confent  to  have  Godl’or  their  King,  and  promile  to  be  obedient 
 to  Ids  laws.  Mnfs  returned  the  words  of  the  people  unto  the  Lord.  Mofes,  as  a 
 mediator,  returns  tlie  words  of  the  people  unto  God.  Ver.  9.  Jn  a  thick  clo%td. 
 The  divine  voice  was  delivered  out  of  the  midft  of  the  fire,  whidi  burnt  the  moun¬ 
 tain,  in  alliifion  to  which  God  is  often,  in  feripture  called  a  co7ifuniingfre.  But 
 with  relpea  to  the  people,  clouds  and  darhufs  were  round  about  him  Ver.  10. 
 Sanaify  them  to-day  and  to  mon-ow.  They  were  to  purify  themfelves  from  all 
 ceremonu.1  pollution  and  uncleannefs,  which  typified  the  moral  purity  afietSled  by 
 the  blood  and  f'pirit  of  Chrid,  Tin  iii.  5.  Nor  would  Mofes  left  enjoin  a  humble, 
 t^chable  dilpofition  of  heart,  which  W'as  neceliary  in  receding  the  law  from  God. 
 This  difpof'tion  Jflrael  is  faid  to  have  polfelTed  at  the  giving  of  the  law,  Deut. 
 xxxiii.  3.  yer.  .l2.  Pound  about.  Probably  3Jotts  drew  a  line  or  ditch  round  at 
 the  foot  of  tlie  hill  wldch  none  were  to  pafs  upon  pain  of  death.  Ver.  16.  Thisj 
 
 „  .  ,  V -  ,  niiaigcuiL  U!>, 
 
 laying,  bet  bounds  about  the  mount,  and  lanftify 
 
 24  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  him,  Away,  get  thee 
 down,  and  thou  (halt  come  up,  thou,  and  Aaron  with 
 tnee  :  bur  let  uot  the  priefts  and  the  people  break 
 through,  to  come  up  unto  the  Lord,  left  he  break 
 Forth  upon  them. 
 
 25  So  Mofes  went  down  unto  the  people,  and  fnake 
 
 unto  them.*  ^ 
 
 CHAP.  XX. 
 
 1  The  ten  commandments.  18  The  people  are  afraid;  20  Mofes  com- 
 forteththem.  22  Idolatry  is  forbidden.  Of  what  fort  the  altar Jhould  be.  ri 
 
 ND  God  ipake  all  thefe  words,  faying,  i 
 
 Ik  2  a  I  am  the  Lord  thy  God,  which  have 
 brought  thee  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  out  of  the!p/P‘ 
 hcule  or  f  bondage.  t 
 
 _ _  ^  jervants. 
 
 is  tlie  mod  awful  defcnption  of  the  divine  prefence  that  can  be  conceived.— Th« 
 miraculous  cloud  of  glory  indicated  fome  invifible  and  majedic  prefence  •  and  tin 
 extraordinary  commotion  and  perturbation  in  the  courfe  of  nature  difeovered  hi- 
 immediate  mterpofition.  Ver.  18.  'I'he  divine  majedy  defeended  in  a  cloud,  with 
 a  glorious  retinue  of  angels,  who  appeared  like  fiaines  of  fire,  as  Mofes  himfelt 
 feems  to  expound  it.  Dent,  xxxiii.  2.  Hence  the  law  is  faid  to  be  given  bv  the 
 dfpoftion  of  angels.  Ads  vii  53.  Ver.  24.  The  prifs  are  afterwards  called  fons 
 I  ol  Ilracl,  cliaix  xxiv.  5.  1  hey  were  probably  iheff  born  of  the  people,  indcad  of 
 
 :  wliom  God  afterwards  cliofe  the  tribe  of  Levi,  to  he  his  miniders,  Exod  xiii 
 
 ;  EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XX.  Ver.  1.  Thefe  words-  That 
 IS,  (he  ten  commandments,  d’his  law  was  not  given  immediately  by  God  butliv 
 the  mediation  of  angels,  leprefenting  the  divine  majedy,  and  fpeaking  in  his 
 name.  They  were  inoclamied  from  mount  Sinai,  with  fuch  circumdanccs  of 
 pomp  and  terror  as  were  fitted  to  convince  the  people  of  the  neceffitv  of  a 
 Mediator,  tlie  impoffibility  of  obeying  the  law  perfedlly,  and  tlie  importance 
 ol  lacnfice  to  expiate  their  guilt  and  give  them  confidence  before  God,  Gal.  iii. 
 21,  22.  ^  ^cr.  2.  The  fird  words  I  am  the  Lord,  I  am  Jehovah,  contain  the  reafon* 
 or  man  s  obedience  to  the  divine  laws,  and  extend  to  all  the  rational  bein<.s 
 tiiroughout  the  univerfe,  who  are,  and  fliall  be  bound  by  tlie  law  of  their 
 creaUon,  to  worflnp,  and  obey  Jehovali.  And  as  the  abfolute  and  umverfal  do¬ 
 minion  of  the  fupreme  Being,  is  implied  in  his  being  called  Jehovah  the  Lord,  Co¬ 
 ins  dominion  over  his  people  m  particular,  is  included  in  tlie  following  nhrlfe 
 lay  God.  ^  er.  3.  Thoujhalt  have  no  oth.  r  gods  bfore  me  .-  That  is,  in  my  fight  or 
 
 -  OBSERVATIONS.  —  ’  Chap.  XIX. ’i  The  favours  of  Jehovah  are  great  and  gracious ;  and  therefore  che^'rful  obedience  to  all  his  ini  .n/u 
 
 IS  mod  realonable.  Let  us  rejon?  that  he  hath  appointed  the  Lord  Jefus  lawgiver  .and  pried  in  iiis  church  ;  and  let  us  reckon  u  our  privilege  as  we  1  as  diUy 
 aU  his  words.  ^  But  da,  our  condud  too  often  cerretpond.,  little-  ttith  cur  high  profeffion.  Reverence  of  fpirit  and  behaviour  becomes  ns  ufdl  orr  intcr^omR  with 
 God.  Ai.u  vnik  coiifcious  of  gree.  guilt,  and  jnltly  appreiienlive  ot  the  divine  wra'h,  may  it  be  our  happinefs  to  have  our  eyes  iiauituaily  fixed  on  him  who  is  wItt  i 
 the  vail,  wliu  .»ath  by  lus  blood  hniflieu  t.'iuifgrcilion  wad  made  an  end  of  fui,  and  delivered  us  from  tlie  coming  wratJi,  '  * 
 
The  ten  comm  ndmcnU. 
 
 EXODUS. 
 
 Idolaity  Jorhidden. 
 
 Before 
 
 Clirill 
 
 1491. 
 
 «  t.evit. 
 ,19.  12. 
 Deuter. 
 5.  11. 
 Matth. 
 5.  .33. 
 d  Chap. 
 25.  12. 
 Ezek. 
 20.  12. 
 Luke 
 13.  14. 
 
 e  Gen. 
 
 2.  2. 
 
 f  Deut. 
 
 5.  16. 
 Matth. 
 
 1 5.  4. 
 
 Epl).  6.  2. 
 
 g  Matth. 
 5.  21. 
 
 3  H  Tnou  fhalt  have  no  other  gods  before  me. 
 
 4.'^ Thou  fhalt  not  make  unto  thee  any  graven  image, 
 or  any  likenefs  of  any  thing  that  is  in  heaven  ab^ve,  or 
 that  is  in  the  earth  beneath,  or  that  is  in  the  water 
 under  the  earth: 
 
 5  Thou  fhalt  not  bow  down  thyfelf  to  them,  nor 
 
 fervethem :  for  I  the  Lord  thy  God  am  a  jealous  God, 
 vifiting  the  iniquity  of  the  fathers  upon  the  children  un¬ 
 to  the  third  and  fourth  of  them  that  hate  me; 
 
 6  And  fhewing  mercy  unto  thoufands  of  them  that 
 love  me,  and  keep  my  commandments. 
 
 7  Thou  fhak  not  take  the  name  of  the  Lord  thy 
 God  in  vain  :  for  the  Lord  will  not  hold  him  guiltlefs 
 that  taketh  his  name  in  vain. 
 
 8  Remember  the  fabbath-day,  to  keep  it  holy. 
 
 9  Six  days  fhalt  thou  labour,  and  do  all  thy  work  : 
 
 10  But  the  feventh  day  is  the  fabbatii  of  the  Lord 
 thy  God  :  in  it  thou  fhalt  not  do  any  work,  thou,  nor 
 thy  fon,  nor  thy  daughter,  thy  man-fervant,  nor  thy 
 maid-l'ervant,  nor  thy  cattle,  nor  thy  ftranger  that  is 
 within  thy  gates : 
 
 1!  For  in  fix  days  the  Lord  made  heaven  and 
 earth,  the  fea,  and  all  that  in  them  is,  and  refled 
 the  feventh  day  ;  wherefore  the  Lord  blelTed  the  fab¬ 
 bath-day,  and  hallowed  it. 
 
 27.  & 
 
 18.  16. 
 
 16  Thou  fhalt  not  b  ar  falfe  witnefs  againfl  thy 
 
 ...  w  y  Chrift 
 
 nci^nr)Our» 
 
 17  Tnou  fhalt  not  covet  thy  neighbour’s  houfe, 
 thou  fnalt  not  covet  thy  neighbour’s  w'ife,  nor  his  man-  h  Rom. 
 fervanr,  nor  his  maid-fervanr,  nor  his  ox,  nor  his  als,  7. 7. 
 nor  any  thing  that  is  thy  neighbour’s. 
 
 18  ^  And  ‘  all  the  people  law  the  thundering?,  and'^J^jg* 
 the  lightnings,  and  the  noife  of  the  trumpet,  and  the 
 mountain  fmoking :  and,  when  the  people  faw  iV,  they 
 removed,  and  flood  afar  off. 
 
 19  And  they  laid  unto  Mofes,  Speak  thou  with  us,  ^ 
 and  we  will  hear:  but  let  not  God  fpeak  with  us, 
 left  we  die. 
 
 20  And  Mofes  faid  unto  the  people,  Fear  not :  for 
 God  is  come  to  prove  you,  and  that  his  fear  may  be 
 before  your  faces,  that  ye  fin  not. 
 
 2 1  Arid  the  people  flood  afar  off ;  and  Mofes  drew 
 near  unto  the  thick  darknefs  where  God  ivos. 
 
 22  H  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  Mofes,  Thus  thou 
 fhalt  fay  unto  the  children  of  Iffael,  Ye  have  feen 
 that  I  have  talked  with  you  from. heaven. 
 
 23  Ye  fhall  not  make  with  me  gods  of  ffiver,  neither 
 fhall  ye  make  unto  you  gods  of  gold. 
 
 24  11  An  altar  of  earth  thou  fhalt  make  unto  me, 
 and  fhalt  facrifice  thereon  thy  burnt-offerings,  and  thy 
 
 12  f Honour  thy  father  and  thy  mother ;  that  thy  j!  peace-offerings,  thy  fheep,  and  thine  oxen.  In  all 
 
 days  may  be  long  upon  the  land  which  the  Lord  thy 
 God  givech  thee. 
 
 13  s  Thou  fhalt  not  kill. 
 
 14  Thou  fhalt  not  commit  adultery. 
 
 15  Thou  fhalt  not  fleal. 
 
 1  Deut. 
 27.  5. 
 
 pretence;  and  as  God  is  prefent  in  all  places,  it  becomes  an  abfolute  prohibition 
 of  having  any  other  god.  But  as  the  precept  forbids  the  worfliip  of  any  other 
 god,  fo  it  alfo  commands  the  worlhip  of  that  Being  to  whom  we  owe  our  cre.a- 
 tion,  whom  we  muft  believe  and  acknowledge  the  parent  of  the  univerfe ;  confe- 
 quently,  we  raufl  hearken  to  his  voice,  and  obey  the  dictates  .of  his  will,  whether 
 made  known  to  us  by  reafon  or  revelation.  Ver.  4.  Thou  shnlt  not  make  unto  thee 
 any  graven  image.  ■  The  fin  of  idolatry  is  of  two  kinds:  the  worfiiip  of  a  falfe 
 god,  forbidden  in  the  firft  commandment ;  and  the  worlhip  of  the  true  God 
 under  a  falfe  reprefentation,  or  through  an  unlawful  medium,  forbidden  more 
 particularly  in  this  fecond  commandment.  ^Iny  likeness  of  any  thing  that  is  in 
 heaven  above. .  That  is,  thou  fhalt  not  worfhip  the  hoft  of  heaven,  the  fun,  moon, 
 and  ftars,  or  any  imaginary  invifible  powers  in  them.  Or  that  is  in  the  earth 
 beneath;  that  is,  thou  fluilt  not  reprefeiit  the  Almighty  under  the  funilitude  of 
 man  or  heart,  or  pay  divine  honours  to  any  creature.  Or  that  is  in  the  water. 
 The  Egyptians  worfhipped  the  crocodile;  and  therefore  this  prohibition  was 
 added  here,  to  prevent  the  Ifraelites  from  committing  that  kind  of  idolatry. 
 The  particular  defign  of  this  law  was  to  bring  them  back  to  the  pure,  primitive, 
 and  fpiritual  worfhip  of  the  Deity.  Ver.  5.  A  jealous  God.  This  is  the  reafon 
 which  enforces  tliq  prohibition  of  every  fpecies  of  idolatry.  God  is  confidered 
 in  feripture  as  having  efpoufed  the  Jewifli  nation,  Ifa.  xlii.  8.  that  is,  choofe  them 
 for  his  peculiar  people  ;  fo  that  they  were  bound  by  fpecial  ties  to  worfhip  him 
 with  unalienable  afre6lion.  In  purfuance  of  this  metaphor,  God  is  reprefented 
 as  a.  jealous  God ;  that  is,  his  love  to  his  people,  and  unalienable  right  to  their  fer- 
 vices  will  not  fuffer  him  to  bear  a  rival  iu  his  worrtiip.  Vifiting  the  iniquity  of  the 
 fathers  upon  the  children.  This  threatening  is  by  the  infidels  aecufed  of  iiijuftice 
 and  as  irreconcileable  with  what  God  himfelf  elfewhere  declares,  Deut.  xxiv.  16.’ 
 Ezek.  xviii.  20.  But  it  rtiould  be  obferved,  that  the  prophet  here  fpeaks  of  fuch 
 an  offspring  who  imitated  their  degenerated  and  corrupted  parents.  The  true 
 folution  of  the  cafe  therefore  is,  Tfiat  God  will  visit  the  iniquity  of  the  fathers  on 
 fuch  children  as  inherit  their  vices,  and  imitate  their  bad  examples— /o  the  third 
 and  fourth  generation  of  them  that  hate  him ;  that  is,  of  thofe  who  continue  to 
 mamfert  their  contempt  and  hatred  of  him,  by  perfirting  in  the  idolatries  they  re¬ 
 ceived  by  tradition  from  their  fathers.  Unto  the  third  and  fourth  veneration  The 
 word  generation  is  fupplied  in  our  verCon  to  render  the  fenfe  complete  it  beino- 
 omitted  in  the  original.  And  it  fhould  alfo  have  been  fupplied  in  the  followiim 
 verfe,  shelving  mercy  unto  thousands  of  generations.  This  is  a  remarkable  inftanct 
 of  the  extent  of  divine  goodnefs  ;  how  much  more  our  beneficent  Creator  deli-ht. 
 m  works  of  mercy  than  in  aas  of  jurt  feverity.  Ver.  7.  Thou  shalt  not  take  the 
 name  of  the  Lord  thy  God  in  vain.  Our  bleffed  Saviour  has  given  us  the  fenfe  of 
 this  law,  Matth.  v.  33.  It  forbids  the  binding  ourfelves  by  oath  to  perform  thin-rs 
 that  are  in  their  own  nature  finful.  And  it  contains  a  prohibition  of  every  raff 
 and  indeliberate  oath,  and  efpecially  the  habit  of  fwearing  in  common  converfation. 
 fee  Note  on  Matth.  v.  37.  The  Lord  ivill  not  hold  him  guiltless.  That  is,  will  not 
 
 No,  6..„6d»  X  ' 
 
 places  where  I  record  my  name  I  will  come  unto  thee,  jofhiia 
 and  I  will  blefs  thee.  8.  si. 
 
 25  And  *  if  thou  wilt  make  mean  altar  of  flone,  thou  + 
 fhalt  not  t  build  it  of  hewn  Hone  :  for  if  thou  lift  up 
 thy  tool  upon  it,  thou  haft  polluted  it.  inv. 
 
 look  upon  him  as  innocent ;  but,  on  the  contrary,  will  confider  him  as  a  guilty 
 perfon,  a  profaner  of  his  name,  a  tr.arifgreffor  of  his  law,  and  will  condemn  and 
 punirti  him  ;  if  not  in  this  world,  yet  in  the  world  to  come.  Ver.  8.  Remember 
 the  sabbath  day.  This  command  the  Ifraelites  are  called  to  pay  attention  to, 
 becaufe  it  was  of  pofitive  inrtitution,  and  not  part  of  the  law  of  nature,  which 
 they  were  liable  to  forget.  To  keep  it -holy.  Nothing  was  to  break  in  to  dirturb 
 the  facred  red  ;  all  worldly  bufinefs  muft  be  laid  afide,  as  well  as  carnal  conrer- 
 fation,  and  the  whole  day  to  be  employed  in  the  more  immediate  fervice  of  God. 
 And  not  only  ourfelves,  but  all  under  our  roof,  muft  ceafe  from  thefe  things, 
 and  join  with  us  in  the  celebration  of  the  holy  day  ;  and  this  in  memory  of  God’s 
 finiflied  work  of  creation,  becaufe  he  hath  chofen  and  fet  it  apart  for  his  own  ; 
 and  fince  the  refurredlion  of  our  Saviour,  the  firft  day  of  the  week,  inftead  of 
 the  feventh,  muft  now  be  kept  holy  in  remembrance  of  that  great  event,  f  r 
 which  we  have  the  examples  of  the  apoftles  and  the  firft  churches,  and  our  Sa¬ 
 viour  countenancing  the  apoftles  while  met  on  that  day,  by  his  comic-r  into  the 
 midft.  of  them  before' his  afeenfion.  Ver.  12.  The  fifth  commandment  “njoins  the 
 reverence  due  to  our  parents,  and  in  them  to  all  fuperiors  ;  a  refpeaful  carriage 
 toward  them  ;  obedient  fiibmiflion  to  their  juft  commands;  patience  u-der  their 
 correaions;  teacliablenefs  under  their  inftruaionp;  and  readiiiefs  to  help  and 
 fuccour  them  if  in  want  or  poverty,  occafioned  by  a  decay  of  their  worldly 
 fubftance,  the  infirmities  of  age,  or  any  other  of  the  incident  calamities  of  life, 
 according  to  our  ability.  The  promife  annexed  to  it,  is  long  poffeflion  of  the 
 promifed  land  ;  under  the  gofpel  difpenfation  it  will  meet  with  its  reward 
 in  thofe  who  obferve  it  in  confcieiice  towards  God,  by  living  as  long  on  earth 
 as  infinite  wifdom  fees  neceflary,  both  for  his  own  glory  and  tlieir  good,  fee  Note 
 on  Ephef.  vi.  23.  Ver.  13.  Thou  shall  not  kill.  Thefe  words  are  better  rtn, 
 dered  in  our  old  verfion.  Thou  shnlt  do  no  murder.  This  command  does  not  prol 
 hibit  to  kill  in  defenfive  war,  or  magiftrates  to  put  in  execution  a  fentence  upon 
 oflenders,  who  have  been  judged  worthy  of  death  from  tlieir  crimes  ;  but  it  tbr- 
 bids  the  taking  away  of  a  life  not  forfeited,  either  of  ourfelves  or  others ;  and  not 
 only  reftrains  from  the  outward  aeft,  but  etiiially  condemns  the  ralh  anger  that 
 leads  to  it,  whether  in  thought,  word,  or  deed,  Matth.  v.  22.  Ver.  1 4.  'I'his  com¬ 
 mandment  refpedls  both  our  own  and  our  neighbour’s  chaftiiy.  Ii  not  only 
 condemns  the  groffer  aa,  but  every  defire,  thought,  look,  word,  or  aaion  which 
 would  lead  to  impurity,  Matth.  v  28—30.  Ver.  15.  This  command  enjoins  all 
 honefty  and  hdelity  ;  condemns  every  aa  of  injuftice,  fraud  or  oppreflion. 
 whether  to  individuals  or  the  public,  and  alfo  that  profufion  or  covetoufnefs 
 which  naturally  leads  to  the  breach  of  it,  or  perverfion  and  corruption  in  mat¬ 
 ters  of  law  or  jnftice.  Ver.  16.  This  commandment  forbids  all  lyin<>'  perjuiy 
 backbiting,  ftaiidering,  equivocation,  and  whatever  would  deceive  or°be  tj  the 
 1' jury  of  our  neighbour.  Ver.  IT.  Thou  ^halt  not  covet.  This  commandment 
 contains  all  the  fpirituahty  of  almoft  all  the  reft  in  the  fecond  table,  as  it  llrikes  at 
 the  root  of  all  that  felfiftmefs,  which  is  in  the  corrupted  nature  of  man,  for- 
 
ZjQ'xs  of  men-servants. 
 
 EXODUS. 
 
 chrift  .  Neither  (lialt  thou  go  up  by  Reps  unto  mine  altar 
 1491.  thy  nakednelsbe  not  dilcovered  thereon.* 
 
 ^  CHAP.  XXI. 
 
 1  Laws  for  men-sermnti:  5  for  the  servant  whose  ear  is  bored  7  for 
 women-servants;  12  for  man-Jlaughler  ;  16 /or  stealers  of  men  ;  \1 
 J or  cursers  oj  parents  ;  \  5  for  smiters,  ^c. 
 
 NOW  thele  are  the  judgments  which  thou  ihalt 
 let  before  them. 
 
 Hebrew  fervant,  fix  years  he 
 
 Divers  laws  and  ordinances. 
 
 a  Levit. 
 25.  39. 
 Deiiter. 
 15.12. 
 Jerem. 
 34.  14. 
 •J-  Heb. 
 suiih  his 
 body. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 saying 
 shall  say, 
 
 t  Heb. 
 be  evil  in 
 the  eyes 
 of,  ^  c. 
 
 b  Levit. 
 24.  17. 
 
 c  Deut. 
 
 19.  3. 
 
 fhall  ferve  ;  and  in  the  feventh  he  fhall  go  out  free  for 
 nothing.  ® 
 
 , .  he  pme  in  t  by  himfelf,  he  fhall  go  out  by 
 himlelt :  it  he  were  married,  then  his  wife  fhall  go  out 
 with  him.  ^ 
 
 4-  If  his  matter  have  given  him  a  wife,  and  (he  have 
 born  him  fonsor  daughters  ;  the  wife  and  her  children 
 lhall  be  her  matter’s,  and  he  fhall  go  out  by  himfelf. 
 
 5  And  if  the  fervant  \  fhall  plainly  fay,  I  love  my 
 matter,  my  wife,  and  my  children  \  I  will  not  go  out 
 free : 
 
 6  Then  his  matter  fhall  bring  him  unto  the  judges  : 
 he  fhall  alfo  bring  him  to  the  door,  or  unto  the  door 
 pott  :  and  his  matter  fhall  bore  his  ear  through  with 
 an  awl :  and  he  fhall  ferve  him  for  ever. 
 
 7  U  And  if  a  man  fell  his  daughter  to  be  a  maid- 
 fervant,  fhe  fhall  not  go  out  as  the  men-fervants  do. 
 
 8  If  fhe  t  pleafe  not  her  matter,  who  hath  betroth¬ 
 ed  her  to  himfelf,  then  fhall  he  let  her  be  redeemed  : 
 to  fell  her  unto  a  ttrange  nation  he  fhall  have  no 
 power,  feeing  he  hath  dealt  deceitfully  with  her. 
 
 9  And  if  he  have  betrothed  her  unto  his  fon,  he  fhall 
 deal  with  her  after  the  manner  of  daughters. 
 
 10  If  he  take  him  another  wj/?,  her  food,  her  raiment, 
 and  her  du  ty  of  marriage,  fhall  he  not  diminifh. 
 
 1 1  And  if  he  do  not  thefe  three  unto  her,  then  fhall 
 fhe  go  out  free  without  money. 
 
 12  H  He  that  fmiteth  a  man,  fo  that  he  die,  fhall 
 be  furely  put  to  death. 
 
 13  And  if  a  man  lie  not  it  wait,  but  God  deliver 
 him  into  his  hand  ;  then  I  will  appoint  thee  a  place 
 whether  he  fhall  flee. 
 
 14  But  if  a  man  come  prefumptuoufly  upon  his 
 neighbour,  to  flay  him  with  guile ;  thou  fhalt  take  him 
 from  mine  altar,  that  he  may  die. 
 
 15  If  And  he  that  fmiteth  his  father  or  his  mother 
 fhall  be  furely  put  to  death. 
 
 16  If  And  he  that  flealeth  a  man,  and  felleth  him,  or  if  Before 
 he  be  found  in  his  hand  he  fhall  furely  be  put  to  death, 
 
 17  ^  And  he  that  curfeth  his  father  or  his  mother 
 fhall  furely  be  put  to  death. 
 
 18  If  And  if  men  ftrive  together,  and  one  fmiteeo.  9?*’ 
 II  another  with  a  ttone,  or  with  //wfift,  and  he  die  not 
 
 but  keepeth  his  bed  ;  ’  20.  20. 
 
 19  If  he  rife  again,  and  walk  abroad  upon  his  ftaff, 
 
 then  fhall  he  that  Imote  him  be  quit :  onlv  he  fliali  Mark 
 pay /or  f  the  lofs  of  his  time,  and  fhall  caufe/^/wi  to  be 
 thoroughly  healed.  II 
 
 20  And  if  a  man  (mite  his  fervant,  or  his  maid,  y  Or^-' 
 
 with  a  rod,  and  he  die  under  his  hand  ;  he  (hall  be  his  neigh- 
 furely  -f  punifhed.  hour, 
 
 21  Notwithttanding,  if  he  continue  a  day  or  two, 
 
 he  fhall  not  be  punifhed  :  for  he  is  his  money.  f  Heb. 
 
 22  ^  If  men  ttrive,  and  hurt  a  woman  with  child,  fo  “vengeu, 
 that  her  fruit  depart  from  her,  and  yet  no  milebief 
 follow :  he  fhall  be  furely  punifhed,  according  as  the 
 woman’s  hufband  will  lay  upon  him ;  and  he  fhall  pay 
 
 as  the  judges  determine. 
 
 23  And  if  any  mifehief  follow,  then  thou  fhalt  give 
 life  for  life. 
 
 24  ®  Eye  for  eye,  tooth  for  tooth,  hand  for  hand,  e  Levit. 
 
 foot  for  foot,  24.  20. 
 
 25  Burning  for  burning,  wound  for  wound,  ftripe  2T* 
 
 for  ttripe.  Matth* 
 
 26  ^  And  if  a  man  fmite  the  eye  of  his  fervant,  or  5*38. 
 the  eye  of  his  maid,  that  it  perifh  ;  he  fhall  let  him  go 
 free  for  his  eye’s  fake. 
 
 27  H  And  if  he  fmite  out  his  man-fervant’s  tooth,  or 
 his  maid-fervant’s  tooth  ;  he  fhall  let  him  go  free  for 
 his  tooth’s  fake. 
 
 28  H  If  an  ox  gore  a  man  or  a  woman  that  they  die : 
 then  the  ^  ox  fhall  be  furely  ttoned,  aud  his  flefh  fhall  t  Gen. 
 not  be  eaten  ;  but  the  owner  of  the  ox  shaU 
 
 quit. 
 
 29  But  if  the  ox  were  wont  to  pufh  with  his  horn 
 in  time  paft,  and  it  hath  been  teftified  to  i  is  ouner,  and 
 he  hath  not  kept  him  in,  but  that  he  hath  killed  a  man 
 or  a  woman ;  the  px  fhall  be  ttoned,  and  nis  ouner 
 alfo  fhall  be  put  to  death. 
 
 30  If  there  be  laid  on  him  a  fum  of  money,  that  he 
 fhall  give,  for  the  ranlom  of  his  life,  whatfoever  is  laid 
 upon  him. 
 
 31  Whether  he  have  gored  a  fon,  or  have  gored  a 
 
 bidding  tbe  wanderings  of  vain  defire,  and  the  imagination  of  lust  and  covetouf- 
 nefs.  Ver.  24  An  altar  of  earth.  Their  altars  must  be  plain  and  unadorned,  and 
 made  of  earth  or  unhewn  stone;  alfo  low,  for  tbe  reafon  given,  ver.  26.  this  pre¬ 
 caution  being  necelTaiy  to  obferve  decency  in  the  worihip  of  God,  becaufe  they 
 wore  loofe  garments  which  were  eafily  blown  afide. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  ChaP.  XXI.  Ver.  1.  Now  these  are  the 
 judgments.  The  chief  heads  of  the  moral  law,  being  thus  folemnly  given,  Mofes 
 was  commanded  to  preferibe  them  feveral  other  particular  laws,  concerning  the 
 judicial  and  civil  government  of  the  state.  The  fuperiority  of  the  ten  moral  pre¬ 
 cepts  which  are  perpetually  binding  on  all  men,  is  ihewn  by  God  delivering  them 
 himfelf,  whereas  the  judicial  laws  were  delivered  to  Ifrael  by  Mofes,  whom  God 
 fitted  to  be  the  legillator  of  Ifrael.  Ver.  2.  Jf  thou  buy  an  Hebrew  servant. 
 This  traffic  was  confined  to  malefa<5lors,  to  infolvent  debtors,  and  to  the  poor. 
 The  malefactors  were  fold  by  the  judge ;  but  the  poor  were  fold  by  themfelves, 
 chap.  xxii.  3.  Lev.  xxv.  39.  Ver.  6.  Shall  bore  his  ear.  The  cuftom  of  boring  the 
 ear,  denoted  the  obligation  to  obey  or  hearken  to  the  commands  of  his  mafter. 
 Ver.  8.  To  a  strange  nation.  The  Chaldee  gives  the  true  fenfe  of  this  pafifage, 
 to  another  man.  Ver.  9.  To  deal  with  her  after  the  manner  of  daughters,  feems  to 
 
 refer  to  tlie  dowry  and  all  the  other  privileges  which  belonged  to  every  free-womaH 
 when  file  was  given  in  marriage.  Ver.  10.  Her  duty  oj  marriage.  In  the  He¬ 
 brew,  “  her  cohabitation  in  the  Vulgate,  “The  reward  of  her  virginity  the 
 Septuagint  agrees  with  the  literal  Hebrew;  the  Chaluea  reads,  “  Her  right  to 
 the  bed;”  and  the  Syriac,  “H(.r  times.”  Seel  Cor.  viii.  3.  Ver.  12.  Smiieth 
 wilfully,  as  is  plain  from  the  next  verfe,  fee  Gen.  ix.  6.  Put  to  death.  The  re¬ 
 petition  of  the  injuncilion  implieth  the  importance  and  necefiity  of  obedience  to  it. 
 No  ranfoni  was  to  be  taken  for  the  life  of  a  wilful  murder.  Ver.  13.  Concern¬ 
 ing  the  places  of  refuge,  fee  Numb.  xxxv.  6 — 15.  Ver.  14.  Among  the  heathen 
 altars  were  places  of  refuge;  but  in  Ifrael  even  the  altar  itfelf  could  not  protejR 
 the  murderer,  1  Kings  ii.  28 — 31.  Ver.  20.  If  a  man  smite  his  servant.  That 
 is,  Whofoever  beateth  a  fervant  or  flave,  (though  a  Gentile,)  Id  that  he  die  und^ 
 his  hand,  he  fhall  be  treated  as  a  murderer.  Ver.  24-  Eye  j  or  eye.  The  Targums 
 of  Jonathan  and  Jerufalem  render,  “  The  price  of  an  eye  for  an  eye,  &c.”  by 
 which  they  feem  to  allow  of  a  pecuniary  compenfation.  But  Lev.  xxiv.  20.  and 
 all  the  late  verfions,  fupport  our  tranflation.  Eye  for  eye,  and  tbe  other  pbrafes 
 are  only  examples  defigned  to  teach  an  equal  proportion  in  refpedl  of  every 
 other  part,  as  an  ear,  finger,  or  the  like.  Ver.  28.  An  ox  or  bull  or  in  like  man- 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS — *  Chap.  XX.]  Have  we  not  unfpeakable  caufe  of  joy,  that  the  God  whom  we  obey  is  our  God  and  Redeemer  ?  May 
 his  laws  be  written  ort  our  heart  and  tranferibed  in  our  life  !  He  is  the  fupreme,  almighty,  and  merciful  God,  and  therefore  worthy  of  our  highefl  reverence  and 
 w  anneft  love.  Influenced  by  fupreme  regard  for  him,  let  us  detefl  every  idol  which  robs  him  of  his  honour,  and  us  of  his  friendfhip.  Let  no  objecR  rival  him  in  our 
 atfecRions,  and  let  us  confeientioufly  and  joyfully  attend  to  every  inflitution,  which  is  the  appointed  means  by  which  he  imparts  his  bleffings  to  us.  While  the  terrors  of 
 Jehovah  alarm  us,  may  it  be  our  happinefs  to  know  that  he  is  merciful  and  gracious ;  and  joyfully  ferve  him,  through  faith  in  bis  exalted  Son,  whom  he  hath  appoint¬ 
 ed  the  medium  of  all  our  intercourfe  with  him,  as  the  Father  of  fpirits. 
 
'Of  thefti  damage^  trefpn^s^ 
 
 EXODUS. 
 
 borrffioingf  Jurnicatioriy  mtchcrqfi,  ^c. 
 
 1491. 
 
 Before  daughter,  according  to  this  judgment  fhall  it  be  done 
 unto  him. 
 
 32  If  the  ox  fhall  pufh  a  man-fervant,  or  maid-fer- 
 vant ;  he  fhall  give  unto  their  matter  thirty  fhekels  of 
 filver,  and  the  ox  fhall  be  ftoned. 
 
 33  f  And  if  a  man  fhall  open  a  pit,  or  if  a  man 
 fhall  dig  a  pit,  and  not  cover  it,  and  an  ox  or  an  afs 
 fall  therein  ; 
 
 34  'I’he  owner  of  the  pit  fhall  make  it  good,  and 
 give  money  unto  the  owner  of  them ;  and  the  dead 
 beast  fhall  be  his. 
 
 35  If  And  if  one  man’s  ox  hurt  another’s,  that  he 
 die;  then  they  fhall  fell  the  live  ox,  and  divide  the 
 money  of  it ;  and  the  dead  ox  alfo  they  fhall  divide. 
 
 36  Or  if  it  be  known  that  the  ox  hath  ufed  to  pufh 
 in  time  paft,  and  his  owner  hath  not  kept  him  in  ;  he 
 fhall  furely  pay  ox  for  ox  ;  and  the  dead  fhall  be  his 
 own.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXII. 
 
 1  Of  theft.  5  Of  damage.  7  Of  trefpajfes,  14  Of  borrowing.  16  Of 
 fornication,  0/ witch-craft.  19  Oj  bejtialilt).  20  Of  idolatry.  21 
 Of firangers,  widows,  and  fatkerlefs.  25  0/  usury.  26  OJ  plagues. 
 28  Of  reverence  to  magistrates,  29  Of  the  Jtrsi-Jruits. 
 
 IF  a  man  fhall  fteal  an  ox,  or  a  ||  fheep,  and  kill  it, 
 or  fell  it ;  he  fhall  rettore  five  oxen  for  an  ox,  and 
 •  *  four  fheep. for  a  fheep. 
 
 2  If  a  thief  be  found  breaking  up,  and  be  fmitten 
 that  he  die,  there  shall  no  blood  be  shed  for  him. 
 
 3  If  the  fun  be  rifen  upon  him,  there  shall  be  blood 
 shed  for  him  ;  Jor  he  fhould  make  full  reftitution  :  if 
 he  have  nothing,  then  he  fhall  be  fold  for  his  theft. 
 
 4  If  the  theft  be  certainly  found  in  his  hand  alive, 
 whether  it  be  ox,  or  als,  or  fheep,  he  fhall  rettore 
 double. 
 
 5  If  If  a  man  fhall  caufe  a  field  or  vineyard  to  be 
 eaten,  and  fhall  put  in  his  beaft,  and  fhall  feed  in 
 another  man’s  field  ;  of  the  bett  of  his  own  field,  and 
 of  the  bett  of  his  own  vineyard,  fhall  he  make  rettitu- 
 tion. 
 
 6  If  If  fire  break  our,  and  catch  in  thorns,  fo  that  the 
 flacks  of  corn,  or  the  ttanding  corn,  or  the  field,  be 
 confumed  therewith ;  he  that  kindled  the  fire  fhall 
 furely  make  rettitution. 
 
 7  ^  If  a  man  fhall  deliver  unto  his  neighbour  money 
 or  fluff  to  keep,  and  it  be  flolen  out  of  the  -roan’s 
 houfe  ;  if  the  thief  be  found,  let  him  pay  double. 
 
 8  If  the  thief  be  not  found,  then  the  matter  of  the 
 
 !I  Or, 
 
 goat. 
 
 a  2  Sam 
 12.  6. 
 
 ner,  or  example  vWnch  extends  to  all  other  creatures  which  are  in  the  power  of 
 taan.  Ver.  S2.  Thirty  Ihekels  was  the  price  at  which  our  Lord  was  valued  by 
 his  unbelieving  and  haughty  brethren,  Matth.  xxvi,  l.c,  Ver.  33.  Tf  a  man  fhall 
 open  a  pit.  It  is  a  common  praaice  in  thofe  hot  countries  to  dig  for  fprings 
 and  make  arge  pits  or  cifterns,  as  receptacles  for  rain-water,  which  if  left  unco¬ 
 vered,  cattle  might  eafily  fall  into  them. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXIL  Ver  2  Tr f  .j 
 Notwithftanding  this  permiflion  of  killing  the  perfon  who  attempts  “{ur  houfes 
 
 rueJtly\he*aSnce"V'’^'^°-’1h^  darknefs,  and  conVe- 
 
 Vu"  “  was  then  eafy  to  purfue  him  and  call  the 
 
 .aighhours  to  our  affiftance.  Ver.  5.  This  precept  extends  to  0^  parte  of  a 
 nan  s  property  in  common  with  the  vineyard.  Ver.  6.  Tf  a  fire  break  The 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 1491. 
 
 houfe  fhall  be  brought  unto  the  judges,  to  see  whether 
 he  have  put  his  hand  unto  his  neighbour’s  goods. 
 
 9  For  all  manner  of  trefpals,  whether  it  be  for  ox, 
 for  afs,  for  fheep,  for  raiment,  or  for  any  manner  of 
 lofl  thing,  which  trnoM^rchallengeth  to  be  his,  the  caufe 
 of  both  parties  fhall  come  before  the  judges ;  and 
 whom  the  judges  fhall  condemn,  he  fhall  pay  double 
 unto  his  neighbour. 
 
 10  If  a  man  deliver  unto  his  neighbour  an  afs,  or 
 an  ox,  or  a  fheep,  or  any  beaft,  to  keep,  and  it  die, 
 or  be  hurt,  or  driven  away,  no  man  feeing  it : 
 
 1 1  Then  fhall  an  oath  of  the  Lord  be  between  them 
 both,  that  he  hath  not  put  his  hand  unto  his  neigh- 
 hour’s  goods  ;  and  the  owner  of  it  fhall  accept  thereof^ 
 and  fhall  not  make  it  good. 
 
 12  And  ^  if  it  be  ftolen  from  him,  he  fhall  makeb  Gen. 
 
 reftitution  unto  the  owner  thereof.  si.  39. 
 
 13  If  it  be  torn  in  pieces,  then  let  him  bring  it  for 
 witnefs,  and  he  fhall  not  make  good  that  which  was 
 torn. 
 
 14  11  And  if  a  man  borrow  ought  of  his  neighbour, 
 and  it  be  hurt,  or  die,  the  owner  thereof  being  not 
 with  it;  he  fhall  furely  make  tt  good. 
 
 15  But  if  the  owner  thereof  with  if,  he  fhall  not 
 make  it  good  :  if  it  be  an  hired  thing,  it  came  for  his 
 hire. 
 
 16  U  ®  And  if  a  man  entice  a  maid  that  is  not  be-c  Deut. 
 frothed,  and  lie  with  her;  he  fhall  furely  endow  her-^-^®* 
 to  be  his  wife. 
 
 17  It  her  father  utterly  reful’e  to  give  her  unto  him, 
 
 he  fliall  t  pay  money  according  to  the  dowry  of  virgins,  t  Heb. 
 
 18  H  Thou  fhalt  not  fuffera  witch  to  live.  weigh, 
 
 19  If  Whofoever  lieth  with  a  beafl  fhall  furely  be 
 put  to  death. 
 
 20  f  He  that  facrificeth  unto  any  god,  fave  unto ^ -Deut. 
 the  Lord  only,  he  fhall  be  utterly  deftroyed. 
 
 21  H  «  Thou  fhalt  neither  vex  a  ftranger,^nor  opprefs  I 
 him  :  for  ye  were  ftrangers  in  the  land  of  Egypt.  2.  24.^’ 
 
 2211*^ Yefhallnotaffliifany  widow,  or fatherlefs child.  ®  Eevit. 
 
 23  If  thou  afflidf  them  in  any  wife,  and  they  cry  at 
 all  unto  me,  I  will  furely  hear  their  cry  : 
 
 24>  And  my  wrath  fhall  wax  hot,  and  I  will  kill  you 
 with  the  fword  ;  and  your  wives  fhall  be  widows,  and 
 your  children  fatherlefs.  g  Levit. 
 
 25  If  s  If  thou  lend  money  to  any  of  my  people  that 
 is  poor  by  thee,  thou  fhalt  not  be  to  him  as  an  ufurer,?/“*o 
 neither  fhalt  thou  lay  upon  him  ufury.  p};  j 
 
 foie  intention  of  this  law  was  to  make  men  careful  how  they  lighted  fires  even 
 at  a  diftance  from  corn  or  buildings.  Ver.  10.  To  keep;  That  is,  for  hire  as  Ja¬ 
 cob  kept  Laban’s  flock,  not  as  in  ver.  7.  which  fignifies  to  keep  without  reward. 
 Ver.  16.  This  law  is  different  from  that  in  Deut.  xxii.  28,  29.  which  was  for  her 
 who  confented,  not  to  the  enticer.  Ver.  1 8.  Thou  shall  not  suffer  a  witch  to  live. 
 I  he  original  word  which  is  tranflated  a  witch,  is  derived  from  a  word  which 
 fignifies  to  juggle  or  deceive  the  fenfes.  Ver.  19.  Elfewhere  it  is  enjoined  that 
 the  beaft  be  killed  alfo.  Lev.  xx.  15.  16.  Ver.  21.  By  the  word  strZZ 
 be  underftood,  not  only  a  Gentile  profelyte  to  the  Jewifh  religion,  but  alfo  everv 
 one  of  another  nation  and  religion  who  happened  to  fojourn  among  them  or 
 be  occafionally  travelling  through  their  country.  Ver.  22.  As  ftrangers  fo 
 widows  and  orphan?  were  more  helplefs,  and  more  deftitute  of  friends  and 
 proteilors,  than  others,  and  therefore  Providence  takes  particular  care  of  them 
 Ver.  28.  The  word  in  the  original,  which  is  rendered  gods,  is  elohim  :  and  prol 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERV.ATIONS _ *  Chap  XXII  AlLLTi  -  .  — — _ 
 
 He  bath,  in  ill  his  injunaions,  confulted  the  good  of  his  creatures  as  3l  L  1^°'^  j’o'.v,  juft,  and  good  ;  and  how  worthy  is  their  Author  to  be  loved  and  obeved  f 
 
 [oodnefs,  will  earneftly  defire  to  be  his  bond-Lvante  for  e^er  ^  him.  They  who  have  tafted 
 
 ^et  It  be  our  care  to  avoid  every  thing  which  has  the  flighteft’tenSncv'^Sf"*'^  extends  over  all  things ;  a  fparrow  does  not  fall  to  the  ground  without  his  diiiaion 
 .romote  general  good.  We  may  do  Siuch  evil  which  i^v  not  ’  P-‘he  every  thing  which  tends  ^ 
 
Of 
 
 reverence  to  magistrates,  ^c. 
 
 EXODUS. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrifl 
 
 1491. 
 
 D  ivcrs  laws  and  ordinal, 
 
 gods,  nor  curfe 
 
 26  11  If  thoii  at  all  take  thy  neighbour’s  raiment  to 
 pledge,  thou  fhalt  deliver  it  unto  him  by  that  the  Cun 
 goeth  down  ; 
 
 27  For  that  is  his  covering  only  ;  it  is  his  raiment 
 tor  his  Ikin  :  wherein  (hall  he  fleep?  and  it  fhall  come 
 to  paCs,  when  he  crieth  unto  me,  that  I  will  hear :  tor 
 I  am  gracious. 
 
 28  If  Thou  fhalt  not  revile  the 
 the  ruler  of  thy  people. 
 
 29  ^  Tnouih  It  not, delay  to  offer  \  the  firfl  of  thy 
 ripe  fruits,  and  of  thy  f  liquors  :  *  the  firli-born  of  thy 
 fons  (halt  thou  g  ve  unto  me. 
 
 so  Likewife  tha  t  thou  do  with  thine  oxen,  and 
 13.  2,  2.  with  thy  Iheep  :  feven  days  it  fhall  be  with  his  dam  ; 
 &  34.  19.  on  the  eighth  day  thou  fhalt  give  it  me. 
 
 31  ^  And  ye  (hall  be  holy  men  unto  me :  ^  neither 
 fhall  ye  eat  anij  fle(h  that  is  torn  of  beafts  in  the  field  ; 
 ye  fhall  caft  it  to  the  dogs.* 
 
 -  CHAP.  XXIII. 
 
 1  O/Jlnnderandfalsiwilnefs.  3,  6.  OJj'ijUce.  4  Of  charilahlenefs,  10 
 Oj  the  year  of  rt-ji.  12  Of  the  fabbatli.  IS  Of  idolatry.  I A  Of  the 
 three  feajls.  1 8  Of  the  blood  and  the  fat  of  the  facrifices,  ^c. 
 
 ^HOU  (halt  not  1|  raife  a  falCe  report  :  put  not 
 thine  hand  with  the  wicked  to  be  an  unrigh- 
 
 h  Adis 
 23.  5. 
 
 II  Or, 
 judges. 
 f  Heb. 
 thy  ful- 
 vefs. 
 f  Heb. 
 
 tear. 
 Chap, 
 
 k  Lev. 
 22.  8. 
 Ezek. 
 44.  31. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 receive. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 anfwer. 
 a  Deut. 
 22.  4. 
 
 ifOr, 
 
 ivilt  thou 
 
 a  multitute  to  do 
 in  a  caufe  to  decline 
 
 teous  witnefs. 
 
 2  If  Thou  fhalt  not  follow 
 neither  fhalt  thou  f  fpeak 
 many  to  judgment : 
 
 3  Neither  (halt  thou  countenance 
 his  caufe. 
 
 %  If  thou 
 
 evil ; 
 after 
 
 a  poor  man  m 
 
 ceafc  to  *T  ir  L 
 
 help  him?  4  ^  it  thou  meet  thine  enemy's  ok  or  his  afs  going 
 or,  and  aftrav,  thou  fhalt  furely  bring  it  back  to  him  again. 
 
 5  ^  If  thou  fee  the  afs  of  him  that  hateth  thee  lying 
 under  his  burden,  ll  and  wouldeft  forbear  to  help 
 him  ;  thou  fhalt  furely  help  with  him. 
 
 '  6  ^  Thou  fhalt  not  wreft  the  judgment  of  thy  poor 
 in  his  caufe. 
 
 wauldejl 
 ceafe  to 
 leave  thy 
 bufinefs’ 
 for  him  ; 
 thou  fhalt 
 surely 
 leave  it  to 
 
 7  Keep  thee  far  from  a  falfe  matter;  and  the 
 
 in- 
 
 join  with  nocent  and  righteous  flay  thou  not ;  for  I  will  not 
 him.  juftify  the  wicked. 
 
 ifi^Tg.*  ®  ^  ^  S'ft ;  for  the  gift 
 
 Eccius.  blindeth  f  the  wife,  and  perverteth  the  words  of  the 
 20.  29.  righteous. 
 
 t  9  H  Allb  thou  fhalt  not  opprefs  a  ftranger  :  for  ye 
 
 +Tieb'^°  know  the  heart  of  a  ftranger:  feeing  ye  were  ftran- 
 soui.  gers  in  the  land  of  Egypt. 
 
 perly  here  fignifies,  princes,  judges,  or  magiflrates.  Ver.  30.  From  the  feventh 
 (jay  forward,  it  was  lawful  both  for  firll-fruits,  and  for  any  other  facrifice,  Lev. 
 xxii.  27. 
 
 explanatory  NOTES.  Chap.  XXIII.  Ver.  1.  Put  not  thine  hand 
 with  the  ivicked  ;  that  is,  join  not  with  a  wicked  man  to  promote  a  bad  caufe,  by 
 being  a  falfe  witnefs,  who  were  to  fuffer  the  punilhment  which  they  intended  for 
 their  neighbour.  Ver.  3.  Neither  fhalt  thou  countenance.  In  the  original  it  is 
 honour,  that  is,  refpeiSl,  or  prefer,  his  caufe,  when  the  richer  man’s  caufe  is  more 
 
 10  U  And  ■=  fix  years  thou  fhall  fow  thy  land,  and 
 fhalt  gather  in  the  fruits  thereof : 
 
 1 1  But  the  feventh  year  thou  fhalt  let  it  reft  and  lie 
 ftill ;  that  the  poor  of  thy  people  may  eat :  and  whatc 
 they  leave  the  beafts  of  the  field  fhall  eat.  In  like  25. 3.’ 
 manner  thou  fhalt  deal  with  thy  vineyard,  and  with 
 
 thy  H  olive- yard.  II  Or, 
 
 12  ^  ^  Six  days  thou  fhalt  do  thy  work,  and  on  the®^'^"^' 
 feventh  dav  thou  fhalt  reft  ;  that  thine  ox  and  thine  dchap, 
 afs  may  reft,  and  the  fon  of  thy  handmaid,  and  the  20.  g, 
 ftranger  may  be  refrefhed. 
 
 13  ^  And  in  all  things  that  1  have  faid  unto  you  beLuj^g 
 circuml^pe^f ;  and  make  no  mention  of  the  name  of  13. 14. 
 other  gods,  neither  let  it  be  heard  out  of  thy  mouth. 
 
 14  f  «  Three  times  thou  fhalt  keep  a  feaft  unto  mee  Deut, 
 
 in  the  year.  ts-ic. 
 
 1 5  '■  Thou  fhalt  keep  the  feaft  of  unleavened  bread  :  f  Chap, 
 
 (thou  fhalt  eat  unleavened  bread  feven  days,  as  1  com- e.  j 
 manded  thee,  in  the  time  appointed  of  the  month 
 Abib  :  for  in  it  thou  cameft  out  from  Egypt  ;  s  and  s  Deut, 
 none  fhall  appear  before  me  empty  :)  ii";  J®’ 
 
 16  And  the  feaft  of  harveft,  the  firft-fruits  of  thy 
 labours,  which  thou  haft  fown  in  thy  field  :  and  the 
 feaft  of  ingathering  which  is  in  the  end  of  the  year, 
 when  thou  haft  gathered  in  thy  labours  out  of  the  field. 
 
 17  Three  times  in  the  year  all  thy  males  (hall  ap¬ 
 pear  before  the  Lord  God. 
 
 18  T  Thou  fhalt  not  offer  the  blood  of  my  facrifice 
 with  leavened  bread  ;  neither  (hall  the  fat  of  my  |1  fa-  il  Or, 
 crifice  remain  until  the  morning. 
 
 19  The  firft  of  the  firft-fruits  of  thy  land  thon  b  chap, 
 (halt  bring  into  the  houfe  of  the  Lord  thy  Gcd.^'^'-e- 
 ‘  Thou  (halt  not  feethe  a  kid  in  his  mother’s  milk.  »  Deut, 
 
 20  ^  Behold,  I  fend  an  Angel  before  thee,  to  keep 
 
 thee  in  the  way,  and  to  bring  thee  in  into  the  place  32^^34 
 which  I  have  prepared. 
 
 2 1  Beware  of  him,  and  obey  his  voice,  provoke  him 
 not ;  for  he  will  not  pardon  your  tranfgreffions  :  for 
 
 my  name  is  in  him.  i|  Or, 
 
 22  But  if  thou  (halt  indeed  obey  his  voice,  and  do-^’"^ 
 all  that  I  fpeak  ;  then  I  will  be  an  enemy  unto  thine 
 enemies,  and  I|  an  adverfary  unto  thine  adverfaries.  afiM 
 
 23  '  For  mine  Angel  (hall  go  before  thee,  and  '^thee.  « 
 bring  thee  in  unto  the  Amorites,  and  the  Hittites,  and  3^’!,^’’' 
 the  Perizzites,  and  the  Canaanites,  the  Hivites,  and^, 
 
 the  Jebufites  ;  and  I  will  cut  them  off.  24. 12. ‘ 
 
 That  is,  three  folemn  feftivals,  wherein  the  whole  body  of  the  nation  were' 
 aifernble  ;  namely,  the  paffover,  pentecoft,  and  the  feaft  of  tabernacles.  Ver.  1; 
 The  Jensl  of  harvest.  This  is  alfo  called  the  feaft  of  vveeks,  becaufe  it  w,is  lev- 
 weeks  after  the  paffover;  and  alfo  pentecoft,  which  in  Greek  ftgnifies  the  fifti4 
 becanfe  it  fell  on  the  fiftieth  day  after  the  paffover.  It  is  called  the  fea^l » 
 harveft,  becaufe  in  thofe  countries  the  harveft  wms  juft  over.  Ver.  20,  21. 
 an  angel.  Whether  this  was  one  of  the  heavenly  orders,  who,  though  fuperit' 
 to  mankind,  are  created  ;  or  whether  it  was  Chrift,  commentators  have  K| 
 
 juft.  The  meaning  of  this  and  the  former  verfe  is,  there  fhall  be  no  refpecfl  of  ventured  to  determine.  For  my  name  is  in  him.  Some  who  cc  nfidcr  the  w 
 
 perfons,  whether  rich  or  poor,  but  an  impartial  conlideration  of  the  caufe.  Ver. 
 8.  Thou  shall  take  no  gifs ;  that  is,  no  bribe,  for  fire  fliall  confume  the  tabernacles  I 
 of  bribery.  Job  xv.  24.  Ver.  10,  11.  Six  years  thou  shall  fow— but  the  seventh  year  I 
 thou  shalt  let  it  rest.  This  precept  was  fuhfervient  to  many  noble  purpofes.  It  j 
 taught  them  that  the  earth  owed  its  fertility  to  God,  and  ferved  to  beget  in  them  i 
 a  pious  truft  in  his  providence.  It  was  a  noble  expedient  to  recruit  the  ftrength  | 
 of  the  ground,  and  promote  its  fertility  :  it  was  likewife  fuhfervient  to  the  caufe  of  ; 
 religion,  by  obliging  the  people  tovifit  the  tabernacle,  where  the  law  was  this  year  i 
 recited  in  the  ears  of  all  the  people.  Ver.  14.  Three  times  thou  shall  keep  a  feast. 
 
 angel  or  meffenger,  referring  to  Jofliua,  believe  that  our  Lord  is  tlie  fpeaker,  a* 
 think  tliat  he  alludes  here  to  the  name  Joshua,  or  Jefus,  by  which  he  was  afW 
 wards  to  he  known,  when  he  came  to  fave  his  people  from  their  fins.  B' 
 thofe  who  fuppofe  that  the  angel  was  our  Lord  himfelf,  fay,  that  the  espff 
 fion  my  name  is  in  him,  iutimafes  his  equality  with  the  Father  ;  and  we  knowll" 
 he  is  the  hriglitnefs  of  the  Father’s  glory,  and  the  exprefs  image  of  bis  perft  ^ 
 Heb.  i.  3.  Ver.  24.  Images,  or  statues,  or  pillars,  include  every  monument 
 heathen  idolatry,  Deut.  xii.  2,  3.  Ver.  25.  Bread  and  water,  feems  to  de»' 
 every  thing  neceflary  to  man’s  fubfiftence.  Ver.  26.  The  number  of  thy  days^^ 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XXII.]  The  righteous  Lord  lovelh  righteoufnefs,  and  wiih  a  very  pleafant  countenance  beholdeth  the  nprigj 
 May  it  be  our  care  to  approve  ourfelves  to  him,  by  renouncing  all  ungodlinefs,  and  worldly  lusts,  and  living  fohcriy,  righteoufly,  and  goldly  in  the  prefent  world.  ^ 
 God  he  our  portion,  far  be  it  from  us  to  do  injury  to  any  one,  in  his  perfon  or  property.  And  let  us  honour  the  Lord  with  the  first-fruits  of  our  increafe.  Rtverei ' 
 our  rulers  as  the  miniflers  of  God ;  and  carefully  attend  to  the  wants  of  the  poor,  remembering  that  it  is  more  bleffed  to  give  than  to  receive; 
 
Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 1491. 
 
 I  Deut. 
 
 J.  25. 
 
 An  angel  is  promised  for  a  guide. 
 
 24  Thou  {halt  not  bow  down  to  their  gods,  nor 
 fervethem,  nor  do  after  their  works  i  "  but  thou  (halt 
 utterly  overthrow  theiii,  and  quite  break  down  their 
 images, 
 
 25  And  ye  (liall  ferve  the  Lord  your  God,  and  he 
 fhall  blefs  thy  bread,  and  thy  water  ;  and  1  will  take 
 ficknefs  away  from  the  midft  of  thee. 
 
 26  H  °  There  (hall  nothing  catt  their  young,  nor  be 
 barren,  in  thy  land  :  the  number  of  thy  days  1  will 
 
 ,  n 
 
 27  I  will  fend  my  fear  before  thee,  and  will  deftroy 
 all  the  people  to  whom  thou  (halt  come  ;  and  I  will 
 make  all  thipe  enemies  turn  their  f  backs  unto 
 thee. 
 
 28  And  p  I  will  fend  hornets  before  thee,  which 
 fhall  drive  out  the  Hivite,  the  Canaanite,  and  the  Hit 
 tite,  from  before  thee. 
 
 29  I  will  not  drive  them  out  from  before  thee  in  one 
 year  ;  left  the  land  become  defolate,  and  the  beaft  of 
 the  field  multiply  againft  thee. 
 
 30  By  little  and  little  I  will  drive  them  out  from 
 before  thee,  until  thou  be  increaled,  and  inherit  the 
 land. 
 
 EXODUS. 
 
 Moses  Jjuildcth  an  altar^  Sse. 
 
 o  Deut. 
 7.  14. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 neck. 
 
 p  Jofliua 
 e4.  12. 
 
 7. 
 
 31  And  I  will  fet  thy  bounds  from  the  Red  fea  even  !i  nefs. 
 
 the  people  anfwered  with  one  voice,  and  faid,  All 
 the  words  which  the  Lord  hath  faid  will  we  do. 
 
 4  And  Moles  wrote  all  the  words  of  the  Lord,  , — 
 
 and  rofe  upearly  in  the  morning,  and  builded  an  altara  Ver.  ^ 
 under  the  hill,  and  twelve  pillars,  according  to 
 twelve  tribes  of  Ifrael.  ^  Deut. 
 
 5  And  he  fent  young  men  of  the  children  of  Ifrael,  5. 27. 
 which  offered  burnt-ofl’erings,  and  facrificed  peace- 
 offerings  of  oxen  unto  the  Lord. 
 
 6  And  Mofestook  half  of  the  blood,  and  put  it  in  ba- 
 fons  ;  and  half  of  the  blood  he  fprinkled  on  the  altar. 
 
 7  And  he  took  the  book  of  the  covenant,  and  read 
 !  in  the  audience  of  the  people  :  and  they  faid,  All 
 i  that  the  Lord  hath  faid  will  we  do,  and  be  obedient. 
 
 I  8  And  Moles  took  the  blood,  and  fprinkled  it  on 
 
 I  the  people,  and  faid.  Behold,  *=  the  blood  of  the  cove-  c  Hebr. 
 -fnant,  which  the  Lord  hath  made  with  you  concern- 
 ing  all  thefe  words.  1.  2. 
 
 9  ^  Then  went  up  Mofes  and  Aaron,  Nadab  and 
 Abihu,  and  feventy  of  the  elders  of  Ifrael  ; 
 
 10  And  they  faw  the  God  of  Ifrael :  and  there  was 
 under  his  feet  as  it  were  a  paved  work  of  a  fapphire- 
 ftone,  and  as  it  were  the  body  of  heaven  in  his  clear- 
 
 q  Chap. 
 S4.  15. 
 Deut. 
 
 7.  2. 
 r  Deut. 
 7. 16. 
 Jo(hua 
 28.  13, 
 Judges 
 2.  3. 
 
 unto  the  fea  of  the  Philiftines,  and  from  the  defert 
 unto  the  river  :  for  I  will  deliver  the  inhabitants  of 
 the  land  into  your  hand ;  and  thou  fhalt  drive  them 
 out  before  thee. 
 
 32  Thou  fhalt  make  no  covenant  with  them,  nor 
 with  their  gods. 
 
 33  They  fhall  not  dwell  in  thy  land,  left  they  make 
 thee  fin  againft  me :  for  if  thou  ferve  their  gods,  *■  it  j 
 will  furely  be  a  fnare  unto  thee.'*' 
 
 CHAP.  XXIV. 
 
 1  Moses  is  called  up  into  the  mountain.  3  The  people  promise  obedience. 
 
 4  Moses  buikleth  on  altar,  and  twelve  pillars  ;  6  he  sprinldeth  the  blood 
 of  the  covenant,  ^c. 
 
 And  hefaid  unto  Mofes,  Comeupunto  the  Lord, 
 thou,  and  Aaron,  Nadab  and  Abihu,  and  feven¬ 
 ty  of  the  elders  of  Ifrael ;  and  worfhip  ye  afar 
 off. 
 
 2  And  Mofes  alone  fhall  come  near  the  Lord  ;  but 
 they  fhall  not  come  nigh,  neither  fhall  the  people  go 
 up  with  him. 
 
 3  II  And  Mofes  came  and  told  the  people  all  the 
 words  of  the  Lord,  and  all  the  judgments  :  and  all 
 
 ts,  all  the  days  which  by  the  conrfe  of  nature  a  man  may  live ;  in  oppofition  to 
 which,  the  wicked  a^e  faid  to  live  but  half  their  days,  Pfal.  Iv.  24.  Ver.  28.  This 
 promife  Jofliua  tells  us,  was  literally  performed  ;  “  And  I  fent  the  hornet  before 
 you,  which  drave  them  out  from  before  you,  even  the  two  kings  of  the  Amorites  ; 
 but  not  with  thy  fword,  nor  with  thy  bow.”  The  words,  however,  are  generally 
 underRood  metaphorically  ;  “  I  will  fend  my  terror  before  thee  as  a  hornet,”  Jofh. 
 Xxiv.  1 2.  Hornets,  according  to  fome,  fignify  a  kind  of  bees,  or  wafps,  which  Ring 
 venemoiifly.  Ver.  31.  The  river,  Euphrates,  named  repeatedly  by  Mofes,  Gen. 
 XV.  18.  Deut.  xi.  14.  fee  in  the  bounds  of  Canaan,  Numb,  xxxiv.  the  accompliRi- 
 ment  in  part  of  this  promiie  completely  fulfilled  in  Solomon’s  time,  1  Kings  iv.  21 . 
 Ver.  33.  A  snare,  or  the  caufe  of  one’s  fall  ;  fee  this  verified,  judn-.  ii.Tfal  iv’ 
 16.  Compare  Deut.  vii.  16,  25.  >  o  • 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXIV.  Ver.  2.  Moses  alone  shall 
 come  near.  Herein  he  was  a  type  of  ChriR,  who,  as  the  high-prieR,  entered  alone 
 into  the  moR  holy  place.  Ver.  8.  The  blood  having  been  fprinkled  upon  the 
 altar,  and  upon  the  people,  ratified  the  covenant  on  both  fides.  Sprinkled  on  the 
 
 1 1  And  upon  the  nobles  of  the  children  of  Ifrael  he 
 laid  not  his  hand :  affo  they  faw  God,  and  did  eat  and 
 drink. 
 
 J2  %  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  Mofes,  Come  up  to 
 me  into  the  mount,  and  be  there :  and  1  will  give  thee 
 tables  of  ftone,  and  a  law,  and  commandments  which 
 I  have  written  ;  that  thou  mayeft  teach  them. 
 
 1 3  And  Mofes  rofe  up,  and  his  minifter  Joftiua  ;  and 
 Moles  went  up  into  the  mount  of  God. 
 
 14  And  he  faid  unto  the  elders,  Tarry  ye  here  for 
 us,  until  we  come  again  unto  you  :  and,  behold,  Aaron 
 and  Hur  are  with  you  ;  if  any  man  have  any  matters 
 to  do,  let  him  come  unto  them. 
 
 15  ^  And  Mofes  went  up  into  the  mount,  and  a 
 cloud  covered  the  mount. 
 
 16  And  the  glory  of  the  Lord  abode  upon  mount 
 Sinai,  and  the  cloud  covered  it  fix  days :  and  the 
 
 j  feventh  day  he  called  unto  Mofes  out  of  the  midft  of 
 the  cloud. 
 
 17  And  the  fight  of  the  glory  of  the  Lord  xvas 
 like  devouring  fire  on  the  top  of  the  mount  in  the 
 eyes  of  the  children  of  Ifrael. 
 
 people,  may  mean  on  the  pillars  fet  up,  ver.  5.  to  reprefent  the  people.  Ver.  10. 
 They  saw  the  God  of  Israel.  That  is,  they  had  fome  glimpfe  of  his  glory,  in  light 
 and  fire,  though  they  faw  no  manner  of  jimilitude,  1  Tim.  vi.  16.  Compare  Note 
 on  John  v.  37,  38.  The  Seventy  interpret  it,  “  They  faw  the  place  where  the  God 
 of  Ifrael  flood.  Ver.  II.  Upon  the  nobles  of  the  children  of  Israel  he  laid  not  hit 
 hand.  He  did  not  inflict  any  difeafe  or  death  upon  them,  for  they  went  up  by  the 
 command  of  God.  This  may  allude  to  the  danger  threatened  for  too  near  an  ap¬ 
 proach  to  the  mountain,  Exod.  xix.  2.  Ver.  16.  A  cloud,  the  fign  of  the  divine 
 MajeRy;  in  which  Mofes  remained  without  terror,  till  he  was  fully  inRrufted  the 
 w  ill  of  God,  which  be  was  to  teach  Ifrael.  Ver.  1 7.  Lilce  devouring  fire,  to  denote 
 the  purity  and  juRice  of  Jehovah  j  and  defigned  to  imprefs  the  minds  of  all  his 
 people  with  the  importance  of  holinefs,  unfeigned  and  conRant  obedience  to  his 
 law.  Jehovah  fuRains  the  fame  awfully  glorious  charadler  under  the  new  cove¬ 
 nant,  Heb.  xii.  28,  29.  Ver.  18.  Mofes  neither  eat  bread  nor  drunk  water  durhig 
 the  forty  days  he  remained  in  the  mount,  Deut  ix.  9.  For  a  fimilar  period,  Elijah 
 anti  our  Lord  faRed,  1  Kings  xix,  8.  Matth.  iv.  2.  * 
 
 with  bi^p^nilhtt  and  compa'ffim^^  Itls^n^ne  J'®'®*'  evil  of  any  man  :  nor  be  led  aRray  by  a  ir.uititude  to  do  evil.  W'e  are  to  aefi 
 
 perfecute  us.  mile  we  Thus  condua  ourfelves  tow^dTirteHs  not  Z'" ^efs  thofe  who  curfe  u^  and  to  pray  for  thofe  who  do  fpiteluHy  ufe  and 
 and  for  their  fake  be  bath  prepared  a  feaR  of  f.t  things  Ztl  Snt^s  fn  1  4  and  reverence  h.s  fabbatirs  He  dehghts  to  render  his  people  happy  ; 
 
 dangers  than  from  all  fin  :  for  be  hath  appointed  the  I  or  1  wines  on  the  lees  wel  refined.  He.s  not  lefs  careful  topreferve  them  from 
 
 he  wiU  correa  our  errors,  enlighten  our  darknefs  reR^re  o^  baclflhhnf 
 
 No.  6  ..  6d  ^  Y  backflidings,  give  us  victory  ovet  all  ouf  enemies,  and  condua  us  fafe  to  the  heavenly  Canaan. 
 
The  offerings  for  the  tahernabJe,  ^-c. 
 
 EXODUS. 
 
 The  mercy-seat  with  the  chertibims,  4c. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 1491. 
 
 1 8  And  Mofes  went  into  the  midft  of  the  cloud, 
 and  gat  him  up  into  the  mount ;  and  ^  Mofes  was  in 
 the  mount  forty  days  and  forty  nights.’*' 
 
 f  Heb. 
 take  for 
 me. 
 
 11  Or, 
 
 heave- 
 offering. 
 a  Chap. 
 
 35.  5. 
 
 H  Or, filk. 
 
 b  Chap. 
 28.  4. 
 c  Chap. 
 28.  15. 
 d  Chap. 
 S7.  1. 
 
 CHAP.  XXV. 
 
 1  What  the  Israelites  must  offer  for  the  making  of  the  tabernacle.  10  The 
 form  oj  the  ark.  17  The  mercy-seat  with  the  cherubims.  23  7'he 
 tables  with  the  furniture  thereof,  cjl-c. 
 
 And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  faying, 
 
 2  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Ifrael,  that  they 
 t  bring  me  an  n  offering  :  ®  of  every  man  that  giveth 
 it  willingly  with  his  heart  ye  (hall  take  my  offering. 
 
 3  And  this  is  the  offering  which  ye  fhall  take  of 
 them  ;  gold,  and  filver,  and  brafs, 
 
 4  And  blue,  and  purple,  and  fcarlet,  and  |l  fine  linen, 
 and  goats’  hah\ 
 
 5  And  rams’  fkins  dyed  red,  and  badgers’  Ikins, 
 and  fhittim-wood. 
 
 6  Oil  for  the  light,  fpices  for  anointing  oil,  and  for 
 fweet  incenfe. 
 
 7  Onyx-Ifones,  and  ftones  to  be  fet  in  the  ^  ephod, 
 and  in  the  «=  breaft-plate. 
 
 8  And  let  them  make  me  a  fan£l:uary,  that  I  may 
 dwell  among  them. 
 
 9  According  to  all  that  I  fliew  thee,  after  the  pat¬ 
 tern  of  the  tabernacle,  and  the  pattern  of  all  the  in- 
 ftruments  thereof,  even  fo  (hall  ye  make  it. 
 
 10  And  they  fhall  make  an  ark  ^(hittim  wood : 
 two  cubits  and  a  half  shall  be  the  length  thereof,  and 
 a  cubit  and  a  half  the  breadth  thereof,  and  a  cubit 
 and  a  half  the  height  thereof. 
 
 11  And  thou  (halt  overlay  it  with  pure  gold,  with¬ 
 in  and  without  fhalt  thou  overlay  it ;  and  fhalt  make 
 upon  it  a  crown  of  gold  round  about. 
 
 12  And  thou  fhalt  caff  four  rings  of  gold  for  it,  and 
 put  tJum  in  the  four  corners  thereof:  and  two  rings 
 shall  be  in  the  one  fide  of  it,  and  two  rings  in  the  other 
 fide  of  it. 
 
 13  And  thou  fhalt  make  ftaves  0/ fhittim-wood,  and 
 overlay  them  with  gold. 
 
 14  And  thou  fhalt  put  the  ftaves  into  the  rings  by 
 the  fides  of  the  ark,  that  the  ark  may  be  borne  with 
 them. 
 
 15  The  ftaves  fhall  be  in  the  rings  of  the  ark ;  they 
 fhall  not  be  taken  from  it. 
 
 16  And  thou  fhalt  put  into  the  ark  the  teftiraony 
 which  I  fhall  give  thee. 
 
 17  H  And  thou  fnalt  make  a  mercy  feat  of  pure 
 gold  :  two  cubits  and  a  half  the  length  thereof, 
 
 and  a  cubit  and  a  half  the  breadth  thereof. 
 
 18  And  thou  fhalt  make  two  cherubims  o/gcld  :  of 
 beaten  work  fhalt  thou  make  them,  in  the  two  ends 
 of  the  mercy-feat. 
 
 Before 
 
 Cliriil 
 
 149J. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXV.  Ver.  1,  God  having  now  fo* 
 lemnly  ratified  his  covenant  with  IfracI,  to  be  their  God  and  King,  as  a  confe- 
 quence  of  tiris  compaa,  ordains  a  place  for  his  public  worfliip,  wherein  he  chofe 
 to  refide  by  vifible  fyinbols.  Ver.  7.  The  ephod.  This  was  a  kind  of  fquare  clMk, 
 or  upper  garment)  that  hung  down  from  the  fiioulders.  'The  Breust-plate.  The 
 Septuagint  render  it  here,  “  caflbek  reaching  down  to  the  feet”  But  it  was  a 
 folded  part  of  the  fame  embroidered  tilTue  of  which  the  ephod  was  compofed. 
 It  was  fet  with  twelve  precious  ftones  in  gold,  on  each  of  which  was  engraved 
 the  name  of  one  of  the  tribes.  Ver.  10.  And  they  shall  make  an  ark.  That  is,  a 
 
 19  And  make  one  cherub  on  the  one  end,  and  tfe 
 
 other  cherub  on  the  other  end  ;  even  1|  of  the  mercy- 
 feat  fhall  ye  make  the  cherubims  on  the  two  ends^  ^ 
 thereof. .  y 
 
 20  And  the  cherubims  fhall  ftretch  forth  their  wings,  ‘>f 
 on  high,  covering  the  mercy-feat  with  their  wings, 
 
 and  their  faces  shall  look  one  to  another  ;  toward  the 
 mercy-feat  fhall  the  faces  of  the  cherubims  be. 
 
 21  And  thou  fhalt  put  the  mercy-feat  above  upon 
 the  ark ;  and  in  the  ark  thou  fhalt  put  the  teftimony 
 that  I  fhall  give  thee. 
 
 22  And  there  I  will  meet  with  thee,  and  I  will  com¬ 
 mune  with  thee  from  above  the  mercy d’eat,  from  ®  be-  ^  Numb, 
 tween  the  two  cherubims  which  are  up  n  the  ark  of 
 
 the  teftimony,  of  all  things  which  I  will  give  thee  in 
 commandment  unto  the  children  of  Ifrael. 
 
 23  H  Thou  fhalt  alfo  make  a  table  0/  fhittim-wood  :  f  Chap, 
 two  cubits  shall  be  the  length  thereof,  and  a  cubit  the-'^'^’ 
 breadth  thereof,  and  a  cubit  and  a  half  the  height 
 thereof. 
 
 24  And  thou  fhalt  overlay  it  with  pure  gold,  and 
 make  thereto  a  crown  of  gold  round  about. 
 
 25  And  thou  fhalt  make  unto  it  a  border  of  an 
 hand-breadth  round  about,  and  thou  fhalt  make  a 
 golden  crown  to  the  border  thereof  round  about. 
 
 26  And  thou  fhalt  make  for  it  four  rings  of  gold, 
 and  put  the  rings  in  the  four  corners  that  are  on  the 
 four  feet  thereof. 
 
 27  Over  againft  the  border  fhall  the  rings  be  for 
 places  of  the  ftaves  to  bear  the  table. 
 
 28  And  thou  fhalt  make  the  ftaves  o/’ fhittim-wood, 
 and  overlay  them  with  gold,  that  the  table  may  be 
 borne  with  them. 
 
 29  And  thou  fhalt  make  the  difhes  thereof,  and 
 fpoons  thereof,  and  covers  thereof,  and  bowls  there¬ 
 of,  II  to  cover  withal ;  of  pure  gold  fhalt  thou  make  H  Or,  t» 
 them. 
 
 I  withal. 
 
 30  And  thou  fhalt  fet  upon  the  table  fhew-bread' 
 before  me  alvvay. 
 
 31  H  8  And  thou  fhalt  make  a  candleftick  of  pure? 
 gold  ;  o/beaten  work  fhall  the  candleftick  be  made 
 his  fhaft,  and  his  branches,  his  bowls,  his  knops,  and 
 his  flowers,  fliall  be  of  the  fame. 
 
 32  And  fix  branches  fliall  come  out  of  the  fides  of 
 it ;  three  branches  of  the  candleftick  out  of  the  one 
 fide  and  three  branches  of  the  candleftick  out  of  the 
 other  fide: 
 
 33  Three  bowls  made  like  unto  almonds,  rvith  a 
 knop  and  a  flower  in  one  branch,  and  three  bowls 
 made  like  almonds  in  the  other  branch,  with  a  knop 
 and  a  flower ;  fo  in  the  fix  branches  that  come  out  of 
 the  candleftick. 
 
 34  And  in  the  candleftick  shall  be  four  bowls 
 
 kind  of  fmall  cheft  or  coffer  made  of  fliittim-wood,  and  overlaid  with  gold.  It  is 
 often  called  the  ark  of  the  covenant,  and  the  ark  oj  the  testimony  ;  becaufe  it  was  a 
 lymbol  of  the  covenant  made  between  God  and  his  people,  and  contained  the  two 
 tables  of  it,  the  pot  of  manna  and  Aaron’s  miraculous  rod.  Ver.  1 7.  Thou  shall 
 make  a  mercy-seat.  It  was  called  the  mercy-feat,  from  its  being  the  place  of 
 God’s  more  immediate  prefeiice.  Ver.  18.  It  is  fuppofed  thofe  cherubims  were 
 defigned  to  reprefent  the  holy  angels  who  always  attend  the  Shechinah  or  divine 
 Majefty.  Ver.  SO.  Shew  bread.  In  the  original  it  is,  bread  of  faces,  or  of  the 
 presence,  fo  called  becaufe  it  was  conftantly  placed  in  God’s  prefence.  Ver.  40. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS _ *  Chap  XXIV  1  O  that  we  knew  how  to  value  that  difpenfation  under  which  we  live,  by  which  we  are  intreated  to 
 
 approach  God  and  contemplate  without  ‘terror  the  brightnefs  of  his  glory,  and  the  exprefs  image  of  his  perfon  !  But  alas  !  we  are  too  often  trufting  in  ourfelves 
 Jather  than  in  the  grace  which  is  in  Chrift  Jefns ;  and  hence  our  heft  purpofes  and  defires  are  often  like  the  morning  cloud  and  early  dew,  which  appear  for  a  li  tie 
 and  vanifti  away.  May  we  never  lofe  fight  of  him,  who  hath  afcended  up  on  high,  and  led  captivity  captive,  and  received  gifts  for  men,  even  for  the  rebellious.  Lei 
 hhTJreat  and  complete  Lonement  be  our  hope,  and  from  his  fulnefs,  may  we  receive,  and  grace  for  grace.  And  while  ouf  eyes  are  fixed  on  him  in  bis  glory,  may  H 
 be  our  joy  and  fupport,  that  be  Iball  vilit  us,  to  take  us  to  hiinfelf»  that  where  he  is,  there  we  may  be  alfoi 
 
The  tabernacle 
 
 EXODUS. 
 
 and  its  appurtenances. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 1491. 
 
 II  Or, 
 caufe  lo 
 ojeend. 
 f  Heb. 
 the  face 
 of  it. 
 h  A<5ts 
 
 7.  44. 
 Hebr. 
 
 8.  5. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 •which 
 thou  xuast 
 caufed 
 to  see. 
 
 made  like  unto  almonds,  'with  their  knops  and  their 
 flowers. 
 
 3.5  And  there  shall  be  a  knop  under  two  branches  of 
 the  fame,  and  a  knop  under  two  branches  of  the  lame, 
 and  a  knop  under  two  branches  of  the  farne,  according 
 to  the  fix  branches  that  proceed  out  of  the  candle- 
 fiick. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 1491. 
 
 10  And  thou  (halt  make  fifty  loops  on  the  edge  of 
 the  one  curtain  that  is  outmoft  in  the  coupling,  and 
 fifty  loops  in  the  edge  of  the  curtain  which  coupleth 
 the  fecond. 
 
 1 1  And  thou  (halt  make  fifty  taches  of  brafs,  and 
 
 put  the  taches  into  the  loops,  and  couple  the  ||  tent  0  Or, 
 
 ;!  together,  that  it  may  be  one.  covering.' 
 
 f  Heb. 
 the  work 
 of  a  cun¬ 
 ning 
 
 or,  em¬ 
 broiderer. 
 
 36  Their  knops  and  their  branches  (hall  be  of  the  j  12  And  the  remnant  that  remaineth  of  the  curtains 
 fame;  all  of  it  shall  be  one  beaten  work  ^pure  gold.  '  of  the  tent,  the  half-curtain  that  remaineth  (hall  hang 
 
 37  And  thou  (halt  make  the  feven  lamps  thereof ;  over  the  back-fide  of  the  tabernacle. 
 
 and  they  fhall  ||  light  the  lamps  thereof,  that  they  |  13  And  a  cubit  on  the  one  fide,  and  a  cubit  on  the 
 
 may  give  light  over  againft  t  it.  l  other  fide,  t  of  that  which  remaineth  in  the  length  t  Heb. 
 
 38  And  the  tongs  thereof,  and  the  fnuft-difhes  :  of  the  curtains  of  the  tent,  it  fhall  hang  over  the  fides 
 
 thereof,  o/ pure  gold.  !  of  the  tabernacle  on  this  fide,  and  on  that  fide,  to  or  5ur-  ’ 
 
 39  0/ a  talent  of  pure  gold  fhall  he  make  it,  with  cover  it.  piusage. 
 
 all  thefe  veffels.  j  14-  And  thou  fhalt  make  a  covering  for  the  tent 
 
 40  And  look  that  thou  make  them  after  their  pat-  [  of  ram’s  fkins  dyed  red,  and  a  covering  above  of 
 
 tern,  f  which  was  fhewed  thee  in  the  mount.*  I  badgers’  fkins. 
 
 CHAP.  XXVI.  I  If  And  thou  fhalt  make  boards  for  the  tabernacle 
 
 1  The  ten  curtains  of  the  tabernacle.  7  The  eleven  curtains  of  goals'  o/^fhittim*WOOd  ftanding  Up. 
 
 16  Ten  cubits  shall  be  the  length  of  a  board,  and  a 
 cubit  and  a  half  shall  be  the  breadth  of  one  board. 
 
 Moreover,  thou  fhalt  make  the  tabernacle  17  Two  f  tenons  shall  there  be  in  one  board,  fet  inf  Heb. 
 with  ten  curtains  ^  fine  twined  linen,  and  j  order  one  againft  another :  thus  fhalt  thou  make  for*“”^*- 
 
 f  of  I  all  the  boards  of  the  tabernacle. 
 
 And  thou  (halt  make  the  boards  for 
 
 7  The 
 
 hair,  1 1  The  covering  of  rams'  dcins.  1 5  The  boards  of  the  tabernacle 
 •with  their  sockets  and  bars,  ^c. 
 
 OREOVER,  thou  fhalt  make  the  tabernacle 
 
 _ with  ten  curtains  cf  fine  twined  linen, 
 
 blue,  and  purple,  and  fcarlet :  with  cherubims 
 cunning  work  fhalt  thou  make  them. 
 
 2  The  length  of  one  curtain  shall  be  eight  and  twenty 
 workman,  cubits,  and  the  breadth  of  one  curtain  four  cu-  i 
 
 bits :  and  every  one  of  the  curtains  fhall  have  one ' 
 meafure.  I 
 
 3  The  five  curtains  fhall  be  coupled  together  one  | 
 
 to  another ;  and  other  five  curtains  shall  be  coupled 
 one  to  another.  ! 
 
 4  And  thou  fhalt  make  loops  of  blue  upon  the  edge  ’ 
 of  the  one  curtain,  from  the  felvedge  in  the  coupling  ; 
 and  likewife  fhalt  thou  make  in  the  uttermoft  edge  of  j 
 another  curtain,  in  the  coupling  of  the  fecond. 
 
 5  Fifty  loops  fhalt  thou  make  in  the  one  curtain, 
 and  fifty  loops  fhalt  thou  make  in  the  edge  of  the  cur¬ 
 tain  that  is  in  the  coupling  of  the  fecond,  that  the 
 loops  may  take  hold  one  of  another. 
 
 6  And  thou  fhalt  make  fifty  taches  of  gold,  and 
 couple  the  curtains  together  with  the  taches  ;  and  it 
 fhall  be  one  tabernacle. 
 
 7  II  And  thou  fhalt  make  curtains  of  goats’  hairy  to 
 be  a  covering  upon  the  tabernacle :  eleven  curtains 
 fhalt  thou  make. 
 
 8  The  length  of  one  curtain  shall  he  thirty  cubits, 
 and  the  breadth  of  one  curtain  four  cubits  ;  and  the 
 eleven  curtains  shall  be  all  of  one  meafure. 
 
 9  And  thou  fhalt  couple  five  curtains  by  themfelves, 
 and  fix  curtains  by  themfelves,  and  fhalt  double  the 
 lixth  curtain  in  the  fore-front  of  the  tabernacle. 
 
 This  injuncflion  refpeas  thofe  things  mentioned  in  this  and  the  following  chap, 
 ters.  The  whole  were  patterns  of  heavenly  things,  Heb.  viii  b  o  t' 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXVI.  i  The  tabernacle  con 
 
 Sew  brei/'’*'  ‘-■""grated  to  God,  particularly  the  ark,  the  table  with  the 
 
 ftew -bread,  and  the  candle.d.ck  ;  and  was  defigned  to  typify  the  church  in  which 
 
 r  h!  ’’  all  the  members  with  fpiritual  provifion,  to  en- 
 
 hghten  them  by  his  laws,  and  direa  and  fandify  them  by  his  Spirit,  fee  Note  on 
 
 18  And  thou  (halt  make  the  boards  for  the  taber¬ 
 nacle,  twenty  boards  on  the  fouth  fide  fouthward. 
 
 19  And  thou  fhalt  make  forty  lockets  of  filver  under 
 the  twenty  boards  :  two  (ockets  under  one  board  for 
 his  two  tenons,  and  two  fockets  under  another  board 
 for  his  two  tenons. 
 
 20  And  for  the  fecond  fide  of  the  tabernacle,  on  the 
 north  fide,  there  shall  be  twenty  boards, 
 
 21  And  their  forty  fockets  of  filver ;  two  fockets  un¬ 
 der  one  board,  and  two  Icckets  under  another  board. 
 
 22  And  for  the  Tides  of  the  tabernacle  weftward 
 thou  fhalt  make  fix  boards. 
 
 23  And  two  boards  fhalt  thou  make  for  the  corners 
 of  the  tabernacle  in  the  two  Tides. 
 
 24  And  they  fhall  be  f  coupled  together  beneath,  t  H«b. 
 and  they  fhall  be  coupled  together  above  the  head  of 
 
 it  unto  one  ring :  thus  fhall  it  be  for  them  both  ;  they 
 fhall  be  for  the  two  corners. 
 
 25  And  they  fhall  be  eight  boards,  and  their  fockets 
 o/filver,  fixteen  fockets ;  two  fockets  under  one  board, 
 and  two  fockets  under  another  board. 
 
 26  II  And  thou  fhalt  make  bars  of  fhittim-wood  : 
 five  for  the  boards  of  the  one  fide  of  the  tabernacle, 
 
 27  And  five  bars  for  the  boards  of  the  other  fide  of 
 the  tabernacle,  and  five  bars  for  the  boards  of  the  fide 
 of  the  tabernacle  for  the  two  fides  weftward. 
 
 28  And  the  middle  bar  in  the  midft  of  the  boards 
 fhall  reach  from  end  to  end. 
 
 Heb.  ix.  2,  3.  Ver.  4,  5.  Did  the  colUinefs  of  the  coverings  intimate  lio'v 
 precious  the  church  is  in  the  eyes  of  her  Lord,  from  whom  flie  derives  all  her 
 worth?  Song  i.  9,  11,  15,  16.  Was  the  unity  of  believers  in  one  body  fliewn 
 by  the  coupling  together  of  the  curtains  by  means  of  the  taches,  or  buttons 
 Ephef.  iv.  15,  16.  Ver.  14.  The  coverings  of  the  tabernacle  concealed  the  holy 
 things  from  public  view,  and  proteaed  them  from  the  injury  of  the  weather  - 
 and  hence  probably  reprefented  the  fafety  of  the  church  in  the  widernels  of  this 
 
 practical  observations _ *  Chap  XXVI  ^  1  TTT  Tl  - - - - - — - - 
 
 thing  in  her  be  altogether  according  to  his  mind  M.v  precious  in  Jehovah  s  account  than  all  his  other  works  :  hence  his  care  that  every 
 
 pie,  which  he  hath  fnriched  with  hfs  prefence  and  bleffiSe  teach  us  the  wondrous  things  in  his  law  !  Since  he  hath  fent  the  Saviour,  raifed  a  fpiritual  tern! 
 
 And  may  it  be  our  happinefs  while  crtempLtbg  tie  ftadiw  of  c  fn  divine  inftruaion. 
 
 teaed  from  infult,  and  can  be  viewed  by  the  guihy  without  defLfr  in  n  W  J  his  blood  the  law  is  pro- 
 
The  altar  cf  hurnt-c^ering^ 
 
 EXODUS. 
 
 'iscith  the  vessels  tkererf^ 
 
 cfhrift  overlay  the  boards  with  gold,  and 
 
 1491.  their  rings  of  gold  for  places  for  the  bars :  and 
 
 thou  (halt  overlay  the  bars  with  gold, 
 a  Chap.  30  And  thou  (halt  rear  up  the  tabernacle  *  accord- 
 25.  9, 40.  ing  to  the  fafhion  thereof  which  was  (hewed  thee  in 
 the  mount. 
 
 Heb.8,5.  31  H  And  thou  (halt  make  a  vail  ^Tblue,  and  pur- 
 
 pie,  and  fcarlet,  and  fine  twined  linen,  of  cunning 
 work:  with  cherubims  (hall  it  be  made. 
 
 32  And  thou  (halt  hang  it  upon  four  pillars  of  (hit- 
 tim-wwod  overlaid  with  gold  :  their  hooks  shall  be  of 
 gold,  upon  the  four  fockets  of  filver. 
 
 33  H  And  thou  (halt  hang  upthe  vail  underthe  taches, 
 that  thou  mayeft  bring  in  thither  within  the  vail  the 
 ark  of  the  tefti.mony  :  and  the  vail  (hall  divide  unto 
 you  between  the  ho\y  place  and  the  mofb  holy. 
 
 34  And  thou  (halt  put  the  mercy-feat  upon  the  ark 
 of  the  teftimony  in  the  mold  holy  p/acd’. 
 
 35  And  thou  (halt  fet  the  table  without  the  vail,  and 
 the  candletlick  over  againft  the  table,  on  the  fide  of 
 the  tabernacle  toward  the  fouth  :  and  thou  (halt  put 
 the  table  on  the  north  fide. 
 
 36  And  thou  (halt  make  an  hanging  for  the  door 
 of  the  tent,  ^'blue,  and  purple,  and  fcarlet,  and  fine 
 twined  linen,  wrought  with  needle  work. 
 
 37  And  thou  (halt  make  for  the  hanging  five  pillars 
 ^fhittim-tcooa',  and  overlay  them  with  gold,  and  their 
 hooks  shall  be  o/’gold  :  and  thou  (halt  caft  five  fockets 
 of  brafs  for  them.*' 
 
 CHAP.  XXVII. 
 
 1  The  altar  of  burnt-off'ering,  with  the  vejfels  thereof.  9  The  court  of  the 
 
 tabernacle  inclofed  with  hangings  and  pillars,  18  The  meafure  oj  the 
 
 court.  20  The  oil  for  the  lamp, 
 
 And  thou  (halt  make  an  altar  of  fhittim-wood, 
 five  cubits  long,  and  five  cubits  broad  :  the 
 altar  (hall  be  four-fquare ;  and  the  height  thereof 
 shall  be  three  cubits. 
 
 2  And  thou  (halt  make  the  horns  of  it  upon  the 
 four  corners  thereof ;  his  horns  (hall  be  of  the  fame  : 
 and  thou  (halt  overlay  it  with  brafs. 
 
 3  And  thou  (halt  make  his  pans  to  receive  his  alhes, 
 and  his  (hovels,  and  his  bafons,  and  his  fie(h-hooks, 
 and  his  fire-pans :  all  the  velTels  thereof  thou  (halt 
 make  of  brafs. 
 
 4  And  thou  (halt  make  for  it  a  grate  of  net-work 
 oCbrafs  ;  and  upon  the  net  (halt  thou  make  four  bra- 
 fen  rings  in  the  four  corners  thereof. 
 
 5  And  thou  fhalt  put  it  under  the  compafs  of  the 
 altar  beneath,  that  the  net  may  be  even  to  the  midft 
 of  the  altar. 
 
 6  And  thou  (halt  make  ftaves  for  the  altar,  (laves 
 o/lhittim-wood,  and  overlay  them  with  brafs. 
 
 7  And  the  (laves  (hall  be  put  into  the  rings,  and  ®efore 
 the  (laves  (hall  be  upon  the  two  fides  of  the  altar,  to„;^Y.!^ 
 bear  it. 
 
 8  Hollow  with  boards  (halt  thou  make  it :  as  f  itt  Heb. 
 was  (hewed  thee  in  the  mount,  fo  (hall  they  make 
 
 9  H  And  thou  (halt  make  the  court  of  the  taber¬ 
 nacle  :  for  the  fouth  fide  fouthward  there  shall  be  hang¬ 
 ings  for  the  court  of  fine  twined  linen,  of  an  hundred 
 cubits  long,  for  one  fide. 
 
 10  And  the  twenty  pillars  thereof,  and  their  twenty 
 fockets,  shall  be  of  brafs  :  the  hooks  of  the  pillars  and 
 their  fillets  shall  be  of  filver. 
 
 1 1  And  likewife  for  the  north  fide  in  length,  there 
 shall  be  hangings  of  an  hundred  cubits  long,  and  his 
 twenty  pillars,  and  their  twenty  fockets  o/* brafs;  the 
 hooks  of  the  pillars  and  their  fillets  o/* filver. 
 
 12  ^  And  the  breadth  of  the  court  on  the  weft 
 fide,  shall  be  hangings  of  fifty  cubits :  their  pillars  ten, 
 and  their  fockets  ten. 
 
 13  And  the  breadth  of  the  court  on  the  eaft  fide 
 eaftward  shall  be  fifty  cubits. 
 
 14  The  hangings  oi' one  {ide  of  the  gate  shall  be  Hheen 
 cubits  :  their  pillars  three,  and  their  fockets  three. 
 
 J5  And  on  the  other  fide  shall  be  hangings,  fifteen 
 cubits :  their  pillars  three,  and  their  fockets  three. 
 
 16  H  And  for  the  gate  of  the  court  shall  be  an  hanging 
 of  twenty  cubits,  r/'blue,  and  purple,  and  fcarlet,  and 
 fine  twined  linen,  wrought  with  needle-work :  and 
 their  pillars  shall  be  four,  and  their  (bckets  four. 
 
 17  All  the  pillars  round  about  the  court  shall  be  fil¬ 
 leted  with  filver :  their  hooks  shall  be  of  filver,  and  their 
 
 j  fockets  of  brafs. 
 
 I  18  51  The  length  of  the  court  shall  be  an  hundred 
 ^  cubits,  and  the  breadth  f  fifty  every  where,  and  the  t  Heb. 
 ^  height  five  cubits  ^fine  twined  linen,  and  their 
 j  ets  ^  brafs. 
 
 19  All  the  veffels  of  the  tabernacle,  in  all  the  fer- 
 vice  thereof,  and  all  the  pins  thereof,  and  all  the  pins 
 of  the  court,  shall  be  of  brals. 
 
 20  51  And  thou  (halt  command  the  children  of  Ifrael, 
 that  they  bring  thee  pure  oil-olive  beaten  for  the  light, 
 
 to  caufe  the  lamp  f  to  burn  always.  t  Heb, 
 
 21  In  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation  without  ^ 
 the  vail  which  is  before  the  teftimony,  Aaron  and  his 
 fons  (hall  order  it  from  evening  to  morning  before  the 
 Lord.  It  shall  be  a  ftatute  for  ever  unto  their  gene¬ 
 rations  on  the  behalf  of  the  children  of  Ifrael.f 
 
 CHAP.  XXVIII. 
 
 1  Aaron  and  his  fons  are fet  apart  for  the  prieji's  office,  2  Holp  garments 
 are  appointed.  6  The  ephod.  15  The  breaf  plate,  with  twelve  precious 
 Jlunes.  30  The  Urim  and  Thummim.  31  The  robe  of  the  ephod,  ivith 
 pomegranates  and  bells.  36  The  plate  of  the  mitre.  39  The  embroi¬ 
 dered  coat,  cj-c. 
 
 world,  Pfal.  xxvii.  5.  Ifa.  iv.  6.  xxv.  4.  Ver.  31 — 34.  The  typical  import  of  the 
 vail,  is  fully  taught  by  the  apoftle,  and  illudrated  at  our  Lord’s  death,  when  the 
 vail  of  the  temple  was  divided,  Matth.  xxvii.  51.  Heb.  xi.  3 — 8,  24.  x.  19,  20. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXVII.  Ver.  I.  The  ntor  was  a 
 type  of  Chrin,  Heb.  xiii.  1 0,  1 5.  Ver.  2.  The  horns  of  it.  Tbefe  were  pinnacles 
 or  fpires,  one  at  each  corner.  Their  ufes  were  for  moving  the  altar  with  greater 
 eafe,  fortying  the  vi<aims  to  them.  Ver.  4.  A  grate  of  net-work.  The  life  of  this 
 was  to  let  the  alhes  fall  through  to  the  bottom  of  the  altar,  where  there  vvas 
 a  door  to  open  for  taking  them  out.  Ver.  9.  Court  of  the  tabernacle.  Round 
 
 about  the  tabernacle  was  a  large  oblong  court,  inclofed  with  hangings  and  flip- 
 ported  by  pillars  overlaid  with  filver.  Ver.  10.  The  hooks  of  the  pillars.  The 
 Vulgate,  Septuagint,  Chaldee,  Syriac,  and  Arabic,  render  it  chapiters.  But,  ac¬ 
 cording  to  the  Samaritan,  they  feem  to,  have  been  a  kind  of  tenter  hooks  to  hang 
 the  curtains  upon.  Ver.  20.  Pure  oil-olive  beaten  for  the  light.  That  is  beaten 
 out  of  the  olives  with  a  peftle.  To  burn  olivaps.  Three  of  the  lamps  were  kept 
 burning  by  day,  and  the  remainder  were  lighted  in  the  evening.  Did  not  this 
 reprefent  the  fteady  light  of  the  gofpel,  and  the  conflant  influences  of  the  Holy 
 Spirit  ? 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. _ *  Chap.  XXVI.]  In  the  tabernacle,  let  us  contemplate  Jefus  and  his  church  ;  outwardly  mean  and  debafod  in  the  eyes 
 
 of  fuperficial  obfervers.  but  inwardly  decked  in  every  beauty  which  can  comnnand  refpedl  and  gain  efteem.  Every  thing  in  the  church,  of  which  he  is  the  head,  is 
 formed  and  joined  together  according  to  the  gracious  purpofe,  and  by  the  infinite  wifdom  and  power  of  God.  And  it  is  our  peculiar  confolation,  that  the  vail  con¬ 
 cealing  the  holieft  of  all  is  rent,  and  we  have  all  accefs  with  boldnefs,  that  wc  may  obtain  mercy  and  find  grace  to  help  in  the  time  of  need. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. _ f  Chap.  .XXVII.]  We  have,  blclTed  be  God,  an  altar  on  which  we  offer  up  the  facrifice  of  praife  and  thanks  continually. 
 
 Since  Jefus  has  expiated  fin  that  he  might  bring  us  to  God,  let  us  unreftrvedly  truft  in  him,  and  cheerfully  give  up  ourfelveS  and  our  all  to  his  bkffed  fertice,  and 
 make  oar  light  to  lliine  before  men,  that  others  feeing  our  good  works,  may  glory  OUr  Father,  who  is  in  heayen. 
 
EXODUS. 
 
 Before 
 
 Clirift 
 
 1491. 
 
 The  ephod  and  hreastjdate. 
 
 And  take  thou  unto  thee  Aaron  thy  brother,  and 
 his  fons  with  him,  from  among  the  children  ot 
 Ifrael,  that  he  may  minifter  unto  me  in  the  prieits 
 office!  Aaron,  Nadab  and  Abihu,  Eleazar  and 
 Ithamar,  Aaron’s  fons. 
 
 2  f  And  thou  (halt  make  holy  garments  for  Aaron 
 thy  brother,  for  glory  and  for  beauty. 
 
 3  And  thou  (halt  {'peak  unto  z\\  that  arc  wife-heart¬ 
 ed,  whom  I  have  filled  with  the  Ipirit  of  wildom,  that 
 they  may  make  Aaron’s  garments  to  conlecr^e  him, 
 that  he  may  minifter  unto  me  in  the  prielt  s  office. 
 
 4  And  thefe  are  the  garments  which  they  (hall 
 make  ;  a  breaffplate,  and  an  ephod,  and  a  robe,  and 
 a  broidered  coat,  a  mitre,  and  a  girdle  :  and  they  {hall 
 make  holy  garments  for  Aaron  thy  brother,  and  his 
 fons  that  he  may  minifter  unto  me  in  the  prieft  s 
 
 5  And  they  fhall  take  gold,  and  blue,  and  purple, 
 and  fcarler,  and  fine  linen. 
 
 6  H  And  they  ffiall  make  the  ephod  of  gold,  of  blue, 
 and  of  purple,  oj  Icarlet,  and  fine  twined  linen,  with 
 cunning  work.  _ 
 
 7  It  ftaall  have  the  two  ffioulde.f-pieces  thereof  join¬ 
 ed  at  the  two  edges  thereof;  andyo  it  ffiall  be  joined 
 
 together.  ,  .  •  u  • 
 
 8  And  the  |1  curious  girdle  of  the  ephod,  which  is 
 upon  it,  ffiall  be  of  the  fame,  according  to  the  work 
 thereof;  even  of  gold,  o/^blue,  and  purple,  and  fcarlet, 
 and  fine  twined  linen. 
 
 9  And  thou  ffialt  take  two  onyx-ftones,  and  grave 
 on  them  the  names  of  the  children  of  Ifrael : 
 
 10  Six  of  their  names  on  one  ftone,  and  the  other 
 fix  names  of  the  reft  on  the  other  ftone,  according  to 
 
 their  birth.  , 
 
 1 1  ^  With  the  work  of  an  engraver  in  ftone,  like 
 the  engravings  of  a  fignct,  ffialt  thou  engrave  the  two 
 ftones  with  the  names  of  the  children  of  Ilrael :  thou 
 ffialt  make  them  to  be  fet  in  ouches  of  gold. 
 
 12  And  thou  ffialt  put  the  two  Idoues  upon  the 
 ffioulders  of  the  ephod,  for  ftones  of  memorial  unto 
 the  children  of  Ifrael ;  and  Aaron  ffiall  bear  their 
 names  before  the  Lord,  upon  his  two  ffioulders,  for 
 a  memorial. 
 
 13  And  thou  ffialt  make  ouches  of  gold  ; 
 
 14  And  two  chains  o/ pure  gold  at  the  ends  ;  of 
 wreathen  work  (halt  thou  make  them>  and  fallen  the 
 wreathen  chains  to  the  ouches. 
 
 15  H  And  thou  ffialt  make  the  breaft-plate  of  judg¬ 
 ment  with  cunning  work  ;  after  the  work  of  the  ephod 
 thou  ffialt  make  it :  of  gold,  of  blue,  and  of  purple,  and 
 o/’ fcarlet,  and  of  fine  twined  linen,  thou  ffialt  make  it. 
 16  Four-fquare  it  ffiall  be,  being  doubled  ;  a  fpan 
 ,  shall  be  the  length  thereof^  and  a  {'pan  shall  be  the 
 
 breadth  thereof. 
 
 I 17  And  thou  ffialt  f  fet  in  it  fetiings  of  ftones,  even 
 ruby.  four  TOWS  of  ftones  :  the  first  row  shall  be  a  i]  fardius, 
 
 I!  O'-., 
 
 embroid¬ 
 
 ered. 
 
 a  Wlfd. 
 I'S.  24. 
 
 +  Heb. 
 Jill  it  in 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXVIII.  Ver.  1.  God  having  ap- 
 pointed  the  holy  things  for  his  fervice,  now  proceeds  to  impart  infirncRion  reljaetfl- 
 ing  the  perfons  who  were  to  minifter  before  him  continually.  No  one  was  to 
 take  this  honour  on  himfelf,  but  he  who  was  called  of  God  as  was  Aaron.  In  this 
 work,  Aaron  ind  his  fons  typified  Chrift  chiefly,  and  in  an  inferior  fenfe  all 
 believers,  Heb.  v.  4.  Rev.  i.  6.  Ver.  4.  A  mitre.  A  kind  of  bonnet,  or  cap  for 
 the  covering  of  the  bead.  And  a  girdle.  This  was  a  fort  of  falh  made  to  in- 
 clofe  and  faften  all  the  other  garments,  w'hicb  were  loofe  of  themfelves, 
 that  the  prieft  might  be  more  expeditious  in  this  work.  Ver.  11.  Set  in 
 ouches.  That  is,  in  fockets,  in  the  fame  manner  as  precious  ftones  are  fet  in 
 I'ings.  Ver.  29.  And  Aaron  Jltall  bear  the  names,  ^c.—nipon  his  hear',— for  a 
 
 No.  6,... 6c?.  Z 
 
 The  Urim  and  Viummim. 
 
 a  topaz,  and  a  carbuncle :  this  shall  be  the  firft 
 
 row.  ,  f 
 
 18  And  the  fecond  row  shall  be  an  emerald,  a  lap- 
 
 phire,  and  a  diamond. 
 
 19  And  the  third  row  a  figure,  an  agate,  and  an 
 amethyft. 
 
 20  And  the  fourth  row  a  beryl,  and  an  onyx,  and  a 
 jafper  :  they  ffiall  be  I'et  in  gold  in  their  f  inclofings.  t  Heb. 
 
 21  And  the  ftones  ffiall  be  with  the  names  of  theJ*"*”^’- 
 children  of  Ifrael,  twelve,  according  to  their  names, 
 
 like  the  engravings  of  a  fignet ;  every  one  with  his 
 name  ffiall  they  be  according  to  the  twelve  tribes. 
 
 22  And  thou  ffialt  make  upon  the  brealiplate  chains 
 at  the  ends  0/ wreathen- work  of  pure  gold. 
 
 23  And  thou  ffialt  make  upon  the  brealiplate  two 
 rings  of  gold,  and  ffialt  put  the  two  rings  on  the  tw'o 
 ends  of  the  brealiplate. 
 
 24  And  thou  {halt  put  the  two  wreathen  chains  of 
 gold  in  the  two  rings  "which  are  on  the  ends  ot  the 
 brealiplate. 
 
 25  And  the  other  two  ends  of  the  two  wreathen 
 chains  thou  ffialt  faften  in  the  two  ouches,  and  put 
 them  on  the  ffioulder  pieces  of  the  ephod  before  it. 
 
 26  And  thou  ffialt  make  two  rings  of  gold,  and  thou 
 ffialt  put  them  upon  the  two  ends  of  the  brealiplate, 
 in  the  border  thereof,  which  is  in  the  fide  of  the  ephod 
 inward. 
 
 27  And  two  other  rings  o^  gold  thou  ffialt  make,  and 
 ffialt  put  them  on  the  two  fides  of  the  ephod  under¬ 
 neath,  toward  the  fore  part  thereof,  over  againft  the 
 other  coupling  thereof,  above  the  curious  girdle  of  the 
 ephod. 
 
 28  And  they  ffiall  bind  the  breaftplate  by  the  rings 
 thereof  unto  the  rings  of  the  ephod  with  a  lace  of  blue, 
 that  it  may  be  above  the  curious  girdle  of  the  ephod, 
 and  that  the  breaftplate  be  not  loofed  from  the  ephod. 
 
 29  And  Aaron  ffiall  bear  the  names  of  the  children 
 of  Ilrael  in  the  breaftp’ate  of  judgment  upon  his  heart, 
 when  he  goeth  in  unto  the  holyj^/flce,  for  a  memorial 
 before  the  Lord  continually. 
 
 30  f  And  thou  ffialt  put  in  the  breaftplate  of  judg¬ 
 ment  the  Urim  and  the  Thummim  ;  and  they  ffiall  be 
 upon  Aaron’s  heart  when  he  goeth  in  before  the 
 Lord  :  and  Aaron  ffiall  bear  the  judgment  of  the 
 children  of  Ifrael  upon  his  heart  before  the  Lord 
 continually. 
 
 31  ^  And  thou  ffialt  make  the  robe  of  the  ephod 
 all  <2^  blue. 
 
 32  And  there  ffiall  be  an  hole  in  the  top  of  it,  in 
 the  midft  thereof :  it  ffiall  have  a  binding  of  woven 
 w'ork  round  about  the  hole  of  it,  as  it  were  the  hole  of 
 an  habergeon,  that  it  be  not  rent. 
 
 33  H  And  beneath,  upon  the  ti  hem  of  it,  thou  ffialt  U  Or, 
 make  pomegranates  ^blue,  and  0/ purple,  and  >f  fcar--^''’''’* 
 let,  round  about  the  hem  thereof;  and  bells  of  gold 
 between  them  round  about : 
 
 memorial  before  the  Lord  continually.  This  was  to  admonifti  the  high  prieft  of 
 the  afletSlion  he  (liould  have  for  the  people,  and  the  ardency  he  ftiould  have  iti 
 praying  for  them,  and  to  fignify  the  love  of  God  in  Chrift  to  his  people, 
 Song  viii.  6.  Ifa.  xlix.  15,  16.  Ver.  SO.  Many  have  been  the  conjectures  of 
 learned  men  refpeCting  thefe  words,  Urim  and  Thummim  ;  fome  conceiving  it  a 
 part  of  the  high  prieft’s  clothing  ;  others,  that  it  fignified  forae  bright  appearance 
 of  the  precious  ftones  of  the  breaftplate ;  others,  that  it  meant  no  more  than 
 the  peculiar  gifts  which  ihould  be  communicated  to  the  high-prieft,  when  thus 
 clothed  he  (hould  appear  to  inquire  of  God;  which  latter  fenfe  feems  moft 
 probable,  as  the  words  fignify  illuminations  and  perfections.  Ver.  34.  The 
 pomegranates  added  to  the  beauty  of  the  robe,  and  the  found  of  the  bells  gave 
 
The  garment!  Joe  jtaron^s  sons. 
 
 EXODUS. 
 
 Chrift  5*  ^  ^  pomegranate,  a  golden  bell 
 
 lAm.  a  pomegranate,  upon  the  hem  of  the  robe  round 
 about. 
 
 upon  Aaron  tamlnifter :  and  his 
 
 The  eoniedfation  of  the  priests^ 
 
 b 
 
 b  Ecclus. 
 
 45.  9 
 
 f  Heb. 
 Jill  their 
 hand. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 flesh  of 
 their  na¬ 
 kedness, 
 
 f  Heb.  be. 
 
 found  fhall  be  heard  when  he  poeth  in  unto  the  holy 
 place  before  the  Lord,  and  when  he  cometh  out,  that 
 he  die  not. 
 
 36  H  And^  thou  fhalt  make  a  plate  of  pure  gold,  and 
 
 nTssTo  the  ^ 
 
 37  And  thou  (halt  put  it  on  a  blue  lace,  that  it  may 
 be  upon  the  mitre :  upon  the  fore-front  of  the  mitre 
 It  (hall  be. 
 
 38  And  it  fhall  be  upon  Aaron’s  fore-head,  that 
 Aaron  may  bear  the  iniquity  of  the  holy  things  which 
 the  children  of  Ifrael  (hall. hallow  in  all  their  holy  gifts  ; 
 and  it  fhall  be  alw'ays  upon  his  fore  head,  that  they 
 may  be  accepted  before  the  Lord. 
 
 39  H  And  thou  (lialt  embroider  the  coat  of  fine 
 linen,  and  triou  (halt  make  the  mitre  o/  fine  linen,  and 
 thou  (halt  make  the  girdle  ry^needle-work. 
 
 40  H  And  for  Aaron’s  fons  thou  (halt  make  coats 
 and  thou  (halt  make  for  them  girdles,  and  bonnets 
 fhalt  thou  make  for  them  for  glory  and  for  beauty. 
 
 41  And  thou  (halt  put  them  upon  Aaron  thy  brother, 
 and  his  fons  with  him ;  and  fhalt  anoint  them,  and 
 t  confecrate  tnem,  and  fan6fifV  them,  that  they  may 
 minifter  unto  me  in  the  prielt’s  office. 
 
 42  And  thou  (halt  make  them  linen  breeches  to 
 coyer  f  their  nakednefs  ;  from  the  loins  even  unto  the 
 thighs  thy  (hall  f  reach. 
 
 43  And  tney  (hall  be  upon  Aaron,  and  upon  his 
 fons,  when  they  come  in  unto  the  tabernacle  of  the 
 congregation,  or  when  they  come  near  unto  the  altar 
 to  minifter  in  the  holy  jy/fl'ce,-  that  they  bear  not  ini¬ 
 quity,  and  die.  Jt  shall  be  a  ftatute  for  ever  unto 
 him,  and  his  feed  after  him.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXIX. 
 
 A 
 
 1  The  sneriflee 'and  ceremonies  of  consecrating  the  priists,  38  The  con¬ 
 tinual  burnt-offering.  45  God's  promise  to  dwell  among  the  children 
 of  Israel. 
 
 ND  this  fs:  the  thing  that  thou  fhalt  do  unto 
 ^  them,  to  hallow  them,  to  minifter  unto  me  in 
 a  Levif.  the  prieft’s  office  :  ®  Take  one  young  bullock,  and  two 
 8-  2.  rams  without  blemifh. 
 
 2  And  unleavened  bread,  and  cakes  unleavened 
 tempered  with  oil,  and  wafers  unleavened  anointed 
 with  oil ;  of  wheaten  flour  (halt  thou  make  them. 
 
 notice  to  the  people  in  the  outer  court,  when' he  went  into  the  holy  place  to  burn 
 incenfe,  that  they  might  then  apply  themfelves  to  their  devotion  at  the  fame  time, 
 Luke  i.  10.  Ver.  35.  That  he  die  not,'  It  was  at  Aaron’s  peril,  if  he  attended 
 otherwife  than  accordirrg  to  the  inflitution.  Ver.  36.  HOLINESS  TO  THE 
 LORD ;  Or,  as  it  is  in  the  original,  Holiness  to  JEHOVHH.  A  motto  this, 
 whofe  fublimity  could  not  fail  to  remind  the  prieft,  that  he  was  feparated  from  the 
 vulgar  of  mankind,  and  conl'ecrated  to  Jehovah  the  God  of  the  whole  earth.  Ver. 
 38.  The  word  tranflated  to  bear,  fignifies  to  take  away.  The  meaning  is,  that  he 
 fhall  sbtain  pardon  for  all  the  finful  defe(51s.of  the  people  in  the  performance  of 
 their  facred  duties.  Ver,  43.  It  shall  be  a  Jlatutefor  ever ;  That  is,  as  long  as  the 
 Aaronical  priefthood  continued,  the  priefts  were  to  ferve  God -in  no  other  drel's,  and 
 perform  no  other  fervice  than  that  enjoined  by  God,  at  the  peril  of  death  to  them- 
 felves  and  the  people. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXIX.  Ver.  1.  This  chapter  con¬ 
 tains  a  fuccindl  account  of  the  manner  of  confecrating  the  Jewifh  priefts.  Ver.  4. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chri/\. 
 
 1491. 
 
 3  And  thou  fhalr  put  them  into  one  bafket,  and 
 ring  them  in  the  balkef,  with  the  bullock  and  the 
 
 two  rams. 
 
 4  And  Aaron  and  his  fons  thou  fhalt  bring  unto 
 ithe  door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  and 
 llhalt  wafh  them  vith  water. 
 
 5  And  thou  fhalt  take  the  garments,  and  put  upon 
 Aaron  the  coat,  and  the  robe  of  the  epfiod,  and  the 
 ephod,  and  the  breaftplate,  and  gird  him  with  the 
 curious  girdle  of  the  ephod  : 
 
 6  And  thou  fhalt  put  the  mitre  upon  his  head,  and 
 put  the  holy  crown  upon  the  mitre. 
 
 7  Then  (halt  thou  take  the  anointing oil,  and  pour 
 
 it  upon  his  head,  and  anoint  him.  so.  25, 
 
 8  And  thou  fhalt  bring  his  fons,  and  put  coats  upon 
 them. 
 
 _  9  And  thou  fhalt  gird  them  with  girdles,  (Aaron  and 
 his  fons,)  and  t  put  the  bonnets  on  them;  and  the  t  Heb* 
 prieft’s  office  (hall  be  theirs  for  a  perpetual  ftatute  ;  + 
 and  thou  (halt  f  <=  confecrate  Aaron  and  his  fons.  juitle' 
 
 10  And  thou  (halt  caufe  a  bullock  to  be  brought  Aand  o/. 
 before  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation  :  and  **  ®  Chap, 
 Aaron  and  his  fons  fhall  put  their  hands  upon  the  head 
 
 of  the  bullock. 
 
 11  And  thou  fhalt  kill  the  bullock  before  the  Lord, 
 
 Ay  the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation. 
 
 '  12  And  thou  fhalt  take  of  the  blood  of  thebullocky 
 
 and  put  it  upon  the  horns  of  the  altar  with  thy  finger,' 
 and  pour  all  the  blood  bifide  the  bottom  of  the  altar. 
 
 13  And  '  thou  fhalt  take  all  the  fat  that  coveretf  eLevit, 
 
 ■the  inwards,  and  II  the  caul  that  is  above  the  liver,  and']!’,^’- 
 |the  two  kidneys,  and  the  fat  that  is  upon  them,  and  Ith  by”" 
 burn  them  upon  the  altar.  anatomy 
 
 14  But  the  flefh  of  the  bullock,  and  his  fldn,  and 
 his  dung,  fhalt  thou  burn  with  fire  without  the  camp : 
 
 it  is  a  fin  offering.  bethe 
 
 _  15  ^  Thou  (haltalfo  take  one  ram  ;  and  Aaron  and  muiiiff. 
 ,his  fons  fhall  put  their  hands  upon  the  head  of  the 
 
 ram. 
 
 .16  And  thou  fhalt  flay  the  ram,  and  thou  fhalt  take 
 pisblood,  and  fprinkle  /Ground  about  upon  the  altar, 
 i  17  And  thou  fhalt  cut  the  ram  in  pieces,  and  wsfli 
 |the  inwards  of  him,  and  his  legs,  and  put  Mm- unto,,  q 
 jhis  pieces,  and  H  unto  his  head. 
 i  18  And  thou  fhalt  burn  the  whole  ram  upon  the  al¬ 
 tar  ;  it  is  a  burnt-offering  unto  the  Lord  :  it  is  a  fweet 
 favour,  an  offering  made  by  fire  unto  the  Lord. 
 
 I  19  And  thou  fhalt  take  the  other  ram  ;  and  Aaron 
 
 jThe  priefts  at  tl.eir  confecration  were  wafhed  all  over  ;  but  afterwards  when  they 
 went  in  to  minifter,  they  waftied  only  their  hands  and  feet,  chap.  xxx.  19, 
 Ver.  7.  This  was  in  token  of  the  pouring  out  of  the  Spirit  upon  him,  to  qualify 
 him  for  his  work.  Ver.  10.  And  thou  shall  cause  a  bullock.  This  was  for  a  fni- 
 oflerhig,  ver.  14.  Put  their  hands  upon  the  head  of  the  bullock.  By  this  aaion' 
 they  devoted  the  viaim  to  God,  and  feemed  to  transfer  their  own  guilt  on  it. 
 Ver.  14.  In  other  lin-olFerings  the  flefti  was  eaten  by  the  priefts,  (Lev.  x.  18.) 
 in  token  of  their  taking  away  the  fin  of  the  people  :  but  in  a  fin-offering  for 
 the  priefts,  it  was  appointed  to  be  all  burnt  without  the  camp,  to  fignify  the’ 
 imperfeaion  of  the  legal  difpenfation.  Ver.  15.  Thou  shall  also  take  one  ram. 
 After  the  fin-offering,  a  burnt-offeriog  is  appointed.  The  fin-offering  was 
 firft,  becaufe  till  guilt  be  removed,  no  acceptable  fervice  can  be  performed, 
 Ifa.  vi.  7.  This  facrifice  was  wholly  burnt,  in  token  of  the  dedication  of  them¬ 
 felves  wholly  to  God,  and  to  his  fervice.  Ver.  19.  The  third  facrifice  is  a 
 peace-offering.  The  blood  of  this  facrifice  was  divided  between  God  and  them 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.— *  Chap.  XX'VIII.]  Bleffed  are  thofe  who  are  interefted  in  the  Almighty  high-prieft,  who  is  clothed  in  his  holy  gar¬ 
 ment  of  eternal  beauty  and  glory.-  Oh  !  that  he  may  bear  our  names  on  his  heart  and  on  his  arms,  when  prefenting  his  memorial  before  Jehovah,  in  the  heaveniy’ 
 holy  place.  Bleffed  Jefits  fupply  iiil  our  wants,  and  let  our  cafe  and  circumftances  be  compaffionately  regarded  by  thee.  Clothe  us  in  tliy  rigbteoufnefs,  and  prefent 
 us  without, fpot  or  weinkle  or  any  fuch  thing  before  the  prefence  of  thy  Father.  Thou  haft  procured  our  redemption  by  thy  precious  blood  ;  help  us  to  commit  our 
 ail  to  thy  Jteepjng^aad  jqj’CuliyJive  and- die  to  thee; 
 
"thi  conieetaiion  6J  th6  priests. 
 
 EXODUS. 
 
 TTie  altar  ijf'  ihifert^. 
 
 54-  And  if  oupf  of  tfie  ffefh  of  confec^’atlons, 
 or  of  the  bread,  remain  unto  the  morning,  theti  thou 
 (halt  burn  the  remainder  v\>ith  fire  :  it  fhall  not  be 
 eaten,  becaufe  it  is  holy. 
 
 35  And  thus  (halt  thou  do  unto  Aaron,  and  to  his 
 Tons,  according  to  all  things  which  I  have  commanded 
 thee:  (even  days  (halt  thou  confecrate  them. 
 
 36  And  thou  (halt  ofi’er  every  day  a  bullock^r  a 
 (]n-o(tering  for  atonement :  and  thou  (halt  cleanfe  the 
 altar,  when  thou  haft  made  an  atonement  for  it,  and 
 thou  (halt  anoint  it,  to  fanftify  it. 
 
 37  Seven  days  thou  (halt  make  an  atonement  for  the 
 altar,  and  fanftify  it ;  and  it  (hall  be  an  altar  moft  holy  ; 
 whatfoever  toucheth  the  altar  (hall  be  holy. 
 
 38  If  Now  this  is  that  which  thou  (hair  offer  upon 
 the  altar  ;  s  two  lambs  of  the  firft  year,  day  by  day 
 continually. 
 
 39  The  one  lamb  thou  (halt  offer  in  the  morning, 
 and  the  other  lamb  thou  (halt  offer  at  even  : 
 
 40  And  with  the  one  lamb  a  tenth-deal  of  flour 
 mingled  with  the  fourth  part  of  an  hin  of  beaten  oil ; 
 and  the  fourth  part  of  an  hin  of  w'ine  for  a  drink- 
 offering. 
 
 41  And  the  other  lamb  thou  (halt  offer  at  even, 
 and  (halt  do  thereto  according  to  the  meat-offering 
 of  the  morning,  and  according  to  the  drink-offering 
 thereof,  for  a  fweet  favour,  an  offering  made  by  (ire 
 unto  the  Lord. 
 
 42  Thisshall  bez  continual  burnt  offering  throughout 
 your  generations,  at  the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the 
 congregation,  before  the  Lord  ;  where  I  will  meet 
 you,  to  fpeak  there  unto  thee. 
 
 43  And  there  I  will  meet  with  the  children  of  Ifrael, 
 and  11  the  tabernacle  fhall  be  fanffified  by  my  glory. 
 
 44  And  I  will  fanftify  the  tabernacle  of  the  congre¬ 
 gation,  and  the  altar  ;  I  will  fanftify  alfo  both  Aaron 
 and  his  Cons,  to  minilfer  to  me  in  the  priell’s  office. 
 
 45  H  And  I  will  dw'ell  among  the  children  of  Ifrael, 
 and  will  be  their  God. 
 
 46  And  they  (hall  know  that  I  a/n  the  Lord  their 
 God  that  brought  them  forth  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt, 
 that  I  may  dwell  among  them  :  I  awz  the  Lord  their 
 God.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXX. 
 
 BlVori 
 
 Chrift 
 
 H9(. 
 
 i 
 
 g  Numb. 
 28.  3. 
 
 Before  and  hls  foDS  (hall  put  their  hands  upon  th6  head  of  the 
 ram. 
 
 20  Then  (halt  thou  kill  the  ram,  and  take  of  his 
 blood,  and  put  it  upon  the  tip  of  the  right  ear  of 
 Aaron,  and  upon  the  tip  of  the  right  ear  of  his  Tons, , 
 and  upon  the  thumb  of  their  right  hand,  and  upon  the  I 
 great  toe  of  their  right  foot,  arid  fprinkle  the  blood  [ 
 upon  the  altar  round  about. 
 
 21  And  thou  (halt  take  of  the  blood  that /s  upon  the 
 altar,  and  of  the  anointing  oil,  and  fprinkle  it  upon 
 Aaron,  and  upon  his  garments,  and  upon  his  Ions,  and  | 
 upon  the  garments  of  his  (bus  with  him  :  and  he  fhall 
 be  hallowed,  and  his  garments,  and  his  fons,  and  his 
 fon’s  garments  with  him. 
 
 22  Alfo  thou  (halt  take  of  the  ram  the  fat  and  the  !• 
 rump,  and  the  fat  that  covereth  the  inwards,  and  the 
 caul  above  the  liver,  and  the  two  kidneys,  and  the  fat 
 that  is  upon  them,  and  the  right  (houlder  ;  for  it  is  a 
 ram  of  confecration ; 
 
 23  And  one  loaf  of  bread,  and  one  cake  of  oiled 
 bread,  and  one  wafer  out  of  the  baiket  of  the  unlea¬ 
 vened  bread  that  is  before  the  Lord. 
 
 24  And  thou  (halt  put  all  in  the  hands  of  Aaron, 
 t  Heb.  and  in  the  hands  of  his  fons,  and  (halt  f  wave  them 
 
 ^  w'ave-offering  before  the  LoitD. 
 
 25  And  thou  (halt  receive  them  of  their  hands,  and 
 burn  them  upon  the  altar  for  a  burnt-offering,  for  a 
 fweet  (avour  before  the  Lord  :  it  is  an  offering  made 
 by  fire  unto  the  Lord. 
 
 26  And  thou  (halt  take  the  breaft-  of  the  ram  of 
 Aaron’s  confecraiion,  and  wave  it  for  a  wave-offering 
 before  the  Lord  :  an  1  it  (hall  be  thy  part. 
 
 27  Arid  thou  (halt  fanftify  the  breaft  of  the  wave- 
 offering,  and  the  (houlder  of  the  heave-offering,  which 
 is"  waved,  and  which  is  heaved  up,  of  the  ram  of  the 
 confecration,  even  of  that  which  h  for  Aaron,  and  of 
 that  which  is  for  his  fons. 
 
 28  And  it  (hall  be  Aaron’s  and  his  fons  by  a  ftatute 
 for  ever  from  the  children  of  lirael ;  for  it  is  an  heave- 
 offering  :  and  it  (hall  be  an  heave-offering  from  the 
 children  of  Krael  of  the  (acrifice  of  their  peace-offer¬ 
 ings,  even  their  heave-offering  unto  the  Lord. 
 
 29^  And  the  holy  garments  of  Aaron  (hall  be  his 
 (on’s  after  him,  to  be  anointed  therein,  and  to  be  con- 
 fecrated  in  them. 
 
 sons.  flays,  when  he  cometh  into  the  taber- 
 
 nacleof  the  congregation  to  minifter  in  the  \io\y place. 
 
 311)  And  thou  (halt  take  the  ram  of  the  conlecra- 
 
 Oevit.  f 
 
 32  And  Aaron  and  his  fons  ftiall  eat  the  fle(h  of  the 
 ram,  and  the  bread  that  is  in  the  bafket  by  the  door 
 or  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation. 
 
 33  And  they  (hall  eat  thole  things  wherewith  the 
 atonement  was  made,  to  confecrate  and  to  fanftify 
 
 them  :  but  the  ftranger  ftiall  not  eat  thereef  becaufe 
 they  i/re  noly. 
 
 n,.u  I  xxx.  v.,.,.  „„ 
 
 our  great  ^7"  and  his  fons  in  behalf  of  IfVael,  let  us  pauicularly  contemplate^irift, 
 
 to  reprefent  his  people,  hath  appeared  in  the  end  of  he  world  r  Tie  and  made  pnefts  to  God.  Jefus,  chofen  by  bis  Father 
 
 e, mgs  pertaining  to  God,  to  make  reconciliation  for  the  fins  of  his  neoole'^^^NTr  our  joy  and  hope  that  he  is  faithful  in  all 
 
 I  Or, 
 
 Ifrael. 
 
 li  Levit; 
 26.  12. 
 2  Cor. 
 6.  16. 
 
 8.  31. 
 Matth. 
 12.  4. 
 
 1  The  altar  of  incense.  \\  The  ransom  of  souls.  11  The  Irasen  ta^r. 
 
 22  The  holy  a7iointing  oil,  34  The  perfume. 
 
 And  thou  (halt  make  an  altar  to  burn  incenfe 
 upon  :  oj  (hittim-wood  (halt  thou  make  it. 
 
 2  A  cubit  shall  be  the  length  thereof,  and  a  cubit 
 the  breadth  thereof,  (four-fquare  (hall  it  be,)  and  two 
 cubits  shall  be  the  height  thereef ;  the  horns  thereof 
 shall  be  of  the  fame. 
 
 3  And  thou  (halt  overlay  it  with  pure  gold,  the 
 t  top  thereof,  and  the  f  fides  thereof  round  about,  fHeb. 
 and  the  horns  thereof:  and  thou  (halt  make  unto  it  a*'®'’-^* 
 crown  of  gold  round  about.  f  Heb. 
 
 4  And  two  golden  rings  (halt  thou  make  to  it  under 
 
Tht  ransom  of  souls. 
 
 EXODUS. 
 
 T/ie  holy  anointing  oil. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrlft 
 
 1491. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 ascend. 
 t  Heb. 
 between 
 the  two 
 evens. 
 
 the  crown  of  it,  by  the  two  f  corners  thereof ;  upon 
 the  two  fides  of  it  (halt  thou  make  it :  and  they  (hall 
 be  for  places  for  the  (laves  to  bear  it  withal. 
 
 5  And  thou  (halt  make  the  (laves  0/  (hittim-wood, 
 and  overlay  them  with  gold. 
 
 6  And  thou  (halt  put  it  before  the  vail  that  is  by 
 the  ark  ot  the  teftimony,  before  the  mercy-feat  that 
 is  over  the  teltimony,  where  I  will  meet  with  thee. 
 
 7  And  Aaron  (hall  burn  thereon  f  Tweet  incenfe 
 every  morning  ;  when  he  drelTeth  the  lamps  he  (hall 
 burn  incenfe  upon  it. 
 
 scuetb  ^  when  Aaron  H  +  lighteth  the  lamps  at  t  even, 
 (hall  burn  incenfe  upon  it ;  a  perpetual  incenfe  be- 
 caujeth  to  tore  the  Lord  throughout  your  generations. 
 
 9  Ye  (hall  oli'er  no  (Irange  incenfe  thereon,  nor 
 burnt-facri(ice,  nor  meat-o(Fering ;  neither  (hall  ye 
 pour  drink-offering  thereon. 
 
 10  And  Aaron  (hall  make  an  atonement  upon  the 
 horns  of  it  once  in  a  year  with  the  blood  of  the  fin- 
 offering  of  atonements ;  once  in  the  year  (hall  he  make 
 atonemicnt  upon  it,  throughout  your  generations :  it 
 is  moft  holy  unto  the  Lord. 
 
 1 1  H  And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  faying, 
 
 12  ^  When  thou  takelt  the  Turn  of  the  children  of 
 Ifrael,  after  their  f  number,  then  (hall  they  give  every 
 
 them  that  ^  ranfom  for  his  foul  unto  the  Lord,  when  thou 
 are  to  be  numbered  them ;  that  there  be  no  plague  among  them, 
 when  ihou  numbered  them. 
 
 IS  This  they  fhall  give,  everyone  that  palfeth  among 
 them  that  are  numbered,  half  a  fhekel,  after  the  (hekel 
 of  the  fanftuary :  a  fhekel  is  twenty  gerahs:)  an 
 
 half  (hekel  shall  be  the  od'ering  of  the  Lord. 
 
 H  Every  one  that  paffeth  among  them  that  are 
 numbered,  from  twenty  years  old  and  above,  (hall 
 give  an  od'ering  unto  the  Lord. 
 
 15  The  rich  (hall  not  f  give  more,  and  the  poor 
 (hall  not  t  give  lei's,  than  half  a  (hekel,  when  they  give 
 an  offering  unto  the  Lord,  to  m^ake  an  atonement 
 for  vour  fouls. 
 
 16  And  thou  (halt  take  the  atonement-money  of 
 the  children  of  Ifrael,  and  (hall  appoint  it  for  the  fer- 
 vice  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation  ;  that  it  may 
 be  a  memorial  unto  the  children  of  Ifrael  before  the 
 Lord,  to  make  an  atonement  for  your  ibuls.  ^ 
 
 17  ^  And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  laying, 
 
 18  Thou  (halt  alfo  make  a  laver  of  brafs,  and  his 
 foot  also  of  brafs,  to  wa(h  withal ;  and  thou  (halt  put 
 it  between  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation  and 
 the  altar,  and  thou  (halt  put  water  therein  : 
 
 19  For  Aaron  and  his  Cons  (hall  wa(h  their  hands 
 and  their  feet  thereat. 
 
 20  When  they  go  into  the  tabernacle  of  the  con¬ 
 gregation,  they  (hall  wafh  with  water,  that  they  die 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 1491. 
 
 a  Numb 
 1.  2,  5. 
 t  Heb. 
 
 number¬ 
 
 ed. 
 
 b  Lev. 
 27.  25. 
 Numb. 
 3.  47. 
 £zek. 
 45.  12. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 multiply. 
 •}•  Heb. 
 diminish. 
 
 not;  or  when  they  come  near  to  the  altar  to  minider, 
 to  burn  offering  made  by  fire  unto  the  Lord. 
 
 21  So  they  (hall  wafh  their  hands  and  their  feet, 
 that  they  die  not :  and  it  (hall  be  a  datute  for  ever 
 to  them,  even  to  him  and  to  his  feed  throughout  their 
 generations. 
 
 22  ^  Moreover,  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes, 
 faying, 
 
 23  Take  thou  alfo  unto  thee  principal  fpices,  of  pure 
 myrrh  five  hundred  shekels,  and  of  fweet  cinnamon  half 
 fo  much,  even  two  hundred  and  fifty  shekels,  and  of 
 fweet  calamus,  two  hundred  and  fifty  shekels. 
 
 24-  And  of  caffia  five  hundred  shekels,  after  the  (hekel 
 of  the  fanffuary,  and  of  oil-olive  an  hin.  ®  C’lap* 
 
 25  And  thou  (halt  make  it  an  oil  of  holy  ointment, 
 
 an  ointment  compound  after  the  art  of  the  |i  apothe-  II  Or, 
 cary  :  it  (hall  be  an  holy  anointing  oil.  perfumen 
 
 26  And  thou  (halt  anoint  the  tabernaxle  of  the  con¬ 
 gregation  therewith,  and  the  ark  of  the  tedimony, 
 
 27  And  the  table  and  all  his  vefiels,  and  the  candle- 
 dick  and  his  vefl'els,  and  the  altar  of  incenfe, 
 
 28  And  (he  altar  of  burnt-offering  with  all  his  vef- 
 fels,  and  the  laver  and  his  foot. 
 
 29  And  thou  (halt  fanftlfy  them,  that  they  may  be 
 mod  holy :  whatfoever  toucheth  them  (hall  be  holy. 
 
 30  And  thou  (halt  anoint  Aaron  and  his  fons,  and 
 confecrate  them,  that  they  may  minider  unto  me  in 
 the  prielEs  office. 
 
 3 1  And  thou  (halt  fpeak  unto  the  children  of  Ifrael, 
 faying.  This  (hall  be  an  holy  anointing  oil  unto  me 
 throughout  your  generations. 
 
 32  "Upon  man’s  fle(h  (liall  it  not  be  poured  ;  neither 
 fliall  ye  make  any  other  like  it,  after  the  compofition  of 
 it :  it  is  holy,  aticl  it  (hall  be  holy  unto  you. 
 
 33  Whofoever  compoundeth  any  like  it,  or  whofo- 
 ever  putteth  any  of  it  upon  a  fl ranger,  (hall  even  be 
 cut  off  from  his  people. 
 
 34-  %  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  Mofes,  Take  unto 
 thee  fweet  fpices,'  daffe,  and  onycha,  and  galbanum  : 
 these  fweet  fpices,  with  pure  frankincenfe :  of  each 
 (hall  there  be  a  like  weight. 
 
 35  And  thou  (halt  make  it  a  perfume,  a  confeclion 
 after  the  art  of  the  apothecary,  t  tempered  together,  f 
 pure  a?2d  holy, 
 
 36  And  thou  (halt  beat  some  of  it  very  fmall,  and 
 put  of  it  before  the  tedimony  in  the  tabernacle  of  the 
 congregation,  where  I  will  meet  with  thee :  it  (hall 
 be  unto  you  rood  holy. 
 
 37  And  as  for  the  perfume  which  thou  (halt  make,  ye 
 (hall  not  make  to  yourfelves  according  to  the  compoff- 
 tiou  thereof:  it  (hall  be  unto  thee  holy  for  the  LtaRD. 
 
 38  Whofoever  (hall  make  like  unto  that,  to  fmell 
 thereto,  (hall  even  be  cut  off  from  his  people.’^ 
 
 was  a  compound  of  many  fragrant  fpices,  and  Was  intended  to  perfume  the  fanc- 
 tuary  ;  but  it  had  a  more  important  intention,  as,  by  afcending  up  towards  the 
 mercy-feat,  it  fymbolicallv  reprefented  the  propitioufnefs  of  God  to  linful  men, 
 and  bis  readinefs  to  receive  thofe  prayers  and  coiifeflions  which  was  accompanied 
 with  divine  love  and  other  fpiritual  graces.  Ver.  12.  Then  shall  they  give  every 
 man  a  ransom  for  his  soul.  This  text  was  a  pious  acknowledgment  to  God,  lor 
 having  redeemed  them  from  Egyptian  llavery,  and  delivered  them  to  tnany 
 dangers  and  difficulties  “  with  his  own  right  hand.”  By  this  they  were  alfo  taught 
 t6  judge  themfelves  for  their  fins,  that  tliey  might  not  be  judged  of  him,  and  to 
 
 look  for  redemption  by  the  blood  of  Chrid,  1  Cor.  xi.  31.  1  Bet.  i.  IS,  19.  \er. 
 1 5.  By  this  they  were  taught  that  God  is  no  refpc(5ier  of  perfons.  Befides  tii^ 
 money  thus  levied,  was  to  be  applied  to  the  fervice  of  the  tabernacle,  of  tlie  bciie- 
 fits  of  which  both  rich  and  poor  equally  partook.  Ver.  26.  The  anointing  with 
 fweet  odours  was  emblematical  of  the  anointing  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  Pfalm  xly 
 8.  1  John  ii.  20,  27.  Ver.  32.  The  compofition  cf  anointing  was  not  to  be  mu¬ 
 tated,  not  ufed  for  common  purpofes,  to  teach  us  the  value  of  divine  operation) 
 and  that  thofe  who  receive  them  are  to  keep  themfelves  uufpotted  from  the 
 world. 
 
 - ^T.oT.T>xr  A  mTrv-k. TO  v  VV  1  tHp  law  was  indeed  a  ffiadow  of  good  things  to  coihc,  but  the  body  is  Chrift.  He  is  the  golden  altat 
 
 PRACTICAL  .  ■  n,..ice3  of  bis  people  come  up  svith  acceptance  before  God.  He  hath  given  himfelf  for  theiu. 
 
 conned  nlR,  glory  a^d-  JoTnETo  eleanfe  from 
 
 ^  _  «  .1  TT _ _ _  1;L-a  *n  V 
 
 all  fin.  Nor  fliall  any  of  bis 
 Lord! 
 
 tetWul  S'erdefrhi:To^,TorEEdrm1^^^^^^^  them.”'  Happy  are  ye,  O  Ifrael,  »h.  arc  like  to  you,  a  people  Dtied  b,  the 
 
 Ye  are  complete  in  him  j  may  he  be  your  boafl  and  glory  for  ever. 
 
Brzaleel  and  Ahdiah  are  called. 
 
 EXODUS. 
 
 Aaron  maketh  a  golden  calf. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrifl, 
 
 1491. 
 
 CHAP.  XXXI.  I 
 
 Bezaleel  and  Aholiab  are  cdled  and  qual’Jied  for  the  work  of  the  taher-  \ 
 node.  12  The  observation  of  the  sabbath,  is  again  commanded.  18 
 Moses  receiveth  the  two  tables. 
 
 And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Moles,  faying, 
 
 2  See,  I  have  called  by  name  Bezaleel  *  the  Ton 
 3.  20.  Qf  Uri^  the  fon  of  Hur,  of  the  tribe  of  Judah  :  ^  | 
 
 3  And  I  have  filled  him  with  the  fpirit  of  God,  in  j 
 wifdom,  and  in  underftanding,  and  in  knowledge,  and  j 
 in  all  manner  of  workmanlhip.  _  i 
 
 4  To  devife  cunning  works,  to  work  in  gold,  and 
 in  filver,  and  in  brafs, 
 
 5  And  in  cutting  of  ftones,  to  fet  them,  and  in  carv¬ 
 ing  of  timber  to  work  in  all  manner  of  workmanfiiip. 
 
 6  And  I,  behold,  I  have  given  with  him  Aholiab  the 
 fon  of  Ahifamach,  of  the  tribe  of  Dan :  and  in  the 
 hearts  of  all  that  are  wife-hearted  I  have  put  wifdom, 
 that  they  may  make  all  that  I  have  commanded  thee  ; 
 
 7  The  tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  and  the  ark 
 of  the  teftimony,  and  the  mercy-feat  that  is  thereupon, 
 f  Heb.  and  all  the  f  furniture  of  the  tabernacle, 
 vejeis.  g  (hg  fable  and  his  furniture,  and  the  pure  can- 
 
 dleflick  with  all  his  furniture,  and  the  altar  of  incenfe, 
 
 *9  And  the  altar  of  burnt-offering  with  all  his  fur¬ 
 niture,  and  the  laver  and  his  foot, 
 
 10  And  the  clothes  of  fervice,  and  the  holy  gar. 
 ments  for  Aaron  the  priefts,  and  the  garments  of  his 
 Tons  to  minifter  in  the  priefl’s  office, 
 
 1 1  And  the  anointing  oil,  and  fweet  incenfe  for 
 the  holy  place :  according  to  all  that  I  have  com¬ 
 manded  thee  (hall  they  do. 
 
 12  11  And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  faying, 
 
 13  Speak  thou  alfo  unto  the  children  of  Ifrael,  fay¬ 
 ing,  Verily  my  fabbaths  ye  (hall  keep  :  for  it  is  a  fign 
 between  me  and  you  throughout  your  generations  ; 
 that  ye  may  know  that  I  am  the  Lord  that  doth  fanc- 
 tify  you. 
 
 00^8^^’  •'i-  Ye  fhall  keep  the  fabbath  therefore  :  for  it  is 
 
 beut!  holy  unto  you.  Every  one  that  defileth  it  (hall  furely 
 5. 12.  be  put  to  death :  for  whofoever  doeth  any  work  there¬ 
 in,  that  foul  (hall  be  cut  off  from  among  his  people. 
 
 15  Six  da^^s  may  work  be  done ;  but  in  the  feventh 
 
 is  the  labbath  of  reft,  f  holy  to  the  Lord  :  whofoever 
 doeth  atty  work  in  the  fabbath-day,  he  fhall  furely  be  .  ^ 
 put  to  death.  ^  f  Heb.  ' 
 
 16  Wherefore  the  children  of  Ifrael  fhall  keep  ihehoUne/u 
 fabbath,  to  obferve  the  fabbath  throughout  their  ge¬ 
 nerations,  for  a  perpetual  covenant. 
 
 17  It  is  a  fign  between  me  and  the  children  of 
 Ifrael  for  ever:  for  <=  in  fix  days  the  Lord  made 
 heaven  and  earth,  and  on  the  feventh  day  he  refted,  g]  2.* 
 and  was  refrefhed. 
 
 18  H  And  he  gave  unto  Mofes,  when  he  had  made 
 an  end  of  communing  with  him  upon  mount  Sinai, 
 
 d  two  fables  of  teftimony,  tables  of  ftone,  written  ^  ; 
 
 with  the  finger  of  God.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXXII. 
 
 1  The  people  in  the  absence  of  Mofes.  caufe  Aaron  to  make  a  calf.  7 
 God  is  angry  thereby.  11  At  the  entreaty  of  MoseS  he  is  appeased. 
 
 18  Moses  comelh  down  tvUh  the  tables;  19  he  breaketh  them;  20  he 
 defroyeth  the  calf.  22  Aaron.' s  excufefor  himself.  25  Mofes  causeth 
 the  idolaters  to  be  slain  ;  30  he  prayelh  for  the  jKople. 
 
 And  when  the  people  faw  that  Mofes  delayed 
 to  come  down  out  of  the  mount,  the  people 
 gathered  themfelves  together  unto  Aaron,  and  laid 
 unto  him,  *  Up,  make  us  gods,  which  fhall  go  before  a  A<fts 
 us  ;  for  as  for  this  Mofes,  the  man  that  brought  us 
 up  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  we  wot  not  what  is 
 become  of  him. 
 
 2  And  Aaron  faid  unto  them.  Break  oft  the  golden 
 ear-rings  which  are  in  the  ears  of  your  wives,  of  your 
 fons,  and  of  your  daughters,  and  bring  them  unto  me. 
 
 3  And  all  the  people  brake  off  the  golden  ear-rings 
 which  xi'cre  in  their  ears,  and  brought  them  unto 
 Aaron. 
 
 4  And  he  received  them  at  their  hands,  and  fafhion-  ^  ^ 
 ed  it  with  a  graving  tool,  after  he  had  made  it  a  mol. 
 ten  calf :  and  they  faid,  Thefe  be  thy  gods,  O  Ifrael,  loe.  i9. 
 which  brought  thee  up  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt. 
 
 5  And  when  Aaron  faw  it,  he  built  an  altar  before 
 it ;  and  Aaron  made  proclamation,  and  faid.  To-mor¬ 
 row  is  a  feaft  to  the  Lord. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXXI.  Ver.  2.  See.  I  have  called  by 
 name  ;  That  is,  I  have  chofen  him.  Bezaleel  the  son  of  Uri.  His  genealogy  is 
 defcribed,  1  Chron.  ii.  1 8,  20.  Ver.  6.  In  the  hearts  of  all  that  are  wise-hearted, 
 
 1  hove  put  wifdom.  Befides  their  having  natural  genius,  we  may  infer,  that  they 
 were  endowed  with  an  immediate  and  extraordinary  meafure  of  divine  wifdom,  to 
 qualify  them  for  this  fervice ;  or,  as  the  Chaldee  renders  it,  «  with  the  fpirit  of 
 prophecy.”  Ver.  13.  The  words  may  be  better  rendered.  Nevertheless,  my  scd)- 
 ialhs  ye  fhall  keep,  to  make  it  known,  that  I  Jehovah  separate  a  nd  diftinguifh  you. 
 Though  the  work  of  the  tabernacle  was  to  be  done  with  care  and  affiduity,  yet  he 
 Would  not  have  it  performed  on  the  fabbaths  5  a  folemn  lelfen  to  every  age  to  rever-  j 
 ence  the  Lord  s  day.  Ver.  14.  The  fabbath  being  peculiarly  given  to  the  Jews,  as 
 a  lign  of  the  covenant  between  them  and  God  ;  the  violation  of  this  day  omitting  1 
 the  moral  evils  it  produced,  was  in  efleiSt  an  infringement  of  the  covenant,  confe- 
 tjuently  an  a<51  of  rebellion,  and  juftly  punifhed  with  immuture  death,  as  the  word 
 cut  off,  implies.  Ver.  .8.  Written  with  the  finger  <f  God  ;  That  is,  either  by  the 
 minillry  of  angels,  or  by  Ids  immediate  power  and  will,  without  the  ufe  of  any 
 Inftrument;  in  which  fenfe  the  words  are  ufed,  pfal.  viii.  4.  as  will  appear  from 
 comparing  them  with  Pfalm  xxiii.  6.  It  is,  however  generally  thought,  that  this 
 was  the,firft  writing  in  the  world  ;  there  being  no  account  of  that  ufeful  art  being 
 praflifed  before  this  time.  °  \ 
 
 ^**'**’'  XXXII.  Ver.  1.  At  the  period  when  j 
 JMolts  was  about  ready  to  defcend  from  the  mount  the  people  of  Ifrael  are  filled  ' 
 with  impatience  and  perverfenefs,  and  thereby  deftroy  the  bleflings  which  were  de-  i 
 
 figned  for  them.  They  had  before  manifelled  a  fpirit  of  obedience  and  murmur¬ 
 ing,  hut  now  they  break  out  into  open  rebellion,  and  riotoufly  aflemble  to  prefent 
 a  petition  to  Aaron  to  make  them  gods  to  go  before  them.  They  were  weary  of 
 waiting,  and  are  in  hafte  to  enjoy  the  promifed  land.  Two  heinous  .dns  are  the 
 confequence  of  this  unjuftifiable  requeft  :  1.  Impious  idolatry  ;  not  being  fatisfied 
 with  the  repeated  evidences  God  had  given  them  of  lus  prefence  and  protedlior?, 
 they  muft  have  gods  of  their  own  making,  fimilar  to  the  gods  of  the  Egyptians. 
 2.  Base  ingratitude  to  Mofes  ;  he  being  for  a  long  time  their  governor,  to  whofe 
 wifdom  and  exertions  they  were  greatly  indebted.  He  having  a  call  from  Je¬ 
 hovah  to  go  to  the  mount,  they  had  fufficient  reafon  to  expedt  his  return  ;  but 
 they  overlooked  every  confideration,  and  infinuated  that  he  had  forfaken  them  ; 
 and  did  not  intend  to  come  hack.  Ver.  2.  And  Aaron  said  unto  them.  Break  off 
 the  golden  ear-rings.  Thefe  were  in  high  eftimation  among  the  people  of  the  eaft, 
 who  feem  to  have  ufed  them  fuperftitloufly,  Gen.  xxxv.  4.  Judg.  viii.  24.  for 
 which  re.afon  Aaron  makes  a  demand  of  them,  that  he  might  abolilh  one  vice,  or 
 the  occafion  of  it,  whilil  the  people  were  intent  upon  another,  or  that  the  lofs 
 of  their  precious  ear-rings  might  cool  their  idolatrous  defires.  Ver.  3.  And  alt 
 the  people  broke  off  their  ear-rmgs.  Whereby  they  fliewed  both  their  madnefs  and 
 ingratitude  to  God,  who  had  transferred  thefe  jewels  from  the  Egyptians  to  them. 
 Ver.  4.  And  he  received  them — and  made  a  molten  calf.  This  was  a  ftrange  n-od 
 indeed  !  a  dreadful  proof  of  their  infatuated  blindnefs.  Ver.  5.  He  built  an  attar. 
 Upon  this  being  accomplilhed,  Aaron  proclaimed  a  fall  to  Jehovah  ;  from  this  it 
 clearly  appears,  that  they  did  not  defign  to  terminate  their  worlhip  in  the  calf,  but 
 
 the 
 
 in 
 
 ,  L-  .  .  XXXI.  J  Every  good  and  every  perfeifl  gift  is  from  our  God  ;  who  prepares  and  ftreno-thens  every  one  forth 
 
 i  'ti"  e  ®  />  will  not  want  inllruments  to  rear  his  temple  the  church,  and  he  will  l^ar  all  the  glory.  The  foundation  hath  been  laid  in 
 
 and  his  ft  °  'ih  "  f°’^l^eted  by  him  in  his  exalted  date.  May  we  be  ever  ready  at  his  bidding,  fince  his  grace  is  fufficient  for  us 
 
 finlfti  ft  •  ^  our  weaknefs.  And  let  his  fabbath  be  reverenced  by  us  ;  for  iu  it  we  commemorate  an  infinitely  greater  work  than  the  creatioi/ 
 
 Where*  wrihlu  no  more  bappieft  fealons  of  iutereourfe  with  God  on  earth  are  but  trijnfUory,  let  us  long  to  Hand  in  his  prefence  in  the  heavenly  temple^ 
 
 ^ o.  6....6d.  A  a 
 
Moses  maketh  intercession 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 1491. 
 
 EXODUS. 
 
 e  Dent. 
 4.  16. 
 
 f  Chap, 
 33,  3. 
 Deut. 
 9.  13. 
 
 g  Pfalrn 
 106.  23. 
 +  Heb. 
 the  face 
 o/  the 
 LOBD. 
 
 Ii  Numb. 
 14,13. 
 
 i  Gen. 
 12.  7.  & 
 1  5.  7.  & 
 28.  13. 
 
 k  Chap. 
 
 SI.  18. 
 
 c  ®  early  on  the  morrow,  and  of- 
 
 peace-offerings  : 
 
 role  npto'^la?  “  “<1  ">  ^nnk,  and 
 
 Mofes,  d  Go,  get 
 
 oni  nfJh^V  which  thou  broughteft 
 
 l^gyPb  have  corrupted ///emse/m; 
 
 whVh  1  quickly  out  of  the  way 
 
 mo  r  them  a 
 
 SSrh  and  faid,  Thefe  be  thy  gods,  O  ICrael, 
 
 Egypt  h)rought  thee  up  out  of  the  land  of 
 
 9  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  Mofes,  f  I  have  feen 
 this  people,  and,  behold,  it  is  a  ftiff-necked  people  : 
 
 10  Now  therefore  let  me  alone,  that  my  uTath 
 may  wax  hot  againR  them,  and  that  I  may  confume 
 tnem  ;  and  1  will  make  of  thee  a  great  nation. 
 
 t^tid  Mofes  befought  t  the  Lord  his  God, 
 and  laid.  Lord,  why  doth  thy  wrath  wax  hot  againft 
 thy  people,  which  thou  haft  brought  forth  out  of  the 
 h^^°^  with  great  power,  and  with  a  mighty 
 
 12  h  Wherefore  ftiould  the  Egyptians  fpeak,  and 
 lay,  b or  mifchief  did  he  bring  them  out,  to  flay  them 
 in  the  mountains,  and  to  confume  them  from  the  face 
 of  the  earth  ?  1  urn  from  thy  fierce  wrath,  and  repent 
 of  this  evil  againft  thy  people. 
 
 13  Remember  Abraham,  Ifaac,  and  Ifrael,  thy 
 leryants.  to  whom  thou  fwareft  by  thine  own  ftlf,  and 
 iaidft  unto  them,  ‘  I  will  multiply  your  feed  as  the 
 ftars  of  heaven  ;  and  all  this  land  that  I  have  fpoken 
 of  will  I  give  unto  your  feed,  and  they  fhall  inherit  it 
 tor  ever. 
 
 14  And  the  Lord  repented  of  the  evil  which  he 
 thought  to  do  unto  his  people. 
 
 15  ^  And  Mofes  turned,  and  went  down  from  the 
 mount,  and  the  two  tables  of  the  teftiraony  rcere  in 
 his  hand  :  the  tables  were  written  on  both  their  fides  : 
 on  the  one  fide  and  on  the  other  they  written. 
 
 16  And  the  tables  were  the  work  of  God,  and 
 the  writing  was  the  w'riting  of  God,  graven  upon  the 
 tables. 
 
 17  And  when  Jofhua  Iieard  the  noife  of  the  people 
 as  they  fhouted,  he  faid  unto  Mofes,  There  is  a  noife 
 of  war  in  the  camp. 
 
 1 8  And  he  laid.  It  is  not  the  voice  of  them  that 
 
 to  God  for  /s, 
 
 Ihout  for  maftery,  neither  is  it  the  voice  of  them  that 
 cry  for  f  beinor  overcome  :  tmt  the  nnife  nf  Ci,, 
 
 "■in 
 
 P  , J  ■> -..w  \ji.  i/uiu  inui 
 
 cry  tor  f  being  overcome  ;  but  the  nolle  of  them  that 
 ling  do  I  hear. 
 
 19  f  And  it  came  to  pafs,  as  foon  as  he  came^^T^ 
 nigh  unto  the  camp,  that  he  faw  the  calf,  and  the  Li, 
 dancing  ;  and  Moles’  anger  waxed  hot,  and  he  caft 
 
 the  tables  out  of  his  hands,  and  brake  them  beneath 
 the  mount. 
 
 20  ‘  And  he  took  the  calf  which  they  had  made,  i  Deut. 
 and  burnt  in  the  fire,  and  ground  it  to  powder,  s- '-^i. 
 and  ftrawed  it  upon  the  water,  and  made  the  children 
 
 of  Ifrael  drink  of  it. 
 
 21  And  Mofes  faid  unto  Aaron,  What  did  this 
 people  unto  thee,  that  thou  haft  brought  fo  great  a 
 lin  upon  them  ? 
 
 22  And  Aaron  faid.  Let  not  the  anger  of  my  lord 
 wax  hot :  thou  knoweft  the  people,  that  they  are  set 
 on  mifchief. 
 
 23  For  they  faid  unto  me.  Make  us  gods  which 
 inall  go  before  us :  for  as  fur  this  Moles,  the  man 
 that  brought  us  up  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  we  wot 
 not  what  is  become  of  him. 
 
 24  And  I  faid  unto  them,  Whofoever  hath  any 
 gold,  let  them  break  it  off.  So  they  gave  it  m’e : 
 then  I  caft  it  into  the  fire,  and  there  came  out  this 
 calf. 
 
 25  f  And  when  Mofes  faw  that  the  people  were 
 
 naked,  (for  Aaron  had  made  them  naked  unto  their 
 fhame  among  f  their  enemies,)  f  Heb. 
 
 26  1  hen  Moles  flood  in  the  gate  of  the  camp,  and 
 faid,  Who  on  the  Lord’s  fide?  let  him  come 
 
 1-  T  •  1 
 
 of  Levi  gathered  themlelves<//em. 
 
 me.  And  all  the  fons 
 together  unto  him. 
 
 27  And  he  faid  unto  them.  Thus  faith  the  Lord 
 God  of  Ifrael,  Put  every  man  his  fword  by  his  lide, 
 and  go  in  and  out  from  gate  to  gate  throughout  the 
 camp,  and  flay  every  man  his  brother,  and  every  man 
 his  companion,  and  every  man  his  neighbour. 
 
 28  And  the  children  of  Levi  did  according  to  the  n  Or, 
 
 word  of  Mofes  :  and  there  fell  of  the  people  that  day  And  Mosel 
 about  three  thoufand  men,  con- 
 
 29  II  For  Mofes  had  laid,  f  Confecrate  yourfelves*'^^^^^)!^^^^^,^^ 
 to-day  to  the  Lord,  even  every  man  upon  his  Ion,  io-day 
 and  upon  his  brother ;  that  he  may  beftow  upon  you 
 
 a  blefling  this  day.  i.onn 
 
 30  And  it  came  to  pafs  on  the  morrow,  that*^g^“^‘^ 
 
 man  hfith  b6en  against  his  son)  and  against  his  brother)  j'  Heb.  Fill  your  hands* 
 
 regarded  it  as  the  reprefentation  of  the  true  God  ;  though  this  we  find  was  not 
 the  lead;  exculpation  of  their  guilt.  Ver.  7.  God  informs  Mofes  of  the  crime 
 the  people  had  committed,  and  hafiens  him  down  to  them.  1 .  Had  he  left  them 
 ■without  the  warrant  of  God,  he  might  have  been  to  blame.  2.  God  feems  to 
 caft  them  off,  and  calls  them  thy  people.  3.  He  charges  them  with  corrupting 
 themfelves.  Ver.  8.  God  upbraids  them  with  their  unfaithfulnefs,  that  they  had 
 fo  foon  turned  afide,  having  experienced  fuch  diftinguilhing  favours  before. 
 Ver.  9.  It  is  a  Jtiff- necked  people;  whom  mercies  would  neither  conftrain,  nor 
 terrors  over-awe.  Ver.  10.  He  threatens  to  deftroy  or  confume  them,  and  feems 
 to  reftrain  Mofes  from  interceding  for  them.  Had  Mofes  followed  the  di<5lates 
 of  felf-intereft,  he  might  have  abandoned  them  ;  but  the  heart  that  is  filled  with 
 genuine  love,  will  (hew,  that  it  can  forget  its  own  intereft  for  its  neighbour’s 
 good.  Ver.  11.  Ajid  Moses  besought  the  Lord  his  God.  God  is  here  emphatically 
 ftyled  Mofes’  God,  for  although  he  had  as  it  were  rejedled  the  people  of  Ifrael, 
 Mofes  had  not  loft  his  intereft  in  him  ;  and  humbly  expoftulates  with  God 
 ■whether  it  would  be  for  his  honour  to  deftroy  them.  This  petition  of  Mofes  is 
 delivered  as  an  interrogation  or  cxpoftulation,  as  Matth.  viii.  29.  Luke  viii.  28. 
 alfo,  an  ingenious  retortion,  they  are  not  my  people  but  thine.  Ver.  17.  It  is 
 more  than  probable  from  this  paffage,  that  Jolhua  had  waited  in  fome  part  of 
 the  hill  for  Mofes’  return,  and  neither  knew  what  the  people  had  done,  nor 
 ■what  God  had  faid  to  Mofes.  Ver.  19.  Break  them  beneath  the  mount.  Not  from 
 rafli  anger,  but  to  punilh  them  for  their  idolatry,  and  to  fliew  that  the  cove¬ 
 nant  made  between  Cod  and  them,  which  was  contained  in  thofe  tables,  and 
 
 which  was  fo  much  to  their  advantage,  vx'as  by  their  guilt  clifannulled  and  ren¬ 
 dered  of  no  effeeft,  and  could  not  be  renewed  but  by  bitter  repentance.  Ver. 
 20.  He  being  filled  with  indignation  at  this  fliocking  feene,  and  though  in  his 
 own  concerns  the  meekeft  of  men,  now  holy  anger  fills  his  breaft.  He  ftizes 
 the  hateful  idol, — plucks  it  from  his  throne  in  the  midft  of  the  aftoniflied  multi¬ 
 tude — grinds  it  to  powder — fprinkles  it  on  the  face  of  the  water — makes  them 
 drink  it,  and  fliews  them  the  vanity  of  their  defpicable  god.  Ver.  21.  Having 
 executed  vengeance  on  the  idol,  Mofas  fharply  rebukes  Aaron.  He  was  mod 
 exalted  in  office,  therefore  the  moft  criminal.  He  interrogates  him  concerning 
 the  caufe  which  induced  him  to  participate  with  the  people  in  their  guilt,  and 
 why  he  did  not  refill  or  fupprefs  their  wicked  intentions.  Ver.  22.  Aaron 
 forms  an  excufe  for  bimfelf,  and  lays  the  blame  upon  the  people,  that  it  was 
 out  of  bis  power  to  reftrain  them  to  divert  them  from  their  defign.  Ver.  25. 
 And  Moses  saw  that  the  people  were  naked.  Not  only  that  they  were  ftripped  of 
 their  ornaments  or  jewels,  but  had  incurred  God’s  difpleafure,  by  which  they 
 were  now  expofed  to  the  fword  of  their  enemies  and  the  judgments  of  their 
 Creator.  Ver.  26.  Then  Moses  stood  at  the  gate  of  the  cami).  He  probably  made 
 choice  of  this  place,  becaufe  it  was  the  ufual  feat  of  judicature;  or  to  prevent 
 the  efcape  of  the  delinquents.  The  tribe  of  Levi  joins  him  ;  that  is,  the  greater 
 part  of  that  tribe.  Ver.  28.  And  there  Jell  of  the  people  three  thousand  men.  It  is 
 thought  thefe  were  the  ringleaders  in  the  rebellion.  The  morning  opened  vidi 
 Ihouts  of  jo}',  the  evening  clofed  with  dying  groans  ;  changes  fimilar  to  this 
 doth  divine  judgments  fuddenly  make,  Ver.  32.  Compare  Note  on  Luke  x.  20 
 
Ood  talketh  with  Moses. 
 
 exodus. 
 
 God  talketh  with  Moses. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 1491. 
 
 a  Gen. 
 12.,  7. 
 b  Deut. 
 7.  22. 
 Jolhua 
 24.  11. 
 
 c  Chap. 
 32.  9. 
 Deut. 
 
 9.  13. 
 
 Mofes  Paid  unto  the  people,  Ye  have  finned  a  great 
 fin ;  and  now  I  will  go  up  unto  the  Lord  :  peradven- 
 ,  ture  I  ihall  make  ar.  atonement  for  your  lin. 
 
 31  And  Mofes  returned  unto  the  Lord,  and  laid, 
 Oh !  this  people  have  finned  a  great  fin,  and  have 
 
 made  them  gods  of  gold ^  -  ... 
 
 32  Yet  now,  if  thou  wilt  forgive  their  fin — ■:  and  ir 
 nor,  bloi  me,  I  pray  thee,  out  of  thy  book  which  thou 
 halt  written. 
 
 33  And  the  Lord  Paid  unto  MoPes,  WhoPoever 
 hath  finned  againlt  me,  him  will  1  blot  out  or  my 
 book. 
 
 Therefore  now  go,  lead  the  people  unto  the  place 
 of  which  1  have  Ppoken  unto  thee.  Behold,  mine 
 Angel  (hall  go  before  thee  ;  neverthelels,  in  the  day 
 when  I  v'ifit,  I  will  vifit  their  fin  upon  them. 
 
 35  And  the  Lord  plagued  the  people,  becauPe  they 
 made  the  calf  which  Aaron  made.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXXIII. 
 
 1  The  Lord  refufelh  to  go,  as  he  had  piomifed,  with  the  people  :  4  The 
 people  murmur  thereat.  7  The  tabernacle  is  removed  out  of  the  camp. 
 12  Mofes  defireth  to  fee  the  glory  of  God. 
 
 A  ND  the  Lord  Paid  unto  Mofes,  Depart,  and 
 go  up  hence,  thou  and  the  people  which  thou 
 hafl  brought  up  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  unto  the 
 land  which  I  fware  unto  Abrahatn,  to  Ilaac,  and  to 
 Jacob,  Paying,  “  Unto  thy  feed  will  I  give  it : 
 
 2  And  I  will  fend  an  Angel  before  thee ;  and  1 
 will  drive  out  the  Canaanite,  the  Amorite,  and  the 
 Hittire,  and  the  Perizzite,  the  Hivite,  and  the 
 
 Jebufite ;  r 
 
 3  Unto  a  land  flowing  with  milk  and  honey :  for 
 
 I  will  not  go  up  in  the  midft  of  thee,  for  thou  art  a  = 
 ftiff-necked  people  ;  left  I  conPume  thee  in  the  way. 
 
 4  H  And  when  the  people  heard  thefe  evil  tidings, 
 they  mourned  j  and  no  man  did  put  on  him  his  orna- 
 
 ments.  .  , 
 
 5  For  the  Lord  had  Paid  unto  Mofes,  Say  unto  the 
 children  of  IPrael,  Ye  are  a  ftiff-necked  people  ;  I  will 
 come  up  into  the  midft  of  thee  in  a  moment,  and  con- 
 fume  thee  ;  therefore  now  put  off  thy  ornaments  from 
 thee,  that  I  may  know  what  to  do  unto  thee. 
 
 6  And  the  children  of  IPrael  ftripped  themfelves  of 
 
 their  ornaments  by  the  mount  Horcb.  ,  .  ,  ,  . 
 
 7  ^  And  Moles  took  the  tabernacle,  and  pitched  it 
 without  the  camp,  afar  off  from  the  camp,  and  called 
 it  the  Tabernacle  of  the  congregation.  And  it  came 
 to  paPs,  that  every  one  which  fought  the  Lord  went 
 out  unto  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  which 
 was  without  the  camp. 
 
 8  And  it  came  to  pals,  when  Mofes  went  out  unto 
 the  tabernacle,  that  all  the  people  roPe  up,  and  ftwd 
 every  man  at  his  tent-door,  and  looked  after  Mofes, 
 
 '  until  he  was  gone  into  the  tabernacle.  ^ 
 
 9  H  And  it  came  to  pals,  as  Mofes  entered  into  the 
 tabernacle,  the  cloudy  pillar  defcended,  and  flood  oi 
 the  door  of  the  tabernacle,  and  the  LORD  talked  with 
 
 10  And  airthe  people  Paw  the  cloudy  pillar  ttand 
 at  the-tabernacle  door:  and  all  the  people  role  up  and 
 worfhipped,  every  man  in  his  tent-door. 
 
 11  And  the  Lord  Ppake  unto  Mofes  lace  to 
 
 as  a  man  Ppeaketh  unto  his  friend.  And  he  turned 
 again  into  the  camp ;  but  his  fervant  Jofhua,  the 
 fon  of  Nun,  a  young  man,  departed  not  out  of  the 
 tabernacle. 
 
 12  H  And  MoPes  Paid  unto  the  Lord,  See,  thou 
 Payeft  unto  me.  bring  up  this  people ;  and  thou  haft 
 not  let  me  know  whom  thou  wilt  lend  with  me  :  yet 
 thou  haft  Paid,  I  know  thee  by  name,  and  thou  haft 
 alfo  found  grace  in  my  fight. 
 
 13  Now,  therefore,  I  pray  thee.  If  I  have  found 
 grace  in  thy  fight,  fhew  me  now  thy  way,  that  1  may 
 know  thee,  that  I  may  find  grace  in  thy  fight ;  and 
 confider  that  this  nation  is  thy  people. 
 
 14  And  he  faid.  My  prefence  fhall  go  with  thee^  and 
 I  will  give  thee  reft. 
 
 1 5  And  he  faid  unto  him.  If  thy  prefence  go  not 
 with  me,  carry  us  not  up  hence. 
 
 16  For  wherein  fhall  it  be  known  here  that  I  and  thy 
 people  have  found  grace  in  thy  fight  ?  is  it  not  in  that 
 thou  goeft  with  us  ?  fo  (hall  we  be  feparated,  I  and 
 thy  people,  from  all  the  people  that  are  upon  the  face 
 of  the  earth. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 1491. 
 
 It  cannot  be  fuppofed  that  Mofes  here  wiftes  his  name  to  be  blotted  out  of 
 the  lift  or  number  of  luch  as  (hall  be  faved,  for  this  would  have  been  an  impious 
 petition ;  but  if  they  are  to  be  confumed  totally,  it  is  his  defire  not  to  furvive 
 them  ;  or  rather,  he  hereby  exprelTeth  his  (jugular  zeal  for  God’s  glory  and 
 love  to  his  people,  fignifying  that  the  very  thought  of  the  deftruaion  of  them, 
 and  tlie  reproach  and  blafphemy  which  it  would  bring  againft  God,  were  fb 
 grievous  and  intolerable  to  him,  that  he  rather  defired  that  God  would  accept  of 
 hi'n  as  a  facrifice  in  their  (lead,  and  by  the  taking  away  of  his  natural  life,  to  i 
 prevent  the  judgment  of  utterly  confuming  or  deftroying  theih  as  a  nation.  It 
 ought  to  be  confidered  that  Mofes  fpeaks  thus  in  the  charabler  of  a  mediator 
 between  God  and  Ifrael,  in  which  fituation  he  was  then  placed.  Ver.  33.  Who¬ 
 soever  hath  dnned — him  will  I  blot  out  of  my  book.  God’s  anfwer  to  Mofes  implies. 
 That  whoever  had  finned  prefumptuofly,  obftinately,  and  impenitently,  him  ‘ 
 will  I  cut  off  out  of  the  land  of  the  living,  and  deprive  him  of  my  favour  and 
 glory,  and  not  thee  my  fervant  who  art  innocent  and  righteous.  Ver.  35.  And 
 the  Lord  plagued  the  people.  This  relates  either  to  the  deftruiftion  of  three 
 thoufand  of  them  by  the  Levites,  or  rather  to  the  future  plagues,  as  if  he  had  faid, 
 
 I  will  fpare  them  for  a  time,  but  they  (hall  at  laft  feel  my  vifitations.  1 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXXIII.  Ver.  2.  /  will  send  an 
 angel  before  thee.  This  was  a  being  of  an  inferior  order  to  that  which  went  before 
 
 them  in  the  cloud,  as  appears  from  ver.  3.  See  Exod.  xxiii.  20.  Deut.  vii.  22. 
 Jofh.  xxiv.  11.  Ver.  3.  I  will  not  go  up.  In  the  Chaldee,  “I  will  not  caufe 
 my  Majefty  to  afcend  out  of  the  midft  of  thee;”  in  the  Arabic,  “I  will  not 
 caufe  my  light  or  glory  to  afcend  amongft.  you  that  is,  God  would  withdraw 
 the  cloud,  the  fign  of  his  gracious  prefence  with  Ifrael.  Ver.  7.  The  facred 
 tabernacle  was  not  yet  made,  and  therefore  this  muft  refer  to  fome  other  tent; 
 probably  that  of  Mofes  liimfelf.  The  tabernacle  was  placed  far  from  the  camp 
 inftead  of  being  in  the  middle  of  it,  to  intimate  the  divine  difpleafure  againft 
 Ifrael.  Ver.  9.  Cloudy  pillar  descended.  This  appearance  (hewed  that  Mofes  had 
 not  moved  the  tabernacle  without  the  exprefs  orders  or  approbation  of  God. 
 Ver.  1 1.  And  the  Laid  spake  unto  Moses  face  to  face.  That  is,  God  revealed  his 
 will  to  him  in  an  audible  voice,  and  in  a  confpicuous  intimate  manner ;  and  not 
 in  vilions,  dreams,  and  obfcure  refemblances.  A  young  man.  Jofhua  muft  have 
 been  upwards  of  fifty.  The  Hebrew  word  naar,  (ignifies  a  minifter,  or  fervant,  as 
 appears  from  Gen.  xiv.  24.  1  Sam.  ix.  19.  Ver.  14.  And  he  faid.  My  prefence 
 fhall  go  with  thee;  that  is,  the  fymbol  of  my  glorious  prefence  (hall  dill  continue 
 on  the  tabernacle,  and  I  will  lead  thee,  as  before  to  the  promifed  land.  V'er.  19. 
 The  glory  of  the  Lord  lies  in  his  goodnefs,  efpecially  in  the  diftribution  of  his 
 fovereign  grace  and  mercy  through  the  Meffiah.  Be  gracidus  to  udiom  I  will  be 
 gracious.  God,  as  abfolute  proprietor,  makes  what  difference  he  pleafes  in  be- 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XXXIL]  Impatience  is  produ(5live  of  pernicious  confequences,  which  a  few  moments’ exercife  of  Confidence 
 in  the  wifdom  and  goodnefs  of  divine  providence,  might  have  eafily  prevented.  Often  alas  !  the  gifts  of  God  prove  a  fnare  to  us,  and  engage  our  idolatrous  affec¬ 
 tions,  fo  as  to  prove  a  curfe  rather  than  a  blelfing.  Perfons  void  of  underftanding,  or  hurried  on  by  paflion,  frequently  abufe  their  heft  friends  and  mifimpfove  their 
 greateft  privileges.  Let  us  tremble  left  we  corrupt  the  true  religion,  and  provoke  Jehovah  to  reject  us  utterly.  It  is  a  diftinguifhed  blefling  when  our  rulers  civil 
 and  ecclefiaftic,  are  difpofed  to  overlook  their  own  intereft  to  fecure  and  promote  our  good.  They  (hall  in  the  end  loofe  nothing;  for  God  himfelf  will  be  their  re¬ 
 ward.  Man  is  helplefs  when  he  forgets  God ;  the  beft  and  wifeft  are  not  exempt  from  error  and  evil.  God  is  a  jealous  God  ;  he  will  be  glorfied  of  all  who  ap- 
 proacl.  him.  They  who  difhonour  him  incur  his  difpleafure,  and  bring  on  themfelves  (hame  and  mifery.  But  when  his  wrath  is  botteft-  againft  his  people,  who  g<r 
 »  whoring  from  him,  mercy  accompanies  his  judgments  towards  them. 
 
T^ie  taOles  are  rtnewfd. 
 
 Exodus. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 1491. 
 
 d  Rom, 
 9.  15. 
 
 a  Deut. 
 
 10.  1. 
 
 b  Chap. 
 
 19.  42. 
 
 17  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  Mofes,  I  will  do  this 
 thing  alfo  that  thou  hatt  fpoken  ;  for  thou  haft  found 
 grace  in  my  fight,  and  I  know  thee  by  name. 
 
 lb  H  And  he  faid,  I  befeech  thee,  (hew  me  thy  glory. 
 
 19  And  he  faid,  I  will  make  all  my  goodnefs  pafs 
 berore  thee,  and  1  will  proclaim  the  name  of  the 
 
 T  gracious  to  whom 
 
 1  will  be  gracious,  and  will  fhew  mercy  on  whom  1 
 will  fhew  mercy. 
 
 20  And  he  laid,  Thou  cantt  not  fee  my  face :  for 
 there  (hall  no  man  fee  me,  and  live. 
 
 21  And  the  Lord  faid.  Behold,  there  is  a  place  by 
 me,  and  thou  (halt  ftand  upon  a  rock : 
 
 22  And  it  fliall  come  to  pafs,  while  my  glory  paffeth 
 by,  that  I  will  put  thee  in  a  cleft  of  the  rock,  and  will 
 cover  thee  with  my  hand  while  I  pafs  bjy  : 
 
 23  And  I  will  take  away  mine  hand,  and  thou  fhalt 
 fee  my  back  parts ;  but  my  face  fhairhot  be  feen.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXXIV. 
 
 1  The  tables  are  renewed.  4  The  name  of  the  Lord  proclaimed.  S  Mo¬ 
 ses  entreateth  God  to  go  with  the  people.  10  God  maketh  a  covenant 
 ivith  them,  repeating  certain  duties  of  thejirjl  table  28  Moses,  after 
 forty  days  in  the  mount,  cometh  down  with  the  tables;  29  kh  face 
 fhineth,  and  he  covereth  it  with  a  vail. 
 
 ND  the  Lord  faid  unto  Mofes,  •  Hew  thee 
 two  tables  of  ftone  like  unto  the  firft ;  and  I 
 will  write  upon  these  tables  the  words  that  were  in  the 
 firft  tables  which  thou  brakeft: 
 
 2  And  be  ready  in  the  morning,  and  come  up  in  the 
 morning  unto  mount  Sinai,  and  prefent  thyfelf  there 
 to  me  in  the  top  of  the  mount. 
 
 3  And  no  man  (hall  ^  come  up  with  thee,  neither 
 let  any  man  be  feen  throughout  all  the  mount ;  nei¬ 
 ther  let  the  flocks  nor  herds  feed  before  that  mount. 
 
 4  t  And  he  hewed  two  tables  of  ftone,  like  unto 
 the  firft:  and  Mofes  rofe  up  early  in  the  morning, 
 and  went  up  unto  mount  Sinai,  as  the  Lord  had 
 commanded  him,  and  took  in  his  hand  the  two  tables 
 of  ftone. 
 
 5  And  the  Lord  defcended  in  the  cloud,  and  flood 
 with  him  there,  and  proclaimed  the  name  of  the  Lord. 
 
 6  And  the  Lord  palled  by  before  him,  and  pro¬ 
 claimed,  The  Lord,  The  Lord  God,  merciful  and 
 
 A’ 
 
 gracious,  long-fuffering, 
 and  truth. 
 
 Moses  entreateth  God  for  the  people 
 and  abundant  in  goodnefs 
 
 Before 
 
 1491. 
 
 I 
 
 7  ®  Keeping  mercy  for  thoufands,  forgiving  iniquity,  ^  ^  ^ 
 
 and  tranfgreffion,  and  fin,  and  that  will  by  no  means  c  Chip, 
 clear  the  guilty ;  vifiting  the  iniquity  of  the  fathers  29.  e.  * 
 upon  the  children,  and  upon  the  children’s  children, 
 unto  the  third  and  to  the  fourth  generation.  ji,  *3^ 
 
 8  H  And  Mofes  made  hafte  and  bowed  his  head  32.  is', 
 toaard  the  earth,  and  worfhipped. 
 
 9  And  he  faid.  If  now  I  have  found  grace  in  thy 
 fight,  O  Lord,  let  my  Lord,  I  pray  thee,  go  among 
 us,  (for  it  is.  a  ftilf-necked  people,)  and  pardon  our 
 iniquity  and  our  fin  and  take  us  for  thine  inheritance. 
 
 10  ^  And  he  laid,  Behold,  I  make  a  covenant  :‘iDeuti 
 before  all  thy  people  I  will  do  marvels,  fuch  as  have^'^' 
 not  been  done  in  all  the  earth,  nor  in  any  nation  :  and 
 all  the  people  among  which  thou  ar^fhall  fee  the  work 
 of  the  Lord  :  for  it  is  a  terrible  thing  that  I  will  do 
 with  thee. 
 
 1 1  Obferve  thou  that  which  I  command  thee  this 
 day;  Behold,  I  drive  out  before  thee  the  Amorite, 
 and  the  Canaanite,  and  the  Hittite,  and  the  Perizzite, 
 and  the  Hivite,  and  the  Jebufite. 
 
 12  '  Take  heed  to  thyfelf,  left  thou  make  a  cove-® 
 nant  with  the  inhabitants  of  the  land  whither  thou^eift^' 
 goeft,  left  it  be  for  a  fnare  in  the  raidft  of  thee.  7. 2. ' 
 
 13  But  ye  (ball  deftroy  their  altars,  break  their  f  t  Brel’- 
 
 images,  and  cut  down  their  groves.  jiatues. 
 
 14  For  thou  (halt  worlhip  no  other  god  :  for  the 
 Lord,  whole  name  is  Jealous,  is  a  jealous  God  : 
 
 15  Left  thou  make  a  covenant  with  the  inhabitants 
 of  the  land,  and  they  go  a  whoring  after  their  gods, 
 and  do  facrifice unto  their  gods,  and  oneCd.\\  thee,  and 
 thou  eat  of  his  I'acrifice ; 
 
 1 6  And  thou  take  of  ^  their  daughters  unto  thy  fons,  s  1  Kings 
 and  their  daughters  go  a  whoring  after  their  gods,  and 
 make  thy  fans  go  a  whoring  after  their  gods, 
 
 17  Thou  (halt  make  thee  no  molten  gods. 
 
 18  If  The  feaft  of*’  unleavened  bread  (halt  thoui'chap, 
 keep.  Seven  days  thou  (halt  eat  unleavened  bread,  as  13.4. 
 
 I  commanded  thee,  in  the  time  of  the  month  Abib : 
 for  in  the  ‘  month  Abib  thou  cameft  cut  from  Egypt.  Ezek.' 
 
 19  All  that  openeth  the  matrix  is  mioe ;  and  44  so. 
 
 f  Chap. 
 20.  5. 
 
 flowing  his  gifts,  and  is  debtor  or  accountable  to  none  ;  may  he  not  do  what  he 
 will  with  his  own  ?  The  apoftle  quotes  this,  Rom.  ix.  5.  in  anfwer  to  thofe  who 
 charged  God  with  unrighteoufnefs  in  giving  that  grace  freely  to  fome  which  he  j 
 jujlly  denied  to  others.  Ver  23.  Thou  shall  see  my  bach  parts.  Tbefe  words 
 may  be  interpreted  according  to  the  Targum  :  That  God  made  his  majefty,  that 
 is,  an  exceeding  bright  reprefentation  of  himfelf,  (though  not  in  its  full  glory,) 
 pafs  before  Mofes,  in  as  much  fplendour  as  human  nature  could  bear,  which  may 
 be  termed  his  back  parts  ;  but  not  in  his  unveiled  brightnefs,  which  may  fignify 
 his  face,  and,  as  the  apollle  fpeaks,  is  inacceflible  :  and  the  band  wherewith  be 
 covered  him  while  he  paffed  by,  may  probably  denote  a  cloud  which  God  caft 
 about  him,  that  he  might  not  be  firuck  dead  by  the  inconceivable  force  and 
 refulgency  of  thofe  rayi,  which  came  from  the  face  or  full  luflre  of  the  divine 
 Majefly. 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  XXXIV.  Ver.  1,  Though  the  Lord 
 had  promifed  to  forgive  the  Ifraelites,  yet  he  here  fhews  be  had  been  juftly 
 offended.  The  firft.  tables  were  not  only  written  with  the  finger  cf  God,  but  the 
 tables  themfelves  were  the  work  of  God  !  wliereas  the  latter  were  to  be  made  by 
 Mofes.  Ver.  3.  .dnd  no  man  shall  come  up.  Formerly  Aaron  and  his  fons,  and 
 the  feventy  elders  of  Ifrael  went  up  with  Mofes:  but  they  having  been  con¬ 
 cerned  in  the  late  revolt  were  not  allowed  now  to  attend  Mofes.  Ver.  6. 
 And  the'  Lord  passed  by  ;  or,  caufed  his  Shechinah,  his  glorious  Majefty,  to  pafs 
 before  him.  This  text  is  truly  fublime,  and  equally  comfortable  to  finners. 
 Merci  ul,  in  the  raoft  tender  and  affectionate  manner.  Garcious,  good  and  kind 
 
 to  men,  without  any  defert  of  theirs,  but  beftows  bleflings  on  them  freely. 
 Long-suffering,  both  towards  wicked  men,  and  towards  his  elecft.  Abundant  in 
 \  goodness;  in  proverbial  goodnefs  to  all  men;  and  in  fpecial  goodnefs  to  his 
 chofen  people.  Abundant  in  truth,  or  irt  faitbfulnefs  in  fulfilling  his  promifes. 
 Ver.  7.  Keeping  mercy  for  thousands.  That  is,  in  his  heart,  in  his  purpofes,  in 
 his  counfels  and  covenant.  And  will  by  no  means  clear  the  guilty.  That  is,  God 
 will  not,  on  any  ccHifi deration  whatever,  abfolve  the  obftinate,  perfevering,  and 
 irreclaimable  offender.  The  divine  character  is  fully  and  fatisfa<korily  iiluftrated 
 in  the  perfon  and  w-ork  of  our  Lord  Jefus  Chrift.  Ver.  8,  Moses  made  tufte. 
 When  he  perceived  the  voice  to  ceafe,  and  the  Lord  to  pafs  on,  he  delayed  not  a 
 ,  moment  to  improve  the  favourable  opportunity  to  intercede  in  favour  of  Ifrael. 
 Ver.  9.  If  now  I  have  found  grace.  Or  rather,  sec'mg  now  ;  for  he  could  have  no 
 doubt,  but  that  he  had  found  favour  in  the  fight  of  God,  fince  he  had  caufed 
 his  goodnefs  and  glory  to  pafs  before  him,  Ver.  10.  Behold,  I  make  a  covenant  ; 
 or  rather,  I  renew  the  covenant  formerly  made,  and  which  the  people  broke. 
 I  will  do  marvels  .*  That  is,  furprifiug  matters,  which  exceed  human  ability  to 
 perform.  Ver.  12.  Tale  heed  to  thyselj.  Thefe  words  are  alfo  immediately 
 addrelTed  to  the  people  as  a  caution  to  them  wheh  they  ftiould  enter  the  land  of 
 Canaan.  Ver.  14.  For  the  Lord— is  a  jealous  God;  That  is,  batli  made  him¬ 
 felf  known  by,  and  glorious  in  that  name.  Ver.  17.  Thou  shall  make  thee  no  molten 
 gods  ;  That  is,  made  of  melted  liquor,  whether  gold,  filver,  or  biafs,  poured  into  a 
 mould.  Ver.  18.  The  fenjl  of  unleavened  biead,  was  inftituted  at  the  time  of 
 I  their  coming  out  of  Egypt,  chap.  xii.  15,  18,  19.  and  xiii.  6,  7.  Ver.  28.  Ani, 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XXXIII.]  Secret  difaffedion  from  God  provokes  his  difpleafore  as  well  as  an  open  apoftacy.  But  he  delights 
 not  in  the  death  of  finners  ;  he  ftays  his  arm,  and  when  tliey  are  utterly  deftitute  of  hope,  and  implore  his  mercy,  he  magnifies  his  grace  towards  them.  The  tlelire 
 of  fellowfhip  with  God,  and  boldnefs  of  faith  increafe  in- his  prefence,  and  he  will  not  deny  any  thing  alked  in  faith  though  it  were  Uie  whole  of  his  kingdom.  And 
 what  bleffings  may  we  not  e.xpeCt,  when  we  have  Jefus,  our  great  intetceffor  within  the  vail ! 
 
Moses  cometh  down  from  the  mount. 
 
 Before 
 
 Clirift. 
 
 1491. 
 
 EXODUS. 
 
 ,  whether  OX  or  fheep, 
 
 Of  the  sahbath,  8fc. 
 
 every  firftling  among  thy  cattle 
 that  is  male. 
 
 20  But  the  firfiling  of  an  afs  thou  (halt  redeem 
 Or, /rid.  with  a  II  lamb:  and  if  thou  redeem  hnn  nor,  then 
 
 (halt  thou  break  his  neck.  All  the  firlt-born  of  thy 
 ions  thou  (halt  redeem  ;  and  none  ihall  appear  before 
 me  ‘  empty. 
 
 21  ^  "  Six  days  thou  (halt  work  ;  bnton  the  feventh 
 day  thou  (halt  reft :  in  earing-time  and  in  hurvefl  thou 
 fhalt  relt. 
 
 22  %  "  And  thou  fhalt  obferve  the  fealt  of  weeks, 
 of  the  firft-fruits  of  wheat-harveft,  and  the  feaft  of  in¬ 
 gathering  at  the  t  year’s  end. 
 
 23  II  °  Thrice  in  the  year  Ihall  all  your  men-children 
 appear  before  the  Lord  God,  the  God  of  Ifrael. 
 
 f.,  24-  For  I  will  caft  out  the  nations  before  thee,  and  i 
 
 o  OmpT'  enlarge  thy  borders  ;  neither  fhall  any  man  defire  thy  j 
 23.14,17.  land,  when  thou  fhalt  go  up  to  appear  before  the  Lord  { 
 thy  God  thrice  in  the  year. 
 
 35  And  the  children  of  Ifrael  faw  the  face  of  Mofes, 
 that  the  fkin  of  Mofes’  face  fhone  :  and  Mofes  put  the 
 
 vail  upon  his  face 
 with  Him.* 
 
 again,  until  he  went  in  to  (peak 
 
 Before 
 
 Cliriit 
 
 1491. 
 
 I  Chap. 
 23.  15. 
 in  Chap. 
 23.  12. 
 Dettt. 
 
 5.  12. 
 Luke 
 13.  14. 
 n  Chap. 
 23.  16. 
 f  Heb. 
 revolution 
 
 Deut. 
 16.  16. 
 p  Chap, 
 23.  18. 
 
 CHAP.  XXXV. 
 
 1  Of  the  fahhatlu  4  The  free  ^ifls  for  the  tabernacle.  20  The  readirt'ff 
 (f  the  people  to  offer.  30  Hezalcel  and  Alwliub  are  called  to  the  work. 
 
 And  Moles  gathered  all  the  congregation  of  the 
 children  of  Ifrael  together,  and  faid  unto  them, 
 Thefe  are  the  words  which  the  Lord  hath  command¬ 
 ed,  that  ?/(?  fhould  do  them. 
 
 2  ®  Six  days  fhall  work  be  done  ;  but  on  the  feventh  ® 
 day  there  fhall  be  to  you  f  an  holy  day,  a  fabbath 
 reft  to  the  Lord  ;  whofbever  doeth  work  therein  fhall  2%  3! 
 be  put  to  death. 
 
 3  Ye  fhall  kindle  no  fire  throughout  your  habita- 
 tions  upon  the  fabbath-day.  13“ 
 
 4-  H  And  Mofes  fpake  unto  all  the  congregation  of  f  Heb. 
 the  children  of  Ifrael,  faying.  This  is  the  thing  which 
 
 25  ^  Thou  fhalt  not  offer  the  blood  of  my  facrifice  i  the  Lord  commanded,  faying. 
 
 q  fchap. 
 23.  19. 
 Deut. 
 14.  21. 
 
 4.  13. 
 f  Chap. 
 24.  18. 
 Deut. 
 9.  9. 
 t  Heb. 
 words. 
 
 with  leaven  ;  neither  fhall  the  facrifice  of  the  feaft  of 
 the  paffover  be  left  unto  the  morning. 
 
 26  The  firft  of  the  firft-fruits  of  thy  land  thou  flialt 
 bring  unto  the  houfe  of  the  Lord  thy  God.  Thou 
 fhalt  not  feethe  a  kid  in  his  mother’s  milk. 
 
 27  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  Mofes,  Write  thou 
 Deuter.  r  thefe  words :  for  after  the  tenor  of  thefe  words  I  have 
 
 made  a  covenant  with  thee  and  with  Ifrael. 
 
 28  And  he  was  there  with  the  Lord  forty  days 
 and  forty  nights  ;  he  did  neither  eat  bread  nor  drink 
 water  :  and  He  wrote  upon  the  tables  the  words  of 
 the  covenant,  the  ten  f  commandments. 
 
 29  ^  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  Mofes  came  down 
 from  mount  Sinai  with  the  two  tables  of  teftimony  in 
 Mofes*  hand,  (when  he  came  down  from  the  mount,) 
 that  Mofes  wift  not  that  the  fkin  of  his  face  fhone 
 while  he  talked  with  him. 
 
 30  And  when  Aaron  and  all  the  children  of  Ifrael 
 faw  Mofes,  behold,  the  fkin  of  his  face  fhone :  and 
 they  were  afraid  to  come  nigh  him. 
 
 31  And  Mofes  called  unto  them;  and  Aaron  and 
 all  the  rulers  of  the  congregation  returned  unto  him  : 
 and  Mofes  talked  with  them, 
 
 _  32  And  afterward  all  the  children  of  Ifrael  came 
 nigh ;  and  he  gave  them  in  commandment  all  that  the 
 Lord  had  fpoken  with  him  in  mount  Sinai. 
 
 33  And  till  Mofes  had  done  fpeaking  with  them, 
 he  put '  a  vail  on  his  face. 
 
 34-  But  when  Mofes  went  in  before  the  Lord,  to 
 fpeak  with  him,  he  took  the  vail  off,  until  he  came 
 out.  And  he  came  out,  and  fpake  unto  the  children 
 or  Ifrael  that  which  he  was  commanded. 
 
 t  2  Cor, 
 3.  13, 
 
 Jte  was  there  with  the  Lord  forty  days  and  forty  nights.  Thefe  were  other  forty 
 days  and  nights  befides  thofe  he  had  been  formerly  with  the  Lord.  And  he 
 wrote;  Not  Mofes,  for  he  could  not  write  or  engraVe  the  commandments  upon 
 tables  of  Hone  without  proper  inftruments,  which  it  does  not  appear  he  had  with 
 him;  but  God  himfelf,  who  fays,  ver.  1.  that  he  would  write  them  •  and  wc  are 
 told  in  Deut.  x.  2,  4.  that  he  did  fo.  Ver.  29.  The  Jlin  of  his  face  flione  The 
 
 mitted  to  the  fight  of,  left  a  finning  glory,  Or  bnght  effulgence  of  lia-ht 
 face^  of  which  he  himfelf  was  not  fenlible.  Ver, 
 
 5  Take  ye  from  among  you  an  offering  unto  the 
 
 Lord:  whofoever  is  of  a  willing  heart,  let  him^^^’^P’ 
 
 bring  if,  an  offering  of  the  Lord  ;  gold,  and  filver,^^'^* 
 and  bral’s, 
 
 6  And  blue,  and  purple,  and  fcarlet,  and  fipe  linen, 
 and  goats’  hair, 
 
 7  And  rams*  fldns  dyed  red,  and  badgers*  ffdns, 
 and  fliittim-wood, 
 
 8  And  oil  for  the  light,  and  fplces  for  anointing  oil, 
 and  for  the  fweet  incenl'e, 
 
 9  And  onyx-ftones,  and  ftones  to  be  fet  for  the 
 ephod,  and  for  the  breaftplate. 
 
 10  And  every  wife  hearted  among  you  (hall  come, 
 and  make  all  that  the  Lord  hath  commanded  ; 
 
 11  The  tabernacle,  his  tent,  and  his  covering,  his*^ 
 taches,  and  his  boards,  his  bars,  his  pillars,  and 
 fockets. 
 
 12  The  ark  and  the  ftaves  thereof,  with  the  mercy- 
 feat,  and  the  va;l  of  the  covering  ; 
 
 13  The  table  and  his  ftaves,  and  all  his  veffels,  and 
 and  (hew  bread  ; 
 
 14-  The  candleftick  alfo  for  the  light,  and  his  furni¬ 
 ture,  and  his  lamps,  with  the  oil  for  the  light ; 
 
 15  ^  And  the  incenfe-altar,  and  his  ftaves,  and  d  chap, 
 the  anointing  oil,  and  the  fweet  incenfe,  and  the^°’^' 
 hanging  for  the  door  at  the  entering  in  of  the  ta¬ 
 bernacle  ; 
 
 16  e  The  altar  of  burnr-effering,  with  his  brafen  e  Chap, 
 grate,  his  ftaves,  and  all  his  veffels  ;  the  laver  and  his^'’ 
 foot ; 
 
 17  The  hangings  of  the  court,  his  pillars,  and  their 
 fockets,  and  the  hanging  for  the  door  of  the  court ; 
 
 The 
 
 ftratioii  of  Jlofes  was  death  and  condemnation,  1  Cor.  iii,  7,  9,  Ver.  35 
 
 of^Mofes  face  fhone.  That  is,  not  only  when  he  came  down  from  the  mount 
 
 And  Uofes  put  the  vail.  This 
 
 but  whenever  he  came  but  from  the  tabernacle, 
 he  did  from  time  to  time. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES. 
 
 fumes  his  account  of  the  priefts,  which  haTbee^brokelWbrthe^ftorJ  of  the 
 calf,  and  proceeds  to  put  the  commands  of  God  in  execution. 
 
 wi  iigiii,  upon  his  !  people  of  what  he  had  formerly  taught  them.  Ver  remind  the 
 
 0.  MWe  afraid  ,•  for  the  mini-  jj  thews  the  great  importance  of  this  precept.  Ver.  2l‘.  ~Wkofe  he^^ftredltTlp 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS _ *  Chap  XXXTVT  if  .  •  ^  .  - - 
 
 pur  hearts.  The  divine  favour  is  lietter  than  life,  for  to  ifve  without  it  is  fi.TceuA™tLYof 
 
 refuge  for  the  opprefled,  a  refuge  in  the  time  of  evil. 
 To  him  therefore,  let  our  eyes  be  directed, 
 through  hite  jTew  and  Gentile  have  accefs 
 8hd  chferfbl  obedience  to  every  heaxenly 
 
 No,  7....6(/.  B  b 
 
 written  m 
 indeed  a 
 Chrill  Jefus. 
 mediator, 
 unrefei-vecf 
 
The  readiness  of  ilie  people  to  offer. 
 
 Before  ]  3  tabernacle,  and  the  pins  of  the 
 
 court,  and  the  cords  : 
 
 19  The  clothes  of  fervice,  to  do  fervice  in  the  holy 
 place ;  the  holy  garments  for  Aaron  the  pried,  and 
 tl^  garments  ot  his  fons,  to  minifter  in  the  prielt’s 
 office. 
 
 20  ^  And  all  the  congregation  of  the  children  of 
 Ilrael  departed  from  the  prefeoce  of  Mofes. 
 
 21  And  they  came,  every  one  whofe  heart  ftirred 
 him  up,  and  every  one  whom  his  fpirit  made  willing. 
 and  tney  bn'ught  the  Lord’s  offerings  to  the  work  of 
 the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  and  for  all  his 
 fervice,  and  for  the  holy  garments. 
 
 22  And  they  came,  both  men  and  women,  as 
 many  as  were  willing-hearted,  and  brought  bracelets, 
 and  ear-rings,  and  rings,  and  tablets,  all  jewels  of 
 gold  :  and  t:very  man  that  offered,  offered  an  offering 
 of  gold  unto  the  Lord. 
 
 23  And  every  man  with  whom  was  found  blue,  and 
 purple,  and  fcarlet,  and  fine  linen,  and  goats’  //a?r  and 
 red  ikins  of  rams,  and  badgers’  fkins,  brought  them. 
 
 24-  Every  one  that  did  offer  an  offering  of  filver 
 and  brafs,  brought  the  Lord’s  offering  :  and  every 
 man  with  whom  was  found  ffiittim-vvood,  for  any 
 work  of  the  fervice,  brought  it. 
 
 25  And  ail  the  women  that  were  wife-hearted  did 
 fpin  with  their  hands,  and  brought  that  which  they 
 had  i'pun.  both  of  blue,  and  of  purple,  and  of  Icarlet, 
 and  of  fine  linen. 
 
 2G  And  all  the  women,  whofe  heart  ftirred  them  up 
 in  w  fdom,  fpun  goats’  hair. 
 
 27  And  the  rulers  brought  onyx-ftones,  and  ftones 
 to  be-  fet,  for  the  ephod,  and  for  the  breaft-plate  ; 
 f  Chap.  28  And  ^  fpice,  and  oil  for  the  light,  and  for  the 
 anointing  oil.  and  for  the  fweet  incenfe. 
 
 29  The  children  of  Ifrael  brought  a  willing  offering 
 unto  tne  Lord,  every  man  and  woman,  whofe  heart 
 made  them  willing  to  bring,  for  all  maner  of  work 
 which  the  Lord  had  coramandt  d  to  be  made  by  the 
 hand  of  Mofes. 
 
 SO  H  And  Mofes  faid  unto  the  children  of  Ifrael, 
 g  Chap.  See,  ^  the  Lord  hath  called  by  name  Bezaleel  the 
 fon  of  LFri,  the  fon  of  Hnr,  of  the  tribe  of  Judah : 
 
 31  And  he  hath  filled  him  with  the  fpirit  of  God, 
 in  wifdom,  in  underftauding,  and  in  knowledge,  and 
 in  all  manner  of  wcrkrnanfhip  ; 
 
 32  And  to  devif  curious  works,  to  work  in  gold, 
 and  in  filver,  and  in  brafs, 
 
 33  And  in  the  cutting  of  ftones,  to  fet  them^  and 
 in  carving  of  wood,  to  make  any  manner  of  cunning 
 work. 
 
 34  And  he  hath  put  in  his  heart  that  he  may  teach, 
 loth  he  and  Aholiab  the  fon  of  Ahifamach,  of  the 
 tribe  of  Dan. 
 
 35  Them  hath  he  filled  with  wifdom  of  heart,  to 
 work  all  manner  of  work  of  the  engraver,  and  of  the 
 
 That  is,  who  felt  an  impulfe  on  his  mind  to  ferve  God,  with  what  providence 
 had  given  him  ])roper  for  tue  pui-pofe.  Ver.  12.  Brought  bracelets  and  ear-rhigs. 
 It  may  perhaps  be  obje6leo,  that  Aaron  iiad  got  thefe  Irom  them  for  making  the 
 goideii  calf.  But  though  the  generality  of  the  people  might  then  part  with  their 
 ear  -riiigs,  yet  we  may  well  fuppofe  a  confiderable  number  would  ftill  retain 
 them,  as  being  dilfatisfied  with  that  idolatrous  defign.  Ver.  26.  Whose  heait 
 stirred  th  m  wp  in  u']fdoia.  To  be  ingenious  in  their  bufinefs,  and  to  do  it  in  a 
 curious  manner.  Others  join  the  words  in  ivisctom,  with  sj^un.  thus,  in  ivifdorn. 
 Spun  goats’  hair;  which  required  excellent  Ikill.  Ver.  34.  That  he  may  teach  others 
 
 !to  work  under  liim ;  for  the  work  required  wiany  Ufwds }  and  it  is  a  peculiar  H 
 
 The  offerings  are  delivered  to  the  mrhnen, 
 
 cunning  workman,  and  of  the  embroiderer,  in  bine,  Before 
 and  in  purple,  in  Icarlet,  and  in  fine  linen,  and  of  the 
 weaver,  even  of  them  that  do  any  work,  and  of  thole 
 that  devife  cunning  work.  '-'■vvj 
 
 CHAP,  xxxvr. 
 
 I  The  offerings  are  delivered  to  the  workmen.  4  The  liberality  of  the 
 
 2K0ple  is  retrained.  8  The  curtains  with  cherubims.  14  The  curtains 
 
 of  goats'  hair.  \S)  The  covering  of Jkins,  20  The  boards  with  their 
 
 sockets.  31  The  bars.  35.  2’ he  vail.  The  hanging  for  the  door. 
 
 HEN  wrought  Bezaleel  and  Aholiab,  and  every  1491- 
 wife-hearted  man,  in  whom  the  Lord  put  wil'-  * 
 dom  and  underftanding,  to  know  how  to  work  all 
 manner  of  work  for  the  fervice  of  the  famftuary,  ac* 
 cording  to  all  that  the  Lord  had  commanded. 
 
 2  And  Mofes  called  Bezaleel  and  Alioliab,  and 
 every  wife-hearted  man,  in  whofe  heart  the  Lord  had 
 put  W'ifdom,  even  every  one  whofe  heart  ftirred  him 
 up  to  come  unto  the  work  o  do  it : 
 
 3  And  they  received  of  Mofes  all  the  offering  which 
 the  children  of  Ifrael  had  brought  for  the  work  of  the 
 f  rvice  of  the  faiafturiry,  to  make  it  voithal.  And  they 
 brought  yet  unto  him  free-offerings  every  moining. 
 
 4  ^  And  all  the  wife  men,  that  wrought  all  the  work 
 of  the  fandfuary,  came  every  man  from  his  work 
 which  they  made ; 
 
 5  And  they  fpake  unto  Mofes,  faying,  The  people 
 bring  much  more  than  enough  for  the  fervice  of  the 
 work  which  the  Lord  commanded  to  make. 
 
 6  And  Mofes  gave  commandment,  and  they  caufed 
 it  to  be  proclaimed  throughout  the  camp,  faying,  Let 
 neither  man  nor  woman  make  any  more  work  for 
 the  offering  of  the  lanffuary.  So  the  people  were 
 reftiained  from  bringing. 
 
 7  For  the  fluff  they  had  was  fufficient  for  all  the 
 work  to  make  it,  and  too  much. 
 
 8  H  ^  And  every  wife-hearted  man,  among  them  that  ^ 
 wrought  the  work  of  the  tabernacle,  made  ten  curtains  ^  * 
 of  fine  twined  linen,  and  blue,  and  purple,  and  Icarict ; 
 
 with  cherubims  of  cunning  work  made  he  them. 
 
 9  The  length  of  one  curtain  was  twenty  and  eight 
 cubits,  and  the  breadth  of  one  curtain  four  cubits : 
 the  curtains  were  all  of  one  fize. 
 
 10  And  he  coupled  the  five  curtains  one  unto  ano¬ 
 ther  ;  and  the  other  five  curtains,  he  coupled  one  unto 
 another. 
 
 1 1  And  he  made  loops  of  blue  on  the  edge  of  one 
 curtain,  from  the  lelvedge  in  the  coupling  :  likewife 
 he  made  in  the  uttermoft  fide  of  another  curtain,  in 
 the  coupling  of  the  fecond. 
 
 12  ^  Fifty  loops  made  he  in  one  curtain,  and  fifty  bChap. 
 loops  made  he  in  the  edge  of  the  curtain  which 
 
 in  the  coupling  of  the  fecond  :  the  loops  held  one  cur¬ 
 tain  to  another. 
 
 13  And  he  made  fifty  taches  of  gold,  and  coupled 
 the  curtains  one  unto  another  with  the  taches  :  lb  it 
 became  one  tabernacle. 
 
 gift  of  God,  to  be  apt  and  willing  to  teach,  which  talent  every  tkilful  man  hath 
 not. 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  XXXVI.  Ver.  1.  Then  wrought, 
 Thispalfage  fiiould  be  read  in  the  future  teiite,  and  diould  be  rendered.  Therefore 
 Bezaleel  and  Aholiab  Jhall  work.  Ver.  2.  Mofes  called.  It  was  not  enoiigli  that 
 they  had  qualificatioiiii  for  tiie  work  j  tliey  muft  have  a  call  to  it  from  Moles, 
 to  whom  tlie  whole  affair  was  committed,  to  fee  that  it  was  done  according  to 
 the  pattern  ffiown  him  in  the  mount.  Ver.  3.  And  they  brought  yet  unto  him  free- 
 offerin<^s  every  morning.  Which  time  they  chofe,  aS  the  firll  and  heft  part  of  the 
 day,  and  therefore  futeft  for  God’s  feryice.  And  this  intimates  that  tliey  were 
 
 EXODUS. 
 
The  work  of  the  talernacle. 
 
 EXODUS. 
 
 The  arky  mercij-seaty  ^c. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chria 
 
 a4<)l. 
 
 14-  H  And  he  made  curtains  of  goats’  hair  for  the  j 
 tent  over  thetabernacle ;  eleven  curtains  he  made  them. 
 
 15  The  length  of  one  curtain  wa^  thirty  cubits, 
 and  four  cubits  was  the  breadth  of  one  curtain  :  the 
 eleven  curtains  were  of  one  fize. 
 
 16  And  he  coupled  five  curtains  by  themfelves,  and 
 fix  curtains  by  themfelves. 
 
 17  And  he  made  fifty  loops  upon  the  uttermon 
 edge  of  the  curtain  in  the  coupling,  and  fifty  loops 
 made  he  upon  the  edge  of  the  curtain  which  coupleth 
 the  fecond. 
 
 18  And  he  made  fifty  taches  o/brafs  to  couple  the 
 
 tent  together,  that  it  might  be  one.  ^ 
 
 19  And  he  made  a  covering  for  the  tent  of  rams 
 fkins  dyed  red,  and  a  covering  of  badgers’  Ikios  above 
 that. 
 
 20  ^  And  he  made  boards  for  the  tabernacle  of 
 fbittim-wood,  ftanding  up. 
 
 21  The  length  of  a  board  was  ten  cubits,  and  the 
 breadth  of  a  board  one  cubit  and  a-half. 
 
 22  One  board  had  two  tenons,  equally  diftanr  one 
 from  another ;  thus  did  he  make  for  all  the  boards  of 
 the  tabernacle. 
 
 23  And  he  made  boards  for  the  tabernacle  :  twenty 
 boards  for  the  fouth  fide,  fouthward. 
 
 24  And  forty  fockets  of  filver  he  made  under  the 
 twenty  boards  :  two  fockets  under  one  board  for  hi.s 
 two  tenons,  and  two  fockets  under  another  board  for 
 his  two  tenons. 
 
 25  And  f -r  the  other  fide  of  the  tabernacle  which 
 is  toward  the  north  corner,  he  made  twenty  boards. 
 
 26  And  their  forty  fockets  of  filver :  two  fockets 
 under  one  board,  and  two  fockets  under  another  board. 
 
 27  And  for  the  fides  of  the  tabernacle  weft  ward  he 
 made  fix  boards. 
 
 28  And  two  boards  made  he  for  the  corners  of  the 
 tabernacle  in  the  two  fides. 
 
 29  And  they  were  f  coupled  beneath,  and  coupled 
 together  at  the  head  thereof,  to  one  ring  ;  thus  he  did 
 to  botn  of  them  in  both  the  corners. 
 
 30  And  there  were  eight  boards,  and  their  fockets 
 were  fixteen  fockets  of  filver,  f  under  every  board  two 
 fockets. 
 
 ^  o/fhitiim-wood :  five  for 
 
 under’ one boatds  of  the  one  fide  of  the  tabernacle, 
 hoard.  32  And  five  bars  for  the  boards  of  the  other  fide 
 of  the  tab  made,  and  five  ba^s  for  the  boards  of  the 
 so.'  T.'  ^  tabernacle  for  the  fi  ies  wtftward. 
 
 33  And  he  made  the  middle  bar  to  flioot  through 
 the  boards  from  the  one  end  to  the  other. 
 
 34  And  he  overlaid  the  boards  wi»h  gold,  and  made 
 their  rings  of  gold  to  be  places  for  the  bars,  and  over¬ 
 laid  the  bars  with  gold. 
 
 35  H  And  he  made  a  vail  of  blue,  and  purple,  and 
 
 fcarlet,  and  fine  twined  linen:  cherubims  made 
 
 he  it  of  cunning  work. 
 
 36  And  he  made  thereunto  four  pillars  oj  fhit- 
 t!m-woo(7,  and  overlaid  them  with  gold ;  their  hooks 
 were  of  gold  ;  and  he  caft  for  them  four  fockets  of 
 filver. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 twined. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 two  sock¬ 
 ets,  two 
 sockets, 
 
 not  lefs  diligent  than  cheerful  in  this  fervice.  Ver.  S5.  And  he  made  a  vail; 
 That  is,  the  fecond  vail,  which  feparated  between  the  holy  place,  and  the  holy  of 
 holies.  It  may  be  obferved  in  general,  that,  throughout  the  account  of  the 
 various  articles,  it  is  all  along  laid,  he  did  this  and  the  other  thing ;  referring 
 either  to  Mofes,  by  whofe  order  thay  were  done,  or  to  Beziileel,  the  chief  dircAor 
 cf  the  work,  or  to  every  one  of  the  ai'tilicers  feverally  concerned. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrill 
 
 1491. 
 
 37  f  And  he  made  an  hanging  for  the  tabernacle- 
 
 door  (f  blue,  and  purple,  and  fcarlet,  and  fine  twined 
 linen,  f  of  needle-work  ;  ,  .  ,  ,  .  ' 
 
 38  And  the  five  pillars  of  it  with  their  hooks  ;  and  +  Htb. 
 he  overlaid  their  chapiters  and  their  fillets  with  gold  : 
 
 but  their  five  fockets  were  of  brafs.  ""wlrkerT 
 
 CHAP.  XXXVII. 
 
 1  The  ark.  6  The  mcrcy-feat  with  cherabims.  10  The  table  with  his  broiderer. 
 vejfeh.  1 7  The  candlejlkk  with  his  lamps  and  injlruments.  ‘25  The 
 altar  ofincenfe.  29  The  anointing  oil,  andfweet  incenfe. 
 
 Af^D  Bezaleel  made  »  the  ark  rf  Ihittim-wood  :  a  Chap. 
 
 two  cubits  and  a  half  was  the  length  ol  it,  and 
 a  cubit  and  a  half  the  breadth  of  it,  aod  a  cubit  and 
 
 a  half  the  height  of  it.  _  j  -u 
 
 2  And  he  overlaid  it  with  pure  gold  within  and  with¬ 
 out,  and  made  a  crown  of  gold  to  it  round  about. 
 
 3  And  he  caft  for  it  four  rings  of  gold,  to  hefet  by 
 the  four  corners  of  it ;  even  two  rings  upon  the  one 
 fide  of  it,  and  two  rings  upon  the  ot  ^er  fide  of  it. 
 
 4  And  he  made  ftaves  of  Ihittim-wood,  and  over- 
 
 laid  them  w  ith  gold.  ,  ,  n 
 
 5  And  he  put  the  ftaves  into  the  rings  by  the  fides 
 
 of  the  ark,  to  bear  the  ark. 
 
 6  H  And  he  made  the  mercy  feat  o/pure  goldi^  c^ap- 
 two  cubits  and  a  half  was  the  length  thereof,  and  one"^' 
 cubit  and  a  half  the  breadth  thereof. 
 
 7  And  he  made  two  cherubims  of  gold,  beaten  out 
 of  one  piece  made  he  them,  on  the  tw'o  ends  of  the 
 m^rev  feat ; 
 
 8  One  cherub  !|  on,  the  end  on  this  fide,  and  ano-  II  Or,  out 
 ther  cnerub  H  on  the  other  end  on  that  fide  :  out  of  , 
 
 the  mercy-feat  made  he  the  cherubims  on  the  two, 
 enr’s  thereof. 
 
 9  And  the  cherubims  fpread  out  their  wings  on 
 high,  atid  covered  with  their  wings  over  the  mercy- 
 feat,  with  their  faces  one  to  another;  even  to  the 
 mercy-feat- ward  were  the  faces  of  the  cherubims. 
 
 10  51  And  he  made  the  table  o/  (hittim-wood  :  two 
 cubits  icjasthe  length  thereof,  and  a  cubit  the  breadth, 
 thereof,  and  a  cubit  and  a  half  the  height  thereof. 
 
 1 1  And  he  overlaid  it  with  pure  gold,  and  made 
 thereunto  a  crown  of  gold  round  about. 
 
 12  Alfo  he  made  thereunto  a  border  of  an  hand- 
 breadth  round  about ;  and  made  a  crown  of  gold  for 
 the  border  thereof  round  about.. 
 
 13  And  he  caft  for  it  four  rings  of  gold,  and  put 
 the  rings  upon  the  four  corners  that  were  in  the  four 
 feet  thereof. 
 
 14  Over  againft  the  border  were  the  rings,  the 
 places  for  the  ftaves,  to  bear  the  table.  _ 
 
 15  And  he  made  the  ftaves  o/fhittim-wood,  and 
 overlaid  them  with  gold,  to  bear  the  table. 
 
 16  And  he  made  the  veflels  which  were  upon  the 
 table,  h;s  dilhes,  and  his  fpoons,  and  his  bowls,  and  c  Chap, 
 his  covers  to  H  cover  withal,  rf  pure  gold  : 
 
 17  51  Aud  he  made  the  candleftick  of  pure  gold  : 
 ^beaten  work  made  he  the  candleftick;  his  ftiaft,  withal. 
 and  his  braech,  his  bowls,  his  knops,  and  his  flowers, 
 were  of  the  lame  : 
 
 18  And  fix  branches  going  out  of  the  fides  thereof; 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXXVH.  Ver.  8.  On  the  end;  or, 
 out  of  the  end,  for  they  were  to  be  of  the  lame  piece  with  the  mercy-feat,  chap, 
 xvv.  19.  Ver.  9.  With  their  faces  one  to  another  even  to  the  mercy-feat-ward. 
 Some,  from  this  paff.ipte,  and  the  etymology  of  the  word,  have  been  of  opinion, 
 that  the  cherubims  weu  in  the  form  of  flying  oxen,  imagining  that  otherwife  they 
 could  not  have  their  faces  at  the  fame  time  towards  one  another,  and  towards 
 
TJic  altar  of  hirnt-ofering. 
 
 EXODUS. 
 
 e  Chap. 
 30.  1. 
 
 f  Chap. 
 SO.  34. 
 
 a  Chap. 
 27.  1. 
 
 threp  branches  of  the’  candlefbck  out  of  the  one  fidi 
 thereof,  and  three  branches  of  the  candleiiick  out  ot 
 the  other  fide  thereof ; 
 
 19  Three  bowls  made  after  the  falbion  of  almond.s 
 in  one  branch,  a  knop  and  a  flower ;  and  three  bo'.’  Is 
 made  like  alincnas  in  another  branch,  a  kncp  and  ; 
 flower  :  fo  throughout  the  fix  branches  going  cut  ot 
 the  candleflick. 
 
 20  And  in  the  candleflick  xvere  four  bowls  made 
 like  almonds,  his  knops  and  his  flowers  : 
 
 21  And  a  knop  under  two  branches  of  the  fame, 
 and  a  knop  under  two  branches  of  the  fame,  and  a 
 knop  under  two  branches  of  the  fame,  according  to 
 the  fix  branches  going  out  of  it. 
 
 22  Treir  knops  and  their  branches  were  of  the 
 fame;  all  of  it  xms  one  beaten  work  o/pure  gold. 
 
 23  And  he  made  his  feven  lamps,  and  his  fnulfers, 
 and  his  fnufF-diflies,  o/pure  gold. 
 
 2+  Q/ a  talent  of  pure  gold  made  he  it,  and  all  the 
 vefiels  thereof. 
 
 25  If  And  he  made  the  incenfe-altar  of  (hittim- 
 w’ood :  the  length  of  it  "was  a  cubit,  and  the  breadth 
 of  it  a  cubit,  (it  was  four-lquare,)  and  two  cubits  'was 
 the  height  of  it ;  the  horns  thereof  were  of  the  fame. 
 
 26  And  he  overlaid  it  with  pure  gold,  hoik  the  top 
 of  it,  and  the  fides  thereof  round  about,  and  the  horns 
 of  it  ;  alfo  he  made  unto  it  a  crown  of  gold  round 
 about. 
 
 27  And  he  raalde  tw'o  rings  of  gold  for  it  under 
 the  crow'n  thereof,  by  the  two  corners  of  it,  upon 
 the  two  fides  thereof,  to  be  places  for  the  ftaves  to 
 bear  it  withal. 
 
 28  And  he  made  the  ftaves  o/ fhittim*wood,  and 
 overlaid  them  with  gold. 
 
 29  If  And  he  made^  the  holy  anointing  oil,  and  the 
 pure  incenfe  of  fweet  fpices,  according  to  the  work  of 
 the  apotheoiry. 
 
 CHAP.  XXXVIir. 
 
 I  The  altar  of  hurnt-offering.  8  The  lover  oj  brafs.  9  The  court 
 21  The  stem  of  what  the  peofe  offered, 
 
 And  ®  he  made  the  altar  of  burnt-offering  oJ 
 fhittim-wood  :  five  cubits  was  the  length  there¬ 
 of,  and  five  cubits  the  breadth  thereof,  (it  was  four- 
 fquare,)  and  three  cubits  the  height  thereof. 
 
 2  And  he  made  the  horns  thereof  on  the  four  cor¬ 
 ners  of  it :  the  horns  thereof  were  of  the  fame  ;  and 
 he  overlaid  it  with  brafs. 
 
 3  And  he  made  all  the  yeffels  of  the  altarj  the 
 pots,  and  the  fhovels,  and  the  bafons,  and  the  flefh- 
 hooks,  and  the  fire-pans  :  all  the  vefiels  thereof  made 
 he  o/’brals. 
 
 4  And  he  made  for  the  altar  a  brafen  grate  of  net¬ 
 work,  under  the  compal^  thereof,  beneath  unto  the 
 
 midfl  of  it.  _  n  ,  a  -  ^  C  r 
 
 5  And  he  caft  four  rings  for  the  rouf  ends  or  the 
 grate  of  brafs,  to  be  places  for  the  ftayes. 
 
 6  And  he  made  the  ftaves  r/  fhittim-wood, 
 overlaid  them  with  brafs. 
 
 and 
 
 the  mercy  feat.  But  others  think  they  were  of  a  human  figure  being  perfuaded 
 that  they  might  be  turned  towards  each  other,  and  at  the  fame  time  have  tlieir 
 •res  dire<5ted  downwards  to  the  mercy-feat,  which  was  a  type  of  Chrift. 
 
 ^EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXXVIII.  Ver.  8.  The  looking- 
 elafTes,  were  of  polifhed  fteel  or  brafs.  Job  xxxviii.  1 81  Cyril  informs  us,  that 
 it  was* a  cuflom  for  the  Egyptian  women  to  carry  thefe  mirrors  with  them  to 
 places  of  public  worfliip.  The  word  tranflated  oJfembUng,  fignifies  a  troop  or  arnvj. 
 Borne  think  that  here  is  pointed  out  a  company  of  religious  tvbmen,  who  in  a 
 
 The  la'ver  of  brass, 
 
 7  And,  he  put  the  ftaves  Into  the  rings  on  the  fides  Befo,, 
 ot  the  altar,  to  bear  it  withal ;  he  made  the  altar  hoi- 
 
 low  vtith  boards. 
 
 8  If  And  he  madq  the  laver  of  brafs,  and  the  foot''"^^ 
 of  It  of  brafs,  of  the  il  looking-gkfles  of  the  women  f  af-  II  Or, 
 tembling,  which  affeinbled  at  the  door  of  the  tabei-*'^'*^'* 
 nacle  of  the  congregation. 
 
 9li  And  he  made  the  court;  on  the  fonth  fide  Si, ■  . 
 touthward,  tae  hangings  of  the  court  were  fine 
 twined  linen,  an  hundred  cubits  ; 
 
 10  Their  pillars  were  twenty,  and  their  brafen 
 rockets  twenty ;  the  hooks  of  the  pillars  and  their 
 fillets  were  of  filver. 
 
 1 1  And  for  the  north  fide,  the  hangings  wet'e  an 
 hundred  cubits,  their  pillars  'were  twenty,  and  their 
 lockets  of  brafs  twenty  ;  the  hooks  of  the  pillars  and 
 their  fillets  of  filver. 
 
 12  And_  for  the  weft  fide  were  bangings  of  fifty 
 cubits,  their  pillars  ten,  and  their  fockets  ten  ;  the 
 hooks  of  the  pillars  and  their  fillets  of  filver. 
 
 13  And  for  the  eaft  fide  eaftward,  fifty  cubits. 
 
 Efis  hangings  of  the  one  fide  of  the  gate  were 
 
 fifteen  cubits,  their  pillars  three,  and  their  fockets  three. 
 
 15  And  for  the  other  fide  of  the  court-gate,  on  this 
 hand,  and  that  hand,  were  hangings  of  fifteen  cubits, 
 their  pillars  three,  and  their  fockets  three. 
 
 16  All  the  hangings  of  the  court  round  about 
 of  fine  twined  linen  ; 
 
 ^  17  And  the  fockets  for  the  pillars  were  (/brafs ; 
 tne  hooks  of  the  pillars  and  their  fillets  (/filver;  and 
 the  overlaying  of  their  chapiters  of  filver  :  and  all  the 
 pillars  of  the  court  were  filleted  with  filver. 
 
 18  And  the  hanging  for  the  gate  of  the  court  was 
 needle- work,  /blue,  and  purple,  and  fcarlet,  and  fine 
 twined  linen  ;  and  twenty  cubits  was  the  length,  and 
 the  height  in  the  breadth  was  five  cubits,  anfwerable 
 to  the  hangings  of  the  court. 
 
 19  And  their  pillars  were  four,  and  their  fockets  / 
 brafs  four;  their  hooks  /  filver,  and  the  overlaying 
 of  their  chapiters  and  their  fillets  /filver. 
 
 20  And  all  the  ^  pins  of  the  taberaacle,  and  of  cimp, 
 court  round  about,  were  /brals. 
 
 21 11  This  is  the  fum  of  the  tabernacle,  even  of  the 
 tabernacle  of  teftimony,  as  it  was  counted,  according 
 to  the  commandment  of  Mofes,yor  the  fervice  of  the 
 Levites,  by  the  hand  of  Ithamar,  fon  to  Aaron  the 
 prieft. 
 
 22  And  Bezaleel  the  fon  of  Uri,  the  fon  of  Hur,  of 
 the  tribe  of  Judah,  made  all  that  the  Lord  command¬ 
 ed  Mofes. 
 
 23  And  with  him  was  Aholiab,  fon  of  Ahifamach, 
 of  the  tribe  of  Dan,  an  engraver,  and  a  cunning  work¬ 
 man,  and  an  embroiderer  in  blue,  and  in  purple,  and 
 in  fcarlet,  and  fine  linen. 
 
 24  All  the  gold  that  was  occupied  for  the  work,  in 
 all  the  work  of  the  holy  flace,  even  the  gold  of  the 
 offering,  was  twenty  and  nine  talents,  and  feven  hun¬ 
 dred  and  thirty  fi-jekels,  aftcrthefhekel  ofthe  fan<ftuary. 
 
 more  peculiar  manner  devoted  to  themfelves  to  the  fervice  of  God  in  and  about  his 
 tabernacle,  by  falling,  prayer,  &c.  Of  this  ci.araaer  was  Anna  the  prophetef-, 
 Luke  ii,  36,  37.  Ver.  21.  For  the  service,  of  the  Levites;  That  is,  foi  thole  hr)ly 
 ufes  and  fervices  which  the  Levites  adminillered.  The  particle for  is  not  in  the  IlcI 
 brew  }  and  it  would  have  been  better  rendered  ;  and  then  the  palfnae  would  havt 
 Rood  thus  ;  This  is  thefunx  the  tabcT7iaclc,—^y  the  ministry  of  ihe  Leviti  s,  who  weit 
 employed  on  tins  account— in/  the  hand  of  Ithamar,  who  fuperintended  this  wholt 
 affair.  Ver.  24,  Twenty  and  nine  talents  and  feven  hundred  and  thirty Jhekels.  Th.'f 
 
Fufore 
 
 Cl.rift 
 
 1491. 
 
 f  Ileb. 
 
 The  sum  of  v:hat  the  people  offered 
 
 25  And  the  filver  of  them  that  were  numbered  of 
 the  congregation  isofis  an  hundred  talents,  and  a  thou- 
 Cand  feven  hundred  and  threefcore  and  fifteen  fhekels, 
 
 after  the  Ibekel  of  the  fanftuary  : 
 
 26  A  bekah  for  f  every  man,  that  is,  hair  a  Inekel, 
 after  the  fhekel  of  the  fanftuary,  for  every  one  that 
 went  to  be  numbered,  from  twenty  years  old  and  up¬ 
 ward,  for  fix  hundred  thoufand,  and  three  thoufand, 
 and  five  hundred  and  fifty  men. 
 
 27  And  of  the  hundred  talents  of  filyer  v/ere  catt 
 the  lockets  of  the  fanftuary,  and  the  fockets  of  the 
 vaii ;  an  hundred  fockets  of  the  hundred  talents,  a  ta¬ 
 lent  for  a  focket. 
 
 28  And  of  the  thoufand  feven  hundred  feventy  and 
 five  shekels  he  made  hooks  for  the  pillars,  and  overlaid 
 their  chapiters,  and  filleted  them. 
 
 29  And  the  brafs  of  the  offering  btcs  feventy  talents, 
 and  two  thoufand  and  four  hundred  Ibekels. 
 
 SO  And  therewith  he  made  the  lockets  to  the  door 
 of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  and  the  brafen 
 altar,  and  the  brafen  grate  for  it,  and  all  the  veffels  of 
 the  altar, 
 
 31  And  the  fockets  of  the  court  round  about,  and 
 the  fockets  of  the  court  gate,  and  all  the  pins  of  the 
 tabernacle,  and  all  the  pins  of  the  court  round  about.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXXIX. 
 
 1  The  clothes  of  Jervice  and -linly  garments.  2  The  epltod.  8  Thebreajl- 
 plate.  22  The  robe  of  the  ephod.  27  The  coats,  mitre,  and  girdle  of 
 fine  linen.  38  The  jdate  of  the  holy  crown,  (|-c. 
 
 And  of  the  blue,  and  purple,  and  fcarlet,  they 
 made  ®  clothes  of  i'ervice,  to  do  fervice  in  the 
 31.  10.  &holy  place,  and  made  the  holy  garments  for  Aaron  ; 
 as  the  Lord  commanded  Moles. 
 
 2  And  he  made  the  ephod  of  gold,  blue,  and  pur¬ 
 ple,  and  fcarlet,  and  fine  tv/ined  linen. 
 
 3  And  they  did  beat  the  gold  into  thin  plates,  and 
 cut  it  into  wires,  to  work  it  in  the  blue,  and  in  the 
 purple,  and  in  the  fcarlet,  and  in  the  fine  linen,  luth 
 cunning  work. 
 
 4  They  made  fhoulder-pieces  for  it,  to  couple  it  to¬ 
 gether  :  by  the  two  edges  was  it  coupled  together. 
 
 5  And  the  curious  girdle  of  his  ephod,  that  xscas 
 upon  it,  tews  of  the  fame,  according  to  the  w'ork 
 thereof,  of  gold,  blue,  and  purple,  and  fcarlet,  and 
 fine  twined  linen  ;  as  the  Lord  commanded  Mofes. 
 
 6  H  And  they  wrought  onyx-ftones  inclofed  in 
 ouches  of  gold,  graven^  as  fignets  are  graven,  with 
 the  names  of  the  children  of  Ifrael. 
 
 7  And  he  put  them  on  the  Ihoulders  of  the  ephod, 
 that  they  should  be  ftones  for  a  memorial  to  the  chil¬ 
 dren  of  Ifrael ;  as  the  Lord  commanded  Moles. 
 
 8  ^  And  he  made  the  breaftplate  of  cunning  work, 
 like  the  work  of  the  ephod ;  of  gold,  blue,  and  pur¬ 
 ple,  and  fcarlet,  and  fine  twined  linen. 
 
 9  It  was  Four-fquare ;  they  made  the  breaft-plate 
 double  :  a  I'pan  was  the  length  thereof,  and  a  fpan  the 
 breadth  thereof,  being  doubled. 
 
 10  And  they  fet  in  it  four  rows  of  ftones;  the  first 
 row  xms  a  11  fardius,  a  topaz,  and  a  carbuncle :  this 
 •was  the  firft  row. 
 
 EXODUS. 
 
 The  Ir  east  plate,  SfC- 
 
 a  Chap. 
 
 li  Chap. 
 28.  9. 
 
 c  Chap. 
 28,  12. 
 
 I 
 
 ruby. 
 
 IVim,  according  to  the  computation  of  Bifliop  Cumberland,  amounts  to  upwards 
 of  4150,000  Sterling.  Ver.  25.  And  the  filver  of  them  that  ivere  numbered.  As 
 603,550  men  offered  half  a  fhekel  each,  they  amount  to  301,775  Ihekels  ;  which 
 amount  to  435,207  Sterling.  This  is  recorded  to  the  honour  of  Ifrael,  and  Ihews 
 us  that  God  wdll  not  want  means  to  cany  on  his  work,  even  in  a  wildernefs. 
 
 No.  7....6d.  C  C 
 
 Before 
 
 Cbrift 
 
 1491. 
 
 1 1  And  the  fecond  row,  an  emerald,  a  fapphire,  and 
 a  diamond. 
 
 J2  And  the  third  row,  a  figure,  an  agate,  and  an 
 amethytt. 
 
 13  And  the  fourth  row,  a  beryl,  an  onyx,  and  a 
 jafper :  thcij  were  inclofed  in  ouches  of  gold  in  their 
 inclofings. 
 
 14*  And  the  ftones  were  according  to  the  names 
 of  the  children  of  Ifrael,  twelve,  according  to  their 
 names,  like  the  engravings  of  a  fignet,  every  one  with 
 his  name,  according  to  the  twelve  tribes. 
 
 15  And  they  made  upon  the  breaftplate  chains  at 
 the  ends,  of  wreathen  work  of  pure  gold. 
 
 16  And  they  made  two  ouches  of  gold,  and  two 
 gold  rings,  and  put  the  two  rings  in  the  two  ends 
 of  the  breaftplate. 
 
 17  And  they  put  the  two  wreathen  chains  of  gold 
 in  the  two  rings  on  the  ends  ot  the  breaftplate. 
 
 18  And  the  two  ends  of  the  two  wreathen  chains 
 they  fattened  in  the  two  ouches,  and  put  them  on  the 
 fhoulder-pieces  of  the  ephod,  before  it. 
 
 19  And  they  made  two  rings  of  gold,  and  put 
 them  on  the  two  ends  of  the  breaftplate,  upon  the 
 border  of  it,  which  was  on  the  fide  of  the  ephod, 
 inward. 
 
 20  And  they  made  two  other  golden  rings,  and  put 
 them  on  the  two  fides  of  the  ephod  underneath,  toward 
 the  fore-part  of  it,  over  againft  the  other  coupling  there*. 
 of,  above  the  curious  girdle  of  the  ephod. 
 
 21  Acd  they  did  bind  the  breaftplate  by  his  rings 
 unto  the  rings  of  the  ephod  with  a  lace  of  blue,  that  it 
 might  be  above  the  curious  girdle  of  the  ephod,  and 
 that  the  breaftplate  might  not  be  loofed  from  the 
 ephod  ;  as  the  Lord  commanded  Moles. 
 
 22  %  And  he  made  the  robe  of  the  ephod  o/ woven 
 work,  all  o/’blue. 
 
 23  And  there  was  an  hole  in  the  midft;  of  the  robe, 
 as  the  hole  of  an  habergeon,  with  a  band  round  about 
 the  hole,  that  it  mould  not  rend. 
 
 24  And  they  made  upon  the  hems  of  the  robe 
 pomegranates  of  blue,  and  purple,  and  fcarlet,  and 
 twined  linen. 
 
 25  And  they  made  bells  of  pure  gold,  and  put  the  d  Chap, 
 bells  between  the  pomegranates,  upon  the  hem  of  the 
 robe,  round  about  between  the  pomegranates : 
 
 26  A  bell  and  a  pomegranate,  a  bell  and  a  pome¬ 
 granate,  round  about  the  hem  of  the  robe  to  minifter 
 in  j  as  the  Lord  commanded  Mofes. 
 
 27  If  And  they  made  coats  of  fine  linen,  ef  woven 
 work,  for  Aaron,  and  for  his  fons ; 
 
 28  And  a  mitre  of  fine  linen,  and  goodly  bonnets  of 
 
 fine  linen,  and  ^  linen  breeches  ef  fine  twined  linen  ;  e  chap, 
 
 29  And  a  girdle  of  fine  twined  linen,  and  blue,  and^* 
 purple,  and  fcarlet,  of  needle-work ;  as  the  Lord 
 commanded  Mofes. 
 
 30  II  And  they  made  the  plate  of  the  holy  crown  of 
 
 pure  gold,  and  wrote  upon  it  a  writing  like  to  the 
 engravings  of  a  fignet,  f  PIOLlNESb  TO  THE  f  Chap. 
 LORD.  28.  36. 
 
 31  And  they  tied  unto  it  a  lace  of  blue,  to  faften 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXXIX.  Ver.  8.  And  he  niade  the 
 brcafplate.  In  this  palTage,  Mofes’  being  filent  with  regard  to  the  Urife  and 
 Thummnn,  is  looked  upon  as  an  argument,  that  they  were  not  different  from  the 
 ftones  of  the  ephod.  Ver.  27,  28.  All  the  clothes  of  the  common  priefts  were 
 made  of  fiiie  linen,  to  denote  that  purity  and  hoUnefs,  thby  ought  always 
 
’Xhc  jio'nilurc  of  the  talcrnadc  hrcvglit  imio  Moses.  EXODUS.  Moks  performeth  all  things  accordingljj^ 
 
 5  And  thou  (halt  fet  the  altar  of  gold  for  the  in-  Before 
 cenfe  before  the  ark  of  the  teftimony,  and  put  the 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 1491. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 Jjnces. 
 
 it  on  high  upon  the  mitre :  as  the  Lord  commanded 
 Mofes. 
 
 32  H  Thus  was  all  the  work  of  the  tabernacle  of 
 the  tent  of  the  congregation  finifhed  :  and  the  chil¬ 
 dren  of  Ifrael  did  according  to  all  that  the  Lord 
 commanded  Moles,  fo  did  they. 
 
 33  And  they  brought  the  tabernacle  unto  Mofes, 
 the  tent  and  all  his  furniture,  his  taches,  his  boards, 
 his  bars,  and  his  pllars,  and  his  fockets ; 
 
 34  And  the  covering  of  rams’  Ikins  dyed  red,  and 
 the  covering  of  badgers*  Ikins,  and  the  vail  of  the 
 covering ; 
 
 35  The  ark  of  the  teftimony,  and  the  flaves  there¬ 
 of,  and  the  mercy-feat ; 
 
 36  I  he  table,  and  all  the  veflels  thereof,  and  the 
 fhew-bread  ; 
 
 37  The  pure  candleftick,  *with  the  lamps  thereof, 
 exien  'with  the  lamps  to  be  fet  in  order,  and  all  the 
 veflels  thereof,  and  the  oil  for  light ; 
 
 38  And  the  golden  altar,  and  the  anointing  oil, 
 
 .  .  and  t  the  fweet  incenfe,  and  the  hanging  for  the  ta- 
 
 offweet  bernacle-door. 
 
 39  The  brazen  altar,  and  his  grate  of  brafs,  hie, 
 ftaves,  and  all  his  veflels ;  the  laver  and  his  foot ; 
 
 40  The  hangings  of  the  c,  urt,  his  pillars,  and  his 
 fockets,  and  the  hanging  for  the  court-gate,  his  cords, 
 and  his  pins,  and  all  the  veflTels  of  the  fervice  of  the 
 tabernacle,  for  the  tent  of  the  congregation  ; 
 
 41  The  clothes  of  fervice  to  do  fervice  in  the  holy 
 place  ;  and  the  holy  garments  for  Aaron  the  prieft,  and 
 his  fons’  garments,  to  mfinifter  in  the  prieft’s  office. 
 
 42  According  to  all  that  the  I.ord  command¬ 
 ed  Mofes,  fo  the  children  of  Ifrael  made  all  the 
 work. 
 
 43  And  Mofes  did  look  upon  all  the  work,  and 
 behold,  they  had  done  it  as  the  Lord  had  com 
 manded,  even  fo  had  they  done  it ;  and  Mofes  blefled 
 them.* 
 
 CHAP.  XL. 
 
 1  The  tabernacle  is  commanded  to  he  reared,  9  and  anointed.  12  Aaron 
 and  his  sons  to  be  fanSliJicd,  1 6  Mofes  performeth  all  things  accord¬ 
 ingly.  34  The  cloud  covereth  ihe  taberruicle.  It 
 
 And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  faying, 
 
 2  On  the  firft  day  of  the  firft  month  (halt  thou 
 fet  up  the  tabernacle  of  the  tent  of  the  congregation  ; 
 
 3  And  thou  fhalt  put  therein  the  ark  of  the  tefti¬ 
 mony,  and  cover  the  ark  with  the  vail. 
 
 4  And  *  thou  fhalt  bring  in  the  table,  and  fet  in 
 order  f  the  things  that  ar-e  to  be  fet  in  order  upon  it ; 
 and  thou  fhalt  bring  in  the  candleftick,  and  light  the 
 lamps  thereof. 
 
 a  Chap. 
 26.  35. 
 f  Heb. 
 the  order 
 there  f. 
 
 to  appear  before  God  and  naan.  Ver.  33.  And  they  brought  the  tabernacle  unto 
 M‘fes,  that  he  might  infpetSl  the  whole,  and  fee  whether  it  was  done  according 
 to  the  divine  pattern,  and  the  inftrudtions  he  bad  given  to  the  workmen. 
 Ver.  43.  Mofes  took  a  furvey  of  the  work,  and  accurately  examined  ever  par¬ 
 ticular,  and  the  manner  in  which  it  was  finiflied ;  and  finding  that  every  work 
 ■was  exa(5fly  conformable  to  the  pattern  he  had  given  them  from  God,  he  blejfed 
 them :  That  is,  pronounced,  as  God’s  public  miniller,  the  divine  hleffing  on  them 
 for  their  fidelity  and  diligence.  In  this  he  was  a  figure  of  Chrift,  who  fhall 
 Jblfcls  all  his  faithful  fervants,  2  Tim.  iv.  7,  8. 
 
 1491. 
 
 hanging  of  the  door  to  the  tabernacle. 
 
 6  And  thou  (halt  let  the  altar  of  the  burnt-offering 
 before  the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  tent  of  the 
 congregation. 
 
 7  And  thou  (halt  fet  the  laver  between  the  tent 
 of  the  congregation  and  the  altar,  and  ftiall  put 
 water  therein. 
 
 8  And  thou  ftialt  fet  up  the  court  round  about,  and 
 hang  up  the  hanging  at  the  court-gate. 
 
 9  H  And  thou  flialt  take  the  anointing  oil,  and  anoint 
 the  tabernacle,  and  all  that  is  therein,  and  fhalt  hal¬ 
 low  it,  and  all  the  veflels  thereof:  and  it  fhall  be 
 holy. 
 
 10  And  thou  fhalt  anoint  the  altar  of  the  bnrnt- 
 ofF.  ring,  and  all  his  vefTels,  and  fanftify  the  altar: 
 
 and  it  ftiall  be  an  altar  f  moft  holy.  t  Heb. 
 
 11  And  thou  fhalt  anoint  the  laver  and  his  foot, 
 and  fan6hfy  it, 
 
 12  If  And  thou  fhalt  bring  Aaron  and  his  fons  unto 
 the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  and 
 wafh  them  with  water. 
 
 13  And  thou  fhalt  put  upon  Aaron  the  holy  gar- 
 ’iients,  and  anoint  him,  and  fanftify  him  ;  that  he 
 may  minifter  unto  me  in  the  prieft’s  office. 
 
 14  And  thou  fhalt  bring  his  Ions,  and  clothe  them 
 with  coats : 
 
 15  And  thou  fhalt  anoint  them,  as  thou  didft  anoint 
 their  father,  that  they  may  minifter  unto  me  in  the 
 prieft’s  office  :  for  their  anointing  fhall  furely  be  an 
 everlafting  priefthood  througheut  their  gen-^rations. 
 
 16  Thus  did  Mofes:  according  to  ail  that  the 
 Lord  commanded  him,  (b  did  he. 
 
 17  If  And  it  came  to  pals  in  the  firft  month,  in  the  ^^90. 
 fecond  year,  on  the  firft  dap  of  the  month,  ihat  the 
 
 tabernacle  was  reared  up.  h  Numb^ 
 
 18  And  Mofes  reared  up  the  tabernacle,  and  fafttn-'^’ 
 ed  his  fockets,  and  let  up  the  boards  thereof,  and  put 
 in  the  bars  thereof,  and  reared  up  his  pillars. 
 
 19  And  he  fpread  abroad  the  tent  over  the  taber¬ 
 nacle,  and  put  the  covering  of  the  tent  above  upon 
 it;  as  the  Lord  commanded  Mofes. 
 
 20  f  And  he  took  and  put  the  teftimony  into  the 
 ark,  and  fet  the  ftaves  on  ttie  ark,  and  put  the  mercy- 
 feat  above  upon  the  ark. 
 
 21  And  he  brought  the  ark  into  the  tabernacle, 
 
 and  ■=  fet  up  the  vail  of  the  covering,  and  covered  c  Cfiap. 
 the  ark  of  the  teftimony ;  as  the  Lord  commanded  ^5. 12. 
 Mofes. 
 
 22  f  And  he  put  the  table  in  the  tent  of  the  con- 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Cbap.  XL.  Ver.  2.  On  the  frjl  day  of  the 
 firjl  month;  That  is,  on  the  firft  day  of  the  fecond  year  after  they  came  out  of 
 Egypt :  for  they  had  now  been  out  of  it  a  whole  year,  except  fourteen  days. 
 Ver.  15.  For  their  anointing  fiall  furely  be  an  cverlajling  pritfhood.  That  is, 
 thiscoremony  ofanointing  wasto  be  ui'ed  in  all  ages  at  the  invefture  of  the  high  prieft 
 with  his  office,  until  tlie  Meffiah  fliould  come.  Ver.  17.  And  it  came  to  pqjs,  in  the 
 jirfi  month.  This  was  in  the  fpring  of  the  year,  about  the  vernal  equinox,  and  on 
 a  new  year’s  day  ;  which  was  beginning  the  year  well.  Ver.  34.  This  cloud 
 had  for  fome  time  refted  on  the  tent  of  Mofes;  but  when  the  tabernacle  was 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  XXXV,  XXXVI,  XXXVII,  XXXVIII,  XXXIX.]  Thefe  chapters  chiefly  refpea  the  execution  of  the 
 divine  commands  in  chapters  xxv.  and  xxxi.  inclufive,  and  therefore  call  forth  fnnilar  refleaions.— God  liberally  furnifhes  his  church  with  abundant  means  to  advance 
 her  glory  and  extend  her  boundaries.  It  is  pieafing  when  all  interefted  in  the  caufe  of  God,  feek  to  jiromote  it  to  the  utmoft  of  their  power.  He  will  gracioufly 
 accept  their  willing  fervices.  All  God’s  favours  are  difpenfed  to  men  from  the  mercy  feat,  Chrift  Jefus.  He  is  infinitely  excellent,  and  bis  glory  never  fades. 
 On  him  may  we  live ;  and  by  faith  in  him,  may  we  delight  to  maintain  intercourfe  with  our  God.  Let  it  be  our  care  to  perievere  in  the  work  of  God,  till  it  is 
 completed  The  benefit  of  our  fervices  may  be  incalculable,  if  not  to  ourlelvcs,  at  leaft  to  pofterity.  Thofe  who  are  clothed  in  garments  which  Jehovah  ap¬ 
 proves  need  not  be  alliained.  Happy  ftiall  we  be,  if  our  work,  when  furveyed  by  infinite  wifdom,  lhall  be  found  to  he  according  to  all  that  God  hath  enjoined. 
 
The  clcnid 
 
 Before  gre;»at!on,  upon  the  fide  of  the  tabernacle  northward, 
 Mon  without  the  vail. 
 
 23  And  he  fet  the  bread  in  order  upon  it  before 
 the  Lord  ;  as  the  Lord  had  commanded  Mofes. 
 
 24  f  And  he  put  the  candlettick  in  the  tent  ot  the 
 congregation,  ov'T  agair.ft  the  table,  on  the  fide  of 
 the  tabernacle  Iburhwird. 
 
 25  And  he  lighted  tne  lamps  before  the  Lord";  as 
 the  Lord  commanded  M'.fes. 
 
 26  H  And  ne  put  the  golden  altar  in  the  tent  of  the 
 congregation  before  the  vail  : 
 
 27  i\nd  he  burnt  fweet  incenfe  thereon  ;  as  the 
 Lord  commanded  Mofes. 
 
 28  And  he  fet  up  tae  hanging  orthe  door  of  the< 
 tabernacle. 
 
 29  And  he  put  the  altar  of  burnt-offering  %  the 
 door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  tent  of  the  congrega- 
 
 d  Chap.  tion,  ‘*  and  f  ffered  upon  it  the  burnt-offering,  and  the 
 29.38.  meatoffering;  as  toe  Lord  commanded  Mofes. 
 
 30  ^  And  fet  the  laver  between  the  tent  of  the 
 congregation  and  the  altar,  and  put  water  there  to 
 waiii  witha!. 
 
 LEVITICUS. 
 
 cffoereth  the  tabernacle^ 
 
 finiflied  it  removed  from  its  former  fituation,  and  fettled  upon  the  outfide  of  the 
 tabernacle,  where  it  continued  in  the  form  of  a  cloud  by  day,  aud  a  glorious  fire 
 by  night,  till  they  entered  the  land  of  Canaan,  which  had  long  before  been  pro- 
 mifed  to  their  fathers.  As  the  cloud  covered  the  outfide  of  the  tabernacle,  lo  the 
 glory  of  the. Lord  filled  the  in  fide  of  it;  not  the  molt  holy  place  only,  but  the  holy 
 place  only.  Tins  was  a  fupernatural  brightnefs,  a  glorious  ftream  of  light,  which 
 the  eye  of  man  could  not  well  bear.  Such  a  glory  filled  the  temple  of  Solomon 
 immediately  upon  the  dedication  of  it,  1  Kings  viii.  11.  Ver  36.  And  when  the 
 cloud  was  taken  up  from  over  the  tabernacle.  That  is,  whenever  the  cloud  rofe  up 
 and  Hood  before  the  tabernacle,  and  went  before  it,  the  Ifraelites  proceeded  on  their 
 journeys.  Ver.  37.  But  if  the  cloud  were  not  taken  vp,  than  they  journeyed  not : 
 
 I  31  And  Mofes,  and  Aaron,  and  his  fons,  wafhed 
 I  their  hands  and  their  feet  thereat. 
 
 32  When  they  went  into  the  tent  of  the  cengrega- 
 tion,  and  when  they  came  near  unto  the  altar,  they 
 wafhed  ;  as  the  Lord  commanded  Mofes. 
 
 33  And  he  reared  up  the  court  round  about  the 
 tabernacle  and  the  altar,  and  fet  up  the  hanging  of  the 
 court-gate  :  lb  Mofes  finifhed  the  work. 
 
 34  %  ®  Then  a  cloud  covered  the  tent  of  the  congre-  «  Numb, 
 gation.  and  the  glory  of  the  Lord  tilled  the  tabernacle,  f 
 
 35  And  Mofes  was  not  able  to  enter  into  the  tents.  io.° 
 of  the  congregation,  becaufe  the  cloud  abode  thereon, 
 
 I  and  the  glory  of  the  Lord  filled  the  tabernacle, 
 i  36  And  when  the  cloud  was  taken  up  from  over 
 '  the  tabernacle,  the  children  of  Ilrael  t  went  onward  t  Heh. 
 in  all  their  journeys  :  journeyed. 
 
 37  But  if  the  cloud  were  not  taken  up,  then  they 
 journeyed  not  till  the  day  that  it  was  taken  up. 
 
 58  For  the  cloud  of  the  Lord  -xas  upon  the 
 labernacle  by  day,  and  fire  was  on  it  by  night,  in  the 
 light  of  all  the  houfe  of  Ifrael,  throughout  all  their 
 journeys.* 
 
 ,  Even  if  it  continued  fo  two  days,  or  a  month,  or  a  year,  as  very  probably  it  fonoe- 
 '  times  did.  Tliis  will  in  fome  meafure  account  for  the  long  continuance  of  the 
 Ifraelites  in  the  wildernefs,  fee  Numb.  ix.  22.  How  happy  then  were  the  Ifrael¬ 
 ites,  who  had  fuch  a  glorious  fynibol  of  the  divine  prefence  among  them  !  They 
 were  privileged  far  above  any  people  that  ever  lived  on  the  earth.  Ver#  38.  The 
 fame  phenomenon  which  had  the  appearance  of  a  cloud  in  the  day-time,  flione  like 
 a  fire  in  the  night-time.  And  this  was  in  the  Jight  of  all  the  house  of  Israel  through¬ 
 out  all  their  journeys,  whether  by  day  or  by  night.  And  as  the  cloud  was  both  a 
 Ihelter  from  the  heat  of  the  fun  in  the  day-time,  and  a  direclion  of  their  way  ;  fo 
 the  fire  by  niglit  was  of  the  fame  ufe,  and  might  ferve  to  terrify  the  wild  beafts  in 
 the  wildernefs,  and  fo  protedl  the  Ifraelitesi 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XL.]  It  is  well  with  us,  when  the  conclufion  and  commencement  of  our  years  find  the  work  of  God  profpering 
 in  our  hands.  Tiien  may  we  expe6l  his  prefence,  without  which  our  greateft  privileges,  and  moil  favoured  opportunities,  fhall  be  infufficient  to  diflipate  the  cares 
 and  forrows  of  life.  Oh  !  t.iat  we  may  dwell  in  his  courts  for  ever  ;  and  be  directed  and  preferved  by  him  in  all  our  wanderings.  Then  fitall  the  remembrance  of 
 the  way  in  which  he  hath  led  us,  excite  our  gratitude  and  praife .eternally.  Amen  ! 
 
 THE  THIRD  BOOK  OF  MOSES, 
 
 CALLED 
 
 LEVITICUS. 
 
 THE  ARGUMENT. 
 
 The  book  ^Leviticus  is  so  called,  because  it  'principally  consists  of  rules  and  laKsss  to  be  observed  by  the  Levites  bnd 
 priests  in  the  divine  service.  It  contains,  first,  the  laws  concerning  sacrifices  and  offerings,  concerning  the  leprosy, 
 and  the  several  ceremonies  which  were  to  be  observed  by  the  Israelites.  After  this  are  set  down  several  other  laws 
 relating  to  the  religious  worship,  atid  the  conduct  and  behaviour  of  the  Israelites. — If  hen  we  read  these  laws,  we  should 
 remember,  that  they  were  pecidiar  to  the  children  of  Israel ;  and  were  very  wisely  appointed,  not  only  to  instmet  them 
 in  the  principal  duties  of  religion,  but  to  keep  them  at  a  distance  from  idolatry.  Further,  we  are  to  consider,  that, 
 since  we  have  in  Jesus  Christ  the  substance  of  what  was  represented  in  the  legal  ceremonies,  we  are  under  an  indispen~ 
 sible  obligation  to  pay  to  God  that  spiritual  worship  and  reasonable  service  reepuired  of  us  in  the  gospel. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrill 
 
 1490. 
 
 CHAP.  I. 
 
 1  Laws  concerning  the  hicrnt-offerings,  S  of  the  herd,  \0  of  the  flocks, 
 of  the  fowls. 
 
 ND  the  Lord  called  unto  Mofes,  andfpake, 
 Jf\  unto  him  cut  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congre¬ 
 gation,  faying, 
 
 ^NPLANATORY  notes.  Chap.  I.  Ver  1.  See  Note  on  Exod.  xl.  2. 
 where  the  time  is  Rated  when  God  delivered  the  laws  which  are  contained  in 
 
 2  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Ifrael,  and  fay  unto 
 rhem.  If  any  man  of  you  bring  an  offering  unto  the 
 Lord,  ye  (Hall  bring  your  offering  of  the  cattle,  even  - 
 of  the  herd,  and  of  the  flock. 
 
 311  If  his  offering  be  a  burnt-facrifice  of  the  herd, 
 let  him  offer  a  male  without  blemilh  ;  he  (hall  offer 
 
 Before 
 
 ChriR 
 
 1490. 
 
 this  book.  \  er.  2.  If  any  man  bring  an  offering.  Diis  is  applicable  to  the  free¬ 
 will  offerings.  \er,  3.  If  his  offering  be  a  burnt  sacrificet  It  was  thus  called  be- 
 
The  fiocJcSf 
 
 LEVITICUS. 
 
 Chrtr  °f  his  own  voluntary  will,  at  the  door  of  the  taber- 
 1490.  ot  the  congregation,  before  the  Lord. 
 
 ^  ^  “  And  he  (hall  put  his  hand  upon  the  head  of  the 
 
 29  10  ■  i  and  it  (hall  be  accepted  for  him,  to 
 
 make  atonement  for  him. 
 
 5  And  he  ftall  kill  the  bullock  before  the  Lord  : 
 and  the  prietts,  Aaron’s  Ions,  fhall  bring  the  blood, 
 and  Ipnnkle  the  blood  round  about  upon  the  altar 
 that  ts  by  the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congre¬ 
 gation.  ^ 
 
 _  6  And  he  fhall  flay  the  burnt-offering,  and  cut  it 
 into  his  pieces. 
 
 7  And  the  fbns  of  Aaron  the  priefl  fhall  put  fire 
 upon  the  altar,  and  lay  the  wood  in  order  upon  the 
 fire. 
 
 8  And  the  priefts,  Aaron’s  fons,  fhall  lay  the  parts, 
 the  head,  and  the  far,  in  order  upon  the  wood  that 
 is  on  the  fire  which  is  upon  the  altar. 
 
 9  But  his  inwards  and  his  legs  fhall  he  wafh  in 
 water  :  and^  the  prielt  fhall  burn  all  on  the  altar,  to  be 
 a  burnt-facrifice,  an  offering  made  by  fire,  of  a  fweet 
 favour  unto  the  Lord. 
 
 10  If  And  if  his  offering  be  of  the  flocks,  namely,  of 
 me  fheep,  or  of  the  goats,  for  a  burnt-facrifice ;  he 
 lhall  bring  it  a  male  without  blemifh. 
 
 11  And  he  fhall  kill  it  on  the  fide  of  the  altar  north¬ 
 ward  before  the  Lord:  and  the  priefts,  Aaron’s 
 fons,  fhall  fprinkle  his  blood  round  about  upon  the 
 altar. 
 
 12  And  he  fhall  cut  it  into  his  pieces,  with  his  head 
 and  his  fat ;  and  the  prieft  fhall  lay  them  in  order 
 on  the  wood  that  is  on  the  fire  which  is  upon  the 
 altar. 
 
 13  But  he  fhall  wafh  the  inwards  and  the  legs  with 
 water;  and  the^  prieft  fhall  bring  it  all,  and  burn  it 
 upon  the  altar :  it  is  a  burnt-facrifice,  an  offering  made 
 by  fire,  of  a  fweet  favour  unto  the  Lord. 
 
 14  H  And  if  the  burnt-facrifice  for  his  offering  to 
 the  Lord  be  of  fowls,  then  he  fhall  bring  his  offering 
 of  turtle-doves,  or  of  young  pigeons. 
 
 15^  And  the  prieft  fhall  fong  it  unto  the  altar;  and 
 II  wring  off  his  head,  and  burn  it  on  the  altar ;  and 
 the  blood  thereof  fhall  be  wrung  out  at  the  fide  of 
 the  altar. 
 
 16  And  he  fhall  pluck  away  his  crop  with  ||  his 
 feathers,  and  caft  it  befide  the  altar,  on  the  eaft  part, 
 by  the  place  of  the  afhes. 
 
 17  And  he  fhall  cleave  it  W'ith  the  wings  thereof,  but 
 fliall  not  divide  it  afunder :  and  the  prieft  fhall  burn 
 it  upon  the  altar,  upon  the  wood  that  is  upon  the  fire  : 
 it  is  a  burnt-facrifice,  an  offering  made  by  fire,  of  a 
 fweet  favour  unto  the  Lord.* 
 
 CHAP.  II. 
 
 1  The  meat-offering  off  Jlow  with  oil  and  incenje,  4  either  haken  in 
 
 The  meat-offering  of  four. 
 
 k 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 2nnch  off 
 the  head 
 with  the 
 nail. 
 
 S  Or, 
 the  jilth 
 thereof. 
 
 caufe  the  whole  carcafe  was  confiimed  upon  the  altar,  except  the  llcin.  The 
 offering  is  deferibed,  A  male  without blemijh,  may  denote  its  purity  and  excellence. 
 Voluntary,  to  fliew  that  they  muff;  ferve  God  with  willingnefs  and  chcerfulnefs. 
 Tlie  prefenting  it  at  the  door  of  the  tahernacle,  in  ordinary  cafes  (for  in  extraordi¬ 
 nary  ones  it  muff,  be  otherwifp,  fee  1  Sam.  viii.  9.  chap.  xl.  15.  2  Sam.  xxiv.  18. 
 1  Kings  viii.  64.  chap.  xvhi.  82.  Judg.  vi.  26.)  in3portr?dthe  acceptablenefs  to  be 
 through  the  perfon  of  the  Mediator,  Ver.  4.  And  he  fiall  put  his  hand  upon  the 
 head.  Which  imported  the  transferring  of  guilt  on  the  facrifice,  and  devoting  it 
 to  God.  Ver.  10 — 17.  They  who  had  flocks  and  herds  could  afford  to  otter 
 of  them  j  but  as  all  who  needed  the  fame  atonement  had  it  not  in  their  power, 
 a  turtle  dovt  or  pigeon,  fliould  prove  as  effedtual  for  them  as  a  buHock  or  a  ram. 
 
 the  oven,  5  or  on  a  plate,  7  or  M  a  frying-pan,  12  or  of  the  firjl fruits  BpP 
 in  the  ear.  The  fait  of  the  meat-offering.  ci. 
 
 irist 
 
 And  when  any  will  offer  a  meat-offering  unto, 
 the  Lord,  his  offering  fhall  be  o/' fine  flour  ; 
 
 and  he  fhall  pour  oil  upon  it,  and  put  frankincenle 
 thereon. 
 
 2  And  he  fhall  bring  it  to  Aaron’s  Tons  the  priefts  ; 
 and  he  fhall  take  thereout  his  handful  of  the  flour  . 
 thereof,  and  of  the  oil  thereof,  with  all  the  frankin- 
 cenfe  thereof ;  and  the  prieft  fhall  bum  the  memorial 
 
 of  it  upon  the  altar,  to  be  an  offering  made  by  fire, 
 of  a  fweet  favour  unto  the  Lord. 
 
 3  And  ^  the  remnant  of  the  meat-offering 
 Aaron’s  and  his  fons:  it  is  a  thing  moft  holy  of  the 
 offerings  of  the  Lord  made  by  fire. 
 
 4  ^  And  if  thou  bring  an  oblation  of  a  meat-offer¬ 
 ing  baken  in  the  oven,  it  shall  be  unleavened  cakes 
 of  fine  flour  mingled  with  oil,  or  unleavened  wafers 
 anointed  with  oil. 
 
 5  H  And  if  thy  oblation  he  a  meat-offering  hahen  |[  [|  Or, 
 in  a  pan,  it  fhall  be  o/fine-flour  unleavened,  mingled  «>«! 
 with  oil. 
 
 6  Thou  fhalt  part  it  in  pieces,  and  pour  oil  there-'^*^‘" 
 on  :  it  is  a  meat-offering. 
 
 7  f  And  if  thy  oblation  he  a  meat-offering  haken 
 
 in  the  frying-pan,  it  fhall  be  made  of  fine  flour  with  ^ 
 oil. 
 
 8  And  thou  fhalt  bring  the  meat  offering,  that  is  " 
 made  of  thefe  things  unto  the  Lord  :  and  when  it 
 
 is  prefented  unto  tfie  prieft,  he  fhall  bring  it  unto  the 
 altar. 
 
 9  Ahd  the  prieft  fhall  take  from  the  meat-offering 
 a  memorial  thereof,  and  fhall  burn  it  upon  the  altar : 
 
 it  is  an  •=  offering  made  by  fire,  of  a  fweet  favour  unto  ^  y®'"- 
 the  Lord.  ^ 
 
 10  And  that  which  is  left  of  the  meat-offering,  shaU 
 he  Aaron’s  and  his  fons :  it  is  a  thing  meft  holy  of  the 
 offerings  of  the  Lord  made  by  fire. 
 
 11  No  meat-offering,  which  ye  fhall  bring  unto  the 
 Lord,  fhall  be  made  with  leaven :  for  ye  fhall  burn 
 no  leaven,  nor  any  honey,  in  any  offering  of  the  Lord 
 made  by  fire. 
 
 12  ^  As  for  the  oblation  of  the  firft-fruits,  ye  fhall 
 
 offer  them  unto  the  Lord;  but  they  fhall  not  f  befHeb. 
 burnt  on  the  altar  for  a  fweet  favour.  ascend. 
 
 13  11  And  every  oblation  of  thy  meat-offering  '^dMaik 
 
 (halt  thou  feafon  with  fait  ;  neither  flialt  thou  fuffer®-^®’ 
 
 the  fait  of  the  covenant  of  thy  God  to  be  lacking 
 from  thy  meat-offering  :  with  all  thine  offerings  thou 
 fhalt  offer  fait. 
 
 14  Arid  if  thoii  offer  a  meat- offering  of  thy  firft- 
 fruits  unto  the  Lord,  thou  fhalt  offer,  for  the  meat¬ 
 offering  of  thy  firft-fruits,  green  ears  of  corn  dried 
 by  the  fire,  even  corn  beaten  out  of  full  ears. 
 
 All  theft  facrifices  lhadowed  forth  the  great  atonement  of  our  Lord  j  Hcb.| 
 X.  4 — 14. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  IV.  Ver.  2.  This  memorial  was,  wj 
 fpeak  after  the  manner  of  men,  intended  to  put  God  in  mind  of  his  covenant,  ar<i, 
 likewife  that  the  people  might  remember,  that  all  their  ftore  was  the  gift  oftlieit; 
 
 bountiful  Creator,  and  ought  to  be  dedicated  to  his  fervice.  Ver.  11.  No  mcd"\ 
 
 offering — Oiall  be  made  with  leaven.  This  was  to  put  them  in  mind  of  their  baftyl 
 redetnption  from  Egypt  :  That  they  fliould  avoid  human  inventions  in  tlq 
 worrtiip  of  God;  To  mark  the  perfetfl  purity  ®f  Chrift,  and  the  fincerity  of  hid 
 people’s  fetvices;  Honey  was  prohibited  for  much  the  fame  reafon  ;  for  it  hatj'i 
 a  leavening  virtue.  Ver.  1 3.  Salt  was  an  emblem  of  fincerity  and  foundncls 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  I.]  Truly  we  have  reafon  to  fay,  Mofts  wrote  of  Chrift.  Behold,  in  all  the  facrifices,  the  Lamb  of  God  tvlx*' 
 taketh  away  the  fios  of  tjhe  world.  Oh !  thou  holy,  immaculate,  precious  Lamb,  may  it  be  our  portion  to  have  an  eternal  intereft  in  the  merits  of  thy  facrifice ! 
 
The  veace-oferhigs  of  the  herdy  ^c. 
 
 LEVITICUS. 
 
 The  sin-offering  of  ignorance  for  the  friesh 
 
 a  Exod. 
 29.  22. 
 il  Ox, fuel 
 
 II 
 
 midriff 
 over  the 
 liver  and 
 ■over  the 
 kidneys. 
 
 Before  15  And  thou  (halt  put  oil  upon  it,  and  lay  frank- 
 chriit  jneenfe  thereon  :  it  h  a  n:eat-oftsr:ng.  .  ,  .  . 
 
 16  And  the  pried  (hall  burn  the  memorial  or  it, 
 of  the  beaten  corn  thereof,  and  of  the  oil 
 thereof,  with  all  the  frankincenfe  thereor,  it  is  an 
 offering  made  by  fire  unto  the  Lord.* 
 
 CHAP.  III. 
 
 1  Tkepcace.fferings  of  the  herd,  6  of  the  flock,  7  either^  a  lamb,  12  or  a  goat. 
 
 And  if  his  oblation  be  a  lacrifice  of  peace-offering, 
 if  he  offer  it  of  the  herd  :  whether  it  he  a  male 
 or  female,  he  fhall  offer  it  without  blemilh  before  the 
 
 Lord*  »  i  j  £•  u* 
 
 2  And  he  fhall  lay  his  hand  upon  the  head  or  his 
 
 offering,  and  kill  it  at  the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of 
 the  congregation  ;  and  Aaron’s  fons,  the  priefts,  fhall 
 fprinkle  the  blood  upon  the  altar  round  about. 
 
 3  And  he  fhall  offer  of  the  facrifice  of  the  peace- 
 offering  an  offering  made  by  fire  unto  the  Lord  ; 
 
 ®  the  11  fat  that  covereth  the  inwards,  and  all  the  fat 
 that  is  upon  the  inwards, 
 
 4  And  the  two  kidneys,  and  the  fat  that  is  on  them, 
 which  is  by  the  flanks,  and  the  n  caul  above  the  liver, 
 with  the  kidneys,  it  fhall  he  take  away. 
 
 5  And  Aaron’s  fons  (hall  burn  it  on  the  altar  upon 
 the  burnt-facrifice,  which  is  upon  the  wood  that  h  on 
 the  fire ;  it  is  an  offering  made  by  fire,  of  a  tweet 
 favour  unto  the  Lord. 
 
 eil  And  if  his  offering,  for  a  facrifice  of  peace 
 offering  unto  the  Lord,  be  of  the  flock,  male  or  fe¬ 
 male  ;  he  fhall  offer  it  without  blemifla. 
 
 7  If  he  offer  a  lamb  for  his  offering,  then  lhall 
 he  offer  it  before  the  Lord. 
 
 8  And  he  flnll  lay  his  hand  upon  the  head  of  his 
 offering,  and  kill  it  before  the  tabernacle  of  the  con¬ 
 gregation  and  Aaron’s  fons  fhall  fprinkle  the  blood 
 thereof  round  about  upon  the  altar. 
 
 9  And  he  fhall  offer,  of  the  facrifice  of  the  peace- 
 offering,  an  offering  made  by  fire  unto  the  Lord  ;  the 
 fat  thereof,  and  the  whole  rump,  it  fhall  he  take  off 
 hard  by  the  back-bone ;  and  the  fat  that  covereth  the 
 ,  inwards,  and  all  the  fat  that  is  upon  the  inwards, 
 
 10  And  the  two  kidneys,  and  the  fat  that  is  upon 
 them,  which  is  by  the  flanks,  and  th'e  eaul  above  the 
 liver,  with  the  kidneys,  it  (hall  he  take  away. 
 
 1 1  And  the  prieft  fhall  burn  it  upon  the  altar  : 
 it  is  the  food  of  the  offering  made  by  fire  unto  the 
 Lord. 
 
 12  If  And  if  his  offering  be  a  goat,  then  he  fhall 
 offer  it  before  the  Lord. 
 
 13  And  he  fhall  lay  his  hand  upon  the  head  of  it, 
 and  kill  it  before  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation  : 
 and  the  fons  of  Aaron  fhall  fprinkle  the  blood  there¬ 
 of  upon  the  altar  round  about. 
 
 Before 
 Clirill 
 1 19') 
 
 14  And  he  fhall  off^r  thereof  his  offering,  an 
 offering  made  by  fire  unto  the  Lord  ;  the  rat  a 
 covereth  the  inwards,  and  all  the  fat  that  is  upon  the 
 
 15  And  the  two  kidneys,  and  the  fat  that  is  upon 
 them,  which  is  by  the  flanks,  and  the  caul  above  the 
 liver,  with  the  kidneys,  it  fhall  he  take  away. 
 
 16  And  the  prieft  fhall  burn  them  upon  the  altar : 
 
 it  is  the  food  of  the  offering  made  by  fire,  for  a  fu  eet  ^ 
 favour.  All  the  fat  is  the  Lord  s.  ^  cen. 
 
 17  It  shall  hf.  3,  perp6tU3l  itstutc  for  your  goncrci- 
 tions,  throughout  all  your  dw'ellings,  that  ye  eat 
 ther  fat  nor  blood. f 
 
 CHAP.  IV.  . 
 
 1  Thefln-qffcringofignorameforlhejiriefl,  IZfor  the  consrcgaltoii,  22 
 
 for  a  ruler,  27  fir  any  if  the  people. 
 
 A  ND  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  faying, 
 
 2  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Ilrael,  laying,  li 
 a  foul  fhall  fm  through  ignorance  againft  any  of  the 
 i  commandments  of  the  Lord,  concerning  things  wnicti 
 i ought  net  to  be  done,  and  fhall  do  againft  any  of  therii . 
 
 3  If  the  prieft  that  is  anointed  do  fin  accordci.!;  to  me 
 fin  of  the  people;  then  let  him  bring,  for  his  fin  which 
 he  hath  finned,  a  young  bullock  without  blemifh  unto 
 the  Lord  for  a  fin -offering. 
 
 4  And  he  fhall  bring  the  bullock  unto  the  door  of 
 the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation  before  the  Lord  ; 
 and  fhall  lay  his  hand  upon  the  bullock' s  head,  and 
 kill  the  bullock  before  the  Lord. 
 
 5  And  the  prieft  that  is  anointed  fhall  take  of  the 
 bullock’s  blood,  and  bring  it  to  the  tabernacle  of  the 
 congregation. 
 
 6  And  the  prieft  fhall  dip  his  finger  in  the  blood,  ana 
 fprinkle  of  the  blood  feven  times  before  the  Lord, 
 before  the  vail  of  the  fan6luary. 
 
 7  And  the  prieft  ftiall  put  some  of  the  blood  upon  the 
 horns  of  the  altar  of  fweet  incenfe  before  the  Lord, 
 w'hich  is  in  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation  ;  and 
 lhall  pour®  all  the  blood  of  the  bullock  at  the  bottom  * 
 of  the  altar  of  the  burnt  offering,  which  is  at  the  door 
 of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation. 
 
 8  And  he  fhall  take  off  from  it  all  the  fat  of  the 
 bullock  for  the  fm-oftcring  ;  the  fat  that  covereth  the 
 inwards,  and  all  the  fat  that  is  upon  the  inw'ards, 
 
 9  And  the  tw-o  kidneys,  and  the  fat  that  is  upon 
 them,  which  is  by  the  flanks,  and  the  caul  above  the 
 liver,  with  the  kidneys,  it  lhall  he  take  away. 
 
 10  As  it  w^s  taken  off  from  the  bullock  of  the  facri¬ 
 fice  of  peace-offerings  ;  and  the  prieft  fhall  burn  them 
 upon  the  altar  of  the  burnt-offering. 
 
 11  And  the  fkin  of  the  bullock,  and  all  his  flefh, 
 
 with  his  head,  and  with  his  legSj  and  his  inwards,  and 
 his  dung.  19.5. 
 
 in  grace  ;  purity,  perfeverance,  and  friendfliip  ;  and  of  the  perpetuity  of  God’s 
 covenant. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  III.  Ver.  1.  Peace-offerings  expreff- 
 ed  the  faith  of  the  worfliippers,  that  Jehovah  was  reconciled  to  them.  Ver.  3. 
 Here  only  the  fat  or  tallow  was  the  Lord’s  portion  ;  the  officiating  priest  had 
 the  breast,  the  right  fliouldcr,  the  cheeks,  and  the  maw,  chap.  vii.  30 — 32. 
 Deut.  xviii.  3.  and  the  offerer  had  the  rest  to  feast  upon  with  his  friends  ;  chap. 
 
 vii.  15,16.  Ver.  17.  Eat  neither  fat  nor  blood.  They  might  learn  from  this  pre- 
 hibition,  1.  A  reverence  of  the  holy  rites  and  fscrihccs.  ■  2.  The  mortification 
 of  their  appetites,  by  whi»h  they  were  called  to  manifest  their  felf-denial,  and  to 
 i  acknowledge  God  to  be  the  Lord  over  all  his  creatures,  who  might  referve  what 
 i  he  pleafed  to  himfelf. 
 
 1  EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  IV.  Ver.  2.  Tlie  wages  of  fm  is  death, 
 without  an  at'jneraent  whether  they  are  fins  of  ignorance  and  infirmity- or  not. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS _ »  Chap.  II.]  The  leaft  gift  flowing  from  a  grateful  heart  is  accepted  by  God.  May  thofe  who  are  fupported  by  the 
 
 altar  ferve  God  acceptably.  If  we  would  enjoy  the  friendfliip  of  God,  let  us  keep  ourfelves  from  all  iriipurity.  It  is  good  to  devote  our  beft  and  youthful  days  to 
 God ;  and  live  depending  for  grace  fuited  to  our  day  on  the  acceptable  facrifice  and  prayers  of  onr  afeonded  Lord, 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.— t  Chap.  III.  ]  Let  us  rejoice  that  God  refts  eternally  pleafed  in  the  one  facrifice  of  the  Lord  jefus.  May  our  fouls  be 
 tlioroughly  fatisfied  with  the  complete  redemption  which  he  had  procured ;  and  may  we  facrcdly  reverence  every  thing  relating  to  him  as  our  great  High-prieil, 
 
 No,  1)  d 
 
The  off-ering,  for  a  ruler,  c^c  LEVinCUS. 
 
 12  Even  the  whole  bullock  fliall  he  carry  forth 
 t  without  the  camp  unto  a  clean  place,  where  the 
 alhes  are  poured  out,  and  ^  burn  him  on  the  wood 
 witn  hre  :  f  where  the  afhes  are  poured  out  fiiall  he 
 
 Jtffore 
 Cliri  ll 
 1490. 
 
 OJJcrings  for  sins  of  hw'wled^ 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 towilhout  be  burnt. 
 
 the  camp. 
 c  Ilebr. 
 
 13.  II. 
 t  ileb. 
 at  the 
 pouring 
 
 S.  -2,  3,  4, 
 
 ..b  whole  congregation  of  b'rael  fin 
 
 through  Ignorance,  ^  and  the  thing  be  hid  from  the 
 eyes  ot  the  aflembly,  and  they  have  done  somcxsehat 
 any  ot  the  commandments  of  the  Lord,  con- 
 cut  of  the  things  which  thould  not  be  done,  and  are 
 
 ajhei  guilty : 
 
 d  Chap.  ^  14.  When  the  fin,  which  they  have  finned  againft  it, 
 IS  known,  then  the  congregation  fliall  offer  a  young 
 buibck  for  the  fin,  and  bring  him  before  the  taber- 
 nacle  ot  the  congregation. 
 
 15  And  the  elders  of  the  congregation  fha^l  lay  their 
 hands  upon  the  head  of  the  bullock  before  the  Lord  ; 
 and  the  bullock  (hall  be  killed  before  the  Lord. 
 
 16  And  the  prieft  that  is  anointed  (hall  bring  of  the 
 bullock  s  blood  to  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation. 
 
 ^  the  prieft  (hall  dip  his  finger  in  some  of  the 
 
 blood,  and  fprinkle  it  feven  times  before  the  Lord, 
 even  before  the  vail. 
 
 18  And  he  (hall  put  some  of  the  blood  upon  the  horns 
 or  the  altar,  which  ?s  before  the  Lord,  that  is  in  the 
 tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  and  fhall  pour  our  all 
 the  blood  at  the  bottom  of  the  altar  of  the  burnt- 
 oftenng,  which  is  at  the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the 
 congregation. 
 
 19  And  he  fhall  take  all  his  fat  from  him,  and  burn 
 it  upon  the  altar. 
 
 20  And  he  (hall  do  with  the  bullock  as  he  did  with 
 the  bullock  for  a  fin-offering,  fo  (hall  he  do  with  this ; 
 and  the  prieft  fhall  make  an  atonement  for  them,  and 
 it  (hall  be  forgiven  thgm. 
 
 21  And  he  fhall  carry  forth  the  bullock  without 
 '•  the  camp,  and  burn  him  as  he  burned  the  firft  bul¬ 
 lock  :  it  is  a  (in-offering  for  the  congregation. 
 
 22  %  When  a  ruler  hath  finned,  and  done  somexvhat 
 through  ignorance  against  any  of  the  commandments 
 of  the  Lord  his  God,  concerning  things  which  fhould 
 not  be  done,  and  is  guilty  ; 
 
 23  Or  if  his  fin,  wherein  he  hath  finned,  come  to 
 his  knowledge ;  he  fhall  bring  his  offering,  a  kid  of 
 the  goats,  a  male  without  blemilh. 
 
 24  And  he  fhall  lay  his  hand  upon  the  head  of  the 
 goat,  and  kill  it  in  the  place  w  here  they  kill  the  burnt- 
 offrring  before  the  Lord  :  it  is  a  fin-offering. 
 
 25  And  the  prieft  fhall  take  of  the  blood  of  the 
 fin  offering  with  bis  finger,  and  put  it  upon  the  horns 
 of  the  altar  of  burnt-offering,  and  fhall  pour  out  his 
 blood  at  the  bottom  of  the  altar  of  burnt-offering. 
 
 2*6  And  he  fliall  burn  all  his  fat  upon  the  altar,  as 
 the  fat  of  the  facrifice  of  peace-cfErings  :  and  the 
 
 Ver.  13.  IJ"  the  whole  congregation  of  IJi-ael /in ;  that  is,  the  whole  body  of  the 
 community,  including  priells  and  people,  therefore  an  atonement  is  provided  for 
 them.  The  offering  is  firailar  to  that  for  the  high-priell,  as  mofl.  probably 
 their  fins  would  be  of  the  fame  nature,  for  if  the  people  commit  fin  through 
 ignorance,  it  may  in  part  be  owing  to  the  teachers’  negligence.  Ver.  22.  Ruler, 
 "The  original  word  fignifies  a  prince.  Rulers  as  well  as  the  people  have  often 
 need  to  open  their  ears  to  admonition  ;  they  may  mean  well,  and  yet  the  fame 
 turn  out  to  evil. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  V.  Ver.  1—6.  Three inllances  of  tref- 
 
 i  prieft  fhall  make  an  atonement  for  him  as  concerning  Before 
 his  fin,  and  it  fliall  be  forgiven  him.  Chrin 
 
 27  1!  And  if  f  any  one  oF  the  f  common  people  fin 
 through  ignorance,  while  he  Joeth  somewhat  against 
 
 any  of  the  commandments  of  the  Lord,  concerning an/fi 
 things  which  ought  not  to  be  done,  and  be  guilty ;  t  Heb.‘ 
 
 28  Or  if  his  fin,  which  he  hath  finned,  come  to 
 knowledge:  then  he  fhall  bring  his  offering,  a  kiJ 
 the  goats,  a  female  without  bleinifb,  for  his  fm  which 
 he  hath  finned. 
 
 29  And  he  fhall  lay  his  hand  upon  the  head  of  the 
 fm-offering,  and  flay  the  fin-oftering  ia  the  place  of 
 the  burnt-offering. 
 
 30  And  the  prieft  fhall  take  of  the  blood  thereof 
 with  his  finger,  and  put  it  upon  the  horns  of  the 
 altar  ot  burnt-olfering,  and  fhail  pour  out  all  the  blood 
 thereof  at  the  bottom  of  the  altar. 
 
 31  And  ®  he  fhall  take  away  all  the  fat  thereof, «  Ohap. 
 
 I  as  the  fat  is  taken  away  from  off  the  facrifice  of  peace- 
 [Offerings  ;  and  the  pritfi  (hall  burnt  it  upon  ihe  altar 
 
 ‘for  a  f  fweet  favour  unto  the  Lord  ;  and  the  pnell  fExoj. 
 i  (hall  make  an  atonement  for  him,  and  it  (hall  be  for-^^* 
 
 :  given  him. 
 
 i  32  And  if  he  bring  a  lamb  for  a  fin-offering,  he 
 (hall  bring  it  a  female  without  blemifh. 
 j  33  And  he  (hall  lay  his  hand  upon  the  head  of  the 
 fifj-oftering,  and  flay  it  for  a ,  fin-offt-ring  in  the  place 
 '  where  they  kill  the  burnt  offering, 
 j  S4  And  the  prieft  (hall  take  of  the  blood  of  the  (in- 
 '  offering  with  his  finger,  and  put  it  up.  n  t.ie  horns  of 
 I  the  altar  of  burnt-ofiering,  and  (hall  pour  out  all  the 
 i  blood  thereof  at  the  bottom  of  the  altar, 
 j  35  And  he  (hall  take  away  all  the  fat  thereof,  as 
 j  the  fat  of  the  lamb  is  taken  aw'ay  from  the  lacrifice 
 of  the  peace-offerings  ;  and  the  prieft  (hall  burn  them 
 upon  the  altar,  according  to  the  offerings  made  by 
 fire  unto  the  Lord  :  and  the  prieft  (hail  make  an 
 atonement  for  his  (in  that  he  hath  committed,  and  it 
 (hall  be  forgiven  him.* 
 
 CHAP.  V. 
 
 1  He  that  Jinned  in  concealing  his  knowledge,  2  in  touching  an  unclean 
 thing,  8  or  in  making  an  oath  ;  6  Ins  trejpafs-off'ering,  of  the  flock,  7 
 of  fowls,  1 1  or  of  flour,  t^c. 
 
 And  if  a  foul  fin,  and  hear  the  voice  of  fwearing, 
 and  is  a  witnefs,  whether  he  hath  feen  or  known 
 (f  it:  if  he  do  not  utter  it,  then  he  fhall  bear  his  ini¬ 
 quity. 
 
 2  Or  if  a  foul  touch  any  unclean  thing,  whether  it 
 he  a  carcafe  of  an  unclean  beaft,  or  a  carcafe  of  un¬ 
 clean  cattle,  or  the  carcafe  of  unclean  creeping  things, 
 and  ^it  be  hidden  from  him  ;  he  alfo  fhall  be  unclean, 
 and  guilty. 
 
 3  Or  if  he  touch  the  uncleannefs  of  man,  whatfo- 
 ever  uncleannefs  it  be  that  a  man  fhall  be  defiled 
 
 pafs  are  here  mentioned.  1.  Concealing  the  truth,  when  adjured  by  the  judges. 
 In  all  cafes  of  an  oath,  the  whole  truth  ought  to  be  fpoken,  as  well  as  nothing 
 hut  the  truth  ;  not  to  difclofe  it,  is  as  criminal  as  to  add  to  it.  2.  Contradling 
 ceremonial  uncleannefs,  ver.  2,  3.  and  not  wafhing  according  to  law  before  lie 
 comes  before  the  Lord  in  the  place  of  public  worfliip.  When  it  comes  to  his 
 knowledge  he  mull  confefs  his  fin  and  bring  liis  offering.  3.  Raflrly  fwearing 
 either  to  perform  what  is  unlawi'ul  or  impracticable.  Though  a  rafli  vow  may 
 be  better  broken  than  kept,  yet,  like  a  two  edged  fword  it  cuts  both  ways.  An 
 offering  in  thefe  cafes  mutt  be  brought,  accompanied  with  particular  and  huni' 
 
 _  .  _  .  —  ■  - -  ■  ■  — —  -  -  ■  ■  — ~ — ^ . - 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. _ *  Chap.  IV.]  Let  us  here  contemplate,  and  be  duly  impreffed  by  the  evil  of  fin,  which  expofed  all,  the  ruler  and  the 
 
 .rieft.  ^  The  rich  and  the  poor,  without  diftinaion  to  the  juft  punilhment  of  God.  That  atoncmejit  indeed  is  ijifinitely  precious,  which  taketh  away  the  fins  of  the 
 rorld.  In  it  may  we  always  confide  in  the  prelence  of  our  fovereign  Lord  and  Judge. 
 
OJfetings  fur  sins  of  Jcno'wlccfg^e, 
 
 33efore 
 
 Clirifl; 
 
 14<>0. 
 
 LEVITICUS, 
 
 when  he  knoweth 
 
 The  trespass-offering  fur  sacrilege. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 /iis  hdni 
 cannot 
 reach  lo 
 the  suffi- 
 
 a  Chap. 
 1.  15. 
 
 withal,  and  it  be  hid  from  him  ; 
 of  it,  then  he  (hall  be  guilty. 
 
 4  Or  if  a  foul  fwear,  pronouncing  with  Ms  lips  to 
 do  evil,  or  to  do  good,  whatfbever  it  he  that  a  man 
 (hall  pronounce  with  an  oath,  and  it  be  hid  from^  him  ; 
 when  he  knoweth  of  it,  then  he  (liall  be  guilty  in  one 
 of  thefe. 
 
 5  And  it  (fiall  be,  when  he  (hall  be  guilty  in  one  of 
 thefe  tMngs,  that  he  (hall  confefs  that  he  hath  finned 
 in  that  tMng- 
 
 G  And  he  (hall  bring  his  trefpafs-oIFering  unto  the 
 Lord,  for  his  fin,  which  he  hath  finned,  a  female  from 
 the  flock,  a  lamb,  or  a  kid  of  the  goats,  for  a  fin-of¬ 
 fering  ;  and  the  prie(t  fhall  make  an  atonement  for 
 him  concerning  his  (in. 
 
 7  And  if  f  he  be  not  ab’e  to  bring  a  lamb,  then 
 he  (hall  bring,  for  his  trefpafs  which  he  hath  commit¬ 
 ted,  two  turtle-doves,  or  two  young  pigeons,  unto  the 
 Lord  ;  one  for  a  fm-oft'ering,  and  the  other  for  a 
 ckney  of  bumt-offering. 
 
 a  lamb.  g  unto  the  prieft,  who 
 
 (hall  offer  that  which  is  for  the  (in-offering  firft,  and 
 “  wring  off  his  head  from  his  neck,  but  (hall  not  divide 
 it  a  funder. 
 
 9  And  he  (hall  fprinkle  of  the  blood  of  the  fin- 
 oftering,  upon  the  fide  of  the  altar  ;  and  the  reft  of  the 
 blood  (hall  be  wrung  out  at  the  bottom  of  the  altar  : 
 it  is  a  fin-o(fering. 
 
 10  And  he  (hall  offer  the  fecond  /or  a  burnt-olfering, 
 according  to  the  \\  manner  ;  and  the  prieft  (hall  make 
 
 ordinance  an  atonement  for  him,  for  his  fm  which  he  hath  finned, 
 and  it  fliall  be  forgiven  him. 
 
 1 1  But  if  he  be  not  able  to  bring  two  turtle-doves, 
 or  two  young  pigeons ;  then  he  that  finned  fhall 
 bring  for  his  offering  the  tenth  part  of  an  ephah  of 
 fine  ffour  for  a  fin-offering :  he  (hall  put  no  oil  upon 
 it,  neither  (hall  he  put  anij  frankincenfe  thereon;  for 
 it  is  a  fm-oft'ering. 
 
 12  Then  (hall  he  bring  it  to  the  prieft,  and  the  prieft 
 (hall  take  his  handful  of  ir,  ^  even  a  memorial  thereof, 
 and  burn  it  on  the  altar,  according  to  the  offerings 
 made  by  fire  unto  the  Lord  :  it  is  a  fin-offering. 
 
 13  And  the  prieft  fhall  make  an  atonement  for  him, 
 as  touching  his  (in  that  he  hath  finned  in  one  of  thefe, 
 andit  fliall  be  forgiven  him  :  and  the  remnant  {hdW  be 
 the  prieft’s,  as  a  meat-offering. 
 
 14  ^  And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  faying, 
 
 _  15  If  a  (bul  comnvt  a  trefpafs,  and  fin  through 
 
 in  the  holy  things  of  the  Lord  ;  then  he 
 fhall  bring  for  his  trefpafs  unto  the  Lord  a  ram 
 wit^ut  blemilh  out  of  the  flocks,  with  thy  eftimation 
 by  (hekels  of  filver,  after  the  (hekel  of  the  fan<ftuary, 
 for  a  trefpals  off -ring. 
 
 16  And  he  fhall  make  amends  for  the  harm  that 
 
 he  hath  done  in  the  holy  thing,  and  fhall  add  the  fifth  i^efofe 
 part  thereto,  and  give  it  unto  the  prieft ;  and  the  prieft 
 (hall  make  an  atonement  for  him  with  the  ram  of  the 
 trefpafs-offering,  and  it  (hall  be  forgiven  him. 
 
 1711  And  if  a  foul  fin,  and  commit  any  of  thefe  ^^hap. 
 things  which  are  forbidden  to  be  done  by  the  com¬ 
 mandments  of  the  Lord  ;  though  he  wift  it  not,  yet 
 is  he  guilty,  and  fhall  bear  his  iniquity. 
 
 18  And  he  (hall  bring  a  ram  ’.vithout  blemifh  out  of 
 the  flock,  with  thy  eftimation,  for  a  trefpafs-offering, 
 unto  the  prieft :  and  the  prieft  (ball  make  an  atone, 
 ment  for  him  concerning  his  ignorance  wherein  he 
 erred',  and  wift  it  not ;  and  it  (liall  be  forgiven  him. 
 
 19  It  is  a  trefpafs-offering:  he  hath  certainly  tref- 
 pafled  againft  the  Lord."^' 
 
 CHAP.  VI. 
 
 1  Thetrespafs  offering  for  fns  done  wittingly.  8  The  law  <f  the  hurnt- 
 
 offer 
 
 14  and  of  the  meat-offering.  I  9  The  offering  at  the  confecra- 
 
 A’ 
 
 It  Or, 
 
 b  Chap. 
 2.  2. 
 
 c  Chap. 
 4.  35. 
 
 bk  confeffion  of  the  fm.  Then  the  priest  made  the  atonement,  and  the  fin 
 p  one  .  Ver,  7  1 3.  As  many  as  needed  atonement  who  were  in 
 
 wire  nff accepted  of  them.  If  two  doves  or  pigeons 
 ^  ere  offered  one  ferved  for  a  fm  offering,  and  must  be  first  killed,  and  the 
 
 intnf  ;  without  oil  or  frank- 
 
 ftWn!  •  ir  being  a  very  henions  fin,  a  more  costly 
 
 lering  is  enjoined  for  it*  - -  — i  ’ 
 
 W'hoever  withheld  the  tithes 
 
 indigent 
 
 of- 
 
 or  offerings  due  to  the 
 
 tionof  a  priffl.  24  The  law  of  thefui-offering 
 
 ND  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  faying, 
 
 _ 2  If  a  foul  fin,  and  commit  a  trdpafs  againft 
 
 the  Lord,  and  lie  unto  his  neighbour  in  that  w'hich 
 was  delivered  him  to  keep,  or  in  ||  f  fellow(hip,  or  in  II  3.'‘» 
 a  thing  taken  away  by  violence,  or  hath  deceived  his  ‘ 
 neighbour; 
 
 I  3  Or  have  found  That  which  was  loft,  and  lieth<Ac  hand. 
 !  concerning  it,  and  ®  fweareth  falfely ;  in  any  of  all  “ 
 thefe  that  a  man  doeth,  finning  therein ; 
 
 4  Then  it  (hall  be,  becaufe  he  hath  finned,  and  is 
 guilty,  that  he  fhall  reftore  that  which  he  took  vio¬ 
 lently  away,  or  the  thing  which  he  hath  deceitfully 
 gotten,  or  that  which  was  delivered  him  to  keep,  or 
 the  lolt  thing  which  he  found, 
 
 5  Or  all  that  about  which  he  hath  fworn  falfely  ;  he 
 
 (hall  even  reftore  it  in  the  principal,  and  (hall  add  the  ^  c:hap. 
 fifth  part  more  thereto,  and  give  it  unto  hi.m  to  whom 
 it  appertainetb,  |l  f  in  the  day  of  his  trefpafs-offer- II  O'-, 
 
 I  6  And  he  (hall  bring  his  trefpafs-ofteriDg  unto  the|f/^^ 
 
 I  Lord,  <=  a  ram;without  blemilh  out  of  the  flock,  with/ou/ni 
 !thy  eftimation,  fora  trefpafs-offering,  unto  the  priefl . 
 
 !  7  And  the  prielt  fhall  make  an  atonement  for  him  t 
 
 before  the  Lord;  and  it  (hall  be  forgiven  him.  for^/S 
 any  thing  of  all  that  he  hath  done,  -in  trefpaffing  trefpass. 
 therein.  ''  Chap. 
 
 8  H  And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  faying, 
 
 9  Command  Aaron  and  his  fons,  faying.  This  is  the 
 law  of  tne  burnt-offering:  It  is  the  burnt-offering,  |)  II  Or, 
 becaufe  of  the  burning  upon  the  altar  all  night  unto  the>7"^ 
 morning,  and  the  fire  of  the  altar  fhall  be  burning 
 
 in  it. 
 
 10  And  the  prieft  fhall  put  on  his  linen  garment, 
 and  his  linen  breeches  fhall  he  put  upon  his  flelh,  and 
 
 I  fandtuary  or  any  holy  things  dedicated  to  God  through  ignorance,  as  foon 
 '  as  he  dilcovered  it,  must  bring  a  ram  for  an  offering,  and  the  full  value  of 
 the  thing  in  money,  and  a  fifth  part  over.  Or  fliould  he  fufpe6t  a  miftake 
 lie  was  to  make  the  oblation  and  full  reftitution,  thereby  leanin<r  to  the  fafe 
 !  fide.  ° 
 
 i  EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  VI.  Ver.  1—7.  A  variety  of  tref- 
 I  paffes  againfi  their  neighbours  are  here  mentioned,  which  tiiough  immediately 
 
 ■TT  •  I  -  ^  OBSElc  1  A 1  IONS.-— *  Chap.  V.]  Many  alas  are  the  fins  which  we  overlook  and  forget  that  Hand  againft  us  before  the  Holy  Lord  God 
 
 **  '**  condelceiifion  and  grace  in  the  eternal  covenant,  which  provides  for  the  remiflion  of  all  manner  of  Iniquity  ;  fins  proceeding-  from  neMe<5l  to  know 
 nil  r  *  i’  averfion  to  it ;  duties  omitted,  laws  violated  !  May  our  hearts  be  filled  with  gratitude  for  that  fountain  of  blood  opened  by  ou°  Lord  to°cleanfe  from 
 mtiverfal  .iZln&ZrohZlt  ia  any  iniquity.  May  the  grace  of  the  complete  and  gratuitous  atonement  induce  us  to  yield 
 
The  la's)  of  the  hnml-cfftring. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 1490. 
 
 LEVITICUS. 
 
 d  Chap. 
 2.  1. 
 Kumb. 
 15.  4. 
 
 e  Chap. 
 
 2.  9. 
 
 f  Exod. 
 29.  37. 
 
 g  Exod. 
 
 16.  36. 
 
 take  up  the  afhes  which  the  fire  hath  confumed  with 
 the  burnt-offering  on  the  altar,  and  he  (hall  put  them 
 belide  the  altar. 
 
 1 1  And  he  (hall  put  ofF  his  garments,  and  put  on 
 other  garments,  and  carry  forth  the  a(hes  without  the 
 camp  unto  a  clean  place. 
 
 •  12  And  the  fire  upon  the  altar  (hall  be  burning  in 
 It ;  It  inall  not  be  put  out :  and  the  prieft  fhal!  burn 
 wood  on  It  every  morning,  and  lay  the  burnt-ofiering 
 in  order  up(^  it ;  and  he  (hall  bum  thereon  the  fat  of 
 the  peace-offerings. 
 
 •  n?  burning  upon  the  altar  ; 
 
 It  (hall  never  go  out. 
 
 14  H  <1  And  this  is  the  law  of  the  meat-offering :  The 
 fons  of  Aaron  (hall  offer  it  before  the  Lord,  before 
 the  altar. 
 
 15  And  he  fhall  take  of  it  his  handful,  of  the  flour 
 of  the  meat-offering,  and  of  the  oil  thereof,  and  all 
 the  frankincenfe  which  is  upon  the  meat-offering, 
 and  fhall  burn  it  upon  the  altar/or  afweet  favour,  even 
 the  '  memorial  of  it,  unto  the  Lord. 
 
 16  And  the  remainder  thereof  (hall  Aaron  and  his 
 fons  eat :  with  unleavened  bread  (hall  it  be  eaten  in 
 the  holy  place  ;  in  the  court  of  the  tabernacle  of  the 
 congregation  they  (hall  eat  it. 
 
 17  It  (hall  not  be  baken  with  leaven.  I  have  given 
 it  unto^  them  for  their  portion  of  my  offerings  made  by 
 fire  :  it  is  molt  holy,  as  is  the  fm-oft'ering,  and  as  the 
 trefpafs-oifering. 
 
 1 8  All  the  males  among  the  children  of  Aaron  (hall 
 eat  of  it.  It  shall  be  a  ftatute  for  ever  in  your  genera¬ 
 tions  concerning  the  offerings  of  the  Lord  made  by 
 fire :  ^  every  one  that  toucheth  them  fhall  be  holy. 
 
 19  H  And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  faying, 
 
 20  This  is  the  offering  of  Aaron,  and  of  his  fons, 
 which  they  (hall  offer  unto  the  Lord,  in  the  day  when 
 he  is  anointed  ;  the  tenth  part  of  an  s  ephah  of  fine 
 flour  for  a  meat-offering  perpetual,  half  of  it  in  the 
 morning,  and  half  thereof  at  night. 
 
 21  In  a  pan  it  fhall  be  made  with  oil ;  and  vohen  it 
 is  baken,  thou  (halt  bring  it  in  :  and  the  baken  pieces 
 of  the  meat-offering  (halt  thou  offer  for  a  fweet  favour 
 unto  the  Lord. 
 
 22  And  the  pried  of  his  fons,  that  is  anointed  in  his 
 dead,  fhall  offer  it ;  it  is  a  flatute  for  ever  unto  the 
 Lord  ;  it  fhall  be  wholly  burnt. 
 
 23  For  every  meat-offering  for  the  pried  (hall  be 
 wholly  burnt :  it  (hall  not  be  eaten. 
 
 The  law  of  the  trespass- 
 
 24  ^  And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  faying,  Bofofg 
 
 25  opeak  unto  Aaron,  and  to  his  fons,  faying,  This 
 I A  the  law  ot  the  fin-offering  :  In  the  place  where  the 
 '  burnt-offering  is  killed  (hall  the  fin-offering  be  killed 
 
 before  the  Lord  :  it  is  mod  holy. 
 
 26  The  pried  that  offereth  it  for  fin  (hall  eat  it ;  in 
 the  holy  place  (hall  it  be  eaten,  in  the  court  of  the  ta¬ 
 bernacle  of  the  congregation. 
 
 27  Whaifoever  (hall  touch  the  flefli  thereof  (hall  be 
 holy  :  and  when  there  is  Iprinkled  of  the  blood  thereof 
 upon  any  garment,  thou  (halt  wa(h  that  whereon  it  was 
 Iprinkled  in  the  holy  place. 
 
 28  But  the  earthen  veflel  wherein  it  is  fodden  fhall Chap, 
 be  broken  :  and  if  it  be  fodden  in  a  brafen  pot,  it  (hall 
 
 be  both  (coured,  and  rinfed  in  water. 
 
 29  Air  the  males  among  the  prieds  (hall  eat  thereof : 
 it  is  mod  holy. 
 
 30  •  And  no  fin-offering,  whereof  anp  of  the  blood  * 
 is  brought  into  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  to 
 reconcile  withal  in  the  holy  place^  (hall  be  eaten ;  it 
 (hall  be  burnt  in  the  fire.*' 
 
 CHAP.  VII. 
 
 1  The  law  of  the  trespass-ojfering,  11  of  the  peace-offering,  12  ivhcther 
 for  a  thanksgiving,  16  or  a  vow,  or  a  free-will-offering.  22  The  fat, 
 26  arid  the  blood  are  forbidden, 
 
 Likewise  this  is  the  law  of  the  trefpafs-cffering  ; 
 it  is  molt  holy. 
 
 2  In  the  place  where  they  kill  the  burnt-offering 
 (hall  they  kill  the  trefpafs -offering :  and  the  blood 
 thereof  (hall  he  fprinkle  round  about  upon  the  altar. 
 
 3  And  he  (hall  offer  of  it  all  the  fat  thereof ;  the 
 
 rump,  and  the  fat  that  covereth  the  inwards, 
 
 4  And  the  two  kidneys,  and  the  fat  that  is  on  them, 
 which  is  by  the  flanks,  and  the  caul  that  is  above  the 
 liver,  with  the  kidneys,  it  (hall  he  take  away. 
 
 5  And  the  pried  (hall  burn  them  upon  the  altar  Juli¬ 
 an  offering  made  by  fire  unto  the  Lord  :  it  h  a  irtf- 
 pafs-offering. 
 
 6  Every  male  among  the  prieds  (lir.ll  eat  thereof : 
 it  (hall  be  eaten  in  the  holy  place  :  it  is  mod  holy. 
 
 7  As  the  fin-offering  is^  fo  is  the  trefpafs-off'ering  ; 
 there  is  one  law  for  them :  the  prielt  that  maketh 
 atonement  therewith  (hall  have  it. 
 
 8  And  the  pried  that  offereth  any  man’s  burnt- 
 offering,  eve7i  the  pried  fliall  have  to  himfelf  the  fkin 
 of  the  burnt-offering  w'hich  he  hath  olTered. 
 
 9  And  all  the  meat-offering  that  is  baken  in  the 
 
 afte<5ling  them,  are  yet  fins  againft  God.  Thefe  are  either  denying  what 
 was  lent  them ;  or  defrauding  their  partners ;  or  impofing  on  their  neigh¬ 
 bour  by  unjufl  commendation  of  their  commodities  5  or  not  returning  what  tliey 
 find  to  its  owner;  or,  by  denying,  when  charged  with  thefe  things.  In  fuch 
 cafes,  1.  Reftitution  muft  be  made  to  the  injured  perfon,  and  a  fifth  part  of  the 
 value  added.  2.  A  trefpafs-olfering  muft  be  prefented  to  God.  Ver.  8 — 13. 
 Diredlions  are  given  to  the  priefts  concerning  the  manner  of  their  miniftralions  ; 
 1.  To  take  care  of  the  aflies  of  the  altar.  A  perpetual  bunit-offei  ing  of  a  lamb 
 was  offered  morning  and  evening,  and  on  the  burnt-offering  the  fat  of  the  peace¬ 
 offering  was  burned.  There  were  in  the  courfe  of  the  day  befides  this,  continual 
 burnt-ofi’erings,  the  aflies  of  which  were  laid  befide  the  altar,  till  the  morning, 
 when  the  prieft  put  oft’  the  holy  garments,  dnd  conveyed  the  aflies  into  a  clean 
 place  without  the  camp.  2.  To  keep  the  fire  always  burning.  They  attended, 
 it  by  night  as  well  as  by  day.  Ver.  14 — 18.  The  greateft  part  of  the  meat¬ 
 offering  made  by  the  people  was  given  to  the  priefts.  They  were  commanded  to 
 
 eat  it  unleavened  in  the  holy  place,  with  their  fons  only,  not  their  daughters  ;  and 
 both  the  perfons  muft  be  free  from  all  ceremonial  uncleannefs,  and  tiie  utenfils 
 only  employed  in  facred  ufes.  Ver.  19 — 23.  The  confecration  meat-offering 
 of  the  high-prieft  was  to  be  wholly  burnt,  and  it  was  to  be  perpetual ;  either  to 
 be  off’ered  by  every  anointed  prieft  at  his  confecration,  or,  as  the  Jews  fay, 
 every  day  by  the  liigh-prieft  continually,  with  the  morning  and  evening  facrificc. 
 Ver.  24—30.  In  tliofe  particular  offerings  for  fin,  on  the  great  day  of  atonement, 
 either  for  the  prieft  or  the  congregation,  where  tlie  blood  was  brought  into  tli« 
 tabernacle,  no  part  was  to  be  eaten,  but  the  facrifice  burnt  with  fii  e,  though  in 
 general  the  fin-offering  belonged  to  the  priefts.  It  was  to  be  killed  in  the  fame 
 place  as  the  burnt-offering  ;  if  any  blood  of  it  was  fprinkled  on  their  clothes,  it 
 muft  be  waflied  out ;  and  the  veffels  it  was  boiled  in,  if  earthen,  broken  5  if  brafe, 
 fcoiired  and  rinfed. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  VII.  Ver.  1—10.  The  trcfpafs- 
 offering  was  difpofed  of  in  the  fame  manner  as  the  fin-offering.  It  belonged  to  tlie 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.— *  Chap.  VI.]  Diflionefty  is  hateful  in  the  fight  of  God  and  man;  and  no  facrifice  can  expiate  it  without  reftitution. 
 Let  the  flame  of  divine  love  burn  in  our  hearts,  and  let  us  depend  on  our  ever  rvatchful  and  almighty  prieft,  who  can  keep  it  alive  throughout  eternity.  Thofe  who 
 ferve  at  the  altar  fliould  be  partakers  of  the  altar.  But  however  important  their  fervice  to  promote  our  edification,  none  can  redeem  our  fouls  from  death,  but  he  who 
 came  not  to  be  miniftered  to,  but  to  minifter,  and  to  give  his  life  a  raufoin  for  many.  May  we  ever  efteem  his  miniftry,  and  preferve  ourfelves  unfpotted,  by  fecrot 
 faults  or  prefumptuous  fins,  in  his  fervice. 
 
Of  peacc-offcring, 
 
 oven,  and  all  that  is  dreffed  in  the  frying-pan,  and 
 
 LEVITICUS. 
 
 Tlie  priest* s  portion  of  the  peace-fjffrings^  S^c. 
 
 lU'fore 
 (;hri(l 
 1490. 
 
 Or, 
 
 ■t  the  Jlat  'jiUOlher. 
 
 in  the  pan,  (hall  be  the  prieft’s  that  ofFereth  ir. 
 
 10  And  every  meat-offering  mingled  with  oil,  and 
 dry,  (hall  all  the  fons  of  Aaron  have,  one  as  much  as 
 
 jdnte,  or 
 ilice. 
 
 k  Chap. 
 
 ^5.  3, 
 
 h  Chap. 
 8.  17. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 carcase. 
 
 11  f  And  this  is  the  law  of  the  facrifice  of  peace- 
 
 offerings,  which  he  (hall  offer  unto  the  Lord.  j 
 
 12  If  he  offer  it  for  a  thankfgiving,  then  he  (hall 
 offer  with  the  facrifice  of  thanklgiving  unleavened 
 cakes  mingled  with  oil,  and  unleavened  w'afers  anoint- 
 ed  with  oil,  and  cakes  mingled  with  oil,  ct  fine  flour, 
 fried. 
 
 13  Befides  the  cakes,  he  (hall  offer  for  his  offering! 
 
 leavened  bread  with  the  facrifices  of  thanklgiving  of ; 
 his  peace-offerings.  , 
 
 U  And  of  it  he  (hall  offer  one  out  of  the  whole 
 oblation  for  an  heave-offering  unto  the  Lord,  a7id  it 
 (hall  be  the  prieft’s  that  fprinkleth  the  blood  of  the ' 
 peace-offerings.  _  _  ! 
 
 15  And  the  flefh  of  the  facrifice  of  his  peace-offer- 
 
 which  men  offer  an  offering  made  by  fire  umo  the 
 Lord,  even  the  foul  that  eateth  it  fhall  be  cut  off  from  j 
 his  people. 
 
 26  '■  Moreover,  ye  fhall  eat  no  manner  or  blood,  c  Oen. 
 
 vchether  it  be  of  fowl  or  of  beaft,  in  any  cf  17. 
 
 dwellings.  cVir.’ioi 
 
 27  Whatfoever  foul  it  5<?that  eateth  any  manner  or 
 blood,  even  that  foul  fnall  be  cut  off  from  his  people. 
 
 28  *1  And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Moles,  faying, 
 
 29  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Ifrael,  faying,  lie 
 that  offeretb  the  facrifice  of  his  peace-offerings  unto 
 the  Lord,  fhall  bring  his  oblation  unto  the  I.ord  of 
 the  facrifice  of  his  peace-offerings. 
 
 30  His  own  hands  fhall  bring  the  offerings  of  the 
 Lord  made  by  fire ;  the  fat,  with  the  breafi,  it  fhall 
 
 he  bring,  that  ^  the  breaft  may  be  waved a  wave- ^  t^-**^* 
 offering  before  the  Lord. 
 
 3 1  And  the  prieft  fhall  bum  the  fat  upon  the  altar  ; 
 but  the  breaft  fhall  be  Aaron’s  and  his  fons. 
 
 32  And  the  right  fhoulder  fhall  ye  give  unto  the 
 
 29.  24. 
 
 ings  for  thankfgiving  fhall  be  eaten  the  fame  day  that  i  prieft./or  an  heave-offering  of  the  facrifices  of  your 
 it  is  offered  ;  he  fhall  not  leave  any  of  it  until  the  |  peace-offerings. 
 
 morning. 
 
 16  But  if  the  facrifice  of  his  offering  be  a  vow,  or  a] 
 voluntary  offering,  it  fhall  be  eaten  the  fame  day  that ! 
 he  ofFereth  his  facrifice ;  and  on  the  morrow  alfo  the 
 remainder  of  it  fhall  be  eaten. 
 
 17  But  the  remainder  of  the  flefh  of  the  facrifice  on 
 the  third  day  fhall  be  burnt  with  fire. 
 
 18  And  iffl??^  of  the  flefla  of  the  facrifice  of  his 
 peace-offerings  be  eaten  at  all  on  the  third  da^?,  it  fltall 
 not  be  accepted,  neither  fhall  it  be  imputed  unto  him 
 that  ofFereth  it :  it  fliall  be  an  abomination,  and  the 
 foul  that  eateth  of  it  fhall  bear  his  iniquity. 
 
 1 9  And  the  fiefti  that  toucheth  any  unclean  thing 
 fhall  not  be  eaten  ;  it  (hall  be  burnt  with  fire  :  and  as 
 for  the  flefh,  all  that  be  clean  fhall  eat  thereof. 
 
 20  But  the  foul  that  eateth  o/'the  flefh  of  the  facri¬ 
 fice  of  peace-offerings  that  pertain,  unto  the  Lord, 
 
 *  having  his  uncleannefs  upon  him,  even  that  foul  fliall 
 be  cut  off  from  his  people. 
 
 2 1  Moreover,  the  foul  that  fhall  touch  any  unclean 
 
 thing,  as  the  uncleannefs  of  man,  or  amj  unclean  heaft, 
 or  any  abominable  unclean  thing,  and  eat  of  the  flefh 
 of  the  facrifice  of  peace-offerings  which  unto 
 
 the  Lord,  even  that  foul  ftiall  be  cut  off  from  his 
 people. 
 
 22  H  And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofe®,  faying, 
 
 23  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Ifrael,  frying,  Ye 
 (hall  eat  no  manner  of  fat,  of  ox,  or  of  fheep,  or  of 
 goat. 
 
 24  And  the  fat  of  the  f  beaft  that  dieth  of  itfelf, 
 and  the  fat  of  that  which  is  torn  with  beafts,  may  be 
 ufed  in  any'^  other  ufe  ;  but  ye  fhall  in  no  wife  eat  of  it. 
 
 25  For  whofoever  eateth  the  fat  of  the  beafts,  of 
 
 prieft  who  offered  it,  as  was  alfo  the  hide  of  the  burnt-offerino-.  Ver.  11 _ 21. 
 
 When  peace-offerings  were  made  on  occafioii  of  fome  particular  deliverance,  or 
 •s  a  vow,  or  to  fupplicate  fome  mercy ;  leavened  bread  was  offered  with  them 
 as  well  as  the  unleavened  meatoffering  ;  they  were  under  tlie  neceflity  of  eating 
 them  the  fame  day  they  were  offered,  if  a  thankfgiving  •  and  at  fartheff  tlie  next 
 
 if  a  vow;  if  ought  remained  it  muft  be  burnt.  Ver.  22 _ 34.  In  thefe  verfes 
 
 we  have  repeated,  the  prohibition  concerning  the  fat  and  tlie  blood.  Tlie 
 prieft’s  part  in  the  facrifices  is  alfo  deferibed,  and  the  manner  of  prefenting  it ; 
 the  prieft  cut  oft’  the  ftioulder  and  neck  from  the  breaft,  and  put  them 
 
 33  He  among  the  fons  of  Aaron  that  ofFereth  the 
 blood  of  the  peace- offerings,  and  the  fat,  lhall  have 
 the  right  fhoulder  for  his  part. 
 
 34  For  the  wave-breaft  and  the  heave- fhoulder  have 
 I  taken  of  the  children  cf  Ifrael  from  off  the  facrifices 
 of  their  peace-offerings,  and  have  given  them  unto 
 Aaron  the  prieft,  and  unto  his  fons,  by  a  ftatute  for 
 ever,  from  among  the  children  of  ifrael. 
 
 35  ^  This  is  the  poi'tion  of  the  anointing  of  Aaron, 
 and  of  the  anointing  of  his  fons,  out  of  the  offerings  off 
 the  Lord  made  by  fire,  in  the  day  xahen  he  prefented 
 them  to  minifter  unto  the  Lord  in  the  prieft’s  office  ; 
 
 36  Which  the  Lord  commanded  to  be  given  them 
 of  the  children  of  Ifrael,  in  the  day  that  he  anointed 
 them,  by  a  ftatute  for  ever  throughout  their  genera¬ 
 tions. 
 
 37  This  is  the  law  of  the  burnt-offering,  of  the  meat- 
 offering,  and  of  the  fin-offering,  and  of  the  trefpafs- 
 offering,  and  of  the  con fecra lions,  and  of  the  facrifice 
 of  the  peace-offerings, 
 
 38  Which  the  Lord  commanded  MoFes  in  mount 
 Sinai,  in  the  day  that  he  commanded  the  children  of 
 Ifrael  to  offer  their  oblations  unto  the  Lord,  in  the 
 wildernefs  of  Sinai.* 
 
 CHAR  VIII. 
 
 1  Mofes  confecrateth  Aaron  and  his  Jons  ;  1 4  their fin-offering  :  18  their 
 
 burnt-offering,  22  The  ram  of  confecralijii.  31  The  place  and  time 
 
 of  their  corfecration. 
 
 A  ND  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  faying, 
 
 X*  a.  2  Take  Aaron  and  his  fons  with  him,  and 
 *  the  garments,  and  ^  the  anointing  oil,  and  a  bullock^  Exod. 
 for  the  fin-offering,  and  two  rams,  and  a  bafket  of  un-u^F'v^.f' 
 leavened  bread  ^  30.  24. 
 
 j  with  the  fat  on  Uie  offerer’s  hands,  and  he  brought  tliem  to  the  door  of  the  ta- 
 
 1  bernacle,  and  waved  them  in  token  of  dedication  to  the  Lord.  Ver.  3.j _ 38. 
 
 It  was  a  juft  provifion  thus  to  make  for  the  fons  of  Aaron  ;  and  an  unalterable 
 law  that  Ifrael  ffiould  offer  their  oblations.  The  worfliip  and  fervice  of  God  are 
 ftill  an  indifpettfable  duty,  and  God’s  minifters  have  an  undoubted  right  to  a  futH- 
 cient  maintenance  ;  of  which  they  may  be  deprived  by  men’s  wickednefs  or  im¬ 
 piety  :  but  they  will  receive  an  abundant  recompence  from  God  for  their  fidclity- 
 who  will  remember  them  for  good. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  VIII.  Ver.  1 — 13.  Aaron  and  his  fons 
 
 Every  laljourer  in  the  houfe  of  God  deferves  fupport  according  to  his  work.  And  let  each  of  them 
 g  o  his  Jollity,  confolt  ^e  comfort  of  lus  poorer  brethren ;  remembering  how  odious  a  covetous  pevfon  is  efpecially  a  minifter  of  tiie  fan<5luary.  May  it  htt 
 our  happinefs  to  feaft  with  Chrift  anu  his  people,  and  be  preferved  from  minglmg  any  thing  with  his  aU-^fficient  promife/  ^  ^  * 
 
 No,  7,,,,6dt  ii  e 
 
Moses  evils  cratelh  Aaron  and  his  sons. 
 
 LEVITICUS. 
 
 Before 
 
 Cl'.rill 
 
 1490. 
 
 c  Esod. 
 39.  4. 
 
 d  Exod. 
 28.  SO. 
 
 e  Exod. 
 28.  37, 
 See, 
 
 fPfalm 
 1  33.  2. 
 Ecclus. 
 45.  15. 
 
 Ilcb. 
 bouticl. 
 g  Exod. 
 39.  10. 
 
 h  Exod. 
 29.  14. 
 
 'he  congregation  together 
 
 i  l^^t  ^ 5  labernade  of  me  congregafion. 
 
 j  Lop.d  commanded  him  : 
 
 and  the  affembly  was  gathered  together  unto  the  door 
 Of  tne  tabernacle  of  the  congregation. 
 
 5  And  Mofes  (aid  unto  the  congregation,  ‘  This  is 
 the  thing  vvhich  the  Lord  commanded  to  be  done. 
 
 6  And  Moles  brougiit  Aaron  and  his  fons,  and 
 Walned  them  with  water. 
 
 put  upon  him  the  coat,  and  girded  him 
 with  the  girdle,  and  clothed  him  with  the  robe,  and 
 put  the  ephod  upon  him,  and  girded  him  w-ith  the 
 curious  girdle  of  the  ephod,  and  bound  it  unto  him 
 therewith. 
 
 S  And  he  put  the  breaflplate  upon  him  :  alfo  he 
 
 put  in  the  breallplate  the  Urim  and  the  Thummim. 
 
 9  And  he  put  the  mitre  upon  his  head  ;  alio  upon 
 the  mitre,  even  upon  his  fore  front,  did  he  put  the 
 golden  plate,  the  holy  crovrn ;  as  the  Lord  «  com- 
 manded  Mofes. 
 
 JO  And  Mofes  took  the  anointing  oil,  and  anointed 
 the  tabernacle,  and  all  that  was  therein,  and  fanaified 
 them. 
 
 1 1  And  he  fprinkled  thereof  upon  the  altar  feven 
 times,  and  anointed  the  altar,  and  all  his  veffels,  both 
 the  laver  and  his  foot,  to  fan6fify  them. 
 
 12  And  he  ^  poured  of  the  anointing  oil  upon 
 Aaron  s  head,  and  anointed  him,  to  fanftity  him. 
 
 13  x\nd  Mofes  brought  Aaron’s  fons,  and  put  coats 
 upon  them,  and  girded  them  with  girdles,  and  t  put 
 bonnets  upon  them  ;  as  the  Lord  commanded  Mofes. 
 
 14  H  s  And  he  brought  the  bullock  for  the  lin-offer- 
 ing  :  and  Aaron  and  his  fons  laid  their  hands  up:  n 
 the  head  of  the  bullock  for  the  fin-offering. 
 
 15  And  he  flew  it and  Mofes  look  the  blood,  and 
 pur  it  upon  the  horns  of  the  altar  round  about  with 
 his  finger,  and  purified  the  altar,  and  poured  the  blood 
 at  the  bottom  of  the  altar,  and  fanclified  it,  to  make 
 reconciliation  upon  it. 
 
 16  And  he  took  all  the  fat  that  was  upon  the  in¬ 
 wards,  and  the  caul  above  the  liver,  and  the  tw'o  kid¬ 
 neys,  and  their  fat,  and  Mofes  burned  it  upon  the  altar. 
 
 17  But  the  bullock,  and  his  hide,  his  flefh  and  his 
 dung,  he  burnt  with  fire  without  the  camp;  as  the 
 Lord  commanded  Mofes. 
 
 18  And  he  brought  the  ram  for  the  burnt-offer¬ 
 ing  :  and  Aaron  and  his  fons  laid  their  hands  upon  the 
 head  of  the  ram. 
 
 19  And  he  killed  it  i  and  Mofes  fprinkled  the  blood 
 upon  the  altar  round  about. 
 
 20  And  he  cut  the  ram  into  pieces ;  and  Mofes 
 burnt  the  head,  and  the  pieces,  and  the  fat. 
 
 21  And  he  walhed  the  inwards  and  the  legs  in 
 water ;  and  Mofes  burnt  the  whole  rain  upon  the 
 altar :  it  was  a  burot-facrifice  for  a  fweet  favour,  and 
 an  offering  made  by  fire  unto  the  Lord;  as  the 
 Lord  commanded  Moles. 
 
 Of  the  ram  of  consecration. 
 
 are  here  confecrated.  The  people  are  all  gathered  together  unto  the  door  of 
 the  tabernacle,  to  grace  the  folemnity,  and  by  their  prayers  to  implore  the 
 divine  blefling.  Mofes  proceeds  in  the  confecration  according  to  God’s  diretft- 
 tion  j  he  firft  wafhes  them  ;  then  Aaron  is  clothed  with  beautiful  garments  and 
 a  diadem,  and  anointed  with  the  holy  oil,  as  is  likewife  the  tabernacle,  and  all 
 the  relfels  of  the  fan(5tuary.  Ver.  1 4 — 30,  They  who  were  to  offer  facrifice 
 for  the  fins  of  the  people,  firft  muft  make  atonement  for  their  own.  A  bullock 
 
 22  t  And  >  he  brought  the  other  ram,  the  ram  of  Before 
 conl'ecration :  and  Aaron  and  his  fons  laid  their  hands  ^*'''<1 
 upon  the  head  of  the  ram, 
 
 23  And  he  flew  it:  and  Mofes  took  of  the  blood 
 
 of  it,  and  put  it  upon  the  tip  of  Aaron’s  right  631,20.3°' 
 jand  upon  the  thumb  of  his  right  hand,  and  upon  the 
 I  great  coe'  of  his  right  foot. 
 
 !  24  And  he  brought  Aaron’s  fons,  and  Mofes  put 
 
 of  the  blood  upon  the  tip  of  their  right  ears,  and  upon 
 the  thumbs  of  their  right  hands,  and  upon  the  great 
 toes  of  their  right  feet;  and  Mofes  fprinkled  the 
 blood  upon  the  altar  round  about. 
 
 25  And  he  took  the  fat,  and  the  rump,  and  all  the 
 fat  that  was  upon  the  inwards,  and  the  caul  above  the 
 iiyer,  and  the  two  kidneys,  and  their  fat,  and  the 
 right  flioulder  : 
 
 26  And  cut  of  the  bafleet  of  unleavened  bread  that 
 was  before  the  Lord,  he  took  one  unleavened  cake, 
 and  a  cake  of  oiled  bread,  and  one  wafer,  and  put 
 them  on  the  fat,  and  upon  the  right  ffjoulcler  : 
 
 27  And  he  put  all  upon  Aaron’s  tiands,  and  upon*'^  Bxod, 
 his  fon’s  hands,  and  waved  them/c;r  a  wave-offering 
 before  the  Lord. 
 
 28  And  Moles  took  them  from  off  their  hands, 
 and  burnt  them  on  the  altar  upon  the  burnt-c;ffering  : 
 
 I  they  were  confecrations  for  a  fweet  favour  ;  it  is  an 
 offering  made  by  fire  unto  the  Lord. 
 
 29  And  Mofes  took  the  breaft,  and  waved  it  for 
 
 a  wave-offering  before  the  Lord  :  for  of  the  ram  of 
 confecration  it  was  Mofes’  '  part :  as  the  Lord  com- 1  Exod. 
 maded  Mofes.  29.25. 
 
 SO  And  Mofes  took  of  the  anointing  oil,  and  of 
 the  blood  W'hich  was  upon  the  altar,  and  fprinkled 
 it  upon  Aaron,  and  upon  his  garments,  and  upon  his 
 fons,  and  upon  l  is  fons’  garments  with  him  ;  and 
 fanffified  Aaron,  and  his  garments,  and  his  fons,  and 
 his  fons’  garments  with  him. 
 
 31  H  And  Mofes  laid  unto  Aaron  and  to  his  fons, 
 
 Boil  the  flefh  at  the  doer  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  con¬ 
 gregation,  and  there  “  eat  it  with  the  bread  that  is  in  ^  Exod. 
 the  bafket  of  confecrations,  as  I  commanded,  faying, 
 
 Aaron  and  his  fons  fhall  eat  it. 
 
 32  And  that  which  rerraineth  of  the  flefh  and  of 
 the  bread  (hall  ye  burn  witn  fire. 
 
 S3  And  ye  fhall  not  go  out  of  the  door  of  the  ta¬ 
 bernacle  of  the  congreption  in  feven  days,  until  the 
 days  of  your  confecration  be  at  an  end  :  for  "  feven  n  Exod. 
 days  fhall  he  confccrate  you.  29.  35. 
 
 34  As  he  hath  done  this  day.yy  the  Lord  hath 
 commanded  to  do,  to  make  an  atonement  for  you. 
 
 35  Therefore  fhall  ye  abide  at  the  door  of  the  ta¬ 
 bernacle  of  the  congregation,  day  and  night  feven 
 days,  and  keep  the  charge  of  the  Lord,  that  ye  die 
 not :  for  fo  I  am  commi'nded. 
 
 36  So  Aaron  and  his  fons  did  all  things  which  the 
 Lord  commanded  by  the  hand  of  Mofes.* 
 
 was  ofTered  for  a  Cn-ofTering,  a  ram  as  a  burnt-offering,  and  another  for  con¬ 
 fecration  ;  the  blood  of  which  was  partly  fprinkled  on  the  altar,  and  partly  put 
 upon  their  ears,  thumbs,  and  great  toes,  and  ou  tlieir  garments  ;  and  a  cake  of 
 the  meat-offering  was  put  into  their  hands  with  the  wave-flioulder,  and  burnt 
 upon  the  altar.  Ver.  31 — 37.  Seven  days  the  confecration  lafted;  every  day 
 the  fame  facrifices  were  repeated  ;  and  they  are  enjoined  on  penalty  of  death, 
 not  to  go  out  of  the  tabernacle,  but  to  keep  the  charge  of  the  Lord,  day  and 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  VIII.]  Let  us  turn  our  eyes  from  Aaron  and  his  fons,  to  Jefus,  our  great  high-prieft  over  the  houfe  of  God. 
 He  was  folemnly  invefted  with  his  office  in  the  view  of  angels  and  men.  He  is  anointed  with  tho  Holy  Spirit  above  meafure,  for  the  fupplyiug  of  all  his  followers, 
 with  the  heavenly  influences,  by  which  they  are  all  confecrated  to  God.  Let  every  minifter  learn  whence  he  inuft  derive  neceffary  qualifications  for  his  work ;  and 
 let  every  believer  fee  tke  iDaportaace  of  being  thoroughly  vralUed  from  bis  fms,  in  order  to  his  prefenting  himfeh  acceptably  before  God. 
 
Of  the 
 
 Before 
 
 Chria 
 
 M90. 
 
 t,EVITICUS. 
 
 a  Esod. 
 29.  1. 
 
 shi-ojfcnng  ayid  hurrd-ejfirmg. 
 
 CHAP.  IX.  ,  ,  ^ 
 
 1  The frjl  off-cringe  of  Aaron  for  himsef  oLJn'^s'^for 
 
 off-criii  12  ami  the  burnt-offeringjor  lumfelf  15  Ihe  offerings  J or 
 
 i^ievcople.  ‘23  Mosce  and  Aaron  blcfs  the  people,  j;€. 
 
 A  ND  it  cametopaCs  on  the  eighth  day 
 
 Mofes  called  Aaron  and  his  Ions,  and  the 
 
 elders  of  Krael  ;  ,  rr.  i  l 
 
 2  And  he  faid  unto  Aaron,  lake  thee  a  young 
 
 calf  for  a  fln-oflering,  and  a  ram  for  a  burnt-ofiering, 
 without  blemifli,  and  offer  them  before  the  Lord. 
 
 3  And  unto  the  children  of  Ifrael  thou  (halt  Ipeak, 
 faying.  Take  ye  a  kid  of  the  goats  f<'r  a  un-offering  ; 
 and  a'  calf  and  a  lamb,  haih  of  the  firft  year,  without 
 blemifh,  for  a  burnt-offering  ; 
 
 4  Allb  a  bullock  and  a  ram  for  peace-otierings, 
 to  facrifice  before  the  Lord  ;  and  a  meat-ofiering 
 mingled  with  oil :  for  to-day  the  Lord  will  appear 
 
 5  1!  And  they  brought  ^//^zMvhich  Mofes  commanded 
 before  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation  ;  and  all  the 
 congregation  drew  near,  an  ’  ftood  before  the  Lord. 
 
 6  And  Moles  fuid,  This  is  the  thing  which  the 
 Lord  commanded  that  ye  fhould  do  ;  and  the  glory 
 of  the  Lord  fhali  appear  unto  you. 
 
 7  And  Mofes  faid  unto  Aaron,  Go  vinto  the  altar, 
 and  offer  thy  fin-offeiing,  and  thy  burnt-offering,  and 
 make  an  atonement  for  thyfelf,  and  for  the  people  ; 
 and  offer  the  offering  of  the  people,  and 
 atonemeni'  for  them  j  as  the  Lord  commanded. 
 
 8  H  Aaron  therefore  went  unto  the  altar,  and  flew 
 the  calf  of  the  fin-offering  which  xws  for  himfelf. 
 
 9  And  the  fons  of  Aaron  brought  the  blood  unto 
 him  ;  and  he  dipped  his  finger  in  the  blood,  and  put 
 it  upon  the  horns  of  the  altar,  and  poured  out  the 
 blood af  the  bottom  of  the  altar  : 
 
 10  But  the  fat  and  the  kidneys,  and  the  caul  above 
 the  liver  of  the  fin-off  ring,  he  burnt  upon  the  altar ; 
 as  the  Lord  commanded  Mofes. 
 
 1 1  And  the  flefh  and  the  hide  he  burnt  with  fire 
 
 without  the  camp.  _  ,  *  > 
 
 12  And  he  flew  the  burnt-offering  ;  and  Aaron  o 
 fons  prefeDicd  unto  him  the  blood,  which  he  fprinkled 
 round  about  upon  the  altar. 
 
 13  And  they  prefented  the  burnt-offering  unto  him, 
 with  the  pieces  thereof,  and  the  head  j  and  he  burnt 
 the?n  upon  the  altar. 
 
 14  And  he  did  wafh  the  inwards  and  the  legs,  and 
 burnt  them  upon  the  burnt-offering  on  the  altar. 
 
 Moses  and  Aaron  bless  the  people* 
 
 Before 
 
 Clirist 
 
 1490. 
 
 Or, 
 
 15  11  And  he  brought  the  people  s  offering,  and 
 took  the  goat  wLich  xeas  the_  fin-oftenng  for  the 
 people,  and  flew  it,  and  offered  it  for  lin,  as  the  firft. 
 
 16  And  he  brought  the  burnt-offering,  and  offered 
 
 it  according  to  the  |l  manner.  ordinance, 
 
 17  And  he  brought  the  meat-offering,  and  t 
 
 an  handful  thereof,  and  burnt  it  upon  the  altar,  his 
 
 fide  the  burnt-facrifice  of  the  morning.  .  ha  f  out 
 
 18  He  flew  alfo  the  bullock  and  the  ram^ora  g  j^^od. 
 fice  of  peace-offerings  which  was  for  the  people  :  and^^  3^, 
 Aaron’s  fons  prefented  unto  him  the  blood,  which 
 
 he  fprinkled  upon  the  altar  round  about. 
 
 19  And  the  fat  of  the  bullock  and  of  the  ram  the 
 rump,  and  that  which  covereth  Me  inwards,  and  tne 
 
 kidnevs.  and  the  caul  above  the  liver  ; 
 
 20  And  they  put  the  fat  upon  the  breafts,  and  he 
 
 burnt  the  fat  upon  the  altar  1  ,  n  u  a 
 
 ^  21  And  the  breafts  and  the  right  fboulder  Aaron 
 waved  Jbr  a  wave  offering  before  the  Lord;  as 
 
 Mofes  commanded.  , 
 
 22  And  Aaron  lifted  up  his  hand  toward  the  people, 
 and  bleffed  them ;  and  came  down  trorm  offering  ot 
 the  fin-offering,  and  the  burnt-offering,  and  peace- 
 
 offerings.  .  I  .  U 
 
 23  H  And  Mofes  and  Aaron  went  into  the  ta^r- 
 nacle  of  the  congregation,  and  came  our,  and  bleffed  c  Gen. 
 the  people ;  and  the  glory  of  the  Lord  appeared  unto  ^ 
 
 all  the  people.  is.  ss. 
 
 ^4;  And  there  came  a  fire  out  from  betore  the  2  chron. 
 Lo'rd,  and  confumed  upon  the  altar  the  burnt-oftlr- 7- 1- 
 ing  and  the  fat;  xvnch  when  all  the  people  law,  they 
 fhouted  and  fell  on  their  faces.* 
 
 CHAP.  X. 
 
 1  Nadab  and  Abiint,  for  offering  Jlrange  fire,  are  burnt  by  f  re :  6  Aaron 
 
 and  his  sons  are  forbidden  to  mourn  for  them.  8  The  priests  are  for¬ 
 bidden  wine  when  they  are  to  go  into  ihe  tabernacle.  12  The  law  of  eating 
 
 the  holy  things;  16  Aaron's  exciife for  transgrejfing  thereof. 
 
 \  ND  "  Nadab  and  Abihu,  tne  fons  ot  Aaron,  took  J 
 /■^  either  of  them  his  cenfer,  and  put  fire  therein,  gg.  g]. 
 and  put  incenfe  thereon,  and  offered  ftrange  fire  be- 1  chron, 
 fore  the  Lord,  which  he  commanded  them  not.  24. 2. 
 
 2  And  there  went  out  fire  from  the  Lord,  and  de¬ 
 voured  them ;  and  they  died  before  the  Lord. 
 
 3  Then  M  fes  faid  unto  Aaron,  This  is  it  that  the 
 Lord  fpake,  faying,  1  will  be  fanaified  in  them  that 
 come  nigh  me,  and  before  all  the  people  I  will  be  glo¬ 
 rified.  And  Aaron  held  his  peace. 
 
 4  And  Mofes  called  Miff.ael  and  Elzaphan,  the  Tons 
 
 night  ;  and  meanwhile,  their  peace-ofterings  were  to  be  eaten  before  the  Lord, 
 according  to  the  commandment ;  all  w-hich  was  exadlly  performed. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  IX.  Ver.  1—7.  They  who  are  or¬ 
 dained  for  the  fervice  of  the  miniltry,  muft  know  no  idlenefs.  Aaron  and  his  j 
 fons  muft  immediately,  on  their  coufecration,  enter  on  the  fervice.  1.  They 
 muft  begin  the  work  of  facrificing.  As  their  own  fin  muft  be  their  firft  concern, 
 a  calf  of  atonement  is  offered,  and  a  ram  for  a  burnt-offering  :  the  people  alfo 
 are  enjoined  to  bring  their  oflering  to  Aaron,  that  he  may  offer  it  up,  as  an  atone¬ 
 ment  for  him.  2.  God  prorailes  to  manifeft  a  difplay  of  his  glory  to  them,  as 
 a  token  of  his  pleafure  toward  them.  Ver.  8 — 22.  Here  Aaron  begins  his  mi- 
 niftrations,  and  according  to  the  commandment  of  the  Lord  offers  the  different 
 kinds  of  facrifice.  The  daily  burnt  facrifice  was  offered  betides  the  extraordinary 
 ones.  As  foon  as  the  whole  was  finiibed,  he,  as  an  liigh-prieft,  being  God’s  re- 
 prefentalive,  gives  his  benedidlion  to  the  people.  Ver.  28,  24.  Mofes  goes  in 
 with  Aaron  either  to  diredl  him,  or  fee  him  perform  thofe  offices  which  were  to 
 be  done  in  the  holy  place.  At  their  return  they  join  in  their  bleffing  upon  the 
 
 people,  who  waited  at  the  door  of  the  tabernacle,  and  God  fealed  the  blcffings  ; 
 1.  By  a  vifible  difplay  of  his  glory  from  the  holy  place.  We  are  not  informed  of 
 the  manner ;  but  in  all  probability  it  might  refemble  the  fiery  pillar  which  filled 
 the  fan6t;uary  the  day  it  was  ereited.  2.  There  came  out  a  fire  from  before  the 
 Lord,  and  confumed  the  facrifice ;  it  has  been  fuppofed  that  this  facrifice  was  the 
 evening  one,  now  ready  to  be  offered,  with  the  fat  of  the  peace-ofl'eriugs  that  were 
 1  to  be  burnt  upon  it. 
 
 1  EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  X.  Ver.  1,  2.  We  have  here  an  aw- 
 :  ful  inftance  of  judgment  executed  on  Aaron’s  two  fons,  for  difobeying  what  God 
 '  had  commanded  concerning  the  manner  in  w-liich  he  would  be  worthipped- 
 I  Their  fin  appears  to  have  arifen,  either  from  their  taking  common  fire,  or  doing 
 ’  it  at  a  time  not  commanded  by  God.  Some  have  fuppofed  that  they  w  .re  in  a 
 j  ftate  of  intoxication,  having  drank  too  freely  in  their  feafts, for  which  fin  God  wa*. 
 dil'pleafed.  Others  think,  that  they  did  it  from  oftentation,  being  lifted  up  by 
 !  their  new  office.  Their  fin  w.as  oflering  ftrange  incenfe  before  the  Lord; 
 I  for  which  fire  from  the  Lord  devoured  them,  whcHi  in  the  very  adl  of  rebellioa. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  IX.]  Our  Lord  who  was  confecrated  priest  by  an  oath,  in  due  time  had  offered  himfelf  for  the  reconciliation 
 of  his  people.  Me  hath  alfo  entered  the  holy  place,  and  thall  not  ceafe  to  promote  their  interest  till  he  come  forth  to  pronounce  them  bleffed.  ^  And  even  now,  they 
 have  in  all  their  atfemblies  abundant  evidence  by  the  prefence  of  God,  and  the  influence  of  his  Spirit,  that  he  interceues  in  heaven  in  their  behalt. — Let  every  minister 
 of  the  fandtuary  earnestly  feek,  lliat  all  his  brethren  n>ay  enjoy  divine  favour ;  and  may  they  learn  to  prize  the  ordinances  ot  religion,  which  God  approves  to  be  his^ 
 by  his  prefence  and  blefling.  Let  us  all  patiently  wait  on  God ;  the  difplay  of  his  glory  will  amply  repay  all  our  cares  and  furrows. 
 
Aaton  and  hi$  sons  Jbi  hidden  to  'tnouvn. 
 
 ?Mft  ^'^ziel  ihe  uncle  of  Aaron,  and  faid  unto  them 
 1490.  ^onie  near,  carry  your  brethren  from  before  the 
 lanctii^ary  out  or  the  camp. 
 
 5  So  they  went  near,  and  carried  them  in  their 
 coats  out  of  the  camp  ;  as  Mofes  had  laid. 
 
 onA  ^aid  unto  Aaron,  and  unto  Eleazar 
 
 and  unto  Ithamar,  his  Ions,  Uncover  not  your  heads, 
 neither  rend  your  clothes,  Itif  ye  die,  and  left  wrath 
 come  opon  all  the  people :  but  let  your  brethren,  the 
 whole  houie  of  Ifrael,  bewail  the  burning  which  the 
 Lord  hath  kindled. 
 
 7  And  ye  fhall  not  go  out  from  the  door  of  the 
 tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  left  ye  die :  for  the 
 anointing  oil  of  the  Lord  is  upon  you.  And  they 
 did  according  to  the  word  of  Mofes. 
 
 S  ^  And  the  Lord  Ipake  unto  Aaron,  faying, 
 
 9  Do  not  drink  wine  nor  ftrong  drink,  thou,  nor 
 
 ^  With  whfn  yc  go  into  the  tabernscl*^ 
 
 ot  the  congregation,  left  ye  die  :  ii  shall  he  a  ftatute 
 for  ever  throughout  your  generations  : 
 
 10  And  that  ye  may  put  difference  between  holy 
 
 and  unholy,  and  between  unclean  and  clean  ;  ' 
 
 11  And  that  ye  may  teach  the  children  of  Ifrael  all ' 
 
 u  u  Lord  hath  fpoken  unto  them  | 
 
 by  the  hand  of  Mofes. 
 
 12  And  Mofes  fpake  unto  Aaron,  and  unto 
 
 Lleazar  and  unto  Ithamar,  his  fons  that  were  left 
 lake  the  meat-offering  that  remaineth  of  the  offerings 
 u  made  by  fire,  and  eat  it  without  leaven! 
 
 befide  the  altar  :  for  it  zs  moft  holy. 
 
 •  And  ye  fhall  eat  it  in  the  holy  place,  becaufe  it 
 zs  thy  due,  and  thy  fons*  due,  of  the  facrifices  of  the 
 Lord  made  by  fire  :  for  fo  I  am  commanded. 
 
 14  And  ^  the  wave-breaft  and  heave-fhculder  ftiall 
 ye  eat  in  a  clean-place ;  thou,  and  thy  fons,  and  thy 
 daughters  with  thee :  for  l/my  be  thy  due,  and  thy 
 fons*  due,  'which  are  given  out  of  the  facrifices  of 
 peace-offerings  of  the  children  of  Ifrael. 
 
 15  The  heave-fhoulder  and  the  wave-breaft  fhall 
 they  bring,  with  the  offerings  made  by  fire  of  the  fat, 
 p  wave  iijor  a  wave-offering  before  the  Lord  ;  and 
 it  fhall  be  thine,  a’xi  thy  fons  with  thee,  by  a  ftatute 
 for  ever  ;  as  the  Lord  hath  commanded. 
 
 16  H  And  Mofe.3  diligently  fought  the  goat  of  the 
 
 LEVITICUS. 
 
 b  Exod. 
 29.  24. 
 
 God  fometimes  flops  the  moutli  of  the  profane,  with  the  lie  and  the  oath  half' 
 uttered,  and  lets  the  drunkard,  when  in  a  flate  of  intoxication,  fall  into  eternal  I 
 death,  ^'er.  3—7.  This  unexpeaed  ftroke  would  probably  foread  terror  amone  * 
 the  people,  and  particularly  affea  Aaron  and  his  family,  Mofes  viewing  the  ju(:  i 
 tice  of  tlie  judgment  which  had  taken  place,  ufes  proper  means  to  prevent  any  in-  1 
 terruption  in  the  prefent  folemnity.  1.  He  endeavours  to  fuggefl  arguments  ofl 
 refignation  to  Aaron  from  the  juftice  of  the  fentence,  and  the  glory  of  God  therein  ' 
 manifefled.  2.  Aaron  held  his  peace.  Deeply  afleaed  as  he  was  with  the  death 
 of  his  fons,  he  dared  not  to  complain  nor  utter  a  murmuring  fentence.  S.  Mofes 
 commands  the  bodies  to  be  removed.  Aaron  and  his  fons  are  not  allowed  to  touch 
 them,  lert  they  be  defiled  ,  their  other  relations  therefore  take  them  up,  and  carry 
 them  without  the  camp,  and  bury  them  in  their  clothes.  The  duty  of  burial  was 
 laid  on  their  coufins  the  Lgvites,  not  on  their  nearer  relations,  the  priefts,  that  they 
 might  attend  fliil  to  tlieir  fcrvice  in  the  tabernacle ;  in  the  performance  of  which 
 they  were  not  to  appear  in  the  habits  of  fmourning,  for  the  /loly  oil  was  on  them, 
 and  denoted  the  graces  of  the  Spirit,  among  which  joy  is  not  the  leaft  diftinguifli- 
 ed,  chap.  xxi.  4.  Aaron  and  his  fons  are  forbid  on  penalty  of  death,  to  tliew  any 
 token  of' mourning  for  them,  lefl  they  fhould  bring  down  wrath  upon  the  people. 
 
 5.  Though  Aaron  is  reftrained  from  mcftirning,  the  people  mufl.  That  fire  which 
 
 IVhat  heasis  may,  and  may  not  he  eaten 
 
 fui-oftering,  and,  behold,  it  was  burnt :  and  he  wns  Bef 
 
 angry  w.ih  n  -apr  and  Ithamar,  the  fonsot  Aaren 
 
 which  were  left  olwr,  faying,  Hdo, 
 
 thA  have  ye  not  eaten  the  fin-offering  in 
 
 the  holy  place,  feeing  ir  is  raoft  holy,  and  God  hath 
 given  It  you  to  bear  the  iniquity  of  the  congregation 
 
 IS  Lenold,  the  blood  of  it  was  not  brousht  in 
 ;-\ithin  the  holy  place :  ye  fhould  indeed  have  eLen  it 
 m  tiie  holy  c  j  commanded.  c  ci 
 
 19  And  Aaron  faid  unto  Mofes,  Behold,  this  dav®-  26?" 
 haye  they  ofiered  their  fm  offering  and  their  burn? 
 offering  before  th^e  Lord  ;  and  fuch  things'  have  be! 
 
 Ullen  me  :  and  j/' I  had  eaten  the  fin-eff^ring  to^dav 
 
 accepted  in  the  fight  of  th?LoRD^^ 
 
 20  And  when  Moles  heard  that,  he  was  content. 
 
 „  CHAP.  XI. 
 
 1  What  beafs  may,  4  and  ivhat  may  not  be  eaten  •  0  IVhnt  ^  ^ 
 
 tvU  the  Lord  ipake  unto  Mofes  and  to  Aaron, 
 
 _ _ faying  unto  them,  * 
 
 2  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Ifrael  favinw  a  „ 
 
 aall  eat  amo’ngllThe 
 
 chat  are  on  the  earth. 
 
 3  Wbatfoever  parteth  the  hoof,  and  is  doven-foot- “■ 
 
 ye  ealf  ' 
 
 4  Neyerthelefs,  thtfe  (hail  ye  not  eat  of  them  that 
 chew  tne  cud,  cr  ot  them  that  divide  the  hoof: 
 
 he  cheweth  the  cud,  but  dividetli 
 not  tne  nooi ;  he  js  unclean  unto  you. 
 
 A-  pney,  becaufe  he  cheweth  the  cud,  but 
 
 divideth  not  the  hoof  ;  he  is  unclean  unto  you. 
 
 j*  l^-are,  becaufe  he  cheweth  the  cud  but 
 
 divideth  not  the  hoof;  he  is  unclean  unto  you. 
 
 kJ  1  f  Iwine,  though  he  divide  the  hoof,  and  2  Ma& 
 be  cloven-footed,  yet  he  cheweth  not  the  cud  •  he ’s®- 
 unclean  to  you.  * 
 
 sOftheirflefh  fhall  ye  not  eat,  and  their  carcafe 
 ^  n  unclean  to  you. 
 
 wn.  ye  eat  of  all  that  are  in  the  waters  ; 
 
 Whatfoever  hath  fins  and  fcales  in  the  waters,  in  the 
 leas,  and  in  the  rivers,  them  fhall  ye  eat. 
 
 10  And  all  that  have  not  fins  and  fcales  in  the  feas. 
 
 was  kir, died  might  have  fpread  much  further,  had  God  vifited  them  in  a  like  man 
 ner  for  their  fnis  .and  provoeations.  Ver.  8_]  1.  Aaron  being  coiifecrated  hSh 
 puefl,  God  immediately  addrelfes  his  commands  to  him.  WiiS  and  flrong  drfnli 
 the  pnefls  receive  a  caution  to  avoid,  as  when  thev  went  fr,  •  ,  7‘fc 
 
 .1.0,  (hould  b.  poflbW  of  a  ele„  h;ad  a.  .™11  .LZ 
 
 tingmfli  between  holy  and  unholy,  and  their  tranfgreflion  is  threatened  ^fth  fli^ 
 penalty  of  death  ;  from  wliich  it  has  been  thongl/that  Aaron4  fon 
 Im  and  fnfienng  to  this  tranfgrelTion.  Ver.  12—20.  The  ferviVe  nmrt  i  o  !i 
 od  i„.  Coogh  .1,0  broach  had  take,,  place.  Tb, 
 
 greater  caution,  and  nfe  more  diligence.  1 .  Mofes  repeats  the  former  direiaion” 
 concerning  he  offerings.  2.  He  reproves  Eleazar  and  Ithamar  for  an  error  they 
 
 nH  A  «^‘hey  had  burnt  the  whole  without  the  camp! 
 
 and  the  blood  had  not  been  brought  into  the  holy  place,  which  was  contrary  to  tl^^l 
 injunaion.  3.  Aaron  pleads  as  an  excufe  the  affliaed  flate  he  was  in,  and  aUhouEli 
 he  fnbmitted  to  God  s  difpenfations,  be  fliil  felt  as  a  father.  4.  Mofes  adruffs  ol 
 Ins  plea;  cither  thinking  the  matter  juflihed  by  Aaron’s  circumftances  or  Sat  as 
 
 ..■ooh  clean  md  unclean  oxifted  before  tl.e  flood,  and  Hill  coililined  to'bflbfmi 
 
 ^  *  6HAr.  X.  j  Great  is  the  Lord,  and  greatly  is  he  to  be  feared  by  all  who  furround  his  throne  Gre-n  nnA 
 
 are  all  his  works,  juft  and  true  are  his  ways  ;  and  tlmfe  who  walk  in  pride  and  pleafure  he  lhall  abafe.  Whatever  be  our  chaiadler  ftaiinn*  n  •  tnarvellou 
 
 clothed  with  humility  ;  for  the  moft  diftinguifhed  favours  of  God  are  often  clofely  conneaed  with  bis  moft  awful  judgments  Lately  .'’J 
 
 Mofes  and  faw  the  G^  of  Ifrae),  but  now  we  behold  tliem  dead  before  the  Lord.  Let  us  humbly  fubmit  to  his  fiveilimi  and  rtl  teouf  S.T  w4l 
 Sobriety  becomes  all,  Specially  the  mmiflers  of  the  fanauary.  Intemperance  is  not  lefs  ruinous  to  the  bodv  than  the  foul  •  for  it  i’ 
 
 death.  D^eftic  afflia.on  often  interrupts  important  duties;  and  is  apt  to  harafs  the  mind  in  the  moft  folemn  fervices.  It  is  oo^lfriins  m  f  if  f  y  a 
 
 md  pneft  has  compaffion  on  the  ignorant  and  on  thofe  who  err,  and  is  touched  with  the  feelhig  of  our  infirmities.  •  oomtorting  to  know  that  our  leadei 
 
1490. 
 
 LEVITICUS. 
 
 iVhat  hiasls  may. 
 
 Brfor.  and  in  the  rivers,  of  ail  that  move  in  the  waters,  and 
 ciirift  of  any  living  thing  which  is  in  the  waters,  they  shall  be 
 
 ,  an  abomination  unto  you  :  _  . 
 
 11  They  Ihall  be  even  an  abominatia^unto  you  , 
 ye  (hall  not  eat  of  their  flefh,  but  ye  (h^fli^ave  their 
 
 carcafes  in  abomination.  r  ,  .  .  ‘  * 
 
 12  Whatfoever  hath  no  fins  nor  fcales  in  the  waters, 
 
 that  shall  be  an  abomination  unto  you. 
 
 13  H  And  thefe  are  they  which  ye  (hall  have  in  abo¬ 
 mination  among  the  fowls:  they  (hall  not  be  eaten, 
 they  are  an  abomination :  The  eagle  and  the  oflifrage, 
 
 and  the  ofprey,  ,  .  , .  r  u-  i  j 
 
 14  And  the  vulture,  and  the  kite  arter  his  kind  ; 
 
 15  Every  raven  after  his  kind ; 
 
 16  And  the  owl,  and  the  night-hawk,  and  the 
 cukoo,  and  the  hawk  after  his  kind  ; 
 
 17  And  the  little  owl,  and  the  cormorant,  and  the 
 
 great  owl,  •  u  • 
 
 18  And  the  fwan,  and  the  pelican,  and  the  gter- 
 
 19  And  the  ftork,  the  heron  after  her  kind,  and  the 
 
 lapwing,  and  the  bat.  ^  .  z. 
 
 20  All  (owls  that  creep,  going  upon  all  (our,  shall  be 
 
 an  abomination  unto  you.  , 
 
 21  Yet  the(e  may  ye  eat,  of  every  flying  creeping 
 thing  that  goeth  upon  all  (our,  which  have  legs  above 
 their  feet,  to  leap  withal  upon  the  earth  ; 
 
 22  Even  thefe  of  them  ye  may  eat ;  the  locult  alter 
 his  kind,  and  the  bald  locua  after  his  kind,  and  the 
 beetle  after  his  kind,  and  the  gralhopper  alter  his  kind. 
 
 23  But  all  other  flying  creeping  things,  which  have 
 four  feet,  shall  be  an  abomination  unto  you. 
 
 24  And  for  thefe  ye  (hall  be  unclean :  whofoever 
 toucheth  the  carcafe  of  them  (hall  be  unclean  until  the 
 
 even.  ^  . 
 
 25  And  whofoever  beareth  ought  of  the  carcale  or 
 them  (hall  wa(h  his  clothes,  and  be  unclean  until  the 
 
 even.  .  >  ,  u 
 
 26  The  carcases  of  every  beaft  which  divideth  the 
 
 hoof,  and  is  not  cloven  footed,  nor  cheweth  the  cud, 
 are  unclean  unto  you :  every  one  that  toucheth  them 
 (hall  be  unclean. 
 
 .  27  And  whatfoever  goeth  upon  his  paws,  among 
 all  manner  of  beafts  that  go  on  all  four,  thofe  are 
 unclean  unto  you  :  whofo  toucheth  their  carcafe  (hall 
 be  unclean  until  the  even. 
 
 28  And  he  that  beareth  the  carcafe  of  them  (hall 
 wa(h  his  clothes,  and  be  unclean  until  the  even :  they 
 are  unclean  unto  you. 
 
 29  H  Thefe  alfo  shall  be  unclean  unto  you  among 
 the  creeping  things  that  creep  upon  the  earth  ;  The 
 wealel,  and  the  moufe,  and  the  tortoile  alter  his  kind, 
 
 30  And  the  ferret,  and  the  chameleon,  and  the  li¬ 
 zard,  and  the  fnail,  and  the  mole. 
 
 31  Thefe  are  unclean  to  you  among  all  that  creep  ; 
 
 and  may  noty  be  eaten. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 1490. 
 
 >  c  Chap. 
 6.  iJ3. 
 
 whofoever  doth  touch  them,  when  they  be  dead,  (hall 
 
 be  unclean  until  the  even.  u  .u., , 
 
 32  And  upon  whatfoever  any  of  them,  when  they 
 
 are  dead,  doth  fall,  it  (hall  be  unclean  :  whether  it  be 
 any  vefifel  of  wood,  or  raiment,  or  (km,  or  what- 
 foever  veffel  it  be  wherein  any  work  is  done, 
 be  put  into  water,  and  it  (hall  be  unclean  until  t  e 
 
 even  *  fo  it  (hall  be  cleanfed. 
 
 33  And  every  earthen  velTel  whereinto  any  of  them 
 falleth,  whatfoever  is  in  it  (hall  be  unclean;  and  ye' 
 
 ^34  O^all  meat  which  may  be  eaten,  on  which 
 
 such  water  cometh  (hall  be  ^  undean  ^ 
 
 may  be  drunk  in  every  such  veffel  (hall  be  “^^lean. 
 
 35  And  every  thing  whereupon  any  part  o(  their 
 carcafe  falleth  (hall  be  unclean  ;  whether  it  be  o^^n,  or 
 ranges  for  pots,  they  (hall  be  broken  down  :  for  they 
 «r/unclean,  and  (hall  be  unclean  unto  you. 
 
 36  Neverthelefs  a  fountain  or  pit,  t 
 plenty  of  water,  (hall  be  clean  ;  but  that  whic 
 
 eth  their  carcafe  (hall  be  unclean.  gethero/ 
 
 37  And  if  any  part  theit  carcafe  fall  upon  any  u-a;er*. 
 fowing-feed,  which  is  to  be  fown,  it  shall  be  clean. 
 
 38  Butif  any  water  be  put  upon  the  feed,  and  any  part 
 of  their  carcafe  fall  thereon,  it  shall  be  unclean  un  to  you. 
 
 39  And  if  any  beafl  of  which  you  may  eat  die ,  he 
 
 that  toucheth  the  carcafe  thereof  (hall  be  unclean  un¬ 
 til  the  even.  r  r 
 
 40  And  he  that  eateth  of  the  carcafe  ot  it  (hall 
 
 wa(h  his  clothes,  and  be  unclean  until  the  even  :  he 
 alfo  that  beareth  the  carcale  of  it  (hall  wa(h  his 
 clothes,  and  be  unclean  until  the  even. 
 
 41  And  every  creeping  thing  that  creepeth  upon  the 
 earth  shall  be  an  abomination  ;  it  (hall  not  be  eaten. 
 
 42  Whatfoever  goeth  upon  the  belly,  and  whatfoever 
 goeth  upon  all  four,  or  whatfoever  f  hath  more  (eet  t  Heb. 
 among  all  creeping  things  that  creep  upon  the  earth, 
 them  ye  (hall  not  eat ;  for  they  are  an  abomination. 
 
 43  Ye  (hall  not  make  f  yourfelves  abominable  with  t  Heb. 
 
 any  creeping  thing  that  creepeth,  neither  (hall  ye  makei'®"’'""^*- 
 yourfelves  unclean  with  them,  that  ye  (hould  be  de¬ 
 fied  thereby.  ,  „  „  .  r 
 
 44  For  1  am  the  Lord  your  God  i  ye  (hall  therefore 
 fandify  yourfelves,  and  ye  (hall  be  holy  ;  For  I  ami  Chap, 
 holv  :  neither  (hall  ye  defile  yourfelves  with  any  ncan- ‘9-  2-  & 
 ner’of  creeping  thing  that  creepeth  upon  the  earth,  j 
 
 45  For  1  am  the  Lord  that  bringeth  you  up  out  of  i.  15. 
 the  land  of  Egypt,  to  be  your  God  :  ye  (hall  therefore 
 
 be  holy  ;  for  I  am  holy.  ,  .  r  1 
 
 46  This  is  the  law  of  the  beafts,  and  of  the  (owl, 
 and  of  every  living  creature  that  moveth  in  the  waters, 
 and  of  every  creature  that  creepeth  upon  the  earth  ; 
 
 47  To  make  a  difference  between  the  unclean  and 
 the  clean,  and  between  the  beaft  that  may  be  eaten 
 and  the  beaft  that  may  not  be  eaten.* 
 
 ed,  fee  Gen.  xliii.  32.  God  now  exprefsly  prefcribes  diredlions  to  his  people  on 
 this  point.  Ver.  3.  And  if  no  other  reafon  is  granted  than  God’s  will,  it  is  fuf- 
 ficient  for  them  lo  acquiefce  in  it ;  but  the  beafts  forbidden  were  either  for  the 
 Bioft  part  unwbolefome  or  disagreeable  ;  and  God  intended  to  make  the  fence 
 ftrong  between  his  people  and  the  nations  around  them  ;  who  probably  either 
 regarded  many  of  thefe  beafts  as  holy  to  their  deities,  or  ufed  them  for 
 food.  Beafts  which  anfwered  but  half  the  defcription  were  deemed  un¬ 
 clean,  Ver.  8.  They  are  commanded  not  even  to  touch  when  dead,  thofe 
 beafts  that  they  were  not  to  eat  when  living.  Ver.  9 — 12.  A  rule  is  here 
 allb  given  concerning  fifties ;  we  have  had  an  account  before  of  unclean  fifti, 
 
 but  the  Jewifh  nation,  who  were  to  be  kept  feparate  from  others,  were  undtr 
 peculiar  reftraints.  Ver.  13—19.  The  fowls  which  are  to  be  viewed  as  unclean, 
 are  here  particularly  fpecified.  Their  names  are  uncertain  now,  which  is  of  no 
 moment,  the  inftitution  having  ceafed.  They  were  in  general,  either  birds  of 
 prey,  unclean  feeders,  or  birds  of  the  night.  Ver.  20—42.  Laws  concerning 
 infedls.  Flying  creeping  animals  are  forbidden,  and  particular  injuntftions 
 given  with  refpeC"!  to  their  carcafes.  Thofe  who  touched  them  were  to  be  con- 
 I  lidered  as  unclean  ;  and  whatfoever  they  fell  upon  or  touched,  muft  be  waflied  or 
 fconred,  or  if  earthen,  muft  be  broken,  and  the  liquid  fpilt,  with  the  exception  of 
 I  a  fountain  or  pit,  wherein  there  was  plenty  of  water. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  XL]  It  becomes  tbe  people  of  God  to  be  feparated  from  the  ungodly  ;  diftinguiftied  equally  by  temperance 
 and  devotion  from  that  luxury  and  negled  of  God  fo  prevalent  in  the  world.  Let  them  keep  at  the  ulmoft  diftance  from  all  imparity,  and  feek  caineftly  that 
 
 No.  8...Sd.  F  f 
 
LEVITICUS. 
 
 Woman'' s  offering  for  ‘purification. 
 
 cS  CHAP.  xn. 
 
 14  00  ^  pvrijkation  of  a  woman  after  childbirth;  6  her  off-erinss  for  her 
 
 purifying.  ^ 
 
 a  Chap. 
 15.  19. 
 
 b  Luke 
 2.  2 1 . 
 John 
 7.  22. 
 
 And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  laying, 
 
 2  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Ifrael^  laying.  If 
 conceived  feed,  and  born  a  man-child ; 
 then  ine  (hall  be  unclean  leven  days  ;  according  to  the 
 days  of  the  reparation  for  her  infirmity  fhall  fhe  be 
 unclean. 
 
 3  And  in  the  **  eighth  day,  the  flelh  of  his  forelkiu 
 mall  be  circumcifed. 
 
 4'.  And  fhe  (hall  then  continue  in  the  blood  of  her 
 purifying  thr-e  and  thirty  days;  fhe  (hall  touch  no 
 hallowed  thing,  nor  come  into  the  fanftuary,  until  the 
 d^ys  of  her  purifying  be  fulfilled. 
 
 5  But  if  (he  bear  a  maid-child,  then  (he  (hall  be  un- 
 clean  two  weeks,  as  in  her  feparation  ;  and  (he  (hall 
 continue  in  the  blood  of  her  purifying  threefcore  and 
 fix  days. 
 
 6  If  And  when  the  days  of  her  purifying  are  fulfilled, 
 for  a  fon,  or  for  a  daughter,  (he  (hall  bring  a  lamb  f  of 
 the  firft  year  for  a  burnt-offering,  and  a  young  pigeon, 
 or  a  turtle  dove,  for  a  (in-o(Fering,  unto  the  door  of 
 the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  unto  the  prieft ; 
 
 7  Who  (hall  offer  it  before  the  Lord,  and  make 
 an  atonement  for  her  ;  and  (he  (hall  be  cleanfed  from 
 the  i(fue  of  her  blood.  This  is  the  law  for  her  that 
 hath  born  a  male  or  a  female. 
 
 8  And  if  f  fhe  be  not  able  to  bring  a  lamb,  then 
 (he  (hall  bring  two  turtles,  or  two  young  pigeons ;  the 
 ^  one  for  the  burnt-offering,  and  the  other  for  a  fin- 
 
 offering  :  and  the  prieft  (hall  make  an  atonement  for 
 
 0/.  I - - in_-n_  iii  ^  -M. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 a  son  of 
 h  is  year. 
 
 c  Luke 
 2.  24. 
 f  Heb. 
 her  hand 
 find  not 
 
 !l 
 
 SiviUing’ 
 
 her,  and  (he  (hall  be  clean.* 
 
 CHAP.  XIII. 
 
 Laws  and  tokens  whereby  the  priest  is  to  be  guided  in  discerning  the  leprosy. 
 
 And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes  and  Aaron, 
 laying, 
 
 2  When  a  man  (hall  have  in  the  (kin  of  his  fle(h  a 
 II  rifing,  a  (cab,  or  bright  fpor,  and  it  be  in  the  (kin  of 
 his  flelh  like  the  plague  of  leprofy  ;  then  he  (hall  be 
 brought  unto  Aaron  the  prielt,  oicuntoone  of  his  fons 
 the  priefts. 
 
 3  And  the  prieft  (hall  look  on  the  plague  in  the  (kin 
 of  the  fle(h  :  and  vifieii  the  hair  in  the  plague  is  turned 
 white,  and  the  plague  in  fight  be  deeper  than  the  (kin 
 of  his  fle(h,  it  is  a  plague  of  leprofy :  and  the  prielt 
 (hall  look  on  him,  and  pronounce  him  unclean. 
 
 4  If  the  bright  fpot  be  white  in  the  (kin  of  his  flefh, 
 and  in  fight  be  not  deeper  than  the  (kin,  and  the  hair 
 thereof  be  not  turned  white  ;  then  the  prieft  (hall  (hut 
 up  him  that  hath  the  plague  feven  days. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XIL  Ver.  2.  Of  the  feparation  of  a 
 woman  for  her  infirmity,  menses,  we  are  taught,  chap,  xv,  20,  21.  Among  the 
 Gentiles  the  law  of  ceremonial  uncleannefs  of  child-bed  exifted,  as  we  learn  from 
 one  of  their  ancient  poets.  Ver.  3,  Circumcifion  figured  the  feparation  of  the 
 foul  from  moral  pollution,  effected  by  the  power  of  the  Spirit  of  Chrifl,  Col.  ii. 
 1 1 .  The  time  of  obferring  it  correfponded  to  the  law  refpe<5ling  every  young 
 creature  offered  to  God ;  it  was  to  be  performed  on  the  eighth  day  after  his  birth, 
 Exed.  xxii.  30.  Ver.  4.  The  woman  debarred  thus  from  the  holy  things  of 
 the  Lord  was  certainly  fitted  to  remind  If.ael  of  their  moral  pollution,  and  of  the 
 duty  of  bumbling  themfelves  before  the  Lord  on  account  of  their  original,  inward 
 depravity.  Ver.  6.  Concerning  the  burnt-offering  and  fin-offering,  fee  chap,  i, 
 
 La'ts^.s  and  tokens  to  discern  the  leproty 
 
 5  And  the  prieft  (hall  look  on  him  the  feventh  day  :  Before 
 and,  behold,  (/the  plague  in  his  fight  be  at  a  day,  anil 
 the  plague  (pread  not  in  the  (kin  ;  then  the  prieft  (hall 
 (hut  him  up  leven  days  more. 
 
 !  6  And  the  prieft  (hall  look  on  him  again  the  feventh 
 
 ;  day  :  and,  behold,  j/the  plague  be  fomewhat  dark, 
 
 ,  and  the  plague  (pread  not  in  the  fidn,  the  prieft  (hall 
 :  pronounce  him  clean ;  it  is  but  a  Icab :  and  he  (hall 
 waf]^  his  clothes,  and  be  clean. 
 
 ^  7  But  if  the  {’cab  fpread  much  abroad  in  the  (kin, 
 
 after  that  he  hath  been  feen  of  the  prieft  for  his 
 cleanfing,  he  (hall  be  feen  o(  the  prieft  again. 
 
 8  And  if  the  prieft  fee  that,  behold,  the  fcab 
 '  fpreadeth  in  the  (kin  ;  then  the  prieft  (hall  pronounce 
 
 him  unclean  :  it  fs  a  leprofy. 
 
 9  1i  When  the  plague  of  leprofy  is  in  a  man,  then 
 he  (hall  be  brought  unto  the  priefi ; 
 
 10  And  the  prieft  fhall  fee  him:  and,  behold,  if 
 the  riling  be^  white  in  the  (kin,  and  it  have  turned 
 
 the  hair  white,  and  there  be  f  quick  raw  flefh  in  thet  Heb, 
 rifing,  the  quick- 
 
 1 1  It  is  an  old  leprosy  in  the  (Idn  of  bis  flefh  :  and 
 ^e  prieft  (hall  pronounce  him  unclean,  and  (hall  x\oxZ7l 
 (hut  him  up;  (or  he  is  unclean. 
 
 12  And  if  a  leprofy  break  out  abroad  in  the  (kin, 
 and  the  leprofy  cover  all  the  (]<in  of  him  that  hath  the 
 plague,  from  his  head  even  to  his  Coot,  wherefoever 
 the  prieft  looketh ; 
 
 13  Then  the  prieft  (hall  confider :  and,  behold,  if 
 the  leprofy  have  covered  all  his  flefh,  he  (hall  pro- 
 
 j  nounce  /zm  clean  that  hath  the  plague  ;  it  is  all  turned 
 white:  he /s  clean. 
 
 j  14  But  when  raw  flefh  appeareth  in  him,  he  (hall 
 be  unclean. 
 
 15  And  the  prieft  (hall  fee  the  raw  flefh,  and  pro- 
 !  nounce  him  to  be  unclean  ;  for  the  raw  fledi  is  un- 
 I  clean  :  It  is  a  leprofy. 
 
 j  16  Or  if  the  raw  flefh  turn  again,  and  be  changed 
 j  unto  white,  he  (hall  come  unto  the  prieft : 
 
 I  17  And  the  prieft  (hall  fee  him  ;  and,  behold,  j/the 
 plague,  be  turned  into  white;  then  the  prieft  (hall 
 pronounce  him  clean  that  hath  the  plague  :  he  is  clean. 
 
 18  The  fli  (h  alfo,  in  which,  even  in  the  (kin  there¬ 
 of  was  a  bile,  and  is  healed. 
 
 19  And  in  the  place  of  the  bile  there  be  a  white 
 rifing,  or  a  bright  fpot,  white,  and  fomewhat  reddilb, 
 and  it  be  (hewed  to  the  priefl: ; 
 
 !  20  And  if,  when  the  prieft  feeth  it,  behold,  it  be  in 
 
 fight  lower  than  the  (kin,  and  the  hair  thereof  be 
 turned  white,  the  prieft  (hall  pronounce  him  unclean : 
 it  is  a  plague  of  leprofy,  broken  out  of  the  bile. 
 
 iv.  The  former  probably  denoted  our  prefeniing  ourfelves  to  the  Lord,  body 
 and  fpirit,  Rom.  xii.  I.  the  latter  the  necelfity  of  an  atonement  to  expiate  fin 
 which  has  been  prefented  to  God  by  our  Lord  Jefus  Clirift,  2  Cor.  v.  21,  The 
 
 fin-offering  was  offered  before  the  burnt-offering,  chap.  xlii.  14,  18.  ix. '? _ 16. 
 
 Exod.  xxix.  14,  IS.  Ver.  8.  She  who  was  poor  and  could  not  procure  a  lamb, 
 was  accepted  when  fhe  brought  two  turtle  doves  or  two  young  pigeons.  Thus 
 God  regardech  the  (late  of  his  poor,  and  accepteth  according  m  that  a  man  bath, 
 and  not  according  to  that  he  hath  not,  1  Cor.  viii.  12. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XIII.  Ver.  1—1 7.  We  have  here  in 
 
 what  manner  the  leprofy  was  to  be  treated.  It  apptars  rather  an  uncleannels 
 than  a  difeafe;  and  if  a  difeafo,  nor  the  fame  as  what  is  now  called  by  that 
 
 their  bodies  may  be  the  temples  of  the  Lord,  in  which  he  will  delight  to  dwell.  Oh  !  that  he  may  bring  every  thought  into  obedience  to  the  captivity  of  Chrifl  ’Mav 
 all  his  inflitutions  be  our  delight ;  and  may  they  be  bleffed  for  the  advancement  of  univerfal  holinefs  in  all  the  faints  of  the  Moft  Hi^h.  *  *  ^ 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS - *  Chap.  XIL]  The  Almighty  hath  pronounced  an  awfully  folemn  fentence  on  the  female  fex  :  «  In  forrow  thou  fhalt 
 
 bring  forth  childicn,  and  1  will  greatly  multiply  thy  forrow.”  Thus  from  age  to  age  the  unalterable  fentence  continues.  But  bleffed  be  God  Jefus  the  seed  if  the 
 woman,  has  turned  her  forrow  into  joy.”  Let  her  therefore  give  thanks  to  God  for  fopport  under  trials,  deliverance  under  alfliaions  ;  but  efpecialiv  let  her  be  irrate. 
 ful,  for  the  honour  conferred  on  her  to  bring  for.h  a  fbn,  the  Saviour  of  the  world.  We  are  all  unclean  by  fin,  but  bis  blood  can  produce  perfe^  purity  in  all  believers. 
 
LEVITICUS. 
 
 to  discern  the  lepronj. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chria 
 
 1490. 
 
 XflW/'S  and  tokens 
 
 21  Bat  if  the  priea  look  on  it,  and,  behold,  there  be 
 no  white  hairs  therein,  and  i/- it  he  not 
 Ikin,  but  be  fomewhat  dark  i  then  the  prieft  (hall  (hut 
 
 ^'^2^  A^ndTf  It  fpread  much  abroad  in  the  flan,  then 
 the  nrieft  (hall  pronounce  him  unclean  :  1 1  zs  a  plague. 
 
 23^  But  if  the  bright  fpot  ftay  m  his  place, 
 fpread  not,  it  is  a  burning  bile ;  and  the  prieft  (ha 
 
 PT”0Mr,herebe.„,fle(h.  in  the  ftin  thereof 
 
 t  Heb.  there  is  t  a  hot  burning,  and  the 
 I  burning  burneth  have  a  white  bright  (pot,  fomewhat  reddilh, 
 
 25  Then  the  prieft  (hall  look  upon  it ;  and,  behold, 
 if  the  hair  in  the  bright  fpot  be  turned 
 be  in  fight  deeper  than  the  Ikir,  it  a 
 out  of  the  burning,  wherefore  the  prieft  (hall  pro¬ 
 nounce  him  unclean  ;  it  is  the  plague  of  1®P^°|J* 
 
 26  But  if  the  prieft  look  on  it,  and,  behold,  there 
 be  no  white  hair  in  the  bright  fpot,  and  it  be  no  lower 
 than  the  other  Ikin,  but  be  fomewhat  dark  ;  then  the 
 
 prieft  {ball  (hut  him  up  feven  days.  ,  r 
 
 27  And  the  prieft  fhall  look  upon  him  the  leventh 
 day  :  and  if  it  be  fpread  much  abroad  in  the  ton,  then 
 the  prieft  (hall  pronounce  him  unclean  :  it  is  tne 
 
 '’’’Is  "And'iflhe  bright  fpot  ftay  in  his  place,  and 
 fpread  not  in  the  tom,  but  it  be  fomewhat  dark  ;  it  is 
 a  rifing  of  the  burning,  and  the  prieft  ftiall  pronounce 
 him  clean :  for  it  is  an  inflammation  of  the  burning. 
 
 29  %  If  a  man  or  woman  have  a  plague  upon  the 
 
 head  or  the  beard ;  „  ,  ,  j  u 
 
 30  Then  the  prieft  (hall  fee  the  plague :  and,  be¬ 
 hold,  if  it  be  in  fight  deeper  than  the  toin,  and  there  be 
 in  it  a  yellow  thin  hair ;  then  the  prieft  (hall  pronounce 
 him  unclean  :  it  is  a  dry  fcall,  even  a  leprofy  upon  the 
 
 head  or  beard.  r  .u  r  u 
 
 31  And  if  the  prieft  look  on  the  plague  of  the  (call, 
 
 and,  behold,  it  be  not  in  fight  deeper  than  the  ton,  and 
 that  there  is  no  black  hair  in  it ;  then  the  prieft  (hall  (hut 
 up  him  that  hath  the  plague  of  the  (call  (^en  days. 
 
 32  And  in  the  feventh  day  the  prie(i  (hall  look  on 
 the  plague:  and,  behold,  if  the  fcall  fpread  nor,  and 
 there  be  in  it  no  yellow  hair,  and  the  fcall  be  not  in 
 
 fight  deeper  than  the  toin  ;  r  „  r, 
 
 33  He  (hall  be  (haven,  but  the  fcall  (hall  he  not 
 (have ;  and  the  prieft  (hall  (hut  up  him  that  hath  the 
 
 fcall  feven  days  more.  .  n  r.  n  ,  i 
 
 34  And  in  the  feventh  day  the  prieft  (hall  look  on 
 the  fcall :  and,  behold,  z/the  fcall  be  not  fpread  in  the 
 toin,  nor  be  in  fight  deeper  than  the  toin  *,  then  the 
 prieft  fhall  pronounce  him  clean :  and  he  (hall  wafti 
 
 his  clothes,  and  be  clean.  _  .  r  . .  ' 
 
 35  But  if  the  (call  fpread  much  in  the  toin  after  his  | 
 
 cleanfing;  ,  ,  u  u  ' 
 
 36  Then  the  prieft  (hall  look  on  him  ;  and,  behold,  | 
 
 if  the  fcall  be  fpread  in  the  toin,  the  prieft  (hall  not  j 
 feek  for  yellow  hair  ;  he  is  unclean.  j 
 
 B'-Tore 
 
 Ciirist 
 
 H90. 
 
 37  But  if  the  fcall  be  in  his  fight  at  a  ftay,  that 
 there  is  black  hair  grown  up  i  (call  is 
 
 healed,  he  is  clean  :  and  the  prieft  (hall  pronounce  him 
 
 ^^^38  *11  If  a  man  alfo  or  a  woman  have  in  the  toin  of 
 their  fle(h  bright  fpots,  eucn  white  bright  (pots: 
 
 39  Then  the  prieft  (hall  look  :  and,  behold,  j/  the 
 bright  fpots  in  the  ficin  of  their  flefh  be  darkilh  white  ; 
 it  a  freckled  fpot  that  groweth  m  the  tom:  he  is 
 
 40  And  the  man  whofe  f  hair  is  fallen  off  his  head,^^ 
 
 h**  is  bald,  yet  is  he  clean.  ,  .  ^  rr  c  .u  I'itie/i- 
 
 41  And  he  that  hath  his  hair  fallen  oil  from  the 
 
 part  of  his  head  toward  bis  face,  he  is  forehead  ba  d  ; 
 
 ^"^^^2  Antorf^there  be  in  the  bald  head,  or  bald  fore-- 
 head,  a  white  reddifh  fore,  it  is  a  leproly  fprung  up  m 
 his  bald  head,  or  his  bald  forehead.  ,  u  u  u 
 
 43  Then  the  prieft  fhall  look  upon  5^.’ 
 
 if  the  rifing  of  the  fore  be  white  reddifh  m  his  bald 
 head,  or  in  his  bald  forehead,  as  the  leprofy  appearetn 
 
 iQ  the  ton  of  the  (lefh,  ^ 
 
 44  He  is  a  leprous  man,  he  is  unclean  ;  the  pnelt 
 
 (hall  pronounce  him  utterly  unclean  ;  his  plague  is  m 
 
 his  head.  .  ,  . .  i— 
 
 45  And  the  leper  in  whom  the  plague  rs,  his  clotnes 
 
 (hall  be  rent,  and  his  head  bare,  and  he  (hall  put  a 
 covering  upon  his  upper  Up,  and  (hall  cry,  Unclean, 
 
 unclean.  ,  „  ,  •  w 
 
 46  All  the  days  wherein  the  plague  shall  be  in  him 
 
 he  (hall  be  defiled ;  he  is  unclean :  he  (hall  dwell  alone  ;  ^ 
 
 ‘  without  the  camp  shall  his  habitation  he.  _  .  5.  2. 
 
 47  51  The  garment  alfo  that  the  plague  of  leprolv  is  2  Kings 
 in,  vohether  it  be  a  woollen  garment  or  a  linen  garment,  15.  5. 
 
 *48  Whether  it  be  in  the  warp  or  woof,  of  linen,  or 
 of  woollen,  whether  in  a  toin,  cr  in  any  f  thiog  madet 
 
 of  toin;  .  . 
 
 49  And  if  the  plague  be  greenifh  or  reddilh  in  the 
 
 garment,  or  in  the  ikin,  either  in  the  warp,  or  in  the 
 woof,  or  in  any  t  thing  of  ikin  ;  it  is  a  plague  of  le-t 
 profy,  and  Ifiall  be  (hewed  unto  the  priett. 
 
 50  And  the  prieft  (hall  look  upon  the  plague,  and  ^neut. 
 fhut  up  it  that  hath  the  plague  feven  days. 
 
 5 1  And  he  (hall  look  on  the  plague  on  the  feventh 
 day  ;  if  the  plague  be  fpread  in  the  garment,  either  in 
 the  warp,  or  in  the  woof,  or  in  a  toin,  or  in  any  work 
 that  is  made  of  toin,  the  plague  is  a  fretting  leprofy  ; 
 it  is  unclean. 
 
 52  He  fhall  therefore  burn  that  garment,  whether 
 warp  or  woof,  in  woollen  or  in  linen,  or  any  thing  of 
 toin,  wherein  the  plague  is  :  for  it  is  a  fretting  leprc- 
 Cy  :  it  fhall  be  burnt  in  the  fire. 
 
 53  And  if  the  prieft  (hall  look,  and,  behold,  the 
 plague  be  not  fpread  in  the  garment,  either  in  the 
 warp,  or  in  the  woof,  or  in  any  thing  of  toin  ; 
 
 54  Then  the  prieft  fhall  command  that  they  wafh 
 the  thirty  wherein  the  plague  is,  and  he  (hall  fhut  it  up 
 feven  days  more. 
 
 name  •  but  it  .was  in  all  probability  inflifled  by  God  as  a  puniniment,  and  there- 
 fore  iiifpeaed  by  the  priea  rather  than  by  a  phyfician.  In  an  infpeaion  of 
 it  he  was  to  ufe  the  greatea  circnmfpeiftion  and  deliberation.  If  it  penetrated 
 no  further  than  Ikin  deep,  and  did  not  fpread  after  the  perfon  was  flint  up,  he 
 was  clean  ;  but  after  being  fliut  up,  it  grew  deeper  and  fpread,  he  was  then 
 pronounced  unclean.  A  very  (hort  time  was  requifite  to  determine  it,  where 
 r^aw  flelh  appeared  in  the  fore.  If  be  were  white  all  over,  be  was  pronounced 
 
 clean.  Ver.  18 _ 37.  Here  other  appearances  are  mentioned,  fuch  as  an  old 
 
 ulcer,"  burn,  or  fcald-head,  with  directions  for  the  priell’s  judgment.  To  what  a 
 
 variety  of  difeafes  is  man  liable,  and  what  a  body  of  corruption  do  we  bear 
 about  with  us!  How  abfurd  to  be  pn  ud  of  that  which  may  in  a  (Iron  time  be 
 rendered  loathfome.  Ver.  38—46.  Care  must  be  taken  that  a  bald  head  or 
 freckled  face  be  not  miftaken  for  leprofy  ;  but  (hould  the  plague  be  found  in  a 
 bald  bead,  he  is  utterly  unclean  ;  The  leper  then  convidled  muft  cry  out.  Un¬ 
 clean,  unclean  ;  which  would  be  to  the  perfon  an  exceeding  bitter  cry,  as 
 from  that  moment  he  was  buried  alive  ;  being  excluded  for  a  time  from  human 
 fociety,  and  removed  from  the  congregation  of  God^s  people.  He  mull  now 
 dwell  alone,  or  only  with  lepers,  without  lire  camp,  and  none  muft  approach  bitn. 
 
Zlifcs  mid  sacrifices. 
 
 LEVITICUS. 
 
 Before 
 
 Christ 
 
 M^O. 
 
 rjTekead 
 
 tkerei^. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 .T “irLw  ,  the  priea  look,  and"  beholdrihe  plague 
 
 tn/AeAcfic/^’ loniewnat  dark  after  the  wafhing  of  it;  then  he 
 /Aerro/;  or  mail  rend  it  out  of  the  garment,  or  out  of  the  Ikin, 
 in  tie  Qj.  om  q{-  warp,  or  out  of  the  woof. 
 
 57  And  if  it  appear  ftill  in  the  garment,  either  in 
 the  warp,  or  in  the  woof,  or  in  any  thing  of  Ikin, 
 It  ?s  a  ipreadiog  plague:  thou  {halt  burn  that  wherein 
 the  plague  is  with  fire. 
 
 58  And  the  garment,  either  warp  or  woof,  or 
 whatfoever  thing  of  fkin  it  be,  which  thou  (halt  wafh, 
 if  the  plague  be  departed  from  them,  then  it  fhall  be 
 walhed  the  fecond  time,  and  {hall  be  clean. 
 
 59  T.his  is  the  law  of  the  plague  of  leprofy  in  a  gar¬ 
 ment  of  woollen  or  linen,  either  in  the  warp  or  woof, 
 or  any  thing  of  iLins,  to  pronounce  it  clean,  or  to 
 pronounce  it  unclean.* 
 
 33  The  signs  of  le~ 
 
 A 
 
 8 
 
 Mirlc 
 1.  40. 
 
 Luke 
 5.  12. 
 
 8  Or, 
 sparrows 
 
 CHAP.  XIV. 
 
 1  The  riles  and  sacrifices  in  cleansing  of  the  leper, 
 prosy  in  a  house.  48  The  cleansing  of  that  house 
 
 ND  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  faying, 
 
 -  —  — .  2  This  {hall  be  the  law  of  the  leper  in  the  day 
 
 g  i  •  of  his  cleanfing :  He*  {hall  be  brought  unto  theprieft. 
 
 3  And  the  prieft  fhall  go  forth  out  of  the  camp: 
 and  the  prieft  fhall  look,  and,  behold,  if  the  plague  of 
 leprofy  be  healed  in  the  leper ; 
 
 4  Then  fhall  the  prieft  command  to  take  for  him 
 that  is  to  be  cleanfed,  two  (1  birds  alive  anrf  clean,  and 
 cedar-wood,  and  fcarler,  and  hyfTop. 
 
 5  And  the  prieft  fhall  command  that  one  of  the 
 birds  be  killed  in  an  earthen  vefTel  over  running  water. 
 
 6  As  for  the  living  bird,  he  fhall  take  it,  and  the 
 cedar-w’ood,  and  the  jcarlet,  and  the  hyflbp,  and  fhall 
 dip  them  pd  the  living  bird  in  the  blood  of  the  bird 
 that  was  killed  over  the  running  water  : 
 
 7  And  he  fhall  fprinkle  upon  him  that  is  to  be 
 cleanfed  from  the  leprofy  feven  times,  and  fhall  pro¬ 
 nounce  him  clean,  and  fhall  let  the  living  bird  loofe 
 t  into  the  open  field. 
 
 8  And  he  that  is  to  be  cleanfed  fhall  wafli  his  clothes. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 upon  the 
 
 in  cleansing  the  Icp 
 
 singled  with  oil.  and  one  log  of  n.,,,"' 
 
 changed  his  colour  and  the  plague  be  not  fpread,  it  I  U  And  the  priea  that  maketh  him  clean  tball fS* 
 s  unclean  :  thou  (halt  burn  it  in  the  fire:  it  A  fret  fent  the  man  that  is  to  be  made  clean  and 
 
 . 
 
 12  And  the  prieft  Jail  take  one  he-lamb,  and  offer 
 him  for  a  trefpafs-ofFering,  and  the  log  of  oil,  and 
 
 a  wave-offering  before  the  Lord.  ^  E,od. 
 
 b  M  place  where ''' 
 
 he  ^hall  kill  the  fin-offering  and  the  burnt-offering 
 
 in  the  holy  place  :  for  »  as  the  fin-offering  is  thecChan 
 priefts,  so  js  the  trefpafs.oflering  ;  it  is  moft  holy  7. 
 
 H  And  the  prieft  fhall  take  some  of  the  blood  of 
 the  trefpafs-offering,  and  the  prieft  fhall  put  it  upon 
 the  tip  of  the  right  ear  of  him  that  is  to  be  cleanfed 
 and  upon  the  thumb  of  his  right  hand,  and  upon  the 
 great  toe  of  his  right  foot.  ^ 
 
 15  And  the  prieft  fhall  take  some  of  the  log  of  oil 
 
 and  pour  it  into  the  palm  of  his  own  left  hand  •  * 
 
 16  And  the  prieft  fhall  dip  his  right  finger  in  the 
 01  that  JS  in  his  left  hand,  and  fhall  fprinkle  of  the 
 oil  with  his  finder  feven  times  before  the  Lord. 
 
 fVioii'  ^hat  is  in  his  hand 
 
 fhall  the  prieft  put  upon  the  tip  of  the  right  ear  of 
 
 mm  that  is  to  be  cleanfed,  and  upon  the  thumb  of  his 
 right  hand,  and  upon  the  great  toe  of  his  right  foot 
 upon  the  blood  of  the  trefpafs-offering. 
 
 b  ^  j  remnant  of  the  oil  that  is  in  the  priefEs 
 
 hand  he  fhall  pour  out  upon  the  head  of  him  that  is  to 
 be  cleansed  ;  and  the  prieft  fhall  make  an  atonement 
 tor  him  before  the  Lord. 
 
 19  And  the  prieft  fhall  offer  the  fin-offering,  and 
 make  an  atonement  for  him  that  is  to  be  cleanfed 
 from  his  uncleannefs ;  and  afterwards  he  fhall  kill  the 
 burnt-offering. 
 
 20  And  the  prieft  fhall  offer  the  burnt-offering  and 
 the  meat  offering  upon  the  altar ;  and  the  prieft  fhall 
 make  an  atonement,  for  him,  and  he  fhall  be  clean. 
 
 rhpn  poor,  and  f  cannot  get  fo  much  ;  t  Heb. 
 
 then  he  fhall  take  one  \^rr\h,for  a  trefpafs-offering  t  to^» 
 oe  waved,  to  make  an  atonement  for  him  and  reach  not. 
 tenth-deal  of  fine  flour  mingled  with  oil  for  a  meat-L^"'’’ 
 offering,  and  a  log  of  oil,  -f 
 
 22  And  two  turtle-doves  or  two  young  pigeons, 
 fuch  as  he  is  able  to  get ;  and  the  one  fhall  be  a  fin- 
 ottering,  and  the  other  a  burnt-ofFering, 
 
 23  And  he  fhall  bring  them  on  the  eighth  day  for 
 his  cleanfing  unto  the  prieft,  unto  the  door  of  the 
 tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  before  the  Lord. 
 
 24  And  the  prieft  fhall  take  the  lamb  of  the  tref- 
 pafs-offering,  and  the  log  of  oil,  and  the  prieft  fhall 
 wave  them /or  a  wave-offering  before  the  Lord. 
 
 25  And  he  Jail  kill  the  lamb  of  the  trefpafs-offer- 
 ing,  and  Je  prieft  fhall  take  some  of  the  blood  of  the 
 trelpals-oftering,  and  put  it  upon  the  tip  of  the  right 
 ear  of  him  that  is  to  be  cleanfed,  and  upon  the  thumb 
 
 face  of  the  A.  n-  •  ‘-'^.'-‘^auieo  mail  waiti  nis  ciotnes, 
 
 feid.  and  fhave  oft  all  his  hair,  and  wafh  himfelf  in  water, 
 that  he  may  be  clean  ;  and  after  that  he  fhall  comQ| 
 into  the  camp,  and  fhall  tarry  abroad  out  of  his  tent* 
 feven  days. 
 
 9  But  it  fhall  be  on  the  feventh  day,  that  he  fhall 
 fhave  all  his  hair  off  his  head,  and  his  beard,  and  his 
 eye-brows,  even  all  his  hair  he  fhall  fhave  off:  and 
 he  fhall  wafh  his  clothes,  alfo  he  fhall  wafh  his  flefh 
 in  water,  and  he  fhall  be  clean. 
 h^dauoh.  eighth  day  he  fhall  take  two  he- lambs 
 
 ter  of  hei-  without  blemifh,  and  one  ewe-lamb  f  of  the  firft  year, 
 year.  without  blemifh,  and  three  tenth-deals  of  fine  flour 
 
 wavms^ 
 
 for  fear  of  defilement.  Ver.  47— —59.  The  nature  of  leprofy  was  to  corrode  and 
 confume  the  flefh,  as  is  obvious  from  Numb.  xii.  1  2.  2  Kings  v.  13,  14. 
 
 NOTES.  Chap.  XIV.  Ver.  1 — 4.  As  this  leprofy  feems 
 to  be  an^  extraordinary  difeafe  or  plague,  no  remedy  could  effedl  a  cure  but  he 
 who  ir.fli<5ted  it.  When  a  leper  appeared  to  be  cured,  the  prieft  was  to  go  forth 
 
 of  .ho  Lord  hi.  „o,d  alono  can  heal  our  rjirhua"  ."V'' 
 
 therefore  is  thanks  due  for  fuiritual  health  Vo-  -7^  e  uueaies  ,  and  to  him 
 
 cleanfing;  for  feven  is  a  perfed  number.  Ver.  31, 32.  Grd"he^againSesf  gwl 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.— »  Chap.  XIII.]  In  the  leper  we  behold  a  ftriking  emblem  of  the  vile  and  polluted  flats  nf  r  - - - 
 
 God  can  deliver  him.  Happy  is  he,  who  convinced  of  his  wretebednefs  by  fin,  applies  to  JeL  the  great  High  Jrieft  fo  c  eanSrir  Wh  c 
 
 will  in  no  wile  rejea ;  and  his  power  is  equal  to  his  compaffion  and  benevolence.  Oh  !  that  he  may  thorou-hlv  clelnS  .  f  ^  comes  to  him  b< 
 
 With  the  robe  of  his  righteoufnefs  ;  then  fhall  we  not  be  afhamed  before  God  or  man  ;  nor  fhall  we  fea^  exclufion  Lm  Ih^prefenror  kS 
 
7'//c  sims  of  leprosy  in  a  house. 
 
 LEVITICUS. 
 
 The  cleansing  nf  that  house. 
 
 u-  •  U  U  A  .nA  nnnn  the  preat  toe  of  h‘’5  right  ||  in  the  houfe,  after  that  he  hath  taken  away  the  (tones, 
 of  h,s  right  hand,  and  upon  the  grea.  toe  or  n  .  g  |  C|nn 
 
 Christ 
 
 1440. 
 
 II  O'-. 
 
 prepare 
 
 ^°26  And  the  priett  (hall  pour  of  the  oil  into  the  palm 
 
 of  his  own  left  hand.  .  ,  r 
 
 27  And  the  prielt  (hall  fpnnkle  with  his  right  huger 
 
 so>ne  of  the  oil  that  is  in  his  left  hand  feven  times 
 
 before  the  Lord.  .  •  l- 
 
 28  And  the  pried  (hall  put  of  the  oil  that  es  in  his 
 
 hand  upon  the  tip  of  the  right  ear  of  him  that  is  to  be  , 
 cleanfed,  and  upon  the  thumb  of  his  right  hand,  and 
 upon  the  great  toe  of  his  right  foot,  upon  the  place 
 of  the  blood  of  the  trefpals  offering.  ^ 
 
 29  And  the  red  of  the  oil  that  is  in  the  prielt  s 
 hand  he  (hall  put  upon  the  head  of  him  that  is  to  be 
 cleanfed,  to  make  an  atonement  for  him  before  the 
 
 Lord.  „  ,  ,  . 
 
 30  And  he  (hall  offer  the  one  of  the  turtle  doves, 
 
 or  of  the  young  pigeons,  fuch  as  he  can  get ; 
 
 31  Tven  fuch  as  he  is  able  to  get,  the  one/or  a  fin- 
 offering,  and  the  other /or  a  burnt-offering,  with  the 
 meat-offering  :  and  the  pried  fhall  make  an  atonement 
 for  him  that  is  to  be  cleanfed  before  the  Lord. 
 
 32  This  is  the  law  of  him  in  whom  is  the  plague  of 
 leprofy,  whofe  hand  is  not  able  to  get  that  which  per- 
 taineth  to  his  cleanfiog. 
 
 33  II  And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes  and  unto 
 
 Aaron,  faying,  _  ,  ,  ^  ,0. 
 
 34;  When  ye  be  come  into  the  land  of  Canaan, 
 which  I  give  to  you  for  a  poffeffion,  and  I  put  the 
 plague  of  leprofy  in  a  houfe  of  the  land  of  your  pol- 
 
 feffion ;  r  r.  n  j 
 
 35  And  he  that  owneth  the  houfe  (hall  come  and 
 
 tell  the  pried,  faying.  It  feemeth  to  me  there  is  as  it 
 were  a  plague  in  the  houfe  : 
 
 36  Then  the  pried  (hall  command  that  they  H  empty 
 ■  the  houfe,  before  the  pried  go  into  it  to  fee  the  plague, 
 
 that  all  that  is  in  the  houfe  be  not  made  unclean  ;  and 
 afterward  the  pried  fhall  go  in  to  fee  the  houfe. 
 
 37  And  he  (hall  look  on  the  plague :  and,  behold, 
 if  the  plague  he  in  the  walls  of  the  houfe  with  hollow 
 drakes,  greenilh  or  reddifh,  which  in  fight  are  lower 
 than  the  wall ; 
 
 38  Then  the  pried  (hall  go  out  of  the  houfe  to  the 
 door  of  the  houfe,  and  (hut  up  the  houfe  feven  days. 
 
 39  And  the  pried  fhall  come  again  the  feventh  day, 
 and  (hall  look  :  and,  behold,  if  the  plague  be  fpread 
 in  the  walls  of  the  houfe  ; 
 
 40  Then  the  pried  (hall  commaud  that  they  take 
 ^way  the  dones  in  which  the  plague  is,  and  they  fhall 
 cad  them  into  an  unclean  place  without  the  city. 
 
 41  And  he  (hall  caufe  the  houfe  to  be  fcraped  within 
 round  about,  and  they  (hall  pour  out  the  dud  that  they 
 fcrape  off  without  the  city  into  an  unclean  place. 
 
 42  And  they  (hall  take  other  dones,  and  put  them 
 in  the  place  of  thofe  dones  ;  and  he  (hall  take  other 
 mortar,  and  (hail  plader  the  houfe. 
 
 43  And  if  the  plague  come  again,  and  break  out 
 
 and  after  he  hath  fcraped  the  houfe,  and  after  it  is 
 plaftered ; 
 
 44  Then  the  pried  fnall  come  and  look,  and,  be¬ 
 hold,  if  the  plague  be  fpread  in  the  houfe,  it  is  a 
 fretting  leprofy  in  the  houfe  ;  it  is  unclean. 
 
 45  And  he  (hall  break  down  the  houfe,  the  dones 
 of  it,  and  the  timber  thereof,  and  all  the  mortar  of 
 the  houfe :  and  he  (hall  carry  them  forth  ont  of  the 
 city  into  an  unclean  place. 
 
 46  Moreover,  he  that  goeth  into  the  houfe  all  the 
 while  that  it  is  fhut  up  (hall  be  unclean  until  the 
 even. 
 
 47  And  he  that  lieth  in  the  houfe  (hall  wafh  his 
 clothes ;  and  he  that  eateth  in  the  houfe  (hall  walh  his 
 
 clothes.  , 
 
 48  And  if  the  pried  t  (hall  come  in,  and  lookf^Heb.^^ 
 
 uponitf  and,  behold,  the  plague  hath  not  fpread 
 the  houfe,  after  the  houfe  was  pladered  ;  then  the  come  m, 
 pried  diall  pronounce  the  houfe  clean,  becaufe  the^c. 
 plague  is  healed. 
 
 49  And  he  (hall  take  to  cleanfe  the  houfe  two  birds, 
 and  cedar-wood,  and  fcarlet  and  hyffop. 
 
 50  And  he  (hall  kill  the  one  of  the  birds  in  an 
 earthen  veffel  over  running  water. 
 
 51  And  he  (hall  take  the  cedar-wood,  and  the  hyffop, 
 and  the  fcarlet,  and  the  living  bird,  and  dip  them  in 
 the  blood  of  the  (lain  bird,  and  in  the  running  water, 
 and  fprinkle  the  houfe  feven  times. 
 
 52  And  he  (hall  cleanfe  the  houfe  with  the  blood 
 of  the  bird,  and  with  the  running  water,  and  with  the 
 living  bird,  and  with  the  cedar-wood,  and  with  the 
 hyffop,  and  with  the  fcarlet. 
 
 53  But  he  fhall  let  go  the  living  bird  out  of  the  city 
 I  into  the  open  fields,  and  make  an  atonement  for  the 
 
 houfe  :  and  it  (hall  be  clean. 
 
 54  This  is  the  law  for  all  manner  of  plague  of  le- /^ap. 
 
 proiy  :  and  fcall,  J 
 
 55  And  for  the  leprofy  of  a  garment,  and  of  a  houfe,  in  the  day 
 
 56  And  for  a  rifing,  and  for  a  fcab,  and  for  a  bright  ojihe  un- 
 fpot ; 
 
 57  To  teach  t  when  it  is  unclean,  and  when  it  is*^ 
 
 clean  :  this  is  the  law  orleprofy.*  dean. 
 
 CHAP.  XV. 
 
 1  The  undeanness  of  men  in  their  issues  ;  13  The  deansing  of  thenu  19 
 The  undeanness  of  women  in  their  issues,-  28  Their  deansing. 
 
 And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes  and  to  Aaron, 
 
 2  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Urael,  and  lay  unto 
 them,  When  any  man  hath  a  ij  running  iffue  out  of  U 
 his  fle(h,  because  of  his  iffue  he  is  unclean. 
 
 3  And  this  (hall  be  his  uncleaunefs  in  his  iffue  :  reins. 
 whether  his  fle(h  run  with  his  iffue,  or  his  fle(h  be 
 (lopped  from  his  iffue,  it  is  his  uncleannefs. 
 
 4  Every  bed  whereon  he  lieth  that  hath  the  iffue 
 is  unclean  ;  and  every  f  thing  whereon  he  fitteth  (liall  f 
 be  unclean.  *'***^^' 
 
 cious  provifion  for  the  poor  for  whom  he  at  all  times  teftifies  a  fpecial  care  and 
 concern,  chap.  xii.  9.  Ver.  33 — 57.  Leprofy  of  the  houfe,  is  fomething  fimilar 
 to  that  of  the  clothes,  both  of  which  appear  to  be  judgments  fent  from  God. 
 Information  being  given,  the  prieft  muft  examine  it;  (hould  the  (tones  infe6led, 
 
 when  taken  out,  flop  it  from  fpreading,  it  was  cleanfed  and  not  deftroyed ;  but  if 
 it  proved  inveterate,  it  was  pulled  down. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XV.  Ver.  2.  Children  f  Israel.  It 
 was  to  them  alone  including  profelytes  to  their  religion,  that  the  ceremonial  laws 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XIV.]  Jehovah  is  worthy  of  praife,  who  hath  pitied  our  low  and  loft  eftate,  and  fent  his  Son  to  heal  us  of  o«r 
 leprofy,  from  which  no  human  power  or  means  can  deliver  us.  To  him  may  we  therefore  cheerfully  prefent  our  whole  perfons  a  living  facrifice,  holy  and  acceptable 
 to  God.  Iniquity  defiles  and  waftes  our  bodies ;  Oh  !  that  when  they  moulder  into  dull,  we  may  have  a  houfe  prepared  for  u&,  not  made  with  hands,  eternal  in  the 
 heavens. 
 
 Gg 
 
 No,  8....6d, 
 
OJ  men's  undeayiness  in  their  issues. 
 
 LEVITICUS. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 1490. 
 
 a  Chap. 
 6.  28. 
 
 5  And  whofoever  toucheth  his  bed  fhall  wafh  his 
 clothes,  and  bathe  himself  in  water,  and  be  unclean 
 until  the  even. 
 
 6  And  he  that  fitteth  on  any  thing  whereon  he  fat 
 
 that  hath  the  iffue,  fhall  wafh  his  clothes,  and  bathe 
 himself  \n  water,  and  be  unclean  until  the  even, 
 u  toucheth  the  flelh  of  him  that  hath 
 
 the  liiue  fhall  wafh  his  clothes,  and  bathe  himself  in 
 w’ater,  and  be  unclean  until  the  even. 
 
 _  8  And  if  he  that  hath  the  iffue  fpit  upon  him  that 
 IS  clean ;  then  he  fhall  wafh  his  clothes,  and  bathe 
 himself  in  water,  and  be  unclean  until  the  even. 
 
 ,  faddle  loever  he  rideth  upon  that  hath 
 
 the  iffue  fhall  be  unclean. 
 
 10  And  whofoever  toucheth  any  thing  that  was 
 under  him  fhall  be  unclean  until  the  even  :  and  he  that 
 beareth  any  of  thofe  things  fhall  wafh  his  clothes,  and 
 bathe  himself  in  water,  and  be  unclean  until  the  even. 
 
 1 1  And  whomfoever  he  toucheth  that  hath  the  iffue, 
 and  hath  not  rinfed  his  hands  in  water,  he  fhall  wafh 
 his  clothes,  and  bathe  himsefm  water,  and  be  unclean 
 until  the  even. 
 
 12  And  the »  veffel  of  earth  that  he  toucheth,  which 
 hath  the  iffue  fhall  be  broken  ;  and  every  veffel  of 
 wood  fhall  be  rinfed  in  water. 
 
 13  And  when  he  that  hath  an  iffue  is  cleanfed  of 
 his  iffue,  then  he  fhall  number  to  himfelf  feven  days 
 for  his  cleanfing,  and  wafh  his  clothes,  and  bathe  his 
 nefh  in  running  water,  and  fhall  be  clean. 
 
 14  And  on  the  eighth  day  he  fhall  take  to  him  two 
 turtle  doves,  or  two  young  pigeons,  and  come  before 
 the  Lord  unto  the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  con¬ 
 gregation,  and  give  them  unto  the  prieft. 
 
 15  And  the  prieft  fhall  offer  them,  the  one  for  a  fin- 
 offering,  and  the  other  for  a  burnt-offering  :  and  the 
 prieft  fhall  make  an  atonement  for  him  before  the 
 Lord  for  his  iffue. 
 
 16  And  if  any  mao’s  feed  of  copulation  go  out  from 
 him,  then  he  fhall  wafh  all  his  flefh  in  water,  and  be 
 unclean  until  the  even. 
 
 17  And  every  garment,  and  every  fkin,  whereon 
 is  the  feed  of  copulation,  fhall  be  wafhed  with  water, 
 and  be  unclean  until  the  even. 
 
 18  The  woman  alfo  with  whom  man  fhall  lie  ’with 
 feed  of  copulation,  they  fhall  both  bathe  themselves  in 
 water,  and  be  unclean  until  the  even. 
 
 19  If  And  if  a  woman  have  an  iffue,  and  her  iffue 
 in  her  flefh  be  blood,  fhe  fhall  be  f  put  apart  leven 
 
 IL'TfT  ^3ys;  and  whofoever  toucheth  her  fhall  be  unclean 
 until  the  even. 
 
 20  And  every  thing  that  fhe  lieth  upon  in  her  fepa- 
 ration  fhall  be  unclean  :  every  thing  alfo  that  fhe  fit- 
 teth  upon  fhall  be  unclean. 
 
 21  And  w'hofoever  toucheth  her  bed  fhall  wafli  his 
 clothes,  and  bathe  himself  in  water,  and  be  unclean 
 until  the  even. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 were  addreffed;  others  were  not  rendered  unclean  by  violating  thefe  laws,  be- 
 caufe  they  were  not  fubjeA  to  them.  The  difeafes  fpoken  of  in  the  beginning  of 
 this  chapter,  are  frequently  the  confequences  and  punithment  of  impurity.  Ver. 
 81.  Sej)arate }  that  is,  devoted  to  God,  by  carefully  teaching  the  people  to  under- 
 fland  and  oblerve  the  divine  laws,  chap.  xi.  47.  To  approach  the  fan<5luary  in  a 
 liate  of  ceremonial  uncleannefs  procured  death,  from  which  reverence  was  p.-oduced 
 in  the  people  s  minds,  for  God  and  the  tabernacle.  W'hen  we  behold  natural  and 
 
 Of  women's  uncleanness  in  their 
 
 22  And  whofoever  toucheth  any  thing  that  (he  fat 
 upon  fhall  wafh  his  clothes,  and  bathe  himself  in  water, 
 and  be  unclean  until  the  even. 
 
 where- ^  ^ 
 
 on  fhe  firteth,  when  he  toucheth  it,  he  fhall  be  unclean 
 until  the  even. 
 
 24  And  if  any  man  lie  with  her  at  all,  and  her  flowers 
 be  upon  him,  he  fhall  be  unclean  feven  days ;  and  all 
 the  bed  w'hereon  he  lieth  fhall  be  unclean. 
 
 25  And  if  a  woman  have  an  iflue  of  her  blood  many 
 days  out  of  the  time  of  her  reparation,  or  if  it  run 
 beyond  the  time  of  her  feparation  ;  all  the  days  of  the 
 iflue  of  her  uncleannefs  fhall  be  as  the  days  of  her 
 feparation  ;  fhe  shall  be  unclean. 
 
 26  Every  bed  whereon  fhe  lieth  all  the  days  of  her 
 iflue  fhall  be  unto  her  as  the  bed  of  her  feparation : 
 and  whatfoever  fhe  fitteth  upon  fhall  be  unclean,  as 
 the  uncleannefs  of  her  feparation. 
 
 27  And  whofoever  toucheth  thofe  things  fhall  be 
 unclean,  and  fhall  wafh  his  clothes,  and  bathe  himsef 
 in  water,  and  be  unclean  until  the  even. 
 
 28  But  if  fhe  be  cleanfed  of  her  iffue ;  then  fhe  fhall 
 number  to  herfelf  feven  days,  and  after  that  fhe  fhall 
 be  clean. 
 
 29  And  on  the  eighth  day  fhe  fhall  take  unto  her  tw^o 
 turtles,  or  two  young  pigeons,  and  bring  them  unto  the 
 prieft,  to  thedoorof  the  tabernadeof  the  congregation, 
 
 30  And  the  prieft  fhall  offer  the  one^r  a  fin-offer- 
 ing,  and  the  other./or  a  burnt-offering  :  and  the  prieft 
 fhall  make  an  atonement  for  her  before  the  Lord  for 
 the  iflue  of  her  uncleannefs. 
 
 31  Thus  fhall  ye  feparate  the  children  of  Ifrael  from 
 their  uncleannefs;  that  they  die  not  in  their  unclean¬ 
 nefs,  when  they  defile  my  tabernacle  that  wamong  them. 
 
 32  This  wthelawof  him  that  hath  an  iflue,  and  of  him 
 whofe  feed  goeth  from  him,  and  is  defiled  therewith  ; 
 
 33  And  of  her  that  is  Tick  of  her  flowers,  and  of  him 
 that  hath  an  iflue,  of  the  man,  and  of  the  woman,  and 
 of  him  that  lieth  with  her  which  is  unclean.* 
 
 CHAP.  XVf. 
 
 I  Hoiu  the  hish  priest  must  enter  into  the  hoUj  place.  1 1  The  sin-offering 
 fur  himself.  15  The  sin-offering  for  the  people.  29  The  scape- goa°, 
 
 29  The  yearly  feast  of  the  expiation. 
 
 And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  after  “  rhe^Cbap. 
 
 death  of  the  two  fons  of  Aaron,  when  they 
 offered  before  the  Lord,  and  died ; 
 
 2  And  the  Lord  laid  unto  Mofes,  Speak  unto 
 Aaron  thy  brother,  that  he  “come  not  at  all  times bExod, 
 into  the  holy  place  within  the  vail  before  the  mercy- 
 ‘  feat,  which  is  upon  the  ark,  that  he  die  not :  for  I  will  f  ^7' 
 appear  in  the  cloud  upon  the  mercy-fear. 
 
 3  1  hus  fhall  Aaron  come  into  the  holv  place ,  with 
 a  young  bullock  for  a  fin-offering,  and  a  ram  for  a 
 burnt-offering. 
 
 4  He  fhall  put  on  the  holy  linen  coat,  and  he  fliall 
 have  the  linen  breeches  upon  his  flefh,  and  fliall  be 
 
 ]  involuntary  infirmities  offenfive,  how  much  tliould  we  be  on  our  guard  that  we 
 may  not  provoke  his  holinefs  by  our  wilful  tranfgreffions. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XVI.  Ver.  2.  The  prieft  was  pro¬ 
 hibited  froni  entering  at  ail  times  into  the  holy  place,  which  was  a  figure  of 
 heaven,  to  intimate  that  the  way  into  the  heavenly  holy  place,  by  a  perfert 
 atonement,  was  not  yet  made  fully  known  :  but  the  way  is  now  clear  fince  Chrift 
 entered  by  his  blood,  fee  Heb.  xi.  6—12.  x.  1 9,  20.  Ver.  4.  Holy  garments  ;  that 
 
 PKACIICAL  OBSERVATIONS — •  Chap.  XV.]  The  pollution  of  fin  feparates  from  fellowftiip  with  the  faints  here  and  hereafter.  This  is  however  a 
 matter  which  gives  little  concern  to  many  now,  who  are  indifferent  about  the  privileges  of  the  houfe  of  God  ;  but  they  thall  feel  otherwife,  when  feparated  for  ever 
 from  the  congregation  of  the  righteous.  And  this  nothing  can  prevent,  but  the  application  of  the  blood  and  Spirit  of  God,  the  only  effedual  remedv  to  nurifv  iha 
 foul  from  all  fin.  ^ 
 
The  sin-ojfering  for  the  high  -priest. 
 
 LEVIT[CUS. 
 
 Of  the  scape-gont ,  S^C, 
 
 licfore 
 
 Chrifl 
 
 1490. 
 
 c  Hebr. 
 9.  7. 
 
 +  Heb. 
 ^zasel, 
 
 f  Heb. 
 went  up> 
 
 A  Heb. 
 
 9  12.  & 
 
 10  4. 
 
 e  Chap. 
 4.  6. 
 
 '■f  Heb. 
 d  welletht 
 
 f  Luke 
 1.  10. 
 
 eirded  with  a  linen  girdle,  and  with  the  linen  mure 
 (hall  he  be  attired  ;  thefe  are  holy  garments  ;  tnereiore 
 (hall  he  wa(h  his  fleOi  in  water,  and  so  put  them  on. 
 
 5  And  he  (hall  take  of  the  congregation  of  the 
 children  of  Ifrael  two  kids  of  the_goats  for  a  lin- 
 offering,  and  one  ram  for  a  burnt-offering. 
 
 6  And  Aaron  (hall  offer  his  bullock  of  the  fin-of¬ 
 fering  which  is  for  himlelf,  and  make  an  atonement 
 
 for  himlelf,  and  for  his  houfe. 
 
 7  And  he  (hall  take  the  two  goats,  and  prelent 
 them  before  the  Lord  at  the  door  of  the  tabernacle 
 of  the  congregation. 
 
 8  And  Aaron  (hall  caft  lots  upon  the  two  goats ;  one 
 lot  for  the  Lord,  and  the  other  lot  for  the  t  (cape-goat. 
 
 9  And  Aaron  (hall  bring  the  goat  upon  which  the 
 Lord’s  lot  f  fell,  and  offer  him/>r  a  fin-offering. 
 
 10  But  the  goat  on  which  the  lot  fell  to  be  the 
 fcape-goat  (hall  be  prefented  alive  before  the  Lord, 
 to  make  an  atonement  with  him,  and  to  let  him  go  foi 
 a  Icape-goat  into  the  wildernefs. 
 
 11  ^  And  Aaron  (hall  bring  the  bullock  of  the  fin- 
 offering  which  is  for  himfelf,  and  (hall  make  an  atone¬ 
 ment  for  himfelf,  and  for  his  houfe,  and  (hall  kill  the 
 bullock  of  the  fin-offering  which  is  for  himfelf. 
 
 12  And  he  (hall  take  a  cenfer  full  of  burning  coals 
 of  fire  from  off  the  altar  before  the  Lord,  and  his 
 hands  full  of  (weet  incenle  beaten  fraall,  and  bring  it 
 
 within  the  vail.  ^  ,  r  t  r 
 
 13  And  he  (hall  put  the  incenfe  upon  the  fire  before 
 
 the  Lord,  that  the  cloud  of  the  incenle  may  coyer  the 
 raercy-leat  that  is  upon  the  teftimony,  that  he  die  not. 
 
 14  <1  And  he  (hall  take  of  the  blood  of  the  bullock, 
 and  '  fprinkle  it  with  his  finger  upon  the  mercy-leat 
 eaftward  :  and  before  the  mercy-feat  (hall  he  fprinkle 
 of  the  blood  with  his  finger  feven  times. 
 
 15  %  Then  (hall  he  kill  the  goat  of  the  fin-offering 
 that  is  for  the  people,  and  bring  his  blood  within  the 
 vail,  and  do  with  that  blood  as  he  did  with  the  blood 
 of  the  bullock,  and  fprinkle  it  upon  the  mercy-feat, 
 and  before  the  mercy-feat. 
 
 16  And  he  (hall  make  an  atonement  for  the  holy 
 place,  becaufe  of  the  uncleaonefs  of  the  children  of 
 Ifrael,  and  becaufe  of  their  tranfgreffions  in  all  their 
 fins :  and  fo  (hall  he  do  for  the  tabernacle  of  the  con¬ 
 gregation  that  t  remaineth  among  them  in  the  midft 
 of  their  uncleannefs. 
 
 17  f  And  there  (hall  be  no  man  in  the  tabernacle  of 
 the  congregation  when  he  goeth  in  to  make  an  atone¬ 
 ment  in  the  holy  place,  until  he  come  out,  and  have 
 made  an  atonement  for  himfelf  and  for  his  houfehold, 
 and  for  all  the  congregation  of  Ifrael.  ' 
 
 18  And  be  (hall  go  out  unto  the  altar  that  »  before 
 
 the  Lord,  and  make  an  atonement  for  it :  and  inaii  ,4  ,, 
 take  of  the  blood  of  the  bullock,  and  of  the  blood  or  the  v — 
 Koar,  and  put?/ upon  the  horns  of  the  altar  round  about. 
 
 19  And  he  (hall  fprinkle  of  the  blood  upon  it  with 
 his  finger  (even  times,  and  cleanfe  it,  and  hallow  it 
 from  the  uncleannefs  of  the  children  of  Ifrael. 
 
 20  H  And  when  he  hath  made  an  end  of  reconciling 
 the  holy  place,  and  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation, 
 and  the  altar,  he  (I'.all  bring  the  live  goat  : 
 
 21  And  Aaron  (hall  lay  b'-th  f.is  hands  upon  the 
 
 head  of  the  live  goat,  and  confefs  oyer  him  all  the 
 iniquities  of  the  children  of  Ifrael,  and  all  ^y^tis- 
 greffions  in  all  their  fins,  putting  them  upon  the  head 
 of  the  goat,  and  (hall  fend  him  away  by  the  hand  of 
 f  a  fit  man  into  the  wildernefs.  ^ 
 
 22  And  the  goat  fhall  bear  upon  him  all  ojijiurtu- 
 iniquities  unto  a  land  not  f  inhabited  :  and  he  lhall  ^ 
 
 let  go  the  goat  in  the  wildernefs.  ,  ,  .  ^clr  ZLa- 
 
 23  And  Aaron  (hall  come  into  the  tabernacle 
 the  congregation,  and  (hall  put  off  the  linen  garments 
 which  he  put  on  when  he  went  into  the  holy  place, 
 
 and  (hall  leave  them  there  :  , 
 
 24  And  he  (hall  wafh  his  flefh  with  water  in  the 
 holy  place,  and  put  on  his  garments,  and  come  forth, 
 and  offer  his  burnt-offering,  and  the  burnt-cffering  of 
 the  people  and  make  an  atonement  tor  himfelf,  and 
 
 for  the  people.  _  o  „  ^  l 
 
 25  And  the  fat  of  the  fin-offering  (ball  he  burn 
 
 upon  the  altar. 
 
 26  And  he  that  let  go  the  goat  for  the  Icape-goat 
 (ball  wa(b  his  clothes,  and  bathe  his  fle(b  in  water, 
 and  afterward  come  into  the  camp. 
 
 27  8  And  the  bullock  for  the  fin-offering,  and  the? 
 goat  for  the  fin-offering,  whofe  blood  was  brought  in 
 
 to  make  atonement  in  the  holy  place,  (ball  owe  carry  13.  n, 
 forth  without  the  camp  ;  and  they  (ball  burn  in  the 
 fire  their  fkins,  and  their  flefh,  and  their  dung, 
 
 28  And  he  that  burneth  them  fhall  wa(b  his  clothes, 
 and  bathe  his  flefh  in  water,  and  afterward  he  fhall 
 come  into  the  camp. 
 
 29  H  And  this  (ball  be  a  ftatute  for  ever  unto  you, 
 that  in  the  feventh  month,  on  the  tenth  day  of  the 
 month,  ye  (ball  affl  your  fouls,  and  do  no  work  at 
 all,  -jchether  it  he  one  of  your  own  country,  or  a  flran- 
 ger  that  fojourneth  among  you 
 
 30  For  on  that  day  (ball  the  priest  make  an  atone¬ 
 ment  for  you,  to  cleanfe  you,  that  ye  may  be  clean 
 from  all  your  fins  before  the  Lord. 
 
 31  It  shall  be -A  fabbath  of  reft  unto  you,  and  ye 
 (hail  affl’ff  your  fouls,  by  a  ftatute  for  ever. 
 
 is,  garments  not  to  be  put  on  except  when  the  high  priefl  went  into  the  holy 
 place;  his  other  garmenis  mentioned  Exod.  xviii.  were  wore  the  remaining  part 
 of  the  day,  and  at  other  times.  Ver.  5.  Thefe  two  goals  were  fpecial  figures  of 
 Chrift  :  the  one  was  put  to  death  ;  the  other  fent  away  alive,  fignifying  that  be, 
 who  was  to  make  an  atonement  for  fin  would  be  put  to  death  in  the  flefli,  but 
 quickened  in  the  Spirit,  2  Cor.  v.  19,  21.  1  Pet.  iii.  18.  The  burnt- of ering,  was 
 offered  after  the  fin-olfeting,  and  in  other  garments,  ver.  24.  and  prefigured 
 befides  reconciliation,  the  purification  of  our  nature,  in  consequence  of  the  re* 
 itiiflion  o''  our  fins,  Rom.  xii.  1.  Ver.  6.  A  facrifice  required  for  the  fins  of  the 
 high  prieft,  was  one  of  the  ftrongett  internal  evidences  of  the  imperfeiftions  of 
 Mofes’  liw  :  fee  the  beautiful  and  forcible  reafoningof  tbeapoftleon  this  fubjsdl, 
 Pleb.  V.  1 _ 3.  vii.  28.  Ver.  8.  The  decifion  by  lot  which  goat  was  to  die,  pro¬ 
 
 bably  was  deligned  to  leach  us,  that  Mtfliah  was  lo  fuffer  dea'h  by  the  determi¬ 
 nate  counfel  of  God,  P.ov.  xvi.  33.  Adis  iv.  28.  Ver.  10.  The  scape-goat,  that 
 is  the  wandering  goat  was  appointed  an  atonement,  as  well  as  the  one  wh'ch  was 
 put  to  death.  Jefus  in  his  death  and  life,  is  the  acceptable  propitiaton 
 fo  the  fins  of  his  people.  God  had  refpedl  to  what  he  was  to  ftifter,  when 
 ancient  believers  were  pardoned  ;  and  when  any  are  now  forgiven,  GoJ  refpe<5ls 
 
 what  his  Son  ha\h  fuflFered,  Kom.  iii.  25,  26.  Ver.  1  2.  Incense,  was  emblematical 
 of  prayer.  Rev.  viii.  3,  4.  As  the  high  priest,  after  killing  the  bullock,  burnt 
 incenfe  to  prepare  for  the  fprinkling  of  blood  in  the  holy  place,  fo  Ctirill 
 prepared  himfelf  by  prayer,  previous  to  his  entering  heaven  with  his  blood, 
 John  xvii.  Mat.  xxvii.‘  36.  Heb.  ix.  11—14.  Ver.  13.  The  cloud  of  incense  co- 
 verirtr’  the  mercy-seat,  prefigured  the  mediation  and  interceflion  of  Chiift,  by  whom 
 the  wrath  of  God  is  turned  away  from  roan,  Rev.  viii.  3,  4.  \  er.  1  4.  Seven  times, 
 
 a  complete  number,  and  often  ufed  of  the  legal  fervices ;  lo  denoie  the  perfea 
 purity  effected  by  the  fired  blood  of  the  Lamb  of  God.  Ver.  16.  Comp.  Heb. 
 X.  23.  Ver.  17.  Xo  mmi  was  permi  ted  lo  be  in  the  tabernacle  when  the  high 
 prieft.  entered  the  holy  place  This  leminds  us  that  our  redemption  is  procured 
 by  Chrift  only.  ‘  He  himfelf,’  without  the  aid  of  men  or  angels.  ‘  bare  our  fins 
 ia  his  own  body  on  the  tree,’  1  Pet.  ii  24.  Heb.  i.  3.  Neither  did  the  fpectatots 
 behold  nor  comprehend  the  glorious  grace  which  he  manifefted  on  the  crols. 
 Angels  ftood  in  filent  amazement,  contemplating  the  wondrous  frene,  1  Pet. 
 i.  12.  Ver.  27.  Comp,  chap,  ix.  12  vi.  30.  Heb.  xiii.  II,  14.  Ver.  29.  i'or 
 ever;  from  year  to  year  till  the  appeirmce  of  Chrift,  in  whom  the  law  hod 
 its  accomplifiimeiit.  The  repetition  of  facrifice  deno.ed  the  impel fection  of  ibe 
 
.,i!l  offlr'iKgs  to  devils  forbidden. 
 
 LEVITICUS. 
 
 'Of  unlawful  mai 
 
 r 
 
 r 
 
 Before 
 Clirift. 
 14  90. 
 
 ^  Heb. 
 Jill  Ills 
 hand. 
 
 h  Exod 
 ?0.  10. 
 Hebr. 
 
 9.  7. 
 
 32  And  the  prieft  whom  he  (hall  anoint,  and  whom 
 he  (hall  t  confecrateto  minifler  in  the  prieft’s  office,  in 
 .his  father’s  ftead,  (hall  make  the  atonement,  and  (hall 
 
 put  on  the  linen  clothes,  even  the  holy  garments. 
 
 33  And  he  (hall  make  an  atonement  for  the  holy 
 fanftuary,  and  he  (hall  make  an  atonement  for  the 
 tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  and  for  the  altar,  and 
 he  fhall  make  an  atonement  for  the  priefts,  and  for 
 all  the  people  of  the  congregation. 
 
 34  And  this  (liall  bean  everlafting flat ute unto  you, 
 to  make  an  atonement  for  the  children  of  Ifrael,  for 
 all  their  fins,  once  a  year.  And  he  did  as  the  Lord 
 commanded  Mofes.* 
 
 CHAP.  XVII. 
 
 1  The  blood  of  all  slain  beasts  must  be  offered  to  the  LORD  at  the  door  of 
 the  tabernacle.  1  They  must  not  offer  to  devils.  10  All  eating  of 
 bluod  is  forbidden,  13  and  all  that  dieth  of  itself,  or  is  torn, 
 
 A 
 
 ND  the  Lord  Cpake  unto  Mofes,  faying, 
 
 ^  ja.  2  Speak  unto  Aaron,  and  unto  his  Ions,  and 
 unto  all  the  children  of  Ifrael,  and  fay  unto  them. 
 This  is  the  thing  which  the  Lord  hath  commanded, 
 saying, 
 
 3  What  man  (bever  there  he  of  the  houfe  of  Ifrael 
 that  killeth  an  ox,  or  lamb,  or  goat,  in  the  camp,  or 
 that  killeth  it  out  of  the  camp. 
 
 4  And  bringeth  it  not  unto  the  door  of  the  taber¬ 
 nacle  of  the  congregation,  to  offer  an  offering  unto 
 the  Lord  before  the  tabernacle  of  the  Lord,  blood 
 (hall  be  imputed  unto  that  man  :  he  hath  (hed  blood  : 
 and  that  man  (hall  be  cut  off  from  among  his  people ; 
 
 5  To  the  end  that  the  children  of  Ifrael  may  bring 
 their  facrifices  which  they  offer  in  the  open  field,  even 
 that  they  may  bring  them  unto  the  Lord,  unto  the 
 door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  unto  the 
 prieft,  and  offer  them  for  peace-offerings  unto  the 
 Lord. 
 
 6  And  the  prieft  (hall  fprinkle  the  blood  upon  the 
 altar  of  the  Lord  at  the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the 
 
 a  Exod,  congregation,  and  *  burn  the  fat  for  a  fweet  favour 
 29.  28.  unto  the  Lord. 
 
 Chap.  7  they  (hall  no  more  offer  their  facrifices  unto 
 '*■  devils,  after  whom  they  have  gone  a  whoring.  This 
 (hall  be  a  ftatute  for  ever  unto  them  throughout  their 
 
 generations. 
 
 8  f  And  thou  (halt  fay  unto  them,  Whatfoever  man 
 there  he  of  the  houfe  of  Krael,  or  of  the  ftrangers 
 
 law,  Heb.  x.  1 — 5.  This  tenth  day,  was  memorable  in  Israel  on  various  accounts, 
 chap,  xxiii.  27,  32.  xxv.  8,  9.  Numb.  xxix.  7,  11.  Ver.  32 — 34.  Tbe  Lord  re¬ 
 quired  fan(51ity  in  all  his  minifters,  but  efpecially  in  the  bigh-prieft,  the  moft  im¬ 
 portant  perfon,  the  king  excepted,  in  Ifrael.  And  in  this  refpea  he  folemnly 
 prefigured  Chrift,  tbe  Holy  One,  who  made  reconciliation  for  the  fins  of  his  peo¬ 
 ple,  Heb.  ii.  17.  vii.  24. 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  XVII.  Ver.  1,  2.  The  priefts  offi¬ 
 ciated  for  tbe  people  ;  and  therefore  the  law  refpedling  facrifices  is  addreffed  to 
 them.  As  the  daily  and  ordinary  fandlification  ot  all  Ifrael  is  preferibed,  chap, 
 xvi.  fo  every  one  is  here  taught  how  he  ftiould  ferve  the  Lord  j  the  place  and  man¬ 
 na'  of  his  acceptable  fervices  are  particularly  noticed.  The  law  concerning  the 
 place  is  often  enforced,  Deut.  xii.  5,  6,  13,  14,  26,  27.  xiv,  25,  26.  xv.  19,  20. 
 Let  this  teach  us  the  Importance  of  ferving  God  in  Chrift ;  for  in  him  Jehovah 
 
 r^eforc 
 
 Cliriii 
 
 1490. 
 
 which  fojonrn  among  yon,  that  offereth  a  burnt-offer¬ 
 ing  or  facrifice, 
 
 9  And  bringeth  it  not  unto  the  door  of  the  taber-, 
 naqle  of  the  congregation,  to  offer  it  unto  the  Lord,  ^ 
 even  that  man  (hall  be  cut  off  from  among  his  people. 
 
 10  %  And  whatfoever  man  their  he  of  the  houfe  of 
 Ifrael,  or  of  the  ftrangers  that  fojourn  among  you, 
 that  eateth  any  manner  of  blood  ;  I  will  even  fet  my 
 face  againft  that  foul  that  eateth  blood,  and  will  cut 
 him  off  from  among  his  people. 
 
 1 1  For  the  life  of  the  flelh  is  in  the  blood  ;  and 
 I  have  given  it  to  you  upon  the  altar,  to  make  an 
 atonement  for  your  fouls ;  for  it  is  the  blood  that 
 raaketh  an  atonement  for  the  foul. 
 
 12  Therefore  I  faid  unto  the  children  of  Ifrael,  No 
 foul  of  you  fhall  eat  blood,  neither  fhall  any  ftranger 
 that  fojourneth  among  you  eat  blood. 
 
 13  And  whatfoever  man  there  be  of  the  children  of 
 Ifrael,  or  of  the  ftrangers  that  fojourn  among  you, 
 
 f  which  hunteth  and  catcheth'  any  bead  or  fowl  that  j-  Heb. 
 may  be  eaten ;  he  lhall  even  pour  out  the  blood  there- 
 of,  and  cover  it  with  duft.  _  tunS. 
 
 14  ^  For  it  is  the  life  of  all  flefh  ;  the  blood  of  it  Gen! 
 for  the  life  thereof;  therefore  I  faid  unto  the  children 9.  4. 
 of  Ifrael,  Ye  fhall  eat  the  blood  of  no  manner  of 
 flefh :  for  the  life  of  all  fleffi  is  the  blood  thereof ; 
 whofoever  eateth  it  (hall  be  cut  off. 
 
 15  H  And  every  foul  that  eateth  t  that  which  died  t  Heb. 
 of  itself,  or  that  which  was  torn  v:>ith  beasts,  vohether  it  he^  carcau. 
 one  of  your  own  country,  or  a  ftranger,  he  (hall  both 
 waffi  his  clothes,  and  bathe  himself  in  water,  and  be 
 unclean  until  the  even  ;  then  (ball  he  be  clean. 
 
 16  But  if  he  walk  them  not,  nor  bathe  his  fle(h,  then 
 he  (hall  bear  his  iniquity.f 
 
 CHAP.  XVIII. 
 
 1  Unlawful  marriages.  19  Unlawful  lusts. 
 
 And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  faying, 
 
 2  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Ifrael,  and  fay 
 unto  them,  I  am  the  Lord  your  God. 
 
 3  After  the  doings  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  wherein 
 ye  dwell,  (hall  ye  not  do ;  and  after  the  doings  of  the 
 land  of  Canaan,  whether  I  bring  you,  (hall  ye  not  do  ; 
 neither  (hall  ye  walk  in  their  ordinances. 
 
 4  Ye  (hall  do  my  judgments,  and  keep  mine  ordi- 
 nances,  to  w’alk  therein  ;  1  am  the  Lord  your  God. 
 
 5  Ye  (hall  therefore  keep  my  ftatutesaud  myjudg- 
 
 dwells,  and  holds  communion  with  bis  people.  Ver.  9.  Door  of  the  tabernacle, 
 or  the  court  of  tbe  place,  in  which  God  chofe  to  put  bis  name,  2  Kings  xxv.  9. 
 Ezra  iii.  3 — 6.  This  may  be  defigned  to  teach  us  that  fellowftiip  in  the  church 
 the  temple  of  God,  is  one  principal  means  of  preserving  us  from  apoftacy.  Tins 
 and  what  follows  regards  the  ordinary  intereourfe  which  Ifrael  were  to  maintain 
 among  tbemfelves  and  ftrangers.  Ver.  11.  Blood  was  forbidden,  to  inculcate 
 merciful  difpoCtions,  and  to  gaurd  againft  idolatry;  but  efpecially  to  keep  up 
 lively  expecflations  of  that  expiation  by  the  blood,  which  cleanfeth  from  all  fin ; 
 for  a  fimilar  reafon  tbe  fat  was  to  be  abftained  from,  chap.  iii.  17.  vii.  25,  26. 
 Ver.  13.  Comp.  1  Sam.  xiv.  32—34. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XVIII.  Ver.  1—5.  Such  injunc- 
 tions  as  thefe  moral  precepts  are  ftill  binding,  although  the  ceremonial  inftitutions 
 were  long  fince  aboliftied.  God  flri6lly  prohibits  Ifrael  from  imitating  either  the 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. _ •  Chap.  XVI.]  Let  us  contemplate  the  Father’s  rich  love,  in  appointing  and  furniftiing  Jefus  with  every  gift  and  grace 
 
 neceffary  to  his  making  atonement  for  the  fins  of  the  world.  And  hlelfed  be  Immanuel’s  name,  who  hath  by  himfelf  purged  our  fins,  and  entered  into  the  holy  place 
 to  intercede  for  us.  He  himfelf,  without  any  companion  in  the  work,  bare  our  fins  in  his  own  body  on  the  tree  :  and  he  therefore  deservedly  lhall  have  all  the  glory 
 of  o*rr  falvation.  While  we  lament  the  evil  of  fin,  and  deplore  our  wretebednefs,  may  our  eyes  and  hearts  be  fixed  on  him,  who  faves  to  the  uttermoft  all  who  come 
 to  God  by  him. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. _ (-Chap.  XVII.]  Jefus  alone  is  the  way  to  the  Father;  and  through  him  only  can  our  fervices  be  acceptable  before  God. 
 
 Let  us  regard  God’s  inftitutions ;  for  wilUworftiip  is  an  idolatry,  dangerous  and  deteftable  in  the  fight  of  tbe  holy  and  jealous  God.  And  let  us  carefully  endeavour  to 
 mainiain  the  unity  of  the  Spirit,  and  worlhip  of  God  ;  the  unhappy  alienations  and  differences  among  the  people  of  God  are  to  be  lamented,  and  it  certainly  becomes 
 every  child  of  God  to  exert  all  his  influence  to  remove  them.  But  let  us  efpecially  feek  to  be  thoroughly  cleanfed  from  all  filthinefs  of  tbe  flelh  and  fpirit  j  that  we 
 saay  perfe<5l  holinefs  in  the  fear  of  God. 
 
Of  unlawful  lusts. 
 
 LEVITICUS. 
 
 A  repetilioti  of  sundry  laws. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chria 
 
 1490. 
 
 ments 
 
 c  Chap. 
 20,  19. 
 
 d  Chap. 
 20.  20. 
 
 e  Chap. 
 20.  12. 
 
 f  Chap. 
 20.  21. 
 
 y  Or, 
 
 one  wife 
 to  ano¬ 
 ther. 
 g  Chap. 
 20.  18. 
 
 which  if  a  man  do,  he  Ihall  live  in  them :  I 
 am  the  Lord. 
 
 6  H  None  of  you  (hall  approach  to  any  that  is  f  near 
 of  kin  to  him,  to  uncover  their  nakednefs :  1  am  the 
 
 7  The  nakednefs  of  thy  father,  or  the  nakednefs 
 of  thy  mother,  (halt  thou  not  uncover  :  (he  is  thy  mo¬ 
 ther ;  thou  (halt  not  uncover  her  nakednefs. 
 
 8  **  The  nakednefs  of  thy  father's  wife  (halt  thou 
 not  uncover:  it  is  thy  father's  nakednefs. 
 
 9  The  nakednefs  of  thy  fifter,  the  daughter  of  thy 
 father,  or  daughter  of  thy  mother,  whether  she  he  born 
 at  home,  or  born  abroad,  even  their  nakednefs  thou 
 (halt  not  uncover. 
 
 10  The  nakednefs  of  thy  Con's  daughter,  or  of  thy 
 daughter's  daughter,  even  their  nakednefs  thou  (halt 
 not  uncover  :  for  theirs  is  thine  own  nakednefs. 
 
 1 1  The  nakednefs  of  thy  father’s  wife's  daughter, 
 begotten  of  thy  father,  ((he  is  thy  fifter,)  thou  (halt 
 not  uncover  her  nakednels. 
 
 12  «  Thou  (halt  not  uncover  the  nakednefs  of  thy 
 father's  fifter :  (he  is  thy  father’s  near  kinfwoman. 
 
 13  Thou  (halt  not  uncover  the  nakednefs  of  thy 
 mother’s  fifter:  for  (he  is  thy  mother’s  near  kinf- 
 woman. 
 
 H  '*  Thou  (halt  not  uncover  the  nakednefs  of  thy 
 father’s  brother,  thou  (halt  not  approach  to  his  wife : 
 
 (he  is  thine  aunt.  ,  ,  r  r  u 
 
 15  ®  Thou  (halt  not  uncover  the  nakednels  of  thy 
 daughter-in-law  :  (he  is  thy  fon's  wife  ;  thou  (halt  not 
 uncover  her  nakednefs. 
 
 16  f  Thou  (halt  not  uncover  the  nakednefs  of  thy 
 brother's  wife  :  it  is  thy  brother’s  nakednefs. 
 
 17  Thou  ftialt  not  uncover  the  nakednefs  of  a  wo¬ 
 man  and  her  daughter,  neither  (halt  thou  take  her 
 Ion’s  daughter,  nor  her  daughter’s  daughter,  to  un¬ 
 cover  her  nakednefs :  for  they  are  her  near  kinfwo¬ 
 man:  it  w  wickednefs. 
 
 18  Neither  fhalt  thou  take  H  a  wife  to  her  fifter,  to 
 vex  her^  to  uncover  her  nakednefs,  befides  the  other 
 in  her  \\h-time. 
 
 19  H  s  Alfo  thou  (halt  not  approach  unto  a  woman 
 to  uncover  her  nakednefs  as  long  as  (he  is  put  apart 
 for  her  uncleaonefs. 
 
 20  Moreover,  thou  (halt  not  lie  prnally  with  thy 
 neighbour’s  wife,  to  defile  thyfelf  with  her. 
 
 21  And  thou  (halt  not  let  any  of  thy  feed  *■  pafs 
 through  the  fre  *  to  Molech,  neither  (halt  thou  pro- 
 fane  the  name  of  thy  God  :  1  am  the  Lord. 
 
 22  Thou  (halt  not  lie  with  mankind  as  with  woman- 
 
 kind  :  it  is  abomination.  ,  ri  ^  King* 
 
 23  “  Neither  (halt  thou  lie  with  any  bead,  to  defaless.  lo. 
 thyfelf  therewith  ;  neither  (hall  any  woman  ftand  be- i  Called 
 fore  a  bead  to  lie  down  thereto  :  it  is  confufion.  ^ 
 
 24  Defile  not  ye  yourfelves  in  any  of  thefe  things :  Moioch. 
 for  in  all  thefe  the  nations  are  defiled  which  I  caft  out  k  Chap. 
 
 before  you.  ,  „  t  i  -r 
 
 25  And  the  land  is  defiled  :  therefore  I  do  vifit  the 
 
 iniquity  thereof  upon  it,  and  the  land  itfelf  vomiteth 
 
 out  her  inhabitants.  . 
 
 26  Ye  (hall  therefore  keep  my  fetutes  and  my  judg¬ 
 ments,  and  (hall  not  commit  anyot  thefe  abominations  ; 
 neither  any  of  your  own  nation,  nor  any  ftranger  that 
 
 fojourneth  among  you ;  .  ,  r 
 
 27  (For  all  thefe  abominations  have  the  men  or 
 the  land  done  which  were  before  you,  and  the  land  is 
 defiled :) 
 
 28  That  the  land  fpue  not  you  out  alio,  .when  ye 
 defile  it,  as  it  fpued  out  the  nations  that  were  before 
 you. 
 
 29  For  whofoever  (hall  commit  any  of  thefe  abo¬ 
 minations,  even  the  fouls  that  commit  them  fhall  be 
 cut  off  from  among  their  people. 
 
 30  Therefore  (hall  ye  keep  mine  ordinances,  that 
 ye  commit  not  any  one  of  thefe  abominable  cuftoms, 
 which  were  committed  before  you,  and  that  ye  de¬ 
 file  not  yourfelves  therein :  I  am  the  Lord  your 
 God.* 
 
 CHAP.  XIX. 
 
 A  repetition  o/"  sundry  laws  and  ordinances. 
 
 ND  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  faying, 
 
 ^  ^  2  Speak  unto  all  the  congregation  of  the 
 children  of  Ifrael,  and  fay  unto  them,*  Ye  (hall  be®C“®P* 
 holy :  for  I  the  Lord  your  God  am  holy. 
 
 3  H  Ye  (hall  fear  every  man  his  mother  and  his  fa- 1  peter 
 ther,  and  keep  my  fabbaths :  I  am  the  Lord  your  God.  i.  le. 
 
 4  Turn  ye  not  unto  idols,  nor  make  to  yourfelves 
 molten  gods :  I  am  the  Lord  your  God. 
 
 5  ^  And  if  ye  offer  a  facrifice  of  peace-offerings 
 unto  the  Lord,  ye  (hall  offer  it  at  your  own  will. 
 
 6  It  (hall  be  eaten  the  fame  day  ye  offer  it,  and  on 
 
 A’ 
 
 Egyptians  from  whom  they  had  come  out,  or  the  Canaanites  whom  they  were 
 going  among;  as  he  knew  they  were  too  prone  to  fall  in  with  such  practices  of 
 idolatry  from  their  pad  tranfailions !  he  therefore  gives  them  repeated  folemn 
 warnings.  Ver.  16 — 18.  God  here  forbids  all  marriages  between  perfons  within 
 the  degrees  of  affinity  fpecified  ;  which  equally  affeiSls  females  as  males;  as  alfo 
 all  indecent  familiarites  between  near  relations.  Thefe  commandments  were  ne. 
 celTary,  owing  to  their  often  living  together  in  the  fame  houfe  and  family,  which 
 would  expofe  them  to  many  temptations,  unlefs  they  had  been  warned  of  the 
 heinous  nature  of  this  fin,  which  was  calculated  to  prevent  all  thoughts  of  any 
 lewd  intercourfe  between  them ;  therefore  near  relations  ought  to  be  doubly  on 
 their  guard.  Ver.  19 — 30.  Farther  laws  againft  impurity,  and  the  penalty  an¬ 
 nexed  to  them.  1.  Againft  an  unfeafonable  ufeofthe  marriage  bed.  2.  Againft 
 adultery.  3.  Againft  the  abominable  idolatry  of  confecraling  their  children  to 
 Molech,  by  caufingthem  to  pafs  between  two  fires,  and  fometimes  burning  them. 
 This  was  the  practice  of  the  heathen,  whom  Ifrael  frequently  imitated,  2  Kings 
 xxiii.  10.  Jer.  vii.  31.  Molech,  called  alfo  Milcom,  1  Kings  xi.  5,  7.  was  a  god 
 whom  the  Amonites  and  other  heathens  worlhipped  ;  and  is  fuppafed  to  have  been 
 
 a  ftar  or  planet,  to  which  the  Carthagenians  and  Phenicians  offered  their 
 children  ;  or  the  fun,  called  in  fcripture  Baal.  4.  Againft  fodoray  and  beftiali- 
 ty,  crimes,  the  mention  of  which  are  (hocking  ;  and  it  is  among  the  direful 
 proofs  of  the  defperate  corruptnefs  of  man’s  nature,  that  fuch  prohibitions  are 
 neceffary.  But  that  they  were  indeed  neceflary,  we  have  awful  evidence  from  the 
 hiflory  of  man  in  modern  as  well  as  ancient  times.  As  Ifrael  were  bound  to  be 
 God’s  executioners  on  the  finful  people  of  Canaan,  they  ought  to  take  particular 
 care  that  they  fall  not  into  the  fame  fins,  that  they  may  prevent  fimilar  deftruc- 
 tion  from  vifiting  them,  - 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XIX.  Ver.  1.  We  have  here  a  ge¬ 
 neral  command  which  includes  all  the  reft  :  Be  ye  holy,  for  the  Lord  your  God  is 
 holy.  The  defign  of  the  law  as  well  as  the  gofpel,  next  to  God’s  glory,  is  the 
 fandlification  of  his  people ;  that  is,  their  feparation  from  fin,  and  devotedneCs 
 to  God  and  bis  fervice.  Tliis  was  taught  by  all  the  purifying  rites  of  Mofes. 
 Ver.  4.  lam  the  Lord  your  God.  This  is  the  foundation  and  reafon  of  this  and 
 almoft  all  the  following  precepts  ;  and  it  merits  notice,  that  it  was  alfo  prefixed 
 to  the  ten  commandments,  Exod.  xx.  2.  Ver.  5.  At  your  own  will;  that  is. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XVIII.]  To  what  an  awful  ftateof  depravity  has  human  nature  fallen,  which  requires  fuch  precepts  to  prevent 
 utter  confufion  and  diforder  in  fociety,  as  thofe  contained  in  this  chapter.  Surely  man  cannot  obtain  life  by  his  own  works;  but  thanks  be  to  God  for  eternal  life 
 tlirough  the  righteoufnefs  of  the  Lord  Jefus  Chrift.  May  it  be  our  happinefs  to  receive  grace  from  him  to  mortify  the  deeds  of  the  body,  that  we  may  live.  Let  us 
 witch  and  pray  againft  compliance  with  the  lead  evil.  To  numerous  temptations  are  we  expofed,  and  unable  are  we  to  refill  them,  But  certainly  the  direful  con- 
 fc^uences  of  fin  ought  to  excite  us  to  look  to  the  Lord  daily  for  grace  and  mercy  to  help  us  in  the  time  of  need. 
 
 No.  8....6d.  H  h 
 
A  repetition  of  sundry  laxvs- 
 
 LEVITICUS. 
 
 Before 
 
 b  Cnap, 
 23.  22. 
 
 c  Exod. 
 20.  7. 
 Deut, 
 
 5.  31. 
 Matih. 
 
 5.  53. 
 James 
 5.  12. 
 d  Ecclus. 
 10.  6. 
 e  DeuL 
 
 chrm  morrow :  and  if  ought  remain  until  the  third  day. 
 ,490  it  fhall  be  burnt  in  the  fire. 
 
 7  And  if  it  be  eaten  at  all  on  the  third  day,  it  is 
 abominable ;  it  lhall  not  be  accepted. 
 
 8  Therefore  every  one  that  eateth  it  (hall  bear  his 
 iniquity,  becaufe  he  hath  profaned  the  hallowed  thing 
 of  the  Lord  ;  and  that  foul  (hall  be  cut  off  from 
 among  his  people. 
 
 9  H  And  ^  when  ye  reap  the  harvefi  of  your  land, 
 thou  (halt  not  wholly  reap  the  corners  of  thy  field, 
 neither  (halt  thou  gather  the  gleanings  of  thy  har- 
 veft. 
 
 10  And  thou  (halt  not  glean  thy  vineyard,  neither 
 fhalt  thou  gather  cvenj  grape  of  thy  vineyard  ;  thou 
 (halt  leave  them  for  the  poor  and  ((ranger  :  I  am  the 
 Lord  your  God. 
 
 11  K  Ye  (hall  not  (leal,  neither  deal  falfely,  neither 
 lie  one  to  another. 
 
 12  ^  And  ye  (hall  not  •=  fwear  by  my  name  falfely, 
 neither  (halt  thou  profane  the  name  of  thj  God:  I 
 am  the  Lord. 
 
 13  II  Tnou  fhalt  not  defraud  thy  neighbour,  nei¬ 
 ther  rob  him :  ®  the  wages  of  him  that  is  hired  (hall 
 not  abide  with  thee  all  night  until  the  morning. 
 
 14  H  Thou  (halt  not  curfe  the  deaf,  ^  nor  put  a 
 
 1.  17.  &  (fumbling  block  before  the  blind,  but  (halt  fear  thy 
 Pr’v^'  ^  Lord. 
 
 2l°25.  H  ^  Ye  (hall  do  no  unrighteoufnefs  in  judgment ; 
 Jam.2.'9.  thou  (halt  not  relpedt  the  perfon  of  the  poor,  nor 
 h  1  John  honour  the  perfon  of  the  mighty  :  hut  in  righteoufnefs 
 
 fiEccius  thou  judge  thy  neighbour. 
 
 1  ecus.  16  ^  Thou  (halt  not  go  up  and  down  as  a  tale¬ 
 bearer  among  thy  people  ;  neither  (halt  thou  ftand 
 againfl  the  blood  of  thy  neighbour :  I  am  the 
 Lord. 
 
 17  ^  Thou  (halt  not  hate  thy  brother  in  thine 
 smf.rhim.  heart:  '  thou  (halt  in  any  wife  rebuke  thy  neighbour, 
 k  Matth.  II  and  not  fufFer  fin  upon  him.  i 
 «'2'*35^  18  U  Thou  (halt  not  avenge,  nor  bear  any  grudge 
 
 iiom.  againfl:  the  children  of  thy  people  ;  but  thou  (halt 
 13.  9,  love  thy  neighbour  as  thyfelf:  I  am  the  Lord. 
 Gai.5.14.  19  ^  Ye  (hall  keep  my  ftatutes.  Thou  (halt  not  let 
 
 thy  cattle  gender  with  a  diverfe  kind.  Thou  fhalt  not 
 fow  thy  field  with  mingled  feed  :  neither  fhall  a  gar 
 ment  mingled  of  linen  and  woollen  come  upon 
 thee. 
 
 20  II  And  whofoever  lieth  carnally  with  a  woman 
 that  is  a  bond-maid,  ||  f  betrothed  to  an  hufband,  and 
 
 repetition  of  sundry  lau^^ 
 
 Tobit 
 4.  H. 
 f  Deut, 
 27.  18. 
 g  Exod. 
 23.  3. 
 DeuU 
 
 19.  13. 
 Mattb. 
 18.  15. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 that  thou 
 bear  not 
 
 Jam.  2.  8. 
 0  Or, 
 abused 
 by  any, 
 t  Heb. 
 reproach¬ 
 ed  by,  or 
 for  man. 
 
 chee» fully,  not  grudgingly;  or,  for  your  own  favourable  acceptation  ;  that  is,  in 
 order  to  its  being  acceptable  to  God  for  you.  Ver.  9.  Corners,  mean  the  outfide, 
 the  outmofl  part  of  the  field  ;  often  not  fo  foon  ripe  as  the  field  itfelf.  Ver.  JO. 
 And  thou  shall  mt  glean  the  fingle  grapes  of  thy  vineyard,  oppofed  to  clufters; 
 and  thou  sha't  not  gather  every  grape  that  is,  particular  berries  broken  ofiF  in 
 gathering.  Thefe  minute  precepts  manifell  great  regard  for  the  poor.  True 
 piety  towards  God  agrees  with  charity  towards  our  neighbour,  where  the  one  truly 
 exifts,  the  other  will  follow.  A  felfilh  avaricious  fpirit  is  inconfiftent  with  true 
 Chriftianity.  Ver.  11.  Precepts  again  ft  theft,  fraud,  and  lying,  are  neceiTary  in 
 the  prefent  day,  as  well  as  the  day  in  which  they  were  given.  The  world  is  in 
 fuch  a  ftate  in  general,  that  almoft  every  trade  is  mixed  with  injuftice,  and  fo  fup- 
 ported  by  intrigue  and  diftianulatioo,  that  it  is  difficult  for  the  honeft  and  upright 
 trader  to  earn  a  fubfiftence.  Toe  ftraiter  the  gate  the  more  fhould  the  Chriftian 
 ftrive  to  enter;  and  at  the  end,  honefty  and  integrity  ftiall  be  found  to  be  the  beft 
 policy.  Ver.  12.  See  Note  on  Matth.  v.  33 — 36.  Ver.  13.  Defraud  by  deceit  or 
 violence,  which  John  prohibits,  Luke  iii.  14.  This  crime  and  robbery  originate 
 in  covetoufoefs,  and  often  iffue  in  murder,  Mic.  ii.  2  Prov.  i.  J  9.  Ver.  15.  The 
 poor  are  proper  objetfts  of  pity  ;  but  not  of  partiality  in  the  exercife  of  juftice, 
 which  requires  equitable  and  juft  procedure  towards  them  as  well  as  the  rich. 
 Ver.  1  6.  Tale-b’arer  ;  the  original  word  denotes  a  merchant  who  travels  to  difpofe 
 of  bis  gooda,  J  Ktngsz.  15.  Eaek.  xxvii.  16,  17,  22,  23.  The  goods  of  the  tale* 
 
 not  at  all  redeemed,  nor  freedom  given  her,  ||  f  (lie  B^-fore 
 (hall  be  Icourged  :  they  (hall  not  be  put  to  death,  be- 
 caufe  (be  was  not  free. 
 
 2 1  And  he  fhall  bring  his  trefpars-ofFenng  unto  the  iTorT^ 
 Lord,  unto  the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  con-'^'^^'- 
 gregation,  even  a  ram  for  a  trefpafs-offering. 
 
 22  And  the  priell  (hall  make  an  atonement  for6ea 
 him  with  the  ram  of  the  trefpafs-offering  before  the  scouTgin^^ 
 Lord,  for  his  fin  which  he  hath  done ;  and  the  fin 
 which  he  hath  done  (ball  be  forgiven  him. 
 
 23  f  And  when  ye  (ball  come  into  the  land,  and 
 fhall  have  planted  all  manner  of  trees  for  food,  then 
 ye  (ball  count  the  fruit  thereof  as  uncircumcifed  : 
 three  years  (hall  it  be  as  uncircumcifed  unto  you :  it 
 (ball  not  be  eaten  of. 
 
 24  But  in  the  fourth  year  all  the  fruit  thereof  fhall 
 
 be  f  holy,  to  praife  the  Lord  -withal.  t  Heb 
 
 25  And  in  the  fifth  year  (ball  ye  eat  of  fruit 
 
 thereof,  that  it  may  yield  unto  you  the  increafeL 
 thereof:  I  am  the  Lord  your  God.  lord. 
 
 26  ^  Ye  fhall  not  eat  any  thing  with  the  blood  ; 
 neither  (ball  ye  ufe  enchantment,  nor  obferve 
 times. 
 
 27  f  ‘  Ye  fliall  not  round  the  corners  of  your  heads,  ’  ^bap. 
 neither  fhalt  thou  mar  the  corners  of  thy  beard. 
 
 28  Ye  fhall  not  make  any  cuttings  in  your  flefh  Deut. 
 for  the  dead,  nor  print  any  marks  upon  you: 
 
 the  Lord. 
 
 29  H  Do  not  f  proftitute  thy  daughter,  to  caufe  her  t  Heb. 
 to  be  a  whore;  left  the  land  fall  to  whoredom,  and 
 
 the  land  become  full  of  wickednefs. 
 
 30  H  Ye  (hall  keep  my  fabbaths,  and  reverence  my 
 fanffuary  :  I  am  the  Lord. 
 
 31  f  Regard  not  them  that  have  familiar  (pints, 
 neither  feek  after  wizards,  to  be  defiled  by  them  :  I 
 am  the  Lord  your  God. 
 
 32  H  Thou  (halt  rife  op  before  the  hoary  head,  and 
 honour  the  face  of  the  old  man,  and  fear  thy  God: 
 
 I  am  the  Lord.  27^2”^ 
 
 33  H  And  “  if  a  ftranger  fojourn  with  thee  in  your  23!  9. 
 
 land,  ye  (ball  not  II  vex  him.  ||  Or, 
 
 34  °  But  the  ftranger  that  dwelleth  with  you  (halU^'^""' 
 be  unto  you  as  one  born  among  you,  and  thou  (bait 
 
 love  him  as  thyfelf;  for  ye  were  ftrangers  in  the  landp  Prov. 
 of  Egypt :  I  am  the  Lord  your  God.  n-  & 
 
 35  f  Ye  (hall  do  no  unrighteoafnefs  in  judgment,^®'  ‘ ^ 
 
 in  mete-yard,  in  weight,  or  in  meafure.  ^ 
 
 36  p  Juft  balances,  juft  t  weights,  a  juft  ephah,  and  stones. 
 
 bearer  are  the  fecrets  of  bis  neighbour,  which  he  obtains  by  alTuming  the  honour- 
 able  chara6ler  of  a  friend,  Prov.  xi.  13.  xx.  19.  Jer.  ix.  4,  5.  Ver.  17.  Brother, 
 or  neighbour,  means  any  perfon,  according  to  our  Lord’s  interpretation,  Matt.  v. 
 43,  44.  Tne  original  word  tranftated  rebuke,  fignifies  to  reprove  by  convincing 
 and  perfuafive  arguments.  To  rebuke  a  brother  is  oppofed  to  hating  him,  becaufe 
 genuine  love  excites  to  inftrurft,  convince,  and  kindly  warn  our  brother  when  he 
 offends  us  or  has  erred  ;  whereas  hatred  is  nourilbed  by  filence,  and  waits  an  op¬ 
 portunity  of  revenge,  as  was  exemplified  in  Abfalom’s  condudl  to  Ammon,  2  Sam. 
 xiii.  22.  Ver.  18.  To  avenge,  belongeth  to  God,  1  Sam.  xxiv.  12.  Jer,  xv.  15. 
 Prov.  XX.  22.  Rom.  xii.  19.  For  the  meaning  of  vengeance,  fee  Jer.  1.  15.  The 
 reafoa  of  thefe  precepts  may  partly  have  been,  to  preferve  the  nature  of  things  in 
 that  ftate  in  which  the  Creator  formed  them ;  but  chiefly  to  imprefs  the  minds  of 
 Ifrael  with  the  importance  of  retaining  the  religion  of  heaven  in  its  native  fimpli- 
 city,  in  oppofition  to  every  beathenifh  practice.  Ver.  26 — 28.  Comp.  Notes  on 
 chap.  xxi.  3.  Deut.  xxviii.  9 — 12.  Ver.  32.  To  rise  up,  is  a  token  of  refpeiS,  and 
 this  God  requires  to  be  fttewn  to  the  hoary  bead,  which  is  a  crown  of  glory  wheri 
 found  in  the  way  of  righteoufnefs,  1  Kings  ii.  19.  Prov.  xx.  29.  Ver.  35,  36. 
 Ttiefe  precepts  include  every  thing  neceffary  to  teach  Ifrael,  that  God.  required  of 
 them  juftice  and  equity  in  all  their  dealings  with  each  other,  and  utterly  coiidemn- 
 ed  all  deceit  and  falfebood,  Ezek.  zlv.  10 — 12.  Amos' viii.  5,  8. 
 
Of  him  that  cursctk  his  parents,  ^c. 
 
 LEVITICUS. 
 
 Of  uncleanness,  S^c. 
 
 Ik’fore 
 Olirill 
 J4  90. 
 
 8  Chap. 
 10.  ‘21. 
 
 a  jail  hin,  fhall  ye  have  :  \  am  the  L9RD  your  God, 
 which  brought  you  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt. 
 
 I  37  Therefore  fhall  ye  oblerve  all  my  Itatutes,  ^and 
 all  my  judgments,  and  do  them  :  1  am  the  Lord.* 
 
 CHAP.  XX. 
 
 1  Of  him  that  givelh  of  his  seed  unto  MoUch.  4  Of  him  that  favoureth 
 such  an  one.  6  Of  going  to  uixards.  7  Of  sanchfcation.  9  Of 
 him  that  curseth  his  parents.  10  Of  adultery.  II,  14,  17,  19.  Of 
 incest.  13  Of  sodomy.  15  Of  beasHalUy.  18  Of  uncleanness.  22 
 Obedience  is  required  with  holiness,  ^-c. 
 
 And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  faying, 
 
 2  »  Again,  thou  (halt  fay  unto  the  children  oC 
 llrael,  Whofoever  he  be  of  the  children  of  llfael,  or  of  | 
 the  ftrangers  that  fojourn  in  Ifrael,  that  giveth  any  of 
 his  feed  unto  Molech,  he  fhall  lurely  be  put  to  death : 
 the  people  of  the  land  fhall  ftone  him  with  ftones. 
 
 3  And  I  will  fet  my  face  againfL  that  man,  and  will 
 cut  him  off  from  among  his  people ;  becaule  he  hath 
 given  of  his  feed  unto  Molech,  to  defile  my  fanffuary, 
 and  to  profane  my  holy  name. 
 
 4  H  And  if  the  people  of  the  land  do  any  ways : 
 
 U  And  if  a  man  take  a  wife,  and  ci.rift 
 
 wickednefs:  they  fhall  be  burnt  with  fire,  both  he 
 
 and  they  ;  that  there  be  no  wickedoels  J”2'’V|urelvro;r;:" 
 1.5  8  And  if  a  mao  he  with  a  beaft,  he  Inall  lurelj 
 
 be  put  to  death  ;  and  ye  fhall  flay  the  beafl. 
 
 16  And  if  a  woman  approach  unto  any  beaft,  and 
 lie  down  thereto,  thou  fhalt  kill  the  woman  and  the 
 beaft :  they  fhall  furely  be  put  to  death  ;  their  blood 
 
 An°d"if  rman  fhall  take  his  fider  his  lather’s 
 daughter,  or  his  mother’s  daughter,  and  lee  her  na- 
 keduefs,  and  fhe  tec  his  nakednels,  a  ts  3  wicked 
 thing!  and  they  (hall  be  cut  oil  in  the  light  of  then 
 people  :  he  hath  uncovered  his  filler’s  nakednels ;  he 
 
 (hall  bear  his  iniquity.  .  ,  u 
 
 18  ‘  And  if  a  man  fhall  lie  with  a  w'oman  having*  Ch.p. 
 
 her  ficknefs,  and  fhall  uncover  her  nakednels.  he 
 hath  t  difeovered  her  fountain,  n 
 
 ed  the  fountain  of  her  blood  :  and  both  of  them 
 be  cut  off  from  among  their  people.  ,  ,  /• 
 
 19  1  And  thou  fhalt  not  uncover  the  nakednels  of 
 
 4  H  And  It  tne  people  or  tne  lana  oo  any  ways  ^  "7  ““-7  r.apr  •  for  he 
 
 hide  their  eyes  from  the  man,  when  he  giveth  of  his  ,,  thy  mother  s  fitter  J  ‘  .^eir  iniquity. 
 
 b  Chap. 
 
 J 1.  44. 
 
 &  19.  2. 
 
 1  Peter 
 1.16. 
 c  Exod. 
 
 21.  17. 
 Prov, 
 
 20.  20. 
 Matthew 
 15.  4, 
 
 d  Deut. 
 
 22.  22. 
 John 
 8.  4,  5. 
 c  Chap. 
 18.  8. 
 
 feed  unto  Molech,  and  kill  him  not ; 
 
 5  Then  1  will  fet  my  face  againft  that  man,  and  : 
 againft  his  family,  and  will  cut  him  off,  and  all  that 
 go  a  whoring  after  him,  to  commit  whoredom  with  , 
 Molech,  from  among  their  people. 
 
 6  H  And  the  foul  that  turneth  after  fuch  as  have 
 
 familiar  fpirits,  and  after  wizards,  to  go  a  whoring ; 
 after  them,  1  will  even  fet  my  face  againft  that  foul, , 
 and  will  cut  him  off  from  among  his  people.  | 
 
 7  f  Sanftify  yourfelves  therefore,  and  be  ye  holy  :  j 
 
 for  1  am  the  Lord  your  God.  j 
 
 8  And  ye  fhall  keep  my  ftatutes,  and  do  them  :  1 , 
 am  the  Lord  which  fanftify  you. 
 
 9  H  <=  For  every  one  that  curfeth  his  father  or  his 
 mother  fhall  be  furely  put  to  death  :  he  hath  curled 
 his  father  or  his  mother  ;  his  blood  shall  be  upon  him. 
 
 10  H  And  the  roan  that  committeth  adultery  with 
 another  man’s  wife,  even  he  that  committeth  adultery 
 with  his  neighbour’s  wife,  the  adulterer  and  the  adul- 
 terefs  fhall  furely  be  put  to  death. 
 
 11  And  the  man  that  lieth  with  his  father’s  w'ife 
 
 uncovereth  his  near  kin  ;  they  ffall  bear  their  iniquif^\ 
 
 20  And  if  a  man  fhall  lie  with  his  uncle  ^  ^ ’le,  he 
 
 hath  uncovered  his  uncle’s  nakednels  :  they  (hall  bear 
 their  fin  ;  they  fhall  die  childlefs.  ..... 
 
 21  And  if  a  roan  fhall  take  his  brother  s  wife,  tt  is 
 
 t  an  unclean  thing  ;  he  hath  uncovered  his  brother’s  t  iieb. 
 nakednels :  they  fhall  be  childlefs. 
 
 22  ^  Ye  fhall  therefore  keep  all  ray  ftatutes,  and  ^ 
 all  my  judgments,  and  do  them  t  that  the  land,  whither  1  g. 
 
 I  bring  you  to  dwell  therein,  ‘  fpue  you  not  out.  1  Chap. 
 
 23  And  ye  fhall  not  walk  in  the  manners  of  thei^-^a. 
 nations  which  I  caft  out  before  you  ;  for  they  com¬ 
 mitted  all  thefe  things,  and  “  therefore  1  abhorred  ^ 
 
 them.  r  n  n  •  u  •  U  • 
 
 24  But  1  have  faid  unto  you,  \e  fhall  inherit  their 
 land,  and  1  will  give  it  unto  you  to  poffels  it,  a  land 
 that  floweth  with  milk  and  honey:  I  am  the  Lord 
 your  God,  which  have  feparated  you  from  uiher  people. 
 
 25  “  Ye  fhall  therefore  put  difference  between  clean  n  Cbap. 
 beafts  and  unclean,  and  between  unclean  fowls  and  ' 
 
 11  -  ^uu  Uie  uidu  iiidi  lieu,  wuu  ui.  o  dean  ;  and  ye  fhall  not  make  your  fouls  abominable 
 
 hath  uncovered  his  father’s  nakednefs :  both  of  them  ;  by  beaft,  or  by  fowl,  or  by  any  manner  of  living 
 
 1.  <  I  1  .1  .1  •  t  1  ^  J  7  II  »  _  -U! II  •  k.  Q  rr.-.-.nn/4  \»7hi/~h  t  h^VH 
 
 f  Chap. 
 18.  22. 
 
 fhall  furely  be  put  to  death  ;  their  blood  shall  be  upon 
 them.  I 
 
 12  And  if  a  man  lie  with  his  daughter-in-law,  both  , 
 of  them  fhall  furely  be  put  to  death  :  they  have ' 
 wrought  confufion  ;  their  blood  shall  be  upon  them.  1 
 
 13  f  Mf  a  roan  alfo  lie  with  mankind,  as  he  lieth  | 
 with  a  woman,  both  of  them  have  committed  an  abo-  j 
 mination :  they  fhall  furely  be  put  to  death;  their: 
 blood  shall  be  upon  them. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XX.  Ver.  1,  2.  Here  God  proceeds 
 to  pronounce  punilhment  on  the  tranlgreffjrs  of  the  laws  delivered  in  the  two  pre- 
 ceeding  chapters.  Molech,  was  a  chief  god  of  the  heathen,  chip,  xviii.  21. 
 Ver.  3.  1  will  set ;  that  is,  firmly  oppofe.  Tne  meaning  is,  that  if  the  fin  were 
 overlooked,  or  partial  judgment  palled  againft  the  guilty  perfon,  or  were  not 
 fully  known  and  proved  by  proper  witneffes,  God  himfelf  would  cut  him  off  by 
 
 thing  that  H  creepeth  on  the  grour.d,  which  1  have  or, 
 feparated  from  you  as  unclean.  w.w  o. 
 
 26  And  ye  fhall  be  holy  unto  me:  °  for  I  the"^^"-  * 
 
 Lord  am  fioly,  and  have  fevered  you  from  oMer  ,9 
 people,  that  ye  (hould  be  mine.  1  Pner 
 
 27  f  A  man  alfo,  or  woman,  that  hath  a  familiar  '•  is. 
 
 fpirit,  or  that  is  a  wizard,  (hall  furely  be  put  to  death  : 
 they  fhall  ftone  them  with  Hones  :  their  blood  shall  be  1  Sam. 
 upon  thera.f  "• 
 
 I  fome  fearful  judgment.  Ttie  Jews  reckoned  thirty-fii  crimes  which  fubjeaed 
 ;  the  tranfgrelTors  to  be  punifbed  or  cut  oft';  and  all  who  countenanced  or  imi. 
 
 !  tated  them  were  liable  to  futl'er  with  them.  \er.  8.  Compare  1  Sam.  xxvni. 
 1  ChroB,  X.  13.  Ver.  9.  Compare  Prov.  xx.  20.  He  who cursfd,  that  is,  reviled 
 his  parents  was  to  be  ftoned  to  dea  h,  Deut.  xxi.  21.  Ver.  18.  The  woman’s 
 sickness,  or  menfes,  feparated  her  as  unclean  even  from  her  bulband  ;  and  there. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chai-.  XIX.]  To  compaffionate  and  relieve  the  widow  and  the  falherlefs,  conftitutes  an  imporUni  part  of  pure  and 
 undefiled  religion  ;  and  to  encourage  us  in  this  duly,  the  Lord  hath  remembered  us  in  our  low  eftate,  and  alfures  us  that  be  who  giveth  to  the  poor  lendetb  to 
 the  .Lord,  who  will  recompence  the  liberal  an  hundred-fold.  Piety  towards  God  cannot  exift  without  love  and  kindnefs  towards  men  !  for  love  is  the  fulfilling  of  the 
 Itw.  Let  us  ever  manifeft  fatisfaaion  in  God’s  works  and  ways,  efptciallv  in  his  method  of  redeeming  his  people  ;  for  infinite  wifdoin,  love  and  righieoulnels 
 direft  all  his  plans.  And  let  all  who  know  his  revelation,  and  who  would  honour  him  on  ear.h,  avoid  and  rejeft  every  evil  maxim  by  which  bebwe.s  are  influenced 
 in  religion,  or  civil  life.  IntegMty,  truth,  and  unreferved  fubjeaion  to  all  God’s  commandmtn’.s,  mull  regulate  all  who  would  receive  bis  approbation. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.— t  Chap.  XX.]  How  much  do  the  votaries  of  Satan  facrifice  in  his  fervice,  and  ftiould  we  reckon  any  thing  too  dear  t.ic 
 the  Lord  !  Depraved  indeed  is  man,  who  can  be  guilty  of  the  mod  atrocious  and  unnatural  pratftices,  and  abufe  the  greateft  privileges.  The  charaaer  of  an  m. 
 
Ordinances  touching  the  priests, 
 
 CHAP.  XXI. 
 
 LEVITICUS. 
 
 Before 
 
 Cbrid 
 
 1490.  1  Of  the  jyriests'  mourning;  6  of  their  holirtes.’i.  8  Of  their  estimation  • 
 
 - - -  .,13  of  then-  marriages.  1 6  The  yriesis  that  have  blemtshes  must  not 
 
 miTUster  in  the  sanctuary. 
 
 And  the  Lord  faid  unto  ]Mofes,  Speak  unto 
 the  pnefts  the  Tons  of  Aaron,  and  fav  unto 
 them,  There  (hall  none  be  defiled  tor  the  dead  amoDK 
 nis  people : . 
 
 ^  But  for  his  kin,  that  is  near  unto  him,  that  is, 
 tor  his  niother,  and  for  his  father,  and  for  his  fon, 
 and  for  his  daughter,  and  for  his  brother ;  ’ 
 
 S  And  for  his  fifter  a  virgin,  that  is  nigh  unto  him, 
 which  hath  had  no  hutband ;  for  her  may  he  be 
 defiled. 
 
 ^  defile  himfelf,  being  a  chief  man 
 
 husband  among  his  people,  to  profane  himfelf. 
 among  ku  5  *  They  (hall  not  make  baldnefs  upon  their  head 
 reofije,  he  neither  fhall  they  thave  off  the  corner  of  their  beard! 
 
 cuttings  in  their  fleth. 
 
 himself  6  H  They  fhall  be  holy  unto  their  God,  and  not 
 for  his  profane  the  name  of  their  God  :  for  the  offerings  of 
 
 ^’■ead  of  their  God, 
 
 19. 2?.'  offer  :  therefore  they  (hall  be  holy. 
 
 7  H  They  shall  not  take  a  wife  that  is  a  whore,  or 
 profane  :  neither  fhall  they  take  a  woman  put  away 
 from  her  hulband  :  for  he  is  holy  unto  his  God. 
 
 8  Thou  (halt  lanftify  him  therefore ;  for  he  offer- 
 eth  the  bread  of  thy  God  :  he  fhall  be  holy  unto  thee : 
 for  I  the  Lord,  which  fanftify  you,  am  holy. 
 
 9  f  And  the  daughter  of  any  prieft,  if  (he  profane 
 herfelf  by  playing  the  whore,  (he  profaneth  her  father : 
 Ihe  fhall  be  burnt  with  fire. 
 
 10  U  And  he  that  rs  the  high  prieft  among  his  bre¬ 
 thren,  upon  whofe  head  the  anointing  oil  was  pour, 
 ed,  and  that  is  confecrated  to  put  on  the  garments, 
 fhall  not  uncover  his  head,  nor  rend  his  clothes ; 
 
 11  Neither  (hall  he  go  into  any  dead  body,  nor 
 defile  himfelf  for  his  father,  or  for  his  mother ; 
 
 12  Neither  fhall  he  go  our  of  the  fandfuary,  nor 
 profane  the  fanftuary  of  his  God ;  for  the  crown  of 
 the  anointing  oil  of  his  God  is  upon  him  :  I  am  the 
 Lord. 
 
 13  ^  And  he  fhall  take  a  wife  in  her  virginity. 
 
 14  A  widow,  or  a  divorced  woman,  or  profane,  or 
 an  harlot,  thefe  fhall  he  not  take ;  but  he  fhall  take 
 a  virgin  of  his  own  people  to  wife. 
 
 fore  the  crime  condemned  here  was  peculiarly  aggravated,  chap.  xii.  2.  xv.  19, 
 24.  Ver.  24.  end  Aoncy,  denote  all  temporal  good,  £xod.  iii.  8.  Deut.  viii. 
 7,  8.  The  laws  of  God  to  Ifrael  feparated  them  from  the  ungodly  nations  around 
 them,  1  Kings  viii,  53. 
 
 EX PLANATOKY  NOTES.  Chaf.  XXI.  Ver.  1.  After  the  general  rules 
 of  holinefs  given  to  the  people,  Mofes  proceeds  here  to  particular  laws  binding 
 on  the  priefts ;  for  as  their  office  v<-as  to  make  atonement  for  the  people,  it  was 
 highly  proper  that  they  ffiould  carefully  endeavour  to  faniftify  tbemfelves.  Ver. 
 2,  3.  Befides  the  fix  near  relations  mentioned  here  for  whofe  death  the  prieft 
 might  defile  himfelf,  or  render  himfelf  ceremonially  unclean  by  appearing  as  a 
 mourner,  it  isfuppofed  that  he  might  alfo  mourn  for  his  wife,  becaufe  Ezekiel  the 
 prieft,  was  commanded,  as  an  extraordinary  cafe,  not  to  mourn  for  his  wife  when 
 fhe  died,  Ezek  xxiv.  16 — 18.  Ver.  5.  The  various  expreffions  in  this  verfe  re¬ 
 fer  to  the  manner  in  which  the  Gentiles  difeovered  their  forrow.  Cutting  the fiesh 
 was  forbidden  the  people  as  well  as  the  priefts,  for  it  indicated  inordinate  grief, 
 
 The  priests  having  blemishes, 
 
 15  Neither  fhall  he  profane  his  feed  among  his 
 people:  for  I  the  Lord  do  fanftify  him. 
 
 16  II  And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  fiiying, 
 
 17  Speak  unto  Aaron,  laying,  Whofoever  he  be  of 
 thy  feed  in  their  generations  that  hath  any  blemifh,  let 
 him  not  approach  to  offer  the  ||  bread  of  his  God  : 
 
 18  For  whaifoever  man  he  be  that  hath  a  bleraifh,'^""'^' 
 he  fhall  not  approach  ;  a  blind  man,  or  a  lame,  or  he 
 
 that  hath  a  flat  nofe,  or  any  thing  fuperfluous.  Chap. 
 
 19  Or  a  man  that  is  broken-footed,  or  broken 
 handed, 
 
 20  Or  crook-backed,  or  1|  a  dwarf,  or  that  hath  a  II  Cr, 
 blemifh  in  his  eye,  or  be  feurvy,  or  fcabbed,  or  hath 
 
 his  ftones  broken : 
 
 21  No  man  that  hath  a  blemifh  of  the  feed  of  Aaron 
 the  prieft  (hall  come  nigh  to  offer  the  offerings  of  the 
 Lord  made  by  fire  ;  he  hath  a  blemilh  ;  he  fhall  not 
 come  nigh  to  offer  the  bread  of  his  God. 
 
 22  He  (hall  eat  the  bread  of  his  God,  both  of  the 
 moft  holy,  and  of  the  holy  ; 
 
 23  Only  he  fhall  noLgo  in  unto  the  vail,  nor  come 
 nigh  unto  the  altar,  becaufe  he  hath  a  blemifh  ;  that 
 he  profane  not  my  fandfuaries :  for  I  the  Lord  do 
 fandlify  them. 
 
 24  And  Mofes  told  it  unto  Aaron,  and  to  his  fons, 
 and  unto  all  the  children  of  Ifrael.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXII. 
 
 I  The  priests  in  their  uncleanness  must  abstain  from  the  holy  things  6 
 
 how  they  shall  he  cleansed.  10  Who  of  the  priest’s  house  may  eat  of  the 
 
 holy  things.  17  2'he  sacrifices  must  be  without  blemish,  ^c. 
 
 \  ND  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  faying, 
 
 Jt\  2  Speak  unto  Aaron  and  to  his  fons,  that  they 
 feparate  themfelves  from  the  holy  things  of  the  children 
 of  Ifrael,  and  that  they  profane  not  my  holy  name,  in 
 those  things  which  they  hallow  unto  me :  I  the  Lord. 
 
 3  Say  unto  them,  whofoever  he  be  of  all  your 
 feed,  among  your  generations,  that  goeth  unto  the 
 holy  things,  which  the  children  of  Ifrael  hallow  unto 
 the  Lord,  having  his  uncleannefs  upon  him,  that  foul 
 fhall  be  cut  off  from  my  prefence  :  I  am  the  Lord. 
 
 4  What  man  foever  of  the  feed  of  Aaron  is  a  leper, 
 
 or  hath  a  *  t  running  iffue,  he  fhall  not  eat  of  the  holy  a  Chap, 
 things,  until  he  be  clean.  And  whofo  toucheth  any  15.2. 
 thing  that  is  unclean  by  the  dead,  or  a  man  whofe  (eed  f 
 goeth  from  him  : 
 
 5  Or  whofoever  toucheth  any  creeping  thing  wns! 
 
 which  did  not  become  thofe  who  had  hope  refpeifting  their  death,  chap.  xii.  27. 
 Deut.  xiv.  I  Theft,  iv,  13.  The  high-prieft  was  not  even  permitted  to  mourn,  ver. 
 10 — 12.  for  what  the  common  priefts  were;  for  he  was  not  to  abfent  himfelf 
 from  the  fan<5luary.  Ver.  13.  Was  not  the  high  prieft  in  this  refpeA  a  type  of 
 Chrift,  whofe  church  or  bride  is  called  a  chafte  virgin  ?  2  Cor.  xi.  2.  Rev.  xiv.  4. 
 Ver,  14.  The  feed  of  the  priefts  were  profaned  when  they  were  the  fruit  of  mar¬ 
 riages  forbidden  by  the  law.  Ver.  21.  .4  blemish.  This  general  precept  is  added 
 to  the  particular  ones  in  the  preceding  verfes,  to  intimate  that  any  blemifh  of  body 
 rendered  a  prieft  unfit  for  his  office  of  facrificing.  Ver.  14.  Thefe  precepts  were 
 delivered  to  the  people  as  well  as  the  priefts ;  for  all  Ifrael  were  required  to  pre- 
 ferve  the  fanduary  of  the  Lord  holy,  and  to  fantSlify  according  to  the  law,  tliofe 
 who  ferved  in  it,  ver.  8. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXII.  Ver.  4.  What  man  soever. 
 This  alfo  includes  the  daughters  of  Aaron  as  far  as  it  is  applicable  to  them  ;  for  they 
 were  only  to  eat  the  holy  things  when  they  were  ceremonially  clean,  ver.  12,  13. 
 
 former  or  tale-bearer  is  deteftable ;  but  there  are  crimes,  the  concealment  of  which  is  exceedingly  criminal,  and  juftly  fubje<5ls  a  man  to  fliare  in  their  guilt  and 
 punifhment.  A  life  of  univerfal  holinefs,  efpecially  when  encompaffed  by  numerous  temptations,  is  not  lefs  honourable  than  advantageous;  and  fuch  a  life  becomes 
 all  the  people  of  God;  for  he  hath  pu'chafed  them  for  a  peculiar  people,  in  order  that  they  may  delight  in  his  ftatutes  and  exemplify  their  excellence  in  the  pre- 
 fence  of  an  ungodly  and  vricked  world. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS—*  Chap.  XXI.]  It  become  minifters  of  the  famfluary  to  be  exampi  es  of  felf-government,  refigned  to  the  affli<5Iive  dif- 
 penfatior.s  of  Providence,  guided  by  wifdom  and  moderation  in  the  enjoyment  of  all  earthly  good.  It  is  not  lefs  neceffary  for  the  honour  of  their  office  than  for 
 the  good  of  their  families  that  they  may  be  particularly  careful  in  the  choice  of  their  wives.  If  natural  defedls  rendered  men  unfit  for  the  priefthood,  how  much  more 
 iruft  moral  turpitude  exclude  a  man  from  every  facred  office.  May  the  Lord  give  both  minifters  and  people  grace  to  keep  tbemfelVes  feparate  from  the 
 
Who  may  cat  of  the  holy  things. 
 
 LEVITICUS. 
 
 Of  eating  the  saci'ifice  of  thanhsgixing. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 1490. 
 
 whereby  he  may  be  made  unclean,  or  a  man  of  whom 
 he  may  take  uncleannel's,  whatlbever  uncleannefs  he 
 hath  : 
 
 6  The  foul  which  hath  touched  any  (uch  mail  be 
 
 Lord,  nor  make  an  offering  by  fire  of  them  upon  the 
 altar  unto  the  Lord. 
 
 23  Either  a  bullock  or  a  ||  lamb  that  hath  any  thing 
 fuperfluous  or  lacking  in  his  parts,  that  raayeft  thou  I  Or.tfrf. 
 
 unclean  until  even,  and  ffall  not  eat  of  the  holy  offer/or  a  free-will-offering :  i^Mor  a  vow,  it  fhall  not 
 
 things,  unlefs  he  wafh  his  flelh  with  water. 
 
 7  And  when  the  fun  is  down,  he  fhall  be  clean. 
 
 ,  be  accepted. 
 
 I  24-  Ye  fliall  not  offer  unto  the 
 
 and  (hall  afterward  eat  of  the  holy  things,  becaufe  it  u  bruifed,  or  crufhed,  or  broken,  or  cut ;  neither 
 
 Lord  that  which  is 
 fhall 
 
 b  Eiod. 
 22.  31. 
 Ezekiel 
 
 44.  31. 
 
 fHeb. 
 toUb  the 
 purchase 
 cf  his 
 money. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 
 «  man,  a 
 stranger. 
 
 c  Chap. 
 10.  14. 
 
 is  his  food. 
 
 8  That  which  dieth  of  itfelf,  or  is  torn  with  beasts  .- 
 he  fhall  not  eat,  to  defile  hirafelf  therewith  :  I  am  the 
 Lord. 
 
 9  They  fhall  therefore  keep  mine  ordinance,  left 
 they  bear  fin  for  it,  and  die  therefore,  if  they  profane 
 it :  I  the  Lord  do  fanftify  them. 
 
 10  There  (hall  no  ftranger  eat  of  the  holy  thing : 
 a  fojourner  of  the  prieft,  or  an  hired  fervant,  fhall  not 
 eat  of  the  holy  thing. 
 
 1 1  But  if  the  prieft  buy  any  foul  t  with  his  money, 
 he  fhall  eat  of  it,  and  he  that  is  born  in  his  houfe : 
 they  fhall  eat  of  his  meat. 
 
 12  If  the  priefTs  daughter  alfo  be  married  unto  f  a 
 ftranger,  the  may  not  eat  of  an  offering  of  the  holy 
 things. 
 
 13  But  if  the  prieft’s  daughter  be  a  widow,  or  di¬ 
 vorced,  and  have  no  child,  and  is  returned  unto  her 
 father’s  houfe,  <=  as  in  her  youth,  fhe  fhall  eat  of  her 
 father’s  meat ;  but  there  fhall  no  ftranger  eat  thereof. 
 
 14  ^  And  if  a  mao  eat  of  the  holy  thing  unwittingly, 
 then  he  fhall  put  the  fifth  part  thereof  unto  it,  and 
 fhall  give  it  unto  the  prieft  with  the  holy  thing. 
 
 15  And  they  fhall  not  profane  the  holy, things  of 
 the  children  of  Ifrael,  which  they  offer  unto  the 
 Lord  ; 
 
 16  Or  11  fuffer  them  to  bear  the  iniquity  of  trefpafs 
 lefws they  eat  their  holy  things:  for  I  the  Lord 
 
 fanftify  them. 
 
 ty  oftres-  17  H  And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  faying, 
 tMr Speak  unto  Aaron,  and  to  his  fons,  and  unto  all 
 the  children  of  Ifrael,  and  fay  unto  them,  Whatfoever 
 he  be  of  the  houfe  of  Ifrael,  or  of  the  ftrangers  in  If- 
 raei,  that  will  offer  his  oblation  for  all  his  vows,  and 
 for  all  his  free-will- offerings,  which  they  will  offer 
 unto  the  Lord  for  a  burnt-offering  ; 
 
 19  Ye  shall  offer  at  your  own  will  a  male  without 
 blemifh,  of  the  beeves,  of  the  fheep,  or  of  the  goats. 
 
 20  But  whatfoever  hath  a  blemifh,  that  fhall  ye 
 17!  i.*‘  ^tiot  offer  ;  for  it  fhall  not  be  acceptable  for  you. 
 
 21  And  wholbever  offereth  a  facrifice  of  peace- 
 offerings  unto  the  Lord  to  accomplifh  his  vow,  or  a 
 free- will-offering  in  beeves  or  H  fheep,  it  fhall  be  per- 
 fe(ff  to  be  accepted  :  there  fhall  be  no  blemifh  therein. 
 
 22  Blind,  or  broken,  or  maimed,  or  having  a  wen, 
 or  (curvy,  or  (cabbed,  ye  fhall  not  offer  thefe  unto  the 
 
 Or, 
 
 d  Deut. 
 
 It  Or, 
 goals. 
 
 and  Numb,  xviii.  11,  19.  Ver.  12.  s'ranger,  here  means  thofe  who  were  not 
 of  the  race  of  Aaron  ;  for  all  others  were  ftrangers  in  this  cafe :  for  when  the 
 daughter  of  a  prieft  married  any  one  who  was  not  a  prieft,  flie  ceafed  during 
 her  hufband’s  life,  unlefs  ftie  was  divorced,  to  be  reckoned  of  the  family  of  the 
 priefts.  On  the  contrary  a  common  Ifraelite,  or  even  a  Gentile,  ver.  11.  by 
 marrying  a  prieft  became  one  of  the  family  of  the  priefts,  and  might  eat  the 
 holy  things.  Ver.  18.  JU  the  children  of  Israel,  as  well  as  the  priefts  are  now 
 addrefled,  becaufe  the  following  laws  refpe6ling  the  things  to  be  offered  equally  I, 
 
 ye  make  any  offering  thereof  \n  your  land. 
 
 25  Neither  from  a  ftranger’s  hand  fhall  ye  offer  the 
 bread  of  your  God  of  auy  of  thefe  ;  becaufe  their  cor¬ 
 ruption  is  in  them,  and  blemifhes  be  in  them :  they  fhall 
 not  be  accepted  for  you. 
 
 26  H  And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  faying, 
 
 27  When  a  bullock  or  a  fheep,  or  a  goat  is  brought 
 forth,  then  it  fhall  be  feven  days  under  the  dam  ;  and 
 from  the  eighth  day  and  thenceforth  it  fhall  be  accepted 
 for  an  offering  made  by  fire  unto  the  Lord. 
 
 28  And  whether  it  be  cow  or  ||  ew'e,  ye  fhall  not  kill  ]  Or, 
 
 it  ‘  and  her  young  both  in  one  day.  sKe^ai. 
 
 29  H  And  when  ye  will  offer  a  facrifice  of  thankr-22_  g“*'‘ 
 giving  unto  the  Lord,  offer  it  at  your  own  will. 
 
 30  On  the  same  day  it  fhall  be  eaten  up  ;  ye  fhall 
 leave  s  none  of  it  until  the  morrow  :  I  am  the  Lord,  g  Chap. 
 
 3 1  Therefore  fhall  ye  keep  ray  commandments,  and 
 do  them  :  I  am  the  Lord.  • 
 
 32  Neither  fhall  ye  profane  my  holy  name ;  but 
 
 I  will  be  hallowed  among  the  children  of  Ifrael :  I  ^ 
 am  the  Lord  which  hallow  you. 
 
 33  That  brought  you  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  to 
 be  your  God  ;  I  am  the  Lord.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXIII. 
 
 1  The  feasts  of  the  Lord,  3  The  sabbath.  4  The  passover.  9  The  sheaf 
 
 of frstfruUs.  16  The  feast  of  Venlecost.  22  Meanings  to  be  left  to 
 the  poor.  23  The  feast  of  trumpets,  ^c. 
 
 ND  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  faying, 
 
 2  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Ifrael,  and  fay 
 unto  them.  Concerning  the  feafts  of  the  Lord,  which 
 ye  fhall  proclaim  to  be  holy  convocations,  even  thefe 
 are  my  feafts. 
 
 3  H  ^  Six  days  fhall  work  be  done  ;  but  the  feventh  a  Exo^. 
 day  is  the  fabbath  of  reft,  an  holy  convocation  ;  ye^®* 
 fhall  do  no  work  therein :  it  is  the  fabbath  of  the  Lord 
 
 in  all  your  dwellings.  liuke 
 
 4  H  Thefe  are  the  feafts  of  the  Lord,  even  holy  con- 13,  1 4. 
 vocations,  which  ye  fhall  proclaim  in  their  feafons. 
 
 5  In  the  fourteenth  day  of  the  firft  month  at  even  b  Exod. 
 
 is  the  Lord’s  pafibver.  12-  i3- 
 
 A' 
 
 6  And  on  the  fifteenth  day  of  the  fame  month  is 
 the  featt  of  unleavened  bread  unto  the  Lord  :  leven 
 days  ye  muft  eat  unleavened  bread. 
 
 7  In  the  firft  day  ye  fhall  have  an  holy  convocation  ; 
 ye  fhall  do  no  fervile  work  therein. 
 
 8  But  ye  fhall  offer  an  offering  made  by  fire  unto 
 
 Numb. 
 28.  16. 
 
 concerned  both.  Strangers  m  Israel,  mean  profelytes,  oppofed  to  aliens  in  general. 
 Ver.  25.  There  was  one  law  for  the  ftranger,  profelyte,  and  for  the  home-lrorn 
 in  Ifrael.  Ver.  27.  PerfU  to  be  accepted  i  for  the  lacriffees  were  typical  of  him, 
 who  is  a  lamb  without  fpot  and  blemiffi,  who  offered  himfelf  to  take  away  fin* 
 and  whofe  facrifice  is  holy  and  acceptable  to  God,  Etih.  v  2  1  PeL  i  q_oi’ 
 
 V'er.  50.  Conap.  ebap.  vii.  18. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXIII.  Ver.  1—14.  The  Lord  bad 
 in  the  preceding  chapters  given  laws  to  bis  people  ;  here  he  proceeds  to  direct  them 
 
 evil  of  the  world,  that  they  may  enjoy  uninterrupted  communion  with  himfelf,  and  prove  that  they  are  indeed  redeemed  by  him,  and  partake  of  the  fpirit  of  his  fons 
 and  daughters.  And  let  them  all  imitate  our  great  High-prieft,  Chrift  Jesus,  who  was  unUinted  by  felfifh  affeaions  or  immoderate  paflions  :  who  was  holv  harmlef* 
 and  undefiled,  and  feparate  from  finners. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  XXII.]  The  inftitutions  of  the  church  of  God  are  facred  ;  no  unholy  perfon  can  touch  them  without  expolii  c 
 himfelf  to  ftvere  puniffiment.  If  we  would  therefore  occupy  a  place  in  the  church  of  God,  and  defiro  that  he  may  accept  and  approve  of  our  perfonx  and 
 No,  8....6d,  I  i  rr  r 
 
The  sheaf  of  first  fruits,  ^c. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 1490. 
 
 U  Or, 
 haf!  iftJ. 
 t  Heb. 
 
 l!Mr  r. 
 
 c  Deut. 
 16.  9. 
 
 the  Lord  feven  days  :  in  the  feventh  day  is  an  holy 
 covocation  ;  ye  fliall  do  no  fervile  work  therciiu 
 
 9  H  And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Moles,  fayiner, 
 
 10  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Ifrael,  and  Cav  unto 
 them,  U  hen  ye  be  come  into  the  land  which  I  give 
 unto  ^u,  and  (ball  reap  the  harveft  thereof,  then  ve 
 Iball  bnng  a  ||  f  (heat  ol  the  firb  fruits  of  your  harveft 
 unto  the  ^ieft ; 
 
 11  And  he  (hall  w’ave  the  fheaf  before  the  Lord, 
 to  be  accepted  tor  you :  on  the  morrow  after  the  fab- 
 bath  the  prieft  (ball  wave  it. 
 
 12  And  ye  (ball  offer  that  dav,  when  ye  w'ave  the 
 ibeaf,  an  he-lamb  without  blemifti,  of  the  firft  year, 
 tor  a  burnt-offering  unto  the  Lord. 
 
 13  And  the  meat-offering  thereof  shall  he  two  tenth- 
 deals  of  fipe  flour  mingled  with  oil,  an  offering  made 
 by  fire  unto  the  Lord  a  fweet  favour;  and  the 
 drink-offering  thereof  shall  be  of  wine,  the  fourth  jmrt 
 of  an  hin. 
 
 14.  And  ye  (hall  eat  neither  bread,  nor  parched 
 corn,  nor  green  ears,  until  the  felf-fame  day  that  ye 
 have  brought  an  offering  unto  your  God  :  it  shall  be 
 a  ftatute  for  ever  throughout  your  generations,  in  all 
 your  dwellings. 
 
 15  ^  And  <=  ye  (ball  cevint  unto  you  from  the  mor¬ 
 row  after  the  fabbath,  from  the  day  that  ye  brought 
 the  (beaf  of  the  wave-offering ;  feven  fabbaths  (ball 
 be  complete. 
 
 16  Even  unto  the  morrow  after  the  feventh  fab¬ 
 bath  (ball  ye  number  fifty  days  ;  and  ye  (ball  offer  a 
 new  meat-offering  unto  the  Lord. 
 
 17  Ye  (hall  bring  out  of  your  habitations  two  wave- 
 loaves,  of  two  tenth-deals :  they  (ball  be  of  fine  flour  : 
 they  (ball  be  baken  W’ith  leaven  they  are  the  firft 
 fruits  unto  the  Lord. 
 
 IS  And  ye  ftiall  offer  with  the  bread  (even  lambs 
 without  blemi(h  of  the  firft  year,  and  one  young  bul¬ 
 lock,  and  two  rams they  (ball  be  for  a  burnt-offering 
 unto  the  Lord,  with  their  meat-offering  and  their 
 drink-offerings,  eve7i  an  offering  made  by  fire,  of  fweet 
 favour  unto  the  Lord. 
 
 19  Then  ye  (hall  (acrifice  one  kid  of  the  goats  for 
 
 LEVITICUS.  rr,  , 
 
 The  Jeast  (f  trumpet^ 
 
 j  thou  ftialt  not  make  clean  riddance  of  the  corners  nf  n 
 ■  tl.y  field  lyhen  thou  reapeft,  •  oeithe,  (halt  thou  RatheJ 
 thy  harveft;  thou  (halt  leave  them, 
 
 your  God.°°'’  ‘ 
 
 23  I  And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  fayine. 
 
 Si  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Ifrael,  fayinv  In  the 
 
 Tali'  “ill'  T"  of:'>:eloth.‘"(h'a,UN 
 
 ye  have  a  labbath,  a  memorial  of  birwing  of  tr-nm! 
 pets,  an  holy  convocation. 
 
 25  Ye  (hall  do  no  fervile  work  therem  .-  but  ve  (hall 
 offer  an  offering  made  by  fire  unto  the  Lord 
 
 26  H  And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  faying 
 
 there  shall  be  a  day  o(  atonement :  it  (hall  be  an  holv'^-  3o 
 convocation  unto  you;  and  ye  (hall  alfliff 
 
 Kd^"^  offer  an  offering  made  by  fire  unto^the 
 
 28  And  ye  (hall  do  no  work  in  that  fame  day  ;  for 
 
 ^  ^/o’^ement,  to  make  an  atonement  for 
 you  before  the  Lord  your  God. 
 
 29  For  whatfoever  foul  it  be  that  (ball  not  beafllift- 
 
 his 'people  among 
 
 30  And  whatfoever  foul  it  be  that  doeth  any  work 
 
 in  that  lame  day,  the  fame  foul  will  I  deftroy  fforr 
 among  his  people.  ^  ‘ 
 
 31  Ye  (hall  do  no  manner  of  work  :  it  shall  be  a 
 
 itatute  for  ever  throughout  your  generations,  in  alf 
 your  dwellings.  ’ 
 
 m  r ^  J'eft,  and  ye 
 
 Iball  affliff  your  fouls  :  in  the  ninth  <hy  of  the  month 
 
 at  even  from  even  unto  even,  (hall  ye  f  celebrate  f  Heb. 
 your  fabbath.  ^  ,eit. 
 
 33  f  And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  faying, 
 
 34.  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Ifrael,  faying,  h.ThehNamb. 
 (iiteenth  day  of  this  (eventh  month  shall  he  the  feaft-®' 
 of  tabernacles  feven  days  unto  the  Lord 
 
 firft  day  sWfc  an  (loly  convocation; 
 ye  Inall  do  no  fervile  work  therein. 
 
 36  Seven  days  ye  (hall  offer  an  offering  made  bv 
 tire  unto  the  Lord  ;  ^  on  the  eighth  day  (hall  be  an-' John 
 
 (acrifice  of  peace-offerings ; 
 
 20  And  the  prieft  (ball  wave  them,  with  the  bread 
 of  the  firft  fruits,  for  a  wave-offering  before  the  LdkD, 
 with  the  two  lambs:  they  (ball  be  holy  to  the  Lord 
 for  the  prieft. 
 
 21  And  ye  fhall  proclaim  on  the  felf-fame  day,  that 
 
 <3  Chap. 
 19.  9. 
 
 mg  made  by  fire  unto  the  Lord  :  it  «  a  f  folemn .  h.i, 
 afiembly  ;  and  ye  (ball  do  no  fervile  work  therein.  day  of' 
 37  Iheiearf  the  (eafts  of  the  Lord,  which  yg  resirahits. 
 Inall  proclaim  to  he  holy  convocations,  to  offer  an  o^'- 
 i  fering  made  by  fire  unto  the  Lord,  a  burnt-offering 
 
 It  may  be  an  holy  convocation  unto  you  :  ye  (ball  do  ij  every  thing  upon  his  day:  uuenngs, 
 
 no  fervile  work  'therein:  it  shall  be  a  ftatute  for  ever  38  Befide  the  fabbaths  of  the  Lord,  and  befid-^ 
 
 in  all  your  dwellings,  throughout  your  generations. 
 
 22  11  And  when  ye  reap  the  harveft  of  your  land. 
 
 bow  to  confefs  his  name  publicly,  and  exprefs  their  gratitude  for  liis  bleflings 
 given  them.  1.  The  fabbath  was  a  weekly  feaft  which  ftill  continues  to  be  kept 
 as  fuch  by  every  true  believer,  and  it  was  to  be  obferved  as  a  holy  reft,  both  in 
 the  convocations  and  in  their  dwellings-  To  proftitute  any  part  of  that  day  in 
 vanity,  vifiting,  and  trifling  converfation,  is  equally  criminal  as  forfaking  the 
 aCTembly  of  God’s  people,  Ifa.  Iviii.  13.  2.  The  annual  feafts  enjoined.  The 
 
 principal  one,  the  palTover  is  firft  mentioned  ;  which  was  inftituted  for  the  com¬ 
 memoration  of  their  wonderous  delivery  from  Egypt.  During  the  feven  days  of 
 unleavened  bread  which  followed  it,  extraordinary  facrifiees  were  offe  ed, 
 JJumb.  xxviii.  19.  The  firft  and  laft  day  were  holy  convoea'ions.  On  the 
 fecond  day,  the  fi'ft-fruits  were  offered.  This  ordinance  was  an  eminent  figure 
 of  Chrift,  I  Cor,  v,  7,  8,  \er,  15— —22,  The  feaft  of  Pentecoft  was  feven  w'eeks 
 
 your  gifts,  and  befide  all  your  vows,  and  befide  all 
 yourfree-will-offerings;  which  ye  give  unto  the  Lord. 
 
 after  the  paffover;  they  then  brought  two  loaves  of  wheaten  bread^  fo7 
 fruits  unto  the  Lord  with  a  burnt-ofFerinr-  a  fin  .in  j 
 
 ”•  .ck.o.l.dg™e„...  .nd  i„p,L  a  bi.lg  whatlteTS''"®' 
 
 thered.  Tn,s  inftitution  was  defigned  to  teach  us,  that  devotednefs  to  C  ul 
 becomes  thofe  who  are  redeemed  bv  Phrin-  •  Bor«/»  •  j*  i 
 paffover.  Ver  23-30  ,  fa  immediately  fucceeded  the 
 
 ^  a  ■  trumpets  inftituted.  Every  new 
 
 moon  was  ufhered  in  with  trumpets,  but  on  this  day  they  continued  bLin  r 
 from  morning  to  evening.  The  Jews  inform  us  that  it  was  a  preparation 
 the  atonement.  2.  1  he  day  of  atonement  muft  be  obferved  as  a  da  -  of  r  1 
 reft,  to  be  fpent  wholly  in  reflexion  upon,  and  humiliation  for  the  fins  o  re 
 preceding  year  Ver.  33.  34.  The  humiliation  of  the  day  of  atonemen 
 for  the  feaft  of  tabernacles,  one  of  the  three  great  feftivals,  the  celehratiLn 
 
 fervices,  let  us  cleanfe  ourfelves  from  all  filtbinefs  of  the  flefti  and  fpirit,  perlVaing  holinefs  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord  B-it  thon  I  f  ■  — - 
 
 great  guilt  let  US  not  defpair,  fince  Jefus,  the  fpoilefs  Lamb  of  G<k1  hath  made  atonement  for  fin.  Through  faith  in  him  let  and 
 
 fprinkled  from  an  evil  confcience,  and  our  bodies  wathed  with  pure  water.  "  having  our  heart! 
 
The  oil  for  the  lamps. 
 
 LEVITICUS. 
 
 Im'xs  against  Llasphcmij,  and  muidn’i 
 
 Before 
 
 Christ 
 
 1490. 
 
 I  1 1  el). 
 jfruit. 
 
 39  Alfo  in  the  fifteenth  day  of  the  feventh  month, 
 when  ye  have  gathered  in  the  fruit  of  the  land,  ye 
 (hall  keep  a  feaft  unto  the  Lord  feven  days :  on  the 
 firft  day  shall  be  a  fabbath,  and  on  the  eighth  day  shall 
 be  a  fabbath. 
 
 40  And  ye  fhall  take  you  on  the  firft  day  the  f 
 boughs  of  goodly  trees,  branches  of  palm-trees,  and 
 the. boughs  of  thick  trees,  and  willows  of  the  brook  ; 
 and  ye  fhall  rejoice  before  the  Lord  your  God  feven 
 days. 
 
 41  And  ye  fhall  keep  it  a  feafl  unto  the  Lord  feven 
 days  in  the  year.  It  shall  be  a  ftatute  for  ever  in  your 
 generations ;  ye  fhall  celebrate  it  in  the  feventh  month. 
 
 42  Ye  fhall  dwell  in  booths  feven  days;  all  that  are 
 Ifraelites  born  fhall  dwell  in  booths  : 
 
 43  That  your  generations  may  know  that  I  made 
 the  children  of  Ifrael  to  dwell  in  booths,  when  I  brought 
 them  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt ;  I  am  the  Lord  your 
 God. 
 
 44  And  Mofes  declared  unto  the  children  of  Ifrael 
 the  feafts  of  the  Lord.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXIV. 
 
 1  The  oil  for  the  lamps.  5  The  skew-bread.  10  Shelomilh' s  son  bias 
 pkemeth.  13  The  law  of  blasphemy,  \1  Of  murdtr,  1-8  Of  damage. 
 23  The  blasphemer  is  stoned. 
 
 ND  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  faying, 
 
 2  Command  the  children  of  Ifrael,  that  they 
 bring  unto  thee  pure  oil-olive  beaten  for  the  light, 
 f  Heb.  f  to  caufe  the  lamps  to  burn  continually. 
 to  cause  to  3  Without  the  vail  of  the  teftimony,  in  the  taber- 
 
 ascend,  gf  j^g  congregation,  fhall  Aaron  order  it  from 
 
 the  evening  unto  the  morning  before  the  Lord  con¬ 
 tinually:  it  shall  be2i^8.tmQ  for  ever  in  your  generations, 
 a  Exod.  4,  He  fhall  order  the  lamps  upon  *  the  pure  candle- 
 flick  before  the  Lord  continually. 
 
 5  f  And  thou  (halt  take  fine  flour,  and  bake  twelve 
 b  Exod.  cakes  thereof:  two  tenth-deals  fhall  be  in  one  cake. 
 25.  so.  Q  Cgf  thgjYj  in  two  rows,  fix  on  a  row, 
 
 upon  the  pure  table  before  the  Lord. 
 
 7  And  thou  (halt  put  pure  frankincenfe  upon  each 
 row,  that  it  may  be  on  the  bread  for  a  memorial,  even 
 an  offering  made  by  fire  unto  the  Lord. 
 
 8  Every  fabbath  he  fhall  fet  it  in  order  before  the 
 Lord  continually,  bein^  taken  from  the  children  of 
 llfael  by  an  everlafhing  covenant. 
 
 n  9  And  it  =  fhall  be  Aaron’s  and  his  fons ;  and  they  i*'  f-  f*- 
 '  fhall  eat  it  in  the  holy  place  :  for  it  is  moft  holy  unto 
 ■  him  of  the  offerings  of  the  Lord  made  by  fire,  by  a 
 i  perpetual  ffatute.  c  Exod. 
 
 il  10  H  And  the  fbn  of  an  Ifraelitifh  woman,  whofe 
 '  father,  raas  an  Egyptian,  went  out  among  vhe  children  g/s!’’ 
 
 '  of  Ifrael  ;  and  this  fon  of  the  Kraeiitilh  u.<jmsn  and  a .  ? 
 man  of  Ifrael  flrove  together  in  the  camp: 
 
 1 1  And  the  Ifraelitifh  woman’s  fon  blafp'’.'  med  the 
 name  oj  the  LORD,  and  curfed.  And  they  brought 
 him  unto  Moles  ;  (and  his  mother’s  name  tiws  She- 
 lomith,  the  daughter  of  Dibri,  of  the  tribe  of  Dan  -.) 
 
 12  And  they  put  him  in  ward,  f  that  the  mind  of*^  ''o'  h. 
 
 the  Lord  might  be  fhewed  them.  t  h  a! 
 
 13  H  And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  faying,  '[,.,1 
 
 14  Bring  forth  him  tnar  hath  curfed  without  the 
 camp,  and  let  all  that  heard  him  '  lay  their  hands  upon 
 his  head,  and  let  all  the  congregation  flone  him. 
 
 1.5  And  thou  flialr  fpeak  unto  the  children  o^ofthe 
 Ifrael,  faying,  Whofoever  curfeth  his  God  fhall  bear-^^^^-o. 
 his  fin. 
 
 1 6  And  he  that  blafphemeth  the  name  of  the  Lord,  J 
 he  fhall  furely  be  put  to  death,  and  ail  the  congrega¬ 
 tion  fhall  certainly  flone  him  :  as  well  the  flranger,  as 
 he  that  is  born  in  the  land,  when  he  blafphemeth  the 
 name  of  the  LORD,  fhall  be  put  to  death. 
 
 17  ^  f  And  he  mat  f  killeth  any  man  fhall  furely  f  Exod. 
 
 be  put  to  death,  21.1.'. 
 
 18  And  he  that  killeth  a  beafl  (hall  make  ii  good  ; 
 
 .  f  beafl  for  beafl. 
 
 1  19  And  if  a  man  caufe  a  blemifh  in  his  neighbour  -ytmPi  ‘.he 
 
 as  e  he  hath  done,  fo  fhall  it  be  done  to  him  ;  i  • 
 
 20  Breach  for  breach,  eye  for  eye,  tooth  for  tooth  : 
 
 ,  as  he  hath  caufed  a  blemifh  in  a  man,  fo  fhall  .it  heofolr 
 done  to  h;m  again,  iff. 
 
 \  21  And  he  that  killeth  a  beafl,  he  fhall  reftore  it:  ^ 
 
 and  he  that  killeth  a  man,  he  (hall  be  put  to  death. 
 i  22  Ye  fhall  have  ^  one  manner  of  law,  as  well  for 
 the  flranger,  as  for  one  of  your  own  country  ;  for  1 
 am  the  Lord  vour  God.  "  -/S. 
 
 !  23  H  And  Mofes  fpake  unto  the  children  of  Ifrael,  1 
 
 that  they  fhould  bring  forth  him  that  had  curfed  out 
 of  the  camp,  and  flone  him  with  ft-mes :  and  the 
 children  of  Ifratl  did  as  the  Lord  commanded 
 '  Mofes.  + 
 
 which  lafted  eight  days ;  during  feven  days  of  it  they  lived  in  booths  made  of 
 the  branches  of  trees,  (the  eighth  was  a  holy  day  of  reft  and  joy,)  which 
 brought  to  their  remembrance  their  long  abode  in  tents  while  in  the  wildernefs, 
 and  reminded  them  that  they  were  ftill  ftrangers  called  to  look  for  a  heavenly  city 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXIV.  Ver.  1.  As  the  former  chap¬ 
 ter  taught  Ifrael  refpeaing  public  worfhip,  this  inftruaed  them  concerning  the 
 fervice  of  God  in  the  fanauary.  Ver.  5.  Twelve  cakes,  probably  reprefenting 
 the  twelve  tribes  of  Ifrael,  or  the  people  of  God,  who  as  an  unleavened  cake,  are 
 prefented  to  God  in  Chrift,  in  whom  the  Father  is  always  well  pleafed.  Ver. 
 10 — 23.  This  is  the  firft  capital  crime  and  punifhraent,  fince  the  giving  of  the 
 law.  The  offence  was  blafphemy,  occafioned  by  a  quarrel  between  an  Ifraelite 
 and  one  born  of  an  Egyptian  father  and  Ifraelitifti  mother.  Tha  matter  is 
 
 brought  before  Mofes  that  they  might  be  direfled  bow  to  proceed  accordin<r 
 I  to  the  mind  of  God.  As  men_/udps,  not  for  men  but  for  Ike  Lord,  fo  t'  v  are  to 
 judge  according  to  his  mind,  2  Chron.  xix.  Exek.  xviii,  IP.  which  if  no:  .nanifeft 
 IS  to  be  enquired.  Thus  every  doubtful  caufe  in  Ifrael  was  to  be  t.rou.rht  to 
 I  the  Lord  ;  fee  note  on  Exod.  xviii.  1  j.  God  gives  orders  for  imma  liaie  execu¬ 
 tion,  and  gives  diredions  how  to  proceed  in  it.  The  tranfgretfor  is  to  be 
 dragged  out  of  the  camp  as  a  profanation  to  it,  and  all  the  ci'ii'^reg  uion  muft 
 ftone  him,  to  teftify  tlieir  abhorrence  of  his  fin,  when  the  witnttfes  had  laid  their 
 hands  on  his  head,  as  free  from  his  blood.  We  have  here  alfo  a  r.  petition  of 
 former  laws,  which  ftrangers  as  well  as  Jews  muft  conform  to;  bein«  hitrfdv 
 equitable  that  they  who  inhabit  our  country  along  with  us,  and  have** a  r'ight 
 to  the  proie(5lion  of  the  laws,  ought  to  be  alike  obnoxious  to  the  jienalties  of  them. 
 
 ih  XXIU.]  Let  us  contemplate  in  the  Jewifli  fefiivals  the  great  and  precious  bleffings  procured  to  all  believe  I 
 
 he  hmftied  work-  of  Imntanuel  and  not  view  them  merely  as  memorials  of  God’s  love  and  care  of  Ifrael.  All  the  faen  d  reds  remmd  that  1  ff .  h  k 
 
 h.s  reft,  and  taken  poftefiion  of  the  heavenly  Canaan  in  behalf  of  all  his  faithful  followers.  He  is  the  Lamb  flsin  to  expiate  the  fins  of  Se  wh2  fam {"'"rr  T 
 and  in  token  of  hts  Father  s  approbat.on  o  him,  the  Holy  Spirit  defeended  and  refted  on  all  beltevers,  and  prepares  them  for  an  ac«pirb  ^think  yerin.  t ' 
 he  Lord  The  glorious  t.d.ngs  of  eterual  falvat.on  are  now  to  be  publifiied  in  every  land,  and  all  nations  are  fummoned  to  fight  the  battles  of  the  I  .rd  a  fr 
 the  privileges  of  bis  heavenly  kingdom  ;  for  our  Lord  is  the  only  propitiation  not  for  our  fins  onlv  but  for  the  fins  of  the  whok  world  Ttn.i  r’  > 
 the  gofpel  delight  in  Chriftian  fellowfiiip,  and  live  as  ftrangers  and  pilgrims  in  the  world;  looking  with  joy  for  the  reftitution  of  aVfhin “h  J  ‘°c 
 
 come  to  confummate  the  plans  of  infinite  wifdom  and  rich  gr.ice.  Thefe  are  blefiings  which  it  is  our  higheft  intereft  never  to  fortre? 
 
 over  we  arrive  on  mount  Zion  ibey  will  excite  our  gratitude,  and  call  forth  our  praifes  eternally  ^  ^  ^  ^  f-j  .urnings  ;  and  if 
 
 PRACTICAL  OI3SERyATIONS._f  Chap.  XXIV.]  Let  us  not  aferibe  to  our  own,  «hs,  belongs  ,o  the  Holy  Spirit  Oh  -  r  h'  i 
 ...d  di,.«  a.  i„  .11  o„,  on!,  toll  b.  from  ..Iking  In  .rror,  .„d  p^r.oiming  Ur. 
 
The  sMath  of  the  seventh  year. 
 
 LEVITICUS. 
 
 A  blessing  for  obedience. 
 
 Before 
 
 Christ 
 
 UdO. 
 
 CHAP.  XXV. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 rfft. 
 a  Exod. 
 23.  10. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 rtf  thy  se- 
 ]iaration, 
 or  conse- 
 erntion  to 
 God. 
 
 •f  Heb. 
 loud  of 
 sound. 
 
 1  The  sabhalh  of  the  seventh  year.  8  The  jubilee  in  the  Jt/lklh  yenr.  14 
 Of  oppression.  18  yf  blessing  fur  obedience.  23  The  redemption  if 
 land;  29  f  houses.  35  Compassion  for  the  poor,  ij^c. 
 
 And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mqfes  in  mount  Si¬ 
 nai,  laying, 
 
 2  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Ifrael,  and  fay  unto 
 them,  When  ye  come  into  the  land  which  I  give  you, 
 then  (hall  the  land  t  keep*  a  fabbath  unto  the  Lord. 
 
 S  Six  years  thou  (halt  fow  thy  fields,  and  fix  years 
 thou  fhalt  prune  thy  vineyard,  and  gather  iu  the  fruit 
 thereof; 
 
 4  But  in  the  feventh  year  Ifiall  be  a  fabbath  of  reft 
 unto  the  land,  a  fabbath  for  the  Lord  ;  thou  (halt 
 neither  fow  thy  field,  nor  prune  thy  vineyard. 
 
 5  That  which  groweth  of.its  owm  accord  of  thy 
 harveft  thou  (halt  not  reap,  neither  gather  the  grapes 
 t  of  thy  vine  undrefTed  ;for  it  is  a  year  of  reft  unto 
 the  land. 
 
 6  And  the  fabbath  of  the  land  (hall  be  meat  for 
 you  ;  for  thee,  and  for  thy  lervant,  and  for  thy  maid, 
 and  for  thy  hired  fervant,  and  for  thy  ftranger  that 
 fejourneth  with  thee. 
 
 7  And  for  thy  cattle,  and  for  the  bead  that  are  in 
 thy  land,  (hall  all  the  increafe  thereof  be  meat. 
 
 8  ^  And  thou  (halt  number  feven  fabbathsof  years 
 unto  thee,  feven  times  feven  years ;  and  the  I'pace  of 
 the  feven  fabbaths  of  years  (hall  be  unto  thee  forty 
 and  nine  years. 
 
 9  Then  (halt  thou  caufe  the  trumpet  f  of  the  jubi¬ 
 lee  to  found,  on  the  tenth  day  of  the  (eventh  month  ; 
 in  the  day  of  atonement  (hall  ye  make  the  trumpet 
 found  throughout  all  your  land. 
 
 10  And  ye  (hall  hallow  the  fiftieth  year,  and  pro¬ 
 claim  liberty  throughout  all  the  land  unto  all  the  in¬ 
 habitants  thereof:  it  (hall  be  a  jubilee  unto  you  ;  and 
 ye  (hall  return  every  man  into  his  poiTeflion,  and  ye 
 (hall  return  every  man  into  his  family. 
 
 1 1  A  jubilee  (hall  that  fiftieth  year  be  unto  you  ;  ye 
 fhall  not  fow,  neither  reap  that  which  groweth  of  itfell 
 in  it,  nor  gather  the  grapes  in  it  of  thy  vine  undrefTed. 
 
 J2  For  it  is  the  jubilee  :  it  (hall  be  holy  unto  you  : 
 ye  (hall  eat  the  increafe  thereof  out  of  the  field. 
 
 13  In  the  year  of  this  jubilee  ye  (hall  return  every 
 man  into  his  pcfTeflion. 
 
 14  %  And  it  thou  fell  ought  unto  thy  neighbour, 
 or  buyeft  ought  of  thy  neighbour’s  hand,  ye  (hall  not 
 opprefs  one  another. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 1490. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXV.  Ver.  1.  Here  God  begins  to 
 teach  bis  people  their  duty  refpeaing  their  land  and  perfonal  poffeffions,  fandtified 
 by  ihe  fabbatbs  and  jubilees.  Thefe  were  a  Ihadow  of  good  things  to  come, 
 but  the  body  is  of  Chrift.  Hence  the  obfervers  of  thefe  ordinances  were  in 
 bondage  to  the  worldly  elements,  or  Mount  Sinai  ;  but  belierers  in  ri  are 
 free,  having  xome  to  mount  Zion,  Gal.  iv.  1—6.  Heb.  xit.  22.  er.  -  .  s 
 
 every  feventh  day  was  a  day  of  reft,  every  feventh  year  was  fabbatical.  It  began 
 in  September,  and  that  year  there  was  no  fowing  or  reaping,  nor  prunnin^  o 
 ■vineyards  or  olives,  or  any  vintage  whatever;  but  what  was  fpontenous  an 
 grew  without  any  cultivation  of  the  land,  was  common  for  all ;  by 
 were-taught  that  what  they  poffelTed  was  no  more  than  a  grant  from  Go  ,  ® 
 
 was  the  proprietor;  and  that  they  and  their  brethren  weie  of  one  -fami  ^ 
 ought  to  have  a  fhare  of  v.hat  good  things  they  poffefled.  This  year  likewi  e 
 furiiiftied  them  with  an  excellent  opportunity  of  attending  more  immediately  to 
 God  and  his  worftiip.  Ver.  8—22.  As  every  feventh  was  a  fabbatical  year 
 every  fiftieth  year  was  jubilee;  proclamation  was  made  of  it  throughout  the  land, 
 •  .1  the  evening  of  tbe  day  of  atonement;  and  thereupon  an  immediate  reftora- 
 
 15  According  to  the  number  of  years  after  the  ju¬ 
 bilee  thou  (halt  buy  of  thy  neighbour,  and  according 
 unto  the  number  of  years  of  the  fruits  he  fhall  fell 
 unto  thee. 
 
 16  According  to  the  multitude  of  years  thou  (halt 
 increafe  the  price  thereof,  and  according  to  the  few- 
 nefs  of  years  thou  (halt  diminifti  the  price  of  it:  for 
 according  to  the  number  of  the  years  of  the  fruits  doth 
 he  fell  unto  thee, 
 
 17  Ye  (hall  not  therefore  opprefs  one  another ;  but 
 thou  (halt  fear  thy  God  :  for  I  am  the  Lord  your 
 God. 
 
 18  H  Wherefore  ye  (hall  do  my  ftatutes,  and  keep 
 my  judgments,  and  do  them ;  and  ye  (hall  dwell  in 
 the  land  in  I’afety. 
 
 19  And  the  land  (hall  yield  her  fruit,  and  ye  (hall 
 eat  your  fill,  and  dwell  therein  in  fafety. 
 
 20  And  if  ye  lhall  fay,  What  (hall  we  at  the  fe-  ■ 
 venth  year?  behold,  we  lhall  not  fow,  nor  gather  in 
 our  increafe : 
 
 21  Then  I  will  command  my  bleffing  upon  you  ia 
 the  fixth  year,  and  it  lhall  bring  forth  fruit  for  three 
 years. 
 
 22  And  ye  (hall  fow  the  eighth  year,  and  eat  yet  of 
 old  fruit  until  the  ninth  year  ;  until  her  fruits  come  io 
 ye  fhall  eat  of  the  old  store. 
 
 23  H  The  land  (hall  not  be  fold  |1  t  for  ever:  forj^ 
 
 the  land  is  mine ;  for  ye  are  Itrangers  and  fojourners^yf^* 
 with  me.  t  Heb, 
 
 24  And  in  all  the  land  of  your  pofTeffion  ye  (hall>'-c«<- 
 grant  a  redemption  for  the  land. 
 
 25  11  If  thy  brother  be  waxen  poor,  and  hath  fold 
 away  some  of  his  poiTeflion,  and  if  any  of  his  kin  come 
 to  redeem  it,  then  (hall  he  redeeem  that  which  his 
 brother  fold. 
 
 26  And  if  the  man  hath  none  to  redeem  it,  and  tj  *  ^ 
 
 himfelf  be  able  to  redeem  it ;  hath  11- 
 
 27  Then  let  him  count  the  years  of  the  fale  thereof,  tained. 
 
 and  reftore  the  overplus  unto  the  man  to  whom  '[[^andfouni 
 fold  it,  that  he  may  return  unto  his  polTelTion.  sufficien¬ 
 
 ts  But  if  he  be  not  able  to  reftore  it  to  him,  then  that 
 
 which  is  fold  (hall  remain  in  the  hand  of  him  that  hath 
 bought  it  until  the  year  of  jubilee  :  and  in  the  jubilee 
 it  (hall  go  out,  and  he  (hall  return  unto  his  pofleflion. 
 
 29  H  And  if  a  mao  fell  a  dwelling-houfe  in  a  walled 
 city,  then  he  may  redeem  it  within  a  whole  year  after 
 it  is  fold  :  isoithin  a  full  year  may  he  redeem  it. 
 
 30  And  if  it  be  not  redeemed  within  the  (pace  of 
 
 Or,  to 
 
 tion  of  liberty  and  property  commenced.  1.  Every  man’s  eflate  returned  to  hi* 
 heirs,  without  fee  or  reward,  in  the  fame  ftate  it  had  been  mortgaged  ;  by  which 
 law  every  tribe  v»as  kept  diftindt,  and  every  family  careful  of  their  genealogy. 
 It  alfo  prevented  any  from  increafing  their  eftates,  and  thereby  counteraiAed  any 
 baneful  influences  of  tyranny ;  and  kept  any  family  from  falling  into  poverty 
 or  indigence,  through  the  extravagance  of  any  member  of  it,  2.  Every  (lave 
 regained  his  liberty  at  this  period,  the  contradl  was  completely  diffolved.  3. 
 Every  bargain  was  made  with  an  eye  to  this  year;  according  to  the  nearnefs  or 
 diftance  of  it,  the  value  of  the  purchafe  was  in  proportion.  4.  In  order  to  pre¬ 
 vent  a  fear  of  famine,  by  the  want  of  feed-time  and  harveft  for  two  fuccelTive 
 years  God  promifed  to  give  them  fuch  an  abundant  increafe  on  the  fixth  year, 
 as  would  furnilh  them  with  plenty  until  the  fruits  of  the  earth  tvere  reaped  in 
 the  ninth  year.  Ver.  23 — 35.  As  tbe  lands  belonged  to  God,  and  the  poflef- 
 fors  thereof  were  only  occupants  for  him,  they  could  not  be  difpofed  of  for  ever. 
 The  longeft  alienation  Was  till  the  year  of  jubilee,  and  they  might  be  redeemed 
 at  any  time  prior  to  that.  If  the  owner’s  circumftances  prevented  him  from 
 redeeming  hi*  eftate,  bis  neareft  kinfman  might.  If  not  redeemed,  it  reverted  of 
 
 [ay  we  all  live  on  the  bread  of  life,  which  is  not  only  exhibited,  but  giv^Ti^IlT^ple  to  fatisfy  their  fouls;  and  ftrengthen  them  for  the  fervice  of  their  God.  Let 
 diHne  wrath  teftified  againft  fin  awe  our  minds,  and  incite  us  to  watchfulnefs  and  circumfpea.on.  Alas  !  we  are  guilty  before  God  ;  may  he  forgive  us  onr 
 ns,  and/anclify  our  whole  perions,  fo  fliall  we  ftand  approved  in  his  fight. 
 
'^Thc  rs/h’mption  of  land  and  homes. 
 
 LEVITICUS. 
 
 The  usnne  qf  bond  invents. 
 
 r.efore 
 Cl  I  rift 
 M91. 
 
 a  full  year,  then  the  houfe  that  is  in  the  walled  city 
 (hall  be  elfab'ifhed  for  ever  to  him  that  bought  it, 
 throughout  his  generations  :  it  fhall  not  go  out  in  the 
 jubilee. 
 
 31  But  the  houfes  of  the  villages,  which  have  no 
 walls  round  about  them,  (hall  be  counted  as  the  fields 
 of  the  country;  that  may  be  redeemed,  and  they 
 fhall  go  out  in  the  jubilee. 
 
 32  Notwithftanding  the  cities  of  the  Levites,  and 
 
 the  houfes  of  the  cities  of  their  pofftflion,  may  the 
 Levites  redeem  at  any  time.  .  _  I 
 
 33  And  if  |1  a  man  purchafe  of  the  Levites,  then 
 'if  the  Le-  jhe  houfe  that  was  fold,  and  the  city  of  his  pofleffion, ' 
 
 fhall  go  out  in  the  year  o/  jubilee  :  for  the  houfes  of 
 the  cities  of  the  Levites  are  their  pofTefiions  among 
 the  children  of  Ifrael.  ^ 
 
 34  But  the  field  of  the  fuburbs  of  their  cities  may 
 not  be  fold  ;  for  it  is  their  perpetual  pofleffion. 
 
 35  f  And  if  thy  brother  be  waxen  poor,  and  t  fal¬ 
 len  in  decay  with  thee,  then  thou  fhalt  t  relieve  him  ; 
 yeut  though  he  be  a  ftranger,  or  a  fojourner  :  that  he ' 
 
 I  Ileb. 
 
 redemp~ 
 tion  be- 
 longeth 
 unto  it. 
 
 Or,  one 
 
 redeem, 
 
 tkem. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 his  hand 
 failetk. 
 t  Heb. 
 
 b  £xod. 
 
 22.  25. 
 Deuter. 
 
 23.  19. 
 Pror. 
 
 28.  8. 
 Ezekiel 
 18.  8.  & 
 22.  12. 
 c  Exod. 
 21-.  2. 
 Deut. 
 
 15.  12. 
 Jeremiah 
 34.  14. 
 
 t  Heb, 
 serve  thy¬ 
 self  with 
 him  with 
 the  Jt'r- 
 vice,  li-c. 
 f  Heb. 
 with  the 
 fate  of  a 
 
 jtrengthen  may  Hve  with  thee. 
 
 36  Take  thou  no  ufury  of  him,  or  increafe :  but 
 fear  thy  God  ;  that  thy  brother  may  live  with  thee. 
 
 37  Thou  fhalt  not  give  him  thy  money  upon  ulury, 
 
 nor  lend  him  thy  victuals  for  increafe.  j 
 
 38  I  a?n  the  Lord  your  God,  which  brought  you 
 forth  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  to  give  you  the  land 
 of  Canaan,  and  to  be  your  God. 
 
 39  H  And  if  thy  brother  that  dwelleth  by  thee  be 
 
 waxen  poor,  and  be  fold  unto  thee ;  thou  fhalt  not  j 
 f  compel  him  to  ferve  as  a  bond-fervant :  I 
 
 40  But  as  an  hired  fervant,  and  as  a  fojourner,  he  i 
 
 fhall  be  with  thee,  and  fhall  ferve  thee  unto  the  yearj 
 of  jubilee:  j 
 
 41  And  then  fhall  he  depart  from  thee,  both  he  and  i 
 
 his  children  with  him,  and  fhall  return  unto  his  own  ; 
 family,  and  unto  the  pofTeffion  of  his  fathers  fhall  he  j 
 return.  1 
 
 42  For  they  are  my  fervants,  which  I  brought  forth  1 
 out  of  the  land  of -Egypt :  they  fhall  not  be  fold  f  as ! 
 
 d^'hlT  bond-men.  j 
 
 6.  gf ^  'Ehou  fhalt  not  rule  over  him  with  rigour,  but 
 Col.  4. 1.  fhalt  fear  thy  God. 
 
 44  Both  thybond-men  and  thy  bond-maids,  which  u  rore 
 thou  fhalt  have,  shall  be  of  the  heathen  that  are  round  J  ' 
 about  you  ;  of  them  fhall  ye  buy  bond-men  and  bond- 
 maids. 
 
 4.5  Moreover,  of  the  children  of  the  ftrangers  that 
 do  fojourn  among  you,  of  them  fhall  ye  buy,  and  or 
 their  families  that  are  with  you,  w  hich  they  begat  iu 
 your  land  ;  and  they  fhall  be  your  pofleffion  : 
 
 46  And  ye  fhall  take  them  as  an  inheritance  for  your 
 children  after  you,  to  inherit  Mem, /ora  pcffiflion  ;  ff 
 they  fhall  be  yoor  bond-men  for  ever ;  but  over  your 
 brethren  the  children  of  Ifrael,  ye  fhall  not  rule  one 
 
 over  another  with  rigour.  uahth-m. 
 
 47  If  And  if  a  fojourner  or  ftranger  +  wax  rich  by  t 
 thee,  and  thy  brother  that  d'xelhth  by  him  wax  POor, 
 and  fell  himfelf  unto  the  ftranger,  or  fojourner  by  thee, 
 or  to  the  flock  of  the  ftranger’s  family. 
 
 48  After  that  he  is  fold  he  may  be  redeemed  again  ; 
 one  of  his  brethren  may  redeem  him  : 
 
 49  Either  his  uncle,  or  his  uncle’s  fon,  mav  redeem 
 him,  or  any  that  is  nigh  of  kin  unto  him  of  his  family 
 may  redeem  him  ;  or,  if  he  be  able,  he  may  redeem 
 himfelf. 
 
 50  And  he  fhall  reckon  with  him  that  bought  him, 
 from  the  year  that  he  was  fold  to  him,  unto  the  year 
 of  jubilee  :  and  the  price  of  his  fale  fhall  be  according 
 unto  the  number  of  years,  according  to  the  time  of 
 an  hired  fervant  fhall  it  be  with  him. 
 
 51  \f  there  be  yet  many  years  according  unto 
 
 them  he  fhall  give  again  the  price  of  his  redemption 
 out  of  the  money  that  he  was  bought  for. 
 
 52  And  if  there  remain  but  few  years  unto  the  year 
 of  jubilee,  then  he  fhall  count  with  him,  and  according 
 unto  his  years  fhall  he  give  him  again  the  price  of  his 
 redemption. 
 
 53  And  as  a  yearly  hired  ferrant  fhall  he  be  with 
 him :  and  the  other  fhall  not  rule  with  rigour  over  him 
 in  thyiight. 
 
 54  And  if  he  be  not  redeemed  in  thefe  then 
 he  fhall  go  out  in  the  year  of  jubilee,  both  he,  and  his 
 children  with  him. 
 
 55  For  unto  me  the  children  of  Ifrael  are  fervants  ; 
 they  are  my  fervants,  whom  I  brought  forth  out  of  the 
 land  of  Egypt ;  I  am  the  Lord  your  God.* 
 
 Courfe  at  the  year  of  jubilee.  There  were  fome  exceptions  with  refpe6l  to  houfes 
 fituated  in  walled  towns,  (for  thofe  in  the  country  returned  the  fame  as  the  lands ;) 
 if  a  man  purchafed  a  houfe,  during  that  year  it  might  be  redeemed  ;  but  after¬ 
 wards  it  was  his  own,  from  whicli  caufe  an  encouragement  was  given  to  mecha¬ 
 nics,  artificers,  and  merchants,  to  refide  among  them,  as  they  might  be  polTeffed  of 
 a  dwelling  of  their  own,  though  not  a  landed  eftate.  The  houfes  in  the  cities  of 
 the  Levites  were  redeemable  at  all  times,  and  reverted  as  the  lands  at  tlie  jubilee, 
 the  fields  in  their  fuburbs  never  could  be  alienated ;  they  belonged  to  the  city  as 
 a  community,  being  appointed  for  the  ufe  or  maintenance  of  the  priefts  in  all 
 fucceeding  generations.  Ver.  35 — 38.  God  in  all  his  laws  provides  for  the  poor  ; 
 and  allows  no  difference  to  be  made,  whether  home  born  or  a  ftranger  ;  wherever 
 real  poverty  exifts,  it  is  a  demand  for  our  afliftance  according  to  our  ability. 
 They  fhould  be  filled  with  tlie  tendered  compafRon  and  fympathy  for  the  date  of 
 Iheir  fellow  creatures,  and  out  of  their  abundance  they  are  called  to  fupply  their 
 neceffities  ;  if  the  opulent  and  the  rich  were  a^uated  by  a  right  principle,  much  [ 
 might  be  done  for  meliorating  the  condition  of  the  poor  ;  a  fmall  lum  lent  to  the  | 
 poor  is  often  the  greateft  charity,  as  it  enables  them  to  provide  for  themfelves,  and  ! 
 no  ufury  is  to  be  taken  for  it.  Thefe  laws  dill  remain  in  force,  and  God  expeiSts  j 
 
 them  to  be  obej^ed.  by  all  his  faithful  wordiippers  ;  at  the  fame  time  it  does  not 
 forbid  taking  ufury  from  tliofe  who  can  afford  to  pay  it.  Ver.  39.  Theft  fubjecl- 
 ed  tlie  guilty  perfon  to  be  fold  into  llavery,  Exod.  xxiii.  3.  In  the  eaft,  creditors 
 had  the  entire  difpofal  of  their  debtors’  perfon,  family,  and  pro|jerty,  2  Kings  iv. 
 I.  Notes  on  Matth.  xviii.  25,  28.  This  barbarous  cuftom  was  not  utterly  prolii- 
 bited  in  Ifrael,  but  laws  are  here  delivered  to  prevent  its  evil  confequenccs. 
 Though  a  poor  or  profligate  Ifraelite  might  be  fold,  j-et  he  was  reduced  to  the 
 humble  flate  of  a  hired  fers  ant,  not  to  the  painful  Hate  of  a  flare.  And  iu  diia 
 condition  he  could  remain  no  longer  than  to  tlie  year  of  jubilee,  even  if  he  fold 
 himfelf ;  but  if  others  fold  him,  he  ferved  only  feven  years.  Ver.  45,  46.  Tiiofe 
 belonging  to  other  nations  fold  Haves  to  Ifrael,  remained  ever  after  in  this  ftate, 
 but  were  not  to  be  ufed  ill  or  fold,  Exod.  xxi.  26,  27.  As  they  belonged  not  to 
 the  cominonwealtli  of  Ifrael,  they  could  not  be  fubjedl  to  its  laws.  This,  like 
 fimilar  laws,  arofe  from  the  peculiar  ftate  of  fefiaration  from  other  nations,  in  w  hich 
 Ifrael  were  placed  }  and  ceafed  when  all  national  diftinclions  were  abolifhi.d  by 
 Chrift.  It  probably  prefigured  the  converfion  of  the  Gentiles  who  w  ere  to  he 
 made  the  honourable  fervants  of  Chrifl  and  his  church,  comp.  Ifa.  xiv.  1,  2. 
 Ver.  49.  Compare  Nehoin.  v.  8. 
 
 PI^CTICAL  OB^RVATIONS.— *  XXV.]  Tlie  jubilee  was  a  ftriking  emblem  of  the  redemption  by  Chrift  Jefus,  which  extends  to  all  nations, 
 
 c^aradlp  and  ranks.  Here  is  mamfefted  univerfal  benevolence  and  Ipotlefs  juftice  ;  none  fullain  any  injury  while  the  wretched  are  b leffed  iubilL  muft^^iavo 
 
 afforded  exquifite  pleafure  to  every  benevolent  heart  in  Canaan,  and  filled  wiUi  traiifports  of  jov,  multitudes  who  had  been  bv  their  nwn  Ml 
 
 re'cXriTove:  tT^u^riutTonlo^f  « itb^;  wd.rchluorrdif  alT  t^^""  -Idch^etwrau  Wlm 
 
 ^  ““  ‘'S'"  nLroLu  u»,  uri 
 
 No,  9,,,,6d,  K  k 
 
Biasings  proinist'd  io  the  o'cdicnt. 
 
 LEVITICUS. 
 
 Closes  to  the  diso/ji.’dicni. 
 
 Before 
 Chrid 
 1-191.  ^ 
 
 CHAP.  XXVI.  1 
 
 Of  id  olatry ;  2  n-fipioitfiitfs.  3  ^  bUjJing  <<>  them  that  leep  the  com-  i 
 manUnents;  a  curji  to  them  that  break  them.  40  God  2>romtJith  j 
 to  remember  them  that  ri'j^'nt. 
 
 a  Exod.  (ball  make  you  *  no  idols  nor  graven  image,  ' 
 
 j,  X  neither  rear  you  up  a  l|  itanding  image,  neither  ■ 
 "e.  22.  II  t  image  of  Hone  in  your  land,  to  : 
 
 riahn  bow  down  unto  it :  for  1  am  the  Lord  your  Gcd. 
 
 97.  7.  2  Ye  (hall  keep  my  fabbaths,  and  reverence  my  n 
 
 fanefuary  :  1  QTM  the  Lord.  ; 
 
 V  Ori  3  •!  <=  It  ye  walk  in  my  Hatutes,  and  keep  my  com-  : 
 f^..ured  mandments,  and  do  them  ; 
 
 4  Then  I  will  give  you  rain  in  due  feafon,  and  theji 
 t  c/Ji"  ./•  yi^l^  increafe,  and  the  trees  of  the  field  ' 
 
 yi-^tre!"^  (hall  yield  their  fruit.  ji 
 
 b  Chap.  5  And  your  thralhing  (hall  reach  unto  the  vintage,  !| 
 ^9- ao.  and  the  vintage  (hall  reach  unto  the  (owing-time  ;  and  ^ 
 oo  ye  fhall  eat  your  bread  to  the  full,  and  dwell  in  your  " 
 
 djob  land  fafely.  _  ^  lj 
 
 11.  IS.  6  xAnd  I  wall  give  peace  in  the  land,  and  ®  ye  fliall  i 
 down,  and  none  (hall  make  afraid  :  and  I  will  j 
 t  Heb!  t  beafts  out  of  the  land,  neither  (liall  the 
 
 cause  to  (word  go  through  your  land.  | 
 
 ce-os.’.  7  And  ye  fliall  chafe  your  enemies,  and  they  (hall 
 fall  before  you  by  the  fword. 
 
 f  Jofluia  8  And  ^  five  of  you  (hall  chafe  an  hundred,  and  an  ' 
 23. 10.  hundred  of  you  (hall  put  ten  thoufand  to  flight :  and  i 
 your  enemies  fhall  fall  before  you  by  the  fword.  I 
 
 9  For  I  will  have  refpeft  unto  you,  and  make  you  j 
 
 fruitful,  and  multiply  you,  and  efiablilh  my  covenant  i 
 with  you.  ! 
 
 10  And  ye  fhall  eat  old  flore,  and  bring  forth  the  ! 
 old  becaufe  of  the  new. 
 
 g  Ezek.  1 1  And  s  I  will  fet  my  tabernacle  among  you  ;  and  j 
 
 27.  26.  my  foul  fhall  not  abhor  you.  ! 
 
 ii  2  Cor.  12  And  I  will  walk  among  you,  and  will  be  your  , 
 6.  16.  God,  and  ye  (hall  be  my  people.  I 
 
 13  I  am  the  Lord  your  God,  w'hich  brought  you  } 
 forth  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  that  ye  fhould  not  be 
 their  bond-men;  and  I  have  broken  the  bands  of  ; 
 your  yoke,  and  made  you  go  upright.  j 
 
 i  Deut.  14.  H  ‘  But  if  ye  will  not  hearken  unto  me,  and  will  i 
 
 28.  15.  not  do  all  thefe  commandments ; 
 
 15  And  if  ye  (hall  defpife  my  flatutes,  or  if  your 
 Mai.  2.  2.  foul  abhor  my  judgments,  fo  that  ye  will  not  do  all 
 
 my  commandments,  but  that  ye  break  my  covenant : 
 
 16  I  alfo  will  do  this  unto  you  ;  I  will  even  appoint 
 I  Hcb,  t  over  you  terror,  confumption,  and  the  burning  ague, 
 v2>on  you.  (-[lat  (hall  confume  the  eyes,  and  caufe  forrow  of  heart : 
 
 and  ye  (hall  fow  your  feed  in  vain  ;  for  your  enemies 
 (hall  eat  it.  1 
 
 17  And  I  will  fet  my  fiice  againfl  you,  and  ye  (hall 
 be  (lain  before  your  enemies :  they  that  hate  you 
 (hall  reign  over  you  ;  and  ye  (hall  'flee  when  none 
 purfueth  you.  k  i>rov. 
 
 1 S  And  if  ye  will  not  yet  for  all  this  hearken  unto  me,  28.  i. 
 then  I  w  ill  punifh  you  feven  times  more  for  your  fins. 
 
 19  And  1  w'ill  break  the  pride  of  your  power ;  and  I 
 will  make  your  heaven  as  iron,  and  your  earth  as  brafs. 
 
 20  And  your  (Irength  (hall  be  fpent  in  vain :  for 
 your  land  fliall  not  yield  her  increafe,  neither  (hall  the 
 trees  of  the  land  yield  their  fruits. 
 
 21  And  if  ye  walk  ]|  contrary  unto  me,  and  will  not  II  On 
 
 hearken  unto  me;  I  will  bring  feven  times  more“'“""'^* 
 plagues  upon  you,  according  to  your  fins.  wuTme 
 
 22  I  will  alfo  fend  wild  beafis  among  you,  wTich audio  ’ 
 fhall  rob  you  of  your  children,  and  deftroy  your  cattle, 
 
 and  make  you  few  in  number ;  and  your  //?M-ways 
 fhall.be  defolate. 
 
 2.3  And  if  ye  will  not  be  reformed  by  me  by  thefe 
 things,  but  will  walk  contrary  unto  me  ; 
 
 24  *  'Phen  will  I  alfo  walk  contrary  unto  you,  and  i  2  Sam. 
 will  punifh  you  yet  feven  times  for  your  fins. 
 
 25  And  I  will  bring  a  fword  upon  you,  that  fliall 
 avenge  the  quarrel  of  my  covenant ;  and  when  ye  are  *  “  * 
 gathered  together  within  your  cities,  I  will  lend  the 
 peflilence  among  you  ;  and  ye  fhall  be  delivered  mto. 
 
 the  hand  of  the  enemy. 
 
 26  And  when  I  have  broken  theftaff  of  your  bread, 
 ten  women  fliall  bake  your  bread  in  one  oven,  and 
 they  fhall  deliver  you  your  bread  agam  by  weight : 
 and  ye  (hall  eat,  and  not  be  fatisfied. 
 
 27  And  if  ye  will  not  for  all  this  hearken  unto  me, 
 but  walk  contrary  unto  me  ; 
 
 28  Then  I  will  w^alk  contrary  unto  you  alfo  in  fury  ; 
 and  I,  even  I,  will  chaftile  you  feven  times  for  your  (ins. 
 
 29  “  And  ye  (hall  eat  the  flefh  of  your  ions,  and  *'■'  Deut, 
 the  flefh  of  your  daughters  (hall  ye  eat. 
 
 30  And  ^  I  will  deftroy  your  high  places,  and  cutn2Chro. 
 down  your  images,  and  caft  your  carcafes  upon  the  3.4, 7. 
 carcafes  of  your  idols,  and  my  foul  fliall  abhor  you. 
 
 31  And  I  will  make  your  cities  wafte,  and  bring 
 your  fanftuaries  unto  defolation,  and  I  will  not  fmell 
 the  favour  of  your  fweet  odours. 
 
 32  And  I  will  bring  the  land  into  defolation  ;  and 
 your  enemies  which  dwell  therein  fhall  be  aftonifhtd 
 at  it. 
 
 33  And  I  will  fcatter  you  among  the  heathen,  and 
 will  draw  out  a  fword  after  you ;  and  your  land  fliall 
 be  defolate,  and  your  cities  wafte. 
 
 34  Then  fhall  the  land  enjoy  her  fabbaths,  as  long 
 as  it  lieth  delblate,  and  ye  be  in  your  enemies’  land  ; 
 
 explanatory  NOTES.  Chap.  XXVI.  Ver.  1.  Standing  images,  or 
 pillars,  were  fet  up  anciently  as  honorary  monuments,  or  for  religious  purpofes ; 
 the  latter  are  here  prohibited.  Ver.  3 — 13.  Great  and  precious  promifes  were 
 made  to  thofe  who  obeyed  tlie  commandments  of  the  Lord.  Plenty  fliould 
 crown  the  year,  and  peace  be  in  all  Ahe  land,  even  to  its  utmoft  boundaries  ;  their 
 enemies  (hould  bow  before  them,  and  he  would  caufe  their  people  to  increafe 
 exceedingly.  God’s  favour  fliall  be  continually  towards  them,  his  prefence  in 
 the  midft  of  them,  and  he  wonld  eftablifli  his  covenant  perpetually  witli  them. 
 Thus  religion  is  profitable  for  the  life  which  now  is,  and  for  that  which  is  to 
 come  ;  God  will  not  only  give  his  people  food  and  raiment,  but  be  with  them, 
 and  be  their  God,  and  they  lhall  be  his  people.  Ver.  14—17.  The  difobedient 
 tlireatened  with  awful  judgments ;  if  their  difobedience  originated  in  curelelf- 
 liefs  and  difregard  of  his  commandments,  which  would  in  procefs  of  time  caufe 
 them  to  loathe  and  hate  his  flatutes,  he  would  then  vifit  them  with  his  rod  of 
 correAion,  and  fhould  they  defpife  it,  he  would  unflieath  his  fword  of  judg¬ 
 ment.  The  punilhment  to  be  infliAed  on  tlie  rebellious,  the  great  judgment 
 and  caufe  of  all  the  others,  is  God’s  face  being  fet  againft  them  ;  he  threatens  to 
 crofs  their  intentions  and  difepjwint  their  hopes;  evU  and  misfortune  fliould 
 
 I  encompafs  and  attend  them.  Ver.  18.  God  flieweth  his  long  fuffering  in  chaf- 
 j  tening  his  people  by  degrees,  according  to  the  meafure  of  their  fins,  and  threaten- 
 !  ing  to  inflidl  additional  evil  on  thofe  who  would  not  amend  their  ways.  Seven, 
 times,  denotes  great  and  terrible  judgments  ;  it  is  a  complete  nunibei-,  chap.  iv.  6. 
 Gen.  xxxiii.  3.  Ver.  19.  Heavens  iron,  and  earth  brafs ;  that  is,  the  heavens  fliall 
 not  give  rain,  and  the  earth  fliall  not  bring  forth  fruit.  The  blefling,  ver.  4.  flands 
 oppofed  to  this  dreadful  curfe.  Ver.  22.  Comp.  2  Kings  xvii.  25.  Ifa.  xiii.  21, 
 22.  Wild  beafls  naturally  retire  to  deferts  or  uninhabited  countries.  The 
 tlireatening  in  this  verfe  flrongly  implies,  that  God  would  render  the  land  de- 
 fencelefs  by  the  weaknefs  or  wickednefs  of  its  rultrs,  who  would  treat  tliem  as 
 wild  beafts,  Ezek.  xiii.  4.  or  defolate  by  the  cruelty  and  barbarity  of  its  enemies. 
 Ver.  26.  Bread  is  called  the  flaff  of  man,  becaufe  it  iipholdeth  his  heart,  PfaL 
 civ.  15.  To  break  this  flaff  is  to  reduce  to  poverty  and  famine.  Ten  denotes 
 many,  Gen.  xxxi.  7.  Bread  by  weight  fignifies  great  fcarcity,  Rev.  vi.  5,  6. 
 
 Ver.  29.  This  threatening  is  repeated  and  enlarged,  Deut.  xxviii.  55 _ 57  Ezek. 
 
 V.  10.  fulfilled  in  the  reign  oEking  Jehorain,  2  Kings  vi.  29.  and  at  the  final  de- 
 ftru<5lion  of  Jerufalem,  and  lamented  by  Jeremiah,  Lam.  iv.  10.  Ver.  30.  Comp. 
 2  Kings  xxiii.  20.  2  Chron.  xxxiy.  5.  Pfal.  Ixxix.  1—3.  Ver.  31.  Comp.  Neh. 
 
Promises  lo  those  'vcho  repent, 
 
 flvall  the  land  rell,  and  enjoy  her 
 
 LEVITICUS. 
 
 Of  v'JIkS  and  eslimaticm* 
 
 Ik'fort! 
 
 Chrill 
 
 1191. 
 
 Iab-!| 
 
 f  Ileb. 
 driven. 
 
 e  Deut. 
 4.  31. 
 Rom. 
 
 H.  2. 
 
 even  then 
 baths. 
 
 3.5  As  lonp;  as  it  lieth  defolate  it  fhall  reft ;  becaufe 
 it  did  not  reft  in  your  I’abbaths,  when  ye  dwelt  upon  it. 
 
 36  And  upon  them  that  are  left  o//ve  of  you  I  will  i 
 fend  a  faintnefs  into  their  hearts  in  the  hands  of  their 
 
 CHAP.  XXVII. 
 
 //f  t/tnt  malcith  a  Jlnuidar  < 'iw  rnu/l  6-  lh  ‘  I.ard't.  3  The  eJUnuUV’% 
 of  llie  ])i-rfun  ;  9  .f  a  henjl  n  by  t  Jiv  ;  'f  a  hoxtjv  ;  19  of 
 uiul  the  redemjUiu/t  ih:  reof,  <JfC. 
 
 ND  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  faying, 
 
 2  Speak  unto  the  children  of  llrael,  and  Cay 
 
 IJftfore 
 
 Clirill 
 
 M91. 
 
 A 
 
 enemies ;  and  the  found  of  a  t  'haken  leaf  lhall  chafe ,  unto  them,  When  a  man  (hall  make  a  fingular  vow,  the 
 them  ;  and  they  (hall  flee,  as  fleeing  from  a  fword  ; ;  perfons  shalt  be  for  the  Lord  by  thy  eftimation. 
 and  they  lhall  fall  when  none  purfueth.  j  3  And  thy  eftimation  lhall  be  or  the  male 
 
 37  And  they  lhall  fall  one  upon  another,  as  it  were'l  twenty  years  old  even  unto  fixty  years  old,  even  thy 
 befoie  a  fword,  when  none  purfueth:  and  ye  lhall  have  j  eftimation  lhall  be  fifty  Ihekels  of  lilver,  alter  the 
 no  power  to  ftand  before  your  enemies.  I  (hekcl  of  the  fanftuary.  ,  o  ,,  , 
 
 '4  And  if  it  be  a  female,  then  thy  eftimation  lhall  be 
 
 38  And  ye  fhall  perifh  among  the  heathen,  and  the^ 
 
 land  of  your  enemies  fhall  eat  you  up  i 
 
 39  And  they  that  are  left  of  you  fhall  pine  away  in 
 their  iniquity  in  your  enemies’  lands ;  and  alfo  in  the 
 iniquities  of  their  fathers  fhall  they  pine  away  with ' 
 them. 
 
 thirty  fhekels. 
 
 5  And  if  it  be  from  five  years  old  even  unto  twenty 
 years  old,  then  thy  eftimation  fhall  be  of  the  male 
 twenty  fhekels,  and  for  the  female  ten  fhekels. 
 
 6  And  if  it  be  from  a  month  old  even  unto  five  years 
 
 40  ^  If  they  fhall  confefs  their  iniqnty,  and  the  old,  then  thy  eftimation  fhall  be  of  the  male  five  fhekels 
 
 iniquity  of  their  fathers,  with  their  trerp  hs  which  they 
 trefuafTed  againlt  me,  and  that  alfo  they  have  walked 
 contrary  unto  me ; 
 
 41  And  that  1  alfo  have  walked  contrary  unto  them, 
 and  have  brought  them  into  the  laud  of  their  enemies, ' 
 if  then  their  uncircuracired  hearts  be  humbled,  and 
 they  then  accept  of  the  punifhment  of  their  iniquity : ' 
 
 42  Then  will  I  remember  my  covenant  with  Jacob, 
 and  alfo  my  covenant  with  Ifaac,  and  alfo  my  covenant 
 with  Abraham  will  I  remember ;  and  I  will  remember 
 the  land. 
 
 43  Tne  land  alfo  fhall  be  left  of  them,  and  lhall  en¬ 
 joy  her  fabbaths,  while  fhe  lieth  defolate  without  them. : 
 and  they  fhallaccept  of  the  punifhmentof  theiriniquity ; 
 becaufe,  even  becaufe  they  defpifed  my  judgments, 
 and  becaufe  their  foul  abhorred  my  ftatutes. 
 
 44  And  yet  for  all  that,  when  they  be  in  the  land 
 of  their  enemies,  “  I  will  not  caft  them  awav,  neither 
 will  I  abhor  them,  to  deftroy  them  utterly,  and  to 
 break  my  covenant  with  them  :  for  I  am  the  Lord 
 their  God. 
 
 45  But  I  will  for  their  fakes  remember  the  covenant 
 of  their  anceftors,  whom  I  brought  forth  out  of  the 
 land  of  Egypt  in  the  fight  of  the  heathen,  that  1  might 
 be  their  God  :  I  am  the  Lord. 
 
 46  Thefe  are  the  ftatutes,  and  judgm.ents,  and  law^s, 
 which  the  Lord  made  betw'een  him  and  the  children 
 of  Ifrael  In  mount  Sinai,  by  the  hand  of  Mofes.* 
 
 ii.  17.  Jer.  ix.  11.  Lam.  v.  18.  Ver.  40 — 46.  The  truth  and  importance  of  the 
 inftrudlion  and  promifes  in  this  paffage,  we  find  illuftrated  in  Daniel,  Ezra,  Ne- 
 hemiah,  and  others,  who  fought  the  Lord  in  the  days  of  their  affliaion  and 'were 
 heard  and  delivered. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXVII.  Ver.  2.  In  the  preceding 
 part  of  this  book,  laws  are  delivered  refpeaing  the  various  parts  of  the  fervice  of 
 God,  which  all  Ifrael  were  to  regard,  and  this  chapter  contains  the  law  concerning  I 
 vows  or  voluntary  fervices,  which  any  grateful  worfliipper  of  God  might  choofe  to 
 make  for  the  honour  of  Jehovah.  Singular,  or  feparatc,  fignifies  to  exempt  after  a  I 
 fingular  maimer  from  common  ufe  ;  and  refers  to  avowing  this  or  the  other  thin'r 
 
 of  filver,  and  for  the  female  thy  eftimation  shall  be  three 
 fhekels  of  filver. 
 
 7  And  iff/  be  from  fixty  years  old  and  above,  iff/ 
 be  a  male,  then  thy  eftimation  fhall  be  fit  teen  fhekels, 
 and  for  the  female  ten  fhekels. 
 
 8  But  if  he  be  poorer  than  thy  eftimation,  then  he 
 fhall  prefent  himfelf  before  the  prieft,  and  the  prieit 
 fhall  value  him  ;  according  to  his  ability  that  vowed 
 (hall  the  prieft  value  him. 
 
 9  *11  And  if  it  be  a  beaft,  whereof  men  bring  an 
 offering  unto  the  Lord,  all  that  aiiy  man  giveth  of 
 fuch  unto  the  Lord  fhall  be  holy. 
 
 10  He  fhall  not  alter  it,  nor  change  it,  a  good  for  a 
 bad,  or  a  bad  for  a  good  :  and  if  he  fhall  at  all  change 
 beaft  for  beaft,  then  it  and  the  exchange  thereof  fhall 
 be  holy. 
 
 1 1  And  if  it  be  any  unclean  beaft,  of  which  they  do 
 not  offer  a  facrifice  unto  the  Lord,  then  he  fhall  pre- 
 fent  the  beaft  before  the  prieft  ; 
 
 12  And  the  prieft  fliall  value  it,  whether  it  be  good 
 
 or  bad :  f  as  thou  valueft  it,  art  the  prieft,  fo  lhall  \  iieb, 
 
 it  be.  according 
 
 1 3  But  if  he  will  at  all  redeem  it,  then  he  fhall  add 
 a  fifth  part  thereof  unto  thy  eftimation. 
 
 1 1<  And  when  a  man  fhall  lan^iify  his  houfe  to  be 
 holy  unto  the  Lord,  then  the  priefts  fliall  eftimate  it, 
 whether  it  be  good  or  bad :  as  the  prieft  fhall  eftimate 
 it,  fo  fhall  it  ftand. 
 
 to  be  the  Lord’s,  which  any  other  precept  of  his  law  did  not  demand.  A  vow  is 
 a  religious  prouiife  made  to  the  Lord,  generally  accompanied  with  prayer  and  per¬ 
 formed  with  thanksgivings.  Numb.  xxi.  2,  3.  I’fal.  Ixvi.  15,  14.  Ver.  6.  Under 
 the  age  of  a  month  there  was  no  valuation  at  all,  for  the  prince  was  already  known 
 in  the  cafe  of  all  the  firll-born  ;  they  were  to  be  redeemed  at  jive  Jhekelt  each. 
 Numb.  iii.  40 — 47.  A  er.  11.  By  unclean  beaft,  is  underftood  animals  rendered 
 unclean  or  unfit  to  be  offered  on  Uic  altar,  by  fome  bleinilb,  and  not  animals  un¬ 
 clean  however  perfecT.  It  is  however  certain,  that  the  price  of  a  dog  for  any  vow 
 could  not  be  brought  into  the  houfe  of  the  Lord,  Deut.  xxiii.  18.  Ver.  I2!  The 
 priefts  were  appointed  to  value  w  hat  God  had  not  mentioned  the  value  of ;  but  the 
 
 able!^^  6  ^  OBSERVATIONS.  *  Chap.  XXVI.]  Bleffed  is  the  man  who  feareth  the  Lord,  aud  walketh  in  his  commandments  •  for  codlinefs  is  nrofit 
 
 able  for  the  life  that  now  is,  and  for  that  which  is  to  come.  But  while  the  all  bountiful  God  and  Saviour  gives  us  tl.e  precious  Uiings  nr^uced 
 
 nrorr  <■  -"f  tlieie  never  be  half  as  precious  to  our  fouls  as  “the  good  will  of  him  who  Lelt  in  the  lS(h  ”  His  cekftillhiflne 
 
 produce  Ip.ntual  gifts  and  holy  difpofitio.is  winch  are  accompanied  with  peace  that  pafleth  all  underftanding  ;  the  enjoyment  of  which  is  fufficLnt  tn  r 
 
 every  tnal  neceffary  tor  the  proof  of  our  faith,  and  the  manifeftation  of  the  glory  of  mir  Lord  Jefus,  to  whoin  we  are  ialled  to  be  conformed Tn  hi  ”  I  T  a 
 
 djaiU  as  well  as  his  glory.  And  Oh  !  that  we  may  i^ce.ve  with  humble  fubmihiL  all  the  chaftifemeuts  of  our  Father ;  and  may  he  bleSThem  to  reL^f 
 
 m^iny  wanderings  that  we  may  careftilly  keep  all  his  teft. monies.  Fearful  judgments  await  apoftates  and  the  impenitent  •  if  thev  ofcan.  nn  f 
 
 overtake  them  unlels  Uiey  repent.  Let  none  of  them,  however,  pertevere  in  finf  from  the  mclalicholv  and  unrealoLble  conclufit?  that  Se^r  17.  ’  c 
 
 God  IS  rich  in  mercy,  for  his  name  and  covenant  s  iakey^to  all  who  call  on  )>im  tl.  that  /-nvorntl.  hie  lir.  ihoii  <•  .  “  *****  >*  hopelefs ;  for 
 
 fliall  find  mercy.  To  this  tlioufands  of  Abraliam’s  race  bcl  teftiil^y  ; "oii 'IhaAty^vlrSiSd  t  mulSrof  Sdrl^ 
 
 thcmfelves  in  rejedlmg  the  Mefliab,  whofe  day  theii-  great  anceltor  faw  afar  off  aud  rejoiced.  ^  ^  ^  ^  tlj»ldren,  who  ui  our  ago  contiiie  to  juftify 
 
Of  the  redemption  of  a  field. 
 
 LEVITICUS.  Of  the  redemption  of  iitheSy  land, 
 
 fanftified  it  will  redeem  his  houfe, 
 1491.  then  he  fhall  add  the  filth  2^(^rt  of  the  money  of  thy 
 v.^^v-0  eftimation  unto  it,  and  it  (hall  be  his. 
 
 16  And  it  a  man  (hall  lanftify  unto  the  Lord 
 fome  partof  a  field  of  his  poflefTion,  then  thy  elli- 
 
 li  mation  Ihall  be  according  to  the  feed  thereof:  l|  an 
 barley-feed  shall  be  valtied  at  fifty  fhekels  of  j 
 
 17  If  he  fanftify  his  field  from  the  vear  of  jubilee,  I 
 
 according  to  thy  elHmation  it  Ihall  Hand.  j 
 
 1 8  But  if  he  fanftify  his  field  after  the  jubilee,  then 
 the  prieft  Ihall  reckon  unto  him  the  money  according 
 to  the  years  that  remain,  even  unto  the  year  of  the 
 jubilee,  and  it  Ihall  be  abated  from  thy  eftimation. 
 
 19  And  if  he  that  fanftified  the  field  will  in  any  wife 
 redeem  it,  then  he  Ihall  add  the  fifth  part  of  the  money 
 of  thy  eftimation  unto  it,  and  it  Ihall  be  alTured  tohim.  j 
 
 20  And  if  he  will  not  redeem  the  field,  or  if  he  have 
 fold  the  field  to  another  man,  it  Ihall  not  be  redeemed 
 any  more. 
 
 21  But  the  field,  when  it  goeth  out  in  the  jubilee, 
 Ihall  be  holy  unto  the  Lord,  as  a  field  devoted  ;  the 
 poflellion  thereof  Ihall  be  the  prieft’s. 
 
 22  And  if  a  man  lanftify  unto  the  Lord  a  field 
 which  he  hath  bought,  which  is  not  of  the  fields  of  his 
 poflellion  ; 
 
 23  Then  the  prieft  fhall  reckon  unto  him  the  worth 
 of  thy  eftimation,  even  unto  the  year  of  the  jubilee; 
 and  he  Ihall  give  thine  eftimation  in  that  day,  as  a  holy 
 thing  unto  the  Lord. 
 
 24  In  the  year  of  the  jubilee  the  field  Ihall  return 
 unto  him  of  whom  it  was  bought,  even  to  him  to  whom 
 the  poflellion  of  the  land  did  belong. 
 
 ■ - - - — - -  ~~  ^ 
 
 price  fixed  by  the  law  no  one  was  to  alter.  Ver.  1 3.  See  ver.  19.  J  fifth  to  thy 
 estimation.  The  reafon  of  this  injunction  feems  to  be  to  guard  againll  raili  vows 
 Ecclef.  V.  2,  4,  5.  Ver.  26.  The  firfiling,  or  firll-born  was  already  fanclified  to 
 the  Lord,  and  therefore  not  the  object  of  a  vow,  becaufe  it  was  not  one’s  own  pro¬ 
 perty  ;  Exod.  xiii.  2,  12.  Ver.  28.  A  devoted  tAing,  means  more  than  a  thing 
 limply  vowed ;  it  feems  a  thing  given  to  God,  wholly  watliout  any  limitation  arif- 
 ing  from  future  contingencies  from  the  ftate  of  one’s  mind  or  circumftances. 
 
 25  And  all  thy  eftimations  Ihall  be  according  to  the 
 (hekels  of  the  lanftuary :  *  twenty  gerahs  Ihall  be  the  ‘■‘"■''i 
 (hekel. 
 
 26  II  Only  the  f  firftHngs  of  the  beafts,  which  Ihould 
 
 be  the  Lord’s  firftling,  no  man  Ihall  fanftify  it :  whe-^P-  *3. 
 ther  it  be  ox  or  Iheep,  it  is  the  Lord’s.  3 
 
 27  And  if  it  be  of  an  unclean  beaft,  then  he  Ihall  Ezek’. 
 redeem  it  according  to  thine  eftimation,  and  Ihall  add  ‘‘5.  i’;* 
 a  fifth  jiart  of  it  thereto :  or  if  it  be  not  redeemed, 
 then  it  fhall  be  fold  according  to  thy  eftimaticn. 
 
 28  11  Notwithftanding,  no  devout  thing  that  abjcflmj* 
 man  Ihall  devote  unto  the  Lord,  of  all  that  he  hath, 
 
 both  of  man  and  beaft,  and  of  the  field  of  his  pofl’eflion, 
 
 Ihall  be  fold  or  redeemed :  every  devoted  thing  is 
 moft  holy  unto  the  Lord. 
 
 29  None  devoted,  which  Ihall  be  devoted  of  men, 
 
 Ihall  be  redeemed  ;  but  Ihall  furely  be  put  to  death. 
 
 so  H  And  all  the  tithe  of  the  land,  vohether  of  the 
 feed  of  the  land,  or  of  the  fruit  of  the  tree,  is  the 
 Lord’s  :  it  zsholy  unto  the  Lord. 
 
 3 1  And  if  a  man  will  at  all  redeem  ought  of  his  tithes, 
 he  Iliall  add  thereto  the  fifth  part  thereof.  • 
 
 32  And  concerning  the  tithe  of  the  herd,'  or  of  the 
 flock,  even  of  whatfoever  palTeth  under  the  rod,  the 
 tenth  Ihall  be  holy  unto  the  Lord. 
 
 33  He  Ihall  not  fearch  whether  it  be  good  or  bad, 
 neither  Ihall  he  change  it :  and  if  he  change  it  at  all, 
 then  both  it  and  the  change  thereof  Ihall  be  holy ;  it 
 Ihall  not  be  redeemed. 
 
 34  Thefe  are  the  commandments,  which  the  Lord 
 commanded  Mofes,  for  the  children  of  Ilfael  in  mount 
 Sinai.* 
 
 Ver.  29.  Of  men  devoted  to  death  or  fin,  no  one  was  to  be  redeemed,  Tliis  i 
 explained  in  the  cafe  of  the  men  of  Jericho  and  the  Amalekites,  &c.  Jolh.  vi.  i;,| 
 Deut.  XXV,  1 9.  Ver.  34.  This  book  concludes,  by  ftating  thefe  to  be  God’s  con- 
 mandments,  given  by  Mofes,  which  the  children  of  Ifrael  were  to  obey.  How  imicii| 
 thankfulnefs  fhould  fill  our  breafls  for  the  mercies  wo  now  enjoy  in  the  clear  ligV. 
 of  the  gofpel,  as  we  fee  no  longer  through  the  dark  glafs  of  types  and  fiiadows,  hav¬ 
 ing  the  truth  clearly  dated  to  us  in  the  New  Teilament  by  Chrifl,  and  his  apoftle?. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. _ *  Chap.  XXVIL]  The  vows  and  dedications  under  the  law  doubtlefs  referred  to  him,  who,  for  the  redemption  of  man, 
 
 faid  Lo,  I  come  to  do  thy  will ;  thy  law,  O  God,  is  within  my  heart.  May  the  fulfilment  of  his  vow,  by  laying  down  his  life  for  the  guilty,  infpire  us  with  hope, 
 and  his  example  and  rieh  grace  excite  us  to  devote  ourfelves  unrefervedly,  body,  foul,  and  all  that  he  hath  given  us,  to  the  fervice  and  glory  of  God.  Let  us  ever 
 remember  that  for  the  fake  of  his  people,  Jefus  confecrated  himfelf,  that  they  alfo  might  be  confecrated  through  the  truth.  Finally,  while  we  refleca  on  the  grace  of 
 God  in  teaching  the  ancient  church  by  fuch  a  number  and  variety  of  typical  inftitutions,  let  us  efpecially  blefs  God,  that  their  true  import  is  fully  illuftrated  in  ChriH,, 
 »vho  is  the  end  of  the  law  for  righteoufmefs  t*  every  one  who  believeth. 
 
 THE  FOURTH  BOOK  OF  MOSES, 
 
 CALLED 
 
 NUMBERS. 
 
 the  argument. 
 
 The  book  o/'Numbers  has  its  name  from  the  numbering  of  the  children  of  Israel,  'which  is  the  business  of  the  former 
 chapters  of  this  book  It  begins  in  the  second  month  of  the  second  year  after  their  departure  out  of  Egypt,  and  ends 
 in  the  eleventh  month  of  the  fortieth  year,  taking  in  the  space  of  thirty  nine  years.  This  book  contains  likewise 
 several  laws  which  God  gave  to  the  Israelites ;  and  an  account  of  several  remarkable  events  while  they  were  in  the 
 
 ynlderness. 
 
77j<?  mimhcr  of  cverij  tribe. 
 
 ]5cfore 
 
 Chritl 
 
 CTIAP.  T. 
 
 a  ■Rxod. 
 30.  1‘2. 
 
 1  (M  comma7i<Mh  Uofs  to  nvmher  the  pro), I.-,  t,  Thr  j,rinre,  of  th" 
 trili’x.  17  'J’hr  nun, hrr  of  cccri/ tribe,  'll  Fhe  l.evUcs  a,e  LzemiiUd 
 for  the  fcrvice  of  the  1  .ord. 
 
 A  Nl)  the  Lord  l'p;)ke  unto  Mo(  ,\s  in  the  wilder- 
 ni-fs  of  8indi,  in  the  r.ihenwcle  of  the  conf^rega- 
 
 NUMBF.RS.  .  ‘'‘f' 
 
 tothcnuTiberoftbenimcs,  '>y  lh«r  ' 
 
 from  twenty  years  old  and  upwaru,  all  tha 
 to  go  fr.rth  to  war  ;  ^  . 
 
 ‘I'i  I'hofe  that  were  numbered  of  them  (X'n  or  me 
 tribr  of  himeon,  -ixirc  fitly  and  nine  thousand  and 
 three  hundred. 
 
 lavine  cording  to  the  number  of  the  namp,  from  twenty  y  .rs 
 
 Tike  ve  the  fum  of  all  the  congregation  of  the  ;  old  and  upward,  all  that  were  able  to  forth  to  v...r^ 
 
 chUdrek'of  Ifa“.iu.ir  fa.r.ilies ’’l./tnc.  houl.  ot  ||  /i.,  rhof  •  .ba,  7-  „d 'bx 
 
 their  fathers,  with  tlie  nun.ber  of  r/teif  itatiies,  every  :  tribe  ct  Gad,  teere  forty  and  live  tnouuna,  itx  nui.-r  -q 
 
 '"‘ll  F™™?” Vears  old  and  upward,  all  that  are  j 'I0 ’^'of  the  children 
 
 able  to  go  forth  to  war  in  Ilrael  ;  thou  and  A  ron  :  afte.  their  families,  by  'l;5  fVom  n  ent^ 
 
 lhall  number  them  by  their  armies.  according  to  the 
 
 4  And  w'ith  you  there  (hall  be  a  man  of  every  tribe  ;  '  years  old  and  upward,  all  that  were  abl^  to  go  o 
 
 every  one  head  of  the  houle  of  his  fathers.  j|  to  war  »  u  j  n  rf 
 
 5  II  Andthefeore  the  names  of  the  men  that  fliall ;  27  i  hofe  that  w'cre  numbered  ct  them,  cr 
 
 ftand  with  you  ;  OUhe  tribe  (>f  Reuben  ;  Elizur  tot  fthe  tribe  of  Judah,  xverc  threefcore  and  fourteen  inou- 
 
 land  and  fix  hundred. 
 
 28  'll  Of  the  children  of  Iffachar,  by  their  genera- 
 tion.'i,  after  their  families,  by  the  houfe  of  their  fa¬ 
 thers,  according  to  the  number  of  the  names,  from 
 twenty  years  old  and  upw'ard,  all  that  were  able  to  go 
 forth  to  war  ; 
 
 29  1  hofe  that  were  numbered  of  them,  even  of  the 
 tribe  of  Ifl'achar,  were  fifty  and  four  thouland  and 
 four  hun.ired. 
 
 30  l!  Of  the  children  of  Zebulun,  by  their  genera¬ 
 tions,  after  their  families,  by  the  houfe  ot  their  fa¬ 
 thers,  according  to  the  number  of  the  names,  from 
 twenty  years  old  and  upw'ard,  alt  that  were  able  to 
 
 Ion  of  Shedeur. 
 
 6  Of  Simeon  ;  Shelumicl  the  (on  of  Zurilhaddai. 
 
 7  Of  Judah  ;  Nafhon  the  fon  of  Am  r.inadab. 
 
 8  Of  Ifl'achar  ;  Nethaneel  the  fon  of  Zuar. 
 
 9  Of  Zebulun  ;  Eliab  the  fon  of  Helon. 
 
 10  Of  the  children  of  Jofeph  :  of  Ephraim  ;  Eii- 
 iharaa  the  fon  of  Ammihud  :  of  ManalTeh  ;  Gamaliel 
 the  fon  of  Pedahzur. 
 
 1 1  Of  Benjamin  ;  Abidan  the  fon  of  Gideoni. 
 
 12  Of  Dan  ;  Ahiezer  ihe  fon  of  Ammilhaddai. 
 
 13  Of  Alher  ;  Pagiel  the  fon  of  Ocran. 
 
 14  Of  Gad  ;  Eliafaph  the  fon  of  Deuel. 
 
 15  Of  Naphtali  ;  A.hira  the  fon  of  Enan.  ^ - ^  ^ - 
 
 16  Thele  were  ihe  renowned  of  the  congregation, go  forth  to  war  ; 
 
 princes  of  the  tribes  of  their  fathers,  heads  of  thou- i|  31  Thofe  that  w^ere  numbered  of  them,  a)cn  of 
 fands  in  Ifraei.  the  tribe  of  Zebulun,  were  fifty  and  leven  thoufand' 
 
 17  f  And  Mofes  and  Aaron  took  thefe  men  which  and  four  hundred. 
 
 are  expreffed  by  their  names :  ^  i  32  n  Of  the  children  of  Jofeph,  nrt';7?c/y,  of  the  chil- 
 
 13  And  they  afl'embled  all  the  congregation  toge- '  dren  of  Ephraim,  by  their  generaPions,  after  their  fa¬ 
 ther  on  the  firfl  day  of  the  fecond  month ;  and  they  de-  mi.ies,  by  the  houfe  of  their  fathers,  according  to  the 
 dared  their  pedigrees  after  their  families,  by  the  houfe  number  of  the  names,  from  tw'enty  years  old  and  up- 
 of  their  fathers,  according  to  the  number  of  the  name-s,  i  ward,  all  that  were  able  to  go  forth  to  war  ; 
 from  twenty  years  old  and  upward,  by  their  polls.  '  33  Thofe  that  were  numbered  of  them,  even 
 
 19  As  the  Lord  commanded  Mofes,  fo  he  num- ,  the  tribe  ot  Ephraim,  were  forty  thoufand  and  fiye 
 
 •.  ««i  r-  r\-  •  I  ^  ^ 
 
 bered  them  in  the  wildernefs  of  Sinai. 
 
 20  H  And  the  children  of  Reuben,  Ifrael’s'  eldefl:  j 
 fon,  by  their  generations,  after  their  families,  by  the 
 houfe  of  their  fathers,  according  to  the  number  of  the 
 
 X  LliaL  VVW.1^  Xi  ULll  L^C.1.  V/1  VtlV-ilA  Cct'C'fr  V/1  I 
 
 tribe  of  Reuben,  were  forty  and  fix  thoufand  and  five 
 hundred. 
 
 22  H  Of  the  children  of  Simeon,  by  their  genera¬ 
 tions,  after  their  families,  by  the  houfe  of  their  fa¬ 
 thers,  thofe  that  were  numbered  of  them,  according 
 
 hundred. 
 
 34  5!  f)f  the  children  of  ManafTeh  by  their  gener<y 
 tions,  after  their  families,  by  the  houfe  ot  their 
 fathers,  according  to  the  number  of  their  names,  from 
 
 'all  that  were  able  to 
 
 _  _  numbered  of  them,  even  of 
 
 the  tribe  of  ManafTeh,  were  thirty  and  two  thoufand 
 and  two  hundred. 
 
 36  ^  Of  the  children  of  Benjamin,  by  their  gene¬ 
 rations,  after  their  families,  by  the  houfe  of  their 
 fathers,  according  to  the  number  of  the  names,  from 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  I.  Ver.  1.  Sinai;  here  Ifraei  remain- 
 to  receive  divine  inftrutSlion,  and  to  ohferve  the  palfover,  till  the  twentieth 
 day  of  the  fecond  month.  God  fpoke  to  them  on  the  firll  day  of  the  lirA.  month, 
 when  he  proceeded  to  deliver  them  his  laws,  chap.  ix.  1.  in  this  he  begins  to  fettle 
 the  order  of  tJie  clmrch  and  commonwealth.  Ver.  2.  This  is  the  fecond  num¬ 
 bering  of  the  children  of  Ilrael  by  Mofes.  He  had  formerly  numbered  them 
 in  the  firll  year  after  their  departure  from  Egypt.  And  he  numhered  them  a 
 third  time  in  the  fortietli,  when  the  generation  that  came  out  of  Egypt  were 
 dead,  and  tire  children  were  about  to  receive  the  typical  inheritance.  Ver.  3. 
 The  numbering  of  Ifracl  by  the  command  of  God,  lliewed  his  pro\idential  care 
 •f  them;  and  doing  it  by  their  armies,  probably  intimated  that  they  were  called 
 
 No.  9....6i.  L  1 
 
 to  fight  the  battles  of  the  Lord.  Ver.  16.  The  'wifdom  of  Ifrael’s  legiflatot 
 appears  in  the  order  of  the  tribes,  which  is  llri<5tly  according  to  tl^eir  rank  and 
 employment.  No  one  occupies  an  improper  place,  as  will  be  ob^ious  to  every 
 attentive  aud  wife  obferver.  Jofeph  was  appointed  a  double  portion,  the  birth¬ 
 right,  for  he  was  Rachel’s  finl-born,  and  more  honourable  in  charat  ter  and 
 deeds  than  his  brethi-en.  Hence  his  fons,  Ephraim  and  iManafiTeh  were  confti- 
 tuted  Uie  heads  of  two  tribes.  The  younger  is  put  firft.  according  to  the  de¬ 
 clared  piu^iof.' of  God  rt  fpedling  him,  Gen.  xlviii.  19,201  and  he  was  made 
 ftandard  bearvT,  chap.  ii.  18.  Thus  good  order  was  obferved,  for  God  is  not  the 
 autliorof  confufion  but  of  peace,  1  Cor.  xiv.  33.  Ver.  17 — 46.  Thofe  whowi.!-* 
 to  number  tltcm  appear  to  have  been  expeditious  in  the  work  allotted  tl'.cni ;  fot 
 
The  ZavVrs’ 
 
 snrice. 
 
 NUMBERS. 
 
 Before 
 
 Clirill 
 
 1490. 
 
 tv^enty  years  old  and  upward,  all  that  were  able  to 
 go  rorth  to  war  ; 
 
 •  u '  numbered  of  them,  cvni  of  the 
 
 tribe  oi  lienjamm,  xvae  thirty  and  five  thoufand  and 
 tour  hundred. 
 
 38  Ot  the^  children  of  Dan,  by  their  generations, 
 after  their  families,  by  the  houfe  of  their  fathers,  ac¬ 
 cording  to  the  number  of  the  names,  from  twi^nty 
 >ears  old  and  upward,  all  that  were  able  to  go  forth 
 to  war ; 
 
 09  'fhefe  that  were  numbered  of  them,  evfn  of 
 the  tribe  of  Dan,  vxre  threefcore  and  two  thouliuid 
 and  feven  hundred. 
 
 40  Of  the  children  of  Afher,  by  their  generations, 
 after  their  families,  by  the  houfe  of  their  fathers,  ac¬ 
 cording  to  the  number  of  the  names,  from  twenty 
 years  old  and  upward,  all  that  were  able  to  go  forth 
 to  war  ; 
 
 41  Thofe  that  were  numbered  of  them,  eve/2  of  the 
 tribe  of  Afher,  terre  forty  and  one  thoufand  and  five 
 hundred. 
 
 42  f  Of  the  children  of  Naphtali,  throughout  their 
 generations,  after  their  families,  by  the  houfe  of  their 
 fathers,  according  to  the  number  of  their  names,  from 
 twenty  years  old  and  upward,  all  that  were  able  to  go 
 f  orth  to  war ; 
 
 43  Thofe  that  were  numbered  of  them,  eve//  of  the 
 tribe  of  Naphtali,  were  fifty  and  three  thoufand  and 
 four  hundred. 
 
 44  H  Thefe  are  thofe  that  were  numbered,  which 
 Moles  and  Aaron  numbered,  and  the  princes  of  Ifrael, 
 de//ig  tw'elve  men :  each  one  was  for  the  houfe  of  his 
 fathers. 
 
 45  So  were  all  thofe  that  were  numbered  of  the 
 children  of  Ifrael,  by  the  houfe  of  their  fathers,  from 
 twenty  years  old  and  upward,  all  that  were  able  to 
 go  forth  to  war  in  li’rael ; 
 
 46  Even  all  they  that  W'ere  numbered,  w'ere  fix 
 hundred  thoufand,  and  three  thoufand,  and  five  hun¬ 
 dred  and  fifty. 
 
 47  H  But  the  Levites,  after  the  tribe  of  their  fa¬ 
 thers,  were  not  numbered  among  them. 
 
 48  For  the  Lord  had  fpoken  unto  Mofes,  faying, 
 
 49  Only  thou  fhalt  not  number  the  tribe  of  Levi, 
 neither  take  the  fum  of  them  among  the  children  of 
 Ifrael: 
 
 50  But  thou  fhalt  appoint  the  Levites  over  the 
 tabernacle  of  teftimony,  and  over  all  the  veflels  there¬ 
 of,  and  over  all  things  that  l/e/oag  to  it :  they  (hall 
 bear  the  tabernacle,  and  all  the  veffels  thereof :  and 
 they  fhall  minifter  unto  it,  and  fhall  encamp  round 
 about  the  tabernacle. 
 
 51  And  when  the  tabernacle  fetteth  forward,  the 
 Levites  fhall  take  it  down  ;  and  when  the  tabernacle 
 
 77/e  order  of  the  t/'ihes  i/i  their  tents, 
 
 mail  by  his 
 
 If, 
 
 Before 
 
 Chriil 
 
 1490. 
 
 every  man  by  his  own  camp,  and  every 
 own  flandard,  throughout  their  hoRs. 
 
 53  Bur  the  Levites  fhall  pi'ch  round  about  the  ta¬ 
 bernacle  of  teRimony,  that  there  be  no  w’rath  upon 
 the  congregation  of  the  children  of  Ifrael:  and  the 
 Levites  (hall  keep  the  charge  of  the  tabernacle  of  tef- 
 tunony. 
 
 54  And  the  children  of  Ifrael  did  according  to  all 
 that  the  Lord  commanded  Mofes,  fo  did  they.* 
 
 CHAP.  II. 
 
 The  order  of  the  tribes  in  their  tents. 
 
 A  ND  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  and  unto 
 XA  Aaron,  faying, 
 
 2  Every  man  of  the  children  of  Ifrael  Riall  pitch 
 by  his  own  Randard,  with  the  enfign  of  their  father’s 
 houfe :  t  far  off  about  the  tabernacle  of  the  congrega- 1  He?,, 
 tion  fhall  they  pitch. 
 
 3  11  And  on  the  eaft  fide,  toward  the  rifing  of  the"^'""*** 
 fun,  fhall  they  of  the  Randards  of  the  camp  of  Judah 
 pitch,  throughout  their  armies  :  and  Nahfhon  the  fon 
 
 of  Amminadab  shall  be  captain  of  the  children  of 
 Judah. 
 
 4  And  his  hofl,  and  thofe  that  were  numbered  of 
 them,  xoere  threefcore  and  fourteen  thoufand  and  fix 
 hundred. 
 
 5  And  thofe  that  do  pitch  next  unto  him  shall  he 
 the  tribe  of  Iffachar :  and  Nethaneel  the  fon  of  Zuar 
 shall  be  captain  of  the  children  of  Iffachar. 
 
 6  And  his  hoR,  and  thofe  that  w'ere  numbered  there¬ 
 of,  xirre  fifty  and  four  thoufand  and  four  hundred. 
 
 7  rhen  the  tribe  of  Zebulun  :  and  Eliab  the  fon  of 
 Helon,  shall  he  captain  of  the  children  of  Zebulun. 
 
 8  And  his  hoR,  and  thofe  that  were  numbered 
 thereof,  vcfrc  fifty  and  feven  thoufand  and  four  hun¬ 
 dred. 
 
 9  All  that  were  numbered  in  the  camp  of  Judah 
 ■were  an  hundred  thoufand,  and  fourfeore  thoufand, 
 and  fix  thoufand  and  four  hundred,  throughout  their 
 armies  :  thefe  fliall  firR  fet  forth. 
 
 10  U  On  the  ibuth  fide  shall  be  the  Randard  of  the 
 camp  of  Reuben,  according  to  their  armies :  and  the 
 captain  of  the  children  of  Reuben  shall  he  Elizur  the 
 fon  of  Shedeur. 
 
 1 1  And  his  hcR,  and  thofe  that  were  numbered 
 thereof,  were  forty  and  fix  thoufand  and  five  hundred. 
 
 12  And  thofe  which  pitch  by  him  shall  he  the  tribe 
 of  Simeon  :  and  the  captain  of  the  children  of  Simeon  • 
 shall  he  Shelumiel  the  fon  of  ZuriRiaddai. 
 
 13  And  his  hoR,  and  thofe  that  were  numbered  of 
 them,  xei  re  fifty  and  nine  thoufand  and  three  hundred. 
 
 14  Then  the  tribe  of  Gad  :  and  the  captain  of  the 
 fons  of  Gad  shall  he  Eliafaph  the  fon  of  \\  Reuel.  II 
 
 15  And  his  hoR,  and  thofe  that  were  numbered  of 
 I  them,  xvere  forty  and  five  theuiand,  and  fix  hundred 
 
 is  to  be  pitched,  the  Levites  fliall  fet  it  up  :  and  the  |i  and  fifty. 
 
 Rranger  that  cometh  nigh  Riall  be  put  to  death.  i  16  All  that  were  numbered  in  the  camp  of  Reuben 
 
 52  And  the  children  of  Ifrael  (hall  pitch  their  tents, 
 
 in  lefs  than  21  days,  the  review  and  regifter  were  completed.  Every  tribe 
 probably  gave  an  account  of  every  family  ;  and  every  family  of  their  number 
 and  age.  And  in  their  increafe  we  may  obferve  the  predidlions  eminently  ful¬ 
 filled,  comjjare  Gen.  xlix.  Their  total  fum  is  603,550,  exactly  the  fame  as  in 
 Exod.  xxviii.  26. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  II.  Ver.  2.  Ifrael  encamped  around 
 
 •were  an  hundred  thoufand,  and  fifty  and  one  thou- 
 
 the  tabernacle,  which  was  placed  in  their  centre,  and  guarded  by  them  from  any  in¬ 
 jury.  Thus  the  encamping  round  about  Babylon  was  that  none  might  efcape,  Jer. 
 i.  29.  While  Ifrael  kept  their  places  and  fliewed  fuitable  refpetSl  for  God’s  fanc- 
 tuary,  he  protefled  them  from  all  danger.  The  Lord  is  the  fafety  of  his  people, 
 and  they  are  known  by  encamping  round  about  him,  Pfal.  Ixxvi.  1 1-.  Ver.  6.  This 
 tribe  was  much  more  numerous  than  the  other  tribes,  chap.  i.  27.  the  chief 
 
 PRACTIC  4L  OBSERV^ATIONS. _ *  Chap.  I.]  Many  regiftered  in  Ifrael  perifhed  in  the  wililernefs,  but  all  thofe  whofe  names  are  written  in  the  Lamb’s 
 
 bock  of  life  fhall  Hand  with  him  in  i^iount  Zion.  They  are  indeed  feeble  and  helplefs,  and  their  enemies  are  numerous  and  powerful  ;  but  God  will  as  certainly  give 
 them  complete  vi«51ory  as  he  hath  procured  for  them  redemption  by  his  Son.  Though  we  may  have  to  mourn  the  death  of  many  a  true  Ifraelite,  and  the  apoftacy  of 
 many  a  faJfe  one,  yet  the  caufe  of  God  fliall  be  maintained  in  the  earth  ;  he  will  raife  up  a  feed  to  ferve  him  in  every  generation,  and  honour  them  to  promote  hi« 
 merciful  or  righteous  purpofes  with  the  world,  and  at  the  time  appointed  put  them  in  pofl'eflion  of  the  fpiritual  Canaan. 
 
The  order  (f  the  tribes  in  their  marches. 
 
 NUMBF-RS. 
 
 Before 
 
 (.'liriil 
 
 1490. 
 
 fand,  and  four  hundred  and  fifty,  throup;hoiit  their 
 armies  :  and  they  (hall  fi-t  forth  in  the  f  cond  rank. 
 
 17  •[  Tnen  th(*  tahernacle  of  the  conurejr.ifion  fhal 
 fet  forward,  with  tfie  campof  rne  I.c-vire.s  in  the  midi 
 of  the  camp:  as  they  encamp,  fb  fhall  they  fet  for¬ 
 ward,  every  man  in  hi ,  piao-,  by  their  Itandards. 
 
 18  H  On  the  weft  fide  shall  be  the  ftandard  of  the 
 camp  of  Ephraim,  according  ro  their  armies  :  and  the 
 captain  of  the  fons  of  Ephra.rn  shall  be  Elifhama  the 
 fon  of  Ammihud. 
 
 19  And  his  hoft,  and  thofe  that  were  numbered  of 
 them,  v:ere  forty  thoufand  and  five  » undred. 
 
 20  And  by  him  shall  be  the  tribe  of  ManafTeh  :  and 
 the  captain  of  the  children  of  ManafTeh  shall  be  Ga¬ 
 maliel  the  fon  of  Pedabzur. 
 
 21  And  his  hoft,  and  thofe  that  were  numbered  of 
 them,  wwr  thirty  and  two  thoufand  and  two  hundred 
 
 22  Then  the  tribe  of  Benjamin  :  and  the  captain 
 of  the  fons  of  Benjamin  shall  be  Abidan  the  fon  of 
 Gideoni. 
 
 23  And  his  hoft,  and  thofe  that  were  numbered  of 
 them,  were  thirty  and  five  thoufand  and  four  hundred. 
 
 24  All  fh  It  were  numbered  of  the  camp  of  Ephraim 
 Kucre  an  hundred  thoufand,  and  eight  thoufand  and  an 
 hundred,  throughout  their  armies  :  and  they  fhall  go 
 forward  in  the  third  rank. 
 
 2.5  %  The  ftandard  of  the  camp  of  Dan  shall  be  on 
 the  north  fide  by  their  armies  ;  and  the  captain  of  the 
 children  of  Dan  shall  be  Ahiezer  the  fon  of  Arami- 
 fhaddai. 
 
 26  And  his  hoft,  and  thofe  that  were  numbered  of 
 them,  were  threefcore  and  two  thoufand  and  feven 
 hundred. 
 
 27  And  thofe  that  encamp  by  him  shall  be  the  tribe 
 of  After  :  and  the  captain  of  the  children  of  Afher 
 shall  be  Pagiel  the  fon  of  Ocran. 
 
 28  And  his  hoft,  and  thofe  that  were  numbered  of 
 them,  were  forty  and  one  thoufind  and  five  hundred. 
 
 29  Then  the  tribe  of  Naphtali ;  and  the  captain  of 
 the  children  of  Naphtali  shall  be  Ahira  the  fon  of  Enan. 
 
 30  And  his  hoft,  and  thole  that  were  numbered  of 
 them,  were  fifty  and  three  thoufand  and  four  hundred. 
 
 31  All  they  that  were  numbered  in  the  camp  ot 
 Dan  were  an  hundred  thoufand,  and  fifty  and  feven 
 thoufand,  and  fix  hundred :  they  fhall  go  hindmoft 
 with  their  ftandards. 
 
 32  51  Thefe  are  thofe  which  were  numbered  of  the 
 u 'r  of  Ifrael,  by  the  houfe  of  their  fathers  :  all 
 
 thofe  that  were  numbered  of  the  camps,  throughout 
 their  hefts,  were  fix  hundred  thoufand,  and  three 
 thoufand,  and  five  hundred  and  fifty. 
 
 33  But  the  Levites  were  not  numbered  among  the 
 children  of  Ilfael ;  as  the  Lord  commanded  Mofes. 
 
 .  ftandard  bearer  of  Ifrael,  and  the  moft  valiant,  for  Judah  went  up  firft  an-ainft  the 
 Canaanites;  he  was  a  lion  whom  none  dared  with  impunity  to  roufe  Gen  xlix 
 7?*?  Superiority  continued  till  the  fupreme  ruler  and  vi<51orious  captain  of 
 Jehovah  s  hoft  appeared.  Ifrael  kept,  each  tribe,  the  place  affigned  them.  Or- 
 «ler  tn  all  things  is  beautiful,  but  efpccially  in  the  church  of  God  ;  hence  Paul’s 
 recommendation  of  the  difciples  at  Coloffe,  Col.  ii.  5,  6.  comp.  Pfal  cxxii  9 
 Song  vi.  4.  chap,  xxiii.  9 — 12.  xxiv.  5,6,  •  •  .  . 
 
 explanatory  NOTES.  Chap.  III.  Ver.  1.  In  this  chapter  we  have 
 the  genealogy  and  numbering  of  the  priefts  and  Levites;  they  are  numbered 
 •part  from  Ifrael,  becaufe  of  the  holy  work  for  which  they  are  chofen.  They 
 
 The  sons  of  Aaron,  <5r. 
 
 '  34  And  the  children  of  Ifrael  did  according  to  all 
 
 •It  the  Lord  commanded  Mofes:  fo  they  pitched 
 ;.y  their  ftandards,  and  fo  they  let  forward,  every  one 
 liter  their  families,  according  to  the  houfe  of  their 
 'athers.* 
 
 CHAP.  HI. 
 
 1  The  font  of  Aaron.  5  The  Levites  are  f^iven  to  thf  jniejls  for  the  fer- 
 vice  of  the  tabernacle,  1  1  injlead  ■ f  the  firfl-hvrn.  1  4  The  Levites  are 
 numbered  by  their  families.  21  The  families,  number,  and  charge  of 
 the  iierjhonites,  27  of  the  JCohathites,  ^c.  38  The  ]>Uice  and  charge  of 
 
 Mofes  and  Aaron,  ^-c. 
 
 HESE  alfo  are  the  generations  of  Aaron  and 
 X  Mofes,  in  the  day  that  the  Lord  fpake  w'ith  * 
 Mofes  in  mount  Sinai. 
 
 2  And  thefe  are  the  names  of  the  fons  of  Aaron  ; 
 
 Nadab  the  *  firft.born,  and  Abihu,  Eleazar,  and^J*'^ 
 Ithamar. 
 
 3  Thefe  are  the  names  of  the  fons  of  Aaron,  the 
 prieft  which  were  anointed,  f  whom  he  confecrated  + 
 
 to  minifter  in  the  prieft ’s  office.  Tamihe' 
 
 4  And  Nadab  anef  Abihu  died  before  the  EoRD,yi/A</. 
 when  they  offered  flrange  fire  before  the  Lord,  in  Etwit. 
 the  wildernefs  of  Sinai,  and  they  had  no  children  : 
 
 and  Eleazar  and  Ithamar  rriniftered  in  the  prieft’s  26^61 . 
 office  in  the  fight  of  Aaron  their  father.  i  chron, 
 
 5  51  And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofe.«,  faying,  24.  2. 
 
 6  Bring  the  tribe  of  Levi  near,  and  prefent  them  be¬ 
 fore  Aaron  the  prieft,  that  they  may  miniflier  unto  him. 
 
 7  And  they  lhall  keep  his  charge,  and  the  charge  of 
 the  whole  congregation,  before  the  tabernacle  of  the 
 congregation,  to  do  the  fervice  of  the  tabernacle. 
 
 8  And  they  fhall  keep  all  the  inftruments  of  the 
 tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  and  the  charge  of  the 
 children  of  Ifrael,  to  do  the  fervice  of  the  tabernacle. 
 
 9  And  thou  (halt  give  the  Levites  unto  Aaron,  and 
 to  his  fons ;  they  are  w’holly  given  unto  him  out  of 
 the  children  of  Ifrael. 
 
 10  And  thou  (halt  appoint  Aaron  and  his  fons,  and 
 they  fhall  wait  on  their  prieft’s  office  ;  and  the  ftranger 
 that  cometh  nigh  fhall  be  put  to  death. 
 
 11  H  And  the  Lord  Ipake  unto  Mofes,  faying, 
 
 12  And  I,  behold,  I  have  taken  the  Levites  from 
 among  the  children  of  Ifrael  inftead  of  all  the  firft- 
 born  that  openerh  the  matrix  among  the  children  of 
 Ifrael  :  therefore  the  Levite  fhall  be  mine  ; 
 
 13  Becaufe  all  the  firft-born  are  trine  :  <=  f?r  on  thee  Chap, 
 day  that  I  fmote  ail  the  firft-born  in  the  land  of  Egypt 
 
 I  hallowed  unto  me  all  the  firft-born  in  Ifrael,  both 
 man  and  beaft  ;  mine  they  fhall  be;  1  am  theieV.  * 
 Lord.  07.  e. 
 
 14  51  And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes  in  the 
 dernefs  of  Sinai,  faying, 
 
 15  Number  the  children  of  Levi,  after  the  houfe 
 
 .ve  reckoned  from  «  month  old,  ver.  15.  on  account  of  their  beine  lenarated  tn 
 God  inllead  of  the  firft-born  in  all  the  tribes,  who  had  formerly  minfftered  i.t  holy 
 things,  Exod.  xxiv.  5.  And  they  are  numbered  from  thirty  to  fifty  years  old  in 
 regard  to  their  office,  chap.  iv.  3.  To  number  them  apart'  front  Ui'eir  brethren- 
 denoted  God  s  fpecial  favour  towards  them,  and  his  care  over  then’,  chan. 
 XXIII.  9.  \  er.  4.  Eleazar  and  Ithamar  minijlered  in  the  fisht  of  Aar,  'tKot  • 
 
 Iiv;;d  Gc„.  ,1.  .8,  Fro,„  /.fc.dcd  .  nSitr  if  pSfll 
 whom  David  divided  into  twenty  four  courfes,  i  Chron  xxiv  3  4  X’ 
 
 The  Levites  were  given  to  Aaron  inftead  of  Uie  firft-born  of  KVaei  •  knd  hi  tffik 
 he  was  an  eminent  type  of  Chrirt,  who  hath  received  of  his  Father’,  Uie  congre! 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSER  .'ATIONS _ *  Chap.  1 1.1  We  arc  e  •  TT - 777— - - — - - — - - 
 
 fteadily  fixed  on  our  Almighty  Leader  and  ComuiHiider,  and  confid  1 1  in  T  Let  us  keep  our  eyOB 
 
 xve  may  receive  tlie  crown  of  life.  Let  us  cheerfullj  luhmit  to  the  plaf  e  affixed  ^ivcT  “  vT""’  fi‘(eUty,  ffiat 
 
NUMBERS. 
 
 %c  Lrcites  Jiumbercd  hy  ilriv  families. 
 
 Hie  first-lorn  freed  hy  the  Leviiff^ 
 
 Bofi'vo 
 C'hrill 
 14  iK'. 
 
 .)■  Hcb. 
 motith. 
 d  Gen. 
 46.  1 1 . 
 Exod. 
 
 6.  16. 
 Chap. 
 
 26.  57. 
 
 1  Chron. 
 
 6.  1. 
 
 of  their  fathers,  fv  their  families  :  every  irialc  from 
 a  ir>onth  old  and  upwards  lhalt  thou  number  tin  m. 
 
 l(t  And  Moles  numbered  them,  accordiitg  to  tlr 
 t  word  of  t  e  I.ord,  as  he  was  commanded. 
 
 17  '*  And  trefe  were  the  fons  of  Levi,  by  the;; 
 names  :  Gerfhon,  and  Kohath,  and  Merari. 
 
 1 S  And  thefe  are  the  names  of  the  fons  of  Gcrflion, 
 by  their  families  ;  Libni,  and  Shi.mei. 
 
 19  And  the  ions  of  Kohath,  by  their  families ;  Am- 
 ram,  and  Izhar,  Hebron,  and  Uzziel, 
 
 20  And  the  fons  of  Merai,  by  their  families  ;  Mah- 
 li,  and  Muihi  ;  thefe  are  the  families  of  the  Levites, 
 according  to  the  houfe  of  their  fathers. 
 
 21  «1  Of  Gerfhon  xvas  the  family  of  the  Lihnites, 
 and  the  family  of  the  Shiraites  :  thefe  arc  the  families 
 of  the  GerQion'ues. 
 
 t/icse  fliall  pitch  on  the  Ude  of  the  tabernacle  north- 
 
 ‘3G  And  f  Wider  the  cuflody  and  charge  of  the  Tons  ^ 
 of  Merari  shall  be  the  beards  of  the  tabernacle,  and 
 bars  thereof,  and  the  pillars  thereof,  and  th(*  I'l'' 
 
 ,  0/  lue 
 ail  clutr 
 
 I  lie  bars  thereof,  and  the  pillars  thereof,  and 
 fockets  thereof,  and  all  the  vdlels  thereof,  and 
 that  ferveth  thereto, 
 
 37  And  the  pillars  of  the  court  round  about,  and 
 their  lockets,  and  their  pins,  and  their  cords. 
 
 38  H  But  thole  that  encamp  before  the  fiibernacle 
 toward  the  eaft,  even  before  tl:e  tabernacle  of  the 
 congregation  eaiiward,  shall  be  Mofes,  and  Aaron  and 
 iiis  fons,  keeping  the  charge  of  the  fanduary  for  the 
 
 .charge  of  the  children  of  IfVael ;  and  the  ffranger  that 
 icomedi  nigh  (hall  be  put  to  death. 
 
 39  All  that  were  numbered  of  the  Levites,  which 
 
 22  Thofe  that  were  numibered  of  them,  according  Mofes  and  Aaron  numbered  at  the  cemmiandment 
 to  the  number  of  all  the  males,  from  a  month  old  and  ;  of  the  Lord,  throughout  their  families,  all  the  males, 
 upward,  even  thofe  that  were  numbered  of  them,  ttwc|,fpm  a  month  old  and  upward,  "were  twenty  and  two 
 
 feven  thoufand  and  five  hundred. 
 
 23  The  families  of  the  Gerfhonites  (hall  pitch  be¬ 
 hind  the  tabernacle  weftward. 
 
 24'  And  the  chief  of  the  houfe  of  the  father  of  the 
 Gerfhonites  shall  be  El.afaph  the  fon  of  Lael. 
 
 25  And  the  charge  of  the  fons  of  Gerflion,  in  the 
 
 tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  shall  he  the  tabernacle, ' 
 and  the  tent,  the  covering  thereof,  and  the  hanging  for  | 
 the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  1 
 
 26  And  the  hangings  of  the  ccurt,  and  the  curtain  ^ 
 for  the  door  of  the  court,  w^hich  is  by  the  tabernacle, ! 
 and  by  the  altar  round  about,  and  the  cords  of  it, 
 for  all  the  fervice  thereof. 
 
 27  ^  And  of  Kohath  xcas  the  family  cf  the  Amra- 
 mites,  an^  the  family  of  the  Izharites,  and  the  family 
 of  the  He-bronires,  and  the  family  of  the  Uzzielites  ; 
 thefe  are  the  fami  ies  of  the  Kohathites. 
 
 28  In  the  number  of  all  the  msales,  from  a  month 
 oW  and  upward,  xscerc  eight  thoufiind  and  fix  hundred, ; 
 keeping  the  charge  of  the  fanftuarv 
 
 I  thoufand. 
 
 I  40  H  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  Mofes,  Number  all 
 i  the  firft-born  of  the  males  of  the  children  of  Ifrael, 
 from  a  month  old  and  upward,  and  take  the  number 
 of  their  names. 
 
 41  And  thou  (halt  take  the  Levites  for  me,  (I  am 
 the  Lord,)  inftead  of  all  the  firft-born  among  the 
 children  of  Ilfael ;  and  the  cattle  of  the  Levites  in- 
 flead  of  all  the  firftlings  among  the  cattle  of  the  chil¬ 
 dren  of  Ifraf’l. 
 
 42  And  Mofes  numbered,  as  the  Lord  command¬ 
 ed  him,  all  the  firft-born  among  the  children  of 
 Ifrael. 
 
 43  And  all  the  firft-born  males,  by  the  number  of 
 names,  from  a  m.onth  old  and  upward,  of  thole  that 
 were  numbered  of  them,  were  twenty  and  two  ihcu- 
 fand  two  hundred  and  threefcore  and  thirteen. 
 
 44  f  And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  faying, 
 
 45  Take  the  Levites  inftead  of  all  the  firft-born 
 among  the  children  of  Ifrael,  and  the  cattle  of  the 
 
 29  The  families  of  the  Ions  of  Kohath  (hall  pitch  on  ij' Levites  inftead  of  their  cattle,  and  the  Levites  ftiali 
 
 the  fide  of  the  tabernacle  fouthward 
 
 30  And  the  chief  of  the  houfe  of  the  father  of  the 
 families  of  the  Kohathites  shall  i^Elizaphan  the  fon  of 
 Uzziel. 
 
 31  And  their  charge  shall  he  the  ark,  and  the  table, 
 
 and  tr  e  candleftick,  and  the  altars,  and  the  veflels  of 
 the  lanftuarv,  wherewith  they  minifter,  and  the  hang¬ 
 ing,  and  all  the  fervice  thereof.  .  n  ,  „ 
 
 32  And  Eleazar  the  fon  of  Aaron  the  pneft  shall 
 he  chief  over  the  chief  of  the  Levites,  and  have  the 
 cverfif^hi  of  them  that  keep  the  charge  of  the  fanc- 
 
 tuarv. 
 
 j3  H  Of  Merari  veas  the  family  of  the  Mahlites,  and 
 he  family  of  the  Mufhites  :  thefe  ere  the  families  of 
 
 ^  34  And  thofe  that  were  numbered  of  them,  accord- 
 ng  to  the  number  of  all  the  males,  from  a  month  old 
 and  upward,  were  fix  thoufand  and  two  hundred. 
 
 35  And  the  chief  of  the  houfe  of  tne  father  of  the 
 families  of  Merari  was  Zuriel  the  fon  of  Abihail : 
 
 be  mine  :  I  am  the  Lord. 
 
 46  And  for  thofe  that  are  to  be  redeemed  of  the 
 two  hundred  and  threefcore  and  thirteen  of  the  hrfl- 
 born  of  the  children  of  Ifrael,  which  are  more  than  the 
 Levites  ; 
 
 47  Thou  (halt  even  take  five  fhekels  apiece  by  the 
 poll ;  after  the  fhekel  of  the  fanftuary,  (halt  thou  take 
 
 them  :  ('  the  fhekelA  twenty  gerabs  :)  _  e  E-xod. 
 
 48  And  thou  (halt  give  the  money,  wherewith 
 
 odd  number  of  them  is  to  be  redeemed,  unto  Aaron,  27'25. 
 and  to  his  fons.  chap. 
 
 49  And  Moles  took  the  redemption  money  of  them 
 that  v/ere  over  and  above  them  that  were  redeemed 
 ;  by  the  Levites. 
 
 50  Of  the  firft-born  of  the  children  of  Ifrael  took 
 'he  the  money  ;  a  thoufand  three  hundred  andthree- 
 '  fcore  and  five  shekels^  after  the  fhekel  of  the  fanc- 
 ;  tuary ; 
 
 1  51  And  Mofes  gave  the  money  of  them  that  were 
 
 I  redeemed  unto  Aaron,  and  to  his  fons,  according  to 
 
 cation  of  the  firjl-born  uho/e  names  are  written  in  heaven.  Tljefe  wait  on  him  as 
 fusTrvaUw  the  fir/fndts  to  God,  Rev.  xiv.  4.  They  are  brought  for  an 
 Laerine  to  God  out  ^811  nations,  Ifa.  Ixvi.  20,  21  ;  and  they  ferve  the  Lord 
 Bight  and  dav  iu  hia  temple,  Rev.  viL  15.  Ver.  39.  Aaron  numbered 
 
 the  Levites  j  he  was  a  per&u  of  great  dignity,  the  elder  brother  of 
 
 Mofes  with  -whom  he  was  aflbeiated  in  the  government  of  Ifrael,  Exod.  vu.  [’ 
 Pfal.  Ixvii.  20.  By  marriage,  he  was  brother  to  the  prince  of  Judah,  Exod.  "• 
 23.  But  his  chief  honour  was  to  facrifice  for  tlie  whole  church.  Tioenll/f^'^^ 
 thoufand,  exclufive  of  tlie  priefts,  and  the  JirJl-born  of  the  Levites^  who  were  in  * 
 fpecial  ixiauuer  the  Lord’s. 
 
U'-forc 
 
 Clirill 
 
 T'le  tim?.  of  the  Kohathites*  service 
 
 the  worJ  of  the  Lord,  as  the  Lord  commanded 
 Moles.* 
 
 CHAP.  IV. 
 
 1  Thea^rcandameoflheLcvitcs'fcrvi  c.  4  The  carriasrsftltf  Aohath- 
 ites,  when  the  pri'/ls  have  taken  down  the  tuber, uiclc.  10  Hu  dieir^. 
 
 ■or  El  ozar.  1 7  The  ojcce  if  the  priejh.  e  1  The  carruvie  f  the  Ger- 
 jhonites.  2!)  The  carriage  f  the  Merarites.  34  1  he  number  of  the 
 Kohathites,  -nr  r  i 
 
 Nl)  the  Ix)RD  fpake  unto  Moles  and  unto 
 Aaron,  fayingr, 
 
 numbers. 
 
 TVie  office  of  the  priift. 
 
 1  fj  ^  And  to  the  office  of  Eleazar,  the  fon  of  (-,,^..1 
 
 the  pried,  verlainelh  the  oil  for  tne  hght,  and  the  , ; 
 
 J  fweet  incenle,  and  the  daily  meat-olLnug,  and 
 '  anointing  oil.  and  iheoverfigot  of  all  the  tabernacu‘,d  i..-'. 
 and  of  all  that  therein  is,  in  the  lan6tuary,  and  m 
 
 veffi Is  thereof.  j 
 
 17  11  And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Moles  and  unto 
 
 A  NL)  the  l^RD  ipalte  unto  motes  uuu  Mt  off  the  tribe  of  the  famffies  of  the 
 
 -^lai^the’fu^'oLhe  fons  of  .Koha*  front  antong  may  live,  and 
 
 the  Ibns  of  Levi,  after  their  famJ.es.  by  the  houle  of  unto  the  meft ’holy 
 
 their  fathers,  •  .-t  .Kiorro  •’ Aamn  and  his  foas  fhall  go  in,  and  appoint 
 
 3  From  thirty  years  old  and  upward  even  until  •  Aaron  aod  n^ 
 
 fifty  years  old,  all  that  enter  into  the  hoU,  to  do  the  tnem  ev  y  » 
 
 ,hifgstrrcSr^.‘‘iN°  h?y die 
 
 in  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation.  aietiT  the  nioli  |  “u^'^pVt'he  lons'7f  Gerihon. 
 
 5  And  when  the  camp  fetteth  forward,  Aaron  (Fall  *!  throughout  the  houfes  of  their  fathers,  by  their 
 
 venngTt^l  »d“o;:r1he''aroftel^^^^^  5-^-  oU  and  upward  until  fifty 
 
 6  And  lhall  put  thereon  the  covering  of  badgers’  ;  years  old.  flialt  thou  ‘'jf“  ’  fj'  ijlhe'tabtr  » 
 
 fkins,  and  (hall  fpread  over  it  a  cloth  wholly  of  blue,  ^  f  to  perform  the  fervice,  to  do  the  work  the  tabe  ^ 
 
 in  11  .  •  .1  n _ 1.1 _ C  n'jrlfa  nf  thp  rOnRretratiOD.  warTare^ 
 
 a  Exod. 
 
 25.  30. 
 
 II  On 
 
 2'>owr  out 
 withal. 
 
 and  ffiall  put  in  the  (laves  thereof. 
 
 7  And  upon  the  *  table  of  (hew-bread  they  (hall 
 
 nacle  of  the  congregation.  _  r  l 
 
 24  This  is  the  fervice  of  the  families  of  the  Oer- 
 
 fprlaTa^S  of  blue,  and  put  the.on  the  diihes. ,  ntomtes  to  ferve  and  for  „  burdens 
 
 and  the  fpoons,  and  the  bowls,  and  covers  to  H  cover 
 withal :  and  the  continual  bread  (ball  be  thereon. 
 
 8  And  they  (ball  (pread  upon  them  a  cloth  of  fcar- 
 
 ler,  and  cover  the  fame  with  a  covering  of  badgers 
 (kins,  and  (ball  put  in  the  Haves  thereof.  ! 
 
 9  And  they  (ball  take  a  cloth  of  blue,  and  cover  j 
 the  ^  candleflick  of  the  light,  *=  and  his  lamps,  and ' 
 his  tongs,  and  his  fnutT-di(hes,  and  all  the  oil-ve(idsj 
 
 •5^37  38  thereof,  wherewdth  they  miniller  unto  it.  | 
 
 ”  '  ’  ’  10  And  they  (ball  put  it,  and  all  the  velTels  thereof, ; 
 
 within  a  covering  of  badgers’  (kins,  and  (hall  put  it 
 upon  a  bar. 
 
 1 1  And  upon  the  golden  altar  they  (ball  fpread  a 
 cloth  of  blue,  and  cover  it  with  a  covering  of  badgers’ 
 (kins,  and  (ball  put  to  the  Haves  thereof. 
 
 12  Ahd  they  (ball  take  all  the  inHruments  of  mini 
 
 U  Or, 
 earrioget. 
 
 b'  Exod 
 25.  31. 
 c  Exod 
 
 il  Or, 
 
 bowls. 
 
 25  And  they  (ball  bear  the  curtains  of  the  taber¬ 
 nacle,  and  the  tabernacle  of  the  congreption,  his 
 covering,  and  the  covering  of  the  badgers’  (kins  that 
 is  above  upon  it,  and  the  hanging  for  the  door  of  the 
 tabernacle  of  the  congregation. 
 
 26  And  the  hangings  of  the  court,  and  the  hanging 
 for  the  door  of  the  gate  of  the  court,  which  is  by  the 
 tabernacle,  and  by  the  altar  round  about,  and  their 
 cords,  and  all  the  inHruments  of  their  fervice,  and  all 
 that  is  made  for  them  ;  fo  (ball  they  ferve. 
 
 27  At  the  f  appointment  of  Aaron  and  his  fons  f  Heb. 
 (ball  be  all  the  fervice  of  the  fons  of  the  Gerlbonites, 
 in  all  their  burdens,  and  in  all  their  fervice  :  and  ye 
 (hall  appoint  unto  them  in  charge  all  their  burdens. 
 
 28  This  is  the  fervice  of  the  families  of  the  fons  of 
 .aiiu  Uiey  iiiiin  idKc  du  me  hhli u.ueuio  u.*  |Ger(bon  in  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation  ;  and 
 
 Hry,  wherewith  the^L"  minlHer  in  the  fan£luary,  and  put their  charge  shall  be  under  the  hand  of  Ithamar  the  fun 
 them  in  a  cloth  of  blue,  and  cover  them  with  a  cover-  of  Aaron  the  priefl.  _ 
 
 in^  of  badgers’  (Icins,  and  ffiall  put  them  on  a  bar.  i  29  K  As  for  the  (ons  of  Meran,  thou  ffialt  number 
 “is  And  they  (hall  take  away  the  affies  from  the  i  them  after  their  familes,  by  the  houle  of  their  fathers  : 
 altar,  and  fpread  a  purple  cloth  thereon.  1  30  From  thirty  years  old  and  upward,  even  unto 
 
 14  And  they  ffiall  put  upon  it  all  the  vefbels  thereof,  j  fifty  years  old,  (halt  thou  number  them,  every  one^ 
 wherewith  they  miniller  about  it,  even  the  cenfers,  the  i  that  entereth  into  the  f  fervice,  to  do  the  work  of  the  ^  (  ’ 
 
 "  . .  ”  '  tabernacle  of  the  congregation. 
 
 31  And  this  is  the  charge  of  their  burden,  according 
 _ _  _ _ _  _  _  _  _  to  all  their  fervice  in  the  tabernacle  of  the  congrega- 
 
 15  And  whenXar*on”a^^  (bn’s  have  made  an '  tion  ;  Mhe  boards  of  the  tabernacle,  and  the  bars 
 
 end  of  covering  the  fanftuary,  and  all  the  velTels  of  Thereof,  and  the  pillars  thereof,  and  fockets  thereof,  ’ 
 the  fanftuary,  as  the  camp  is  to  fet  forward  ;  after  I  32  And  the  pillars  of  the  court  round  about,  and 
 that,  the  fons  of  Kohath  ffiall  come  to  bear  it :  but  i  their  fockets,  and  their  pins,  and  their  cords,  with  all 
 they  (ball  not  touch  any  holy  thing,  leH  they  die.  j  their  inHruments,  and  with  all  their  fervice ;  and  by 
 Thefe  things  are  the  burdens  of  the  fons  of  Kohath  in  'name  ye  ffiall  reckon  the  inHruments  of  the  charge  of 
 the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  li  their  burden. 
 
 I  _ _ _ 
 
 wiicrewHu  nicy  iiiuiuici  duuui  w^tutib  luv.- 
 
 fleffi-hooks,  and  the  ffiovels,  and  the  11  bafons,  all  the 
 velTels  of  the  altar :  and  they  ffiall  fpread  upon  it  a 
 covering  of  badgers’  (l^ins,  and  put  to  the  Haves  of  it. 
 
 explanatory  NOTES.  CH.\r.  IV.  Ver.  3.  From  thirty  years  old.  \ 
 This  refers  to  their  entering  on  the  full  exercife  of  their  office,  llioles  num¬ 
 bered  the  Levites  from  twenty-live  years  old,  allowing  them  five  to  learn  the  ! 
 duties  of  their  office,  chap.  viii.  24.  Rut  that  they  might  have  more  time  to  . 
 
 prepare  for  the  faithful  difeharge  of  tlieir  duties,  David,  by  the  direction  of  God, 
 numbered  them  from  twenty  years  old,  1  Chron.  xxviii.  13,  19.  He  alfo  cor. 
 tinned  to  number  them  from  tliirty  years,  according  to  the  firfl  inftitutior, 
 1  Chron.  xxiii.  3.  This  was  a  proper  age  for  commencing  their  full  minilln:- 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—'*  Chap.  III.]  Let  us  walk  «  orthv  of  the  Lord,  pleafing  him  in  all  things,  fmee  he  hath  conferred  on  us  the  royal  priefl. 
 hood  t\ith  Chrifl  .Tefus.  If  we  are  indeed  of  the  churcli  of  the  firll-born,  Mhofe  names  are  written  in  heaven,  we  are  redeemed  not  by  corruptible  things,  but  bj  tb«6 
 precious  blood  of  C!)rift,  that  we  may  lerve  God  acceptably,  with  re^eronce  and  godly  fear,  all  Uic  days  of  our  life, 
 
 9....6V.  M  in 
 
vmnbtr  of  /he  Kvha/hi'/cs,  St. 
 
 NUMBERS. 
 
 Pcfoi-c 
 
 Chrift 
 
 1490. 
 
 sa  This  is  the  fervice  of  the  families  of  the  fons 
 ot  Merari,  according  to  all  their  fervice,  in  the  taber- 
 .  nacle  of  the  congregation,  under  the  hand  of  Ithamar 
 the  foQ  of  Aaron  the  prieft. 
 
 Si  S  And  Mofes  and  Aaron,  and  the  chief  of  the 
 congregation,  numbered  the  ions  of  the  Kohathites,  j 
 after  their  tamilies,  and  after  the  houfe  of  their  fa- 
 tners- 
 
 85  From  thirty  years  old  and  upward,  even  unto 
 fifty  years  old,  every  one  that  entereth  into  the  fervice, 
 for  the  i^'ork  in  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation  : 
 
 y^nd  thofe  that  were  numbered  of  them,  by 
 their  families,  were  two  ihoufand  leven  hundred  and 
 
 fift  V. 
 
 37  Thefe  xvrre  they  that  were  numbered  of  the  fa¬ 
 milies  of  the  Kohathites,  all  that  might  do  iervice  in 
 the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  which  Mofes  and 
 Aaron  did  number,  according  to  the  commandment 
 of  the  Lord,  by  the  hand  of  ^lofes. 
 
 38  S  And  thofe  that  were  numbered  of  the  Tons  of 
 Gerfhon,  throughout  tlieir  families,  and  by  the  houfe 
 of  their  fathers. 
 
 39  From  thirty  years  old  and  upward,  even  unto 
 fifty  years  old,  every  one  that  entereth  into  the  fervice, 
 for  the  work  in  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation  ; 
 
 40  Even  thofe  that  were  numbered  of  them, 
 throughout  iheir  families,  by  the  houfe  of  their  fathers, 
 were  two  thoufand  and  fix  hundred  and  thirty. 
 
 41  Thefe  are  they  that  were  numbered  of  the  fa¬ 
 milies  of  the  fons  of  Gerlhon,  of  all  chat  might  do 
 fervxe  in  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  whom 
 Mofes  and  Aaron  did  number,  according  to  the  com¬ 
 mandment  of  the  Lord. 
 
 42  f  And  thofe  that  were  numbered  of  the  families 
 of  the  fons  of  Merari,  throughout  their  families,  by 
 the  houfe  of  their  fathers, 
 
 43  From  thirty  years  old,  and  upw’ard,  even  unto 
 fifty’^  years  old,  every  one  that  entereth  into  the  fervice, 
 for  the  work  in  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation  ; 
 
 44  Even  thofe  that  were  numbered  of  them,  after 
 their  families,  were  three  thoufand  and  two  hundred. 
 
 45  Thefe  be  thofe  that  w^ere  numbered  of  the  fa¬ 
 milies  of  the  fons  of  TvTerari,  whom  Mefes  and  Aaron 
 numbered,  according  to  the  word  of  the  Lord  by 
 the  hand  of  Mofes. 
 
 46  All  thofe  that  w'ere  numbered  of  the  Levites, 
 whom  Mofes  and  Aaron,  and  the  chief  of  Ifrael,  num¬ 
 bered,  after  their  families,  and  after  the  houfe  of 
 tneir  fathers, 
 
 47  From  thirty  years  old  and  upward,  even  unto 
 fifty  years  old,  every  one  that  came  to  do  the  fervice 
 of  the  ininiftry,  and  the  fervice  of  the  burden  in  the 
 tabernacle  of  the  congregation  ; 
 
 The  unclean  removed  out  of  the 
 
 48  Even  thofe  that  were  numbered  of  them,  were 
 eight  thoufand  and  five  hundred  and  fourfeore. 
 
 49  According  to  the  commandment  of  the  Lord 
 they  were  numbered  by  the  hand  of  Mofes,  every 
 one  according  to  his  fervice,  and  according  to  his 
 burden  ;  thus  were  they  numbered  of  him,  as  the 
 Lord  commanded  Mofes.*' 
 
 CHAP.  V. 
 
 The  unclean  removed  out  of  the  camp. 
 trefpoJJ'cs.  11  The  trial  of  jadoufy. 
 
 5  Bejlitulion  w  to  he  made  in 
 
 A"? 
 
 ND  the  Lord  Ipake  unto  Mofes,  faying, 
 
 Command  the  chilaren  of  Ifrael,  that  they 
 
 put  out  of  the  camp  every  ®  leper,  and  every  one  thata  LcTit. 
 hath  an  ^  iflue,  and  whofoever  is  defiled  by  the  3. 
 dead :  ' 
 
 3  Both  male  and  female  (hall  ye  put  out,  without  c  Lewt. 
 the  camp  fhall  ye  put  them  ;  that  they  defile  not  their  21. 1.  * 
 camps,  in  the  roidft  whereof  I  dw’ell. 
 
 4  And  the  children  of  Ifrael  did  fo,  and  put  them 
 out  without  the  camp ;  as  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes, 
 fo  did  the  children  of  Ifrael. 
 
 5  H  And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  faying. 
 
 6  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Ifrael,  When  a  roan 
 
 or  woman  Ihall  commit  any  fin  that  men  commit,  to  do 
 a  trefpafs  againft  the  Lord,  and  that  perfon  be  guilty : 
 
 7  Then  they  fhall  confel's  their  fin  which  they  have 
 done :  and  he  fhall  recompenfe  his  trefpafs  ®  with  ^  Lctit. 
 the  principal  thereof,  and  add  unto  it  the  fifth 
 
 thereof,  and  give  it  unto  him  againft  whom  he  hath 
 trtfpafied. 
 
 8  But  if  the  man  have  no  kinfman  to  recompenfe 
 the  trefpafs  unto,  let  the  trefpafs  be  recompenf'ed  un¬ 
 to  the  Lord,  even  to  the  prieft,  befides  the  ram  of 
 the  atonement,  whereby  an  atonement  fhall  be  made 
 for  him. 
 
 9  f  And  every  ||  offering  of  all  the  holy  things  of  II  Or, 
 the  children  of  Ifrael,  which  they  bring  unto  the  prieft, 
 fhall  be  his. 
 
 10  And  every  man’s  hallowed  thing  fhall  be  his 
 whatfoever  any  man  giveth  the  prieft,  it  fhall  be  ^  his  ;  f  Levit. 
 
 1 1  H  And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Moles,  faying, 
 
 12  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Ifrael,  and  lay  unto 
 them,  If  any  man’s  wife  go  afide,  and  commit  a  tref¬ 
 pafs  againft  him. 
 
 13  And  a  man  lie  W'ith  her  carnally,  and  it  be  hid 
 from  the  eyes  of  her  hnfband,  and  be  kept  clofe,  and 
 fhe  be  defiled,  and  there  he  no  witnel's  againft  her, 
 neither  fhe  be  taken  mth  the  manned' ; 
 
 14  And  the  fpirit  of  jealoufy  come  upon  him,  and 
 he  be  jealous  of  his  wife,  and  fhe  be  defiled;  or  if 
 the  fpirit  of  jealoufy  come  upon  him,  and  he  be  jea¬ 
 lous  of  his  wife,  and  fhe  be  not  defiled  : 
 
 offering. 
 
 10.  13. 
 
 tion  ;  for  then  their  bodies  and  minds  would  have  reached  their  full  vigour,  com¬ 
 pare  Gen.  xli.  46.  2  Sam.  v.  4.  Luke  i.  35,  36.  iii.  23.  1  Tim.  iii.  6.  The  Levites 
 
 Levites 
 
 retired  from  public  fervice  at  fifty,  when  their  firength  would  be  naturally  de- 
 creafing  ;  but  they  flill  attended  the  fervice  in  the  tabernacle,  chap.  viii.  26.  Ver. 
 
 S4 _ 49.  The  effective  men  of  the  two  firft  families  are  much  lefs  than  thofe  of  the 
 
 Merarites  who  had  the  heavieft  part  of  the  duty.  The  whole  total  fum  amounted 
 to  8580  who  were  to  attend  to  the  fervice  of  tlie  fandluary,  a  fmall  number  when 
 compared  with  the  men  of  war. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  V.  Ver.  1 — 4,  God  having  fet  his 
 church  and  miniftry  in  order,  next  gives  laws  to  maintain  the  purity  of  his  peo- 
 
 '  pie,  and  for  the  exereife  of  godlinefs.  The  legal  pollutions,  figured  our  fins, 
 '  and  the  removal  of  the  polluted  from  the  Lord’s  camp,  fhe  feparation  of  fmners 
 
 from  tiie  congregation  of  the  righteous,  Ifa.  Iii.  1.  1  Ccr.  v.  13.  Rev.  xxi.  27. 
 
 I  Ver.  7.  Befides  the  refiitution  of  unjuft  gain,  or  fraudulent  acquifitions,  eonfef- 
 j  fion  is  enjoined ;  and  it  is  better  to  be  now  put  to  fiiame  before  men,  than  to  be 
 
 covered  with  everlafting  confufion  before  God,  angels,  and  an  aflembled  world. 
 Confeftion  belongs  to  all  fin,  and  without  it  forgivenefs  cannot  be  obtained, 
 1  Kings  viii.  33 — 50.  Job  xxiii.  27,  2%  Prov.  xxviii.  13.  1  John  i.  9.  Ver. 
 11 — 31.  This  lav  refpedling  jealoufy  is  fomewbat  Angular;  but  it  was  calcu¬ 
 lated  to  have  the  bell  cfledl  in  prelerving  that  purity  which  is  often  enjoined, 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  IV.]  All  God’s  people,  efpecially  his  minifters,  are  appointed  to  laborious  and  perfevering  exertions  in  his  fer- 
 fice;  but  be  proportions  their  ftren^h  to  tbeir  labour,  and  hath  provided  for  tliem  an  ample  reward.  Ills  church  is  now  fubjeift  to  changes;  Ibe  is  fcarcely  to  be 
 
 ti^d  where  Ihe'onee  appeared  glorious  ;  but  an  unchangeable  ftate  awaiu  her ;  and  all  her  children  ftiali  enter  the  heavenly  temple  to  go  no  more  out ;  may  Jehovah 
 grant  us  the  eternal  participation  of  their  bleffednefs. 
 
The  IrUtl  of  jealousy. 
 
 numbers. 
 
 The  Ifcx  of  the  Nazar  ties. 
 
 Reforc 
 
 Clirill 
 
 1490. 
 
 and  the  woman  fhall  be  a  curfe  among  her 
 
 l.j  Then  fliall  the  man  bring  his  wife  unto  the  I  fhall  rot 
 pried,  and  he  fhall  bring  her  offering  for  lier,  rh<  people.  .  ,  , 
 
 tenth  part  of  an  ephah  of  barley  meal ;  he  fhall  pour  ■  stS  And  if  the  woman  be  not  denied,  but  be  clean  ; 
 no  oil  upon  it,  nor  put  frankincenfe  thereon  ;  for  it  ;thcn  fhe  fliall  be  free,  and  ffiall  conceive  feed. 
 is  an  offering  of  jealoufy,  an  offering  of  memorial,  f  29  This  w  the  law  of  jealoufies,  when  a  wife  goeth 
 bringing  iniquity  to  remembrance.  Ijafide  to  another  inftead  of  her  hufband,  and  is  defiK'd  ; 
 
 16  And  the  pried  fhall  bring  her  near,  and  fet  her  30  Or  when  the  fpirit  of  jealoufy  cometh  upon  him, 
 before  the  Lord.  pnd  he  be  jealous  over  his  wife,  and  ihall  f^t  the 
 
 (airift 
 
 )4:)0. 
 
 1  Or, 
 being  in 
 the  power 
 ojthy 
 husband. 
 t  Heb. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 fall. 
 
 17  And  the  pried  fhall  take  holy  water  in  an 
 earthen  veffel  j  and  of  the  duft  that  is  in  the  H'jor  of 
 the  tabernacle  the  pried  fhall  take,  and  put  it  into  the 
 W'ater. 
 
 18  And  the  pried  fhall  fet  the  woman  before  the 
 I.ORD,  and  uncover  the  woman’s  head,  and  put  the 
 olf  ring  of  memorial  in  her  hands,  which  is  the 
 jealoufy-offering  ;  and  the  pried  fhall  have  in  his  hand 
 the  bitter  wa'er  rh  n  caufeth  the  curfe. 
 
 19  And  the  pried  fhall  charge  her  by  an  oath,  and 
 fay  unto  the  wom  in,  If  no  man  have  lain  with  thee, 
 and  if  thou  had  not  gone  afide  to  uncleannefs  ||  f  in'ith 
 ail'  ther  indead  of  thy  hufband,  be  thou  free  from  this 
 bitter  water  that  caufeth  the  curfe  : 
 
 20  But  if  then  had  gone  afide  to  another  indead  of 
 thy  hufband,  and  if  thou  be  defiled,  and  fome  man 
 
 ^usblnd^  have  lain  with  thee  befide  thin^*  hufband  : 
 
 21  Then  the  pried  (hall  charge  the  w'^oman  with 
 an  oath  of  curfing  ;  and  the  pried  fhall  fay  unto  the 
 woman,  the  Lord  make  thee  a  curfe  and  an  oath 
 among  thy  people,  when  the  Lord  doth  make  thy 
 thigh  to  t  rot,  and  thy  belly  to  fwell : 
 
 22  And  this  water  that  caufeth  the  curfe  fhall 
 go  into  thy  bowels,  to  make  thy  belly  to  fwell,  and 
 thy  thigh  to  rot.  And  the  woman  fhall  fa5^,  Amen, 
 amen. 
 
 23  And  the  pried  fliall  write  thefe  curfes  in  a  book, 
 
 and  he  fliall  blot  them  out  with  the  bitter  water  :  | 
 
 24  And  he  fhall  caufe  the  woman  to  drink  the  bitter  j 
 water  that  caufeth  the  curfe :  and  the  w'ater  that  cauf- ! 
 eth  the  curfe  fhall  enter  into  her,  and  become  bitter,  j 
 
 25  Tnen  the  pried  fhall  take  the  jealoufy-offering 
 out  of  the  woman’s  hand,  and  fhall  wave  the  offering; 
 
 .  before  the  Lord,  and  offer  it  upon  the  altar.  i 
 
 26  And  the  prieft  fhall  take  an  handful  of  the  offer¬ 
 
 ing,  even  the  memorial  thereof,  and  burn  it  upon  the 
 altar,  and  afterward  fhall  caufe  the  woman  to  drink  ■ 
 the  water.  i 
 
 27  And  when  he  hath  made  her  to  drink  the  water 
 then  it  fhall  come  to  pafs,  that  if  fhe  be  defiled,  and 
 have  done  trefpafs  againft  her  hufband,  that  the 
 water  that  caufeth  the  curfe  fhall  enter  into  her,  and 
 become  bitter,  and  her  belly  fhall  fwell,  and  her  thigh 
 
 When  a  hufband  entertained  fuf|)icion  of  his  wife’s  unfaitlifiilnefs,  where  no 
 evidence  of  the  fa6l  appeared,  nor  any  other  way  of  difeorering  the  truth,  he 
 brought  her  to  the  priell,  and  the  woman  was  tlien  prefented  before  the  Lord, 
 her  head  uncovered,  the  jealoufy-offering  put  into  her  hand,  and  a  folemn  ad¬ 
 juration  or  imprecation  was  pronounced  over  her.  If  terrified  with  the  ju(i 
 fenfe  of  her  guilt  and  danger  fhe  eonfeifed,  flie  was  difmifTed  and  divorced  with¬ 
 out  her  dowry.  If  fhe  perfifled  in  her  innocency,  fhe  replied.  Amen ;  where¬ 
 upon  the  curfes  were  written  on  a  parchment  roll,  and  feraped  into  the  water ; 
 then  the  prieft  took  the  jealoufy-offering  out  of  her  hand,  and  having  burnt  an 
 handful  on  the  altar,  as  a  memorial  for  good,  if  innocent ;  for  evil,  if  guilty,  flie 
 Was  obliged  to  drink  the  water.  Tlie  immediate  and  miraculous  eflei^ls 
 of  which  appeared,  if  an  adulterefs ;  if  innocent  it  was  a  blelfino-,  and  made 
 
 A' 
 
 Or, 
 make 
 
 woman  before  the  Lord,  and  the  prieft  fhall  execute 
 upon  her  all  this  law. 
 
 31  Then  fhall  the  man  be  guiltlefs  from  iniquity, 
 and  this  woman  fhall  bear  her  iniquity.’' 
 
 CHAP.  VI. 
 
 I  The  law  of  the  Xazariles.  22  The  form  oflA.fJing  the  j^ojde. 
 
 ND  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  faying, 
 
 2  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Ifrael,  and  fay 
 unto  them,  When  either  man  or  woman  fhall  |)  fe-  S 
 parate  ihemflvcs  to  vow  a  vow  of  a  Nazarite,  to  ti.tBi- 
 rate  themfdves  unto  the  Lord  ;  icivc-sA'a- 
 
 3  He  (ball  feparate  himfetf  from  wine  and  ftrong  uimes. 
 d-ink,  and  fhall  drink  no  vinegar  of  wine,  or  vinegar 
 
 of  ftrong  drink,  neither  fhall  ye  drink  any  lique-r  of 
 grapes,  nor  eat  moift  grapes,  or  dried. 
 
 4  All  the  days  of  his  |1  reparation  fhall  he  eat  no- 
 thing  that  is  made  of  the  f  vine-tree,  from  the  ker- 
 
 nels  even  to  the  hufk.  \  Heb. 
 
 5  All  the  days  of  the  vow  of  his  reparation  there  vine  of  the 
 (hall  no  “  razor  come  upon  his  head  ;  until  the  days“‘"^- 
 
 be  fulfilled,  in  the  which  he  feparateth  himflj 
 
 the  Lord,  he  fliall  be  holy,  and  fhall  let  the  locks  of  i  .^m* 
 
 the  hair  of  his  head  grow.  i.  ii. 
 
 6  All  the  days  that  he  feparateth  himfelf  xnaxo  the 
 Lord  he  fhall  come  at  no  dead  body. 
 
 7  He  fhall  not  make  himfelf  unclean  for  his  father, 
 
 or  for  his  mother,  for  his  brother,  or  for  his  filter, 
 when  they  die  ;  becaufethe  f  confecration  of  his  God  t  Heb. 
 is  upon  his  head.  • -/jora- 
 
 8  All  the  days  of  his  reparation  he  is  holy  unto  the' 
 
 Lord. 
 
 9  And  if  any  man  die  very  fuddenly  by  him,  and 
 he  hath  defiled  the  head  of  his  confecration  ;  then  he 
 fhall  (have  his  head  ‘n  the  day  of  his  cleanfing,  on 
 the  feventh  day  (hall  he  (have  it. 
 
 10  And  on  the  eighth  day  he  fhall  bring  two  turtles, 
 or  two  young  pigeons,  to  the  prieft,  to  the  door  ot’ 
 the  tabernacle  ot  the  congregation  ; 
 
 I I  And  the  prieft  fhall  offer  the  one  for  a  fin-offer¬ 
 ing,  and  the  other  for  a  burnt-eftering,  and  make 
 an  atonement  for  him,  for  that  he  finned  bv  the  deae, 
 and  fhall  hallow  his  head  that  fame  day. 
 
 12  And  he  fhall  ccnfecrate  unto  the  Lord  the 
 
 turn. 
 
 A  hufband  having  fufpicion,  was  under  Uie  ncceflity  of  making  this 
 
 her  fruitful 
 trial. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  VI.  Ver.  1-21 .  The  law  of  the  N  a 
 zarine  IS  here  appointed.  This  confifted  in  a  folemn  leparation  of  then.felves 
 tor  God.  It  muft  be  the  voluntary  engagement  of  a  perfon  at  th*ir  own  libertv 
 whether  man  or  woman,  and  for  fuch  a  lengtii  of  ume  as  they  chufe  to  vow- 
 but  never  for  lets  than  Uiirty  days.  The  perfon  making  fu4  a  vow  was’ 
 under  particular  obligatimis,  which  «re  fpecified.  The  ordinance  of  Nazarites 
 was  a  fpecial  glory  in  Ilrael,  Lam.  iv.  7.  Amos  ii.  11.  Thofe  who  faithfully 
 kept  the  vow  ot  a  Nazarite,  were  highly  honoured  of  God.  It  ^ 
 
 Ibut  a  legal  tervice,  a  typical  inftitution,  which  Chritl  hath  tidten 
 1  him  believers  obtain  a  better  blellinj:  ;  for  they  are  watlied 
 
 w-as  however 
 away  j  and  ia 
 from  their  lins  in 
 
 as  the  grave, 
 
 May  he  preferve  our  fouls  from  all  evil 
 and  the  adulterer  God  will  judge.  If 
 agamll  every  apparent  or  real  caule  of  kindling  jealoufy 
 
T'ne  form  of  bles^irtg  the  people. 
 
 NUMBERS. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrill 
 
 1490. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 Jail. 
 
 b  A  As 
 SI.  24. 
 
 c  Exod. 
 29.  27. 
 
 d.ivs  of  his  feparation,  and  (hall  bring  a  of  the 
 tiril  year  for  a  trei'pafs  olVering :  but  the  da)S  thai 
 were  before  (hall  t  be  loB,  btcaule  his  leparation  vva: 
 
 defiled.  . 
 
 13  «i  And  this  is  the  lav;  of  the  Nazanre  :  \\  hen 
 the  da\s  of  his  reparation  are  fulfilled,  he  ihali  b< 
 brought  unto  the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  co  ;- 
 gregalion  ; 
 
 14  And  he  fliall  oiTer  his  offering  unto  the  Lorl, 
 one  he.htmb  of  the  firft  year  without  bleir.ifli  for  j 
 burnt-offering,  and  one  ewe-lamb  of  the  hrlt  ^  eai 
 without  blemifh  for  a  fin-offering,  and  one  ram  with, 
 out  blemilh  for  peace-offerings, 
 
 15  And  a  baiket  of  unleavened  bread,  cakes  of  hne 
 flour  mingled  with  oil,  and  wafers  of  unleavened 
 bread  anointed  with  oil,  and  their  meat-offering,  and 
 their  drink-offerings. 
 
 16  And  the  prieft  (hall  bring  before  the  Lord, 
 and  ftiall  offer  his  fin-offering,  and  his  burnt-ofteriDg. 
 
 17  And  he  (hall  offer  the  ram /or  a  facrihce  of 
 peace- offerings  unto  the  Lord,  with  the  baiket  of 
 unleavened  bread  :  the  prieft  fhall  offer  alfo  his  meat- 
 
 offering,  and  his  drink-oift  ring. 
 
 18  And  the  Nazarite  fhall  fhave  the  head  of  hi& 
 feparation  at  the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  con¬ 
 gregation  ;  and  fhall  take  the  hair  of  the  head  of  his 
 reparation,  and  put  it  in  the  fire  which  is  unaer  the 
 
 facrifice  of  peace-offerings.  1 
 
 19  And  the  prieft  fhall  take  the  fodden  fhoulcer  of 
 the  ram,  and  one  unleavened  cake  out  of  the  baiket, 
 and  one  unleavened  wafer,  and  fhall  put  upon 
 the  hands  of  the  Nazarite,  after  the  hair  of  his  lepara¬ 
 tion  is  fhaven  : 
 
 20  And  the  prieft  fhall  wave  them  ^  wave¬ 
 offering  before  the  Lord  :  this  «  holy  for  che  prie% 
 with  the  wave-breaft  and  heave-fhoulder  :  and  after 
 that  the  Nazarite  may  drink  vvine.  ^ 
 
 21  This  is  the  law  of  the  Nazarite  who  hath  vow¬ 
 ed,  and  /bis  offering  unto  the  Lord  for  his  lepara¬ 
 tion,  befides  that  his  hand  fhall  get :  according  to  the 
 vow  which  he  vow'ed,  fo  he  muff  do  after  the  law  o 
 
 '  22^  And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  faying,  _ 
 
 23  Speak  unto  Aaron,  and  unto  his  ^ns,  faying, 
 pn  this  wife  ye  fhall  blefs  the  children  of  Ifrael,  fay- 
 
 ing  unto  them,  ,  ,  . 
 
 24  The  Lord  blefs  thee,  and  keep  thee  ; 
 
 25  The  Lord  make  his  face  fhme  upon  thee,  and 
 
 "Tf  he“CD  [iff  jp  his  counrepance  upon  thee, 
 
 An^they^ftail  put  my  Dame  upon  the  children 
 of  Ifrael,  and  1  will  blefs  them.* 
 
 The  offering  of  the  princes, 
 
 CHAP.  VII. 
 
 The  offer of  the  prmces  at  the  iledication  of  the  tabernacle  :  10  their 
 .v>  •  .  .y  .  .-./.•  .  .i.- . r  ij. . iin/i  i\ipnkt>ih  tu  AJoJes  from 
 
 1‘1'JO, 
 
 ct  the dedkotion  of  Ihc  altar.  89  God  fi'eakelh  to  Mofesfrom 
 the  mcrcy-f  at. 
 
 ND  it  Crime  to  pafs  on  the  day  that  Moles  had 
 
 _ _  fullv  ^  fei  up  the  tabernacle,  and  had  anointed  a/oA 
 
 .t,  and  fanft  fied  it,  and  all  the  inftruments  thereof,  • ^ 
 both  the  altar,  and  all  the  veflels  thereof,  and  had  [ 
 
 anointed  them,  and  far.cfified  them,  .  r  r 
 
 2  That  the  princes  ot  ilrael,  heads  of  the  houle  of 
 fheii  fathers  (who  ivtre  the  princes  of  the  tribes,  f  and  fna), 
 
 were  over  the'ii  that  were  iiural'ered,)  offered. 
 
 3  And  tbey  brought  their  offering  before  the 
 f.oRD,  fix  covered  waggons,  and  twelve  oxen  ;  a 
 v\aggon  for  two  of  the  princes,  and  for  each  one  an 
 ox  ;  and  they  brought  them  before  the  tabernacle. 
 
 4  11  And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Moles,  laying, 
 
 5  Take  it  of  them,  that  they  may  be  to  do  the  ler- 
 
 vice  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation  ;  and  thou 
 ilralt  give  them  unto  the  Levites,  to  every  man  ac¬ 
 cording  to  his  fervice.  , 
 
 6  And  Mofes  took  the  waggons  and  the  oxen,  and 
 
 gave  them  unto  the  Levites. 
 
 7  Two  waggons  and  four  oxen  he  gave  unto  the 
 fons  of  GerOhon,  according  to  their  fervice  ; 
 
 8  And  four  waggons  and  eight  oxen  he  gave  unto 
 the  fons  of  Merari,  according  unto  their  fervice,  under 
 the  hand  of  Ithamar  the  Ton  of  Aaron  the  prieft. 
 
 9  But  unto  the  fons  of  Kohatn  he  gave  none  ;  be- 
 caufe  the  fervice  of  the  fanffuary  belonging  unto  them 
 -ms  that  they  fhould  bear  upon  their  fhoulders. 
 
 10  H  And  the  princes  offered  for  dedicating  of  the 
 altar  in  the  day  that  it  vv'as  anointed,  even  the  princes 
 offered  their  offering  before  the  altar. 
 
 1 1  And  the  Lord  laid  unto  Moles,  They  (hall  offer 
 
 their  offering,  each  prince  on  his  day,  for  the  dedicat¬ 
 ing  of  the  altar.  ,  rn  J  . 
 
 12  H  And  he  that  offered  his  offering  the  firft  day 
 w'as  Nahfhon  the  Ion  of.  Amminadab,  of  the  tribe  ot 
 
 13  And  his  offering  ‘xas  one  filver  charger,  the 
 weight  whereof  was  an  hundred  and  thirty  shehels,  one 
 filver  bowl  of  feventy  fhekels,  after  the  (hekel  of  the 
 fanduary,  both  of  them  xirre  full  of  fine  flour  mingled 
 
 with  oil,  for  a  ^  meat-offering  : 
 
 b  Levit. 
 
 .  2.  1. 
 
 — - ,  ,  .  /i  .  Vpr  22 _ 27,  The  facerdotal  benediAion  was 
 
 his  blooc/and  made  pnefts  to  God  J,  '  Father,  Son,  and  Holy 
 
 a  part  of  the  pn&(l  s  othce.  ine  j  ’  mvenant  of  erace  and  peace;  ; 
 
 Gboft,  bcRow  on  thee,  the  bleflings  /  ns  thyfelf  thou 
 
 and  keep  thee  from  all  thofe  evils  of  fin  and  ^  iff  /  enlight¬ 
 en  unable  to  efcape.  The  Lord  .take  /li.  rt^^  beftowing 
 
 cningthy  darknefs  and  LJ  confolations  ;  alTuring  diy 
 
 more  abundant  meafurcs  ot  his  dnine  “re  „  ,  -  ■  fuch  as  nothing 
 
 confcience  of  thy  part  and  intereft  in  his  regard ;  and  giving  peace,  lucn 
 
 can  interrupt,  nothing  can  take  away 
 
 in  Oil,  lOI  d.  11.0  •  ,  ,  r  ,,  f.  •  I'.' 
 
 14  Onefpoon  of  ten  shekels  gold,  full  of  incenle . 
 
 15  One  young  bullcck,  one  ram,  one  lamb  of  the 
 
 firft  year,  for  a  burnt-off'ering :  ^  . 
 
 1 6  One  kid  of  the  goats  for  ‘  a  fin^offenng ;  c 
 
 17  And  for  a  facrifice  of  peace-offerings,  two  oxen, 
 five  rams,  five  he-goats,  five  lambs  of  the  firft  year. 
 This  -jcas  the  offering  of  Nahfhon  the  fon  of  Ammina¬ 
 dab. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  VII.  Ver.  1—9.  The  taherW; 
 was  finiftied  the  firft  day  of  the  firft  month  of  the 
 
 came  out  of  Egypt,  Exod.  xl.  17,  18.  as  it  was  to  be  fubjeA  to  Sequent  r 
 the  princes  of  Ifrael  were  careful  to  provide  the  neceffary  caniag  ^  1 
 
 The  princes  were  both  able  and  willing  to  affift  the  Levites  ;  wagg 
 diftributed  according  to  their  burthens  ;  the  fons  /  j  ^  f 
 
 their  charge  was  alike  weighty;  and  more  facred,  the  Gerflio 
 walons  the  fons  of  Ver.  18-89.  The  dedication  ^ 
 
 altar  begkn  the  fame  day  it  was  fet  up.  When  Mofes  had  confecrat^ 
 
 a  interrupt,  nothing  can  take  away.  ^ - - - - - - - - - — ■  , 
 
 _ _ _ _ — - - TTT  rT/I„p  v/arite  who  fulfilled  all  rigliteoufnefs ;  may  his  holy  example  he  contemplate  . 
 
 T,i?  •  CTlCAh  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  VI.]  Jefiis  is  the  let  us  never  difeharge  it  by  any  aA  which  would  difhOnour  him,  or 
 
 with  pleafure,  and  carelully  imitated.  Our  profeffion  of  ^  «  ho  high-prieft  over  the  houfe  of  God,  to  pronounce  the  ^^oje 
 
 r  Sip  -..h  God,  .,The_»  n»ll  I- «!  Tte  hope  onbi* 
 
 “',e«ivc".tam  .0  Limfeif,  .to  -here  he  i.  .here  they  be  for  erer. 
 in  peace. 
 
The  o[firin»  of  the  princes  at  the 
 
 numbers. 
 
 dedication  of  the  taheti^'  and  altar. 
 
 iwore  18  II  On  the  fecond  day  Nethaneel  the  fon  of  Zuar, 
 H9a  prince  of  Iflachar,  did  ofl'er. 
 
 19  He  olTered  /or  bis  oIFerinp;  one  filver  charger, 
 the  weight  whereof  uas  an  hundred  and  thirty  s//e/tr 
 one  filver  bowl  of  feventy  fhekels,  after  the  fhekd  of 
 the  fanftiiary,  both  of  them  full  of  fine  flour  mingled 
 with  oil,  for  a  meat-offering  : 
 
 20  (3ne  fpoon  of  gold  often  shehds,  full  of  incenfe  : 
 
 2 1  One  young  bullock,  one  ram,  one  lamb  of  the 
 Crft  year,  for  a  burnt-ofi'ering  : 
 
 22  One  kid  of  the  goats  for  a  fin-offering  : 
 
 23  And  for  a  facrifice  of  peace-offerings,  two  oxen, 
 five  rams,  five  he-goats,  five  lambs  of  the  firft  year. 
 ITiis  was  the  offering  of  Nethaneel  the  fon  of  Zuar. 
 
 24'  H  On  the  third  day  Eliab  the  fon  of  Melon, 
 prince  of  the  children  of  Zebulun,  did  c^er. 
 
 25  His  offering  was  one  filver  charger,  the  weight 
 whereof  was  an  hundred  and  thirty  shekels,  one  filver 
 bowl  of  feventy  fhekels,  after  the  fhekel  of  the  fanc- 
 tuary,  both  of  them  full  of  fine  flour  mingled  with  oil, 
 for  a  meat-offering : 
 
 26  One  golden  fpoon  of  ten  shekels,  full  of  incenfe :  ! 
 
 27  One  young  bullock,  one  ram,  one  lamb  of  the  * 
 ■firfl  year,  for  a  burnt-offering : 
 
 28  One  kid  of  the  goats  for  a  fin-offering  : 
 
 29  And  for  a  facrifice  of  peace-offerings,  two  oxen,  ! 
 five  rams,  five  he-goats,  five  lambs  of  the  firft  year. ' 
 This  was  the  offering  of  Eliab  the  fon  of  Melon.  1 
 
 30  11  On  the  fourth  day  Elizur  the  fon  of  Shedeur,  | 
 prince  of  the  children  of  Reuben  did  offer. 
 
 31  His  offering  was  one  filver  charger,  of  the 
 weight  of  an  hundred  and  thirty  shekels,  one  filver 
 bowl  of  feventy  fhekels,  after  the  fhekel  of  the  fanc- 
 tuary,  both  of  them  full  of  fine  flour  mingled  with 
 oil,  for  a  meat-offering  : 
 
 32  One  golden  fpoon  of  ten  shekels,  full  of  incenfe : 
 
 33  One  young  bullock,  one  ram,  one  lamb  of  the 
 firft  year,  for  a  burnt-offering  : 
 
 34-  One  kid  of  the  goats  for  a  fin-offering : 
 
 35  And  for  a  facrifice  of  peace-offerings,  two  oxen, 
 five  rams,  five  he-goats,  five  lambs  of  the  firft  year. 
 This  wa-s  the  offering  of  Elizur  the  fon  of  Shedeur. 
 
 36  II  On  the  fifth  day  Shelumiel  the  fon  of  Zuri- 
 (haddai,  prince  of  the  children  of  Simeon,  did  offer. 
 
 37  His  offering  was  one  filver  charger,  the  weight 
 whereof  was  an  hundred  and  thiny  shekels,  one  filver 
 bowl  of  feventy  Ihekels,  after  the  fhekel  of  the  fkne- 
 tuary,  both  of  them  full  of  fine  flour  mingled  with  oil, 
 for  a  meat-offering : 
 
 38  One  golden  Ipoon  of  ten  shekels,  full  of ‘incenfe  : 
 
 39  One  young  bullock,  one  ram,  one  lamb  of  the 
 firft  year,  for  a  burnt-offering  ; 
 
 40  One  kid  of  the  goats  for  a  fin -offering : 
 
 41  And  for  a  facrifice  of  peace-offerings,  two  oxen, 
 five  rams,  five  he-goats,  five  lambs  of  the  firft  year. 
 This  was  the  offering  of  Shelumiel,  the  fon  of  Zuri- 
 fhaddai. 
 
 42  H  On  the  fixth  day  Eliafaph  the  fon  of  Deuel, 
 prince  of  the  children  of  Gad,  offered. 
 
 43  His  offering  xoas  one  filver  charger,  of  the  weight 
 of  an  hundred  and  thirty  shekels,  a  filver  bowl  of 
 feventy  fhekels,  after  the  fliekel  of  the  fanftuary,  both  | 
 
 the  anointing  oil  then  appeared  the  generous  piety  of  the  princes,  each  haften-  ^ 
 ing  with  his  offering  to  pay  their  grateful  tribute  to  God.  Each  prince  had  a  ! 
 ^ay  allotted  him  to  offer,  probably  to  fignify  the  equal  right  which  all  the  princes  } 
 
 No.  9...,6d.  N  n 
 
 I  of  them  full  of  fine  flour  mingled  with  oil,  for  a  meat- 
 
 olicrinK  ’  ...  1 
 
 4t  One  golden  fpoon  of  ten  shekds,  full  of  incenfe: 
 
 I  4-5  One  young  bnllock,  one  ram,  one  lamb  ot  the 
 firft  year,  for  a  burnt-offering  : 
 
 1  46  One  kid  of  the  goats  for  a  fin-offering  : 
 
 47  And  for  a  facrifice  of  peace-offlrings,  two  oxen, 
 
 !  five  rams,  five  he-goats,  five  lambs  of  the  firft  year. 
 
 I  'I'riis  was  the  offering  of  Eliafaph  the  I'on  of  Deuel. 
 
 I  48  ^  On  the  fevt nth  day  Elifhama,  the  fon  of  Arn- 
 j  nr.ihud,  prince  of  the  children  of  Ephraim,  off  red. 
 
 I  49  His  offering  was  one  filver  charger,  the  weight 
 ;  whereof  wrys  an  hundred  and  thirty  shekels,  one  filver 
 i  bowl  of  feventy  fhekels,  after  the  fhekel  of  the  fanc- 
 j  tuary,  both  of  them  full  of  fine  flour  mingled  with  oil, 
 
 I  for  a  meat-offering  : 
 
 50  One  golden  fpoon  of  ten  shekels,  full  of  incenfe  : 
 
 51  One  young  bullock,  one  ram,  one  lamb  of  the 
 firfl  year,  for  a  burnt- offering: 
 
 52  One  kid  of  the  goats  for  a  fin-offering  : 
 
 53  And  for  a  facrifice  of  peace-offerings,  two  oxen, 
 five  rams,  five  he-goats,  five  lambs  of  the  firft  year. 
 This  was  the  offering  of  Elifhama  the  fon  of  Ammihud. 
 
 54  f  On  the  eighth  day  offered  Gamaliel  the  fon  of 
 Pedahzur,  prince  of  the  children  of  Manafleh, 
 
 55  His  offering  was  one  filver  charger,  of  the 
 weight  of  an  hundred  and  thirty  shekels,  one  filver 
 bowl  cf  feventy  fhekels,  after  the  fhekel  of  the  fanc- 
 tuary,  both  of  them  full  of  fine  flour  mingled  with 
 
 '  oil,  for  a  meat-offering  ; 
 
 I  56  One  golden  fpoon  of  ten  shekels,  full  of  incenfe  : 
 
 I  57  One  young  bullock,  one  ram,  one  lamb  of  the 
 firft  year,  for  a  burnt-offering  : 
 
 I  58  One  kid  of  the  goats  for  a  fin-offering : 
 
 1  59  And  for  a  facrifice  of  peace-offerings,  two  oxen, 
 
 i  five  rams,  five  he  goats,  five  lambs  of  the  firft  year. 
 This  was  the  offering  of  Gamaliel  the  fon  of  Pedahzur. 
 
 60  H  On  the  ninth  day  Abidan  the  fon  of  Gideoni, 
 prince  of  the  children  of  Benjamin,  offered. 
 
 \  61  His  oft'ering  was  one  filver  charger,  the  weight 
 
 ;  whereof  was  an  hundred  and  thirty  shekels,  one  filver 
 I  bowl  of  feventy  fhekels,  after  the  fhekel  of  the  fanc- 
 I  tuary,  both  of  them  full  of  fine  flour  mingled  with  oil, 
 for  a  meat-offering : 
 
 62  One  golden  fpoon  of  ten  shekels,  full  of  incenfe : 
 
 63  One  young  bullock,  one  ram,  one  Iamb  of  the 
 firft  year,  for  a  burnt-offering  : 
 
 64  One  kid  of  the  goats  for  a  fm-offering  : 
 
 65  And  for  a  facrifice  of  peace-offerings,  two  oxen, 
 five  rams,  five  he-goats,  five  lambs  of  the  firft 
 year.  This  was  the  offering  of  Abidan  the  fon  of 
 Gideoni. 
 
 66  H  On  the  'tenth  day  Ahiezer  the  fon  of  Ammi- 
 fhaddai,  prince  of  the  children  of  Dan,  offered. 
 
 67  His  offering  tort’s  one  filver  charger,  the  weight 
 
 whereof  tea’s  an  hundred  and  thirty  shekels,  one  filver 
 bowl  of  feventy  fhekels,  after  the  fhekel  of  the  fanc- 
 tuary,  both  of  them  full  of  fine  flour  mingled  with  oil, 
 for  a  meat-offering  :  * 
 
 68  One  golden  fpoon  of  ten  shekels,  full  of  incenfe  • 
 
 69  One  young  bullock,  one  ram,  one  lamb  of  the 
 firft  year,  for  a  burnt  offering  : 
 
 had  in  the  altar  and  the  pleafure  which  God  had  in  their  offerinss.  Solemn  de 
 dication  to  a  particular  ule  was  common  with  the  GentUes,  as  well  a<  ^ 
 
 latter  even  coulecrated  their  dwelling-houfes,  Dcut,  xx,  ^  *  Jews,  the 
 
Dedication  oj  the  tabernacle  and  altar. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrill 
 
 1490. 
 
 NUMBERS. 
 
 TO  One  kid  of  the  goats  for  a  fin-offering  :  . 
 
 T1  And  tor  a  lacrifice  ot  peace-offerings,  two  oxen, 
 five  rams,  five  he-goats,  five  lambs  of  the  firlt  year. 
 This  UV7S  the  offering  of  Ahiezer  the  fon  of  Ammi- 
 thaddai. 
 
 72  H  On  the  eleventh  dav  Pagiel  the  fon  of  Ocran, 
 
 prince  ot  the  children  of  Alher,  ofered.  i 
 
 73  His  offering  teas  one  filver  charger,  the  weight^ 
 
 whereof  a-as  an  hundred  and  thirty  skdds,  one  filver 
 bowl  ot  leventy  thekels,  after  the  ffiekel  of  the  lanc- 
 tuary,  both  of  them  full  of  fine  flour  mingled  with 
 oil,  for  a  meat-offering  :  i 
 
 74  One  golden  fpoon  of  ten  $hekeh,  full  of  incenfe : ! 
 
 75  One  young  bullock,  one  ram,  one  lamb  of  the' 
 
 firft  year,  for  a  burnt-offering  :  j 
 
 76  One  kid  of  the  goats  for  a  fin-offering :  | 
 
 77  And  for  a  facrifice  of  peace-offerings,  two  oxen,  | 
 five  rams,  five  he-goats,  five  lambs  of  the  firll:  year. 
 This  tofls  the  offering  of  Pagiel  the  fon  of  Ocran. 
 
 78  1  On  the  twelfth  day  Ahira,  the  fon  of  Enan, 
 prince  of  the  children  of  Naphiali,  (ffered. 
 
 79  His  offering  was  one  filver  charger,  the  weight 
 whereof  was  an  hundred  and  thirty  shekels^  one  filver 
 bowl  of  feventy  (hekels,  after  the  ffiekel  of  the  fanc- 
 tuary,  both  of  them  full  of  fine  flour  mingled  with 
 oil,  for  a  meat-offering  : 
 
 80  One  golden  fpoon  of  ten  shekels,  full  of  incenfe  ; 
 
 8 1  One  young  bullock,  one  ram,  one  Iamb  of  the 
 firft  year,  for  a  burnt-offering : 
 
 82  One  kid  of  the  goats  for  a  fin-offering  : 
 
 83  And  for  a  facrifice  of  peace-offerings,  two  oxen, 
 five  rams,  five  he  goats,  five  lambs  of  the  firft  year. 
 Th  is  was  the  offering  of  Ahira  the  fon  of  Enan. 
 
 84  This  was  the  dedication  of  the  altar  (in  the  day 
 when  it  was  anointed)  by  the  princes  of  Ifrael :  twelve 
 chargers  of  filver,  twelve  filver  bowls,  twelve  fpoons 
 of  gold  : 
 
 8  5  Each  charger  of  filver  weighing  an  hundred  and 
 thirty  shekels,  each  bowl  feventy  :  all  the  filver  veffels 
 weighed  two  theufand  and  four  hundred  shekels,  after 
 the  ffiekel  of  the  fancluary. 
 
 86  The  golden  fpoons  were  twelve,  full  of  incenfe, 
 weighing  ten  shekels  apiece,  after  the  fhekel  of  the 
 fanduary  :  all  the  gold  of  the  fpoons  was  an  hundred 
 and  twenty  shekels. 
 
 87  All  the  oxen  for  the  burnt-offering  were  twelve 
 
 7'he  consecration  of  the  Levitr^ 
 the  two  cherubim s :  and  He  fpake 
 
 r 
 
 Before 
 
 Clirifl 
 
 l4So, 
 
 A’ 
 
 bullocks,  the  rams  twelve,  the  lambs  of  the  firft  year 
 twelve,  with  their  meat-offering :  and  the  kids  ot  tne 
 
 goats  for  fin-offering  twelve 
 
 88  And  all  the  oxen,  for  the  facrifice  of  the  peace 
 offerings,  were  twenty  and  four  bullocks,  the  rams 
 fixty,  the  he-goats  fixty,  the  lambs  of  the  firft  year 
 flxty.  This  was  the  dedication  of  the  altar,  after  that 
 it  was  anointed. 
 
 89  H  And  when  Mofes  was  gone  into  the  taberna- 
 |i  Thatis,j.jg  Qf  fjjg  congregation  to  fpeak  with  H  Him,  then  he 
 
 heard  the  voice  of  one  fpeaking  unto  him  from  off 
 the  mercy -feat  that  was  upon  the  ark  of  teftiraony. 
 
 from  betw'een 
 unto  him.* 
 
 CHAP.  VIII.  ^ 
 
 1  How  the  lamps  are  to  be  lishted.  5  The  confecration  of  the  Levitts  : 
 the  age  and  lime  of  their  fcrvice, 
 
 ND  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  faying, 
 
 _  Speak  unto  Aaron,  and  lay  unto  him.  When 
 thou  Mighteft  the  lamps,  the  (even  lamps  Ihall  give^Ex-oj. 
 light  over  againft  the  candleftick.  25. 37.^. 
 
 3  And  Aaron  did  fo :  he  lighted  the  lamps  thereof 
 over  againft  the  candleftick  ;  as  the  Lord  commanded 
 Mofes. 
 
 4  And  this  work  of  the  candleftick  was  a/"  beaten  b  Exod, 
 gold  ;  unto  the  Ihaft  thereof,  unto  the  flowers  there- 
 
 of,  w’as'  beaten  work:  according  unto  the  pattern  c  Exod. 
 which  the  Lord  had  (hewed  Mofes,  fo  he  made  the 25.  is.’ 
 candleftick. 
 
 5  ^  And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  faying, 
 
 6  lake  the  Levites  from  among  the  children  of 
 llrael,  and  cleanfe  them. 
 
 7  And  thus  (halt  thou  do  unto  them,  to  cleanfe 
 them  :  Sprinkle  water  of  purifying  upon  them,  and 
 
 t  let  them  ffiave  all  their  flefh,  and  let  them  w'a(h  their  f  Heb. 
 clothes,  and  so  make  themfelves  clean.  let  them 
 
 8  Then  let  them  take  a  young  bullock  with  his‘^““‘^*" 
 
 meat-offering,  even  fine  flour  mingled  with  oil,  andS’i^",. 
 another  young  bullock  (halt  thou  take  for  a  (in-offering,  ^c.  ^ 
 
 I  9  And  thou  (halt  bring  the  Levites  before  the  taber- 
 
 i  nacle  of  the  congregation  ;  and  thou  (halt  gather  the 
 j  whole  afferably  of  the  children  of  Ifrael  together. 
 
 I  10  And  thou  (halt  bring  the  Levites  before  the 
 I  Lord  ;  and  the  children  of  Ifrael  (hall  put  their  hands 
 upon  the  Levites  : 
 
 11  And  Aaron  (hall  t  offer  the  Levites  before  thet  Heb. 
 Lord /or  an  f  offering  of  the  children  of  Ifrael,  that 
 
 t  they  may  execute  the  fervice  of  the  Lord.  la^eto/- 
 
 12  And  the  Levites  (hall  lay  their  hands  upon  ihe/eritg. 
 heads  of  the  bullocks  ;  and  thou  (halt  offer  the  one  for  ^  Heb. 
 a  fiu-effering,  and  the  other  for  a  burnt-offering,  unto 
 
 the  Lord,  to  make  an  atouement  for  the  Levites.  Z' 
 
 13  And  thou  ffialt  fet  the  Levites  before  Aaron, 
 and  before  his  (bns,  and  offer  them  for  an  off  ering  un¬ 
 to  the  Lord. 
 
 1 4  1  hus  (halt  thou  feparate  the  Levites  from  among 
 
 the  children  of  Ifrael ;  and  the  Levites  (hall  be  mine,  d  Chap: 
 
 15  And  after  that  (hall  the  Levites  go  in  to  do  the^.  4#. 
 fervice  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation ;  and  thou 
 (halt  cleanfe  them,  and  offer  them  for  an  offering. 
 
 ^  16  For  they  are  wholly  given  unto  me  from  among 
 
 the  children  cf  Ifrael ;  inftead  of  fuch  as  open  every 
 womb,  even  instead  a/  the  firft- born  of  all  the  children 
 of  Ifrael,  have  I  taken  them  unto  me. 
 
 17  ®  For  all  the  firft-born  of  the  children  of  Ifrael  e  Exod. 
 are  mine  both  man  and  bead  :  on  the  day  that  1  fmote  “• 
 every  firft-born  in  the  land  of  Egypt  I  lanftified  them  ^ 
 for  myfelf.  2. 23. 
 
 IS  And  I  have  taken  the  Levites  for  all  the  firft- 
 born  of  the  children  of  Ifrael. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  CHAr.  VIII.  Ver.  1—4.  The  candleftick 
 being  prepared,  the  lamps  are  ordered  to  be  lighted  by  Aaron,  though  after¬ 
 ward  the  prieft  in  waiting  performed  the  fervice.  The  fire  was  taken  from  the 
 altar,  the  middle  lamp  being  firft  lighted  and  the  others  from  it.  The  number 
 
 •'ll 
 
 of  branches  were  feven,  from  which  the  tabernacle  received  its-  light.  The 
 candleftick  was  emblematical  of  the  divine  law  which  is  called  a  lamp,  Prov. 
 vi.  23.  and  the  feven  lamps  might  reprefent  the  various  and  rich  graces  of  the 
 Spirit  of  God.  Rev.  iv.  5.  Ver.  5 — 26.  After  the  numbering  of  the  Levites  we 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  VII.]  It  becomes  the  rich  and  honourable  to  abound  in  every  good  work,  to  which  they  are  encouraged  from 
 the  confideration  tl«t  their  example  fhall  probably  be  imitated  by  multitudes  to  whom  their  influence  extends.  But  alas !  how  few  of  them  are  thus  diftinguilhed,  the 
 greater  part  are  confpicuous  by  their  fplendid  equipage,  fumptuous  table,  aod  fenfual  pleafures,  rather  than  zeal  for  the  Lord  of  hofts.  It  is  however  only  thofe  who 
 honeur  Cod,  Uiat  he  will  hoaour. 
 
The  jnssovcr  is  ctfrrim  commanded. 
 
 NUMBERS. 
 
 r/i* 
 
 Inc 
 
 ih.ul  the  Israelites* 
 
 H<)0, 
 
 ('hrlft  ^  ^  ^  given  the  Levites  as  f  a  gift  to  Aaron, 
 
 '  "  ‘  and  to  his  Ions,  from  among  the  children  of  Ifrael,  to 
 .  do  the  fervice  of  the  children  of  Ifrael  in  the  tabernacle 
 of  the  congregation,  and  to  make  an  atonement  for 
 the  children  of  Ifrael  ;  that  there  be  no  plague  among 
 
 I  ■<<<). 
 
 the  palTover  on  that  day  :  and  they  came  btlore  MoEs  B.<bre 
 and  Ijeforc  Aaron  on  that  day. 
 
 7  And  thofe  men  faid  unto  nim,  We  are  defiled  by 
 th''  dead  body  of  a  man  ;  wh.-refbre  are  we  k  pt  back, 
 that  we  may  not  ofler  an  olf  ring  of  th  -  Lord  in  his 
 
 me  cniioren  or  iiraei  ;  tnat  tnere  oe  no  piague  among  oiai  wc  may  uoi  uu«.-i  <iu  nu  nug  oi  m  -  i^o 
 the  children  of  Ifrael,  when  the  children  of  Ifrael '|  iippo^nted  feafon  among  the  children  of  Ilfat 
 
 ni.rti  fhe  CinAinv.,  A  AnH  Mrvtps  laiH  nntnthf^m  f+il!  • 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 to  war  the 
 warfare 
 of,  ^c. 
 t  Heb. 
 return 
 from  the 
 warfare 
 of  the 
 fervice. 
 
 a  Exod. 
 12.  1,&C. 
 Levit. 
 
 23.  5. 
 Chap. 
 
 28.  16. 
 Deut. 
 
 16.  1,  2. 
 t  Heb. 
 bettueen 
 the  two 
 tvenings. 
 
 - j 
 
 come  nigh  unto  the  fan^Iuary. 
 
 20  And  Mofes,  ami  Aaron,  and  all  the  congregation 
 of  the  children  of  Ifrael,  did  to  the  Levites  according  ' 
 unto  all  that  the  Lord  commanded  Mofes  concerning 
 the  Levites,  fo  did  the  children  of  Ifrael  unto  them. 
 
 21  And  the  Levites  were  purified,  and  they  wafhed  i 
 their  clothes  ;  and  Aaron  offered  them  as  an  offering  ' 
 before  the  Lord  ;  and  Aaron  made  an  atonement  for 
 them  to  cleanfe  them. 
 
 22  And  after  that  went  the  Levites  in  to  do  their  j 
 fervice  in  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation  before 
 Aaron,  and  before  his  fons :  as  the  Lord  had  com¬ 
 manded  Mofes  concerning  the  Levites,  fo  did  they 
 unto  them. 
 
 23  If  And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  faying,  [ 
 
 24  This  is  it  that  belongeth  unto  the  Levites  :  From 
 
 twenty  and  five  years  old  and  upward  they  fhall  go  in 
 t  to  wait  upon  the  fervice  of  the  tabernacle  of  the 
 congregation :  I 
 
 25  And  from  the  age  of  fifty  years  they  (hall  f 
 
 ceafe  waiting  upon  the  fevice  thereof^  and  fhall  ferve ; 
 no  more ;  i 
 
 26  But  fhall  minifter  with  their  brethren  in  the 
 tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  to  keep  the  charge, 
 and  fhall  do  no  fervice.  Thus  fhalt  thou  do  unto  the  | 
 Levites  touching  their  charge.’^ 
 
 CHAP.  IX. 
 
 1  The  pastover  is  commanded  again.  6  A  second  passover  is  allowed 
 
 for  them  that  were  unclean  or  ahfent.  15  The  cloud  guideth  the  re- 
 
 movings  and  encampings  of  the  Israelites, 
 
 And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes  in  the  wilder- 
 nefs  of  Sinai,  in  the  firff  month  of  the  fecond 
 year  after  they  were  come  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt, 
 faying, 
 
 2  Let  the  children  of  Ifrael  alfo  keep  *  the  paffover 
 at  his  appointed  feafon. 
 
 3  In  the  fourteenth  day  of  this  month,  f  at  even,  ye 
 fhall  keep  it  in  his  appointed  feafon  :  according  to  all 
 the  rites  of  it,  and  according  to  all  the  ceremonies 
 thereof,  fhall  ye  keep  it. 
 
 4  And  Mofes  fpake  unto  the  children  of  Ifrael,  that 
 they  fliould  keep  the  paffover. 
 
 5  And  they  kept  the  paffover  on  the  fourteenth 
 day  of  the  firft  month  at  even  in  the  wildernefs  of 
 Sinai :  according  to  all  that  the  Lord  commanded 
 Mofes,  fo  did  the  children  of  Ifrael. 
 
 6  H  And  there  were  certain  men,  who  were  defiled 
 by  the  dead  body  of  a  man,  that  they  could  not  keep 
 
 .find  the^folemn  confecration  to  God  which  was  performed  by  Tarious  purifyini? 
 i  became  all  the  people,  but  efpecially  thofe  appointed  to  bear  tlie 
 
 20.  Ifa.  lii.  11.)  and  who  were  reprefentatives  of 
 that  cleanfed  from  fm  by  the  walhing  of  water  and  the  word, 
 
 Eplief  ^”^26  *^2^7^  ptefented  to  God  without  fpot  or  wrinkle  or  any  fu«h  thing, 
 
 it  NOTES.  Chap.  IX.  Ver.  1-5.  The  order  of  time, 
 
 CO  nrrf  A  obfcrved  m  tliis  narrative  ;  for  God  hath  given  the 
 
 1  2  paffover  in  tlie  firft  day  of  this  month,  chap,  i 
 
 thev  car.  paffover  was  inftituted,  Ifrael  were  enjoined  to  obferve  it  when 
 
 y  to  Canaan,  Exod.  xii.  25.  but  nothing  was  faid  about  keeping  it  on  I 
 
 8  And  Mofes  faid  unto  them,  St-tnd  ftill,  and  I  will 
 hear  what  the  Lord  will  command  cc  net  rning  you. 
 
 9  And  the  Lord  fprike  unto  Mole  ,  laying, 
 
 10  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Ifrael,  faying,  If  any 
 man  of  you,  or  of  your  pofterity,  fhall  be  unch  an  by 
 reafon  uf  a  dead  body,  or  6e1n  a  journey  afar  off,  yet 
 he  fhall  keep  the  paffover  unto  the  Lord. 
 
 1 1  The  fourteenth  day  of  the  fecond  month  at  even 
 they  fhall  keep  it,  and  eat  it  with  unleavened  bread 
 and  bitter  herbs. 
 
 12  They  fhall  leave  none  of  it  unto  the  morning, 
 nor  break  any  bone  of  it :  according  to  all  the  or-  b  Exod. 
 
 dinances  of  the  paffover  they  fhall  keep  it. 
 
 13  But  the  man  that  is  clean,  and  is  not  in  ajour-i^ 
 ney,  and  forbeareth  to  keep  the  paffover,  even  the 
 fame  foul  fhall  be  cut  off  from  his  people  :  becaufe  he 
 brought  not  the  offering  of  the  Lord  in  his  appointed 
 feafon,  that  man  fhall  bear  his  fin. 
 
 14  And  ifa  ftranger  fhall  fojourn  among  you,  and 
 will  keep  the  paffover  unto  the  Lord  :  according  to 
 the  ordinance  of  the  paffover,  and  according  to  the 
 manner  thereof,  fo  fhall  he  do  :  '  ye  fhall  have  one  c  Exod. 
 ordinance,  both  for  the  ftranger,  and  for  him  that  was 
 born  in  the  land. 
 
 15  If  And**  on  the  day  that  the  tabernacle  was  rear- d  Eio<l 
 ed  up,  the  cloud  covered  the  tabernacle,  namely,  the‘«’- 
 tent  of  the  teftimony ;  and  at  even  there  was  upon 
 
 the  tabernacle  as  it  were  the  appearance  of  fire,  until 
 the  morning. 
 
 16  So  it  was  alway :  the  cloud  covered  it  by  day 
 and  the  appearance  of  fire  by  night. 
 
 17  And  when  the  cloud  w^as  taken  up  from  the 
 tabernacle,  then  after  that  the  children  of  Ifrael  jour- 
 neyed  :  and  in  the  place  w'here  the  cloud  abode,  there 
 the  children  of  Ifrael  pitched  their  tents. 
 
 18  At  the  commandment  of  the  Lord  the  children 
 
 of  Ifrael  journeyed,  and  at  the  commandment  of  the 
 Lord  they  pitched:  '  as  long  as  the  cloud  abode ei  Coo 
 upon  the  tabernacle  they  refted  in  iheir  tents.  1- 
 
 19  And  when  the  cloud  f  tarried  long  upon  the  t  Heb. 
 tabernacle  many  days,  then  the  children  of  Ifrael  kepti'^o«o"^ 
 the  charge  of  the  Lord,  and  journeyed  not. 
 
 20  And  so  it  was,  when  the  cloud  was  a  few  days 
 upon  the  tabernacle  ;  according  to  the  commandment 
 ot  the  Lord  they  abode  in  their  tents,  and  according 
 to  the  commandment  of  the  Lord  they  journeyed. 
 
 21  And  so  it  was,  when  the  cloud  f  abode  from  even  t  Het. 
 unto  the  morning,  and  that  the  cloud  was  taken  up  in 
 
 'leaving  Egy,..,  .ill  .l.oy  c.naau,  pr.bilt 
 
 ;  tlie  tabernacle  in  the  day  of  its  eretJlioii  Goil  cloud  rested  on 
 
 j  late  tlieir  marches  by  the  motions  and  guidancx-  of 'it  *  H 
 
 was  the  favour,  tlms  vifibly  to  have  ft, e  urelence  of  and  mi^Umable 
 
 i  guide  !  ^  God,  for  a  guardian  and 
 
 ‘  OhV't?  h^otTlrwe'  Til  the  ;  and  whoever  would 
 
 .  that  they  may  all  walk  worthy  ot  their  high  calling ;  and  manifeft  his  glory  whole  they  are,  and  wh,oiu  Uiey  lkm>  * 
 
The  Lraihles  rcmoxx'  from  Sinai  to  Paran. 
 
 NUMBERS. 
 
 Moses  cntreatcth  Huhah  not  to  leave  the 
 
 m. 
 
 149a 
 
 f  Exod. 
 40.  36, 
 
 sr. 
 
 »  Chap 
 
 S.  3. 
 
 b  Chap 
 
 i.  7. 
 
 A 
 
 Chrla-  morning,  then  they  journeyed  :  whether  it  was  by 
 
 -  day  or  by  night  that  the  cloud  was  taken  up,  they 
 
 jcurneved. 
 
 22  Or  whether  it  were  two  days,  or  a  month,  or  a 
 year,  that  the  cloud  tarried  upon  the  tabernacle,  re¬ 
 maining  thereon,  the  children  of  Ifrael  ^  abode  in  their 
 tents,  and  journeyed  not :  but  when  it  was  taken  up, 
 they  journeyed. 
 
 23  At  the  commandment  of  the  Lord  they  refted 
 in  their  tents,  and  at  the  commandment  of  the  Lord 
 they  journeyed  :  they  kept  the  charge  of  the  Lord,  at 
 the  commandment  of  the  Lord  by  the  hand  of  Moles.* 
 
 CHAP.  X. 
 
 1  The  y{fe  of  the  Jtlver  trumjx^ts-  11  The  Ifraelilct  remove  from  Sinai 
 to  Paran  :  1 4  the  order  of  the  march.  29  Hobab  is  entreated  by  M(fes 
 not  to  leave  them,  cj-c. 
 
 ND  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  faying, 
 
 ^  ^  2  Make  thee  two  trumpets  of  filver ;  of  a 
 
 whole  piece  (halt  thou  make  them  :  that  thou  mayeft 
 ufe  them  for  the  calling  of  the  alTembly,  and  for  the 
 journeying  of  the  camps. 
 
 3  And  when  they  fhall  blow  with  them,  all  the  af- 
 fembly  fhall  afTerable  themfelves  to  thee  at  the  door 
 of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation. 
 
 4  And  if  they  blow  but  with  one  trumpet^  then  the 
 princes,  which  are  heads  of  the  thoufands  of  Ifrael, 
 fhall  gather  themfelves  unto  thee. 
 
 5  When  ye  blow  an  alarm,  then  the  camps  that  lie 
 on  the  eaft  parts  fhall  go  forward. 
 
 6  When  ye  blow  an  alarm  the  fecond  time,  then 
 the  camps  that  lie  on  the  fouth  fide  fhall  take  their 
 journey  :  they  fhall  blow  an  alarm  for  their  journeys. 
 
 7  But  when  the  congregation  is  to  be  gathered  to¬ 
 gether,  ye  fhall  blow,  but  ye  fhall  not  found  an  alarm. 
 
 8  And  the  fons  of  Aaron,  the  priefts,  fhall  blow  with 
 the  trumpets  :  and  they  fhall  be  to  you  for  an  ordi¬ 
 nance  for  ever  throughout  your  generations. 
 
 9  And  if  ye  go  to  war  in  your  land  againft  the  ene¬ 
 my  that  opprefTeth  you,  then  ye  fhall  blow  an  alarm 
 with  the  trumpets  ;  and  ye  fhall  be  remembered  be¬ 
 fore  the  Lord  your  God,  and  ye  fhall  be  faved  from 
 
 your  enemies.  ,  ,  r  j  • 
 
 10  Alfo  in  the  day  of  your  gladnefs,  and  in  your 
 
 folemn  days,  and  in  the  beginnings  of  your  months, 
 ye  fhall  blow  with  the  trumpets  over  your  burnt-olier- 
 ings,  and  over  the  facrifices  of  your  peace-ofterings ; 
 that  they  may  be  to  you  for  a  memorial  before  your 
 God  :  I  am  the  Lord  your  God.  ,  ,  ,  , 
 
 1 1  H  And  it  came  to  pafs,  on  the  twentieth  day  of 
 the  fecond  month,  in  the  fecond  year,  that  the  cloud 
 was  taken  up  from  ofF the  tabernacle  of  the  teftimony.  ^ 
 
 12  And  the  children  of  Ifrael  took  their  journeys 
 
 out  of  the  wildernefs  of  Sinai ;  and  the  cloud  refte  j 
 in  the  wildernefs  of  Paran.  ^  ^  j-  ^ 
 
 13  And  they  firif  took  their  journey,  l 
 
 the  commandment  of  the  Lord  by  the  hand  of  Mo  es.  j 
 
 14  H  “  In  the  fireplace  went  the  ffandard  of  the  camp  | 
 of  the  children  of  Judah,  according  to  their  armies :  and ! 
 
 llel'ure 
 
 Cliriii 
 
 1400. 
 
 15  And  over  the  hoft  of  the  tribe  of  the  children 
 of  IlTachar  xvas  Nethaneel  the  fon  of  Zuar. 
 
 16  And  over  the  hod  of  the  tribe  of  the  children 
 of  Zebulun  was  Eliab  the  fon  of  Helen. 
 
 17  And  the  tabernacle  was  taken  down;  and  the 
 fons  of  Gerfhon  and  the  fons  of  Merari  fet  forward, 
 bearing  the  tabernacle. 
 
 18  H  And  the  Itandard  of  the  camp  of  Reuben  fet 
 forward,  according  to  their  armies  :  and  over  his  hcfl 
 •was  Eliznr  the  fon  of  Shedeur. 
 
 19  And  over  the  hoft  of  the  tribe  of  the  children 
 of  Simeon  was  Shelumiel  the  fon  of  Zurifhaddai. 
 
 20  And  over  the  hoft  of  the  tribe  of  the  children 
 of  Gad  was  Eliafaph  the  fon  of  Deuel. 
 
 21  And  the  Kohathites  fet  forward,  bearing  the 
 
 •'  fan^fuary  ;  and  ||  the  other  did  fet  up  the  tabernacle  c  Chap, 
 againft  they  came. 
 
 That  is, 
 
 22  H  And  the  ftandard  of  the  pmp  of  the  children 
 of  Ephraim  (et  forward,  according  to  their  armies :  shoniies, 
 and  over  his  hoft  was  Eli(hama  the  fon  of  Ammihud.  and  the 
 
 23  And  over  the  hoft_  of  the  tribe  of  the  children 
 of  Manafleh  was  Gamaliel  the  Ion  of  Pedahzur.  17. 
 
 24  And  over  the  hoft  of  the  tribe  of  the  children 
 of  Benjamin  was  Abidan  the  fon  of  Gideoni. 
 
 25  H  And  the  ftandard  of  the  camp  of  the  children 
 of  Dan  fet  forward,  which  was  the  rere-ward  of  all 
 the  camps  throughout  their  hofts :  and  over  his  hoft 
 was  Ahiezer  the  fon  of  Ammiftiaddai. 
 
 26  And  over  the  hoft  of  the  tribe  of  the  children 
 of  Aftier  ms  Pagiel  the  fon  of  Ocran. 
 
 27  And  over  the  hoft  of  the  tribe  of  the  children 
 of  Naphtali  was  Ahira  the  fon  of  Enan. 
 
 28  t  Thus  were  the  journeyings  of  the  children  oft 
 Ifrael,  according  to  theirarmies,  when  they  fet  forward. 
 
 29  f  And  Mofes  faid  unto  Hobab,  the  fon  of  Ra- 
 guel  the  Midianite,  Mofes’  father-in-law.  We  are 
 journeying  unto  the  place  of  which  the  Lord  faid, » 
 
 I  will  give  it  you  :  come  thou  with  us,  and  we  will 
 do  thee  good  ;  for  the  Lord  hath  fpoken  good  con* 
 cerning  Ifrael. 
 
 30  And  he  faid  unto  him,  I  will  not  go  ;  but  I  will 
 depart  to  mine  own  land,  and  to  my  kindred. 
 
 31  And  he  faid.  Leave  us  not,  I  pray  thee ;  foraf- 
 much  as  thou  knoweft  how  we  are  to  encarr.p  in  the 
 wildernefs,  and  thou  mayeft  be  to  us  inftead  of  eyes. 
 
 32  And  it  fhall  be,  if  thou  go  with  us,  yea,  it  fhall 
 be,  that  what  goodnefs  the  Lord  fhall  do  unto  us,  the 
 fame  will  we  do  unto  thee. 
 
 33  51  And  they  departed  from  the  mount  of  the 
 Lord  three  days’  journey :  and  the  ark  of  the  cove¬ 
 nant  of  the  Lord  went  before  them  in  the  three  days 
 journey,  to  fearch  out  a  refting-place  for  them. 
 
 34  And  the  cloud  of  the  Lord  was  upon  them  by 
 day,  when  they  went  out  of  the  camp. 
 
 35  And  it  came  to  pals,  when  the  arkfet  forward,  that  a  Pfalm 
 Mofes  faid,  Rife  up,  Lord,  and  let  thine  enemies  be  es. 
 fcattered  ;  and  let  them  that  hate  thee  flee  before  thee. 
 
 36  And  when  it  refted,  he  faid,  Return,  O  Lord,  sand  tk* 
 
 f 
 
 E 
 
 sands. 
 
 on  Y  Vpr  n  _«8  God  having  fully  i  bolic  cloud,  the  prayer  of  Mofes,  and  the  found  of  the  trumpets.  Thus  were  thj 
 
 EXPLAN .4TORY  N  OTES.  Chat.  X.  Ver.  11  things  i  furnilhed  with  all  good  means  to  condua  them  to  the  promiled  inheritance.-  P' 
 
 fettled  their  hoft,  commands  them  to  begin  tbvir  their^hope  while  they  I'  fpeech  of  Mofes  to  his  father-in-law,  was,  according  to  time,  delivered  feme  tin) 
 
 on  this  firft  journey  to  confirm  their  faith,  and  "  ‘Sit  UP  of  tie  ^  1  before,  when  he  came  to  him  with  Zipporah. 
 
 travelled  through  the  wildernefs  ;  the  command  of  God,  the  lifting  up  ot  tne  lym  |io  _ _ _  _ 
 
 - — - - - -  ~  an  T  Y  1  rhrJP  ic  our  oaftbver  ;  and  no  external  circumftanccs  can  prevent  us  from  fcafting  on  him  daily  hj 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—  Chap.  IX.]  P  j  exclufion  from  his  prefence.  But  all  who  love  unfeignedly  his  name  and 
 
Ufforc 
 
 Clirill 
 
 1490. 
 
 The  people  lust  for  Jleshy  8fC. 
 
 CHAP.  XI. 
 
 1  The  burning  at  Taberah  quenched  hi/  Mofei'  prayer,  4  Thepenjde  hijl 
 forjlejh,  and  loathe  munna.  10  ifoses  complaineth  of  his  charge; 
 16  God  divideth  his  burden  unto  seventy  elders, 
 
 .  4  ND  when  the  people  |1  complained,  f  dif- 
 
 wercasit  jt\,  pleafcd  the  Lord;  and  the  Lord  heard  it: 
 were  com-  and  his  anger  was  kindled  :  and  the  fire  of  the  Lord 
 +^11^6*  burnt  *  among  them,  and  confumed  them  that  were  in 
 J  w.!!s'mtthe  uttermolt  parts  of  the  camp. 
 in  the  ears  ‘Z  And  tne  people  cried  unto  Mofes  ;  and  when  Mo- 
 fes  prayed  unto  the  Lord,  the  fire  f  was  quenched. 
 Jg.  2V"  3  And  he  called  the  name  of  the  place  f|  Taberah  ; 
 
 f  Heb.  becaule  the  fire  of  the  Lord  burnt  among  them. 
 sunk.  4  ^  And  the  mixed  multitude  that  was  among  them 
 ^  lulling  :  and  the  children  of  Ifrael  alfo  f  wept 
 ’ again,  and  laid,  '  Who  fhall  give  us  flelh  to  eat  ? 
 
 5  We  remember  the  filh  which  w'e  did  eat  in  Egypt 
 freely  ;  the  cucumbers,  and  the  melons,  and  the  leeks, 
 and  the  onions,  and  the  garlick  : 
 
 6  But  now  our  foul  is  dried  away ;  there  is  nothing 
 at  all,  befides  this  manna,  btfore  our  eyes. 
 
 7  And  ^  the  manna  was  as  coriander-feed,  and  the 
 t  colour  thereof  as  the  colour  of  bdellium. 
 
 8  And  the  people  went  about,  and  gathered  it,  and 
 ground  it  in  mills,  or  beat  it  in  a  mortar,  and  baked 
 it  in  pans,  and  made  cakes  of  it:  and  the  talle  ot  it 
 
 NUMBERS. 
 
 The  st  cutif  elders  oppoinied. 
 
 Before 
 
 Ciirill 
 
 14»0. 
 
 aburnin 
 b  As 
 Exod. 
 
 12.  38. 
 f  rieb. 
 Ill/led  a 
 lujl. 
 
 •}•  Heb. 
 returned 
 and  wept, 
 c  I  Cor. 
 10.  6. 
 d  Exod. 
 16.14,31. 
 
 eyeo/itas'^’^s  as  as  the  talle  of  frefh  oil. 
 the  eye  of.  9  And  when  the  dew  fell  upon  the  camp  in  the 
 night,  the  manna  fell  upon  it. 
 
 10  f  Then  Moles  heard  the  people  weep  through¬ 
 out  their  families,  every  man  in  the  door  of  his  tent : 
 and  the  anger  of  the  Lord  was  kindled  greatly ; 
 Mofes  alfo  was  difpleafed. 
 
 1 1  And  Mofes  faid  unto  the  Lord,  Wherefore 
 hall  thou  affl  £led  thy  fervant?  and  wherefore  have 
 I  not  found  favour  in  thy  fight,  that  thou  layell  the 
 burden  of  all  this  people  upon  me? 
 
 12  Have  I  conceived  all  this  people?  have  I  begot¬ 
 ten  them,  that  thou  fh^uldell  fay  unto  me.  Carry 
 them  in  thy  bofom  (as  a  nurfing-fa*her  beareth  the 
 fucking  child)  unto  tae  laud  v^hich  thou  fwarell  unto 
 their  fathers  ? 
 
 13  Whence  Ihould  1  have  fl  Ih  to  give  unto  all  t  is 
 people?  for  they  weep  unto  me,  faying,  Give  us  flelh, 
 that  we  may  ear. 
 
 14  I  am  not  able  to  bear  all  this  people  alone,  be- 
 caufe  It  is  too  heavy  for  me. 
 
 1.7  And  if  thou  deal  thus  with  m*^,  kill  me,  I  pray 
 thee,  out  of  hand,  if  1  have  found  favour  in  thy  fight ; 
 and  let  me  not  fee  my  wretchednTs. 
 
 JG  If  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  Mofes,  Gather  unto 
 me  feventy  men  of  the  elders  of  Ifrael,  whom  thou 
 knowelt  to  be  the  elders  of  the  people,  and  oflicers 
 over  them  ;  and  bring  them  unto  the  tabernacle  of  the 
 congregation,  that  they  may  Hand  th<  r-  with  thee. 
 
 17  And  I  will  come  down  and  ta  k  with-thee-there  : 
 and  I  will  take  of  the  fp'rit  which  is  upon  thee,  and 
 will  put  it  upon  them;  and  they  lhall  bear  the  burden 
 
 !of  the  people  with  thee,  that  thou  bear  it  not  thylelf 
 alone. 
 
 18  And  fay  thou  unto  the  people,  Sancluy  your- 
 lelves  againft  to-morrow,  and  ye  lhall  eat  fl  fh  :  (for 
 ve  have  wept  in  (he  ears  of  the  Lord,  faying.  Who 
 
 ,  lhall  give  us  flelh  to  eat  for  it  was  well  with  us  in 
 Egypt  :)  therefore  the  Lord  will  give  you  flefh,  and 
 ye  lhall  eat. 
 
 19  Ye  fhall  not  eat  one  day,  nor  two  days,  nor  five 
 days,  neither  ten  days,  nor  twenty  days  ; 
 
 20  But  even  a  t  whole  month,  until  it  come  out  at  t 
 your  ncftrils,  and  it  be  loathfome  unto  you  :  becaufe^"^*^ 
 that  ye  have  defpifed  the  Lord  which  is  among  you, 
 and  have  wept  before  him,  faying,  Why  came  we 
 ••orth  out  of  Egypt  ? 
 
 21  II  And  Mofes  faid.  The  people,  among  whom 
 
 1  am,  are  fix  hundred  thoufand  footmen  ;  and  thou  • 
 haft  laid,  1  will  give  them  flelh,  that  they  may  eat  a 
 whole  month. 
 
 22  Shall  the  flocks  and  the  herds  be  flain  for  them, 
 to  luffice  them  ?  or  fhall  all  the  fifh  of  the  lea  be  ga¬ 
 thered  together  for  them,  to  fuffice  them  ? 
 
 23  And  f  e  Lord  laid  unto  Mofes,  ®  Is  the  Lord’s  *2!  * 
 hand  waxed  Ihort  ?  thou  fhalt  fee  now  whether  my  59.  1. 
 word  fliall  come  to  pals  unto  thee  or  not. 
 
 24  And  M  fes  went  out,  and  told  the  people  the 
 words  of  the  Lord,  and  gathered  the  feventy  men 
 )f  the  elders  of  the  people,  and  fet  them  round  about 
 the  tabernacle. 
 
 2.7  And  the  Lord  came  dow-n  in  a  cloud,  and 
 Ipake  unto  him,  and  took  of  the  fpirit  that  was  upon 
 him,  and  gave  it  unto  the  feventy  elders  :  and  it  came 
 
 explanatory  Notes.  Chap.  XI.  Ver.  1.  in  the  preceding  part  of 
 this  book,  the  favour  of  God  to  Ifrael  is  tnanifefted  by  preparing  them  for  war,  : 
 and  for  entering  on  their  inheritance  in  Canaan  ;  but  they  continued  to  prove 
 ungrateful,  and  diffatisfied  with  the  divine  condudt.  Of  this  we  have  fiifficient 
 evidence  in  their  future  murmurings  and  rebellions,  which  the  hiftorian  proceeds 
 in  this  chapter  to  narrate.  Consumed  in  the  ultermqfl  pari  0/  the  camp.  It  was 
 probably  in  this  part  of  the  camp  that  the  fin  which  provoked  God  began  and 
 prevailed,  among  thofe  who  were  exhaufted  and  faint  by  journeying,  fee  Deut. 
 sxv.  18.  Ver.  4.  Ifrael  had  no  foonor  repented  of  one  evil,  and  intreated  IMofes 
 to  intercede  for  them,  than  they  fell  into  another,  if  not  a  greater,  fee  Pfal. 
 Ixxviii.  34 — 38.  They  were  on  this  occafion  milled  by  the  evil  example  of  the 
 mixed  multitude  who  accompanied  them  from  Egypt.  Thefe  confiding  of  Egyp¬ 
 tians  and  many  belonging  to  other  nations,  who  fojouriied  in  Egypt,  had  pro¬ 
 bably  not  experienced  fucli  mifery  in  that  country  as  Ifrael,  .and  hence  in  time 
 of  difappointment  and  diftrefs  were  difpofed  to  wilh  that,  they  li.id  never  left 
 it.  Ver  16.  From  this  injun61ion  to  Moles  to  choofe  seventy  men  to  aflift  him 
 the  Jews  judged  it  proper,  that  the  great  council  of  their  nation  (iiould  coniill  of 
 
 feventy  one  perfons.  Ver.  17.  /  will  take,  or  feparate,  of  the  spirit  that  is  on  thee  f 
 that  is,  God  would  confer  on  thefe  men  of  the  iuHuences  of  the  fanre  Spirit,  who 
 qualified  Mofes;  but  it  does  not  mean  that  any  of  the  influences  which  reded  oa 
 him  would  be  taken  from  him  to  qualify  them ;  comp.  2  Kings  ii.  15.  where  wo 
 ar^liformed  that  the  fpirit  of  Elijah  reded  on  Elilha,  when  limilar  gifts  of  the 
 Spirit  were  granted  the  latter,  which  the  former  enjoyed.  The  gifts  of  the 
 Spirit  of  God  are  numerous  and  various,  and  without  them  none  are  qualified 
 for  any  office  or  work  in  the  church  of  God.  Ver.  18.  Sankli/y  ;  that  is,  they  were 
 to  feparate  themfelves  from  all  manner  of  fin,  and  thus  prepare  themfelvcs 
 to  receive  the  gifts  which  God  was  about  to  bedow.  The  term  frequently  fig- 
 nifies  to  prepare,  Jer.  vi.  4.  li.  18.  Ver.  20.  Month  of  days,  means  a  whole 
 montl),  as  a  year  of  days  denotes  a  whole  year,  2  Sam.  xiv.  28.  Gen.  xxix.  14. 
 The  people’s  requed  was  granted  ;  it  were  better  for  them  had  it  been  denied. 
 Gifts  in  anger  are  judgments  in  difguife.  Ver.  25.  To  prophecy  was  not  only 
 to  foretel  future  events,  hut  alfo  to  declare  divine  truth  under  the  fpirit  of  in- 
 fpiration,  Gen.  xx.  7.  Exod.  vii.  1.  1  Cor.  xiv.  3.  Ver.  26.  It  is  probable  that 
 El  dad  and  Medad  had  not  retired  to  the  tabernacle  from  modedy  or  an  appre- 
 
 in  their  marches,  and  in  tlieir  feads,  to  lead  them  to  acknowledge  their  abfolute  dependence  on  God,  who  was  their  gracious  prote<5lor  and  guide.  Let  it  be 
 
 our  concern  to  afeertain  if  we  know  tliat  joyful  found  which  proclaims  falvatioii  to  all  nations.  Happy  are  tliey  who  rejoice  in,  and  from  gratitude  for,  the  good 
 
 it  announces,  gladly  ademble  with  God’s  people,  and  fubmit  to  his  government.  They  are  fojourners  on  earth  ;  but  they  look  for  the  city  of  their  God ;  their 
 
 bed  fcalons  on  earth  may  end  ;  but  the  period  of  eternal  enjoyment  is  before  theni.  Nor  ought  they  to  defpond,  however  painful  or  tedious  their  journey  ^  for  while 
 
 tli%  cleave  to  the  Lord  he  will  be  with  them ;  and  having  Iiim  for  tlieir  guide  and  protedlor  tliey  lhall  fee  no  evil.  A  wife  and  faithful  friend  is  at  all  times 
 valuable  ;  hut  in  feme  cafes  of  incalculable  advantage.  Let  not  however  our  benevolence  he  confined  to  fuch  ;  for  the  God  whom  we  ferve  is  rich  to  mercy  to  aU 
 who  call  on  him.  May  it  be  our  daily  experience  to  enter  on  every  work  with  prayer  ;  for  without  the  confidence  of  God  we  canoot  profper. 
 
 No,  lOt  O  O 
 
God  rchuJceth  Miriam  and  Aaron, 
 
 NUMBERS. 
 
 Miriam* s  leprosy, 
 
 I 
 
 Before  fo  pafs,  that,  whcD  the  fpirit  refled  upon  them,  they 
 
 X - y  ~  ~  j  -  • 
 
 1490  prophefied,  and  did  not  ceafe. 
 
 26  But  there  remained  two  of  the  men  in  the  camp, 
 the  name  of  the  one  -d'os  Eldad,  and  the  name  of  the 
 other  Medad  :  and  the  fpirit  relied  upon  them,  (and 
 they  iccrc  of  them  that  w-ere  written,  but  went  not  out 
 unto  the  tabernacle,)  and  they  prophefied  in  the  camp. 
 
 27  And  there  ran  a  young  man  and  told  Moles, 
 and  faid,  Eldad  and  Medad  do  prophefy  in  the  camp. 
 
 28  And  JoQiua  the  fon  of  Nun,  the  fervant  of 
 Mcfes,  one  of  his  young  men,  anlwered  and  laid.  My 
 lord  Moles,  forbid  them. 
 
 29  And  Mofes  faid  unto  him,  Enviefl  thou  for  my 
 fake?  Would  God  that  all  the  Lord’s  people  were 
 prophets,  and  that  the  Lord  would  put  his  Spirit 
 upon  them ! 
 
 30  And  Mofes  gat  him  into  the  camp,  he  and  the 
 elders  of  Ifrael. 
 
 f  Esod.  ^  1  ^  there  w'ent  forth  ^  a  wind  from  the  Lord, 
 and  brought  quails  from  the  fea,  and  let  i/icm  fall  by 
 78.  26.  the  camp,  f  as  it  w-ere  a  day  s  journey  on  this  tide, 
 t  Heb.  and  as  it  were  a  day’s  journey  on  the  other  fide, 
 cs  it  were  j-ounj  about  the  camp,  and  as  it  were  two  cubits  iiig/i 
 
 ^ofaday.  ^poD  the  face  of  the  earth. 
 
 32  And  the  people  Hood  up  all  that  day,  and  all 
 that  night,  and  all  the  next  day,  and  they  gathered 
 the  quails:  he  that  gathered  leaf!  gathered  ten  homers ; 
 and  they  fpread  them  all  abroad  for  themfelves  round 
 about  the  camp. 
 
 g  pfaim  33  ^nd  while  s  the  flefh  "joas  yet  between  their  teeth, 
 78.30,31.  chewed,  the  wrath  of  the  Lord  was  kindled 
 
 againlf  the  people  ;  and  the  Lord  fmote  the  people 
 with  a  very  great  plague. 
 
 I  That  is,  34  And  he  called  the  name  of  that  place  H  Kibroth- 
 the graves  hattaavah  :  becaufe  there  they  buried  the  people  that 
 lulled. 
 
 they  w-ere  35  And  the  people  journeyed  from  kibroth-hat- 
 taavah  unto  Hazeroth  ;  and  t  abode  at  Hazeroth.* 
 
 II  Or, 
 Cujhite, 
 
 CHAP.  XII. 
 
 1  God  rehuketh  the  /edition  of  Miriam  and  Aaron.  10  Miriam's  leprosy 
 is  healed  at  the  prayer  of  Mofes.  1  4  God  commandeth  her  to  be  fiut 
 out  oj  the  camp. 
 
 And  Miriam  and  Aaron  fpake  againft  Mofes 
 becaufe  of  the  l|  Ethiopian  woman  whom  he 
 
 had  +  married  ;  for  he  had  married  an  Ethiopian  wo-  Before 
 '  Chria 
 
 man.  i.,g„ 
 
 2  And  they  faid.  Hath  the  Lord  indeed  fpoken 
 only  by  Mofes?  hath  he  not  fpoken  alfo  by  us?  And  f  iieb. 
 
 the  Lord  heard  it.  . 
 
 3  (Now  the  man  Mofes  was  very  meek,  *  above  all 
 the  men  which  laere  upon  the  face  of  the  earth.) 
 
 4  And  the  Lord  fpake  fuddenly  unto  Mofes,  and 
 unto  Aaron,  and  unto  Miriam,  Come  out  ye  three 
 unto  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation.  And  they 
 three  came  out. 
 
 5  And  the  Lord  came  down  in  the  pillar  of  the 
 cloud,  and  Hood  m  the  door  of  the  tabernacle,  and 
 called  Aaron  and  Miriam  :  and  they  both  came  forth. 
 
 6  And  he  faid.  Hear  now  my  words  :  If  there  be  a 
 prophet  among  you,  I  the  Lord  will  make  myfelf 
 known  unto  him  in  a  vifion,  and  will  fpeak  unto  him 
 
 in  a  dream.  „ .  _  , .  „  ^  . 
 
 7  My  fervant  Mofes  is  not  fo,  who  is  faithful  in  all  ° 
 
 mine  houfe.  „ 
 
 8  With  him  will  I  fpeak  <=  mouth  to  mouth, 
 
 apparently,  and  not  in  dark  fpeeches  ;  and  the  fimili- 
 
 tude  of  the  Lord  fhall  he  behold  :  wherefore  then 
 were  ye  not  afraid  to  fpeak  againft  my  fervant  Mofes? 
 
 9  And  the  anger  of  the  Lord  was  kindled  againft 
 them,  and  he  departed. 
 
 10  H  And  the  cloud  departed  from  off  the  taberna¬ 
 cle  ;  and,  behold,  Miriam  became  leprous,  tt'/i?Ve,as 
 fnow  :  And  Aaron  looked  upon  Miriam,  and,  behold, 
 she  was  leprous. 
 
 1 1  And  Aaron  faid  unto  Mofes,  Alas !  my  lord, 
 
 I  befeech  thee,  lay  not  the  fin  upon  us,  wherein  we 
 have  done  foolifhly,  and  wherein  we  have  finned. 
 
 12  Let  her  not  be  as  one  dead,  of  whom  the  flefh 
 is  half  confumed  when  he  cometh  out  of  his  mother’s 
 womb. 
 
 13  And  Mofes  cried  unto  the  Lord,  faying.  Heal 
 her  now,  O  God,  1  befeech  thee. 
 
 14  <[[  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  Mofes,  If  her  fa¬ 
 ther  had  but  fpit  in  her  face,  fhould  (he  not  be 
 alhamed  feven  days  ?  let  her  be  fhut  out  from  thed  LeTit. 
 camp  feven  days,  and  after  that  let  her  be  received 
 
 henfion  that  they  were  not  qualified,  for  the  important  office  for  which  they  were 
 rhofen  1  Sai»  X.  22.  but  the  Lord  found  them  out,  qualified  them,  and  they 
 obeyed  the  divine  iropulfe.  Ver.  31.-35.  God  gave  them  fkfh  to  eat ;  either 
 that  delicious  bird  called  a  quail,  or  as  learned  men  have  conjedlured,  locufis,  in 
 fuch  a  quantity,  that  they  were  heaped  two  cubits  high,  and  covered  the  fpace  of 
 fixteen  miles  fouare.  God  fmote  them  with  a  very'  great  plague,  even  m  the  very 
 aa  of  eating  them,  and  calls  the  place  Kibroth-Hollaavah  the  graves  of  lufi. 
 From  this  ulace  they  journeyed  till  they  came  to  Hazeroth,  where  they  abode 
 fome  time  in  confcquence  of  the  unhappy  event  recorded  in  the  following  chapter  ; 
 
 the  difaffeaion  of  Miriam  and  Aaron  to  Mofes,  ^  /- 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XII.  Ver.  1.  Of  all  the  perfons  m 
 the  camp,  Aaron  and  Miriam  were  furely  the  laft  from  whom 
 
 bend  any  complaint;  they  were  not  ignorant  of  the  honours  wdiich  God  had 
 conferred  on  him,  by  which  he  teflified  bis  entire  approbation  of  him  ;  and  they 
 were  his  near  relations,  much  refpefted  by  him,  and  highly  honoured  by  God. 
 Itisfuppofed  from  the  language  in  the  original,  that  Miriam,  jealous  of  her 
 authority,  had  inftigated  Aaron  to  this  ungrateful  condua  againft  tl^ir  brother. 
 And  accordingly  fht  was  the  chief  fufferer,  plagued  with  theleprofy,  Mofes  wife. 
 
 again 
 
 15  And  Miriam  was  (hut  out  from  the  camp  feven 
 
 the  daughter  of  the  prince  of  Midian.  Ainfworth  fuppofes  that  fhe  is  called 
 an  Ethiopian  becaufe  the  Midianites  dwelt  in  the  land  of  Cufh,  and  hence  they 
 were  called  Cufhites.  Perhaps  they  were  alfo  of  the  fame  colour,  and  equally 
 n-iven  to  idolatry.  It  is  very  remarkable,  that  Aaron  and  Miriam  fhould  now 
 find  fault  with  Mofes  for  having  married  Zipporah,  fince  they  had  never  be¬ 
 fore  exprelfed  any  diffatisfaaion.  But  influenced  by  ambition  to  be  like  him, 
 tbev  fought  to  depreciate  his  eharaiSler,  and  it  is  much  to  his  honour  that  they 
 could  not  bring  againft  him  any  juft  accufation.  Ver.  3.  Mofes  was  greatly  dif- 
 tino-uiftied  for  meeknefs  ;  and  for  this  he  is  highly  commended,  notwithftanding 
 that  he  had  fometimes  indulged  anger.  Thus  the  Lord  pardons  his  people’s  fins, 
 and  recommends  their  excellencies  to  imitation,  comp.  Jam.  y.  11.  2  Pet.  ii. 
 7,  8.  Ver.  8.  I  speak  mouth  to  mouth,  means  plainly,  familiarly ;  Mofes  was 
 admitted  into  God’s  prefence,  and  heard  him  fpeak  to  him  as  a  man  does  to  his 
 friend,  Exod.  xxxiii.  11.  In  this  repea  he  excelled  all  the  prophets,  and  was 
 an  eminent  type  of  the  Lord  Jefus  Chrift,  Ver.  10.  Leprous,  white  as  snow : 
 that  is,  the  worft  kind  of  leprofy,  Exod.  iv,  6.  2  Kings  v.  27.  Thofe  feized  with 
 it  were  fliut  out  of  the  camp’,  Lev.  xiii  and  here  God  departed  as  an  indication  ot 
 his  great  difpleafure ;  he  did  not  wait  to  hear  the  confeffion  or  prayers  of  tlia 
 
 ■ — - ^ - - - -  7T7I  TTi  VT  1  Aloe  I  hnw  iinirrateful  is  man  ;  the  greateft  mercies  he  foon  forgets,  and  repines  under  the  moft  falutary 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIOIsS.  ^is  lomr  fuffering  with  our  backfiidings  and  numerous  provocations  ;  while  the  meekeft  men  are 
 
 affliaions.  Let  us  be  bumble  and  ''eturn  to  the  Imrd.  avails^much  ;  and  it  is  a  diftinguifhed  mery  to  have  an  intereft  in  it.  Worldly  profef- 
 
 foon  offended  by  our  unreafonable  condua.  The  °f  a  "g  »  eftimated  by  them  ;  and  giving  them  a  place  in  the  church  tends  to  her  ruin, 
 
 fors  of  religion  foon  difcover  in  time  of  mmptations  that  the  prom  f  .jg  proper  inftruments.  Thefe  need  to  maintain  con  ftantly  the  government  of  their  fpi- 
 
 But  the  Lord  can  preferve  her,  and  to  affea  this  he  to  the  worft  motives.  Entire  fubmiffiou  to  God  fecures  lafting  happi- 
 
 rits  for  many  of  their  brethren  will  often  afcribe  their  moft  difinterefted  and  Denenouu  lauou.o 
 
 nefs,  while  thofe  who  oppofe  him  wiU  find  their  very  blellings  a  curfe. 
 
Before 
 
 Ctiria 
 
 1490. 
 
 A‘ 
 
 land 
 
 Moses  sends  otU  spies. 
 
 days :  and  the  people  journeyed  not  till  Miriam  was 
 
 brought  in  again.  . , 
 
 ,  16  And  afterward  the  people  removed  ‘t’om  ilaze- 
 
 roth,  and  pitched  in  the  wildernels  of  Paran.* 
 
 CHAP  XIII. 
 
 1  The  names  of  the  men  xvho  were  fenl  tofearch  the  land ;  17  theirinjlruc- 
 lijtis ;  HI  their  a6ls ;  26  their  relation.  _  _ 
 
 ND  the  Lord  Ipake  unto  Mofes,  laying, 
 
 2  Send  thou  men,  that  they  may  learch  the 
 of  Canaan,  which  I  give  unto  the  children  of 
 Ifrael :  of  every  tribe  of  their  fathers  (hall  ye  lend  a 
 man,  every  one  a  ruler  among  them. 
 
 3  And  Mofes,  by  the  commandtnent  of  the  Lord, 
 
 fent  th^m  from  the  wildernels  of  Paran :  all  thole 
 men  ttrrc  heads  of  the  children  of  Ifrael.  _ 
 
 4  And  thefe  licere  their  names  •  Of  the  tribe  oi 
 Reuben  ;  Shamraua  the  fon  of  Zaccur. 
 
 5  Of  the  tribe  of  Simeon  ;  Shaphat  the  fon  of 
 
 Hori.  .  .  /•  T  L 
 
 6  Of  the  tribe  of  Judah  ;  Caleb  the  Ion  of  Jephun- 
 
 neh.  r  T  r  L 
 
 7  Of  the  tribe  of  Iffachar  ;  Igal  the  fon  of  Joleph. 
 
 8  Of  the  tribe  of  Ephraim  ;  Olhea  the  fon  of  Nun. 
 
 9  Of  the  tribe  of  Benjamin  ;  Palti  the  fon  of  Raphu. 
 
 10  Of  the  tribe  of  Zebulun ;  Gaddiel  the  Ion  of 
 
 1 1  Of  the  tribe  of  Jofeph,  namclyy  of  the  tribe  of 
 Manaff.^h  ;  Gaddi  the  fon  of  Sufi. 
 
 12  Of  the  tribe  of  Dan  ;  Ammiel  the  fon  of  Gemalli. 
 
 13  Of  the  tribe  of  Alher ;  Sethur  the  fon  of  Michael. 
 
 14  Of  the  tribe  of  Naphtali ;  Nahbi  the  fon  of 
 
 Vophfl.  rUT  L- 
 
 15  Of  the  tribe  of  Gad  ;  Geuel  the  fon  of  Machi. 
 
 16  Thefe  are  the  names  of  the  men  which  Mofes 
 fent  to  fpy  out  the  land.  And  Mofes  called  Olhea 
 the  fon  of  Nun,  Jehofhua. 
 
 17  %  And  Mofes  fent  them  to  fpy  out  the  land  of 
 Canaan,  and  faid  unto  them,  Get  you  up  this  way 
 fouthward,  and  go  up  into  the  mountain  ; 
 
 18  And  fee  the  land,  what  it  is:  and  the  people 
 that  dwelleth  therein,  whether  they  be  ftrong  or 
 weak,  few  or  many  ; 
 
 19  And  what  the  landzs  that  they  dwell  in,  whether 
 it  be  good  or  bad  ;  and  what  cities  they  be  that  they 
 dwell  in,  whether  in  tents,  or  in  ftrong  holds  ; 
 
 20  And  what  the  land  is,  whether  it  be  fat  or  lean, 
 whether  there  be  w'ood  therein,  or  not :  and  be  ye 
 of  good  courage,  and  bring  of  the  fruit  of  the  land. 
 (Now  the  time  was  the  time  of  the  firft-ripe  grapes.) 
 
 NUMBERS. 
 
 7Jie  spies*  instructions,  Sfc. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift. 
 
 1491. 
 
 21  H  So  they  went  up,  and  fearched  the  land,  from 
 the  wildernefs  of  Zin  unto  Kehob,  as  men  come  to 
 Hamath. 
 
 22  And  they  afeended  by  the  fouth,  and  came  un¬ 
 to  Hebron,  w'here  Ahiman,  Shefhai,  and  I’almai,  the 
 children  of  Anak  were.  (Now  Hebron  was  built 
 
 I  feven  years  before  Zoan  in  Egypt.)  ^  x-n.  i 
 
 i  23  *  And  they  came  unto  the  II  brewk  of  Lfncol, »  oeut. 
 and  cut  down  from  thence  a  branch  with  one  clufter 
 of  grapes,  and  they  bare  it  between  two  upon  ^yatiey. 
 ftaff ;  and  they  brought  of  the  pomegranates,  and  of 
 
 the  n^s* 
 
 24  The  place  was  called  the  1|  brook  || 
 
 caufe  of  the  clufter  of  grapes  which  the  children  of  y 
 
 Ifrael  cut  down  from  thence.  r-  .  ,  .  ^ 
 
 25  And  they  returned  from  fearching  of  the  landefgrop'*. 
 
 after  forty  days. 
 
 26  And  they  went  and  came  to  Moles,  and  to 
 Aaron,  and  to  ail  the  congregation  of  the  children  of 
 Ifrael,  unto  the  wildernefs  of  Paran,  to  Kadefh  ;  and 
 brought  back  word  unto  them,  and  unto  all  the 
 congregation,  and  fhewed  them  the  fruit  of  the 
 land. 
 
 27  And  they  told  him,  and  laid.  We  came  unto 
 
 the  land  whither  thou  fenteft  us,  and  furelyit  floweth 
 with  milk  and  honey  ;  and  this  is  the  fruit  of  it.  _  ^ 
 
 28  Neverthelefs  the  people  be  ftrong  that  dwell  in 
 the  land,  and  the  cities  are  walled,  and  very  great  ; 
 and,  moreover,  we  faw  the  children  of  Anak  there. 
 
 29  The  Amalekites  dwell  in  the  land  of  the  louth  ; 
 and  the  Hittites,  and  the  Jebufites,  and  the  Amo- 
 rites,  dwell  in  the  mountains  ;  and  the  Canaanites 
 dwell  bv  the  fea,  and  by  the  coaft  of  Jordan. 
 
 30  And  Caleb  ftilled  the  people  before  Mofes,  and 
 faid,  Let  us  go  up  at  once,  and  pofTefs  it ;  for  we  are 
 well  able  to  overcome  it. 
 
 31  But  the  men  that  went  up  with  him  faid.  We 
 be  not  able  to  go  up  againft  the  people  ;  for  they  are 
 ftronger  than  we. 
 
 32  And  they  brought  up  an  evil  report  of  the  land 
 which  they  had  fearched  unto  the  children  of  llrael, 
 faying.  The  land,  through  w'hich  we  have  gone  to 
 fearch  it,  is  a  land  that  eateth  up  the  inhabitants 
 thereof ;  and  all  the  people  that  we  faw  in  it  are 
 
 men  of  a  great  ftature.  ^ilre. 
 
 33  And  there  we  law  the  giants,  the  fons  of  Anak, 
 which  co'ne  of  the  giants  :  and  we  were  in  our  own 
 fight  as  grafhoppers,  and  fo  we  were  in  their  fight. f 
 
 guilty  perfons.  Ver.  11.  Aaron  felt  himfelf  unworthy  of  accefs  to  God,  and 
 humbled  himfelf  before  him  ;  and  acknowledging  the  exaltation  of  Mofes,  be- 
 fought  him  in  behalf  of  their  filler.  Mofes,  whofe  love  and  compalfion  equalled 
 his  meeknefs,  prayed  for  her,  and  the  Lord  granted  his  requeft,  and  thus  gave 
 a  renewed  teftimony  of  his  delight  in  him,  Job  xlii.  7,  8.  Ver.  14.  To  spit  in,  or 
 before  the  face,  was  an  exprelRve  mark  of  difapprobation,  lhame  and  contempt, 
 Job  XXX.  10.  Ifa.  1.  6.  The  leper  remained  excluded  from  the  camp  /even  daps 
 after  his  cleanfing,  Lev.  xiv.  8.  Ver.  15.  The  people  not  journeying  till  Mi¬ 
 riam  was  reftored  to  them,  tellified  that  refpeiSl  for  her  which  (he  deferred  as  one 
 whom  God  had  fent  to  guide  them,  Exod.  xv.  20.  Mic.  vi.  4. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XIII.  Ver.  1.  The  Lord  spake. 
 The  propofal  to  lend  fpies  originated  with  the  people,  whofe  requeft.  it  appears 
 Mofes  brought  before  the  Lord,  who  enjoined  him  to  gratify  their  willies  ; 
 
 comp.  Deut.  i.  19 — 24.  Ver.  16.  The  change  of  Odiea's  name  to  that  of  Jeho- 
 
 Jhua,  or  Jolhua,  a  favLour,  was  for  his  honour,  which  his  uniform  condu<5i  merit¬ 
 ed,  and  which  his  future  office  and  work  in  leading  lfr.ael  to  vi<flory  and  glory, 
 fully  illuftrated,  by  which  he  became  an  eminent  type  of  Jefus,  the  Saviour,  who 
 fares  his  people  from  all  their  enemies,  that  they  may  ferve  God  in  holinefs  and 
 righteoufnefs  all  the  days  of  their  life.  Ver.  30.  Joftiua  agreed  to  the  declaration 
 of  Caleb,  chap.  xiv.  6,  7.  Mofes  joined  tlrem  in  encouraging  the  people  ;  but  the 
 influence  of  the  unbelieving  princes  prevailed,  and  involved  them  in  many  and 
 grievous  troubles,  Deut.  i.  29,  33.  Ver.  32.  Eateth  up;  that  is,  killelh  the  inba- 
 oitants,  Ezek.  xxxvi.  1  3.  Tliis  alludes  to  the  prevalency  of  civil  wars,  fome  of 
 which  are  noticed,  chap.  xxi.  28,  29.  Deut.  ii.  23.  Thefe  wars  are  referred  to 
 as  a  proof  that  the  inhabitants  inured  to  fight  would  with  more  difficulty  be 
 overcome. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Ch.'Vp.  XII.]  Nothing  produces  hotter  difputes,  nor  betrays  the  evils  lurking  in  the  human  heart,  more  than  jealoufy 
 of  power.  Grace,  natural  afledlion,  duty,  and  fafety  are  trampled  under  by  thofe  who  afpire  to  dignity  and  grandeur.  Contrafted  with  fuch  cbaradlers,  how  great 
 and  amiable  doth  Mofes’  condu<ft  appear!  God  manifefts  particular  pleafure  in  vindicating  and  honouring  his  faithful  and  difiiUerefted  fervants;  and  he  will  avenge 
 the  inj,urics  which  they  patiently  endure.  It  is  therefore  dangerous  to  revile  them;  and  thofe  guilty  (hall  at  laft  bow  to  them  and  confefs  their  fins.  But  God  often 
 deals  moft  fharply  with  his  moll  eminent  fervants  w  hen  they  ofi'end  him  ;  and  marks  the  abominable  nature  of  their  fin  in  the  pain  or  lhame  of  their  punifhment. 
 Their  entire  fubmilfion  to  tlie  chaftifement  redounds  t.o  their  honour,  and  illuftrates  the  grace  of  God  in  them.  AffeeSlionate  interceflions  for  thofe  who  have  injured 
 us,  are  profitable  to  them,  honouring  to  us,  and  acceptable  to  God. 
 
 f  liACTICAL  OBSEilVATIONS.— t  CuAf,  XIII.]  Many  characters  employed  in  the  moft  important  tranfadion*,  are  only  memorable  for  their  lafting 
 
KUMBERS. 
 
 The  people  murmur. 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 1490.  1 
 
 CHAP.  XIV. 
 
 Tkepeo})U  murmur  at  t^e  news ;  6  Joshua  and  Caleb  labour  to  Jill 
 thyi.  11  God  threateneth  them,  13  Mofes  entreateth  God,  and  ob- 
 taineth  pardon,  26  The  murmurers  are  deprived  of  entering  into  the 
 land.  36  Ihe  men  who  raised  the  evil  report  die  by  a  plague,  40  The 
 people  that  would  invade  the  land  are  smitten. 
 
 And  all  the  congregation  lifted  up  their  voice, 
 and  cried  ;  and  the  people  wept  that  night. 
 
 2  And  all  the  children  of  Ifrael  murmured  againll 
 Mofes  and  againft  Aaron  ;  and  the  whole  congrega¬ 
 tion  faid  unto  them,  Would  God  that  we  had  died  in 
 the  land  ot  Epypt !  or,  w'ould  God  we  had  died  in 
 this  wdldernefs ! 
 
 3  And  wherefore  hath  the  Lord  brought  us  unto 
 this  land,  to  fall  by  the  fword,  that  our  wives  and 
 our  children  fhould  be  a  prey?  Were  it  not  better 
 for  us  to  return  into  Egypt. 
 
 4  And  they  faid  one  to  another.  Let  us  make  a 
 captain,  and  let  us  return  into  Egypt. 
 
 5  Then  Mofes  and  Aaron  fell  on  their  faces  before 
 all  the  affembly  of  the  congregation  of  the  children  of 
 Ifrael. 
 
 6  ^  And  Jofhua  the  fen  of  Nun,  and  Caleb  the 
 fon  of  Jephunneh,  tc/i/c/i  were  of  them  that  fearched 
 the  land,  rent  their  clothes. 
 
 7  And  they  fpake  unto  all  the  company  of  the  chil¬ 
 dren  of  Ifrael,  faying.  The  land,  which  we  paffed 
 through  to  fearch  it,  is  an  exceeding  good  land. 
 
 8  It  the  Lord  delight  in  us,  then  he  will  bring  us 
 into  this  land,  and  give  it  us  ;  a  land  which  floweth 
 with  milk  and  honey. 
 
 9  Only  rebel  not  ye  againft  the  Lord,  neither  fear 
 ye  the  people  of  the  land  ;  for  they  are  bread  for  us  ; 
 f  Heb.  their  t  defence  is  departed  from  them,  and  the  Lord  [ 
 shadow.  2s  with  US  ;  fear  them  not. 
 
 to  But  all  the  congregation  bade  ftone  them  with  ! 
 ftones.  And  the  glory  of  the  Lord  appeared  in  the  | 
 tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  before  all  the  children  i 
 of  Ifrael.  j 
 
 11  H  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  Mofes,  How  long 
 will  this  people  provoke  me  ^  and  how  long  will  it  | 
 be  ere  they  believe  me,  for  all  the  figns  which  I  have 
 {hewed  among  the  m 
 
 12  I  w'ill  fmite  them  with  the  peftilence,  and  difin- 
 herit  them,  and  w'ill  make  of  thee  a  greater  nation 
 and  mightier  than  they. 
 
 ftExod.  13  If  And  ®  Mofes  faid  unto  the  Lord,  Then  the 
 32. 12.  Egyptians  (hall  hear  it,  (for  thou  broughteft  up  this 
 people  in  thy  might  from  among  them,) 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chaf.  XIV.  Ver.  I — 4.  Difeontent  now 
 
 fpreads  through  the  camp,  every  face  gathers  blacknefs,  defpair  feizes  the  hoft  and 
 unmanly  tears  fill  their  eyes,  while  cowardly  terrors  deftroy  their  courage.  They 
 clamour  againft  Mofes  and  Aaron,  and  ,  wilh  they  had  died  in  Egypt  or  the 
 wildernefs,  rather  than  be  reduced  to  their  imaginary  diftreffes ;  and  they  charge 
 that  gracious  Jehovah,  who  had  fed  and  preferved  them  fo  long  and  fo  richly, 
 with  the  moft  horrid  defign  of  deceiving  and  deftroying  them.  At  laft  they 
 come  to  the  defperate  refolution  of  returning  to  Egypt,  and  refolve  to  choofe 
 a  captain  in  order  to  head  their  mutiny,  and  lead  them  back  to  that  land  of 
 bondage.  Ver.  5 — 10.  Vain  is  every  attempt  to  prevent  thofe  who  are  bent 
 on  their  own  ruin.  Mofes  and  Aaron  fell  upon  their  faces,  either  furprifed 
 at  their  unaccountable  procedure,  or  rather,  confeious  of  their  great  fin,  to 
 fupplicate  God’s  patience  and  continuance  of  the  mercies  which  they  had  for¬ 
 feited.  Caleb  and  Jol-liua  fecond  their  prayers,  with  every  forcible  argument, 
 and  filled  with  indignation  and  grief  at  their  ingratitude  and  rebellion,  they 
 rend  their  clothes,  and  entreat  them  to  confider  the  falcity  of  their  report,  and  the 
 unreafonabienefs  of  their  fears.  They  (hew  that  the  people  were  not  fo  nu¬ 
 merous  as  they  apprehended,  that  their  defence  was  gone,  as  the  Lord  had  deter- 
 
 Moses  intercedetJi  for 
 
 f 
 
 14  And  they  will  tell  it  to  the  inhabitants  of  this  tefore 
 land  :  for  they  have  heard  that  thou.  Lord,  art  among 
 
 this  people ;  that  thou.  Lord,  art  feen  face  to  face  ; 
 and  that  ^  thy  cloud  ftandeth  over  them  ;  and 
 thou  goeft  before  them,  by  day-time  in  a  pillar  of  a  is.  2°r 
 cloud,  and  in  a  pillar  of  fire  by  night. 
 
 15  Now,  thou  fhalt  kill  all  this  people  as  one 
 man,  then  the  nations,  which  have  heard  the  fame  of 
 
 thee,  will  fpeak,  faying,  ^ 
 
 16  Becaufe  the  Lord  was  not  •=  able  to  bring  thisc  Deut  i 
 people  into  the  land  which  he  fware  unto  them,  there-  9.  25.  ‘ 
 tore  he  hath  flain  them  in  the  wildernefs. 
 
 17  And  now,  I  befeech  thee,  let  the  power  of  I 
 
 my  Lord  be  great,  according  as  thou  haft  fpoken,  1 
 
 faying,  ^  j 
 
 18  The  Lord  is  ^  long-fuffering,  and  of  great Exod.  I 
 mercy,  forgiving  iniquity  and  tranfgreilion,  and  byp^:®* 
 no  means  clearing  the  guilty  ®  vifitirg  the  iniquity  of 
 
 the  fathers  upon  the  children  unto  the  third  and  fourth  e  Exod 
 generation.  20. 5.  & 
 
 19  Pardon,  I  befeech  thee,  the  iniquity  of  this^'^’’’ 
 people,  according  unto  the  greatnefs  of  thy  mercy, 
 and  as  thou  haft  forgiven  this  people  from  Egypt  even 
 
 II  until  now.  ^  ||  Or, 
 
 20  And  the  Lord  faid,  I  have  pardoned,  according 
 to  thy  word  : 
 
 21  But  as  truly  as  I  live,  all  the  earth  fhall  be  filled 
 with  the  glory  of  the  Lord. 
 
 22  Becaufe  all  thofe  men  which  have  feen  my  glory, 
 and  my  miracles  which  I  did  in  Egypt,  and  in  the 
 wildernefs,  have  temped  me  now  thele  ten  times,  and 
 have  not  hearkened  to  my  voice  ; 
 
 23  t  Surely  they  fliall  not  fee  the  land  which  1  fware  t  Heb. 
 
 unto  their  fathers,  neither  (ball  any  of  them  that 
 provoked  me  fee  it :  ' 
 
 24  But  my  fervant  ^  Caleb,  becaufe  he  had  another 
 fpirit  with  him,  and  hath  followed  me  fully,  him  will 
 I  bring  into  the  land  whereinto  he  went ;  and  his  feed 
 ftiall  poftefs  it. 
 
 25  (Now  the  Amalekites  and  the  Canaanites  dwelt 
 in  the  valley.)  To-morrow  turn  you,  and  get  you 
 into  the  wildernefs,  by  the  way  of  thn  Red  lea. 
 
 26  H  And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Moles  and  unto 
 Aaron,  faying, 
 
 27  How  long  shall  I  bear  with  this  evil  congrega- 
 
 t'on,  which  murmur  againft  me?  1  have  heard  thegCbap.  ' 
 murmurings  of  the  cruldren  of  Ifrael,  which  iheyg^ 
 murmur  againft  me.  Deut.* 
 
 28  Say  unto  them,  ^  As  truly  as  I  live,  faith  the  1.  31. 
 
 mined  to  punilh  them,  by  delivering  them  and  their  land  into  the  hands  of  bi» 
 cliofen  people.  Deaf  to  every  remonrtrance,  inftead  of  taking  their  advice,  the 
 rulers  of  the  congregation  bade  the  people  ftone  thefe  faithful  witnelTes.  God 
 appears  to  confound  fuch  a  daring  and  impious  deed,  and  to  refeue  his  fervaiits 
 from  their  wicked  defign.  Ver.  21.  This  oath  of  God  primarily  refpeefts  the 
 juft  adminiftration  of  his  government  of  Ifrael,  manifefted  in  punilhing  them 
 for  their  iniquities  by  deftroying  the  rebellious  in  the  wildernefs,  wiiile  he 
 failed  not  to  accomplilh  his  promifes  to  the  fathers;  But  it  was  alfo  illuftrated 
 in  all  his  condutSl  in  every  age  to  Ifrael,  efpecially  in  the  latter  liale,  when 
 they  were  all,  except  a  remnant  rejedled  ;  and  the  Gentiles  called  to  enjoy  the 
 
 bleffings  of  the  covenant  given  to  Abraham.  To  this  event  the  oath  in  thit 
 
 vei  fe  has  an  ultimate  reference,  comp.  Deut.  xxxii.  22.  Thus  God  will  not  want 
 a  people  who  (hall  joyfully  receive  the  good  which  he  has  provided,  and  con¬ 
 template  with  fatisfadlion  the  glorious  difplay  of  his  peifcdlions  in  the  re¬ 
 demption  and  government  of  the  world.  Ver.  22.  Ten  times;  for  many  times, 
 
 Gen.  xxxi.  7.  Job.  xix.  33.  But  the  charge  is  true  in  the  literal  import  of  the 
 phrafe,  for  the  people  had  finned  againft  the  Lord  ten  times,  Exod.  Xiv.  11,  12< 
 XV.  23,  24.  Xvi.  2,  20,  27,  28.  xxii.  1 — 3.  xxxii.  Numb.  xi.  1,  4.  Ver.  23- 
 
 infamy.  The  manifold  experience  of  the  power  of  God,  and  the  greatnefs  or  number  of  his  promifes,  avail  not  to  preferve  thofe  flora  unbelief  who  truft  their  fenil 
 and  reafonings  rather  than  the  exprefs  revelation  of  Heaven.  Let  us  credit  what  the  Lord  hath  faid  concerning  the  heavenly  Canaan  and  the  way  to  it;  and  not  be 
 intimidated  by  any  danger  or  difHculty.  Let  the  teftimony  of  tbe  earueil  of  the  Spirit,  aod  feliowGnp  with  the  faiuts  ftrengthen  Ollr  defire  to  depart  and  b* 
 with  Chrift,  which  is  far  better. 
 
Thr.  people's  infdeUtp  ihrealenctT.  NUMBERS. 
 
 Lord,  ’’  ss  yc  have  Ipoken  in  mine  ears,  fo  will  I  do 
 
 2^9°  Your  carcafes  (hall  fall  in  this  wildernefs ;  and 
 all  that  were  numbered  of  you,  according  to  your 
 whole  number,  from  twenty  years  old  and  upward, 
 which  have  murmured  againft  me. 
 
 30  Doubtlefs  ye  fhall  not  come  into  the  land  con¬ 
 cerning  which  1 1  fware  to  make  you  dwell  therein,  fave 
 Caleb  the  fonofJephunneh,and  Jofhuathefon  of  Nun. 
 
 t  TIeb. 
 lifted  vp 
 tiiy  hand. 
 
 H  Of. 
 
 feed. 
 
 i  Pfalm 
 95. 10. 
 Ezek. 
 
 4.  6. 
 
 H  Or, 
 altering 
 of  my 
 
 The  law  of  the  meal-offering* 
 
 But  they  prelumed  to  go  up  unto  the  hill-top  . 
 neverthelefs  the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  the  Lord,  ana 
 Mofes,  departed  not  out  of  the  camp  :  ,  . 
 
 45  Then  the  Amalekites  came  down,  and  the  Ca- 
 naanites  which  dwelt  in  that  hill,  and  fmote  them,  and 
 “  difeomfited  them,  even  unto  Hormah.* 
 
 CHAP.  XV. 
 
 m  Deut. 
 1.  44. 
 
 31  But  your  little  ones,  which  ye  faid  fhould  be  a 
 prey,  them  will  I  bring  in,  and  they  (hall  know  the 
 
 land  which  ye  have  defpifed.  n  „  r  „  • 
 
 32  But  as  for  you,  your  carcafes,  they  mall  fall  m 
 
 this  wildernefs.  . 
 
 33  And  your  children  fhall  wander  |I  in  the  wilder¬ 
 nefs  forty  years,  and  bear  your  whoredoms,  until  your 
 carcafes  be  waited  in  the  wildernefs. 
 
 34  After  the  number  of  the  days  in  which  ye  fearch- 
 ed  the  land,  even  *  forty  days,  (each  day  for  a  year,) 
 fhall  he  bear  your  iniquities,  even  forty  years  ;  and  ye 
 fhall  know  !|  my  breach  of  promife. 
 
 35  I  the  Lord  have  faid,  I  will  furely  do  it  unto  all 
 this  evil  congregation,  that  are  gathered  together 
 
 -  -  againft  me  :  in  this  wildernefs  they  fhall  be  confumed, 
 furpote.  there  they  fhall  die. 
 
 36  51  And  the  men  which  Mofes  fent  to  fearch  the 
 land,  who  returned,  and  made  all  the  congregation  to 
 murmur  againft  him,  by  bringing  up  a  flander  upon 
 the  land. 
 
 37  Even  thofe  men,  that  did  bring  up  the  evil  report 
 
 k  1  Cor.  upon  the  land,  “  died  by  the  plague  before  the  Lord. 
 10. 10.  38  But  Jofhua  the  fon  of  Nun,  and  Caleb  the  fon  of 
 
 Jephunneh,  which  were  of  the  men  that  went  to  fearch 
 the  land  lived  still. 
 
 39  And  Mofes  told  thefe  fayings  unto  all  the  children 
 of  Ifrael :  and  the  people  mourned  greatly. 
 
 40  51  And  they  rofe  up  early  in  the  morning,  and  gat 
 them  up  into  the  top  of  the  mountain,  faying,  Lo,  ‘ 
 we  be  here,  and  will  go  up  unto  the  place  which  the 
 Lord  hath  promifed  :  for  we  have  finned. 
 
 41  And  Mofes  faid,  Wherefore  now  do  ye  tranf- 
 grefs  the  commandment  of  the  Lord  ?  but  it  fhall  not 
 profper  ? 
 
 42  Go  not  up,  for  the  Lord  is  not  among  you  ; 
 that  ye  be  not  fmitten  before  your  enemies. 
 
 43  For  the  Amalekites  and  the  Canaanites  are  there 
 before  you,  and  ye  fhall  fall  by  the  (word  :  becaufe 
 ye  are  turned  away  from  the  Lord,  therefore  the 
 Lord  will  not  be  with  you. 
 
 Jude  5. 
 
 1  Deut. 
 1.41. 
 
 1  The  law  of  the  meal-offering,  and  the  drink-offering.  14,  29  The 
 (Iranger  is  under  the  same  law.  1 7  The  law  of  the  firjl  of  the  douf^h 
 for  an  hear^ -offering.  22,  27  The  sacrifice,  for  Jins  of  ign  nrarwe. 
 
 30  The  punifhment  for  jiresumption.  32  lie  that  violated  the  sahbull* 
 is  stoned.  37  The  law  of  fringe  u 
 
 And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  faying. 
 
 2  “  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Ifrael,  and  f^Y 
 unto  them,  When  ye  be  come  into  the  land  of  your 
 
 habitations,  which  I  give  unto  you, 
 
 3  And  will  make  an  offering  by  fire  unto  the  Lord, 
 a  burnt-offering,  or  a  facrifice  in  t  performing  a  vow,  b  LeWt. 
 or  in  a  free-will-offering,  or  in  your  folemn  teafts,  to  - 
 make  a  *=  fweet  favour  unto  the  Lord,  of  the  herd, 
 
 of  the  flock ;  rr  •  u  ^ 
 
 4  Th»n  fhall  he  that  offereth  his  offering  unto  'hec  Liod. 
 
 Lord,  bring  a  meat-offering  of  a  tenth-deal  of  flour,  - 
 mingled  with  the  fourth  of  an  hin  of  oil.  ^  2.  i.  & 
 
 5  And  the  fourth of  an  hin  of  \^ine  for  a  drink- e.  i4. 
 offering  fhalt  thou  prepare  with  the  burnt-oftering  cr 
 facrifice,  for  one  lamb. 
 
 6  Gr  for  a  ram,  thou  fhalt  prepare^r  a  meat-offer¬ 
 ing  two  tenth-deals  of  flour,  mingled  with  the  third 
 par;  of  an  hin  of  oil. 
 
 7  And  for  a  drink-offering  thou  fhalt  offer  the  third 
 part  of  an  hin  of  wine,/crafweetfavour  untothe  Lord. 
 
 8  And  when  thou  prepareft  a  bullock  /or  a  burnt- 
 offering,  or  for  a  facrifice  in  performing  a  vow,  or 
 peace-offerings  unto  the  Lord; 
 
 9  Then  fhall  he  bring  with  a  bullock  a  meat-offer¬ 
 ing  of  three  tenth-deals  of  flour,  mingled  with  halt  an 
 hin  of  oil. 
 
 10  And  thou  fhalt  bring  for  a  drink-offering,  half 
 ah  hin  of  wine,_/br  an  offering  made  by  fire,  of  a  fweet 
 favour  unto  the  Lord. 
 
 11  Thus  fhall  it  be  done  for  one  bullock,  or  for  one 
 ram,  or  for  a  lamb,  or  a  kid. 
 
 12  According  to  the  number  that  ye  fhall  prepare, 
 fo  fhall  ye  do  to  every  one  according  to  their  number. 
 
 13  All  that  are  born  of  the  country  fhall  do  thefe 
 things  after  this  manner,  in  offering  an  offering  made 
 by  fire,  of  a  fweet  favour  unto  the  Lord. 
 
 14  51  And  if  a  ttranger  fojourn  with  you,  or  who- 
 
 The  people  now  were  in  Kadejh,  where  they  abode  many  days,  and  then,  for 
 their  trial  and  punifliment,  returned  into  the  wildernefs,  by  the  way  of  the  Red 
 fea,  Deut.  i.  46.  ii.  1-  Ver.  33.  Bear  your  whoredoms ;  that  is,  the  punifhment  of 
 their  alienations  of  heart  and  life  from  God.  Ver.  34.  The  fulfilment  of  God’s 
 promifes  are  infeparable  from  the  faith  and  obedience  of  his  people  ;  and  there¬ 
 fore  when  they  diflruft  and  difohey  him,  he  ceafes  to  fulfil  his  word  of  promife, 
 ard  corredls  them  for  their  fins.  This  is  called  his  breach  of  promise,  which 
 evidently  does  not  imply  any  change  of  mind  in  him,  but  a  change  of  coiidu(5\ 
 which  is  occafioned  by  his  people’s  fins,  and  ceafes  when  they  return  to  him, 
 fee  Deut.  xxxi.  16,  17.  Zech.xi.  10.  Jude  ver.  5.  Rom.  xi.22.  Ver.  44,  The  re¬ 
 movals  of  the  ark  were  regulated  by  the  movements  of  the  cloud,  the  fign  of 
 God’s  prefence ;  without  which  no  one  is  able  to  meet  with  fafety  his  enemies, 
 chap.  ix.  15. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XV.  Ver.  1—21.  God  had  fpared 
 them  at  Mofes’  requeft,  and  in  the  opening  of  this  chapter  inti  i  ates  his  fixed 
 purpofe  of  bringing  them  into  the  land  of  Canaan,  and  repeats  and  enlarges  the 
 fyftem  of  religious  inflitutions,  wliich  they  were  to  obferve.  Thus  mercy 
 accompanies  judgment  in  all  God’s  dealings  with  his  church.  He  hath  con¬ 
 cluded  all  under  lin,  that  the  promifes  of  li.‘’e  might  be  given  to  all  who 
 i  believe,  Gal.  iii.  22.  Ver.  30—41,  Tliough  fias  of  ignorance  admitted  of 
 facrifices,  prefumptuous  fins  were  excluded  from  the  benefit  of  them. 
 I.  The  nature  and  punifliment  of  prefumptuous  fins  ;  we  may  fin  againft 
 knowledge,  or  the  renionflrances  of  our  coiifcience;  yet  without  that  in- 
 folent  contempt  and  defiance  of  God,  wliich  conflitutes  the  charadler  of  tfie 
 prefumptuous  finner.  Every  fin  is  dangerous,  but  when  a  hardened  heart 
 denies  God’s  truth,  quarrels  with  God’s  juliice,  mocks  at  his  threaten ;ngs.  re- 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XIV.]  Behold  here  a  (Iriking  inflance  of  the  direful  influence  of  untratlable  difpofitions  and  unmorlilieii  paf. 
 fions  hurrying  men  on  to  their  ruin.  But  God  tenderly  obferves  the  dangers  of  his  faithful  fervants,  and  interferes  for  their  relief  at  the  critical  moment.  BaIK-cI 
 are  the  people,  whole  rulers  intercede  with  God  on  their  behalf ;  and  fill  their  mouths  with  arguments  provided  by  God  himfelf.  He  will  gracioufly  hear  their  pray¬ 
 ers,  even  when  he  w  ill  not  forbear  to  Ihew  tils  indignation  againft  fin.  But  though  he  is  rich  in  mercy  and  long  fuflering  he  remembers  every  part  of  the  Ctiners’ 
 condudi ;  and  fooner  or  latter  he  will  render  to  all  according  to  their  works.  Let  us  therefore  beware  left  there  be  in  any  of  us  an  evil  heart  of  unbelief. 
 
 No.  i0....6d,  Pp 
 
The  law  of  the  sin  of  ignorance, 
 foever  be 
 
 NUMBERS. 
 
 Chrift  6^  among  you  in  your  generations,  and  will 
 
 eir.  1490.  oner  3"  offering  made  by  fire,  of  a  Cweet  favour  unto 
 the  Lord  ;  as  ye  do,  fo  he  (hall  do. 
 eExod.  15  '  One  ordinance  shall  be  both  for  you  of  the 
 ctr  congregation,  and  alfo  for  the  ttranger  that  fojourneth 
 9. 14.  ^.9  orotnance  for  ever  in  your  generations  : 
 
 as  }e  are^  (o  (hall  the  ftranger  be  before  the  Lord. 
 
 16  One  law,  and  one  manner,  (hall  be  for  you, 
 and  tor  the  ftranger  that  fojourneth  with  you. 
 
 1 .  1  And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  faying, 
 
 18  k^eak  unto  the  children  of  Ifrael,  and  fav  unto 
 
 them.  When  ye  come  into  the  land  whether  I  bring 
 you ;  ° 
 
 f  "^f^cn  it  (hall  be,  that,  when  ye  eat  of  the  bread 
 of  the  land,  ye  (hall  offer  up  an  heave-offering  unto 
 the  Lord. 
 
 20  Ye  (hall  offer  up  a  cake  of  the  firft  of  your 
 d^gh  for  an  heave-offering  :  as  ye  do  the  heave- 1 
 offering  of  the  thrafhing-floor,  fo  (hall  ye  heave  it. 
 
 21  Of  the  firft  of  your  dough  he  (liall  give  unto 
 the  Lord  an  heave-offering  in  your  generations. 
 
 22  ^  And  if  y'e  have  erred,  and  not  obferved  all 
 thefe  commandments  which  the  Lord  hath  fpoken 
 unto  Mofes, 
 
 23  Even  all  that  the  Lord  hath  commanded  you 
 by  the  hand  of  Mofes,  from  the  day  that  the  Lord 
 commanded  Mosesy  and  henceforward  among  your 
 generations ; 
 
 24  Then  it  (hall  be,  if  ought  be  committed  by  igno¬ 
 rance,  +  without  the  knowledge  of  the  congregation, 
 that  all  the  congregation  fhall  offer  one  young  bullock 
 for  a  burnt-offering,  for  a  fweet  favour  unto  the 
 Lord,  with  his  meat-offering,  and  his  drink-offering, 
 according  to  the  f)  manner,  and  one  kid  of  the  goats 
 for  a  fin-offering. 
 
 25  And  the  pried  (hall  make  an  atonement  for  all 
 the  congregation  of  the  children  of  Ifrael,  and  it  (hall 
 be  forgiven  them  ;  for  it  is  ignorance  :  and  they 
 (hall  bring  their  offering,  a  facrifice  made  by  fire  unto 
 the  Lord,  and  their  fin-offering  before  the  Lord, 
 for  their  ignorance : 
 
 26  And  it  (hall  be  forgiven  all  the  congregation  of 
 the  children  of  Ifrael,  and  the  ftranger  that  fojourneth 
 among  them  ;  feeing  all  the  people  were  in  ignorance. 
 
 27  U  And  f  if  any  foul  fin  through  ignorance,  then 
 he  (hall  bring  a  (he-goat  of  the  firft  year  for  a  fin- 
 offering. 
 
 28  And  the  prieft  (hall  make  an  atonement  for  the 
 foul  that  finneth  ignorantly,  when  he  finneth  by  ig¬ 
 norance  before  the  Lord,  to  make  an  atonement  for 
 him  ;  and  it  (hall  be  forgiven  him. 
 
 The  sabhath-brcalcer  is 
 
 stoned 
 
 t  Heb. 
 Jrom  the 
 eyes. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 ordi. 
 
 nances. 
 
 f  Lev. 
 4.  27. 
 
 jefts  his  governmeDt,  and  calls  off  his  fear,  then  the  ftate  is  defperate  indeed 
 and  puniihment  certain  and  dreadful  enfues.  2.  A  prefuuoptuous  fabbath- 
 breaker  is  detedled  and  fuffers  for  his  crime.  He  was  in  contempt  of  the 
 divine  authority,  gathering  flicks  to  light  a  fire,  for  which  he  is  brought 
 before  the  rulers,  and  as  the  cafe  was  unprecedented,  is  put  in  prifon,  till  God 
 determines  what  his  fentence  fhould  be  ;  it  is  pronounced,  and  in  confequence 
 of  it  he  is  floned  to  death.  3.  As  the  Jews  were  God’s  peculiar  people  they 
 are  to  be  different  in  their  wearing  apparel  from  the  nations  around  them.  They 
 are  ordered  by  God  to  wear  fringes  at  the  four  corners  of  their  garments  j] 
 
 29  Ye  (hall  have  one  law  for  him  that  ]  finneth  Before 
 through  ignorance,  boih  for  him  that  is  born  among 
 
 the  children  of  Krael,  and  for  the  ftranger  that  fo- 
 journeth  among  them. 
 
 30  51  But  the  fcul  that  doth  ought  f  prefumptuoufly,  '^oih  f 
 
 (whether  he  be  born  in  the  land,  or  a  ftranger,)  the'*'.^^*^''' 
 fame  reproacheth  the  Lord;  and  that  foul  fhall  be5'"‘ 
 cut  off  from  among  his  people.  hmu, 
 
 31  Becaufe  he  hath  defpiied  the  word  of  the  Lord, 
 and  hath  broken  his  commandment,  that  foul  (hall 
 utterly  be  cut  off :  his  iniquity  shall  be  upon  him. 
 
 32  II  And  while  the  children  of  Ifrael  were  in  the 
 wildernefs,  they  fonnd  a  man  that  gathered  flicks 
 npon  the  fabbath-day. 
 
 33  And  they  that  found  him  gathering  dicks 
 brought  him  unto  Mofes  and  Aaron,  and  unto  all  the 
 congregation. 
 
 34  And  they  put  him  s  in  ward,  becaufe  it  was  g  Bevit, 
 not  declared  what  (hould  be  done  to  him. 
 
 35  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  Mofes,  The  man  (hall 
 be  furely  put  to  death  ;  all  the  congregation  (hall  done 
 him  with  (tones  without  the  camp. 
 
 36  And  all  the  congregation  brought  him  without 
 the  camp,  and  ftoned  him  with  (tones,  and  he  died  ; 
 as  the  Lord  commanded  Mofes. 
 
 37  51  And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  faying, 
 
 38  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Ifrael,  and  bid  ^  Deut. 
 them  that  they  make  them  fringes  in  the  borders 
 
 their  garments,  throughout  their  generations,  and  that23ri' 
 they  put  upon  the  fringe  of  the  borders  a  ribband 
 of  blue : 
 
 39  And  it  (hall  be  unto  you  for  a  fringe,  that  ye 
 may  look  upon  it,  and  remember  all  the  command¬ 
 ments  of  the  Lord,  and  do  them  ;  and  that  ye  feek 
 not  after  your  own  heart,  and  your  own  eyes,  after 
 which  ye  ufe  to  go  a  whoring  : 
 
 40  That  ye  may  remember  and  do  all  my  command¬ 
 ments,  and  be  holy  unto  your  God. 
 
 41  I  the  Lord  your  God,  which  brought  you 
 out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  to  be  your  God  :  I  atn  the 
 Lord  your  God,^ 
 
 CHAP.  XVI. 
 
 1  The  rebellion  of  Kerah,  Dathan,  and  jlbiram.  23  Mofes  separateik 
 
 the  people  from  the  rebels'  tents.  31  The  earth  swalloweth  up  Korah 
 
 and  a  fire  eonsumeth  others,  ^c. 
 
 NOW  *  Korah  the  fon  of  Izhar,  the  fon  of  Ko- 
 hath,  the  fon  of  Levi ;  and  Dathan  and  Abriam 
 the  Cons  of  Eliab  ;  and  On  the  fon  of  Peleth,  fons  of  ecVius. 
 Reuben,  took  men:  45.  is.' 
 
 2  And  they  rofe  up  before  Mofes,  with  certain  of 
 the  children  of  Kfael,  two  hundred  and  fifty  princes 
 
 not  fo  much  for  ornament  as  ufe,  to  remind  them  continually,  which  ever  way 
 they  looked,  of  the  obligation  they  were  under  to  obey  God’s  commandments. 
 This  inflitution  the  Jews  abufed  much,  and  forgot  altogether  its  original  im¬ 
 port,  Matth.  xxiii.  5.  * 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XVI.  Ver.  1—3.  How  ruinous  are 
 the  confequences  of  ambition  !  To  this  the  greateft  dates,  and  mod  flourilhing 
 churches  may  aferibe  their  fall.  1.  The  ringleader  in  this  rebellion  was  Korah, 
 a  Levite,  a  near  relation  of  Mofes  and  Aaron,  yet  filled  with  envy  at  the  honour 
 God  had  put  on  them  ;  Dathan  and  Abiram,  and  On,  of  the  tribe  of  Reuben 
 
 PRACTICAL  observations. — *  Chap.  XV.]  When  diall  we  appear  in  the  Canaan  above,  to  join  the  innumerable  multitude  of  the  redeemed  in 
 offering  the  facrifices  of  praife  and  thanks  continually  to  God  and  the  Lamb  !  Oh  !  the  inconceivable  glory  which  will  then  break  in  on  our  fouls ;  fins 
 of  ignorance  or  prefumption,  a  wicked  heart  or  corrupt  world,  will  no  more  defile  us;  but  one  continual  day  of  pure  and  fatisfa(5lory  happinefs  will  employ 
 our  nainds  to  all  eternity — Meanwhile  let  us  be  thankful  that  the  Gentiles  have  in  all  ages  been  admitted  to  the  provifion  of  the  church  ;  And  let  us  not  fail  to 
 confider  ourfelves  and  fubdance  the  Lord’s  property,  for  the  ufe  of  which  we  are  refponfible  to  him.  Let  us  alfo  live  habitually  fenfible  of  the  value  of  Chrid’s 
 facrifice  to  take  away  fin ;  and  keep  at  the  utmoft  Uiftance  from  all  fecret  faults,  efpecially  prefumptuous  fins  j  for  thefe  bring  on  men  the  wrath  and  indignation 
 of  the  Lord. 
 
numbers. 
 
 Before 
 Clirift 
 cir.  1471. 
 
 b  Chap. 
 26.  9. 
 
 men 
 
 Hie  relcUion  of  Koralt^  Tiatliany  Sjt, 
 
 of  the  afl^mhly,  famous  in  the  congregation 
 
 d^t'hey  gathered  themfelves  together  agaii^ 
 Moles  and  againft  Aaron,  and  laid  unto  them,  t  ^ 
 20.  lake  too  much  upon  y  u,  leeing  all  the  congrega  < 
 
 ^  are  holy,  every  one  of  them,  and  the  Eord  is  among 
 
 rVir  Ihem  :  wherefore  then  lift  ye  up  yourlelves  above 
 
 ^  the  congregation  of  the  Lord? 
 
 4  And  when  Mofe^  heard  ity  he  fell  upon  his  face; 
 
 5  And  he  fpake  unto  Korah,  and  unto  all  his 
 pany,  laying.  Even  to-morrow  the  Lord  wil  Ihew 
 who  ar/  his,  and  -^ho  h  holy  ;  and  will  caufe  Am  to 
 come  near  unto  him  ;  even  him  whom  he  hath  cholen 
 
 will  he  caufe  to  come  near  unto  him.  j  n  u- 
 
 6  This  do :  Take  you  cenfers,  Korah,  and  all  his 
 
 7  And  put  fire  therein,  and  put  incenfe  in  them  be¬ 
 fore  the  Lord  to-morrow :  and  it  (hall  be,  that  the 
 man  whom  the  Lord  doth  choofe,  he  shall  be  holy  : 
 ije  take  too  much  upon  you,  ye  Ions  of  Levi. 
 
 8  And  Mofes  laid  unto  Korah,  Hear,  1  pray  you- 
 
 ye  fons  of  Levi ;  , 
 
 9  8eemdh  it  hut  a  fmall  thing  unto  you,  that  the 
 God  of  Ifrael  hath  feparated  you  from  the  congrega 
 tion  of  Ifrael.  to  bring  you  near  to  himfelf,  to  do  the 
 fervice  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  Lord,  and  to  Itand 
 
 before  the  congregation  to  minifter  unto  them . 
 
 10  And  he  hath  brought  thee  near  to  him,  and  all 
 thy  brethren  the  fons  of  Levi  with  thee :  and  leek  3  e 
 
 the  priefthood  alfo  ?  ,  „  , 
 
 11  For  which  caufe,  both  thou  and  all  thy  company 
 
 are  gathered  together  againft  the  Lord  ;  and  what  is 
 Aaron,  that  ve  murmur  againft  him  ?  .... 
 
 12  f  And  M  'fes  fent  to  call  Dathan  and  Abiram, 
 the  fons  of  Eliab  ;  which  faid.  We  will  not  come  up  . 
 
 1 3  It  is  a  fmall  thing  that  thou  haft  brought  us  up 
 
 out  o*’  a  land  that  fioweth  with  milk  and  honey,  to 
 kill  us  in  the  wildernefs,  except  thou  make  thyfelf  al¬ 
 together  a  prince  over  us  ?  .  1  j 
 
 14  Moreover,  thou  haft  not  brought  us  into  a  land 
 that  fioweth  wirh  milk  and  honey,  or  given  us  in¬ 
 heritance  of  fields  and  vineyards  :  wilt  thou  f  put  out 
 the  eyes  of  thefe  men  ?  we  will  not  come  up. 
 
 15  And  Mofes  was  very  wroth,  and  faid  unto  the 
 Lord,  Refpeft  not  thou  their  offering  :  I  have  not 
 taken  one  afs  from  them,  neither  have  I  hurt  one  of 
 
 them.  „  ,  ,  „ 
 
 16  f  And  Mofes  faid  unto  Korah,  Be  thou  and  all 
 thy  company  before  the  Lord,  thou,  and  they,  and 
 Aaron,  tc-morrow : 
 
 17  And  tike  every  man  his  cenfer,  and  put  incenfe 
 in  them,  and  bring  ye  before  the  Lord  every  man 
 his  cenfer,  two  hundred  and  fifty  cenfers  ;  thou  alfo, 
 and  Aaron,  each  of  you  his  center. 
 
 Moses  separateth  the  people* 
 
 Before 
 
 18  And  they  took  every  man  his  cenfe^,  chna 
 
 cir.  1471. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 lore  out. 
 
 c  Gen. 
 
 «  4. 
 
 fire  in  them,  and  laid  incenfe  thereon,  and  .^^ood 
 the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation  with 
 
 Mofes  and  Aaron.  ,  .  n. 
 
 19  And  Korah  gathered  all  the  congregation  againlt 
 
 them  unto  the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congre¬ 
 gation  :  and  the  glory  of  the  Lord  appeared  unto 
 
 fpake  unto  Mofes  and  unto 
 
 ^  aTseplrate  yourfelvcs  from  among  this  congrega¬ 
 tion,  that  1  may  confnme  them  m  a  f,  p  . 
 
 22  And  they  fell  upon  their  faces,  and  laid,  U  Gm, 
 the  God  of  the  Spirits  of  all  flelh,  fl.all  one  man  fin, 
 and  wUt  thou  be. wroth  with  all  the  congregat.on 
 
 23  H  And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  ^Ioles,  laying, 
 
 24  Speak  unto  the  congregation,  faying.  Get  you 
 up  from  about  the  tabernacle  of  Korah,  Dathan,  and 
 
 ^25  And  Mofes  rofe  up,  and  went  unto  Dathan  and 
 Abiram  :  and  the  elders  of  Ifrael  followed  him. 
 
 26  And  he  fpake  unto  the  congregation,  faying. 
 Depart,  I  pray  you,  from  the  tents  of  thefe  wicked 
 men,  and  touch  nothing  of  theirs,  left  ye  be  confuraed 
 
 in  all  their  fins.  ,  r  u 
 
 27  So  they  gat  up  from  the  tabernacle  of  Korah, 
 
 Dathan  and  Abiram,  on  every  fide ;  and  Dathan  and 
 Abiram  came  out,  and  flood  in  the  door  of  their 
 tents,  and  their  wives,  and  their  fons,  and  their  little 
 
 28  And  Mofes  faid,  Hereby  ye  fhall  know  that 
 the  Lord  hath  fent  me  to  do  all  thefe  works ;  (for 
 /  have  not  done  them  of  mine  own  mind  ;) 
 
 29  If  thefe  men  die  f  the  common  death  of  all  men,  f  Heb. 
 or  if  they  be  vifited  after  the  vifitation  of  all  men, 
 
 then  the  Lord  hath  not  fent  me.  j  u  *  h  k 
 
 30  But  if  the  Lord  t  make  a  new  thing,  and 
 earth  open  her  mouth,  and  fwallow  them  up,  with  al 
 that  appertain  unto  them,  and  they  go  down  quick 
 into  the  pit  j  then  ye  fhall  underftand  that  thefe  men 
 
 have  provoked  the  Lord.  ,  ,  ,  ,  j  o 
 
 31  f  **  And  it  came  to  pafs,  as  he  had  made  an  end 
 
 of  fpeaking  all  thefe  words,  that  the  ground  clave 
 afunder  that  wars  under  them :  ,  r  ,,  ii-  6. 
 
 32  And  the  earth  opened  her  mouth,  and  fwallowed  pikL 
 them  up,  and  their  houfes,  and  all  the  men  that  ap-  7. 
 pertained  unto  Korah,  and  all  their  goods. 
 
 33  They,  and  all  that  appertained  to  them,  went 
 down  alive  into  the  pit,  and  the  earth  clofed  upon 
 them :  and  they  perifhed  from  among  the  congrega- 
 
 34  And  all  Ifrael  that  "jeere  round  about  them  fled 
 at  the  cry  of  them  :  for  they  faid.  Left  the  earth  Iwal- 
 tow  us  up  also. 
 
 join  him  in  their  difeontent,  perhaps  bccaufe  Judah  was  preferred.  Reuben  had 
 forfeited  the  honour  of  the  firft-born,  and  it  was  probably  this  privilege  which 
 his  fons,  by  the  mod  unlawful  means,  wiihed  to  recover.  They  camped  next  to 
 the  Korathiies,  whofe  unrighteous  condudl  they  “  ere  too  ready  to  imitate  ;  Woe 
 to  the  wicked,  and  woe  to  their  neighbour.  This  rebellion  became  '  oft  alarm, 
 ing  ;  Korah  covered  his  own  ambition  by  pretending  great  regard  for  the  con¬ 
 gregation,  whom  he  pronounced  all  holy,  and  therefore  each  one  as  well  qualified 
 as  Aaron’s  fons  for  the  office  of  priefthood.  By  this  reafoning,  it  is  probable 
 that  he  wiflied  to  put  afide  the  Lord’s  choice,  and  fubftitute  in  its  place  the  will 
 of  the  multitude.  His  Hattery  (educed  firft  2.')0  most  distinguilhed  princes;  and 
 at  length  all  the  congregation,  ver  19.  Thus  the  hypocrite  with  his  mouth  de- 
 Stroyeth  his  neighbour  ;  hut  through  his  knowledge  fhall  the  just  be  delivered. 
 Ver.  4 — 11.  The  hurniug  of  incenfe  in  the  cenfer  was  the  peculiar  work  of  the 
 priebt,  Lev.  xvi.  12,  13.  2  Citron.  »XTi.  18.  Mofes  wifely  propofed  to  the  rehela 
 
 that  thofe  whom  God  accepted  in  performing  this  work  ftiould  hold  the  prieftly 
 office,  and  thus  he  left  the  difpute  to  be  decided  by  God,  who  had  already  in  the 
 prefence  of  all  Ifrael,  revealed  his  wrath  againft  thofe  who  bad  dared  to  bum 
 incenfe  in  a  manner  which  he  difapproved,  Lev.  x  Ver.  14.  irUt  thou  put  out 
 the  euei  of  thefe  men  ?  that  is,  of  the  whole  congregation,  by  endeavouring  to 
 impofc  on  them.  A  more  falfe  or  infolent  charge  had  never  been  brought 
 againft  any  of  God’s  fervants.  But  evil  men  and  feducers  wax  worfe  and  worfe 
 deceiving  and  being  deceived.  Ver.  19.  The  appearance  of  the  glory  of  the 
 Lord  was  calculated  to  awaken  the  congregation  to  confider  the  danger  to 
 which  they  expofed  themfelves,  by  oppofing  a  chief  part  of  the  order  which 
 the  Lord  had  inftituted  among  them.  And  this  was  probably  the  effea  j 
 f,  r  the  multitude  fpeedily  left  their  deluded  leaders,  and  efcaped  omplete 
 and  univerfal  deftruaion.  Ver.  32.  AU  the  meu  that  pertaineth  unto,  or 
 had  joined  the  rebellioa  of,  Korak*  His  fon»  were  excepted,  they  had 
 
Aaron  staydh  the  plague, 
 
 85  And  there  came  out  a  fire  from  the  Lord,  and 
 
 NUMBERS. 
 
 Befbre 
 
 Chrift 
 
 cir.  1471.  confumed  the  two  hundred  and  fifty  men  that  offered 
 incenfe. 
 
 36  And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  faying, 
 
 37  Speak  unto  Eleazar  the  fon  of  Aaron  the  prieft, 
 that  he  take  up  the  confers  out  of  the  burning,  and 
 fcatter  thou  the  fire  yonder  ;  for  they  are  hallowed. 
 
 38  1  he  confers  ot  thefe  finners  againft  their  own 
 fouls,  let  them  make  them  broad  plates  Jbr  a  cover¬ 
 ing  ot  the  altar ;  for  they  offered  them  before  the 
 Lord,  therefore  they  are  hallowed :  and  they  (hall 
 be  a  fign  unto  the  children  of  Ifrael. 
 
 39  And  Eleazar  the  prieft  took  the  brafen  confers, 
 wherewith  they  that  were  burnt  had  offered  :  and 
 they  were  made  broad  plates  for  a  covering  of  the 
 altar ; 
 
 40  To  be  a  memorial  unto  the  children  of  Ifrael, 
 that  no  ftranger,  which  is  not  of  the  feed  of  Aaron, 
 come  near  to  offer  incenfe  before  the  Lord,  that  he 
 be  not  as  Korah,  and  as  his  company  ;  as  the  Lord 
 faid  to  him  by  the  hand  of  Mofes. 
 
 41  H  But  on  the  morrow  all  the  congregation  of  the 
 children  of  Il'rael  murmured  againft  Mofes  and  againft 
 Aaron,  faying.  Ye  have  killed  the  people  of  the  Lord. 
 
 42  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  the  congregation 
 was  gathered  againft  Mofes  and  againft  Aaron,  that 
 they  looked  toward  the  tabernacle  of  the  congrega¬ 
 tion  ;  and,  behold,  the  cloud  covered  it,  and  (he  glory 
 of  the  Lord  appeared. 
 
 43  And  Mofes  and  Aaron  came  before  the  taber¬ 
 nacle  of  (he  congregation. 
 
 44  U  And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  faying, 
 
 45  Get  you  up  from  among  this  congregation,  that 
 I  may  copfume  them  as  in  a  moment.  And  they  fell 
 upon  their  faces. 
 
 46  H  And  Mofes  faid  unto  Aaron,  Take  a  cenfer, 
 and  put  fire  therein  from  off  the  altar,  and  put  on 
 incenfe,  and  go  quickly  unto  the  congregation,  and 
 make  an  atonement  for  them :  for  there  is  wrath 
 gone  out  from  the  Lord  ;  the  plague  is  begun. 
 
 47  And  Aaron  took  as  Mofes  commanded,  and  ran 
 into  the  midft  of  the  congregation  ;  and,  behold,  the 
 plague  was  begun  among  the  people  :  and  he  put  on 
 incenfe,  and  made  an  atonement  for  the  people. 
 
 either  not  aflbciated  with  their  father,  or  had  forfaken  him,  fee  chap.  xsvi. 
 11.  Ver.  33,  34.  Comp.  Pfal.  Ixix.  16.  Iv.  16.  This  dreadful  catallrophe 
 is  an  awful  emblem  of  the  confummation  of  all  things,  when  the  wicked  (hall  be 
 feparated  from  the  congregation  of  the  juft,  and  “  turned  into  hell,  with  all  the 
 nations  that  forget  God.”  Ver.  35.  As  the  princes  had  tinned  in  atfuming  the 
 office  of  the  priefts  by  burning  incenfe,  fo  they  were  confumed  by  fire,  comp. 
 Lev.  X.  2.  Pfal.  cvi.  18.  Ver.  38.  Sinners  ;  a  term  frequently  denoting  notori- 
 oufly  wicked  perfons,  1  Sam.  xv.  18.  Gen.  xiii.  IS.  They  had  finned  lAeir 
 
 «U'n Puls,  when  they  by  their  condu<5l  procured  their  own  death  and  deftru<ftion, 
 Prov.  XX.  2.  A  Jign  to  warn  all  Ifrael  of  the  danger  of  prefumptuoufly  oppofing 
 God  and  his  fervants,  Ezek.  xiv.  8.  1  Cor.  x.  11.  Ver.  41.  Though  favour  be 
 {hewn  to  the  wicked,  they  will  not  learn  righteoufnefs.  Though  Mofes  and  Aaron 
 had  prayed  for  the  people  and  almoft  ventured  their  life  for  them,  and  the  punifh- 
 ment  of  the  rebels  had  been  vifibly  fent  by  God,  yet  it  was  afcribed  to  them,  with¬ 
 out  any  other  reafbn  than  that  it  had  vindicated  their  caufe ;  a  fufficient  reafon, 
 however,  every  one  mull  fee,  to  command  the  efteem  and  confidence  rather  than 
 the  oppofition  of  all  Ifrael.  That  this  renewed,  unexpedled,  and  almoft  unac¬ 
 countable  rebellion,  would  provoke  Jehovah  againft  his  chofen  was  certain ;  but 
 that  he  did  not  utterly  deftroy  them,  is  one  of  the  ftrongeft  evidences  that  he  has 
 
 Aaron’s  rod 
 
 48  And  he  ftood  between  the  dead  and  the  livine  •  n  r  ' 
 
 and  the  plague  was  ftayed.  ^ 
 
 49  Now  they  that  died  in  the  plague  were  four 
 teen  thoufand  and  feven  hundred,  befides  them  that 
 died  about  the  matter  of  Korah. 
 
 50  And  Aaron  returned  unto  Mofes  unto  the  door 
 of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation :  and  the  plague 
 was  ftayed.'*' 
 
 CHAP.  XVII. 
 
 1  Aaron's  rod,  among  all  the  rods,  only  Jtourisheth ;  1 0  it  is  left  for  a 
 monument  for  the  rebels.  '' 
 
 And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  faying, 
 
 2  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Ifrael,  and  take 
 of  every  one  of  them  a  rod,  according  to  the  houfe  of 
 their  fathers,  of  all  their  princes,  according  to  the  houfe 
 of  their  fathers,  twelve  rods  :  write  thou  every  man’s 
 name  upon  his  rod. 
 
 3  And  thou  ftialt  write  Aaron’s  name  upon  the  rod 
 of  Leyi :  for  one  rod  shall  he  for  the  head  of  the  houfe 
 of  their  fathers. 
 
 4  And  thou  fhalt  lay  them  up  in  the  tabernacle  of 
 the  congregation,  before  the  teftimony,  » where  I  wilD  EjoJ, 
 meet  with  you.  25.22. 
 
 5  And  it  (hall  come  to  pafs,  that  the  man’s  rod, 
 whom  I  (hall  choofe,  (hall  bloffom ;  and  I  will  make  to 
 ceafe  from  me  the  murmurings  of  the  children  of  If¬ 
 rael,  whereby  they  murmur  againft  you. 
 
 6  %  And  Mofes  fpake  unto  the  children  of  Ifrael, 
 and  every  one  of  their  princes  gave  him  f  a  rod  apiece,  t  Heb. 
 for  each  prince  one,  according  to  their  father’s  houfes, " 
 
 Aaron  was  among  "X,, 
 
 7  And  Mofes  laid  up  the  rods  before  the  Lord  in"”^^^'* 
 the  tabernacle  of  witnels. 
 
 8  And  it  came  to  pafs,  that  on  the  morrow  Mofes 
 went  into  the  tabernacle  of  witnefs ;  and,  behold,  the 
 rod  of  Aaron,  for  the  houfe  of  Levi,  was  budded, 
 and  brought  forth  buds,  and  bloomed  bloffoms,  and 
 yielded  almonds. 
 
 9  And  Mofes  brought  out  all  the  rods  from  before 
 the  Lord  unto  all  the  children  of  Ifrael :  and  they 
 looked,  and  took  every  man  his  rod. 
 
 ]0  H  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  Mofes,  Bring  Aa-  ^  Hebr. 
 ron’s  rod  again  before  the  teftimony,  to  be  kept  for®-^- 
 
 F 
 
 no  pleafure  in  the  death  of  finners.  Ver.  48.  Aaron,  the  type  of  Cbrid,  flood  bt- 
 tween  the  living  and  the  dead,  that  by  an  atonement  he  might  make  expiation  lot 
 the  living  and  preferve  them  from  the  plague.  It  was  ftayed,  which  thews  tlie 
 efficacy  of  the  prayers  and  interceffions  of  the  faithful,  but  efpecially  the  efficacy  of 
 Chrift’s  work,  comp.  2  Sam.  xxiv.  16. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XVII.  Ver.  1.  A  rod,  or  ftaff  wai 
 ufed  as  an  enfign  of  authority  ;  which  the  princes  of  Ifrael  carried.  Chap,  iji 
 1 8.  On  each  rod  the  name  of  the  tribe  was  to  be  written,  that  by  the  tigu 
 which  was  to  follow  it  might  be  evident  what  tribe  was  chofen  for  the  fervice  ol 
 the  fan<5tuary.  Thus  God  dealt  mercifully  with  his  people  ;  for  though  he  baJ 
 already  teftified  in  many  ways  his  approbation  of  Aaron,  yet  he  cOndefcendeii 
 
 4*...  A  .4  ......  ^  1  ^  ...If  r* 1  _  .  .  -  V  ^  V  m  .  _  TV 
 
 to  add  another  miracle  that  all  their  fcruples  might  be  removed.  Ver.  8.  .B; 
 
 .  .  -  - a  WXXJMTV.  VI.  >  Cl  .  . 
 
 the  flourithing  of  Aaron’s  rod  the  priefthood  was  confirmed  in  his  family,  - 
 the  vifion  of  the  produaive  vine  wa's  a  fign  to  Pharaoh’s  butler  of  his  reftort 
 tion  to  his  office,  Gen.  xl.  10—13.  The  increafe  and  permanence  of  the  church  t 
 God  are  taught  in  language  which  probably  alludes  to  this  miracle,  Ifa.  xxvi 
 6.  Ver.  10.  Aaron’s  rod  was  preferved  for  a  fign  to  future  generations ;  an 
 was  probably  a  type  of  the  continued  priefthood  of  Chrift.  Jieiels,  or  fons  ( 
 rebellion.  They  were  fo  denominated,  becaufe  of  their  pronenefs  to  rebi 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XVI.]  Unmerited  honours  generally  puff  up  men  to  their  own  deftruaion.  If  exalted  above  many  of  tlieir . 
 brethren,  they  can  bear  fubjeaion  to  none.  Oppofition  of  God’s  fervants,  is  by  him  accounted  rebellion  againft  himfelf;  and  often  would  whole  nations  be 
 ruined,  but  for  the  interceffions  of  thofe  whom  they  perfecute.  While  God  is  long-fuft’ering,  he  fets  up  proper  memorials  of  his  judgments.  Thefe,  however, 
 are  iafofficient  to  reftrain  hardened  finners  from  perfevering  in  their  fins.— How  like  their  mafter,  Chrift,  do  thofe  minifters  aa,  who  hazard  their  lives  to  Ibve 
 thofe  who  abufe  them  !  Let  us  admire  and  adore  our  great  High- Prieft,  who  vailed  the  glory  of  Deity,  and  fuffered  ihftead  of  finners,  to  flop  the  plague  of  fi®> 
 already  begun  in  the  woeiof  life,  the  flings  of  cbnfcience,  and  the  fentence  of  death.  In  him  we  hare  redemption  through  his  blood,  according  to  the  riches  cf 
 forereign  grace. 
 
Aaron'* s  rod  Jlouri&hetJi. 
 
 NUMBERS. 
 
 The  prierJs*  and  LnU-.’s*  portion* 
 
 cir, 
 
 Pufiire  a  tokf'D  the  f  rebels ;  and  thou  (halt  Quite  take 
 
 ciinii  away  their  murmurings  from  me,  that  they  die  not. 
 
 _ _ J  11  And  M  desdid  so ;  as  the  Lord  commanded 
 
 .  jiei,.  him,  (b  d  d  he. 
 
 \i,iidren.of  1‘2  And  the  children  of  Ifr.iel  fpake  unto  Moles, 
 rtbeiiion.  laying.  Behold,  we  die,  we  perilh,  we  all  perifh. 
 
 13  Wtiofoever  coineth  any  thin";  near  unto  the  ta¬ 
 bernacle  of  the  Lord  (hull  die  :  Ihall  we  be  confumed 
 with  dying 
 
 CHAP.  XVI II. 
 
 1  The  charge  of  the  priests  and  Levites.  9  I  he  priests' portion.  21  The 
 Levites'  portion.  23  The  heave-offering  to  the  priests  out  oj  the  Levites 
 porAon. 
 
 And  the  Lord  faid  unto  Aaron,  Thou  and  thy 
 Ions,  and  thy  father’s  houle  with  thee,  Ihall 
 bear  the  iniquity  of  the  fan<ffuary  ;  and  thou  and  tny 
 '  fons  \yith  thee  Ihall  bear  the  iniquity  of  your  prieft- 
 hood. 
 
 2  And  thy  brethren  alfo  of  the  tribe  of  Levi,  the 
 tribe  of  thy  father,  bring  thou  wdth  thee,  that  they 
 may  be  joined  unto  thee,  and  miniller  unto  thee : 
 but  thou  and  thy  fons  with  thee,  shall  minister  before 
 the  tabernacle  of  witnefs. 
 
 3  And  they  Ihall  keep  thy  charge,  and  the  charge 
 of  all  the  tabernacle  ;  only  they  Ihall  not  come  nigh 
 the  velTels  of  the  fanftuary  and  the  altar,  that  neither 
 they,  nor  ye  alfo,  die. 
 
 4  And  they  Ihall  be  joined  unto  thee,  and  keep  the 
 charge  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  for  all 
 the  fervice  of  the  tabernacle :  and  a  ftranger  Ihall  not 
 come  nigh  unto  you. 
 
 5  And  ye  Ihall  keep  the  charge  of  the  fanftuary, 
 and  the  charge  of  the  altar ;  that  there  be  no  wrath 
 any  more  upon  the  children  of  Ifrael. 
 
 »  Chap.  6  And  I,  behold,  I  have  *  taken,  your  brethren  the 
 Levites  from  among  the  children  of  Ifrael  ;  to  you 
 they  are  given  as  a  gift  for  the  Lord,  to  do  the  fer¬ 
 vice  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation. 
 
 7  Therefore  thou  and  thy  fons  with  theefhall  keep 
 your  prieft’s  office  for  every  thing  of  the  altar  and 
 within  the  vail ;  and  ye  Ihall  ferve :  I  have  given  your 
 prieft’s  office  unto  you  as  a  fervice  of  gift  :  and  the 
 ftranger  that  cometh  nigh  Ihall  be  put  to  death. 
 
 8  f  And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Aaron,  Behold,  1 
 alfo  have  given  thee  the  charge  of  mine  heave-oft’er-  | 
 ings  of  all  the  hallowed  things  of  the  children  of 
 Ifrael ;  unto  thee  have  I  given  them,  by  reafon  of 
 
 the  anointing,  and  to  thy  fons  by  an  ordinance  for 
 
 ever.  n  .  i  l- 
 
 9  This  Ihall  be  thine  of  the  moft  hcly  things,  re- 
 
 setvrd\vovc\  the  fire  :  Every  oblation  of  theirs,  every 
 meat-offering  of  theirs,  and  every  fin-offcrng  of 
 theirs,  and  every  trelpafs-oft^ring  of  their%  which 
 they  Ihall  render  unto  me,  shall  be  moft  holy  for  thee, 
 
 i  and  for  thy  fons.  „  ,  , 
 
 10  In  the  moft  holy  place  (halt  thcu  eat  it ;  every 
 
 male  Ihall  eat  it :  it  Ihall  be  holy  unto  ffiee. 
 
 11  And  this  is  thine;  the  heavc-offtnng  of  the;r 
 gift,  with  all  the  wave-oflerings  of  the  children  of 
 Ifrael  :  1  have  given  them  unto  thee,  and  to  thy  b  l^. 
 fms,  and  to  thy  daughters  with  thee,  by  a  ftatute  ‘ 
 
 for  ever  ;  every  oue  that  is  clean  in  thy  houfe  fhall 
 of^  it* 
 
 12  All  the  t  beft  of  the  oil,  and  all  the  belt  of  thet  Hc-b. 
 wine,  and  of  the  wheat,  the  firft-fruits  of  them,  w'hich'"*- 
 they  fhall  offer  unto  the  Lord,  them  have  I  given  thee. 
 
 13  And  whatfoevtr  is  firlt  ripe  in  the  land,  which 
 they  fhall  bring  un^o  the  Lord,  fhall  be  thine  :  every 
 one  that  is  clean  in  thine  houfe  fhall  eat  ^it. 
 
 14  =  Every  thing  devoted  in  Ifrael  fhall  be  thine.  « r^cTit. 
 
 15  Every  thing  that  openeth  ^  the  matrix  in  all 
 
 S.  45. 
 
 Bgainft  the  Lord,  Deut.  ix.  24.  Ver.  13.  Shall  we  be  consumed  wnth  dying?  This 
 leems  to  be  a  deprecation,  by  which  they  acknowledged  their  fins,  and  implored 
 InerCy.  In  this  fen'fe  interrogations  often  occur,  Pfalm  Ixxxv.  6.  Ifa.  Ixiv.  12. 
 Lam.  V.  22. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XVIII.  Ver.  1.  Bear  the  iniquity 
 of  the  sanSluary ;  that  is,  Aaron’s  houfe  would  futfer  punifhment  for  all  viola¬ 
 tions  of  the  law  done  in  the  famSluary,  which  was  committed  to  their  truft. 
 They  were  alfo  refponfible  for  the  faithful  performance  of  the  duties  of  their  own 
 cflice,  and  ftriilly  charged  to  prevent  any  one  from  intruding  into  it.  Ver.  2. 
 J. lined ;  a  term  which  alludes  to  the  name  of  Levi,  Gtn.  xxix.  3-1.  It  is  after¬ 
 wards  applied  to  thofe  who  joined  themfelves  to  the  Lord  and  his  people ; 
 Efther  ix.  27.  Ifa.  Ivi.  3.  Jer.  1.  5.  The  Levites  miniftered  to  Aaron  to  the 
 congregation,  chap.  xvi.  9.  to  the  Lord,  Dcut.  x.  8.  and  in  the  nam.e  of  the 
 Lord,  Dcut.  xviii.  6,  7.  Their  work  of  preparing  the  facrifice's  to  be  offered  by 
 the  priefls  was  done  before  the  tabernacle.  Ver.  4.  A  Jlranger,  includes  all  who 
 belonged  not  to  the  prieflhood;  in  refpe(5l  of  which  a  Levite  or  Ifraelite  was 
 
 flefh,  which  they  bring  unto  the  Lord,  'xhether  it  be  & 
 of  men  or  beafts,  fhall  be  tnine  :  never  thelefs  the  firft-  22. 29. 
 born  of  man  Ihalt  thou  furely  redeem,  and  the  firft- 
 ling  of  Ui  Clean  beafts  Ihalt  tnou  redeem.  j 
 
 16  And  thofe  that  are  to  be  redeemed,  from  a 
 month  old  Ihalt  thou  redeem,  according  to  thine  efti- 
 matioo,  for  ttie  n  oney  of  five  Ihekels,  after  the  Ihekel 
 
 of  the  lanftuary,  «>  which  is  twenty  gerahs.  e  Ezek. 
 
 17  But  the  firftling  of  a  cow,  or  the  firftling  of 
 Iheep,  or  the  firftling  of  a  goat,  thou  Ihalt  not  redeem  ; 
 they  are  holy  :  thou  Ihalt  fpnnkle  their  blood  upon 
 the  altar,  and  Ihalt  burn  their  fat/or  an  offering  made 
 by  fire,  for  a  fveet  favour  unto  the  Lord. 
 
 18  And  the  fl  Ih  of  them  Ihall  be  thine,  as  the 
 
 f  wave-breaft  and  as  the  right  Ihoulder  are  thine.  f  ExoL 
 
 19  All  the  heave-ofterings  of  the  holy  things,  29-  2g. 
 which  the  children  of  Ifrael  offer  unto  the  Lord, 
 have  1  given  thee,  and  thy  fons  and  thy  daughters 
 with  thee,  by  a  ftitute  for  ever  :  it  is  a  covenant  of 
 
 fait  for  ever  before  the  Lord  unto  thee,  and  to  thy 
 feed  with  thee. 
 
 20  And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Aaron,  Thou  fhalt 
 have  no  inheritance  in  their  land,  neither  Ihalt  thou 
 
 on  a  level  with  a  Gentile,  chap.  iii.  10.  Ver.  5.  The  charge  of  the  fan<5luary 
 w'as  entrufled  to  the  prieflhood,  for  the  good  of  the  people,  who,  if  the  fanc- 
 tuary  was  negle<5ted,  might  be  tempted  to  officiate  as  priefls,  and  bring  on 
 themfelves  that  wrath,  which  they  dreaded  in  coufequence  of  the  punifhment 
 inflidled  on  Korah.  Thus  God  gracioufly  endeavoured  to  difpel  the  fear  which 
 had  feized  the  people,  chap.  xvii.  12,  13.  Ver.  8.  As  God  anointed  and  confe- 
 crated  the  priests  and  Levites  for  his  holy  fervice,  he  mercifully  granted  and 
 ordained,  that  they  ffiould  be  fupported  by  the  provifion  of  the  holy  place, 
 1  Cor.  ix.  13,  14.  Ver.  10.  Every  male ;  females  were  not  to  eat  of  the  most 
 holy  things.  Lev.  vi.  18,  29.  vii.  6.  A  different  law  is  ordained  in  the  kingdom, 
 of  Christ,  Gal.  iii.  28,  Ver.  11.  Strangers  or  hired  fervants,  like  thofe  cere¬ 
 monially  unclean,  were  not  permitted  to  cat  of  the  holy  tilings,  but  the  priefls’ 
 flaves  were  under  the  fame  law  with  his  children.  Lev.  xxii.  10,  11.  Ver.  12. 
 Comp.  Noll.  X.  35 — 39.  Ver.  H.  comp.  Lev.  xivii.  28.  Ver.  15.  Comp.  Notes 
 on  Exod.  xiii.  13.  Ver.  29.  Out  of  all  your  gifts,  which  moft  probably  included 
 the  land  attached  to  their  cities,  chap.  xxxv.  4.  for  a*  all  Canaan  was  the  Lord’s 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XVII.]  How  rich  the  grace  of  God,  who  deigns  even  to  work  miracles  for  the  falvation  of  thofe  who  have 
 ungratefully  and  obftinately  rebelled  againft  him.  Let  all  his  fervants,  therefore,  delight  to  do  good  to  thofe  who  hate  them,  and  blefs  tliofe  who  defpitefully  ufe 
 and  perfecute  them. — None  but  the  rod  of  Jefus,  his  almighty  power  and  perfeA  righteoufnefs,  can  bring  forth  the  blefled  fruits  of  eternal  falvation  to  his  people. 
 I.et  us  rejoice  that  he  lives  to  fave,  and  will  affuredly  blefs  all,  who  place  entire  confidence  in  him,  with  the  fruits  of  the  Spirit,  and  the  tree  of  life,  which  is  in  tht 
 jnidft  of  the  paradife  of  God. 
 
 AT©,  10<<i>6cl«  q 
 
Thi  keavC'O^ring  for  the  priests. 
 
 numbers. 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 eir.  1471 
 
 g  Deut 
 10.  9.  & 
 18.  2. 
 Jofhua 
 13.14,33 
 Etekiel 
 44.28. 
 f  Heb. 
 t»die. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 /at. 
 
 have  any  part  among  them ;  e  I  thy  part  and  thine 
 inheritance  among  the  children  of  Ifrael. 
 
 21  H  And  behold,  I  have  given  the  children  of  Levi 
 nil  the  tenth  in  llr^el  for  ^n  inheritHneej  tor  their  Ter* 
 vice  which  they  ferve,  nvn  the  fervice  of  the  taber- 
 nacle  or  the  congregation. 
 
 22  Neither  mull  the  children  of  Ifrael  henceforth 
 
 come  nigh  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  left  they 
 bear  fin,  f  and  die.  ^ 
 
 Levites  (hall  do  the  fervice  of  the  taber¬ 
 nacle  ot  the  congregation,  and  they  (hall  bear  their 
 iniquity .  It  shall  be  a  (fatiite  for  ever  throughout  your 
 generations,  that  among  the  children  of  Ifrael  they 
 have  no  inheritance. 
 
 2+  But  the  tithes  of  the  children  of  Ifrael,  which 
 they  offer  as  an  heave-offering  unto  the  Lord,  I 
 have  given  to  the  Levites  to  inherit :  therefore  I  have 
 laid  unto  them.  Among  the  children  of  Ifrael  they 
 (hall  have  no  inheritance. 
 
 25  f  And  the  Lord  Ipake  unto  Mofes,  faying, 
 
 26  Thus  fpeak  unto  the  Levites,  and  fay  unto 
 them.  When  ye  take  of  the  children  of  Ifrael  the 
 tithes,  which  I  have  given  you  from  them  for  your 
 inheritance,  then  ye  (hall  offer  up  an  heave-offering 
 of  it  for  the  Lord,  eveti  a  tenth  part  of  the  tithe. 
 
 27  And  this  y  .ur  heave-offering  fhall  be  reckoned 
 unto  you,  as  though  it  were  the  corn  of  the  thrafhing- 
 fioor,  and  as  the  fulnefs  of  the  wine-prefs. 
 
 28  Thus  ye  alio  fhall  offer  an  heave-offering  unto 
 the  Lord  of  all  your  tithes  which  ye  receive  of  the 
 children  of  Ifrael;  and  ye  fhall  give  thereof  the  Lord^s 
 heave-offering  to  Aaron  the  prieft. 
 
 29  Out  of  all  your  gifts  ye  (hall  offer  every  heave- 
 effering  of  ttie  Lord,  of  all  the  t  beft  thereof,  even 
 the  hallowed  part  thereof,  out  of  it. 
 
 30  Therefore  thou  (halt  fay  unto  them.  When  ye 
 have  heaved  the  beft  thereof  from  it,  then  it  (hall  be 
 counted  unto  the  Levites  as  the  increafe  of  the  thrafh- 
 ing-floor,  and  as  the  increafe  of  the  wine-prefs. 
 
 31  And  ye  (hall  eat  it  in  every  place,  ye  and  vour 
 houfe holds :  for  it  is  your  reward  for  your  fervice  in 
 the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation. 
 
 32  And  ye  (halt  bear  no  fm  by  realbn  of  it,  when  ye 
 have  heaved  from  it  the  beft  of  it :  neither  (hall  ye  pol- 
 lute  the  holy  thingsofthe  children  of  Ifrael,  leftyedie.* 
 
 CHAP.  XIX. 
 
 I  The  utater  of  separation  made  of  the  ashes  oj  a  red  heifer.  1 1  The  law 
 for  the  use  of  it  in  the  purification  of  the  unclean. 
 
 it  was  proper  that  the  Levites  as  well  as  the  other  tribes  fhould  acknowledi^e 
 bis  grace  and  love  in  granting  a  part  to  them,  by  giving  him  tithes  of  afl. 
 This  duty,  the  Jews  viewed  extending  to  the  priefts.  Ver.  32.  We  are  taught 
 how  holy  things  might  be  polluted.  Lev.  six.  7,  8.  xxii.  2,  3,  9,  10,  15,  16. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XIX.  Ver.  1.  The  preceding  chapter 
 chiefly  inftruOled  the  minifters  of  the  fandluary  in  their  dutyj  but  here  the 
 people  are  principally  concerned,  for  they  are  taught  how  to  cleanfe  themfelves 
 from  all  ceremonial  impurity,  that  they  might  be  accepted  in  God’s  faniJluary, 
 and  obtain  his  grace  and  mercy.  Never  came  any  yoke t  that  is,  was  not  em¬ 
 ployed  in  any  work ;  a  qualification  peculiar  to  the  heifer,  comp.  Deut.  xxi.  4. 
 Ver.  3.  comp.  Heb.  xiii.  11,  12.  Malefadlors  were  put  to  death  likflitfhe  heifer, 
 without  the  camp,  and  lepers  were  (hut  out  of  it,  chap.  xv.  36.  Lev.  xxiv.  10. 
 Did  not  this  prefigure  MeflTiah  dying  under  the  curfe  for  us?  Ver.  7.  Wafh  his 
 clothes;  a  token  of  uncleannefs.  Lev.  xi.  12.  xv.  5.  The  precept  is  concerning 
 thofe  who  burned  the  heifer,  and  who  gathered  up  the  alhes,  ver.  8,  9,  10. 
 
 And  the  Lord  fpake 
 Aaron,  faying. 
 
 The  laxv  of  pur ificat 
 unto  Mofes  and  unto 
 
 ?0/l. 
 
 Levit. 
 
 *•11,12. 
 
 — r  .  '  o  y,. 
 
 2  This  is  the  ordinance  of  the  law  which  the  LoRDfl'  ’’*' 
 hath  commanded,  faying.  Speak  unto  the  children  of 
 Ifrael,  that  they  bring  thee  a  red  heifer  without  (pot, 
 wherein  is  no  blemilh,  and  upon  which  never  came 
 yoke. 
 
 3  And  ye  (hall  give  her  unto  Eleazar  the  prieft, 
 
 that  he  may  bring  her  *  forth  without  the  camp,  anda 
 one  fhall  (lay  her  before  his  face.  i3.  ii.‘ 
 
 4  And  Eleazar  the  prieft  (hall  take  of  her  blood 
 with  his  finger,  and  ^  fprinkle  of  her  blood  direftly  be-h  Hebr. 
 fore  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation  (even  times,  s- 13.  ‘ 
 
 5  And  one  (hall  burn  the  heifer  in  his  fight ;  her  c  Exod. 
 
 (Idn,  and  her  flefh,  and  her  blood,  with  her  dung,  2913.' 
 (hall  he  burn.  ^ 
 
 6  And  the  prieft  (hall  take  cedar-wood,  and  kyfTop, 
 and  fcarlet,  and  caft  it  into  the  midtt  of  the  burning 
 of  the  heifer. 
 
 7  Then  the  prieft  (hall  wafh  his  clothes,  and  he 
 (hall  bathe  his  flefh  in  water,  and  afterward  he  (hall 
 come  into  the  camp,  and  the  prieft  (hall  be  unclean 
 until  the  even. 
 
 8  And  he  that  burneth  her  (hall  wafh  his  clothes 
 in  water,  and  bathe  his  flefh  in  water,  and  (hall  be 
 unclean  until  the  even. 
 
 9  And  a  man  that  is  clean  (hall  gather  up  the  afhes 
 of  the  heifer,  and  lav  them  up  without  the  camp  in  a 
 clpn  place  ;  and  it  (hall  be  kept  for  the  congregation 
 of  the  children  of  Ifrael  for  a  water  of  feparation  :  it 
 is  a  purification  for  fin. 
 
 10  And  he  that  gathereth  the  afhes  of  the  heifer 
 (hall  wafh  his  clothes,  and  be  unclean  until  the  even  : 
 and  it  (hall  be  unto  the  children  of  Ifrael,  and  unto 
 the  flrangerthat  fojourneth  among  them,  for  aftatute 
 for  ever. 
 
 1 1  51  He  that  toucheth  the  dead  body  of  any  f  man  t 
 
 fliall  be  unclean  feven  days,  souioj 
 
 12  He  fhall  purify  himfelfwith  it  on  the  third  day,’”*”* 
 ^nd. on  the  feventn  day  he  fhall  be  clean:  but  if  he 
 purify  not  himfelf  the  third  day,  then  the  feventh  day 
 he  (hall  not  be  clean. 
 
 13  Whofoever  toucheth  the  dead  body  of  any  man 
 that  is  dead,  and  purifieth  not  himfelf,  defileth  the 
 tabernacle  of  the  Lord  :  and  that  foul  (hall  be  cut  off 
 from  Ifrael :  becaufe  the  water  of  leparation  was  not 
 fprinkled  upon  him,  he  (hall  be  unclean  ;  his  unclean¬ 
 nefs  is  yet  upon  him. 
 
 A  flriking  proof  of  the  imperfeaion  of  the  priellhood  :  for  if  the  priefts  de 
 filed  themfelves  when  engaged  in  the  work  of  purifying  the  people,  it  was  furel' 
 necelTary  that  a  prieft  fhould  arife  of  an  order  and  charaaer  different  froii 
 the  family  of  Aaron,  comp.  Heb.  vii.  26—28.  This  alfo  probably  fignified  tha 
 all  who  had  a  hand  in  Chrill’s  death  became  unclean,  liable  to  the  curfe.  Ver 
 9.  Water  of  separation,  means  water  containing  the  heifer’s  afhes  to  fprinkt 
 on  thofe  feparated  becaufe  of  uncleannefs.  It  prefigured  the  blood  of  (  brill 
 which  preferibed  for  ever  its  efficacy  to  cleanfe  from  all  fin,  Heb  ix.  13,  14 
 Zech.  xiii.  J.  Ver.  11.  Comp.  chap.  vi.  2.  Lev.  vii.  19,  21.  During  feven  day 
 the  unclean  were  fliut  out  from  the  camp,  to  which  in  after  ages  Jerufalein,  tlr 
 holy  city,  correfponded,  becaufe  all  the  males  afeended  thither  to  worfhip  God 
 Ver.  13.  Cut  of,  feparated  from  the  nation  of  Ifrael,  put  to  death.  To  thi 
 punifhment  he  was  lubjetfted  if  he  defpifed  the  water  of  feparation,  and  pre 
 fumptuoufly  difobeyed  the  law  refpeaingit;  but  if  he  had  finned  ignorantly 
 afacrifice  expiated  his  guilt,  Lev.  v.  3—6.  Ver.  14,  15.  Tlie  air  of  the  ten 
 
 The  work  of  the  miniftry  is  not  more  necelTary  than  it  is  important  j  and  much  care,  diligence,  and 
 fidelity  are  required  of  him  who  would  dtfeharge  it  honourably.  God  will  have  bis  fervants  provided  for  to  live  without  worldly  care  ;  and  a  godly  people  will  not 
 
 fail  to  make  a  liberal  provifion  for  them.  But  let  the  Jewifh  miniftry,  chiefly  remind  us  of  him  who  came  not  to  be  miniftered  unto  but  to  minifter,  and  to  give  his 
 
 for  “any.  He  alone  fuftained  the  prelTure  of  divine  wrath,  which  we  have  merited,  and  hath  provided  abundant  provijQoa  for  all  his  houfe  :  and  his 
 
 if  we  bold  faft  tbe  beginning  of  our  wufideoce,  and  ftedfaftnefc  of  bope  firm  unto  the  end.  v  a  u,  ouie ,  anu 
 
 life  a  ranfom 
 houfe  we  are 
 
The  lavi's  for  purifcalton. 
 
 NUMBERS. 
 
 Moses  unbelievhigh/  '■mitcth  the  rock. 
 
 Bi^forc 
 
 Chrift 
 
 [and  they  gathered  themCelves  together  aguind  Moles 
 
 14.  This  is  the  law,  when  a  man  dieth  in  a  tent , ,,  —  ^ 
 
 ...  H„.  A'l 'f '•  “  ■"  I  people  ■  chode  wi,h  Mole,,  and  fpake, 
 
 Ihall  be  unclean  (even  days.  .  .  ,  .  AAr.,..ia  (_}od  that  we  had  died  ‘’when  “ 
 
 Ui'for* 
 C'lnift 
 1 45‘i. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 dujt. 
 
 ■j-  Heb. 
 living 
 waters 
 shall  be 
 given. 
 
 1453. 
 
 ail  DC  uucieaii  icvcu  uavi>«  .  1 
 
 15  And  every  open  veffel,  which  hath  no  covering  j  'a-  Tv 
 
 bound  upon  it,  is  unclean. 
 
 16  And  whofever  toucheth  one  that  is  (lain  with 
 a  (word  in  the  open  fiel  's,  or  a  dead  body,  -r  a  bone 
 of  a  man,  or  a  grave,  fhall  be  unclean  feven  days. 
 
 17  And  for  an  unclean  person  thev  fhall  take  of  the 
 
 brethren  died  before  the  Lord! 
 
 4  And  why  have  ye  brought  up 
 of  the  Lord  into  this  wildernels, 
 cattle  (bould  die  there  ? 
 
 5  And  wherefore  have  ye  made  us  to  come  up  out 
 
 our  a  F.xod. 
 
 iT. 
 
 b  C! 
 
 the  congregation  , 
 that  we  and  cur  '  ’ 
 
 17  And  tor  an  unclean  person  tnev  man  rase  oi  me  ;;  ...........  nr. 
 
 t  afhes  of  the  burnt  heifer  of  purification  tor  fi  ,  and  ,j  of  °  nomeera. 
 
 t  running  water  (hall  be  put  thereto  in  a  veflel ;  jj  place  of  feed,  or  o  »  ’  water  to  drink.  ^ 
 
 18  And  a  clean  perfon  fhall  take  hyfTop,  and  dip  ii  |j  nates  ;  neither  is  t  e  Y  '  orefence 
 
 in  the  water,  and  fprinkle  it  upon  the  tent,  and  upon  i  6  And  Moles  and  tabernacle  of 
 
 all  the  velTels,  and  upon  theperfons  that  were  there,  .  of  the  affembly  unto  t 
 
 and  upon  him  that  touched  a  bone,  or  one  flain,  ij  the  congregation  and  ^^^^Y  ^ 
 
 or  one  dead  or  a  erave •  Ii  the  glory  of  the  I.ord  appeared  unto  them. 
 
 19  And  the  dean  Utall  fprinkle  upon  the  un- '  7  ^  And  the  l-OR D  fpake  laytn? 
 
 clean  on  the  third  day,  and  on  the  (eventh  day  ;  and  ;  8  lake  the  rod,  and  gat  er^  ^ _  _ ^  ^ _ y  ^ 
 
 on  the  feventh  day  he  fhall  purify  himlelf,  and  wafh  | 
 his  clothes,  and  bathe  himfelf  in  water,  and  fhall  be 
 clean  at  even. 
 
 20  But  the  man  that  fhall  be  unclean,  and  fhall  not 
 purify  himfelf,  that  foul  fhall  be  cut  off  from  among 
 the  congregation,  becaufe  he  hath  defiled  the  fanftuary 
 of  the  Lord  :  the  water  of  reparation  hath  not  been 
 fprinkled  upon  him ;  he  is  unclean. 
 
 21  And  it  fhall  be  a  perpetual  ftatute  unto  them, 
 that  he  that  Iprinkleth  the  water  of  reparation  fhall 
 wafh  his  clothes  ;  and  he  that  toucheth  the  water  of 
 reparation  fhall  be  unclean  until  even. 
 
 22  And  whatfoever  the  unclean  person  toucheth 
 fhall  be  unclean  ;  and  the  foul  that  toucheth  it  fhall 
 be  unclean  until  even.* 
 
 CHAP.  XX. 
 
 The  children  of  Ifrael  come  to  Zin,  where  Miriam  dieth  :  2  they  murmur 
 for  want  of  water.  7  Mofes,  smiting  the  rod,  bringeth  forth  water  at 
 Meribah.  22  The  death  of  Aaron. 
 
 ’HEN  came  the  children  of  Ifrael,  the  whole 
 _  congregation,  into  the  defert  of  Zin,  in  the  firft 
 month  :  and  the  people  abode  in  Kadefh  ;  and  Miri¬ 
 am  died  there,  and  was  buried  there. 
 
 2  And  there  was  no  water  for  the  congregation  : 
 
 T 
 
 get  her,  thou  and  Aaron  thy  brother,  and  fpeak  ye 
 unto  the  rock  before  their  eyes  ;  and  it  fhall  give 
 forth  his  water,  and  thou  fhalt  bring  forth  to  them 
 water  out  of  the  rock  :  fo  thou  fhalt  give  the  congrega¬ 
 tion  and  their  beafts  drink. 
 
 9  And  Mofes  took  the  rod  from  before  the  Lord, 
 
 1  as  he  commanded  him. 
 
 10  And  Mofes  and  Aaron  gathered  the  congrega¬ 
 tion  together  before  the  rock,  and  he  laid  unto  them. 
 
 Hear  now,  ye  rebels  ;  muft  we  fetch  you  water  out 
 of  this  rock  ? 
 
 1 1  And  Mofes  lifted  up  his  hand,  and  vith  his  rod 
 he  fmote  the  rock  twice ;  and  the  water  came  out 
 abundantly,  and  the  congregation  drank,  and  their 
 beafts  also. 
 
 12  %  And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes  and  Aaron, 
 Becaufe  ye  believed  me  not,  to  fanftity  me  in  the 
 eyes  of  the  children  of  Ifrael,  therefore  ye  fhall  not 
 bring  this  congregation  into  the  land  which  I  have 
 given  them. 
 
 13  This  is  the  water  of  II  Meribah  ;  becaufe  thee  Pfai. 
 children  of  Ifrael  flrove  with  the  Lord,  and  he  was^^^* 
 fanclified  in  them. 
 
 14  f  And  Mofes  fent  meffeneers  from  Kadefh 
 
 H  That  is, 
 
 linro  e>_'kv 
 
 was  confidered  infe<5lious  :  henpe  every  open  veflel  in  it  was  unclean.  Ver.  22. 
 Whatsoever  the  uticlean  toucheth  shall  be  unclean.  Person  put  in  the  italic  feems 
 an  improper  fiipplement ;  for  every  thing  which  the  unclean  perfon  touched  was 
 not  only  unclean,  but  rendered  every  thing  which  it  again  touched  alfo  un¬ 
 clean  :  an  emblem  of  fin,  which  pervades  the  whole  man,  and  infedls  all  who 
 approach  it.  A  little  leaven  leaveneth  the  whole  lump  ;  one  finner  may  defile  a 
 family,  a  city,  a  nation,  a  world.  “  In  Adam  all  die;”  thanks  to  God,  that,  “  In 
 Chrift  (hall  all  be  made  alive.” 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XX.  Ver.  1.  The  generation  which 
 came  out  of  Egypt  were  now  almoft  all  dead,  as  appears  from  Deut.  ii.  14,  15. 
 The  Zin  to  which  the  new  race  came  was  on  the  borders  of  Canaan,  chap,  xxxiv. 
 3,  4.  Jofli.  XV.  3.  and  is  therefore  different  from  the  place  of  the  fame  name,  Exod. 
 xvi.  1.  which  bordered  on  Egypt.  Between  this  place  and  Hazerotb,  where 
 Ifrael  refted,  chap.  xii.  16.  there  were  eighteen  ftations,  chap,  xxxiii.  18 — 36. 
 They  came  to  Zin  in  the  firft  month  of  the  laft  year  of  their  fojourning. 
 From  the  feiiding  of  the  fpios,  chap.  xiii.  to  this  time  was  about  38  years,  and 
 yet  few  things  are  recorded  of  them  except  their  murmurings  and  rebellions  by 
 which  they  provoked  the  Lord,  and  his  righteous  and  merciful  condudl  towards 
 them ;  which  tend  to  (hew  that  where  fin  abounds,  divine  grace  much  more 
 abounds.  And  thefe  things  are  written  for  our  learning,  that  we  through  pa¬ 
 tience  and  comfort  of  the  feriptures  might  have  hope.  Kadesh,  not  that  place 
 called  Kadelh  harnea,  chap.  xiii.  26.  Here  Ifrael  abode  four  months,  and 
 removed  to  mount  Hor,  where  Aaron  died,  chap,  xxxiii.  38.  Ver.  2.  The  gene¬ 
 
 ration  who  came  out  of  Egypt,  were  mir.iculoufly  fupplied  with  water  in  the 
 wildernefs  of  Rephidim.  This  water  appears  to  have  failed  when  other  fupplies 
 could  be  had  on  the  borders  of  Canaan.  But  tliefe  alfo  failing,  the  children 
 were  tried  like  their  fathers,  and  difeovered  the  lame  fpirit  of  difeontent  and 
 diftruft  in  God.  Both  thefe  inir.acles  refembled  one  another  in  feveral  refjjeifls, 
 comp.  Exod.  xyii.  Ver.  10.  ^lofes  was  chargeable  with  unbelief,  and  di(i 
 obedience;  for  he  did  not  fpeak  honourably  of  God’s  powtr,  and  inftead  of 
 addreffing  the  rock,  ver.  8.  he  fpoke  to  the  people  in  anger.  Tlie  unteacha- 
 ble  difpofition,  and  unreafonahle  conducl  of  the  people,  who,  after  all  the  evil 
 which  they  had  feen  their  fathers  bring  on  themfelves  by  their  rebellion,  feemed 
 to  walk  in  their  fteps,  probably  provoked  him  ;  but  be  might  be  alfo  grieved 
 and  provoked,  from  the  apprehenfion  that  they  would  bring  on  themlhlvcs  utter 
 deftru(5lion  by  perfifting  in  rebellion  againft  the  Lord,  chap,  xxxii.  14,  15. 
 Ver.  1 3.  The  Lord  is  fandlijied  when  his  pcrfeiRions  are  manifcftetl  by  his  works 
 of  power  and  mercy,  as  here,  or  of  bolinefs  and  juftice,  Ezek.  xxxviii.  16,  22, 
 33.  Lev.  X.  3.  Ver.  14—21.  Notwitbftanding  Efau’s  apoftacy,  his  defeendant* 
 were  viewed  and  treated  for  a  long  time  by  Ifrael  as  their  brethren,  Deut.  xxiii,  7. 
 Obad,  10,  11.  The  melfage  fent  them  at  this  time,  was  in  obedience  to  the 
 command  of  God;  fee  Deut.  ii.  1 — 7.  Angel,  or  mclfenger;  if  the  former, 
 Melfiah  is  meant,  Exod.  iii.  2.  if  the  latter,  Mofes  ;  the  term  is  frequently  applied 
 to  meffengers,  Judg.  ii.  1.  2  Chron.  xixvi.  15,  16.  Hag.  i.  13.  Ttu  king’s  way; 
 that  is,  the  road  common  to  travellers.  It  was  the  duty  of  Efau  to  have  met  bis 
 brother  with  provifton,  and  yet  he  refufed  the  moft  moderate  and  juft  requefL 
 
 PR.\CI1CAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  XIX.]  Human  reafon  unfuhjetfted  to  God  often  treats  feme  of  its  inftitutions  with  contempt.  How  abfurd, 
 would  fome  fay,  to  make  aflies  mixed  in  water  the  means  of  purification.  Let  not  the  wife  man  glory  in  bis  w  ifdom  ;  for  the  fooliflinefs  of  God  is  wifer  than 
 **’®*]’  _  This  inftitution  was  one  of  the  moft  remarkable  fhadows  of  the  effecftual  means  of  holinefs,  provided  by  God  in  Chrift  ;  and  though  the  crofs  of  Jefus 
 exhibited  for  the  falvation  of  men,  is  foolKhnefs  to  many,  it  is  the  power  and  wifdom  of  God  to  all  who  believe.  Let  us  therefore  live  by  faith  in  the  word  of  God 
 and  elleem  all  his  inftitutions :  This  is  our  life. 
 
^aron  resigneth  to  Elcaxar,  and  dicth. 
 
 Before 
 
 NUMBERS. 
 
 Chrift  of  Edom,  Thus  ikith  thy  brother  Ifrael,  Thon 
 
 1453.  knoweft  all  the  travel  that  hath  f  betallen  us  ; 
 
 ^  lo  How  our  fathers  went  down  into  Evvnt  nnd 
 
 J-;?-  - 
 
 a  cirv  in  th  toehold,  we  a;r  in  Kadefh, 
 
 a  CKy  in  the  uttermolt  of  thy  border. 
 
 we^  w!ir  nor  r:  • 
 
 vino  •  t  through  the  fields,  or  through  the* 
 
 ^  ^.^I'her  will  we  drink  of  the  w'ater  of'  the 
 
 •  ''e  will  go  by  the  king’s  way,  we  will 
 
 h^v  ]r  ^ke  left,  until  we 
 
 nave  pafled  thy  borders. 
 
 18  And  Edom  faid  unto  him,  Thou  (halt  not  pafs 
 by  me,  le  t  I  come  out  againfi  thee  with  the  fword. 
 
 19  And  the  children  of  Ifrael  faid  unto  him,  We 
 will  go  by  the  high- way  ;  and  if  I  and  mv  cattle  drink 
 of  thy  w’ater,  then  I  will  pay  for  it :  I  will  only  (with¬ 
 out  doi7ig  any  thing  ehe)  go  through  on  my  feet. 
 
 20  And  he  faid,  U  nou  (halt  not  go  through.  And 
 
 r^dom  came  out  againft  him  with  much  people,  and 
 with  a  ftrong  hand.  » 
 
 w  Edom  refufed  to  give  Ifrael  pafTage  through 
 
 nis  border  ;  wherefore  Ifrael  turned  away  from  him. 
 
 22  5f  And  the  children  of  Ifrael,  even  the  whole 
 congregation,  journeyed  from  **  Kadelh,  and  came 
 unto  mount  Hor. 
 
 23  And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes  and  Aaron  in 
 mount  Hor,  by  the  coaftof  the  land  of  Edom,  faying, 
 
 2 1  Aaron  fhall  be  gathered  unto  his  people :  for  he 
 mail  not  enter  into  the  land  which  I  have  given  unto 
 the  children  of  Ifrael,  b^caufe  ye  rebelled  againfl  my 
 t  word  at  the  water  of  Meribah- 
 
 25  e  Take  Aaron  and  Eleazar  his  fon,  and  bring 
 them  up  unto  mount  Hor; 
 
 26  And  ftrip  Aaron  of  his  garments,  and  put  them 
 
 J 
 
 Lrael  dcslroyeth  the  Catiaa7ii[cs^  ^ 
 
 there  in  the  top  of  the  mount  :  and  Mofes  and  Eleazar  Ref,,,  • 
 I  came  down  from  the  mount.  cvi,f ' 
 
 I  29  And  when  all  the  congregation  faw  that  Aaron 
 ■  was  dead,  they  mourned  for  Aaron  thirty  days,  cvcii^^ 
 
 1  all  the  houfe  of  Ifrael.*  ^ 
 
 <I  Chap. 
 S3.  37. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 mouth. 
 e  Chap. 
 33.  38. 
 Deut. 
 S2.  58. 
 
 CHAP.  XXI. 
 
 I  Israel,  with  some  lofs,  dejlroy  the  Canaamlcs  at  Hormah.  4  The  people 
 viurmurinii  are  plagued  u'iUiJicryJerpeuts ;  7  they  repenting  are  head¬ 
 ed  by  a  brazen Jlrpent,  ij-c. 
 
 And  u'/ten  »  king  Arad  the  Canaanite,  which  hsj 
 dwelt  in  the  Euth,  heard  tell  that  Ilrael  came^^S 
 by  the  way  of  the  fpies,  then  he  fought  againfi  Ifrael, 
 
 ‘  and  took  stme  of  them  prifoners. 
 
 2  And  Ilrael  vowed  a  vow  unto  the  Lord,  and 
 faid.  If  thou  wilt  indeed  deliver  this  people  into  my 
 hand,  then  I  will  utterly  deftroy  their  cities. 
 
 3  And  the  Lord  hearkened  to  the  voice  of  Ifrael, 
 and  delivered  up  the  Canaanites ;  and  they  utterly 
 deftroyed  them  and  their  cities ;  and  he  called  the 
 name  of  the  place  |l  Hormah.  ||  Thtij 
 
 4  11  And  they  journeyed  from  mount  Hor  by  the’^''^’’*-' 
 way  of  the  Red  lea,  to  compals  the  land  of  Edom  : 
 and  the  Ibul  of  the  people  was  much  11  f  difeouraged  ||  Or, 
 becaufe  of  the  way.  grieved. 
 
 5  And  the  people  fpake  againfi  God,  and  againfi 
 Mofes,  Wherefore  have  ye  brought  us  up  out 
 Egypt  to  die  in  the  wildernefs  ?  for  there  is  no  bread, 
 neither  //ftre  atii^  water;  and  ^  our  Ibul  loatheth  b  Chap, 
 this  light  bread.  ii-s. 
 
 6  And  '  the  Lord  lent  fiery  ferpents  among  the'^^'f'^- 
 people,  and  they  bit  the  people;  and  much  people  of 
 ifrael  died. 
 
 7  H  Therefore  the  Lord  came  to  Mofes,  and  faid, 
 
 We  have  finned  ;  for  we  have  fpoken  againfi  the 
 Lord,  and  againfi  thee :  pray  unto  the  Lord,  that 
 he  take  away  the  ferpents  from  us.  And  Mofes 
 prayed  for  the  people. 
 
 8  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  Mofes,  Make  thee  a 
 
 -  -  - -  w.  ...v^  I  cj  xiiiu  luc  j^uK-ju  idiu  umu  iviuifs,  matte  iiiee  a 
 
 upon  Eleazar  his  lon :  and  Aaron  (hall  be  gathered  ij  fiery  ferpent,  and  fet  it  upon  a  pole  :  and  it  fhall  come 
 
 ilHtn  hi<t  iipntilp.  anrl  fhcill  riiA  thoro  .k..*  _ _ .1 _ u:.. _  ...i _ 1 _ 1 _ 1 _ e. 
 
 f  Deut. 
 10.  6.  & 
 32.  50. 
 
 unto  his  people  and  fhall  die  there. 
 
 27  And  Mofes  did  as  the  Lord  commanded  :  and 
 they  went  up  into  mount  Hor  in  the  fight  of  all  the 
 congregation. 
 
 28  And  Mofes  ftripped  Aaron  of  his  garments, 
 and  put  them  upon  Eleazar  his  fon ;  and  ^  Aaron  died 
 
 J  1 7  — -  —  •  -»•  ^ 
 
 to  pafs,  that  everyone  that  is  bitten,  when  he  looketh 
 upon  it,  fhall  live. 
 
 9  And  ‘‘  Mofes  made  a  ferpent  of  brafs,  and  put 
 upon  a  pole;  and  it  came  to  pafs,  that  if  a  ferpent 
 had  bitten  any  man,  when  he  beheld  the  ferpent  of  s.  h. 
 brafs,  he  lived. 
 
 Thus  God  teaches  his  people  to  have  no  confidence  in  the  fleth.  But  Ifrael  en¬ 
 dured  patiently,  and  turned  away-  by  the  wildernefs  of  Moab,  a  more  circuitous 
 and  dil'uefling  courfe  than  through  Edom,  chap.  xxi.  4,  5.  Deut  ii.  8.  Judg.  xi. 
 17,  18.  Ver.  28.  The  transferring  of  the  prieflly  garments  from  father  to  fon, 
 indicated  the  imperfe(5lion  of  the  oflSce.  But  it  muft  have  comforted  Aaron  to 
 fee  his  fon  fucceeding  him  ;  and  probably  his  holy  foul  beheld  afar  off  the  af- 
 fumption  of  the  office  of  prieft,  by  him,  who  by  one  offering  would  perfect  for 
 ever  the  fanctified,  and  continue  a  prieft  for  ever.  If  fo,  he  died  full  of  expec¬ 
 tation  as  well  as  peace  j  rejoicing  in  God's  falvation.  Ver.  29i  The  whole  con¬ 
 gregation  mourned  for  Aaron  and  for  Mofes,  whom  they  had  frequently  viewed 
 as  their  greateft  enemies.  They  mourned  Ihhty,  inftead  of  feven  the  ufual 
 period  of  mourning  in  Ifrael,  Gen.  I.  10.  The  burial  of  Aaron  is  mentioned, 
 Deut.  X  6.  It  is  ti  e  lot  of  many  of  the  moft  diftinguiftied  fervants  of  God,  to 
 be  more  honoured  after  their  death  than  during  their  life. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXI.  Ver.  1—3.  The  overthrow  of 
 Ifraci  when  they  formerly  approached  Canaan,  38  years  paft,  and  the  hand  of 
 God  againft  them  in  the  wildernefs  might  embolden  the  Canaanites  to  attack  | 
 them  ;  and  Go'h  to  try  his  people,  and  to  convince  them  that  it  was  not  their 
 
 I  fword  which  would  conquer  the  promifed  land,  permitted  the  enemy  at  firft  t9 
 prevail.  King  Arad,  or  rather,  king  of  Arad,  which  was  the  name  of  his  city, 
 j  Joffi.  xii.  14.  Utterly  destroy,  or  devote  ;  theperfons  were  to  die,  and  their  pro- 
 I  perty  to  be  conlecrated  to  the  Lord,  Lev.  xxvii.  28,  29.  Jofliua  vi.  17 — 24. 
 I  This  vow  could  not  be  fully  performed  till  Ifrael  entered  Canaan,  and  con- 
 I  quered  the  cities  of  the  king  of  Arad,  Jofti.  xii.  14.  Judg.  i.  16,  17.  Ver.  4. 
 
 !  Discouraged,  grievoufly  vexed,  Judg.  xvi.  16.  Job  xxi.  4.  Zech.  xi.  8.  Ver.  6.  The 
 fiery  serpents  had  wings  which  rendered  them  more  cxtenfively  tleftrudlive,  Ifa. 
 xiv.  19.  XXX.  6.  Serpents  abounded  much  in  the  wildernefs,  but  God  hitherto 
 preferved  Ifrael  from  receiving  injury  from  them,  Deut.  viii.  15.  The  animals 
 were  fubjedl  to  the  power  of  Jehovah,  Amos  iii.  9.  Ver.  8.  The  ferpent  which 
 Mofes  made  reprefented  thofe  which  deftroyed  the  people  ;  and  their  deliverance 
 by  looking  to  it  typified  falvation  by  faith  in  Chrift,  John  iii.  14,  15.  Ifa.  xi.  10. 
 Ver.  10 — 12.  See  more  fully  an  account  of  Ifrael’s  journeys  at  tljis  time,  chap, 
 xx’xiii.  Ver.  14.  Of  the  book  here  referred  to,  nothing  further  is  known. 
 Vaheh  in  Suphah,  or  a  whirlwind,  fee  margin.  This  is  thought  to  allude  to  forne 
 city  or  king  of  Moab,  fnbdued  by  Sihon,  ver.  26.  and  Mofes  mentions  it  to 
 ftiew  that  the  diftridl  from  Aaron  to  Ar  might  be  lawfully  feized  by  Ifrael, 
 
 Pil.if  i'lCAI.  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XX.]  Contemplate  with  fblemn  awe  the  ravages  of  death  in  the  moft  diftinguiftied  family  of  Ifrael,  or  in  the 
 worl  ..  Miriam,  Aaron,  and  Mofes,  die  in  one  year.  While  the  moft  honourable  and  righteous  fleep  in  Jefus,  let  our  eyes  be  fixed  on  him  :  he  ever  lives  to  make 
 interceflion  for  us,  and  to  fave  all  who  come  to  him.  Happy  are  thofe  whom  he  condudls,  be  leaves  them  not  till  they  fafely  arrive  within  the  new  Jerufalem,  to  go 
 DO  more  out.  How  evil  and  cxtenfive  the  it  flnence  of  fin  !  The  new  generation  chofen  to  poffefs  the  land  of  Canaan,  foon  manifeft  the  perverfe  fpirit  of  their  fathers, 
 •nd  notwi.hftan  ling  ail  that  they  had  witneffed,  and  w  ere  promifed,  they  require  more’trials  to  humble  them,  that  they  may  be  prepared  to  enter  the  promired  land. 
 But  their  God  was  long-fuffering  and  rich  in  grace,  he  forgave  their  fins,  Tupphej  tlieir  wants,  and  gave  them  viAory  over  all  their  enemies. 
 
Sihon  and  Og  overcome. 
 
 10  H  And  the  children  of  Ifrael  fet  forward,  and 
 
 ®  pitcned  in  Oboth.  u  i 
 
 1 1  And  they  journeyed  from  Oboth,  and  p.tched 
 at  II  Ije-abarim,  in  the  wildernels  which  2S  before 
 
 Moab,  toward  the  lun-rifing.  ,  u  ^  .ho 
 
 12  11  From  thence  they  removed  and  pitcned  in  tne 
 
 valley  of  Zared.  ,  •  u  j  .ho 
 
 13  From  thence  they  removed,  and  pitched  on  tne 
 
 other  fide  of  Arnon,  which  is  in  the  wildernels  that 
 cometh  out  of  the  coafts  of  the  Amontes  :  for  Ar¬ 
 non  is  the  border  of  Moab,  between  Moab  and  the 
 
 Amorites.  ,  ,  £•  u  c 
 
 14-  Wherefore  it  is  faid  in  the  book  of  the  wars  of 
 ^  the  Lord,  H  What  he  did  in  the  Red  fea,  and  in  the 
 Vaheb  in  brooks  of  Amon, 
 
 Balah's  first  message  to  Balaam  refused. 
 
 llefore 
 Chrift 
 1 1.^*2. 
 
 t  Cliap- 
 S3.  43. 
 
 II  , 
 
 of 
 
 P  Or 
 
 Supkali 
 
 f  Ileb. 
 
 leantiih 
 
 t  Heb. 
 Ascend. 
 P  Or. 
 
 15  And  at  the  ftream  of  the  brooks  that  goeth 
 down  to  the  dwelling  of  Ar,  and  f  lieth  upon  the 
 
 border  of  Moab.  u  •  u 
 
 16  And  from  thence  tlmjwent  to  Beer  ;_that  the 
 well,  whereof  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  Gather 
 the  peop'e  together,  and  I  will  give  them  water. 
 
 17  ^  fhen  Ifrael  fang  this  fong,  t  Spring  up,  O 
 well ;  II  fjug  ye  unto  it : 
 
 18  The  princes  digged  the  well,  the  nobles  of  the 
 people  digged  it,  by  the  direction  of  the  law'giver,  with 
 their  ftaves.  And  from  the  wildernefs  they  'went  to 
 
 Mattanah  ;  j  r 
 
 19  And  from  Mattanah  to  Nahaliel ;  and  from 
 
 Nahaliel  to  Bamoth ;  ,  .  .  •  u 
 
 20  And  from  Bamoth  in  the  valley,  that  is  'O  the 
 f  country  of  Moab,  to  the  top  of  H  Pifgah,  which 
 
 looketh  toward  H  Jelhimon.  o-i.  i  • 
 
 2 1  f  And  ''  Ifrael  fent  meflengers  unto  Sihon  king 
 
 of  the  Amorites,  faying, 
 
 22  Let  me  pafs  through  thy  land  :  we  will  not 
 
 . . .  turn  into  the  fields,  or  into  the  vineyards:  we  will 
 
 not  drink  o/the  waters  of  the  well  ;  but  we  will  go 
 Judder’  along  by  the  king’s  high-v^zy,  until  we  be  palled  thy 
 
 borders.  r  m  -.r  ^  r 
 
 23  s  And  Sihon  would  not  fuiier  Ifrael  to  pals 
 
 through  his  border  ;  but  Sihon  gathered  all  his  people 
 together,  and  went  out  againft  Ifrael  into  the  wilder 
 nefs ;  and  he  came  to  Jahaz,  and  fought  againft  | 
 
 f  Heb, 
 field. 
 
 P  Or, 
 
 the  hill. 
 
 P  Or, 
 the  wil¬ 
 derness. 
 f  Deut. 
 
 11.19. 
 g  Deut. 
 29.  7. 
 
 h  Jo(h. 
 12.  1. 
 Pfalm 
 
 numbers. 
 
 25  And  Ifrael  took  all  thefe  cities  =  cS 
 
 in  all  the  cities  of  the  Amorites,  in  Helhbon,  and  in  ,4^ 
 
 all  the  t  villages  thereof.  of 
 
 26  For  blelhbon  the  city  of  Sihon  the 
 the  Amorites,  who  had  fought  againft  the  former 
 king  of  Moab,  and  taken  all  his  land  out  of  his  hand, 
 
 27  Wherefore  they  that  fpeak  m  proverbs  fay, 
 
 Come  into  Helhbon,  let  the  city  of  bihon  be  built  and 
 
 ^^28^For  there  is  a  fire  gone  out  of  Ile^bon,  a  flinie 
 from  the  city  of  Sihon:  it  hath  conlurned  Ar  of 
 Moab,  and  the  lords  of  the  high  places  of  ^rnon, 
 
 29  Woe  to  thee  Moab!  thou  i  1  King, 
 
 people  of'  Chemolh!  he  hath  given  his  fon^  that^  35. 
 efcaped,  and  his  daughters,  into  captivity  unto  Sihon 
 
 king  of  the  Amorites.  .  .n, 
 
 30  We  have  (hot  at  them :  Helhbon  is  penfhed 
 
 even  unto  Dibon,  and  we  have  laid  them  walte  even 
 unto  Nophah,  which  reacheth  unto  Medeba. 
 
 31  ^  Thus  Ifrael  dwelt  in  the  land  of  the  Amont^es. 
 
 32  And  Mofes  fent  to  fpy  out  Jazer,  and  they 
 
 took  the  villages  thereof,  and  drove  out  the  Amo¬ 
 rites  that  -were  there.  ,  u  „  k  Dcm. 
 
 33  And  they  turned,  and  went  up  by  the  way  ^  ^ 
 
 of  Balhan :  and  Og  the  king  of  Balhan  went  out  29.  7. 
 againft  them,  he,  and  all  his  people,  to  the  battle  at 
 
 ^^S^^  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  Mofes,  Fear  him  not ; 
 for  I  have  delivered  him  into  thy  hand,  and  all  his 
 people,  and  his  land  ;  and  '  thou  (halt  do  to  hitn  asi 
 thou  didft  unto  Sihon  king  of  the  Amontes,  ^hich^^^^j^ 
 
 dwelt  at  Hefiabon.  _  j  -i  v- 
 
 35  So  they  fmote  him,  and  his  fons,  and  ail  his 
 
 people,  until  there  was  none  left  him  alive  :  and  they 
 
 poflefled  his  land.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXII. 
 
 1  Balak'sjirjl  meffage  for  Balaam  is  refused  :  15  his  second  mejpige  cb- 
 taineth  him  :  22  an  angel  would  hai^e  slain  him,  if  his  css  had  not 
 saved  him  :  36  Balak  entertaincth  him. 
 
 And  the  children  of  Ifrael  fet  forward,  and 
 pitched  in  the  plains  of  Moab,  on  this  fide  Jor¬ 
 dan  by  Jericho.  ^  ,  rr-  i 
 
 2  ^  A.nd  Balak  the  Ton  of  Zippor  faw  all  that  Ilrael 
 
 Ifrael.  4  "  " - 
 
 Pfalm  24  And''  Ifrael  fmote  him  with  the  edge  of  the  j  had  done  to  the  Amorites.  r  r.onn1p 
 
 135.  10,  and  poflefled  his  land  from  Arnon  unto  Jab- J  3  And  Moab  was  fore  afraid  of  the  p  ople  b.cauie 
 
 bok,  even  unto  the  children  of  Ammon  :  for  the  [  they  wre  many  ;  and  Moab  was  diftrtfled  becaule  of 
 
 2.  9. 
 
 border  of  the  children  of  Ammon  wasftrong. 
 
 the  children  of  Ifrael. 
 
 tinCe  it  had  ceafed  to  be  the  property  of  Moab,  whofe  lands  they  were  not  to 
 injure,  Deut.  ii.  34.  Ver.  21.  This  meffage  to  Sihon  was  in  obedience  to  the 
 command  of  God,  Deut.  ii.  26.  Ver.  22.  We  will  not  drink  of  the  waters,  without 
 fuitable  remun?ration,  lee  Deut.  ii.  28.  Water  Was  precious,  becaufe  fcarce  in 
 thefe  countries.  Ver.  24.  The  border  of  Ammon  was  Jlrong,  defended  by  the 
 river  Jabbok,  and  mountains,  Deut.  ii.  37.  hence  the  Ammonites  had  not  been 
 fubdued  by  Sihon,  and  Ifrael  were  not  to  war  againft  them,  becaufe  they  were 
 their  relations  by  Lot  the  father  of  Moab  and  Ammon,  Ver.  27.  Proverbs,  or 
 parables,  generally  fpoken  by  the  prophets  in  Ifrael,  Ezek.  xvii.  2.  xx..49. 
 Ver.  29,  30.  C/jemns/i  was  tlie  God  of  the  Moabites  and  probably  of  the  Ammon¬ 
 ites,  1  Kings  i.  33.  Judg.  xi.  24.  Jer.  xlviii.  7,  13.  We  have  shot  nt  them  ■  Hesli- 
 bon  is  perisdied,  or.  Their  lamp  is  periftied  from  Heftibon.  Lamp,  in  prophetic 
 language,  fignifies  kingdom,  dominion,  or  kingly  power,  1  Kings  xi.  36-  xv.  4. 
 Ver.  35.  This  land  was  the  lirft  fruits  of  Ifrael’s  toils,  an  earned  and  pledge 
 ®f  the  promifed  inheritance,  and  their  conqueft  of  it  demanded  from  tliem 
 
 thankfgiving  to  God,  without  whofe  help  all  their  efforts  had  been  rain,  comp. 
 Plal.  cxxxvi.  17 — 22. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chat.  XXII.  V'er.  1 — 4.  Ibo  plains  of  Moab 
 reached  to  the  Jordan,  oppofiie  Jericho,  and  here  Ifrael  remained  till  Aaron  died, 
 encamping  from  Beth-jefnnotli  to  .Vhel-ftiittim,  chap,  xxxiii.  49.  Many  remark¬ 
 able  events  happened  to  them  while  they  remained  here  ;  an  account  of  which 
 takes  up  the  following  part  of  this  book;  the  whole  of  Deuteronomy,  and  the 
 be  dnning  of  Jofhua.  Their  pofterity  are  called  on  to  remeuiher  iViefe  things  that 
 they  might  know  tlie  righteoufuefs  of  God,  Mic.  vi.  5.  Bul  tk,  a  man  of  great 
 power  and  policy  was  at  this  time  king  of  Moab  :  he  faw  all  that  Ifrael  had 
 done  to  the  Amorites  not,  however,  like  a  wife  snail  to  he  inftru(5led,  but  with 
 an  evil  eve  ;  his  ambitious  fpirit  gave  him  no  reft  ;  he  was  filled  with  fearful 
 
 I  ail  tvii  evu  i  Ilia  ......  ..w  .-.w,  .  .  . —  ■  — 
 
 ■  apprehenfions,  w  hen  there  was  no  reafon  for  uncafinefs  ;  for  Ifrael  palled  him 
 '  by  in  peace  according  to  the  commandment  of  God,  Deut.  ii.  9.  To  oppofe 
 Ifrael,  he  fought  the  alliance  of  tlie  elders  or  rulers  of  Midian,  who  had  def- 
 
 PllACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  XX I.]  Let  us  depend  conftantly  on  the  Lord,  and  weahh  and  honour  are  ours  ;  and  Lt  usfea.  offending  him, 
 for  liis  inftruments  of  vengeaiiee  are  numerous,  every  thing  is  ready  to  execute  his  will.  But  great  is  las  mercy  t.. wards  rntn  ;  for  as  .  loies  ifted  “P  ®  erpent  m 
 the  wildernefs  for  the  faWation  of  Ifrael,  fo  was  the  Son  of  man  lifted  up  on  the  crofs.  that  whofi^ver  beheveth  on  luin  might  not  peruh  but  have  eternal 
 life.  And  in  all  our  wildernefs  journies  our  God  hath  granted  us  in  his  Son  wells  of  fdvation,  to  comfort  and  encourage  our  hearts.  Nor  will  he  forfake  us  t  il  be 
 gives  us  an  inheritance  in  the  goodly  laud,  when  our  fouls  and  all  that  is  withiu  us  lluU  blefsbis  name  for  ever  and  ever.  At  the  time  appointed  his  promifus  IhaR 
 all  be  fulfilled. 
 
 No.  \0,..6d,  R  r 
 
BalaFs  second  messrige  to  Balaam. 
 
 Chrui  Midian,  Now 
 
 1452.  this  company  lick  up  all  that  are  round  about 
 
 1 — ^  us,  as  the  ox  licketh  up  the  grafs  of  the  field.  And 
 
 Balak  the  fon  of  Zippor  loas  king  of  the  Moabites  at 
 that  time. 
 
 a  Joniua  5  “  He  fent  mefiengers  therefore  unto  Balaam  the 
 foil  of  Boor,  to  Peihor,  which  /s  by  tho  river  of  the 
 hnd  of  the  children  of  his  people,  to  call  him,  laying, 
 Behold,  there  is  a  people  come  out  from  Egypt :  be- 
 t  iieUyc.  hold,  they  cover  the  t  face  of  the  earth,  and  they  abide 
 over  againft  me. 
 
 6  Come  now  therefore,  I  pray  thee,  curfe  me  this 
 people ;  for  they  are  too  mighty  for  me :  peradven- 
 ture  I  fiiall  prevail,  that  vee  may  fmite  them,  and  that 
 I  may  drive  them  out  of  the  land  :  for  I  wot  that  he 
 whom  thou  blellelf  is  blelled,  and  he  whom  thou 
 curl'eft  is  curfed. 
 
 7  And  the  elders  of  Moab  and  the  elders  of  Mi¬ 
 dian  departed  with  the  rewards  of  divination  in  their 
 hand  ;  and  they  came  unto  Balaam,  and  fpake  unto 
 him  the  words  of  Balak. 
 
 8  And  he  faid  unto  them,  Lodge  here  this  night, 
 and  I  will  bring  you  word  again,  as  the  Lord  lliall 
 fpeak  unto  me.  And  the  princes  of  Moab  abode 
 with  Balaam. 
 
 9  And  God  came  unto  Balaam,  and  faid,  What  men 
 are  thefe  with  thee? 
 
 10  And  Balaam  faid  unto  God,  Balak  the  fon  of 
 Zippor,  king  of  Moab,  hath  fent  unto  me,  sailing, 
 
 11  Behold,  there  is  a  people  come  out  of  Egypt, 
 which  covereth  the  face  of  the  earth  :  come  no'v,  curfe 
 
 /S'  ’  P^^'^dventure  f  I  (hall  be  able  to  overcome 
 
 them,  and  drive  them  out. 
 
 infighting  12  And  God  laid  unto  Balaam,  Thou  fhalt  not  go 
 againji  with  them  ;  thou  (halt  not  curfe  the  people  :  for  they 
 are  bleffed. 
 
 13  And  Balaam  rofe  up  in  the  morning,  and  faid 
 unto  the  princes  of  Balak,  Get  you  into  your  land  ; 
 for  the  Lord  refufeth  to  give  me  leave  to  go  with  you. 
 
 14  And  the  princes  of  Moab  rofe  up,  and  they 
 went  unto  Balak,  and  faid,  Balaam  refufeth  to  come 
 with  us. 
 
 15  !i  And  Balak  fent  yet  again  princes,  more  and 
 more  honourable  than  they. 
 
 16  And  they  came  to  Balaam,  and  faid  to  him. 
 
 cended  from  Abraham,  as  he  had  from  Lot ;  but  with  apoflacy  from  their  pro¬ 
 genitor’s  faith  they  had  loft  all  natural  affedlion  for  their  brethren  the  children 
 of  Ifrael.  Ver.  5.  Balaam  is  as  extrao.’-dinary  a  character  as  is  any  where  drawn 
 in  the  facred  oracles.  W’e  are  certain  that  he  was  a  wicked  perfon  ;  for  he  was 
 completely  under  the  influence  of  ambition  and  covetoufnefs.  But  whether  he 
 was  merely  a  heathen  diviner  or  a  falfe  prophet  of  the  Lord,  cannot  be  fo  eafily 
 decided  :  the  latter  however,  feems  molt  probable  from  what  is  faid  of  him.  Pie 
 dwelt  in  Pethor,  a  city  of  Aram  or  Mefopotamia.  This  was  Abraham’s  native 
 country  :  and  here  Jacob  and  his  family  fojourned  a  long  time  with  Laban  his 
 uncle.  Hence,  though  idolatry  prevailed,  it  is  probable  many  of  the  inhabitants 
 might  retain  fome  knowledge  of  the  true  God  ;  and  therefore  Balaam  might  find 
 it  of  advantage  to  profefs  himfelf  a  prophet  of  God.  And  he  feems  to  fpeak  to 
 Balak  in  fuch  language  as  plainly  intimates  that  the  king  of  Moab  knew  and 
 recognifed  him  in  this  chara<?ler  :  “  I  cannot”  faid  he  to  Balak’s  fervants,  “go 
 beyond  the  word  of  the  Lord  my  God,  tarry  ye  here  this  night,  that  I  may  know 
 what  the  Lord  will  fay  to  me  more.”  Nor  need  we  wonder,  that  Balaam, 
 though  not  an  Ifraelite,  knew  the  Lord ;  for  the  knowledge  of  the  true  God  was 
 not  confined  to  that  nation ;  nor  did  God  limit  the  revelation  of  his  mind,  by 
 dreams  and  vifions  to  the  prophets  of  Ifrael.  He  fpake  to  Job  ;  to  his  friends  ; 
 to  ZMelchizedec  j  to  Abimelcch  king  of  Egypt;  to  Laban  the  Aflyrian;  to  Pha¬ 
 raoh,  Gen.  xli.  21.  and  to  Nebuchadnezzar  king  of  Babylon.  Balaam  appears 
 to  have  corrupted  the  true  religion,  by  affociating  with  it  the  falfe  ;  and  by  this 
 means  fought  to  deceive  thofe  w  ho  knew  God,  and  fecure  the  favour  of  idolaters ; 
 his  religion  was  merely  an  inftrument  to  promote  his  honour  and  wealth  ;  for  he 
 tlid  not  fcruple  to  indulge  the  bafeft  hypocrify,  or  to  commit  the  moft  flagrant 
 falfebood  and  injuftice  to  fecure  bis  temporal  intereft.  And  therefore  he  is 
 
 Balalc  ctiteriaineth  Balaa^^ 
 
 Thus  faith  Balak  the  fon  of  Zippor,  f  Let  nothing,  I 
 pray  thee,  hinder  thee  from  coming  unto  me: 
 
 17  For  I  will  promote  thee  unto  very  great  honour, 
 
 and  I  will  do  vvhatfoever  thou  fayelt  nnio  me  :  come  t  lUb^' 
 therefore,  I  pray  thee,  curie  me  this  people.  . 
 
 18  And  Balaam  anlwered  and  faid  unto  the  fervants 
 
 of  Balak,  If  Balak  would  give  me  his  houfe  full  ofb  0^'' 
 filver  and  gold,  I  cannot  go  beyond  the  word  of  the^L  13. 
 Lord  my  God,  to  do  lefs  or  more. 
 
 19  Now  therefore,  I  pray  you,  tarry  ye  alfo  here 
 this  night,  that  I  may  know  what  the  Lord  will  fay 
 unto  me  more. 
 
 20  And  God  came  unto  Balaam  at  night,  and  faid  1 
 unto  him,  If  the  men  come  to  call  thee,  rife  up,  and 
 
 go  with  them  ;  but  yet  the  word  which  I  (hall  fay  unto 
 thee,  that  llialt  thou  do. 
 
 21  And  Balaam  rofe  up  in  the  morning,  and  fad- 
 died  his  afs,  and  went  with  the  princes  of  Moab. 
 
 22  ^  And  God’s  anger  was  kindled  becaufe  he 
 vyent :  and  the  angel  of  the  Lord  flood  in  the  way  | 
 for  an  adverfary  againfl  him.  (Now  he  was  riding  i 
 upon  his  afs,  and  his  two  fervants  were  with  him.) 
 
 23  And  the  afs  faw  the  angel  of  the  Lord  fland-  c  2  ret. 
 ing  in  the  way,  and  his  fword  drawn  in  his  hand  :  and 
 
 the  afs  turned  afide  cut  of  the  way,  and  went  into  the'^“‘^® 
 field  ;  and  Balaam  fmote  the  afs,  to  turn  her  into 
 the  wav.  i. 
 
 24  But  the  angel  of  the  Lord  flood  in  a  path  of  the  [ 
 
 I  vineyards,  a  wall  bcitig  on  this  fide,  and  a  wall  on  that  I 
 
 fide.  i. 
 
 25  And  when  the  afs  faw  the  angel  of  the  Lord, 
 ftie  thrufl  herfelr  unto  the  wall,  and  crufhed  Balaam’s 
 foot  againft  the  wall ;  and  he  fmote  her  agair), 
 
 26  And  the  angel  of  the  LoRD>went  further,  and 
 
 flood  in  a  narrow  place,  where  was  no  way  to  turn  1 
 
 either  to  the  right  hand  or  to  the  left.  ' 
 
 27  And  when  the  afs  law  the  angel  of  the  Lord, 
 fhe  fell  down  under  Baalam :  and  Baalam’s  anger 
 was  kindled,  and  he  fmote  the  afs  with  a  ftaft', 
 
 28  And  the  Lord  opened  the  mouth  of  the  afs  * 
 and  Ihe  faid  unto  Balaam,  What  have  I  done  unto 
 thee,  that  thou  haft  fmitten  me  thefe  three  times  ? 
 
 29  And  Balaam  faid  unto  the  afs,  Becaufe  thou 
 haft  mocked  me  :  I  would  there  were  a  fword  in  mine 
 hand,  for  now  would  I  kill  thee. 
 
 with  propriety  mentioned  as  the  father  of  falfe  prophets  and  teachers  in  the  apof- 
 I  tolic  age,  who  corrupted  Chriftianity,  and  rendered  it  fubfervient  to  the  bafeft 
 I  purpofes.  Ver.  13,  14.  Balaam  here  reporteth  to  the  melfengers  but  part  of  the 
 Lord’s  fpeech  to  him.  Had  he  declared  the  whole  it  might  have  put  an  end 
 to  an  evil  work.  But  willing  to  ingratiate  himfelf  into  favour,  rather  than  con- 
 fult  the  honour  of  God,  he  conceals  a  part,  and  plainly  infinuates  by  what  he 
 relates,  that  he  would,  had  God  permitted  him,  gladly  have  gratified  the  kin"-. 
 The  melfengers  a^ed  an  equally  unworthy  part;  for  they  only  referred  To 
 the  prophet’s  unwillingnefs,  without  adverting  to  what  they  knew  was  the 
 caufe,  which  they  well  knew  would  have  been  information  by  no  means  ac¬ 
 ceptable  to  the  king.  Ver.  23—35.  God  is  plcafed  to  confound  the  wifdom  of 
 the  wife,  and  the  underftanding  of  the  prudent;  and  by  means  which  they  judge 
 baft,  to  demonftrate  that  the  foolillmefs  of  God  is  wifer  than  men,  1  Cor.  i.  25. 
 Vifions  were  often  beheld  by  prophets,  when  their  companions  faw  nothing, 
 Dan.  X.  6.  A6ts  ix.  7.  Balaam  was  a  great  prophet,  and  probably  accuftomell 
 to  vifions,  but  here  he  is  blind,  while  his  afs  more  wife  tlian  his  inafter  fees  the 
 vifion,  and  fpeaking  with  man’s  fpeech,  rebukes  the  roadnefs  of  the^  propliet. 
 Thus  God  roanifefted  that  he  would  not  want  inftruments  to  tffe<51;  his  pur¬ 
 pofes,  and  that  it  was  folly  and  madnefs  to  oppofe  him.  If  infidels  would  but 
 confider  this,  they  would  for  ever  ceafe  to  ridicule  this  or  any  other  part  of  the 
 facred  oracles.  Balaam,  by  his  condudi  when  the  afs  rebuked  him,  betrayed 
 defperate  boldnels,  determined  wickednefs  and  great  ignorance.  Unmoved  by  a 
 Irene  the  moft  alarming,  he  leeks  to  juftify  himfelf  in  the  pradfice  of  the 
 moft  barbarous  cruelty.  He  believed  the  afs  to  merit  the  levereft  punifluneiit, 
 becaufe  as  he  foolillilj  imagined,  the  animal  had  ini'ulted  him  ;  and  yet  he  was 
 infcnfible  of  his  own  guilt  in  contemning  the  moft  High  ■  Out  of  his  own  inoutlj 
 
 NUMBERS. 
 
Balalc  cnlcrlaineth  Balaam. 
 
 NUMBERS. 
 
 Before 
 
 Clirift 
 
 145‘i. 
 
 t  Ilet) 
 tv/i« 
 
 upon  me. 
 Or, 
 
 30  And  the  als  faid  unto  Balaam,  Am  not  I  thine 
 afs,  t  upon  which  tnou  hall  ridden  ||  ever  lince  I  was 
 , thine  unto  this  day'-'  was  I  ever  wont  to  do  lo  unto 
 thee?  And  he  laid,  Nay. 
 
 31  'I'hen  the  Lord  opened  the  eyes  or  mlaam, 
 and  he  law  the  antrel  of  the  Lord  llandinir  in  the 
 way,  and  his  I'word  drawn  in  his  hand  ;  and  he  bow- 
 
 'everjince  ed  down  his  head,  and  ||  tell  flat  on  his  face. 
 
 thou  waft 
 ScC. 
 
 II 
 
 bowed 
 
 hxmfelf. 
 t  Heb. 
 to  be  an 
 adverfary 
 unto  thee. 
 
 Heb. 
 
 32  And  the  angel  of  the  Lord  laid  unto  him. 
 Wherefore  haft  thou  I’mitten  thine  afs  thele  three 
 times  ?  Behold,  I  went  out  t  to  withftand  thee,  be- 
 c.iufe  thy  way  is  perverfe  before  me  : 
 
 33  And  the  als  law  me,  and  turned  from  me  thele 
 three  times  :  unlefs  fhe  had  'urned  from  me,  lurely 
 now  allb  I  had  fliin  thee,  and  laved  her  alive. 
 
 34-  And  Balaam  laid  unto  the  angd  of  the  Lord, 
 
 I  have  linned  ;  for  I  knew  not  that  thou  ft  odelt  in 
 
 I  _  the  way  againft  me :  now  there'^ore,  if  it  f  difpleale 
 
 be  evil  in  I  will  get  tue  back  again. 
 
 thineeyes.  the  Lord  laid  unto  Balaam, 
 
 Go  with  the  men  :  but  only  the  word  that  I  fhall 
 fpeak  unto  thee,  that  thou  fhalt  fpeak.  So  Balaam 
 went  with  the  princes  of  Balak. 
 
 36  H  And  when  Balak  heard  that  Balaam  was 
 come,  he  went  out  to  meet  him  unto  a  city  of  Moab, 
 which  is  in  the  border  of  Arnon,  which  is  in  the  ut- 
 
 moft  coall.  ,  T  n. 
 
 37  And  Balak  laid  unto  Balaam,  Did  I  not  earneft- 
 ly  fend  unto  thee  to  call  thee  ?  wherefore  cameft  thou 
 not  unto  me  ?  am  I  not  able  indeed  to  promote  thee 
 to  honour  ? 
 
 38  And  Balaam  faid  unto  Balak,  Lo,  I  atn  come 
 unto  thee :  have  I  now  any  power  at  all  to  lay  any 
 thing  ?  the  word  that  God  putteth  in  my  mouth,  that 
 (had  I  fpeak. 
 
 39  r  nd  Balaam  went  with  Balak,  and  they  came 
 unto  II  Kirjath-huzoth. 
 
 40  And  Balak  offered  oxen  and  fheep,  and  fent  to 
 Balaam,  and  to  the  princes  that  were  with  him. 
 
 41  And  it  came  to  pafs  on  the  morrow,  that  Balak 
 took  Balaam,  and  brought  him  up  into  the  high  places 
 of  Baal,  that  thence  he  might  fee  the  utmoft  part  of 
 the  people.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXIII. 
 
 ],  H,  28  Balak' s  sacrifices.  7,  18  Balaam's  parables. 
 
 Balalc*s  sacrifices. 
 Balak,  Build  me  here 
 
 t  O'"- 
 
 A  city  of 
 f reels. 
 
 Or, 
 
 went 
 
 And  Balaam  faid  unto  Balak,  Build  me 
 
 feven  altars,  and  prepare  me  here  leven  oxen 
 
 and  leven  rams.  •  u  i  » 
 
 2  And  Balak  did  as  Balaam  had  fpoken  ;  and  Balalc 
 and  Balaam  off-red  on  evtrij  altar  a  bullock  and  a  ram. 
 
 3  And  Balaam  faid  unto  Balak,  Standby  thy  burnt- 
 offering,  and  I  will  go:  peradventure  the  Lord  will 
 come  to  meet  me :  and  whatloever  he  fheweth  me  J 
 will  tell  thee.  And  |1  he  went  to  a  high  place.  ^ 
 
 4  And  God  met  Balaam  :  and  he  laid  unto  him, 
 have  prepared  ft-ven  altars,  and  1  have  offered  upon 
 
 every  altar  a  bullock  and  a  ram.  ,  „  ,  ,  , 
 
 5  And  the  Lord  put  a  word  in  Balaam  s  tnouth, 
 and  faid,  Return  unto  Balak,  and  thus  t^hou  fhalt  fpeak. 
 
 6  And  he  returned  unto  him,  and,  lo,  he  lloocl 
 by  his  burnt-facrifice,  he  and  all  the  princes  of 
 
 7  II  And  he  took  up  his  parable,  and  faid,  Balak 
 the  king  of  Moab  hath  brought  me  from  Aram,  out 
 of  the  mountains  of  the  ealt,  sayingy  Come,  curie  me 
 Jacob  :  and  come,  defy  Ilrael. 
 
 8  How  lhall  1  furfe,  whom  God  hath  not  curfed  ? 
 or  how  lhall  I  defy,  whom  the  Lord  hath  not  dehed  . 
 
 9  For  from  the  top  of  the  rocks  1  fee  him,  and  from 
 the  hills  I  behold  him  :  lo,  the  people  lhal i  d w-e  11  alone, 
 and  lhall  not  be  reckoned  among  tne  nations. 
 
 10  Who  can  count  the  dull  of  Jacob,  and  the  num¬ 
 ber  of  the  fourth  part  of  Ifratl  ?  Let  me  die  the  death  f  Heb. 
 of  the  righteous,  and  let  my  laft  end  be  like  his ! 
 
 1 1  And  Balak  faid  unto  Balaam,  What  haft  thou  ' 
 done  unto  me  ?  I  took  thee  to  curie  mine  enemies, 
 and,  behold,  thou  haft  bleflfrd  them  altogether. 
 
 12  And  he  anfwered  and  faid,  Mult  1  not  take  heed 
 to  fpeak  that  which  the  Lord  ha  h  put  in  my  mouth  ? 
 
 13  And  Balak  faid  unto  nim,  Co.ue,  1  pray  thee, 
 with  me  unto  another  place,  from  whence  thou  may- 
 eft  fee  them  ;  thou  lhalt  fee  but  the  utmoft  part  of 
 them,  and  lhalt  not  fee  them  all ;  and  curfe  me  them 
 
 from  thence.  _  ^  r  i  r-r  x.- 
 
 14  H  And  he  brought  him  into  the  field  of  Zophim, 
 
 CO  the  top  of  II  Pifgah,  and  built  leven  altars,  and  offer-  II 
 ed  a  bullock  and  a  ram  on  every  altar.  ‘ 
 
 15  And  he  faid  unto  Balak,  Stand  here  by  thy 
 burnt-offering,  while  1  meet  the  LOUD  yonder.  »  cbap. 
 16  And  the  Lord  met  Balaam,  and  ’  put  a  word  22.  35. 
 
 he  was  condettineft.  Ver.  34.  He  acknowledgeth  his  fin  in  Cmiting  his  afis,  but 
 his  purpofe  to  curfe  Ifrael  with  a  view  of  advancing  his  own  intereft,  gave  him 
 no  uneafinefs.  And  although  he  could  not  be  ignorant  that  this  was  the  real  caufe 
 of  the  angel  ftanding  in  bis  way,  he  ftill  fliews  more  inclination  to  proceed  than 
 return  ;  he  well  knew  that  to  go  on  to  gratify  his  defire  was  evil,  yet  his  love  of 
 the  unrighteous  wages  induced  him  to  infinuate  doubts  on  the  fubjedt ;  by  adding, 
 “  if  it  dilpleafe  thee,  I  will  go  back.”  Nothing  but  dire  neceflity  could  induce 
 him  to  return  ;  and  nothing  but  this  urged  him  to  blefs  Ifrael,  whom  he  w'ould 
 gladly  have  curfed.  He  was  compelled,  by  the  fame  power  that  made  his  afs 
 fpeak,  to  pronounce  Ifrael  blelTed.  He  had  recieved  pofitive  prohibition  of  going 
 to  Balak,  and  yet  he  hoped  for  a  repeal.  He  at  length  obtained  permiflion;  but 
 what  permiflion  !  the  prohibition  was  an  adl  of  friendChip  ;  the  permiflion  is  an  adl 
 of  indignation.  It  refembled  the  cafe  of  Ephraim  ;  “  He  is  joined  to  his  idols, 
 let  him  alone.”  The  fpirit  of  the  language  was,  “  go,  and  take  the  confequences ; 
 but  although  you  carry  your  point  here,  I  will  be  obeyed;  the  word  which  I 
 ^eak  unto  tliec,  that  thou  ftialt  do.” 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXIII.  Ver.  1 — 6.  Although  the 
 
 falfi 
 
 e  I'  ou'i  :  kn  w  the  mind  of  God,  ftill,  doubtlefs  to  gain  the  good  graces  of  the  !| 
 
 king,  he  pretends  to  confult  him.  It  is  probable  that  by  building  feven  altars,  he 
 had'^his  own  honour  more  in  view  than  reverence  for  his  Maker.  Seven  bullocks 
 or  lams  were  what  God  himlelf  required  in  the  law-.  Lev.  i.  and  which  the  pa¬ 
 triarchs  and  Job’s  friends  were  taught  to  offer,  when  they  fought  to  know  the 
 mind  of  God,  Job  xiii.  8.  From  the  latter  iburces,  it  is  probable  Balaam  had 
 received  his  knowledge.  He  required  feven  altars  on  which  to  offer  his  facri- 
 fices  •  which  was  more  in  conformity  to  the  practice  of  idolaters  tlian  of  the 
 worfhippers  of  the  true  God.  But  though  he  fought  not  the  Lord  law  fully,  yet 
 for  the  good  of  his  people,  the  Lord  met  him.  Thus  the  Lord  to  advance  his 
 own  honour,  and  promote  his  caufe,  frequently  fpeaks  by  men,  who  are  objetfls 
 of  his  difpleafure.  Ver.  7 — 10.  In  this  paffage  we  are  taught  the  fecurity  of 
 Ifrael,  none  can  curfe  thofe  whom  God  hath  bleffed  ;  their  reparation  from  the 
 reft  of  the  world,  a  people  living  alone  ;  diftiiiguilhed  in  every  age  from  all  men 
 by  their  laws,  religion,  and  cuftoms  ;  their  increafe,  the  promife  of  God  to 
 Abraham  hath  been  abundantly  fulfilled  ;  bis  feed  are  innumerable,  Gen.  xiii.  16. 
 A  tribute  of  felicity  is  extorted  from  the  reludant  lips  of  the  unrighteous  pro¬ 
 phet  :  he  delires  to  die  the  death  of  God’s  people,  and  that  his  latter  end,  or 
 pofterity,  might  be  like  theirs.  But  alas  !  he  oppofed  them  while  he  lived  ;  and 
 
 Pll.vCi'iC.kL  DBSERVAITONS.— *  Chap,  XXIL]  How  fatal  the  infiuence  of  the  condudi  of  thofe  who  exhibit  the  moft.  fplendid  talents  and  higheft  at- 
 tainiiuiUs  in  knowledge  alibciated  w  ith  the  bafeft  defires,  and  difguifed  by  hypocritical  preteiifions  to  the  moft  eminent  virtues  !  Ihe  hypocrite  by  hLs  mouth  deftroys 
 his  neighbour,  who  has  forfaken  God  and  is  guided  by  his  ow  n  imaginations.  Thofe  whofe  hearts  are  fet  on  evil,  God  may  permit  to  proceed  as  far  as  to  manifeft 
 their  f.  lly  for  the  inlirudlion  of  others,  while  they  are  confounded  by  their  own  devices.  But  let  Ifrael  rejoice;  tor  no  weapon  formed  againll  them  lhall  profper -. 
 the  angels  of  the  Lord  lhall  plead  their  caufe  againft  every  enemy,  and  the  Lord  of  all  will  be  their  protection.  Let  ray  tent  be  pitched  among  them  while  I  live, 
 and  let  my  lot  be  to  Itand  with  them  at  the  end  of  the  days. 
 
Bahamas  parables. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 1452. 
 
 NUMBERS, 
 again  unto  Balak,  and 
 
 b  Chap. 
 24.  8. 
 
 II  Oi,  in. 
 
 in  his  mouth,  and  faid,  Go 
 fay  thus. 
 
 17  And  when  he  came  to  him,  behold,  he  flood  by 
 his  burnt-oflering,  and  the  princes  of  Moab  with  him. 
 And  Balak  laiduntohim,  What  hath  the  Lord  Ipoken? 
 
 loc'k  up  his  parable,  and  laid.  Rife 
 up,  Balak,  and  hear  ;  hearken  unto  me,  thou  fon  of 
 Zippor  : 
 
 19  God  is  not  a  man,  that  he  fliould  lie  ;  neither  the 
 fon  of  man,  that  he  Ihould  repent  :  hath  he  faid,  and 
 (hall  he  not  do  it  ?  or  hath  he  fpoken,  and  fliail  he  not 
 make  it  good  ? 
 
 20  Behold,  I  have  received  commandment  to  blefs  : 
 and  he  hath  blefled  ;  and  I  cannot  reverfe  it. 
 
 21  He  hath  not  beheld  iniquity  in  Jacob,  neither 
 hath  he  feen  perverfenefs  in  Ifrael ;  the  Lord  his  God 
 is  with  him,  and  the  fhout  of  a  king  is  among  them. 
 
 22  God  brought  them  out  of  Egypt  :  he  hath  as 
 it  were  the  ftrength  of  an  unicorn. 
 
 23  Surely  Mfre  no  enchantment  H  againfl  Jacob, 
 neither  is  there  any  divination  againfl  Ifrael :  accord¬ 
 ing  to  this  time  it  Ihall  be  faid  of  Jacob  and  of  Ifrael, 
 What  hath  God  wrought ! 
 
 24  Behold,  the  people  (hall  rife  up  as  a  great  lion, 
 and  lift  up  bimfelf  as  a  young  lion  :  he  Ihall  not  lie 
 down  until  he  eat  of  the  prey,  and  drink  the  blood  of 
 the  flain. 
 
 25  H  And  Balak  faid  unto  Balaam,  Neither  curfe 
 them  at  all,  nor  blefs  them  at  all. 
 
 26  But  Balaam  anfwered  and  faid  unto  Balak,  Told 
 not  1  thee,  laying.  All  that  the  Lord  fpeaketh,  that  I 
 mull  do  ? 
 
 27  And  Balak  faid  unto  Balaam,  Come,  I  pray 
 thee,  I  will  bring  thee  unto  another  place ;  peradven- 
 ture  it  will  pleafe  God  that  thou  mayefl  curfe  me 
 them  from  thence. 
 
 28  And  Balak  brought  Balaam  unto  the  top  of 
 Peor,  that  looketh  toward  Jefhimon. 
 
 29  And  Balaam  faid  unto  Balak,  Build  me  here 
 feven  altars,  and  prepare  me  here  feven  bullocks  and 
 feven  rams. 
 
 30  And  Balak  did  as  Balaam  had  faid,  and  offered 
 a  bullock  and  a  ram  on  every  altar.* 
 
 Balali  is  displeased  with  Balaam 
 CHAP.  XXIV.  Boforo 
 
 liilaam,  leaving  divinations,  prophesieth  the  happiness  of  Israel  ;  10 
 
 15  he  proidieftelh  of  the  Star  of  Jucob 
 
 Balak  in  anger  dismisseth  him 
 and  the  destrit£lion  ot  some  nations. 
 
 Clai(i 
 
 1452. 
 
 And  when  Balaam  law  that  it  pleafed  the  Lord 
 
 to  blefs  Ifrael,  he  went  not,  as  at  “  other  times,  a  chap. 
 
 I  to  feek  for  enchantments,  but  he  let  his  face  toward  3. 15. 
 the  wildernefs.  t 
 
 2  And  Balaam  lifted  up  his  eyes,  and  he  fa w  Ifrael 
 abiding  in  his  according  to  their  tribes  ;  and  ihe^/^n-* 
 Spirit  of  God  came  upon  him. 
 
 3  ^  And  he  took  up  his  parable,  and  faid,  Balaam  b  cbL 
 
 the  fon  of  Beor  hath  faid,  and  the  man  f  whole  eyes  23. 7,18, 
 are  open  hath  faid  ;  t  Heb. 
 
 4  He  hath  faid,  which  heard  the  words  of 
 
 which  law  the  vifion  of  the  Almighty,  falling  into  a  sim  bit 
 trance^  but  having  his  eyes  open  :  now 
 
 5  How  goodly  are  thy  tents,  O  Jacob !  and  thy 
 tabernacles,  O  Ilfael  ! 
 
 6  As  the  valleys  are  they  fpread  forth,  as  gardens 
 by  the  river’s  fide,  as  the  trees  of  lign-aloes  which 
 the  Lord  hath  planted,  and  as  cedar-trees  befide  the 
 waters. 
 
 7  He  Ihall  pour  the  water  out  of  his  buckets,  and 
 his  feed  shall  be  in  many  waters  ;  and  his  king  Ihall  be 
 higher  than  Agag,  and  his  kingdom  fliall  be  exalted. 
 
 8  God  brought  him  forth  out  of  Egypt ;  he  hath  c  Chap, 
 as  it  were  the  flrength  of  an  unicorn  :  he  Ihall  eat  up^^’ 
 the  nations  his  enemies,  and  Ihall  break  their  bones, 
 
 and  pierce  them  through  with  his  arrows. 
 
 9  He  couched,  he  lay  down  as  a  lion,  and  as  a*^ 
 
 I  great  lion  :  who  Ihall  ftir  him  up  ?  Bleffed  is  he  that^^’ 
 bleffeth  thee,  and  curfed  is  he  that  curfeth  thee. 
 
 10  %  And  Balak’s  anger  was  kindled  againfl  Ba¬ 
 laam,  and  he  fmote  his  hands  together :  and  Balak 
 faid  unto  Balaam,  I  called  thee  to  curfe  mine  enemies, 
 and,  behold,  thou  haft  altogether  bleffed  them  thefe 
 three  times. 
 
 1 1  Therefore  now  flee  thou  to  thy  place :  I  thought 
 to  promote  thee  unto  great  honour ;  but,  lo,  the  Lord 
 hath  kept  thee  back  from  honour. 
 
 12  And  Balaam  faid  unto  Balak,  Spake  I  not  alfo 
 to  thy  meffengers  which  thou  fenteft  unto  me,  faying, 
 
 he  died  in  the  midft  of  their  enemies.  Ver.  19.  See  1  Sam.  xv.  25.  The  di¬ 
 vine  threatenings  or  promifes  may  be  delayed,  which  has  a  femblance  of  change 
 in  the  eyes  of  Ihort-ilghted  men ;  but  mutability  is  eflential  to  his  nature,  and 
 may  be  traced  through  all  his  purpofes,  words,  and  operations.  Ver.  21.  Much  j 
 iniquity  and  perverfenefs  were  manifefted  in  Ifrael ;  but  the  Lord  covered  their 
 guilt  and  forgave  their  tranfgreffions.  And  thus  God  was  in  Chrift,  not  im¬ 
 puting  the  trefpafles  of  Jews  or  Gentiles  who  believed.  Ver.  22.  By  . the  term 
 unicorn  moft  naturalifts  underftand  the  rhinoceros,  an  animal  of  prodigious 
 ftrength.  This  may  refer  to  God  or  Ifrael,  to  whom  Jehovah  gave  ftrength  to 
 overcome  all  their  enemies.  Ver.  24.  Comp.  Gen.  xlix.  9.  Mic.  v.  8.  Ver.  27 — 
 SO.  This  is  Balak’s  third  and  laft  attempt  againfl.  Ifrael.  He  had  hitherto  im¬ 
 puted  the  blefling  of  Balaam  to  the  prophet’s  own  inclination,  or  to  his  feeing  the 
 whole  multitude  encamped.  Now  he  perceives  that  it  w-as  wholly  of  God,  and 
 therefore  prefumptuoufly  feeks  to  obtain  his  favour  by  facrifices;  but  the  facri- 
 fices  of  the  wicked  are  an  abomination  to  the  Lord.  Pcor,  the  place  chofen  for 
 facrifice  was  faertd  to  Baal-Peor,  the  idol  of  Moab.  Here  the  king  ventured  to 
 propitiate  the  Deity,  and  Balaam  Willingly  countenanced  him,  for  he  was  earneft 
 to  obtain  the  wages  of  unrighteoufnefs. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXIV.  Ver.  1,  3.  Balaam  was  at 
 length  convinced  of  the  inefficacy  of  his  heathenilh  enchantments,  concerning 
 
 which  fee  Deut.  xviii.  10,  14.  but  this  evil  heart  remained  unchanged.  Hefet  Iii^ 
 face  towards  the  wilderness,  where  Ifrael  lay  encamped,  probably  to  devife  mifehief 
 againfl  them.  But  though  his  counfel  to  Balak,  chap.  xxxi.  16.  brought  evil  on 
 them,  yet,  impelled  by  the  prophetic  fpirit,  he  pronounced  them  fuperior  to  all 
 their  enemies.  Ver.  3.  The  man  whose  eyes  are  open,  may  allude  to  the  circum- 
 ftance  of  Baalam’s  journey,  when  his  e5'es  were  clofed  againfl;  the  vifions  of  the 
 moft  High  ;  the  time  that  the  angel  withftood  him,  and  he  faw  him  not.  But 
 the  original  rather  implies,  “  who  had  his  eyes  Ihut,”  and  probably  refers  to  his 
 falling  into  a  trance  :  he  faw  every  objedl  clearly  while  his  eyes  were  as  Ihut ; 
 for  he  was  completely  abforbed  in  the  feenes  which  paffed  before  him.  Ver.  4. 
 Falling,  probably  lj,ke  the  prophets,  into  a  deep  fleep,  while,  as  if  their  eyes  were 
 open,  they  diftin<5liy  beheld  what  was  exhibited  before  them,  Gen.  xv.  Ezek.  i. 
 Dan.  viih  17,  18.  Ver.  6.  The  lign-aloes,  fome  tree  giving  a  pleafant  odour.  The 
 cedar,  a  lofty  treee  ;  an  emblem  of  dignity  and  glory,  Ezek.  xxxi.  34.  Ver.  7. 
 He  shall  pour  water  out  of  his  buckets,  denotes  great  profperity.  No  drought 
 would  confume  their  harvefts,  and  deftroy  the  fruits  of  the  land.  Jgag  was  king  of 
 the  Amalekites  in  the  days  of  Saul.  If  it  was  not  a  common  name  for  their  kings, 
 it  is  one  of  thofe  ftriking  inftances  in  prophecy,  where  nations  and  perfons  are 
 mentioned  by  name  long  before  their  exiflence.  Ver.  8,  9.  Comp.  chap,  xxiii. 
 22.  Gen.  xlix.  9.  Ver,  10.  Smote  his  hands;  a  fign  of  indignation  and  contempt, 
 
 ;  PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  XXIII.]  Contemplate  with  gratitude  the  infinite  mercy,  and  faithfulnefs  of  God  to  his  people,  he  not  only 
 preferves  them  from  evil,  and  raifes  up  for  them  innumerable  friends,  but  he  compels  their  fubtleft  and  moft  determined  foes  to  fpeak  honourably  of  them  i  n  the  midft 
 of  their  eaemies.  Many  times  hath  God  given  great  and  marvellous  deliverances  for  his  church,  which  have  forced  the  enemy  to  proclaim,  “  The  Lord  hath  done 
 great  things -for  them*’'*  -  But  the  ftrongefl  convitSlions  of  God’s  mercy,  and  love  ttr  bis  chofen  feem  inefTeaual  to  difengage  the  hearts  of  fome  men  from  endeavouring 
 to  giatifj  tlfeir  Vileft  defires^  and  to  execute  their  purpofes  which  they  have  tliemfclvt^  pronounced  not  less  wicked  than  vaini  Thus  Balaam  the  fon  of  Beor,  went  on 
 ^rverfely  for  filth/,  lucre’s Take,  to  curfe  thofe  whom  he  had  declared  bleffed  of  the  Lord* 
 
'Balah  dhmisset'fi  Balaam, 
 
 numbers. 
 
 Israel  commit  xxhoredom  and  idolatry. 
 
 Pefor.  1 3  If  Balak  would  give  me  bis  houfe  full  of  filver  ] 
 and  gold,  1  cannot  go  beyond  the  commandment  ot 
 the  Lord  to  do  cither  good  or  bad  of  nmne  own  , 
 ralod  i  to  wtat  the  Lord  laith,  that  »ill  I  fpeak  ?  ; 
 
 14  And  now,  behold,  I  go  unto  my  people  :  concie  ; 
 
 therefore,  and  I  will  advertile  thee  what  this  people 
 lhal'l  do  to  thy  people  in  the  latter  days.  I 
 
 15  U  And  he  took  up  his  parable,  and  laid,  miaam  ; 
 the  fon  of  Beor  hath  laid,  and  the  man  whole  eyes  | 
 
 are  open  hath  faid  ;  j  r 
 
 16  He  hath  faid,  which  heard  the  words  of  God, 
 and  knew  the  knowledge  ot  the  inoft  High,  ’xhich  law 
 the  vifion  of  the  Almighty,  falling  into  a  trance,  but 
 
 having  his  eyes  open  :  t  ru  ^  u  u  m 
 
 17  I  fhall  fee  him,  but  not  now  ;  I  (hall  behold  him, 
 
 but  not  nigh  :  there  fhall  come  a  Star  out  of  Jacob, 
 tl  and  a  Sceptre  fhall  rife  out  or  Ifrael,  and  Iball Jl  Imite 
 smite  corners  of  Moab,  and  deftroy  all  the  children  ot 
 
 through 
 
 And  Edom  (hall  be  a  polTtlfion  Seir  alfo  (hall 
 be  a  polTeffion  for  his  enemies ;  and  llrael  (hall  do 
 
 valiantly.  ,  n  ,  j  • 
 
 19  Out  of  Jacob  fhall  come  he  that  fhall  have  domi- 
 
 ,  nion,  and  fhall  deftroy  him  that  remaineth  ot  the  city. 
 
 !  20  And  when  he  looked  on  Amalek,  he  took  up  his 
 
 parable,  and  faid,  Amalek  was  H  the  firft  of  the  nations, 
 that  war-  |^i§  latter  end  11  shall  he  that  he  perifh  tor  ever. 
 redagainst  ^  |  And  he  looked  on  the  Kenites,  and  took  up  his 
 StV.s.  parable,  and  faid.  Strong  is  thy  dwelling-place,  and 
 11  Or,  thou  putteft  thy  neft  in  a  rock  :  n.  i  „ 
 
 shall  be  22  Nevertheleis  f  the  Kenite  fhall  be  wafted,  11  un- 
 
 even  tode-  captivC. 
 
 23  And  he  took  up  his  parable,  and  laid,  Alas . 
 
 wh*o  ^l^all  live  when  God  doeth  this  ?  ^  . 
 
 n  '  24  And  fhips  shall  come  from  the  coalt  ot  Ghutim, 
 
 SSe and  fhall  afflieft  Asfhur,  and  fhall  affli<ft  Eber,  and  he 
 jere^s/mralfo  fnall  perifh  for  ever. 
 
 carry  thee  ^5  And  Balaam  rofe  up,  and  went  and  returned  to 
 
 S  his  i 
 
 struClion. 
 I  Heb. 
 Kain. 
 
 ..  O'-* 
 
 haw  long 
 
 CHAP.  XXV. 
 
 Israel,  at  Shillini,  commit  whoredom  and  idolatry. 
 
 6  Phinehas  killeth 
 
 Zimri  awl  Coxhi:  10  Cod  therrMe givelh  himaneiterlasUng prietilwod. 
 
 1C  The  Midianitet  are  to  he  vexed. 
 
 And  Ifrael  abode  in  »  Shlttim,  and  the  people  _  .  , 
 began  to  commit  whoredom  w  ith  the  daughters  a  ci.ap. 
 
 of  Moab.  i.  r  -c 
 
 2  And  they  called  the  people  unto  the  faenhees  ot 
 
 their  gods :  and  the  people  did  eat,  and  bowed  down 
 
 to  their  gods.  ^  ,  , 
 
 3  And  Ifrael  joined  himfelf  unto  Bpl-peor ;  and 
 
 the  anger  of  the  Lord  was  kindled  againft  llrael.  .  _  , 
 
 4  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  Mo(es,  “Take  all  the 
 
 heads  of  the  people,  and  hang  them  up  before  thejj,j,,uj^ 
 Lord  againft  the  fun,  that  the  fierce  anger  ot  the  22. 17. 
 
 Lord  may  be  turned  away  from  llrael. 
 
 5  And  Mofes  faid  unto  the  judges  of  Ifrael,  Slay  ye 
 every  one  his  men  that  were  joined  unto  Baal-i^or. 
 
 6  And,  behold,  one  of  the  children  of  Iljael  came, 
 and  brought  unto  his  brethren  a  Midianitifh  woman, 
 in  the  fight  of  Mofes,  and  in  the  fight  of  all  the  con¬ 
 gregation  of  the  children  of  Ifrael,  who  were  weeping 
 before  the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation.  ^ 
 
 7  And  ”  when  Phinehas,  the  fon  ot  Eleazar,  the  ton  jQg  ^o. 
 of  Aaron  the  prieft,  faw  it,  he  rofe  up  from  among  tne  1  Mac. 
 congregation,  and  took  a  javelin  in  his  hand  ;  2. 54. 
 
 8  And  he  went  after  the  man  of  Ifrael  into  the  tent, 
 and  thruft  both  of  them  through,  the  man  ot  Ifrael, 
 and  the  woman  through  her  belly.  So  the  plague 
 was  flayed  from  the  children  of  Ifrael. 
 
 9  And  thofe  that  died  in  the  plague  were  twenty  d  1  Cor. 
 
 and  four  thoufand.  .  r  r  • 
 
 10  K  And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Moles,  laying, 
 
 1 1  «  Phinehas,  the  Ion  of  Eleazar,  the  fon  of  Aaron  ® 
 the  prieft,  hath  turned  my  wrath  away  from  the  chil¬ 
 dren  of  Ifrael,  (while  he  was  zealous  for  my  fake 
 among  them,)  that  I  confumed  not  the  children  of 
 Ifrael  in  my  jealoufy. 
 
 12  Wherefore  fay,  ^  Behold,  I  give  unto  him  myf  Ecdus 
 
 covenant  of  peace  :  r  ,  .  , . 
 
 13  And  he  fhall  have  it,  and  his  feed  after  him,  2.  54.* 
 even  the  covenant  of  an  everlafting  priefthood  ;  be- 
 caufe  he  was  zealous  for  his  God,  and  made  an  atone¬ 
 ment  for  the  children  of  llrael. 
 
 % 
 
 Jobxxvii.  23.  Lam.ii.  15.  Ver.  11.  Comp.  Prov. 
 
 that  is  a  diftant  period  in  Krael’s  hiftory.  Moab  was  at  prefent  fafe  for  God  had 
 eniomed  Ifrael  not  to  touch  them  ;  but  when  they  perfifted  in  fin,  for  their  punifh- 
 nieut  they  were  overthrown,  2  Sam.  viii.  2.  Jer.  xlviii.  Ver.  17.  This  prophecy 
 perhaos  refpeaed  David  the  conqueror  of  Moab,  but  its  ultimate  and  full 
 meaning  applies  only  to  Meffiah,  whom  every  eye  fliall  [ee,  Rev.  i.  7.  He  is 
 the  king,  to  whom  the  earth  is  given  for  a  poffehion,  and  by  his  feeptre  of  truth 
 and  ri'rhteouf.iefs  he  fliall  fubdue  all  nations.  Destroy  all  the  children  of  Shelh ; 
 an  exp'reffion  on  the  meaning  of  which,  critics  are  much  divided.  It  is  read 
 varioufly  ;  “rule  over,”  inftead  of  “  deftroy,”  which  is  perhaps  the  moft  natural 
 import  of  the  pafl’age  ;  “the  children  of  the  Eaft,  or  the  fons  of  noife,”  for  the 
 “  children  of  Sheth  ;”  which  is  applied  to  the  Edomites.  Others  fuppofe  that 
 Sheth  is  the  name  of  fome  diftinguiftied  prince  or  place  of  Moab.  Ver.  21,  22. 
 Nest  in  a  rock  a  fimilitiide  denoting  a  fecure  habitation.  Job  xxix.  28.  The 
 Kenites  were  proteaed  by  Ifrael,  1  Sam.  xv.  6.  and  of  courfe  would  fuffer  with 
 them  from  tlie  power  of  Afl'yria,  2  Kings  xvii,  6.'  Ver.  24.  Chillim ;  a  general 
 name  for  the  countries  and  iflands  lying  on  the  Mediterranean.  Atfyria  was 
 firft  fubdued  by  Alexander,  king  of  Macedon,  and  afterwards  acknowledged  the 
 power  of  Rome.  Eber,  fuppofed  to  mean  the  Jews,  the  pofterity  of  Heber. 
 They  fuffered  much  from  the  Rora.ans,  who  with  all  the  enemies  of  the  Jews, 
 were  devoted  to  deftruaion.  And  their  empire,  with  that  of  Macedon  and 
 Affyria,  has  periflied  forever.  Such  fliall  be  the  end  of  all  the  enemies  of  God 
 and  his  people. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXV.  Ver.  1,2.  Balaam  is  an  aw¬ 
 ful  proof  that  evil  men  and  feducers  wax  worfe  and  worfe.  He  had  efcaped  tha 
 fword  of  the  angel  that  he  might  not  injure  Ifrael,  he  had  pronounced  thofe 
 blefled  who  blefl'ed  them,  and  thofe  curfed  who  curfed  them  ;  he  liad  defired  to  die 
 their  death,  and  that  his  latter  end  might  be  like  theirs,  and  yet  he  dared  to  con- 
 fult  their  deftruiTion.  It  was  according  to  his  counfel  (chap.  xxxi.  16.  Rev.  ii. 
 14.)  that  the  daughters  of  Moab  went  into  the  camp  of  Ifrae',  and  involved  them 
 in  greater  mifery  than  all  his  former  purpofes  could  effecI.^Ver.  3.  Joined,  or 
 yoked,  a  term  denoting  communion  in  religions,  or  ungodiWbeiety,  2  Cor.  vi. 
 14.  Baal,  lord  or  patron,  the  name  of  the  idol,  probably  reprefenting  the  fun  ; 
 peor,  the  name  of  a  mountam,  where  perhaps  the  idol  was  worfliippcd,  chap, 
 xxiii.  28.  and  of  the  idol,  chap.  xxv.  17.  Jofli.  xxii.  17.  Ver.  5.  The  M'dianilea 
 were  the  chief  agents  of  this  wickednefs,  yet  Ifrael  firft  fuffered  ;  for  judgment 
 begins  at  God’s  houfe,  Ezek.  ix.  6.  1  Pet  iv.  7.  Ver.  9.  Plague,  probably  de¬ 
 notes  a  peftilence  fent  by  God,  chap.  xvi.  50.  1  Chron.  xxi.  22.  Pfalm  cvi.  29. 
 but  it  alfo  lignifies  flaughter  by  the  fword,  1  Sam.  iv.  17.  perhaps  both  are  her® 
 meant  Probably  a  thoufand  were  flain  by  the  judges,  ver.  5.  and  the  otliersby 
 the  plague,  which  may  afford  a  reafon  for  the  account  of  this  event  by  Paul 
 difl'ering  from  that  given  in  this  verfe,  comp.  Note  on  1  Cor.  x.8.  Ver.  10 — 13. 
 
 Phinehas  lived  to  .a  good  old  age,  Judg.  xx.  28.  his  fons  were  fucceflively  high- 
 priefts  till  the  Babylonilh  captivity  ;  Ezra  the  feribe  and  priell  was  of  his  line. 
 Ezra  viii.  1 — 5.  A  very  different  judgment  was  pronounced  on  Eli,  bccaufeof 
 his  lukcwarmnefs  in  God’s  fervice,  1  Sain.  ii.  3.  Ver.  14.  It  is  probable  that  the 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  XXIV.]  Pride,  ambiiion,  and  covetoufnels  prevent  the  nobleft  fentiments  from  producing  any  falutary  impref- 
 fion  on  the  heart  Ilappv  are  thofe  who  are  objeas  of  the  favour  of  God  :  His  knowledge  how  infinite  !  be  perfe^ly  difeernsevery  circumftance  of  nations,  perfons 
 and  ap-es  innumerable,  before  there  is  the  fmallell  appearance  thereof.  He  fees  all  changes  to  the  end,  all  the  deftruaion  and  havock  which  fin  will  make  in  the 
 world°of  one  nation  after  another.  Blefled  be  the  Lord,  who  hath  raifed  up  a  Prince  of  falvation  in  the  houfe  of  his  fervant  Jacob;  a  Star  to  enlighten  the  Gentiles 
 and  the  glory  of  his  people  Ifrael ;  a  Captain  of  Salvation,  to  go  forth  conquering  and  to  conquer.  jNIay  his  name  be  bleffed  for  ever,  and  all  nations  call  bim  blefled! 
 and  oh  !  that  we  may  lhare  of  his  blefleduefs,  and  in  due  time  fing  the  fong  of  Moles  and  the  Lamb. 
 
 1^0,  S  S 
 
NUMBERS. 
 
 The  MiJiajiiies  to  he  vexed. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chriil 
 
 1452. 
 
 •f  Heb. 
 
 hou/f  o/"  < 
 father. 
 
 g  Chap. 
 SJ.  2. 
 
 a  Chap. 
 
 1.  3. 
 
 b  Chap. 
 
 1.  1. 
 
 c  Gen. 
 46.  8. 
 Esodus 
 6.  14. 
 
 1  Chron. 
 
 d  Chap. 
 
 is.  1. 
 
 U  Now  the  name  of  the  Ifraelite  that  was  Ann. 
 even  that  was  flam  with  the  Midianitilh  woman, 
 ^imn,  the  fon  of_  Salu,  a  prince  of  a  t  chief  houfe 
 among  the  bimeomtes. 
 
 lo  And  the  name  of  the  Midianitifh  woman  that 
 was  flam  Cozbi,  the  daughter  of  Zur  ;  he  tew 
 
 of  a  chief  houfe  in  Midian. 
 Lord  Ipake  unto  Mofes,  faying, 
 
 ^ '  V  iMidianites,  and  finite  them  : 
 
 ,  you  with  their  wiles,  w'herewith 
 
 tney  have  beguiled  you  in  the  matter  of  Peor,  and  in 
 the  matter  of  Cozbi,  the  daughter  of  a  prince  of 
 Midian,  their  After,  which  w’as  flain  in  the  day  of  the 
 plague  for  Peer’s  fake.* 
 
 CHAP.  XX VI. 
 
 1  The  fum  of  all  I/rael  is  taken  m  the  jtlains  of  Moab ;  52  the  laiu  of 
 du’tJing  among  them  the  inheritance  of  the  land.  57  The  families  and 
 number  of  the  Levites,  <^c. 
 
 And  it  came  to  pafs  after  the  plague,  that  the ! 
 
 Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  and  unto  Eleazar  | 
 the  fbn  of  Aaron  the  prieft,  faying, 
 
 2  Take  the  fum  of  all  the  congregation  of  the  chil¬ 
 dren  of  llrael,  “  from  twenty  years  old  and  upward, 
 throughout  their  father’s  houfe,  all  that  are  able  to  go 
 to  war  in  Ifrael. 
 
 3  And  Mofes  and  Eleazar  the  prieft  fpake  with 
 them  in  the  plains  of  Moab,  by  Jordan  near  Jericho, 
 fayiqg, 
 
 4  fake  the  Jam  of  the -people^  from  tw’enty  years  old 
 and  upward  ;  as  the  Lord  commanded  Mofes  and  | 
 the  children  of  Ifrael,  which  went  forth  out  of  the  i 
 land  of  Egypt.  j 
 
 5  f  =  Reuben,  the  eldeft  fon  of  Ifrael :  the  chil-  | 
 dren  of  Reuben  ;  Hanoch,  of'ixhomcometh  the  family  of; 
 the  Hanochites  :  of  l^allu,  the  family  of  the  Palluites  : ' 
 
 6  Of  Hezron,  the  family  of  the  Hezronites :  of 
 Carmu  the  family  of  the  Carmites. 
 
 7  Thefe  are  the  families  of  the  Reubenites  :  and 
 they  that  were  numbered  of  them  were  forty  and  three 
 thoufand  and  feven  hundred  and  thirty. 
 
 8  And  the  fons  of  Pallu  ;  Eliab. 
 
 9  And  the  fons  of  Eliab ;  Nerauel,  and  Dathan, 
 and  Ab.ram,  This  is  that  Dathan  and  Abiram  ’ixhkh 
 veere  ^  famous  in  the  congregation,  who  ftrove  againft 
 Mofes  and  againft  Aaron  in  the  company  of  Korah, 
 when  they  ftrove  againft  the  Lord: 
 
 10  And  the  earth  opened  her  mouth,  and  fwallowed 
 them  up  together  with  Korah,  when  that  company 
 died,  what  time  the  Are  devoured  two  hundred  and 
 fifty  men  :  and  they  became  a  fign. 
 
 IJ  Notwithftanding  the  children  of  Korah  died  not. 
 12  %  The  fons  of  Simeon,  after  their  families:  of 
 Nemuel,  the  family  of  the  Nem.uelites  :  of  Jamin,  the 
 family  of  the  Jaminites  :  of  Jachin,  the  family  of  the 
 Jachinites : 
 
 Simeonites  Lad  been  much  influenced  by  the  example  of  Ztmri,  and  fuffered  much 
 by  the  plague,  for  their  number  feems  greatly  diminiflied,  corap.  chap.  i.  22,  23. 
 xxvi.  1,  14.  Ver.  16.  Comp.  Jer.  xxv.  29.  The  IVTidianites  were  the  adlive  in- 
 ftruments  of  leading  Ifrael  to  fin,  and  they  received  Balaam  their  wor/l  enemy, 
 c.iap.  xxxi.  8.  and  therefore  immediate  punilbment  i.s  pronounced  on  them,  rather 
 than  the  king  of  Moab,  whom  in  this  inAance  it  feems  they  ferved. 
 
 EXPL.4NATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXVI.  Ver.  2.  This 
 
 The  sum  of  all  Israel, 
 
 I  13  Of  Zerab,  the  family  of  the  Zarhites :  of  Shaul,  Hcfore 
 the  family  of  the  Shaulites. 
 
 14  1  hele  are  the  families  of  the  Simeonites,  twenty 
 and  tw'o  thouland  and  two  hundred. 
 
 15  H  Ihe  children  of  (iad,  after  their  families  :  of 
 Zephon,  the  family  of  the  Zephonites  :  of  Haggi,  the 
 family  of  the  Haggites :  of  Shuni,  the  familv  of  the 
 ohunites  : 
 
 16  Of  Ozni,  the  family  of  the  Oznites  :  of  Eri,  the 
 family  of  the  Erites  : 
 
 IV  Of  Arod,  the  family  of  the  Arodites :  of  Arcli, 
 the  family  of  the  Arelites. 
 
 18  Thefe  are  the  families  of  the  children  of  Gad, 
 according  to  thofe  that  were  numbered  of  them,  forty 
 thoufand  and  five  hundred. 
 
 19  U  '  The  fons  of  Judah  vi'ere  Er  and  Onan  :  and®  Gen. 
 
 Er  and  Onan  died  in  the  land  of  Canaan.  ss.  2,&c. 
 
 20  And  the  fons  of  Judah,  after  their  f  amilies,  were  ;  ^ 
 of  Shelah,  the  family  of  the  Shelanites :  of  Pharez, 
 the  family  of  the  Pharzites :  of  Zerah,  the  family  of 
 the  Zarhites. 
 
 21  And  the  fons  of  Pharez  W'ere  ;  of  Hezron,  the 
 family  of  the  Hezronites :  of  Hamul,  the  family  of 
 the  Hamulites. 
 
 22  Thefe  are  the  families  of  Judah,  according  to  ' 
 
 ;  thofe  that  were  numbered  of  them,  threefcore  and 
 
 i  fixteen  thoufand  and  five  hundred. 
 
 23  U  Of  the  fons  of  Iflachar,  after  their  families: 
 of  Tola,  the  family  of  the  Tolaites  :  of  Pua,  the 
 family  of  the  Punites  : 
 
 24  Of  Jdfhub,  the  family  of  the  Jafhubites  of 
 Shimron,  the  family  of  the  Shimronites. 
 
 25  Thefe  are  the  families  of  Iflachar,  according  to 
 thofe  that  were  numbered  of  them,  threefcore  and 
 four  thoufand  and  three  hundred. 
 
 26  H  OJ  the  fons  of  Zebulun,  after  their  families  : 
 of  Sered,  the  family  of  the  Sardites  :  of  Elon,  the 
 family  of  the  Elonites  t  of  Jahleel,  the  family  of  the 
 Jahlee!ites» 
 
 27  Thefe  are  the  familes  of  the  Zebulunites,  ac¬ 
 cording  to  thofe  that  were  numbered  of  them,  three¬ 
 fcore  thoufand  and  five  hundred. 
 
 28  H  I'he  fons  of  Jofeph,  after  their  families,  tecrc 
 ManafTeh  and  Ephraim. 
 
 29  Of  the  fons  of  ManafTeh  :  of*'  Machir,  the  fa-^  Jofiiua 
 mily  of  the  Machirites  ;  and  Machir  begat  Gilead  : 
 
 of  Gilead  come  the  family  of  the  Gileadites. 
 
 SO  Thefe  are  the  Tons  of  Gilead  :  of  leezer,  the 
 family  of  the  Jeezerites:  of  Helek,  the  family  of  the  . 
 Helekites : 
 
 31  And  cAAfriel,  the  family  of  the  Afrielites  :  and 
 o^Shechem,  the  family  of  the  Shechemites  : 
 
 32  And  of  Shemida,  the  family  of  the  Shemida- 
 
 ites  ;  and  0/  Hepher,  the  family  of  the  Hepherites.  g  cbap. 
 
 33  And  ^  Zelophehad  the  Ion  of  Hepher  had  no  2:.  1. 
 
 This  is  the  third 
 
 time  Ifrael  were  numbered  to  fight  the  battles  of  the  Lord,  comp,  note  on  chap. 
 1,  2.  NotwithAanding  the  number  of  deaths,  fome  of  the  tribes  appear  to  have  in- 
 creafed  fince  the  laA  numbering.  Ver.  11.  Comp.  chap.  xvi.  5.  E.xod.  vi.  24. 
 I’lie  fons  of  Korah  held  their  office  in  the  days  of  David,  1  Chron.  vi.  31,.  32. 
 Of  them  camo  two  defervedly  eAeemcd  in  Ifrael  ;  Samuel  the  prophet  and  Ha- 
 man  the  mufician,  1  Chron.  vi.  33,34.  comp.  1  Sam.  i.  20.  Ver.  22.  Judah  had 
 I  increafed,  comp.  chap.  ii.  4.  he  prevailed  above  his  brethren,  Gen.  xlix.  8 — 10. 
 
 Pft.^CTICAL  OBSERV.VTIONS. — *  Chap.  XXV.]  How  affidious  the  inAruments  of  Satan  !  if  they  prevail  not  againA  the  church  one  way,  they  will  try 
 another.  Let  us,  however,  not  forget  that  no  device  can  Hurt  us  but  that  of  our  own  lu  As  j  that  one  fin  leads  to  auotiier ;  and  that  few  temptations  are  more  dangerous 
 t  lan  the  unia  vful  love  of  women.  The  more  exalted  the  finner’s  Aation,  he  merits  the  greater  puniffiment,  to  prevent  the  direful  efle<51s  of  bis  estenfive  influence. 
 Prudent  zeal  for  God  and  righteoufnefs,  in  oppolition  to  prevailing  wickednefs,  is  a  great  blefTing  to  nations  and  cburdies ;  and  tliofe  who  manifcA  it  deferve  the 
 feigueA  praile  and  greatcA  reward. 
 
Israel  niimhcred  in  the  plants  of  Moat 
 
 NUMBERS. 
 
 Hie  nuftihcY  <f  the  Levites^ 
 
 fon<)  hilt  daughters ;  and  the  names  of  the  danchters '  Ifrae!,  fix  hundred  thoufand,  and  a  thouland  feven 
 lon^onr  aan^_  jyj^hlah,  and  Noah,  IJoglah,  hnnrtrPrt  .n<i  thirtv.  m..;. 
 
 ^I'forc 
 
 c’liriii  Zelophehad  voere 
 
 Milcah,  and  I'irzah.  _  i  ur' 
 
 3t  Thefe  are  the  families  of  Manaueh,  and  thole 
 that  were  numbered  of  them,  fifty  and  two  thouland 
 
 and  feven  hundred.  .  •  r 
 
 35  H  Ttiefe  are  the  Tons  of  Ephraim,  after  their  fa¬ 
 milies  :  of  Shuthelah,  the  family  of  the  Shuthalhites ; 
 of  Becher,  the  family  of  the  Bachrites :  of  lahan, 
 the  family  of  the  Eahanites. 
 
 36  And  thefe  are  the  fons  of  Shuthelah:  of  Eran, 
 
 the  family  of  the  Eranites.  r  u  • 
 
 37  Thefe  are  the  families  of  the  fons  of  Ephraim, 
 according  to  thofe  that  were  numbered  of  them,  thirty 
 and  two  thoufand  and  five  hundred.  Ihefe  are  the 
 Ions  of  Jofeph,  after  their  families. 
 
 38  H  The  fons  of  Benjamin,  after  their  families  :  of 
 Bela,  the  family  of  the  Belaites ;  of  Alhbel,  the  fa- 
 mily  of  the  Afiibelites ;  of  Ahiram,  the  family  of  the 
 Ahiramites': 
 
 39  Of  Shuphara,  the  family  of  the  Shuphamites ; 
 of  Hupham,  the  family  of  the  Huphamites. 
 
 40  And  the  fons  of  Bela  were  Ard  and  Naaman  ; 
 of  Ardy  the  family  of  the  Ardites  :  and  of  Naaman, 
 the  family  of  the  Naamites. 
 
 41  Thefe  are  the  fons  of  Benjamin,  after  their  fa¬ 
 milies  :  and  they  that  were  numbered  of  them  "were 
 forty  and  five  thoufand  and  fix  hundred. 
 
 42  %  Thefe  are  the  fons  of  Dan  after  their  families  : 
 of  Shuham,  the  family  of  the  Shuhamites.  T  hefe  are 
 the  families  of  Dan,  after  their  families. 
 
 43  All  the  families  of  the  Shuhamites,  according 
 to  thofe  that  were  numbered  of  them,  were  three- 
 fcore  and  four  thoufand  and  four  hundred. 
 
 44  ^  Of  the  children  of  Afher,  after  their  families  : 
 of  Jimna,  the  family  of  the  Jimnites ;  of  Jefui,  the 
 family  of  the  Jefuites :  of  Beriah,  the  family  of  the 
 Beriites. 
 
 45  Of  the  fons  of  Beriah  :  of  Heber,  the  family  of 
 the  Heberites :  of  Malchiel,  the  family  of  the  Mal- 
 chielites. 
 
 46  And  the  name  of  thedaughterof  Afher  teas  Sarah. 
 
 47  Thefe  are  the  families  of  the  fons  of  Afher,  ac¬ 
 cording  to  thofe  that  were  numbered  of  them,  who 
 were  fifty  and  three  thoufand  and  four  hundred. _  _ 
 
 48  11  O/’thefon&of  Naphtali,  after  their  families : 
 of  Jahzeel,  the  family  of  the  Jahzeelites :  of  Guni, 
 the  family  of  the  G unites  : 
 
 49  Of  Jezer,  the  family  of  the  Jezerites  :  of  Shil- 
 lem,  the  family  of  the  Snilemites. 
 
 50  Thefe  are  the  families  of  Naphtali,  according  to 
 their  families  :  and  they  that  were  numbered  of  them 
 were  forty  and  five  thoufand  and  four  hundred. 
 
 51  Thefe  were  the  numbered  of  the  children  of 
 
 hundred  and  thirty.  . 
 
 52  II  And  the  J.ord  fpake  unto  IVIoles,  laying, 
 
 53  Unto  thele  the  land  (hall  be  divided  for  an  in¬ 
 heritance,  according  to  the  number  of  names.  .  j, 
 
 54'*'l'oraany  thou  (halt  t  give  the  more  inheri- 
 tance,  and  to  few  thou  fhalt  t  give  the  lefs  inheri-| 
 tance:  to  every  one  (hall  his  inheritance  be  given  aZ-muinA^ 
 cording  to  thole  that  were  numt^red  of 
 
 55  Notwithltanding  the  land  (ball  be  divided  by  ^ 
 lot:  according  to  the  names  of  the  tribes  or  their  ji/rti/ii/s 
 
 fathers  they  (hall  inherit.  /r /r  .v, 
 
 56  According  to  the  lot  fhall  the  pofTeflion  thereof. 
 
 be  divided  between  many  and  few.  s  ;.  si. 
 
 57  II  And  thefe  are  they  that  were  numbered  ot  joihuu 
 
 the  Levites,  after  their  families:  of  Gerlhon,  2/ 
 
 family  of  the  Gerfhonites  :  of  Kohath,  the  family 
 of  the  Kohathites :  of  Merari,  the  family  of  thee,  is,  17, 
 IVIcrsritcs* 
 
 58  Thefe  are  the  families  of  the  Levites ;  the  fa¬ 
 mily  of  the  Libnites,  the  family  of  the  Hebrcmites, 
 the  family  of  the  Mahlites,  the  family  of  the  Mulhites, 
 the  family  of  the  Korathites.  And  Kohath  begat 
 
 Araram.  .  .  ,  j  i  vrra 
 
 59  And  the  name  of  Amram/s  wife  was  Jochebed,  ^  f 
 
 the  daughter  of  Levi,  whom  her  mother  bare  to  Levi^^  g’  20. 
 in  Egypt :  and  (he  bare  unto  Amram  Aaron  and 
 Mofes,  and  Miriam  their  fifter. 
 
 60  And  unto  Aaron  was  born  Nadab  and  Abihu, 
 
 Eleazar  and  Ithamar.  , 
 
 61  And  “  Nadab  and  Abihu  died,  when  they 
 
 fered  ftrange  fire  before  the  Lord.  cbaj^ 
 
 62  And  thofe  that  were  numbered  of  them  were  3.  4. 
 twenty  and  three  thoufand,  all  males,  from  a  month  i  Chroo. 
 old  and  upward  ;  for  they  were  not  numbered  among  2. 
 the  children  of  Ifrael,  becaufe  there  was  no  inheritance 
 given  them  among  the  children  of  Ifrael. 
 
 63  H  Thefe  are  they  that  were  numbered  by  Mofes 
 and  Eleazar  the  prieft,  who  numbered  the  children  of 
 Ifrael  in  the  plains  of  Moab,  by  Jordan  near  Jericho. 
 
 64  But  among  thefe  there  was  not  a  man  of  them 
 whom  Moles  and  Aaron  the  prieft  numbered,  wTen 
 they  numbered  the  children  of  Krael  in  the  wildernefs 
 
 of  Sinai :  • 
 
 65  For  the  Lord  had  faid  of  them.  They  “  (nalln 
 furely  die  in  the  wildernefs.  And  there  was  not  left 
 
 a  man  of  them,  fave  Caleb  the  Ion  ot  Jephunneh,  and  10.  5,  e. 
 Jofhua  the  fon  of  Nun.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXVIf. 
 
 1  T/ie  dnughlen  of  Zdophehad  fne  for  nn  inheritance.  6  The  Ijw  of 
 inheritance.  12  ^[ofe s  being  told  of  his  death,  fueth  for  a  fnccejfir  ; 
 
 Jofhua  is  appointed  to  succeed  him. 
 
 ''HEN  came  the  daughters  of  *  Zelophehad,  the  jon,uJ 
 fon  of  Hepher,  the  fon  of  Gilead,  the  Ibn  ot  17.3. 
 
 Ver.  34.  ManaflVh  had  increafed  much  more  than  any  other  of  the  tribes,.  Numb, 
 ii.  21.  and  thus  Jofeph  appeared  the  fon  of  a  fruitful  vine,  Gen.  xlix.  22.  Ver. 
 3G.  0{  Eran  came  Jofliua  the  fon  of  Nun,  and  faviour  of  Il'rael,  1  Chron.  vii. 
 
 26,  27.  Ver.  51.  Ifrael  had  multiplied  in  Egypt,  in  the  iron  furnace,  hut  for 
 their  fins  they  had  decteafed  in  the  wildernefs,  Pfal.  Ixxviii.  17 — 3,3.  Seven 
 tribes  had  however  increafed  fince  the  laft  numbering.  Ver.  56.  The  poUefllon  bp 
 lot,  may  typify  the  inheritance  granted  to  thofe  whofe  names  are  written  in  the 
 book  of  life,  Rev.  xxi.  27.  or  the  gifts  of  the  Spirit  given  according  to  the  fovercign 
 will  of  God,  1  Cor.  xii.  4 — 11.  ' 
 
 T 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXVII.  Ver.  3.  Zelojihehad  had 
 died  for  bis  oicn Jin  as  other  men  who  fell  in  the  w  ildernefs,  he  had  not  been  an 
 atrent  or  fupporter  of  the  public  rebellions ;  and  hence  his  daughters  prefumed 
 that  his  inheritance  was  not  forfeited,  but  belonged  to  them.  They  applied  to 
 Mofes,  and  fubmitted  their  caufe  to  his  righteous  judgment.  Their  application 
 was  fuccefsful,  and  tended  more  to  promote  public  good  than  their  ow  n  private  ir.- 
 tcre(\  ;  for  many  families  in  all  probability',  would  have  lofi  their  inheritance  in 
 the  future  ages  of  Ifrael,  but  for  the  law  which  was  now  delivered  ;  See  it  exe¬ 
 cuted  in  the  cafes  of  thefe  honourable  women,  Jofh.  xvii.  3,  4.  Ver.  12.  Aburin- 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — ♦  Chap.  XXVI.]  Aflonilhing  arc  the  revohitions  efteaed  in  a  few  years  in  fomc  families,  tribes,  and  nations  !  The 
 threaleniiigs  of  God,  as  well  as  his  promifes,  are  all  exaaiy,  though  gradually  fulfilled.  Happy  are  they  alone  who  are  foithful  to  God  and  their  brethren.  They  are. 
 fafe  ill  the  midfl  of  innumerable  calamities,  derive  advantage  from  the  fevcretl  trials,  iurvive  the  triumphs  of  death,  the  dellrin^ion  ot  the  viuble  um^erle  ct  OoU, 
 aiid-lhall  Hand  honourable  aud  blelled  in  the  better  country,  the  place  where  Jehovah  delights  to  dwell. 
 
T!ic  l<tTt  of  the  inherttanee. 
 
 NUMBERS. 
 
 chrift  Machir,  thefon  ofManaffeh,  of  the  families  of  Ma- 
 1452.  I^mleh  the  Ion  or  Jofeph  ;  and  thefe  are  the  names  of 
 ^  his  daughters,  Mahlah,  Noah,  and  Iloglah,  and  Mil- 
 cah,  and  lirzah. 
 
 2  And  they  ftood  before  Mofes,  and  before  Eleazar 
 the  priett,  and  before  the  princes  and  all  the  congre- 
 
 gation,  by  the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  cohgrega- 
 tion,  laying, 
 
 ^  father  ^  died  in  the  wildernefs,  and  he  was 
 •6.64  65.^°^  company  of  them  that  gathered  themfelves 
 
 together  againft  the  Lord  in  the  company  of  Korah  ; 
 but  died  in  his  own  lin,  and  had  no  fons. 
 
 4  Why  fhould  the  name  of  our  father  be  f  done 
 avvay  from  among  his  family,  becaufe  he  hath  no  fon  ? 
 Give  unto  us  therefore  apoffcffion  among  the  brethren 
 of  our  father. 
 
 5  And  Mofes  brought  their  caufe  before  the  Lord. 
 
 t  Heb, 
 
 dimi- 
 
 nyhecL 
 
 6  11  And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  faying, 
 
 7  The  daughters  of  Zelophehad  fpeak  right : 
 
 thou 
 
 c  Deut. 
 ■  82.  49. 
 
 d  Chap. 
 20.  24. 
 
 €  Chap. 
 20.  24. 
 
 f  Exod, 
 17.  7. 
 
 (halt  lurely  give  them  a  pofleffion  of  an  inheritance 
 among  their  father’s  brethren  ;  and  thou  fhalt  caufe 
 the  inheritance  of  their  father  to  pals  unto  them. 
 
 8  And  thou  (halt  fpeak  unto  the  children  of  Ifrael, 
 faying.  If  a  man  die,  and  have  no  fon,  then  ye  lhall 
 caufe  his  inheritance  to  pafs  unto  his  daughter. 
 
 _  9  And  if  he  have  no  daughter,  then  ve  lhall  give 
 hi&  inheritance  unto  his  brethren. 
 
 10  And  if  he  have  no  brethren,  then  ye  lhall  give 
 his  inheritance  unto  his  father’s  brethren. 
 
 1 1  And  if  his  father  have  no  brethren,  then  ye 
 fhall  give  his  inheritance  unto  his  kinfman  that  is  next 
 to  him  of  his  family,  and  he  fhall  pofTefs  it ;  and  it 
 fhall  be  unto  the  children  of  Ifrael,  a  ftatute  of  judg¬ 
 ment  ;  as  the  Lord  commanded  Mofes. 
 
 12  H  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  Mofes,  Get  thee 
 up  into  this  mount  Abarim,  and  fee  the  land  which  I 
 have  given  unto  the  children  of  Ifrael. 
 
 13  And  w’hen  thou  haft  feen  it,  thou  alfo  fhalt  be 
 gathered  unto  thy  people,  as  Aaron  thy  brother  was 
 gathered. 
 
 14  For  ye  *  rebelled  againft  my  commandment  in 
 the  defert  of  Zin,  in  the  ftrife  of  the  congregation,  to 
 fanflify  me  at  the  water  before  their  eyes  :  that  is  the 
 ^  water  of  Meribah  in  Kadefh,  in  the  wildernefs  of  Zin. 
 
 15  H  And  Mofes  fpake  unto  the  Lord,  faying, 
 
 16  Let  the  Lord,  the  God  of  the  fpirits  of  all  flefh, 
 fet  a  man  over  the  congregation, 
 
 17  Which  may  go  out  before  them,  and  which  may 
 go  in  before  them,  and  which  may  lead  them  out,  and 
 which  may  bring  them  in  ;  that  the  congregation  of 
 the  Lord  be  not  as  fheep  which  have  no  fhepherd. 
 
 faid  unto  Mofes,  Take  thee 
 a  man  in  whom  is  the  fpirit. 
 
 Inf,,. 
 
 M;.' 
 
 VV 
 
 was  a  common  name  for  a  clufter  of  hills  in  this  diilri<5l.  Mofes  died  on  that 
 part  of  them  which  is  called  mount  Nebo,  oppofite  Jericho,  Deut.  xxxii.  49.  ; 
 He  was  permitted  to  fee  the  goodly  land  afar  off,  and  be  died  to  enjoy  the  hea- 
 Tenly  Canaan.  Ver.  15—17.  The  fame  ardent  love  for  Ifrael  which  induced 
 him  to  forfake  the  honours  of  Pharaoh’s  court,  and  bear  with  their  forwardnefs  j 
 and  ingratiUide  about  40  years,  animated  him  when  God  fummoned  him  to  die. 
 His  unfeigned  and  fervent  prayer  that  all  Ihould  go  well  with  them  after  his 
 death,  manifefts  a  noble  example  of  dilinterelled  zeal  :  compare  the  condudl  of , 
 Paul,  A6ts  XX.  28 — 35.  but  efpecially  the  conduct  of  the  prophet  like  to  Mofes  j 
 whofe  love,  compaflion,  and  dilinterelled  zeal  have  no  parallel,  John  xvii.  Phil.  I 
 ii.  1 — 8.  Ver  18 — 20.  God  gave  Jolhua  a  charge  in  addition  to  that  of  Mofes,  ' 
 Deut  xx?.i.  7,  8,  14,  15.  The  honour  of  Mofes  which  he  was  to  put  on  Jofhua  ; 
 
 ^fo/e^s  h  told  o)  his  death 
 
 18  U  And  the  Lord 
 Jolhua  the  fon  of  Nun, 
 and  lay  thine  hand  upon  him  ; 
 
 19  And  fet  him  before  Eleazar  the  prieft,  and  be. 
 tore  all  the  congregation  ;  and  give  him  a  charge  in 
 their  fight. 
 
 20  And  thou  fhalt  put  some  of  thine  honour  upon 
 him,  that  all  the  congregation  of  the  children  of  Ifrael 
 may  be  obedient. 
 
 21  And  he  fnall  ftand  before  Eleazar  the  prieft,  who 
 mail  afk  cotwsel  for  him  s  after  the  judgment  of  Urim  g  Ew 
 before  the  Lord  :  at  his  word  fhall  they  go  our,  and"^*^* 
 at  his  word  they  fhall  come  in,  both  he,  and  all  the 
 children  of  Ifrael  with  him,  even  all  the  congregation. 
 
 22  And  Mofes  did  as  the  Lord  commanded  him ; 
 and  he  took  Jofhua,  and  fet  him  before  Eleazar  the 
 prieft,  and  before  all  the  congregation. 
 
 23  And  he  laid  his  hands  upon  him,  and  gave  him 
 a  charge ;  as  the  Lord  commanded  by  the  hand  of 
 Mofes.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXVIII. 
 
 [  Offerings  are  to  le  observed,  3  The  continual  burnt-offering :  9  the 
 
 offering  on  the  sabbath,  11  on  the  new-moons,  16  at  the  p^tTover,  26 
 and  m  the  day  of  JirJt-fruits, 
 
 ND  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  faying, 
 
 _ 2  Command  the  children  of  Ifrael,  and  fay  un¬ 
 to  them.  My  offering,  and  my  bread  for  my  lacrifices, 
 made  by  fire, ./or  f  a  fweet  favour  unto  me,  fhall  yetii^i>' 
 obferve  to  offer  unto  me  in  their  due  feafon. 
 
 3  And  thou  fhalt  fay  unto  them,  »  This 
 offering  made  by  fire  which  ye  fhall  offer  unto  the^Eioi 
 Lord  ;  two  Iambs  of  the  firft  year  without  fpor,  f  day 
 
 by  day  a  coDtinual  burnt-offering.  !, 
 
 4  1  he  one  lamb  fhalt  thou  offer  in  the  morning, 
 and  the  other  lamb  (halt  thou  offer  f  at  even  ;  t  Heb, 
 
 5  And  a  tenth  jmrt  of  an  ephah  of  flour  for  a 
 meat-offering,  mingled  with  the  fourth  part  of  an 
 
 hin  of  beaten  oiL  b  Levit, 
 
 6  It  is  a  continual  burnt-offering,  which  was  or-^T  . 
 dained  in  mount  Sinai  for  a  fweet  favour,  a  facrificesg.S' 
 :  made  by  fire  unto  the  Lord. 
 
 7  And  the  drink-offering  thereof  shall  he  the  fourth 
 part  of  an  hin  for  the  one  lamb  :  in  the  holy  place 
 fhalt  thou  caufe  the  ftrong  wine  to  be  poured  unto 
 the  Lord  for  a  drink-offering. 
 
 8  And  the  other  lamb  fhalt  thou  offer  at  even  :  as 
 the  meat-offering  of  the  morning,  and  as  the  drink- 
 offering  thereof,  thou  (halt  offer  it,  a  facrifice  made 
 by  fire,  of  a  fweet  favour  unto  the  Lord. 
 
 9  11  And  on  the  fabbath-day  two  lambs  of  the  firft 
 year  without  fpot,  and  two  tenth-deals  of  flour  for  a 
 
 A’ 
 
 IS 
 
 f  ‘’"'  ’"I' 
 
 tne»e/?. 
 
 fignifies  the  gifts  qualifying  him  for  his  office,  or  the  transference  of  his  autliori!; 
 by  the  laying  out  of  his  hands  on  Jofliua,  and  appointing  him  chief  leader  in  l!i 
 prefence  of  the  congregation.  AJk  counsel  for  him,  in  all  doubtlefs  cafes  on  whlca 
 none  could  decide  but  God,  who  delivered  his  mind  by  Urim  and  Thumniini, 
 The  prieft  performed  the  fame  office  in  after  ages  for  the  kings  of  Ifrael,  1  Saio. 
 xxiii.  9 — 12,  xxviii.  6. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXVIII.  Ver.  1—15.  The  former' 
 generations  to  whom  thefe  laws  had  been  given  being  dead,  they  are  here  fbltinr.b 
 repeated  to  their  pofterity.  The  facrifices  were  ordained  for  a  sweet  savour 
 tie  Lord.  Doubtlefs  he  had  no  pleafure  in  the  fhed  blood  of  any  animal,  but  as  a 
 type  of  that  facrifice  which  was  worthy  of  his  delight,  and  which  affords  pes« 
 and  hope  to  the  guilty,  comp.  Eph.  v.  1,2.  The  fame  facrifices 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — ^  Chap.  XXVII.]  Oh  that  it  may  be  our  higheft  ambition  to  obtain  a  place  in  the  heavenly  Canaan  among  all  them  tbai 
 are  fandlified.  And  may  we  in  every  difficulty  approach  the  throne  of  grace,  and  cheerfully  fubmit  to  the  divine  will  refpe<5ling  us,  whether  it  be  life  or  death. 
 vve  have  good  hope  through  grace,  nothing  furely  ought  to  be  nearer  our  heart,  while  we  breathe,  than  the  profperity  of  God’s  caufe  in  the  world.  And  may 
 Lord  give  us  inclination  and  ability  to  ferve  him  faithfully  at  all  times :  nor  let  us  faint  in  our  work  when  our  brethren  are  called  away  by  death,  for  our  Lord  abiw'-' 
 with  us  for  ever. 
 
NUMBERS. 
 
 Ilcforc 
 
 I45‘i. 
 
 d  Exod. 
 12.  18. 
 Levit. 
 23.  5. 
 
 e  Levit. 
 23.  7. 
 
 j'ke  Lord's  oferinss  to  he  oherved. 
 
 meat-offering,  mingled  with  oil,  and  the  drink-offering 
 
 ri/s  h  the  burnt-offering  of  every  fabbatb,  befides 
 the  continual  burnt-offering,  and  his  drink-offering. 
 
 1 1  H  And  in  the  beginnings  of  your  months  ye  fhall 
 offer  a  burnt-offering  unto  the  Lord  ;  two  young 
 bullocks  and  one  ram,  leveu  lambs  of  the  firft  year 
 without  fpot : 
 
 12  And  three  tenth  deals  of  flour. /or  a  meat-offer¬ 
 ing,  mingled  with  oil,  for  one  bullock  ;  and  two-tenth- 
 deals  of  flour  for  a  meat-offering,  mingled  with  oil, 
 
 for  one  ram ;  .  ,  ,  •  . 
 
 13  And  a  leveral  tenth-deal  of  flour  mingled  with 
 oil  fur  a  meat-offering  unto  one  lamb,  for  a  bumt- 
 effering  of  a  I'weet  favour,  a  facrifice  made  by  fire 
 unto  the  Lord. 
 
 M  And  their  drink-offerings  fhall  be  half  an  hin 
 of  wine  unto  a  bullock,  and  the  third  -part  of  an  hin 
 unto  a  ram,  and  a  fourth  part  of  an  hin  unto  a  lamb  : 
 this  is  the  burnt-offering  of  every  month  throughout 
 the  months  of  the  year. 
 
 15  And  one  kid  of  the  goats  for  a  fin-offering  unto 
 the  Lord  fhall  be  offered,  befides  the  continual  burnt- 
 offering,  and  his  drink-offering. 
 
 16  f  And  in  the  fourteenth  day  of  the  firft  month 
 is  the  paffover  of  the  Lord. 
 
 17  And  in  the  fifteenth  day  of  this  month  is  the  ^ 
 feaft  :  f'even  days  fhall  unleavened  bread  be  eaten.  i 
 
 18  In  the  '  firft  day  shall  he  an  holy  convocation  ;  j 
 ye  fhall  do  no  manner  of  fervile  work  therein. 
 
 19  But  ye  fhall  offer  a  facrifice  made  by  fire,  /or  a  | 
 burnt-offering  unto  the  Lord  ;  two  young  bullocks,  ! 
 and  one  ram,  and  feven  lambs  of  the  firft  year  :  they 
 fhall  be  unto  you  without  blemifh. 
 
 20  And  their  meat-offering  shall  he  of  flour  mingled 
 with  oil :  three  tenth-deals  fhall  ye  offer  for  a  bullock, 
 and  two  tenth-deals  for  a  ram  ; 
 
 21  A  feveral  tenth-deal  fhalt  thou  offer  for  every 
 lamb,  throughout  the  feven  Iambs : 
 
 22  And  one  goat  for  a  fin-offering,  to  make  an  atone¬ 
 ment  for  you. 
 
 23  Ye  fhall  offer  thefe  befides  the  burnt-offering  in 
 the  morning,  which  is  for  a  continual  burnt-offering. 
 
 24  After  this  manner  ye  fhall  offer  daily,  through¬ 
 out  the  feven  days,  the  meat  of  the  facrifice  made 
 by  fire,  of  a  fv,?eet  favour  unto  the  Lord  :  it  fhall  be 
 offered  befides  the  continual  burnt-offering,  and  his 
 dring-offering. 
 
 25  And  on  the  feventh  day  ye  fhall  have  an  holy 
 convocation  ;  ye  fhall  do  no  fervile  work. 
 
 26  f  Alfo  in  the  day  of  the  firft-fruits,  when  ye 
 bring  a  new  meat-offering  unto  the  Lord,  after  your 
 weeks  he  out,  ye  fhall  have  an  holy  convocation  ;  ye 
 fhall  do  no  fervile  work  : 
 
 27  But  ye  fhall  offer  the  burnt-offering  for  a  fweet 
 favour  unto  the  Lord  ;  two  young  bullocks,  one  ram, 
 feven  lambs  of  the  firft  year  ; 
 
 The  off'. tings  <f  the  nen',  ir.oms,  ^e. 
 
 P'-fore 
 
 rhritt 
 
 11.. 
 
 9vUlvf 
 
 A 
 
 28  And  their  meat-cff'’rirjg  of  flour  mingled  with 
 oi',  three  tenth-deals  unto  one  bullock,  two  tenth  deals 
 uuto  one  ram. 
 
 29  A  feveral  tenth-deal  unto  one  lamb,  throughout 
 the  feven  lambs ; 
 
 30  And  one  kid  of  the  goats,  to  make  an  atonement 
 for  you. 
 
 3 1  Ye  fliall  offer  them  befides  the  continual  burnt- 
 offering,  and  his  meat-offering,  (they  fhall  be  unto 
 you  without  blemifh.)  and  their  drink-offerings.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXIX. 
 
 1  The  offering  at  the  fenf  of  trumpets,  7  at  the  day  of  afflilling  ll  ir 
 
 souls,  YU  and  on  the  eight  days  of  the  feajl  of  tahemacles. 
 
 ND  in  the  feventh  month,  on  the  firft  day  of  the 
 __  month,  ye  fhall  have  an  holy  convocation  ;  ye 
 fhall  do  no  fervile  work  :  *  it  is  a  day  of  blowing 
 trumpets  unto  you. 
 
 2  And  ye  fhall  offer  a  burnt-offering  for  a  fweet  fa¬ 
 vour  unto  the  Lord  ;  one  young  bullock,  one  ram, 
 and  feven  lambs  of  the  firft  year  without  blemifh  : 
 
 3  And  their  meat-offering  shall  he  (f  flour  mingled 
 with  oil,  three  tenth-deals  for  a  bullock,  and  two  tenth- 
 deals  for  a  ram, 
 
 4  And  one  tenth-deal  for  one  lamb,  throughout  the 
 feven  lambs ; 
 
 5  And  one  kid  of  the  goats. /or  a  fin- offering,  to  make 
 an  atonement  for  you  : 
 
 6  Befides  the  burnt-offering  of  the  month,  and  his 
 meat-offering,  and  the  daily  burnt-offering,  and  his 
 meat-offering,  and  their  drink-offerings,  according 
 unto  their  manner,  for  a  fweet  favour,  a  facrifice  made 
 by  fire  unto  the  Lord. 
 
 7  %  And  ye  fhall  have  on  the  tenth  day  of  this*’ 
 feventh  month  an  holy  convocation  ;  and  ye  fhall 
 aftliift  your  fouls  :  ye  fhall  not  do  any  w'ork  therein  ; 
 
 8  But  ye  fhall  offer  a  burnt-offering  unto  the  Lord 
 for  a  fweet  favour :  one  young  bullock,  one  ram,  and 
 
 feven  lambs  of  the  firft  year  ;  they  fhall  be  unto  you 
 without  blemifh. 
 
 9  And  their  meat- offering  shall  he  of  flour  mingled 
 with  oil,  three  tenth-deals  to  a  bullock,  and  two  tenth- 
 deals  to  one  ram, 
 
 10  A  feveral  tenth-deal  for  one  lamb,  throughout 
 the  feven  lambs ; 
 
 1 1  One  kid  of  the  goats  for  a  fin-offering,  befides 
 the  fin-offering  of  atonement,  and  the  continual  burnt- 
 offering,  and  the  meat-offering,  of  it,  and  their  drink- 
 offerings. 
 
 12  «!i  And  on  the  fifteenth  day  of  the  feventh  month 
 ye  fhall  have  an  holy  convocation ;  ye  fhall  do  no 
 fervile  work,  and  ye  fhall  keep  a  feaft  unto  the  Lord 
 feven  days. 
 
 13  And  ye  fhall  offer  a  burnt-offering,  a  facrifice 
 made  by  fire,  of  a  fweet  favour  unto  the  Lord  ;  thir¬ 
 teen  young  bullocks,  two  rams,  and  fourteen  lambs 
 of  the  firft  year  :  they  fhall  be  without  blemifh  : 
 
 14  And  their  meat-offering  shall  he  ^'flour  mingled 
 
 29. 
 ‘  25.  27. 
 
 on  the  day  of  Pentecoft,  the  feaft  of  the  firft-fruits,  which  were  oflfered  on  the 
 days  of  holy  convocation  at  the  paffover,  and  on  the  new  moons.  The  truth  and 
 accomplifiiment  of  all  the  Jewifti  folemnities  we  have  in  Chrift,  who  by  his  one 
 offering  hath  obtained  for  us  eternal  redemption,  and  given  us  his  Spirit,  and 
 placed  us  in  bis  kingdom  of  righteoufiiefs,  peace,  and  joy,  that  we  might  ofl'er  up 
 the  facrifice  of  praile  continually,  giving  thanks  in  his  name. 
 
 explanatory  NOTES.  Chat.  XXIX.  Ver.  1.  The  seventh  month, 
 anfwcred  to  our  Septemlrer  ;  called  the  “end  of  the  year,”  Exod.  xxiiL  16  xxxiv. 
 22.  and  obfervod  as  fuch  by  Ifrael  in  their  civil  atiairs.  Lev.  xxv.  9,  10.  but  to 
 commemorate  the.  deliverance  from  Egypt  the  eoclefiaftic  year  began  in  March, 
 Exod.  xii.  2.  and  hence  the  laft  of  the  civil  was  the  feventh  of  the  ecclefialtical 
 year.  This  month  was  diftinguilhed  by  more  folemnities  than  any  other  ;  the 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS _ *  Chap.  XXVIII.]  It  hath  pleafed  the  Father  that  in  Chrift  all  fulnefs  (hould  dwell;  and  therefore  he  can  daily 
 
 fupply  all  our  wants.  Let  us  therefore  contemplate  him  continually  as  over  all,  and  live  on  him,  and  live  to  him,  May  we  efteem  lus  perfon,  favour,  and  coounu- 
 nications  of  his  love,  better  than  all  new  moons  or  feafts  of  the  rioheft  enjoyments, 
 
 No.n.,.,6d,  Tt 
 
Sundry  soUmn  fcasfs. 
 
 NUMBERS, 
 bullock  of  the 
 
 cS  tenth-deals  unto  every 
 
 usa.  bullocks,  two  tenth-deals  to  each  ram  of  the 
 
 two  rams, 
 
 15  And  a  feveral  tenth-deal  to  each  lamb  of  the 
 fourteen  iambs ; 
 
 16  And  one  kid  of  the  goats./b?-  a  fin-oflering,  be- 
 fjdes  the  continual  burnt-ofteriug,  his  meat-offering, 
 and  his  drink-offering. 
 
 ,  17  ^  And  on  the  fecond  day,  ye  shall  twelve 
 young  bullocks,  two  rams,  fourteen  lambs  of  the  firft 
 year,  without  fp'it : 
 
 IS  And  their  meat-offering,  and  their  drink-offer¬ 
 ings,  for  the  bullocks,  for  the  rams,  and  for  the  lambs, 
 i,hall  he  according  to  their  number,  after  the  manner  ; 
 19  And  one  kid  of  the  goats  for  a  fin-offeriiig,  be- 
 
 >  35. 
 
 The  Jeasl  of  laberiiacj,, 
 
 35  f  On  the  eighth  day  ye  fliall  have  a  ‘  folemn  iw 
 
 aflembly  ;  ye  ^all  do  no  fervile  work  therein  ;  Chr'-Ji® 
 
 36  But  ve  (hall  offer  a  burnt-offering,  a  facrifice 
 
 made  by  fire,  of  a  Iwe'et  favour  unto  the  Lord  •  one 
 bullock,  one  ram,  {even  lambs  of  the  firft  year,  with 
 out  blcmifli  :  j  t  * 
 
 ..  ^  heir  meat-offering,  and  their  drink-offerings 
 
 .  for  the  bullock,  for_  the  ram,  and  for  the  lambs,  shall 
 i  be  according  to  their  number,  after  the  manner; 
 i  38  And  one  goat/o/  a  fin-offering,  befides  the  con- 
 tinual  burnt-offer  mg,  and  his  meat-offering,  and  his 
 drink-offering. 
 
 39  Thefe  things  ye  fhall  ||  do  unto  the  Lord  in  your  ||  Or 
 let  tealts,  befides  your  vows,  and  your  free-will-offer- 
 ings,  for  your  burnt-olferings,_and  for  y-our  meat- 
 
 r  j  .u  •  1  L  .1'  •  -  jui  juui  uunu-oiierings,  ana  ror  vour  meat- 
 
 fiJes  the  continual  buimt-offering  and  the  meat-offer-  |  oflerings,  and  for  your  drink-offerings,  and  for  your 
 mg  thereof,  and  their  drink-offerings.  i  peace-offerings  ^  ^ 
 
 20^  And  on  the  third  day  eleven  bullocks,  t w;o  rams,  I  40  And  Moles  told  the  children  of  Ifrael  according 
 urteen  lambs  of  the  firif  vear.  without  bemifh  r  i  tr>  oil  r - j.j  n/r./  .  *  couruing 
 
 fourteen  lambs  of  the  firif  year,  without  blemifh  . 
 
 '21  And  their  meat-offering,  and  their  drink-offer- 
 iags,  for  the  bullocks,  for  the  rams,  and  for  the  lambs, 
 shall  be  according  to  their  number,  after  the  m.anner ; 
 
 _  -.22  And  one  goat  fur  a  fin-offering,  befides  the  con- 
 tinudl  burnt-offering,  and  his  meat-offering,  and  his 
 drink-'ffering. 
 
 23  ^  And  on  the  fourth  day,  tenbullocks,  two  rams, 
 and  fourteen  lambs  of  the  firft  year,  without  blemilli : 
 
 24  Their  meat-offering,  and  their  drink-offerings, 
 for  ihe  bullocks,  for  the  rams,  and  for  the  lambs,  shall 
 be  according  to  their  number,  after  the  manner  ; 
 
 25  And  one  kid  of  the  goats  for  a  fin-offering,  be¬ 
 fides  the  continual  burnt-offering,  his  meat-oSering, 
 and  his  drink-offering. 
 
 26  11  And  on  the  fifth  day  nine  bullocks,  two  rams, 
 and  fourteen  lambs  of  the  firft  year,  without  fpot : 
 
 27  And  their  meat-offering,  and  their  drink  offer¬ 
 ings,  for  the  bullocks,  for  the  rams,  and  for  the  lambs, 
 s.W/ Z>(?  according  to  their  number,  after  the  manner  ; 
 
 28  And  one  goat  for  a  fin-offering,  befides  the  con¬ 
 tinual  burnt-offering,  and  his  meat-offering,  and  his 
 drink  offering. 
 
 29  H  And  on  thefixth  day  eight  bullocks,  two  rams, 
 and  fourteen  lambs  of  the  firft  year,  without  blemifh  : 
 
 30  And  their  meat-olfering,  and  their  drink-offer¬ 
 ings,  for  the  bulkcks,  for  the  rams,  and  for  the  lambs, 
 shall  be  according  to  their  number  after  the  manner  ; 
 
 31  And  one  goat  /ora  fin-offering,  befides  the  con¬ 
 tinual  burnt-offering,  his  meat-offering,  and  his  drink- 
 offering. 
 
 32  II  And  on  the  feventh  day  feven  bullocks,  tw'o 
 rams,  and  fourteen  lambs  of  the  firft  year,  without 
 blemifh : 
 
 33  And  their  meat-offering,  and  their  drink-offer¬ 
 ings,  for  the  bullocks,  for  the  rams,  and  for  the  lambs, 
 shall  he  according  to  their  number,  after  the  manner : 
 
 34  And  one  goat  for  a  fin-offering,  befides  the  con- ; 
 tinual  burnt-offering,  his  meat-offering,  and  his  drink- ! 
 offering. 
 
 iirft  day  ufheied  in  the  feaft  of  trumpets,  the  tenth  the  annual  faft,  the  fifteenth, 
 the  feaft  of  hootlis  or  tabernacles,  which  lafied  feveral  days,  each  day  required 
 a  bullock  fewer  than  what  were  facriticed  the  preceding  day.  This  probably 
 was  defigned  to  imprefs  the  minds  of  the  people  with  tlie  importance  of  fpiri- 
 tual  worlhip,  if  not  to  intimate  the  future  abolition  of  facrifices,  comp.  Notes 
 on  Lev.  xvi.  xxiii.  23—44.  Neh.  viii.  14—18.  Ver.  39.  Ifrael  were  to  be  blef- 
 
 to  all  that  the  Lord  commanded  Moles.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXX. 
 
 1  ows  are  not  to  he  broken.  3  The  exception  of  a  maid’s  vow,  6  of  a 
 wife  s,  9  of  a  widow’s  or  her  that  is  divorced. 
 
 ND  Mofes  fpake  unto  the  heads  of  the  tribes 
 
 - -  concerning  the  children  of  Ifrael,  faying,  This 
 
 IS  the  thing  which  the  Lord  hath  commanded. 
 
 2  If  a  man  vow  a  vow  unto  the  Lord,  or  fwear  an 
 oath  to  bind  his  foul  with  a  bond  ;  he  fhall  not  f  break  f 
 
 his  word,  he  fnali  do  according  to  all  that  proceedeth^’'""'^'"'^' 
 out  of  his  mouth. 
 
 3  H  If  a  woman  alfo  vow  a  vow  unto  the  Lord, 
 pd  bind  herself  by  a  bond,  bang  in  her  father’s  houl'e 
 in  her  youth  ; 
 
 4  And  her  father  hear  her  vow,  and  her  bond 
 wherewith  fhe  hath  bound  her  foul,  and  her  father 
 fhall  hold  his  peace  at  her ;  then  all  her  vows  fhall 
 ftand,  and  every  bond  wherewith  fhe  hath  bound 
 her  foul  fhall  ftand. 
 
 5  But  if  her  father  difallow  her  iu  the  day  that 
 he  heareth  ;  not  any  of  her  vows,  or  of  her  bonds 
 wherewith  fhe  hath  bound  her  foul,  fhall  ftand  ;  and 
 the  Lord  fhall  forgive  her,  becaufe  her  father  difal- 
 lowed  her. 
 
 6  H  And  if  fhe  had  at  all  an  hufband,  when  f  fhef  Heb. 
 
 vowed,  or  uttered  ought  out  of  her  lips,  wherewith  her  vows 
 file  bound  her  foul ;  were^^a 
 
 7  And  her  hufband  heard  it,  and  held  his  peace  at^'^*^' 
 her  in  the  day  that  he  heard  it:  then  her  vows  fhall 
 ftand,  and  her  bonds  wherewith  fhe  bound  her  foul 
 fhall  ftand. 
 
 8  But  if  her  hufband  difallowed  her  on  the  day  that 
 he  heard  it :  then  he  fhall  make  her  vow  w'hich  fhe 
 vowed,  and  that  which  fhe  uttered  with  her  lips, 
 wherewith  fhe  bound  her  foul,  of  none  effeiff ;  and 
 the  Lord  fliall  forgive  her. 
 
 9  f  But  of  every  vow  of  a  widow,  and  of  her  that  is 
 divorced,  wherewith  they  have  bound  their  fouls,  fhall 
 ftand  againft  her. 
 
 fied  with  fiuch  Ebundcince,  th^t  it  isfuppofed  many  of  them  to  exprefs  their  thank 
 fulnefs  would  bring  voluntary  offerings  of  which  the  ftranger,  the  poor,  the  v\ido» 
 and  the  fatherlefs  might  partake,  comp.  Dent.  xvi.  10 — 15. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXX.  Ver.  2.  Religious  vows  wer 
 praaifed  from  the  earlieft  times,  Gen.  xxviii  20.  We  have  a  minute  account  o 
 them  in  Lev.  xxvii.  All  that  proceedeih  out  p.  his  mouth ;  includes  every  fettlei 
 
 -  PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS., — *  Chap.  XXIX.]  May  the  frequent  repetitions  of  the  laws  of  Mofes  remind  us  of  the  infinite  importance  oftbatglo* 
 lious  liberty  of  the  golpel  to  which  theyadminiftered;  and  feparate  from  which  they  were  of  no  effential  value,  fee  Lev.  xxiii.  Praaical  Obfervations. 
 
numbers.  Jhe  Mldhnius  ,poiUd. 
 
 uot  to  he  otofcen,  n  i  4  n 
 
 ,0  And  if  (he  vowed  in  her  huBrnd's  houfe,  or  -  rpoJI  of  UI  their  cattle,  and  all  thetr  llockr,  an  a 
 
 bound  her  (bul  by  abon-.i  with  an  oath  ; 
 
 Jlffore 
 
 riiria 
 
 1452. 
 
 j  1  And  her  hufbind  heard  if,  and  held  his  P^ace, 
 at  her,  and  diCallowed  her  not then  a  1  her  vows  (hal 
 lUnd.  and  every  bond  wherewith  fhe  bound  her  loul 
 
 fhall  ib.ind.  ,  j  v  -a 
 
 12  But  if  her  hufbind  hath  utterly  made  them  void 
 
 their  poods.  ,  .  . 
 
 10  And  they  burnt  all  their  cities  wherem  tn  } 
 
 dwelt,  and  all  their  poodly  cattles,  wiih  fire. 
 
 11  And  they  took  all  the  fpo  l,  and  all  the  pr?), 
 both  of  men  and  of  beatts. 
 
 12  Add  they  brought  the  captives,  an  1  ^9^  P’^^V’ 
 
 liefoTc 
 
 <-  liria 
 1452. 
 
 12  But  if  her  hufbmd  hath  utterly  made  them  voio  j.  -  iviofes  and  Ki-^azir  tne  priett,  and 
 
 on  the  day  he  heard  fhem  .  then  whatloever  j  J'  the  congregation  of  ’the  children  of  llrae!.  unto 
 
 s"  STE¥..«  or  »..b, ...  b,  i..b» 
 
 ma.ie  them  void  ;  and  the  Lord  (ball  1  c  And  Mofes  and  Eleazar  the  priuft,  and  all  the 
 
 fon’i!  elStr  ^  pr;f\|  :,cn.  wen.  for.k  .o  ...  .hen. 
 
 without  the  camp.  .  ,  ,  ^ 
 
 I  t  And  Mofes  was  wroth  with  the  otticcTS  or  the 
 holt,  tiA//  the  captains  over  thoufands,  and  capta.ns  ^ 
 over  hundreds,  which  came  from  the  i  battle.  hoaoj 
 
 15  And  Mofes  (aid  unto  them,  Have  ye  laved  all 
 
 the  women  alive  ?  .  ,  .w  . 
 
 16  Behold,  thefe  caufed  the  c.'.ildren  o.  ^  rj'/' 
 
 i  through  the  ‘  counfel  of  Balaam,  to  commit  tre.pa.i^  „ 
 
 againtt  the  Lord  in  the  matter  of  Peor,  and  there  wasjj.  j5. 
 a  plague  among  the  congregation  of  the  Lord. 
 
 a  Cliap. 
 25.  17. 
 b  Chap. 
 27.  13. 
 
 f  IK'b. 
 
 o  thou- 
 
 luav  make  it  void.  ,  , ,  ,  • 
 
 H  But  if  her  hufband  altogether  hold  his  peace  ct 
 her  from  day  to  day  then  he  eftablittiPth  all  her 
 vows,  or  all  her  bonds,  which  arc  upon  her  ;  he  con- 
 firraeth  them,  becaule  he  held  his  peace  at  her  in  the 
 day  that  he  heard  them. 
 
 ]  5  But  if  he  fhall  any  wife  make  them  void  after  that 
 he  hath  heard  them  ;  then  he  fhall  bear  her  iniquity. 
 
 16  Thefe  are  the  ttatutes  which  the  Lord  com¬ 
 manded  Mofes,  between  a  man  and  his  w.fe,  betw^een  a  among  the  little  f  Judges 
 
 .he  fa, her  and  his  daughter,  fc.ag  ,a  her  youth  |  Uneven  man  by  - 
 
 in  her  ta.her  s  hou^  ,  p  ^xXI  ■  i:  'ving  with  t  him.  ,  (  "t 
 
 ,  Tfe  .r.  ™  .  J  ,3  .Vb.™  i.  ':!  '  1 8  But  all  .he  women.children  ,ha,  have  no.  known  “  ”"‘'- 
 
 with  the  .mcers  /or  sobior  lUe  U’amen  alive.  19  Hv.e  the  sohliem.  ^  ^V  lying  «ith  him,  keCp  alive  tor  >  lUrie.re.. 
 
 with  their  captivci  and  spoil,  are  to  he  purified.  25  tZVie  proportion  ^  abide  withOUt  the  CaTT.p  fcven  dayS  : 
 
 whereby  the  prep  i,  to  be  divided.  48  The  voluntary  oblation  unto  the  .  .  } .  - 
 
 treasury  of  the  I.ord.  p  r  • 
 
 Ni)  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mc)fes,  laying, 
 
 2  *  Avenge  the  children  of  Ifrael  of  the  Mi- 
 dlanites  :  afterward  (halt  thou  ^  be  gathered  unto  thy 
 
 people.  ,  r  •  A 
 
 3  And  Mofes  fpake  unto  the  people,  faying,  Arm 
 
 fome  of  yourfelves  unto  the  war,  and  let  them  go  againtt 
 the  Midianites,  and  avenge  the  Lord  of  Midian. 
 
 4  t  Of  every  tribe  a  thoufand  throughout  all  the 
 
 sand  of  a 
 tribe,  a 
 
 tribes  of  Ifrael,  fhall  ye  fend  to  the  w^ar. 
 
 5  So  there  were  delivered,  out  of  the  thoufands  of 
 thousald  Ifrael,  a  thoufand  of  evenj  tribe,  twelve  thoufand 
 o/  a  tribe,  armed  f  or  war. 
 
 6  And  Mofes  fent  them  to  the  war,  a  thouland  of 
 every  tribe,  them  and  Pninehas  the  fon  of  Eleazar  the 
 priett,  to  the  war,  with  the  holy  inttruments,  and  the 
 trumpets  to  blow  in  his  hand. 
 
 7  And  they  warred  agarntt  the  Midianites,  as  the 
 Lord  commanded  Mofes;  and  they  flew  all  the  males. 
 
 8  And  they  flew  the  kings  of  Midian,  befides  the 
 c  jodiua  reft  of  them  that  were  flain  ;  namely,  *=  Evi,  and  Re- 
 
 kem,  and  Zur,  and  Hur,  and  Reba,  five  kings  of 
 Midian :  Balaam  alfo,  the  fon  of  Beor,  they  flew  with 
 the  fword. 
 
 9  And  the  children  of  Ifrael  took  all  the  women  of 
 
 13.  21, 
 
 whofoever  hath  killed  any  perfon,  and  ^ f g 
 i  hath  touched  any  flain,  purify  both  yourfelves  and  your 
 ;  captives  cn  the  third  day,  and  on  the  leventh  day. 
 j  20  And  purify  all  tjour  raiment,  and  ali  f  that 
 !  made  of  fkins,  and  all  work  of  goats’  hair,  and  all  ment,  or, 
 
 I  things  made  of  wood. 
 
 I  21  ^  And  Eleazar  the  priett  faid  unto  the  men 
 I  war  which  went  to  the  battle.  This  is  the  ordinance 
 ;  of  the  law  which  the  Lord  commanded  Mofes ; 
 
 22  Only  the  gold,  and  the  fi.ver,  the  brafs,  the  iron, 
 the  tin,  and  the  lead, 
 
 23  Every  thing  that  may  abide  the  fire,  ye  fhall 
 make  it  go  through  the  fire,  and  it  fhall  be  clean  ; 
 neverthelefsit  fhall  be  purified  with  the  water  of  fepa- 
 ration  :  and  all  that  abideth  not  the  fire,  ye  fhall  make 
 go  through  the  water. 
 
 24  An(d  ye  fhall  wafh  your  clothes  on  the  feventh 
 day,  aiH  ye  lhall  be  clean,  and  afterward  ye  fhall  come 
 into  (he  camp. 
 
 2.5  H  And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  faying, 
 
 26  Take  the  fum  of  the  prey  f  that  was  taken,  hoth\J^^^^ ' 
 of  man  and  of  beaft,  thou,  and  Eleazar  the  priett,  and  captivity. 
 the  chief  fathers  of  the  congregation  ; 
 
 27  And  divide  the  prey  into  two  parts,  between 
 them  that  took  the  war  upon  them,  who  went  out  to 
 
 ,1 
 
 9  Zina  me  cniiureu  U1  maei  luuis.  an,  uic  wumeu  v/.  ;  mu.  . — ,  --- 
 
 Midian  captives,  and  their  little  ones,  and  took  the  j  battle,  and  between  all  the  congregation  ; 
 
 purpole  of  his  heart  as  well  as  his  avowed  purpofe ;  for  both  were  equally  known 
 to  the  Lord,  fee  Neteon  Matth.  iv.  4.  Ver.  15.  If  the  hufband  did  not  condemn 
 the  vows  of  his  wife  when  he  heard  them,  and  yet  afterwards  oppofed  her  fulfilling 
 them,  the  whole  guilt  of  her  unfaitlifulnefs  lay  upon  him.  This  law  alfo  applies 
 to  the  father. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXXI.  Ver,  2.  Vengeance  belongs 
 to  God;  and  none  are  allowed  to  e.^ecute  it,  unlefs  commilTioned  by  him,  Rom. 
 xii.  19. 'xiii.  4.  1  he  Midianites  were  defeendants  of  Midian,  fon  of  Abraham 
 
 by  Keturah,  Gen.  xxv.  1,2,  A  probable  reafon  why  they  were  punilhed  be¬ 
 
 fore  the  Moabites,  who  were  alfo  guilty  of  caufing  Ifrael  to  fin,  is  dated  in  the  Note 
 on  chap.  xxv.  IG.  They  were,  however,  more  nearly  related  to  Ifrael  than  tlie 
 Moabites,  which  greatly  increafed  tlieir  guilt.  Ver.  4 — G.  Twelve  thoufand 
 foldiers  were  few  compared  to  the  armies  of  Ifrael,  and  to  the  Midianites,  who 
 were  governed  by  five  kings  ;  but  this  fmall  number  was  chofen,  that  the  vic¬ 
 tory  might  appear  to  be  of  God,  comp.  Judg.  viL  2.  1  Sam.  xiv.  6.  Phinehas, 
 whofe  zeal  in  this  caufe  Iiad  been  proved  and  rewarded,  had  the  honourable 
 work  alFigncd  him  as  priell  to  blow  the  trumpets,  which  breathed  martial  ardour 
 intj  eve’ry  heart.  Ver.  23,  24.  comp.  Note  on  chap.  xix.  Ver.  27.  Comp.  Jolh. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  XXX.]  God  bates  robbery  for  burnt-oflering  ;  be  icquires  nothing  from  his  people  inconfident  with  tiieir  bed 
 intereft  their  own  happinefs.  and  that  of  their  relations  and  the  world.  While  we  tbei  efote  ferve  him,  let  us  la. redly  regard  eve.  y  focial  duty.  Mercy  is  referable 
 to  iacrifice ;  moral  precepts  are  eternally  binding,  ceremonial  give  place  to  them.  May  we  kno-v  how  to  elUinate  evciy  part  of  the  divine  will,  and  walx  lo  as  to 
 pleai'e  God. 
 
The  proportion  of  the  prey. 
 
 NUMBERS. 
 
 J  Or. 
 ^oals. 
 
 >  t 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 kand. 
 
 -S  And  levy  a  tribute  unto  the  Lord  of  the  men 
 or  w^r  which  went  out  to  battle;  one  foul  of  five 
 hundred,  of  the  perfons,  and  of  the  beeves,  and 
 ot  the  alles,  and  of  the  Ihecp. 
 
 29  l;five  j/  of  their  half,  and  give  it  unto  Eleazer 
 the  Pnelt  /or  an  heave-offering  of  the  Lord. 
 
 30  And  of  the  children  of  Ifrael’s  half,  thou  (halt 
 take  one  portion  of  fifty,  of  the  perfons,  of  the  beeves, 
 of  the  aiies,  and  of  the  |1  flocks,  of  all  manner  of  hearts, 
 and  give  them  unto  the  Levites,  which  keep  the  charge 
 of  the  tabernacle  of  the  Lord. 
 
 31  And  Mofes  and  Eleazar  the  prieft  did  as  the 
 1.0RD  commanded  Mofes. 
 
 32  And  the  booty,  being  the  reft  of  the  prey  '.vhich 
 the  men  of  war  had  caught,  was  fix  hundred  thoufand, 
 and  feventy  thoufand,  and  five  thoufand  flieep. 
 
 33  And  threefcore  and  twelve  thoufand  beeves, 
 
 Si  i\nd  threefcore  and  one  thoufand  affes, 
 
 35  And  thirty  and  two  thoufand  perfons  in  all,  of 
 women  that  had  not  known  man  by  lying  with  him. 
 
 36  And  the  half  uehich  teas  the  portion  of  them 
 that  went  out  to  war,  was  in  number  three  hundred 
 thoufand,  and  (even  and  thirty  thoufand  and  five  hun¬ 
 dred  fheep  ; 
 
 37  And  the  Lord’s  tribute  of  the  fheep  w'as  fix 
 hundred  and  threefcore  and  fifteen. 
 
 The  (ffeers*  wluntary  oblation^ 
 
 "I'ins, 
 
 38 
 
 Lord,  what  every  man  hath  f  gotten,  of  jewels  of 
 gold,  chains,  and  bracelets,  rings,  ear-rings, and  tablets, 
 to  make  an  atonement  for  our  fouls  before  the  Lord, 
 
 51  And  Mofes  and  Eleazer  the  prieft  took  the  goldfii^j^ 
 
 of  them,  even  all  wrought  jewels.  found.' 
 
 52  And  all  the  gold  of  the  f  offering  that  they  of-f 
 fered  up  to  the  Lord,  of  the  captains  of  thoufands, 
 and  of  the  captains  of  hundreds,  was  fixteen  thoufand 
 feven  hundred  and  fifty  fhekels. 
 
 53  (For  the  men  of  war  had  taken  Ipoil,  everv  man 
 for  himfelf.) 
 
 54  And  Mofes  and  Eleazar  the  prieft  took  the  gold 
 of  tne  captains  cf  thoufands,  and  of  hundreds,  and 
 brought  in  into  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation, /r 
 a  memorial  for  the  children  of  Ifrael  before  the 
 Lord.’*' 
 
 CHAP.  XXXII. 
 
 1  The  Seubenites  and  the-  Gadites  Jue  for  their  inheritance  on  the  eajl 
 
 side  Jordan  ;  6  Mofes  reprovelh  them  :  16  the//  offer  him  conditions  to 
 his  content.  .“IS  Mofes  offignelh  them  the  land, 
 
 OW  the  children  of  Reuben,  and  the  children 
 _  .  of  Gad,  had  a  very  great  multitude  of  cattle  : 
 and  when  they  faw  the  land  of  Jazer,  and  the  land  of 
 Gilead,  that,  behold,  th^  place  teas  a  place  for  cattle ; 
 
 2  The  children  of  Gad,  and  the  children  of  Reuben, 
 i  came  and  fpake  unto  Mofes,  and  to  Eleazar  the  prieft. 
 
 N' 
 
 And  th^  beeves  ’ivere  thirty  and  fix  thoufand,  of  I  and  unto  the  princes  of  the  congregation,  faying, 
 
 which  the  Lord’s  tribute  teas  threefcore  and  twelve. 
 
 39  And  the  affes  xvere  thirty  thoufand  and  five  hun¬ 
 dred,  of  which  the  Lord’s  tribute  teas  threefcore 
 and  one. 
 
 40  And^the  perfons  ’■jsere  fixteen  thoufand,  of  w'hich 
 the  Lord’s  tribute  teas  thirty  and  two  perfons, 
 
 41  And  Mofes  gave  the  tribute  >which  te>as  the 
 Lord’s  heave-offering,  unto  Eleazar  the  prieft;  as 
 the  Lord  commanded  Mofes. 
 
 42  And  of  the  children  of  Ifrael’s  half,  which  Mofes 
 divided  from  the  men  that  warred, 
 
 43  (Now  the  half  that  pertained  unto  the  congrega¬ 
 tion ’was  three  hundred  thoufand,  and  thirty  thoufand, 
 and  feven  thoufand  and  five  hundred  ffieep, 
 
 44  And  thirty  and  fix  thoufand  beeves, 
 
 45  And  thirty  thoufand  affes  and  five  hundred, 
 
 46  And  fixteen  thoufand  perfons,) 
 
 47  Even  of  the  children  of  Ifrael’s  half,  Mofes  took 
 one  portion  of  fifty,  both  of  man  and  of  beaft,  and 
 gave  them  unto  the  Levites,  which  kept  the  charge  of 
 the  tabernacle  of  the  Lord  ;  as  the  Lord  command¬ 
 ed  Moles. 
 
 48  If  And  the  officers  which  toere  over  thoufands  of 
 the  hoft,  the  captains  of  thoufands,  and  captains  of 
 hundreds,  came  near  unto  Mofes  : 
 
 49  And  they  faid  unto  Mofes,  Thy  fervants  have 
 taken  the  fum  of  the  men  of  war  which  are  under  our 
 t  charge,  and  there  lacketh  not  one  man  of  us. 
 
 50  We  have  therefore  brought  an  oblation  for  the 
 
 xiii.  8.  1  Sam.  xss.  24,  25.  Ver.  28.  The  tribute  to  the  Lord  was  an  acknow¬ 
 ledgment  that  he  was  their  fupreme  Lord  and  King,  who  gave  them  victory  and 
 wealth,  2  Sam.  viii.  11,  12.  Ifa.  xviii.  7.  Of  the  foldiers’  Ipoil  who  bad  engaged 
 the  enemy,  God  required  only  the  five-hundredth  part  inllead  of  the  fiftieth  of  the 
 fpoil  granted  to  their  brethren  ;  and  thus  the  former  were  rewarded  for  their  labour  ! 
 and  danger  in  the  fervice  of  God.  Ver.  49,  50.  That  not  one  of  the  foldiers  fell 
 in  battle  was  a  fpecia!  proof  of  God’s  care  of  Ifrael,  and  was  well  calculated  to  ^ 
 
 3  Ataroth,  and  Dibon,  and  Jazer,  and  Nimrah, 
 
 I  and  Hefhbon,  and  Eiealeh,  and  Shebam,  and  Nebo, 
 and  Beon, 
 
 \  Even  the  country  which  the  Lord  fmote  before 
 the  congregation  of  Ilrael,  h  a  land  for  cattle,  and  thy 
 fervants  have  cattle : 
 
 5  Wherefore,  faid  they,  if  we  have  found  grace  in 
 thy  fight,  let  this  land  be  given  unto  thy  fervants  for 
 a  poffeffion,  and  bring  us  not  over  Jordan. 
 
 6  51  And  Mofes  faid  unto  the  children  of  Gad,  and 
 to  the  children  of  Reuben,  Shall  your  brethren  go  to 
 w'ar,  and  (hall  ye  fit  here  ? 
 
 7  And  wherefore  f  difeourage  ye  the  heart  of  the  f  Heb, 
 
 I  children  of  Ifrael  from  going  over  into  the  land  which 
 
 :  the  Lord  hath  given  them? 
 
 !  8  Thus  did  your  fathers,  when  I  fent  them  from 
 
 j  Kadelh-barnea  to  I'ee  the  land. 
 
 i  9  For  *  when  they  went  up  unto  the  valley  of  Elh- »  chap, 
 col,  and  faw  the  land,  they  difeouraged  the  heart  of 
 '  the  children  of  Ifrael,  that  they  rttould  not  go  into  the 
 land  which  the  Lord  had  given  them. 
 
 10  And  the  Lord’s  anger  was  kindled  the  fame 
 time,  and  he  fware,  faying, 
 
 1 1  Surely  none  of  the  men  that  came  up  out  of 
 Egypt,  from  twenty  years  old  and  upward,  fhall  feet  Chap. 
 
 :  the  land  which  1  (ware  unto  Abraham,  unto  Ifaac, 
 
 '  and  unto  Jacob,  becaufe  they  have  not  f  wholly  foi-  f  Heb. 
 lowed  me ;  "  fulfilled 
 
 12  Save  Caleb  the  fon  of  Jephunneh  the  Kenezite, 
 
 j  excite  their  thankfulnefs,  and  encourage  to  proceed  in  the  good  warfare  to  which 
 they  were  called.  They  expreffed  their  gratitude  by  an  oblation,  or  free-will-offer¬ 
 ing,  to  make  an  atonement,  probably  to  expiate  their  fin  in  fparing  the  women, 
 ver.  14,  17.  that  no  plague  might  feize  them,  Exod.  xxx.  12. 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chaf.  XXXII.  Ver.  1.  Jazer  was  a  city, 
 and  Gilead  a  mountain,  taken  from  the  Amorites,  chap.  xxi.  62.  the  laft  was 
 dillinguilhed  for  extenfive  and  good  pafture.  Ver.  5.  This  requell  feemed  to  indi- 
 
 PRACTICAL  observations — •  Chap.  XXXI.]  Enticers  to  fin  are  the  mod  dangerous  enemies,  and  fubject  to  the  heavieft  curfe  of  the  Almiglity  ; 
 ^ut  he  deligijteth  to  honour  thofe  who  fear  him.  He  can  perform  the  greateft  works  by  means  moft  unfuitable  in  the  eyes  of  human  wifdora.  Compafllon  exercifed 
 inllead  of  jullice,  fometimes  expofe  us  to  ferious  dangers.  We  are  only  fafe  while  we  fubmit  implicitly  to  heavenly  direction.  Confcipus  that  in  many  things  we 
 offend,  let  us  wafli  ourfelves  in  the  blood  of  the  Lamb,  and  prefent  ourfelves  and  our  all  to  God  as  a  thank-offering. 
 
ri,e  n  nicmk.’  and  Gadiles’  suit.  NUMBERS. 
 
 and  Joihua  the  Ion  of  Nun :  for  they  have  wholly  fol- 
 
 lowed  the  Lord.  ..hi  •  n.Tc  < 
 
 13  And  the  Lord’s  anger  was  kindled  againlt  llrae., 
 
 and  he  made  them  wander  in  the  wildernels  forty 
 years,  until  aU  the  generation  that  had  done  evil  in  the 
 
 ri<yht  of  the  Lord  was  conliimed.  ^  r  ,  , 
 
 ”l4-  And,  behold,  ye  are  rifen  up  in  your  father  s 
 flead,  an  increafe  of  finful  men,  to  augment  yet  the 
 fierce  anger  of  the  Lord  toward  Ilrael. 
 
 15  For  if  ye  turn  away  from  after  him,  he  will  yet 
 again  leave  them  in  the  wildernefs ;  and  ye  mall  de- 
 flroy  all  this  people. 
 
 IG  ^  And  they  came  near  unto  him,  and  laid,  \\  e 
 will  huild  (heep-folds  here  for  our  cattle,  and  cities  for 
 
 our  little  ones;  j .  r  *1, 
 
 17  But  we  cmrfelves  will  go  ready  armed  before  the 
 children  of  Ilrael,  until  we  have  brought  them  unto 
 their  place :  and  our  little  ones  fhall  dwell  in  the  fenc¬ 
 ed  cities,  becaule  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  land. 
 
 18  We  will  not  return  unto  our  houfes,  until  the 
 
 children  of  Ifrael  have  inherited  every  man  his  inheri¬ 
 tance  ;  j 
 
 19  For  we  will  cot  inherit  with  them  on  yonder 
 fide  Jordan,  or  forward;  becaule  our  inheritance  is 
 fallen  to  us  on  this  fide  Jordan  eaftward.  _ 
 
 20  f  And  =  Moles  faid  unto  them.  If  ye  will  do  this 
 thing,  if  ye  will  go  armed  before  the  Lord  to  w'ar. 
 
 21  And  will  go  all  of  you  armed  over  Jordan  be¬ 
 fore  the  Lord,  until  he  hath  driven  out  his  enemies 
 
 from  before  him,  r  ,  t  : 
 
 22  And  the  land  be  fubdued  before  the  Lord  ; 
 then  afterward  ye  fhall  return,  and  be  guil dels  before 
 the  Lop-D,  and  before  Ifrael ;  and  this  land  mail  be 
 your  poileffion  before  the  Lord. 
 
 23  But  if  ye  will  not  do  fo,  behold,  ye  have  finned 
 againtl  the  Lord  :  and  be  fure  your  fin  will  find  you 
 
 24  Build  your  cities  for  your  little  ones,  and  folds 
 
 for  3’our  Iheep ;  and  do  that  which  hath  proceeded 
 , out  of  your  mouth.  , 
 
 25  And  the  children  of  Gad,  and  the  children  of 
 Reuben,  fpake  unto  Mofes,  laying,  Thy  fervants  will 
 do  as  my  lord  commandeth. 
 
 26  Our  little  ones,  our  wives,  our  flocks,  and  all  our 
 cattle,  fhall  be  there  in  the  cities  of  Gilead  ; 
 
 27  But  thy  fervants  will  pafs  over,  every  man 
 armed  for  war,  before  the  I.ord  to  battle,  as  my  lord 
 
 faith.  ,  j  T-i 
 
 28  So  concerning  them  Mofes  commanded  Lleazar 
 
 the  prieft,  and  Jofhua  the  fon_  of  Nun,  and  the  chief 
 fathers  of  the  tribes  of  the  children  of  Ilrael  | 
 
 29  And  Moles  faid  unto  them,  If  the  children  ol 
 
 T'ri/  ’  fT’ >'  Vieir  9 
 
 r 
 
 ( 
 
 j  1 
 
 •re 
 
 c  Jofliua 
 
 1. 1  a. 
 
 d  Jofliua 
 
 4.-  12. 
 
 Gad,  and  the  children  of  Reuben,  will  p;.  .  with  yon 
 over  Jordan,  every  man  armed  to  battle,  before  ti.e 
 Lord,  and  the  land  lhall  be  fubdued  before  you  ;  ^hyn 
 ye  (hall  give  them  the  land  of  Gilead  for  a  i)oll>  I- 
 
 f'on  * 
 
 30  But  if  they  will  not  pafs  over  with  you  armed, 
 they  lhall  have  poffcflions  among  you  in  tue  land  '  f 
 
 31  And  the  children  of  Gad,  and  the  children  of 
 Reuben,  anfwered,  laying,  As  the  Lord  hath  laid 
 
 unto  thv  fervants,  fo  will  we  do. 
 
 32  We  will  pafs  over  armed  before  the  Lord  in*o 
 
 the  land  of  Canaan,  that  the  poffi  ffion  of  out  inheri¬ 
 tance  on  this  fide  Jordan  ie  ours. 
 
 33  And  '  Mofes  gave  unto  them,  even  to  the  children  «  Y? 
 of  Gad,  and  to  the  children  of  Reuben,  and  unto  naif 
 
 the  tribe  of  Manafleh  the  fon  of  Joleph,  the  kingdom  i-  8.  & 
 of  Sihon  king  of  the  Amorites,  and  the  kingdom  of  4. 
 Og  king  of  Balkan,  the  land  with  the  cities  thereof 
 in  the  coafls,  even  the  cities  of  the  country  round 
 
 34  *1  And  the  children  of  Gad  built  Dibon,  and 
 
 Ataroth,  and  Aroer,  ,  .  . 
 
 35  And  Atroth,  Shophan,  and  Jaazer,  and  Jogbehab, 
 
 36  And  Beth-niinrah,  and  Beth-haran,  fenced  cities ; 
 
 and  folds  for  Iheep.  .  tt  n  ^  1 
 
 37  And  the  children  of  Reuben  built  IlemboD,  ana 
 
 Elealeh,  and  K’lrjathaim, 
 
 38  And  Nebo,  and  Baal-mecn,  (their  names  being 
 changed,)  and  Shibmah  :  and  f  gave  other  names  unto  f  Heb. 
 
 the  cities  which  they  builded.  ^  iynL'L 
 
 39  And  the  children  of  ^  Machir  the  fon  of  Alan  alieh  i/jg  names 
 
 went  to  Gilead,  and  took  it  and  difpoffefled  theo//Ae 
 Amorites  w’hich  was  in  it.  ^  .  ^Gen 
 
 40  And  Mofes  gave  Gilead  unto  Alachir  the  fon  01  23. 
 
 Manafleh  ;  and  he  dwelt  therein. 
 
 41  And  s  Jair  the  fon  of  Manafleh  w^ent  and  took  ^  ' 
 
 the  fmall  towns  thereof,  and  called  them  Havoth-jair. 
 
 42  And  Nobah  w'ent  and  took  Kenath,  and  the 
 villages  thereof,  and  called  it  Nobah,  after  his  own 
 name.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXXIII. 
 
 1  The  two  and  forty  journies  0/  the  IfraelUcs.  50  The  Canaaniles  ere 
 to  be  dejlroyed. 
 
 These  are  the  journeys  of  the  children  of  Ifrael, 
 
 Which  W'ent  forth  cut  of  the  land  of  Egypt  with 
 their  armies,  under  the  hand  of  Moles  and  Aaron. 
 
 I  2  And  Alofts  wrote  their  goings  out  according  to 
 I  their  journeys,  by  the  commandment  of  the  Lord  : 
 
 ;  and  thefe  are  their  journeys  according  to  their  goings  ^ 
 out.  a  F.xikI. 
 
 ■  3  And  they  *  departed  from  Ramefes  in  the  firft  12.37. 
 
 cate  diflruft  in  God’s  power  to  conquer  Canaan,  or  impatience  to  obtain  reft, 
 and  felfiftineCs,  a  defire  to  promote  their  own  intereft,  to  the  negleft  of  their 
 brethren,  whom  tiieir  condudl  was  calculated  to  difeourage.  Compliance  with 
 it  mio’ht  feem  to  fet  an  evil  precedent,  and  induce  other  tribes  to  feek  for  their 
 inherTtance  out  of  that  part  of  the  country  which  might  be  next  conquered,  and 
 leave  the  refl  of  their  brethren  to  oppofe  their  enemies,  and  make  it  difiicult  to 
 divide  the  country  equally.  Ver.  16 — 19.  This  explanation  fliewed  the  rcafon- 
 abienefs  of  their  requeft,  and  cleared  them  of  immoderate  regard  for  their  own 
 things,  and  therefore  Mofes,  and  it  would  appear,  all  Ifrael,  were  latisfied.  The 
 petitioners  feem  to  have  had  more  cattle  than  the  other  tribes,  and  the  country 
 firft  conquered  was  particularly  fit  for  pafture.  Their  fettling  there  would  he 
 advantageous  for  them,  and  not  hurtful  to  their  brethren,  whofe  welfare  they 
 were  determined  to  feek.  Confiding  in  the  prote^ion  of  God,  they  were  willing 
 
 to  leave  their  families  and  flocks,  and  proceed  to  Canaan,  and  remain  w  ith  their 
 brethren,  till  all  the  country  was  fubdued,  divided,  and  occupied.  Nor  did  they 
 purpofe  or  promife  more  than  they  performed,  Jofti.  xxii.  1 — 9.  Ver.  33. 
 Half  the  tribe  of  ^fanrfjlh,  are  not  mentioned  rcqueftir.g  their  lot  with  Reuben 
 and  Gad ;  but  probably  bccaufe  the  country  was  large  and  fuited  them,  it  was 
 n-ranted  to  them  in  honour  of  their  faith  and  fortitude  in  conquering  it.  ver.  3''. 
 comp.  Jodi.  xvii.  1.  They  received  it  on  the  fame  terms  with  their  brethren. 
 Jofh.  iv.  12.  Ver.  :1S.  Tlie  ancient  names  appear  to  have  been  given  in  honour 
 of  idols.  The  rejeclion  of  thefe  names,  and  the  adoption  of  new  ones,  perh.aps 
 indicated  Ifrael’s  hatred  of  idolatry.  Happy  for  them  had  they  rettyued  this 
 fpirit. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXXIII.  Ver.  1.  The  .-ourneyir  ' 
 of  Ifrael  probably  was  tmhlemalical  of  the  temporal  ftate  of  the  church  under  the 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. _ *  Chap.  XXXIL]  Since  the  heft  men  may  miftake  the  import  of  their  neighbours’  words  and  dtfigns,  let  usi  ecan  lid 
 
 and  avoid  radi  judgin'--.  In  our  intercourfe  together;  let  every  article  of  agreement  be  fully  underftoqd,  that  future  difputings  may  be  prevented.  Holy  iudiguat.ou 
 agaiaft  fin,  in  whateve?  form  it  appears,  is  praifewortby  and  uRful ;  and  it  is  wife  to  dclUoy  every  thing  which  tends  to  alienate  us  from  God. 
 
 iiv,U.„Sd,  U  U 
 
Thejum  nu  s  of  the  I/racJltet. 
 
 numbers. 
 
 b  Exod. 
 IS.  20, 
 
 c  Exod. 
 15.  22.. 
 
 d  Exod. 
 15.  27. 
 
 •  Exod. 
 
 10.  1. 
 
 month,  on  the  fifteenth  day  of  the  firft  month  :  on  the 
 morrow  after  the  paflover  of  the  children  of  Ifrael  went 
 cut  with  an  high  hand  in  the  fight  cf  all  the  Egyp- 
 
 tlHnSa 
 
 4-  (For  the  Egyptians  buried  all  their  firfi^born, 
 wnicn  th-e  Lord  had  (mitten  among  them  :  upon  their 
 gods  alio  the  Lord  executed  judgments. 
 
 5  And  the  children  of  Ifrael  removed  from  Ramefes, 
 and  pitched  in  Succoih. 
 
 •  they  departed  from  ^  Succoth,  and  pitched 
 
 m  the  edge  of  the  wildernels. 
 
 '  "n-  ^^^V*'^poved  from  Etham,  and  turned  again 
 unto  1  i-hahiroth,  which  is  before  Baal-zephon  :  and 
 they  pitched  before  Migdol. 
 
 ^  departed  from  before  Pi-hahiroth,  and 
 
 ^  palled  through  the  midtt  of  the  lea  into  the  wilder- 1 
 nels,  and  went  three  days’  journey  in  the  wildernefsj 
 of  Etham,  and  pitched  in  Marah. 
 
 9  And  they  removed  from  Marah,  and  came  unto 
 Elim  :  and  in  Elim  xcere  twelve  fountains  of  water, 
 and  threefcore  and  ten  palm-trees  ;  and  they  pitched 
 there. 
 
 10  And  they  removed  from  Elim,  and  encamped 
 by  the  Red  fea. 
 
 1 1  And  they  removed  from  the  Red  fea,  and  en¬ 
 camped  in  the  '  vvildernefs  of  Sin. 
 
 12  And  they  took  their  Journey  out  of  the  wilder- 
 n.fs  of  Sin  ,-and  encamped  in  Dophkah. 
 
 13  And  they  departed  from  Dophkah,  and  encamp¬ 
 ed  in  Alufh. 
 
 14-  And^  they  removed  from  Alufh,  and  encamped 
 at  *  Rephidim,  where  was  no  water  for  the  people  to 
 drink. 
 
 15  And  they  departed  from  Rephidim,  and  pitched 
 in  the  s  vvildernefs  of  Sinai. 
 
 16  And  they  removed  from  the  delertof  Sinai,  and 
 pitched  “  at  t|  Kibroth-hattaavah. 
 
 t- That  is,  '  they  departed  from  Kibroth-hattaavah, 
 
 2zi,e  ’and  encamped  at  Hazeroth. 
 
 f^ravrsof  18  And  they  departed  from  Hazeroth,  and  pitched 
 in  .Rithmah. 
 
 insT  fhey  departed  from  Rithmah,  and  pitched 
 
 at  Rimmon-parez. 
 
 _  20  And  they  departed  from  Rimmon-parez,  and 
 pitched  in  L’bnah. 
 
 21  And  they  removed  from  Libnah,  and  pitched  at 
 ‘  •  RifTah. 
 
 22  And  they  journeyed  from  RilTah,  and  pitched 
 in  Kehelathah. 
 
 23  And  they  went  from  Kehelathah,  and  pitched  in 
 mount  Shapher. 
 
 24  And  they  removed  from  mount  Shapher^  and 
 encamped  in  Haradah. 
 
 25  And  they  removed  from  Haradah,  and  pitched 
 -in  Makheloth. 
 
 Ueut. 
 '  10.  6. 
 
 f  Exod. 
 17.  1. 
 
 1190. 
 p  Exod. 
 
 16.  1. 
 
 h  Ch,ip. 
 11.  34. 
 
 ?6  And  they  removed  from  Makheloth,  and  en- 
 
 camped  at  Tahath. 
 
 27  And  they  departed  from  Tahath,  and  pitched  at 
 Tarah. 
 
 28  And  they  removed  from  Tarah,  and  pitched  in 
 •  M’.thcah. 
 
 29  And  they  w'ent  from  Mithcah,  and  pitched  in 
 Hafhmcnah. 
 
 ];iv,  in  oppofition  to  the  kingdom  of  Chrift,  or  the  church  /late  under  him,  fee 
 j!h.  xxxiii.  20.  Jleb.  xii.  27,  28. _  Ver.  35.  Ezion-gnber  j  a  port  on  the  Red  Sea, 
 
 J  ix.  2C.  xxiii.  i8. 
 
 Canaaniies  are  to  le  destroy, 
 
 30  And  they  departed  from  Hafhmonah,  and  ''  cn-  nefo,, 
 
 camped  at  Moferoth.  t'hwn 
 
 31  And  they  departed  from  Moferoth,  and  pitched 
 in  Bene-jaakan. 
 
 32  And  they  removed  from  Bene-jaakan,  and  en 
 camped  at  Hor-hagidgad. 
 
 33  And  they  went  from  Hor-hagidgad,  and  pitched 
 in  Jotbathah. 
 
 34  And  they  removed  from  Jotbathah,  and  encamp¬ 
 ed  at  Ebronah. 
 
 35  And  they  departed  from  Ebronah,  and  encamp, 
 ed  at  Ezion-gaber. 
 
 36  And  they  removed  from  Ezion-gaber,  and  pitch¬ 
 ed  in  the  *  vvildernefs  of  Zin,  which  is  Kadelh.  4  Chap, 
 
 37  And  they  removed  from  ®  Kadefh,  and  pitched'^^^Js 
 
 in  Mount  Hor,  in  the  edge  of  the  land'of  Edom.  m  ci,ap. 
 
 I  3S  And  "  Aaron  the  prieft  went  up  into  Mount 
 j  Hor,  at  the  commandment  of  the  Lord,  and  died 
 I  there,  in  the  fortieth  year  after  the  children  of  Ifrael  Deut* 
 were  come  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  in  the  firft  ok??/ 32.  so. 
 of  the  fifth  month, 
 
 39  And  Aaron  xcas  an  hundred  and  twenty  and 
 three  years  old,  when  he  died  in  mount  Hor. 
 
 40  And  ®  king  Arad  the  Canaanite,  which  dwelt  ino  Chap, 
 the  Couth  in  the  land  of  Canaan  heard  of  the  coming  ^i  i.&c. 
 of  the  children  of  Ifrael. 
 
 4 1  And  they  departed  from  mount  p  Hor,  and  pitch-  p  ci,ap. 
 ed  in  Zalmonah. 
 
 42  And  they  departed  from  Zalmonah,  and  pitched 
 in  Punon. 
 
 43  And  they  departed  from  Punon,  and  pitched  in 
 Oboth. 
 
 44  And  they  departed  from  Oboth,  and  pitched  in 
 
 II  Ije-abarim,  in  the  border  of  Moab.  | 
 
 45  And  they  departed  from  lim,  and  pitched  in 
 Dibon-gad. 
 
 46  And  they  removed  from  Dibon-gad,  and  en¬ 
 camped  in  Almon-diblathaim. 
 
 _  47  And  they  removed  from  Almon-diblathaim,  and 
 pitched  in  the  mountains  of  Abarim,  before  Nebo. 
 
 48  And  they  departed  from  the  mountains  of 
 Abarim,  and  pitched  in  the  plains  of  Moab,  by  Jordan 
 near  Jericho. 
 
 49  And  they  pitched  by  Jordan,  from  Beth-jefimoth 
 even  unto  \\  ^  Abel  fhittim,  in  the  plains  of  Moab.  [|  Or, 
 
 50  And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes  in  the  plains 
 of  Moab,  by  Jordan  near  Jericho,  faying, 
 
 51  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Ifrael,  and  fay  untOq  chap. 
 
 them,  r  When  ye  are  pafled  over  Jordan  into  the  land  25.  i. 
 of  Canaan  ;  *■  c>eut. 
 
 52  Then  ye  (hall  drive  out  all  the  inhabitants  of  the 
 
 land  from  before  you,  and  deftroy  all  their  piftures,  s.  17.  & 
 and  deftroy  all  their  molten  images,  and  quite  pluck  42- 
 down  all  their  high  places. 
 
 53  And  ye  (hall  difpolTefs  the  inhabitants  qf  the  land 
 
 and  dwell  therein  :  for  I  have  given  you  the  land  tos  Chap. 
 
 poflefs  it.  26.53.&C, 
 
 54  And  4  ye  (hall  divide  the  land  by  lot  for  an  in- 
 heritance  among  your  families ;  and  to  the  more  yeTkinheri- 
 (hall  t  give  the  more  inheritance,  and  to  the  fewer  yetance. 
 (hall  f  give  the  lefs  inheritance:  every  man’s  f«^m-t44eb. 
 tance  (hall  be  in  the  place  where  bis  lot  falleth  ; 
 
 cording  to  the  tribes  of  your  fathers  ye  fhall  inherit,  tancl 
 
 command  of  God,  chap.  xiv.  25.  Deut.  ii.  1.  Ver.  65.  The  future  hi ftory  of  If¬ 
 rael  exhildts  an  alTedling  illuftration  of  this  verfe.  They  fpared  the  heathen  na-- 
 
 Thus  Ifrael  had  returned  to  this  fea,  according  to  the  li  tions,  iinilated  tiieir  pradices,  and  became  taauy  times  their  flaves. 
 
The  borders  of  the  land. 
 
 NUMBERS, 
 
 Eiiihl  and  forty  cities  for  the  I/roiteg, 
 
 Before 
 
 Cliiirt 
 
 1453. 
 
 t  Jodiua 
 523.  13. 
 Judges 
 5.  3. 
 
 a  Jodiua 
 
 15.  i. 
 
 f  Hcb. 
 pioulder, 
 
 5.5  Bat  if  ye  'will  not  drive  out  the  inhabitants  of 
 the  land  from  before  you  ;  then  it  (hall  come  to  pals, 
 that  thofe  which  ye  let  remain  of  them  shall  be 
 t  pricks  in  your  eyes,  and  thorns  in  your  Tides,  and 
 (hall  vex  you,  in  the  land  wherein  ye  dw'ell. 
 
 56  Moreover,  it  fhall  come  to  pal’s,  that  I  (hall  do 
 unto  you,  as  1  ihoug:ht  to  do  unto  them.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXXIV. 
 
 1  The  borders  oj  the  land.  16  The  names  of  Ihe  men  which  Jltall  divule 
 the  land. 
 
 And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  faying, 
 
 2  Command  the  children  of  llfael,  and  fay  un¬ 
 to  them,.  When  ye  come  into  the  land  of  Canaan, 
 this  is  the  land  that  (hall  fall  unto  you  for  an  in¬ 
 heritance,  even  the  land  of  Canaan,  with  the  coahs 
 thereof,) 
 
 3  Then  “  your  fouth  quarter  fhall  be  from  the  wil- 
 dernefs  of  Zin,  along  by  the  coaft  of  Edom,  and  your 
 fouth  border  (liall  be  the  utmolt  coaft  of  the  fait  fea 
 eaftward. 
 
 4  And  your  border  (hall  turn  from  the  fouth  to  the 
 afeent  of  Akrabbim,  and  pafs  on  to  Zin  :  and  the 
 going  forth  thereof  (hall  be  from  the  fouth  to  Kadefh- 
 barnea,  and  (hall  go  to  Hazar-addar,  and  pafs  on 
 to  Azmon. 
 
 5  And  the  border  fhall  fetch  a  compafs  from 
 Azmon  unto  the  liver  of  Egypt,  and  the  goings  out 
 of  it  (hall  be  at  the  fea. 
 
 6  And  as  for  the  weftern  border,  ye  fhall  even 
 have  the  great  fea  for  a  border :  this  (hall  be  your 
 weft  border. 
 
 7  And  this  (hall  be  your  north  border :  from  the 
 g^eat  fea  ye  (hall  point  out  for  you  mount  Hor. 
 
 8  From  mount  Hor  ye  (hall  point  out  your  border 
 unto  the  entrance  of  Hamath  ;  and  the  goings  forth 
 of  the  border  fhall  be  to  Zedad. 
 
 9  And  the  border  fhall  go  on  to  Ziphron,  and  the 
 goings  out  of  it  (hall  be  at  Hazar-enan  :  this  fhall  be 
 your  north  border. 
 
 10  And  ye  (hall  point  out  your  eaft  border  from 
 Hazar-enao  to  Shepham. 
 
 1 1  And  the  coalf  fhall  go  down  from  Shepham  to 
 Riblah,  on  the  eaft  fide  of  Ain  ;  and  the  border  (hall 
 defeend,  and  (hall  reach  unto  the  t  fide  of  the  Tea  of 
 Chinnereth  eaftward. 
 
 12  And  tl^e  border  fhall  go  down  to  Jordan,  and 
 the  goings  out  of  it  (hall  be  at  the  fait  fea :  this  (hall 
 be  your  land,  with  the  coafts  thereof  round  about. 
 
 13  And  Mofes  commanded  the  children  of  Ifrael, 
 faying,  This  is  the  land  which  ye  (liall  inherit  by  lot. 
 
 the  nine 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXXIV.  Ver.  1—29.  The  limits  of 
 Canaan  are  here  geographically  deferibed,.  that  Ifrael  might  know  how  far  they 
 were  to  conquer,  according  to  God’s  appointment..  Though  they  were  protnifed 
 more  extenfive  dominion,  which  they  afterwards  fubdued,  even  to  Euphrates  j 
 yet  the  portion  of  land  was  fmall  which  they  occupied,  being  only  about  a  hun¬ 
 dred  and  fixty  miles  in  length,  and  fifty  in  breadth,  having  on  the  north,  mount 
 Hor,  on  the  fouth  Kadelh-barnea,  on  the  weft  the  Mediterranean,  and  on  the 
 eaft,  the  Dead  fea.  The  fertility  of  the  land  more  than  compenfated  for  its 
 fmallnefs  ;  it  not  only  fupplied  the  wants  of  fuch  a  vaft  multitude,  but  enabled 
 them  to  fend  large  exports  of  the  produce  to  other  countries,  by  which  they 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrili 
 
 1452. 
 
 which  the  Lord  commanded  to  give  unto 
 tribes,  and  to  the  half-tribe. 
 
 14  For  the  tribe  of  the  children  of  Reuben,  ac¬ 
 cording  to  the  houle  of  their  fathers,  and  the  tpbe 
 the  children  of  Gad,  according  to  the  houfe  of  their 
 fathers,  have  received  their  inhrilance,  and  hair 
 ,  tribe  of  ?/Iana(I’eh  have  received  their  inheritance  : 
 i  15  The  two  tribes  and  the  haU-tribe  have  received 
 I  their  inheritance  on  this  fide  Jordan  near  Jericho  ca(t- 
 '  ward,  toward  the  fun-riflng. 
 
 16  f  And  the  Lord  (pake  unto  Mofes,  laying, 
 
 17  Theie  are  the  names  of  the  men  which  ftiall 
 divide  the  land  unto  you;  '  Eleazar  the  pried,  andeJoftm. 
 Jofhua  the  fon  of  Nun. 
 
 18  And  ye  fhall  take  one  prince  of  every  tribe,  to 
 
 divide  the  land  by  inheritance.  , 
 
 19  And  the  names  of  the  men  are  theie  :  (Jr  the 
 tribe  of  Judah,  Caleb  the  fon  of  Jephunneh. 
 
 20  And  of  the  tribe  of  the  children  of  Simeon, 
 
 Shemuel  the  fon  of  Amraihud,  _  re 
 
 21  Of  the  tribe  of  Benjamin,  EliJad  the  (on  of 
 
 Chilion.  r  A  A-u  c 
 
 22  And  the  prince  of  the  tribe  of  the  chi.dren  ot 
 
 Dan,  Bukki  the  fon  of  Jogli. 
 
 23  The  prince  of  the  children  of  Jofeph,  for  the 
 tribe  of  the  children  of  ManalLh,  Haniel  the  (bn  of 
 Ephod. 
 
 24  And  the  prince  of  the  tribe  of  the  children  of 
 Ephraim,  Kemuel  the  fon  of  Shiphtan. 
 
 25  And  the  prince  of  the  tribe  of  the  children 
 of  Zebulun,  Elizaphan  the  fon  of  Parnach. 
 
 26  And  the  prince  of  the  tribe  of  the  children  of 
 KTachar,  Paltiel  the  (bn  of  Azzan. 
 
 27  And  the  prince  of  the  tribe  of  the  children  of 
 Afher,  Ahihud,  the  fon  of  Shelomi. 
 
 28  And  the  prince  of  the  tribe  of  the  children  of 
 Naphtali,  Pedahel  the  fon  of  Aramihud. 
 
 29  Xhefe  are  they  whom  the  Lord  commanded  to 
 divide  the  inheritance  unto  the  children  of  Ifrael  in 
 the  land  of  Canaan.f 
 
 CHAP.  XXXV. 
 
 1  Tlight  and  forty  cities  for  the  x^evites  with  their  fuburbsy  and  nxeajurt- 
 thereof;  fix  of  them  are  to  be  cities  of  refuge.  9  The  laws  of  murder. 
 
 31  Ko fatisfaHion for  murder. 
 
 And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes  in  the  plains  of 
 Moab,  by  Jordan,  near  Jericho,  faying, 
 
 2  “  Command  the  children  of  Ifrael,  that  they  givea  Jo^u 
 under  the  Levites,  of  the  inheritance  of  their  pofT  (Tion, ^ 
 cities  to  dwell  in  ;  and  ye  (hall  give  alfo  unto  the  Le¬ 
 vites  fuburbs  for  the  cities  round  about  them. 
 
 were  enriched.  They  had  not  as  yet  taken  poireflion  of  one  foot  of  Canaan,  but 
 God  will  have  them  look  upon  the  conquell  as  certain,  and  the  land  is  accord- 
 inirly  divided  among  the  remaining  nine  tribes  and  a-half.  Eleazar  and  Joihua 
 are  the  chief  commilRoners  to  divide  the  land,  alfifted  by  a  prnice  of  each  tribe, 
 to  take  care  of  their  diftiu<51  inturefts,  and  to  avoid  all  fufpicion  and  difeontent- 
 
 raent. 
 
 EXPL.AN.ATORA' NOTES.  Chap.  XXXV.  Ver.  1,2.  That  nothing  might 
 be  wanting  to  preferve  the  internal  peace  and  promote  the  profperity  of  Ifrael 
 in  Canaan,  Jehovah  infpired  Mefes  to  divide  Accurately,  according  to  the  tribe* 
 a  country  little  known  to  him  or  them.  This  divifion  being  done,  as  recorded 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  XXXIII,.]  A  faithful  record  of  providential  events  is  of  incalculable  importance.  Remembering  the  innumer¬ 
 able  proofs  of  our  ingratitude  and  perverfenefs,  we  are  humble  and  difpofed  to  diftruft  ourfelvcs ;  while  the  numerous,  unfpeakable  proofii  of  the  love,  wifdom,  and 
 faithfulnefs  of  God,  encourage  and  ftrengtlien  our  confidence  in  him,  as  our  guide  through  life  and  deailr,  and  our  reward  far  ever. — Meanwhile,  in  the  profpeci  of 
 appearing  in  Zion,  let  us  carefully  keep  ourfelves  unfpotted  from  the  world,  that  we  may  be  accounted  worthy  to  (land  in  the  prefence  of  God  and  the  I.amh. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS — f  Chap.  XXXIV.]  How  inftruaive  the  boundaries x)f  the  promifed  land  !  Sodom,  the  memorial  of  heaven’s  vengeanc#, 
 at  the  south-eaft  ;  Egypt  at  the  foutb-weft  ;  the  wilderncfs  at  the  fouth,  memorials  of  many  fins,  great  affliaions,  marvellous  works,  numerous  and  tinfpeukahl* 
 mercies  ;  the  goodly  mountain  Lebanon  on  the  north  ;  the  Jordan,  emblem  of  death,,  at  the  eaft  ;  and  the  great  fea,  the  emblem  of  eternity,  at  the  weft.  Aud  are  iM»t 
 ve  furrouuded  by  many  tokens  tuid  monuments,  fitted  to  remind  us  of  the  way  wlficfi  the  Lord  hath  led  us,  and  of  the  place  appointed  us  2 
 
Tse  qf  murder. 
 
 NUMBERS. 
 
 b  Deut. 
 4.  41. 
 Jofliua 
 20.  2.  & 
 21.3.  • 
 
 t  Heb. 
 abovi 
 them  yc 
 thall  give 
 
 t  ITeb. 
 /Ary  in¬ 
 ker  tt. 
 
 c  Deut. 
 
 19.  2. 
 Jolhua 
 
 20.  2. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 6^  error. 
 
 d  Exod. 
 21.  14. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 w  ilh  a 
 stone  of 
 the  hand. 
 
 3  And  the  cities  fliall  they  have  to  dwell  In  ;  and 
 the  (uburbs  of  them  fliall  be  for  their  cattle,  and  for 
 their  goods,  and  for  all  their  beads. 
 
 t  And  the  fuburbs  of  the  cities,  which  yefhallglve 
 unto  the  Levit'es,  shall  reach  from  the  wail  of  the  city 
 and  outward  a  thoufand  cubits  round  about. 
 
 5  And  ye  (liall  meafure  from  without  the  city  on 
 the  eall  fide  two  thoufand  cubits,  and  on  the  fouth 
 fide  two  thoufand  cubits,  and  on  the  wed  fide  two 
 thoufand  cubits,  and  on  the  north  fide  two  thoufand 
 cubits  ;  and  the  city  shall  be  in  the  midd  :  this  fhail  be 
 to  them  the  fuburbs  of  the  cities. 
 
 6  xAndamong  the  cities  which  ye  (hall  give  unto  the 
 Levites  there  shall  be  ll.K  cities  for  refuge,  which  ye 
 ihall  appoint  for  the  manflayer,  that  he  may  flee  thi- 
 ther  :  and  t  to  them  ye  fhail  add  forty  and  two  cities. 
 
 7  S)  all  the  cities  which  ye  fhail  give  to  the  Levites 
 shall  be  forty  and  eight  cities  :  them  shall  ye  give  with 
 their  fuburbs. 
 
 8  And  the  cities  which  ye  fhail  give  shall  be  of  the 
 pofleflion  of  the  children  of  Ifrael :  from  them  that  have 
 many  ye  fhail  give  many  ;  but  from  theiti  that  have  few 
 ye  fhail  give  few :  every  one  fhail  give  of  his  cities 
 unto  the  Levites  according  to  his  inheritance  which  f 
 he  inheriteth. 
 
 9  •[  And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes,  faying, 
 
 10  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Ifrael,  and  fay  unto 
 them,  ‘  Wnen  ye  be  come  over  Jordan  into  the  land 
 of  Canaan, 
 
 11  Then  ye  fhail  appoint  you  cities  to  be  cities  of 
 refuge  for  you  ;  that  the  flayer  may  flee  thither,  which 
 killeth  any  perfon  f  at  unawares. 
 
 12  And  they  fhail  be  unto  you  cities  for  refuge 
 from  the  avenger ;  that  the  manflayer  die  not,  until 
 he  dand  before  the  congregation  in  judgment. 
 
 13  And  of  thefe  cities  which  ye  fnall  give,  flx  cities 
 fhail  ye  have  for  refuge. 
 
 14  Ye  fhail  give  three  cities 
 and  three  cities  fhail  ye  give  in 
 vohich  fhail  be  cities  of  refuge. 
 
 1 5  Thefe  fix  cities  fhail  be  a  refuge,  both  for  the 
 children  of  Ifrael,  and  for  the  dranger,  and  for  the 
 fojourner  among  them  ;  and  every  one  that  killeth  any 
 perfon  unawares  may  flee  thither. 
 
 26  xAnd  if  he  fmite  him  with  an  indrument  of 
 iron,  fo  that  he  die,  he  is  a  murderer  ;  the  murderer 
 fhail  furely  be  put  to  death. 
 
 17  And  if  he  fmite  him  f  with  throwing  a  done, 
 wherewith  he  may  die,  and  he  die,  he  is  a  murderer : 
 the  murderer  fhail  furely  be  put  to  death. 
 
 18  Or  if  he  fmite  him  w’ith  an  hand-weapon  of 
 wood,  wherewith  he  may  die,  and  he  die,  he  is  a  mur¬ 
 derer:  the  murderer  fhail  furely  be  put  to  death. 
 
 on  this  fide  Jordan, 
 the  land  of  Canaan, 
 
 in  the  preceding  chapter,  the  facred  writer  proceeds  to  fettle  the  lot  of  Levi,  who 
 had  no  proper  fhare  of  Canaan  ;  for  the  Lord  was  his  inheritance.  Little  culti¬ 
 vated  lands  (perhaps  none  at  all)  were  given  to  the  minifters  of  the  fancluary,  left 
 by  attending  to  them  they  might  be  diverted  from  the  more  important  duties  of 
 their  office ;  nor  did  they  need  any  while  their  brethren  valued  their  fervices,  and 
 in  obedience  to  God,  gave  them  the  tithes  of  all  the  produce  of  the  land.  But  for 
 their  accommodation,  cities  were  appointed  them  with  their  fuburbs.  Thefe  cities 
 were  fituated  among  tlie  various  tribes ;  and  hence  the  Levites  bad  the  beft  oppor¬ 
 tunity  afforded  them  of  inftrucling  all  Ifrael.  Thus  the  curfe  pronounced  on 
 EevI,  that  he  ftjould  be  fcattered  in  Ifrael,  Gen.  xlix.  5,  7.  vras  changed  into  a 
 Llefung,  becaufe  1  is  fons  were  zealous  for  the  Lord,  Exod.  xxxii.  29.  The  arable 
 ground  and  villages  in  their  fuburbs  are  fuppofed  to  have  remained  in  the  pofleflion 
 
 sathfacHon  for  murder^ 
 
 1 9  The  revenger  of  blood  himfelf  (hnll  flay  the  mur- 
 derer  :  when  he  meetetkhim,  he  fhail  flay  him. 
 
 n, 
 
 Cl 
 
 tili 
 
 '451 
 
 Ih’iK. 
 
 -0  Jjut  e  it  he  thrutt  him  of  hatred,  or  hurl  at  him 
 by  laying  of  wait  that  he  die  ; 
 
 21  Or  in  enmity  fmite  him  with  his  hand,  that  heia  i, 
 die  :  he  that  Imote  him  fhail  furely  be  put  to  death  : 
 
 /or  he  ts  a  murderer :  the  revenger  of  blood  fhail  flay 
 the  murderer  vvhen  he  meeteth  him. 
 
 22  But  if  he  thurfl.  him  fuddenly  without  enmity,  ^ 
 
 or  hav€  caft  upon  him  any  thing  without  laying  of  “^'^^‘ 
 wait ;  o  j  t) 
 
 23  Or  with  any  ftone  wherewith  a  than  may  die, 
 leeing  htm  not,  and  caft  it  upon  him,  that  he  die,  and 
 Ti’as  not  his  enemy,  neither  fought  his  harm  ; 
 
 24  Then  the  congregation  fhail  judge  between  the 
 ilaycf  and  the  revenger  of  blood,  according  to  thefe 
 judgments: 
 
 25  And  the  congregation  fhail  deliver  the  flayer  out 
 of  the  hand  of  the  revenger  of  blood,  and  the  congre¬ 
 gation  fhail  reflore  him  to  the  city  of  his  refuge,  whi¬ 
 ther  he  has  fled :  and  he  fhail  abide  in  it  unto  the 
 death  of  the  high  prieff,  which  was  anointed  with  the 
 holy  oil. 
 
 26  But  if  the  flayer  fhail  at  any  time  come  without 
 the  border  of  the  city  of  his  refuge,  whether  he  was 
 fled  ; 
 
 27  And  the  revenger  of  blood  find  him  without  the 
 borders  of  the  city  of  his  refuge,  and  the  revenger  of 
 blood  kill  the  flayer  ;  f  he  fhail  not  be  guilty  of  blood  : 
 
 ^  28  Becaufe  he  fhould  have  remained  in  the  city  oflhairbf 
 his  refuge  until  the  death  of  the  high  prieft ;  but  after  to  him. 
 the  death  of  the  high  priefl;  the  flayer  fhail  return  into 
 the  land  of  his  pofleflion. 
 
 29  So  thefe  things  fhail  be  for  a  ftatute  of  judg¬ 
 ment  unto  you,  throughout  your  generations  in  all 
 your  dwellings. 
 
 so  Whofo  killeth  any  perfon,  the  murderer  fhail 
 be  put  to  death  by  the  s  mouth  of  witnelTes :  but  oneg  Deut. 
 witnefs  fhail  not  teflify  againft  any  perfon  to  cause  him  e.  & 
 to  die. 
 
 31  *U  Moreover,  ye  fhail  take  no  fatisfaftion  for  the  is^  le. 
 
 life  of  a  murderer,  which  Af  guilty  of  death  ;  but  he  2  Corin. 
 fhail  be  furely  put  to  death.  ^ 
 
 32  xAnd  ye  fhail  take  no  fatisfatflion  for  him  that  is  jo!"  23. 
 
 fled  to  the  city  of  his  refuge,  that  he  fhould  come  again  f  Heb. 
 to  dwell  in  the  land,  until  the  death  of  the  priefl:.  ‘0 
 
 33  So  ye  fhail  not  pollute  the  land  wherein  ye  are ;  x'lYi, 
 
 for  bbod  it  defileth  the  land  :  and  t  the  land  cannot  Jhere'^cm 
 be  cleanfed  of  the  blood  that  is  fhed  therein,  but  by  be  no  cj- 
 the  blood  of  him  that  flied  it.  piathnjo. 
 
 34  Defile  not  therefore  the  land  which  ye  fliall  in-^'^'^ 
 habit,  wherein  I  dwell :  for  I  the  LoRD.dwell  among 
 the  children  of  Ifrael,* 
 
 of  the  tribes  to  whom  they  had  previoufly  been  diftributed,  but  the  example  ad¬ 
 duced  in  proof  of  this,  in  the  cafe  of  Caleb  may  perhaps  be  only  an  exception  from 
 the  general  rule  in  honour  of  his  faith  and  fortitude,  Jofli.  xiv.  13,  14.  xxi..]l,I2, 
 Ver.  4,  5.  The  thoufand  cubits  in  the  former  verfe  may  mean  the  fize  of  the  fu¬ 
 burbs,  and  the  two  thoufand  in  the  latter,  may  include  thefe  and  a  thoufand  allot¬ 
 ted  for  the  city ;  but  the  Hebrews  underftand  the  one  thoufand  for  the  cattle,  the 
 two  for  fields  and  vineyards,  exclufive  of  the  city.  Ver.  9 — 15.  Comp.  Notes  on 
 Deut.  xix.  Ver.  34.  Idolatrous  practices  impioufty  ftained  like  murder,  the  land 
 of  Ifrael,  Pfal.  cvi.  38.  Jer.  iii.  2,  9.  The  puniflunent  of  thefe  pra<5lices  is  urged 
 by  a  powerful  argument,  the  Lord  dwelt  in  the  laud  ;  it  was  therefore  Aoft/,  Zech. 
 ii.  12.  Pfal.  xciii.  5.  Numb.  v.  3. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XXXV.]  How  heinous  is  the  guilt  of  hating  and  murdering  man.  If  the  guilty  efcape  prefent  puniflunent 
 Gt)J’s  fw  oid  will  in  due  time  reach  them.  But  the  vileft  finner  may  find  refuge  in  Chrift  from  the  wrath  to  come.  Me  lives  eternally  in  the  prefence  of  God,  and 
 the  efficacy  of  his  ato  lemeut  is  unchangeable.  Trull  la  him  for  ever,  for  la  him  is  everlalling  protedlion. 
 
ffic  of  dausJtlers*  inhcriling. 
 
 CHAP.  XXXVI. 
 
 The  inconvenience  of  the  inheritance  of  datightcre,  5  w  h 
 
 marrying  in  their  own  tribes:  10  The  daughters  of  Zdophe had  are 
 married  to  their  father  s  brother's  sons 
 
 NUMBERS. 
 
 Z.lnphchafs  di^u^JUers  nianla^' 
 
 IH'forc 
 
 Clirift 
 
 1451. 
 
 1 
 
 Jofliua 
 
 17.  3. 
 
 And  the  chief  fathers  of  the  families  of  the  chil- 
 dren  of  Gilead,  the  fon  of  Machir,  the  fon  ot 
 Manaffeh,  of  the  families  of  the  fons  of  Jofeph,  came 
 near,  and  fpake  before  Mofes,  and  before  the  princes 
 the  chief  fathers  of  the  children  of  Ifrael ; 
 
 „  Cbnp.  2  And  they  faid,  »  The  Lord  commanded  my  lord 
 ae.  55.  &  to  give  the  land  for  an  inheritance  by  lot  to  the  chil- 
 27-  dren  of  Ifrael :  and  my  lord  was  commanded  by  the 
 Lord  to  give  the  inheritance  of  Zelophehad  our  bro¬ 
 ther  unto  his  daughters.  r  r  r  r  .u 
 
 3  And  if  they  be  married  to  an^  of  the  fons  or  the 
 othrr  tribes  of  the  children  of  Ifrael,  then  .(hall  their 
 inheritance  be  taken  from  the  inheritance  of  our 
 fathers,  and  (hall  be  put  to  the  inheritance  of  the  tribe 
 f  whereunto  they  are  received  :  fo  (hall  it  be  taken 
 from  the  lot  of  our  inheritance. 
 
 4  And  when  the  jubilee  of  the  children  of  Ifrael  (hall 
 be,  then  (hall  their  inheritance  be  put  into  the  inheri¬ 
 tance  of  the  tribe  whereunto  they  are  received :  (o 
 (hall  their  inheritance  be  taken  away  from  the  inheri¬ 
 tance  of  the  tribe  of  our  fathers.  ,•  tr  i 
 
 5  H  And  Mofes  commanded  the  children  or  Krael, 
 according  to  the  word  of  the  Lord,  faying.  The  tribe 
 of  the  fons  of  Jofeph  hath  faid  well. 
 
 6  This  is  the  thing  which  the  Lord  doth  command 
 
 f  Heb. 
 unto 
 whom 
 they  fha.ll 
 be. 
 
 concerning  the  daughters  of  Zelophehad,  faying,  Let 
 them  f  marry  to  whom  they  think  beft  ;  **  only  to  the  1.551, 
 family  of  the  tribe  of  their  father  (hall  they  marry  : 
 
 7  bo  (hall  not  the  inheritance  of  the  children  of  +  iici>. 
 Ifrael  remove  from  tribe  to  tribe  ;  for  every  one  of 
 
 the  children  of  Kfael  (hall  t  keep  himfelf  to  the  inheri- J 
 tance  of  the  tribe  of  his  fathers.  ^  ^  t 
 
 8  And  every  daughter,  that  pofTeffeth  an  inheritance c&aw  u 
 in  any  tribe  of  the  children  of  Ifrael,  (hall  be  wife  unto 
 
 one  of  the  family  of  the  tribe  of  her  father,  that  the 
 children  of  Ifrael  may  enjoy  every  man  the  inheritance 
 of  his  fathers. 
 
 9  Neither  (hall  the  inheritance  remove  from  one 
 tribe  to  another  tribe  ;  but  every  one  of  the  tribes  of 
 the  children  of  Ifrael  (hall  keep  himfelf  to  his  own  in- 
 
 10  H  Even  as  the  Lord  commanded  Mofes,  fo  did 
 '  the  daughters  of  Zelophehad  : 
 
 1 1  '  For  Mahlah,  Tirzah,  and  Hoglah,  and  Milcah,  ^  chap, 
 and  Noah,  the  daughters  of  Zelophehad,  were  mar¬ 
 ried  unto  their  father’s  brother’s  fons, 
 
 12  And  they  were  married  f  into  the  families  oft 
 
 the  fons  of  Manafleh  the  fon  of  Jofeph;  and  their 
 heritance  remained  in  the  tribe  of  the  family  of  their  the 
 father.  .  jamilieu 
 
 13  Thefe  are  the  commandments  and  the  judgments 
 which  the  Lord  commanded,  by  the  hand  of  Mofes, 
 unto  the  children  of  Ifrael  in  the  plains  of  Moab,  by 
 Jordan  near  Jericho.* 
 
 ^EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXXVI.  Ver.  1—13.  The  princes 
 of  Manaffeh  were  not  diffatisfied  with  the  law  refpefting  daughters,  becoming 
 4lfeireffes  •  but  they  difeerned  the  dangerous  confequences  of  fuch  a  law;  if  left 
 unguarded,  it  tended  to  derange  the  order  eftabliffed  by  God  till  the  coming  of 
 the  Meffiah,  and  probably  increafe  the  wealth  of  one  tribe  at  the  expence  of  ano¬ 
 ther.  No  fooner  did  the  legiflator  perceive  this  than  he  preferibed  a  law  to  con¬ 
 
 firm  every  inheritance  in  its  own  tribe.  Forced  marriages  are  not  defirable,  and 
 the  laws  of  Ifrael  did  not  encourage  them.  An  Ifraelite  might  marry  any  one  of 
 his  own  nation,  except  where  the  public  good  was  concerned.  Heirs  and  beirelfea 
 were  conBned  to  their  own  tribes  ;  priefts,  as  they  had  no  inheritonce  nnight  marry 
 women  of  any  tribe,  and  daughters  not  heireffes  were  under  no  rellraint,  except 
 what  their  wifdom,  piety,  and  prudence  didlated. 
 
 practical  observations. — *  Chap.  XXXVI.]  The  prudent  forefee  evil  and  avoid  it ;  but  fools  pafs  on  and  are  punilhed.  How  gracioufly  God 
 watches  over  the  concerns  of  his  people;  and  direas  them  in  all  their  ways,  while  they  acknowledge  him.  Let  every  believer  in  Jefus  be  attentive  to  the  near  and 
 tender  relations  of  life,  that  he  may  be  united  only  to  fuch  as  are  united  to  the  Lord  ;  and  in  the  regulation  of  his  whde  conduft,  let  him  take  heed  to  the  command¬ 
 ments  delivered  him  by  the  Lord  from  heaven:  and  hold  fall  by  faith  his  inheritance  in  Chrill  Jefus. 
 
 1  THE  FIFTH  BOOK  OP  MOSES, 
 
 CALLED 
 
 DEUTERONOMY. 
 
 THE  ARGUMENT. 
 
 The  fifth  hooTc  o/Moses  is  called  Deuteronomy,  'which  signifies  a  second  law,  lecause  it  is  a  repetition  of  the  laws 
 which  God  had  given  forty  years  before  to  the  children  of  Israel'^  after  their  coming  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt.  It 
 pleajed  God  that  Mofes  should  repeat  these  laws  before  his  death;  because  those  that  heard  them  the  first  time  were  all 
 dead  in  the  wilderness.  Besides  this,  we  read  in  this  book  several  beautiful  exhortations,  'which  Moses  addressed  to 
 the  children  of  Israel  before  his  death. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrill 
 
 1451. 
 
 CHAP.  L 
 
 1  Moses'  speech  in  the  end  of  the  fortieth  year,  briefly  rehearfing  the  story 
 6  of  God's  promise,  9  of  giving  them  officers,  19  of  sending  the  spies  to 
 search  the  land,  ^c. 
 
 HESE  be  the  words  which  Mofes  fpake  unto  all 
 Ifrael  on  this  fide  Jordan  in  the  wildernefs,  in 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  I.  Ver.  1.  Jordan;  the  moll  diffin- 
 guiUied  river  of  Canaan,  mueh  famed  throughout  the  feriptures.  It  commenced 
 its  courle  in  mount  Libanus,  botsaded  Canaan  on  the  eall,  running  foulh  till  it 
 No,  X  X 
 
 the  plain  over  againR  11  the  Red  sea,  between  Paran, 
 and  Tophel,  and  Laban,  and  Hazeroth,  and  Dizahab. 
 
 2  (There  are  eleven  dtdjfs*  journey  from  Horeb,  by 
 
 the  way  of  mount  Seir,  unto  Kade(h-barnea.)  ||  or, 
 
 3  And  it  came  to  pafs  in  the  fortieth  year,  in  the  Zuph. 
 eleventh  month,  on  the  firft  day  of  the  month,  that 
 
 emptied  itfelf  in  the  fea  of  ChinUeretii,  which  has  feveral  names  in  the  New 
 Teftamcnt,  Numb,  xxxiv.  ,11.  comp.  Note  on  ^lattb  iv.  12 — 16.  and  thence 
 palled  on  to  the  fait  fea,  Numb.  Xxxiy,  12.  On  the  well,  Canaan  was  bounded 
 
Moses'  speech  in  the  end 
 
 Mofes 
 
 DEUTERONOMY. 
 
 21.  2'1. 
 
 t  Hcb. 
 nil  his 
 nfigh- 
 bours. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 gipc'n. 
 
 b  Gen. 
 15.  IS.  & 
 17.  7,  8. 
 
 Before  Mofes  fpake  unto  the  children  of  Ifrad,  according 
 
 1-151.  ^'1  that  the  Lord  had  given  him  in  command- 
 
 ment  unto  them  ; 
 
 a  Numb.  _  ■4-  *  After  he  had  flain  Sihon  the  king  of  the  Amor- 
 ites,  which  dvyelt  in  Hefhbon,  and  Og  the  king  of  Ba- 
 Ihan,  which  dwelt  at  Attaroth  in  Edrei. 
 
 Un  this  fide  Jordan,  in  the  land  of  Moab,  began 
 Mofes  to  declare  this  law',  faying, 
 
 6  ^  1  ne  Lord  our  God  Ipake  unto  us  in  Horeb, 
 lay^ing,  i  e  have  dw'elt  long  enough  in  this  mount : 
 
 i  1  urn  you  and  take  your  journey,  and  go  to  the 
 mount  of  the  Amorites,  and  unto  f  all  the  places  nigh 
 thereunto  in  the  plain,  in  the  hills,  and  in  the  vale,  and 
 in  the  loutb,  and  by  the  fea-fide,  to  the  land  of  the 
 Canaanites,  and  unto  Lebanon,  unto  the  great  river, 
 the  river  Euphrates. 
 
 S  Behold,  I  have  f  fet  the  land  before  you  :  go  in 
 and  polTefs  the  land  w'hich  the  Lord  fware  unto  your 
 fathers,  ^  Abraham,  Ilaac,  and  Jacob,  to  give  unto 
 them,  and  to  their  feed  after  them. 
 
 9  H  And  I  fpake  unto  you  at  that  time,  faying,  I 
 am  not  able  to  bear  you  myfelf  alone  : 
 
 10  The  Lord  your  God  hath  multiplied  you,  and, 
 behold,  ye  are  this  day  as  the  ftars  of  heaven  for  mul¬ 
 titude. 
 
 1 1  (The  Lord  God  of  your  fathers  make  you  a 
 thoufand  times  fo  many  more  as  ye  ore,  and  blefs  you, 
 as  he  hath  promifed  you  !) 
 
 12  How  can  I  mylelt  alone  bear  your  cumbrance, 
 and  your  burden,  and  your  ftrife  ? 
 
 13  t  Take  you  wife  men,  and  underftanding,  and 
 known  among  your  tribes,  and  I  will  make  them  rulers 
 over  you. 
 
 I  t  And  ye  anfwered  me,  and  faid.  The  thing  which 
 thou  haft  fpoken  is  good  for  us  to  do. 
 
 15  So  I  took  the  chief  of  your  tribes,  wife  men,  and 
 known,  and  f  made  them  heads  over  you,  captains 
 over  thoufands,  and  captains  over  hundreds,  and  cap¬ 
 tains  over  fifties,  and  captains  over  tens,  and  officers 
 among  your  tribes. 
 
 16  And  I  charged  your  judges  at  that  time,  faying. 
 Hear  (he  caufes  between  your  brethren,  and  <=  judge 
 righ'teoufiy  between  every  man  and  his  brother,  and 
 the  ftranger  that  is  w'ith  him. 
 
 17  Ye  lhall  not  t  refpeft  perfons  in  judgment,  but 
 ye  (hail  hear  the  fraall  as  well  as  the  great ;  ye  lhall 
 not  be  afraid  of  the  face  of  man,  for  the  judgment  is 
 God’s :  and  the  caufe  that  is  too  hard  for  you,  bring 
 it  unto  me,  and  I  will  hear  if. 
 
 18  And  I  commanded  you  at  that  time  all  the  things 
 which  ye  Ihould  do. 
 
 19  11  And  when  we  departed  from  Horeb,  we  went 
 through  all  that  great,  and  terrible  wildernefs,  which 
 ye  faw  by  the  way  of  the  mouatain  of  the  Amorites, 
 as  the  Lord  our  God  commanded  us  j  and  we  came 
 to  Kadelh-barnea. 
 
 I  Ileb. 
 
 f  Heb 
 4'at.v. 
 
 c  John 
 7.  24. 
 
 d  Ler. 
 19.  15. 
 Chap. 
 16.  16. 
 1  Sam. 
 16.  7. 
 I’rov. 
 24.  23. 
 
 Heb. 
 
 acknow^- 
 
 ledge 
 
 faces. 
 
 by  the  Mediterranean,  and  on  the  north  and  fouth  by  mountains.  The  Red, 
 Zupli  otr  the  margin,  is  certainly  not  the  I£ed  fea  in  Egypt,  but  fome  place  un¬ 
 known  to  us  on  the  Jordan,  which  probably  received  its  name  from  the  reeds 
 that  grew  in  it.  The  fame  word  occurs,  Numb.  xxi.  14.  improperly  tranflated 
 in  our  verfion,  the  lied  fea.  Paran,  the  name  of  a  mountain  and  wildernefs, 
 Nunab.  xiii.  1.  chap,  xxxii.  2.  north  of  which  Mofes  repeated  and  explained  the 
 law  as  we  have  it  in  this  book.  He  began  to  write  or  relate  its  contents  the 
 lirll  day  of  the  eleventh  month,  and  matt  have  proceeded  with  diligence,  for  he 
 died  loon  after,  as  appears  from  various  things  noticed  of  this  period.  Ifrael 
 mourned  for  him  tlurty  days,  fpies  were  fent  to  view  the  land,  the  people  were 
 led  through  Jordan,  circumcifed,  and  began  tp  ubferve  the  palTover  the  four-  i 
 
 1490. 
 
 e  Nutni), 
 13.  3. 
 
 qf  the  fortieth 
 
 20  And  I  faid  unto  you.  Ye  are  come  unto  the 
 mountain  of  the  Amorites,  which  the  Lord  our  God 
 doth  give  unto  us. 
 
 21  Behold,  the  Lord  thy  God  hath  fet  the  land 
 before  thee :  go  up  a?id  poflels  it,  as  the  Lord  God 
 of  thy  tattlers  hath  laid  unto  thee ;  fear  not,  neither 
 be  difeouraged. 
 
 22  f  And  ye  pmenear  unto  me  every  one  of  you, 
 and  faid.  We  will  fend  men  before  us,  and  they  ftiall 
 fearch  us  out  the  land,  and  bring  us  word  again  by 
 what  way  we  muft  go  up,  and  into  what  cities  we 
 lhall  come. 
 
 23  And  the  faying  pleafed  me  well ;  and  ®  I  took 
 twelve  men  of  you,  one  of  a  tribe  : 
 
 24  And  ^  they  turned,  and  went  up  into  the  moun-^^^n^b. 
 tain,  and  came  unto  the  valley  of  Elhcol,  and  fearched 
 
 it  out. 
 
 25  And  they  took  of  the  fruit  of  the  land  in  their 
 hands,  and  brought  it  down  unto  us,  and  brought  us 
 word  again,  and  faid.  It  is  a  good  land  which  the 
 Lord  our  God  doth  give  us. 
 
 26  Notwithftanding  ye  would  not  go  up,  but  rebel¬ 
 led  againft  the  commandment  of  the  Lord  your  God  : 
 
 27  And  ye  murmured  in  your  tents,  and  faid,  Be- 
 caufe.  the  Lord  hated  us,  he  hath  brought  us  forth 
 out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  to  deliver  us  into  the  hand 
 of  the  Amorites,  to  deftroy  us. 
 
 28  Whither  fhall  we  go  up?  our  brethren  have 
 f  difeouraged  our  heart,  faying,  The  people  is  greater  f 
 and  taller  than  we ;  the  cities  are  great,  and  walled 
 up  to  heaven  :  and,  moreover,  we  have  feen  the  Ions 
 
 of  the  s  Anaki.ms  there.  s  Numb. 
 
 29  Then  I  faid  unto  you,  dread  not.,  neither 
 afraid  of  them. 
 
 30  The  Lord  your  God,  which  goeth  before  you, 
 he  lhall  fight  for  you,  according  to  all  that  he  did  for 
 you  in  Egypt  before  your  eyes  ; 
 
 31  And  in  the  wildernefs,  where  thou  haft  feen 
 how  that  the  Lord  thy  God  bare  thee,  as  a  man  doth 
 bear  his  fon,  in  all  the  way  that  ye  went,  until  ye 
 came  into  this  place. 
 
 32  Yet  in  this  thing  ye  did  not  believe  the  Lord 
 your  God. 
 
 33  Who  went  in  the  way  before  you,  to  fearch 
 you  out  a  place  to  pitch  your  tents  in,  in  fire  by  night, 
 to  (hew  you  by  what  way  ye  Ihould  go,  and  in  a 
 cloud  by  day. 
 
 34  H  And  the  Lord  heard  the  voice  of  your  words, 
 and  was  wroth,  and  fware,  faying, 
 
 35  '  Surely  there  lhall  not  one  of  thefe  men  of  this  *  Numb, 
 evil  generation  fee  that  good  land,  which  I  fware  to 
 
 give  unto  your  fathers, 
 
 36  Save  Caleb  the  fon  of  Jephunneh,  he  fhall  fee 
 
 it ;  and  to  him  will  I  give  the  land  that  he  hath  trodden  . 
 upon,  and  to  his  children,  becaufe  he  hath  f  wholly  w 
 followed  the  Lord.  go  after. 
 
 teentli  clay  of  the  firft  month,  Jofh.  v.  Ver.  6.  Ifrael  remained  about  a  year 
 near  Horeb  or  Sinai,  where  they  were  inllru(5btd  in  the  law  of  God,  Numb, 
 xix.  1,  2.  X.  11,  12.  Ver.  7.  The  polTeflions  of  Ifrael  did  not  extend  eaftward 
 to  the  Euphrates  till  Solomon’s  reign,  1  Kings  iv.  21.  Ver.  9 — 18.  See  the 
 event  to  which  this  refers,  Exod.  xviii.  18.  Numb,  xi,  24.  Jethro  advifed 
 the  conflitution  of  inferior  judges,  and  God  approved  it.  Ver.  23.  The 
 propofal  of  the  people  was  approved  or  permitted  by  God,  Numb.  xiii. 
 2,  3.  It  was  good  ia  itfelf,  and  imitated  by  Jodiua ;  but  it  proved  a  fnare  to 
 Ifrael  through  their  unbelief,  and  the  bad  example  often  of  the  fpies.  Ver.  37; 
 IFiih  me  and  Aaron,  for  he  alfo  tranfgrefled  and  was  rebuked  on  this  occafion. 
 They  were  guilty  of  unhelieli  and  the  people  provoked  them  to  dilhonour  God 
 
jVtth  luhom  Israel  may  not  f^t;  DEUIERONOMY. 
 
 }s(jI  -with  the  Ammonites. 
 
 ji.ifori  37  k  Alfo  the  Lord  was  angry  with  me  for  your  j| 
 fakes,  faying,  Thou  alfo  (hall  not  go  in  thither.  I| 
 
 38  But  Jolhua  the  fon  of  Nun,  which  ftandeth  be- 
 kNimib.  fore  thee,  he  (hall  go  in  thither:  encourage  him  ;  for 
 ‘io.  1^-  &  he  (hall  caufe  Krael  to  inherit  it.  ,  .  i 
 
 cu  ^25  Moreover,  your  little  ones,  which  ye  (aid  (hould  , 
 &  4,  21.’  be  a  prey,  and  your  children,  which  in  that  day  had  1 
 &  31.4.  no  knowledge  between  good  and  evil,  they  (hall  go  ' 
 in  thither,  and  unto  them  will  I  give  it,  and  they  (hall  j 
 polTel's  it.  j 
 
 4.0  But  as  Jor  you,  turn  you,  and  take  your  journey  ; 
 into  the  wildernefs,  by  the  way  of  the  Red  lea.  ! 
 1  Numb.  4  1  Then  ye  anfwered  and  faid  unto  me,  '  We  have 
 finned  againft  the  Lord,  and  will  go  up  and  fight,  ac-  | 
 cording  to  all  that  the  Lord  our  God  commanded  us.  i 
 And  when  ye  had  girded  on  every  mau  his  weapons 
 of  war,  ye  were  ready  to  go  up  into  the  hill. 
 
 42  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  me,  Say  unto  them, 
 Go  not  up,  neither  fight ;  for  I  am  not  among  you  ; 
 left  ye  be  fmitten  before  your  enemies. 
 
 43  So  I  fpake  unto  you,  and  ye  would  not  hear, 
 but  rebelled  againft  the  commandment  of  the  Lord, 
 
 f  Heb.  and  t  went  prefumptuoufly  up  into  the  hill. 
 
 44  And  the  Amorites,  which  dwelt  in  that  moun- 
 iuIusTirf  tain,  came  out  againft  you,  and  chafed  you,  as  bees 
 went  up.  do,  and  deftroyed  you  in  Seir,  eveti  unto  Hormah.  • 
 
 45  And  ye  returned  and  wept  before  the  Lord  ;  j 
 
 but  the  Lord  would  not  hearken  to  your  voice,  nor 
 give  ear  unto  you.  |! 
 
 46  So  ye  abode  in  Kadefti  many  days,  according  | 
 unto  the  days  that  ye  abode  there.* 
 
 CHAP.  II. 
 
 1  The  story  is  continued  that  they  were  not  to  meddle  with  the  Edomites, 
 
 9  Nor  with  the  Moabites,  17  nor  ivilh  the  Ammonites,  24  but  Sihon  the 
 
 Amorite  ivas  to  be  subdued  by  them. 
 
 Then  we  turned,  and  took  our  journey  into  the 
 wildernefs,  by  the  way  of  the  Red  fea,  as  the 
 Lord  fpake  unto  me  ;  and  we  compafled  mount  Seir 
 many'days. 
 
 2  And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  me,  faying, 
 
 3  Ye  have  compafifed  this  mountain  long  enough  : 
 turn  you  northward.  ^  ' 
 
 4  And  command  thou  the  people,  faying,  Ye  are  to  | 
 pals  through  the  coaft  of  your  brethren  the  children  of  j 
 Efau,  which  dwell  in  Seir,  and  they  (hall  be  afraid  of  ! 
 you  ;  take  ye  good  heed  unto  yourfelves  therefore,  j 
 5  Meddle  not  with  them ;  for  I  will  not  give  you  of  , 
 f-  Heb.  their  land,  f  no,  not  fo  much  as  a  foot-breadth  ;  *  be- 
 caufe  I  have  given  mount  Seir  unto  Efau  /or  a  pofTef- 
 
 o/ the  sole  „  „ 
 
 of  the  foot.  6  Ye  (hall  buy  meat  of  them  for  money,  that  ye  I 
 a  Gen.  may  eat ;  and  ye  (hall  alfo  buy  water  of  them  for  mo- 
 ney  that  ye  may  drink. 
 
 7  For  the  Lord  thy  God  hath  blefifed  thee  in  all 
 the  works  of  thy  hand  :  he  knoweth  thy  walking 
 
 iftith  their  lips,  Pfal.  evi.  32,  33.  Ver.  44.  As  trees,  that  on  being  enraged,  collecSl  j 
 together,  and  defend  themfelves  at  the  hazard  of  life,  and  fiercely  attack  the  in-  : 
 truder,  Pfal.  cxviii.  12, 
 
 EXPLANiliTORY, NOTES.  Chap.  II.  Ver.  1.  Mount  Seir:  that  is,  the! 
 land  of  Edom,  Gen.  xxxvi.  8,  9,  20.  About  this  time  Ifrael  traverfed  the  wil¬ 
 dernefs,  and  were  much  diftrefled.  Numb.  xxi.  4.  Ver.  3.  Similar  language  was 
 ufed  by  God  in  Horeb,  chap.  i.  6.  The  people  now  wandered  many  years,  and 
 had  experienced  great  affliction  ;  but  God  in  mercy  remembered  them,  and  | 
 
 through  this  great  w-ildernefs :  thefe  forty  years  the 
 Lord  thy  God  hath  been  with  thee :  thou  haft  lacked 
 
 nothing,  ' 
 
 8  And  when  we  palled  by  from  our  brethren  the 
 children  of  Efau,  which  dwelt  in  Seir,  through  the 
 way  of  the  plain  from  Elath,  and  from  Ezion-gaber, 
 we  turned,  and  palled  by  the  way  of  the  wildernels 
 of  Moab. 
 
 9  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  me,  11  Diftrefs  not 
 the  Moabites,  neither  contend  with  them  in  b^tle  ; 
 
 for  1  will  not  give  thee  of  their  land  for  a  pofleluon  j  a^at/ut 
 becaufe  I  have  given  Ar  unto  the  children  of  Lot /or  noab. 
 
 a  polleffion.  ...  n 
 
 10  The  Emims  dwelt  therein  in  times  paft,  a  peo¬ 
 ple  great,  and  many,  and  tall,  as  the  Anakims ; 
 
 11  Which  alfo  were  accounted  giants,  as  the  Ana¬ 
 kims  ;  but  the  Moabites  called  them  Emims. 
 
 12  The  Horims  alfo  dwelt  in  Seir  before  time  ;  b  Gen. 
 but  the  children  of  Efau,  f  fucceeded  them,  when  theyS^jj^J"- 
 had  deftroyed  them  from  before  them,  and  dwelt 
 
 their  Ij  (lead,  as  Ifrael  did  unto  the  land  of  his  pcHcf- them. 
 (ion,  which  the  Lord  gave  unto  them.  II 
 
 13  Now  rife  up,  said  /,  and  get  you  over  ^  the  U  mb. 
 brook  Zered  :  and  we  went  over  the  brook  Zered.  2:.  12.  ’ 
 
 14  And  the  fpace  in  which  we  came  from  Kadeih-  b  Or, 
 barnea,  until  we  were  come  over  the  brook  Zered, 
 
 was  thirty  and  eight  years  ;  until  all  the  generation  of 
 the  men  of  w'ar  were  wafted  out  from  among  the 
 hoft,  as  the  Lord  fware  unto  them. 
 
 15  For  indeed  the  hand  of  the  Lord  was  againft 
 them,  to  deftroy  them  from  among  the  hoft,  until  they 
 were  confumed. 
 
 16  ^  So  it  came  to  pafs,  when  all  the  men  of  war 
 were  confumed  and  dead  from  among  the  people, 
 
 17  That  the  Lord  fpake  unto  me,  faying, 
 
 1 8  I'hou  art  to  pafs  over  through  Ar,  the  coaft  of 
 Moab,  this  day. 
 
 19  And  when  thou  comeft  nigh  over  againft  the 
 children  of  Ammon,  diftrefs  them  nor,  nor  meddle 
 with  them  ;  for  1  will  not  give  thee  of  the  land  of  the 
 children  of  Ammon  c?iy  pofl'effion,  becaufe  1  havegivea 
 it  unto  the  children  of  Lot,^r  a  pofTefTion. 
 
 20  (That  alfo  was  accounted  a  land  of  giants :  giants 
 dwelt  therein  in  old  timej  and  the  Ammonites  call 
 them  Zamzummims ; 
 
 21  A  people  great,  and  many,  and  tall  as  the  Ana¬ 
 kims  ;  but  the  Lord  deftroyed  them  before  them  ; 
 and  they  fucceeded  them,  and  dwelt  in  their  ftead  : 
 
 22  As  he  did  to  the  children  of  Efau  which  dwelt 
 ia  Seir,  when  he  deftroyed  the  Horims  from  before 
 them ;  and  they  fucceeded  them,  and  dwelt  in  their 
 ftead,  even  unto  this  day  : 
 
 23  And  the  Avims  which  dwelt  in  Hazerim,  even 
 unto  Azzah,  the  Caphtorims,  which  came  forth  out  of 
 Caphtor,' deftroyed  them,  and  dwelt  in  their  ftead.) 
 
 called  them  this  fecond  time  to  proceed  to  Canaan,  not  to  return  again  to  the 
 terrible  wildernefs.  Norihvmrd :  not  however  in  their  former  courfe,  by  Kadcfli- 
 barnea,  but  through  the  country  of  Sihon,  king  of  the  Amorites  which  lay 
 
 between  Edom  and  Moab.  Ver.  5 — 8.  Comp.  Note  on  Numb.  xx.  14 _ 21. 
 
 Ver.  9.  1  he  Moabites  and  Ammonites  defcended  from  Lot,  and  had  become  ido¬ 
 laters  ;  yet  for  the  fake  of  tlieir  father  they  were  long  permitted  to  poffefs  the 
 land  which  they  had  feized:  Ver.  12.  As  Israel  did;  is  either  prophetical,  or 
 rather  refers  to  that  part  conquered  and  given  to  Reuben,  &c.  Ver.  25.  Comp. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  I.]  Wlio  can  behold  Mofes  the  aged  fervant  of  Jehovah,  delighting  to  retrace  all  the  great  things  which 
 God  had  fnewed  him,  without  admiring  thofe  holy  principles,  which  he  laboured  to  imprefs  on  the  minds  of  Ifrael.  It  becomes  the  aged  to  remii.d  their  friends  of 
 the  providence  and  oracles  of  God,  which  will  always  prefent  fome  new  and  affecting  fubjeCl  of  coiitemplatioa,  Tue  moft  euuueut  Ikints  often  lliare  with  the  wicked 
 in  temporal  mifery.  They  who  weep  not  for  their  fins  are  frequently  forced  to  lament  their  I'uli'erings 
 
Si/ion  the  Amorile  sttldued. 
 
 DEUTERONOMY. 
 
 The  conquest  of  0-y  t  his  land  ('^vidcd, 
 
 ciSa  .  "  jo^^'oey,  and  pafs  ovet 
 
 Mol.  [T;^  river  x\rnon  ;  behold,  I  have  given  into  thine  bane 
 oihon  the  Amcrite,  king  ot  Heihbon,  and  liis  land  ; 
 t  iicb.  +  beijin  to  pcflefs  jf,  and  contend  with  him  in  battle. 
 
 j'*  ^  begin  to  put  the  dread  of  thee, 
 
 and  the  tear  ot  thee,  upon  the  nations  that  are  under 
 tne  whole  heaven,  who  (hall  hear  report  of  thee,  and  j 
 ihall  tremble,  and  be  in  anguifh  becaufe  of  thee. 
 
 26  %  And  1  lent  mellengers  out  of  the  wildcrnefs  of 
 Kedemoth  unto  Sihon  king  of  Heflibon,  with  words 
 ot  peace,  faying, 
 
 through  thy  land  :  I  will  go  along 
 ’■"‘by  the  high-way,  I  will  neither  turn  unto  the  right 
 hand  nor  to  the  left. 
 
 2S  Thou  (halt  fell  me  meat  for  monev,  that  I  may 
 eat ;  and  give  me  water  for  money,  that  I  may  drink ; 
 only  I  will  pafs  through  on  my  feet, 
 
 29  (As  -the  children  of  Efau  which  dwell  in  Seir,  and 
 the  Moabites  w'hich  dwell  in  Ar,  did  untome,)  until  I 
 fhall  pafs  over  Jordan,  into  the  land  which  the  Lord 
 our  God  giveth  us. 
 
 30  But_  Sihon  king  of  Heihbon  would  not  let  us 
 pal's  by  him  :  tor  the  Lord  thy  God  hardened  bis 
 I’pirit  and  made  his  heart  obftinate,  that  he  might  de¬ 
 liver  him  into  thy  hand,  as  appearetk  this  day. 
 
 31  And  the  Loud  laid  unto  me,  Behold,  I  have 
 begun  to  give  Sihon  and  his  land  before  thee:  begin 
 to  polTefs,  that  thou  mayeft  inherit  his  land. 
 
 32  «  Then  Sihon  came  out  againft  us,  he  and  all  his 
 people,  to  fight  at  Jahaz. 
 
 S3  And  the  Lord  our  God  delivered  him  before 
 us,  and  we  fmote  him,  and  his  fons,  and  all  his  people. 
 
 •34?  And  W'e  took  all  his  cities  at  that  time,  and  ut¬ 
 terly  delfroyed  f  the  men,  and  the  women,  and  the 
 little  ones,  of  every  city  ;  we  left  none  to  remain : 
 
 Only  the  cattle  we  took  for  a  prey  unto  our- 
 felves,  and  the  fpoil  of  the  cities  which  we  took. 
 
 36  From  Aroer,  which  is  by  the  brink  of  the  river 
 of  Arnon,  and  from  the  city  thatw  by  the  river,  even 
 unto  Gilead,  there  was  not  one  city  too  ftrongfor  us : 
 the  Lord  our  God  delivered  all  unto  us. 
 
 37  Only  unto  the  land  of  the  children  of  Ammon 
 thou  cameft  not,  nor  unto  any  place  of  the  river  Jab- 
 bok,  nor  unto  the  cities  in  the  mountains,  nor  unto 
 whatfoever  the  Lord  our  God  forbade  us.* 
 
 e  Kumb. 
 21.  23. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 
 arid  Utile 
 onet. 
 
 CHAP.  III. 
 
 1  Tie  slorg  of  the  conquest  of  Og  king  of  Bashan  :  tie  bigness  of  his  bed. 
 1 2  7'he  distribution  of  those  lands  to  the  Iwo  tribes  and  half,  23  Jlfo- 
 ses'  •prayer  to  enter  into  the  land,  ^c. 
 
 Then  we  turned,  and  w’ent  up  the  way  to  Ba¬ 
 lkan  :  and  *  Og  the  king  of  Balkan  came  out 
 3r5,  us^  he  and  all  his  people,  to  battle  at  Edrei. 
 
 Chap.  2  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  me.  Fear  him  not :  For 
 29,7.  iwill  deliver  him,  and  all  his  people,  and  his  land, 
 into  thy  hand  ;  and  thou  Ikalt  do  unto  him  as  thou 
 b  Nnmb,  ujjfo  ^  SihoD  king  of  the  Amorites,  which  dwelt 
 at  Heihbon. 
 
 Joth.  ii.  9 — 11.  Ver.  26 — 37.  The  reafonable  requeft  of  Ifrael  was  a  trial  to 
 Sihon,  and  his  refufal,  from  want  of  true  wifdom,  which  is-the  gift  of  God, 
 brought  on  him  punilhment  merited  by  his  former  wickednefs,  compare  Notes  on 
 Numb.  xxi.  M — 31. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  III.  Ver.  1.  Comp.  Note  on  Numb, 
 xxi.  35.  Bashan  was  famed  for  a  fruitful  foil,  good  pafture,  and  of  courfe 
 
 3  So  the  Lord  our  God  delivered  into  our  hands 
 
 =  Og  alfo,  the  king  of  Balkan,  and  all  his  people  :  and  j 
 we  Imote  him,  until  none  W'as  left  to  him  remaining, 
 
 4  And  we  took  all  his  cities  at  that  time ;  there  wasc 
 
 not  a  city  which  we  took  not  from  them,  threefcoresi.  35.  ’ 
 cities,  all  the  region  of  Argob,  the  kingdom  of  Og  in 
 Ballian. 
 
 5  All  thefe  cities  Kf re  fenced  with  high  walls,  gates, 
 and  bars,  belides  unvvalled  towns  a  great  many. 
 
 6  And  we  utterly  deltroyed  them,  as  we  did  unto 
 Sihon  king  ol  Heihbon,  utterly  deftroying  the  men, 
 women,  and  children,  of  every  city. 
 
 7  But  all  the  cattle,  and  the  fpoil  of  the  cities,  we 
 took  for  a  prey  to  ourl’elves. 
 
 8  And  we  took  at  that  time,  out  of  the  hand  of  the 
 two  kings  of  the  Amorites,  the  land  that  vsas  on  this 
 fide  Jordan,  from  the  river  of  Arnon  unto  mount 
 Hermon  ; 
 
 9  (Which  Hermon  the  Sidonians  call  Sirion,  and 
 the  Amorites  call  it  Shenir  ;) 
 
 10  All  the  cities  of  the  plain,  and  all  Gilead,  and 
 all  Balkan,  unto  Salchah  and  Edrei,  cities  of  the 
 kingdom  of  Og  in  Balkan  : 
 
 11  For  only  Og  king  of  Balkan  remained  of  the 
 remnant  of  the  giants  ;  behold,  his  bedftead  wa^a  bed- 
 ftead  of  iron  ;  is  it  not  in  Rabbath  of  the  children  of 
 Ammon?  nine  cubits  was  the  length  thereof,  and  four 
 cubits  the  brpdth  of  it,  after  the  cubit  of  a  man. 
 
 12  And  this  land,  ^hkh  we  pofiTefTed  at  that  time, 
 from  Aroer,  which  is  by  the  river  Arnon,  and  half 
 mount  Gilead,  and  the  cities  thereof,  gave  I  unto 
 the  Reubenites,  and  to  the  Gadites. 
 
 13  And  the  reft  of  Gilead,  and  all  Balkan,  heing  iTs^. 
 the  kingdom  of  Og,  gave  I  unto  the  half-tribe  of 
 ManafTeh  ;  all  the  region  of  Argob,  with  all  Balkan, 
 which  was  called  the  land  of  giants. 
 
 14  Jair  thefon  of  Manafleh  took  all  the  country  of 
 Argob,  unto  the  coafts  of  Gelliuri  and  Maacbathi, 
 
 and  e  called  them  after  his  own  name,  Balhan-havoth-  ®  Numb, 
 jair,  unto  this  day.  32. 41. 
 
 1 5  And  I  gave  Gilead  unto  Machir. 
 
 16  And  unto  the  Reubenites,  and  unto  the  Gadites, 
 
 I  gave  from  Gilead  even  unto  the  river  Arnon,  half 
 the  valley,  and  the  border,  even  unto  the  river  Jabbok, 
 yjhich  is  the  border  of  the  children  of  Ammon  ; 
 
 17  The  plain  alfo,  and  Jordan,  and  the  coaft 
 
 from  Chinnereth  even  unto  the  fea  of  the  plain,  even 
 the  fait  fea,  jj  under  Alhdoth-pifgah  eaftward.  ||  o, 
 
 18  f  And  I  commanded  you  at  that  time,  faying,  under  the 
 The  Lord  your  God  hath  given  you  this  land 
 
 poffefs  it:  ^  ye  fhall  pafs  over  armed  before  your  f  Numb, 
 brethren  the, children  of  Ifrael,  all  that  are  t  meet  for  32. 20. 
 the  war.  t  He*’- 
 
 19  But  your  wives,  and  your  little  ones,  and  your  ^J^e? 
 cattle,  (for  1  know  that  ye  have  much  cattle,)  fhall 
 abide  in  your  cities  which  I  have  given  you, 
 
 20  Until  the  Lord  have  given  reft  unto  your  bre- 
 
 fat  cattle,  chap,  xxxii.  14.  Jer.  1.  19.  Amos  iv.  1.  Micab  vii.  14.  Ver.  10. 
 Og  was  probably  a  defeendant  of  the  Repbaims,  who  dwelt  in  Ashteroth,  the 
 feat  of  bis  kingdom,  Jolh.  xiii.  12.  compare  Gen.  xiv.  5.  Ver.  21.  The  experience 
 of  part  favours  ftrengthens  our  faith  in  God  ;  we  believe  that  he  is  faithful  to 
 fulfil  all  his  promifes,  as  certainly  as  he  has  fulfilled  a  few  of  them  ;  fee  examples 
 of  this  ufe  of  part  experience  of  divine  mercy,  1  Sara.  xvii.  36,  37.  2  Cor.  i.  1C. 
 
 PRA  CTIC  A  L  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  II.  J  God  greatly  honours  his  dillinguiihed  fervants,  and  for  their  fake,  he  confers  many  temporal  favours  on 
 the  wicked.  The  people  of  God  ought  to  be  always  generous  and  forgiving ;  neither  injuring  their  enemies  nor  unneceflarily  burdening  their  friends.  Nations  ripe 
 ■for  divine  judgments,  generally  by  their  folly,  injuflice,  and  cruelty,  bring  on  themfelves  fwift  deftru(5lion.  While  we  behold  the  revolutions  of  Rates  andemjjues 
 may  we  fee  the  importance  of  belonging  to  that  Jungdom  which-cannot  be  moved. 
 
J^Ioscs*  exhortation  to  Joshua. 
 
 Bfforc  thren,  as  well  as  unto  you,  and  until  they  alfo  poffefs 
 the  land  which  the  Lord  your  God  hath  given  them 
 beyond  Jordan  :  and  then  (hall  ye  /  return  every  man 
 unto  his  polTeffion,  which  I  have  given  you.  _ 
 
 22. 4.  2 1 11  And  '*  I  commanded  Jofhua  at  that  time,  fa^ng, 
 
 i,  Numb. 'j’hjne  eyes  have  I'een  all  that  the  Lord  your  God 
 hath  done  unto  thefe  two  kings  :  fo  (hall  the  Lord 
 do  unto  all  the  kingdoms  whither  thou  paffeft. 
 
 22  Ye  (hall  not  fear  them :  for  the  Lord  your  God 
 he  (hall  fight  for  you.  , 
 
 2S  H  And  I  befought  the  Lord  at  that  time,  faying, 
 
 24  O  Lord  God,  thou  halt  begun  to  (hew  thy  fer- 
 vant  thy  greatnefs,  and  thy  mighty  hand  :  for  what 
 God  is  there  in  heaven  or  in  earth  that  can  do  accord¬ 
 ing  to  thy  works,  and  according  to  thy  might  ? 
 
 25  I  pray  thee  let  me  go  over  and  fee  the  good 
 land  that  is  beyond  Jordan,  that  goodly  mountain,  and 
 Lebanon. 
 
 (Numb.  26  But  ’  the  Lord  was  wroth  with  me  for  your 
 20. 12.  fakes,  and  would  not  hear  me:  and  the  Lord  faid  unto 
 me,  Let  it  fufiice  thee ;  fpeak  no  more  unto  me  of 
 this  matter. 
 
 I!  Or,  27  Get  thee  up  unto  the  top  of  II  Pifgah,  and  lift 
 the  hill,  up  thine  eyes  wed  ward,  and  northward,  and  fouth- 
 ward,  and  eattward,  and  behold  it  with  thine  eyes : 
 for  thou  (halt  not  go  over  this  Jordan. 
 
 28  But  charge  Jolhua,  and  encourage  him,  and 
 drengthen  him  ;  for  he  (hall  go  over  before  this 
 people,  and  he  (hall  caufe  them  to  inherit  the  land 
 which  thou  (halt  fee. 
 
 29  So  we  abode  in  the  valley  over  againftBeth-peor.* 
 
 CHAP.  IV. 
 
 1  An  exhortation  to  obedience.  41  Motet  oppointeth  the  three  cities  of 
 
 refuge  on  that  Jide  Jordan, 
 
 NOW  therefore  hearken,  O  Ifrael,  unto  the  fta- 
 tutes,  and  unto  the  judgments,  which  I  teach 
 you,  for  to  do  them,  that  ye  may  live,  and  go  in  and 
 polTefs  the  land  which  the  Lord  God  of  your  fathers 
 giveth  you. 
 
 a  Chap.  2  »  Ye  (hall  not  add  unto  the  word  which  I  com- 
 12. 32.  mand  you,  neither  (hall  ye  diminifh  ought  from  it,  that 
 ProV  ^  ye  may  keep  the  commandments  of  the  Lord  your 
 3o°6.  God  which  I  command  you. 
 
 R_vei.  3  Your  eyes  have  feen  what  the  Lord  did  becaufe 
 22.18.  of Baal-peor :  for  all  the  men  that  followed  Baal- 
 Lfa,  &c  Lord  thy  God  hath  deftroyed  them  from 
 
 ‘  among  you. 
 
 2  Tim.  iv.  17,  18,  Ver.  25.  Canaan  was  a  mountainous  country,  but  exceedingly 
 productive.  Libanus  to  the  north  was  a  mountain  dillinguilhed  by  the  number, 
 ftrength,  height,  and  fragrance  of  its  trees  Mofes  refigned  cheerfully  the  govern¬ 
 ment  of  Ifrael,  but  he  continued  to  indulge  ardent  defire  of  entering  Canaan  before 
 he  died,  not  from  the  love  of  wealth,  eafe,  or  honour,  for  thefe  he  had  refigned  in 
 Egypt,  but  becaufe  he  viewed  Canaan  the  objeCt  of  the  promifes  made  to  the 
 fathers,  and  the  figure  of  the  eternal  inheritance  in  heaven.  And  like  the  fathers 
 he  was  privileged  to  fee  the  objeft  of  the  promifes  afar  off,  and  was  comforted  and 
 then  with  joy  he  committed  his  fpirit  to  Jehovah.  Ver.  29.  Comp.  Notes  on 
 Eumb.  xxiii,  27 — 30.  xxv.  3. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  IV.  Ver.  I,  2.  Having  reviewed  the 
 providences  of  God  to  Ifrael,  Mofes  proceeds  to  urge  on  them  the  importance 
 of  faithfully  keeping  the  facred  oracles  entrufted  to  their  care.  They  are 
 Warned  againft  enlarging  or  dirainifliing  the  word  which  God  had  delivered  to 
 them.  Thus  he  condemned  the  traditions  of  men  which  have  frequently  been 
 
 Tstael  exhorted  to  ohcdicnct. 
 
 4  But  ye  that  did  cleave  unto  the  Lord  your  God 
 are  alive  every  one  of  you  this  day.  _  nsi. 
 
 .5  Behold,  I  have  taught  you  (latutes  and  judg-  r-xj 
 ments,  even  as  the  Lord  my  God  commanded  me, 
 that  ye  (hould  do  fo  in  the  land  whither  ye  go  to  pof- 
 fefs  it. 
 
 6  Keep  therefore,  and  do  them for  this  is  your 
 wifdom  and  your  nnderftanding  in  the  fight  of  the 
 nations,  which  (hall  hear  all  thefe  (latutes,  and  fay. 
 
 Surely  this  great  nation  is  a  wife  and  underltanding 
 people. 
 
 7  For  what  nation  is  there  so  great,  who  hath  Goa 
 so  nigh  unto  them,  as  the  Lord  our  God  is  in  all 
 things  that  we  call  upon  hhvafor  ? 
 
 8  And  what  nation  is  there  so  great,  that  hath  fta*  • 
 tutes  and  judgments  so  righteous  as  all  this  law,  which 
 
 I  (et  before  vou  this  day  ? 
 
 9  Only  take  heed  to  thyfelf,  and  keep  thy  foul 
 diligently,  left  thou  forget  the  things  which  thine 
 eyes  have  feen,  and  left  they  depart  from  thy  heart 
 all  the  days  of  thy  life  ;  but  teach  them  thy  Tons,  and 
 thy  fons’  Ions : 
 
 10  Specially  the  day  that  thou  ftoodeft  before  the 
 Lord  thy  God  in  Horeb,  when  the  Lord  faid  unto 
 me.  Gather  me  the  people  together,  and  I  will  make 
 them  hear  my  words,  that  they  may  learn  to  fear  me 
 all  the  days  that  they  (hall  live  upon  the  earth,  and 
 that  they  may  teach  their  children. 
 
 1 1  And  ye  came  near,  and  ftood  under  the  moun¬ 
 
 tain  ;  and  the  *  mountain  burned  with  fire  unto  the*^  Exod. 
 t  midft  of  heaven,  with  darkaefs,  clouds,  and  thick 
 darknefs.  heart. 
 
 12  And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  you  out  of  the  midft 
 
 of  the  fire :  ye  heard  the  voice  of  the  words,  but  faw 
 no  fimilitude  ;  f  only  ye  heard  a  voice.  f 
 
 13  And  he  declared  unto  you  his  covenant  which 
 he  commanded  you  to  perform,  even  ten  command¬ 
 ments  ;  and  he  wrote  them  upon  two  tables  of 
 ftone. 
 
 14  If  And  the  Lord  commanded  me  at  that  time  to 
 teach  you  ftatutes  and  judgments,  that  ye  might  do 
 them  in  the  land  whither  ye  go  over  to  poflefs  it. 
 
 15  Take  ye  therefore  good  heed  unto  yourfelves, 
 
 I  (for  ye  faw  no  manner  of  fimilitude  on  the  day  that 
 
 the  Lord  fpake  unto  you  in  Horeb  out  of  the  midft 
 of  the  fire,) 
 
 16  Left  ye  corrupt  yourselves,  and  make  you  a  gra- 
 
 introduced  into  the  church  of  God.  The  facred  oracles  are  delivered  by  God 
 as  the  exclufive  rule  of  faitli  and  practice  :  and  of  their  fufiiciency  no  one  doubts, 
 who  daily  confiders  their  Author  and  contents,  fee  Prov.  xxx.  6.  Gal.  iii.  15. 
 
 2  Tim.  iii.  16,  17.  Rev.  xxii.  18,  19.  Ver.  3,  4.  Comp.  Notes  on  Numb.  xxv. 
 They  who  keep  themfelves  from  apoflacy  in  tl>e  time  of  trial,  God  will  preferve 
 from  deArmSlion  in  the  day  of  puiiilhment,  fee  Ezek.  ix.  4,  6.  2  Tinu  ii,  19. 
 Rev.  iii.  10.  xx.  4.  Ver.  7.  God  is  nigh  thofe  to  whom  he  manifeAs  bis  gra¬ 
 cious  character  as  the  Saviour  ready  to  hear  their  prayers,  and  deliver  tlaem, 
 and  they  draw  nigh  to  him,  when  by  faitli  they  cleave  to  him,  and  implore  the 
 fupply  of  their  vrants,  Pfalms  Ixxiii.  28.  cxlv.  18.  Ifa.  Iviii.  2.  Heb.  vii.  19.  Jamis 
 iv.  8.  Ver.  9,  10.  This  precept  is  often  enjoined;  and  obedience  was  the  proper 
 means  of  preferving  the  true  glory  of  Ifrael,  who  were  a  people  near  to  God, 
 and  wifer  than  all  nations  of  the  earth.  The  knowledge  of  divine  revelation  is 
 true  wifdom  ;  and  what  wifdom  do  tliofe  poffefs,  who  know  not,  or  who  have 
 rejecSled  the  counfel  of  Jehovah?  Jer.  viii.  9.  Ver.  15.  Comp.  Note  on  John  v. 
 
 DEUTERONOMY. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  III.]  Proud  men  defpife  warnings,  and  often  fpring  the  mine  which  deftroys  them.  He  who  has  God  for  bis 
 friend  need  fear  no  evil ;  for  there  is  no  might  or  counfel  againft  him.  The  race  is  not  to  the  fwift,  nor  the  battle  to  the  ftrong  ;  Created  might  is  of  no  avail  when 
 God  is  the  oppofer;  he  can  deal  with  giants  as  with  graftioppers.  It  is  pleafing  to  fee  aged  faints  cheerfully  refigning  their  Aation  and  life,  when  alfured  tlist  their 
 place  Aiall  be  honourably  tilled  by  their  fucceffors.  Let  us  blefs  God  for  liis  conftant  care  of  his  church  ;  he  grants  her  every  talent  and  blefljng  necelTary  to  her  com¬ 
 fort,  permanence,  and  glory. 
 
 ■No.  12... .6d,  Yy 
 
i 
 
 ■  ^horlelh  the  pfople, 
 
 0  Or. 
 
 i.;W‘a,'7<r;i. 
 
 DEUTERONOMY, 
 
 of  any  figure,  the  likenefs! 
 
 n.si.  m<)le  or  female  ; 
 
 »  on  the  earth, 
 
 the  hkenels  o,  any  winged  fowl  that  flieth  in  the  air ; 
 
 i  ‘‘''"K  'I'n'  creepeth  on  the 
 
 Ten  ' ,/  ,1.^  akenels  of  any  filh  that  is  in  the  waters 
 Leneatn  the  earth. 
 
 19  And  left  thou  lift  up  thine  eyes  unto  heaven, 
 and  wnen  thou  feelt  the  fun,  and  the  moon,  and  the 
 uars,  av/i  ail  tne  holt  of  heaven,  Ihouldefl  be  driven 
 to  worlhip  them,  and  ferve  them,  which  the.  Lord 
 
 ^  u  1  II  divided  unto  all  nations  under  the 
 
 whole  heaven. 
 
 20  But  the  Lord  hath  taken  you,  and  brought  you 
 forth  out  of  the  iron  furnace,  cvtm  out  of  Lgypt,  to 
 be  unto  him  a  people  of  inheritance,  as  ye  are  this  day. 
 
 21  Furthermore,  the  Lord  was  angry  with  me 
 for  3  our  fakes,  and  (ware  that  I  fliould  not  go  over 
 Jordan,  and  that  I  fhould  not  go  in  unto  that  good 
 land  which  the  Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee  fur  an  in¬ 
 heritance  ; 
 
 22  But  I  rauft  die  in  this  land,  I  mnft  not  go  over 
 Jordan  :  but  ye  fhall  go  over,  and  pofl'efs  that  good 
 land. 
 
 •  23  Take  heed  unto  yourfelves,  left  ye  forget  the 
 covenant  of  the  Lord  your  God,  which  he  made 
 with  you,  and  make  you  a  graven  image,  or  the  like¬ 
 nefs  of  any  things  which  the  Lord  thy  God  hath  for¬ 
 bidden  thee. 
 
 2-1'  I'or  °  the  Lord  thy  God  is  a  confuraing  fire, 
 ft-en  a  jealous  God. 
 
 25  If  When  thou  fhalt  beget  children,  and  children’s 
 children,  and  ye  fhail  have  remained  long  in  the  land, 
 and  (hail  corrupt^ and  make  a  graven  image, 
 nr  the  likenefs  of  any  i/inig,  and  fhall  do  evil  in  the 
 i/ght  of  the  Lord  thy  God,  to  provoke  him  to 
 anger ; 
 
 26  I  call  heaven  and  earth  to  witnefs  againft  you 
 tins  day,  that  ye  fhall  foon  utterly  perifh  from  off  the 
 kind  w-hereunto  ye  go  over  Jordan  to  poftefs  it ;  ye 
 fhall  not  prolong  pour  days  upon  it,  but  fhall  utterly 
 be  deftroyed. 
 
 T/iicc  cities  cf  refuge  appohm 
 
 upon  the  earth,  and  nsh  from  the  one  fide  of  heaven 
 unto  the  other,  whether  there  hath  been  amj  stick  thimr 
 
 Dcf, 
 
 ore 
 
 a  jCbap. 
 9.  3. 
 Ilebr. 
 le.  ‘,’9. 
 
 27  And  the  Lord  fhall  fcatter  von  among  the  na¬ 
 
 tions,  and  ye  fhall  be  left  few  in  number  among  the 
 heathen,  whither  the  Lord  fhall  lead  you. 
 
 2S  x‘\nd  there  ye  fhall  ferve  gods,  the  work  of  men.’s 
 hands,  wood  and  ftone,  W’hich  neither  fee,  nor  hear, 
 - nor  eat,  nor  fmell. 
 
 29  But  if  from  thence  thou  fhalt  feek  the  Lord 
 thy  God,  thou  fhalt  find  him,  if  thou  feek  him  with 
 all  thy  heart,  and  with  all  thy  foul. 
 
 30  When  thou  art  in  tribulation,  and  all  thefe 
 
 t  Heb.  things  t  are  come  upon  thee,  even  in  the  latter  days, 
 w/bundjf  Lord  thy  God,  and  fhalt  be 
 
 obedient  unto  his  voice  ; 
 
 31  (For  the  Lord  thy  God  is  a  merciful  God;) 
 he  will  not  forfake  thee,  neither  deftroy  thee,  nor 
 forget  the  covenant  of  thy  faiheis,  which  he  fvvare 
 unto  them. 
 
 32  For  afk  now  of  the  days  that  are  paft,  which 
 ■W’ere  before  thee,  fince  the  day  that  God  created  man 
 
 '  - - -  OCIU/C  LflLUi' 
 
 as  this  great  thing  is,  or  hath  been  heard  i'ike  it  ? 
 
 33  Did  ever  people  hear  the  voice  of  God  (peaking  ^ 
 out  of  the  inidft  of  the  fire,  as  thou  haft  heard,  and 
 live  ? 
 
 Si  Or  hath  God  alliiyed  to  go  and  take  him  a  na¬ 
 tion  from  the  midif  of  another  nation,  by  temptations, 
 by  figns  and  by  wonders,  and  by  war,  and  by  a 
 mighty  hand,  and  by  a  ftretched-out  arm,  and  by 
 great  terrors,  according  to  all  that  the  Lord  your 
 God  did  for  you  in  Egypt  before  your  eyes  ? 
 
 35  Unto  thee  it  was  fliewed,  that  thou  mighteft 
 know  that  the  Lord  he  is  God  ;  there  is  none  elfe 
 befide  him. 
 
 36  Out  of  heaven  he  made  thee  to  hear  his  voice, 
 
 ^  that  he  might  inftrua  thee ;  and  upon  earth  he  fhevv- 
 ed  thee  his  great  fire ;  and  thou  heardett  his  words 
 out  of  the  midft  of  the  fire. 
 
 37  And  becaufe  he  loved  thy  fathers,  therefore  he 
 chofe  their  feed  after  them,  and  brought  thee  out  in 
 
 I  his  fight,  with  his  mighty  pow'er  out  of  Egypt ; 
 
 38  To  drive  out  nations  from  before  thee,  greater 
 and  mightier  than  thou  art,  to  bring  thee  in,  to  give 
 thee  their  landy^r  an  inheritance,  as  it  is  this  day. 
 
 39  Know  therefore  this  day,  and  confider  it  in 
 thine  heart,  that  the  Lord  he^'s  God  in  heaven  above, 
 
 I  and  upon  the  earth  beneath  :  there  is  none  elfe. 
 
 40  Thou  fhalt  keep  therefore  his  ftatutes,  and  his 
 commandments,  which  I  command  thee  this  da^',  that 
 I  it  may  go  w'ell  w  ith  thee,  and  w'ith  thy  children  after 
 thee,  and  that  thou  mayeft  prolong  tJ:y  days  upon  the 
 earth,  which  the  Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee,  for  ever. 
 
 41  ^  Then  Mofes  levered  three  cities  on  this  fide 
 I  Jordan,  toward  the  fun-rifing  ; 
 
 42  That  the  flayer  might  flee  thither,  which  fliould 
 kill  his  neighbour  unawares,  and  hated  him  not  in 
 times  paft  ;  and  that,  fleeing  unto  one  of  thefe  cities, 
 he  might  live : 
 
 43  Namely,  ®  Bezer  in  the  wildernefs  in  the  plain  c  Joih^a 
 country  of  the  Reubenites  ;  and  Ramoth  in  Gilead 
 
 of  the  Gadites  ;  and  Golan  in  Bafhan  of  the  Manaf- 
 ^  fires. 
 
 44  ^  And  this  is  the  law  which  Mofes  fet  before 
 
 the  children  of  ll'rael  :  : 
 
 45  Thefe  are  the  teftimonies,  and  the  ftatutes,  and 
 the  judgments,  W’hich  Mofes  fpake  unto  the  children 
 of  Ifrael,  after  they  came  forth  out  of  Egypt  ; 
 
 46  On  this  fide  Jordan,  in  the  valley  over  againft 
 Beth-peor,  in  the  land  of  Sihon  king  of  the  Aroorites, 
 who  dwelt  at  Hefiibon,  whom  Mofes  and  the  children 
 
 of  Ifrael  ^  fmote,  after  they  w'ere  come  forth  out  off  Numb. 
 Egypt :  2*.  24. 
 
 47  And  they  poflefTed  his  land,  and  the  land  s 
 
 Og  king  of  Balkan,  two  kings  of  the  Amorites,  which  lit  s5. 
 zi'ere  on  this  fide  Jordan,  toward  the  fun-rifing  ; 
 
 48  From  Aroer,  which  is  by  the  bank  of  the  river 
 Arnon,  even  unto  mount  Sion,  which  is  Hermon. 
 
 49  And  all  the  plain  on  this  fide  Jordan  eaftward, 
 
 even  unto  the  fea  of  the  plain,  under  the  fprings  of*'  ciwp. 
 Pifgah.^  " 
 
 37,  38.  Ver.  19.  The  worfhip  f>f  the  luminaries  of  hcaren  was  perhaps  the 
 firfi  form  which  idolatry  affiimed,  Job  xxxi.  26.  Ver.  44.  T/iis  is  the  law,  refers 
 
 Cb. 
 
 3.  17. 
 
 chiefly  to  the  next  chapter,  where  Mofes  begins  to  repeat  and  enforce  the  laws  ci  ^ 
 God. 
 
 PltACTIC-^L  ODSERA  ATIONS. — *  Chap,  IV.]  The  neceffity  of  repeated  inftrudlion  in  divine  things,  isnotamore  Ariking  proof  of  human  depravity,  tl 
 
 fan ' 
 
DEUTERONOMY. 
 
 Of  his  rrr-  i  in<^  ihc  la'^  fom  Gu-f. 
 
 ;  may  be  prolonged,  and  that  it  may  go  n-'  ll  with  tiicf, 
 
 I  Ileb. 
 
 keep  la 
 eh)  lliftn. 
 o  KvoJ. 
 19.  5. 
 
 j^j  ses  repeatclh  ilie  commandments. 
 
 i.  IM.  l.ZL,hM,.  22  ''  in'Vhe  land  which  ihe  I.ORU  Ihy  Uud  Kivcih  tacc 
 
 requijt  MoJ’es  reccivi’lh  the  law Jrom  Gad.  17  J,  h(>U  liialt  nOt  Kill.  ^ 
 
 A  ND  Mofes  called  all  Ifrael,  and  laid  unto  them,  , I  ]8  e  Neither  (halt  thou  commit  adultery. 
 
 _/\  Hear,  O  ICrael,  the  Ratutes  and  judgments  ,  19  ’  Neither  (halt  thou  Iteal. 
 
 which  I  I'peak  in  your  ears  this  day,  that  ye  may  learn 
 them,  and  f  keep  and  do  them. 
 
 2  *  'i’he  Lord  our  God  made  a  covenant  with  us 
 in  Horeb. 
 
 3  The  I^ORD  made  not  this  covenant  with  our 
 fathers,  but  with  us,  even  us,  w'ho  are  all  of  us  here 
 alive  this  day. 
 
 4  The  Lord  talked  wkh  you  face  to  face  in  the 
 mount  out  of  the  midli  of  the  fire, 
 
 5  (1  (food  between  the  Lord  and  you  at  that  tinae, 
 to  fiiew  you  the  word  of  the  Lord  ;  for  ye  were 
 afraid  bv  reafon  of  the  fire,  and  went  not  up  into  the 
 
 mount,)  faying,  ^  ^  , 
 
 i)  Exoti.  6  H  ”  I  am  the  Lord  thy  God,  which  brought  thee  i  did  burn  with  fire,)  that  ye  came  near  ttt)‘0  me,  even 
 2o..2,&c.quj  of  the  land  of  Egvpt,  from  the  houfe  of  f  bon-  i  all  the  heads  of  your  tribes,  and  your  elders, 
 dage. 
 
 7  Tnou  (halt  have  none  other  gods  before  me. 
 
 8  Thou  fnalt  not  make  thee  atiy  graven  image,  or 
 
 Ml. 
 
 f  :.i  luh. 
 ‘ji. 
 
 !  20  Neither  (halt  thou  bear  falfe  witnefs  againd  thy  '’';® 
 
 neighbour.  •* 
 
 21  ‘  Neither  (halt  thou  defire  thy  neighbour’s  wife,  i  <■ 
 neither  (halt  thou  covet  thy  neighbour’s  houfe,  hi» 
 field,  or  h:s  nrian-fervant,  or  his  maid-lervant,  li.s  ox, 
 
 or  his  a(s,  or  any  thing  that  L  thy  neighbour’s. 
 
 22  H  Thefe  words  the  Lord  Ipake  unto  all  your 
 '  afiVmbly  in  the  mount,  out  of  the  midft  of  the  fire,  ot 
 
 the  cloud,  and  of  the  thick  darknefs,  with  a  great  voice; 
 and  he  added  no  more  :  and  he  wrote  them  on  two 
 tables  of  ftone,  and  delivered  them  unto  me. 
 
 23  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  ye  heard  the  voice 
 out  of  the  m:d(t  of  th.e  darknefs,  (for  the  mountain 
 
 Lev 
 26.  1- 
 rfalin 
 81.  10. 
 I  Heb. 
 servants. 
 
 c  Exod. 
 34.  7. 
 
 d  .lerein. 
 32.  IS. 
 
 e  Gen. 
 2.  2. 
 Ilebr. 
 4.  4. 
 
 ,  24  And  ye  laid,  Behold,  the  Lord  our  God  hath 
 
 (hewed  us  his  glory,  and  his  grcatnels,  and  w  e  have  Exod. 
 
 . . . ^  ^ _ -  heard  his  voice  cut  of  the  midlf  of  tne  fire  :  we  have  • 
 
 any  likeneis  (t/’ that  zs  in  heaven  above,  or  r  feen  this  day  that  God  doth  talk  with  mao,  and 
 
 that  is  in  the  earth  beneath,  or  that  zs  in  the  waters  f  *  liveth,  ,  4 
 
 beneath  the  earth  ;  jj  25  Now  tnerefore  why'  fhould  w'e  d.e?  for  tnis  great 
 
 9  Thou  (halt  not  bow  down  thyfelf  unto  them,  nor  fire  will  conlume  us.  It  we  t  hear  Uie  voice  of  the 
 ft-rve  them:  for  I  the  Lord  thy  God  am  a  jealousy  Lord  our  God  any  more,  then  we  fhall  die. 
 
 God,  vifiiing  the  iniquity  of  the  fathers  upon  the  ;  26  For  who  is  there  of  all  flefn  that  hath  heard  the 
 
 children  unto  the  third  and  fourth  generation  of  them  j  voice  of  the  living  God  fpeaking  out  of  the  midil  of 
 that  hale  me.  j  the  fire,  as  we  have,  and  lived? 
 
 10  ‘‘  And  (hewing  mercy  unto  thoufands  of  them  jj  27  Go  thou  near,  and  hear  all  that  the  Lord  our 
 
 that  love  me,  and  keep  my  commandments.  |i  God  fhall  fay  :  and  “  Ipeak  thou  unto  us  all  that  ‘ 
 
 11  Thou  (halt  not  take  the  name  of  the  Lord  thy  f  Lord  our  God  fliall  fpeak  unto  thee,  and  w’e  will  hear 
 God  in  vain  ;  for  the  Lord  will  not  hold  him  guilt- 1!  it,  and  do  it. 
 
 lefs  that  taketh  his  name  in  vain.  .  [I  28  And  the  Lord  heard  the  voice  of  your  w'ords, 
 
 .  12  Keep  the  fabbath-day  tofanftifj  it,  as  the  Lord  j|  when  yefpake  unto  me;  and  the  Lord  laid  unto  me,, 
 thy  God  hath  commanded  thee.  !,  I  have  heard  the  voice  of  the  words  of  this  people,. 
 
 13  Six  days  (halt  thou  labour,  and  do  all  thy  w'ork;  1  w'hich  they  have  fpoken  unto  thee  :  they  have  well 
 
 laid  all  that  they  have  fpoken. 
 
 29  O  that  there  were  luch  an  heart  in  them,  that 
 they  would  fear  me,  and  keep  all  my  commandments 
 always,  that  it  might  be  well with  them,  and  with  their 
 children  for  ever  ! 
 
 30  Go  fay  to  them.  Get  you  into  your  tents  again. 
 
 31  But  as  for  thee,  ftand  thou  here  by  me,  and  1 
 will  fpeak  unto  thee  all  the  commandments,  and  the 
 ftatntes,  and  the  judgments,  which  thou  (halt  teach 
 
 14  But  the  feventh  day  is  the  '  fabbath  of  the  Lord 
 thy  God  :  in  it  thou  (halt  not  do  any  work,  thou,  nor 
 thy  fon,  nor  thy  daughter,  nor  thy  man-fervant,  nor 
 thy  raaid-fervant,  nor  thine  ox,  nor  thine  afs,  nor  any 
 of  thy  cattle,  nor  thy  ftranger  that  is  within  thy  gates  ; 
 that  thy  man-fervant,  and  thy  maid-fervant  may  reft 
 as  well  as  thou. 
 
 15  And  remember  that  thou  waft  a  fer\i'ant  in  the 
 land  of  Egypt,  and  that  the  Lord  thy  God  brought 
 
 thee  out  thence,  through  a  mighty  hand,  and  by  a  |  them,,  that  they  may  do  them  in  the  land  which  I  give 
 ftretched  out  arm  :  therefore  the  Lord  thy  God  com-  them  to  poflefs  it. 
 
 raanded  thee  to  keep  the  fabbath-day.  '  t  32  Ye  (hall  obferve  to  do  therefore  as  the  Lord 
 
 16  %  Honour  thy  father  and  thy  mother,  as  the  1  your  God  hath  commanded  you:  ye  fhall  not  turn 
 Lord  thy  God  hath  commanded  thee  ;  that  thy  days  *  afide  to  the  right  hand  or  to  the  left. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Cuap.  V.  Ver.  3.  God  condefcendecl  to  con¬ 
 firm  his  covenant  with  IfVael  by  a  typical  facrifice,  that  he  miglit  encourage 
 tliem  to  obey  bitn ;  and  while  they  kept  this  covenant  their  happlnefs  v.as  I'e- 
 cured.  The  covenant  not  made  with  the  fathers  means  the  law  delivered  from' 
 tnount  Sinai,  comp.  Gal.  iii.  17.  But  this  law  or  covenant  was  not  of  a  difterent 
 nature  from  the  covenants  made  or  given  to  Abraham,  Ifaac,  and  Jacob,  but 
 lablervient  to  them  ;  obedience  to  the  former  was  necclfary  to  tlie  enjoyment 
 of  the  bleffing  revealed  in  the  latter  :  the  one  respedted  the  grant  of  Canaan 
 to  Abraham’s  race,  but  cfpecially  the  promife  of  MelTiah  ;  and  the  blefTiiigs  of 
 liis  kingdom  were  typified  by  the  other.  Ver.  ,6.  Mofes  was  mediator  between 
 God  and  Ifrael  and  was  therefore  a  type  of  MefTiah  who  executes  this  olEcc  for 
 
 I  all  his  people  ;  he  Hands  in  their  room,  receives  the  law  from  his  father,  and 
 !  delivers  it  to  them.  Ver.  6 — 21.  See  Notes  on  Exod.  xx.  where  the  fame  laws. 
 
 '  are  delivered.  Ver.  25.  ll'here/ure  should  we  die  ?  Tiiis  interrogation  iinplievl 
 their  deep  fonfe  of.  guilt  and  danger,  and  defire  of  mercy  and  falvation.  And 
 God  gracioufiy  relieved  Ifrael  from  ilieir  fears  by  conlliUiting  IMol'es  their  m^‘- 
 diatcr,  and  promifing  tliem  a  prophet  like  to  him,  comp.  chap,  xviii.  15 — 18. 
 
 ;  Ver.  2C.  Living  God,  is  an  exprelTion  implying  the  fupremacy  of  Jehovah,  his 
 !  infinite  fuperiority  over  idols,  his  almighty  power  to  ^ive  and  fupport  life,  and 
 ;  bis  eternal  exillence,  Pfal.  cvi.  28.  1  Thelf.  i.  9.  Job  xix.  25.  Dan.  vi.  2C.  llev.x. 
 
 ,  G.  This  view  of  his  character  alarms  the  guilty,  but  is  moll  encouraging  to  thofe 
 who  have  coiifuleiice  in  him  as  their  friend,  1  Tim.  iv.  10.  Rev.  i.  18.  Ver. 
 
 of  the  importance  of  the  word  of  God.  With  what  folemnity  ought  the  truths  of  God  to  he  proclaimed  !  His  glory  and  the  eternal  falvation  of  men. are  deeplv  con¬ 
 cerned  in  them.  Let  us  receive  every  article  of  the  divine  melfage  with  folcmii  aw  e  and  regard  ;  and  regulated  by  it,  we  ihall  efcape  the  judgments  denounced  ugainlt 
 hypocrites  and  unbelievers.  RecolletjUng  the  mani.‘'old,  diflingiiilliing  manilellations  of  God’s  love  and  incicy  to  his  people,  may  we  feive  him  with  juy  and  gladiieli 
 all  the  days  of  our  life. 
 
The  end  of  ihe  /aa*  ts  obedience. 
 
 t  Ileb. 
 past  oivr, 
 
 a  Chap. 
 10.  1». 
 Matth. 
 2-2.  37. 
 Mark 
 1  2.  SO. 
 liuke 
 10.  27. 
 b  Chap. 
 1  I.  18. 
 
 ■}■  Ileb. 
 ti'kel,  or 
 sharpen^ 
 
 e  Chap. 
 8.  10, &c. 
 
 vour  I^ORD 
 
 and  /hnf  if  A  you,  that  ye  may  live, 
 
 and  that  tt  may  be  well  with  you,  and  that  ye  may  Pro’ 
 
 long  your  days  in  the  land  which  ye  fliall  pofTeCs  * 
 
 chap.  VI. 
 
 Nl  nv  "r u  3  ««  crhoHaHon  to  U. 
 
 pn  I  tb  •  T""  commandments,  the  ftatutes, 
 and  the  judgments,  which  the  Lord  your  God 
 
 <1°  »  the 
 
 land  Whither  ye  f  go  to  poffels  it; 
 
 ir  ihe  Lord  thy  God,  to 
 
 keep  all  his  ftatutes,  and  his  commandments  which  I 
 
 and  thy  fon,  and  thy  fon’s  ion, 
 fonged^^^^  ^^y  and  that  thy  days  may  bepro- 
 
 3  f  Hear  therefore,  O  Ifrael,  and  obferve  to  do  it ; 
 that  it  may  be  well  with  thee,  and  that  ye  may  increafe 
 mightily,  as  the  Lord  God  of  thy  fathers  hath  pro- 
 
 honev  floweth  with  milk  and 
 
 ^  Ifrael;  The  Lord  our  God  is  one 
 
 Lord  thy  God  with 
 all  thine  heart,  and  with  all  thy  foul,  and  with  all  thy 
 might.  ,  •>'  j 
 
 j  ^  words,  which  I  command  thee  this ! 
 
 day,  lhall  be  in  thine  heart ;  ; 
 
 7  And  thou  ftalt  t  teach  them  diligently  unto  thy  , 
 children,  and  fhalt  talk  of  them  when  thou  fitteft  ini 
 thine  houfe,  and  when  thou  walkeft  by  the  way,  and 
 w  hen  thou  heft  down,  and  when  thou  rifeft  up. 
 
 8  And  thou  ^alt  bind  them  for  a  fign  upon  thine 
 hand,  and  they  mail  be  as  frontlets  between  thine  eyes. 
 
 9  And  thou  (halt  write  them  upon  the  polls  of  thy 
 houle,  and  on  thy  gates. 
 
 10  And  it  fhall  be,  when  the  Lord  thy  God  lhall 
 have  brought  thee  into  the  land  which  he  fware  unto 
 thy  fathers,  to  Abraham,  to  Ilaac,  and  to  Jacob,  to  give 
 thee  great  and  goodly  cities,  which  thou  buildeft  not ; 
 
 houfes  full  of  all  good  things^  which  thou 
 hlledttnot;  and  wells  digged,  which  thou  diggedft 
 not  ;  vineyards  and  olive-trees,  which  thou  plantedft 
 not ;  <=  when  thou  fhalt  have  eaten,  and  be  full ; 
 
 12  Then  beware  left  thou  forget  the  Lord,  which 
 brought  thee  forth  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  from  the 
 houle  of  t  bondage. 
 
 DEUTERONOMY. 
 
 \ 
 
 An  exhortation  to  dc^. 
 
 16  f  0  Ye  lhall  not  tempt  the  Lord  vour  God  f J' 
 ye  tempted  him  in  MafTah.  '  ’ 
 
 thp  dili^ntly  keep  the  commandments  of 
 
 ftatiup^^f  teftimonies,  and  his"^' 
 
 Itatutes,  which  he  hath  commanded  thee.  ! 
 
 thp  r  f  ^  yi'hich  is  right  and  good  in  f 
 
 A  the  Lord  ;  that  it  may  be  well  with  thee 
 
 and  that  thou  mayeft  go  in  and  poffefs  the  good  land 
 which  the  Lord  (ware  unto  thy  fathers, 
 
 oc  !b  enemies  from  before  thee 
 
 as  the  Lord  hath  fpoken.  ' 
 
 A?id  when  thy  fon  afketh  thee  t  in  time  to  tit. 
 come,  faying.  What  niean  the  teftimonies,  and  the 'O'”'! 
 Itrttutes,  and  the  judgments,  which  the  Lord  our  God 
 hath  commanded  you  ? 
 
 Yhen  thou  (halt  fay  unto  thy  fon,  We  were 
 Lharaoh  s  bond-men  in  Egypt,  and  the  Lord  brought 
 us  out  of  Egypt  With  a  mighty  hand  : 
 
 22  And  the  Lord  fhewed  figns  and  wonders,  great 
 and  f  fore,  upon  Egypt,  upon  Pharaoh,  and  upon  all  fiH 
 his  houfehold,  before  our  eyes : 
 
 23  And  he  brought  us  out  from  thence,  that  he 
 might  bring  us  in,  to  give  us  the  land  which  he  fware 
 unto  our  fathers. 
 
 24  And  the  Lord  commanded  us  to  do  all  thefe 
 itatutes,  to  fear  the  Lord  our  God,  for  our  good  al- 
 ways,  that  he  might  preferve  us  alive,  as  it  /sat  this  day. 
 
 25  And  It  ftiall  be  our  righteoufnefs,  if  we  obferve 
 to  do  all  thefe  commandments  before  the  Lord  our 
 God,  as  he  hath  commanded  us.f 
 
 t  Heb.  _ _ _ 
 
 Aondm^n,  ^  ^  ^ 
 
 vnn(s*  him,  and  fhalt  fwear  by  his  name, 
 d  Chap.  J4  Ye  fhall  not  go  after  other  gods,  of  the  gods  of 
 the  people  which  are  round  about  you ; 
 
 15  (tor  the  Lord  thy  God /s  aj’ealous  God  among 
 you  ;)  left  the  anger  of  the  Lord  thy  God  be  kindled 
 againft  thee,  and  deftroy  thee  from  off  the  face  of  the 
 earth. 
 
 20.  &  13. 
 •a. 
 
 32.  To  keep  God  s  law  carefully  and  univerfally  is  exprefled  by  not  turning  to 
 the  right  or  to  the  left,  chap.  xvii.  11,20.  xxviii.  14.  Prov.  iv.  27. 
 
 EX.PLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  VI.  \er.  5,  6.  All  thine  heart,  is  often 
 put  for  the  underftanding  and  judgment  1  Kings  iii.  9 — 12.  Prov.  ii.  2,  10.  Rom. 
 
 1  X\  ^  mm,  _ —It  t_  -  ....  *  -  ^  mm 
 
 put  for  the  underftanding  and  judgment  1  Kings  iii,  9 — 12.  Prov.  ii.  2,  10.  Rom. 
 X.  10.  and  to  love  with  all  the  heart  is  oppofed  to  the  feigned  or  ignorant  profeftion 
 love  to  the  J^ord,  i^xatth,  xv.  8.  Soul  often  denotes  the  feat  of  the  aft’e<5lions  • 
 
 CHAP.  VII. 
 
 I  All  commuriKation  with  the  nations  is  forbidden,  4  for  fear  of  idolatr,/ 
 
 6 for  the  holiness  of  the  people,  9  for  the  nature  of  God  in  his  merc’v 
 afidjusticey  11  Jot  the  assurajicc  oj vi^ory^ 
 
 WHEN  the  *  Lord  thy  God  fhall  bring  thee  ®  ciia 
 into  the  land  whither  thou  goeft  to  poffefs  it 
 and  hath  caft  out  many  nations  before  thee,  the  Hit- 
 mes,  and  the  Girgafhites,  and  the  Amorites,  and  the 
 Ganaanites,  and  the  Perizzites,  and  the  Hivites,  and 
 
 the  Jebulites,  feven  nations  greater  and  mightier  than 
 thou  ; 
 
 2  And  when  the  Lord  thy  God  (hall  deliver  them 
 before  thee,  thou  fhalt  Imitethem,  utterly  deftroy 
 mem ;  thou  (halt  make  no  covenant  with  them,  nor  t* 
 ihew  mercy  unto  them  ;  23.32 
 
 3  Neither  fhalt  thou  make  marriages  with  them  ; 
 thy  daughter  thou  fhalt  not  give  unto  his  fon,  nor  his 
 daughter  fhalt  thou  take  unto  thy  fon. 
 
 4  For  they  will  turn  away  thy  (bn  from  fallowing 
 me,  that  they  mayferve  other  gods;  To  will  the  anger 
 of  the  Lord  be  kindled  againit  you^  and  deftroy  thee 
 (uddenly. 
 
 5  But  thus  (hall  ye  deal  with  them  ;  ye  (hall  deftroy  Jit 
 their  altars,  and  break  down  their  t  images,  and  cuti«7/ars 
 
 and  might  fignifies  the  whole  ftrength  of  every  faculty  of  the  mind  and  fou 
 underdanding,  judgment,  will,  and  afieaions.  Ver.  8,  9.  Thefe  fio-uratii 
 preffions  were_  defigned  to  imprefs  the  minds  of  Ifrael  with  the  importat 
 familiar  acquaintance  with  the  facred  oracles,  and  conftant  application  of  thi 
 ^  regulate  every  part  of  their  condua  in  perfonal,  domeftic,'and  focial  duty,  c 
 I  Note  on  Exod.  xiii.  9. 
 
 I  RACTICAL  OBSER\  A1  IONS.— *  Chap.  \  .]  The  difpenfation  of  Mofes  was  the  glory  of  Ifrael;  but  bleffcd  be  Jehovah,  who  hath  given  iisagreal 
 more  powerful  mediator,  and  a  difpenfaticm  founded  on  better  promifes.  How  often  are  we  direaed  to  the  covenant  eftablifhed  in  Chfia,  and  exhibit 
 
 K  *^1  ?  ’u  may  be  the  objea  of  our  warmeft  affeaions,  and  frequent  meditations.  May  itbe  our  happiiiefs  to 
 
 jufttfied  bj  his  blood  ;  and  through  the  influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  may  we  yield  unreferved  obedience  to  all  his  commandments. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS— f  Chap.  VI.]  It  is  of  the  utmoft  confequence  that  believers  faithfully  regard  the  religious  inftruaionof  their  famili 
 from  whom  God  choofes  a  race  to  ferve  him  inflead  of  their  fathers.  Let  children  and  fervants  be  inftruaed  in  the  remarkable  appearances  of  God  forhis  neople 
 well  as  the  doarincs  and  precepts  of  revelation  ;  and  tliat  nothing  lefs  than  the  univerfal  obedience  of  faith  and  graUtude,  is  accepUblein  the  fight  God  Wa 
 be  our  care  and  delight  to  mapiieA  to  all,  whofe  we  are,  aud  whom  we  ferve  in  the  goipel  of  God’s  dear  Son.  a  •  vv,u.  ; 
 
communion  wiih  the  Ccinaaniles, 
 
 DEUTERONOMY. 
 
 Images  to  be  'xtr)I[ij  destioyed^ 
 
 Before 
 
 Cl.ria 
 
 1451. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 because. 
 
 e  Exotl. 
 2;l,  26, 
 &c. 
 
 f  Fxod. 
 3.  14.  & 
 
 15.  26. 
 
 g  Exod. 
 23.  3.3. 
 
 down  their  groves,  and  burn  their  graven  images  with 
 fire. 
 
 6  For  thou  orif  an  holy  people  unto  the  Lord 
 thy  God :  the  Lord  thy  God  hath  chofen  thee  to 
 be  a  fpecial  people  unto  himfelf,  above  all  people  that 
 are  upon  the  face  of  the  earth. 
 
 7  The  Lord  did  not  fet  his  love  upon  you,  nor 
 choofe  you,  becaufe  ye  were  more  in  number  than 
 any  people  ;  (for  ye  were  the  fewefh  of  all  people  ;) 
 
 8  But  becaufe  the  Lord  loved  you,  and  becaufe 
 he  would  keep  the  oath  which  he  had  fworn  unto 
 your  fathers,  hath  the  Lord  brought  you  out  with 
 a  mighty  hand,  and  redeemed  you  out  of  the  houfe 
 of  bond-men,  from  the  hand  of  Pharaoh  king  of 
 Egypt. 
 
 9  Know  therefore  that  the  Lord  thy  God,  he 
 is  God,  the  faithful  God,  which  keepeth  covenant  and 
 mercy  with  them  that  love  him,  and  keep  his  com¬ 
 mandments,  to  a  thoufand  generations ; 
 
 10  And  repayeth  the.m  that  hate  him  to  their  face, 
 to  deftroy  them  ;  he  will  not  be  flack  to  him  that 
 hateth  him,  he  will  repay  him  to  his  face. 
 
 1 1  Thou  flialt  therefore  keep  the  commandments, 
 and  the  ftatutes  and  thejudgments,  which  I  command 
 thee  this  day  to  do  them. 
 
 1.2  Wherefore  it  (hall  come  to  pafs,  f  if  ye  hearken 
 -to  thefe  judgments,  and  keep  and  do  them,  that  the 
 Lord  thy  God  (hall  keep  unto  thee  the  covenant  and 
 the  mercy  which  he  fware  unto  thy  fathers. 
 
 13  And  he  will  love  thee,  and  blefs  thee,  and  multi¬ 
 ply  thee;  he  will  alfo  blels  the  fruit  of  thy  womb, 
 and  the  fruit  of  thy  land,  thy  corn,  and  thy  wine,  and 
 thine  oil,  the  increafe  of  thy  kine,  and  the  flocks  of  thy 
 flieep,  in  the  land  which  he  fw'are  unto  thy  fathers  to 
 give  thee. 
 
 14  Thou  (halt  be  blefled  above  all  people  :  e  there 
 (hall  not  be  male  or  female  barren  among  you,  or 
 among  your  cattle. 
 
 15  And  the  Lord  will  take  away  from  thee  all 
 ficknefs,  and  will  put  none  of  the  ^  evil  difeafes  of 
 Egypt,  which  thou  knoweft,  upon  thee  ;  but  will  lay 
 them  upon  all  them  that  hate  thee. 
 
 16  And  thou  (halt  confume  all  the  people  which 
 the  Lord  thy  God  (hall  deliver  thee  ;  thine  eye  (hall 
 have  no  pity  upon  them  :  neither  (halt  thou  ferve  their 
 gods  ;  for  that  will  he  ^  2.  fnare  unto  thee. 
 
 17  If  thou  (halt  fay  in  thine  heart,  Thefe  nations 
 are  more  than  I,  how  can  I  difpoflefs  them  ? 
 
 18  Thou  (halt  not  be  afraid  of  them  ;  but  (halt  well 
 
 1451. 
 
 ^^ftjANATORY  ImOTES.  Chap.  VII.  Ver.  3,4.  The  injun(5lions  in 
 the  preceding  verfe  refpedl  the  devoted  nations ;  but  the  one  in  ver.  3.  ap¬ 
 plies  to  all  heathens,  and  was  regarded  by  the  faithful  in  Ifrael,  Ezra  ix.  1,  2. 
 The  violation  of  it  by  Solomon  and  others  was  attended  with  the  unhappy  con- 
 fequences  of  which  Mofes  here  warns  Ifrael,  1  Kings  xi.  1 — 8.  The  importance 
 of  this  precept  is  evident,  for  the  marriages  of  the  fons  of  God  with  idolaters 
 feem  to  have  been  the  principal  caufe  of  the  firft,  great  degeneracy  from  tlie 
 ti  ue  religion  in  the  world,  Gen.  vi.  2.  The  fame  law  is  enjoined  in  the  New 
 Tedament,  1  Cor.  vii.  39.  whence  it  is  obvious  that  it  was  delivered  to  lifael,  in 
 order  that  they  might  preferve  the  true  religion,  as  well  as  be' kept  feparate 
 Irom  the  nations.  Ver.  5.  Groves  appear  to  have  been  confecrated  in  early  times 
 to  the  worfliip  of  the  true  God,  Gen.  xxi.  33.  but  they  became  unfiiitablc  for  the 
 national  date  of  Ifrael,  and  were  now  generally  confecrated  to  idols,  hence  they 
 were  prohibited  ;  and  on  the  fame  prirroipal  altars  were  not  to  be  built  by  Ifrael, 
 except  in  the  place  where  the  Lord  thould  choofe.  The  other  religious  laws 
 .  pradtiied  hy  the  faithful  before  Mofes,  formed  a  confpicuous  part  of  his  law; 
 fuch  as  the  facrifice,  lalfar,  didin(5lion  between  clean  and  unclean,  purification 
 by  wafhing,  vows,  anointing  pillars  of  memorial,  the  privilege  of  the  lird.-born. 
 
 remember  what  the  Lord  thy  God  did  uuto  Fharaoh, 
 aud  unto  all  Egypt : 
 
 19  The  great  temptations  which  thine  eyes  faw, 
 and  the  flgns,  and  the  wonders,  and  the  mighty  hand, 
 and  the  ftretched-out  arm,  whereby  the  Lord  thy 
 God  brought  thee  out ;  lb  (hall  the  Lord  thy  God 
 do  unto  all  the  people  of  whom  thou  art  afraid. 
 
 20  Moreover  the  Lord  thy  God  will  fend  the 
 
 hornet  among  them,  until  they  that  are  left,  and  hidejon.ua 
 themfelves  from  thee,  be  de(iroyed.  24. 12. 
 
 21  Thou  (halt  not  be  afirighted  at  them  :  for  the 
 Lord  thy  God  is  among  you,  a  mighty  God  and 
 terrible. 
 
 22  And  the  Lord  thy  God  will  t  put  out  thofetifeb. 
 nations  before  thee  by  little  and  little:  thou  mayeft 
 
 not  confume  them  at  once,  left  the  bealts  of  the  field 
 increafe  upon  thee. 
 
 23  But  the  Lord  thy  God  (hall  deliver  them  t  unto 
 thee,  and  (hall  deftroy  them  with  a  mighty  deftrudtion, 
 until  they  be  deftroyed. 
 
 24  And  he  (hall  deliver  their  kings  into  thine  hand, 
 and  thou  (halt  deftroy  their  name  from  under  heaven  : 
 there  (hall  no  man  be  able  to  ftand  before  thee,  until 
 thou  have  deftroyed  them. 
 
 25  The  graven  images  of  their  gods  ‘  (hall  ye  burn »  Chap, 
 with  fire:  thbu'^  (halt not  defire  the  filver  or  goU 
 
 is  on  them,  nor  take  it  unto  thee,  lelt  thou  be  Inared  7,  21. 
 
 therein  :  for  it  is  an  abomination  to  the  Lord  thy  God.  2  Mac. 
 
 26  Neither  (halt  thou  bring  an  abomination  into  12.  40. 
 thine  houfe,  left  thou  be  a  curfed  thing  like  it :  hut 
 thou  (halt  utterly  deteft  it ;  and  thou  (halt  utterly  ab-j 
 
 hor  it ;  ‘  for  it  is  a  curfed  thing.’*'  13. 17.’ 
 
 CHAP.  VIII. 
 
 An  exhortation  to  obedience  in  regard  of  God’s  dealing  teilh  them, 
 
 All  the  commandments  which  I  command  thee 
 this  day  (hall  ye  obferve  to  do,  that  ye  may  live, 
 and  multiply,  and  go  in  and  poft'efs  the  land  which  the 
 Lord  fware  unto  jour  fathers. 
 
 2  And  thou  (halt  remember  all  the  wavs  which  the 
 Lord  thy  God  led  thee  thele  forty  years  in  the  wiU 
 dernefs,  to  humble  thee,  and  to  prove  thee,  to  know 
 what  was  in  thine  heart,  whether  thou  wouldeft  keep 
 his  commandments,  or  no. 
 
 the  duty  of  younger  brethren  preferving  the  name  of  the  cider,  the  public  punifh- 
 ment  of  the  adulterer  and  idolater,  to  which  we  may  add  circuracifion,  Gen.  viii. 
 20.  XXV.  31.  xxviii.  18 — 22.  xxxv.  2.  xxxviii.  8.  Job.  xxxi.  II,  28.  Thefe  weia 
 all  doubtlefs  of  divine  appointment,  for  the  obfervance  of  them  by  the  faithful  .w  £S 
 well-pleafing  to  the  Lord  ;  and  probably  he  had  delivered  them  to  his  people  ia 
 the  firfl:  ages  during  the  frequent  private  communications  w  liicli  he  lield  with  them. 
 Ve.*-.  10.  Repay,  recompence,  reward,  with  vengeance  or  punifhment,  as  in  chap, 
 xxxii.  35,  41.  It  is  called  payment  or  reward,  becaufe  it  fiiall  be  according  to 
 bis  work.  Job  xxxiv.  11.  Ffijl.  Ixii.  13.  Ver.  20.  See  Note  on  Exod.  xxiii.  28. 
 Ver.  22.  Comp.  Jofii.  xv.  63.  Judg.  iii.  1.  Ver.  24.  See  this  alfo  fulfilled,  Jofti. 
 X.  34.  xii.  7,  24.  Ver.  25.  Shall  burn  mill  fre,  as  David  did  the  idols  of  tlie 
 Philiftines,  1  Cliron.  xiv.  1  2. 
 
 EXPLANATOPi-A  NOTES.  Chap.  VIII.  Ver.  2.  Rernemher  all  the  way ; 
 that  is,  all  the  providential  or  miraculous  events  which  they  witnefled  in  the  w'il- 
 dernefs;  to  thefe  feripture  writers  often  refer,  Pfal.  Ixxviii.  52,  53.  cxxxvi.  16. 
 Jer.  ii.  2,  6.  Amos  ii.  10.  1  Cor.  x.  11,  12.  To  knoiv,  to  jrrove,  not  for  (he  Crea¬ 
 tor’s  information,  but  to  difeover  to  man  his  proper  charadler,  and  to  nianifeli  the 
 divine  perfedlions,  2  Cliron.  xxxii.  31.  1  Pet.  vi.  7.  Ver.  3.  Chmp.  Note  on 
 
 -  ^^^''^C^^CAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  VII.]  The  fovereignty  of  God  extends  to  all  things  ;  and  he  is  the  fupremc  judge,  who  fliall  do  all  things  ri^ht. 
 
 ankind  have  lorfeited  their  life,  and  when  God  demands  from  them  what  is  not  their  own,  it  certainly  becomes  them  so  fubmit.  It  is  dangeious  to  form  alliances 
 with  the  wicked,  irom  the  vain  expedlation  or  plaufible  pretence  of  converting  them  ;  for  God  hath  warned  that  they  will  corrupt  and  feduce  us.  Faith  in  ihe  love 
 an  redeeming  grace  of  God,  is  the  effe(5lual  means  of  difpofing  and  llrengthening  our  fouls  to  holy  obedience.  We  fear  not  the  mofl.  powerful  or  fuhtle  enemies 
 w  en  we  know'  that  God  is  with  us ;  for  we  are  affured,  though  our  conqueft  be  gradual,  it  fliall  at  lafl  he  couiplete- 
 
 No,  12„„6d,  Z  Z 
 
God*. 
 
 s  mn 
 
 'c.y 
 
 and  goodness  to  Israel. 
 
 DEUTERONOMY. 
 
 Moses  rehearselli  their  several  rchclUons, 
 
 Before 
 
 Chriil 
 
 1451. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 of  olioe 
 tree 
 of  oU. 
 
 c  Chap. 
 
 11,12. 
 
 j  XuiTib 
 20.  11. 
 
 e  Exod. 
 
 le.  15. 
 
 3  And  he  humbled  thee,  and  fufFered  thee  to  hun¬ 
 ger,  and  fed  thee  with  manna,  which  thou  kneweft 
 nor,  neither  did  thy  fathers  know ;  that  he  might 
 make  thee  know  that  man  doth  *  not  live  by  bread 
 only,  but  by  every  xvord  that  proceedeth  out  of  the 
 mouth  of  the  Lord  doth  man  live. 
 
 4  Thy  raim  mt  waxed  not  old  upon  thee,  neither 
 did  thy  foot  fwell,  thele  forty  years. 
 
 5  Thou  fnalt  alfo  coufider  in  thine  heart,  that,  as 
 a  man  chafteneth  his  fon,  Jb  the  Lord  thy  God  chaf- 
 teneth  thee. 
 
 6  Therefore  thou  flialt  keep  the  commandments 
 of  the  Lord  thy  God,  to  walk  in  his  ways,  and  to 
 fear  him. 
 
 7  For  the  Lord  thy  God  bringeth  thee  into  a  good 
 land  ;  a  land  of  brooks  of  water,  of  fountains,  and 
 depths  that  fpring  out  of  valleys  and  hills  ; 
 
 8  A  land  of  wheat,  and  barley,  and  vines,  and 
 fig-trees,  and  pomegranates  ;  a  land  f  of  oil-olive,  and 
 honey  ; 
 
 9  A  land  wherein  thou  fnalt  eat  bread  without 
 fcarcenefs,  thou  (halt  not  lack  any  i/iing  in  it  ;  a  land 
 whole  ttones  are  iron,  and  out  of  whofe  hills  thou 
 mayeft  dig  brafs. 
 
 10  <=  When  thou  haft  eaten  and  art  full,  then  thou 
 fliall  blefs  the  Lord  thy  God  for  the  good  land  which 
 he  hath  given  thee. 
 
 1 1  Beware  that  thou  forget  not  the  Lord  thy  God, 
 in  not  keeping  his  commandments,  and  his  judgments, 
 and  his  ftatutes,  which  1  comm.and  thee  this  day  : 
 
 12  Left  "ijchcn  thou  haft  eaten  and  art  full,  and  haft 
 built  goodly  houfes,  and  dwelt  therein  ; 
 
 13  And  'ichen  thy  herds  and  thy  flocks  multiply, 
 and  thy  fllver  and  thy  gold  is  multiplied,  and  all  that 
 thou  haft  is  multiplied  ; 
 
 14  Then  thine  heart  be  lifted  up,  and  thou  forget 
 the  Lord  thy  God,  which  brought  thee  forth  out  of 
 the  land  of  Egvpt,  from  the  houfe  of  bondage  ; 
 
 15  Who  led'  thee  through  that  great  and  terrible 
 \vildernefs,  'wherein  were  fiery  ferpents,  and  fcorpions, 
 and  drought,  where  there  was  no  water ;  who 
 brought  thee  forth  water  out  of  the  rock  of  flint ; 
 
 16  Who  fed  thee  in  the  wildernefs  with  *=  manna, 
 which  thy  fathers  knew  not ;  that  he  might  humble 
 thee,  and  that  he  might  prove  thee,  to  do  thee  good 
 at  thy  latter  end  ; 
 
 17  And  thou  fay  in  thine  heart,  My  power,  and 
 the  might  of  mijie  hand,  hath  gotten  me  this  w^lth. 
 
 18  But  thou  (halt  remember  the  Lord  thy  God  : 
 
 for  it  is  he  that  giveth  thee  power  to  get  wealth,  that 
 he  may  eftablifh  his  covenant  which  he  fware  unto  thy 
 fathers,  as  it  is  this  day.  _ 
 
 19  And  it  fhall  be,  if  thou  do  at  all  forget  the  Lord  Before 
 thy  God,  and  walk  after  other  gods,  and  ferve  them, 
 
 and  worlbip  them,  I  teftify  againft  you  this  day,  that 
 ye  (hall  furely  perifh. 
 
 20  As  the  nations  which  the  Lord  deflroyeth  before 
 your  face,  fo  fhall  ye  perifh  ;  becaufe  ye  would  not  be 
 obedient  unto  the  voice  of  the  Lord  your  God.* 
 
 CHAP.  IX. 
 
 Mqfes  dljfuadelh  them  from  the  opinmi  of  their  own  righteoufnefs,  by  re¬ 
 hearing  their  feveral  rebellions. 
 
 Hear,  O  llrael :  Thou  art  to  pafs  over  Jordan 
 this  day,  to  go  in  to  poflefs  nations  greater  and 
 mightier  than  thyfelf,  cities  great,  and  fenced  up  to 
 heaven  ; 
 
 2  A  people  great  and  tall,  *  the  children  of  the^^^^b; 
 Anakims,  whom  thou  knoweft,  and  of  whom  thou  haft 
 heard /Vy,  Who  can  ftand  before  the  children  of  Anak? 
 
 3  Underftand  therefore  this  day,  that  the  Lord 
 thy  God  is  he  which  goeth  over  before  thee  ;  as  a 
 ^  conCuming  fire  he  fhall  deftroy  them,  and  he  fhall  Chap, 
 bring  them  down  before  thy  face  ;  fo  fhalt  thou  drive 
 
 M-I.th  iv  4  v«r.  5.  The  divine  condua  to  tfrael  difeovered  infinite  wifdom 
 
 \nvp  it  vras  uniformly  mercy  acconapanied  with  judgment,  comp.  Heb.  xii. 
 r  rRetlh  19  Vergil.  See  Note  on  chap.  vi.  12.  God  is  forgotten  when 
 hiTworkTof  mercy  and  grace  towards  us  are  not  remembered;  and  he  .s  retnera- 
 btSs  are  Sbay.d,  Pfal.  dii.  1 8  Ver.  .  4  ffr.r,  d.ao  as 
 
 pride,  which  is  a  principal  caufe  why  God  is  forgotten,  chap.  xvii.  .0.  Jer.  xlviu. 
 ‘^9  Dan.  V.  20.  xi.  12.  Hab.  ii.  4.  Hof.  xiii.  6.  u  r  i 
 
 '  explanatory  NOTES.  Chap.  IX.  Ver.  ^ 
 
 often  fignifiesa  particular  period.  In  little  more  than  a  month  after  Mjjft 
 fpoke  thefe  words,  Ifrael  palled  over  the  Jordan  ;  fee  note  on  chap.  i.  1 
 
 Ver. 
 
 them  out,  and  deftroy  them  quickly,  as  the  Lord  {2!^’ 
 
 29, 
 
 hath  laid  unto  thee. 
 
 4  Speak  not  thou  in  thine  heart,  after  that  the  Lord 
 thy  God  hath  caft  them  out  from  before  thee,  faying. 
 
 For  my  righteoufnefs  the  Lord  hath  brought  me  in  to 
 pofTels  this  land  ;  but  for  the  wickednefs  of  thefe  na¬ 
 tions  the  Lord  doth  drive  them  out  from  before  thee. 
 
 5  Not  for  thy  righteoufnefs,  or  for  the  uprightnefs 
 of  thine  heart,  doft  thou  go  to  poflefs  their  land  ;  but 
 for  the  wickednefs  of  thefe  nations  the  Lord  thy  God 
 doth  drive  them  out  from  before  thee,  and  that  he 
 may  perform  the  word  which  the  Lord  fware  unto 
 thy  fathers,  Abraham,  Ifaac,  and  Jacob. 
 
 6  Underftand  therefore,  that  the  I^ord  thy  God 
 giveth  thee  not  this  good  land  to  poflefs  it  tor  thy 
 righteoufnefs ;  for  thou  art  a  flifl’-necked  people. 
 
 7  H  Remember,  and  forget  nor,  how  thou  provok- 
 edft  the  Lord  thy  God  to  wrath  in  the  wildernefs  ; 
 from  the  day  that  thou  didfl  depart  out  of  the  land  of 
 Egypt,  until  ye  came  unto  this  place,  ye  have  been 
 rebellious  againft  the  Lord. 
 
 8  Alfo  in  Horeb  ye  provoked  the  Lord  to  wrath, 
 fo  that  the  Lord  was  angry  with  you,  to  have  de- 
 ftroyed  you. 
 
 9  When  I  was  gone  up  into  the  mount,  to  receive 
 the  tables  of  flone,  even  the  tables  of  the  covenant 
 which  the  Lord  made  with  you,  then  I  abode  in  Exo^d.^ 
 mount  forty  days  and  forty  nights ;  i  neither  did  eat  ^s.' 
 bread  nor  drink  water  : 
 
 10  And  the  Lord  delivered  unto  me  two 
 
 of  ftone,  written  with  the  finger  of  God  :  and  on  them 
 
 3.  The  prefence  and  power  of  God  are  fufficient  to  infpire  his  people  with 
 courage  and  llrength,  fee  Numb.  xiv.  9.  Pfal.  Ivi.  4,  5.  ix.  13,  14.  Ver.  4. 
 Mofes  in  this  verfe  and  the  following  part  of  the  chapter,  teaches  Ifrael  the  un- 
 reafonahlenefs  and  guilt  of  pride  of  heart,  which,  if  indulged,  iffues  in  apoflacy 
 from  God,  chap.  viii.  14.  The  whole  condua  of  Ifrael  in  pad  ages,  was  fuffi¬ 
 cient  to  convince  them  that  they  had  rendered  themfelvcs  unworthy  of  any 
 hlefling;  and  that  the  promife  of  Canaan  was  entirely  owing  to  tlie  fovercign 
 and  rich  grace  of  the  God  of  their  fithers ;  and  his  long-fuffering  towards  them 
 and  care  to  inftrua  and  defend  them  againft  all  the  malice  and  power  of 
 their  idolatrous  enemies,  plainly  intimated,  that  his  defign  in  choofing  them  was  ^ 
 
 - - - -  »  VTTT  1  With  what  folicitude  ought. we  to  improve  every  appointed  means  for  our  faudlifieation.  Trials  ar 
 
 PRACTICAL  O  BSERVATIONS.—  Chap.  VI  .]  ^injer  God  from  fupplying  us  in  the  greateft  ftraits.  lu  the  enjoymentof  earthly  good,  much 
 
 as  neceffary  as  deliverance  ;  adverfity  as  profperity  ;  J,  experience  that  all  our  affliclions  are  the  chaftifements  of  a  kind  and  wife  Father,  vvhi) 
 
 more  ought  the  hope  of  heaven,  animate  us  to  univ  f  '  ^  Pj  preferved  from  pride,  which  abufes  the  favours  of  our  Lord,  and  provokes 
 
 expetll. 
 
Jlosei 
 
 Before 
 
 eiirift 
 
 1451. 
 
 e  Exod. 
 312.  7. 
 
 DEUTERONOMY. 
 
 f  Numb. 
 11.1,3. 
 g  Exod. 
 17.  7. 
 h  Numb 
 IN  34. 
 
 prayer  for  the  people* 
 
 was  written  according  to  all  the  words  which  the  Lord 
 ipake  with  you  in  the  mount,  out  oi  the  midit  ot  tne 
 are,  in  the  day  of  the  affembly.  .  -  ,  , 
 
 1 1,  And  it  came  to  pals,  at  the  end  of  forty  days 
 and  forty  nights,  that  the  Lord  gave  me  the  two  tables 
 of  ftone,  even  the  tables  ot  the  covenant. 
 
 12  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  me,  ^  Arife,  get  thee 
 down  quickly  from  hence ;  for  thy  people  which  thou 
 haft  brought  forth  out  of  Egypt  have  corrupted  them¬ 
 selves;  they  are  quickly  turned  afide  out  ot  the  way 
 which  I  commanded  them ;  they  have  made  them  a 
 molten  image. 
 
 13  Furthermore  the  Lord  fpake  unto  m^  laying, 
 
 I  have  feen  this  people,  and,  behold,  it  is  a  ftin-necked 
 people. 
 
 14-  Let  me  alone,  that  I  may  deftroy  them,  and  blot 
 out  their  name  from  under  heaven  ;  and  I  will  make 
 of  thee  a  nation  m.ightier  and  greater  than  they. 
 
 15  So  I  turned,  and  came  down  from  the  mount, 
 and  the  mount  burned  with  fire ;  and  the  two  tables 
 of  the  covenant  were  in  my  two  hands. 
 
 16  And  I  looked,  and,  behold,  ye  had  finned  againft 
 the  Lord  your  God,  and  had  made  you  a  molten 
 calf:  ye  had  turned  afide  quickly  out  of  the  way  which 
 the  Lord  had  commanded  you. 
 
 17  And  I  took  the  two  tables,  and  caft  them  out  ot , 
 my  two  hands,  and  brake  them  before  your  eyes.  j 
 
 18  And  I  fell  down  before  the  Lord,  as  at  the  firft, ; 
 forty  days,  and  forty  nights  :  1  did  neither  eat  bread 
 nor  drink  water,  becaule  ot  all  your  fins  which  ye; 
 finned,  in  doing  wickedly  in  the  fight  ot  the  Lord, 
 to  provoke  him  to  anger. 
 
 19  (For  I  was  afraid  of  the  anger  and  hot  difpleafure 
 wherewith  the  Lord  was  wroth  againft  you  to  deftroy 
 you.  But  the  Lord  hearkened  unto  me  at  that  time 
 alfo. 
 
 20  And  the  Lord  was  very  angry  with  Aaron  to 
 have  deftrbyed  him :  and  I  prayed  for  Aaron  alio  the 
 fame  time. 
 
 21  And  I  took, your  fin,  the  calf  which  ye  had  made, 
 and  burnt  it  with  fire,  and  ftamped  it  and  ground  it 
 very  fraall,  even  until  it  was  as  Imall  as  duft:  and  1 
 caft  the  duft  thereof  into  the  brook  that  defcended  out 
 of  the  mount. 
 
 22  And  at  ^  Taberah,  and  at  s  Maffah,  and  at  '* 
 Kibroth-hattaavah,  ye  provoked  the  Lord  to  wrath. 
 
 23  Likewife  when  the  Lord  fent  you  from  Kadelh- 
 barnea,  faying.  Go  up  and  poflefs  the  land  which  I 
 have  given  you  ;  then  ye  rebelled  againft  the  com- 
 
 relateth  God’s  mercy* 
 
 mandment  of  the  Lord  your  God,  and  ye  believed 
 him  nor,  nor  hearkened  to  his  voice.  hsi. 
 
 24.  Ye  have  been  rebellious  againft  the  Lord  from 
 the  day  that  I  knew  you. 
 
 25  Thus  I  fell  down  before  the  Lord  forty  days 
 and  forty  nights,  as  I  fell  down  at  the  first :  becaule 
 the  Lord  had  faid  he  would  deftroy  you. 
 
 26  1  prayed  therefore  unto  the  Lord,  and  faid, 
 
 Lord  God,  deftroy  not  thy  people,  and  thine  inheri¬ 
 tance,  which  thou  haft  redeemed  through  thy  great- 
 nefs,  which  thou  haft  brought  forth  out  of  Egypt  with 
 
 a  mighty  hand.  ,  *r  * 
 
 27  Remember  thy  fervants,  Abraham,  llaac,  and 
 Jacob  :  look  not  unto  the  ftubbornnefs  of  this  people, 
 nor  to  their  wickednefs,  nor  to  their  fin  ; 
 
 28  Left  the  land  whence  thou  broughteft  us  out- 
 fay,  '  Becaufe  the  Lord  was  not  able  to  bring  themi 
 into  the  land  which  he  promifed  them,  and  becaule 
 he  hated  them,  he  hath  brought  them  out  to  flay  them 
 
 in  the  wiklernefs.  ,  .  .  • 
 
 29  Yet  they  are  thy  people,  and  thine  inheritance, 
 which  thou  broughteft  out  by  thy  mighty  power,  and 
 by  thy  ftretched-out  arm.* 
 
 CHAP.  X. 
 
 1  God's  mercy  in  rejloring  the  two  tables,  6  in  continuing  the  p-ieflhood, 
 
 8  in  fe]>aratiiig  the  tribe  of  Levi,  10  in  hearkening  unto  Mo/ls'  fuU 
 for  the  people.  12  An  exhortation  to  obedience. 
 
 T  that  time  the  Lord  faid  unto  me, »  Hew  1491. 
 thee  two  tables  of  ftcne  like  unto  the  firft,  and® 
 
 and  make  thee  an 
 
 come  up  unto  me  into  the  mount, 
 ark  of  wood. 
 
 2  And  I  will  write  on  the  tables  the  words  that 
 were  in  the  firft  tables  which  thou  brakeft,  and  thoii- 
 Ihalt  put  them  in  the  ark. 
 
 3  And  I  made  an  ark  of  Ihittim-wood,  and  hewed, 
 two  tables  of  ftone  like  unto  the  firft,  and  went  up 
 into  the  mount,  having  the  tw'o  tables  in  mine  hand. 
 
 4  And  he  wrote  on  the  tables,  according  to  the  firft 
 writing,  the  ten  t  commandments,  which  the  Lord  f  Heb. 
 Ipake  unto  you  in  the  mount,  out  of  the  midft  of  thew«'‘^'* 
 fire,  in  the  day  of  the  aflemibly  :  and  the  Lord  gave 
 them  unto  me. 
 
 5  And  I  turned  myftlf,  and  came  down  from  the. 
 mount,  and  put  the  tables  in  the  ark  which  I  had  made ; . 
 and  there  they  be,  as  the  Lord  commanded  me. 
 
 6  And  the  children  of  Ifrael  took  their  journey 
 from  Beeroth  of  the  children  ot  Jaakam  to  ’’  Mofera ; 
 
 to  glorify  hiinfelf  by  eftablifliiiig  his  worlliip,  and  demonftrating  the  folly  and 
 guilt  of  idolatry.  This  was  not  lefs  obvious  by  his  future  dealings  with  his 
 chofen  people ;  for  they  were  exalted  or  debafed,  profperous  or  wretched,  ac¬ 
 cording  as  they  cleaved  to  him,  or  ferved  dumb  idols.  Thus  while  they  were 
 called  to  thankfulnefs  for  all  the  good  granted,  their,  they  had  abundant  reafon 
 to  be  athamed  and  confounded  becaufe  of  their  own  doings  wliich  brought  on 
 them  all  their  calamities,  Ezek.  xx.  43,  44.  xxxvi.'3I,  32.  Ver.  13.  When  God 
 is  faid  to  fee,  look  on  the  ■wickednefs  of  men,  or  hear  of  it,  he  intimates  thehighel'i 
 degree  of  difpleafure,  and  determination  to  puniih  them  fpeedily,  fee  Gen.  vi. 
 5,  12.  xviii.  20,  21.  Pfal.  ix.  12.  Ixxviii.  21.  xc.  8.  On  the  contrary,  when  lie 
 pardons  fins,  he  is  faid  not  to  fee  them,  to  hide  his  face  from  them'.  Numb,  xxiii. 
 21.  Pfal.  li.  11. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  X.  Ver.  1 — 5.  Ifrael  obtained  the  law- 
 
 there  Aaron  died,  and  there  he  was  buried 
 
 c  Numb, 
 
 and  20. 28. 
 
 written  on  tables  of  Rone  by  tlie  miniRry  of  Mofes,  but  it  is  by  Mefliah  only 
 that  any  have  the  law  written  on  the  fleflily  tables  of  the  heart,  2  Cor.  iii.  3. 
 Mofes  was  commanded  to  write  on  the  tables  the  law  ;  that  is,  to  take  a  copy 
 of  what  was  written  on  them  by  God,  who  had  promifed  to  write  the  law  a 
 fecond  time;  fee  Exod.  xxxiv.  1.  The  other  laws  Mofes  delivered  to  Ifrael  by 
 the  infpiration  of  the  Spirit.  Ver.  C,  7.  Beeroth,  the  wells,  is  not  mentioned 
 among  the  reRing  places  of  Ifraei’s  journey.  Numb,  xxxiii.  It  belonged  to  Joukan, 
 called.  ^,4.1  J!,  Gen.  xsxvi.  27.  a  prince  whofe  dominions  were  feized  by  the  -Edom- 
 ites,  1  Chrou.  i.  38 — 42  Bdne-jaakan,  the  fons  of  Jaakan,  where  Ifrael  alfo  reRed 
 was  probably  the  feat  of  his  power.  Miycra,  fuppofed  to- be  the  common  name 
 of  the  wildernefs  in  which  w-as  mount  Hor,  where  Aaron  died.  It  is  the  lame  as 
 Moferothio  Numb,  xxxiii.  31.  the  following  pbrafel/iere  .r/aro/idied,  muR  in  general 
 mean  jrom  thence,  or  that  during  their  journey  from  that  place  he  did  ;  for  there 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  IX.]  How  great  is  the  goodnefs,  and  rich  the  grace  of  God  to  his  people  !  He  delivers  them  from  the  moft 
 powerful  enemies,  ennabies  them  to  furmount  the  greateR  difficulties,  and  .nffures  them  of  the  grc.-iteR  bleffings,  not  becaufe  they  are  worthy,  but  for  liis  name’s 
 fake,  and  his  refpeiSl  for  his  covenant  with  jMeffiah.  And  yet  how  frequently  are  they  ready  to  forget  him,  and  to  confider  all  they  have  or  hope  to  polfefs,  fearcely 
 ai  adequate  reward  of  their  worth.  How  Rrongly  does  this  exhibit  the  riches  of  that  mercy,  which  pardons  all  their  fins  !  Nothing  le-ls  than  extreme  ignorance  can 
 lUpport  pride  in  man,  in  a  faved  finner,  for  he  owes  all  to  divine  goodnefs. 
 
ProTuses  to  the  o7}edicnt> 
 
 MUTERONOMY. 
 
 cS  gieazar  his  fon  miniftered  in  the  prieirs  office  in  his 
 
 18.  30. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 former 
 
 daijs. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 go  in 
 ioumey 
 
 1451.  Rosd 
 
 7  From  thence  they  journeyed  unto  Gudgodah : 
 and  from  Gudgodah  to  Jotbath,  a  land  of  rivers  of 
 waters. 
 
 8  ^^  At  that  time  the  Lord  feparated  the  tribe  of 
 Levi,  to  bear  the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  the  Lord, 
 to  nand  before  the  Lord  to  miniffer  unto  him,  and 
 to  blefs  in  his  name,  unto  this  day. 
 
 d  Numb.  9  d  Wherefore  Levi  hath  no  part  nor  inheritance 
 with  his  brethren  ;  the  Lord  h  his  inheritance,  ac¬ 
 cording  as  the  I.ORD  thy  God  promifed  him. 
 
 10  ^  And  I  ftaid  in  the  mount,  according  to  the 
 II  firft  time,  forty  days  and  forty  nights;  and  the 
 Lord  hearkened  unto  me  at  that  time  alfo,  and  the 
 Lord  would  not  deftroy  thee. 
 
 1 1  And  the  Lord  laid  unto  me,  Arife,  t  take  thy 
 journey  before  the  people,  that  they  may  go  in  and 
 pcffefs  the  land  which  1  fware  unto  their  fathers  to 
 give  unto  them. 
 
 12  ^  And  now,  Ifrael,  what  doth  the  Lord  thy  God 
 require  of  thee,  but  to  fear  the  Lord  thy  God,  to 
 walk  in  all  his  ways,  and  to  love  him,  and  to  ferve  the 
 Lord  thy  God  with  all  thy  heart,  and  with  all  thy 
 faul, 
 
 13  To  keep  the  commandments  of  the  Lord,  and 
 his  ftatutes  which  1  command  thee  this  day  for  thy 
 good  ? 
 
 14  Behold,  the  heaven,  and  the  heaven  of  heavens, 
 e  Pfaim  the  Lord’s  thy  God,  ^  the  earth  a/se,  with  all  that 
 
 therein  h. 
 
 15  Only  the  Lor-D  had  a  delight  in  thy  fathers  to 
 love  them,  and  he  choofe  their  feed  after  them,  even 
 
 f  2  Chro.  above  all  people,  as  it  is  this  day. 
 
 ~  16  Circunicife  therefore  the  forelkin  of  your  heart, 
 
 and  be  no  more  ffiff-necked. 
 
 17  For  the  Lord  your  God  is  God  of  gods,  and 
 Lord  of  lords,  a  great  God,  a  mighty,  and  a  terri¬ 
 ble,  which  regardeth  not  perfons,  nor  taketh  reward. 
 IS  He  doth  execute  the  judgment  of  the  fatherlefs 
 
 Job 
 34.  19. 
 A<5ls 
 10.  S4. 
 Romans 
 2.  11. 
 Gal.  2.  6 
 
 E;>h  6.9.  widow,  and  loveth  the  ftranger,  in  giving  him 
 
 Color. 
 
 3.  25. 
 
 1  Peter 
 1.  17. 
 g  Cliap, 
 6.  13. 
 uratth. 
 
 4.  10. 
 Litke 
 4.  8. 
 
 h  Chap. 
 1.3.  4. 
 
 food  and  raiment. 
 
 19  Love  ye  therefore  the  flranger  for  ye  were 
 ftrangers  in  the  land  of  Egypt. 
 
 20  s  Thou  (halt  fear  the  Lord  thy  God  ;  him  (halt 
 thou  ferve,  and  to  him  ffialt  thou  **  cleave,  and  fwear 
 by  his  name. 
 
 21  He  is  thy  praife,  and  he  is  thy  God,  that  hath 
 done  for  thee  thefe  great  and  terrible  things  which 
 thine  eyes  have  feen. 
 
 The  character  rf  the 
 
 22  Thy  fathers  went  down  into  Egypt '  with  three. 
 
 (core  and  ten  pei foils ;  and  now  the  Lord  thy  God  ckid 
 hath  made  thee  ^  as  the  liars  of  heaven  for  multitude.* 
 
 i  Genefis  46.  27.  Exod,  1.  3.  k  GeiTT?^ 
 
 CHAP.  XL  ■ 
 
 1  exhortation  to  obedience,  2  by  their  own  experience  of  God's  great 
 
 works,  8  by  promise  of  God's  great  llejjings,  16  and  by  threalenings. 
 
 18  A  careful  study  is  required  in  God's  word,  ^c, 
 
 '^f^HEREFORE  thou  fhalt  love  the  Lord  thy 
 
 A  .God,  and  keep  his  charge,  and  his  ftatutes, 
 and  his  judgments,  and  his  commandments,  alway. 
 
 2  And  know  ye  this  day  :  for  I  speak  not  with  your 
 children  which  have  not  known, -and  which  have  not 
 feen  the  chaftifement  of  the  Lord  your  God,  his 
 greatnelL  his  mighty  hand,  and  his  ftretched-out  arm. 
 
 3  And  his  miracles,  and  his  a6is,  which  he  did  in 
 the  midft  of  Egypt,  unto  Pnaraoh  the  king  of  Egypt, 
 and  unto  all  his  land  ; 
 
 4  And  what  he  did  unto  the  army  of  Egj'pt,  unto 
 their  horfes,  and  to  their  chariots  ;  how  he  made  the 
 water  of  the  Red  fea  to  overflow  them  as  they  pur- 
 fued  after  you,  and  hoiso  the  Lord  hath  deftroyed 
 them  unto  this  day. 
 
 5  And  what  he  did  unto  you  in  the  wildernefs, 
 until  ye  came  unto  this  place ; 
 
 6  And  *  what  he  did  unto  Dathan  and  Abirara,  the  a  Numb, 
 fons  of  Eliab,  the  fon  of  Reuben:  how  the  earth 
 
 r 
 
 opened  her  mouth,  and  fwallowed  them  up,  andp^"^’ 
 
 wore  leveral  fiations  between  Jlcfei-otli  and  mount  Her.  Mofes  probably  does 
 not  here  obferve  the  order  of  their  fiations,  but  refers  to  fomc  more  diftinguilli. 
 ed  by  the  events  which  befel  Ifrael  while  they  refted  at  them.  Vcr.  8,  9. 
 At  that  lime,  feems  alfo  a  general  expreffion,  and  probably  refers,  not  to  the  time 
 when  the  Levites  were  called  into  office  at  Sinai,  Numb.  iii.  but  to  the  time 
 when  Canaan  was  divided  among  the  tribes,  to  the  exclufion  of  Levi.  This 
 appears  to  have  been  one  of  the  lall  works  of  Mofes,  except  the  publication  of 
 this  book.  Ver.  21.  Thy  praise;  (hat  is,  the  objea  of  tliy  praife  and  glory, 
 Pfal.  xxii.  4.  cix.  1.  Jer.' xvii.  14.  Ver.  22.  Compare  Notes  on  Gen.  xlvi.  7. 
 A  els  vii.  19. 
 
 ■  JiXPLANATOr>.Y  NOTES.  Chap.  XI.  Ver.  I,  2.  Chastisement;  corrcc- 
 
 their  houfeholds,  and  their  tents,  and  all  the  If  fub- 
 ftance  that  f  tuas  in  their  poffeflion,  in  the  midft  of  all  II 
 Ifrael :  ,  livingsuk  ■ 
 
 7  But  your  eyes  have  feen  all  the  great  adfs  of  thefj,"" 
 
 Lord  which  he  did.  '  foitowd 
 
 8  Therefore  (hall  ye  keep  all  the  commandments'^"^”'- 
 which  I  command  you  this  day,  that  ye  may  be  ftrong, 
 
 and  go  in  and  polTefs  the  land  whither  ye  go  to  pof-  their  jca. 
 fefs  it ; 
 
 9  And  that  ye  may  prolong  your  days  in  the  land, 
 which  the  Lord  fware  unto  your  fathers  to  give  unro 
 them  and  to  their  feed,  a  land  that  floweth  with  milk 
 and  honey. 
 
 _  10  H  For  the  land  whither  thou  goeft  in  to  polTefs 
 it,  is  not  as  the  land  of  Egypt,  from  whence  ye  came 
 our,  where  thou  fowedfl;  thy  feed,  and  wat.ereft  it 
 with  thy  foot,  as  a  garden  of  herbs  ; 
 
 1 1  But  the  land  whether  ye  go  to  poffefs  it,  is  a 
 land  of  hills  and  valleys,  and  drinketh  water  of  the 
 rain  of  heaven : 
 
 12  A  land  which  the  Lord  thy  God  f  careth  for  :  t 
 the  eyes  of  the  Lord  thy  God  are  always  upon 
 
 tion  both  by  words  and  works,  divine  revelation  and  providence;  the  origitid 
 word  has  this  meaning,  chap.  ix.  36.  viii.  5.  Lev.  xxvi.  18.  Prov.  i.  2.  iv.  I. 
 Ifrael  are  here  urged  to  obedience  from  the  tokens  of  God’s  fatherly  love 
 which  they  had  received,  greater  than  had  ever  been  witneffed  by  their  fathers 
 and  of  this  he  proceeds  to  produce  ample  evidence.  Ver.  8.  Th:it  i;e  may  U 
 Jirong  in  body  and  fpirit  for  the  work  to  which  they  were  called,  Joihua  i.  6. 
 1  John  ii.  14.  Spiritual  flrengtli  is  the  gift  of  God,  and  can  only  be  enjoytJ 
 while  we  cle.ave  to  him  with  purpofe  of  heart  to  keep  his  laws.  Ver.  10.  Egyi  t 
 w'hich  has  no  rain,  is  watered  by  the  Nile;  to  preferve  the  water  of  which,  asul 
 communic.ate  it  feafonably  to  the  land,  requires  great  labour,  which  Items  es- 
 prelTed  by  the  phrafe,  watering  it  with  Ihy  foot.  .  Ver.  12.  The  eyes  of  the  Lord  are 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. _ *  Chap.  X.]  IMarvellous  indeed  are  God’s  returns  of  love  for  hatred — of  mercies  for  rebellion.  Difobedicnce 
 
 ai  eat  and  gracious  is  furoly  inexcufable.  It  is  honourable  to  walk  in  love  as  God  himfelf  w-alketh.  But  it  is  an  affeding  proof  of  the  greatnels  of  our  ci 
 
 to  a  God  I 
 
 fo  areat  and  gracious  is  luroly  inexculable.  It  is  nonouraoie  lo  want  m  luve  as  .......w.  - -  ..  t/.  jj.t-u.ueio  u,  t,u.  ciepraviiy, 
 
 and  of  the  neceffity  of  a  gracious  and  total  change  of  heart,  that  we  need  fo  much  urging  to  what  is  fo  remarkably  our  duty  and  interell.  May  it  be  our  comfort  that 
 our  glorious  Surety  and  reprefentative  has  done  all  that  God  required  to  our  obtaining  his  favour  and  life  everlafting.  May  the  divine  underllandiug  and  belief  ot 
 this  excite  our  gratitude,  purify  our  afieiSIions,  and  animate  to  live  decidedly  to  God. 
 
The  hlcsung  and  curse  set  hefore  them* 
 
 DEUTERONOMY. 
 
 Monuments  oj  idolatry  to  he  destroned. 
 
 1451. 
 
 f  Heb 
 give* 
 
 Before  from  the  beginning  of  the  year,  even  unto  the  end  of 
 
 Clirift  yggj.^  ru  11  l,  1 
 
 13  5[  And  it  fhall  come  to  pals,  if  ye  Inall  hearken 
 diligently  unto  my  commandments,  which  I  command 
 you  this  day,  to  love  the  Lord  your  God,  and  to 
 ferve  him  with  all  your  heart,  and  with  all  your  foul ; 
 
 14'  That  I  will  give  j/oM  the  rain  of  your  land  in  his 
 due  feafon,  the  firft  rain,  and  the  latter  rain,  that 
 thou  mayeft  gather  in  thy  corn,  and  thy  wine,  and 
 
 thine  oil.  ^  ,  r  ,  , 
 
 1 5  And  I  will  f  fend  grafs  in  thy  fields  for  thy  cattle, 
 
 that  thou  mayeft  eat,  and  be  full. 
 
 16  Take  heed  to  yourfelves,  that  your  heart  be 
 not  deceived,  and  ye  turn  afide  and  ferve  other  gods, 
 
 and  worfhip  them  ;  n. 
 
 17  And  then  the  Lord’s  wrath  be  kindled  againft 
 you,  and  he  fhut  up  the  heaven  that  there  be  no 
 rain,  and  that  the  land  yield  not  her  fruit,  and  lest  ye 
 perifh  quickly  from  off  the  good  land  which  the  Lord 
 giveth  you. 
 
 18  H  Therefore  (hall  ye  lay  up  thefe  my  words  in 
 your  heart,  and  in  your  foul,  and  ^  bind  them  for  a 
 fign  upon  your  hand,  that  they  may  be  as  frontlets 
 between  your  eyes. 
 
 19  =  And  ye  (hall  teach  them  your  children,  fpeak- 
 ing  of  them  when  thou  fitteft  in  thine  hou(e,  and  when 
 thou  walked  by  the  way,  when  thou  lielt  down,  and 
 when  thou  rifeft  up. 
 
 20  And  thou  (halt  write  them  upon  the  door-pofts 
 of  thine  houfe,  and  upon  thy  gates  : 
 
 21  That  your  days  may  be  multiplied,  and  the 
 days  of  your  children,  in  the  land  which  the  Lord 
 fware  unto  your  fathers  to  give  them,  as  the  days  of 
 heaven  upon  the  earth, 
 
 22  %  For  if  ye  (hall  diligently  keep  all  thefe  com¬ 
 mandments  which  I  command  you,  to  do  them,  to  love 
 the  Lord  your  God,  to  walk  in  all  his  ways,  and  to 
 cleave  unto  him ; 
 
 23  Then  will  the  Lord  drive  out  all  thefe  nations 
 from  before  you,  and  ye  (hall  pofTefs  greater  nations 
 and  mightier  than  yourfelves. 
 
 24  Every  place  whereon  the  foies  of  your  feet 
 (hall  tread  (hall  be  yours :  from  the  wildernefs  and 
 Lebanon,  from  the  river,  the  river  Euphrates,  even 
 unto  the  uttermoft  fea,  (hall  your  coaft  be. 
 
 25  There  fhall  no  man  be  able  to  ftand  before  you  : 
 /or  the  Lord  your  God  (hall  lay  the  fear  of  you,  and 
 the  dread  of  you,  upon  all  the  land  that  ye  (hall  tread 
 upon,  as  he  hath  faid  unto  you. 
 
 26  H  Behold,  I  fet  before  you  this  day  a  bleffing 
 and  a  curfe ; 
 
 b  Chap. 
 
 6.  8. 
 
 c  Chap. 
 4.  9,  10. 
 &  6.  7. 
 
 Btfore 
 
 ChriR 
 
 1451. 
 
 d  Jofliua 
 1-  3.  & 
 
 14.  9. 
 
 or  rather,  fhall  be  upon  it ;  an  expreffion  which  we  eafily  perceive  denotes  the 
 fpecial  and  conllant  care  of  God,  Ezrav.  5.  Pfalm  xxxiv.  16.  Jer.  xl.  4.  Ver.  14. 
 See  Note  on  Jer.  v.  24.  Ver.  18,  19.  Comp.  Gen.  xviii.  19.  Prov.  vi.  22,  23. 
 iv.’S,  4.  xxxi.  1,  2.  Ver.  21.  As  the  days  of  heaven,  a  figurative  expreffion  for 
 eternity,  Pfal.  Ixxxix.  30.  Ver.  24.  Uttcrmojl  sea,  that  is  the  Mediterranean. 
 Ver.  29,  SO.  This  injunction  Jofliua  obeyed  after  he  had  obtained  poffelfion  of 
 Canaan.  Moreh  was  diftinguifhed  long  before  this  period  by  God’s  firft  appear¬ 
 ance  to  Abraham  after  he  came  into  the  land  of  promife,  Gen.  xii.  6,  7.  On 
 mount  Gerizim  the  Samaritans  built  a  temple,  probably  becaufe  they  conceived 
 the  place  rendered  moft  holy  by  the  bleffings  pronounced  on  it. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XII.  Ver.  1.  In  this  and  the  five  fol- 
 
 27  *  A  bleffing,  if  ye  obey  the  commandments  of 
 the  Lord  your  God,  which  I  command  you  this 
 
 day :  ,  ^ 
 
 28  And  ^  a  curfe,  if  ye  will  not  obey  the  command- e  Chap, 
 ments  of  the  Lord  your  God,  but  turn  afide  cut  of  f®(}hap. 
 the  way  which  1  command  you  this  day,  to  go  after  28. 15.’ 
 other  gods,  which  ye  have  not  known. 
 
 29  And  it  (ball  come  to  pal's,  whea  the  Lord  thy 
 God  hath  brought  thee  in  unto  the  land  whither 
 
 thou  goeft  to  poflefs  it,  that  thou  (halt  put  s  thejChap.^ 
 bleffing  upon  mount  Gerizzira,  and  the  curie  uponj^^^;^ 
 mount  Ebal.  s-  33. 
 
 30  //re  they  not  on  the  other  fide  Jordan,  by  the 
 way  where  the  fun  goeth  down,  in  the  land  of  the 
 Canaanites,  W'hich  dwell  in  the  champaign  over  againft 
 Gilgal,  befide  the  plains  of  Moreh  ? 
 
 31  For  ye  (hall  pafs  over  Jordan,  to  go  in  to  poflefs 
 the  land  which  the  Lord  your  God  giveth  you,  and 
 ye  (hall  poflefs  it,  and  dwell  therein. 
 
 32  And  ye  (hall  obferve  »  to  do  all  the  ftatutes  and  h  Chap, 
 judgments  which  I  fet  before  you  this  day.* 
 
 CHAP.  XII. 
 
 1  Monuments  of  idolatry  are  to  be  dejlroyed.  4  The  place  of  God  s  ser¬ 
 vice  is  tobekejA.  16,  23  Blood  uj'otbidden.  17,  20,  26  Holy  things 
 mujl  be  eaten  in  the  holy  place,  ^c. 
 
 These  are  the  ftatutes  and  judgments  which  ye 
 fhall  obferve  to  do  in  the  land  which  the  Lord 
 God  of  thy  fathers  giveth  thee  to  poflefs  it,  all  the 
 days  that  ye  live  upon  the  earth. 
 
 2  »  Ye  (hall  utterly  deftroy  all  the  places  wherein  a  Cbap. 
 the  nations  which  ye  ftiall  H  poflefs  ferved  their  gods,  J- 
 upon  the  high  mountains,  and  upon  the  hills,  and 
 der  every  green  tree. . 
 
 3  And  ^  ye  fhall  t  overthrow  their  altars,  and  breaks  Judges 
 their  pillars,  and  burn  their  groves  with  (ire  ;  and 
 (hall  hew  down  the  graven  images  of  their  gods,  andj^ca/t  ' 
 deftroy  the  names  of  them  out  of  that  place.  down. 
 
 4  H  'Ye  (hall  not  do  fo  unto  the  Lord  your  God. 
 
 5  But  unto  the  place  which  the  Lord  your  God 
 (hall  choolh  out  of  all  your  tribes  to  put  his  name  <=  - 
 there,  even  unto  his  habitation  (hall  ye  feek,  and  thi- 
 ther  thou  (halt  come:  7. 12. 
 
 6  And  thither  ye  fhall  bring  your  burnt-oflerings, 
 and  your  facrifices,  and  your  tithes,  and  heave-ofter- 
 ings  of  your  hand,  and  your  vows,  and  your  free- 
 will-offerings,  and  the  firftlings  of  your  herds  and  of 
 your  flocks : 
 
 7  And  there  ye  (hall  eat  before  the  Lord  your 
 God ;  and  ye  (hall  rejoice  in  all  that  ye  put  your 
 hand  unto,  ye  and  your  houfeholds,  wherein  the 
 Lord  thy  God  hath  blelTed  thee. 
 
 lowing  chapters,  Mofes  explains  the  nature  of  God’s  fervices,  the  ftatutes  to  ba 
 obferved,  and  the  punifliment  of  the  difobedient.  Ver,  3.  The  names  of  idols 
 were  not  to  be  mentioned  by  Ifrael,  but  were  to  be  deftroyed  by  every  proper 
 means  ;  hence  Reuben  changed  the  idolatrous  names  of  the  cities  of  his  inheri¬ 
 tance,  Exod.  xxiii.  13,  Numb,  xxxii.  38.  Pfal.  xvi.  4.  Ver.  4.  God’s  fandluary, 
 altar,  writings,  or  any  other  monument  of  his  name,  were  not  to  be  injured,  but 
 honoured  according  to  his  appointment,  1  Kings  xix.  10.  Pfal.  Ixxiv.  3,  7,  8.  and 
 Jer.  xxxvi.  29.  Ver.  5.  This  was  fulfilled  when  the  tabernacle  was  fet  up  in 
 Canaan,  and  cenfecrated  to  God ;  but  efpecially  when  the  temple  was  devoted 
 to  God,  and  chofen  by  him  for  his  refidence,  1  Kings  viii.  96.  Ver.  6.  Tithes  ; 
 that  is,  the  tenth  of  all  their  produce,  which  was  devoted  to  the  fupport  of  the 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS _ *  Chap.  XL]  Let  the  mercies  of  God  leave  an  imprelfion  of  love  and  gratitude  on  our  hearts,  which  neither  time  nor 
 
 circumftances  fltall  be  able  to  efface.  May  we  fee  our  vaft  privileges,  and  live  fiiitably  to  them,  habitually  reverencing  God,  who  has  manifefted  by  great  and 
 •numerous  deeds  his  hatred  of  all  iniquity,  and  his  determination  to  punifli  it.  Let  our  hearts  be  filled  with  the  knowledge  and  love  of  God’s  word,  and  our  tongues 
 fhall  be  as  the  pen  of  a  ready  writer  to  fpeak  of  divine  things.  Oh  that  our  eyes  and  hearts  may  be  ever  on  the  land  of  promife  ;  and  that  tlie  knowledge  of  Jefus 
 having  gone  before  us  may  encourage  us  to  walk  in  his  Heps,  and  difpofe  us  to  long  for  the  time  appointed  us  to  follow  him  ! 
 
 Ao.  l2.,„Qcl,  3  A 
 
Eating  of  hloccJ  Jorhidden, 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 1451. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 the  choice 
 of  your 
 voius. 
 
 d  Chap. 
 10.  9. 
 
 e  Chap. 
 15.  23. 
 
 f  Chap. 
 14.  27. 
 Ecclus. 
 7.  31. 
 
 ■)■  Heb. 
 all  thy 
 days. 
 g  Gen. 
 28.  14. 
 Chap. 
 19.  8. 
 
 DEUTERONOMY. 
 
 8  Ye  (liall  not  do  after  all  the  things  that  we  do 
 there  this  day,  every  man  whatlbever  'is  right  in  his 
 own  eyes. 
 
 9  For  ye  are  not  as  yet  come  to  the  reft,  and  to  the 
 inheritance  which  the  Lord  your  God  giveth  you. 
 
 10  But  iv/ien  ye  go  over  Jordan,  and  dwell  in  the 
 land  which  the  Lord  your  God  giveth  you  to  inherit, 
 and  ’Lchcn  he  giveth  you  reft  from  all  your  enemies 
 round  about,  fo  that  ye  dwell  in  fafety  ; 
 
 1 1  Then  there  fhall  be  a  place  which  the  Lord 
 your  God  (hall  choofe  to  caufe  his  name  to  dwell 
 there  :  thither  ftiall  ye  bring  all  that  I  command  you  ; 
 your  burnt-offerings,  and  your  facrifices,  your  tithes, 
 and  the  heave-offering  of  your  hand,  and  all  f  your 
 choice  vows  which  ye  vow  unto  the  Lord. 
 
 12  And  ye  fhall  rejoice  before  the  Lord  your  God, 
 ye,  and  your  fons,  and  your  daughters,  and  your 
 men-fervants,  and  your  maid-fervants,  and  the  Levite 
 that  is  within  your  gates  ;  for  as  much  as  ^  he  hath 
 no  part  nor  inheritance  with  you. 
 
 13  Take  heed  to  thyfelf  that  thou  offer  not  thy 
 burnt-offerings  in  every  place  that  thou  feeft : 
 
 14  But  in  the  place  which  the  Lord  (hall  choofe 
 in  one  of  thy  tribes,  there  thou  (halt  offer  thy  burnt- 
 offerings,  and  there  thou  (halt  do  all  that  I  command 
 thee. 
 
 15  f  Notwithftanding  thou  mayett  kill  and  eat  flefh 
 in  all  thy  gates,  whatfoever  thy  foul  lufteth  after,  ac¬ 
 cording  to  the  bleffmg  of  the  Lord  thy  God  which 
 he  hath  given  thee :  the  unclean  and  the  clean  may 
 eat  thereof,  as  of  the  roe-buck,  and  as  of  the  hart. 
 
 16  Only  ye  fhall  not  eat  the  blood ;  ye'fhall  pour 
 it  upon  the  earth  as  water. 
 
 ITU  Tboumayeft  not  eat  within  thy  gates  the  tithe 
 of  thy  corn,  or  of  thy  wane,  or  of  thy  oil,  or  the  firft- 
 lings  of  thy  herds,  or  of  thy  flock,  nor  any  of  thy  vows 
 which  thou  voweft,  nor  thy  free-will-offerings,  or 
 heave-offering  of  thine  hand  : 
 
 IS  But  thou  mutt  eat  them  before  the  Lord  thy 
 God  in  the  place  which  the  Lord  thy  God  fhall 
 choofe,  thou,  and  thy  fon,  and  thy  daughter,  and  thy 
 man-fervant,  and  thy  maid-fervant,  and  the  Levite 
 that  is  within  thy  gates :  and  thou  fhalt  rejoice  before 
 the  Lord  thy  God  in  all  that  thou  putteft  thine 
 hands  unto. 
 
 J9  ^  Take  heed  to  thyfelf  that  thou  forfake  not 
 the  Levite  f  as  long  as  thou  liveft  upon  the  earth. 
 
 20  If  When  the  Lord  thy  God  fhall  enlarge  thy 
 border,  ^  as  he  hath  pfomifed  thee,  and  thou  fiialt  fay, 
 
 I  w'ill  eat  flefh,  (becaufe  thy  foul  longeth  to  eat  flefh,) 
 thou  mayeft  eat  flefh,  whatfoever  thy  foul  lufteth 
 after. 
 
 21  If  the  place  which  the  Lord  thy  God  hath 
 chofen  to  put  his  name  there  be  too  far  from  thee. 
 
 The  Levite  is  not  to  he  fonahcr^ 
 
 then  thou  fhalt  kill  of  thy  herd,  and  of  thy  flock, 
 which  the  Lord  hath  given  thee,  as  I  have  com- 
 manded  thee,  and  thou  fhalt  eat  in  thy  gates  wbatfo- 
 ever  thy  foul  lufteth  after. 
 
 22  Even  as  the  roe-buck  and  the  hart  is  eaten,  lb 
 thou  fhalt  eat  them  ;  the  unclean  and  the  clean  lhall 
 eat  of  them  alike. 
 
 23  Only  t  be  fure  that  thou  eat  not  the  blood  :  for  1  iieb. 
 the  blood  is  the  life ;  and  thou  mayeft  not  eat  the  life 
 with  the  flefh. 
 
 24  Thou  fhalt  not  eat  it  ;  thou  fhalt  pour  it  upon 
 the  earth  as  w'ater. 
 
 25  Thou  fhalt  not  eat  it ;  that  it  may  go  well  with 
 thee,  and  with  thy  children  after  thee,  when  thou  fhalt 
 do  that  ’which  is  right  in  the  fight  of  the  Lord. 
 
 26  Only  thy  holy  things  which  thou  haft,  and  thy 
 vows,  thou  fhalt  take,  and  go  into  the  place  which 
 the  Lord  fhall  choofe. 
 
 27  And  thou  fhalt  offer  thy  burnt-offerings,  the 
 flefh  and  the  blood,  upon  the  altar  of  the  Lord  thy 
 God  :  and  the  blood  of  thy  facrifices  fhall  be  poured 
 out  upon  the  altar  of  the  Lord  thy  God,  and  thou 
 fhalt  eat  the  flefh. 
 
 28  Obferve  and  hear  all  thefe  words  which  I  com¬ 
 mand  thee,  that  it  may  go  well  with  thee,  and  with 
 thy  children  after  thee  for  ever,  when  thou  doeft  that 
 wihich  is  good  and  right  in  the  fight  of  tne  Lord  thy 
 God. 
 
 ^  29  ^  When  the  Lord  thy  God  fhall  cut  off  the  na¬ 
 tions  from  before  thee,  whither  thou  goeft  to  poffefs 
 them,  and  thou  f  fucceedeft  them,  and  dwellett  in  t 
 their  land;  . 
 
 SO  Take  heed  to  thyfelf  that  thou  be  not  fnared  s/si  thvi. 
 t  by  following  them,  after  that  they  be  deftroyed  t 
 from  before  thee ;  and  that  thou  enquire  not  after 
 their  gods  faying.  How  did  thefe  nations  ferve  their* 
 gods?  even  fo  will  I  do  likewife. 
 
 31  Thou  fhalt  not  do  fo  unto  the  Lord  thy  God  :  1 
 
 for  every  f  abomination  to  the  Lord  which  he"*"""”"' 
 hateth  have  they  done  unto  their  gods  ;  for  even  their  h'^chapf' 
 fons  and  their  daughters  they  have  burnt  in  the  fire  4. 2. 
 
 I  to  their  gods.  Jofii.i.7. 
 
 32  What  thing  foever  I  command  you,  obferve  to  do 
 
 it :  thou  fhalt  not  add  thereto,  nor  dimiiiifh  from  it.'*  22.  is. 
 CHAP.  XIIT. 
 
 1  Enlicers  to  idolatry,  6  how  near  soever  related,  9  are  to  be  Jloned  to 
 
 death.  1 2  Idolatrous  cities  are  not  to  be  spared. 
 
 F  there  arife  among  you  a  prophet,  or  a  dreamer 
 of  dreams,  and  giveth  thee  a  fign  or  a  wonder, 
 
 2  And  the  fign  or  the  wonder  come  to  pafs  where¬ 
 of  he  fpake  unto  thee,  faying,  Let  us  go  after  other 
 gods,  which  thou  haft  not  known,  and  let  us  ferve 
 them ; 
 
 3  Thou  fhalt  not  hearken  unto  the  words  of  that 
 
 rainiaers  of  the  fan<5luary,  chap.  xiv.  22,  23.  Le?.  xxvii.  32.  Ver.  8.  This  verfe 
 intimates  that  every  thing  refpe<5ling  tlie  public  fervice  of  God  was  not,  nor 
 could  it  be  fettled  in  the  wildernefs.  Some  precepts  delivered  by  Mofes  had 
 immediate  reference  to  the  fettled  Aate  of  Ifrael,  and  could  only  be  obeyed  in 
 Canaan.  Ver.  13.  This  injunction  is  often  delivered,  and  the  future  hiaory  of- 
 Ifrael  aiJwed  the  neceaity  of  it,  fee  1  Kings  xii.  28 — 30.  2  Kings  xvii.  9,  11. 
 It  alfo  intimated  the  union  which  ought  to  fubha  in  the  church  of  God,  all  the 
 
 members  of  which  are  deained  to  appear  before  their  Lord  in  tlie  heavenly  j 
 Jerufalerr.  | 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XIII.  Ver.  1—5.  Every  advocate  of  I 
 idolatry,  however  high  his  pretenfions  or  powers,  was  to  be  adjudged  at  once  a 
 deceiver  ;  for  it  is  an  incontrovertible  truth,  that  the  true  God  will  never  coin- 
 miluon,  qualify  or  countenance  any  one,  whofe  object  is  to  exalt  idols  in  Ins 
 place.  But  that  fuch  cbaracAers,  iuduenced  by  Satan,  were  to  arife  in  Ifrael, 
 
idolatrous  cities  to  destroyed* 
 
 DEUTERONOMY. 
 
 Of  meals  clean  and  unclean. 
 
 1451. 
 
 •  Chap. 
 10.  ‘M. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 
 spoken 
 
 revolt 
 
 against 
 
 the 
 
 LORD. 
 
 Before  prophet,  Of  that  dreamer  of  dreams :  for  the  Lord 
 your  God  proveth  you,  to  know  whether  ye  love  the 
 -Lord  your  God  with  all  your  heart,  and  with  all  your 
 foul. 
 
 4  Ye  fhall  walk  after  the  Lord  your  God,  and  tear 
 him,  and  keep  his  commandments,  and  obey  his  voice, 
 and  ye  (hall  I'erve  him,  and  ®  cleave  unto  him. 
 
 5  And  that  prophet,  or  that  dreamer  ot  dreams, 
 (hall  be  put  to  death;  becanie  he  hath  +  fpoken  to 
 turn  you  away  from  the  Lord  your  God,  which 
 brought  you  out  of  the  land  ot  Egypt,  and  redeemed 
 you  out  of  the  houfe  ot  bondage,  to  thruft  thee  out 
 of  the  way  which  the  Lord  thy  God  commanded 
 thee  to  walk  in :  fo  tlialt  thou  put  the  evil  away  from 
 the  midft  of  thee. 
 
 6  f  If  thy  brother,  the  fon  of  thy  mother,  or  thy 
 fon,  or  thy  daughter,  or  the  wifeot  thy  bolbm,  or  thy 
 friend,  which  is  as  thine  own  foul,  entice  thee  lecretly, 
 faying.  Let  us  go  and  ferve  other  gods,  which  thou 
 haft  not  known,  thou,  nor  thy  fathers ; 
 
 7  Namely,  of  the  gods  of  the  people  which  are  round 
 about  you,  nigh  unto  thee,  or  far  off  from  thee,  from 
 the  one  end  of  the  earth  even  unto  the  other  end  of  the 
 earth  ; 
 
 8  Thou  (halt  not  confent  unto  him,  nor  hearken 
 unto  him;  neither  (hall  thine  eye  pity  him,  neither 
 fhalt  thou  (pare,  neither  ftialt  thou  conceal  him  ; 
 
 9  But  thou  (halt  furely  kill  him  :  thine  hand  (hall 
 be  firft  upon  him  to  put  him  to  death,  and  afterwards 
 the  hand  of  all  the  people. 
 
 10  And  thou  (halt  ftone  him  with  ftones,  that  he 
 die;  becaufe  he  hath  fought  to  thruft;  thee  away  from 
 the  Lord  thy  God,  which  brought  thee  out  of  the 
 land  of  Egypt,  from  the  houfe  of  f  bondage. 
 
 1 1  And  all  Ifrael  (hall  hear,  and  fear,  and  fhall  do 
 no  more  any  luch  wickednefs  as  this  is  among  ymu. 
 
 12  f  If  thou  fhalt  hear  say  in  one  of  thy  cities, 
 which  the  Lord  thy  God  hath  given  thee  to  dwell 
 there,  faying, 
 
 13  Certain  men,  H  the  children  of  Belial,  are  gone 
 out  from  among  you,  and  have  withdrawn  the  inha¬ 
 bitants  of  their  city,  faying,  Let  us  go  and  ferve  other 
 gods,  which  ye  have  not  known  ; 
 
 14  Then  fhalt  thou  enquire,  and  make  fearch,  and 
 afk  diligently :  and,  behold,  if  it  he  truth,  and  the 
 thing  certain,  that  fuch  abomination  is  wrought 
 among  you ; 
 
 15  Thou  (halt  furely  fmite  the  inhabitants  of  that 
 city  with  the  edge  of  the  fword,  deftroying  it  utterly. 
 
 b  Chap 
 
 17.  5. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 hond-men, 
 c  Chap. 
 17.  13. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 naughty 
 
 men* 
 
 Or, 
 
 jltd» 
 
 and  all  that  is  therein,  and  the  cattle  thereof,  with  the 
 edge  of  the  fword.  ,  1451. 
 
 16  And  thou  fhalt  gather  all  the  fpoil  of  :t  into  the 
 raidtt  of  the  ftreet  thereof,  and  fhalt  burn  with  fire  the 
 city,  and  all  the  fpoil  thereof  every  whit,  for  the  Lord 
 thy  God  :  and  it  fhall  be  an  heap  for  ever  ;  it  (hail 
 not  be  built  again. 
 
 17  And  there  fhall  cleave  nought  of  the  |l  curfed^ 
 thing  to  thine  hand  :  that  the  Lord  may  turn  from 
 the  fiercenefs  of  his  anger,  and  fhew  thee  mercy,  and 
 have  compaflion  upon  thee,  and  multiply  thee,  as  he 
 hath  fworn  unto  thy  fathers  ; 
 
 18  When  thou  fhalt  hearken  to  the  voice  of  the 
 Lord  thy  God,  to  keep  all  his  commandments  which 
 I  command  thee  this  day,  to  do  that  xkhich  is  right  in 
 the  eyes  of  the  Lord  thy  God.* 
 
 CHAP.  XIV. 
 
 1  God's  children  are  not  to  disfigure  themselves  in  mourning.  3  What 
 may  and  what  may  not  be  eaten,  4  oj  benjls,  9  oj  Jishes,  11  of  Jowls. 
 
 21  That  which  dietk  of  itself  may  not  be  ealen,  &-c. 
 
 Ye  are  the  children  of  the  Lord  your  God.  *  Ye 
 fhall  not  cut  jmurfelves,  nor  make  anybaldnefs 
 between  your  eyes  tor  the  dead. 
 
 2  For  thou  art  an  holy  people  unto  the  Lord  thy  Chap. 
 God,  and  the  Lord  hath  chofen  thee  to  be  a  peculiar  ig. 
 people  unto  himfelf,  above  all  the  nations  that  are 
 upon  the  earth. 
 
 3  %  Thou  fhalt  not  eat  any  abominable  thing. 
 
 4  <=  Thefe  are  the  beafts  which  ye  fhall  eat :  Thee  Devit. 
 ox,  the  fheep,  and  the  goat,  ii.e.&c. 
 
 5  I'he  hart,  and  the  roe-buck,  and  the  fallow-deer, 
 and  the  wild  goat,  and  the  Ij  f  pygarg,  and  the  wild 
 ox,  and  the  chamois.  x  ^ef). 
 
 6  And  every  beaft  that  parteth  the  hoof,  and  clea-  aiskon, 
 veth  the  cleft  into  two  claws,  and  cheweth  the  cud 
 among  the  beafts,  that  ye  fhall  eat. 
 
 7  Neverthelefs  thefe  ye  fhall  not  eat  of  them  that 
 chew  the  cud,  or  of  them  that  divide  the  cloven  hoof ; 
 as  the  camel,  and  the  hare,  and  the  coney.:  for  they 
 chew  the  cud,  but  divide  not  the  hoof ;  therefore  they 
 are  unclean  unto  you. 
 
 8  And  the  fwine,  becaufe  it  divideth  the  hoof,  yet 
 cheweth  not  the  cud,  it  is  unclean  unto  you  ;  ye  fhall 
 
 not  eat  of  their  flefh,  nor  touch  their  dead  carcafe. 
 
 9  H  '*  Thefe  ye  fhall  eat  of  all  that  are  in  the  waters  •  “ 
 
 All  that  have  fins  and  fcales  fhall  ye  eat : 
 
 10  And  whatfoever  hath  not  fins  and  fcales  ye  may 
 not  eat ;  it  is  unclean  unto  you. 
 
 1 1  11  0/ all  clean  birds  ye  (ball  eat. 
 
 11.  9. 
 
 afluming  the  higheft  claims,  and  producing  proofs  calculated  to  impofe  on  the 
 fimple  or  ignorant,  they  are  fully  warned,  and- afforded  with  a  plain  rule  for  de- 
 te6ling  and  punifliing  them.  To  fimilar  danger  is  the  Chriftian  churches  ex- 
 pofed,  and  equally  plain  rules  are  given  for  our  direction,  Atftsxx.  SO.  2  Theff. 
 ii.  9,  10.  2. Pet.  ii.  1.  1  John  iv.  1 — 3.  God’s  obje<Sl  in  permitting  teachers  to 
 exill  under  the  old  or  new  covenant  is  the  fame,  to  prove  his  people,  that  thofe 
 of  real  worth  may  be  manifefted  to  the  praife  of  his  glory,  comp.  1  Cor.  xi.  19. 
 Ver.  6 — 11.  Obedience  to  thefe  injun(5lions,  doubtlefs  required  as  much  felf- 
 denial  as  many  of  the  laws  of  Chrift,  to  one  of  which  it  bears  a  ftrong  refemblance, 
 Matth.  X.  32 — 39.  W^hen  the  caufe  of  God  requires  as  here  the  facrifices  of  our 
 lincereft  regard,  our  warmell  attachment,  the  ftrongeft  and  tendereft  affedlions, 
 we  are  not  at  liberty  to  hefitate  for  a  moment.  The  lofs  of  life  itfelf  muft  be 
 no  obje<5l  to  us  when  it  is  neceffary  to  the  glory  of  God,  the  ellablifliment  and 
 prevalence  of  righteoufnefs  ;  and  it  will  be  none  if  we  have  fuitable  refpedl 
 
 to  the  great  reeompence  of  reward.  Ver.  13.  Children  of  Belial ;  that  is,  lawlefs* 
 rebellious,  and  wicked  ;  perfons  addicted  or  given  over  to  wickednefs,  Judg.  xii. 
 22.  1  Sam.  ii.  12.  1  Kings  xxi.  10.  Thefe  were  gone  oul/roni  oTuong  Ifrael ; 
 that  Is,  they  feparated  the  worftiippers  of  the  true  God,  and  endeavoured  to  gain  a 
 party.  Ver.  17.  And  there  shall  cleave  nought  of  the  cursed  thing  to  thine  hand; 
 that  is,  they  were  to  make  no  prolit  or  ufe  of  any  thing  which  belonged  to  tha 
 apoftates,  fee  chap.  vii.  26.  Jofli.  vi.  17,  18. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XIV.  Ver.  1.  That  the  heathen  dif- 
 covered  their  grief  on  the  death  of  friends  in  the  manner  here  prohibited,  is 
 plain  from  feveral  paffages,  fee  1  Kings  xviii,  28.  Jer.  xvi.  6,  7.  xli.  5.  and  note  on 
 *1  Theff.  v.  13.  Ver.  ,3.  Every  creature  of  God  is  good  in  itfelf,  Rom.  xiv.  14. 
 1  Tim.  iv.  4.  but  by  the  ordinance  of  God  certain  creatures  were  abominable  or 
 unclean,  and  not  to  be  eaten.  This  law  was  defigned  to  teach  the  ancient 
 church  of  God  to  abftain  from  impure  communion  with  the  wicked,  Ar5ts  x. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  XIIL]  As  Ifrael  was  in  great  danger  of  idolatry,  fo  are  we  of  love  to  the  prefent  evil  world.  We  are 
 expofed  to  many  temptations  from  falfe  friends,  ungodly  relations,  falfe  teachers,  and  falfe  profeffors  of  religion.  The  good  Lord  arm  us  by  Iris  grace  to  relift  every 
 evil,  and  to  cleave  to  him  and  his  people  with  full  purpofe  of  heart.  Let  us  never  forget,  that  we  are  in  a  world,  governed,  directed,  and  influenced  by  the  fecret 
 infinuations  of  Satan,  to  dilhonour  God,  oppofe  his  revelation,  and  deftroy  our  fouls.  Let  no  pretence  to  fuperior  knowledge  or  piety,  no  natural  tie,  no  good  or 
 evil  in  the  world,  induce  us  to  countenance  thofe  who  would  draw  u@  away  from  God  and  his  word.  May  we  with  zeal  and  lirmnefs  ferve  the  Lord,  knowing  that 
 in  keeping  his  commandments  there  is  great  reward. 
 
Tithing  to  be  duty  pciformed,  ^-c. 
 
 DEUTERONOMY. 
 
 a, Ha  theje  arc  fjinj  of  which  ye  fhall  not  eat: 
 
 1451.  ^  he  eagle,  and  the  offifrage,  and  the  ofprey, 
 
 'x.  13  And  the  glede,  and  the  kite,  and  the  vulture 
 
 e  Levit.  alter  his  kind, 
 
 11.13.  ]  4  And  every  raven  after  his  kind, 
 
 15  And  the  owl,  and  the  night-hawk,  and  the  cuc¬ 
 koo,  and  the  hawk  after  his  kind, 
 
 great  owl,  and  the  fwan, 
 
 1  <  And  the  pelican,  and  the  gier-eagle,  and  the 
 cormorant, 
 
 18  And  the  flork,  and  the  heron  after  her  kind, 
 and  the  lapwing  and  the  bat. 
 
 19  And  every  creeping  thing  that  flieth  is  unclean 
 unto  you:  they  (hall  not  be  eaten. 
 
 20  But.  of  all  clean  fowls  ye  may  eat. 
 
 21  f  Ye  lhall  nor  eat  oj  any  thing  that  dieth  of  it- 
 lelf :  thou  fhalt  give  it  unto  the  ftranger  that  is  in  thy 
 gates,  that  he  may  eat  it;  or  thou  mayeft  fell  it  unto 
 
 alien  :  for  thou  art  an  holy  people  unto  the  Lord 
 «3  ^9  God.  f  Ihou  fhalt  not  feethe  a  kid  in  his  mo- 
 34*26.'  t her  s  milk. 
 
 22  ^  Ihou  fhalt  truly  tithe  all  the  increafe  of  thy 
 feed,  that  th^  field  bringeth  forth  year  by  year. 
 
 23  ^  And  thou  fhalt  eat  before  the  Lord  thy  God, 
 in  the  place  which  he  fhall  choofe  to  place  his  name 
 there,  the  tithe  of  thy  corn,  of  thy  wine,  and  of  thine 
 oil,  and  the  firfilings  of  thy  herds  and  of  thy  flocks  ; 
 that  thou  mayeft  learn  to  fear  the  Lord  thy  God 
 -always. 
 
 24.  <11  And  if  the  way  be  too  long  for  thee,  fo  that 
 thou  art  not  able  to  carry  it ;  or  if  the  place  be  too 
 far  from  thee,  which  the  Lord  thy  God  fhall  choofe 
 to  fet  his  name  there,  when  the  Lord  thy  God  hath 
 blened  thee : 
 
 25  Then  fhalt  thou  (urn  into  money,  and  bind  up 
 the  money  in  thine  hand,  and  fhalt  go  unto  the  place 
 v/hich  the  Lord  thy  God  fhall  choofe  : 
 
 26  And  thou  fhalt  beftow  that  money  for  what- 
 foever  thy  foul  lufteth  after,  for  oxen,  or  for  fheep, 
 or  for  w'ine,  or  for  flrong  drink,  or  for  whatfoever 
 
 defireth:  and  thou  fhalt  eat  there  before 
 
 Lord  thy  God,  and  thou  fhalt  rejoice,  thou  and 
 thine  houfehold, 
 
 g^chap.  27  And  e  the  Lpite  that  is  within  thy  gates  ;  thou 
 flialt  not  forfake  him  :  for  he  hath  no  part  nor  inheri¬ 
 tance  with  thee. 
 
 ^8  H  At  the  end  of  three  years  thou  fhalt  bring 
 forth  all  the  tithe  of  thine  increafe  the  fame  year,  and 
 fhalt  lay  it  up  within  thy  gates  : 
 
 29  And  the  Levite,  (becaufe  he  hath  no  part  nor 
 inheritance  with  thee,)  and  the  ftranger,  and  the  fa- 
 therlefs,  and  the  widow,  which  are  within  thy  gates, 
 fhall  come,  and  fhall  eat  and  be  fatisfied,  that  the 
 
 Of  the  year  of  release^  S^c. 
 
 13 — 28.  Ver.  21.  Stranger,  who  was  not  a  profe]ji;e ;  for  fuch  were  bound  by 
 the  law  as  much  as  the  Jews,  Ler.  xvii.  15.  Thus  the  practices  of  the  heathen 
 not  finful  in  themfelves,  were  not  to  be  indulged  by  the  people  of  God,  left  they 
 fnould  be  induced  to  imitate  thofe  practices  which  were  hateful  in  the  fight  of  the 
 Lord.  Ver.  22.  Concerning  the  tithes,  fee  Lev.  xxvii.  30 — 33.  Numb,  xviii.  Neh. 
 X.  37,  S'8.  This  ceremony  appears  to  have  been  very  ancient,  Gen.  xiv.  20.  xxviii. 
 20.  "Ver.  2C.  Bestow  that  money  in  purchafing,  in  the  place  which  God  chofe,  the 
 things  necelTary  for  his  fer-vice,  comp.  Note  on  John  ii.  14. 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  XV.  Ver.  1.  Every  feventh  year  was 
 a  -fabbatical  year,  that  is,  a  year  of  reft,  when  debtors  were  difeharged,  flaves 
 
 Refore 
 Clii  Ift 
 1451. 
 
 Lord  thy  God  may  blefs  thee  in  all  the  work  of  thine 
 hand  which  thou  doefl:.* 
 
 CHAP.  XV. 
 
 1  The  seventh  year  a  year  of  release  Jor  the  poor  ;  7  it  must  be  no  let  of 
 lending  or  giving.  12  Hebrew  servant,  16  except  he  refuse  to 
 depart,  must  in  the  seventh  year  go  forth  jree,  ^-c. 
 
 At  the  end  of  ®  everty  feven  years  thou  fhalt  make“/^®'''‘’ 
 a  releafe.  “ 
 
 2  And  this  is  the  manner  of  the  releafe  :  Every 
 creditor  that  lendeth  unto  his  neighbour  (hall re~  theXL/f 
 leale  it ;  he  fhall  not  exa^t  it  of  his  neighbour,  or  of  e/'/'w 
 his  brother  ;  becaufe  it  is  called  the  Lord’s  releafe. 
 
 3  Of  a  foreigner  thou  raayell  exaft  it  again  ;  but 
 that  which  is  thine  with  thy  brother  thine  hand  fhall 
 releafe ; 
 
 4  II  Save  when  there  fhall  be  no  poor  among  you ;  II  O’"’ 
 for  the  Lord  fhall  greatly  blefs  theein  the  land  which 
 
 God  giveth  thee /or  an  inheritance  tObeXlZor 
 
 poflefs  it  .  among 
 
 5  Only  if  thou  carefully  hearken  unto  the  voice  of^"“* 
 the  Lord  thy  God,  to  oblerve  to  do  all  thefe  com¬ 
 mandments  which  I  command  thee  this  day. 
 
 6  For  the  Lord  thy  God  blefleth  -thee,  as  he  pro- 
 mifed  thee  :  and  ^  thou  fhalt  lend  unto  many  nations,  ^ 
 but  thou  foalt  not  borrow  :  and  thou  fnalr  reign  over^^’ 
 many  nations,  but  they  fhall  not  reign  over  thee. 
 
 7  If  there  be  among  you  a  poor  man  of  one  of  thy 
 brethren  within  any  of  thy  gates,  in  thy  land  which 
 the  Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee,  thou  fhalt  not  harden 
 thine  heart,  nor  fhut  thine  hand  from  thy  poor  brother : 
 
 8  <=  But  thou  fhalt  open  thine  hand  wide  unto  him,  5  ** 
 
 and  fhalt  furely  lend  him  fufficient  for  his  need,  in  that  Luke 
 which  he  wanteth.  6. 34. 
 
 9  Beware  that  there  be  not  a  t  thought  in  thyf^®'’* 
 t  wicked  heart,  faying.  The  feventh  year,  the  year  ofi  ntb. 
 releafe,  is  at  hand  ;  and  thine  eye  be  evil  againft  BeUai. 
 poor  brother,  and  thou  givefl;  him  nought,  and  he  cry 
 unto  the  Lord  againtt  thee,  and  it  be  fin  unto  thee. 
 
 10  Thou  fhalt  furely  give  him,  and  thine  heart  fhall 
 not  be  grieved  when  thou  giveft  unto  him  :  becaufe 
 that  for  this  thing  the  Lord  thy  God  fhall  blefs  thee 
 in  all  thy  works,  and  in  all  that  thou  putteft  thine 
 hand  unto. 
 
 1 1  For  the  poor  fhall  never  ceafe  out  of  the  land  ; 
 therefore  1  command  thee,  faying.  Thou  fhalt  open 
 thine  hand  wide  unto  thy  brother,  to  thy  poor,  and 
 to  thy  needy,  in  thy  land. 
 
 12  f  And  if  thy  brother,  an  Hebrew  man,  or  an  f 
 Hebrew  woman,  be  fold  unto  thee,  and  I'erve  thee  fix 
 years,  then  in  the  feventh  year  thou  fhalt  let  him  go  34. 14, 
 free  from  thee. 
 
 13  And  when  thou  fendeft  him  out  free  from  thee, 
 thou  fhalt  not  let  him  go  away  empty  : 
 
 liberated,  and  inheritances  reftored  to  their  natural  proprietors.  Tlie  laws  re- 
 fpedling  this  year  related  to  Ifraelites  rather  than  ftrangers,  and  prefigured  the 
 proclamation  of  the  gofpel,  which  granted  unlimited  pardon  and  eternal  life, 
 through  faith  in  Chrift,  vrlio  finilhed  the  work  afligned  him,  and  entered  into  his 
 reft,  of  which  all  who  believe  in  him  are  made  partakers,  and  are  enjoined  to 
 imitate  God  in  forgiving  injuries,  and  compaffionating  the  wretched,  Luke  iv. 
 18,  19.  Eph.  iv.  32.  At  the  end  of  seven  years,  means  either  in  the  feventh  year, 
 as,  at  the  end  of  three  years,  lignifies  in  the  third  year,  chap.  xiv.  28.  or,  when  fix 
 years  are  fulfilled,  as  the  phrafe  denotes,  Jer.  xxxiv.  14.  The  whole  of  the 
 feventh  year  was  the  appointed  period  of  a  general  releafe  in  Ifrael.  Debtors 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XIV.J  Being  the  Lord’s  property,  and  thus  by  his  choice,  his  blood,  his  grace,  his  power  diftinguifhed  from  the 
 world,  let  us  never  conform  to  its  foolilh,  finful,  and  barbarous  cuftoms.  Since  God  is  our  portion,  let  us  be  fatisfied  with  what  he  gives  and  warrants  us  to  enjoy. 
 Ufing  the  good  creatures  of  God,  as  not  abufing  them,  let  us  not  forget  that  the  kingdom  of  God  is  not  meat  and  drink,  but  righteoufnefs  and  peace,  and  joy  of  the 
 Koly  Spirit.  Pure  religion  requires  us  to  manifeft  regard  for  the  worftiip  of  the  Lord,  the  com&rt  of  his  t'er-vants,  and  the  neceffities  of  the  poor  ftranger,  the  widow 
 end  the  fatherlefs ;  and  thus  tends  tc  promote  the  glory  of  God  and  the  good  of  man. 
 
IJefore 
 
 Clirift 
 
 1151. 
 
 EsoJ. 
 
 1.  6. 
 
 jill  ftnlling  males  to  he  the  LorcVs. 
 
 14  Thou  (halt  furniOi  him  liberally  out  of  thy  fl  ^ck, 
 and  out  of  thy  floor,  and  out  of  thy  wine-prefs' ;  of  that 
 wherewith  the  Lord  thy  God  hath  blefled  thee  thou 
 
 {halt  give  unto  him.  n  l  j 
 
 15  And  thou  (halt  remember  that  thou  wafl:  a  bond- 
 man  in  the  land  of  Egypt,  and  the  Lord  thy  God 
 redeemed  thee  :  therefore  1  command  thee  this  thing 
 to-day. 
 
 16  And  it  fliall  be,  e  if  he  fay  unto  thee,  I  will  not 
 go  away  from  thee;  (becaufe  he  loveth  thee  and  thine 
 houfe,  becaufe  he  is  well  with  thee ;) 
 
 17  Then  thou  (halt  take  an  awl,  and  thrufl;  it 
 through  his  ear  unto  the  door,  and  he  (hall  be  thy 
 fervant  for  ever  ;  and  alfo  unto  thy  maid-fervant  thou 
 (halt  do  likewife. 
 
 18  It  (hall  not  feem  hard  unto  thee  when  thou 
 fendeft  him  away  free  from  thee ;  for  he  hath  been 
 worth  a  double  hired  fervant  to  thee,  in  ferving  thee 
 fix  years  :  and  the  Lord  thy  God  (hall  blels  thee  in 
 all  that  thou  doeft. 
 
 f  Exod.  1 9  <(t  f  All  the  firftling  males  that  come  of  thy  herd, 
 34. 19.  and  of  thy  flock,  thou  (halt  (anflify  unto  the  Lord 
 thy  God  ;  thou  flialt  do  no  work  with  the  firftling  of 
 thy  bullock,  nor  fhear  the  firftling  of  thy  (heep  :  - 
 
 20  Thou  (halt  eat  it  before  the  Lord  thy  God  year 
 by  year,  in  the  place  which  the  Lord  (hall  choofe, 
 thou  and  thy  houfehold. 
 
 21  g  And  if  there  be  blemifh  therein,  as  if  it  he 
 lame,  or  blind,  or  have  any  ill  blemi(b,  thou  (halt  not 
 facrifice  it  unto  the  Lord  thy  God  : 
 
 22  Thou  (halt  eat  it  within  thy  gates  ;  the  unclean 
 and  the  clean  person  shall  eat  it  alike,  as  the  roe-buck, 
 and  as  the  hart. 
 
 23  h  Only  thou  (halt  not  eat  the  blood  thereof ; 
 12.16,23.  jhou  (lialt  pour  it  upon  the  ground  as  water.* 
 
 CHAP.  XVI. 
 
 1  The  fenjl  of  the  pnjfovcr,  9  of  weeks,  \Z  of  tabernacles.  1 6  Every 
 male  must  offer  at  thafe  three  feasts,  18  Of  judges  and  justice.  21 
 Groves  and  images  forbidden. 
 
 OBSERVE  the  *  month  of  Abib,  and  keep  the 
 palTover  unto  the  Lord  thy  God  :  for  in  the 
 month  of  Abib  the.  Lord  thy  God  brought  thee 
 forth  out  of  Egypt  by  night. 
 
 2  Thou  (halt  therefore  facrifice  the  paflTover  unto  the 
 Lord  thy  God,  of  the  flock  and  the  herd,  '  in  the 
 
 DEUTERONOMY. 
 
 'Phe  feast  of  the  passover^ 
 
 g  Levit. 
 22.  20. 
 Chap. 
 17.  1. 
 Eccl. 
 35.  12. 
 
 h  Chap. 
 
 a  Exod. 
 
 12.  2,  Sec 
 b  Exod. 
 
 13.  4. 
 
 c  Chap. 
 12.  5. 
 
 lb fore 
 Ciirilt 
 1 151. 
 
 - - - - - 
 
 ;/  d  Exud. 
 18. 
 
 were  at  all  events  to  be  difeharged,  but  if  it  were  in  their  power,  tliey  W’cre  alfo 
 to  pay  their  debts.  Ver.  9.  .dn  evil  eye,  denotes  a  covetous  niggardly  difpolition, 
 I’rov.  xxiii.  6.  Matth.  xx.  15.  on  the  contrary,  a  good  eye,  fignifies  a  generous, 
 liberal  temper,  Prov.  xxii.  9.  Ecclef.  xxxv.  8.  Ver,  12.  Let  him  go  free  from  thee ; 
 bis  liberty  was  to  be  conferred  on  him  as  a  gift,  not  procured  for  him  by  friends, 
 Exod.  xxi.  2.  It  was  not  an  intermiflion  of  fervice  for  the  feventh  only,  but  a 
 complete  releafe  for  ever.  Hence  the  guilt  of  Ifrael  in  reducing  to  fervitude, 
 thofe  flaves  whom  they  had  liberated,  Jer.  xxxiv.  14 — 16.  Ver,  14.  Furnifh  him 
 liberally ;  literally  adorn  him  with  a  chain.  This  feetns  to  be  an  allufion  to  the 
 cuftom  of  fovereigns  adorning  their  favourite  fervants  with  chains  or  crowns  of 
 gold,  Dan.  v.  29.  and  ftrongly  expreffes  the  duty  of  mailers  difeharging  their 
 brethren  honourably  who  had  ferved  them,  and  not  turning  them  off  like  vaga¬ 
 bonds,  which  would  oblige  them  to  fell  themfelves  again  for  flaves.  Ver.  17. 
 A  fervant  for  ever  ;  that  is,  all  the  days  of  his  life,  or  till  the  jubilee,  Exod.  xxi.  6. 
 
 place  which  the  Lord  (hall  choofe  to  place  his  name 
 there. 
 
 3  ^  Thou  (halt  eat  no  leavened  bread  with  it :  (even 
 days  (halt  thou  eat  unleavened  bread  therewfth,  cv^i 
 the  bread  of  afiliftion ;  (for  thou  cameft  forth  out  o( 
 the  land  of  Egypt  in  hafte ;)  that  thou  mayeft  re¬ 
 member  the  day  when  thou  cameft  forth  out  of  the 
 land  of  Egypt  all  the  days  of  thy  life. 
 
 4  ®  And  there  (hall  be  no  leavened  bread  feen  with  e  Exod. 
 thee  in  all  thy  coafts  (even  days  ;  neither  (hall  there 
 
 any  thing  of  the  flefh,  which  thou  (acrificedft  the  firlt 
 day  at  even,  remain  all  night  until  the  morning. 
 
 5  Thou  mayeft  not  |!  facrifice  the  palTover  within  '  Or, 
 any  of  thy  gates,  which  the  Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee; 
 
 6  But  at  the  place  which  the  Lord  thy  God  (hftl 
 choofe  to  place  his  name  in,  there  thou  ftialt  facrifice 
 the  paflbver  at  even,  at  the  going  down  of  the  fun,  at 
 the  (eafon  that  thou  cameft  forth  out  of  Egypt. 
 
 7  And  thou  ftialt  roaft  and  eat  it  in  the  place  which 
 the  Lord  thy  God  (hall  choofe;  and  thou  (halt  turn 
 in  the  morning,  and  go  unto  thy  tents. 
 
 8  Six  days  thou  (halt  eat  unleavened  bread,  and  on 
 the  feventh  day  shall  be  folemn  allembly  to  thef 
 Lord  thy  God  ;  thou  (halt  do  no  work  therein.  rejiramt. 
 
 9  %  ^  Seven  weeks  (halt  thou  number  unto  thee  :  ^  Lev. 
 begin  to  number  the  feven  weeks  from  fitch  time 
 thou  beginneft  to  put  the  fickle  to  the  corn. 
 
 10  And  thou  (halt  keep  thefeaft  of  weeks  un*o  the 
 Lord  thy  God  with  |1  a  tribute  of  a  free- will-oflPering  H  Or, 
 of  thine  hand,  which  thou  (halt  give  unto  the 
 
 thj  Godf  according  as  the  Lord  thy  God  hath  blefled 
 thee  : 
 
 11  And  thou  (halt  rejoice  before  the  Lord  thy 
 God,  thou,  and  thy  fon,  and  tby  daughter,  and  thy 
 man-fervant,  and  thy  maid-fervant,  and  the  Levite, 
 that  is  within  thy  gates,  and  the  ftranger,  and  the  fa- 
 therlefs,  and  the  widow',  that  are  among  you,  in  the 
 place  which  the  Lord  thy  God  hath  chofen  to  place 
 his  name  there. 
 
 12  And  thou  (halt  remember  that  thou  waft  a  bond- 
 .man  in  Egypt :  and  thou  (halt  obferve  and  do  thefe 
 ftatutes. 
 
 13  ^  Thou  fhalt  obferve  the  feaft  of  tabernacles  f 
 feven  days,  after  that  thou  haft  gathered  in  thy  +  corn'f,°‘”’ 
 and  thy  wine. 
 
 15« 
 
 The  expreffion  may  have  this  import,  becaufe  the  jubilee  was  a  memorable 
 period  to  the  Ifraelites,  and  brought  many  events  important  to  them  to  a  conclu- 
 fion.  For  a  fimilar  reafon  the  phrafe  ftems  to  mean  the  period  of  one’s  life 
 1  Sam.  i.  22.  ’ 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XIV.  Ver.  I.  God  charges  them  to 
 be  careful  to  obferve  his  folemnities.  The  firft  and  chief  of  thefe  was  the  paflbver 
 which  has  been  before  mentioned.  An  additional  precept  is  here  delivered 
 refpe(5ling  this  feaft.  In  the  original  conftitution  a  young  lamb  or  goat  was  all 
 that  was  required ;  but  now  they  might  choofe  alfo  of  the  herd  of  cattle,  and 
 ofier  to  the  Lord.  Ver.  3.  The  bread  of  offliaion,  or  poverty  ;  fo  called,  becaufe 
 it  was  a  memotial  of  their  affliaion  in  Egypt.  Ver.  9.  The  feaft  of  Pentecoft 
 began  precifely  feven  weeks  after  the  beginning  of  harveft,  la  this  feaft,  fervants, 
 ftrangers,  the  fatherlefs  and  widow,  were  to  rejoice  with  them,  compare  Note  on 
 Lev.  xxiii.  15—22.  Ver.  13.  Compare  Note  on  Lev.  xxiii.  33 _ 44.  Ver.  \Q, 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XV.]  Severity  towards  poor  honeft  debtors  is  equally  condemned  by  humanity  and  religion  ;  and  he  who  i 
 guilty  entails  a  curfe  on  bis  property.  Let  God’s  compalfion  on  them  excite  us  to  do  them  every  pofTible  office  of  kindnefs.  Thofe  who  refufethem  aid  efuec’  11  'f 
 they  are  induftrious,  in  the  time  of  need,  provoke  the  difpleafure  of  God  ;  but  thofe  who  aa  towards  them  unrighteoufly  or  cruelly,  will  fpeedily  bring  o'n  themfelv' 
 the  vengeance  of  heaven. — But  let  the  year  of  releafe  remind  us  efpecially  of  the  acceptable  year  of  the  Lord,  the  year  of  his  redeemed  ■,  when  we,  infinite  delHor 't* 
 God,  are  fully  difeharged,  and  reftored  to  prefent,  complete,  and  eternal  liberty  and  blefleduefs,  by  the  blood  of  the  Lamb.  May  we  feel  our  obligations  to  the  T  v^ 
 of  God,  and  the  grace  of  the  Lord  Jefus,  and  live  daily  as  redeemed  finners,  ftiewing  forth  his  praifes  who  hath  ranfomed  us  from  fin,  and  will  redeem  us  from  d  ^tl^ 
 and  tlie  grave,  to  ftand  before  him  for  ever.  A  faithful  fervant  merits  efteem  and  a  fuitable  reward.  And  let  us  remember,  that  we  are  not  our  ovt  a  but  tlrn^L  d*-  • 
 him  may  we  always  ferve  with  fidelity,  and  efteem  ourfelves  happy  to  obtain  his  approbation.  * » 
 
 Xo.  \2....6d»  3  B 
 
Cl:  ■:’$  a  fid 
 
 fhrh'uUen- 
 
 DEUTERONOMY. 
 
 n.iiii  rejoice  in  thy  feaft,  thou,  and 
 
 Mji.  and  thy  daughter,  and  thy  man-lervant,  and 
 
 w.-.w  thy  maid  fervant,  and  the  Lcvite,  the  firangcr  and 
 the  iatherleis,  and  the  widow,  that  ore  within  thy  gates. 
 
 15  Seven  days  (halt  thou  keep  a  folemn  featt  unto 
 the  Lord  thy  God  in  the  place  which  the  Lord  ftiall 
 choole :  jaecaufe  the  Lord  thy  God  (hall  blels  thee  in 
 all  thine  increase,  and  in  all  the  works  of  thine  hands  ; 
 therefore  thou  (halt  furely  rejoice, 
 g  r.xod.  16  ^  s  Three  times  in  a  year  (hall  all  thy  males  ap- 
 
 34  03'  before  the  Lord  thy  God  in  the  place  which  he 
 
 (hall  choofe  ;  in  the  feaft  of  unleavened  bread,  and  in 
 the  Laft  of  weeks,  and  in  the  feaft  of  tabernacles  : 
 L  Eceius.  h  pgj  appear  before  the  Lord  empty. 
 
 +^neh.  Every  man  shall  gh:  f  as  he  is  able  according  to 
 
 Icwin?  the  blefling  of  the  Lord  thy  God  which  he  hath 
 <0  n/j/ given  thee. 
 
 The  'punishment  of  idolo/nf. 
 
 lletore 
 
 Oliiiii 
 
 1451, 
 
 of  his 
 hand. 
 
 i  Excxl. 
 23.  8. 
 
 II  Or, 
 matters, 
 •)•  Heb. 
 Justice 
 Justice. 
 
 k  Lev. 
 26.  1. 
 
 H  Or, 
 Jlatue,  01 
 jnllur. 
 
 g  Or, 
 
 IS  H  Judges  and  o(licers  (halt  thou  make  thee,  in 
 all  thy  gates,  which  the  Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee, 
 throughout  thy  tribes  :  and  they  (hali  judge  the  people 
 with  juft  judgment. 
 
 19  Thou  (halt  not  wreft  judgment;  thou  (halt  not 
 refpefl  perfons,  ‘  neither  take  a  gift ;  for  a  gift  doth 
 blind  the  eyes  of  the  wife,  and  pervert  the  H  words  of 
 the  righteous. 
 
 20  t  That  v/hich  is  altogether  juft  (halt  thou  follow, 
 that  thou  raayeft  live,  and  inherit  the  land  which  the 
 Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee. 
 
 21  Thou  (halt  not  plant  thee  a  grove  of  any  trees 
 near  unto  the  altar  of  the  Lord  thy  God,  which  thou 
 (halt  make  thee. 
 
 22  k  Meither  (halt  thou  fet  thee  up  any  H 
 which  the  Lord  thy  God  hateth.* 
 
 CHAP.  XVII. 
 
 1  The  thing  sacrificed  mn ft  be  sound.  2  Idolaters  muJI  he  slain. 
 
 controverfes  are  to  be  determined  by  the  •pricjls  and  Judges, 
 
 contemner  of  that  determination  viujl  die,  <|-c. 
 
 (halt  not  facrifice  unto  the  Lord  thy 
 God  any  bullock  or  ||  (heep  wherein  is  blemiih, 
 or  any  evil-fa vourednels  :  for  that  is  an  abomination 
 unto  the  Lord  thy  God. 
 
 2  ^  If  there  be  found  among  you,  within  any  of 
 thy  gates  which  the  Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee,  man 
 cr  woman,  that  hath  wrought  wickednefs  in  the  fight 
 of  the  Lord  thy  God,  in  tranfgreffing  his  covenant. 
 
 image. 
 
 S  Hard 
 12  The 
 
 Three  times  a  year;  that  is,  at  each  of  the  great  feftivals,  the  paffover,  pentecoft, 
 and  the  feaft  of  tabernacle.s,  Exod.  xxxiii.  H — 17,  xxxiv.  22,  33.  Ofthefpccial 
 liicrifices  of  thefe  folemnities,  fee  Lev.  xxiii.  Numb.  xxviii,  xxix.  Ver.  18 — 20. 
 
 Comp.  chap.  i.  13 — 15.  Exod.  xviii.  21.  which  inform  us  of  the  firft  fpecial 
 appointment  of  judges  in  Ifrael,  the  manner  in  which  they  were  chofen,  and 
 the  qualifications  requifite  in  them.  The  Jews  afterwards  had  three  principal 
 courts  of  Judgment;  the  great  lanhedrim  confiding  of  feventy  judges,  before 
 whom  every  important  matter  was  decided  ;  the  court  of  twenty-three,  who 
 chiefly  attended  on  the  temple,  to  obferve  every  thing  done  according  to  the 
 law  •  and  in  every  city  containing  above  a  hundred  and  twenty  perfons, 
 iheie  was  a  court  of  twenty-three  judges;  but  in  tbofe  cities  which  had  fewer 
 inhabitants  there  were  only  three  judges  ;  and  in  the  opinion  of  the  Jews,  fewer 
 could  not  pafs  any  decifion  agreeably  to  the  law.  Ver.  21,  22.  Gropes  were  the 
 plates  in  which  the  patriarchs  choofe  to  worfliip  God ;  but  they  were  perverted 
 l)y  idolaters  from  their  original  ufe.  Befides,  after  God  fixed  on  a  particular 
 place  where  he  would  have  his  people  ferve  him,  every  other  place  became 
 
 unlawful.  ^  ..X  T  I 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XVII.  Ver.  1.  Comp.  Nota  on  Lev.  1 
 X'.ii.  21.  Ver.  3.  The  hoft,  or  armies  of  heaven;  that  is,  the  fun,  rnoon,  and  ■ 
 liar.s;  and  perhaps  the  phrafe  may  include  angels,  Pfal,  c.xlviii,  2.  Ihefe  were  J 
 
 PR  \CT1CAL  OBSERVATIONS. *  Chap.  XVI.]  (See  Exod.  xii.  Lev.  xxiii.  Praaical  Obfervations.)  May  we  ever  delight  to  obferve  God’s  ordinances 
 
 IS  the  means  of  prefervin<r  on  our  hearts  a  fuitable  impreffion  of  his  works  of  mercy  and  love.  Let  the  botmty  of  God  to  us  e.xcite  us  to  generous  deeds ;  it  ill  be¬ 
 comes  a  Chriftian  to  eat  his.  morfel  alone.  Happy  in  himfelf,  he  will  feek  to  impart  happinefs  to  oti.ers.  Integrity  and  truth  ought  alfo  to  guide  him ;  and  if  up- 
 ri  rhtnels  is  feen  in  the  Rat  of  juftice  in  his  land,  let  him  blefs  God,  for  this  is  a  bleffing  which  he  cannot  too  highly  prize. 
 
 S  And  have  gone  and  ferved  other  gods,  and  wor- 
 fiiipped  them,  either  the  fun,  or  moon,  or  any  of  the 
 hoft  of  heaven,  which  I  have  not  commanded  ;  _ 
 
 4  And  it  be  told  thee,  and  thou  haft  heard  of  ity 
 and  enquired  diligently,  and,  behold,  it  be  true,  and 
 the  thing  certain,  that  fuch  abomination  is  wrought 
 in  Ifrael  ? 
 
 5  Then  (halt  fhou  bring  forth  that  man  or  that 
 woman,  which  have  committed  that  wicked  thing,  un¬ 
 to  thy  gates,  even  that  man  or  that  woman,  and  (halt 
 (tone  them  with  (tones,  till  they  die. 
 
 6  ^  At  the  mouth  of  two  witnefles,  or  three  witncl-^  Numb, 
 fesi  ftiall  he  that  is  worthy  of  death  be  put  to  death  ; 
 
 but  at  the  mouth  of  one  witnefs  he  (hall  not  be  put  loi9'.T.5. 
 death.  ■  Matth. 
 
 I  7  The  hands  of  the  witnefiTes  (hall  be  fir(t  upon  him 
 to  put  him  to  death,  and  afterwards  the  hands  of  all  thcg^iy 
 ; people  :  fo  thou  flialt  put  the  evil  away  from  among  2  Cor, 
 iyou.  t3. 1. 
 
 j  8  ^  If  there  arife  a  miatter  too  hard  for  thee  in 
 judgment,  between  blood  and  blood,  between  plea 
 jand  plea,  and  between  ftroke  and  ftroke,  being  mat- 
 jters  of  controverfy,  within  thy  gates  ;  then  (halt  thou 
 arife,  and  get  thee  up  into  the  place  which  the  Lord 
 thy  God  (hall  choofe : 
 
 8  And  thou  fhalt  come  unto  the  priefts  theLevites, 
 and  unto  the  judge  that  fliall  be  in  thofe  days,  and 
 enquire ;  and  they  (hall  (hew  thee  the  fentence  of 
 judgment. 
 
 10  And  thou  (halt  do  according  to  the  fentence 
 which  they  of  that  place  which  tfte  Lord  (hall  choofe 
 (hall  (hew  thee  ;  and  thou  (halt  obferve  to  do  accord¬ 
 ing  to  all  that  they  inform  tfiee : 
 
 1 1  According  to  the  fentence  of  the  law  which  they 
 (hall  teach  thee,  and  according  to  the  judgment  which 
 they  (hall  tell  thee,  thou  fhalt  do :  thou  (bait  not  de¬ 
 cline  from  the  fentence  which  they  (lull  (hew  thee,  to 
 the  right  band,  nor  to  the  left. 
 
 1 2  And  the  man  that  will  do  prefumptuoully, 
 
 f  and  will  not  hearken  unto  the  pried  thatftandeth  tolgi  f 
 minifter  there  before  the  Lord  thy  God,  or  unto  the  hearken, 
 judge,  even  that  man  (liall  die :  and  thou  (halt  put 
 away  the  evil  from  Ilrael. 
 
 13  And  all  the  people  (hall  hear,  and  fear,  and  do 
 no  more  prefumptuoully. 
 
 the  objeifts  of  heathen  worfhip  which  the  Ifraelites  often  imitated,  2  Kings  xvii. 
 16.  xxi.  3.  Jer.  viii.  2.  Ver.  5.  The  judgnicrt  denounced  againft  an  individual 
 is  fomewhat  different  from  that  againft  a  whole  city  ;  the  former  was  to  be  ftoned, 
 the  latter  put  to  the  fword,  chap.  xHi.  15.  the  goods  of  the  one  went,  as  the 
 Jews  fay,  to  his  heirs,  every  thing  belonging  to  the  other  was  confumed  by  fire. 
 Ver.  7.  The  Septuagint  verfion  of  the  laft  claufe  of  this  verfe  is  quoted  by  Raul, 
 
 1  Cor.  v.  13.  Ver.  8 — 11.  A  matter  loo  hard,  denotes  fometbing  beyond  the 
 reach  of  human  capacity,  Gen.  xviii,  14.  Jer.  xxxii.  17,  27.  Between  blood  and 
 blood,  may  refer  to  murder,  which  the  judges  were  unable  to  afeertain  to  have 
 been  wilfully  or  unintentionally  committed.  The  following  phrafes  Item  to  in¬ 
 clude  every  difficulty  which  might  occur  in  e.vecuting  the  laws.  To  decide 
 fuch  matters  recourfe  was  to  be  had  to  the  high  prieft,  or  the  fupreme  judges, 
 who  were  to  refide  in.  the  place  where  God  would  choofe  to  put  his  name.  Ac¬ 
 cordingly  we  find  fuch  judges  appointed  in  Jerufalem,  2  Chro.  xix.  -S — 11.  Pfal. 
 exxii.  5.  In  a  fimilar  way  were  the  affairs  of  Ifrael  fettled  during  their  ftay  in 
 the  wildernefs,  Pfal.  xviii.  26.  It  deferves  particular  notice,  that  the  judges 
 were  to  decide  according  to  the  word  of  God  found  written  in  the  law  or  re¬ 
 vealed  by  the  high  prieft,  probably  by  Urira  and  Thummim.  Ver.  12.  P/eftimp- 
 tuous  fins  are  the  oppofite  of  thofe  committed  through  ignorance  or  error,  Exod. 
 xxi.  13,  14.  Ver.  1 4.  Jehovah,  to  whom  is  equally  known  the  future  as  well  as  the 
 
Of  the  election  of  a  Icing, 
 
 DEUTERONOMY. 
 
 The  priests*  and  Levites*  portion. 
 
 Ptfore 
 
 Clirlll 
 
 14.5I- 
 
 n  N-umb. 
 1.8.  20. 
 Gliap. 
 
 10.  9. 
 b  1  Cor. 
 9.  18. 
 
 ]i‘  II  When  thou  art  come  into  the  land  which  the 
 Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee,  tind  (halt  poflefs  it,  and 
 , (halt  dwell  therein,  and  (hale  lay,  1  will  let  a  king 
 over  me,  like  as  all  the  nations  that  are  about  me  : 
 
 15  Thou  (halt  in  any  wile  fet  him  king  over  thee 
 whom  the  Lord  thy  God  (hall  choole ;  one  from 
 among  thy  brethren  (halt  thou  fet  king  over  thee: 
 thou  raayed  not  fet  a  ftranger  over  thee,  which  is  not 
 thy  brother. 
 
 'l6  But  he  fhall  not  multiply  horfes  to  hlmfelf,  nor 
 caufe  the  people  to  return  to  Egypt,  to  the  end  that 
 he  rhouid  multiply  horlies  :  foralmuch  as  the  Lord 
 hath  faid  unto  you,  Ye  (hall  henceforth  return  no 
 more  that  way. 
 
 17  Neither  fhall  he  multiply. wives  to  himfelf,  that 
 his  heart  turn  not  away  ;  neither  flrall  he  greatly  mul¬ 
 tiply  to  himfelf  filver  and  gold. 
 
 18  And  it  fhall  be,  when  he  fitteth  upon  the  throne 
 of  his  kingdom,  that  he  fhall  write  him  a  copy  of  this 
 law  in  a  book,  out  of  that  xv/tich  is  before  the  priefis 
 the  Levites. 
 
 19  And  it  fhall  be  with  him,  and  he  fliall  read  there¬ 
 in  all  the  days  of  his  life  ;  that  he  may  learn  to  fear 
 the  J^RD  his  God,  to  keep  all  the  words  of  this  law, 
 and  toefe  datutes,  to  do  them  : 
 
 20  That  his  heart  be  not  lifted  up  above  his  bre¬ 
 thren,  and  that  he  turn  not  afide  from  the  command¬ 
 ment,  to  the  right  hand  or  to  the  left :  to  the  end  that 
 he  may  prolong  his  days  in  his  kingdom,  he,  and  his 
 children,  in  the  midd  of  Ifrael.* 
 
 CHAP.  XVI If. 
 
 1  The  Lord  is  Ihe  pries’  and  ihe  Levites'  inheritance.  3  The  priejl's 
 
 due,  6  The  LevUe’s  portion.  9  The  abominations  qf  the  nations  to 
 
 be  avoided.  13  .rl  promife  of  Chrijl  as  a  prophet. 
 
 TLIE  prieds  the  Levites,  onrfall  the  tribe  of  Levi, 
 »  fhall  have  no  part  nor  inheritance  with  Ifrael ; 
 they  ^  fhall  eat  the  offerings  of  the  Lord  made  by 
 hre,  and  his  inheritance. 
 
 2  Therefore  fhall  they  have  no  inheritance  among 
 their  brethren  ;  the  Lord  is  their  inheritance,  as  he 
 hath  faid  unto  them. 
 
 3  If  And  this  fhall  be  the  pried^s  due  from  the 
 people,  from  them  that  offer  a  facrifice,  whether  it  be 
 
 IJcfore 
 
 Ciirill 
 
 I'i.ol. 
 
 preRnt,  knowing  that  Ifrael,  under  the  influence  of  difaffeeSlion  from  his  govern¬ 
 ment,  or  of  ambition  to  emulate  the  nations,  would  defire  a  king,  gracioufly  con- 
 detcends  to  permit  them  to  enjoy  the  objedl  of  defire,  probably  on  the  fame  prin¬ 
 ciple  that  polygamy  was  allowed,  becaufe  of  the  hardnefs  of  their  hearts.  But  to 
 prevent  as  far  as  poiTible  every  evil  rtmfequence  of  their  condudi,  be  deferibes  the 
 diaradler  whom  they  were  to  choofe,  one  who  (liould  exert  all  his  influence  to 
 keep  them  in  the  way  of  the  Lord.  Ver.  I.?.  God  ftcill  choefc,  by  his  Spirit  fpeak- 
 ing  by  the  prophets,  by  Urim  and  Thummim,  or  by  the  lot.  Vcr.  16.  Egypt  was 
 diftinguifhed  by  the  flrength  and  beauty  of  its  horfes,  which  were  confidered  the 
 ftrengtb  of  the' country.  But  Ifrael’s  flrength  was  the  Lord,  and  their  king 
 mull  do  nothing  teriding  to  make  them  depart  from  the  Lord  ;  and  tlierefore  he 
 is  llriclly  prohibited  from  ftrengthening  the  nation  by  means  refembling  that  to 
 which  Egypt  or  any  idolatrous  nation  reforted.  Egypt  is  put  here  for  any  heathen 
 njtion. 
 
 Explanatory  notes.  Chap.  XVIII.  Ver.  I,  TLo  party  is  under- 
 flood  by  the  Jews  to  mean,  no  part  of  the  fpoils  of  any  enemy,  which  on  fome  oc- 
 cafions  was  very  great,  Jolh.  xxii.  8.  Becaufe  the  Levites  were  engaged  in  the 
 religious  fervice  of  the  nation,  the  Lord  would  have  them  unencumbered  by 
 civil  affairs,  compare  chap.  x.  8,  9.  2  Tim.  iii.  4.  The  inheritance  of  the  priofts 
 confilled  of  gifts  granted  to  them  by  the  eleven  tribes  of  Ifrael :  the  miraber  of 
 thefe  gifts,  according  to  the  Jews,  was  twenty-four,  all  expreffed  in  the  law. 
 
 OX  or  fheep  ;  and  they  fhall  give  unto  the  ptieft  the 
 fhoulder,  and  the  two  cheeks,  and  the  maw. 
 
 4  The  firfl-fruit  also  of  thy  corn,  of  thy  wine,  and 
 of  thine  oil,  and  the  firli  of  the  fleece  of  thy  Iheep, 
 ibalt  thou  give  him. 
 
 5  For  the  Lord  thy  God  hath  chof  n  him  out  of 
 all  thy  tribes,  to  Hand  to  minilter  in  the  name  of  the 
 Lord,  him  and  his  fons  for  ever. 
 
 6  U  And  if  a  Levite  come  from  any  of  thy  gates 
 out  of  all  Ifrael,  v/here  he  fojourned,  and  come  with 
 all  the  defire  of  his  mind  unto  the  place  which  the 
 Lord  fhall  choofe ; 
 
 7  Then  he  fhall  minifler  in  the  name  of  the  Lord 
 his  God,  as  all  his  brethren  the  Levites  do,  whicn 
 Hand  there  before  the  I.ord. 
 
 8  They  fhall  have  like  portions  to  eat,  befides 
 f  that  which  cometh  of  the  fale  of  his  patrimony.  t 
 
 9  H  When  thou  art  come  into  the  land  which  the 
 Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee,  thou  fhalt  not  learn  to  doy^j,'^^, 
 after  the  abominations  of  thole  nations.. 
 
 10  There  fhalt  not  be  found  among  you  any  '  one 
 that  maketh  his  fon  or  hi.s  daughter  =  to  pal’s  through 
 the  fire,  or  that  ufeth  divination,  or  an  cblerver 
 times,  or  an  enchanter,  or  a  w^itch, 
 
 1 1  Or  a  charmer,  or  a  confulter  with  familiar  ^  i-evit. 
 fpirits,  or  a  wizard,  or  a  '  necromancer. 
 
 12  For  all  that  do  thefe  things  are  an  abominaticn  os.  7. 
 unto  the  Lord  :  and  becaufe  of  tnele  abominations 
 
 the  Lord  thy  God  doth  drive  them  out  from  before 
 thee. 
 
 13  Thou  fhalt  be  perfeff  with  the  Lord  thy  God.. 
 
 14  For  thefe  nations,  which  thou  fhalt  11  poflefs  H 
 hearkened  unto  obfervers  of  times,  and  unto  diviners :  *'*^"‘** 
 but  as  for  thee,  the  Lord  thy  God  bath  not  fuffered 
 thee  fb  to  do. 
 
 15  U  f  The  Lord  thy  God  will  raife  up  unto  thee  f  John 
 
 a  Prophet  from  the  raidft  of  thee,  of  thy  brethen,  ^5. 
 like  unto  me  ;  unto  him  ye  fhall  hearken  ;  ^  ^ 
 
 16  According  to  all  that  thou  defireft  of  the  Lord  7.'  37] 
 thy  God  in  Horeb,  in  the  day  of  the  affembly,  faying, 
 
 s  Let  m.e  not  hear  again  the  voice  of  the  Lord  my  g  Exod. 
 God,. neither  let  me  fee  this  great  fire  any  more,  that-®- 
 I  die  not. 
 
 Numb,  xviii.  Ver.  3.  That  ofer facrifice.  Literally,  that  flay  a  flaughter;  the 
 original  lignifleth,  to  kill  a  bead,  whether  it  was  to  be  oflTered  in  facrifice  or  not. 
 It  has  the  moft  extenfive  meaning  here;  for  the  minifters  of  the  faniSluary  were 
 to  receive  a  part  of  every  animal  llain  for  common  food  as  well  as  that  offered  in 
 facrifice  to  God.  Ver.  9 — 12.  Of  the  idol  Moloch,  to  whom  children  were  de¬ 
 dicated  by  paffing  through  the  fire,  fee  Note  on  Lev.  xviii.  21.  xx.  2 — 6.  Ainf- 
 worth  fuppofes  that  diviners  pretended  to  know  futurity,  by  attending  to  in¬ 
 ward  emotions,  obferver  of  the  flying  of  fowls,  movement  of  the  clouds,, 
 
 and  planets;  aii  enchanter  is  one,  who  to  gain  reputation  of.  fujierior  knowledge, 
 and  impofe  on  the  credulous,  too  curioufly  obferves  and  abufes  ordinary  events, 
 as  figns  of  fomething  good  or  bad  in  the  womb  of  futurity  ;  a  charadler,  not 
 confined  to  Pagan  nations,  nor  to  ancient  Ifrael.  Otforcery  and  witchcraft,  and 
 the  other  arts  mentioned,  fee  Note  on  A6ls  viii.  9.  xv.  16 — 18.  Ver.  13.  The 
 perfebiion  to  which  we  arc  exhorted,  and  for  the  attainment  of  which,  fome  of  the 
 people  of  God  are  highly  commended,  is  inflexible  integrity  or  uprightnefs  in 
 mind  and  condudl,  regulated  by  the  laws  of  God,  fee  Gen.  vi.  9.  xvii.  1.  Job  i.  I. 
 Pfal.  ci.  2.  \er.  15 — 20.  We  liave  bere  the  cleareti  prophecies  of  Chrift  which 
 is  to  be  found  in  the  law.  God  promifes  to  raife  up  a  prophet,  mighty  in  word 
 and  deed,  and  fuch  was  our  divine  Lord  ;  like  :Mofes,  both  as  a  ^deeraer  and 
 ruler,  but  foperior,  as  his  deliverance  and  rule  are  fpiritual  and  eterual,  whom  all 
 mufl.  litlen  unto  with  implicit  faith,  otherwifethey  muff  experience  everlaflinT  con- 
 
 fubfla 
 fuhjedl 
 
 fures :  by  it  kings  as  well  as  fuhjedls  fliall  be  judged.  In  it  let  us  meditate  day  and  night,  that  we  may  be  thoroughly  furniflied  to  every  good  word  and  work  The 
 tear  of  God  powerfully  induces  to  obey  the  divine  law ;  it  is  the  fecuriiy  of  thrones,  the  fafety  of  nations  and  the  happinefs  of  families  and  individuals. 
 
OJ  the  cilks  0^ 
 
 DEUTERONOMY. 
 
 The  murderer  must  he  pul  to 
 
 Before 
 
 Chriil 
 
 1451. 
 
 a  Chap. 
 
 1 2.  29. 
 
 f  Ileb. 
 inherilesl, 
 or  pos- 
 srjjeit. 
 b  Exod. 
 21.  13. 
 Numl). 
 35.  10. 
 Jofliua 
 20.  2. 
 
 17  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  me,  They  have  wel 
 spoken  that  which  they  haVj^  fpoken. 
 
 18  1  will  rail'e  them  up  4  Prophet  from  among  their 
 brethren,  like  unto  thee,  and  w'ill  put  my  words  in 
 his  mouth  ;  and  he  Ihall  I'peak  unto  them  all  that  1 
 fhall  command  him. 
 
 19  And  it  (hall  come  to  pals,  that  whofoever  will 
 not  hearken  unto  my  words,  which  he  (hall  fpeak  in 
 my  name,  I  will  require  it  of  him. 
 
 20  But  the  prophet  which  fhall  prefurae  to  fpeak 
 a  w’ord  in  my  name,  which  I  have  not  commanded  him 
 to  fpeak,  or  that  (hall  fpeak  in  the  name  of  other  gods, 
 even  that  prophet  (hall  die. 
 
 21  f  And  if  thou  lay  in  thine  heart.  How  (hall  we 
 know  the  word  which  the  Lord  hath  not  fpoken  ? 
 
 22  When  a  prophet  fpeaketh  in  the  name  of  the 
 Lord,  if  the  thing  follow  not,  nor  come  to  pafs,  that 
 is  the  thing  which  the  Lord  bath  not  fpoken,  but  the 
 prophet  hath  fpoken  it  prefumptuoufly  ;  thou  (halt  not 
 be  afraid  of  him.* 
 
 CHAP.  XIX. 
 
 1  The  cities  of  refuge  :  A  the  privilege  thereof  for  the  man-Jlayer.  14 
 
 The  land-  ntir/c  is  not  to  be  removed.  1 5  Two  witnrffis  at  the  least. 
 16  The  punishment  of  a  false  witness. 
 
 HEN  the  Lord  thy  God  ^  hath  cut  off  the 
 nations,  whole  land  the  Lord  thy  God  giveth 
 thee,  and  thou  f  fucceedeft  them,  and  dwellell  in  their 
 cities,  and  in  their  houfes  ; 
 
 w 
 
 2  ^  I  hou  fhalt  feparate  three  cities  for  thee  in  the 
 
 f  Heb. 
 from  yes¬ 
 terday  the 
 ihird  day. 
 
 t  Hot. 
 
 iror- 
 t  Heb. 
 wood. 
 t  Heb. 
 jindeXh. 
 
 midft  of  thy  land,  which  the  Lord  thy  God  giveth 
 thee  to  pblTefs  it’. 
 
 3  Thou  (halt  prepare  thee  away,  and  divide  the 
 coafts  of  thy  land,  which  the  Lord  thy  God  giveth 
 thee  to  inherit,  into  three  parts,  that  every  (layer  may 
 flee  thither.  * 
 
 4  H  And  this  is  the  cafe  of  the  flayer  which  fhall 
 flee  thither,  that  he  may  live :  Whofo  killeth  his 
 neighbour  ignorantly,  whom  he  hated  not  f  in  time 
 paft; 
 
 5  As  when  a  man  goeth  into  the  wood  with  his 
 neighbour  to  hew  wood,  and  his  hand  fetcheth  a 
 Ilroke  with  the  axe  to  cut  down  the  tree,  and  the 
 f  head  flippeth  from  the  f  helve,  and  f  lighteth  upon 
 his  neighbour,  that  he  die ;  he  (hall  flee  unto  one  of 
 thofe  cities,  and  live : 
 
 6  Lett  the  avenger  of  the  blood  purfue  the  flayer* 
 
 demnation.  He  is  here  oppofed  to  every  falfe  pretender  to  knowledge  of  the 
 mind  of  God  and  future  events,  who,  while  they  deceived  the  people  that  they 
 might  advance  their  own  intereft,  were  the  moft  diftinguithed  inftruments,  whom 
 Satan  employed  to  oppofe  the  kingdom  of  Mefliah.  Men  naturally  defire  to 
 know  what  iliall  be,  and  hence  are  eager  enough  to  liften  to  any  impotlor. 
 Eet  them  hear  Cbrill ;  for  he  hath  demontlrated  that  the  Father  hath  revealed 
 all  things  to  him,  and  it  is  his  pleafure,  joy,  and  glory,  to  reveal  the  divine  will 
 to  men.  Thofe  who  rejexfted  his  perfonal  miniftry  were  rejedled  by  God  ;  their 
 cities  were  depopulated,  and  they  were  themfelves  reduced  to  a  ftate  of  incon¬ 
 ceivable  wretchednefs.  Ver.  20 — 23.  This  palTage  contains  the  rule  by  which 
 one  xvas  to  be  adjudged  a  falfe  prophet,  and  ithe  punifhment  to  which  he  was  fub- 
 je(5ted.  If  he  Ijjoke  in  favour  of  idolatry,  and  confequently  oppofed  what  was 
 already  known  to  be  the  divine  will ;  or  if  be  foretold  events  which  were  not 
 fulfilled,  he  w'as  to  fufFer  death.  This  was  a  plain  rule  adapted  to  every  capa¬ 
 city  ;  if  an  Ifraelite  was  deceived,  it  mutt  have  been  voluntary  deception.  By 
 what  rule  were  the  faithful  prophets,  and  the  Lord  of  the  prophets,  put  to  death 
 by  the  Jewifli  nation  ?  Surely  they  knew  not  what  they  did  ;  Satan  had  blinded 
 their  hearts. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XIX.  Ver.  1,  2.  Effeaual  provifion 
 
 becaufe  the 
 he  TO/2S  not 
 inasmuch  as  he  hated  him  not  t  in 
 
 while  his  heart  is  hot,  and  overtake  him, 
 way  is  long,  and  f  flay  him ;  whereas 
 w'orthy  of  death, 
 time  paft. 
 
 7  Wherefore  I  command  thee,  faying, 
 feparate  three  cities  for  thee. 
 
 Cl, 
 
 nil 
 
 1451, 
 
 Thou  (haltLiJ'^ 
 
 in 
 
 8  And  if  the  Lord  thy  God  <=  enlarge  thy  coaft, 
 
 he  hath  fworn  unto  thy  fathers,  and  give  thee  all  thetm,'„^ 
 land  which  hepromifed  to  give  unto  thy  fathers ; 
 
 9  If  thou  (halt  keep  all  thefe  commandments  to  do?P’“i>- 
 
 them,  which  I  command  thee  this  day,  to  love  the 
 
 1 2.  20. 
 ‘1  then  d  Jofiv 
 
 Lord  thy  God,  and  to  walk  ever  in  his  ways 
 (halt  thou  add  three  cities  more  for  thee,  befides  thefe 
 three  ; 
 
 10  That  innocent  blood  be  not  (hed  in  thy  land, 
 which  the  Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee, /or  an  inheri¬ 
 tance  ;  and  so  blood  be  upon  thee. 
 
 11  f  But  if  any  man  hate  his  neighbour,  and  lie  in 
 wait  for  him,  and  rife  up  againft  him,  and  fmite  him 
 
 t  mortally  that  he  die,  and  fleeth  into  one  of  thefe  f  Heb. 
 cities;  ^ 
 
 12  Then  the  elders  of  his  city  (hall  fend  and  fetch 
 him  thence,  and  deliver  him  into  the  hand  of  the 
 avenger  of  blood  that  he  may  die. 
 
 13  Thine  eye  (hall  not  pity  him  :  but  thou  (hall  put. 
 away  the  guilt  of  innocent  blood  from  Ifrael,  that  it 
 may  go  well  with  thee. 
 
 14  ^  Thou  (halt  not  remove  thy  neighbour’s  land¬ 
 mark,  which  they  of  old  time  have  fet  in  thine  inheri¬ 
 tance,  which  thou  (halt  inherit  in  the  land  that  the 
 Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee  to  po(Fefs  it. 
 
 15  11  ®  One  witnefs  (hall  not  rife  up  againft  a  mane  Numb, 
 for  any  iniquity,  or  for  any  fin,  in  any  fin  that  he  fin- 
 neth  :  at  the  mouth  of  two  witnefiTes,  or  at  the  mouth 
 
 of  three  witnelTes,  (hall  the  matter  be  eftabliflied.  Matth. 
 
 16  t  If  a  falfe  witnefs  rife  up  againft  any  man,  to 
 teftify  againft  him  1|  that  'which  is  wrong  ; 
 
 17  Then  both  the  men,  between  whom  the  contro-s  Cor. 
 
 verfy  is,  (hall  ftand  before  the  Lord,  before  the  priefts  is.  i. 
 and  the  judges  which  (hall  be  in  thofe  days.  g'"- 
 
 18  And  the  judges  (hall  make  diligent  inquifition  :  jj  dr  ’ 
 and,  behold,  if  the  witnefs  be  a  falfe  witnefs,  and  hath/nWn^ 
 teftified  falfely  againft  his  brother  ; 
 
 19  ^  Then  (haU  ye  do  unto  him  as  he  had  thought 
 
 to  have  done  unto  his  brother  :  lb  (halt  thou  put  the  Dar.ik 
 evil  away  from  among  you.  6. 24. 
 
 t' 
 
 is  here  made  for  the  perfon  who  killed  another  by  accident,  and  alfo  for  tht 
 puniftiment  of  him  who  was  convicted  of  murder.  Three  cities  had  been  al¬ 
 ready  fet  apart  on  that  fide  Jordan,  chap.  iv.  41,  43.  Jofli.  xx.  7.  Numb.  xxrv.  C. 
 in  addition  to  which,  three  cities  are  here  appointed  for  -  the  land  poiTelled  by 
 the  ten  tribes.  Ver.  3.  The  land  was  to  be  divided  into  three  parts,  in  each  ol 
 which  was  to  be  a  city  of  refuge.  As  the  country  was  of  greater  length  than 
 breadth,  three  cities  at  equal  diftances  from  each  other,  were  neceflary  for  l!« 
 benefit  of  thofe  who  might  require  to  flee  to  them.  The  roads  leading  to  tk4| 
 cities  were  to  be  kept  clear  of  every  impediment,  and  ports  fet  up  wherever  t«o, 
 roads  feparated,  with  Mihlat,  Refuge,  written  on  them,  pointing,  to  the  city,  tlia! 
 the  man-llayer  might  not  err ;  and  when  once  fafely  arrived  there,  no  fword  ot 
 the  purfuer  might  touch  him.  Ver.  5.  As  when  a  man  goeth  into  a  wood.  Ibi4 
 is  noticed  nrerely  for  the  fake  of  an  example ;  and  applies  to  all  like  cafes.  AiiJl 
 live  there,  till  the  death  of  the  high  priert.  Numb.  xxxv.  25.  Ver.  3,  9.  IfiaelSj 
 difobedience  prevented  their  enjoining  the  privilege  promifed  here.  It  perfiap: 
 contains  a  fpiritual  promife,  couched  in  figurative  language,  and  has  its  fulfil¬ 
 ment  in  Chrift,  in  whom  all  who  flee  to  him  for  refuge  find  fafety  from  diviw 
 vengeance.  Heb.  vi.  18.  Ver.  11,  12.  No  place,  not  even  the  holy  altar  co'jM 
 protc-a  from  death  the  murderer,  who  had  intentionally  flain  any  one,  or  l)a> 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. _ *  Chap.  XVIII.]  If  we  love  God’s  houfe  we  will  liberally  contribute  to  the  fupport  oHiis  miniflers  ;  and  they,  vM 
 
 provided  for,  will  not  willingly  entangle  themfelves  with  worldly  affairs.  A  worldly  minded  minifter  is  a  fcandal  to  his  profeffioD— a  living  lie  !  It  is  fhockmg  to  I 
 
 -  . _ _ _ _ /■ _ i  _ Tnrf nno.+iaillitifr.  WltcllCrBftj  flnci  tll6  liks  !  AdorCu  3.11(1 
 
 in  a  country  priviliged  with  gofpel  light,  affeaation  of  fellowrtiip  with  the  devil,  in  charms,  fortune-telling,  - , -  .1;  ' 
 
 .  -  ,  ,  e - ...u..  u-.i,  j.a - A  - 1,..  -.e  I  Bieffed  are  they  who  hear'  his  voice  j  but  they  who  dil'regard  him  are  lu 
 
 which  hatn  rifen  up  for  us  the  Prophet,  who  hath  dertroyed  the  works  of  Satan  ! 
 danger  of  ete.rcal  dertruaion  ;  all  his  enemies  fhall  jperilb,  but  his  name  Ihall  endure  for  ever. 
 
f 
 
 /jfi'  lo  halilc. 
 
 ’The  exhortation  'when  goi/u 
 
 20  And  thofe  which  remain  lhall  hear,  and  fear, 
 and  ihall  henceforth  commit  no  more  any  fuch  evil 
 
 DiaiTKRONOMY. 
 
 Levit. 
 24.  20. 
 
 5.  58. 
 
 .  Tixorf- ,  AnXthine  eye  ihall  not  pity  ;  but  e  life go 
 21.  2-3.  lifcj  cyG  for  eye,  tooth  for  tooth,  h3.nu  lor  htind, 
 
 foot  for  foot  A 
 
 CHAP.  XX. 
 
 1  The  nrirfl's  exortnlion  te  encourage  the  people  to  battle.  5  The  ojji- 
 ccr’s  procluuialion  who  are  to  he  difmiffcd  Teom  tlie  war.  10  How  lo 
 ufe  the  cities  that  accept  or  r^ufe  Ike  proclamation  oj peace, ^c. 
 
 -r^xlIEN  thou  goeft  out  to  battle  agmnlt  thine 
 enemies,  and  feeft  horl'es  and  chariots,  and  a 
 people  more  than  thou,  be  not  airaid  of  them ;  for 
 the  I.ORD  thy  God  k  with  thee,  which  brought  thee 
 
 up  out  of  the  land  ot  Egypt.  _ 
 
 2  And  it  flaall  be,  when  ye  are  come  mgh  unto  the 
 battle,  that  the  prieft  ihall  approach  and  fpealc  unto 
 
 the  people.  ^ 
 
 3  And  ihall  fay  unto  them,  Hear,  O  lirael ;  1  e 
 approach  this  day  unto  battle  againft  your  enemies : 
 let  not  your  hearts  f  faint;  fein  not,  and  do  not 
 
 Prac^ JO  '  Aa  'rned  to  th> 
 
 a  city  to  figh 
 
 ]0«1  When  thou  comf  fl:  nigh  unto 
 againil  it,  then  proclaimY'-af'*  onto  it. 
 
 1 1  And  it  ihall  be,  if  ii  make  thee  anfwruf  peace-, 
 and  open  unto  thee,  then  it  ihall  be,  that  all  the  j'.-  >ple 
 that  k  found  therein  ihall  be  tributaries  unu  )thc-e,  an  .l 
 
 t'  ri'ti:... 
 
 r.'X.ra 
 (  liri’l 
 
 in. 
 
 -.-—r-O 
 
 w 
 
 /ill 
 
 ^  Ueb 
 
 he  tender,  i.  tremble,  neither  be  ye  terrified  becaufe  of  them, 
 t  Ht-b.  ^  Pqj.  Lord  your  God  is  he  that  goeth  with 
 to  fight  for  you  againft  your  enemies,  to  fave 
 
 intake 
 
 htjle. 
 
 you 
 
 A^oti. 
 
 5  «|I  And  the  officers  iliall  fpeak  unto  the  people, 
 faying,  What  man  k  there  that  hath  built  a  new  houfe, 
 and  hath  not  dedicated  it  ?  let  him  go  and  return  to 
 his  houfe,  left  he  die  in  the  battle,  and  another  man 
 dedicate  it. 
 
 they  fhall  ferve  thee. 
 
 l'2  And  if  it  will  make  no  peace  with  th'  e,  bul 
 make  w'ar  againft  thee,  then  thou  fhalt  befiege  if . 
 
 13  And  when  the  Lord  thy  God  hath  delivered  it 
 into  thine  hands,  thou  fhalt  finite  every  male  tfiercof 
 with  the  edge  of  the  fw^ord  ; 
 
 14  But  the  women,  and  the  little  ones,  and  <=  the^ 
 cattle,  and  all  that  is  in  the  city,  e-ren  all  the  fpoil  '• 
 thereof,  fhalt  thou  f  take  unto  thyfelf ;  and  thou  fhalt 
 eat  the  fpoil  of-  thine  enemies,  which  the  Lord  thy'^'’“ 
 God  hath  given  thee. 
 
 1.5  Thus  fhalt  thou  do  unto  all  the  cities  which  are 
 I  very  far  off  from  thee,  which  are  not  of  the  cities  of 
 thefe  nations. 
 
 16  ^  But  of  the  cities  of  thefe  people, _  which  the 
 Lord  thy  God  doth  give  thee,/o?-an  inheritance,  thou 
 =  fhalt  fave  alive  nothing  that  bfeatheth  : 
 i  1 7  But  thou  fhalt  utterly  deftroy  them  ;  nameli^,  the 
 i  Hittites,  and  the  Amorites,  the  Canaanites,  and  the 
 Terizzites,  the  Elivites,  and  the  Jebufites,  as  the 
 ;  Lord  thy  God  hath  commanded  thee : 
 
 !  1 8  That  they  teach  you  not  to  do  after  all  their 
 
 abominations,  which  they  have  done  unto  their  gods  ; 
 fo  fhould  ye  fin  againft  the  Lord  your  God. 
 
 f  Ileb. 
 made  it 
 com  irum. 
 See  Lev. 
 19.  2.3. 
 a  Chap. 
 24.  5. 
 
 .  ^  •  .  J  tr,  O 
 
 .  ,  I  19  <11  When  thou  flialt  befiege  a  city  a  long  tune,'  man,  the 
 
 6  And  wffiat  man  zs /ic  tiiat  hath  planted  a  Vineyard,  making  wai*  againft  it  to  take  it,  thou  fhalt  noti’-eeofthe 
 and  hath  not  yet  f  eaten  of  it?  let  him  alfo  go  the  trees  thereof  by  forcing  an  axe  againfif 
 
 return  unto  his  houfe,  left  he  die  in  the  battle,  and  j;  .  jpg^.  p^ou  mayeft  eat  of  them,  and  thou  fhalt 
 another  man  eat  of  it.  ...  .  ,  I  not  cut  them  down,  (1|  for  the  tree  of  the  field  w  man’s 
 
 7  “  And  wbat  man  Mere  that  hath  betrothed  a  )  employ  them  in  the  fiege  : 
 wife,  and  hath  not  taken  het-^  let  him  go  and  letum  j  Only  the  trees  which  thou 
 
 unto  his  houfe,  left  he  die  in  battle,  and  anotner  ^  . 
 
 man  take  her. 
 
 8  And  the  officers  fhall  fpeak  further  unto  the  peo- 
 h  Judges  pie,  and  they  fhall  fay,  \^ffiat  man  is  there  that  is  fear- 
 
 ful  and  faint-hearted  ?  let  him  go  and  return  unto  his 
 houfe,  left  his  brother’s  heart  f  faint  as  well  as  his 
 heart. 
 
 9  And  it  fhall  be,  when  the  officers  have  made  an 
 end  of  fpeaking  unto  the  people,  that  they  fhall  make 
 captains  of  the  aiinies  f  to  lead  the  people. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 melt. 
 t  Heb. 
 to  be  in 
 the  head 
 of  the 
 people. 
 
 hated  the  perfon  whom  he  had  murdered,  Exod.  xxi.  14.  Prov.  xxviii.  17.  Ver. 
 14.  To  remove  the  limits  of  another’s  property  was  a  fin  in  any  place,  Jobxxiv.  2. 
 but  greatefi,  in  the  holy  land,  which  was  divided  by  the  lot  of  the  Lord,  and  de-  | 
 figncd  to  prefigure  the  inheritance  of  the  faints,  Deut.  xxvii.  17.  Ver.  19.  As  he 
 thought,  prefnmptuoufly  devifed  or  enterprifed  ;  or  malicioufly  thought.  | 
 
 explanatory  NOTES.  Chap.  XX.  Ver.  1.  Ifrael  had  to  contend 
 againft  numerous  and  formidable  enemies,  and  Jehovah  as  the  captain  of  their 
 hoft,  gives  them  here  the  neceffary  inftru<5tions  which  were  to  regulate  their 
 future  warfare.  They  were  never  to  be  the  firft  aggrefibrs,  except  when  God 
 cXprefsly  commanded  them,  as  in  th.e  cafe  of  Amalek,  and  the  feven  nations  of 
 Canaan,  chap.  ii.  24.  vii.  1,  17,  18.  But  they  were  allowed  to  defend  themfelves 
 againft  any  enemy,  who  dared  to  attack  them,  except  when,  for  their  fins,  they 
 were  cxprefsly  commanded  to  fubmit  to  be  ruled  by  foreign  power,  Judg.  xi.  4. 
 12,  27.  2  Sam.  x.  2.  6,  7.  comp.  Jer.  xxvii.  12.  Ver.  2.  The  prieft  was  employed 
 to  infpire  Ifrael  with  courage  ere  they  commenced  battle.  Thus  they  had  the 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 Only  the  trees  which  thou  know’eft  that  they^"^®;^’’'””' 
 be  not  trees  for  meat,  thou  fhalt  deftroy  and  cut  them/^^e. 
 down  ;  and  thou  fhalt  build  bulv^ks  againft  the  city  f  He'-, 
 that  maketh  war  with  thee,  until  f  it  be  fubdued.f  'f 
 CHAP  XXI. 
 
 1  flic  expiation  of  an  uncertain  murder.  10  The  ufage  of  a  captive 
 taken  to  wife.  15  The  jiijl-born  fon  is  not  to  be  difmherilrd  upon 
 private  affection.  18  Aftubbornfon  mujl  bejioned  to  death, 
 
 IF  one  be  found  flain  in  the  land  which  the  Lord 
 thy  God  giveth  thee  to  poflefs  it,  Ipng  in  the  field, 
 and  it  be  not  knovai  who  hath  flain  him  ; 
 
 word  of  God,  and  his  tninifters  to  Ifr^gtl^en  their  hearts,  that  tliey  inlgli?  fight, 
 the  battles  of  the  Lord  in  faith.  The  |rumpcts  of  war  were  alfo  blow-n  that  the 
 Lord  might  rerricmber  them,  and  fave  them  from  their  enemies,  Numb.  x.  8,  9. 
 2  Chron.  xiii.  12.  Ver.  5 — 9.  This  pafiTage  ftrongly  inrimates  that  men  are  to 
 be  refolute,  fcarlefs  of  danger  in  tlie  battles  cf  the  Lord,  Judg.  ix.  17.  Acts  xx. 
 22 — 24.  xxi.  15.  Hence  thofe  whotfe  hearts  were  much  fet  on  their  poiTofilon-;, 
 or  domeftic  enjoyments,  were  not  to  join  the  army  left  their  minds,  ener\:’.tc'l  by 
 pleafure,  or  engroffed  by  too  many  perfonal  cares,  (hould  unfit  them  for  action, 
 and  caufe  a  diforderly  attack  or  difgraceful  retreat,  comp.  Judg.  vii.  .3.  Ver. 
 1 9.  The  tree,  the  fruit-tree,  ts  man's  life.  This  is  put  for  all  means  cf  fubfifteiic-.t 
 which  God  has  granted  man.  The  prohibition  w-as  fitted  to  prevent  the  ufual 
 rapacity  of  foldiers,  and  was  doubtlefs  defigned  to  teach  them  the  love  of  mercy  as 
 well  as  juftice. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXI.  Ver.  .3.  An  As_^r  was  appoin:  ^ 
 ed  to  expiate  the  fin  of  murder,  as  ordinary  facrifices  expiated  other  fins ;  and  tiiis 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XIX.]  May  our  eyes  he  ever  fixed  on  Jefus  as  llie  alone  refuge  for  the  guilty.  In  him  we  find  lafety,  and 
 every  thing  fuited  to  our  wants.  May  we  feel  habitually  a  holy  triumph  in  the  fecurity  wliich  he  affbrds  i  he  fhall  preferve  till  who  truft  in  him  from  every  miivdei- 
 of  evil ;  and  nothing  fhall  feparate  them  from  his  unfpeakable  love  and  prote<5lion.  He  alfo  is  the  plain  and  fafe  way  to  the  eternal  city,  and  he  who  walks  by  faith 
 in  him  is  eternally  bleffed.  But  the  difobedient  and  unh.elieving  muft  perifli ;  no  law  can  protetft  them  from  eternal  punifhment. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — •)•  Chap.  XX.]  If  we  are  affured  of  God’s  prefence  from  his  word  of  promifb  and  paft  experience,  we  may  triumph  ik 
 hope  of  furmouhting  every  difficulty  and  overcoming  every  enemy,  through  him  who  hath  loved  us.  But  we  cannot  profpbr  in  dtity  if  our  hearts  are  engaged  by  o:hci' 
 Cibje6ls :  the  covetous,  the  ambitious,  and  the  lovers  of  pleafure,  are  unfit  to  fight  with  principalities  and  powers.  The  faith  xthich  overcomes  the  world  c.m  aionif 
 enable  us  to  fight  honourably  the  battles  of  our  Lord.  Let  the  knowledge  and  experience  of  the  amazing  long-fuffering  and  mercy-  of  God  to  u.s,  difpofe  us  to  forgwe 
 and  feek  tlie  good  of  our  enemies,  leaving  it  to  God  to  execute  righteous  vengeance  on  tlie  difobedient  and  unbelieving.  Faithful  devotednefs  to  the  fervice  oi  of.-t 
 Lord,  and  unfeigned  abhorrence  of  every  idol,  of  everv  thing  diflionouring  to  him,  ought  to  diftingbifli  us, 
 
 3  G  '  1 
 
The  u/io^geq/'a  cagti-a'  tah  n-to 
 
 DEUTERONOMY. 
 
 The frj} -horn  f.'H  not  to  he  djfinJicrited. 
 
 Bcfn.e 
 C!  r'.!l 
 1 4.'j ! . 
 
 4-  m\ 
 
 f  ITeb. 
 *..'1  i-/e 
 
 I!  Or, 
 
 /»#'• 
 to  "row. 
 t  Hcb. 
 make,  or, 
 drefs. 
 
 2  I'hen  thy  elders  and  thy  judges  fhall  come  forth, 
 iiud  they  lhail  meafave  unto  the  cities  uhich  are  round 
 about  him  that  is  llain  : 
 
 y  And  it  fhall  be,  that  the  city  lehich  ts  next  unto 
 the  llain  man,  even  the  elders  of  that  city  lhail  take 
 im  heifer,  wliich  hath  not  been  wrought  with,  and 
 v.hich  hath  not  dra\^Ti  in  the  yoke ; 
 
 a  And  tlie  ciders  of  that  city  fhall  bring  dovm 
 the  heifer  unto  a  rough  vallev,  which  is  neither  eared 
 nor  fovT!,  and  Ihtill  ftrike  oif  the  heifer’s  neck  there 
 in  the  valley ; 
 
 5  And  the  priefts,  the  fons  of  Levi,  fhall  comej 
 near;  (for  them  the  Lord  thy  God  hath  chofen  toj 
 minifter  unto  him,  and  to  bleis  in  the  name  of  the! 
 Lord:)  and  by  tiieir  f  word  lhail  every  controverfy I 
 :md  every  ftroke  be  fried. 
 
 6  And  all  the  elders  of  that  city,  that  are  next  unto 
 tile  flain  fliall  walli  their  hands  over  the  heifer 
 that  is  beheaded  in  the  valley : 
 
 7  And  they  fliall  anfwer  and  fay,  Our  hands  have 
 not  died  this  blood,  neither  have  our  eyes  feen  it. 
 
 8  Be  merciful,  O  Lord,  unto  tliy  people  Ifrael, 
 
 wliom  thou  hall  redeemed,  and  lay  not  innocent  blood 
 funto  thy  people  ofifrael’s  ckuge.  And  the  blood 
 ihah  be  forgiven  them.  ! 
 
 9  So  fh'tilt  thou  put  awuy  the  guilt  o/ innocent  blood, 
 
 from  among  you,  when  thou  fhalt  do  that -dvhich  is  right; 
 in  the  fight  of  the  Lord.  _  i 
 
 10  '‘A  hen  thou  goeft  forth  to  war  againfl  thine 
 enemies,  and  the  Ldrd  thy  God  hath  delivered  them ! 
 into  thine  hands,  and  thou  haft  taken  them  captive, 
 
 1 1  And  feeft  among  the  captives  a  beautiful  wo¬ 
 man,  and  haft  a  defi-e  unto  her,  that  thou  wouldeftl 
 have  her  to  thy  wife  ; 
 
 1 2  Then  tliou  fhalt  bring  her  home  to  thine  houfe, 
 and  fhe  fhaJl  fiiave  her  head,  and  |1  f  pair  her  nails  ; 
 
 13  And  fhe  fhall  put  the  raiment  of  her  captivity 
 from  olF  lier,  and  lhail  remain  in  thine  houfe,  and  be¬ 
 wail  her  father  and  her  mother  a  full  month :  and 
 after  that  thou  llialt  go  in  unto  her,  and  be  her  huf- 
 band,  and  Ihe  lhail  be  thy  wife. 
 
 14  And  it  lhail  be,  if  thou  have  no  delight  in  her, 
 
 then  thou  lhalt  let  her  go  whiiher  (he  will ;  but  thou 
 lhalt  not  fell  her  at  all  for  mon(*y,  thou  lhalt  i\ot  make 
 erchandife  of  her,  becaufe  thou  haft  humbled  her. 
 
 mer 
 
 1451. 
 
 15  H  If  a  man  have  two  wives,  one  beloved,  and 
 another  hated,  and  they  have  bom  him  children,  doth 
 1  the  beloved  and  the  hated ;  and  i/'  the  frft-born  Ibu 
 ;  be  her’s  that  was  hated ; 
 
 1  16  Then  it  fliail  be,  when  he  maketh  his  fons  to 
 
 inherit  that  which  he  hath,  that  he  may  not  make  the 
 ion  of  the  beloved  frft-born  before  the  fon  of  the' 
 hated,  "ddiich  is  indeed  the  frft-born  ; 
 
 17  But  he  fhall  acknowledge  the  fon  of  the  hated 
 for  the  firft-bom,  by  giving  him  a  double  portion  of 
 
 all  ■[  that  he  hath ;  for  he  is  the  beginning  of  his  f  ik-b. 
 ftrength  ;  the  right  of  the  frft-born  is  his. 
 
 18  t  If  a  man  have  a  ftubborn  and  rebellious  fon,'^J’"’“^^ 
 which  wall  not  obey  the  voice  of  bis  father,  or  the 
 voice  of  his  mother,  and  that,  w^hen  they  have  chaf- 
 tened  him,  w  ill  not  hemken  unto  them  ; 
 
 19  Then  fliall  his  father  and  his  mother  lay  hold  on 
 him,  and  bring  him  out  unto  the  elders  of  his  city, 
 and  unto  the  gate  of  his  place : 
 
 20  And  they  fliall  fay  unto  the  elders  of  his  city, 
 this  our  fon  is  ftubborn  and  rebellious,  he  will  not 
 obey  our  voice  ;  he  is  a  glutton  and  a  drunkard. 
 
 21  And  all  the  men  of  his  city  fliall  ftone  him  with 
 ftones,  that  he  die  ;  fo  flialt  thou  put  evil  away  from 
 among  you  ;  and  all  Ifrael  fhall  hear,  and  fear. 
 
 22  51  And  if  a  man  have  committed  a  fn  w'orthy  of 
 death,  and  he  be  to  be  put  to  death,  and  thou  hang 
 him  on  a  tree ; 
 
 23  His  body  fhall  not  remain  all  night  upon  the  tree, 
 but  thou  flialt  in  any  wdfe  bury  him  that  day;  (fora Gal. 
 
 3  he  that  is  hanged  is  f  accurfed  of  God;)  that  thys.  i3. 
 land  be  not  defiled,  which  the  Lord  thy  God  giveth  f 
 thee  for  an  inheritance.*  ofCoT 
 
 CHAP.  xxn. 
 
 1  Of  humanity  toward  brethren.  5  The  fex  is  to  be  di/lingui/tted  by  ap¬ 
 parel.  The  dam  is  net  to  be  taken  with  her  yo7ing  07ies.  9  The  houfe 
 mnfi  have  battlements.  9  Confujton  to  be  avoided,  cj-c. 
 
 ^"^HOU  *  fhalt  not  fee  thy  brother’s  ox  or  his-iExod. 
 flieep  go  afti-ay,  and  hide  thyfelf  from  them  ; 
 
 facrifice  was  to  be  made  by  each  of  the  cities  rearefl  the  fpot  where  t!ie  mur¬ 
 dered  penon  was  found,  if  the  murderer  was  not  difeovered.  This  law  pro¬ 
 ceeded  on  the  natural  prefumpticn,  that  if  the  inhabitants  of  the  neareft  city  were 
 innocent  thofe  belonging  to  the  one  farther  dillant  were  guilty.  Not  drawn  in 
 the  y^ke  :  a  fn  nlar  caution  is  made  refpecling  the  red  heifer,  Numb.  is.  2.  Ver. 
 4.  r.ou"h  valley.  The  Hebrew  fignif.es  both  a  valley  and  a  rivulet  running 
 through  it,  Gen.  xxvi.  17,  19.  Deut  ii.  J5,  36.  Perhaps  fuch  a  valley  is  meant 
 here,  according  tc  the  Chaldaic  verlion.  Neither  eared  or  filled  at  the  time  of 
 the  facrifice,  nor,  in  the  opinion  of  tlie  Jews,  at  any  future  period.  The  cir- 
 cumftance  of  a  well  watered  fpot  in  Canaan  lying  defolate  was  calculated  to  ex- 
 pi  efs  the  odious  nature  of  that  crime  which  occafioned  itj  and  the  apprehenfion 
 was  fitted  to  make  every  proprietor  of  land  watchful  to  prevent  murder,  which 
 mi.-Tht  be  followed  with  a  ferious  lofs  to  hiralelf.  Ver.  6.  To  wajh  their  hands, 
 was  public  expreffion  of  their  innocence  of  the  crime,  and  of  their  fidelity  in  en¬ 
 deavouring  to  difeover  the  guilty  perfon,  in  order  to.  condemn  him,  Pfal.  xxvi. 
 6.  Matth.  xxvii.  14.  Ver.  8.  Shall  be  forgiven  them,  not  that  the  murder  was 
 forgiven  ;  foi  il  he  was  at  any  future  time  to  be  known,  he  muft  fulfer  death, 
 that  innocent  blood. migh’ be  expiated,  Deut.  xxi.  9.  Ver.  10 — 1-1.  This  law 
 lefeniblcs  that  of  polygamy  and  divorce  which  were  permitted  the  Jews  becaufe 
 of  their  iintradlable  difpofitions,  Matth.  xix.  8.  The  Jews  tl'.emfelves  underftood 
 this  law  refuicted  to  the  time  of  war,  when  they  were  abfent  from  their  wives, 
 and  tempted  to  concupifence.  Shave  her  head,  which  wasadilhonour  to  her.  Pair 
 
 her  nails,  or  rather,  fuffer  them  to  grow,  anotlier  means  of  marring  her  beauty. 
 After  this,  file  was  to  put  off  her  ordinary  drefs  and  put  on  mourning  apparel. 
 Thefe  things  were  fitted  to  cool  the  affe(ftion  of  the  Iffaelites  to  her  ;  or  were 
 proofs  of  her  renunciation  of  the  manners  of  her  country.  In  this  Hate  Ihe  was 
 to  remain  a  complete  month  ere  her  mailer  went  in  to  her.  Tjf  thou  have  no  de¬ 
 light  in  her.  This  feemeth  to  mean  before  marriage;  for  it  does  not  appear  that 
 God  allowed  her  to  be  put  away  after  m.arriage,  except  ^y  obferving  the  rules 
 of  divorce.  Humbled  her,  may  refer  to  her  Hate  of  humiliation  for  thirty  days  in 
 the  houfe  of  the  Ifraelite;  and  as  a  recompence  for  this  Ihe  obtained  her  liberty, 
 if  not  taken  to  he  his  wife.  Ver.  15 — 3  7.  Polygamy  was  contrary  to  the  full 
 inllitufion  by  God,  Gen.  ii.  22 — 21.  and  firll  praiTifed  by  the  pollerity  of  Cain, 
 Gen,  iv.  19.  but  it  was  afierwards  indulged  in  the  church  of  God,  and  permitted 
 till  the  time  of  the  lefonnation  by  Meffmh,  Mai.  ii.  15.  Matth.  xix.  4,  5.  Here 
 laws  are  provided  againfl  its  evii  confequcnces  in  domeflic  and  civil  life.  Ano¬ 
 ther  hated ;  that  is,  according  te,  the  feripture  idiom,  Icfs  beloved  than  the  other  fon, 
 fee  Note  on  Luke  xiv.  26  A  double  portion  was  a  privilege  of  the  firll-born, 
 which  it  w'as  not  lawful  to  alienate  to  any  of  the  children,  unlefs  the  eldell  fon 
 had  forfeited  it  by  his  infidelity  of  wickeclnefs.  Ver.  22,  23.  comp.  John  xix. 
 .31,  58,  42.  The  ulnroll  feverity  of  the  law  was  excrcifed  againfl  the  difobedient 
 fon  when  he  was  hanged  on  a  tree;  for  then  he  was  pronounced  curfed,  fee  Note 
 on  Gal.  iii.  13. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap’.  XXII.  Natural  equity  diaatcs  thefe 
 
 PfiA'^TICAL  OBSERVATIONS _ *  Chap  XXL]  The  provifion  made  here  for  certain  cafes,  to  which  no  outward  reflraints  could  reach,  teaches  us  the 
 
 vaftm’portanceofthefpi.Vu..lworrnrp  enjoined  by  our  Lord  Jefus  Chrill.  The  law  could  make  nothing  perfeA,  Imf  the  bringing  in  of  a  better  hope  dul.  by 
 which  we  draw  near  to  Gon,  Wilful  murderers  mull  die ;  no  lelfilb  affeaion  ought  to  be  regarded  in  giving  or  executing  juflice  on  them.  I.owever  fec'retly  hn 
 nwv  be  compJtted.  God  wiU  piinifh  it  at  lafl  ;  if  we  cannot  put  away  from  our  land,  let  us  pray  againft  it,  and  cflcem  that  blood  which  expiates  all  fin.  lo 
 moierve  relimon  pure,  it  is  very  necefi  iry  that  the  people  of  God  form  no  dole  connexions  with  any  one  who  gives  not  decided  evidence  of  true  godlinels.  be 
 us  carefully  guard  againfl  tlie  love  of  earthly  relations  inducing  us  to  prove  unfaithful  to  our  Cod  :  for  we  have  only  evidence  that  we  are  Ins  people,  while  w 
 love  him  fupreraely  and  ierve  him  uurefervedly. 
 
Of  humanity  tawarch  brethren^  8fc. 
 
 thou  fhall  in  any  cafe  bring  them  again  unto  thyj 
 
 brother.  ^  I 
 
 2  And  if  thy  brother  Ic  not  nigh  unto  thee,  or  if  j 
 thou  know  him  not ;  then  thou  (halt  Iningit  unto  thine 
 own  houfe,.and  it  fliall  be  with  thee  until  thy  brother  I 
 feek  after'lli’and  thou  fttalt  reftore  it  to  him  again. 
 
 3  In  like  manner  fhalt  thou  do  with  his  afs,  and  fo 
 fhalt  thou  do  with  his  raiment ;  and  with  all  lofl  thing 
 of  thy  brother’s,  which  he  hath  loft,  and  thou  halt 
 found,  ftialt  tliou  do  likewife :  thou  raayeft  not  Idde 
 thyfelf. 
 
 4  Thou  fhalt  not  fee  thy  brother’s  afs  or  his  ox  fall 
 dovm  by  the  way,  and  hide  thyfelf  from  diem ;  thou 
 ihalt  furely  help  him  to  lift  them  up  again. 
 
 5  ^  The  woman  fhall  not  wear  that  which  pertain- 
 eth  unto  a  man,  neither  fhall  a  man  put  on  a  woman’s 
 garment :  for  all  that  do  fo  are  abomination  unto  the 
 Lord  thy  God. 
 
 6  ^  If  a  bird’s  neft  chance  to  be  before  thee  in  the 
 way  in  any  tree,  or  on  the  ground,  >wJiether  they  he 
 young  ones  or  eggs,  and  the  dam  fitting  upon  the 
 young,  or  upon  the  eggs,  thou  fhalt  not  take  the  dam 
 with  the  young ; 
 
 7  But  thou  fhalt  in  any  wife  let  the  dam  go,  and 
 take  the  young  to  thee ;  that  it  may  be  well  with  thee, 
 and  that  thou  mayeft  prolong  thy  days. 
 
 8  ^  When  thou  buildeft  a  new  houfe,  then  thou 
 fhalt  make  a  battlement  for  thy  roof,  that  thou  bring 
 not  blood  upon  thine  houfe,  if  any  man  fall  from 
 thence. 
 
 9  %  Thou  fhalt  not  fow  thy  vineyard  wth  divers 
 feeds ;  left  the  f  fruit  of  thy  feed  which  thou  haft 
 
 •^“''*^^fown,  and  the  fruit  of  thy  vineyard,  be  defiled. 
 
 -  10  ^  Thou  fhalt  not  plow  with  an  ox  and  an  afs  to¬ 
 
 gether. 
 
 14  ^  Thou  fhalt  not  wear  a  gannent  of  divers  forts, 
 as  of  woollen  and  linen  together. 
 
 12  Thou  fhalt  make  thee  fringes  upon  the  four 
 f  quarters  of  thy  vefture,  wherewith  thou  covereft 
 thyfelf. 
 
 1 3  ^  If  any  man  take  a  wife,  and  go  in  unto  her, 
 
 and  hate  her.  .  . 
 
 14  And  give  occafions  of  fpeech  againft  her,  and 
 bring  up  an  evil  name  upon  her,  and  fay,  I  took  this 
 woman,  and  when  I  came  to  her,  I  found  her  not  a 
 maid : 
 
 15  Then  fhall  the  father  of  the  damfel,  and  her 
 rnother,  take  and  bring  forth  the  tokens  o/the  damfel’s 
 virginity  unto  the  elders  of  the  city  in  the  gate : 
 
 16  And  the  damfel’s  father  fhall  fay  unto  the  elders, 
 I  gave  my  daughter  unto  this  man  to  wife,  and  he 
 hateth  her ; 
 
 DEUTERONOMY. 
 
 Of  him  that  Jtan'Jereik  his  leifej  Sfc. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 b  Lev. 
 19.  19. 
 
 c  Numb. 
 15.  38. 
 t  Heb. 
 wings. 
 
 inltances  of  brotherly  kindnefs.  If  it  is  duty  to  refeue  an  animal  from  didrefs  or 
 danger,  becaufe  man’s  property,  much  more  does  it  become  men  to  indulge  mutual 
 concern  for  each  other,  comp.  Ezek  xxxiv.  4.  16.  Ver.  5.  The  fexes  were  to  be 
 diftinguilhed  from  one  another  by  a  vifible  difference  in  their  attire.  This  nature 
 teaches,  and  therefore  tlie  violation  of  this  precept  indicates  great  depravity  of 
 mind,  fee  Note  on  1  Cor.  xi.  14.  Ver.  6,  7.  This  precept  may  be  defigned  alfo  to 
 imprefs  our  minds  with  corapadion  for  one  another.  This  is"  the  ufe  which  Paul 
 makes  of  a  fnnilar  precept,  1  Cor.  ix.  9,  10.  Obedience  to  this  precept,  trivial  as 
 
 17  And,  lo,  he  hath  given  occafions  of  fpeech  a^ainjl 
 her,  faying,  1  found  not  \  hy  daughter  a  maid ;  and  yet 
 thefe  are  the  tokais  of  my  daughter’s  virginity.  And 
 they  lhall  Ipread  the  cloth  before  the  elders  of  the 
 city. 
 
 1 8  And  the  ciders  of  that  city  lhall  take  that  man 
 and  chaftil’e  him ; 
 
 19  And  they  lhall  amerce  him  in  an  hundred^^/-c’/.v 
 of  filver,  and  give  them  unto  the  father  of  the  damfel, 
 becaufe  he  hath  brought  up  an  evil  name  upon  a  virgin 
 of  Ifrael,  and  Ihe  lhall  be  his  wife ;  he  may  not  put 
 her  away  all  his  days. 
 
 20  But  if  this  thing  be  true,  and  ihe  tokens  of  virgi¬ 
 nity  be  not  found  for  the  damfel : 
 
 21  Then  they  lhall  bring  out  the  damfel  to  the  door 
 of  her  father’s  houfe,  and  tlie  men  of  her  city  fhall 
 ftone  her  with  ftones  that  file  die  ;  becaufe  fhe  hath 
 wrought  folly  in  Ifrael,  to  play  the  whore  in  her 
 father’s  houfe :  fo  fhalt  thou  put  evil  away  from 
 among,  you. 
 
 22  If  a  man  be  found  lying  v/ith  a  woman 
 ried  to  an  hufband,  then  they  fhall  both  of  them  die, 
 both  the  man  that  lay  wth  the  woman,  and  the  w'o- 
 man :  fo  fhalt  thou  put  aw'ay  evil  from  Ifrael. 
 
 23  ^  If  a  damfel  that  is  a  virgin  be  betrothed  unto 
 an  hufband,  and  a  man  find  her  in  the  city,  and  lie 
 with  her ; 
 
 24  Then  ye  fhall  bring  them  both  out  unto  the 
 gate  of  that  city,  and  ye  fhall  ftone  them  with  ftones 
 that  they  die ;  the  damfel  becaufe  fhe  cried  not,  bemg 
 in  the  city ;  and  the  mail,  becaufe  he  hath  humbled 
 his  neighbour’s  wife:  fo  fhalt  thou  put  away  evil 
 from  among  you. 
 
 25  ^  But  if  a  man  find  a  betrothed  damfel  in  the 
 field,  and  the  man  |1  force  her,  and  lie  with  her :  then  il 
 the  man  only  that  lay  with  her  fhall  die : 
 
 26  But  unto  the  dainfel  thou  fhalt  do  nothing  ;  there  hlr.  ° 
 is  in  the  damfel  no  fin  xccnihy  of  de;ith :  for  as  when 
 
 a  man  rifeth  againft  his  neighbour,  and  flayeth  him., 
 even  fo  is  this  matter : 
 
 27  For  he  found  her  in  the  field,  and  the  betrothed 
 damfel  cried,'  and  there  xvas  none  to  fave  her. 
 
 28  ^  =  If  a  man  find  a  dainfel  that  is  a  virgin,  which «  Exod. 
 is  not  betrothed,  and  lay  hold  on  her,  and  lie  with“^’ 
 her,  and  they  be  found  ; 
 
 29  Then  the  man  that  lay  with  her  fhall  give  unto 
 the  damfel’s  father  fifty  diekels  of  filver,  and  fhe  lhall 
 be  his  wife ;  becaufe  he  hath  humbled  her,  he  may 
 not  put  her  away  all  his  days. 
 
 30  5[  f  A  man  fliall  not  take  his  father’s  wife,  nor  f  Exod. 
 difeover  his  father’s  ikirt.* 
 
 it  may  appear,  has  a  greatand  precious  promife  annexed  to  it.  Ver.  8.  Concerning 
 the  roofs  of  houfes  in  the  Eali,  fee  Note  on  Mark  ii.  4.  Ver.  9.  TIty  vineyard, 
 nor  any  field,  as  we  are  taught.  Lev.  xix.  1 9.  Thefe  and  fimilar  laws  probably 
 teach  typically,  that  the  vineyard  of  the  Lord,  or  the  church,  can  only  be  productive 
 of  good  fruit,  when  the  feed,  the  word  of  God,  is  not  kept  pure,  Ifi.  v.  7.  John  xv, 
 1.  5.  Ver.  10.  Comp.  1  Tim.  iv.  18.  v  17.  Tlie  fervants  of  God  niuft  h.ave  no 
 fellowfliip  witl)  thofe  of  Antichrifl.  Ver.  30.  Fornication,  adultery,  and  inceft  of 
 every  kind  were  prohibited,  chap,  xviii. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.-—*  Chap.  XXII.]  How  merciful  and  gracious  the  divine  laws,  which  require  that  we  teftify  our  affeClion  to  men,  by 
 tender  regard  tor  them  and  whatever  is  theirs.  Since  the  people  of  God  dwell  alone,  and  are  not  reckoned  among  the  nations,  let  us  ftudy  to  be  wholly  the  Lord’s, 
 chafie  and  fpotlefs  before  Him  and  all  men.  May  we  limn  every  unhallowed  mixture  of  our  works  with  grace ;  of  nature  with  the  Holy  Spirit ;  and  boafl.  in  the 
 righteou,  nefs  of  Chrift,  as  the  gfument  which  we  define  to  put  on  before  God,  angels,  and  men,  Let  us  reckon  challity  a  precious  jewel,  a  tender  plant,  which  may  ba 
 cafiiy  bladed.  In  w  hat  deteflation  God  holds  ilanderers,  whoremongers,  and  all  unclean  perfons !  Let  them  be  detellable  among  all  faints.  Oh  !  that  we  may  be 
 prefervud  blamelefs  to  the  day  of  Chrift,  and  walk  in  love  and  purity,  as  he  walked. 
 
DEUTERONOMY. 
 
 Who  not  enter  into  the  congregation. 
 
 All  uncleannefs  to  he  avoided. 
 
 a  Xeb. 
 13.  1. 
 
 b  Numb, 
 ‘J2.  5,  6. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 good. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 turnelh 
 
 ioivard. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 JitteJl 
 down. 
 
 CHAP.  XX  in. 
 
 1  Jf  In  mm/  or  fiiai/  not  enter  into  the  congregation.  9  nndeannefs  to 
 h.‘  aroided  in  the  hofl.  15  OJ"  the  fugitive  fervant.  17  Oj' Jillhinefs. 
 18  Of  abominable  J’acrificcs.  19  Of  ufury,  kc. 
 
 He  that  is  wounded  in  the  ftones,  or  hath  his 
 privy  member  cut  off,  fhall  not  enter  into  the 
 congregation  of  the  Lord. 
 
 2  A  baftai'd  Ihall  not  enter  into  the  congregation  of 
 the  I.ORD  ;  even  to  his  tenth  generation  fliall  he  not 
 enter  into  the  congregation  of  the  Lord. 
 
 3  f  =1  An  Ammonite  or  Moabite  fliall  not  enter  into 
 the  congregation  of  the  Lord  ;  even  to  their  tenth 
 generation  fhall  they  not  enter  into  the  congregation 
 of  the  Lord  for  ever : 
 
 4  Becaufe  they  met  you  not  with  bread  and  with 
 water  in  the  way,  when  ye  came  forth  out  of  Egypt ; 
 
 .  and  ^  becaufe  they  hired  againft  thee  Balaam  the  fon 
 of  Beor,  of  Pethor  of  Mefopotamia,  to  curfe  thee. 
 
 5  Neverthelefs  the  Lord  thy  God  would  not  hear¬ 
 ken  unto  Balaam ;  but  the  I.ord  thy  God  turned 
 the  curfe  into  a  blelling  unto  thee,  becaufe  the  Lord 
 thy  God  loved  thee. 
 
 6  Thou  fhalt  not  feek  their  peace  nor  their  f  prof- 
 perity  all  thy  days  for  ever. 
 
 7  t  Thou  fhalt  not  abhor  an  Edomite ;  for  he  is 
 thy  brother :  thou  fhalt  not  abhor  an  Egyptian  ;  be¬ 
 caufe  thou  waft  a  ftranger  in  his  land. 
 
 8  The  children  that  are  begotten  of  them  fhall  enter 
 into  the  congregation  of  the  Lord  in  their  third  ge¬ 
 neration. 
 
 9  %  \^Tien  the  hoft  goeth  forth  againft  thine  ene¬ 
 mies,  then  keep  thee  from  every  wicked  thing. 
 
 10  ^  If  there  be  among  you  any  man  that  is  not 
 clean,  by  reafon  of  uncleannefs  that  chanceth  him  by 
 night,  then  fhall  he  go  abroad  out  of  the  camp ;  he 
 fhall  not  come  within  the  camp : 
 
 1 1  But  it  fhall  be,  when  evening  f  cometh  on,  he 
 fhall  wafh  himfelf  with  water ;  and  when  the  fun  is 
 down,  he  fhall  come  into  the  camp  again. 
 
 12  5  Thou  fhalt  have  a  place  alfo  without  the  camp, 
 whither  thou  fhalt  go  forth  abroad : 
 
 1 3  And  thou  fhalt  have  a  paddle  upon  thy  weapon ; 
 and  it  fhall  be,  when  thou  f  wilt  eafe  thyfelf  abroad;. 
 thou  fhalt  dig  therewith,  and  fhall  turn  back  and  cover 
 that  which  cometh  from  thee : 
 
 14  For  the  Lord  thy  God  walketh  in  the  midft  of 
 thy  camp,  to  deliver  thee,  and  to  give  up  thine  enemies 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXIII.  Ver.  1—9.  Exclufion  from 
 the  congregation  of  the  Lord  means  not  a  reje<5Iion  from  all  communion,  for 
 every  profelyte  was  permitted  in  religions  fervices ;  but  from  all  power  and 
 authority.  Illegitimate  children  and  eunuchs  were  for  ever  excluded.  Moab¬ 
 ites  and  Ammonites  were  under  the  fame  fentence,  becaufe  they  had  Ihewed 
 great  unkindnefs  to  Ifrael  in  refuting  them  provifions  on  their  march,  and  en¬ 
 deavouring  to  bring  Balaam’s  curfe  upon  them,  Numb.  xxii.  Profelytes  from 
 among  the  Edomites  and  Egyptians,  were  to  be  admitted  after  the  third  genera¬ 
 tion,  the  one  becaufe  of  their  near  relation,  and  the  other  becaufe  they  fliewed 
 kindnefs  to  Ifrael  on  their  firft  going  into  Egypt.  Ver.  10 — 14.  Soldiers  who 
 are  fo  often  in  imminent  danger,  have  efpecial  calls  to  keep  from  evil,  as  guilt 
 contraAed  muft  have  a  great  tendency  to  make  them  cowards.  If  ceremonial 
 uncleannefs  happened  to  them,  they  mull  be  feparated  from  the  camp,  as  unfit 
 to  dwell  where  God’s  prefence  appeared,  and  every  thing  indecent,  er  uncleanly 
 muft  be  carefully  avoided,  which  intimated  to  them  how  much  more  necefiary  it 
 
 before  thee ;  therefore  fliall  thy  camp  be  holy :  that  Cefore 
 he  fee  no  f  unclean  thing  in  thee,  and  turn  away  from 
 thee.  ^ 
 
 1 5  %  "Hiou  (halt  not  deliver  unto  his  mafter  the  fer- 
 
 vant  which  is  elcaped  from  his  mafter  unto  thee ;  »'ilccdne/i 
 
 16  He  fliall  dwell  with  thee,  even  among  you  in  that 
 place  which  he  fliall  choofe  in  one  of  thy  gates,  where  ' 
 
 it  f  liketh  him  beft :  thou  fhalt  not  opprefs  him.  f  h^i,. 
 
 17  ^  There  fliall  be  no  H  whore  of  the  daughters  of «  good* 
 Ifrael,  nor  a  fodomite  of  the  Ions  of  Ifrael. 
 
 1 8  f  Thou  fhalt  not  bring  the  hire  of  a  whore, 
 the  price  of  a  dog,  into  the  houfe  of  the  Lord  thy 
 God  for  any  vow ;  for  even  both  thefe  are  abomina¬ 
 tion  unto  the  Loe.d  thy  God. 
 
 19  ^  =  Thou  flialt  not  lend  upon  ufury  to  thy  bro-c  Exod. 
 ther ;  ufuiy  of  money,  ufury  of  victuals,  ufury  of  any  22.  25. 
 thing  that  is  lent  upon  ufury. 
 
 20  Unto  a  ftranger  thou  mayeft  lend  upon  ufury,  pf'  ^ 
 but  unto  thy  brother  thou  flialt  not  lend  upon  ufury ; 
 
 that  the  Lord  thy  God  may  blefs  thee  in  all  that  thou 
 fetteft  thine  hand  to  in  the  land  whither  thou  goeft  to 
 poffefs  it. 
 
 21  ^  When  thou  flialt  vow  a  vow  unto  the  LoRDd  Eccicf, 
 thy  God,  thou  flialt  not  flack  to  pay  it ;  for  the  5. 4,  5. 
 Lord  thy  God  will  furely  require  it  of  thee  ;  and  it 
 would  be  fin  in  thee. 
 
 22  But  if  thou  flialt  forbear  to  vow,  it  fliall  be  no 
 fin  in  thee. 
 
 23  That  which  is  gone  out  of  thy  lips  thou  fhaft 
 keep  and  perfomi ;  even  a  free-will-ofering,  according 
 as  thou  haft  vowed  unto  the  Lord  thy  God,  which 
 thou  haft  promiled  with  thy  mouth.  • 
 
 24  ^  \Vhen  thou  conieft  into  thy  neighbour’s  vine- 
 I  yard,  then  thou  mayeft  eat  grapes  thy  fill  at  thine  own 
 pleafure ;  but  thou  flialt  not  put  any  in  thy  veffel. 
 
 25  Wken  thou  comeft  into  the  ftanding-corn  ofe  Mau!/*, 
 thy  neighbour,  ^  then  thou  mayeft  pluck  the  ears  with 
 
 thine  hand ;  but  thou  flialt  not  move  a  fickle  unto  2. 23.  • 
 thy  neighbour’s  ftanding  com.*  Lukee.  1, 
 
 CHAP.  XXIV. 
 
 1  Of  divorce.  5  A  new  married  man  goeth  not  to  war.  6,  \0  Of  pledges. 
 
 7  Of  man-Jlealers.  8  Of  leprofi/.  14  The  hire  is  to  be  given. 
 
 1 6  Ofjujlice.  Of  charity. 
 
 WHEN  a  ®  man  hath  taken  a  wife, .  and  mamied  “ 
 
 her,  and  it  come  to  pafs  that  flie  find  no  fa-jy.  7. 
 vour  in  his  eyes,  becaufe  he  hath  found  f  fome  un-  Mark 
 
 10.  4.  f  Heb.  matter  qf  naiccdnfs. 
 
 j  was  to  preferve  their  fouls  from  the  defilement' of  fin.  Ver.  15.  16.  A  fervant 
 who  had  been  cruelly  and  unjuftly  treated,  muft  be  allowed  an  afylum  amongft 
 them.  This  law  discovered  God’s  love  to  all  ftrangers,  evfcn  in  their  baftft  con¬ 
 dition,  when  they  fought  a  refuge  in  the  land  which  he  chofe  for  himfelf ;  and 
 probably  prefigured  the  grace  of  God  m  thrift,  which  extends  equally  to  bond 
 and  free,  to  male  and  female,  and  grants  to  all  the  perfedt  freedom  of  Ions,  Cal. 
 iii.  28.  iv.  1 — 6.  Ver.  19,  20.  Conip.are  Note  on  Luke  vi.  35.  Ver.  21 — 23. 
 Concerning  vows,  fee  chap,  sxvii.  Numb.  xxx.  A  fpeedy  performance  of  vows 
 is  urged  by  the  confideration  that  life  is  fliort,  jam.  iv.  13,  14.  Vows  were  to'bc 
 paid  in  the  fandluary  at  the  folemn  feafts.  Dent.  xii.  5 — 7.  The  payment  was 
 to  confift  of  the  beft  things,  chap.  Xxii.  21.  Dent,  xxxiii.  18.  Mai.  i.  14.  and  no 
 part  was  to  be  kept  back,  Adis  v.  1 — 4.  God  will  furely  require  it;  that  is, 
 punifii  the  breach  of  vows.  This  the  term  require  fully  implies,  Gen.  ix.  5.  xlii. 
 22.  Dent.  xi.  9.  Ver.  24,  25.  Comp.  Matlh  xii.  1. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXIV.  Ver.  1.  Vneleannefsinher,  does 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XXII.]  While  we  blefs  God  that  in  Chrift  Jefus  neither  circumcifion  nor  uncircumfion  availeth  anything, 
 
 but  a  new  creature  ;  let  us  in  beholding  the  many  difqualifications  for  the  fervice  of  God  in  Ifrael,  take  heed  that  we  affoemte  not  wit  Ue  un  ru.t  u  woi  -s  o  ai 
 jiefs,  but  rather  reprove  them.  God  feverely  refents  the  injury  done  his  people  in  the  day  of  their  diftrefs.  But  they  oug  t  quic  "  y  o  orge  ®  ndv 
 
 remember  the  favours  which  they  have  received.  Let  them  attend  to  outward  cleanlinefs,  as  well  as  inward  purity  ;  for  the  one  is  as  nece  ary  o  e  ca  o  ...  > 
 
 the  other  is  to  that  of  the  foul.  Let  us  indulge  compaffion  for  tlie  affliaed  and  deftitute,  efpecially  when  fuch  have  fought  and  found  mercy  in  the  God  of  Ilratl  j 
 let  us  be  merciful  as  our  Father  in  heaven  is  merciful. 
 
DEUTERONOivr 
 
 Ti 
 
 !)  ChaP' 
 20.  7. 
 
 I  Ueb. 
 fxtyt  an}! 
 
 hm. 
 
 O/ph-d'^es, 
 
 K-'...  deannefs  in  her;  tlicn  kt  him  mite  her  a  Ml  of 
 jiyorcement,  and  give  it  in  her  hand,  and  lend  her 
 
 2  And  when  ihe  is  departed  out  of  his  houfe,  fhe 
 
 cuirnioff-mzY  eo  and  be  another  man’s  wife.  ,  .  , 
 
 3  And  ?/the  latter  hufband  hate  her,  and  write  her 
 a  bill  of  Mvorcement,  and  giveth  f  in  her  hmd,  and 
 fendeth  her  out  of  his  houfe ;  or  if  the  latter  hulband 
 die,  which  took  her  to  be  his  wife ; 
 
 4  Her  former  hufband,  which  fent  her  away,  may 
 not  take  her  again  to  be  his  wife,  after  that  fhe  is  de¬ 
 fied  ;  for  that /s  abomination  before  the  Lord  :  and 
 thou  (halt  not  caufe  the  land  to  fm,  which  the  Lord 
 thy  God  giveth  thee  for  an  inheritance.  ,  n.  n 
 
 ^  qr  b  V\rhen  a  man  hath  taken  a  new  wife,  he  ihall 
 not  go  out  to  war,  •j'  neither  ihall  he  be  charged  with 
 any  bulinefs ;  hit  be  fhall  be  free  at  home  one  year, 
 thinijhaii  (hall  chcer  up  his  wife  which  he  hath  taken. 
 
 upon  g  ^  nether  or  the  upper  mill- 
 
 fione  to  pledge  ;  for  he  taketh  a  mans  life  to  pledge. 
 
 7  ^  If  a  man  be  found  ftealing  any  of  his  bretlnen 
 of  the  children  of  Ifrael,  and  maketh  merchandife  oi 
 hhn,  or  feUethbim  ;  then  that  thief  ihall  die ;  and  thou 
 fhalt  put  evil  away  from  among  you.  ^  ^  , 
 
 c  Lftvit.  8  If  Take  heed  in  "  the  plague  of  leprofy,  that  thou 
 13. 2.  &  obferve  diligently,  and  do  according  to  all  that  the 
 M.  2.  pnefts  the  Levites  ihall  teach  you :  as  I  commanded 
 
 them, ,/y  ye  ihall  obferve  to  do.  ,  j.j  ^ 
 
 9  Remember  what  the  Lord  thy  God  did  nnto 
 Miriam 'by  the  way,  after  that  ye  were  come  forth 
 
 out  of  Egypt.  ,  ,  ,  1  i.- 
 
 10  «!I  When  thou  doit  f  lend  thy  brother  any  thing, 
 thou  ihalt  not  go  into  his  houfe  to  fetch  his  pledge. 
 
 1 1  Thou  ihalt  ftand  abroad,  and  the  man  to  whom 
 thou  doit  lend  ihall  bring  out  the  pledge  abroad  unto 
 
 '  12  And  if  tlie  man  be  poor,  thou  ihalt  not  ileep 
 
 with  his  pledge ;  „  ,  ,  .  ■■  ,1 
 
 13  In  any  cafe  thou  ihalt  deliver  him  the  pledge 
 again  when  the  fun  goeth  down,  that  he  may  ileep  in 
 his  own  raiment,  and  blefs  thee  :  and  it  ihall  be  righ- 
 teoufnefs  unto  thee  before  the  Lord  thy  God. 
 
 14  ^  Thou  ihalt  not  opprefs  an  liired  fervant  that  h 
 ^  Lcvit.  pQOj-  a^xid  needy,  whether  he  he  of  thy  brethren,  or  of 
 n?',  If*  thy  flrangers  that  are  in  thy  land  within  thy  gates ; 
 
 4  14.  15  At  his  day  thou  ihalt  give  him  his  hire,  neitl 
 
 5  Numb. 
 12.  10. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 lend  the 
 loan  of 
 any  thing 
 to,  &c. 
 
 Ill 
 
 lOT 
 
 -r  r 
 
 4. 
 
 lb  jv). 
 
 ihall  the  fm  go  d;,.vn  riy.  T' ;  f  u  '  -y-- 
 
 teth  his  heart  ;;pon  it  :  k'.  :*<:  cr/ 
 the  Lord,  and  it  be  iiii  ui,.;o  the-;;, 
 
 K)  *■  The  fathers  ihall  nor  be  put  dr-st 
 children,  neither  ihall  the  children  be  pul  t'>  ’• 
 tlie  fathers  :  every  man  ihall  be  put  to  d;  a  h 
 own  fin. 
 
 17  f  Thou  ihalt  not  pervert  the  judgmenl 
 ilranger,  7ior  of  the  fatherlefs,  nor  take  a  wld'  .w's  rai- 
 ment  to  pledge :  ^  j, 
 
 IS  But  thou  ihalt  remember  that  thou  wall  a  Ixind-^; 
 man  in  Egy'pt,  and  the  Lord  thy  God  redeemed  thte 
 thence :  therefore  I  command  thee  to  do  this  thing. 
 
 19  s  When  thou  cutteit  down  thine  harveit  in  thy  :‘ 
 field,  and  haft  forgot  a  fheaf  in  the  field,  thou  ihalt 
 not  go  again  to  fetch  it :  it  ihall  be  for  the  itranger, 
 for  the  fatherlefs,  and  for  the  widow ;  that  th^  Lord 
 thy  God  may  blefs  thee  in  all  the  work  of  thine  hands. 
 
 20  Wlien  thou  beateft  thine  olive-tree,  f  thou  ihalt  f  Ti^b. 
 not  go  over  the  boughs  again :  it  ftiall  be  for  the  ftran-  ^ 
 
 ger,  for  the  fatherlefs,  and  for  the  widow,  [■  „/T.. “ 
 
 21  When  thou  gathereft  the  grapes  of  thy  vineyard,  If  y  '  ' 
 
 thou  ihalt  not  glean  it  f  afterward :  it  ihall  be  for  thcf  ii-’ . 
 ftranger,  for  tiie  fatherlefs,  and  for  the  widow.  after  in te. 
 
 22  And  thou  ihalt  remember  that  thou  ■w'aft  a  bond- 
 man  in  the  land  of  Eg)Tt  •  therefore  I  command  thee 
 to  do  this  thing.* 
 
 CUAF.  XXV. 
 
 1  Stripes  mnf  not  exceed  forty.  4  The  ox  is  not  to  he  muzzled.  5  Of 
 raijing  feed  to  a  brother.  11  Of  the  immodeji  woman.  13  Of  unjujl 
 weights.  17  The  memory  of  Amakk  is  to  be  blotted  out. 
 
 T  F  there  be  a  controverfy  bet\veen  men,  and  they 
 |_  come  unto  judgment,  that  the  fudges  may  judge 
 them :  then  they  ihall  juftify  the  righteous,  and  con¬ 
 demn  the  wicked. 
 
 2  And  it  ftiall  be,  if  the  wicked  m.an  be  w'orlhy  toa -  ; 
 
 be  beaten,  that  the  judge  ihall  caufe  him  to  lie  down,^f- 
 and  to  be  beaten  before  his  face,  according  to  his  fault,  o.  9. 
 by  a  certain  number.  1  Tim. 
 
 3  “  Forty  ftripes  he  may  give  him,  and  not  exceed ; 
 left,  if  he  ihould  exceed,  and  beat  him  above  thefe 
 
 with  many  ftripes,  then  thy  brother  ihould  feem  vile  c  Mattii. 
 unto  thee. 
 
 4  «il  Tliou  flialt  not  muzzle  the  ox  when  he  f  tread- 
 
 neither 
 
 not  niean  adultery,*  as  fbme  have  thought,  for  thait  was  puniflied  with  death, 
 «'hap  xxii  22  but  foinething  uncomely  in  her  perfon  or  behaviour  which  ren- 
 tU^ed  her  difgiHling  or  offeufive  to  her  hulband.  The  term  has  tire  fame  irn- 
 nort  inebap.  xxiii.  J4.  Let  lain  wnfe— This  is  a  permifllon,  not  a  Command- 
 Lent  to  divorce,  for  any  trivial  oPfence.  The  Jews  unhappily  uuderftood  it  to 
 be  a-  pofitive  law,  which  error  our  I.ord  correacd,  Matth.  xix.  8.  Ver.  4.  The 
 rcafon  affigned  for  the  hulband  not  taking  back  his  divorced  wife,  implies  that 
 ihe  Lord  did  not  approve  the  divorce,  though  he  allowed  it,  becaufe  of  the  uu- 
 treaahle  difpofi  Jon  of  the  Jews.  Tiie  w'ornan  was  defiled  by  her  fecond  marriage, 
 which  was  cccafioned  by  her  former  hulband  putting  her  away.  Ver.  5.  By 
 tliis  law,  God  teftilied  his  approbation  of  holy  wedlock.  To  encourage  thole 
 Aiewly  mar.-ied,  he  enjoined  that  they  Ihould  remain  fomo  time  exempt  from 
 public  labours,  that  they  might  more  cafdy  render  their  new  Hate  comfortable. 
 Ver  6.  The  upper  milljione  is  here  mentioned  for  all  the  means  of  one  s  comlcrt- 
 aliie  fubfiftence.  V.er.  8.  The  laws  refpefting  leprofy  are  fully  Hated,  sui. 
 xiv.  Ver.  12,  13.  Comp.  Amos  ii.  8.  Ver.  14.  IJ.  Comp.  Lev.  xix.  IS.  hlal.  in. 
 i.  Mark  X.  19.  James  v.  4.  Ver.  1C.  Comp.  2  Kings  xiv.  5,  6.  2  Cliron.  xxv.  4. 
 
 eth  cut  the  corn. 
 
 5  If  brethern  dwell 
 
 Luke 
 
 together,  and  one  of  them  20. 28. 
 
 Ezek.  xviii.  20.  Ver.  17.  Lament,  is  here  put  for  whatever  belonged  7.  the 
 widow.  As  this  is  mentioned  for  an  example,  fo  ox  is  noticed  in  Job  xxiv. 
 Ver.  19.  What  is  here  faid  of f  leaves,  applies  to  grapes  or  other  fruit  to  L. 
 xix.  10.  They  were  to  be  conlidered  the  property  of  tiie  poor,  provided  ibr  li.eni 
 by  the  providence  of  God. 
 
 EXBLAN  ATOIIY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXV.  Ver.  ".  The  number  ./nr y  in 
 .often  ufed  when  applied  to  cafes  pf  humiliy.ion,  cHlidlior,  or  pun' ihuieni,  ■  ' 
 
 { ix.  9,  18»  GjCn.  vii.  12.  1  Kings  xix.  8.  Ezelc.  xxix.  11  —  IS.  Lev  xLi.  4,  5.  J  u 
 iii.  4.  Numb.  xiv.  23.  Gen.  vb  3.  Matth.  i-  2.  A<5ls  i  .3,  9.  2  Cor.  xi.  22.  d 
 brother ficni  rils  or  contemptible  unto  thee.  Tiiis  expreliion  probaLly  tea  C*'Li‘  TIC  :  fj 
 compatiionata  the  flnnsr,  while  we  teHify  Qur  hatred  of  his  Cn.  Y  m.  4.  iiiis 
 precept  enforces  fuitable  remuneration  to  every  laboprer  for  his  rij,  ct  .n;). 
 1  Cor.  ix.  9,  10.  .Concerning  the  various  modes  of  thrcfliit.g  corn  in  the 
 fee  Note  on  Ifa.  xxviii.  25 — 29.  Ver.  5,  Tins  law  was  r.eceiTary  for  the  .  A*' 
 
 /vnriO'vTftrriOC  in  Tri*.'»ol  O  VPVV  l ‘Tirirvri  rtn  -C-vor-'l  I'-'A 
 
 ]  x>T}ACTirAI  OBSEPVATIONS— *  Ciiap.  XXIV.]  Friendthip  in  fin  often  ilTues  in  mutual  hatred  and  feparation.  It  is  mournful  to  obfeve  that  Gr;i 
 Hmuld  f,e  it  necenarv  to  nermit  a  hulband  even  in  Ifrael,  to  divorce  his  wife  on  account  of  his  cruelty  or  hatred  towards  het;  and  thus  intimate  that  Hie  vra,  likely 
 to  be  happy  any  whe.e  ratlmr  than  with  him.  How  neceffary  is  it  to  obferve  divine  ordir-iucCs  however  humbling  they  may  be  to  us  !  for  it  is  better  to  , 
 
 ..  _ 1  miiiinimerit.  Suneriors,  cfpectally  •udscs,  ought  to  conduct  Ihemfelves  tn  every  cafe,  wnth 
 
 lins  and  obtain  pardon,  than  to  conceal  thl^m,  and  fuflbr 
 tiaith.  Let  the  remembrance  of  the  iunumerablc  mere" 
 who  is  rich  in  mercy  to  all  who  call  on  him. 
 
 3  D  I 
 
 confefs  our 
 1 
 
 :ccllary  is  it  to  ouierve  oivuie  lurjr  may  uc  (u  US  :  lui  Is  oetier  lo  comets  oui 
 
 er  juH  piininiment.  Superiors,  cfpecklly  judges,  ouglit  to  conduCt  Ihemfekes  in  every  cafe,  W'ith  equity  an  I 
 lies  which  God  hath  conferred  on  us,  excite  us  to  compaffionate  the  wretched;  for  tliis  is  well  plcafing  to  Cod, 
 
 7 
 
Of  wijujl  'ii'eigftfs  and  mcafures. 
 
 DEUTERONOMY. 
 
 Of  giving  the  third  years*  UtJ, 
 
 Btfore  no  child,  the  wife  of  the  dead  fhall  not 
 
 bi5  K  ''ithout  unto  a  ib~anger  ;  her  jj  hulbimd’s  bro- 
 
 ther  ihall  go  in  unto  her,  and  take  her  to  him  to  wife, 
 II  Or,  pjid  perform  the  duty  of  an  hulband’s  brother  unto 
 
 next 
 
 man.  ^  j  firft-born  which  fhe  bear- 
 
 eth  Ihall  I'ucceed  in  the  name  of  his  brother  tchich  is 
 dead,  that  his  name  be  not  put  out  of  Ilhiel. 
 
 7  And  if  the  man  like  not  to  take  his  ||  brother’s 
 wife,  then  let  his  brother’s  wife  go  up  to  the  gate  unto 
 the  elders,  and  fay,  My  hufband’s  brother  refufeth 
 to  raife  up  unto  his  brother  a  mune  in  Ifrael,  he  will 
 not  perform  the  duty  of  my  hirQ^and’s  brother. 
 
 8  Then  the  elders  of  the  city  (hall  call  him,  and  fpeak 
 unto  him :  and  if  he  ftand  to  it,  imd  fay,  I  like  not  to 
 take  her ; 
 
 9  Then  fliall  his  brother’s  wife  come  unto  him  in 
 the  prefence  of  the  elders,  and  loofe  his  flroe  from  off 
 his  foot,  and  fpit  in  his  face,  and  fhall  anfwer  and  fay. 
 So  fhall  it  be  done  unto  that  man  that  will  not  build 
 up  his  brother’s  houfe. 
 
 H  Or. 
 
 7iext  kulf- 
 
 ■nian'i 
 
 uife. 
 
 d'Ruth 
 
 4.  1,  2. 
 
 &c. 
 
 10  And  his  name  fhall  be  ciilled  in  Ifrael,  The  houfe  j  thy  God 
 
 thee  /a/-  an  inheritance  to  poffels  it,  that  thou  flialt 
 blot  out  the  remembrance  of  Amalek  from  under 
 heaven ;  thou  fhalt  not  forget  if.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXVI. 
 
 1  The  coiiftjfion  oj"  him  that  offereth  the  hajket  of  Jltyl-Jriiils.  13  The. 
 prater  oj'  him  that  f^iveCh  his  third  pear's  tithes.  10’  The  covenant 
 between  God  and  the  people. 
 
 And  it  fhall  be,  when  thou  art  come  in  unto  the 
 land  w'hich  the  Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee  /ok 
 an  inheritance,  and  poffeirefl  it,  and  dwellefl  therein. 
 
 2  That  thou  fhalt  take  of  the  firft  of  all  the  fruit  of 
 the  earth,  which  thou  fhalt  bring  of  thy  land  that  the 
 Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee,  and  fhalt  put  it  in  a. 
 baflcet,  and  fhalt  go  unto  the  place  which  the  Lord 
 thy  God  fhall  choofe  to  place  his  name  there. 
 
 3  And  thou  fhalt  go  unto  the  prieft  that  fhall  be  in 
 thofe  days,  and  fay  unto  him,  I  profefs  this  day  unto 
 the  Lord  thy  God,  that  I  am  come  unto  the  country 
 which  the  Lord  fware  unto  our  fathers  for  to  give  us. 
 
 4  And  the  prieft  fnall  take  the  bafket  out  of  thine 
 hand,  and  fet  it  down  before  the  altar  of  the  Lord 
 
 f  Heb. 
 a  Jione 
 and  a 
 fionc. 
 t  Heb. 
 on  ephah 
 and  ail 
 ephah. 
 
 e  Exoc 
 17.  y. 
 
 of  him  that  hath  his  fhoe  loofed. 
 
 11^  MTen  men  ftrive  together  one  with  another, 
 and  the  wife  of  the  one  draweth  near  for  to  deliver  her 
 hufband  out  of  the  hand  of  him  that  fmiteth  him,  and 
 putteth  forth  her  hand,  andtakethhim  by  the  fecrets; 
 
 12  ITen  thou  fhalt  cut  off  her  hand,  thine  eye  fhall 
 not  pity  her. 
 
 13  ii  Thou  fhalt  not  have  in  thy  bag  f  divers 
 w'eights,  a  great  and  a  fmall. 
 
 14  Thou  fhalt  not  have  in  thine  houfe  f  divers  mea- 
 fures,  a  great  and  a  fmall. 
 
 15  Bat  thou  fhalt  have  a  perfect  and  juft  weight,  a 
 perfect  and  juft  meafure  fhalt  thou  have :  that  thy 
 days  may  be'lengthened  in  the  land  which  the  Lord 
 thy  God  giveth  thee. 
 
 16  For  all  that  do  fuch  things,  and  all  that  do  un- 
 righteoufly,  are  an  abomination  unto  the  Lord  thy 
 God. 
 
 17  H  ^  Remember  what  Amalek  did  unto  thee  by 
 the  way,  when  ye  were  come  forth  out  of  Egypt ; 
 
 18  Sow  he  met  thee  by  the  way,  and  fmote  the 
 hindmoft  of  thee,  even  all  that  were  feeble  behind  thee, 
 when  thou  wctjl  faint  and  weary ;  and  he  feared  not 
 
 God.  ,  /-I  j 
 
 19  Therefore  it  fhall  be,  when  the  Lord  thy  God 
 hath  given  thee  reft  from  all  thine  enemies  round 
 about,  in  the  land  which  the  Lord  thy  God  giveth 
 
 triarchs  from  the  earlieft  times,  Gen.  xxxviii.  7.  The  duty  of  marrying  the 
 voun<T  widow  extended  to  the  neared  relation,  if  there  were  no  brothe.s  belong- 
 in.r  toVhe  deceafed  hulband.  Ruth  iii.  Ver.  6.  To  have  the  name  put  out  m  IJrael, 
 accounted  a  fevere  afHiaion,  chap.  ix.  14,  29,  30.  Pfal.  cix.  15.  Ihe  Lord 
 would  have  the  inheritances  in  Ifrael  continued  in  their  proper  families,  and  the 
 name  of  the  lawful  proprietors  not  forgotten.  Ver.  9.  Though  none  were 
 forced  to  continue  the  name  of  his  elder  relation,  yet  he  wLo  was  reluaant  fub- 
 ieaed  himfelf  to  difgrace.  To  loofe  or  pull  of  the  fhoe  might  fignify  that  the  one 
 relation  refigned  his  right  to  the  other;  but  feems  alfo  to  have  a  mark  of  ig¬ 
 nominy,  ifa.  XX.  2.  4.  To  f  iii  in  his  face,  or  before  him,  as  the  phrafe  means,  chap, 
 iv.  27  xi  25.  was  alfo  a  mark  of  difgrace.  Numb.  xii.  J-  G.  and  this  he 
 
 merited  by  his  condua,  which  feeined  to  indicate  want  of  fuitable  affeaion  tor 
 
 I  ..  And  thou  fhalt  fpeak  and  fay  before  the  Lo'rd 
 !  thy  God,  A  Syrian  ready  to  perifh  was  my  father ;  and 
 ^  he  w^ent  down  into  Egypt,  and  fojourned  there  with 
 a  few,  and  became  there  a  nation,  great,  mighty,  and 
 populous : 
 
 I  6  And  the  Egyptians  evil-entreated  us,  and  afiliffed 
 us,  and  laid  upon  us  hard  bondage  : 
 
 7  And  when  we  cried  unto  the  Lord  God  of  our 
 fathers,  the  Lord  heard  our  voice,  and  looked  on  our 
 affliffion,  and  our  labour,  and  our  oppreffion : 
 
 8  And  the  Lord  brought  us  forth  out  of  Egypt 
 with  a  mighty  hand,  and  with  an  out-ftretched  arm, 
 and  with  great  terriblenefs,  and  with  figns,  and  with 
 wonders : 
 
 9  And  he  hath  brought  us  unto  this  place,  and  hath 
 given  us  this  land,  even  a  land  that  floweth  with  milk 
 and  honey : 
 
 10  And  now,  behold,  I  have  brought  the  fiiff-fruits 
 of  the  land  which  thou,  O  Lord,  haft  given  me.  And 
 thou  fhalt  fet  it  before  the  Lord  thy  God,,  and  wor- 
 fhip  before  the  Lord  thy  God. 
 
 1 1  And  thou  fhalt  rejoice  in  every  good  thing  which 
 the  Lord  thy  God  hath  given  unto  thee,  and  unto 
 thine  houfe,  thou,  and  the  Levite,  and  the  ftranger 
 that  is  among  you. 
 
 12  H  When  thou  haft  made  an  end  of  tithing  all  ^  chap, 
 the  tithes  of  thine  increafe  the  third  year,  which  is  ^  the  14.  28. 
 
 his  difeafed  brother.  Ver.  17—19,  Comp.  1  Sam.  xv.  2,  3.  1  Chron.  iv.  42,  43. 
 Ellh.  vii.  10.  ix.  14. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXVI.  Ver.  2.  Ifrael  were  to  take  the 
 firll  ripe  fruits  for  an  offering  to  the  Lord,  that  their  whole  produce  might  be 
 fanaified  to  them,  Prov.  iii.  9,  10.  Thefe  fruits  were  to  be  feparated  before  any 
 other  offering  of  the  fruits  of  the  earth,  Numb,  xviii  1.5,  21.  To  tliis  ceremonial 
 rite  there  are  many  references  in  fcriplure,  Rom.  viii  23.  Jam.  i.  18.  Rev.  xiv. 
 4.  Ver.  5.  A  Syrian  ready  to  perijh,  refers  to  the  critical  and  dangerous  fituatioii 
 in  which  Jacob  was  with  Laban  his  uncle,  Gen.  xxviii.  5,  xxxi.  38.  42  Hof. 
 xii.  12.  Jacob  is  called  a  Syrian  becaufe  of  his  relation  to  Laban,  and  the  long 
 period  which  he  fojourned  in  tliat  country;  for  a  fnnilar  reafon,  Jethro,  an 
 Illimaelite,  is  denominated  an  Ifraelite  becaufe  of  his  relation  to  Ifrael  and  the 
 
 “t.o  w’-Lr'AT  rrONS _ *  Chap.  XXV.1  Let  us  blefs  God,  that  our  flripes  have  fallen  far  Ihort  of  our  fins,  and,  that  he  haih  exuded  of  us  lels 
 
 PRAC  nc  AL  ^  towards  evil  doers  nay  even  towards  brute  beafts,  efpecially  thofe  of  them  that  bare  been  fervceable  to  us,  is  very  unbecoming 
 
 than  it  is‘impoirible  to  force  afteAion.  or  to  render  a  marriage  happy  without  it.  Nothing  is  more  ffiocking  in  a  woman  tjian  irnmr..ieftx, 
 
 h  the  k  be  the  outracre  orpaffion,  or  hr  wanton  lewdnefs.  Wherr  once  Cie  hedge  of  modeffy  is  broken,  the  groircff  unchaft.ty  may  foon  follow  Every  iper-es  ol 
 wuether  it  be  the  outoa^e  o  p  ,  ^  praaife  it.  Let  us  efpecially  rejoice  that  Jelus  is  our  near  kinfman,  and  be  wnl  not  fail  D 
 
 Jead  mi/' romS^tlie  cLfl  of  the  deffitute,  who  truft  in  him.  It  is  our  duty  to  honour  God,  by  feeking  the  utter  deftruaion  of  all  our  fpintual  enemies,  that  we 
 
 may  enjov  Uie  holy  reft  which  our  Lord  has  promifed  us. 
 
'i'ke  covenant  between  God  and  the  'people. 
 
 DEUTERONOMY. 
 
 Curfes  pn-onmneed  on  motint  JLhal. 
 
 l)  Ifaiah 
 63.  15. 
 
 Before  year  of  tithing,  iintl  haft  given  it  unto  the  L<^ute,  the 
 cijiiii  ftranger,  the  t'atherlefs,  and  the  widow,  that  they  may 
 
 eat  within  thy  gates,  and  be  filled ;  i.  j 
 
 13  Then  thou  (halt  fay  before  the  Lord  thy  God, 
 I  have  brought  away  the  hallowed  things  out  of  mine 
 houfe,  and  alfo  have  given  them  unto  the  Levite,  and 
 unto  the  ftranger,  to  the  fatherlefs,  and  to  the  widov^ 
 according  to  all  thy  commandments  which  thou  haft 
 commanded  me:  I  have  not  tranfgrefled  thy  com¬ 
 mandments,  neither  have  I  forgotten  them.  _ 
 
 14  I  have  not  eaten  thereof  in  my  mourning,  neither 
 have  I  taken  away  ought  thereof  for  any  unclean  uj'e, 
 nor  given  ought  thereof  for  the  dead :  hut  I  have  hear¬ 
 kened  to  the  voice  of  the  Lord  my  God,  and  have 
 done  according  to  all  that  thou  haft  commanded  me : 
 
 15  Look  down  from  thy  holy  habitation,  from 
 heaven,  and  blefs  thy  people  Ifrael,  and  the  land  which 
 thou  haft  given  us,  as  thou  fwareft  unto  our  fathers,  a 
 land  that  floweth  with  milk  and  honey. 
 
 16  This  day  the  Lord  thy  God  hath  commanded 
 thee  to  do  thefe  ftatutes  and  judgments ;  thou  (halt 
 therefore  keep  and  do  them  with  all  thine  heart,  and 
 with  all  thy  foul. 
 
 17  Thou  haft  avouched  the  Lord  this  day  to  be 
 thy  God,  and  to  walk  in  his  ways,  and  to  keep  his 
 ftatutes,  and  his  commandments,  and  his  judgments, 
 and  to  hearken  unto  his  voice : 
 
 18  And  the  Lord  hath  avouched  thee  this  day  to 
 be  his  peculiar  people,  as  he  hath  promifed  thee,  and 
 that  thou  fhouldeft  keep  all  his  commandments  ; 
 
 19  And  to  make  thee  high  above  all  nations  which 
 he  hath  made,  in  praife,  and  in  name,  and  in  honour ; 
 and  that  thou  mayeft  be  an  holy  people  unto  the  Lord 
 thy  God,  as  he  hath  fpoken.* 
 
 CHAP  XXVII. 
 
 1  The  people  are  commanded  to  ivrite  the  law  upon  Jlones  :  5  and  to 
 build  aji  altar  oj  tuhole  Jlones.  1 1  The  tribes  divided  on  Gerizim 
 and  Ebal.  14  the  curjes  pronounced  on  mount  Ebal. 
 
 A  ND  Mofes,  with  the  elders  of  Ifrael,  commanded 
 the  people,  faying,  Keep  all  the  commandments 
 which  I  command  you  this  day. 
 
 2.  And  it  fhall  be,  on  the  day  *  when  ye  fhall  pafs 
 over  Jordan  unto  the  land  which  the  Lord  thy  God 
 giveth  thee,  that  thou  {halt  fet  thee  up  great  ftones, 
 and  plafter  them  with  plafter. 
 
 3  And  thou  fhalt  write  upon  them  all  the  words  of 
 this  law,  when  thou  art  pafted  over ;  that  thou  mayeft 
 go  in  unto  the  land  which  the  Lord  thy  God  giveth 
 
 c  Chap. 
 7.  6. 
 
 a  Jodiua 
 
 4.  1. 
 
 church  of  God,  1  Chron.  i.  17.  Ver.  12.  Comp,  chap  xiv.  28.  Ver.  14.  Comp, 
 chap.  xiv.  28,  29.  Hof.  iv.  4.  For  the  dead ;  that  is,  offered  in  honour  of  idols, 
 many  of  whom  were  images  of  departed  heroes,  legiilators,  or  rather  of  imaginary 
 invilible  beings,  fee  Note  on  1  Cor.  x.  20,  21.  But  perhaps  the  exprellion  alludes 
 to  the  profanation  of  holy  things,  by  eating  at  funerals,  Hof.  ix.  4.  which  was  an 
 ancient  pra(5lice,  Jer.  xvi.  7.  Ezek.  »xiv.  17.  Ver  19.  Comp.  chap,  xxviii.  I.  In 
 praife,  even  by  enemies,  Zeph.  iii.  19,  20.  comp.  Pfal.  cxlviii  14.  Ifa.  Ixii.  7.  In 
 name,  fame  or  renown,  exciting  praife,  Ifa  Ivi.  5.  Ixvi.  22.  In  honour,  or  beautiful 
 glory,  which  confifts  in  the  bleffings  with  which  God  adorns  his  church,  and  the 
 ordinances  that  he  hath  inftituted  in  her,  Ifa.  lii.  1.  Ixiv.  11.  Ezek.  xvi.  12. 
 Thefe  favours  the  faints  enjoy  by  cleaving  to  the  Lord,  Jer.  xiii.  11.  xxxiii.  9. 
 and  holinefs  is  the  objetSl  accomplilhed  by  them  all,  in  order  that  God  may  be  glo¬ 
 rified,  Rom.  vi.  22. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXVII.  Ver.  1.  Mofes  proceeds  to 
 confirm  the  law  by  outward  figns,  to  be  obferved  by  Ifrael  when  they  entered  i 
 
 thee,  a  land  that  floweth  with  milk  and  honey ;  as  the 
 Lord  God  of  thy  fathers  hath  promifd  thee. 
 
 4  Uierefore  it  ftiall  be,  when  ye  be  gone  over  Jor- 
 dan,  that  ye  fhall  fet  up  thefe  ftones,  which  I  com¬ 
 mand  you  this  day,  in  mount  Ebal,  and  thou  fhalt 
 plafter  them  with  plafter. 
 
 5  And  there  fhalt  thou  build  an  altar  unto  the  Lord 
 
 thy  God,  an  altar  of  ftones :  thou  fhalt  not  lift  up  i*  Kxod. 
 iron  ^00/ upon  them. 
 
 6  Thou  fhalt  build  the  altar  of  the  Lord  thy  God  g“  -'“.* 
 of  whole  ftones ;  and  thou  fhalt  offer  bumt-otferings 
 thereon  unto  the  Lord  thy  God. 
 
 7  And  thou  fhalt  offer  peace-offerings,  and  flialt  eat 
 there,  and  rejoice  before  the  Lord  thy  God. 
 
 8  And  thou  fhalt  write  upon  the  ftones  all  the  words 
 of  this  law  very  plainly. 
 
 9  %  And  Mofes,  and  the  priefts  the  I.evites,  fpake 
 unto  all  Ifrael,  faying,  Take  heed,  and  hearken,  O 
 Ifrael ;  this  day  thou  art  become  the  people  of  the 
 Lord  thy  God. 
 
 10  Thou  fhalt  therefore  obey  the  voice  of  the  Lord 
 thy  God,  and  do  his  commandments  and  his  ftatutes, 
 which  I  command  thee  this  day. 
 
 1 1  %  And  Mofes  charged  the  people  the  fame  day, 
 faying,^ 
 
 12  Thefe  fhall  ftand  upon  Mount  Gerizim,  to  blefs 
 the  people,  when  ye  are  come  over  Jordan  ;  Simeon, 
 and  Levi,  and  Judah,  and  Iffachar,  and  Jofeph,  and 
 Benjamin. 
 
 13  And  thefe  fhall  ftand  upon  mount  Ebal  f  to  »  Eeb. 
 curfe  ;  Reuben,  Gad,  and  Afher,  and  Zebulun,  Dan/’^'"  “ 
 and  Naphtali. 
 
 14  And  the  Levites  fhall  fpeak,  and  fay  untoc  Dan 
 all  the  men  of  Ifrael  with  a  loud  voice, 
 
 15  Curfed  be  the  man  that  maketh  any  graven  or 
 molten  image,  an  abomination  unto  the  Lord,  the 
 work  of  the  hands  of  the  craftsmen,  and  putteth  it  in 
 a  fecret  place :  and  all  the  people  fhall  anfwer  and  fay. 
 Amen. 
 
 16  Curfed  be  he  that  fetteth  light  by  his  father  or 
 his  mother  :  and  :ill  the  people  fhall  fay,  Amen. 
 
 17  Curfed  he  that  removethhis  neighbour’s  land¬ 
 mark  :  and  all  the  people  fhall  fay.  Amen. 
 
 1 8  Curfed  be  he  that  maketh  the  blind  to  wander 
 out  of  the  way :  and  all  the  people  fhall  fay,  Amen. 
 
 19  Curfed  be  he  that  pervert eth  the  judgment  of 
 the  ftranger,  fatherlefs,  and  widow ;  and  ^1  the  people 
 fhall  fay.  Amen. 
 
 9.  11. 
 
 Cana.'in  ;  the  ilefign  of  which  was  to  teach  them  the  neceflity  and  importance  of 
 falvation  by  JMeffiah,  ver.  26.  comp.  Gal.  iii.  10.  \'er.  2.  The  dat/,  means  tlie 
 
 fil'd;  reafonable  time,  Jofii.  viii.  30.  which  the  term  imports,  Luke  xix.  42.  Greet 
 Jlones  or  pillars,  prob.ably  twelve  in  number,  to  reprefent  the  twelve  tribes 
 of  Ifrael,  who  by  this  extraordinary  ceremony  acknowledged  thoir  fubjeClion 
 to  God  as  their  fupreme  king.  \'er.  8.  .4/7  the  words  of  this  law,  that  i«, 
 the  ten  commandments,  fr  tlie  words  of  the  latter  part  of  this  chapter, 
 not  the  whole  of  this  book  cr  all  the  bocks  of  Mofes  for  what  ftones 
 would  be  fufficient  for  fuch  a  work?  Thefe  words  were  to  be  written  in 
 legible  charatilers  which  all  might  eafily  read,  Habak.  ii.  2.  Ver.  1 2.  Comp. 
 Jofli.  viii.  30 — 35.  The  bleflings  were  to  he  pronounced  by  the  fix  more  ho¬ 
 nourable  tribes,  the  poftcrity  of  Jacob’s  chief  wives,  Rachel  and  Leah,  to  teach 
 that  the  bleflings  belong  to  the  children  of  the  free  and  not  the  bond  woman, 
 comp.  Gal.  iv.  22 — 31.  Ver.  13.  Comp.  Exod.  xx.  4.  Reuben  is  afibciated 
 with  the  fons  of  the  bond  woman ;  for  he  had  forfeited  his  birthright  h'v  his  un- 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  CuAr.  XXVL]  The  pafl  accomplifliment  of  promifes  ought  never  to  be  forgotten  ;  and  all  the  mercies  of  providence 
 and  redemption  demand  our  unfeigned  and  conftant  acknowledgment.  Since  God  hath  remembered  us  in  our  low  ftate,  and  redeemed  us  from  all  our  miferies  let  u.s 
 joyfully  confecrate  ourfelves  and  all  that  we  have  to  his  glory  and  fervice.  Whatever  he  retjuires  to  promote  his  caufe,  or  to  miniflcr  comfort  to  his  people  or'anv  of 
 our  fellow  men,  let  us  cheerfully  give  according  as  he  hath  profpered  us.  Thus,  let  our  whole  coudutT  declare  to  angels  and  men,  that  we  have  chofen  Jehevah  to  be 
 our  Lord,  and  that  we  confidcr  it  our  highell  honour  and  greateft  felicity  to  be  his  people. 
 
Tilings  for  ohedicocc. 
 
 DEUTERONOMY. 
 
 Tiefoic 
 
 Chrift 
 
 1451. 
 
 d  Ezek. 
 22.  12. 
 
 e  Gal  at, 
 5.  10. 
 
 a  Lev. 
 26.  3. 
 
 20  Ciirfed  Z>c  he  that  lieih  with  his  father’s  wife  ; 
 becaiife  he  uncoveretli  his  father’s  lldit :  and  all  the 
 people  (hall  fay,  Amen. 
 
 2 1  C.urfed  be  he  that  lieth  with  any  manner  of  beaft : 
 and  all  the  people  fhall  lav.  Amen. 
 
 22  Curfed  be  he.tliat.likh  \vith  his  fifter,  the  daugh¬ 
 ter  of  his  father,  or  the  daughter  of  his  mother :  and 
 all  the  people  fhall  fay.  Amen. 
 
 23  Curled  be  he  that  lieth  with  his  miother-in-law : 
 and  alHhe  people  fliall  fay.  Amen. 
 
 21-  Curfed  be  he  that  fmiteth  his  neighbour  fecretly : 
 and  all  the  people  lliall  fay,  Amen. 
 
 25  Curled  be  he  that  taketli  reward  to  flay  an  in¬ 
 nocent  perlbn :  and  all  the  people  fhall  lay,  i^ien. 
 
 26  ^  Curfed  be  he  that  confirmeth  not  all  the  words 
 of  this  law  to  do  them :  and  all  the  people  fhall  fay. 
 Amen.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXVIII. 
 
 1  The  bleffivpf  for  obedience.  15  The  curfes  for  dif obedience. 
 
 And  it  fhall  come  to  pafs,  »  if  thou  flialt  hearken 
 diligently  unto  the  voice  of  the  Lord  thy  Gk>d, 
 to  obferve  and  to  do  all  his  contmandments  which  I 
 command  thee  this  day,  that  the  Lord  thy  God  will 
 fet  thee  on  high  above  all  nations  of  the  earth. 
 
 2  And  all  thefe  bleffings  fhall  come  on  thee,  and 
 overtake  thee,  if  thou  fhalt  hearken  unto  the  voice  of 
 the  Lord  thy  God. 
 
 3  BlefTed^io/i  thou  be  in  the  city,  and  blejffed  /halt 
 thou  be  in  the  field. 
 
 4  BlefTedy/za//  be  the  fruit  of  thy  body,  and  the  fruit 
 of  thy  ground,  and  the  fruit  of  thy  cattle,  the  increafe 
 of  thy  kine,  and  the  flocks  of  thy  fheep. 
 
 H  Or,  5  hle^edjhall  be  thy  baiket  and  thy  ||  flore. 
 
 dovgh,  or,  g  Bleffed  Jhalt  thou  be  when  thou  comeft  in,  and 
 
 t^gh^  bleffed  Omit  thou  be  when  thou  goeft  out. 
 
 7  Tlie  Lord  fhall  caufe  thine  enemies  that  rife  up 
 ■againft  thee  to  be  fmitten  before  thy  face  :  they  fhall 
 come  out  againft  thee  one  way,  and  flee  before  thee 
 feven  ways. 
 
 8  The  Lord  fhall  command  the  bleffing  upon  thee 
 in  thy  i|  flore-houfes,  and  in  all  that  thou  fetteft  thine 
 hand  unto ;  and  he  fhall  blefs  thee  in  the  land  which 
 the  Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee. 
 
 •  9  The  Lord  fhall  eftablifh  thee  an  holy  people  unto 
 hirafelf,  as  he  hath  fwDm  unto  thee,  if  thou  fhalt  keep 
 the  commandments  of  the  Lord  thy  God,  and  walk 
 in  his-ways. 
 
 10  And  all  people  of  the  earth  fhall  fee  that  thou 
 ait  called  by  the  name  of  the  Lord  ;  and  they  fhall 
 be  afraid  of  thee. 
 
 Curfesfor  dijobedk 
 
 ence 
 
 II  Or, 
 iarns. 
 
 godly  conduct,  Gen.  ilix.  3,  4.  Ver.  17.  Comp.  chap.  xix.  14.  Ver.  18.  Comp. 
 Lev.  xix.  14.  Ver,  19 — 25.  Comp.  Lev.  xviii.  Ver.  26.  Concerning  the  import 
 of  jimen,  fee  Note  on  Eph,  vi.  24. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap,  XXVUI.  Vor.  1.  Set  thee- high  above 
 all  natims,  by  continuing  with  them  all  temporal  wealth  and  honour,  and  confer¬ 
 ring  cn  tliem  heavenly  dignity  and  glorj'.  The  people  of  God  are  made  partakers 
 of  an  high  or  heavenly  calling,  and  are  therefore  enjoined  to  place  their  affec- 
 f'oQs  cn  things  above,  and  to  walk  as  citizens  of  the  new  Jerufalem,  Phil.  iii.  14, 
 Ideb.  iii.  1.  Col.  iii.  1,  2.  Phil,  iii,  29.  Ver,  2.  Overtake,  or  take  hold  on,  thee; 
 tliat  is,  become  efi'e6iual  to  impart  real  and  permanent  happinefs.  On  the  other 
 h.nnd,  the  curfes  overtook  them,  when,  for  their  difobedience,  they  were  brought 
 aUo  a  Rate  of  wretchednefs,  ver.  15,  45.  comp.  Zech.  i.  6.  Ver.  3,  The  firit 
 
 i  1  And  the  Lord  fliall  make  thee  plenteous  ||  in  before 
 goods,  in  the  fruit  of  thy.f  body,  and  in  the  fruit  of 
 thy  cattle,  imd  in  the  fruit  of  thy  ground,  in  the  land 
 wnicli  the  Lord  fware  unto  thy  fathers  to  give  thee. 
 
 12  The  Lord  fhall  open  unto  thee  his  good  trea-^o-s.  ’ 
 jure,  tlic  heaven  to  give  thee  rain  unto  thy  land  in  his]L®‘- 
 feafon,  and  to  blefs  all  the  work  of  thine  hand :  andf* 
 
 *=  thou  fhalt  lend  unto  many  nations,  and  thou  ftialtLiy. 
 
 not  boiTOW%  c  Chap. 
 
 13  And  the  Lord  fn all  make  thee  the  head,  and 
 not  the  tail ;  and  thou  flialt  be  above  only,  and  thou 
 fhalt  not  be  beneath  ;  if  that  thou  hearken  unto  the 
 commandments  of  the  Lord  thy  God,  which  I  com¬ 
 mand  thee  this  day,  to  obferve  and  to  do  theni  -.  . 
 
 14  And  thou  flialt  not  go  afide  from  any  of  the 
 words  which  I  command  thee  this  daj^,  to  the  right 
 hand  or  to  the  left,  to  go  after  other  gods  to  ferv^e  “• 
 them. 
 
 15  ^  But  it  fhall  come  to  pafs,  ^  if  thou  wilt  netd  Unt. 
 
 hearken  imto  the  voice  of  the  Lord  thy  God,  to  ob-ss.  h.' 
 ferve  to  do  all  his  commandments  and'  his  flatutes, 
 which  I  command  thee  this  day,  that  ail  thefe  curfes  mJ'o  , 
 fhall  come  upon  thee,  and  overtake  thee.  Bar.'hsa 
 
 16  CuT^edjhalt  thou  be  in  the  city,  and  CMxkd^Oialt 
 thou  he  in  the  field. 
 
 17  Qm^edjhall  be  thy  bafket  and  thy  flore. 
 
 18  .Curfed  be  the  fruit  of  thy  body,  and  the 
 
 fruit  of  thy  land,  the  increafe  of  Uiy  kine,  and  the 
 flocks  of  thy  fheep. 
 
 19  Curfed^fl//  thou  be  when  thou  comefl  in,  and 
 Jhalt  thou  be  when  thou  goefl  out. 
 
 20  The  Lord  fhall  fend  upon  thee  curfing,  vexation, 
 and  rebuke,  in  all  that  thou  fetteft  thine  hand  unto 
 
 t  for  to  do,  until  thou  be  deflroyed,  and  until  thou  f  iieb. 
 perifh  quickly ;  becaufe  of  the  wickednefs  of  thy  do-  wkickthou 
 ings,  whereby  thou  haft  forfaken  me.  ttmuiuf 
 
 21  The  Lord  fhall  make  the  peftilence  cleave  unto'^"' 
 thee,  until  he  have  confumed  tliee  from  off  the  land 
 whither  thou  goeft  to  poffefs  it. 
 
 22  ^  The  Lord  fhall  fmite  thee  with  a  confumption,  e  Levit. 
 and  with  a  fever,  and  with  an  inflammation,  and  with  26.  ic. 
 an  extreme  burning,  and  with  the  ||  fword,  and  with  y  Or^ 
 blafting,  and  with  mildew ;  and  tlrey  fhall  purfue  thee 
 until  thou  perifh. 
 
 23  And  the  heaven  that  is  over  thy  head  fhall  be 
 brafs,  and  the  earth  that  is  under  thee  Jiall  be  iron. 
 
 24  lire  Lord  fhall  make  the  rain  of  thy  land 
 powder  and  duft:  from  heaven  fhall  it  come  down 
 upon  thee,  until  thou  be  deftroyed. 
 
 25  The  Lord  fhall  caufe  thee  to  be  fmitten  before 
 
 bleffing  is  on  their  perfons,  which  ir.uft  be  acceptable  to  Cod,  before  r.ny  of  their 
 works  can  meet  his  approbation,  Gen.  iv.  4.  Ver.  5.  Bnjket,  fore,  or  dough,  iie 
 nanael.l  inflead  of  all  veflels  or  places  where  tlieir  property  was  dcpchted.  Ver,  fi. 
 Comef  in-^ooejl  out,  are  phrafes- which  refperil;  their  whole  conduct  or  affair:^, 
 perfcual,  .lomeftic  or  foclal,  2  Sam.  iii.  25.  A(fts  ix.  38.  Ver.  7.  Smitten,  crufhed, 
 or  broken,  of  which  wc  have  an  exaniple  in  the  bleffing  of  God  on  David,. 
 2  Sam.  xvii.  38 — 43.  coiTip.  Rem.  xvi.  20.  Seven  ways;  that  is,  many  wavs, 
 whn-l)  fignified  their  complete  difperfion  or  dcftruclion.  Ver.  8.  CominatJ, 
 eflciSlualiy  grant  or  procure.  This  premife  God  alone  can  perform.  Ver.  10. 
 Comp.  chap.  ii.  25.  xi.  25.  1  Sam.  xviii.  12.  xv.  29.  Ifhi  xli.  5.  Ver. 
 Lend  to  nxany  naiieiis,  and  not  borrow  ;  an  indication  of  great  liberality,  vrealth. 
 and  fovereignty.  Ver.  13.  Comp.  Ila.  ix.  4,-  15.  Ver,  26.  Comp.  Tlal. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XXVII.]  Tlie  folemn  charges  of  the  law,  and  the  dreadful  penalty  of  difobedience  ought  to  be  ecgiaved 
 our  hearts  ;  lor  they  firongly  iiiipi  efs  our  minds  with  a  fenfe  of  the  evil  of  fin,  and  the  neceffity  of  living  by  faith  in  the  Lord  Jefus.  It  becomes  thefe  in  exal.tl 
 •/rations  to  exert  their  influence  to  promote  the  fervice  of  God  ;  and  they  have  rcafon  to  hope,  that  tl  eir  inferiors  will  follow  their  example.  Let  us  fed  every 
 privilege  which  we  enjoy  a  motive  to  univerfal  hclineft.  .  All  Cod’s  laws  are  righteous,  and  to  their  excellence,  truth,  end  juflice, -evciy  renewed  mind  will  chrei- 
 ihl'y  fay,  Amen.  But  how  deplorable  cur  condition,  h,nd  they  not  been  proclaimed  ficm  the  altar,  on  which  was  ofi'ered  the  facriflce  in  which  God  delight-'’ 
 BielTed  Jefus,  tkou  art  the  end  of  the  Jaw  for  rightecufnefs  to  every  one  that  believetli !  Let  thy  grace  and  Spirit  lead  me  to  follow  thy  example,  and  delight  in  the 
 cliylne  law. 
 
DEUTERONOMY. 
 
 Before 
 
 Clirift 
 
 J451. 
 
 I  Hcb. 
 
 J'br  a  re- 
 moving. 
 
 {  Chap. 
 20.  6. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 
 prnja7ie, 
 or,  ufe  it 
 
 meat^ 
 
 t  Hcb. 
 
 Jhidl  not 
 return  to 
 thee. 
 
 Cuifes  and  jdagncs 
 
 thine  enemies:  thou  fhalt  go  out  one  way  againft 
 them,  and  flee  feven  ways  before  them  ;  and  fhalt  be 
 f  removed  into  all  the  kingdoms  of  the  earth. 
 
 26  And  thy  carcafe  fhall  be  meat  unto  all  fowls  of 
 the  air,  and  unto  the  beiifts  of  the  earth,  and  no  man 
 fhall  fray  them  away. 
 
 27  The  Lord  will  finite  thee  with  the  botch  of 
 Egypt,  and  with  the  emerods,  and  with  the  fcab,  and 
 ■\vith  the  itch,  whereof  thou  canft  not  be  healed. 
 
 28  The  Lord  fhall  finite  thee  with  madnefs,  and 
 blindnefs,  and  aftonifhment  of  heart : 
 
 29  And  thou  fhalt  grope  at  noon-day,  as  the  blind 
 gropeth  in  darknefs,  and  thou  fhalt  not  profper  in  thy 
 ways ;  and  thou  fhalt  be  only  oppreffed  and  fpoiled 
 evermore,  and  no  man  fhall  fave  thee. 
 
 30  Thou  fhalt  betroth  a  wife,  and  another  man  fhall 
 lie  with  her  :  thou  fhalt  build  an  houfe,  and  thou  fhalt 
 not  dwell  therein  :  ^  thou  fhalt  plant  a  vineyard,  and 
 fhalt  not  f  gather  the  grapes  thereof. 
 
 31  Thine  oxjhall  be  flain  before  thine  eyes,  and 
 thou  fhalt  not  eat  thereof:  thine  afs  Jtiall  be  vio- 
 
 ^*“''*”*"”lently  taken  away  from  before  thy  face,  and  f  fhall 
 not  be  reftored  to  thee :  thy  fheep  /hall  be  given  unto 
 thine  enemies,  and  thou  flialt  have  none  to  refcue 
 them. 
 
 32  Thy  fons  and  thy  daughters  _Piall  be  given  unto 
 another  people,  and  thine  eyes  fhall  look,  and  fail 
 •with  longing  for  them  all  the  day  long ;  and  there  Jhall 
 be  no  might  in  thine  hand. 
 
 33  The  fruit  of  thy  land,  and  all  thy  labours,  fhall  a 
 nation  which  thou  knowefl:  not  eat  up ;  and  thou  fhalt 
 be  only  oppreffed  and  cruflied  alway : 
 
 34  So^  that  thou  flialt  be  mad,  for  the  fight  of  thine 
 eyes  which  thou  fhalt  fee. 
 
 35  ITie  Lord  fhall  finite  thee  in  the  knees,  and  in 
 the  legs,  with  a  fore  botch  that  cannot  be  healed,  from 
 the  foie  of  thy  foot  unto  the  top  of  thy  head. 
 
 36  1  he  Lord  fhall  bring  thee,  and  thy  king  which 
 thou  fhalt  fet  over  thee,  unto  a  nation  which  neither 
 thou  nor  thy  fathers  have  known ;  and  there  fhalt 
 thou  ferve  other  gods,  wood  and  Hone. 
 
 I  i^Kings  3y  become  s  an  aftonifhment,  a  pro- 
 
 jer.  24. 9.  Verb,  and  a  by-word,  among  all  nations  whither  the 
 &  25.  9.  Lord  (ball  lead  thee. 
 
 h  Micah  38  h  Thou  fhalt  cany  much  feed  out  into  the  field. 
 
 Hag  1  9  gather  but  little  in  :  for  the  locuft  fhall  con- 
 
 fume  it. 
 
 39  Thou  (halt  plant  vineyards,  and  drefs  them,  but 
 fhalt  neither  drink  of  the  wine,  nor  gather  the  grapes  : 
 for  the  worms  fhall  eat  them. 
 
 40  Thou  fhalt  have  olive-trees  throughout  all  thy 
 coafts,  but  thou  fhalt  not  anoint  thfelf  with  the  oil ; 
 for  thine  olive  fhall  caft  his  fruit. 
 
 41  Ihou  fhalt  beget  fons  and  daughters,  but 
 t  thou  fhalt  not  enjoy  them :  for  they  fhall  go  into 
 captivity. 
 
 42  All  thy  trees,  and  fruit  of  thy  land,  fhall  the 
 locuft  II  confume. 
 
 43  The  ftranger  that  is  within  thee  fhall  get  up 
 
 for  difobedience. 
 
 Before 
 
 ChriJl 
 
 1451. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 they  piall 
 not  be 
 thine. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 pojpfs. 
 
 Ixxix.  1 — 3  Jer.  vii.  33.  xvi.  4.  xxxiv.  20  Ver  27.  Comp.  Exod.  ix.  9 — 11.  I  Sam. 
 V.  9,  Pfal.  Ixxviii,  66  Ver.  29.  Comp.  Job  v.  14.  xii.  25.  Aas  xvii.  17.  The  evils 
 threatened  in  this  and  the  preceding  verfe  chiefly  refpedl  the  mind.  Ver.  33. 
 Comp.  Ifa.  i.  7.  Jer.  v.  17.  viii.  16.  Ver.  34  They  Ihould  experience  fuch  fevere 
 judgments,  as  would  completely  diflrart  and  overwhelm  their  minds.  Ver.  35. 
 Comp,  Job  ii,  7.  Rev.  xvi.  2.  Ver  36.  Ilrael  were  carried  into  captivity  and 
 fcattered  among  tlie  nations,  by  the  Affyrians,  Babylonians,  and  laft  of  all,  by 
 
 3  E 
 
 above  thee  very  high,  and  thou  fnalt  come  down 
 very  low. 
 
 4  !•  He  fhall  lend  to  thee,  and  thou  fhalt  not  lend 
 to  him :  he  fhall  be  the  head,  and  thou  fhalt  be  the 
 tail. 
 
 45  Moreover,  all  thefe  curfes  fhall  come  upon  thee, 
 and  111  all  purfue  thee,  and  overtake  thee,  till  thou  be 
 deftroyed  ;  becaufe  thou  hearkenedfl  not  unto  the 
 voice  of  the  Lord  thy  G(xi,  to  keep  his  command¬ 
 ments  and  his  flatutes  which  he  commanded  thee. 
 
 46  And  they  fhall  be  upon  thee  for  a  fign,  and  for 
 a  wonder,  and  upon  thy  feed  for  ever. 
 
 47  Becaufe  thou  fervedft  not  the  Lord  thy  God 
 with  joyfulnefs,  and  with  gladnefs  of  heart,  for  the 
 abundance  of  all  things  : 
 
 48  Therefore  fhalt  thou  ferve  thine  enemies,  which 
 the  Lord  fhall  fend  againft  thee,  in  hunger,  and 
 in  thii-ft,  and  in  nakednefs,  and  in  want  of  all  things 
 and  he  fhall  put  a  yoke  of  iron  upon  thy  neck,  until 
 he  have  deftroyed  thee. 
 
 49  The  Lord  fhall  bring  a  nation  againft  thee 
 from  far,  from  the  end  of  the  earth,  as  Jw ft  as  the 
 eagle  flieth  ;  a  nation  whofe  tongue  thou  fhalt  not 
 
 t  underftand  ;  f  Heb. 
 
 50  A  nation  f  of  fierce  countenance,  which  fhalH^"''- 
 not  regard  the  perfon  of  the  old,  nor  fhew  favour  to  1 
 the  young  : 
 
 51  And  he  fhall  eat  the  fruit  of  thy  cattle,  and  the 
 fruit  of  thy  land,  until  thou  be  deftroyed :  which  alfo 
 fhall  not  leave  thee  either  com,  wine”  or  oil,  or  the 
 increafe  of  thy  kine,  or  flocks  of  thy  fheep,  until  he 
 have  deftroyed  thee. 
 
 52  And  he  fhall  beflege  thee  in  all  thy  gates,  until 
 thy  high  and  fenced  walls  come  down,  wherein  thou 
 truftedft,  throughout  all  thy  land ;  and  he  fhall  be- 
 fiege  thee  in  all  thy  gates,  throughout  all  thy  land, 
 which  the  Lord  thy  God  hath  given  thee. 
 
 53  Aiid  '  thou  fnalt  eat  the  fruit  of  thine  oAvniLevit. 
 f  body,  the  flefh  of  thy  fons  and  of  thy  daughters,  26.  29. 
 \yhich  the  Lord  thy  God  hath  given  thee,  in  theg^g”^^ 
 liege,  and  in  the  ftraitnefs,  wherewith  thine  enemies 
 
 fhall  diftrefs  thee :  4.  10. 
 
 54  So  that  the  man  that  is  tender  among  you,  and  2- 
 ver)"  delicate,  his  eye  fhall  be  evil  toward  his  brother, 
 
 and  toward  the  wife  of  his  bofom,  and  toward  the  '' 
 remnant  of  his  children  which  he  fhall  leave : 
 
 55  So  that  he  will  not  give  to  any  of  them  of  the 
 flefh  of  his  children  whom  he  fhall  eat ;  becaufe  he 
 hath  nothing  left  him  in  the  fiege,  and  in  the  ftrait¬ 
 nefs,  wherewith  thine  enemies  mail  diftrefs  thee  in  all 
 thy  gates. 
 
 56  The  tender  and  delicate  w"oman  among  you, 
 which  would  not  adventure  to  fet  the  foie  of  her  foot 
 upon  the  ground  for  delicatenefs  and  tendemefs,  her 
 eye  fhall  be  evil  tow^ard  the  hufband  of  her  bofom, 
 and  toward  her  fon,  and  tow"m-d  her  daughter, 
 
 57  And  toward  her  f  young  one  that  cometh  out  f  iieb. 
 from  between  her  feet,  and  toward  her  children  which  * 
 fhe  fhall  bear :  for  fhe  fhall  eat  them  for  w’ant  of  all^''^'- 
 
 the  Romans.  Ver.  37.  Comp,  1  Kings  ix.  7.  Plal.  xliv.  14,  15.  Jer.  xxiv.  9. 
 Ver.  38.  ^Comp^  Joel  i.  4.  Amos  iv.  9.  vii.  1,  2.  Hag.  i.  6,  1 !.  Ver.  47.  Corap. 
 Jseh.  ix.  o5.  \  er.  48.  ioke  o/'  iron;  an  emblem  ot  cruel  bondage  under  lav.ig# 
 
 conquerors,  or  barbajous  lords,  to  whom  they  would  be  fold  ib"  tlaves,  Jer. 
 xxviii.  13,  14.  \er.  49,  50.  This  is  equally  applicable  to  their  fubje'Tioti  to 
 Babylon  or  Rome,  Ezek.  xvii.  o,  12.  Daii.  vii.  4.  and  Note  on  Luke  xvii.  37. 
 \  Cl  ■  50—— 68,  Comp,  Notts  cir  Matlii.  xxiv.  which  deferihe  the  hnal  deltruclion 
 
 7 
 
Phgtit's  for  (lifobcdience. 
 
 DEUTERONOMY. 
 
 1-451. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 caiije  to 
 a  ccihI. 
 k  Chap, 
 JO.  22. 
 
 chHA  fecretly  in  the  fiege  and  ftraitnefs,  wherewith 
 
 thine  enemy  fhall  dillrefs  thee  in  thy  gates. 
 
 If  thou  wilt  not  obferve  to  do  all  the  words  of 
 this  law  that  are  MTitten  in  this  l>ook,  that  thou  mavefl: 
 fear  this  glorious  and  fearful  iicune,  THE  LORD 
 THY  GOD. 
 
 59  Ihen  the  Lord  will  make  thy  plagues  wonder¬ 
 ful,  and  the  plagues  of  thy  leed,  ex'eti  great  plagues, 
 and  of  long  continuance,  and  fore  fickneffes,  and  of 
 long  continuance. 
 
 (i0  IMoreover,  he  wall  bring  upon  thee  all  the  dif- 
 eafcs  of  Eg)y)t,  which  thou  wail  afraid  of ;  imd  they 
 lhall  cleave  unto  thee  : 
 
 6 1  Alfo  every  ficknefs,  and  every  plague,  which  ?s 
 not  waatten  in  tne  book  of  this  law,  them  wall  the 
 Lord  f  bring  upon  thee,  until  thou  be  deftroyed. 
 
 6-2  And  ye  fhall  be  left  few  in  number,  whereas  ye 
 were  as  the  ftai'S  of  heaven  for  multitude  ;  becaufe 
 thou  wouldeft  not  obey  the  voice  of  the  Lord  thy 
 God. 
 
 63  And  it  fli all  come  to  pafs,  yl/m/,  as  the  Lord 
 rejoiced  over  you  to  do  you  good,  and  to  multiply 
 you ;  fo  the  Lord  wall  rejoice  over  you  to  deflroy 
 you,  and  to  bring  you  to  nought :  and  ye  fhall  be 
 plucked  from  off  the  land  whither  thou  goefl  tp  pof- 
 fefs  it. 
 
 64  And  the  Lord  fhall  fcatter  thee  among  all  people, 
 from  the  one  end  of  the  earth  even  unto  the  other; 
 and  there  thou  flialt  ferve  other  gods,  which  neither 
 thou  nor  thy  fathers  have  knotvn,  even  wood  and 
 ilone. 
 
 65  And  among  thefe  nations  fhalt  thou  find  no  eafe, 
 neither  fhall  the  foie  of  thy  foot  have  reft :  but  the 
 Lord  fhall  give  thee  there  a  trembling  heart,  and 
 failing  of  eyes,  and  forrow  of  mind : 
 
 66  And  thy  life  fhall  hang  in  doubt  before  thee  ; 
 and  thou  fhalt  fear  day  and  night,  and  fhalt  have  none 
 affurance  of  thy  life. 
 
 67  In  the  morning  thou  fhalt  fay.  Would  God  it 
 w'ere  even  !  and  at  even  thou  fhalt  fay,  Would  God 
 it  v/ere  morning  !  for  the  fear  of  thine  heart  where¬ 
 with  thou  fhalt  fear,  and  for  the  fight  of  thine  eyes ' 
 which  then  flialt  fee. 
 
 68  And  the  Lord  fhall  bring  thee  into  Egypt  again 
 with  fhips,  by.  the  way  whereof  I  fpake  unto  thee, 
 'lliou  fhalt  fee  it  no  more  again  :  and  there  ye  fhall 
 be  fold  unto  your  enemies  for  bond-men  and  bond- 
 w/omen,  and  no  man  fhall  buy  ^on* 
 
 of  Jerufalem,  and  the  defolation  of  Judea  by  the  Romans,  to  which  this  paffage  is 
 chiefly  applicable. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXIX.  Ver.  1.  To  literally, 
 
 to  cut,  in  allufion  to  the  cutting  of  flain  beafls  at'  the  confirming  of  a  covenant, 
 Jer.  xxxiv,  18.  Berith,  the  Hebrew  word  tranflated  covenant,  comes  from  a  w-ord 
 lignifying  to  purify  ;  and  hence,  fomeread  the  phrafe,  make  a  covenant,  cut  off  the 
 purifier,  and  fufpofe  it  alludes  to  the  Mefliah,  through  whofe  facrifice  all  divine 
 Lleflings  are  gi-anted  to  men,  comp.  Note  on  Gal.  iii.  17.  The  covenant  at  Iloreb 
 or  Sinai,  is  renewed  in  this  and  the  following  chapter,  the  only  difference  feems 
 to  be,  that  the  way  bf  falvation  is  more  plainly  taught  here,  efpecially  in  chap. 
 XXX.  vef.  11 — 14.  comp.  Note  on  Rom.x.  5 — 10.  Ver.  5:  Temptatioms,  or  trials, 
 which  w-ere  appointed  the  Egj-ptians,  Ifrael,  and  the  neighbouring  nations,  Deut. 
 
 The  peojde  prefenied  before  the 
 CUAP.  XXIX.  Bef<  ’ 
 
 ore 
 
 1  Mfes  exhorteth  them  to  obedience,  by  the  memory  of  the  works  they  had 
 fee/i.  10  All  are  irrefentcd  bfon-the  Lord  to  enter  into  his  covenant; 
 
 they  are  ivar7ied  of  Jlaltering  Ihcmfelves,  cjj-c. 
 
 ^^tlESE  are  the  w^ords  of  the  covenant  which  the 
 Lord  commanded  Moles  to  make  with  the 
 children  of  Ifrael  in  the  land  of  Moab,  befides.  the 
 covenant  which  he  made  wath  them  in  Eloreb. 
 
 2  ^  And  Moles  called  unto  all  Ifrael,  and  faid  unto 
 them,  “  Ye  have  feen  all  that  the  Lord  did  before  a  Eiod 
 your  eyes  in  the  land  of  Egypt,  unto  Pharaoh,  andis-  l  ' 
 unto  all  his  fertfants,  and  unto  all  his  land  ; 
 
 3  The  great  temptations  which  thine  eyes  have 
 feen,  the  figns,  and  thofe  great  miracles ; 
 
 4  Yet  the  Lord  hath  not  given  you  an  heai-t  to 
 perceive,  and  e^^es  to  fee,  and  ears  to  hear,  unto 
 this  day. 
 
 5  And  I  have  led  you  forty  years  in  the  w'ildernefs ; 
 your  ylothes  are  not  w'axen  old  upon  you,  and  thy 
 fhoe  is  not  waxen  old  upon  thy  foot. 
 
 6  Ye  have  not  eaten  bread,  neither  have  ye  drunk 
 wine  nor  ftrong  drink ;  that  ye  might  know  that  I 
 am  the  Lord  your  God. 
 
 7  Aitd  when  ye  came  unto  this  place,  Sihon  the 
 king  of  Hefhbon,  and  Og  the  king  of  Bafhan,  came 
 out  againft  us  unto  battle,  and  we  fmote  them  : 
 
 8  And  v/e  took  their  land,  and  gave  it  for  an  in¬ 
 heritance  unto  the  Reubenites,  and  to  the  Gadites, 
 and  to  the  half-tribe  of  ManafTeh. 
 
 9  Keep  therefore  the  words  of  this  covenant,  and  b  Chap, 
 
 do  them,  that  ye  may  profper  in  all  that  ye  do.  s* 
 
 10  %  Ye  ftand  this  day  all  of  you  before  thef^^^*® 
 Lord  your  God;  your  captains  of  your  tribes, i’ Kings 
 your  elders,  and  your  officers,  ivith  all  the  men  of  s.  3. 
 Ifrael, 
 
 11  Your  little  ones,  your  wives,  and  thy  ftranger 
 that  is  in  thy  camp,  from  the  hewer  of  thy  wood  unto 
 the  drav/er  of  thy  water  ; 
 
 12  That  thou  fhouldeft  f  enter  into  covenant  withf  Heb. 
 the  Lord  thy  God,  and  into  his  oath,  which  the/"/*- 
 Lord  thy  God  maketh  with  thee  this  day ; 
 
 13  That  he  may  eftablifh  thee  to-day  for  a  people 
 unto  himfelf,  and  that  he  may  be  unto  thee  a  God,  as 
 he  hath  faid  unto  thee,  and  as  he  hath  fw’-orn  unto 
 thy  fathers,  to  Abraham,  to  Ifaac,  and  to  Jacob. 
 
 14  Neither  with  you  only  do  I  make  this  covenant 
 and  this  oath ; 
 
 15  But  with  him  that  ftandeth  here  with  us  this 
 
 iv.  S4,  vii.  54.  From  God’s  former  mercies  in  delivering  Ifrael  from  their  trials, 
 which  overwhelmed  their  enemies,  he  exhorted  them  to  keep  his  covenant.  Ver. 
 4.  This  teaches  us,  that  man  will  remain  ignorant  of  fpiritual  things,  though 
 favoured  with  the  beft  outward  means,  unlefs  God  enlightens  his  mind,  Matth. 
 xii.  11 — 14.  2  Cor.  iii.  15.  Ver.  6.  Bread ;  that  is,  ordinary  bread,  for  they 
 were  nouriflied  with  manna,'  chap.  viii.  5.  Pfal.  Ixxviii.  24,  25.  Ver.'V,  8.  Con¬ 
 cerning  the  king,  and  events  referred  to  in  thefe  verfes,  fee  Numb.  xxi.  xxxii. 
 Ver.  18.  Comp.  Note  on  Heb.  xii.  15.  iii.  12.  &all,  a  poifonous  herb  growing 
 in  the  eaft,  Hof.  x.  4.  an  emblem  of  ifns,  Amos  vi.  12.  chap,  xxxii.  32.  and  of 
 fevere  puniffiment,  Jer.  ix.  25.  xxiii.  15.  Lam.  iii.  15,  19.  Ver.  19.  Add  drunken-- 
 Ilfs  to  thirjl ;  that  is,  eagerly  indulge  in  all  manner  of  fin ;  the  gratification  of 
 one  evil  defire  emboldening  the  heart  to  indulge  other  evil  inclinations,  Ifa.  xxx.  I. 
 
 FRACnCAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XXVII L]  Contemplate  here  with  aifedting  wonder,  what  numerous  bleflmgs,  God  in  Chrift,  reconciling  the 
 world  to  himfelf,  bellows  on  finful  men.  How  precious  is  Jefus,  through  whom  all  temporal  and  fpiritual  good  is  fan6lified  to  believers !  What  bleflings  in  time 
 aiid  eternity  his  love  bellows.  Let  us  be  lled.'all,  immoveable,  always  abounding  in  the  work  of  the  Lord,  which  is  accompanied  with  a  great  and  gracious  reward. 
 But  who  can  Hand  before  this  holy  arid  jealous,  this  great  and  dreadful  Jehovah  God,  if  once  he  is  angry !  Deep  and  large  is  the  cup  of  indignation  that  is  in  his 
 ri-»ht  hand  ;  and  its  dregs  the  wicked  mull  wring  out  and  drink.  Let  them  be  warned  by  the  tremendous  condition  of  the  Jewilh  nation,  whofe  unbelief  and  difobe*- 
 dience  have  brought  on  them,  in  every  age,  unparalleled  calamities,  and  who  continue  monuments  of  the  jealouly  and  fury  of  their  fathers’  God.  Oh  !  that  divine 
 grace  may  open  the  underftandings,  convince  the  hearts,  awaken  the  affe(5lions  in  finners,  and  induce  them  to  flee  from  the  wrath  to  come;  for  they  have  not  more 
 Aidence  that  the  Lord  Jefus  is  able  to  fave  the  chief  of  finners,  than  that  be  lh.all  judge  the  world  in  righteoufnefs,  and  execute  puiiilhment  on  evei  y  Ibul  of  man  that 
 doth  evil,  of  the  Jew  firll,  and  allb  of  the  Genfile, 
 
are  mrned  of  fMlkring  ihcmfekes. 
 
 DEUTERONOMY. 
 
 Great  mercies  to  the  penitert. 
 
 nofore 
 
 ClirHt 
 
 1451. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 
 dunqtj 
 
 godst 
 
 H  Or,  a 
 wifotif d 
 herb. 
 
 I-  Heb. 
 
 rr.fti. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 'hibborii- 
 
 nefs. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 ;/ic  drim- 
 ken  to  the 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 is  written. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 wherewith 
 
 the 
 
 LORD 
 hath  made 
 it  Jick, 
 c  Gen.  19. 
 24,  25. 
 
 d  1  Kings 
 
 9.  8. 
 
 Jer.  22.8. 
 
 II  Or. 
 who  had 
 not  given 
 to  them 
 any  por¬ 
 tion, 
 t  Heb. 
 divided. 
 
 day  liefore  the  Lord  Our  God,  and  alfo  with  hm  that 
 is  not  here  with  us  this  day  : 
 
 16  (For  ye  knov/  how  we  have  dwelt  in  the  land 
 of  Egypt,  and  how  we  came  through  the  nations 
 which  ye'paffed  by ; 
 
 17  And  ye  havefeen  their  abominations,  and  their 
 f  idols,  wood  and  jftone,  filver  and  gold,  which  xvei'e 
 among  them:) 
 
 1 8  Left  there  fhould  be  among  you  man,  or  wo¬ 
 man,  or  family,  or  tribe,  whofe  heait  turneth  away 
 this  day  from  the  Lord  our  God,  to  go  and  ferve 
 the  gods  of  thefe  nations  ;  left  there  Ihould  be  among 
 you  a  root  that  beareth  |)  f  gall  and  wormwood  ; 
 
 19  And  it  come  to  pafs,  when  he  heai-eth  the  words 
 of  this  curfe,  that  he  blefs  himfelf  in  his  heart,  faying, 
 I  fhall  have  peace,  though  I  walk  in  the  ||  imagination 
 of  mine  heart,  to  add  f  drunkennefs  to  thirft : 
 
 20  The  Lord  will  not  fpare  him;  but  then  the 
 anger  of  the  Lord  and  his  jealoufy  fhall  fmokeagainft 
 that  m.an,  and  all  the  curfes  that  are  written  in  this 
 book  fhall  lie  upon  him,  and  the  Lord  fhall  blot  out 
 his  name  from  under  heaven. 
 
 21  And  the  Lord  fhall  feparate  him  unto  evil  out 
 of  all  the  tribes  of  Ifrael,  a.ccording  to  all  the  curfes  of 
 the  covenant  that  f  are  written  in  this  book  of  the  law : 
 
 22  So  that  the  generation  to  come  of  your  children 
 that  fhall  rife  up  after  you,  and  the  fh*anger  that  fliall 
 come  from  a  far  land,  fliall  fay,  when  they  fee  the 
 plagues  of  that  land,  and  the  fickneffes  f  which  the 
 Lord  hath  laid  upon  it ; 
 
 ,  23  Atid  that  the  whole  land  thereof  is  brimftone, 
 and  fait,  atid  burning,  that  it  is  not  fown,  nor  bear¬ 
 eth,  nor  any  grafs  groweth  therein,  <=  like  the  over¬ 
 throw  of  Sodom  and  Gomorrah,  Admah  and  Ze- 
 boim,  which  the  Lord  overthrew  in  his  anger,  and 
 in  his  wrath ; 
 
 24-  Even  all  nations  fhall  fay,  Wherefore  hath  the 
 Lord  done  thus  unto  this  land  ?  what  meaneth  the 
 heat  of  this  great  anger  ? 
 
 25  Then  men  fhall  fay,  Becaufe  they  have  forfaken 
 the  covenant  of  the  Lord  God  of  their  fathers,  which 
 he  made  with  them,  when  he  brought  them  forth  out 
 of  the  land  of  Egypt : 
 
 26  For  they  went  and  feiwed  other  gods,  and  wor- 
 fhipped  them  gods  whom  they  knew  not,  and  H  w/zoto 
 he  had  not  f  given  unto  them  : 
 
 27  And  the  anger  of  the  Lord  was  kindled  againft 
 this  land,  to  bring  upon  it  all  the  curfes  that  are  wit- 
 ten  in  this  book : 
 
 Before 
 
 Cbrift 
 
 1451. 
 
 28  And  the  I.ORD  rooted  them  out  of  their  land 
 in  anger,  and  in  wrath,  and  in  great  indignation,  and 
 caft  them  into  another  land,  as  it  is  this  dny. 
 
 29  The  fecret  things  belong  unto  the  I.ord  our 
 God  ;  but  thofe  thing.s  'vihich  are  revealed  belong  unto 
 us  and  to  our  children  for  ever,  that  "wc  may  do  all 
 the  words  of  this  law.* 
 
 '  CHAP.  XXX. 
 
 I  Great  mercies  promi/ed  vnto  the  penitent.  1 1  The  commandment  is 
 manife/l.  1 5  Death  and  life  arefet  bifore  them, 
 
 And  it  fhall  come  to  pafs,  when  all  thefe  things 
 are  come  upon  thee,  the  blefting  and  the  curfe,. 
 which  I  have  fet  before  thee,  and  thou  fhalt  call  thnn 
 to  mind  among  all  the  nations  whether  the  Lord  thy 
 God  hath  driven  thee, 
 
 2  And  fhalt  return  unto  the  Lord  thy  God,  and 
 fhalt  obey  his  voice,  according  to  all  that  I  command 
 thee  this  day,  thou  and  thy  children,  with  all  thine 
 heart,  and  with  aJl  thy  foul ; 
 
 3  That  then  the  Lord  thy  God  will  turn  thy  cap¬ 
 tivity,  and  have  compaffion  upon  thee,  and  will  re- 
 tmii,  and  gather  thee  from  all  the  nations  whither  the 
 Lor-D  thy  God  hath  fcattered  thee. 
 
 4  If  atuj  of  thine  be  driven  out  unto  the  utmofta  Netv 
 of  heaven,  from  thence  will  the  Lord  thy  God*- 
 gather  thee,  and  from  thence  will  he  fetch  thee.’ 
 
 5  And  the  Lord  thy  God  will  bring  thee  into  the 
 land  which  thy  fathers  pofteffed,  and  thou  flialt  pofTefs 
 it ;  and  he  will  do  thee  good,  and  multiply  thee  above 
 thy  fathers. 
 
 6  And  the  Lord  thy  God  wU  circumcife  thine 
 heart,  and  the  heart  of  thy  feed,  to  love  the  Lord 
 thy  God  with  all  thine  heart,  and  with  all  thy  foul, 
 that  thou  mayeft  live. 
 
 7  And  the  Lord  thy  God  will  put  all  thefe  curfes 
 upon  thine  enemies,  and  on  them  that  hate  thee,  which 
 perfecuted'thee. 
 
 8  And  thou  fhalt  return,  and  obey  the  voice  of  the 
 Lord,  and  do  ail  his  commandments,  which  I  com¬ 
 mand  thee  this  day. 
 
 9  ^  And  the  Lord  thy  God  will  make  thee  plente-*’  *^*’^p* 
 ous  in  every  work  of  thine  hand,  in  the  fruit  of  thy"®' 
 body,  and  in  the  fruit  of  thy  cattle,  and  in  the  fruit 
 of  thy  land,  for  good :  for  the  Lord  will  again 
 rejoice  over  thee  for  good,  as  he  rejoiced  over  thy 
 fathers ; 
 
 10  If  thou  fhalt  hearken  unto  the  voice  of  the  Lord 
 thy  God,  to  keep  his  commandments  and  his  ftatutes, 
 xchich  are  written  in  this  book  of  the  law,  and  if  thou 
 
 Ver.  20.  Jealoufy  is  die  rage  of  a  man,  Prov.  vi.  54.  it  is  applied  to  denote 
 die  fiery  indignation  of  God,  excited  againft  tranfgi-effoi-s,  by  his  love  of  his  own 
 glory,  of  holinefs,  and  his  people’s  happinefs,  Exod.  xx.  5.  S?nflhe  is  an  emblem 
 of  great  difpleafure,  Pfal.  Ixxiv.  1.  Ver.  21.  The  hyiiocrite  and  finner  fliall  he 
 feparated  not  only  from  communion  with  God,  but  aifb  from  the  congregation  of 
 the  righteous,  compare  Ezek.  xiii.  1 9.  Ver.  25.  A  land  fown  with  fait  is  rendered 
 altogether  barren,  Judg.  ix.  45.  Jer.  xvii.  6.  Ezek.  xlvii.  11.  Ver.  28.  The  law 
 of  Mofes  leaves  the  finner  under  his  curfe,  rooted  out  of  the  land  ;  hut  the  divine 
 mercy  of  the  eternal  covenant  proclaims  pardon  to  every  returning  hackftider, 
 Amos  ix.  15.  Ver,  29.  Secret  things,  mean  in  general  all  events  that  ftiall  he 
 accompliftied  by  God,  in  his  providence,  but  which  are  not  particularly  fpoken  of 
 in  his  revelation,  particularly  his  fecret  purpofes  refpetfting  Ifrael,  Rom.  xi.  53 
 
 I  Divine  revelation,  if  fuitahly  regarded,  is  fufficient  to  make  us  wife  to  falvation, 
 it  teaches  plainly  evei7  important  truth  and  duty  neceffary  to  conduct  us  iij  the 
 padi  which  God  approves. 
 
 EXPLA]SATOR\  NOTES.  Chap.  XXX.  Vm",  1.  The  gracious  pron 
 mifes  in  this  chapter  were  partially  fulfilled  in  the  reftoration  from  the  Bahyloniaa 
 captivity,  an  account  of  which  is  given  us  by  Ezra,  Nehemiah,  Euiniel,  Zecha- 
 riah,  and  Haggai.  But  the  prophets  fpeak  of  the  final  and  complete  reftoration 
 of  the  Jews  from  their  long  and  wretched  date  of  baniftmreiu  from  their  Dn.d, 
 feemingly  neglected  and  hated  by  God,  and  defpifed  and  contemned  by  every 
 nation  ;  and  it  is  the  entire  accomplilhment  of  this  prophetic  event  wliich  will 
 fully  illuftrate  all  the  promifes  refpcCling  them,  compare  Note  on  Piom.  xi.  1 1,  12. 
 
 ,  Ver.  6.  By  an  allufion  to  the  rite  of  circumcifion,  God  promifes  the  bleffings  of 
 
 PRACriCAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XXIX.]  The  moft  affe6ling  providences  m.iy  pa;fs- unheeded  by  the  ignorant  and  unbelieving;  but  he  who  i* 
 Wife  and  prudent  fliall  obferve  them  and  underftand  the  loving-kindnefs  of  the  Lord,  the  delign  of  which  in  all  its  operations  is  to  recommend  joyful  obedience  to  the 
 diYine  laws.  Ihe  everlafting  covenant  is  made  with  Chrift  ;  in  him  it  is  fulfilled,  by  him  it  is  confirmed,  and  from  him  we  receive  all  its  bleflin<r.s.  Mav  we  fee  its 
 inlmite  excellence,  admire  its  glorious  extent,  and  rejoice  in  its  inexhatillible  fulnefs.  It  embraces,  blelfed  he  Jehovah,  the  noble  and  ignoble,  the  rich  and  the  poor, 
 the  hulband  and  the  wife,  the  parents  and  the  children,  the  roafter  and  the  fervant,  the  liond  and  the  free.  .  Spirit  of  Jehovali,  prefetve  us  from  forfaking  the  covenant 
 ot  our  God,  or  turning  our  back  ou  the  I.ord  of  our  mercies  !  Confirm  us,  by  thy  gracious  influences,  in  all  the  good  of  the  covenant,  that  it  may  he  enjoyed  by  us,  and 
 our  children  after  us!  Let  us  not  however  forget  that  the  greater  the  mercies  are  which  God  confers  on  men,  the  greater  punilhment  awaits  the  umliankful  and  difr 
 obedient.  Let  u.s  therefore  take  heed,  left  while  we  think  we  Hand,  w'c  fliould  fall. 
 
DeatJi  and  life  fct  before  the  people. 
 
 DEUTERONOMY.  Mfs  and  JosJma  appear  before  Gor/ 
 
 Before  tum  iiiito  the  LoRD  thy  God  with  all  thine  heart, 
 and  with  all  thy  foul. 
 
 1 1  ^  Eor  this  commandment,  which  1  command  thee 
 this  day,  it  is  not  hidden  fi-om  thee,  neither  is  it  fiir  off : 
 c  Rom.  12  It  is  not  in  heaven,  that  thou  Ihouldett  fay, 
 10. 6,  &c.  Who  fliall  go  up  for  us  to  heaven,  and  bring  it  unto 
 us,  that  \ye  may  hear  it,  and  do  it  ? 
 
 13  Neither  is  it  beyond  the  fea,  that  thou  (houldeft 
 fay.  Who  (hall  go  over  the  fea  for  us,  and  bring  it 
 unto  us,  that  we  may  heiu-  it,  and  do  it  ? 
 
 14  But  the  word  is  very  nigh  unto  thee,  in  thy 
 mouth,  and  in  thy  heart,  that  thou  mayeft  do  it. 
 
 15  II  See,  I  have  fet  before  thee  this  day  life  and 
 good,  and  death  and  evil ; 
 
 16  In  that  I  command  thee  this  day  to  love  the 
 Lord  thy  God,  to  wulk  in  his  ways,  and  to  keep  his 
 commandments,  and  his  ftatutes,  and  his  judgments, 
 that  thou  mayeft  live  and  multiply:  and  the  LordI 
 thy  God  fhall  blefs  thee  in  the  land  whither  thou  goeft 
 to  poffefs  it. 
 
 17  But  if  thine  heart  tum  away,  fo  that  thou  wilt 
 not  hear,  but  (halt  be  drawn  away,  and  worlhip  other 
 gods,  and  ferve  them ; 
 
 18  I  denounce  unto  you  this  day,  that  ye  (hall  furely 
 periih,  and  that  ye  (hall  not  prolong  ymir  days  upon 
 the  land  whither  thou  paffeft  over  Jordan  to  go  to 
 poffefs  it. 
 
 Chap.  19^1  call  heaven  and  earth  to  record  this  day  againft 
 4.  26.  you,  that  I  have  fet  before  you  life  and  death,  bleiling 
 and  curf  ng  :  therefore  choofe  life,  that  both  thou  and 
 thy  feed  may  live  ; 
 
 20  That  thoii  mayeft  love  the  Lord  thy  God,  and 
 that  thou  mayeft  obey  his  voice,  and  that  thou  mayeft 
 cleave  unto  him;  (for  he  is  thy  life,  and  the  length  of 
 thy  days  ;)  that  thou  mayeft  dwell  in  the  land  which 
 the  Lord  fware  unto  thy  fathers,  to  Abraham,  to 
 Ifaac,  and  to  Jacob,  to  give  them.* * 
 
 CHAP.  XXXI. 
 
 1  Mofes  encourageth  the  people  !  7  he  encourageth  Jnjltua  ;  9  he  deliverelh 
 the  law  unto  the  priejls,  to  read  it  in  the feventh  year  to  the  people,  23 
 God  giveth  a  charge  to  Joshua,  &c. 
 
 a  Numb. 
 20.  12. 
 Chap. 
 
 3.  27. 
 
 And  Mofes  went  and  fpake  thefe  words  unto  all 
 Ifrael. 
 
 .  2  And  he  faid  unto  them,  I  am  an  hundred  and 
 twenty  years  old  this  day,  I  can  no  more  go  out  and 
 come  in :  alfo  the  Lord  hath  faid  unto  me,  ^  Thou 
 (halt  not  go  over  this  Jordan. 
 
 3  The  Lord  thy  God,  he  will  go  over  before  thee.  Before 
 ami  he  will  deftroy  thefe  nations  from  before  thee, 
 
 and  thou  (halt  poffefs  them  :  and  Jofhua,  he  (hall  go 
 over  before  thee,  as  the  Lord  hath  faid. 
 
 4  And  the  Lord  (hall  do  unto  them  as  he  did  to ^-28.  ' 
 Sihon  and  to  Og,  Idngs  of  the  Amorites,  and  unto  the 
 land  of  them,  whom  he  deftroyed. 
 
 5  And  “=  the  Lord  fhall  give  them  up  before  yourc  Chap. 
 face,  that  ye  may  do  unto  them  according  unto  all  the  -• 
 commandments,  which  I  have  commanded  you. 
 
 6  Be  ftrong,  and  of  a  good  courage,  fear  not,  nor 
 be  afraid  of  them :  for  the  Lord  thy  God,  he  it  is 
 that  doth  go  with  thee ;  he  will  not  fail  thee,  nor  for- 
 j  fake  thee. 
 
 I  7  f  And  Mofes  called  unto  Jofhua,  and  faid  unto 
 him  in  the  fight  of  all  Ifrael,  Be  fti-ong,  and  of  a  good 
 courage  :  for  thou  muft  go  with  this  people  unto  the 
 land  which  the  Lord  hath  fworn  unto  their  fathers 
 to  give  them ;  and  thou  (halt  caufe  them  to  inherit  it. 
 
 8  And  the  Lord,  he  it  is  that  doth  go  before  thee ; 
 he  will  be  with  thee,  he  will  not  fail  thee,  neither  for- 
 ,  fake  thee :  fear  not,  neither  be  difmayed. 
 j  9  %  And  Mofes  wrote  this  law,  and  delivered  it 
 unto  the  priefts  the  fons  of  Levi,  which  bare  the  ark 
 of  the  covenant  of  the  Lord,  and  unto  all  the  elders 
 of  Ifrael. 
 
 I  10  And  Mofes  commanded  them  fa^nng.  At  the 
 end  of  every  feven  years,  in  the  folemnity  of  the  ^  yeard  Chap, 
 of  releafe,  in  the  feaft  of  tabernacles,  i. 
 
 1 1  Mlhen  all  Ifrael  is  come  to  appear  before  the 
 Lord  thy  God,  in  the  place  which  he  (hall  choofe, 
 thou  (halt  read  this  law  before  all  Ifrael  in  their  hearing. 
 
 12  Gather  the  people  together,  men,  and  women, 
 and  children,  and  thy  Granger  that  is  within  thy  gates, 
 that  they  may  hear,  and  that  they  may  learn,  and 
 fear  the  I.ord  your  God,  and  obferve  to  do  all  the 
 words  of  this  law ; 
 
 13  And  that  their  children,  which  have  not  known 
 any  thing,  may  hear,  and  leant  to  fear  the  Lord  your 
 God,  as  long  as  ye  live  in  the  land  whither  ye  go 
 over  Jordan  to  poffefs  it. 
 
 14  <II  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  Mofes,  Behold,  thy 
 days  approach  that  thou  muft  die :  call  Jo(hua,  and 
 prefent  yourfelves  in  the  tabernacle  of  the  congrega¬ 
 tion,  that  I  may  give  him  a  charge.  And  Mofes  and 
 Jo(hua  went  and  prefented  themfelves  in  the  taber¬ 
 nacle  of  the  congregation. 
 
 regeneration  and  tandlification,  fee  Rom.  ii.  29.  Col.  ii.  11,  12.  Ver.  11 — 14. 
 See  Notes  on  Luke  xvii.  20,  21.  Rom.  x.  5 — 9.  where  this  paflage  is  illuftrated. 
 This  commandment  referring  probably  to  belief  of  the  promifes,  in  the  preceding 
 verfe,  is  denominated  by  Paul,  the  word  of  faith.  Ver.  19.  Compare  Note  on 
 chap  xxxii.  1.  The  proraife  and  threatening  may  have  a  primary  reference  to 
 a  long  life,  or  an  early  ealanaitous  death,  in  Canaan,  or  exclulion  from  it ;  but 
 that  they  ultimately  reprefent  fpiritual  and  eternal  life  or  death,  is  plain  front 
 Paul’s  view  of  the  context,  to  which  we  have  already  referred.  To  choofe  life 
 is  the  duty  of  all  the  people  of  God,  which  they  are  enabled  to  do  by  the  grace  of 
 JHefliah.  Jofh.  xxiv.  15,  22.  Pfal.  cxix.  30.  xvii.  3.  Ver.  20.  He  is  thy  If e,  is  an 
 eipreffion  illulTrated  by  our  Lord  and  his  apollles,  John  xvii.  3.  xi.  25.  xiv.  5.  Gal. 
 ii  20.  1  John  v.  20. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXXI.  Ver.  2.  Mofes  was  now  an 
 Rundred  and  twenty  years  old,  forty  of  which  he  had  Ipent  in  the  court  of 
 jEg  ypt,  ftirty  in  Midian,  and  during  the  remaining  forty  he  had  governed  Ifrael,  I 
 vii.  20,  25.  29.  30.  I  can  no  more  go  out  and  come  in  ;  that  is,  can  no  more^ 
 attentl  to  the  duties  of  bis  office,  not,  however,  from  deficiency  of  llrength  ol 
 
 mind  or  body,  but  from  the  appointment  of  God,  that  he  ffiould  die,  chap, 
 xxxiv.  7.  Ver  6.  Compare  Joffi.  i.  5.  x.  25.  1  Chron.  xxii.  13.  xxxii.  7.  Heb. 
 xiii.  5.  which  contain  the  fame  inftru61ion.  Ver.  7.  As  Jolluia  was  called  to  the 
 greateft  labours  and  difficulties,  he  is  particularly  exhorted  and  comforted  ;  and 
 this  was  in  the  prefence  of  all  Ifrael,  in  order  that  they  might  feel  more  dii'ixifed 
 to  reverence  and  obey  him,  after  the  death  of  his  mailer  Mofes.  Ver.  10. 
 
 •  Comp.  chap.  xv.  1.  Lev,  xxiii.  Ver.  1 1.  As  the  priefts  and  elders  were  the  rulers 
 of  Ifrael,  the  book  of  the  law  was  entrufted  to  their  charge,  but  it  was  not  merely 
 for  their  own  benefit  to  diredl  them  in  the  difeharge  of  their  arduous  work  ,■  it 
 was  alfo  with  a  view  to  their  future  duty  of  inftruaing.  all  Ifrael  to  know  and 
 obey  it,  compare  Neh.  viii.  8.  Ver.  12.  The  women  and  children  were  not  pod- 
 tively  commanded  to  attend  the  fellivals ;  for  often  this  w'ould  prove  an  alraoft 
 impoffible  talk,  Exod.  xxiii.  17.  but  they  were  bound  to  hear  and  underftand 
 the  law  :  and  this  verfe  feems  to  imply  that  they  were  as  often  as  convenient, 
 to  attend  the  feftivals  when  the  law'  was  to  be  read  and  explained.  Accord¬ 
 ingly  this  was  their  practice  in  after  ages,  fee  1  Sam.,  i.  7,  9,  22.  Luke  ii  41,  45. 
 Ver.  15.  The  appearance  of  the  fymbolical  glory  on  this  occafion,  would  en- 
 
 PRACtlC  AI  OBSERVATIONS-*  Chap.  XXX.l  How  great  the  mercy  of  God  to  his  backfliding  people  !  How  forcibk  arguments  are  drawn  from  it  by 
 .1  UAU  1  it  AJ.  t)t5SL.itv  A  1  V.  J  j  the  God  of  their  fathers  ’  What  confolation  muft  this  chapter  have  afforded  to  the 
 
 Mofes.  the  man  of  God,  to  perfuade  Ifrael  to  .f ^  h^e  to  them  when  they  return  in  the  lall  day  to  the  Lord  their  God.  But  it 
 
 pen.teut  Ifrachtes.  when  returning  front  captivity  Nor  will  J^^eath.  May  we  hear  him,  who  fpeaks  from  heaven.  May  his  infinite  grace  and  com- 
 
 jrn  enT5"our  Ms  Lnfcendant  greatnefs  and  condefeenfion,  command  our  reyrnne^  and  holy  obedience,  Mat  we  may  Hand  before  ium 
 
 anblaraeable  and  umexiroveable. 
 
jtjlm 
 
 Before 
 
 CJirift 
 
 1451. 
 
 rccclveth  a  charge,  SfC, 
 
 DEUTERONOMV* 
 
 .Slofrs  rehearliiii  the  I /)r(C s  J<m^ 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 (ic  down 
 
 15  And  the  Lord  appeared  in  the  tabernacle  in  al|  25  I’hat  Mofes  commanded  the  Levites,  which  bare  ^^efore 
 pillar  of  a  cloud;  and  the  pillar  of  the  cloud  Hood  ['the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  the  Lord,  layhig, 
 over  the  door  of  the  tabermicle.  20  1  ake  this  b(xik  of  the  law,  and  put  it  in  the  fide 
 
 ■ .  of  the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  the  Lord  your  God, 
 
 that  it  may  be  there  for  a  witnefs  againft  tnee. 
 
 I'or  1  know  thy  rebellion,  and  thy  fliff-neck : 
 
 I  Heb. 
 
 16  *(1  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  Mofes,  Behold,  thou 
 fhalt  t  lleep  with  thy  fathers  ;  and  this  people  will 
 rife  up,  and  go  a- whoring  after  the  gods  of  the  ftrangers 
 of  the  land  whither  they  go  to  be  among  them,  and 
 will  forfake  me,  and  break  my  covenant  which  I  have 
 made  with  them. 
 
 17  Then  my  anger  (hall  be  kindled  againft  them  in 
 that  day,  and  I  will  forfake  them,  and  I  will  hide  my 
 face  from  them,  and  they  (hall  be  devoured,  and  many 
 evils  and  troubles  fhall  f  befall  them ;  fo  that  they 
 
 ^^at  day.  Are  not  thefe  evils  come  upon  us, 
 becaufe  om-  God  is  not  among  us  ? 
 
 18  And  I  will  furely  hide  my  face  in  that  day,  for 
 all  the  evils  which  they  (hall  have  wrought,  in  that  they 
 are  tunied  unto  other  gods. 
 
 19  Now  therefore  write  ye  this  fong  for  you,  and 
 teach  it  the  children  of  Ifrael :  put  it  in  their  mouths, 
 that  this  fong  may  be  a  witnefs  for  me  againft  the  chil¬ 
 dren  of  Ifrael. 
 
 20  For  when  I  fhall  have  brought  them  into  the 
 land  which  I  fware  unto  their  fathers,  that  floweth 
 with  milk  and  honey,  and  they  (hall  have  eaten,  and 
 filled  themfelves,  and  waxen  (at ;  then  will  they  turn 
 unto  other  gods,  and  ferve  them,  and  provoke  me,  and 
 break  my  covenant. 
 
 2 1  And  it  (hall  come  to  pafs,  when  many  evils  and 
 troubles  are  befallen  them,  that  this  fong  fhall  teftify 
 t  againft  them  as  a  witnefs  ;  for  it  fhall  not  be  forgot¬ 
 ten  out  (^the  mouths  of  their  feed :  for  I  know  their 
 imaginatto  which  they  f  go  about,  even  now,  before 
 I  have  brought  them  into  the  land  which  I  fware. 
 
 -  ■-22  f  Mofes  therefore,  wrote  this  fong  the  fame  day, 
 and  taught  it  the  children  of  Ifrael. 
 
 23  %  And  he  gave  Jofhua  the  fon  of  Nun  a  chai-ge, 
 c  Jofhua  and  faid,  Beftrong,  and  of  a  good  courage ;  for  thou 
 
 (lialt  bring  the  children  of  Ifrael  into  the  land  which  I 
 fware  unto  them ;  and  I  will  be  \\dth  thee. 
 
 24  51  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  Mofes  had  made 
 
 f  Heb. 
 b^ore. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 do. 
 
 27 
 
 Ix^hold,  while  I  am  yet  alive  with  you  this  day,  ye 
 have  been  rebellious  againft  the  Lord  ;  and  how  much 
 more  after  my  death  ? 
 
 28  Gather  unto  me  all  the  elders  of  your  tribes, 
 and  your  officers,  that  I  may  (peak  thefe  words  in 
 their  ears,  and  call  heaven  ana  earth  to  record  againft 
 them. 
 
 29  For  I  know  that  after  my  death  ye  will  utterly 
 corrupt  yaurfelves,  and  turn  aftde  from  the  way  which 
 I  have  commanded  you ;  and  evil  will  befall  you  in 
 the  latter  days  ;  becaufe  ye  will  do  evil  in  the  fight  of 
 the  Lord,  to  provoke  him  to  anger  through  thew^ork 
 of  your  hands. 
 
 30  And  Mofes  fpake  in  the  ears  of  all  the  congre¬ 
 gation  of  Ifrael  the  words  of  this  fong,  until  they  were 
 ended.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXXII. 
 
 1  Mofes' Jong,  which  jetteth  forth.  God’s  mercy  and  vengeance:  4  he  ex- 
 horleth  them  to  fet  their  hearts  upon  it.  48  God  Jendeth  him  up  to 
 mount  Nebo  to  fee  the  land  and  die, 
 
 Give  ear,  O  ye  heavens,  and  I  will  fpeak ;  and 
 hear,  O  earth,  the  words  of  my  mouth. 
 
 2  My  doftrine  (hall  drop  as  the  rain,  my  fpeech 
 fhall  dilfil  as  the  dew  ;  as  the  fmall  rain  upon  the  ten¬ 
 der  herb,  and  as  the  (bowers  upon  the  grafs : 
 
 3  Becaufe  I  will  publKh  the  name  of  the  Lord  ; 
 aferibe  ye  greatnefs  unto  our  God. 
 
 4  He  is  the  Rock,  his  work  is  perfect ;  for  all  his 
 ways  are  judgment :  a  God  of  truth,  and  without 
 iniquity  ;  juft  and  right  is  he.  t  Heb, 
 
 5  t  They  have  corrupted  themfelves  ;  \\  their  fpot 
 is  not  the  fpot  of  his  children  :  they  are  a  pen'erfe  aiid-™* 
 crooked  generation.  y  0/ 
 
 Do  ye  thus  requite  the  Lord,  O  fooli(h  people  <i>at they 
 
 6  , 
 
 and  unwife?  is  not  he  thy  father  ttiat  hath  bought'*'"': 
 an  end  of  writing^  the  words  of  this  law  in  a  book,  j  thee  ?  hath  he  not  made  thee,  and  eftablifhed  thee  ? 
 until  they  were  finilhed,  I!  7  «[  Remember  the  days  of  old,  conlider  the  -years  6^,'. 
 
 courage  Jofhua,  and  convince  Ifratd  that  liis  authority  over  them  tvas  acceptable  I;  ednefs  to  all  who  receive  it,  Ifa.  .  Iv.  10,  11.  IMic.  v.  7.  Stonns  and  tempells  arc 
 to  God.  Ver.  16.  Sleep;  a  common  exprefiion  for  death,  Job  xiv.  12.  A<5ts  vii.  j,  emblems  of  the  law  from  Sinai ;  but  the  refreflting  rain  and  gentle  dew,  more 
 60.  1  Theff.  iv.  13,  Thy  fathers ;  a  phrafe  which  often  occurs  in  a  fimilar  con-  j  properly  reprefent  the  benign  influence  of  the  gofpel  of  the  Son  of  God.  Ver.  4. 
 he<5lion,  and  feems  to  imply  the  belief  of  the  immortality  of  the  foul  ;  for  Mofes’  All  his  ways  are  Judgment,  moft  judicious,  right  and  equal ;  planned  by  infinite 
 body  was  not  gathered  with  his  fathers,  but  he  returned  to  his  fpiritual  fathers,  !  wifdom,  and  executed  by  almighty  power  and  impartial  juftice.  Ver.  5,  6.  This 
 the  fpirits  of  juft  men  made  perfect.  This  remark  is  apitlicajile  to  many  places  ||  is  a  ftriking  and  corretft  reprefentation  of  the  Jewilli  nation,  with  the  exception 
 
 where  the  fame  mode  of  exprefiion  occurs,  Numb.  xx.  14.  Gen.  xv.  1,5.  Ver 
 19.  This  fong;  that  which  we  have  in  chap,  xxxii.  is  a  prophecy  rcfpeifling  the 
 future  charadier  and  ftate  of  Ifrael,  and,  like  the  prophetical  writings  in  general, 
 it  is  delivered  in  poetical  language.  It  was  thus  delivered,  fays  Ainfwonh,  that 
 it  might  be  more  eafily  ftored  into  the  memory,  and  influence  with  delight  the 
 afle(5lions.  Ver.  20.  See  chap  xxxiii  15.  which  foretels  the  fame  thing,  and  of 
 it' fulfilment  we  read,  Neh.  ix.  25,  26.  Ver.  27.  Stiff  neck,  an  untratftable  difpo- 
 fition  ;  which  is  elfewhere  likened  to  an  iron  fmew  or  tendon,  Ifa.  xlviii.  4.  Expd. 
 xxxii.  9. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXXTI.  Ver,  1.  IMofes  fummonsall 
 creation  to  witnefs  what  he  fpeaks.  Such  bold  and  highly'  figurative  language 
 befpeaks  the  importance  of  the  fubjedl.  Mon  die,  but  the  creation  remains; 
 they  may  be  deaf ;  but  other  creatures  fhall  not  ceafe  to  heat  or  witnefs  in 
 God’s  behalf,  fee  Note  on  Ifa;  i.  2.  Jer.  xxii.  29.  Ver.  2.  The  figures  here  applied 
 to  the  word  of  God,  intimate  its  fuperior  excellency,  by  which  it  imparts  bleiicd- 
 
 of  a  feledl  number  in  every  age,  who  followed  the  Lord  with  inflexible  integrity; 
 They  corrupted  themfelves ;  though  feiiarated  by  God  for  liimfelf,  they  went  after 
 foreign  gods,  and  adopted  the  deteflable  pradlices  of  idolaters.  Tire  God,  whole 
 work  is  perfect,  planted  them  a  noble  vine,  but  they  became  the  degenerate 
 plant  of  a -nild  vine,  Ifa.  i.  4.-  Tlrey  were  ;)fn'c»ye,-  thatSf,  they  perverted  ftie 
 plain  and  falutary  laws  of  Jehovah  ;  a  irooked  generation ;  aj^ofed  in  heart  to  the 
 righteous  laws  delivered  to  them-;  and  they  had  fpots  and  blemiflies  which 
 belong  not  to  the  people  of  God,  who  are  right  in  heart,  and  delight  to  walk 
 ^  in  his  ways.  They 
 and  univife ; 
 
 tions,  and  the  countries  affigned  them,  fee  Gen.  x.  xi.  He  fet  the  bounds  of  the  peo¬ 
 ple  according  to  the  number  of  the  children  f  Ifrael.  Tliis  feehis  to  intimate  that 
 God  in  allowing  the  nations  their  inheritances,  referred  Canaan  for  the  portion  of 
 Ifrael,  or  proportioned  its  bounds  to  the  number  of  Ifrael,  Which  was  perfecfllv 
 known  to  him,  ere  one  of  them  exifted.  This  country,  Canaan  fon  of  Ham,  feizeil 
 
 ■y  were  an  ungrateful  people ;  fooli/h,  vile,  and  contemptible; 
 void  of  fpiritual  underflanding,  Ver.  8.  Of  the  divifions  of  the  na- 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XXXI.]  Death  refpetfls  not  the  pc-rfons  of  men  ;  it  is  appointed  to  all  once  to  die.  But  the  forrows  of  death 
 or  the  pains  of  the  invifible  world,  encompafs  not  the  faithful  fervants  of  our  God  :  for  their  blelfed  Lord,  has  by  his  precious  death,  triumphed  over  death  and  the 
 grave,  and  brought  to  light  incorruption  and  immortality  It  is  delightful  to  behold  the  people  of  God,  exerting,  even  on  the  verge  of  the  grave,  their  whole  influence, 
 3  that  the  caufe  of  God  may  profper  for  ever.  Thus  they  give  decifive  and  ftriking  teftimony  of  their  iinlhaken  faith  and  hope  in  the  promifes  of  God.  The  lifing 
 “generation  merit  particular  attention  ;  and  to  teach  and  warn  them  is  the  moft  probable  means  of  prelerving  and  extending  rigliteoufnefs  in  the  earth;  God  "■racioull'y 
 tiWarns  fmners  of  their  danger,  and  gives  them  ipace  to  repent ;  Lut  alati !  how  frequently  do  they  contemn  him  and  all  their  own  belt  purpofes,  rows,  and  enga;^eni?n*s 
 
 3  F  1  '  ' 
 
 0 
 
J/.  i-'i’  7cf!r,:rfUh  /he 
 
 DEUTERONOMY.  jf/racl  esrhorted  to  fet  their  hearts  on  if 
 
 ilcrvire 
 
 Chria 
 
 1-151. . 
 
 f  lleb. 
 
 {.encr,'!- 
 tion  and 
 
 iion. 
 t  Ileb. 
 cord. 
 
 II  Or, 
 compajfed 
 hint  about. 
 
 !!  Or, 
 'fthich 
 were  not 
 God. 
 
 li  Or. 
 acfinfed. 
 
 a  Rom. 
 10.  19. 
 
 of  t  miuiy  generations :  afk  tliy  father,  and  he  will  | 
 fhew  liiee ;  thy  ciders,  and  they  will  tell  thee.  |i 
 
 8  When  the  molt  High  divided  to  the  nations  their 
 inheritance,  when  he  feparated  the  fons  of  Adam,  he 
 let  the  bounds  of  the  people  according  to  the  number 
 of  the  children  of  Ifrael : 
 
 9  hor  the  Lord’s  portion  is  his  people  ;  Jacob  is 
 the  t  lot  of  his  inheritance. 
 
 10  fie  found  him  in  a  defert  land,  and  in  the  wafte 
 howling  wildernefs  ;  he  \\  led  him  about,  he  inlfrufted 
 him,  he  kept  him  as  the  apple  of  his  eye. 
 
 1 1  As  an  eagle  flirreth  up  her  neft,  fluttereth  over 
 her  young,  fpreadeth  abroad  her  wings,  taketh  them, 
 beareth  them  on  her  wings  ; 
 
 12  So  the  Lord  alone  did  lead  him,'’and  Mci’c  "was 
 no  ftrange  God  with  him. 
 
 13  He  made  him  ride  on  the  high  places  of  the 
 earth,  that  he  might  cat  the  increale  of  the  fields ; 
 and  he  made  him  to  fuck  honey  out  of  the  rock,  and 
 oil  out  of  the  flinty  rock ; 
 
 14  Butter  of  Idne,  and  milk  of  fheep,  with  fat  of 
 lambs,  and  rams  of  the  breed  of  Bafhan,  and  goats, 
 with  the  fat  of  kidneys  of  w  heat ;  and  thou  didfl;  drink 
 the  pure  blood  of  the  grape. 
 
 15  ^  But  Jefhurun  waxed  fat,  and  kicked :  thou  art 
 waxen  fat,  tliou  art  grown  thick,  thou  art  covered 
 tvith  fat  nr/s ;  then  he  forfook  God  ’which  made  hmi, 
 and  lightly  efteemed  the  Rock  of  his  falvation. 
 
 16  They  provoked  him  to  jealoufy  with  ftrange 
 gods,  with  abominations  provoked  they  him  to  anger. 
 
 1 7  They  facrificed  unto  devils,  |I  not  to  God  ;  to 
 gods  v.'hom  they  knew  not,  to  new  gods  that  came 
 newb,'-  up,  whom  your  fathers  feared  not. 
 
 18  Of  the  Rock  that  begat  thee  thou  art  unmind¬ 
 ful,  and  haft,  forgotten  God  that  formed  thee. 
 
 19  And  when  the  Lord  faw^  it,  he  H  abhorred 
 them,  becaufe  of  the  provoking  of  his  fons  and  of  his 
 daughters. 
 
 20  And  he  faid,  I  wall  hide  my  face  from  them,  I 
 will  fee  what  their  end  '/haU  he for  they  are  a  very 
 froward  generation,  children  in  whom  is  no  faith. 
 
 21  Idiey  have  moved  me  to  jealoufy  with  that  which 
 is  not  God  ;  they  have  provoked  me  to  anger  with 
 their  vanities :  and  ®  I  will  move  them  to  jealoufy  with 
 thnfe  which  arc  not  a  people ;  I  wall  provoke  them  to 
 anger  with  a  foolllh  nation. 
 
 22  Eor  a  fire  is  kindled  in  mine  anger,  and  |1  (hall  Before 
 burn  unto  the  loweft  hell,  and  H  lhall  confume  the  • 
 earth  with  her  increafe,  and  fet  on  fire  the  founda- . 
 tions  of  the  mountains. 
 
 23  I  will  heap  mifehiefs  upon  them ;  I  will  fpend  ’ 
 
 mine  arrows  upon  them.  <^<^rned. 
 
 24  Theyjhall  he  burnt  with  hunger,  and  devoured 
 
 with  f  burning  heat,  and  wath  bitter  deftrueftion  :  \ fumed!'" 
 will  alfo  fend  the  teeth  of  beafts  upon  them,  with  the  1 
 poifon  of  ferpents  of  the  duft.  burnmj, 
 
 25  Ute  fword  wathout,  and  terror  f  within,  fhall  \  ifeb. 
 
 4  deftroy  both  the  young  nrm  and  the  virgin,  the/™»i«/« 
 fuckling  al/b,  with  the  man  of  grey  hairs.  chambers. 
 
 26  1  faid,  I  would  fcatter  them  into  comers,  I  vcould 
 make  the  remembrance  of  them  to  ceafe  from  among  " 
 men  : 
 
 27  Were  it  not  that  I  feared  the  wrath  of  the  ene-  • 
 my,  left  their  adverfaries  Ihould  behave  themfelves 
 ftrangely,  and  left  they  fiiould  fay,  |]  Our  hand  is  liigh,  II  Or, 
 and  the  Lord  hath  not  done  all  this. 
 
 28  For  they  are  a  nation  void  of  counfel,  neither 
 
 there  any  underftanding  in  them.  lord, 
 
 29  Oh  that  they  were  wife,  that  they  underftood^^'^^'  ^^^jw 
 this,  that  they  would  confider  their  latter  end  ! 
 
 30  How  fhould'^  one  chafe  a  thoufand,  and  two  put^  JoOiua 
 ten  thoufand  to  flight,  except  their  rock  had  fold  them, 
 
 and  the  Lord  had  fhut  them  up  ? 
 
 31  For  their  rock  is  not  as  our  Rock,  even  our 
 enemies  themfelves  being  judges. 
 
 32  For  their  vine  ||  is  of  the  vine  of  Sodom,  and  of  j|  Or, 
 
 the  fields  of  Gomorrah :  their  grapes  are  grapes  of  "“‘i® 
 gall,  their  clufters  are  bitter  :  wCo/L- 
 
 33  Their  wine  the  poifon  of  dragons,  and  the^^,,,,, 
 cruel  venom  of  afps. 
 
 34  Is  not  this  laid  up  in  ftore  with  me,  and  fealed 
 up  among  my  treafures  ? 
 
 85  =  To  me  helongeth  vengeance  and  recompence ;  c  Ecdus 
 their  foot  fhall  Aide  in  due  time ;  for  the  day  of  their 
 calamity  is  at  hand,  and  the  things  that  fhall  come 
 upon  them  make  hafte.  iiebr. 
 
 36  For  the  Lord  fhall  judge  his  people,  ^  and  re-io-  so- 
 pent  himfelf  for  his  fervants,  when  he  feeth  that  their 
 
 f  power  is  gone,  and  there  is  none  fhut  up,  or  left.  |  Heb. 
 
 37  And  he  fhall  fay.  Where  are  their  godts,  their  ha^ui. 
 rock  in  whom  they  trufted  ; 
 
 38  Which  did  eat  the  fat  of  their  facrifices,  and 
 
 for  himfeif  and  eleven  Ions,  who  were  permitted  to  retain  it  till  they  became  utter¬ 
 ly  abandoned  to  idolatry  and  wickednefs,  and  till  Ifrael  were  prepared  to  enter 
 jato  their  proper  pollelfions.  Ver.  11.  Comp.  Exod.  xix.  4.  Rev.  xii.  14.  The 
 tagie  is  the  noblefl  of  birds,  and  the  fierceft  among  t!ie  birds  of  prey  ;  but  Ihe  is 
 ‘not  left  tender  and  careful  of  her  young  than  fhe  is  bold  to  refilt  any  attempt  to 
 th>  them  iniury.  This  is  a  flrong  and  exprellive  image  of  Jehovah’s  care,  com- 
 patlion,  and  love,  towards  hi.s  chofen  people.  Ver.  13.  tPo  make  ride  on  the  high 
 denctos  the  triumph  of  Ifrael  over  all  their  enemies,  and  the  glory,  wealth, 
 and  dominion  conferred  on  them,  chap,  xxxiii.  29.  Ifa.  Iviii.  14.  Ver.  15.  Comp. 
 Eleh.  ix.  25,  26.  Jer.  v.  27,  28,  1  Sam.  xxix.  Wax  fat  and  kick,  may  probably 
 refer  to  a  liiglily  fed  animal  which  relufes  fubjedlioa  to  its  mailer ;  but  the 
 pJirafes  evidently  denote  the  ingratitude,  piide,  and  prefumption  of  Ifrael  to¬ 
 wards  God,  who  had  dealt  bountifully  with  them.  Concerning  the  import  of 
 JfMirun,  fee  Note  on  Ifa.  xliv.  1— -4.  Ver.  17.  Deviis,  or  demons,  were  objedls 
 of  worlbip,  fee  Note  on  1  Cpr.  x.  20,  21.  Ver.  20.  I  loill  hide  inyface;  with¬ 
 draw  the  tokens  of  my  favour  j  which  punifliment  was  anfwerable  to  tlieir  fm, 
 for  they  hal  forfaken  him,  V’er.  21.  See  Note  on  Rom.  x.  19 — 21.  Ver.  22 — 
 i!7,  Tlie  Jews  rendered  themfelves  v/orthy  of  utter  dertruilioii  from  the  prefence 
 t>f  tliC'ir  God,  whole  difpleafuie  with  them  is  exprelfcd  in  as  flrong  language  as 
 t'ould  po.dibJy  be  ufed;  and  was  manifefied  in  as  levere  judgments  as  ever  came 
 «’.n  the. fons  of  men.  That  their  name  is  not  forgotten  among  men,  is  owing 
 lolely  to  Jehovah’s  regard  for  his  honour,  which  would  he  fullied  in  their  total 
 (pxtirpatiori.  He  had  piomifed  to  preferve  them,  and  for  his  promife  and  oath’s 
 lake  they  exill,  and  lliall  yet  be  blefl'ed  Lire,  is  an  emblem  of  terrible  judg- 
 .'jients,  Ezek,  xxx.  8,  /.n.os  ii.  2,  5.  Zou-^'t  hd>,  denotes  an  unfuthomable  deep; 
 
 in  which  fenfe  the  phrafe  frequently  occurs ;  and  expreffes  here  the  moll  alarm¬ 
 ing  and  dehrudlive  judgments.  Arrows,  a  term  applied  to  various  and  fevere 
 alHidlions.  The  other  expreffions  here  are  of  fimilar  import.  V'ere  it  not  that  I 
 feared  their  wrath.  This  language  is  after  the  manner  of  men.  To  prevent  his 
 enemies  from  boafting  in  their  power  which  they  had  exerted  for  Ifrael’s  detlruc- 
 tion,  he  preferves  his  chofen  people,  whom  he  lliall  yet  raife  from  all  their 
 wretchednefs,  and  by  them  get  to  himfelf  a  glorious  name.  Ver.  29.  Their  latter 
 end,  particularly  the  end  of  their  date  as  a  dillimil  nation  ;  at  which  period  they 
 would  be  called  to  account  for  all  their  didinguifhed  favours  and  privileges  ; 
 their  abufe  of  which,  with  the  fearful  confequences  of  that  abufe,  Mofes  in  this 
 fOTig  foretels.  Ver.  30.  Had  not  God  fold  Ifrael  to  their  enemies,  becaufe  of  their 
 iniquities,  none  could  have  overcome  them,  much  left  would  one  enemy  chafe 
 athoulanJ  of  them.  Lev.  xxvi.  7,  8.  Ver  31—33  This  feems  chiefly  to  refer 
 to  the  nations  to  whom  Ifrael  were  fold  ;  and  implies  that  certain  deftrudlion 
 awaited  them  after  they  had  been  the  indruments  of  correiling  Ifrael ;  but 
 Olliers  apply  the  palfage  to  the  degenerate  Jews,  compare  Ifa.  v.  o.  Jcr.  ii.  21. 
 Ver.  34.  The  fins  mentioned  in  the  preceding  verfe  were  remembered  by  God, 
 and  would  alfuredly  be  punifhed,  when  he  made  inquifiiion  for  blood,  or  fum- 
 nioned  his  enemies  to  judgment.  Job  xiv.  17.  Ita.  xxix.  1 1.  Rom.  ii.  5.  \ev.  35. 
 Their  foot  fhall  fide  in  due  time .-  that  is,  they  diall  fall  into  dedruaion  at  the  fea- 
 fon  mod  pi-Oiier  to  mai.ifed  the  divine  judice  in  their  piinilhment.  Ver.  36. 
 Judge  his  people,  corre-a  them,  and  plead  their  caufe  againd  all  their  cruel  enemies. 
 Uepe-nt  himf  if,  change  not  his  purpofts,  but  die  ccurfe  of  his  adminidration,  by 
 faving  his  people,  whom  he  had  permitied  the  enemy  to  oppreft.  llien  fliall 
 Idacf  be  fully  convinced  that  Jehovah  aloue  is  God,  and  their  Saviour,  Ver. 
 
^lofcs  JliCTS^clh  the  majefy  of  God 
 
 lu.forc  drank  the  wnne  of  their  drink-oifering.s?  let  them  rife 
 ci.riii  up  and  help  you,  and  be  f  your  protection. 
 
 t59  See  now  that  I,  cven\  am  he,  and  there  is  no 
 god  with  me  :  1  kill,  and  I  make  alive  ;  1  wound,  and 
 
 lnhircii>ig\  heal :  neither  is  there  an^  that  can  deliver  out  of  my 
 
 DliUd’ERONOMY. 
 
 //"  hlefjak  the  tvsclee  tribes- 
 
 fur  !/««• 
 e  1  Sam 
 2.  C. 
 'i’ol'it 
 J5.  ^2 
 
 Wir4- 
 1C.  13- 
 
 hand. 
 
 but  thou 
 give  the 
 
 Ik-fore 
 
 Chnil 
 
 1451. 
 
 £6  The  ex- 
 
 Or, 
 
 jiatiofis  .* 
 
 or,  Sing 
 ye. 
 
 f  Rom. 
 15.  10. 
 
 II  O'-- 
 
 Jfliua. 
 
 S  Chap. 
 6.  6.  & 
 11.  18. 
 
 40  For  I  lift  up  my  hand  to  heaven,  and  fay,  I  live 
 
 for  ever.  .  .  ^  ,  ,  •  ,  , 
 
 41  If  I  whet  my  glittering  fword,  and  mine  hand 
 take  hold  on  judgment,  I  will  render  vengeance  to 
 mine  en.  ;nies,'aml  will  re  ward  them  that  hate  me. 
 
 42  I  will  make  mine  arrows  drunk  with  blood,  and 
 my  fword  Itiail  devour  flefh  ;  and  that  with  the  blood 
 of  the  {lain,  and  of  the  captives,  from  die  beginning  of 
 revenges  upon  the  enemy.. 
 
 43  11  Rejoice,  O  ye  nations,  veith  his  people ;  for 
 "rnnfe  his  he  will  avetige  the  blood  of  his  fervants,  and  will  ren- 
 yeoyUye  yengeaiice  to  his  adverfaries,  and  v/ill  be  merciful 
 
 unto  his  land,  and  to  his  people. 
 
 44  %  i^nd  Mofes  came  and  fpake  all  the  words  of 
 this  fong  in  the  ears  of  the  people,  he  and  ||  Holhea 
 the  foil  of  Nun. 
 
 45  And  Mofes  made  an  end  of  fpeaking  all  thefe 
 words  to  all  Ifrael : 
 
 46  And  he  faid  unto  them,  s  Set  your  hearts  unto 
 all  the  words  which  I  teftify  among  you  this  day, 
 which  ye  (hall  command  your  children  to  obferve  to 
 do,  all  the  w'ords  of  this  law. 
 
 47  For  it  is  not  a  vain  thing  for  you  ;  becaufe  it  is 
 your  life ;  and  through  this  thing  ye  fhall  prolong 
 days  in  the  land  whither  ye  go  over  Jordan  to  pof- 
 fefs  it. 
 
 h  Numb.  f  *'  And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Mofes  that  felf- 
 27.  12.  fame  day,  faying, 
 
 49  Get  thee  up  into  this  mountain  Abarim,  unto 
 mount  Nebo,  which  is  in  the  land  of  Moab,  that  is 
 over  againft  Jericho,  and  behold  the  land  of  Canaan, 
 which  I  give  unto  the  children  of  Ifrael  for  a  poffef- 
 fion ;  .  . 
 
 i  Numb.  50  And  die  in  the  mount  whither  thou  goeft  up,  and 
 gathered  unto  thy  people ;  as  '  Aaron  thy  brother 
 k  Numb.’  died  in  mount  Hor,  and  was  gathered  unto  his  people ; 
 20.12.13.  51  Becaufe  ye  trefp'alTed  againft  me  among  the 
 
 &  27. 14- children  of  Ifrael  at  the  waters  of  H  Meribah-kadefli, 
 \dfiat  ivildemefs  of  Zin ;  becaufe  ye  fanftified  me  not 
 
 in  the  midft  of  the  children  of  Ifrael. 
 
 52  Y ct  thou  (halt  fee  the  land  before y/i'Y' 
 
 (halt  not  go  thither  unto  the  land  V'hicli  I 
 -  children  of  Ilfael.’" 
 
 CHAP.  XXXIII. 
 
 1  2'he  jimJeJIy  of.  Cod.  6  The  blejjings  if  t!ic  luidve  t.-ibes. 
 cdlcncy  of  Ifrael. 
 
 And  this  is  the  Idefling  wherewith  Mofes  the 
 man  of  God  blefted  the  children  of  Ifrael  befoi'e 
 his  death. 
 
 2  And  he  faid,  The  Lord  came  from  Sinai,  and 
 role  up  from  Seir  unto  them  ;  he  Ihined  forth  from 
 mount  Paran,  and  he  came  with  ten  thoufands  of  faints ; 
 from  his  right  hand  -.s^-nt  j-  a  fiery  law  for  them.  t 
 3  Yea,  he  loved  the  people  ;  all  his  laints  are  in  thy  '‘f 
 hand :  and  they  fat  down  at  thy  feet ;  every  one  Ihall 
 receive  of  thy  words. 
 
 4  Mofes  commanded  us  a  law,  even  the  inheritance 
 of  the  congregation  of  Jacob. 
 
 5  And  he  was  king  in  Jefhurun,  when  the  heads  of 
 the  people  and  the  tribes  of  Ifrael  were  gathered  to¬ 
 gether. 
 
 6  If  Let  Reuben  live,  and  not  die ;  and  let  not  his 
 men  be  few.  . 
 
 '  7  f  And  this  is  the  hlefing  of  Judah :  _  and  he  faid. 
 
 Hear,  Lord,  the  voice  of  Judah,  and  bring  him  unto 
 his  people  :  let  his  hands  be  fufticient  for  him  ;  md 
 be  thou  an  help  to  him  from  his  enemies. 
 
 8  If  And  orLe\d  he  faid,  ^  Let  thy  Thummim  and^  Ex^- 
 thy  Urim  be  wdth  thy  holy  one,  wftom  thou  didft  prove 
 at  Maffah,  and  'with  whom  thou  didft  ftrive  at  the  wa¬ 
 ters  of  Meribah : 
 
 9  Who  faid  unto  his  father  and  to  his  mother,  I 
 have  not  feen  hmi ;  neither  did  he  acknowiedge  his 
 brethren,  nor  knew  his  own  children  ;  for  they  have 
 obferved.  thy  'word,  and  kept  thy  covenant. 
 
 10.  11  They  fhall  teach  Jacob  thy  judgments,  and  II  Or, 
 Ifrael  thy  law  ;  H  they  fhall  put  incenfe  f  before 
 and  whole  burnt-facrifice  upon  thine  altar.  or! 
 
 11  Blefs,  Lord,  his  fubftance,  and  accept  the  work 
 of  his  hands  :  finite  through  the  loins  of  them  that  rifeP"^ 
 againft  him,  and  of  them  that  hate  him,  tliat  they  rife"'^^^,^ 
 
 I  not  again.  .  alt.iynofe 
 
 I  12  ^  And  of  Benjamin  he  faid.  The  beloved  of  the 
 'Lord  fhall  dwell  in  fafety  by  him;  and  the  LOUD 
 fhall  cover  him  all  the  day  long,  and  he  fhall  dwell 
 between  his  ftioulders. 
 
 59 _ 45.  Jehovah  here  reveals  himfelf  armed  to  war  for  the  relloration  of  his 
 
 people  out  of  the  hands  of  all  their  enemies,  to  eftablilh  them  once  more  in  his 
 light ;  and  in  their  deliverant  e  and  glory  the  nations  are  called  to  rejoice,  compare 
 Note  on  Rom.  xi.  Vcr.  46,  47.  Compare  Rom.  x.  5 — 10. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXXIII..  Ver.  1.  The  man  of  God 
 a  phrale  applied  to  fuch  as  were  much  devoted  to  God,  and  dillinguillied  in  his 
 forvice,  1  Sam.  ix.  6,  7.  1  Tim.  vi.  11.2  Tim.  iii.  1 7.  Ver.  2.  The  Lord  came 
 from,  or  out  of  Sinai,  when  he  gave  laws  to  li'rael;  from  Sdr,  when  in  Edom’s 
 land  he  delivered  them  from  the  fiery  flying  ferpents ; /ratit  Paran,  when  near  it, 
 he  infpired  Mofes  to  repeat  and  explain  the  law  as  recorded  in  this  hook,  chap.  i. 
 
 Numb.  xxi.  4 _ 9.  Thefe  were  three  glorious  manifeflations  of  Jehovah’s  grace 
 
 to  his  chofen,  worthy  to  be  remembered  in  all  generations.  Saints,  holy  ones ; 
 that  is,  angels,  compare  A6ls  vii.  53.  Heb.  ii.  2.  but  perhaps  the  term  may  refpeR 
 Ifrael,  deimminntcd,  ver.  3.  his  faints,  with,  or  for,  whom  the  Lord  came  from 
 Sinai.  Fiery  law,  compare  Note  on  Heb.  xii.  18 — 24.  Ver.  3.  In  Ihy  hand,  un¬ 
 der  thy  almighty  prote61ion.  Numb.  viii.  28,  33.  Hand  is  often  an  emblem  of 
 power  and  protedtion,  John  x.  28,  29.  Sat  down  at  his  feet ;  in  allufion  to  Ifrael  s 
 
 abode  at  Sinai,  where  they  humbly  received  the  law  from  Jehovah  their  king ; 
 it  may  allb  allude  to  the  pollnre  of  difciplcs,  wiio  fat  at  tlieir  mailer’s  fact, 
 AiRs  xxii.  3.  Ver.  5.  Compare  Note  bn  chap,  xxxii.  15.  He  was  hing,  may  refer 
 I  to  IVIofes,  who  was  leader  of  Ifrael,  in  the  language  of  feripture  is  callufi  tlic-sr 
 king  ;  or  to  God,  who  is  fo  denominated,  I  Sam.  xii.  1 2.  ^’cr.  6.  Reuben  dc- 
 ferved  death,  Gen.  xj.xv.  22.  but  the  mercy  of  God  preferved  him ;  and  lie  went 
 armed  before  his  brethren,  Jolli.  iv.  12.  Vcr.  7.'  Many  a  time  was  the  truth  of 
 this  prophetic  prayer  verified  in  Judah,  who  often  went  forth  to  batde,  with 
 prayer  to  God  for  affifiance,  and  came  back  a  conqueror.  Of  this  no  one  L  ig¬ 
 norant  who  is  acquainted  with  the  hifiory  of  the  kingdom  of  Jndali.  Ycr.  8. 
 Comp.  Note  on  Exod.  xxviii.  50.  iritk  thy  holy  on  -,  and  what  follows  feem  to 
 refpebl  Aaron  the  high  prieft,  whom  li'rael  tempted  to  liuj  but  who,  in  all  his 
 domeflic  trials,  did  not  dilhonour  his  olfice  by  mruniing  for  his  nearell  relsl:on=, 
 Lev.  X.  2 — 7.  xxi.  11,  12.  or  probably  tlie  whole  refers  to  Melliah,  Aaroii’s  an¬ 
 titype.  Ifrael  tempted  him  in  the  wildornefs  ;  he  ackn-awlodged  none  to  be  his 
 relations,  but  fuch  as  kept  God’s  law,  Matth.  xii.  46—50.  Ver.  11.  Compare 
 Numb.  xvi.  Vcr.  12'.  The  city  of  God  belonged  to  Benjamin,  Jolh.xviii.  11,  23. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS — *  Chap.  XXXII.]  The  heavens  and  the  earth  Ihall  witnefs  at  the  laft  day  for  every  faithful  fervautof  God;  and  how¬ 
 ever  few  may  profit  by  his  labours,  he  will  alTuredly  receive  an  ample  reward.  White  we  behold  the  divine  condnbl  to  Ifrael,  let  us  ofpecially  contemplate  the  wond-ers 
 of  redemption  by  Jefus ;  of  God’s  preparing  it  for  his  people,  and  bringing  them  now  to  experience  its  excellence,  and  hereafter  to  its  full  and  eternal  enj.iy  ment.  Let 
 
 i  jad 
 
Mofes  \nec:clh  the  lamL 
 
 DEUl^ERONOMY. 
 
 .Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 1-451. 
 
 c  Gen. 
 49.  26. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 Jcaled. 
 
 13  «[  And  ot  Joseph  he  faid,  BlcfTod  of  the  Lord 
 he  his  kmd,  tor  the  precious  things  of  heaven,  for  the 
 dew,  and  for  the  deep  that  coucheth  beneath. 
 
 I  t  And  for  the  precious  fruits  brotight  forth  by  the 
 fun,  and  tor  the  precious  things  f  put  forth  by  the  f 
 moon. 
 
 15  And  for  the  chief  things  of  the  ancient  moun¬ 
 tains,  and  for  the  precious  things  of  the  latling  hills. 
 
 16  And  for  the  precious  things  of  the  earth,  and 
 fulnefs  thereof,  and  for  the  good  will  of  him  that 
 dwelt  in  the  bufh :  let  the  blejjing  come  upon  the  head 
 ot  Jofeph,  and  upon  the  top  of  the  head  of  him  that 
 was  feparated  from  his  brethren. 
 
 _  17  His  glory  is  like  the  firftling  of  his  bullock,  and 
 his  horas  are  like  the  honis  of  unicorns :  with  them 
 he  fhall  pufh  the  people  together  to  the  ends  of  the 
 eai'th ;  and  they  are  the  ten  thoufands  of  Ephraim, 
 imd  they  are  the  thoufands  of  ManatTeh. 
 
 18  ^  And  ofZebulun  he  faid.  Rejoice,  Zebulun, , 
 
 in  thy  going  out ;  and,  Ithichar,  in  thy  tents.  I 
 
 19  They  fhall  call  the  people  unto  the  mountain  ; ! 
 thei-e  they  fliall  offer  faa-ifices  of  righteoufnefs  :  for  i 
 they  fhall  fuck  of  the  abundance  of  the  feas,  and  of 
 treafures  hid  in  the  fand. 
 
 20  ^  And  of  Gad  he  faid,  Bleffed  ic  he  that  enlarg- 
 eth  Gad :  he  dw^elleth  as  a  lion,  and  teareth  the  arm 
 with  the  crown  of  the  head. 
 
 2 1  And  he  provided  the  firft  part  for  himfelf,  be- 
 caufe  there,  m  a  portion  of  the  lawgiver,  was  he  f  feat- : 
 cd ;  and  he  came  with  the  heads  of  the  people,  he  j 
 executed  the  juflice  of  the  Lord,  and  his  judgments  I 
 with  Ifrael. 
 
 22  %  And  of  Dan  he  faid,  Dan  is  a  lion’s  whelp : 
 he  fhall  leap  from  Bafhan. 
 
 23  f  And  of  Naphtali  he  faid,  O  Naphtali,  fatis- 
 fied  with  favour,  and  full  with  the  bleffing  of  the 
 Lord  ;  poffefs  thou  the  weft  and  the  fouth. 
 
 24  if  And  of  Afher  he  faid.  Let  Afher  be  bleffed 
 with  children  ;  let  him  be  acceptable  to  his  brethren, 
 and  let  him  dip  his  foot  in  oil. 
 
 This  death  and  bu) 
 
 25 
 
 ■ictl, 
 
 .  „  Thy  fhoes. he  iron  and  brafs ;  and  as  thy  before 
 JbalL  thy  flrength  be.  ChrKt 
 
 ‘26  If  Theie  is  none  like  unto  the  God  of  Jeflmrun, 
 xeho  rideth  upon  the  heaven  in  thy  help,  and  in  his  1 
 excellency  on  the  fky.  Un<ioV 
 
 27  Ihe  eternal  God  is  tlnj  refuge,  and  underneath 
 are  the  everbifting  imms  :  and  he  fhall  thruft  out  thei™„ 
 enemy  from  before  thee,  and  fhall  fay,  Deftroy  them. 
 
 28  Hfrael  then  fhall  dwell  in  fafety  alone  :  the  foun-  Jer. 
 
 tain  of  Jacob  /hall  be  upon  a  land  of  corn  and  wine  • 
 alfo  his  heavens  fhall  .drop  down  dew.  ^ 
 
 29  Happy  art  thou,  O  Ifrael ;  who  is  like  unto  thee, 
 
 O  people  faved  by  the  Lord,  the  fhield  of  thy  help’, 
 imd  who  is  the  fword  of  thy  excellency !  and  thine  • 
 enemies  ||  fhall  be  found  liars  unto  thee,  and  thoui 
 fhalt  tread  upon  their  high  places.*  fulducu. 
 
 CHAP.  XXXIV. 
 
 1  Mojes  Ji-om  mount  JVebo  viciveth  the  land ;  5  he  diclh  there ;  6  Im 
 burial:  7  his  age  :  8  thirty  days  mourning  Jbr  him  ;  9  Jnjhua  fne- 
 ceedelh  ’  ’  .r,.  ... 
 
 A 
 
 and  this  tribe  adhered  to  Judah  when  their  brethren  apoftatifed.  Accordingly 
 Benjamin  is  preferred  to  Jofeph  his  elder  brother,  and  is  placed  next  to  Levi. 
 JlisJJioulders;  that  is,  his  own  inheritance.  Numb,  xxxiv.  11.  Ver.  13 — 16. 
 Compare  Gen.  xlix.  22 — 26.  Ver.  18,  19.  Zebulun  and  IlTacbar’s  blelTings  are 
 given  together.  Zebulun  might  rejoice  in  his  going  out  to  war,  or  rather  his 
 profperous  voyages.  They  Ihould  be  inftrumental  while  trafficking,  in  calling 
 the  Gentiles  to  tlie  knowledge  of  God,  or  their  brethren  wbofe  hearts  might  be 
 cool  in  the  fervice,  compare  Gen.  xlix.  15 — 15.  Ver.  21,  22.  Compare  Note  on 
 Gen.  xlix.  19.  To  tear  the  arm  with  the  crown  of  the  head,  means  that  no  power 
 or  dignity  would  overcome  him.  Gad  and  Reuben  received  firft  their  inheritance 
 from  Mofes  the  lawgiver.  Numb,  xxxii.  1- — 5.  IFas  he Jeated,  covered,  protected, 
 by  fenced  cities,  in  which  he  left  his  wives  and  children,  and  came  with  the  heads 
 f  Ifrael  to  fight  and  overcome  the  inhabitants  of  Canaan.  Ver.  22.  Compare 
 Jofh.  xix.  47.  Judg.  xviii.  27,  29.  Ver.  25.  Compare  Ifa.  ix.  1.  Ver.  24,  25. 
 Dipped  in  oil,  denoting  great  r>ches,  compare  Gen.  xlix.  20.  Shoes  iron  and  brufs, 
 may  fignify  that  his  land  woitld  produce  rich  mines,  or  that  he  Ihould  tread  down 
 his  enemies.  Rev.  i.  15.  V< ..  26.  llideth,  an  emblem  of  the  dignity  and  might, 
 in  which  God  manifefted  liimfelf  for  the  falvation  and  glory  of  Ifrael,  Pfal.  Ixviii. 
 54.  Hab  iii.  8.  Ver,  28.  Compare  Numb.  xxiii.'9.'  Fountain,  inflead  of  ftream, 
 fignifies  the  defeendants  of  Jacob.  Ver.  29,  Liars,  fhall,  under  apprehenfion  of 
 Ifrael’s  greatnefs,  feign  to  be  their  friends.  Such  was  the  condmSt  of  Ifrael’s  ene¬ 
 mies,  when  God  appeared  in  behalf  of  his  chofen  people.  Tread  on  their  high 
 2>laces  :  that  is,  completely  fubdue  their  mighty  enemies. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXXIV.  Ver.  1—8.  Mofes  was  not 
 
 him.  10  The  j’raife  (/' M(fes. 
 
 ND  Mofes  went  up  from  the  plains  of  Moab^ 
 
 _  _  _  unto  the  mountain  of  Nebo,  to  the  top  of  ' 
 Pifgah,  that  is  over  againft  Jericho  :  and  the  Lord  li  O'-, 
 fhewed  him  *  all  the  land  of  Gilead,  unto  Dan, 
 
 2  And  all  Naphtali,  and  the  land  of  Ephraim,  andg.  97^*^ 
 
 Manafleh,  and  all  the  land  of  Judah,  unto  the  utmoft2  Mac. 
 fea,  2. 4. 
 
 3  And  the  fouth,  and  the  plain  of  the  valley  of  Jeri¬ 
 cho,  the  city  of  palm-trees,  unto  Zoar. 
 
 4  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  him,  ^  This  is  the  land'’  Oen. 
 which  I  fware  unto  Abraham,  unto  Ifaac,  and  untoj!’^'* 
 Jacob,  faying,  I  will  give  it  unto  thy  feed :  I  have 
 caufed  thee  to  fee  it  with  thine  eyes,  but  thou  fhalt 
 
 not  go  over  thither. 
 
 5 So  Mofes  the  fervant  of  the  Lord,  died  there,  in 
 the  land  of  Moab,  according  to  the  word  of  the  Lord. 
 
 6  And  he  buried  him  in  a  valley  in  the  land  of 
 Moab,  over  againft  Beth-peor  :  but  no  man  knoweth 
 of  his  fepulchre  mito  this  day. 
 
 more  diftinguiftied  through  a  long  life  by  the  gifts  and  dignities  conferred  ois 
 him,  than  by  his  perfevering  fidelity  in  the  difeharge  of  the  great  and  important 
 Cervices  to  which  he  was  called.  But  though  much  loved  and.honcui'ed  by  the 
 Lord,  on  account  of  one  a6l  of  difobedience,  he  was  denied  the  gratification  of 
 his  moft  ardent  defire  to  pafs  over  Jordan  into  the  holy  land.  This  ftrikingly 
 illuftrated  to  all  Ifrael  the  holinefs  of  God,  and  the  necelfity  of  entire  fubjedliou 
 to  his  will.  And  it  was  doubtlefs  executed  chiefly  for  their  fakes,  that  they 
 might  fear  the  Lord  continually.  With  lefpedl  to  Mofes,  he  cheerfully  fub- 
 niitted  to  it,  nor  did  it  deprive  him  of  every  bleffing,  which  was  calculated  to 
 afford  him  the  higheft  fatisfadlion.  He  did  not  indeed  enter  Canaan,  but  God 
 gracioufly  granted  him  to  fatisfy  his  foul  by  a  full  view  of  the  land  of  promife. 
 He  furveyed  from  the  fummits  of  Pifgah  its  rich  and  lofty  mountains,  its  beau¬ 
 tiful  and  fruitful  vallies ;  moft  probably  his  organs  of  vifion  were  miraculoully 
 ftrengthened  by  his  God,  who  delighted  to  do  him  good.  And  no  doubt  while 
 his  eyes  were  fixed  on  Canaan,  his  mind,  like  Abraham’s,  realized  the  better 
 country,  v  hether  his  happy  foul  winged  its  flight,  or  was  carried  by  the  angels 
 into  the  patriarch’s  bofom,  and  the  bofom  of  his  God,  Heb.  xi.  15 — 16.  His 
 death  was  honcured  above  that  of  any  other  man  ;  for  Jehovah  buried  him,  and 
 his  burial  place  no  man  ever  difeovered ;  it  was  probably  mercifully  concealed, 
 left  Ifrael  fliould  pay  him  religious  homage,  in  whom  they  at  a  future  period 
 trufted,  rather  than  the  Mefiiab,  to  whom  he  dire<5led  them.  He  died  while  his 
 conftitution  was  fotind  and  vigorous,  after  be  had  lived  longer  than  any  of  his 
 contemporaries.  He  had'  experienced  the  gfeateft  changes,  and  witnefied  the 
 moft  wonderful  works,  which  God  had  performed  fince  the  ere.tlion  of  the 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XXXIII.]  Man  may  wifli  and  pronounce,  but  God  can  .alone  bellow  bleffednefs  to  his  people.  How  amiabl* 
 the  clu  u'dl'er  of  the  faints  !  taught  of  God,  and  fweetly  conftrained  to  receive  and  obey  his  inftrutflions  ;  they  hear  his  law,  it  is  written  on  their  hciirts,  and  tranfcribtd 
 in  their  life.  How  fkfe  and  happy^  their  fiate!  preferred  in  the  hand  of  Jehovah,  enriched  in  him  with  unbounded  blelfings,  bleffings  fiiited  to  every  ftation,  eveij' 
 tribe!  the  habitation  of  God  is  their  refidence;  he  is  himfelf  their  refuge.  Saviour,  fhield,  portion,  and  infinite  all.  It  is  felicity  to  be  feparated  from  the  world 
 jenjoy  him.  It  is  ravifhing  to  leave  this  w  orld  quite  tranfported  with  the  glorious  excellencies  of  our  God,  and  of  our  intereft  in  him,  to  behold  his  face,  and  to  eiittf 
 on  the  eternally  unveiled,  uninterrupted  enjoyment  of  him  in  glory. 
 
JOSHUA. 
 
 Ood  appoinlcth  ,J(^nuz 
 
 to  furrf>rd 
 
 '  Before  7  f  And  Mofcs  was  an  hundred  and  twenty  years 
 chrift  qI  J  yyhen  he  died  :  his  eye  was  not  dim,  nor  his  t  na- 
 tural  force  t  abated. 
 
 1  Heb.  8  il  And  the  children  of  Ifrael  wept  for  Mofes  in  the 
 
 plains  of  Moab  thirty  days :  fo  the  days  of  weeping 
 t  and  mourning  for  Mofes  were  ended. 
 
 ‘  9  If  And  Joihua  the  fon  of  Nun  was  full  of  the  fpirit 
 
 of  wifdom ;  for  Mofes  had  laid  his  hands  upon  him  : 
 and  the  children  of  Ifrael  hearkened  unto  him,  and 
 did  as  the  Lord  commanded  Mofes. 
 
 10  ^  And  there  arofe  Rot  a  prophet  ftner>  in  Ifrael 
 like  unto  Mofes,  whom  the  I.ord  knew  I'ace  to 
 
 lUCC  y 
 
 1 1  In  all  the  figns  and  the  wonders  which  the  Lop.  n 
 fent  him  to  do  in  the  land  of  Egypt  to  Pharaoh,  and 
 to  all  his  fervants,  and  to  all  his  land, 
 
 12  And  in  all  that  mighty  hand,  and  in  ail  tlie 
 great  terror  which  Mofes  Ihewed  in  the  fight  of  all 
 
 Ifrael.* 
 
 world :  refeued  from  death  in  infancy,  educated  in  the  court  of  Pharaoli,  reduced 
 to  the  humble  ftate  of  a  fervant,  and  exalted  the  leader  and  legiflator  of  Ifrael,  he 
 faw  them  honoured  above  all  nations  their  enemies  humbled,  and  trembling  under 
 the  juft  apprehenfion  of  utter  ruin.  Ifrael  had  frequently  entertained  very  opnofite 
 opinions  of  him  while  he  lived,  and  often  a<5led  moft  ungratefully,  but  at  his  ueath, 
 one  foul  animated  the  whole  nation.  Death  to  him  was  gain,  but  to  them  an 
 incalculable  lofs.  Ver.  9 — 12.  Ifi-aeTs  grief  for  Mofes’  departure  was  mitigated. 
 
 and  their  hopes  excited  by  the  gift  of  Joflma  fora  leader,  one  whofo  qualifications 
 they  were  not  ignorant  of.  But  as  a  propliet,  there  arofe  none  like  Mofes  in  Ifrael, 
 fill  Meffiah  his  antitype  appeared.  Mofes  Ihone  as  a  flar  of  tlie  firft  magnitude, 
 Jefus  alone  is  the  .Sun  of  righteoufnefs,  the  Light  of  the  nations,  and  the  glory  of 
 Ifiael.  The  whole  of  this  cliapter  was  perhaps  written  by  Jofhua  or  feme  other 
 facred  penman  ;  who  he  was  cannot  be  afeertained  ;  but  we  know  that  his  tefti- 
 mony  is  true. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS — *  Chap.  XXXIV.]  The  memory  of  the  righteous  is  acceptable  to  the  faints;  the  memory  of  MoJes  is  peculiarly  fo ; 
 for  his  perfonal  and  official  charaifter  and  work  direeft  them  to  Jefus,  who  is  more  precious  to  them  than  filver  .and  gold,  or  even  their  necelTary  food.  And  it  is  their 
 comfort,  that,  though  the  moft  eminent  fervants  of  God  die,  their  Redeemer  lives  for  ever.  The  death  of  all  who  faithfully  ferve  him  is  precious  In  his  fight;  and 
 he  makes  it  pleafaut  and  joyful  to  them  when  ulhered  in  with  fatisfactory  views  of  the  King  in  his  beauty,  and  of  tlie  land  which  is  afar  off.  Bleffed  lie  Jehovah,  who 
 halh  raifed  up  lor  us  the  prophet  who  is  infinitely  fuperior  to  Mofes  and  all  the  prophets.  Let  every  ranfomed  finner  publifli  his  name  and  declare  bis  doings  among 
 the  people  ;  for  he  alone  is  worthy  to  be  exalted. 
 
 1  T  H  E  B 
 
 O  O  K  O  F 
 
 JOSHUA 
 
 THE  ARGUMENT. 
 
 In  this  hook  we  fee  how  the  children  of  Ifrael  conquered  the  land  of  Canaan  under  the  conduct  ofjq/hua.  It  contains 
 the  hijioty  of  about  feventeen  years. 
 
 Before 
 
 C'hrift 
 
 H51. 
 
 a  Deut. 
 J.  38. 
 
 b  Dent. 
 II.  24. 
 Chap. 
 14.  9. 
 
 CHAP.  1. 
 
 1  The 'Lord  ajipointelli  JoJJiua  to  fucceed  Mn(es.  3  The  borders  of  the 
 promiftd  land.  5,  9  God  protnipth  to  ajjtjl  Jn/hua  ;  8  he  giuelk  him 
 inJiruSlions  :  10  Jq/hua  prepareth  the  people.,  ^-c. 
 
 NOW,  after  the  death  of  Mofes,  the  fervant  of  the 
 Lord,  it  came  to  pafs,  that  the  Lord  fpake  unto 
 Jofhua  the  fon  of  Nun,  Mofes’  ^  minifter,  (aying, 
 
 2  Mofes  my  fervant  is  dead  ;  now  therefore  arife, 
 go  over  this  Jordan,  thou,  and  all  this  people,  unto 
 the  land  which  I  do  give  to  them,  even  to  the  children 
 of  Ifrael. 
 
 3  <11  Every  place  that  the  foie  of  your  foot  fliall 
 tread  uppn,  that  have  I  given  unto  you,  as  I  laid  unto 
 Mofes. 
 
 4  From  the  wildemefs  and  this  Lebanon,  even  unto 
 
 the  great  river,  the  river  Euphrates,  all  the  land  of  Befor* 
 the  Hittites,  and  unto  the  great  fea,  toward  the  going 
 down  of  the  fun,  lhall  be  your  coaft. 
 
 5  %  There  lhall  not  anv  man  be  able  to  ftand  be-  c  Heb. 
 fore  thee  all  the  days  of  thy  life.  As  I  was  with^^  -5. 
 Mofes, ^  I  will  be  with  thee:  I  will  not  fail  thee, 
 
 nor  forflike  thee.  I'of' 
 
 6  Be  fb'ong,  and  of  a  good  courage ;  for  y  unto^*  « jhoit 
 this  people  fh^t  thou  divide  for  an  inheritance 
 
 land  which  I  fware  unto  their  fathers  to  give  them, 
 
 1  Only  be  thou  ftroiig,  and  very  courageous,  that/nTi^yc! 
 thou  mayeh;  obferve  to  do  according  to  all  the  law^  Deun 
 which  Mofes  my  fervant  comm:mded  thee ;  '  turn  not,^‘  * 
 from  it  to  the  right  hand  or  to  the  left,  that  tboumay- jj^^,  ’rfa 
 eft  II  profper  \thithcrfoever  thou  goeft.  u  f/y. 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  I.  Ver.  1,  2.  Mofes,  during  his  minif. 
 try,  had  found  Joltiua  a  faithful  affillant,  and  gladly,  in  compliance  with  the 
 c.iminaiKl  of  God,  had  folemnly  conflituted  him  his  fuccelTor  in  the  prefence 
 and  with  the  approbation  of  all  Ifrael,  Numb,  x.xxiv.  18,  19.  Jofhua  was  not 
 elated  by  the  high  honours  conferred  on  him  ;  he  did  not  affume  the  reins  of 
 government  till  Ifrael  were  deprived  of  their  groat  legiflator  and  ruler,  who  was 
 fummoned  by  death  to  Hand  in  the  prefence  of  God.  Ver.  4.  Lebanon  wa?  pro- 
 ^bably  the  moll  eminent  mountain  in  Syria,  and  the  northern  border  of  the  land  ; 
 or  it  was  within  view  when  the  Lord  addrefled  Joihua.  The  Hittites,  it  appears 
 were  the  moll  confidcrable  and  formidable  ol’  all  the  C.maanites  who  are  lliled 
 Amorites,  Gen.  xv.  16.  One  nation  is  mentioned  inllead  of  all  the  nations  Whom 
 Ifrael  were  to  deftroy.  JMany  of  the  Hittites  were  perhaps  the  race  of  the  giants, 
 dwelling  about  Hebron,  Gen,  xxv.  9.,  10.  xxvi.  34.  xxvii  46.  ThcgreatTea  means 
 the  Mediterranean,  which  bounded  the  promifed  land  on  the  Wefl,  compare  Note 
 on  Numb,  xxxiv.  This  land  was  not  all  to  be  poirefied  by  Ifrael  at  once,  but 
 by  degrees.  Tlsough  their  pofleffions  extended  not  to  Euphrates,  yet  their  do- 
 tt'inion  did,  and  all  thofe  lands  were  tributary  to  them  i.n  the  time  of  David 
 
 I  and  Solomon.  Ver.  5.  God  promifes  the  fame  afl'iftance  to  Joihua  as  he  gave 
 j  to  Mofes  to  encourage  him  againd  his  enemies,  and  in  governing  this  niu-neckeA 
 I  and  rebellious  people,  whom  he  had  juft  reafon  to  fear  no  lefs  than  the  Canaanite". 
 I  Ver.  6 — 9.  The  great  encouragement  which  God  imparted  at  this  time  to 
 Jodiu-i,  was  very  feafonable  ;  for  though  he  had  always  given  fufficient  proof  of 
 his  courage,  fortitude,  and  zeal  to  ferve  Go4,  yet  the  work  before  him  was  al- 
 moft  new,  peculiarly  arduous  and  difticult;  and  the  profpecSl  of  it  probably  de- 
 prelfed  his  fpirits,  when  he  rccolleiSled  how  unfit  he  was  for  a  work  which 
 Alofes,  whom  be  efteemed  far  above  bimfelf,  frequently  felt  a  heavy  burden. 
 ,God  therefore  alTured  him  that  as  he  afllfted  Mofe.s,  fo  he  would  daily  aflitl, 
 and  enable  him  to  take  poffefiion  of  the  promifed  inheritance,  and  divide  it 
 among  the  tribes  of  Ifrael.  This  promife  \yas  well  fitted  to  ftrengthen  and  for¬ 
 tify  his  heart  againll  all  future,  real,  or  fufpedled  danger.  And  that  he  might 
 fully  know  the  extent-of  bis  work,  he  is  enjoined  to  ftudy  habitually  the  law^of 
 Mofes  which  inftrubled  the  ruler  of  Ifrael,  how  to  condudl  himfelf  iit  his  'Go¬ 
 vernment  of  them,  and  his  wars  againft  their  enemies.  This  injundlion  wnltr 
 be  fdcredly  regarded  by  every  king  or  ruler  of  the  people  of  God,  Deal.  xvi{- 
 
JOSHUA. 
 
 Jo/7imi  j)repat'e7?r  the  2'>(^opJe^  c^r. 
 
 Before' 
 
 ('iiria 
 
 H.B. 
 
 11  Or. 
 
 do 
 
 f  Xiimb. 
 
 52.  20. 
 
 I  Hcb. 
 vtarfJial 
 l.  d  b>ijive. 
 
 8  This  book  of  the  law  fliall  not  depart  out  of 
 thy  mouth  ;  but  thou  fhalt  meditate  therein  day  and 
 night,  that  thou  mayeft  obfenT  to  do  according  to 
 all  that  is  written  therein  :  for  then  thou  (hiilt  make 
 thy  way  profperous,  and  then  thou  fltalt  |1  have  good 
 fuccefs. 
 
 9  Have  not  I  commaitded  thee?  Be  ftrong,  and  of 
 a  good  courage ;  be  not  afraid,  neither  be  thou  dif- 
 mayed  ;  for  the  Lord  thy  God  h  with  thee  whither- 
 foever  thou  goeft. 
 
 10  ^  Then  Jofhua  commanded  the  officers  of  the 
 people,  faying, 
 
 1 1  Pafs  through  the  hoft,  and  command  the  people, 
 faying.  Prepare  you  Hftuals  ;  for  within  three  days  ye 
 lhall  pafs  over  this  Jordan,  to  go  in  to  poffiefs  the 
 land,  which  the  Lord  your  God  giveth  you  to  pof- 
 fefs  it. 
 
 12  f  And  to  the  Reubenites,  and  to  the  Gadites, 
 and  to  half  the  tribe  of  Mamafleh,  fpake  Jolhua, 
 laying, 
 
 1 3  Remember  ^  the  v'orJ  which  Mofes,  the  fervant 
 of  the  I.ORD,  commanded  yDu,  faying.  The  Lord 
 y^onr  God  hath  given  you  reil:,  and  hath  given  you 
 this  land. 
 
 14  Your  wives,  your  little  ones,  and  your  cattle, 
 ffiall  remain  in  the  land  which  Mofes  gave  you  on 
 this  iide  Jordan  ;  but  ye  ffiall  pafs  before  your  bre¬ 
 thren  f  armed,  all  the  mighty  men  of  valour,  and  help 
 them ; 
 
 ’  15  Until  the  Lord  have  given  y^our  brethren  reft, 
 
 as  he  hath  given  you,  and  they  alfo  have  poflefled  the 
 land  which" the  Lord  y^our  God  giveth  them;  then 
 y^e  ftiall  return  unto  the  land  of  your  pofteffion,  and 
 enjoy  it,  which  Mofes,  the  Lord’s  fervant,  gave  you 
 on  this  lide  Jordan,  towai’d  the  fun-rifing. 
 
 16  t  And  they  anfwered  Jolhua,  faying.  All  that 
 thou  commandeft  us  we  will  do,  and  whitherfoever 
 thou  fendeft  us  we  will  go. 
 
 1 7  According  as  we  hearkened  unto  Mofes  in  all 
 things,  fo  will  we  hearken  unto  thee :  only  the  Lord 
 thy  God  be  with  thee,  as  he  was  vdth  Mofes. 
 
 1 9.  and  obedience  to  it  enfered  his  own  prorperity  and  that  of  the  nation.  4  er. 
 10,  11.  Manna,  had  now  probably  ceafed  fo  fall,  becaufe  Ifrael  had  reached  a 
 cultivated  country,  where  they  could  procure  provifiohs.  This  is  intirnated  in 
 the  order.  Prepare  you  vifttcals,  and  in  feveral  other  paffages,  fee  Deut.  ii  6,  ^8. 
 Por  within  three  (lays  ye_/hatl  pafs  over  this  Jordan.  How  could  this  be,  it  has 
 been  faid,  fince  the  fpies Were  not  yet  fent  awa}',  who  concealed  themfelves  three 
 days  in  the  mountains,  and  the  people  paffed  not  over  till  three  days  uftei  their 
 jeturn.  Tbefe  words,  though  placed  here,  appear  not  to  have  been  delivered 
 by  Jolhua  till  after  their  return.  Hence  we  find  this  order  repeated  after  the 
 hiftorv  of  the  fpies,  chap,  iii  2.  The  Septuagint  render  the  words,  yet  three 
 dans,  and  it  may  be  fuppofed  thus ;  Jolhua  gives  the  people  notice  of  their 
 palTage  oyer  Jordan  within  three  days,  and  at  the  fame  fends  away  the 
 
 fpies,  v.ho  probably  might  take  only  one  whole  day  and  part  of  two  other  days, 
 as  in’  Slatth.  sxvii.  63.  Ver.  12— 18.  The  cheerful,  univerfal,  and  unreferved 
 fubie<51io;i  of  the  two  tribes  and  a-half  to  Jolhua,  could  not  fail  to  animate  his 
 zeal  and  lengthen  his  hope.  They  had  obtained  rejt ;  that  is,  a  place  of  red, 
 Gen.  xlix.  15.  but  fought  not  to  live  in  eafe,  for  they  remembered  the  promile, 
 on  condition  of  which  they  received  their  inheritance.  They  had  alreany  been 
 rewarded  for  their  toil,  and  it  became  tliem  to  lliew  an  example  of  fortitude 
 and  zeal  ;  and  accordingly  they  went  armed  before  their  brethren,  perhaps  ftation- 
 ed  in  the  front  to  encourage  all  the  tribes  to  meet  their  enemies  without  fear. 
 Jlefides,  this  ftation  was  more  proper  for  them  than  the  reft,  becaufe,  their  viives, 
 children,  and  property,  being  left  behind,  they  had  no  obje<5is  to  divert  llicir 
 
 Spies  fent  to  the  land 
 
 18  Whofoever  he  that  doth  rebel  againft  thy  Hefore 
 commandment,  and  will  not  hearken  unto  thy  words,  “‘-'’““i 
 ;  in  all  that  thou  commandeft  him,  he  lhall  be  put  to 
 death  :  only  be  ftrong,  and  of  a  good  courage.*' 
 
 CHAR  IL 
 
 1  Jlahah  recciveth  and  cojiceah'th  the  two /pies  fent  from  Shiltim  ; 
 covenant  bctiveeai  her  dnd  them  :  23  their  return  and  relation 
 
 8  the 
 
 ND  Joftma  the  fon  of  Nun  fent  out  of  Shittira 
 
 two  men  to  I'py  fecretly,  faying.  Go  view  the 
 
 jland,  even  Jericho.  And  they  went,  and  ^  came  into  a  iiebr. 
 an  harlot’s  houfe,  named  Rahab,  and  |-  lodged  there,  h.  31. 
 
 2  And  it  was  told  the  king  of  Jericho,  faying, 
 
 ;  hold,  there  came  men  in  hither  to-night  of  the  chil- 
 dren  of  Ifrael  to  fearch  out  the  country.  lay. 
 
 3  And  the  king  of  Jericho  fent  unto  Rahab,  faying. 
 
 Bring  forth  the  men  that  are  come  to  thee,  which  are 
 entered  into  thine  houfe  ;  for  they  be  come  to  fearch 
 out  all  the  countiy. 
 
 4  And  the  woman  took  the  two  men,  and  hid  them, 
 and  faid  thus,  'fhere  came  men  unto  me,  but  1  wift 
 not  whence  they  rcere. 
 
 5  And  it  came  to  pafs,  ahotd  the  time  of  fhutting  of 
 the  gate,  when  it  was  dark,  that  the  men  went  out ; 
 whether  the  men  went,  I  wot  not :  purfue  after  them 
 
 '  quickly  ;  for  ye  ftiall  overtake  them, 
 j  6  But  file  had  brought  them  up  to  the  roof  of  the 
 houfe,  and  hid  them  v  ith  the  ftalks  of  flax,  which  fhe 
 ;  had  laid  in  order  upon  the  root. 
 
 7  And  the  men  purfued  after  them  the  way  to 
 '  Jordan  unto  the  fords ;  and  as  foon  as  they  which 
 I  purfued  after  them  were  gone  out,  they  ftiut  the  gate. 
 
 8  ^  And,  before  they  were  laid  doMii,  Ihe  came  up 
 unto  them  upon  the  roof ; 
 
 9  And  (he  fliid  unto  the  men,  I  imow  that  the  Lord 
 hath  given  you  the  land,  and  that  your  terror  is  fallen 
 upon  us,  and  that  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  land  f  ^  Heb. 
 faint  becaufe  of  you. 
 
 10  For  we  have  heard  how  the  Lord  dried  upj^^^“- 
 the  water  of  the  Red  fea  for  you,  when  ye  came  out  chap, 
 of  Egypt ;  and  what  ye  did  unto  the  two  kings  of  the  4.  23. 
 
 attention  from  the  duties  of  fuldiers.  In  their  declared  purpofeof  obeying  Joftma 
 and  enforcing  univerfal  ful>jeaion  to  his  laws,  all  the  tribes  doubtlefs  acquiefeed ; 
 but  they  are  ^particularly  mentioned  :  becaufe  they  were  under  ftronger  temptation 
 than  the  reft  to  difobey  him,  for  they  were  called  to  hazard  their  lives,  not  lb  much 
 for  themfelves  as  for  their  brethren.' 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  II.  Ver.  1.  Xnd  Jojhuafent  tivo  men 
 to  I'py  fecretly,  of  had  fent,  as  that  tenfe  is  oft  ufed.  He  did  not  fend  twelve  as 
 Mofes- had  done  before,  probably  for  thefe  reafons,  that  the  people  of  Canaan 
 were  more  alarmed  than  formerly,  and  would  have  been  apt  to  difcover  fuch  a 
 number  ;  and  befides  tliey  were  to  view  only  a  part,  not  the  whole  land,  -(vhich 
 lay  round  Jericho  ;  and  efpecially  tiie  town  and  its  fortifications.  They  clieer- 
 fully  obeyed  Jolhua  at  the  hazard  of  their  lives ;  and  encouraged  by  the  hope  oi 
 divine  proteaion,  they  performed  clTential  fervice  to  their  brethren.  A  harlot's 
 houfe.  Such  it  appears  this  woman  was  or  bad  been  ;  fo  the  Hebrew  word  is 
 ufed,  Judg.  xi.  1.  1  Kings  iii.  16.  Ezek.  xxiii.  14.  and  fo  it  is  rendered  by  the  two 
 apoftles,  Heb.  xi  51.  Jam.  ii.  25.  Such  a  courfe  of  life  was  very  common  among 
 the  Gentiles,  who  efteemed  fornication  to ,  be  either  no  fin,  or  a  very  fmall  and 
 trivial  one.  Ver  6.  The  roofs  of  houfes  in  the  Eaft  were  fiat,  and  ufed  for  va¬ 
 rious  purpofes.  It  was  probably  no  uncommon  thing  to  dry  fiax  on  them  ;  and 
 lienee  the  fpies  could  not  have  been  put  iu  a  more  proper  place  of  concealment 
 
 -^fer  9 _ 1  2.  Rahab’s  equivocation,  though  it  muft  be  ccndeinned,  is  not  a  proqt^ 
 
 of  her  want  of  perfonal  religion.  Several  of  the  faints,  who  had  more  know- 
 ledo-e  of  the  law's  of  God,  were  guilty  of  a  fiinilar  fin  ;  indeed  it  is  a  fin  of  which 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  I.] 
 room.  The  promifes  of  God  are  all  certainly  and  feafonably,  however  ftowly  fulfilled  , 
 
 rnoft  difticult  work  eafy.  As  we  muft  live  by  the  word  of  God,  fo  wc  muft  work  and  war  by  it , 
 fui  wb- ;i  rulers  arc  exa<R  in  requiring  vdiat  is  lawful,  and  the  rulers  unreferved  and  happy  in  obeying, 
 tain  cunducling  us  to  certain  viaory  and  glory.  He  hath  gone  before  us,  and  taken  poflelhon  of  the  promifcd  land 
 and ’he  who  faitiifuliy  follows  Jefus  ihall  fit  down  with  him  on  his  throne,  and  reign  with  bun  lor  ever. 
 
 It  is  a  comfort  to  believers,  that,  though  diftinguiftied  minifters  die,  Jefus  lives  to  raife  up  others  in  their 
 It  IS  a  comfort  confidence  in  the  grace  and  faithfulnels  of  God  is  fiifficient  to  render  the 
 
 and  it  becomes  us  clieerfuliy  to  do  whatever  it  enjoins.  It  is  delight- 
 But  let  us  efpcci'illy  rejoice,  that  Jefus  is  our  loader  and  Cap- 
 Tiie  battle  is  feugbt  and  the  conqueft  is  finilhedj 
 
you 
 
 to  dit 
 
 rp,,.  fpks-  return  and  rdatimu 
 
 Amorites,  that  ’were  on  the  other  fide  Jordan,  Sihon 
 and  Og,  whom, ye  utterly  deltroyed. 
 
 1 1  And  as  foon  as  we  had  hciu-d  thefe  things,,  our 
 hearts  did  melt,  neither  f  did  there  remain  any  more 
 courage  in  any  man  becaule  of  you  ;  for  the  Lord 
 your  God,  he  is  God  in  heaven  above,  and  in  earth 
 beneath. 
 
 12  Now  therefore,  I  pray  you,  fwear  unto  me,  by 
 the  Lord,  fince  I  have  Ihewed  you  kindnefs,  that  ye 
 will  alfo  fliew  kindnefs  unto  my  father’s  houle,  and 
 give  me  a  true  token  : 
 
 1 3  And  that  ye  will  fave  alive  my  father,  and  my 
 mother,  and  my  brethren,  and  my  filters,  and  all  that 
 they  have,  and  deliver  our  lives  from  death. 
 
 jjgb.  1 4'  And  the  men  anfwered  her.  Our  life  f  for  yours, 
 \nJlead  \f\^  JQ  Utter  uot  this  OUT  bufiuefs.  And  it  lhall  be, 
 
 ’  ■  when  the  Lord  hath  given  us  the  land,  that  we  will 
 deal  kindly  and  truly  with  thee. 
 
 1 5  Then  fhe  let  them  down  by  a  cord  through  the 
 window ;  for  her  houfe  was  upon  the  town-wall,  and 
 Ihe  dwelt  upon  the  wall. 
 
 16  And  fhe  faid  unto  them.  Get  you  to  the  moun¬ 
 tain,  left  the  purfuers  meet  you  ;  and  hide  yourfelves 
 there  three  days,  until  the  purfuers  be  returned  :  and 
 afterward  may  ye  go  your  way. 
 
 1 7  And  the  men  faid  unto  her,  We  will  he  blamelefs 
 of  this  thine  oath  which  thou  haft  made  us  fwear  : 
 
 1 8  Behold,  when  we  come  into  the  land,  thou  fhalt 
 bind  this  line  of  fcarlet  thread  in  the  window  which 
 thou  didft  let  us  dovm  by :  and  thou  fhalt  f  bring  thy 
 father,  and  thy  mother,  and  thy  brethren,  and  all  thy 
 father’s  houfehold,  home  unto  thee. 
 
 19  And  it  fhall  be,  that  whofoever  fhall  go  out  of 
 the  doors  of  thy  houfe  into  the  ftreet,  his  blood  Jhall 
 he  upon  his  head,  and  we  will  be  guiltlefs  ;  and  who¬ 
 foever  fhall  be  with  thee  in  the  houfe,  his  blood Jhall 
 be  on  our  head,  if  any  hand  be  upon  him. 
 
 20  And  if  thou  utter  this  our  bufmefs,  then  we  will 
 be  quit  of  thine  oath  which  thou  haft  made  us  to  fwear. 
 
 21  And  fne  faid_.  According  unto  your  words,  iobe 
 it.  And  fhe  fent  them  away,  and  they  depaited  ;  and 
 fhe  bound  the  fcarlet  line  in  the  window. 
 
 22  And  they  went,  and  came  into  the  mountain, 
 and  abode  there  three  days,  until  the  purfuers  were 
 returned.  And  the  purfuers  fought  them  throughout 
 all  the  way,  but  found  thein  not. 
 
 23  ^  So  the  two  men  returned,  and  defeended  from 
 the  mountain,  and  paffed  over,  and  came  to  Jofhua  the 
 
 A' 
 
 I  Heb. 
 
 Prather. 
 
 fon  of  Nun,  and  told  him 
 
 ill  things  that  befell  them 
 
 JOSHUA.  Jodiua  hjirucieth  the  people- 
 
 K'  . 
 
 24  And  they  faid  unto  Jofhua,  ''I'ruly  the  Lord  hath  before 
 delivered  into  our  hands  all  the  land  :  for  even  all  the 
 inhabitants  of  the  country  do  f  faint  becaufe  of  us.* 
 
 CHAP.  III.  t  Heb. 
 
 1  Jojhua  cometh  to  Jordan.  ‘2.  The  ojjiccrs  inJlruCl  the  people  J'or  the 
 Jage.  7  The  Lord  encourageth  Jojhua,  &c. 
 
 ND  Jofhua  rofe  early  in  the  moming ;  and 
 they  removed  from  Shittim,  and  came  to  Jor¬ 
 dan,  he  and  all  the  children  of  llhiel,  and  lodged 
 there  before  they  paffed  over. 
 
 2  f  And  it  came  to  pafs  after  three  days,  that  the 
 officers  went  through  the  hott ; 
 
 3  And  they  commanded  the  people,  faying.  When 
 ye  fee  the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  the  Lord  your  God, 
 and  the  priefts  the  Levites  bearing  it,  then  ye  ftiall 
 remove  from  your  place,  and  go  after  it : 
 
 4  Yet  there  fhall  be  a  fpace  between  you  and  it, 
 about  two  thoufand  cubits  by  meafure  :  come  not  near 
 unto  it ;  that  ye  may  know  the  way  by  w  hich  ye  muft 
 go  :  for  ye  have  not  paffed  this  way  f  heretofore.  f  Heb. 
 
 5  If  And  Jofhua  faid  unto  the  people,  “  San£tify>««  j/fg 
 
 yourfelves :  for  to-morrow  the  Lord  will  do  w'onders 
 among  you.  ' 
 
 6  And  Jofhua  fpake  unto  the  priefts.  Saving,  Take  a 
 
 up  the  ark  of  the  covenant,  and  pafs  over  before  the^?- 
 people.  And  they  took  up  the  ark  of  the  covenant, 
 and  went  before  the  people.  ci,ap.  ’ 
 
 7  ^  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  Jofhua,  This  day  wilp.  m. 
 
 I  begin  to  magnify  thee  in  the  fight  of  all  Ifrael*  that  ^ 
 they  may  know  that,  as  I  was  with  Mofes,  Jb  I  w  ill 
 be  with  thee.  1.5.  * 
 
 8  And  thou  fhalt  command  the  priefts  that  bear  the 
 ark  of  the  covenant,  faying.  When  ye  are  come  to  the 
 brink  of  the  water  of  Jordan,  ye’ fhall  ftand  ftill  in 
 Jordan. 
 
 9  If  And  Jofhua  faid  unto  the  children  of  Ifrael, 
 
 Come  hither,  and  hear  the  w'ords  of  the  Lord  your 
 God. 
 
 10  And  Jofhua  faid.  Hereby  ye  fltall  know^  that  the 
 living  God  is  among  you,  and' that  he  w  ill  without  fail 
 drive  out  from  before  you  the  Canaanites,  and  the 
 Hittites,  and  the  Hhites,  and  the  Perizzites,  and  the 
 Girgafhites,  and  the  Amorites,  and  the  Jebufites. 
 
 11  Behold,  the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  the  Lord  of 
 all  the  earth  pafteth  over  before  you  into  Jordan. 
 
 12  Now  therefore  take  you  tw'elve  men  out  of  the- 
 tribes  of  Ifrael,  out  of  every  tribe  a  man. 
 
 13  And  it  fhall  come,  to  pafs,  as  fbon  as  the  foies  of 
 the  feet  of  the  priefts  that  bear  the  ark  of  the  Lord, 
 
 they  feem  to  have  feen  lefs  the  evil  in  the  early  ages,  then  almoft  any  other, 
 C>en.  XX.  2.  In  every  other  refpedl,  Rahab  gave  much  evidence  of  her  know¬ 
 ledge  and  love  of  God  and  his  caufe.  .And  accordingly  fhe  is  juflly  reckoned 
 among  ancient  believers,  w'lio  proved  their  faith  by  their  works.  She  was  fully 
 perfuaded  that  the  God  of  Ifrael  was  the  only  true  God,  and  that  he  hath  accord¬ 
 ing  to  his  fovereign  pleafure  granted  Canaan  to  them  for  a  pofTefTion,  while  in 
 I'igliteoufnefs,  he  determined  to  punifh  its  idolatrous  inhabitants  She  believed 
 itoin  what  (he  knew  of  him  by  his  works,  that  he  was  able  to  execute  all  his 
 jmi-pol'es  and  fulfil  his  promifes,  ard  fhe  therefore  chofe  him  for  her  God,  and 
 his  people  for  her  people.  Nor  did  file  fuftain  any  lofs ;  for  beCdes  obtaining 
 ,i;dvation  for  herfelf  and  her  relations,  (he  became  allied  to  an  honourable  family 
 in  Ifrael,  and  had  the  honour  of  being  the  mother  of  Bo.az,  and  an  anceflor  of 
 
 Meffiah,  according  to  the  flelh,  Matth.  i.  5.  Ver.  18.  Thou  didjl,  or  doll  te 
 dou'-n.  It  is  more  than  probalde  that  tlie  whole  of  tliis  converlatien  to..k  place 
 on  the  roof  before  they  were  let  dow  n  ;  for  it  would  have  been  contrary  to  the 
 prudence  which  the  whole  of  Rahtsh’s  condudl  manifefted  on  tins  cccafion,  to  have 
 deferred  fettling  any  matter  between  her  and  the  fpies,  till  they  were  at  fbiue  dii- 
 tance,  when  they  could  not  be  fpoken  to  without  danger  of  feme  one  heating  tiie 
 converfation.  ° 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap  III.  Ver.  1.  AM  J,fhua  r-p.  eorlo  in 
 the  morning  Pleal’ed  with  the  report  given  by  the  fpies,  Jofliai  gave  immediate* 
 orders  for  the  Ifr.aelites  to  decamp,  and  march  in  regular  order  to  the  banks  of 
 Jordan.  Ver,  6  The  priefts  were  ordered  to  take  up  the  ark  o‘  the-  coven  .nt, 
 and  enter  the  Jordan  before  tlie  people,  that  they  might  be  convinevd  that'  the 
 
 iigor  in  Chritl’s  fervice,  lliall  be  fecured  by  his  mercy. 
 
 in  unnanen: 
 
Stones  q/'  inemm-ial  taken  out  of  Jordan. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 1451. 
 
 the  Lord  of  all  the  eaith,  (hall  reft  in  the  waters  of 
 Jordan,  thai  the  waters  of  Jordan  (hall  be  cut  o^from 
 the  waters  that  come  down  from  above;  imd  they 
 '  (liall  (land  upon  an  heap. 
 
 1  -t  H  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  the  people  removed 
 from  their  tents,  to  pafs  over  Jordan,  and  the  prieds 
 beanng  the  ^  ark  of  the  covenant  before  the  people  ; 
 
 they  that  bare  the  ark  were  come  unto 
 •'®t-dan,  and  the  feet  of  the  prieds  that  bare  the  ark 
 12. 1 5 dipped  in  the  brim  of  the  w^ter,  (for  ®  Jordan 
 
 d  A(5ls 
 7.  45. 
 
 overdoweth  all  his  banks  all  the  time  of^hai-ved,) 
 
 Ecclus. 
 24.  26. 
 
 a  Deut. 
 27.  2. 
 
 b  Chtip. 
 3  .12. 
 
 t  Ueb. 
 tomorroiv. 
 
 16  That  the  waters,  which  came  down  from  above, 
 (tood,  and  rofe  up  upon  an  heap,  very  far  from  the 
 city  Adam,  that  is  befide  Zaretan:  and  thofe  that 
 came  down  toward  the  fea  of  the  plain,  even  the  (alt 
 fea,  failed,  and  were  cut  oft';  and  the  people  paifed 
 over  right  againd  Jericho. 
 
 1 7  And  the  prieds,  that  bare  the  aih  of  the  covenant 
 of  the  Lord,  doodiinn  on  dry  ground  in  the  mid(l  of 
 Jordan,  and  all  the  Ifraelites  palTed  over  on  dry  ground, 
 until  all  the  people  were  paifed  clean  over  Jordan.* 
 
 CHAP.  IV. 
 
 I  Ttvelve  men  are  appointed  to  take  twelve  Jlones  Jbr  a  memorial  out  of 
 Jordan.  9  Twelve  other Jlones  are  fet  up  in  the  mid/l  of  Jordan.  10, 
 1 1  The  people  pafs  over.  1 4  God  magnifeth  Jodiua. 
 
 And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  all  the  people  were 
 clean  paifed  »  over  Jordan,  that  the  Lord  fpake 
 unto  Jofhua,  faying, 
 
 2  Take  you  twelve  men  out  of  the  people,  out  of 
 every  tribe  a  man ; 
 
 3  And  command  ye  them,  faying.  Take  you  hence 
 out  of  the  midd  of  Jordan,  out  of  the  place  where  the 
 prieds’  feet  dood  firm,  twelve  dones ;  and  ye  (hall 
 carry  them  over  with  you,  and  leave  them  in  the 
 lodging-place  where  ye  fhall  lodge  this  night. 
 
 4  Then  Jofhua  called  the  twelve  men,  whom  he  had 
 prepai*ed  of  the  children  of  Ifrael,  out  of  every  tribe 
 a  man ; 
 
 5  And  Jofhua  faid  unto  them,  Pafs  over  before 
 the  ark  of  the  Lord  your  God  into  the  midd  of 
 Jordan,  and  take  you  up  every  man  of  you  a  done 
 upon  his  (houlder,  according  unto  the  number  of  the 
 tribes  of  the  children  of  Ifrael : 
 
 6  That  this  may  be  a  fign  among  you,  that  when 
 your  children  a(k  their  fathers  t  in  time  to  come,  fay¬ 
 ing,  What  mean  ye  by  thefe  dones  ? 
 
 7  Then  ye  (hall  anfwer  them.  That  the  waters  of 
 
 JOSHUA.  f  Jnrda 
 
 Jordan  were  cut  oil  before  the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  Rpfo 
 the  Lord  ;  when  it  palled  over  Jordan,  the  waters  of 
 Jordan  were  cut  oft :  and  thefe  dones  (liall  be  for  a 
 memorial  unto  the  children  of  Ifrael  for  ever. 
 
 8  And  the  children  of  Ifrael  did  fo  as  Jofhua  com- 
 mancled,  and  took  up  twelve  dones  out  of  the  midd 
 or  Jordan,  as  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Jodiua,  according 
 to  the  nuinber  of  the  tribes  of  the  children  of  Ifrael 
 and  carried  them  oyer  with  them  into  the  place  where 
 they  lodged,  and  laid  them  down  there. 
 
 9  ^  And  Jodma  fet  up  twelve  dones  in  the  midd  of 
 Jordan,  in  the  place  where  the  feet  of  the  prieds 
 which  baie  the  ark  of  the  covenant  dood :  and  thev 
 are  there  unto  this  day. 
 
 10  If  For  foe  prieds  which  bai-e  the  ark  dood  in  the 
 rnidd  or  Jordan,  until  eveiy  thing  was  finifhed  that 
 the  Lord  commanded  Jofhua  to  fpeak  unto  the  peo¬ 
 ple,  according  to  all  that  Mofes  commanded  Jofhua  : 
 and  the  people  haded  and  paifed  over. 
 
 1 1  ''^nd  it  came  to  pafs,  when  all  the  people  were 
 clean  paifed  over,  that  the  ark  of  the  Lord  paf^ 
 led  over,  and  the  prieds,  in  the  prefence  of  the 
 people. 
 
 12  ^d  <=  foe  children  of  Reuben,  and  the  children  c 
 or  Gad,  and  half  the  tribe  of  Manalfeh,  paifed  over  20, 27. 
 armed  before  the  children  of  Ifrael,  as  Mofes  fpake 
 unto  them. 
 
 13  About  forty  thoufand,  ||  prepared  for  war,  paf-ll  Or, 
 
 fed  over  before  the  Lord  unto  battle,  to  the  plains 
 of  Jericho.  '  armed. 
 
 14  ^  On  that  day  the  Lord  magnified  Jofhua  in 
 the  fight  of  all  Ifrael ;  and  they  feared  him,  as  they 
 feared  Mofes  all  the  days  of  his  life. 
 
 15  ^  And  foe  Lord  fpake  unto  Jofhua,  faying, 
 
 16  Command  the  prieds  that  bear  the  ark  of  foe 
 tedimony,  that  they  come  up  out  of  Jordan. 
 
 17  Jofhua  therefore  commanded  the  prieds,  faying. 
 
 Come  ye  up  out  of  Jordan. 
 
 18  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  the  prieds  that  bear 
 
 the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  the  Lord  were  come  up 
 out  of  the  midd  of  Jordan,  and  the  foies  of  the  prieds’’ 
 feet  were  f  lifted  up  unto  the  dry  land,  that  foe  waters!  Heb. 
 of  Jordan  returned  unto  their  place,  and  f  flowed  over^'^"‘'*''‘^ 
 all  his  banks,  as  they  did  before.  Heb 
 
 19  If  And  the  pfople  came  up  out  of  Jordan  on  theLn^ 
 tenth  day  of  the  fird  month,  and  encamped  in  Gilgal, . 
 in  the  ead  border  of  Jericho. 
 
 waters  were  fubje(5led  to  the  almighty  power,  as  their  fathers  had  feen  the  Red 
 fea  divided,  and  a  paflage  made  for  the  whole  army  to  pafs  over.  Ver.  15. 
 Jordan  overfoweth  all  his  banks  all  the  time  of  harvejl.  The  time  of  harveft  in 
 fliofe  hot  countries  happens  early  in  the  fpring,  when,  by  reafon  of  hally  rains, 
 and  the  melting  of  the  fnow  upon  mount  Lebanon,  the  river  of  Jordan  is  full  of 
 water,  and  generally  overflows  all  its  banks.  Ver.  16.  The  city  Adam,  or  Adorn, 
 was  liluated  on  the  banks  of  the  river  Jordan,  towards  the  fouth-eafl  of  the  river 
 Chinnereth,  or  the  fea  of  Galilee.  No  fooner  did  the  foies  of  the  feet  of  the  priefls 
 touch  the  waters  of  Jordan,  but  they  divided,  and  the  rapid  ftream  flopped  its 
 courfe,  fo  that  a  paflage  of  above  fixteen  miles  broad  was  opened  for  the  Ifraelites  ; 
 nor  could  the  waters  refume  their  ufual  courfe,  till  the  priefts  were  come  up  out  of 
 .Iordan.  This  glorious  event  is  celebrated  by  the  prophets  in  the  loftieft  flrains, 
 Pflil.  cxiv.  Hab.  lit.  8. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  IV.  Ver.  .5.  Pafs  ye  over  before  the 
 ark.  They  were  to  return  back  to  Jordan  again,  which  they  had  paifed  over,  and 
 
 go  into  the  midft  of  it,  where  the  priefts  were  bearing  the  ark  ;  and  thence  take  the 
 twelve  flones,  which  appear  to  have  been  large.  Ver.  9.  And  they  are  there  unto 
 this  day ;  that  is,  till  the  time  when  the  book  of  Jolhua  was  written.  Though  there 
 might  be  no  infeription  on  thefe  flones,  yet  their  number,  and  the  place  where 
 they  lay  (which  w'as  not  ftony)  was  fufficient  to  commemorate  this  great  event, 
 the  knowledge  of  which  pofterity  would  not  fail  to  hand  down  from  one  genera¬ 
 tion  to  another,  Ver.  10.  The  people  hajled  and  pnffed  over.  This  they  did  not 
 through  fear  of  the  walers  returning  upon  them  ;  but  through  an  eager  defire 
 to  fet  foot  on  the  land  of  Canaan,  and  perhaps  to  relieve  the  priefts  from  their 
 ftation  as  foou  as  poflible.  Ver.  13.  About  forty  thoufand  prepared  for  war. 
 Tliough  the  number  of  men  in  thefe  tribes  fit  for  war  amounted  to  1.50,000, 
 who  were  bound  in  terms  of  their  original  agreement,  to  go  with  their  brethren 
 over  Jordan  ;  yet  Jolhua  only  feledled  about  40,000  of  them,  leaving  the  reft  to 
 look  after  their  flocks,  families,  and  lands.  Ver.  19.  The  month  Nifan  or  Abib 
 was  from  the  time  of  Ifrael’s  coming  out  of  Egypt,  appointed  to  be  the  firf  month 
 
 PR  ACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  III.]  In  the  mount  of  difficulty  the  Lord  will  be  feen.  If  we  cannot  avoid  our  difficulties,  let  us  encounter 
 them  by  faith  ;  looking  to  Jefus,  the  ark  of  the  covenant,  we  lhall  be  enabled  to  do  all  things  ;  the  greater  the  difficulty,  the  riches  and  pov/er  of-his  grace  lliell  be  the 
 more  magnified  in  our  furmounting  it.  Chrift  wall  be  the  protedlion  of  his  people  in  trouble  and  in  death,  till  they  be  all  clean  pafl'ed  over  into  Cana<an.  the'  place  of 
 his  reft.  Seeking  the  honour  that  cometh  from  above,  let  us  improve  the  prefent  manifeftations  of  God’s  power  and  love  as  pledges  of  more,  nay,  of  eternal  and  imme¬ 
 diate  enjoyment  of  himfelf.  Adored  Jefus,  be  thou  my  ark,  my  fandluaiy,  my  refting  place,  for  in  thy  perfon  and  rightcoufnefs,  are  Ihe  lives  of  thy  people  eternally 
 fecure  and  happy. 
 
Pofore 
 
 Chrift 
 
 1451. 
 
 jHeb.  td- 
 
 fnorrow- 
 
 14.  21. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 all  da^s, 
 
 Jojhua  mxewctli  cirmmcifion,  JOSflUA. 
 
 20  ^  And  thofe  twelve  ftones,  which  they  took  ont 
 of  Jordan,  did  Jofluia  pitch  in  Gilgal. 
 
 21  And  he  fpake  unto  the  children  of  Ifrael,  fay¬ 
 ing,  When  your  children  fliall  a/k  their  fathers  f  in 
 time  to  come,  faying.  What  mean  thefe  ftones  ? 
 
 22  Then  ye  fhall  let  your  children  know,  faying, 
 
 Ifrael  came  over  this  Jordan  on  diy  land. 
 
 23  For  the  Lord  your  God  dried  up  the  waters  of 
 Jordan  from  before  you  ,  until  ye  were  pafTed  over,  as 
 
 aExod  the  Lord  your  God  did  to  the" Red  fea,  ^  which  he 
 dried  up  from  before  us,  until  we  were  gone  over  ; 
 
 24  That  all  the  people  of  the  earth  might  know  the 
 hand  of  the  Lop.d,  that  it  is  mighty;  that  ye  might 
 fear  the  Lord  your  God*  f  for  ever.* 
 
 CHAP.  V. 
 
 I  The  Canaanites  greatly  afraid.  2  Jojhua  renewctk  circumci/ion.  10 
 The  pajfover  is  kept  at  Gilgal.  12  Manna  ccafeth.  13  An  angel 
 appear eth  to  Jrfnia. 
 
 And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  all  the  kings  of  the 
 Amorites,  which  'were  on  the  fide  of  Jordan 
 weltward,  and  all  the  kings  of  the  Canaanites,  which 
 were  by  the  fea,  heard  that  the  Lord  had  dried  up  the 
 waters  of  Jordan  from  before  the  children  of  Ifrael, 
 until  we  were  palfed  oyer,  that  their  heart  melted : 
 neither  was  their  fpirit  in  them  any  more,  becaufe  of 
 the  children  of  Ifrael. 
 
 2  11  At  that  time  the  Lord  faidunto  Jofliua,  Make 
 thee  “  II  Iharp  knives,  and  circumcife  again  the  children 
 of  Ifrael  the  fecond  time. 
 
 3  And  Jolhua  made  him  Iharp  knives,  andcircumcif- 
 ed  the  children  of  Ifrael  at  ||  the  hill  of  the  forelkins. 
 
 4  And  this  is  the  caufe  why  Jolhua  did  circumcife : 
 
 All  the  people  that  came  out  of  Egypt,  t/iat  were  males, 
 even  all  the  men  of  war,  died  in  the  wildemefs  by  the 
 way,  after  they  came  out  of  Egypt. 
 
 _  5  Now  all  the  people  that  came  out  were  circum- 
 cifed  ;  but  all  the  people  that  were  bom  in  the  wilder- 
 nefs  by  the  way  as  they  came  forth  out  of  Egypt, 
 them  they  had  not  circumcifed. 
 
 yfv  angel  aj>imtrtth.  unto  -hinu 
 
 5J. 
 
 a  Exoil. 
 4.  25. 
 v  Or, 
 
 knives  of 
 flints. 
 
 K  «*■- 
 
 Gibeah- 
 
 haaraloth. 
 
 of  the  year,  Exod.  xii.  2.  On  the  15th  of  that  month  they  came  out  of  Egypt 
 and  paired  the  river  Jordan  on  the  tenth.  So  that  they  entered  the  land  of  Canaan 
 juft  forty  years  after,  wanting  five  days.  Four  days  after,  they  kept  tlieir  firft  paf- 
 fovet,  in  the^  plains  of  Jericho,  chap.  v.  10.  Gilgal.  This  place  had  its  name  from 
 the  rite  of  circumcifion,  which  was  there  renewed.  It  lay  about  two  miles  to  the 
 eaftward  of  Jericho  ;  and  Jerom  tells  us  that  it  was  in  his  time  held  in  great  vene¬ 
 ration  by  the  inhabitants  of  this  country.  Here  the  ftones  taken  out  of  Jordan 
 were  pitched :  and  the  people  comman'ded  to  inform  their  children  of  the  reafon 
 of  their  being  placed  there,  that  they  might  not  be  ignorant  of  the  amazing  miracle 
 that  God  was  pleafed  to  work  there  for  his  people. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  V.  Ver.  1.  The  kings  of  the  Amorites. 
 Thefe  kings  were  the  moft  powerful  and  valiant  in  thefe  parts.  They  feeraed  to 
 be  in  no  danger  of  an  invafion  from  the  other  fide  of  Jordan,  imagining  that  the 
 depth  of  the  river  was  a  fufficient  barrier.  Aftoniftied  at  the  report  of  the 
 Ifraelites’  palTage,  and  ftill  more  alarmed  at  the  manner  in  which  it  was  perform¬ 
 ed,  the  people  in  the  neighbouring  villages  retired  in  great  numbers  to  Jericho, 
 as^a  place  of  fafety,  adding  to  the  ftrength  of  the  garrifbn,  and  refolving  to 
 defend  it  to  the  greatefl  extremit)'.  Ver.  2.  Sharp  knives.  The  Hebrew  figni- 
 fies  knives  offint,  which  were  frequently  ufed  in  the  early  ages.  The  circum- 
 ilance  of  time  was  altogether  favourable  for  the  rite  of  circumcifion ;  their  paf- 
 fage  over  Jordan  had  ftruck  terror  into  the  adjacent  regions ;  their  enemies  had 
 fliut  themfelves  up  in  their  capital,  and  therefore  they  needed  be  under  no  appre- 
 henfions  of  a  furprife.  Befides  which,  we  may  remark,  that  it  was  God,  tire  Lord 
 of  armies,  who  commanded  them  to  revive  this  rites,  who  confequently  was  as 
 
 6  For  the  children  of  Ifrael  walked  forty  years  in 
 the  wildemefs,  till  idl  the  people  f/uit  wt-re  mcm  of  war,  j 
 Avhich  came  out  of  Eg^xA,  were  confumed,  becaufe  they  ( 
 obeyed  not  the  voice  of  the  Lord:  unto  whom  the 
 Lord  fware  that  he  would  not  Hiew  them  the  landb  Numb. 
 wLich  the  Lord  fware  unto  their  fathers  that  he  would 
 
 give  us,  a  land  that  floweth  with  milk  and  honey. 
 
 7  And-  their  children,  whom  he  raifed  up  in  their 
 Head,  them  Jolhua  circumcifed  :  for  they  were  uii- 
 circumcifcd,  becaufe  they  had  not  circumcifed  them 
 by  the  way. 
 
 8  And  it  came  to  pafs,  f  when  they  had  done  cir- 1  Heb. 
 
 cumcifmg  all  the  people,  that  they  abode  in  their 
 places  in  the  camp  till  they  were  w’hole.  a,**** 
 
 9  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  Jolhua,  This  day  b'dve^dtoTe 
 I  rolled  awny  the  reproach  of  Egy^t  from  off  you  :  arcum- 
 wherefore  the  name  of  the  place  is  called  |1  Gilgal . 
 unto  this  day.  _ 
 
 10  If  And  the  children  of  Ifrael  encamped  in  Gilgal, 
 and  kept  the  paffover  on  the  fourteenth  day  of  the 
 month  at  even;  in  the  plains  of  Jericho. 
 
 1 1  And  they  did  eat  of  the  old  com  of  the  land  on 
 the  morrow  after  the  pallbver,  unleavened  cakes  and 
 p-arched  corn  in  the  felf-fame  day. 
 
 12  H  And  the  manna  ceafed  on  the  morrow  after 
 they  had  eaten  of  the  old  com  of  the  land ;  neither 
 had  the  children  of  Ifrael  manna  any  more  ;  but  they 
 did  eat  of  the  fruit  of  the  land  of  Canaan  that  year. 
 
 13  H  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  Jolhua  was  by  Jeri¬ 
 cho,  that  he  lifted  up  his  eyes  and  looked,  and,  be¬ 
 hold,  there  Hood  a  man  over  againft  him,  with  his  c  Exod. 
 fword  drawn  in  his  hand:  and  Jolhua  w^ent  unions. 23. 
 him,  and  faid  unto  him,  Art  thou  for  us,  or  for  our 
 adverfaries : 
 
 14  And  he  faid.  Nay  ;  but  as  ||  captain  of  the  hoft  II  Or, 
 of  the  Lord  am  I  now  come.  And  .lolhua  fell  on  hisi''’''^®* 
 face  to  the  earth,  and  did  worfhip,  and  faid  unto  him. 
 
 What  faith  my  Lord  unto  his  fervant  ? 
 
 15  And  the  captain  of  the  Lord’s  hoft  faid  unto 
 
 willing  as  he  was  able  to  protedt  them  from  danger,  and  reprefs  the  attempts  of 
 the  enemy.  Ver.  3,  The  hUl  oj  the  forcjkins.  In  the  Hebrew,  Gifieat/j  JfaarafoM, 
 which  feme  take  to  be  the  name  of  a  place ;  but  the  place  itfelf  muft  have  re¬ 
 ceived  its  name  from  the  confequeiices  of  this  rite.  Ver.  9.  Have  I  rolled  anay 
 the  reproach.  That  is,  either  the  reproach  of  being  reckoned  of  the  fame  religion 
 with  the  Egyptians;  or  elfe  the  reproach  with  which  the  Egyptians  afperfed 
 them,  that  they  were  carried  out  of  Egypt  info  the  wildemefs  to  be  deftroyed. 
 But  the  more  commonly  received  fenfe  is,  that  this  reproach  is  to  be  underftood 
 of  uncircumcificn,  which  was  the  reproach  of  the  Egyptians,  who  did  not  then 
 pradlife  circumcifion,  though  they  afterwards  did.  Ver.  12.  The  manna  ceafed. 
 Miracles,  which  are  the  fignatures  of  omnipotence  and  infinite  wifdom,  are  never 
 difplayed  without  neceflity.  ^Vlule  the  Ifraelites  were  without  the  common 
 nccefiTaries  of  life,  in  a  barren  and  defert  wildemefs,  they  were  fupported  with 
 bread  from  heaven  ;  but  when  they  had  advanced  into  a  country  where  they 
 could  furnifli  themfelves  with  food,  this  miraculous  fupply  being  unncceffaiy, 
 immediately  ceafed.  Ver.  15.  There  flood  a  man  over  againji  him.  Who  was  this 
 remarkable  perfon  ?  Not  a  created  being,  for  he  ftyles  the  Captain  of  (he 
 
 Lord  s  hq/l ;  a  title  which  God  himfelf  frequently  alTumcs  in  feripture.  Chrift  is 
 called  the  Captain  offalvation,  Heb.  ii.  10-  Jofti'ua  falls  down  and  worfiiips  him, 
 which  he  durft  not  hc\e  done,  had  the  ohjea  of  his  adoration  been  a  created 
 being,  Rev  xxii.  9.  But  the  divine  perfonage,  inftead  of  reproving  him,  cora- 
 nrands  him  to  lonfn  his  Jhoes  from  his  feet,  which  was  the  higheft  acknowled^rtnent 
 of  the  divine  prefence  among  the  caftern  nations,  compare  E.xiH.  iii.  5.  Hence 
 the  Rabbins  acknowledge  that  this  was  no  other  than  the  Bein<r  whom  all  the 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS — *  Chap.  IV.]  Contemplating  Ifrael’s  pafling  fafe  over  the  Jordan,  we  may  w  ell  exclaim  » What  hath  God  w.  i.i 
 Not  one  word  has  failed  of  all  that  he  hath  fpoken.”  No  care  nor  labour  fhould  ever  hinder  us  from  that  which  tend^s  to  the  honour  cf  God  and  tl, 
 
 ^oration  of  his  wonderful  works.  If  we  are  called  to  the  work  of  God,  we  may  cheerfully  leave  our  worldly  concerns  witLut  anxdJu  for  h^S  H  h  A 
 hnd  reward.  While  the  Lord  is  prefent  with  us,  we  need  not  weary  ;  for  though  the  years  of  our  iiilgrimage  ftioukl  be  many  and  evil  thev  will  end  ih 
 
 it  r„5„irS  ““  “'“"S'"*  i  if  "h'rO'aU  b.  v.ift  X' oi7 
 
 3  H 
 
J^>/}iua  inJh'jM  hoxa  to  tal  c  Jericho. 
 
 JOSHUA. 
 
 ■f-  Hell. 
 did  Jhxit 
 up,  and 
 li'Oi  >htU 
 vp. 
 
 none 
 
 up 
 
 M’ent 
 
 out,  and 
 
 t  Heb. 
 under  it. 
 
 Joflnia,  Loofe  thy  flioe  from  off  thy  foot ;  for  the 
 place  uhereon  thou  lliuideit  is  holy.  And  Jofhua 
 did  lo.’^ 
 
 CHAP.  VI. 
 
 Jmcho  is^/hut  up  ;  2  God  in/lru6leth  Jojhua  hoiv  to  bejiege  it.  8  The 
 alp  is  conipaffed:  17  it  im.jl  be  accurjed.  20  The  tvalls  fall  doiim- 
 22  liahab  is  juvid. 
 
 NOW  Jericho  f  was  fh-aitly  fliut  up  becaufe  of 
 the  children  of  Ifrae' 
 none  came  in. 
 
 _  2  ^  ^d  the  Lord  faid  unto  Jofhua,  See,  I  have 
 given  into  thine  hand  Jericho,  and  the  king  thereof, 
 the  rhighty  men  of  valour. 
 
 3  And  ye  (hall  compafs  the  city,  all  t/e  men  of  war, 
 and  go  round  about  the  city  once.  Thus  (halt  thou 
 do  lix  days. 
 
 4  And  feven  priefts  fhall  bear  before  the  ark  feven 
 trumpets  of  ram’s  horns  ;  and  the  feventh  day  ye  fhall 
 compafs  the  city  feven  times,  and  the  priefts  fhall 
 blow  \rith  the  trumpets. 
 
 5  And  it  fhall  come  to  pafs,  that  when  they  make 
 a  long  bla/l  with  the  rain’s  horn,  and  when  ye  hear 
 the  found  of  the  trumpet,  all  the  people  fhall  fhout 
 ■with  a  great  fhout ;  and  the  wall  of  the  city  fhall  fall 
 down  f  flat,  and  the  people  fhall  afcend  up,  every 
 man  ftraight  before  him. 
 
 6  ^  And  Jofhua  the  fon  of  Nun  called  the  priefts, 
 and  faid  unto  them,  Take  up  the  ark  of  the  covenant, 
 and  let  feven  priefts  bear  feven  trumpets  of  ram’s 
 horns  before  the  ark  of  the  Lord. 
 
 7  And  he  faid  unto  the  people,  Pafs  on,  and  ccm- 
 pafs  the  city,  and  let  him  that  is  armed  pafs  on  before 
 the  ark  of  the  Lord.  • 
 
 8  ^  And  it  caine  to  pafs,  when  Jofhua  had  fpoken 
 unto  the  people,  that  the  feven  priefts,  bearing  the 
 feven  trumpets  of  ram’s ’horns,  paffed  on  before  the 
 Lord,  and  blew  with  the  trumpets  ;  and  the  ark  of 
 the  covenant  of  the  Lord  followed  them. 
 
 9  ^  And  the  armed  rhen  w^ent  before  the  priefts  that 
 blew  with  the  trumpets,  and  the  f  rere-w^d  came 
 after  the  ark,  the '  p  iejis  going  on,  and  blowing  with 
 the  trumpets. 
 
 10  i^d  Jofhua  had  commanded  the  people,  faying, 
 
 _  Ye  fhall  not  fhout,-  nor  f  make  any  noife  with  your 
 7cke^obe  voice,  neither  fhall  any  word  proceed  out  of  your 
 hcird.  mouth,  until  the  day  I  bid  you  fhout ;  then  fhall  ye 
 fhout. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 gathering 
 
 hoft. 
 
 f  Hcb. 
 
 heavens  adore  ;  and  Ghriftian  commentators  jiifUy  infer,  that  it  was  that  glorious 
 perlbnage  whom  the  angels  are  called  on  to  worfliip,  Heb.  i.  6.  even  the  Son  of 
 God,  the  fecond  perlbn  of  the  adorable  Trinity. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTE.S.  Chap.  VI,  Ver.  1.  Now  Jericho  teas  Jlrailly 
 {hut  tip.  That  is,  the  king  and  inhabitants  ftiut  up  themfelves  in  the  city,  not 
 \laring  to  attack  the  Ifraelites  in  their  camp,  but  relblved  to  defend  the  town  in 
 cafe  of  an  attack.  Ver.  3,  4.  Trunqiets  oj'rr.m’s  horns.  In  the  Hebrew,  “trum¬ 
 pets  of  Jjbel  "  that  is,  fuch  as  were  ufed  in  the  year  of  Jubilee,  fee  Lev.  xxv.  9. 
 Ail  tho  rules  preferibed  for  condu<5ling  the  fiege,  were  evidently  defigned  to 
 inltmdl  Ifrael  to  depend  entirely  on  the  Lord,  vUio  can  accompliih  whatever  he 
 pleaft'S,  by  means  contemptible  to  human  reafon,  but  titfed  to  manifefl  that  the 
 work  is  God’s.  Ver  14.  The  j'econd  day  they  coviiii\ffed.  This  folemn  procei- 
 fion,  repeated  feven  days  fucceliively,  mull  have  ftroiigly  alarmed  the  befieged, 
 ■who  would  be  furprifed  what  the  Ifraelites  intended  by  it ;  and  that  they  were  in¬ 
 timidated,  is  evident  ftom  their  making  no  filly  during  this  awful  circuit  Ver. 
 17.  The  origin-il  word  rendered  accurjed,  lignifies  devoted  to  utter  dellrudtion. 
 
 The  Kails  QfJtricho/all  da^^^, 
 
 1 1  So  the  ai-lc  of  the  Lord  compaffed  the  city,  go-  Uef,,,., 
 ing  about  it  once :  and  they  came  into  the  camp,  and 
 lodged  in  the  camp. 
 
 12  And  Jofliua  rofe  early  in  the  morning,  and  the'""*’^ 
 priefts  took  up  the  ark  of  the  Lord. 
 
 13  And  feven  priefts,  bearing  feven  trumpets  of 
 ram’s  horns  before  the  ark  of  the  Lord,  went  on 
 continually,  and  blew  with  the  trumpets  :  and  the 
 anued  men  went  before  them;  but  the  rere-ward 
 came  after  the  ark  of  the  Lord,  the  jjrie/ls  going  on, 
 and  blowing  wdth  the  trumpets. 
 
 1 4  And  the  fecond  day  they  compaffed  the  city  once, 
 and  retm-ned  into  the  camp  :  fo  they  did  fix  days. 
 
 1 5  And  it  came  to  pals,  on  the  feventh  day,  that 
 they  rofe  early,  about  the  dawning  of  the  day,  and 
 compaffed  the  city  after  the  fame  manner  feven  times  r 
 only  on  that  day  they  compaffed  the  city  feven  times. 
 
 16  And  it  came  to  pals  at  the  feventh  time,  when 
 the  priefts  blew  with  the  trumpets,  Jofhua  laid  unto 
 the  people.  Shout ;  for  the  Lord  hath  given  you  the 
 city. 
 
 1 7  If  And  the  city  fhall  be  ||  accurfed, .  even  it,  and  y  Or. 
 all  that  are  therein,  to  the  I.ord  :  only  Rahab  the'^fwierf. 
 harlot  fhall  live,  fhe  and  all  that  are  with  her  in  the' 
 houfe,  becaufe  ^  fhe  hid  the  meflengers  that  we  font,  a  Chap, 
 
 18  And  ye,  in  any  wife  keep  yotaf elves  from  the  ^* 
 accurfed  thing,  left  ye  make  yotnfelves  accurfed,  when 
 ye  take  of  the  accilrfed  thing  and  make  the  camp  of 
 Ifrael  a  curfe,  and  trouble  it. 
 
 19  But  all  the  filver,  and  gold,  and  veffels  of  brafs  • 
 
 and  iron,  are\  confecrated  unto  the  Lord  :  they  fhall  t  Heb. 
 come  into  the  treafur}-"  of  the  Lord.  hoUnejs 
 
 20  if  So  the  people  fhouted  when  the  ptiejls  blew 
 with  the  trampets :  and  it  came  to  pafs,  when  the 
 people  heard  the  found  of  the  trumpet,  and  the  people 
 fhouted  with  a  great  fhout,  that  ^  the  wall  fell  doV  n  b  Hcbr. 
 f  flat,  fo  that  the  people  went  up  into  the  city,  eveii'-’^u  39. 
 man  ftraight  before  him,  and  they  took  the  city.  ’ 
 
 21  And  they  utterly  deftroyed  all  tha.t  tms  in  the*^^*  “ 
 
 city,  both  man  and  woman,  young  and  old,  and  ox, 
 
 and  fheep,  and  afs,  with  the  edge  of  the  fword. 
 
 22  if  But  Jofhua  had  faid  unto  the  two  men  that 
 
 had  fpied  out  the  country,  Go  into  the  haidot’s  houfe, 
 and  bring  out  thence  the  woman,  and  all  that  fhe 
 hath,  as  ye  fware  unto  her,  ^  ^ 
 
 23  And  the  young  men  that  were  fpies  went  in,  ■ 
 and  brought  out  Rahab,  and  her  father,  and  herii.sj. 
 
 comp.  Lev.  xxvii.  29,  Dent.  vii.  26.  xiii.  17.  Ver.  19.  CovfecreUed  to  the  Lord, 
 what  could  not  be  flioroiighly  purified  by  water  was  firll  lo  pafs  through  the 
 fire,  preparatory  to  its  being  devoted  to  the  lervice  of  tlie  Lord,  lee  Numb. 
 
 xxxi.  21 _ 23.  Ver.- 20.  2V/e  leall  fell,  not  probably  the  whole  of  it,  which  would 
 
 have  given  the  inhabitants  opportunity  to  clcape ;  but  as  much  of  it  as  allowed 
 the  Ifraelites  to  enter;  the  fail  would  overwhelm  the  citizens  in  defpair,  and 
 totally  unfit  them  for  defending  themfelves.  The  people  went  up  into  the  city. 
 Jehovah  having  by  a  miracuk  us  exertion  of  omnipotence,  fubverted  the  walls  of 
 Jericho,  Ifrael  immediately  took  pofl'eiiion  of  the  place,  and  put  tlie  inhabitants 
 to  the  fword,  except  Rahab  and  her  family.  Ver.  22,  23.  That  the  part  of  the 
 wall  on  which  Rahab’s  houfe  was  built  did  not  fall,  intimated  the  divine  appro¬ 
 bation  of  the  promife  of  prefervatioii,  which  flic  had  received  from  the  fpies. 
 She  and  her  friends  were  hft  without  the  camp  of  Ifrael,  probably  till  they  w'ere 
 purified  from  heathenifin,  and  I'olemnly  admitted  profelytes  of  the  Mofaic  law. 
 Ver.  25.  The  command  to  deftroy  every  Canaanite  was  noy without  exception; 
 for  it  extended  not  to  any  one  of  that  people,  who  were  moved  with  fear  of 
 
 “PR  \CTICAL  OBSERVATTDNS— *  Chvp.  V.l  Dreadful  is  the  Hate  of  thofe  who  make' God  their  enemy  ;  even  his  fecret  terrors  ran  bring  them  to.  the 
 tircaoaaaneesj  let  us  entertain  his  vilits  with  the  utmolt  reYerenge,  purity,  and  icadict\ obedience. 
 
The  Jfratiites fmitUn  at  Ai. 
 
 JOSHUA, 
 
 (lod 
 
 i5-rore  mother,  and  her  brethren,  and  all  that  fhe  had  ;  and  j  G  51  And  J-jlh  'a  r-nt  hi-  clo-h'"?,  and  f -il  t'. 
 ciiria  ^]-j0y  brought  out  aU^her  |  kindred,  and  left  them  jearth  up- -u  hi:  fao  before  Lh^  ai  e  cjf  -  L<je.:t 
 
 the  even-dde,  he  and  the  elders  of  Ifrael,  aiid  put 
 upon  their  ht  ads. 
 
 H51. 
 
 without  the  camp  of  Ifrael 
 
 24  And  they  burnt  the  city  with  fire,  and  all  that 
 loas  therein ;  only  the  filver,  and  the  gold,  and  the 
 vefrels  of  brafs  and  of  iron,  they  put  into  the  treafury 
 of  the  houfe  of  the  Lord. 
 
 25  And  Joihua  faved  Rahab  the  harlot  alive,  and 
 her  father’s  houfehold,  and  all  that  (he  had  ;  and  fhe 
 dwelleth  in  Ifrael  «)m.unto  this  day  ;  becaufe  fhe  hid 
 the  mefifengers  which  Jofhua  fent  to  fpy  out  Jericho. 
 
 28  ^  And  Jofhua  adjured  them  at  that  time,  faying, 
 di  Kings d  Curfed  be  the  man  before  the  Lord  that  arifeth  up 
 and  buildeth  this  city  Jericho :  he  fhall  lay  the  foun¬ 
 dation  thereof  in  his  firfl-^born,  and  in  his  youngefyo« 
 fliall  he  fet  up  the  gates  of  it. 
 
 27  So  the  Lord  was  with  Jofhua ;  and  his  fame 
 was  noifed  through  out  all  the  country.* 
 
 CHAP.  VII. 
 
 1  The  TfrdcUles  arefmittenal  Ai.  6  JnJJiua's  romplaint ;  10  Godin- 
 JlniSlclh  him  what  to  do.  IG  Achan  is  taken  lot ;  ID  his  cosifijfion  ; 
 24  he  raid  all  that  he  had  are  dcjlroyed. 
 
 But  the  children  of  Ifrael  committed  a  trcfpafs  in 
 ■the  accLirfed  thing  :  for  ^  Achan,  the  fon  of  Carmi, 
 22^  20.  the  fon  of  Zabdi,  the  fon  of  Zerah,  of  the  tribe  of 
 ]  chron.  Judah,  took  of  the  accurfed  riling :  and  the  anger  of 
 the  Lord  was  kindled  againft  the  children  of  Ifrael. 
 
 2  1  And  Jofhua  fent -men  from  Jericho  to  Ai,  which 
 k  befide  Beth-aven,  on  the  eafl  fide  of,  Beth-el,  and 
 fpake  unto  them,  faffing,  Go  up  and  view  the  coun- 
 '  try.  And-the  men  went  up  and  viewed  Ai. 
 
 3  And  they  returned  to  Jofhua,  and  faid  unto  him, 
 t  tieb.  Let  not  all  the  people  go  up  ;  but  let  f  about  two  or 
 "ooompn  thoufand  men  go  up  and  finite  Ai,  and  make  not 
 er  about  ’  ^11  Ao  people  to  labour  thither  ;  for  they  are  hit  few. 
 5000, Tim.  4  So  there  went  up  thither  of  the  people  about  three 
 thoufand  men ;  and  they  fled  before  the  men  of  Ai. 
 
 5  And  the  men  of  Ai  fmote  of  them  about  thirty 
 and  fix  men :  for  they  chafed  them/ro/,2  before  the 
 gate  even  unto  Shebarim,  and  fmote  them  |1  in  the  go¬ 
 ing  down  ;  wherefore  the  hearts  of  the  people  melted, 
 and  became  as  water. 
 
 U  <1  re 
 
 (  a 
 
 .  4.U. 
 
 E  Or, 
 in  Morail 
 
 divine  wr,ith,  lenouhced  idols,  and  fubmitted  to  worfliip  the  living  and  true 
 God.  Ver.  26.  Curfed  be  the  man  before  the  Lord.  This  anathema  was  pro¬ 
 nounced,  tliat  the  miracle  of  the  fubverfion  of  Jericho  might  be  perpetiiallj'  remem¬ 
 bered.  HePiall  lay  the _  foundation  lltereofin  his  Jirfl- born.  That  is,  when  he  lays 
 the  foundjtion  Ue  fliall  lofe  his  lirft-born,  and  hisycungeft  fon  when  he  fets  up  the 
 gates  of  it.  This  was  awfully  fulhlled  in  Hiel,  1  Kings  xvi.  54.  fix  hundred  years  | 
 after  the  prophecy.  Tlie  curfe  was  reflrained  to  the  builder  ;  no  evil  came  on  the 
 perlbns  who  dwelt  in  this  city ;  which  afterwards  became  famous  on  feveral  ac¬ 
 counts,  fe6  Luke.  xix.  1 — 10. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  VII.  Ver.  1.  Achan,  was  great  grand- 
 foii  of  Zerab,  the  fon  of  Judah,  who  'accompanied  his  father  into  Egypt;  and 
 hence  it  is  probable  he  was  not  much  under  twenty  years  old  when  Ifrael  left 
 ^.?yph  and  now  about  (ixty.  This  rendered  his  guilt  tlie  greater;  for  he  had 
 yitiielfed  all  the  manifeflations  of  God’s  dif^leafiire  agaiiill  fin,  which  had  iifued 
 in  the  overthrow  of  all  who  were  twenty  years  old  and  upwards  on  their  enter¬ 
 ing  the  wildernefs.  Ver.  5.  Ai  was  a  fmall  city,  mentioned,  Gen.  xii.  8.  about 
 nine  miles  from  Jericho,  and  one  from  Bethel,  neither  populous  nor  well  de¬ 
 fended,  and  therefore  a  fmall  detachment  was  thought  fufficient  t ,  reduce  it ; 
 but,  contrary  to  their  expedlation,  the  inhabitants  of  the  place  fallied  out  upon 
 them,  and  having  (lain  a  few,  put  the  reft  to  flight,  and  purfued  them  as  far  as 
 their  own  camp,  nfis  defeat,  however  fmall,  ftruck  fiich  a  damp  on  the  fpirit 
 of  the  people,  that  they  almoft  abandoned  themfelves  to  defpair.  d'ho  provl- 
 
 7  And  Jofhua  faid,  Alas  !  O  Lord  God,  v  hen  fore 
 haft  thou  at  all  brough t,  this  people  over  J-m Ian 
 
 liver  us  into  the  hand  of  the  iVmoritc.s  to  deftr-  iy  .  ? 
 Would  to  God  we  had  been  content,  and  dwdt  on 
 the  other  fide  Jordan  ! 
 
 8  O  Lord,  what  fhall  I  fay,  when  Ifrael  tumeth 
 
 their  f  backs  before  their  enemies !  ,  f  id!,. 
 
 9  For  the  Cana.anites,  and  all  the  inhabitants  of’^  ^ 
 the  land,  fhall  hear  of  it,  and  fhall  environ  uv  round, 
 and  cut  off  our  name  from  the  earth ;  and  what  wilt 
 thou  do  unto  thy  great  name  ? 
 
 10  If  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  Jofhua,  Get  thee 
 up  ;  wherefore  f  lieft  thou  thus  upon  thy  face  ?  f 
 
 1 1  Ifrael  hath  finned,  and  they  have  alfo  tranfgrefled'^"^''"'^' 
 my  covenant  which  I  commanded  them  :  for  they  have 
 even  taken  of  the  accurfed  thing,  and  have  alfo  ftolen,, 
 and  dilTembled  alfo,  and  tliey  have  put  it  even  among 
 their  own  fluff. 
 
 12  Therefore  the  cWldren  of  Ifrael  could  not  fbinfl 
 before  their  enfr-nies,  but  turned  their  backs  before 
 their  enemies,  becaufe  they. were  accurfed;-  neither 
 will  I  be  with  you  any  more,  except  ye  deftroy  the 
 accurfed  from  among  you. 
 
 13  Up,  fanftify  the 'people,  and  fay.  Sanctify  your- 
 felves  againft  to-moirow;  for.  thus  faith  the  Lord  Go.i 
 of  Ifrael,  There  is  an  accurfed  thing  in  the  midft  of  thee, 
 
 O  Ifrael :  thou  canft  not  Hand  before  thine  enemies, 
 until  -ye  take  away  the  accurfed  thing  fi-om  among  you. 
 
 14  In  the  morning  therefore  ye  fhall  be  brought 
 according  to  your  tribes  :  and  it  flrall  be,  that  the  tnbe 
 whi^  the  Lord  taketh  fhall  come  according  to  the 
 families  thereof;  and  the  family  which  the  Lord  fhall 
 take  fhall  come  by  houfeholds  ;  and  the.  Iioulcbold 
 which  the  I.ord  fhaU  take  fhall  come  man  by  man. 
 
 15  And  it  fhall  be,  that  he  that  is  taken  with  fhe 
 accurfed  thing  fhall  be  burnt  with  fire,  he  mid  all  that 
 he  hath  ;  becaufe  he  hath  tranfgreffed  the  covenant  of 
 
 the  Lord,  and  becaufe  he  hath  wrought  j|  folly  inlli-ael.  ' 
 
 dence  of  God  was  very  vifihle  in  fending  fo  fmall  a  paity  againft  Ai ;  (hr  if  die 
 flight  of  three  thoufand  mai  threw  the  Ifraelites  into  fuch  conftcruatioii,  «  h  it  a 
 condition  would  they  have  been  in  had  the  whole  boft  met  with  a  repuh;.  ? 
 Ver.  6.  This  and  what  follows  gives  a  favourable  view  of  the  elders  as  well  as 
 Jofhua.  They  were  well  aflured  that  Got!  had  forfaken  them,  and  tlicy  were 
 filled  with  the  deepell  forrow,  more  on  account  of  the  fin  ftifpetfted,  Ad  tkii 
 danger  dreaded,  than  the  lofs  which  iliey  had  endureik  Every  part  of  their  l-e- 
 haviour  difeovered  the  mod  pungent  grief,  comp.  Gen.  xxxvii.Al.  xliv.  1 5.  Jol> 
 i.  20.  ii.  1 2.  Ver.  9.  IFhat  wilt  thou  do  unto  thy  great  name  This,  tliough  mer.- 
 tioned  laft,  was  uppermoft  in  the  heart  of  Joihua,  and  was  reft-rved  by  him  as 
 his  ftrongeft  argument  with  God,  to  appear  for  and  fave  them  ;  tince  the  glory 
 of  his  perfe<5lions  was  fo  much  concern^  in  their  falvatioti,  .-ou.p.  rXod.  xxxii. 
 12.  Numb.  xiv.  13.  Deut.  xxxii.  27.  Ver.  11.  The  aggravations  of  thix  fin  .arc 
 gradually  heightened  in  this  verfe.  Achan  not  only  finned  againft  the  law,-h..it 
 likewife  againft  the  covenant  made  with  God,  and  that  in  a  matier  of  tho  hi.gh  lt 
 importance,  whicli  had  been  exprefsiy  foihiddcn;  having  not  only  appiopiLted 
 to  his  own  ufe  what  belonged  to  gA,  hut  done  it  by  fterdth,  as  if  the  Al¬ 
 mighty  could  not  fee  it ;  and  denied,  and  pe  lifted  in  the  fin,  by  mixing  what 
 he  had  ftolen  with  his  own  proper  goods  Ver.  15.  TofanGi/y,  or  conDcr.ite  ail 
 the  people  according  to  ancient  and  well  known  rites  was  neccira"-',  bc-CRufa. 
 j  they  were  to  appear  before  God,  who  would  diicriminate  between  the  guilty 
 I  and  the  innocent,  comp.  Gen.  xxxv.  1,2.  Exod.  xix.  lo.  Numb,  .v.rx.  As  tiie 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap 
 
 IP.  VI.]  God  frequently  tries  his  people’s  failli  and  patience,  that  they  may  be  more  fitted  for  i.is  fervice,  and  felly  ien- 
 
 Able  that  tlieir  profperity  is  not  by  human  power,  but  his  Spirit.  We  have  tlierefore  need  of  perfeverance,  that  after  having  done  the  will  of  God  we  rtiav  receive  the 
 'ppomife.  What  wonders  have  not  been  perfermed  by  bearing,  coiifctfing,  and  proclaiming  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jefus  Chrift?  It  has  etieeluallv  d.-ftrovJd  i 
 holds  of  inward  cormptions,  high  imaginations,  deep  rooted  prejudices  and  cuftoms,'laws  of  iniquity,  lieathen  and  pf.pifii  errors,  idol atria's,  and  fuperVri-i.m .  rup' 
 
 lis  mercy  •  his 
 down. 
 
 oi  inwara  cormptions,  nigh  imaginations,  aeep  rooted  prejudices  and  cultoms,  laws  ot  iniquity,  lieat.hen  and  pf.pilli  errors,  idol atria's,  and  fuperi 
 hy  all  tlie'principalities  and  powers  of  earth  and  hell.  Behold  the  gocdiiefs  and  feverity  of  God  !  his  power  protects  and  hleifes  every  olftccft  of  bis 
 geance  overwhelms  all  his  adverlaries.  Dreadful  and  inevitable  is  the  ruin  of  Rich  zs  aUempt  to  tear  up  what  God  in  his  hot  difpleafure  has  celt  di 
 
 llro’.-'g 
 pporieiH 
 
Achan  floned  to  death. 
 
 JOSHUA. 
 
 Eefor* 
 
 Chjift 
 
 1451. 
 
 t  Hcb. 
 tongue. 
 
 t  Heb, 
 2>oured, 
 
 16  t  So  Jofhna  rofe  up  early  in  the  momiiig,  and 
 brought  Ifrael  by  their  tribes  ;  and  the  tribe  of  Judah 
 was  taken  : 
 
 1 7  And  he  brought  the  family  of  Judah ;  and  he 
 took  the  famijy  of  the  Zarhites  :  and  he  brought  the 
 family  of  the  Zarhites  m.an  by  man  ;  and  Zabdi  was 
 taken : 
 
 1 8  And  he  brought  his  houfehold  man  by  man ; 
 and  Achim,  the  fon  of  Carmi,  the  fon  of  Zabdi,  the 
 fon  of  Zerah,  of  the  tribe  of  Judah,  was  taken. 
 
 19  xVnd  Jofhua  faid  unto  Achan,  My  fon,  give, 
 I  pray  thee,  gloiy^  to  the  Lord  Gc^  ot  Ifrael,  and 
 make  confellion  unto  him;  and  tell  me  now  what 
 thou  haft  done ;  hide  it  not  from  me. 
 
 20  And  Achan  anfwered  Jofliua,  and  faid,  indeed 
 I  have  linned  againft  the  Lord  God  of  Ifrael,  and 
 thus  and  thus  have  I  done  : 
 
 21  When  I  faw  among  the  fpoils  a  goodly  Baby- 
 lonifh  garment,  and  two  hundred  Ihekels  of  fiver,  and 
 a  f  wedge  of  gold  of  fifty  fhekels  weight,  then  I  co¬ 
 veted  them,  and  took  them ;  and,  behold,  they  are 
 hid  in  the  earth  in  the  midft  of  my  tent,  and  the  filver 
 under  it 
 
 22  So  Jofhua  fent  meffengers,  and  they  ran  unto 
 the  tent ;  and,  behold,  it  xms  hid  in  his  tent,  and  the 
 filver  under  it. 
 
 23  And  they  took  them  out  of  the  midft  of  the  tent, 
 and  brought  them  unto  Jofhua,  and  unto  all  the  chil¬ 
 dren  of  Ifrael,  and  f  laid  them  out  before  the  Lord. 
 
 24  And  Jofhua,  and  all  Ifrael  with  him,  took 
 Achan  the  fon  of  Zerah,  and  the  filver,  and  the  gar¬ 
 ment,  and  the  wedge  of  gold,  and  his  fons,  and  his 
 daughters,  and  his  oxen,  and  his  affes,  and  his  fheep, 
 and  his  tent,  and  all  that  he  had  ;  and  they  brought 
 them  unto  the  \’alley  of  Achor. 
 
 25  And  Jofhua  faid.  Why  haftAhou  troubled  us  ? 
 the  Lord  fhall  trouble  thee  this  day.  And  all  Ifrael 
 ftoned  him  udth  ftones,  and  burned  them  vrith  fire, 
 after  they  had  ftoned  them  with  ftones. 
 
 26  And  they  raifed  over  him  a  gi'eat  heap  of  ftones 
 unto  this  day.  So  the  Lord  turned  from  the  fierce- 
 nefs  of  his  anger  :  wherefore  the  name  of  that  place 
 
 !j  That  is,  was  Called  the  valley  of  ||  Achor,  unto  this  day.* 
 
 CHAP.  VIII. 
 
 1  God  encouragetk  Jojhua,  5  The  Jlratagem  whereby  j4i  teas  taken ; 
 29  the  king  thereof  is  hanged.  30  Jojhua  buihleth  an  altar,  52  writeth 
 the  law  on Jlones,  33  propoundeth  the  blejjings  and  curjings. 
 
 And  the  Lord  faid  unto  Jofhua,  “  Fear  not, 
 neither  be  thou  difmayed ;  take  all  the  people 
 of  war  vrith  thee,  and  arife,  go  up  to  Ai :  fee,  I  have 
 given  into  thy  hand  the  king  of  Ai,  and  his  people, 
 and  his  city,  and  his  land. 
 
 2  And  thou  fhalt  do  to  Ai  and  her  king  as  thou  didft 
 
 fjuilty  perfon  was  unknown,  it  was  uncertain  how  many  might  be  defiled  by 
 him  for  whoever  touched  him  was  unclean.  Ver.  21.  A  goodly  Babylonijh  gar¬ 
 ment,  which  was  of  various  colours  and  of  great  price,  Ezek.  xxiii.  15.  taken 
 by  Achan,  not  to  wear  but  to  fell.  Ver.  24.  Jojhua — took  Achan — and  his  Jons. 
 Several  Jewilh  writers  think  that  Achan’s  fors  and  daughters  were  brought 
 forth  only  ta  be  fpeiSators  of  the  fentence  paifed  upon  him,  and  the  execution  of 
 it ;  and  their  opinion  feems  to  be  well  founded  from  what  we  fee  in  ver.  25.  that 
 Achan  alone  was  ftoned. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  VIII.  Ver.  1.  Fear  not.  God  would 
 not  deftroy  Ai  by  a  miracle,  as  he  had  done  Jericho,  becaufe  the  people  werej 
 
 a  Deut. 
 I.  21.  & 
 7.  18. 
 
 Ai  taken  lyfrata^^^ 
 
 unto  ^  Jericho  and  her  king :  only  <=  the  fpoil  thereof,  Bcfo,  ’ 
 Hiiu  Ctittle  thereof,  fhall  yc  take  for  a  prey  unto 
 yourlelves,  Lay  thee  an  ambufh  for  the  city  behind  it  , 
 
 3  H  So  Jofhua  arofe,  and  all  the  people  of  war,  to  goiTT^ 
 up  againft  Ai :  and  Jofhua  chofe  out  thirty  thoufandc- 21!'’’ 
 mighty  men  of  valour,  and  fent  them  away  by  night 
 
 4  And  he  commanded  them,  faying,  Behold, 
 fharl  lie  in  wait  againft  the  city,  even  behind  the 
 city ;  go  not  very  far  from  the  city,  but  be  ye  all 
 ready : 
 
 5  And  I,  and  all  the  people  that  are  with  me,  will 
 approach  unto  the  city;  and  it  fhall  come  to  pafs, 
 when  they  come  out  againft  us,  as  at  the  firft;,  that 
 we  will  flee  before  them. 
 
 6  (For  they  vill  come  out  after  us,)  till  we  have 
 
 t  drawm  them  from  the  citv ;  for  they  will  fay,  They  a  « 
 flee  before  us,  as  at  the  firft :  therefore  we  will  fieepuiicT 
 before  them. 
 
 7  Then  ye  fhall  rife  up  from  the  ambufh,  and  feize 
 upon  the  city ;  for  the  Lord  your  God  will  deliver 
 it  into  your  hand. 
 
 8  And  it  fhall  be,  when  ye  have  taken  the  city, 
 that  ye  fhall  fet  the  city  on  fire :  according  to  the 
 commandment  of  the  Lord  fhall  ye  do.  See,  I  have 
 commanded  you. 
 
 9  K  Jofhua  therefore  fent  them  forth :  and  they 
 went  to  lie  in  ambufh,  and  abode  between  Beth-el 
 and  Ai,  on  the  weft  fide  of  Ai ;  but  Jofhua  lodged 
 that  night  among  the  people. 
 
 10  And  Jofliua  rofe  up  early  in  the  morning,  and 
 numbered  the  people,  and  went  up,  he  and  the  elders 
 of  Ifrael  before  the  people  to  Ai. 
 
 1 1  And  all  the  people,  eve?i  the  people  of  war  that 
 'were  with  him,  went  up,  and  drew  nigh,  and  came 
 before  the  city,  and  pitched  on  the  north  fide  of  Ai : 
 now  there  was  a  valley  between  them  and  Ai. 
 
 12  And  he  took  about  five  thousand  men,  and  fet 
 
 them  to  lie  in  ambufh  between  Beth-el  and  Ai,  on 
 the  weft;  fide  \\  of  the  city.  n  Or, 
 
 13  And  when  they  had  fet  the  people,  even  all  the  of 
 hoft  that  was  on  the  north  of  the  city,  and  f  their  f  Heb. 
 lip’sin  wait  on  the  weft;  of  the  city,  Jofhua  went  that^"«’'^^"'j 
 night  into  the  midft  of  the  valley. 
 
 14  ^  And  it  came  pafs,  when  the  king  of  Ai  faw 
 if,  that  they  hafted,  and  rofe  up  early ;  and  the  men 
 of  the  city  went  out  againft  Ifrael  to  battle,  he  and  all 
 his  people,  at  a  time  appointed,  liefore  the  plain  :  but 
 he  wift  not  that  thei^e  were  liars  in  ambufh  againft  him 
 behind  the  city. 
 
 1 5  And  Jofhua  and  all  Ifrael  made  as  if  they  were 
 beaten  before  them,  and  fled  by  the  way  of  the  wil- 
 dernefs. 
 
 16  And  all  the  people  that  we^'e  in  Ai  were  called 
 
 now  to  appear  formidable  to  other  nations,  both  on  account  of  their  couragi 
 and  policy.  Ver.  3.  It  is  fuppofed  that  out  of  all  the  warriors,  Jofliua  feleflec 
 thirty  thoufand  to  go  againft  Ai,  and  of  thefc  five  thoufand  were  appointet 
 
 to  lie  in  ambufh,  ver.  12.  while  the  remainder  accompanied  him.  Ver.  14 _ 16 
 
 The  king  of  Ai  and  his  foldiers  were  emboldened  to  come  out  of  their  citv.  b; 
 their  late,  eafy,  and  fuccefsful  refiftance  of  Ifrael,  and  they  were  encouraged  1 
 leave  the  city  defencelefs  by  the  appearance  of  cowardice  continuing  to  adluat 
 them.  But  by  the  flratagem  of  Jofliua,  the  viaory  became  decifive  to  Ifrae 
 for  the  enemy  being  drawn  between  two  fires,  the  defeat  was  rendered  eafy 
 which  would  have  been  attended  with  great  difficulties,  had  they  endured  > 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  VII.]  Contemplate  in  Achan  an  awful  example  of  the  depravity  of  human  nature,  and  learn  to  fearch  yourlelves. 
 One  finner  may  become  a  plague  to  bimfelf  and  all  with  whom  he  is  conneaed.  It  becomes  the  moft  courageous  and  intrepid  to  humble  themfelves  under  the  mighty 
 hand  of  God,  and  tremble  becaufe  of  his  judgments.  The  choiceft  faints  may  be  difeouraged  by  alai  ming  providence,  and  in  anguifli  of  heart  utter  unadvifed  words* 
 It  is  folly  to  indulge  fin  la  fecret  froiB  the  faife  hope  that  it  fliall  remain  liid  y  for  God  will  bring  every  thought  into  judgment,  with  every  fecret  thing. 
 
,ii  dijlroyed, 
 
 and  its  king  hanged. 
 
 JOSHUA. 
 
 'J7ie‘ law  wnl.cn  on  flmrs,  S^c. 
 
 pcfi're 
 
 Chrift 
 
 1451. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 
 hand. 
 
 d  Deut. 
 
 7.  2. 
 
 e  Numb. 
 21. -22, 26 
 
 f  Vfr.  2, 
 
 together  to  purfue  after  them  :  and  they  purfued  after 
 Jofima,  and  were  drawn  away  from  the  city. 
 
 17  And  there  was  not  a  man  left  in  Ai  or  Beth-el 
 that  went  not  out  after  Ilfael :  and  they  left  the  city 
 open,  and  purfued  after  Ifrael. 
 
 18  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  Jofhua,  Stretch  out  the 
 fpear  that  is  in  thy  hand  toward  Ai ;  for  I  will  give  it 
 into  thine  hand.  And  Jofhua  flretched  out  the  fpear 
 that  he  had  in  his  hand  toward  the  city. 
 
 19  And  the  ambufh  arofe  quicldy  out  of  their  place, 
 and  they  ran  as  foon  as  he  had  fcretched  out  his  hand : 
 and  they  entered  into  the  city,  and  took  it,  and  hailed 
 and  fet  the  city  on  fire. 
 
 20  And  when  the  men  of  Ai  looked  behind  them, 
 
 they  faw,  and,  behold,  the  fmoke  of  the  city  afcended 
 up  to  heaven  ;  and  they  had  no  f  power  to  flee  this 
 way  or  that  way  :  and  the  people  that  fled  to  the  wib 
 deraefs  turned  back  upon  the  purfuers.  i 
 
 21  And  when  Jofhua  and  all  Ifrael  faw  that  the  , 
 ambufh  had  taken  the  city,  and  that  the  fmoke  of  the 
 city  afcended,  then  they  turned  again,  and  flew  the 
 men  of  Ai. 
 
 22  And  the  other  iffued  out  of  the  city  againfl 
 them ;  fo  they  were  in  the  raidfl  of  Ifrael,  fome  on 
 this  fide,  and  fome  on  that  fide :  and  they  fmote  them, 
 fo  that  they  let  none  of  them  remain  or  efcape. 
 
 23  And  the  king  of  Ai  they  took  alive,  and  brought 
 him  to  Jofhua. 
 
 24  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  Ifrael  had  made  an 
 end  of  flaying  all  the  inhabitants  of  Ai  in  the  field,  in 
 the  wildernefs  wherein  they  chafed  them,  and  when 
 they  were  all  fallen  on  the ,  edge  of  the,  fword,  until 
 they  were  confumed,  that  all  the  Ifraclites  returned 
 unto  Ai,  and  fmote  it  with  the  edge  of  the  fword. 
 
 25  Andifo  it  was  that  all  that  fell  that  day,  both  of 
 men  and  women,  were  twelve  thoufand,  even  all  the 
 men  of  Ai. 
 
 26  For  Jofhua  drew  not  his  hand  back,  wherewith 
 he  fbetched  out  the  fpear,  until  he  had  utterly  de- 
 firoyed  all  the  inhabitants  of  Ai. 
 
 27  «  Only  the  cattle,  and  the  fpoil  of  that  city,  Ifrael 
 ■took  for  a  prey  unto  themfelves,  according  unto  the 
 word  of  the  Lord  which  he  ^  commanded  Jofhua. 
 
 28  And  Jofliua  burnt  Ai,  and  made  it  an  heap  for 
 ever,  even  a  defolation  unto  this  day. 
 
 29  And  the  king  of  Ai  he  hanged  on  a  tree  until 
 even-tide :  and  as  foon  as  the  fun  was  doAvn,  Joflma 
 commanded  that  they  fhould  take  his  carcafe  down 
 from  the  tree,  and  call  it  at  the  entering  of  the  gate 
 
 of  the  city,  and  s  raife  thereon  a  great  heap  of  flones, 
 that  remaineth  unto  this  day. 
 
 30  If  dflien  Jofhua  built  an  altar  unto  the  Lord 
 
 God  of  Ifrael  in  mount  Lbal ;  s 
 
 31  As  Mofes,  thefervant  of  the  Lord,  commanded’^’ 
 the  children  of  Ifrael,  as  it  is  written  in  the  ''  book 
 
 the  law  of  Mofes,  An  altar  of  whole  f tones,  ’ 
 
 which  no  man  hath  lift  up  am/  iron  ;  and  they  offered  27.  5. 
 thereon  burnt-offerings  unto  the  Lord,  and  facrificed 
 peace-ofl’erings. 
 
 32  And  he  wrote  there,  upon  the  ftones,  a  copy  of 
 the  law  of  Mofes,  vhich  he  wrote  in  the  prefence,  of 
 the  children  of  Ifrael. 
 
 33  And  all  ifrael,  and  their  elders,  and  officers,  and 
 their  judges,  flood  on  this  fide  the  ark,  and  on  that 
 fide,  before  the  priefcs  the  Levites,  which  bare  the  ark 
 of  the  covenant  of  the  Lord,  as  w^ell  the  flranger,  as 
 he  that  was  bom  among  them ;  half  of  them  oyer 
 againfl  mount  Gerizim,  and  half  of  them  oyer  agiimfl 
 mount  Ebal;,  ■  as  Mofes,  the  feiwant  of  the  Lord,' Deut.  ^ 
 ■liad  commanded  before,  that  they  fhould  blefs  the27| 
 
 '  people  of  Ifrael. 
 
 34  And  afterward  he  read  all  the  words  of  the  law, 
 the  bleffings  and  curfings,  according  to  all  that  is 
 written  in  the  book  of  the  law\ 
 
 35  There  was  not  a  word  of  all  that  Mofes  com¬ 
 manded  which  Jofhua  read  not  before  all  the  congre-k  Dent, 
 gation  of  Ifrael,  ^  with  the  w'omen,  and  the  little  ones,  3i.  12. 
 and  the  flrangers  that  f  were  converfant  among  them.*  t 
 
 CHAP.-  IX.. 
 
 I  The  kings  combine  againjl  Ifrael.  3  The  Gibeoniies  by  craft  obtain  a. 
 league:  16  the  fraud  is  dfcovered,  for  which  they  are  condemned  to 
 perpetual  bondage. 
 
 And  it  came  to  pafs,  wffien  all  the  kings  which 
 xvere  on  this  fide  Jordan,  in  the  hills,  and  in  the 
 valleys,  and  in  all  the  coafts  of  the  great  fea  over 
 againfl  Lebanon,  the  Hittite,  and  ^  the  Amorite,  the 
 Canaanite,  the  Perizzite,  the  Hiyite,  and  the  Jebu- 
 !  fite,  heard  thereof. 
 
 2  That  they  gathered  themfelves  together,  to  fight 
 with  Jofhua  and  with  Ifrael,  w'ith  one  t  accord.  f  Heb. 
 
 3  f  And  when  the  inhabitants  of  Gibeon  heard^oufA. 
 what  Jofhua  had  done  unto  Jericho  and  to  Ai, 
 
 4  They  did  work  wilily,  and  went  and  -made  as 
 if  they  had  been-  ambafladors,  and  took  old  facks 
 upon  their  afles,  and  wine-bottles.  Old,  and  rent,  and 
 bound  up ; 
 
 5  And  old  fhoes  and  clouted  upon  their  feet,  and 
 
 regular  fiege ;  and  the  Ifraelites  not  being  provided  with  machines  proper  for 
 fuch  an  attempt,  might  have  fuftained  great  Ioffes  from  the  hefieged,  and  if  not 
 iupported  by  an  extraordinary  providence,  might  have  failed  in  their  attempt. 
 Ver.  17.  Kot  a  man :  that  is,  no  one  who  was  fit  to  fight  remained  in  thefe  cities. 
 As  thefe  places  lay  contiguous,  it  is  probable  tjiey  were  confederated  together. 
 Ver.  50.  Jofliua  having  now  got  footing  in  Canaan,  determined  to  perform  the 
 command -of  Mofes,  with  regard  to  reading  the  law,  with  the  bleffings  and 
 curies  annexed  thereto,  from  the  mountains  Gerizim  and  Ebal.  Ver.  32.  Jo- 
 ffiua  wrote  the  principal  precepts  of  this  law,  not  on  the  ftones  of  the  altar,  for 
 thefe  were,  unpolilhed,  ver.  31.  but  on  large,  fmooth,  and  plaftered  ftones,  chofen 
 ffir  the  purpofe,  according  to  Mofes’  diredtions,  Deut.  xxvii.  2,  Ver.  oo,  j4. 
 
 Gerizim  and  Ebal  were  near  to  Shechem,  Deut.  xi.  29,  30.  xxvii.  12.  Judg.  ix.  7. 
 On  the  latter  place  the  altar  was  built,  ver.  30.  for  there  the  curfes  were  pro¬ 
 nounced.  The  divine  curies  have  alwats  been  revealed  in  connection  with  an 
 atonement.  Gal.  iii.  22.  He  read  ;  that  is,  he  commanded  the  priefts  or  Levites 
 to  read  the  books  of  Mofes,  Deut.  xxvii.  14. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chat*.  IX.  Ver.  1.  All  the  kings  which  were 
 on  this  fide  Jordan.  The  great  fuccefs  of  Jolhua  agaiuft;  the  towns  of  Jericho  and 
 Ai,  and  the  terrible  {laughter  of  their  inhabitants,  had  I'o  alarmed  the  kings  on 
 that  fide  Jordan,  that  they  entered  into  a  league  for  their  mutual  defence,  deter¬ 
 mining  to  give  battle  to  the  Ifraelites  witli  their  united  forces.  But  the  Gibeon- 
 ites  by  ftratagem  obtained,  peace  with  Ifrael,.  faved  their  lives,  and  delivered  their 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. _ *  Chap.  VIII.]  The  liber.al  are  great  gainers  at  laft ;  while  thofe  who  greedily  gralp  what  God  requires  for  his  I'ervjce 
 
 become  inconceivable  lofers.  The  people  of  God  ought  to  ftrive  togethet  in  the  caufe  of  God;  they  need  wifdom  .mid  prudence  as  well  as -.i rengtli  to  enfure 
 fuccefs.  Well  timed  yielding  procures  viaory  as  certainly  as  perfeverlng  courage.  Divine  affuraiices  of  fuccels  inlpire  us  with  courage,  notwithftanding,  pall 
 difappointments.  What  God  requires,  let  us  do  with  all.our  might;  if  we  are  in  the  way  of  duty-,  he  will  afford  us  fpecial  prote<5lion.  While  we  ferve  God  with 
 what  he  bath  given  us,  and  depend  on  tlie  facrifice  of  hi.  Son  for  the  fulfihnent  of  *11  his  promifes,  let -it  be  -our  care  to  know  and  do  his  will,  and  teach  and  urge 
 J>Il  cur  kindred  to  regard  it.  •  •  ^ 
 
 3  I  < 
 
Jofhua  grant eth  peace  to  the  Giheonites. 
 
 JOSHUA. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chriil 
 
 1451. 
 
 Heb. 
 
 in  your 
 ka7id. 
 
 old  garments  upon  them ;  and  all  the  bread  of  their 
 provifion  was  diy  a7id  mouldy. 
 
 6  And  they  went  to  Jofhua  unto  the  camp  at  Gil- 
 gal,  and  faid  unto  him,  and  to  the  men  of  Ifrael,  We 
 be  come  from  a  far  country ;  now  therefore  make  ye 
 a  league  with  us. 
 
 7  And  the  men  of  Ifrael  faid  unto  the  Hivites, 
 Peradventure  ye  dwell  among  us  ;  and  how  fhall  we 
 make  a  league  with  you  ? 
 
 8  And  they  faid  unto  Jofhua,  We  arc  thy  fervants. 
 And  Jofhua  laid  unto  them.  Who  arc  ye  ?  and  from 
 whence  come  ye  ? 
 
 9  And  they  faid  unto  him,  From  a  very  fai*  country 
 thy  fervants  are  come,  becaufe  of  the  name  of  the 
 I.oRD  thy  God  :  for  we  have  heai'd  the  fame  of  him, 
 and  all  that  he  did  in  Egypt. 
 
 10  And  all  that  he  did  to  the  two  kings  of  the  Amo- 
 rites,  that  wo-e  beyond  Jordan,  to  Sihon  king  of  Hefli- 
 bon,  and  to  Og  king  of  Bafhan,  which  xms  at  Afhtaroth. 
 
 1 1  \Wierefore  our  elders,  and  all  the  inhabitants  of 
 our  country,  fpake  to  us,  faying.  Take  viftuals  f  vidth 
 you  for  the  journey,  and  go  to  meet  them,  and  fay 
 unto  them,  We  are  your  fervants  :  therefore  now 
 make  ye  a  league  wth  us. 
 
 12  iliis  our  bread  we  took  hot  for  our  provifion  out 
 of  our  houfe  on  the  day  we  came  forth  to  go  unto 
 you  :  but  now,  behold,  it  is  dry,  and  it  is  mouldy : 
 
 1 3  And  thefe  bottles  of  wine  which  we  filled  were 
 
 new ;  and,  behold,  they  be  rent :  arid  thefe  our  gar¬ 
 ments  and  our  fhoes  are  become  old  by  reafon  of  the 
 veiT  long  journey.  _  ^  . 
 
 II  Or,  14  ^nd  II  the  men  took  of  their  victuals,  and  afked 
 
 triUd'the  coimfel  at  the  mouth  of  the  Lord. 
 
 by  15  And  Jofhua  made  peace  with  them,  and  made 
 reafon  of  a  league  with  them,  to  let  them  live  :  and  the  princes 
 their  Vic-  congregation  fware  unto  them. 
 
 16  If  And  it  came  to  pafs,  at  the  end  of  three  days 
 after  they  had  made  a  league  with  them,  that  they 
 heard  that  they  were  their  neighbours,  and  that  tliey 
 dwelt  among  them. 
 
 17  And  the  children  of  Ifrael  journeyed,  and  came 
 unto  their  cities  on  the  third  day.  Now  their  cities 
 were  Gibeon,  and  Chephirah,  and  Beeroth,  and  Kir- 
 jath-jearim. 
 
 Five  lings  war  againjl  Giheon 
 
 1 8  And  the  children  of  Ifrael  fmote  them  not,  be- 
 
 country  from  the  miferies  of  war.  Ver.  7.  Jofhua  and  the  elders  were  deceived 
 by  the  Gibeonites,  who  pretended  that  they  came  from  a  remote  country,  "i  et 
 it  does  not  follow  from  hence,  that,  if  Joftma  and  the  elders  had  really  knowm 
 that  they  were  neighbours,  they  would  not  have  fpared  them  ;  for  the  exprea- 
 fion,  Peradventure  ye  dwell,  may  either  be  underflood  as  a  queflion  put  to  the 
 Gibeonites,  to  know  what  kind  of  league  they  intended,  whether  a  focial  or  a 
 tributaiy  one  ;  or  at  lead,  that  the  Ifraelites  might  fhew  that  they  were  not  al¬ 
 lowed  to  make  a  focial  league  with  certain  nations,  comp.  Note  on  chap.  vi.  26. 
 Ver  13.  r/ii^  were  made  of  leathfr.  comp.  Note  on  Matth.  ix.  1 7.  er. 
 
 14.  And  the  men  took  of  their  viauals  :  that  is,  the  princes  of  Ifrael  took  thereof, 
 not  to  eat  of  them  ;  for  it  cannot  be  thought  that  fuch  perfonages  wouhl  eat  of 
 fuch  bread  in  a  plentiful  country  ;  but  to  fee  whether  it  was  in  fuch  a  condiUon 
 as  they  reprefented  it,  whereby  they  might  judge  of  the  truth  of  w'hat  :hey  laid. 
 Afei  not  counfel  at  the  mouth  of  the  Lord.  This  they  fliould  liave  done,  by  de- 
 firing  the  high  pried  to  enquire  of  the  Lord  by  Urim  and  Thummim.  \er.  20. 
 This  we  will  do  to  them.  Jofhua  was  againd  annulling  tlie  league  he  had  made, 
 becaufe  it  was  confirmed  by  an  oath  ;  led  while  he  was  inveighing  again!.  Uicir 
 
 caufe  the  princes  of  the  congregation  had  fworn  unto 
 them  by  the  Lord  God  of  Ifrael.  And  all  the  con¬ 
 gregation  murmured  againft  the  princes. 
 
 19  But  all  the  princes  laid  unto  all  the  congregation. 
 
 We  have  fwom  unto  them  by  the  Lord  God  of 
 Ifrael :  now  therefore  we  may  not  touch  them. 
 
 20  This  we  will  do  to  them  ;  we  will  even  let  them 
 live,  left  wrath  be  upon  us,  becaufe  of  the  oath  which 
 we  fware  unto  them. 
 
 21  And  the  princes  fiiid  unto  them.  Let  them  live; 
 but  let  them  be  hewers  of  wood,  and  drawers  of  water, 
 
 unto  all  the  congregation  ;  as  the  princes  had  *  pro-  a  Ver.  15, 
 mifed  them. 
 
 22  if  And  Jofhua  called  for  them,  and  he  fpake  unto 
 them,  fa}dng,  Wherefore  have  ye  beguiled  us,  faying, 
 
 We  are  very  far  from  you ;  when  ye  dwell  among  us  ? 
 
 23  Now  therefore  ye  are  curfed ;  and  there  fhall 
 f  none  of  you  be  freed  from  being  bond-men,  andt 
 hewers  of  wood,  and  drawers  of  water,  for  the  houfe 
 
 or  my  God.  you. 
 
 24  And  they  anfwered  Jofnua,  and  faid,  Becaufe  it 
 was  certainly  told  thy  fervants,  how  that  the  Lord  thy 
 God  commanded  his  feiwant  Mofes  to  give  you  alli^  Dent, 
 the  land,  and  to  deftroy  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  land^- 
 from  before  you,  therefore  we  were  fore  afraid  of  our 
 lives  becaufe  of  you,  and  have  done  this  thing. 
 
 25  And  now,  behold,  we  are  in  thine  hand :  as  it 
 feemeth  good  and  right  unto  thee  to  do  unto  us,  do. 
 
 26  And  fo  did  he  unto  them,  and  delivered  them 
 out  of  the  hand  of  the  children  of  Ifrael,  that  they  flew 
 them  not. 
 
 27  And  Jofhua  made  them  that  day  hewers  of  wood, 
 and  drawers  of  water,  for  the  congregation,  and  for 
 the  altar  of  the  Lord,  even  unto  this  day,  in  the 
 place  which  he  fhould  choofe.* 
 
 CHAP.  X. 
 
 I  Five  kings  war  agairijl  Gibeon  :  6  Jofhua  refeueth  it:  10  God Jighteth 
 
 againf  them  U’ith  hailf  ones.  12  The  fun  ami  moon  f  and  fill  at  the 
 ■  word  of  Jofhua. 
 
 OW  it  came  to  pafs,  when  Adoni-zedek  king  of 
 
 N' 
 
 _  ^  Jerufalem  had  heard  how  Jofhua  had  taken  Ai, 
 and  had  utterly  deftroyed  it;  ^  as  he  had  done  toa  cirip, 
 Jericho  and  her  king,  fo  he  had  done  to  ^  Ai  and  her®-^^’* 
 king  ;  and  how  the  inhabitants  of  Gibeon  had  madeg.  .22. 
 peace  with  Ifrael,  and  were  among  them  ; 
 
 perjury,  he  fiiould  be  guilty  of  the  fame  fin.  Neverthelefs,  the  Gibeonites  fuffered 
 for  their  fraud,  becoming  fervants  to  the  Ifraelites  by  their  voluntary  furrender ; 
 whereas,  had  they  dealt  ingenuoufly,  tliey  might  have  had  the  advantage  of  being 
 only  tributary.  Ver.  23.  Ye  are  curfed  :  that  is,  devoted  to  perpetual  (lavery. 
 Drawing  water  and  hewing  wood,  were  always  accounted  fervile  offices.  But  this 
 fervitude  was  connedled  with  vaft  advantages.  The  Gibeonites  were  not  only 
 fpared,  but  afibciated  with  the  fervants  of  God  in  the  temple.  And  though  their 
 office  was  mean,  yet  to  a  right-hearted  Ifraelite  it  appeared  preferable  to  the 
 moil  honourable  office  in  the  focicty  of  the  wicked,  Pfal.  Ixxxiv.  10.  nor  would  it 
 Le  lefs  efteemed  by  every  Gibeonite,  who  felt  that  he  had  juftly,  in  common  srith 
 every  Canaariite,  forfeited  his  life,  and  knew  the  value  of  the  religious  privileges 
 which  were  granted  him. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  X,  Ver.  1,  The  king  cf  Jerufalem 
 feems  to  have  been  tiie  nioft  potent  prince  in  Canaan.  His  name  Adoni-zedek,  lite¬ 
 rally  fignifies,  pAjice  (f  r'.ghleoifiufs.  He  owed  probably  the  latter  epithet  to  Mel- 
 rhiffidcc,  a  very  different  charaacr  ii.iieec,  who  is  fuppofed  to  have  been  anciently 
 king  of  Jerufalem,  Ver.  2.  Gibeon  had  feveial  other  cities  depending  on 
 
 it,  as 
 
 formidable  attacks  of  his  enemies,  till  he  has  pre^ia.-ed 
 
 God  in  ereat  wifdom  and  love,  reftrains  the  more  /.  •  . 
 
 *  erous  fnare.s  ;  good  then  may  bo  often  deceived  by  them  ;  for  the  wifdom  of  the  ferpent  is  no^ 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  IX.] 
 his  people  to  receive  them.  Pretences  of  religion  and  antiquity  are  dang 
 always  joined  with  the  harmleffnefs  of  the  dove, 
 
 Vip  not  lenarate'l. — How  amezin^  the  difpenfat. -  --  — 
 
 u" co™.id„  .t  u..  crers  h.  c.u, 
 
 Covenams  norabfoJuteW  finful  ought  to  be  kept  with  tendernefs  ;  and  great  care  ought  to  he  taken  that  peace  and 
 r  4*  •  tha  Ti  '  honi  iin^  evace  of  God  to  tinners.  By  fraud  Jacob  obtained  the  bieffing,  wlurh  confeewed 
 
 Xed  .h.  couL  of  d,.  God  of  Ifaol,  and  of  no  .rod, 
 
JOSHUA. 
 
 'I'he  fnn  and  moon  Jland  Jlill. 
 
 2  That  they  feared  greatly,  becaufe  Gibeon  rtv?.?  a 
 great  city,  as  one  of  the  f  royal  cities,  and  becaufe  it 
 was  greater  than  Ai,  and  all  the  men  thereof  were 
 mighty. 
 
 3  Wherefore  Adoni-zedek  king  of  Jerufalem  fent 
 unto  Hoham  king  of  Hebron,  and  unto  Piram  king  of 
 Jarmuth,  and  unto  Japhia  king  of  Lachilh,  and  unto 
 Debir  king  of  Eglon,  faying, 
 
 4  Come  up  unto  me,  and  help  me,  that  we  may 
 finite  Gibeon :  _  for  it  hath  made  peace  with  Jofhua 
 and  with  the  children  of  Ifrael. 
 
 5  Therefore  the  five  kings  of  the  Amorites,  the  king 
 of  Jerufalem,  the  king  of  Hebron,  the  king  of  Jar¬ 
 muth,  the  king  of  Lachifh,  the  king  of  Eglon,  gathered 
 themfelves  together, .  and  went  up,  they  and  all  their 
 hofts,  and  encamped  before  Gibeon,  and  made  war 
 againfl  it. 
 
 6  f  And  the  men  of  Gibeon  fent  unto  Jofhua  to  the 
 camp  to  Gilgal,  faying,  Slack  not  thy  hand  from  thyj 
 fervants  ;  come  up  to  us  quickly,  and  fave  us,  and  help 
 us  :  for  all  the  kings  of  the  Amorites,  that  dwell  in  the 
 mountains  are  gathered  together  againfl  us. 
 
 7  So  Jofhua  afeended  from  Gilgal,  he,  and  all  the 
 people  of  war  with  him,  and  all  the  mighty  men  of 
 valour. 
 
 8  ^  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  Jofhua,  Fear  them 
 not :  for  I  have  delivered  them  into  thine  hand ;  there 
 (hall  not  a  man  of  them  Hand  before  thee. 
 
 9  Jofhua  therefore  came  unto  them  fuddenly,  and 
 went  up  from  Gilgal  all  night. 
 
 10  And  the  Lord  difeomfited  them  before  tfrael, 
 and  flew  them  with  a  great  flaughter  at  Gibeon,  and 
 chafed  them  along  the  way  that  goeth  up  to  Beth-ho- 
 ron  ;  and  fmote  them  to  Azekah,  and  unto  Makkedah. 
 
 1 1  And  it  came  to  pafs,  as  they  fled  from  before 
 Ifrael,  arid  were  in  the  going  dowm  to  Beth-horon,  that 
 the  Lord  cafl  dow  great  flones  from  heaven  upon 
 them  unto  Azekah,  and  they  died  \  they  xvere  more, 
 which  died  with  hailftones,  than  they  whom  the  chil¬ 
 dren  of  Ifrael  flew  with  the  word. 
 
 12  %  Then  fpake  Jofhua  to  the  Lord,  in  the  day 
 when  the  Lord  delivered  up  the  Amorites  before  the 
 children  of  Ifrael,  and  he  faid  in  the  fight  of  Ifrael, 
 Sun,  f  Stand  thou  flill  upon  Gibeon ;  and  thou.  Moon, 
 in  the  valley  of  Ajalon. 
 
 ?;  Ifaiah 
 28  21. 
 liccluf. 
 46.  4. 
 f  Hel). 
 he  Jiknt, 
 
 the  royal  cities  had  j  but  was  governed  by  ciders,  and  therefore  not  a  royal  city. 
 Ver.  5.  The  five  kings  of  the  JmoriU's.  Hebron  belonged  to  the  Hittites,  and  Je- 
 nifalcm  to  the  Jebufites;  but  the  Amorites  had  reduced  them  under  their  power, 
 and  placed  kings  of  their  own  nations  over  them.  And  hence  the  CUbeonites! 
 •who  were  originally  Hivites,  are  faid  to  be  of  the  “  remnant  of  the  Amorites,” 
 2  Sam.  xxi.  2.  Ver.  8.  And  the  I^ordfaid  untojcfiiua,  either  when  on  his  march 
 to  aintl  the  Gibeonites,  or  rather  before  he  fet  out.  Ver.  1 1.  The  Lord  call  doivn 
 great fiones — died  with  hailfiones.  The  words  ufed  in  thefe  two  paffages  are  dif- 
 terent  in  the  Hebrew.  Hence  the  Septuagint,  the  Syriac,  the  Chaldeerthe  Arabic, 
 Md  Jofephus,  exprefsly  alTert  that  this  was  a  fiiower  oJ‘  hail.  This  jnd<rment  re- 
 ftrabled  one  of  thofe  brought  on  Egypt,  Exod.  ix.  23.  Examples  are  recorded  in 
 modern  times  of  hmilar  florms  laying  wafte  large  tra61s  of  countiy  ;  the  hailftones 
 have  been  found  from  one  to  five  pounds  weiglit.  But  though  probably  they  may 
 he  produced  by  natural  caufes ;  the  ftorm  mentioned  here  was  miraculous;  it 
 happened  at  the  precife  time  that  God  promifed  to  affift  Ifrael,  and  it  fell  only 
 on  their  enemies  fee  Job  xxxvii.  22,  23.  Ezek.  xxxviii.  22.  Hab.  iii.  11.  Ver. 
 12.  Jnjhua  fpake, — Sun,  Stand  thou  fiitl.  God,  it  feems,  infpired  the  Hebrew 
 general  to  call  for  this  miracle  in  the  fight  of  Ifrael,  to  deter  them  from  idolatry 
 towards  either  the  fun  or  moon,  accounted  gods  by  the  heathen.  It  may  be 
 thought,  perhaps,  that  the  only  motive  which  induced  Jofiiua  to  put  up  this 
 prayer  for  the  prolongation  of  the  day,  was  an  eager  defire  of  gmning  an  entire 
 vidory  over  his  enemies.  But  if  tin's  were  indeed  any  motive  at  alk^j-et  it  may 
 he  judged  iK-.m  the  circumftances  of  the  narration,  that  it  wds  neither  the  only 
 one  nor  the  chief.  That  this  wifti  or  prayer  of  Jothua  was  rather  the  effedt  of 
 divine  infpiration,  than  the  refult  of  his  own  reflexions;  and  that  the  chief  pur- 
 pofe  of  this  miracle,  exhibited  in  anfwer  to  it,  was  to  convince  both  armieq 
 
 J'’ive  kings  hanged,  ^r. 
 
 ^•?  fiood  flill,  and  the  moon  flaved  Bofirc 
 
 until  (he  people  h;id  avenged  (iicmlelves  upon  iJieir  ^ 
 enemies.  Is  not  this  writtai  in  (he  hook  of  j'  .lafher 
 So  the  fun  flood  flill  m  the  midfl  of  heaven,  and  halted  ■  Or 
 not  to  go  down  about  a  whole  day.  he  up- 
 
 14  And  there  was  no  day  like  that  before  it,  or””"'''’ 
 after  it,  that  the  Lord  hearkened  unto  the  voice  of 
 a  man  ;  for  the  Lord  fought  for  Ifrael. 
 
 1.5  *I  And  Jofhua  returned,  and  all  Ifrael  with  him 
 unto  the  camp  to  Gilgal.  * 
 
 _  16  But  thefe  five  kings  fled,  and  hid  themfelves 
 in  a  cave  at  Makkedah. 
 
 17  And  it  was  told  Jofhua,  faying,  the  five  kings 
 are  found  hid  in  a  cave  at  Makkedah. 
 
 foid,^  Roll  great  flones  upon  the 
 mouth  ^f  1^  cave,  and  let  men  by  it  for  to  keep  them  ; 
 
 19  And  flay  ye  not,  iw/ purfue  after  your  enemieS, 
 
 and  f  finite  the  hindmofl  or  them ;  fuffer  them  not  to  t  Ueh. 
 enter  into  their  cities  :  for  the  Lord  your  God  hath^“' 
 delivered  them  into  your  hand. 
 
 20  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  Jofhua  and  the  chil¬ 
 dren  of  Ifrael  had  made  an  end  of  flaying  them  with 
 a  very  great  flaughter,  till  they  were  confumed,  that 
 the  refl  whiich  remained  of  them  entered  into  fenced 
 cities. 
 
 21  And  all  the  people  returned  to  the  camp  to  Jo- 
 Ihua  at  Makkedah  in  peace  :  none  moved  his  tongue 
 againfl  any  of  the  children  of  Ifrael. 
 
 22  If  Then  faid  Jofhua.  Open  the  mouth  of  the 
 cave,  and  bring  out  thofe  five  kings  unto  me  out  of 
 the  cave. 
 
 23  And  they  did  fo,  and  brought  forth  thofe  five 
 kings  unto  him  out  of  the  cave,  the  king  of  Jerufalem 
 the  king  of  Hebron,  the  king  of  Jarmuth,  the  king  of 
 Lachifh,  and  the  king  of  Eglon. 
 
 ,  1  •  brought  out 
 
 thole  kings  unto  Jofhua,  that  Jofhua  called  for  all  the 
 rnen  of  Ifrael,  and  faid  unto  the  captains  of  the  men 
 of  war  which  went  with  him.  Come  near,  put  your 
 feet  upon  the  necks  of  thefe  kings.  And  they  came 
 near,  and  put  their  feet  upon  the  necks  of  them. 
 
 And  Jofhua  faid  unto  them.  Fear  not,  nor  be 
 dilmayed  ;  be  flrong,  and  of  good  courage  ;  for  thus 
 lhall  the  EoRd  do  to  all  your  enemies  againfl  whom 
 ye  hght.  ^ 
 
 and  all  who  obferved  it,  that  «  the  gods  of  the  heathens  were  but  idols,  and  that 
 It  was  the  Lord  who  made,  and  who  governed  the  heavens.”  Ver  13.  The 
 original  w  ords  tranflated  in  this  verfe>n  and  moon,  are  not  thofe  which  generally 
 denote  thefe  bodie.s  but  rather  the  folar  and  lunar  light,  and  the  meaning  feeir.s 
 to  be,  that  the  Lord  itiiraculoufly  preferred  the  refleXed  light  of  the  it-n  and 
 moon  for  the  difeomfiture  of  his  enemies,  that  all  might  know  tliat  he  was  the 
 fupreme  God.  That  the  day  w'as  really  prolonged  in  tills  miraculous  manne.-,  is 
 evident  from  the  cucumftanccs  of  the  narration.  The  army  marched  all  night 
 from  Gilgal,  came  early  m  the  morning  to  Gibeon,  where  Joftma  put  the  euemy 
 to  flight,  and  purftied  them  from  the  afeent  of  Beth-hoion  to  Azekah,  where  the 
 ftorm  of  bailor  ftones  fell;  after  this  he  commanded  the  fun  and  momi  to  ttand 
 ftdl.^  If  we  remember  that  tins  miracle  was  the  work  of  an  omnipotent  Being 
 we  have  a  caufe  fufficient  for  the  event.  “  The  prophet  HahiAkuk,”  fays^-i 
 late  excellent  writer,  <■  according  to  his  lofty  manner,  celebrates  this  event  •  mid 
 points  out,  m  'jy  poetical  diXion,  the  defign  of  fo  fn.prifing  a  miracle  :  Th^tt 
 and  mom  food  Jhil  tn  thar  habitation  .■  in  thu  light,  tbeloiigcotitinuc.'iai.dirrim- 
 culous  hghc,  %  nrroa,  edged  with  deftruXion,  ualked  on  thur  awful  ermnd - 
 in  the  clear  finning  of  the  day  protraXed  for  this  very  purpofe,  thy  AittcriZ  Zar 
 launched  by  thy  people,  but  guided  by  tby  hand,  fprun|  to  its  nrev  HX 
 U.^  h  not  thiswytten  uyhebookofjafi.er!'  This  denSes  a  put -eg, fter  or 
 book  of  annals,  in  Winch  memorable  events  are  written  as  ° 
 
 different  ages,  by  different  perfons  Ver.  16.  At  Mah-kedh,.  or  rZher  tr  41! 
 kedah  ;  for  that  city  was  not  yet  taken.  Ver.  24  r,.,  „  r,  .  .  'I  " 
 
 thefe  kings.  In  order  to  mortify  them  ;  as  a  wken 
 
 and  a  proper  punifliment  for  their  crirac.^  of  iilohev.,  iymir.C  an  !  ZS-Z 
 a  terror  to  others  that  fliould  fight  againft  Iftac!,  and  k;  a  pledge 
 
Oiha  fi.'ven  kings  conquered? 
 
 JOSHUA. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chiill 
 
 1-151. 
 
 d  Dcut. 
 21.  25. 
 Chap. 
 
 S.  29. 
 
 e  Chap, 
 b'.  21. 
 
 26  And  aften\’ni-d  Jofhua  fmote  them,  and  flew 
 them,  and  handed  them  on  five  trees :  and  they  were 
 hanging  upon  the  trees  until  the  evening. 
 
 27  And  it  came  to  pafs,  at  the  time  of  the  going 
 do\ni  of  the  fim,  that  Jofhiia  commanded,  and  they 
 
 took  them  dow  off  the  trees,  and  caft  them  into  the 
 cave  wherein  they  had  been  hid,  and  laid  great  ftones 
 in  the  cave’s  mouth,  irhich  remain  until  this  very  day. 
 
 28  ^  And  that  day  Jofhua  took  IVIakkedah,  and 
 fmote  it  with  the  edge  of  the  fword,  and  the  king 
 thereof  he  utterly  deftroyed,  them,  and  all  the  fouls 
 that  leere  therein ;  he  let  none  remain :  and  he  did  to 
 the  king  of  Makkedtih  ^  as  he  did  unto  the  king  of 
 Jericho. 
 
 29  If  Then  Jofhua  paffed  from  Makkedah,  and  all 
 Ifrael  with  him,  unto  Libnah,  and  fought  againft 
 Libmih : 
 
 30  And  the  Lord  delivered  it  alfo,  and  the  king 
 thereof,  into  the  hand  of  Ifrael :  and  he  fmote  it  with  ■ 
 the  edge  of  the  fword,  and  all  the  fouls  that  ^joey'e 
 therein  ;  he  let  none  remain  in  it :  but  did  unto  the 
 king  thereof  as  he  did  unto  the  king  of  Jericho. 
 
 3 1  f  And  Jofhua  paffed  from  Libnah,  and  all  Ifrael 
 with  him,  unto  Lachifh,  and  encamped  againft  it,  and 
 fought  againft  it : 
 
 32  And  the  Lord  delivered  Lachifh  into  the  hand 
 of  Ifrael,  which  took  it  on  the  fecond  day,  and  fmote 
 it  with  the  edge  of  the  fword,  and  all  the  fouls  that 
 'ivere  therein,  according  to  all  that  he  had  done  to 
 Libnah. 
 
 33  if  Then  Koram  king  of  Gezer  came  up  to  help 
 Lachifh  ;  and  Jofhua  fmote  him  and  his  people,  until  j 
 he  had  left  him  none  remaining. 
 
 34-  if  And  from  Lachifh  Jofhua  paffed  unto  Eglon,j 
 and  all  Ifrael  with  him  ;  and  they  encamped  againft  it,  | 
 and  fought  againft  it :  1 
 
 35  And  they  took  it  on  that  day,  and  fmote  it  with 
 the  edge  of  the  fvvord ;  and  all  the  fouls  that  ! 
 therein  he  utterly  deftroyed  that  day,  according  to  all 
 that  he  had  done  to  Lachifh. 
 
 36  if  And  Jofhua  w^ent  up  from  Eglon,  and  all  Ifrael 
 with  him,  unto  Hebron ;  and  they  fought  againft  it : 
 
 37  And  they  took  it,  and  fmote  it  with  the  edge 
 
 confirmation  of  the  fubje<5lion  of  the  reft,  and  as  an  accomplifliment  of  the 
 divine  promites  and  predidlions,  Deut.  xxxiii.  29.  Ver.  36,  37.  This  is  either  a 
 ijeneral  account  of  the  conqueft;  of  Hebron,  which  is  more  particularly  deferibed, 
 chap.  XV.  14.  Judg.  i.  10.  or  what  is  more  probable,  when  Joftiua  retired  from 
 the  expedition,  it  was  feized  by  tome  of  the  boldeft  Canaanites  who  furvived, 
 which  rendered  it  neceflary  to  be  conquered  a  fecond  time,  in  order  to  Caleb 
 potrefiing  it.  Ver.  40.  So  Jo/ttua Jmote  all  the  country  of  the  hills,  and  of  thefouth, 
 and  (f  t'ie  vale,  and  <f  Ihefprings;  that  is,  he  fubdued  that  part  of  the  land  of 
 Canaan  which  lay  foathward,  and  confifted  of  hills  and  vales.  It  abounded  with 
 fprings,  and  was  a  well  watered  country,  agreeing  w'ith  the  defeription  Mofes 
 gave  of  it,  though  he  never  faw  it,  Deut.  viii.  1.  He  utterly  defrayed  all  that 
 breathed;  that  is,  all  human  creatures,  for  their  cattle  were  fpared  as  a  prey. 
 As  the  Lord  God  of  Ifrael  commanded,  Deut.  xx.  16.  Ver.  41.  Kadefli-barnea 
 lay  in  the  fouth  of  Canaan,  and  Gaza  was  a  city  of  the  Philiftines  in  the  weftern 
 borders  of  the  promiled  land.  The  country  was  lituated  in  the  fouthern  parts  ot 
 Canaan,  and  called  Gofien,  from  its  excellent  paftures,  being  well  watered,  like  the 
 diftri6t  of  Goflien  in  Egypt  of  the  lame  name.  Ver.  42.  And  all  thefe^  Icings  and 
 their  land  did  Jeftua  take  at  one  time;  not  in  one  day,  but  in  a  Ihort  time,  and  in 
 one  expedition. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XI.  Ver.  1.  As  the  preceding  chapter 
 
 Divers  kings  ajjemhlc  againjl 
 
 of  the  fword,  and  the  king  thereof,  and  all  the  cities  Before 
 thereof,  and  all  the  fouls  that  vccre  therein  :  he  left 
 none  remaining,  according  to  all  that  he  had  done  to 
 Eglon,  but  deftroyed  it  utterly,  and  all  the  fouls  that 
 xccre  therein. 
 
 38  f  And  Jofhua  retunied,  and  all  Ifrael  with  him, 
 to  Debir,  and  fought  againft  it : 
 
 39  And  he  took  it,  and  the  king  thereof,  and  all  the 
 cities  thereof,  and  they  fmote  them  with  the  edge  of 
 the  fword,  and  utterly  deftroyed  all  the  fouls  that  xvere 
 therein  ;  he  left  none  remaining  :  as  he  had  done  to 
 Hebron,  fo  he  did  to  Debir,  and  to  the  king  thereof ; 
 as  he  had  done  alfo  to  Libnah,  and  to  her  king. 
 
 40  %  So  Joflma  fmote  all  the  country  of  the  hills, 
 
 and  of  the  fouth,  and  of  the  vale,  and  of  the  fprings, 
 and  all  their  kings  ;  he  left  none  remaining,  but  utter¬ 
 ly  deftroyed  all  that  breathed,  as  the  Lord  God  of 
 Ifrael  ^  commanded.  f  Deut, 
 
 41  And  Jofhua  fmote  them  from  Kadefh-bamea^o.  le, 
 even  unto  Gaza,  and  all  the  country  of  Gofhen,  even^^‘ 
 unto  Gibeon. 
 
 42  And  all  thefe  kings,  and  their  land,  did  Jofhua 
 take  at  one  time,  becaufe  the  Lord  God  of  Ifrael 
 fought  for  Ifrael. 
 
 43  And  Jofhua  returned,  and  all  Ifrael  with  him,, 
 unto  the  camp  to  GilgaL* 
 
 CHAP.  XI. 
 
 1  Divers  kings  overcame  at  the  waters  of  Merom. 
 
 10  Haxor  is  taken  and 
 
 burnt.  16  All  the  country  taken  by  Jofiua.  21  The  Anakims  cut  off. 
 
 And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  Jabin  king  of  Hazor 
 had  heard  thi^e  things,  that  he  fent  to  Jobab 
 king  of  Madon,  and  to  the  king  of  Shimron,  and  to 
 the  king  of  Achfhaph. 
 
 2  And  to  the  kings  that  voere  on  the  north  of  the 
 mountains,  and  of  the  plains  fouth  of  Chinneroth,  and 
 in  the  valley,  and  in  the  borders  of  Dor  on  the  weft  ; 
 
 3  And  to  the  Canaanite  on  the  eaft  and  on  the  weft, 
 and  to  the  Amorite,  and  the  Hittite,  and  the  Periz- 
 zite,  and  the  Jebufite  in  the  mountains,  and  to  the  Hi- 
 vite  under  Hermon  in  the  land  of  Mizpeh. 
 
 4  And  they  went  out,  they  and  all  their  hofts  with 
 them,  much  people,  even  as  the  fand  that  ts  upon  the 
 
 1450, 
 
 relates  the  confederacy  and  overthrow  of  the  kings  in  the  fouth  of  Canaan ;  the 
 kings  of  the  north  next  formed  an  alliance,  and,  as  this  chapter  informs  us,  met 
 a  fimilar  fate.  The  divifion  of  Canaan  into  fo  many  fmall  kingdoms,  and  their 
 negle(5ling  toaflbeiate  at  once  for  mutual  defence,  doubtlefs  tended  to  haften  their 
 deft,ru(5lion.  Hazor  was  the  metropolis  of  the  northern  parts  of  Canaan.  Jabin, 
 was  the  name  of  the  king  of  the  Canaanites  in  that  part  of  the  country  in  latter 
 times,  who  reigned  in  this  very  city,  Judg.  iv.  2.  Modon.  This  place  is  men¬ 
 tioned  only  here,  and  in  chap.  xii.  19.  but  doubtlefs  was  fubjeeft;  to  Hazor. 
 Shimron  was  a  place  afterwards  in  the  tribe  of  Zebulun,  near  the  country  of 
 Naphtali.  was  a  place  in  the  tribe  of  Afher.  Ver.  2.  The  kings  that 
 
 were  on  the  north  of  the  mountains,  or  who  dwelt  in  the  mountainous  country  near 
 Lebanon.  The  plains  fouth  of  Chinneroth  were  in  the  flat  country,  which  lay  fouth 
 of  the  lake,  afterwards  called  Gennefareth  or  Cinneroth.  By  the  valley  is  gene- 
 rally  iinderftood  the  pleafant  country  between  mount  Hermon,  and  mount  Gil- 
 boa,  called  the  valley  of  Jezreel.  Dor  was  a  city  and  country  in  the  tribe  ot 
 Manafleh.  Ver.  3.  There  were  other  Amorites  fcattered  throughout  the  coun¬ 
 try,  befides  thofe  mentioned  in  the  foregoing  chapter,  who  were  now  affemblecl 
 by  Jabin,  in  order  to  compofe  a  very  powerful  army.  And  the  Jebujite  m  the 
 mountains,  about  Jerufalem,  where  they  kept  a  flrong-hold  till  the  days  of  David. 
 
 famous  mountain,  fituated  in  the  north-eaft  part  of  Canaan, 
 
 Hermon  was  a 
 
 God  and  perfecuting  his  people  j  but  their  purpofes  and  plans  iffue 
 If  we  commit  ourfelves  to  him,  we  may  be  call  down,  but  we  can- 
 But  how  terrible  is  the  danger  of  his  enemies  !  Heaven  ana 
 
 deftnuition,  Dvery  aliiltant,  every  reireai,  luau  p. u»c  ,  the  meaneft  faints  ftiall  l^av^n  in 
 
 fcrolUbe  el™e„,s  (hall  ».l,  with  fe™„.  he..,  o.r,h  ..lelflhaU  be  bum.  up  and  .  „ 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. —  *  Chap.  X.]  The  wicked  are  unanimous  in  oppofinj 
 in  their  own  ruin.  When  they  thruft  fore  at  us,  let  us  lift  up  our  eyes  to  the  Captain  of  falvation. 
 not  be  deftroyed ;  his  angels  will  fly  to  our  relief ;  his  power,  his  prefence,  his  prayers  (hall  protect  us. 
 earth  confpire  to  effedluate  their  deftmcilion.  Every  aififtant,  every  retreat,  ftiall  prove  a  refuge  of  lies  ; 
 
 Oh !  that  it  may  be  to  cur  Ibuls  the  day  of  their  redemption,  of  their  triumph  and  exultation. 
 
ill  the  land  tahen  hy  Jt^ina,  JOSHUA. 
 
 jiofore  fea-fhore  in  multitude,  with  horfes  and  chariots  very 
 chrift  ixiany. 
 
 f)  And  when  all  thefe  kings  were  f  met  together, 
 wiIk  they  came  and  pitched  together  at  the  waters  of  Me- 
 Ifembied  j-om,  to  fight  againft  Ifrael. 
 
 bi/ap-  g  ^  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  Jofhua,  Be  not  afraid 
 ^’‘""^"“^'*^’becaufe  of  them  ;  for  to-morrow,  about  this  time,  will 
 I  deliver  them  up  all  flain  before  Ifrael :  thou  (halt 
 hough  their  horfes,  and  bum  their  chariots  with  fire. 
 
 7  So  Jofliua  came,  and  all  the  people  of  war  with 
 him,  againft  them  by  the  waters  of  Merom  fuddenly, 
 and  they  fell  upon  them. 
 
 8  And  the  Lord  delivered  them  into  the  hand  of 
 Ifrael,  who  fmote  them,  and  chafed  them  unto  ||  great  j 
 Zidon,  and  unto  ||  f  Mifrephoth-maim,  and  unto  the ' 
 valley  of  Mizpeh  eaftward ;  and  they  fmote  them, 
 until  they  left  them  none  remaining. 
 
 9  And  Joftiua  did  unto  them  as  the  Lord  bade 
 him :  he  houghed  their  horfes,  and  burnt  their  cha 
 
 11  0''> 
 
 Zidon- 
 
 rabbah. 
 
 11  Or, 
 
 fali  ]nts. 
 f  Heb. 
 
 burnings 
 
 of  waters,  .  •  ,  “ 
 
 riots  witii  fire. 
 
 10  H  And  Jofhua  at  that  time  turned  back,  and 
 took  Hazor,  and  fmote  the  king  thereof  with  the 
 fword :  for  Hazor  before-time  was  the  head  of  all 
 thofe  kingdoms. 
 
 1 1  And  they  fmote  all  the  fouls  that  were  therein 
 with  the  edge  of  tne  fword,  utterly  deftroying  them ; 
 there  was  not  t  any  left  to  breathe :  and.  he  burnt 
 Hazor  with  fire. 
 
 12  And  all  the  cities  of  thofe  kings,  and  all  the  kings 
 of  them,  did  Jofhua  take,  and  fmote  them  with  the 
 
 a  Numb,  edge  of  the  fword  ;  and  he  utterly  deftroyed  them,  * 
 ''  as  Mofes,  the  fervant  of  the  Lord,  commanded. 
 
 13  But  as  far  the  cities  that  flood  ftill  f  in  their 
 ftrength,  Ifrael  burned  none  of  them,  fave  Hazor 
 only  ;  that  did  Jofhua  bum. 
 
 14  And  all  the  fpoil  of  thefe  cities,  and  the  cattle, 
 the  children  of  Ifrael  took  for  a  prey  unto  themfelves ; 
 but  e\rery  man  they  fmote  with  the  edge  of  the  fword, 
 until  they  had  deftroyed  them,  neither  left  they  any 
 
 bExod.  to  breathe. 
 
 54. 11.  15  As  the  Lord  commanded  Mofes  his  feiwant, 
 
 c  Deut.  fo  c  did  Mofes  command  Joftiua,  and  fo  did  Jofhua ; 
 I'rth  jA  nothing  undone  of  all  that  the  Lord  com- 
 
 lemoved  ‘  manded  Mofes. 
 
 nothing,  16  f  So  Jofhua  took  all  that  land,  the  hills,  and  all 
 
 the  fouth  country,  and  ail  t! 
 the  valley,  and  ih;  plain,  iuk. 
 and  the  valley  of  tlie  fame ; 
 
 J7  £veti  from  ||  the  mour: 
 Seir,  even  unto  Baal-gad  in 
 under  mount  I  lermon  :  and 
 
 Jofhua  made  wim  a  long  time  wl.h  all 
 
 J  ai’  . 
 
 I''  land  of  GoPif'n. 
 
 V'T  .10 
 
 i  the  inifti.:';  f  .s  (;f  iJ-col 
 
 C  1  1. 
 
 :  1  .0. 
 
 Ihhk,  that  y-/Th  un  t  ■> 
 
 ()•, 
 
 the  valli '  '  i  J.e!;.;.  ■ 
 
 all  ilu-ir  !.'•  liC  lei.'-., ' 
 
 ,i/f  • 
 
 thofe  1  T’l 
 
 1  1  i5. 
 
 f  Heb, 
 
 vny 
 
 breath. 
 
 55.  52. 
 Deut. 
 7.  2.  & 
 20.  16, 
 17. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 on  their 
 heap. 
 
 vbere  Ibme  Hivites  were  fettled,  as  others  were  about  Gibeon.  Mizpeh,  Tliere 
 were  feveral  cities  of  this  name;  but  tliat  fituated  in  or  near  the  tribe  of  Ma- 
 iiaffeh  feems  to  be  here  intended.  Ver.  4.  They,  and  all  their  hn/ls.  Their  whole 
 army  according  to  Jofephus,  amounted  to  500,000  fool,  10,000  hoiTe,  and 
 50,000  chariots ;  and  to  oppofe  this  numerous  multitude,  the  Ifraclites  had  only 
 loot,  God  having  interdidled  the  ule  of  horfes,  Deut.  xvii.  1 6.  Ver.  5,  jdt  Ihe 
 watei-s  of  Merom,  Thefe  waters  are  fuppolbd  to  be  the  lake  of  Samachonitis, 
 which  lies  between  the  head  of  the  river  Jordan,  and  the  lake  Gennefareth  ;  for 
 it  is  agreed  on  all  hands,  that  the  city  of  Hazor,  where  Jabin  reigned,  was  fituated 
 on  that  lake.  Ver.  6.  All Jlain.  That  is,  as  many  of  them  would  be  Haiti,  fo 
 Olliers  would  be  wounded  and  put  to  flight,  as  the  word  rendered  Jlain,  fignifies 
 fo  as  to  be  little  better  than  dead.  Ver.  8.  Zidon  was  a  large  and  famous  city 
 in  thofe  days,  built  by  the  eldefl;  fon  of  Caiiaan,  from  whom  it  had  its  name.  It 
 Was  fituated  on  the  fea-coafl  in  the  north- weft  of  Canaan.  Ver.  16.  Commen¬ 
 tators  are  not  agreed  with  regard  to  the  place  here  called  the  viovntain  of'  Ifrael, 
 It  probably  means  the  mountainous  part  of  the  cour.try  allotted  to  the  eleven 
 tribes,  called  the  mountains  f  Ifael,  ver.  21.  in  contra-diftiiibliou  to  Judah.  Ver 
 18.  The  conqueft  of  Canaan  was  nt)t  quickly  effebled  as  the  briefnefs  of  the 
 narrative  may  fuggeft  to  a  fiipeidicial  reader  ;  and  therefore,  to  prevent  miftake. 
 
 18 
 
 kings. 
 
 19  There  was  not  a  city  that  mnde  pt-acc  wi'h  tlic 
 children  of  Ifrael,  fave  the  Hivites,  the  irha'.-itant:,  offl  (’hop. 
 Gibeon  ;  all  other  they  took  in  battle. 
 
 20  For  it  was  of  the  Lord  to  harden  iheir  heart.’, 
 that  they  ftould  come  againft  Ifrael  in  battle,  that  lie 
 might  deftroy  them  utterly,  and  that  they  might  have 
 no  favour,  but  that  he  might  defti’oy  them,  as  the 
 Lord  commanded  Mofes. 
 
 21  ^  And  at  that  time  cam.e  Joftiua,  and  cut  oIT  tlie 
 Anakims  from  the  mountains,  from  Hebron,  from 
 Debir,  from  Anab,  and  from  all  the  mountains  of 
 Judah,  and  from  all  the  mountains  of  Ifrael :  Joftma 
 deftroyed  them  utterly  with  their  cities. 
 
 22  There  was  none  of  the  Anakims  left  in  the  land 
 of  the  children  of  Ifrael :  only  in  Gaza,  in  Gath,  and 
 in  Aftdod,  there  remained. 
 
 23  If  So  Joftiua  took  the  whole  land,  according  to 
 all  that  the  Lord  faid  unto  Mofes  ;  and  Joftiua  gave 
 
 it  for  an  inheritance  unto  Ifrael,  «  according  to  their  e  Numb, 
 divifions  by  their  tribes.  And  the  land  re&d  from  26-  55. 
 war.* 
 
 CHAP.  XII. 
 
 1  The  two  hings  wheje  countries  Mojes  took  and  difpqfed  of,  7  The  9n« 
 and  thirty  kings  on  the  other fide  Jordan  which  Jojhua  fmote, 
 
 OW  thefe  are  the  kings  of  the  land,  which  the  1452, 
 _  children  of  Ifrael  fmote,  and  poflefTed  their  land 
 on  the  other  fide  Jordan,  toward  the  rifing  of  the  fun, 
 from  the  river  Amon  unto  mount  Henuon,  and  all  the 
 plain  on  the  eaft : 
 
 2  ^  Sihon  king  of  the  Amorites,  who  dwelt  in  Heft- »  Numbi 
 bon,  and  ruled  from  Aroer,  which  is  upon  the  bank 
 
 of  the  river  Amon,  and  from  the  middle  of  the  river,  3/5 J' 
 and  from  half  Gilead,  even  unto  the  river  Jabbok, 
 xvhich  is  the  border  of  the  children  of  Ammon ; 
 
 3  And  from  the  plain,  to  the  fea  of  Chinneroth  on 
 the  eaft,  and  unto  the  fea  of  the  plain,  even  the  fait  fea 
 
 jit  is  added,  Jojhua  made  war  a  long  I’me  with  all  thofe  kings;  probably  the  war 
 lafted  feveral  years,  compare  chap.  xiv.  7 — lO.with  Deut  ii.  14.  Hie  prolon-ra- 
 tioH  of  the  w  ar  was  foretold,  and  the  reafons  afligned  by  God,  ver.  CO.  Exod. 
 xxiii.  29,  50.  Deut.  vii.  22.  Ver.  20.  Compare  Note  on  Rom.  ix.  17,  ]  ?.  which 
 ftates  the  manner  in  which  God  is  faid  to  harden  men’s  hearts.  Ver.  2] ,  The 
 Anakims  were  a  gigantic  people,  of  a  fierce,  cruel,  and  tyrannical  d.'fi.-.iition. 
 They  had  fixed  their  habitations  in  the  mountains.  Called  alfo  Kirialh-crba,  that 
 is,  the  city  of  Arba,  who  was  a  chief  man  among  the  Anakims.  Debir  was  calkj 
 alfo  Kirjalh-J'epher,  Anab,  This,  as  well  as  the  two  laft  mentioned  cities,  fell  tc» 
 the  tribe  of  Judah.  Thefe  cities  were  already  taken,  and  probably  on  this  occafion 
 Jofluia  feized  all  the  adjacent  regions ;  but  the  hiftorian  perhaps  recapitul  .tes  what 
 is  faid,  chap  x.  36 — 3S.  The  mountains  of  Judah,  fignify  all  the  mounminous 
 country  wliich  afterwards  fell  to  the  tilbe  of  Judah  ;  .and  the  m-.uniains  i,f  Jf  ael, 
 all  the  mountainous  country  in  the  reft  of  the  tribes  of  Ifrael,  whether  theie  people 
 lied  for  ftlelter.  Ver.  22.  Gaza,  Gath,  and  Ajhdod,  belonged  to  the  Philiftines, 
 and  were  never  conquered  and  poffefled  by  Ifrael,  1  Sam.  xvii.  4.  2  Sain.  xxi.  le- 
 Ver.  23.  So  Jojhua  took  the  whole  land.  Tliat  is,  the  countries  polfelTed  b.  the 
 Cauaanites  and  Anakims, 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XII.  X'er.  2.  From  half  Giirad.  Aj 
 
 N‘ 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XI.]  How  prefuuiptuous  finners  are  unmoved  by  repeated  w.arnings,  and  hurry  pn  tb  inevitable  ruin  !  Lot  th- 
 greatnefs  of  our  dangers  always  excite  us  to  more  unreferved  confidence  in  God ;  and  then  the  ftrength  and  multitude  of  our  enemies  lhall  only  make  their  defti  u^'  ^ 
 snore  confpicuous,  and  magnify  more  abundantly  the  God  whom  we  ferve.  Happy  is  it  when  God’s  exact  fulfilment  of  his  promifes  and  our  upright  ccUduct 
 
 ijlclTed  indt*f*d  i«  tJifti  warfbrp  wLich  ifiTiiPR  in  flip  pfpvnnl  friiimtili  ninl  i*pH  nf  Plu  lff  nnrl  Lie;  ®  '  * 
 
 Blelled  indeed  is  that  warfare  which  iffues  in  the  eternal  triumph  and  reft  of  Chrift  and  his  people. 
 
 3  K 
 
The  hngi  lehom  Jo/^aui 
 
 JOSFIUA. 
 
 oil  the  eaft,  the  way  to  Beth-jefhimoth ;  and  from  || 
 the  foiith,  under  |i  Afhdoth-pifgah : 
 
 4  And  the  coaft  of  Og  king  of  Bafhan,  xvMch  xws 
 of  ^  the  remnant  of  the  giants,  that  dwelt  at  Alhtiiroth 
 and  at  rAlrei, 
 
 /h.’fi»inss  Ai'id  reigned  in  mount  Hermon,  and  in  Salatli, 
 in  iill  Bafhan,  unto  the  border  of  the  Gefhurites, 
 
 o,w/u  A./.a„d  the  Maachathites,  and  half  Gilead,  the  border  of 
 i  Sihon  king  of  Hefhbon  : 
 
 ■i.  49.  6  Then  did  Mofes,  the  fervant  of  the  Lord,  and 
 
 c  D;:ut.  the  children  of  Ifrael,  finite :  and  ^  Mofes,  the  fen^tmt 
 
 Chan  Lord,  gave  it  Jbr  a  pofl'effion  unto  the  Reu- 
 
 13.  12.  ^^cnites,  and  the  Gadites,  and  the  half-tribe  of  Manaf- 
 d  Numb.  fell. 
 
 7  ^  And  thefe  a>-e  the  kings  of  the  countiy  ®  which ! 
 Jofhua  and  the  children  of  Ifrael  linote  on  this  fide' 
 .Iordan  on  the  weft,  from  Baal-gad  in  the  valley  of 
 Imbaiion,  even  unto  the  mount  Halak,  that  goeth  up ' 
 to  Seir  ;  which  Jofhua  gave  unto  the  tribes  of  Ifrael ' 
 
 Jhr  a  pofleflion,  according  to  their  divifions  :  | 
 
 8  In  the  mountains,  imd  in  the  valleys,  and  in  the 
 plains,  and  in  the  fprings,  and  in  the  wildernefs,  and 
 in  the  foiith  country  ;  the  Hittites,  the  Amorites,  and! 
 the  Canaanites,  the  Perizzites,  the  Ilivites,  and  the 
 Jebufites : 
 
 9-  ^  The  king  of  Jericho,  one ;  s  the  king  of  Ai, 
 which  7s  befide  Bcth^el,  one  ; 
 
 10  ’’  The  king  of  Jerufalem,  one  ;  the  king  of  He¬ 
 bron,  one ; 
 
 11  The  king  of  Jai-muth,  one  ;  the  king  of  I.achifh, 
 
 5‘2.  29. 
 ileut. 
 
 3.  12. 
 Chap. 
 13.  S. 
 e  Ch.ip. 
 11.  17. 
 
 f  Chap. 
 6.  2. 
 
 1451. 
 g  •Ghap. 
 3.  29. 
 h  Ctiap. 
 10.  2.3i 
 
 i  Chap. 
 10.  33. 
 k  Chap. 
 10.  88. 
 
 1  Chap. 
 20,  29. 
 
 m  Chap. 
 10.  28. 
 
 !!  Or. 
 itharon. 
 
 one  ; 
 
 12  The  king  of  Eglon,  one  ;■  »  the  king  of  Gezer, 
 one ; 
 
 13  ^  The  king  of  Debir,  one;  the  king  of  Geder, 
 one  ; 
 
 1 4  The  king  of  Llormah,  one ;  the  king  of  Arad, 
 one  ; 
 
 15  '  The  king  of  Libnah,  one  ;  the  king  of  Adul- 
 1am,  one ; 
 
 16  ™  The  king  of  h'lakkedah,  one;  the  king  of 
 Beth-el,  one ; 
 
 17  The  king  of  Tappuah,  one;  the  king  of  He- 
 pher,  one ;, 
 
 18  The  king  of  Aphek,  one  ;  the  king  of  |1  Lafha- 
 ron,  one ; 
 
 I'/ic  hmimh  of  the' land  not  conquet^^^i 
 
 19  The  king  of  Madon,  one;  "  the  king  of  Razor,  Befo,,. 
 
 one ;  ciirifi 
 
 20  The  king  of  Shimron-meron,  one ;  the  king  of 
 AchOuiph,  one  ; 
 
 21  The  king  of  Taanach,  one;  the  king  of  Me-^-  io.‘ 
 giddo,  one ; 
 
 22  The  king  of  Kedefh,  one  ;  the  king  of  Jokneam 
 of  Carmel,  one ; 
 
 23  The  king  of  Dor,  in  the  coaft.  of  Dor,  one  ;  the 
 
 king  of  “  the  nations  of  Gilgal,  one  ;  o  Cen. 
 
 24  The  king  of  Tirzah,  one:  all  the  kings  thirty 
 and  one.* 
 
 CHAP.  xm. 
 
 1  The  bounds  the  land  not  yet  conquered.  8  The  inheritance  of  the 
 
 two  tribes,  and  half.  14,  33  The  Lord  and  his  facr^ices  are  the  inheri-- 
 
 tance  of  Levi,  ^^c. 
 
 OW  Jofhua  was  old  and  ftricken.in  years  ;  and  id5. 
 the  Lord  faid  unto  him.  Thou  art  old  and 
 ftricken  in  years,  and  there  remaineth  yet  very  much 
 land  f  to  be  poflefled.  ,  t  Heb. 
 
 2  -  This  is  the  land  that  yet  remaineth ;  all  the  bor-^" 
 
 ders  of  the  Philiftines,  and  all  Gefhuri,  ■  ■  ‘  * 
 
 3  From  Sihor,  which  is  before  Eg-jyit,  even  unto  the 
 borders  of  Eki'on  northwai'd,  'which  is  counted  to  the 
 Canaanite  :  five  lords  of  the  Philiftines  ;  the  Gaza- 
 thites,  and  the  Afhdothites,  the  Efhkalonites,  the  Git- 
 tites,  and  the  Ekronites  ;  alfo  the  Avites. 
 
 4  From  the  fouth,  all  the  land  of  the  Canaanites, 
 
 and  II  Mearah  that  is  befide  the  Sidonians,  unto  Aphek,  ^  Or, 
 to  the  borders  of  the  Amorites  ;.  The  have, 
 
 5  And  the  land  of  the  Giblites,  and  all  Lebanon 
 toward  the  fun-riling,  from  Baal-gad  under  mount  • 
 
 I  Hennon,  unto  the  entering  into  Hamath  : 
 
 6  A 11.  the  inhabitants  of  the  hill-country,  from  Le¬ 
 banon  unto  Mifrephoth-maim,  arai/  all  the  Sidonians  ; 
 them  will  I  drive  out  from  before  the  children  of  II- 
 rael ;  only  divide  thou  it  by  lot  unto  the  Ifraelites 
 for  an  inheritance,  as  I  have  commanded  thee. 
 
 7  Now  therefore  divide  this  land  for  an  inheritance 
 unto  the  nine  tribes,  and  the  half-tribe  of  Manafleh  ; 
 
 .  8  With  whom  the  Reubenites  and  the  Gadites  have  a  Numb, 
 received  their  inheritance,  »  which  Mofes  gave  them,  32.  33. 
 beyond  Jordan  eaftward,  even  as  Mofes,  the  fervant  13 
 of  the  Lord,  gave  them ;  chap. 
 
 9  From  Aroer,  that  is  upon  the  bank  of  the  river  22.  4. 
 
 from  is  not  in  the  Hebrew,  it  fhould  be  rendered,  atid  half  Gilead;  which  figni- 
 f.es  that  one  half  of  Gilead  belonged-to  Sihon,  as  the  other  half  did  to  Og.  Ver.  8. 
 The  wildernefs  ;  not  a  defert,  but  a  thinly  inhabited  country,  fee  1  Kings  ii,  34. 
 ix.  IS.  Matth.  iii.  1,  3.  Ver.  12,  14.  The  kmy,  of  Gezer,  Hannah,  Arad.  We  find 
 no  mention  of  thefe  kings  before  ;  but  their  cities  lay  in  the  tribe  of  Judah. 
 Ver.  16,  17.  Beth-el.  K  town  depending  upon  Ai,  cliap.  viii.  17.  Tappuah  was 
 a.  city  in  the  tribe  of  Ephrairn.  Heplier  was  in  the  tribe  of  Zebulun,  near  Se- 
 phorim,  or  Dio.caefarea.  The  land  of  Heplier  is  mentioned,  1  Kings  iv.  16. 
 Ver.  1-8.  Aphek.  There  were  two  cities  of  this  name,  one  in  the  tribe  of  Judah, 
 and  anodier  in  the  tribe  of  Aflier ;  but  which  of  them  is  here  intended,  cannot  be 
 determined.  Lafiaron  feems  to  be  the  Sharon,  fo  famous  for  its  pleafant  and 
 fruitful  country,  Ifa.  xxxiii.  9.  xxxv.  2.  It  was  fituated  near  Lydda,  Adis  ix,  35. 
 Ver.  21.  Taanach.  This  city  flood  in  the  tribe  of  Manafleh,  on  the  borders  of 
 Zebulun.  Megiddo  fell  to  the  tribe  of  Manafleh,  ,and  was  fituated  near  the  river 
 Kifhon.  The  Canaanites  were  not  expelled  from  thefe  cities,  or  they  re-conquered 
 them.  Judges  i.  27.  Ver.  22.  Kedefh,  a  city  in  the  tribe  of  Naphtali.  Jokneam  of 
 Carmel  was  fltuated  in  the  tribe  of  llenjamin,  at  the  foot,  of  mount  Carmel,  near 
 the  river  Belus,  and  w'as  one  of  the  cities  that  belonged  to  the  Levites.  Ver.  23. 
 This  is  not  that  Gilgal,  where  Jofnua  encamped  when  he  came  over  Jordan,  there 
 being  no  city  in  that  place,  nor  any  king.  Jeroni  tells  us,  that  in  his  time  there 
 
 :  was  a  place  called  Gilgal,  about  fix  miles  from  Antipatris,  and  not  far  from  Joppa, 
 
 I  Hither,  in  all  probability,  merchants  reforted  from  feveral  countries,  and  thence 
 I  the  ruler  was  called.  The  king  of  the  nations  of  Gilgal.  Ver.  24.  Tirzah.  This 
 !  place  feems  to  have  been  in  the  tribe  of  Ephraim,  for  Jeroboam  who  was  of  that 
 I  tribe,  made  it  the  royal  feat,  till  Samaria  was  built,  I  Kings  xiv.  17.  xvi.  23,  24. 
 All  the  kings  thirty  and  one.  The  reafons  for  fo  many  kings  reigning  in  Canaan 
 are  afligned  in  Note  on  Judges  i.  7. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XIII.  Ver.  2.  Gefmri.  A  city  and 
 country  in  the  north-eafi,  not  far  from  Hennon.  Ver.  3.  Sihor  was  a  fniall 
 ftream  flowing  from  one  of  the  branches  of  the  Nile,  and  was  the  boundary  of  the 
 land  of  the  Philitlines  on  that  fide.  Even  from  the  border,  of  Ekron  northward. 
 Ekron  was  a  famous,  city  of  the  Phililiines,  where  Beelzebub  was  wortliippccl, 
 called,  Matth.  ix.  34.  “  The  prince  of  the  devils,”  becaufe  he  w.as  the  principal 
 deity  of  the  people  of  Paletline.  The  Avites  were  a  people  mixed  with  the 
 Phililiines,  being  a  remnant  of  the  ancient  inhabitants.  Ver.  4.  Mearah.  Some 
 trantlate  it  a  cave,  as  the  word  in  (he  Hebrew  tlgnifies,  and  do  not  underllaliti  it 
 as  the  name  of  a  country.  Ver.  5.  The  Giblites.  A  people  inhabiting  a  city 
 called  Gibal,  and  the  country  round  it,  which  lay  in  the  neighbourliood  of 
 Tyre  and  Sidon.  They  are  mentioned  as  tlone-cutters  fent  by  Hiram  king  oi 
 Tyre  to  king  Solomon,  1  Kings  v,  18.  Ver.  6.  Thenc  will  J  drive  out  from  befott 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS — *  Chap.  XIL]  However  great  prefent  mercies  from  God,  or  fervices  fn.m  men,  maybe,  former  onesmutl  not  be  forgth 
 ten.  Truly  God  is  good  to  Ifrael;  he  hath  given  many  nations  for  them,  and  many  people  for  their  life.  How  tremendous  the  curfe  which  expelled  his  chofen  ptupk 
 from  the  promifed  land,  and  reduced  that  incomparable  fruitful  fpot  to  barrennels  !  M'ho  fliall  not  fear  thee,  O  Lord,  for  thy  judgxuents  are  manifelled  in  truth  anl 
 righteouiiiefs? 
 
‘I'he  inker 'dance  of  EcuLcn. 
 
 JOSIFJA. 
 
 l,  Dcut* 
 5.  n- 
 Cliap. 
 
 13.  4. 
 
 Or, 
 
 jjBforc  Arnon,  and  the  city  that  is  in  the  midft  of  the  river, 
 ohriit  jji  the  plain  ol  Medeba  unto  Dibon  ; 
 
 10  And  ail  the  cities  of  Sihon  king  of  the  Amorites 
 ■^"'^which  reigned  in  Helhbon,  unto  the  border  of  the 
 
 children  of  Ammon ; 
 
 11  And  Gilead,  and  the  border  of  the  Gefhurites 
 
 and  Maachathites,  and  all  mount  Hermon,  and  all 
 Bafhan  unto  Salcah  ;  j 
 
 12  All  the  kingdom  of  Og  in  Balkan,  which  reigned  ^ 
 in  Alhtaroth  and  in  Edrei,  who  remained  of  the 
 remnant  of  the  giants  :  for  thefe  did  Mofes  fmite,  and  i 
 call  them  out. 
 
 13  Neverthelefs,  the  children  of  Ifrael  expelled  not 
 the  Gelhurites,  nor  the  Maachathites ;  but  the  Ge- 
 (hurites  and  the  Maachathites  dwell  among  the  Ifrael- 
 ites  until  this  day. 
 
 14  Only  unto  the  tribe  of  Levi  he  gave  none  in¬ 
 heritance;  the  facrifices  of  the  Lord  God  of  Ifrael 
 made  by  fire  are  their  inheritance,  as  he  faid  unto 
 them. 
 
 15  H  And  Mofes  gave  unto  the  tribe  of  the  children 
 of  Reuben  inheritance  according  to  their  families. 
 
 16  And  their  coaft  was  from  Aroer,  that  is  on  the 
 bank  of  the  river  Amon,  and  the  city  that  is  in  the 
 midft  of  the  river,  and  all  the  plain  by  Medeba  ; 
 
 1 7  Helhbon,  and  all  her  cities,  that  are  in  the  plain ; 
 Dibon,  and  j]  Bam.oth-baal,  and  Beth-baal-meon, 
 
 18  And  Jahaza,  and  Kedemoth,  and  Mephaath, 
 
 ,  19  And  Kirjathaim,  and  Sibmah,  and  Zareth-lha- 
 har  in  the  mount  of  the  valley, 
 
 20  And  Beth-peor,  and 
 Beth-jelhimoth, 
 
 21  And  all  the  cities  of  the  plain,  and  all  the  king- 
 dom  of  Sihon  king  of  the  Amorites,  which  reigned  in 
 
 i'iZi  the  princes  of 
 
 ’  Midian,  Evi,  and  Rekem,  and  Zur,  and  Hur,  and 
 Reba,  lohich  "were  dukes  of  Sihon  dwelling  in  the 
 coLintiy. 
 
 22  f  Balaam  alfo  the  fon  of  Beor,  the  ||  foothfayer, 
 did  the  children  of  Ifrael  flay  Avith  the  fword  among 
 them  that  were  flain  by  them. 
 
 23  And  the  border  of  the  children  of  Reuben  was 
 Joidcin,  and  tiiG  border  tha'eof*  dhis  the  inheri- 
 tance  of  the  children  of  Reuben  after  their  families, 
 the  cities  and  the  villages  thereof. 
 
 24  ^  And  Mofes  gave  inherit  mice  unto  the  tribe  of 
 Gad,  even  unto  the  children  of  Gad,  according  to  their 
 families ; 
 
 25  And  their  coaft  was  Jazer,  and  all  the  cities  of 
 Gilead,  and  half  the  land  of  the  children  of  Ammon, 
 unto  Aroer,  that  is  before  Rabbah ; 
 
 26  And  from  Hefhbon  unto  Ramath-mizpeh,  and 
 Bctonim ;  and  from  Mahanaim  unto  the  border  of 
 Debir ; 
 
 27  And  in  the  valley,  Beth-aram,  and  Beth-nimrah, 
 and  Succoth,  and  Zaphon,  the  reft  of  the  kingdom  of 
 
 The  inJiCiitiin^f'  nf  n'oe  hih:s  hij  U)t» 
 
 Ilcfore 
 Chri  ft 
 1-1-1?. 
 
 The  high 
 place  of 
 Baal,  and  ^ 
 boufe  of 
 Baal- 
 
 meoii. 
 c  Deut 
 3.  17. 
 
 Alhdoth-pifgah,  and 
 
 Or,  the 
 
 the  hill. 
 d  Numb. 
 31.  8. 
 li  Or, 
 diviner. 
 
 Sihon  king  of  Heflibon,  Jordan  and  his  border,  even 
 unto  the  edge  of  the  fea  of  Chinnereth,  on  the  other 
 lide  Jordan  eaftward.  ^  ^ 
 
 28  I  his  is  the  inlieritance  of  the  children  of  Gad 
 after  their  families,  the  cities,  and  their  villages. 
 
 29  ^  And  Mofes  gave  inheritance  unto  the  half-tribe 
 of  ManafTeh  ;  and  this  was  the  pofeffum  of  the  half-tribe 
 of  the  children  of  Manafleh  by  their  families. 
 
 30  And  their  coaft  was  from  Mahanaim,  all  Bafhan, 
 all  the  kingdom  of  Gg  king  of  Baftian,  and  all  the 
 towns  of  Jair,  which  are  iri  Bafhan,  threefcore  cities  ; 
 
 31  And  half  Gilead,  and  Afhtaroth,  and  Edrei* 
 cities  of  the  kingdom  of  Og  in  Bafhan,  xvere  pertaining 
 unto  the  children  of  Machir  the  fbn  of  ManafTeh,  evm 
 
 to  the  one  half  of  the «  children  of  Machir  by  their  fa-  ^  Numb, 
 milies.  32.  si#. 
 
 32  Thefe  are  the  countries  which  Mofes  did  diftri- 
 bute  for  inheritance  in  the  plains  of  Moab,  on  the 
 other  fide  Jordan,  by  Jericho,  eaftward. 
 
 33  ^  But  unto  the  tribe  of  Levi  Mofes  gave  not^^^^f* 
 any  inheritance  :  the  Lord  God  of  Ifrael  xuas  their  ‘V'  b 
 
 the  children  of  Jfraeh  This  promife  was  conditional,  and  depended  on  the 
 llraeliys  obfei  ving  the  laws  given  them  by  Mofes  ;  but  as  they  blended  the  wor- 
 “I'P  ot  Idols  with  the  worfliip  of  God,  great  part  of  thefe  places  was  never 
 
 conquered. 
 
 inheritance,  «  as  he  laid  unto  them.* 
 
 CH  AP.  XIV. 
 
 1  The  nine  tribes  and  an  half  are  to  have  their  inheritance  by  lot.  6  Caleb 
 by  jmi  ilege  obtaineth  Hebron. 
 
 And  thefe  are  the  countries  which  the  children  of  ^ 444.. 
 
 Ifrael  inherited  in  the  land  of  Canaan,  ^  which  “ 
 Eleazar  the  prieft,  and  Jollma  the  fon  of  Nun,  and'^^’ 
 the  heads  of  the  fathers  of  the  tribes  of  the  children 
 of  Ifrael,  diftributed  for  inheritance  to  them. 
 
 2  By  lot  tim  their  inheritance,  as  the  Lord  com-'' 
 manded  by  the  hand  of  Mofes,  for  the  nine  tribes  * 
 and  for  the  half-tribe.  ’ 
 
 3  For  Mofes  had  given  the  inheritance  of  two  tribes 
 and  an  half-tribe  on  the  other  fide  Jordan  :  but  unto 
 the  Levites  he  gave  none  inheritance  among  them. 
 
 4  For  the  children  of  Jofeph  were  two  tribes,  Ma-^ 
 nafleh  and  Ephraim  ;  therrfore  they  gave  no  piuT 
 unto  the  Levites  in  the  land,  five  cities  to  dwell  m, 
 with  their  fuburbs  for  theft  cattle  and  for  their  fub- 
 ftance. 
 
 rV  commanded  Mofes,  fo  the  children  c  Numb, 
 
 or  Iftael  did,  and  they  divided  the  land.  33.  2. 
 
 _  6  ^  Then  the  children  of  Judah  came  unto  Joftiua  o  I*"!’; 
 
 Caleb  the  fon  of  Jephuiineh  the  Kene- 
 zite  faid  unto  him.  Thou  knoweft  the  thing  that  the 
 Lord  faid  unto  Moles,  the  man  of  God,  concerning 
 me  and  thee,  in  Kadelh-barnea. 
 
 7  Forty  years  old  ttws  I  when  Mofes,  the  fervant 
 of  the  Lord,  fent  me  from  Kadefli-bamea  to  efpy 
 out  the  land  ;  and  I  brought  him  word  again  as  it  icas 
 in  mine  heart. 
 
 8  Neverthelefs  my  brethren  that  went  up  with  me 
 made  the  heait  of  the  people  melt :  but  I  wholly  ^  fol-d  Numb, 
 lov/ed  the  Lord  my  God.  ’ '  "  ■ 
 
 9  And  Mofes  fwm-e  on  that  day,  faying.  Surely  the 
 
 14.  24. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Ch.vp.  XIV. 
 Why  he  is  called  the  Kenezite,  is  not  eafy  to  fay 
 anceftors  were  called  Kenez,  chap.  xv.  17. 
 was  1  when  Mofes,  He  mentions  this  partly  to' 
 
 Ver.  6.  Jepliunneh  the  JCenexit, 
 
 peUiaps  bccaufe  feveral  of  hfs 
 \  Cr.  7.  Forty  years  old 
 (bew,  that  Mofes  took  care  to 
 
 Judg.  i.  13' 
 
 Bien  OBSERV.4TIONS.  *  Chap.  XIII.]  Our  fathers  where  are  they,  and  the  projects  do  they  live  for  ever  ’  The  wifeft  th  1  ft  \  •  ■  •  - 
 
 en  mua  uibmit  to  death,  the  king  ot  terrors ;  but  bleffed  be  the  Lord,  who  lives  for  ever.  Thou  art  the  life-ivina  lite-prefervin<r  lif!  T-  • 
 
 bas  proinifed  are  pleafant,  though  we  diould  not  live  to  fee  the  accomplithment!  Wretched  is  the  end  ’ 
 
 anmnd  ;  they  often  meet  their  late  when  and  where  they  leait  expecT  it.  But  God  deh^hts  to  record  and' rpw«r4  P’ophets  and  feJucers  of 
 
 to  follow  their  example.  Tbofe  only  are  truly  rich  ttlio  have  Jehovah  for  their  portion  ;  he  will  Ibpply  all  their  w-Lte^^Sin  m 
 ■iiu  in  due  tune  bring  them  near  his  throne.  ’  ‘  ^  ^  wants,  diltinguini  them  in  his  tervicc. 
 
TJie  border  lot. 
 
 JOSHUA. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 1444. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 walked. 
 
 e  Ecclus 
 46.  9. 
 
 land  whereon  thy  feet  have  trodden  fliall  be  thine  in¬ 
 heritance,  and  thy  children’s  for  ever,  bccaufe  thou 
 haft  wholly  followed  the  Lord  my  God. 
 
 10  And  now,  behold,  the  Lord  bath  kept  me  alive, 
 as  he  faid,  thefe  forty  and  five  years,  even  fince  the 
 Lord  fpake  this  word  unto  Mofes,  while  the  children 
 of  Ifrael  t  Avandered  in  the  wildemefs  ;  and  now,  lo, 
 I  am  this  day  fourfeore  and  five  years  old. 
 
 1 1  '  As  yet  I  am  as  ftrong  this  day  as  I  was  in  the 
 day  that  Mofes  fent  me :  as  my  ftrength  was  then, 
 even  fo  is  my  ftrengtli  now,  for  war,  both  to  go  out, 
 and  to  come  in. 
 
 12  Now  therefore  give  me  this  mountain,  whereof 
 the  Lord  fpake  in  that  day :  (for  thou  heai'deft  in  that 
 day  how  the  Anakims  >were  there,  and  that  the  cities 
 -dm-e  great  a?«</ fenced ;)  if  fo  be  the  Lord  wv7Z  Zic  with 
 me,  then  I  fhall  be  able  to  drive  them  out,  as  the 
 Lord  faid. 
 
 13  And  Jofhua  blefled  him,  and  gave  unto  Caleb 
 the  fon  of  Jephunneh,  Hebron  for  an  inheritance. 
 
 14  f  Hebron  therefore,  became  the  inheritance  of, 
 Caleb  the  fon  of  Jephunneh  the  Kenezke  unto  this 
 day,  becaufe  that  he  wholly  followed  the  Lord  God 
 of  Ifrael. 
 
 15  And  s  the  name  of  Hebron  before  was  Kirjath- 
 arba ;  'which  Arba  was  a  great  man  among  the  Anakims. 
 Aid  the  land  had  reft  from  war.* 
 
 CHAP.  XV. 
 
 1  The  borders  oj' the  lot  of  Judah,  Caleb's  portion  and  conquejl.  16 
 
 Othniel  for  his  valour,  hath  Achfah,  Caleb's  daughter,  to  wife  ;  1 8  fie 
 ohtaineth  a  blejjing  <f  her  father,  ^c, 
 
 'T'HIS  then  was  the  lot  of  the  tribe  of  the  children 
 of  Judah  by  their  families,  ®  even  to  the  border 
 of  Edom ;  the  ^  wildemefs  of  Zin,  fouthward,  was  the 
 sat  3™.'^  uttermoft  part  of  the  fouth  coaft. 
 
 2  And  their  fouth  border  was  from  the  fhore  of  the 
 fait  fea,  from  the  f  bay  that  looketh  fouthward  ; 
 
 3  And  it  went  out  to  the  fouth  fide  to  ||  Maaleh- 
 acrabbim,  and  paffed  along  to  Zin,  and  afeended  up 
 on  the  fouth  fide  unto  Kadefti-bamea,  and  paffed 
 along  to  Hezron,  and  went  up  to  Adar,  and  fetched 
 a  compafs  to  Karkaa : 
 
 f  Chap. 
 21.  "12. 
 1  Mac. 
 2.  56. 
 
 g  Chap. 
 15.  15. 
 
 a  IJumb. 
 34.  5. 
 
 f  Htb. 
 
 tongiu. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 the  going 
 up  to  .<4;,- 
 rabbim. 
 
 4  From  thence  it  paffed  towai'd  Azmon,  and  wenyitOf  Anak. 
 
 out  unto  the  river  of  Egypt ;  and  the  goings  out  of 
 that  coaft  were  at  the  fea.  This  (hall  be  your  fouth 
 coaft. 
 
 5  And  the  eaft  border  was  the  fait  fea,  even  unto 
 
 lend  perfons  of  fome  experience.  Ver.  8.  I  rihoVy  followed  the  Lord  my 
 Having  the  fear  of  God  before  his  eyes,  he  delivered  his  report  faithfully,  ac¬ 
 cording  to  the  didlates  of  his  confcience,  and  the  real  fentiments  of  his  mind. 
 Ver.  11.  As  yet  I  am  as  frong  this  day  as  I  was  in  the  day  that  Mofes  fnt  me^ 
 that  is,  as  found  in  his  mind,  judgment,  and  memory,  as  he  had  been  lorty-five 
 years  ago.  This  was  an  evident  proof  that  God  had  preferved  him,  as  he  pro- 
 mifed,  Kumb.xiv.  21,  22.  Ver.  12.  Now  therefore  give  me  this  mountain  ;  that  is, 
 the  mountainous  country  where  Hebron  lay,  which  was  promifed  him  -w  hen  he 
 returned  from  fpying  the  land.  Numb.  xiv.  24.  Ver.  15.  Jofhua  bleffed  him.  He 
 acknowledged  his  deferts,  befought  God  to  profper  him  in  h:‘  un.dertaiting,  and 
 gave  his  confent  to  his  enjoying  the  country,  flebron  fran  inheritance  This  is 
 to  be  underftood  not  of  the  city  of  Kebr.on  itfelf,  for  that  was  given  to  the  Le- 
 vites,  and  was  a  city  of  refuge ;  but  of  the  country  round  abot.t  it,  as  appears 
 fiora  chap.  xxi.  12.  Ver,  14.  Hebron  tin.refe.re  became  thf  inheritance  of  Coleb. 
 The  Lord  rewarded  his  fidelity  by  this ^jp^ar  gift,  wh’-cb  he  bellowed  upon  him 
 before  the  land  was  divided  h>  lot.  /g/r 
 
 CalcFs  portion  and  copqy^j^^ 
 
 the  end  of  Jordan:  and  their  border  in  the  north  Befor 
 quarter  was  from  the  bay  of  the  lea,  at  the  uttermoft  ^'>3 
 part  of  Jordan.  Hu. 
 
 6  And  the  border  went  up  to  Beth-hogla,  and  paf-"^"^ 
 fed  along  by  the  horth  of  Beth-arabah  ;  and  the  border 
 went  up  to  the  ftone  of  Bohan  the  fon  of  Reuben. 
 
 7  And  the  border  went  up  toward  Debir,  froui  the 
 
 valley  of  Achor,  and  fo  northward,  looking  toward 
 Gilgai,  that  is  before  the  going  up  to  Adummim, 
 which  is  on  the  fouth  fide  of  the  river :  and  the  border 
 paffed  toward  the  waters  of  En-lhemefh,  and  the 
 goings  out  thereof  at  <=  En-rogel.  c  i  k;,, 
 
 8  And  the  border  went  up  by  tiie  valley  of  the  fon^‘ 
 of  Hinnom,  unto  the  fouth  fide  of  the  Jebufite,  the 
 fame  is  Jerufalem ;  and  the  border  went  up  to  the  top 
 of  the  mountain  that  lieth  before  the  valley  of  Hin¬ 
 nom  weftward,  which  is  at  the  end  of  the  valley  of 
 the  giants  northward. 
 
 9  And  the  border  was  drawn  from  the  top  of  the 
 hill  unto  the  fountain  of  the  water  of  Nephtoah,  and 
 went  out  to  the  cities  of  mount  Ephron ;  dhd  the 
 border  was  drawn  to  Baalah,  which  is  Kirjath-jearim. 
 
 10  And  the  border  corapaffed  from  Baaiiili  weft- 
 ward  unto  mount  Seir,  and  paffed  along  unto  the 
 fide  of  mount  Jearlm,  (which  is  Chefalon,)  on  the 
 north  fide,  and  went  down  to  Beth-llremelli,  and 
 paffed  on  to  Timnah. 
 
 1 1  And  the  border  went  out  unto  the  fide  of  Ekron 
 northwird ;  and  the  border  was  drawn  to  Shicron, 
 and  paffed  along  to  mount  Baalah,  and  went  out 
 unto  Jabneel ;  and  the  goings  out  of  the  border  were 
 at  the  fea. 
 
 12  And  the  weft  border  was  to  the  great  fea,  and 
 the  coaft  thereof.  This  is  the  coaft  of  the  children  of 
 Judah  round  about,  according  to  their  families. 
 
 13  ^  And  unto"  Caleb  the  fon  of  Jephunneh  he 
 gave  a  part  among  the  children  of  Judah,  according 
 to  the  commandment  of  the  LdRO  to  Jofhua,  even 
 
 ‘‘  II  the  city  of  Arba,  the  father  of  A.ak,  which  city  is  d  chap. 
 Hebron.  ♦  i4. 15. 
 
 14  And  Caleb  drove  thence  ®  the  three  fons  of!®''’ 
 
 Anak,  Shelhai,  and  Ahiman,  and  Talmai,  the  children 
 
 Kirjaih, 
 
 ■ba. 
 
 «  Juda;. 
 
 15  And  he  went  up  thence  to  the  inhabitants  off- 10. 
 and  the  name  of  Debir  before  was  ICiiyath- 
 
 fepher.  .  ^ ■ 
 
 16  ^  And'tlaieb  faid.  He  that  fmiteth  Kirjath- 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XV  Ver.  1.  The  firft  lot  that  came 
 tip  was  for  the  tribe  of  Juthtli,  the  prophecy  of  Jacob,  with  regard  to  tlie 
 pre-eminence  of  that  tribe,  mig^De  fulfilled.  The  lot  feems  to  have  only  de¬ 
 termined  in  general  the  diftridt  of  each  tribe,  leaving  the  precife  extent  and 
 boundaries  to  be  afterwards  fixed,  chap,  xviii.  and  hence  v/e  find  that  SinfCon’s 
 lot  was  taken  out  of  Ju4ah,  chap.  xix.  9.  Even  to  the  border  of  Edom  ;  the  wilder- 
 nfs  of  Zin  fouthward.  f  Edom  was  fituated  in  the  wildemefs  of  Zin,  and  the  lot 
 of  Judah  extended  thiSier,  which  was  tlie  fouth  border  of  the  hn.d.  ^'^er.  3. 
 To  Hezron.  This  city  was  lituated  be’tween  Kadefli-barnea  and  Adar,  or  Ha- 
 zar-adar.  Karkaa  vvas  fituated  at  fome  dillance  -  eyond  Adar.  Ver.  6.  Th* 
 /lone  of  Bohan  the  fn  of  Reuben.  This  (Icne  is  again  mention  od,  chap,  xviii.  I” 
 in  deferibing  the  bounds  of  the  tribe  of  Beuj-wnin.  Ver.  8,  By  t>  e  valley  of  Ik 
 fon  of  Hinnom,  A  valley  cii  the  call  fide  of  Jerufalem,  fo  •  delightfully  fhaded 
 that  it  invited  them  to  perforai  tbejr  idolatrous  worlhip  there,  for  which  it 
 became  infamous,  2  Kings  xxiii.  10.  Jcr.  vii.  32.  Ver  12.  This  is  the  coaf  ofthi 
 children  of  Judah  ;  that  is,  th.tii-  lot  ’vas  thus  bounded  on  .11  h  'es,  .n  the  firft 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS *  Ch.\p  XIV.]  It  is  true  wifdom  to  leave  to  God  to  ehoofe  for  us  ;  for  then  we  Ihall  never  find  vaufe  to  repmt  our  lot 
 
 It  neitlier  gratifies  nor  mortifies  our  nride,  but  promotes  our  felicity  an.,  gl'-iifies  our  God,  feafonacly  to  declare  ’.vlial.-'r  hath  done and  by  ns.  lo  be  f  "gulat 
 im  fidelity-  to  God  is  tli^  higheft  bonour.  If  we  have  ferved  him  in  fin.)/l'city  -n  fiitlif-jlnels  in  youth,  we  P''!!  find  the  cor.Jor.  .  d  ra-  fling  of  it  in  our  advai^' 
 years  It  is  a  high  gratifica'icn  end  a  urofitable  exercife.  to  obferve  ag-ed  .  ainrs  llrcng  'n  faith,  giving  s.iOry  to  Goc  .  Tne  ilTu^s  o<  ide  ?.re  with  him  ;  neither  licknef 
 nor  fworJ,  nor  n'me  itlelf,  can  cu^olFthofe  whom  he  prefitrves.  I.et  us  therefere.  tliankiV.llv  acknowledge  fils  pi  Aerving  care,  and  greatly  value  all  the  mercies  whid’ 
 be  confers  on  u,s.  Thofe  whom  God  honours,  let  us  highly  elleem,  aud  rejoice  in  their  profperity.  ^  --  *  '  ;■ 
 
t  ■ 
 
 q^he  cities  of  JudaJij  S)C. 
 
 TnQTTTl  A 
 
 >^he  inhcritanco  cf  h. 
 
 jj  yri  o 
 
 Before  fepher,  and  taketh  it,  to  him  will  I  give  Achfah  my 
 daughter  to  wife. 
 
 ,  17  And  Othniel  the  fon  of  Kenaz,  the  brother  of 
 
 Caleb,  took  it ;  and  he  gave  him  Achfah  his  daughter  j 
 to  wife- 
 
 18  And  it  came  to  pafs,  as  fhe  came  loVo  him,  rhar  j 
 
 fhe  moved  him  to  alk  of  her  father  a  field  :  and  (hej 
 lighted  olf  her  afs ;  and  Caleb  faid  unto  her,  What; 
 wouldell:  thou  ?  jj 
 
 19  Who  anfwered,  Give  me  a  bleffing ;  for  thou  | 
 haft  given  me  a  fouth  land  ;  give  m(?  alfo  fprings  cf 
 wafer.  And  he  gave  her  the  upper  fprings,  and  the 
 nether  fprings. 
 
 20  This  is  the  inheritance  of  the  tribe  of  the  chil¬ 
 dren  cf  Judah,  according  to  their  families. 
 
 21  II  And  the  uttermoft  cities  of  the  tribe  of  the 
 
 children  of  Judah,  toward  the  coaft  of  Edom  fouth- 
 ward,  were  Kabzeel,  and  Eder  and  Jagur,  | 
 
 22  And  Kinah,  and  Dimonah,  and  Adadah, 
 
 23  And  Kedefh,  and  Hazor,  and  Ithnan, 
 
 24  And  Ziph,  and  Telem,  and  B  aloth, 
 
 25  And  Hazor,  Hadaitah,  and  Kerioth,  and  Hez- 
 ron,  which  is  Hazor. 
 
 26  Amam,  and  Shema,  and  Moladah, 
 
 27  ii\.Dd  Hazar-gaddah,  and  Hefhmon,  and  Beth- 
 palef, 
 
 >  -28  And  Hazar-fhual,  and  Beer-ftieba,  and  Biz-ii 
 
 jolhjah,  I 
 
 29  Baalah,  and  lim,  and  Azem, 
 
 30  And  Eltolad,  and  Chefil,  and  Hvormah,  | 
 
 31  And  Ziklag,  and  Madmannah,  and  Sanfan- 
 nah, 
 
 32  And  Lebaoth,  and  Shilhim,  and  Ain,  and  Rim- 
 mon  :  all  the  cities  are  twenty  and  nine,  with  their 
 villages. 
 
 33  And  in  the  valley,  Efhtaol,  and  Zoreah,  and 
 
 Alhnah,  I 
 
 34  And  Zanoab,  and  En-gannim,  Tappuah,  and  i 
 
 Enam,  I 
 
 55  Jarmuth,  and  Adullam,  Socoh,  and  Azekah,  j 
 
 II  Or,  or.  36  And  Sharaim,  and  Adithaim,  and  Gederah,  I|  I 
 and  Gederothaim  :  fourteen  cities  with  their  vil-  j 
 lages.  i 
 
 37  Zenan,  and  Hadafhah,  and  Migdal  gad, 
 
 38  And  Dilean,  and  Mifpeh,  and  Joktheel, 
 
 39  Lachilh,  and  Bozkath,  and  Eglon, 
 
 40  And  Cabbon,  and  Lahmam,  and  Kithlifti, 
 
 41  And  Gederoth,  Beth-dagon,  and  Naaman,  and 
 Makkedah  :  fixteen  cities  with  their  villages. 
 
 42  Libnah,  and  Ether,  and  Alban,  | 
 
 43  And  Jiphtah,  and  Alhnah,  and  Nezib,  i 
 
 draught  of  it.  Ver.  17.  The  word  brother  (IgniBes  here  only  a  near  relation,  for  ! 
 Othniel  was  Caleb’s  nephew.  Ver.  32.  The  cities  mentioned  above  amounted  to 
 thirty-eight,  and  here  are  called  twenty-nine.  Some  account  for  the  difference  of 
 number  tlius  ;  nine  of  thefe  cities  were  afterwards  given  to  the  tribe  of  Simeon, 
 chap,  xix  ;  and  thefe  being  taken  out  of  the  thirty-eight,  there  remain  twenty-nine ; 
 o?  eleven  called  cities  in  the  preceding  verfes  are  here  called  villages,  probably 
 becaufe  they  were  not  fortified.  Ver.  36.  Fourteen  cities,  with  their  villages. 
 There  are  fifteen  in  all,  but  the  two  laft  feem  to  be  only  divifions  or  parts  of  the 
 fame  city,  or  they  might  be  unwalled  cities.  Ver.  61.  In  the  wiUernefs,  The 
 Hebrews  called  thofe  parts  of  the  countr)',  which  w'ere  but  thinly  inhabited  by  this  ; 
 name;  and  it  appears,  that  in  this  whole  diflri(5l  there  were  only  fix  cities.  ' 
 
 44  And  Keilah,  and  Achzib,  and  Marefhah  :  nine 
 
 Cities  witti  fheir  villa^^es.  ,44^^ 
 
 45  Ekron,  with  her  t  'Wns  and  her  villages.  * 
 
 46  From  Ekron  ev.  n  unto  the  fea,  all  that  iaij  f  near  ^  lub. 
 Afhdod,  with  tneir  villages. 
 
 47  Afhdod  with  her  towns  and  her  villages,  Gaza^*^"*^* 
 wUh  her  towns  and  her  villages,  unto  the  river  of 
 Egypt,  and  tne  great  lea,  .,nd  the  border  thereof. 
 
 48  And  in  the  mountains,  Shamir,  and  Jatur,  and 
 Socoh, 
 
 49  And  Dannah,  and  K'rjath-fannah,  which  is 
 Debir, 
 
 50  And  Anab,  and  Efhtemoh,  and  Anim, 
 
 51  And  Gofhen,  and  Holon,  and  Giloh :  eleven 
 cities  with  their  villages. 
 
 52  A.rab,  and  Dumah,  and  Efhean, 
 
 53  And  II  Janum,  and  Beth-tappuah,  and  Aphe-  8 
 
 \  I  UUTIUS* 
 
 kah, 
 
 54  And  Humtah,  and  ^  Kirjafh-arba,  (which  is  He- f  Chap. 
 
 broil,)  and  Zior  :  nine  cities  with  their  villages.  ^  ‘ 
 
 55  Maon,  Carmel,  and  Ziph,  and  Juttah, 
 
 56  And  Jezreel,  and  Jokdeam,  and  Zanoah, 
 
 57  Cain,  Gibeah,  and  Timnah :  ten  cities  with 
 their  villages. 
 
 58  Halhul,  Beth-zur,  and  Gedur, 
 
 59  And  Maarath,  and  Beth-anotb,  and  Eltekon  : 
 fix  cities  with  their  villages. 
 
 60  Kirjath-baal,  (which  is  Kirjath-jearim,)  and  Rab- 
 bah  ;  two  cities  with  their  villages. 
 
 61  In  the  wildernefs,  Beth-arabah,  Middin,  and 
 Secacah, 
 
 62  And  Nibftian,  and  the  city  of  Salt,  and  En- 
 gedi :  fix  cities  with  their  villages. 
 
 63  H  As  for  the  Jebufites,  the  inhabitants  of  Jeru- 
 falem,  the  children  of  Judah  could  not  drive  them  out : 
 but  the  Jebufites  dwell  with  the  children  of  Judah  at 
 Jerufalem  unto  this  day.* 
 
 CHAP.  XVI. 
 
 1  The  general  borders  of  the  sons  of  Jofeph.  5  The  border  of  the  inheri¬ 
 tance  if  Ephraim,  10  The  Canaaniles  not  conquered. 
 
 And  the  lot  of  the  children  of  Jofeph  f  fell  from  t  Heb. 
 
 Jordan  by  Jericho,  unto  the  water  of  Jericho, 
 on  the  eaft,  to  the  wildernefs  that  goeth  up  from^ 
 Jericho,  throughout  mount  Beth-el, 
 
 2  And  goeth  out  from  Beth-el,  to  ®  Luz,  and  paf- a  Judges 
 feth  along  unto  the  borders  of  Archi  to  At.iroth, 
 
 3  And  goeth  down  weftw'-ard  to  the  coaft  cf  Japh- 
 leti,  unto  the  coaft  of  Beth-horon  the  nether,  and  to 
 Gezer :  and  the  goings  out  thereof  are  at  the  fea. 
 
 Ver.  62.  The  city  f  Salt,  fo  called  either  becaufe  it  flood  near  the  Salt  fea,  or 
 becaufe  salt  was  made  here. 
 
 EXPLANATOm  NOTES.  Chap.  XVI*  Ver.  1.  The  lot  f  the  children 
 of  Jofeph  ;  That  is,  of  the  tribe  of  Ephraim,  and  that  half  of  the  tribe  of  IManal- 
 feh  which  had  as  yet  received  no  inheritance.  Divine  providence  is  remarkable 
 in  ordering  their  lot  to  fail  next  to  that  of  Judah  ;  for  as  Jofeph  had  the  preroga¬ 
 tive  of  being  made  the  chief  of  all  Jacob’s  children,  fo  his  defeendants  are  con- 
 fidered  before  any  other  tribe,  that  cf  Judah  alone  excepted,  from  vihom  the 
 Mcfliah  was  to  defeend.  Ver.  2.  Beth-el  was  the  place  n  here  Jacob  had  the 
 divine  vifion,  mentioned,  Gen.  xxviii.  It  was  fo  very  near  Luz.  that  afterwards 
 they  became  one  city.  Ver.  3.  JaphUti.  This  country  lay  near  the  Mediterra- 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XV.]  It  is  certainly  prudent  to  fettle  exa^ly  every  thing  relating  to  property,  that  all  contentions  may  be  pre¬ 
 vented.  But  happy  are  they  who  have  entered  the  heavenly  Canaan,  where  each  is  fatisfied  with  Ins  lot,  and  one  ohjcdl  fills  all  their  hearts  with  perpetual  felicity, 
 and  tlieir  mouths  with  uninterrupted  praife  to  their  Lord  and  Saviour.  Happy  is  that  marriage  where  the  union  of  hearts,  the  conCent  of  parents,  and  the  blefiing 
 ff  God  remarkably  meet.  But  it  is  an  infinitely  greater  blefling  to  be  united  to  Chrill  Jefus,  in  wbom  we  are  blell'ed  with  all  fpiritual  l^leffiugs  in  Lis  heavenly 
 kingdom. 
 
 -Vo.  15....6f/.  3  L 
 
JOSHUA, 
 
 T^e  Canaaniks  not  driven 
 
 Before 
 
 Clirift 
 
 J444. 
 
 a  Gen, 
 41.  51.  & 
 46.  20. 
 
 1)  Geo. 
 50.  23. 
 Xutnb. 
 S2.  39- 
 c  Numb, 
 26.  29, 
 
 f)  Numb. 
 
 26.  33.  & 
 
 27.  1.  & 
 S6,  2. 
 
 4  So  the  children  of  Jofepb,  Manaffeh  and  Ephrahn, 
 took  their  inheritance. 
 
 5  II  And  the  border  of  the  children  of  Ephra'm, 
 according  to  their  families,  was  thus ;  even  the  border 
 of  their  inheritance  on  the  ealt  fide  was  Ataroth-adar, 
 unto  Beth-horon  the  upper  ; 
 
 6  And  the  border  went  out  toward  the  fea  to 
 Michmethah  on  the  north  fide  ;  and  the  border  went 
 about  ealiward  unto  Taanath-lhiloh,  and  pafleJ  by  it 
 on  the  eaft  to  Janohah  ; 
 
 7  And  it  went  down  from  Janohah  to  Ataroth,  and 
 to  Naarath,  and  came  to  Jericho,  and  went  out  at 
 Jordan. 
 
 8  The  border  went  our  from  Tappuah  weftward 
 unto  the  river  Kanah  ;  and  the  goings  out  thereof 
 were  at  the  fea.  This  is  the  inheritance  of  the  tribe 
 of  the  children  of  Ephraim  by  their  families. 
 
 9  And  the  feparate  cities  for  the  children  of  Eph¬ 
 raim  were  among  the  inheritance  of  the  children  of 
 Manafleh,  all  the  cities  with  their  villages. 
 
 10  H  And  they  drave  not  out  the  Canaanites  that 
 dwell  in  Gezer  ;  but  the  Canaanites  dwell  among  the 
 Ephraimites  unto  this  day,  and  ferve  under  tribute. 
 
 CHAP.  XVII. 
 
 1  The  lot  ofMinasteh;  7  Ms  const.  12  The  Canaanites  not  driven  out, 
 
 14  The  children  oj  Joseph  obtain  another  lot. 
 
 ^”^HERE  was  alfo  a  lot  for  the  tribe  of  Manaffeh, 
 
 X  (for  he  was  the  ^  firll  born  of  Jofeph,)  to  wit, 
 for  “  Machir,  the  firfi  born  of  Manaffeh,  the  father 
 of  Gilead  :  becaufe  he  was  a  man  of  war,  therefore 
 he  had  Gilead  and  Bafhan. 
 
 2  There  was  alfo  a  lot  for  the  reft  of  the  children 
 of  Manaflsh  by  their  families  ;  for  the  children  of 
 Abiezer,  and  for  the  children  of  Helek,  and  for  the 
 children  of  Afriel,  and  for  the  children  of  Shechem, 
 and  for  the  children  of  Hepher,  and  for  the  children 
 of  Shemida  :  thefe  were  the  male-children  of  Manaffeh 
 the  fon  of  Jofeph  by  their  families. 
 
 3  ^  Bat  Zelophehad  the  fon  of  Hepher,  the  fon 
 of  Gilead  the  fon  of  Machir,  the  fon  of  Manaffeh,  had 
 no  fons,  but  daughters :  and  thefe  are  the  names  of 
 his  daughters,  Mahlab,  and  Noah,  Hoglah,  Milcah, 
 and  Tiizah. 
 
 4  And  they  came  near  before  Eleazar  the  prieft, 
 and  before  Jofhua  the  fon  of  Nun,  and  before  the 
 princes,  laying,  the  Lord  commanded  Mofes  to  give 
 us  an  inheritance  among  our  brethren  ;  therefore,  ac¬ 
 cording  to  the  commandment  of  the  Lord,  he  gave 
 them  an  inheritance  among  the  brethren  of  their 
 father. 
 
 5  And  there  fell  ten  portions  to  Manafl'eh,  befides 
 the  land  of  Gilead  and  Bafhan,  which  wereon  the  other 
 fide  Jordan  ; 
 
 6  Becaufe  the  daughters  of  Manaffeh  had  no  inhe¬ 
 ritance  among  his  Ions:  and  the  reft  of  Manaffeh’s 
 fons  had  the  land  of  Gilead. 
 
 7  51  And  the  coalt  of  Manaffeh  was  from  Aiher  to 
 
 nean  fea,  but  the  particular  fpot  is  unknown.  Gezer  was  one  of  the  Levitical  cities 
 in  the  tribe  of  Ephraim,  and  was  probably  the  fame  with  that  called  by  Jofephus, 
 Gazara.  Ver.  8.  Unto  the  liver  Kanah.  This  feems  to  be  the  fame  with  that 
 called  Cherith,  by  which  Elijah  hid  himfelf,  1  Kings  xvii.  3. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XVII.  Ver.  1.  A  lot  for  the  tribe  oJ 
 Manasseti ;  That  is,  for  the  half-tribe  of  it  which  yet  had  received  no  inheritance. 
 jFor  he  was  the  Jirst-born  of  Joseph.  The  word  for  fhould  have  been  tranflated 
 th  nigh  :  and  then  the  fenfe  will  be,  that  the  lot  of  Manaffeh  did  not  come  op  till 
 affer  that  of  Ephraim  though  be  was  the  firft-born.  Hence  w#  fee  that  the  words 
 «f  Jacob  were  literally  fulfilled,  that  Ephraliu  fliould  be  before  Manaffeh,  Gen, 
 
 Michmethah,  that  lidJi  before  Shechem,  and  the  bor.  Befu, 
 der  went  along  on  the  right  hand  unto  the  inhabitants  J 
 of  En-tappuah. 
 
 8  Now  Manaffeh  had  the  land  of  Tappuah:  but^^*"^^ 
 Tappuah,  on  the  border  of  Manaffeh,  belonged  to  the 
 children  of  Ephraim  ; 
 
 9  And  the  coaft  defeended  unto  the  II  river  Kanah,  i]  Or 
 fouthward  of  the  river:  thefe  cities  of  Ephraim  arehro„l\j 
 arnoDg  the  cities  of  Manafl'eh  ;  the  coaft  of  Manafleh’"^^'^*- 
 alfo  xt'as  on  the  north  fide  of  the  river,  and  the  out¬ 
 goings  of  it  were  at  the  fea. 
 
 10  Southward  it  ims  Ephraim’s,  and  northward  it 
 was  Manaffeh’s,  and  the  fea  is  his  border  ;  and  they 
 met  together  in  Aiher  on  the  north,  and  in  Iffachar 
 on  the  eaft. 
 
 1 1  And  Manaffeh  had  in  Iffachar,  and  in  Aiher, 
 Beth-lheao  and  her  towns,  and  Itdeam  and  her  towns, 
 and  the  inhabitants  of  Dor  and  her  towns,  and  the 
 inhabitants  of  En-dor  and  her  towns,  and  the  in- 
 habitants  of  Taanach  and  her  towns,  and  the  in¬ 
 habitants  of  Megicldo  and  her  towns,  even  three  coun¬ 
 tries. 
 
 12  51  Yet  the  children  of  Manafleh  could  not  drive 
 out  the  inhabitants  o/'thofe  cities  ;  but  the  Canaanites 
 would  dwell  in  that  land. 
 
 13  Yet  it  came  to  pal’s,  vrhen  the  children  of  Ifrael 
 were  w'axen  ftrong,  that  they  put  the  Canaanites  to 
 tribute ;  but  did  not  utterly  drive  them  out. 
 
 14  11  And  the  children  of  Jofeph  fpake  unto  Jolhea, 
 faying,  Why  haft  thou  given  me  but  one  lot  and  one 
 portion  to  inherit,  feeing  I  am  a  great  people,  foraf- 
 much  as  the  Lord  hath  blcffed  me  hitherto? 
 
 15  And  Joihua  anfwered  them,  If  thou  he  a  great 
 people,  then  get  thee  up  to  the  wood  counlnj,  and  cut 
 down  for  thyfelf  there  in  the  land  of  the  lYrizzites, 
 
 and  of  the  11  giants,  if  mount  Ephraim  be  too  narrow  i|  Or,*. 
 for  thee.  phaum. 
 
 16  And  the  children  of  Jofeph  laid,  The  hill  is  not 
 enough  for  us :  and  all  the  Canaanites  that  dwell  in 
 the  land  of  the  valley  have  chariots  of  iron,  both  they 
 who  are  of  Beth-lliean  and  her  towns,  and  they  who 
 are  of  the  valley  of  Jt  zreel. 
 
 17  And  Jofhua  fpake  unto  the  houfe  of  Jofeph, 
 even  to  Ephraim  and  to  Manafleh,  faying.  Thou  art  a 
 great  people,  and  haft  great  power ;  thou  lhalt  not 
 have  one  lot  only  .- 
 
 18  But  the  mountain  lhall  be  thine;  for  it  is  a 
 wood,  and  thou  lhalt  cut  it  dow  n  ;  and  the  outgoings 
 of  it  lhall  be  thine  :  for  thou  lhalt  drive  out  the  Ca- 
 naanit(-s,  though  they  have  iron  chariots,  and  though 
 they  be  ftrong. 
 
 CHAP.  XVIII. 
 
 1  The  tabernacle  is  set  up  at  Shiloh.  2  The  remainder  of  the  land  is  de¬ 
 scribed,  and  divided  into  seven  parts;  10  Joshua  divideilt  it  bp  lot.  1 1 
 
 The  lot  and  border  of  Benjamin  ;  21  their  cities. 
 
 ND  the  whole  congregation  of  the  children  of 
 Ifrael  aflembled  together  at  Shiloh,  and  let  up 
 
 xxvii.  19,20.  Ver.  13.  They  pul  the  Canaanites  to  tribute.  This  they  did  outof 
 a  covetous  difpofition,  and  for  the  fake  of  gain.  But  did  nulullerly  drivethemout' 
 This  was  their  fin  ;  for  if  they  were  able  to  make  them  tributaries,  they  had  pi"'et 
 fufficient  so  drive  them  out,  and  therefore  broke  the  commandment  ol  Co4 
 Deut.  vii.  1,  2.  xx.  16,  17.  Ver.  15.  1/  mount  Ephraim  be  loo  narrow  J or  tiet- 
 If  that  noble  mount,  which  was  given  thee  for  thy  poffeffion,  be  too  narrow 
 thee,  enlarge  thy  portion  by  taking  in  thofe  woodlands  and  forests  inhabited  4 
 the  Perizzites. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES,  Chap.  XVIII.  Ver.  1.  Shiloh.  A  place  i« 
 the  tribe  of  Ephraim,  not  far  from  Jerufalem.  'The  labernacle  had  hitherto  remaiut' 
 
77<(?  dividiid  lij  lot,  JOSHUA,  The  cities  qf  Benjamin,  ^c. 
 
 i3cfore  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation  there:  and  the 
 land  was  liibdaed  before  thena. 
 
 2  H  And  there  remained  among  the  children  of 
 Ifrafel  feven  tribes,  which  had  nor  yet  received  their 
 inheritance. 
 
 3  And  Jofhua  fald  unto  the  children  of  Ifrael,  How 
 long  are  ye  Hack  to  go  to  poflefs  the  land,  whicn  the 
 Lord  God  of  your  fathers  hath  given  you  ? 
 
 4  Give  out  trom  among  you  three  men  for  each 
 tribe ;  and  1  will  fend  them,  and  they  (hall  rife  and 
 go  through  the  land,  and  delcribe  it,  according  to 
 the  inheritance  of  them :  and  they  fiaall  come  again 
 to  me. 
 
 5  And  they  (hall  divide  it  into  feven  parts  :  Judah 
 fhall  abide  in  their  coaif  on  the  fouth,  and  the  houfe 
 of  Jofeph  (hall  abide  in  their  coalts  on  the  north. 
 
 6  Ye  fliall  therefore  deferibe  the  land  into  feven 
 parts,  and  bring  the  description  hither  to  me,  that  I  may 
 call  lots  for  you  here  before  the  Lord  our  God. 
 
 7  But  the  Levites  have  no  part  among  you ;  for  the 
 priefthood  of  the  Lord  is  their  inheritance  :  and  Gad, 
 and  Keuben,  and  half  the  tribe  of  Manafl'eh,  have  re¬ 
 ceived  their  inheritance  beyond  Jordan  on  the  eaft, 
 which  Moles,  the  fervant  of  the  Lord,  gave  them. 
 
 8  And  the  men  arofe,  and  went  away  :  and  Jo¬ 
 fhua  charged  them  that  went  to  deferibe  the  land, 
 faying,  Go  and  walk  through  the  land,  and  deferibe  j 
 it,  and  come  again  to  me,  that  I  may  here  caft  lots' 
 
 ^  for  you  before  the  Lord  in  Shiloh.  I 
 
 9  And  the  men  went,  and  palled  through  the  land, 
 and  delcribed  it  by  cities  into  feven  parts  in  a  book, ' 
 and  came  again  to  Joihua  to  the  hoft  at  Shiloh. 
 
 10  ^  And  Jofhua  caft  lots  for  them  in  Shiloh  be¬ 
 fore  the  Lo  RD  :  and  there  Jofhua  divided  the  land  un¬ 
 to  the  children  of  Ifrael,  according  to  their  divifions. 
 
 11  And  the  lot  of  the  tribe  of  the  children  of 
 Benjamin  came  up  according  to  their  families :  and  the 
 coaft  of  their  lot  came  forth  between  the  children  of 
 Judah  and  the  children  of  Jofeph. 
 
 12  And  their  border  on  the  north  fide  was  from 
 Jordan  ;  and  the  border  went  up  to  the  lide  of  Jericho 
 on  the  north  fiJe,  and  went  up  through  the  mountains 
 weft  ward  ;  and  the  goings  out  thereof  were  at  the 
 wildernefs  of  Beth-aven. 
 
 13  And  the  border  went  over  from  thence  toward 
 Luz,  to  the  fide  of  Luz,  (which /s  Beth-el,)  fouthw'’ard; 
 and  the  border  defeended  to  Ataroth-adar,  near  the  hill 
 that  heth  on  the  fouth  fide  of  the  nether  Beth-horon. 
 
 14  And  the  border  was  drawn  thence,  and  com- 
 pafled  the  corner  of  the  fea  fouthward,  from  the  hill 
 that  lieth  before  Beth-horon  fouthward  ;  and  the  go¬ 
 ings  ont  thereof  were  at  Kirjath-baal,  (which  Kir- 
 jath-jearim,)  a  city  of  the  children  of  Judah.  This 
 ^as  the  weft  quarter. 
 
 l.'5  And  the  fouth  quarter  'luas  from  the  end  of 
 Kirj.ath-jearim,  and  the  border  went  out  on  the  weft, 
 and  went  out  to  the  well  of  waters  of  Nephtoah  ; 
 
 16  And  the  border  came  down  to  the  end  of  the 
 mountain  that  lieth  before  the  valley  of  the  fon  of 
 Hinnora,  and  which  is  in  the  valley  of  the  giants  on 
 the  north,  and  defeended  to  the  valley  of  Hinnom, 
 to  the  fide  of  Jebufi  on  the  fouth,  aud  defeended  to 
 En-rogel, 
 
 17  And  was  drawn  from  the  north,  and  went  forth 
 to  En-ftiemefb,  and  went  forth  toward  Geliloth,  which 
 is  over  againft  the  going  up  of  Adumraim,  and  de¬ 
 feended  to  *  the  ftone  of  Bohan  the  fon  of  Reuben,  a  chap. 
 
 18  And  pafl'ed  along  toward  the  fide  over  againft 
 
 11  Arabah  northward,  and  went  down  unto  Arabah  ;  |  Or, 
 
 19  And  the  border  paffed  along  to  the  fide  of 
 
 hoglah  northward  :  and  the  outgoings  of  the  border 
 were  at  the  north  t  bay  of  the  fait  fea,  at  the  fouth  t  Heb. 
 end  of  Jordan.  This  -jcas  the  fouth  coaft,  tongue. 
 
 20  And  Jordan  was  the  border  of  it  on  the  eaft 
 fide.  This  'was  the  inheritance  of  the  children  of  Ben¬ 
 jamin,^  by  the  coafts  thereof  round  about,  according 
 to  their  families. 
 
 21  ^  Now  the  cities  of  the  tribe  of  the  children  of 
 Benjamin,  according  to  their  families,  were  Jericho, 
 and  Beth-hoglah,  and  the  valley  of  Keziz, 
 
 22  And  Beth-arabah,  and  Zemaraim,  and  Beth-el, 
 
 23  And  Avim,  and  Parah,  and  Ophrah, 
 
 24  And  Chephar-haammonai,  and  Ophni,  and  Gaba : 
 twelve  cities  with  their  villages. 
 
 25  Gibeon,”and  Ramah,  and  Beeroth, 
 
 25  And  Mizpeh,  and  Chephiran,  and  Mozah, 
 
 27  And  Rekem,  and  Irpeel,  and  Taralah, 
 
 -28  And  Zelah,  Eleph,  and  Jebufi,  (which  is  Jeru- 
 falepn,)  Gibeath,  and  Kirjath  :  fourteen  cities  with 
 their  villages.  Tnis  is  the  inheritance  of  the  children 
 of  Benjamin,  according  to  their  families. 
 
 CHAP.  XIX. 
 
 1  The  lot  of  Simeon,  10  of  Zebulon,  17  of  Tssachar,  24  of  Asher,  S2  of 
 
 Nuphtali,  40  oj  D.in.  49  The  children  of  Israel  give  an  inhcritauce 
 to  Joshua. 
 
 A  ND  the  fecond  lot  came  forth  to  Simeon,  eren 
 for  the  tribe  of  the  children  of  Simeon,  accord¬ 
 ing  their  families  ;  and  their  inheritance  W'as  within 
 the  inntritance  of  the  children  of  Judah. 
 
 2  H  And  they  had  in  their  inneritauce  Beer-ftieba, 
 and  Sheba,  and  Moladah, 
 
 3  Aud  Haz.ir-fhual,  and  Ealah,  and  Azera, 
 
 4  And  Eitolad,  and  Bethul,  and  Hormah, 
 5i\ndZiklag,andBeth-marcaboih,and  Hazar-fufah, 
 
 6  And  Beth-lebaoth,  andSharuhen:  thirteen  cities 
 
 and  their  villages. 
 
 _  7  Ain,  Reramon,  and  Ether,  and  Alban  :  four 
 cities  and  tneir  villages. 
 
 in  Gilgal  ;  but  now  by  God’s  order,  no  doubt,  it  was  rennoved  to  this  place, 
 llie  removal  feemed  to  be  neceffary,  becauCe  I'tveral  camps  which  I'urround- 
 ed  the  tabernacle  were  now  broken  up,  as  thole  of  Reuben,  Judah,  and 
 Rphraim  :  ^  and  becaule  Gilgal,  which  was  in  the  borders  of  the  land,  was 
 too  far  oil’  for  the  people  to  refort  thither,  whereas,  Shiloh  was  in  the  heart 
 of  the  country.  Here  the  tabernacle  continued,  according  to  the  Jewifh  writers, 
 36<)  years,  even  unto  the  time  of  Samuel,  when  for  phe  fins  of  the  house  of  Eli 
 
 It  was  removed.  Ver.  2.  S^'ven  tribes,  wliicit  had  7wt  yet  received  their  inheri¬ 
 tance ;  I  hat  is,  no  lot  had  been  drawn  for  them  in  Gilgal,  becaule  the  tribes  of 
 the  houle  of  Jofeph  were  not  yet  fatisfied  with  the  divifion  there,  whiuli  induced 
 Joiliua  to  rtop  his  proceedings,  till  he  had  made  a  more  accurate  I'urvey  of  the 
 futile  country  :  in  order  to  whicli  God  commanded  him  to  remove  to  Shiloh. 
 
 er.  10.  Joshua  cast  lots.  As  Jacob  and  Mofes  had  foretold  the  nature  of  the  foil, 
 and  fituation  of  every  tribe,  lb,  though  tne  country  was  divided  by  lot,  the  pro- 
 p  ecies  were  fulfilled.  Judah  had  a  country  abounding  with  wine  and  pal- 
 
 tiires;  A  filer’s  was  plenteous  in  oil,  iron,  and  brafs  ;  Naphtali’s  extended  from 
 the  weft  to  the  Ibulh  of  Judah  ;  in  Benjamin’s  the  temple  was  afterwards  built  • 
 Zebulon  and  IlDchar  had  a  variety  of  fea  ports  ;  Ephraim  and  Manalfeh  had  a 
 land  ftored  with  fruits  ;  and  Simeon  and  Levi  had  no  particular  countries,  the 
 former  having  a  portion  with  Judah,  and  the  latter  being  interfperfed  amonc  the 
 feveral  tribes,  according  to  the  famous  prophecy  of  their  renowned  pro<renitor  Gen, 
 xlix.  7.  Vtr.  11.  And  the  lot  of  lienjumin  came  tip.  God  was  pleafed  to  order 
 that  the  tribo  of  Benjamin  fiiould  have  the  nrft  lot  of  tbefe  feven,  or  next  to  the 
 tribe  of  Jofeph  ;  they  two  being  tha  only  Ions  of  Rachel,  Jacob’s  beloved  wife 
 Ver.  24.  Gaba.  'Ibis  city  was  the  birth-place  of  Saul,  the  firft  king  of  Ifrael  and 
 thence  called  Gidca'i  of  Saul,  1  S:im.  x.  26-  ®  * 
 
 Tr^  1.  And  the  second  lolcnme 
 
 forth  io  Si, neon.  lliis  rcpeu-ion  feenis  to  indicate,  that  though  their  inheiitance 
 
 1  was  included  in  that  ot  Judah,  yet  thofe  cities  were  not  the  whole  that  were 
 :  given  lo  this  tribe,  but  they  had  another  fiiiare  by  lot.  Ver  ‘J  j5,er  sheba 
 
The  h^ientanu  of  Issachar, 
 
 JOSHUA. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 1444. 
 
 II  Or,' 
 which  is 
 drawn. 
 
 ^  8  And  all  the  villages  that  "were  round  about  thefe 
 cities  to  Baalath-beer,  Ramath  of  the  foiith.  This  h 
 ;  the  inh^’ritance  of  the  tribe  of  the  children  of  Simeon, 
 according  to  their  families. 
 
 9  Out  of  the  portioti  of  the  children  of  Judah  mis 
 the  inheritance  of  the  children  of  Simeon  ;  for  the 
 part  o^  the  children  of  Judah  was  too  much  for  them  ; 
 therefore  the  children  of  Simeon  had  their  inneritance 
 within  the  inheritance  of  them. 
 
 10  *il  And  the  tnird  loi  came  up  for  the  children  of 
 Zebulun  according  to  their  families ;  and  the  border 
 of  their  in  erirance  was  unto  Sarid. 
 
 11  And  their  border  went  up  toward  the  fea,  and 
 Mar.ilah,  and  reached  to  Dabbafheth,  and  reached 
 to  the  river  that  is  before  Jokneam. 
 
 12  ii^od  turned  from  Sarid  eaftward,  tow'ard  the 
 fun-rifing,  unro  the  border  of  Chifloth-tabor,  and  then 
 goeth  out  to  Daberath,  and  goeth  up  to  Japhia.' 
 
 13  4nd  from  thence  paffeth  on  along  to  the  eaft  to 
 Gittab-hepher,  to  Ittah-Kazin,  and  goeth  out  to  Rem- 
 mon -lime- hoar,  to  Neah  ; 
 
 14  And  the  border  compafTeth  it  on  the  north  fide 
 to  H  nnathon;  and  the  outgoings  thereof  are  in  the 
 valley  of  Jiphthah-el  ; 
 
 15  And  Kattath,  and  Nahallal,  and  Shimron,  and 
 Idalah,  and  Brth-lehem :  twelve  cities  with  their  vil¬ 
 lages. 
 
 16  This  is  the  inheritance  of  the  children  of  Ze- 
 bulun,  according  to  their  families,  thefe  cities  with 
 their  villages. 
 
 17  H  And  the  fourth  lot  came  out  to  Ifl’achar,  for 
 the  children  of  IfTachar  according  to  their  families. 
 
 18  And  their  border  was  toward  Jezreel,  and  Che- 
 fulloth,  and  Shunem, 
 
 19  And  Haphraim,  and  Shihon,  and  Anaharath, 
 
 20  And  Rabbith,  and  Kifhion,  and  Abez, 
 
 21  And  Remeth,  and  En-gannim,  and  En-haddah, 
 and  Berh-pazzez ; 
 
 And  the  coaft  reacheth  to  Tabor,  and  Shaha- 
 zlmab,  and  Beth-fhemefh  ;  and  the  outgoings  of 
 theii  border  were  at  Jordan  :  fixteen  cities  with  their 
 
 villages.  .  r-  ,  .-i 
 
 23  This  is  the  inheritance  of  the  tribe  of  the  chil¬ 
 dren  of  Iflachar  according  to  their  families,  the  cities 
 
 and  their  villages.  r  u 
 
 24  f  And  the  fifth  lot  came  out  for  the  tribe  of  the 
 
 children  of  Afher,  according  to  their  families.  ^  * 
 
 25  And  their  border  was  Helkath,  and  Hall,  and 
 Beten,  and  Achfhaph, 
 
 26  And  Alammeleb,  and  Amad,  and  Miineal, 
 and  reacheth  to  CariT:el  weftward,  and  to  Shihor- 
 
 libnaih  ;  -o  ,  j 
 
 27  And  turneth  toward  the  fun-rifing  to  Beth-da- 
 
 zon,  and  rt^achcth  to  Zebulun,  and  to  the  valley  o 
 Jiphtbah-el,  toward  tne  north  fide  of  Beth-emek,  and 
 Neiel,  and  goeth  out  to  Cabul  on  the  left  hand ; 
 
 vnd  Shebi.  Rather  Beer-sheba,  which  is  Sheba;  for  they  were  only  two  names 
 for  the  fame  place.  Ver.  15.  Beih-lehem.  This  was  not  tliat  city  in  which  our 
 bleffed  l.oid  w  s  born,  for  it  is  always  (lyled  BcUi-lehem-Judah.  Ver.  29.  lyre. 
 The  original  word  fignifies  a  rock.  It  was  not  the  Tyre  fo  famous  ® 
 that  citv  not  being  then  built,  but  another  not  far  from  Sidon,  and  probabJy 
 that  which  our  Lord  fnquented.  Matt.  xv.  21.  Ver.  S4.  To  Judah  upon  Jordan, 
 toward  the  sun-rising.  It  was  not  near  Judah,  there  being  feveral  tribes  between 
 them.  Tlie  meaning  therefore  is,  that  this  tribe  had  a  communication  with 
 that  of  Judah,  by  means  of  the  river  Jordan.  Ver.  47,  And  the  coast  oj  the  cM- 
 dren  oi  Dan  went  out  too  little  for  them.  The  words  too  little  are  not  in  the  He¬ 
 brew.'  The  meaning  is,  they  were  difpolTetred  of  greatpart  of  it  by  their  poweifu 
 .jieifchbours  the  A 33 mites,  who  forced  them  to  abandow  the  valley,  and  retire  to 
 
 Asher,  Naphtali,  JosJtua, 
 
 28  And  Hebron  and  Rehob,  and  Hammon,  and  Rofo,, 
 Kanah,  even  unto  great  Zidon  ; 
 
 29  And  ihrn  the  coafl.  turneth  to  Ramah,  and  to 
 the  ftrong  city  t  Tyre  ;  and  the  coaft  turneth  to 
 
 (ah ;  and  the  outgoings  thereof  are  at  the  fea  from 
 the  coaft  to  Achzib  : 
 
 30  Ummah  alfo,  and  Aphek,  and  Rehob :  twenty 
 and  two  cities  with  their  villages. 
 
 31  This  is  the  inheritance  ot  the  tribe  of  the  chil¬ 
 dren  of  Afher,  according  to  their  families,  thefe  cities 
 with  their  villages. 
 
 32  'll  The  fixth  lot  came  ,  out  to  the  children  of 
 Napbtali,  even  for  the  children  of  Naphtali,  according 
 to  their  families, 
 
 33  And  their  coaft  was  from  Heleph,  from  Allon 
 to  Zaanannim,  and  Adarai,  Nekeb,  and  Jabneel, 
 unto  Lakum ;  and  the  outgoings  thereof  were  at 
 Jordan  : 
 
 34  And  then  the  coaft  turneth  weftward  to  Aznoth- 
 ta^or,  and  goeth  out  from  thence  to  Hukkok,  and 
 reacheth  to  Zebulun  on  the  fouth  fide,  and  reacheth 
 to  Afher  on  the  weft  fide,  and  to  Judah  upon  Jordan 
 towards  the  fun-rifing. 
 
 35  And  the  fenced  cities  are  Ziddim,  Zer,  and 
 Hamraath,  Rakkatb,  and  Cbinnereth, 
 
 36  And  Adamah,  and  Ramah,  and  Hazor, 
 
 37  And  Kedelh,  and  Edrei,  and  En-hazor,  h 
 
 38  And  Iron,  and  Migdai-el,  Horem,  and  Beth- 
 anath,  and  Bethfhemefh  :  nineteen  cities  with  their 
 villages. 
 
 39  This  is  the  inheritance  of  the  tribe  of  the  chil¬ 
 
 dren  of  Naphtali,  according  to  their  families,  the  ci¬ 
 ties  and  their  villages.  _ 
 
 40  If  And  the  feventh  lot  came  out  from  the  tribe  ot 
 the  children  of  Dan,  according  to  their  families. 
 
 41  And  the  coaft  of  their  inheritance  was  Zorah, 
 and  Efhtaol,  and  Irfhemefli, 
 
 42  And  Shaalabbin,  and  Ajalon,  and  Jethlah, 
 
 43  And  Elon  and  Thimnathah,  and  Ekron, 
 
 44  And  Eltekeh,  and  Gibbethon  and  Baalath, 
 
 45  And  Jehud,  and  Bene-berak,  and  Gath-rimmon, 
 
 46  And  Me-jarkon,  and  Rakkon,  with  the  border 
 
 II  before  i|  Japho,  OVb’V 
 
 47  And  the  coaft  of  the  children  of  Dan  went  against. 
 
 out  too  little  for  them ;  therefore  the  children  of  Dan  II  Or, 
 went  up  to  fight  againft  Lefhem,  and  took  U  and 
 fmote  it  with  the  edge  of  the  fword,  and  poflefifed  if,  9.  35. 
 and  dwelt  therein,  and  called  Lefhem,  =•  Dan,  after  a  Judges 
 the  name  of  Dan  their  father.  . 
 
 48  This  is  the  inheritance  of  the  tribe  of  the  chil¬ 
 dren  of  Dan,  according  to  their  families,  thefe  cities 
 with  their  villages. 
 
 49  f  When  they  had  made  an  end  of  dividing  the 
 land  for  inheritance  by  their  coafts,  the  children  of 
 Ifrael  gave  an  inheritance  to  Jofhua  the  fbn  of  Nun 
 among  them : 
 
 the  mountains.  Ver.  49.  The  children  of  Israel  gave  an  inheritance  ’ 
 
 How  confpicuous  is  the  modefty  of  this  great  man  !  He  was  content  to  llay 
 his  inheritance  till  all  the  land  was  divided,  and  was  then  fatisfied  to  re«ne 
 portion  as  a  gift  from  thofe  he  had  before  fettled  in  the  promifed  land.  Ver.  51. 
 Made  an  end  of  dividing  the  country:  That  is,  the  d.vifion  f  ^  ^  , 
 completed,  and  every  tribe  had  their  fettlements  appointed  to  their  lalisfaCtio 
 The  names  of  the  places  in  Canaan  have  undergone  fo  great  changes  ‘  " 
 
 and  a  variety  of  circumftances,  that  it  is  almoft  impoffible  to  arrive  at  J 
 
 refpedling  many  of  them.  But  we  are  fufliciently  able  to  /  f b., 
 
 which  were  diRinguiihed  by  the  miniftry  of  our  Lord  and  his  apoftles,  and  tl 
 are  the  moll  intefelliug  places  to  every  Chriftian.  The  divifion 
 however  exceedingly  important  on  other  accounts ;  for  it  calls  us  to  cont 
 
Sk  elites  of  refuge  appointed. 
 
 JOSHUA. 
 
 Cities  giv.  n  to  the  T^rcites. 
 
 pefora 
 
 Clirift 
 
 1441. 
 
 b  Chap* 
 
 24.  30. 
 c  Numb. 
 J14.17. 
 
 a  Exod. 
 21.  13. 
 Numb. 
 36.  6,11, 
 14. 
 
 Deutor. 
 
 19,  2. 
 
 b  Numb, 
 35. 12. 
 
 t  Ileb. 
 
 taneufi'jd. 
 
 c  Dent. 
 4.  4-!. ' 
 i  Chron, 
 
 6.  78. 
 
 50  According  to  the  word  of  the  Lord,  they  gave 
 hini  the  city  which  he  aJTced,  even  ^  Timnath-ferah  in 
 mount  Ephraim  ;  and  he  built  the  city  and  dwelt 
 therein. 
 
 51  <=  Thefe  are  the  inheritances,  which  Eleazar  the 
 prieft,  and  Jofhua  the  fon  of  Nun,  and  the  heads  of  the 
 fathers  of  the  tribes  of  the  children  of  Ifrael,  divided 
 for  an  inheritance  by  lot  in  Shiloh  before  the  Lord, 
 at  the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation. 
 So  they  made  an  end  of  dividing  the  country.* 
 
 CHAP.  XX. 
 
 1  God  commandelh,  7  and  the  children  of  Israel  appoint  the  sisciliesof  refuge. 
 
 The  Lord  alfo  fpake  unto  Jofhua,  faying, 
 
 2  Speak  to  the  children  of  Ifrael,  faying,  *  Ap- 
 point  out  for  you  cities  of  refuge,  whereof  I  fpake 
 unto  you  by  the  hand  of  Mofes  ; 
 
 3  lhat  the  flayer  that  killeth  am)  perfon  unawares, 
 and  unwittingly,  may  flee  thither:  and  they  fhall  be 
 your  refuge  from  the  avenger  of  blood. 
 
 4  And  when  he  that  doth  flee  unto  one  of  thofe 
 cities  fhall  ftand  at  the  entering  of  the  gate  of  the  city, 
 and  fhall  declare  his  caufe  In  the  ears  of  the  elders  of 
 that  cit3%  they  fhall  take  him  into  the  city  unto  them, 
 and  give  him  a  place,  that  he  may  dwell  among  them. 
 
 5  And  if  the  avenger  of  blood  purfue  after  him, 
 then  they  fhall  not  deliver  the  flayer  up  into  his  hand  ; 
 becaufe  he  f  mote  his  neighbour  unwittingly^  and  hated 
 him  not  before  time. 
 
 6  And  he  fliall  dwell  in  that  city,  until  he  ftand 
 before  the  congregation  for  judgment,  until  the 
 death  of  the  high  prieft  that  fhall  be  in  thole  days : 
 then  fhall  the  flayer  return  and  come  unto  his  own 
 city,  and  unto  his  own  houfe,  unto  the  city  from 
 whence  he  fled. 
 
 7  If  And  they  f  appointed  Kedefh  in  Galilee  in 
 mount  Naphtali,  and  Shechem  in  mount  Ephraim, 
 and  Kirjath-arba  (which  is  Hebron)  in  the  mountain 
 of  Judah. 
 
 8  And  on  the  other  fide  Jordan,  by  Jericho  eaft- 
 ward,  they  afligned  Bezer  in  the  vvildernefs  upon  the 
 pl  iin  our  of  the  tribe  of  Reuben,  and  Ramoth  in 
 Gilead  out  of  the  tribe  of  Gad,  and  Golan  in  Baihan 
 out  of  the  tribe  of  ManafTeh. 
 
 9  'Phefe  were  the  cities  appointed  for  all  the  chil¬ 
 dren  of  Ifrael,  and  for  the  ftranger  that  fojonrneth 
 among  them,  that  whofoever  killeth  any  perfon  at 
 unawares  might  flee  thither,  and  not  die  by  the  hand 
 of  the  avenger  of  blood,  until  he  flood  before  the 
 congregation.! 
 
 CHAP.  XXI. 
 
 1  FAght  and  forty  cities  given  by  lot  out  of  the  other  liibes  unto  the  LevUcs.  j  j 
 45  God  gave  the  land,  arid  rejlto  the  Israelites,  according  to  his  promise. 
 
 ^f'^HEN  came  near  the  heads  of  the  fathers  of 
 IL  the  Levites  unto  Eleazar  the  prieft,  and  unto 
 Jofhua  the  fon  of  Nun,  and  unto  the  heads  of  the 
 fathers  of  the  tribes  of  the  children  of  Ifrael. 
 
 2  And  they  fpake  unto  them  at  Shiloh,  in  the  land 
 of  Canaan,  faying,  »  The  Lord  commanded,  by 
 hand  of  Mofes,  to  give  us  cities  to  dwell  in,  with 
 fuburbs  thereof  for  our  cattle. 
 
 3  And  the  children  of  Ifrael  gave  unto  the  Levites, 
 out  of  their  inheritance,  at  the  commandment  of  the 
 Lord,  thefe  cities  and  their  ftiburbs. 
 
 4  And  the  lot  came  out  for  the  families  of  the  Ko- 
 hathites:  and  the  children  of  Aaron  the  prieft, 
 
 were  of  the  Levites,  had  by  lot,  out  of  the  tribe  cf 
 Judah,  and  out  of  the  tribe  of  Simeon,  and  out  of  the 
 tribe  of  Benjamin,  thirteen  cities. 
 
 5  And  the  reft  of  the  children  of  Kohath  hadhy 
 lot,  out  of  the  families  of  the  tribe  of  Ephraim,  and 
 out  of  the  tribe  of  Dan,  and  out  of  the  half-tribe  of 
 ManafTeh,  ten  cities. 
 
 6  And  the  children  of  Gerfhon,  had  by  lot,  out  of 
 the  families  of  the  tribe  of  Iflachar,  and  out  of  the 
 tribe  of  Afher,  and  out  of  the  tribe  of  Naphtali,  and 
 out  of  the  half'tribe  of  ManafTeh  in  Bafhan,  thirteen 
 i  cities. 
 
 7  The  children  of  Merari,  by  their  families,  had 
 oat  of  the  tribe  of  Reuben,  and  out  of  the  tribe 
 of  Gad,  and  out  of  the  tribe  of  Zebulun,  twelve 
 cities. 
 
 8  And  the  children  of  Ifrael  gave  by  lot  unto  the 
 Levites  thefe  cities  with  their  fuburbs,  as  the  Lord 
 commanded  by  the  hand  of  Mofes. 
 
 9  11  And  they  gave,  out  of  the  tribe  of  the  children 
 of  Judah,  and  out  of  the  tribe  of  the  children  of  Si¬ 
 meon,  thefe  cities  which  are  here  f  mentioned  by  name,  t  neb. 
 
 10  Which  the  children  of  Aaron,  being  of  the  farai- 
 lies  of  the  Kohathites,  who  were  of  the  children  of 
 Levi,  had  ;  for  theirs  was  the  firft  lot. 
 
 1 1  And  they  gave  them  1|  the  city  of  Arba,  the  ^r, 
 father  of  Anak,  (which  vily  is  Hebron,)  in  the  hill- 
 country  of  Judah,  with  the  fuburbs  thereof  round 
 about  it. 
 
 12  But  the  fields  of  the  city,  and  the  villages  Chap, 
 thereof,  gave  they  to  Caleb  the  fon  of  Jephunneh  for 
 
 his  pefi'eflion.  I 
 
 13  Ihus  they  gave  to  the  children  of  Aaron  the 
 
 place  the  faithfulnefs  of  God  to  his  prophetic  word  of  promife,  and  it  encourages  ! 
 iisto  look  forward  to  the  heavenly  Canaan,  which  fhall  as  certainly  be  poffolfed  by  ' 
 all  the  Ifrael  of  God,  according  to  the  fovereign  and  gracious  grant  of  their  Lord. 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  XX.  Ver.  ]— 3.  Of  the  cities  of  re- 
 
 fiige,  fee  Notes  on  Dent.  xix.  1 — 12.  Ver.  7.  Kedesh,  Shechem,  and  Ki’jalh-arba, 
 being  fltiiatcd  on  eminences,  and  difperfed  in  feveral  parts  of  the  country,  every 
 one  might  enjoy  the  benefits  of  one  or  other  of  them  ;  for  Kedefh  was  in  the  north, 
 Hebron  in  the  fouth,  and  Shechem  in  the  centre.  Ver.  8.  Bezer,  Ramoth,  and 
 Golan,  were  affigned  by  Mofes  before  he  died,  Deut.  iv.  43.  but  had  nottheir  pri¬ 
 vileges  till  now.  The  wifdom  of  this  appointment  will  appear,  if  we  confider 
 
 that  all  thefe  cities  belonged  to  the  Levites,  the  inflruaors  of  Ifrael,  whofe  autho¬ 
 rity  was  fufficient  to  defend  the  refugee  from  outrage;  whofe  wifdom  was  fuflfi- 
 cient  to  direa  the  elders  in  the  determination  of  his  caufe;  and  whofe  public  em¬ 
 ploy  rendered  them  proper  and  able  to  furnifh  him  with  good  indruaions  as  long 
 as  ho  refided  among  them.  ° 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXI.  Ver.  I_3.  Comp.  Notes  on 
 Numb.  XXXV.  I — 3.  Ver.  4.  The  Kohathites  conlbituted  the  noblefl  family  of  the 
 tribe  of  Levi ;  for  Mofes  and  Aaron  were  defeended  from  Kohath.  The  provi¬ 
 dence  of  God  was  much  displayed  in  allotting  the  priefts  their  refidence  in  tliofe 
 tribes  that  were  contiguous  to  the  metropolis,  becaufe  it  became  the  fixed  place 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.-’Chap.  XVI,  XVII,  XVIII,  XIX.]  The  promife  of  God  is  a  firm  foundation  of  claim  ;  but  unbelief  often  nrevent. 
 le  enjoyment  of  it,  viewing  the  boundaries  of  Canaan,  let  us  lift  up  our  eyes  with  eager  defire  to  the  eternal  pofTeffion  with  Jefus  Chrift.  In  this  mav  our  foul  fi  ' 
 uninterrupted  peace,  and  let  us  never  repine  the  want  of  any  other  portion.  Happy  are  thofe  who  have  the  Lord  as  a  wall  of  hre  around  them  and  thp 
 uiidfl  of  them.  Let  all  fuch  live  in  jieace  and  felicity,  keeping  themfelves  unfpotted  from  the  world.  ’  S  7  * 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.— f  Chap.  XX.]  May  every  finner  hade  to  Jefus,  efcape  to  him  for  refuge,  led  the  avenger  of  blood  overtake  him  Adorer 
 saviour !  thou  art  the  refuge  from  every  dorm,  the  covert  from  every  temped  :  the  power  of  (i  n,  the  eurfe  of  the  law,  the  terrors  of  an  awakentd'confcience  the  mal.V. 
 eartli  or  hell,  touch  not  tliofe  who  trad  in  thee.  In  him  as  our  fafe  eternal  habitation  may  our  fouls  red  for  ever.  Thofe  only  who  contemn  him  diall  npr!  h  •  f 
 e  lives  eternally  to  fave  all  who  come  to  him,  and  to  e.teeute  jud  punifhment  on  the  iufenCble  and  prefuraptuous  tranfo-relTor,  "  -,01 
 
 No.  I5....6d.  3  M  • 
 
God  givcth  rest  to  Israel, 
 
 JOSHUA; 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 1444. 
 
 priefl,  Hebron  with  her  faburbs,  to  he  a  city  of  refuge 
 tor  the  flayer,  and  Libnah'  with  her  fuburbs, 
 
 14  And  Jattir  with  her  fuburbs,  and  Efhtemoa  with 
 her  luburbs, 
 
 15  And  Holon  with  her  fuburbs,  and  Debir  with 
 her  luburbs, 
 
 r  fuburbs,  and  Juttah  with  her 
 
 luburbs,  and  Beth-fliemefh  with  her  fuburbs  :  nine 
 cutes  out  of  thofe  two  tribes. 
 
 17  And  out  of  the  tribe  of  Benjamin,  Gibeon  with 
 her  fuburbs,  Geba  with  her  fuburbs, 
 
 18  Anathoth  whth  her  luburbs,  and  Almon  with 
 her  luburbs  :  four  cities. 
 
 19  i^ll  the  cities  of  the  children  of  Aaron,  the  priells, 
 te.-re  thirteen  cities  with  their  fuburbs. 
 
 20  H  And  the  families  of  the  children  of  Kohath, 
 the  Levites  which  remained  cf  the  children  of  Ko¬ 
 hath,  even  they  had  the  cities  of  their  lot  out  of  the 
 tr;be  of  Ephraim. 
 
 21  For  they  gave  them  Shechem  with  her  fuburbs, 
 in  mount  Ephraim,  to  be  a  city  of  refuge  for  the  flayer ; 
 and  Gezer  with  her  fuburbs, 
 
 22  And  Kibzaim  with  her  fuburbs,  and  Beth-horon 
 W'irh  her  fuburbs ;  four  cities. 
 
 23  And  out  of  the  tribe  of  Dan,  Eltekeh  with  her 
 fuburbs,  Gibbethon  with  her  luburbs, 
 
 24  Aijalon  with  her  fuburbs,  Gath-rlmmon  with 
 her  fuburbs  :  four  cities, 
 
 25  And  out'bf  the  half-tribe  of  ManalTeb,  Taanach 
 with  her  fuburbs,  and  Gath-rimraon  with  her  fuburbs : 
 two  cities. 
 
 26  Ail  the  cities  teere  ten,  with  their  fuburbs,  for 
 the  families  of  the  children  of  Kohath  that  remained. 
 
 27  H  And  unto  the  children  of  Gerfhom,  of  the  fa¬ 
 milies  of  the  Levites,  out  of  the  other  half-tribe  of 
 ManaflTeh,  they  gave  Golan  in  Baflian  with  her  (ii- 
 burbs,  to  be  a  city  of  refuge  for  the  flayer  ;  and  Beelh- 
 terah  with  her  fuburbs  :  two  cities. 
 
 2S  And  cut  of  the  tribe  of  Iflachar,  Kilhon  with 
 her  luburbs,  Dabareh  with  her  fuburbs, 
 
 29  Jarmuth  with  her  fuburbs,  En-gannim  with  her 
 fuburbs:  four  cities. 
 
 30  And  out  of  the  tribe  of  Afher,  Mifhai  with  her 
 faburbs,  A.bdon  with  her  fuburbs, 
 
 31  Helkath  with  her  luburbs,  and  Rehob  with  her 
 fuburbs  :  four  cities. 
 
 32  And  out  of  the  tribe  of  Naphtali,  Kedelh  in 
 Galilee  with  her  fuburbs,  to  be  a  city  of  refuge  for 
 the  flayer ;  and  Hamoth-dor  with  her  luburbs,  and 
 Karran  with  her  fuburbs  :  three  cities. 
 
 33  All  the  cities  of  the  Gerliionites,  according 
 to  their  families,  'were  thirteen  cities  with  their 
 fuburbs. 
 
 34  ^  And  unto  the  families  of  the  children  of  Me- 
 rari,  the  reft  of  the  Levites,  out  of  the  tribe  of  Zebu- 
 
 The  two  tribes  and  a-Jialf  return  I 
 
 of  worfliip,  and  the  attendance  of  the  priefls  was  on  this  acconnt  more  conve¬ 
 nient.  Ver.  41.  Forty  Q.nd  eight  cities  uit/i  their  fuhurhs.  Tliis  is  juft  the  number 
 which  Mofes,  by  the  appointment  of  God,  ordered  to  be.given  to  them,  Numb. 
 XXXV.  7.  Ver.  43.  And  the  Lord  gave  unto  Ifravl  all  the  land  which  he  J^ivare  to 
 give  Knto  their  fathers.  He  gave  them  a  right  to  the  whole  country,  he  put  them 
 into  the  acStual  poffeflion  of  the  greateft  part  of  it,  and  he  gave  them  power  to 
 fubdue  the  remainder,  as  foon  as  it  was  convenient,  Exod.  xxiii.  29,  SO, 
 
 lun,  Jokneam  with  her  fuburbs,  and  Kartah  with  her  Befo^ 
 fuburbs,  Cl, rid 
 
 35  Dimnah  with  her  fuburbs,  Nahalal  with  her^J^^^* 
 fuburbs :  four  cities. 
 
 36  And  out  of  the  tribe  of  Reuben,  Bezer  with  her 
 fuburbs,  and  Jahazah  with  her  luburbs, 
 
 37  Kedemoth  with  her  fuburbs,  and  Mephaath 
 with  her  fuburbs  :  four  cities. 
 
 38  And  out  of  the  tribe  of  Gad,  Ramoth  in  Gilead 
 with  her  luburbs,  to  be  a  city  of  refuge  for  the  flayer  ; 
 and  Mahauaim  with  her  fuburbs, 
 
 39  Elelhbon  with  her  fuburbs,  Jazer  with  her 
 fuburbs :  four  cities  in  all. 
 
 40  So  all  the  cities  for  the  children  of  Mcrari,  by 
 their  families,  which  were  remaining  of  the  families 
 of  the  Levites,  were,,  by  their  lot,  tw’elve  cities. 
 
 41  All  the  cities  of  the  Levites,  within  the  polfef- 
 fion  of  the  children  of  Ifrael,  were  forty  and  eight 
 cities  with  their  fuburbs. 
 
 42  Thefe  cities  were  every  one  w'ith  their  fuburbs 
 round  about  them  :  thus  xvere  all  thefe  cities. 
 
 43  ^  And  the  Lord  pave  unto  Ifrael  all  the  land 
 which  he  fvvare  to  give  unto  their  fathers ;  and  they 
 pofleffed  it,  and  dwelt  therein. 
 
 44  And  the  Lord  gave  them  reft  round  about, 
 according  to  all  that  he  fvvare  unto  their  fathers : 
 and  there  flood  not  a  man  of  all  their  enemies  before 
 them  ;  the  Lord  delivered  all  their  enemies  into  their 
 hand. 
 
 45  =  There  failed  not  ought  of  any  good  thing  v^hich  c  Chap, 
 the  Lord  had  fpoken  unto  the  houfe  of  Ifrael ; 
 
 came  to  pafs.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXII. 
 
 1  The  two  tribes  and  a-half  with  a  blejjing  are  sent  home  i  10  they  build 
 
 the  altar  of  tejlimony  in  their  journey  ^  11  the  Israelites  are  offended 
 
 thereat;  21  they  give  them  good  sati  fail  ion. 
 
 Then  Jofhua  called  the  Reiibenites,  and  the 
 Gadites,  and  the  half-tribe  of  Manalfeh, 
 
 2  And  faid  onto  them,  Ye  have  kept  all  that  Mofes, 
 the  fervant  of  the  Lord  commanded  you,  and  have 
 obeyed  my  voice  in  all  that  1  commanded  you : 
 
 3  Ye  have  not  left  your  brethren  thefe  many  days 
 unto  this  day,  but  have  kept  the  charger  of  the  com¬ 
 mandment  of  the  Lord  your  God. 
 
 4  And  now  the  Lor.d  your  God  hath  given  reft 
 unto  your  brethren,  as  be  promiled  them  :  tb-  refore 
 now  return  ye,  and  get  you  unto  your  tents,  and  unto 
 the  land  of  your  poftefiion,  *  which  Mofes,  the  fervant  a  Numb, 
 of  the  Lord,  gave  you  on  the  other  fide  Jordan.  ctaT’ 
 
 5  But  take  dihgent  heed  to  do  the  commandment, 
 and  the  law',  which  Moles,  the  fervant  of  the  Lord, 
 charged  you,  to  love  the  Lord  your  God,  and  to*^Deut 
 walk  in  all  his  v^ays,  and  to  keep  his  commandments,  ^  ' 
 and  to  cleave  unto  him,  and  to  ferve  him  with  all  your 
 heart,  and  w'ith  all  your  foul. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXII.  Ver.  1,  2.  The  war  being 
 ended,  ant!  tlie  Il'raelites  fettled  in  Canaan,  Jofliua  called  the  two  tribes  and 
 half  who  had  accompanied  their  brethren  as  auxiliaries  from  their  poireffions 
 on  the  ether  fide  Jordan,  and  gave  them  an  honourable  difinilfion.  Ver. 
 These  many  days,  which  includes  all  the  time  of  the  war,  if  not  till  the  land  vvas 
 divided,  both  of  which  periods  according  to  the  Jews,  were  fourteen  years, 
 Ver.  4.  He  calls  tlieir  houfes  tents,  being  a  common  word 
 
 chap.  XI.  1  8.  XIV.  10. 
 
 tl.e 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  XXI.]  Let  us  efteem  the  minifters  of  the  fanauary  very  highly  in  love  for  their  works’  fake.  Great  is  i 
 /•aithfulnefs  of  bod  ;  all  his  vvprds  are  fulfilled  in  truth  and  righteoufnefs.  V/e  beheld  Ifrael  poffefs  the  goodly  land  cf  proinifr,  its  extenfivc  plains,  lofty 
 verdant  lawns,  and  wells  of  water.  But  what  are  thefe  to  the  tree  of  life,  the  hill  of  Zion,  and  the  fountain  ol  life,  whofe  ftreams  make  glad  the  city  of  our  Go  . 
 
 11. ay  vve  have  oar  lot  among  the  inheritance  of  the  laints  in  light. 
 
T'hc  testimony  luilt. 
 
 JOSHUA. 
 
 The  Israelites  denied  thereat, 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 1444. 
 
 t  Hcb. 
 hoMC  nf 
 ikefailter. 
 
 e  Numb. 
 25.  4. 
 
 6  So  Jofhua  blefled  them,  and  fent  them  away  :  and 
 they  went  unto  their  tents. 
 
 7  If  Now,  to  the  one  halt’ of  the  tribe  of  Manafleh, 
 Mofes  had  given  'poff'ffioii  in  Bafhan  ;  but  unto  the 
 vther  half  thereof  gave  Jofhua  among  their  brethren 
 on  this  fide  Jordan  weltward.  And  when  Jofhua  fent 
 them  away  alfo  unto  iheirtents,  then  hebletied  them  ; 
 
 8  And  he  fpake  unto  them,  faying.  Return  wita 
 much  riches  unto  your  tents,  and  with  very  much 
 cattle,  with  filver,  and  with  gold,  and  with  brafs,  and 
 with  iron,  and  with  very  much  raiment :  divide  the 
 fpoil  of  your  enemies  with  your  brethren. 
 
 9  And  the  children  of  Reuben,  and  the  children  of 
 Gad,  and  the  half-tribe  of  Manaffeh,  returned,  and 
 departed  from  the  children  of  Ifrael  out  of  Shiloh, 
 which  is  in  the  land  of  Canaan,  to  go  unto  the  country 
 of  Gilead,  to  the  land  of  their  pofleffion,  whereof  they 
 were  poffelled,  according  to  the  word  of  the  Lord 
 by  the  hand  of  Mofes. 
 
 10  ^  And  when  they  came  unto  the  borders  of 
 Jordan,  that  are  in  the  land  of  Canaan,  the  children  of 
 Reuben,  and  the  children  of  Gad,  and  the  half-tribe 
 of  Manaffeh,  built  there  an  altar  by  Jordan,  a  great 
 altar  to  fee  to. 
 
 1 1  %  And  the  children  of  Ifrael  heard  fav.  Behold, 
 the  children  of  Reuben,  and  the  children  of  Gad,  and 
 the  half-tribe  of  Manalleh,  have  built  an  altar  over 
 againlt  the  land  of  Canaan,  in  the  borders  of  Jordan, 
 at  the  paffage'  of  the  children  of  Ifrael. 
 
 12  And  when  the  children  of  ifrael  heard  of  it,  the 
 whole  congregation  of  the  children  of  Ifrael  gathered 
 therrifelves  together  at  Shiloh,  to  go  up  to  war  againft 
 them. 
 
 13  And  the  children  of  Ifrael  fent  unto  the  children 
 of  Reuben,  and  to  the  children  of  Gad,  and  to  the 
 half-tribe  of  Manaffeh,  into  the  land  or  Gilead,  Phi- 
 nehas  the  fon  of  Eleazar  the  prieft, 
 
 14<  And  with  him  ten  princes,  of  each  f  chief  houfe 
 a  prince,  throughout  all  the  tribes  of  Ifrael ;  and  each 
 one  was  an  head  of  the  houle  of  their  fathers  among 
 the  thoufands  of  Ifrael. 
 
 15  And  they  came  unto  the  children  of  Reuben, 
 and  to  the  children  of  Gad,  and  to  the  half-tribe  of 
 Manaffeh,  unto  the  land  of  Gilead,  and  they  fpake 
 with  them,  faying, 
 
 16  Thus  faith  the  whole  congregation  of  the  Lord, 
 What  trelpafs  A  this  that  ye  have  committed  againft 
 the  God  of  Ifrael,  to  turn  away  this  day  from  follow, 
 ing  the  Lord,  in  that  ye  have  huilded  you  an  altar, 
 that  ye  might  rebel  this  day  againft  the  Lord  ? 
 
 17  Is  the  iniquity  of  Peor  too  little  for  us,  from 
 
 which  we  are  not  cleanfed  unto  this  dav,  (dthough 
 there  was  a  plague  in  the  congregation  of  the  I.ord,) 
 
 18  But  that. ye  muft  turn  away  this  day  from  foU 
 lowing  the  Lord  ?  and  it  will  be,  senno  ye  rebel  to 
 day  againft  the  Lord,  thatto-morrow  he  will  bewroth 
 with  the  whole  congregation  of  Ifrael. 
 
 19  Notwithftanding,  if  the  land  of  your  pofllflion  be 
 unclean,  ihen  pals  ye  over  unto  the  land  of  the  peflef- 
 fton  of  the  Lord,  wherein  the  Lord’s  tabernacle 
 dwelleth,  and  take  pofleffion  among  us ;  but  rebel  not 
 againft  the  Lord,  nor  rebel  againft  us,  in  building 
 you  an  altar,  befldes  the  altar  ot  the  Lord  our  God. 
 
 20  Did  not  Achan  the  fon  of  Zerah  commit  a  tref-f| 
 pals  in  the  accurfed  thing,  and  wrath  feil  on  all  the'’  ’ 
 congregation  of  Ifrael  ?  and  that  man  perilhed  not 
 alone  in  his  iniquity. 
 
 2 1  51  Then  the  children  of  Reuben,  and  the  children 
 of  Gad,  and  the  naif-tribe  of  Manafleh,  anfwered  and 
 faid  unto  the  heads  of  the  thoul'ands  of  Ifrad, 
 
 22  The  Lord  God  of  gods,  the  Lord  God  of 
 gods,  he  knoweth,  and  lirael  he  (hall  know,  if  it  be  in 
 rebellion,  or  if  in  tranlgrdiion  againft  the  Lord,  (fave 
 us  not  this  day,) 
 
 23  That  we  have  built  us  an  altar  to  turn  from  fol¬ 
 lowing  the  Lord,  or  if  to  offer  thereon  burnt-offering 
 or  meat-offering,,  or  if  to  offer  peace-offerings  thereon, 
 let  the  Lord  himfelf  require  it 
 
 24  And  if  we  have  net  rather  done  it  for  fear  of 
 
 this  thing,  faying,  t  In  time  to  come  *our  children  t  Heb. 
 m  ght  fpeak  unto  our  children,  faying,  What  have  ye 
 to  do  with  the  Lord  God  oi  Ifrael  ? 
 
 2.)  For  the  Lord  hath  made  Jordan  a  border  be¬ 
 tween  us  and  you,  ye  children  of  Reuben,  and  children 
 of  Gad  :  ye  have  no  part  in  the  Lord  :  lo  (hall  your 
 children  make  our  children  ceafe  from  fearing  the 
 Lord. 
 
 26  Therefore  we  faid,  L°t  us  now  prepare  to  build 
 us  an  altar,  not  for  burnt-offering,  nor  for  iacrifice  : 
 
 27  But  that  \i  nny  be^  a  witnefs  between  us 
 
 you,  and  our  generations  after  us,  that  we  might  do  chap.* 
 the  lervice  of  the  Lord  before  him  with  our  burnt- 24. 27. 
 offerings,  and  with  our  facrifises,  and  vyith  our  peace- 24. 
 offerings ;  that  your  children  n^y  not  fay  to  our  chil- 
 dren  in  time  to  come,  Ye  have  no  part  in  the  Lord. 
 
 28  Therefore  faid  we,  that  it  lhall  be,  when  they 
 fhould  so  fay  to  us,  or  to  our  generations  in  time  to 
 come,  that  we  may  fay  again,  Behold  the  pattern  of 
 the  altar  of  the  Lord,  which  our  fathers  made,  not 
 for  burnt-offerings,  nor  for  facrifices  ;  but  it  is  a  wit¬ 
 nefs  between  us  and  you. 
 
 29  God  forbid  that  we  fhould  rebel  againft  the 
 
 ufed  for  a  long  time  in  the  wildernefs  to  fignify  their  habitations,  becaufe  there 
 they  dwelt  in  tenls,  in  which  fenfe  the  word  is  ufed,  Judg.  xix.  9.  2  Sam.  xviii.  17. 
 Hof.  ix.  6.  Mai.  ii.  12.  As  their  brethren  now  enjoyed  the  quiet  poffeffion  of 
 their  portion,  it  was  but  roafonable  that  they  fltould  be  rewarded  by  the  fame 
 indulgence.  Ver.  8.  Divide  the  spoil  of  your  enemies  with,  your  brtlh  en.  Let 
 thofe  who  flayed  on  the  other  fide  Jordan,  to  defend  your  wives,  your  cliildren, 
 and  your  cattle,  fliare  with  you  in  the  I'poil  you  liave  taken.  Ver.  10.  The  word 
 GclUoli,  tranllated  borders,  Ibine  take  to  iignify  the  fand-lieaps ;  and  fome,  a  par¬ 
 ticular  place  fo  called,  which,  Jerora  fays,  was  near  Jordan,  in  the  tribe  of  Benja¬ 
 min.  But  others  think  the  word  rather  fignifies  the  meanders,  windings,  and 
 turnings  of  the  river.  The  word  tranllated  there,  in  the  latter  part  of  the  verfe, 
 refers  to  time,  not  to  place,  and  diould  he  tranflated  ihen ;  for  they  built  the  altar 
 't'hen  they  had  palTed  over  into  their  own  country.  It  is  certain  that  tlie  altar 
 Was  bu.it  not  on  the  Canaan  fide  of  Jordan,  hut  on  the  oppofite  fide.  A  areal 
 <iUar  to  see  to.  A  large  and  lofty  altar,  that  might  he  feen  at  a  great  difiance. 
 
 13.  The  manner  of  tellifyiug  fupreme  lo.ye  and  obedience  lo  God,  under  the 
 
 old  covenant,  was  by  selling  up  an  altar  to  him  ;  hence  profefling  Chrift  was  ex- 
 prefled  by  allufion  to  the  praclice,  Ifa.  xix.  19.  And  the  children  of  Israel  sent 
 unto  the  children  of  Reuben.  Herein  they  adled  agreeable  to  the  diredlions  of 
 Mofes,  Dent.  xiii.  Ver.  19.  If  the  land  of  your  pojfejjion  be  unclean.  They 
 imagined  the  Beubenites,  &c.  might  think  tlieir  land  lefs  holy  lor  want  of  an 
 altar.  Then  pass  ye  over  into  the  land  of  the  poffijjfon  of  the  hard.  They  were 
 defirous  rather  to  give  up  fome  of  their  own  poffelfions  than  to  have  their 
 breth  en  fall  into  idolatrous  pradlices.  Ver.  22.  The  Lord  God  of  gods,  the  Lord 
 God  of  gods.  This  repelition  was  made  to  fignify  that  they  owned  no  other  God 
 hut  him  whom  tlivir  forefathers  worthipped,  by  what  name  foever  he  was  called, 
 for  they  knew  that  he  alone  was  felf-exillent,  and  the  proprietor  of  ail  created 
 beings.  Save  us  not  his  day.  Some  imagine  this  is  an  addrefs  to  the  Deitv  him¬ 
 felf  occafioned  by  the  warmth  of  their  paiiions;  but  it  may  rather  be  fuppofed  to 
 he  an  addrefs  to  the  deputation,  fignify  ing  that  they  would  voluntaiily  fuffer  the 
 fevered  punifiiment,  if  they  could  he  proved  to  be  guilty  of  the  crime  w  ith  which 
 they  charged  them.  Ver.  23.  The  phrai’e,  Let  the  Lord  himself  require  it,  denotes 
 
Joshua*s  exhortation  hejore  lis  death. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 1444.' 
 
 t  Heb 
 it  wns 
 good  in 
 
 f  Ileb, 
 Men. 
 
 Lord,  and  turn  this  day  from  follbvvlng  the  Lord, 
 to  build  an  altar  for  burnt-offerings,  for  meat-offerings, 
 or  for  facrifices,  befides  the  altar  of  the  Lord  our 
 God  that  is  before  his  tabernacle. 
 
 30  II  And  when  Phinehas  the  prieft,  and  the  princes 
 of  the  congregation,  and  heads  of  the  thoufands  ot 
 KVael,  which  xvere  with  him,  heard  the  words  that  the 
 children  of  Reuben,  and  the  children  of  Gad,  and  the 
 children  of  Manaffeh  I'pake,  f  it  pleafed  them. 
 
 31  And  Pninehas  the  ion  of  Eleazer  the  prieft,  faid 
 their  eyei.  UHto  the  children  of  Reuben,  and  to  the  children  of 
 
 Gad,  and  to  the  children  of  Manaffeh,  This  day  we 
 perceive  that  the  Lord  is  among  us,  becaufe  ye  have 
 not  committed  this  trelpafs  againft  the  Lord  :  t  now 
 ye  have  delivered  the  children  of  Ifrael  out  of  the 
 hand  of  the  Lord. 
 
 32  II  And  Phinehas  the  fon  of  Eleazar  the  prieft,  i 
 
 and  the  princes,  returned  from  the  children  of  Reuben, ! 
 and  from  the  children  of  Gad,  out  of  the  land  of] 
 Gilead,  unto  the  land  of  Canaan,  to  the  children  of 
 Ifrael,  and  brought  them  word  again.  j 
 
 S3  And  the  thing  pleafed  the  children  of  Ilrael ;  i 
 and  the  children  of  Ifrael  bleffed  God,  and  did  not  in- 1 
 tend  to  go  up  againft  them  in  battle,  to  deftroy  the  i 
 land  wherein  the  children  of  Reuben  and  Gad  dwelt.  ! 
 34  And  the  children  of  Reuben,  and  the  children  of 
 y  That  is,  Gad,  called  the  altar  1|  Ed;  for  it  shall  be  a  wiinefs 
 Awitnefs.  that  the  Lord  is  God.* 
 
 •  CHAP.  XXIII. 
 
 1  Joshuii’s  exhortation  before  his  death,  3  by  former  henejils,  5  by  pro- 
 mifes,  12  and  by  threatenings. 
 
 And  it  came  to  pafs,  a  long  time  after  that  the 
 Lord  bad  given  reft  unto  Ifrael  from  all  their 
 enemies  round  about,  that  Joftiua  waxed  old,  and 
 t  ftricken  in  age. 
 
 2  And  Jofhua  called  for  all  Ifrael,  and  for  their 
 elders,  and  for  their  heads,  and  for  their  judges,  and 
 for  their  officers,  and  faid  unto  them,  I  am  old  and 
 ftricken  in  age : 
 
 3  And  ye  have  feen  all  that  the  Lord  your  God 
 hath  done  unto  all  thefe  nations  becaufe  of  you  ;  for 
 the  *  Lord  your  God  is  he  that  hath  fought  for 
 you. 
 
 4  Behold,  I  have  divided  .unto  you  by  lot  thefe 
 nations  that  remain,  to  be  an  inheritance  for  your 
 
 JOSHUA.  He  recitclh  Gcd*s  dealings  'with 
 
 tribes,  from  Jordan,  with  all  the  nations  that  I  have  Befo,, 
 cut  off,  even  unto  the  great  lea  |  vveftward. 
 
 5  If  And  the  Lord  your  God,  he  fhall  expel  them 
 from  before  you,  and  drive  them  from  out  of  yourf 
 light;  and  ye  fhall  poffefs  their  land,  as  the  Lord“"'*cs«5 
 your  God  hath  promifed  unto  you. 
 
 6  Be  ye  therefore  very  courageous  to  keep  and  to 
 do  all  that  is  written  in  the  book  of  the  law  of  Mofes, 
 
 ^  that  ye  turn  not  afide  therefrom  to  the  right  hand  or  bDeut. 
 to  the  left ;  32.  4 
 
 7  That  ye  come  not  among  thefe  nations,  thefe  that^^‘ 
 remain  among  you,  neither  make  mention  of  thee  Pfai. 
 name  of  their  gods,  nor  caufe  to  fwear  bt/  them,  neither  is.  -i.’ 
 ferve  them,  nor  bow  yourfelves  unto  them  : 
 
 s  'I  But  cleave  unto  the  Lord  your  God,  as  yepor,;-,,^ 
 
 ye  wilt 
 
 For  the  Lord  hath  driven  out  from  before  you  M*;- 
 
 cir.  1 427. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 come  into 
 days. 
 
 SL  Exod 
 14.  14. 
 
 the  exercife  of  his  jufljee  and  power  in  fpeedily  punilhing  fin,  Deut.  xviii.  19. 
 1  Sam.  xr.  16.  Job  x.  6.  Pfal.  x.  12.  Ver.  29.  After  they  had  vindicated  the 
 innocence  of  their  intentions  in  building  this  altar,  they  break  out  into  this 
 pafiionate  exclamation,  God  forbid,  ^  c.  to  convince  their  brethren,  tirat  they  utter¬ 
 ly  renounced  all  fuch  intentions.  Ver.  31.  This  day  we  perceive  that  the  Lord  is 
 among  us.  Their  hearts  overflowed  with  gladnefs  when  they  found  that  their 
 brethren  had  not  forfaken  the  God  of  their  fathers.  Ver.  34.  They  caufed  fuch 
 an  inlcription  to  be  put  upon  the  altars,  that  the  intention  of  ereiSling  it  might  be 
 known  in  future  times ;  that  it  was  not  for  facrifice,  but  to  be  a  teftimony  of  their 
 being  united  with  their  brethren  on  the  other  fide  Jordan,  in  worfhip,  faith,  and 
 fdllowfhip. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXIIL  Ver.  1.  A  long  lime  after. 
 Some  fuppefe  the  time  to  have  been  fourteen  years  after  their  conqueft  of  the 
 country,  and  feven  after  the  divifion  of  it.  Ver.  2.  Jo/hua  called  for  all  Israel. 
 This  great  warrior,  finding  the  time  of  his  death  approaching,  called  a  general 
 afleiiibly  of  the  princes  and  magiflrates,  and  as  many  of  the  common  people  as 
 could  be  got  together  on  this  occafion,  and  in  a  very  tender  and  afre<51ionate 
 manner,  exhorted  them,  in  gratitude  to  their  conevant  God  and  King,  to  a 
 
 have  done  unto  this  dav. 
 
 9 
 
 great  nations  and  ftrong :  but  as  for  you,  no  man  hath  Theniht 
 been  able  to  ftand  before  you  unto  this  day.  loud 
 
 10  One  man  of  you  ihall  chafe  a  thoufand  ; 
 
 the  Lord  your  God,  he  it  is  that  fighteth  for  you,  as26/8'[' 
 he  hath  promifed  you.  Deut! 
 
 1 1  Take  good  heed  therefore  unto  f  yourfelves,  that  3o. 
 
 ye  love  the  Lord  your  God.  ^ 
 
 12  H  Elfe  if  ye  do  in  any  wife  go  back,  and  cleave 
 unto  the  remnant  of  thefe  nations,  even  thefe  that  re¬ 
 main  among  you,  and  (hall  make  marriages  with  them, 
 and  go  in  unto  them,  aiid  they  to  you  : 
 
 13  Know  for  a  certainty,  that  the  Lord  your  God 
 
 will  no  more  drive  out  any  of  thefe  nations  from  be¬ 
 fore  you;  '  but  they  Ihall  be  fnares  and  traps  uctoeExod. 
 you,  and  fcourges  in  your  Tides,  and  thorns  in  your 
 eyes,  until  ye  perifh  from  off  this  good  land  which  the38“"5jl 
 Lord  your  God  hath  given  you.  Dent. 
 
 14  And,  Behold,  this  day  I  am  going  the  way  of  alP.  ic. 
 the  earth  :  and  ye  know  in  all  your  hearts,  and  in  all 
 your  fouls,  that  not  one  thing  hath  failed  of  all  the  f  Chap, 
 good  things  which  the  Lord  your  God  fpake  concern- 
 
 ing  you  ;  all  are  come  to  pafs  unto  you,  and  not  one 
 thing  bath  failed  thereof. 
 
 15  Therefore  it  fhall  come  to  pafs,  that  as  all  good 
 things  are  come  upon  yon,  which  the  Lord  your  God 
 promifed  you  ;  fo  (hall  the  Lord  bring  upon  you  all 
 evil  things,  until  he  have  deftroyed  you  from  off  this 
 good  land  which  the  Lord  your  God  hath  given  you. 
 
 faithful  obfervance  of  his  laws;  promifing  them  all  the  happinefs  they  could 
 wifh,  in  cafe  they  obeyed  the  Lord  who  bought  them  ;  and  denouncing  tlie 
 greateft  evils,  if  they  turned  their  backs  to  his  precepts.  I  am  old  and  flricken  n 
 age.  He  W'as  110  years  old  when  be  died,  chap.  xxiv.  29.  which  was  probiibly 
 foon  after  he  delivered  this  difeourfe;  which  is  a  flriking  proof  that  the  conclufion 
 of  his  life  was  devoted  to  God  as  entirely  as  his  youth.  He  feeks  not  Ins  own 
 honour;  not  a  word  of  himfelf,  nor  his  fervice,  except  as  the  inftrument  of 
 God,  appointed  to  put  Ifrael  in  polTeflion  of  the  promifed  land  ;  and  this  is 
 only  alluded  to  in  order  to  excite  their  gratitude.  Ver.  7.  Hor  cause  lo  svenr  I'} 
 them;  not  make  a  Gentile  fwear  by  the  name  of  his  god;  which  was  utterly  uH' 
 lawful.  For  this  was  to  fuppofe  they  had  knowledge  of  men’s  tlioiights,  aoJ 
 power  to  punifli  the  perjured.  Ver.  8.  But  cleave  unto  the  I.ord  your  God  os  yt 
 have  done  unto  this  day ;  that  is,  fince  they  had  come  into  the  land  of  Canaan, 
 remarkable  inllance  of  which  they  had  lately  given,  when  the  nine  tribes  and  an 
 half  were  not  more  unanimoufly  refolved  to  extirpate  thofe  that  were  guilty  o! 
 idolatry,  than  the  other  tribes,  which  molt  zealoully  difclaimed  all  inclination  to 
 it.  Ver.  11.  Take  good  heed  therefore.  It  was  a  matter  of  the  laft  confequenct 
 to  them,  to  keep  clofe  to  the  fervice  of  Jehovah  alone,  with  fincere  love  to  him; 
 
 FRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chaf.  XXII.]  They  merit  the  higheft  praife  whofe  regard  for  God,  ardour  and  zeal  in  his  fervice,  are  unabated  by 
 circumflances.  Happy  had  it  been  for  churches  and  nations,  if  all  their  diflTerences  were  condu(5led  with  fo  much  prudence  and  zeal  for  the  glory  of  God,  that  no  fan  * 
 could  be  attached  to  cither  party.  But  the  heft  men  in  this  imperfedl  Hate  are  apt  to  form  mifconceptions,  and  draw  unfavourable  conclufions  of  each  ether  s  conduit. 
 Let  it  be  our  Itudy  fo  to  a61,  that  we41iall  cheerfully  lay  open  our  motives  to  the  infpetftion  of  all  whom  they  concern  :  and  let  us  guard  againft  judging  haftilj’ 
 coiidutil  for  which  we  cannot  account.  Finally,  .let  us  feek  the  things  that  makejTor  peace,  and  that  tend  to -edification. 
 
Ji.s^’Ut  hru/Ii)  rcluteth 
 
 JOSHUA. 
 
 Go  fa  Icnefits,  S^c. 
 
 ]!:'fore 
 
 Ci.riil 
 
 i-ia7. 
 
 a  Geti- 
 II. 31. 
 Jinlith 
 5.  6)  7. 
 
 b  Gen. 
 21.  2. 
 c  Gen. 
 25.  26. 
 cl  Gen. 
 36.  8. 
 e  Gen, 
 46-  6. 
 f  Exodus 
 S.  10. 
 g  Eso  lus 
 12.  37. 
 h  Exodus 
 14.9. 
 
 i  Nurob. 
 21.  33. 
 
 16  When  ve  have  tranfgn'fled  the  covenant  of  the; 
 LoitD  your  God  which  he  commanded  yon,  and  have  ■ 
 gone  and  (erved  other  gods,  and  bowed  yourfelvcs  io| 
 them;  then  fhall  the  anger  of  the  Lord  be  kindled  | 
 againft  you,  and  ye  Oiall  perifh  quickly  from  off  the 
 good  land  which  he  hath  given  unto  you.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXIV. 
 
 1  Joshua  nssemhklh  the  tribes  at  Shechem  ;  2  he  hrkjly  relnlclh  God’s 
 
 bsnejlls  from  Tcmh  ;  14  he  renciveih  the  covenant  between  them  and 
 
 God.  26  J  Slone  the  witness  of  the  covenant,  ^c. 
 
 A  ND  Jofhua  gathered  all  the  tribes  of  Kfael  to 
 Shechem,  and  called  for  the  elders  of  Ifrael,  and 
 for  their  heads,  and  for  their  judges,  and  for  their 
 oflicc-rs  ;  and  they  prefented  themfelves  before  God. 
 
 2  And  JoHiua  laid  unto  all  the  people  Thus  faith 
 the  Lord  God  of  Ifrael,  ^  your  fathers  dwelt  on  the 
 other  fide  of  the  flood  in  old  time,  evett  Terah,  the 
 father  of  Abraham,  and  the  father  of  Nahor  :  and 
 they  ftrved  other  gods. 
 
 3  And  i  took  your  father  Abraham  from  the  other 
 fide  of  the  flood,  and  led  him  throughout  all  the  land 
 of  Canaan,  and  multiplied  his  feed,  and  gave  him 
 Ifaac. 
 
 4  And  I  gave  unto  Ifaac  Jacob  and  Efau :  and  I 
 gave  unto  Efau  mount  Seir,  to  poflefs  it ;  ®  but  Jacob 
 and  his  children  w^ent  down  into  Egypt. 
 
 -  .W  I  lent  IVIofes  aUb  and  Aaron,  and  I  plagued 
 Egypt,  according  to  that  which  I  did  among  them  ; 
 and  afterward  I  brought  yon  out. 
 
 6  And  1 3  brought  your  fathers  out  of  Egypt  :  and 
 ye  came  unto  the  Tea  ;  ■' and  the  Egyptians  purfned 
 after  your  fathers  with  chariots  and  horfenien  unto 
 the  Red  lea. 
 
 7  And  when  they  cried  unto  the  Lord,  he  put 
 darknel's  between  you  and  the  Egyptians,  and  brought 
 the  Tea  upon  them,  and  covered  them  ;  and  your  eyes 
 have  feen  what  I  have  done  in  Egypt :  and  ye  dwelt 
 in  the  whldernels  a  long  feafon. 
 
 8  And  I  brought  you  into  the  land  of  the  Amorites, 
 which  dwelt  on  the  other  fide  Jordan  ;  and  '  they ' 
 
 fought  with  you  :  ^nd  I  gave  them'into  your  band, 
 that  ye  might  pofllfs  their  land  ;  and  i  deflroyed  them 
 from  before  you. 
 
 9  d'hen  Balak  the  fon  of  Zippor,  king  of  Moab, 
 arofe  and  warred  againft  Ifrael,  and  feat  and  called  ^  Numb. 
 Balaam  the  fon  of  Beor  to  curfe  yon : 
 
 loBut  1  V;/oiild  not  hearken  unto  Balaam  ;  rheref'  re^j.  i". 
 he  blefled  you  ftill ;  fo  I  delivered  you  out  of  his  hand. 
 
 1 1  And  ye  went  over  Jordan,  and  came  unto  Jeri¬ 
 cho:  and  the  men  of  Jericho  fought  againd  yon,  the 
 Amorites,  and  the  Perizzites,  and  the  Canaanltes,  and 
 the  Hittites,  and  the  Girgafhites,  the  Pliviies,  and  the 
 Jebufites ;  and  I  delivered  them  into  your  hand. 
 
 12  And  ‘  I  lent  the  hornet  before  you,  which  dravei  Kxoa. 
 them  cut  from  before  you,  even  the  two  kings  of 
 Amorites  ;  but  not  with  thy  fword,  nor  v/ith  thy  bow.  ^ 
 
 13  And  I  have  given  you  a  land  for  which  ye  did 
 not  labour,  and  cities  which  ye  built  not,  and  ye  dwell 
 in  them  ;  of  the  vineyards  and  olive.yards  which  ye 
 planted  not  do  ye  eat. 
 
 14  'll  Now  therefore  fear  the  Lord,  and  ferve  him 
 in  fincerity  and  in  truth  :  and  put  away  the  gods  which 
 your  fathers  ferved  on  the  other  fide  of  the  flood,  and 
 in  Egypt ;  and  ferve  ye  the  Lord. 
 
 15  And  if  it  feem  evil  unto  you  to  ferve  the  Lord, 
 choofe  you  this  day  whom  ye  will  ferve ;  whether  the 
 gods  which  your  fathers  ferved,  that  tccrc  on  the 
 other  fide  of  the  flood,  or  the  gods  of  the  Amorites,  in 
 whofe  land  ye  dwell :  but  as  for  me  aud  my  houfe,  we 
 will  ferve  the  Lord. 
 
 16  And  the  people  anfwered  and  faid,  God  forbid 
 that  we  Ihould  forfake  the  Lord,  to  ferve  other  gods  ; 
 
 17  For  the  Lord  our  God,  he  zsthat  brought  us 
 up  and  our  fathers  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  from  the 
 houfe  of  bondage,  and  which  did  thofe  great  flgns  in 
 our  fight,  and  prel'erved  us  in  all  the  way  wherein  we 
 went,  and  among  all  the  people  through  whom  we 
 palled  ; 
 
 18  And  the  Lord  drave  out  from  before  us  all  the 
 people,  even  the  Amorites  which  dwelt  in  the  land  : 
 
 fmee  all  their  happinofs  depended  upon  his  favour,  and  regard  to  his  fervice  would  | 
 he  the  heft  prefervative  from  idolatry,  which  provoked  the  divine  difpleafure. — An  j 
 explanation  of  the  remainder  of  this  chapter  may  be  feen  in  the  parallol  paffages  in 
 Lev.  xxvi.  Deut.  xxviii,  xxxii. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXIV.  Vcr.  1.  And  Joshua  gathered 
 all  the  tribes  of  Israel ;  that  is,  their  reprefentatives,  as  chap.  xxii.  2.  Shechem, 
 was  a  convenient  place  for  tlie  prefent  purpofe,  not  only  becaufe  it  W'as  a  Le- 
 vitical  city,  a  city  of  refuge,  and  a  place  in  the  neighbourhood  where  JoHiiia 
 refided  ;  but  efpecially  for  the  two  principal  reafons  for  wdiich  he  fummoned 
 •them  thither,  viz.  1.  For  the  folemn  burial  of  the  hones  of  Jofeph,  and  the  reft 
 of  the  patriarchs,  which  is  implied, .  ver.  32.  and  confirmed.  Acts  viii.  15,  16. 
 2.  For  the  folemn  renewing  of, the  covenant  with  God  ;  w  hich  was  at  firft  made 
 here  between  God  and  Abraham,  Gen.  xii.  6,  7.  and  was  again  renewed  on  their 
 entrance  into  Canaan,  between  the  mountains  of  Ebal  and  Gerizzim,  which  was 
 not  far  difiant,  chap.  viii.  SO.  and  therefore  this  place  was  very  proper  to  re-  , 
 mind  them  of  their  former  obligations  to  God,  and  to  engage  them  to  a  fart,her 
 ratification.  Ver.  2.  Your  Jalhers  dwell  on  the  other  side  of  the  flood,  Or,  the  river  , 
 Euphrates,  fo  called  by  way  of  eminence.  Both  Abraham  and  Nahor  appear, 
 to  have  been  idolaters  with  the  reft  of  mankind.  This  probably  is  here  men-  [ 
 tioned  to  prevent  the  Ifraelites  from  vainly  boafting  in  their  w'orthy  ancoftors,  i 
 and  to  affure  them  that  whatever  good  was  in,  or  had  been  done  by  their  pro¬ 
 genitors,  was  not  to  be  aferibed  to  the  r  own  merit  or  righteoufnefs,  hut  wholly  ; 
 flowed  from  God’s  free  grace.  Ver.  7.  I'l.'tH’  eyes  have  seen  udtat  I  have  done  in 
 Egypt.  He  fpeaketh  this  to  the  elders,  who  w'ere  fo  not  only  by  pow'er  and 
 dignity,  but  many  of  them  by  age  ;  and  fi.xty  years  not  having  elapled  fmee 
 itliefa  things  took  place,  it  is  very  probable  that  a  confiderable  number  of  them 
 
 prefent  had  beheld  the  doings  of  the  Lord  in  Egypt  and  the  wildernefs  ;  for 
 being  under  twenty  years  old,  they  had  been  exempted  from  the  dreadful  fen- 
 tence  palfcd  upon  all.  Numb.  xiv.  22.  Vcr.  9.  Balak  warred  againft  Israel.  Ba- 
 lak  may  be  faid  to  have  been  at  war  with  them,  if  not  by  open  force,  yet  by 
 crafty  counfel,  warlike  ftratagem,  magical  art,  and  wicked  devices.  Ver.  14. 
 .\fter  Joftiua  had  fummed  up  the  mercies  experienced  by  them,  in  order  to  fliew 
 what  they  were  indebted  to  the  Lord  for  his  kindnefs,  he  calls  upon  them  to 
 ferve  the  Lord  in  sincerity  and  trulh  ;  v.  hich  terms'  are  either  fynonomous,  or 
 fincerity  is  oppofed  to  a  falfe  and  corrupt  worfliip  of  God  ;  and  truth  is  op- 
 pofed  to  dillimiilation  and  inftability  of  heart.  Ver.  15.  And  if  it  seem  evil) 
 that  is,  unjuft  or  unreafonable,  choose  ye  this  day  whom  ye  ivill  serve,  comp.  1  Kings 
 xviii,  29.  Ruth  i.  8,  IS.  We  muft  not  from  this  fuppofe  tiiat  Joftiua  offered 
 Ifrael  liberty  to  ferve  God  or  idols;  for  both  he  and  they  were  bound  by  tlie 
 law  to  worftiip  God  only,  and  to  beware  of  idolatry  ;  but  it  is  a  rhetorical  and 
 powerful  infinuation,  whereby  he  teaches,  that  the  worftiip  of  God  is  hig  hly 
 reafonable,  iieccffary,  and  beneficial ;  and  the  fervice  of  idols  is  abfurd,  vain,  and 
 pernicious.  But  as  jor  me  and  my  house  we  will  serve  Ihe  Lord.  Joftiua  hereex- 
 preffes  his  fixed  determination,  that  ftiould  they  be  ungrateful,  bafe,  and  foolifti, 
 as  to  prefer  impotent  idols  to  the  fervice  of  the  living  and  true  God,  he  and  his 
 children  and  fervants,  as  far  as  he  could  influence  them,  would  be  conftant  and 
 faithful  to  the  Lord.  Ver.  19.  And  Joshua  said, — Ye  cannot  serve  the  Lord.  Lie 
 fpeaks  not  here  of  an  ahfolute  impoffibility,  otherwife  his  own  refolutioii,  and 
 his  exhortation  to  the  people  to  ferve  the  Lord,  would  have  been  vain  and  ridi¬ 
 culous ;  hut  of  a  moral  impoffibility,  or  a  very  great  difficulty,  w  hich  he  ftates 
 not  to  difenurage  them  ;  hut  only  to  make  them  more  confiderate,  cautious,  and 
 circuml'pedl  how  they  ferved  God.  When  Joftiua  refledled  on  the  infinite  purity 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS  — *  Chap.  XXIIL]  That  man  merits  thehigheft  praife,  and  is  an  example  worthy  of  univerfal  imitation,  whofe  conduct  is 
 approved  by  his  enlightened  confcienco,  his  brethren  and  his  God.  The  innumerable  mercies  of  providence  demand  our  decided  devotednefs  to  the  fervice  of  God  and 
 the  numerous  temptations  wliich  furround,  require  us  to  watch  and  pray,  left  we  forget  the  divine  law.  Scarcely  any  liiarc  is  more  fatal  than  affiuity  or  intimacy  with 
 imbelievars.  Thofe  who  under  theinalk  offriendfliip  tempt  us  to  fin,  frequently  become  our  uioft  determined  aud  cruel  enemies. 
 
 SN 
 
JOSHUA. 
 
 Joi/nia  reneweth  the  covenant^  .Jr. 
 
 Before  therefore  will  we  alfo  i'erve  the  Lord,  for  he  is  our  II 
 
 M27!  God.  H 
 
 19  And  Jofliua  faid  unto  the  people,  Ye  cannot ! 
 ferve  the  Lord  ;  for  he  is  an  holy  God  ;  he  is  a  jea¬ 
 lous  (yod  ;  he  will  not  forgive  your  transgreflions  nor 
 your  fins. 
 
 20  It  ye  forfake  the  Lord,  and  ferve  ftrange  gods, 
 
 “  fhen  he  will  turn  and  do  you  hurt,  and  conlunie  you, 
 
 after  that  he  hath  done  you  good. 
 
 21  And  the  people  faid  unto  Jofhua,  Nay  ;  but  we 
 will  I'eive  the  Lord. 
 
 22  And  Jolhua  faid  unto  the  people  ye  are  witnefl'es  1 
 againft  yourlelves  that  ye  have  chofen  you  the  Lord,  ' 
 to  lerve  him.  And  they  faid,  We  are  witnefl'es.  | 
 
 23  Now  therefore  put  away  (said  he)  the  ftrange' 
 
 gods  which  are  among  you,  and  incline  your  heart 
 unto  the  Lord  God  of  Ifrael.  1 
 
 24  And  the  people  faid  unto  Jofhua,  The  Lord  our 
 
 God  will  we  ferve  and  his  voice  will  we  obey.  | 
 
 25  So  Jofhua  made  a  covenant  with  the  people  that 
 
 day,  and  fet  them  a  ftatute  and  an  ordinance  in  She- ; 
 cheir.  j 
 
 2G  ^  And  Jofhua  wrote  thefe  words  in  the  book  of! 
 the  law  of  God,  and  took  a  great  ftone  and  fet  it  up  ^ 
 there  under  an  oak  that  was  by  the  I'anduary  of  the  | 
 Lord.  ! 
 
 Ih  dieth  and  is  burial, 
 
 27  And  Jofl'iUa  faid  unto  all  the  people.  Behold  Bvfo 
 this  ftone  (hall  be  a  witnefs  unto  us  ;  for  it  hath  heard 
 
 all  the  words  of  the  Lord  which  he  fpake  unto  tis :  it 
 lhall  be  therefore  a  witnefs  unto  you,  left  ye  deny'"^^ 
 your  God,  ^ 
 
 28  So  Jofhua  let  the  people  depart,  every  man  unto 
 his  inheritance. 
 
 29  f  And  it  came  to  pafs  after  thefe  things  that 
 
 Jofhua  the  fon  of  Nun,  the  fervant  of  the  Lord,  died 
 beirig  an  hundred  and  ten  years  old.  * 
 
 so  And  they  buried  him  in  the  border  of  his  inheri- 
 tance  in.“  Timnath-Serah,  which  is  in  mount  Ephraim,  n  cha 
 on  the  north  fide  of  the  hill  of  Gaafh.  ’  jd.  cq! 
 
 31  And  Ifrael  ferved  the  Lord  all  the  days 
 Jolhoa,  and  all  the  days  of  the  elders  that  t  overlived 
 Jofhua,  and  which  had  known  all  the  works  of  the;'ro/olge<j 
 Lord,  that  he  had  done  for  Ifrael. 
 
 32  f  And  the  °  bones  of  Jofeph,  which  the  children 
 
 of  Ifrael  brought  up  out  of  Egypt,  buried  they  iu  She-  o 
 chem,  in  a  parcel  of  ground  which  Jacob  bought  of  p  5o.  25, 
 the  fons  of  Hamor,  the  father  of  Shechem,  for  an  hun- 
 dred  H  pieces  of  filver ;  and  it  became  the  inheritance  p^Cen' 
 of  the  children  of  Jofeph.  33.  Ig, 
 
 33  And  Eleazar  the  fbn  of  Aaron  died  ;  and  they  II  Or, 
 buried  him  in  a  hill  that  'pertained  to  Phinehas  his  fon 
 which  was  given  him  in  mount  Ephraim.* 
 
 of  God  his  jealoufy  of  his  glory,  and  the  pronenefs  of  Ifrael  to  idolatry,  be 
 was  appreherifive  that  after  his  departure,  they  would  apoflatize  from  the  pure 
 vorHiip  of  God,  and  therefore  he  enforces  on  them  with  the  greateft  earneflnefs 
 the  neceffity  of  confiant  decidediiefs  in  the  ferviceof  God,  and  the  habitual  abhor¬ 
 rence  of  every  form  of  idolatry.  lie  will  net  forgioe  your  lranfgre£ions.  You 
 having  profeffed  yourfelves  in  the  moft  folemn  manner  his  fervants,  be  will  not  let 
 you  go  unpunifhed  (liould  you  follow  other  nations  in  their  idolatrous  practices. 
 Therefore  I  call  you  to  weigh  and  confider  the  advantages  and  difadvantages  of 
 taking  the  Lord  for  your  God;  fpr  fliould  you  be  faithful  and  fincere,  you  fliall 
 reap  great  favour  and  benefits;  but  fhould  you  be  falfc  and  forfake  him,  he  will 
 deal  more  feverely  with  you  than  any  other  nation.  Ver.  25.  So  Joshua  made  a 
 covenant  with  the  people  \  he  renewed  the  covenant  which  was  made  with  their 
 fathers  in  the  wildernefs.  It  afterwards  became  common  with  the  bed  kings  to 
 imitate  Jofliua  in  renewing  his  covenant  Ver.  26.  Joshua  wrote  the  covenant  or 
 agreement  of  the  people  with  the  Lord  in  that  volume  which  was  kept  in  the  ark, 
 Deut.  xxxi.  9,  26.  whence  it  was  copied  and  put  into  this  book  of  Jofhua.  The 
 great  Jlone  w  as  fet  up  by  Jofhua  as  a  monument  to  perpetuate  the  remembrance  of 
 this  folemn  action,  and  as  a  witnefs  to  the  honour  of  Ifrael  while  they  kept  the  di¬ 
 vine  law,  or  to  their  difgrade  and  condemnation  if  they  departed  from  God.  The 
 covenant  was  probably  written  on  this  ftone.  It  was  very  common  among  the 
 ancients  to  fet  up  ftones  or  pillars  for  a  ti-ftimony  or  memorial  of  great  or  important 
 events,  Gen.  xxviii.  18.  Exod.  xxiv.  4.  Deut.  xxvii.  2.  Ver.  27.  Thisjlonejhall  he 
 a  viUnefs  unto  vs ;  Jor  it  hath  heard.  Or  rather,  it  ftiall  be  as  fure  a  witnefs  againft 
 us  as  if  it  lieard.  This  is  a  common  figure,  called  projopopceia,  whereby  fenfe  is 
 often  aferi^d  to  the  heavens,  earth  and  other  animated  things,  Deut.  xxii.  1. 
 Ifa.  i  2.  Jer.  ii.  1 2.  Ver.  29.  Soon  aftei  Joflaua  had  delivered  this  laft  and  folemn 
 
 i  charge  to  his  people,  he  was  vifited  by  death.  He  was  one  hundred  and  ten  years 
 old,  during  which  he  had  approved  bimfelf  a  faithful  fervant.  JoCephus  give's  lire  * 
 following  characSler  of  him  “  He  was  a  perfon  of  great  abilities  of  miiul,  and 
 pofTeffed  of  a  facility  of  expreffion  in  rendering  his  great  abilities  intelligible  to  the 
 meaneft  of  the  people;  in  both  thefe  he  was.fuperior  to  his  contemporaries.  Ko 
 lefs  eminent  in  peace,  than  enterprifing  and  intrepid  in  war  ;  he  was  endued  svltli 
 a  prefence  of  mind  that  rendered  him  calm  amidst  the  moft  fudden  emergencies  !  ' 
 and  able  to  take  advantage  of  the  moft  unforefeen  turns  and  viciffitudes.  Ver.  so, 
 And  they  buried  him  hi  the  border  of  his  inheritance.  His  body  was  interred  in  a 
 fepulchre,  in  a  field  of  his  own,  as  it  was  not  then  cuftomary  to  bury  in  towns  and 
 cities.  Ver.  31.  And  Israel  served  the  Lord  all  the  days  of  Joshua,  and  all — tin 
 elders.  As  long  as  these  worthies  and  their  contemporaries  lived,  who  had  beheld 
 the  wonders  of  God,  religion  flourifhed  ;  hut  Ifrael’s  fad  decays  afterward  will  foon 
 appear.  Ver.  32.  In  Shechem  ;  not  in  the  city,  but  in  an  adjacent  field,  compare 
 Gen.  xxxiii.  19.  and  Note  on  Adis  vii.  15,  16.  Ver.  33.  And  Eleazar  the  soimj 
 Aaron  died.  He  lived  but  a  fliort  time  after  Jofirua,  According  to  the  Samaritan 
 clircnicle  he  followed  Jofhua’s  example  in  affembling  the  elders,  together  a  little 
 before  his  death,  when  he  enjoined  on  them  ftridl  obedience  to  God’s  co  r.mands 
 and  took  a  final  farewel  of  them,  and  ftript  himfelf  of  his  holy  garments,  and  clothed 
 Phinehas  his  fon  with  them.  He  was  buried  in  a  piece  of  ground  belonging  to 
 his  loD,  in  the  hill  of  Ephraim,  which  was  either  his  eftate  by  marriage,  or  by  gift 
 of  fome  pious  Ifraelite  for  the  convenience  of  his  being  near  the  tabernacle  in  Shi¬ 
 loh  ;  whereas  the  cities  which  were  given  to  the  priefts  were  in  Judah,  Benjamin, 
 and  Simeon,  which  were  at  a  confiderablee  diftance  from  Shiloh,  though  near  Jo  i 
 rufalem,  the  place  where  it  was  to  have  its  fettled  abode.  i 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS _ *  Chap.  XXIV.]  Like  Jofliua  may  we  live  for  God,  and  fpend  our  lafl  breath  in  his  fervice.  Let  all  who  fpeak  for 
 
 God  exemplify  v'hat  tliey  teach.  But  alas  !  death  quickly  interrupts  the  labours  of  the  great  and  good  on  earth.  It  is  the  happinefs  of  the  Ifrael  of  God  that  their 
 Saviour  and  Lord  continues  for  ever  He  (hall  proceed  in  the  work  of  redeeming  and  leading  his  people  till  they  are  all  prefented  before  his  father  ;  nor  fliall  he  evea 
 then  forfake  them  ;  for  he  (hall  for  ever  lead  them  and  feed  them  betide  fountains  of  living  water,  and  God  fliall  wijie  away  all  tears  from  their  eyes.  His  grace  and 
 and  mercy  attends  on  the  vileft  finner,  who  fubmits  to  him  ;  he  delivers  him  from  mifery,  preferves  him  from  every  enemy,  and  (hall  (hortly  fet  him  down  at  his  right 
 band  on  his  throne  in  the  houfe  of  God.  But  woe  to  all  who  oppofe  him,  they  (hall  not  ftand  before  him  all  the  days  of  his  life.  Fire,  hail,  and  furious  ftorms 
 Hipli  overwhehn  tiieai  in  eternal  ruin.  Nor  liil  his  vi^ories.  be  finithed  (liali  the  luminaries  of  heaven  or  thofe  of  his  church  withdraw-  their  (Lining. 
 
TOE  BOOK  OP 
 
 JUDGES. 
 
 tue  ahgument. 
 
 The  Book  of  Jiidges  contains  the  history  of  the  children  ff  Israel,  from  the  death  of  Joshua  to  the  time  of  Fli  -joho 
 was  the  last  judge :  comprehending  about  three  hundred  years.  The  judges  were  persons  raised  up  bJ God  \n  an 
 extraordinary  manner,  to  deliver  the  people  from  thtir  enemies,  and  to  govern  them.  ^ 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 eir,  1425 
 
 f  Heb. 
 tketliumbs 
 oj  their 
 hnn'Is  ani 
 of  I  heir 
 feet. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 gleo  ned. 
 a  Jofluia 
 10.  06.  So 
 11.21.  & 
 15.  1.3. 
 
 II  Or, 
 low  coun¬ 
 try. 
 
 CHAP.  I. 
 
 1  71x6  eiCls  of  Jicdcih  (lYid  Sirneon,  4  Adoni^hezelc j usily  requited.  8  Jhe~ 
 riisalem  taken.  10  Hebron  taken.  1 1  Uthniel  hath  Achsah  to  wife  for 
 taking  of  Debir.  16  T/ie  Kenties  dwell  in  Judah.  1 7  Hormah,  Gaza, 
 AJkelon,  and  Ekron  taken.  21  The  a^s  of  Benjamin.  22  Of  the 
 house  of  Joseph,  who  took  Beth-el,  ^c. 
 
 NOW,  after  the  death  of  Jofhua,  it  came  to  pafs, 
 that  the  children  of  Ifrael  afked  the  Lord,  fay- 
 inaj.  Who  (hall  go  up  for  us  againft  the  Canaanites 
 firft,  to  fight  againft  them  ? 
 
 2  And  the  Lord  faid,  Judah  fhall  go  up  ;  behold,  I 
 have  delivered  the  land  into  his  hand. 
 
 3  And  Judah  faid  unto  Simeon  his  brother.  Come 
 up  with  me  into  my  lot,  that  we  may  fight  againft  the 
 Canaanites  ;  and  I  iikewife  will  go  with  thee  into  thy 
 lot.  So  Simeon  went  with  him. 
 
 4  And  Judah  went  up;  and  the  Lord  delivered 
 the  Canaanites  and  the  Perizittes  into  their  hand  : 
 and  they  flew  of  them  in  Bezek  ten  thoufand  men. 
 
 5  And  they  found  Adoni-bezek  in  Bezek ;  and 
 they  fought  againft  him,  and  they  flew  the  Canaanites 
 and  the  Perizzites. 
 
 6  But  Adoni-bezek  fled:  and  they  purfued  after 
 him,  and  caught  him,  and  cut  off  his  thumbs  and  his 
 great  toes. 
 
 7  And  Adoni-bezek  faid,  Threefcore  and  ten  kings 
 having  f  their  thumbs  and  their  great  toes  cut  off’ 
 
 II  gathered  their  meat  under  ray  table :  as  I  have  done, 
 fo  God  hath  requited  me.  And  they  brought  him  to 
 Jernfalera,  and  there  he  died. 
 
 8  ^1  Now  the  children  of  Judah  had  fought  againft 
 Jerulalem,  and  had  taken  it,  and  I’mitten  it  with  the 
 edge  of  the  fword,  and  fet  the  city  on  fire. 
 
 9  And  »  afterward  the  children  of  Judah  went 
 down  to  fight  againft  the  Canaanites,  that  dwelt  in  the 
 mountain,  and  in  the  fouth,  and  in  the  ||  valley. 
 
 10  And  Judah  went  againft  the  Canaanites  that 
 
 1444. 
 
 pPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  L  Ver.  1.  Now  after  the  death  of 
 Jfiwi.  Tins  nrofl:  have  taken  place  a  fliort  time  after  his  death,  as  Othniol  the 
 firft  judge  lived  in  his  time.  Being  aflTembled  at  Shiloh,  they  inquired  of  the 
 mgh-prieft  by  the  Urim  and  Thummim.  It  does  not  appear  that  they  alked  of 
 the  Lord  who  was  to  be  the  captain-general  of  all  the  tribes  as  JoRua’s  fuccef- 
 Ihr;  but  what  tribe  fliould  firft  undertake  the  expedition,  that  by  their  fuccefs  the 
 other  tribes  might  be  ftimulated  to  follow  their  example.  Ver.  2.  The  tribe  of 
 Judah  was  chofen  for  the  firft;  enterprife,  for  which  they  were  ttioft  numerous 
 and  courageous,  and  ftood  moft  in  need  of  having  their  borders  extended.  It 
 ,is  probable  that  Caleb  became  general  on  this  occafion  ;  he  was  of  the  tribe  of 
 Judah,  and  at  lead  twenty  years  older  than  any  other;  yet  his  full  ftrength  and 
 Vigour  remained.  And  in  every  other  refpe(5l  he  was  well  qualified °for  the 
 •mportannt  olfice  of  eommaudiog  the  army  of  Ifrael.  He  and  Joihua  were  the 
 ^ly  perfons  on  whom  inluritances  were  conferred  for  their  fignal  fervices. 
 He  alone  is  mentioned  alTuining  power  in  thefe  wars;  and  as  his  fon-in-law 
 tnnie),  was  the  firft  deliverer  of  Ifrael  from  their  oppreffions  ;  it  is  probable 
 lat  he  fucceeded  Caleb  in  this  dignity,  as  his  neareft,  moft.  valiant,  and  worthy 
 Ije  ation.  Ver.  .3.  And  Judah  fait  unto  Simeon  his  brother,  Come  up  udth  me. 
 th  1  " '  ’^saveft  connected,  being  brothers  both  by  father  and  mother,  an:! 
 wr  lots  near  to  each  other;  it  was  therefore  natural  that  they  ftiould  join  in  any 
 
 dwell  in  Hebron  :  (now  the  name  of  Hebron  before  Before 
 
 was  Kirjath-arba :)  and  they  flew  She(hai,  and  Ahi- 
 man,  and  Talmai.  cii^i425. 
 
 thence  he  went  againft  the  inhahi  bjooii^ 
 of  Debir  before  was^^‘ 
 
 Kirjath-lepher  :) 
 
 12  And  Caleb  faid,  He  that  fmiteth  Kirjath-fepher, 
 
 and  taketh  if,  to  him  will  I  give  Achfah  my  daughter 
 to  wife.  ^  ^ 
 
 13  And  Othniel  the  fon  of  Kenez,  Caleb’s  younger 
 
 brother,  took  it :  and  he  gave  him  Achfah  his  daugh¬ 
 ter  to  wife.  '  ° 
 
 14  And  It  came  to  pafs,  when  fne  came  to  him,  that 
 fhe  moved  him  to  alk  of  her  father  a  fidd  :  and  (be 
 
 onto  her, 
 
 What  wilt  thou  ?  ’ 
 
 15  And  ftie  faid  unto  him.  Give  me  a  blefllug :  for 
 
 thou  haft  given  me  a  fouth  land  ;  give  me  allb  fprings 
 of  water.  And  Caleb  gave  her  the  upper  fprings 
 and  the  netner  fprings.  ° 
 
 _  1 6  H  And  the  children  of  the  Kenite,  Mofes’  farher- 
 
 Ib’  IfP-OOt  of  the  city  of  palm-trees  with 
 
 the  children  of  Judah  into  the  wildernefs  of  Judah 
 which  heth  m  the  fouth  of  Arad  ;  and  they  went  and 
 dwelt  among  the  people. 
 
 17  And  Judah  went  with  Simeon  his  brother,  and 
 they  llew  the  Canaanites  that  inhabited  Zephatb,  and 
 
 Slled^i  HorS 
 
 coaft  thereof 
 
 and  A/kelon  with  the  coaft  thereof,  and  Ekron  withU  o^/ie 
 the  coaft  thereof.  pajejid 
 
 19  And  the  Lord  was  with  Judah  ;  and  II  he  drave 
 
 out  the  inhabiiartts  of  the  mountain;  buf  could  not^Numb. 
 drive  out  the  inhabitants  of  the  vallev,  becaufe  thev^^-^^. 
 had  chariots  of  iron.  '  ^  Joihua 
 
 20  And  they  gave  Hebron  unto  Caleb,  as  Mofes  I J  Is.  * 
 
 important  enterprife,  Jolh.  xix  o  Vpr  a  iLTii  ii  TT  ~  ■* 
 
 firft  engagement  they  llew  ten  thoufand  of  the  Siaa^iILV''Ind^“l”^"  ’ ' ® 
 Bezek  not  in  the  city,  which  was  not  yet  taken,  but  in  I'ls  terrJtoJv^"''' v"' 
 
 The  Lord,  or  king  of  Bezek,  as  bis  name  fi.rnifies  havinp-flp)  l’ 
 lost  the  engagement,  they  purfued  him,  took  him’  urifonpr^  ^  he  had 
 
 thumbs  and  hi^  great  toes.  This  would  havp  h  oner,  and  cut  oft  his 
 
 an  extreme,  had  thev  not  in  a  I  mobStv  recp/^^r^  “» 
 
 Others,  in  eidier  cafe  it  was  a  just  remi  tal  ,  .u'  *  uoing  fo  to 
 
 dered  incapable  for  war;  the  lofs  of  their  ihnrr'l^"  os  mutilated  were  ren- 
 and  the  lofs  of  their  great  toes 
 
 fiviftly,  a  no  lefs  important  qualification  than  a  LLrous  ufe  of  ?  nooning 
 cient  warriors.  Ver.  7.  Threefcore  and  ten  kin^s  It  ^  ^ 
 
 us,  that  fuch  a  number  of  kings  lliould  be  collefled  tc  'vor.derful  to 
 
 be  conlidend  that  kingdoms  were  then  lefs  in  extent  »  'ght  fo 
 
 at  that  peiiod  each  city  or  town  had  a  ruler  called  a ’id  numerous,  for 
 
 meet  with  in  Canaan,  and  it  is  probable,  that  foine  vp-  ""’i  ''  ® 
 
 Ifrael  took  polL-ffion  of  the  proinifed  land  thet  were  children  ol 
 
 greater  had  dethroned  the  Itlfer.  Ver  16  -/  ,  serous  and  lie 
 
T/J(?  o(f}s  of  the  home  of  Joseph.  '  JUDGES. 
 
 he  expelled  thence  the  three  fons  of  ^ 
 
 An  angel  rehuheih  Isi'acl  at  Boch 
 
 s 
 
 m. 
 
 Before 
 
 Clirill 
 
 1425. 
 
 e 
 
 28.  19. 
 
 f  Jofliua 
 2.14. 
 
 g  Jofliua 
 
 faid  :  and 
 Anak. 
 
 21  *1  And  the  children  of  Benjamin  did  not  drive 
 out  the  Jebufites  that  inhabited  Jerufalem  ;  but  the 
 Jehufites  dwell  with  the  children  of  Benjamin  in  Je¬ 
 rufalem  unto  this  day. 
 
 22  ^  And  the  houfe  of  Jofeph  they  aUb  went  up 
 againft  Bs-thel ;  aud  the  Lord  tc-fls  with  them. 
 
 23  And  the  houfe  of  Jofeph  fent  to  defery  Beth-el  : 
 Genefis  (now  the  name  of  the  city  before  ivas '  Luz.) 
 
 21;  And  the  fpies  faw  a  man  come  forth  out  of  the 
 city,  and  they  faid  unto  him,  Shew  us,  wepray  thee,  the 
 entrance  into  the  city,  and  ^  we  will  (hew  thee  mercy. 
 ^  25  And  when  he  fliewed  them  the  entrance  into  the 
 city,  they  fmote  the  city  with  the  edge  of  the  fword  ; 
 but  they  let  go  the  man  and  all  his  family. 
 
 26  And  the  man  W'ent  into  the  land  of  theHiftires, 
 and  built  a  city,  and  called  the  name  thereof  Luz  : 
 which  h  the  name  thereof  unto  this  day. 
 
 27  ^  s  Neither  did  Manaffeh  drive  out  the  mhahi- 
 
 17.11,12.  and  her  towns,  nor  Taanach  and 
 
 her  towns,  nor  the  inhabitants  of  Uor  and  her  towns, 
 nor  the  inhabitants  of  Ibleam  and  her  towns,  nor  the 
 inhabitants  of  Megiddo  and  her  towns:  but  the  Ca- 
 naanites  would  dwell  in  that  land. 
 
 28  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  Ifrael  was  ffrong, 
 that  they  put  the  Canaanites  to  tribute,  and  did  not 
 utterly  drive  them  out. 
 
 29  Neither  did  Ephraim  drive  out  the  Canaan¬ 
 ites  that  dwelt  in  Gezer;  but  the  Canaanites  dwelt 
 in  Gezer  among  them. 
 
 30  ^  Neither  did  Zebulon  drive  out  the  inhabitants 
 of  Kitron,  nor  theinhabitants  of  Nahalol ;  but  the  Ca- 
 uaanites  dwelt  among  them,  and  became  tributaries. 
 
 31  ^  Neither  did  Afher  drive  cut  the  inhabitants 
 of  Accho,  nor  the  inhabitants  of  Zidon,  nor  of  Ahlab, 
 nor  of  Achzib,  nor  of  Helbah,  nor  of  Aphik,  nor  of 
 Rehob : 
 
 32  But  the  Afherites  dwelt  among  the  Canaanites, 
 t'  e  inhabhacts  of  the  land;  for  they  did  not  drive 
 them  our. 
 
 33  %  Neither  did  Naphtali  drive  out  the  inhabitants 
 of  Beth-fhemefh,  nor  the  inhabitants  of  Beth-anath  ; 
 but  he  dwelt  among  the  Canaanites,  the  inhabitants  of 
 
 h  Jofliua 
 16.  10. 
 
 defeended,  Numb.  xxiv.  21,  22.  and,  from  this  it  appears  that  they  bad  accompa¬ 
 nied  the  liraelites  into  Canaan  and  received  there  an  inheritance,  chap.  iv.  IJ,  17. 
 1  Sam.  XV.  6,  &c.  Ver.  19.  But  could  nol  drive  out  the  inhabitants  of  the  v.'illc!/,  be- 
 teause'  they  had  chariots  of  iron.  The  fource  of  all  the  evils  which  befel  the  children 
 of  Ifrae),  was  their  diftrufl;  of  the  pow’er  of  that  God,  who  had  fo  often,  and  fo  mi- 
 racu'oufly  prcte(5led  and  aflifled  him.  Ver.  28.  They  jtul  the  Canaanites  to  tri- 
 lute.  Their  allowing  them"  to  become  tributaries  when  they  were  under  an  obli¬ 
 gation  to  extirpate  them  if  they  did  not  quit  their  idolatry,  indicated  covetoufnefs, 
 pr  a  great  propenfity  to  their  fuperflitions,  wasadiredl  violation  of  a  divine  com¬ 
 mand,  an  a<5l  of  open  rebellion  again  fl  God,  confidered  as  their  King,  and  in¬ 
 volved  them  in  all  that  train  of  miferies  and  corruptions,  which  had  been  denounced 
 as  the  punifliment,  and  were  the  natural  effe(fls  of  theif  pufillanimous  lenity. 
 Ver.  36.  Akrabbim,  was  in  the  fouthern  part  of  Canaan,  Jcfli,  xv.  2,  3.  whence  it 
 proceeded  to  the  north.  Hence  we  Re  that  the  ancient  inhabitants  continued  to 
 poffefs  a  confiderable  extent  of  country  ;  and  it  is  remarkable  that  fome  of  them 
 remained  till  after  our  Saviour’s  lime. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  II.  Ver.  1.  Bochim,  was  not  the 
 name  of  the  place,  but  given  it  on  this  occafion,  the  term  fignifies  the  place  oj 
 
 the  land  ;  ncverthelefs  the  inhabitants  of  Beili-fhemefli 
 and  of  Beth-anath  became  tributaries  unto  them. 
 
 34-  And  the  Amorites  forced  the  children  of  Dan 
 into  the  mountain  :  for  they  would  not  fuller  them 
 to  come  down  to  the  valley  : 
 
 35  But  the  Amorites  would  dwell  in  mount  Heres.  „ 
 in  Aijalon,  and  in  Shaalbim  ;  yet  the  hand  of  the  houfe  L/'’’ 
 of  Jofeph  t  prevailed,  fo  that  they  became  tributaries. /icnj.y. 
 
 36  And  the  coaft  of  the  Amorites  wos  from  11  the  II 
 going  up  to  Akrabbim,  from  the  rock,  and  upward.* 
 
 CHAP.  II. 
 
 t  An  angel  rcbvketli  the  people  at  Bochim.  6  The  wickedness  of  the  new 
 
 generation  after  Joshua;  14  God's  anger  and  pity  towards  them. 
 
 20  The  Canaanites  are  left  fo  prove  Israel. 
 
 ND  an  !|  angel  of  the  Lord  came  up  from  Gib  !l  Or, 
 gal  to  Bochim,  and  faid,  I  made  you  to  go  up 
 out  of  Egypt,  and  have  brought  you  unto  the  land 
 which  1  fware  unto  your  fathers ;  and  I  faid,  I  will 
 never  break  my  covenant  with  you, 
 
 2  And  ^  ye  fhall  make  no  league  with  the  inhabitants  a  Dout. 
 
 of  this  land  ;  ye  fitall  throw  down  their  altars:  but^-^* 
 ye  have  not  obeyed  my  voice;  why  have  ye  done, 2  3“*’ 
 this  ?  ■ 
 
 3  Wherefore  I  alfo  faid,  I  will  not  drive  them  out 
 from  before  you  ;  but  they  fhall  be  <=  as  thorns  in  your  *=  ua 
 fides,'  and  their  gods  fhall  be  a  (hare  unto  you. 
 
 4  And  it  came  to  pal's,  when  the  angel  of  the  Lord  23.  sx'si 
 fpake  thefe  words  unto  all  the  children  of  Ifrael,  that  34. 12. 
 the  people  lifted  up  their  voice  and  wept. 
 
 5  And  they  called  the  name  of  that  place  H  Bochim :  II  That  is, 
 and  they  facrificed  there  unto  the  Lord. 
 
 6  ^  And  when  JoOiua  had  let  the  people  go,  the 
 children  of  Ifrael  went  every  man  unto  his  inheritance 
 to  poffefs  the  land. 
 
 7  And  the  people  ferved  the  Lord  all  the  days  of 
 
 Jofhua,  and  all  the  days  of  the  elders  that  f  outlived 
 Jolhua,  who  had  feen  all  the  great  works  of  the  LoRD2a°,n/'„ 
 that  he  did  for  Ifrael.  Joshua. 
 
 8  And  Jofhua  the  fon  of  Nun,  the  fervant  of  the 
 Lord,  died,  being  an  hundred  and  ten  years  old. 
 
 9  And  they  buried  him  in  the  border  of  his  inh°ri- 
 tance  in  Timnaih-heres,  in  the  mount  of  Ephraim,  on 
 the  north  fide  of  the  hill  Gaafli. 
 
 10  And  alfo  all  that  generation  were  gathered 
 
 ■y 
 
 weeping,  probably  it  was  Shiloh.  The  Jews  are  generally  of  opinion,  tliat  ly 
 this  angel  we  are  to  iinderltand  a  prophet,  whom  they  fuppofe  to  have  been  Pliiiie- 
 bas.  But  there  is  fufficient  reaibn  to  believe,  that  the  perfon  wlio  here  reprovtJ 
 the  Ifraelitcs,  was  more  than  a  created  angel  ;  for  who  but  God  can  fpeak  in  this 
 llyle,  I  made  you  to  go  ont  of  Egypt ;  therefore  Chriftian  interpreters  have  fiiffi- 
 cient  reafon  to  conclude,  that  it  was  the  Son  of  God,  who  is  frequently  ftyleci  in 
 feripture,  The  angel  of  the  covenant.  It  was  fit  that  he  fliould  now  appear  com- 
 ing_/ro?n  Gilgal,  where  he  liad  fpoken  to  Ifrael  about  their  entrance  into  Canaan, 
 affured  them  of  his  prefence  in  aflifling  them  in  conquering  tlie  land,  and  renewed 
 w  ith  them  the  covenant  by  ciixumcifion  :  Jofli.  v.  This  circum  fiance  was  there¬ 
 fore  calculated  to  convince  them  of  their  bafe  ingratitude,  and  difobedience  to  the 
 injundlion  to  extirpate  the  Canaanites.  Ver.  3.  Forefeeing  their  unbelieving 
 and  untrablahle  difpofitipn,  Cod  had  long  before  this  period  wa  tied  Ifrael 
 of  the  fatal  confequences,  arifing  from  the  divine  tiil'pleafure,  and  the  evils  wllti 
 which  he  would  permit  the  enemy  to  afflict  them.  Numb.  xxx.  53.  Ver.  6. 
 And  when  Jashna  had  let  the  people  go.  That  is,  at  the  time  he  diftnilfeJ  them, 
 
 after  carting  lots,  and  dividing  the  land  among  them.  Ver.  10.  By  Ih 
 
 it  gene-n- 
 
 tion. 
 
 muft.  be  underllood  not  only  thofe  who  had  the  mighty  works  of  God 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  1.1  Acknowleding  the  Lord  in  all  our  ways,  we  fliall  be  animated  by  him  in  our  proper  work,  and  prolecute 
 it  with  foccefs.  The  more  honour  or  ability  which  God  gives  to  any  man,  the  more  important  and  difficult  the  work  which  he  affigns  them.  God  fearful^ 
 Liimbles  the  prciid,  and  often  marks  their  fins  in  thtir  punifliment;  but  fuch  as  fufifer  with  the  people  of  Gcd  fliall  lliare  witn 
 
 belief,  floth,  or  cowardice,  hinder  the  performance  of  duty,  and  prevent  or  mar  our  happinefs.  Let  us  learn  from  the  hifiory  of  Ifrael,  that  the  Chntuan  (.3 
 never  be  faid  to  have  finilhed  his  war,  till  he  undrefs  for  the  grave  ;  the  laft  enemy  that  fiiall  be  deiiroyed  is  death.  Let  not  nm  t  ipip  ore.  t  lat  mititi  i  on 
 harnefs  boa/t  like  him  that  putteth  it  offi.  May  we  fight,  till  the  day  of  our  deliverance,  under  the  banner  of  achovab,  aliaied  that  L.i 
 people  of  God. 
 
 Let  not  liim  therefore,  that  puttetli  on 
 
 ere  remaineth  a  refi.  for  t..e 
 
140S. 
 
 e  Pftil'''* . 
 44.  1  ‘3. 
 Jfaiali 
 50.  1. 
 
 f  Levlt. 
 56. 
 
 Deut.  28. 
 f  Heb. 
 
 'saved. 
 
 ani^er  and  pi/y  to  Israel. 
 
 p.ibro  unto  their  fathers ;  and  there  arofe  another  genera- 
 ciirift  them,  which  knew  not  the  Loud,  nor  yet 
 
 the  works  which  he  had  done  for  Krael. 
 
 11^  And  the  children  of  Ifrael  did  evil  in  the  fight 
 of  the  Lord,  and  ferved  Baalsm.*  ^ 
 
 12  And  they  forfook  the  Lord  God  of  their  fa¬ 
 thers,  which  brought  them  out  of  the  land  of  Egyp.t, 
 and  followed  other  gods,  of  the  gods  of  the  people 
 that  were  round  about  them,  and  bowed  therafelves 
 unto  them,  and  provoked  the  Lord  to  anger. 
 
 13  And  they  forfook  the  Lord,  and  ferved  Baal 
 and  Afhtaroth. 
 
 14  H  And  the  anger  of  the  Lord  was  hot  againff 
 Ifrael,  and  he  delivered  them  into  the  hands  of  fpoilers 
 that  fpoiled  them,  and  ®  he  fold  them  into  the  hands 
 of  their  enemies  round  about,  fo  that  they  could  not 
 any  longer  Land  before  their  enemies. 
 
 15  Whitherfoever  they  went  out,  the  hand  of  the 
 Lord  was  againfl  them  for  evil,  as  the  Lord  had 
 faid,  and  ^  as  the  Lord  had  fworn  unto  them :  and 
 they  were  greatly  diflrefled. 
 
 16  H  Neverthelefs  the  Lord  raifed  up  judges, 
 w'hich  t  delivered  them  out  of  the  hand  of  thofe  that 
 fpoiled  them. 
 
 17  And  yet  they  would  not  hearken  unto  their 
 judges,  but  they  went  a  whoring  after  other  gods,  and 
 bowed  themfelves  unto  them:  they  turned  quickly 
 out  of  the  way  which  their  fathers  walked  in,  obeying 
 the  commandments  of  the  Lord  :  but  they  did  not  fo. 
 
 18  And  wheji  the  Lord  raifed  them  up  judges, 
 then  the  Lord  was  with  the  judge,  and  delivered 
 them  out  of  the  hand  of  their  enemies  all  the  days 
 of  the  judge :  for  it  repented  the  Lord  becaufe  of 
 their  groanings,  by  reafon  of  them  that  oppreffed 
 them,  and  vexed  them. 
 
 19  And  it  came  to  pafs,  s  when  the  judge  was  dead, 
 that  they  returned,  and  |1  corrupted  themselves  more 
 than  their  fathers,  in  following  other  gods,  to  ferve 
 them,  and  to,  bow  down  unto  them  ;  f  they  ceafed  not 
 from  their  own  doings,  nor  from  their  ftubborn  way. 
 
 20  ^  And  the  anger  of  the  Lord  was  hot  againlt 
 Ifrael ;  and  he  faid,  Becaufe  that  this  people  ha'h 
 tranfgreffed  my  covenant  which  I  commanded  their 
 fathers,  and  have  not  hearkened  unto  my  voice, 
 
 21  I  alfo  will  not  henceforth  drive  out  any  from  be- 
 
 JUD G ES.  They  are  oppreised  hj  Cushan-rishathaim,  c. 
 
 of  the  nations  which  Jofhua  left  when  he 
 
 cir 
 
 IR-fora 
 Chi  i  ft 
 140«. 
 
 g  Chap. 
 3.  12. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 were  cor¬ 
 rupt. 
 
 •t-  H'-b. 
 they  let 
 nothing 
 Jail  of 
 their. 
 
 fore  them 
 
 died :  •  u  V, 
 
 22  That  through  them  I  may  prove  Ifrael,  whether 
 
 they  will  keep  the  way  of  the  Lord,  to  walk  therein, 
 as  their  fathers  did  keep  it,  or  imt.'  ^  •  u  «  n 
 
 23  Therefore  the  Lord  I1  left  thofe  nations, 
 
 out  driving  them  out  haftily  ;  neither  delivered  he 
 them  into  the  hand  of  Jofhua.* 
 
 CHAP.  III. 
 
 1  The  nations  which  were  left  to  prove  Israel ;  5  by  communion  with  them 
 they  commit  idolatry.  8  Othniel  delivcreth  them  from  Cuihan-r isha~ 
 thairn,  12  Ehud  from  Eglon,  tt[C. 
 
 NOW  thefe  are  the  nations  which  the  Lord  lefr, 
 to  prove  Ifrael  by  them  ;  ( even  as  many  0/  Ifrael 
 as  had  not  known  all  the  wars  of  Canaan  ; 
 
 2  Only  that  the  generations  of  the  children  of  11- 
 rael  might  know  to  teach  them  war,  at  the  lean:  luen 
 as  before  knew  nothing  thereof . 
 
 3  Namely,  five  lords  of  the  Philiftines,  and  all  the 
 Canqanites,  and  the  Sidonians,  and  the  Hivites  that 
 dwelt  in  mount  Lebanon,  from  mount  Baal-hermon 
 unto  the  entering  in  of  Hamath. 
 
 4  And  they  were  to  prove  Ifrael  by  them,  to  know 
 whether  they  would  hearken  unto  the  commandments 
 of  the  Lord,  which  he  commanded  their  fathers  by 
 the  hand  of  Mofes. 
 
 5  H  And  the  children  of  Ifrael  dwelt  among  the 
 Canaanites,  Hittites,  and  Amontes,  and  Perizzites, 
 and  Hivites,  and  Jebufites  : 
 
 6  And  they  took  their  daughters  to  be  their  wives, 
 and  gave  their  daughters  to  their  fons,  and  lerved  their 
 gods. 
 
 7  And  the  children  of  Ifrael  did  evil  in  the  fight  of 
 the  Lord,  and  forgat  the  Lord  their  God,  and  lerved 
 Baalim  and  the  groves. 
 
 8  ^  Therefore  the  anger  of  the  Lord  was  hot  againti 
 Ifrael,  and  he  fold  them  into  the  hand  of  Culhao- 
 rifhathaim  king  of  f  Mefopntaraia  :  and  the  children  f  iicb. 
 of  Ifrael  ferved  Cufhan-rifhathaim  eight  years.  Aram- 
 
 9  And  when  the  children  of  Ifrael  cried  unto  the  '“'"“g”'’ 
 Lord,  the  Lord  raifed  up  a  f  deliverer  to  the  children  |  Heb. 
 of  Ifrael,  who  delivered  them,  even  Othniel  the  Ion  sai’fcwr. 
 of  Kfenaz,  Caleb’s  younger  brother. 
 
 10  And  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  f  came  upon  him,  t  Heb. 
 and  he  iudged  Ifrael,  and  went  out  to  war:  and  the’*'°^- 
 
 pfiin  Egypt,  the  Red  fea,  and  the  wildernefs;  but  alfo  thofe  who  had  feen  the 
 .  waters  of  Jordan  dried  up,  the  walls  of  Jericho  fall  down,  the  lun  ftand  fiill,  and 
 their  enemies  deftroyed  by  the  miraculous  hail-ftorm.  Knew  not  the  Lord ;  that 
 is,  acknowledged  not  God  or  his  works,  but  perverfely  fought  after  the  idols  of  the- 
 heathen.  Ver.  1,‘5.  Baal  was  the  fun,  und  Ashtaroth  the  moon  or  Venus;  againft 
 the  worftiipping  of  whom  they  were  ftridliy  warned,  Deut.  iv.  19.  Ver.  14.  He 
 fold  them  into  the  hands  of  their  enemies  round  about ;  that  is  delivered  them  into 
 their  hands,  who,  after  ftripping  them  of  their  goods  and  cattle,  carried  away  their 
 perfons  and  fold  them  for  Haves.  Ver.  16.  The  theocracy  was  at  firft  adminif- 
 teied  by  Jlofes  and  Jofliua,  who  were  exprefsly  appointed  by  God  himfelf,  and 
 adled  as  his  deputies.  When  they  were  taken  away  by  death,  the  fame  mode  of 
 government  was  continued ;  for  God,  who  was  the  King  of  the  Ifraelites,  expref- 
 Jy  nominated  the  fucceeding  raagiftrates,  wiiich  is  implied  in  the  words.  The  Lord 
 raised  up  judges.  Ver.  \S.  It  repented  the  Lord  because  of  their  groanings.  The 
 Lord  being  merciful  had  compaffion  on  them  under  their  opprelTions  ;  when  they 
 cried  unto  ,  him,  he  received  their  prayer  and  lent  them  a  deliverer;  and  fo  did 
 "hat  men  do  when  they  repent  of  a  thing:  that  is,  they  change  their  conduJl, 
 compare  Note  on  Gen.  vi.  6. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Cnap.  III.  Ver.  1,  2.  The  reafons  affigned 
 for  God’s  lenity  towards  the  Canaanites  are  both  political  and  religious.  They 
 were  fpared  that  they  might  keep  the  Ifraelites  in  conftant  alarms,  prevent 
 their  lofs  of  military  difcipline  in  future  generations,  teach  them  the  necelTity 
 j  of  relying  on  the  interpolition  of  providence,  and  that  they  might  give  proof 
 j  wiiether  their  regard  to  the  fervice  of  Jehovah  would  withftand  the  temptation 
 to  idolatry,  compare  Exod.  xxiii.  33.  Ver.  6.  They  took  their  daughters  to  be  their 
 contrary  to  the  exprefs  command  of  God.  And  served  their  gods.  This 
 was  tlie  natural  confcquence  of  their  intermarriages;  which  the  Lord  forefaw', 
 j  and  cautioned  them  againft,  Exod.  xxxiv.  15,  16.  Comp.  Note  on  Deut.  vii.  3,  4. 
 Ver.  8.  Mesopotamia,  lay  between  the  river  Euphrates  and  the  Tigris  ;  fo  that 
 the  firft  enemy  that  oppofed  Ifrael  were  the  Syrians.  Ver.  9.  The  children  of  Is- 
 i  rael  cried  unto  the  Lord;  that  is  towards  the  clofe  of  the  eight  years’  bondage,  they 
 !  forfook  their  idolatrous  worfliip,  and  returned  to  the  Lord  their  God,  earneftly 
 !  begging  pardon  for  their  great  tranfgrelTions,  and  imploring  his  gracious  afllll- 
 i  ance.  Ver.  10.  And  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  came  upon  him.  —  He  bed  an  extraor- 
 I  dinary  motion  from  God  to  take  upon  him  the  government  of  the  people  ;  which 
 i,  none  dared  to  do,  unlefs  appointed  by  God  himfelf.  Jofephus  fancies  that  God 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  II.]  The  fins  of  thofe  who  enjoy  the  oracles  of  God  are  inexcufeable.  To  forfake  God  betrays  great  ignorance 
 and  extreme  w-ickednefs.  But  how  great  is  his  care,  and  tender  compaffion  towards  his  backiliding  and  rebellious  people  !  Deep  are  the  impreffions  of  his  re¬ 
 bukes  when  blelfed.  But  pungent  forrow  or  a  flood  of  tears  cannot  expiate  guilt ;  nothing  lefs  than  the  facrifice  of  the  Lamb  of  God  can  impart  peace  to  the  troubled 
 confcience.  Faithful  minifters  and  niagiftrates  are  an  unfpeakable  hlefiing  to  a  nation  ;  hut  divine  grace  can  alone  preferve  men  in  the  love  and  fear  of  God.  It  is 
 an  alarming  fign  when  youth  grow  up  in  ignorance  and  forgetful uefs  of  God  and  his  mighty  works.  The  mercy  and  patience  of  God  how  great ;  he  pardons  his  un¬ 
 grateful  and  perverfe  people,  and  delivers  them  in  the  moment  of  their  greafeft  extremity ;  but  alas!  how  llightly  are  they  affedled  by  his  mercies  or  judgments. 
 
 Nu.  l5,..Sd.  SO 
 
OJmiel  anti  Ehid  cl  liver  Israel. 
 
 JUDGES, 
 
 Ehud  and  Shamgar 
 
 dcUvi 
 
 'c'r  a 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 cir.  1 S04. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 Aram, 
 
 Lord  delivered  Cufhan-rifhathaim  king  of  f  Mefopo- 
 tamia  into  his  hand  ;  and  his  hand  prevailed  againfb 
 Culhan-rilJiathainl. 
 
 1 1  And  the  land  had  reft  forty  years :  and  Othniel 
 the  fon  of  Kenaz  died, 
 eir.  1354.  12  H  And  the  children  of  Ifrael  did  evil  again  in  the 
 
 fight  of  the  Lord  :  and  the  Lord  ftrcngthened  Eglon 
 the  king  of  Moab  againft  Ifrael,  becaufe  they  had  done 
 eivl  in  the  fight  of  the  Lord. 
 
 IS  And  he  gathered  unto  him  the  children  of  Am¬ 
 mon  and  Amalek,  and  went  and  fmote  Ifrael,  and  pof- 
 fefted  the  city  of  palm-trees. 
 
 14  So  the  children  of  Ifrael  ferved  Eglon  the  king 
 of  Moab  eighteen  years. 
 
 eir.  1336.  15  But  when  the  children  of  Ifrael  cried  unto  the 
 
 Lord,  the  Lord  raifed  them  up  a  deliverer,  Ehud 
 II  Or,  the  fon  of  Gerar,  |I  a  Benjamite,  a  man  f  left-handed  : 
 
 .'ioij  0/ 20 j  by  him  the  children  of  Ifrael  lent  a  prefent  unto 
 l'i7eb.’*  Eglon  the  king  of  Moab. 
 
 shut  of  his  16‘  But  Ehud  made  him  a  dagger  which  had  two 
 
 edges,  of  a  cubit  length  ;  and  he  did  gird  it  under  his 
 raiment  upon  his  right  thigh. 
 
 17  And  he  brought  the  prefent  unto  Eglon  king  of 
 Moab  :  and  Eglon  xms  a  very  fat  man. 
 
 18  And  when  he  had  made  an  end  to  offer  the  pre- 
 fent,  he  fent  away  the  people  that  bare  the  prefent. 
 
 19  But  he  hirafelf  turned  again  from  the  i|  quarries 
 that  -joere  by  Gilgal,  and  faid,  I  have  a  fecret  errand 
 unto  thee,  O  king  :  who  faid,  Keep  filence.  And  all 
 that  ftood  by  him  went  out  from  him. 
 
 20  And  Ehud  came  unto  him  ;  and  he  was  fitting 
 in  a  f  fummer- parlour,  which  he  had  for  himfelf  alone : 
 
 j>aWo«r  ^2nd  Ehud  faid,  I  have  a  meffage  from  God  unto  thee. 
 cooing,  arofe  out  of /ws  feat. 
 
 21  And  Ehud  put  forth  his  left  hand,  and  took  the 
 dagger  from  his  right  thigh,  and  thruft  it  into  his  belly. 
 
 22  And  the  haft  alfo  went  in  after  the  blade  ;  and 
 the  fat  clofed  upon  the  blade,  fo  that  he  could  not  draw 
 
 f  Or,  it  the  dagger  out  of  his  belly  ;  and  the  11  dirt  came  out. 
 came  out  23  Then  Ehud  went  forth  through  the  porch,  and- 
 the  doors  of  the  parlour  upon  him,  and  locked 
 them. 
 
 right 
 hand. 
 
 1!  Or, 
 
 graven 
 
 images. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 appeared  to  the  chief  judges,  fo  that  they  were  fare  they  a(5ted  by  his  autho¬ 
 rity.  The  Chaldee  paraphraft  feems  to  favour  this  opinion,  who  terms  this  call 
 a  jj/irit  oj  jirophecy.  Ver.  12.  The  next  enemy  who  opprelTed  the  children  of 
 Ifrael  were  the  Moabites ;  for  fince  they  worfhipped  the  gods  of  the  peojjle 
 round  about  them,  it  was  fit  they  fhould  be  punifhed  by  thofe  very  people. 
 Ver.  15.  Sent  a  prefent  unto  Eglon  ;  either  their  yearly  tribute,  or  rather  a  gift  to 
 foften  him,  and  induce  him  to  make  their  bondage  eafier.  To  bring  a  prefent 
 to  princes  or  great  men  in  the  eaft,  is  to  this  day  a  token  of  refpeeSI  which  is 
 abfolutelv  necefiary  to  be  obferved  by  all  who  wifli  to  vifit  them.  \or.  16. 
 Upon  his  right  thigh.  This  was  not  only  to  prevent  any  fufpicion,  but  likewife 
 for  the  fake  of  conveniency  ;  for  as  Ehud  was  left-handed,  he  could  draw  the 
 dago-er  the  more  eafilv.  Ver.  20.  I  have  a  m  ffage  Jrom  God  unto  thee;  namely, 
 to  kill  him  ;  as  undoubtedly  he  was  fent  by  God  for  that  purpofe,  for  nothing 
 lefs  than  a  divine  commiflion  could  have  juftified  him  in  fuch  an  adlion  ;  and 
 therefore  this  inllance  can  be  no  warrant  for  the  alfafTination  of  princes. 
 Ver.  30.  Moab  was  fubdued.  We  are  not  to  underftand  here,  that  the  country 
 of  Moab  was  fubdued  by  the  Ifraelites,  but  that  tliey  freed  themfelves  from  the 
 Moabitifh  yoke,  and  ferved  that  nation  no  longer.  And  the  land  had  rejl  J ourscore 
 years;  that  is,  about  fourfeore  years,  which  feem  to  include  the  years  of 
 fubjeaion  to  Moab,  as  the  forty  years,  ver.  11.  include  the  years  of  Ifrael’s  fub- 
 jeaion  to  the  king  of  Mefopotaraia.  This  general  mode  of  expreffion  is  not 
 uncommon  in  the  feripture.  Numb.  xiv.  33.  Ver.  31.  Shamgar  probably  was 
 one  of  thofe  tribes  who  bordered  upon  the  Philiftines,  and  confequently  mufl 
 
 24  When  he  was  gone  out,  his  fervants  came ;  and  Before 
 
 when  they  faw  that,  behold,  the  doors  of  the  parlour 
 were  locked,  they  faid,  Surely  he  H  covereth  his  feet^‘^‘^®> 
 in  his  fumraer-chamber.  iioT^ 
 
 25  And  they  tarried  till  they  were  afhamed  :  and, 
 behold,  he  opened  not  the  doors  of  the  parlour  ;  there- 
 fore  they  took  a  key,  and  opened  them  ;  and,  behold, 
 their  lord  was  fallen  down  dead  on  the  earth. 
 
 26  And  Ehud  efcaped  while  they  tarried,  and  paffed 
 beyond  the  quarries,  and  efcaped  unto  Seirath. 
 
 27  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  he  was  come,  that 
 he  blew  a  trumpet  in  the  mountain  of  Ephraim,  and 
 the  children  of  Urael  went  down  with  him  from  the 
 mount,  and  he  before  them. 
 
 28  And  he  faid  unto  them,  Follow  after  me  ;  for 
 the  Lord  hath  delivered  your  enemies  the  Moabites 
 into  your  hand.  And  they  went  down  after  him, 
 and  took  the  fords  of  Jordan  toward  Moab,  and  luf- 
 fered  not  a  man  to  pafs  over. 
 
 29  ^  And  they  flew  of  Moab  at  that  time  about  ten 
 thoufand  men,  all  f  lufty,  and  all  men  of  valour  ;  and 
 there  efcaped  not  a  man. 
 
 30  So  Moab  was  fubdued  that  day  under  the  hand 
 of  Ifrael.  And  the  land  had  reft  fourfeore  years. 
 
 31  ^  And  after  him  was  Shamgar  the  fon  of  Anath, 
 which  flew  of  the  Philiftines  fix  hundred  men  with  an 
 ox-goad  :  and  he  alfo  delivered  Ifrael.* 
 
 CHAP.  IV. 
 
 1  Eeborah  and  Barak  deliver  Israel  from  Jabin  and  isera.  Jaelkillcth 
 
 Sisera.  23  Jabin  is  totally  subdued. 
 
 ND  the  children  of  Iliael  again  did  evil  in  the  cir.  isia. 
 fight  of  the  Lord,  when  Ehud  was  dead. 
 
 2  And  the  Lord  fold  them  into  the  hand  of  Jabin 
 king  of  Canaan,  that  reigned  in  Razor ;  the  captain 
 of  whole  hoft  was  Sifera,  which  dwelt  in  Harolheth 
 of  the  Gentiles. 
 
 3  And  the  children  of  Ifrael  cried  unto  the  Lord  ; 
 for  he  had  nine  hundred  chariots  of  iron  ;  and  twenty 
 years  he  mightily  oppreffed  the  children  of  Ifrael. 
 
 4  H  And  Deborah,  a  prophetefs,  the  wife  of  Lapi* 
 doth,  Ihe  judged  Ifrael  at  that  time. 
 
 5  And  fhe  dwelt  under  the  palm  tree  of  Deborah, 
 
 Heb. 
 
 Jf.t. 
 
 have  belonged  either  to  Judah,  to  Dan,  or  to  Ephraim.  Slew  of  the  Philiftines fs 
 hundred  men,  who  invaded  the  land  ;  as  a  band  of  thieves  and  robbers,  ported 
 themfelves  in  the  highways,  and  robbed  travellers  as  they  paffed.  Ox-goad.  Tlie 
 goads  ufed  in  this  country  were  of  an  extraordinary  fize  ;  eight  feet  long,  and 
 fix  inches  in  circumference  at  the  larger  end  ;  at  the  leffer  end  they  were 
 armed  with  a  fliarp  prickle  for  driving  the  oxen,  and  at  the  other  end  with  a  finall 
 fpade,  or  paddle  of  iron,  for  cleanfing  the  plough  from  clay  ;  and  confequently  was 
 far  from  being  an  improper  weapon  for  llaughter. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  IV.  Ver.  2.  It  is  certain  that  Jofiiiia 
 burnt  the  city  Hazor,  and  flew  the  king  thereof,  whofe  name  was  Jabin,  which 
 might  poffibly  be  the  common  name  to  all  the  kings  of  the  country,  as  thofe  of 
 Efypt  were  called  Pharaoh.  It  is  probable  that  the  Canaanites  had  rebuilt  the 
 city,  and  appointed  a  perfon  of  tlte  fame  name  with  the  former  king  to  rule 
 over  them,  Jofli.  xi.  1 .  Harosheili  of  the  Gentiles.  Jabin's  general,  Sifera,  refided 
 and  kept  his  army  at  tin's  place,  fo  called  becaufe  it  was  built  by  fome  of  divers 
 nations,  or  inhabited  by  workmen  of  different  countries.  Ver.  3.  And  the  chil¬ 
 dren  of  Israel  cried  unto  the  Lord  ;  for  he  had  nine  hundred  chariots  of  iron.  Ilis 
 power  was  I'o  great,  that  the  Ifraelites  had  no  hopes  of  recovering  their  liberty,  but 
 by  the  help  of  the  Lord.  As  they  increafed  their  fins,  and  repeated  their  revolts, 
 the  Lord  increafed  their  oppreflions,  and  continued  them  the  longer.  The  firft 
 was  only  ciglvt  years,  the  next  eighteen,  and  this  twenty.  Ver.  4.  A  prophetess. 
 This  word  in  fbme  places  denotes  a  perfon  infpired  by  God  to  foretel  future 
 events,  and  work  miracles  ;  in  others  it  fignifies  one  endued  with  extraordinary 
 
 Brought  repeatedly 
 
 Till  Tri.Iv  mi(Tht  Ifrael  fay,  the  Lord  hath  dealt  with  us  lefs  than  our  iniquities  deferve. 
 
 ^  i Lm  faviours  ;  vet  they  continued  to  rebel  and  feek  the  friendfliip  of  his  enemies.  But  let 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.— *  Chap  ^  im  v  cn.uin.ieu  tc 
 
 by  their  iniquity,  into  a  Rate  of  flavery,  he  pitied  them,  ie^ve^them^n  tlie  midft  of  his  enemies,  to  prove  them,  that  they  may  be  fenfible  how 
 
 us  cpccially  remember,  that  they  are  examples  to  us  ;  to  a  G  .  j  P  '  t.h  „„rnofe  of  heart  As  noliflied  ftones  for  his  temple,  they  are  long  preparing,  and 
 
 much  they  are  indebted  to  his  love ;  and  that  they  may  earn  to  c^ve  o  ™  J  tt'h  preferving  us  from  falling,  atfd  grant  us*^ a  Jlace  in  hi. 
 
 all  his  conduiSl  tow'ards  them  is  mercy  and  truth.  Oh  !  that  he  may  nt  us  to  wuuei 
 
 kingdom  for  ever. 
 
jsracl  delivered  hy  DthoraJi  ami  BaraJe, 
 
 JUDGES. 
 
 Jael  hillcth  Sisera^  ^ 
 
 i3eforc  between  Ramah  and  Bethel  in  mount  Ephraim ;  and 
 ciirifi  children  of  Ifrael  came  up  to  her  for  judgment. 
 
 6  And  fhe  lent  and  called  Barak  the  fon  of  Abi- 
 ciTTa^noam  out  of  Kedefh-naphtali,  and  faid  unto  him, 
 ^  Hath  not  the  Lord  God  of  Ifrael  commanded,  flaying. 
 Go  and  draw  toward  mount  Tabor,  and  take  with 
 thee  ten  thoufand  men  of  the  children  of  Naphtali, 
 and  of  the  children  of  Zebulun  ; 
 ft  rfaioi  7  And  I  will  draw  unto  thee,  to  the  river  *  Kifhon, 
 
 83. 9.10.  5ifera,  the  captain  of  Jabin’s  army,  with  his  chariots, 
 and  his  multitude :  and  I  will  deliver  him  into  thine 
 hand. 
 
 8  And  Barak  faid  unto  her,  If  thou  wilt  go  with 
 me,  then  I  will  go  ;  but  If  thou  wilt  not  go  with  me, 
 then  I  will  not  go. 
 
 9  And  fhe  faid,  I  will  furely  go  with  thee :  not- 
 withftanding  the  journey  that  thou  takeft  lhall  not 
 be  for  thine  honour  ;  for  the  Lord  fhall  fell  Sifera 
 into  the  hand  of  a  woman.  And  Deborah  arofe  and 
 went  with  Barak  to  Kedefh. 
 
 10  H  And  Barak  called  Zebulun  and  Naphtali  to 
 Kedefh  ;  and  he  went  up  with  ten  thoufand  men  at 
 his  feet  :  and  Deborah  went  up  with  him. 
 
 11  Now  Heber  the  Kenite,  tiohich  was  of  the  chil- 
 
 b  Numb,  (jren  of  ”  Hobab  the  father-in-law  of  Mofes,  had  fe- 
 10. 29.  himfelf  from  the  Kenites,  and  pitched  his  tent 
 
 unro  the  plain  of  Zaanaira,  which  is  by  Kedefh. 
 
 12  And  they  fhewed  Sifera  that  Barak  the  fon  of 
 Abinoam  was  gone  up  to  mount  Tabor. 
 
 f  Heb.  23  ^f2d  Sifera  t  gathered  together  all  his  chariots 
 or  even  nine  hundred  chariots  of  iron,  and  ail  the  people 
 jfrocia-  that  were  with  him,  from  Harofheih  of  the  Gentiles, 
 maiion.  unto  the  river  of  Kifhon. 
 
 U  And  Deborah  faid  unto  Barak,  Up;  for  this 
 is  the  day  in  which  the  Lord  hath  delivered  Sifera 
 into  thine  hand  :  is  not  the  Lord  gone^out  before 
 thee?  So  Barak  went  down  from  mount  Tabor,  and 
 ten  thoufand  men  after  him. 
 
 erfaim  15  And  '=  the  Lord  difeomfited  Sifera,  and  all  his 
 
 83.9. 10.  chariots  and  all  //is  hoft,  with  the  edge  of  the.fword 
 before  Barak ;  fo  that  Sifera  lighted  down  o3  /lis  cha¬ 
 riot,  and  fled  away  on  his  feet. 
 
 16  But  Barak  purfued  after  the  chariots,  and  after 
 
 talents  for  underftanding  tlie  word  of  God,  and  explaining  it  to  others.  De¬ 
 borah  was  a  prophetefs  in  both  thefe  fenfes.  She  foretold  the  drawing  of  Sifera 
 and  his  army  to  a  particular  place,  the  victory  that  (liould  be  gained  over  him, 
 and  the  delivery  of  him  into  the  hands  of  a  woman  ;  and  flie  W’as  endued  with 
 the  gift  of  wifdom,  vvhicli  qualified  her  to  inftrudl,  to  direcfl,  and  to  govern. 
 Ver.  6.  Tabor,  is  a  very  remarkable  mountain  in  Galilee,  not  far  from  Kadefli,  in 
 the  tribe  of  Zebulun.  It  Hands  in  the  middle  of  a  large  champaign  country, 
 called  the  valley  of  Jezreel.  According  to  Jofephus,  the  height  of  this  moun¬ 
 tain  is  thirty  fladia,  and  on  the  top  of  it  there  is  a  beautiful  plain  of  twenty 
 ftadia  in  circumference.  Ver.  7.  Kijhon.  This  river  has  its  fource  in  mount 
 Tabor,  and  palTing  along  the  valley  of  Jezreel,  is  now  called  the  plain  of 
 Efdraelou,  empties  itfelf  into  the  Mediterranean  fea.  Ver.  11.  Ileber,  had  re¬ 
 moved  from  his  brethren,  who  dwelt  in  the  wildernefs  of  Judah,  chap.  i.  16. 
 and  pitched  his  tent  near  Kedesh  or  Naphtali.  Probably  he  was  a  flieplrerd,  and 
 judged  this  place  moft  convenient  for  his  flock.  Ver.  14.  Is  not  the  Lord  gone  out 
 before  ihee?  This  expreffion,  according  to  the  Hebrew  idiom,  imports  a  ftrong 
 alBi  mation.  The  Targum  is,  “  Is  not  the  angel  of  the  Lord  gone  out  before 
 tliee  to  profper  thee  ?”  Ver.  15.  Thougli  the  particulars  of  the  battle,  are  not 
 felated  in  the  facred  text,  yet  it  appears  from  the  phrafe  rendered.  The  Lord  dis¬ 
 comfited,  that  the  defeat  was  miraculous,  and  owing  to  thunders,  lightnings,  or 
 earthquakes.  Lighted  down  of  his  chariot  in  order  to  efcape  the  purfuit,  and  elude 
 the  enemy,  who  would  not  know  who  he  has.  Ver.  21.  Ihis  adlion  of  Jael 
 
 the  hofl,  unto  Harofheth  of  the  Gentiles :  and  all  the 
 holt  of  Sifera  fell  upon  the  edge  of  the  fword  ;  awt^^ir.  1296. 
 there  was  not  f  a  man  left. 
 
 11  Howbeit  Sifera  fled  away  on  his  feet  to  the^.  neb. 
 tent  of  Jael  the  wife  of  Ileber  the  Kenite  :  for  i/ferewuo  me. 
 was  peace  between  Jabin  the  king  of  Hazor  and  the 
 houle  of  Heber  the  Kenite. 
 
 18  Aud  Jael  went  out  to  meet  Sifera,  and  faid  unto 
 
 him,  Turn  in,  my  lord,  turn  in  to  me  ;  tear  not.  Aud 
 when  he  had  turned  in  onto  her  into  the  tent,  Ihe  co¬ 
 vered  him  with  a  ||  mantle.  '1 
 
 19  And  he  faid  unto  her.  Give  me,  I  pray  thee,  a  lit- 
 
 tie  water  to  drink  ;  for  I  am  thirfty.  And  Ihe  opened  **  d  Chap, 
 a  bottle  of  milk,  and  gave  him  drink  and  covered  i.im,  5.  25. 
 
 20  Again  he  faid  unto  her  ftand  in  the  door  ot  trie 
 tent ;  and  it  lhall  be,  when  any  man  doth  come  and 
 enquire  of  thee,  and  fay  is  there  any  man  here  ?  that 
 thou  fhalt  fay.  No. 
 
 21  Then  Jael,  Heber’s  wife  took  a  nail  of  the  tent, 
 
 and  t  took  an  hammer  in  her  hand  and  went  loftlyfiteb. 
 unto  him,  and  fmote  the  nail  into  his  temples,  and^'“^' 
 faftened  it  into  the  ground  :  (for  he  was  fait  afleep 
 and  weary  :)  fc  he  died. 
 
 22  And,  behold,  as  Barak  purfued  Sifera,  Jael 
 came  out  to  meet  him,  and  faid  unto  him.  Come  and 
 I  will  fhew  thee  the  man  whom  thou  feekeft.  And 
 when  he  came  into  her  tent,  behold,  Sifera  lay  dead, 
 and  the  nail  was  in  his  temples. 
 
 23  So  God  fubdued  on  that  day  Jabin  the  king  of 
 Canaan  before  the  children  of  Ifrael. 
 
 24  And  the  hand  of  the  children  of  Ifrael  f  profper- 1  Heb. 
 ed,  and  prevailed  againft  Jabin  the  king  of  Canaan,  going 
 until  they  had  deftroyed  Jabin  king  of  Canaan.* 
 
 CHAP.  V. 
 
 Deborah  and  Barak's fong  of  thanksgiving. 
 
 Then  fang  Deborah,  and  Barak  the  fon  of  Abi¬ 
 noam  on  that  day,  faying. 
 
 2  Praife  ye  the  Lord  for  the  avenging  of  Ifrael, 
 when  the  people  willingly  offered  themselves. 
 
 3  Hear  O  ye  kings  :  give  ear,  O  ye  princes  ;  I  even 
 1  will  fing  unto  the  Lord;  1  wi.l  fingpraise  to  the 
 Lord  God  of  Ifrael. 
 
 4  Lord,  *  when  thou  vventefl:  out  of  Seir, 
 
 was  hard. 
 
 a  Deut. 
 when  33.  2. 
 
 was  exceedingly  bold  and  hazardous,  and  above  the  courage  of  her  fex  ;  and 
 therefore  we  ti.ay  well  fuppofe,  that  it  was  God  who  in  infpired  her  with  extra¬ 
 ordinary  relblution,  to  difpatch  the  general  of  God’s  eremies.  The  original 
 of  this  verfe  is  emphatical,  and  feems  to  have  loft  feme  of  its  force  by  the  in- 
 fertion  of  the  particles  in  our  verfion  ;  for  according  to  the  Hebrew,  the  latter 
 part  of  the  verfe  fliould  be,  “  And  fraote  the  nail  into  his  temples,  and  it  faf¬ 
 tened  itself  into  the  ground,  and  he  was  faft  afleep,  and  he  was  wearied,  and  he 
 was  dead.”  V’er.  24.  prevailed  againjl  Jabin.  Jofepluis  acquaints  us,  that  im¬ 
 mediately  after  this  vitftory,  Barak  marched  with  his  army  towards  Hazor,  en¬ 
 countered  Jabin  by  the  way,  and  flew  him ;  and  having  killed  tlie  king, 
 laid  the  city  level  with  the  ground,  and  afterwards  governed  Ifrael  for  about 
 forty  years. 
 
 EXFLAN.VTORY  notes.  Chap.  V.  V'er.  1.  Then  JUng  Deborah  and 
 Barak.  This  fong  was  compol'ed  by  Deborah,  who  together  with  Barak,  fung 
 it,  .and  were  joined  by  the  army  or  afleinbly  of  Ifrael.  This  is  as  grand  a  piece 
 of  poetry  as  ever  was  compofed.  The  deferiptions  are  fo  lively,  the  tranfitions 
 fo  quick,  the  ideas  fo  fublime,  the  prefopopoeias  fo  ftrong,  and  the  apoftrophies 
 fo  noble,  that  it  might,  exclufive  of  its  being  infpired,  be  confulered  as  the 
 nobleft  ode  that  ever  the  world  produced.  V'^er.  2.  The  fong  begins  with 
 aferibing  the  victory  to  God,  and  acknowledging  his  wifdom,  goodnefs,  and 
 power,  in  taking  vengeance  of  Ifrael’s  oppreflbrs,  V’er.  3.  Hear  0  ye  kings, 
 give  ear,  0  ye  princes.  This  is  a  noble  apoftrophe  :  tb.e  moft;  exalted  perfonages 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERV^ATIONS.— *  Chap.  IV.J  Contemplate  with  frefti  fatisfaftion,  the  renewed  attention  of  the  Lord  to  his  people.  Their  repeated 
 iniquities  provoke  his  dil'pleafure,  and  bring  on  them  increafed  chaftifement.  But  it  is  the  chaftifement,  the  correiftion  of  a  father,  not  of  an  enemy.  While  they 
 tranfgrefs  their  enemies  may  perhaps  exult,  but  their  triumph  ftiall  be  ftiort ;  for  after  the  Lord  has  corredled  his  people,  he  will  bring  on  their  cruel  aud  unmer¬ 
 ciful  enemies  irretrievable  ruin.  When  God  attacks  there  is  no  Handing;  when  he  purfues  there  is  no  efcaping ;  when  he  begins  he  fliall  make  an  end  ;  but  fuch  as 
 hull  in  him  lliall  not  be  confounded.  They  who  go  forth  in  faith  fliall  return  viaorious.  Even  the  weak  things  of  the  world  fliall  confound  things  that  are  mighty. 
 
Deborah  and  Barak's 
 
 .  JUDGES. 
 
 song  of  thinhgix\nr, 
 
 O' 
 
 Before  ^^011  nvarchedft  out  of  the  field  of  Edom,  the  earth  ' 
 cf  me,  heavens  dropped,  the  clouds  alfo 
 
 v_J_  dropped  water. 
 
 b  Pfahn  5  1  fie  moiiotains  t  melted  from  before  the  Lord, 
 
 97.  5.  even  •=  that  Sinai  from  before  the  Lord  God  of  llrael. 
 
 t  Heb.  Q  In  the  days  of  Saragar  the  fon  of  Anath,  in  the 
 c  E’xod.  highways  were  unoccupied,  and  the 
 
 19.18.'  t  travellers  walked  through  f  by-ways, 
 d  Chap.  7  'I  he  inhabitants  o/’the  villages  ceafed,  they  ceafed 
 in  Ifrael,  until  that  I  Deborah  arofe,  that  I  arofe  a 
 4. 17^^''  mother  in  Ifrael. 
 
 t  Hob.  8  'Lhey  chofe  new  gods  ;  then  teas  war  in  the  gates  ;  i 
 walkers,  of  was  there  a  fhield  or  I'pear  feen  among  forty  thoufand  | 
 
 Tfieb. 
 
 crooked  9  My  heart  is  toward  the  governors  of  Ifrael,  that 
 ways.  offered  themfelves  willingly  among  the  people.  Blefs 
 ye  the  Lord. 
 
 II  Of.  10  II  Speak,  ye  that  ride  on  white  affes,  ye  that  fit 
 Meditate,  in  judgment,  and  w'alk  by  the  way. 
 
 1 1  They  that  are  delivered  from  the  Doife  of  archers  in 
 the  places  of  drawing  water,  there  (hall  theyrehearfe 
 
 t  Heb.  the  f  righteous  ads  of  the  Lord,  even  the  righteous 
 ads  toward  the  inhabitants  of  his  villages  in  Ifrael :  then 
 ^fhall  the  people  of  the  Lord  go  down  to  the  gates. 
 
 12  Awake,  awake,  Deborah  ;  awake,  awake  ;  utter 
 a  fong  :  arife,  Barak,  and  lead  thy  captivity  captive, 
 thou  fon  of  Abinoam. 
 
 13  Then  he  made  him  that  remainetli  have  dominion 
 over  the  nobles  among  the  people :  the  Lord  made 
 me  have  dominion  over  the  mighty. 
 
 14  Out  of  Ephraim  was  there  a  root  of  them  againft 
 Amalek:  after  thee,  Benjamin,  among  thy  people: 
 
 are  called  upon  to  give  their  attention  to  a  fiibjecfl  worthy  of  their  notice  ;  to  a 
 prophet  while  finging  unto  the  Lord  ;  to  a  prophet  while  praifing  the  God  of 
 Ifrael.  Ver.  4.  Lord,  when  thou  wentejl  out  of  Scir.  This  journey  is  heightened 
 with  images  that  convey  the  moll  exalted  ideas  of  the  divine  majelly.  As  be 
 moves,  the  earth  trembles,  the  heavens  drop,  the  clouds  dilTolve  into  water,  and 
 the  mountains  melt ;  but  what  God  is  it  that  appears  with  I’uch  majelly  !  who 
 but  the  Lord  from  Sinai  ?  who  but  the  Lord  God  of  Ifrael  ?  Seir  and  Edom  are 
 dilferent  names  for  tlie  fame  country.  The  prophetefs  about  to  praife  God  for 
 prelent  mercies,  takes  in  ancient  deliverances  granted  llrael.  It  is  probable  to 
 connecfl  in  one  view,  God’s  pad  and  prefent  mercies.  This  is  common  in  the 
 I’acred  oracles.  Ver.  5.  The  mountains  melted  from  before  the  Lord ;  that  is,  the 
 nhabitants  of  them  were  enfeebled  through  fear;  the  Lord  going  before  Ifrael  in 
 a  pillar  of  cloud  and  fire,  and  delivering  mighty  kings  and  their  kingdoms  into 
 their  hand.  Ver.  6.  In  the  days  of  Shamgar.  He  kept  the  enemies  of  Ifrael  in 
 awe,  chap.  iv.  31.  but  it  is  probable  that  the  deliverance  which  he  effected  was 
 partial  and  incomplete,  compared  with  that  which  is  the  fubjedl  of  Deborah’s 
 fong.  Jael  is  here  mentioned  not  as  a  judge,  but  as  a  woman  of  mafeuiine 
 fpirit,  who  endeavoured  to  do  what  good  file  could  to  Ifrael.  The  highways 
 were  unoccupied.  All  commerce  was  at  a  Hand,  the  enemy  infelled  and  fcoured 
 the  public  roads,  and  tiu  merchants  were  obliged  for  their  lecurlty  to  travel  in 
 unfrequented  paths.  Ver.  7.  As  thofe  who  govern  well  are  llyled  yhlAcr5,  of  their 
 country,  fo  it  was  proper  for  her  to  call  herfelf  a  mother  in  Israel.  Ver.  8.  They 
 chose  them  new  gods.  The  idolatries  of  the  afraebtes  were,  according  to  the  divine 
 ihreatenings,  the  fruitful  fources  of  all  tiierr  calamities.  Oates  aie  put  for  cities, 
 Gen.  xxii.  1  7.  Deut.  xvii.  2.  Ifti?’  in  the  gates,  means,  that  their  defenced  cities 
 \.  ere  befieged,  if  not  taken  by  the  enemy.  llrael  were  without  any  weapons  of  dc- 
 Ihnce  ;  they  had  no  shield  or  spear  ;  their  arms  were  feized  by  the  enemy,  or  they 
 had  no  courage  to  ufe  them,  becaufe  they  defpaired  of  obtaining  their  liberty. 
 ^'er.  9.  My  heart  is  toward  the  governors  of  Israel.  The  prophetels  melted  with 
 the  idea  of  the  difirefs  of  her  country,  immediately  recolle(5ls  the  inftruments  by 
 whom  it  was  refeued  ;  and  addrelTos  them  in  a  noble  apollrophe,  wi,ich  at  once 
 tellifies  her  gratitude  to  them,  and  her  piety  towards  God:  Rless  ye  the  Lord  ! 
 Ver.  10.  Ye  that  ride  on  while  asses  ;  that  is,  the  governors,  princes,  and  nobles. 
 A^  there  were  no  borfes  in  Judea,  but  thole  which  were  purcliafed  from  other 
 countries,  fn-ir  beafts  of  burden  were  alTes,  and  thefe  alfo  were  ufed  to  ride  on  by 
 t  ’c  ci;ii-f  pcrlbns  of  the  country,  chap.  x.  4.  xii.  14.  compare  Note  on  Luke  xix. 
 
 Ver.  11.  They  that  are  delivered  from  the  noise  of  archers  in  the  places  oj 
 dr.-.wing  water  :  that  is,  the  lliepherds  that  ufed  to  lead  their  thirlly  flocks  to  the 
 Ipi  ings  of  v.ater,  but  were  repuifed  or  llain  by  archers  who  lurked  in  the  adjacent 
 w.  els.  Ver.  12.  Awake,  awake,  Deborah.  This  apoftrophe  from  the  various 
 o.i.  us  of  her  countrymen  to  herfelf,  is  the  moft  animated  that  could  pof- 
 U'a.y  be  conceived ;  anJ  the  noble  tranfition  frpui  herfelf  to  Barak,  whom  Ihe 
 
 out  of  Machlr  came  down  governors,  and  out  of  Zc- 
 bulun  ttiey  that  f  handle  the  pen  of  the  writer. 
 
 15  And  the  princes  of  Iffachar  were  with  Deborah  ; 
 
 even  Iffachar,  and  allb  Barak  :  he  was  fent  on  f  toot  j- 
 into  the  valley.  |1  For  the  divifions  of  Reuben  there  draw 
 were  great  t  thoughts  of  heart.  x7f"’‘L 
 
 16  Why  abodeff  thou -among  the  ffieep-folds, 
 
 hear  the  bleatings  of  the  flocks  ?  I1  For  the  divifions  of  ll  Or,' 
 Reuben  there  vtere  great  fearchings  of  heart.  ^[\iheoi, 
 
 17  Gilead  abode  beyond  Jordan  :  and  why  did  Dan? 
 
 remain  in  fhips?  Affier  continued  on  the  fea-jlfiiore, 
 and  abode  in  his  H  breaches.  )|  Or, 
 
 18  Zebulnn  and  Naphtali  tscre  a  people  that  t  jeo-  II 
 
 parded  their  lives  unto  the  death  in  the  high  places  of 
 the  field.  creeks, 
 
 19  The  kings  came  fought;  then  fought  the  t  Heb. 
 
 kings  of  Canaan  in  Taahach  by  the  waters  of  '• 
 
 giddo  ;  they  took  no  gain  of  money. 
 
 20  They  fought  from  heaven;  the  ffars  in  their 
 
 I  courfes  fought  againft  Sifera.  •  t  Heb, 
 
 21  The  river  of  Kifhon  fwept  them  away,  that  an-^'"'''*- 
 cient  river,  the  river  Kiffion.  O  my  foul,  thou  haft 
 trodden  down  lirength. 
 
 22  I'hen  were  the  horfe-hoofs  broken  by  the  means 
 
 of  the  !1  pranciogs,  the  prancings  of  their  mighty  ones.  II  Hr, 
 
 23  Curfe  ye  Meroz,  (faid  the  angel  of  the  Lord,) 
 curfe  ye  bitterly  the  inhabitants  thereof;  becaufe 
 they  came  not  to  the  help  of  the  Lord  ;  to  the  help  of 
 the  Lord  againft  the  mighty. 
 
 I  24  Blefl’ed  above  women  Ihall  Jael  the  wife  of  Ile- 
 I  ber  the  Kenite  be  ;  blefifed  fhall  Ihe  be  above  women 
 I  in  the  tent. 
 
 exhorts  to  lead  his  captives  in  folemn  proceflion  to  the  houfe  of  God,  conveys 
 a  grander  image  to  the  mind  than  can  polfibly  be  explained.  Ver.  1-1.  Gova- 
 nors  fignify  the  principal  perfons  in  the  country.  They  that  handle  the  pen  ;  that 
 is,  men  of  letters,  who  though  more  converfant  in  books  than  arms,  offered  their 
 fervice  to  Barak.  Ver.  15.  Tlie  princes  mentioned  in  this  verfe  came  and  offered 
 their  fervice,  when  they  heard  that  Balak  had  fnnimoned  Zebulon  and  Naphtali. 
 And  also  Barak.  The  word  tranflated  and  also,  fignifies  as,  or  like  to;  that  is,  they 
 were  as  forward  as  Barak  to  take  the  field,  though  tiiey  had  no  fumnions.  He 
 was  sent  on  foot  into  the  valley.  The  intrepidity  of  this  commander  will  appear  19 
 great  advantage,  if  we  confider  that  he  atSled  in  a  plain  againft  the  cavalry  of 
 the  enemy,  and  obtained  a  vitTory  againft  every  natural  means  that  could  pof- 
 fibly  be  brought  againft  him.  For  the  divisions  of  Reuben  there  were  great  Ihoughli 
 of  heart.  The  Reubenites  were  fo  divided  in  their  counfels,  that  none  of  them 
 1  came  to  the  affiftance  of  their  brethren,  which  occafioned  gre.at  uneafinefs  in  tlie 
 Ifraelitifli  army.  Ver.  IG.  IFhy  abodejl  thou  among  the  Jheey-Jolds  f  Their  private 
 bttfinefs  fo  engroffed  their  attention,  that  they  ftiamefully  neglecSled  liie  good 
 of  the  public,  and  the  honour  of  God.  Ver.  17.  Gilead.  Under  this  name  are 
 comprehended  the  Gadites  who  dwelt  in  that  country  with  the  children  of  Machir, 
 Jofli.  xiii.  24,  25,  29 — 31.  Rulers  from  the  family  of  Machir  came,  ver.  H. 
 hut  the  Manaflites  and  Gadites  were  unmoved  by  their  exainple.  And  why  did 
 Dan  remain  in  ships  ^  She  reproves  this  tribe,  which  i:ihabited  ne.ar  the  fea  lot 
 minding  their  merchatidife  only,  while  their  brethren  hazarded  their  lives  in  tlic 
 field.  Asher  continued  on  the  sea-shore.  Tliis  tribe  alfo  bordered  on  the  Mediter- 
 renean,  where  they  continued  in  their  breaches  and  creeks,  .and  refufed  to  join 
 their  brethren  in  the  common  caufe.  Ver.  18.  Zebulun  and  Naphtali  were  a  ]>ea- 
 pis  that  jeoparded  their  lives  unto  the  death.  They  were  the  only  people  who  una- 
 nimoully  d«fpifed  death  in  comparif  n  with  their  religion  and  the  liberty  ot  theit 
 country.  Ver.  19.  The  kings  came  and  f ought.  Jahin  had  feveral  confederates, 
 who  had  joined  their  forces  with  his,  to  reduce  the  Ifraelites  to  obedience. 
 lock  no  gain  of  money  ;  that  is,  they  freely  engaged  with  .Tabin,  maintaining  tlicit 
 own  troops,  without  demanding  any  fupplies  from  him.  Dr.  Gill  thinks  tiie 
 meaniog  is,  that  they  came  big  with  expecSlation  of  a  large  booty  among  the 
 Ifraelites,  but  were  difappointed  and  obliged  to  fly  without  any.  Ver.  20.  Tiii'Hl 
 /ought  from  heaven.  God  fought  for  the  Ifraelites,  by  fending  thunder  and  light¬ 
 ning,  and  hailftones  from  heaven  upon  the  Canaamtes,  compare  Jofli.  x.  1 1.  1  Sam. 
 vii.  10.  The  Jiurs  in  their  courses  fought.  Some  by  ftars  underftand  angels,  as  m 
 Job  xxxvii.  7.  If  we  take  the  word  literally,  it  fignifies,  that  fome  very  dreadiu 
 meteors,  (which  tlie  ftars  were  thought  to  influence,)  fuch  os  fierce  tlaflies  o 
 lightning,  impetuous  fliowers  of  rain,  and  rapid  storms  of  hail,  were  employed  hj 
 the  Almighty  to  terrify,  annoy,  and  overtlirow  the  rncniics  of  llrael.  Ver.  2h 
 The  Iwelling  of  Kishon  at  this  jundlure  was  miraculous,  becaufe  at  other  times  tt 
 was  fo  very  Ihallovv,  as  to  be  eafily  forded,  aud  Tallier  deferved  the  name  o:  J 
 
 before 
 
 HliViii 
 
J,rad  opprcsif’d  by  Midian 
 
 IJfIbrc 
 
 rijrin. 
 
 ci.-. 
 
 t  Ileb. 
 
 the  ham- 
 
 I  Heb. 
 
 jiciween. 
 
 I  ricb. 
 
 Hesiro^ed. 
 
 JUDGES. 
 J/im  milk ;  fiu’ 
 
 ^  prophet  relufeeth  them- 
 
 110 '  dSi 
 
 oj  a 
 
 cir.  125d. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 
 •tins 
 
 Strong. 
 
 25  He  allced  water,  and  fhe  gave 
 brought  forth  butter  in  a  lordly  dilb. 
 
 26  She  put  her  hand  to  the  nail,  and  her  right  hand 
 to  the  workmen’s  hammer ;  and  t  with  the  hammer 
 fhe  fmote  Sifera :  fhe  I'mote  off  his  head,  when  fhe 
 had  pierced  and  ftricken  through  his  temples. 
 
 27  f  At  her  feet  he  bowed,  he  fell,  he  lay  down  ; 
 at  her  feet  he  bowed,  he  fell :  where  he  bowed,  there 
 he  fell  down  f  dead. 
 
 28  The  mother  of  Sifera  looked  out  at  a  window, 
 and  cried  through  the  lattice,  Why  is  his  chariot  so 
 long  in  coming  ?  why  tarry  the  wheels  of  his  chariots  ? 
 
 29  Her  wife  ladies  anfwered  her,  yea,  (lie  returned 
 f  anfwer  to  herfelf, 
 
 30  Have  they  not  fped  ?  have  they  7i6t  divided  the 
 prey ;  f  to  every  man  a  damfel  or  two  ?  to  Sifera  a 
 prey  of  divers  colours,  a  prey  of  divers  colours  of 
 needleAvork,  of  divers  colours  of  needle-work  on  both 
 fides,  meet  for  the  necks  of  them  that  take  the  fpoil  ? 
 
 31  So  let  all  thine  enemies  perifh,  O  Lord  :  but  let 
 them  that  love  him  be  as  the  fun  when  he  goeth  forth 
 in  his  might.  And  the  land  had  reft  forty  years.* 
 
 CHAP.  VI.  ' 
 
 1  The  Isradifes,  for  their  Jin,  are  opprejfed  hij  Midinn  ;  7  a  prophet  re- 
 
 bulcelh  them  ;  11  an  angel  sendelh  Gideon  Jor  their  deliverance,  17. 
 
 Gideon's  present  is  consumed  with  Jire ;  25  he  destroyeih  Dual's  altar, 
 
 and  off'erelh  a  sacrifice  vpon  the  altar  Jehouah-skalom.  28  Joash  de- 
 
 Jendeth  his  son,  and  calleth  him  Jerubbanl,  ^c. 
 
 ND  the  children  of  Ifrael  did  evil  in  the  fight  of 
 the  Lord  ;  and  the  Lord  delivered  them  into 
 the  hand  of  Midian  leven  years. 
 
 2  And  the  hand  of  Midian  f  prevailed  againft  Ifrael : 
 and  becaufe  of  the  Midianites  the  children  of  Ifrael 
 made  them  the  dens  which  are  in  the  mountains,  and 
 caves,  and  ftrong  holds. 
 
 3  And  so  it  was,  when  Ifrael  had  fown,  that  the' 
 
 I  Midianites  ra-*'e  up,  and  the  Amalekites,  and  the 
 children  of  the  eaft,  even  they  came  up  againft  them  ;  V!Ug. 
 
 4  And  they  encamped  againft  them,  and  ddiroyed  — 
 
 the  increafe  of  the  earth,  till  thou  come  unto  G>.za ; 
 and  left  no  fuflenance  for  Ifrael,  neither  ||  fheep,  nor  II 
 ox,  nor  afs.  ‘ 
 
 5  For  they  came  up  with  their  cattle  and  their  tents, 
 and  they  came  as  graflioppers  for  multitude;  Jor 
 both  they  and  their  camels  were  without  number : 
 and  they  entered  into  the  land  to  deftroy  it. 
 
 6  And  Ifrael  was  greatly  impoverifhed  because  of 
 the  Midianites;  and  the  children  of  Ifrael  cried  unto 
 the  Lord. 
 
 7  ^  And  it  came  topafs  when  the  children  of  Ifrael  dr.  1249. 
 cried  unto  the  Lord  becaufe  of  the  Midianites, 
 
 8  That  the  Lord Lent  t  a  prophet  unto  the  children  t  Heb. 
 of  Ifrael, 
 
 God  of 
 
 brought  you  forth  out  of  the  houfe  of  bondage 
 
 9  And  I  delivered  you  out  of  the  hand  of  the  Egyp¬ 
 tians,  and  out  of  the  hand  of  all  that  opprefl'ed  you, 
 and  drave  them  out  from  before  you,  and  gave  you 
 their  land. 
 
 10  And  I  faid  unto  you,  I  am  the  Lord  your  Gcd  ; 
 
 *  fear  not  the  gods  of  the  Amorices,  in  whofe  land  ye  a  2  Kings 
 dwell :  but  ye  have  not  obeyed  my  voice. 
 
 11  ^  And  there  came  an  angel  of  the  Lord,  snd 
 fat  under  an  oak  which  vras  in  Ophrah,  that  pertained 
 unto  Joalh  the  Abi-ezrite  :  and  his  fon  ^  Gideon  b  iiebr. 
 thrafhed  wheat  by  the  wine-prefs,  +  to  hide  it  from  ti¬ 
 the  Midianites. 
 
 12  And  the  angel  of  the  Lord  appeard  unto  him,  ^ 
 
 and  faid  unto  him.  The  Lord  is  with  thee,  ihou/o  c.i/ie 
 mighty  man  of  valour.  laftse. 
 
 13  And  Gideon  faid  unto  him,  Oh,  my  Lord,  if  the 
 Lord  be  with  us,  why  then  is  all  this  befallen  us  ?  and 
 
 Ddl  IHtr  j^UKTi  leui  1  a  uuiw  v.1.1  1 - 
 
 2I,  which  faid  unto  them,  'Lhus  faith  the  Lord  “ 
 f  Ifrael,  I  brought  you  up  from  Egypt,  and 
 
 ttti. 
 
 called 
 
 Gideon, 
 
 brook  Ilian  a  river.  Probably  the  fwelliag  of  this  river  was  in  confequence  of  the 
 miraculous  teinpell ;  for,  according  to  Maundrell,  leffer  tradls  of  torrents  fall  into 
 it  from  the  mountains,  which  fudden  rains  greatly  increafe.  Ver.  22.  Then  were 
 the  horse  hoois  broken.  Their  flight  was  fo  rapid  that  the  hoofs  of  their  horfes 
 were  broken  while  they  took  their  way  over  rocks;  and  their  fpeed,  exprelfed  by 
 tlie  word  debar,  which  docs  not  fignify  prancing,  but  a.  Jull gallop,  is  heightened  by 
 the  repetition  of  the  word,  the  Hebrews  having  no  other  method  toexprel's  the 
 various  degrees  of  comparifon.  Ver.  23.  Curse  ye  Meroz.  It  appears  from  the 
 mention  of  inhabitants  in  the  latter  part  of  this  verfe,  that  Meroz  was  a  city  of 
 fome  note.  '  The  curfe  denounced  againll  this  place  is  reprefented  to  be  prophetic, 
 '  becaufe  delivered  by  the  angel  of  the  Lord.  It  was  merited,  becaufe  the  inhabi¬ 
 tants  of  Meroz  were  guilty  of  impiety  in  negledliug  to  defend  the  caufe  of  God 
 and  religion  ;  ofpeifidy,  bceaule  they  deferted  the  common  caufe  when  their 
 country  was  expofed  to  the  rage  of  a  mighty  enemy  :  and  of  pufillanimity,  becaufe 
 they  were  not  animated  by  the  examples  cf  valiant  and  intrepid  w-arriors  to  march 
 againll  the  common  enemy.  Ver.  24.  Dlessed  above  women.  This  tranfition  trom 
 the  cowardice  and  inadlivity  of  Meroz  to  the  noble  exploit  of  Jael,  who  was  a 
 woman,  forms  the  moft.  beautiful  and  forcible  contrail.  Ver.  24.  In  a  lordly  dish  ; 
 tliat  is,  a  large  capacious  veflel,  the  word  has  no  reference  to  the  value  of  the 
 difli,  chap,  vi.  38.  Ver.  26.  Site  put  her  hand  to  the  nail.  -  This  delcriptiun  of 
 •Jael’s  exidoits  is  fo  minute,  that  it  prefents  the  very  aaion  to  our  eyes.  Smote. 
 '*lhe  Hebrew  w'ord  halam  flgnifles  a  wound  made  with  a  blunt  weapon,  or  fuch  a 
 "Wound  as  produces  a  contufion.  infiead  of  Smote  off  his  head,  w-e  fliould  therefore 
 Tender  it  wdth  the  Septuagint,  She  performed  at  or  drove  the  nail  through  his  scxdl ; 
 '■for  the  narrative  in  the  preceeding  chapter  affords  us  no  fuch  circumllance  as  that 
 ‘of  cutting  off  SiLra’s  head.  Ver  28,  30.  The  mother  of  Sisera  looked  out  at  a  win¬ 
 dow.  Impatieutr  for  the  delay  of  her  for,,  the  fond  parent  looks  out  of  her  window  ; 
 but  not  feeing  the  objedl  of  her  wiflies,  she  burfts  out  iiuo  exclamatory  queftions 
 about  the  caufe  of  his  llaju  She  demands  the  reafon  of  her  attendants;  but  too 
 impatient  to  wait  for  their  reply,  (he  anfwers  herfelf,  anticipating,  in  her  fond 
 fancy,  the  certain  viaory  of  her  fon.  The  fong  concludes,  with  a  fervent  prayer 
 
 for  the  continuance  of  Ifrael’s  fuccefs,  and  the  fill  of  their  enemies.  The  effea 
 of  this  viaory  was  another  forty  years’  reft.  Happy  for  them  had  they  improved 
 it  to  better  purpofe  than  they  had  done  former  deliverances  ;  for  then  would  they 
 have  been  fafe  from  many  future  w  oes. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES  Chap.  VI.  Ver.  I.  The  reft  they  had  en¬ 
 joyed  opened  a  door  for  fin  to  enter  among  them,  the  confequence  of  which  was, 
 a  nevv  fcourge from  a  despicable  and  vanquished  enemy.  The  generality  of  the 
 Midianites  had  been  cut  off  by  Mofes  about  200  years  ago,  yet  many  of  them, 
 doubtlefs,  fled  into  the  neighbouring  countries,  whence  afterwards  they  returned 
 into  their  own  land,  and  in  the  interval  might  increafe  into  a  great  number  ;  efpe- 
 cially  as  God  determined  them  as  a  fcourge  for  Ids  people  when  they  tra  Tgreffed. 
 Ver.  8.  God  lillens  to  the  prayers  and  cries  of  his  people,  and  fent  a  prophet  to 
 awaken  them  to  a  fenfe  of  their  fins,  and  bring  them  to  repentance  :  we  know 
 nothing  of  this  prophet  except  this  meffage  which  he  has  delivered  to  Ifrael.  He 
 brings  to  their  remembrance  the  fignal  mercies  and  deliverances  they  had  expe¬ 
 rienced  and  expollu'ates  with  them  on  their  ingratitude  and  folly  in  leaving  God, 
 plainly  intimating  that  till  they  renounced  idolatry,  and  returned  to  God,  they  had 
 no  reafon  to  expect -deliverance.  Ver.  11.  While  God  leaves  the  people  to  con- 
 hder  his  meffage,  he  begins  to  interpofe  for  their  deliverance.  .4n  angel  appeared 
 to  Gideon  the  fon  of  Joafh,  as  he  was  threfliing  wheat,  not  by  oxen  as  cuftomary  ; 
 but  with  a  Itaff  to  prevent  difeovevy,  for  fuch  was  their  abjeiff  condition,  that  the 
 very  bread  which  they  did  eat  muft  be  fecreted.  Tliis  was  not  a  mere  created 
 angel,  is  plain  from  the  incommunicable  name  Jehovah,  which  is  repeatedly  given 
 him,  ver,  14 — 27.  and  hence  the  Jew  s  believe  that  he  was  the  Meffiab,  the  Son  of 
 God.  Ver.  12.  The  I.ord  is  with  thee  thou  mighty  man  of  valour.  The  angel 
 accolts  him  with  this  comfortable  falutation,  while  probably  Gideon  was  meditat¬ 
 ing  upon  Ifrael’s  mournful  fituation,  and  pouring  out  hisdefires  in  fervent  fuppli- 
 cations  of  their  deliverance.  Ver.  13.  And  where  be  all  his  miracles  which  our  ja- 
 thers  told  us  of,  Gideon  doubts  the  truth  of  the  meffage,  for  he  could  not  recon¬ 
 cile  it  w  ith  the  prefent  wretched  (late  of  the  people,  when  he  remembered  the  won¬ 
 ders  which  God  had  wrought  for  them  in  former  times.  Ver.  14.  And  the  Lord 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  V.J  God  muft  have  all  the  glory  of  his  work,  whatever  he  the  inftruments.  Thofe  whom  God  f  rf  '.es  are 
 deftitue  of  comfort,  fafety  and  protection.  Though  the  enemies  of  the  Lord  are  unanimous  and  determined  againft  him,  and  his  intereft,  yet  their,  final  deftruction 
 is  cenain  ;  the  whole  creation  ftands  ready  to  deftroy  them.  Eminent  and  lading  honours  reft  on  thofe  who  are  diflinguilhed  by  zeal  in  the  caufe  of  God  ;  Ihame  and 
 .tnilery  aw;,*.t  all  who  (land  unconcerned  and  neutral ;  for  he  who  loveth  his  life  more  than  the  wo:k  of  Cbiifl  lliall  lofe  it,  but  he  who  lofeth  his  life  for  Clirill’s  fake 
 iliall  find  it  and  eternal  bleffednefs. 
 
 No.  I6:..6d.  3  P 
 
Gid  on  dtsfi  o^eth  TiuaVs  alta/'. 
 
 JUDGES. 
 
 Gideon's  Jlcccc,  <5^^ 
 
 cir, 
 
 Before 
 Cliria 
 1249, 
 
 where  all  his  miracles  which  our  fathers  toM  us  of,  ]|  27  Then  Gideon  took  ten  men  of  his  fervants,  and  iHire 
 
 fayinjr,  D!d  not  the  Lord  bring  us  up  from  Egypt  ?  did  as  the  Lord  had  (aid  unto  him  :  and  Jo  it  was, 
 but  now  the  Lord  hath  forfaken  us,  and  delivered  us  '!  becaule  he  feared  his  father’s  houfehold,  and  the  men^*^''^ 
 
 •f  Heb. 
 
 thou¬ 
 sand  ike 
 ineanejl. 
 
 11  oo 
 
 meat-of¬ 
 
 fering. 
 
 into  the  hands  of  the  Pvlidianites. 
 
 l-t  And  the  Lord  looked  upon  him,  and  faid,  Go 
 in  this  thy  might,  and  thou  (halt  lave  Ifrael  from  the 
 hand  of  the  Midianites  ;  have  not  I  fent  thee  ? 
 
 15  And  he  faid  unto  him.  Oh,  my  Lord,  wherewith 
 (hall  1  fav«  Ifrael  ?  behold,  f  my  family  is  poor  in 
 ManafLh,  and  I  am  the  lead  in  my  father’s  houfe. 
 
 16  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  him.  Surely  1  will  be 
 with  thee,  and  thou  (halt  fmite  the  Midianites  as  one 
 man. 
 
 17  And  he  faid  unto  him.  If  now  I  have  found 
 grace  in  thy  fight,  then  (haw  me  a  fign  that  thou  talk¬ 
 ed  with  me. 
 
 IS  Depart  not  hence,  I  pray  thee,  until  I  come  unto 
 thee,  and  bring  forth  mj  li  prefent,  and  let  it  before 
 thee.  And  he  faid,  1  will  tarry  until  thou  come 
 again. 
 
 1 9  And  Gideon  w'ent  in,  and  made  ready  f  a  kid,  and 
 unleavened  cakes  of  an  ephah  of  flour ;  the  flefh  he  put 
 in  a  baiLet,  and  he  put  the  broth  in  a  pot,  and  brought 
 it  out  unto  him  under  the  oak,  and  prefented  it. 
 
 20  And  the  angel  of  God  faid.  unto  him.  Take  the 
 flelh,  and  the  unleavened  cakes,  and  Xiy  them  upon  this 
 rock,  and  pour  out  the  broth.  And  he  did  fo. 
 
 21  Then  the  angel  of  the  Lord  put  forth  the  end 
 of  the  flaft' that  Teas  in  his  hand,  and  touched  t'ae  flefh 
 and  the  unleavened  cakes ;  and  there  rofe  up  fire  out 
 of  the  rock,  and  confumed  the  flefh  and  the  unleaven¬ 
 ed  cakes.  Tnen  the  angel  of  the  Lord  departed  out 
 of  his  fight. 
 
 22  And  when  GiJecn  perceived  that  he  was  an 
 angel  of  the  Lord,  Gideon  faid,  Alas,  O  Lord  God  ! 
 =  tor  becaule  I  have  feen  au  angel  of  the  Lord  face 
 to  face. 
 
 23  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  him.  Peace  he  unto 
 thee  ;  fear  not :  thou  fhalt  not  die. 
 
 24'  Then  Gideon  built  an  altar  there  unto  the  Lord, 
 Tiiatis,  and  ca’led  it  II  Jehovah-fhalom :  unto  this  day  it  is 
 
 t  Hob. 
 a  kid  of 
 the  goats. 
 
 c  ll\od. 
 .93.  20. 
 Chap. 
 13.  22. 
 
 The 
 
 LOUD 
 
 fend 
 
 peace. 
 
 11  Or, 
 
 and. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 jlrong 
 place. 
 
 II  Or,  in 
 an  otderly 
 
 yet  in  Ophrah  of  the  Abi-ezrites. 
 
 25  ^  And  it  came  to  pafs  the  fame  night,  that  the 
 Lord  faid  onto  him,  take  thy  father’s  young  bul 
 lock,  II  even  the  fecond  bullock  of  feven  years  old,  and 
 throw  down  the  altar  of  Baal,  that  thy  father  hath, 
 and  cut  down  the  grove  that  is  by  it : 
 
 26  And  build  an  altar  unto  the  Lord  thy  God 
 upon  the  top  of  this  f  rock,  1|  in  the  ordered  place,  and 
 rake  the  f  cond  bullock,  and  offer  a  burnt-facrifice  with 
 
 7nanne'i\ 
 
 the  wood  of  the  grove  which  thou  flialt  cut  down. 
 
 of  the  city,  that  he  could  not  do  it  by  day,  that  he  did 
 it  by  night. 
 
 28  ^  And  when  the  men  of  the  city  arofe  early  in 
 the  morning,  behold,  the  altar  of  Baal  was  caff  down, 
 and  the  grove  was  cut  down  that  mis  by  it,  and  the 
 fecond  bullock  was  oftered  upon  the  altar  that  xvas 
 built. 
 
 29  And  they  faid  one  to  another,  Who  hath  done 
 this  thing  ?  And  when  they  enquired  and  aflced,  they 
 faid,  Gideon  the  fon  of  Joafh  hath  done  this  thing. 
 
 30  Then  the  men  of  the  city  faid  unto  Joaflt,  Bring 
 out  thy  fon, That  he  may  die  ;  becaule  he  hath  calf 
 down  the  altar  of  Baal,  and  becaufe  he  hath  cut  down 
 the  grove  that  te-as  by  it. 
 
 31  And  Joafh  faid  unto  all  that  flood  againft  him, 
 
 Will  ye  plead  for  Baal  ?  will  ye  lave  him  ?  He  that 
 will  plead  for  him,  let  him  be  put  to  death  whilft  it  is 
 ijet  morning  :  if  he  be  a  god,  let  him  plead  for  himfelf, 
 becaufe  one  hath  caft  dowm  his  altar. 
 
 32  Therefore  on  that  day  he  called  him  Jerubbaal, 
 faying.  Let  Baal  plead  againfl  him,  becaufe  he  hath 
 thrown  down  his  altar. 
 
 S3  H  Then  all  the  Midianites,  and  the  Amalekites, 
 and  the  children  of  the  eaft,  were  gathered  together, 
 and  went  over,  and  pitched  in  the  valley  of  Jezreel. 
 
 34  Bat  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  f  came  upon  Gideon,  t  Heb. 
 and  he  ^  blew  a  trumpet ;  and  Abi-ezer  f  was  gather- 
 
 ed  after  him. 
 
 35  And  he  fent  meffengers  throughout  all  Manaf-  cKap'. 
 
 feh  ;  who  alfo  was  gathered  after  him :  and  he  fent  3.  27. 
 meffengers  unto  A  (her,  and  unto  Zebulun,  and 
 Naphrali ;  and  they  came  up  to  meet  them.  afierlL 
 
 36  H  And  Gideon  faid  unto  God,  If  thou  wilt  fave 
 Ifrael  by  mine  hand,  as  thou  half  faid, 
 
 37  Behold,  I  will  put  a  fleece  of  wool  in  the  floor ; 
 and  if  the  dew  be  on  the  fleece  only,  and  it  be  dry  upon 
 all  the  earth  beside,  then  (hall  I  know  that  thou  wilt 
 lave  Ifrael  by  mine  hand  as  thou  haft  faid. 
 
 33  And  it  was  fo  :  for  he  rofe  up  early  on  the  mor¬ 
 row,  and  thruft  the  fleece  together,  and  wringed  the 
 dew  out  of  the  fleece,  a  bowl-full  of  water. 
 
 39  And  Gideon  faid  unto  God,  ®  Let  not  thine  anger  ® 
 be  hot  againfl;  me,  and  I  will  fpeak  but  this  once  ;  Let 
 me  prove,  I  pray  thee,  but  this  once  with  the  fleece ; 
 let  it  now  be  dry  only  upon  the  fleece,  and  upon  all 
 the  ground  let  there  be  dew. 
 
 40  And  God  did  fo  that  night :  for  it  was  dry  upon 
 the  fleece  only,  and  there  was  dew  on  all  the  ground.* 
 
 looked  upon  him  and  anfwered  his  doubts,  and  with  a  look  of  complacence,  com¬ 
 manded  him  to  go,  and  affured  him  of  fuccefs.  Ver.  1 7.  Tkenjhew  me  a  sign  that 
 thou  lalkest  with  me.  Oideon  either  wiftied  for  a  fign  to  confii  m  him  in  the  belief 
 that  it  really  was  an  angel  of  the  Lord,  and  no  fancy  ordelufion,  or  that  the  angel 
 •would  fupport  him  againft  the  Midianites.  Ver.  20,  21-  The  angel  ordered  Gi¬ 
 deon  to  lay  the  meat  upon  a  rock,  which  he  obeyed,  who,  with  a  ftaff,  gently 
 touched  the  provifion  as  it  lay,  when  inftantly  fire  burfts  forth,  and  confumes  the 
 offering ;  by  which  he  evidenced  himfelf  to  be  a  true  angel  of  God,  or  the  Son  of 
 God ;  and  by  this  inftance  of  his  infinite  power,  gave  affurance  that  he  both  could, 
 and  would  confume  the  Midianites.  Ver.  24.  Gideon  built  an  altar,  not  for  la- 
 crifice,  but  as  a  monument  to  perpetuate  the  memory  of  this  remarkable  event. 
 'Ltiis  was  according  to  a  practice  of  which  we  have  many  examples,  JolTi.  xxiv. 
 26.  Ver.  28 — 31.  Great  muft  have  been  the  apoftacy  of  Ifrael,  when  they  dared 
 condemn  openly,  and  without  fhame,  one  on  account  of  his  zeal  for  Jehovah  and 
 abhorrence  of  idolatry.  Joifti  and  his  houfe  appear  to  have  been  idolaters;  but 
 Gideon  was  a  happy  exception.  Will  ye  plead  far  Baal  ?  This  remonftrance  car¬ 
 
 ries  with  it  a  peculiar  force,  and  borders  very  much  upon  farcafm.  The  iiifult 
 offered  againft  Baal  was  an  open  challenge  of  his  power;  to  be  remifs  on  thisoc- 
 cafion  argued  his  weaknefs.  It  was  unfeafonable  for  the  Midianites  to  interpofe, 
 if  it  were  not  thought  wife  by  their  deity  to  do  it.  Ver.  32.  He  called  him  Jerui- 
 baal.  That  is,  an  oppofer  of  Baal.  .  Ver.  33.  Jezreel,  not  in  Judah,  Jofn.  xv.  56. 
 but  in  the  borders  of  Iffachar,  ib.  xvii.  16.  and  not  far  from  Ophrah,  the  refidence 
 of  Gideon.  Ver.  46 — 40.  The  requeft  of  Gideon  proceeded  neither  from  inct^- 
 dulity  nor  doubt,  hut  was  made  for  the  fake  of  thofe  who  had  joined  him,  in  order 
 to  convince  them  of  the  reality  of  his  milTioti.  Tlie  firft  miracle  was  certainly 
 ftriking,  when  we  confider  the  condition  of  the  ground  about  his  fleece,  and  the 
 vaft  quanity  of  water,  a  bowl-Jull,  which  was  wrung  out  of  it.  Yet  in  order  to 
 obviate  any  objedlions  drawn  from  the  quality  inherent  in  wool  to  imbibe  moifture 
 this  great  leader  defires  that  the  miracle  might  be  reverfed  ;  and  the  wool  being 
 dr)',  notwithftanding  the  ground  round  it  was  wet  by  a  copious  dew,  was  fucha 
 miracle  as  bis  confedarates  could  not  refill. 
 
 I.P  \rTIC  AL  OBSERVATIONS—*  C«»p.  VI.l  TI.ey  .bufe  Cod’,  fa.oprs  are  oflen  ta«sl,t  their  »or,h  by  being  cleprired  of  them.  Confeioo.  guj 
 mai.;  Ure  boWoT  "embl.  be,?,;  Le  o,e,  »hom  tbej  ha.e  Lmerly  triumphed.  The  mefeuger.  of  God  f.uhfoll,  ».,n  «e«  to  .«r„  from  all  « 
 
Gideons  army  reduced  to  three  hundred. 
 
 JUDGES. 
 
 He  is  encouraged  hj  a  dream. 
 
 r.^fore 
 
 C'lirift 
 
 cir. 
 
 a  Deut. 
 
 40.  8. 
 
 1  Mac. 
 3.  5  5" 
 
 CHAP.  VII. 
 
 1  Gideon  s  army  of  iwo  and  thirty  thousand  is  brought  to  three  hundred  ; 
 
 9  he  is  encouraged  by  the  dream  and  inlepretaiion  of  the  barley-cake ; 
 16  his  stratagem  of  trumpets  and  lamps  in  pitchers,  ^c. 
 
 Then  Jerubbaal,  (who  ?s  Gideon,)  and  all  the 
 people  that  •were  with  him,  role  up  early,  and 
 pitched  bHide  the  well  of  Harod ;  (b  that  the  holt 
 of  the  Midianites  were  on  the  north  fide  of  them,  by 
 the  hill  of  Moreh,  in  the  valley. 
 
 2  And  the  Lord  laid  unto  Gideon,  The  people 
 that  are  with  thee  are  too  many  for  me  to  give  the 
 Midianites  into  their  hands,  left  Ifrael  vaunt  them- 
 felves  againft  me,  faying.  Mine  own  hand  hath  faved 
 me. 
 
 3  Now  therefore  go  to,  proclaim  in  the  ears  of  the 
 people,  faying,  *  Wholoever  is  fearful  and  afraid,  let 
 him  return  and  depart  early  from  mount  Gilead. 
 And  there  returned  of  the  people  twenty  and  two 
 thoufand,  and  there  remained  ten  thoufand. 
 
 4  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  Gideon,  The  people 
 are  yet  too  many  ;  bring  them  down  unto  the  water, 
 and  I  will  try  them  for  thee  there :  and  it  (hall  be, 
 that  of  whom  I  fay  unto  thee.  This  ihall  go  with  thee, 
 the  fame  Ihall  go  with  thee;  and  of  whomfoever  I 
 fay  unto  thee,  Ihis  ihall  not  go  with  thee,  the  fame 
 ftiall  not  go. 
 
 5  So  he  brought  down  the  people  unto  the  water  : 
 and  the  Lord  faid  unto  Gideon,  Every  one  that 
 lappeth  of  the  water  Vv'ith  his  tongne,  as  a  dog  lap- 
 peih,  him  (halt  thou  Lt  by  himfelf;  likewife  every 
 one  that  bow'eth  down  upon  his  knees  to  drink. 
 
 6  And  the  number  of  them  that  lapped,  putting 
 their  hand  to  their  mouth,  were  three  hundred  men  : 
 but  all  the  reft  of  the  people  bowed  down  upon  their 
 knees  to  drink  water. 
 
 7  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  Gideon,  By  the  three 
 hundred  men  that  lapped  will  I  lave  you,  and  deliver 
 the  Midianites  into  thine  hands  :  and  let  all  the  other 
 people  go  every  man  unto  his  place. 
 
 8  So  the  people  took  vl^iuals  in  their  hand,  and 
 their  trurape.s  ;  and  he  lent  all  the  rest  of  Ifrael  every 
 man  unto  his  tent,  and  retained  thole  three  hundred 
 men.  And  the  holt  of  Midian  was  beneath  him  in 
 the  valley. 
 
 9  f  And  it  came  to  pafs  the  fame  night,  that  the 
 Lord  faid  unto  him,  Arife,  get  thee  down  unto  the 
 hoft  ;  for  1  have  delivered  it  into  thiue  hand. 
 
 10  But  if  thou  fear  to  go  down,  go  thou  with 
 Phurah  thv  fervant  down  to  the  hoft; 
 
 [  1 1  And  thou  flialt  hear  what  they  fay  ;  and  after- 
 
 I  wards  Ihall  thiue  hands  be  llrengihened  to  go  down 
 i  unto  the  hoft.  Then  went  he  down  with  Pnurah  his 
 \  fervant  unto  the  outfide  of  the  I|  armed  men  that  were  y  or, 
 
 I  in  the  hoft.  h 
 
 j  12  And  the  Midianites,  and  the  Amalekites,  and..^"'- 
 
 all  the  children  of  the  eaft,  lay  along  -in  the  valley  chap, 
 like  graftioppers  for  multitude  ;.and  their  camels  were^' 
 without  number,  as  the  fand  by  the  fea-fide  for  mul¬ 
 titude. 
 
 13  And  w'hen  Gideon  was  come,  behold,  there  was 
 a  man  that  told  a  dream  unto  his  fellow,  and  faid, 
 
 Behold,  I  dreamed  a  dream,  and  lo,  a  cake  of  bariey- 
 bread  tu.iibled  into  the  hoft  of  Midian,  and  came  un¬ 
 to  a  tent,  and  fmote  it  that  it  fell,  and  overturned  it, 
 that  the  tent  lay  all  along. 
 
 14  And  his  fellow  anfwered  and  faid,  This  is  no¬ 
 thing  ell'e  fave  tne  fword  of  Gideon  the  fon  of  Joafti, 
 
 I  a  man  of  Ifrael :  for  into  his  hand  God  hath  delivered 
 Midian,  anJ  all  tne  hoft. 
 
 15  *1  And  it  was  so,  when  Gideon  heard  the  telling 
 
 of  the  dream,  and  t  the  interpretation  thereof,  thattHcb. 
 he  w'orfhipped,  and  returned  iuto  the  hoft  of  Ifrael,  t)reak- 
 and  laid,  Arife;  for  the  Lord  hath  delivered  intOoJf 
 your  hand  the  hoft  of  Midian. 
 
 16  And  he  divided  the  three  hundred  men  into 
 three  companies,  and  he  put  f  a  trumpet  in  every  f  Hcb. 
 man’s  hand,  with  empty  pitchers,  and  11  lamps  within 
 
 the  pitchers.  'hand  of 
 
 17  And  he  faid  unto  them.  Look  on  me,  and  doaiu/ 
 likewife  :  and  behold  when  1  come  to  the  outfide  oUhem. 
 the  camp,  it  (hall  be  that  as  I  do,  lb  (hall  ye  do.  H 
 
 J8  When  I  blow  with  a  trumpet,  I  and  all  that 
 with  me,  then  blow  ye  the  trumpets  alio  on  every  fide  torcAts. 
 of  all  the  camp,  and  fay,  The  sword  of  the  Lord,  and 
 of  Gideon, 
 
 19  H  So  Gideon,  and  the  hundred  men  that  were 
 with  him,  came  unto  the  outfide  of  the  camp  in  the 
 beginning  of  the  middle  watch  ;  and  they  had  but 
 newly  let  the  watch :  and  they  blew  the  trumpets, 
 and  break  the  pitchers  that  were  in  their  hands. 
 
 20  And  the  three  companies  blew  the  trumpets 
 and  brake  the  pitchers,  and  held  the  lamps  in  their 
 lelt  hands,  and  the  trumpets  in  their  right  hands  to 
 blow  withal ;  and  they  cried,  The  fword  of  the  Lord, 
 and  of  Gideon, 
 
 21  And  they  ftood  every  man  in  his  place  round 
 about  the  camp  :  and  all  the  hoft  ran,  and  cried,  and 
 fled. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  VII.  Ver.  2.  Are  too  many  for  me. 
 It  was  tlie  defign  of  God  to  manifefl  his  ititerpofilion  on  this  occafion  in  fuch 
 a  manner,  as  it  might  be  apparent  to  all  the  neighbouring  nations,  and  fo  con- 
 fpicuous  to  the  Ifraelites  themfelves,  that  they  Ihould  not  have  the  lead;  room  to 
 refer  their  fuccefs  to  the  natural  effeiSt  of  their  perfonal  courage,  exclufive  of  the 
 divine  affiflance.  Ver.  5.  The  intent  of  the  Almighty  being  to  render  his  mira¬ 
 culous  interpofition  fo  confpicuous,  that  no  one  Ihould  doubt  or  difpute  it,  it 
 was  neceffary  to  leffen  Gideon’s  army,  and  this  was  done  by  a  moil  admirable, 
 yet  firnple  expedient ;  for  as  the  fcafon  of  the  year  was  hot,  and  the  foldiers, 
 doubtk  ls  in  general,  weary  thirfiy  and  faint ;  it  is  probable  that  they  would, 
 with  few  exceptions,  lie  down  and  drink  freely  to  refreih  themfelves.  Ver.  7. 
 By  the  three  hundred  men  that  lopped.  All  the  w'orld  mud  be  fufficiently  con¬ 
 vinced  that  it  was  the  arm  of  Omnipotence,  and  not  man  that  caufed  the  hod  of 
 Midian  to  fly  before  fo  infignificant  a  force  Ver.  13.  That  this  dream  was  im¬ 
 mediately  iiifpired  by  God,  with  a  defign  to  intimidate  the  Midianites,  and  to 
 
 animate  Gideon,  is  evident  from  ver.  1 1.  The  appofiteuefs  of  the  imagery  of  the 
 dream  to  exprelsthe  low  condition  of  the  Ifraelites,  the  fudden  irruption  of  Gideon, 
 and  the  rout  of  the  Midianitilh  army,  will  appear  to  great  advantage,  when 
 compared  with  the  explanation  of  the  Midianitifii  foldier.  Ver.  18,  The  fword 
 oj  the  Lord,  and  of  Gideon.  The  word  fword  is  not  in  the  Hebrew,  but  being 
 mentioned  in  ver.  20.  our  traiiflators  thought  proper  to  add  it  here,  though  it 
 might  as  well  have  been  fupplied,  “  The  tight  or  the  vitdory,  is  for  the  Lord,  and 
 for  Gideon.”  Ver.  19.  In  the  beginning  of  the  middle  watch.  Thatis,  accordin<» 
 to  the  Hebrew  divifion  of  the  night  into  watches,  a  little  before  midnight.  Ver. 
 21.  And  they  flood  every  man  in  his  place.  Not  one  of  the  three  hundred  men 
 ftin  ed  a  foot  from  his  place,  but  ftood  ftill  without  llriking  a  blow.  Omnipotence 
 !  ilfeif  lighting  lor  them.  And  all  the  hnfl  ran  and  cried  and  fled.  They  did  not 
 j  endeavour  to  repel  the  Ifraelites  ;  for  the  found  of  horns,  the  glare  of  tlie  lights 
 I  the  gloom  of  the  night,  and  the  loud  fliouts,  which  they  heard  in  diflferent  parts 
 f  ttiuck  them  with  amazement  and  horror  ^  and  having  no  time  to  recover  from 
 
 God,  as  the  onl^  certain  method  of  efcaping  impending  ruin.  God  frequently  interpofes  for  our  deliverance  when  our  cafe  feems  moll  defperate.  But  it  is  hard  to 
 reconcile  afflidlive  events  vv’ith  his  proraifes  to  us.  He  delights  to  exalt  the  humble  ;  let  therefore  his  failles  not  be  difeouraged  hy  confeious  weaknefs  or  dread  of  tpe 
 wicked,  from  engaging  in  the  inoft  arduous  work  to  which  he  calls  them.  But  if  we  would  enjoy  his  iqtp.ohuboii,  must  put  away  from  us  every' evil  thing  :  nor 
 let  us  be  afliamed  to  ceafe  from  fin,  to  Ipeak  for  God,  and  plead  thecaufe  of  tU  righteous.  God  will  fully  qualif;  all  wnoin  he  calls  to  feive  him  for  the  wotk  allot¬ 
 ted  ;  and  often  has  he  dilpofed  thofe  to  affill  them  whom  they  leall  expedled. 
 
Oith  and  Zt’cl)  tal'cn  a?id  shin. 
 
 judges: 
 
 and 
 
 9.  4. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 toward. 
 
 f  Hcb. 
 lip. 
 
 ChH^r  hundred  blew  the  trumpets,  i.nd 
 
 cir.  1249.  ^he  I.ORD  let  every  man’s  (word  againll  his  fellow, 
 ' — Throughout  all  the  holl:  and  the  holt  fled  to 
 c  Ifaidh  i>eth-fhi(ra!i  ||  in  /iererath,  and  to  the  f  border  of 
 i^bel-meholah,  unto  labbath. 
 
 23  And  the  men  of  Ifrael  gathered  themfelves  to- 
 get  her  out  of  Naphrali,  and  out  of  Alher,  and  out  of 
 ail  Manafl  'h,  and  purbied  after  the  Midianites. 
 
 2i  Gideon  font  melTengers  throughout  all 
 
 mount  Ephraim,  faying.  Come  down  againlt  the  Mi¬ 
 dianites,  and  take  before  them  the  waters  unto  Beth- 
 barah  and  Jordan.  Then  all  the  men  of  Ephraim 
 gathered  themfelves  together,  and  took  the  waters 
 unto  Beth-barah  and  Jordan. 
 
 25  And  they  took  two  princes  of  the  Midianites, 
 Oreb  and  Zeeb:  and  they  flew  Oreb  upon  the  rock 
 Oreb,  and  Zeeb  they  flew  at  the  wine  prefs  of  Zeeb; 
 and  purfued  Midian,  and  brought  the  heads  of  Oreb 
 and  Zeeb  to  Gideon  on  the  other  fide  Jordan.’*' 
 
 CHAP.  VIII. 
 
 1  Gid'-on  p-cifi.rlh  the  Ephraimites.  4  Succoth  arid  Fennel  refuse  to  re. 
 lieve  Gidcov.  s  army.  10  Zvbah  and  Zalmumia  are  t  iken.  13  Suc¬ 
 coth  and  Penucl  are  destroyed.  IS  Gideon  revenge Ih  his  brethren  s 
 death  on  Zebah  and  Zalmunna  ;  22  he  refuseth  the  government ;  27 
 his  ephod  the  cause  of  idolatry,  cjc. 
 
 ND  the  men  of  Ephraim  faid  unto  him,  f  Why 
 
 d  Pfalra 
 83.  11. 
 
 A' 
 
 L  a  u  r  1  , .  . — ^  .......  I  ....y  .Liiiu  ijy,  ,.aiuc  uwiu  me  uien  or  ouccotn. 
 
 haft  thou  lerved  us  thus,  that  thou  calledft  us  faid.  Behold  Zeba  and  Zalmunna.  with  whom 
 
 f  Heb. 
 strongly. 
 
 TJeb, 
 
 sjnrit. 
 
 +  Heb. 
 
 What 
 
 tiling  is  ,  ...ww.  ...w  y.,,  i.iuo,  mat  iiiwu  etJiiceJiL  us 
 
 this  thou  not  v;hen  thou  y/enteft  to  fight  with  the  Midianites? 
 hafi  done  and  they  did  chide  with  him  f  fharply. 
 unto  us?  ^  2  And  he  faid  unto  them.  What  have  I  done  now 
 in  companfon  of  you  ?  Is  not  the  gleaning  of  the 
 grapes  of  Ephraim  better  than  the  vintage  of  Abi-ezer? 
 
 3  God  hath  delivered  into  your  hands  the  princes 
 of  Midian,  Oreb  and  Zeeb  ;  and  what  was  I  able  to 
 do  in  comparifon  of  you  ?  Then  their  f  anger  w^as 
 abated  toward  him  when  he  had  faid  that. 
 
 4  n  And  Gideop  came  to  Jordan,  and  paflTed  over, 
 he,  and  the  three  hundred  men  that  were  with  him, 
 faint,  yet  purfiiing  ^/lent. 
 
 5  And  he  faid  unto  the  men  of  Succoth,  Give,  1 
 pray  yon,  loaves  of  bread  unto  the  people  that  follow 
 me ;  for  they  6e  faint,  and  I  am  purfuing  after  Zebah 
 and  Zalmunna,  kings  of  Midian. 
 
 6  II  And  the  princes  of  Succoth  faid,  J/e  the  hands 
 of  Zebah  and  ZaHunna  now  in  thine  hand,  that  we 
 fhould  give  bread  unto  thine  army  ? 
 
 7  And  Gideon  faid.  Therefore,  when  the  Lord 
 hath  delivered  Zebah  and  Zalmunna  into  mine  hand, 
 
 iJmumia  tafeen  atid 
 
 then  I  will  t  tear  your  flefh  with  the  thorns  of  the  P.f„, 
 wildernels,  and  w'ith  briars.  Chii,* 
 
 8  And  he  went  up  thence  to  Fennel,  and  fpake 
 unto  them  likewife  :  and  the  men  cl  Penuel  anfwercd 
 
 him  as  the  men  of  Succoth  bad  anlwered  /am.  Lit' 
 
 9  And  he  Ipake  aU'o  unto  the  men  of  Penuel,  faying, 
 
 When  I  come  again  in  peace,  I  will  break  down  this 
 tower. 
 
 10  <1!  Now  Zebah  and  Zalmunna  in  Karkor, 
 and  their  hofts  with  them,  about  fifteen  thouland  men, 
 all  that  were  left  of  all  the  hofis  of  the  children  of  the 
 eaft:  for  there  fell  ||  an  hundred  and  twenty  thoufand  II  Or, 
 men  that  drew  Iword. 
 
 1 1  «l  _  And  Gideon  went  up  by  the  way  of  them  that 
 
 dwelt  in  tents  on  the  eaft  of  Nobah  and  Jogbehah,^A(msa/i,/, 
 and  frnote  the  hoft  :  for  the  hofl  was  fecure.  oni 
 
 12  And  when  Zeba  and  Zalmunna  fled,  he  pur- 
 fued  alter  them,  and  took  the  two  kings  of  Midian,  ^ 
 
 Zeba  and  Zalmunna,  and  f  difconifiied  all  the  hoft.  f  Heb.  ' 
 
 13  H  And  Gideon  the  fon  of  Joafib  returned  from 
 
 battle  before  the  fun  xvas  up.  ' 
 
 14  And  caught  a  young  man  of  the  men  of  Suc¬ 
 coth,  and  enquired  of  him  ;  and  he  f  deferibed  unto  t  Heb. 
 him  the  princes  of  Succoth,  and  the  elders  thereof 
 
 even  threefcore  and  feventeen  men. 
 
 15  And  he  came  unto  the  men  of  Succoth,  and 
 
 i  did  upbraid  me,  faying.  Are  the  hands  of  Zebah  and 
 1  Zalmunna  now  in  thine  hand,  that  we  ftiould  give 
 1  bread  unto  thy  men  t/iat  are  weary  ? 
 
 16  And  he  took  the  elders  of  the  city,  and  thorns 
 
 j  of  the  wildernels,  and  briers,  and  with  them  hef  taught  t  Heb. 
 the  men  of  Succoth.  made  to 
 
 17  And  he  beat  down  the  tower  of  =>  Penuel,  andf/Kin.s 
 
 flew  the  men  of  the  city.  12. 25. 
 
 IS  f  Ihen  laid  he  unto  Zebah  and  Zalmunna, 
 
 What  manner  of  men  vccre  they  w'hom  ye  flew  at 
 Tabor?  And  they  anfwered,  As  thou  art,  fo  xm-e 
 they  ;  each  one  f  refembled  the  children  of  a  king,  t 
 
 19  And  he  faid,  They  xxicre  my  brethren,  even 
 
 Tons  of  my  mother;  05  the  Lord  liveth,  if  ye  hadyLb  ^tc. 
 faved  them  alive,  I  would  not  flay  you. 
 
 20  And  he  faid  unto  Jether  his  firft-born,  Up,  and 
 flay  them  :  bur  the  youth  drew  not  his  fword  \  for  he 
 feared,  becaufe  he  xxias  yet  a  youth. 
 
 21  Then  Zebah  and  Zalmunna  faid.  Rife  thon, 
 and  fall  upon  us :  for  as  the  man  is,  so  is  his  ftrength. 
 
 And  Gideon  arofe,  and  flew  Zebah  and  Zalmunna, 
 
 iicir  firft  conflernation,  they  fell  into  inexpreflible  confufion.  Being  of  different 
 languages,  and  confounded  by  terror,  they  miflook  tlieirown  party  for  the  enemy, 
 and  fell  on  each  other’s  fwords;  an  evil  wliicli  often  hefel  the  enemies  of  Ifrael, 
 1  Sam.  xiv.  20.  2  Chron.  sx.  23.  Ver.  25.  Tiie  word  rendered  yrnnees,  fignifies 
 great  commanders.  Oreb  fignifies  a  raven,  and  Zeeb  a  wolf;  which  were  either 
 nicknames  given  them  becaufe  of  their  fiercenefs  and  cruelty,  or  which  tliey,  or 
 their  ancefiors  had  atfumed  to  make  themfelves  terrible  to  others.  To  Gideon  on 
 the  other  side  Jordan  ;  that  is,  when  he  had  paffed  over  it  the  next  morning ;  for 
 after  this  we  read  of  Gideon’s  patfing  over  Jordan,  chap.  viii.  4.  unlefs  this  is  faid 
 by  way  of  anticipation;  the  plirafe  will  however  bear  to  he  rendered,  on  this  side 
 Jordan,  for  it  fignifies  both. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  VIII.  Ver.  2.  Is  not  the  glanings  of 
 the  grapes  o '  Ephraim,  better  than  the  vintage  of  Abi-ezer.  This  feems  to  have  been 
 a  common  proverb  in  thofe  days,  and  ufed  in  commending  the  fmalleft  adlion  of 
 one,  as  fuperior  to  the  greateft  of  another.  The  meaning  is,  that  the  Ephraimites, 
 In  Haying  Oreb  and  Zeeb,  had  performed  a  greater  atSlion  than  Gideon  and  his 
 
 PitACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  VII.]  Bielfed  are  they  who  believe  the  promife  of  God,  when  he  lays  afide  everv  apparent  means  of  arcomplilh- 
 jng  It.  V  tien  multitudes  flock  to  his  llandard  many  of  them  are  generally  unfit  for  his  fervice.  Such  as  are  deffitute  of  courage  in  ids  work  are  better  out  of  his 
 c  tmp  tlian  in  it.  He  will  take  every  mean  to  convince  Ids  people  that  they  ought  to  have  no  dependence  on  the  arm  of  flelh.  By  the  moff  inconfiderable  incidents  lie 
 can  eff’erT  the  greatell  exploits.  And  the  great  defign  of  his  dealing  with  his  chofen  people,  is  to  glorify  his  name,  magtdfy  the  riches  of  his  o-race  and  teach  them 
 experimentally,  tirat  they  obtain  falvatioii  not  by  human  might  nor  by  power,  but  by  his  Spirit.  ’ 
 
 three  hundred  men.  How  true  the  proverb!  A  foft  anfwer  turneth  away  «riili. 
 \er.  6.  Are  the  hands  oj  Zebnh  and  Z'lmunnn  mm  in  thine  hand,  that  ive  should 
 give  bread  to  thine  army  ?  lirff,  take  the  kings  of  Blidian  captive,  and  then  de¬ 
 mand  bread  for  tliine  army.  But  as  this  w  as  a  very  unnatural  expreilion  to  a  man 
 who  had  ventured  his  life  in  the  deliverance  of  his  c.  untry,  it  is  therefore  no 
 wonder  that  Gideon  fliould  feverely  revenge  the  affront  at  his  return.  Tliei’e 
 men  were  not  only  guilty  of  contemning  Gideon  ;  but  they  rejedled  God,  whofe 
 comtnand  he  was  obeying.  And  their  fin,  and  that  of  the  Peiulelitcs,  ver.  S.  was 
 peculiarly  aggravating,  becaufe  they  lived  in  the  inheritance  of  the  tribes  of 
 Ifrael,  Jofll.  xiii.  27.  1  Kings  xii.  25.  Ver,  11.  Gideon  want  up  bi/  the  way  of 
 them  that  divelt  in  tents ;  that  is,  the  Arabians.  Not  tlie  diredl  road,  hut  a  round 
 about  way  to  furpvife  the  Midianites.  Ver.  13.  Before  the  sun  wos  up.  From 
 that  it  appears,  that  it  was  in  the  night  he  fell  upon  the  liofl;  at  Karkor,  and 
 muff  mean  the  night  following  that  in  which  he  had  defeated  the  Midianites  in 
 the  valley  of  Jezreel.  Ver.  21.  Bise  thou,  and  Jail  upon  us.  They  law  their  fale 
 unavoidable,  and  therefore  begged  that  they  migiit  be  difpatched  in  the  quickeft 
 
.^IJeotCs  childrens  his  death. 
 
 JUDGES. 
 
 Abimehch  bjj  contphacy  made 
 
 jjpfore  and  took  away  the  ||  ornaments  that  'were  on  their 
 camels’  necks. 
 
 fir.  1^  C22  Then  the  men  of  Ifrael  (aid  unto  Gideon, 
 
 Rule  thou  over  us,  both  thou,  and  thy  (on,  and  thy 
 IrJmenis  fon’s  foD  aU'o ;  for  thou  haft  delivered  us  from  the 
 like  die  hand  of  Midian. 
 
 t^oon.  23  And  Gideon  faid  unto  them,  I  will  not  rule  over 
 you,  neither  (hall  my  fon  rule  over  you :  the  Lord 
 ftall  rule  over  you. 
 
 24  And  Gideon  faid  unto  them,  I  would  defire  a 
 requeft  of  you,  that  ye  would  give  me  every  man  the 
 ear-rings  of  his  prey :  (for  they  had  golden  ear-rings, 
 becaufe  they  •were  Ifhmaelites.) 
 
 25  And  they  anfwered,  We  will  willingly  give 
 And  they  fpread  a  garment,  and  did  caft  therein  every 
 man  the  ear-rings  of  his  prey. 
 
 26  And  the  weight  of  the  golden  ear-rings  that  he 
 requefted  was  a  thoufand  and  feven  hundred  shehWs 
 
 5  Or,  of  gold  ;  befides  ornaments,  and  1|  collars,  and  purple 
 .tweei  raiment,  that  was  on  the  kings  of  Midian,  and  belides 
 the  chains  that  toere  about  their  camel’s  necks. 
 
 27  And  Gideon  made  an  ephod  thereof,  and  put  it 
 in  his  city,  even  in  Ophrah  :  and  all  Ifrael  went  thither 
 a  whoring  after  it :  which  thing  became  a  (bare  unto 
 Gideon,  and  to  his  houfe. 
 
 ^28  f  Thus  was  Midian  fubdued  before  the  children 
 of  Ifrael,  fo  that  they  lifted  up  their  heads  no  more  ; 
 and  the  country  was  in  quietnefs  forty  years  in  the 
 days  of  Gideon. 
 
 29  «[  And  Jerubbaal  the  fon  of  Joafh  went  and 
 dwelt  in  his  own  houfe. 
 
 tHeb.  so  And  Gideon  had  threefcore  and  ten  fons  f  of 
 his  body  begotten  :  for  he  had  many  wives. 
 
 31  And  his  concubine  that  was  in  Shechem,  (he  alfo 
 f  Heb.ssibare  him  a  fon,  whofe  name  het  called  Abimelech. 
 
 32  ^  And  Gideon  the  fon  of  Joa(h  died  in  a  good 
 old  age,  and  was  buried  in  the  fepulchre  of  Joa(h  his 
 father,  in  Ophrah  of  the  Abi  ezrites. 
 
 33  And  it  came  to  pafs,  as  foon  as  Gideon  was  dead, 
 that  the  children  of  Ifrael  turned  again,  and  went  a 
 whoring  after  Baalim,  and  made  Baal-berith  their  god. 
 
 34  And  the  children  of  Ifrael  remembered  not  the 
 
 manner.  Ver.  23.  I  will  not — neither  shall  my  son.  God  was  their  king  and  no 
 one  could  reign  as  his  deputy,  unlefs  nominated  by  himfelf.  Gideon,  too  well 
 acquainted  with  the  nature  of  the  theocracy  to  be  corrupted  with  the  prolpedl 
 of  a  crown,  pioufly  rejects  their  offer.  Ver.  27.  The  word  ephod  generally  fig- 
 rifies  any  gartnent,  but  particularly  a  garment  ufed  in  celebrating  divine  rites. 
 It  was  a  term  appropriated  to  denote  the  outer  garments  worn  by  the  high  prieft 
 avhen  he  officiated.  Gideon’s  ephod  was  intended  by  him  as  a  trophy  to  per¬ 
 petuate  his  fuccefs,  to  (hew  his  gratitude  to  God  for  his  remarkable  victory,  and 
 his  exultation  for  having  by  that  means  reflored  religion  to  its  ancient  purity. 
 Went  a  whoring  after  it.  That  is,  made  an  idol  of  it,  and  worffiipped  it,  and  Co 
 committed  fpiritual  fornication,  which  is  idolatry.  Nothing  affuredly  was  farther 
 from  Gideon’s  intentions  or  vviflies,  than  this ;  but  ignorantly,  or  perhaps  impru¬ 
 dently,  he  chofe  an  unfuitable  mode  of  perpetuating  the  greatell  event  of  his  life, 
 and  laid  a  I'nare  before  bis  family  and  Ifrael.  Ver.  31.  He,  or  rather,  file  called 
 Ahinidach,  w-hich  fignifies  /at/icr  o /ci'ng.  It  is  probable,  that  the  concubine 
 from  pride  and  arrogance  gave  her  fon  this  name,  that  flie  might  be  viewed  the 
 wife  of  one  who  deferved  the  kingdom  which  he  refufed.  And  perhaps  the  fame 
 fpirit  an  1  fentiment,  might  be  the  mean  of  exciting  the  fon  afterwards  to  affedl 
 the  royal  dignity.  Ver.  33.  Baal-berith,  implies  the  god  who  prefides  over  cove¬ 
 nants  and  contra(5ls. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  IX.  Ver.  4.  And  they  gave  him  ihree- 
 
 iLord  their  God,  who  had  delivered  them  out  of  the 
 '  hrinds  of  all  their  enemies  on  every  fide  ;  dr.  1209. 
 
 j  35  Neither  (hewed  they  kindnefs  to  the  houfe  o( 
 
 ;  Jerubbaal,  namely,  Gideon,  according  to  all  the  good- 
 nefs  which  he  had  (hewed  unto  Ifrael.* * 
 
 CHAP.  IX. 
 
 I  Abimelech  by  conspiracy  with  the  Skechemites,  and  murder  of  his  bre¬ 
 thren,  is  made  king  ;  7  Jotham,  by  a  parable  rebukelh  them,  and  fore- 
 telleth  their  ruin.  22  Gaal  conspirelh  with  the  Shechcmiles  agaiu/l 
 him.  SO  Zebul  revealeth  it.  34  Abimelech  overcomelh  them,  and 
 someth  the  city  with  salt,  ^c. 
 
 And  Abimelech  the  fon  of  Jerubbaal  went  to 
 Shechem,  unto  his  mother’s  brethren,  and  com- 
 muned  with  them,  and  with  all  the  family  of  the  houfe 
 1  of  his  mother’s  father,  faying, 
 
 2  Speak,  I  pray  you,  in  the  ears  of  all  the  men  of 
 Shechem,  t  Whether  is  better  for  you,  either  that  all  f  Heb. 
 j  the  fons  of  Jerubbaal,  which  are  threefcore  and  ten 
 I  perfons,  reign  over  you,  or  that  one  reign  over  you  '^^^'ieiher, 
 remember  alfo  that  I  am  your  bone  and  your  fle(h.  ^c. 
 
 3  And  his  mother’s  brethren  fpake  of  him  in  the 
 ears  of  all  the  men  of  Shechem  all  thele  words :  and 
 their  hearts  inclined  to  f  follow  Abimelech  ;  for  they  t 
 faid.  He  is  our  brother.  ^^ler, 
 
 4  And  they  gave  him  threefcore  and  ten  pieces  of 
 (liver  out  of  the  houfe  of  Baal-berith,  wherewith 
 Abimelech  hired  vain  and  light  perfons,  which  fol¬ 
 lowed  him. 
 
 5  And  he  went  unto  his  father’s  houfe  at  Ophrah, 
 and  (lew  his  brethren,  the  fons  of  Jerubbaal,  being 
 threefcore  and  ten  perfons,  upon  one  ftone  :  notwith- 
 ftanding,  yet  Jotham,  the  youngeft  fon  of  Jerubbaal, 
 was  left  ;  for  he  hid  himfelf. 
 
 6  And  all  the  men  of  Shechem  gathered  together, 
 and  all  the  houfe  of  Millo,  and  went  and  made  Abi¬ 
 melech  king,  t  by  the  plain  of  the  pillar  that  was  in  t 
 Shechem. 
 
 i  7  If  And  when  they  told  it  to  Jotham,  he  went  and 
 flood  in  the  top  of  mount  Gerizim,  and  lifted  up  his  Jofhua 
 voice  and  cried,  and  faid  unto  them,  Hearken  unto  me, 
 ye  men  of  Shechem,  that  God  may  hearken  unto  you. 
 
 8  The  trees  went  forth  on  a  time  to  anoint  a  king 
 
 score  and  ten  pieces  of  silver,  out  of  the  house  of  BaaUerith  ;  that  is,  out  of  the 
 public  treafury,  which  hence  appears  to  have  been  kept  in  the  templeof  Baal-berith, 
 The  Hebrew  word  rendered  vain,  fignifies  poor  or  needy  and  the  word  tranflated 
 dgkt  fignifies  idL-  vagabonds.  Ver.  6.  The  men  of  Shechem,  denotes  the  common 
 people;  the  house  of  Millo,  the  ch  ef  men,  or  the  former  phrafe  means  all  the 
 j  people  of  Shechem,  and  the  latter  a  diftinguilhed  family  in  the  neighbourhood. 
 
 I  And  made  Abimelech  king.  This  was  a  moft  bold  and  wicked  aAion,  being  done 
 j  without  afbing  counfel  of  God,  without  whom  no  king  w'as  to  be  fet  over  Ifrael  ; 
 j  and  by  a  Angle  citj',  without  the  knowledge,  advice,  and  confent  of  the  body 
 I  of  the  people  of  Ifrael.  Ver.  8.  The  trees  went  forth  on  a  time.  In  this  apologue 
 !  or  fable,  Jotham  upbraids  the  men  of  Shechem  with  their  folly,  and  foretels 
 I  their  ruin  in  choofing  Abimelech  for  their  king.  The  general  moral,  which  is 
 I  of  great  importance,  and  is  inculcated  with  all  imaginable  force,  is  that  weak  and 
 I  worthlefs  men  are  ever  moft  forward  in  thrufting  themfelves  into  power,  while 
 I  the  wife  and  good  decline  rule,  and  prize  their  native  eafe  and  freedom.  And 
 j  they  said  unto  the  olive  tree.  Reign  thou  over  us.  By  this  the  Ifraelites  well  knew 
 that  he  meant  his  father  Gideon,  to  whom  all  the  people  had  offered  the  kin-rdom, 
 when  he  was  in  a  very  flouriffiing  condition,  and  had  lately  triumphed  over  his 
 enemies.  \  cr.  9.  Should  1  leave  my  fatness,  wherewith  by  me  they  honour  both  God 
 and  man.  God  and  man  are  faid  to  be  honoured  by  oil,  becaufe  it  was  offered 
 in  facrifice  to  God,  and  fed  the  lamps  of  his  houfe,  Exod.  xxxv.  14.  Lev.  ii.  6  7. 
 
 practical  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  VIII.]  It  is  common  for  cowards  to  pretend  valour  when  danger  is  diftant  or  over.  By  pride  cometh 
 ftntion  ;  but  the  humble  by  a  courteous  conduifl  and  foft  words  turn  away  wrath.  It  is  not  uncommon  for  the  thougbtlefs  and  the  vain  to  abufe  thofe  wh  h°"* 
 aved  their  lives  at  the  hazard  of  their  own.  But  having  begun  a  good  work,  let  us  not  be  difeouraged  by  the  ingratitude,  or  even  the  oppoCtion  of  friends  fo^ 
 perleveiance  will  be  crowned  with  fuccefs;  a  reward  fufficiently  great  to  a  generous  mind.  Though  hand  join  in  band,  finners  fliall  not  pafs  unpunifiied  •  their 
 wcurity  rnuft  certainly  prove  their  ruin.  If  one  agent  fear,  another  will  dare  to  execute  the  vengeance  of  God  on  them.  It  is  mudi  better  to  he  of  a  t’  bl 
 
 *rick  d^'^*'  divide  the  fpoil  with  the  proud.  It  is  difficult  to  make  depraved  minds  grateful  to  their  benefadlors,  but  it  is  eafy  to  draw  them”into 
 
 Mo.  15...,6(L  3  Q 
 
Ah'melech 
 
 reigiielh 
 
 in  Shechem, 
 
 JUDGES. 
 
 The  Shcchemitfs  relel  a^aiust 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 •ir.  1209. 
 
 otlier 
 treet  7 
 
 U  Or, 
 thijlle. 
 
 over  them  ;  and  they  faid  unto  the  olive-tree,  Reign 
 thou  over  us. 
 
 9  But  the  olive-tree  faid  unto  them,  Should  I  leave 
 my  fatnefs,  wherewith  by  me  they  honour  God  and 
 t  Heb.  man,  and  f  go  to  be  promoted  over  the  trees  ? 
 
 ^he  fig-tree,  Come  thou, 
 
 and  reign  over  us. 
 
 11  But  the  fig-tree  faid  unto  them,  Should  I  forfake 
 my  fweetnefs,  and  my  good  fruit,  and  go  to  be  pro¬ 
 moted  over  the  trees  ? 
 
 12  Then  faid  the  trees  unto  the  vine.  Come  thou, 
 and  reign  over  us. 
 
 13  And  the  vine  faid  unto  them.  Should  I  leave 
 my  wine,  which  cheereth  God  and  man,  and  go  to  be 
 promoted  over  the  trees  ? 
 
 H  Then  faid  all  the  trees  unto  the  H  bramble.  Come 
 thou,  a?id  reign  over  us. 
 
 15  And  the  bramble  faid  unto  the  trees.  If  in  truth 
 ye  anoint  me  king  over  you,  then  come  atid  put  your 
 truft  in  my  (hadow  ;  and  if  not,  let  fire  come  out  of 
 the  bramble,  and  devour  the  cedars  of  Lebanon. 
 
 16  Now  therefore,  if  ye  have  done  truly  and  fin- 
 cerely,  in  that  ye  have  made  Abimelech  king,  and  if 
 ye  have  dealt  well  with  Jerubbaal  and  his  houfe,  and 
 have  done  unto  him  according  to  the  deferving  of  his 
 hands ; 
 
 17  (For  mv  father  fought  for  you,  and  f  adven¬ 
 tured  his  life  far,  and  delivered  you  out  of  the  hand 
 of  Midian  ; 
 
 18  And  ye  are  rifen  up  againft  my  father’s  houfe 
 this  day,  and  have  flain  his  fons,  threefcore  and  ten 
 perfons,  upon  one  ftone,  and  have  made  Abimelech, 
 the  fon  of  his  raaid-fervant,  king  over  the  men  of 
 Shechem,  becaufe  he  is  your  brother  ;) 
 
 19  If  ye  then  have  dealt  truly  and  fincerely  with 
 Jerubbaal  and  with  his  houfe  this  day,  ihen  rejoice  ye 
 in  Abimelech,  and  let  him  alfo  rejoice  in  you  : 
 
 20  But  if  not,  let  fire  come  out  from  Abimelech, 
 and  devour  the  men  of  Shechem,  and  the  houfe  of 
 Milio  ;  and  let  fire  come  out  from  the  men  of  Shechem, 
 and  from  the  houfe  of  Milio,  and  devour  Abimelech. 
 
 21  And  Jotham  ran  away,  and  fled,  and  went  to 
 Beer,  and  dw’elt  there,  for  fear  of  Abimelech  his  bro¬ 
 ther. 
 
 cir.  1206.  22  If  When  Abimelech  had  reigned  three  years 
 
 over  Ilrael, 
 
 23  'Fhen  God  fent  an  evil  fpirit  between  Abimelech 
 and  the  men  of  Shechem  ;  and  the  men  of  Shechem 
 dealt  treacheroufly  with  Abimelech  : 
 
 24  That  the  cruelty  done  to  the  threefcore  and  ten 
 fons  of  Jerubbaal  might  come,  and  their  blood  be  laid 
 upon  Abimelech  their  brother,  w'hich  flew  them  ;  and 
 upon  the  men  of  Shechem,  which  f  aided  him  in  the 
 killing  of  his  brethren. 
 
 25  And  the  men  of  Shechem  fet  liers  in  wait  for 
 
 I  Heb. 
 call  his 
 life. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 Jlrength- 
 e'ned  his 
 hands  lo 
 lilt. 
 
 him  in  the  fop  of  the  mountains,  and  they  robbed  all  Befo 
 that  came  along  that  way  by  them  :  and  it  was  told  T'C 
 Abimelech.  1205, 
 
 26  And  Gaal  the  fon  of  Ebed  came  with  his  bre-  ^*Vs/ 
 thren,  and  went  over  to  Shechem ;  and  the  men  of 
 Shechem  put  their  confidence  in  him. 
 
 27  And  they  went  out  into  the  fields,  and  gathered 
 their  vineyards,  and  trode  t/ie  giapes,  and  made 
 
 II  merry,  and  went  into  the  houfe  of  their  god,  and  ||  Or 
 did  eat  and  drink,  and  curfed  Abimelech. 
 
 28  And  Gaal  the  fon  of  Ebed  faid,  Who  is  Abime- 
 lech,  and  v/ho  is  Shechem,  that  we  fhould  ferve  him? 
 
 Is  not  he  the  fon  of  Jerubbaal  ?  and  Zebul  his  officer  ? 
 Serve  the  men  of  Hamor  the  father  of  Shechem  ;  for 
 why  fhould  we  ferve  him  ? 
 
 29  And  would  to  God  this  people  were  under  my 
 hand !  then  would  I  remove  Abimelech.  And  he 
 faid  to  Abimelech,  Increafe  thine  array,  and  come 
 out. 
 
 30  ^  And  when  Zebul,  the  ruler  of  the  cit3%  heard 
 the  words  of  Gaal  the  fon  of  Ebed,  his  anger  was 
 
 ll  kindled.  _  n’or, 
 
 31  And  he  fent  meffengers  unto  Abimelech  f  privily, 
 
 faying.  Behold,  Gaal  the  fon  of  Ebed,  and  his  bre- J 
 thren,  be  come  to  Shechem ;  and,  behold,  they  fortify  '^or'h 
 the  city  againft  thee.  Tomai, 
 
 32  Now  therefore  up  by  night,  thou  and  the  people 
 that  is  with  thee,  and  lie  in  wait  in  the  field  : 
 
 33  And  it  fhall  be,  that  in  the  morning,  as  foon  as 
 
 the  fun  is  up,  thou  (bait  rife  early,  and  fet  upon  the 
 city ;  and,  behold,  rvhen  he  and  the  people  that  is  with 
 him  come  out  againft  thee,  then  mayeft  thou  do  to 
 them  t  as  thou  fhalt  find  occafion.  t  Heb. 
 
 34^1  And  Abimelech  rofe  up,  and  all  the  people 
 that  -jorre  with  him,  by  night,  and  they  laid  wait  againftj?^’^. 
 Shechem  in  four  companies. 
 
 .35  And  Gaal  the  fon  of  Ebed  went  out,  and  flood 
 in  the  entering  of  the  gate  of  the  city ;  and  Abimel- 
 lech  rofe  up,  and  the  people  that  were  v/ith  him,  from 
 lying  in  wait. 
 
 36  And  v/hen  Gaal  faw  the  people,  he  faid  to  Ze¬ 
 bul,  Behold,  there  come  people  down  from  the  top  of 
 the  mountains.  And  Zebul  faid  unto  him.  Thou  feeft 
 the  fhadow  of  the  mountains  as  if  they  were  men. 
 
 37  And  Gaal  fpake  again,  and  faid,  See,  there  come 
 people  down  by  the  f  middle  of  the  land,  and  another 
 comp:tny  come  along  by  the  plain  of  H  Meonenim.  jJ“or, 
 
 38  Then  faid  Zebul  onto  him,  Where  is  now  there- 
 mouth,  wherewith  thou  faidtt,  Who  is  Abimelech, 
 that  we  fhould  ferve  him  ?  Is  not  this  the  people 
 
 thou  haft  defpifed  ?  Go  out  I  pray  now,  and  fight 
 with  them. 
 
 39  And  Gaal  went  out  before  the  men  of  Shechem, 
 and  fought  with  Abimelech. 
 
 40  And  Abimelech  chafed  him,  and  he  fled  before 
 
 Anointing  with  oil  w'as,  from  the  earlieft  times,  confidered  eflential  in  confecrat- 
 ing  perfons  or  things  for  an  important  or  facred  purpofe,  Gen.  xxviii.  18.  Exod. 
 xxviii.  41.  And  go  lo  be  promoled  over  the  trees  ?  This  is  a  very  lively  reprefen- 
 tation  of  the  duty  of  a  good  man.  who  facrifices  to  the  good  of  the  public  his  own 
 quiet  and  tranquillity.  Ver.  12.  Then  snid  the  trees  unto  the  vine,  Thefe  being 
 all  noble  tres,  were  intended  to  reprefent,  that  better  men  than  Abimelech  had 
 rtfufed  that  of  which  he  w'as  ambitious.  Ver.  13.  IFine,  which  cheereth  God  and 
 man.  V/hich  being  ufed  in  drink-offerings  was  acceptable  to  God,  and  of  a 
 I'wcet  favour  to  him.  Numb.  xv.  7.  and  refrefhes  and  gladdens  the  heart  of  man 
 ■when  forrowful,  faint,  and  W'cary,  Pfal.  civ.  lo,  Ver.  20.  Let  Jirc  come 
 out  from  Ahimclech.  This  prophetic  curfe,  like  that  of  Jofhua,  Jo(h.  vi.  20.  was 
 folly  accomplifhed  ;  not  indeed  by  fire  properly  fo  called,  but  by  his  rage  and 
 fur.ous  re-.enge,  ■which  is  jultly  compared  to  fire.  Ver.  23.  God  is  not  the  author 
 
 of  any  evil  ;  but  he  is  the  fovereign  Lord  of  all  creatures  and  things,  and  by  tli* 
 exercife  of  his  infinite  wil'dom  and  uncontroulable  power,  be  renders  them  fub- 
 fervient  to  execute  his  purpofes.  Holy  intelligent  beings  owe  all  tlieir  excel¬ 
 lence  to  bjm,  and  the  cfl5ca<-y  of  their  labours  is  uniformly  aferibed  to  him.  'ice 
 works  of  wicked  men  and  angels,  which  they  perform  without  any  higher  vie* 
 than  felf-gratification  or  mifebief,  are  overruled  by  him  to  accomplifli  his  couii- 
 fels  of  mercy  and  grace;  and  on  this  account  they  are  called  his  mcfflngcrsi 
 but  they  are  inelfengers  whole  inclinations  and  defigns,  (wliatever  be  the  efled 
 of  their  labours)  merit,  and  fliall  receive  at  a  proper  time,  his  righteous  ven¬ 
 geance.  The  perfons  who  fowed  dilTention  between  Abimelech  and  bis  oU 
 friends,  were  doubtlefs  of  this  defeription.  Ver.  26.  Gaal,  was  probably  a  Jc 
 fcendarit  of  Hamor,  the  ancient  prince  of  Shechem,  who  governed  the  ini'abi' 
 tants  as  a  father,  compare  ver.  28.  and  Gen.  xxxiv.  Ver.  28.  h'/io  is  S/ifc/ieiii-t 
 
jfbvnelcch  Stayeth  thn  men  of  Shcchem, 
 
 JUDGES. 
 
 Tola  and  Jair  judges  in  Israel* 
 
 Jlefore 
 
 Clir'lt 
 1206. 
 
 him  :  and  many  were  overthrown  and  wounded,  even 
 unto  the  entering  of  the  gate. 
 
 41  And  Abimelech  dwelt  at  Aruraah:  and  Zebu! 
 thruft  out  Gaal  and  his  brethren,  that  they  fhould  not 
 dwell  in  Shechem. 
 
 42  And  it  came  to  pafs  on  the  morrow,  that  the 
 people  went  out  into  the  field  ;  and  they  told  Abime¬ 
 lech. 
 
 43  And  he  took  the  people,  and  divided  them  into 
 three  companies,  and  laid  wait  in  the  field,  and  looked, 
 and  behold,  the  people  were  come  forth  out  of  the 
 city  ;  and  he  rofe  up  againtt  them,  and  fmote  them. 
 
 44  And  Abimelech,  and  the  company  that  was  with 
 him,  rufhed  forward,  and  flood  in  the  entering  of  the 
 gate  of  the  city  :  and  the  two  other  companies  ran  up¬ 
 on  all  the  -people  that  were  in  the  fields,  and  flew  them. 
 
 45  And  Abimelech  fought  againfl  the  city  all  that 
 day  ;  and  he  took  the  city  and  flew  the  people  that 
 was  therein,  and  beat  down  the  city,  and  fowed  it 
 with  fait. 
 
 46  1]  And  when  all  the  men  of  the  tower  of  She- 
 chem  heard  that,  they  entered  into  the  hold  of  the 
 houfe  of  the  god  Berith. 
 
 47  And  it  was  told  Abimelech,  that  all  the  men  of 
 the  tower  of  Shechem  were  gathered  together. 
 
 48  And  Abimelech  gat  him  up  to  mount  Zalmon, 
 he  and  all  the  people  that  were  with  him  ;  and  Abime- 
 lach  took  an  axe  in  his  hand,  and  cut  down  a  bough 
 from  the  trees,  and  took  it  and  laid  it  on  his  flioulder, 
 and  laid  unto  the  people  that  therewith  him.  What  ye 
 have  feen  f  me  do,  make  hafte,  and  do  as  I  have  done. 
 
 _  49  And  all  the  people  likewife  cut  down  every  man 
 his  bough  and  followed  Abimelech,  and  put  thejn  to 
 the  hold,  and  fet  the  hold  on  fire  upon  them  :  fo  that 
 all  the  men  of  the  tower  of  Shechem  died  alfo,  about 
 a  thoufand  men  and  women. 
 
 50  f  Then  v.^ent  Abimelech  to  Thebez,  and  en¬ 
 camped  againfl  Thebez,  and  took  it. 
 
 51  But  there  was  a  flrong  tower  within  the  city, 
 and  thither  fled  all  the  men  and  women,  and  all  they 
 of  the  city,  and  fliut  it  to  them,  and  gat  them  up  to 
 the  top  of  the  tovv^er. 
 
 52  And  Abimelech  came  unto  the  tower,  and 
 fought  againfl  it,  and  went  hard  unto  the  door  of  the 
 tower  to  burn  it  with  fire. 
 
 a  2  Sam.  53  And  a  certain  woman  *  cafl  a  piece  of  a  millftone 
 11.  21.  upon  Abimelech’s  head,  and  all  to  break  his  Ikull. 
 
 54  Then  he  called  haftily  unto  the  young  man  his 
 
 f  Heb 
 
 I  have 
 done. 
 
 Tliat  is,  Who  is  this  Shechemite  ?  Ver.  45.  Sowed  it  luith  sail.  It  has  been  re. 
 marked  that  (alt  in  large  quantity  renders  land  barren  ;  and  therefoi-e  Abimelech 
 intended  by  this  adlion  to  (hew  his  hatred  of  the  Shechemites,  by  vvifbing  their 
 city  might  remain  for  ever  one  perpetual  heap  and  defolation.  Ver.  53.  And  all 
 U  break-;  that  is  with  a  view  to  break.  The  old  Englilh  ufed  tl>e  word  all  in 
 compofuion  to  imply  ab/du'e j^erJeSlion,  Tims  almif^hty  implies  abfolulely  per/,  51 
 power ;  and  all  to,  fignifies  entirely,  perfeSl,  or  altogether.  Here  was  meafure  for 
 meafure,  a  juft  retaliation  ;  as  Abimelech  had  flain  feventy  of  his  brethren  on  one 
 ftone,  he  dies  himfeif  by  means  of  a  ftone.  Ver,  56,  57.  Thefe  two  verfes  con¬ 
 clude  the  narrative  with  a  divine  admonition,  that  no  man  Ihould  prefume  to 
 think  fuch  things  happened  by  chance;  but  that  God  the  righteous  judge  of  all 
 the  earth,  punKhed  both  Abimelech,  and  the  men  of  Shechem  according  to  their 
 deferts,  and  made  them  the  inftrumrnents  of  each  other’s  deftruction. 
 
 armour-bearer,  and  faid  unto  him,  Draw  thy  fword, 
 and  flay  me  that  men  fay  not  of  me,  A  woman  flew 
 him.  And  his  young  man  ttirutt  him  through,  and  he 
 died. 
 
 55  And  when  the  men  of  lirael  faw  that  Abimelech 
 was  dead,  they  departed  every  man  unto  his  place. 
 
 56*1  IhusGod  rendered  the  wickednels  of  Abi¬ 
 melech,  which  he  did  unto  his  father,  in  flaying  his 
 feventy  brethren : 
 
 57  And  all  the  evil  of  the  men  of  Shechem  did  God 
 render  upon  th^ir  heads  :  and  upon  them  came  the 
 curfeof  Jothara  the  fon  of  Jerubbaal.* 
 
 CHAP.  X. 
 
 I  Tola  judgelh  Ifrael  in  Shamir.  3  Jair,  a  Gileadite,  whqfe  thirty  sons 
 
 had  thirty  cities,  judgeth  Israel.  6  The  Philistines  and  Ansmonites  op- 
 
 press  Israel ;  !  0  in  their  misery  tlsey  cry  to  God,  ^-c. 
 
 ND  after  Abimelech  there  arofe,  to  |I  t  defend  |i  Or, 
 
 _ Ifrael,  Tolah  the  fon  of  Puah,  the  fon  of  Dodo, 
 
 a  man  of  Ifl'achar ;  and  he  dwelt  in  Shamir  in  mount  t 
 Ephraim. 
 
 2  And  he  judged  Ifrael  twenty  and  three  years,  dr.  iissj 
 and  died,  and  was  buried  in  Shamir. 
 
 3  H  And  after  him  arofe  Jair,  a  Gileadite,  and  judg¬ 
 ed  Ifrael  twenty  and  two  years. 
 
 4  And  he  had  thirty  fons,  that  rodeon  thirty afs-colts, 
 and  they  had  thirty  cities,  which  are  called  ||  Havoth-  n  or, 
 jair  unto  this  day,  which  are  in  the  land  of  Gilead.  The  vU- 
 
 5  And  Jair  died,  and  was  buried  in  Camon.  lageso/ 
 
 6  f  And  ^  the  children  laf  Ifrael  did  evil  again  in  the^r.’^'uci. 
 
 fight  of  the  Lord,  and  ferved  ^  Baalim,  and  Afhta-a  Cbap.  ’ 
 roth,  and  the  gods  of  Syria,  and  the  gods  of  Zidon,  2-  n-  & 
 and  the  gods  of  Moab,  and  the  gods  of  the  children^*  V  J 
 of  Ammon,  and  the  gods  of  the  Pniliflines,  and  for- e!  fit 
 fook  the  Lord,  and  ferved  not  him.  13.  1, 
 
 7  And  the  anger  of  the  Lord  was  hot  againfl  IC-^  Chap, 
 rael,  and  he  fold  them  into  the  hands  of  the  Pnilif. 
 tines,  and  into  the  hands  of  the  children  of  Ammon. 
 
 _8  And  II  that  year  they  vexed  and  f  opprefled  the  ||  Or, 
 children  of  Ilrael  eighteen  years,  all  the  children  from  that, 
 Ifrael  that  were  on  the  other  fide  Jordan,  in  the  land  ^ 
 of  the  Amorites,  which  is  in  Gilead.  crusied. 
 
 9  (Moreover  the  children  of  Ammon  pafTed  (over 
 Jordan  to  fight  alfo  againfl  Judah,  and  againfl  Ben- 
 jamin,  and  againfl  the  houfe  of  Ephraim  ;  fo  that  If¬ 
 rael  was  fore  diflreffed.) 
 
 1 0  H  And  the  children  of  Ifrael  cried  unto  the  Lord, 
 faying,  We  have  finned  againfl  thee,  both  becaufe  we 
 have  forfaken  our  God  and  alfo  ferved  Baalim. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  X.  Ver.  1.  Abimelech  mu  ft  not  be 
 confidered  as  a  judge  appointed  by  God  ;  but  an  ufurper  who  dared  to  alter 
 the  divine  government  by  making  himfelf  a  king.  The  word  rendered  to  defend 
 fignifies  to  snue  or  deliver.  Tola— a  man  of  IJachar.  The  word  ish,  man 
 in  conftruction  implies  a  perfon  of  eminence.  Thus,  »  a  man  of  war”  fi.niiftes  a 
 commander:  and  may  not  a  7nan  of  Iffiehar  imply  fome  remarkable  p^fon  of 
 that  tribe?  Ver.  4.  Compare  note  on  chap.  v.  10.  Ver.  8.  That  year.  IMeans 
 probably  the  period  when  Ifrael  relapfcd  into  idolatry,  ver.  6,  7.  This  op- 
 preffion,  according  to  chronologifts,  muft  have  been  chieily  during  Jair’s  govern¬ 
 ment.  Perhaps  he  was  more  intent  on  the  aggrandizement  of  his"’ family  than  on 
 the  profperity  of  true  religion  in  the  country  ;  and  hence  he  was  unable  to  defend 
 and  refeue  the  nation  from  foreign  enemies  ;  for  no  ruler  could  protect  Ifrael 
 when  God  was  provoked.  Ver.  U— 14.  Thefe  heavy  charges  brought  againft 
 
 PRACl  IC(AL  OBSERVATIONS. — *Chap.  IX.]  For  the  transgreffion  of  a  land  many  and  bafe  are  its  princes.  Inftruments  are  never  wanting'  to  alT.ft  in 
 ruinous  and  bloody  condua.  Haughty  and  depraved  men  ftick  at  nothing  to  gain  their  end  ;  and  being  confeiousof  their  mifehievous  purpofes  thev 
 eule  the  innocent  of  the  Same  evil  defigns.  They  pu(h  after  that  elevation  which  the  wife  and  humble  (bun  ;  nor  is  any  one  more  inlbleiit  andoveiLarbiTH'' 
 low  mmd  railed  above  his  ftation.  He  who  obtains  power  by  a  fox-like  craft  often  rules  like  a  lion,  and  dies  in  difgrace  like  a  dog.  Accomplices  in  wic'-erTonP  "  * 
 tlily  become  plagues  and  murderers  of  one  another,  and  traitors  mutually  diftruft  each  other.  Wlien  men  are  into.xicated  with  wine  thev  are  fit  for  evprv  !  l  ’’f’ 
 andinfolent  boaftmgsof  valour  in  the  fumes  of  wine,  generally  itfue  in  cowardice  and  ftiame.  Civil  wars  are  ufually  the  tnoft  inhuman  in  which 'th^ 
 th  ■  T’  7-  1‘idifcnmiuately.  What  miferies  wicked  rulers  entail  on  their  wretched  lubjeds  !  How  terrible  is  their  end,  when  God  re’turns  their  iniqu  r  n 
 
The  Philistines  and  Amorites  oppress  Israel. 
 
 JUDGES. 
 
 Chrift  Lord  faid  unto  the  children  of  Ifrael, 
 
 dr.  1120.  I  deliver  yoti  from  the  Egyptians,  and  from 
 
 the  Amorites,  from  the  children  of  Ammon,  and  from 
 the  Philiftines? 
 
 12  Ihe  Zidonians  alfo,  and  the  Amalekites,  and 
 the  Maonites,  did  opprefs  you  ;  and  ye  cried  to  me, 
 and  1  delivered  you  out  of  their  hand. 
 
 13  Yet  ye  have  forfaken  me,  and  ferved  other 
 gods  '.^wherefore  I  will  deliver  you  no  more. 
 
 1 4  Go  and  cry  unto  the  gods  which  ye  have  chofen ; 
 let  them  deliver  you  in  the  time  of  your  tribulation. 
 
 1511  And  the  children  of  Krael  faid  unto  the  Lord, 
 t  Heb.  have  finned 
 
 js  good  in 
 
 c  Deut. 
 S2.  15. 
 Jer.  2.13. 
 
 do  thou  unto  us  vvhatlbever  f  feem- 
 
 thine 
 
 eyes. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 gods  of 
 Jl  rangers. 
 f  Heb. 
 was  short¬ 
 ened. 
 t  Heb. 
 cried  to¬ 
 gether. 
 
 d  Chap. 
 11.  8. 
 
 a  Hebr. 
 II.  32. 
 called 
 Jephthce. 
 f  Heb. 
 a  woman 
 tin  ballot, 
 
 t  Heb. 
 the  face 
 «/. 
 
 fHeb. 
 
 After 
 
 days. 
 
 eth  good  unto  thee ;  deliver  us  only,  we  pray  thee, 
 this  day. 
 
 16  And  they  put  away  the  f  ftrange  gods  from 
 among  them,  and  ferved  the  Lord  :  and  his  foul  t  was 
 grieved  for  the  milery  of  Ifrael. 
 
 17  Then  the  children  of  Ammon  were  f  gathered 
 together,  and  encamped  in  Gilead  ;  and  the  children 
 of  Ifr^l  affembled  themfelves  together,  and  encamp¬ 
 ed  in  Mizpeh. 
 
 18  And  the  people  and  princes  of  Gilead  faid  one  to 
 another,  What  man  is  he  that  will  begin  to  fight  againft 
 the  children  of  Ammon  ?  he  fhall  be  head  over  all 
 the  inhabitants  of  Gilead.* 
 
 CHAP.  XI. 
 
 1  The  covenant  between  Jephthak  and  the  Gileadites,  that  he  should  be  their 
 
 head.  3  The  treaty  of  peace  between  him  and  the  Ammonites,  is  in 
 vain.  29  Jephthah's  vow,  ^c. 
 
 OW  ^  Jephthah  the  Gileadite  was  a  mighty  man 
 of  valour,  and  he  was  the  fon  of  f  an  harlot : 
 and  Gilead  begat  Jephthah. 
 
 2  And  Gilead’s  wife  bare  him  fons ;  and  his  wife’s 
 fons  grew  up,  and  they  thurfl  out  Jephthah,  and  faid 
 unto  him.  Thou  (halt  not  inherit  in  our  father’s  houfe; 
 for  thou  art  the  fon  of  a  ftrange  woman. 
 
 3  Then  Jephthah  fled  from  f  his  brethren,  and  dwelt 
 in  the  land  of  Tob :  and  there  were  gathered  vain 
 men  to  Jephthah,  and  went  out  with  him. 
 
 4  H  And  it  came  to  pafs  f  in  procefs  of  time,  that 
 the  children  of  Ammon  made  war  againft  Ifrael. 
 
 5  And  it  was  fo,  that,  when  the  children  of  Ammon 
 made  war  againft  Ifrael,  the  elders  of  Gilead  went  to 
 fetch  Jephthah  out  of  the  land  of  Tob  ; 
 
 6  And  they  faid  unto  Jephthah,  Come,  and  be  our 
 captain,  that  we  may  fight  with  the  children  of  Ammon. 
 
 N' 
 
 The  Gileadites*  njrreement  with  Jiphiha]^ 
 
 I  7  And  Jephthah  faid  unto  the  elders  of  Gilead,  Did  n^-for^ 
 jnot  ye  hate  me,  and  expel  me  out  of  my  lather’s 
 houfe?  and  why  are  ye  come  unto  me  now  when  yeri“'‘^- 
 are  in  diftrefs? 
 
 8  And  the  elders  of  Gilead  faid  unto  Jephthah, » 
 Therefore  we  turn  again  to  thee  now,  that  thou 
 rnayeft  go  w'ith  us,  and  fight  againft  the  children  of 
 Ammon,  and  be  our  head  over  all  the  inhabitants  of 
 Gilead. 
 
 9  And  Jephthah  faid  unto  the  elders  of  Gilead,  If 
 ye  bring  me  home  again  to  fight  againft  the  children  of 
 Amtlion,  and  the  Lord  deliver  them  before  me,  (hall 
 I  be  your  head  ? 
 
 10  And  the  elders  of  Gilead  faid  unto  Jephthah, 
 
 The  Lord  f  be  witnefs  between  us,  if  we  do  not  fo  (•  Heb. 
 according  to  thy  words.  ^ethe 
 
 1 1  Then  Jephthah  went  with  the  elders  of  Gilead, 
 and  the  people  made  him  head  and  captain  over  them  : 
 pd  Jephthah  uttered  all  his  words  before  the  Lord 
 in  M'zpeh. 
 
 12  U  And  Jephthah  lent  meflengers  unto  the  king'^'*'-  H43. 
 of  the  children  of  Amnion,  faying,  What  haft  thou 
 
 to  do  with  me,  that  thou  art  come  againft  me  to  fight 
 in  iny  land  ? 
 
 13  And  the  king  of  the  children  of  Ammon  anfwer-, 
 ed  unto  the  meflengers  of  Jephthah,  ^  Becaufe  Ifrael 
 took  away  my  land,  when  they  came  up  out  of  Egypt, 
 from  Arnon  even  unto  Jabbok,  and  unto  Jordan  :  now 
 therefore  reftore  thole  lands  again  peaceably. 
 
 _  14  If  And  Jephthah  lent  meflengers  again  unto  the 
 king  of  the  children  of  Ammon, 
 
 15  And  faid  unto  him,  Thus  faith  Jephthah,  IfraeP 
 took  not  away  the  land  of  Moab,  nor  the  land  of  the^’ 
 children  of  Ammon  : 
 
 16  But  when  Ifrael  came  up  from  Egypt,  and  walk¬ 
 ed  through  the  wildernefs  unto  the  Red  fea,  and  came 
 to  Kadelh  ; 
 
 17  Then  ''  Ifrael  fent  meflengers  unto  the  king  ofd  Numb. 
 Edom,  faying.  Let  me,  I  pray  thee,  pafs  through  thy 
 
 land  :  but  the  king  of  Edom  would  not  hearken  there¬ 
 to.  And  in  like  manner  they  feut  unto  the  king  of 
 Moab ;  but  he  would  not  consent :  and  Ifrael  abode  in 
 Kadelh. 
 
 18  Then  ’they  went  along  through  the  wildernefs, 
 
 and  compafled  the  land  of  Edom,  and  the  land  of  Moab,  ^  , 
 
 and  came  by  the  eaft  fide  of  the  land  of  Moab,  ®  and  21.  Is.  & 
 pitched  on  the  other  fideof  Arnon,  but  came  not  within  22.  ss. 
 
 Ifrael,  and  the  punilhment  threatened  of  leaving  them  to  feek  help  from  the  idols 
 that  they  had  chofen,  were  juft,  yet  merciful,  as  they  were  defigned  to  lead  the 
 people  to  repentance.  Of  their  oppreflions  by  the  Sidoniaos,  Amalekites,  and 
 iVIaonites,  we  know  almoft  nothing;  but  it  is  probable  that  thefe  nations  were  in 
 alliance  with  the  chief  enemies  of  Ifrael.  The  Maonites  perhaps  lived  near  the 
 wildernefs  of  Meor,  1  Sam.  xxiii.  25.  xxv.  2.  Ver.  16.  They  put  away  the Jlrange 
 gods  from  among  them,  which  ftiewed  their  confeffion  and  humiliation  to  have  been 
 genuine.  This  reformation  is  remarkable  and  feems  to  have  been  more  unfeigned 
 than  any  which  is  recorded  during  the  age  of  the  Judges-;  its  falutary  influence 
 lafted  the  time  of  Jephthah  and  three  fucceeding  governors,  accordingly  the  com- 
 pafliou  of  God  for  his  people  is  exprrffed  in  ftronger  language,  than  any  that  is 
 ufed  in  this  book  :  “  his  foul  was  grieved  for  the  mifery  of  Ifrael.” 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XI.  Ver.  I.  A  harlot’s  son,  or  natural 
 child,  was  excluded  from  power  and  office  by  the  law,  Deut.  xxiii.  2.  but  the  law 
 is  preferibed  to  diredl  man,  not  God  ;  be  can  and  does  difpenfe  with  the  law 
 
 and  order  of  things  when  it  feems  good  in  his  fight.  Ver.  2  A  strange  woman ; 
 probably  fignifies  here  a  harlot,  Prov.  v.  10,  20.  If  Gilead  chofe  her  for  a 
 concubine  or  inferior  wife,  Jephthah  was  a  lawful  fon,  and,  taking  Abraham’s  con¬ 
 duct  to  his  fons  by  Keturah,  he  might  claim  a  portion  with  his  brethren,  Gen. 
 xxv.  6.  Ver.  3.  The  land  of  Tob,  is  not  mentioned  any  where  elfe  in  feripUire ; 
 but  it  was  probably  not  far  from  Gilead,  near  the  entrance  of  Arabia  Deferta. 
 Vain  men.  That  is  men  of  no  eftates,  who  had  nothing  but  their  labour  to  fuhfift 
 upon,  compare  Note  on  chap.  ix.  4.  Ver.  4.  In  procefs  of  time.  That  is,  after 
 eighteen  years’  oppreffion,  (chap.  x.  8.)  by  the  Ammonites,  who  commenced  a  war 
 againft  KVael,  when  they  feemed  difpoled  to  throw  off  the  yoke.  Ver.  1  1.  Jephthah 
 uttered,  all  his  words  before  the  Lord.  The  people  had  done  their  part  in  giving 
 him  affurance  that  he  Ihould  be  their  head ;  but  Jephthah  w'ould  undertake 
 nothing  without  God’s  approbation.  Ver.  13.  Because  Israel  look  away  my 
 land.  This  was  a  mere  pretence,  the  land  not  belonging  to  him  but  to 
 Sibon  king  of  the  Amorites.  God  exprefsly  charged  the  Ifraelites  not  to  med- 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  X.]  How  great  is  the  mercy  of  God  inraifing  up  for  his  people  impartial  and  faithful  rulers.  The  repentance 
 of  tliofe  w  hofe  hearts  are  unchanged  is  partial,  and  they  foon  relapfe  into  their  former  fins.  God  will  not  ceafe  to  chaften  the  obje^s  of  his  mercy  till  he  bring  them 
 to  a  juft  fenfe  of  their  iius,  fuitable  eftimation  of  his  mercies,  renunciation  of  idols,  and  unfeigned  fubmiflion  to  bis  grace.  His  fatherly  heart  is  touched  with  their 
 wretchednefs,  and  ready  to  receive  returning  prodigals.  He  is  loath  to  give  up  his  people  to  deftrudlion  ;  in  his  love  and  in  his  pity  lie  redeemed  them  ;  and  he  bare 
 them,  and  carried  them  all  tlie  days  of  old.  Oh  !  may  his  Spirit  enable  us  to  improve  all  his  difpenfations  towards  us,  and  draw  us  nearer  and  nearer  to  the  enjoyment 
 of  our  God  and  Saviour,  till  from  condu<5ling  us  through  all  troubles,  and  fympathizing  with  us  in  all  our  afliidlions,  he  fliall  bring  us  fafe  to  Ihe  heavenly  manfions 
 where  fin  and  forrow  fhall  never  enter. 
 
Vaw 
 
 f  pent 
 2.  26- 
 
 Deut. 
 ,  36. 
 
 j^jMuh  snhdndh  the  Ammonites.  '  JUDGES. 
 
 uefort*  the  border  of  Moab  :  for  Arnon  to.rs  the  border  of 
 (jiinft  Moab. 
 
 cir.  jg  f  KYiel  fent  meffengers  unto  Sihon  king  of 
 the  Amorites,  the  king  of  Heibbon  ;  and  Ifrael  laid 
 unto  him,  Let  us  paL,  we  pray  thee,  through  thy  land 
 unto  my  place. 
 
 20  But  Sihon  trufted  not  Ifrael  to  pals  through  his 
 coafts :  bur  Sihon  gathered  all  his  people  together,  and 
 pitched  in  Jahaz,  and  fought  againlt  Ifrael. 
 
 ^  2i  And  the  Lord  God  of  Ifrael,  delivered  Sihon 
 and  all  his  people  into  the  hand  of  llVael,  and  they 
 fmote  them  :  lb  Ifrael  poffeffed  all  the  land  of  the 
 Amorites,  the  inhabitants  of  that  country. 
 
 22  And  they  poffelTed  s  all  the  coatts  of  the  Amo- 
 rites",  from  Arron  even  unto  Jabbok,  and  from  the 
 
 y  ildernefs  even  unto  Jordan. 
 
 2f^  So  novv  the  Lord  God  of  Ifrael  hath  dilpol- 
 feffed  the  Amorites  from  before  his  people  Ifrael,  and 
 Ihouldea  thou  poffels  b  ?  , .  ,  ^  ^ 
 
 24  Wilt  not  thou  poliels  that  which  CheraoUi  thy 
 god  giveth  thee  to  poffels  ?  lb  whomloever  the  Lord 
 our  God  (hall  drive  out  from  before  us,  them  will  we 
 
 poffefs.  , .  ,  .  -n  t  1 
 
 25  And  now,  art  thou  any  thing  better  than  lialak 
 
 the  fon  of  Zippor  king  of  Moab  ?  did  he  ever  ftrive 
 againft  Ifrael.  or  did  he  ever  fight  againft  them. 
 
 26  While  Ifrael  dwelt  in  tlefhbon  and  her  towns, 
 and  in  Aroer  and  her  towns,  and  in  all  the  cities  that 
 be  along  by  the  coafts  of  Arnon,  three  hundred  years  ? 
 why  therefore  did  he  not  recover  them  within  that 
 
 tinie?  ^  ,  , 
 
 27  Wherefore  I  have  not  finned  againlt  tnee,  but 
 thou  doeft  me  wrong  to  war  againft  me  :  the  Lord 
 the  Judge  be  judge  this  day  between  the  children  of 
 Ifrael  and  the  children  of  Ammon. 
 
 28  Howbeit  the  king  of  the  children  of  Ammon 
 hearkened  not  unto  the  words  of  Jephthah  which  he 
 fent  him. 
 
 29  Then  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  came  upon  Jeph¬ 
 thah,  and  he  palled  over  Gilead  and  Manalleh,  and 
 paired  over  M  zpeh  of  Gilead,  and  from  Mizpeh  of 
 Gilead  he  palTed  over  unto  the  children  of  Ammon. 
 
 .80  And  Jephthah  vowed  a  vow  unto  the  Lord^ 
 
 l,  Numb. 
 22.  2. 
 Paul. 
 
 23.  4, 
 Joftiua 
 
 24.  a. 
 
 Jephthah* s  WRv 
 
 and  faid,  If  thou  (halt  without  fail  deliver  the  children 
 of  Ammon  into  mine  hands,  cir.  ihs. 
 
 31  'Fhen  it  lhall  be,  that  f  whatfoever  cometh  forth 
 
 of  the  doors  of  my  houfe  to  meet  me,  when  I  reiurnf  uo*. 
 in  peace  f  rom  the  children  of  Ammon,  lhall  furely  be ‘km 
 the  Lord’s,  H  and  I  will  offer  it  up  for  a  burnt-^"”'^'^ 
 offering.  whic/i  fkall 
 
 32  ^  So  Jephthah  paffed  over  unto  the  children  or  c»me/orifi. 
 Ammon  to  fight  againft  them;  and  the  Lord  deii- 
 
 vered  them  into  his  hands.  _ 
 
 33  And  he  fmote  them  from  Aroer,  even  till  thou 
 come  to  Minnith,  even  twenty  cities,  and  unto  H 
 plain  of  the  vineyards,  with  a  very  great  fluughter. 
 
 Thus  the  children  of  Ammon  were  fubdued  before 
 the  children  of  Ifrael. 
 
 34  H  And  Jephtnah  came  to  Mizpeh  unto  his  houfe, 
 and,  behold,  his  daughter  came  out  to  meet  him  with 
 timbrels  and  with  dances  ;  and  Ihe  ws  his  only  child  ; 
 
 II  f  befiJe  her  he  had  neither  fon  nor  daughter.  I  r 
 
 35  And  it  came  to  pal's,  when  he  faw  her,  that 
 
 rent  his  clothes,  and  la.d,  Alas,  my  daughter  !  thou^^/^^,. 
 baft  brought  me  very  low,  and  thou  art  one  of  them  or  daugh. 
 that  trouble  me:  for  I  have  opened  my  mouth 
 the  Lord,  and  I  cannot  go  back.  l/him’sei/. 
 
 36  And  Ihe  faid  unto  him,  My  father  if  then  haft 
 opened  thy  mouth  unto  the  Lord,  do  to  me  according 
 to  that  which  hath  proceeded  out  of  thy  mouth  ;  for- 
 afmuch  as  the  Lord  hath  taken  vengeance  for  thee 
 of  thine  enemies,  even  of  the  children  of  Ammon. 
 
 37  And  Ihe  faid  unto  her  father,  Let  this  thing  be 
 done  for  me:  let  me  alone  two  months,  that  I  may 
 
 f  go  up  and  down  upon  the  mountains,  and  bewail  t  Heb. 
 my  virginity,  I  and  my  fellows.  "* 
 
 38  And  he  laid,  Go.  And  he  fent  her  away^^r 
 two  months  :  and  Ihe  went  with  her  co.npanions,  and 
 bei> ailed  her  virginity  upon  the  mountains. 
 
 39  And  it  came  to  pal's,  at  the  end  of  two  months, 
 that  Ihe  returned  unto  her  father,  who  did  wirh  her 
 according  to  his  vow  which  he  had  vowed  ;  and  Ihe  f  Heb. 
 knew  no  man.  And  it  was  a  II  cuftom  in  Ifrael,  from  year 
 
 40  the  daughters  of  Ifrael  went  t  yearly  !l  to!.°  ll’‘”' 
 
 down. 
 
 a  Or, 
 ordinance. 
 
 lament  the  daughter  of  Jephthah  the  Gileadite  fourj^^'^’ 
 days  in  a  year.* 
 
 talk 
 with. 
 
 die  with  the  country  of  the  Ammonites,  and  they  ftri<5lly  obeyed,  Deut.  ii.  1 9. 
 Ver.  24  IVilt  not  thou  possess  that  which  Chemosh  thy  god  giveth  thee  to  possess? 
 Chemoth  was  the  idol  of  the  Moabites,  Numb.  xsi.  29  which  has  led  fome  to 
 think  ihat  the  prefent  king  of  Ammon  was  alfo  king  of  Moab,  and  infifted  on  that 
 part  of  the  country  which  formerly  belonged  to  Moab,  to  be  delivered  to  him,  as 
 well  as  that  which  had  belonged  to  Ammon.  Jephthah  argues  witli  them  ad  ho- 
 minem,  from  the  lefs  to  the  greater;  so  whomsoever  the  Lord  ovr  God  shall  drive 
 out  from  before  us  them  w.ll  we  possess.  Ver.  2  7.  The  Lord  the  Judge  be  judge  this 
 day.  He  refers  his  caufe  to  the  great  Judge  of  the  whole  eartii,  if  the  conteft 
 mod  be  decided  by  the  fword  ;  not  doubting  but  that  Being  whofe  eyes  are  too 
 pure  to  behold  iniquity,  would  decide  in  his  favour.  Ver.  29.  Then  the  Spirit  oji 
 the  Lord  came  upon  Jephlhah,  endowing  him  with  an  extraordinary  ineafiire  of 
 courao-e  and  wifdom.  Ver.  35.  Alas,  my  dawAder—Jor  I  have  opened  my  mouth 
 unto  the  Lord  and  I  cannot  go  back  ;  That  is,  T  have  made  a  vow  which  I  c.mnot  [ 
 retiaa.  Probably  he  told  her  what  it  wa=,  though  the  (acred  billorian  has  not  | 
 mentioned  it ;  or,  by  his  deep  forrow,  when  he  firll  faw  her,  (he  underltood  it  was  ; 
 upon  her  account.  Ver.  36.  And  she  said  unio  him  My  Father.  We  have  here  a 
 remarkable  indance  of  the  power  of  true  religion,  fortitude,  obedience  to  her  pa¬ 
 rent  and  love  to  her  country.  Ver.  37.  Let  this  Iking  be  done  for  me.  That  is, 
 grant  me  only  one  rtqued  ;  it  is  an  innocent  one,  and  not  at  all  repugnant  to  the 
 nature  of  your  vow.  I,et  me  alone  two  months.  It  was  accounted  the  greated 
 misfortune,  among  the  Ifraelites,  to  die  without  iffue  ;  and  therefore  die  defired  a 
 time  to  bewail  her  cruel  fate  on  the  foiitary  mountains.  Ver,  39.  Herjather  did 
 with  her  according  to  his  vow.  The  Learned  are  divided  refpeaing  the  nature  of  | 
 this  vow,  and  the  manner  in  which  it  was  fulfilled.  It  h.as  been  drerted  by  many 
 that  it  wtis  literally  fulfilled;  that,  through  a  midake  of  the  meaning  of  Lev, 
 
 xxvii.  29.  he  might  think  it  allowable,  and  from  the  obligation  of  his  vow,  necef- 
 fary  ;  and  they  fuppofe  it  a  great  degree  of  obedience,  as  in  the  cafe  of  Abraham 
 ottering  up  bis  son  Ifaac,  which  perhaps  he  might  take  as  a  precedent.  To  this 
 it  has  been  obje6led,  that  it  is  exprefsly  contrary  to  the  command  of  God  ;  tliat 
 parents  had  no  fiich  power  over  their  children’s  lives ;  that  a  devoted  child  was  to 
 be  redeemed  and  the  price  fettled.  Should  he  be  inclined  to  facrince  hia  daugh¬ 
 ter,  who  would  have  been  employed  in  the  office  ?  The  priefts  would  decline  it,  as 
 it  was  their  employment,  to  prevent  the  people  from  fuch  a  horrid  practice  vvhich 
 was  ufed  by  their  idolatrous  neighbours.  The  rulers  or  elders  would  not  be  con- 
 cerned  in  it,  knowing  that  fuch  facrifices  were  prohibited  by  'lod’s  pofitive  com¬ 
 mand.  Sliould  he  have  been  fo  unnatural  bimfelf  as  to  do  it,  he  would  not  have 
 been  reckoned  among  the  faithful  worthies,  Heb.  xi.  32.  Thofe  who  have  weigh¬ 
 ed  thefe  obje(Slions,  fuppofe  her  to  have  been  (eparated  only  from  the  Ibciety  of 
 men,  and  that  the  lived  a  virgin  given  up  to  Gcd,  till  the  day  of  her  death,  and 
 was  viftted  four  days  in  the  year  by  her  virgin  companions,  which  they  did  to  give 
 her  confolation,  or  to  praife  her  conftancy.  To  this  it  is  obje6led,  that  there  does 
 not  appear  the  lead  trace  of  fuch  a  voluntary  virginity,  as  a  religious  a<Sl  among 
 the  Jevv’s;  nor  had  any  father  fuch  a  right  of  oompulfion  ;  and  that  the  father’s 
 anguish  on  meeting  her  befpeaks  a  heavier  ftroke.  Grotius  pertinently  obferves, 
 fuppofing  a  dog  or  an  afs  had  met  him,  could  he  have  offered  them  to  the  Lord  ? 
 and  therefore  his  promife  or  vow  mull  mean,  that  if  it  vvere  any  t  .ing  thatcouH  be 
 offered  far  a  burnt-offerin'’,  he  would  otter  it ;  if  not,  whatever  it  was,  i‘  should  hs 
 the  Lo  ti's.  That  is,  entirely  devoted  to  his  (ervice.  Humaraty  would  make  tnoft 
 prefer  tlie  latter  interpretation,  though  the  former  agrees  beft  with  our  tranfl  itioii. 
 However,  in  either  cafe,  the  vow  was  ratti  and  unadvifed,  and  in  its  coufequences 
 involved  both  of  them  in  deep  diftrefs. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  XL] 
 
 No.  16,. 3 
 
 It  is  unreafonable  to  reproach  any  with  the  unhappinefs  of  his  bittb,  when  his  character  is  worthy  of  < 
 
The  Ephraimlles  slain  by  the  Gileadites* 
 
 JUDGES. 
 
 An  angel  annoumeth  Samson' 
 
 s  hi 
 
 ^>'tl 
 
 I)t‘fore 
 t'hrifi 
 cir.  H43. 
 
 11  Or, 
 
 a  Jlream 
 or  Jlood. 
 
 cir.  1137, 
 
 CHAP.  XII. 
 
 1  The  Ephraimiies  quarreling  with  Jephthali,  and  being  discerned  the 
 woni  ShibhoLth,  are  slain  by  the  Gidioniles,  7  Jephlhah  dieth.  8  Ibzan, 
 12  and  Eton,  13  and  Abdon  judge  Israel. 
 
 And  the  men  of  Ephraim  t  gathered  themfelves 
 together,  and  went  northward,  and  faid  unto 
 Jephthah,  Wherefore  pafledft  thou  over  to  fight  againtt 
 the  children  of  Ammou,  and  didft  not  call  us  to  go 
 with  thee  ?  we  will  burn  thine  houfe  upon  thee  with 
 fire. 
 
 2  And  Jephthah  faid  unto  them,  I  and  my  people 
 W'ere  at  great  ftrife  with  (he  children  of  Ammon  ;  and 
 when  I  called  you,  ye  delivered  me  not  out  of  their 
 hands. 
 
 3  And  when  I  law  that  ye  delivered  me  not,  I  put 
 my  life  in  my  hands,  and  palled  over  againft  the  chil¬ 
 dren  of  Ammon,  and  the  Lord  delivered  them  into 
 my  hand  :  wherefore  then  are  ye  come  up  unto  me ; 
 this  day  to  fight  againft  me  ?  ! 
 
 Then  Jephthah  gathered  together  all  the  men  of 
 Gilead,  and  fought  with  Ephraim  :  and  the  men  of 
 Gilead  I'mote  Ephraim,  becaul’e  they  faid,  Ye  Gilead¬ 
 ites  are  fugitives  of  Ephraim  among  the  Ephraimites, 
 and  among  the  Manaffites.  i 
 
 5  And  the  Gileadites  took  the  pafifages  of  Jordan  | 
 before  the  Ephraimites  :  and  it  was  so,  that  when  i 
 thofe  Ephraimites  which  were  efcaped  faid,  Let  me  go  | 
 over  ;  that  the  men  of  Gilead  faid  unto  him,  Art  thou  ; 
 an  Ephraimite  ?  If  he  faid,  Nay  ; 
 
 6  Then  laid  they  unto  him.  Say  now  ll  Shibboleth  ; 
 and  he  laid  Sibboleth  :  for  he  could  not  frame  to  pro¬ 
 nounce  it  right.  Then  they  took  him,  and  flew  him 
 at  the  paflages  of  Jordan  :  and  there  fell  at  that  time 
 of  the  Ephraimites  forty  and  two  thoufand. 
 
 7  f  And  Jephthah  judged  Ifrael  fix  years :  then  died 
 Jephthah  the  Gileadite,  and  w^as  buried  in  one  of'  the 
 cities  of  Gilead. 
 
 8  H  And  after  him  Ibzan  of  Beth-lehem  judged  Ifrael. 
 9  And  he  had  thirty  fons  and  thirty  daughters,  ’mhom 
 he  fent  abroad,  and  took  in  thirty  daughters  from 
 abroad  for  his  fons ;  and  he  judged  Ifrael  leven 
 years. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  Xlt.  Ver.  4.  Then  Jephthah  fought 
 with  Ephraim.  When  he  found  it  was  impoflible  to  convince  them  by  perfuafive 
 ar'vuments,  he  had  recourfe  to  arms.  The  crime  of  the  Ephraimites  was  great. 
 They  were  guilty  of  indifi'erence  for  the  welfare  of  their  brethren,  and  of  envy 
 and  malice,  for  they  were  invited  to  fight  againft  the  enemy,  verfe  2.  and  re- 
 fufed  ;  but  when  the  victory  was  obtained  without  them,  they  were  filled  with 
 rage,  and  fought  a  falfe  pretence  to  wreck  their  vengeance  on  their  brethren. 
 Befides,  in  oppofing  Jephthah  whom  God  had  commiflioned  to  deliver  Ifraei, 
 tiiey  rejedled  God.  The  punifliment  which  they  brought  on  themfelves  was 
 therefore  juft.  Ver.  6.  Say  now  Shibboleth.  I'liis  word  has  two  fenfes  in  the 
 Hebrew,  namely,  an  ear  of  corn,  and  floods  of  wmer,  Pla).  Ixix.  2.  And  in  the 
 latter  fenfe  it  is  ufed  here  :  fo  that  the  teft  they  put  them  to  was  to  bid  them 
 fay,  “Let  me  pafs  over  the  water.”  Their  pronunciation  of  other  words  might 
 have  difiered  from  that  ufed  in  other  diftri<fts  of  Canaan  ;  but  this  word  was 
 naturally  preferred  from  the  circumftance  of  their  crofling  the  river.  It  is  com¬ 
 mon  for  the  language  of  a  nation  to  be  pronounced  very  dift'erently  by  the  nu¬ 
 merous  inhabitants,  iVIatth.  xxvi.  73.  Ver.  8.  Tt  is  not  faid  on  what  cccafion 
 
 10  Then  died  Ibzan  and  was  buried  at  Beth-lehem.  Btfor, 
 
 11  H  And  after  him,  Elon,  a  Zebulonite,  judged 
 
 Ifrael :  and  he  judged  lirael  ten  years.  ^030, 
 
 12  And  Elon  the  Zebulonite  died,  and  was  buried 
 in  Aijalon,  in  the  country  of  Zebulon. 
 
 13  11  And  after  him  Abdon  the  fon  of  Hillel,  a^ir. uoq 
 Pirathonite,  judged  Ifrael. 
 
 14  And  he  had  forty  fons,  and  thirty  f  nephews,  t  Heb. 
 that  rode  on  threefcore  and  ten  afs-colts  :  and 
 judged  Ifrael  eight  years. 
 
 1.5  And  Abdon  the  fon  of  Elillel  the  Pirathonite  dr.  m, 
 died,  and  was  buried  in  Pirathen,  in  the  land  of 
 Ephraim,  in  the  mount  of  the  Amalekites.* 
 
 CHAP.  XIII. 
 
 1  Israel  is  in  the  hand  of  the  Fhilislines.  2  An  angel  ajqiearelh  to  Ma~ 
 noah’s  uiije.  8  The  angel  appeureth  to  Manoah.  15  Manouh's  s.icri- 
 fee,  whereby  the  ungel  is  discovered.  24  Samson  is  born. 
 
 And  the  children  of  llfael  f  ®  did  evil  again  in  the  dr.  nei, 
 fight  of  the  Lord  ;  and  the  Lord  delivered ’ 
 them  into  the  hand  of  the  Philiftines  forty  years.  clmlu 
 2  H  And  there  was  a  certain  man  of  Zorah,  of  thec|-c.  ’ 
 family  of  the  Danites,  vvhofe  name  was  Manoah  ;  and“  cim?. 
 his  w'ife  was  barren,  and  bare  not.  ^ 
 
 3  And  the  angel  of  the  Lord  appeared  unto  the4; 
 woman,  and  faid  unto  her.  Behold  now,  thou  arta-i-ik 
 barren,  and  beareft  not :  but  thou  (halt  conceive,  and 
 bear  a  fon. 
 
 4  Now  therefore  beware,  I  pray  thee,  and  ^  drink  b  Numb, 
 not  wine  nor  ftrong  drink,  and  eat  not  any  unclean®-  ->3- 
 thing : 
 
 5  For,  lo,  thou  flialt  conceive,  and  bear  a  fon  ;  and 
 •=00  razor  fhall  come  on  his  head:  for  the  child  fhalE 
 be  aNazarite  unto  God  from  the  womb  ;  and  he  fhall 
 begin  to  deliver  Ifrael  out  of  the  hand  of  the  Phili-i.  u.' 
 ftines. 
 
 6  K  Then  the  woman  came  and  told  her  hulband, 
 faying,  A  man  of  God  came  unto  me,  and  his  coun¬ 
 tenance  was  like  the  countenance  of  an  angel  of  God, 
 very  terrible :  but  I  asked  him  not  whence  he  was, 
 neither  told  he  me  his  name. 
 
 7  But  he  faid  unto  me,  Behold,  thou  flialt  conceive, 
 and  bear  a  fon  ;  and  now  drink  no  wine  nor  ftrong 
 
 Ibzan  was  made  judge.  Perhaps  he  was  raifed  up  by  God  immediately  after  flift 
 death  of  Jerubbaal,  in  order  to  preferve  the  true  religion,  which  was  then  in  fome 
 meafure  reftored.  He  belonged  to  Beth-lehem  of  Judah,  or  a  town  of  the  fame 
 name  in  Zebulon,  Jofii.  xix.  15.  Ver.  9.  He  had  thirty  sons  and  thirty  daughters. 
 A  numerous  progeny  was  always  looked  upon  as  a  diftinguifiiing  mark  of  the 
 divine  favour,  Pfal.  cxxvii.  3,  5.  And  therefore,  as  Ibzan  was  thus  particularly 
 blelfed,  it  might  render  him  of  more  importance  in  the  eyes  of  the  people,  and 
 give  greater  strength  to  the  reins  of  the  government  j  and  the  number  of  his  chil¬ 
 dren  will  appear  far  from  being  improbable,  if  we  recolletft  that  a  plurality  of  wives 
 was  common  in  thefe  early  ages. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XIII.  Ver.  1.  The  Lord  delivered 
 them  into  the  hands  of  the  Philistines  joittj  years.  This  is  the  fixth  opprelRon,  and 
 /he  longeft  tlie  Ifraelites  ever  yet  lay  under.  It  is  probably  to  be  reckoned  not 
 from  Abdon’s  death,  chap.  xii.  15.  but  fome  time  before  it,  for  though  Ifrael  had 
 judges  that  defended  them,  yet  they  were  not  always  able  to  raife  them  above  theit 
 enemies,  chap.  xv.  20.  Ver.  2.  Of  the  city  Zorah,  fee  Jofli.  xv.  33.  xix.  41.  The 
 term  family,  often  denotes  tribe,  Joih.  vii.  17.  Jer.  viii.  3 — 10,  25.  Amos  iii.  1. 
 
 hannier  oriain  No  man  ought  to  be  defpifed,  or  trampled  on  ;  we  may  need  his  help  ere  we  die.  Let  us  never  overrate  any  one  from  mere  outward  and  adventi¬ 
 tious  circumftances  of  birth  or  diftinaion.  God  hath  chofen  the  foolilh  things  of  the  world,  and  the  things  which  are  defpfted,  to  confound  the  wile  and  bafe  th.ngs 
 of  the  world  •  yea,  and  things  which  are  not,  to  bring  to  nought  tlftngs  that  are.  Unjuft  men  are  ready  to  infift  on  antiquated  claims  ;  and,  however  many  praaile 
 iniuftice  fevv  dioofe  to  be  reckoned  unjuft.  We  may  infift  on  the  poireflion  of  what  we  receive  from  God  ;  to  keep  it  lor  his  fake,  ule  it  for  his  glory,  and  returnit 
 when  t  e  demands  it  is  a  part  of  the  duty  we  owe  him.  In  this  world,  how  is  our  wine  mixed  with  water,  our  triumphs  with  diftrefs,  our  joys  with  grief!  Let  thofe 
 
 thin'^s  difpofe  us  to  lubmit  to  fiie  divine  will,  and  to  long  for  the  bettei  count)  y.  /.i  /i*  a  /v/’i/'Ln 
 
 PP  ACrK'AL  OBSEKVATiONS  — *  Chap.  XII.]  Quarrels  the  moft  caufelefs,  are  often  the  mod  outrageous  and  cruel.  The  moft  fpotlefs  eharaaersare 
 the  faireft  marks  of  envy  :  and  the  moft  fignal  fervices  often  expofe  men  to  the  moft  virulent  abufe  of  thofe  whole  higheft  efteem  they  have  nier.ted  How  milchievoiis 
 is  an  inlblent  abufive  tongue  1  It  fets  on  fire  the  whole  courfe  of  nature,  is  fet  on  fire  of  bell,  and  frequently  iffues  ir.  the  rum  of  its  polfeffor.  They  who  are  guiiiy 
 fometimes  feck  to  fave  themfelves  by  being  clamorous  againft  the  innocent.  The  ungrateful  to  God  or  man  lhall  fooner  or  later  luffer  dwine  punilhment.  i 
 vain  boafter  and  the  pr.iud  lhall  he  humbled.  Pride  goeth  before  humility,  and  baughtinefs  before  a  fall.  Witnefs  the  owBy  unhappy  Ephraimites,  Yeftsrdaj 
 uiey  exulted  over  their  oppofers,  and  inlulted  them  j  to-day,  they  flee  before  them  and  are  flain. 
 
The  agfiitt  appectvclli  to  Munoah 
 
 n.foro  drink,  neither  eat  any  unclean  thins ;  for  the  child 
 fhall  be  a  Nazarite  to  God  from  the  womb  to  the  day 
 of  his  death. 
 
 8  H  Then  xManoah  entreated  the  Lord,  and  faid, 
 O  my  Lord,  let  the  man  of  God  which  thou  didtt 
 fend  come  again  unto  ns,  and  teach  us  what  we  (hall 
 do  unto  tha  child  that  (hall  be  boin. 
 
 9  And  God  hearkened  unto  the  voice  of  Manoah  ; 
 and  the  angel  of  God  came  again  unto  the  woman 
 as  (he  fat  in  the  field  :  but  Manoah  her  hulband  -was 
 not  with  her. 
 
 10  And  the  woman  made  halie,  and  ran,  and  (hewed 
 her  hulband,  and  faid  unto  him.  Behold,  the  man  hath 
 appeared  unto  me  that  came  unto  me  the  other  day. 
 
 1 1  And  Manoah  arofe,  and  went  after  his  wife,  and 
 came  to  the  man,  and  faid  unto  him.  Art  thou  the 
 man  that  fpakeft  unto  the  woman  ?  and  he  (aid,  1  am. 
 
 12  And  Manoah  faid.  Now  let  thy  words  come  to 
 ^  Heb.  pafs :  t  how  (hail  we  order  the  child  ?  and  ||  f  how 
 what  shall  yye  do  unto  him  ? 
 
 13  And  the  angel  of  the  Lord  faid  unto  Manoah, 
 Of  all  that  1  faid  unto  the  woman  let  her  beware. 
 
 d  Or,  14  She  may  not  eat  of  any  thing  that  cometh  of  the 
 what  i/wW  neither  let  her  drink  wine  or  ftrong  drink,  nor 
 fiieb.  any  unclean  thing:  all  that  I  commanded  her  let 
 what  fhall  her  obferve. 
 
 be  his  15  f  And  Manoah  faid  unto  the  angel  of  the  Lord, 
 work?  j  pj.jjy  jj^j.  yg  detain  thee,  until  we  (hall  have  made 
 fHeb.  ready  a  kid  f  for  thee. 
 
 hefore  IQ  ^(jd  the  angel  of  the  Lord  faid  unto  Manaoh, 
 thee.  Xhough  thou  detain  me,  I  will  not  eat  of  thy  bread  ; 
 
 and  if  thou  wilt  offer  a  burnt-offering,  thou  mult  offer 
 it  unto  the  Lord  :  for  Manoah  knew  not  that  he  was 
 an  angel  of  the  Lord. 
 
 17  And  Manoah  laid  unto  the  angel  of  the  Lord, 
 What  is  thy  name,  that  when  thy  fayings  come  to 
 pafs  we  may  do  thee  honour? 
 
 1 8  And  the  angel  of  the  Lord  faid  unto  him.  Why 
 II  Or,  aflceff  thou  thus  after  ray  name,  feeing  it  is  !|  fecret 
 wonderful  jg  Mij^oah  took  a  kid  with  a  meat-offering,  and 
 
 offered  it  upon  a  rock  unto  the  Lord  :  and  the  angel 
 ^  ,  did  wondroufly  ;  and  Manoah  and  his  w'ife  looked  on. 
 
 20  For  it  came  to  pafs,  when  the  flam.e  went  up 
 toward  heaven  from  off  the  altar,  that  the  angel  of 
 the  Lord  afcended  in  the  flame  of  the  altar:  and 
 Manoah  and  his  wife  looked  on  ?'/,  and  fell  on  their 
 faces  to  the  ground. 
 
 21  (But  the  angel  of  the  Lord  did  no  more  appear 
 
 Mic.  ii.  3.  Zech.  xiv.  8.  Ver.  3 — 5.  Concerning  the  law  of  a  Nazarite,  fee  Note 
 on  Numb.  vi.  1 — 21.  Ver.  16.  Prophets  might  give  authority  to  men  to  facri- 
 fice,  though  they  were  not  priefls,  nor  at  the  tabernacle,  as  we  read  Elijah  did 
 at  mount  Carmel.  Ver.  17.  Do  thee  honour ;  by  fpeakiug  honourably  of  him,  or 
 rather  by  conferring  on  him  fome  gift,  a  cuilom  obferved  by  Ifrael  in  their  inter- 
 i  courfe  with  the  prophets,  1  Sam.  ix.  7,  8.  2  Kings  xiv.  3.  Ver.  19.  And  the  anj/el 
 did  wondrously ;  agreeably  to  his  name  which  was  wonderful,  ver.  18.  The  miracle 
 confided  in  bringing  fire  out  of  the  rock,  which  confumed  the  flefii  of  the  kid, 
 and  the  meat-offering.  And  Manoah  and  his  wife  looked  on  ;  with  aflonilliment 
 and  pleafure,  to  fee  the  fire  fpring  up  out  of  the  rock,  which  confumed  the  facrifice, 
 and  fliewed  the  Lord’s  acceptance  of  it.  Ver.  24.  Samfon.  Some  derive  his  name 
 ,  from  /hemejli,  the  fon,  becaufe  liis  biith  prognofticated  the  riling  of  the  Hebrews, 
 and  fetting  of  the  Philiflinos.  Jofepbus  fays,  it  fignifies  robuji ;  but  upon  what 
 authority  he  founds  his  aflertion,  cannot  be  difeovered.  Ver.  25.  In  the  camp  of 
 Dan.  As  there  was  no  army  of  the  Dauites  encamped  in  the  place  where  Samfon 
 
 Samson*'s  journey  lo  taJce  a  wife, 
 
 to  Manoah  and  to  his  wife.)  Then  Man3cii  knew  Dfom 
 that  he  was  angel  of  the  Lord.  cir.'i'iei 
 
 22  And  Manoah  faid  unto  his  wife,  We  fhall  fure- 
 
 ly  die,  becaufe  we  have  feen  God.  f-xod* 
 
 23  But  his  wife  faid  unto  him,  If  the  Lord 
 pleafed  to  kill  us,  he  would  not  have  received  a  burnt- y 
 offering  and  a  meat-offering  at  cur  hands;  neither 
 would  he  have  fliewed  us  all  thefe  things  ,■  nor  would, 
 as  at  this  time  have  told  us  such  things  as  thefe. 
 
 24  H  And  the  woman  bare  a  fon,  and  called  his  name 
 Samfon  :  and  the  child  grew,  and  the  Lord  bleffed 
 him. 
 
 25  And  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  began  to  move 
 him  at  rimes  in  the  camp  of  Dan,  between  Zorah  and 
 Elhtaol.* 
 
 CHAP.  XIV. 
 
 1  Samson  desireth  a  wife  of  the  PhUiJlines  ;  5  in  his  journey  to  Timnath 
 he  killetk  a  lion;  8  in  a  second  journey  thither  he  Jindelh  honey  in 
 the  lion's  carcofe.  10  Samfon’ s  marriage  feaf,  ^c. 
 
 ND  Samfon  went  down  to  Timnath,  and  faw  acir.  iHi. 
 woman  in  Timnath  of  the  daughters  of  the 
 Philiflines. 
 
 2  And  he  came  up  and  told  his  father  and  his  mo¬ 
 ther,  and  faid,  I  have  feen  a  woman  in  Timnath  of  the 
 daughters  of  the  Philiflines ;  now  therefore  get  her 
 for  me  to  wife. 
 
 3  Then  his  father  and  his  mother  faid  unto  him,  Is 
 there  never  a  woman  among  the  daughters  of  thy 
 brethren,  or  among  all  my  people,  that  thon  goeft  to 
 take  a  wife  of  the  uncircnracifed  Pniliflines?  And 
 Samfon  faid  unto  his  father.  Gel  her  for  me;  for  ft  Heb. 
 
 (he  pleafeth  me  well.  in!Lne^^ 
 
 4  But  his  father  and  his  mother  knew  not  that  ite”^]^”* 
 was  of  the  Lord,  that  he  fought  an  occafion  againft 
 
 the  Philiflines :  for  at  that  time  the  Pniliflines  had 
 dominion  over  Ifrael. 
 
 5  ^  Then  went  Samfon  down,  and  his  father  and 
 
 his  mother,  to  Timnath,  and  came  to  the  vineyards  of 
 d’imnath  ;  and,  behold,  a  young  lion  roared  f  againft  t  Heb. 
 him.  inmeel- 
 
 6  And  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  came  mightily  upon*"“^“'"’ 
 him,  and  he  rent  him  as  he  would  have  rent  a  kid, 
 
 and  he  had  nothing  in  his  hand  :  but  he  told  not  his 
 father  or  his  mother  what  he  had  done. 
 
 7  And  he  went  dowm  and  talked  with  the  woman ; 
 and  (he  pleafed  Samfon  well. 
 
 8  And  after  a  time  he  returned  to  take  her,  and 
 he  turned  afide  to  fee  thecarcale  of  the  lion;  and, 
 
 difplayed  his  favour,  Mahanekdan,  in  the  Hebrew  (hould  perhaps  be  rendered  as 
 the  proper  name  of  a  place,  where  probably  Samfon  lived.  In  chap,  xviii.  12. 
 we  find  an  account  of  an  expedition  of  the  Danites,  which,  though  placed  after, 
 really  happened  before  this  tranfadlion  of  Samfon  ;  and  probably  they  then  en¬ 
 camped  between  Zorah  and  Ellitaol.  Here  Samfon  began  to  difeover  to  hiinfelf 
 or  his  neighbours,  the  extraordinary  ftrength  of  his  body,  and  the  daring  courage 
 and  fortitude  of  his  mind. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XIV.  Ver.  1.  Timnath.  A  city  in 
 his  own  tribe,  hut  now  probably  in  the  hands  of  the  Philiflines.  It  was  fituated 
 not  far  from  the  f'ea,  Gen.  xxxviii.  12.  Jofli.  xv.  57.  xix.  43.  Ver.  4.  Knew  not 
 that  it  was  of  the  Lord.  Samfon  was  not  induced  to  this  match  merely  by  carnal 
 afle(5tion,  but  was  influenced  by  the  Spirit  of  God  to  take  fuch  a  wife,  compare 
 Note  on  chap.  ix.  1.  Ver.  8.  It  is  probable  that  either  time  had  confumed,  or 
 birds  and  beafts  devoured  all  the  fielh,  lb  that  nothing  was  left  of  the  lion  but  the 
 Ikeleton  j  in  which  the  bees  did  not  breed,  but  only  fettle  themfelves  when  they 
 
 I  PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XIII.]  Blany  and  great  ar?  the  interpofitions  of  God  for  the  families  of  his  people.  Angels  miniflerto  them, 
 and  the  Lord  of  angels  becomes  their  deliverer  in  times  of  trouble.  The  birth  of  Samfon  illuflrates  the  propriety  of  the  divine  title,  JEHOVAH  JIIIEH  ;  in  the 
 hour  of  extremity  the  Lord  will  provide.  It  highly  becomes  all  who  would  be  eminently  ufeful  in  God’s  work  to  be  diltinguiflied  by  much  devotednefs  to  his  fervice. 
 Sach  as  enjoy  fellowihip  with  God  earneflly  defire  its  continuance,  and  wifli  all  their  relations  to  Ihare  with  them  ot  this  inefiimable  blelling.  Parents  who  know  the 
 real  value  of  children  will  feek  diredliotis  of  God  to  train  them  upfor  his  fervice.  Gratitude  to  God  and  his  minillers  is  acceptable  in  his  fight;  but  let  us  no;  tempt 
 him  or  them  with  unprofitable  or  curious  entjuries.  If  we  alk  from  God  what  is  not  for  our  advantage,  it  is  a  mercy  to  have  our  fuit  denied. 
 
 JUDGES. 
 
Samsori’s  riddle  revealed  bg  his  'a>ife. 
 
 JUDGES. 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 Cir.  1141. 
 
 II  Or, 
 shirts. 
 
 behold,  there  voas  a  fwarm  of  bees  and  honey  in  ihe 
 carcafe  of  the  lion. 
 
 9  And  he  took  thereof  in  his  hands,  and  went  on 
 eatinp,  and  came  to  his  father  and  mother,  and  be 
 gave  them,  and  they  did  eat ;  but  he  told  not  them 
 that  he  had  taken  the  honey  out  of  the  carcafe  of  the 
 lion. 
 
 10^  his  father  went  down  unto  the  woman  : 
 and  Samlon  made  there  a  feall ;  tor  fo  ufed  the  young 
 men  to  do. 
 
 1 1  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  they  faw  him,  that 
 thev  brought  thirty  companions  to  be  with  him. 
 
 I'd  ^  And  Samfon  faid  unto  them,  I  will  now  put 
 forth  a  riddle  unto  you  ;  If-ye  can  certainly  declare  it 
 me  within  the  I'even  day.s  of  the  feaft,  and  find  it 
 out,  then  I  will  give  you  thirty  H  ifieets,  and  thirty 
 change  of  garments : 
 
 13  Bu^  if  ye  cannot  declare  it  me,  then  (hall  ye  give 
 me  trirty  (heets  and  thirty  change  of  garments.  And 
 tney  ffid  unto  him,  Put  forth  thy  riddle,  that  we  may 
 hear  it. 
 
 I  t  And  he  faid  unto  them,  Out  of  the  eater  came 
 forth  meat,  and  out  of  the  llrong  came  forth  Iw’eetnefs. 
 And  they  could  not  in  three  days  expound  the  riddle. 
 
 15  And  it  came  to  pafs  on  the  feventh  day,  that 
 they  faid  unto  Samfon’s  wife,  Entice  thy  huiband, 
 that  he  may  declare  unto  us  the  riddle,  left  we  burn 
 
 fie  miUth  the  Philisti 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 to  pr^ess 
 its  /  or  to 
 
 thee  and  thy  father’s  houfe  with  fire  :  have  ye  called 
 
 zmpover-^ 
 ish  us? 
 
 us  t  to  take  that  we  have  ?  is  it  not  so  ? 
 
 16  And  Samfon’s  wife  v^ept  before  him,  and  faid, 
 Thou  deft  but  hate  me,  and  loveft  me  not ;  thou  hafl. 
 put  forth  a  riddle  unto  the  children  of  my  people, 
 and  haft  not  told  it  me.  And  he  faid  unto  her,  Be¬ 
 hold  I  have  nor  told  it  my  father  nor  my  mother,  and 
 fhall  1  tell  it  thee  ? 
 
 f  w’ept  before  him  11  the  feven  days  while 
 
 their  feaft  lafted  ;  and  it  came  to  pafs,  on  the  feventh 
 days,  ^c.  day,  that  he  told  her,  becaufe  (he  lay  fore  upon  him  : 
 and  (he  told  the  riddle  to  the  children  of  her  people. 
 
 18  And  the  men  of  the  city  faid  unto  him  on  the 
 feventh  day,  before  the  (un  went  down,  Wnat  is 
 fweerer  than  honey  ?  and  what  zsftronger  than  a  lion  ? 
 And  he  faid  unto  them,  If  ye  had  not  plowed  with 
 my  heifer,  ye  had  not  found  out  my  riddle. 
 
 19  ^  And  the  fpirit  of  the  Lord  came  upon  him, 
 and  he  w’ent  down  to  Afhkelon,  and  flew  thirty  men  of 
 them,  and  took  their  H  fpoil,  and  gave  change  of  gar¬ 
 ments  unto  them  which  expounded  the  riddle ;  and  his 
 anger  was  kindled,  and  he  went  up  to  his  father’s  houfe- 
 
 20  But  Samfon’s  wife  w'as  given  to  his  companion) 
 W'hom  he  had  ufed  as  his  friend.* 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 app<irtl. 
 
 CHAP.  XV. 
 
 Samson  is  denud  his  infe ;  3  he  burnclh  the  rhiUjIines'  corn  n  ith  foi-. 
 
 anil  fire  brands  ;  6  his  icije  and  her  father  are  burnt  by  the  Philijii 
 
 III  s, 
 
 S.anison  smiteth  them  hip  and  thigh,  <^c. 
 
 U 1  it  came  to  pals  within  a  while  after,  in  the  time 
 of  wheat-harveft,  that  Samfon  vifited  his  wife  with 
 a  kid ;  and  he  laid,  I  will  go  in  to  my  wife  into  the 
 chamber :  but  her  father  would  not  fuffer  him  to  go  in, 
 
 I  verily  thought  that  thou 
 hault  utterly  hated  her  ;  therefore  I  gave  her  to  thy 
 companion  ;  is  not  her  younger  filler  fairer  than  Ihe  ? 
 t  take  her  1  pray  thee,  inftead  of  her.  t  Heb. 
 
 3  ^  And  Samfon  laid  concerning  them,  ||  Now  fhall 
 
 I  be  more  blamelefs  than  the  Philiflines,  though  1  doJuT’ 
 them  a  difplealure. 
 
 4  And  Samfon  went  and  caught  three  hundred 
 fire-brands,  and  turned  tail 
 
 foxes,  and  took  i|  fire-brands,  and  turned  tail  to  tah 
 and  ppt  a  fire-brand  in  the  raidft  between  two  tails.' 
 
 fwarmed.  Ver.  12.  /  will  now  put  forth  a  riddle  unto  you.  It  was  probably  the 
 cuflom  in  the  Eaft  amonr^  the  men  (in  wbof'e  fociety  the  women  were  not  permit¬ 
 ted)  in  their  computations  and  feafts,  to  propofe  queftions  and  hard  problems  to  be 
 refolvcd,  in  order  to  inftru<5l  or  amufe  the  company.  Ver.  14.  Some  find  excep¬ 
 tions  to  this  riddle.  The  oppofition,  fay  they,  is  manifefl  in  the  former  part  of  it, 
 but  not  in  the  latter;  for  weaknejs  is  oppofed  to Jlrength,  not fiveetne/s,  whofe  op- 
 pofite  is  bitterne/s.  But  Bochart  has  ingenioufiy  obferved,  that  thefe  two  words 
 are  fometimes  confounded ;  for  in  the  Arabic  language  the  word  mirra,  which  im¬ 
 plies  fireogth,  comes  from  iruirra,  which  fignifies  to  be  bitter;  and  therefore  the 
 antiihtfis  of  the  word  is  this  :  Food  came  from  the  devourer,  and  fweelness  from 
 that  which  is  eager  or  /harp,  that  is,  violent  or  fierce.  Ver.  20.  The  principal 
 bride  man  was  called  the  friend  of  the  bridegroom,  and  was  probably  here  tiK*ant. 
 
 .  EXPLANATORY"  NOTES.  Chap.  XV.  Ver.  4.  Samson— caught  three 
 
 ^  5  And  when  he  had  let  the  brands  on  fire,  he  let 
 them  go  into  the  Handing  corn  of  the  Philiftines,  and 
 burnt  up  both  the  fhocks,  and  alio  the  Handing  corn 
 v/ith^The  vineyards  rzttr/  olives.  ’  toTciils. 
 
 6  Then  the  Philiftines  faid,  Who  hath  done  this  ? 
 
 And  they  anfwered,  Samfon,  the  fon-in-l.iw  of  the 
 1  imnite,  becaufe  he  had  taken  his  wife,  and  given 
 her  to  his  companion.^  And  the  Philiftines  came  up 
 and  burnt  her  and  her  father  with  fire. 
 
 7  H  And  Samfon  faid  unto  them,  T.’hongh  ye  have 
 done  this,  yet  will  I  be  avenged  of  you,  and  after  that 
 I  will  ceafe. 
 
 8  And  he  fmote  them  hip  and  high  with  a  great 
 (laughter :  and  he  went  down  and  dwelt  in  the  top  of 
 the  rock  Etara. 
 
 9  U  Then  the  Philiftines  went  up,  and  pitched  in 
 Judah,  and  fpread  themfelves  in  Lehi. 
 
 10  And  the  men  of  Judah  faid,  Why  are  ye  come 
 up  againft  us?  And  they  anfwered,  To  bind  Samlon 
 are  we  come  up,  to  do  to  him  as  he  hath  done  to  us. 
 
 11  Then  three  thoufand  men  of  Judah  f  went  tot  Heb. 
 the  top  of  the  rock  Etam,  and  faid  to  Samfon,  Knoweft 
 thou  not  that  the  Philiftines  are  rulers  over  us?  what‘^““'”* 
 is  this  that  thou  haft  done  unto  us?  And  he  faid  unto 
 them,  As  they  did  unto  me,  lb  have  I  done  unto  them. 
 
 12  And  they  faid  unto  him,  We  are  come  down  to 
 bind  thee,  that  we  may  deliver  thee  into  the  hand  of 
 the  Philiftines.  And  Samfon  faid  unto  them,  Swear 
 unto  me  that  ye  will  not  fall  upon  me  yourfelves. 
 
 13  And  they  fpake  unto  him,  faying,  No ;  but  we 
 will  bind  thee  fall,  and  deliver  thee  into  their  hand  : 
 but  furely  we  will  not  kill  thee.  And  they  bound 
 him  with  two  new  cords,  and  brought  him  up  from 
 the  rock. 
 
 hundred  foxes.  Same  think  it  highly  improbable  for  Samfon  to  catch  fo  great 
 number  of  thefe  fubtle  creatures  ;  but  they  (lioiikt  remember,  that  foxes  were 
 coTOOTon  in  Judea,  that  feveral  places  in  the  tribe  of  D.an  had  their  names  fit 
 them.  riie  manner  of  catching  them  was  not  by  hunting,  hut  by  nets;  in  wlii 
 probably  his  fervants,  neighbours,  and  friends  afiiacd  him.  To  tliis  it  may 
 added,  that  this  affair  was  under  the  direaion  of  the  Divine  Providem 
 Some  render  the  words,  “three  hundred  flieaves  of  corn,”  inftead  of  “tla 
 hundred  foxes.  To  fupport  which  verfion  fuch  critics  are  obliged  to  a" 
 the  words  of  the  Hebrew  text,  by  reading  /cAoafi'm,  flieaves,  inftead  of  schuidi 
 foxes,  and  aflerting  that  the  word  rendered  taib,  fignifies  the  end,  or  utmo/l  p 
 of  a  thing.  But  tin's  folqtion  merits  no  regard,  as  it  proceeds  upon  a  moft  unju 
 fiable  alteration  of  tlie  facr^d  text.  Ver.  6.  Burnt  her  and  her  father  with  ji 
 lliey  fet  fire  to  her  father  s  houfe,  where  file  was,  and  burnt  them  botii  in 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  XIV.]  Let  not  pretenfions  to  fuperior  wifdom,  or  even  the  real  pofTeffion  of  it,  induce  us  to  contemn  the  autho¬ 
 rity  of  I'ur  p-areats,  wfiom  God  hath  enjoined  us  to  obey.  1  he  Lord  often  accompl’lhes  his  purpofes  by  means,  the  moft  improbable  in  man’s  judgment,  and  it  is  our 
 wifdom  fo  f’ubmit  unrefervedly  to  Ids  fovereign  viill.  It  is  praifeworthy  when  great  exploits  are  accompanied  with  great  iieimllity  ;  and  wbeiiljod  is  tlianknll>I 
 acknowldgcd  in  times  of  the  greatert  profperity.  If  is  prudent  to  amufe -ourfelves  and  others  at  cheerful  entertainments  with  fometliing  pleafiii"  and  iuflrubliW' 
 Ood  often  brings  the  fweetcll  mercies  oat  of  the  feverefi  trials.  Treacherous  pretences  of  affedlion  fpcediiy  ilTue  in  dillike  and  mifehief.”  ° 
 
.'5- 
 
 'i. 
 
 r. 
 
 / 
 
 r 
 
 r. 
 
 ^  A 
 
 I 
 
 sS^D 
 
 :i< 
 
 '!  ( 
 
 i_J  -  U 
 
 i:^(v  ;fjt'0:M‘ 
 
 .trr)if!:>>  i/r./- 
 
 r 
 
Snmm 
 
 Hcfor'e 
 fir.  1 1 
 
 earricth  awy  the  gates  of  GaM, 
 
 JUDGES. 
 
 D  Ulah  cnticcih  him. 
 
 I  Ileb. 
 
 uirn^ 
 
 I  Ileb. 
 fiioisl- 
 
 ^  Ileb. 
 
 heap, 
 
 .tuio  heaps. 
 
 j|  That  is, 
 The  l/l- 
 ing  vp  af 
 
 Ihcjatc- 
 
 Ifuiie, 
 
 c  tjiiag 
 awiip  of 
 the  jaw- 
 lone. 
 
 !l  Or, 
 
 Jjehi. 
 p  That  is, 
 The  well 
 of  him 
 that  cal¬ 
 led,  or, 
 cried. 
 
 cir.  1120. 
 
 t  Hub, 
 
 a  woman 
 an  harlot. 
 
 f  Heb, 
 Jilent. 
 
 f  Hsb. 
 with  I  he 
 ■bar. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 by  the 
 brook. 
 
 li  H  And  when  he  came  unto  Lehi,  the  Fhilifiines 
 fhouted  againft  him :  and  the  Spirit  ot  the  Lord  came 
 mightily  upon  him  ;  and  the  cords  that  were  upon  hi< 
 arms  became  as  flax  that  was  burnt  with  fire,  and  his 
 bands  f  ioofed  from  oil  his  hands. 
 
 l.'j  And  he  found  a  t  new  jaw-bone  of  an  afs,  and 
 put  forth  his  hand  and  took  it,  and  flew  a  thoufand 
 men  therewith. 
 
 IG  And  Samfon  faid,  With  the  jaw-bone  of  an  afs, 
 f  heaps  upon  heaps,  with  the  jaw  of  an  afs  have  1  flain 
 a  thoufand  men. 
 
 17  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  he  had  made  an  end 
 of  fpeakiog,  that  he  caft  away  the  jaw-bone  out  of  his 
 hand,  and  called  that  place  1|  Ramath-lehi. 
 
 IS  <11  And  he  was  fore  athirft,  and  called  on  the 
 Lord,  and  faid,  Thou  haft  given  this  great  deli¬ 
 verance  into  the  hand  of  thy  (m'ant ;  and  now  fhall 
 I  die  for  thirft,  and  fall  into  the  hand  of  the  uncircum- 
 cifed  ? 
 
 19  But  God  clave  an  hollow  place  that  was  in  II  the 
 iaw,  and  there  came  water  thereout ;  and  when  he  had 
 drunk,  his  Spirit  came  again,  and  he  revived  :  where¬ 
 fore  he  called  the  name  thereof  11  En-hakkore,  which 
 is  in  Lehi  unto  this  day. 
 
 20  And  he  judged  Ifrael  in  the  days  of  the  Philif- 
 fhies  twenty  years.* 
 
 CHAP.  XVL 
 
 I  Samson  nt  flaxa  escapetli,  anrl  carrieth  away  the  gates  of  the  city.  4 
 Delilah  corrvpted  by  the  Phili/tines,  enticelh  Samson  :  6  thrice  Jhe  is  de¬ 
 ceived  ;  m  at  last  she  overcomelh  him,  cjc. 
 
 Then  went  Samfon  to  Gaza,  and  faw  there  f  an 
 harlot,  and  went  in  unto  her. 
 
 2  And  it  was  told  the  Gazites,  faying,  Samfon  is 
 come  hither.  And  they  compafled  him  in,  and  laid 
 wait  for  him  all  night  in  the  gate  of  the  city,  and  were 
 f  quiet  all  the  night,  faying,  In  the  morning,  when  it 
 is  day  we  fhall  kill  him. 
 
 3  And  Samfon  lay  till  midnight,  and  arofe  at  mid¬ 
 night,  and  took  the  doors  of  the  gate  of  the  city,  and 
 the  twopofts,  and  went  away  with  them,  f  bar  and 
 all,  and  put  them  upon  his  fhoulders,  and  carried  them 
 up  to  the  top  of  an  hill  that  is  before  Hebron. 
 
 4  %  And  it  came  to  pafs  afterward,  that  lie  loved 
 a  woman  H  in  the  valley  of  Sorek,  whofe  name  was 
 Delilah. 
 
 5  And  the  lords  of  the  Philiftines  came  up  unto 
 
 By  this  means  that  evil  befel  her  which  flie  thought  to  avoid,  by  extorting  the  fe- 
 cret  of  the  riddle  out  of  Samfon,  and  telling  it  to  his  companions,  chap.  xiv.  15. 
 nnd  file  fuffered  the  proper  punifliraent  for  her  adultery.  Ver.  8.  He  smote  them 
 hip  and  thigh  with  a  great  slaughter.  A  proverbial  expreffion,  which  may  denote 
 a  total  overthrow.  The  rock  Ktam.  A  llrong  place  in  the  tribe  of  Judah,  acceflj- 
 ble  only  by  one  path  not  wide  enough  for  two  men  to  pafs  abreaft.  Ver.  15.  Jwl 
 flew  a  thousnd  men  therewith.  It  was  by  the  wonderful  llrenglh  vr'hich  God  in- 
 fufed  into  him,  attd  not  from  any  aptitude  of  the  inllrument  he  made  ufe  of,  t.^at 
 he  was  enabled  to  do  all  this  execution  ;  which  is  only  incredible  to  tho-Hs  who  do 
 not  confider  the  power  of  God,  who  can  raife  our  natural  Rrength  to  what  degree 
 he  pleafts,  and  at  the  fame  time,  enfeeble  the  fpirits  of  thofe  who  oppofe  his  de- 
 figtis,  in  fuch  a  manner  that  they  (hall  have  no  power  to  help  themfelvcs.  Ver. 
 19.  Bnt  God  clave  an  hollow  place  that  wis  in  the  jaw,  and  there  came  water  there¬ 
 out.  l.ehi,  which  figniSes  a  jaw-bone,  is  here  tlie  proper  name  ot  a  place,  and 
 doubtlefs  liad  its  name  from  this  exploit  performed  by  Samfon  with  ths  jaiu-bone, 
 and  the  miraculous  fountain  which  God  caufed  to  burft  out  of  the  ground,  to  allay 
 Samfon’s  tliirfl.  The  paffage  therefore  lliouid  have  been  rendered,  And  God  clave 
 a  hollow  place  which  was  in  Lehi.  The  plain  meaning  is,  that  the  place  on  which 
 Samfon  caR  the  jaw-bono,  was  a  rock,  and  there  God  clave  an  hollow  place, 
 whence  iffued  water,  which  Samfon  drank  for  allaying  his  thirfl.  Modern  travel¬ 
 lers  inform  us,  that  in  the  fubinbs  of  Eleutheropolis,  in  all  probability  the  ancient 
 
 her,  and  faid  unto  her.  Entice  him,  and  fee  w’  -‘n  in 
 his  great  ftrength  lieth,  and  by  what  mtans  we  cir.  nsq. 
 prevail  againft  him,  that  we  may  bind  him  to  II  vifilct  ^ 
 him  ;  and  we  will  give  thee,  every  one  of  us,  eleven  \\  or, 
 hundred  pieces  of  filver.  humble. 
 
 6  And  Delilah  faid  to  Samfotj,  Tell  me,  I  pray  thee, 
 wherein  thy  great  ftrength  lieth,  and  wherewith  thou 
 mighteft  be  bound  to  afll  61  thee. 
 
 7  And  Samlon  faid  unto  her.  If  they  bind  me  with 
 feven  I|  f  Pteen  withs  t^at  were  never  dried,  then  (hall 
 
 1  he  weak,  and  be  as  t  another  rr.m.  |  j^ch. 
 
 8  Then  the  lords  of  the  PbiliHines  brought  up  to  her  moist. 
 Even  green  withs  which  had  not  been  dried,  and  Ihet' 
 bound  him  v.ith  them. 
 
 9  (Now  there. were  men  lying  in  wait,  abiding  with 
 her  in  the  charnber.)  And  fte  laid  unto  him,  1  he 
 Philiftines  fre  upon  thee,  Sa  nfon.  And  he  brake  the 
 withs,  as  a  threid  o{  row  is  br'  ken  when  it  t  toucheth  t 
 the  fire:  fo  his  ftrength  was  not  known. 
 
 10  And  Delilah  faid  unto  Samfon,  Behold,  thou 
 haft  mocked  me, 'and  told  me  lies  :  now  teil  me,  I  pray 
 thee,  wherewith  thou  mighteft  be  bound. 
 
 1 1  And  he  laid  unto  her.  If  they  bind  me  faft  with 
 
 new  ropes  f  that  never  were  occupied,  then  fhall  I  bet  Heb. 
 weak,  and  be  as  another  man.  ^orklilut. 
 
 12  Delilah  therefore  took  new  ropes,  and  hound  h^en 
 him  therewith,  and  faid  unto  him.  The  Philiftines  he  done. 
 upon  thee,  Samfon.  (And  there  were  Tiers  in  wait 
 abiding  in  the  chamber.)  And  he  brake  them  frem 
 
 off  his  arms  like  a  thread. 
 
 13  And  Delilah  faid  unto  Samfon,  Hitherto  thou 
 haft  mocked  me,  and  told  me  lies  :  tell  me  wherewith 
 
 mighteft  be  bound.  And  he  faid  unto  her,  If 
 weaveft  the  feven  locks  of  my  head  with  the 
 
 thou 
 thou 
 web. 
 
 14  And  (he  faftened  it  with  the  pin,  and  faid  unto 
 him,  fthe  Philiftines  be  upon  thee,  Samfon.  And  he 
 awaked  out  of  his  fleep,  and  went  away  with  the  pin 
 of  the  beam,  and  with  the  web. 
 
 15  ^  And  (he  faid  unto  him.  How  canft  thou  fay, 
 
 I  love  thee,  when  thine  heart  ts  not  with  me?  thou, 
 haft  mocked  me  thefe  three  times,  and  haft  not  told 
 me  wherein  thy  great  ftrength  licth. 
 
 16  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  (he  preffed  him  daily 
 with  her  words,  and  urged  him,  so  that  his  foul  was  f  f  Heb, 
 vexed  unto  death, 
 
 shortened. 
 
 Lehi,  the  fountain  which  flowed  on  this  occafion  is  Rill  remaining,  and  called  the 
 .fountain  of  the  jptv.  Ver.  20.  Samfon  judged  Ifrael  twenty  years  ;  not  that  l)e 
 fubdued  their  enemies,  but  kept  them  in  awe  ;  and  this  was  all  that  was  foretold 
 refpotRing  him,  chap,  xiii,  5. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XVI.  Ver.  1.  Gaza.  This  city  was 
 fituated  between  Afkelon  and  Raphai,  near  the  fouthern  extremity  of  the  pro- 
 inifed  land.  Ver.  2.  Samfon  is  come  hither.  The  man  fo  famous  for  his  Rrength 
 and  fuch  an  enemy  to  the  Philiftines.  His  name  was  a  terror  to  the’  whole 
 country.  And  they.compajfed  him  in.  They  did  not  befet  the  houfe,  but  fecured 
 all  the  gates  and  avenues  of  the  city,  in  order  to  feize  him  as  he  went  out.  Ver.  3, 
 Took  the  doors  of  the  gale  oj  the  city,  and  the  two  pojis.  He  did  not  Ray  to  oroak 
 open  the  gates,  hut  plucked  the  poRs  out  of  the  ground,  with  the  doors  h.an^iog 
 fait  baired  upon  them.  This  adlion  fo  aRonifhed  the  guards,  that  their  not 
 purfuing  him  does  not  feem  flrange.  An  hill  that  is  before  Hebron,  Hebron  was 
 near  twenty  miles  diRant  fn  m  Gaza,  and  therefore  it  is  probable  that  this  hill  lay 
 between  thefe  cities,  and  within  view  of  both.  Ver.  4.  Sorek  was  a  place  in  the 
 land  of  Judah,  famous  for  choice  wines.  Whether  Deliiali  was  a  woman  of  Kiael, 
 or  one  of  the  daughters  of  the  PhiliRines  ;  whether  (he  was  his  wife,  or  only 
 an  harlot,  the  facred  hiRorianis  fdent.  Ver.  6.  T.il  me,  I  pray  thee.  wh  'rAn  thy 
 great  ftrength  lielh.  In  all  probability  (he  had  feme  other  difeourfe  with  him, 
 before  flic  ventured  to  alk  him  this  que-Rion.  Verv  likely  Rie  extolled  his  won- 
 
 Pll'\CTICi*L  ORSERV^ATIONS. *  Ch.\f.  XV.]  When  wc  have  done  our  duty  we  cannot  be  charged  with  its  confequences.  Padl.  n  is  terrihie  to  all 
 
 ound ;  but  it  i*s  amiable  when  the  offemled  (tarty  is  the  fiiR  in  foliciting  reconciliation.  The  people  of  God  ought  not  to  expeil  repofe  in  this  world  ;  hut  if  God  be 
 r  them  who  can  be  againR  them?  One  conflia  clofely  fucceeds  to  another  ;  and  our  very  friends  and  dependants  often  prove  cur  greateR  enemies.  But  lot  none  de- 
 ond  Who  ferve  the  Lord  ;  for  he  will  llrengthen,  uphold,  and  comfort  them  in  every  trial  ;  he  will  lupply  all  their  wants,  and  extricate  them  out  of  all  their  difliculties. 
 
 No.  i5...,Qd.  3  S 
 
Dduah  hdriiyeth  Samson,  Sr. 
 
 JUDGES. 
 
 MicaJis  mother  maketh 
 
 Before 
 Chrill 
 cir.  1 1 20 
 
 17  1  hat  he  told  her  all  his  heart,  and  faid  unto  her, 
 1  here  hath  not  come  a  razor  upon  mine  head  ;  for  I 
 have  been  z  Nazarite  unto  God  from  my  mother’s 
 womb  :  if  I  be  (haven,  then  my  ftrength  will  go  from 
 me,  and  I  (hall  become  weak,  and  be  like  any  oMc?- man 
 
 18  And  when  Delilah  faw  that  he  had  told  her  all 
 his  heart,  (he  fent  and  called  for  the  lords  of  the 
 Pnilillines,  faying  Come  up  this  once ;  for  he  hath 
 ft'=‘vyed  me  all  his  heart.  Then  the  lords  of  the 
 P;ii(t!nes  came  up  unto  her,  and  brought  miOney  in 
 their  hand. 
 
 19  And  (he  made  him  deep  upon  her  knees:  and 
 fhe  called  for  a  man,  and  (he  cauled  him  to  (have  oft 
 the  feven  locks  of  his  head  ;  and  (he  began  to  afflaft 
 him.  and  his  Ifrength  went  from  him. 
 
 20  And  (he  faid,  The  Philiftines  be  upon  thee, 
 Samlon.  And  he  awoke  out  of  his  fteep,  and  (aid, 
 1  will  go  out,  as  at  other  times  before,  and  (hake  my- 
 fell.  And  he  wift  not  that  the  Lord  was  departed 
 from  him. 
 
 21  %  But  the  Philiftines  took  him,  and  (-put  out  his 
 eyes,  and  brought  him  down  to  Gaza,  and  bound 
 him  with  fetters  of  brafs:  and  he  did  grind  in  the 
 prifon-houl'e. 
 
 22  Howbeit  the  hair  of  his  head  began  to  grow 
 again  11  after  he  was  (haven. 
 
 23  51 1  hen  the  lords  of  the  Philiftines  gathered  them 
 together  for  to  offer  a  great  facrifice  unto  Dagon  their 
 god,  and  to  rejoice  ;  for  they  faid.  Our  god  hath  deli¬ 
 vered  bamfoD  our  enemy  into  our  hand. 
 
 And  when  the  people  faw  him,  they  praifed 
 their  god  :  tor  they  (aio.  Our  god  hath  delivered  into 
 cur  hands  our  enemy,  and  the  deftroyer  of  our  coun¬ 
 try,  t  w  hich  (lew  many  of  us. 
 
 multiplied  And  it  came  to  pafs,  w'hen  their  hearts  were 
 our  Hum.  merry,  that  they  (aid.  Call  for  Sam.fon,  that  he  may 
 make  us  fport.  And  they  called  for  Samlon  out  of 
 the  prifon  houfe ;  and  he  made  f  them  fport :  and 
 they  fet  him  between  the  pillars. 
 
 11  Or. 
 cs  when 
 he  was 
 shaven. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 and  who 
 
 t  Ileb. 
 
 Vetore 
 
 them. 
 
 2G  51  And  Samfon  faid  unto  the  lad  that  held  him 
 by  the  hand.  Suffer  me  that  I  may  feel  the  pillars 
 whereupon  the  houfe  ftandeth,  that  1  may  lean  upon 
 them. 
 
 27  Now  the  houfe  was  full  of  men  and  women ; 
 and  all  the  lords  of  the  Philftfines  ’were  there:  and 
 there  ’wrre  upon  the  roof  about  three  thoufand  men 
 and  women,  that  beheld  while  Samfon  made  fport. 
 
 28  And  Samfon  called  unto  the  Lord,  and  faid,  O 
 Lord  God,  remember  me,  I  pray  thee,  and  ftrengthen 
 me,  I  pray  thee,  only  this  once,  O  God,  that  I  may 
 be  at  once  avenged  of  the  Philiftines  for  my  two  eyes. 
 
 29  And  Samfon  took  hold  of  the  two  middle  pil- 
 lars  upon  which  the  houfe  flood,  and  ||  on  which  it 
 was  borne  up,  of  the  one  with  his  right  hand,  and  of 
 the  other  with  his  left. 
 
 30  And  Samfon  faid.  Let  f  me  die  with  the  Poilif- 
 tines.  And  he  bowed  himfelf  with  might ;  and 
 the  houfe  fell  upon  the  lords,  and  upon  all  the  people 
 that  'were  therein  :  fo  the  dead  which  he  flew  at  his 
 death  were  more  than  theij  which  he  (lew  in  his  life. 
 
 31  Then  his  brethren,  and  all  the  houfe  of  his  fa¬ 
 ther,  came  down,  and  took  him,  and  brought  him  up, 
 and  buried  him  between  Zorah  and  Eftuaol,  in  the 
 burying-place  of  Manoah  his  father:  and  he  judged 
 Ifrael  twenty  years.* 
 
 CHAP.  XVII. 
 
 1  Of  the  money  that  Micah  first  stole,  then  restored,  his  mother  maketh  ima¬ 
 ges,  5  and  the  ornaments  for  them ;  7  he  hireth  a  Levite  to  be  his  priest. 
 
 And  there  was  a  man  of  mount  Ephraim,-  whole 
 name  ’■was  Micah. 
 
 2  And  he  faid  unto  his  mother,  The  eleven  hundred 
 shekels  of  filver  that  were  taken  from  thee,  about 
 which  thou  curfedft,  and  fpakeft  of  alfo  in  mine  ears, 
 behold,  the  filver  is  with  me ;  I  took  it.  And  his 
 mother  faid,  BlelTed  be  thou  of  the  Lord,  my  fon. 
 
 3  And  when  he  had  reftored  the  eleven  hundred 
 shekels  of  filver  to  his  mother,  his  mother  faid,  I  had 
 wholly  dedicated  the  filver  unto  the  Lord  from  my 
 
 Clirift 
 
 fif.  1120. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 he  leoyi^fj^ 
 on  him. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 sout. 
 
 cir.  I40ff, 
 
 derful  deeds,  and  then  artfull}’  defired  him  to  inform  her  how  he  came  to  excel 
 fill  other  men  in  llrength.  Ver.  21.  Put  out  his  eyes.  The  Jews  ohferve  that  this 
 was  a  juft  retaliation  of  divine  providence  ;  tliat  as  Samfon  went  after  his  eyes, 
 I'V  taking  one  harlot  after  another  ;  therefore  the  Philiftines  put  out  his  eyes. 
 Jdid  grind  in  the  prifon-houfe.  Before  the  invention  of  wind  and  water-mills, 
 men  made  ufe  of  hand-mills  to  grind  their  corn;  which  w'as  a  very  laborious 
 ■work,  and  in  which  they  employed  flavtsand  malefadlors.  Ver.  22.  After  he  was 
 shaven.  The  margin  reads,  “  cs  icArn  he  w  as  fttaven,”  wijich  implies,  that  his 
 liair  was  grown  to  its  common  length  when  Delilah  cut  it  off.  Ver.  23.  A  great 
 facrifice.  This  was  as  Jofephus  imagines,  an  annual  feaft  in  honour  of  Dagon, 
 their  tutelary  deity,  who  was  on  the  occaCon  celebrated  as  the  deliverer  of 
 their  country,  Dagon  was  the  greateft,  the  moft  ancient,  and  the  tutelary  deity 
 of  the  Philiftines.  lie  w  as  reckoned  the  inventor,  or  the  firft  introducer  of  agri¬ 
 culture,  or  bread-corn,  into  this  country,  as  is  evident  from  his  name  Dagon,  which 
 fignifits  ftrcnrf-corM.  Ver  25.  That  he  nuiy  make  us  sport.  Jofephus  underftands  ! 
 that  they  wanted  to  jeer  hinr',  or  make  him  ridiculous,  in  order  to  provoke 
 laughter  in  the  fpectators.  He  made  them  sport.  It  cannot  be  thought  that  a 
 man  of  fo  great  a  fpirit  as  Samfon  was,  would  either  by  words  or  geftures,  do 
 any  thing  on  purpofe  to  divert  his  enemies ;  hut  he  was  the  ohje<51  of  their  fport, 
 and  he  patiently  bore  tlicir  cruel  mockings,  buffetings  and  (pittings.  It  was  a 
 diveifion  to  them,  to  fee  him  in  bis  rattling  chains,  groping  from  poll  to  poft. 
 Ver.  28.  S imson  called  unto  the  Lord.  As  none  that  heard  his  prayer  lived  to 
 relate  it  to  others,  it  mull  have  been  communicated  to  the  writer  of  this  book  by 
 tnfpiration.  Ver.  29.  The  two  midale  piltais  on  which  the  house Jlood,  This  fabric 
 lias  been  fuppofed  to  iiave  been  an  oval  ampliitheatre,  the  ficene  in  the  middle, 
 where  a  vaft  roof  of  cedar  beams,  refting  round  upon  the  walls,  centered  all  upon 
 
 one  fliort  architrave,  that  united  two  cedar  pillars  in  the  middle.  Now,  if  Samfon 
 by  his  miraculous  ftrength,  moved  one  of  thefe  pillars  from  its  bafis,  the  wliols 
 roof  muft  necelTarily  fall.  The  fuppofing  that  the  ends  of  the  beams  were  united, 
 in  a  circle  in  the  middle,  will  remove  the  difficulty  which  will  arife  from  con- 
 fidering  that  no  lefs  than  3000  perfons  were  fpedlators  of  Samfon’s  ill  treatment 
 from  the  roof;  for  this  manner  of  conftrudion  would  have  afforded  them  con- 
 veniency  enough  for  this  purpofe.  Ver.  30.  Let  me  die'  with  the  Philifiines. 
 Samfon  in  this  heroical  facrifice  of  himfelf,  was  entirely  free  from  fuicide  or  felf- 
 murder.  This  refoliition  muft  have  been  wrought  in  him  by  God,  who  is  the 
 fupreme  arbiter  of  life  and  death,  and  who  approved  it,  by  granting  bis  fervaiit 
 miraculous  ftrength  in  anfwer  to  his  prayer.  The  diftrefs  of  the  Philiftines  was 
 certainly  great,  or  elfe  they  would  not  fo  readily  have  confented  to  the  honourable 
 interment  of  a  perfon,  who  liad  been  the  fcourge  of  their  nation  ;  but  dreading  his 
 very  corpfe,  they  were  glad  to  let  his  relations  remove  fo  formidable  an  objedl  out 
 of  their  fight. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XVII.  Ver.  1.  There  was  a  man  of 
 n.'unt  Ephraim,  Wlien  this  tranfadlion  happened  is  not  agreed  on  by  commen¬ 
 tators  ;  but  the  moft  probable  opinion  is  that  of  thofe  w  ho  place  it  between  Caleb’s 
 death  and  Othniel’s  being  appointed  judge.  Wl)at  gives  great  probability  to  this 
 opinion  is,  that  the  deed  recorded  in  this  and  the  two  following  chapters  was 
 done  (ver.  6.')  when  there  was  no  king,  that  is,  public  ruler  or  chief  judge,  but 
 every  man  did  what  was  right  in  his  own  eyes.  It  is  inferted  here  by  the  facred 
 hiftorian,  that  he  might  not  interrupt  the  thread  of  the  narrative  relating  to  the 
 tranfadlions  of  the  whole  nation.  Ver.  3.  To  make  a  graven  image  and  a  mol¬ 
 ten  image.  The  intention  of  Micah ’s  mother  wa,  not  to  I’oifake  the  worship  of  the 
 true  Gcd,  but  to  worship  him  in  and  by  thefe  images;  and  which  he  defigned 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XVI.]  How  impoflible  to  preferve  thofe  in  fafety  who  are  infatuated  with  flellily  lufts  !  They  are  fixed  to  the 
 bafeft  llavery  ;  nor  can  repeated  warnings  awaken  them  to  confideration.  They  who  truft  either  honour  or  life  to  a  bafe  wonmn  deferve  to  he  betrayed.  They  who 
 give  themfelves  up  to  fin,juftly  deferve  to  be  delivered  up  to  fiiffer;  and  fenfual  lufts  efpecially  bring  theguilty  at  laft  to  fearful  roifery.  Dreatiful  is  their  ruin  who 
 enfnare  the  people  of  God,  and  exult  in  their  falls  and  fufterings ;  for  God  will  have  mercy  on  his  penitent  children,  and  avenge  liirnfelf  on  tlicir  enemies. —  Samfon 
 is  a  moft  extraordinary  charadler;  at  one  time  he  fliines  with  the  fplendour  of  the  fun,  but,  like  that  glorious  lumirkary,  he  is  often  ftirouded  in  clouds  of  darknefs. 
 Not  fb  the  captain  of  our  falvation<  His  character  was  always  not  lefs  fpotless  than  glorious.  Change  of  place,  of  time,  or  of  cirvuniftances,  onlyUuded  to  dilplay 
 the  perfebiion  of  excellence  which  dwelt  in  him.  The  more  we  know  of  him,  the  more  we  contemplate  his  perfon  and  works,  the  greater  reafon  fliail  we  find  to  ad¬ 
 mire  and  efteem  him ;  and  bis  enemies  only  ftiall  be  afhamed  and  confounded. 
 
^liccth  hirelh  a  Levife  to  he  his  priest,  JUDGES. 
 
 r.^foro  hand  for  my  fon,  to  make  a  graven  image,  and  a  mol- 
 Chriit  jgjj  image  :  now  therefore  I  will  reltore  it  unto  thee. 
 t\r.  1406.  ^  reftored  the  money  unto  his  mother  ;  and 
 
 his  mother  took  two  hundred  she/cels  of  filver,  and  gave 
 them  to  the  founder,  who  made  thereof  a  graven  image, 
 and  a  molten  image  :  and  they  were  in  the  houfe  of 
 Micah. 
 
 5  H  And  the  man  Micah  had  an  houfe  of  gods,  and 
 made  an  “  ephod,  and  ^  teraphim,  and  f  confecrated 
 one  of  his  Ions,  who  became  his  prieft. 
 
 6  ®  In  thofe  days  there  was  no  king  in  Ifrael ;  hut 
 every  man  did  that  which  ivas  right  in  his  own  eyes. 
 
 7  H  And  there  was  a  young  man  our  of  Beth-lehem 
 judah,  of  the  family  of  Judah,  who  was  a  Levite,  and 
 he  fojourned  there. 
 
 8  And  the  mao  departed  outcf  the  citv  from  Beth* 
 lehem-judah  to  I'ojourn  where  he  could  find  a  'place: 
 and  he  came  to  mount  Ephraim,  to  the  houfe  of  Micah, 
 
 I  Heb.  t  as  he  journeyed. 
 
 in  mck  ing  9  And  Micah  laid  unto  him,  Whence  comeft  thou? 
 
 The  Danites  come  to  Micah's  house. 
 
 ft  Cbap. 
 8.  27. 
 b  Gen.  * 
 31.  19- 
 Hof. 
 
 S.  4. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 filled  the 
 
 hand, 
 c  Chap. 
 ]8.  1.  & 
 21.  25. 
 
 his  way. 
 
 B  Or, 
 
 a  double 
 suit,  ^c. 
 I  Heb. 
 an  order 
 oj  gar¬ 
 ments. 
 
 cir.  1406. 
 a  Chap. 
 
 1  7,  6.  & 
 SI.  25. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 sons. 
 
 And  he  faid  unto  him,  I  om  a  Levite  of  Beth-lehem- 
 judah,  and  I  go  to  fojourn  where  I  may  find  a  place. 
 
 10  And  Micah  faid  unto  him,  Dwell  with  me,  and 
 be  unto  me  a  father  and  a  prieft,  and  i  will  give  thee 
 ten  shekels  of  filver  by  the  year,  and  ||  f  a  fuit  of  ap¬ 
 parel,  and  thy  vidfuals.  So  the  Levite  went  in. 
 
 11  And  the  Levite  was  tfontent  to  dwell  with  the 
 rran  ;  and  the  young  man  was  unto  him  as  one  of  his 
 fons. 
 
 12  And  Micah  confecrated  the  Levite;  and  the 
 young  man  became  his  prieft,  and  was  in  the  houfe  of 
 Micah. 
 
 13  Then  faid  Micah,  Now  know  I  that  the  Lord 
 will  do  me  good,  feeing  I  have  a  Levite  to  my  prieft.* 
 
 CHAP,  xviir. 
 
 1  The  Danites  send  Jive  men  In  seek  out  for  them  an  inheritance ;  3  at  the 
 houfe  of  Micah  they  consult  with  Jonathan  and  are  encouraged  in  their 
 way;  7  They  search  Laish,  and  bring  lack  news  of  good  hope ;  1 1  six 
 hundred  men  are  sent  to  surprise  it.  14  In  the  way  they  rob  Micah  of 
 his  priest  and  his  consecrated  things,  ^c, 
 
 'N  ^  thofe  days  there  was  no  king  in  Ifrael ;  and  in 
 thofe  days  the  tribe  of  the  Danites  fought  them  an 
 inheritance  to  dwell  in  ;  for  unto  that  day  all  their  in¬ 
 heritance  had  not  fallen  unto  them  among  the  tribes 
 of  Ifrael. 
 
 2  And  the  children  of  Dan  fent  of  their  family  five 
 men  from  their  coafts,  f  men  of  valour,  from  Zorah, 
 and  from  Eftitaol,  to  fpy  out  the  land,  and  to  fearch 
 it ;  and  they  faid  unto  them,  Go,  fearch  the  land  ;  who, 
 when  they  came  to  mount  Ephraim,  to  the  houfe  of 
 Micah,  they  lodged  there. 
 
 r 
 
 3  When  they  were  by  the  houfe  of  Micah,  they 
 knew  the  voice  of  the  young  man  the  Levite:  and^.;^  ,^06. 
 they  turned  in  thither,  and  faid  unto  him.  Who 
 'brought  thee  hither?  and  what  makeft  thou  in  this 
 \place  ?  and  what  haft  thou  here  ? 
 i  4  And  he  faid  unto  them.  Thus  and  thus  dealeth 
 :  Micah  with  me,  and  hath  hired  me,  and  I  am  his  prieft. 
 j  5  And  they  faid  unto  him,  Afk  counfel,  we  pray 
 I  thee  of  God,  that  v^e  may  know  whether  our  way 
 which  we  go  (hall  be  profperous. 
 
 6  And  the  prieft  faid  unto  them.  Go  in  peace :  be¬ 
 fore  the  Lord  is  your  way  wherein  ye  go. 
 
 7  U  Then  the  five  men  departed,  and  came  to  Laifh, 
 
 and  law  the  people  that  were  therein,  how  they  dwelt 
 carelefs,  after  the  manner  of  the  Zidonians,  quiet  and 
 fecure ;  and  there  xo  is  no  f  magiftrate  in  the  land,  that  t  Heb. 
 might  put  them  to  (hame  in  any  thing  ;  and  they  of 
 
 far  from^  the  Zidonians,  and  had  no  bufinefs  with 
 
 man. 
 
 8  And  they  came  unto  their  brethren  to  Zorah  and 
 Eftitaol ;  and  their  brethren  faid  unto  them,  Wnat 
 say  ye  ? 
 
 9  And  they  faid,  Arife,  that  we  may  go  up  againft 
 them  :  for  we  have  feen  the  land,  and,  behold,  it  ts 
 very  good  ;  and  are  ye  ftill  ?  be  not  flothful  to  go, 
 atid  to  enter  to  pofftfs  the  land. 
 
 10  When  ye  go,  ye  (hall  come  unto  a  people  fecure 
 and  to  a  large  land  :  for  God  hath  given  it  into  your 
 hands ;  a  place  where  there  is  no  want  of  any  thing 
 that  is  in  the  earth. 
 
 1 1  H  And  there  went  from  thence  of  the  family  of 
 
 the  Danites,  out  of  Zorah,  and  out  of  Efhtaol,  fix  hun¬ 
 dred  men  f  appointed  with  weapons  of  war.  "f 
 
 12  And  they  went  up,  and  pitched  in  Kirjath-jearim^ 
 in  Judah  :  wherefore  they  called  that  place  Mahaneh- 
 dan  unto  this  day  ;  behold,  it  is  behind  Kirjath-Jearim. 
 
 13  And  they  pafifed  thence  unto  mount  Ephraim, 
 and  came  unto  the  houfe  of  Micah. 
 
 14  ^  Then  anfwered  the  five  men  that  went  to  fpy 
 out  the  country  of  Laifh,  and  faid  unto  their  brethren. 
 
 Do  ye  know  that  there  is  in  thefe  houfes  an  ephod, 
 and  teraphim,  and  a  graven  image,  and  a  molten 
 image?  now  therefore  confider  what  ye  have  to  do. 
 
 15  And  they  turned  thitherward,  and  came  to  the 
 
 houfe  of  the  young  man  the  Levite,  even  unto  the 
 houfe  of  Micah,  and  f  faluted  him.  f 
 
 16  And  the  fix  hundred  men  appointed  with  their 
 weapons  of  war,  which  were  of  the  children  of  Dan,  ^ 
 ftood  by  the  entering  of  the  gate. 
 
 17  And  the  five  men  that  went  to  fpy  out  the  land 
 
 Heb. 
 girded. 
 
 for  the  ufe  of  her  fon  and  family,  that  they  might  not  travel  to  the  tabernacle, 
 worthip  at  Shiloh.  Their  fin  was  fimilar  to  that  of  Jeroboam  the  fon  of  Nebat ; 
 they  were  influenced  by  felfilh  movites,  the  love  of  eafe ;  he  by  political  ones, 
 to  fecure  the  ten  tribes  in  his  intereft.  Ver.  5.  yin  houfe  of  gods ;  or  an  houfe 
 of  God,  as  in  Gen.  xxviii.  22.  for  it  feems  to  have  been  Micah’s  intention  to 
 make  an  imitation  of  the  houfe  of  God,  at  Shiloh.  Ver.  12.  And  Micah  confe¬ 
 crated  the  Levite,  and  the  young  man  became  his  prieji ;  this  was  a  very  daring 
 piece  of  prefumption  in  them  both  ;  in  Micah  who  had  no  authority  from  God  or 
 man  to  take  upon  him  to  confecrate  a  prieft,  and  in  the  young  man,  to  fuffer  him- 
 felf  to  he  put  into  fuch  an  office,  which  did  not  belong  to  him  ;  for  though  every 
 prieft  was  of  the  tribe  of  Levi,  yet  every  Levite  had  not  a  right  to  be  a  prieft,  but 
 only  thofe  who  were  of  the  family  of  Aaron,  It  is  a  ftrtking  proof  of  the  dege¬ 
 nerate  ftate  of  Ifrael,  that  a  Levite  living  in  the  honourable  and  wealthy  tribe  of 
 
 Judah,  was  from  poverty  tempted  to  wander  for  fubfiftence  and  to  accept  of  the 
 firft  employment  which  prefented  itfelf,  which  was  neither  honourable  nor  lucra¬ 
 tive.  Ver.  13.  From  this  It  appears  that  notwithftanding  the  idolatry  he  had  fallen 
 into,  he  had  not  utterly  foriaken  the  Lord,  but  blended  his  worfhip  with  that  of 
 images  ;  though  in  reality  guilty  of  idolatry  he  viewed  himfelf  doing  acceptable 
 fervice  to  God.  i 
 
 EXPL.4.NATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XVIII.  Ver.  1.  Comp.  Note  on  chap, 
 xvii.  1.  The  tribe,  or  rather,  a  family  of  the  Danites,  as  the  original  words  ftiould 
 have  been  tranflated.  The  Danites  not  having  pofleffed  all  their  inheritance 
 when  thefe  things  happened,  is  an  argument  that  it  was  foon  after  Jofhua’s 
 death.  Ver.  7.  Laift,  called  Lefiiem,  Jofti.  xix.  47.  It  was  probably  a  colony 
 of  the  Zidonians,  elpeciatly  as  they  refemhled  that  nation  in  their  cuftoms,  and 
 becaufe  it  is  hinted,  that  they  might  have  trufted  to  their  proteclion,  were 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XV'II.]  Cliildren  are  exceedingly  prone  to  walk  in  the  ungodly  flops  of  their  parents.  It  is  dreadful  when 
 thofe  Ioffes  w  hicb  fhould  make  men  pray,  only  caufe  them  to  blafpheme.  Reconcilement  in  fin  is  eafily  cfledled  ;  and  the  moll  covetous  liberally  devote  their  fub- 
 llance  to  the  fervice  of  Satan.  From  what  finall  beginnings  are  the  vileft  corruptions  introduced  into  churches  and  nations  !  The  groffell  idolatries  are  oft«n  varniflied 
 "ith  high  pretences  to  religion  and  rich  donations,  while  fsiithful  minilleisare  almoft  llarved  for  want.  Wretched  is  the  condition  of  thofe  who  abandon  the  feiviee  and 
 ."■orftiip  of  God  ;  while  they  ought  to  reprove  fin,  they  hecouie  its  chief  promoters.  On  what  flight,  nay  damnable  grounds,  do  hardened  finners  dare  to  expecl  the 
 favour  of  God.  They  feem  to  prolper,  but  their  dellrudliou  is  not  ou  this  account  the  lefs  certain.  God  is  long-iuffering  j  but  the  impenitent  finner  and  the  hypo- 
 crite  fliall  not  pafs  unpuniflied. 
 
T}i€  Danites  carry  a'xay  Mie/fh*s  images. 
 
 JUDGES. 
 
 chriii  came  in  thither,  and  took  the  graven 
 
 cir.  1406.  ^^3ge,  and  the  ephod,  and  the  teraphim,  and  the  mol¬ 
 ten  image  :  and^  the  prieit  Rood  in  the  entering  of  the 
 gate,  with  the  lix  hundred  men  thal  were  appointed 
 with  weapons  of  w^ar. 
 
 IS  Ana  thefe  went  into  Micah^s  houfe,  and  fetched 
 the  carved  image,  the  ephod  and  the  teraphim,  and 
 the  molten  image :  Then  faid  the  prieft  unto  them, 
 What  do  ye  ? 
 
 19  And  they  faid  unto  him,  hold  thy  peace,  lay 
 thine  hand  upon  thy  mouth,  and  go  with  us,  and  be 
 to  us  a  father  and  a  prielf  :  is  it  better  for  thee  to  be 
 a  prieft  unto  the  houfe  of  one  man,  or  that  thou  be  a 
 prieft  unto  a  tribe  and  a  family  in  Ifrael  ? 
 
 20  And  the  prieft’s  heart  was  glad ;  and  he  took 
 the  ephod,  and  the  teraphim,  and  the  graven  image, 
 and  w'ent  in  the  midft  of  the  people. 
 
 21  So  they  turned  and  departed,  and  put  the  little 
 ones,  and  the  cattle,  and  the  carriage  before  them. 
 
 22  H  And  when  they  were  a  good  way  from  the 
 houfe  of  Micah,  the  men  that  xcere  in  the  houles  near 
 to  Micah’s  houfe  were  gathered  together,  and  over¬ 
 took  the  children  of  Dan. 
 
 23  And  they  cried  unto  the  children  of  Dan  : 
 
 turned  their  faces,  and  faid  unto  Micah, 
 <Aat  ]hou  aileth  thee,  f  that  thou  comeft  with  fuch  a  com- 
 
 ed  toge-  24-  And  he  faid,  ye  have  taken  away  my  gods  which 
 ther.  I  made,  and  the  prieft,  and  ye  are  gone  away  ;  and  ' 
 what  have  I  more  ?  and  what  is  this  that  ye  fay  unto 
 me.  What  aileth  thee? 
 
 25  And  the  children  of  Dan  faid  unto  him.  Let  not 
 thy  voice  be  heard  among  us,  left  t  angry  fellows  run 
 upon  thee,  and  thou  lofe  thy  life  with  the  lives  of  thv 
 houfehold. 
 
 26  And  the  children  of  Dan  went  their  way  :  and 
 when  Micah  fiw  that  they  tcerc  too  ftrong  for  him,  he 
 turned,  and  went  back  unto  his  houfe. 
 
 27  5  And  they  took  the  things  which  Micah  had 
 made,  and  the  prieft  which  he  had,  and  came  unto , 
 Laifh,  unto  a  people  that  -dcere  at  quiet  and  fecure : ! 
 and  they  fmote  them  with  the  edge  of  the  fword,  and 
 burnt  the  city  with  fire. 
 
 28  And  there  -jcas  no  deliverer,  becaufe  it  was  far 
 from  Zidon,  and  they  had  no  bufinefs  with  any  man  : 
 and  it  was  in  the  vallev  that  lieth  by  Beth-rehob  :  and 
 they  built  a  city,  and  dwelt  therein. 
 
 29  And  they  called  the  name  of  the  city  Dan,  af¬ 
 ter  the  name  of  Dan  their  father,  who  was  born  un^o 
 Ifrael  :  howbeit  the  name  of  the  city  was  Laifh  at  the 
 firft. 
 
 They  come  to  Taish,  and  let  vp  {dulor 
 
 % 
 
 s- 
 
 t  Heb. 
 bitter  of 
 soul. 
 
 b  Jofliua 
 19.  47. 
 
 they  not  fituated  too  far  from  them.  Vcr.  12.  Behind  Ki/jalh-jearim  ;  that  is,  on 
 the  icejl  side  of  it  towards  the  Mediterranean.  Ver.  24.  What  have  1  more  F 
 This  imports,  that  all  he  had  in  the  world,  wife,  children  and  fubftance,  were 
 nothing  in  his  efleem,  in  comparifon  of  his  gods.  Ver.  30,  Sit  up  the  graven 
 inage;  this  is  the  firll  account  we  meet  with  of  an  idol  being  let  up  in  any 
 city,  to  be  worfliipped  by  all  the  inhabitants.  .Jonathan  the fon  of  Gershom  ap¬ 
 pears  to  be  no  other  than  tlte  I.evite  whom  Micah  took  into  his  houle.  Ger- 
 lliom  was  the  name  of  a  fon  of  IVIofes  and  this  man  is  thought  by  Ibme  to  be  a 
 grandlbn  of  his.  By  the  dap  of  the  capLiviip  of  the  lam!,  is  here  meant  the  time 
 when  the  ark  of  God  was  taken  by  the  Philillines  ;  the  capture  of  the  ark  of 
 God  is  flyled  a  captivity,  Pfal.  Ixxviii  60,  61.  \  cr.  31.  Thus  we  fee  the  public  ! 
 
 30  ^  And  the  'children  of  Dan  fet  up  the  graven  Mefor, 
 image  and  Jonathan  the  fon  of  Gerfhom,  the  Ibu  of 
 Manafleh,  he  and  his  fons  were  priefts  to  the  tribe  of‘’“^' 
 Dan  until  the  day  of  the  captivity  of  the  land. 
 
 31  And  they  fet  them  up  Micah^s  graven  image, 
 which  he  had  made,  all  the  time  that  the  houfe  of 
 God  was  in  Shiloh.* 
 
 CHAP.  XIX. 
 
 1  A  Levite  gosth  to  Bcth-lehem  to  fetch  home  his  concubine :  1 6  an  oil 
 
 man  entertainelh  him  at  Gibeah  ;  the  Gibeathites  abvfe  his  concubine  to 
 death  ;  29  he  divklclh  her  into  twelve  pieces,  ^c. 
 
 ND  it  came  to  pafs  in  thofe  days,  *  when  there cho,,. 
 
 _ ^  was  no  king  in  Ifrael,  that  there  was  a  certain  c. 
 
 Levite  fojourning  on  the  fide  of  mount  Ephraim,  q®' ,j: 
 who  took  to  him  t  a  concubine  out  of  Beth-lehem-f  fieb’ 
 
 JUdah.  a  wortin,; 
 
 2  And  his  concubine  played  the  whore  agaieft  him“.‘'“"«‘- 
 
 and  went  away  from  him  unto  her  father’s  houfe 
 Beth-lehem-Judah,  and  was  there  ||  t  four  whole 
 months.  II  Or, 
 
 3  And  her  hulband  arofe,  and  went  after  her, 
 
 fpeak  t  friendly  unto  her,  and  to  bring  her  again,  m’onMr 
 having  his  fervant  with  him,  and  a  couple  of  aflesifHeb. 
 and  fhe  brought  him  into  her  father’s  houfe  :  and 
 when  the  father  of  the  damfel  faw  him,  he  rejoiced  toH'^^f 
 meet  him.  L 
 
 4-  And  bis  father-in-law,  the  damfel’s  father,  retain- 
 ed  him  ;  and  he  abode  vdth  him  three  days  :  fo  they 
 did  eat  and  drink  and  lodged  there, 
 
 5  And  it  came  to  pafs  on  the  fourth  day,  when  they 
 arofe  early  in  the  morning,  that  he  rofe  np  to  depart : 
 
 and  the  damfei’s  father  laid  unto  his  fon-in-law,  f  f  Heb. 
 Comfort  thine  heart,  with  a  morfel  of  bread  and  2ij;- sirengih. 
 terward  go  your  way. 
 
 6  And  they  fat  down,  and  did  eat  and  drink  both 
 of  them  together:  for  the  damfel’s  father  had  faid 
 unto  the  man,  be  content,  I  pray  thee,  and  tarry  all 
 night,  and  let  thine  heart  be  merry. 
 
 7  A^nd  when  the  man  rofe  up  to  depart,  his  father- 
 in-law  urged  him  ;  therefore  he  lodged  there  again. 
 
 8  And  he  arofe  early  in  the  morning  on  the  fifth  f^eb. 
 
 day  to  depart :  and  the  damfei’s  father  laid.  Comfort 
 thine  heart,  1  pray  thee.  And  they  tarried  f  x\nn\‘c°inet. 
 afternoon,  and  they  did  eat  both  of  them.  t 
 
 9  And  when  the  man  rofe  up  to  depart,  he,  and  his 
 concubine,  and  his  fervant,  and  his  father-in-law, 
 damfel’s  father,  faid  unto  him,  Behold,  now  the  &Ay pitching 
 t  draweth  toward  evening,  I  pray  you  tarry  all  night ;  time  0/ 
 Behold,  t  the  day  groweth  to  an  end  ;  lodge  here,  that 
 thine  heart  may  be  merry  ;  and  to-morrow  get  youj^^/,^' 
 early  on  your  way,  that  thou  mayeft  go  f  home. 
 
 tent. 
 
 worfhip  of  an  image  in  the  cities  of  Ifrael,  originated  in  the  fuperftition  of  an  old 
 woman  imitated  by  her  (bn,  countenanced  by  a  Levite  and  envied  by  a  family  of 
 Dan.  All  the  time  that  the  houfe  of  God  was  in  Shiloh  ;  that  is  all  the  time  the 
 judges  governed  the  people,  the  ark  of  God  was  taken,  and  the  divine  Shechi- 
 nah  no  longer  redded  in  Shiloh. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XIX.  Ver.  1.  Compare  Note  on 
 chap.  xvii.  1.  xx.  28.  A  concubine,  or  fecond  wife,  according  to  the  meaning  of 
 the  term  in  the  Hebrew  Icriptiires  ;  fee  note  on  Gen.  xxv.  I.  Ver.  2.  Ployed  the 
 whore.  Was  unfaithful  to  him  atid  his  bed.  Some  think  that  this  is  not  to  be 
 underftood  of  whoredom  or  adultery,  but  of  her  ill  ufage  of  him  ;  and  depar¬ 
 ture  from  him,  Ver.  9.  The  day  draweth  to  an  end.  In  Hebrew,  «  It  is  the 
 
 Pll.VCriCAL  OBSERVATIONS. _ *Chap.  X  VUI.]  What  dreadful  apollacy  hath  the  fall  of  man  wrought  in  human  nature.  When  men  are  ignorai 
 
 readily  apply  to  the  emilTaries  of  Satan,  and  receive  an  anfwcr  according  to  their  inclinations.  Accomplices  in  wickednefs  g 
 
 ant  of 
 gene- 
 
 God  or  neglerft  confuliing  him,  they  readily  apply 
 
 rally  prove  unfaithful  to  one  another.  And  none  is  more  apt  to  he  treacherous  than  a  clergyman  ambitious  of  preferment,  and  chiefly  concerned  for  his  honour  of 
 fala  v.  Deplorable  is  the  cafe  of  thofe  whofe  gods  can  be  taken  from  them,  and  whofe  hearts  cannot  part  « ith  them,  though  they  he  the  means  of  their  ruin.  Hud 
 is  Jie  condition  of  thofe  who  dare  not  complain  of  injuliice  or  robbery  without  rilkli.g  their  life  ;  nor  are  tliey  more  happy  who  are  deditute  of  proper  govti  niuent, 
 efpecially  if  they  are  plunged  into  carelefs  and  carnal  fecurity.  The  moft  llnful  cultoms,  when  once  eflahliflied,  are  the  mod  permanent ;  it  is  far  eafier  to  ktep 
 them  out  than  root  them  out.  Happy  are  they  only  who  fuitably  elleem  the  favour  of  God,  and  are  condantly  under  his  divine  guidance  and  protection. 
 
An  old 
 
 Kefore 
 Chrilt 
 cir.  1406. 
 
 Ileb. 
 
 to  over 
 Oj^uilUt' 
 
 f  Heb. 
 gatkeretk. 
 
 man's  hnd?tess  to  a  Levife, 
 
 JUDGES. 
 
 The  Glheathites  ol-.i  r  hi^  concubine- 
 
 10  But  the  man  would  not  tarry  that  night,  but  ! 
 
 he  rofe  up  and  departed,  and  came  t  overagainfi  Jehus,  I 
 (which  is  Jerufalem,)  and  there  wre  with  him  two  j 
 afles  faddled  ;  his  concubine  alfo  was  with  him.  j 
 
 1 1  And  when  they  were  by  Jebus,  the  day  was  far 
 fpent ;  and  the  fervant  faid  unto  his  mafter,  Come,  I 
 pray  thee,  and  let  us  turn  in  unto  this  city  of  the  Je- 
 bufites,  and  lodge  in  it. 
 
 12  And  his  mafter  faid  unto  him,  We  will  not  turn 
 afide  hither  into  the  city  of  a  ftranger,  that  is  not 
 of  the  children  of  Ifrael ;  we  will  pafs  over  to  Gi- 
 beah. 
 
 13  And  he  faid  unto  his  fervant.  Come,  and  let  us  | 
 draw  near  to  one  of  thefe  places  to  lodge  all  night,  in 
 Gibeah,  or  in  Ramah. 
 
 14?  And  they  pafl'ed  on,  and  went  their  way;  and  j 
 the  fun  went  down  upon  them  when  they  were  by  | 
 Gibeah,  which  belongeth  to  Benjamin. 
 
 15  And  they  turned  afide  thither,  to  go  in  and  to 
 lodge  in  Gibeah  :  and  when  he  went  in,  he  fat  him 
 down  in  a  ftreet  of  the  city;  for  there  was  no  man 
 that  took  them  into  his  houfe  to  lodging. 
 
 16  ^  And,  behold,  there  came  an  old  man  from 
 his  work  out  of  the  field  at  even,  which  was  alfo  of  I 
 mount  Ephraim  ;  and  he  fojourned  in  Gibeah  :  but 
 the  men  of  the  place  were  Benjamites. 
 
 17  And  when  he  had  lifted  up  his  eyes,  he  faw  a 
 way-faring  man  in  the  ftreet  of  the  city  ;  and  the  old 
 man  faid.  Whither  goeft  thou  ?  and  whence  comeft 
 thou  ? 
 
 18  And  he  faid  unto  him.  We  are  paffing  from 
 Beth-lehem-judah  toward  the  fide  of  mount  Ephraim  ; 
 from  thence  am  I :  and  I  went  to  Beth-lehem-judah, 
 but  I  am  now  going  to  the  houfe  of  the  Lord  ;  and 
 there  is  no  man  that  t  receiveth  me  to  houfe. 
 
 19  Yet  there  is  both  ftraw  and  provender  for  our 
 afies ;  and  there  is  bread  and  wine  alfo  for  me,  and 
 for  thy  handmaid,  and  for  the  young  mao  which  is 
 with  thy  fervants  ;  there  is  no  want  of  any  thing. 
 
 20  And  the  old  man  faid.  Peace  be  with  thee  :  how- 
 foever,  let?L\\  thy  wants  lie  upon  me  ;  only  lodge  not 
 in  the  ftreet. 
 
 21  So  he  brought  him  into  his  houfe,  and  gave 
 
 j  provender  unto  the  afies:  and  they  wafticd  their  'eet 
 '  and  did  eat  and  drink.  ^  dr.  i406. 
 
 22  “11  Now,  as  they  were  making  their  hearts  merry, 
 behold,  the  men  of  the  city,  certain  fons  of  B  dial,  be- 
 fet  the  houfe  round  about,  and  beat  at  the  door,  and 
 fpake  to  the  mafter  of  the  houfe,  the  old  man,  faying. 
 
 Bring  forth  the  man  that  came  into  thine  houfe,  that 
 we  may  know  him. 
 
 23  And  the  man,  the  mafter  of  the  houfe,  went  ^  Gen. 
 out  unto  them,  and  faid  unto  them.  Nay,  my  brethren, 
 nay,  I  pray  you,  do  not  so  wickedly  ;  feeing  that  this 
 man  is  come  into  mine  houfe,  do  not  this  folly. 
 
 24  Behold,  here  is  my  daughter,  a  maiden,  and 
 his  concubine  ;  them  I  will  bring  out  now,  and  humble 
 ye  them,  and  do  with  them  what  feemeth  good  unto 
 you  ;  but  unto  this  man  do  not  t  fo  vile  a  thing.  t 
 
 25  But  the  men  would  not  hearken  to  him  : 
 the  man  took- his  concubine,  and  brought  her  forth 
 unto  them  ;  and  they  knew  her,  and  abufed  her  all  the 
 night  until  the  morning  :  and  when  the  day  began  to 
 i^pring,  they  let  her  go. 
 
 26  Then  came  the  woman  in  the  dawning  of  the 
 day,  and  fell  down  at  the  door  of  the  man’s  houfe 
 where  her  lord  was,  till  it  w’as  light. 
 
 27  And  her  lord  rofe  up  in  the  morning,  and  open¬ 
 ed  the  doors  cf  the  houfe,  and  went  out  to  go  his 
 way  ;  and,  behold,  the  woman  his  concubine  was 
 fallen  down  at  the  door  of  the  houfe,  and  her  hands 
 were  upon  the  threftiold. 
 
 28  And  he  faid  unto  her.  Up,  and  let  us  be  going  : 
 but  none  anfwered.  Then  the  man  took  her  up  upon 
 !  an  afs,  and  the  man  rofe  up,  and  gat  him  unto  his 
 
 place. 
 
 29  H  And  when  he  was  come  into  his  houfe,  he 
 took  a  knife,  and  laid  hold  on  his  concubine,  and 
 
 I  divided  her,  together  with  her  bones,  into  twelve 
 pieces,  and  fent  her  into  all  the  coafts  of  Ifrael. 
 
 30  And  it  was  fo,  that  all  that  faw  it  laid.  There 
 was  no  fuch  deed  done  nor  feen,  from  the  day  that 
 the  children  of  Ifrael  came  up  out  of  the  land  of 
 
 j  Egypt  unto  this  day  :  confider  of  it,  take  advice,  and 
 fpeak  your  minds.* 
 
 of  the  day  ;  whit  h  alludes  to  the  cuflom  of  pitching  their  tents  at 
 the  clofe  of  day,  for  the  fake  of  fleep.  Ver.  11.  Jebus  was  the  city  of  Jerufalem 
 which  had  been  taken  by  the  children  of  Judah  ;  but  the  Jebufites  kept  poifef- 
 fion  of  the  ftrong  fort  of  Zion  till  the  days  of  David,  and  probably  they  often  alfo 
 feized  the  city  when  Ifrael  was  unable  to  refill  them  ;  and  hence  on  this  occa- 
 ifion  the  inhabitants  are  called  llrangers.  Ver.  12.  By  Jtrangers  are  meant  idola¬ 
 trous  Gentiles.  The  Levite’s  refufal  to  take  up  his  lodging  with  fuch  people,  is 
 an  argument  of  his  piety.  Ver.  13.  Gibeah  anA  Rurnah,  lay  a  little  northward 
 of  Jerufalem,  in  the  tribe  of  Benjamin.  The  former  is  perhaps  Gibeah  of 
 Saul,  1  Sam.  i.  4.  and  is  different  from  a  place  of  the  fame  name,  in  Judah, 
 Jofli.  XV.  57.  Ver.  15.  No  man  that  took  them  into  his  house.  As  hofpitality  was 
 •he  predominant  virtue  in  thefe  early  ages,  the  barbarity  of  the  tribe  of  Benjamin 
 isftrongly  marked  by  this  circumltance  ;  but  the  method  of  this  Ample  narrative 
 heightens  it  more  by  feveral  other  concurrent  circumftances.  The  civility  of  the 
 •Id  man,  who  was  but  a  fojourner,  the  affluence  of  the  place,  and  the  provifion 
 which  the  Levite  had  himfelf  brought  w'ith  him,fo  as  to  prevent  his  being  charge¬ 
 able  to  thofe  who  entertained  him,  paint  their  humanity  in  the  flrongefl  colours, 
 and  prepared  the  mind  to  receive  the  flnilhing  flroke  in  their  pidlure.  Ver.  1 8.  The 
 house  of  the  Lord,  which  was  in  Shiloh,  Jofli.  xviii.  1.  xxii.  12.  Thither  he  was 
 journeying,  probably  to  prefent  a  thank-offering  to  God  for  the  mercy  of  again 
 obtaining  his  wife.  Ver.  22.  Sons  of  Belial ;  that  is,  wicked,  lawlefs,  ungovernable 
 Wretches,  under  the  influence  of  Satan  and  their  own  lulls ;  vile  Sodomites.  Ver. 
 
 24.  Behold,  here  is  my  daughter  a  maiden,  and  his  concubine.  His  earneft  defirc 
 of  preferving  the  laws  of  hofpitality  from  being  violated,  which  in  thofe  times  were 
 confidered  facred,  made  him  even  forget  the  care  he  ought  to  Have  taken  for  pre¬ 
 ferving  his  own  daughter’s  purity.  Perhaps  he  thought  that  their  w  ickednefs  had 
 not  yet  arrived  to  that  fliameful  height  of  injuring  a  neighbour,  though  they  had 
 loft  all  refpedl  for  the  traveller.  Ver.  26.  Fell  doimi  at  the  door  of  the  man's  house. 
 She  fell  down  dead,  being  not  only  oppreffcd  with  grief  and  fharae  at  the  ill  ufage 
 fhehad  experienced,  but  likewife  overpowered  by  the  violence  and  abufe  offered 
 her.  Ver.  28.  Then  the  man  took  her  up  upon  an  ass — and  gal  him  unto  his  place. 
 When  he  faw  that  flie  was  dead,  he  made  no  outcry,  but  prudently  carried  her 
 away  to  his  own  houfe  ;  perfuaded  that  they,  w-ho  were  guilty  of  fo  bafe  and  in¬ 
 human  an  adlion,  would  not  fcruple  to  take  away  his  own  life,  if  be  made  any  com¬ 
 plaint.  Ver.  29.  And  divided  her- — into  twelve  pieces.  As  there  was  no  lupreme 
 magiftrate  to  apply  unto  for  juftice,  he  took  tliis  ftrangeand  unheard  of  method  to 
 acquaint  the  feveral  tribes  with  the  fa<5l  coi-'tyiitted  :  not  affiiredly  from  dif'refpe<5l 
 to  his  wife,  but  to  exprefs  his  vehement  pafiion  for  her  death  in  fuch  an  unnatural 
 manner,  and  to  raife  their  indignation  againft  the  perpetrators  of  this  horrid  deed. 
 Ver.  30.  There  was  no  such  deed  done  nor  seen.  They  not  only  condemned  the 
 faiSl,  but  were  highly  incenfed  at  it,  as  a  crime  exceeding  all  that  had  ever  been 
 heard  of  fince  they  were  a  people;  it  was,  indeed  a  mixture  of  adultery  and  mur¬ 
 der,  with  an  attemp:  to  commit  an  unnatural  crime  upon  a  Levite,  a  perfon  con- 
 fecrated  to  the  fervice  of  God. 
 
 PRACTICAL  observations. — *  Chap.  XIX.]  The  intended  kindnefs  of  friends  is  frequently  a  real  injury;  and  what  was  intended  for  our  welfare, 
 generally  becomes  a  trap  toenfnare  us.  We  often  meet  with  the  moft  abomin.able  neglecSl,  and  ruinous  abufe  where  we  might  have  reafonably  expelled  the  moft 
 diftinguifhed  and  tranfeendent  kindnefs;  We  are  apt  to  hope  that  oiir  troubles  are  at  an  end  when  the  ftorm  is  only  gathering.  To  what  horrible  lengths  will  not 
 apoftate  profeflbrs  of  the  true  religion  go.  When  we  commit  one  fm  to  avoid  a  greater,  we  generally  plunge  ourfelves  into  additional  foares.  God  fearfully  marks 
 fin  in  its  punifhment ;  arid  in  juftice  he  will  not  extenuate  men’s  wickediiefs.  Such  as  would  obtain  his  blefling  on  a  land,  muft  thoroughly  purge  it  by  the  rigid 
 sxteution  of  juftice  on  tranfgreffion. 
 
 No,  3  T 
 
The  Levite  dcdaretli  his  H'royig,  JUDGES 
 
 cS  CHAP.  XX. 
 
 cir.  1406.  1  The  Tntte  in  a  general  affcmbly  declareth  his  wrong.  8  The  decree  of 
 the  aje^li,  VlThe  Benjavutcs  being  cited,  make  head  againjl  the 
 JsraelUes.  IS  The  Israelites  lose  in  two  battles  forty  thousand;  20 
 they  dejlroy,  by  ajlratagem,  all  the  lienjamites  except  fix  hundred. 
 
 Then  all  the  children  of  Krael  went  out,  and  the 
 ^ngregation  was  gathered  together  as  one  man, 
 n-om  Uan  even  to  Beer-aieba,  with  the  land  of  Gi¬ 
 lead,  unto  the  Lord  in  Mizpch. 
 
 2  And  the  chief  ot  all  the  people,  even  of  all  the 
 tribes  ot  Ilrael,  prefented  themfelves  in  the  aflembly 
 ot  the  people  of  God,  tour  hundred  thoufand  footmen 
 that  drew  Iword. 
 
 3  (Now  the  children  of  Benjamin  heard  that  the 
 children  of  Ifrael  were  gone  up  to  Mizpeh.)  Then 
 laid  the  children  of  llfael,  Tell  us,  how  was  this  wick¬ 
 ed  nefs  ? 
 
 T}ie  Israelites  go  out  against  the  Her 
 
 Heb. 
 the  man 
 theLevite. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 humbled. 
 
 fHeb. 
 
 fellows. 
 
 4  And  t  the  Levite,  the  hufband  of  the  woman  that 
 was  flain,  anfwered  and  faid,  I  came  into  Gibeah  that 
 
 ■  helongeth  to  Benjamin,  I  and  my  concubine,  to  lodge. 
 
 5  And  the  men  of  Gibeah  rofe  again!!  me,  and 
 befet  the  houfe  round  about  upon  me  by  night,  and 
 thought  to  have  flain  me ;  and  my  concubine  have  they 
 f  forced,  that  (he  is  dead. 
 
 \  6  And  I  took  my  concubine,  and  cut  her  in  pieces, 
 
 and  lent  her  throughout  all  the  country  of  the  inheri- 
 tance  of  Ifrael :  for  they  have  committed  lewdnefs  and 
 folly  in  Ifrael. 
 
 7  Behold,  ye  are  all  children  of  Ifrael ;  give  here 
 your  advice  and  counfel. 
 
 8  ^  And  all  the  people  arofe  as  one  man,  faying. 
 We  will  not  an^’’  of  us  go  to  his  tent,  neither  will  we 
 any  of  us  turn  into  his  houfe  : 
 
 9  But  now,  this  shall  be  the  thing  which  we  will  do 
 to  Gibeah,  v)e  mil  go  up  by  lot  again!!  it ; 
 
 10  And  we  will  take  ten  men  of  an  hundred 
 throughout  all  the  tribes  of  Ifrael,  and  an  hundred 
 of  a  thoufand,  and  a  thouland  out  of  ten  thoul'and, 
 to  fetch  visual  for  the  people,  that  they  may  do,  when 
 they  come  to  Gibeah  of  Benjamin,  according  to  all 
 the  folly  that  they  have  wrought  in  Ifrael. 
 
 1 1  So  all  the  men  of  Ifrael  w'ere  gathered  again!! 
 the  city,  t  knit  together  as  one  man. 
 
 12  H  And  the  tribes  of  llfael  fent  men  through  all 
 the  tribe  of  Benjamin,  faying.  What  wickednefs  is 
 this  that  is  done  among  you  ? 
 
 13  Now  therefore  deliver  us  the  men,  the  children 
 of  Belial,  which  are  in  Gibeah,  that  we  may  put  them 
 to  death,  and  put  away  evil  from  Ifrael.  But  the 
 children  of  Benjamin  would  not  hearken  to  the  voice 
 of  their  brethren  the  children  of  Ifrael : 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XX.  Ver.  1.  Z>ara  was  the  northern 
 border  :  and  Beer-Jheba  the  fouth  of  Canaan,  1  Kings  iv.  25.  With  the  land  of 
 Gilead,  means  the  two  tribes  and  a- half,  who  dwelt  beyond  Jordan.  The  Ben- 
 jamites  were  doubtlefs  fummoned,  but  refufed  to  join  them.  The  Mizpeh  here 
 mentioned  itood  on  the  confines  of  Judah  and  Benjamin.  It  was  very  conve¬ 
 niently  fituated  for  a  meeting  of  all  the  people,  and  was  not  far  from  Shiloh,  fo 
 that  they  could  eafily,  when  neceflary,  confult  the  Divine  Majefty.  Ver.  2.  The 
 chief.  The  Hebrew  word  pinnoh  fignifies  corners,  alluding  to  the  corner-Jlone, 
 which  is  the  llrength  and  fupport  of  a  building.  It  denotes  the  chief  and  lead¬ 
 ing  men  of  all  the  tribes.  Ver.  3.  Tell  us.  The  Hebrew  word  Dabru  is  in  the 
 plural  number,  and  fignifies  tell  ye ;  probably  the  Levite  and  his  fervant  were 
 addrelTed  ;  whence  we  may  infer  that  the  Ifraelites  were  very  minute  in  their 
 examination,  and  were  not  fatisfied  with  a  fingle  evidence  in  an  affair  of  fo 
 much  importance.  Ver.  6.  They  have  committed  lewdnefs.  The  original  conveys 
 the  idea  of  a  crime  accompanied  with  the  highell  degree  of  obftinacy,  profligacy, 
 unchafiity,  and  madnefs  ;  whence  the  Vulgate  render  it,  “There  never  was 
 committed  fuch  a  flagrant  crime,  nor  fuch  an  execrable  viceio  Ifrael.”  Ver.  13. 
 Deliver  us  the  men.  This  demand  was  founded  upon  natural  law ;  for  as  it  would 
 be  by  no  means  proper  for  one  Rate  to  appear  with  an  army  in  the  territories  . 
 
 14  But  the  children  of  Benjamin  gathered  them-  iiei,, 
 felves  together  out  of  the  cities  unto  Gibeah,  to  go 
 out  to  battle  again!!  the  children  of  Ifrael. 
 
 15  And  the  children  of  Benjamin  were  numbered  at^*^' 
 that  time,  out  of  the  cities,  twenty  and  fix  thoufand 
 
 men  that  drew  fword,  befldes  the  inhabitants  of 
 Gibeah,  which  were  numbered  feven  hundred  chofen 
 men. 
 
 16  Among  all  this  people  there  vcrc  feven  hundred 
 
 chol’en  men  ®  left-handed  ;  every  one  could  fling  ftonesa  ciup 
 at  an  hd\r-breadth,  and  not  rail's.  3-  is. ' 
 
 17  And  the  men  of  Ifrael,  befldes  Benjamin,  were 
 numbered  four  hundred  thoufand  men  that  drew 
 fword  :  all  thel’e  veere  men  of  war. 
 
 18  U  And  the  children  of  Ifrael  arofe,  and  went 
 up  to  the  houfe  of  God,  and  alked  counfel  of  God, 
 and  faid.  Which  of  us  fliall  go  up  fir!!  to  the  battle 
 again!!  the  children  of  Benjamin  ?  And  the  Lord 
 faid,  Judah  shall  go  up  firft. 
 
 19  And  the  children  of  Ifrael  arofe  up  in  the  morn¬ 
 ing.  and  encamped  again!!  Gibeah. 
 
 20  And  the  men  of  Ifrael  went  out  to  battle  again!! 
 Benjamin ;  and  the  men  of  Ifrael  put  themfelves  in 
 array  to  fight  againft  them  at  Gibeah. 
 
 21  And  the  children  of  Benjamin  came  forth  out 
 of  Gibeah,  and  defiroyed  down  to  the  ground  of  the 
 Ifraelites  that  day  twenty  and  two  thouland  men. 
 
 22  And  the  people,  the  men  of  Ifrael,  encouraged 
 themfelves,  and  fet  their  battle  again  in  array,  in  the 
 place  where  they  put  themfelves  in  array  the  fir!! 
 day. 
 
 23  (And  the  children  of  Ifrael  went  up  and  wept 
 before  the  Lord  until  even,  and  afked  counfel  of  the 
 Lord,  faying,  Shall  I  go  up  again  to  battle  again!! 
 the  children  of  Benjamin  my  brother  ?  And  the  Lord 
 faid.  Go  up  again!!  him.) 
 
 24  And  the  children  of  Ifrael  came  near  againft 
 the  children  of  Benjamin  the  i'econd  day. 
 
 25  And  Benjamin  went  forth  again!!  them  out  of 
 Gibeah  the  fecond  day,  and  defiroyed  down  to  the 
 ground  of  the  children  of  Ifrael  again  eighteen  thou¬ 
 fand  men  :  all  thele  drew  the  fword. 
 
 26  H  Then  all  the  children  of  Ifrael,  and  all  the 
 people  went  up,  and  came  into  the  houfe  of  God, 
 and  w^ept,  and  fat  there  before  the  Lord,  and  fafted 
 that  dav  until  even,  and  offered  burnt- offerings  and 
 peace-offerings  before  the  Lord. 
 
 27  And  the  children  of  Ifrael  enquired  of  the  Lord, 
 
 (for  the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  God  was  there  in  thofe 
 days  ; 
 
 28  And  Phinehas  the  fon  of  Eleazer,  the  fon  of 
 
 of  another,  to  punifh  fuch  of  its  fubjedls  as  had  fled  thither  for  refuge,  it  fol¬ 
 lows,  that  the  ftate  with  whom  tliey  had  taken  refuge  fliould  be  obliged  eitlier 
 to  punifh  or  furrender  them.  Befldes  the  Benjamites  were  as  much  bound  as 
 the  other  tribes  to  punifh  the  guilty  city,  fee  Deut.  xvii.  1 — 6.  But  the  children 
 of  Benjamin  would  not  hearken.  They  feem  to  have  been  as  unanimous  in  the 
 defence  of  this  wickednefs,  as  the  reft  of  the  tribes  were  in  their  endeavours  to 
 have  it  punifhed.  Ver.  21.  The  children  of  Benjamin — defrayed — of  the 
 Israelites— twenty  and  two  thousand  men.  This  was  a  rebuff  the  Ifraelites  did  not 
 expe<ft,  being  engaged  in  fo  juft  a  caufe,  and  having  fuch  a  numerous  arm)'. 
 Several  Jewifli  writers  think  this  was  on  account  of  their  idolatry,  that  though 
 they  were  very  zealous  to  revenge  corporeal  adultery  in  the  cafe  of  the  Levites’ 
 concubine,  and  to  remove  fuch  iniquity  from  Ifrael ;  yet  they  were  not  zealous 
 to  revenge  and  put  away  fpiritual  adultery  or  idolatry  in  the  cafe  of  tlie 
 Danites,  who  had  fet  up  the  image  of  Micah,  and  fo  had  fpread  idolatry  not 
 only  iu  their  own  tribe,  but  throughout  Ifrael.  Ver.  23.  Went  up  and  wept. 
 As  the  Ifraelites  had  not  undertaken  this  war  without  the  advice  and  confent 
 of  God,  it  may  feem  ftrange  that  they  fhould  prove  fo  unfuccefsful.  Yet  if 
 it  was  the  intention  of  the  Deity  to  convince  tliem  of  the  neceffity  they  were 
 under  to  rely  on  his  providence,  and  that  their  keeping  his  worfliip  pure  from 
 
1 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 cir.  H06 
 
 jOr, 
 
 made  a 
 long 
 found 
 with  the 
 
 trumpets,  men  of  Ifrael,  and  the  Tiers  in  wait,  that  they  Ihould 
 rnake  a  great  f  flatne  with  fmoke  to  rife  up  out  of  the 
 city. 
 
 39  And  when  the  men  of  Ifrael  retired  in  the  battle, 
 Benjamin  began  f  to  fmite  and  kill  of  the  men  of 
 Ifrael  about  thirty  perfons  ;  for  they  faid.  Surely  they 
 are  fmitten  down  before  us,  as  in  the  firft  battle. 
 
 40  But  when  the  flame  began  toarife  up  out  of  the 
 city  with  a  pillar  of  fmoke,  the  Benjamites  looked 
 
 fjie  Israelites^  loss  in  two  hattleSf  JUDGES. 
 
 Aaron,  flood  before  it  in  thofe  days,)  faying,  Shall  I 
 yet  again  go  out  to  battle  againft  the  children  of  Ben- 
 ■jimin  my  brother,  or  (hall  I  ceafe  ?  And  the  Lord 
 ^  laid,  Go  up ;  for  to-morrow  1  will  deliver  them  into 
 thine  hand. 
 
 29  H  And  Ifrael  fent  liers  in  wait  round  about  Gi- 
 beah. 
 
 30  And  the  children  of  Ifrael  went  up  againft  the 
 children  of  Benjamin  on  the  third  day,  and  put  thera- 
 felves  in  array  againft  Gibeah,  as  at  other  times. 
 
 31  And  the  children  of  Benjamin  went  out  againft 
 the  people,  and  were  drawn  away  from  the  city  :  and 
 
 ygj,  they  began  t  to  fmite  of  the  people,  and  kill,  as  at 
 0/ other  times,  in  the  highways,  of  which  one  goeth  up 
 theftopie  to  the  11  houfe  of  God,  and  the  other  to  Gibeah  in  the 
 viminded  about  thirty  men  of  Ifrael. 
 
 32  And  the  children  of  Benjamin  faid,  they  are 
 leth-ei.  fmitten  down  before  us,  as  at  the  firft.  But  the  chil¬ 
 dren  of  Ifrael  faid.  Let  us  flee  and  draw  them  from 
 the  city  unto  the  highways. 
 
 33  And  all  the  men  of  Ifrael  rofe  up  out  of  their 
 place,  and  put  themfelves  in  array  at  Baal-tamar ;  and 
 the  liers  in  wait  of  Ifrael  came  forth  out  of  their  places, 
 even  out  of  the  meadows  of  Gibeah. 
 
 34  And  there  came  againft  Gibeah  ten  thoufand 
 chofen  men  out  of  all  Ifrael,  and  the  battle  was  fore  : 
 but  they  knew  not  that  evil  was  near  them. 
 
 35  And  the  Lord  I'mote  Benjamin  before  Ifrael : 
 and  the  children  of  Ifrael  deftroyed  of  the  Benjamites 
 that  day  twenty  and  five  thoufand  and  an  hundred 
 men  ;  all  thefe  drew  the  fword. 
 
 36  So  the  children  of  Benjamin  faw  that  they  were 
 fmitten  :  for  the  men  of  Ifrael  gave  place  to  the  Ben¬ 
 jamites,  becaufe  they  trufted  unto  the  liers  in  wait 
 which  they  had  let  befide  Gibeah. 
 
 37  And  the  liers  in  wait  hafted,  and  rulhed  upon 
 Gibeah  ;  and  the  liers  in  wait  1|  drew  themselves  along, 
 and  fmote  all  the  city  with  the  edge  of  the  fword. 
 
 38  Now  there  was  an  appointed  ||  fign  between  the 
 
 The  Benjamites  Unalhf  defeated. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrifl 
 
 1406. 
 
 Or, 
 
 time. 
 t  Heb. 
 with. 
 t  Heb. 
 elevation. 
 f  Heb. 
 to  smite 
 the 
 
 wounded. 
 
 idolatrous  mixtures  was  the  only  means  of  engaging  his  favour  and  prote(5lion, 
 their  defeat  was  confifterit  with  his  infinite  wifdom  and  mercy.  Ver.  28.  It  is  ob¬ 
 vious  that  the  events  narrated  in  this  chapter,  muft  have  taken  place  long  before  the 
 order  of  time  in  which  it  is  placed;  for  Hliazar,  Aaron’s  fon,  w'as  pried  at  the 
 time,  Ver.  41.  That  evil  was  come  upon  them;  that  is,  that  their  riun  was  inevi¬ 
 table,  being  between  two  fires,  as  we  ufually  fay,  the  liers  in  wait  behind  them,  and 
 the  army  of  Ifrael  turning  upon  them  with  great  fpirit  and  refolution.  Ver.  46. 
 ^  that  all  -which  Jell  that  day  of  Benjamin  were  twenty  and  Jive  thousand  men. 
 Here  the  hundred  are  omitted,  and  the  round  number  of  thoufands  given,  which 
 IS  no  uniifual  way  of  fpeaking  and  writing. 
 
 explanatory  NOTES.  Chap.  XXL  Ver.  3.  One  tribe  lacking. 
 Ihe  Jewifli  commonwealth  confiding  of  twelve  incorporated  bodies  or  tribes,  the 
 extindtion  of  one  of  thefe  threatened  the  date  itfelf  with  extindlion.  According 
 to  the  prophetic  blefTing  of  Jacob  and  Mofes,  all  the  twelve  tribes  were  to  con- 
 
 behind  them,  and  behold,  f  The  flame  o,  the  city 
 afeended  up  to  heaven.  ^  cir. 
 
 41  And  when  the  men  of  Ifrael  turned  again,  the^,^^,^ 
 men  of  Benjamin  were  amazed  :  for  they  faw  that  ^  iieb. 
 evil  t  was  come  upon  them. 
 
 42  Therefore  they  turned  their  hacks  before 
 
 men  of  Ifrael  unto  the  way  of  the  wildernefs  ;  but|  Heb. 
 the  battle  overtook  them  ;  and  them  which  came  owl  touched. 
 of  the  cities  they  deftroyed  in  the  midft  of  them.  . 
 
 43  Thus  they  inclofed  the  Benjamites  round  about, 
 and  chafed  them,  and  trode  them  down  II  with  eafe, 
 
 f  over  againft  Gibeah  toward  the  fun-riCng.  n^hah!~ 
 
 44  And  there  fell  of  Benjamin  eighteen  thoufand 
 
 men  :  all  thefe  were  men  of  valour.  t  Heb. 
 
 45  And  they  turned,  and  fled  tow-ard  the  wilder- 
 nefs  unto  the  rock  of  Rimmon  :  and  they  gleaned 
 them  in  the  highways  five  thoufand  men  ;  and  pur¬ 
 ified  hard  after  them  unto  Gidom,  and  flew  two 
 thoufand  men  of  them. 
 
 46  So  that  all  which  fell  that  day  of  Benjamin  were 
 twenty  and  five  thoufand  men  that  drew  the  fword  ; 
 all  thefe  were  men  of  valour. 
 
 47  ^  But  fix  hundred  men  turned  and  fled  to  the^^c^^^J’- 
 wildernefs  unto  the  rock  Rimmon,  and  abbde  in  the"^*' 
 rock  Rimmon  four  months. 
 
 48  And  the  men  of  Ifrael  turned  again  upon  the  |  Heb. 
 children  of  Benjamin,  anrl  fmote  them  with  the  edge 
 
 of  the  fword,  as  well  the  men  of  every  city  as 
 
 beaft,  and  all  that  f  came  to  hand  :  alfo  they  fet  * 
 
 fire  all  the  cities  that  t  they  came  to.*  found.- 
 
 CHAP.  XXI. 
 
 1  The  people  bewaileth  the  defolation  of  Beniamin.  8  By  the  deflruOion  of 
 
 Jabjh-gilead  they  providejhem  four  hundred  wives:  16  the  elders  ad- 
 
 vife  them  to  fnrprife  the  virgins  that  danceth  at  Shiloh. 
 
 OW  the  men  of  Ifrael  had  i'worn  in  Mizpeh,  fay- 
 _  ing,  There  Ihall  not  any  of  us  give  his  daughter 
 unto  Benjamin  to  wife. 
 
 2  And  the  people  came  to  the  houfe  of  God,  and 
 abode  there  till  even  before  God,  and  lifted  up  their 
 voices,  and  wept  fore  ; 
 
 3  And  faid,  O  Lord  God  of  Ifrael,  why  is  this 
 come  to  pafs  in  Ifrael,  that  there  Ihould  be  to-day  one 
 tribe  lacking  in  Ifrael  ? 
 
 4  And  it  came  to  pafs  on  the  morrow,  that  the 
 people  rofe  early,  and  built  there  an  altar,  and  offered 
 burnt-offerings  and  peace-offerings. 
 
 5  And  the  children  of  Ifrael  faid,  Who  is  there 
 among  all  the  tribes  of  Ifrael  that  came  not  up  with 
 
 tinue  for  foffle  time ;  and  that  of  Benjamin  was  peculiarly  promifed  a  long  feries 
 of  temporal  felicity  ;  the  lofs  of  this  tribe,  therefore,  not  only  threatened  the  If- 
 raelitilh  Rate  as  a  diminution  of  its  ftrength,  but  likewife  would  have  tempted 
 them  to  call  in  queflion  the  divine  veracity.  On  thefe  accounts  the  Ifraelites 
 might  well  feel  the  deepeft  forrow  for  what  befel  them  in  the  cafe  of  Benjamin. 
 During  the  rage  of  vengeance,  and  the  exultations  of  conqueft,  they  pulbed  their 
 fuccefs  as  far  as  they  could ;  but  afterwards  the  fofter  pafllons  took  place,  and  they 
 confidered  tlie  Benjamites  as  brethren.  Having  fworn  to  let  none  of  their  women 
 intermarry  with  the  Benjamites,  they  know  not  how  to  extricate  themfelves  from 
 this  dilemma.  To  marry  with  flrangers  was  exprefslv  forbidden  by  their  law. 
 The  only  refource  in  this  perplexity  vvas  perhaps  that  which  was  taken.  Had  they 
 indeed  indulged  refleeSlion,  and  confulted  the  Lord,  we  have  reafon  to  believe  that 
 they  might  have  furmounted  the  rlifficulty  without  violating  their  oath,  or  having, 
 recourfe  to  means  not  wholly  jullifiable.  It  is  probable  that  there  were  a  fufficient 
 
 PRAC  iTOAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XX.]  It  becomes  the  Ifrael  of  God  to  be  unanimous  and  diligent  in  the  fuppreflion  of  fin,  and  in  fupporting 
 the  interefi,  of  Jefus  in  the  world.  They  cannot  be  too  zealous  in  his  hleffed  caufe,  fince  be  hath  fo  loved  them  as  to  give  his  life  for  them.  Proud  felf-dependence  is 
 the  rum  of  finners;  and  fuch  as  draw  the  fword  in  a  bad  caufe  may  expedl  to  fee  it  bathed  in  their  own  blood.  The  difpenfations  of  providence  are  myfierious  in 
 onietimes  calling  men  to  a  work,  in  the  execution  of  which  it  frowns  on  them.  It  becomes  us  to  be  cautious  in  judging  of  a  caufe  by  the  profperity  or  adverfity  which 
 eetns  to  attend  it.  Short  is  the  triumph  of  the  wicked,  and  it  proves  fat.al  to  them  at  laft.  It  is  vain  to  fight  when  God  oppofeth,  or  flee  when  he  purfueth.  Who 
 
 kn 
 
 locks  to  hide  them,  no  mountains  to  cover  them. 
 
 ows  wiiat  extenfive  and  lading  woe  may  proceed  from  one  moment  of  indulging  lud  !  Dreadful  indeed  will  be  the  cafe  of  Tinners  at  laft  when  there  will  be  no 
 
The  people  hcxail  the  dcsohtdons  of  the  JUDGES. 
 
 Chrift  congregation  unto  the  Lord?  for  they  had  made 
 cir.  1406.  ^  gJ'cat  Oath  conceming  him  that  came  not  up  to  the 
 
 BenjamiteSy  mid  provide  the 
 
 m 
 
 Lord  to  Mizpeh,  faying,  He  (hall  furely  be  put  to 
 death.  ^ 
 
 6  And  the^  children  of  Ifrael  repented  them  for 
 Benjamin  their  brother,  and  faid,  There  is  one  tribe 
 cut  oft  from  IlVael  this  day  : 
 
 7  How  (hall  we  do  for  wives  for  them  that  remain, 
 (eeing  we  have  fworn  by  the  Lord,  that  w^e  will  not 
 give  them  of  our  daughters  to  wives  ? 
 
 8  ^  And  they  faid.  What  one  is  there  of  the  tribes 
 of  Ifrael  that  came  not  up  to  Mizpeh  to  the  Lord  ? 
 and,  behold,  there  came  none  to  the  camp  from  Ja- 
 be(h-gilead  to  the  affembly. 
 
 9  For  the  people  \vere  numbered,  and,  behold, 
 there  u'ere  none  of  the  inhabitants  of  Jabefti  gilead 
 there. 
 
 JO  And  the  congregation  fent  thither  twelve  thou- 
 fand  men  of  the  yalianteft,  and  commanded  them  fay¬ 
 ing,  Go  and  fmite  the  inhabitants  of  Jabefh-gilead 
 with  the  edge  of  the  fword,  with  the  women  and  the 
 children. 
 
 11  And  this  is  the  thing  that  ye  (hall  do,  *  Ye  (hall 
 utterly  deftroy  every  male,  and  every  woman  that 
 t  hath  lain  by  man. 
 
 ....  .^.,.6  .  found  among  the  inhabitants  of  Jabe(h- 
 
 withman.  gilcad  four  hundred  f  young  virgins,  that  had  known 
 t  Heb.  no  man  by  lying  with  any  male ;  and  they  brought 
 youngwo-  them  uuto  the  camp  to  Shiloh,  which  is  in  the  land  of 
 gins.  Canaan. 
 
 t  Heb,  13  And  the  whole  congregation  fent  some\[o  fpeak 
 and  spake  to^  the  children  of  Benjamin  that  •were  in  the  rock 
 Rimmon,  and  to  ||  call  peaceably  unto  them. 
 
 14  And  Benjamin  came  again  at  that  time;  and 
 they  gave  them  wives  which  they  had  faved  alive  of 
 the  women  of  Jabefh-gilead  :  and  yet  fo  they  fufficed 
 them  nor. 
 
 15  And  the  people  repented  them  for  Benjamin, 
 
 •  Numb, 
 31.  17. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 knowetk 
 the  lying 
 
 and  cal¬ 
 led. 
 n  Or, 
 
 proclaim 
 
 peace. 
 
 becanfe  that  the  Lord  had  made  a  breach  in  thp  n  r 
 tribes  of  IlVael. 
 
 16  H  Then  the  elders  of  the  congregation  (aid.  How'’’’’ 
 (Irall  we  do  for  wives  for  them  that  remain,  feeing  the  '*^1 
 w'omen  are  deflroyed  out  of  Benjamin  ? 
 
 17  And  they  faid.  There  must  he  an  inheritance  for 
 them  that  be  elcaped  of  Benjamin,  that  a  tribe  be  not 
 dettroyed  out  of  Ifrael. 
 
 18  Howbeit  we  may  not  give  them  wives  of  our 
 daughters  ;  for  the  children  of  ifrael  have  (worn,  fay¬ 
 ing,  Curled  be  he  that  giveth  a  wife  to  Benjamin. 
 
 19  Then  they  faid,  Behold,  there  is  a  fealt  of  the 
 Lord  in  Shiloh  f  yearly,  in  a  place  which  is  on  thef  Heb. 
 north  fide  of  Beth-el,  ||  on  the  eaft  fide  1|  of  the  high-/''<>»ii/e„| 
 way  that  goeth  up  from  Beth-el  to  Shechem,  and  on 
 the  Couth  of  Lebonah. 
 
 20  Therefore  they  commanded  the  children  of  Ben-'^'e 
 jamin,  laying.  Go  and  lie  in  wait  in  the  vineyards : 
 
 21  And  fee,  and,  behold,  if  the  daughters  of  Shiloh 
 come  out  to  dance  in  dances,  then  come  ye  out  of  the 
 vineyards,  and  catch  you  every  man  his  wife  of  the 
 daughters  of  Shiloh,  and  go  to  the  land  of  Benjamin. 
 
 22  And  it  (hall  be,  when  their  fathers  or  their  bre¬ 
 thren  come  unto  us  to  complain,  that  we  will  fay  unto 
 them,  II  Be  favourable  unto  them  for  our  fakes  ;  be-  II  Or, 
 caufe  we  referved  not  to  each  man  his  wife  in 
 
 h 
 
 year. 
 
 Or, 
 
 ioviuti, 
 Sun. 
 
 Or,  on 
 
 the 
 
 war:  for  ye  did  not  give  unto  them  at  this  time  thatl^J^_ 
 ye  (hould  be  guilty. 
 
 23  And  the  children  of  Benjamin  did  fo,  and  took 
 them  wives,  according  to  their  number,  of  them  that 
 danced,  whom  they  caught ;  and  they  went  and  re¬ 
 turned  unto  their  inheritance,  and  repaired  the  cities, 
 and  dwelt  in  them. 
 
 24  And  the  children  of  Ifrael  departed  thence  at  that 
 time,  every  man  to  his  tribe,  and  to  his  family,  and  they 
 went  out  from  thence  every  man  to  his  inheritance. 
 
 25  In  thofe  days  there  was  no  king  in  Ifrael :  ,7.  g*  4 
 every  man  did  that  which  was  right  in  his  own  eyes.’*  19. 1. 
 
 number  of  young  women  among  the  ftranger  profelytesin  Canaan,  and  with  them 
 it  was  lawful  for  the  Ifraelites  to  marry.  But  the  minds  of  the  people  were  great¬ 
 ly  agitated,  and  hence  they  feized  without  much  examination  thefirll  object  which 
 promifed  them  the  gratification  of  their  wiflies.  After  executing  juft  punifhment 
 on  the  men  of  Jabefh-gilead,  they  refolved  to  referve  the  young  women  for  the 
 Benjamites.  Ver.  10 — 12.  The  inhabitants  of  Jabefh-gilead,  a  city  of  Manaf- 
 feh,  1  Sam.  xi.  1.  xxxi.  11.  were  guilty  of  difobedience  to  the  law  of  God,  which 
 denounced  punifhment  on  the  wicked,  and  therefore  deferred  to  fuffer  fevere 
 punifhment,  comp.  Deut.  xii.  15—18.  To  fpare  the  virgins  was  an  adt  of  crook¬ 
 ed  policy,  not  agreeable  it  would  feem  to  the  divine  law.  Lev.  xxvii.  29.  Jofh. 
 vii.  24.  Ver.  1 7.  There  mu/l  be  an  inheritance  for — Benjamin,  that  is  an  inheri¬ 
 tance  was  allotted  for  their  tribe,  and  none  elfe  could  lawfully  enjoy  it.  Ver.  19. 
 Behold  there  is  ajenjl  in  Shiloh.  An  expedient  is  ufed  to  provide  wives  for  the 
 remaining  two  hundred,  (that  their  oaths  might  not  be  violated)  which  cannot  be 
 commended.  It  appears  to  have  been  cuftoraary  for  the  daughters  of  Shiloh  to 
 
 '  meet  at  one  of  the  annual  feafts  at  a  place  at  fome  diftance  from  the  city  to  re. 
 
 I  joice  before  the  Lord  as  David  afterwards  did,  with  facred  mufic  and  dancing. 
 It  was  not  a  mixed  company,  or  lewd  affembly;  all  men  were  excluded,  which 
 made  the  following  fcheme  the  more  eafily  put  in  execution.  The  women  often 
 affembled  for  religious  exercifes,  among  which  were  dancing  and  praife  before 
 the  Lord,  Exod.  xv.  20.  1  Sam.  xviii.  6.  Ver.  21.  //  the  daughters  of  ShM 
 come.  From  this  expreffion  it  is  probable  that  women  might  affemble  from  othei 
 places  and  join  in  the  religious  folemnity.  The  order  to  feize  the  daughters  o: 
 Shiloh  in  preference  to  others,  may  have  arifen  from  their  reputed  excellence.  I 
 however  cannot  be  juftified  ;  the  neceffity  of  the  cafe  maybe  urged,  but  it  it 
 certain  in  difficult  cafes  they  ought  to  have  confulted  the  Lord,  and  not  in  oppo. 
 fition  to  the  divine  law,  feized  the  virgins,  without  their  own  con  fent  or  that 
 of  their  fathers.  This  order  was  perhaps  given  by  the  elders  of  Ifrael,  whofe 
 authority  at  this  time  was  great ;  for  the  nation  cherfully  fubroitted  to  theii 
 direction. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap,  XXL]  True  zeal  is  not  always  accompanied  with  confummate  prudence.  Rafh  oaths  are  generally  enfnarmg. 
 A  noble  and  good  work  may  be  ill  ended  which  was  well  begun,  and  even  a  great  part  performed  with  propriety.  Juftice  itfelf  ought  to  be  executed  with  deliberatiod 
 and  deep  compaffion  ;  for  ftrong  paffions  prepare  work  for  future  repentance.  In  perplexities  and  diftrefs,  it  is  proper  to  feek  the  counfel  and  direction  of  Go  ,  w 
 he  can  extricate  us  in  a  fafe  and  honourable  manner.  How  great  the  confufion  of  an  unfettled  government !  It  is  a  great  mercy  for  a  land  to  have  proper  rulers  o 
 in  church  and  ftate.  Of  the  truth  of  this,  the  hiftory  of  Ifrael  recorded  in  this  and  fome  of  the  preceeding  chapters,  affords  awful  and  ftriking  proof. 
 
O  F 
 
 1[THE  cook 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 THE  ARGUMENT. 
 
 This  hook  contains  the  history  of  IlutJiy  a  Moahitish  'woman ;  who,  being  a  widcfw,  came  into  the  land  (f  Judah  : 
 where  she  married  Boaz,  the  kinsman  of  her  first  husband.  'Ihis  history  was  committed  to  writing,  because  it 
 serves  to  settle  the  genealogy  of  king-David,  who  was  the  great-grandson  of  Boaz,  and  consequently  to  settle  that 
 of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  It  is  not  certain  what  time  the  several  circumstances  of  this  history  were  transacted. 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 1322, 
 
 fHeb. 
 
 mere. 
 
 CHAP.  I. 
 
 1  Elimelech  driven  by  famine  into  Moab,  dieth  there.  5  Maldon  and  Chi¬ 
 lian,  having  married  wives  of  Moab,  die  alfo.  6  Naomi,  the  ivife  of  Eli- 
 ■nielech,  returning  homeward,  dijpuadeth  her  two  daughters-in-law  Jr  om 
 going  with  her.  14  Oipah  leaveth  her,  but  Ruth  with  great  cortjlancy 
 accornpanieth  her,  ^c. 
 
 OW  it  came  to  pafs,  in  the  days  when  the  judges 
 i  ,,  f  ruled,  that  there  was  a  famine  in  the  land :  and 
 a  certain  man  of  Beth-lehem-jadah  went  to  fojourn  in 
 the  country  of  Moab,  he,  and  his  wife,  and  his  two  fons. 
 
 2  And  the  name  of  the  man  was  Elimelecb,  and  the 
 name  of  his  wife  Naomi,  and  the  name  of  his  two  fons 
 Mahlon  and  Chiiion,  Ephrathites  of  Beth-lehera-judah : 
 and  they  came  into  the  country  of  Moab,  and  f  con¬ 
 tinued  there. 
 
 3  And  Elimelech,  Naomi’s  hufband,  died  ;  and  Ihe 
 was  left,  and  her  two  fons. 
 
 4  And  they  took  them  wives  of  the  women  of 
 Moab ;  the  name  of  the  one  was  Orpah,  and  the 
 name  of  the  other  Ruth  :  and  they  dwelt  there 
 about  ten  years. 
 
 5  And  Mahlon  and  Chiiion  died  alfo  both  of  them  ; 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  I.  Ver.  1.  Now  it  came  to  pafs,  not 
 by  chance,  or  by  any  combination  of  fortuitous  events,  but  by  the  fpecial  hand  of 
 eh  all  ruling  and  divine  providence.  The  times  and  the  feafons,  the  earth,  the 
 clouds,  the  winds,  and  the  rains,  are  all  under  his  awful  control ;  fo  that  plenty 
 or  famine  is  folely  by  his  appointment.  In  the  days  which  the  judges  ruled.  The 
 date  of  this  hiftory  is  uncertain,  as  divine  infpiration  is  filent  with  refpedl  to 
 which  of  the  judges  it  was  who  then  governed  Ilraei.  It  might  probably  be 
 under  the  adminiAration  of  Ehud  or  Gideon.  This  famine  was  probably  pro. 
 duced  by  the  unfavourable  feafon,  and  partly  by  the  cruelty  of  Ifrael’s  enemies, 
 (fee  Judg.  vi.  4,  11.)  but  both  were  only  iiiflruments  employed  by  Jehovah  to 
 punilli  his  people  for  their  fin.  Famine  was  one  of  his  four  judgments  denounced 
 againft  the  difobedient,  Ezek,  xiv.  13 — 21.  That  there  was  a  J amine  in  the  land. 
 
 '1  he  land  of  Canaan,  owing  to  its  fertility  of  foil,  was  faid  to  flow  with  milk 
 and  honey,  notwithflanding  it  was  fubjedl  to  famine,  as  both  Abraham  and  Ja¬ 
 cob  experienced,  and  at  this  time  it  was  fo  great  as  to  reach  to  Bethlehem,  the 
 honfe  of  bread  itfelf.  Through  the  whole  of  the  facred  hiftorjl  we  find  judg¬ 
 ment  preceeded  by  finning  againft  God,  and  this  is  exceeding  evident  in  the 
 hiftory  of  Ifrael  during  the  judges.  A  certain  man  of  Beth-lehem  Judah,  This 
 man,  though  driven  by  famine  from  his  own  land,  and  from  the  inheritance  of 
 God,  had  no  intention  of  making  the  land  of  Moab  his  home,  but  went  to  fo¬ 
 journ  there  till  the  Lord  Ihould  vifit  Ifrael  again  with  plenty.  Him.  and  his  luije, 
 and  two  sons.  This  ftiews  domeftic  union  in  the  greateft  diftrefs.  They  had  lived 
 together  and  could  not  part,  they  refolvcd  to  lhare  a  like  fate  at  home  or  abroad. 
 Ver.  2.  Elimelech,  which  fignifies  my  God  is  king.  A  proper  name  to  adminifter 
 confolation  in  deep  diftrefs.  Naomi ;  which  fignifies,  fweet,  or  pleasant,  what 
 every  woman  ought  to  ftudy  to  be  to  her  own  hulband.  Mahlon  and  Cldliou  ,* 
 Infrmity  or  consumption,  fo  called  probably  from  their  bodily  habit,  or  prophetic 
 of  the  fad  events  which  took  place.  Ephrathites  of  Reth-leheyn-Judah,  A  name 
 of  honourable  diftindlion,  Micah  v.  2.  Ver.  3.  Death  the  king  of  terrors  foon 
 vifits  this  happy  family,  and  Naomi  is  deprived  of  the  defire  of  her  eyes ;  Ihe  is  not 
 only  bereaved  of  her  bofom  companion,  but  it  entails  upon  her  more  than  a 
 double  charge.  Her  cafe  was  trying,  being  banifhed  from  the  boufe  of  God  and 
 the  inheritance  of  her  fathers.  Ver.  4.  And  they  took  them  wives.  Bcingdefti- 
 tute  of  the  father’s  advice  and  authority,  and  not  confulting  even  their  godly 
 mother,  they  married  daughters  of  the  land.  This  was  a  grievous  departure 
 from  the  law  of  their  God,  which  excluded  ftrangers  from  the  hoiife  of  the 
 Lord  for  ever,  if  the  young  w'omen  were  idolaters  j  but  if  they  had  renounced 
 idols,  and  profelTedly  chofen  the  God  of  Ifrael,  Naomi’s  fons  finned  not:  and 
 hence  Boaz  married  Ruth,  one  of  their  widows  j  who  we  know  became  a  pro- 
 
 No.  3  U 
 
 and  the  woman  was  left  of  her  two  fons  and  her  huf¬ 
 band. 
 
 6  ^  Then  (he  arofe  with  her  daughters-in-law,  that 
 (he  might  return  from  the  country  of  Moab  :  for  (he 
 had  heard  in  the  country  of  Moab  how  that  the  Lord 
 had  vifited  his  people  in  giving  them  bread. 
 
 7  Wherefore  (he  went  forth  out  of  the  place  where 
 (he  was,  and  her  two  daughters-in-law,  with  her  ;  and 
 they  went  on  the  way  to  return  unto  the  land  of  Judah. 
 
 8  And  Naomi  faid  unto  her  two  daughters-in-law, 
 Go,  return  each  to  her  mother’s  houfe ;  the  I.ord 
 deal  kindly  with  you,  as  ye  have  dealt  with  the  dead, 
 and  with  me. 
 
 9  The  Lord  grant  you  that  ye  may  find  reft,  each 
 of  you  in  the  houfe  of  her  hufband.  Then  (he  kifled 
 them  :  and  they  lifted  up  their  voice  and  wept. 
 
 10  And  they  faid  unto  her,  Surely  we  will  return 
 with  thee  unto  thy  people. 
 
 11  And  Naomi  faid.  Turn  again  my  daughters; 
 why  will  ye  go  with  me?  are  there  yet  any  more  fons 
 in  my  womb,  that  they  may  be  your  hufbands  ? 
 
 12  Turn  again,  my  daughters:  go  your  way  for 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 cir.  1312. 
 
 I  felyte.  This  family  probably  a£led  wrong  in  leaving  Ifrael ;  for  it  was  better 
 I  to  have  endured  aftiiclion  with  the  people  of  God,  than  to  poflefs  the  greateft 
 affluence  in  Moab.  God  however  overruled  tljis  evil  for  the  future  good  of 
 j  Naomi,  and  the  prefent  and  eternal  falvation  of  Ruth.  Ver.  5.  And  Mahlon 
 i  and  Chiiion  died  also.  Naomi’s  fituation  was  diftretfing,  being  a  difeonfoiate 
 widorv,  now  her  griefs  are  renewed  in  all  their  bitternefs ;  bereft  of  children, 
 defolate  and  deftitute.  Ver.  6.  Then  she  arose.  Then,  after  fhe  bad  drunk  the 
 bitter  cup,  and  was  llripped  of  her  earthly  all,  ftie  refolves  to  return  to  her 
 own  country.  Moab  was  now  a  land  of  forrow  to  her,  every  objedl  around, 
 her  renewed  the  bitter  remembrance  of  her  Ioffes,  and  no  comforter  near,  to 
 alleviate  her  grief.  The  Moabites  themfelves  may  reft  at  eafe  in  tbeir  native 
 land  and  worfhip  idols  of  their  own  formation  ;  but  Naomi’s  heart  was  in  Ca¬ 
 naan,  for  there  were  her  God  and  people.  Her  daugbters-in-Iaw  accompany 
 her  to  the  borders  of  Moab.  How  beautiful  it  is  to  behold  them  arifing 
 together  with  an  apparent  defign  to  forfake  Moab,  and  journey  towards  Ifrael, 
 feeing  tbefe  relative  charadlers  are,  in  general,  no  way  remarkable  for  their 
 reciprocal  affeeftion.  Ver.  8.  Go  return  each  io  her  mother’s  houfe.  This  breathes 
 the  moft  ardent  affe61:ion.  She  loved  her  daughters,  and  delighted  in  their  com¬ 
 pany  J  but  rather  than  involve  them  in  the  diflBculties  fhe  faw  before  her,  fhe 
 was  ready  to  deny  lierfelf  of  the  onlj'  earthly  confolation  file  retained.  The  I^ord 
 deal  kindly  luith  you  as  you  have  dealt  kindly  with  the  dead  and  with  me.  This 
 holy  woman,  at  parting  with  her  daughters-in-law,  prays  for  them,  which  fhe  did 
 with  equal  eanieftnefs  for  both,  not  knowing  which,  if  either,  the  Lord  had 
 chofen.  They  had  fhewed  conjugal  kindnefs  to  their  hufbands  whilft.  alive, 
 buried  them  honourbly  when  dead,  and  dutifully  continued  with  their  mother- 
 in-law  until  this  time  in  mourning;  in  all  tliefe  things  it  appears  not  that  Ruth 
 exceeded  Orpah.  Ver.  9.  2’he  Lord  grant  that  you  may  jind  rejl.  Benevolence 
 prompted  the  pious  prayer,  and  fhewed  that  fhe  preferred  the  welfare  of  her 
 living  daughters,  to  the  memory  of  her  deceafed  children,  This  good  woman 
 looked  to  God  as  the  giver  of  that  peace  and  happinefs  which  ought  to  fubfift 
 in  the  matrimonial  flate.  They  kifs,  embrace,  then  burft  into  a  flood  of  tears. 
 Ver.  10.  Surely  we  will  retu:n  with  thee  unto  thy  people.  Unable  to  fupport  the 
 thought  of  feparation,  they  both  refolve  to  accompany  her.  Ver.  11.  And.  Naomi 
 said,  Turn  again,  viy  dauglhers.  She  fearful  left  they  fhould  afterwards  repeiil 
 of  their  hafty  refolution,  and  to  try  whether  any  defire  after  the  worfhip  of  the 
 God  of  Ifrael  was  their  motive,  advifes  them  to  weigh  well  the  matter  before 
 they  determined.  They  could  hope  for  nothing  with  her,  as  fhe  was  too  old 
 now  to  have  children,  whom  they  might  marrj  ,  or,  were  it  polTible,  it  w'ere  too 
 long  for  them  to  wait.  Ver  1 3.  For  it  grieveth  me  much  for  your  sakes  ,•  or,  as  it  may 
 
JtiUh  accompanieth  Naomi. 
 
 am  too  old  to  have  an  hufband. 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 «  Or, 
 if  I  were 
 M'ith  an 
 hujband. 
 t  Heb. 
 hope, 
 t  Heb. 
 
 J  have, 
 much  bit- 
 ternefs. 
 
 11  Or, 
 
 lie  not 
 againjl 
 me. 
 
 Chria  I  hufband.  If  I  {lioiild  fav,  I 
 
 eir.  1312.  have  hope,  H  if\  (hould  have  an  hufband  alfo  to-night 
 and  fhould  alfo  bear  fons, 
 
 1 3  Would  ye  f  tarry  for  them  till  they  were  grown  ? 
 would  ye  ftay  for  them  from  having  hulbands  ?  nay, 
 my  daughters,  for  f  it  grieveth  me  much  for  your 
 fakes,  that  the  hand  of  the  Lord  is  gone  out  againft 
 me. 
 
 ll  And  they  lifted  up  their  voice,  and  wept  again  : 
 and  Orpah  kiffed  her  mother-in-law  ;  but  Ruth  clave 
 unto  her. 
 
 15  And  fhe  faid.  Behold,  thy  fifter-io-law  is  gone 
 back  unto  her  people,  and  unto  her  gods :  return  thou 
 after  thy  filler  in  law. 
 
 16  And  Ruth  faid,  l|  Entreat  me  not  to  leave  thee, 
 or  to  return  from  following  after  thee :  for  whither 
 thou  goeft,  I  will  go  ;  and  where  thou  lodgeft,  I  will 
 lodge ;  thy  people  s.hall  be  ray  people,  and  thy  God 
 ray  God. 
 
 17  Where  thou  dieft  will  I  die,  and  there  will  I  be 
 buried  :  the  Lord  do  fo  to  me,  and  more  alfo,  if  ought 
 but  death  part  thee  and  me. 
 
 18  When  fhe  faw  that  fhe  f  was  fledfaftly  minded 
 to  go  with  her,  then  fhe  left  fpeaking  unto  her. 
 
 19  H  So  they  two  went  until  they  came  to  Beth¬ 
 lehem.  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  they  were  come| 
 to  Beth-lehem,  that  all  the  city  was  moved  about  I 
 them ;  and  they  laid,  h  this  Naomi  ? 
 
 y  That  is,  20  And  fhe  faid  unto  them.  Call  me  not  11  Naomi, 
 ^T^tls  Mara :  for  the  Almighty  hath  dealt  very 
 
 Butel.  bitterly  with  me. 
 
 21  I  went  out  full,  and  the  Lord  hath  brought  me 
 home  again  empty  :  why  then  call  ye  me  Naomi, 
 feeing  the  Lord  hath  teftified  againft  me,  and  the 
 Almighty  hath  affl.cled  me  ? 
 
 22  So  Naomi  returned,  and  Ruth  the  Moabitefs, 
 her  daughter-in-law,  with  her,  which  returned  out  of 
 
 t  Heb. 
 Jlrength- 
 ened  her. 
 fdf. 
 
 A' 
 
 She  gleancth  in  the  fields  of 
 
 the  country  of  Moab:  and  they  came  to  Beth-lehem 
 in  the  beginning  of  barley-harveft.* 
 
 CHAP.  II. 
 
 1  Rtith  gleaneth  in  the  Jlclds  of  Boaz  ;  4  He  takelh  knowledge  oj  her 
 
 SJheweth  her  great  favour  ;  15  that  which  fhe  got  fhe  carrieth  to  Naonii 
 her  mol  her -in-law. 
 
 ND  Naomi  had  a  kinfman  of  her  hufband’s 
 a  mighty  man  of  wealth,  of  the  fam.ily  of  Eli- 
 melech  ;  and  his  name  was  l|  Boaz.  y  Cal^ 
 
 2  And  Ruth  the  Moabitefs  faid  unto  Naomi,  Let  ^ 
 me  now  go  to  the  field,  and  glean  ears  of  corn  after ^'5. 
 him,  in  whofe  fight  I  fhall  find  grace.  And  fhe  faid 
 unto  her.  Go,  my  daughter. 
 
 3  And  fhe  went,  and  came,  and  gleaned  in  the 
 field  after  the  reapers :  and  her  hap  H  was  to  light  on  f  Heb. 
 a  part  of  the  field  belonging  unto  Boaz,  who  was  ofH' V 
 the  kindred  of  Elimelech. 
 
 _4  H  And,  behold,  Boaz  came  from  Beth-lehem,  and 
 faid  unto  the  reapers,  Tne  Lord  be  with  you.  And 
 they  anfwered  him.  The  Lord  blefs  thee. 
 
 5  Then  laid  Boaz  unto  his  fervant  that  was  fet 
 over  the  reapers,  Whofe  damfel  is  this  ? 
 
 6  And  the  fervant  that  was  fet  over  the  reapers 
 anfwered  and  laid,  It  is  the  Moabitifh  damfel  that 
 came  back  with  Naomi  out  of  the  country  of  Moab  : 
 
 7  And  fhe  faid,  I  pray  you,  let  me  glean  and  gathei 
 after  the  reapers  among  the  fheaves :  fo  fhe  came,  and 
 hath  continued  even  from  the  morning  until  now,  that 
 fhe  tarried  a  little  in  the  houfe. 
 
 8  Then  faid  Boaz  iin'o  Ruth,  Heareft  thou  not,  my 
 daughter  ?  Go  not  to  glean  in  another  field,  neither 
 go  from  hence,  but  abide  here  fall  by  my  maidens. 
 
 9  Let  thine  eyes  be  on  the  field  that  they  do  reap, 
 and  go  thou  after  them  :  have  I  not  charged  the  young 
 men  that  they  fhall  not  touch  thee?  and  when  t^ou 
 art  athirft,  go  unto  the  veffels,  and  drink  of  that  which 
 the  young  men  have  drawn. 
 
 be,  I  have  exceedingly  more  bittemefs  than  you  ;  her  former  eroffes  heavier  and  her 
 prefent  parting  more  grievous  to  herfelf  than  it  could  be  to  them  ;  befides 
 God’s  affli<5ling  hand  was  upon  her,  her  circumftances  diftrefled,  and  no  provi- 
 lion  for  them  in  Beth-lehem,  which  grieved  her  more  for  their  fakes  than  her 
 own.  Ver.  14.  And  they  lift  up  their  voice  and  wept  again.  This  remonftrance 
 produced  a  freih  torrent  of  tears ;  Orpah,  whofe  religion  was  fuperficial,  could 
 now  go  back  with  credit,  and  therefore  embraced  her  mother’s  advice  j  dif- 
 couraged  by  beholding  the  difficulties,  kilTes  her,  and  returns  ;  but  Aeady, 
 amiable  Ruth,  had  her  heart  effecftually  touched,  and  no  perfuafion  could  pof- 
 fibly  divert  her  from  her  purpofe  to  cleave  to  her  mother-in-law,  in  life,  in 
 death,  and  the  very  grave  itfelf.  Ver.  15.  Behold  thy  Jisler-in-taw  is  gone  back. 
 Kaomi,  to  make  the  laft  trial  of  Ruth’s  determined  purpofe,  again  urges  her  to 
 return,  and  pleads  her  filler’s  example,  who  was  returned  to  her  people  and  her 
 gods.  But  Ruth  begs  her  mother  to  deCli,  or  be  not  againft  me.  Though  the 
 place  be  dillant,  and  the  country  unknown,  I  will  accompany  thee  j  if  thy  lodg¬ 
 ing  be  a  cottage,  I  feek  no  better  covering  j  thy  people  fliall  be  my  people,  in 
 tlieir  manners,  cufloms,  and  religion  ;  and  thy  God  my  God,  renouncing  every 
 abomination  of  Moab,  and  owning  Ifrael’s  God  alone  ;  never  will  I  leave  thee. 
 Such  was  her  fixed  purpofe,  and  to  prevent  farther  entreaty,  file  binds  her  foul 
 by  vow,  never  except  by  death  to  part  from  her.  Ver.  1 9.  So  they  went  on  till 
 they  came  to  Beth-lehem.  On  now  they  travelled,  and  fweetly  no  doubt,  beguiled 
 the  tedious  way,  in  fuch  difcourfe  as  might  confirm  Ruth’s  holy  purpofe,  and 
 comfort  them  together,  in  hope  of  God’s  bleffing  upon  them.  Their  principles 
 were  one — their  obje^  one— their  intereft  was  common.  Thefe  made  their 
 friendfhip  invariable,  and  heartened  them  to  hold  on  their  way.  That  all  the 
 city  was  moved  about  them.  The  inhabitants  colledl  together  on  the  rumour  of 
 Kaomi’s  return  ;  tbofe  who  remembered  her  former  beauty,  and  affluence,  and 
 now  beheld  ber  wrinkled  face  and  poverty,  filled  with  furprife,  cry,  is  this  NaomL 
 Ver.  20.  Call  me  not  Naomi  call  me  Mara.  Her  name  brought  to  her  remem¬ 
 
 brance  her  former  condition,  (he  wiflies  therefore  for  one  more  fuitahle  to  her 
 diftreffing  circumftances ;  before  honour  comes  humility.  She  went  out  bleffed 
 with  earthly  comforts;  but  now  returns  a  chikllefs  vridow.  Ver.  21.  The  Lori 
 hath  tejiified  againfl  me.  She  murmurs  not  at  tlie  aflli<5live  providence,  ftie  fees 
 and  acknowledges  God’s  hand,  receives  the  correcSlion  for  clioofing  Moab  rather 
 than  Canaan.  Thus  flie  kllTed  the  rod,  Ver.  22.  And  they  came  to  Beth-lehem 
 in  the  beginning  of  barley-harvest So  ordered  by  providence  on  account  of  the 
 events  which  were  to  follow. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  III.  Ver.  1.  Boaz  was  a  near  kinf¬ 
 man  of  Naomi,  his  name  is  famous  in  this  book.  She  was  not  forfaken  by  God; 
 
 :  if  Elimelech  is  dead,  Boaz  is  raifed  up.  A  mighty  man  of  iveallh.  It  is  rare  that 
 !  religion,  riches,  and  power,  meet  together.  Boaz  fignifies  strength  and  fortitude. 
 
 '•  His  ehara(fler  correfponded  to  his  name.  He  was  ftrong  in  the  Lord,  and  in  tlie 
 power  of  his  raiglit.  'Die  joy  of  the  Lord  was  his  ftrength.  Ver.  2.  And  Ruth 
 faid  to  Naomi,  'fliis  is  the  firfl  motion  of  the  grand  machine,  which  effedled  fuch 
 <  great  things.  From  gleaning  flje  arofe  to  be  the  anceftrefs  of  Chrift.  Bet  me  go- 
 into  the  field  to  glean.  She  was  for  improving  the  prefent  moment,  but  would  do 
 notbing  without  her  mother’s  confent  Ruth  was  not  above  ufing  every  honed 
 endeavour  to  maintain  herfelf,  and  aflift  her  mother.  After  him  in  whofe  fght  I 
 shall  find  grace.  She  would  not  glean,  though  lawful.  Lev.  xix.  9.  without  the 
 owner’s  confent.  Go  my  daughter.  It  is  difficult  which  to  admire  raoft,  Ruth’s 
 fubmiflion,  or  Naomi’s  meeknefs  and  endearing  language.  Ver.  3.  And  her 
 hap  was  to  light  on  a  2>art  of  the  field  belonging  to  Boaz.  With  regard  to  Ruth 
 this  was  hap,  or  chance;  Ihe  knew  not  his  field  from  another;  with  God  it  was 
 providence.  Her’s  was  to  go  out  to  glean,  but  God  diredled  her  to  the  field. 
 Ver.  4.  And,  behold,  Boaz  came  from  Bethlehem.  A  note  of  attention  is  put  to  this 
 fpecial  providence.  Ruth  is  led  to  the  field,  and  Boaz  is  fent  to  meet  her. 
 He  was  a  great  man,  but  not  too  great  to  fuperintend  his  own  bufinefs ;  we 
 have  him  here  vifiting  his  reapers.  He  faid,  the  Lord  be  with  you.  Of  all 
 
 PR.4CTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  I.]  Many  are  the  afflidlions  of  the  righteous;  often,  when  the  mo  ft.  abandoned  riot  in  affluence,  the  moft  pious 
 are  pinched  with  poverty.  Though  it  is  highly  commendable  to  provide  for  our  families,  yet  in  order  to  this,  it  is  feldom  fafe  to  withdraw  from  the  people  of  Go 
 and  his  ordinances.  Our  fafety  lies,  not  in  fleeing  from  God’s  mighty  hand,  but  in  humbling  ourfelves  under  it.  Comforts  and  eroffes  are  fiequently  nearer  us  than 
 we  expe6l.  If  we  are  fliut  up  iu  fociety  of  the  wicked,  it  is  our  wifdom  to  efcape  from  it  for  our  life  as  foon  as  poflible.  ^  It  is  a  mercy  when  God  embiters  our 
 diftance  from  himfelf,  that  we  may  be  weaned  from  earth,  and  fervently  feek  our  heavenly  home.  Strong  and  fixed  refblution  is  necefiary  in  the  fei  ve  of  God,  for 
 without  it  we  ftiall  never  be  able  to  witbfland  the  temptations  to  which  we  are  expofed.  Nothing;  no  not  death  can  feparate  the  people  of  God  from  him  and  one 
 another.  Thofe  who  forfate  all  for  the  Lord,  iball  in  due  time  receive  an  ample  reward. 
 
Boaz  shCvccth  Hath  great  hindncss. 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 Naomds  instructions  to  Hulh. 
 
 eir 
 
 Before  10  Then  fhe  fel!  on  her  face  and  bowed  herf.df  to 
 ciiriii  ground,  and  faid  unto  him,  Why  have  I  found 
 'grace  in  thine  eyes,  that  thou  (houldeft  take  know¬ 
 ledge  of  me,  feeing  I  am  a  ftranger  ? 
 
 1 1  And  Boaz  anfwered  and  laid  unto  her,  It  hath 
 fully  been  (hewn  me  all  that  thou  haft  done  unto 
 thy  mother-in-law  fince  the  death  of  thine  hulband  ; 
 and  horo  thou  haft  left  thy  father  and  thy  mother,  and 
 the  land  of  thy  nativity,  and  art  come  unto  a  people 
 which  thou  kneweft  not  heretofore 
 
 12  The  Lord  recompenfe  thy  work,  and  a  full 
 reward  be  given  thee  of  the  Lord  God  of  Ifrael, 
 under  whofe  wings  thou  art  come  to  truft. 
 
 13  Then  (he  (aid,  ||  Let  me  find  favour  in  thy  fight, 
 iny  lord ;  for  that  thou  haft  comforted  me,  and  for 
 
 K  Or, 
 
 JJind 
 
 Heb.  to  rpoken  f  friendly  unto  thine  handmaid, 
 
 the  heart,  though  1  be  not  like  UDto  onc  of  thine  handmaidens. 
 
 14)  And  Boaz  faid  unto  her.  At  meal-time  come 
 thou  hither,  and  eat  of  the  bread,  and  dip  thy  morfel 
 in  the  vinegar.  And  (he  fnt  befide  the  reapers :  and 
 he  reached  her  parched  corn,  and  (he  did  eat,  and  was 
 fufficed,  and  left. 
 
 15  And  when  (he  W'as  rifen  up  to  glean,  Boaz  com- 
 m'anded  his  young  men,  faying.  Let  her  glean  even 
 among  the  (heaves,  and  f  reproach  her  not : 
 
 16  And  let  fall  alfo  some  of  the  handfuls  of  purpofe 
 for  her,  and  leave  them,  that  (he  may  glean  them,  and 
 rebuke  her  not. 
 
 17  So  (he  gleaned  in  the  field  until  even,  and  beat 
 out  that  fhe  had  gleaned  :  and  it  was  about  an  ephah 
 of  barley. 
 
 18  H  And  (he_  took  it  up,  and  went  into  the  city  ; 
 and  her  mother-in-law  faw  what  fhe  had  gleaned  :  and 
 
 f  Heb. 
 shame  her 
 not. 
 
 falutations  this  is  the  beft.  How  grace  humbles  the  heart !  makes  mighty 
 men  of  wealth  not  above  their  fellows;  and  the  anfwer  of  the  fervants 
 teflified  that  they  had  partaken  of  their  mafter’s  bleffing.  This  is  a  beautiful 
 example  of  the  fimplicity  as  well  as  piety  of  the  early  ages.  Then  Boaz  said 
 unto  his  servant.-.-.-whosc  damsel  is  this.  He  made  enquiry  concerning  the  ftranger. 
 Probably  he  might  take  notice  of  her,  from  her  drefs  or  complexion ;  or 
 perhaps  from  her  diligence.  Ver.  6.  It  is  the  Moabiii/h  damsel.  Little  did  he 
 think  this  damfel  was  his  intended  millrefs,  any  more  than  Boaz  did.  Her  cleav¬ 
 ing  to  Naomi  made  her  name  known.  Ver.  7.  And  Jhe  said,  I  pray  you  let  me 
 glean.^  She  had  modeftl)' requefted  to  glean,  and  during  the  whole  morning  had 
 been  induftrioully  employed,  till  juft  now  that  in  the  heat  of  the  day  (he  had  reft, 
 ed  for  a  moment  in  the  houfe,  and  was  again  returned  to  her  labour.  Her  dili¬ 
 gence  recommended  her  to  Boaz’s  attention.  Ver.  8.  Hearest  thou  my  daughter. 
 He  accofts  the  poor  ftranger,  in  a  kind  interrogation,  to  roufo  her  to  what  be 
 W’as  going  to  fay.  Go  not  into  another  field  to  glean.  Here  was  good  will  ftiewn 
 to  a  neceflitous  perfon,  not  only  in  word,  but  in  deed  and  in  truth.  But  abide 
 here  fast  by  my  maidetis,,  He  diredls  thus  for  her  fafety  and  fociety  ;  for  fociety, 
 of  them  file  would  learn  the  language  of  Ifrael,  and  the  worlhip  of  their  God. 
 With  them  fhe  would  be  fafe ;  for  their  prefence  would  be  her  protedlion.  Ver. 
 
 Havel  not  charged  the  young  men  that  they  shall  not  touch  thee  ?  He  gives 
 orders  alfo  to  the  young  men,  to  Ihew  her  no  rudenefs,  nor  give  her  any  molef- 
 tation  ;  invites  her  to  eat  and  drink  with  his  reapers,  and  go  as  one  of  them  to 
 the  booth  whenever  fhe  was  thirfty  wdth  hard  labour,  in  that  hot  country,  and 
 ^  meal-time  to  fhare  their  entertainment.  Ver.  10.  Then  she  fell  on  her  face. 
 Uvercome  with  his  condefcenfion  and  benevolence,  at  a  lofs  to  exprefs  her  gra- 
 titude  file  bows  to  the  earth  before  him,  in  token  of  deepeft  refpedl,  and  pro¬ 
 files  her  unworthinefs  of  the  favour  fhewn  her.  Ver.  11.  He  had  heard  of 
 
 her  excellent  character,  which  deferved  his  token  of  regard.  Ver.  12.  The  Lord 
 
 recompence  thy  work.  He  could  not  recompence  her  pious  work  of  faith  and 
 ove  hiinfelf,  and  therefore  appeals  to  God  in  her  behalf,  under  whofe  wing  flie 
 a  taken  (belter.^  Ver.  14.  And  he  reached  her  parched  corn.  At  meal-fime  llie 
 accepts  bis  invitation,  and  to  make  it  more  welcome,  with  his  own  hand  and 
 lewt,  he  reaches  her  the  parched  corn,  and  by  his  behaviour  engages  his  fervants 
 0  Ihew  her  every  kind  of  civility.  At  meal-time  their  honourable  lord  difdained 
 
 (he  brought  forth,  and  gave  to  her  that  fhe  had  re- 
 (erved  after  (he  was  fufficed.  cir.  1312. 
 
 19  And  her  mother-in-law  faid  unto  her,  Where  ^ 
 h.ift  thou  gleaned  to-day?  and  where  wroughteft 
 thou?  B' :{It'(  be  he  that  did  take  knowledge  of  thee. 
 
 A':d  fhe  (hewed  her  mother-in-law  with  whom  (he 
 riad  wrought,  and  faid,  The  man’s  name  with  w'hom  I 
 wrought  to-day  is  Boaz. 
 
 20  And  Naomi  faid  unto  her  daughter-in-law,  Blef- 
 fed  be  he  of  the  Lord,  who  hath  not  left  oft"  his  kind- 
 nefs  to  the  living  and  to  the  dead.  And  Naomi  faid 
 unto  her,  The  man  is  near  of  kin  unto  us,  H  one  of  II  <^0 
 our  next  kinfmen. 
 
 21  And  Ruth  the  Moabitefs  faid,  He  faid  unto  meireZLu 
 alfo,  Thou  (halt  keep  faft  by  my  young  men,  until  they 
 
 have  ended  all  my  harveft. 
 
 22  And  Naomi  faid  unto  Ruth  her  daughter-in-law, 
 
 It  is  good,  my  daughter,  that  thou  go  out  with  his 
 maidens,  that  they  |)  meet  thee  not  in  any  other  field.  II  Or, 
 
 23  So  Ihe  kept  faft  by  tne  maidens  of  Boaz  to  glean 
 unto  the  end  of  barley-harveft,  and  of  wheat-harveft  ; 
 and  dwelt  with  her  mother-in-law.* 
 
 CHx'^P.  III. 
 
 1  By  Naomi’s  instruClions,  6  Ruth  lieih  at  Boaz’s feet.  8  Boaz  acknow- 
 
 ledgelh  the  right  of  a  kinsman :  14  Ac  fiendeth  her  home  in  the  morning 
 
 with  fix  meafures  of  barley. 
 
 Then  Naomi  her  mother-in-law  faid  unto  her. 
 
 My  daughter,  (hall  I  not  feek  relt  for  thee,  that 
 u  may  be  well  with  thee? 
 
 2  And  now  is  not  Boaz  of  our  kindred,  with  whofe 
 maidens  thou  waft  ?  behold,  he  winnoweth  barley  to¬ 
 night  in  the  thralhing-floor. 
 
 3  Wafh  thyfelf  therefore,  and  anoint  thee,  acd 
 
 not  to  join  them,  and  feed  upon  the  fame  food  which  be  prepared  for  his  rea¬ 
 pers  ;  which  is  the  very  reverfe  of  modern  ambition,  voluptuoufnels  and  diflipa- 
 tion.  Ver.  1 5.  Boaz  commanded  his  young  men.  He  turns  to  the  reapers,  bids 
 them  purpofely  drop  a  handful  here  and  there  behind  them,  and  let  her  glean 
 among  the  flieaves,  and  not  reproach  her  for  it  Ver.  17.  So  she  gleaned  in  the 
 field  until  even.  Ruth  having  refreftied  herfelf  at  dinner,  returns  again  with  di¬ 
 ligence  to  her  work.  She  not  only  gleaned  until  even,  but  beat  out  and  winnowed 
 the  corn  (he  had  gathered,  which  was  between  fix  and  feven  gallons  of  barley, and 
 taking  it  up  carries  it  home  to  her  mother;  Ver.  18.  On  her  arrival  at  home 
 (he  fhews  her  mother  what  (he  had  gathered,  and  gives  her  of  the  provifion 
 which  (lie  had  left  at  dinner.  Ver.  19.  When  Ruth  came  home,  Naomi  enquir¬ 
 ed  how  and  with  whom  (lie  had  fpent  the  day.  The  man  s  name  with  whom.  I 
 wrought  today  is  Boaz.  Ruth’s  anfw'er  is  truly  becoming,  (he  fuftains  the  fub- 
 oidinate  chara^er  of  a  daughter  to  admiration.  Ver.  20.  Naomi  hereupon 
 bleires  God  for  the  mercy,  and  prays  for  his  profperity,  who  bad  fo  kindly  treated 
 her  daughter.  The  name  of  Boaz  awakens  her  remembrance  of  former  kind- 
 nefs  to  her  family,  and  (he  now  relates  what  either  (he  had  forgotten,  or  had 
 not  told  her  daughter  before,  that  be  was  a  very  near  kinfman  to  them,  and  by 
 law  their  Gael,  redeemer ;  one  of  them  to  whorn  it  belonged  to  redeem  the  moru 
 gaged  land  of  the  family.  This  refledlion  perhaps  now  firft  ftruck  her  mind 
 and  therefore,  in  hope  of  farther  kindnefs,  (lie  bids  her  daughter  accept  the  kind 
 invitation  (he  had  related,  and,  during  the  harveft  follow  the  reapers,  and  go  no 
 where  elfe.  Naomi’s  direaions  Ruth  ftriaiy  obe)’^!,  and  when  the  harveft 
 was  concluded,  (lie  dwelt  at  home  with  her  mother  on  the  provifion  which  (lie  had 
 by  induftry  colleaed. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  III.  Ver.  1.  My  daughter  shall  I  not 
 seek  rest  for  thee.  The  good  woman’s  heart  was  fet  upon  feeking  reft,  a  comfort¬ 
 able  and  honourable  fettlement  for  her  daughter  Ruth,  that  (lie  might  have  no 
 reafon  to  fay,  that  the  God  of  1  frael  was  to  her  as  a  barren  wildernefs  ^ter  (he  bad 
 forfaken  her  kindred  and  gods  for  the  love  (he  bore  to  Jehovah  and  a  mother  Tn 
 Ilrael.  Ver.  2.  And  now  is  not  Boaz  of  our  kindred.  She  revealed  unto  Ruth  the 
 neaniefs  of  relation  fubfilling  between  herfelf  and  Boaz,  which  (lie  apprehendt'd 
 laid  him  under  an  obligation  to  take  his  brother’s  widow  and  raife  up  feed  ui.to 
 his  brother.  Ver.  3.  Wash  thyself  iherej ore.  W’e  have  here  the  beginning  of  Na- 
 
 Great  is  the  condefcenfion  of  the  Lord  towards  thofe  who  fear  him  ;  however  mean  they  mav  be  i^ti,.. 
 true  relio-i’nn  f  delight  to  exah  them  :  if  he  debafe  us,  it  is  our  honour  to  concur  with  his  holy  providence.  Whether  we  be  mafters  or  fervants  let  a  favour  P 
 
 :;^a.d  to^ur^Lt-tn^tf  tt 
 
Bulk  lietk  at  the  fed  oj  Boaz. 
 
 RUTFI. 
 
 Before 
 Clirift 
 dr.  1312. 
 
 11  Or, 
 li/t  up  the 
 c  lothes 
 that  are 
 onhis/cel. 
 
 n  Or, 
 
 took  hold 
 
 on* 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 one  that 
 hath  right 
 to  redeem. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 gate. 
 
 put  thy  raiment  upon  thee,  and  get  thee  down  to  the 
 noc^  :  but  make  not  thylelt  known  unto  the  man,  until 
 he  Ilian  have  done  eating  and  drinking. 
 
 4  And  it  (hall  be,  when  he  lieth  down,  that  thou 
 (halt  mark  the  place  where  he  fhall  lie,  and  thou  (halt 
 go  in,  and  ||  uncover  nis  feet,  and  lay  thee  down  :  and 
 he  will  tell  thee  what  thou  (halt  do. 
 
 5  And  file  faid  unto  her,  All  that  thou  (ayeft  unto 
 me  I  will  do. 
 
 6  ^  And  (he  went  down  unto  the  floor,  and  did  ac¬ 
 cording  to  all  that  her  mother-in-law  bade  her. 
 
 7  And  w'nen  Boaz  had  eaten  and  drunk,  and  his 
 heart  was  merry,*  he  w-ent  to  lie  down  at  the  end  of 
 the  heap  of  corn  ;  and  (became  foftly,  and  uncovered 
 his  feet,  and  laid  her  down. 
 
 8  H  And  it  came  to  pafs  at  midnight,  that  the  man 
 was  afraid,  and  |l  turned  himfelf ;  and,  behold,  a  wo¬ 
 man  lay  at  his  feet. 
 
 9  And  he  faid.  Who  art  thou  ?  And  (he  anfwered, 
 I  am  Ruth  thine  handmaid  :  fpread  therefore  thy  ihirr 
 over  thine  handmaid  ;  for  thou  art  1|  a  near  kinfman. 
 
 10  And  he  faid,  BielTed  be  thou  of  the  Lord  my 
 daughter  :  for  thou  half  (hew^ed  more  kindnefs  in  the 
 latter  end  than  at  the  beginning,  inafmuch  as  thou 
 followeft  not  young  men,  whether  poor  or  rich. 
 
 n  And  now,  my  daughter,  fear  not ;  I  will  do  to 
 thee  all  that  thou  requirelf :  for  all  the  f  city  of  my 
 people  doth  know'  that  thou  art  a  virtuous  woman. 
 
 12  And  now  it  is  true  that  1  am  thy  near  kinfman : 
 howbeit  there  is  a  kinfman  nearer  than  I. 
 
 13  Tarry  this  night,  and  it  (hall  be  in  the  morning 
 that  if  he  will  perform  unto  thee  the  part  of  a  kinf¬ 
 man,  well  ;  let  him  do  the  kinfman’s  part :  but  if  he 
 will  not  do  the  part  of  a  kinfman  to  thee,  then  will  I 
 do  the  part  of  a  kinfman  to  thee,  as  the  Lord  liveth  : 
 lie  dow'n  until  the  morning. 
 
 Boaz  huyetli  Elhnelccl^s  inheritance^ 
 
 lay  at  his  feet  until  the  morning: 
 and  (he  rofe  up  before  one  could  know  another.  And 
 he  (aid.  Let  it  not  be  known  that  a  woman  came  into 
 the  floor, 
 
 15  Alfo  he  (aid.  Bring  the  ||  vail  that  (hou  hast  upon  ||  Or, 
 thee,  and  hold  it.  And  whe^i  fhe  held  it,  he  raeafured 
 (ix  measures  of  barley,  and  laid  It  on  her;  and  (he°^"'®'‘‘ 
 went  into  the  city.  , 
 
 IG  And  when  (he  came  to  her  mother-in-law,  (he 
 faid.  Who  art  thou,  my  daughter  ?  And  (he  told  her 
 all  that  the  roan  had  done  to  her. 
 
 17  And  (he  faid,  Thefe  (ix  measures  of  barley  gave 
 he  me :  for  he  faid  to  me,  Go  not  empty  unto  thy 
 mother-in-law. 
 
 18  Then  faid  (he.  Sit  ftill,  my  daughter,  until  thou 
 know  how  the  matter  will  fall :  for  the  man  will  not 
 be  in  reft  until  he  have  fini(hed  the  thing  this 
 day.* 
 
 CHAP.  IV. 
 
 I  Boaz  callelh  into  judgment  the  next  kinfman  :  6  he  refuselk  the  redemp-. 
 tion  according  to  the  manner  in  Israel.  9  Boaz  huyeth  the  inheritance  : 
 
 10  he  marrieth  Ruth,  ^c. 
 
 Then  went  Boaz  up  to  the  gate,  and  fat  him 
 down  there ;  and,  behold,  the  kinfman,  of  whom 
 Boaz  fpake  came  by ;  unto  whom  he  faid.  Ho,  fuch 
 a  one !  turn  afide,  (it  down  here.  And  he  turned 
 afide  and  fat  down. 
 
 2  And  he  took  ten  men  of  the  elders  of  the  city, 
 and  faid,  Sit  ye  down  here.  And  they  fat  down. 
 
 3  And  he  faid  unto  the  kinfman,  Naomi,  that  is 
 come  again  out  of  the  country  of  Moab,  felleth  a  par¬ 
 cel  of  land,  which  was  our  brother  Elimelech’s  : 
 
 4  And  1 1  thought  to  advertife  thee,  laying,  Buy  ?7tHcb. 
 before  the  inhabitants,  and  before  the  elders  of 
 people.  If  thou  wilt  redeem  it^  redeem  it ;  but  if 
 thou  wilt  not  redeem  it^  then  tell  me,  that  I  may  know ;  thine  ear. 
 
 omi’s  plan  to  accomplifh  her  defigns.  She  had  learned  that  Boaz  had  a  feaft  on 
 winnowing  his  barley  ;  flie  thought  this  a  good  opportunity  to  remind  him  of 
 his  duty,  as  Ruth’s  kinfman  ;  for  which  purpofe  die  commands  her  to  waih  and 
 anoint  herfelf,  put  on  her  heft  garments,  and  go  down  in  the  evening  to  the  floor 
 ■where  they  winnowed.  Ver.  4.  Naomi  dire(5ls  her  daughter  to  feek  out  his  re¬ 
 treat  and  come  privately  to  his  feet,  make  confeflion  of  the  identity  of  her 
 perfon,  prefer  her  fupplication  to  him,  and  put  him  in  mind  of  his  duty  to 
 her  as  the  near  kinfman,  under  whofe  fliadow  flie  was  coa.e  to  truft.  Ver.  7. 
 And  when  Boaz  had  eaten  and  drunk.  He  went  down  to  the  floor,  to  have  an  eye 
 upon  his  fervants  ;  wlien  the  work  was  done,  he  entertained  them  cheerfully, 
 and  after  fupper  lay  down  with  a  merry,  or  a  good  heart,  as  it  may  be  rendered, 
 thankful  for  his  mercies,  and  commending  himfelf  to  the  proteAion  of  a  gra-  i 
 cious  God.  And  she  came  sof  ly,  and  uncovered  her  feet,  a  nd  laid  her  down.  This 
 proceeding  fome  commentators  blame  as  unjuflifiablc,  whilft  others  vindicate,  as 
 right,  It  is  true,  the  experiment  to  us  feems  dangerous ;  but  as  the  cufloms  of 
 nations  differ,  as  her  intentions  were  honourable,  and  her  claims  juft,  it  might 
 no  doubt  be  very  capable  of  vindication  :  not  to  add,  that  there  might  be  much 
 of  divine  dire<5tion  in  the  cafe ;  and  this  feems  intimated  in  Naomi’s  confldence. 
 Ruth  a<51:ed  accor  ung  to  her  mother’s  dirc-(51ion  ;  as  foon  as  Boaz  was  compofed 
 to  fleep,  flie  fteals  foftlj-,  and  railing  up  the  ikiitof  his  garment,  in  which  he 
 wrapped  himfelf,  lies  down  at  his  feet,  waiting  till  he  ftiould  awake,  that  Ihe 
 might  remind  him  of  his  relation  to  her.  Ver.  8.  At  tnidnigkt.  At  this  hour 
 happening  to  turn  himfelf,  he  is  furprifed  to  find  a  perfon  fo  near  him,  and,  per¬ 
 ceives  her  to  be  a  woman.  Ver.  9.  IFho  arc  thou  ?  Boaz  interrogates  her,  and 
 alks  her  name,  and  the  reafon  of  laying  lierfelf  there,  or  what  doft  thou  want 
 with  me  ?  And  she  answered,  I  am  Buth  thine  handmaid.  The  produce  of  incef- 
 tuous  contaiSt ;  an  helplefs  Moabite  ;  a  woman  made  drunk  with  afflidlion,  defo- 
 lation,  and  forrow.  She  makes  mention  in  a  humble  and  modeft  manner,  the 
 relationlhip  he  was  unto  her,  and  then  waits  the  anfwer  her  mother  ordered  her 
 to  be  diretSedby.  Ver.  10,  And  he  said,  Bhjfed  be  thou  oJ  the  I.ord  my  daughter. 
 Having  brought  her  to  an  explanation,  Boaz  dealt  honourably  with  her,  and 
 
 ^pake  to  her  only  the  words  of  kindnefs  and  compalTion.  Ver.  11.  He  pro- 
 mifes  to  reward  her  virtue,  vyith  which  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  city  were  ac¬ 
 quainted.  Ver,  12  Howbeit  there  is  a  kinsman  nearer  than  I .  There  was  a  kinf- 
 man  who  was  nearer  than  himfelf,  to  whom  the  juft  right  of  redemption  of  tlie 
 mortgaged  ftate  belonged,  and  till  he  refufed,  jullice  required  that  Boaz  Ihould 
 not  claim  the  property  of  his  kinfman.  Ver.  13.  /  do  the  jmrt  of  a  kinsman  to 
 thee,  as  the  Lord  liveth.  This  he  confirms  with  an  oath,  for  her  full  fatisfadion 
 of  his  kind  intentions,  Ver.  14.  And  she  lay  at  his  feel  until  the  morning.  Boaz 
 unwilling  to  difmifs  her  at  that  hour  of  tiie  night,  bids  her  reft  in  peace  till  morn¬ 
 ing  ;  yet  to  avoid  thofe  reflections  which  might  be  made  if  it  were  known,  he 
 advifesher  to  depart  early,  that  her  being  there  might  be  kept  fecret.  Ver.  15, 
 And  he  said.  Bring  me  the  vail  that  thou  hnji  upon  thee.  At  her  departure,  in  token 
 of  his  regard,  he  gave  her  a  handfome  prefent  of  fix  homers  of  barley  to  carry 
 home.  And  .die  went  into  the  city.  Ruth  haftens  home  to  Naomi,  who  enquires 
 of  her  how  (he  had  fucceeded.  She  relates  all  the  circumftances  which  hadpafled 
 from  which  Naomi  concludes,  that  the  matter  was  as  good  as  completed,  and 
 that  file  (l  ight  reft  compofed  waiting  for  the  ifl'ue  which  Boaz  would  not  delay  to 
 accompli  fli. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  IV.  Ver.  1.  Then  went  Boaz  up  to  the 
 gate,  and  sat  him  down  there.  He  appears  as  folicitous  to  terminate  the  affair  as 
 he  was  pleafed  with  the  condud  of  Ruth,  and  wiflied  to  have  her  for  a  part¬ 
 ner  ;  he  haftens  to  the  gate,  where  was  the  feat  of  judgment  in  thofe  days, 
 Job  xxix  8 — 10.  and  has  the  matter  brought  before  the  elders  of  the  people, 
 of  whoni  there  were  ten  affembled  on  this  occaflon.  The  honeft  intentions  of 
 this  honourable  Ifraelite  had  no  «eed  of  private  .and  clandeftine  means  for 
 their  accomplifliment ;  the  law  of  his  God  was  his  rule.  He  affced  the  neareft 
 kinfman,  who  was  perhaps  juft  then  pafTing  through  the  gate,  to  appear  and 
 plead  his  right.  His  name  and  circumftances  are  not  recorded,  which  probably 
 are  concealed,  becaufe  his  refiifal  of  his  duty,  might  have  ftamped  a  lafting  in¬ 
 famy  on  him.  Ver.  8.  Naomi  having  a  parcel  of  land  to  fell,  the  right  of  re¬ 
 demption  was  his;  and,  till  he  quitted  his  claim,  Boaz  would  not  prefume  to 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  III.]  Marriage  is  honourable  in  all,  and  it  is  the  duty  of  parents  to  feek  a  proper  fettlement  by  marriage  for 
 their  children.  But  in  courtfhip  and  marriage  there  ought  to  be  a  ftneft  attention  to  the  will  of  God.  It  is  not  enough  that  we  do  no  evil ;  we  muft  caiefnlly  avoi 
 every  appearance  of  it.  It  is  an  unfpeakable  advantage  when  our  acquaintances  have  the  deepeft  regard  for  our  chaftity  and  honour,  and  are  difjiofed  to  interpret  our 
 innocent  familiarities  in  the  heft  fenfe,  and  when  in  matters  of  importance  tliey  prove  diligent  and  faithful.  When  we  have  prudently  done  our  duty,  we  n.ay  cheer 
 fully  leave  tl.e  event  with  the  Lord,  and  comfort  ourl'elves  with  the  hope  of  what  is  heft  in  due  time. 
 
Boa%  hiyeth  Blimclech^s  inheritance, 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 and  rftarrirth  liuth, 
 
 I 
 
 am 
 
 &  Deut. 
 35.  7,  9- 
 
 Before  for  tlwc  ts  none  to  redeem  it  befiJjS  thee  ;  and 
 ciiriit  after  thee.  And  he  faid,  I  will  redeem  it. 
 oir.  i-Jis.  ^  faid  B.^az,  What  day  thou  buyeft  the  field 
 of  the  hand  of  Naomi,  thou  muft  buy  it  alfo  of  Ruth 
 the  Moabitefs,  the  wife  of  the  dead,  to  raife  up  the 
 name  of  the  dead  upon  his  inheritance. 
 
 6  f  And  the  kinfman  faid,  1  cannot  redeem  it  for 
 myfelf,  left  I  mar  mine  own  inheritance  :  redeem  thou 
 my  right  to  thyfelf :  for  I  cannot  redeem  it. 
 
 7  »  Now  this  xms  the  manner  in  former  time  in  Ifrael, 
 concerning  redeeming,  and  concerning  changing,  for 
 to  confirm  all  things  ;  A  man  plucked  off  his  fhoe, 
 and  gave  it  to  his  neighbour :  and  this  was  a  tefti- 
 
 monv  in  Ifrael.  r.  .  r 
 
 8  Therefore  the  kinfman  faid  unto  Boaz,  Buy  it  tor 
 
 thee  :  fo  he  drew  off  his  (hoe. 
 
 9  And  Boaz  faid  unto  the  elders,  and  unto  all  the 
 people,  Ye  are  witneffes  this  day,  that  I  have  bought 
 all  that  was  Elimelech’s,  and  all  that  was  Chilion’s  and 
 Mahlon’s,  of  the  hand  of  Naomi. 
 
 10  Moreover,  Ruth  the  Moabitefs,  the  wife  of 
 Mahlon,  have  I  purchafed  to  be  my  wife,  to  raife  up 
 the  name  of  the  dead  upon  his  inheritance,  that  the 
 name  of  the  dead  be  not  cut  off  from  among  his 
 brethren,  and  from  the  gate  of  his  place  :  ye  are  wit- 
 ueffes  this  day. 
 
 11  And  all  the  people  that  wre  \n  the  gate,  and 
 the  elders  faid,  iVe  are  witneffes.  J  he  Lord  make 
 the  women  that  is  come  into  thine  houfe  like  Rachel 
 and  like  Leah,  which  two  did  build  the  houfe  of  If- 
 
 Beforc 
 Chrift 
 cii.  taie. 
 
 rael ;  and  ||  do  thou  worthily  in  Ephratah,  and  f  be 
 
 famous  in  Bethlehem :  .  r 
 
 And  let  thy  houie  be  like  the  houfe  or  Eharez,  ^  -v. 
 (*’  whom  Tamar  bare  unto  Judah,)  of  the  fecef  which 
 the  Lord  (hall  give  thee  of  this  young  woman. 
 
 13  11  So  Boaz  took  Ruth,  and  (he  was  his  v:ue : 
 and  when  he  went  in  unto  her,  the  Lord  gave  herf  Hcb. 
 
 conception  and  (he  bare  a  fon.  •  ni  n 
 
 U  And  the  woman  laid  unto  Naomi,  Blefled  Cen. 
 
 Lord,  which  hath  not  f  left  thee  this  day  withcut  asj,.  29. 
 
 II  kinfman,  that  his  name  may  be  famous  in  Ifrael.  1  Chron. 
 
 1.5  And  he  (hall  be  unto  thee  a  reftorer  of  thy  bfe. 
 and  a  +  nourifher  of  f  thine  old  age  :  for  thy  daugh- j  3^ 
 ter-in-law,  which  loveth  thee,  which  is  better  to  theef-  neb. 
 than  (even  (bns,  hath  born  him. 
 
 16  And  Naomi  took  the  child,  and  laid  it  in  her---“> 
 bofom,  and  became  nurfe  unto  it.  ^  y  or, 
 
 n  And  the  women  her  neighbours  gave  it  a  name,  r«/amer. 
 
 faying,  There  is  a  fon  born  to  Naomi ;  and  they 
 his  name  Obed  :  he  is  the  father  of  Jeffe,  the  father  ^ 
 
 of  David.  _  ,  thy  grey. 
 
 1 8  11  Now  thefe  are  the  generations  of  Pharez  ;  , 
 
 '  Pharez  begat  Hezron, 
 
 19  And  Hezron  begat  Ram,  and  Ram  begat  Am-Mattb. 
 
 minadab,  i-  s. 
 
 20  And  Amminadab  begat  Nahfhon,  and  Nafhon 
 
 begat  II  Salmon,  I 
 
 2 1  And  Salmon  begat  Boaz,  and  Boaz  begat  Obed, 
 
 22  And  Obed  begat  Jeffe,  and  Jeffe  begat  David.* 
 
 buv  R  Ver.  4.  And  he  said,  I  •will  redeem  it.  The  neareft  kinfiran  readily 
 eiiCTs'h  accepts  the  offer,  -rill  he  finds  it  clogged  with  Mahlon’s  widow  according  to 
 the  law,  Deut.  xxv.  5.  and  by  Naomi’s  refolution  not  to  part  with  the  land  without 
 providing  for  her  daughter.  Ver.  5.  The  field  was  to  be  bought  of  the  hand  of 
 Naomi  -  for  though  it  was  fold  and  in  the  hand  of  another,  it  was  ftill  her’s  hy  law, 
 and  no’  one  could  redeem  oV  buy  it  up  fo  as  to  make  it  his  own  without  Naomi’s 
 confent.  Ver.  6.  And  the  kinsman  said  I  catinot  redeem  it  for  myself.  It  is  pro¬ 
 bable  having  children  of  his  owfi,  he  deemed  an  acceOioh  to  his  family  by  another 
 wife,  of  dangerous  confequence  by  confounding  his  feed,  and  injurious  to  his  pre- 
 fent  children,  and  therefore  refufed  to  adl  that  part  by  Ruth  for  which,  as  the 
 neareft  kinfman  he  was  qualified.  Ver.  8.  Therefore  the  kinsman  said  unto  Boaz, 
 Buy  it  for  thee.  He  gives  up  all  claim  and  pretenfion  on  his  part,  and  makes  a 
 
 furrender  to  Boaz  in  open  court,  of  his  right  to  the  redemption.  So  he  drew  off  his 
 shoe.  It  was  a  cufiom  in  Ifrael  when  the  firfi  claimant  or  neareft  kinfinan  refufed 
 to  marry  the  widow  of  his  brother,  that  file  fhould  pluck  off  his  ftioe  in  token  of 
 diforace,  and  fpit  in  his  face,  as  finally  renouncing  all  conneaion  with  him,  corap. 
 Note  on  Deut.  xxv,  9.  Ver.  9.  No  fooner  had  the  neareft  kinfman  quitted  his 
 right,  than  Boaz  put  in  his  claim,  and  purchafed  the  whole  that  belonged  to  Eli- 
 inelech  and  his  two  fons,  which  property  had  defeended  to  Naomi  and  Ruth,  upon 
 their  demife,  as  Orpab  by  her  returning,  had  forfeited  her  claim.  Ver.  10.  More¬ 
 over,  Buth  the  Moabitefs  the  wife,  oj  Mahlon,  have  I  purchased.  This  marriage  was 
 before  witneffes,  which  indeed  is  effential  to  that  inftitution.  Recalls  upon  them 
 to  witnefs  the  contraa,  and  infert  it  in  the  public  regifter.  Ver.  1 1.  And  all  the 
 people  savt,—  We  are  witneffes.  The  people  and  elders  received  the  appeal,  and  they 
 bleffed  the  bridegroom  and  bride  ;  for  it  is  more  than  probable  that  Ruth  was  now 
 prefent,  waiting  to  know  the  iffue  of  the  affair.  The  whoia  join  in  finging  the 
 epithnlamiiim  or  marriage  fong.  What  honour  for  this  Moabitefs  to  be  ranked  in 
 the  benediaion  witli  thofe  two  mothers  of  Ifrael !  for  Boaz,  that  his  worth  in  every 
 relation  may  be  more  difplayed,  and  his  name  fhine  illuftrious  in  the  annals  of 
 futurity  ;  for  both  that  their  increafe  might  be  fimilar  to  that  of  the  houfe  of  Pharez, 
 
 who  though  born  of  a  ftranger,  was  conftituted  head  of  an  honourable  and  numa. 
 vous  family,  cue  of  the  five  families  into  which  the  tribe  cf  Judah  was  divided. 
 Ver.  13.  So  Boaz  took  Ruth  and  she  was  his  vi  e.  Ruth  experiences  at  laft,  that 
 fhe  had  loft  nothing  for  leaving  IMoab  ;  but  is  now  made  comfortable  in  a  loving 
 hulband  and  liberal  provifion.  The  Lord  gave  her  conception  :  For  from  him  is 
 the  fruit  of  the  womb.  Ver.  14.  And  the  woman  said  unto  Naomi.  The  holy  wo¬ 
 men  congratulates  Naomi  oif-this  occafion.  They  praifed  God  for  the  blefling  of  a 
 child  born,  and  exprefs  their  kind  defires,  that  ftie  would  find  in  him  a  reftorer  of 
 her  life,  and  a  nourilher  of  her  advanced  years.  Ver.  1  5.  For  thy  daugh'er-in-law 
 which  loveth  thee.  Ruth  is  not  negledled  ;  they  fpeak  much  to  her  commendatioa 
 declaring  her  tender  affedlion  to  be  fuperior  to  feven  fons.  V’er.  16,  17.  They 
 called  his  name  Obed.  Wiiicb  name  fignifies  serving,  as  defigned  from  earlieft,  in¬ 
 fancy  to  be  educated  to  ferve  the  Lord  Chrift,  or  in  view  of  the  fervice  he  would 
 afford  his  aged  grandmother.  Naomi  with  the  tendereft  fondnefs  undertakes  to  be 
 his  nurfe.  Ver.  18.  Now  these  are  the  generations.  The  book  concludes  with  the 
 genealogy  of  David  the  grandfou  of  this  child  ;  and  the  hiftorian  takes  occafion 
 from  thence  to  trace  downward  the  pedigree  from  Pharez,  his  mod  diftant  anceftor, 
 j  whom  the  elders  prayed  that  Boaz  might  refemble,  and  their  prayers  are  more  than 
 !  anfwered,  fince  frem  him  defeends  the  Meffiah,  the  fon  of  David,  whofe  feed  are 
 j  more  numerous  and  more  glorious  than  the  kings  of  the  earth.  The  clofo  and 
 i  ftriking  relation  which  riie  events  narrated  in  this  little  book  bears  to  Meffiah,  iiluf- 
 trated  the  wifdom  of  God  in  exciting  one  of  bis  infpired  fervants  to  commit  them 
 to  writing,  and  his  power  in  preferving  the  writing  to  thefe  latter  ages.  The  Jew- 
 ifh  nation  muft  have  afforded  many  interefting  domeftic  hiftories,  perhaps  in  them- 
 felves  more  interefting  to  general  readers  than  this,  but  which  are  now  buried  in 
 oblivion;  and  therefore  we  can  aferibe  the  Jews’  care  of  this  domeftic  hiftory,  to 
 nothing  lefs  than  the  fuperinteuding  care  of  divine  providence.  The  world  wants 
 nothing  which  was  neceffary  to  atteft  that  Jefus  is  the  Meffiah,  the  fon  of  David, 
 and  the  king  of  Ifrael. 
 
 PRACTICAL  observations. _ *  Chap.  IV.]  Here  behold  a  multitude  of  the  moft  pleafant  objeas;  Boaz  not  more  diftinguiftied  by  wealth  than 
 
 bv  every  virtue  which  dignifies  human  nature.  Naomi  and  Ruth,  after  a  feries  of  trials  in  which  they  manffefted  the  iucalculable  advantages  of  religion,  to  fupport 
 the  mind  under  trials,  brought  to  enjoy  whatever  was  fitted  to  render  life  agreeable.  But  chiefly  let  the  contents  of  this  book  lead  us  to  Jefus.  He  is  our  kinf- 
 man  Redeemer  who  hath  remembered  us  in  our  low  eftate  ;  purchafed  us  by  his  precious  blood  ;  introduced  us,  outcaft  Gentiles,  into  the  family  of  God;  richly  pro¬ 
 vided  for  our  numerous  wants;  and  condefeended  to  unite  us  to  himfelf,  by  his  Spirit,  to  fanaify  and  purify  us  to  himfelf,  that  we  may  be  prefented  as  his  bride  to 
 his  father,  without  fpot  or  wrinkle  or  any  fuch  thing;  and  that  we  may  enjoy  eternally  with  him  the  heavenly  inheritance,  in  the  kingdom  of  lus  God  and  our  God, 
 
 his  Father  and  our  Father, 
 
 No.  17. ...6d.  3  X 
 
T  THE  FIRST  BOOK  OF 
 
 SAMUEL. 
 
 THE  ARGUMENT. 
 
 S"’‘  T''f'"'‘  ««T., •«««,;  „/■  K,', 
 
 toas  the  first  king  (fLrnd.  ^  ^^muel,  xdw  xeas  the  fijtecutli  and  last ;  and  unaer  the  ragn  of  Said, 
 
 Kho 
 
 xuho 
 
 CHAP.  I. 
 
 •ivorjinppeth  yearly  at  Shiloh  ;  4  he 
 J/o„„ah,  thoijgh  barren,  end  provoked  by  Peninnah.  9  Han- 
 
 her’n  fJ''‘'-^TuV  /r  “  ^  ^  ^nistuking  at  Jirst,  rebuketk 
 
 at  home  till  he  is  weaned.  ’a  v 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 cir.  1171. 
 
 a  Deut. 
 16.  16. 
 f  Heb. 
 from  year 
 to  year. 
 
 H  Or, 
 a  double 
 portion. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 angered 
 her. 
 
 »  Or, 
 Jrem  the 
 time  that 
 she,  Ac. 
 f  Heb. 
 from  her 
 going  up. 
 
 OW  there  was  a  certain  man  of  Ramathaira- 
 zophim,  of  mount  Ephraim,  and  his  name  xvas 
 Elkana.i,  the  (on  of  Jeroham,  the  fon  of  Eiihu,  the  Ton 
 of  lohu,  the  (on  of  Zuph,  an  Ephrathite  ; 
 
 2  And  he  had  two  wives ;  the  name  of  the  one  ms 
 Hannah,  and  the  name  of  the  other  Peninnah  :  and 
 Pemnnah  h^ad  children,  but  Hannah  had  no  children. 
 
 ^‘P  o*  his  city  » t  yearly 
 to  worfhip  and  to  facrifice  unto  the  Lord  of  hoffs  in 
 bhiloh  :  and  the  two  (ons  of  Eli,  Hophni  and  Phinehas, 
 the  prieiis  of  the  Lord,  liceye  there, 
 
 4  And  when  the  time  was  that  Elkanah  offered, 
 he  gave  to  Pemnnah  his  wife,  and  to  all  her  Cons  and 
 her  daughters,  portions  : 
 
 5  But  unto  Hannah  he  gave  ||  a  worthy  portion  ; 
 for  he  loved  Hannah  :  but  the  Lord  had  (hut  up  her 
 womb. 
 
 6  And  her  adverfary  alfo  f  provoked  her  fore,  for  to 
 make  her  fret,  becaufe  ttie  Lord  had  (hut  up  her 
 womb. 
 
 7  And  as  he  did  fo  year  by  year,  !|  f  when  (he  went 
 
 up  to  the  houle  of  the  Lord,  fo  (lie  provoked  her* 
 therefore  fhe  wept  and  did  not  eat.  ’ 
 
 8  Tnen  (aid  Elkanah  her  hufband  to  her,  Hannah, 
 why  weepeft  thou  ?  and  why  eateft  thou  not  ?  and  why 
 E  thy  heart  grieved  ?  am  not  I  better  to  thee  than  ten 
 fons  ? 
 
 9  ^  So  Hannah  rofe  up  after  they  had  eaten  in  Shi¬ 
 loh,  and  after  they  had  drunk  :  (now  Eli  the  prieft  (at 
 upon  a  (eat  by  the  poft  of  the  temple  of  the  Lord  :) 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  I.  \er.  1.  Pamathaim-zophirn,  called 
 Ramah,  ver.  19.  and  the  plural  number  Ramathaim,  is  here  made  ule  of,  to  de¬ 
 note  that  this  city,  being  ijmilt  upon  two  hills,  looked  like  a  double  city.  The 
 title  of  Zop/i27/i,  which  fignifies  watch-towers,  or  watchmen,  feems  to  be  added 
 either  from  its  having  a  high  place  or  tower ;  or,  becaufe  the  prophets,  who  are 
 called  watchmen,  Ezek.  iii.  17.  had  a  fchool  or  college  here.  Ver.  3.  And  this 
 man  went  up  out  of  his  city  yearly  to  worship.  The  precept  in  Exod.  xxiii.  17. 
 runs  exaaiy  thus.  Three  times  in  the  year  all  thy  males  lhall  appear  before  the  Lord 
 thy  God  :  which  refers  to  the  feaft  of  the  paflbver,  the  feaft  of  Pentecoft  and  the 
 feaft  of  tabernacles.  The  women  were  exempted  from  this  pcrfonal  attendance  j 
 and  therefore  it  feems  to  have  been  an  extraordinary  aa  of  piety  in  Elkanah 
 to  take  his  two  wives  with  him,  as  from  the  I’ubfequent  verfes  we  may  reafon- 
 ably  conclude  that  he  did.  It  is  certain  that  he  would  not  need  to  urge  Han¬ 
 nah  to  go  up  with  him ;  for  the  love  of  God’s  houfe  which  influenced  his  own 
 heart  dwelt  in  hers;  and  nothing  but  neceflfary  duties  could  detain  her  at 
 home.  1  here  can  be  no  doubt  that  her  praaice  was  common  to  all  the  pious 
 women,  Luke  ii,  41,  42.  Vei.  5.  Put  unto  Hannah  he  gave  a  worthy  portion. 
 That  is,  a  large  or  double  portion  of  the  peace-offering  then  made,  as  a  teftimony 
 of  his  great  love  kindnefs  to  her,  Ihe  being  his  favourite  wife.  But  the  Lord 
 
 I  10  And  (he  ms  f  in  bilternefs  of  foul,  and  prayed 
 I  unto  the  Lord,  and  wept  fore. 
 
 !  _  11  And(heyowedavow,andfaid,  OLoRDofboas.i-*^’’ 
 
 ir  l^ou  wilt  indeed  look  on  the  affliftion  of  thine  hand- 1  Htb. 
 maid,  ano  remember  me,  and  not  forget  thine  hand-  bitter  of 
 maid,  but  wilt  give  unto  thine  handmaid  f  a  man-child 
 then  I  will  give  him  unto  the  Lord  all  the  days  ofL^f; 
 his  Ihe,  and  there  (hall  no  razor  come  upon  his  head. 
 
 12  ^  And  it  came  to  pafs,  as  fhe  f  conMnued  pray- ^ 
 ing  before  the  Lord,  that  Eli  marked  her  mouth,  ?  t 
 
 13  Now  Hannah,  (he  fpake  in  her  heart ;  only  her  i3.‘r 
 
 lips  moved,  but  her  voice  was  not  heard  :  therefore  t  Heb. 
 Eli  thought  fhe  had  been  drunken.  multiplied 
 
 14  And  Eli  faid  unto  her,  How  long  wilt  thou 
 drunken?  put  away  thy  wine  from  thee. 
 
 15  And  Hannah  anfwered  and  faid.  No,  my  lord  ; 
 
 I  a  woman  t  of  a  forrowful  fpirit :  I  have' drunk  + 
 neither  wine  nor  ftrong  drink,  but  have  poured  out 
 my  foul  before  the  Lord. 
 
 16  Count  not  thine  handmaid  for  a  daughter  of 
 
 Belial :  for  out  of  the  abundance  of  my  ||  complaint  i|  Or, 
 and  grief  have  1  fpoken  hitherto.  medita- 
 
 17  Then  Eli  anfwered  and  laid,  Coin  peace  :  and'*''”' 
 the  God  of  Ilfael  grant  thee  thy  petition  tnat  thou  haR 
 adeed  of  him. 
 
 18  And  (hehiid,  Let  thine  handmaid  find  grace  in 
 
 thy  fight.  So  the  woman  went  her  way,  and  did  ear, 
 and  her  countenance  was  no  more  sad.  ’ 
 
 19  ^  And  they  rofe  up  in  the  morning  early,  and 
 
 worfhipped  before  the  Lord,  and  returned,  and  came 
 to  their  houfe  to  Ramah  ;  and  Elkanah  koc'w  Hannah 
 his  wife;  and  the  Lord  remembered  her.  x 
 
 20  Wherefore  it  came  to  pafs,  f  when  the  time  was 
 
 come  about,  after  Hannah  had  conceived,  that  (he 
 bare  a  fon,  and  called  his  name  ||  Samuel,  soyms.  Be- 
 cauie  I  have  aiked  him  of  the  Lord.  '  eld 
 
 had  shut  up  her  womb.  Sterility  was  looked  upon  by  the  Je  ws  as  one  of  the  o-rcat- 
 efl  niisfoitrines  that  could  befal  their  women,  infomuch  that  to  have  a  child, 
 thougii  the  mother  died  immediately  after,  was  accounted  a  much  lighter  afflic¬ 
 tion  than  to  have  none  at  all ;  and  to  this  purpofe  it  is  obfervable,  that  the 
 midwife  comforts  Rachel  in  her  labour,  even  though  flie  knew  her  to  be  at  the 
 point  of  death.  Feor  not,  for  thou  skult  have  this  son  also,  Gen.  xxxv.  17.  Ver.  1 1 . 
 No  razor  sht.ll  come  on  his  head,  implies,  that  he  was  to  be  confecrated  to  the  Lord 
 and  fubje<5l  to  the  laws  of  a  Nazarite  ;  concerning  whom  fee  Notes  on  Numb* 
 ''*•  ^  21.  Ver.  Eli  thought  she  had  been  drunken.  Becaufe  of  the  multitude 
 
 of  her  words,  and  thofe  uncouth  geftures  and  motions  of  her  face  and  body,  wbich 
 the  vebemency  of  herpafflon,  and  her  fervency  in  prayer,  caufed  in  her  Ver. 
 20.  She  called  his  name  Samuel.  This  is  contradled  from  S-iul  meel,  asked  oj  God. 
 Ver.  23.  Only  the  Lord  established  his  word.  Or,  as  it  may  be  rendered,  The  Lord 
 established  his  work;  that  is,  perfedt  that  which  he  hath  begun,  by  making  the  child 
 to  grow  till  lie  was  fit  to  attend  on  his  fervice;  for  we  do  not  read”any  word 
 that  God  had  fpoken  concerning  this  child,  imlefs  Elkanah  confidered  the  words 
 of  Eli  as  the  oracles  of  God,  becaufe  he  was  high-prieft.  \’er.  27.  For  this 
 child  I  prayed,  and  the  Lord  hath  given  me  my  petition.  This  is  one  of  thofe  many 
 proofs  which  we  meet  with  in  feripture  of  the  efficacy  of  the  prayer  of  faith, 
 
F 
 
 I.  SAMUEL. 
 
 The  sin  of  Elis  sons^ 
 
 Hannah  presentetli  Samuel  to  the  Lord. 
 
 21  And  the  man  Elkanah,  and  all  his  houfe,  went  3  Talk  no  more  fo  exceeding  proudly  ;  let  not  ar- 
 
 pefore 
 
 "Clirift 
 
 cir.1171. 
 
 up  to  olfer  unto  the  Lord  the  yearly  iacrifice,  and 
 his  vow. 
 
 22  But  Hannah  went  not  up  ;  for  fhe  faid  unto  her 
 
 hufband,  /  rdll  not  go  up  until  the  child  be  weaned, 
 and  then  1  will  bring  him,  that  he  may  appear  before  i 
 the  Lord,  and  there  abide  for  ever.  ! 
 
 23  And  Elkanah  her  hnlband  faid  unto  her.  Do  i 
 what  feemeth  thee  good  ;  tarry  until  thou  have  weaned 
 him  ;  only  the  Lord  eftablilh  his  word.  So  the 
 
 rogance  come  out  of  your  mouth  :  for  the  Lord  is 
 God  of  knowledge,  and  by  him  aftions  are  wnghed.i — 
 
 4  'Ihe  bows  of  the  mighty  men  are  broken,  andfU'-b* 
 
 they  that  (tumbled  are  girded  with  Rrength.  ’ 
 
 5  They  that  were  full  have  Eired  out  themfelves  for 
 bread  ;  and  they  that  were  hungry  cealed  ;  lb  that  the 
 
 !  barren  hath  born  feven ;  and  Ihe  that  hath  many 
 children  is  waxed  feeble. 
 
 6  *  The  Lord  killeth  and  maketh  alive  :  he  bring- 
 
 iJltll  9  v.'***/  - - -  -  VWW  V-  - -  ^ 
 
 woman  abode,  and  gave  her  fonfuck  until  Ihe  weaned  j  erh  down  to  the  grave,  and  bnngeth  up. 
 
 32.  39. 
 Tobit 
 
 him. 
 
 [cir.  U65.  24  H  And  when  fhe  had  weaned  him,  (he  took  him  !|  bringeth  low,  and  lifteth  up. 
 
 I  up  with  her,  with  three  bullocks,  and  one  ephah  of 
 
 [  flour,  and  a  bottle  of  wine,  and  brought  him  into 
 
 1  Or,  houfe  of  the  Lord  in  Shiloh  :  and  the  child  was 
 
 returned 
 
 [  'j'hnve’ot '  25  And  they  flew  a  bullock,  and  brought  the  child 
 
 7  The  Lord  maketh  poor,  and  maketh  rich:  he  is.  2. 
 
 tained  by 
 petition 
 to  the 
 
 'LORD- 
 
 .  II  0‘-- 
 
 he  whom 
 Jkve  ob¬ 
 tained  by 
 petition 
 shall  be 
 returned. 
 
 to  Eli. 
 
 26  And  fhe  faid,  Oh,  my  lord  !  as  thy  foul  liveth, 
 my  lord,  1  am  the  woman  that  flood  by  thee  here, 
 praying  unto  the  Lord. 
 
 27  For  this  child  1  prayed ;  and  the  Lord  hath 
 given  me  my  petition  which  I  afleed  of  him  : 
 
 28  1  herefore  alfo  I  have  1|  lent  him  to  the  Lord  ; 
 as  long  as  he  liveth  ||  he  fliall  be  lent  to  the  Lord. 
 And  he  worflflpped  the  Lor.d  there.* 
 
 CHAP.  II. 
 
 1  Hannah’s  fong  in  thankjulnefs  to  God.  12  The  pn  of  Eli’s  fans.  18 
 Samuel’s  minijlry.  20  Sy  Eli’s  blejftng  Hannah  is  more  fruitful.  22 
 Eli  reproveth  his  sons.  27  /i  prophecy  againji  Eli’s  house. 
 
 And  Hannah  prayed,  and  faid.  My  heart  re- 
 joiceih  in  the  Lord  ;  mine  horn  is  exalted  in 
 the  i.oRD  ;  my  mouth  is  enlarged  over  mine  ene- 
 mies ;  becaufel  rejoice  in  thy  falvation. 
 
 2  There  A  none  holy  as  the  Lord  :  for  there  A  none 
 befides  t.uee;  neither  is  t/ure  ^ny  reck  like  our  God. 
 
 Wifdom 
 
 8  “  He  raifeth  up  the  poor  out  of  the  dull, 
 lifteth  up  the  beggar  from  the  dunghill,  to  fet  them  ns.  a. 
 
 among  princes,  and  to  make  them  inherit  the  throne 
 of  glory  :  for  the  pillars  of  the  earth  dre  the  Lord’s, 
 and  he  hath  let  the  world  upon  them. 
 
 9  He  will  keep  the  feet  of  his  faints,  and  the  wicked 
 fliall  be  filent  in  daiknels  ;  for  by  flrecgtri  flail  no 
 man  prevail. 
 
 10  I  he  adverfaries  of  the  Lord  flail  be  broken  to 
 pieces  ;  out  of  heaven  flail  he  thunder  upon  them  : 
 the  Lord  flail  judge  the  ends  of  the  earth  ;  and  he^' 
 flail  give  ftrength  unto  his  king,  and  exalt  tne  horn  of 
 his  anointed. 
 
 1 1  And  Elkanah  went  to  Ramah  to  his  houfe : 
 and  the  child  did  minifler  unto  the  Lord  before  Eli 
 the  prieft. 
 
 12  f  Now  the  Tons  of  Eli  were  fons  of  Belial ;  they 
 knew  not  the  Lord. 
 
 13  And  the  prieft’s  cuftom  with  the  people  teas,  that 
 when  any  man  ofiered  facrifice,  the  priefl’s  fervant 
 came,  while  the  flefl  was  in  feething,  with  a  flefh- 
 hook  of  three  teeth  in  his  hand  ; 
 
 14  And  he  ftruck  it  into  the  pan,  or  kettle,  or  cal¬ 
 dron,  or  pot;  all  that  the  flefl  hook  brought  up  the 
 
 j  efpecially  vclien  offered  up  in  tiie  houfe  of  the  Lord.  Ver.  28.  I  have  lent,  or 
 '  as  in  ver.  II.  I  will  give;  the  original  word  is  capable  of  the  fame  fignification, 
 ■  and  fliould  be  tramlated  alike  in  both  places.  As  long  as  he  liveth,  he  shall  be  lent 
 to  the  Lo  d ;  or  as  it  may  be  rendered,  All  the  days  that  he  shall  be  desired  for  the 
 Lord ;  tliat  is,  as  long  as  God  fliould  think  proper  to  employ  him  in  his  own 
 lioufe,  which  was  till  he  made  hiin  the  judge  of  Il'rael;  after  which,  he  was  not 
 fixed  at  Shiloii  but  vifited  Beth-el,  Gilgal,  and  Mizpeh.  And  he  worshipped  the 
 Lord  there ;  not  Eli,  nor  Elkanah;  but  young  Samuel,  who  is  the  fubjedl,  fpoken 
 of  in  this  and  the  foregoing  verfe,  and,  who  was  capable  of  worfliipping  God, 
 by  attending  to  the  various  parts  of  the  temporal  fervice  for  which  his  ftrength 
 qualified  him,  and  to  which  his  heart  was  early  inclined.  The  particle  there  is 
 emphatical,  fignifying  that  hereby  he  entered  himfelf  into  the  worfhip  and  fer¬ 
 vice  of  God  in  that  place,  to  which  he  was  devoted  by  his  parents.  Samuel  was 
 probably  above  three  years  old ;  not  only  weaned  from  thebreafl,  butalfo  habituated 
 lo  the  food  and  treatment  of  a  youth,  who  can  live  comfortably  without  bis  mother’s 
 care.  Til)  he  was  capable  of  thus  living,  he  could  not  be  of  any  ufe  in  the  fervice 
 of  the  temple. 
 
 ^EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  II.  Ver.  I.  And  Hannah  prayed.  Itwas 
 common  ampng  the  Hebrews  to  comprehend  hymns  under  the  name  of  prayers, 
 in  the  compoiition  of  which  holy  perfous  were  fometimes  affitled  by  divine 
 ||  inspiration.  My  mouth  is  enlarged  over  mine  enemies ;  that  is,  opened  wide  to 
 i  pour  forth  abundant  praifes  to  God,  and  to  give  a  full  anfwer  to  all  the  re- 
 iiProaches  of  mine  adverfaries  ;  whereas,  before,  it  was  fhut  through  grief  and 
 ,  Confufion.  Here  (he  manifefts  her  great  prudence,  piety,  and  modefty,  in  not 
 taming  Peninnah,  but  only  her  enemies  in  the  general.  Ver.  3.  Talk  no  more  .so 
 I  ^Oreding  proudly  Thou  Peninnah,  boaft  no  more  of  thy  numerous  offspring,  and 
 I'lpcak  no  more  fcorufully  of  me,  as  thou  haft  done.  Whether  Peninnah  was 
 
 the  objetft  addreffed  by  Plannah  or  not,  it  feems  plain  from  wEat  follows,  that 
 the  Spirit  by  whom  flie  fpoke  had  a  higher  objeeft  in  view,  even  all  the  enemies 
 of  God  and  his  church.  The  fentiments  and  fpirit  which  this  triumphant  fong 
 breathes,  (hew  that  it  bears  a  ftriking  refcmblance  to  the  fong  of  Mary,  the 
 mother  of  Meffiah,  whom  Samuel  in  feveral  refpeifts  prefigured,  Luke  i.  46 — 
 54.  Ver.  4.  Bows  of  ihe  mighty,  feem  here  to  denote  their  ftrength  of  which 
 they  boaft,  Pfal.  Ixiv.  6.  Ixvi.  5.  Ver._  5.  The  barren  hath  bom  seven.  Hannah 
 here  mixes  the  prophecy  with  her  hymn  of  praife,  foretelling  the  great  increafe  of 
 the  church  ;  for  the  word  stup/i  lignifies  a  multitude,  Prov.  xxiv.  16.  Ver.  8. 
 The  pillars  of  the  earth  are  the  Lord’s ;  that  is,  he  prefer ves  it  in  its  proper  place, 
 as  a  houfe  is  upheld  by  pillars  from  falling  into  ruins;  or  perhaps,  the  pillars 
 mean  the  princes  or  rulers  of  the  world,  whom  God  employs  to  preferve  the 
 inhabitants  from  total  confufion  and  mifery.  Rulers  are  frequently  called  the 
 corners,  or  eorner-ftoiies  of  the  land,  chap.  xiv.  38.  Judg.  xx.  2.  Zeph.  iii.  6. 
 Ver.  10.  He  shall  give  flrength  unto  his  king,  that  is  to  David,  who  was  appointed 
 by  God  in  the  room  of  Saul.  And  exalt  the  horn  of  his  anointed.  This  was  literally 
 fulfilled  in  David,  who  triumphed  over  all  his  enemies,  and  who  was  the  moft 
 eminent  type  of  the  great  king  of  all.  The  Lord  Christ ;  to  whom  thefe  words  in 
 the  fulleft  fenfe  belong,  whofedoTiiiiiio/i  is  an  everlojling  dominion,  and  his  kingdom, 
 that  udiich Piall  not  be  deflroyed. — The  word  MeJJiah  (anointed)  occurs  here  for  the 
 firft  time  in  the  facred  writings ;  feveral  had  before  prophefied  of  him,  but  Han¬ 
 nah  was  the  firft  that  mentioned  him  by  name. — Kimebi’s  remarks  on  this  verfe 
 are  too  remarkable  to  be  omitted.  “The  king  here  mentioned,”  fays  he,  “is 
 the  Meffiah,  of  whom  Hannah  fpoke  either  by  prophefy  or  tradition.”  Ver.  12* 
 They  knew  not  the  Lord.  Their  ignorance  of  God,  here  intimated,  is  metapho¬ 
 rical,  and  ferves  only  to  inform  us,  how  far  thefe  men,  though  priefts,  were 
 from  being  poffeffed  of  that  saving  knowledge  of  the  Lord,  which  alone  maketh  men 
 
 PRACTIC  L  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  I.]  A  family  divided  in  interefts  cannot  be  happy ;  and  they  bring  on  themfelves  redoubled  trouble  and  vexation, 
 who  dare  tranfgrefs  God’s  inftltution  of  marriage  to  obtain  pleafure.  Tliat  grief,  is  not  lefs  linfiil  than  diftrelfing,  which  diverts  our  minds  from  God,  and  the  com¬ 
 forts  that  we  have  in  him.  Diftrefs  ought  to  make  us  double  our  diligence  in  attending  on  the  ordinances  of  God.  Fervent  prayer  and  confidence  in  divine  mercy 
 are  certain  means  of  relief  to  broken  fpirits.  It  is  peculiarly  afflidling  to  have  the  godly  mifinterpreting  our  wreftlings  with  God  as  hypocrify  and  wickednefs.  lu- 
 Vrrious  repr  lach,  ought  however  to  be  anfwered  with  the  greateft  candour  and  ineeknefs.  And  the  guilty,  when  convinced,  ought  to  turn  their  finful  cenfures  int» 
 fervr  't  prayers  fur  the  injured  Early  and  earned;  devotions  are  the  heft  prediges  of  happy  days,  and  fuccefsful  undertakings  ;  and  nothing  but  woiks  of  neceliity  or 
 hiercy  ought  to  detain  us  from  the  foiemn  public  worfhip  of  God.  With  the  moft  diftiiiguiftied  expreffions  of  gratitude,  ought  we  to  commemorate  tlie  mercies  which 
 We  have  received  ia  anfwer  to  cur  prayers.  Children  are  the  Lord’s  property,  and  therefore  they  ought  to  be  devoted  to  his  fervice. 
 
A.  propel ecy  agnwst  FJi^s  house 
 prieft  loo for  himfelf. 
 
 I.  SAMUEL. 
 
 Chwft  himlelf.  So  they  did  in  Shiloh  unto 
 
 15  Alfo,  before  they  burnt  the  fat,  the  priea’s  fer- 
 vant  came,  and  faid  to  the  man  that  facrificed,  Give 
 
 j  prieft;  for  he  will  not  have  fod- 
 
 den  flelh  of  thee,  but  raw. 
 
 16  And  ij  any  man  faid  unto  him.  Let  them  not 
 rail  to  burn  the  fat  f  prelently,  and  the^i  take  as  much 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 as  on  the 
 
 day. 
 
 as  thy  foul  defireth;  then  he  would  anfwer  him.  Nay 
 
 d  Esod. 
 ■23.  4. 
 
 but  thou  (halt  give  it  me  now;  and  if  not  1  will  take 
 2t  bv  force. 
 
 17  Wherefore  the  fin  of  the  young  men  was  very 
 great  before  the  Lord  ;  for  men  abhorred  the  offer¬ 
 ing  of  the  Lord. 
 
 IcS  f  But  Samuel  miniftered  before  the  Lord, 
 beittg  a  child,  ^  girded  with  a  linen  ephod. 
 
 19  Moreover,  his  mother  made  him  a  little  coat,  and 
 brought  it  to  him  from  year  to  year,  when  fhe  came 
 up  with  her  hufband  to  offer  the  yearly  facrifice. 
 
 20^  And  Eli.bleffed  Elkanah  and  his  wife,  and 
 faid.  The  Lord  give  thee  feed  of  this  woman  for  the 
 II  loan  which  is  lent  to  the  Lord.  And  they  went 
 unto  their  own  home. 
 
 21  And  the  Lord  vlfited  Hannah,  fo  that  fhe  con¬ 
 ceived,  and  bare  three  fons  and  two  daughters.  And 
 the  child  Samuel  grew  before  the  Lord. 
 
 22  1  Now  Eli  was  very  old,  and  heard  all  that  his 
 Tons  did  unto  all  Ifrael ;  and  how  they  lay  with  the 
 women  that  f  affembled  at  the  door  of  the  tabernacle 
 
 rZo  t  congregation. 
 
 ^  ^  23  And  he  (aid  unto  them,  Whv  do  ye  fuch  things  ? 
 
 I)  Or,  n  T  .  . ' 
 
 i(  Or,;>e- 
 tUion 
 U'hich  she 
 mdted,  ^c. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 I  hear  ^  your  evil  dealings  by  all  this  people. 
 
 evil  words  Naj,  m.y  fons  :  for  it  is  no  good  report  that  I 
 
 of  you.  hear;  ye  make  the  Lord^s  people  ||  to  tranfgrefs. 
 
 II  Or,  ^  25  If  one  man  fin  againft  another,  the  judge  fhall 
 
 tocryout.  him  :  but  if  a  man  fin  againft  the  Lord,  who 
 
 fhall  entreat  for  him  ?  Notwithftanding  they  hearkened 
 net  unto  the  voice  of  their  father,  becaul'e  the  Lord 
 would  flay  them. 
 
 26  And  the  child  Samuel  grew  on,  and  was  in  fa¬ 
 vour  both  with  the  Lord,  and  alfo  with  men. 
 
 27  If  And  there  came  a  man  of  God  unto  Eli,  and 
 
 wise  unto  solvation.  For  we  are  told  in  the  following  verfes,  that  they  domineer¬ 
 ed  over  the  men,  and  debauched  the  women  at  their  very  devotions;  that  they 
 •were  fo  far  from  being  contented  with  the  portion  which  God  had  allotted 
 them  as  priefls,  that  they  forced  from  the  people,  even  before  they  made  their 
 oblations,  what  part  of  the  facrifice  they  pleafed  ;  and  that  thefe  pra<5lices  gave 
 fo  general  a  ditguft,  that  religion  grew  into  contempt,  and  the  worfhip  of  God 
 came  to  be  difuled,  for  men  abhorred  the  offering  of  the  Lord.  Ver,  18.  The 
 ephod  of  the  high  prieft  was  very  rich  ;  but  there  were  other  kinds  of  ephods, 
 2  Sam.  vi.  14.  rather  honorary  than  facred  ;  and  one  of  thefe  Samuel,  when  a 
 child,  was  ordered  by  the  high  prieft  to  wear.  Ver.  21.  And  the  child  Samuel 
 grew  ;  not  only  in  ftature,  but  alfo  in  wifdom  and  knowledge.  Ver.  23,  24.  Mliy 
 do  ye  such  things  ?  This  reproof  is  given  in  the  language  of  an  Indulgent  father, 
 not  that  of  a  jealous  judge,  who  ought  to  have  puniftied  them  for  fuch  notorious 
 crimes  as  they  were  guilty  of,  in  an  exemplary  manner.  Ver.  25.  Nohvilhjland- 
 ing  they  hearkened  not  unto  the  voice  of  their  lathers,  because  the  Lord  would Jlay 
 them.  The  words  rr.ay  be  rendered,  “  But  they  refufed  to  hearken  to  the  voice 
 of  their  father,  and  therefore  the  Eord  would  flay  them.”  Ver.  27.  And  there 
 came  a  man  of  God  unto  Eli.  Who  this  prophet  was  is  not  agreed  upon  ;  fome 
 will  have  him  to  be  Phinehas,  the  fon  of  Eleazer;  fome  Elkanah,  Samtiel’s 
 father;  and  others,  Samuel  himfelf ;  amidft  all  this  uncertainty,  therefore,  the 
 fafeft  and  moft  ingenious  way  is,  to  acknowledge  our  ignorance  of  what  the 
 
 for  the  •wichedness  of  hh  , 
 
 /  "IS  Soi;j^  ^ 
 
 him.  Thus  faith  the  Lord,^  Did  I  plainly  % 
 
 appear  unto  the  houl'e  of  thy  father,  when  they  wpi-I 
 
 in  r.p^nf  in  Phovonb’o  bz-infa  3  ^ 
 
 Ck 
 
 in  Egypt  in  Pharaoh’s  houfe?  'cir.i,' 
 
 28  And  did  I  choofe  him  out  of  all  the  tribes  of^"' 
 Ifrael  to  be  my  prieft,  to  offer  upon  mine  altar,  to  burn 
 incenfe,  to  wear  an  ephod  before  me  ?  and  ®  did  I 
 
 give  unto  the  houfe  of  thy  father  all  the  offer  in 
 
 [el. 
 
 !gS  It 
 
 ■etii 
 
 made  by  fire  of  the  children  of  Ifrael  ? 
 
 29  Wherefore  kick  ye  at  my  facrifice,  and  at  mine 
 
 offering,  which  I  have  commanded  in  my  habitation* 
 and  honourtft  thy  fons  above  me,  to  make  yourfelves 
 fat  with  the  chief'eft  of  all  the  offerings  of  Ifrael  mv 
 people  ?  ^ 
 
 30  Wherefore  the  Lord  God  of  Ifrael  faith,  I  faid 
 
 indeed,  that  thy  houfe,  and  the  houfe  of  thy  father, 
 fhould  walk  before  me  for  ever  :  but  now  the  Lord 
 faith.  Be  it  far  from  me  ;  for  them  that  honour  me  I 
 will  honour,  and  they  that  defpife  me  fhall  be  lightly 
 efteemed.  ^ 
 
 31  Behold,  the  days  come,  that  I  will  cut  off  thine 
 arm,  and  the  arm  of  thy  father’s  houfe,  that  there 
 fhall  not  be  an  old  man  in  thine  houfe. 
 
 32  And  thou  fhalt  fee  |i  an  enemy  in  my  habitation,  i  Ok, 
 
 in  all  the  'wealth  which  God  fhall  give  Ifrael ;  and  there 
 fhall  not  be  an  old  man  in  thine  houfe  for  ever.  ' 
 
 33  And  the  man  of  thine,  whom  I  fhall  not  cut  offjorojiu 
 
 from  mine  altar,  to  confuine  thine  eyes,  and"’«'>w 
 
 to  grieve  thine  heart:  and  all  the  increafe  of  thine’"'®*® 
 houfe  fhall  die  t  in  the  flower  of  their  age. 
 
 34  And  this  shall  be  a  fign  unto  thee,  that  fhall  come  W 
 upon  thy  two  fons,  on  Hophni  and  Phinehas  ;  in  onet^'i^ 
 day  they  fhall  die  both  of  them. 
 
 35  And  I  will  raife  me  up  a  faithful  prieft,  that  fhall 
 do  according  to  that  which  is  in  mine  heart,  and  in  my 
 mind  :  and  I  will  build  him  a  fure  houfe  ;  and  he  fhall 
 walk  before  mine  Anointed  for  ever. 
 
 36  And  it  (hall  come  to  pafs,  that  every  one  that  is 
 left  in  thine  houfe  fhall  come  and  crouch  to  him  for  a  |  Heb. 
 piece  of  filver,  and  a  morfel  of  bread,  and  fhall  fay,/™, 
 t  Put  me,  I  pray  thee,  into  |l  one  of  the  prieft’s* offices,  II 
 that  I  may  eat  a  piece  of  bread.* 
 
 yrujtk 
 
 facred  hiftorlans  has  tiot  Ihought  proper  to  difeover  to  iis.  Ver,  31.  Behold, 
 days  come  that  1  will  cut  off  thine  arm  and  the  arm  of  thy  father's  house. 
 is  a  parabolical  expreflion  of  the  prophets,  to  fignify  unto  Eli,  God’s  intention 
 degrading  his  family  from  the  dignity  of  the  priefthood.  The  high  prieft  wasjt 
 ginally  fettled  upon  Eleazar,  the  fon  of  Aaron,  by  a  divine  decree  ;  but  that  deci 
 being  conditional  only,  it  is  reafonable  to  prefume,  that  for  fome  great  offence 
 Eleazar’s  family  (though  not  recorded  in  feripture)  God  was  provoked  to  renio 
 this  dignity  into  the  family  of  Ithamar,  who  was  Aaron’s  youngeft  fon,  andfre 
 whom  Eli  defeended  ;  and  here,  from  the  abominable  pra^lices  of  his  fons,  whi( 
 he  was  too  negligent  to  reftrain.  God  threatens  to  tranflate  the  prieftlicdd  bac 
 again  from  the  family  of  Ithamar  into  that  of  Eleazar;  which  accordingly  iia|) 
 pened  in  the  reign  of  king  Solomon,  who  depofed  Abiathar,  the  laft  of  Eli’s  li« 
 in  the  pontificate,  and  fet  up  Zadok  in  his  ftoad,  whofe  race  continued  to  holdlk 
 office  till  after  the  Babylonian  captivity,  Ezek.  xliv.  1 5.  and  as  far  as  we  kiio< 
 till  Chrift’s  coming,  which  fuperceded  the  Levitical  priefthood.  There  shnllin 
 be  an  old  man  ;  that  is,  an  elder,  or  one  capable  of  enjoying  any  poll  of  dignity c 
 honour.  Ver.  32.  Thou  shalt  see  an  enemy  in  my  habitation.  In  the  mai'gin  ili 
 rendered,  Thou  shalt  see  the  offliClion  of  the  tnbrrnacle  ;  which  lie  did  ;  for  he  f»' 
 the  tabernacle  deprived  of  its  glory,  the  ark  of  the  Lord,  and  heard  that  it 
 taken  by  the  Ehiliftines. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  II.]  Praife  in  the  months  of  the  righteous  is  pleafant.  How  delightfully  does  rfannah  celebrate  the  perfeiilic'' 
 of  Jehovah,  and  his  abundant  mercy  in  hearing  her  prayers ;  and  how  fwectly  does  ftie  triumph  in  having  this  God  for  her  Rock,  and  the  horn  and  priiice  of 
 falvation.  Oh  !  for  grace  to  adopt  the  fame  affurance  of  faith,  and  in  the  contemplation  of  his  rich  mercies  to  blefs  his  name  for  ever  and  ever.  Impious  itiinilb' 
 merit  the  fharpeft  rebuke  ;  and  their  contempt  of  reproof  is  an  awful  prelude  of  near  and  certain  deftrudlion.  Parents’  unreafonable  indulgence  of  their  cbildf®! 
 may  occafion  fearful  calamities  to  their  family  and  nation  ;  but  the  moft  aflTeifting  judgments  feem  referved  for  children  who  contemn  parental  authority.  The  mok 
 remarkable  the  favours  that  have  been  abufed,  the  more  tremendous  judgments  are  to  be  dreaded.  God  will  never  want  inftruments  to  carry  it  on;  they  arf  l'* 
 greateft  loofers  who  defert  it,  or  prove  unfaithful  to  it.  The  church  is  founded  on  a  rock,  againft  which  the  gates  of  hell  (hall  never  prevail. 
 
I.  SAMUEL. 
 
 llow  Lord  called  Samuel,  4'C>  ' 
 
 A 
 
 Pefore  CHAP.  III. 
 
 Clirid  j  jjojf)  iJie  word  of  the  Lord  was  firjl  revealed  to  Samuel.  11  God  telleth 
 cir.  1 165.  Samuel  the  deJlruSlion  of  Eli's  hou/e.  1  5  Samuel,  though  loath,  telleth 
 Eli  the  vifion.  1 8  Samuel  growelh  in  credit. 
 
 ND  the  child  Samuel  miniftered  unto  the  Lord 
 ^  before  Eli.  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  was 
 ^eclous  in  thofe  days  ;  there  'mas  no  open  vifion. 
 
 2  And  it  came  to  pafs  at  that  time,  when  Eli  voas 
 laid  down  in  his  place,  and  his  eyes  began  to  wax  dim, 
 that  he  could  not  fee  ; 
 
 3  And  ere  the  lamp  of  God  went  out  in  the  temple 
 of  the  Lord,  where  the  ark  of  God  was,  and  Samuel 
 was  laid  down  to  sleep ; 
 
 4  That  the  Lord  called  Samuel :  and  he  anfwered. 
 Here  am.  1.' 
 
 5  And  he  ran  unto  Eli,  and  faid,  Elere  am  I ;  for 
 thou  calledft  me.  And  he  faid,  I  called  not ;  lie  down 
 again.  And  he  went  and  lay  down. 
 
 6  And  the  Lord  called  yet  again,  Samuel.  And 
 Samuel  arofe,  and  went  to  Eli,  and  faid.  Here  am  I ; 
 
 I  Or,  for  thou  didft  call  me. '  And  he  anfwered,  1  called  not. 
 
 Thus  did  .  jjg  (]own  again. 
 
 ^rehe  7  II  Now  Samuel  did  not  yet  know  the  Lord,  neither 
 inewthe  was  the  word  of  the  Lord  yet  revealed  unto  him. 
 LOEB  3  And  the  Lord  called  Samuel  again  the  third  time. 
 ‘thewoiT  arofe,  and  went  to  Eli,  and  faid,  Here  am  I ; 
 
 *cfthe  for  thou  didft  call  me.  And  Eli  perceived  that  the 
 LORD  Lord  had  called  the  child. 
 
 wasre-  g  Therefore  Eli  faid  unto  Samuel,  Go,  lie  down  ; 
 mtlhim.^^^  it  fhall  be,  if  he  call  thee,  that  thou  (halt  fay, 
 a  2  Kings  Speak,  Lord  ;  for  thy  fervant  heareth.  So  Samuel 
 21. 12.  and  lay  down  in  his  place. 
 
 le^lnin'r  Lord  came,  and  ftood,  and  called  as 
 
 and  end-  at  Other  timcs,  Samuel,  Samuel.  Then  Samuel  an- 
 ing.  fwered.  Speak  ;  for  thy  fervant  heareth. 
 
 II  11  H  And  the  Lord  faid  to  Samuel,  Behold,  I  will 
 
 tiuieii  ^  thing  in  Ifrael,  ®  at  which  both  the  ears  of  every 
 
 him,  j:c.  one  that  heareth  it  (hall  tingle. 
 
 b  Chap.  12  In  that  day  I  will  perform  againft  Eli  all  thwgs 
 gj  which  I  have  fpoken  concerning  his  houle  :  f  when  1 
 II  Or,  ’  begin,  1  will  a  fo  make  an  end. 
 
 accurfed.  13  II  For  I  have  told  him,  that  I  will  judge  his 
 t  H®!*-  houfe  for  ever,  for  the  iniquity  which  he  knoweth  ; 
 
 becaufe  his  fons  made  themfelves  H  vile,  and  he  t  re- 
 them.  ftrained  them  not. 
 
 EXPL.^NATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  III.  Ver.  1.  Precious,  implies 
 scarce.  Whatever  revelations  God  might  think  proper  to  impart  to  fome  pious 
 peifons  privately,  there  was  at  this  time  none  publicly  acknowledged  for  a  prophet, 
 unto  whom  the  people  might  rcfort  to  know  the  mind  of  God.  Ver.  4.  Called 
 Samuel ;  by  an  audible  voice  out  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  Lord,  according  to  the 
 Chaldee.  Ver.  7.  Now  Samuel  did  not  yet  know  the  Lord.  He  was  ignorant  of 
 the  manner  ira  which  God  revealed  his  mind  unto  the  prophets.  Ver.  8.  The  third 
 time.  This  repetition  of  the  voi<ie  induced  Eli  to  conclude  that  it  was  the  Lord  ; 
 by  which  means  he  was  difpofed  to  give  credit  to  what  Samuel  fliould  tell  him,  as 
 an  oracle  of  God.  Ver,  1 1.  Ears  /hull  tingle ;  a  phrafe  denoting  the  dreadful  na¬ 
 ture  of  the  tidings.  This  is  an  aliufion  to  the  found,  or  tingling  excited  in  the 
 ears,  by  a  tremendous  tempeft,  a  thunder,  or  any  hideous  noife,  Jer.  xix.  3.  Ver. 
 18.  It  is  the  Lord  ;  let  him  do  what  f  emeth  him  good.  Eli  feems  to  have  been 
 more  deeply  affeAed  by  this  meffage  from  God  by  the  mouth  of  an  artlefs  child, 
 than  by  the  denunciation  of  the  prophet  in  the  foregoing  chapter ;  for  he  here  hum¬ 
 bly  acknowledges  the  ju dice  of  God,  and  fubmits'lo  bis  lentence  with  a  penitent 
 refignation.  ^  er.  19.  And  the  Lon! — let  none  of  his  words  fall  to  the  ground  :  that 
 is,  let  none  of  bis  words  wanteffedt  orfucceft,  but  accomplilbed  all  his  predidtions. 
 
 The  Israelites  overcorye  Ij  the  Philistines^ 
 
 14  And  therefore  I  have  fworn  untG  the  heufe  c( 
 
 Eli,  that  the  iniquity  of  Eli’s  houfe  (hall  not  be  purg-j.;^ 
 ed  with  facrifice  nor  oft'ering  (or  ever.  _ 
 
 15  U  And  Samuel  lay  until  the  morning,  and  open¬ 
 ed  the  doors  of  the  houfe  of  the  Lord.  And  Samuel 
 feared  to  (hew  Eli  the  vifion. 
 
 JG  Then  Eli  called  Samuel,  and  faid,  Samuel,  my 
 (bn.  And  he  anfwered,  here  am  I. 
 
 17  And  he  faid,  What  is  the  thing  that  the  LOUD 
 hath  faid  unto  thee  ?  1  pray  thee  hide  it  not  from 
 
 me :  God  do  fo  to  thee,  and  f  more  alfo,  if  thou  hidet  ”eb. 
 any  H  thing  from  me  of  all  the  things  that  he  (aid  unto*" 
 
 thee.  _  word. 
 
 18  And  Samuel  told  him  f  every  whir,  a  hid  y  iieb. 
 nothing  from  him.  And  he  faid.  It  is  the  Lord  ; 
 
 him  do  what  feemeth  him  good.  _ 
 
 19  ^  And  Samuel  grew,  and  the  Lord  was  with 
 him,  and  did  let  none  of  his  words  fall  to  the  ground. 
 
 20  And  all  Ifrael,  from  Dan  even  to  Beer-(heba, 
 
 knew  that  Samuel  was  ||  eftablKhed  to  be  a  prophet  of  0  Or, 
 the  Lord.  .  . 
 
 21  And  the  Lord  appeared  again  in  Shiloh :  for 
 the  Lord  revealed  himlelf  to  Samuel  in  Shiloh  by  the 
 word  of  the  Lord.* 
 
 CHAP.  IV. 
 
 1  The  Ifraelites  are  overcome  by  the  Philistines  at  Eben-ezer ;  3  They 
 fetch  the  ark,  to  the  terror  of  the  Philistines  ;  10  They  are  f mitten  again, 
 the  ark  taken  Hoykni  and  Phitiehas  are Jlain.  12  Eli  at  the  news 
 falling  backwad  breaketh  his  neck.  1 9  Phinehas'  wife,  difeouraged  in 
 her  travail  with  I-chabod,  dieth. 
 
 And  the  word  of  Samuel  H  t  came  to  all  Ifrael.  |  Or, 
 Now  Ifrael  went  out  agaiult  the  Pniliftines  to"""*®*" 
 battle,  and  pitched  befide  Eben-ezer  :  and  the  Philir--^"-^^^. 
 tines  pitched  in  Aphek.  was. 
 
 2  And  the  Phlliftines  put  themfelves  in  array  againft 
 Ifrael :  and  when  f  they  joined  battle,  Ifrael  was  fmit-t  Heb. 
 ten  before  the  Phlliftines  ;  and  they  (lew  of  f  the  array 
 in  the  field  about  four  thoufand  men.  _  fpread. 
 
 3  H  II  And  when  the  people  were  come  into  the  camp,  ^  neb. 
 the  elders  of  Ifrael  faid.  Wherefore  hath  the  Lord “rray. 
 fmitten  us  to-day  before  the  Philiftines  ?  Let  us  f  fetch 
 the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  the  Lord  out  of  Shiloh 
 unto  us,  that,  when  it  cometh  among  us,  it  may  fave  us. 
 us  out  of  the  hand  of  our  enemies. 
 
 4  So  the  people  fent  to  Shiloh,  that  they  might 
 bring  from  thence  the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  the  Lord 
 
 A  metapbor  taken  from  precious  liquors,  which,  when  fpilt  upon  the  ground 
 are  altogether  ufelefs  and  ineffedtual,  fee  Jolh.  xxi.  45.  1  Kings  viii.  56.  Either  ■ 
 vi.  10. 
 
 EXPLANATROY  NOTES.  Chap.  IV.  Ver.  1.  The  revelations  of  God 
 in  this  age  were  fo  few,  that  we  read  but  of  two  prophets  in  all  the  days  of  the 
 Judges,  Judg.  iv.  4.  vi.  8.  No  wonder  then  that  the  people  greatly  rejoiced, 
 when  they  perceived  that  the  Lord  had  appointed  Samuel  to  the  proplietical  office  ; 
 and  it  probably  was  from  the  great  expectation  they  had  of  the  divine  favour  in 
 renewing  this  order  of  men  among  them,  that  they  took  up  arms  in  order  to  rel'cue 
 themfelves  from  the  yoke  of  the  Philillines — Or,  (as  Mr  Poole  thinks)  the  follow¬ 
 ing  words  of  this  verle  may  lead  us  to  imagine,  that  by  the  word  oj  Samuel  here,  is 
 not  meant  the  word  of  prophecy,  but  the  word  of  command  that  all  Ifrael  Ihould 
 go  forth  to  fight  with  the  Philiftines,  that  lb  they  might  be  tirft  bumbled  and 
 p*uni(hed  for  their  fins,  and  fo  prepared  by  degrees  for  their  future  deliverance. 
 Eben-ezer.  A  name  given  to  this  place  from  a  future  great  event,  chap.  vii.  12. 
 t  er.  3.  Let  us  fetch  the  ark.  Inftead  of  the  performance  of  moral  duties,  humb¬ 
 ling  themfelves  deeply  for,  and  purging  themfelves  fpeedily  and  thoroughly  from 
 all  their,  fins,  for  which  God  was  difpleafed  with  them,  and  now  had  chaftifed 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  Ill  ]  God  in  great  and  uufolicited  mercy,  raifes  up  new  inftruments  to  execute  his  work,  when  others  have 
 proved  unfaithful.  Early  piety  is  often  honoured  with  fpecial  intimacy  with  God  :  and  it  becomes  aged  niinifters  to  rejoice  that  God  carries  on  his  work,  thoagh  it 
 Ihould  be  at  the  expence  of  their  difiionour  ;  and  to  be  ready  to  alTift.  thofe  whole  rifing  glory  may  feein  to  eclipfe  their  own,  remembering  what  is  written,  “  Ileniuft 
 increafe,  hut  I  mull  decreafe. ”  How  feverely  God  chaftifes  his  pecjple  and  their  fiin.ilic'S,  for  their  fins ;  and  furely  they  need  the  moll  abundant  grace  to  render  them 
 refigned  to  their  challifements  ;  and  yet  refignation  is  the  proper  end  only  way  to  alleviate  their  trials.  How  ftriking  the  difiimllarity  between  the  characters  of  the 
 Wary  Eli  and  young  Samuel,  and  yet  both  were  precious  in  the  fight  of  the  Lord ;  and  to  w  hat  lliall  we  aferihe  the  differences,  but  to  the  fovereign  wiU,  and  rich 
 grace  of  the  Lord.  Oh  !  that  we  may  unfeignedly  acquiefee  in  the  will  of  him  who  doth  all  things  well. 
 
 No.  3  Y 
 
The  manner  of  FM*s  death. 
 
 1.  SAMUEL. 
 
 hotts,  which  d\yelleth  hctivccn  the  chernbims :  and 
 
 The  ark  taken :  Dagon  smitten^  Sc 
 
 cir, 
 
 \  Heb. 
 
 yeJUrday 
 or  the 
 
 a  Judges 
 
 - y  VI.  t  C4.{  c/*  1 11^  v.iid  iiUiiii  T  •  aiiu 
 
 U41.  Uophni  and  Phinehas,  'ecere  there 
 
 with  the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  God. 
 
 5  And  when  the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  the  Lord 
 came  into  the  camp,  all  Ifrael  fttouted  with  a  great 
 Amur,  lb  that  the  earth  rang  again. 
 
 6  And  when  the  Philiftines  heard  the  noife  of  the 
 fhcut,  they  faid,  What  meaneth  the  noife  of  this  great 
 Ihout  in  the  camp  of  the  Hebrews  ?  and  they  under- 
 iiood  that  the  ark  of  the  Lor.d  was  come  into  the 
 camp. 
 
 7  And  the  Philiftines  were  afraid ;  for  they  faid, 
 God  is  come  into  the  camp.  And  they  faid,  Woe  unto 
 us  !  for  there  hath  not  been  Inch  a  thing  f  heretofore. 
 
 8  W  ;e  unto  us  !  who  fhall  deliver  us  cut  of  the 
 third  day.  hand  of  thefe  mighty  Gods.^  thefe  are  the  Gods  that 
 
 fmote  tile  Egyptians  with  all  the  plagues  in  the  wil- 
 dernefs. 
 
 9  Be  ftrong  and  quit  yourfelves  like  men,  O  ye 
 Phililfines !  that  ye  be  not  fervants  unto  the  Hebrews, 
 ®  as  they  have  been  to  you  ;  f  quit  yourfelves  like  men, 
 and  fight. 
 
 \eiLn.  ^  Philiftines  fought,  and  Ifrael  was 
 
 frritten,  and  they  fled  every  man  into  his  tent  ;  and 
 there  was  a  very  great  flaughter:  for  there  fell  of 
 Ifrael  thirty  thoufand  footmen. 
 
 11  And  the  ark  of  God  was  taken;  and  the  two 
 fans  of  Eli.  Hophni  and  Phinehas,  f  were  (lain. 
 
 12  H  And  tnere  ran  a  man  of  Benjamin  out  of  the 
 army,  and  came  to  Shiloh  the  fame  day,  with  his 
 clothes  rent,  and  with  earth  upon  his  head. 
 
 13  And  when  he  came,  lo,  Eli  fat  upon  a  feat  by 
 the  way-lide  watching  :  for  his  heart  trembled  for  the 
 ark  of  God.  And  when  the  man  came  into  the  city, 
 and  told  it,  all  the  city  cried  cut. 
 
 H  And  when  Eli  heard  the  noife  of  the  crying,  he 
 faid.  What  meaneth  the  noife  of  this  tumult  ?  And  the 
 man  came  in  haftily  and  told  Eli. 
 
 15  Now'  Eli  was  ninety  and  eight  years  old  ;  and 
 h's  eyes  f  were  dim,  that  he  could  not  fee. 
 
 16  And  the  man  faid  unto  Eli,  I  am  he  that  came 
 out  of  the  army,  and  1  fled  to-day  out  of  the  army. 
 And  he  faid,  Wnat  f  is  there  done,  my  fon  ? 
 
 l^  And  the  meffenger  anfwered  and  faid,  Ifrael  is 
 fled  before  the  Pniiiflines,  and  there  hath  been  alfo 
 
 t  Heb, 
 died. 
 
 b  Chap. 
 3.  2. 
 f  Heb. 
 Jlood. 
 f  Heb. 
 is  the 
 thing. 
 
 a  great  flaughter  among  the  people  ;  and  thy  two  fons 
 allb,  Hophni  and  Phinehas,  are  dead  ;  and  the  ark  of  . 
 
 God  is  taken.  ""*• 
 
 18  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  he  made  mention 
 the  ark  of  God,  that  he  fell  from  oft  the  feat  backward, 
 by  the  fide  of  the  gate,  and  his  neck  brake,  and  he 
 died  ;  for  he  was  an  old  man,  and  heavy  :  and  he  had 
 judged  Ifrael  forty  years. 
 
 J9  ^  And  his  daughter-in-law,  Phinehas’  wife,  was 
 with  child,  yicar  1|  to  be  delivered  :  and  when  fhe  heard  il  Or, 
 the  tidings  that  the  ark  of  God  was  taken,  and  that*°‘^’^^“’*'- 
 her  father-in-law  and  her  hufband  w'ere  dead,  fhe 
 bowed  herfelf  and  travailed;  for  her  pains  f  came  f  Heb. 
 upon  her. 
 
 20  And  about  the  time  of  her  death  the  women 
 that  flood  by  her  (aid  unto  her,  Eear  not ;  for  thou 
 
 haft  born  a  fon.  But  (he  anfwered  not,  f  neither  did  f  Hetj- 
 fhe  regard  ?7.  ^etnotkr 
 
 21  And  fhe  named  the  child  |1  I-chabod,  faying,  |  That  is, 
 The  glory  is  departed  from  Ifrael:  (becaufe  the  zrk  fi^here is' 
 of  God  was  taken,  and  becaufe  of  her  father-in-law, 
 
 and  her  hufband  :) 
 
 22  And  (he  faid.  The  glory  is  departed  from  Ifrael  ;  no  glory, 
 for  the  ark  of  God  is  taken.* 
 
 CHAP.  V. 
 
 1  The  Philistines  having  brought  the  ark  into  ^shdod,  set  it  in  the  house  of 
 P):!gon.  .S  Dagon  is  smitten  down,  and  cut  in  pieces.  6  The  men  of 
 Ashdod  are  smitten  with  enierods.  8  So  God  dealeth  with  them  of  Gath 
 when  it  was  brought  thither.  10  And  so  with  them  of  Ekron,  whin  it 
 was  brought  thither. 
 
 ND  the  Philiftines  took  the  ark  of  God,  and 
 brought  it  from  Eben-ezer  unto  Afhdod. 
 
 2  When  the  Philiftines  rook  the  ark  of  God,  they 
 brought  it  into  the  houfe  of  Dagon,  and  fet  it  by 
 Dagon. 
 
 ^  And  when  they  of  Afhdod  arofe  early  on  the 
 molyow,  behold,  Dagon  was  fallen  upon  his  face  to 
 the  earth  before  the  ark  of  the  Lord.  And  they 
 took  Dagon,  and  fet  him  in  his  place  again. 
 
 4  And  when  they  arofe  early  on  the  morrow  morn¬ 
 
 ing,  behold,  Dagon  was  fallen  upon  his  face  to  the' 
 ground  before  the  ark  of  the  Lord  ;  and  the  head  of 
 Dagon,  and  both  the  palms  of  his  hands,  xi-ere  cut  off 
 upon  the  threftiold  ;  only  11  the  stump  qj  Dagon  was  il  Or, 
 left  to  him.  thephy 
 
 5  Therefore  neither  the  priefts  of  Dagon,  nor  any^'“'^^’ 
 
 them ;  they  take  an  eafier  epurfe,  and  put  their  truft  in  ceremonial  obfervances, 
 not  douljting  but  the  very  prefence  of  the  ark  would  give  them  viiflory  ;  and  there¬ 
 fore  they  defervedly  met  with  a  fad  difappoihtment.  Ver.  9.  Servants  unto  the 
 Hebrews,  as  they  have  been  to  you.  The  Ifraelitcs  had  been  partially  fubjei5t  to  the  ! 
 Philiftines  all  the  time  of  Eli  and  Samfon  ;  and  this  argument  muft  have  been  of  I 
 great  eflfedl  to  ani  Mate  them  to  preferve  their  fiiperiority.  Ver.  12.  JVith  his 
 clothes  rent,  and  earth  upon  his  head.  This  was  the  ancient  manner  of  exprefling 
 forrow,  and  in  ufe  both  among  the  Hebrews  and  other  nations,  Jofti.  vii.  6.  Job  ii. 
 12.  Ver.  13.  Eli  sat  upon  a  seat  by  the  way-fale.  He  bad  caufed  a  feat  to  be 
 placed  for  him  by  the  gate  of  the  city,  that  he  might  hear  any  tidings  that  came 
 from  the  armj’.  His  heart  trembled  jor  the  ark  of  God  :  left  it  fliould  fall  into  the 
 hands  of  the  uncirciimcifed  Thiliftines,  who  would  triumph  upon  it,  while  the 
 heart  of  every  honeft  Ifraelite  would  be  grieved  for  the  dilhonour  fuch  an  event 
 would  bring  upon  tlie  true  God.  Ver.  18.  And  when  he  made  mention  of  the  ark 
 of  God.  Eii,  though  too  indulgent  a  father,  was  not  fo  affedled  at  hearing  of  the 
 death  of  his  fons,  and  the  flaughter  of  the  people,  as  at  hearing  tliat  the  ark  of 
 God  was  taken.  This  was  a  flroke  too  heavy  for  him  to  bear  ;  he  funk  under  it, 
 dropped  from  his  feat,  and  expired.  Thus  though  Eli  is  a  melancholy  example 
 
 of  the  fatal  effe(5ls  of  the  ill  timed  fondnefs  of  a  parent ;  yet  he  is  worthy  of 
 imitation  in  his  great  regard  for  the  glory  of  God  ;  to  preierve  and  advance 
 which,  he  would  have  facrificed  whatever  was  moll  dear  and  valuable  to  him, 
 either  as  a  parent  or  a  governor.  Ver.  21.  And  she  named  the  child  I-chabod  i 
 that  is.  Inglorious,  for  the  reafon  given  in  the  text.  The  glory  is  departed  from* 
 Israel. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  V.  Ver.  2.  When  the  Philiftines  took 
 the  ark  of  God  they  brought  it  into  the  houfe  o/  Dagon.  It  appears  from  the  fore¬ 
 going  chapter,  that  the  Philiftines  imagined  the  ark  of  God  to  be  God  himfclfj 
 for  which  reafon,  and  in  compliance  with  the  then  eftabliftied  cuftom,  they  carried 
 it  in  triumph,  and  depofited  it  in  the  houfe  or  temple  of  their  god  Dagon.  That 
 it  was  ufual  with  the  ancient  heathens  to  carry  in  triumph  the  gods  of  their 
 vanquiflied  enemies,  appears  from  Ifa.  xlvi.  1,  2.  Dan.  xi.  8.  Jer.  xliii.  7.  Amos 
 i.  15.  Ver.  4.  Only  theftunip  of  Dagon.  Heb  only  Dagon;  that  is,  that  part  of 
 it  from  which  it  was  called  Dagon,  to  wit,  the  fifliy  part  of  it,  for  Dag,  in  Hebrew 
 fignifies  a  fifti.'  The  head  and  the  hands  of  the  idol  were  cut  off,  to  fignify  that 
 he  had  neither  wifdom  nor  ftrength  to  defend  himfelf,  and  confequently,  it 
 1  was  vain  to  truft  in  him.  Ver.  5.  Therefore  neither  the  priests,  <Jc.  tread  on  the 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  IV.]  Lefler  judgments  only  exafperate  hardened  finners  ;  while  they  glory  in  their  external  forms  and  privi¬ 
 leges.  How  near  the  hearts  of  tlie  faints,  do  the  ark  and  church  of  God  lie  !  They  caunot  contemplate  the  miferiesof  the  church  without  being  deeply  affeaed  with 
 forrow.  Should  ever  we  behold  the  gofpel  removed  from  us;  the  fun  going  down  on  the  ordinances;  and  our  precious  fabbaths,  and  gofpel  feafts  cut  Ihort;  nel 
 niitrht  we  write  on  all  that  might  remain,  I-chabod,  the  glory  is  departed.  Draw  near,  ye  carelefs,  ye  over-indulgent  parents,  and  tremble;  behold  in  what  ruin  to 
 vour  families  and  nation  your  condua  may  iifue.  See  the  melancholy  clofe  of  Eli’s  life,  and  be  affured  that  God  will  not  pafs  over  even  the  iniquities  of  his  people. 
 But  chiefly  ye  minifters  of  God,  be  very  zealous  for  his  honour,  who  hath  appointed  you  for  watchmen,  on  Zion’s  walls;  Cry  aloud  !  and  fpare  not!  lift  up  youf 
 voices  like  trumpets,  and  fliew  the  people  their  tranfgreffions,  and  the  houfe  of  Ifrael  their  fins. 
 
The  Philistines  send  bach  the 
 
 I.  SAMUEL. 
 
 ark  -icith  a  frespass-r^ering. 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 1141. 
 
 cir. 
 
 a  Pfalm 
 78.  6'6. 
 
 that  come  into  Dagon’s  houfe,  tread  on  the  threfliold 
 of  Dagon  in  Afhdod  unto  this  day. 
 
 6  H  But  the  hand  of  the  Lord  was  heavy  upon  them 
 of  Alhdod,  and  he  deffroyed  them,  and  fmote  them 
 with  ^  emerods,  even  Afndod,  and  the  coaffs  thereof. 
 
 7  And  when  the  men  of  Afhdod  faw  that  it  -vcas 
 fo,  they  faid.  The  ark  of  the  God  of  Il'rael  fhall  not 
 abide  with  us  ;  for  his  hand  is  fore  upon  us,  and  upon 
 Dagon  our  god. 
 
 8  11  They  fent  therefore,  and  gathered  all  the  lords 
 of  the  Phililfines  unto  them,  and  faid,  What  fhall  we 
 do  with  the  ark  of  the  God  of  Ifrael?  and  they  an- 
 fwered.  Let  the  ark  of  the  God  of  Ifrael  be  carried 
 about  unto  Gath.  And  they  carried  the  ark  of  the 
 God  of  Ifrael  about  thither. 
 
 9  And  it  was  so,  that  after  they  had  carried  it 
 about,  the  hand  of  the  Lord  was  againfl  the  city 
 with  a  very  great  deftru^hon  :  and  he  fmote  the  men 
 of  the  city,  both  fmall  and  great,  and  they  had  eme¬ 
 rods  in  their  fecret  parts. 
 
 10  U  Therefore  they  fent  the  ark  of  God  to  Ekron. 
 And  it  came  to  pal's,  as  the  ark  of  God  came  to  Ek¬ 
 ron,  that  the  Ekvonites  cried  our,  faying,  They  have 
 brought  about  the  ark  of  the  God  of  Ifrael  to  us,  to 
 flay  us  and  our  people. 
 
 11  So  they  fent  and  gathered  together  all  the  lords 
 of  the  Philiftines,  and  laid,  Send  away  the  ark  of  the 
 God  of  Ifrael,  and  let  it  go  again  to  his  own  place, 
 that  it  flay  us  not,  and  our  people  :  for  there  was  a 
 deadly  deftru^fion  throughout  all  the  city ;  the  hand 
 of  God  was  very  heavy  there. 
 
 12  And  the  men  that  died  not  were  fraitten  with  the 
 emerods ;  and  the  cry  of  the  city  went  up  to  heaven. 
 
 CHAP.  VI. 
 
 1  After  seven  months  the  Philistines  take  counsel  how  to  send  back  the 
 
 ark ;  10  then  bring  it  on  a  new  cart,  with  an  offering,  unto  Beth-shemesh. 
 
 1 9  The  people  are  smitten  Jor  looking  into  the  ark. 
 
 «!r.  1140.  *  l.oRD  was  in  the  country  of 
 
 the  Philiftines  feven  months. 
 
 2  And  the  Philiftines  called  for  the  priefts  and  the 
 diviners,  faying.  What  fhall  we  do  to  the  ark  of  the 
 Lord  ?  tell  us  wnerewith  we  fhall  fend  it  to  his  place. 
 
 3  And  they  faid.  If  we  fend  away  the  ark  of  the 
 God  of  Ifrael,  fend  it  not  empty ;  but  in  any  wife 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 :ir.  1140. 
 
 ihrefhold  of  Dagon.  Out  of  a  religious  reverence,  fuppofing  this  place  to  be 
 faiuSlified  by  the  touch  of  their  god,  who  firft  fell  here,  and  being  broken 
 here,  touched  it  more  thoroughly  than  he  did  other  parts.  This  fuperfti- 
 tion  of  theirs,  was  noted  and  cenfured  long  after,  Zeph.  i.  9.  Herein  they 
 manifefted  their  ftupendous  folly  both  in  making  a  perpetual  monument  of 
 their  own  and  their  idol’s  fhame,  which  in  all  reafon  they  Ihonld  rather  have 
 buried  in  eternal  oblivion  ; — and  in  turning  a  plain  and  certain  argument  of  con¬ 
 tempt  into  an  occafion  of  further  veneration.  It  became  common  among  the 
 heathen  to  confecrate  the  threfliolds  of  their  idol  temples  ;  the  people  are  not 
 to  this  day  permitted  to  tread  on  the  threlholds  of  the  mofques  in  Perfia.  Ver. 
 8.  Unwilling  to  acknowledge  the  fupremacy  of  Ifrael’s  God,  the  Philiftines 
 afcribed  the  fall  of  their  idol  to  fome  other  caufe,  which  they  hoped  would  ceafe 
 to  operate  on  the  ark  being  removed  from  Aflidod.  Their  ignorance  and  un¬ 
 belief  iffued  in  a  more  glorious  difplay  of  the  power  of  Jehovah.  Ver.  9.  Emerods. 
 Tranflators  have  greatly  differed  in  the  fignification  of  the  original  word  apholim, 
 which  only  occurs  here,  and  in  Deut.  xxviii.  27,  Some  take  it  for  dysentery ; 
 others  for  what  they  call  yrrocideh/ia  ani;  fome  for  a  cancer,  and  others  for  the 
 lues  Venera.  However  this  be,  the  Plalmift  exprefsly  tells  us,  (Pfal.  Ixxxviii. 
 66.  that  God  smote  his  enemies  in  the  hinder  parts.  Our  tranflation  therefore  is 
 
 return  him  a  trefpafs-ofFering ;  then  ye  fhall  be  healed, 
 and  it  (hall  be  known  to  you  ^hy  his  hand  is  not  re-, 
 moved  from  you. 
 
 4  Then  faid  they,  What  shall  he  the  trefpars-offer- 
 ing  which  we  ftiall  return  to  him  ?  They  anl'wered, 
 
 Five  golden  emerods,  and  five  golden  mice,  according 
 to  the  number  of  the  lords  of  the  Philiftines  ;  for  one 
 plague  "ixtas  on  f  you  all,  and  on  your  lords,  t  Heb. 
 
 5  Wherefore  ye  (hall  make  images  of  your  erne- 
 rods,  and  images  of  your  mice  that  mar  the  land  ;  and 
 ye  fhall  give  glory  unto  the  God  of  Ifrael ;  pi  radven- 
 tnre  he  will  lighten  his  hand  from  oft’ you,  and  from 
 off  your  gods,  and  from  off  your  land. 
 
 6  Wherefore  then  do  ye  harden  your  hearts,  as 
 the  Egyptians  and  Pharaoh  hardened  their  hearts? 
 when  he  had  wrought  ||  wonderfully  among  them,  » ||  Or, 
 did  they  not  let  f  the  people  go,  and  they  departed 
 
 7  Now  therefore,  make  a  new  cart,  and  take 
 milch-kine,  on  which  there  hath  come  no  yoke,  and  tie  12.  54.* 
 the  kine  to  the  cart,  and  bring  their  calves  home  from  t 
 them : 
 
 8  And  take  the  ark  of  the  Lord,  and  lay  it  upon 
 the  cart ;  and  put  the  jewels  cf  gold,  which  ye  return 
 him  for  a  trerpafs-oft'ering,  in  a  coft'er  by  the  fide 
 thereof ;  and  fend  it  away,  that  it  may  go. 
 
 9  And  fee,  if  it  goeth  up  by  the  way  of  his  own  coaft 
 
 to  Beth-fhemefh,  then  |1  he  hath  done  us  this  great  evil :  1|  Or,  u. 
 but  if  not,  then  we  fhall  know  that  it  is  not  his  hand 
 that  fmote  us;  it  110(15  a  chance  that  happened  to  us. 
 
 10  H  And  the  men  did  fo ;  and  took  two  milch- 
 kine,  and  tied  them  to  the  cart,  and  (hut  up  their 
 calves  at  home ; 
 
 11  And  they  laid  the  ark  of  the  Lord  upon  the 
 cart,  and  the  coffer  with  the  mice  of  gold  and  the 
 images  of  their  emerods. 
 
 12  And  the  kine  took  the  ftraight  way  to  the  way 
 of  Beth-fhemefh,  and  went  along  the  high-way,  low¬ 
 ing  as  they  went,  and  turned  not  aCde  to  the  right 
 hand  or  to  the  left ;  and  the  lords  of  the  Philiftines 
 went  after  them  unto  the  border  of  Beth-fhemefh. 
 
 13  And  they  of  Beth-fhemefh  voere  reaping  their 
 wheat-harveft  in  the  valley  ;  and  they  lifted  up  their 
 eyes,  and  faw  the  ark,  and  rejoiced  to  fee  it. 
 
 14  And  the  cart  came  into  the  field  of  Jofhua,  a 
 
 not  atnifs,  which  fuppofes  this  malady  to  have  been  fuch  painful  tumours  in  the 
 fundament,  as  very  frequently  turn  into  ulcers. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  VI.  Ver.  4.  The  reafon  why  the 
 Philiftines  fent  along  with  the  ark  the  images  of  thofe  parts  which  were  afili<fted 
 might  be  in  compliance  with  a  common  cuftom  among  the  heathen,  ofofferinn' 
 to  their  gods  fuch  monuments  of  their  deliverance  as  fymbolically  reprefented, 
 either  the  evils  from  which  they  had  efcaped,  or  the  members  which  had  been 
 difordered.  The  Philiftines  hoped  by  adopting  this  cuftom  fpeedily  tobe  delivered 
 from  the  emerods  and  mice,  wherewith  they  were  plagued.  This  pra<5lice  is 
 ftill  ufed  among  the  Indians.  Ver.  7.  It  was  no  bad  policy  in  the  Philiftines 
 to  take  milch  kine,  that  had  never  before  been  yoked,  to  draw  the  cart,  that 
 they  might  know  whether  there  was  the  hand  of  God  in  what  bad  befallen  them 
 or  not.  And  this  they  were  foon  convinced  of,  when,  to  their  wonder,  they  faw 
 thefe  creatures,  though  unacquainted  with  the  yoke,  go  jointly  together  without 
 thwarting  or  drawing  counter  to  each  other,  and  that  natural  affection  did 
 not  incline  them  to  go  back  to  their  calves  which  were  left  behind  and  parti¬ 
 cularly  when  though  there  were  fo  many  different  ways  to  take,  they  faw 
 them  ftrike  into  the  direeft  road  to  Judea  and  purfue  it  without  the  leaft  de¬ 
 viation.  Ver.  14.  And  the  cart  came  into  the  field  <ff  Joshua,  a  Beth-shemiie.  Tlii4 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  V.]  How  interefting  is  it  to  obferve  the  care  which  God  hath  of  his  own  caufe.  Though  Ifrael  was  funk  fo 
 low  as  to  be  fupiiie  and  inattentive  to  the  attempt  of  recovering  his  ark,  yet  he  continues  jealous  of  his  own  honour.  It  is  indeed  dangerous  to  profane  God’s  bol- 
 ^ings.  If  men  will  not  glorify  him  by  due  reverence,  he  will  glorify  himfelf  by  taking  juft  vengeance  ;  and  fuch  as  contend  w  ith  him  will  be  infallibly  ruined  at  lafU 
 Men  are  indeed  often  more  eager  to  efcape  God’s  judgments  than  to  be  delivered  from  their  fins,  which  procured  them  ;  and  when  they  fmart  under  his  ftroke  they 
 are  foheitous  to  have  God  put  from  them  rather  than  to  enter  into  friendly  connexion  with  him.  But  fuch  as  tempt  him  (hall  find  every  effort  to  efcape  his  dif-’ 
 pleafure  more  and  more  embittered  by  his  curfe  and  heavy  hand  on  them. 
 
The  Beth-%hemite5  smitten  :  their  sin. 
 
 I.  SAMUEL. 
 
 Samuel  cxhortclh  to  repentanct 
 
 Before 
 Chrill 
 cir.  1 1 40, 
 
 II  Or, 
 great 
 stone. 
 
 Beth-(hemite,  and  floq^  there  where  there  xims  a  great  ^ 
 ftone ;  and  they  clave  the  wood  of  the  cart,  and  offer-  l 
 ed  the  kine  a  burnt  offering  unto  the  Lord.  ! 
 
 15  And  the  Levites  took  down  the  ark  of  the  Lord,  ; 
 and  the  coffer  that  was  with  it,  w'herein  the  jewels  of  , 
 gold  xcere.  and  put  them  on  the  great  tlone  :  and  the  | 
 men  of  Beth-fhemefh  offered  burnt-offerings,  and  fa-  j 
 crificed  facrifices,  the  fame  day  unto  the  Lord.  !| 
 
 16  And  when  the  five  lords  of  the  Philiftines  had 
 
 feen  it,  they  returned  to  Ekron  the  fame  day.  j| 
 
 17  And  thefe  are  the  golden  emerods,  which  the  ; 
 Philiftines  returned  Jor  a  freCpafs-offering  unto  the 
 Lord  ;  for  Afltdod  one,  for  Gaza  one,  for  Alkelon 
 one,  for  Gath  one,  for  Ekron  one  : 
 
 18  And  the  golden  mice,  according  to  the  number 
 of  all  the  cities  of  the  Pniliftines  belonging  to  the  five  : 
 lords,  both  of  fenced  cities  and  of  country  villages,  'i 
 even  unto  the  II  great  stone  o/' Abel,  whereon  they  fet  j 
 down  the  ark  of  the  Lord ;  xnhich  stone  rernaineth  i 
 unto  this  day  in  the  field  of  Jofhua  the  Beth-fhemite.  j 
 
 19  ^  And  he  fmote  the  men  of  Beth-fhemefh,  be-  | 
 caufe  they  had  looked  into  the  ark  of  the  Lord,  even  ! 
 he  fmote  of  the  people  fifty  thoufand*  and  threelcore 
 and  ten  men.  And  the  people  lamented,  becaufe  the  ' 
 I.ORD  had  fmitten  many  of  the  people  with  a  great 
 flaughter. 
 
 20  And  the  men  of  Beth-fhemefh  faid,  Who  is  able 
 to  ftand  before  this  holy  Lord  God  ?  and  to  whom 
 (hall  he  go  up  from  us  ? 
 
 21  f  And  they  fent  meflengers  to  the  inhabitants 
 of  Kirjath-jearim,  faying,  the  Philiftines  have  brought 
 again  the  ark  of  the  Lord  ;  come  ye  down,  a/id  fetch 
 it  up  to  you.* 
 
 CHAP.  VII. 
 
 1  They  of  Kirjath-jearirn  bring  the  a:k  into  the  house  of  Ahinadab,  and 
 
 san£li/y  Eleazor  his  son  to  keep  it,  and  it  abidcth  twenty  years.  3  I'ke 
 
 Israelites,  by  Samuel’s  means,  solemnly  repent  at  Mizpeh. 
 
 And  the  men  of  Kirjath-jearim  came,  and  fetched 
 up  the  ark  of  the  Lord,  and  brought  it  into 
 
 the  houfe  of  Ahinadab  in  the  hill,  and  fanftifiedEleazar  Before 
 his  fon  to  keep  the  ark  of  the  Lord. 
 
 2  Aind  it  came  to  pafs,  while  the  ark  abode 
 Kirjath-jearim,  that  the  time  was  long;  for  it  was^^^ 
 twenty  years :  and  all  the  houfe  of  Ifrael  lamented 
 after  the  Lord. 
 
 3  H  And  Samuel  fpake  unto  all  the  houfe  of  Ifrael,  dr.  iho. 
 
 faying,  If  ye  do  return  unto  the  Lord  with  all  your 
 hearts^ ®  put  away  the  ftrange  gods  and  Alhta-  a  Jodmj 
 roth  from  among  you,  and  prepare  your  hearts  unto^^'  t4, 
 the  Lord,  and  ferve  him  only  ;  and  he  will  deliver  , 
 you  out  of  the  hand  of  the  Philiftines.  2. 
 
 4  Then  the  children  of  Ifrael  did  put  away  **  Baalim  c  Deut. 
 
 and  Afhtaroth,  and  ferved  the  Lord  only.  *3. 
 
 5  And  Samuel  faid,  Gather  all  Ifrael  to  Mizpeh,  4  ^' 
 
 and  I  will  pray  for  you  unto  the  Lord.  Luiie 
 
 6  And  they  gathered  together  to  Mizpeh,  and 
 drew  wMter,  and  poured  it  out  before  the  Lord,  andg'’“|’§®® 
 fafted  on  that  day,  and  faid  there,  We  have  finned"' 
 againft  the  Lord.  And  Samuel  judged  the  children 
 
 ol  Ifrael  in  Mizpeh. 
 
 7  H  And  when  the  Philiftines  heard  that  the  chil¬ 
 dren  of  Ifrael  were  gathered  together  to  Mizpeh,  the 
 lords  of  the  Philiftines  went  up  againft  Ifrael.  And 
 when  the  children  of  Ifrael  heard  it,  they  were  afraid 
 of  the  Philiftines. 
 
 S  And  the  children  of  Ifrael  faid  to  Samuel,  f  Ceafe  f  , 
 not  to  cry  unto  the  Lord  our  God  for  us,  that 
 will  lave  us  out  of  the  hand  of  the  Philiftines.  vsjrom 
 
 9  H  And  Samuel  took  a  fucking  lamb,  and  offered 
 it  for  a  burnt-oftVring  wholly  unto  the  Lord  ;  and 
 Samuel  cried  unto  the  Lord  for  Ifrael ;  and  the  Lord 
 II  heard  him. 
 
 10  And  as  Samuel  was  offering  up  the  burnt- offer-  H 
 ing,  the  Philiftines  drew  near  to  battle  againft  Ifrael 
 but  the  Lord  thundered  with  a  great  thunder  on  that 
 day  upon  the  Philiftines,  and  difeomfited  them  ;  and 
 they  were  fmitten  before  Ifrael. 
 
 1 1  And  the  men  of  Ifrael  went  out  of  Mizpeh,  and 
 
 was  another  miraculous  particular,  that  the  kine  Ihould  flop  as  foon  as  they  came 
 to  Beth-lhemeni.  which  was  a  city  of  the  priefls.  Ver.  19.  The  Arabic  and  Syriac 
 verfions  inftead  of  fifty,  read  five  thousand  which  is  probably  the  ancient  reading 
 of  the  Hebrew  ;  the  difference  of  the  original  words  is  fo  little,  that  it  miglit  eafily 
 efcape  the  eyes  of  a  tranferiher.  Mofl  commentators  are  of  opinion,  that  God,  to 
 manifeft  his  anger  and  his  pity,  fmote  only  threefcore  and  ten  men  at  this  time; 
 and  that  the  fifty  thoufand  refers  to  the  whole  number  of  thofe  Beth-fhemites,  and 
 not  to  the  number  of  thofe  that  were  llain.  Be  this  as  it  may,  we  hence  learn,  how 
 extremely  dangerous  it  is,  to  indulge  a  vain  curiofity  of  prying  into  thofe  myfleries 
 which  God  hath  not  thought  proper  to  difclofe  to  us  ;  and  that  he  generally  pu- 
 nilhes  our  prefumption  herein,  by  withdrawing  from  us  the  influence  of  his  divine 
 grace,  and  leaving  us  to  the  wretched  guidance  of  our  own  bewildered  underfland- 
 ing.  Ver.  20.  And  the  men  of  Belh-shemesh  said  Punifhment  generally  awakens 
 in  us  a  true  fenfe  of  our  duty,  and  may,  in  this  refpe6l  be  well  compared  to  the 
 tender,  but  wbolefome  correclions  of  an  indulgent  and  affecflionate  parent.  It 
 feems  to  have  bad  its  proper  effe6l  on  thefe  men,  who,  deeply  fenfible  of  the 
 impiety  of  their  brethren,  and  juflly  afraid  of  the  further  vengeance  of  an  incenfed 
 God,  humbly  acknowledge  their  great  unvvorthinefs  to  have  his  divine  prefence 
 any  longer  refident  among  the.-n. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  VII.  Ver.  1.  Whatever  motive  in¬ 
 fluenced  the  priefls  to  place  the  ark  in  the  houfe  of  Ahinadab,  it  is  certain  that 
 
 their  not  bringing  it  to  Shiloh  was  of  the  Lord,  and  exprefllve  of  his  difpleafure; 
 probably  Shiloh  was  deflroyed  by  the  Philiftines,  and  the  tabernacle  removed 
 from  it;  fee  Jer.  vii.  12,  14.  xxvi.  6,  9.  Ver,  6.  And  drew  water.  The  opinions 
 of  commentators  on  this  paffage  have  been  many  and  Various.  Some  think,  that 
 with  this  water  they  wafhed  their  bodies,  to  fignify  the  purification  of  their  fouls 
 from  the  pollution  of  fin  ;  others  that  they  made  ufe  of  it  to  cleanfe  the  ground 
 whereon  Samuel  was  to  eredl.  an  altar,  or  poured  it  out  as  a  libation  before  the 
 Lord,  2  Sam.  xxiii.  16.  but  probably  thefe  words  are  to  betaken  in  a  metaphori¬ 
 cal  fenfe,  and  denote  that  unfeigned  acknowledgement  of  their  fins  which  the 
 people  made  before  the  Lord,  and  thofe  tears  of  contrition  which  were  very 
 plentifully  flied  on  this  occafion  ;  for  the  sacrifice  of  a  broken  and  contrite  heart,  is 
 of  all  others  the  mofl  acceptable  unto  God.  Ver.  10.  But  the  Lord  thundered  with 
 a  great  ihunder.  Jofephus  gives  the  following  account  of  this  tranfatSlion,  (Antiq. 
 lib.  6  chap.vi.)  “  In  fonae  places,’ fays  he,  “  God  fhook  the  foundations  of  the  earth 
 under  the  feet  of  the  Philiftines,  fo  that  they  could  not  ftand  without  ftaggering; 
 in  others  it  opened,  and  fwallowed  them  up  alive,  before  they  knew  where  they 
 were;  while  the  claps  of  thunder  and  flalhes  of  fire,  were  fo  violent  that  their 
 very  eyes  and  limbs  were  fcorched  to  fuch  a  degree,  that  they  could  neither  fee 
 their  way  before  them,  nor  handle  their  arms.”  An  awful  interpofition  of  divine 
 providence  !  and  a  proof,  that,  in  the  public  exercife  of  religion,  we  are  in  a 
 more  fpeeiai  manner  under  his  holy  protedlion.  Ver,  12.  Then  Samuel  look  a 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  VI.]  How  awful  was  the  ftate  of  Ifrael  during  the  time  God  was  pleafed  to  punifh  them  by  the  abfenceof  his 
 ark  !  But  more  wretched  is  the  condition  of  all  men  who  live  without  God  in  the  world.  Let  the  children  of  God  efpecially  deplore  their  backflidings,  which  render 
 divine  ordinances  barren,  and  leave  them  but  as  the  mere  cafe  of  religion.— By  holding  fall  their  fins,  men  only  prolong  their  forrows.  God  can  eafily  humble  the 
 llouteft.  of  his  enemies,  and  make  them  inftruments  of  his  honour,  and  lafting  memorials  of  their  own  fliame.  He  often  fuffers  men  to  diflionour  him,  but  the  ilh'® 
 fliall  tend  to  his  glory  ;  and  the  very  means  which  they  had  taken  to  confirm  their  infidelity,  thall  turn  out  to  their  more  unanfwerable  convidlion  of  the  truth.  ® 
 alone  can  deliver  his  church  out  of  all  adverfity;  and  this  he  does  for  his  name’s  fake.  Not  our  merit,  not  our  exertions,  not  our  prayers,  not  our  labours,  but  his 
 right  band  and  holy  arm,  fhall  redeem  us  from  the  hands  of  all  our  enemies.  What  fear  and  reverence  are  due  to  him  in  the  meeting  of  his  faints  !•  He  is  the  Ho  y 
 Lord  God  !  and  it  is  dangerous  to  indulge  a  vain  curiofity  in  our  concerns  with  him  ;  and  infinite  deftrudlion  to  come  near  to  the  law  which  pronounced  all  men 
 
 IS  fulfilled  in  Chrift  .lefus.  How  miferable  are  thofe  who  are  unconcerned  about  the  ordinances  ot  religion,  and  the  hlefiTings  that  are  connedled  with  -he'" 
 
 curfed  but  as 
 
 jMay  it  he  our  happinefs  to  efteem  them  all,  and  regard  them  as  diretSting  us  to  Jefus,  who  is  the  ark  fixed  eternally  in  bis  church, 
 that  we  may  behold  bis  beauty  and  keep  his  laws. 
 
 Here  alfo  let  us  delight  to  dwell 
 
The  Israelites  ask  a  king. 
 
 I.  SAMUEL 
 
 Before  purfucd  the  Philiftines,  and  fmote  them,  until  they  came 
 unto  Beth  car. 
 
 12  Then  Samuel  took  a  ftone,  and  fet  it  between 
 (I  Thatis,  Mizpeh  and  Shen,  and  called  the  name  of  it  ||  Eben- 
 Thejione  g2er,  faying,  Hitherto  hath  the  Lord  helped  us. 
 
 of  help» 
 
 ^  Heb. 
 
 and  he 
 circuited. 
 
 cir, 
 
 1112, 
 
 a  Deut. 
 16.  19. 
 
 1095. 
 
 b  Hofea 
 1 3.  10. 
 A6ts 
 13.  21. 
 t  Heb. 
 was  evil  in 
 the  eyes 
 
 1 3  f  So  the  Philiflines  were  iubdued,  and  they  came 
 no  more  into  the  coaft  of  Ifrael :  and  the  hand  of  the 
 Lord  was  againft  the  Philiftines  all  the  days  of  Samuel. 
 
 14  And  the  cities  which  the  Philiftines  had  taken 
 from  Ifrael  were  reflored  to  Ifrael,  from  Ekron  even 
 unto  Gath  ;  and  the  coafts  thereof  did  Ifrael  deliver 
 out  of  the  hands  of  the  Philiftines.  And  there  was 
 peace  between  Ifrael  and  the  Amorites. 
 
 15  f  And  Samuel  judged  Ifrael  all  the  daj's  of  his 
 life. 
 
 16  And  he  went  from  year  to  year,  f  in  circuit  to 
 Beth-el,  and  Gilgal,  and  Mizpeh,  and  judged  Ifrael 
 in  all  thofe  places. 
 
 17  And  his  return  was  to  Ramah ;  for  there  was 
 his  houfe :  and  there  he  judged  Ifrael;  and  there  he 
 built  an  altar  unto  the  Lord.’* 
 
 CHAP.  VIII. 
 
 1  By  occasion  of  the  ill  government  of  Samuel's  sons,  the  Israelites  ash  a 
 king.  6  Samuel  praying  in  griej,  is  comforted  by  God. 
 
 .  A  ND  it  came  to  pafs,  when  Samuel  was  old,  that 
 he  made  his  fons  judges  over  Ifrael. 
 
 2  Now  the  name  of  his  firft-born  was  Joel,  and 
 the  name  of  his  fecond  Abiah ;  they  were  judges  in 
 Eeer-Iheba. 
 
 3  And  his  fons  walked  not  in  his  ways,  but  turned 
 afide  after  lucre,  and  ^  took  bribes,  and  perverted 
 judgment. 
 
 4  Then  all  the  elders  of  Ifrael  gathered  themfelves 
 together,  and  came  to  Samuel  unto  Ramah, 
 
 5  And  Said  unto  him,  Behold,  thou  art  old,  and  thy 
 fons  walk  not  in  thy  ways  ;  now  ^  make  us  a  king  to 
 judge  us,  like  all  the  nations. 
 
 6  f  But  the  thing  f  difpleafed  Samuel,  when  they 
 faid.  Give  us  a  king  to  judge  us.  And  Samuel  pray- 
 
 o/’SaOTwe/.  ed  unto  the  Lord. 
 
 'The  manner  cf  the  king  fur doM. 
 
 I  7  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  Samuel,  Hearken  unto 
 1  the  voice  ot  the  people  in  all  that  they  fay  unto  thee ;  101,5. 
 
 for  they  have  not  reje£ted  thee,  but  they  have  rtjtct- 
 ed  me,  that  I  Ihould  not  reign  over  them. 
 
 8  According  to  all  the  works  which  they  have  done, 
 fince  the  day  that  I  brought  them  up  out  of  Egypt, 
 even  unto  this  day,  wherewith  they  have  forfaken  me, 
 and  ferved  other  gods,  fo  do  they  alio  unto  thee. 
 
 9  Now  therefore  hearken  unto  their  voice :  I1  how-  II  Or, 
 beit  yet  proteft  foleranly  unto  them,  and  Ihew  them^^^'^ 
 the  manner  of  the  king  that  Ihall  reign  over  them.  nolwUh- 
 
 10  f  And  Samuel  told  all  the  words  ot  the  L.oRDfianding, 
 unto  the  people  that  aiked  of  him  a  king. 
 
 11  And  he  faid.  This  will  be  the  manner  of  thej^^ 
 king  that  Ihall  reign  over  you  ;  He  will  take  your  fons,  jn-otesud 
 and  appoint  them  for  himfelf,  for  his  chariots,  and  to  be  against 
 his  horfemen  ;  and  some  Ihall  run  before  his  chariots. 
 
 12  And  he  will  appoint  him  captains  over  thoufands,^^^^;^^. 
 and  captains  over  fifties  ;  and  will  set  them  to  ear  his 
 ground,  and  to  reap  his  harveft,  and  to  make  his  in- 
 ftruments  of  war,  and  inftruments  of  his  chariots. 
 
 13  And  he  will  take  your  daughters  to  be  confec¬ 
 tionaries,  and^^o  be  cooks,  and  to  be  bakers. 
 
 14  And  he  will  take  your  fields,  and  your  vineyards, 
 and  your  oliveyards,  eoen  the  belt  of  them,  and  give 
 them  to  his  fervants. 
 
 15  And  he  will  take  the  tenth  of  your  feed,  and  of 
 your  vineyards,  and  give  to  his  f  officers,  and  to  his 
 fervants. 
 
 16  And  he  will  take  your  men-fervants,  and  your 
 maid- fervants,  and  your  goodlieft  y'oung  men,  and 
 your  alfes,  and  put  them  to  his  work. 
 
 17  He  will  take  the  tenth  of  your  Iheep:  and  ye 
 Ihall  be  his  fervants. 
 
 18  And  ye  Ihall  cry  out  in  that  day  becaufe  of  your 
 king  which  ye  Ihall  have  chofen  you ;  and  the  Lord 
 will  not  hear  you  in  that  day. 
 
 19  ^  Neverthelefs  the  people  refufed  to  obey  the 
 voice  of  Samuel :  and  they  laid.  Nay ;  but  we  will 
 have  a  king  over  us  ; 
 
 Jlone.  So  (ignal  was  the  vi6lory  which  God  had  vouchfafed  to  the  Ifraelites  over 
 tlreir  enemies,  that  Samuel  thought  it  very  necelTary  to  ere<5l  a  kind  of  monument 
 ill  memory  of  it,  and  to  give  that  monument  fuch  a  name  as  might  perpetuate  this 
 providential  deliverance  to  future  generations  ;  for  he  called  it  Bben-ezer,  or  the 
 Slone  of  help.  Ver.  1 3.  So  the  Philistines  were  subdued ;  that  is,  they  were  fo  hum¬ 
 bled,  that  they  made  no  farther  attempt  to  trouble  Ifrael,  all  the  days  0/  Samuel ; 
 that  is,  all  the  time  he  exercifed  the  foie  olBce  of  judge  ;  for  they  came  againil 
 Ifrael  before  Samuel  died,  when  Saul  was  made  king. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  VIII.  Ver.  3.  His  sons  tvalhed  not 
 in  his  ways.  Samuel  was  not  puniflied  for  the  wickednefs  of  his  fons,  but  Eli 
 was.  The  crimes  of  Samuel’s  fons  were  lefs  atrocious  than  thofe  of  Eli’s  fons, 
 becaufe  there  is  no  comparifon  between  taking  bribes,  and  openly  profaning  the 
 tabernacle,  and  rendering  religion  itfelf  defpicable.  Befides  the  crimes  of  the 
 fons  of  Eli  were  perpetrated  in  his  own  light,  and  by  not  preventing,  he  was,  in 
 fome  fenfe,  the  accelTary  or  encourager  of  them  ;  but  Samuel’s  fons  were  at  a 
 diflance  from  him,  and  polfibly  their  crimes  might  not  reach  bis  ears.  Ver.  11, 
 12.  This  will  be  the  manner  of  the  king.  Samuel  does  not  in  thefe  verfes  define 
 what  are  the  juft  rights  of  kings,  but  defcHbes  only  fuch  practices  as  the  defpotic 
 princes  of  the  eaft,  who  looked  on  their  fubjecSls  as  fo  many  Haves,  were  gene- 
 fally  accuflomed  to ;  and  his  reafon  for  drawing  a  king  in  thefe  black  colours 
 feeras  to  be,  becaufe  the  Ifraelites  defired  fucli  an  one  as  their  neighbours  had, 
 who  were  all  under  the  abfolute  dominion  of  their  princes.  Ver.  19.  Nay,  but 
 we  wild  have  a  king  over  us.  Upon  a  review  of  the  whole  preceeding  hiftory  of 
 the  Ifraelites,  we  find  them  nothing  more  remarkable  than  the  greateft  infatua¬ 
 tion,  and  the  moft  invincible  obftinacy,  which  this  chapter  abundantly  evinces. 
 
 for  although  they  could  not  but  be  fenfible  that  the  Lord  of  hofts  himfelf  wa» 
 their  King  ;  that  he  had  delivered  them  from  the  Egyptian  bondage,  miraculoully 
 preferved  them  in  the  widernefs,  put  them  in  full  pofTeflioa  of  the  promifed 
 land,  and  ftili  continued  to  fight  their  battles,  and  fubdue  their  enemies ;  and 
 notwithftanding  the  defcription  of  a  bad  king,  which  the  prophet  had  juft  laid 
 before  him,  yet  tlrey  tacitly  renounced  their  allegiance  to  their  eternal  and 
 almighty  King,  and  pofitively  infifted  upon  having  a  temporal  one,  to  judge  them, 
 go  in  and  out  before  them,  and  fight  their  battles.  That  we  also  may  be  like  all  the 
 nations.  Stupid  people  !  They  did  not  confider,  that  it  was  their  Angular  felicity, 
 that  they  were  not  like  other  nations;  but  had  the  Almighty  himfelf  for 
 their  governor,  who  never  failed,  in  their  neceflity,  to  raife  them  up  perfons 
 who  delivered  them  from  their  enemies  on  every  fide.  But  their  blind  ambition 
 induced  them  to  think  they  were  inferior  to  other  nations,  becaufe  they  had  i>ot 
 a  prince  fet  over  them,  fliining  in  gold  and  jewels,  living  in  a  fumptuous  palace, 
 and  attended  with  guards  richly  drefied,  which  they  vainly  confidered  as  the 
 glory  of  the  kingdom.  The  Lord  said, — Hearken  unto  their  voice.  Though  in¬ 
 deed  the  people’s  purpofe  in  their  clamours  for  a  king,  was  to  live  under  a  monar¬ 
 chy,  like  their  idolatrous  neighbours  ;  yet  in  compaflion  to  their  blindnefs,  God, 
 in  this  inftance,  as  in  many  others,  indulged  them  in  their  prejudices,  without 
 expofing  them  to  the  fatal  confequences  of  their  demands  ;  which,  if  complied 
 with  the  fenfe  they  made  it,  had  been  withdrawing  his  extraordinary  pro- 
 tetSlion  from  them,  at  a  time  when  they  could  not  fupport  themfelves  without 
 it ;  he  therefore  gave  them  a  king,  but  fuch  an  one  as  was  only  bis  viceroy  or 
 deputy,  and  who,  on  that  account,  was  not  left  to  the  people’s  eledtion,  but  was 
 chofen  by  himfelf;  the  only  difference  between  God’s  appointment  of  the  judges 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERV  '  TIONS. — *  Chap.  VII.]  The  church  may  long  continue  in  a  wildsrnefs  ftate ;  but  when  Ihe  begins  to  feel  and  lament  her  con¬ 
 dition,  and  feeks  after  God,  her  deliverance  is  nigh.  If  we  wifli  the  fpecial  favour  of  God,  we  muff  put  away  from  us  all  idols,  and  return  to  him  with  our  whole 
 heart.  He  faves  his  people  from  their  fins,  as  well  as  fufferings ;  and  it  is  their  mercy  that  they  have  a  great  interceffor  with  God.—  he  effedlual  fervent  prayer  of  a 
 righteous  man  availeth  much.  But  let  Us  not  forget,  that  remarkable  anfwers  of  prayer,  claim  fpecial  memorials  of  gratitude  ;  and  while  we  thankfully  acknowledge 
 pafl  help,  we  may  depend  for  future  protedlion.  When  a  man’s  ways  pleafe  the  Lord,  he  makes  even  his  enemies  to  be  at  peace  with  him.  Prayer  and  penitence 
 can  do  no  more  for  a  nation  or  for  individuals  than  mighty  armies. 
 
 No.  18.„.6<?.  3  Z 
 
Saulf  sfekvig  his  Jathev^s  usscs,  cometh 
 
 I.  SAMUEL. 
 
 ciiiift  ,  That  we  alfo  may  be  like  all  the  nations ;  and 
 cir.  1095.  may  judge  us,  and  go  out  before  us, 
 
 and  fight  our  battles. 
 
 21  And  Samuel  heard  all  the  words  of  the  people, 
 and  he  rehearfed  them  in  the  ears  of  the  Lord. 
 
 22  And  the  Lord  laid  to  Samuel,  Hearken  unto 
 their  voice,  and  make  them  a  king.  And  Samuel 
 laid  unto  the  men  ol  Ifrael,  Go  ye  every  man  unto 
 his  city.* 
 
 CHAP.  IX. 
 
 1  Saul,  dejpairing  tofitid  his  father' s  asses,  6  by  the  counfel  of  his  Jervant, 
 11  and  direaion  of  young  maidens,  15  acccording  to  God's  revelation, 
 1 8  cometh  to  Samuel,  ^-c. 
 
 NOW  there  was  a  man  of  Benjamin,  whole  name 
 •was  *  Kifli,  the  fon  of  Abiel,  the  fon  of  Zeror, 
 rchron  of  Eechorath,  the  fon  of  Aphiah,  a  1|  Benj-mite, 
 
 8.  83.  ^  mighty  man  of  ||  power. 
 
 U  Or,  2  And  he  had  a  fon,  whofe  name  rvas  Saul,  a  choice 
 the/on  of  young  man,  and  a  goodly  ;  and  there  •was  not  among 
 %Z‘inL  children  of  ifrael  a  goodlier  perfon  than  he  :  from 
 II  Or,  his  Ihoulders  and  upward  he  was  higher  than  any  of 
 subjiance.  the  people, 
 
 3  And  the  affes  of  Kifh,  Saul’s  father,  were  loft  : 
 and  Kifh  faid  to  Saul  his  fon.  Take  now  one  of  the 
 lervants  with  thee,  and  arife,  go  feek  the  alTes. 
 
 4  And  he  pafled  through  mount  Ephraim,  and 
 pafled  through  the  land  of  Shalifha,  but  they  found 
 them  not  ;  then  they  pafled  through  the  land  of  Sha- 
 lim,  and  thete  they  were  not ;  and  he  pafled  through  the 
 land  of  the  Benjamites.  but  they  found  them  nor. 
 
 5  And  when  they  were  come  to  the  land  of  Zuph, 
 Saul  faid  to  his  fervant  that  was  with  him,  Come,  and 
 let  us  return  ;  left  my  father  leave  caring  for  the  affes, 
 and  take  thought  for  us. 
 
 6  And  he  faid  unto  him.  Behold  now  there  is  in 
 this  city  a  man  of  God,  and  he  is  an  honourable  man  ; 
 all  that  he  faith  cometh  furely  to  pafs;  now,  let  us  go 
 thither ;  peradventure  he  can  (hew  us  our  way  that 
 we  ftiould  go. 
 
 7  Then  faid  Saul  to  his  fervant.  But,  behold,  if  vie 
 t  Heb.  go,  what  (ball  we  bring  the  man  ?  for  the  bread  f  is 
 wgojieowqpeQt  in  our  veflels,  and  there  is  not  a  prefent  to  bring 
 4c.  .  what  t  have  we  ? 
 
 8  And  the  fervant  anfwered  Saul  again,  and  faid. 
 Behold,  t  1  have  here  at  hand  the  fourth  part  of  a 
 fhekel  of  filver  :  that  will  I  give  to  the  man  of  God, 
 found  in  to  tell  us  our  Way. 
 
 my  hand,  9  (Beforetime  in  Ifrael,  when  a  man  went  to  en¬ 
 quire  of  God,  thus  he  fpake,  Come,  and  let  us  go  to 
 
 to  Samuel,  who  entertaineth  him. 
 
 f  Heb 
 is  with 
 us  ? 
 f  Heb 
 there  is 
 
 atid  of  Saul,  being  this,  that  they  were  chofen  by  internal  influence,  he,  by  lots 
 or  external  defignation.  The  rule  by  which  Ifrael’s  king  was  to  regulate  his  con- 
 du<5l  was  not  the  defeription  of  a  tyrant  given  by  Samuel  to  fhew  the  people  their 
 guilt ;  but  the  chara(5ler  of  a  good  king  delineated.  Dent.  xvii.  1 4 — ‘20. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  IX.  V'er.  1.  A  mighty  man  of  jiower. 
 That  is,  of  great  flrength,  courage,  and  fortitude.  Ver.  2.  A  choice  young  man. 
 The  Hebrew  word  Bahur  is  applied  to  the  external  form,  not  to  the  internal 
 qualification  of  the  mind,  and  is  tranflated  by  the  Septuagiut,  “  Tall  in  llature.” 
 The  Hebrew  word  rendered  good/y,  fignifies  handsome;  and  Kimchi  renders  the 
 words,  “handfome  with  refpe<5l  to  his  form  and  afpedl.”  Nothing  is  faid  of  the 
 qualities  of  his  mind.  Ver.  3.  Go  seek  the  asses.  He  was  probably  employed  in 
 looking  after  his  father’s  cattle  j  an  employment  of  the  greateft  perfonage  in 
 
 the  feer  :  for  he  that  is  now  called  a  Prophet,  was  be-  i^cfore 
 foretime  called  a  Seer.)  Chnii 
 
 10  Then  faid  Saul  to  his  fervant,  f  Well  faid;^°^^* 
 come,  let  us  go.  So  they  went  unto  the  city  where 
 
 the  man  of  God  wm.  xhv  i,'  . 
 
 1 1  H  And  as  they  went  np  f  the  hill  to  the  city, 
 they  found  young  maidens  going  out  to  draw  water  f 
 
 and  faid  unto  them,  Is  the  leer  here  ?  ’  ZcZt  of 
 
 12  And  they  anfwered  them,  and  faid.  He  is;  be.  the  city. 
 hold,  he  is  before  you  ;  make  hafte  now,  for  he  came 
 to-day  to  the  city  ;  for  there  is  a  j]  i’acrificeof  the  peo- 11  Oc, 
 pie  to-day  in  the  high  place. 
 
 13  As  foon  as  ye  be  come  into  the  city,  ye  (hall 
 
 ftraightway  find  him,  before  he  go  up  to  the  high  place 
 to  eat :  for  the  people  will  not  eat  till  he  come,  be- 
 caufe  he  doth  blefs  the  facrifice  ;  and  afterwards  they 
 eat  that  be  bidden.  Now  therefore  get  you  up ;  for 
 about  t  this  time  ye  fhall  find  him.  ’  t  Heb. 
 
 14  And  they  went  up  into  the  city;  and,  when 
 they  were  come  into  the  city,  behold,  Samuel  came  out 
 againft  them,  for  to  go  up  to  the  high  place. 
 
 15  f'’  Now  the  Lord  had  t  told  Samuel  in  his  ear ‘’Chap, 
 a  day  before  Saul  came,  laying, 
 
 16  To-morrow,  about  this  time,  I  will  fend  thee  a 
 man  out  of  the  land  of  Benjaann,  and  thou  fhaltfHeb! 
 anoint  him  to  be  captain  over  my  people  Ifrael,  that  he  revealed 
 may  fave  my  people  out  of  the  hand  of  the  Phiiiftines : 
 
 for  I  have  looked  upon  my  people,  becaufe  their  cry  '*"***'^  ’ 
 is  come  unto  me. 
 
 ^  17  And  when  Samuel  faw  Saul,  the  Lord  faid  unto 
 him,  Behold  the  man  whom  1  fpake  to  thee  of !  this 
 fame  fhall  f  reign  over  ray  people.  ’  t  Heb. re. 
 
 18  Then  Saul  drew  near  to  Samuel  in  the  gate,  and^’’“*” 
 faid,  tell  me,  I  pray  thee,  where  the  feer’s  houfe  is. 
 
 19  And  Samuel  anfwered  Saul  and  laid,  I  am  the 
 feer  :  go  up  before  me  unto  the  high-place  ;  for  ye 
 fhall  eat  with  me  to-day ;  and  to-morrow  I  will  let 
 thee  go,  and  will  tell  thee  all  that  is  in  thine  heart. 
 
 20  And  as  for  thine  afl'es  that  were  loft  f  three  f  Heb. 
 days  ago,  fet  not  thy  mind  on  trem  ;  for  they  are '7°^, 
 found.  And  on  whom  is  all  the  defire  of  Ifrael? 
 
 it  not  on  thee,  and  on  all  thy  father’s  houfe? 
 
 21  And  Saul  anfwered  and  faid,  Am  not  I  a  Ben- 
 jamite,  of  the  fmalleft  of  the  tribes  of  Ifrael?  and 
 my  family  the  leaft  of  all  the  families  of  the  tribe 
 
 of  Benjamin ;  wherefore  then  Ipeaktft  thou  f  fo  to  t  Heb. 
 
 nae  ?  according 
 
 22  And  Samuel  took  Saul  and  his  fervant,  zud‘°orT 
 brought  them  into  the  parlour,  and  made  them  fit  in 
 
 the  early  ages.  Ver.  9.  Seer,  one  who  difeerns  and  reveals  things  which  are  hid 
 from  others.  Prophet,  one  who  foretels  future  events.  Both  names  apply  to  the 
 fame  perfon;  the  former  name  was  applied  to  them  when  Saul  was  a  young 
 man  ;  but  foon  after  this  the  latter  name  was  commonly  given  them.  This 
 change  of  name  took  place  before  Samuel’s  death,  chap,  x.  11,  12.  Ver.  12.  In 
 the  high  place.  All  facnfices  were  to  be  offered  before  the  ark,  in  the  place  where 
 the  Lord  fliould  choofe ;  bnt  while  this  choice  flood  fufpended,  they  facrificed  in 
 other  places.  This  is  the  firfl  instance  of  facrifices  being  offered  to  God  in  high 
 places,  and  is  thought  to  have  given  rife  to  the  fynagogues  and  oratories,  which 
 were  afterwards  built  in  fo  many  places  of  the  kingdom.  The  Chaldee  renders, 
 “  The  houfe  of  feasting  or  affembly.”  Ver.  15.  Had  told  Samuel  in  his  ear.  The 
 Hebrew  fignifies,  as  is  rendered  in  the  margin,  “  The  Lord  revealed,  or  uncovered. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — •  Chap.  VIII.]  While  youth  and  firm  health  continue,  it  is  wifdom  to  difeharge  our  duty  with  diligence;  old  age  will  foon 
 indifpofe  us  for  it.  Neither  the  piety  of  parents,  nor  the  best  education,  can  render  a  perfon  gracious.  All  men  tranfmit  corruption  to  their  posterity  ;  no  man  his 
 virtues  or  graces.  The  love  of  money  is  the  root  of  evil ;  a  most  dangerous  plague  to  the  foul ;  and  renders  the  administration  of  church  or  state  a  public  nuifance 
 and  pest.  Men  are  often  unanimous  in  rejedling  the  government  of  God,  difeovering  bafe  ingratitude  to  bis  faithful  fervants,  and  conforming  to  the  world  ;  but 
 abufive  vexation  fhould  excite  us  to  pray  to  God  for  ourfelves  and  them.  He  can  grant  us  diredlion  and  comfort  when  others  contemn  and  abufe  us.  Divine  provi¬ 
 dence  often  graats  tranfgrelTors  what  they  with,  as  a  punifhmeut  for  tbeir  fins ;  and  things,  good  in  themfelves,  become  a  curfe  when  obtained  without  the  blefilng 
 of  God. 
 
I 
 
 Samuel  anointeth  Saul, 
 
 the  chiefeft  place  among  them  that  were  bidden, 
 
 I.  SAMUEL. 
 
 barn  s  heart  n  changea^  cfc- 
 
 eit 
 
 11  Or, 
 
 reservcdi 
 
 fHeb 
 
 to-day. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 Before  , -  - „  - 
 
 Chrift  Yv^hich  Were  about  thirty  perfons. 
 
 ‘^3  A,nd  Samuel  (aid  unto  the  cook,  Bring  the  por- 
 tioD  which  I  gave  thee,  of  which  1  faid  unto  thee. 
 Set  it  by  thee. 
 
 24  And  the  cook  took  up  the  fhoulder,  and  t/mi 
 which  ivas  upon  it,  and  fet  it  before  Saul.  And  Samuel 
 faid.  Behold  that  which  is  I|  left !  fet  it  before  thee, 
 and  eat ;  for  unto  this  time  hath  it  been  kept  for  thee, 
 fince  I  faid,  I  have  invited  the  people.  So  Saul  did 
 eat  with  Samuel  that  day. 
 
 25  f  And  when  they  were  come  down  from  the 
 high  place  into  the  city,  Samuel  communed  with  Saul 
 upon  the  top  of  the  houfe. 
 
 26  And  they  arofe  early :  and  it  came  to  pal's,  about 
 the  fpring  of  the  day,  that  Samuel  called  Saul  to  the 
 top  of  the  houfe,  faying.  Up,  that  I  may  fend  thee 
 away.  And  Saul  arofe,  and  they  went  out  both  of 
 them,  be  and  Samuel,  abroad. 
 
 27  And  as  they  were  going  down  to  the  end  of  the 
 city,  Samuel  faid  to  Saul,  Bid  the  fervant  pafs  on 
 before  us,  (and  he  paffed  on,)  but  ftand  thou  ttill  f  a 
 while,  that  I  may  fhew  thee  the  word  of  God.* 
 
 CHAP.  X. 
 
 1  Samuel  anointeth  Saul :  2  he  conjirmeth  him  by  prediblion  of  three 
 signs.  9  Saul’s  heart  is  changed,  and  he  prophesieth  ;  14  he  concealeth 
 the  matter  oj  the  kingdom  Jrom  his  uncle,  ^-c. 
 
 '^r^HEN  Samuel  took  a  vial  of  oil,  and  poured  it 
 JL  upon  his  head,  and  kiffed  him,  and  faid,  Is  it 
 not  bepufe  the  Lord  hath  anointed  thee  to  he  captain 
 over  his  inheritance? 
 
 2  Wnen  thou  art  departed  from  me  to-day,  then 
 thoufnalt  find  two  men  by  ®  Rachel’s  fepulchre,  in  the 
 border  of  Benjamin,  at  Zelzah :  and  they  will  fay  unto 
 thee,  The  affes  which  thou  wenteft  to  feek  are  found  : 
 and,  lo,  thy  father  hath  left  f  the  care  of  the  affes, 
 and  forroweth  for  you,  faying,  Wnat  lhall  I  do  for  my 
 fon  ? 
 
 3  Then  (halt  thou  go  on  forward  from  thence,  and 
 thcu  (halt  come  to  the  plain  of  Tabor,  and  there  fhall 
 meet  thee  three  men  going  up  to  God  to  Beth-el,  one 
 carrying  three  kids,  and  another  carrying  three  loaves 
 of  bread,  and  another  carrying  a  bottle  of  wine : 
 
 4  And  they  will  f  falute  thee,  and- give  thee  two 
 ?s  of  bread ;  which  thou  (halt  receive  of  their 
 
 hands. 
 
 5  After  that  thou  (halt  come  to  the  hill  of  God,  where 
 is  the  garrifon  of  tne  Philiftines  :  and  it  lhall  come  to 
 pafs,  when  thou  art  come  thitherto  the  city,  that  thou 
 fhalt  meet  a  company  of  prophets  coming  down  from 
 
 a  Gen. 
 S5.  20. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 the.  buji- 
 ness. 
 
 ;f^"“^loaves 
 
 the  ear  of  Samuel the  Septuagint  tranflate  the  phrafe  literally.  It  implies  that 
 __  e^revelation  was  made  in  a  fecret  manner.  Ver.  23,  26.  See  Note  on  Mark 
 
 NOTES.  Chap.  X.  Ver.  1.  And  Uffed  him.  In  token 
 I  luDjedtton  and  reverence  to  him,  according  to  the  cuaom  of  the  times,  Gen. 
 
 bL  n'  7'u^"  “•  “/  It  leems  to  have 
 
 ca  ed  the  hill  of  God,  becaufe  there  was  here  a  fchool  of  the  prophets,  who 
 ere  called  men  of  God.  And  it  Ihould  be  obferved,  that  although  the  Philiftines 
 Pj.  a  garrifon^there,  they  fpared  thofe  places  that  were  fet  apart  for  the  ftudy 
 religion.  Ver.  6.  And  the  spirit  of  the  Lord  will  come  upon  thee.  The  accom- 
 DrnniTtT  could  not  fail  of  convincing  Saul,  that  what  the 
 
 W  a'  •  “  immediate  appointment  of  God ;  and  that  the 
 
 e  divine  power,  who  had  thus  exalted  him  to  the  fupreme  dignity  of  kin-r  of 
 rae ,  would  certainly  endow  him  with  all  thofe  qualifications  neceffary  to'^the 
 
 the  high  place,  with  a  pfaltery,  and  a  tabret,  and  a  pipe, 
 
 and  a  harp,  before  them,  and  they  fhall  prophefy  :  cir.  to95. 
 
 6  And  the  fpirit  of  the  Lord  will  come  upon  thee, 
 and  thou  fhalt  prophefy  with  them,  and  fhalt  be  turn¬ 
 ed  into  another  man. 
 
 7  And  t  let  it  be,  when  thefe  figns  are  come  unto  t  Heb. 
 thee,  t  that  thou  do  as  occafion  fhall  ferve  thee  :  for 
 
 God  A  with  thee.  ;Z,  L 
 
 8  And  thou  fhalt  go  down  before  me  to  Gilgal  y  when 
 
 and,  behold,  1  will  come  down  unto  thee,  to  offer 
 burnt-offerings,  and  to  facrifice  facrifices  of  peace- 
 offerings:  feven  days  fhalt  thou  tarry,  till  1  come Lyor 
 to  thee,  and  fhew  thee  what  thou  fhalt  do.  thine 
 
 9  II  And  it  was  so,  that,  when  he  had  turned  his 
 
 back  to  go  from  Samuel,  God  f  gave  him  anotner  ^  ciiap. 
 heart  :  and  all  thofe  figns  came  to  pafs  that  day.  is.  s. 
 
 10  And  when  they  came  thither  to  the  hill,  behold,  t  H^b. 
 a  con.pany  of  prophets  met  him  ;  And  the  Spirit  of 
 God  came  upon  him,  and  he  prophefied  a-mongJurrud. 
 them. 
 
 11  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  all  that  knew  him 
 beforetime  faw  that,  behold,  he  prophefied  among 
 
 the  prophets,  then  the  people  faid  f  one  to  another,  f  Heb. 
 What  is  this  that  is  come  unto  the  ion  of  Kifh ?  Is"  ^ 
 Saul  alfo  among  the  prophets  ?  neigh- 
 
 12  And  one  f  of  the  fame  place  anfwered  and  faid,  c'chap. 
 
 But  who  is  their  father  ?  Therefore  it  became  a  pro- 19.  24.’ 
 verb,  Is  Saul  alfo  among  the  prophets  ?  t  Heb. 
 
 13  And  when  he  had  made  an  end  of  prophefying.-fr” 
 
 he  came  to  the  high  place.  _  ^  >  b*  thence. 
 
 14  H  And  Saul’s  uncle  faid  unto  him,  and  to  his 
 fervant.  Whither  went  ye  ?  And  he  faid,  to  feek  the 
 affes  ;  and  when  we  faw  that  they  were  no  where,  we 
 came  to  Samuel. 
 
 15  And  Saul’s  uncle  faid,  Tell  me,  Ipravthee,  what 
 Samuel  faid  unto  you. 
 
 16  And  Saul  faid  unto  his  Uncle,  He  told  us  plainly 
 that  the  affes  were  found.  But  of  the  matter  of  the 
 
 kingdom,  whereof  Samuel  fpake  he  told  him  not. 
 
 17  H  And  Samuel  called  the  people  together  unto 
 the  Lord  to  Mizpeh ; 
 
 18  And  faid  unto  the  children  of  Ifrael.  Thus  faith 
 the  Lord  God  of  Ifrael,  I  brought  up  Ifrael  out  of 
 Egypt,  and  delivered  you  out  of  the  hand  of  the 
 Egyptians,  and  out  of  the  hand  of  all  kingdoms,  and 
 of  them  that  oppreffed  you  : 
 
 19  And  ye  have  this  day  reje£fed  your  God,  who 
 himfelf  faved  you  out  of  all  your  adverfities  and  your 
 tribulations ;  and  ye  have  faid  unto  him,  Nay,  but 
 let  a  king  over  us.  Now  therefore  prelent  yourfelves 
 
 due  execution  and  difcharge  of  fo  important  a  truft ;  and  fo  it  really  was ;  for 
 we  are  told,  ver.  9.  that  God  gave  him  another  heart.  Ihis  is  a  metaphorical  ex- 
 pieffioii,  to  denote  that  great  change  which  God  wrought  in  the  difpofition  and  in¬ 
 ternal  qualities  of  Saul,  qualifying  him  for  the  office  of  king.  Ver.  11.  7s  Saul 
 also  among  the  prophets?  They  were  aftoniftied  at  this  fudden  change  in  him, 
 well  knowing  that  his  education  gave  them  no  reafoii  to  expedt  any  fuch  thing  ; 
 for,  inftead  of  ftudying  in  the  fchools  of  the  prophets,  his  whole  attention  had  been 
 ingroifed  by  the  care  of  his  herds  and  flocks.  Ver.  12.  But  who  is  their  father  ? 
 Who  is  the  father  of  all  thofe  prophets  of  whom  you  fpeak,  and  among  whom 
 Saul  now  is  one?  who  is  it  that  inftrudls  and  infpires  them  with  that  "holy  art, 
 but  God?  they  have  it  not  from  their  natural  parents,  nor  from  their  civil  edu¬ 
 cation  ;  but  by  infpiration  from  God,  who,  when  be  pleafeth,  can  infpire  Saul, 
 or  any  other  man,  with  the  fame  (kill.  And  therefore  wonder  not  at  this  man¬ 
 ner,  but  give  God  the  glory  of  it.  Father  is  here  put  for  teacher  or  injhuaor  as 
 
 tioM  OBSERVATIONS.  *  Chap.  IX.]  How  wonderful  are  the  events  of  divine  Providence  '  While  we  have  been  feekino-  th'  •  f  r  ii  ' 
 
 L  TVm”'  requefts,  bleffed  us  with  things  unaflced,  and  inflnitely  exceeded  all  our  exHe^atio^  things  of  fmall  im- 
 
 are  infenfible  of  the  mercy  of  God,  or  become  guiltv  of  the  bafeft  ingratitude  —When  nations  nrovoke  God  f  ,17..  e^P^'^ations.  But  alas!  many 
 
 ■fc  ,ta  u  ihe  di,.a  r»d  .0  diftinguilH.d  honour.  And  „hon.  God  honour"  ,717  rff^a  bogrumos. 
 
Saul  lot  chosen  king. 
 
 I.  SAMUEL. 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 cir.  109Si 
 
 before  the  Lord  by  your  tribes,  and  by  your  thou- 
 fands. 
 
 Saul  rcscueih  Jabcsh  gUead, 
 
 20  And  when  Samuel  had  caufed  all  the  tribes  of 
 Ifrael  to  come  near,  the  tribe  of  Benjamin  was  taken. 
 
 21  When  he  had  caufed  the  tribe  of  Benjamin  to 
 come  near  by  their  families,  the  family  of  Matri  was 
 taken,  and  Saul  the  fon  of  Kifli  was  taken  :  and  when 
 they  fought  him  he  could  not  be  found. 
 
 22  Therefore  they  enquired  of  the  Lord  further,  if 
 the  man  fhould  yet  come  thither.  And  the  Lord  an- 
 fwered.  Behold  he  hath  hid  himfelf  among  the 
 ftuS. 
 
 23  And  they  ran  and  fetched  him  thence:  and  when 
 he  flood  among  the  people,  he  was  higher  than  any 
 of  the  people  from  his  (boulders  and  upward. 
 
 24  And  Samuel  faid  to  all  the  people,  See  ye  him 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 Let  the 
 king  live. 
 
 11  Or, 
 
 he  was  as 
 though  he 
 had  been 
 deaf. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 Forbear 
 us. 
 
 unto  all  the  coafts  of  Ifrael ;  and  then,  if  there  le.  no  Uefor* 
 man  to  (ave  us,  we  will  come  out  to  thee. 
 
 4  ^  Then  came  the  meflengers  to  Gibeah  of  Saul, 
 and  told  the  tidings  in  the  ears  of  the  people ;  and  all 
 the  people  lifted  up  their  voices,  and  wept. 
 
 5  And,  behold,  Saul  came  after  the  herd  out  of  the 
 field  ;  and  Saul  faid.  What  aileth  the  people  that 
 they  weep?  and  they  told  him  the  tidings  of  the  men 
 of  Jabefh. 
 
 ,  6  And  the  Spirit  of  God  came  upon  Saul  when  he 
 
 I  heard  thofe  tidings,  and  his  anger  was  kindled  greatly. 
 
 '  7  And  he  took  a  yoke  of  oxen,  and  hewed  them 
 
 in  pieces,  and  fent  them  throughout  all  the  coafts  of 
 Ifrael  by  the  hands  of  meflengers,  faying,  Whofoever 
 cometh  not  forth  after  Saul  and  after  Samuel,  fo  fhall  it 
 
 24  And  bamuel  laid  to  all  tne  people,  bee  ye  nim  be  done  unto  his  oxen.  And  the  fear  of  the  Lord  fell 
 
 whom  the  Lord  hath  chofen,  that  there  is  none  like  |i  on  the  people,  and  they  came  out  fwith  one  confent.J^Hei,. 
 him  among  all  the  people?  And  all  the  people  fhout-  8  And  when  he  numbered  them  in  Bezek,  the  chil-^^J 
 ed,  and  faid,  f  God  fave  the  king.  dren  of  Ifrael  were  three  hundred  thoufand,  and  the 
 
 25  Then  Samuel  told  the  people  the  manner  of  the  men  of  Judah  thirty  thoufand. 
 
 kingdom,  and  wrote  it  in  a  book,  and  laid  it  up  be-  9  And  they  faid  unto  the  melfengers  that  came, 
 
 ‘  ’  '  Thus  {bail  ye  fay  unto  the  men  of  Jabefh-gilead,  10- 
 
 morrow,  by  that  time  the  fun  be  hot,  ye  (hall  have 
 II  help.  And  the  meflengers  came  and  (hewed  it  to  II  Or, 
 the  men  of  Jabe(h  ;  and  they  were  glad. 
 
 10  Therefore  the  men  of  Jabefh  faid,  To-morrow 
 we  will  come  out  unto  you,  and  ye  (hall  do  with  us  all 
 that  feemeth  good  unto  you. 
 
 1 1  And  it  was  so  on  the  morrow,  that  Saul  put  the 
 people  in  three  companies  ;  and  they  came  into  the 
 midft  of  the  hoft  in  the  morning-watch,  and  flew  the 
 Ammonites  until  the  heat  of  the  day  :  and  it  came  to 
 pafs,  that  they  which  remained  were  fcattered,  fo  that 
 
 Then  Nahalh  the  Ammonite  came  up,  and  en-  two  of  them  were  not  left  together. 
 
 camped  againft  Jabe(h-gilead  :  and  all  the  men  12  f  And  the  people  faid  unto  Samuel,  Who  is 
 -  -  -  he  that  faid.  Shall  Saul  reign  over  us ?  bring  the  men, 
 
 that  we  may  put  them  to  death. 
 
 13  And  Saul  faid,  There  (hall  not  a  man  be  put  to 
 death  this  day  ;  for  to-day  the  Lord  hath  wrought 
 falvation  in  Ifrael. 
 
 14  f  Then  faid  Samuel  to  the  people,  Come,  and 
 let  us  go  to  Gilgal,  and  renew  the  kingdom  there. 
 
 15  And  all  the  people  went  to  Gilgal;  and  there 
 
 fore  the  Lord.  And  Samuel  fent  all  the  people 
 away,  every  man  to  his  houfe. 
 
 26  If  And  Saul  alfo  went  home  to  Gibeah :  and 
 there  went  with  him  a  band  of  men,  whofe  hearts 
 God  had  toiKhed. 
 
 27  But  the  children  of  Belial  faid.  How  fhall  this 
 man  fave  us  ?  And  they  defpifed  him,  and  brought 
 him  no  prefents  :  but  H  he  held  his  peace.* 
 
 chap.  XI. 
 
 1  Kahash  ofereth  them  of  Jabesh-gUead  a  reproachful  condition :  4  they 
 send  messengers,  and  ore  delivered  by  Saul.  12  Saul  thereby  it  cow- 
 firmed,  and  his  kingdom  renewed. 
 
 'HEN  Nahalh  the  Ammonite  came  up,  and  en- 
 ^  camped  againft  Jabefh-gilead  :  and  all  the  men 
 of  Jabelh  faid  unto  Nahalh,  Make  a  covenant  with  us, 
 and  we  will  ferve  thee. 
 
 2  And  Nahalh  the  Ammonite  anfwered  them.  On 
 this  condition  will  I  make  a  covenant  with  you,  that  I 
 may  thruft  out  all  your  right  eyes,  and  lay  \Xfor  a 
 reproach  upon  all  Ifrael. 
 
 3  And  the  elders  of  Jabefh  faid  unto  him,  +  Give 
 us  feven  days’  refpite,  that  we  may  fend  meflengers 
 
 awee. 
 
 it  is  ufed  in  Gen.  iv.  20,  21.  Matth.  xxiii.  9.  1  Cor.  iv.  15.  and  benee  the  fcholars 
 are  caUed  sons  of  the  prophets.  Ver.  24.  God  save  the  king.  The  Hebrew  fignifies 
 «  Let  the  king  live.  ”  Life,  in  the  facred  writings,  is  ufed  as  fynonymous  to 
 vrosperity.  Ver.  27.  The  children  of  Belial— brought— no  presents.  It  was  cu^ 
 tomary  among  the  eaftern  nations,  and  is  even  to  this  day,  to  accompany  their  firft 
 falutation  of  their  new  king  with  prefents,  which  were  received  as  tokens  of  peace, 
 joy,  friendfliip,  fubjeftion,  and  obedience.  Thefe  children  of  Belial  were  pro¬ 
 bably  perfons  of  confequence,  and  defpifed  Saul  becaufe  he  was  of  a  fmal 
 tribe,  and  obfeure  family  ;  he  afled  therefore  a  very  prudent  part  m  holding  his 
 peace,  being  unwnlling  to  create  any  diforder  or  tumult  in  the  beginning  of  his 
 
 reign. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  ChaP.  XL  Ver.  1.  Nahalh  was  the  king  of 
 the  Ammonites  ;  and  though  he  had  been  for  fome  time  at  war  with  the  Ifraehtes, 
 vet  this  was  the  moft  confiderable  attempt  he  had  made  againft  them  ;  and  as 
 this  happened  in  a  very  fliort  time  after  Saul  had  been  made  k>ng..  ™'ght  have 
 been  permitted  by  Providence,  as  an  occafion  for  him  to  difplay  his  enrage  and 
 condua,  and  to  procure  to  himfelf  the  love  and  efteem  of  his  people.  Ver.  2.  On 
 this  condition  wUl  I  make  a  covenant  with  you,  that  I  may  thrust  out  f 
 Though  this  condition  was  extremely  cruel,  yet  it  feems  blended  with  artfu  a  d 
 
 wife  policy.  The  being  deprived  of  their  right  eye,  would  have  elftaualll 
 difabled  them  ever  after  from  fighting  in  the  war  ;  and  the  having  the  othei 
 left,  would  render  them  in  fome  meafure  capable  of  ferving  him  at  home.  Vei. 
 5.  Give  us  seven  days.  It  is  fome  what  remarkable  that  fo  barbarous  a  prince,  is 
 this  Nahalh  feems  to  have  been,  Ihould  yet  indulge  his  impotent  enemies  with  a 
 refpite  of  feven  days,  but  it  is  probable,  Jofephus  fays,  that  Ifrael  were  fo  contemp- 
 tible  in  his  eyes  that  he  dreaded  no  oppofition  from  them.  Ver.  7.  Whosoeta 
 cometh  not  jorth  after  Saul,  and  after  Samuel,  so  shall  it  be  done  unto  his  om, 
 Hence  it  appears,  that  the  kings  of  Ifrael  affumed  fuch  a  power  as  Samuel  had  ae. 
 feribed  ;  chap.  viii.  one  part  of  which  conlifteth  in  making  war,  and  raifiiig  foldiers, 
 by  their  foie  authority,  and  punilliing  thofe  who  refufed  to  join  the  army  on  tlieii 
 fummons.  It  appears  from  this  verfe,  that  Samuel  continued  to  be  recognize 
 as  judge  after  Saul  affumed  the  government.  Ver.  IS.  And  Saul  said  ihereshtih 
 not  a  man  he  put  to  death  this  day.  I  will  not  deftroy  any  of  thofe  whom  boa 
 hath  fo  gracioully  preferved,  nor  fully  the  mirth  of  this  gloiions  and  comfortabw 
 day  with  the  llaughter  of  any  of  my  fubje<5fs  ;  and  therefore  I  fieely 
 them  ;  wherein  Saul  Ihewed  his  policy,  as  well  as  his  clemency  ;  this  being  W 
 moft  likely  way  to  gain  bis  enemies,  and  fecure  his  friends,  and  eflablilh  his  throne 
 in  the  hearts  of  his  people.  Ver.  15.  And  they  made  Saul  king  before  the  LorUM 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSErV^IONS.-*  Chai.  X.]  Let  the  ag;d  P^e^ounng 
 
 holy  Spirit  above  meafure,  and  ts  become  the  prophet  of  his  church  ^-ipfia^eTratefallv  the  proofs  of  his  ao-ency  by  which  they  were  fitted  for  their  W’ork.  Ht 
 
 God  alone  raifeth  up  inftruments  to  ferve  him;  **  men  hold.  But  fudden  changes  even  on  the  heart  are  not  always  to  be  trufted.  W 
 
 ■works  wonderful  changes  on  the  human  heart  as  welt  as  on  prudent  to  be  forward  in  proclaiming  our  own  honour-i 
 
 obtain  a  no,  lang..*,,  now  contp.ny,  new  wa,  j'and  then  our  path  Iball  be  happy  and  feent.  G.di 
 
 orintnfbinBongreatwortei  “  “  to  %yetnineiit  in  ehurch  oiid /late.  If  the  Lord  call  ns  to  an  important  woil,  » 
 
 ST— m  wiU  Jy  ,n.ify  and  aten^the.  n,  foe  the  woA. 
 
Samuel  reproveth  the  people* s  ingratitude,  I.  SAMUEL. 
 
 and  comforteth  them  in  God*s  mercy. 
 
 Refore  they  made  Saul  king  before  the  Lord  in  Gllgal ;  and 
 Chrift  there  they  facrificed  facrifices  of  peace-offerings  before 
 the  Lord  ;  and  there  Saul  and  all  the  men  of  Ifrael 
 rejoiced  greatly.*' 
 
 CHAP.  XII. 
 
 1  Samuel  tejljfieth  his  integrity ;  6  he  repniveth  the  people  of  ingratitude  ; 
 \S  he  terrijieth  them  with  thunder  in  harvejl  time;  20  he  comjorlelh 
 them  in  God's  mercy. 
 
 And  Samuel  faid  unto  all  Ifrael,  Beho'd,  I  have 
 hearkened  unto  your  voice  in  all  that  ye  faid 
 unto  me,  and  have  made  a  king  over  you. 
 
 2  And  now,  behold,  the  king  walketh  before  you  : 
 and  I  am  old  and  grey-headed  ;  and,  behold,  my  fons 
 are  with  you  :  and  I  have  walked  before  you  from  ' 
 my  childhood  unto  this  day.  j 
 
 gEccius.  3  Behold,  »  here  I  am-,  witnefs  agalnft  me  before' 
 46.  J9-  the  Lord,  and  before  his  anointed  :  whofe  ox  have  j 
 I  taken  or  \yhofe  afs  have  I  taken  ?  or  whom  have  I 
 defrauded  ?  whom  have  I  oppreffed  ?  or  of  whofe  hand 
 I  Heb.  have  I  received  any  f  bribe  H  to  blind  mine  eyes  there- 
 \anfom.  With  ?  and  I  will  reflore  it  you. 
 
 II  br,  4,  And  they  faid.  Thou  haft  not  defrauded  us,  nor  | 
 oppreffed  us,  neither  haft  thou  taken  ought  of  any 
 •mine  eyes  man  s  hand. 
 
 nhim^  5  And  he  faid  unto  them,  The  Lord  is  witnefs 
 againft  you,  and  his  anointed  is  witnefs  this  day,  that 
 ye  have  not  found  ought  in  my  hand.  And  they  an- 
 fwered,  He  is  witnefs. 
 
 6  f  And  Samuel  faid  unto  the  people,  It.  is  the 
 5  Or,  Lord  that  |1  advanced  Mofes  and  Aaron,  and  that 
 made,  brought  your  fathers  up  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt. 
 
 7  Now  therefore  ftand  ftill,  that  I  may  reafon  with 
 t  Heb.  you  before  the  Lord  of  all  the  f  righteous  adfs  of 
 righteous-  LoRD,  which  he  did  f  to  you  and  to  your  fathers. 
 T^fi's!'  8  When  Jacob  was  come  into  Egypt,  and  your  j 
 I  Heb.  fathers  cried  unto  the  Lord,  then  the  Lord  fent 
 viith.  Mofes  and  Aaron,  which  brought  forth  your  fathers 
 out  of  Egypt,  and  made  them  dwell  in  this  place.  j 
 c  Exod.  9  And  when  they  forgat  the  Lord  their  God,  he 
 4. 16.  fold  them  into  the  hand  of  Sifera,  captain  of  the  hoft 
 d  Judges  gf  Hazor,  and  into  the  hand  of  the  Philiftines,  and 
 into  the  hand  of  the  king  of  Moab  ;  and  they  fought 
 againft  them. 
 
 Gilgal.  Saul  had  been  anointed  at  Ramah,  and  chofen  by  lot  in  Mizpeb  ;  ye*' 
 flill  fome  difdained  to  own  him  as  their  kiug ;  but  now  having  received  this 
 fignal  token  of  God’s  prefence,  in  the  late  victory,  he  was  by  common  confent 
 acknowledged  their  king.  On  this  occafion  according  to  Jofephus,  Saul  not 
 only  relieved  Jabefli,  but  alfo  killed  Nahalh,  laid  wade  his  country,  and  brought 
 away  great  fpoils. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XII.  Ver.  1.  Samuel  being  now 
 about  to  refign  the  government  chiefly  into  the  hands  of  Saul,  addrefles  himfelf  to 
 the  people  in  a  very  pathetic  fpeech  ;  wherein  he  takes  occafion,  in  the  firft  place, 
 to  vindicate  his  own  adminiftration,  he  then  reminds  them  of  the  great  tranf- 
 greflions  of  their  forefathers,  and  fets  before  them  the  confequences  of  their  obe¬ 
 dience,  or  difobedience  to  his  laws.  He  further  gives  them  to  underftand,  that 
 they  had  been  very  far  from  doing  an  acceptable  thing  to  God,  in  rejedling  his 
 government,  and  defiring  another  king,  but  as  God  had  granted  their  requeft, 
 and  fet  a  king  over  them,  the  prophet  exhorts  them,  from  the  powerful  motive 
 of  felf-intereft,  to  fear  the  Lord,  and  obey  their  king  ;  and  to  convince  them  tliat 
 he  fpake  not  to  them  out  of  any  prejudice,  or  indeed  without  a  divine  direction, 
 he  gave  them  a  miraculous  fign.  Ver.  1 1.  Jeruhhaal,  and  Bedan,  and  Jephthah, 
 and  Samuel,  As  the  name  of  Bedan  does  not  occur  before  in  any  place,  we  may 
 infer,  that  there  is  a  miftake  in  the  printed  copies  of  the  Hebrew  j  and  that 
 there  really  is,  appears  from  the  Septuagint,  the  Syriac,  and  the  Arabic,  when 
 
 10  And  they  cried  unto  the  Lord,  and  faid,  We 
 have  finned,  becaufe  we  have  forfaken  the  Lord,  and 
 have  ferved  Baalim  and  Aftitaroth  :  but  now  deliver 
 us  out  of  the  hand  of  our  enemies,  and  we  will  ft^ive 
 thee. 
 
 1 1  And  the  Lord  fent  Jerubbaal,  and  Bedan,  and 
 
 '  Jpphtnah,  and  Samuel,  and  delivered  you  out  of  the‘?Ju<Jg«» 
 hand  of  your  enemies  on  every  fide,  and  ye  dwelled^** 
 fafe. 
 
 12  And  when  ye  faw  that  Nahafh,  the  king  of  the 
 children  of  Ammon,  came  againft  yon,  ye  laid  unto 
 me,  Nay  ;  but  a  king  fhall  reign  over  us  :  when  the 
 Lord  your  God  was  your  king. 
 
 13  Now  therefore  behold  the  king  whom  ye  have 
 chofen,  and  whom  ye  have  defired  !  and,  behold,  the 
 Lord  hath  fet  a  king  over  you. 
 
 14*  If  ye  will  fear  the  Lord,  and  ferve  him,  and 
 obey  his  voice,  and  not  rebel  againft  the  f  command- f  Heb. 
 ment  of  the  Lord  ;  then  (hall  both  ye,  and  alfo 
 king  that  reigneth  over  you,  f  continue  following  the+  Heb. 
 Lord  vour  God  :  be  after. 
 
 15  But  if  ye  will  not  obey  the  voice  of  the  Lord, 
 but  rebel  againft  the  commandment  of  the  Lord  ; 
 then  fhall  the  hand  of  the  Lord  be  againft  you,  as 
 it  was  againft  your  fathers. 
 
 16  *11  Now  therefore  ftand  and  fee  this  great  thing, 
 which  the  Lord  will  do  before  your  eyes. 
 
 17  Is  it  not  wheat-harveft  to-day  I  will  call  unto 
 the  Lord,  and  he  fhall  fend  thunder  and  rain  ;  that 
 ye  may  perceive  and  fee  that  your  wickednefs  is  great, 
 which  ye  have  done  in  the  fight  of  the  Lord,  in  afk- 
 ing  you  a  king. 
 
 .  18  So  Samuel  called  unto  the  Lord;  and  the 
 Lord  fent  thunder  and  rain  that  day  :  and  all  the 
 people  greatly  feared  the  Lord  and  Samuel. 
 
 19  And  all  the  people  faid  unto  Samuel,  Pray  for 
 thy  fervants  unto  the  Lord  thy  God,  that  we  die  not : 
 for  we  have  added  unto  all  our  fins  this  evil,  to  aik  us 
 a  king. 
 
 20  U  And  Samuel  faid  unto  the  people.  Fear  not ; 
 
 (ye  have  done  all  this  wickednefs  :  yet  turn  not  alide 
 from  following  the  Lord,  but  ferve  the  Lord  with 
 all  your  heart. 
 
 read  Barak  ;  and  Barak  was  an  eminent  deliverer.  The  Syriac  and  Arabic  verfion# 
 likewife,  inftead  of  Samuel,  read  Samfon,  who  was  more  likely  to  be  celebrated 
 by  Samuel  in  this  fpeech.  Paul  confirms  both  thefe  readings,  Heb.  xL  32. 
 wherein  he  profelTes,  The  time  would  fad  me  to  tell  of  Gideon,  [that  is,  Jerubbaal,] 
 of  Barak,  of  Samfon,  of  Jephthah,  and  of  Samuel.  Ver.  14.  Continue  following  the 
 Lord  your  God  ;  having  him  for  your  guide  and  protecilor.  This  is  mentioned  as 
 a  privilege  attending  obedience  to  God  :  comp.  John  xv.  10.  V'er.  17,  is  it  not 
 wheat  harvest  to-day  ?  I  ■wilt  call  unto  the  Lord,  and  he  shall  fend  thunder  atul 
 rain.  By  this  preamble,  the  prophet  fignifies  the  greatnefs  of  the  miracle  God  was 
 going  to  work;  which  was  really  and  truly  great,  feeing  it  was  performed  at  a  fea- 
 fon  of  the  year  in  which  thunder  and  rain  were  never  known  in  that  country,  and 
 therefore  had  the  intended  efTe^t,  by  imprefling  the  minds  of  the  people  with 
 fuch  a  religious  awe  and  veneration  for  God  who  could  perform  fuch  wonders, 
 that  they  made  a  confelTion  of  all  their  fins,  and  particularly  of  defiring  a  king, 
 and  befought  Samuel  to  intercede  with  the  Lord  for  their  pardon  and  forgivc- 
 nefs.  Ver.  20.  And  Samuel  said, — Fear  not.  The  prophet  again  refumes  his 
 addrefs ;  and  after  having  comforted  the  people,  who  were  grea'ly  difmayed  at 
 the  miraculous  ftorm,  which  had  but  juft  ceafed,  he  exhorts  them  to  a  holy  and 
 religious  life  ;  and  tells  them  that  fo  long  as  they  adhered  to  the  obfervation  of 
 God’s  laws,  be  would  not  only  pray  for  them,  but  be  ready  alfo  to  aflift  them 
 with  his  heft  inftruiftious  and  advice ;  concluding  his  fpeech  with  this  affedling 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS, — *  Chap.  XL]  What  a  plague  it  is  to  live  near  bad  neighbours  !  Yet  fuch  is  the  fituation  of  all  the  people  of  God  ;  they 
 have  numerous  enemies,  but  the  moft  powerful  and  dangerous  are  the  evils  of  their  own  hearts.  They  have  however  no  reafon  to  make  a  covenant  of  peace*  with 
 them;  for  Jefus  the  king  of  Zion  is  their  friend,  and  he  is  able  to  deliver  them  and  give  them  final  and  complete  vidlory. — Inhuman  barbarity  often  iffues  in  the  ruia 
 of  the  guilty.  Kind  fympathy  with  others  in  trouble,  and  holy  indignation  againft  deeds  of  cruelty  and  wickednefs,  are  highly  commendable.  Deep  humility,  a  hearty 
 concern  for  their  fubjefts,  zeal  for  their  interefts  and  the  hohouf  of  God,  proper  courage  and  authority,  prudence  and  confidence  in  God  for  fuccefs  atten’ded  with 
 aaivity  and  difpatch  in  buCnefs,  are  truly  ornamental  in  magiftrates ;  and  the  fear  of  God  ought  to  influence  fubjeas  to  their  duty.  Never  ought  men  to  be  mere 
 forward  in  forgiving  others,  than  when  the  Lord  hath  done  gredt  things  for  themfelves. 
 
 No.l8%*ttQdt  ^  A 
 
The  PhiUdines  oppress  Israel, 
 
 1.  SAMUEL. 
 
 Jonathan  smiteth  the  Philistines* 
 
 nef»)re 
 Chria 
 cir.  109J. 
 
 t  HeL. 
 from  cens¬ 
 ing. 
 
 11  Or, 
 what  a 
 great 
 thing,  &c. 
 
 ibgs. 
 
 t 
 
 the  son  of 
 one  ye  tr 
 in  his 
 
 s 
 
 21  And  turn  ye  not  afide :  for  then  shotM  ye  after 
 vain  things,  which  cannot  profit  nor  deliver';  for  they 
 are  vain  ;) 
 
 22  For  the  Lord  will  not  forfake  his  people  for  his 
 preat  name’s  fake  ;  becaufe  it  hath  pleafed  the  Lord 
 to  make  you  his  people. 
 
 23  Moreover,  as  for  me,  God  forbid  that  I  fhould 
 fin  apainft  the  Lord  f  in  ceafing  to  pray  for  you  :  but 
 I  will  teach  vou  the  good  and  the  right  way. 
 
 24  Onlv  Fear  the  Lord,  and  ferve  him  in  truth, 
 with  all  your  heart  :  for  confider  H  how  great  things 
 he  hath  done  for  you. 
 
 2.0  But  if  3’e  fh.ill  flill  do  wickedly,  ye  (hall  be  con- 
 fumed,  both  ye  and  your  king.* 
 
 CHAP.  XIII. 
 
 1  Saul's  selefl  band  ;  3  he  calleth  the  Hebrews  to  Gilgal  agahifl  the  Phi¬ 
 listines,  whose  garrifon  Jonathan  had  smitten.  5  The  Philistines'  great 
 host.  6  The  distress  o‘  the  Isi-aelites,  tjj-c. 
 
 aUL  t  reigned  one  year  ;  and  when  he  had 
 reigned  two  years  over  Ifrael, 
 
 2  baui  chofe  him  three  thoufand  wen  of  Ifrael ; 
 xvhereof  iveo  thoufand  were  with  Saul  in  Michmafh  and 
 m  mount  Betn-el,  and  a  thoiil'and  were  with  Jonathan 
 in  Gb-ati  ot  Benjamin:  and  the  reft  of  the  people 
 he  fent  every  man  to  his  tent. 
 
 3  And  Jonathan  fmote  the  garrifon  of  the  Philif- 
 tines  that  1|  Geba  ;  and  the  Philiftines  heard 
 of  It.  .And  Saul  blew  the  trumpet  throughout  all  the 
 land,  faying,  Let  the  Hebrews  hear. 
 
 4  And  all  Ifrael  heard  fay,  that  Saul  had  fmitten  a 
 garrifon  of  the  Philiftines,  and  that  Ifrael  alio  t  was 
 had  in  abomination  with  the  Philiftines.  And  the 
 people  were  called  together  after  Saul  to  Gilgal. 
 
 5  f  And  the  Philiftines  gathered  themfelves  toge¬ 
 ther  to  fight  with  Ifrael,  thirty  thoufand  chariots,  and 
 fix  thoufand  horfemen,  and  people  as  the  fand  which 
 is  on  the  fea-fhore  in  multitude ;  and  they  came  up, 
 and  pitched  in  Michmafh,  eaftward  from  Beth-aven. 
 
 6  H  When  the  men  of  Ifrael  faw  that  they  were  in 
 a  ftrair,  (for  the  people  were  diftrefled,)  then  the  peo¬ 
 ple  did  hide  themfelves  in  caves,  and  in  thickets,  and 
 in  rocks,  and  in  high  places,  and  in  pits. 
 
 7  And  some  of  the  Hebrew's  went  over  Jordan  to 
 the  land  of  Gad  and  Gilead  :  as  for  Saul,  he  ’xas  yet 
 
 ixfi^  him.  in  Gilgal,  and  all  the  people  t  followed  him  trembling. 
 
 thejaceof. 
 
 «  Or, 
 the  hilt. 
 
 Heb. 
 did  Jlink, 
 
 t  Hrfj. 
 trembled 
 
 S^rnsan. 
 
 8  H  *  And  he  tarried  feven  days  according  to  the 
 fet  time  that  Samuel  had  appointi  d :  but  Samuel  came 
 not  to  Gilgal ;  and  the  people  were  fcattered  from  him. 
 
 9  And  Saul  laid,  Bring  hither  a  burnt-ofh  ring,  tOaTh^^^ 
 me,  and  peace- offerings.  And  he  olicred  the  burnt-  lo.  st*** 
 offering. 
 
 1 0  And  it  came  to  pafs,  that,  as  foon  as  he  had  made 
 an  end  of  offering  the  burni-oft'ering,  behold,  Samuel 
 came  ;  and  Saul  went  out  to  meet  him,  that  he  might 
 
 t  faliite  him.  t  Hcb. 
 
 1 1  f  And  Samuel  faid,  What  haft  thou  dene  ?  And 
 i  Saul  laid,  Becaufe  I  faw  that  the  people  were  Icatter- 
 
 ed  from  me,  and  that  thou  cameft  not  within  the  days 
 appointed,  and  that  the  Piiiliftines  gathered  themfelves 
 together  at  Michmafh ; 
 
 12  Therefore,  faid  I,  the  Philiftines  will  come 
 down  now  upon  roe  to  Gilgal,  and  1  have  not  t  madet  Heb. 
 f'upplication  unto  the  Lord:  I  forced  rayfelf  there- 
 fore,  and  offered  a  burnt-offering. 
 
 13  And  Samuel  faid  to  Saul,  Thou  haft  done  fool- 
 ifhly  :  thou  haft  not  kept  the  commandment  of  the 
 Lord  thy  God,  which  he  commanded  thee  ;  for  now 
 would  the  Lord  have  eftablifhed  thy  kingdom  upon 
 Ifrael  for  ever. 
 
 14  But  now  thy  kingdom  fhall  not  continue  ;  the 
 Lord  hath  fought  him  a  man  after  his  own  heart,  and 
 the  Lord  hath  commanded  him  to  be  captain  over  his 
 people,  becaufe  thou  haft  not  kept  that  which  the 
 Lord  commanded  thee. 
 
 15  And  Samuel  arofe,  and  gat  him  up  from  Gilgal 
 unto  Gibeah  of  Benjamin  :  and  Saul  numbered  the 
 people  that  were 
 men. 
 
 16  And  Saul,  and  Jonathan  his  fon,  and  the  people 
 that  were  prefent  with  them,  abode  in  Gibeah  of  Ben¬ 
 jamin  ;  but  the  Philiftines  encamped  in  Michmalh. 
 
 17  H  And  the  fpcilers  came  out  of  the  camp  of  the 
 Philiftines  in  three  companies :  one  company  turned 
 unto  the  w'ay  that  Leadetk  to  Ophrab,  unto  the  land  of 
 Shaul : 
 
 18  And  another  company  turned  the  way  to  Beth- 
 horou  :  and  another  company  turned  to  the  way  of 
 the  border  that  looketh  to  the  valley  of  Zeboim,  to¬ 
 ward  the  wildernefs. 
 
 19  H  Now  there  was  no  fmith  found  throughout  all 
 
 t  prefent  with  him,  about  fix  hundred  \ 
 
 ‘  ^  ’  found. 
 
 confideration,  But  if  ye  Jhall  Jlill  do  wickedly,  ye  Jhall  be  consumed,  both  ye  and 
 your  king.  Ver.  21.  Vain  things  which  c  mnot  profit.  A  very  common  cieferip- 
 tion  of  idols,  which  though  worfliipped  by  the  heathen,  have  no  power  to  affill,  but 
 whofe  werfliip  involved  Ifrael  in  the  mod  dreadful  calamities. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XIII.  Ver.  1.  Saul  reigned  one  ye^  r. 
 The  meaning  feems  to  be,  that  in  thefifi  year  of  his  reign  he  performed  thofe 
 things  mentioned  in  the  two  preceediiig  chapters  j  and  when  he  had  reigned  two 
 years,  thofe  things  fell  out  w'hich  we  read  in  this  chapter,  in  which  he  difcovered 
 the  evil  qualities  of  his  mind,  which  his  policy  had  hitherto  induced  him  to  con¬ 
 ceal.  Ver.  5.  Thirty  thousand  chariots.  The  Syriac  and  Arabic  read  only  thee 
 thousand ;  but  the  Septuagint  and  Chaldee  confirm  the  printed  Hebrew.  This 
 difference  might  have  proceeded  from  the  omiffion  or  infertion  of  a  cypher  in 
 the  ancient  verfions  of  the  Hebrew,  and  if  we  fuppofe  that  under  the  term  cha¬ 
 riots  are  comprehended  all  forts  of  wheeled  carriages,  as  well  as  chariots  properly 
 fo  called,  the  prefent  reading  of  the  Hebrew  may  be  admitted.  Belides  chariots 
 may  here  be  put  for  thofe  who  fought  from  them,  as  it  is  in  the  original,  2  Sam. 
 X.  18.  Comp.  1  Chron  xix.  18.  1  Kings  xx.  21.  Pfal.  Ixxvi.  6.  Ver;  8.  And  he 
 
 tarried  seven  days.  Not  probably  feven  complete  days,  but  only  fix  days  and  part 
 of  the  feventh,  for  day  is  often  ufed  for  a  part  of  the  day,  Matth.  xii.  40.  Ver. 
 13.  Thou  host  done  foolishly.  That  is,  wickedly  ;  becaufe  his  impatience  promp¬ 
 ted  him  not  only  to  dillruft  God’s  providence,  but  to  ufurp  the  prieft's  office. 
 Have  esl'  blished  thy  kingdom — for  ever.  How  could  this  be  true,  when  the  king¬ 
 dom  was  promifed  to  Judah  ?  Gen.  xlix.  It  is  anfwered,  that  the  phrafe for  ever, 
 in  feripture  often  fignifies  no  more  than  a  long  time,  as  Gen.  xliii.  9.  Exod.  xxi.  C, 
 1  Sam.  xxviii.  2.  But  as  God  forefaw  the  difobedience  of  Saul,  by  which  he 
 would  forfeit  all  right  to  the  kingdom,  it  is  eafy  to  fee  the  confiftency  between 
 the  prophecy  of  the  dominion  being  given  to  Judah,  and  the  declaration  made 
 to  Saul.  Ver.  14.  T  e  Lord  hath  sought  him  a  man  after  his  own  heart.  This 
 mu  ft  be  underftood  of  David’s  public,  and  not  of  his  private  cbaradler ;  and  by 
 this  language  his  charadter  as  king  is  fet  in  oppofition  to  that  of  Saul,  who  adled 
 more  like  a  heathen  tyrant,  than  a  fervant  of  the  Lord,  who  was  the  fupreme 
 king  of  Ifrael.  David  was  a  man  after  God’s  own  heart,  becaufe  he  ruled  his 
 people  Ifrael  according  to  the  divine  will ;  he  was  an  intrepid  warrior,  a  con- 
 fummate  ftatefman,  and  an  excellent  king  ;  and,  to  crown  all,  be  feared  God; 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap,  XII.J  On  proper  occafions  it  is  a  duty  which  we  owe  to  God  and  fociety,  to  defend  our  charaaer  againft  the 
 ffiafts  of  calumny  ;  and  fuch  as  are  coafeious  of  their  integrity,  will  not  fear  the  ftriaeft  ferutiny  of  their  condua.  But  it  is  the  greateft  comfort  to  have  God  the 
 witnefs  of  our  uprightnefs.  It  is  not  more  heart-Iatisfying  than  it  is  honourable,  to  n  fign  a  high  ftation  on  account  of  age,  with  a  confcience  uncovrupted,  and  wit 
 a  charaaer,  which  malice  itfelf  dares  not  calumniate.  The  careful  remembrance  of  God’s  mercies  and  judgments,  and  the  ohfcrvance  of  his  awful  providences,  are  not 
 fufficient  to  make  us  aaive  and  conftant  in  his  fervice.  How  terrible  is  the  cal'e  of  the  eiu  mies  of  that  God,  who  can  arm  all  nature  againft  them  !  And  how  dan¬ 
 gerous  is  it  to  have  the  prayers  of  his  minifters  turned  againft  us  !  But  for  nations,  churches  or  individuals,  to  enjoy  the  fervent  prayers,  the  faithful  admonitions  and 
 encouragement  of  Jehovah’s  fervants,  is  one  of  the  greateft  mercies  ;  and  will  be  much  prized  by  lucli  as  are  truly  penitent.  The  minifters  of  God  muft  not  drive, 
 but  be  patient,  and  perfevere  in  feeking  the  good  of  men,  even  though  they  Ihould  experience  much  ill  ufage.  If  they  prove  conipaffionaie  and  faithful  to  the  death, 
 whatever  be  their  fucces,  they  have  delivered  their  own  foul. 
 
Jonathan  smiteth  the  Philistines*  garrison. 
 
 I.  SAMUEL. 
 
 The  Philistines  smitten  •ucith  divin  >.  -or. 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 clr.  1093 
 
 I  Ht'b. 
 
 I  Heb 
 to  Sit- 
 
 1  Or, 
 
 jtaiiding 
 
 camp- 
 
 dr.  1037. 
 li  Or, 
 
 the  land  of  Ifrael :  (for  the  Philiftines  faid,  Left  the 
 Hebrews  make  them  (words  or  fpears  ;) 
 
 20  But  all  the  Ifraelites  went  down  to  the  Philiftines, 
 to  (harpen  every  man  his  (hare,  and  his  coulter,  and 
 his  ax'^,  aud  hiS  mattock. 
 
 ^  21  Yet  they  had  f  a  file  for  the  mattocks,  and  for 
 
 the  coulters,  and  for  the  forks,  and  for  the  axes,  aud 
 fiioutns.  ^  (liarpen  the  goads. 
 
 22  8o  it  came  to  pafs,  in  the  day  of  battle,  that 
 there  was  neither  fword  nor  fpear  found  in  the  hand 
 of  any  of  the  people  that  were  with  Saul  and  Jonathan  : 
 but  with  Saul,  and  with  Jonathan  his  (bn,  was  there 
 found. 
 
 23  And  the  |(  garrifon  of  the  Philiftines  went  out 
 to  the  paflage  of  Michmafh.* 
 
 CHAP.  XIV. 
 
 1  Jonathan,  nmmtling  to  /ns  fallter,  the  priejl,  or  the  pevjde,  goeth,  and 
 miraculously  smiteth  the  Pliilijlmes'  garrison.  1 5  ^  divine  terror  m  ,/celh 
 them  be  d  themselves.  17  Haul,  notjlaying  theprirjl's  answer,  setleth  on 
 turn.  21  The  captivated  Hebrews,  and  the  hidden  Israelites,  join 
 against  them,  ^c.  '' 
 
 NOW  II  it  came  to  paCs  upon  a  day,  that  Jona¬ 
 than  the  (bn  of  Saul  faid  unto  the  young  man 
 that  bare  his  armour.  Come,  and  let  us  go  over  to 
 the  Philiftines’  garrifon  that  is  on  the  other  fide.  But 
 he  lold  not  his  father. 
 
 2  And  Saul  tarried  in  theuttermoft  part  of  Gibeah, 
 under  a  pomegranate-tree  which  is  in  Migron :  and 
 the  people  that  were  with  him  tcwe  about  fix  hundred 
 men  ; 
 
 3  And  Ahiah,  the  (bn  of  Ahitub,  ®  I-chabod’s  bro¬ 
 ther,  the  Ion  of  Phinehas,  the  (bn  of  Eli,  the  Lord’s 
 prieft  in  Shiloh,  wearing  an  ephod.  And  the  people 
 knew  not  that  Jonathan  was  gone. 
 
 4  ^  And  between  the  palTages,  by  which  Jonathan 
 fought  to  go  over  unto  the  Philiftines’  garrifon,  there 
 'was  a  fharp  rock  on  the  one  fide,  and  a  (harp  rock  on 
 the  other  fide  :  and  the  name  of  the  one  was  Bozez, 
 and  the  name  of  the  other  Seneh. 
 
 5  The  f  fore-front  of  the  one'ieias  fituate  northward 
 over  againft  Michmafii,  and  the  other  (buthward  over 
 againft  Gibeah. 
 
 6  And  Jonathan  faid  to  the  young  man  that  bare 
 his  armour,  Come,  and  let  us  go  over  unto  the  garri 
 fon  of  thefe  unci.'-cumcifed  ;  it  may  be  that  the  Lord 
 
 3  Chap. 
 4.21. 
 
 f  Heb 
 tooth. 
 
 to  grandeur  of  his  exalted  ftation,  never  negkaed  religious 
 
 Pliilift-  no  smith  found  throughout  all  the  land  of  Israel.  The 
 
 the  their  forty  years’  tyranny,  had  taken  care  to  carry  away  all 
 
 to  prevent  them  from  making  themfeives  weapons 
 1  xxi'  witb  fimilar  policy,  2  Kings  xxiv.  14.  Jer.  xxiv. 
 
 tliev  nil  ‘'"‘tated  by  others,  who  prohibited  thofe  whom 
 
 went  .  ybng  'ron  or  inftruments  of  war.  Ver.  20.  The  Ifraelites 
 
 for  it  ic  probably  to  the  garrifons  w hich  they  bad  in  Canaan  ; 
 
 22  Tl  went  down  to  the  country  of  the  Philiftines  Ver. 
 
 Sifera  r/  ^  which  the  Ifraelites  gained  over 
 
 y.  8  R  f  spear  seen  among  forty  Ihoustmd  in  Israel,  Judg. 
 
 banacp  « -.u  c  ^  and  flings,  which  the  men  of  Gibeah  could 
 
 pYtr*  addrefs.  Judg.  xx.  16. 
 
 notes.  Psal.  XIV.  Ver.  1.  This  aaion  of  Jonathan’s 
 IttatJon^ft.'"  •  ‘‘  fliould  be  remembered 
 
 ffliiliflin  ^  probability,  was  incited  by  divine  impulfe  on  feeing  the 
 
 liereceivp!t'‘ePfu''’  intended  to  aflault  Gibeah,  and  on  the  information 
 
 ^  a  ot  the  great  fpoil  the  three  parties  had  taken  from  the  inhabitants 
 
 /ore 
 i,  ill 
 10.!  7, 
 
 will  work  for  us:  for  there  is  no  reftraint  to  the  Lord 
 to  (ave  by  many  or  by  few. 
 
 7  And  his  armour-bearer  faid  unto  him.  Do  all  that _ _ 
 
 lb  in  thine  hearr  :  turn  thee;  behold,  I  aw  with  tr.ee b  2  ctuo. 
 according  to  thy  heart.  14. 11. 
 
 8  Then  faid  Jonathan,  Behold,  we  will  pafs  ov?  r  unto 
 these  men,  and  we  will  diCcover  ourfelv-rs  unto  them. 
 
 y  If  they  (ay  thus  unto  us,  f  Tarry  until  we  come  /•  Heb. 
 to  you  ;  then  we  will  (taud  (till  in  cur  place,  and  wilH«-^*^ 
 not  go  up  unto  them. 
 
 10  But  if  they  fay  thus,  Come  up  unto  us  ;  then 
 
 we  will  go  up  :  for  *  the  Lord  hath  delivered  theme  1  Mac. 
 into  our  hand  ;  and  this  shall  he  a  figu  unto  us. 
 
 1 1  And  both  of  them  dilcovered  thea-  (elves  unto 
 the  garrifon  of  the  Pniliftines  :  and  the  Philiftines  faid, 
 
 r>..i _ \j  -  If  i _  _  i.*  _ .  /‘I  1  1 
 
 4.  30. 
 
 Behold,  the  Hebrews  come  forth  cut  of  the  holes 
 w’here  they  had  hid  themfeives. 
 
 12  And  the  men  ot  the  garrifon  anfwered  Jonathan 
 and  his  armour-bearer,  aud  (aid,  Come  up  to  us,  and 
 we  will  (hew  you  a  thing.  And  Jonathan  (aid  unto 
 his  armour-bearer,  Come  up  after  me  ;  for  the  Lord 
 hath  delivered  them  into  the  hand  of  Ifrael. 
 
 13  And  Jonathan  climbed  up  upon  his  hands  and 
 upon  his  feet,  and  his  armour-bearer  after  him.  and 
 
 u„r _ T _ I _  __  j 
 
 py  fell  before  Jonathan  ;  and  his  armour-bearer 
 
 (lew  after  him. 
 
 14  And  that  firft  (laughter,  which  Jonathan  and  his 
 armour-bearer  made,  was  about  twenty  men,  within 
 
 as  it  were  |1  an  half  acre  of  land,  which  a  yoke  9J  vxen  U  Or, 
 might  plow.  “ 
 
 15  And  there  w'as  trembling  in  the  hoft,  in  i\ie^a7Ze°{f 
 held,  and  among  all  the  people  ;  the  garrifon,  and  thetand. 
 Spoilers,  they  alfo  trembled,  and  the  earth  quaked  : 
 
 I'o  it  was  f  a  very  great  trembling.  t  Heb. 
 
 16  And  the  watchmen  of  Saul  in  Gibeah  of  Ben- 
 jamin  looked;  and,  behold,  the  multitude  melted 
 iw'ay,  and  they  went  on  beating  down  one  another. 
 
 17  H  Then  faid  Saul  unto  the  people  thatwe-re  with 
 him,  Number  now,  and  fee  who  is  gone  from  us.  And 
 when  they  had  numbered,  behold,  Jonathan  and  his 
 armour-bearer  were  not  there. 
 
 1 8  And  Saul  faid  unto  Ahiah,  Bring  hither  the  ark 
 of  God  :  (for  the  ark  of  God  was  at  that  time  with 
 the  children  of  Ifrael.) 
 
 of  the  vil  .ages.  \  er.  2.  The  original  word  Rimmon,  rendered  a  pomegranate-tree 
 might  poflibly  be  the  proper  name  of  a  place.  And  that  there  were  places  of  this 
 name,  is  evident  from  Jolh.  xv.  32,  Judg.  xx.  45.  1  Cbron.  iv.  32  Zech  xiv 
 10.  If  we  like  wife  recolka  that  the  pomegranate-tree  is  of  a  flow  growth’  and 
 confequently  very  improper  to  have  a  tent  pitched  under  it,  the  rendering  Uie 
 word  as  a  proper  name  will  clear  the  paflage  from  an  objeaion  which  misht 
 otherwife  be  urged  againft  it.  Ver.  15.  And  there  was  trembling  in  Ike  hoft  How 
 Jonathan  and  Ins  armour-bearer  only,  could  put  the  whole  army  of  the  Pbilif 
 ones  into  16  univerfal  a  confternatioii,  appears  at  firft  fight  very  extraordinary' 
 but  wlien  we  confider  that  they  climbed  up  a  way  never  before  attempted  • 
 --that  they  furpnfed  the  enemy  unawares,  aud  perhaps  when  the  greatett  part 
 of  them  were  afleep  that  this  army,  being  compofed  of  difterent  nations, 
 might  entertain  jealoufies  and  fufpicions  of  each  other and  that  the  darkneft 
 of  the  night  might  make  them  apprehend  that  the  whole  body  of  the  Ifraelites 
 was  come  upon  them  ;-the  fright  of  the  Philiftines  is  not  lb  very  furprifimn 
 and  when  we  add  to  all  this,  what  is  not  indeed  improbable,  that  God  miirht 
 I  at  this  inftant  mfufeapanic  fear  into  the  whole  hoft,  our  wonder  will  he  t.irnpll 
 into  praife  and  adoration  of  that  powerful  Being,  who,  when  he  fees 
 
 ^ever  ]  In  the  coiidua  of  Saul  mark  the  awful  ftate  of  an  unrenewed  mind.  No  fiUiation  no  a 
 
 Ws  wh^icH^h  ^  bleffing,  in  rank,  or  power,  can  in  themfeives  produce  real  happinefs.— How  foon  are  princes,  trailing  to  their  ow.i  no  providence, 
 
 »».  fethe  .'Lt;',"’*'''  fr  '•  ["j''’'*  ror  »  a|.T„i  “a. ”  ‘"a 
 
 “conceivahlv  u  ^  numfterial  office,  and  run  when  God  has  not  fent  them  ;  it  may  coll  them  a  kingdom,  nay  their  everlafti’n..  e  ‘'  imminently  dan- 
 
 h  addition  I  ‘bofe  who  encroach  on  the  office  of  the  Son  of  God,  and  nfefume  Jdiblatenn,! 
 
 •ta  Mil. !: .  “  p»”  Ever^ 
 
 pUate  CTuiU  ;=  ,  ,  '  r  'T . :  uiiooeciience  againlt  Hod’s  politive  precepts  can  admit  of  no  evenfo  tv  " 
 
 )l“^inoppofitio/to**God’rco°^”'a  ^'^  ^ ‘a’!,  more  aggravated  is  his  tranfgreffion :  and  pretences'^^t7rclki™^* 
 
 r  PP  to  God  s  commandments,  are  hut  barefa.ed  hypocrify.  They  arc  only  fafe  and  blelfed,  who  are  guided  continually  by  intogSt^  ‘ 
 
Saul  £  faulty  and  imadvtscd  adjuration. 
 
 cir 
 
 Chria  came  to  pafs,  while  Saul  talked  unto  the 
 
 .  1087.  II  noife  that  was  in  the  hoft  ot  the  Phi- 
 
 liftines  went  on  and  increaled  :  and  Saul  faid  unto  the 
 H  Or.  pritft,  Withdraw  thine  hand. 
 
 tumult.  20  And  Saul  and  all  the  people  that  were  with  him 
 f  Heb.  f  aflembled  theml'elves,  and  they  came  to  the  battle  ; 
 
 ^  every  man’s  fword  was  againft  his  fel- 
 d'ludges  there  was  a  very  great  difcomfiture. 
 
 7.  22.  21  Moreover,  the  Hebrews  that  were  with  the  Phi- 
 
 2  Cbron,  hftines  before  that  time,  which  went  up  with  them 
 into  the  carop  /rc»?w  the  country  round  about,  even  they 
 alfo  turned  to  be  with  the  Ifraelites  that  were  with  Saul 
 and  Jonathan. 
 
 22  Likewife  all  the  men  of  Ifrael  which  had  hid 
 themfelves  in  mount  Ephraim,  when  they  heard  that 
 the  Philiftines  fled,  even  they  alfo  followed  hard  after 
 them  in  the  battle. 
 
 23  So  the  Lord  faved  Ifrael  that  day:  and  the 
 battle  palled  over  unto  Beth-aven. 
 
 24  %  And  the  men  of  Ifrael  were  diflreflTed  that  day : 
 for  Saul  had  adjured  the  people,  faying,  Curfed  be 
 the  man  that  eareth  any  food  until  evening,  that  I  may 
 be  avenged  on  mine  enemies.  So  none  of  the  people 
 tailed  any  food. 
 
 25  And  all  they  of  the  land  came  to  a  wood ;  and 
 there  was  honey  upon  the  ground. 
 
 26  And  when  the  people  were  come  into  the  wood, 
 behold,  the  honey  dropped  ;  but  no  man  put  his  hand 
 to  his  mouth  :  for  the  people  feared  the  oath. 
 
 27  But  Jonathan  heard  not  when  his  father  charged 
 the  people  with  the  oath  :  wherefore  he  put  forth  the 
 end  of  tn.e  rod  that  was  in  his  hand,  and  dipped  it  in 
 an  honey-comb,  and  put  his  hand  to  his  mouth  ;  and 
 his  eyes  were  enlightened. 
 
 28  Then  anfwered  one  of  the  people,  and  faid.  Thy 
 father  ttraitly  charged  the  people  with  an  oath,  faying, 
 Curfed  be  the  man  that  eateth  any  food  this  day. 
 And  the  people  were  1|  faint. 
 
 29  Then  faid  Jonathan,  My  father  hath  troubled 
 the  land  :  fee,  I  pray  you,  how  mine  eyes  have  been 
 enlightened,  becaufe  I  tailed  a  little  of  this  honey  ; 
 
 30  How  much  more,  if  haply  the  people  had  eaten 
 freely  to*day  of  the  fpoil  of  their  enemies  which  they 
 found  ?  for  had  there  not  been  now  a  much  greater 
 flaughter  among  the  Philiftines  ? 
 
 31  H  And  they  fmote  the  Philiftines  that  day  from 
 Michmafh  to  Ajalon :  and  the  people  were  very 
 faint. 
 
 32  And  the  people  flew  upon  the  fpoil,  and  took 
 Iheep,  and  oxen,  and  calves,  and  flew  on  the 
 ground  :  and  the  people  did  eat  them  '  with  the  blood. 
 
 33  f  Then  they  told  Saul,  faying.  Behold  the  people 
 fin  againft  the  Lord,  in  that  they  eat  with  the  blood. 
 And  he  faid.  Ye  have  \\  tranfgrelTed :  roll  a  great 
 ftone  unto  me  this  day. 
 
 34  And  Saul  laid,  Difperfe  yourfelves  among  the 
 people,  and  fay  unto  them.  Bring  me  hither  every 
 man  his  ox,  and  every  man  his  Iheep,  and  flay  them 
 
 fl  Or, 
 •weary. 
 
 e  Levit. 
 7.  26.  & 
 19.  26. 
 Deut. 
 12.  16. 
 
 1!  Or, 
 
 dC'dt 
 
 treacher¬ 
 
 ously. 
 
 I.  SAMUEL,  Jonathan  rescued  from  Saul*s  scntencf 
 
 here,  and  eat ;  and  fin  not  againft  the  Lord  in  eating  Btfor, 
 with  the  blood.  And  all  the  people  brought  every 
 man  his  ox  f  with  him  that  night,  and  flew 
 there. 
 
 35  And  Saul  built  an  altar  unto  the  Lord  ;  f  the  L  to’ 
 fame  was  the  firft  altar  that  he  built  unto  the  Lord.  hand. 
 
 36  H  And  Saul  faid.  Let  us  go  down  after  the  Phi.y^®’’- 
 liftines  by  night,  and  fpoil  them  until  the  morning- 
 light,  and  let  us  not  leave  a  man  of  them.  And  they  <0^17 
 faid.  Do  whatfoever  feemeth  good  unto  thee.  Then*'”‘“«5 
 faid  the  prieft,  Lc  us  draw  near  hither  unto  God. 
 
 37  H  And  Saul  alked  counfel  of  God,  Shall  I  go  down 
 after  the  Philiftines  ?  wilt  thou  deliver  them  into 
 the  hand  of  Ifrael?  But  he.  anfwered  him  not  that 
 day. 
 
 38  H  And  Saul  faid.  Draw  ye  near  hither  all  the 
 t  chief  of  the  people  ;  and  know  and  fee  wherein  this  t  Heb. 
 fin  hath  been  this  day : 
 
 39  For,  «s  the  Lord  liveth,  which  faveth  Ifrael,  20. 
 though  it  be  in  Jonathan  my  fon,  he  fhall  furely  die. 
 
 But  there  was  not  a  man  among  all  the  people  that  an¬ 
 fwered  him. 
 
 40  Then  faid  he  unto  all  Ifrael,  Be  ye  on  one  fide, 
 and  I  and  Jonathan  my  fon  will  be  on  the  other  fide. 
 
 And  the  people  faid  unto  Saul,  Do  what  feemeth 
 good  unto  thee. 
 
 41  Therefore  Saul  faid  unto  the  Lord  God  of 
 Ifrael,  ||  Give  a  perfeft  lot.  And  Saul  and  Jonathan  II  Or, 
 were  taken  :  but  the  people  t  efcaped. 
 
 42  And  Saul  faid,  Caft  lots  between  me  and  Jona- 
 
 than  my  fon,  And  Jonathan  was  taken.  went  ' 
 
 43  Then  Saul  faid  to  Jonathan,  Tell  me  what  thou^®’’'^ 
 haft  done.  And  Jonathan  told  him,  and  faid,  1  did 
 but  tafte  a  little  honey  with  the -end  of  the  rod  that 
 was  in  mine  hand,  and,  lo,  I  muft  die. 
 
 44  And  Saul  anfwered,  God  do  fo,  and  more  alfo ; 
 for  thou  (halt  furely  die,  Jonathan. 
 
 45  And  the  people  faid  unto  Saul,  Shall  Jonathan 
 die,  who  hath  wrought  this  great  falvation  in  Ifrael  ? 
 
 God  forbid :  as  the  Lord  liveth,  there  (hall  not  one 
 hair  of  his  head  fall  to  the  ground  ;  for  he  hath 
 wrought  with  God  this  day.  So  the  people  refeued 
 Jonathan,  that  he  died  not. 
 
 46  Then  Saul  went  up  from  following  the  Philif. 
 tines  :  and  the  Philiftines  went  to  their  own  place. 
 
 47  H  So  Saul  took  the  kingdom  over  Ifrael,  and 
 fought  againft  all  his  enemies  on  every  fide,  againft 
 Moab,  and  againft  the  children  of  Ammon,  and  againft 
 Edom,  and  againft  the  kings  of  Zobah,  and  againft 
 ttie  Philiftines  ;  and  whitherfoever  he  turned  himfelf, 
 he  vexed  them. 
 
 48  And  he  |l  gathered  an  hoft,  and  fmote  the  Ama-  H 
 lekites,  and  delivered  Ifrael  out  of  the  hands  of  them 
 that  fpoiled  them. 
 
 49  ^  Now  the  fons  of  Saul  were  Jonathan,  and 
 Ifhui,  and  Melchi-(hua :  and  the  names  of  his  two 
 daughters  were  these :  the  name  of  the  firft-born  Me¬ 
 rab,  and  the  name  of  the  younger  Michal : 
 
 make  the  greateft  heroes  tremble,  and  put  to  flight  the  moft  formidable  armies. 
 And  the  earth  quaked.  Sortie  are  of  opinion,  that  there  was  a  real  ear^quake, 
 which  increafed  their  fear ;  but  it  may  be  only  a  metaphorical  expreffion  tor 
 the  great  confuflon  thev  were  in.  Ver.  23  Beth-aven ;  fuppofed  to  be  the 
 fame  with  Bethel.  The  battle  was  in  the  eaft  of  this  place,  near  Micbmafli,  and 
 not  far  from  Jerufalem  and  Ramah.  Ver.  27.  And  his  eyes  were  enlightened  ;  his 
 fnirits  and  firength,  which  were  quite  fpent  with  long  abftinence,  were  reftored, 
 and  he  was  enabled  to  proceed  with  frefh  vigour  in  the  purfuit  of  the  enemy. 
 Ver  32.  Eat  with  the  blood.  They  ate  it  raw,  or  but  half-roafted  or  boiled  ;  their 
 hunger  being  fo  lharp,  that  they  forgot  the  prohibition,  Gen.  u.  4.  Ley.  xvi.  13. 
 
 Ver.  41.  The  word  lot  is  not  in  the  Hebrew;  and  as  the  word  give  fometlm** 
 fignifies  to  pronounce  or  declare,  efpecially  in  Deut.  i.  3.  the  paflage  implies,  Pd 
 nounce  or  declare  who  is  innocent.  Ver  44.  And  Saul  answered,  God  do  so  ani 
 more  also  ;  for  thou  shall  surely  die,  Jonathan.  Strange  peryerfenefs  !  He  who  wi 
 fo  inlblent  as  to  fpare  wicked  Agag,  chap.  xv.  is  now  fo  fevere  as  to  feek  to  d( 
 ftroy  his  own  worthy  fon  :  he  that  could  eafily  difpenfe  with  God’s  righteous  am 
 reafonable  command,  will  not  bear  the  violation  of  his  own  ralh  and  foolifh  co® 
 mand,  becaufe  his  own  authority  and  power  were  concerned  in  this,  and  only  God 
 in  the  other.  Ver.  46.  As  the  Lord  liveth,  there  shell  not  one  hair  of  his  head  Jail 
 the  ground.  The  whole  multitude  feem  to  have  been  fo  captivated  with  the  pid 
 
St]ul*s  Jtsohcdiaice  ’when  sent  againfl  AmaleJc.  I.  SAMUEL. 
 
 Before  50  And  the  name  of  Saul’s  wife  was  Ahinoam, 
 
 Chrift  daughter  of  Ahimaaz;  and  the  name  ot  the 
 
 eir.  1087.  of  his  hoft  ’was  Abner,  the  fon  of  Ner,  Saul’s 
 
 uncl^  • 
 
 51  And  Kilh  usas  the  father  of  Saul ;  and  Ner  the 
 father  of  Abner,  •was  the  fon  of  Abiel. 
 
 52  And  there  was  fore  war  againfl  the  Philiftines 
 all  the  days  of  Saul:  and  when  Szu\  faw  any  ftrong 
 man,  or  any.-valiant  man,  he  took  him  unto  him.* 
 
 CHAP.  XV. 
 
 1  Sa7nuel  sendeth" Saul  to  dejlray  Amalek.  6  Saul  favour eth  the  Kenites  ; 
 
 8  he  spareth  Agag  and  the  bejl  ol  the  spoil.  ,  10  Samuel  denounceth 
 unOo  Saul,  commending  and  excujing  himselj,  God  s  rtjtBion  of  him  for 
 his  disobedience.  24  Saul’s  fruitless  humiliation.  32  Samuel  killeth 
 Agag.  34  Samuel  and  Saul  part. 
 
 r  1079.  O  AMUEL  alfofaid  unto  Saul, »  the  Lord  fentme 
 '"chap.  ^  to  anoint  thee  to  be  king  over  his  people,  over 
 li'rael :  cow  therefore  hearken  thou  unto  the  voice  ot 
 the  words  of  the  Lord. 
 
 2  Thus  faith  the  Lord  of  hods,  I  remember  that 
 which  Amalek  did  to  Ifrael,  ^  how  he  laid  wait  for 
 him  in  the  way,  when  he  came  up  from  Egypt. 
 
 3  Now  go  and  fmite  Amalek,  and  utterly  deftroy 
 all  that  they  have,  andfpare  them  not;  but  flay  both 
 man  and  woman,  infant  and  fuckling,  ox  and  flieep, 
 camel  and  afs. 
 
 4  And  Saul  gathered  the  people  together,  and 
 numbered  them  in  Telaim,  two  hundred  thoufand 
 footmen,  and  ten  thoufand  men  of  Judah. 
 
 5  And  Saul  came  to  a  city  of  Amalek,  and  H  laid 
 wait  in  the  valley. 
 
 6  f  And  Saul  faid  unto  the  Kenites,  Go,  depart, 
 get  you  down  from  among  the  Amalekite?,  left  I 
 deftroy  you  with  them  :  for  ye  (hewed  kindnefs  to  all 
 the  children  of  Ifrael  when  they  came  up  out  of 
 Egypt.  So  the  Kenites  departed  from  among  the 
 Amalekites. 
 
 9.  16. 
 
 b  Exod. 
 17.  8. 
 
 24.  20. 
 
 S  0^ 
 
 fought-. 
 
 Samuel  shewdh  him  God*s  rejection  cj  him. 
 
 7  f  And  Saul  (mote  the  Amalekites  from  Havilah 
 until  thou  comeft  to  Shur,  that  is  over  againfl  Egypt, 
 
 8  And  he  took  Agag  the  king  of  the  Amalekites 
 alive,  and  utterly  deftroyed  all  the  people  with  the 
 edge  of  the  ('word. 
 
 9  But  Saul  and  the  people  fpared  Agag,  and  the 
 belt  of  the  fheep,  and  of  the  oxen,  and  11  of  the  fat-  J  »  » 
 lings,  and  the  lambs,  and  all  that  was  good,  and  would 
 
 not  utterly  deflroy  them ;  but  everything  that  was  sort. 
 vile  and  refufe,  that  they  deftroyed  utterly. 
 
 10  H  Then  came  the  word  of  the  Lord  unto 
 
 Samuel,  faying,  01,1 
 
 1 1  It  repen teth  me  that  I  have  let  up  Saul  to  be 
 
 king  :  for  he  is  turned  back  from  following  me,  and 
 hath  not  performed  my  commandments.  And  it 
 grieved  Samuel ;  and  he  cried  unto  the  Lord  all  night. 
 
 12  f  And  when  Samuel  rofe  early  to 
 
 in  the  morn  ng,  it  was  told  Samuel,  faying,  Saul  came 
 to  Carmel,  and,  behold,  he  fet  him  up  a  place,  and  is 
 gone  about,  and  paffed  on,  and  gone  down  to  Gilgal. 
 
 1 3  And  Samuel  came  to  Saul ;  and  Saul  laid  unto 
 him,  BlelTed  be  thou  of  the  Lord  ;  I  have  performed 
 the  commandment  of  the  Lord. 
 
 14  And  Samuel  faid.  What  meaneth  then  this  bleat¬ 
 ing  ot  the  fheep  in  mine  ears,  and  the  lowing  of  the 
 oxen  which  I  hear  ? 
 
 15  And  Saul  faid.  They  have  brought  them  from 
 the  Amalekites  ;  for  the  people  fpared  the  beft  of  the 
 (beep  and  of  the  oxen  to  lacrifice  unto  the  Lord  thy 
 God  ;  and  the  reft  we  have  utterly  deftroyed. 
 
 16  Then  Samuel  faid  unto  Saul,  Stay,  and  I  will 
 tell  thee  what  the  Lord  hath  faid  to  me  this  night. 
 
 And  he  faid  unto  him,  Say  on. 
 
 17  And  Samuel  faid,  When  thou  tt^sHittle  in  thine 
 own  fight,  wast  thou  not  made  the  head  of  the  tribes 
 of  Ifrael,  and  the  Lord  anointed  thee  king  over 
 Ifrael  ? 
 
 and  bravery  of  Jonathan  in  this  whole  tranfa(5tion,  that,  in  an  ecftacy  of  tender- 
 nefs  and  compaflion,  they  took  him  out  of  the  hands  of  his  incenfed  father;  de- 
 clarin"'  with  an  oath,  that  they  would  not  fuffer  an  hair  of  his  head  to  be  touched, 
 wlio  had  been  fo  inftrumeutal  in  a  vidlory  that  tended  to  the  prefervation  of 
 
 them  all.  ,  . ,  «  , 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XV.  Ver.  1.  Samuel  said  unto  Saul, 
 The  Lord  sent  me  to  anoint  thee,— now  therefore  hearken  thou  unto  the  voice.  This 
 fcripture  is  an  admirable  caution  to  princes,  who  are  hereby  enjoined  to  obey  God, 
 as  men  are  obliged  to  obey  them.  It  is  the  golden  rule  for  princes  to  do  v-ntoGod, 
 their  supreme  Lord  and  sovereign,  os  they  would,  and  require  their  fubjedls  Ihould 
 do  unto  them  ;  promotion  cometh  neither  from  the  eajt,  nor  from  the  weft ;  all  things 
 are  of  God  ;  and  not  only  religion,  but  honour,  gratitude,  and  confcience,  oblige 
 us  to  obey  him,  by  whom  we  are  preferred,  promoted,  preferved,  and  blelfed  in  our 
 ftations  and  undertakings.  Ver.  3.  Go  and  smile  Amalek.  T  his  heavy  fentence 
 was  long  before  pronounced,  Exod.  xvii.  14.  renewed  at  the  Ifra?lites  entrance  into 
 Canaan,  Dent  xxv.  10.  and  now  ordered  to  be  put  in  execution.  Ver.  6.  The 
 Kenites  were  the  pofterity  of  Jethro,  Mofes’  father-in-law,  who  anciently  dwelt 
 near  the  Amalekites,  Numb.  xxiv.  21.  Afterwards  fome  of  them  fojourned  m 
 the  inheritance  of  Judah,  Judg.  i.  16.  but  as  they  lived  in  tents,  perhaps  they 
 had  at  this  time  retired  to  their  old  habitations,  becaufe  of  the  commotions 
 and  wars  in  Judah.  Ver.  7.  Saul  fmote  the  Amalekites  from  H  avilah  to  Shur, 
 that  is,  from  the  one  end  of  the  country  to  the  other.  But  many  of  them  efcaped 
 and  fecured  themfelves  till  the  ftorm  fubfided,  when  they  returned  again  ;  fee 
 
 chap.  xiii.  6.  xiv.  22.  Ver.  9.  The  excifion  of  the  Amalekitw  had  been  de¬ 
 nounced  by  God,  above  four  hundred  years  before  this  tranfacftion.  Laalim  in 
 his  vifion  confirms  this  doom.  The  order  to  cut  them  entirely  oflf  was  renewed 
 '  by  God  fevcral  years  afterwards  ;  and,  agreeable  to  this  order,  Saul  fet  out  on 
 '  this  exoedition,  ver.  3.  It  may  be  obferved  alfo,  that  they  continued  inveterate 
 enemies  to  the  Hebrews,  and  joined  with  their  adverfaries  whenever  they  could, 
 to  enfiave  and  deftroy  them  ;  particularly  with  the  Midianites,  Judg.  vi.  2  33. 
 
 But  how  did  he  execute  it?  The  hiftorian  fays.  Re  spared  Agag,  and  all  the  befl 
 of  the  sheep,  Ac.  Saul  indeed  ungeneroufly  threw  the  blame  an  the  people, 
 and  pretended  that  their  conducT  was  influenced  by  the  pureft  motives,  ver.  21. 
 But  the  hiftory  is  exprefs  that  it  was  Suui  and  the  people  i  the  people,  by  haul  s 
 order,  or  by  mutual  confent,  fpared  Agag,  and  all  the  belt  of  the  prey.  I  rom  the 
 phrafe,  ver.  1 2.  he  set  him  up  i  place,  fome  conclude  that  Saul  fet  up  a  jnonument 
 in  memory  of  his  defeat  of  the  Amalekites,  and  that  he  fpared  their  king  to  be 
 led  captive  into  a  magniflcent  proceflion,  by  \^hlch  he  propofed  to  difplay  his 
 viaory.  The  fin,  therefore,  that  Saul  was  guilty  of,  was  a  capital  onence ;  the 
 fparing  of  au  enemv,  and  the  prey  of  an  enemy,  that  the  G^  and  the  king  of  Ifrael, 
 had  commanded  him  to  extirpate ;  and  Samuel  exprefsly  calls  it  rebellion  and 
 ftubbornnefs  ;  and  therefore  the  fentence  pronounced  on  him  was  juft  ;  because 
 thou  h.-fl  rejeaed  the  word  of  the  Lord,  he  hath  .  Iso  r-jeaed  thee  from  being  king  ; 
 that  is,  he  will  not  eftablifti  thy  throne,  nor  make  it  hereditary  in  thy  family. 
 Ver  1 1  It  repenteth  me.  God’s  counfels  are  eternal,  and  can  want  no  alteration, 
 being  the  produdion  of  infinite  wifdom.  It  is  Uierefore,  from  the  nature  of  things 
 
 PR  A  PTir  AT  OBSERVATIONS  — *  Chap.  XIV.l  The  hiftory  of  Saul  exhibits  the  fure  and  unhappy  confequences  of  rebellion  again  ft  the  Lord.  When 
 PRACnCAL  OBSl;.tlVA  iiyj-vo.  v.hai.  .ise  . . j  i  r>„.  finners  nealea  or  dtfpife  the  Lord,  he  can  convert  their  very  comforts 
 
 Xt*‘  7  rrr„r3ri„,,oL.,  o.-  ...i  on.. 
 
 flames  in  trifling  matters,  while  it  languifhes  in  tfitigs  important ;  and  a  ralh  curfe  bids  fair  tg  end  in  perjury. 
 
 No.  18...6rf  4  h 
 
Saui*s  Jf'uidess  humiliation. 
 
 I.  SAMUEL. 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 cir.  1079. 
 
 •}■  Heb. 
 they  con¬ 
 sume. 
 
 c  Ecclef. 
 5.  1. 
 Hof.  6.  6. 
 Mafth. 
 
 9.  13.  & 
 12.  7. 
 
 -j-  Heb. 
 divina¬ 
 tion. 
 
 8  Or, 
 
 £terni(y, 
 or,  Vic¬ 
 tory. 
 
 18  And  the  Lord  Tent  thee  on  a  journey,  and  (aid, 
 Go  and  utteily  deftroy  the  finners  the  Amalekites, 
 and  fight  againit  them  until  f  they  be  conlumed. 
 
 19  Wherefore  then  didfi  thou  not  obey  the  voice 
 of  the  Lord,  but  didft  flee  upon  the  fpoil,  and  didfl: 
 evil  in  the  fight  of  the  Lord  ? 
 
 20  And  Saul  faid  unto.  Samuel,  Yea,  I  have  obey¬ 
 ed  the  voice  of  the  Lord,  and  have  gone  the  way 
 which  the  Lord  lent  me,  and  have  brought  Agag 
 the  king  of  Ainalek,  and  have  utterly  delfroyed  the 
 Amalekites. 
 
 21  But  the  people  took  of  the  fpoil,  (heep  and  oxen, 
 the  chief  of  the  things  w'hich  (hould  have  been  utterly  ; 
 deftroyed,  to  facrifice  unto  the  Lord  thy  God  in 
 Gilgal. 
 
 22  And  Samuel  faid,  Hath  the  Lord  as  great  de- 1 
 light  in  burnt-offerings  and  facrifices  as  in  obeying  the  | 
 voice  of  the  Lord  ^  Behold,  to  obey  is  better  than 
 facrifice,  aiid  to  hearken  than  the  fat  of  rams, 
 
 23  For  rebellion  is  as  the  fin  of  \\  witchcraft,  and 
 ftubbornnefs  is  as  iniquity  and  idolatry.  BecauCe  thou 
 haft  rejedfed  the  word  of  the  Lord,  he  hath  alfo  re- 
 jedfed  thee  from  being  king. 
 
 24  H  And  Saul  faid  unto  Samuel,  I  have  finned  ; 
 for  I  have  tranfgreffed  the  commandment  of  the  Lord, 
 and  thy  words  ;  becaufe  I  feared  the  people,  and 
 obeyed  their  voice. 
 
 25  Now  therefore,  I  pray  thee,  pardon  ray  fin,  and 
 turn  again  with  me,  that  I  may  w^orlhip  the  Lord. 
 
 26  And  Samuel  faid  unto  Saul,  I  will  not  return 
 with  thee ;  for  thou  halt  rejected  the  word  of  the 
 Lord,  and  the  Lord  hath  rejedled  thee  from  being 
 king  over  Ifrael. 
 
 27  And  as  Samuel  turned  about  to  go  away,  he 
 laid  hold  upon  the  fkirt  of  his  mantle,  and  it  rent. 
 
 28  And  Samuel  faid  unto  him,  The  Lord  hath 
 rent  the  kingdom  of  Ifrael  from  thee  this  day,  and 
 hath  given  it  to  a  neighbour  of  thine,  that  is  better 
 than  thou. 
 
 29  And  alfo  the  ||  ftrength  of  Ifrael  will  not  lie  nor 
 repent :  for  he  is  not  a  man,  that  he  Ihculd  repent. 
 
 God  scndetli  Samuel  to  Beth-leh 
 
 'em. 
 
 30  Ihen  he  faid,  I  have  finned;  yet  honour  me  Before 
 now,  I  pray  thee,  before  the  eldvrs’ of  my  people 
 
 and  before  Ifrael,  and  turn  again  with  me,  that  I  mayi!®'^- 
 worfliip  the  Lord  thy  God.  ^ 
 
 31  So  Samuel  turned  again  after  Saul;  and  Saul 
 worfhipped  the  Lord. 
 
 32  f  Then  faid  Samuel,  Bring  ye  hither  to  me 
 Agag  the  king  of  the  Amalekites.  And  Agag  came 
 unto  him  delicately.  And  Agag  laid,  Surely  the  bit- 
 ternefs  of  death  is  paft. 
 
 33  And  Samuel  fiid,  As  thy  (‘word  hath  madeJE^od 
 women  childlefs,  fo  (hall  thy  mother  be  childlefs  among  ‘e' 
 u^omen.  And  Samuel  hewed  Agag  in  pieces  before 
 
 the  Lord  in  Gilgal.  ’ 
 
 34  H  Then  Samuel  went  to  Ramah  ;  and  Saul  went 
 up  to  his  houfe  to  Gibeah  of  Saul. 
 
 35  And  Samuel  came  no  more  to  fee  Saul  until 
 the  day  of  his  death  ;  neverthelefs  Samuel  mourned 
 for  Saul ;  and  the  Lord  repented  that  he  had  made 
 Saul  king  over  Ifrael.* 
 
 CHAP  XVI. 
 
 1  Samuel  fent  by  God,  under  a  pretence  of  a  facrifice,  comelh  to  Beth-le- 
 hem  :  6  his  human  judgment  is  reproved  ;  1 1  he  anoinlelh  David. 
 
 1 9  Saul  fendeth f»r  David  to  quiet  his  evil  spirit. 
 
 And  the  Lord  faid  unto  Samuel,  How  long  wilt  cir.  io6s. 
 
 thou  mourn  for  Saul,  feeing  I  have  reje<fted  him 
 from  reigning  over  Ifrael  ?  Fill  thine  horn  with  oil, 
 and  go,  I  will  fend  thee  to  JeflTe  the  Beth-lehemite  ;  for 
 I  have  provided  me  a  king  among  his  fons. 
 
 2  And  Samuel  faid,  How  can  I  go?  if  Saul  hear  it, 
 he  will  kill  me.  And  the  Lord  laid.  Take  an  heifer  f  f-  Heb. 
 with  thee,  and  fay,  I  am  come  to  facrifice  to  the  Lord. 
 
 3  And  call  Jefle  to  the  facrifice,  and  I  will  (hew  thee*“”‘^‘ 
 what  thou  (halt  do :  and  thou  fhalt  anoint  unto  me 
 hm  whom  I  name  unto  thee. 
 
 4  And  Samuel  did  that  which  the  Lord  fpake,  and 
 came  to  Beth-lehem  :  hnd  the  elders  of  the  town 
 trembled  at  his  f  coming,  and  faid,  Comeft  thou  t  Heb. 
 peaceably  ? 
 
 5  And  he  faid.  Peaceably  :  I  am  come  to  facrifice 
 unto  the  Lord  ;  fanftify  yourfelves,  and  come  with 
 
 meeting. 
 
 as  well  as  from  the  purity  of  the  divine  nature,  impoffible  that  God  fliould  re¬ 
 pent.  This  term,  then,  is  to  be  underftood  in  a  qualified  fenfe,  as  fpoken  ac¬ 
 cording  to  our  apprehenfion ;  and  of  this  we  have  innumerable  inftances,  fee 
 Gen.  vi.  6.  Jon.  iii.  6.  Ver.  22.  To  obey  is  better  than  facrifice,  The  crime  of 
 Saul  was  difobedience  to  the  divine  commands ;  and  inftead  of  obedience  be  had 
 fubftituted  facrifices,  to  render  himfelf  pleafing  in  the  fight  of  God.  The  moft 
 coftly  external  profeffions  of  devotion,  without  internal  piety,  avail  nothing 
 with  God,  -  who  fees  the  heart,  and  regards  the  praifes  of  a  good  life,  more  than 
 the  empty  flatteries  of  the  lips.  Ver.  33.  Samuel  hetoed  Agag  to  pieces.  Agag  vvas 
 a  cruel  tyrant,  his  fword  made  havock  among  his  own  people,  as  well  as  among 
 the  Ifraelites,  and  his  barbarity  called  aloud  for  public  juftice.  Saul  had  refufed 
 to  do  this  a6l  of  juftice ;  and  in  fparing  him  he  was  guilty  of  a  violation  of  a  ' 
 command  of  God.  This  therefore  was  a  very  proper  occafion  for  Samuel  to  | 
 vindicate  the  honour  of  God,  by  expreffing  a  zeal  fimilar  to  that  of  Phinebas  in  i 
 flaying  Zimri,  or  of  the  noble  band  of  Levites  who  deftroyed  the  worlhippers  of  j 
 the  golden  calf.  It  may  be  obferved,  that  it  does  not  neceflarily  follow,  from  the  I 
 text,  that  Samuel  flew  Agag  himfelf ;  becaufe  what  he  commanded  might  be  [j 
 
 called  his  own  aeft,  although  it  were  done  by  the  public  executioner  of  juftice. 
 Before  the  Lord  ;  that  is,  before  the  altar  of  the  Lord,  which  was  at  Gilgal to  in¬ 
 timate  that  he  deftroyed  him  by  the  exprefs  authority  and  co  nmaiid  of  God. 
 Ver.  35.  Neverthelefs  Samuel  mourned  for  Saul.  He  had  a  fincere  love  fo/  bis 
 country,  and  theref^ore  could  not  help  lamenting  the  fad  condition  of  its  king. 
 Every  good  man  defires  the  good  of  his  country,  and  laments  the  mal-Sdminiftra- 
 tion  of  its  rulers. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XVI.  Ver.  2.  Samuel’s  queftion  in¬ 
 dicated  a  degree  of  nnreafonable  fear,  for  he  might  have  been  alTured  that  the  Lord 
 would  protedl  him  while  he  was  engaged  in  his  work.  God  however  condefeeuded 
 to  inftrudl  him  how  to  do  the  work  affigned  him,  without  any  probable  danger  of 
 exciting  the  rage  of  Saul.  He  was  commanded  to  fay  to  him,  or  any  one  elle, 
 who  alked  the  reafon  of  his  coming  to  Beth-lehem,  I  am  come  to  facrifice  )  or  the 
 Lord.  This  was  a  fuflicient  reafon,  for  it  feems  to  have  been  Saul’s  cullom 
 to  facrifice  in  different  places ;  and  it  was  no  more  than  truth,  though  not  the 
 whole  of  the  truth,  which  it  was  unnecelfary  and  unfeafonable  to  reveal.  Ver.  S. 
 And  call  Jejfe  to  the  facrifice  ;  that  is,  an  euchariftal  facrifice,  unto  which  it  was 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XV.]  Wanton  injuries  done  to  God’s  people  will,  fooner  or  later,  be  refented  by  him.  He  often  bears  long 
 wdth  the  veffels  of  his  wrath  fitted  for  deftrurftion  ;  but  the  longer  judgments  are  foreborne,  they  only  become  the  more  fevere  when  they  come ;  and  bloody  inftruments 
 will  be  chofen  for  bloody  work.  How  dangerous  is  it  to  live  among  the  devoted  enemies  of  God  !  Yet  thofe  who  fliew  kindnefs  to  God’s  people  often  obtain  fafety 
 for  themfelves  and  their  offspring  for  many  generations.  The  covetous  and  hypocritical  do  God’s  work  deceitfully  and  imperfedlly,  and  their  fins  provoke  God  to 
 change  his  mode  of  providence  to  execute  his  purpofes  which  are  immutable.  God’s  fervants  are  grieved  on  account  of  the  ruin  of  finners,  while  they  remain  unaffedled 
 ■with  their  deplorable  condition.  The  moft  deceitful  men  are  the  moft  ready  to  boaft  of  their  exa6l  obedience  of  his  law.  And  fuch  as  are  moft  forward  to  jufiify 
 themfelves,  are  generally  the  readieft  to  condemn  others;  and  throwing  the  blame  on  our  affociates  in  fin,  or  tempters  to  fin,  is  a  ftrong  evidence  of  a  proud  heart. 
 It  becomes  the  fervants  of  God  to  deal  faithfully  with  the  greateft,  and  to  hunt  them  out  of  all  their  lying  refuges  and  ill-grounded  excufes.  In  the  progrefs  of  Saul’s 
 hlftory  we  have  ftrikingly  illuftrated  that  awful  truth,  that  evil  rhen  and  feducers  wax  worfe  and  worfe.  It  is  of  the  utmoft  importance  to  remember  tha.  next  to 
 Jefus’  atonement,  nothing  is  more  pleafing  than  trne  happinefs  of  heart  and  life.  To  live  in  difobedience  to  the  true  God  is  as  bad  as  to  fet  upfalfe  gods.  To  con* 
 fefs  the  fins  which  we  cannot  conceal,  and  to  be  chiefly  moved  by  the  fhame  attacked  to  them,  is  no  more  than  may  be  expelled  from  an  uuhumbled  heart.  But  thofe 
 who  thus  a<5l  provoke  exceedingly  the  majefty  of  heaven,  and  it  is  our  duty  to  avoid  them,  while  we  are  not  to  ceafe  lamenting  their  condition.  It  is  distrefling  to  lee 
 thofe  whom  we  love,  running  in  the  ways  of  death  and  hell ;  and  our  only  fource  of  relief  is  to  warn  them— teach  them  the  way  of  efcape,  and  commit  them  to  God* 
 
Samuel  anoinielh  David  to  be  kin. 
 
 I.  SAMUEL. 
 
 Saul  sendeth  for  David. 
 
 cir 
 
 15efi)re 
 
 Clirifl 
 1063, 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 eyts. 
 
 a  1  Chro. 
 28.  9. 
 Plalin 
 7.  9. 
 Jereffl. 
 
 1 1 .  20.  & 
 17.  10.  & 
 20.  12. 
 
 b  2  Sam. 
 7.  8. 
 Pfalm 
 78.  70. 
 f  Heb. 
 round- 
 f  Heb. 
 Jdr  0/ 
 eyes* 
 
 «  Or, 
 
 terrified, 
 
 me  to  the  facrifice.  And  he  fan^llfied  Jeffe  and  his 
 ions,  and  called  them  to  the  I'acrifice. 
 
 G  H  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  thev  were  come, 
 that  he  looked  on  Eliab,  and  laid,  Surely  the  Lord’s 
 anointed  is  before  him. 
 
 7  But  the  Lord  laid  unto  Samuel,  Look  not  on  his 
 countenance,  or  on  the  height  of  his  ftature  ;  becaufe 
 I  have  rt-fufed  him  ;  for  the  LORD  seeth  not  as  man 
 feeth  :  for  man  looketh  on  the  t  outward  appearance, 
 but  the  Lord  looketh  on  the  ®  heart. 
 
 8  Then  Jefle  called  Abinadab,  and  made  him  pafs 
 before  Samuel.  And  he  faid,  Neither  hath  the  Lord 
 chofen  this. 
 
 9  Then  Jeffe  made  Shammah  to  pafs  by.  And  he 
 faid,  Neither  hath  the  Lord  chofen  this. 
 
 10  Again  Jeffe  made  feven  of  his  fons  to  pafs  be¬ 
 fore  Samuel.  And  Samuel  faid  unto  Jffle,  the  Lord 
 hath  not  chofen  thefe. 
 
 11  11  And  Samuel  faid  unto  Jeffe,  Are  here  all  thy 
 children?  And  he  faid,  There  remaineth  yet  the 
 youngelt;  and,  behold,  he  keepeth  the  fheep.  And 
 Samuel  faid  unto  Jeffe,  ‘’Send  and  fetch  him:  for 
 we  will  not  fit  f  down  till  he  come  hither. 
 
 12  And  he  fent,  and  brought  him  in.  Now  he  ms 
 ruddy,  and  withal  t  of  a  beautiful  countenance,  and 
 goodly  to  look  to.  And  the  Lord  laid,  Arife,  anoint 
 him  :  for  this  is  he. 
 
 13  Then  Samuel  took  the  horn  of  oil,  and  anointed 
 him  in  the  raidll.  of  his  brethren :  and  the  Spirit  of 
 the  Lord  came  upon  David  from  that  day  forward. 
 So  Samuel  role  up,  and  w'ent  to  Ramah. 
 
 14  H  But  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  departed  from 
 Saul,  and  an  evil  fpirit  from  the  Lord  |  troubled 
 him. 
 
 eommon  to  invite  neigbours  and  friends.  This  facrifice  was  a  real  one  and  add 
 ed  much  to  the  foletnnity  of  David’s  being  anointed.  Ver.  13.  In  the  midjl  of 
 his  brethren.  It  fliould  have  been  rendered,  “from  the  midft  of  his  brethren ; 
 that  is,  he  fingled  him  out  from  the  reft,  and  privately  anointed  them  ;  for  it  is 
 plain  from  what  is  faid  before,  that  Samuel  was  afraid  to  have  it  known,  and 
 therefore  did  not  anoint  him  publicly  in  the  midft  of  his  brethren  ;  becaufe  if  it 
 had  been  known  before  the  proper  crifis,  it  would  have  endangered  both  their 
 lives,  The  Spirit  of  the  Lord  came  upon  David.  Here  we  fee  the  power  of  the 
 Almighty,  who,  by  the  wonderful  efficacy  of  his  Spirit,  raifed  an  obfcure  youth, 
 uneducated,  and  without  the  advantages  either  of  inftrudtion  or  example  to  be  the 
 greateft  mufician,  the  nobleft  poet,  and  moft  confummate  hero  of  antiquity.  This 
 anointing  was  probably  more  for  David’s  own  fake,  to  encourage,  and  qualify  him 
 for  his  future  work,  than  to  dire<5l  Ifrael  in  the  choice  of  a  future  king;  and 
 confequently  it  was  not  requifite  to  perform  it  publicly.  Accordingly  he  never 
 avowed  his  rights  to  reign  over  Ifraol,  till  he  was  publicly  anointed  by  the  defire 
 of  the  people.  Ver.  14  But  the  Spirit  oj  the  l.ord  departed  from  Said  and  an  evil 
 fpirit — troubled  him.  Some  commentators  have  been  fo  far  carried  away  with 
 this  manner  of  exprelfion,  as  to  fuppofe  that  Saul  w'as  really  poflefled  of  a  devil; 
 but  it  ought  to  be  confidered,  that  the  word  spirit,  in  fcripture  language,  is  of  a 
 very  cxtenfive  fignification,  and  frequently  denotes,  not  only  the  difpofitions  of  the 
 mind  but  thofe  of  the  body  alfo.  Hence  it  is  probable,  that  Saul’s  malady  pro. 
 ceeded  from  a  deep  melancholy,  or  black  bile  inflamed ;  and  that  he  was  rather 
 hypochondriac,  than  actually  poflelfed ;  agreeable  to  which  bad  complexion  o( 
 body,  was  the  natural  temper  of  bis  mind,  fufpicious,  diffident,  cruel,  paflionate, 
 and  vindi(5live  ;  and  to  this,  the  reraorfes  of  his  confcience,  the  menaces  of 
 Samuel  and  God’s  rejedtiou  of  him,  confirmed  ftill  more  the  evil  difpofitions 
 which  his  temper  engendered,  and  tranfported  him  by  fits  into  downright  mad- 
 nels.  Ver.  15.  The  remainder  of  this  chapter  is  undoubtedly  an  anticipation,  but 
 introduced  by  the  facred  hiftorian  very  properly  and  very  naturally  ;  for  the  hif- 
 torian  having  related  at  large  how  God  had  rejeifted  Saul,  and  anointed  David, 
 
 15  And  Saul’s  fervant  faid  unto  him,  Behold  now, 
 an  evil  fpirit  from  God  troubleth  thr c  : 
 
 16  Let  our  Lord  now  command  thy  fervants  vchich 
 are  before  thee,  to  leek  out  a  man  'xko  is  a  cunning 
 player  on  an  harp :  and  it  lhall  come  to  pafs,  when 
 the  evil  fpirit  from  God  i&  upon  thee,  that  he  fhall 
 play  with  his  hand,  and  thou  (halt  be  well. 
 
 17  And  Saul  faid  unto  his  fervants.  Provide  me 
 now  a  man  that  can  play  well,  and  bring  him  to  me. 
 
 1 8  Then  anfwered  one  of  the  fervants,  and  faid, 
 
 Behold,  I  have  feen  a  Ion  of  J'lle  the  Betti-lehemite, 
 that  is  cunning  in  playing,  and  a  mighty  valiant  man, 
 and  a  man  of  war,  and  prudent  in  ||  matters,  and  a  U  Or, 
 comely  perlbn,  and  the  Lord  is  with  him.  sptedt. 
 
 1 9  H  Wherefore  Saul  fent  meffengers  unto  Jeffe,  and 
 laid,  Send  me  David  thy  Son,  which  is  with  the  Iheep. 
 
 20  And  Jeffe  took  an  afs  laden  with  bread,  and  a 
 bottle  of  wine,  and  a  kid,  and  fent  them  by  David  his 
 fon  unto  Saul, 
 
 21  And  David  came  to  Saul,  and  ftcod  before  him: 
 and  he  loved  him  greatly  ;  aud  he  became  his  armour- 
 bearer. 
 
 22  And  Saul  fent  to  Jeffe,  faying,  I.et  David,  I  pray 
 thee,  ftand  before  me ;  for  he  hath  found  favour  in 
 my  fight. 
 
 23  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  the  evil  fpirit  from 
 God  was  upon  Saul,  that  David  took  an  harp,  and 
 played  with  his  hand :  fo  Saul  was  refrefhed,  and  was 
 well,  and  the  evil  fpirit  departed  from  him.* 
 
 CHAP.  XVII. 
 
 1  The  armies  of  the  Ifraelites  and  Philifirus  being  ready  to  battle,  4 
 Goliath  Cometh  proudly  forth  to  challenge  a  combat.  1 2  David  sent  by 
 his  father  to  vifit  his  brethren,  20  Taketh  the  challenge ;  28  Eliab 
 chideth  him  ;  30  he  is  brought  to  Saul ;  32  he  fieweth  the  reafon  of  his 
 confidence,  t^c. 
 
 goes  on,  as  was  matter  of  the  higheft  moment  in  a  religious  hiftory,  to  inform 
 us  of  the  effedls  both  of  one  and  the  other,  though  we  are  not  to  fuppofe  them 
 the  inftantaneous  effeefts.  Ver.  9.  Saul  sent  meffengers  unto  Jeffe.  David  be¬ 
 fore  this  period  had  vanquilhed  the  Thiliftine,  was  become  a  favourite  of  the  peo¬ 
 ple,  and  on  that  account  the  objedt  of  Saul’s  jealoufy ;  to  avoid  the  ill  effedls  of 
 which  he  prudently  retired.  During  his  recefs,  Saul  was  feized  with  his  diforder. 
 His  fervants  fuppofed  it  might  be  alleviated  by  mufic ;  Saul  confents  to  the  reme¬ 
 dy,  and  orders  a  mufician  to  be  fought  for.  They  were  acquainted  witii  David’s 
 fkill  on  the  harp,  and  likewife  with  Saul’s  ill  difpofitions  towards  him.  It  was  a 
 delicate  point  which  required  addrefs ;  and  therefore  they  recommended  him  in 
 that  artful  manner,  ver.  18.  which  figniSes,  “  as  you  muft  have  one  conftantly  in 
 attendance  both  at  court  and  in  your  military  expeditions,  to  be  always  at  hand  on 
 occafion,  the  Ion  of  Jeffe  will  become  both  fiations  well;  he  will  ftrengtben  your 
 camp,  and  adorn  your  court ;  for  he  is  a  tried  foldier,  and  of  a  graceful  prefence. 
 You  have  nothing  to  fear  from  his  ambition,  for  you  law  with  what  prudence  he 
 went  into  voluntary  banifliment,  when  his  popularity  had  incurred  your  difples- 
 fure.”  Accordingly  Saul  is  prevailed  on  ;  David  is  fent  for,  and  iuccceds  with 
 his  mufic.  Ver.  21.  His  nimour-bearer.  The  literal  rendering  of  the  original 
 word  is,  bearer  of  the  infruments  or  weapons.  (Jf  thefe  there  were  three  different 
 forts,  the  ihieid,  the  fpear,  and  the  fword.  Of  thefe  bearers  of  arms,  princes  and 
 generals  had  many ;  Joab  had  ten,  Saul  feeras  to  have  had  two  thoufand,  ciiap. 
 xiii.  2.  And  David’s  being  made  armour-bearer  to  Saul,  implies  no  more  than 
 that  he  was  conftituted  one  oj  his  guards,  to  bear  what  infiruments,  is  not  particu¬ 
 larly  faid.  Ver.  23.  David  took  an  harp  and  played  with  his  hand.  It  is  thought 
 by  ibme,  and  not  without  reafon,  that  while  David  played  upon  his  harp,  be  fung 
 fuch  pfalms  or  hymns  to  the  king,  as  were  properly  adapted  to  the  occafion  ;  and 
 th.at  both  thefe  put  together,  were  conducive  to  his  cure  ;  though  God,  doubtlefs, 
 was  the  principal  caul'e  of  it,  by  giving  his  bleffing  to  thofe  means  which  were 
 ufed  to  aft’eift  if. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XVII.  Ver.  1.  Shochoh  and  Azekah 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XVI.]  While  we  admire  the  fovereign  grace  of  God  in  choofing  David  from  among  his  brethren  to  rule  over 
 Ifiae),  let  us  efpecially  give  thanks  to  God  that  he  hath  appointed  the  man  Chrift  Jefus  head  of  the  church.  He  is  the  chief  among  ten  thoufand,  aud  altogether 
 lovely.  In  him  God  delights,  and  he  is  worthy  of  the  fupreme  love,  and  unlimited  fubjertion  of  all  his  fubjetffs.  And  before  him  mufi  every  knee  bow,  and  tongue 
 Coiifefs,  that  he  is  Lord,  to  the  glory  of  God  the  Father.  In  vain  do  his  enemies  oppole  him  ;  for  he  ftiall  reign  till  he  hath  put  all  his  enemies  under  his  fttf.— . 
 What  fear  of  man  remains  in  the  nobleft  hearts  !  How  awful  are  the  fervants  of  God  to  all  around  them  ;  and  what  need  have  we  to  prepare  ourfelvcs  for  God’s  lb« 
 Jetnn  feafts  !  The  moft  difeerning  faints  are  apt  to  dote  too  much  on  external  appearances,  even  after  they  have,  to  their  grief,  received  decifive  proofs  of  its  vanity. 
 How  quickly  does  Satan  take  poffeffion  of  thofe  who  have  forfaken  God  !  Notwithftanding  the  numerous  expedients  that  carnal  men  devife  for  the  removal  of  their 
 troubles,  they  will  at  laft  prove  only  ruinous  and  deceitful ;  they  may  obtain  temporary  relief;  but  while  they  perfevere  in  reje(51iDg  God,  nothing  hut  mifery 
 ®'vaUs  them,  ®  ^ 
 
GoUcith  proudly  cJiallcrigeth  hrael- 
 
 1.  SAMUEL. 
 
 David  heareth  Goliath^s  challenge^  ^c. 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 c>r.  1063> 
 
 11  Or, 
 
 the  conjf 
 o/"  Dam- 
 viim. 
 
 •J-  Heb. 
 raitged, 
 the  battle. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 clothed. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 ZorgeU 
 
 3  Cbap. 
 16.  I. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 cheeses  of 
 milk, 
 f  Heb. 
 captain  o) 
 a  thou¬ 
 sand. 
 
 NOW  the  Philiftines  gathered  together  their  ar¬ 
 mies  to  battle,  and  were  gathered  together  at 
 Shochoh,  which  d  longeth  to  Judah,  and  pitched  be¬ 
 tween  Shochoh  and  Azekah,  in  H  Ephes-dammim. 
 
 2  And  Saul  and  the  men  of  1  fra  el  were  gathered 
 together,  and  pitched  by  the  valley  ofEIah,  and  t 
 the  battle  in  array  againft  the  Philiftines. 
 
 3  And  the  Philiftines  ftood  on  a  mountain  on  the 
 one  fide,  and  Ifrael  ftood  on  a  mountain  on  the  other 
 fide  :  and  there  uas  a  valley  between  them. 
 
 4  ^  And  there  went  out  a  champion  out  of  the 
 camp  of  the  Pniliftines,  named  Goliath  of  Gath, 
 •W'hofe  height  tras  fix  cubits  and  a  fpan. 
 
 5  And  he  had  an  helmet  of  brafs  uponhis  head  ;  and 
 he  le-tfs  t  armed  with  a  coat  of  mail ;  and  the  weight 
 of  the  coat  v^as  five  thoul'and  fhekels  of  brafs  : 
 
 6  And  he  had  greaves  of  brafs  upon  his  legs,  and 
 a  II  target  of  brafs  between  his  fhoulders. 
 
 7  And  the  ftaff  of  his  fpear  voas  like  a  weaver’s  beam ; 
 and  his  fpear’s  head  iveighed  fix  hundred  (hekels  of 
 iron  ;  and  one  bearing  a  (hield  went  before  him. 
 
 8  And  he  Hood  and  cried  unto  the  armies  of  Ifrael, 
 and  (aid  unto  them.  Why  are  ye  come  out  to  fet_^o?/r 
 battle  in  array  ?  Am  not  I  a  Philiftine,  and  ye  fervants 
 to  Saul  ?  choofe  you  a  man  for  you,  and  let  him  come 
 down  to  me. 
 
 9  If  he  be  able  to  fight  with  me,  and  to  kill  roe, 
 then  will  w'e  be  your  fervants  :  but  if  I  prevail  againft 
 him,  and  kill  him,  then  (hall  ye  be  our  fervants,  and 
 ferve  us. 
 
 10  And  the  Philiftine  faid,  I  defy  the  armies  of  Ifrael 
 this  day  ;  give  me  a  mao,  that  we  may  fight  together. 
 
 11  When  Saul  and  all  Ifrael  heard  thofe  words  of 
 the  Pniliftine,  they  were  difmayed,  and  greatly  afraid. 
 
 12  f  Now  Divid  was  *  the  fon  of  that  Ephrathite 
 of  Beth-lehem-judah,  whofe  name  was  Jeffe  ;  and  he 
 had  eight  fons :  and  the  man  went  among  mentor  an 
 old  man  in  the  days  of  Saul. 
 
 13  And  the  three  eldeft  fons  of  JelTe  went  and  fol¬ 
 lowed  Saul  to  the  battle  ;  and  the  names  of  his  three 
 fons  that  went  to  the  battle  were  Eliab  the  firft-born  ; 
 and  next  untohim,  Abinadab;  and  the  third,  Shammah. 
 
 14  And  David  was  the  youngeft ;  and  the  three 
 eldeft  followed  Saul. 
 
 15  But  David  went  and  returned  from  Saul  to  teed 
 his  father’s  fheep  at  Beth-lehem. 
 
 16  And  the  Philiftine  drew  near  morning  and  even¬ 
 ing,  and  prefented  himfelf  forty  day’s. 
 
 17  And  Jeffe  faid  unto  David  his  fon,  Take  now 
 for  thy  brethren  an  ephah  of  this  parched  corn,  and 
 thefe  ten  leaves,  and  run  to  the  camp  to  thy  brethren; 
 18  And  carry  thefe  ten  f  cheefes  unto  the  f  captain 
 
 Before 
 
 Cliria 
 
 10G3. 
 
 of  their  thoufand,  and  look  how  thy  brethren  fare, 
 and  take  their  pledge. 
 
 19  Now  Saul,  and  they,  and  all  the  men  of  Ifrael, 
 were  in  the  valley  of  Elab,  fighting  with  the  Philiftines. 
 
 20  ^  And  David  role  up  early  in  the  morning,  and 
 left  the  fheep  with  a  keeper,  and  took,  and  went, 
 as  Jefl'e  had  commanded  him :  and  he  came  to  the 
 
 II  trench  as  the  hoft  was  going  forth  to  the  H  fight,  II  ^ 
 and  fhouted  for  the  battle. 
 
 21  For  Ifrael  and  the  Philiftines  had  put  the  battle  carraigt, 
 
 in  array,  army  againft  army.  |  Or, 
 
 22  And  David  left  f  his  carriage  in  the  hand  of  the 
 
 keeper  of  the  carriage,  and  ran  into  the  army,  and^,^/jg,|^ 
 came  f  and  faluted  his  brethren.  fght. 
 
 23  And  as  he  talked  with  them,  behold,  there  t  Heb. 
 came  up  the  champion  (the  Philiftine  of  Gath,  Goliath 
 
 by  name)  out  of  the  armies  of  the  Philiftines,  andfpake'  upon  Mm, 
 according  to  the  fame  words:  and  David  heard  them,  t  Heb. 
 
 24  And  all  the  men  of  Ifrael,  when  they  faw 
 
 man,  fled  t  from  him,  and  were  fore  afraid.  ^  q/peZl 
 
 25  And  the  men  of  Ifrael  faid.  Have  you  feen  thisf  Heb. 
 man  that  is  come  up?  furely  to  defy  Ifrael  is  ht come Jjotn ins 
 up ;  and  it  fhal!  be  that  the  man  who  killeth  him,  the-'®'"®- 
 king  will  enrich  him  with  great  riches,  and  will  give^  ^o^ 
 him  his  daughter,  and  make  his  father’s  houfe  tree 
 
 in  Hrael. 
 
 26  And  David  fpake  to  the  men  that  ftood  by  him, 
 faying.  What  fhall  be  done  to  the  man  that  killeth 
 this  Philiftine,  and  taketh  away  the  reproach  from 
 Ifrael  ?  for  who  is  this  uncircumcifed  Philiftine,  that 
 he  fhould  defy  the  armies  of  the  living  God  ? 
 
 27  And  the  people  anfwered  him  after  this  manner, 
 faying,  So  fhall  it  be  done  to  the  man  that  killeth 
 him. 
 
 28  11  And  Eliab  his  eldeft  brother  heard  when  he 
 fpake  unto  the  men  :  and  Eliab’s  anger  was  kindled 
 againft  David,  and  he  faid.  Why  cameft  thou  down 
 hither  ?  and  with  whom  haft  thou  left  thofe  few  fheep 
 in  the  wildernefs  ?  I  know  thy  pride  and  the  naughti- 
 nefs  of  thine  heart ;  for  thou  art  come  down  that  thou 
 mighteft  fee  the  battle. 
 
 29  And  David  faid,  Whathavel  now  done  ?Is  there 
 not  a  caufe  ? 
 
 30  U  And  he  turned  from  him  toward  another,  and 
 
 fpake  after  the  fame  f  manner  :  and  the  people  an-  f  Heb. 
 fwered  him  again  after  the  former  manner.  _  ^ 
 
 31  And  when  the  words  were  heard  which  David  t  Heb. 
 fpake,  they  rehearfed  them  before  Saul ;  and  he  f  Ent 
 
 for  him. 
 
 32  II  And  David  faid  to  Saul,  Let  no  man  s  heart 
 fail  becaufe  of  him ;  thy  fervant  will  go  and  fight  with 
 this  Philiftine. 
 
 lav  fouth  of  Jerufalero,  and  eaft  of  Beth-lehem,  and  not  far  diftant  from  either 
 of  thefe  places.  Ver.  4.  A  champion,— whose  height  was  six  cuhUsand  n  span. 
 According  to  the  Englifh  flandard,  he  was  twelve  feet  eight  inches  high  :  which 
 is  not  incredible;  for,  befides  the  giants  mentioned  in  ferj^pture,  Herodotus,  H.o- 
 dorus,  Siculus,  Pliny,  and  others,  make  mention  of  perfons  feven  cubits  high, 
 which  is  near  double  to  an  ordinary  man’s  height.  Ver.  5.  Five  . 
 
 of  brass ;  that  is,  upwards  of  1 80lbs.  Troy.  Some  critics  ima^ne,  that  by  this 
 muft  not  be  underLod  that  his  coat  weighed  five  thoufand  Ihekels,  but  that 
 coft  fo  much,  or  was  valued  at  five  thoufand  fliekels  of  brafs.  Ver.  9. 
 a  man  of  you,  and  let  hrm  come  to  me.  He  propofes  to  ^/^^e  their  quarrel 
 by  fin -ie  combat;  but  feems  to  have  been  merely  a  bravado, 
 great  an  opinion  of  his  own  ftrength,  without  any  authority  from  Phihftme 
 frinv,  or  if  it  was  otherwife.  they  aaed  the  more  ^ifhonourably,  for  after  he  was 
 flain  they  did  not  lubn.it  to  be  flaves  to  the  Ifraehtes.  as  he  had  declared  y 
 iould,  in  cafe  he  was  vanquiflied.  Ver.  14.  The  H  brew  critic 
 r^Uhe  paffages  from  this  verfe  to  verfe  52,  is  an  interpolation  becaufe  it  is  not 
 U  be  fouud  in  the  Vatican  copy  of  the  Septuagint,  and  is  inconCaent  with  the 
 
 ending  of  the  preceding  chapter;  but  if  the  account  of  Saul’s  jealoufy,  of  in® 
 fending  for  David,  and  his  cure,  fiiould  prove  to  be  poflerior  in  order  of  Uine 
 to  the  account  of  the  duel  in  this  chapter,  (and  that  it  was  pofierior,  we  have 
 (hewn  in  the  notes  on  the  former  chapter,)  all  thefe  formidable  objeaions 
 fall  to  the  ground,  and  the  narrative  will  appear  to  want  no  pruning  “ 
 reconcile  it  with  truth  and  confiftency.  Ver.  17.  And  Jeffe  said  unto  David  M 
 son.  It  was  cufiomary  in  thofe  days  for  men  to  ferve  their  king  and  countryi 
 in  the  wars,  at  their  own  expence  ;  on  which  account  Jeffe  thought  it  necenary 
 to  fend  a  fupply  of  provifions  to  fuch  of  his  fons  as  were  in  the  camp.  But  as 
 David’s  vocation  feems  chiefly  to  have  been  the  tending  of  the  flocks;  and  a 
 his  father  had  other  fons  at  home,  which  he  might  have  lent  on  this  eriand,  tn 
 providence  of  God  fl-ems  to  have  induced  him  to  pitch  upon  David  rather  tha 
 any  of  the  others,  to  bring  about  this  great  defign  agait;ft  Goliath  and  tii 
 Philillines.  D.tvid  was  a  firipling  of  a  fair  complexion,  and  rather  of  an  efiem  ' 
 nate,  than  mil. tary  afpea  ;  it  therefore  railed  more  the  rage,  aflonifiiment,  ai‘ 
 wonder  of  the  Pliiliftine’s  mighty  gt  iieral,  that  feemingly  lb  weak  a  combata 
 fhould  appear  againft  him:  but  ihis  young  Jiripling  was  courageous,  throng 
 
ti.'MV  vrd  .\_VD  (-"o  r;,:.i;AraT. 
 
David  puHeth  of  Saul's  armour. 
 
 I.  SAMUEL.  He  slai/eth  Goliath  mth  a  iling  end  stone. 
 
 Before  33  And  Saul  faid  to  David,  Thou  art  not  able  to  go 
 Cbria  [his  Phihltine  to  fight  with  him  :  for  thou  art 
 
 but  a  youth,  and  he  a  man  of  war  from  his  youth. 
 
 34  And  David  faid  unto  Saul,  Thy  fervant  kept 
 his  father’s  fheep,  and  there  came  a  lion  and  a  bear, 
 
 j  otykid.  and  took  a  jj  lamb  out  of  the  flock  ; 
 
 35  And  I  went  out  after  him,  and  fmote  him,  and 
 delivered  it  out  of  his  mouth  :  and  when  he  arofe 
 againlf  me,  I  caught  him  by  his  beard,  and  fmote  him, 
 and  flew  him. 
 
 36  Toy  fervant  flew  both  the  lion  and  the  bear  ; 
 and  this  uncircumcifed  Pnililfine  (hall  be  as  one  of 
 them,  feeing  he  hath  defied  the  armies  of  the  living 
 
 God. 
 
 37  David  faid  moreover,  the  Lord  that  delivered 
 me  out  of  the  paw  of  the  lion,  and  out  of  the  paw  of 
 the  bear,  he  will  deliver  me  out  of  the  hand  of  this 
 Philiffine.  And  Saul  faid  unto  David,  Go,  and  the 
 Lord  be  with  thee. 
 
 f  Heb.  38  n  And  Saul  f  armed  David  with  his  armour, 
 fiothed  hg  pnj  an  helmet  of  brals  upon  his  head  ;  alfo  he 
 wort's  armed  him  with  a  coat  of  mail. 
 
 Zothes.  39  And  David  girded  his  fword  upon  his  armour, ! 
 and  he  afTtyed  to  go ;  for  he  had  not  proved  it.  And  j 
 David  faid  unto  Saul,  I  cannot  go  with  thefe ;  fur  !  | 
 have  not  proved  them.  And  David  put  them  oft ' 
 him. 
 
 40  And  he  took  his  ftaft'in  his  hand,  and  chofe  him 
 I  Or,  five  fmooth  ftones  out  of  the  |i  brook,  and  put  them 
 valley.  Jq  a  ftiepherd’s  f  bag  which  he  had,  even  in  a  ferip  ; 
 
 1  and  his  fling  was  in  his  hand  :  and  he  drew  near  to  the 
 
 Philiftine, 
 
 41- And  the  Philiftine  came  on,  and  drew  near  unto 
 David  :  and  the  man  that  bare  the  Ihield  went  before 
 him. 
 
 42  And  when  the  Philiftine  looked  about,  and  faw 
 David,  he  difdained  him  ;  for  he  was  but  a  youth, 
 and  ruddy,  and  of  a  fair  countenance.  _ 
 
 43  And  the  Philiftine  faid  unto  David,  Am  l  a  dog 
 that  thou  comeft  to  me  with  ftaves  ?  and  the  Philiftine 
 curfed  David  by  his  gods, 
 
 44  And  the  Philiftine  faid  to  David,  C^me  to  me, 
 and  I  will  give  thy  flefh  unto  the  fowls  of  the  air,  and 
 to  the  beafts  of  the  field. 
 
 45  I'hen  faid  David  to  the  Philiftine,  Thou  comeft 
 to  me  with  a  fword,  and  with  a  fpear,  and  with  a 
 fhield  ;  but  I  come  to  thee  in  the  name  of  the  Lord 
 
 .  „  .  of  hofts,  the  God  of  the  armies  of  Ifrael,  whom  thou 
 ■fliuiihet  haft  defied. 
 
 ■up.  46  This  day  will  the  Lord  f  deliver  thee  into 
 
 ftrength  of  faith  and  confidence  in  God,  and,  in  this  seemingly  miraculous  tran- 
 Jheiion,  proclaimed  the  glory  and  power  of  Ifrael’s  God  againll  thofe  who  defied 
 bis  armies,  and  treated  him  with  prefumption  and  contempt.  Ver.  45.  I  come  to 
 thee  in  the  name.  The  Philiftine  confided  in  his  armour  and  extraordinary  ftrength 
 for  proterSlion  ,  but  David,  infpired  by  the  Deity  to  undertake  this  dangetous  en- 
 fcounter,  made  ufe  of  fuch  weapons  as  would  manifeft  that  God  was  his  proterftor, 
 in  whofe  afliftance  he  confided  alone.  Ver.  50.  The  fuccefs  of  David  was  doubt- 
 lefs  of  the  Lord  ?  for  it  is  probable  that  he  was  a  dexterous  flinger  ;  and  hence  the 
 faieans  were  w-ell  adapted  to  the  end.  It  is  paiticularly  noticed,  Judg.  xx.  16.  that 
 
 mine  hand  :  and  I  will  finite  thee,  and  take  tf’oe  head 
 from  thee;  and  I  will  give  the  carcafes  of  the  hoft 
 the  Pni'iftines  this  day  unto  the  fowls  of  the  air,  and 
 to  the  wild  beafts  of  the  earth  ;  that  all  the  earth  may 
 know  that  there  is  a  God  in  Ifrael. 
 
 47  And  all  this  aflembly  (hall  know  that  the  Lord 
 faveth  not  with  fword  and  ipear :  for  the  battle  is  the 
 Lord’s,  and  he  will  give  you  into  our  hands. 
 
 48  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  the  Philiftine  arofe, 
 and  came  and  drew  nigh  to  meet  David,  that  David 
 hafted,  and  ran  toward  the  army  to  meet  the  Pnili- 
 (line. 
 
 49  And  David  put  his  hand  in  his  bag,  and  took 
 thence  a  ftone,  and  flang  it,  and  fmote  the  Pniliftine 
 
 I  in  his  forehead,  that  the  ftone  funk  into  his  forehead  ; 
 and  he  fell  upon  his  face  to  the  earth. 
 
 50  So  ^  David  prevailed  over  the  Philiftine  with  a  c  Ecciuf. 
 fling  and  w'ith  a  ftone,  and  fmote  the  PhilKfine, 
 
 flew  him ;  but  there  was  no  fword  in  the  hand  of  4, 
 
 David  : 
 
 5]  Therefore  David  ran,  and  flood  upon  the  Philif- 
 tine,  and  took  his  fword,  and  drew  it  out  of  the  fheaih 
 thereof,  and  flew  him,  and  cut  off  his  head  therewith. 
 
 And  when  the  Pniiiftir-es  faw  their  champion  was 
 dead,  they  fled. 
 
 52  H  And  the  men  of  Ifrael  and  of  Judah  arofe, 
 and  (houted,  and  purfued  the  Poiliftines,  urtil  thou 
 come  to  the  valley,  and  to  the  gates  of  Ekron  :  and 
 the  wounded  of  the  Philiftines  fell  down  by  the  way 
 to  Sharaim,  even  unto  Gath,  and  unco  Ekron. 
 
 53  And  the  children  of  Ifrael  returned  from  chafing 
 after  the  Pniliftines,  and  they  fpoiled  their  tents, 
 
 54  H  And  David  took  the  head  of  the  Pniliftine, 
 and  brought  it  to  Jerufalem  :  but  he  put  his  armour 
 in  his  tent. 
 
 55  And  w'hen  Saul  faw  David  go  forth  againft  the 
 Pniliftine,  he  faid  unto  Abner  the  captain  of  the  hoft, 
 
 Abner,  whofe  fon  is  this  youth  ?  And  Abner  faid, 
 
 As  thy  foul  liveth,  O  king,  I  cannot  tell. 
 
 56  And  the  king  faid.  Enquire  thou  whofe  fon  the 
 ftripling  is. 
 
 57  And  as  David  returned  from  the  daughter  of 
 the  Philiftine,  Abner  took  him,  and  brought  him  be¬ 
 fore  Saul,  with  the  head  of  the  Philiftine  in  his  hand. 
 
 58  And  Saul  laid  to  him,  Whefe  fon  art  thou,  thou 
 young  man  ?  And  David  anfwered,  I  am  the  fon  of 
 thy  fervant  Jeffe  the  Beth-lehemite.* 
 
 CHAP.  XVIII. 
 
 1  Jonathan  loveth  David ;  5  Saul  envieth  his  praife,  \Ojeekelh  to  kill  him 
 
 in  his  Jury,  12  feareth  him  J  or  bis  good  succejs,  17  offere.k  him  his 
 
 there  was  a  number  of  left-banded  men,  who  could  fling  ftones  to  an  hair’s 
 breadth,  Ver.  55.  IFhose  son  is  this  youth  ?  The  enemies  of  revelation  have  here 
 ftarted  a  queftion,  how  it  was  poflible  for  Saul  to  forget  David,  as  he  bad  fo  lately 
 converfed  with  him,  and  tried  his  armour  upon  him  ?  This  objection  is  made  with 
 all  thofe  marks  of  difnigenioufnels  which  charaAvrixes  thole  men  ;  for  it  by  no 
 means  appears,  that  Saul  was  ignorant,  or  had  forgot  David  himf.  If :  he  only  in¬ 
 quires  after  his  father,  whofe  name  he  might  have  forgot,  amidll  the  toils  of  ftate 
 and  the  anxiety  which  filled  his  mind ;  and  where  then  was  the  impropriety  of  his 
 alking,  Iflio/e  son  he  was  ? 
 
 practical  OBSERVATIOi^S. _ *  Chap.  X  VIT  ]  How  remarkable  was  the  fufpenfion  of  this  invafion  till  providence  had  prepared  David  to  encounter 
 
 Goliath.  -Often,  though  unnoticed,  God  manifefis  peculiar  mercy  in  the  timing  our  troubles.  Men  frequently  boaft  in  bodily  and  mental  qualifications,  for  the  pof- 
 feflion  of  which  they  are  wholly  indebted  to  divine  providence  ;  but  they  flrall  fooner  or  later  he  taught  that  all  human  glory  is  vain.  If  we  would  be  of  eminent  fer- 
 vice  in  our  day,  it  is  neceflary  that  we  have  ftrong  confidence  in  the  Loid  ;  for  without  this  the  beii  qualifications  and  iiobleft  efforts  are  vain.  How  often  do  thofe 
 whom  God  calls  to  glorious  exploits,  meet  with  dircouranemeuls  from  a  carnal  world,  and  even  from  their  own  elations.  But  let  ttiem  in  patience  polfels  their  fouU 
 and  in  meeknefs  iuftrua  thofe  who  oppofe  then  felves.  Paff  favours  frr-m  God  ought  to  inereafe  and  confirm  our  confidence  m  him.  They  are  well  armed  that  go 
 forth  with  a  good  confcience  in  a  good  caufe.  The  righteous  are  holcf  as  a  lion  ;  but  pride  goeth  before  deflruclion,  and  haughtinefs  before  a  fall.  The  curfe  that 
 is  caufelefs  falls  on  its  author ;  and  the  prefuuiption  of  the  proud  deffroys  him.  Ho«  vain  is  the  arm  of  flelh  againft  the  Lord  !  It  is  not  high  birth,  but  deeds  of  high 
 defert,  that  conftitute  true  nobility.  Of  how  little  avail  is  the  notice  of  earthly  courts  where  one  may  be  foon  forgotten,  or  I'o  quickly  bated  !  But  thofe  whom  God 
 loves  he  lhatl  never  forfake,  and  iince  he  is  their  friend  they  lliall  lack  no  good. 
 
 No.  LS..,.6d.  4  C 
 
Said  envictk  David  of  Ms  praisi, 
 
 i:  SAMUEL. 
 
 David  hath  Miclial 
 
 given 
 
 him  to 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 cir.  106S. 
 
 y  o*-. 
 
 projpcred. 
 
 daughter  /or  a  fnan-.  '9  David,  per/uaded  to  he  the  ling's  Jbn-in- 
 Inw,  give!,,  two  hxindred/orejhns  of  the  Philijliries  for  Michal's  dowry. 
 
 And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  he  had  madf  an  end 
 of  fpeaking  unto  Saul,  that  the  foul  of  Jonathan 
 w’as  knit  with  the  foul  of  David,  and  Jonathan  loved 
 him  as  his  own  foul. 
 
 2  And  Saul  took  him  that  dav,  and  would  let  him 
 go  no  more  home  to  his  father’s  houfe. 
 
 3  Then  Jonathan  and  David  made  a  covenant,  be- 
 caufe  he  loved  him  as  his  own  foul. 
 
 4  And  Jonathan  ftripped  himfelf  of  the  robe  that  was 
 upon  him,  and  gave  it  to  David,  and  his  garments, 
 even  to  his  fword,  and  to  his  bow,  and  to  his  girdle. 
 
 5  H  And  David  went  out  v.'hitherfoever  Saul  fent 
 him,  and  |1  behaved  himfelf  wifely  :  and  Saul  fet  him 
 
 Btfoi'c 
 Ciiria 
 cir.  1063. 
 
 over  the  men  of  war ;  and  he  was  accepted  in  the 
 
 I  Or, 
 
 Fhdis- 
 
 tints. 
 
 f  Heb, 
 
 three 
 
 dringed 
 
 injlru- 
 
 menls. 
 
 a  Chap. 
 
 fight  of  all  the  people,  and  alfo  in  the  fight  of  Saul’s 
 fervants. 
 
 6  And  it  came  to  pafs  as  they  came,  when  Da¬ 
 vid  was  returned  from  the  flaughter  of  the  Ij  Phili- 
 ftine,  that  the  women  came  cut  of  all  the  cities  of 
 Ilrael,  fingiog  and  dancing,  to  meet  king  Saul,  with 
 trabrets,  with  joy,  and  with  f  inftruments  of  mufic. 
 
 7  And  the  women  anfwered  one  another  as  they 
 played,  and  faid,  *  Saul  hath  flain  his  thoufands,  and 
 David  his  ten  thoufands. 
 
 8  And  Saul  was  very  wroth,  and  the  faying  t  dif- 
 
 29  him;  and  he  faid,  Tney  have  afcribed  unto 
 
 Eccius.  David  ten  thoufands,  and  to  me  they  have  afcribed 
 47.  6.  but  thoufands :  and  what  can  he  have  more  but  the 
 t  Heb.  kingdom. 
 
 9  And  Saul  eyed  David  from  that  day  and  forward. 
 
 10  f  And  it  came  to  pafs  on  the  morrow,  that  the 
 evil  fpirit  from  God  came  upon  Saul,  and  he  prophe- 
 fied  in  the  midft  of  the  houfe ;  and  David  played 
 with  his  hand,  as  at  other  times  :  and  there  was  a  jave¬ 
 lin  in  Saul’s  hand. 
 
 1 1  And  Saul  caft  the  javelin ;  for  he  faid,.  I  will 
 fmite  David  even  to  the  wall  with  it.  And  David 
 avoided  out  of  bis  prefence  twice. 
 
 12  f  And  Saul  was  afraid  of  David,  becaufe  the 
 Lord  was  with  him,  and  was  departed  from  Saul. 
 
 13  Therefore  Saul  removed  him  from  him,  and 
 made  him  his  captain  over  a  thoufand ;  and  he  went 
 out  and  came  in  before  the  people. 
 
 14  And  David  H  behaved  himfelf  wifely  in  all  his 
 
 was  evil  in 
 his  eyes. 
 
 15  Wherefore  when  Saul  faw  that  he  behaved  him¬ 
 felf  very  wifely,  he  was  afraid  of  him. 
 
 16  But  all  Ifrael  and  Judah  loved  David,  becaufe 
 he  went  out  and  come  in  before  them. 
 
 17  II  And  Saul  faid  to  David,  Behold  my  elder 
 daughter  Merab,  her  will  I  give  thee  to  wife ;  only 
 
 be  thou  t  valiant  for  me,  and  fight  the  Lord’s  bat-t  Heb. 
 ties:  for  Saul  laid.  Let  not  mine  hand  be  upon 
 him,  but  let  the  hand  of  the  Philittines  be  upon" 
 him. 
 
 1 8  And  David  faid  unto  Saul,  Who  am  I  ?  and 
 what  is  my  life,  or  my  father’s  family  in  Ifrael,  that 
 I  Ihould  be  lon-in-law  to  the  king  ^ 
 
 19  But  it  came  to  pafs,  at  the  time  w'hen  Merab,  * 
 Saul’s  daughter,  fhould  have  been  given  to  David, 
 that  Ihe  was  given  unto  Adriel  the  Meholathite  to 
 wife. 
 
 20  H  And  Michal,  Saul’s  daughter,  loved  David  : 
 
 and  they  told  Saul,  and  the  thing  f  pleafed  him.  t  Heb. 
 
 21  And  Saul  faid,  I  will  give  him  her,  that  fhe  may 
 be  a  fnare  to  him,  and  that  the  hand  ot  the  Philiftines 
 may  be  againfl  him.  W^herefore  Saul  faid  to  David, 
 Thou  lhalt  this  day  be  my  fon-in-law  in  the  one  of  the 
 twain. 
 
 22  f  And  Saul  commanded  his  fervants, 
 
 Commune  with  David  fecretly,  and  fay,  Behold, 
 the  king  hath  delight  in  thee,  and  all  his  fervants 
 love  thee ;  now  therefore  be  the  king’s  lon-in- 
 law. 
 
 23  And  Saul’s  fervants  fpake  thofe  words  in  the 
 ears  of  David.  And  David  faid,  Seemeth  it  to  you 
 
 light  thing  to  be  a  king’s  fon-in-law,  feeing  that  I 
 
 a 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 profpered. 
 
 ways  ;  and  the  Lord  was  with  him. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XVIII.  Ver.  1.  Jonathan’s  friend- 
 fhip  for  David  was  founded  on  the  comelinefs  of  his  perfon,  his  {kill  and  courage 
 in  flaying  the  Philiftine,  and  his  modefty  when  he  appeared  before  Saul.  Hiftory 
 affords  us  Buraerous  examples  of  feveral  great  men  who  were  joined  together 
 in  the  yoke  of  friendlhip;  fuch  as  Thefeus,  and  Pirithous ;  Achilles  and  Patro- 
 clus  ;  Oreftes  and  Pylades  ;  Pythias  and  Damon,  &c.  But  none  of  thefe  were 
 comparable  to  Jonathan  and  David,  who  entered  into  the  moft  intimate,  unre- 
 ferved  friendfliip,  and  were  both  adluated  by  fuch  a  true  greatnefs  of  foul,  fuch 
 an  unfhaken  conflancy  of  mind,  and  fuch  a  noble  difintereftednefs  of  heart,  as 
 few,  if  any  examples  can  equal.  Ver.  3.  Jonathan  and  David  made  a  covenant. 
 This  might  be  no  more  than  a  mutual  promife  of  inviolable  friendthip  j  or  if  it 
 coirt!^ned  any  thing  more  particular,  it  might  be  the  fame  as  that  covenant  men¬ 
 tioned,  chap.  XX.  19.  Ver.  4.  Jonathan  Jlript  himfelf.  This  was  the  higheft 
 mark  of  honour  and  affedlion  which  one  perfon  could  confer  on  another  in 
 thefe  countries ;  the  cuftom  is  ftill  preferved  in  the  call.  Ver.  5.  David  went 
 out.  This  is  a  military  terra  in  the  facred  writings,  and  implies  that  he  was 
 employed  in  warlike  engagements.  All  che  four  lafl  verfes  in  the  former  chap¬ 
 ter  and  the  five  firft  in  this,  are  omitted  in  the  Vatican  edition  of  the  Septuaglat ; 
 on  which  account,  and  for  want  of  obferving  the  anticipations  frequent  in  this 
 hook,  fome  good-natured  critics  have  been  for  reje6ling  them  as  interpolations. 
 Ver.  9,  10.  Saul  eyed.  The  anticipated  hiftory  beginning  at  ver.  14.  and  end¬ 
 ing  at  23.  chap.  xvi.  comes  in,  in  the  order  of  time,  between  thefe  two  verfes, 
 where  indeed  the  breach  is  apparent :  for  in  ver.  9.  it  is  faid,  And  Saul  eyed 
 David  from  that  day  jorward.  He  had  juft  begun,  the  text  tells  us,  to  entertain 
 
 am  a  poor  man  and  lightly  efteemed  ? 
 
 24  And  the  fervants  of  Saul  told  him,  faying,  t  On 
 
 this  manner  fpake  David.  to  thefe 
 
 25  And  Saul  faid,  Thus  (hall  ye  fay  to  David,  words. 
 The  king  defireth  not  any  dowry,  but  an  hundred 
 forefkins  of  the  Philiftines,  to  be  avenged  of  the  king’s 
 enemies.  But  Saul  thought  to  make  David  tali  by 
 the  hancl  of  the  Philift'inesi. 
 
 26  And  when  his  fervants  told  David  thefe  words, 
 
 it  pleafed  David  well  to  be  the  king’s  fon-in-law  :  and 
 the  days  were  not  f  expired.  _  t 
 
 27  Wherefore  David  arofe  and  went,  he  and  his-^"^  ’ 
 
 and  flew  of  the  Philiftines  two  hundred  men 
 
 men, 
 
 and  David  brought  their  toreikms,  and  they  gave  them 
 in  full  tale  to  the  king,  that  he  might  be  tht  king’s 
 
 a  jealoufy  of  David  from  the  women’s  fongs,  and  from  that  day  eyed  David,  that 
 is,  watched  over  his  condua.  Yet,  in  the  next  verfe,  it  fays,  And.  it  came  to  pass 
 on  the  morrow,  that  the  evil  spirit  came  from  God  upon  Saul — and  David  played 
 with  his  hand— and  Saul  cajl  the  javelin.  This  could  never  be  on  the  morrow  of 
 that  day  on  w’hich  he  firft  began  to  entertain  a  jealoufy  ;  for  the  text  fays,  from  that 
 ,  ,■ _ )  tr.  nvor  his  rnnrliia.  to  find  whether  his  iealoufv  was 
 
 dai)  forward  he  began  to  watch  over  his  condudt,  to  find  whether  his  jealoufy  was 
 well  grounded.  Here  then  is  the  breach,  between  wliicb,  in  order  of  time, 
 comes  in  the  relation  of  the  evil  fpirit’s  falling  upon  Saul ;  his  fending  for  David 
 from  his  father’s  houfe,  &c.  Ver.  11.  David  avoided  out  of  his  prefence  twice. 
 Anticipations  are  very  frequent  with  this  hiftoiian :  for  one  of  thele  times  relates 
 to  a  fecond  calling  of  the  javelin,  a  confiderable  time  after  the  firft  here  fpoken  of, 
 which  is  recorded  in  chap.  xix.  10.  Ver.  23.  Seemeth  it  to  you  a  light  thing.  Tie 
 words  may  be  rendered,  “  Do  you  think  it  an  easy  matter  to  be  a  king’s  fon-in- 
 law,  fince  I  am  a  poor  man,  and  lightly  efteemed  ?”  That  is,  can  I  who  have 
 no  riches  or  honours,  enfly  obtain  the  king’s  daughter  ?  and  to  this  fenle  t  e 
 anfwer  of  Saul’s  fervant  leads  us.  The  king  defireth  no  dowry,  but  an  htmdnd 
 forefkins  oj  the  Fhilislines.  David  fpake  in  this  manner,  with  an  intent  of  finding 
 out  tlie  condition  of  the  offer.  Ver.  25.  The  reafoii  probably  why  Saul  exaded 
 the  forefeins,  was  to  render  it  certain  that  the  perlons  killed  were  Rhiiiftmes;  for 
 they  were  the  onlyperfons,  perhaps,  living  near  Ifrael,  who  were  not  circunici  -.t  j 
 
 and  hence  when  the  forefkins  were  produced  there  could  be  no  ikcepticn. 
 other  neighbouring  nations,  being  defeendants  of  Ifhmael  or  Efau,  were  cucum 
 ■  ■  ■  —  ■  Ver.  27.  And  David  arose  and  went, — and 
 
 cifed  in  common  with  the  Hebrews. 
 
 Jlew  of  the  FhUisiines  two  hundred,  Jol’ephus  uiakei.  Saul’s  demand,  and  the  num* 
 
inereaseth  against  David, 
 
 pefore  fon-io-law.  And  Saul  gave  him  Michal  his  daughter 
 10  wife, 
 
 ‘28  H  And  Saul  law  and  knew  that  the  Lord  vum, 
 wi!h  David,  and  that  Michal,  Saul’s  daughter,  loved 
 
 29  And  Saul  was  yet  the  more  afraid  of  David  ; 
 and  Saul  became  David’s  enemy  continually. 
 
 30  Then  the  princes  of  the  Philiftines  went 
 forth :  and  it  came  to  p  ifs,  after  they  went  forth, 
 that  David  behaved  himf  If  more  wifely  than  all  the 
 
 |Heb.  fervants  of  Saul ;  fo  that  his  name  was  much  f  let 
 
 '  precious,  by.’*' 
 
 CHAP.  XIX. 
 
 1  Jonathan  discloieth  to  David  his  ‘at Iter's  pu'pose  to  kill  him;  4  he  per- 
 su'ideth  his  father  to  a  reconciliation.  8  Bp  reason  of  David's  good  suc¬ 
 cess  in  a  new  war,  Saul's  malicious  r  ge  brealceth  out  aguinjl  him.  1 2 
 Michal  deceiveth  her  /'ather  with  an  image  in  David's  bed.  1 3  David 
 comelli  to  Samuel  in  Nuioth,  cj-c. 
 
 And  Saul  fpake  to  Jonathan  his  fon,  and  to  all 
 his  fervants,  that  they  Ihould  kill  David. 
 
 2  But  Jonathan,  Saul’s  fon,  delighted  much  in  Da¬ 
 vid  :  and  Jonathan  told  David,  faying,  Saul  my  fa¬ 
 ther  feeketh  to  kill  thee.  Now  therefore,  1  pray  thee, 
 take  heed  to  thyfelf  until  the  morning,  and  abide  in  a 
 fecret  place,  and  hide  thyfelf ; 
 
 3  And  I  will  go  out  and  hand  befide  my  father  in 
 the  field  where  tnou  art,  and  I  will  commune  with  my 
 father  of  thee  ;  and  what  I  fee,  that  1  will  tell  thee. 
 
 4  II  And  Jonathan  fpake  good  of  David  unto  Saul 
 his  father,  and  laid  unto  him,  Let  not  the  king  fin 
 againft  his  fervant,  againlt  David ;  becaufe  he  hath 
 not  finned  againft  thee,  and  becaufe  his  works  have 
 been  to  thee-ward  very  good  : 
 
 '  a  Judges  5  For  he  did  put  his  *  life  in  his  hand,  and  flew  the 
 j  9. 17.  &  Philiftine,  and  the  Lord  wrought  a  great  falvation 
 .  thQu  favveft  it,  and  didtt  rejoice :  where- 
 28*21.  fofe  then  wilt  thou  fin  againft  innocent  blood,  to  flay 
 \  pfaim  David  without  a  caufe  ? 
 
 I  119. 109.  5  4nd  Saul  hearkened  unto  the  voice  of  Jonathan: 
 
 I  and  Saul  S ware,  y4s  the  Lord  liveth,  hefhallnotbe 
 
 I  fliin. 
 
 ■  7  And  Jonathan  called  David,  and  Jonathan  fliewed 
 
 him  all  thofe  things  :  and  Jonathan  brought  David  to 
 l^!rd:y  Saul,  and  he  was  in  his  prefence,  as  f  in  times  paft. 
 Mrddny.  8  11  And  there  was  war  again  :  and  David  went  out 
 
 ber  wliich  Duvid  l)rought,  to  be  fix  hundred.  Tlie  Septuagint,  inflead  of  two  I 
 hundred,  read  one  hundred,  in  order  to  make  it  correfpond  with  the  number  which  [ 
 Saul  demanded.  But  taking  the  words  as  they  now  ftand  in  the  Hebrew  text  ! 
 and  in  our  veriion,  to  be  two  hundred,  David’s  objedt  might  be  to  fliew  himfelf  i 
 the  mod  worthy  of  the  honour  promifed  him,  and  to  tellify  his  refpedl  for  Saul  [ 
 and  his  daughter.  “*■  | 
 
 LXl'Lr.NA'lOllY  NOTES.  Chap.  XIX.  Ver.  1.  S ml  simke  to  Jonathan 
 his  Son,  and  to  all  his  se  v \n:s.  When  Saul  ordered  Jonathan  to  kill  David,  he  ' 
 difoh.ys  the  command  ;  and  intlead  of  murdering  him  pleads  his  innocence  and  : 
 merits,  as  teafons  for  faving  him.  He  alfo  difcovered  his  father’s  delign,  and  fixed  i 
 Tefolution  to  deflroy  him — neither  of  which  was  inconfiftent  with  his  duty  and  I 
 allej;iance  to  his  father  and  king.  He  who  knows  of  a  confpiracy  againft  an 
 innocent  perfon’s  life,  and  doth  not  difcover  it,  or  who  kills  fuch  an  one,  by 
 Mother’s  in  ft  igation  and  command,  is  himfelf  a  murderer;  and  no  duty  to  a 
 I  father,  nor  allegiance  to  a  prince,  can  oblige  any  one  to  filed  innocent  blood, 
 'tt.  4.  Bnd  Jonathan  fpake  good  oj  D  vid.  In  this  and  feveral  other  pafl'ages, 
 
 Michal  drceivcth  her  futher, 
 
 ,  and  fought  with  the  Philiftines,  and  fh  -w  liicm  ii 
 ^  a  great  flaughter  ;  and  they  fled  from  f  him.  , 
 
 9  And  the  evil  fpirit  from  the  Lord  w  as  upon  Saul, 
 
 as  he  fat  in  his  houfe  with  his  javelin  in  his  hand  ,  and  ^  (K-b. 
 David  played  with  hiis  hand.  uisjact. 
 
 10  And  Saul  fought  to  fmite  David  even  to  the  wall 
 .  with  the  javelin  ;  but  he  flipped  away  out  of  Saul’s 
 
 prefence,  and  he  Imote  the  javelin  into  the  wall :  and 
 David  fled,  and  efcaped  that  night. 
 
 :  1 1  II  Saul  alfo  ftnt  meflengers  into  David’s  houfe, 
 
 to  watch  him,  and  to  flay  him  in  the  morning :  and 
 Michal,  David’s  wife,  told  him,  faying.  It  thou  lave 
 not  thy  life  to-night,  to-morrow  thou  (halt  be  flain. 
 
 12  H  So  Michal  let  David  down  through  a  window  ; 
 and  he  went,  and  fled,  and  efcaped. 
 
 13  And  Michal  took  an  image,  and  laid  it  in  the 
 bed,  and  put  a  pillow  of  goats’  hair  tor  his  bolfter,  and 
 covered  it  with  a  cloth. 
 
 14  And  when  Saul  lent  meflengers  to  take  David, 
 the  faid,  He  is  fick. 
 
 15  And  Saul  tent  the  metTfingers  again  to  fee  David, 
 faying.  Bring  him  up  to  me  iu  the  bed,  that  I  may 
 flay  him. 
 
 16  And  when  the  mefTengers  were  come  in,  behold, 
 there  "was  an  image  in  the  bed,  with  a  pillow  of  goats’ 
 hair  for  his  bolfter. 
 
 17  And  Saul  laid  unto  Michal,  Why  haft  thou  de¬ 
 ceived  me  fo,  and  fenr  away  mine  enemy,  that  he  is 
 efcaped  ?  And  Michal  anfwered  Saul,  He  laid  unto 
 me,  Let  me  go ;  why  thould  I  kill  thee. 
 
 18  H  So  David  fled,  and  efcaped  and  came  to  Sa¬ 
 muel  to  Ramah,  and  told  him  all  that  Saul  had  done 
 to  him.  And  he  and  Samuel  went  and  dwelt  in 
 Naioth. 
 
 19  And  it  was  told  Saul,  faying.  Behold,  David  is 
 at  Naioth  in  Ramah. 
 
 20  And  Saul  fent  meflengers  to  take  David  :  and 
 when  they  faw  the  company  of  the  prophets  prophe- 
 fying,  and  Samuel  ftanding  as  appointed  over  them, 
 the  fpirit  of  God  was  upon  the  meflengers  of  Saul, 
 and  they  alfo  prophefied. 
 
 21  And  when  it  was  told  Saul,  he  fent  other  mef- 
 fengers  and  they  prophefied  likewife.  And  Saul  fent 
 meflengers  again  the  third  time,  and  they  prophefied 
 alfo. 
 
 we  have  a  ftriking  reprefentation  of  the  modefty,  fweetnefs  and  charming  temper 
 of  this  young  prince,  who,  in  all  refpecSls,  deferved  to  wear  a  crown,  had  not 
 providence  otherwife  determined.  Well  might  David  fay  in  his  elegy,  Jonathan, 
 was  lovely  and  pie  tsant  in  his  life.  Ver.  6.  Saul  sware.  This  oath  might  have 
 been  made  with  the  greateft  fincerity,  and  with  intention  to  have  been  kept;  but 
 every  accelfion  to  the  military  glory  of  Dayid  awakened  his  jealoufy,  and  made 
 him  forget  the  rnoft.  folemn  engagements.  Ver.  1 3.  Image  The  Hebrew  tera- 
 pt.im,  though  fometimes  applied  to  figiiify  an  idol,  properly  fignifies  a  block.  Its 
 form  probably  refembled  a  human  body,  which  Michal  kept  as  a  curiofity,  or 
 from  fome  fuperllitious  motive.  The  word  cebir,  rendered  pilloiv,  fignifies  great  ; 
 and  joined  to  the  word  goat,  for  the  term  hair  is  not  in  the  original,  implies  a 
 great  goal ;  whence  we  may  fuppofe,  with  Lamy,  that  Michal  put  the  Ikin  of  a 
 goat,  with  its  long  hair,  about  the  head  of  the  image.  The  Arabic  verfion  gives 
 fome  countenance  to  the  conjecture,  reading,  “  Alichal  having  taken  an  image, 
 put  it  upon  David’s  bed,  and  having  placed  the  skm  of  a  goat  under  it,  covered 
 it  with  a  garment.  Ver.  18.  At  Naioth.  The  Chaldee  renders  this  as  if  it  were 
 
 I.  SAMUEL. 
 
 PllACTlCAI/  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XVIII.]  Contemplating  the  powerful  and  extenfive  operation  of  Jonathan’s  love  of  David,  have  we  not  much 
 tsafon  to  l.lnlh  on  account  of  the  coldnefs  of  our  aflttition  towards  God  and  his  people.  He  hath  fliewn  his  love  to  us  by  w  ays  infinitely  furpaffing  the  love  which  one 
 man  tan  poifibly  bear  to  his  friend,  and  yet  alas  !  how  often  are  our  affeitions  eftranged  from  him  by  obje<5ts,  which  compared  to  him  are  lei's  than  nothing  and 
 'aiuty  —A  good  ..an  will  however  ftudy  to  honour  thofe  whom  God  honours.  How  valuable  and  rare  is  a  faithful  friend  ;  and  if  we  have  found  one  it  becomes  us 
 to  fluu)  hat  we  may  never  prove  unworthy  of  his  friendiliip.  How  difficult  to  aift,  in  a  high  ftation,  fo  as  to  procure  honour  without  provoking  envy  !  even  well 
 jneritPd  praife  is  -rating  fo  the  envious,  and  often  their  malignant  eye  betrays  the  rancour  of  their  hearts.  Jealoufy  is  c'uel  as  the  grave,  and  tbirfts  for  the  precioud 
 *^01  Its  ol>j.;(Sl.  But  Gott  guards  hi  people  from  many  a  mortal  blow  fecretly  aimed  at  them.  If  we  are  hated,  and  fnares  laid  for  our  life,  let  us  cultivate  pru« 
 euct, ,  humility,  ,md  ii  ue  bravery  ;  and  let  us  count  it  all  joy  when  we  fall  into  divers  trials,  for  through  much  aftlitlion  we  muft.  enter  the  kingdom  of  God.  Modeft 
 ^orth  will  in  elue  time  ftiine  with  redoubled  luftre.  God  will  confound  the  wii'e  in  their  own  craftinefs,  and,  iu  fpileot  every  enemy,  exalt  the  man  whom  hedelighW 
 0  lunour  j  and  he  will  prove  himfelf  the  rock  and  foitrvl’s,  the  ftrength  and  buckler  of  all  who  truit  in  him. 
 
Dxvid  considteth  •xith  Jonaihan,  4c. 
 
 1.  SAMUEL. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 f'eU. 
 
 A 
 
 Chrirt  to  Ramah,  and  came  to  a 
 
 sir.  1062.  well  that  ts  in  Sechn  :  and  he  alked  and  faid. 
 Where  are  Samuel  and  David  ?  And  o7ie  faid,  Be¬ 
 hold,  at  Naioth  in  Ramah. 
 
 ,  "  went  thither  to  Naioth  in  Ramah  :  and 
 
 the  Spirit  of  God  was  upon  him  alfo,  and  he  went  on 
 and  prophened,  until  he  came  to  Naioth  in  Ramah. 
 r  ftripped  off  his  clothes  alio,  and  prophe- 
 
 lied  berore  Samuel  in  like  manner,  and  I  lay  down  i 
 b  Chap,  naked  all  that  day  and  all  that  night.  Wherefore  they 
 laj^,  Is  Saul  alfo  among  the  prophets  ?* 
 
 CHAP.  XX.  i 
 
 1  Diivid  consultfth  with  Jonathan  for  his  safety.  1 6  Jonathan  and  David  j 
 renew  their  covenant  hy  oath.  18  Jonathan’s  tokens  to  David.  24  ' 
 Sau!  mijjing  David,  seeketh  to  kill  Jonathan,  ^e,  j 
 
 ND  David  fled  from  Naioth  in  Ramah,  and  i 
 ^  _  came  and  faid  before  Jonathan,  What  have  I ' 
 don" what  is  mine  iniquity  ?  and  what  is  my  fin  be¬ 
 fore  thy  father,  that  he  feeketh  my  life  ?  | 
 
 2  And  he  faid  unto  him,  God  forbid  ;  thou  fhalt  ; 
 not  die:  behold,  my  father  will  do  nothing,  either  ! 
 great  or  fmall,  but  that  he  will  f  fhew  it  me  ;  and  why 
 fhould  my  father  hide  this  thing  from  me  ?  it  is  not  so. 
 
 3  And  David  fware  moreover,  and  faid.  Thy  father 
 certainly  knoweth  that  I  have  found  grace  in  thine 
 eyes  ;  and  he  faith,  Let  not  Jonathan  know  this,  left 
 he  be  grieved  :  but  truly,  as  the  Lord  liveth,  and  as 
 thy  foul  liveth,  t/iere  is  but  a  ftep  between  me  and 
 death. 
 
 4  T  hen  faid  Jonathan  unto  David,  H  Whatfoever 
 thy  foul  t  defireth,  I  will  even  do  it  for  thee. 
 
 5  And  David  laid  unto  J  nathan,  Behold,  to-mor¬ 
 row  is  the  new-moon,  and  I  fhould  not  fail  to  fit  with 
 the  king  at  meat :  but  let  me  go,  that  I  may  hide  my- 
 lelt  in  the  field  unto  the  third  day  at  even. 
 
 6  It  thy  father  at  all  inifs  me,  then  fay,  David  ear- 
 neftly  a/ked  leave  of  me,  that  he  might  run  to  Beth¬ 
 lehem  his  city ;  for  ihere  is  a  yearly  ||  facrifice  there 
 for  all  the  family. 
 
 ?  If  he  fay  thus,  II  is  well:  thy  fervant  ftiall  have 
 peace :  but  if  he  be  very  wroth,  then  be  fare  that  evil 
 is  determined  by  him. 
 
 8  T  herefore  tnou  lhalt  deal  kindly  with  thy  fer- 
 vanr ;  for  *  thou  haft  brought  thy  ffrvant  into  a  cove¬ 
 nant  of  the  Lord  with  thee  :  notwithftanding  if  there 
 
 JonathatA  loh)is  to 
 
 t  Heb. 
 uncover 
 mine  ear. 
 
 g  Or, 
 
 Say  what 
 is  thy 
 mind,  and 
 J  will  do, 
 ^c. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 speaketh, 
 
 or, 
 
 thinketh. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 feajl. 
 
 •  Chap. 
 18.  3.  & 
 23.  18. 
 
 bein  me  iniquity,  flay  me  thyfelf ;  for  why  ftiouldeft  I5,.r 
 thou  bring  me  to  thy  father  ? 
 
 9  And  Jonathan  faid,  Far  be  it  from  thee:  for  if''''‘06^ 
 
 I  knew  certainly  that  evil  were  determined  by  my 
 father  to  come  upon  thee,  then  would  not  I  tell  i^ 
 thee  ? 
 
 10  Then  faid  David  to  Jonathan,  Who  (hall  tell 
 me  ?  or  what  thy  father  anfwer  thee  roughly  ? 
 
 1 1  U  And  Jonathan  faid  unto  David,  Come,  and  let 
 us  go  out  into  the  field.  And  they  went  out  both  of 
 them  into  the  field. 
 
 12  And  Jonathan  faid  unto  David,  O  Lord  God 
 
 of  Ifrael,  when  I  have  f  founded  my  father  about  to- 1  Heb. 
 morrow  any  time,  or  the  third  day,  and  behold, 
 there  be  good  toward  David,  and  1  then  fend  not  unto 
 thee,  and  f  fhew  it  thee  j  f  Heb. 
 
 13  The  Lord  do  fo,  and  much  more  to  Jonathan 
 but  if  it  pleafe  my  father  to  do  thee  evil,  then  1  will^^“”' 
 fhew  it  thee,  and  fend  thee  away,  that  thou  mayeft 
 go  in  peace;  and  the  Lord  be  with  thee,  as  he  hath 
 been  with  my  father. 
 
 14  And  thou  fhalt  not  only,  while  yet  I  live,  fhew 
 me  the  kindnefs  of  the  Lord,  that  I  die  not : 
 
 15  Buta/so  thou  fhalt  not  cut  off  thy  kindnefs  from 
 my  houfe  for  ever  ;  no,  not  when  the  Lord  hath  cut 
 off  the  enemies  of  David  every  one  from  the  face  of 
 the  earth. 
 
 16  So  Jonathan  +  made  a  covenant  with  the  houfe  off  Hob. 
 David,  saying.  Let  the  Lord  even  require  it  at  the‘^“‘‘ 
 hand  of  David’s  enemies. 
 
 17  And  Jonathan  caufed  David  to  fwear  again, 
 
 II  becaufe  he  loved  him :  for  he  loved  him  as  he  loved 
 
 his  own  foul.  ■ 
 
 18  f  Then  Jonathan  faid  to  David,  To-morrow  isuin. 
 the  new-moon  ;  and  thou  fhalt  be  miffed,  becaufe  thy  t  Heb, 
 feat  will  be  f  empty. 
 
 19  Andw/'//^«  thou  haft  flayed  three  days,  then  thou 
 
 fhalt  go  down  l|  +  quickly,  and  come  to  the  place  where  t  Heb. 
 thou  didft  hide  thyfelf  f  when  the  bufinefs  was  itiha?id,s^‘^^“S' 
 and  fhalt  remain  by  the  ftone  ||  Ezel.  Vlkk 
 
 20  And  I  will  fhoot  three  arrows  on  the  fide  thereof,  of  the 
 
 as  though  I  fhot  at  a  mark.  busiiiM 
 
 21  And,  Behold,  I  will  fend  a  lad,  saying.  Go,  find|^^J^^^’j 
 out  the  arrows,  if  I  exprefsly  fay  unto  the  lad,  Be-^^JI^' 
 hold,  the  arrows  are  on  this  fide  of  thee,  take  them  •,way 
 
 an  appellative,  The  fchool  of  learning.”  This  was  the  famous  school  of  the 
 prophets. —  4  s  the  learned  have  been  at  a  lofs  to  afcertain  the  fpecific  nature  of 
 thofe  I'chools,  it  will  not  be  unfeafonabie  to  endeavour  to  remove  their  difficulties. 
 We  have  in  tliis  book  only  a  partial  view  of  the  prophets  ;  that  is,  a  view  of  them 
 while  at  their  devotions  only,  and  not  at  their  lludies  ;  for  Saul  and  his  meflen  - 
 gers  coming  when  the  fociety  'was  prophesying,  or  at  divine  worfliip,  the  Spirit  of 
 God  fell  upon  them,  and  they  prophesied  also.  And  thus  the  Chaldee  paraphraft 
 underdands  prophesying,  adoring  God,  and  linging  praifes  unto  him  ;  for  we  may 
 well  fuppofe,  they  began  and  ended  all  their  daily  ftudi'es  with  this  exercife.  The 
 college  of  the  prophets  was  dedicated  to  the  fludy  of  the  Jcwifli  law  only;  and  as 
 fuch  was,  naturally  and  properly,  a  feminary  of  prophets  ;  for  thofe  who  were  mod 
 knowing  and  zeaioUs  in  the  law,  were  fureiy  mod  lit  to  convey  God’s  commands 
 to  his  people.  Ver.  23.  The  word  prophesy  is  of  a  very  extenfive  fignification, 
 and  may  be  applied  to  fuch  atftions,  motions  and  didortions,  as  prophets,  in  their 
 infpiratious  aie  w  ont  to  exprefs;  but  the  generality  of  interpreters  take  it  in  this 
 place,  to  fignify  no  more  than  Saul’s  linging  of  pfalms,  or  hymns  of  thankfgiving 
 and  praife,  which,  even  againd  his  will,  he  was  compelled  to  do,  to  teach  him  the 
 vanity  of  his  defigns  againd  David,  and  that  in  the  profecution  of  them  he  fought 
 againd  GUkI  himlelf,  \  cr.  24.  And  he firippcd  off  his  clothes  rlso—and  lay  down 
 
 naked.  The  word  which  we  render  naked,  fignifies  no  more  than  either  to  li,i 
 part  of  the  body  uncovered,  or  to  be  without  a  gown,  or  upper  garment;  it  is  pt 
 bable,  therefore,  that  Saul,  on  this  occafion,  might  only  put  off  the  robes  of roji 
 or  his  military  accoutrements. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XX.  Ver.  1.  And  David  fled  fn 
 Uaioth.  While  Saul  was  in  his  ecdacy,  David  had  an  opportunity  of  efcapii 
 and  immediately  retired  to  the  city  of  Gibeab,  where  Jonathan  redded.  Ver.l 
 To-morrow  is  the  7iew-moo7i,  and  I  sho7ild  not  fail  to  Jit  uilh  the  khig  at  me 
 The  Ifraelites  performed  folemn  facrifices  every  new-moqn,  and  after  the  fao 
 dees  feaded  together  ;  and  David  being  one  of  the  king’s  family,  by  mariying" 
 daughter,  ufed  to  eat  with  him  on  thefe  occadons  ;  and  he  thought  that  S® 
 by  being  infpired  with  the  Spirit  of  God  at  Naioth,  might  podibly  have  foil 
 his  anger,  and  make  ft  favourable  enquiry  after  him.  Ver.  12.  A/td  Jonalhuntr. 
 -^0  Lord  God  of  Israel.  This  is  a  folemn  appeal  to  heaven,  and  is  thus  renifon 
 by  the  Arabic  :  “  Jonathan  faid  unto  David,  God  be  my  witnefs,  the  God  of 
 that  I  will  found  my  father.”  Ver.  16.  So  Jonaihan  made  a  covenant.  Tliis*® 
 the  preceding  verfe  gives  us  an  explicit  account  of  the  nature  of  the  eovenai 
 entered  into  between  David  and  Jonathan,  mentioned  before,  chap,  xviii.  S 
 It  feeins- principally  to  have  regarded  the  preflrvation  of  Jonathan’s  jiollM® 
 
 Pil.4CITCAL  ORSERVATIONS. — •  Chap.  XIX.]  The  awful  contrad  between  the  charatders  of  Siul  and  .Jonathan,  dr  kingly  illudratcs  the  prcciousp®' 
 perties  o  didiiiguidiing  grace.  While  he  father  manifeds  the  malignity  of  an  evil  fpirit;  breathing  out  nothing  but  hatred,  malice  and  death,  againd  a  faithful  fc'*’' 
 and  an  invahi.rlile  lelation.  wl,o  had  gone  with  his  life  in  his  hand,  fo  deliver  him  and  his  kingdom  from  ruin:  the  fon  is  influenced  with  all  the  tender  feeling ofk’ 
 and  brotherly  affeiSfion  towards  him  ;  he  loves  him  as  his  own  foul  It  is  good  always  to  keep  clofe  to  our  duty,  however  ill  men  may  requite  us  for  it.  No  kindni' 
 will  cure  the  ranklingsof  inveterate  lhaliec.  Happy  are  they  who  truft  God  with  their  proteiflion  and  deliverance  !  He  can  make  the  very  things  intended  fore 
 faariog  us  the  means  of  our  fafety. 
 
I 
 
 ^aul  scc^'clh  lo  Jcill  Jouctthan* 
 
 I.  SAMUEL 
 
 David  comclh  io  'tch. 
 
 S,r. 
 
 be  fore  then  come  thou  ;  for  there  is  peace  to  thee,  and  f  no 
 hurt,  as  the  Lord  liveth. 
 
 <ir.  10G2.  jj-  2  young  man,  Behold, 
 
 I  Heb. 
 
 not  any 
 
 thing- 
 
 i  Or, 
 
 Thou, 
 
 perverfe 
 
 rebel. 
 
 '  t  Heb. 
 Son  of 
 perverse 
 rebellion. 
 
 t  Heh. 
 is  the  son 
 •/■  dent  It, 
 
 the  arrows  are  bevond  thee  ;  go  thy  way  :  for  the 
 Lord  hath  lent  thee  away. 
 
 23  And  as  touching  the  matter  which  thou  and  I 
 have  fpolcen  of,  behold,  the  Lord  Oe  between  thee 
 and  me  for  ever. 
 
 24  H  So  David  hid  himfelf  in  the  field :  and  when 
 the  new-moon  was  come,  the  king  fat  him  down  to 
 eat  meat. 
 
 25  And  the  king  fat  upon  his  feat,  as  at  other  times, 
 gtien  upon  a  feat  bv  the  wall ;  and  Jonathan  arofe, 
 and  Abner  fat  by  Saul’s  fide,  and  David’s  place  was 
 empty. 
 
 26  Neverthelefs  Saul  fpake  not  any  thing  that  day : 
 for  he  thought  foraeching  hath  befallen  him,  he  is 
 not  clean  ;  furely  he  is  not  clean. 
 
 27  And  it  came  to  pafs  on  the  morrow,  'which  was 
 the  fecond  day  of  the  month,  that  David’s  place  was 
 empty  :  and  Saul  faid  unto  Jonathan  his  fon.  Where¬ 
 fore  cometh  nor  the  fon  of  Jefie  to  meat,  neither  yef- 
 terday,  nor  to-day  ? 
 
 28  And  Jonathan  anfwered  Saul,  David  earneflly 
 afleed  leave  of  me  to  go  to  Bethlehem  : 
 
 29  And  he  faid.  Let  m.e  go,  I  pray  thee ;  for  our 
 family  hath  a  facrifice  in  the  city  ;  and  my  brother,  he 
 hath  commanded  me  to  be  there:  and  now,  If  I  have 
 found  favour  in  thine  eyes,  let  me  get  away,  I  pray 
 thee,  and  fee  my  brethren :  therefore  he  cometh  not 
 unto  the  king’s  table. 
 
 30  'Then  Saul’s  anger  was  kindled  againft  Jonathan, 
 and  he  faid  unto  him,  H  f  Thou  fon  of  the  perverfe  re¬ 
 bellious  woman.,  do  not  I  know  that  thou  halt  chofen 
 the  fon  of  Jefie  to  thine  own  confufion,  and  unto  the 
 confufion  of  thy  mother’s  nakednefs? 
 
 31  For  as  long  as  the  fon  of  Jefie  liveth  upon  the 
 ground,  thou  (halt  not  be  eftablifhed,  nor  thy  king¬ 
 dom  :  wherefore  now  lend  and  fetch  him  unto  me ; 
 for  he  t  fiiall  furely  die. 
 
 32  And  Jonathan  anfwered  Saul  his  father,  and  faid 
 unto  him.  Wherefore  (hall  he  be  flain  ?  what  hath  he 
 done  ? 
 
 33  And  Saul  caft  a  javelin  at  him  to  fmite  him  ; 
 whereby  Jonathan  knew  that  it  was  determined  ol 
 his  father  to  flay  David. 
 
 Vcr.  19.  And  shall  remain  ly  the  Jlone  Ezel.  It  is  thought  that  this  ftone  was 
 erefled  where  feveral  ways  met,  to  (liew  paffengers  the  road  ;  for  the  word 
 imports  or  Ver.  27.  Neither  yejlerday,  nor  to-day  f  The  Jews 
 
 left  there  (hould  be  any  miftake  in  their  calculations  celebrated  this  feftival  for 
 two  days  together  ;  and  this  alfo  gave  an  opportunity  to  thofe  who  were  unclean 
 the  firft  day,  to  partake  of  it  the  next,  as  this  fort  of  uncleannefs  lafted  only 
 one  day.  Ver.  31.  As  long  os  the  son  of  Jejfe  liveth.  But  how  did  Saul  know, 
 that  as  long  as  the  fon  of  JelTe  lived,  Jonathan  (liould  not  be  eftablifhed, 
 nor  his  kingdom  ?  If  it  was  all  jealoiify  and  furmife,  his  ordering  him  to  be 
 brought  to  be  put  to  death,  was  unreafonable  and  wicked,  and  can  be  vindi¬ 
 cated  upon  no  principles  of  juftice  and  humanity,  If  Saul  knew,  that  as  himfelf 
 tvas  reje<?ted,  David  was  really  anointed  to  fucceed  him  by  Samuel  at  God’s  com¬ 
 mand,  his  ordering  him  to  be  put  to  death  was  both  impertinent  and  wicked  ; 
 
 ,  for  he  knew  that  David  had  then  as  good  a  right  to  fucceed  him  in  preference 
 
 10  , 
 
 34  So  .Jonathan  arofe  from  the  table  in  fierce  anger, 
 and  did  eat  no  meat  the  fecond  day  of  the  morilu 
 for  he  was  grieved  for  David,  becaufe  his  father  fad 
 done  him  fhame. 
 
 35  f  And  it  came  to  pafs  in  the  morning,  that  Jo¬ 
 nathan  went  out  into  the  fields,  at  the  time  appointed 
 with  David,  and  a  little  lad  with  him. 
 
 36  And  he  faid  unto  his  lad,  Run,  find  out  now  the 
 arrows  which  I  (hoot.  And,  as  the  lad  ran,  he  (hot 
 an  arrow  f  beyond  him. 
 
 37  And  when  the  lad  was  come  to  the  place  of  the^"-^^. 
 arrow  which  Jonathan  had  (hot,  Jonathan  cried  after 
 
 the  lad,  and  faid,  Is  not  the  arrow  beyond  thee? 
 
 38  And  Jonathan  cried  after  the  lad.  Make  fpeed, 
 hafle,  flay  not.  And  Jonatnau’s  lad  gathered  up  the 
 arrow.s,  and  came  to  his  mafier. 
 
 39  But  the  lad  knew  not  any  thing  ;  only  Jonathan 
 and  David  knew  the  matter. 
 
 40  And  Jonathan  gave  his  f  artillery  unto  t  his  lad,  t 
 
 and  faid  unto  him,  Go,  carry  them  to  the  city.  ^ntenT 
 
 41  ^  And  as  fooa  as  the  lad  was  gone,  David  arofe  Heb, 
 out  of  a  place  toward  the  fouth,  and  fell  on  his  face  that  was 
 to  the  ground,  and  bowed  himfelf  three  times;  and^'^* 
 they  killed  one  another,  and  wept  one  with  another, 
 
 until  David  exceeded. 
 
 42  And  Jonathan  faid  to  David,  Go  in  peace,  )j  for-  II  ths 
 afmuch  as  we  have  fivorn  both  of  us  in  the  name  of 
 
 the  Lord,  laying,  The  Lord  be  between  me  and  thee,  of  that 
 and  between  my  I’eed  and  thy  feed  for  ever.  And  he  which, 
 arofe  and  departed  :  and  Jonathan  went  into  the  city.*4:«* 
 CHAP.  XXL 
 
 1  David  at  Nob  ohtaineth  of  Ahimelech  hallowed  bread.  7  Doeg  is  jrretenl.  S 
 David  takelh  Goliath’s  sword.  10  David  at  Gath  Jeignelh  himself  mad. 
 
 Then  came  David  to  Nob  to  Ahimelech  the 
 prieft  ;  and  Ahimelech  was  afraid  at  the  meet¬ 
 ing  of  David,  and  faid  unto  him.  Why  art  thou  alone, 
 and  no  man  with  thee? 
 
 2  And  David  faid  unto  Ahimelech  the  prieft.  The 
 king  hath  commanded  me  a  bufinefs,  and  hath  faid 
 unto  me,  Let  no  man  know  any  thing  of  the  bufinefs 
 whereabout  I  fend  thee,  and  what  I  have  commanded, 
 thee  :  and  1  have  appointed  my  fervants  to  fuch  and 
 fuch  a  place. 
 
 3  Now  therefore  w’bat  is  under  thine  hand  ?  give 
 
 me  five  loaves  of  bread  in  mine  hand,  or  what  there  is 
 1'  prefen  t. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 found. 
 
 to  Jonathan,  as  himfelf  had  of  obtaining  the  throne  in  preference  to  every  other 
 man  in  Ifrael.  Ver.  33.  Saul  had  always  a  javelin  or  fpear  at  hand,  becaufe 
 fpears  were  the  feeptres  of  thofe  ages,  which  kings  always  carried  in  their 
 hands.  'this  was  the  cuftom  of  the  firft.  ages  of  the  Greeks  and  Humans. 
 Ver.  41.  And  Jell  on  his  face  to  the  ground,  and  bowed  himsclj  three  times.  This 
 was  done  out  of  reverence  to  him  as  tlie  king’s  fon.  And  they  kijfed  one  another, 
 and  wept  one  with  another,  until  David  .  xceeded.  This  adieu  is  the  mod  pathetic 
 and  tender  that  was  ever  deferibed.  There  was  reafon  for  David  to  exceed  in 
 forrow,  as  he  was  now  to  become  an  exile  from  his  friends,  from  his  wife,  from 
 his  parents,  from  his  kindred,  from  the  people  of  God,  and  all  facred  folemnities. 
 It  was  during  this  time  of  his  banifhment  tlmt  he  compofed  many  of  his  pfalms. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXI.  Vcr.  I.  Then  came  David  to  Nob. 
 The  city  here  mentioned,  flood  in  the  tribe  of  Benjamin.  It  is  evident  from 
 chap.  xxi.  19.  and  Neh.  xi.  32.  that  this  was  a  facerdotal  city,  and  f'eems  to 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — •  Chap.  XX.  J  Jonathan  is  a  charaaer  moft  interefting,  and  claiming  particular  attention  :  his  excellencies  flrikingly 
 exhibit  the  grace  of  God  in  him,  and  call, for  our  imitation.  How  amiable  does  he  appear  in  wifely  contriving  a  method  to  difeover  the  real  Hate  of  his  father’s 
 mind  towards  David,  in  a  manner  not  to  be  obferved  by  fpcaators  !  How  engaging  he  appears  in  his  fyiopatlty  with  his  friend  on  this  trying  occafion  !  and  how 
 lovely  Ills  felf-denied  piety  towards  God,  in  fo  cheerfully  looking  forward  to  David’s  fure  fucceliion  o< 'the  kingdom,  though  to  the  exclufion  of  liimfelf  and  his  family, 
 
 ,  becaufe  it  was  of  the  Lord  ! _ Difinterefled  friendfhip  extends  to  pofler.ty,  as  well  as.its  immediate  objecSls.  M  hen  influenced  by  it,  we  cannot  endure  the  fliadow  of 
 
 . 'What  might  produce  feparation  :  and  can  more  readily  fubmit  to  perfonal  abufe  than  to  have  our  friend  ill  treated.  ^  Great  ^laiience,  meekneft,  and  prudence,  are 
 neceffary,  when  we  have  to  deal  with  unfeeling,  malicious,  and  unreafonable  men.  If  the  partial  feparation  of  friends  produce  deep  and  unfeigiud  grief,  with 
 ^  what  folemn  concern  muft  they  part,  when  they  have  ftrong  reafon  to  fuf'pedl  that  their  next  meeting  will  be  in  eternity. —  But  moft  necelTary  is  conftint  cleaving  to 
 Jefus  as  all  our  f'alvation,  and  all  our  defire.  He  is  worthy  of  our  warmed  love  ;  we  cannot  exceed  in  our  diledliou  towards  him.  His  love  is  iutouceivable  and 
 eternal,  and  neither  time  nor  eternity  can  feparate  his  friends  from  him. 
 
 ifo.  4  D 
 
David  at  GatK  /dgnclh  himself  mad. 
 
 I.  SAMUEL. 
 
 InMuri 
 Chrill 
 cir.  10G2 
 
 25.  <30. 
 Ltvit. 
 
 2^.  5. 
 
 ]\raii!i, 
 
 12.  4. 
 
 D  Or, 
 esfieciaUy 
 ul:en  this 
 day  there 
 is  other 
 
 vessel. 
 
 4  And  the  prieft  anCwered  David,  and  faid,  Tvere  is 
 no  cotninon  bread  under  mine  hand  ;  but  there  is 
 *  hallo tt’ed  bread,  if- the  young  men  have  kept  ihem- 
 
 B  E\od.  (elves  at  leaftfrom  women. 
 
 5  And  David  anfwered  the  prieft,  and  faid  unto  him. 
 Or  a  truth  women  have  been  kept  from  us  about  thefe 
 three  days,  fince  I  came  out,  and  the  veftels  of  the 
 ytmng  men  are  holy,  and  t/ie  bread  is  in  a  manner 
 coma'ion,  jj  yea,  though  it  were  fanftified  this  day  in 
 f'e  vefT,!. 
 
 6  S  )  the  prieft  gave  him  hallowed  bread ;  for  there 
 was  no  bread  there  but  the  (hew-bread,  that  was  taken 
 from  before  the  Lord,  to  put  hot  bread  in  the  day 
 when  it  was  taken  away. 
 
 T  Now  a  certain  man  of  the  fervants  of  Saul 
 there  that  day,  detained  before  the  Lord  ;  and  his 
 nan  e  urns  Doeg,  an  Edomite,  the  chiefeft  of  the  herd- 
 rat  n  that  belonged  to  Saul. 
 
 8  1i  And  Dav;d  (aid  unto  Ahimelech,  And  is  there 
 not  here  under  thine  hand  fpear  or  (word  ?  for  I  have 
 neither  brought  my  lv,mrd  nor  my  weapons  wdth  me, 
 beeaufe  t-he  king’s  bufinefs  required  halie. 
 
 9  And  the  prieft  faid,  The  (word  of  Goliath  the 
 Pni  iftine,  whom  thou  fleweft  in  the  valley  of  Elah, 
 behold,  it  is  here  wrapped  in  a  cloth  behind  theephod  : 
 if  theu  wilt  take  that,  take  it ;  for  there  is  no  other 
 fave  that  here.  And  David  faid,  lliere  is  none  like 
 that  ;  give  it  me. 
 
 10^  And  David  arofe,  and  fled  that  day  for  fear 
 of  Saul,  and  went  to  Achifh  the  king  of  Gath. 
 
 11  And  the  fervants  of  Achifh  faid  unto  him,  Is 
 not  this  David  the  king  of  t  ae  land  ?  did  they  not  fing 
 one  to  another  of  him  in  dances,  faying,  ^  Saul  hath 
 flain  his  thoufands,  and  David  his  ten  thoufands? 
 
 12  And  David  laid  up  thefe  words  in  his  heart,  and 
 was  fore  afraid  of  Achilh  the  king  of  Gath. 
 
 Cumpanus  resort  to  David  at  Athdi 
 
 din. 
 
 b  Cliap, 
 17.  2. 
 
 c  Chap. 
 18.  7.  & 
 
 29.  5. 
 Ecclus. 
 47.  6. 
 
 have  been  made  fucb,  when  the  tabernacle  was  removed  thither.  It  is  generally 
 thought  to  have  flood  four  leagues  from  Gibeah.  Ahimelech  said, —  Why  art 
 thou  alone.  It  appe  rs  from  the  whole  account  of  this  affair,  tliat  Ahimelech 
 knew  nothing  of  the  circuinfiances  David  was  then  in  ;  he  knew  nothing  of 
 Saul’s  difpleafure  againfl  him,  or  his  determined  purpofe  to  deflroy  him  ;  and 
 therefore  as  he  was  the  king’s  fon-in-law,  he  was  furprifed  to  fee  him  without 
 any  attendants,  and  afks  him  the  reafon  of  being  alone.  David,  concealing  the 
 reafon,  pretends  a  hafly  and  fecret  meffage  from  the  king,  and  that  he  had 
 
 This  is  made  life  of  as  a  pretence- 
 receiving  it,  David  requefls  a  fupply 
 
 ordered  his  attendants  to  wait  for  him. 
 for  afking  a  fupplj-  of  bread  ;  and  after 
 of  arms,  flill  keeping  the  priefl  entirely  ignorant  of  the  true  realbn  of  his  being- 
 alone,  and  unarmed  ;  a  demonflration,  if  any  thing  can  be  fo,  that  Ahimelech 
 was  not  in  David’s  fe;ret,  and  knew  nothing  of  any  confpiracy  in  him,  or  that 
 he  fled  from  Saul  to  efcape  his  indignation.  Ver.  6.  So  the  priest  gave  him  hallowed 
 bread.  As  invincible  necefDty  difpenfes  witli  the  ohfervanee  of  all  Jaws,  neither 
 David  nor  the  priefls  feems  to  have  been  guilty  of  any  fin  in  this  tranfadlion  ; 
 cfpecially  as  David  declared  himfelf  and  his  companions  free  from  that  legal 
 impurity  which  Ahimelech  made  the  condition  of  fupplying  their  wants,  Matth. 
 ii.  25.  Ver.  9.  The  sword  oj  Goliath  the  Fhilisline,  whom  thou  slewest,  in  Ike  valley 
 of  E lath,  behold,  it  is  hereivrapt  in  a  cloth  beldnd  theephod  :  that  is,  behind  the  place 
 where  the  priefls’  garments  were  laid  up,  of  which  the  epiiod  was  the  chief.  It 
 was  cuflomar)',  not  only  among  the  Jews,  but  the  heathens  alfo,  to  hang  up 
 the  arms  taken  from  the  enemy  in  their  temples ;  and  in  conformity  with  this 
 cuflom,  the  fword  wherewith  David  had  cut  ofl’  Goliath’s  head,  he  dedicated  to 
 the  I.ord,  and  delivered  to  the  priefl,  to  be  kept  as  a  monument  of  his  victory, 
 and  the  deliverance  of  the  lOaelites.  Ver.  10.  Went  to  Ackish,  the  king  of  Gath. 
 David  liting  proferibed,  but  without  reafon,  and  being  every  where  in  danger 
 in  bis  own  country,  fled,  as  a  man  in  peipetual  hazard  of  his  life,  to  the  nearefl 
 place,  but  he  fled  to  the  inveterate  enemies  of  his  nation.  The  city  he  fled  to 
 
 13  And  he  changed  his  belvaviour  before  them,  and  Refo 
 feigned  himfelf  mad  in  their  hands,  and  H  Icrabbled  on  ^*'5* 
 the  doors  of  the  gate,  and  let  his  Ipittle  fall  dowi/'’’’ 
 upon  his  beard. 
 
 14  Then  laid  Achifh  unto  his  fervants,  Lo,  yefeel^I’ 
 
 the  man  l|  is  mad;  wherefore  then  have  ye  brought 
 him  to  me  ?  II  Or, 
 
 15  Have  I  need  of  madmen,  that  ye  have  brought 
 j  this to  p’ay  the  madman  in  my  prefence? 
 this/A/oto  come  into  my  houfe.?* 
 
 lhall»i««, 
 
 nbniiu 
 
 D 
 
 CHAP.  XXII. 
 
 Companies  resort  unto  David  at  Adullam  :  3  At  Mizpek  be  commendelh 
 liis  parents  to  the  proteSlion  of  the  king  0/  Moab  :  5  adtnonished  by  God 
 he  Cometh  to  Hare<  h.  6  S  ul,  going  lo  pursue  him,  complainelh  of  his 
 servants'  unfailhjnlness.  9  Doeg,  accuseth  Ahimelech.  11  Saul,  com., 
 mandeth  to  kill  the  priests, 
 
 fiVlD  inert  fore  departed  thence,  and  efcaped 
 _  to  the  c.ive  Adullam  :  and  when  his  brethren 
 and  all  his  father’s  houfe  heard  it,  they  went  down 
 thither  to  him. 
 
 2  And  every  one  that  tuersin  diftrefs,  and  every  one 
 that-f  veas  in  debt,  and  every  one  that  was  f  difeon-t  Ueh. 
 tented,  gathered  themfelves  unto  him;  and  he  became 
 
 a  captain  over  them  :  and  there  were  with  him  about  fUeb. 
 four  hundred  men.  -binerij 
 
 3  ^  And  David  went  thence  to  Mizpeh  of  Moab 
 and  he  faid  unto  the  king  of  Moab,  Let  my  father 
 and  my  mother,  I  pray  thee,  come  fort.h,.  and  be  W'ith 
 you,  till  I  know  what  God  will  do  for  me. 
 
 4  And  he  brought  them  before  the  king  of  Moab  ; 
 and  they  dwelt  with  him  all  the  while  that  David 
 was  in  the  hold. 
 
 5  ^1  And  the  prophet  Gad  faid  unto  David,  Abide 
 not  in  the  hold  :  depart  and  get  thee  into  the  land 
 of  Judah.  Then  David  departed,  and  came  into  the 
 foreft  of  Hareth. 
 
 was  the  city  of  Goliath,  whom  he  had  flain  and  whofe  fword  he  had  now  with  hinii 
 Ver.  1 1.  DU  they  not  sing.  This  fliews  that  they  mull  have  kept  up  alecretcor- 
 relpondence  with  the  Ifraelite?,  or  that  their  intelligence  was  verv  extenfive  owiiiii 
 to  fpies  interfperfed  among  them.  The  embarraffment  which  David  mull  have 
 been  in,  during  his  fituation,  may  be  better  conceived  than  expreffed  ;  and  thear- 
 !  tiflee  he  made  ufe  of  to  extricate  himfelf  was  fuch  as  may  be  juflified  by  the  ex- 
 !  amples  of  the  greateft.  commanders,  and  may  he  reconciled  with  the  didlates  of 
 1  prudence  and  felf-prefervation,  the  firll  law  of  our  nature. 
 
 I  EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  X.XII.  Ver.  1.  The  cave  Adullam. 
 
 I  Adullam  was  a  tow  n  in  the  tribe  of  Judah,  of  confiderable  note  :  and  near  it  was 
 )  a  rock  of  the  fame  name,  in  w-hich  was  a  cave  naturally  ftrong,  and  well  forti- 
 I  tied,  and  into  this  cave  David  retreated.  Ver.  2.  And  every  one  that  was  in  distress 
 ' — gathered  themselves  unto  him.  It  is  not  improbable  that  the  fame  ufage  now 
 !  prevailed  among  the  Jews,  which  Cefar  tells  us,  fuhlRted  anciently  among 
 I  the  Gauls,  namely  that  thole  who  were  either  in  debt,  or  oppf-elLd  by  the  tj- 
 I  raijny  of  the  great,  betook  themlelves  to  the  fervice  of  feme  eminent  man  for 
 j  protedli  n,  who  were  called  in  the  Gallic  language  soldarii,  whence,  probably, 
 onr  term  soldier  is  derived.  He  became  a  captain.  The  judgment  of  Grotius 
 upon  this  palTage,  deferves  to  be  regarded.  David,”  fays  he,  “  who,  ex¬ 
 cept  in  a  few  instances,  is  recorded  to  have  been  very  obfervant  of  the  law, 
 had  about  him  at  first  four  hundred  armed  perfons,  and  afterwards  a  fomewbat 
 greater  number.  For  what,  hut  to  repel  any  force  that  might  be  ofl'ered  him? 
 But  then  this  fliould  be  remaiked,  at  the  fame  time,  that  David  did  not  do  this 
 till  lie  found  by  Jonathan’s  information,  and  many  other  most  certain  pi'oots, 
 j  that  Saul  determined  to  have  his  life.  Befides,  lie  invaded  no  cities,  took  no 
 j  opportunities  for  fighting,  but  went  into  lurking-holes,  and  inaccelTihle  places, 
 j  and  to  foreign  nations,  religioufly  abstaining  from  injuring  bis  country  men,”  of 
 doing  any  hurt  to  Saul,  or  disturbing  his  gevernment.  Ver.  4.  All  the  whilt 
 j  that  David  was  in  the  hold ;  Or,  as  it  may  he  rendered,  “  All  the  time  dial 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. _ *  Chap.  XXL]  Let  us  rejoice  that  the  bread  of  life  is  free  to  all  who  w  ill  receive  it  j  but  none  can  o'utain  it  by  conced¬ 
 
 ing  truth,  and  praaifing  deceit  or  talfehood.  If  however  we  know  its  value,  we  cannot  be  too  folicitous  that  ourfelves  and  others,  efpecially  our  friends  may  enjoy  it- 
 Elevated  stations  are  flippery  places.  How  weak  are  the  best  men  when  guided  by  their  own  wifdom  ;  and  bow  uureaftBable  therefore  to  be  leeure  or  felf-confideiit . 
 We  know  not  what  temptations  are  bi?fore  us,  or  how  weak  we  are  to  refist  them.  God  will  have  mercy  and  not  I'acrifice  ;  and  what  we  have  devoted  to  his  honoiif 
 may  become  the  means  of  our  proteaion.  Even  in  the  houfe  of  God  Satan  has  his  fpies,  who  come  pretending  to  worfhip,  hut  are  fent  by  him  for  miftiiief.  Opp.i-tt- 
 Son  fometiir.es  makes  a  wife  man  mad  ;  arid  the  fear  of  ro.'in  caufeth  a  fnare.  But  in  every  trial  God  can  open  a  way  for  our  efcape,  and  make  even  our  .neiuies 
 inftruraents  of  our  deliverance.  In  diftrefs  let  us  flee  to  God’s  I’anauary,  where  we  may  have  fpiritiial  armour,  comfort,  and  diredion.  However  providence  may 
 jklver  our  lot,  let  ilrorg  faith  and  prudent  cireumfpedion  attend  us,  not  craftinefs  or  diffirauiatiou. 
 
I.  SAMUEL. 
 
 f  Hob. 
 
 fth  mine 
 
 ear- 
 
 J)ocg  accmctJi  Ahimclech,  ^e* 
 
 jiefore  6  f  When  S-iul  heard  that  David  was  difcovered, 
 Cbriii  gjjj  (he  men  that  were  with  him,  (now  Saul  abode  in 
 cir- 1062.  uodef  3  H  tree  in  Ramah,  having  his  fpear  in 
 
 his  hand,  and  all  his  CervantSTt'^/e  Handing  about  him  ;) 
 a  7  i'hen  Saul  (aid  unto  his  I’ervants  that  Hood  about 
 %hviace-\y^xny  H-ar  now,  ye  Benjamites  ;  Will  tne  fon  of  J.  He 
 give  every  one  of  yoii  fields  and  vin  'yards,  and  make 
 you  all  captains  of  ihoufands,  and  captains  of  hun¬ 
 dreds  ;  .  .  .  „ 
 
 8  That  all  of  you  have  conlpired  againH  me,  and 
 there  is  none  that  f  Ih  'weth  me  that  my  fon  hath  made 
 a  league  with  the  Ibn  of  Jefl'e  ;  aud  there  is  none  of 
 you  that  is  forry  for  me,  or  Hieweth  unto  me  that  my 
 fon  hath  Hirred  up  my  fervant  againH  me,  to  lie  in 
 wait,  as  at  this  day  ? 
 
 9  1[  Then  anfwered  Doeg  the  Edomite,  which  was 
 fet  over  the  fervants  of  Saul,  and  laid,  I  faw  the  fon 
 of  Jt  lie  coming  toNob,  to  Ahimelechthefon  of  Ahitub. 
 
 10  And  he  enquired  of  the  Lord  for  him,  and  gave 
 him  victuals,  and  gave  him  the  fword  of  Goliath  the 
 Pnilifline. 
 
 1 1  H  Then  the  king  fent  to  call  Ahimelech  the  prieH 
 the  fon  of  Ahitub;  and  ail  his  father’s  houfe,  the  priells 
 that  voere  in  Nob  :  aud  they  came  all  of  them  to  the 
 king. 
 
 12  And  Saul  faid,  Hear  now,  thou  fon  of  Ahitub. 
 And  he  anfw  ered,  f  Here  I  am,  my  lord. 
 
 13  And  Saul  faid  unto  him,  Wny  have  ye  confpired 
 againH  me,  thou  and  the  fon  of  Jelle,  m  that  thou  haH 
 given  him  bread,  and  a  fword,  and  haH  enquired  of 
 God  for  him,  that  he  Ihould  rife  againH  me,  to  lie  in 
 wai',  as  at  this  day  ? 
 
 14-  Then  Ahimelech  anfwered  the  king,  and  faid, 
 And  who  is  so  faithful  among  all  thy  fervants  as  David, 
 which  is  the  king’s  fon-in-lav/,  and  goeth  at  thy  bid¬ 
 ding,  and  is  honourable  in  thine  houfe  ? 
 
 15  Did  I  then  begin  to  enquire  of  God  for  him?  be 
 it  far  from  me.  Let  not  the  king  impute  any  thing 
 unto  his  fervant,  nor  to  all  the  houfe  of  my  father ;  for 
 thy  fervant  knew  nothing  of  all  this,  t  lefs  or  more. 
 
 16  And  the  king  fiid,  Thou  fhalt  furely  die,  Ahi¬ 
 melech,  thou,  and  all  thy  father’s  houfe. 
 
 David  rest:  eih  Keilah, 
 
 t  Heb. 
 me, 
 
 t  TIeb. 
 little,  or, 
 great. 
 
 It  Or, 
 
 guard, 
 t  Heb. 
 'runners- 
 
 caufe  they  knew  when  he  fled,  and  did  not  Ihew  it  to 
 me.  But  the  fervants  of  tne  king  would  not  put  form 
 their  hand  to  fall  upon  the  pneLts  ot  the  Lord. 
 
 18  And  the  king  laid  to  Doeg,  Turn  thou,  and  fall 
 upon  tlie  prielts.  Aud  Dueg  the  Edomite  turned, 
 and  he  fell  upon  the  prielts,  and  flew  on  tnat  day  four- 
 Icore  and  five  perlons  thar  did  wear  a  linen  ephod. 
 
 19  And  Nob,  the  city  of  the  prielts,  fmoie  ne  with 
 the  edge  of  the  fword,  botn  men  and  women,  children 
 and  furklings,  and  oxen,  and  afl'es,  and  Iheep,  with  the 
 edge  of  the  fword. 
 
 20  H  And  one  of  the  fons  of  Ahimelech  the  fon  of 
 Ahitub,  named  Abialhar,  efcaped,  and  fled  after 
 
 David.  , 
 
 21  And  Abiarhar  fbewed  David  that  Saul  had  flam 
 the  Lord’s  prielts. 
 
 22  And  David  Ibid  unto  Ahiathar,  I  knew  it  that 
 day,  when  Doeg  the  Edomite  was  there,  that  ne  would 
 furely  tell  Saul :  1  have  occafioned  t/ie  death  of  all  the 
 perfons  of  thy  father’s  houfe. 
 
 23  Abide  thou  with  me,  fear  not :  for  he  that  feek- 
 eth  my  life  feeketh  thy  life  :  but  with  me  thou  shalt 
 be  in  fafeguard.* 
 
 CHAP.  XX III. 
 
 1  David,  inquiring  of  the  Lord  by  Ahiathar,  refcuelh  Keilah  ;  7  God 
 
 Jheweth  him  the  coming  of  Savl,  and  the  treachery  oj  the  Kenites  :  he 
 
 efcapelh  from  Keilah,  14  in  Zitph  Jonathan  conu  th  and  com/orteth  him, 
 
 19  the  Ziphites  difeover  him  to  Saul  g  2i  at  Zlaon  he  is  rejeued.  from 
 \  Saul  by  the  invasion  of  the  Fhilyiines. 
 
 Then  they  told  David,  faying.  Behold,  the  Phi- 
 liHines  fight  againH  Keilah,  and  tiiey  rob  the 
 !  thrafhing-floors. 
 
 {  2  Therefore  David  enquired  of  the  Lord,  faying. 
 
 Shall  I  go  and  fmite  thefe  PniliHines  ?  And  the  Lord 
 laid  unto  David,  Go  and  Imite  the  PniliHines,  and 
 lave  Keilah. 
 
 .  3  And  David’s  men  faid  unto  him,  Behold,  we  be 
 afraid  here  in  Judah,  how  much  more  then  if  w’e  come 
 to  Keilah  againH  the  armies  of  the  Philittines  ? 
 
 4  Then  David  enquired  of  ttie  Lord  yet  again. 
 And  the  Lord  anfwered  him,  and  faid,  Arife,  gp 
 down  to  Keilah ;  for  I  will  deliver  the  Piiililtiaes  into 
 
 17  f  And  the  king  faid  unto  the  |1  f  footmen  that  i|  thine  hand.  ^  -i  u  j  r  l 
 
 Hood  about  him,  Turn  and  flay  the  prieHs  of  theil  5  So  David  and  his  men  went  to  Keilah,  and  fought 
 Lord  ;  becaufe  their  hand  alfo  A  with  David,  and  be- ij  with  the  PniliHines,  and  brought  away  their  cattle. 
 
 David  was  in  exile,’'  for  the  word  melzudah  fignifies  exile  as  well  as  ajlrovg  hold. 
 "Ver.  14.  Then  Ahimelech  anfwered  the  king  and  ftid.'  Jofepluis  makes  the  high 
 priell  addrefs  Saul  in  the  following  tnannei',  “  I  did  not  receive  David  as  your 
 'Hiajefly’s  enemy,  but  as  the  faithfulleft  of  your  friends  aud  officers,  and  (what  is 
 more)  in  the  cojuality  of  j’our  fon  too,  a  relation  in  fo  tender  a  degree  of  affinity 
 '  snd  alliance;  for  how  ffiould  any  body  imagine  that  man  to  be  your  enemy 
 Upon  whom  you  have  conferred  fo  many  honours?  or  why  ffiould  I  not  rather 
 prefume  fuch  a  perfon,  without  any  further  inquiry,  to  be  your  fmgular  friend? 
 He  told  me,  that  he  was  fent  on  hafte  by  yourfelf,  upon  earnefl  bufinefs  :  and 
 if  I  had  not  fupplied  him  with  what  lie  wanted,  it  would  have  refledted  an  in¬ 
 dignity  upon  yourfelf,  rather  than  upon  him.  W'hcrefore  I  hope  that  the 
 blame  will  not  fall  upon  me,  even  though  David  ffiould  be  found  as  culpable  as 
 you  fufpedl  him  ;  unlefs  an  a<ft  of  pure  compaffion  and  humanity,  abftradled 
 from  the  leafl  thought,  knowledge,  or  imagination  of  any  evil  intention,  ffiall 
 
 be  underflood  to  make  me  privy  to  a  confpiracy ;  for  the  fervice  1  did  him  was- 
 matter  of  refpedt  to  the  king's  fon-in-law,  and  the  king’s  military  officer,  not 
 the  perforr  or  interell  of  David.”  Ver.  13.  Slew—fourfcore.  The  Septuagint 
 reads  305,  and  Jolephus  385.  But  there  is  no  neceffity  to  depart  from  the 
 ori'-'inal.  .^11  Ahimelech’s  family  were  cut  off,  except  Ahiathar.  This  malTacrs 
 fulfilled  the  denunciations  againft  Eli’s  family,  cliap.  iii.  11 — 14.  Ver.  18.  And 
 aVo6  the  city  of  the  prwfls.  It  is  certain,  that  Saul  w.ns  now  become  a  mere  ty¬ 
 rant,  and  adted  more  cruelly  againll  the  poor  people,  than  againft  the  Amalek- 
 ites  themfelves,  the  king  of  whom  he  had  fpared,  even  contrary  to  God’s  exprel#- 
 command.  'i  he  maffacre  of  thefe  innocent  priefts,  was  fo  outrageous,  fo  bloody, 
 and  fo  horrible,  that  it  paints  the  ebaradler  of  Saul  in  the  blackeft  colours. 
 
 EXPLAN.\TO  IIY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXIII.  Ver.  2.  Sliall  I  go  and  fmite 
 thefe  Fhiiistitics  ?  It  was  an  inftance  of  his  great  love  to  his  country,  who,  though 
 proi'eribed  as  a  rebel  by  the  king,  was  fo  far  from  injuring  his  country,  that  he 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. _ *  CniP.  XXII. ]  David’s  affociates  on  firft  joining  him.  appear  to  have  been  in  wretched  circumftances,  and  to  have  fuf- 
 
 tained  by  no  means  refpeaable  charaaers  in  fbeiety,  but  in  both  thefe  relpedls  they  experienced,  under  his  care,  a  great  and  favourable  change.  But  happier  ffir  are 
 thofe  who  place  themfelves  under  the  protcaion  of  Jefus,  David’s  great  antitype;  for  l»e  confers  on  h.s  followers  every  th.ng  tro  y,  valuable  tn  earth  and  beavem- 
 ‘  God  will  afl'ui-edly  take  care  that  the  perfecuted  followers  of  Chrift  may  have  always  fome  friends,  aud  fuch  as  fuller  with  Rm  ffiaU-  be  glor.fied  together.  Yea,  God 
 
 ■  eflen  puts  the  greateft  honour  on  the  moft  unlikely  objects.  And  Jefus  himfelf  will  in  no  wife  caft  out  any  that  come  m  lum.  How  greatly  does  jealoufy  torment 
 '  the  poffefTor  wkh  its  groundlefs  fufpicions.  It  i  eprefents  the  moft  faithful  guilty  of  treachery,  aud  accufes  them  ot  medoatmg  the  worft  deitgns.  It  ,s  very  unfafe 
 
 to  trurt  wicked  men  :  onr  molt  benevolent  aaions  may  by  them  be  tin  ned  into  the  worft  of  crimes-;  and  truth  may  be  reported  in  a  manner  more  mafiguant  than 
 grofs  calumny  and  falfehood.  But  generous  is  that  mind  which  will  nothart  the  charabler  of  auotuor,  even  when  truth  admits,  and  fafety  requires  it.  What  a  ternWe 
 
 ■  plague  is  a  tyrannical  kin-  t  What  barbarous  monflers  do  fome  render  themfelves  !  But  it  is  pain'ul  for  a  good  man  to  be  any  w.le  the  occatmn  ot  m.fcmef  to  others. 
 By  the  cruel  deed  of  Said,  however,  God  exaftlv  fulfilled  his  threatening  againft  Eli  ;  and  deftroyed  the  remnant  ot  Ins  boule.  Let  us  wonder  at  the  depths  of  Ins 
 providence,  and  the-  faitbfulnefs  of  lii&  word.  All  that  he  has  purpofed  or  fpokea  lhall  he  accotopliiheJ,  at  the  proper  lime,  however  much  prefsut  appearances  ma* 
 ieein  to  be  againft  it. 
 
Jonathan  comforleih  Bavid^ 
 
 finote  them  with 
 
 I.  SAMUEL. 
 So "  David 
 
 ciSa  ®  daughter, 
 
 cir.  1002.  inhabitants  of  Keilah. 
 
 came  to  pafs,  when  Abiathar,  the  fon 
 a  Chap.  Ahimelech,  “  fled  to  David  to  Keilah,  t//at  he  came 
 c£  1061.  ephod  in  his  hand. 
 
 Sanl  that  David  was  come  to 
 Keilah.  And  baul  (aid,  God  hath  delivered  him  into 
 mine  hand  ;  tor  he  is  (hut  in,  by  entering  into  a  town 
 that  hath  gates  and  bars. 
 
 8  And  Saul  called  all  the  people  together  to  war, 
 to  go  down  to  Keilah,  to  befiege  David  and  his  men. 
 
 9  H  And  David  knew  that  Saul  fecretly  pradliled 
 TOifchief  againft  him  ;  and  he  (aid  to  Abiathar  the 
 prielt,  Bring  hither  the  ephod. 
 
 10  Then  (aid  David,  O  Lord  God  of  Ifrael,  thy 
 fervant  hath  certainly  heard  that  Saul  feekethtocome 
 to  Keilah  to  deliroy  the  city  for  my  fake. 
 
 1 J  Will  the  men  of  Krilah  deliver  me  up  into  his 
 hand  ^  will  Saul  come  down,  as  thy  lervant  hath 
 heard  ?  O  Lord  God  of  Ifrael,  I  be(eech  thee,  tell  thy 
 (ervanr.  And  the  Lord  laid.  He  will  come  down. 
 
 12  Ihen  (aid  David,  Will  the  men  of  Keilah  f  de¬ 
 liver  me  and  my  men  into  the  hand  of  Saul  ?  And  the 
 Lord  faid,  thev  will  deliver  t/iee  up. 
 
 15  ^  dhen  David  and  his  men,  'which  ttrrc  about 
 fix  hundred  arofe  and  departed  out  of  Keilah,  and 
 went  whirherfoever  they  could  go.  And  it  was  told 
 Saul  that  David  was  efcaped  from  Keilah  ;  and  he 
 fcrbare  to  go  forth. 
 
 14  And  David  abode  in  the  wildernefs  in  ftrong 
 holds,  and  remained  in  a  mountain  in  the  wildernefs 
 ol  Ziph  ;  and  Saul  fought  him  every  day ;  but  God 
 delivered  him  not  into  his  hand. 
 
 ^  15  And  David  faw  that  Saul  was  come  out  to  feek 
 his  life  :  and  David  was  in  the  wildernefs  of  Ziph  in 
 a  wood. 
 
 16  And  Jonathan,  Saul’s  fon,  arofe,  and  went  to 
 David  into  the  wood,  and  ftrengthened  his  hand  in 
 God. 
 
 17  And  he  faid  unto  him,  Fear  not;  for  the.  hand 
 of  Saul  my  father  (ball  not  find  thee :  and  thou  (halt 
 be  king  over  Ifrael,  and  I  fhall  be  next  unto  thee ; 
 and  that  alfo  Saul  my  Father  knoweth. 
 
 Bcmid 
 
 f  Heb. 
 t/iul  up. 
 
 ^P^reth  Saiil\ 
 
 18  And  they  two  made  a  covenant  before  the  Rtf 
 
 Lord.  And  David  abode  in  the  wood,  ahd  Jonathan 
 webt  to  his  houfe.  «>>•.  looi, 
 
 19  1  Then  came  up  the  Ziphites  to  Saul  to  Gibeah 
 laying, ^  Doth  not  David  hide  himfelf  with  us  in  ftrong 
 holds  in  the  wood,  in  the  hill  of  Hachilah,  which  is 
 
 t  on  the  fouth  of  ||  Jefhimon  ?  m 
 
 20  Now  therefore,  O  king,  come  down,  according®'*  *L' 
 to  all  the  defire  of  thy  (oul  to  come  down  ;  and  our’'^'^'' 
 part  shall  be  to  deliver  him  into  the  king’s  hand. 
 
 21  And  Saul  laid,  Bleflfed  be  ye  of  the  Lord  ;  for'-^ew’/ 
 
 ye  have  compafTion  on  me.  dtmesl 
 
 22  Go,  I  pray  you,  prepare  yet,  and  know  and 
 
 (ee  hts  place  where  his  f  haunt  is,  and  who  hath  feenfHeb, 
 him  there  :  for  it  is  told  me  that  he  dealeth  very  fub-'^“®'«wt 
 tilely.  he. 
 
 23  See  therefore,  and  take  knowledge  of  all  the 
 lurking-places  where  he  hideth  himfelf,  and  come  ye 
 again  to  me  with  the  certainty,  and  I  will  go  with 
 you  :  and  it  (hall  come  to  pafs,  if  he  be  in  the  land, 
 that  I  will  fearch  him  out  throughout  all  the  thoufands 
 of  Judah. 
 
 24  And  they  arofe,  and  went  to  Ziph  before  Saul ; 
 but  David  and  his  men  were  in  the  wildernefs  of  Maon, 
 in  the  plain  on  the  fouth  of  Jefhimon. 
 
 25  And  Saul  and  his  men  went  to  feek  him.  And 
 they  told  David :  wherefore  he  came  down  into  a 
 rock,  and  abode  in  the  wildernefs  of  Maon  ;  and 
 when  Saul  heard  that,  he  purfued  after  David  in  the 
 wildernefs  of  Maon. 
 
 26  And  Saul  went  on  this  fide  of  the  mountain, 
 and  David  and  his  men  on  that  fide  of  the  mountain  ; 
 and  David  made  hafte  to  get  away  for  fear  of  Saul ; 
 for  Saul  and  his  men  encompafled  David  and  his  men 
 round  about  to  take  them. 
 
 27  H  But  there  came  a  mefTenger  unto  Saul,  faying, 
 
 Hafte  thee,  and  come;  for  the  Philiftiues  have  f  in-^^®^ 
 vaded  the  land.  -  ’f  ,  . 
 
 ihCYiisslvci 
 
 28  Wherefore  Saul  returned  from  purfuing  after  upon,  cjc. 
 
 David,  and  went  againft  the  Philifiines :  therefore 
 they  called  that  place  ||  Sela-hammah-lekotb.  II 
 
 29  %  And  David  went  up  from  thence,  and  dwelt 
 
 in  ftrong  holds  at  En-gedi.*  sions. 
 
 ferved  it  at  the  coR  of  bis  enemies.  Ver.  18.  T/iep  two  made  a  covenant.  Jo- 
 natiian’s  condutfl  in  this  remarkable  tranfadlion  appears  truly  difinterefted,  gene¬ 
 rous,  and  great.  He  cou'd  not  now  be  ignorant  of  David’s  deftination  to  the 
 throne  of  Ifrael  by  the  will  of  God,  and  knew  that  nothing  could  prevent  his  fuc- 
 celTion  to  it,  as  God  had  appointed  it.  In  fuch  a  fituation  how  doth  he  a<5l  ?  He 
 fcorns,  by  fraud  or  violeace,  to  attempt  the  life  of  the  man  whom  God  had  fixed 
 on  to  l.ie  king,  even  in  preference  toliiinfelf;  but  feeks  him  out  in  the  wildernefs, 
 where  Lis  father  was  hunting  liim  to  deftrutftion,  and  Jlrengthened  his  hand  in 
 God  s  not  by  promifing  to  aflift  him  in  difpoffeiring  his  father  of  his  kingdom,  or 
 diftuibing  and  diflreffing  his  government ;  not  by  entering  into  any  confpiracy  or 
 plot  with  him  againllhis  father’s  interell  and  honour,  but  by  comforting  him  un¬ 
 der  his  cruel  perfecution,  and  affuring  him  of  God’s  prote<5lion  from  the  hand  or 
 power  of  his  father,  his  future  advancement  to  the  crown,  and  of  bis  own  confi- 
 derce  in  David's  friendfhip,  that  he  flioiild  be  advanced  to  the  highell  honour  in 
 Lis  court.  He  lets  him  know  alfo,  that  Saul  his  father  very  well  knew  that  David 
 Ihould  be  his  fucceffor  ;  and  that  Jonathan  faid  the  truth  in  this,  is  evident  from 
 what  Saul  himfelf  faid  to  David  but  a  little  while  after,  chap.  Axiv.  20.  In  this 
 
 whole  affair  between  Jonathan  and  David,  nothing  paffed  but  what  was  perfeeil^ 
 confident  with  the  allegiance  and  du.fy  of  thefe  two  eminent  friends  to  their  com¬ 
 mon  fuvereign  and  father.  Ver.  25.  David  is  here  in  one  of  the  mod  threatening 
 exigencies  ot  his  wholj  life.  And  the  feqiiel  gives  us  one  of  the  most  extraor¬ 
 dinary  instances  of  a  divine  interpofal  at  the  very  crifis  of  need,  that  any  history 
 has  recorded  j  and  will  ever  be  improved  by  Christians,  amidst  their  greatest  straits. 
 Ver.  27.  But  there  came  a  mejpinger  unto  Saul,  saying,  Hajie  thee,  and  come.  Tiit 
 fuperintendence  ef  providence  exerted  itfelf  in  a  peculiar  manner  to  preferve  this 
 hero,  and  at  a  crifis  when  he  would,  in  all  probability,  have  otherwife  fallen  a  fa- 
 crifice  to  the  revenge  and  jealoufy  of  Saul,  Ver.  28.  Therefore  they  called  thul 
 jilnce  Sela-hammah~lekolh  ;  that  is,  the  rode  of  divisions  ;  either  becaufe  the  council 
 of  Saul  was  divided  whether  to  purfue  to  David,  or  go  immediately  against  the  Phi* 
 listines  ;  or  becaufe  God  feparated  Saul  from  David,  when  he  compalfed  h  ni 
 about  to  take  him.  Ver.  29.  At  En-gedi,  now  called  An-guedi,  was  a  large  vil¬ 
 lage  fituated  in  the  deferts,  which  lay  upon  the  western  coast  of  the  Salt  or  De-d 
 fea,  not  far  from  the  plains  of  Jericho. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATION.S. — *  Chap.  XXIII.]  No  wonder  that  invafions,  wars,  or  other  destrudlive  evils  follow  the  perfecution  of  the  people  of  God, 
 for  II  ui.ng  is  moie  hateful  in  the  eyes  of  the  majesty  of  heaven  than  this;  and  perfeculors  fooner  or  later  lhall  experience  his  righteous  difpleafure.  God  wil'elj 
 direas  his  distinguilhed  fervants  where  he  has  work  for  them  ;  and  never  are  men  fo  likely  to  profper,  as  when  they  confult  the  Lord  in  all  their  way.s.  If  he  direiSs 
 us  no  ill  ufuage  from  the  distrelTed  or  difeou,  agement  from  our  friends  ought  to  make  us  withhold  our  help.  What  a  mercy  is  it  to  have  a  pious,  difinterested  and  con¬ 
 stant  friend,  to  vifit  and  comfort  us  in  our  distrefs!  But  w  hat  must  Jefus  be  when  Jonathan  is  fo  faithful  !  The  love  of  Jefus  our  Lord  is  unparalleled.  In  the  love 
 of  Jonathan  and  David  there  was  a  congeniality  of  foul,  of  manners,  of  age,  and  of  mind.  But  nothing  in  us  could  induce  the  Saviour  to  love  us,  pure,  difiiitere.sted, 
 overflowing,  infinite  love,  prompted  him  to  clioofe  us  to  be  bis  friends,  and  to  refolve  in  the  riches  of  his  grace  to  render  ns  worthy  of  his  friendlhip.  And  his  lov® 
 is  not  lefs  astonishing  in  its  degree  than  in  its  duration  ;  neither  life,  nor  death,  nor  things  prefent,  nor  things  to.come,  fhall  be  .able  to  feparate  us  from  the  love  of  God. 
 tvhich  is  in  Christ  Jefus  our  Lord.  Blelfed  are  we  now  if  we  enjoy  the  frienddiip  of  Jefus  and  his  people.  But  w’hat'must  heaven  be,  w  hen  we  fiiall  meet  with  all 
 the  kind  angels,  and  kind  fpirits  of  just  uien  mads  perfea ;  and  witli  the  infinitely  kinder  Fatber,  Son,  and  Holy  Spiritt  Let  our  new  covenant  friendfliip  with  thcl* 
 be  renewed  day  by  day. 
 
Divid  in  a  cave  at  En~g"ili, 
 
 CHAP.  XXIV. 
 
 1  David  in  a  cave  at  En-gedi,  having  cut  off  Saul's  (kirt,  sjiarelh  his  life; 
 
 I.  SAMUEL. 
 
 Suul  achiu'j:lt'(1'‘tlh  lii\  s/ii  'x'iiu:-' 
 
 pcfore 
 Chrift 
 cir.  1061 
 
 I  Heb. 
 ,/ter. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 the  robe 
 which  was 
 Soul’s. 
 
 I  Ileb. 
 
 cut  of. 
 
 8  he Jheweih  thereby  his  innocency.  16  Saul  acknowledging  his  faults, 
 laketh  an  oath  of  David,  and  departeth. 
 
 And  it  came  to  pafs  when  Saul  was  returned 
 from  t  following  the  Pnilittuies,  that  it  was  told 
 him,  faying,  Behold,  David  is  in  the  wildernefs  of 
 En*gedi. 
 
 2  Then  Saul  took  three  thoufand  chofen  men  out 
 of  all  Ifrael,  and  went  to  feek  David  and  his  men 
 upon  the  rocks  of  the  wild-goats. 
 
 3  And  he  came  to  the  fheep-cotes  by  the  way, 
 where  was  a  cave  ;  and  Saul  went  in  to  cover  his 
 feet :  and  David  and  his  men  remained  in  the  fides  of 
 the  cave. 
 
 4  And  the  men  of  David  faid  unto  him.  Behold 
 the  day  of  which  the  Lord  faid  unto  thee,  Behold, 
 I  will  deliver  thine  enemy  into  thine  hand,  that  thou 
 mayeft  do  to  hi'm  as  it  (hall  feem  good  unto  thee. 
 Then  David  arol'e,  and  cut  off  the  Ikirt  of  f  Saul’s 
 robe  privily. 
 
 5  And  it  came  to  pafs  afterward,  that  David’s 
 heart  fmote  him,  becaufe  he  had  cut  off  Saul’s  flcirt. 
 
 6  And  he  faid  unto  his  men.  The  Lord  forbid 
 that  I  (hould  do  this  thing  unto  my  mailer,  the 
 Lord’s  anointed,  to  ftretch  forth  mine  hand  againft 
 him,  feeing  he  is  the  anointed  of  the  Lord. 
 
 7  So  David  f  Hayed  his  fervauts  with  thefe  words, 
 and  luftered  them  not  to  rife  againft  Saul.  But  Saul 
 rofe  up  out  of  the  cave,  and  went  on  his  way. 
 
 8  ^  Ddvid  alfo  arofe  afterward,  and  went  out  of 
 the  cave,  and  cried  after  Saul,  faying,  My  lord  the 
 king.  And  when  Saul  looked  behind  him,  David 
 ftooped  with  his  face  to  the  earth,  and  bowed  himfelf. 
 
 9  And  David  faid  to  Saul,  Wherefore  heareft  thou 
 men’s  words,  faying,  Behold,  David  feeketh  thy  hurt  ? 
 
 10  Behold,  this  day  thine  eyes  have  feen  how  that 
 the  Lord  had  delivered  thee  to-day  into  mine  hand 
 in  the  cave :  and  some  bade  ine  kill  thee ;  but  mine 
 eye  fpared  thee  :  and  I  faid,  I  will  not  put  forth 
 mine  hand  againft  my  lord  ;  for  he  is  the  Lord’s 
 anointed. 
 
 1 1  Moreover,  my  father,  fee ;  yea,  fee  the  flcirt  of 
 thy  robe  in  my  hand  :  for  in  that  I  cut  off  the  ileirt 
 of  thy  robe,  and  killed  thee  not,  know  thou  and  fee 
 that  there  is  neither  evil  nor  tranfgreffion  in  mine  hand, 
 and  I  have  not  finned  againft  thee  ;  yet  thou  hunteft 
 my  foul  to  take  it. 
 
 12  The  Lord  judge  between  me  and  thee,  and 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXIV.  Ver.  3  Saul  went  in  to  cover 
 his  leet.  This  expreflion  occurs  before,  Judg.  iii.  24.  The  verbs  in  each  of  thefe 
 palfiges  are  derived  from  the  fame  root,  which  properly  fignify  to  cover.  But 
 in  Ruth  chap.  iii.  4.  the  words  literally  fignify,  “  Thou  (halt  discover  or  open  the 
 place  of  Ills  feet or,  as  we  have  it  in  our  verfion,  “  Lift  up  the  clothes  that  are 
 on  his  feet.”  Ver.  6.  The  Lord  forbid.  The  reafons  that  reflrained  him,  were 
 Worthy  a  brave  and  generous  man,  a  man  of  honour,  religion,  and  virtue.  He 
 durst  not  stretch  forth  his  hand  against  the  Lord’ s  anointed.  Ver.  8.  David — cried 
 after  Saul,  saying,  My  lord  the  king.  This  was  indeed  a  bold  attempt,  to  venture 
 into  the  prefence  of  fo  enraged  an  enemy  ;  but  his  confidence  in  God  animated 
 bim,  efpecially  as  he  bad  now  in  his  power  to  manifest  fo  strong  an  evidence  of 
 
 ih“  Lord  avenge  me  of  thee:  but  mine  hand  (hall  ’’ 
 net  be  upon  thee. 
 
 13  As  faith  the  proverb  of  the  ancients,  Wicked- ^ 
 nefs  proceedeth  from  the  wicked  ;  but  mine  hand  (hall 
 not  be  upon  thee. 
 
 14  After  whom  is  the  king  of  Ifrael  come  out 
 after  whom  doft  thou  purfue  ?  after  a  dead  dog,  af¬ 
 ter  a  fl“a  ? 
 
 15  The  Lord  therefore  be  judge,  and  judge  be¬ 
 tween  me  and  thee,  and  fee,  and  plead  my  caufe,  and 
 
 f  deliver  me  out  of  thine  hand.  f  Heb. 
 
 16  ^  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  David  had  madt 
 an  end  of  fpeaking  iheie  words  unto  Saul,  that  Saul 
 faid,  L  this  ttiy  voice,  my  fon  David  ?  and  Saul  lifted 
 up  his  voice,  and  wept. 
 
 17  And  he  laid  to  David,  Thou  art  more  righteous 
 than  I ;  for  thou  haft  rewarded  me  good,  whereas  I 
 have  rewarded  thee  evil. 
 
 18  And  thou  haft  (hewed  this  day  how  that  thou 
 
 haft  dealt  well  with  me :  forafmuch  as,  when  the 
 Lord  had  f  delivered  me  into  thine  hand,  thou-kil-  f  i^^eb. 
 ledft  me  nor.  ^ 
 
 19  For  if  a  man  find  his  enemy,  will  he  let  him  go 
 well  away  ?  whprefore  the  Lord  reward  thee  good 
 for  that  thou  haft  done  unto  me  this  day. 
 
 20  And  now,  behold,  1  know  well  that  thou  (halt 
 furely  be  king,  and  that  the  kingdom  of  Ifrael  ftiall  be 
 eftablifhed  in  thine  hand  : 
 
 21  Swear  now  therefore  unto  m.e  by  the  Lord, 
 that  thou  wilt  not  cut  off  my  feed  after  me,  and  that 
 thou  wilt  not  deftroymy  nameout  of  my  father’s  houfe. 
 
 22  And  David  (ware  unto  Saul.  And  Saul  went 
 home  ;  but  David  and  his  men  gat  them  up  umo  the 
 hold.’^ 
 
 CHAP.  XXV. 
 
 I  Samuel  dielh.  2  David  in  Paran  fendelh  to  ffabal ;  10  provoked  by 
 Nabal's  churlishnefs,  he  mindeth  to  destroy  him.  14  Abigail  under¬ 
 standing  thereof,  18  laketh  a  prefent,  23  and  by  her  wisdom,  S2  pad- 
 Jieih  David.  36  Nabal  bearing  thereof  dielh.  30  David  laketh  Abigail 
 and  Ahinoam  to  be  his  wives,  ^c. 
 
 And  ®  Samuel  died  ;  and  all  the  Ifraelites  wereci*-.  loeo* 
 gathered  together,  and  lamented  him,  and  bu-^g^g®^* 
 ried  him  in  his  houfe  at  Ramah.  And  David  arofe, 
 and  went  down  to  his  wildernefs  of  Paran. 
 
 2  ^  And  there  was  a  man  in  Maon,  whofe  [|  poffef-  ll  Or,’ 
 fions  were  m  Carmel;  and  the  man  was  very  great, 
 and  he  had  three  thoufand  (heep,  and  a  thoufand 
 goats  :  and  he  was  (hearing  his  (heep  in  Carmel. 
 
 3  Now  the  name  of  the  man  teas  Nabal,  and  the 
 name  of  his  wife  Abigail ;  and  she  was  a  woman  of 
 
 his  integrity.  Ver.  16.  Saul  lifted  up  his  voice  and  wept.  Saul  himfelf  with  all 
 his  malice  could  not  withstand  this  instance  of  David’s  generofity  ;  he  melted  and 
 funk  under  it.  Ver.  22.  David  sware  unto  Saul.  Saul  knew  that  David  was 
 anointed  to  fucceed  him  ;  and  becaufe  he  forefaw  his  family  would  be  in  David’s 
 power,  and  was  confeious  to  himfelf  how  cruelly  and  treacheroully  he  himfelf  had 
 treated  him  ;  he  cxacSls  an  oath  from  David,  not  to  cut  off  his  seed  when  be  came 
 to  the  throne,  7ior  to  deflroy  his  name  out  of  his  father  s  houfe ;  an  oath  which  David 
 generoufly  took,  and  honourably,  and  religioufly  performed  ;  for  he  never  from  re¬ 
 venge  fought  to  put  any  of  Saul’s  posterity  to  death. 
 
 EXPL.4NATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXV.  Ver.  1.  And  S  muel  died.  The 
 generality  of  Christians  fuppofe  that  he  died  two  years  before  S.aul,  and  in 
 
 practical  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XXIV.]  7'he  wicked  and  the  malicious  are  like  the  troubled  fea  which  cannot  reft  ;  like  Saul,  they  are  blind 
 to  their  own  real  intereft  and  happinels,  and  give  themfelves  up  to  work  all  malice  with  greedinefs.  God  can  bring  us  near  to  danger,  and  yet  keep  us'  in  perfedt 
 fafety.  How  falfely  rafh  men  interpret  the  promifes  and  providences  of  God  !  Bat  we  niuft  not  avenge  our  own  quarrel,  nor  take  all  the  advantages  againft  our 
 enenaies  which  providence  may  feem  to  put  in  our  hand  :  out  rather  feek  to  overcome  them  by  patience,  meeknefs  and  kindnefs.  If  temptations  come  to  us  in  a 
 pleafing  form,  we  muft  flee  from  them  ;  our  confcience  mull  Hart,  not  only  at  evident  crimes,  but  at  the  moll  diftant  appearance  of  evil.  It  is  honourable  when  there 
 IS  not  only  innocence,  but  providence  clearly  manifells  it ;  and  that,  in  Head  of  ill  alledged,  the  e  is  nothing  but  the  moH  cordial  friendllrip.  .\nd  obferve  foft  words 
 «re  inoH  effeiilual  to  break  the  bones  and  turn  away  wrath.  What  a  plague  are  flatterers  !  How  lhameful  and  galling  to  find  that  throjgu  them  we  have  bien  perfe- 
 cuting  principal  friends  !  But  there  may  be  confeflion  and  remorfe  where  there  is  no  real  repentance.  Love  to  our  enemies,  and  a  mild  and  generous  behaviour  under 
 jreat  provocations,  are  glorious  tokens  of  future  greatnefs. 
 
 No.  19..,.6t/.  4  L 
 
D-n'id  IS  p'ovcJccd  hj  "NahaVs  cliurlisJmc^St 
 
 I.  SAMUEL. 
 
 rjcfore 
 Chrid 
 cir.  1060. 
 
 f  Ileb. 
 ask  him  in 
 mu  name 
 of  peace. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 ashamed. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 rejled. 
 
 ^  Heb. 
 sluvghter. 
 
 t-Heb. 
 Jlew  ujion 
 them. 
 
 Heb. 
 
 shamed. 
 
 good  understanding,  and  of  a  beautiful  countenance  : 
 but  the  man  teas  churlifh,  and  evil  in  his  doings ;  and 
 he  tc<7i'ofthe  houfe  of  Caleb. 
 
 _  4  H  And  David  heard  in  the  wildernefs  that  Nabal 
 did  (hear  his  fheep. 
 
 5  And  David  lent  out  ten  young  men  ;  and  David 
 faid  unto  the  young  men,  Get  you  up  to  Carmel, 
 and  go  to  Nabal,  and  f  greet  him  in  my  name  ; 
 
 6  And  thus  (hall  ve  lay  to  him  that  liveth  in  pros¬ 
 perity,  Peace  be  both  to  thee,  and  peace  be  to  thine 
 itoule,  and  peace  be  unto  all  that  thou  hall. 
 
 7  And  now  I  have  heard  that  thou  hall  fl'i carers  ; 
 now,  thy  fhepherds  which  were  witn  us,  we  f  hurt 
 them  nor,  neither  was  there  ought  niifling  unto  them, 
 all  the  while  they  were  in  Carmel. 
 
 8  Aik  thy  young  men,  and  they  will  Ihew  thee  : 
 wherefore  let  the  young  men  find  favour  in  thine 
 eyes  :  (for  we  come  in  a  good  day  ;)  give,  I  pray  thee, 
 whatlbever  cometh  to  thine  hand  unto  thy  fervants, 
 and  to  thy  fon  David. 
 
 9  And  when  David’s  young  men  came,  they  fpake 
 to  Nabal  according  to  all  thole  words  in  the  name  ol 
 David,  and  f  ceal'ed. 
 
 10^  And  Nabal  anfwered  David’s  fervants,  and 
 faid.  Who  is  David?  and  who  is  the  fon  of  Jefife? 
 There  be  many  fervants  now-a-days  that  break  away 
 every  man  from  his  mailer. 
 
 11  Shall  I  then  take  my  bread,  and  my  w^ater,  and 
 myf  flelh  that  1  have  killed  for  my  (hearers,  and  give 
 it  unto  men  w'hom  I  know  not  whence  they  be  ? 
 
 .  12  So  David’s  young  men  turned  their  way,  and 
 went  again,  and  came  and  told  him  all  thofe  fayings. 
 
 13  And  David  laid  unto  his  men.  Gird  ye  on  every 
 man  his  fwnrd.  And  they  girded  on  every  man  his 
 fwerd  ;  and  David  alfo  girded  on  his  1  word  ;  and  there 
 went  up  after  David  about  four  hundred  men,  and 
 two  hundred  abode  by  the  Huff. 
 
 14  *il  But  one  of  the  young  men  told  Abigail,  Na- 
 bal’s  wife,  faying.  Behold,  David  fent  meffengers  out 
 of  the  wildernels  to  lalute  our  mailer  ;  and  he  f  railed 
 on  them  ; 
 
 15  But  the  men  v.'ere  very  good  unto  us,  and  we 
 were  not  f  hurt,  neither  miffed  we  any  thing,  as  long 
 as  w'e  were  converfant  with  them,  when  we  were  in 
 the  fields. 
 
 16  They  were  a  wall  unto  us  both  by  night  and  day, 
 all  the  while  we  were  with  them  keeping  the  Iheep. 
 
 •  17  Now  therefore  know  and  confider  what  thou 
 wilt  do ;  for  evil  is  determined  againll  our  mailer,  and 
 againlt  all  his  houfehold  ;  for  he  is  such  a  fon  of  Belial, 
 that  a  man  cannot  fpeak  to  him. 
 
 Or, 
 
 oimjis. 
 
 Abigail,  by  a  present,  padficth 
 
 18  %  Then  Abigail  made  hafte,  and  took  two  bun-  iicfo 
 dred  loaves,  and  two  bottles  of  wine,  and^  five  fheep  ci.r'lj 
 ready  drelled,  and  five  meafures  of  parched  corn,  and 
 
 an  hundred  II  clnllers  of  raifins,  and  two  hundred 
 cakes  of  figs,  and  laid  tbpn  on  affes. 
 
 19  And  fhe  laid  unto  her  fervants.  Go  on  before 
 me  :  beho'd,  I  come  after  you.  But  file  told  not  her 
 hufbtnd  Nabal. 
 
 20  And  it  was/o,  as  fhe  rode  on  the  afs,  that  Ihe 
 came  down  by  the  covert  of  the  hill,  and,  behold,  Dal 
 vid  and  his  men  came  down  againlt  her;  and  file  met 
 them. 
 
 21  (Now  David  had  faid,  Surely  in  vain  have  I 
 kept  all  that  this  fd/ozv  hath  in  the  wildernels,  lb  that 
 nothing  was  miffed  ot  all  that  pertained  unto  him  :  and 
 he  hath  requited  me  evil  for  good. 
 
 22  So  and  more  alfo  do  God  unto  the  enemies  of 
 David,  If  I  leave  of  all  that  'pertain  to  him,  by  the 
 morning  light,  any  that  piffeth  againll  the  wall.) 
 
 23  And  when  Abigail  law  David,  ffie  hailed,  and 
 lighted  off  the  afs,  and  fell  before  David  on  her  face, 
 and  bowed  herfelf  to  the  ground, 
 
 24  And  fell  at  his  feet,  and  faid.  Upon  me,  my 
 
 lord,  upon  me  let  this  iniquity  be ;  and  let  thine  hand- 
 maid,  1  pray  thee,  fpeak  in  thine  f  audience,  and  heart  Heb. 
 the  words  of  thine  handmaid.  tars. 
 
 25  Let  not  my  lord,  I  pray  thee,  f  regard  this  mant  iici,. 
 of  Belial,  mvj  Nabal;  for  as  his  name  ts,  I'oAhe; %itto 
 Nabal  is  his  name,  and  folly  is  with  him  :  but  Ithine'''^ 
 handmaid  law  not  the  young  men  of  my  lord,  whom 
 thou  didll  fend. 
 
 26  Nov/  therefore,  my  lord,  as  the  Lord  liveth, 
 and  os  thy  foul  liveth,  feeing  the  Lord  hath  wiihholden 
 thee  from  coming  to  shed  blood,  and  from  t  avenging  f 
 thyfelf  with  thine  own  hand,  now  let  thine  enemies, 
 and  they  that  leek  evil  to  my  lord,  be  as  Nabal. 
 
 27  And  now  tnis  |1  bleffing,  which  thine  handmaid  II 
 
 hatn  brought  unto  mj  lord,  let  it  even  be  given  unto^’"”'”"'’ 
 the  young  men  that  f  follow  my  lord.  f 
 
 28  I  pray  thee,  forgive  the  trefpals  of  thine  hand- 
 maid  :  for  the  Lord  will  certainly  make  my  lord 
 lure  houfe  ;  btcaule  mylord  fighteth  the  battles  ohhe 
 Lord,  and  evil  bath  not  been  found  in  thee  all  thy 
 days. 
 
 29  Yet  a  man  is  rifen  to  purfue  thee,  and  to  feek 
 thy  Ibul :  but  the  foul  of  my  lord  ihall  be  bound  in 
 the  bundle  of  life  with  the  Lord  thy  God  ;  and  the 
 fouls  of  thine  enemies  ;  them  ihall  he  fling  out  f  as  out  t  Heb. 
 of  the  middle  of -a  fling. 
 
 30  And  it  fhall  come  to  pafs,  when  the  Lord  lhal! 
 have  done  to  my  lord  according  to  all  the  good  that  a  s/in-. 
 
 the  98th  year  of  his  age.  And  buried  him  in  his  house  at  Bamnh.  In  the  place 
 where  he  was  born,  and  bad  fpent  many  years  of  his  life  ;  hut  in  the  time  of 
 the  emperor  Arcadius,  his  body,  it  has  been  faid,  was  tranfported  from  Palefline 
 to  Conftantinople,  and,  as  Jerom  infore  s  us,  was  received  with  the  greateft  de- 
 xnonftrations  of  joy.  Ver.  8.  Give,  I  prat/ thee  The  feafon  for  flieep  (hearing 
 
 was,  from  the  moll  early  ages,  a  time  of  feftivity  and  plenty,  and  the  rtquell 
 made  by  David  for  a  fupply,  was  both  modefl  and  feafonable.  Nay,  he  had 
 merit  to  plead  j  he  had  been  of  infinite  fervice  to  Nabal,  in  preventing  the 
 depredations  of  the  wild  Arabs,  who  infefted  thefe  parts,  and  lived  upon  plun¬ 
 der.  Ver.  10.  There  be  many  servants.  This  is  one  of  the  mod  atrocious  re¬ 
 proaches  that  could  be  thrown  upon  a  well-born,  a  well-hred,  and  an  innocent 
 man  ;  implying  thofe  crimes  on  account  of  which  bad  fervants  become  fugitives 
 from  their  mafters.  Ver.  14.  But  one  of  the  young  men  told  Abigail.  We  have 
 here  an  inllance  of  a  wife  and  faithful  fervant.  Though  Nabal  was  a  churlidi 
 miferable  fool,  yet  he  had  a  wife  fervant,  who  honeftly  admonifhed  his  miftrefs 
 the  danger  her  family  was  in,  as  he  rationally  concluded  from  the  abufe  that 
 had  been  offered  to  David,  whofe  merits  be  impartially  fet  before  her.  He 
 faded  on  them.  The  Hebrew  word  vaij  ut  is  never  ufed  to  figiiify  railing,  hut  de¬ 
 notes  he  Jlew  at  them,  like  a  ravenous  bird  on  his  pre}^  Ver.  18.  Two  bottles  oj 
 
 wine;  bottles  were  in  ancient  times  very  different  in  fubflance,  being  made  of 
 leather,  and  in  fize,  from  ours,  and  hence  we  may  conclude  that  the  wine  cor- 
 refponded  in  quantity  to  the  other  parts  of  the  prefent,  comp.  chap.  is.  16.  Ver.  22. 
 So  and  more  also.  If  we  put  all  circumflanccs  together,  though  David’s  paffion 
 and  oath  to  deftroy  Nabal  and  his  fervants  are  not  to  be  juflified  ;  though  the 
 refolution  was  cruel,  and  the  oath  a  rafh  and  wicked  one;  yet  it  mufl  he  allov-ed, 
 that  the  provocation  given  him  was  very  great,  and  fuch  as  no  man  could  help 
 grievoufly  refenting.  Ver.  24  Upon  me, — upon  me  tel  this  iniquity  be.  Thisfig- 
 nified  a  refpetilftil  and  earneft  application  for  pardon,  and  as  if  (he  had  faid, 
 Rather  let  me  (ufi'er  than  him.  Ver.  25.  Hobal  is  his  name,  and  folly  is  with  him. 
 That  IS,  his  clifpofition  and  manners  correfpond  with  the  fignitication  of  his 
 name:  the  beauty  of  the  allufion  is  loft  in  our  tranflation  In  the  Hebrew  the 
 vverdsare,  Nubnl Jhemo  [Nabal  is  his  name,]  unebahh  immo  [and  folly  is  with  him  ] 
 Nabal  in  Hebrew  figuifies  ,:olly ;  and  the  words  fliould  have  been  rendered 
 thus;  Nabal  his  proper  name,  lignifies  /o//?/,  and  Jolly  appears  throughout  his 
 condu6t.”  Ver,  29.  The  soul  oJ  my  lord  shall  be  bound  in  the  bundle  of  li,e.  That 
 is,  fhall  be  dear  unto  the  Lord,  precious  in  his  efteem,  and  be  carefully  pre- 
 ferved  by  him,  among  his  chofen  ones.  Ver.  31.  Bememher  thine  handmaid.  r*''b 
 Gerfom  thinks,  fhe  laid' this  under  a  fpirit  of  prophecy,  that  Nabal  would  die- 
 
I.  SAMUEL. 
 
 }^ahal  dictli ;  David  talcelJi  Abigail, 
 
 Before  he  hath  fpoken  concerning  thee,  and  fhall  have  ap- 
 pointed  thee  ruler  over  Ifrael, 
 
 31  That  this  fhall  be  f  no  grief  unto  thee,  nor  of- 
 .  Hei).jio fence  of  heart  unto  my  lord,  either  that  thou  haft 
 Imager-  (bed  blood  caufelefs,  or  that  -my  lord  hath  avenged 
 ««t?>  himfelf :  but  u'ben  the  Lord  fhall  have  dealt  well 
 
 vvith  my  lord,  then  remember  thine  handmaid. 
 
 32  H  And  David  laid  to  Abigail,  Blefl'ed  be  the 
 
 Lord  God  of  Ifrael,  which  fent  thee  this  day  to  meet 
 me :  1 
 
 33  And  blefTed  be  thy  advice,  and  blefTed  he  thou, ! 
 which  haft  kept  me  this  day  from  coming  to  shed 
 blood,  and  from  avenging  uiyfelf  with  mine  own  hand. 
 
 3t  For  in  very  deed,  as  the  Lord  God  of  Ifrael 
 livetb,  which  hath  kept  me  back  from  hurting  thee, 
 except  thou  hadft  hailed  and  come  to  meet  me,  furely 
 there  had  not  been  left  unto  Nabal,  by  the  morning 
 light,  any  that  pifteth  againft  the  wall. 
 
 35  So  David  received  of  her  hand  that  which  fhe 
 had  brought  him,  and  laid  unto  her.  Go  up  in  peace 
 to  thine  houfe :  fee,  I  have  hearkened  to  thy  voice,  1 
 and  have  accepted  thy  perfon. 
 
 36  f  And  Abigail  came  to  Nabal ;  and,  behold,  he 
 held  a  feaft  in  his  houfe  like  the  feaft  of  a  king  ;  and 
 Nabal’s  heart  -was  merry  witnin  him,  for  he  voas  very 
 
 'drunken:  wherefore  ftte  told* him  nothing,  lefs  or 
 more,  until  the  morning  light. 
 
 3?  But  it  came  to  pafs  in  the  morning  when  the 
 wine  was  gone  out  of  Nabal,  and  his  wife  had  told 
 him  thefe  things,  that  his  heart  died  withm  him,  and 
 he  became  os  a  ftone. 
 
 38  And  it  came  to  pafs,  about  ten  days  after ^  that 
 the  Lord  fmote  Nabal,  that  he  died. 
 
 39  And  when  David  heard  that  Nabal  was  dead, 
 he  laid,  BlefTed  be  the  Lord,  that  hath  pleaded  t.he 
 caufe  of  my  reproach  from  the  hand  of  Nabal,  and 
 hath  kept  his  fervarit  from  evil :  for  the  Lord  hath 
 returned  the  wickednefs  of  Nabal  upon  his  own  head. 
 And  David  fent  and  communed  with  Abigail,  to  take 
 her  to  him  to  wife. 
 
 40  And  when  the  fervants  of  David  were  come  to 
 Abigail  to  Carmel,  they  fpake  unto  her,  faying,  David 
 fent  us  unto  thee,  to  take  thee  to  him  to  wife. 
 
 cjuickly,  aiid  file  would  be  David’s  wife.  But  others  interpret  the  words  of  doing 
 tier  a  I'ervice,  when  file  would  have  occafioii  for  it.  Ver,  S3.  Blrjpid  be  thy  advice. 
 An  generous  minds  are  apt  foon  to  grow  warm,  fo  they  are  eafily  pacified.  David 
 was  loon  molified  by  Abigail’s  prudence,  and  then  bklfes  the  Lord  God  of  Ifraei 
 for  fending  her.  Ver.  37.  And  he  became  as  a  jlime.  Tlie  words  in  the  original 
 are,  “  he  became  a  Hone  j”  but  our  tranflators  have  wifely  fupplied  the  particle 
 as,  which  fliould  always  be  done  when  the  feripture  affirms  fometliing  of  another  I 
 kind,  tliat  is  not  ablblutely  of  the  fame  nature.  And  accordingly  Jofephus  tells  ! 
 us  ot  Nabal,  that  when  bis  wife  told  him  the  danger  he  had  efcaped,  be  was 
 ftruk  with  I'uch  an  aftoniiliment,  that  be  fell  into  a  dead  nurabnefs  all  over  bis 
 body,  of  which  he  died,  as  we  are  told  in  the  next  verfe,  in  the  ffiort  fpace  of  ten  ; 
 days.  Vci-.  43.  Th-^y  were  also  both  of  them  his  ivives,  David  had  taken  Ahi- 
 iioam  before  Aliigail,  fee  2  Sun.  iii.  2,  3.  Polygamy  though  not  agreeable  to 
 the  laiv  of  nature,  nor  the  law  of  God,  was  a  cullom  which  prevailed  in  tbofe 
 times,  which  good  men  pracSlifed,  though  not  without  fin.  Ver.  41.  Bvt  Saul  lied 
 given  Mich  I  his  daughter,  David's  wije  to  Phalli  the  sou  of  Laijli,  The  particle 
 van,  tendered  but,  at  the  beginning  of  the  verfe,  lliould  have  been  tranllated/o-, 
 "liith  is  added  being  the  caufe  why  David  took  another  wife.  Tire  reafon  why 
 
 David  stayeth  Abishai  for  killing  Saul. 
 
 41  And  fhe  arofe,  and  bowed  herfelf  on  her  face  to 
 the  earth,  and  (kid,  Be.hold,  let  thine  han  imaivi  be  a 
 fervant  to  wa(h  the  feet  of  the  fervants  of  my  lord. 
 
 42  And  Abigail  halted  and  arofe,  and  rode  upon 
 
 an  afs,  with  five  damfels  of  her’s  that  went  f  aif  rt-  ii-b. 
 her  ;  and  fhe  went  after  the  meflengers  of  David, 
 became  his  wife.  ’ 
 
 .43  David  alfo  took  Ahinoam  **  of  Jezreel ;  and  they  h  Joffiua 
 were  alfo  both  of  them  his  wives. 
 
 44  ^  But  Saul  had  given  Michal  his  daughter,  c  2  Sam. 
 David’s  wife,  to  Phalti,  the  Ton  of  Lailh,  which  uy/s"’ 
 of  Gallim.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXVI 
 
 1  Saul,  by  the  dijhovery  o,  the  Ziphites,  cometh  to  ITachilnh  against  Da¬ 
 vid.  5  David  coming  into  the  trench,  Iluyelk  Abisnai  Jrom  killing 
 
 Saul,  but  latfeth  his  spear-  and  cruse,  i^-c, 
 
 ND  the  Ziphites  came  unto  Saul  to  Gibeah, 
 laying,  ^  Doth  not  David  hide  himfelf  in 
 hill  of  Hachilab,  vdt/ch  is  before  J:  (himon? 
 
 2  Then  Saul  arofe,  and  w^nt  down  to  the  wildernefs 
 of  Zipb,  having  three  thoufaud  cholen  men  of  Ifrael 
 with  him,  to  leek  David  in  the  wildernefs  of  Ziph. 
 
 3  And  Saul  pitched  in  the  hill  of  Hachilah,  which 
 L  before  Jefliimon,  by  the  w'*ay-;  bur  David  abode  in 
 the  wildernefs ;  and  he  law  that  Saul  came  after  him 
 into  the  wildernefs. 
 
 4  David  therefore  Cent  cut  fpies,  and  underftood 
 that  San!  w'as  come  in  very  deed. 
 
 5  II  And  David  arofe,  and  came  to  the  place  where 
 Saul  had  pitch  -d  ;  and  David  beheld  the  place  whi-re 
 Saul  lay,  And  Abner  the  fon  of  Ner,  the  captain  of 
 
 his  hoft  ;  and  Saul  lay  in  the  H  trench,  and  the  people  ^ 
 pitched  round  about  him.  y  or,  * 
 
 6  Then  anfwered  David,  and  faid  to  Ahimelech  the"*'^  °S 
 Hirtite,  and  to  Abifhai  the  fon  of  Zeruiah,  brother 
 
 Joab,  faying,  Who  will  go  down  with  me  to  Saul 
 the  camp?  and  Abifhai  faid,  I  will  go  down  with  thee. 
 
 7  So  David  and  Abiftrai  came  to  the  people  by 
 night;  and,  behold,  Saul  layfl'^eping  within  the  trench, 
 and  his  I'pear  ftuck  in  the  ground  at  his  bolffer  ;  but 
 Abner  and  the  p-op!e  lay  round  about  him. 
 
 8  'Then  faid 'Abifhai  to  David,  God  hath  f  deli- 
 vered  thine  enemy  into  thine  hand  this  day  :  now 
 
 Saul  put  this  indignity  upon  David,  was  to  extinguiffi,  as  far  as  was  in  his  power, 
 all  relation  and  kindred,  and  to  cut  off  his  hopes  and  pretenfions  to  the  crow  n  on 
 that  aLCount.  The  Jewiffi  rablrins  tell  us,  that  this  Phalti  was  a  very  pious  man, 
 and  knew  not  Michal  becaufe  ffie  was  another  man’s  wife  ;  and  for  this  reafon 
 David  who  had  never  divorced  her,  received  her  again  after  he  was  made  king  of 
 Ifrael. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXVL  Ver.  2.  Then  Saul  arofe. 
 The  inconfiancy  and  malice  of  S.aul  are  inconceivable;  for  notwithilanding  he 
 owed  his  life  to  David’s  generofity,  and  had  made  a  public  acknowledgement  of 
 his  error  and  injuftice  in  I'eeking  to  dellroy  him,  and  as  a  proof  of  his  finceritv, 
 bad  concluded  a  league  of  friendflrip  and  amity  with  him  ;  yet  we  again  find  liim 
 thirfting  after  his  blood,  and  perfidioully  contriving  Iris  dellrudlion.  Ver.  5. 
 And  Saul  lay  in  the  trench.  Or  rather,  as  the  Septuagint  tranllates  it,  In  his 
 chariot.”  Ver.  7.  So  David  and  Ahifhai  came  to  the  people  by  night.  Bold  and 
 dangerous  as  this  enterprife  may  appear,  there  are  not  wanting  fimilar  examples 
 both  ill  facred  and  profane  hillory ;  and  what  might  greatly  add  to  David’s 
 natural  intrepidity  on  this  occafion,  was  the  alTurances  he  had  all  alon<»  been 
 favoured  with  by  God  bimlelf,  that  he  would  pteferve  him  in  all  dangers,  and 
 
 PRACTIC.AL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XXV.]  The  fervants  of  the  Lord,  efpecially  thofe  who  are  eminent  in  their  day,  are  the  fait,  the  lights,  and  pil¬ 
 lars  of  the  earth  ;  and  their  death  is  I'everely  felt  by  the  church  of  God.  How  different  a  death  from  that  of  Nabal  !  while  the  one  dies  lamented,  unpitied  difre- 
 garded  ;  the  name  of  the  other  is  remembered  with  regret  and  gratitude,  and  bis  memory  is  bleflcd.  Samuel  was  doubtlefs  a  very  eminent  type  of  the  Lord  Jefus, 
 'vlio  is  indeed  t‘ie  promifed  feed,  in  whom  all  the  nations  are  blelfed  Confeeiated  from  his  youth  to  the  prophetical  office,  he  was  incefl'antly  engan-ed  in  the  moft 
 be.:evolont  labours,  the  moft  fervent  prayers  and  interceffions  for  Ilrael  ;  yet  they  entertained  no  fuitalile  regard  for  Ids  miniftry,  and  at  lall  ungratefully  rejected  liiin 
 He  however  cealed  not  to  love  them  ;  for  he  defigned  to  confer  on  multitudes  of  them  numerous  and  ineftimable  blelfings,  the  gifts  of  his  Spi.  i;,  the  falvation  of  their 
 Ibuls  and  life  eternal.  The  wealtli  of  fools  proves  a  fnare  to  them,  and  they  become  infenfible  to  every  generous  difpofition,  ungrateful  for  tire  kindeft  offices  They 
 know  not  how  to  ellimate  the  belt  characters,  whom  they  therefore  often  treat  with  contempt.  But  righteous  men  need  not  avenge  their  own  wrongs-  God  will  do 
 U  tor  tliem,  and  render  tliem  thankful  that  they  were  preferved  from  nfurping  its  prerogative.  Tire  exercil'e  of  prudence  and  good  fenfe  pave  the  wav*  to  honour  as 
 Well  as  wealth  ;  and  fuch  as  are  content  to  fuller  with  the  people  Of  God  lliall  in  due  time  reign  with  them. 
 
Djvid  stai/d'i  Ahis'tci  f,om  slaying  Saul; 
 
 I.  SAMUEL. 
 
 Before 
 
 Cluill 
 
 cir.  1060. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 smell. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 cleaving. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 the  S071S 
 oj  death. 
 
 ihcreFcre  let  me  fmire  him,  I  pray  thee,  \vuh  the  fpear 
 even  to  the  earth  at  once,  and  1  will  not  unite  him  the 
 lecond  time. 
 
 9  And  David  laid  to  Abifhai,  Deftroy  him  not  : 
 for  who  can  liretch  forth  his  hand  againft  the  Lord’s 
 anointed,  and  be  guiltlels 
 
 10  David  laid  furthermore,  As  the  Lord  liveth. 
 the  Lord  (hall  Imite  him  ;  or  his  day  lhall  come  to 
 die;  or  he  fhall  defcend  into  battle,  and  perilh. 
 
 11  ihe  Lord  forbid  that  I  Ibould  ftretch  forth 
 mine  hand  againft  the  Lord’s  anointed  :  bur,  I  pray 
 thee,  fake  thou  now  the  fpear  that  is  at  his  bolfter, 
 and  the  crnfe  of  water,  and  let  us  go. 
 
 12  So  David  took  the  Ipear  and  the  crufe  of  water 
 fiom  Saul’s  bolfter ;  and  the3'^  gat  them  away,  and  no 
 man  law  it,  nor  knew  it,  neither  awaked  ;  for  they 
 were  all  alleep  :  becanfe  a  deep  lleep  from  the  Lord 
 was  fallen  upon  them. 
 
 ]  3  51  1  hen  David  went  over  to  the  other  llde,  and 
 flood  on  the  top  of  an  bill  afar  off,  a  great  fpace  being 
 betvieen  them : 
 
 l-l  And  David  cried  to  the  people  and  to  Abner, 
 the  Ion  of  Ner,  faying,  Anfwereft  thou  not,  Abner  ? 
 Then  Abner  anlvvered  and  laid.  Who  art  thou  t/iat 
 crieft  to  the  king  ? 
 
 15  And  David  faid  to  Abner,  Art  not  thou  a  valiant 
 man  ?  and  who  is  like  to  thee  inllfael  ?  wherefore  then 
 haft  thou  r.ot  kept  thy  lord  the  king?  for  there  came 
 one  of  the  people  in  to  deftroy  the  king  thy  lord. 
 
 16  This  thing  is  not  good  that  thou  haft  done.  As 
 the  Lord  liveth,  ye  are  f  worthy  to  die,  becanfe  ye 
 have  not  kept  your  raafter  the  Lord’s  anointed. 
 And  now  fee  where  the  king’s  fpear  is,  and  the  crufe 
 of  water  that  ’ujus  at  his  bolfter. 
 
 17  And  Saul  knew  David’s  voice,  and  faid.  Is  this 
 thy  voice,  my  fon  David  ?  And  David  faid,  It  is  my 
 voice,  my  lord,  O  king. 
 
 18  And  he  faid,  Wherefore  doth  my  lord  thus 
 purfue  after  his  fervant  ?  for  what  have  I  done  ?  or 
 what  evil  is  in  mine  hand  ? 
 
 19  Now  therefore,  I  pray  thee,  let  my  lord  the 
 king  hear  the  words  of  his  fervant.  If  the  Lord  have 
 ftirrcd  thee  up  againft  me,  let  him  f  accept  an  offer¬ 
 ing  ;  but  if  they  be  the  children  of  men,  curfed  be  they 
 before  the  Lord  ;  for  they  have  driven  me  out  this 
 day  from  f  abiding  in  the  inheritance  of  the  Lord, 
 faying,  Go,  ferve  other  gods. 
 
 at  laft  inveft  him  with  the  regal  dignity.  Ver.  9,  10.  And  David  said,— Destroy 
 him  not.  What -man,  but  David,  with  a  crown  fo  near  in  view,  would  have  re¬ 
 filled  the  fair  and  inviting  temptations?  He  however  rejedls  it  with  abhorrence, 
 from  the  principles  of  piety  and  duty.  Ver.  13.  Art  not  thou  a  valiant  man  ^ 
 This  negligence  highly  impeached  his  condtnSl  as  a  general  and  lover  of  his  king, 
 and  could  admit  of  no  other  excufe  but  that  mentioned  verfe  12.  where  it  is  faid, 
 that  tlie  fleep  of  Abner  and  Saul,  and  the  reft  of  the  army,  was  fupernatural. 
 They  were  all  ajleep,  because  a  deep Jleep  rom  the  Lord  had  /alien  upon  them, 
 Ver.  19.  If  the  Lord  have  stirred  thee  up.  Grotius  imagines  that  the  fenfe  of  this 
 paflage  is  ;  That  if  Saul’s  anger  was  juft,  David  was  ready  to  die  to  expiate  his 
 crimes.  The  moft  natural  fenfe  feems  rather  to  be.  That  David  was  willing  to 
 offer  up  any  facrifice  to  propitiate  the  Deity,  if  he  had  been  guilty  of  any  crime 
 againft  Saul  which  could  have  incurred  his  anger.  Ver.  21.  Then  said  Saul  I 
 have  s’nned.  Saul  perceiving  tliat  God  ftrengthened  and  fupported  David  in  all 
 
 Clirift 
 
 lie  fcpraveth  Abner's 
 
 20  Now  therefore,  let  not  my  blood  fall  to  the 
 ■^arth  before  the  face  of  the  Lord  ;  for  the  king  ot 
 Iffael  is  come  out  to  feek  a  fli-a,  as  when  one  doth 
 hunt  a  partridge  in  the  mountains. 
 
 21  5f  Then  faid  Saul,  I  have  finned  :  return,  my  fon 
 David  ;  for  I  will  no  more  do  thee  harm,  becaufemy 
 
 was  precious  in  thine  eyes  this  day  :  behold,  I 
 
 foul 
 
 have  played  the  fool,  and  have  erred  exceedingly. 
 
 22  And  David  anfwered  and  faid.  Behold  the  king’s 
 fpear !  and  let  one  of  the  young  men  come  over  and 
 fetch  it. 
 
 23  The  Lord  render  to  every  man  his  lighteouf- 
 nefs  and  his  faithfulnefs :  for  the  Lord  delivered  thee 
 into  my  hand  to  day ;  but  1  would  not  ftretch  forth 
 mine  hand  againft  the  Lord’s  anointed. 
 
 24  And,  behold,  as  thy  life  was  much  fet  by  this 
 day  in  mine  eyes,  fo  let  my  life  be  much  fet  by  in  the 
 eyes  of  the  Lord,  and  let  him  deliver  me  out  of  all 
 tribulation. 
 
 25  Then  Saul  faid  to  David,  Bit  fled  be  thou,  my 
 Ton  David  ;  thou  (halt  both  do  great  things,  and  all'o 
 (halt  ftili  prevail.  So  David  went  on  his  way,  and 
 Saul  returned  to  his  place.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXVII. 
 
 1  Saul,  hearing  David  to  be  hi  Gath,  seeketh  no  more  for  him.  5  David 
 
 beggetk  Ziklug  of  Achisk ;  8  he,  invading  other  countries,  persuaded 
 
 Achish  that  he  fought  against  Judah, 
 
 ND  David  laid  in  his  heart,  I  fhall  now  f  perifh  '058. 
 one  day  by  the  hand  of  Saul:  there  is  nothing 
 better  for  me  than  that  1  fhould  Ipeedily  efcape  into 
 the  land  of  the  Philiftfnes ;  and  Saul  fhall  defpair  of 
 me,  to  leek  me  any  more  in  any  coaft  of  Ifrael :  fo 
 fhall  I  efcape  out  of  his  hand. 
 
 2  And  David  arofe,  and  he  pafled  over  with  the 
 fix  hundred  men  that  tcere  with  hinc  unto  Achifh,  the  , 
 fon  of  Maoch,  king  of  Gath. 
 
 3  And  David  dwelt  with  Achifh  at  Gath,  he  and 
 his  men,  every  man  with  his  houfehold,  even  David 
 with  his  two  wives,  Ahinoam  the  Jezreelitefs,  and 
 Abigail  the  Carmelitefs,  Nabal’s  wife. 
 
 4  And  it  was  told  Saul  that  ;id  was  fled  to  Gath  ; 
 and  he  (ought  no  more  again  for  him. 
 
 5  f  And  David  faid  unto  Achifh,  if  I  have  now 
 found  grace  in  thine  eyes,  let  them  give  me  a  place  in 
 fome  town  in  the  country,  that  I  may  dwell  there  : 
 for  why  fhould  thy  fervanr dwell,  in  the  royal  city 
 with  thee 
 
 his  aeSlions,  and  purfuits,  and  that  therefore  it  was  in  vain  to  contend  any  longer 
 with  him,  makes  a  very  ingenious  confeffion  of  his  pad  folly  and  ingratitude,  and 
 invites  David  to  return  unto  him,  and  forget  all  former  aninaofity,  affuring  him 
 that  he  would  never  more  attempt  to  deftroy  or  hurt  him. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXVII.  Ver.  1.  And  David  said 
 in  his  heart  I  shall  perish  now  one  day  by  the  hand  of  Saul.  Notwithftanding  the  pro- 
 mifes  and  aflTurances  of  fafety,  which  Saul  had  but  juft  made  David  ;  notwithfiand- 
 ing  the  divine  veracity  which  ftood  engaged  to  preferve  him  from  danger,  and  let 
 him  upon  the  throne  of  Ifrael,  and  viiiich  he  could  not  but  be  convinced  of; 
 yet  we  here  find  him  entertaining  fome  diftruft  of  both.  This  is  a  ftriking  ex¬ 
 ample  of  the  influence  of  unreafonable  fear  and  anxiety  in  the  minds  of  the  moll 
 diftinguifhed  faints.  So  powerful  is  the  hold  which  this  unhappy  temper  has  over 
 the  human  mind,  that  the  greateft  favours  and  most  fignal  interpofitions  of 
 God,  are  found  infufficient  to  extirpate  it,  fee  Gen.  xv.  1.  Ver.  8.  David  invaded 
 
 PRA  CTIC  AL  observations. — *  Chap.  XX  VI.  J  It  is  dangerous  for  a  depraved  heart  to  meet  with  alluring  temptations.  But  it  is  honourable  to  re¬ 
 fist  strong  temptations,  and  to  negleO  repeated  opportunities  of  revenging  ourfelves.  It  highly  becomes  the  righteous  to  commit  their  caufe  to  God,  and  to  wait  in* 
 time  and  way  of  delivering  and  honouring  them.  But  what  malicious  enemies  are  they,  who  tempt  us  to  apostatize  from  God  by  driving  us  from  his  people  and  w or 
 Ibip  !  How  fevere  a  reckoning  awaits  thofe  who  flied'innoeent  blood  !  and  woe  to  the  men  against  whom  the  people  of  God  bring  their  just  complaints !  Sin  is  i 
 greatest  folly,  and  of  this  the  most  hardened  finners  will  be  fooner  or  later  fully  convinced.  God  s  dil'penfations  will  concur  to  manifest  him  the  righteous  Ju  ge. 
 They  who  Ihew  mercy,  may  hope  to  find  paercy.  God  will  make  his  enemies  how  at  the  feet  of  his  perfecuted  fervants,  and  know  that  he  bath  loved  them,  and  tds 
 be  will  promote  them  to  honour.  Let  therefore  the  children  of  God  walk  fo  as  to  pleafe,  and  they  fliall  Ihortly  fee  his  falvation.  He  hath  hitherto  delivered  thtw. 
 and  doth  deliver,  and  therefore  it  becomes  them  to  tr^ist:ihat  he  will  yet  deliver  them.  Ere  long  the  contest  will  be  finiflied.  That  promife  is  abfolute  •,  The  Gu 
 of  peace  fhall  bfuife  Satan  under  your  feet  fliortly.’’ 
 
I 
 
 jycivUl  beggcth  ZUclagfrom  AchUh. 
 
 I,  SAMUEL. 
 
 Saul  in  fear  goeth  to  a  witch  at  h-n-Oor. 
 
 pcforc 
 Cliiilt 
 cir.  1058. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 ihe  nuni- 
 
 lerofdoys. 
 
 j  rieb. 
 a  year  of 
 (lays. 
 
 II  Or. 
 
 (Jeniles. 
 
 I  Or, 
 
 Dili  you 
 not  mnlce 
 0  road, 
 
 I  Heb. 
 to  Jlink. 
 
 eir.  1056. 
 
 6  Then  Achifli  gave  him  Ziklag  that  day ;  where¬ 
 fore  Ziklag  pertaineth  unto  the  kings  of  Judah  unto 
 this  day. 
 
 7  And  t  the  time  that  David  dwelt  in  the  country 
 of  the  Philiftines  was  t  a  full  year  and  four  months. 
 
 8  f  And  David  and  his  men  went  up  and  invaded 
 the  Gefliurites,  and  the  II  Gezrites,  and  the  Am^lek- 
 ites  :  for  thofe  7iatjons  were  of  old  the  inhabitants  of 
 the  land,  as  thou  goefl  to  Shur,  even  unto  the  land  of 
 Egvpt. 
 
 9  And  David  fmote  the  land,  and  left  neither  man 
 nor  woman  alive,  and  took  away  the  fheep,  and  the 
 oxen,  and  the  afl'es,  and  the  camels,  and  the  apparel, 
 and  returned,  and  came  to  Achifh. 
 
 1 0  And  Achifh  faid,  j|  Whether  have  ye  made  a  road 
 to-day  ?  And  David  faid,  Againft  the  fouth  of  Judah, 
 and  againfl  the  fouth  of  the  Jerahmeelites,  and  againft 
 the  fouth  of  the  Kenites. 
 
 1 1  And  David  faved  neither  man  nor  woman  alive, 
 to  bring  tidmgs  to  Gath,  faying.  Left  they  fhould  tell 
 on  us,  faying.  So  did  David,  and  fo  will  be  his  man- 
 ner  all  the  while  he  dwelleth  in  the  country  of  the 
 Philiftines. 
 
 12  And  Achifh  believed  David,  faying,  he  hath 
 made  his  people  Ifrael  f  utterly  to  abhor  him ;  there¬ 
 fore  he  (hall  be  ray  fervant  for  ever.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXVllI. 
 
 1  Achhh  pultclh  confidence  in  David.  3  Saul  having  destroyed  the 
 •witches,  4  and  now  in  his  frar,  forfaken  of  God,  7  seeketh  to  a  witch. 
 9  The  witch,  encouraged  by  Saul,  rafeth  up  Samuel,  ^c. 
 
 And  it  came  to  pafs  in  thofe  days,  that  the  Phi¬ 
 liftines  gathered  their  armies  together  for  war¬ 
 fare  to  fight  with  Ifrael ;  and  Achifh  faid  unto  David, 
 know  thou  aflTuredly  that  thou  fhalt  go  out  with  me 
 to  battle  thou  and  thy  men. 
 
 2  And  David  faid  to  Achifh,  Surely  thou  fhalt  know 
 
 the  Geshuriles,  and — Gezrites.  This  a(5lion  has  been  condemned  by  minute  critics 
 as  a  piece  of  ingratitude,  and  a  breach  of  the  principles  of  hofpitality  ;  but  as  the 
 charge  is  founded  upon  a  fuppofiticn,  that  the  nations  invaded  were  Philiftines, 
 and  the  confederates  of  Achilh,  it  will  be  found  to  be  groundlefs,  if  we  pay  the 
 lead  attention  to  what  has  been  offered  on  this  head  by  an  able  advocate  fof  reve¬ 
 lation.  “  It  may  be  obferved,  that  thefe  clans  were  not  confederates  with  Achiffi, 
 but  in  a  date  qf  hoftility  with  him  ;  particularly  the  Amalekites,  whom  we  find 
 foon  after  making  great  depredations  upon  the  Pliiliftine  territories,  chap.  xxx.  16. 
 and  that  therefore  David  did  not  a<5l  in  the  lead  dilhonourably  to  him,  but  in 
 re.rlily  for  his  fervice,  in  the  attack  he  made  on  them.”  Ver.  10.  Against  the  south 
 of  Judah.  David  here  meant  the  Geffiurites  and  Gezrites,  who  were  both  relics  of 
 the  Canaanites,  w'hom  God  ordered  to  be  extirpated,  and  who  did  indeed  live  to 
 the  (biitli  of  Judah  ;  but  Achiffi  underftood  him  in  a  quite  contrary  fenfe,  namely, 
 that  he  had  fallen  on  his  own  countrymen.  David’s  anfwer,  therefore,  though  not 
 an  abfolute  falfebood,  was  certainly  an  equivocation  with  an  intent  to  deceive,  and 
 therefore  agreed  ill  with  that  fimplicity  which  became  David,  both  as  a  prince 
 and  profeffbr  of  the  true  religion,  in  which  he  cannot  be  excufed,  we  fliould  be 
 very  careful  not  to  imitate  him.  Indeed  truth  is  too  facred  a  thing  to  be  tampered 
 with. 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Cuap.  XXVIII.  Ver.  2.  David  /aid,— 
 
 Surely  thou  shalt  know. — Did  David  promife  that  he  would  join  in  battle  againft 
 his  own  people?  No  fuch  thing.  He  made  no  compliance  or  promife  of  this  kind, 
 blit  anfwered  ambiguoufly.-  And  how  could  he  have  anfwered  more  prudently  ! 
 He  was  undoubtedly  in  circumftances  of  great  difficulty.  But  who  reduced  him 
 to  thefe  difficulties?  who  forced  him  to  feek  refuge  amongft.  the  Philiftines?  It 
 Was  Saul  by  his  cruel,  caulelefs,  and  unrelenting  perfecutions,  and  who  was  there¬ 
 fore,  in  a  great  meafure,  anfw'erable  for  all  the  evil  conftquences  of  it.  Ver.  4. 
 The  death  of  Samuel  is  mentioned,  becaufe  had  he  been  alive,  it  is  probable  that 
 Saul  would  have  had  recourfe  to  him  for  dirctftion  in  his  great  perplexity.  The 
 city  where  Samuel  died  was  that  in  which  he  had  been  brought  up,  and  in  which 
 
 I^ofore 
 Chrirt, 
 ir.  IC  '><.■ 
 
 '  what  thy  fervant  can  do.  And  Achilh  laid  to  David, 
 Therefore  will  1  make  thee  keeper  of  mine  head  for 
 ever. 
 
 3  H  Now  *  Samuel  was  dead,  and  all  Ifrael  had  la-a  Chap, 
 mented  him,  and  buried  him  in  Ramah,  even  in 
 
 own  city  :  and  Saul  had  put  a'way  thofe  that  had  fa¬ 
 miliar  fpirits,  and  the  wizards,  out  of  the  land. 
 
 4  And  the  Philiftines  gathered  themfelves  toge¬ 
 ther,  and  came  and  pitched  in  Shunem  ;  and  Saul  ga¬ 
 thered  all  Ifrael  together,  and  they  pitched  in  Gilboa, 
 
 5  And  when  Saul  faw  the  hoft  of  the  Philiftines,  he 
 was  afraid,  and  his  heart  greatly  trembled. 
 
 6  And  when  Saul  enquired  of  the  Lord,  the  Lord 
 anfwered  him  not,  neither  by  dreams,  nor  by  Urim, 
 nor  by  prophets. 
 
 7  ^  Then  (aid  Saul  unto  his  fervants,  Seek  me  a 
 woman  that  hath  a  familiar  fpirit,  that  I  may  go  to 
 her,  and  enquire  of  her.  And  his  fervants  faid  to  him, 
 Behold,  there  is  a  woman  that  bath  a  familiar  Ipirit  at 
 En-dor. 
 
 8  And  Saul  difguifed  himfelf,  and  put  on  other  rai¬ 
 ment,  and  he  went,  and  two  men  with  him,  and  they 
 came  to  the  woman  by  night ;  and  be  faid,  I  pray  thee, 
 divine  unto  me  by  the  familiar  fpirit,  and  bring  ras 
 him  up  whom  I  lhall  name  unto  thee. 
 
 9  And  the  woman  faid  unto  him.  Behold,  thou 
 knoweft  what  Saul  hath  done,  how  he  hath  cut  off 
 thofe  that  have  familiar  fpirits,  and  the  wizards,  out 
 of  the  land  :  wherefore  then  layeft  thou  a  fnare  for 
 my  life,  to  caufe  me  to  die  ? 
 
 10  And  Saul  fware  to  her  by  the  Lord',  faying, 
 
 As  the  Lord  liveth,  there  lhall  no  punilbmeot  happen 
 to  thee  for  this  thing. 
 
 1 1  Then  faid  the  woman.  Whom  lhall  I  bring  up 
 unto  thee?  And  he  faid,  Bring  me  up  Samuel. 
 
 12  And  when  the  woman  faw  Samuel,  Ihe  cried  with 
 
 he  had  chiefly  refided,.chap.  xix.  18.  Saul  had  aboliffied  thofe  who  had  indulged 
 ill  magical  arts.  He  had  done  this,  either  at  the  inftigatiou  of  Samuel,  or  in  order 
 to  gain  the  reputation  of  being  zealous  for  the  laivs  of  God,  compare  Lev.  xix.  31. 
 XX.  6.  Deut.  xviii.  1 1 .  Ver.  4.  Shunem  was  a  city  on  the  borders  of  the  tribe  of 
 Iffathar,  and,  according  to  Jerome  and  Eufebius,  about  five  miles  to  the  fouth  of 
 mount  Hermon.  Gilboa  was  a  ridge  of  mountains,  about  fix  miles  diftant  from 
 Scythopolis,  anciently  called  Bethffian,  and  not  far  from  Shunem.  Ver.  7.  Seek 
 me  a  woman  that  hath  a  familiar  fpirit.  We  are  told,  ver.  3.  that  Saul  had  put 
 j  away  all  wizards,  and  perfons  haring  familiar  fpirits,  out  of  the  land  ;  and  yet  we 
 I  find  him  now  fending  his  fervants  in  fearch  of  one:  what  ftrange  infiituation  was 
 [this?  to  place  his  whole  confidence  in  what  he  had  before  fo  juftly  exploded, 
 
 !  and  to  imagine  it  to  be  in  the  power  of  any  perfon,  pofleffing  fuch’  an  unwarl 
 
 rantable  and  diabolical  art  to  allay  the  difquietude  of  his  mind,  or  preferve  him 
 from  that  danger  of  which  he  was  juftly  apprehenfive.  Ver.  II.  As  it  was  a 
 common  pretence  of  magicians,  that  they  could  raife  up  ghofts,  or  make  dead 
 perfons  fpeak,  and  declare  future  events  ;  Saul  feems  to  addreft  the  woman,  as 
 if  he  really  believed  Ihe  was  able  to  do  fo  ;  this,  however,  fflews  not  only  the 
 antiquity  of  this  praiftiee  or  pretence,  but  the  then  prevailing  opinion,  that  the 
 foul  furvived  the  body  ;  otherwife  it  would  have  been  impertinent  in  Saul  to  de- 
 
 fire  the  woman  to  raife  up  Samuel.  Ver.  13.  Saw  gods,  lliat  is,  a  good,  a 
 
 divine  perfon,  glorious,  and  full  of  majefty  and  fplendour,  exceeding  not  only 
 mortal  men,  but  common  ghofts.  She  ufeth  the  plural  number,  gods,  either  after 
 the  manner  of  the  Hebrew  language,  or  the  cuftoin  of  the  Heathens.  Ver  14. 
 And  Saul  perceived  that  it  was  Samuel.  There  have  been  many  difputes  wheth'  r 
 Samuel  really  appeared,  or  whether  it  was  a  mere  juggle  of  the  woman,  and 
 Saul  in  his  condition  was  unable  to  dete.ft  the  cheat,  or  whether  the  devil  per- 
 fenated  the  prophet.  The  more  generally  received  opinion,  that  which  ftands 
 free  from  objedion,  and  is  moft  agreeable  to  the  ftory,  is  the  laft,  viz.  the  devil  per- 
 fonating  Samuel.  It  is  incredible  that  the  devil  Ihould  have  any  power  over  the 
 fouls  of  the  righteous;  nor  can  we  conceive  God  would,  to  countenance  fuch  an  abo- 
 
 be 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS _ *  Chap  XXVII. 
 
 Unbelief  eafily  befets  the  moft  eminent  faints  ;  and  this  they  fometiin'es  difeover  when  it  is  lead  to 
 De  expeaed;  for  they  have  manifefud  much  fear  and  defpondcncy  al moft  at  the  very  inftant  that  liny  have  experienced  the  greateft  mercies,  and  the  moft  fi^nal 
 uehverance.  Lord  what  is  man,  what  is  the  heft  of  men,  in  this  imperfea  ftate  !  a  feeble  worm  prone  to  forget  thee  !  Teach  us,  merciful  Father  to  cleave  m 
 
 With  nnvtx.xT.j  i-vf*  _ 1  _ _ /I  ...lai.  _yr. _ i  _ cj _ _  a*  _  _  i  /•  •  v-r  .1  •  />  •  .  ^  10 
 
 with 
 in 
 make 
 
 No.  I9.,..6rf. 
 
 4  F 
 
 eqmvoCiUious* 
 
SauVs  dish  rss,  in  project  of  his  final  ruin, 
 loud  voice 
 
 I.  SAMUEL; 
 
 David  is  commended  l>y 
 
 f  Heb. 
 What  is 
 his  form. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 hy  the 
 hand  of 
 prophets. 
 
 Before  3  |oud  voice  ;  and  rhe  woman  fpake  to  Saul,  faying, 
 tir.  1037.  deceived  me?  for  thou  art  Saul. 
 
 13  And  the  king  laid  unto  her,  Be  not  afraid  ;  for 
 what  faweft  thou  ?  And  the  woman  faid  unto  Saul, 
 
 I  favv  gods  afeending  out  of  the  earth. 
 
 14  And  he  faid  unto  her,  f  What  form  is  he  of? 
 And  fhe  laid,  An  old  man  cometh  up ;  and  he  is  co¬ 
 vered  with  a  mantle.  And  Saul  perceived  that  it  was 
 Samuel,  and  he  Itooped  with  /lis  face  to  the  ground, 
 and  bowed  himfelf. 
 
 15  H  And  Samuel  faid  to  Saul,  Why  haft  thou  dif- 
 quieted  me,  to  bring  me  up  ?  And  Saul  anfwered,  I  am 
 lore  diftrefled ;  for  the  Philiftines  make  war  againft 
 me,  and  God  is  departed  from  me,  and  anfwereth  me 
 no  more,  neither  f  by  prophets,  nor  by  dreams  :  there¬ 
 fore  1  have  called  thee,  that  thou  mayeft  make  known 
 unto  me  what  I  fhali  do. 
 
 16  Tnen  laid  Samuel,  Wherefore  then  doeft  thou 
 aik  of  me,  feeing  the  Lord  is  departed  from  thee, 
 and  is  become  thine  enemy? 
 
 B  Or,  for  17  And  the  Lord  hath  done  |1  to  him  ”  as  he  fpake 
 himsed/.  by  t  me  :  for  the  Lord  hath  rent  the  kingdom  out 
 15.  es!"  of  thine  hand,  and  given  it  to  thy  neighbour,  even  to 
 t  Heb.  David  : 
 
 tninehand  IS  Becaufe  thou  obeyeft  not  the  voice  of  the  Lord, 
 nor  executeft  his  fierce  w’rath  upon  Amalek,  there¬ 
 fore  hath  the  Lord  done  this  thing  unto  thee  this  day. 
 
 19  f  Moreover,  the  Lord  will  alfo  deliver  Ifraelwith 
 thee  into  the  hands  of  the  Philiftines ;  and  to-morrow 
 shalt  thou  and  thy  fons  be  with  me :  the  Lord  alfo 
 lhall  deliver  the  holt  of  Il'rael  into  the  hand  of  the 
 Pniliftines. 
 
 f  Heb.  20  Tnen  Saul  t  ft’fi  ftraightway  all  along  on  the 
 ^and^eif^ and  was  forc  afraid,  becaufe  of  the  words  of 
 Samuel:  and  there  was  no  ftrength  in  him;  for  he 
 fulness  o/had  eaten  no  bread  all  the  day,  nor  all  the  night. 
 diisjiaiure.  2 1  f  And  the  woman  came  unto  Saul,  and  faw 
 that  he  was  fore  troubled,  and  faid  unto  him.  Behold, 
 thine  handmaid  hath  obeyed  thy  voice,  and  I  have 
 put  my  life  in  my  hand,  and  have  hearkened  unto  thy 
 W'ords,  which  thou  fpakeft  unto  me: 
 
 22  Now  therefore,  1  pray  thee,  hearken  thou  alfo 
 unto  the  voice  of  thine  handmaid,  and  let  me  let  a 
 morfel  of  bread  before  thee  ;  and  eat,  that  thou  may- 
 eft  have  ftrengih  when  thou  goeft  on  thy  way. 
 
 --  23  Bat  he  n  fufed,  and  faid,  I  will  not  eat.  But 
 
 his  fervants,  together  with  the  woman,  compelled  before 
 him  ;  and  he  hearkened  unto  their  voice  :  fo  he  arofe 
 from  the  earth,  and  fat  upon  the  bed. 
 
 24  And  the  woman  had  a  far  calf  in  the  houfe  ;  and 
 fhe  hafted  and  killed  it,  and  took  flour  and  kneaded 
 jV,  and  did  bake  unleavened  bread  thereof: 
 
 25  And  fhe  brought  it  before  Saul,  and  before  his 
 fervants ;  and  they  did  eat.  Then  they  rofe  up,  and 
 went  away  that  night.* 
 
 N' 
 
 CHAP.  XXIX. 
 
 1  David  marching  with  the  Philij/ines,  3  is  disallowed  hy  their  princes  > 
 
 6  Achish  dismijfeth  him,  wi'h  commendations  oj  his JidelUy. 
 
 OW  the  Philiftines  gathered  together  all  their 
 armies  to  Aphek  ;  and  the  Ifraelites  pitched  by 
 a  fountain  which  is  in  Jezreel. 
 
 2  And  the  lords  of  the  Philiftines  paflTed  on  by  hun¬ 
 dreds  and  by  thoufands;  but  David  and  his  men 
 paflTed  on  in  the  rere-ward  with  Achifh. 
 
 3  Then  faid  the  princes  of  the  Philiftines,  What 
 do  thefe  Hebrews  here  ?  And  Achifh  faid  unto  the 
 princes  of  the  Philiftines,  Is  not  this  David,  the  fer- 
 vant  of  Saul  the  king  of  Iffael,  which  have  been  with 
 me  thefe  days,  or  thefe  years,  and  I  have  found  no 
 fault  in  him  fince  he  fell  unto  me  unto  this  day  ? 
 
 4  And  the  princes  of  the  Philiftines,  were  wroth 
 with  him  ;  and  the  princes  of  the  Philiftines  faid  un¬ 
 to  him,  ®  Make  this  fellow  return,  that  he  may  gOj^^^^™* 
 again  to  his  place  which  thou  haft  appointed  him,  and 
 
 let  him  not  go  down  with  us  to  battle,  left  in  the  battle 
 he  be  an  adverfary  to  us :  for  wherewith  ftiould  he 
 reconcile  himfeif  unto  hismafter?  should  it  not  be  with 
 the  heads  of  thefe  men  ? 
 
 5  Is  not  this  David  of  whom  they  fang  one  to 
 another  in  dances,  faying,  Saul  flew  his  thoufands,  b  Chap, 
 and  David  his  ten  thoufands  ? 
 
 6  *11  Then  Achifh  called  David,  and  faid  unto  him, 
 Surely,  as  the  Lord  liveth,  thou  haft  been  upright,  ^  iicb. 
 and  thy  going  out  and  thy  coming  in  with  me  in  ihetiwu  art 
 hoft  is  good  in  my  fight ;  for  I  have  not  found  evil  in 
 
 18.  7.& 
 21.11. 
 
 thee  fince  the  day  of  thy  coming  unto  me  unto  this*” 
 day  :  neverthelefs  t  the  lords  favour  thee  not. 
 
 7  Wherefore  now  return,  and  go  in  peace, 
 thou  t  difpleafe  not  the  lords  of  the  Philiftines.  j,t//,ceyei 
 
 8  And  David  faid  unto  Achifh,  But  what  have  I J 
 done?  and  what  haft  thou  found  in  thy  fervant,  fo  lords. 
 
 of  the 
 lords. 
 
 that  t  Heb. 
 
 (Jo  no  evil 
 
 miiiation,  fuffer  Uie  lioly  piopliet  to  appear.  The  foul  -which  was  in  heaven  could 
 not  come  up  out  of  the  earth  ;  nor  the  glorified  fpirit  be  troubled,  as  this  appa¬ 
 rition  complains:  n:uch  lefs  could  Samuel  fay,  Saul  fhould  be  with  him  to¬ 
 morrow,  whofe  impenitent  end  gives  no  hope  of  his  liappinefs.  Ihat  it  was  not 
 a  mere  juggle,  the  whole  circumllances  of  the  Rory  feem  to  (hew,  and  muR  be 
 fuppofed  iifthe  veiy  notion  of  perfons  having  a  familiar  fpirif.  But  that  Satan 
 ftiould  be  fuffered  to  aiR  thus  as  a  fpirit  of  delufion,  to  hurry  Saul  to  his  rum, 
 is  very  credible,  and  a  nioft  juR  judgment  of  God  upon  him.  Ver,  15—17.  The 
 anfwcr  which  he  receives  is  fearful,  and  betrays  the  lips  it  proceeded  from,  tend¬ 
 ing  evidently  to  drive  him  to  defpair.  The  devil  perfonating  the  proplief,  appears 
 chamined  at  being  difiurbed;  declares  the  vanity  of  his  attempt  in  thus  feeking 
 relief;  for  fiuce  God  is  departed  from  him  all  is  oR  ;  reminds  him  of  his  anoint¬ 
 
 ing;  and  affures  him  God’s  declaration  is  ready  to  be  accomplifiicd.  Ver.  20. 
 Then  S  :ul  fell  straighlway  (.11  along,  on  the  earth.  Shocked  with  the  dreadful  tid¬ 
 ings,  the  dejedled  king  finks  fpiritlefs  to  the  earth  ;  his  foul  is  in  the  agonies  of 
 death  with  fear  ;  and  his  body  w-cakened  witti  fading,  having  that  day  taken  r.o 
 food,  is  unable  to  rife  without  affiRance,  and  almoR  ready  to  expire  on  the 
 fpot.  Ver.  21.  And  the  woman  come  unto  Saul, — and  said  unto  him.  It  inuft 
 be  owned  that  this  addrefs  of  the  woman’s  to  the  king  is  full  of  tendernefs  and 
 refpeiR  ;  but  yet  it  is  a  matter  of  doubt  whether  her  behaviour  proceeded  fi'Offl 
 fear  or  aflfedlion. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXIX.  Ver.  2,  And  the  lords  of  Ih^ 
 Philiflincs  pajfed  on  by  hundreds  and  by  thousands.  That  is,  they  appeared  fomcat 
 the  head  of  a  hundred,  fome  of  a  thoufand  foldiers.  Ver,  8.  And  David  said  wsW 
 
 eafy  for  the  euemy  to  invade  it 
 foes  they  are  apt  to  he  eiifnared. 
 
 T>R  ArmiPAl  nRSFRV\TIONS  — *  Chap.  XXVIII. 1  The  enemies  of  a  church  craftily  feize  their  opportunity.  And  when  God,  has  left  a  country,  it  is 
 PRACTICAL  OBSER^  have  wandered  out  of  God’s  way  !  Whether  they  take  partwith  fnendso 
 
 When  men  have  only  a  form  of  religion,  or  adopt  it  only  as  a  cloke  to  conceal  fome  deep  and  hateful  defign,  they  ai-e  an  eafy  F  . 
 
 .  '  '  '  ■  Of  this  Saul  was  a  lamentable  example.  uii“ 
 
 fhe  acquired  magnificence  of  a  kingdom,  only  tut' 
 ht  again R  the  gracious  hand  that  had  given  him  tf'® 
 
 racie.. ......sur,  ,hi.  lir.  ..d ..... .....h .» .o...  w « 
 
 •o.rdua  liierefore  teach  us  the  vaR  importance  of  having  our  hearts  right  with  God.  And  let  us  rememher  that  God  often  gives  up  to  Rrong  delufions  bien^n^^ 
 ,d  have  pleafu.e  in  unrighteoufnefs.  Thofe  who  undervalue  heavenly  inflruiRion,  are  generally  Raves  of  the  moR  a  ifurd  eirors.  Wretched  con 
 inoR  devoted  fervants,  even  in  their  greate-R  diRrefs.  But  they  have  themfelves  only  to  blame  for  all. the  mifenes  to  which  they 
 d-uarted  from  God,  they  have  forfakeu  their  ow  n  mercies.  A  miferable  life,  and  moR  miforablu  death,  are  all  the  portion  that  they  can  expe« 
 
 i.aie  truth  and  have  pleafu 
 ■will  Satan  admiaifler  to  his 
 
 are  re¬ 
 
 duced  ; 
 
 having 
 
T)jvld  pursueth  and  deslroi/elh  the  Amlekites : 
 
 I;  SAMUEL. 
 
 His  hw  concerning  the  spoil 
 
 ihce~ 
 
 A 
 
 pefore  long  as  I  havcbeen  f  with  thee  unto  this  day,  that  I  may  i 
 ciirift  jjQt  go  fight  againft  the  enemies  of  my  lord  the  king?! 
 cir.  1056.  g  And  Achiih  anfwered  and  faid  unto  David,  1  know  j 
 that  thou  art  good  in  my  fight,  as  an  angel  of  God  :  i 
 notwithftanding  the  princes  of  the  Philittines  have 
 faid,  He  fhall  not  go  up  with  us  to  the  battle. 
 
 10  Wherefore  now  rife  up  early  in  the  morning 
 with  thy  mailer’s  fervants  that  are  come  with  thee ; 
 and  as  foon  as  ye  be  up  early  in  the  morning,  and 
 have  light,  depart. 
 
 1 1  So  David  and  his  men  rofe  up  early  to  depart 
 in  the  morning,  to  return  into  the  land  of  the  Philif- 
 tines  :  And  the  Philitlines  went  up  to  Jezreel.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXX. 
 
 4  The  AmaleUtes  spoil  Zikltif;,  7  Dnvid  ajking  counsel  is  encouraged  by 
 God  to  pursue  them  :  11  by  the  means  of  a  revived  Egyptian  he  is  brought 
 to  the  enemies,  and  recovereth  all  the  spoil.  22  David's  law  to  divide  the 
 fpoil  equally  between  them  that  fight  and  them  that  keep  the  stuff:  26  he 
 fcndelh  preserUs  to  his  friends, 
 
 ND  it  came  to  pafs,  when  David  and  his  men 
 
 _ were  come  to  Ziklagon  the  third  day,  that  the 
 
 Amalekites  had  invaded  the  fouth,  and  Ziklag,  and 
 fihitten  Ziklag,  and  burnt  it  with  fire; 
 
 2  And  had  taken  the  women  captives  that  •were 
 therein  :  they  flew  not  any,  either  great  or  fraall,  but 
 carried  them  away,  and  went  on  their  way. 
 
 3  H  So  David  and  his  men  came  to  the  city,  and 
 behold,  it  •was  burnt  with  fire  ;  and  their  wives,  and 
 their  Tons,  and  their  daughters,  were  taken  captives. 
 
 4  Then  David  and  the  people  that  v:ere  with  him 
 lifted  up  their  voice  and  wept,  until  they  had  no  more 
 power  to  weep. 
 
 5  And  David’s  two  wives  were  taken  captives, 
 Ahinoam  the  Jezreelitefs,  and  Abigail  the  wile  of 
 Nabal  the  Carmelite. 
 
 6  And  David  was  greatly  diflrefl'ed  :  for  the  people 
 fpake  of  ftoning  him  :  becaufe  the  foul  of  all  the  people 
 was  t  grieved,  every  man  for  his  Tons  and  tor  his 
 daughters :  but  David  encouraged  himfelf  in  the 
 Lord  his  God. 
 
 7  And  David  faid  unto  Abiathar  the  priefl,  Ahirae- 
 lech’s  fori,  I  pray  thee,  bring  me  hither  the  ephod. 
 And  Abiathar  brought  thither  the  ephod  to  David. 
 
 8  And  David  enquired  at  the  Lord,  faying.  Shall 
 
 f  Heb. 
 ■iilter. 
 
 Achish,  But  what  have  I  done  ? — that  I  may  not  go  fight  againjl  the  enemies  (f  my 
 lord  the  king  ?  What  David’s  intention  really  was,  in  cafe  he  had  continued  in  the 
 Phil i (line  arm V,  is  hard  to  determine.  We  cannot  fuppofe  that  he  intended  re¬ 
 venging  himfelf  on  his  countrymen,  for  their  ingratitude  to  him,  becaufe  he  had 
 ihown  fo  many  marks  of  efteem  for  them,  when  he  was  obliged  to  feek  his  fafety 
 in  the  defolate  rocks,  and  the  lonelbme  caverns  of  the  mountains.  Nor  is  itrca- 
 fonahle  to  think  that  he  would  have  flood  a  tame  fpedlator  of  the  fight,  or  turned 
 againft  the  Piiiliftines  in  the  day  of  battle  ;  becaufe  he  would  have  given  a  con- 
 fpicuous  proof  of  his  perfidy  and  ingratitude  to  Achifii,  who  had  fo  generoufty 
 received  him,  and  given  him  a  city  for  his  refidence. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  CiiaP.  XXX.  Ven  1,  The  Amalekites  had 
 invaded  Thefe  Amalekites  appear  to  have  been  clans  of  draggling  free-booters, 
 that  rambled  from  place  to  place,  and  were  common  enemies  of  mankind,  like 
 the  Arabian  herds,  living  upon  rapine  and  plunder  wherever  they  came. 
 Ver.  2.  They  /lew  not  any,  either  great  or  small,  but  carried  them  away.  It  may 
 feera  a  liitle  ftrange,  that  the  Amalekites,  who  had  been  fo  often  cut  to  pieces  by 
 David,  (hould  not,  upon  this  their  fuccefs,  put  all  the  people  to’the  (word  which 
 they  found  in  Ziklag,  rather  than  carry  them  away  captive.  Perhaps  they  were 
 influenced  tlms  to  aft,  either  from  feififluiefs,  referving  the  captives  in  order  to 
 fell  them,  or  with  a  view  of  more  amply  avenging  themfelves  on  David,  by  de¬ 
 voting  Ids  family  and  his  people’s  friends  to  lufifer  a  fevere  and  lingering  death. 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 1056.. 
 
 I  purfue  after  this  troop  ?  Shall  I  overtake  them  ?  And 
 he  aniwered  him,  Putlue;  for  thou  (halt  furely  over-^j^ 
 take  them,  and  without  fail  recover  all.  ^ 
 
 9^  So  David  went,  he  and  the  fix  hundred  men  that 
 •xere  with  him,  and  came  to  the  brook  Befor,  where 
 thofe  that  were  left  behind  flayed. 
 
 10  But  David  purfued,  he  and  four  hundred  men  : 
 
 (for  two  hundred  abode  behind,  which  were  fo  faint 
 that  they  could  not  go  over  the  brook  Belbr.) 
 
 1 1  And  they  found  an  Egyptian  in  the  field,  and 
 brought  him  to  David,  and  gave  him  bread,  aud  he 
 did  eat ;  and  they  made  him  drink  water  ; 
 
 12  And  they  gave  him  a  piece  of  a  cake  of  figs,  and 
 two  cluflers  ofraifios:  and  when  he  had  eaten,  his 
 Ipirit  came  again  to  him  ;  for  he  had  eaten  no  bread, 
 nor  drunk  any  water,  three  days  and  three  nights. 
 
 1 3  And  David  faid  unto  him,  To  whom  belongeU 
 thou  ?  and  whence  art  thou  ?  And  he  laid,  I  am  a 
 young  man  of  Egypt,  lervant  to  an  Amalekite :  and 
 my  mafter  left  me,  becaufe  three  days  agone  1  fell 
 fick. 
 
 14  We  made  an  invafion  upon  the  fouth  of  the  Che- 
 rethites,  and  upon  the  coast  which  belongeth  to  Judah, 
 and  upon  the  fouth  of  Caleb ;  and  we  burnt  Ziklag 
 with  fire. 
 
 15  And  David  faid  unto  him,  Canft  thou  bring  me 
 down  to  this  company?  And  he  faid.  Swear  unto  me 
 by  God,  that  thou  wilt  neither  kill  me,  nor  deliver  me 
 into  the  hands  of  my  mafter,  and  1  will  bring  thee 
 down  to  this  company. 
 
 16  ^  And  when  he  had  brought  him  down,  behold, 
 they  xere  fpread  abroad  upon  all  the  earth,  eating  and 
 drinking,  and  dancing,  becaufe  of  all  the  great  fpoil 
 that  they  had  taken  out  of  tne  hand  of  the  Pniliftines, 
 and  out  of  the  land  of  Judah. 
 
 17  And  David  fmote  them  from  the  twilight  even 
 unto  the  evening  of  f  the  next  day  :  and  there  efcapedf^®J^_ 
 not  a  man  of  them,  fave  four  hundred  young  n 
 which  rode  upon  camels,  and  fled. 
 
 18  And  David  recovered  all  that  the  Amalekites 
 had  carried  away  ;  and  David  refeued  his  two  wives. 
 
 19  And  there  was  nothing  lacking  to  them,  neither 
 fmall  nor  great,  neither  fons  nor  daughters,  neither 
 
 t/tetr  mor- 
 
 I  But  doubtlefs  they  thus  afted  by  the  kind  overruling  Providenee  .of  God,  nho, 
 
 I  having  chaftened  David,  purpofed  to  ftiew  him  an  additional  inflance  of  his 
 !  mercy.  Ver.  6.  And  David  was  greatly  distressed;  Jer  the  people  spake  oj  stoning'. 
 
 !  him.  It  was  certainly  no  fmall  acceflTion  to  David’s  noisfortunes,  to  be  reputed 
 the  occafion  of  this  Calamity,  which  might  very  rcafonably  appear  to  he  in  the 
 !  eyes  of  the  people,  either  in  relinquilhing  his  own  country  and  coming  to  Ziklag  ; 
 i  ill  provoking  the  ,'lmalekites  by  the  flaughter  of  all  that  came  in  his  way  ;  or  in 
 i  going  with  Achifli  to  the  war,  while  the  place  v^here  his  and  his  people’s  wives 
 i  and  children  were,  was  left  entirely  unguarded,  and  open  to  tlie  incurfions  and 
 i  depredations  of  the  enemy.  But  David  encouraged  himstlj  in  the  I.ord  his  God, 
 Here  we  have  a  reprefentation  of  this  good  man’s  real  ch.irafter.  He  did  not,  . 
 in  this  fad  dillrcfs,  abandon  bimfelf  to  del'pondency,  but  csercifed  faith  on  God, 
 encouraged  himfelf  in  the  power  and  providence  of  his  almighty  Creator  ;  firmly 
 hoping  and  believing,  that  God  would  appear  in  fame  w.iy  or  otlier,  and  work 
 falvation  for  him.  The  Targum  is,  “  He  ftrengthened  himfelf  in  the  Word  of 
 the  Lord  his  God.”  Ver.  17.  There  escaped  not  a  man  — save  four  hundred.  Tlie  . 
 number  of  .\malekites  that  fled  was  tq;ial  to  all  l>avid’s  forces;  and  out  oifelf- 
 prefervation,  he  was  obliged  to  pot  as  many  of  the  reft  to  the  fword  as  he  could,- 
 to  prevent  being  I'urrounded  and  deftroyed  by  fo  fuperior  a  number.  A  partial 
 viftory,  inftcad  of  being  of  any  fervice  to  Inm,  would  have  rather  turned  out  fo 
 his  diladvantage,  becaul'e  the  ftraggling  parties  might  have  united,  and  watched 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XXIX.]  Let  us  adore  the  mercy  and  faithfulnefs  of  God  in  delivering  his  fervant  David  from. the  fnare  into 
 which  liis  did) 
 wife  and  compaflaonate 
 
 when  their  unbelief  had _ _ _  „  .  .  . 
 
 flow  is  the  mercy  enhanced,  when  at  the  moment  of  difebarging.  tlie  arrows  of  difgrace,  honournble  teftimony  is  borne  to  our  inlegrily.  Let  iis  tberefore  learn  to 
 truft  tlie  Lord  more  unrefervedly,  and  to  caft  all  our  cares  on  him,  for  he  careth  for  us.  No  trial  can  befal  us,  from  which  he  is  not  able  aud  difpolcd  to  give  os  a. 
 Way  of  efcape. 
 
 I  ICAD  OliSDRV  A  1  lUJNS. — ’  UHAP.  x.ei  u.s  auuie  me  iiienj  aitu  laiwi.u.i.s...  . . . m  iiim,. me  mare  into 
 
 dilli  lift  in  his  God  had  brought  him.  Apparently  there  was  no  way  to  efcape,  but  cither  he  mud  prove  .a  traitor  to  his  country,  or  bis  fiicnd.  But  the 
 ompaflaonate  God  w'hom  he  ll'rvcd  manifefted  his  mercy  in  his  deliverance.  How  vigilantly  does  providence  guard  the  honour  of  lire  faints  of  God,  even 
 unbelief  bad  fixi  d  them  in  the  mod  embarrafllng  fituations  !  That  which  was  ai  ned  as  a  (halt  to  wound  ns,  olten  proves  to  he  the  .me.ins  of  healing ;  and  . 
 
David*s  ?<«»  coticcfning  tfie  spoil. 
 
 I.  SAMUEL. 
 
 Saul  Danquiihed  by  the  Philisliucs, 
 
 f  Heb. 
 mefu 
 
 Before  fpoU,  Dor  any  ihivg  that  they  had  taken  to  them : 
 c'f'ioss  recovered  all. 
 
 20  And  David  took  all  the  flocks  and  the  herds, 
 which  they  drave  before  thofe  other  cattle,  and  faid, 
 This  is  David’s  fpoil. 
 
 2 1  f  And  David  came  to  the  two  hundred  men  which 
 were  fo  faint  t'rat  they  could  not  follow  David,  whom 
 they  had  made  aTo  to  abide  at  the  brook  Befor ; 
 and  they  went  forth  to  meet  David,  and  to  meet  the 
 people  that  were  with  him ;  and  when  David  came  near 
 
 y  Or,  to  the  people,  he  f]  falufed  them. 
 a/kedthem  95  *(j  Then  anfwered  all  the  wicked  men,  and  men 
 of  Belial,  of  f  thofe  that  went  with  David,  and  faid, 
 Becaufe  they  went  not  with  us,  we  will  not  give  them 
 ci4ght  of  the  fpoil  that  W'e  have  recovered,  fave  to 
 every  man  his  wife  and  his  children,  that  they  may 
 lead  them  awmy,  and  depart. 
 
 23  Then  faid  David,  Ye  (hall  not  do  fo,  my  bre¬ 
 thren,  with  that  which  the  Lord  hath  given  us,  who 
 bath  preferved  us,  and  delivered  the  company  that 
 came  againft  us  into  our  hand. 
 
 21  For  who  will  hearken  unto  you  in  this  matter? 
 but  as  his  part  is  that  goeth  down  to  the  battle,  fo 
 shall. h\s  part  be  that  tarrieth  by  the  fluff :  they  (hall 
 part  alike. 
 
 25  And  it  was  so  from  that  day  t  forward,  that  he 
 made  it  a  flatute  and  an  ordinance  for  Ifrael  unto  this 
 day. 
 
 •  26  f  And  when  David  came  to  Ziklag,  he  fent  of 
 the  fpoil  unto  the  elders  of  Judah,  even  to  his  friends, 
 faying,  Behold  a  f  prefent  for  you  of  the  fpoil  of  the 
 enemies  of  the  Lord  : 
 
 27  To  them  w'hich  were  in  Beth-el,  and  to  them 
 which  xvere  in  fouth  Ramoth,  and  to  them  which  voeie 
 in  Jattir, 
 
 28  And  to  them  which  were  in  Aroer,  and  to  them 
 which  Were  in  Siphmoth,  and  to  them  which  were  in 
 Efhtemoa, 
 
 29  And  to  them  which  were  in  Rachel,  and  to  them 
 w^hich  were  in  the  cities  of  the  Jerahmeelites,  and  to 
 them  which  were  in  the  cities  of  the  Kenites, 
 
 30  And  to  them  which  were  in  Hormah,  and  to  them 
 which  were  in  Chor-a(han,  and  to  them  which  were  in 
 Athach, 
 
 31  And  iothem  which  were'm  Hebron,  and  to  all 
 
 t  Heb, 
 and  fe: 
 ward. 
 
 Heb. 
 
 UrJJing, 
 
 an  opportunity  of  retrieving  tbeir  defeat  by  a  fecond  attack  ;  and  it  was  not  un- 
 tcnowii  to  David  nor  can  it  be  unknown  to  any  injpartial  reader,  that  the  Ama- 
 lekites  were  fuch  inveterate  enemies  to  the  Ifraelites,  and  fo  refticfs  at  the  fame 
 time,  that  they  would  have  loft  no  opportunity  of  wiping  off  their  difgrace,  or 
 endangering  the  very  being  of  the  Ifraelitifh  nation.  Ver.  24.  So  shall  his  pari 
 be.  The  equity  of  this  law  appears  not  only  from  its  being  perpetuated,  but  like- 
 wife  from  the  nature  of  things  ;  for  thefe  two  hundred  who  were  left  behind  by 
 common  confent  to  guard  the  baggage,  were  part  of  the  fame  corps,  and  belonged 
 to  the  fame  nation,  and  were  only  prevented  by  the  work  affigned,  or  by  too  great 
 fati'>^ue,  from  flraring  in  the  engagement.  Ver.  26.  And  luhen  David  came  to  Zik~ 
 lag^he  sent  of  the  spoil.  This  was  a  very  popular  and  judicious  flep  in  David,  as 
 he  thereby  not  only  difeharged  himfelf  of  the  obligations  of  gratitude,  but  endea¬ 
 voured  to  fecure  their  intereft,  which  might  be  of  effential  advantage  at  a  future 
 period. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXXI.  Ver.  2.  And  the  Philistines 
 Aew  Jonatl’HTi — according  as  Saul  had  been  warned,  chap,  xxviii.  19.  Ifliboflreth 
 
 the  places  where  David  hirafelf  and  his  men  were 
 wont  to  haunt.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXXI. 
 
 1  Saul  having  lojl  his  army,  and  his  sons Jlain,  he  and  his  armour-bearer 
 kill  themselves.  7  The  Philijlines  pojfcss  the  forsaken  towns  oJ‘  the  Isr 
 raelHes  ;  1 6  they  triumjdi  over  the  dead  carcases,  ^c. 
 
 NOW  *  the  Philiflines  fought  againfl  Ifrael ;  and  *  ^  Chro. 
 
 the  men  of  Ifrael  fled  from  before  the  Philiflines,  ^  — 
 and  fell  down  II  (lain  in  mount  Giiboa.  ||"or 
 
 2  And  the  Philiflines  followed  hard  upon  Saul,  and  wounded. 
 Upon  his  Cons  ;  and  the  Philiflines  (lew  Jonathan,  and 
 Abinadab,  and  Melchi-fhua,  Saul’s  fons. 
 
 3  And  the  battle  went  fore  againit  Saul,  and  the 
 
 archers  f  hit  him ;  and  he  was  fore  wounded  of  the  t 
 archers.  shooters, 
 
 4  Then  faid  Saul  unto  his  armour-bearer,  draw  thyjILl^"^' 
 fword,  and  thruft  me  through  therewith,  left  thefe  un-t  Heb. 
 circumcifed  come  and  thruft  me  through,  and  ||  abufe-^"’^'^^'""- 
 me.  But  his  armour-bearer  would  not ;  for  he  was  fore  mod' me. 
 afraid  :  therefore  Saul  took  a  fword  and  fell  upon  it. 
 
 5  And  when  his  armour-bearer  faw  that  Saul  was 
 dead,  he  fell  iikewife  upon  his  fword,  and  died  with 
 him. 
 
 6  So  Saul  died,  and  his  three  fons,  and  his  armour- 
 bearer,  and  all  his  men,  that  fame  day  together. 
 
 7  ^  And  when  the  men  of  Ifrael  that  were  on  the 
 other  fide  of  the  valley,  and  they  that  were  on  the 
 other  fide  Jordan,  faw  that  the  men  of  Ifrael  fled,  and 
 that  Saul  and  his  fons  were  dead,  they  forfook  the 
 cities  and  fled  ;  and  the  Philiflines  came  and  dwelt  in 
 them. 
 
 8  ^  And  it  came  to  pafs  on  the  morrow,  when  the 
 Philiflines  came  to  ftrip  the  (lain,  that  they  found  Saul 
 and  his  three  Cons  fallen  in  mount  Giiboa. 
 
 9  And  they  cut  off  his  head,  and  ftripped  off  his  ar¬ 
 mour,  and  fent  unto  the  land  of  the  Philiflines  round 
 about,  to  publifh  it  in  the  houfe  idols,  and 
 
 among  the  people. 
 
 10  And  they  put  his  armour  in  the  houfe  of  Afh- 
 taroth  ;  and  they  faftened  his  body  to  the  wall  of 
 Beth-fhan. 
 
 11  11  And  when  the  inhabitants  of  Jabefh-gilead 
 heard  ||  of  that  which  the  Pniliftines  had  done  to  ^ 
 
 Saul, 
 
 12  All  the  valiant  men  arofe,  and  went  all  night. 
 
 concern¬ 
 ing  him. 
 
 it  feems,  either  was  not  in  the  battle,  or  if  he  was,  he  made  his  efcape  with  Abner 
 and  become  a  rival  to  David.  Ver.  3.  The  archers  hit  him.  This  is  the  firfl;  time 
 we  find  any  mention  of  archers  in  the  Philifiine  army  :  the  alPiult  by  this  kind  of 
 weapons  was  new,  furprifitig,  and  therefore,  generally -fuccersful,  the  arrows  de- 
 flroying  the  Ifraelites  at  a  diftance,  which  naturally  threw  them  into  terror  and 
 corifufion.  And  for  this  reafon,  many  think,  thatw'hen  David  came  to  the  throne, 
 he  taught  the  Ifraelites  the  ufe  of  the  bow,  2  Sam,  i.  18.  that  they  might  not  be 
 inferior  to  the  Philiftincs  in  this  particular.  Ver.  4.  Then  said  Saul  unto  his 
 armour-bearer.  It  is  an  eflabliflied  tradition  of  the  Jewifii  church,  that  this 
 armour-bearer,  was  Doeg  the  Edomite,  who  by  Saul’s  command,  flew  fuch  a 
 number  of  the  Lord’s  priefts,  chap.  xxii.  19.  Draw  thy  swoiA.  The  Jews  are 
 very  lavifh  in  their  commendations  of  this  a6lion  of  Saul,  and  greatly  extol 
 his  heroifm  and  magnanimity.  But  is  felf-raurder,  (which  was  certainly  Saul’s 
 cafe)  an  a<5l  of  magnanimity  !  The  laws  of  all  nations  have  condemned  it,  as 
 oppofite  to  the  didlates  of  nature  and  reafon,  of  felf-love,  and  felf-prefervation, 
 Saul’s  fituation  indeed  was  very  dolorous  j  but  he  had  not  therefore  any  autho- 
 
 rilACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. _ *  Chap.  XXX. J  Saul’s  fparing  of  the  Amalekites  did  but  entail  mifery  on  his  fubjeas.  We  had  need  to  be  always  in 
 
 the  wav  of  dutv,  for  U  is  the  only  way  in  which  we  can  expcA  the  proteaion  of  God.  He  can  marvellonfly  retain  the  mofl,  barbarous,  and  preferve  his  people  alive 
 in  theiHiands.'’  To  encourage  ourfelves  in  the  Lord  as  our  God,  is  the  fureft  and  mofl  fpeedy  way  of  obtaining  relief  from  our  troubles.  They  are  generally  the 
 mofl.  eminent  faints  wlio  have  experienced  the  greateft  fufTerings.  If  by  n^gleaing  to  confult  God,  we  have  formerly  plunged  ourfelves  into  troubles,  we  ought  the 
 more  earneftlv  to  implore  his  direaion  in  order  to  get  rid  of  them.  He  can  at  once  arreft  the  adverfary,  condua  us  to  him,  and  enable  us  to  overcome  him.  D  i- 
 courarrin<-  providences  ought  to  excite  our  faith  and  perfeverance  in  the  path  of  duty.  Such  as  are  willing  but  weak  in  a  good  fervice,  ought  to  he  comforted  under 
 their  riifirmities ;  but  tile  heart  of  the  covetous  is  hardened  againfl  the  needy  ;  and  neither  the  befl  inflruaions,  nor  the  befl  companions,  can  change  the  hearts  of  the 
 men  of  Belial ;  but  rulers  muft  oblige  fuch  to  comply  with  the  miniflrations  of  mercy  and  equity.  Such  as  have  fliewcd  us  kindnefs  deferve  a  recompenfe  when  God 
 bis  put  it  in  our  power ;  nay,  liberality  in  compliments  is,  on  fome  occafions,  proofs  of  great  prudence,  and  become  urgent  letters  of  recommendation. 
 
The  Anal  chile,  'txho  hr  on  Ait  tidings  bf  the  overthroix,  II.  SAMUEL. 
 
 pofort  and  took  the  body  of  Sanl,  and  the  bodies  of  his 
 ciirist  fron,  the  wall  of  Beth-lhan,  and  cam^  to  Jabelh, 
 and  burnt  them  there. 
 
 b  Jer^m-  34.  5. 
 
 to  deftroy  himfolf.  Ilis  life  was  a  facred  depofitum  of  God’s  and  not  to  be 
 taken  away  without  invading  his  right,  and  violating  his  laws.  Ver.  12.  the 
 vali  'ut  men  arose.  The  inhabitants  of  Jaberti-gilead  had  been  delivered  by  Saul, 
 at  the  beginning  of  his  reign,  from  the  cruelty  of  the  Ammonites  ;  and  now,  in 
 .rratitudirto  their  deliverer,  they  took  his  body  with  thofe  of  his  fons,  from  the  wall 
 t-liere  the  Philiftines  hanged  them,  that  they  might  not  want  the  honour-  of 
 burial.  Ilunit  them  there.  _  It  is  certain  that  the  ufuage  among  the  Hebrews  was 
 
 and  accused  hlm-.clf  of  $auVs  deUh,  is  Jain, 
 
 13  And  they  took  their  bones,  and  *  buried  them 
 under  a  tree  at  Jabefh,  and  failed  leven  days,*  1^55^ 
 
 c  2  Sam,  2.  4.  &  34,  .'T. 
 
 not  to  burn,  but  to  embalm  the  bodies  of  their  dead  ;  but  in  ti)is  cafe  the  people  of 
 Jabefli  might  a6t  otherwife,  either  becaufc  tlie  bodies  of  Saul  and  his  fojis  were, 
 by  this  time,  fo  dried  or  corrupted,  that  they  were  not  fit  to  be  embalmed  ;  or  be- 
 caufe  they  were  apprehenfjve,  that  if  they  fliouid  embalm  them,  and  fo  bury  them, 
 the  people  of  Bcthfhan  might,  at  one  time  or  other,  come  and  dig  them  up,  and  fix 
 them  againft  their  walls  again  ;  and  hence  tire  Jabeihites  thought  it  advifeable  to 
 rocedi  from  tlieir  common  pra<5tice. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XXXI.]  All  whom  God  abandons  are  truly  wretched.  Their  progrefs  in  fin  is  uninterrupted,  and  except  they 
 repent,  their  ruin  is  inevitable.  Thus  we  behold  the  mind  of  Saul  ripening  in  iniquity,  till  his  awful  life  is  clofed  by  felf-murder.  Oh  !  how  dreadful  to  die  out  of 
 Chriili  unintcrefled  in  him  ;  void  of  ail  covenant  promifes  !  unregenerated  in  hea't,  unwafhed  in  the  blood  of  the  Lamb  ;  and  without  the  clothing  of  the  Redeemer  s 
 rio-hteoufnefs.  Better  to  die  in  a  ditch  than  to  die  out  of  Chrift.  The  manner  of  death  is  nothing;  to  die  in  any  manner,  any  where,  or  by  any  means,  is  of  little 
 coiifequ<^ncc,  if  we  only  die  in  GhriR.  In  what  awful  fovereignity  God  flays  the  righteous  with  the  wicked  ;  the  lovely  Jonathan  with  the  unhappy  Saul  .  All  tilings 
 here  come  alike  to  all :  but  eternity  will  make  the  difierence.  Then  the  life  of  the  righteous  will  appear  to  be  honourable  ;  their  death  gain ;  and  their  eternal  lot 
 
 here 
 
 enviable  ! 
 
 THE  SECOND  BOOK  OF 
 
 SAMUEIi. 
 
 THE  ARGUMENT. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift. 
 
 1056. 
 
 30.  17. 
 
 N' 
 
 t  Heb. 
 Wimt 
 was,  A’-c. 
 
 In  this  booh  of  Samuel  ixe  have  the  history  of  the  reign  of  David,  "which  contains  the  space  of  about  forty  years. 
 
 7  And  when  he  looked  behind  him,  he  faw  me,  and 
 called  unto  me  :  and  I  anfwered,  f  Here  am  I. 
 
 8  And  he  faid  unto  me,  Who  art  thou  ^  And  I  an- 
 fwered  him,  I  am  an  Amalekite. 
 
 9  He  laid  unto  me  again.  Stand,  I  pray  thee,  upon 
 me,  and  fliy  me  ;  for  11  anguilh  is  come  upon  me,  be- 
 caufe  my  life  is  yet  whole  in  roe. 
 
 10  So  I  Rood  upon  him,  and  flew  him,  becaufe  I 
 was  fure  that  he  could  not  live  after  that  he  was  fal 
 len  :  and  1  took  the  crown  that  was  upon  his  head, 
 and  the  bracelet  that  toes  on  his  arm,  and  have  brought 
 them  hither  unto  my  lord. 
 
 1 1  ^  Then  David  took  hold  on  his  clothes,  and 
 rent  them  ;  and  likewife  all  the  men  that  -were  with  him. 
 
 12  And  they  mourned  and  wept,  and  faRed  until 
 even,  for  Saul,  and  for  Jonathan  his  fon,  and  for  the 
 people  of  the  Lord,  and  for  the  houfe  of  Ifrael ;  be- 
 cauie  they  were  fallen  by  the  fword. 
 
 13  <[f  And  David  faid  unto  the  young  man  that  told 
 him,  Whence  art  thou?  And  he  anfwered,  1  am  the 
 fon  of  a  Rranger,  an  Amalekite. 
 
 ll'  And  David  faid  unto  him,  How  waR  thou 
 not  afraid  to  Rretch  forth  thine  hand  to  deRroy  the 
 Lord’s  anointed 
 
 15  And  David  called  one  of  the  young  men,  and 
 faid,  Go  near  and  fall  upon  him.  xAnd  he  fmote  him 
 that  he  died. 
 
 CHAP.  I, 
 
 2  The  Amalekite,  who  brought  tidings  of  the  overthrow’,  and  accused  himself 
 oj  Saul's  death,  isslain.  1 7  DavidlamentethSauland  Jonathanwith  a  song. 
 
 OW  it  came  to  pafs,  after  the  death  of  Saul, 
 _  ,  when  David  was  returned  from  »  the  daughter 
 of  the  Araalekites,  and  David  had  abode  two  days  in 
 I  Sam.  Ziklag  ; 
 
 2  It  came  even  to  pafs  on  the  third  day,  that,  be¬ 
 hold,  a  man  came  out  of  the  camp  from  Saul,  with  his 
 clothes  rent,  and  earth  upon  his  head  :  and  so  it  was, 
 when  he  came  to  David,  that  he  fell  to  the  earth,  and 
 did  obeifance. 
 
 3  And  David  faid  unto  him,  From  whence  comeR 
 thou?  And  he  faid  unto  him,  Oat  of  the  camp  of 
 Ifrael  am  I  efcaped. 
 
 4  And  David  faid  unto  him,  t  How  went  the  mat¬ 
 ter?  I  pray  thee,  tell  me.  And  he  anfwered  that 
 the  people  are  fled  from  the  battle,  and  many  of  the 
 people  alfo  are  fallen  and  dead  ;  and  Saul  and  Jona¬ 
 than  his  fon  are  dead  alfo. 
 
 5  And  David  faid  unto  the  young  man  that  told 
 him.  How  knowelt  thou  that  Saul  and  Jonathan  his 
 fon  be  dead  ? 
 
 6  And  the  young  man  that  told  him  faid,  As  I 
 happened  by  chance  upon  mount  Gilboa,  behold,  Saul 
 leaned  upon  his  fpear;  and,  lo,  the  chariots  and  horfe- 
 raen  followed  hard  after  him. 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 cir.  1055. 
 
 f  He 
 Beheld 
 me. 
 
 II  Or, 
 viy  coal  oJ 
 mail,  or 
 my  em¬ 
 broidered 
 coat,  hin¬ 
 der  elk  me, 
 that  my, 
 ^c. 
 
 b  Chap. 
 3.  31.  Si 
 13.  31. 
 
 c  Pfalin 
 105.  15. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chai-.  I.  Ver.  2,  On  the  third  day.  That 
 is,  the  third  day  after  the  battle  was  fought,  in  which  Saul  was  flain.  Ver.  9. 
 Anguish  is  came  upon  me,  or  trembling,  not  through  fear  of  death,  but  through  fear 
 of  falling  into  the  hands  of  the  Philift  ines,  and  of  being  ill  ufed  by  them  Some 
 render  the  words,  My  embroidered  coat,  or  coat  of  mail  holds  me,  or  hinders  me 
 from  being  pierced  through  with  the  fword.  Because  my  life  is  yet  whole  in  me. 
 Though  he  had  been  wounded  by  the  archers,  yet  be  did  not  apprehend  be  had  re¬ 
 ceived  any  dangerous  wound,  and  was  therefore  afraid  of  falling  alive  into  the  ene¬ 
 my’s  hands.  Ver.  10.  I  stood  upon  him,  and  slew  him.  By  the  account  we 
 have  of  Saul’s  death  in  the  conclufion  of  the  foregoing  book,  it  feems  evident,  that 
 the  whole  ftory  of  this  Amalekite  was  a  fidtion  of  his  own  invciitiug,  in  order  to 
 
 No,  4  G 
 
 ingratiate  himfelf  with  David,  the  prefumptive  fucceflbr  to  the  throne.  But  it 
 may  be  afleed,  how  came  he  by  Saul’s  crown  and  bracelets?  It  is  probable  tliat  he 
 had  found  them  in  fome  part  of  the  camp,  not  on  Saul’s  perfon,  for  it  is  impro¬ 
 bable  that  the  king  would  wear  thofe  ornaments  in  battle,  by  which  the  enemy 
 would  cafily  diftinguifli  him.  Ver.  16.  D  :vit  said — Thy  blood  be  upon  thy  hea.1. 
 This  wretch  intended  to  make  a  merit  of  his  falfehood,  and  to  ingratiate  himfelf 
 with  David,  by  telling  himthathebadkilled  Saul, and prefenting  him  withthe  crown 
 and  bracelet.  But  he  knew  not  Davil  ;  he  knew  not  that  a  crown  would  be 
 unwelcome  to  him  at  the  price  of  treafon  ;  and  that  a  throne  would  not  tempt 
 him,  if  to  be  purchal'ed  by  parricide  ;  could  he  who  had  thrice  fpared  Saul’s  life, 
 when  he  had  it  abfdutely  in  his  power,  forbear  puuilhing  the  man  who  hoalk^ 
 
David* s  lame-,! 
 
 dlOH 
 
 II.  SAMUEL, 
 
 Befoiv 
 Chrift 
 Cir.  10o6> 
 
 (]  JoftiMa 
 
 JO.  la. 
 
 R  Or, 
 
 ^  the  up' 
 ri’ht. 
 e  Mieah 
 1.  10. 
 
 tl  Or, 
 
 tweet. 
 
 ?6  irVod  David  faid  unto  him,  Thy  blood  he  upon 
 tny  head  .  tor  thy  mouth  hath  teftified  againtt  thee, 
 laying,  1  have  fiain  the  Lord’s  anointed. 
 
 ?  ^  And  David  lamented  with  this  lamentation 
 over  haul,  and  over  Jonathan  his  fon  : 
 
 18  (Alfo  he  bade  them  teach  the  children  of  Judah 
 the  use  o/the  bow ;  behold,  it  is  written  in  the  book 
 II  of  Jafher ;) 
 
 19  The  beauty  of  Ifrael  is  flain  upon  the  high 
 places :  how  are  the  mighty  fallen ! 
 
 Gath,  publifh  ?Vnot  in  the  ftreets 
 or  Alkelon ;  left  the  daughters  of  the  Philiftines  re¬ 
 joice,  kft  the  daughters  of  the  uncircumcifed  triumph. 
 
 21  Ye  mountains  of  Gilboa,  let  there  be  uo  dew,  nei¬ 
 ther  let  there  be  rain  upon  you,  nor  fields  of  offerings  : 
 f«'r  there  the  ftield  of  the  mighty  is  vilely  caftaway, 
 the  fhield  of  Saul  as  though  he  had  not  been  anointed 
 with  oil. 
 
 22  From  the  blood  of  the  flain,  from  the  fat  of  the 
 mighty,  the  bow  of  Jonathan  turned  not  back,  and  the 
 fword  of  S  <ul  returned  not  empty. 
 
 23  Saul  and  Jonathan  voere  lovely  and  Jj  pleafant  in 
 their  lives,  and  in  their  death  they  were  not  divided : 
 they  were  fwifter  than  eagles,  they  w'ere  ftronger  than 
 lions. 
 
 24  Ye  daughters  of  Ifrael,  weep  over  Saul,  who 
 clothed  you  in  fcarlet,  with  oMer  delights  ;  who  pot  on 
 orname^s  of  gold  upon  5'oiir  apparel. 
 
 25  How  are  the  mighty  fallen  in  the  midft  of  the 
 
 /or  Saul  and  Jonathan, 
 
 battle !  O  Jonathan,  thou  wasi  flain  in  thine  high  places  Befor# 
 
 26  I  am  diftrefled  for  thee,  my  brother  Jonathan  :  .ci'Hft 
 very  plealant  haft  thou  been  unto  me :  thy  love  to  me 
 
 was  wonderful,  pafling  the  love  of  women. 
 
 27  How  are  the  mighty  fallen,  and  the  weapons  of 
 war  perifhed  !* 
 
 CHAP.  11. 
 
 1  Bavul,  by  God's  direaion,  with  his  company,  goeth  up  to  Hebron,  where 
 he  ts  made  king  of  Judah  ;  5  he  commendeth  them  of  Jabesh-nkad  for 
 their  kindness  to  Saul,  tjc.  °  '' 
 
 And  it  came  to  pafs  after  this,  that  David  en¬ 
 quired  of  the  Lord,  faying,  Shall  1  go  up  into 
 any  of  the  cities  of  Judah?  and  the  Lord  faid  unto 
 him.  Go  up.  And  David  faid,  Whether  fhall  I  go 
 up?  And  he  faid,  unto  Hebron. 
 
 2  So  David  went  up  thither,  and  his  two  wives 
 alio,  Ahinoam  the  Jezreelitefs,  and  Abigail,  Nabal’s 
 wife,  the  Carmelite. 
 
 3  And  his  men  that  *xere  with  him  did  David  bring 
 up,  every  man  with  his  houfehold  :  and  they  dwelt 
 in  the  cities  of  Hebron. 
 
 Judah  came,  and  there  thev^ 
 anointed  David  king  over  the  houle  of  Judah.  And  ^ 
 they  told  David,  faying,  That  ^  the  men  of  Jabelh-  ^  i  Sam, 
 gilead  were  they  that  buried  Saul.  si.  is. 
 
 T  u  David  fent  raeffengers  unto  the  men  of 
 
 Jabelh-gilead,  and  faid  unto  them,  BlefTed  be  ye  of 
 the  Lord,  that  ye  have  fhewed  this  kindnefs  unto 
 your  lord,  even  unto  Saul,  and  have  buried  him. 
 
 1  Ma?. 
 
 5. 
 
 of  having  murdered  him  ?  No.  He  juftly  ordered  bis  immediate  execution,  for 
 ving  been  the  I.onl  s  anointed.  He  behaved  with  fuch  juftice  and  dignity  on 
 t  IS  occafion,  as  fets  him  aberve  all  deferved  reproach.  He  generouliy  laments 
 haul,  though  an  enemy,  and  exprefles  his  concern  for  Jonathan  as  his  brother  and 
 **  lamen'.ed  with  this  lamentation.  Let  any  one  but  read 
 
 over  this  admirable  ode,  than  which  there  is  nothing  more  elegant  and  paffionate 
 imtiquity,  and  he  will  find  the  utmolt  decency  and  propriety  in  the  concern 
 which  David  difeovers,  and  the  encomiums  refpeaively  palTed  on  Saul  and  Jo¬ 
 nathan  ;  nothing  but  what  became  the  charaaers  of  both,  and  fuited  the  fitiia- 
 tion  of  him  that  penned  it.  Saul  be  celebrates  for  his  former  viaories,  but  as 
 to  Jonathan,  how  juft  and  warm  is  the  grief  which  he  manifefts;  I  amdijlressed 
 for  thee  my  brother  Jonathan,  ^e.  Ver.  17.  Also  he  bade  them  teach  the  children  of 
 Judah  the  use  nf  the  bow.  Thefe  words,  with  what  follows  in  this  verfe,  are  rightly 
 put  into  a  paienthefis,  fince  they  do  not  begin  to  make  any  part  of  the  elegaic 
 long  of  David.  They  arc  here  inferted  to  ftiew,  that,  amidft  bis  forrow  and 
 lamentation,  be  was  not  unmindful  of  the  welfare  of  the  people,  and  to  provide 
 foi  their  defence  and  feciirity;  and  therefore  gave  orders  that  care  fliould  be 
 taken,  efpecially  in  the  tribe  of  Judah,  which  was  his  own  tribe  where  he  had 
 the  greateft  authority,  and  for  whom  he  might  have  the  chief  concern,  that 
 they  fliould  be  trained  up  in  nailitary  exercifes,  learn  the  art  of  war,  and  the  ute 
 ol  every  weapon  of  war,  particularly  of  the  bow,  which  being  a  principal  one, 
 May  be  put  for  all.  \  er.  1 9.  2'he  beauty  of  Israel  is  slain.  This  lamentation  has 
 ever  been  admired,  as  a  pidfure  of  diftrefs  the  moft  tender  and  the  moftftriking; 
 unequally  divided  by  grief  into  longer  and  fhorter  breaks,  as  nature  could  pour 
 them  forth  from  a  mind  much  interrupted,  and  filled  with  the  moft  lively  images 
 of  love  and  greatnefs.  We  hear  him  at  firft,  and  at  laft,  every  where  lamenting, 
 haw  are  the  mighty  fallen  !  In  the  very  firft  exclamation,  his  beloved  Jonathan  is 
 ■praised  in  the  firft  break  nnd lamented,  but  evidently  w’ith  the  fame  idea.  0  beaxt- 
 hy  of  Israel  !  A  JV AltRIOIl,  on  thine  high  places  !  How  are  the  mighty  fallen  ! 
 Can  any  thing  be  more  worthily  conceived,  or  more  happily  exprefled,  than  this 
 applaufe  given  to  his  dear  friend  Jonathan  ;  the  ornament  and  defence  of  his  coun¬ 
 try  !  But  “  how  are  the  mighty  fallen  !”  fince  this  Saul  and  Jonathan  alfo  are  flain 
 in  battle.  Whoever  recolledls  the  preceding  hiftory  of  David,  will  fee  the  trueft 
 nature  in  his  thus  breaking  forth  in  the  praife  of  Jonathan  only,  (and  that  with¬ 
 out  naming  him  here  at  firft,)  and  then  in  his  decently  lamenting  the  king  and 
 the  prince  together.  Ver.  btO.  Tell  it  not  in  Gath.  Thefe  are  exprefiions  of  the 
 deepeft  forrow,  the  prophet  defiring  what  was  impoffible :  the  defeat  of  the 
 
 Ifraelitifh  army  having  been  fome  time  publifiied  in  Gath  and  Alkelon,  which 
 feem  to  have  been  the  principal  cities  of  the  Philiftines,  Ver.  22.  From  the  blood 
 oj  the  slain.  That  is,  Jonathan’s  bow  did  always  execution  ;  the  arrows  fliot 
 from  It  pierced  into  men.  Hied  their  blood,  and  ll.w  them  :  they  even  entered 
 into  the  fat  of  the  mighty,  and  brought  them  down.  A  learned  critic  contends, 
 that  the  words  lliould  be  rendered.  “  iVithout  the  blood  of  the  ivarriovs,  without 
 the  fat  of  the  mighty,  the  bow  of  Jonathan  returned  not  back.”  Ver.  2.S.  Saul 
 and  Jonathan  were  lovely  and  pleasant  in  their  lives.  That  is,  bad  no  quarrel  or 
 difterence  with  one  another,  only  on  account  of  David  j  or  were  courteous  and 
 kind  to  their  people.  And  in  their  death  they  were  not  divided  ;  neither  from  the 
 people  nor  from  one  another.  Jonathan  ftuck  clofe  by  his  father  to  the  laft. 
 Ver.  26.  I  am  dijlressed  for  thee  my  brother  Jonathan  i  On  account  of  the  manner 
 oHiis  death,  for  his  lofs  of  him,  and  the  want  of  his  pleafant  converfaticn,  and 
 his  counfel  and  afliftance.  Very  pleasant  hnjl  thou  been  unto  me  :  in  his  friendly 
 vifits  and  converfation,  which  would  take  place  no  more.  Thy  love  to  me  wos 
 wonderful!  confidering  it  was  the  love  of  a  prince  to  a  fubje^,  and  to  one  who 
 was  his  rival  to  the  crown,  and  of  one  who  ran  the  rilk  of  lofing  his  father’s  af- 
 feaion,  and  even  his  own  life,  for  efpoufing  his  caufe.  Faffing  the  love  of  women  , 
 either  that  with  which  they  are  loved  by  men,  or  that  with  which  they  love  their 
 hulbands  and  children  ;  which  is  generally  the  ftrongeft  and  moft  affedlionate. 
 Ver.  27.  How  are  ih?  mighty  tallen  i  This  is  the  burden  of  the  long,  and  the 
 third  repetition  of  it;  an  evidence  how  much  David  was  alFetfted  by  the  lofs  of 
 Saul  and  Jonathan. 
 
 We  tr.r.y  then  upon  the  whole  fay,  with  a  late  commentator,  that  “  this  ode  is 
 oneofthofebeautifulpairagesin  the  holy  feripture,  which  has  been defervedly  adrair. 
 ed  for  Its  fublimity,  by  the  greateft  critics  in  all  ages  ;  that  it  abounds  with  fome 
 of  the  holdeft  and  moft  exprelTive  limilies  that  can  poflibly  be  imagined  ;  and  that, 
 at  the  fame  time  it  contains  the  moft  pathetic  lamentations  that  ever  were  uttered 
 by  a  furviving  friend  for  the  lofs  of  his  partner  ;  and,  upon  the  whole  may  iullly 
 be  deemed  inimitable.” 
 
 EXPI^NATOliY  NOTES.  Chap.  II.  Ver.  David  enquired  of  the  Lord. 
 Though  David,  after  the  death  of  Saul,  had  a,  right  to  the  kingdom,  yet,  as 
 God  had  no  where  declared  at  what  time  he  was  to  make  ufe  of  this  right,  he 
 j  would  not  alTume  the  adminiftration  of  public  affairs,  without  firft  confulting 
 j  his  God.  Hebron  ftood  in  the  midft  of  Judah;  and  being  the  metropolis  of  the 
 whole  tribe,  and  the  poffeflion  of  tliole  prieftly  families  who  had  elpoufed  David’s 
 J  intereft,  it  was  a  very  proper  city  for  him  to  make  the  place  of  bis  refidence  at 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  I.]  Mifery  often  falls  to  the  lot  of  finners,  and  foretaftes  of  eternal  torments  feize  them  on  this  fide  of  the  crave- 
 lometimes  deprive  themfelves  of  life  for  a  relief;  but  in  that  miferable  world  into  which  they  go,  they  fliall  defire  to  die,  and  deatli  fhall  flee  from  them.  Thofe 
 who  occupy  ftations  of  eminence  like  Saul,  make  them  but  the  fairer  marks  for  the  arrows  of  envy.  He  who  refuled  to  excite  judgment  according  to  tlie  command 
 o,  God  in  exterminating  the  Anialekites,  was  probably  killed  by  one  of  them,  and  thereby  deprived  of  the  enfigns  of  royalty.  A  country’s  fufferings  are  a  grief  to  the 
 true  patriot  s  heart.  To  be  deprived  by  death  of  thofe  whom  we  hope  to  meet  again  in  glory,  is  much  more  eafy  than  thofe  concerning  whom  we  have  no  hope. 
 A  gopd  man  loves  ms  enemy  when  alive,  and  abhors  to  rejoice  in  his  death,  for  fometiraes  circumftances  caufe  him  even  to  flied  tears  over  his  grave.  Death  ftiould 
 craze  .rom  the  memory  the  remembrance  of  pad  injuries  ;  we  ffiould  fpeak  none  concerning  them  except  to  their  commendation.  There  is  a  ffiendfhip  which  great 
 JOiiiis  are  capable  of,  that  exceeds  all  other  pafTions.  Grievous  to  the  faithful  is  the  txiumph  of  the  wicked  over  the  caufe  of  God;  ° 
 
jyavid  anointed  Icing  at  Helron, 
 
 II.  SAMUEL. 
 
 Asahelf  -ptaT^ni:  is  slain. 
 
 Pefore 
 
 Clirift 
 
 6  And  now  the  Lord  fhew  kindnefs  and  truth 
 unto  you :  and  I  alfo  will  requite  you  this  kindnels, 
 
 cir^i^  becaufe  ye  have  done  this  thing. 
 
 7  Therefore  now  let  your  hands  be  ftrengthened, 
 and  fbe  ye  valiant :  for  your  mafter  Saul  is  dead,  and  alfo 
 the  houfe  of  Judah  have  anointed  me  king  over  them. 
 
 8  But  Abner  the  fon  of  Ner,  captain  of  t  Saul’s 
 hoft,  took  Ilh-bolheth  the  fon  of  Saul,  and  brought 
 him  over  to  Mahanaim  ; 
 
 9  And  he  made  him  king  over  Gilead,  and  over 
 
 I  Heb. 
 be  ye  the 
 sons  of 
 iialouf- 
 Heb. 
 the  host 
 which  hvas 
 
 21  And  Abner  faid  to  him,  Turn  thee  r,fi'l<-  '  )  thy 
 
 right  hand  or  to  thy  left,  and  lay  t*  ^  e  nold  on  or.e  or 
 
 i,  Clinll 
 
 •3  111 
 
 eii.  IC')3, 
 
 Saul's^ 
 
 105S. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 the  Afhurites,  and  over  Jezreel,  and  over  Ephraim, 
 and  over  Benjamin,  and  over  all  ifrael. 
 
 10  Ifh-bofheth,  Saul’s  fon,  was  forty  years  old  when 
 he  began  to  reign  over  Ifrael,  and  reigned  two  years  : 
 but  the  houfe  of  Judah  followed  David. 
 
 1 1  (  And  the  time  t  that  David  was  king  in  Hebron 
 
 number houfe  of  judah  was  feven  years  and  fix 
 
 days 
 
 eir, 
 
 1052. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 them  to¬ 
 gether. 
 
 months.) 
 
 12  H  And  Abner  the  fon  of  Ner,  and  the  fervants 
 of  I(h-bo(hefh  the  fon  of  Saul,  went  out  from  Ma¬ 
 hanaim  to  Gibeon. 
 
 1 3  And  Joab,  the  fon  of  Zeruiah  and  the  fervants 
 of  D.ivid,  went  out,  and  met  +  together  by  the  pool 
 of  Gibeon  :  and  they  fat  down,  the  one  on  the  one 
 fide  of  the  pool,  and  the  other  on  the  other  fide  of  the 
 pool. 
 
 14  And  Abner  faid  to  Joab,  Let  the  young  men 
 now  arife  and  play  before  us.  And  Joab  faid,  Let 
 them  arife. 
 
 15  Then  there  arofe  and  went  over  by  number 
 twelve  of  Benjamin,  which  pertained  to  Ifh-bofheth 
 the  fon  of  Saul,  and  twelve  of  the  fervants  of  David. 
 
 16  And  they  caught  every  one  his  fellow  by  the 
 head,  and  thrust  his  fword  in  his  fellow’s  fide  ;  fo  they 
 fell  down  together :  wherefore  that  place  was  called 
 "  Helkath-hazzurim,  which  is  in  Gibeon. 
 
 oj strong  there  was  a  very  fore  battle  that  day  :  and 
 
 men.  Abucr  was  beaten,  and  the  men  of  Ilfael,  before  the 
 fervants  of  David. 
 
 t  Heb.  1 8  ^  And  there  were  three  fons  of  Zeruiah  there, 
 t'^Heb?*'’  Abifhai,  and  Afahei :  and  Afahel  was  as 
 
 asone  'of  ^'g^t  f  of  foOt  f  38  3  wild  roe. 
 
 the  roses  19  And  Alkhel  purfued  after  Abner  ;  and  in  going 
 t^tis  in  he  turned  not  to  the  right  hand  nor  to  the  left  t  frotn 
 ;'">f  following  Abner. 
 
 from  after  20  Then  Abner  looked  behind  him,  and  faid,  Art 
 ^hner.  thou  Afahei  ?  And  he  anfwered,  I  am. 
 
 H  Tliat  is, 
 
 The  Held 
 
 hisjunaure.  Ver.  8.  A/aZianniVn  was  in  the  tribe  of  Gad,  and  bad  its  name  from 
 tie  appearance  of  an  hoR  of  angels  to  .Jacob,  Gen.  xxxii.  1.  The  reafons  why 
 ner  retreated  hither  in  the  beginning  of  Ifli-boflieth’s  reign,  were  to  be  at  a 
 utance  fronn  David,  to  fee  the  people  on  that  fide  Jordan,  efpecially  tlie  gallant 
 •n  abitants  of  Jabefli-gilead,  who  were  firmly  attached  to  the  houfe  of  Saul. 
 I  — began  to  reign.  David  had  no  other  title  to  the  fucceflion 
 
 ut  the  appointment  of  God  by  Samuel ;  and  this  claim,  on  which  he  founded  his 
 Fetenhons.  was  univerfally  known  to  the  people  of  Ifrael,  and  the  avowed  reafon 
 ly  they  advanced  him  to  the  throne.  It  was  known  to  Jonathan  his  friend  ; 
 *aui  himfelf  was  no  ftranger  to  it ;  Abigail  confefTes  this  appointment  of  God  ; 
 
 ner  was  not  ignorant  of  it;  as  appears  by  his  words  to  Ifiiboflieth,  and  his 
 V..I*  elders  of  Ifrael,  who  acknowledged  it,  and  confcquently  all 
 
 10  withllood  David  oppofed  the  will  of  God.  Reigned  two  years i  that  is,  he 
 gned  two  years  before  there  was  any  war  between  him  and  David.  But  bein'r 
 n  inaaive  prince,  Abner,  when  the  war  broke  out  with  Judah,  took  the  govern” 
 nt  upon  bimfelf ;  fo  that  the  other  five  years  are  not  reckoned  part  of  Ifli- 
 0  eth  s  reign,  becaufe  he  was  only  a  nominal  king,  without  the  lead  authority. 
 
 the  young  men,  and  take  thee  hi.?  n  armfiur. 
 
 Afahei  would  not  turn  afide  from  folio '.ving  of  him,  1|  Or, 
 
 22  And  Abner  faid  again  to  Afahei,  J'urn  thee  afide 
 from  following  me  :  wherefore  (hould  I  fmite  thee  to 
 the  ground  ?  how  then  fhould  I  hold  up  my  face  to 
 Joab  thy  brother  ? 
 
 23  Howbeit  he  refufed  to  turn  afide;  wherefore 
 Abner,  with  the  hinder  end  of  the  fpear,  fmote  him 
 under  the  fifth  rib,  that  the  I’pear  came  out  behind 
 J'im  ;  and  he  fell  down  there,  and  died  in  the  fame 
 place :  and  it  came  to  pafs,  that  as  many  as  came  to 
 the  place  where  Afahei  fell  down  and  died  flood 
 ftill. 
 
 24  Joab  alfo  and  Abifhai  purfued  after  Abner :  and 
 the  fun  went  down  when  they  were  come  to  the  hiil 
 of  Ammah,  that  lieth  before  Giah,  by  the  w'ay  of  the 
 wildernefs  of  Gibeon. 
 
 25  H  And  the  children  of  Benjamin  gathered  them- 
 felves  together  after  Abner,  and  became  one  troop, 
 and  flood  on  the  top  of  an  hill. 
 
 26  Then  Abner  called  to  Joab,  and  faid,  fhiall  the 
 fword  devour  for  ever?  knoweft  thou  not  that  it  will 
 be  bitternefs  in  the  latter  end?  how  long  fhall  it  be 
 then  ere  thou  bid  the  people  return  from  following 
 their  brethren  ? 
 
 27  And  Joab  faid.  As  God  liveth,  unlefs  thcii  hadft 
 fpoken,  furely  then  t  in  the  morning  the  people  had  t  Heb. 
 |j  gone  up  every  one  from  following  his  brother. 
 
 28  So  Joab  blew  a  trumpet,  and  all  the  people  flood  ^ 
 
 ftill,  and  purfued  after  Ifrael  no  more,  neither  fought  gone’ 
 they  any  more.  away. 
 
 29  And  Abner  and  his  men  walked  all  that  night 
 through  the  plain,  and  pafTed  over  Jordan,  and  W’ent 
 through  all  Bithron,  and  they  came  to  Mahanaim. 
 
 SO  ^  And  Joab  returned  from  following  Abner : 
 and  when  he  had  gathered  all  the  people  together, 
 there  lacked  of  David’s  fervants  nineteen  men  and 
 Afahei. . 
 
 31  But  the  fervants  of  David  had  fmitten  of  Ben^ 
 jamin,  and  of  Abner’s  men,  so  that  three  hundred  and 
 threefcore  men  died. 
 
 32  If  And  they  took  up  Afahei,  and  buried  him  la¬ 
 the  fepulchre  of  his  father,  which  xras  in  Beth-lehem  i 
 and  Joab  and  his  men  went  all  night,  and  they  came 
 to  Hebron  at  break  of  dav.* 
 
 Ver.  1 4.  riay  before  us,  Abner  does  not  here  feem  to  mean,  th.it  they  (hould  de- 
 (troy  one  another,  but  merely  that  they  diould  practice  their  military  exercifes,  in 
 the  fame  manner  as  the  Roman  gladiators,  for  the  fport  or  diverfion  of  the  fpec- 
 tators.  Jofephns  underfiands  the  propofal  as  a  trial  of  (kill,  whicli  mii^ht  (hew 
 who  had  the  bed  difeiplined  or  braved  foldiers.  The  ilfue  however  of  ”the  pro¬ 
 pofal  was  difadrous;  for  it  brought  on  a  hat.le  in  which  multitudes  were  dedroy- 
 ed.  Ver.  22.  How  thenfbould  I  hold  ui>  my  face  to  Toab  thy  broUier  t  Bv  this  It 
 feems,  as  if  Abner  was  confeious  of  himfelf,  that  the  kingdom  juiily  belo’n<red  to 
 David,  and  would  be  liis,  and  that  he  would  be  obliged  to  make  peace  witlT  him 
 when  he  fnould  dand  in  need  of  the  frienddiip  of  Joab,  which  he  could  not  ex^ 
 pedt,  if  he  flew  his  brother.  Afahel’s  condudl  was  mod  ra(h,  furious,  and  preci¬ 
 pitant,  and  no  one  will  pity  his  fate.  Ver.  27.  And  Joab  said.  He  widies  he 
 I  had  thought  the  fame  in  the  morning  ;  for  if  Abner  had  not  defired  the  vounw 
 men  to  play  before  them,  .all  the  blood  fpilt  that  day  had  been  faved.  The'  verfe 
 may  be  thus  paraplirafed  :  “  If  thou  liadfi  not  (aid,  as  thou  didd  in  the  morning. 
 Let  the  young  men  ari/e,  and  ploy  before  v.s,  furely  there  had  been  no  eugao-eir.ents 
 
 between  our  armies,  nor  confequently  any  (laughter  or  purfuit.”  ”  ° 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  II.]  It  is  prudent  as  well  as  pious  to  acknowledge  God  in  all  our  wavs  •  for  this  is  not  more  Ko  ^  T'' 
 
 annea  ‘’'^n  it  will  prove  profitable  to  ourfelves  in  due  time.  In  tile  ipflance  of  David,,  we  fee  th.at  the  death  of  one’ enemy  often  onlv  m  \  ourde- 
 
 oS^rs  (haTl  f  of  David.  If  the  Lord  in  mercy  delivers  Ids  people  (lorn  dds 
 
 the  greiJ  ^  u'’ ■"  perfection.  But  allured  of  the  love  of^God,  we  hlve^Sn  "  re  ote  I  ’ 
 
 g  eatefl  afiiiOtons ;  for.  all  things-  fliall  work  for  our  gopd.  Kindnefs  to  our  frieixls,  or  eycu  injurious  predeceiTors  in  office,  ought  to  be  conf, derod  rarnblJlaaoir 
 
Abnrr  rc'coltclh  to  David,  tfc. 
 
 II.  SAMUEL. 
 
 David  hmcnfeth  Jbner\  deaths 
 
 Uefore 
 
 Chria 
 
 cir 
 
 N 
 
 a  Chap. 
 21.  8,  10^ 
 
 CHAP.  III. 
 
 Dim»g  the  u'lr  Dm  id  flill  wnxetk  Jlrongcr,  The  six  sons  which  were 
 horn  vKlo  him  in  Hebron.  6  Abner  displeased  with  Ijh-bi^iclh,  12  re- 
 voltclh  to  David,  i^-c. 
 
 OW  there  was  long  war  between  the  houfe  of 
 Saul  and  the  houle  of  David  ;  but  David  waxed 
 Wronger  and  lironger,  and  the  houfe  of  Saul  waxed 
 W’eaker  and  weaker. 
 
 2  ^  And  unto  David  were  Tons  born  in  HebrOn :  and 
 his  firfl-bornwas  Amnon,  of  Ahinoam  thejezreelitefs; 
 
 3  And  his  fecond,  Chiieab,  of  Abigail  the  wife  of 
 Nabal  the  Carmelite  ;  and  the  third,  Abfalom,  the  fon 
 of  Maacah,  the  daughter  of  Talmai,  king  of  Gelhur  ; 
 
 4  And  the  fourth,  Adonijab,  the  fon  of  Haggith  ; 
 and  the  fifth,  Shephatiah,  the  fon  of  Abital ; 
 
 5  And  the  fixth,  Ithream,  by  Eglah,  David’s  wife. 
 Tnefe  were  born  to  David  in  Hebron. 
 
 G  *11  And  it  came  to  pafs,  while  there  was  war  be¬ 
 tween  the  hdufe  of  Saul  and  the  houfe  of  David,  that 
 Abner  made  hiinfelf  flrong  for  the  houfe  of  Saul, 
 
 7  And  Saul  had  a  concubine,  whofe  name  was 
 *  Rizpah,  the  daughter  of  Aiah  :  and  Ish-hosheth  faid 
 to  Abner,  Wherefore  haft  thou  gone  in  unto  my 
 father’s  ccncubi'^e  ; 
 
 8  Then  was  Abner  very  wroth  for  the  words  of  Ilh- 
 bofheth,  and  faid.  Am  I  a  dog’s  head,  which  againft 
 Judah  do  ftaew  kindnefs  this  day  unto  the  houfe  of  Saul 
 thy  father,  to  his  brethren  and  to  his  friends ;  and  have 
 not  delivered  thee  into  the  hand  of  David,  that  thou 
 chargeft  me  to-day  with  a  fault  concerning  this  woman? 
 
 9  So  do  God  to  Abner,  and  more  alfo,  except,  as 
 the  Lord  hath  fvvorn  to  David,  even  fo  I  do  to  him  ; 
 
 10  To  tranflate  the  kingdom  from  the  houfe  of  Saul, 
 and  to  fet  up  the  throne  of  David  over  Ifrael  and  over 
 Judah,  from  Dan  even  to  Beer-(heba. 
 
 1 1  And  he  could  not  anfwer  Abner  a  word  again  ; 
 becaule  be  feared  him. 
 
 12  ^  ciud  Abner  fen t  meflengers  to  David  on  his 
 behalf,  faying,  Whofe  Is  the  land  ?  faying  aho.  Make 
 thy  league  with  me,  and,  behold,  my  hand  shalt  be  with 
 thee,  to  bring  about  all  Ifrael  unto  thee. 
 
 13  f  And  he  faid.  Well ;  I  will  make  a  league  with 
 thee ;  but  one  thing  I  require  of  thee,  t  that  is.  Thou 
 ihalt  not  fee  my  face,  except  thou  firft  bring  Michal, 
 Saul’s  daughter,  w'hen  thou  comeft  to  fee  my  face. 
 
 14  And  David  fent  melfengers  to  Ilh-bofheth,  Saul’s 
 Con,  faying,  Deliver  we  my  wife  Michal,  which  I  efpou- 
 
 b  b  foj.  an  hundred  forefkins  of  the  Philiftines. 
 
 riSSnV  15  And  Ifh-bofheth  fent,  and  took  her  from  her 
 25.  <4.  '  hulband,  even  from  •=  Phaltiel  the  fon  of  Laifh. 
 j’haUi.  iQ  And  her  hufband  went  with  her  f  along  weep- 
 ing  behind  her  to  Bahurim.  Then  faid  Abner  unto 
 him.  Go,  return.  And  he  returned. 
 
 1048. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 Japing. 
 
 Heb. 
 
 going  and 
 w.eping. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  III.  Ver.  7.  Wherefore  hajl  thou  gone  in 
 wilo  my  father  s  concubine  ?  It  was  a  general  rule  net  only  among  the  Jews,  but 
 among  other  nations  alfo,  that  no  private  perfon  Ihould  prefume  to  marry  the 
 widow  of  the  king ;  as  this  adlion  made  him  appear  as  a  rival  and  competitor 
 for  the  crown.  Ver.  9,  10.  So  do  God  to  Abner. — We  have  here  an  inflance  in 
 Abner,  what  a  ftrange  alteration  the  defire  of  revenge  will  produce  in  the 
 Imman  breaa ;  and  therefore  we  fhould  be  remarkably  careful  to  watch  the 
 firft  workings  of  that  deftru(ftive  palTion.  Ver.  13.  One  thing  I  require.  David 
 did  right  in  making  this  fiipulation  ;  for  whatever  might  be  faid  to  his  other 
 
 Ihe  Hard 
 day. 
 
 1 7  And  Abner  had  communication  with  the'  el-  iLfon. 
 ders  of  Ifrael,  faying,  Ye  fought  for  David  f  in  iim£s^T‘“'‘i 
 paft  to  be  king  over  you. 
 
 18  Now  then  do  It;  for  the  Lord  hath  fpoken  offii^ 
 David,  faying.  By  the  hand  of  my  fervant  David 
 
 will  fave  my  people  Ifrael  out  of  the  hand  of  the  Phil, 
 iftines,  and  out  of  the  hand  of  all  their  enemies. 
 
 19  And  Abner  alfo  fpake  in  the  ears  of  Benjamin  : 
 and  Abner  vvent  alfo  to  fpeak  in  the  ears  of  David  m 
 Hebron  all  that  Teemed  good  to  Ifrael,  and  that  feemed 
 good  to  the  whole  houfe  of  Benjamin. 
 
 20  So  Abner  came  to  David  to  Hebron,  and  twenty 
 men  with  him  ;  and  David  made  Abner  and  the  men 
 that  were  with  him,  a  feaft. 
 
 21  And  Abner  faid  unto  David,  I  will  arife  and  go, 
 and  will  gather  all  Ifrael  unto  my  lord  the  king,  that 
 they  may  make  a  league  with  thee,  and  that  thou 
 mayeft  reign  over  all  that  thine  heart  delireth.  And 
 David  fent  Abner  away ;  and  he  w'ent  in  peace. 
 
 22  51  And,  behold,  the  fervants  of  David  and  Joab 
 came  from  pwjiiwg  a  troop,  and  brought  in  a  great 
 fpoil  with  them  :  but  Abner  was  not  with  David  in 
 Hebron ;  for  he  had  fent  him  away,  and  he  was  gone 
 in  peace. 
 
 23  When  Joab  and  all  the  hoft  that  was  with  him 
 w'ere  come,  they  told  Joab,  faying,  Abner  the  fon  of 
 Ner  came  to  the  king,  and  he  hath  fent  him  away,  and 
 he  is  gone  in  peace. 
 
 24  Then  Joab  came  to  the  king,  and  faid,  What 
 haft  thou  done  ?  behold,  Abner  came  unto  thee ;  why 
 is  it  that  thou  haft  fent  him  away,  and  he  is  quite  gone  ? 
 
 25  Thou  knoweft  Abner  the  fon  of  Ner,  that  he 
 came  to  deceive  thee,  and  to  know  thy  going  out, 
 and  thy  coming  in,  and  to  know  all  that  thou  doeft. 
 
 26  And  when  Joab  was  come  out  from  David,  he 
 fent  mefifengers  after  Abner,  which  brought  him  again 
 from  the  well  of  Sirah  :  but  David  knew  it  not. 
 
 27  And  when  Abner  was  returned  to  Hebron,  Joab 
 
 took  him  afide  in  the  gate,  to  fpeak  with  him  |1  quiet- 1  Kings 
 ly  ;  and  fmote  him  there  under  the  fifth  rib,  that  he^'Q^ 
 died,  for  the  blood  of  ®  Afahel  his  brother.  peace’abiy. 
 
 28  51  And  afterward,  when  David  beard  it,  he  faid,  e  Chap. 
 
 I  and  my  kingdom  are  guiltlefs  before  the  Lord^-'j^j^ 
 for  ever  from  the  f  blood  of  Abner  the  fon 
 
 Ner : 
 
 29  Let  it  reft  on  the  head  of  Joab,  and  on  all  his 
 father’s  houfe ;  and  let  there  not  f  fail  from  the  houfe  t  Heb. 
 of  Joab  one  that  hath  an  iflbe,  or  that  is  a  leper, 
 
 that  leaneth  on  a  ftafF,  or  that  falleth  on  the  fword, 
 or  that  lacketh  bread. 
 
 30  So  Joab  and  Abifliai  his  brother  flew  Abner, 
 
 becaufe  he  had  flain  their  brother  ^  Afahel  at  Gibeon  f  chap, 
 in  the  battle.  2.  23. 
 
 wives,  he  had  certainly  a  claim  to  this,  as  ftie  was  his  firft  wife,  and  a  king’s  daugh¬ 
 ter.  And  there  was  fomewhat  of  true  generofity  in  this  both  to  her  and  to  Saul, 
 in  that  he  received  her  after  fhe  had  been  another  man’s,  remembering  bow 
 once  file  loved  him,  and  knowing,  probably,  that  file  was  without  her  own 
 confent,  feparated  from  him.  Ver.  27.  And  /mole  him  there  under  the  fifth  rib, 
 that  he  died.  This  was  a  very  treacherous  adlion  of  Joab,  and  for  which  Pro¬ 
 vidence  would  not  fufler  him  to  go  down  fo  tire  grave  in  peace.  It  proceeded 
 from  revenge,  and  probably  alfo  from  jealoufy.  Ver.  29.  J.cl  it  rest  on  the  head 
 of  Joab  and  on  his  Jathers  houfe.  If  h'C  tranflate  the  words  in  the  future  tenfe 
 
 conferred  on  ourfelvcs.  It  is  enough  fo  praife  fuch  as  have  well  deferved  ;  they  fliould  be  if  poffible,  fuitahly  recompenfed.  To  have  thofe  for  our  f  iends,  whole 
 fidelity  to  others  hare  been  tried,  is  a  valuable  acquifition.  Through  great  tribulations  muft  the  faints  arrive  at  their  honours,  efpecially  their  heavenly  kingdom.  Fa  fe 
 notions  of  honour  are  part  of  the  wiles  which  Satan  ufes  for  the  deltrudlion  of  mankind.  But  they  who  are  forward  to  rufii  on  bloodflred  and  war,  have  generally 
 e-fon  to  repent  of  their  rafhnefs  before  it  is  concluded.  The  qualifications  that  render  men  proud  and  wilful  are  commonly  the  means  of  their  ruin.  Often,  when 
 we  teem  ready  to  grafp  the  prize  of  honour  or  bappinefs,  death  flops  our  career,  and  lays  our  high  fwollen  hopes  in  the  duft.  Even  in  a  juft  war  huroau  blood  ought 
 to  be  Ipared  as  niuch  as  poffible.  Life  once  loft,  can  never  be  recovered. 
 
Pavu 
 
 j5i.fore 
 
 Cliri<t 
 
 ■  10»!5. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 bed.  • 
 
 id  lanvn'rth  Ahncr  s  death. 
 
 II.  SAMUEL. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 
 children 
 
 ^  Hcb, 
 was  goo 
 in  their 
 cijcs. 
 
 f  Heb 
 tender. 
 
 t  Ileb. 
 
 second. 
 
 31  H  And  David  lidd  to  Joab,  and  to  all  the  peopk 
 that  were  with  him,  Rend  your  clothes,  and  gird  yoi. 
 w.irh  lackcloth,  and  mourn  before  Abner.  And  kinj. 
 Divid  himself  followed  th  •  f  bier. 
 
 32  And  thev  buried  Abner  in  Hebron :  and  the 
 kinB;litted  up  his  voice,  and  wept  at  the  grave  of 
 Abn  r  ;  and  all  the  people  wept. 
 
 33  And  the  king  lamented  over  Abner,  and  faid, 
 Died  Abner  as  a  fool  dieth  ? 
 
 34  Tny  hands  were  not  bound,  nor  thy  feet  put  in¬ 
 to  fetters  :  as  a  man  fall^^th  before  f  wicked  men,  so 
 
 “•^fell  ft  thou.  And  all  the  p  ople  wept  again  over 
 
 35  And  when  all  the  people  came  to  caufe  David  to 
 ear  meat  while  it  was  yet  day,  David  fware,  laying. 
 So  do  God  to  me,  and  more  alio,  if  1  talle  bread,  or 
 oug  t  ell'e,  till  the  fun  be  down. 
 
 3G  And  all  the  people  took  notice  of  it,  and  it  t 
 pleafed  them  ;  as  whatlbever  the  king  did  pleaLd  all 
 the  people. 
 
 37  For  all  the  people,  and  all  Ifrael,  underftood 
 that  day,  that  it  was  not  of  the  king  to  flay  Abner 
 the  fan  U  Ner. 
 
 33  And  the  king  faid  unto  his  fervants.  Know  ye 
 not  that  there  is  a  prince  and  a  great  man  fallen  this 
 day  in  Ifrael?  . 
 
 39  And  I  am  this  day  t  weak,  though  anointed  king  ; 
 and  thtf  m-n  the  fons  of  Zeruiah  beXo^  hard  for  me  ; 
 the  Lord  fhal!  reward  the  doer  of  evil  according  to 
 his  v;ickednefs.* 
 
 CHAP.  IV. 
 
 1  The  Israelites  being  troubled  at  the  death  of  Ahner,  2  Saanak  and  Re- 
 chab  slay  Ish-boshelh,  and  bring  his  head  to  Hebron.  9  David  couselh 
 then  to  be  stain,  and  Ish-bosheth  s  head  to  be  buried. 
 
 ND  when  Saul’s  fon  heard  that  Abner  was 
 ^  ^  dead  in  Hebron,  his  hands  were  feeble,  and  all 
 
 theTlraelites  were  troubled. 
 
 2  51  And  Saul’s  Ton  had  two  men  that  were  captains 
 of  bands :  the  name  of  the  one  ivas  Baanah,  and  the 
 name  of  the  f  other  Rechab,  the  Ions  of  Rimmon  a 
 Beerothite,  of  the  children  of  Benjamin :  (for  Beeroth 
 alfo  was  reckoned  to  Benjamin  ; 
 
 Ish-bosheth  slaii  hi)  R'cUub  ar.d  Batn  -ih. 
 
 3  And  the  Becrothites  fled  to  Gittaim,  and  were 
 
 r  journers  there  until  this  day.)  ^  lois. 
 
 4  And  Jonathan,  Saul’s  fon,  had  a  fon  that  wtr^lame 
 f //A  feet.  He  w'as  five  years  old  when  the  tidings 
 ame  of  Saul  and  Jonathan  out  of  It  zreel,  an^  hi|^ 
 
 •urfe  to  k  him  up,  and  fled  :  and  it  came  to  pafs,  as 
 (be  made  halfe  to  flee,  that  he  fell,  and  became  lame ; 
 and  his  name  was  M-  phiboflieth. 
 
 5  And  the  fons  of  Ri  nmon  the  Beerothite,  Rechab 
 and  Baanah.  wenf,  and  ctme  about  the  h^^ar  of  ^he 
 day  to  the  houfeof  llh-bofheth,  who  lay  on  a  bed  at 
 
 6  And  they  came  thither  in’o  the  midft  of  the  houfe, 
 as  though  they  would  have  fetched  wheat ;  and  they 
 finote  nim  under  the  fifth  rib:  and  Rechab  and  Baa¬ 
 nah  Ms  brother  efcaped. 
 
 7  For  hen  they  came  into  the  houfe,  he  lay  on 
 his  bed  in  his  bed-chamber,  and  they  fmote  him,  and 
 fl  w  him,  and  beheaded  him,  and  tO'<-k  his  head,  and 
 ,>ar  thein  away  through  the  plain  alj  night. 
 
 8  And  they  brought  the  head  of  Kb-bofheth  unto 
 David  to  Hebron,  and  faid  to  the  king.  Behold  the 
 fiead  of  Ifh-bolheth  the  1  n  of  Saul,  thine  enemy, 
 which  fought  thv  life;  and  the  Lord  hath  avenged 
 mv  lord  the  king  this  day  of  Saul,  and  of  his  Ited. 
 
 9  51  And  D  ivid  anfwered  Rechab  and  Baanah  his 
 
 brother,  the  Ions  of  Rimmon  the  Beerothite, ana  faid 
 unto  them.  As  the  Lord  liveth,  who  hath  redeemed 
 my  loul  out  of  all  adverfity,  ,  r.  ,  • 
 
 10  When*  one  told  me,  faying,  Behold,  Saul  is»chap.^^ 
 dead,  (thinking  to  have  brought  good  tidings,)  I  took  ^ 
 
 hold  of  him,  and  flew  him  in  Ziklag,  11  vit\o  thought  he  was  in 
 that  I  w'ould  have  given  him  a  reward  for  his  tidings  :  bis  own 
 
 11  How  much  more,  when  wicked  men  have 
 
 a  righteous  perfon  in  his  own  houfe  upon  his  bed  ? 
 
 (hall  I  not  therefore  now  require  his  blood  of  your  j  Or, 
 hand,  and  take  you  away  from  the  earth  ?  £ '"Lara 
 
 12  And  David  commanded  his  young  men,  ^^Qi^avehim. 
 they  fl 'W  them,  and  cut  offtheir  hands  and  their  feet, /m* 
 and  hanged  them  up  over  the  pool  in  Hebron :  but  tidings. 
 they  took  the  head  of  llh-bofheth,  and  buried  it 
 
 the  “  fepulchre  of  Abner  in  Hebron. + 
 
 lon<Ted  by  right  to  the  Betijamites,  Jo(h.  xviii.  25.  V«r.  3.  The  Beerothites  that 
 is,  The  Bc-njamites  who  inhabited  Beeroth,  fled  to  the  overthrow  of  Saul’s  army, 
 l*Sam.  xxxi.  7.  Ver.  8.  And  they  brought  the  head  oj  Ish-bosheth  unto  David.  It 
 mayfeem  a  little  flrange  that  thefe  two  ruffians  were  not  difeouraged  by  David’s 
 punilhing  the  Amalekites  for  killing  of  Saul,  and  by  the  detellation  he  bad  pub¬ 
 licly  fiiewn  of  Joab’s  bafenefs  in  murdering  Abner.  Buttlie  former  of  thefe  cafes, 
 they  may  think,  was  not  parallel  to  theirs,  becaufe  Saul  was  anointed  by  God’s 
 immediate  direClion,  whereas  Iffi-hoffi  th,  having  never  had  any  fuch  facred  unc¬ 
 tion,  W'as  no  more  than  an  ufurper.  And  as  for  the  latter,  they  might  th.nk,  that 
 David’s  condua  in  relation  to  Abner’s  death,  proceeded  from  art  and  policy,  ra¬ 
 ther  than  any  ferious  dillike  of  the  thing  itfelf ;  and  in  this  opinion,  they  might 
 rather  be  confirmed,  when  they  faw  Joab,  infiead  of  being  punilhcd,  continuing 
 in  the  very  lame  poll  and  power  that  he  had  btb  re. 
 
 instead  of  the  imperative  mood,  “It  lhall  rest,”  &c.  the  charaaer  of  David  to 
 be  cleared  from  alperfions,  and  the  fentence,  instead  of  an  execration  only  become 
 a  prophetical  prediaion  which  David  delivered  by  divine  infpiration,  and  wmch 
 was  in  the  fennel,  accompliflied  in  its  greatest  extent.  Ver.  33.  Died  Ahncr  as  a 
 ■fool.  Tiie  word  fool  in  this  fentence  fignifies  one  who  imprudently  expoles  Imn- 
 feir  to  danger,  without  making  ufe  of  tlie  means  in  his  power  to  extricate  himlelf. 
 
 EXPI.ANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  IV.  Ver.  1.  His  hands  were  feeble ; 
 that  is,  his  fpirit,  courage  and  strengtli  failed  him.  Such  is  the  import  of  the  pbrafe, 
 
 '  Ezra  iv.  4.  Neh.  vi  9.  Ifa.  xiii.  7.  xxxv.  3.  And  ell  the  Israelites  were  troubled. 
 
 Becaufe  by  his  death  the  treaty  with  David  was  broken  ofif ;  or  there  w's  none  to 
 manage  it  with  fuch  authority  and  prudence  as  Abner  did ;  and  they  forefaw  lome 
 gre,;t  change  (and  how  it  might  end  they  knew  not)  by  the  lofs  of  this  great  man. 
 
 Ver.  2.  Beeroth  was  now'  poffeffed  by  the  Fliilistines,  1  Sam.  xxxi.  7.  but  it  be- 
 
 ^  ■  n  ((  -.-TT  -IT  -  ■  .  fVio  niirnnie.  of  lieaven  t  for  fure,  though  gradual,  are  the  honours  which 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVA  riONS.— *  Chap.  I  .]  t  is  vain  o  ®  ,,  Thofe  things  which  promifed  us  the  ereateiT 
 
 con.e  from  above  The  tranfgreffion  of  the  law,  which  prohibits  polyga  ..y,  g  y  P  „  .  j  f„iiii,nent  of  God’s  purpofes  or  promiles.  Ralh  accu- 
 
 comfort  prove  frequently  our  greatell  Icourges.  The  foUy  and  fin  of  -mked  men  W.ak  kings  are  but  llave^  to  their  own  fervants. 
 
 fations  feldom  ilfue  well  ;  and  proud  men  can  as  felt  om  ear  a  rtproo  own  ambftion.  It  refleas  little  honour  on  us  wh-n  humour,  not  confcience 
 
 Little  dep.-ndance  can  be  placed  on  thofe  wliofe  zeal  for  our  is  h  ^K-ive^mnofed  on  Wicked  fupprelfors  of  truth,  fighters  ag  .inft  their  o.,  n  confcience, 
 
 reduces  us  to  our  <!uty.  It  is  however  our  duty  to  undeceive  thofe  whoin  vve  >  iLSuntnts  God’s  work.  While  wicktd  men  have  pride  enough 
 
 and  traitors  to  thofe  who  have  tru fled  them  have  e  i  om  eit  ler  deteflable  treachery,  in  order  to  gratify  their  revenge,  or  deflroy  thei  ■  fufpeaed  rivals, 
 
 to  overbear  their  luperiors,  they  are  o  ten  a  e  enoug  o  oop  t  gon.  not  uunilh  them  becaufe  of  the  power  of  the  guilty  !  Long  impunitv  makes  finners 
 
 How  hard  is  it  when  kings  can  only  mourn  over  crimes  committed  ;  H„/to  it  will  come  t  laft  ;  nd  God  will  not  fuller  the  tranfgrelfors  to  efc.ape. 
 
 confident ;  hut.  though  murder  may  pafs  unpunilhed  for  a  while,  tiie  vengea  numerous  and  e-reat  the  p'  rils  ofii.lai.cy  ;  to  have  efcaped  them  unhurt 
 
 _  PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.-t  Chap  ly. 
 
 is  a  rintnilor  mpri'v  fiofl  fnon  removcs  every  obfificle  to  the  fultilment  ot  his  purpoie  aiKi  proiunr ,  tanu  t  ©  *  i  jr-  i-  i  *  i  n  u  • 
 
 ib  a  nnguiai  mercy,  uoa  loon  leuju  ta  i  when  once  thev  be^m  to  ialL  every  pretended  fnen<l  is  readv  to  haflen  ih^ir 
 
 weak  and  condition  The  h’<^her  men  ■  ftation  is,  the  more  dangerous  it  is  ,  ana  wnen  once  luey  ^  ^  »  j  v  ^  -  i  .  -  c 
 
 weaK  ana  anjeci  conaition.  me  u  n  d  ^  j  a  lo  life  who  have  wicked  men  tor  their  guAi'dians  :  but  iinners  hands  make  Ujc  fnar« 
 
 ruin,  and  often  religion  is  made  a  pretext  for  fuch  conduiil ;  very  precarious  is  their  UR,  w no  nave  wicaeu  uiei.  lo  o  , 
 
 Nu,  20....G(i,  ^  H 
 
II.  Si^MUEL. 
 
 Dav.’d  anointed  ling  over  Israel. 
 
 I'ctore 
 
 Clirid 
 
 HOIS. 
 
 a  1  Chro, 
 11.  I. 
 
 b  Pfalm 
 78,  71. 
 
 1  The 
 
 r.ge:  i 
 sendt'l 
 
 .rjil 
 
 CHAP.  V. 
 
 tribes  come  to  Hebron  to  anoint  T)aviJ  king  over  Israel,  I)  ;vid's 
 ■  5  he  t  JiClh  Ztun  jrom  the  Jcbnj'nes,  unci  dwelleth  in  it,  1 1  Hiruvi 
 mejjengers  to  Ddvid,  cj-e. 
 
 HEN  *  came  all  the  tribes  of  Ifrael  to  David 
 unto  Hebron,  and  fpake,  faying,  Behold,  vre 
 are  thy  bone  and  thy  fiefh. 
 
 2  Alfo  in  time  part,  when  Saul  was  king  over  us, 
 thou  wart  he  that  leddeft  out  and  broughtert  in  Ifrael : 
 and  the  Lord  laid  to  thee,  thou  (halt  feed  my 
 people  Ifrael,  and  thou  (halt  be  a  captain  over  Ifrael. 
 
 3  So  all  the  elders  of  Ifrael  came  to  the  king  to 
 Hebron;  and  king  David  made  a  leauge  with  them 
 in  Hebron  before  the  Lord  ;  and  they  anointed 
 David  king  over  Il'rael. 
 
 4  ^  David  "was  thirty  years  old  when  he  began  to 
 reign,  and  he  reigned  forty  years. 
 
 5  In  Hebron  he  reigned  over  Judah  ^  feven  years 
 and  fix  months  ;  and  in  Jerufalem  he  reigned  thirty 
 and  three  years  over  all  Ifrael  and  Judah. 
 
 6  H  And  the  king  and  his  men  went  to  Jerufalem 
 unto  the  Jebufites,  the  inhabitants  of  the  land  ;  which 
 fpake  unto  David,  faying,  Except  thou  takeaway  the 
 
 and  the  lame,  thou  (halt  not  come  in  hither : 
 II  thinking,  David  cannot  come  in  hither. 
 
 7  Neverthelefs  David  took  the  rtrong  hold  of  Zion  : 
 the  lame  is  the  city  of  David. 
 
 8  And  David  faid  on  that  day,  Whofoever  getteth 
 up  to  the  gutter,  and  fmiteth  the  Jebufites,  and  the 
 
 lame.  i7elame  and  the  blind,  that  are  hated  of  David’s  (bul,  he 
 shall  not  shall  be  chief  and  captain.  ||  Wherefore  they  (aid,  The 
 
 7i^housl,  come  into  the  houfe. 
 
 t  Heb.  *  ,  9  So  David  dwelt  in  the  fort,  and  called  it,  The 
 went  go-  city  of  David:  and  David  built  round  about,  from 
 ingand  Millo  aiid  iiiward. 
 
 tir'mf's.  David  f  went  on,  and  grew  gredt ;  and  the 
 
 e  1  ctiro.  Lord  God  of  holds  ivas  with  him. 
 
 1-  11  H  And  '  Hiram  king  of  Tyre  fent  meflengers  to 
 
 f  Heb.  David,  and  cedar-trees,  and  carpenters,  and  +  mafons ; 
 th^Znfo/'^^^  they  built  David  an  houfe. 
 the  wall.  12  And  David  perceived  that  the  Lord  had  efta- 
 
 c  Chap. 
 
 2.  11. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 saying, 
 David 
 shall  not, 
 
 d  1  Ohio. 
 11.  6—9. 
 II  Or, 
 
 Secausa 
 they  had 
 said,  even 
 the  blind 
 and  the 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  V.  Ver.  2.  This  was  David’s  part  of 
 the  covenant,  which  the  elders  of-  Ifrael  fuggefted  to  him  in  a  very  elegant  meta¬ 
 phor,  which  here  occurs  the  Srll  time,  though  afterwards  it  is  frequently  ufed  in 
 lacred  writ,  efpeciaily  in  the  prophets,  as  well  as  feme  profane  authors.  The  ex- 
 preffion.  Thou  shalt  feed  my  people  Israel,  reminded  David  that  he  was  created  a 
 king,  not  fo  much  for  the  advancement  of  his  own  honour  and  intereft,  as  for  the 
 good  of  the  community,  whom  he  was  to  rule  with  all  tendernefs,  and  watch  over 
 w  ith  all  diligence.  Ver.  6 — 8.  The  king  and  his  men  went  to  Jerusalem,  David 
 was  of  an  enterprifing  genius,  which  he  always  employed  for  the  honour  and  intc- 
 reft  of  his  country.  His  fiege  of  Jerufalem  was  founded  in  juftice,  and  the  taking 
 it  neceiTary  to  the  fafety  of  his  government  and  people.  But  the  whole  city,  as 
 well  as  the  fort,  was  now  in  the  hands  of  the  Jebulltes  ;  for  when  David  demanded 
 the  reftitution  of  the  city,  the  Jebufites  faid.  Thou  shalt  not  come  in  hither.  That 
 are  hated  of  David’s  soul ;  becaufe  he  was  defpifed  and  jeered  at  by  them,  and 
 through  them,  but  chiefly  becaufe  they  perfifted  to  defy  the  armies  of  the  living 
 God,  whom  David  trufted  and  obeyed  He  shall  be  chief  and  captain,  Thefe 
 W'ords  are  not  in  the  original  text  here,  but  are  properly  fupplied  from  I  Chron.  xi.  6. 
 They  denote,  that  he  fhould  be  chief  commander  of  the  army  :  which  honour 
 Joab  obtained,  being  the  firft  who  went  up  and  fmote  them.  Wherejore  they  said, 
 The  blind.  The  Hebrew  word  is  properly  future,  as  verbs  in  that  tenle  are  known 
 to  he  frequentative,  or  to  exprefs  the  continuance  of  doing  anything;  and  therefore 
 
 lie  ialeth  Zion  f  cm  He  Jdusites, 
 
 birthed  him  king  over  Ifrael,  and  that  he  had  exalted  Before 
 his  kingdom  for  his  people  Ifrael’s  lake.  .  cinift 
 
 13  ^  And  f  David  took  him  more  concubines  and^^^°^^' 
 wives  out  ot  Jeruialem,  after  he  was  come  from 
 
 bron  :  and  there  were  yet  Cons  and  daughters  born  s.  3. 
 to  David. 
 
 14  And  K  thefe  be  the  names  of  thofe  that  were  born  g  i  chro. 
 unto  him  in  Jerufalem  ;  Shammuah,  and  Shobab,  and 
 Nathan,  and  Solomon, 
 
 1 5  Ibhar  alfo,  and  Elrthna.  and  Nepheg,  and  Japhia, 
 
 16  And  Elifbaraa,  and  Eliada,  and  Eliphelet. 
 
 17  ^  But  when  the  Philiftines  heard  that  they  had  to-ir. 
 
 anointed  David  king  over  Ifrael,  all  the  Philirtines  j,' 
 came  up  to  feek  David  :  and  David  heard  of  it,  and  14]  ^ 
 
 went  down  to  the  hold. 
 
 18  The  Philiftines  alfo  came  and  fpread  themfelves 
 in  the  valley  of  Rephaim. 
 
 19  And  David  enquired  of  the  Lord,  faying,  Shall 
 I  go  up  to  the  Philiftines  ?  wilt  thou  deliver  them  into 
 mine  hand  ?  and  the  Lord  faid  unto  David,  Go  up:  for 
 
 I  will  doubtlefs  deliver  the  Philiftines  into  thine  hand. 
 
 20  And  David  came  to  ‘  Baal-perazim,  and  David  •  ifa'ak 
 fmote  them  there,  and  faid,  The  Lord  hath  broken 
 forth  upon  mine  enemies  before  me,  as  the  breach 
 
 of  waters.  Therefore  he  called  the  name  of  that  place 
 
 II  Baal-perazim.  |j  That  is, 
 
 2 1  And  there  they  left  their  images,  and  David  and 
 
 his  men  11  burnt  them.  f^eachi 
 
 22  H  And  the  Philiftines  came  up  yet  again,  and  k  1  chro. 
 
 fpread  themfelves  in  the  valley  of  Rephaim.  '5. 
 
 23  And  when  David  enquired  of  the  Lord, 
 faid,  Thou  (halt  not  go  up  ;  but  fetch  a  compafs  be-  Z-Jyl 
 hmd  them,  and  come  upon  them  over  againft  the 
 mulberry-trees. 
 
 24  And  let  it  be,  when  thou  heareft  the  found  of  a 
 going  in  the  tops  of  the  mulberry-trees,  that  then  thou 
 fhalt  beftir  thyfelf :  for  then  fhali  the  Lord  go  out 
 before  thee,  to  fmite  the  hoft  of  the  Philiftines. 
 
 25  And  David  did  fo,  as  the  Lord  had  command¬ 
 ed  him ;  and  fmote  the  Philiftines  from  Geba  until 
 thou  come  to  Gazer.* 
 
 em 
 
 that  ten fe  is  with  great.,  propriety  ufed  here  to  exprefs  the  frequent  repetition  of 
 the  infolent  fpeech^ufed  hy  the  blind  and  the  lame  upon  the  walls  of  the  fortrefs- 
 Tzinnur  rendered  fignifies,  according  to  one  of  the  firft  Hebrew  criticsof 
 
 I  modern  times,  a  siiblerrajieous  pajfage,  through  which  the  befieged  defeended  for 
 water.  Such  a  palfage  was  not  uncommon  in  cities  among  the  ancients.  Poly- 
 j  hius  fays  of  an  ancient  city,  “It  could  not  be  taken  till  a  prifoner  ftiewed  the 
 j  befiegers  this  paffage.”  In  this  fenfe  Jofephus  underftood  this  verfe.  The  tran- 
 I  nation  of  the  whole  of  this  paffage  by  the  above-mentioned  author  feems  to  convey 
 a  more  obvious,  and  perhaps  a  more  juft  fenfe  than  our  verfion  :  “  And  the  king 
 and  his-*men  went  to  Jerufalem  unto  the  Jebufites,  the  inhabitants;  which  fpake 
 unto  David,  faying.  For  the  blind  and  the  lame  fhali  keep  thee  ofl^  by  faying, 
 David  fhali  not  come  hither.  Neverthelefs  David  took  the  ftrong  hold  of  Zion; 
 the  fame  is  the  city  of  David.  And  David  faid  on  that  day,  whoever  (tirfij  fmit¬ 
 eth  the  Jebufites,  and  through  the  fuhterraneous  paffage  reacheth  the  blind  and 
 the  lame,  which  are  hated  of  David’s  foul,  becaufe  tlie  blind  and  the  lame  con¬ 
 tinued  to  fay.  He  fhali  not  come  into  this  houfe.”  Ver.  9.  Millo.  That  is 
 generally  fuppofed  to  have  been  the  name  of  the  caftle  of  Zion,  or  the  fortrefs 
 of  the  city  of  David.  Ver.  II.  And  Hiram  king  o"  Tyre  sent  mcjfengers  !0  David  ; 
 To  compliment  him  upon  the  fucceSiion  to  the  throne,  and  upon  his  taking 
 Jerufalem.  The  name  of  this  prince  before  was  Abibalus  ;  but  he  now  changed 
 his  name  to  Hiram,  which  fignifies  he  lives  who  is  exalted,  or  let  him  live  who  is 
 
 hy  which  themfelves  are  caUght.  It  is  proper  that  magiftrates  fhould  think  (he  heft  of  their  oppofers ;  and  that  they  fhould  punifti  treachery  or  murder,  even  when 
 it  fhould  feem  calculated  to  promote  their  own  interefts. — Let  the  fudden  and  unexpeifted  death  of  Saul’s  Son,  while  dreaming  of  an  early  kingdom,  teach  us  the 
 uncertainty  of  all  worldly  hopes  or  enjoyments  And  it  ought  not  to  be  forgotten,  that  there  is  no  fecurity  againft  the  evil  of  death  without  an  intereft’  in  the  blood 
 of  Chrift,  who  by  his  death  hath  overcome  death,  and  by  Lis  refurredlion  hath  fecured  th-  refurre<5lion  of  all  his  people. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS - *  Chap.  V.]  Though  God’s  promife  tarry  long,  it  is  fully  accornpliftied  at  laft.  He  can  produce  unanimity  in  the  largeft 
 
 focicties  whenever  the  ends  of  his  glory  require  it.  The  duty  of  magiftrates  and  fubjeefts  are  reciprocal,  the  one  being  bound  as  much  as  the  other.  What  vicSiory, 
 honour,  and  happinefs,  attend  the  peculiar  prefence  of  God  with  men  !  and  to  him  the  glory  of  all  our  fuccelTes  ought  to  be  afeubed.  But  alas  !  that  God’s  favourites 
 fhould  have  multiplied  to  themfelves  wives  and  concubines  !  If  by  one  wife  Adam  aad  J^oah  peopled  the  wQrld,  what  need  for  fo  many  to  furnifh  one  throne  I  But 
 
II.  SAMUEL. 
 
 pivid  fdcluili  up  the  arjc,  ^c. 
 
 and  placclh  it  in  Z'on  'with  gladness. 
 
 Pefore 
 
 Chrill 
 
 CHAP.  VI. 
 
 1  Dnvid  jetchelh  th' ark  frovi,  Kirjnlh-jearim  on  a  new  cart.  C  Uzzak 
 i,i  smitten  at  Perea  uzza/i,  JI  God  blrjfeth  Obed-edom  for  the  ark.  12 
 David  briiigeth  the  ark  into  Zion,  ij-c. 
 
 Again,' David  gathered  together  all  the  chofen 
 mm  oFIlrael,  thirty  thouland. 
 
 2  And  “  David  aroi’e,  and  went  with  all  the  people 
 that  wre  with  him  from  Baale  of  Jndah,  to  bring  up 
 from  thence  the  ark  of  God,  |1  whofe  name  is  called 
 by  the  name  of  The  Lord  of  holts,  that  dwelleth 
 between  the  cherubims. 
 
 3  And  they  f  fet  the  ark  of  God  upon  a  new  cart, 
 and  brought  it  out  of  the  houfe  of  Abinadab,  that 
 was  in  |l  Gibeah  ;  and  Uzzah  and  Ahio,  the  Ions  of 
 Abinadab,  drave  the  new  cart. 
 
 4  And  they  brought  it  out  of  ^  the  houfe  of  Abi¬ 
 nadab,  which  was  at  Gibeah,  f  accompanying  the  ark 
 of  God  ;  and  Ahio  went  before  the  ark. 
 
 5  And  David,  and  all  the  houfe  of  Ifrael,  played 
 before  the  Lord  on  all  manner  of  instruments  made 
 oj  fir-wood,  even  on  harps,  and  on  pfaiteries,  and  on 
 timbrels,  and  on  cornets,  and  on  cymbals. 
 
 6  ^  And  when  they  came  to  Nachon’s  threfhing- 
 floor,  Uzzah  put  forth  his  hand  to  the  ark  of  God, 
 and  took  hold  of  it ;  for  the  oxen  |1  fliook  it. 
 
 7  And  the  anger  of  the  Lord  was  kindled  againft 
 Uzzah ;  and  God  fmote  him  there  for  his  1|  error ; 
 and  there  he  died  by  the  ark  of  God. 
 
 8  And  David  was  difpleafed,  becaufe  the  Lord 
 had  t  made  a  breach  upon  Uzzah  ;  and  he  called  the 
 name  of  the  place  \\  Perez-uzzah  to  this  day. 
 
 9  And  David  was  afraid  of  the  Lord  that  day, 
 and  faid,  How  (hall  the  ark  of  the  Lord  come  to 
 me  ? 
 
 10  So  David  would  not  remove  the  ark  of  the 
 Lord  unto  him  into  the  city  of  David  ;  but  David 
 carried  it  afide  into  the  houfe  of  Obed-edom  the 
 Gittite. 
 
 11  And  the  ark  of  the  Lord  continued  in  the 
 houfe  of  Obed-edom  the  Gittite  three  months :  and 
 the  Lord  bleffed  Obed-edom,  and  all  his  houfehold. 
 12  f  And  it  was  told  king  David,  faying.  The 
 
 a  1  Cliro. 
 13.  5,  6. 
 
 II  O'-. 
 
 tvhicii 
 the  name, 
 fven  the 
 name  of 
 the 
 
 lORD 
 of  hosts 
 ms  called 
 
 upon. 
 
 Ilel). 
 made  to 
 rule. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 the  hill, 
 
 b  1  Sam. 
 7.  1- 
 f  Heb. 
 
 Kith. 
 
 C  1  Cbro. 
 13.  9. 
 
 ■||  Or, 
 
 slumbled. 
 
 f 
 
 ^  rashnefs. 
 f  Heb. 
 
 Ireken. 
 
 j|  That  is, 
 *  Thebreach 
 ■  oj  Uzvih. 
 
 ezalied.  Ver.  22.  And  the  Fhiliflines  came  up  yet  again.  They  invaded  David 
 twice,  foon  after  his  eftablifhment  on  the  throne.  They  were  therefore  the  unjufl 
 aggreffurs,  and  David  had  a  right  to  repel  them  by  force.  He  fought  them  ;  he 
 beat  them  ;  and  how  fevere  foever  his  treatment  was,  they  brought  it  upon  them- 
 felves,  and  David  was  in  the  right  to  fmite  them,  as  to  prevent,  if  poffible,  their 
 invading  his  country  any  more. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  VI.  Ver.  2.  It  is  fuppofed  by  fome 
 that  this  bringing  back  of  the  ark  was  appointed  to  be  at  one  of  the  three  great 
 feftivals ;  and  the  reafon  why  David  might  fummon  fo  many  of  his  principal 
 miiiifters  and  officers  to  accompany  him  in  the  expedition,  might  be  to  infpire 
 the  young  people,  who  perhaps  had  heard  little  or  nothing  of  the  ark,  by 
 reafon  of  its  having  been  abfent  fo  long,  with  a  mighty  veneration  for  it,  when 
 they  faw  the  king  and  fo  many  of  the  chief  nobility  waiting  on  it,  with  fuch  a 
 raiiety  of  muGc,  and  fuch  public  declarations  of  joy.  Ver.  6  Nachon's  threpUng- 
 fioor.  The  word  Nachon  is  ufed  by  way  of  anticipation,  in  allufion  to  the  fate 
 of  Uzzah  ;  for  Nacho  fignilies  to  f  nile,  and  Nachon  the  aEl  o  ’  ftriking  ;  this  floor 
 being  after  this  tranfatftion  named  the  floor  of  Nachon,  (the  floor  of  striking, J  in 
 allufion  to  God’s  fmiting  Uzzah.  In  1  Chron.  xiii.  9.  it  is  named  the  floor  of  Chi- 
 don,  which  conveys  the  fame  idea ;  for  Chid  hguihea  dcstruSlion.  Ver.  7.  God 
 smote  him  there  for  his  error.  The  ark  ought  not  to  have  been  drawn  by  oxen,  but 
 Carried  by  the  Levites  on  their  fhoulders,  as  we  find  it  was  afterwards,  ver.  13. 
 aod  their  negle<5ling  to  do  it  on  this  folemn  occafion,  and  confulting  their  eafe 
 more  than  their  duty,  was  an  offence  of  no  fmall  aggravation.  Befides  this,  the 
 Levites  were  prohibited  from  touching  the  ark,  under  theexprefs  penalty  of  death, 
 Numb.  iv.  15 — 20.  Ver.  13.  And  it  was  fo.  From  tliefe  words  fome  would 
 infer,  that  David,  having  nftafured  the  ground  between  Obed-edom’s  houfe, 
 
 Lord  hath  bkfied  the  houfe  of  Ohed-cdom,  and  all  Nefbre 
 that  pertaineth  unto  him,  bccauf"  of  ihe  aik  of  G 
 
 So  David  went  and  brought  up  ihe  aik  of  G  c 
 from  the  houfe  of  Obed-edom  into  the  city  of  Davu^  d  i  Chro. 
 with  gladnefs.  15.25. 
 
 13  And  it  was  fo,  (hat,  when  they  that  bare  the  ark 
 of  the  Lord  had  gone  fix  paces,  he  facrificed  cxen 
 and  fadings, 
 
 14  And  David  danced  before  the  Lord  with  all  hh 
 might ;  and  David  was  girded  with  a  linen  ephod. 
 
 15  So  i  .avid  and  all  the  houfe  of  Ifrael  brought 
 up  the  ark  of  the  Lord  with  (houting,  and  witn  the 
 found  of  the  trumpet. 
 
 16  And  as  the  ark  of  the  Lord  came  into  the  city 
 of  David,  Michal,  Saul’s  daughter,  looked  through  a 
 window,  and  faw  king  David  leaping  and  dancing  be¬ 
 fore  the  Lord  ;  and  Ihe  defpifed  him  in  her  heart. 
 
 1 7  H  And  they  brought  in  the  ark  of  the  Lord,  and 
 
 fet  it  in  his  place,  in  the  midft  of  the  tabernacle  that 
 David  had  f  pitched  for  it  :  and  David  offered  burnt-  f 
 offerings  and  peace-offerings  before  the  Lord.  stretched. 
 
 18  And  as  (bon  as  David  had  made  an  end  of  offer¬ 
 
 ing  burnt-offerings  and  peace-offerings,  =  he  bltfiTedei  Chro. 
 the  people  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  of  hofts.  -• 
 
 19  And  he  dealt  among  all  the  people,  even  among 
 the  whole  multitude  of  Ifrael,  as  well  to  the  women 
 as  men,  to  every  one  a  cake  of  bread,  and  a  good 
 piece  of  flesh,  and  a  flagon  (f  wine.  So  all  the  people 
 departed  every  one  to  his  houfe. 
 
 20  H  Then  David  returned  to  blefs  his  houfehold. 
 
 And  Michal,  the  daughter  of  Saul,  came  out  to  meet 
 David,  and  faid,  How  glorious  was  the  king  of  Ifrael 
 to-day,  who  uncovered  himielf  to-day  in  the  eyes  of 
 the  handmaids  of  his  fervants,  as  one  of  the  vain  fel¬ 
 lows  j]  fharaelefsly  uncovereth  himfelf !  ll 
 
 21  And  David  faid  unto  Michal,  It  was  before 
 Lord,  which  chofe  me  before  thy  father,  and  before 
 
 ail  his  houfe,  to  appoint  me  ruler  over  the  people  of  (|  or, 
 the  Lord,  over  Ifrael:  therefore  will  I  play  before eZ-'/ie 
 the  Lord. 
 
 22  And  I  will  yet  be  more  vile  than  thus,  and  will 
 
 be  bafe  in  mine  own  fight ;  and  11  of  the  maid-fervants  vants. 
 
 and  the  place  he  had  built  for  the  reception  of  the  ark,  and  altars  raifed  at  the 
 distance  of  every  fix  paces,  whereon  he  caufed  facrifices  to  be  offered,  as  the  ark 
 paffed  by.  But  it  is  eafy  to  imagine,  what  a  deal  of  confufion  this  would  create 
 in  the  proceffion  ;  and  therefore  the  more  rational  construtflion  is,  that  after 
 thofe  who  carried  the  ark  had  advanced  fi.x  paces,  without  any  fuch  token  of 
 divine  wrath  as  Uzzah  had  undergone,  then  did  they  offer  a  facrifice  of  thankf- 
 giving  to  God,  which  might  confift  of  feveral  living  creatures,  all  facrificed  and 
 offered  up  at  once.  Honour  fimiiar  to  this  the  beatheus  fometimes  conferred  on 
 their  gods  and  even  on  their  fovereigns.  Ver.  14.  David  danced  before  the  Lord. 
 He  laid  afide  his  royal  robe,  and  was  girded  with  a  fimple  ephod.  His  movintr 
 in  certain  folemn  meafures,  fuited  to  mufic  of  the  fame  chara<5ler,  was  condu¬ 
 cive  to  piety  ;  and  his  mixing  with  the  public  feftivities  of  the  people  was  becom¬ 
 ing  the  greateft  monarch.  Policy  taught  Auguftus  to  put  himfelf  on  a  level  with 
 his  fubjebls  in  their  public  rejoicings;  piety  taught  David  that  all  men  were  on  a 
 level  in  the  foleinnities  of  religion.  Dancing  was  a  religious  rite  obferved  by 
 heathens  as  well  as  Jews.  Ver.  20.  How  glorious  was  the  king  of  Israel  to-day, 
 who  uncovered  himself !  In  this  cafe  David  was  in  the  more  immediate  prefence 
 of  God,  and  about  a  very  facred  bulinefs;  and*  therefore  it  i  .  incongruous  to 
 think,  that  he  would  commit  any  thing  immodelt.  And  that  he  could  not  expofe 
 his  nakednefs  is  evident  from  his  having  on  not  only  an  ephod,  but  being 
 clothed  with  a  robe  of  fine  linen,  befides  his  ufual  under  garments,  1  Chron.  xv. 
 27.  and  therefore,  though  his  putting  off  his  regal  robes  might  give  fome  occa¬ 
 fion  to  Michai’s  cxpreflion  of  his  uncovering  himfelf ;  yet  it  muft  be  owned  that 
 this  opprobrious  term  proceeded  from  nothing  but  the  overflowing  fpleen'  of  a 
 proud  paffionate  woman.  Ver.  21.  I  will  play.  This  doth  not  refer  to  David’s 
 dincing,  or  any  lightnefs  he  was  guilty  of  in  that  cxercife  ;  hut  to  his  playing 
 
 what  is  fweet  in  the  mouth  will  become  bitter  in  the  belly. — Meanwhile,  behold  how  the  enemies  of  God  affemble  themfelves  to  their  own  desUucliou  '  How  litcla 
 care  can  falfe  gods  take  of  themfelves  or  their  votaries.  And  how  greatly  do  men  proffer  when  God  is  their  dire(5lor, 
 
forbidden  to  build  the  temple,  ^r, 
 
 of  them  Qiall  I  be  had  in 
 
 H.  SAMUEL, 
 
 He  is  blessed:  his  .ihanlsm 
 
 Vlng, 
 
 1  Chro. 
 
 /.  l,ic. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 wl'ich  thou  haft  fpoken  of, 
 h  )nour, 
 
 23  Therefore  Michal,  the  daughter  of  Saul,  had  no 
 child  unio  the  day  of  her  death.*  j 
 
 CHAP.  VII. 
 
 1  Nathan  firjl  approving  the  purpose  of  David  to  build  God  an  hotise,  4 
 
 aOer  by  the  word  o' G^xl,  forbiddeth  him.  1‘2  God  promiselh  David 
 
 beuejils  nd  blejjiugs  in  his  seed, 
 
 A  Ni)  It  came  to  pals.  ^  when  the  king  fat  in  his 
 houl'e,  and  the  Lord  had  given  him  reft  round 
 about  from  all  his  entmies, 
 
 2  That  the  king  faid  unto  Nathan  the  prophet,  See 
 now,  1  dwell  in  an  houfe  of  cedar,  but  the  ark  of  God 
 dw'-llerh  within  curtains. 
 
 3  And  Nathan  faid  to  the  king,  Go,  do  all  that  is 
 in  thine  heart :  for  the  Lord  is  with  thee. 
 
 4  11  And  it  came  to  pals  mat  night,  that  the  word 
 of  the  Lord  came  unto  Nathan,  faying, 
 
 5  Go  and  tell  t  nay  fervant  DavicJ,  Thus  faith  the 
 (halt  thou  bu.ld  me  an  houfe  for  me  to  dwell 
 
 hefore 
 
 t-'liria 
 
 10'12 
 
 c  1 
 
 Satti, 
 
 to  "•S/s^’'-LoRD, 
 vant.  to 
 
 David. 
 
 6  Whereas  I  have  not  dwelt  in  any  houfe  fince  the 
 time  that  I  brought  up  the  children  of  Ifrael  out  of 
 Egypt,  even  to  this  day,  but  have  walked  in  a  tent 
 and  in  a  tabernacle. 
 
 7  In  all  the  places  wherein  I  have  walked  with  all  the 
 bi  Chro.  children  of  Ifrael,  fpake  I  a  w'ord  with  ^  any  of  the 
 
 tribes  of  Ifrael,  whom  1  commanded  to  feed  my  peo- 
 onp  of  the  iir,iel,  faying,  Why  build  ye  not  me  an  houfe  of 
 fed-r? 
 
 8  Now  therefore  lb  fhalt  thou  fay  unto  my  fervant 
 
 David,  Thus  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts,  ®  I  took  thee 
 from  the  fheep-cote  f  from  following  the  Iheep,  to  be 
 ruler  over  my  people,  over  Ifrael ; 
 
 9  And  I  was  with  thee  whitherlbever  thou  wenteft, 
 and  have  cut  off  all  thine  enemies  f  out  of  thy  figiir,  ic.  u. 
 and  have  made  thee  a  great  name,  like  unto  the  name 
 
 of  the  great  mm  that  are  in  the  earth.  j 
 
 10  (Moreover,  I  will  appoint  a  place  for  my  people /,0Au'i,X. 
 
 Ifrael,  and  will  plant  them,  that  they  may  dwell  in  atOti). 
 place  of  their  own,  and  move  no  more  ;  neither  ftiallj™''*  % 
 the  children  of  wickednefs  them  any  more, 
 
 before-time. 
 
 1 1  And  as  fince  the  time  that  I  commanded  judges 
 to  be  over  my  people  Ifrael,  and  have  cauled  tnee  to 
 reft  from  ail  thine  enemies.)  Alfo  the  Lord  telleth 
 thee,  that  he  will  make  thee  an  houfe. 
 
 12  H  And  when  thy  days  be  fulfilled,  and  thoudi  Kings 
 (halt  fleep  with  thy  fathers,  I  will  fet  up  thy  feed  alter 
 thee,  which  (hall  proceed  out  of  thy  bowels,  and  1  will 
 eftablilh  his  kingdom. 
 
 13  «  He  (hall  build  an  houfe  for  ray  name ;  and 
 
 will  ftablifh  the  throne  of  his  kingdom  for  ever.  g’  jg 
 
 14  ‘  I  will  be  his  father,  and  he  (hall  be  my  fon.  i  chm. 
 s  If  he  commit  iniquity,  I  will  chaften  him  with  the  rod  22.  lo. 
 of  men,  and  with  the  ftripes  of  the  children  of  men  :  ^ 
 
 15  .But  my  mercy  (hall  not  depart  away  from  him,  g  pfau, 
 as  I  took  it  from  Saul,  whom  I  put  away  before  so.  30, 
 thee. 
 
 16  And  thine  houfe  tand  thy  kingdom  (hall  be  efta- 
 blilhed  for  ever  before  thee  :  thy  throne  fhall  be  efta- 
 blifhed  for  ever. 
 
 like  the  reft  of  the  people,  on  fome  mufical  inftrument,  an  I  rejoicing  with  them 
 before  the  Lord.  Ver.  22,  Vile — and  b  tse.  The  two  words  fo  rendered  do  by 
 no  means  convey  tie  ideas,  which  thefe  Englilh  words  convey.  The  fir  ft  is 
 twice  rendered  in  our.  verfion  by  despised,  Gen.  xvi.  4,  5.  The  abroft  con- 
 llant  lerifeof  the  latter  is  humble:  and  the  palTage  before  us  ftiould  be  rendered. 
 And  I  will  be  more  despicable  than  this,  and  humble  in  my  own  eyes.”  David’s 
 reply  is  fevere.  but  juft,  and  fuited  to  the  nature  of  Michal’s  reproach  “  Have 
 I  defeended  beneath  the  dignity  of  my  charatfter,  as  king  of  Ifrael,  by  divesting 
 inyfeif  of  the  royal  robes,  and  by  dancing  adled  like  one  of  the  vain  people?  It 
 tvas  before  the  Lord,  who  chofe  me  before  thy  father.”  And  in  this  he  aifted  as 
 a  wife  and  politic,  as  well  as  a  religious  prince ;  for  in  ancient  times  even  danc- 
 inr  itfelf  was  in  ufe  as  a  religious  ceremony,  and  a  testimony  of  gratitude  and  joy 
 inirolemn  festivals  :  as  in  the  cafe  of  Miriam,  after  the  patfage  of  the  Red  tea, 
 Exod.  XV.  20.  Ver.  23.  Michal — had  no  child.  She  might  be  thus  punifhed  on' 
 account  of  her  ludicrous,  or  rather  contumacious  infult  on  the  zea!  of  her  hutband ; 
 a  punitliment  the  most  grievous  that  could  poffibly  be  intlidled  on  an  Ifraelitith 
 
 woman. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  VII.  Ver.  2.  Nathan.  At  what  time 
 this  prophet  began  to  appear  in  Ifrael,  we  are  no  where  informed.  This  is  the 
 first  time  that  the  feripture  makes  tnention  of  him.  He  was  a  man  of  great  tem¬ 
 per,  prudence,  and  fine  addrefs,  who  knew  how  to  mitigate  the  rigour  of  his  re¬ 
 proofs  with  a  great  deal  of  fweetnefs  and  wifdom,  which  qualified  him  fo  w'ell 
 for  the  converfation  of  kings,  and  other  great  perfons.  He  was  always  equally 
 esteemed  and  beloved  by  David,  and,  in  his  condudl  towards  him,  maintained  a 
 just  medium  between  inflexible  austerity  and  fervile  flattery,  Ver.  3.  Nathan 
 Vpake  this  as  a  prudent  man,  not  as  a  prophet ;  but  had  great  reafon  for  what 
 he  faid  becaufe  he  knew  that  the  Lord  had  an  extraordinary  kindnefs  for  David, 
 and  profpered  him  in  all  his  undertakings.  And  David  being  alfo  himfelf  a 
 
 prophet,  he  might  prefume  his  intention  was  fuggested  him  by  God.  Ver.  5, 
 Shalt  thou  build  me  an  house  J  or  me  to  dvjell  in  ?  Thou  thalt  not  build  me  an  houfe 
 to  dwell  in  Probably  upon  Nathan  approving  his- intention,  David  made  that 
 vow  mentioned  Ptalm  cxxxii.  3 — 5.  Ver.  13.  /  will  ejlabli/h  the  throne  of  bis 
 kingdom  or  ever.  Thefe  words,  in  their  primary  fenfe,  relate  to  the  terreflrial 
 kingdom  of  David’s  family,  and  the  long  duration  of  it,  enough  to  juftify  the  ex- 
 prelTion /or  ever,  taken  in  a  fenfe  limited  to  a  particular  period,  which  is  very  com. 
 mon  in  the  feriptures.  But  if  we  take  it  in  a  more  fublime  and  abfolute  fenfe, 
 it  can  belong  to  none  but  that  Son  pf  David,  to  whom  God  the  Father  gave  an 
 eternal  kingdom,  which,  though  it  was  not  fo  well  known  in  the  times  when 
 this  prophecy  was  uttered,  was,  by  the  event  afterwards,  made  plain  and  evident. 
 Ver.  14./  will  he  his  father,  and  he  shall  be  my  son.  That  is  alfo  meant  of  Chrift ; 
 for  though  Solomon  was  called  Jedidiah,  in  token  that  he  was  beloved  of  the  Lord, 
 yet,  in  the  fulleft  fet  fe  of  the  words,  Chrift  only  is  intended,  who  is  God’s  beloved 
 Son,  in  whom  he  is  well  pleased.  I  will  cha/len  him  with  the  rod  of  men  :  With  fucb 
 rods  and  ftripes  as  men  corre/t  their  children  with,  not  to  deftroy  but  to  chat 
 ten  them  for  their  good.  The  phrafe  denotes  humane,  gentle  and  moderate 
 corredlion  given  in  love,  which  anfwers  feme  good  purpofe.  ,  Ver.  la.  But 
 mercy.  This  immediately  refers  to  God’s  mercy  in  giving  the  kingdom  to  Solomon, 
 Ver,  16.  Thy  throne  shall  be  esiahlished  jor  ever.  In  the  note  on  ver.  13.  we  have 
 explained  this  to  imply  no  more  than  a  confiderable  time,  or  a  long  duration. 
 To  this  may  be  added,  that  the  prophecies  of  the  Old  Teftament  have  a  doubi® 
 fenfe,  a  primary  and  a  secondary.  The  jtrimary  fenfe  of  this  prophecy,  as  applica. 
 ble  to  the  fuccefljon  of  David’s  pofterity,  has  been  already  explained  ;  the  secondonj 
 fenfe  is  applicable  to  the  Meffiah,  whofe  throne  may  literally  be  faid  to  endure 
 Jor  ever.  And  in  this  fenfe  it  was  applied  to  the  Meffiah  by  the  Jews  themf-lvesi 
 John  xii.  24.  Ver.  I?,.  Sat  before  the  Lord;  that  is,  before  the  ark.  Hence  it 
 appe.ars  that  fitting,  ftanding,  or  kneeling,  have  been  ufed  by  the  beft  men  ai 
 
 PR\CT1C4L  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  VL]  Perpetual  vifibility  and  fplendour  are  not  marks  of  the  true  church.  The  ark,  the  moft  noted 
 God’s  Velence,  continued  long  in  obfeurity.  God  can  be  gracioufly  prefent  with  his  people,  even  when  they  want  his  folemn  ordinances  ;  and  it  .s  , 
 
 renders  his  ordinanc-cs  truly  glorious.  Such  as  have  high  thoughts  of  him  will  reverence  all  his  mftitutions.  The  greateft  need  think  it  no  difparagement  J 
 
 the  meaneft  before  the  great  God,  the  common  Maker  and  Saviour.  Singing  of  pfalms  is  always  efleemed,  when  God  revives  a  fpmt  of  true  religion. 
 
 “  •  ■  ^  ■  rht  tobe  obferved  :  and  the  authority  of  men,  or  bad  precedents,  ffiould  never  weigh  more  with  u 
 
 ■>  -  xvill  atone  for  our  ralhnt'ls 
 
 relative  to  the  manner,  as  well  as  the  matter  of  bis  worthip  ougl  .  -  ,  .  ^  ,  a  •  . 
 
 the  exorefs  word  of  God.  By  raflinefs  and  intemperate  zeal  we  are  apt  to  give  wrong  touches  to  the  ark  ot  God  ;  and  no  good  intention  ;„a„ments, 
 
 or  urefuraption.  Men  are  never  in  greater  danger  of  ruinous  miftakes  than  in  dealing  with  God.  How  apt  are  the  beft  men  to  be  difpleafed  wi  i  o  j  8 
 
 rathe  than  their  own  fins,  which  procured  them  !  The  awful  ftrokes  of  providence  ffiould  move  us  to  repentance  and  watchfulnefs,  but  never  deter  us  f’’"™  ^ 
 
 None  ever  loft  by  their  fidelity  to  God  and  his  ordinarces.  It  is  happinefs  to  be  in  the  family  or  place  where  God  is  duly  i-eipedled.  Duty  rnay  happily  ' 
 
 laft,  though  our  firft  attempts  have  been  marred.  Let  us  therefore  fearch  out  and  repent  of  our  errors,  and  apply  to  Jeliis,  w  ho  is  our  ark,  facrifice, 
 bv  which  we  draw  nigh  to  God,  and  obtain  mercy 
 non  of  the  enemies  of  truth.  But  we  muft  not  ' 
 
 Vf  rod  knows  our  hearts  to  be  upright  before  him,  the  cenfures  of  others  may  lie  light  on  us.  liut  let  us  turn  our  eyes  lo  me  aninype,  v^uini  jJ 
 
 um  hal  folemnity  did  the  everlalling  doors  open  to  receive  the  Prince  of  peace?  With  what  ffiouts  did  angels  and  taints  behold  him  take  his  feat  on  the  ngn 
 ©rthe  majefly  on  high !  Bleffed  are  they  who  have  him  for  their  protedion. 
 
jy.tvid’s  thanksgiving. 
 
 II.  SAMUEL.  DavliTs  victory  over  the  Plrlis.’i'ncs,  4c. 
 
 cr 
 
 Before 
 Chrill 
 10-12, 
 
 f  Hcb. 
 laid. 
 
 li  Deut. 
 
 4.  7. 
 
 •}■  Heb. 
 opened  the 
 eor. 
 i  Jobn 
 17.  17. 
 
 \  Heb. 
 be  thou 
 pleased 
 und  bless. 
 
 17  According  to  all  thefe  words,  and  according  to 
 all  this  vilion,  fo  did  Nathan  Ipeak  unto  David. 
 
 18  ^  Then  went  king  David  in,  and  i'at  before  the 
 Lord,  and  he  faid,  Who  am  /,  O  Lord  God  ? 
 and  what  is  my  houfe,  that  thou  haft  brought  me 
 hitherto? 
 
 19  And  this  was  yet  a  fcnall  thing  in  thy  fight,  O 
 Lord  God  ;  but  thou  haft  fpoken  a-lfoofthy  fervant’s 
 houfe  for  a  great  while  to  come  :  and  is  this  the 
 f  manner  of  man,  O  Lord  God  ? 
 
 20  And  what  can  David  fay  more  unto  thee?  for 
 thou,  Lord  God,  knoweft  thy  fervant. 
 
 21  For  thy  word’s  fake,  and  according  to  thine  own 
 heart,  haft  thou  done  all  thefe  great  things,  to  make 
 thy  fervant  know  them. 
 
 22  Wherefore  thou  art  great,  O  Lord  God  ;  for 
 there  is  none  like  thee,  neither  is  there  any  god  befides 
 thee,  according  to  all  that  we  have  heard  with  our 
 ears. 
 
 23  And  what  one  nation  in  the  earth  is  like  thy 
 people,  even  like  Ifrael,  whom  God  W'^ent  to  redeem 
 for  a  people  to  himfelf,  and  to  make  him  a  name, 
 and  to  do  for  you  great  things  and  terrible,  for  thy 
 land,  before  thy  people,  which  thou  redeeraedft  to 
 thee  from  Egypt, the  nationsand  their  gods? 
 
 24  For  thou  haft  confirmed  to  thyfelf  thy  people 
 Ifrael,  to  he  a  people  unto  thee  for  ever  ;  and  thou. 
 Lord,  art  become  their  God. 
 
 25  And  now,  O  Lord  God,  the  word  that  thou 
 haft  fpoken  concerning  thy  fervant,  and  concerning  his 
 houfe,  eftablifh  it  for  ever,  and  do  as  thou  haft  faid. 
 
 26  And  let  thy  name  be  magnified  for  ever,  fiy* 
 ing  I'he  Lord  of  hofts  is  the  God  over  Ifrael  :  and 
 let  the  houfe  of  thy  fervant  David  be  eftablifhed  be-  I 
 fore  thee. 
 
 27  For  thou,  O  Lord  of  hofl;.s,  God  of  Ifrael,  haft 
 t  revealed  to  thy  fervant,  faying,  I  will  build  thee  an 
 houfe  ;  therefore  hath  thy  fervant  found  in  his  heart 
 to  pray  this  prayer  unto  thee. 
 
 28  And  nov/,  O  Lord  God,  thou  art  that  God, 
 and  ‘  thy  words  be  true,  and  tnou  haft  promifed  this 
 goodnefs  unto  thy  fervant : 
 
 29  Therefore  now  f  let  i'  pleafe  thee  to  blefs  the 
 
 houfe  of  thy  fervant,  that  it  may  continue  for  ever 
 before  thee  :  for  thou  O  Lord  God,  haft  fpoken  it 
 and  with  thy  bleffing  let  the  houfe  of  thy  fervant  be 
 bleffed  for  ever.* 
 
 CHAP.  VIII. 
 
 I  David  subdueth  the  Philistines  and  theMoa/Ales  :  4  hesmiteth  Ilndadezer 
 and  the  Syrians.  9  Toi  seruleth  Joram  with  presents  to  hies;-  him,  ^c. 
 
 And  *  after  this  it  came  topafs  that  David  lmote“^ 
 the  Philiftines,  and  fubdued  them  ;  and  David 
 took  II  Metheg-ammah  out  of  the  hand  of  the  Pnili-  bridle  of 
 ftines.  Amrnaft. 
 
 2  And  he  fmote  Moab,  and  meafured  them  with  a 
 line,  cafting  them  dowm  to  the  ground  ;  even  with  two 
 lines  meafured  he  to  put  to  death,  and  with  one  full 
 line  to  keep  alive  :  and  so  the  Moabites  became  David’s 
 fervants,  and  brought  gifts. 
 
 3  H  David  fmote  alfo  Hadadezer,  the  fon  of  Rehob, 
 king  of Zobah,  as  he  went  to  recover  his  border 
 the  river  Euphrates. 
 
 4  And  David  took  i;  from  him  a  thoufand  [j  chariots,  11 
 and  feven  hundred  horfemen,  and  twenty  thoufand 
 footmen :  and  David  houghed  all  the  chariot-Z^orse's,  f  chron. 
 but  referved  of  them./w  an  hundred  chariots.  is.  4. 
 
 5  And  when  the  Syrians  of  Daraafeus  came  to  fuc- 
 cour  Hadadezer  king  of  Zobih,  David  flew  of  the 
 Syrians  two  and  twenty  thoufand  men. 
 
 6  Then  David  put  garrifons  in  Svria  of  Damafeus; 
 and  the  Syrians  became  fervants  to  David,  and  brought 
 gifts.  And  the  Lord  preferved  David  whitherlbever 
 he  went. 
 
 7  And  David  took  the  fhields  of  gold  that  were  on 
 the  fervants  of  Hadadezer,  and  brought  them  to  Jeru- 
 falem. 
 
 8  And  from  Betah,  and  from  Berothai,  cities  of 
 Hadadezer,  king  D-ivid  took  exceeding  much  brai's. 
 
 9  ^  When  Toi  kiug  of  Hamath  heard  that  David 
 had  i'mitten  all  the  hoft  of  Hadadezer,  t  Heb. 
 
 to  Then  Toi  fen t  Joram  his  fon  unto  king  David 
 to  t  falute  him,  and  to  blefs  him,  becaufe  he  hadf  Heb. 
 fought  againft  Hadadezer,  and  fmitten  him  :  (for  Ha  .  '/-man 
 dadezer  f  had  wars  with  ft'oi :)  and  Joram  \  brought 
 with  him  V'flels  of  filver,  and  vefTels  of  gold,  and  vef-J^j  /jawi"* 
 fels  of  brafs ;  were. 
 
 pollnres  in  prayer.  Ver.  19.  Thou  hast  spohen  also  to  thy  servant’s  house  J or  a| 
 gre  H  white  to  come.  The  royal  prophet,  as  Abarbinel  explains  thefe  words,  mag-  I 
 iiilies  the  goodnefs  of  the  Lord,  who  had  not  only  made  hina  a  powerful  king,  but 
 promifes  that  his  feed  for  a  long  feries  of  years,  and  at  lad  the  great  Meffiah,  the 
 dehre  of  all  nations,  (liould  fit  upon  his  throne.  Ver.  24.  Israel  to  be  a  people —  [ 
 and  thou,  Lord — their  God.  This  is  a  fmnmary  of  the  covenant  between  God 
 an  I  the  Ifraclites.  They  were  to  be  bis  peculiar  people,  feparated  from  the  reft 
 of  tho  world,  and  he  was  to  be  their  protecting  God,  to  whom  alone  they  were  to 
 offer  worfnip,  and  whom  thev  were  to  obey. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  VIII.  Ver.  2.  Metheg-ammah.  This 
 was  tlie  famous  city  of  Gath,  as  appears  from  1  Chron.  xviii.  1.  It  ftood  upon  the 
 niountains  of  Ammah,  and  was  called  Metheg,  a  bridle,  becaufe  it  commanded  the 
 whole  country.  Ver.  2.  He  smote  Moab.  It  is  frequent  in  the  lacred  writings  to 
 put  the  inhabitants  of  a  country  for  the  country  itfelf ;  as  Ifa.  xxv.  10.  and  xi.  4. 
 To  this  the  Pfalmift  feems  plainly  to  refer  when  fpeaking  of  the  wars  with "iVloab,  i 
 
 Edom  and  other  nations,  he  fays,  *'  I  will  divide  Shechem,  and  mete  out  the  val¬ 
 ley  of  fuccoth,”  viz.  in  order  to  divide  it,  Pfal.  lx.  6.  Measured  them  with  a  line. 
 Tiie  meafurement  of  lands  was  formerly  by  the  line,  as  now-  it'is  generallv  done 
 by  the  rood  ;  and  becaufe  lands  were  divided  into  certain  trails  and  portions  by 
 the  line,  hence  the  Une\s  often  put  for  the  tra<5l  marked  out  by  it,  even  where  the 
 line  had  not  been  iifed  Even  wiik  two  lines.  The  ancient  verfions  read  differ- 
 j  ently  from  our  prefent  text.  The  \  ulgate,  “he  meafured  two  lines,  the  one  to 
 '  kill,  and  one  to  keepalive;  the  Septuagint  differently,  but  to  the  lame  fenfe 
 “  There  were  two  lines  Jor  putting  to  death,  and  two Jor  taking  alive.”  This  feems 
 to  allude  to  a  cuftom  of  conquerors  in  the  eaft,  who  made  the  captives  of  my  peo¬ 
 ple  againft  whom  their  wrath  was  kindled,  to  come  together,  and  proftrate  tbem- 
 fclves  on  the  ground,  where  they  were  feparated  by  a  line  into  diftincl  bodies,  one 
 part  pf  who.r.  w-ere  condemned  to  die,  the  other  part  or  parts  to  live  generally  in 
 captivity.  They  became  David's  servants.  Who  was  the  aggreffor  in  thefe  two 
 laft  aiftions,  is  not  here  faid;  but  it  may  be  c. lle<5led  from  Pfal.  Ixxxiii.  that 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  VII.]  How  bleffed  the  properties  of  divine  grace,  which  difpofed  the  heart  of  David  to  fuch  a  irame  of  grateful 
 refledlion  1  It  is  ind.ed  I'wect  to  fee,  but  cfpccially  to  feel,  this  fuitable  frame  of  mind,  to  difeern  from  what  fource  all  our  mercies  flow,  and  to  give  the  author  of  them 
 all  the  glory,  that  while  we  receive  the  benefit,  lie  may  have  all  the  praife.  —  Gracious  fouls  never  weary  in  working  for  God,  nor  can  they  with  pleafnre  enjoy  their 
 own  conveniences,  while  his  ordinances  are  not  honoured.  It  is  good  to  llreiigtheu  the  hands  of  fuch  as  have  a  heart  to  build  the  church  of  God  :  but  all  our  I'uccefs 
 depends  on  God’s  prefence  and  affiftance.  Even  prophets  may  be  too  rafli ;  they  are  no  further  infallible  than  as  they  are  infpired  by  the  Holy  Spirit.  God  may  ap¬ 
 prove  a  work,  and  yet  not  the  doing  of  it  by  any  particular  perfon.  Nay,  he  may  even  accept  his  purpofe,  and  not  allow  him  to  execute  it.  All  true  honour'  and 
 happinefs  come  from  God  ;  yet  the  good  purpofes  of  minifters,  magiftrates,  and  parents,  fometimes  entail  on  churches,  nations,  andfamilies  the  inoft  remarkable  mer¬ 
 cies.  IIow'  great  is  the  good  which  God  hath  laid  np  for  them  that  fear  him  !  How  abundant,  Vee,  Ibvereign,  and  iafting,  are  the  blelfings  of  liis  covenant  !  Yea 
 pleal'ant,  fervent,  and  fuccefsful,  are  thofe  fupplications  excited  by  the  promifes  of  God  impnued  on  the  heart;  particularly  thofe  refpeeffing  Jefus  Chrilt  and  his 
 graces.  Let  us  then  boldly  alk  what  God  hath  promifed.  Let  us  never  ftagger  at  the  greatnefs  of  tha  mercy,  but  pray  in  faith,  nothing  doubting.  Let  it  be  oue 
 Conftant  defire  that  God  in  all  things  may  be  glorified.  If  we  find  in  our  hearts  to  pray,  God  will  not  fail  to  hear  and  anfwer. 
 
 No,  20,.,.6d.  4  I 
 
7\)i  fcndelJi  Joram  tvif/i  presents  lo  bless  hm,  II.  SAMUEL. 
 
 David  sendeth  for  Mephiloshcth, 
 
 Before 
 Chrifl 
 cir.  1042. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 his  srnil- 
 
 ins. 
 
 1!  Or, 
 
 remrm~ 
 bro'Cer, 
 or,  writer 
 oj  chroni¬ 
 cles. 
 fi  Or. 
 ecrelay. 
 c  1  Ciiro. 
 IS.  17. 
 
 11  Or, 
 ininccz. 
 
 11  Which  alfo  king  David  did  dedicate  unto  the 
 Lord,  with  the  filver  and  gold  that  he  had  dedicated 
 ot  all  nations  which  he  fubdued  ; 
 
 12  Of  Syria,  and  of  Moab,  and  of  the  children  of 
 Ammcn,  and  of  the  Pniltftines,  and  of  Amaiek,  and  of 
 the  fpoil  of  Hadadezer,  fon  of  Rehob,  king  of  Zo- 
 bah. 
 
 13  And  David  gat  him  a  name  when  he  returned 
 from  t  Imiting  of  the  Syrians  in  the  valley  of  Salt, 
 being  eighteen  thoufand  men. 
 
 14-11  And  he  put  garrifons  in  Edom;  throughout 
 all  Edc-m  put  he  garrifons ;  and  all  they  of  Edom  be¬ 
 came  David’s  ft-rvants.  And  the  Lord  preferved 
 David  whitherl'ofcver  he  went. 
 
 15  H  And  David  reigned  over  all  Ifrael ;  and  David 
 executed  judg  i.ent  and  juftice  unto  all  his  people. 
 
 16  And  Joab,  the  fon  of  Zeruiah  veas  over  the  hofl; ; 
 and  Jt  hofhapbat  the  fon  of  Ahilud,  was  1]  recorder ; 
 
 17  And  Zadok  the  fon  of  Ahitub,  and  Ahimelech, 
 the  fon  of  Abiathar,  were  the  prielfs  ;  and  Seraiah  was 
 the  II  icribe  ; 
 
 18  And  =  Benaiah,  the  fon  of  Jehoiada,  ttws  ouer  both 
 the  Cherethites  and  the  Pelethites  i  and  David’s  fons 
 w'ere  11  chief  rulers.* 
 
 CHAP.  IX. 
 
 1  DavU  hy  Ziba  senuelh  for  Mephibosheth,  7  for  Jonathan’s  sake  he  en- 
 lertninetk  him  at  his  table,  and  restoreth  him  all  that  was  Saul’s,  9  he 
 makeih  Ziba  his  farmer. 
 
 And  David  laid.  Is  there  yet  any  that  is  left  of 
 the  ho'jfe  of  Saul,  that  1  may  fhew  him  kind- 
 nefs  for  Jonathan’s  fake? 
 
 2  And  there  was  of  the  houfe  of  Saul  a  fervant,. 
 whole  name  was  Ziba:  and  when  they  had  called 
 him  unto  David,  the  king  faid  unto  him,  Art  thou 
 Ziba?  And  he  laid,  Thy  lervant  is  he. 
 
 8  And  the  king  laid,  Is  there  not  yet  any  of  the 
 houfe  of  Saul,  that  I  may  Ihew  the  kindnefs  of  God 
 
 unto  him?  And  Ziba  faid  unto  the  king,  Jonathan  Uef'ore 
 hath  yet  a  fon,  which  is  *  lame  on  nis  feet. 
 
 4  And  the  king  faid  unto  him,  Where  he  ?  And^“^^‘ 
 Ziba  faid  unto  the  king,  Behold,  he  A  in  the  houfe 
 
 of  Machir,  the  fon  of  Ammiel,  in  Lo-debar.  4.  4.  **' 
 
 5  ^  Then  king  David  lent,  and  fetched  him  out  of  the 
 houfe  of  Machir,  the  fon  of  Ammiel,  from  Lo-debar. 
 
 6  Now  when  Mephibolheth,  the  fon  of  Jonathan, 
 the  fon  of  Saul,  was  come  unto  David,  he  fell  on  his 
 face,  and  did  reverence.  And  David  faid,  Mephi- 
 bofheth  !  And  he  anfwered,  Behold  try  fervant ! 
 
 7  H  And  David  faid  unto  him,  Fear  not  :  for  I'will 
 furely  fhew  thee  kindnefs  for  Jonathan  thy  father’s 
 fake,  and  will  reftore  thee  all  the  land  of  Saul  thy  fa- 
 ther  ;  and  thou  fhalt  eat  bread  at  my  table  continually, 
 
 8  And  he  bowed  himfelf,  and  faid,  What  is  thy  fer¬ 
 vant,  that  thou  fhouldeft  look  upon  fuch  a  dead  dog 
 as  I  am  ? 
 
 9  II  Then  the  king  called  to  Ziba,  Saul’s  fervant, 
 and  faid  unto  him,  I  have  given  unto  thy  mailer’s  fen 
 all  that  pertained  to  Saul,  and  to  all  his  houle. 
 
 10  Thou  therefore,  and  thy  fons,  and  thy  fervants, 
 fhall  till  the  land  for  him,  and  thou  fhalt  bring  in  the 
 
 \j-niits,  that  thy  matter’s  fon  may  have  food  to  eat ;  but 
 Mephibolheth  thy  mafler’s  fon  fhall  eat  bread  alway 
 at  my  table.  Now  Ziba  had  fifteen  fons  and  twenty 
 fervants. 
 
 ]  1  Then  faid  Ziba  unto  the  king.  According  to  all 
 that  my  lord  the  king  hath  commanded  his  fervant,  lb 
 
 1  fhall  thy  fervant  do.  As  for  Mephibolheth,  said  the 
 king,  he  fhall  eat  at  miy  table,  as  one  of  the  king’s  fons. 
 
 12  And  Mephibolheth  had  a  young  fon,  whole 
 name  Wf/s  Micah  ;  and  all  that  dwelt  in  the  houfe  of 
 Ziba  were  fervants  unto  Mephibolheth. 
 
 1 3  So  Mephibolheth  dwelt  in  Jerulalem  :  for  he  did 
 eat  continually  at  the  king’s  table  ;  and  was  lame  oii 
 
 «  both  his  feer.'t 
 
 “  Edom,  Moab,  Ammon,  Amaiek,  and  others  confulted  together  to  cut  ofTIfratl 
 from  being  a  nation  which  feems  to  refer  to  the  wars  mentioned  in  tliis  chapter. 
 The  reduilion  of  the  Moabites  into  a  Aate  of  fervitude  accomplithed  the  prophecy 
 of  Balaam,  compare  Numb.  xxiv.  17.  Ver.  11.  David  did  dedicate.  This  figni- 
 fies  only  his  dedicating  them  towards  the  building  and  furniture  of  the  temple; 
 and  Solomon  is  exprefsly  taid  ‘-to  have  made  the  brazen  fea  and  the  pillars  of  the 
 veffels  of  brafs  of  thofe  very  fpoils,”  1  Chron.  xviii.  11.  Ver.  13.  To  get  ■  name, 
 in  the  taftern  ftyle,  doth  not  mean  to  be  called  by  this  or  that  particular  name; 
 but  to  be  celebrated  as  a  happy,  fortunate,  and  glorious  perfon.  Thus  it  is  joined 
 ■with  praife,  Zeph.  iii.  20.  In  he  valley  of  salt.  This  place  is  by  many  thought 
 to  lie  near  ti  i  D;ad  or  Salt  fta  :  hut  as  the  country  of  the  Edomites,  whom  Da¬ 
 vid  fubdmd  II  ult  necc-lTarily  lie  on  the  coaft  of  Canaan,  we  muft  look  for  feme 
 other  valley  of  fait  in  the  confines  of  tliat  country.  Now,  about  a  league  to  the 
 fouthward  of  Palmyra,  or  Taemor,  in  the  toad  to  Edom,  we  find  a  large  plain 
 abounding  with  (kit  pits;  and  therefore  it  is  very  probable,  that  the  battlebetw  ten 
 David's  gemrals  and  the  Edomites  w  as  fought  in  this  plain,  which  is  about  tw'o 
 days’ joui nej- from  Bozrali,  the  capital  of  ancient  Edom.  Ver.  14.  Of  the  pro¬ 
 phecy  by  Balaam  of  Edom’s  fubjedtion  to  Ilfael,  fee  Numb.  xxiv.  18.  Ver.  16. 
 R'  corder  ;  that  is,  a  fervant  of  the  king,  w  hoin  according  lo  the  cufiom  of  the  call 
 he  employed,  it  is  fVppofcd,  to  write  the  events  of  his  reien.  Ver.  18.  Cherethites 
 and  Felethites.  Tht  y  were  not  as  feme  have  -thought,  Ptiiliflinesj  but  men  of 
 David’s  own  tribe  of  Judah,  whom  lie  had  caufed  to  t  e  trained  as  archers  and 
 fliield-beareis.  The  reafbn  of  their  names  is  uncertain.  Chere'hites  is  we  knovi 
 a  name  given  to  the  Philiftines,  Zeph.  ii.  5.  and  probably  the  fame  people  were 
 
 called  Pelethites.  If  David’s  guards  who  were  thus  denominated,  were  not  Plii- 
 liftiues  who  had  become  Jewifh  profelytes,  it  is  probable,  that  tlffey  were  the  firll 
 perfons  who  had  gone  with  him  into  Philiftine,  and  remained  with  him  while  he 
 placed  himfelf  under  the  protedlion  of  Achifli,  on  which  account  they  had  receiv¬ 
 ed  their  prefent  names.  Thefe  continued  faithfully  devoted  to  him  in  all  his  cala¬ 
 mities,  and  therefore  w  ere  proper  perfons  to  be  chol'en  by  him  as  his  body-guards. 
 But  it  deferves  to  be  noticed,  that  one  perfon  who  reforted  to  him  in  Ziklag, 
 
 1  Chron.  xii.  3.  was  called  Pelet,  and  if  there  was  another  of  David’s  alfociates  in 
 his  exile  called  Chereth,  w-e  may  perhaps  conclude  that  their  defeendants,  or  the 
 foldiers  whom  they  commanded  were  named  (  berelhiles  and  Pelethites. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  IX.  Ver.  3.  The  kindness  ot  God, 
 The  Hebrew  word  khased,  rendered  kindness,  fignifies  that  difinterefted  and  gra¬ 
 tuitous  exertion  of  benevolence  which  no  one  has  a  right  to  claim  ;  and  the  word 
 God,  which  is  fubjoined,  fignifies  the  immenfity  and  boundlels  extent  of  this  be¬ 
 nignity,  or,  at  leaft,  as  the  Syiiac  and  Arabic  render,  /o>  the  sake  oj  God.  Ver.  7. 
 For  Jonathan  thy  j  ther  s  sake.  This  fliewed  a  generous  remembrancer  of  his 
 friend,  and  a  grateful,  princely  fpirit  in  David.  \’er.  8.  A  dead  dog.  This  is  a 
 high  expreflion  of  his  unworthinels  of  any  favour.  For  a  dog  is  accounted  a  vile 
 and  unclean  creature,  and  a  dead  dog  isof  no  ul'e  at  all.  V'er.  9,  10.  I  have  given 
 nn'o  thy  master’s  son — thou — and  thy  sons  ana  thy  servants  shall  till  the  land, 
 David  by  this  grant  gives  the  property  of  the  patrimony  to  Mephihofheth  :  hut 
 Ziba  w;^as  to  take  care  of  theellate,  and  to  be  himfelf  and  his  whole  family  main¬ 
 tained  out  of  its  produce. 
 
 PllAC'l  lCAL  OBSERVATIONS _ *  Chap.  VIII.]  Faithful  is  he  who  hath  promifed.  Now,  after  many  ages,  he  put  Ifrael  into  the  full  enjoyment  of  all 
 
 tbe^promifed  territory,  from  the  river  of  Egypt  to  the  Euphrates.,  No  might,  nations,  or  powerful  coruptions,  can  withlland,  when  God’s  time  of  humbling  them 
 arrives.  The  aw  fulthreatenings  denounced  againll  them  take  fail  hold  on  them  ;  and  the  more  they  have  oppretfeiKhe  people  of  God,  the  more  certain  their  final 
 and  complete  ruin.  In  all  wars  the  glory  of  God  ought  to  be  our  principal  end  ;  and  to  him  our  w  hole  fuccefs  ought  to  be  aferibed.  Wars  abroad  ought  never  to 
 binder  mildnt-ls,  good  order  and  equity  at  home.  And  fuch  as  have  been  faithful  friends  in  adverfity  delerve  preferment  in  profperity.  Butlo!  when  God  has  a 
 temple  to  build,  how  he  brings  under  fuch  as  would  oppofe  it  and  provides  for  its  expence. 
 
 FRVCTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. _ f  Chap.  IX.]  How  quickly  fin  almoft  extirpates  the  mofl  fiourifhing  families  !  How  often  are  even  good  men,  amidlt 
 
 the  hurry  of  bufinefs.  apt  too  long  to  forget  their  former  friends  !  Tiie  truly  charitable  will  not  only  do  good,  but  induAriouny  fearch  out  proper  o' jeiils:  And  thofe 
 ■I  o  have  learned  of  the  meek  and  lowly  Jefus,  will  Aiew  kindnefs  to  their  perfecutors,  and  extend  it  to  their  poAerity.  The  ciown  of  riches  and  honours  fits  no 
 wiiere  fo  gracioujlj’  as  on  the  brow  of  Ate  humble,  the  modeA,  and  the  charitable.  ]Jut  hath  not  David’s  God  exhibited  a  proof  of  love  infinitely  more  fublime !  Halh 
 
^  ITeb. 
 
 Jti  thine 
 eyes  dnlh 
 J)avid- 
 
 jy  -iVid^s  mcssettgers  abused  by  Ha  nun. 
 
 Before  CHAP.  X. 
 
 Clirift  j  David's  meffensers,  f"nt  to  corniort  Ilanun  the  son  of  Naha/Ji,  ore  vU- 
 (ir.  1037.  Ininotijliy  entreated.  6  The  Ammonites,  Jlrengthened  by  the  Syrians, 
 are  overcome  by  Joab  and  Abishai,  ^c, 
 
 » 1  King*  A  jj  came  to  pals  after  this,  that  the  *  king  of 
 19.  i.&c.  the  children  of  Ammon  died,  and  Hanun  his 
 
 fon  reigned  in  his  ftead. 
 
 2  Then  faid  David,  I  will  (hew  kindnefs  unto  Ha¬ 
 nun  the  fon  of  Nahafli,  as  his  father  (hewed  kindnefs 
 unto  me.  And  David  Cent  to  comfort  him  by  the 
 hand  of  his  fervants  for  his  father.  And  David’s  fer- 
 vants  came  into  the  land  of  the  children  of  Ammon. 
 
 3  And  the  princes  of  the  children  of  Ammon  faid 
 unto  Hanun  their  lord,  f  Thinked  thou  that  David 
 doth  honour  thy  father,  that  he  hath  fent  comforters 
 unto  thee?  hath  not  David  rather  fent  his  fervants 
 unto  thee  to  iearch  the  city,  and  to  fpy  it  out,  and  to 
 overthrow  it  ? 
 
 4  Wherefore  Hanun  took  David’s  fervants,  and 
 fhaved  off  the  one  half  of  their  beards,  and  cut  off 
 their  garments  in  the  middle,  even  to  their  buttocks, 
 and  fent  them  away. 
 
 5  When  they  told  it  unto  David  he  fent  to  meet 
 them,  becaufe  the  men  were  greatly  afhamed  :  and 
 the  king  faid.  Tarry  at  Jericho  until  your  beards  be 
 grown,  and  then  return. 
 
 6  H  And  when  the  children  of  Ammon  faw  that  they 
 flank  before  David,  the  children  of  Ammon  fent  and 
 hired  the  Syrians  of  Beth  rehob,  and  the  Syrians  ol^ 
 Zoba,  tw'enty  thoufand  footmen,  and  of  king  M.iacah 
 a  thoufand  men.  and  of  l(h-tob  twelve  thoufand  men. 
 
 7  And  when  David  heard  of  it,  he  fent  Joab,  and 
 all  the  hoft  of  the  mighty  men. 
 
 8  And  the  children  of  Ammon  came  out,  and  put 
 the  ba'tle  in  array  at  the  entering  in  of  the  gate:  and 
 the  Syrians  of  Zoba,  and  of  Rehob,  and  Kh-tob,  and 
 Miacah,  were  by  themfelves  in  the  field. 
 
 9  When  Joab  faw  that  the  front  of  the  battle  was 
 againft  him  before  and  behind,  he  chofe  of  all  the 
 choice  men  of  Ifrael,  and  put  them  in  array  againft  the 
 Syrians : 
 
 10  And  the  reft  of  the  people  he  delivered  into  the 
 hand  of  Abifhai  his  brother,  that  he  might  put  them 
 in  array  againft  the  children  of  Ammon. 
 
 1 1  And  he  faid,  If  the  Syrians  be  too  ftrong  for 
 
 II.  SAMUEL. 
 
 The  Ammonites  and  S^iwns  ov  rcome. 
 
 me,  then  thou  (halt  help  me ;  but  if  the  children  of 
 Ammon  be  too  fttong  for  thee,  then  I  will  come  and^.j^ 
 help  thee. 
 
 12  Be  of  good  courage,  and  let  us  play  the  men  for 
 our  people,  and  for  the  cities  of  our  God  :  and  the 
 Lord  do  that  which  feemeth  him  good. 
 
 13  And  Joab  drew  nigh,  and  the  people  that  -xere 
 with  him,  unto  the  battle  againft  the  Syrians :  and 
 they  fled  before  him. 
 
 14  And  when  the  children  of  Ammon  faw  that  the 
 Syrians  were  fled,  then  fled  they’  ailb  before  Abifhai, 
 and  entered  into  the  citv.  So  Joab  returned  from 
 the  children  of  Ammon,  and  came  to  Jerufalem. 
 
 15  «J  And  when  the  Syrians  faw  that  they  were  fmit-«^- 103«. 
 ten  before  Ifrael,  thev  gathered  themfelves  together. 
 
 16  And  Hadarezer  fent,  and  brought  out  the  Sy¬ 
 rians  that  were  beyond  the  river  ;  and  they  catue  to 
 Helam  :  and  Shobach,  the  captain  of  tne  hoft  of  Ha¬ 
 darezer,  went  before  them. 
 
 17  And  when  it  w'as  told  David,  he  gathered  all 
 Ifrael  together,  and  pafled  over  Jordan,  and  came^  to 
 Helam:  and  the  Syrians  fet  themfelves  in  array  againft 
 David,  and  fought  with  him. 
 
 18  And  the  Syrians  fled  before  Ifrael;  and  David 
 flew  the  men  o/  feven  hundred  chariots  of  the  Syrians, 
 and  forty  thoufand  horfemen,  and  fmote  Shobach,  the 
 captain  of  their  hoft,  who  died  there. 
 
 19  And  when  all  the  kings  that  were  fervants  to  Ha¬ 
 darezer  faw  that  they  were  linitten  before  Ifrael,  they 
 made  peace  with  Ifrael,  and  ferved  them.  So  the 
 Syrians  feared  to  help  the  children  of  Ammon  any 
 more.* 
 
 CHAP.  XT. 
 
 1  IVhile  Joab  besiegeth  Rabbah,  David  commilteth  adultery  with  Bath- 
 
 sfieba*  6  Uriah,  Jent  for  by  David,  to  cover  the  advitery,  would  not 
 
 to  his  liovse  14  Uriah  carrieth  a  Liter  to  Joab, 
 
 And  it  came  to  pafs,  f  after  the  year  was 
 
 ed,  at  the  time  when  kings  go  forth  to  battle, 
 that  *  David  fent  Joab.  and  his  fervants  with  him,  return  of 
 all  Ifrael ;  and  they  deftroyed  tne  children  of  Ammon,  the  year. 
 and  befieged  Rabbah  :  but  David  tarried  ftillat  Jtfu*2o^ 
 falem, 
 
 2  f  And  it  came  to  pafs  in  an  evening-tide,  that 
 David  arofe  from  off  his  bed,  and  walked  upon  the 
 roof  of  the  king’s  houfe  :  and  from  the  roof  he  law 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  X.  Ver.  '2.  I  will  shew  kindnefs  unto 
 Hiiiiuii, — as  his /other  shewed  kindnefs  unto  me.  What  the  particular  benefits 
 wli.'ch  David  had  received  from  Nahafli  were,  we  are  no  where  told  in  fcripiure  ; 
 but  fotne  of  the  Jews  fay,  that  he  fled  to  him,  when  he  durtt  flay  no  longer  with 
 Achifh,  and  that  he  received  him  very  kindly;  others,  that  he  enteruined  his 
 relations,  when  the  king  of  Moab,  to  whom  he  had  committed  them,  Hew  fome 
 et  them.  But  the  mod  likely  opinion  is,  that,  as  he  w’as  a  bitter  enemy  to  Saul, 
 "ho  liad  given  him  a  great  overthrow,  be,  for  that  very  reafon,  became  a  friend  to 
 David,  when  he  perceived  how  Saul  perfecuted  him,  and  thereupon  might  fend 
 him  relief  and  allillance,  and  perhaps  offer  him  protccStion  in  his  kingdom.  Ver. 
 d.  Hanun — shaved  off  the  one  half  oj  their  beards.  Compare  Ifa.  xx.  4.  xlvii.  2. 
 
 1.  6.  Tills  was  one  of  the  greatell  indignities  that  the  malice  of  man  could  in¬ 
 vent ;  for,  in  thofe  eallcrn  countries,  the  people  confidered  their  hair  as  fo  great 
 so  ornament,  that  fome  would  rather  have  fubmitted  to  die  than  part  with  it ;  and  I 
 tlie  addition  of  cutting  off  their  garments,  even  to  the  middle,  whereby  he  expofed 
 tlieir  nakednefs,  rendered  the  whole  fneb  a  brutal  and  fhainclels  infult,  as  would 
 badly  become  a  man  of  David’s  martial  fpirit,  and  juft  fentiments  of  honour,  to 
 have  tamely  palled  by.  Ver.  6.  Hired  the  Syrians.  Inftead  of  apologizing  or  j 
 
 making  any  reparation  for  the  infult,  they  joined  their  own  forces  to  a  Syrian  army 
 of  tliirty-three  thoufand  men  ;  which  aggravated  their  former  outrage,  and  ren¬ 
 dered  them  worthy  of  the  moll  fignal  challifeiiient.  Ver.  8.  In  the  Jie'd  o  Me- 
 debab,  a  frontier  city;  fee  1  Chron.  xix.  7.  Numb.  xxi.  30.  This  place  they  clioofe 
 becaufe  it  was  properly  the  defence  of  the  country.  Ver.  16.  H  darexer  the  lame 
 with  Iladadezer,  chap.  viii.  3.  Ver.  18.  Ch  .riots,  are  here  and  in  fome  other  paf- 
 fages,  put  for  the  men  who  fought  from  them,  compare  chap.  xix.  18.  1  Sam.  xiii.  5. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XL  Ver.  1.  And  they  dejiroyed  the 
 children  o  Ammon.  Joab  followed  up  the  former  viiRory  by  prefiang  hard  on  the 
 deferted  Ammonites.  David  being  returned  in  triumph  to  Jerulalem,  and  having 
 fubdued  their  country,  invells  their  capital.  '  er  2.  David  arose  jrom  his  btd,  and 
 walked  upon  ike  roo  .  Here  David’s  fun  fuflers  an  eclipfe  ;  whilft  his  forces  are 
 viiSlorious  againft  his  enemies,  he  is  worfe  than  vanquiftied  at  home,  fallen  a  Have 
 under  brutal  luffs  and  paftions.  D  vid’s  palace  being  probably  built  on  one  of  the 
 higheft  places  of  mount  Zion,  lie  could  view  from  the  roof,  the  houfes  and  gardens 
 at  a  conliderable  diffance,  compare  Note  on  Mark  ii.  4.  He  saw  a  woman  wash¬ 
 ing  hersel;.  Whether  Bath-lheha  was  waffling  herfelf  in  her  garden  or  in  her 
 chamber  overlooked  by  the  king’s  palace,  is  not  certain  ;  but  the  reafon  of  tier 
 
 be  not  foiigiit  the  Mephiboffieths  of  the  human  family,  reftored  them  to  tlieir  juftly  forfeited  inheritance,  and  appointed  them  to  eat  and  drink  at  his  own  table,  in  his 
 kingdom,  not  for  a  Ihort  life  of  a  few  uncertain  years,  but  for  eternal  ages. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  X.j  Bafe  minds  are  always  the  moft  fnfpicious;  and  evil  fufpicions  hurry  men  into  the  moft  raffi  and  ruinous 
 coududt.  Little  pleafure,  profit,  or  honour,  muft  he  expected  from  compUmentiog  the  enemies  of  God  and  his  people.  Calumny  often  drives  men  into  obfeurity  ; 
 but  patience  will  gradually  wear  off  the  reproach.  No  numbers,  wifdom,  or  ftrength,  will  be  found  able  to  fupport  thofe  who  fight  againft  God.  Great  dangers  call 
 for  the  greater  fortitude.  Love  of  God  and  our  country  makes  the  braveR  foldiers.  Mutual  afftllaiice  is  a  duty  iacuinbeut  in  every  difficulty,  and  depeiideuce  on  Gud 
 la  the  ufe  of  means  is  the  fureft  way  to  be  crowned  with  fuccefs. 
 
D.ivlas  iroitsqrcssTon  Bathhchat 
 
 II.  SAMUEL. 
 
 of, 
 
 f  Heb. 
 went  out 
 mjter  him. 
 
 Slift  ?  woman  wafhing  herfelf ;  and  the  woman  very 
 
 cir.  to  lOoi;  UpOD. 
 
 3  And  Davia  lent  and  enquired  after  the  woman. 
 And  one  faid,  Is  not  this  Bath-lheba,  the  daughter  ot 
 Eliam,  the  wife  of  Uriah  theHittite? 
 
 4  And  David  fent  meilengers,  and  took  her ;  and 
 (I  Or,  and  (he  came  in  unto  him,  and  he  lay  with  her  ;  (1|  for  (he 
 when  she  was  purified  from  her  uncleannefs  :)  and  (he  return- 
 w  ej  unto  her  houfe. 
 
 fied  her^  r-  mt  \  j  u  •  ^ 
 
 sei/y  5  y  And  the  woman  conceived,  and  fent  and  told 
 she  re-  David,  and  faid,  I  om  with  child. 
 iTLev  ^  And  David  fent  to  Joab,  saying.  Send  me  Uriah 
 15.  *19.  &  Hittite.  And  Joab  fent  Uriah  to  David. 
 
 18. 19.  7  And  when  Uriah  was  come  unto  him,  David  de- 
 
 t  Heb.  o/-manded  of  him  f  how  Joab  did,  and  how  the  people 
 </!«  peace  profpered. 
 
 8  And  David  faid  to  Uriah,  Go  down  to  thy  houfe, 
 and  w’afh  thy  feet.  And  Uriah  departed  out  of  the 
 king’s  houfe,  and  there  f  followed  him  a  mefs  of  meat 
 from  the  king. 
 
 9  But  Uriah  flept  at  the  door  of  the  king’s  houfe 
 with  all  the  fervants  of  his  lord,  and  went  not  down 
 to  his  houfe. 
 
 10  And  when  they  had  told  David,  faying,  Uriah 
 went  not  down  unto  his  houfe,  David  faid  unto 
 Uriah,  Cameft  thou  not  from  thy  journey  ?  why  then 
 did(t  thou  not  go  dowm  unto  thine  houfe  ? 
 
 11  And  Uriah  faid  unto  David,  The  Ark,  and  If- 
 rael,  and  Judah,  abide  in  tents  ;  and  my  lord  Joab, 
 and  the  fervants  of  my  lord,  are  encamped  in  the 
 open  fields :  (hall  I  then  go  into  mine  houfe  to  eat, 
 and  to  drink,  and  to  lie  with  my  wife?  As  tnou 
 liveft,  and  as  thy  foul  liveth,  1  wdll  not  do  this 
 thing. 
 
 12  And  David  faid  to  Uriah,  Tarry  here  to-day 
 alfo,  and  to-morrow  I  will  let  thee  depart.  So  Uriah 
 abode  in  Jerufalem  that  day,  and  the  morrow. 
 
 13  And  when  David  had  called  him,  he  did  eat 
 and  drink  before  him  ;  and  he  made  him  drunk  :  and 
 at  even  he  went  out  to  lie  on  his  bed  wi'h  the  fervants 
 of  his  lord,  but  went  not  dowm  to  his  houfe. 
 
 14  ^  And  it  came  to  pafs  in  the  morning,  that 
 
 Vriah  slain  in 
 
 David  wrote  a  letter  to  Joab,  and  Cent  it  by  the  hand  Htfoi-e 
 or  Uriah.  ■  ci,ri(t 
 
 15  And  he  wrote  in  the  letter,  faying.  Set  ye  Uriah 
 
 in  the  forefront  of  the  f  hotteft  battle,  and  retire  yef^il^ 
 t  from  him,  that  he  may  be  fmitten,  and  die.  f  iong. 
 
 16  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  Joab  obferved  thet^^*^^*’- 
 city,  that  he  afligned  Uriah  unto  a  place  where 
 
 knew  that  valiant  men  K:cre.  *' 
 
 17  And  the  men  of  the  city  went  out  and  fought 
 with  Joab ;  and  there  fell  some  of  the  people  of  the 
 (ervants  of  David  ;  and  Uriah  the  Hittite  died  alfo. 
 
 18  U  Then  Joab  fent  and  told  David  all  the  things 
 concerning  the  war ; 
 
 19  And  charged  the  meffenger,  faying,  When  thou 
 haft  made  an  end  of  telling  the  matters  of  the  war 
 unto  the  king. 
 
 20  And  if  fo  be  that  the  king’s  wrath  arife,  and  he 
 fay  unto  thee,  Wherefore  approacheth  ye  lb  nigh  unto 
 the  city  when  ye  did  fight  ?  knew  ye  not  that  they 
 would  (hoot  from  the  wall  ? 
 
 21  Who  fmote  Atiimelech  the  fon  of  Jerubbe-  c  Judges 
 fheth  ?  did  not  a  woman  caft  a  piece  of  a  milKfone 
 upon  him  from  the  wail  that  he  died  in  ft  hebez  ? 
 
 why  went  ye  nigh  the  wall  ?  ftTen  fay  thou,  ftTy  fer- 
 vant  Uriah  (he  Hittite  is  dead  alfo. 
 
 22  If  So  the  meffenger  went,  and  came  and  (hewed 
 David  all  that  Joab  had  fent  him  for. 
 
 23  And  the  m'ffenger  faid  unto  David,  Surely  the 
 men  prevailed  againlt  us,  and  came  out  unto  us  into 
 the  field,  and  we  w'ere  upon  them  even  unto  the  en¬ 
 tering  of  the  gate. 
 
 24  And  the  (hooters  (hot  from  off  the  wall  upon 
 thy  fervants  ;  and  so7ne  of  the  Icing’s  fervants  be  dead, 
 and  thy  lervant  Uriah  the  Hittite  is  dead  alfo. 
 
 25  ft  lien  David  faid  unto  tUe  meffenger,  Thus  (halt 
 thou  (ay  unto  Joab,  Let  not  this  thing  f  difpleafe  thee  ;  t 
 for  the  (word  devoureth  f  one  as  well  as  another  : 
 make  thy  battle  more  ftrong  againft  the  city,  and|  Heb.so 
 overthrow  it ;  and  encourage  thou  him. 
 
 26  H  And  when  the  wife  of  Uriah  heard  that  Uriah 
 her  hulband  was  dead,  (lie  mourned  tor  her  huf- 
 band. 
 
 thine  eyes. 
 
 t 
 
 and  such. 
 
 doing  fo  was  to  cleanfe  her  from  her  natural  ceremonial  impurity  and  thus  the 
 innocentiv  became  a  fnare  to  the  unguarded  monarch.  At  the  fight  unhallowed 
 defires  kindled  in  his  bofom  ;  he  turns  not  away  from  the  inflaming  object,  but 
 urged  by  mean  appetite  contrives  how  to  enjoy  her.  Ver.  3.  And  David  se7if  and 
 enquired  njtcrthe  woman.  He  enquires  after  the  w'oman,  and  not  deterred  from 
 her  having  a  hufbaiid,  invites  her  to  his  houfe,  and  tempts  her  to  his  bed,  to  which 
 •with  too  ready  compliance  fhe  confents.  For  the  indulgence  of  his  finfiil  appetite 
 for  a  few  minutes,  he  abandons  the  fear  of  committing  a  crime  which  was  detefla- 
 ble  in  the  fight  of  a  pure  and  holy  God,  and  deftroys  bis  honour  and  reputation. 
 Every  circumftance  ferved  to  aggravate  bis  crime  ;  a  king  who  lliould  have  pu- 
 niflied  the  adulterer  with  death?  one  who  had  a  number  of  wives  of  his  own  ;  an 
 aged  perfon  in  whom  thefe  youthful  lulls  were  doubly  brutifli  ;  her  hufband  ab- 
 fent  from  encountering  his  enemies  in  the  field  ;  and  an  accompliflied  woman, 
 before  innocent  and  refjjetSlable,  prevailed  upon  perhaps  not  more  by  the  glare  of 
 his  crown,  than  the  fame  of  his  religious  charadler,  as  though  that  could  not  be 
 finful  which  he  propofed.  Ver.  5.  And  the  woman  conctived.  She  had  retired  to 
 her  home,  and  no  doubt  David  would  fuppofe  what  he  had  committed  would  re¬ 
 main  a  fecret ;  but  God  often  in  this  world  orders  it  fo  that  the  works  of  darknefs 
 are  brought  to  light.  Bath-fheba  conceived  ;  and  jullly  apprehenfive  of  tiie 
 danger  (he  had  incured  from  her  illicit  commerce  with  David,  from  an  inju'-ed 
 and  enraged  hufband,  acquaints  the  king,  who  no  doubt  would  not  h^fitate  to 
 promife  her  an  infamous  protedliou.  Ver.  6.  And  David  sent  to  Joab,  siyitu-. 
 Send  me  Uriah  the  Hittite.  He  being  afraid  of  loofing  his  own  characSler,  as  well 
 as  Bath-flieba’s  honour  and  fafety,  contrives  to  fave  both  by  fending  for  Uriah, 
 concluding  he  would  probably  go  home  to  his  wife.  He  defires  Joab  to  fend 
 him  upon  a  pretence  to  enquire  of  him  how  the  fiege  was  carried  on,  and  what 
 progrefs  they  had  made  ;•  he  receives  him  in  a  gracious  manner,  entertains,  and  ! 
 fends  him  home  to  his  houfe.  Ver,  9.  But  Uriah  slept  at  the  dear  of  the  king’s  ‘ 
 
 house.  He  went  not  home,  but  lay  down  in  the  guard-chamber.  David  no  doubt 
 made  enquiry  about  hi.r,,  and  was  greatly  di (appointed  to  find  his  fcheme  had  not 
 fucceeoed.  Ver.  JO.  David  said  unto  Uriah,  Carnejt  thou  not  jTom  ihy  Journey  f 
 Another  day  he  makes  a  viler  attempt  upon  him  ;  he  calls  him,  and  wonders  at 
 lus  not  going  home;  but  receives  Uriah’s  noble  and  generous  refolution  in  anfvver. 
 Ver.  11.  The  ark,  and  Israel,  and  dudah,  abide  in  tents — shall  I  then  go  into  my 
 house,  to  eat  and  to  drink.  This  might  have  awakened  every  remaining  fentiment 
 of  gratitude,  and  covered  his  countenance  with  (hatre  and  blufhing  ;  but  David 
 who  had  manifeRed  on  every  other  occafion  the  higheR  refpefil  for  Rich  noble  cou¬ 
 rage,  feems  loR  to  every  principle  of  julliee  and  honour,  and  therefore  feeks  to 
 efl'edl  that  by  intoxicating  him,  which  he  could  not  obtain  from  him  when  fober. 
 Ver.  13.  Phis  diabolical  fcheme  did  not  fncceed ;  but  God’s  over-ruling  pro¬ 
 vidence  caufed  Uriah,  though  inflamed  with  wine  and  mirth,  not  to  forget  his  oath, 
 but  perfevere  in  his  noble  fentiments,  and  lie  down  again  with  David’s  fervants 
 at  the  palace  gate.  V  er.  14.  Duvid  wrote  a  letter  to  Joab  and  sent  u  by  the  hand  of 
 Uriah,  who  is  made  the  meffenger  of  his  own  execution.  He  appears  to  have 
 entertained  no  fufpicion  of  what  had  palTtd,  and  lefs  of  what  was  meditating 
 againR  him.  Ver.  15.  Set  Uriah  in  the  .ore-Jronl  oj  the  hottest  battle.  David 
 with  deliberate  malice  dilates  the  fatal  letter,  and  takes  advantage  of  Uriah’s 
 known  courage,  to  place  liim  in  a  dangerous  fnuation,  and  witii  the  w'orR  ingra¬ 
 titude  rewards  him  for  iiis  bravery  ;  he  falls  not  alone :  but  David  in  this  cafe 
 is  lavifli  of  the  lives  of  his  fubje'Hs.  Ver.  16.  Joab  fails  not  to  execute  his 
 king’s  orders ;  he  plans  an  afftult  where  the  greateR  oppofition  was  expe(5led, 
 and  not  fupporting  Uriah  as  he  (hould,  he  fell,  accompanied  with  other  brave 
 foldiers  advancing  to  the  breach.  Ver.  18.  Then  Joab  sent  and  told  D  .vid.  He 
 lends  an  exprefs  to  the  king  with  the  welcome  tidings,  of  which  the  meffen- 
 ^er  makes  an  exadl  report,  aud  carefu  ly  inferts  the  laR  particular.  Ver.  25; 
 David  isperfedlly  (atisfied  with  the  relation;  valuing  not  the  lives  of  the  brave 
 
II.  SAMUEL. 
 
 yj/hmi’s  'p:iruhlo  of  the  c'vce-lamh. 
 
 Duvttl  reprove  I  1:,  ine  prep 
 
 \' 
 
 l’,efore 
 
 Cliiiit 
 
 oil-.  lO  'A. 
 
 f  Jleb. 
 jnorJ'eL 
 
 I  Or, 
 
 it  worthy 
 
 to  die- 
 a  Exod. 
 22.  1. 
 
 27  And  when  the  mourning  was  paid,  David  Pent 
 and  fetched  her  to  his  houte,  and  fhe  becaini*  his  wife, 
 and  bare  him  a  fon.  But  the  thing  that  David  had 
 done  t  difpleafed  the  Lord.* 
 
 CHAP  XII. 
 
 1  iVa/Aan’s  jmrnble  of  the  ewe-lamb  cavfeth  David  to  pass  sentence  on 
 himfdf.  7  David  reproved  by  Nathan,  confe£eth  his  sin,  and  is  par¬ 
 doned.  15  David  mourwth  and  prayelh  for  the  child  while  it  lived, 
 24  Solomon  is  born,  and  named  Jedidiah.  26  David  lakclh  liabbah, 
 and  torlureth  the  people  thereof, 
 
 And  the  Lord  fent  Nathan  unto  David  :  and  he 
 came  unto  him,  and  Paid  unto  him,  There  were 
 two  men  in  one  city  ;  the  one  rich,  and  the  other  poor. 
 2  The  rich  man  had  exceeding  many  flocks  and  herds; 
 3  But  the  poor  man  had  nothing,  fave  one  little  ewe- 
 lamb,  v;hich  he  had  bought,  and  nourilhed  up  ;  and  it 
 grew  up  together  with  him,  and  with  his  children  :  it 
 did  eat  of  his  own  t  meat,  and  drank  of  his  own  cup, 
 and  lay  in  his  bofom,  and  was  unto  him  as  a  daughter. 
 
 4  And  there  came  a  traveller  unto  the  rich  man  ; 
 and  he  fpared  to  take  of  his  own  flock,  and  of  his  own 
 herd,  to  drefs  for  the  way-faring  man  that  was  come 
 unto  him  ;  but  took  the  poor  man’s  lamb,  and  drefled 
 it  for  the  man  that  was  come  to  him. 
 
 5  And  David’s  anger  was  greatly  kindled  againft 
 the  man  ;  and  he  Paid  to  Nathan,  As  the  Lord  liveth, 
 the  man  that  hath  done  this  thing  H  fhall  Purely  die : 
 
 6  And  he  fhall  reftore  the  lamb  ^  four- fold  becauPe 
 he  did  this  thing,  and  becauPe  he  had  no  pity. 
 
 7  H  And  Nathan  Paid  to  David,  Thou  art  the  man. 
 
 'Fhus  faith  the  Lord  God  of  IPrael,  !  inointed  tliee 
 king  over  IPrael,  and  I  delivered  thee  on-  of  th,-  hand 
 of  Saul ; 
 
 8  And  I  gave  thee  thy  mailer’s  houPe,  and  thy 
 mailer’s  wives  into  thy  boPom,  and  gave  tine  the 
 houPe  of  IPrael  and  of  Judah  ;  and  i/nt  haJ  bten  too 
 little,  I  would  moreover  have  given  unto  thee  fuch 
 and  fuch  things. 
 
 9  Wherefore  haft  thou  defpiPed  the  commandment 
 of  the  Lord,  to  do  evil  in  his  fight  ?  thou  haft  killed 
 Uriah  the  Hittite  with  the  fword,  and  haft  taken  his 
 wife  to  he  thy  wife,  and  haft  flain  him  with  the  [word 
 of  the  children  of  Ammon. 
 
 10  Now  therefore  the  fword  ftjall  never  depart  from 
 thine  houfe ;  becaufe  thou  haft  defpifed  me,  and  haft 
 taken  the  wife  of  Uriah  the  Hittite  to  be  thy  w'ife. 
 
 1 1  Thus  faith  the  Lord,  Behold,  I  will  raiPe  up  evil 
 againft  thee  out  of  thine  own  heuPe  ;  and  1  will  '  take 
 thy  w'ives  before  thine  eyes,  and  give  them  unto  thy 
 neighbour,  and  he  lhall  lie  with  thy  wives  in  the  fight 
 of  this  Pun. 
 
 12  For  thou  didft  it  fecretly ;  but  I  will  do  this 
 thing  before  all  IPrael,  and  before  the  Pun. 
 
 13  And  David  laid  unto  Nathan,  I  have  finned 
 againft  the  Lord.  And  Nathan  Paid  unto  David,  The 
 Lord  alPo  hath  put  away  thy  fin  ;  thou  (halt  not  die. 
 
 14  Howbeit,  becauPe  by  this  deed  thou  haft  given 
 great  occafion  to  the  enemies  of  the  Lord  to  blaP- 
 pheme,  the  child  alfo  that  is  born  unto  thee  lhall 
 Purely  die. 
 
 }!'.  fr-n; 
 
 (  I  ■■■• 
 
 r.  .  ;  i . 
 
 1  A  :•  1, 
 i  ;  -1, 
 
 c  Dv'ut. 
 28.  30. 
 Chap. 
 16.  22. 
 
 (1  Ecclug 
 47.  II. 
 
 irien  who  had  fallen  ;  but  encourages  Joab  not  to  be  dilheartened  but  to  carry  on 
 the  fiege  with  vigour  and  renewed  attacks.  Ver.  27.  And  when  the  morning  was 
 pajl.  Without  delay  David  acquaints  Bath-flieba  witli  the  death  of  her  hufband 
 and  after  the  time  of  mourning  was  ended,  which  was  probably  very  fliort,  not 
 more  than  feven  days,  he  takes  her  to  wife  ;  thus  all  feemed  to  be  hufhed  up  ; 
 but  God’s  cognizance  marked  this  fecret  mot,  and  regards  with  juft  indignation 
 the  various  fteps  of  his  infamous  procedure,  even  from  tlie  firft  beginning  of  thefe 
 ludful  defires  until  tlie  fall  of  brave  Uriah. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XII.  Ver.  1.  This  was  a  prudent  and 
 refpe(5lful  method  of  awakening  the  confcience  of  David  by  an  appofite  parable. 
 The  prophet  very  artfully  and  ingenioufly  introduces  bis  reprehenfion  by  a  very 
 fiinple,  but  expreffive  narrative,  and  adds  to  it  a  very  ftriking  contraft  ;  and  hence 
 it  appears,  how  equal  he  was  to  the  arduous  tafle  of  rebuking  loyalty  itfelf  with 
 authority,  but  without  offence.  Ver.  3.  The  poignance  of  the  parable  begins  now 
 to  appear:  The  rich  man,  we  are  told,  had  exceeding  many  flocks  and  herds ;  that 
 is,  many  wives  and  concubines,  with  whom  he  might  have  been  fatisfied,  without 
 violating  another’s  bed  :  but  the  whole  fubllance  of  the  other  w'as  compi-iCed  in 
 c.'ic  little  evve-lamb.  A  fjmile  this,  which  is  nioft  beautifully  deferiptive,  and 
 truly  poetical.  It  diil  eat  of  his  own  meal.  13ath-(heba  was  very  likely  the  only 
 wife  Uriah  had,  with  whom  he  was  highly  pleafed  and  delighted,  and  ffie  was  pro¬ 
 bably  with  him,  until  David’s  temptation  had  perverted  her  mind.  Ver.  4.  And 
 there  came  a  traveller  unto  the  rich  man.  Thefe  words  are  a  very  expreflive  em¬ 
 blem  of  David’s  ftraggling  appetite,  which  he  fuffered  to  wander  from  home,  and 
 to  covet  another  man’s  wife.  The  remaining  part  of  this  verfe  affords  ns  a  very 
 I  pathetic  defeription  of  the  pernicious  effedls  of  covetoufnefs,  feeing  the  very  ruin 
 .  and  impoveriffinaent  of  our  neighbour  is  not  fufRcient  to  ftop  its  career,  when  we 
 ^  once  fuffer  it  to  get  the  maftery  of  our  religion  and  reafon.  Upon  the  whole,  this 
 IS  a  very  fhort  and  fignificant  allegory,  couched  in  the  fimpleft  terms,  worked  up 
 with  the  niceft  art  and  concluded  with  the  mod  aftedling  cataftrophe.  Ver.  5. 
 
 '  And  DavUf s  anger  was  greatly  kindled.  This  anger  of  David  lliews  the  humanity 
 and  compaflion  of  his  nature;  and  was  extremely  juft  againft  one  w-ho  feemed  to 
 have  no  pity  nor  regard  to  the  little  property  of  another;  whofe  ewe- lamb,  fo 
 beloved  by  him,  muft  be  facrificed  to  the  power  and  rapacious  will  of  this  rich 
 and  overbearing  man  ;  but  at  the  fame  time  it  proves  the  frailty  of  human  na¬ 
 il,  ture,  fo  difeerning  of  faults  committed  by  another,  and  fo  blind  and  forgetful 
 ;'|of  our  own;  he  had  forgot  that  he  had  fo  valiantly  feized  Uriah’s  beloved  wife  of 
 phis  bofom,  his  only  ewe-lamb.  The  man  that  hath  done  this  thing  shall  surely  die. 
 
 Puniffiments  are  fometimes,  for  the  great  atrocity  of  the  crime,  extended  beyond 
 the  law.  David  condemned  the  perfon  who  took  away  the  lamb  to  pay  four¬ 
 fold,  according  to  the  law,  and  denounced  fentence  of  death  againft  him  becaufe 
 he  had  no  pity.  The  Jews  obferve  that  the  fentence  was  ominous,  the  fame  num¬ 
 ber  of  David’s  children  perilhing  as  the  rich  man  was  ordered  to  reftore  lambs, 
 namely,  the  child  he  had  by  Bath-flieba,  Amnon,  Abfalom,  and  Adonijah.  Ver. 
 7.  Thou  art  the  man.  Nathan’s  le(5lure  was  worthy  ot  the  dignity  of  a  prophet, 
 and  fuch  as  became  the  majefty  of  him  to  whom  it  was  given.  It  was  grave, 
 affedling,  infinuating,  and  polite,  and  fuch  as  drew  from  the  king  his  own  con¬ 
 demnation,  even  before  he  perceived  it.  Ver.  8.  Thy  majlefs  wives  into  thy  bnfonu 
 We  read  of  no  more  than  one  that  belonged  to  Saul,  if  he  is  meant  by  his  mafter, 
 excepting  Rifpah  his  concubine,  nor  of  David  taking  them  t(5  his  bofom  or  bed. 
 It  may  however  be  obferved,  that  all  the  wives  of  Saul  became  the  property  of 
 David  as  his  fucceflbr.  And  hence  we  find,  that  whoever  fought  the  wives  of 
 a  deteafed  king  acflcd  as  if  he  fought  alfo  the  crown,  fee  chap.  iii.  8.  1  Kin<rs 
 ii-  23.  Ver.  10.  The  fword  shall  never  depart  from  thine  houfe.  The  truth  of 
 his  threatening  appe.ared  in  the  ffaughter  of  his  fons  Amnon  and  Abfalom  before 
 Ins  death,  and  of  Adonijah  quickly  after,  and  in  the  wars  which  his  poftcrity  had 
 with  the  ten  tribes  and  other  nations.  Ver.  11./  wUl  raife  up  evU  against  thee  out 
 of  thine  own  houfe.  Which  was  verified  in  the  cafe  of  Amnon  and  Abfalom.  And 
 I  will  take  thy  wives. — This  was  accompliffied  by  Abfalom’s  abufi ng  his  father’s 
 concubines,  cl-ap.  xvi.  22.  Ver.  13.  David  faUl,— I  have  sinned  again/I  the  Lord. 
 No  fooner  was  the  application  of  the  parable  made  by  Nathan,  but  David  owns 
 his  offence  ;  and  the  plalms  he  penned  on  this  occafion,  fliew  the  deep  fenfe  he 
 had  of  the  guilt  he  contradled,  and  will  be  a  memorial  of  his  fincere  repentance  to 
 I  all  future  ages.  His  unhefiuting  confeflion,  I  have  sinned,  Ihort,  but  more  ex- 
 j  preflive  than  all  the  parade  of  eloquence,  darted,  as  God  faw  it  was  from  a  con- 
 !  trite,  foftened,  penetrated  heart,  and  flowing  from  faith  in  the  facrifice  of  Chrift, 
 
 I  averted  the  impending  ftroke  ;  and  God  was  gracious  to  heal  his  foul  with  thelb 
 !  balmy  words,  The  Lord  also  hath  put  away  thy  sin  ;  thou  shalt  nut  die.  Upon  the 
 whole,  let  David  ftand  as  a  warning  to  mankind  of  the  frailty  of  human  nature,  of 
 the  dcceitfulnefs  of  fin,  of  the  danger  of  giving  way  to  criminal  palffons,  and  the 
 firft  violations  of  confcience  and  duty.  Thus  will  his  fall  be  a  means  of  their  fecu- 
 rity,  and  they  will  learn  not  to  iufult  his  memory,  but  pity  the  man,  by  whom  they 
 are  warned  and  guarded  againft  the  like  tranfgrclfions.  Or,  if  like  him,  they  offend 
 they  may  hope  from  his  example  that  they  lhall  not  die,  if,  as  he  did,  they  Lknowl 
 ledge  their  fin,  and  with  a  broken  and  contrite  heart,  with  faith  in  the  atonement 
 
 ■»,  J^^/^^TICAL  OBSERV  VTIONS.— *  Chap.  XI.]  What  is  man  when  left  to  himfelf!  On  this  fide  the  grave  no  man  is  fecurefrom  prefumptuous  fin 
 bo  d  the  man  according  to  God’s  own  heart :  the  royal  deputy  of  heaven,  negligent  in  hufinefs,  indulgent  of  lloth,  wandering  in  eye,  and  luftful  in  Lart  •  in  old  an-,, 
 
 debauching  a  lady  of  good  reputation,  and  the  wife  of  a  faithful  hero  ;  labouring  to  impofe  a  fpurious  ilfue  on  an  injured  friend  ;  robbiniv  bis  faithful  le’rvant  of  h“ 
 
 I  lenfes  by  drink,  to  promote  the  bafe  defign  :  deliberately  contriving  murder,  and  making  the  intended  viaim  the  bearer  of  the  murderous  mandate  •  utinn-  U-r  h’* 
 I  lidehty  and  valour  as  the  means  of  his  ruin  ;  and,  in  fine,  charging  his  murder  on  the  providence  of  God  !  Oh  !  what  fearful  depths  of  corruuliou  miiH  I.e  ik  l  * 
 
 ;  .  nian  heart !  How  aftoniffiing  it  is  that  Jefus  and  his  Spirit  llioiild  dwell  in  fo  polluted  a  refidence  !  how  much  are  we  indebted  for  his  rellraiuin«-  cmee  ' 
 
 ‘live  habitually  impreffed  with  a  fenfe  of  the  prefence  of  God,  and  tremble  left  w'e  diffionour  him,  °  “ 
 
 I  No.  20...,Qd,  4  K 
 
 Be- 
 
 May  we 
 
Z).n,\ 
 
 7nairhi>n. 
 
 o 
 
 II.  SAMUEL. 
 
 Solomon  Ic 
 
 in. 
 
 Bvfore 
 Ch.;;l 
 cir.  103 
 
 f  Ileb. 
 fafted  a 
 
 JoA 
 
 t  Ileb. 
 do  hurt 
 
 15  ^  And  Nuthan  departed  unto  his  houfe  :  and  the 
 .  Lord  ftriick  the  child  that  Uriah’s  wife  bare  unto 
 ^  David,  and  it  was  very  fick. 
 
 16  David  therefore  befought  God  for  the  child  ; 
 and  David  f  fafted,  and  went  in,  and  lay  all  night  upon 
 the  earth. 
 
 17  And  the  elders  of  his  houfe  arofe,  atid  xvcnl  to 
 him,  to  raife  him  up  from  the  earth  :  but  he  would 
 not,  neither  did  he  eat  bread  with  them. 
 
 18  And  it  came  to  pafs  on  thefeventh  day,  that  the 
 child  died.  And  the  fervants  of  David  feared  to  tell 
 him  that  the  child  was  dead  ;  for  they  laid,  Behold, 
 while  the  child  was  yet  alive,  we  fpake  unto  him,  and 
 he  would  not  hearken  unto  our  voice ;  how  will  he 
 then  f  vex  himfelf,  if  we  tell  him  that  the  child  is  dead  ? 
 
 19  But  when  David  faw  that  his  fervants  whifpered, 
 David  perceived  that  the  child  was  dead  :  therefore 
 David  faid  unto  his  fervants.  Is  the  child  dead?  And 
 they  laid,  He  is  dead. 
 
 20  Then  David  arofe  from  the  earth,  and  waflied, 
 and  anointed  himself,  and  changed  his  apparel,  and 
 came  into  the  houfe  of  the  Lord,  and  worlhipped  : 
 then  he  came  to  his  own  houfe ;  and,  when  he  re¬ 
 quired,  they  let  bread  before  him,  and  he  did  eat. 
 
 21  Then  faid  his  fervants  unto  him,  What  thing  is 
 this  that  thou  haft  done  ?  thou  didft  fait  and  weep 
 for  the  child,  tshile  it  icas  alive ;  but  when  the  child 
 was  dead,  thou  didft  rife  and  eat  bread. 
 
 2-2  And  he  faid,  While  the  child  was  yet  alive,  I 
 fafted  and  wept :  for  I  faid,  Who  can  tell  -whether  God 
 will  be  gracious  to  me,  that  the  child  may  live  ? 
 
 23  But  now  he  is  dead,  wherefore  fhould  I  fall  ? 
 can  1  bring  him  back  again?  1  ftiall  go  to  him,  but  he 
 (hall  not  return  to  me. 
 
 24<  ^  And  David  comforted  Bath-lheba  his  wife, 
 and  went  in  unto  her,  and  lay  with  her:  and  ®  (he 
 hare  a  fon,  and  ^  he  called  his  name  Solomon ;  and 
 the  Lord  loved  him. 
 
 25  And  he  lent  by  the  hand  of  Nathan  the  pro¬ 
 phet  ;  and  he  called  his  name  H  Jedidiah,  becaule  of 
 the  Lord. 
 
 26  H  And  Joab  fought  againft  Rabbah  of  the  chil- 
 dren  of  Ammon  and  took  the  royal  city: 
 
 27  And  Joab  lent  meffengers  to  David,  and  faid, 
 I  have  fought  againft  Rabbah,  and  have  taken  the 
 city  of  waters. 
 
 28  Now  therefore  gather  the  reft  of  the  people  to¬ 
 gether,  and  encamp  againft  the  city,  and  take  it  ;  left 
 1  take  the  city,  and  f  it  be  called  after  my  name. 
 
 29  And  David  garnered  all  the  people  together,  and 
 went  to  Ral-bah,  and  fought  againft  if,  and  took  it._ 
 
 30  s  And  he  took,  their  king’s  crown  from  off  his 
 head,  (the  weight  whereof  -wus  a  talent  of  gold  with 
 the  precious  ftones,)  and  it  was  set  on  David’s  head  : 
 and  he  brought  forth  the  fpoil  of  the  city  t  in  great 
 abundance. 
 
 31  And  he  brought  forth  the  people  that  ivere 
 therein,  and  put  them  under  faws,  and  under  harrows 
 of  iron,  and  under  ax'^’S  of  iron,  and  made  them  pals 
 through  the  brick-kiln:  and  thus  did  he  unro  all  il’.e 
 cities  of  the  children  of  Ammon.  So  David  and  ail 
 the  people  returned  unto  Jerufalem.* 
 
 Before 
 Uliiift 
 cir.  1033, 
 
 loss, 
 f  illatlli, 
 1.  6. 
 
 ^  1  Chro, 
 '22.  9. 
 
 S  That  is, 
 Heloocu 
 o!  the 
 
 lord, 
 
 t  tieb. 
 
 w'y  nawe 
 
 6a  called 
 upon  i>, 
 g  1  Chro. 
 20.  2. 
 
 t  Ileb. 
 
 of  Chrifl,  earneftly  imploring  the  divine  goodnefs.— No  lewd  perfon  knows,  or 
 
 ©T  - . -  -  - -  1  ^  • 
 
 can  <ruefs,  to  ho«v  many  fouls  the  poifon  of  lewdnels  may  communicate  itlelt. 
 Theliearts  of  thoufands  may  be  tainted  by  means  of  one  tingle  adl.  Ver.  14. 
 'Thou  h-  fl  i^hen  great  occasion- — The  Syrians,  the  Ammonites,  the  Moabites,  and 
 the  Phiiitlhies,  people  whom  he  had  vanquifbed,  and  who,  out  of  pure  malice  had 
 always  a  jealous  eye  upon  his  cor.dudl,  would  not  fail,  upon  this  occafion  to  mur¬ 
 mur  aud  fay,  “  How  could  God  thus  favour  an  adulterer  and  a  murderer  ?  Where 
 is  his  iufiice  and  his  providence  ?  This  is  the  David,  the  man  after  God's  own 
 Acerb  whom  be  preferred  before  Saul,  on  whom  he  hath  poured  down  innumer¬ 
 able  blelTino-s,  and  for  whom  he  had  many  rich  promifes  in  referve  ;  and  yet  Saul 
 never  committed  fuch  horrid  enormities  as  this  man  hath  done,  who  ftill  continues 
 to  be  the  favoiirite  of  God.”  Such  refleaions  as  thefe,  one  may  reafonably  inia- 
 gir  e  this  tranfgreffion  of  David’s  would  have  occafioned  among  ftrangers  and  ene¬ 
 mies  who  might  thence  be  induced  to  defpife  a  religion,  which  he.  who  fliould 
 have’ been  its  main  fupport,  fo  little  regarded.  The  child  shall  surely  die.  Here 
 one  cannot  help  obferving,  how  bewitching  finful  pleafures  are  ;  for  David  proba¬ 
 bly  continued  many  months  infenCble  of  the  crimes  he  had  been  pilty  of,  the 
 child  begotten  in  adultery  being  born  before  Nathan  can  e  to  roufe  from  his 
 letharsv.  Ver.  16.  D  vid — besought  God  for  the  child.  The  Lord  had  already 
 pardoned  tlie  crime  of  David  on  account  of  his  repentance.  Thi^s  inftance  of  the 
 divine  merev  towards  himfelf,  encouraged  him  to  hope  for  the  fame  towards  the 
 innocent  offspring  of  his  criminal  pafTipn  ;  and  that  d.is  was  the  motive  for  h.s 
 interceffion,  is  evident  from  his  apology  for  his  conduct,  ver.  22  mde  thee 
 was  ,/et  alive— Ver.  18.  T'-e  chdd  died.  It  may  feem  ftrange,  that  David  fhould 
 fo  earneRly  deprecate  the  death  of  a  child,  who,  had  he  lived,  would  have  been  a 
 lafiing  monument  of  the  guilt  and  infamy  of  his  parentsn  It  mull  be  afenhed  o 
 David’s  exceffive  fondnefs  for  Bath-fheba,  which  made  him  foiget  every  thing 
 this  chi  d  but  that  motive  of  endearment.  Nor  fhould  it  be  forgot,  that  this  ex¬ 
 ceffive  mourning  did  not  proceed  fimply  from  the  fear  of  the  ‘ ^  ^ 
 
 from  a  deep  fenfe  of  his  fin,  and  of  the  divine  diipleafuremanifelled  in  the  child  s 
 ficknefs  and  particularly  from  a  juft  apprehenfioa  of  the  injury  which  he  had  done 
 the  infant  by  his  fin,  and  which  he  thought  himfelf  bound  in  jiiftice,  by  prave 
 and  interceffion,  as  much  as  he  was  able  to  repair.  Ver.  20.  Came  into 
 o/ihe  Lord  and  worshipped.  This  was  done  hke  a  truly  good  man,  who,  before 
 be  would  go  to  his  houfe,  went  into  the  temple  of  tne  Lord,  and  there  gav^  thank 
 to  his  gracious  God  for  the  pardon  of  his  fin,  and  liis  goodnefs  in  not  cutting  him 
 
 verygrto-ti 
 
 offas  he  had  done  his  child.  Ver.  23.  I sh  ll  go  to  him.  The  refignation  mcliided  in 
 this exoreffion  heightens  the  repentance  and  the  charadler  ol  David  beyond  concep¬ 
 tion.  The  words  import,  that  he  lliould  defeend  to  the  grave  as  well  as  his  Ion  ; 
 and  that  he  fhould  be  admitted  fo  heaven  and  eternal  happinefs,  wliether  lie 
 comfortably  hoped  tlie  foul  of  the  child  was  gone.  Ver.  24.  David  com¬ 
 forted  B  ih-shtba.  It  is  very  ohfcrvable,  that  in  the  whole  compafs  of  this 
 ftory,  there  is  not  a  word  either  laid  of  Bath-llieba’s  guilt  or  puniftiment : 
 hut  this  might  be,  becaufe  as  to  the  matter  of  her  hufband’s  death,  file 
 was  innocent;  as  to  the  adultery  which  llie  committed,  fhe  was  enticed  by  tlie 
 offers  of  a  powerful  king  ;  and  in  the  calamities  which  befel  him  fhe  no  doubt 
 had  her  ftiare,  and  felt  her  puniftiment.  He  called^  his  name  Selomon.  1  he  word 
 Solomon,  is  probably  derived  from  sa'ialom,  peace,  intimating  that  his  reign  fhould 
 be  peaceable  ;  but  by  God’s  appointment,  the  prophet  Nathan  gave  him  the  name 
 of  Jedidiah,  that  is,  the  beloved  of  God.  Ver.  30.  Took  their  kings  crown,  ihe 
 Hebrews  were  accuftomed  to  place  the  crown  of  the  vanquifbed  monarch  on  tlie 
 head  of  their  king,  and  affigned  him  the  furniture  belonging  to  the  captive  king 
 as  his  right  and  property  out  of  the  fpoil.  The  weight  wbereoj  was  n  talent  of 
 old  As  a  talent  weigned  1 25lhs,  it  can  fcarcely  be  fuppofed  that  a  crown  of  that 
 
 -worth, 
 
 vveig 
 
 lit  was  worn  by  any 
 
 monarch.  But  if,  inftead  of  weigh!,  we  ftiould  render 
 
 or  value,  it  may  be  eftimated  at  15475  fterling;  and  this  it  w  uld  certain- 
 
 '  "  -  . .  .  .  /»  .  •  ■  _  yA _ _ : ..sL  it  ii'tic 
 
 ly  have  amounted  to,  including  the  worth  of  the  precious  ftones  with  which  it  was 
 
 fet  Ver  31.  This  treatment  of  the  Ammonites,  having  fhocked  fome  unthinking 
 
 readers  it  will  not  be  tinreafonable  to  inform  them  that  the  word  will  bear  a 
 milder  interpretation.  Literally  they  may  be  rendered  thus  :  And  hn  broagkl 
 orlh  the  people,  and  pl-ced  them  by,  or  put  Ihem  to  the  saiv,  and  to  i,  on  harrows, 
 or  mines,  and  to  axes  oj  iron,  and  m  de  them  to  pass  by,  or  to  the  brick  kilns  ;  • 
 
 is,  made  them  Haves,  and  put  them  to  the  moft  fervile  employments;  lawin,., 
 harrowing,  or  making  iron  harrows,  or  mining,  and  hewing  of  wood,  and 
 of  bricks.  Tiiis  interpretation  may  be  further  confirmed  by  what  the  hiftorian 
 adds,  Thus  did  he  unto  all  the  cities  of  Ike  children  of  Ammon.  for  had  he  - 
 (Ircved  al!  the  inhabitants  by  thefe  or  any  other  methods  of  feventy,  **  ^"  “  '  * 
 been  almoft  a  total  extirpation  of  them  ;  and  we  ftiould  never  have  heard  hem 
 aevain  making  any  figure  in  hiftory  ;  and  yet  we  read  of  them  as  united  with  be 
 Moabites  and  Edomites,  and  forming  a  very  large  army  to  invade  the  dom 
 of  Jehoftiaphat. 
 
 practical  OBSERvInONS.-*  CHXr.  XII  ]  .  £^^^1^  chlJl’"  f  gJuS  ^ 
 
 to  become  infenfible  and  fecure  !  and  they  would  undoubtedly  prove  y  conviction  of  this  moft  certain  truth  is  fufficient  to  make  us  walk  iiuru.' y 
 
 fallen  cannot  rife  of  himfelf.  The  firft  advance  of  recovery  muft  come  iffetirhe  inay  bn  them  down,  yet  for  his  own  name’s.fake  he  will  not  c  H 
 
 all  our  days.  But  how  merciful  is  our  G.  d  to  lus  back.oding  people.  f  ^  ^  i  And  thouirh  be  vifits  their  offences  with  the  rod,  and  thc-ir  imquh 
 
 J.L  oir.  ■  Un,vo,.hy  .h..y  in  bi,  f.gh..  in  Jnfn.  b.  bnbolb.  lb™  -  "  ““ij;  L.„l  k.  »n,  foul.  .»d  l«  g~.i.nde  '« 
 
jffluons  feigned  love  for  Ihmiry  8^e, 
 
 II.  SAMUEL. 
 
 lid  ihfilclh  and  hal  lh  L-r. 
 
 before 
 Cli'ill 
 eir.  10:;*-’.  1 
 
 CHAP.  XIII. 
 
 I  rleb. 
 i(  was 
 ftinrvcl- 
 louSy  or, 
 Jiidden  ill 
 
 Amnon  loving  Tamar,  by  Jonadab’s  ctunsel  feigning  himfelf ftck,  defOelh 
 her  ;  l.i  he  hateth  her,  and  shamefully  lurnelh  her  away  ;  1  9  Absalom 
 elite  taineth  her,  and  conceuletk  his  purpose :  23  at  a  sheep-shearing, 
 among  all  the  Icing’s  sons,  he  killeth  Amnon.  30  David  grieved  at 
 bad  tidings,  is  comforted  by  Jonadub. 
 
 And  it  came  to  pal's  after  this,  that  Abfalom  the 
 Ion  of  David  had  a  fair  fifter,  whofe  name  -was 
 Tamar  ;  and  Amnon  the  fon  of  David  loved  her. 
 
 2  And  Ainnon  was  fo  vexed ;  that  he  fell  fick  for 
 bis  fifter  Tamar  ;  for  (be  wjs  a  virgin  :  and  f  Amnon 
 tnought  it  hard  for  him  to  do  any  thing  to  her. 
 
 3  Bat  Amnon  had  a  triend,  whofe  name  was  Jona- 
 dab,  the  fm  of  Shimeah,  David’s  brother:  and  Jo- 
 
 '  /'Ll 
 
 (/,f  ryrs  o/nadab  was  a  very  labile  man. 
 
 Jill  no  It. 
 
 •j-  ITeb. 
 thin. 
 j-  Heb. 
 isioriiing 
 bi/  morn¬ 
 ing  I' 
 
 f  Heb, 
 paste. 
 
 4  And  he  laid  unto  him,  Why  art  thou,  being  the  , 
 
 king’s  Ton,  f  lean  f  from  day  to  day?  wilt  thou  not  i 
 tell  me?  And  Amnon  faid  unto  him,  1  love  Tamar,  | 
 my  brother  Abfalom’s  fifter.  ! 
 
 5  And  Jonadab  faid  unto  him,  Lay  thee  down  on  j 
 thy  bed,  and  make  thyfelf  fi  'k  ;  and  when  thy  father 
 cometh  to  fee  thee,  fay  unto  him,  I  pray  thee,  let  my 
 fifter  Tamar  come  and  give  me  meat,  and  drefs  the 
 meat  in  my  fight,  that  I  may  fee  it,  and  eat  it  at  her 
 hand. 
 
 6  ^  So  Amnon  lay  down,  and  made  himfelf  fick  ; 
 and  when  the  king  was  come  to  lee  him,  Amnon  laid 
 unto  the  king,  I  pray  thee,  let  Tamar  my  fifter  come 
 and  make  me  a  couple  of  cakes  in  my  fight,  that  1 
 may  eat  at  her  hand. 
 
 7  Then  David  fent  home  to  Tamar,  faying,  Go 
 now  to  thy  brother  Aranon’s  houfe,  and  drefs  him 
 meat. 
 
 8  So  Tamar  went  to  her  brother  Aranon’s  houfe  : 
 and  he  was  laid  down.  And  fne  took  f  flour,  and 
 kneaded  it,  and  made  cakes  in  his  fight,  and  did  bake 
 the  cakes. 
 
 9  And  fhe  took  a  pan,  and  poured  them  out  before 
 him  ;  but  he  refufed  to  eat.  And  Amnon  faid,  Have 
 out  all  men  from  me.  And  they  went  out  every  man 
 from  him. 
 
 10  And  Amnon  faid  unto  Tamar,  Bring  the  meat 
 into  the  chamber,  that  I  may  eat  of  thine  hand.  And 
 Tamar  took  the  cakes  which  fhe  had  made,  and 
 brought  them  into  the  chamber  to  Amnon  her  brother. 
 
 11  And  when  (he  had  brought  them  unto  him  to 
 eat,  he  took  hold  of  her,  and  laid  unto  her.  Come  lie 
 with  me,  my  fifter. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XIII.  Ver.  I.  Tamar.  A  fad  feene 
 now  began  to  be  opened,  of  the  calamities  which  Nathan  told  David  lliould 
 befal  his  houfe,  chap-  xii.  10-  The  priucefs’  mother  was  the  daughter  of  the 
 king  of  Gelliur,  whom  David  had  taken  captive,  and  afterwards  married. 
 Ver.  2.  Virgins  were  kept  in  private  apartments  feparate  from  the  commerce  of 
 men  ;  and  though  tl>ey  were  peimitted  to  fliew  themfelves  on  extraordinary 
 occafions,  yet  all  accefs  to  them  was  very  difficult.  Ver.  5.  Jonadab  was  the 
 fon  of  Shimeah,  the  brother  of  David.  It  appe.ars  that  he  was  a  particular  and 
 intimate  friend  of  Amnon,  and  his  advice  to  him  on  iliis  occafion  Ihews  that  he 
 was  a  mod  fubtle  and  dangerous  friend.  “  He  that  walketh  with  the  wife  fliall 
 be  wife,  hut  the  companion  of  fools,  (that  is,  ungodly  men,)  lhali  be  deftroyed.” 
 Ver.  12.  Tamar’s  fpeech  was  fraught  with  the  ffrongeft  motives  to  divert  Amnon 
 from  his  atrocious  defign,  and  at  the  fame  time  is  wonderfully  pathet  c  ;  Nay,  my 
 brother  ;  (he  reminds  him  of  his  relation  to  her,  as  a  reafon  w  hy  he  Ihould  offer 
 "ol'uch  iiidignitv  to  her.  For  no  such  thing  ought  to  be  done  in  Israel ;  flie  urges 
 
 12  And  (he  anfwered  him,  Ndy,  my  brother,  do 
 
 not  t  force  me  ;  for  *  +  no  fuch  thing  ought  to  bedone^^  .'V', 
 in  Ifrael ;  do  not  thou  this  folly. 
 
 13  And  I,  whither  (hall  I  caufe  my  fhame  to  go  ?  ♦  no., 
 and  as  for  thee,  thou  (halt  be  as  one  of  the  fools  in  humble 
 Ifrael.  Now  therefore,  I  pray  thee,  fpeak  unto  the 
 king ;  for  he  will  not  withhold  me  from  thee.  _  j  s.  9. 
 
 14  Howbeit  he  would  not  hearken  unto  her  voice  ;  t  neb. 
 bur,  being  ftronger  than  (he,  forced  her,  and  lay  with«j“y^n 
 
 her.  T  1  r  u  be  done- 
 
 1.7  ^  Then  Amnon  hated  her  f  exceedingly ;  lo  that  | 
 
 the  hatred  wherewith  he  hated  her  v.as  greater  than  wuu  great 
 the  love  wherewith  he  had  loved  her :  and  Amnon 
 laid  unto  her,  Arife,  be  gone. 
 
 16  And  (he  faid  unto  him.  There  is  no  caule  ;  this 
 evil  in  fending  me  away  is  greater  than  the  other  that 
 thou  didft  unto  me.  But  he  would  not  hearken  unto  her. 
 
 17  Then  he  called  his  fervant  that  miniftered  unto 
 him,  and  faid,  Put  now  this  woman  out  from  me,  and 
 bolt  the  door  after  her. 
 
 18  And  she  had  a  garment  of  divers  colours  upon 
 her;  for  with  fuch  robes  were  the  king’s  daughters 
 that  were  virgins  apparelled.  Then  his  lervant  brought 
 her  out,  and  bolted  the  door  after  her. 
 
 19  H  And  Tamar  put  alhes  on  her  head,  and  rent 
 her  garment  of  divers  colours  that  was  on  her,  and 
 laid  her  hand  on  her  head,  and  went  on  crying. 
 
 20  And  Abfalom  her  brother  faid  unto  her,  Hath 
 
 Amnon  thy  brother  been  with  thee?  but  hold  now 
 thy  peace,  my  After  ;  he  is  thy  brother  ;  f  regard  nott 
 this  thing.  So  Tamar  remained  f  deiolate  in  her  bro- "  - 
 ther  Abfalom’s  houfe.  _  heart. 
 
 21  %  But  when  king  David  heard  of  ailthefe  things  t  Heb. 
 he- was  very  wroth. 
 
 22  And  Abfalom  fpake  unto  his  brother  Amnon 
 neither  good  nor  bad  :  for  Abfalom  hated  Amnon, 
 becaufe  he  had  forced  his  fifter  Tamar.  ^ 
 
 23  ^  And  it  came  to  pafs  after  two  full  years,  that 
 Aftfalom  had  {hetp-Ihearers  in  Ball-hazor,  which  is  be- 
 fide  Ephraim  :  and  Abfalom  invited  all  the  king’s  Ions. 
 
 24  And  Ablalom  came  to  the  king,  and  laid,  Be¬ 
 hold  now,  thy  fervant  hath  Iheep-fhearers  ;  let  the 
 king,  I  befeech  thee,  and  his  fervants,  go  with  thy 
 fervant. 
 
 25  And  the  king  faid  to  Abfalom,  Nay,  my  Ton, 
 let  us  not  all  now  go,  left  we  be  chargeable  unto  thee. 
 
 And  he  pnlTed  him  :  howbeit  he  would  not  go,  but 
 bltfl'ed  him. 
 
 1030. 
 
 the  lionour  of  religion,  the  reputation  of  Ifrael,  and  the  glory  of  the  God  of 
 Ifrael.  Do  not  thou  this  folly;  ffie  teaches  him  that  his  intention  was  highly 
 criminal,' as  the  word generally  imports  in  feripture,  wherein  religion  is 
 ftyled  wisdom.  Ver.  13.  Whither  Jholl  I  cause  my  sh.me  to  go  ?  She  begs  him  to 
 confider  the  calamitous  condition  to  which  his  crime  would  reduce  her.  As 
 the  clofing  argument,  llie  adds.  Thou  shalt  be  as  one  of  the  fools  in  Israel  ;  that  is, 
 fo  far  from  aiiling  up  to  the  dignity  and  purity  of  the  Ifraelitifti  law,  that  he 
 would  be  on  a  level  with  thole  wicked  wretches  who  turned  a  deaf  ear  to  its 
 threats,  and  were  on  a  footing  with  the  heathen,  generally  deferibed  by  the  terra 
 fool,  among  whom  thefe  inceSluous  pradlices  were  allowed.  Speak  unto  the  king. 
 Sue  niigh:  mention  this  to  picafe  him,  in  order  to  extricate  herfelf  for  the 
 prefent'out  of  bis  hands.  Ver.  14.  Hoiubeit,  he  tvould  not  hearken.  His  lull  was 
 fo  ii’ilamed  and  enraged,  that  he  could  not  attend  to  any  arguments,  though 
 ever  lb  forcible,  that  was  offered  to  him.  Ver.  15.  Amnon  hated  her  exceedingly. 
 It  is  no  uncommon  thing  for  men  of  violent  and  irregular  pafiions  to  pafs  from 
 
 ana  lay  before  them  the  aggravated  circumftances  of  their  guilt.  The  only  way  to  efcape  the  juft  punilhment  of  fin,  is  by  returning  to  God.  No 
 
 fprofelffjis,  efpecialiy  of  eminent  faints,  high-ftitioned  in  church  or  ftate.  .And  God  wil 
 
 Nothing  caufes 
 
 more  reproaches  to  God  and  his  caufe,  than  the  fcandalous  falls  of  profeflbrs,  efpecialiy  of  eminent  faints,  high-ftitioned  m  cliurcn  or  iiaie.  .Anu  vjoa  will  make  thole 
 ■flu  i  hitter  to  his  people  in  which  they  fouglit  lailiug  pleafiire,  e  ven  though  otliers  Ihould  feem  to  pafs  unpunilhed. —  1  he  ficknefs  of  our  relations  demands  our  earnoft 
 liliiig  with  3odon  their  behalf  ;  and  none  more  than  Ihofe  of  diltr*.  ifed  children,  who  cannot  pray  tor  themfelves.  Butil  we  muft  pait  with  them,  let  us  do  itas 
 Luiiiiians ;  and  let  their  death  fill  us  with  the’moft  ferious  iraprefllon?  of  our  own  ;  let  us  return  them  into  the  hands  ot  our  God,  allured  that  ot  luch  is  the  king¬ 
 dom  of  God  J  and  let  it  be  our  concern  that  w^e  may  meet  them  in  his  prel'euce. 
 
I  Or, 
 Hill  you 
 nor,  since 
 1  have 
 com¬ 
 manded 
 you  ? 
 t  Heb. 
 sons  of 
 valour. 
 
 •}■  Heb. 
 rode. 
 
 icdUth  Ainncn.  he  Jlath  io  Geiltir.  II.  SAMUEL. 
 
 K  ^fs  ^  ^ Abfklom,  if  not,  I  pray  thee,  let  my 
 
 hi  ?,  the  king  laid  unto 
 
 him,  \\  iv,  Ihonld  he  go  with  thee? 
 
 r him,  that  he  let  Amnon , 
 s  Ions  go  with  him.  i 
 
 r  •  ^  had  commanded  his  fervants, ; 
 
 tVlafiC  ye  now  when  Amnon’s  heart  is  merry  ! 
 
 Th  ''^hen  I  (ay  unto  you.  Smite  Amnon  ;  ! 
 
 tnen  kill  him,  rear  not ;  ||  have  not  I  commanded  you  ?  ■ 
 
 De  courageous,  and  be  t  valiant.  i 
 
 lervants  of  Abfalom  did  unto  Amnon  i 
 a*  Ablaloin  had  commanded  :  then  all  the  king’s  Ions  i 
 
 li?d  *  man  -[-  gat  him  up  upon  his  mule,  and  | 
 
 7 he  'widexo  (if  Td'oalds  ^larali 
 
 CHAP.  XIV. 
 
 hleror, 
 
 Joab  iafniaelh  a  widow  of  Tekoah,  by  a  parable  to  incline  the  king's 
 heart  to  fetch  home  Absalom,  is  permitted  to  bring  him  to  Jerusalem. 
 
 A 
 
 t  Heb. 
 mouth. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 settled. 
 
 t  HeK 
 
 according 
 to  the  word 
 of  thy  ser- 
 
 VCLKf. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 with  a 
 gre:  t 
 weejring 
 greatly, 
 
 B  Or, 
 Ammilmr 
 
 II  Or,  was 
 confumed. 
 
 oO  If  And  it  came  to  pafs,  while  they  w^ere  in  the 
 way,  that  tidings  came  to  David,  faying,  Abfalom  hath 
 Ham  all  the  king’s  Ions  and  there  is  not  one  of  them  left. 
 
 51  Ihen  the  king  aroie,  and  tare  his  garments,  and 
 lay  on  the  earth  ;  and  all  his  fervants  ftoed  by  with 
 their  clothes  rent. 
 
 52  And  Jonadab  the  fon  of  Shimeab,  David’s 
 brotner,  anlwered  and  faid.  Let  not  my  lord  fuppofe 
 that  they  have  (lain  all  the  young  men  the  king’s 
 Ions  ;  for  Amnon  only  is  dead  ;  for  by  thef  appoint- 
 n  ent  of  Abfalom  this  hath  been  jj  determined,  from 
 the  day  that  he  forced  his  filler  Tamar. 
 
 33  Now  therefore  kt  not  my  lord  the  king,  take 
 the  thing  to  his  heart,  to  think  that  all  the  king’s  Ions 
 are  dead  ;  for  Amnon  only  is  dead. 
 
 S-t  But  Abfalom  fled.  And  the  young  man  that 
 kept  the  watch  lifted  up  his  eyes  and  looked,  and, 
 behold,  there  came  much  people  by  the  w'ay  of  the 
 hill-fide  behind  him. 
 
 S.'j  And  Jonadab  faid  unto  the  king.  Behold,  the 
 king’s  fons  come !  f  as  thy  fervant  faid,  lb  it  is. 
 
 36  And  it  came  to  pals,  as  loon  as  he  had  made  an 
 end  of  fpeaking,  that,  behold,  the  king’s  fons  came, 
 and  lifted  up  their  voice  and  wept ;  and  the  king  alfo 
 and  all  his  fervants  wept  f  very  fore. 
 
 37  Bur  Abfalom  fled,  and  went  to  Talmai,  the 
 fon  of  II  Ammihud,  king  of  Gelhur :  and  David 
 mourned  for  his  fon  every  day. 
 
 38  So  Abfalom  fled,  and  went  to  Gelhur,  and  was 
 there  three  years. 
 
 39  And  the  soul  of  king  David  i|  longed  to  go  forth 
 unto  Abfalom  :  for  he  was  comforted  concerning 
 Amnoo,  feeing  he  was  dead.* 
 
 one  extreme  to  another,  from  fervent  defire  to  fixed  averfion.  Ver.  22,  Becaufe 
 Abfalcrn  neither  threatened,  nor  expoAulated,  nor  even  took  the  leaft  notice  of 
 what  had  palfed  ;  Amnon  lulled  hirafelf  into  a  belief,  but  Abfalom  would  not 
 trouble  him  ;  whereas  he  had  greater  reafon  from  thisverj  circumftance,  to  appre¬ 
 hend  that  he  was  meditating  fome  terrible  revenge. — For  Absalom.  The  Hebrew 
 fltould  be  tranflated  though,  inAead  of  for.  Ver,  37.  But  Ahsolom  Jicd.  He  could 
 have  no  city  of  refuge  in  his  own  countr)',  becaufe  he  had  committed  a  wilful 
 murder,  and  therefore  he  fled  out  of  the  kingdom  to  his  mother’s  father. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XIV.  Ver.  1.  Now  Joab  perceived  that 
 the  king’s  heart  waS  toward  Absalom.  He  was  convinced  that  he  longed  to  fee  him, 
 and  have  him  reAored  to  his  country,  if  he  could  contrive  fome  trifling  excufe  for 
 it ;  and  fo  Providence  paved  the  way  for  the  further  chaAening  of  David.  Ver.  2. 
 Tekoah  was  a  city  in  the  tribe  of  Judah,  and  lay  twelve  miles  fouth  of  Jerufalem. 
 Joab’s  conducSl  in  this  affair  was  remarkably  artful.  He  chofe  a  widow,  becaufe 
 her  condition  of  life  was  more  proper  to  move  compalfion  ;  one  who  lived  at  fome 
 
 25  Absalom’s  beauty,  hair,  and  chddren. 
 
 OW  Joab  the  fon  of  Zeruiah  perceived  that  the 
 _  king’s  heart  xms  toward  Abfalom. 
 f  And  Joab  fent  to  Tekoah,  and  fetched  thence  a 
 wile  woman,  and  faid  unto  her,  I  pray  thee,  feign  thy- 
 lelt  to  be  a  mourner,  and  put  on  now  mourning  appa¬ 
 rel,  and  anoint  not  thyfelf  with  oil,  but  be  as  a  wo¬ 
 man  that  had  a  long  time  mourned  for  the  dead  ; 
 
 3  And  come  to  the  king,  and  (peak  on  this  manner 
 unto  him.  So  Joab  put  the  words  in  her  mouth. 
 
 4  ^  And  when  the  woman  of  Tekoah  fpake  to  the 
 
 king,  flie  lell  on  her  face  to  the  ground,  and  did  obei- 
 lance,  and  faid,  f  Help  O  king!  f  Heb. 
 
 5  And  the  king  faid  unto  her,  What  aileth  thee?‘^“*'®' 
 And  Ihe  anlwered,  I  am  indeed  a  widow  woman,  and 
 mine  hufband  is  dead. 
 
 6  And  (hy  hand-maid  had  two  fons,  and  they  two 
 ftrove  together  in  the  field,  and  there  "was  t  nonet  Het 
 to  part  them,  but  the  one  fmote  the  other,  and  flew*^'"® 
 
 him.  between 
 
 7  And,  behold,  the  whole  family  is  rifen  againfe 
 
 thine  handmaid,  and  they  faid,  Deliver  him  that 
 (mote  his  brother  that  we  may  kill  him,  for  the  life 
 of  his  brother  whom  he  flew ;  and  we  will  deilroy 
 the  heir  alfo  :  and  fo  they  lhall  quench  my  coal  which 
 is  left,  and  fhall  not  leave  to  my  hufband  neither 
 name  nor  remainder  f  upon  the  earth.  f  HebJ 
 
 8  And  the  king  laid  unto  the  woman,  Go  to  thine 
 houfe,  and  1  will  give  charge  concerning  thee. 
 
 9  And  the  woman  of  Tekoah  faid  unto  the  king, 
 
 My  lord,  O  king,  the  iniquity  be  on  me,  and  on  my  fa¬ 
 ther’s  houfe  ;  and  the  king  and  his  throne  be  guiltlefs. 
 
 10  And  the  king  faid,  Whofoever  faith  ought  unto 
 thee,  bring  him  to  me,  and  he  lhall  not  touch  thee 
 any  more. 
 
 1 1  Then  faid  (he,  I  pray  thee,  let  the  king  remem¬ 
 
 ber  the  Lord  thy  God,  t  that  thou  wouldelt  not  fuf- 1  H'''- 
 fer,  the  revengers  of  blood  to  deftroy  any  more,  left 
 they  deftroy  my  fon.  And  he  faid,  As  the  Lord  liv-  o/Zw 
 eth,  there  fhall  not  one  hair  of  thy  fon  fall  to  the^ow"^ 
 earth.  muiiiiii!i 
 
 12  Ihen  the  woman  faid.  Let  thine  handmaid,  l‘° 
 pray  thee,  (peak  one  word  unto  my  lord  the  king. 
 
 And  he  faid,  Say  on. 
 
 diflance  from  Jerufalem,  as  her  cafe  might  not  be  fo  readily  enquired  into ;  and 
 woman  advanced  in  years,  as  Jofephus  afferts,  that  her  application  might  hat 
 more  weight.  She  appeared  in  a  haljit  of  mourning,  to  heighten  the  idea  of  hd 
 dillrefs,  that  her  circumftances,  her  mournful  tale,  her  drefs,  and  her  perfon,  mi 
 make  one  united  impreifion  on  the  king,  and  fecure  her  his  attention.  Th 
 whole  teftimony  of  her  fpeech  was  to  exhibit  a  cafe  fimilar  to  that  of  David,  ii 
 order  to  convince  him  how  much  more  reafonable  it  was  to  preferve  Abfalcni- 
 But  there  was  great  art  in  not  making  the  fimilitude  too  pTain  and  vifible,  ieflH. 
 king  fhould  perceive  the  intention  of  the  woman’s  petition,  before  flie  had  obtaii'c 
 a  grant  of  pardon  for  her  fon,  and  came  to  make  the  application  of  the  king.  T* 
 difference  of  the  woman’s  pretended  cafe  and  that  of  David,  was  fo  great,  that!' 
 could  have  ealily  fliewed  her  the  impropriety  of  the  application  of  her  reafti 
 ings  ;  but  he  waved  this,  probably  becaufe  he  was  as  defirous  as  any  uf  his  fid 
 jedls  to  recal  Abfalom.  Ver.  7.  Quench  my  co  I  which  is  left*  Some  refer  t!v 
 to  her  fubftance,  but  others  to  her  fon,  who  was  her  only  child,  and  the  only  fob' 
 
 Fearful  are  the  threatenings  as  well  as  promifes  of  Jehovah.  He  had  told  David,  that  he  would  rai 
 ,up  evil  m  his  own  ooule,  and  here  we  fee  it.  Already  we  find  the  king  gathering  the  bitter  fruits  of  a  tree  which  he  had  planted.  InceA  and  murder  already  ft-’i 
 
 Ins  walls,  and  thefe  as  the  fequel  of  his  biflory,  were  but  the  beginning  of  his  forrows — Righteous  .art  thou,  O  God,  in  Aaniping  evil  of  fin  on  the  punifhraent  wlfc 
 thou  inttiaedlv.  How  apt  are  children  to  imitate  their  parents’  crimes,  while  they  contemn  their  virtues  !  How  impetuous  are  corrupt  paffions  when  indulged? 
 wicked  and  artful  friend  is  a  great  curfe.  How  quickly  is  luA  converted  to  loathing  its  objea.  Deeds  of  filthinefs  feek  for  fecrecy  :  it  is  therefore  extremely  dangf 
 
 ous  for  thole  who  have  youth  and  beauty  to  be  alone  with  the  wanton.  The  negka  of  magiArates  to  punifli,  infallibly  occafions  more,  if  not  worfe  crimes :  and  } 
 
 „hovv  hard  iov  them  to  punifh,  in  their  childreni  crimes  copied  after  their  own# 
 
Jmh  sent  to  bring  bad-  Absalom* 
 
 ir.  SAMUEL. 
 
 Ahs.  tioen  ■  Uu‘‘lh  ike  hearts  of  Israel. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 to  hear. 
 
 norore  13  And  the  womsn  faid,'  Wherefore  then  haft  thon 
 Oirift  thought  fuch  a  thing  againft  the  people  of  God  ?  for 
 the  king  doth  (peak  this  thing  as  one  which  is  faulty,  in 
 that  the  king  doth  not  fetch  home  again  his  banimed. 
 
 1 4'  For  we  mutt  needs  die,  and  are  as  water  fpilt  on 
 |]  Or,  the  ground,  which  cannot  be  gathered  up  again  ;  II  nei- 
 because  j^er  doth  God  refpeft  any  perfon :  yet  doth  he  devife 
 ^ottahn  that  his  banifhed  be  not  expelled  from  him. 
 
 Xay  h's  Now  therefore  that  I  am  come  to  fpeak  of  this 
 life,  he  thing  unto  my  lord  the  king,  it  is  becaufe  the  people 
 hatkatfo  made  me  afraid  :  and  thy  handmaid  faid,  I  will 
 fpeak  unto  the  king ;  it  may  be  that  the  king  will 
 ^c.  ’  perform  the  requeft  of  his  handmaid. 
 
 16  For  the  king  will  hear,  to  deliver  his  handmaid 
 out  of  the  hand  of  the  man  that  niould  deftroy  me  and 
 '  my  fon  together  out  of  the  inheritance  of  God. 
 
 n  Then  thine  handmaid  faid,  the  word  of  my  lord 
 f  Heb.  the  kmg  (hall  now  be  f  comfortable ;  for  as  an  angel 
 jarrej.  of  God,  fo  IS  tuy  lord  the  king,  f  to  difeern  good  and 
 bad  :  therefore  the  Lord  thy  God  will  be  with  thee. 
 
 1 8  Then  the  king  anfwered  and  faid  unto  the  wo¬ 
 man,  Hide  not  from  me,  I  pray  thee,  the  thing  that 
 I  (hall  alk  thee.  And  the  woman  faid,  Let  my  lord 
 the  king  now  fpeak. 
 
 19  And  the  king  faid.  Is  not  the  hand  of  Joab  with 
 thee  in  all  this  ?  And  the  woman  anfwered  and  faid. 
 As  thy  foul  liveth,  my  lord  the  king,  none  can  turn  to 
 the  right  hand  or  to  the  left  from  ought  that  my  lord 
 the  king  hath  fpoken  :  for  thy  fervant  Joab,  he  bade 
 me,  and  he  put  all  thefe  words  in  the  mouth  of  thine 
 handmaid. 
 
 20  To  fetch  about  this  form  of  fpeech  hath  thy  fer¬ 
 vant  Joab  done  this  thing :  and  ray  lord  is  wife,  ac¬ 
 cording  to  the  wifdom  of  an  angel  of  God,  to  know 
 all  things  that  are  in  the  earth. 
 
 21  H  And  the  king  faid  unto  Joab,  Behold  now, 
 
 I  have  done  this  thing  ;  go  therefore,  bring  the  young 
 man  Abfalom  again. 
 
 22  And  Joab  fell  to  the  ground  on  his  face,  and 
 
 himfelf,  and  f  thanked  the  king ;  and  Joab 
 ’  faid.  To-day  thy  fervant  knoweth  that  1  have  found 
 grace  in  thy  fight,  my  lord,  O  king,  in  that  the  king 
 U  Or,  %,  hath  fulfilled  the  requeft  of  11  his  I'ervant. 
 
 23  So  Joab  arofe  and  went  to  Gefhur  and  brought 
 Abfalom  to  Jerufalem. 
 
 t  Heb.  24*  And  the  king  faid,  Let  him  turn  to  his  own  houfe, 
 and  let  him  not  fee  my  face.  So  Abfalom  returned 
 to  his  own  houfe,  and  faw  not  the  king^s  face. 
 
 25  f  f  But  in  all  Ifrael  there  was  none  to  be  fo 
 beautiful  much  praifed  as  Abfalom  for  his  beauty :  from  the  foie 
 ^lupaei  crown  of  his  head  there  was 
 
 to  praise  00  blemilh  in  him. 
 
 greatly.  26  And  when  he  polled  his  head,  (for  it  was  at 
 
 And  (IS 
 Absalom 
 there  was 
 not  a 
 
 lier  life,  and  comfort  of  her  widowhood.  Ver.  17.  As  an  ungel,  so  is  the  king. 
 That  is,  he  has  fpoken  with  as  much  tendernefs  and  mercy  as  the  angels  are 
 »ont  to  do,  when  they  deliver  any  melTage  from  God.  Ver.  24.  Let  him  turn  to 
 his  own  house,  and  let  him  not  see  my  face.  This  feverity  David  thought  proper  to 
 infli(51;  upon  his  fon,  not  only  to  make  him  forry  for  what  he  had  done,  but  alfo 
 to  convince  the  people  how  detellable  his  crime  was  in  his  fight,  fuice  he  could 
 Hot  endure  the  fight  of  a  fon  whofe  hand  was  defiled  with  a  brother’s  blood.  His 
 
 every  year’s  end  tJiat  he  polled  it  becaufe  the  h  'r  ‘ 
 was  heavy  on  him,  therefore  he  polled  it,,  he  weighed 
 the  hair  of  his  head  at  two  hundred  fhekels,  after  the 
 king’s  weight. 
 
 27  And  unto  Abfalom  there  were  born  three  fons, 
 and  one  daughter,  whofe  name  was  Tamar  :  (he  was 
 a  woman  of  a  fair  countenance. 
 
 28  U  So  Abfalom  dwelt  two  full  years  in  Jerufalem, 
 and  faw  not  the  king’s  face. 
 
 29  Therefore  Abfalom  fent  for  Joab,  to  have  fent 
 him  to  the  king  ;  but  he  would  not  come  to  him  :  and 
 when  he  fent  again  the  fecond  time,  he  would  not 
 come. 
 
 30  Therefore  he  faid  unto  his  fervants,  See,  Joab’s 
 field  is  f  near  mine,  and  he  hath  barley  there  ;  go  and  t  Heb. 
 fet  it  on  fire.  Bat  Abfalom’s  fervants  fet  the  field  "f'"' 
 on  fire. 
 
 3 1  Then  Joab  arofe,  and  came  to  Abfalom  unto  his 
 houfe,  and  faid  unto  him,  Wherefore  have  thy  fervants 
 fet  my  field  on  fire? 
 
 32  And  Abfalom  anfwered  Joab,  Behold,  I  fent  unto 
 thee,  faying,  Come  hither,  that  I  may  fend  thee  to  the 
 king,  to  fay,  Wherefore  am  1  come  from  Gefhur  ?  it 
 had  been  good  for  me  to  have  been  there  ftill :  now 
 therefore  let  me  fee  the  king’s  face  ;  and  if  there  be 
 any  iniquity  in  me,  let  him  kill  me. 
 
 33  So  Joab  came  to  the  king,  and  told  him  :  and 
 when  he  had  called  for  Abl'alora,  he  came  to  the  king, 
 and  bowed  himfelf  on  his  face  to  the  ground  before 
 the  king :  and  the  king  kifled  Abfalom.* 
 
 CHAP.  XV. 
 
 1  Absalom,  by  fair  fpeeches  and  courlejies,  Jlealeth  the  hearts  of  Israel :  7 
 under  pretence  of  a  vow,  he  oblaineth  leave  to  go  to  Hebron;  1 0  he  maketh 
 there  a  great  conspiracy.  1 S  David  upon  the  news Jleeth  from  Jerusa¬ 
 lem.  1 9  Itlai  would  not  leave  him,  24  Zadok  and  Ahiathar  are  sent 
 back  with  his  ark. 
 
 And  it  came  to  pafs  after  this,  that  Abfalom  pre- 
 pared  him  chariots  and  horfes,  and  fifty  men 
 to  run  before  him. 
 
 2  And  Abfalom  rofe  up  early,  and  flood  befide  the 
 way  of  the  gate :  and  it  was  so,  that  when  any  man 
 that  had  a  controverfy  t  came  to  the  king  for  judg-t  Heb. 
 ment,  Then  Abfalom  called  unto  him,  and  faid.  Of 
 what  city  art  thou  ?  And  he  faid.  Thy  fervant  is  of 
 one  of  the  tribes  of  Ifrael. 
 
 3  And  Abfalom  faid  unto  him.  See,  thy  matters  are 
 good  and  right ;  but  11  there  is  no  man  deputed  of  the  1(  Or, none 
 king  to  hear  thee. 
 
 4  Abfalom  faid  moreover,  O  that  I  were  m2.de  the  kln^ 
 judge  in  the  land,  that  every  man  which  hath  any  down." 
 fuit  or  caufe  might  come  unto  me,  and  I  would 
 him  juftice ! 
 
 5  And  it  was  so,  that  when  any  man  came  nigh  to 
 
 afFe(5lion  to  him  did  not  hinder  him  from  feeing  that  it  would  not  be  for  his  ho¬ 
 nour  to  admit  him  to  be  near  his  perfon  ;  and  happy  had  it  been  for  him  had  he 
 baniihed  him  for  ever. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XV.  Ver.  1.  Absalom  prepared  him 
 chariots.  Being  again  reftored  to  favour,  and,  as  he  thought,  re-eftabli(hed  in  the 
 king’s  affeiStions,  he  prepared  himfelf  a  fplendid  equipage,  in  order  to  attract 
 the  eyes  of  the  people,  and  pave  his  way  to  the  unjuft  ufurpation  of  his  father’s 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  XIV.]  How  apt  are  the  heft  of  men  to  become  the  worft  of  parents  by  excelTive  indulgence  of  their  children  ! 
 How  dangerous  are  wicked  and  artful  courtiers  !  While  they  humour  their  fovereign  in  his  finful  indulgencics,  they  with  amazing  dexterity  drefs  up  falfehood  to 
 affecl  their  own  purpofes.  Sometimes  they  will  pretend  the  mercy  of  God  as  a  pattern,  and  the  fafety  of  the  fovereign  from  popular  infurredtions  or  the  near  approach 
 ®f  death,  as  reafons  of  a(5lion,  without  any  real  regard  to  either.  Truly  the  children  of  this  world  are  wiler  in  their  generation  than  the  children  of  light.  Truth 
 never  fhames  its  author  ;  and  it  is  honourable  to  acknowledge  our  obligations.  Handfoaie  perfons,  and  flourifhing  families  are  to  no  purpofe,  while  fm  reigns  in 
 ’men’s  hearts,  and  the  curfe  of  God  hovers  over  their  heads.  But  with  what  art  and  perfeverance  do  wicked  men  purfue  their  carnal  fehemes !  often  they  obtain  by 
 'Jieir  own  indolence,  what  thofe  of  far  fuperior  worth  could  not  do  by  their  deferts,  or  by  their  earned  and  modeft  requefts, 
 
 ^0.  2Q.„*6d.  *  ^ 
 
 4  L 
 
Alxalovi  dbtainclh  leave  to  go  to  Hchron, 
 
 II.  SAMUEL. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 102S. 
 
 1047. 
 f  That  is, 
 Jrom  the 
 time  that 
 Z>  vid 
 W.:s 
 
 anointed 
 
 l^ing. 
 
 f  Ileb. 
 thrust. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 
 choose. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 at  his  feet~ 
 
 /tm  to  do  nun  obeifance,  he  put  forth  his  hand,  and 
 took  him,  and  kifled  him. 
 
 6  And  on  this  manner  did  Abfalom  to  all  ll'rael  that 
 came  to  the  king  tor  judgment.  So  Abfalom  ftole 
 the  hearts  of  the  men  of  Ifrael. 
 
 Aur^  —  came  to  pafs  after  |l  forty  years,  that 
 Abfalom  (aid  unto  the  king,  I  pray  thee,  let  me  go  and 
 py  my  vow,  which  I  have  vowed  unto  the  Lord,  in 
 Hebron. 
 
 8  For  thy  fervant  vowed  a  vow,  while  I  abode  at 
 Gefliur  in  Syria,  faying.  If  the  Lord  (hall  bring  me 
 again  ’.ndeed  to  Jerufalem,  then  I  will  ferve  the  Lord. 
 
 9  And  the  king  faid  unto  him.  Go  in  peace.  So 
 he  arofe  and  went  to  Hebron. 
 
 10  ^  But  Abfalom  Cent  fpies  throughout  all  the 
 
 tribes  of  Ilfael ,  faying,  As  foon  as  ye  hear  the  found 
 of  the  trumpet,  then  ye  (hall  fay,  Abfalom  reigneth 
 in  Hebron.  ; 
 
 1 1  And  with  Abfalom  went  two  hundred  men  out 
 of  Jerufalem,  that  x<oere  called  ;  and  they  went  in  their 
 fimplicity,  and  they  knew  not  any  thing. 
 
 12  And  Abfalom  Cent  for  Ahithophel,  the  Gilonite, 
 David’s  counfellor,  from  his  city,  even  from  Giloh, 
 while  he  olFered  facrifices :  and  the  confpiracy  was 
 (Ircng ;  for  the  people  increafed  continually  with  Ab¬ 
 falom. 
 
 13  ^  And  there  came  a  mefTenger  to  David,  faying, 
 The  hearts  of  the  men  of  Ifrael  are  after  Abfalom. 
 
 14  And  David  faid  unto  all  his  fervants  that  xscere 
 with  him  at  Jerufalem,  Arife,  and  let  us  flee;  for  we 
 (hall  not^'/.'e  efcape  from  Abfalom  :  makefpeed  to  de¬ 
 part,  led;  he  overtake  us  fuddenly,and  f  bring  evil  up¬ 
 on  us,  and  (mite  the  city  with  the  edge  of  the  fword. 
 
 15  And  the  king’s  fervants  faid  unto  the  king, 
 Behold,  thy  fervants  are  ready  to  whatfoever  my 
 lord  the  king  (hall  f  appoint. 
 
 16  And  the  king  went  forth,  and  all  his  houfehold 
 f  after  him.  And  the  king  left  ten  women,  whick 
 
 •xxere  concubines,- to  keep  the  houfe. 
 
 17  And  the  king  went  forth,  and  all  the  people  after 
 hint,  and  tarried  in  a  place  that  was  far  off. 
 
 18  And  all  his  fervants  paffed  on  befide  him  :  and 
 all  the  Cherethites,  and  all  the  Pelethites,  and  all  the 
 Gittites,  fix  hundred  men  which  came  after  him  from 
 Gath,  palled  on  before  the  king. 
 
 19  If  'I'hen  faid  the  king  to  Ittai  the  Gittite,  Where¬ 
 fore  goeft  thou  alfo  with  us?  return  to  thy  place,  and 
 
 throne.  Vcr.  6.  Stole  the  hearts  of  the  men  or  Israel.  It  is  an  obfervation  of  an 
 ancient  moralifl,  that  all  changes  and  revolutions  in  government,  are  made  by  one 
 of  thefe  two  ways,  either  by  force  and  violence,  or  elfe  by  deceit  and  craft.  And 
 no  man  was  ever  better  qualified  to  obtain  power  and  honour  by  deceit  tlian  Ab¬ 
 falom,  who  was  a  perfon  of  courage  and  gallantry,  of  civility  and  courtefy,  young, 
 and  aftoniQiing  beautiful,  noble  by  defcent,  of  a  generous  fpirit,  and  unbounded 
 in  his  promifes.  Ver.  7,  ylfter  forty  years.  It  is  agreed  upon  by  the  moa 
 learned  critics,  that  the  original  word  arbaim,  which  we  render  forty,  has  by 
 the  Be<Tlio-ence  of  trail fcribers,  crept  into  the  next,  inRead  of  the  word  arba, 
 which  *"11^01568  ’only  four  and  therefore  this  verfe  fhould  be  read  thus : 
 And  it  came  to  pass  after  four  yeoxs,  that  is,  after  Abfalom  was  re-eaabli(lied  in 
 Jerufalem.  This  reading  is  juftified  by  the  Syriac  and  Arabic  verfions,  and  the 
 opinion  of  Jofephus.  Ver.  10.  As  soon  as  ye  hear  the  sound  of  the  trumpet.  It 
 feems  probable  that  Abfalom  Lad  placed  trumpeters  at  proper  difiances  to  take  the 
 found  from  one  another,  and  difperfe  it  all  over  the  kiegdom,  that  they  who 
 were  the  efpoufers  of  his  caufe  might  inftantly  refort  to  his  aiTillance  and  fup- 
 ))brt.  Ver.  1 1 .  }Fent  in  their  simplicity ;  tliat  is,  as  the  Arabic  ren  deis  it,  “  igno¬ 
 rant  of  his  intentions.”  Ver.  13.  The  hearts  of  the  men  of  Israel  are  after  Absa¬ 
 lom.  It  would  really  make  one  wonder,  how  any  people  could  fo  eafily  abandon 
 a  prince,  fo  brave,  fo  happy  and  fuccefsful  as  David  had  been  ;  how  they 
 couid  forget  his  excellent  qualities,  or  be  unmindful  of  the  fervices  he  bad  done 
 I'lv  natiom  Bat  for  this  there  may  be  fome  reafons  afligned.  In  every  nation 
 l.'ieie  are  always  fome  turbulent  and  difcontented  fpirits,  whoareuneafy  with 
 tiie  prefent  fiate  of  and  promife  themfelves  fome  benefit  from  a  change. 
 
 I  '  The  arJc  sent  lacjc, 
 
 abide  with  the  king ;  for  thou  art  a  ftranger,  and  alfo  Before 
 an  exile.  thrift 
 
 20  Whereas  thou  cameft  hd  yefterday,  (hould  I 
 
 this  day  f  make  thee  go  up  and  down  with  us  ?  Seeing  fHe^ 
 I  go  whither  I  may,  return  thou,  and  take  back  thy’«^^ewee 
 brethren  :  mercy  and  truth  he  with  thee. 
 
 21  And  Ittai  anfwered  the  king,  and  (aid.  As  the'’'^'”"' 
 Lord  liveth,  and  as  my  lord  the  king  liveth,  furelyin 
 what  place  my  lord  the  king  (hall  be,  whether  in  death 
 
 or  life,  even  there  alfo  will  ihy  fervant  be. 
 
 22  And  David  faid  to  Ittai,  Go  and  pafs  over.  And 
 Ittai  the  Gittite  paffed  over,  and  all  his  men,  and  all 
 the  little  ones  that  xvere  with  him. 
 
 23  And  all  the  country  wept  with  a  loud  voice,  and 
 
 all  the  people  paffed  over  :  the  king  alfo  himfelf  paffed 
 over  the  brook  |1  Kidron,  and  all  the  people  paffed  i|  Called 
 over,  toward  the  way  of  the  wildernefs.  J®'’" 
 
 24  11  And  lo,  Zadok  alfo,  and  all  the  Levites 
 with  him,  bearing  the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  God  : 
 and  they  fet  down  the  ark  of  God  ;  And  Abiathar 
 went  up,  until  all  the  people  had  done  paffing  out  of 
 the  city. 
 
 25  And  the  king  faid  unto  Zadok,  Carry  back  the 
 
 ark  of  God  into  the  city  :  if  1  (hall  find  favour  in  the 
 eyes  of  the  Lord,  he  will  bring  me  again,  and  (hew 
 me  both  it  and  his  habitation.  i 
 
 26  But  if  he  thus  fay,  I  have  no  delight  in  thee  ; 
 behold,  here  am  I,  let  him  do  to  me  as  feemeth  good 
 unto  him. 
 
 27.  The  king  faid  alfo  unto  Zadok  the  prieft,  Art  not 
 thou  ®  a  feer  ?  return  into  the  city  in  peace,  and  your  a  i  Sam, 
 two  fons  with  you,  Ahimaaz  thy  (bn,  and  Jonathan 
 the  foiT  of  Abiathar. 
 
 28  See,  1  will  tarry  in  the  plain  of  the  wildernefs, 
 until  there  come  word  from  you  to  certify  me. 
 
 29  Zadok  therefore  and  Abiathar  carried  the  ark 
 of  God  again  to  Jerufalem  ;  and  they  tarried  there. 
 
 30  H  And  David  went  up  by  the  afcent  of  monni 
 Olivet,  t  and  wept  as  he  went  up,  and  had  his  head  f  Heb. 
 covered;  and  he  went  barefoot:  and  all  the  people  h’ 
 that  was  with  him  covered  every  man  his  head,  and' 
 they  went  up,  weeping  as  they  went  up. 
 
 31  H  And  one  told  David,  faying,  Ahithophel  is 
 among  the  confpirators  with  Abfalom.  And  David 
 faid,  O  Lord,  I  pray  thee,  turn  thecounfel  of  Ahi¬ 
 thophel  into  foolifhnefs. 
 
 32  H  Acid  it  came  to  pafs,  that  xvhen  David  was 
 
 and 
 •weeping. 
 
 Saul’s  party  was  not  as  yet  entirely  extin<5l,  and  Joab,  who  was  David’s  prime 
 ininider,  behaved  with  an  infufferable  pride  and  infolence.  His  crimes  whit'k 
 were  very  black,  and  which  the  king  durll  not  punith,  rebounded  upon  him  ; 
 David’s  other  minitlers  might  have  grown  infolent  in  times  cf  uninterrupteJ 
 fuccefs ;  and  the  king  himl'elf  had  given  his  enemies  umbrage  enough  agaiiift 
 him,  in  living  with  Bath-fheba  after  he  had  murdered  her  hufband.  But  what 
 gave  the  fairell  pretence  of  all,  was  the  obftrudlion  of  juftice  in  the  civil  admim- 
 (Iration  :  fer  bad  there  not  been  fometbing  of  this,  Abfalom  could  have  had 
 no  grounds  for  making  fuch  loud  complaints.  Ver.  14.  David  said — Let  usjhrc. 
 Though  the  fort  of  Zion  was  very  ftrong  and  impregnable,  yet  there  are 
 feveral  real'ons  w  hich  might  induce  David  to  quit  Jerufalem.  He  had  not  laid 
 in  provifions  for  a  long  fiege,  nor  was  Jerufalem,  in  every  part  of  it  defenfible: 
 and  if  Abfalom  had  once  taken  it,  as  it  was  the  capital,  he  would  foon  hare 
 been  mailer  of  the  whole  kingdom.  Nor  was  the  prefervation  of  the  city  itfelh 
 which  David  had  beautified,  and  adorned  with  a  fine  and  ftately  palace,  ai  d 
 where  God  had  appointed  to  put  his  name  and  worlhip,  the  leaft  part  of  his 
 concern  ;  and  therefore  he  thought  it  more  conducive  to  his  interell  in  all  n- 
 fpeiSts  rather  than  be  cooped  up  in  a  place  wliich  he  defired  to  preferve  from 
 being  tlie  feat  of  war,  to  niarcb  abroad  into  tire  country,  where  he  might  probably 
 
 -  Ci  '  ^  '  cer  i 
 
 raife*'a  confiderable  army  both  for  his  own  defence  and  the  fupprtffion  of 
 
 the 
 
 rebels.  Ver.  16.  And  the  king  lejt  ten  ivomen.  For  be  fuppolisd  that  their 
 would  protedt  them  even  among  barbarians,  and  tliat  their  relation  to  him  would 
 give  them  fome  refpedl,  and  at  lead)  fafety  from  his  fon.  Ver.  18.  And  all 
 Gittilesjjix  hundred.  Tiiefe  palled  in  the  front  of  this  little  army  j  but  who  theft 
 
%ila  obtaineth  his  master*s  inherilance. 
 
 II.  SAMUEL. 
 
 Shimei  curseth  David. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 1023. 
 
 come  to  the  top  of  the  mount,  where  he  worfhipped  | 
 God,  behold,  Hufhai  the  Archite  came  to  meet  him  { 
 with  his  coat  rent,  and  earth  upon  his  head  ;  ^  j 
 
 33  Unto  whom  David  faid.  If  thou  paffelt  on  with  j 
 
 me,  then  thou  (halt  be  a  burden  unto  me  :  [ 
 
 34  But  if  thou  return  to  the  city,  and  fay  unto  Ab- 1 
 falom,  I  will  be  thy  fervant,  O  king  ;  as  i  have  been  i 
 thy  father’s  fervant  hitherto,  fo  will  I  now  allb  be  thy  j 
 fervant :  then  mayeft  thou  for  me  defeat  the  counfel  j 
 of  Ahithophel. 
 
 35  And  hast  thou  not  there  with  thee  Zadok  and 
 Abiathar  the  prielis?  therefore  it  fliall  be,  that  what 
 thing  foever  thou  (halt  hear  out  of  the  king’s  houfe, 
 thou  (halt  tell  it  to  Zadok  and  Abiathar  the  priefts.  j 
 
 36  Behold,  they  have  there  with  them  their  two  I 
 fons,  Ahimaaz,  Zadok’s fon,  and  Jonathan,  Abiathar’s  ^ 
 
 Jon ;  and  by  them  ye  (hall  fend  unto  me  every  thing  i 
 that  ye  can  hear.  j 
 
 37  So  Hufliai,  David’s  friend,  came  into  the  city, 
 
 and  Abfalom  came  into  Jerufalem.*  i 
 
 CH  AP.  XVI.  I 
 
 1  Ziba,  byprcfenls  andfal/e  fuggfjlions,  oblaineth  his  master's  inheritance.  \ 
 
 5  At  Bahurim  Shimei  curfelh  David.  9  David  with  patience  abstain-  j 
 
 eth  and  restraineth  others  Jrom  revenge.  ’ 
 
 ND  when  David  was  a  little  paft  the  top  of  the' 
 Jiill,  behold,  Ziba,  the  fervant  of  Miphibofheth,  1 
 met  him,  with  a  couple  of  affes  faddled,  and  upon 
 them  two  hundred  loaves  of  bread,  and  an  hundred 
 bunches  of  raifuis,  and  an  hundred  of  fummer  fruits, 
 and  a  bottle  of  wine. 
 
 2  And  the  king  faid  unto  Ziba,  What  meaneft  thou 
 by  thefe  ?  And  Ziba  faid,  The  affes  be  for  the  king’s 
 
 J’,1  f(  re 
 Cliriil 
 lu.je. 
 
 Gittites  were,  is  not  eafy  to  tell:  for  they  are  never  mentioned  before..  Some, 
 take  them  to  have  been  profelytes,  born  in  Gath  of  the  Philiflines,  who  came  with 
 lltai  to  David.  Jofephus  thinks  that  they  were  Jews,  who  had  fled  to  David 
 in  bis  exile  at  Gath,  and  accompanied  him  not  only  in  the  time  of  Saul’s  perfecu- 
 tion,  but  after  he  came  to  the  crown  of  Ifrael  and  Judah,  comp.  Note  on  chap, 
 viii  18.  Ver.  25.  Carry  hack  the  ark  of  God  into  the  city.  This  order  was  given 
 fcir  feveral  reafons  ;  either  he  might  not  think  it  decent  to  have  the  ark  to  wander 
 about  with  him  be  know  not  whither ;  or  he  might  fuppofe  that  this  would  be  a 
 means  of  expofing  the  priefts  to  the  violence  of  Abfalom’s  rage.  But  his  prin¬ 
 cipal  reafon  feems  to  haVe  been,  that  the  priefts  and  Levites,  whofe  fidelity  he 
 well  knew,  by  giving  him  intelligence  of  his  enemies,  might  do  him  more  fervice 
 in  Jerufalem,  than  theycoUld  do  in  the  camp.  Ver.  26.  Let  him  do  to  me.  That 
 is,  ftrip  me  of  all  the  figns  of  royalty,  difpoftefs  me  of  my  crown  and  kingdom, 
 and  difpofe  of  me  as  feems  good  in  his  fight.  A  noble  inftance  of  refignation 
 to  the  Sovereign  Lord,  and  worthy  to  be  imitated  by  all  the  faints.  Ver.  31. 
 fiirn  the  counfel  of  Ahithophel.  The  Jews  are  of  opinion,  that  Ahithophel  was  in- 
 cenfed  againft  David,  and  therefore  ready  to  go  over  to  the  adveri'e  party,  be- 
 caufe  he  had  abufed  Bath-ftieba,  whom  they  take  to  have  been  his  grand¬ 
 daughter,  becanfe  (lie  was  the  daughter  of  Eliam,  chap.  x.  3.  and  Ahithophel 
 had  a  fon  of  that  name,  chap,  xxiii.  34.  For  this  reafon  they  imagine,  that  he 
 advifed  Ablalom  to  lie  with  his  father’s  concubines,  that  he  might  be  repaid  in 
 Itind  :  though  the  feripture  aftigns  another,  viz.  that  he  and  his  father  might 
 thereby  become  irreconcileable  enemies.  When  David  heard  that  this  man,  the 
 ableft  politician  in  his  kingdom,  was  revolted  to  Abfalom  ;  fenfible  wbat  a  lofs 
 
 houfehold  to  ride  on ;  and  the  bread  and  fuinmer-fruit 
 for  the  young  men  to  eat ;  and  the  wine,  that  (uch  as 
 be  faint  in  the  wildernefs  may  drink. 
 
 3  And  the  king  faid.  And  where  is  thy  raafter’s  fon  ? 
 
 And  Ziba  faid  unto  the  king.  Behold,  he  abideth  at 
 Jerufalem  :  for  he  faid,  To-day  (hall  the  houfe  of  Krael 
 reftore  me  the  kingdom  of  my  lather. 
 
 4  Then  faid  the  king  to  Ziba,  Behold,  thine  ore  all 
 that  ptrtained  unto  Mephibofheth.  And  Ziba  (aid, 
 
 1 1  humbly  befeech  thee  that  I  may  find  grace  in  thyt 
 
 fight,  my  lord.  O  king.  ,  n.  •  k 
 
 5  H  And  when  king  David  came  to  Bahurim,  be--' 
 hold,  thence  came  out  a  man  of  the  family  of  the 
 houfe  of  Saul,  whofe  name  was  Shimei,  the  fon  of 
 Gera  :  II  he  came  forth,  and  curled  ftill  as  he  came.  « 
 
 6  And  he  caft  (iones  at  David,  and  at  all  the 
 
 vants  of  king  David  :  and  all  the  people,  and  z\\  ihecur/ed. 
 mighty  men,  were  on  his  right  hand  and  on  his  left. 
 
 7  And  thus  faid  Shimei,  when  he  curfed.  Come  out, 
 come  out,  thou  t  bloody  man,  and  thou  man  of  Be-  f 
 
 llSl  •  blood. 
 
 8  The  Lord  hath  returned  upon  thee  all  the  blood 
 of  the  houle  of  Saul,  in  whofe  Itead  thou  half  reigned  ; 
 and  the  Lord  hath  delivered  the  kingdom  into  the 
 hand  of  Ablalom  thy  (on  :  and,  f  behold,  thou  art\  Heb. 
 taken  in  thy  mifehief,  becaufe  thou  art  a  bloody 
 
 man.  isy  evU. 
 
 9  H  Then  faid  Abifbai  the  fon  of  Zeruiah  unto  the. 
 king,  Why  fhould  this  ^  dead  dog  curfe  ray  lord  theai  Sam. 
 king  ?  let  me  go  over,  I  pray  thee,  and  take  off  his  head, 
 
 10  And  the  king  faid.  What  have  1  to  do  with  you,  g'’gp* 
 ye  fons  of  Zeruiah  ?  fo  let  him  curfe,  becaule  the  Lord 
 
 bis  affairs  had  fuftained,  and  wbat  an  advantage  the  rebellious  party  bad  acquired, 
 he  betook  himfelfto  his  God.  He  ftaid  not  for  an  opportunity  of  retirement 
 but  inftantly  and  upon  the  fpot,  cried,  0  Lord,  I  pray  thee,  turn  the  counfel  of 
 Ahithophel  into  -/oolishnefs  !  A  (hurt  addrefs,  but  very  efficacious.  He  who  dif- 
 appoineth  the  devices  of  the  crafty,  fent  a  fpirit  of  infatuation  among  the  rebels, 
 and  inclined  them  to  rejedt  the  advice  of  that  judicious  ftatefman  :  which  falfe 
 ftep  brought  upon  their  horrid  enterprife  the  ruin  it  deferred,  and  chagrined 
 the  wretched  traitor,  even  to  rage,  frenzy,  and  fuicide,  chap.  xvii.  23.  Ver.  32. 
 Hufhai  the  Archite.  There  w^as  a  place  on  the  frontiers  of  Benjamin  and  Ephraim, 
 on  the  weft  of  Beth-el,  called  Archi,  Jofh.  xvt,  2.  where  in  all  probability,  this 
 perfon  was  born. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XVI.  Ver.  1.  Battle  of" wine  ;  a  quan¬ 
 tity  luitable  to  the  reft:  of  the  prefent :  bottles  were  made  of  leather,  and  eacli 
 might  contain  a  large  quantity.  Ver.  4.  Thine  are  all  that  jyertained  unto  Mepbi- 
 bofheth.  David  was  too  credulous  in  believing  Ziba,  who,  by  a  falfe,.  but 
 artful  tale,  had  impofed  upon  him.  Ver.  7.  Thus  faid  Shimei  when  he  curfed. 
 Whether  this  man  had  been  a  perfonal  fuftercr  in  the  fall  of  Saul’s  family,  or 
 w'hat  ellfe  had  exafperated  him  againft  David,  it  no  where  appears  j  but  it  feems, 
 as  if  he  had  conceived  fome  very  heinous  offence  againlf  him,  when  neither  the 
 prefence  of  a  king,  nor  the  terror  of  his  guards,  could  reftrain  him  from  throw¬ 
 ing  ftones  and  bitter  fpeeches  at  him  :  and  it  looks  as  if  the  king  was  fallen  into 
 the  utmoft  contempt,  when  one  private  man  could  think  of  venting  his  malice,, 
 at  him  in  fo  grofs  a  manner  with  impunity.  Ver.  10.  Let  him  curfe,  becaufe  the 
 Lord  hath  said  unto  him.  Curse  David.  Not  that  God  commanded  it  by  his  word. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XV.  Behold  in  Abfalom  the  awful  confequenccs  of  indulging  the  corrupt  and  pampered  paftions  of  children. 
 Had  David,  as  king  in  IlVael,  followed  up  the  divine  law,  in  punilhing  him  for  murder,  painful  as  it  might  have  been  to  nature,  yet  perhaps  the  Lord  would  have 
 fent  his  fervant  to  interfere;  and  Abfalom,  being  corrected  and  convinced  of  his  fin,,  would  h.ave  called  forth  mercy  by  his  exemplary  forrojv  and  repentance.  But, 
 when  David  in  the  feeling  of  the  father  loft  fight  of  his  duty  as  a  king,  and  took  again  to  his  bofom  the  murderer  of  a  fon,  can  it  he  wondered  at,  that  a  ferpent  fo 
 fofiered  fliould  fling  him,  or  that  the  wretch  forgiven  the  murder  of  a  brother,  ftiould  fo  ripen  in  iniquity,  as  to  aim  a  d.igger  at  the  father?  Oh!  what. fin  hath 
 Wrought  in  our  fallen  nature  !  What  evil  the  heart  of  man  void  of  grace,  is  capable  of  devifing  !  But  how  gracious  is  the  Lord  in  condefeending  to  corretSb  his  people,, 
 in  order  to  bring  their  hearts  home  to  himfelf,  when  without  thofe  correiflions  they  would  wander  from  him  for  ever. — Young  ambitious  men  are  fond  of  making  a 
 pompous  figure  in  the  world.  The  moft,  upright  adminiftration  cannot  efcape  the  malignant  al'perfion  of  a  difeontented  faitlion.  The  vileft  defigns  are*  often  tualked 
 With  the  cloak  of  pretended  religion  and  virtue  ;  and  they  feldom  want  carnal  prudence  who  are  f'elecSIed  by  Satan  as  his  inftruraents;  Slippery  and  tottering- are  the 
 ^salted  ftations  and  honours  of  this  world.  Our  fortified  abodes  may  foon  become  too  weak  or  too  hot  for  us,  whilft  our  neareft  friends,  and  almoft  all  others,  go 
 over  to  the  enemy.  Our  fevereft  flrokes  frequently  esme  from  hands  whom  we  leall  dreaded  ;  and  fear  of  God’s  w  rath,  in  our  fufferings,  finks  the  fpirits,  and  makes 
 Wen  cowards.  In  fuffering  times  large  families  are  great  incumbrances;  ftrangers  are  fometimes  more  faithful  than  our  kindred  and  countrymen  ;  and  the  more 
 mftrelLd  our  cafe  they  cleave  to  us  the  more  refoluteljv  The  Lord’s  ininifters  ought  to  he  patterns  of  fidelity,  when  others  are  inclined  to  rebel  againll  their  rightful 
 overeigns.  It  is  hard  for  gracious  perfons  to  bear  at  once  the  flings  of  confeicnce,  the  bafe  rebellion  of  children,  the  treachery  of  friends,  and  tlie  want  of  the  public 
 ordinances  of  religion  :  fucb,  if  any  there  he,  require  our  deepeft  fympathy.  Bitter  grief  for  our  fin,  and  refignation  to  God’s  affliiSling  hand,  mull  be  attended  with 
 t  e  diligent  ufe  of  proper  means  for  our  relief:  but  none  that  trull  in  the  Lord  (hall  perifi).  Often  our  friends,  hut  efpecially  onr  God.  help  us  moll  when  unietn. 
 t  IS  not  the  craft  of  politicians,  but  the  God  of  heaven  that  governs  the  world.  He  can  eafily  turn  the  couiifels  of  the  crafty  iuto  foolillinefs,  and  caufe  the  traitors 
 0  be  betrayed.  Let  us  commit  our  way  to  God,  and  be  will  bring  to  pafs  wbat  is  bed. 
 
AhtthophvVs  isidced  0insel  to  Absalom, 
 
 II.  SAMUEL. 
 
 -Before 
 Ciii  id 
 cir.  1023. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 tt.ir'-, 
 
 f  Ueb. 
 eye. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 dnjied 
 him  with 
 duit. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 Let  the 
 idng  live. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 tcoid. 
 
 hath  Hud  iintohi^m,  Curfe  David.  Who  fhall  then 
 lay,  Wnerefore  halt  thou  done  fo  ? 
 
 *  ^  Abilhai,  and  to  all  his  fer- 
 
 vants,  nehold,  my  ion,  which  came  forth  of  my  bow- 
 ^s,  leeketh  my  life :  how  much  more  now  may  this 
 »enj?.inite  doit  F  Let  him  alone,  and  let  him  curfe  : 
 tor  the  Lord  hath  bidden  him. 
 
 Lord  will  look  on  mine 
 I  t  altliclion,  and  that  the  Lord  will  requite  me  good 
 tor  his  curfmg  this  day. 
 
 1 3  And  as  David  and  his  men  went  by  the  way, 
 Shimei  went  along  on  the  hill’s  tide  over  againft  him, 
 and  curfed  as  he  went,  and  threw  ftones  at  him,  and 
 t  Caft  dufi. 
 
 14  And  the  king,  and  all  the  people  that  were  with 
 him,  came  weary,  and  refrefhed  themfelves  there. 
 
 15  H  And  Abfalom,  and  all  the  people,  the  men  of 
 Ilrael,  came  to  Jerulalem,  and  Ahithophel  with  him. 
 
 16  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  Hulhai  the  Archite, 
 David’s  friend,  w^as  come  unto  Abfalom,  that  Huthai 
 laid  unto  Abfalom,  -f  God  fave  the  king,  God  fave 
 the  king. 
 
 1 7  And  Abfalom  faid  to  Huthai,  Is  this  thy  kindnefs 
 to  thy  friend  ?  why  wentett  thou  not  with  thy  friend  ? 
 
 18  And  Hufhai  faid  unto  Abfalom,  Nay;  but  whom 
 the  Lord  and  his  people,  and  all  the  men  of  Ifrael, 
 choofe,  his  wnll  I  be,  and  with  him  will  I  abide. 
 
 19  And  again,  whom  fhould  I  ferve?  shotdd  /not 
 
 in  the  prefence  of  his  fon  ?  As  I  have  ferved  in 
 thy  father’s  prefence,  fo  will  I  be  in  thy  prefence. 
 
 20  If  Then  faid  Abfalom  to  Ahithophel,  Give  coun- 
 fel  among  you  what  w’e  fhall  do. 
 
 21  And  Aihithophel  faid  unto  Abfalom,  Go  in  un- 
 to^hy  father’s  concubines,  which  he  hath  left  to  keep 
 the  houfe ;  and  all  Ifrael  fhall  hear  that  thou  art  ab' 
 horred  of  thy  father  ;  then  fhall  the  hands  of  all  that 
 are  with  thee  be  flrong. 
 
 22  So  they  fpread  Abfalom  a  tent  upon  the  top  of 
 the  houfe ;  and  Abfalom  went  in  unto  his  father’s 
 concubines  in  the  fight  of  all  Ifrael. 
 
 23  And  the  counfel  of  Ahithophel,  which  he  coun- 
 felled  in  thofe  days,  was  as  if  a  man  had  enquired  at 
 thef  oracleof  God  ;  fo  was  all  the  counfel  of  Ahitho¬ 
 phel  both  with  David  and  with  Abfalom.* 
 
 for  that  feverity  forbids  curling,  Exod.  xxii.  23.  nor  moved  him  to  it  by  his  Spirit, 
 for  God  terapteth  no  man.  Jam.  i.  13-  But  the  meaning  is,  that  the  fecret  provi¬ 
 dence  of  God  did  over-rule  and  determine  him  fo  to  do;  that  is,  God  did  not  put 
 any  %vickednefs  into  Shimei’s  heart,  (for  he  had  of  hirafelf  a  heart  full  of  malig¬ 
 nity  and  venom  againft  David,)  but  only  left  him  to  his  own  wickednefs ;  took 
 away  that  common  prudence,  which  would  have  reftrained  him  from  fo  dangerous 
 an  action  ;  allowed  him  to  exercife  his  malice  againll  David,  rather  than  any  other 
 man  ;  and  brought  him  into  fo  diflreffed  a  condition,  that  he  might  feem  a  proper 
 objedt  of  his  fcom  and  contempt.  David  faw  and  acknowledged  the  hand  of 
 God  in  this  painful  event,  and  confcious  of  his  own  llnfulnefs,  patiently  fubnnitted 
 to  be  infulted  by  this  vile  Benjamite.  Ver.  22.  Absalom  went  in  unto  his  father’s 
 concubines.  By  fo  doing  he  made  a  claim  to  the  kingdom  as  his  own,  and,  as  it 
 ■were,  took  poffeflion  of  it.  Ver.  23.  The  counsel  of  Ahithophel — was  as — theora- 
 
 Ilmhai  ovMltrowcth  AkilJiopheVs  ccunsd 
 CHAP.  XVII. 
 
 Ahithophel' s  counsel  is  overthrown  by  Hushai's  tiocording  to  Gatfs  apt- 
 
 pointment.  15  Secret  intelligence  is  sent  unto  David 
 hangeth  himself.  25  Amasa  is  made  captain. 
 
 23 
 
 Ahiikopt.el  '^2;?, 
 
 ‘OREO VER,  Ahithophel  faid  unto  Abfalom, 
 me  now  choofe  out  twelve  thoufand 
 will  arife  and  purfue  after  David  this 
 
 M' 
 
 men,  and  I 
 night. 
 
 2  And  I  will  come  upon  him  while  he  is  weary  and 
 weak-handed,  and  will  make  him  afraid  ;  and  all  the 
 people  that  are  with  him  lhall  flee  ;  and  I  will  fmite  the 
 king  only. 
 
 3  And  I  will  bring  back  all  the  people  unto  thee ; 
 the  man  whom  thou  feekeft  is  as  if  all  returned ;  so 
 all  the  people  fhall  be  in  peace. 
 
 4  And  the  faying  f  pleafed  Abfalom  well,  and  all  f 
 the  elders  of  Ifrael. 
 
 luas  ri«ht 
 
 5  Then  faid  Abfalom,  call  now  Hufhai  the  Archite 
 
 alfo,  and  let  us  hear  likewife  f  what  he  faith.  t  Hei,. 
 
 6  And  when  Hufhai  was  come  to  Abfalom,  Abfa- " 
 
 lom  fpake  unto  him,  laying,  Ahithophel  hath  fpoken, 
 after  this  manner  :  fhall  we  do  after  his  f  faying  ?  Iff  Heb. 
 not,  fpeak  thou.  uonii 
 
 7  And  Hufhai  faid  unto  Abfalom,  The  counfel  that 
 Ahithophel  hath  given  f  is  not  good  at  this  time.  J 
 
 8  For,  faid  Hufhai,  thou  knoweft  thy  father  and  '’**"*' ' 
 his  men,  that  they  be  mighty  men,  and  they  be  f  chaf-  f^eb, 
 ed  in  their  minds,  as  a  bear  robbed  of  her  whelps 
 
 the  field  :  and  thy  father  is  a  man  of  war,  and  will  not*‘’“  ‘ 
 lodge  with  the  people. 
 
 9  Behold,  he  is  hid  now  in  fome  pit,  or  in  fome 
 other  place :  and  it  will  come  to  pafs,  when  fdme  of 
 them  be  f  overthrown  at  the  firlt,  that  whofoever f  Heb. 
 heareth  it  will  fay,  There  is  a  flaughter  among  the/“^''‘^«- 
 people  that  follow  Abfalom. 
 
 10  And  he  alfo  that  is  valiant,  whofe  heart  is  as  the 
 heart  of  a  lion,  fhall  utterly  melt :  for  all  Ifrael  know- 
 eth  that  thy  father  is  a  mighty  man,  and  they  which  be 
 with  him  are  valiant  men. 
 
 1 1  Therefore,  I  counfel,  that  all  Ifrael  be  generally 
 
 gathered  unto  thee,  from  Dan  even  to  Beer-fheba,  ast  Heb. 
 the  fand  that  is  by  the  fea  for  multitude,  and  f  that 
 thou  go  to  battle  in  thine  own  perfon.  jZl’ence, 
 
 12  So  fhall  we  come  upon  him  in  fome  place  whereto,  ’ 
 
 cle  of  God.  It  was  fo  fare  and  fafe,  that  it  was  generally  followed  without  evef 
 doubting  of  its  fuccefs. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XVII.  Ver.  1.  Ahithophel  thought 
 it  requifite  to  make  difpatch  on  this  occafion,  well  knowing  that  if  the  people, 
 who  had  revolted  from  their  allegiance,  had  leifure  to  refle<5t  on  what  they  were 
 doing,  many  of  them  would  refufe  to  go  ;  and  at  the  fame  time  delay  would 
 afford  David  an  opportunity  of  railing  an  army,  and  thofe  who  were  about  IiiW) 
 to  recover  their  firft  fright.  Ver.  5.  Call  now  Hushai  the  Archite.  The  provi¬ 
 dence  of  God  is  here  very  remarkable,  as  it  was  owing  to  the  difference  in  the 
 fentinients  of  his  counfellors,  that  Abfalom  was  irrefolute  and  doubtful,  even  in 
 that  counfel  which  was  approved  by  all  the  elders  of  Ifrael,  and  was  evidently  the 
 wifeft  that  could  be  given.  Ver.  8.  Thou  Inowejl  thy  father  and  his  men.  There 
 is  fometbing  equally  plaufible  and  elegant  in  this  advice  of  Hufhai.  A  bear  is 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  XVI.]  Many  like  Ziba,  affe<5l  to  be  generous  of  what  is  not  really  their  own.  The  lying  tongues  of  fervantr, 
 and  the  prefents  of  knaves,  are  the  fnares  and  plagues  of  all  concerned.  All  men  efpecially  princes,  ought  to  be  cautious  of  haftily  believing  evil  furmilings.  Nothing 
 is  fo  bafe  as  to  ufe  infirmity  for  an  occafion  of  injury,  or  to  infult  and  abufe  the  miferable.  Bitter  is  the  cafe  when  an  awakened  confcience,  and  a  railing  neighbour, 
 upbraid  us  with  our  guilt,  while  we  are  enduring  the  chaflenings  of  our  God.  But  to  fee  God’s  hand  in  every  trial  is  the  way  to  bear  it  aright ;  and  cheerful  fubmil- 
 fion  to  his  will  renders  the  time  of  afHi<5tion  frequently  the  happieft  period  of  our  lives.  And  hence,  in  a  godly  man’s  eftimate  of  human  life,  the  feafons  of  afflidtion 
 are  moft  valued  by  him,  when  on  a  review  of  them,  he  can  look  back  and  fee  how  graeioufly  the  Lord  hath  led  him  through  them,  fupported  him  under  them,  and 
 brought  him  out  of  them.  Patience  under  reproaches  will  iffue  in  our  vindication  at  lafl.  Let  us,  therefore,  when  calumniated,  commit  our  cafe  to  the  Lord,  and 
 remember  that  no  provocations  can  warrant  us  to  avenge  ourfelves,  and  return  evil  for  evil.  The  vileft  reproaches  ought  to  excite  us  to  fearch  our  ways,  and  condemn 
 ourfelves  for  our  real  faults.  Happy  are  they  who  can  withftand  the  flrongeft  temptations  to  revenge  when  they  meet  w'ith  the  moft  infolent  abufe.  What  an  eaiy 
 prey  are  proud  men  to  every  fubtile  flatterer  !  They  take  all  thofe  for  friends  whom  they  wifh  to  be  fiuh.  It  is  hard  for  crafty  politicians  to  conform  themfelves  W 
 untainted  veracity  and  candour.  Nay,  fuch  will  often  flick  at  nothing,  however  infamous  or  wicked,  to  fecure  their  own  purpofes.  But  let  us  here  obferve  how  this 
 inofl  abominable  coududl  fulfils  the  righteous  threatenings  of  God.  He  who  murdered  his  friend  to  conceal  his  adultery,  has  now  ten  of  his  concubines  publicly 
 Alebauched  by  his  fon  on  the  top  of  the  fame  houfe  where  he  began  his  crime. 
 
Itashai  overlJirowth  AhithopheVs  counsel. 
 
 ir.  SAMUEL. 
 
 Srcr^c 
 
 ^eltigence 
 
 srtif  fo  / 
 
 TIeb. 
 
 t 
 
 tnfl 
 
 •ndcth 
 
 Berore  hc  (hail  be  founJ,  and  we  will  light  upon  him  as  the 
 cii'ift  fa'.leth  on  the  ground:  and  of  him,  and  or  all 
 the  men  that  are  with  him,  there  (hall  not  be  left  lo 
 
 much  as  one.  _  -  i.  n 
 
 13  Moreover,  if  he  be  gotten  into  a  city,  then  lhall 
 
 all  Ifrael  bring  ropes  to  that  city,  and  we  will  draw  it 
 into  the  river^  until  there  be  not  one  fmall  (tone  found 
 
 It  And  Abfalom  and  all  the  men  of  Ifrael  faid, 
 The  ccunftl  of  Hufhai  the  Archite  is  better  than  the 
 counfel  of  Ahithophel :  for  the  Lord  had  f  appointed 
 to  defeat  the  good  counfel  of  Ahithophel,  to  the  in¬ 
 tent  that  the  Lord  might  bring  evil  upon  Af  falom. 
 
 15  ^'Then  faid  Hulhai  unto  Zadok  and  to  Abi^thar 
 the  priefts.  Thus  and  thus  did  Ahithophel  ccunlel 
 Abfalom  and  the  elders  of  Ifrael :  and  thus  and  thus 
 
 have  I  counfelled.  _  ,  „  -n.  •  j 
 
 16  Now  therefore  fend  quickly,  and  tell  David, 
 faying.  Lodge  not  this  night  in  the  plains  of  the  w-ib 
 dernefs,  but  fpeedily  pal's  over  ;  left  the  king  be  fwal- 
 lowed  up,  and  all  the  people  that  ore  with  him. 
 
 17  Now  Jonathan  and  Ahimaaz  flayed  by  En-rogel ; 
 (for  they  might  not  be  feen  to  come  into  the  city  ;) 
 and  a  wench  went  and  told  them  ;  and  they  went 
 
 and  told  king  David.  ,  ,,  A.n  i 
 
 18  Neverthelefs  a  lad  faw  them  and  told  Ablalom  :  | 
 but  they  went  both  of  them  away  quickly,  and  came  j 
 to  a  man’s  houfe  in  Bahurim,  which  had  a  well  in  his  ] 
 court ;  whither  thy  went  down. 
 
 1 9  And  the  woman  took  and  fpread  a  covering  over 
 the  well’s  mouth,  and  fpread  ground  corn  thereon  ; 
 and  the  thing  was  not  known. 
 
 20  And  when  Abfalom’sfervantscame  to  the  woman 
 to  the  houfe,  they  laid.  Where  is  Ahimaaz  and  Jona¬ 
 than  ?  And  the  woman  faid  unto  them,  they  be  gone 
 over  the  brook  of  water.  And  when  they  had  fought 
 and  coulJ  not  find  them,  they  returned  to  Jerufa- 
 lem. 
 
 21  And  it  came  to  pafs,  after  they  were  departed 
 that  they  came  up  out  of  the  well,  and  went  and  told 
 king  David,  and  faid  unto  David,  Arife,  and  pafs  ^ 
 
 for  thus  hatu' .  ihitiicpnci 
 
 J  vrn 
 
 quickly  over  the  water 
 counfelled  againft  you. 
 
 22  Then  David  arofe,  and  all  the  people  that 
 
 with  him,  and  they  paffed  over  Jordan  :  by  tne  m  '.r- 
 ning  light  there  lacked  not  one  of  them  that  was  :  ;t 
 gone  over  Jordan.  ^  , 
 
 23  f  And  when  Ahithophel  faw  that  his  counlei 
 
 was  not  t  followed,  he  (addled  his  afs,  and  arofe,  and  f  H.b. 
 gat  him  home  to  his  houfe,  to  bis  city,  and  f  Put  hiS'D'^ 
 houfehold  in  order,  and  hanged  himfelf,  and  died, 
 and  was  buried  in  the  fepulchre  of  his  father.  ch'xr;^z 
 
 24  Then  David  came  to  Mahanaim  :  and  Abfalom  c..« 
 palled  over  Jordan,  he  and  all  the  men  of  Ifrael  with*”.^ 
 
 him*  ,  c  i_  i_  n 
 
 25  ^  And  Abfalom  made  Araafa  captain  ot  the  holt 
 inftead  of  Joab :  which  Amafa  -veas  a  man’s  (bn  whole 
 name  tvas  Ithra,  an  Ifraeiite,  that  went  into  Abigad 
 the  daughter  of  Nahadi,  filler  to  Zeruiah,  Joab’s 
 
 mother.  ,  ,  ^  c 
 
 26  So  Ifrael  and  Abfalom  pitched  m  the  land  or 
 
 Gilead. 
 
 27  H  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  David  w’as  come  to 
 
 Mahanaim,  that  Shobi,  the  fon  of  Nahalh  ot  Rabbah 
 of  the  children  of  Ammon,  and  Machir,  the  fon  ot 
 Ammiel  of  Lo-debar,  and  Barzillai  the  Gileadite  of 
 Rogelim,  _ 
 
 28  Brought  beds,  and  H  bafons,  and  earthen  veftels,  :j  Or. 
 and  wheat,  and  barley,  and  flower,  and  parched 
 
 and  beans,  and  lentiles,  and  parched  pulse. 
 j  29  And  honey,  and  butter,  and  (beep,  and  cheefe 
 !  of  kine,  for  David,  and  for  the  people  that  -nrre  with 
 I  him,  to  eat :  for  they  faid,  The  people  is  hungry,  and 
 weary,  and  thirfty,  in  the  wildernefs.’^ 
 
 CHAP.  XVllI. 
 
 1  Dnvid  viewing  the  armies  in  their  march,  giveth  them  charge  of  Absalom. 
 
 6  The  Israelites  are  sore  smitten  in  the  ivood  of  Ephraim.  9  Absalom, 
 hanging  on  an  oak,  isjlain  by  Joab,  and  cast  into  a  pit.  18  Absalom’s 
 Place.  1 9  Ahimaaz  and  Cvjhi  bring  tidings  to  David.  33  David 
 mournctk  for  Absalom. 
 
 AND  David  numbered  the  people  that  v.ere  with 
 him,  and  fet  captains  of  thoufands  and  captains 
 of  hundreds  over  them. 
 
 a  very  fiefte  creature,  hut  according  to  uaturaliRs,  flie  bears  are  more  fierce  than  ! 
 the  males,  particularly  when  they  have  cubs,  and  tbefe  are  taken  from  them,  fee 
 Trov.  xvij.  12.  Ilof.  xiii.  7,  R.  Ilulhai’s  advice  is  founded  on  the  maxim,  That 
 we  lhall  not  drive  an  enemy  to  defpair,  nor  attack  thofe  who  are  refolved  to  fell 
 their  lives  as  dear  as  pofiiblc.  David  would  not  eafily  be  furprifed  ;  provident 
 againtl  danger,  he  with  fome  chofen  body  acquainted  with  every  cave  and  hold, 
 would  be  ready  to  fally  out  like  wild  animals  upon  their  prey.  Such  an  attack 
 might  make  even  Ahithophel’s  lion-like  heart  to  fail  ;  at  leaft  his  fmall  body  ot 
 troops  to  flee,  and  the  confeqiience  of  fuel)  a  repul  fe  might  prove  fatal  to  the  caule. 
 His  advice  therefore  is  to  gather  all  the  forces  from  Dan  to  Beer-fheba,  and  under 
 fuch  a  leader  there  w’as  little  to  fear.  And  Ihould  David  have  taken  refuge  in  a 
 walled  city,  fuch  a  hoft  would  in  an  inllant  make  breaches  in  the  walls  and  fcale 
 them.  Vcr.  \8.  Moreover  if  he  be  gotten  into  a  city.  That  is  if  David  fhould  quit 
 the  open  field,  and  betake  himfelf  to  the  ftrongeft  of  their  cities,  encompalfed  with 
 high  walls  and  deep  ditches,  fuch  a  numerous  army  (as  he  propofed)  would  be  fiif- 
 ficient  to  begirt  it  round,  and  by  ropes  put  about  the  walls  to  draw  them  down, 
 and  all  the  houfes  of  the  city,  into  the  ditch  that  ran  about  it.  Not  that  any  fuch 
 praaife  was  ever  uied  in  war,  and  therefore  the  words  muft  he  looked  upon  as 
 merely  thrafonical,  and  calculated  to  pleafe  the  genius  of  the  afpiring  and  infolent 
 
 Abfalom  ;  unlefs  we  will  fay  with  fome,  tliat  the  word  roj^es  in  the  original  may 
 denote  fuch  machines  as  are  worked  by  ropes,  and  were  in  ufe  at  that  time  to  bat¬ 
 ter  down  walls.  Ver.  16.  Now  therefore  fend  quickly,  and  tell  Davul.  Hufhai  is 
 no  fooner  difmifled  from  the  counfel  than  he  difpatches  meflengers  to  inform  the 
 king  of  danger,  that  he  might  efcape  without  delay.  Ver.  17.  E7irogcl.  A  place 
 near  Jerufalem,  called  the  fuller's  well,  Jodi.  xv.  7.  xviii.  16.  Ver.  23.  Hanged 
 himself.  He  was  convinced,  from  the  methods  Abfalom  was  going  to  purfue  that 
 David  would  get  the  better  of  him  ;  and  in  that  cafe,  he  well  knew  that  he  fliould 
 be  put  to  death  for  his  treafon,  and  therefore  choofe  to  be  his  own  executioner. 
 Thus  the  wife  are  taken  in  their  craftinefs.  Vcr.  24.  Absalom  pnjfed  over  Jordan. 
 He  having  aflembled  his  forces,  croflTes  that  river,  and  purfues  his  father  into  the 
 land  of  Gilead.  Ver.  27.  And  it  came  to  pass  when  David  came  to  Mahanaim. 
 While  he  halts  there,  he  receives  kindnefs  from  thofe  who  were  able  to  render  him 
 abundant  fupport. 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  XVIII.  Ver.  2.  I  will  surdy  go  forth 
 with  you  myfelf  also.  David  refolves  to  be  the  leader  of  his  forces,  and  participates 
 of  the  danger  to  which  they  were  expofed.  lie  is  perfuaded  from  doing  fo  by  the 
 advice  of  his  fubjeeFts.  They  confidered  that  Abfalom’s  forces  would  aim  princi¬ 
 pally  at  him,  as  on  his  life  depended  the  termination  of  the  contell.  Ver.  5.  Deal 
 
 PRACTTC  \T  OBSEP  V  kTIONS  — *  Chap.  XVII.]  Behold  how  wicked  and  artful  counfels  involve  their  authors,  till  the  mofl  horrid  crimes  become,  as  it 
 were  neceffarv  for'their  own  fafetv.  Dangerous  is  the  cafe  of  thofe  princes  who  have  rebellious  fubje6ts  and  unnatural  children  ;  but  vain  is  their  counfel  who  aim 
 at  the  ruin  of  God's  church  and  people.  By  the  moft  fecret  ways  he  can  divert  their  blows,  and  make  them  unannuoufly  to  alter  Ureir  mind  and  applaud  what  is  for 
 his  dory  and  their  own  ruin  ;  and  tL  wcakeft  inftrument  can  in  his  hand  anfwer  the  greateft  purpofes.  A  fa.lehood  to  fene  a  good  caufe  is  nevertlielefs  to  he  ah- 
 hor«d  and  will  be  viewed  with  indignation  by  the  God  of  truth.  While  we  depend  on  God’s  proteaion,  we  muft  ule  all  diligence  to  fa\ e  ourfelvcs.  None  lhall  he 
 loit  inthe  pairi*-e  at  death  who  are  condiiaed  by  the  Son  of  David,  the  captain  of  their  lalvation.  The  prayers  ot  his  faints  are  often  anfwercd  m  a  more  awful  man- 
 neithan  they  could  have  wiflied.  Difappolnted  pride  often  produces  felf-murdcr  to  fuch  as  fought  the  life  of  the  innocent.  But  how  much  nwe  terrible  is  tludr  dif- 
 appointment,  who  meet  with  everlafling Thame  and  deftrnaion  by  fleeing  to  death,  as  their  refuge  from  prefent  contempt  and  h.a7.ard  !  -In  the  Ume  of  their  greateft 
 trouble.  God  unexpeaedly  provides  for  his  people.  And  it  is  very  honourable  to  aflUi  a  fovereign  or  a  faiut  when  almoft  every  one  is  become  his  enemy. 
 
 No.<z\.,..ed.  4M 
 
Jfi.ilom's  army  rljcafcch 
 
 II.  SAIMUtL. 
 
 Joah  Jdlleth  y 
 
 f  Hek, 
 set  their 
 heart  on 
 its. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 as  ten 
 thoufand 
 
 t  Heb. 
 be  to 
 succour. 
 
 2  And  David  fent  forth  a  tlsird  part  of  the  people 
 under  the  ‘.and  ot  Jcub,  and  a  third  part  under  the 
 hand  ot  vbifhai,  the  fon  ot  Zerniah,  Joab*s  brother, 
 and  a  third  part  under  the  hand  of  Ittai  the  Gittite. 
 And  the  king  faid  unto  the  people,  I  will  furely  go 
 forth  with  you  myfelf  allb. 
 
 3  But  the  people  anfwered,  Thou  (halt  not  go  forth  : 
 for  if  we  flee  away,  they  will  not  f  care  for  us  ;  neither 
 if  half  of  us  die,  will  they  care  for  us  :  but  now'  i/tou 
 art  f  worth  ten  thoufand  of  us  ;  therefore  now  it  is 
 better  that  thou  f  fuccour  us  out  of  the  city. 
 
 4  And  the  king  faid  unto  them,  What  feeraeth  you 
 beft  I  will  do.  And  the  king  ftood  by  the  gate-fide, 
 and  all  the  people  came  out  by  hundreds,  and  by 
 thoufands. 
 
 5  And  the  king  commanded  Joab,  and  Abifhai, 
 and  Ittai,  faying.  Deal  gently,  for  my  fake,  with  the 
 young  man,  eveti  with  Abfalom.  And  all  the  people 
 heard  w'hen  the  king  gave  all  the  captains  charge  con- 
 Ctrning  Abfalom. 
 
 6  D  So  the  people  went  out  into  the  field  againft 
 Ifrael :  and  the  battle  was  in  the  wood  of  Ephraim  ; 
 
 7  Where  the  people  of  Ifrael  were  flain  before  the 
 fervants  of  David  ;  and  there  was  there  a  great  flaugh- 
 ter  that  day  of  tw'enty  thoufand  men. 
 
 8  For  the  battle  was  there  Icattered  over  the  face 
 of  all  the  country :  and  the  wood  f  devoured  more 
 
 ,  ,  .  people  that  day  than  the  fword  devoured. 
 
 0  cuitt.  g  Abfalom  met  the  fervants  of  David.  And 
 
 Abfalom  rode  upon  a  mule,  and  the  mule  went  under 
 the  thick  bough  of  a  great  oak,  and  his  head  caught 
 hold  of  the  oak,  and  he  was  taken  up  between  the 
 heaven  and  the  earth  ;  and  the  mule  that  was  under 
 him  went  away. 
 
 10  And  a  certain  man  faw  it^  and  told  Joab,  and 
 faid.  Behold,  I  faw  Abfalom  hanged  in  an  oak. 
 
 11  And  Joab  faid  unto  the  maft  that  told  him. 
 And,  behold,  thou  faweft  him,  and  why  didfl  thou 
 not  Imite  him  there  to  the  ground  ?  and  I  would  have 
 given  thee  ten  sheJrels  of  filver  and  a  girdle. 
 
 I  Heb.  12  And  the  man  faid  unto  Joab,  Though  I  fhould 
 f  receive  a  thoufand  shekels  of  filver  in  mine  hand, 
 Tan7!^  y^'t  would  I  not  put  forth  mine  hand  againft  the  king’s 
 f  H«b.  Ton  :  for  in  our  hearing  the  king  charged  thee,  and 
 ■setvare  Abifhai,  and  Ittai,  faying,  f  Beware  that  none  touch 
 iohosoet,er  youDg  man  Abfalom. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 multiplied 
 
 ye  be  of, 
 
 13  Otherwife  I  Ihould  have 
 
 wrought 
 
 falfehood 
 
 •gently  for  my  sake  roilh  the  young  man  even  with  Abfalom.  So  tender  was  David 
 of  that  unnatural  fon,  who,  not  content  with  his  kingdom,  fought  alfo  his  life. 
 But  there  are  feelings  in  forae  parent’s  hearts  which  no  undulifulnefs  can  craze. 
 Ver.  6.  In  the  wood  oj  Ejyhraim.  It  probably  bad  this  name  from  the  great-flaugh- 
 terof  the  Ephraimites  by  Jephtbah,  Judg.  xii.  Ver.  8.  The  looed  devoured  more 
 people  that  day,  than  the  sword  devoured.  The  meaning  is,  that  there  were  more 
 llain  in  the  wood  than  in  the  field.  The  field  of  battle,  according  to  Jofcphus,  was 
 3  plain,  with  a  w'ood  contiguous  to  it ;  and  therefore,  when  Abfalom’s  army  was 
 put  to  the  rout,  and  betook  themfelves  to  the  Wood  for  refuge,  their  purfuers  made  • 
 a  greater  flaughter  of  them  there,  than  they  otherwife  would  have  done,  becaufe 
 they  could  not  mn  away  fo  fall  in  the  wood,  as  they  might  have  done  in  the  open 
 field.  Ver.  9.  Some  think  that  Ablalcfm  hung  by  his  hair,  but  others  that  his  neck 
 ■was  fo  wedded  between  the  boughs  by  the  great  motion  of  the  mule,  that  he  was 
 not  able  to  difcngage  himfelf  For  they  obferve  that  he  certainly  had  a  helmet 
 on  when  he  went  to  battle,  and  therefore  his  hair  could  not  be  entangled  in  the 
 boughs.  But  there  is  noUiing  incengruous  in  fuppofing  that  he  was  caught,  as 
 Jofephus  and  others  think,  by  the  hair,  if  we  only  fuppofe  that  his  helmet  did  not 
 cover  his  whole  head,  or  that  he  threw  the  helmet  away,  that  its  weight  might  not 
 incommode  him  in  Iiis  flight.  Ver.  14.  Joab’s  killing  AFfalom  Was  a  dire(5t  deli¬ 
 berate  murder,  and  a  treafonable  murder  too  againft  the  exprefs  orders  of  the  king, 
 and  in  open  defiance  and  contempt  of  them,  though  the  a<5lion  turned  out  for  the 
 good  of  the  nation,  and  the  fafety  of  the  king.  Ver,  17.  The  juftice  of  God  is 
 
 ni. 
 
 againft  mine  own  life  for  there  is  no  matter  hid  before 
 from  the  king ;  and  thou  thyfelf  wouldeft  have  f'et  thy- 
 felf  againft  me. 
 
 14  Then  faid  Joab,  I  may  not  tarry  thus  t  wiihfHei,^ 
 thee.  And  he  took  three  darts  in  his  hand,  -dudJore thcel' 
 thruft  them  through  the  heart  of  Abfalom,  while  he 
 
 zvas  yet  alive  in  the  f  midft  of  the  oak.  t  Heb. 
 
 15  And  ten  young  men  that  bare  Joab’s  armour 
 compafled  about,  and  fmote  Abfalom,  and  flew  him. 
 
 16  And  Joab  blew  the  trumpet,  and  the  people  re¬ 
 turned  from  purfuing  after  Ifrael  :  for  Joab  held  back 
 the  people. 
 
 17  And  they  took  Abfalom,  and  caft  him  into  a 
 great  pit  in  the  w’ood,  atid  laid  a  very  great  heap  of 
 (tones  upon  him :  and  all  Ifrael  fled  every  one  to  his 
 tent, 
 
 18  ^  Now  Abfalom  in  his  life-time  had  taken  and 
 reared  up  for  himfelf  a  pillar,  which  is  in  *  the  king’-s^  Gen, 
 dale  :  for  he  faid,  I  have  no  fon  to  keep  my  name  in 
 remembrance  ;  and  he  called  the  pillar  after  his  own 
 name :  and  it  is  called  unto  this  day,  Abfalom’s 
 Place. 
 
 19  ^  Then  faid  Ahimaaz  the  fon  of  Zadok,  Let 
 me  now  run  and  bear  the  king  tidings,  how  that  the 
 Lord  hath  f  avenged  him  of  his  enemies. 
 
 20  And  Joab  laid  unto  him,  Thou  (halt  not  f  bear  f  Heb. 
 tidings  this  day,  but  thou  (halt  bear  tidings  another*^"^^''^^ 
 day  ;  but  this  day  thou  fhalt  bear  no  tidings,  becaufe 
 
 the  king’s  fon  is  dead.  fc. 
 
 21  Then  faid  Joab  to  Cufhi,  Go  tell  the  king  whatt  Heb. 
 
 thou  haft  feen.  And  Culhi  bowed  himfelf  unto  Joab, 
 aodran.  ^  ^ 
 
 22  Then  faid  Ahimaaz  the  fon  of  Zadok,  yet  again 
 
 to  Joab,  But  t  howfoever,  let  me,  I  pray  thee,  alfo  run  t  Heb.  be 
 after  Cufhi.  And  Joab  faid,  "Wherefore  wilt  thou 
 run,  my  Ton,  feeing  that  thou  haft  no  tidings  1|  ready?  H  Or,  con. 
 
 23  But  howfoever,  said  he^  let  me  ruif.  And 
 faid  unto  him,  Run.  Then  Ahimaaz  ran  by  the  way 
 of  the  plain,  and  over-ran  Cufhi. 
 
 24  And  David  fat  between  the  two  gates  :  and  the 
 watchman  went  up  to  the  roof  over  the  gate  unto  the 
 wall,  and  lifted  up  his  eyes,  and  looked,  and  behold 
 a  man  running  alone. 
 
 25  And  the  watchman  cried,  ana  told  the  king. 
 
 And  the  king  faid.  If  he  he  alone,  there  is  tidings  in 
 his  mouth,  /ind  he  came  apace,  and  drew  near. 
 
 26  And  the  watchman  faw  another  man  running  ; 
 
 very  obfervable  in  bringing  Abfalom  to  fo  condign  a  punifhment.  For,  in  the  firfl 
 place,  he  was  hanged  as  it  wcre,^nd  this  was  by  the  law  declared  to  be  an  accursed 
 death,  i)eut.  xxi.  23.  And  afterwards  he  was  in  fome  meafure  foned,  which,  by 
 the  fame  law,  was  the  particular  kind  of  death  prefcribed  for  a  ftubborn  and  re¬ 
 bellious  fon,  Deut.  xxi.  21.  Ver.  18.  Absalom  had  reared  up  for  him  selj  a  pillar 
 u'hick  is  in  the  king's  dale.  This  dale  is  iCentioned,  Gen.  xiv.  1 7.  and  was  not  far 
 from  Jerufalem  ;  near  'which  there  is  to  this  day  a  monument  Ihewn  to  travellers, 
 and -called  Abfaiom’s  pillar.  It  is  a  chamber  cut  with  a  chifel  out  of  a  finale  rock, 
 and  is  a  fquare  of  eight  paces  from  outfide  to  outfide.  But  it  is  evident  that  this 
 is  a  mere  modern  ftrudlure ;  for  Jofephus  fays  it  was  in  his  time  only  a  marble 
 pillar.  I  have  no  son.  To  reconcile  this  with  chap.  xiv.  7.  ■which  alferts  he  bad 
 three  sons ;  we  muft  fuppofe,  either  that  the  pillar  was  eredled  before  they  were 
 born,  or  elfe  after  their  death-  Ver.  21.  Then  said  Joab  to  Ctifii,  Go  tell  the  king 
 what  thou  kaf  seen.  Joab  knew  how  unpleafant  the  tidings  of  Abfalom’s  death 
 would  be  to  the  king,  and  therefore  dilTnades  Ahimaaz  from  being  the  meffengf, 
 and  difpatches  Culhi,  or  the  Ethiopian,  fo  called  from  being  a  profelyte  of  that 
 counti7,  or  from  his  fwarty  complexion.  Ver.  22.  Let  me  I  pray  thee,  also  run 
 after  Cufhi.  Ahimaaz  perceiving  Cuflii  flow  of  foot,  and  conceiving  himfelf  to  be 
 fwifter  in  running,  is  eager  to  carry  news  of  their  fuccefs,  and  perhaps  felicitous 
 to  prepare  the  king  by  degrees  for  the  mournful  tidings  which  would  be  con¬ 
 firmed  on  Cuflii’s  arrival,  fhould  he  outrun  him  ;  prevails  on  Joab  to  admit  him 
 to  follow.  Ver.  28.  And  Ahimaaz  called  and  said  unto  the  king,  All  is  well.  He 
 
Ctishi  carry  tidings  to  David, 
 
 II.  SAMUEL. 
 
 The  Isradites  earnest  to  Crv,’’  i  ;d  Idog  f)ar.vt. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 loys. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 I  see  the 
 
 rummg- 
 
 I!  Or, 
 
 J^eace  be 
 to  thee. 
 
 I  Heb, 
 pence. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 shut  up. 
 •)■  Heb. 
 Is  there 
 peace  ? 
 
 f  Heb, 
 Things 
 Irought. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 salvation, 
 or  delv- 
 verance. 
 
 and  t+ie  watchman  called  unto  the  porter,  and  laid, 
 Behold,  another  man  running  alone.  And  the  king 
 laid,  He  all'o  bringeth  tidings. 
 
 27  And  the  watchman  faid,  f  Methinketh  the  run¬ 
 ning  of  the  foremoft  is  like  the  running  of  Ahimaaz, 
 the  fon  (  f  Zadok.  And  the  king  laid,  He  is  a  good 
 man,  and  cometh  with  good  tidings^. 
 
 28  And  Ahimaaz  called,  and  faid  unto  the  king. 
 II  f  All  is  well.  And  he  fell  down  to  the  earth  upon 
 his  face  before  the  king,  and  laid,  Bleffed  be  the  Lord 
 thy  God,  which  hath  f  delivered  up  the  men  that  lift¬ 
 ed  up ‘their  hand  againlt  my  lord  the  king. 
 
 29  And  the  king  laid,  f  Is  the  young  man  Abl'alom 
 fale  ?  And  Ahimaaz  anfwered.  When  Joab  lent  the 
 king’s  fervant,  and  me  thy  fervant,  I  faw  a  great  tu¬ 
 mult,  but  I  knew  not  what  it  voas. 
 
 30  And  the  king  faid  unto  him,  Turn  afide,  and 
 ft^nd  here.  And  he  turned  afiJe,  and  ftood  dill. 
 
 31  And,  behold,  Cufhicame;  and  Culhi  faid,  f  Tid¬ 
 ings,  ray  lord  the  king:  for  the  Lord  hath  avenged 
 thee  this  day  of  all  them  that  rofe  up  againlt  thee. 
 
 32  And  the  king  faid  unto  Cufhi,  h  the  young  man 
 Abfalom  fafe  ?  and  Cufhi  anfwered,  The  enemies  of 
 my  lord  the  king,  and  all  that  rife  againlt  thee  to  do 
 thee  hurt,  be  as  that  young  man  is. 
 
 33  11  And  the  king  was  much  moved,  and  went  up 
 to  the  chamber  over  the  gate,  and  wept ;  and,  as  he 
 went,  thus  he  faid,  O  my  fon  Abfalom !  my  fon,  my 
 Ion  Abfalom !  would  God  I  had  died  for  thee,  O 
 Abfalom,  my  fon,  my  fon  !* 
 
 CHAP.  XIX. 
 
 1  Joab  causeth  the  king  to  cease  his  mourning.  9  The  Israelites  are  earnejl 
 to  bring  the  king  hack.  1 1  David  fendeth  to  thepriejls  to  excite  them  oj 
 Judah.  6  Shimeiis  pardoned.  24  Mephibojhelhis  excufed.  32  £ar- 
 ziUai  dismiffed  ;  Chimham  his  fon  is  taken  into  the  king’s  family. 
 
 And  It  was  told  Joab,  Behold,  the  king  weepeth 
 and  mourneth  for  Abfalom. 
 
 2  And  the  f  victory  that  day  was  turned  into  mour¬ 
 ning  unto  ail  the  people  :  for  the  people  heard  fay 
 thar  day  how  the  king  wa  grieved  for  his  fon. 
 
 3  And  the  people  gat  them  by  Health  that  day  into 
 
 is  no  fooner  within  hearing  of  the  king,  than  lie  cries  with  triumph.  All  is  well, 
 the  day  is  our  own  ;  an^  pays  the  greateft  obeil'ance,  hy  falling  down  before  the 
 king,  and, reports  the  vidlory  to  be  comple  e  over  the  infurgents.  Ver.  29.  .And 
 the  kirigfaid,  h  the  young  man  Absalom  fafe  ?  The  king  folicitous  about  Ahfa- 
 lom,  eagerly  enquires  if  he  is  preferved.  But  to  this  Ahimaaz  returns  no  diz-e6l 
 anfwer,  bup-  .fers  him  to  Cuflii.  Ver.  31.  And  hehold,  Cufhi  came.  He  comes 
 alfo  with  the  Ihout  of  triumph  ;  but  David  is  ftill  filled  with  anxiety  concernino- 
 the  fate  of  Alifatom,  and  enquires  concerning  him.  Cufhi  loyally  replies,  he  wifh- 
 ed  all  the  king’s  enemies  were  as  unable  to  hurt  him  as  his  fon,  which  tacitly  im¬ 
 plies  his  fall,  though  the  circumltances  of  it  he  waves.  Ver.  S3.  0  my  sen  Ab- 
 fulon.  Nothing  can  certainly  be  more  moving  and  pathetic,  than  the  words  ut¬ 
 tered  by  David  on  this  folenin  oecafion ;  but  whether  it  was  David’s  deliberate 
 with,  that  he  had  died  in  Abfalom’s  (lead,  or  only  the  effedl  of  his  excelRve  love 
 andgrieffor  him,  is  not  fo  eafy  to  determine.  Auguftine  feems  to  be  on  the  aflfir- 
 niative  fide.  Wliether  David’s  wifli  was  deliberate  or  not,  his  grief  was  doubtlefs 
 increafed,  by  refle<5ling  that  himfelf,  by  his  own  fin  in  the  cafe  of  Uriah,  had  been 
 the  unhappy  inftrument  and  occafion  of  his  fon’s  death.  “  Such  a  pidlure,  and 
 fc  much  pathos,”  fays  a  late  excellent  writer,  “  fo  artlefs  both,  and  both  fo  exqui- 
 fite,  I  mtift  acknowledge,  I  never  met  with  among  all  the  reprefentations  of  dio-- 
 ttity  in  diflrefj.  The  king’s  troops  had  gained  a  fignal  vidtory  ;  his  crown,  and 
 his  life  were  refeued  from  the  molt  imminent  danger  :  yet  all  thefe  joyful  tidings 
 trere  obliterated  by  the  overwhelming  impetuofity  of  his  grief.  The  news  of  Ab- 
 f.lom’s  death  (truck  him  like  a  dagger.  He  fiarts  from  his  feat ;  he  haitensinto 
 
 the  city,  as  people  being  afharned  Heal  away  ’.vhen 
 they  flee  in  battle. 
 
 4  But  the  king  covered  his  face,  and  the  king  c  i  d  ^ 
 with  a  loud  voice,  O  my  fon  AbCalom !  O  Abla '  ■m, 
 my  fon,  ray  Ion  ! 
 
 5  And  Joab  came  into  the  houfe  to  the  king,  and 
 faid.  Thou  haft  fhamed  this  day  the  faces  of  all  tuy 
 fervants,  which  this  day  have  faved  thy  life,  and  the 
 lives  of  thy  Ions  and  of  thy  daughters,  and  the  lives 
 of  thy  wives,  and  the  lives  of  thy  concubines  ; 
 
 G  t  In  that  thou  loveft  thine  enemies,  and  hateft  thy  t  Heb. 
 friends:  for  thou  haft  declared  this  day,  f  that  thou 
 regardelt  neither  princes  nor  fervants  :  for  this  day  Tf  Hob. 
 perceive,  that  if  Abfalom  had  lived,  and  ail  we  had  that  pda- 
 died  this  day,  then  it  had  pleafed  tin  e  we!!.  ct.  or«r. 
 
 7  Now  therefore  arif’e,  go  forth,  and  Ijpeak  |1  com-  ZTcahee. 
 fortabiy  unto  thy  fervants  :  for  1  fwear  by  the  Lord,  f  Heb!  '** 
 it  thou  go  not  forth,  there  will  not  tarry  one  with  tnee  (he 
 this  night ;  and  that  will  be  worfe  unto  thee  than 
 the  evil  that  befel  thee  from  thy  youth  until  now.  va,a7.' 
 
 s  'Fhen  the  king  arol'e  and  fat  in  the  gat?.  And 
 they  told  unto  alltfie  people,  faying,  Behold,  the  king 
 doth  fit  in  the  gate.  And  ail  the  people  came  before 
 the  king :  tor  If’rael  had  flrd  every  man  to  his  tent. 
 
 9  H  And  all  the  people  were  at  ftrife  througheut 
 all  the  tribes  c>f  Ifratl,  faying,  The  kmg  laved  us  out 
 of  the  hand  ot  our  enemies,  and  he  deliv'ered  us  out 
 of  the  hand  ot  the  Philiftines,  and  now  he  is  fled  out 
 of  the  land  for  Abfalom. 
 
 10  And  Abfalom,  whom  we  anointed  over  us,  is 
 dead  in  battle;  row  therefore  why  f  fpeak  ye  not  at 
 word  of  bringing  the  king  back  ? 
 
 HU  And  king  David  fent  to  Zadok  and  to  Abia-*^^^*^’ 
 thar  the  priefts,  faying,  Speak  unto  the  elde.»-s  of  Ju¬ 
 dah,  faying.  Why  are  ye  the  laft  to  bring  the  king 
 back  to  his  houfe  ^  feeing  the  fpeech  cf  all  Ifrael  is 
 I  come  to  the  king,  even  to  his  houfe. 
 
 \2Y  eare  my  brethren,  ye  are  my  bones  and  ray  flefli : 
 wherefore  then  are  ye  the  laft  to  bring  back  the  king  ? 
 
 13  And  fay  ye  to  Amafa,  Art  thou  not  of  my  bone, 
 and  of  my  flefh  ?  God  do  fb  to  me,  and  more  alfo,  if 
 
 retirement,  there  to  pour  out  his  foul  in  copious  lamentation  :  hut  his  anguifh  i 
 too  impetuous  to  hear  a  moment’s  reftraiiit  ;  he  burfts  immediately  into  a  fiood  of 
 tears,  and  cries  as  he  goes,  0  Absalom,  ijc.”  It  is  no  improbable  conjeaure,  that 
 David  was  fo  flruck  with  a  lenle  of  his  own  fin,  that  he  only  wiflied  to  fee  Ah- 
 
 »  L  WeirlTte™"'  “■*  "“"y 
 
 notes.  Chap.  XIX.  Ver.  4.  Dnt  the  king  covered 
 his  face.  This  being  made  known  to  the  army,  damped  the  Jov  and  triumph  of 
 the  returning  conquerors.  He  even  refufes  to  fee  his  generals, 'and  with  the  ut- 
 molt  paffionate  exclamations  continues  to  bewail  his  fon,  and  appears  infenfible  to 
 every  other  emotion,  but  inconfolable  grief.  Ver.  5.  And  Joab  came  into  the 
 house  to  the  king.  However  necelTary  this  cxpoftulation  of  Joab’s  mi^ht  be  vet 
 it  was  certainly  conveyed  in  terms  that  but  badly  comported  with  the  diftance 
 between  a  fovereigu  and  a  fubje<51.  Ver.  1 1,  i  -  Siumk  unto  the  eld^s  of  Judah— 
 Certain  modern  authors  charge  this  melTage  with  partiality,  and  with  being,  on 
 that  account  the  eauft  of  jealoufy  and  a  revolt  among  the  other  ten  tribes ^  but 
 nothing  can  be  perceived  in  the  hillory  to  juftify  this  refleaion.  Ver.  1 3.  God  do 
 so  to  me.  David  had  certainly  fuflicieiit  reaibn  to  think  of  depreffing  a  man  who 
 was  grown-fo  infufferably  infolent  and  imperious.  He  had  flahi  Abner  moft  per- 
 fidioufly  in  cool  blood;  had  killed  Abfalom  againft  the  king’s  ex  prefs  commaL  • 
 in  his  late  bold  reproof  had  infulted  over  his  forrow,  and  (if  we  may  believe  Jofel 
 
 phus)  threatened  to  depofe  him,  and  give  his  kingdom  to  another.  Ver  13  14  ]  <? 
 
 - - -  ... _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _  Amasa— captain  oJ  the  hojl—in  the  room  of  Joab.  David  did  not  futfer  himfelf  to 
 
 Humenis  ot  fame  often  ferve  only  to  perpetuate  the  difgrace  of  the  eredfors  Fearful  is  'ir  God  s  arm  only  run  into  the  net.  Mo- 
 
 t»  b.  ..Ml,  dJ,  .nd  of  evil  e,„M  oTio,  »„dlH,  dedveM;  I"'"?-  “  S"-" 
 
 Goa  fitr  his  wondtrful  deliverance;  quarreilii^  with  his  kind  providence*  uttPrino’ thinac  im  i  ‘r i-  ^  ^  ^l^^ra^ler  as  David  neglecting  to 
 
 feaionably  weeping  over  the  monument  of  God’s  moft  righteous  judgment  on  a  rrwft  deferviug  otjeaf  ^  to  the  cry  of  national  juftice ;  and  un- 
 
(0  » 
 
 S/uii>ci  Par  Jotted:  MephihoshetlJs  htharkiir.  H.  SAMUEL. 
 
 thou  be  n.'t  captain  of  the  hod  before  me  continually  || 
 in  :he  ro.  .:n  of  Joab. 
 
 1 '  And  he  bowed  the  heart  of  all  the  men  of  Judah, 
 
 Dflore 
 C'ln-iil 
 10  'J.l. 
 
 TiarzillaJs  Jcindnas  oclcnculcdgecl* 
 
 27  And  he  hath  flandered  thy  fervant  unto  my 
 lord  the  king;  but  mv  lord 
 
 1  Kings 
 
 before 
 
 Clirift 
 
 •023. 
 
 b  Chap. 
 16.  1. 
 
 in 
 
 even  a.s  t/ic  he^.rt  o/'one  man;  fo  that  they  lent  /'/'is 
 'isord  unto  the  king,  Return  thou  and  all  thy  fervants. 
 
 15  So  the  king  returned,  and  came  to  Jordan.  And 
 Judah  came  to  Gilgal,  to  go  to  meet  the  king,  to  con- 
 du(d  the  king  over  Jordan. 
 
 16  ^  And  *  Shimei,  the  fon  of  Gera,  a  Benjamite, 
 which  was  of  Bahurim,  hafted  and  came  down  with 
 the  m.en  of  Judah  to  meet  king  David. 
 
 17  A.nd  there  xoere  a  thoufand  men  of  Benjamin 
 with  him,  and  ^  Ziba,  the  fervant  of  theheufeof  Saul, 
 and  his  fifteen  fens  and  his  twenty  fervanrs  with  him; 
 and  they  went  over  Jordan  before  the  king. 
 
 18  And  there  went  over  a  ferry-boat  to  carry  over 
 the  king’s  houfehold,  and  to  do  f  what  he  thought 
 good.  And  Shim.ei  the  fon  of  Gera  fell  dowm  before 
 the  king,  as  he  was  come  over  Jordan  ; 
 
 19  And  faid  unto  the  king,  Let  not  my  lord  impute 
 
 iniquity  unto  m.e,  neither  do  thou  remember  '  that 
 which  thy  fervant  did  perverfely  the  day  that  my  lord  j 
 the  king  went  out  of  Jerufalem,  that  the  king  (hould  ; 
 take  it  to  his  heart.  | 
 
 20  For  thy  fervant  doth  know  that  I  have  finned 
 
 f  Heb. 
 the  good 
 
 c  Chap. 
 16.  5. 
 
 . _  my  lord  the  king  A  an  angel  of 
 
 God  ;  do  therefore  what  is  good  in  thine  eyes.  ^ 
 
 28  For  all  ff  my  father’s  houfe  were  but  f  dead  d  ci^ 
 men  before  my  lord  the  king;  yet  didd  thou  fet  thy^'^'S. 
 
 I  fervant  among  them  that  ciid  eat  at  thine  own  table: 
 i  what  right  therefore  have  I  yet  to  cry  any  more  urnodmn: 
 
 '  the  king  ? 
 
 29  And  the  king  faid  unto  him,  why  fpeakefl:  thou 
 any  more  of  thy  matters  ?  I  have  faid.  Thou  and  Ziba 
 divide  the  land. 
 
 30  And  Mcphibcfheth  faid  unto  the  king,  ATa,  let 
 him  take  all,  forasmuch  as  my  lord  the  king  is  come 
 again  in  peace  unto  his  own  heufe. 
 
 31^  And  Barzillai  the  Gileadite  came  down  from 
 Rcgelim,  and  went  over  Jordan  with  the  king,  to 
 ;  conduct  him  over  Jordan. 
 
 i  32  Now  Barzillai  was  a  very  aged  man,  mt?  four- 
 i  fcore  years  old  :  and  '  he  had  provided  the  king  of 
 fufienarce  while  he  lay  at  Mahanaim  ;  fer  he  wos 
 very  great  man. 
 
 33  And  the  king  faid  nnto  Barzillai,  Ceme  thou 
 over  with  me,  and  I  will  feed  thee  with  me  in  Jerufalem. 
 
 34-  And  Barzillai  faid  unto  the  king,  f  How  long 
 have  I  to  live,  that  I  fhould  go  up  with  the  king  unto 
 
 22  And  David  faid,  Whatvhave  I  to  do  with  you, 
 ye  Ions  of  Zeruiah,  that  ye  fhould  this  day  be  adver- 
 firies  unto  me?  Shall  there  any  man  be  put  to  death 
 this  day  in  Ifrael  ?  for  do  not  I  know  that  I  am  this 
 
 day  king  over  Ifrael  ?  .  .  -  ru 
 
 23  Therefore  the  king  fiid  unto  Shimei,  Thou  (halt 
 nor  die  ;  and  the  king  fware  unto  him. 
 
 24  H  And  Mephibofheth  the  fon  of  Saul  came  dowm 
 to  meet  the  king,  and  had  neither  drefled  his  feet,  nor 
 trimmed  his  beard,  nor  wafhed  his  clothes  fromtheday 
 the  king  departed  until  the  day  he  came  again  in  peace. 
 
 25  And  it  came  to  pafs  when  he  was  come  to  Jeru¬ 
 falem  to  meet  the  king,  that  the  king  faid  unto  him, 
 Wherefore  wenteft  not  thou  with  me,  Mephibofheth. 
 
 26  And  he  anfwered,  My  lord,  O  king,  my  fervant 
 
 deceived  me ;  for  thy  fervant  faid,  I  will  faddle  me 
 an  afs,  that  I  may  ride  thereon,  and  go  to  the  king  ; 
 becaufe  thy  fervant  is  lame.  _ 
 
 L' my  n^ivaiit.  rvuww  •-  nv*  •  . . .  w  *  —  many 
 
 therefore,  behold,  I  am  come  thefirff  this  day  cf  all  the Jerufalem  ?  _  ,  „  „  ,,  .  t  rr  l"^**"^* 
 
 houfe  of  Jofeph  to  go  down  to  meet  my  lord  the  king,  1|  35  I  am  this  day  fourfeore  years  old  :  and  can  I  dif- 
 
 21  But  Abifhai  the  fon  of  Zeruiah  aniwered  and  I  cern  between  good  and  evil  ?  can  thy  fervant  tafte^^^^^ 
 faid,  Shall  not  Shimei  be  put  to  death  for  this,  becaufe  what  I  eat  or  what  I  drink?  can  1  hear  any  more  the 
 he  curled  the  Lord’s  anointed  ?  voice  of  finging-men  and  fingmg-women  ?  wherefore 
 
 then  fhould  thy  fervant  be  yet  a  burden  unto  my  lord 
 
 the  king  ?  ,  t  j 
 
 36  Thy  fervant  will  go  a  little  way  over  Jordan 
 with  the  king  :  and  why  fhould  the  king  recompenfe 
 it  me  with  fuch  a  reward  ? 
 
 37  Let  thy  fervant  I  pray  thee,  turn  back  again, 
 that  I  may  die  in  mine  own  city,  and  be  buried  by  the 
 grave  of  my  father  and  of  my  mother :  but  behold  thy 
 fervant  Chimham,  let  him  go  over  with  my  lord  the 
 king  ;  and  do  to  him  what  (hall  feem  good  unto  thee. 
 
 38  And  the  king  anfwered,  Chimham  (hall  go  over 
 with  me,  and  I  will  do  to  him  that  which  (hall  feem 
 
 I  good  nnto  thee;  and  whatfoever  thou  fhalt  f  require 
 of  me,  that  will  I  do  for  thee. 
 
 39  And  all  the  people  went  over  Jordan.  And  hen 
 the  king  was  come  over,  the  king  kifl'ed  Barzillai,  and 
 blefled  him  ;  and  he  returned  unto  his  own  place. 
 
 40  Then  the  king  went  on  to  Gilgal,  and  Chimham 
 
 be  conduaed  home  by  a  deputation  from  the  tribe  of  Judah  :  for  it  appears  from 
 ter  lT4a  thatther^vere  a  thoufand  men  of  the  tribe  of  Benjamin  under  Shi- 
 mei,  and  alfo  half  the  people  of  Ifrael.  All  the  tribes  in  general,  except  ha  of  ^ 
 Judah  %•.  ere  in  motion  to  bring  the  king  back  to  his  capital ;  but  as  tins  tube  had  j 
 not  declared  in  his  favour,  as  they  were  in  potfelTion  of  Jerufalem,  and  as  Amafa 
 himfelf  was  there  prefent,  and  had  a  great  intereft  m  the  affeaion  of  the  people 
 it  became  abfolntely  neceffary  to  David’s  reftoration  to  gam  over  that  city,  and 
 fecure  the  fricndfliip  of  Amafa.  This  he  did  by  a  proper  deputation,  eiprelfing 
 his  afTcemon  toward  Judah,  and  by  promifing  Amafa  to  be  captain-gcneial  in 
 Joab^  room  ;  thinkingJhis  a  very  favourable 
 
 him  to  account  for  his  murder  and  treafon.  A  er.  25.  The  Imgjaul  to 
 Shimei  was  of  the_houfe  and_family  of  Saul ;  he  S-atJo™ 
 
 fnliuenceln  the"tribro7  Benjamin,' of  whom  he  had  a  AbilS^adviS 
 
 to  David  upon  hi?  reftoration.  Though  Abilliai 
 
 he  made  his  fubmiffion  to  David  upon  his  reftoration.  , 
 
 the  king  to  put  him  to  death,  yet  David,  as  i  luftrious  fo  ! 
 
 in  the  nfalms  havitm  refu fed  before  to  put  him  to  death,  when  he  nas  J  ; 
 
 fince  no  one’ who  negleded  himfelf  to  this  degree,  could  be  ambitious  of  a  croi.  n.  ■ 
 
 Ver.  22.  David  firft  gave  the  whole  in  property  to  Mephiboftiefh,  and  after 
 
 wirilsTo  Ziba  ■  and  yet,  7 /ifiw’ saiV,  Thou  and  Ziba  dividg  the  law!,  nmti  rekxi 
 
 fome  former  determination  of  David  with  refpea  fo  the  eftate  ;  tlie  whole  to  I'll 
 nhiboflieth  in  property,  and  to  Ziba  fufficient  to  maintain  himfelf  and  his  faui; 
 for  taking  care  of  it,  out  of  the  profits  it  produced  ;  fo  that  it  was,  in  rea  itf/ 
 confirming  the  original  grant,  and  reftoring  him  to  the  pefleffion  of  the  «Ih 
 upon  the  fame  terms  on  which  the  pofleflion  was  at  firft  granted  him,  compa: 
 
 chap  ix  10,11.  Xer.  33.  And  the  king /aid  unto  JBarxiiliiii,  Covte  thou  over  v>< 
 
 me  David,  grateful  for  the  kindnefs  which  he  had  experienced  from  this  g-- 
 man.  refolves  to  make  him  ample  amends  invites  him  to  .Tcrnfalem,  with  « 
 kindeft  alTurance  that  he  ftiould  want  no  comfort  which  his  palace  could  altom 
 and  be  a  conftant  and  welcome  gueft  at  his  table.  Ver.  36.  I  ani 
 .core  year,  old.  Barzillai  being  advanced  in  years,  which  fnhjedted  him  to  ■ 
 merens  infirmities,  begs  to  decline  the  kind  invitation:  the  period  forrel 
 in-  the  delights  of  a  court  with  him  was  paft  ;  at  fourfeore  years  dainties  m 
 loft  their  flavour,  and  the  fongs  of  melody  were  no  longer  enchanting.  \  ei-- 
 Chimham  /Irall  go  over  with  me.  What  David  did  for  Chimham  is  nneertn. 
 Init  as  he'  had  a  patrimony  in  Bethlehem,  which  was  the  place  of  his 
 tivitv,  it  is  not  improbable,  that  he  gave  a  great  part  ot  it  to  t »  ■ 
 ham',  and  his  heirs  for  ever  ;  and  that  this  was  afterwards  called  the  ^ 
 bitallon  of  Chimham,  in  the  days  of  Jcrcmiali,  chapter  xh.  17.  Ver.  3^. 
 have  more  rwht  in  Davul.  Judah  had  more  intereft  in  David  is  a  pf‘  ] 
 
Sheha  malcclli  a  •party  in  Israel,  SfC, 
 
 II.  SAMUEL 
 
 Joah  ircacherouily  hilhiJi  Ama.sa, 
 
 Before 
 
 Clirilt 
 
 1023. 
 
 f  Hoi). 
 set  US  at 
 liaht. 
 
 1022. 
 
 I  Chap. 
 
 .6.  21. 
 
 ■  Heb. 
 m  house 
 f  ward. 
 
 ■  Heb. 
 ound. 
 
 I-  Heb. 
 ire  widotO' 
 \ood  of 
 \ye. 
 
 \  Heb. 
 
 went  on  with  him  :  and  all  the  people  of  Judah  con¬ 
 ducted  the  king,  and  all’o  half  the  people  ot  Ifrael. 
 
 41  H  And,  behold,  all  the  men  of  Ifrael  came  to 
 the  king,  and  faid  unto  the  king,  Why  have  cur  bre¬ 
 thren  the  men  of  Judah,  ftolen  thee  away,  and  have 
 brought  the  king  and  his  houfehold,  and  all  David’s 
 men  with  him  over  Jordan  ? 
 
 42  And  all  the  men  of  Judah  anfwered  the  men  of 
 Ifrael,  Becaufe  the  king  is  near  ot  kin  to  us :  where¬ 
 fore  then  be  ye  angry  for  this  matter  ?  have  we  eaten 
 at  all  of  the  .king’s  coft  ?  or  hath  he  given  us  any  gift  ? 
 
 43  And  the  men  ot  Ifrael  anfwered  the  men  ot  Ju¬ 
 dah,  and  faid.  We  have  ten  parts  in  the  king,  and  we 
 have  alfo  more  right  in  David  than  ye  :  why  then  did 
 ye  t  defpife  us,  that  our  advice  Ihould  not  be  firft  had 
 in  bringing  back  our  king?  And  the  words  of  the 
 men  of  Judah  were  fiercer  than  the  words  of  the  men 
 of  Ifrael.* 
 
 CHAP.  XX. 
 
 1  By  occnfion  of  the  quarrel,  Sheba  maketh  a  yarty  in  Ifrael.  3  David's 
 ten  concubines  are  Jhut  up  in  perpetual  prison.  4  Amasa,  being  made 
 captain  over  Judah,  is  slain  by  Joab. 
 
 ND  there  happened  to  be  there  a  man  ofBe- 
 _  _  lial,  whofe  name  xcas  Sheba,  the  fon  of  Bichri, 
 a  Benjamite  ;  and  he  blew  a  trumpet,  and  laid.  We 
 have  no  part  in  David,  neither  have  we  inheritance 
 in  the  fon  of  Jetfe  :  every  man  to  his  tents,  O  Ilfael. 
 
 2  So  every  man  of  Ifrael  went  up  from  after  David, 
 and  followed  Sheba  the  fon  of  Bichri :  but  the  men 
 of  Judah  clave  unto  their  king,  from  Jordan  even  to 
 Jerufalem. 
 
 3  f  And  David  came  to  his  houfe  at  Jerufalem  ; 
 and  the  king  took  the  ten  women  his  *  concubines, 
 whom  he  had  left  to  keep  the  houfe,  and  put  them  in 
 fward,  and  fed  them,  but  went  not  in  unto  them: 
 fo  they  were  f  (hut  up  unto  the  day  of  their  death, 
 f  living  in  widowhood. 
 
 4  H  Then  faid  the  king  to  Amafa,  f  AlTemble  me 
 
 the  men  of  Judah  within  three  days,  and  be  thou  here 
 prefen  t.  • 
 
 5  So  Amafa  went  to  alTemble  the  men  of  Judah  :  but 
 he  tarried  longer  than  the  fet  time  which  he  had  ap¬ 
 pointed  him. 
 
 G  And  David  faid  to  Abi(ha,  Now  (hall  Shf  ba  the 
 fon  of  Bichri  do  us  more  harm  than  &'?>/ Ab'.a  cm  ; 
 take  thou  thy  lord’s  fi-rvants,  and  purfue  after  him, 
 left  he  get  him  fenced  cities,  and  t  efcape  us.  ^  hh,. 
 
 7  And  there  went  cur  after  him  Joab’s  men,  and  the^'-^^t  r 
 
 ”  Cherethites,  and  the  Pelethites,  and  all  the  mighty 
 men  ;  and  they  went  out  of  Jerufalem,  to  purlue-^^^^ 
 after  Sheba  the  fon  of  Bichri.  _  b  ciiap, 
 
 8  When  they  iscere  at  the  great  (tone  which  is  in  8.  is. 
 Gibeon,  Amafa  went  before  them  :  and  Jnab’s  gar¬ 
 ment  which  he  had  put  on  was  girded  unto  him,  and 
 upon  it  a  girdle  -jiith^  (word  faflened  upon  his  loins  in 
 
 the  (heath  thereof;  and  as  he  went  forth  it  fell  out. 
 
 9  And  Joab  laid  to  Amafa,  Art  thou  in  health,  my 
 brother  ?  And  Joab  took  Amafa  by  the  beard  with 
 the  right  hand  to  kifs  him. 
 
 10  But  Amafa  took  no  heed  to  the  fw'ord  that  isias 
 
 in  Joab’s  hand :  fo  he  (mote  him  therewith  in  the 
 fifth  rib,  and  fhed  out  his  bowels  to  the  ground,  and 
 t  ftruck  him  not  again  :  and  he  died.  So  Joab  ^nd 
 Abifhai  his  brother  purfued  after  Sheba  the  fon  of 
 Bichri.  firoke. 
 
 1 1  And  one  of  Joab’s  men  (food  by  him,  and  faid, 
 
 He  that  favoureth  Joab,  and  he  that  is  for  David,  let 
 him  go  after  Joab. 
 
 12  And  Amafa  ^'allowed  in  blood  in  the  midft  of 
 the  highway :  and  w'hen  the  man  faw  that  all  the 
 people  flood  (fill,  he  removed  Amafa  out  of  the  high¬ 
 way  into  the  field,  and  call  a  cloth  upon  him,  when 
 he  (aw  that  every  one  that  came  by  him  flood  (fill. 
 
 13  When  he  was^removed  out  of  the  highway,  all 
 the  people  went  on  after  Joab,  to  purfue  after  Sheba 
 the  fon  of  Bichri. 
 
 14  H  And  he  w’ent  through  all  the  tribes  of  Ifrael 
 
 unto  Abel,  and  to  Beth-maachah,  and  all  the  Berites : 
 and  they  were  gathered  together,  and  went' alfo  after 
 him.  [i 
 
 15  And  they  came  and  befieged  him  in  Abel 
 
 !  Beth-maachah,  and  they  cad  up  a  bank  againft  the^^mM^ 
 city,  and  ||  it  (food  in  the  trench :  and  all  the  people 
 that  "doere  with  Joab  t  battered  the  wall,  to  throw  it  f 
 
 j  marred 
 
 down.  .  ,  „  tothrou) 
 
 16  ^  Ihen  cried  a  w'lfe  woman  out  of  the  city,  rfojm. 
 
 perfon,  becaufe  he  was  of  their  tribe  ;  but  tbe  Ifraelites  had  more  interell  in 
 him  as  tlieir  king,  becaufe  they  were  by  far  the  greater  part  of  his  fubje<5ls. 
 The  words  of  the  men  of  Judah  ivere  fiercer.  Not  tliofe  that  are  here  recorded, 
 but  what  followed,  and  are  wot  written,  being  fo  very  warm  and  indecent  j  and 
 David  being  filent  in  this  hot  difpute  between  them,  which  was  interpreted  as 
 his  taking  the  part  of  Judah,  the  men  of  Ilrael  were  incenfed  ;  and  hence 
 arofe  a  new  rebellion,  of  which  an  account  is  to  be  found  in  the  following 
 chapter. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Cjiap.  XX.  Ver.  \.  A  man  of  BelM  :  thAt 
 is,  a  very  wicked  or  profligate  man.  Sheba  the  son  of  Bichri.  He  was  perhaps  a 
 relation  of  Saul,  and  one  of  tha  commanders  in  Abialom’s  army,  next  to  Amafa. 
 Ver,  S.  Imvard;  that  is,  in  cuftody,  or  clofe  confinement.  Ver.  5.  So  Amasa. 
 The  people  had  been  fo  haralTed  in  the  late  civil  war,  that  they  were  not  fo 
 forward  to  engage  in  another.  Ver.  6.  And  David  said  to  Abi/hai.  Perfifting  in 
 his  refolution  to  deprefs  Joab,  he  had  now  recourfe  to  his  brother,  who  was 
 the  fecond  commander  in  the  army.  Ver.  8.  It  fell  out.  It  was  put  in  its  llieath 
 in  fuch  a  manner,  that  it  might  fall  out  with  the  leaft  motion,  and  that  Amala 
 
 might  not  fufpe(51  Joab’s  defign,  when  he  took  it  olFthe  ground.  Ver,  10 — 13» 
 He  smote  him  therewith.  This  a6lion  was  attended  with  the  higheft  perfidy  and 
 infolence.  Many  reafons  concurred  to  prevent  David’s  calling  him  to  an  ac¬ 
 count,  particularly  his  power,  authority,  and  intereft  with  the  army  ;  but  it  is 
 plain  he  never  forgot  or  forgave  him.  That  he  highly  refented  it,  we  find  in 
 bis  lad  charge  to  Solomon,  where  he  nobly  recommends  and  gives  it  in  charge  to 
 his  fon,  to  do  judice  on  that  bloody  aflaffin,  1  Kings  ii.  5,  6.  Ver.  13.  All  the 
 people  went  down  after  Joab.  So  infolent  was  he  become  upon  the  prefumption, 
 that,  in  the  prefent  fituation  of  aifairs,  David  diird  not  punifli  him,  that  as  he 
 ventured  upon  this  bloody  adl,  fo  be  imagined,  that  though  Ihe  fight  of  Amafa’s 
 dead  body  might  dop  the  march  of  tliofe  that  came  by  it  ;.yet,  upon  its  being 
 given  out  that  he  was  again  become  tlieir  general,  their  love  for  him  was  fuch, 
 that  they  would  not  feru  pie  to  follow  him,  nor  was  he  difappointed.  Ver.  14. 
 Unto  Abel,  and  to  Beth-maachah  :  Or  rather,  unto  Abel-Beth-maachah  ;  for  tliefe 
 terms  denote  the  fame  place.  Ver.  16.  Then  cried  a  wise  u-omnn  oict  of  the  city.  It 
 is  not  improbable  that  this  woman  was  govei  nefs  of  the  city  ;  for  though  that  office 
 was  generally  filled  by  men,  yet  there  are  not  wanting  indanccs  of  women  hein'r 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XIX.]  Uiireafonable  attachments  fliewn  by  princes,  weaken  the  hands  and  alienate  the  hearts  of  their  bed  and 
 mod  approved  friends.  If  we  foolilhly  bring  ourfelves  into  danger,  we  lhall  judly  be  upbraided  with  it.  Good  advice,  though  roughly  given,  Ihould  ever  be  accept¬ 
 able.  Midakes  cannot  be  too  foon  correiSled.  Clemency  fliould  ever  adorn  princes,  and  loyalty  the  miniders  of  God.  Let  us  rejoice  tliat  God  never  condemns  peni¬ 
 tent  finners,  though  the  adverfary  dand  at  their  right  band  to  acciifc  them.  The  raflt  reception  of  evil  reports  concerning  our  friends,  turn  to  our  fliame,  when  they 
 manifed  their  innocency.  Wicked  fervants  do  their  maders  inexpi  eliible  injuries  ;  but  good  men,  like  Mephiboflieth,  make  times  of  didrefs  feafons  of  mourning,  and 
 grief,  and  difregard  their  own  intered  in  coinparifon  to  that  of  God,  his  people,  and  the  world.  Riches  are  truly  bleliings  when  pofleffed  "by  generous  minds,  and  libe¬ 
 rally  minidered  for  the  fupport  of  the  indigent.  It  becomes  all  men,  efpeci.ally  the  aged,  often  to  contemplate  the  more  important  concerns  that  now  fo  clofely  prefs 
 on  them,  and  cheerfully  leave  the  more  active  employment  of  life  to  thofe  whofe  age  and  capacities  are  more  fuitable  for  fuch  a  talk.  With  what  caution  ought  public 
 affairs  to  be  condudled  !  By  pride  cometh  contention.  A  fmall  evidence  of  reCpect  might  often  prevent,  not  only  altercations,  but  much  murder  and  bloodlhed.  It  is 
 bed,  to  yield  and  leave  od’drife  before  it  be  meddled  with  ;  for  when  men  arc  once  in  a  paflion,  t.ey  are  fure  to  fpeak  wrong  even  though  they  have  truth  on  their  fidc^ 
 
 No,  2\,„Sd.  4  N 
 
S^ieba  beheaded  h)  the  people  of  Aheh 
 
 II.  SAMUEL. 
 
 Of  Sat(l*s  cruelty  to  the  Giheonitcs,  ^ 
 
 II  Or, 
 Th.y 
 plainly 
 spake  in 
 the  be^in- 
 
 r.oforc  Hear,  hear ;  fay,  I  pray  you,  unto  Joab,  Come  near 
 hither,  that  I  may  fpeak  with  thee. 
 
 17  And  when  he  w'as  come  near  unto  her,  the  wo¬ 
 man  laid,  Alt  thou  Joab^  and  he  anfwered,  I  am  he. 
 Then  the  faid  unto  him,  Hear  the  words  of  thine 
 handmaid.  And  he  anfwered^  I  do  hear. 
 
 IS  Then  fne  fpake,  fayingt,  H  They  were  wont  to 
 fpeak  in  old  time,  faying.  They  (hall  furely  alk  counsel 
 at  Abel ;  and  fo  thpy  ended  the  matter. . 
 
 19  I  am  one  of  them  that  are  peaceable  and  faithful 
 n  Ifrael :  thou  feekeft  to  deltroy  a  city  and  a  mother; 
 
 Sure-  iQ  llVael :  why  wilt  thou  fwallow  up  the  inheritance  of 
 ‘A  the  Lord? 
 
 20  And  Joab  anfwered  and  faid,  Far  be  it,  far  be  it 
 andfo  from  me,  tnat  I  fhould  fwallow  up  or  deflroy. 
 waAran  21  The  matter  is  not  fo ;  but  a  man  of  mount 
 ^Heb  fcj/ Ephraim,  (Sheba  the  fon  of  Bichri  f  by  name,)  hath 
 his  name,  lilted  Up  his  hand  againft  the  king,  even  againlt  David  ; 
 
 deliver  him  only,  and  I  will  depart  from  the  city. 
 And  the  w'oman  faid  unto  Joab,  Behold,  his  head  fhall 
 be  thrown  to  thee  over  the  wall. 
 
 22  Then  the  woman  went  unto  all  the  people  in  her 
 wifdom  ;  and  they  cut  oft  the  head  of  Sheba,  the  fon 
 of  Bichri,  and  call  it  out  to  Joab  :  and  he  blew  a 
 trumpet,  and  they  f  retired  from  the  city,  every  man 
 to  his  tent.  And  Joab  returned  to  Jerufalem  unto  the 
 king. 
 
 23  ^  Now  '  Joab  tvas  over  ail  the  hoft  of  Ifrael : 
 and  Benaiah  the  fon  of  Jehoiada  teas  over  the  Chere- 
 thites,  and  over  the  Pelethites  ; 
 
 24  And  Adoram  teas  over  the  tribute ;  and  Jeho- 
 fhaphat  tne  fon  of  Ahilud  was  11  recorder; 
 
 25  And  Shava  ‘teas  feribe ;  and  Zadok  and  Abiathar 
 voere  the  priefts ; 
 
 26  And  Ira  alfo  the  Jarite  was  H  a  chief  ruler  about 
 David.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXI 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 were 
 
 scattered, 
 
 c  Chap. 
 8.  16. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 remein* 
 
 brancer* 
 
 !l  Or, 
 a  prince. 
 
 1  The  three  years  of  famine  for  the  Gibeonites  cease  by  hanging  /even  of 
 Saul's  sons.  10  Rizpah’s  kindnefs  unto  the  dead.  12  David  burieth  the 
 
 bo7ies  of  Saul  and  fonathan  in  his  fithei's  sepulchre.  Four  battles  Before 
 agawjl  the  I’hili/lines,  tuhei-ein  four  valiants  (f  David  Jlay  four  giants.  Clirift 
 
 Then  there  was  a  famine  in  the  days  ol  David,  ^^21. 
 
 three  years,  year  after  year  ;  and  David  f  en-  ''“vw 
 quired  of  the  Lord.  And  the  Lord  anfwered.  It 
 tor  Saul,  and  for /iis  bloody  houfe,  becaufe  he  flew/acf,*c^.cV^ 
 the  Gibeonites. 
 
 2  And  the  king  called  the  Gibeonites,  and  faid  unto- 
 them  :  (now  the  Gibeonites  'were  not  of  the  children 
 ot  Ifrael,  but  »  of  the  remnant  of  the  Amorites,  andaJoft,  9. 
 the  children  of  ifrael  had  fworn  unco  them  ;  and  Saul®’ 
 fought  to  flay  them  in  his  zeal  to  the  children  of 
 Ilrael  and  Judah :) 
 
 3  Wherefore  David  faid  unto  the  Gibeonites, 
 
 I' What  (bail  I  do  for  you?  and  wherewith  (hall  I  make 
 '  the  atonement,  that  ye  may  blefs  the  inheritance  of 
 i!  the  Lord  ? 
 
 !|  4  And  the  Gibeonites  faid  unto  him,  II  We  will  II  9'"’ 
 
 have  no  fiiver  nor  gold  of  Saul,  nor  of  his  houfe 
 neither  for  us  (halt  thou  kill  any  man  in  Ifrael.  Andgow  tim 
 he  faid,  What  ye  (hall  fay,  that  will  I  do  for  you.  ive  have  to 
 5  And  they  anfwered  the  king,  the  man  that  con-^"^*^ 
 fumed  us,  and  that  11  devifed  againft  us,  that  we  fnould 
 be  deflroyed  from  remaining  in  any  of  the  coafts  of  neither 
 Ifrael.  pertains 
 
 6  Let  feven  men  of  his  fons  be  delivered  unto  us, 
 and  we  will  hang  them  up  unto  the  Lord  in  Gibeah  ||*6iv  cut 
 of  Saul,  II  zvhom  the  Lord  did  choofe.  And  the  kingws  of. 
 faid,  1  will  give  them,  II  Ur, 
 
 7  But  the  king  fpared  Mephibofheth,  the  (bn 
 Jonathan,  the  fon  of  Saul,  becaule  of  the  hoRD^spoRD. 
 oath  that  was  between  them,  between  David  and  b  1  Sam. 
 Jonathan  the  fon  of  Saul. 
 
 8  But  the  king  took  the  two  fons  of  Rizpah  the  | 
 daughter  of  Aiah,  whom  (he  bare  unto  Saul,  Armoni  ji/iWjars 
 and  Mephibo(heth  ;  and  the  five  (bns  of  |1  Michal  theffer. 
 daughter  of  Saul,  whom;  (he  brought  up  for  Adriel, 
 ttie  (on  of  Barziliai  the  Meholathite  :  J/rieL 
 
 9  And  he  delivered  them  into  the  hands  of  the  1019. 
 
 employed  in  tbe  adminiftration  of  civil  affairs,  as  iu  the  cafe  of  Deborah,  Judg. 
 iv.  4.  and  queen  Athaliab;  2  Kings  xi.  Ver.  18.  They  surely  fhall  afe  council  at 
 AbeL  According  to  this  tranflation,  the  fenfe  of  the  words  is,  “  This  city,  which 
 thou  art  about  to  deftroy,  is  no  mean  and  contemptible  one,  biitfo  honourable  and 
 confiderable  for  the  wifdom  of  its  inhabitants  that  when  any  difference  did  arife 
 among  any  of  the  neighbouring  places,  they  ufed  proverbially  to  fay,  We  will  ajk 
 the  opinion  and  advice  (f  the  men  of  Abel  about  it,  and  we  will  fa?7d  to  their  arbilra- 
 iion  ;  and  fo  all  parties  were  fatisfed  and  disputes  ended fo  that  her  words 
 according  to  this  fenfe,  are  an  high  commendation  of  the  city  of  Abel  for  its  being 
 a  place,  time  out  of  mind,  very  eminent  for  the  wifdom  and  priidence  of  its  inha¬ 
 bitants.  But  there  is  another  tranflation  in  the  margin  of  our  Bibles,  which  feems 
 to  be  more  natural  and  makes  the  woman  fpeak  in  this  manner  j  »  When  the  peo¬ 
 ple  faw  thee  lay  fiege  to  the  ciW,  they  faid,  Surely  he  will  aJk,  if  we  will  have  peace; 
 for  the  law  preferibes,  that  hejtould  offer  peace  to  f  rangers,  much  more  t^ian  to 
 JsraelUifli  cities;  and  if  he  would  once  do  this,  we  fliould  foon  bring  things  to  an 
 amicable  agreement,  for  we  are  peaceable  people,  and  faithful  to  our  prince.  So 
 that  according  to  tins  interpretation,  the  woman  both  modeftly  reproved  Joab,  for 
 the  neglea  of  his  duty,  and  artfully  engaged  him  in  the  performance  of  it.  Ver. 
 19.  A  mother;  that  is,  having  many  towms  dependent  upon  it.  Ver.  22.  Went 
 •unto  all  the  people  in  her  wifdom  :  that  is,  fhe  went  and  addreffed  them  in  a  dif- 
 courfe  abounding  with  wifdom. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXL  Ver.  1—6.  Then  there  was  n 
 famine  The  crime  for  which  the  three  years’  famine  was  lent,  was  the  murder  of 
 maiiv  of  tiie  Gibeonites  by  Saul,  and  a  determined  purpofe  utterly  to  exterminate 
 
 the  remainder ;  and  tliis  contrary  to  the  public  oath  and  faith  that  had  been 
 j  given  them  for  their  fecurity ;  and  in  cold  blood,  in  times  of  peace,  when  the 
 Gibeonites  were  unarmed  and  deftitute  of  afliftance,  only  to  fhew  how  zealous 
 he  was  to  oblige  the  people.  The  perfons  employed  with  Saul  in  perpetrating 
 thefe  murders,  were  thofe  of  his  own  houfe.  He  thought  the  deftrudlion  of 
 tbefe  Gibeonites  fo  popular  a  thing,  that  he  was  refolved,  liimfelf  and  his  family, 
 and  relations,  fliould  have  the  w-hole  credit  of  it.  It  loas  Saul  aiid  his  bloody 
 houfe:  for  which  reafon  the  Gibeonites  juftly  faid,  For  us  thou fialt  not  kill  any 
 man  in  Ifrael:  but  demanded  feven  of  the  fons  of  Saul,  who  was  the  man  that  con¬ 
 signed  them,  to  be  delivered  up  to  them.  And  it  is  probable  from  the  choice  that 
 David  made,  that  the  very  perfons  he  gave  up  were  employed  in  this  butchery, 
 enriched  by  the  fpoils  bf  the  Gibeonites,  and  that  for  this  reafon  David  felecSled 
 j  them  as  a  facrifice  to  the  public  juftice.  The  reafon  why  the  oracle  exprefsly 
 ■  dictated  no  adl  of  expiation,  was  becaufe  David  only  enquired  for  what  rea- 
 ;  fon  the  famine  was  fent.  When  this  was  known,  it  was  alfo  as  well  known 
 that  the  Gibeonites  were  to  have  feme  proper  latisfadtion  made  them  ;  fo  that 
 '  the  oracular  refponfe,  did  not  didtate  in  exprefs  words  any  adl  of  expiation, 
 yet  it  was  of  fuch  a  nature,  as  that  David  was  immediately  led  to  think  of  aii 
 expiation  ;  fo  that  the  oracle  did  really  didlate,  though  not  in  words,  the  ne- 
 ceffity  of  an  expiation,  by  pointing  out  the  crime  for  which  the  famine  was 
 fent.  Ver.  7— 9.  The  king  fpared  Mephibofieth.  David  had  given  Saul  his  oath 
 “  That  he  would  not  cut  off  his  feed  after  him,  nor  deftroy  his  name  out  of  his 
 father’s  houfe.”  Had  Saul’s  family  committed  crimes  worthy  of  death,  David’s 
 oath  would  have  been  no  reafon  againft  punifliing  them  according  to  their 
 
 PRACnr  4  t  OBSERVATIONS  — *  Chap.  XX.]  We  rauft  not  expetft;  long  peace  on  earth;  for  our  own  experience  and  that  of  all  men,  in  all  ages  and 
 ,  that  we  are  expofed  to  innumerable  caufes  of  difquietude.  Foolilh,  and  even  trifling  quarrels,  have  often  dangerousconfe- 
 
 quences;’and  fuddenty  our  moft  zealous  friends  may  become  our  moft  dangerous  enemies  Objedls  of  unlawful  deflre  are  often  turned  into  Handing  memorials 
 
 9  .  .  i  ,  _ _ _  fitted  for  thofe  who  have  made  themfelves  publicly  fcandalous.  Kings  feldom  find  that  rafli  changes  ot 
 
 But  let  them 
 
 ♦L  wLk  turn*kut  to  their  fatisfaaion.  Hardened  murderers  cannot  be  reftrained  by  law  ;  impunity  in  one  a6l  encourages  them  to  another, 
 
 fv7thcir  fovereign  or  covL  their  bloodftied,  God  will  punifli  them  at  laft.  One  daring  finner  often  involves  many  in  his  punifliment.  But  what  a  mercy 
 amidrthe  ravages  ofVar  is  a  fit  mediator  !  The  terms  of  peace  may  often  be  very  eafy,  would  the  parties  concerned  but  once  confer  together,  and  underftand  one 
 
 anotiier. 
 
Seven  of  SauVs  tcindred  pul  io  death. 
 
 II.  SAMUEL. 
 
 Dnvid^  life  saved  hy  Abhhai- 
 
 Before 
 Clirid 
 cir.  1021 
 
 C  Ciiap. 
 C.  7. 
 
 d  1  Sam. 
 31.  10. 
 
 1018. 
 
 II  Or. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 the  staff 
 or  the 
 bead. 
 
 or 
 
 Dhro. 
 
 Gibeonltes,  and  they  hanged  them  in  the  hill  before 
 the  Lord  ;  and  they  fell  all  feven  together,  and  were 
 “  put  to  death  in  the  days  of  harveft,  in  the  firit  da^s, 
 in  the  beginning  of  barley-harveft. 
 
 10  ^  And  Rizpah  the  daughter  of  Aiah  took  fack- 
 cloth,  and  fpread  it  for  her  upon  the  rock  from  the  be¬ 
 ginning  of  harveft  until  water  dropped  upon  them  out 
 of  heaven,  and  fullered  neither  the  birds  of  the  air  to 
 reft  on  them  by  day,  nor  the  beafts  of  the  field  by 
 night. 
 
 1 1  And  it  was  told  David  what  Rizpah  the  daughter 
 of  Aiah,  the  concubine  of  Saul  had  done. 
 
 12  f  And  David  went  and  took  the  bones  of  Saul, 
 and  the  bones  of  Jonathan  his  fon,  from  the  men  of 
 Jabefh-gilead,  which  had  ftolen  them  from  the  ftreet 
 of  Beth  ftian,  where  the'*  Philiftineshad  hanged  them,  ! 
 when  the  Philiftines  had  llain  Saul  in  Gilboa  : 
 
 13  And  he  brought  up  from  thence  the  bones  of  I 
 Saul,  and  the  bones  of  Jonathan  his  fon  ;  and  they 
 gathered  the  bones  of  them  that  were  hanged. 
 
 14  And  the  bones  of  Saul  and  Jonathan  his  fon 
 buried  they  in  the  country  of  Benjamin  in  Zelah,  in 
 the  fepulchre  of  Kifh  his  father :  and  they  performed 
 all  that  the  king  commanded:  and  after  that  God  was 
 entreated  for  the  land. 
 
 15  ^  Moreover,  the  Philiftines  had  yet  war  again 
 with  Ifrael ;  and  David  went  down,  and  his  fervants 
 with  him,  and  fought  againft  the  Philiftines  :  and 
 David  waxed  faint. 
 
 16  And  llhbi-benob,  which  voas  of  the  fons  of  II  the 
 giant,  (the  weight  of  whofe  f  fpear  veeighed  three  hun-  ; 
 dred  shekels  of  brafs  in  weight,)  he  being  girded  with  i 
 a  new  sveord,  thought  to  have  llain  David. 
 
 17  But  Abilhai  the  lonof  Zeruiah  fuccoured  him, 
 and  fmote  the  Philiftine,  and  killed  him.  Then  the 
 men  of  David  fware  unto  him,  faying  thou  (halt  go 
 no  more  out  with  us  to  battle,  that  thou  quench  not 
 the  +  light  of  Ifrael. 
 
 18  «  And  it  came  to  pafs  after  this,  that  there  was 
 
 deferts;  and  fuch  piinilhment,  if  deferved,  had  been  no  breach  of  his  oath.  If 
 David  did  cut  oft’  his  feed  after  him  fo  as  to  deilroy  his  name  out  of  his 
 father’s  houfe,  he  did  not  violate  his  oath  to  Saul.  Now,  David  did  not  cut  olf 
 one  fingle  perfon  of  Saul's  family,  whofe  death  had  a  tendency  to  deftroy  his 
 same  out  of  his  father’s  houfe ;  for  at  this  time  he  fpared  Mephiboftietb,  who 
 had  a  fon  named  Micha,  who  was  now  old  enough  to  have  children,  and  had 
 four  fons,  from  whom  defeended  a  numerous  pofterity  amounting  to  about  one 
 hundred  and  fifty  fons  and  grandfbns.  This  is  a  lecond  proof  tliat  David  did 
 not  violate  his  oath  to  Saul,  in  his  treaty  with  the  Gibeonites.  The  Jive  fons  of 
 Michal;  Michal  was  not  the  mother  of  thefe  children,  but  had  brought  them 
 
 up;  whence  they  are  here  called  her  children.  Ver.  10.  ^nd  liizpah _ took 
 
 saclxlotli.  She  made  a  tent  of  fackcloth  for  herfelf  to  live  in,  not  only  to  keep 
 watch  night  and  day,  to  fright  away  the  birds  and  beafts  from  doing  any  hurt  to 
 the  (Ji  ad  bodies,  but  to  pray  to  God  to  fend  rain,  which  had  been  reftrained, 
 in  which  cafe  ftie  would  be  at  liberty  to  take  down  the  bodies.  And  we  find 
 firom  the  next  verfe  that  her  condudl  in  this  aft’air  was  far  from  being  difpleafing 
 to  David.  Ver.  15.  The  Philistines  had  pet  war  again  with  Israel;  that  is,  after 
 David  had  totally  defeated  them,  as  mentioned  in  the  preceding  part  of  this 
 book,  they  again  difturbed  the  peace  of  Ifrael.  Ver.  1 7.  Thou  quench  not  the  light 
 Israel.  The  expreflion  is  very  beautiful  and  fignificant.  For  good  kings  are 
 in  feripture  called  the  light  of  the  people,  1  Kings  xi.  36.  Pfal.  cxxxii.  17.  Ver. 
 19.  Slew  the  brother  of  Goliath.  The  Hebrew,  if  tranflated  literally,  runs  t!;us  ; 
 
 P.  fore 
 
 Unr  .> 
 
 again  a  battle  with  the  Philiftines  at  Gob :  then  Sib- 
 bechai  the  Hufhathite  flew  baph,  which  was  ol  the 
 fons  of  II  the  Giant. 
 
 19  And  there  was  again  a  battle  in  Gog  v.itr-  the  .  („, 
 Philiftines,  where  Elhanan  the  fon  of  Jaare-or-  gi’ii,  a  p 
 Beth-lehernite,  flew  f  the  brother  tj  Goliath  the  G'iuite,  J 
 
 the  ftafl  of  whole  fpear  wes  like  a  weaver’s  beam.  20.  'sT 
 
 20  And  there  was  yet  a  battle  in  Gath,  where  was 
 a  man  of  ftature,  that  had  on  every  hand  fix 
 fingers,  and  on  every  foot  fix  toes,  four  and  tw'enty 
 in  number ;  and  he  alfo  was  born  to  |1  the  giant. 
 
 2 1  And  when  he  ||  defied  Ifrael,  Jonathan  the  fon  ifor,%- 
 
 of  s  Shimeah,  the  brother  of  David,  flew  him,  proached. 
 
 22  Thefe  fourw'ere  born  to  the  giant  in  Gath, 
 
 fell  by  the  hand  of  David,  and  by  the  hand  of  hiSgi  sa^. 
 fervants.*  16.9. 
 
 CHAP.  XXII.  Shammah% 
 
 A  pfalm  of  thanksgiving  for  God’s  powerfuldclivcranceandmanifoldbleffings. 
 
 And  David  fpke  unto  the  Lord  the  words  of 
 this  fong,  in  the  day  that  the  Lord  had  deli¬ 
 vered  him  out  of  the  hand  of  all  his  enemies,  and  out 
 of  the  hand  of  Saul : 
 
 2  And  he  faid,  *  The  Lord  is  my  rock,  and  my 
 fortrefs,  and  my  deliverer  ; 
 
 3  The  God  of  my  rock  ;  in  him  W'ill  I  truft  :  he  is 
 my  fliield,  and  the  horn  of  my  falvation,  my  high 
 tower,  and  my  reluge,  my  faviour ;  thou  faveft  me 
 from  violence. 
 
 4  I  will  call  on  the  Lord,  "who  is  worthy  to  be 
 praifed  :  fo  fhall  I  be  favedfrom  mine  enemies. 
 
 5  When  the  11  waves  of  death  compafled  me,  the  ||  Or, 
 floods  off  ungodly  men  made  me  afraid.  pangs. 
 
 6  The  II  forrows  of  hell  compafled  me  about; 
 fnares  of  death  prevented  me.  y  or,' 
 
 7  In  my  diftrefs  I  called  upon  the  Lord,  and  cried  corfti. 
 to  my  God ;  and  he  did  hear  my  voice  out  of  his 
 temple,  and  my  cry  did  enter  into  his  ears. 
 
 8  Then  the  earth  fhook  and  trembled  ;  the  founda- 
 tionsof  heavenmovedandfhook,  becaufehe  was  wroth. 
 
 “Elhanan  the  fon  of  Jaare-oregim,  a  Ceihlemitc,  flew  Goliath  tiie  Gittite,  tlie 
 ftaft’ of  whofe  fpear  was  like  a  weaver’s  beam.”  Now,  every  one  knows' that 
 Goliath  the  Gittite  was  flain  by  David  ;  and  the  Englilh  tranllators  were  fo  well 
 aware  of  this  circumftance,  that  they  have  added  the  word  broUicr  to  o-uard  a^rainft 
 this  feeming  contraditftion,  fee  1  Chron.  xx.  5.  ° 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  XXII.  Ver.  1,  This  fong  is  fuppofed 
 to  have  been  written  by  David  in  his  youtliful  time,  in  the  midft  of  his  troubles 
 and  to  have  been  fung  by  liim  immediately  after  every  deliverance.  This,  ac¬ 
 cording  to  fome  commentators,  may  account  for  the  variation  in  it  from  Pfalm 
 xvii.  which  Abarbinal  fays,  are  feventy-four,  and  are  not  to  be  aferibed  to  the 
 difference  of  copies,  or  neglea  of  tranferibers.  If  the  reader  confiders  this  ode 
 attentively,  he  will  perhaps  view  the  greateft  image  that  ever  was  exprefled 
 in  words.  David  overflowing  with  gratitude  to  the  divine  Providence  for  de¬ 
 livering  him  from  his  numerous  and  mighty  enemies,  pours  forth  his  foul  in  the 
 ftrongeft  expreflion  of  his  own  mifery  and  of  God’s  majefty.  Ver.  3.  The  God 
 of  my  rock.  This  verfe  contains  a  continued  chain  of  metaphors,  and  as  a  fublime 
 paraphrafe  on  the  firft  commandment  ;  deckring,  that  God,  the  God  of  Ifrael 
 alone,  was  the  foundation  of  the  royal  plulmift's  confidence,  and  the  author  of 
 his  feeurity  and  happinefs.  Ver.  8.  The  foundations  oi  heaven  moved.  This  and 
 the  following  verfes  contain  the  moft  fublime  defcrlption  of  the  Divine  Majefty 
 that  ever  was  conceived,  fee  Notes  on  Pfalm  xviii.  7 — 17.  Ver.  11.  He  rode  upon 
 To  ride,  in  the  Hebrew  fignifies  to  rule,  with  an  abfolute  authority 
 
 a  cherub. 
 
 PiiACIlCAL  OBSEIlVAllONS.— *  Chap.  XXI.]  The  vbligation  of  public  oaths  and  covenants  are  lading  and  folemn  ;  and  the  breaches  of  tliem  be  the 
 pretexts  what  they  will,  are  highly  provoking  to  God.  Wicked  and  bloody  magiftrates  are  a  great  plague  to  nations.  God  may  long  defer  his  judgments  without 
 
 werting  them  ;  but  old  fins  are  not  forgotten  by  him.  The  due  time  of  recompence  will  come  ;  and  may  loon  turn  a  fruitful  field  into  barrennefs.  God’s  iudements 
 
 ould  therefore  make  us  fearch  out  and  ;  ewail  our  own  and  our  families’  iniquities.  The  fins  of  parents  often  entail  mifery  on  their  pofterity.  And  though  the  no 
 oppreffed  Ihould  have  no  power  to  relieve  themfelves,  God  will  plead  their  caufe ;  nor,  till  fatisfaaion  be  made  then;,  can  we  hope  for  a  bleffing  from  God  Tl 
 they  who  malicioully  defigned  the  ruin  of  others,  bring  themfelves  and  their  families  to  mifery  ;  and  how  unfcarchable  are  the  judgments  of  God  in  ruining  th* 
 lamilies  in  his  wrath  !  Seveie  executions  are  fometimes  necelTary  for  the  public  good.  Many  parents,  are  long  ipaied  to  meet  with  feenes  of  giief  and  ar -uifli'’  1 
 Often  lurvivers,  by  taking  pains  to  revive  the  memory  of  loft  friends,  prove  their  own  tormentors.  Fidelity  to  fovereigns,  in  the  moments  of --real  dan£rer'*”c 
 X  remely  honourable.  Strength  of  body  is  of  no  ufe  to  refill  God,  or  withftand  death.  But  let  God’s  people  be  attacked  as  often  as  they  mav  bv  their  pnomi’l, 
 
 they  will  come  off  more  than  conquerors  through  him  that  loved  them.  ^  ^  enemies 
 
DaViiI  s  psohn  of  ihan/fsgivhig. 
 
 II.  SAMUEL. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrid 
 
 1018. 
 
 9  There  went  up  a  fmoke  f  out  of  his  noflrils,  and 
 fire  out  of  his  mouth  devoured  :  coals  were  kindled 
 by  it. 
 
 10  He  bowed  the  heavens  alfo,  and  came  down  ; 
 
 and  darknefs  tt:as  under  his  feet. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 binding  of 
 waters. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 great. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 to  him. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 before  his 
 eyes, . 
 
 1 1  And  he  rode  upon  a  cherub,  and  did  fly  ;  and 
 he  was  feen  upon  the  wings  of  the  wind. 
 
 12  And  he  made  darknefs  pavilions  round  about 
 him,  t  dark  waters,  and  thick  clouds  of  the  fldes. 
 
 1 3  Through  the  brightnefs  before  him  were  coals  of 
 fire  kindled. 
 
 14  The  Lord  thundered  from  heaven,  and  the  raoft 
 High  uttered  his  voice. 
 
 15  And  he  fent  out  arrows,  and  fcattered  them: 
 lightning,  and  difeomfited  them. 
 
 16  And  the  channels  of  the  fea  appeared,  the  foun¬ 
 dations  of  the  world  were  difeovered,  at  the  rebuking 
 of  the  Lord,  at  the  blaft  of  the  breath  ol  his  noflrils. 
 
 17  He  lent  from  above,  he  took  me  ;  he  drew  me 
 out  of  11  many  waters. 
 
 1 8  He  delivered  me  from  my  ftrong  enemy,  and 
 from  them  that  hated  me  ;  for  they  were  too  ftrong 
 for  me. 
 
 19  They  prevented  me  in  the  day  of  my  calamity : 
 but  the  Lord  was  my  flay. 
 
 20  He  brought  me  forth  alfo  into  a  large  place;  he 
 delivered  me,  becaufe  he  delighted  in  me. 
 
 21  The  Lord  rewarded  me  according  to  my  righ- 
 teoufnefs ;  according  to  the  cleannefs  of  my  hands 
 hath  he  recoflipenfed  me. 
 
 22  For  1  have  kept  the  ways  of  the  Lord,  and 
 have  not  wickedly  departed  from  my  God. 
 
 23  For  all  his  judgments  were  before  me  ;  and  as 
 for  his  ftatutes  I  did  not  depart  from  them. 
 
 24  1  was  alfo  upright  f  before  him,  and  have  kept 
 myfelf  from  mine  iniquity. 
 
 25  Therefore  the  Lord  hath  recompenfed  me  ac¬ 
 cording  to  ray  righteoufnefs ;  according  to  my  clean¬ 
 nefs  fin  his  eye-fight. 
 
 26  With  the  merciful  thou  wilt  fhew  thyfelf  mer¬ 
 ciful,  and  with  the  upright  man  thou  wilt  fhew  thyfelf 
 
 upright. 
 
 II  Or 
 
 wrcjlle, 
 Pfalm 
 18.  26. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 candle. 
 
 11  Or, 
 broken  a 
 troop. 
 
 27  with  the  pure  thou  wilt  Anew  thyfelf  i;/ure  ;  and 
 with  the  froward  thou  wilt  |i  fhew  thyfelf  unfavoury. 
 
 28  And  the  afflifted  people  thou  wilt  fave :  but 
 thine  eyes  are  upon  the  haughty,  that  thou  mayeft 
 bring  them  down. 
 
 29  For  thou  art  my^  H  lamp,  O  Lord  ;  and  the 
 Lord  will  lighten  my  darknefs. 
 
 30  For  by  thee  I  have  H  run  through  a  troop  :  by 
 
 my  God  have  I  leaped  over  a  wall.  '  ,  i 
 
 SI  As for  God,  his  way  is  perfeef  ;  the  word  of  the 
 
 that  on  which  the  perfon  is  faid  to  ride;  therefore  the  fenfe  is,  that  he  lent  Ins 
 heavenly  niinifters  to  execute  his  pleafure.  Ver.  17.  He  ient  from  above.  _  1  he 
 Chaldee  thus  paraphrafes  this  verfe  :  “  The  Lord  Almighty,  who  fitteth  in  the 
 might  of  his  majefty,  hath  fent  his  prophets ;  he  hath  goverimd  me,  and 
 fnatched  me  from  many  nations.”  ter.  18.  He  delivered  me. 
 enemy  is  meant  Goliah  and  others  ;  by  those  that  hated  him,  the  Phililtines, 
 Syrians,  and  other  nations,  and  Saul,  \vhofe  forces  were  much  more  numerous 
 than  his.  Ver.  19.  The  day  of  my  calamity.  As  the  Hebrew  word  gendered 
 calamity,  fignifies  likewife  going  out  or  exile,  as  the  Chaldee  has  rendered  U,  this 
 pafTage  may  allude  to  his  being  obliged  to  take  refuge  in  the  territories  of 
 AchiTli,  when  purfued  by  Saul.  Ver.  21.  My  righteousness.  This  refers  to  his 
 not  taking  the  advantage  of  Saul,  when  his  life  was  in  his  han  s.^  er.  -  . 
 I  was  also  upright.  The  uprightnefs  or  peifeaioii  here  mentioned  is  ^ 
 
 reftraiiied  to  the  private  charadler,  but  the  public  condu(5l  of  David, 
 in  that  refpedl,  a  man  after  God's  oivn  heart.  Ver.  32.  Who  is  God,  fave  the 
 Lord  ?  The  pfalinill  had,  in  his  wars  with  the  furrounding  nations,  proved  the  in- 
 
 He  relatdh  God*s  manifold  blessing; 
 
 Lord  is  H  tried  :  he  is  a  buckler  to  all  them  that  truft  ^^efore 
 ill  him.  Wiriii 
 
 32  For  who  is  God,  fave  the  Lord  ?  and  who  is  a 
 
 rock,  fave  our  God  ?  II 
 
 33  God  is  myftiength  and  pov/er  ;  and  he  f  maketh 
 
 ray  way  perfedf.  f 
 
 34  He  f  makeih  my  feet  like  hinds’  feet;  and  fet- orltoirt/j 
 
 or, 
 
 teth  me  upon  my  high  places.  t  iiei,, 
 
 35  He  teacheth  my  hands  t  to  war;  fo  that  a  bow 
 
 of  fteel  is  broken  by  mine  arms.  Jbr 
 
 36  Thou  haft  alfo  given  me  the  shield  of  thy  falva- 
 tion  :  and  thy  gentlenefs  hath  f  made  me  great.  t  Heb, 
 
 37  Thou  haft  enlarged  ray  fteps  under  me  :  fo  that 
 
 my  t  feet  did  not  flip.  | 
 
 38  I  have  purfued  mine  enemies,  and  deflroyed  "'f-W 
 them  :  and  turned  not  again  until  I  had  confumed 
 them. 
 
 39  And  I  have  confumed  them,  and  wounded  them, 
 that  they  could  not  arife  ;  yea,  they  are  fallen  under 
 my  feet. 
 
 40  For  thou  haft  girded  me  with  ftrength  to  battle : 
 them  that  rofe  up  againft  me  haft  thou  f  fubdued  un-t  Heb, 
 der  me. 
 
 41  Thou  haft  alfo  given  me  the  necks  of  mine  ene- 
 raies,  that  I  might  deftroy  them  that  hate  me. 
 
 42  They  looked,  but  there  was  none  to  fave  ;  even 
 unto  the  Lord,  but  he  anfwered  them  not. 
 
 43  Then  did  1  beat  them  as  fmali  as  the  duft  of  the 
 earth  ;  1  did  ftamp  them  as  the  mire  of  the  ftreet,  and 
 did  fpread  them  abroad. 
 
 44  Thou  alfo  haft  delivered  me  from  the  ftrivings 
 of  my  people ;  thou  haft  kept  me  to  be  head  of  the 
 heathen  :  a  people  which  I  knew  not  fhall  ferve  me, 
 
 45  t  Strangers  fhall  H  ffubmit  theml'elves  unto  me  :t  Heb. 
 as  foon  as  they  hear,  they  fhall  be  obedient  unto  me, 
 
 46  Strangers  fhall  fade  away,  and  they  fhall  be^'),®, 
 
 afraid  out  of  their  clofe  places.  or, 
 
 47  The  Lord  liveth  ;  and  blefled  be  my  rock  ;  and  y^Med 
 exalted  be  the  God  of  the  rock  of  my  falvation.  feigwd 
 
 48  It  is  God  that  f  avengeth  me,  and  that  bringeth  ^ 
 
 down  the  people  under  me,  ^  Ue. 
 
 49  And  that  bringeth  me  forth  from  mine  enemies ;  t  Heb. 
 thou  alfo  haft  lifted  me  up  on  high  above  them 
 
 rofe  up  againft  me:  thou  haft  delivered  me  from  the„ie,“i^„r 
 violent  man.  _  _  me. 
 
 50  Therefore  I  will  give  thanks  unto  thee,  O  Lord, 
 
 ^  the  heathen,  and  I  will  fing  prail'es  unto  thyb  Rom. 
 
 15.  9. 
 
 among 
 name. 
 
 51  He  is  the  tower  of  falvation  for  his  king 
 
 and 
 
 fheweth  mercy  to  his  anointed,  unto  David,  and  toe  Cbap.^ 
 his  feed  for  evermore.*'  ^ 
 
 ability  of  their  tutelary  deities  to  fuccour  or  defend  them.  Being  bimfelf  the  vice¬ 
 gerent  of  Jehovah,  the  king  and  protecting  God  of  the  Jews,  by  whofe  com¬ 
 mand  he  undertook  all  his  wars,  by  whofe  infpiration  he  was  furnilhed  "ith 
 prudence  and  intrepid  ty,  which  rendered  him  fuperior  to  more  nuini  i  ons  arniieb 
 he  had  a  fenfible  proof  that  the  God  of  Ifrael  was  the  only  living  God,  and  that 
 the  gods  of  the  Heathen  were  more  vanities.  Ver.  34.  He  makHh  my  feet^  ® 
 hinds'  feet.  This  may  allude  not  only  to  their  fwiftnefs,  but  likewife  to  the  iirm- 
 nefs  of  their  treading,  for  wliich  they  are  very  remarkable.  Ver.  44.  Delivered^ 
 ironi  Ike Jlrivings  of  my  people.  He  alludes  to  the  union  of  the  people  of 
 
 and  Judah  under  his  government.  Thou  haf  kept  me  to  be  head  of  the  healhef 
 Thefe  words  in  their  primary  fenfe,  allude  to  David’s  reducing  the  neighbouriug 
 nations,  and  his  viClory  over  the  Syrians  of  Zobah,  Rehob,  Tob,  and  jNIa  chan, 
 chap.  X.  In  their  fecondary  fenfe,  they  allude  to  the  converfion  of  the  Gentiles  nf 
 the  preaching  of  the  gofpel,  and  are  uled  in  that  fenfe  by  the  apofiles  themfebn*' 
 comp.  Note  on  Pfal.  xviii.  43,  44.  Ver.  47.  From  palt  mercies  David  hopes  to' 
 
 future  fuccefs  with  the  greateft  confidence. 
 
 i^IlACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  XXII.]  Such  as 
 
 i  Cod  intends  for  great  honour,  or  who  follow  Jefus  into  his  kingdom,  may  be  allured  of  meet' 
 
David  professeth  his  faith  in  Gcd,  ^c. 
 
 II.  SAMUEL. 
 
 A  catalogue  of  hi vcorthies* 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 1018. 
 
 CHAP.  XXIII. 
 
 Be  thou 
 ruler,  cj;- 
 
 fHeb. 
 
 filled. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 Jopieb- 
 bajfebet 
 the  Tcich- 
 moiiite, 
 head  of 
 the  three.. 
 j|  See 
 1  Chro. 
 II.  11. 
 
 •I-  Heb. 
 jflain. 
 a  1  Chro. 
 11.  12. 
 
 b  1  Chro. 
 11.  12. 
 
 «  Or, 
 fiorfor- 
 bgillfr. 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  XXIII.  Ver.  1.  Now  these  he  the 
 
 last  words  of  David.  Not  firaply  the  laft  he  fpake,  but  fome  of  thefe  he 
 littered  a  little  before  the  a)jproach  of  deatli.  The  fweet  psalmi/l  of  Israel. 
 Having  taken  notice  of  his  Iiumble  origin,  and  that  he  was  raifed  to  be 
 the  Lord’s  anointed ;  he  delights  in  mentioning  the  gift  beftowed  on  him, 
 whereby  he  w'as  enabled  to  indite  pfalms  or  longs  for  the  worlliip  of  God. 
 Ver.  2.  Thefpirit  of  the  Lord  spake  by  me.  This  informs  ns  that  the  pfalms  com- 
 pofed  by  him  were  not  his  own  pVivate  fancies  or  human  inventions,  but  both 
 the  matter  and  the  words  of  them  are  fuggefled  and  governed  by  God’s  Spirit, 
 W’ho  is  the  great  teacher  of  the  church.  Ver.  3,  4.  Thefe  words  deferibe  the 
 charadter  of  a  good  king,  and  the  bleflednefs  of  his  government.  But  their  full 
 Weaning  has  been  illullrated  by  no  one  except  the  Melliah,  David’s  fon  and 
 Lord.  Ver.  5.  Although  my  house  be  net  so  with  God.  God  knows  that  neither 
 1)  nor  my  children  have  lived  and  ruled  as  we  fhould  have  done,  fo  jullly,  and 
 in  the  fear  of  the  Lord  ;  and  tlierefore  have  not  enjoyed  that  uninterrupted 
 profperity  which  we  might  have  done.  He  hath  made  me  an  everlasting  cove¬ 
 nant.  Notwithftanding  all  our  tranfgreflions,  and  the  judgments  threatened  ;  yet 
 
 1  David,  in  his  last  words,  profejfelh  his  faith  in  God's  promises  to  be  be¬ 
 yond  sense  or  trperience,  6  The  different  slate  oj  the  wicked.  8  A 
 catalogue  of  David's  mighty  men. 
 
 NOW  thel'e  be  the  laft  words  of  David.  David 
 the  fon  of  Jeffe  faid,  and  the  man  who  was  railed 
 up  on  high,  the  anointed  of  the  God  of  Jacob,  and 
 the  fweet  pfalmift  of  Ifrael,  faid, 
 
 2  Tne  Spirit  of  the  Lord  fpake  by  me,  and  his 
 word  xcas  in  my  tongue. 
 
 3  The  God  of  Ifrael  faid,  the  Rock  of  Ifrael  fpake 
 to  me,  H  He  that  ruleth  over  men  tnust  juft,  ruling 
 in  the  fear  of  God. 
 
 '•  4  And  he  shall  be  as  the  light  of  the  morning  when 
 
 the  fun  rifeth,  even  a  morning  without  clouds  ;  as  the 
 tender  grafs  springing  out  of  the  earth  by  clear  fhining 
 after  rain. 
 
 5  Although  my  houfe  be  not  fo  with  God,  yet  he 
 hath  made  with  me  an  everlafting  covenant,  ordered 
 in  all  things,  and  fure :  for  this  is  all  my  falvation,  and 
 all  mi!  defire,  although  he  make  it  not  to  grow. 
 
 6  But  the  sons  of  Belial  shall  be  all  of  them  as  thorns 
 thruft  away,  becaufe  they  cannot  be  taken  with  hands : 
 
 7  But  the  man  that  fhall  touch  them  muft  be  f  fen¬ 
 ced  with  iron,  and  the  ftaft’  of  a  fpear  ;  and  they  fhal! 
 be  utterly  burnt  with  fire  in  the  same  place. 
 
 8  f  Thefe  be  the  names  of  the  mighty  men  whom 
 David  had  :  H  The  Tachmonite  that  fat  in  the  feat, 
 chief  among  the  captains  ;  (the  fame  was  Adino  the 
 Eznite  :)  |1  he  lifted  up  his  fpear  againft  eight  hundred, 
 f  whom  he  flew  at  one  time. 
 
 9  And  after  him  was  ^  Eleazar  the  fon  of  Dodo  the 
 Ahohite.  one  of  the  three  mighty  men  with  David, 
 when  they  defired  the  Philiftines  that  were  there  ga¬ 
 thered  together  to  battle,  and  the  men  of  Ifrael  were 
 gone  away : 
 
 10  Hearofe,  and  fmote  the  Philiftines,  until  his  hand  ! 
 was  weary,  and  his  hand  clave  unto  the  fword  :  and 
 the  Lord,  wrought  a  great  vidory  that  day  ;  and  the 
 people  returned  after  him  only  to  fpoil. 
 
 11  And  after  him  was  ^  Shammah  the  fon  of  Agee 
 the  Hararite  :  and  the  Philiftines  were  gathered  toge¬ 
 ther  II  into  a  troop,  where  w'as  a  piece  of  ground  full 
 of  lentiles  ;  and  the  people  fled  from  the  Philiftines. 
 
 12  But  he  ftood  in  the  midft  of  the  ground,  and 
 defended  it,  and  flew  the  Philiftines  :  and  the  Lord 
 wrought  a  great  viflory. 
 
 13  And  11  three  of  the  thirty  chief  went  down  and  ||  Or, 
 
 came  to  David  in  the  harveft-time  unto  the  cave 
 Adullam  :  and  the  troop  of  the  Philiftines  pitched  111^"'',.'“"* 
 the  valley  of  Rephaim.  thirty. 
 
 14  And  David  was  then  in  an  hold,  and  the  garri- 
 fon  of  the  Philiftines  'was  then  in  Beth-lehem. 
 
 1.5  And  David  tonged,  and  faid.  Oh  that  one  would 
 give  me  drink  of  the  water  of  the  well  of  Bcth-lchc  in, 
 which  is  by  the  gate ! 
 
 16  And  the  three  mighty  men  brake  through  the 
 hoft  of  the  Philiftines,  and  drew  water  out  of  the  well 
 of  Beth-lehem,  that  was  by  the  gate,  and  took  it,  and 
 brought  it  to  David  :  neverthelefs  he  would  not  drink 
 thereof,  but  poured  it  out  unto  the  Lord  ; 
 
 17  And  he  faid,  Be  it  far  from  me,  O  Lord,  that 
 
 I  fhould  do  this  :  is  not  this  the  blood  of  the  men  that^ 
 went  in  jeopardy  of  their  lives  ;  therefore  he  would  j  j 
 not  drink  it.  Tnefe  things  did  thefe  three  mighty  men.  f  Utb. 
 
 18  And  *  Abifhai,  the  brother  of  Joab,  the  fon  of/"i«- 
 Zeruiah,  was  chief  among  three  :  and  he  lifted  up  his  t 
 fpear  againft  three  hundred,  f  and  flew  them,  and  had 
 
 the  name  among  three.  t  Heb. 
 
 19  Was  he  not  moft  honourable  of  three  ?  there- / 
 
 fore  he  was  their  captain ;  howbeit  he  attjined  not  f  j^eb 
 unto  the  frst  three.  „  man  of 
 
 20  And  Benaiah  the  fon  of  Jehoiada,  the  fon  of  a  counte- 
 valiant  man,  of  Cabzeel,  f  whohad  done  many  a£ls,  he  nance,  or 
 flew  two  t  lion-like  men  of  IVloab :  he  went  down  alfo‘^®j^j^ 
 and  flew  a  lion  in  the  midft  of  a  pit  in  time  of  Ihow.  1  chro. 
 
 21  And  he  flew  an  Egyptian,  t  a  goodly  man  :  and  11  •  23. 
 the  Egyptian  had  a  fpear  in  his  hand  ;  but  he  went  “ 
 down  to  him  with  a  ftaff,  and  plucked  the  fpear  out  fftLe. 
 of  the  Egyptian’s  hand,  and  flew  him  with  his  own  y  Or,  ho. 
 
 fpear.  nourable 
 
 22  Thefe  things  did  Benaiah  the  fon  of  Jehoiada, 
 
 and  had  the  name  among  three  mighty  men.  J| 
 
 23  He  was  y  more  honourable  than  the  thirty,  but  council. 
 he  attained  not  to  the  first  three ;  and  David  fet  him  t  Heb. 
 over  his  |i  f  guard. 
 
 24 Afahel,  the  brother  of  Joab,  was  one  of  thed^chay.  ’ 
 thirty ;  Elhanan  the  fon  of  Dodo  of  Beth-lehem,  2.  is. 
 
 I  comfort  myfelf  that  God  will  fiilfll  his  covenant  to  me  and  my  feed  till  the 
 coming  of  the  MelTiah,  who  is  to  be  my  fon  and  fucceiTor.  Ver.  8.  Tht  s?  be  the 
 names  »f  the  mighty  men  whom  David  had. — We  have  here  a  lift  of  David’s  wor¬ 
 thies,  who  are  divided  into  three  clalTes.  In  the  fird,  and  the  moft  honourable, 
 was  Jafliabeam  the  Tachmonite,  who  flew  800  men  witli  his  own  hand  at  one  pe¬ 
 riod.  Eleazar  is  placed  next  him  who  defied  and  defeated  the  PhUiftine  army. 
 Shammah  the  laft  of  the  three  firft  worthies,  who  diftinguilhed  hiinfelf  by  oppo- 
 fing  an  irruption  of  the  Philiftines  and  routed  them.  Ver.  1 8.  The  fecoud  clafs 
 comprifed  Abifh.ai  Benaiali,  and  Afahel.  The  firft  at  once  Hew  300  men.  Be¬ 
 naiah  flew  two  men  of  Moab,  ftrong  and  fierce  as  lions ;  aud  attacked  and  flewr 
 a  lion  in  a  pit  among  fiiow,  as  alfo  many  other  heroic  actions  was  performed 
 by  him,  for  which  David  advanced  him  to  be  captain  of  his  life  guards.  Afahel 
 Joab  s  brother  was  the  third  over  the  thirty  next  mentioned.  The  deeds  of  the 
 laft  clafs  arc  not  recorded  ;  yet  they  were  fuch  as  gained  tliem  a  diftinguiflied 
 place  over  the  reft  of  David’s  army.  This  accoupt  of  David’s  worthies  differs 
 i  in  fome  minute  particulais  from  that  given  in  1  Chron.  xi.  This  difference 
 j:  isvarioully  accounted  for.  An  eminent  Hebrew  critic,  has  endeavoured  to  Ihew 
 
 >'ig  with 
 
 many  enemies  by  the  way.  But  what  w'as  in  the  divine  promife  the  objeift  of  our  faith,  will,  in  the  fulfilment,  become  the  matter  of  our  prail'e.  BeboliL 
 
 1  IC  tt\  UJr.  I  1?..,^.-..  A.K _ _ ]  .  _ _  .I  *  .1  .  .1  .  .  .  .  .....  ^ 
 
 ALL,  ill  every  form,  as 
 Oh !  precious  thought, 
 
 importunity,  and  to  magnify  God’s  love  and  power  in  their  deliver- 
 
 ‘>«r  .iot!7enrvp  L  conllautly  Ihould  all  our  faith,  ouitthankfgiviug  and 
 
 joy,  centre  in  Jefiis  Chrift  our  Lord. 
 
 No.21,r,i>6d.  4  O 
 
D  ivid  commanded  to 
 
 II.  SAMUEL. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chviil 
 
 1018. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 -  alleys. 
 
 25  Shammah  the  Harodite,  Elika,  the  Harodite, 
 
 2(i  Helez  « the  Paltite,  Ira  the  fon  of  Ikkelh  the 
 'iekoite, 
 
 e  1  chro.  27  Abiezct  the  Anethothite,  Mebunnaithe  Hufha- 
 
 ai  27.  thite, 
 
 28  Zalmon  the  Ahohite,  Maharai  the  Netophathite, 
 
 29  Heleb  the  fon  of  Baanah,  a  Netophathite,  Itta; 
 the  Ion  of  Ribai  out  of  Gibeah  of  the  children  of 
 Benjamin, 
 
 30  Benaiah  the  Pirathonite,  Hiddai  of  the  \\  brooks 
 of  Gaafh, 
 
 3 1  Abi-albon  the  Arbathite,  Azmaveth  the  Barhu- 
 mite, 
 
 32  Eliabba  the  Shaal-bonite  ;  of  thefons  of  Jalhen, 
 Jonathan, 
 
 33  Shammah  the  Hararite,  Ahiam  the  fon  of  Sharar 
 the  Hararite, 
 
 34  Eliphelet  the  fon  of  Ahafbai,  the  fon  of  the  Maa- 
 chathite,  Eliam  the  fon  of  Ahithophel  the  Gilonite, 
 
 35  Hezrai  the  Carmelite,  Paarai  the  Arbite, 
 
 36  Igal  the  fon  of  Nathan  of  Zobah,  Bani  theGadite, 
 
 37  Zelek  the  Ammonite,  Naharai  the  Beerathite, 
 armour-bearer  to  Joab  the  fon  of  Zeruiah, 
 
 SS  Ira  an  Ithrite,  Gareb  an  Ithrite, 
 
 39  Uriah  the  Hittite :  thirty  and  feven  in  all.* 
 CHAP.  XXIV. 
 
 1  David  teinpted  by  Satan,  forceth  Joab  to  number  the  people.  5  The  cap 
 tarns  in  nine  months  and  twenty  days,  bring  in  a  mujler  of  thirteen 
 humlred  thousand  f.ghting  men.  10  David  having  three  plagues  pro¬ 
 pounded  by  God,  repentelh,  and  chooseth  the  three  days'  pestilence, 
 
 And  again  the  anger  of  the  Lord  was  kindle 
 againft  Ifrael,  and  [1  he  moved  David  againli 
 them  to  fay,  Go,  number  Ifrael  and  Judah. 
 
 2  For  the  king  faid  to  Joab  the  captain  of  the  hoft, 
 which  icas  with  him,  |1  Go  now  through  all  the  tribes 
 of  Ifrael,  from  Dan  even  to  Beer-fheba,  and  number 
 ye  the  people,  that  I  may  know  the  number  of  the 
 people. 
 
 3  And  Joab  faid  unto  the  king,  Now  the  Lord  thy 
 God  add  unto  the  people,  how  many  foever  they  be, 
 an  hundred-fold,  and  that  the  eyes  of  my  lord  the 
 king  may  fee  it :  but  why  doth  my  lord  the  king  de¬ 
 light  in  this  thing  ? 
 
 4  Notwithftanding  the  king’s  word  prevailed  againft 
 
 1017. 
 
 II  Satan. 
 fee  1  Ch. 
 '21.  1. 
 
 U  Or, 
 Compass. 
 
 number  the  people, 
 
 Joab,  and  againft  the  captains  of  the  hoft  :  and  Joab  Befo,* 
 and  the  captains  of  the  hoft  went  out  from  the  prefence 
 of  the  king  to  number  the  people  of  Kfael. 
 
 5  If  And  they  paffed  over  Jordan,  and  pitched  in^*"^^ 
 Aroer,  on  the  right  fide  of  the  city  that  Ueth  in  the 
 midft  of  the  |1  river  of  Gad,  and  toward  Jazer : 
 
 6  Then  they  came  to  Gilead,  and  to  the  ||  land  of  II  O5 
 
 Tahtim-hodfhi ;  and  they  came  to  Dan-Jaan.  and!“"^>* 
 about  to  Zidon.  ’ 
 
 7  And  came  to  the  ftrong  hold  of  Tyre,  and 
 
 all  the  cities  of  the  Hivites,  and  of  the  Canaanites  ;  '•J'  ' 
 
 and  they  went  out  to  the  fouth  of  Judah,  even  to*‘^“ 
 
 !  Beer-fheba. 
 
 i  8  So  when  they  had  gone  through  all  the  land, 
 ithey  came  to  Jerufalem,  at  the  end  of  nine  months 
 ;  and  twenty  days. 
 
 I  9  And  Joab  gave  up  the  fum  of  the  number  of  the 
 people  unto  the  king  ;  and  there  were  in  Ifrael  eight 
 hundred  thoufand  valiant  men  that  drew  the  fword ; 
 and  the  men  of  Judah  were  five  hundred  thoufand 
 men. 
 
 10  II  And  David’s  heart  fmote  him  after  that  he  had 
 numbered  the  people.  And  David  faid  unto  the  Lord, 
 j  I  have  finned  greatly  in  that  I  have  done  :  and  now, 
 
 I  befeech  thee,  O  Lord,  take  away  the  iniquity  of 
 thy  fervant ;  for  I  have  done  very  foolifhly. 
 
 1 1  For,  when  David  was  up  in  the  morning,  the 
 word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  the  prophet  Gad,  Da- 
 !  vid’s  feer,  faying, 
 
 12  Go  and  fay  unto  David,  Thus  faith  the  Lord, 
 
 I  offer  thee  three  things;  choofe  thee  one  of  them, 
 that  I  may  do  it  unto  thee. 
 
 I  1 3  So  Gad  came  to  David,  and  told  him,  and  faid 
 i  unto  him,  Shall  feven  years  of  famine  come  unto  thee 
 !in  thy  land  ?  or  wilt  thou  flee  three  months  before 
 j  thine  enemies,  while  they  purfue  thee  ?  or  that  there 
 jbe  three  days’  peftilence  in  thy  land  ?  nowadvife,  and 
 fee  what  anfwer  I  ftiall  return  to  him  that  lent  me. 
 
 14  And  David  faid  unto  Gad,  I  am  in  a  great  ftrait : 
 let  us  fall  now  into  the  hand  of  the  Lord,  (for  his 
 mercies  are  H  great,)  and  let  me  not  fall  into  the  hand  ||  or, 
 of  man.  many* 
 
 So  the  Lord  fent  a  peftilence  upon  Ifrael, 
 
 that  it  arifes  from  the  inattention  of  tranferibers,  and  has  done  much  to  reconcile 
 the  accounts  by  references  to  ancient  Yerfions  and  manuferipts.  But  the  reafon 
 .-iffigned  by  other  learned  men  is,  that  the  account  in  Samuel  was  made  in  the 
 Beginning  of  David’s  reign,  that  in  Chronicles  at  the  end  of  it,  or  after  bis  death  •. 
 the  former  is  faid  to  mention  thofe  great  men,  who  chiefly  contributed  to  David’s 
 I'ettlement  in  the  kingdom,  the  latter  thofe  who  continued  faithful  to  him  while 
 they  lived,  and  died  in  his  fervice. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap  XXIV.  Ver.  4.  And  again  the  anger 
 of  the  Lord  was  kirulled  againjt  Israel.  Namely,  after  the  former  tokens  of  his  anger, 
 fuch  as  the  three  years’  famine,  an  account  of  which  we  have  in  chap.  xxi.  And 
 he  moved  David.  That  is,  Satan,  according  to  1  Chron.  xxi.  1.  The  word  Satan 
 means  adverfary,  and  may  poflibly  denote  an  evil  miniller  or  counfellor,  who 
 advifed  David  to  number  Ifrael.  Be  this  as  it  may,  it  is  certain,  that  Satan  was 
 the  enemy  of  David  and  Ifrael,  and  would  not  f.U  to  improve  every  means 
 
 15  11 
 
 which  tended  for  their  hurt.  David’s  fin  in  numbering  Ifrael  arofe  not  fo  mucF 
 from  the  deed  itfelf,  as  that  he  did  it  not  by  divine  direction,  nor  for  any  importan 
 bufinefs  to  the  ft  ate ;  but  out  of  curiofity,  pride,  and  vain-glory,  accompaniei 
 either  with  a  fecret  dillruft  of  God’s  promifes,  or  rather  with  a  carnal  confideno 
 in  the  numbers  of  his  people.  Ver.  5.  And  they  pa  fed  over  Jordan.  They  begai 
 their  computation  in  the  eaftern  part  of  David’s  dominions  wliich  were  beyoni 
 Jordan.  Ver.  9.  And  there  were  in  Israel  eight  hundred  thousand  valiant  men.  Ii 
 1  Chron.  xxi.  5,  they  are  faid  to  be  eleven  hundred  thoufand.  The  fum  here  ex 
 prelTed  is  only  of  fuch  as  were  not  in  the  ordinary  and  fettled  militia  ready  fo 
 the  king’s  fervice.  One  would  have  expeifted  that  tlie  number  would  have  bee 
 much  greater.  It  was  now  about  four  hundred  and  thirty  years  fince  Ifrai 
 ai  rived  in  Canaan  :  and  yet  the  increafe  had  not  been  above  double  all  tlw 
 Ver.  10.  And  David's  heart  smote  him.  His  confcience  difeerned  his  fu 
 
 tunc. 
 
 and  he  was  heartily  forry  for  it.  Ver.  1 3.  Gad  came  to  David— Jhall  seven  years 
 
 TxnArTTPAT  OBSERVATIONS _ *  Chap.XXIII.]  How  fweet  are  the  laft  words  of  dying  faints  !  How  doubly  fweet  when  they  are  fanaified  to  lead  to 
 
 PRACllC  A^  w  dip  patimis  in  the  life  of  the  patriarch  David,  it  is  inftruaive  and  pleafantto  obferve,  what  the  eternal  covenant  can  do  to  give  an  af- 
 
 o  ‘  ^  David’s  troubles  were  fo  many,  fo  grievous,  and  fo  complicated,  that  it  is  quite  proverbial  when  we  fpeak  of  that  extraordinary  charaaer, 
 
 fliaed  Lord  ™ber  David  and  all  his  affliaions  !  But  Oh  !  bow  enviable  the  affliaion  that  is  fanaified  !  How  covetable  the  fituation  which 
 
 to  fpeak  ^  ,  J.  ,  J  iij,e  D^vid  fee  thee  in  the  whole  of  the  covenant;  and  on  thee,  on  tlie  whole  of  thy  redemption-work,  fix  the  whole  ot 
 
 Jehovah  b leffes!  ^  unfeignedly  fay.  It  is  all  our  falvat.on  and  all  our  defire._lt  is  a  high  honour  to  be  en- 
 
 our  defifes.  In  all  the  aa  benefit  of  his  people  :  for  his  gifts  and  graces  are  neceflary  for  the  faithful  difeharge  of  every 
 
 dowed  w.^  gi  ts,  and  mverted  w‘th  righteous  is  defir^ble,  fo  that  of  a  wicked  man  is  drea  ful ;  he  is  driven  away  in  his  wickednefs.  and  his  name  lhall  pc 
 
 oace  m  .  .  ft  roverei-rn  manner,  his  endowments  even  in  natural  things,  rendering  men  weak  or  ftrong,  cowardly  or  brave,  as  he  pleaies. 
 
 rifli  forever.  jg^^Pg  ^  pupgrior  humour,  to  hazard  human  life;  and  very  neceflary  to  repent  of  fuch  condutl.  But  let  us,  refrethed  with  th« 
 
 It  is  finful,  f*’’:  I  ’  pj  Bet  i-lemite,  be  ftrong  in  the  Lord,  and  in  the  power  of  his  might :  fo  fhai;  we  put  to  flight  the  heroes  and  armies  of  the  alieuS' 
 
 f.  mlLftani  « i  ,J  b.  ,ec.,d.a  m  fc  bo,t  .f  lift. 
 
David  hmjeth  Araunah*s  threshing- floor ; 
 
 II.  SAMUEL. 
 
 he  luildetk  there  an  altar  unto  the  Lord, 
 
 Before  from  the  morning  even  to  the  time  appointed ;  and 
 ci.rid  jjgj  of  the  people  from  Dan,  even  to  Beer- 
 
 fheba,  feventy  thouCand  men. 
 
 16  And  when  the  angel  ftretched  out  his  hand  up- 
 a  1  Sam.  on  Jerufaleiii  to  dettroy  it,  *  the  Lord  repented  him 
 15.11.  of  the  evil,  and  faid  to  the  angel  that  deltroyed  the! 
 
 people,  It  is  enough  ;  Itay  now  thine  hand.  And  the 
 angel  of  the  Lord  was  by  the  threlhing-place  of 
 Araunah  the  Jebufite. 
 
 17  And  David  Ipake  unto  the  Lord,  when  he  fawj 
 the  angel  that  fmote  the  people,  and  laid,  Lo,  I  have  | 
 finned,  and  I  have  done  wickedly  :  but  thefe  Iheep, 
 what  have  tney  done  ?  Let  thine  hand,  I  pray  thee, 
 be  againft  me,  and  againli  my  father’s  houfe. 
 
 IS  II  And  Gad  came  that  day  to  David,  and  faid 
 unto  him,  Go  up,  rear  an  altar  unto  the  Lord  in  the 
 threfhing-floor  of  Araunah  the  Jebufite.  ^ 
 
 19  And  David,  according  to  the  faying  of  Gad, 
 went  up,  as  the  Lord  commanded. 
 
 20  And  Araunah  looked,  and  law  the  king  and  his  i 
 fervants  coming  on  toward  him  ;  and  Araunah  went 
 out,  and  bowed  himfelf  before  the  king  on  his  face 
 upon  the  ground. 
 
 famine.  It  is  faid  in  1  Chron.  xxi.  12.  To  be  only  three  years’  famine.  Some  j 
 conceive  it  to  be  an  error  in  our  tranllation  here,  and  that  the  true  reading  fliould  , 
 be  three  years.  But  it  is  more  probable  that  it  is  correa,  having  experienced  three 
 years’  famine  already  for  Saul’s  fin,  chap.  xxi.  And  thisfin  of  David  was  commit-  i 
 ted  on  the  following  year  which  was  fabbatical ;  or,  rather  not  fowing  the  third 
 year  on  account  of  the  excelfive  drought,  there  were  no  crops  the  fourth  year ;  and  I 
 three  years  more  being  added,  thefe  four  make  up  the  feven  mentioned  here.  Ver. 
 14.  Let  us  fall  into  the  hands  of  the  Lord;  that  is  under  his  immediate  flroke,  the  I 
 peftilence.  For  though  the  fword  and  famine  are  all'o  God’s  hand,  yet  there  is  ■ 
 alfo  the  hand  of  men,  or  other  creatures  in  them.  The  reafon  of  this  choice  was 
 partly  from  his  experience  in,  and  confidence  of  God  s  great  goodnefs  ;  partly  be- 
 caufe  the  other  judgments,  efpecially  the  fword,  would  have  been  more  diftionour-  j 
 able  to  God  and  true  religion  ;  and  alfo,  becaufe  having  finned  himfelf,  he  thought 
 it  juft  and  reafonable  to  choofe  fuch  a  plague,  to  which  he  was  as  obnoxious  as  his  j 
 people.  Ver.  15.  So  the  Lord  fent  a  pejlilence  upon  IfraeL  Which  lafted  from  | 
 morning  to  evening,  called  here  the  time  appointed.  Thus  God  mitigated  his  j 
 fentence,  and  turned  three  days  into  one,  upon  David  s  and  the  people  s  repentance ; 
 or  rather  fr,m  the  viornin^i  (or  from  that  morning,  for  the  article  feems  to  be  em- 
 phatical,  and  to  denote  that  very  morning  in  which  Gad  came  to  David,  and  that 
 the  plague  did  take  placf,  immediately  after  God’s  ofler  and  David’s  choice)  emi 
 to  the  time  appointed^  namely,  by  God,  that  is,  for  three  days  !  or,  which  leems 
 more  probable,  from  the  morning  to  the  time  appointed  for  evening  facrifice,  which 
 was  about  the  ninth  hour.  Thus  the  plague  moft  probably  lafted  from  the  morn¬ 
 ing  till  this  time  ;  that  is,  about  nine  hours.  Ver.  16.  And  when  the  angel Jl retched 
 out  his  hand  upon  Jerusalem.  It  is  fuppofed  the  angel  appeared  in  the  ftiape  of  a 
 man,  with  a  fword  in  his  hand,  1  Chron.  xxi.  16.  to  Ihew  that  this  was  not  natural. 
 
 I  21  And  Araunah  laid,  Wherefore  is  my  lord  the 
 king  come  to  his  fervant ;  And  David  laid,  to  buy 
 the  thralhing-floor  of  thee,  to  build  an  altar  unto  the 
 Lord,  that  ttte  plague  may  be  Itayed  from  the  people. 
 
 22  And  Arunah  find  unto  David,  Let  my  lord  the 
 king  take  and  offer  up  what  seemet/i  good  unto  him  : 
 behold,  here  be  oxen  lor  burnt-facrifice,  and  thralhing- 
 inllruments,  and  other  inftruments  of  the  oxen,  for 
 wood. 
 
 23  All  thefe  things  did  Araunah  as  a  king,  give  un¬ 
 to  the  king :  and  Araunah  laid  unto  the  king.  The 
 Lord  thy  God  accept  thee. 
 
 24  And  the  king  laid  unto  Araunah,  Nay ;  but  I 
 will  furely  buy  it  of  thee  at  a  price ;  neither  will  I 
 offer  burnt-offerings  unto  the  Lord  my  God  of  that 
 which  doth  coft  me  nothing.  So  David  bought  the 
 threfhing-floor  and  the  oxen  for  fifty  fhekels  of 
 filver. 
 
 25  And  David  built  there  an  altar  unto  the  Lord, 
 and  offered  burnt-offerings  and  peace-offerings.  So 
 the  Lord  was  entreated  for  the  land,  and  the  plague 
 was  flayed  from  Ifrael.* 
 
 or  a  common  plague,  but  inflifled  immediately  by  the  hand  of  God.  When  he  had 
 begun  to  fmite,  and  was  proceeding  to  make  a  very  great  flaughter,  God  caufed 
 him  to  moderate  it,  and  in  part  recalled  his  fentence.  Ver.  17.  Lo,  I havejinned 
 and  done  wickedly  ;  but  these  fheep  what  have  they  done  ?  Herein  David  fhews  his 
 juftice,  piety,  and  fatherly  care  over  his  people.  He  wifhed  the  judgment  rather 
 to  fall  upon  himfelf  and  his  family,  than  on  his  innocent  people.  Ver.  18.  And 
 Gad  came  that  day  to  David.  The  prophet  was  commanded  by  God  to  go  to  mount 
 Moriah,  the  place  appointed  for  this  work,  in  gracious  condefeenfion  to,  and  com¬ 
 pliance  with  David’s  fear  of  going  to  Gibeon,  which  is  exprefled,  1  Chron.  xxi.  29, 
 30.  partly,  becaufe  this  was  the  place  where  God  by  his  angel  appeared  in  a  threat¬ 
 ening  pofture,  and  becaufe  God  would  hereby  fignify  the  tranllation  of  the  taber¬ 
 nacle  from  Gibeon  hither,  and  the  ere<5lion  of  the  temple  here,  2  Chron.  iii.  1. 
 Ver.  23.  All  these  things  did  Araunah  as  a  king.  The  particle  as  being  underftood 
 as  it  is  often  in  the  Hebrew,  that  is,  with  a  royal  bounty ;  or,  Araunah  the  king,  as 
 I  he  might  be  called,  either  becaufe  be  was  the  king  of  the  Jebufites,  before  David 
 [  took  their  city  ;  or  becaufe  he  was  the  fon  and  heir  of  that  king.  He  was  a  Jebu- 
 I  file  by  nation,  but  a  hearty  profelyte,  which  made  him  fo  liberal  in  his  offers  to 
 God’s  fervice.  Ver.  24.  David  reje<fts  Araunali’s  gift,  as  it  would  be  dilhonour- 
 able  to  God,  and  a  difparagement  to  himfelf,  as  if  he  were  unwilling  and  unable 
 to  offer  a  facrifice  of  his  own  goods,  and  not  agreeable  to  the  command  of  God, 
 which  obligeth  all  offenders,  and  him  more  particularly,  to  offer  facrifices  of  their 
 own  eftate.  Ver.  25.  And  David  budt  there  an  altar  unto  the  Lord;  Which  he 
 might  well  do,  having  God’s  command  for  it,  and  the  place  being  fandlified  by 
 God’s  fpecial  prefence,  in,  and  by  the  angels.  So  the  Lord  was  entreated  for  the 
 land  ;  which  they  might  quickly  perceive,  by  the  fire  from  heaven  which  confumed 
 the  facrifice,  and  by  the  fpeedy  ceffation  of  the  plague. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XXIV.]  It  is  very  dangerous  when  the  fins  of  fubjetSls  provoke  God  to  permit  Satan  to  tempt  their  kings.  He 
 exadlly  difeerns  our  pride,  and  detefts  it,  and  every  thing  leading  to  or  produced  by  it.  It  is  great  caufeof  fhame  to  the  faints,  when  even  monfters  in  wickednefs  are 
 made  to  put  them  in  mind  of  the  promifes  of  God  and  of  their  own  duty.  The  pleafures  obtained  by  finful  methods  are  quickly  turned  into  tlie  gall  of  afps  w  ithin  us; 
 and  bitter  are  the  griefs,  and  great  the  ftraits  when  we  have  no  choice  allowed  us  by  God  but  deftrueffive  judgments.  Alas!  our  fins,  our  follies,  make  it  fo  I  But 
 let  a  lenfe  of  guilt  put  an  edge  of  importunity  on  our  prayers ; — it  may  be  the  Lord  will  be  gracious.  He  often  fmites  where  he  means  not  to  dellroy.  And  though 
 in  his  juft  judgment,  he  will  abafe  our  pride,  by  fmiting  our  idol,  he  will  mingle  mercy  with  judgment.  While,  therefore  we  tremble  at  bis  judgments,  let  us  beware 
 of  provokino-  him  by  our  fins.  How  it  ftings  a  generous  mind  to  have  others  fuffering  for  his  fins  !  But  under  all  our  guilt,  and  all  our  plagues,  let  Jefus,  our  altar, 
 our  facrifice*^  and  ranfom,  be  applied  to  as  the  means  of  obtaining  favour  with  our  God.  Let  facrifices  of  praife  attend  our  pardon  ;  and  every  manifeftation  of  it. 
 And,  how-ever  generous  our  friends  may  be,  let  us  never  willingly  come  under  needlefs  obligations  to  them  ;  and  never  let  us  with  to  ferve  God  at  the  expence  of 
 others.  But  let  it  be  our  conftant  concern  to  give  decifive  evidence,  that  we  love  him  fupremely,  and  that  we  confider  ourfelves  and  our  all  as  his  entire  propertj-,  by 
 devoting  the  whole  according  to  his  fovereign  and  righteous  will. 
 
t  THE  FIRST  BOOK  OF  THE 
 
 KING8. 
 
 THE  ARGUMENT. 
 
 Ihe  first  hook  oj  Kings  contains  the  history  of  the  reign  of  Solomon  the  son  of  David,  and  of  the  kings  of  Judah  and 
 Israel,  to  the  end  of  the  reign  of  JchoJiaphat  king  of  Judah,  and  Ahab  the  king  of  the  ten  tribes ;  which  includes 
 ihe  history  of  one  hundred  and  seventeen  years. 
 
 Before 
 
 Clirift 
 
 1015. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 entered 
 into  days. 
 f  Heb. 
 Let  them 
 seek. 
 t  Heb. 
 
 a  da?ns  'l, 
 a  virgin, 
 
 I  Heb. 
 he  a  che- 
 rijtter 
 unto  him. 
 
 Heb. 
 
 reign. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 Jrovi  his 
 days. 
 
 \  Heb. 
 his  words 
 were  with 
 Joab. 
 f  Heb. 
 helped  af¬ 
 ter  Ado- 
 iiyah. 
 
 I!  Or, 
 
 the  ivell 
 Jiogel. 
 
 CHAP.  1. 
 
 1  Abijhag  cherijheth  David  in  his  old  age.  5  Adonijah  uswrjirth  the 
 kingdom.  11  2\athayi  s  counsel  to  Bath-fheba,  15  Oie  mnoetlt  the  king. 
 26  David  reneweth  his  oath  to  Bath-Jheba,  cj-c. 
 
 NOW  king  David  was  old  arid  t  ftricken  in  years  ; 
 
 and  they  covered  him  with  clothes,  but  he  gat 
 no  heat. 
 
 2  Wherefore  his  fervants  faid  unto  him,  f  Let  there 
 be  fought  for  my  lord  the  king  f  a  young  virgin  ;  and 
 let  her  ftand  before  the  king,  and  let  her  f  cherilh 
 him,  and  let  her  lie  in  thy  bolbm,  that  iny  lord  the 
 king  may  get  heat. 
 
 3  So  they  fought  for  a  fair  damfel  throughout  all 
 the  coafts  of  Ifrael,  and  found  Abifhag  a  Shunamife 
 and  brought  her  to  the  king. 
 
 4  And  the  damfel  was  very  fair,  and  cherifhed  the 
 king,  and  miniflered  to  him  :  but  the  king  knew  her 
 nor. 
 
 5  ^  Then  Adonijah  the  fon  of  Haggith  exalted  him- 
 felf,  faying,  I  will  f  be  king :  and  he  prepared  him 
 chariots  and  horfemen,  and  fifty  men  to  run  before 
 him. 
 
 6  And  his  father  had  not  difpleafed  f  him  at  any 
 time  in  faying,  Why  haft  thou  done  fo  ?  and  he  alfo 
 was  a  very  goodly  man  >  and  his  mother  bare  him  after 
 Abfalom. 
 
 7  And  t  he  conferred  with  Joab  the  fon  of  Zeruiah, 
 and  with  Abiathar  the  prieft  ;  and  they,  f  following 
 Adonijah,  helped  him. 
 
 8  But  Zadok  the  prieft,  and  Benaiah  the  fon  of 
 Jehoiada,  and  Nathan  the  prophet,  and  Shimei,  and 
 Rei,  and  the  mighty  men  which  belonged  to  David, 
 were  not  with  Adonijah. 
 
 9  And  Adonijah  flew  (beep,  and  oxen,  and  fat 
 cattle,  bv  the  ftone  of  Zoheleth,  W'hich  is  by  1|  Enro- 
 gel,  and  called  all  his  brethren  the  king’s  fons,  and  all 
 the  men  of  Judah  the  king’s  fervants. 
 
 10  Bar  Nathan  the  prophet,  and  Benaiah,  and  ine 
 mighty  men,  and  Solomon  his  brother,  he  called  not. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  I.  Ver.  2.  Let  there  be  sought  a  young 
 virsin,‘—ihat  my  lord  the  king  may  get  heal.  The  advice  of  David’s  pliyfician  had 
 been  exceedingly  iioM,  and  fueh  as  he  could  not  have  followed,  had  not  this 
 voung  woman  become  his  concubinary  wife.  In  thofe  days  fuch  wives  were 
 allowable  •  and  that  ilie  ferved  him  in  this  capacity,  is  very  mamfeft  from  the 
 account  which  we  have  of  her  in  feripture ;  for  whereas  it  is  faid  that  the  king 
 1-7KXV  /ler  not,  this  certainly  implies,  that  he  might  have  had  carnal  knowledge 
 of  her  without  fin  orfcandal  ;  whereas  it  is  faid,  that /le  ley  in  his  bosom,  this 
 phrafe  in  feripture  every  where  denotes  what  was  the  lole  privilege  of  a  wife  or 
 cancubine,  Gen.  xvi.  5.  Deut  xiii.  6.  Nor  can  we  imagine,  why  Adonijah’s  de- 
 firing  her  in  marriage  had  been  fo  heinous  a  crime  in  Solomon’s  account,  had 
 Ihe  not  been  the  king’s  wife,  and  that  by  this  means,  defigned  to  revive  his  pre- 
 tenfions  to  the  crown.  Ver.  5.  I  wUl  he  king.  That  is,  as  Grotius  obferves, 
 immediately,  and  before  the  death  of  my  father.  Ver.  6.  His  father  had  not  dis¬ 
 pleased  him  at  any  time.  It  is  jufily  remarked,  that  one  of  David’s  greatefi 
 
 1 1  %  Wherefore  Nathan  fpake  unto  Bath-fheba  the  Before 
 mother  of  Solomon,  faying,  Haft  thou  not  heard  that 
 Adonijah  the  fon  of*  Haggith  doth  reign,  and  David 
 
 our  lord  knoweth  it  not  ?  aTs^ 
 
 12  Now  therefore  come,  let  me,  I  pray  thee,  gives.  4.™’ 
 thee  counfel,  that  thou  mayeft  fave  thine  own  life  and 
 
 the  life  of  thy  fon  Solomon. 
 
 13  Go  and  get  thee  in  unto  king  David,  and  fay  unto 
 him,  Didft  not  thou,  my  lord,  O  king,  fwear  unto 
 thine  handmaid,  faying,  Afluredly  Solomon  thy  fon 
 (hall  reign  after  m.e,  and  he  fhall  fit  upon  my  throne? 
 why  then  doth  Adonijah  reign  ? 
 
 14  Behold,  while  thou  yet  ta’keft  there  with  the 
 
 king,  I  alfo  will  come  in  after  thee,  and  confirm  f  thyf  Heb. 
 words.  '  Jill  up. 
 
 15  II  And  Bath-fheba  went  in  unto  the  king  into 
 the  chamber :  and  the  king  was  very  old  ;  and  Abi¬ 
 fhag  the  Shunamite  miniftered  unto  the  king. 
 
 16  And  Bath-fheba  bowed,  and  did  obeifance  unto 
 the  king.  And  the  king  faid,  f  What  wouldeft  thou  ?t 
 
 17  And  file  faid  unto  him,  My  lord,  thou  fwareft  by 
 the  Lord  thy  God  unto  thine  handmaid,  saying, 
 Afluredly  Solomon  thy  fon  fhall  reign  after  me,  and 
 he  fhall  fit  upon  my  throne. 
 
 18  And  now,  behold,  Adonijah  reigneth  ;  and  now, 
 my  lord  the  king,  thou  knoweft  it  noN 
 
 19  i\nd  he  hath  flain  oxen,  and  fat  cattle,  and  fheep 
 jin  abundance,  and  hath  called  all  the  Cons  of  the  king, 
 jand  Abiathar  the  prieft,  and  Joab  the  captain  of  the 
 i  hoft  :  but  Solomon  thy  fervant  hath  he  not  called. 
 
 i  20  And  thou  my  lord,  Oking,  the  eyes  of  all  Ifrael 
 \are  upon  thee,  that  thou  fhouldft  tell  them  who  fhall 
 ifit  on  the  throne  of  my  lord  the  king  after  him. 
 
 '  21  Otherwife  it  fhall  come  to  pafs,  when  my  lord 
 
 the  king  fhall  fleep  with  his  fathers,  that  1  and  my  fon 
 I  Solomon  fhall  be  counted  f  offenders.  t 
 
 ,  22  if  And,  lo,  while  (he  yet  talked  with  the  king/'”'*^’’*' 
 
 Nathan  the  prophet  alfo  came  in. 
 
 23  And  they  told  the  king,  faying,  Behold  Nathan 
 
 faults,  and  the  fource  whence  many  of  his  misfortunes  flowed,  was  his  exceffive 
 indulgence  to  his  children  ;  of  w'hom  he  was  fo  remarkably  fond,  that  he  overa 
 looked  tlieir  faults,  though  he  could  not  be  ignorant  that  this  was  a  breach  of 
 a  pofitive  law.  Lev.  xix.  17.  and  that  Eli  the  high  prieft,  was  feverely  punithed 
 for  this  negleift.  Ver*  7.  He  conferred  with  Joab.  Though  tliis  fon  of  Zeruiah 
 had  taken  off  one  of  David’s  fons  for  ufurpation,  yet  now,  knowing  that  the 
 good  old  king  was  worn  out  with  age,  he  follows  the  impulfe  of  ambition  fo  far 
 as  to  enter  into  a  contfjiracy  with  another,  and  concerts  meafures  with  Adonijah 
 to  depofe  his  father,  and  thus  added  rebellion  to  murder,  to  the  eternal  infamy 
 of  his  charadler.  Ver.  12.  That  thou  mayefl  Save  thine  own  life-.  They  would 
 both  have  been  an  immediate  facrifice,  had  Adonijah  fucceeded  in  his  treafonable 
 ufurpation,  that  he  might  have  rid  himfelf  of  a  dangerous  rival  to  the  throne. 
 This  Bath-fheba  herfelf  faw,  as  appears  ver.  21.  from  her  addrefs  to  the  king. 
 Ver.  15.  Bath-fneba  went — into  the  chamber.  She  had  this  privilege,  as  the  kings 
 wife,  without  afking  permilTionj  whereas  Natkan  was  bbliged  to  Itay  till  tliS 
 
"David  renemeth  his  oath  to  Bath-iheba, 
 
 I.  KINGS. 
 
 Sotomon  disrnisscth  daonijr 
 
 Before 
 
 Clirift 
 
 1015. 
 
 I  Hcb. 
 
 tet  king 
 jidonijiili 
 live. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 before  the 
 kins. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 iuliich  be- 
 longeth 
 to  tiie. 
 
 the  prophet.  And  when  he  was  come  in  before  the 
 king,  he  bowed  himl'elf  before  the  king  with  his  face 
 to  the  ground. 
 
 24  And  Nathan  faid.  My  lord,  O  king,  had:  thou 
 faid,  Adonijah  (hall  reign  after  me,  and  he  (hall  fit 
 upon  my  throne? 
 
 25  For  he  is  gone  down  this  day,  and  hath  (lain 
 oxen,  and  fat  cattle,  and  (heep  in  abundance,  and  hath 
 called  all  the  king’s  fons,  and  the  captains  of  the  holt, 
 and  Abiathar  the  prieft  ;  and,  behold,  they  eat  and 
 drink  before  him,  and  fay,  f  God  fave  king,  Adonijah. 
 
 26  But  me,  even  me  thy  lervant,  and  Zadok  the 
 prieft,  and  Benaiah  the  fon  of  Jehoiada,  and  thy  fer- 
 vant  Solomon,  hath  he  not  called. 
 
 2*7  Is  this  thing  done  by  my  lord  the  king,  and  thou 
 half  not  (hewed  it  unto  thy  fervant,  who  (hould  (it  on 
 the  throne  of  my  lord  the  king  after  him  ? 
 
 2S  H  Then  king  David  anfwered  and  faid.  Call  me 
 Bath-(heba  :  and  (he  came  f  into  the  king’s  prefence, 
 and  flood  before  the  king. 
 
 29  And  the  king  fware,  and  faid,  As  the  Lord 
 liveth,  that  hath  redeemed  my  foul  out  of  all  diftrefs. 
 
 30  Even  as  I  fware  unto  thee  by  the  Lord  God  of 
 Ifrael,  faying,  AlTuredly  Solomon  thy  fon  (hall  reign 
 after  me,  and  he  (hall  (it  upon  my  throne  in  my  (lead ; 
 even  fo  will  I  certainly  do  this  day. 
 
 31  Then  Bath-(heba  bowed  with  her  face  to  the 
 earth,  and  did  reverence  to  the  king,  and  faid,  Let 
 my  lord  king  David  live  for  ever. 
 
 32  H  And  king  David  faid,  Gall  me  Zadok  the 
 prieft,  and  Nathan  the  prophet,  and  Benaiah  the  fon 
 of  Jehoiada.  And  they  came  before  the  king. 
 
 33  The  king  alfo  faid  unto  them.  Take  with  you 
 the  fervants  of  your  lord,  and  caufe  Solomon  ray  fon 
 to  ride  upon  f  mine  own  mule,  and  bring  him  down 
 to  Gihon : 
 
 34  And  let  Zadok  the  priefl,  and  Nathan  the  pro¬ 
 phet,  anoint  -him  there  king  over  Ifrael ;  and  blow  ye 
 With  the  trumpet,  and  fay,  God  fave  king  Solomon. 
 
 35  Then  ye  (hall  come  up  after  him,  that  he  may 
 Come  and  fit  upon  my  throne  ;  for  he  (hall  be  king  in 
 my  ftead  :  and  1  have  appointed  him  to  be  ruler  over 
 Ifrael  and  over  Judah. 
 
 36  And  Benaiah  the  fon  of  Jehoiada  anfwered  the 
 king,  and  faid,  Amen :  the  Lord  God  of  my  lord 
 the  king  Ly  fo  too. 
 
 37  As  the  Lord  hath  been  with  tny  lord  the  king, 
 even  fo  be  he  with  Solomon,  and  make  his  throne 
 greater  than  the  throne  of  my  lord  king  David. 
 
 38  So  Zadok  the  prieft,  and  Nathan  the  prophet, 
 and  Benaiah  the  fon  of  Jehoiada,  and  the  Cherethites, 
 and  the  Belethites,  went  down,  and  caufed  Solomon 
 to  ride  Upon  king  David’s  mule,  and  brought  him  to 
 Gihon. 
 
 ting  gave  him  leave.  Ver.  24.  And  Nathan  iaid,  lord,  0  king,  hnjl  thou  faid, 
 Adonijah  fiall  reign  after  me,  &c.  God  had  before  proinifed  David  by  Nathan,  2 
 •Sam.  vii.  12.  tliat  he  would  fet  upon  his  throne  a  fon,  that  Ihould  proceed  from 
 him,  which  plainly  llgnified,  that  none  of  his  fons  already  bom  were  to  be  the 
 perfon;  and  in  1  Chron.  xxii.  9,  &c.  he  declared  by  the  fame  prophet,  that,  after 
 Ills  death,  Solomon  fliould  reign,  and  build  him  an  houfe.  This  Adonijah  could 
 not  but  know  ;  and  therefore  his  fetting  himfelf  againll  the  decree  of  heaven 
 made  his  fin  the  greater.  Ver.  30.  Solomon  thy  fon  f tail  reign  after  me.  This 
 power  of  naming  a  fucceflbr  was  firft  affumed  by  David,  and  for  Ibme  time  after¬ 
 wards  (as  appears  by  the  hiftory  of  his  grandfon  Rehoboam)  was  continued  in  the 
 Jewifli  Hate.  Ver.  33.  Cavfc  Solomon — to  ride  upon  mine  own  mule.  All  the 
 reft  of  David’s  fons  were  wont  to  ride  upon  mules,  when  they  went  abroad,  2  Sam. 
 
 i  fore. 
 
 39  And  Zadok  the  prieft  took  an  horn  of  oil  ouc 
 of  the  tabernacle,  and  anointed  Solomon:  and  they  . 
 blew  the  trumpet ;  and  all  the  people  laid,  God  Cave 
 king  Solomon. 
 
 40  And  all  the  people  came  up  after  him  ;  and  the 
 people  piped  with  |l  pipes,  and  rejoiced  with  great  joy,  'A 
 fo  that  the  earth  rent  with  the  found  of  them. 
 
 41  If  And  Adonijah,  and  all  the  guefts  that  'were 
 with  him,  heard  it  as  they  had  made  an  end  of  eating. 
 And  when  Joab  heard  the  found  of  the  trumpet,  he 
 (aid.  Wherefore  h  this  noife  of  the  city  being  in  an 
 uproar  ? 
 
 42  And  while  he  yet  fpake,  behold,  Jonathan  the 
 fon  of  Abiathar  the  prieft  came:  and  Adonijah  faid 
 unto  him,  Come  in ;  for  thou  art  a  valiant  man,  and 
 bringeft  good  tidings. 
 
 43  And  Jonathan  anfwered  and  faid  to  Adonijah, 
 Verily  our  lord  king  David  hath  made  Solomon  king. 
 
 44  And  the  king  hath  fent  with  him  Zadok  the 
 prieft,  and  Nathan  the  prophet,  and  Benaiah  the  fon 
 of  Jehoiada,  and  the  Cherethites,  and  the  Pelethites, 
 and  they  have  caufed  him  toride  upon  the  king’s  mule  : 
 
 45  And  Zadok  the  prieft,  and  Nathan  the  prophet, 
 have  anointed  him  king  in  Gihon  :  and  they  are  come 
 up  from  thence  rejoicing,  fo  that  the  city  rang  again. 
 'I’his  is  the  noife  that  ye  have  heard. 
 
 46  And  alfo  Solomon  fitteth  on  the  throne  of  the 
 kingdom. 
 
 47  And  moreover,  the  king’s  fervants  came  to  blefs 
 our  lord  king  David,  faying,  God  make  the  name  of 
 Solomon  better  than  thy  name,  and  make  his  throne 
 greater  than  thy  throne :  and  the  king  bowed  him¬ 
 felf  upon  the  bed. 
 
 48  And  alfo  thus  faid  the  king,  BlefTed  le  the  Lord 
 God  of  Ifrael,  which  hath  given  one  to  fit  on  ray  throne 
 this  day,  mine  eyes  even  feeing  it- 
 
 49  And  all  the  guefts  that  were  with  Adonijah  were 
 afraid,  and  rofe  up,  and  went  every  man  bis  way. 
 
 50  11  And  Adonijah  feared  becaufe  of  Solomon,  and 
 arofe,  and  went,  and  caught  hold  on  the  horns  of  the 
 altar. 
 
 51  And  it  was  told  Solomon,  faying,  Behold,  Ado¬ 
 nijah  feareth  king  Solomon  :  for,  lo,  he  hath  caught 
 hold  on  the  horns  of  the  altar,  faying.  Let  king  Solo¬ 
 mon  fwear  unto  me  to-day,  that  he  will  not  (lay  his 
 fervant  with  the  fword. 
 
 52  And  Solomon  faid,  If  he  will  (hew  himfelf  a 
 worthy  man,  there  (hdl  not  an  hair  of  him  fall  to  the 
 earth :  but  if  wickednefs  fhall  be  found  in  him,  he 
 (hall  die. 
 
 53  So  king  Solomon  fent,  and  they  brought  him 
 down  from  the  altar.  And  he  came  and  bowed  him¬ 
 felf  to  king  Solomon  ;  and  Solomon  (aid  unto  him, 
 
 Go  to  thine  houfe. 
 
 xiii.  29.  but  David  bad  a  mule  peculiar  to  himfelf,  and  the  mounting  of  Solomon 
 upon  it  was  a  fufficient  declaration  of  his  favour.  Gihon  was  a  little  river  or 
 brook  near  Jerufalen,  which  difeharged  itfelf  into  the  brook  Kidron,  and  in  the 
 Chaldee  is  called  by  its  modern  name  Siloah.  It  was  afterwards  rendered  famous 
 by  the  noble  work  of  llezekiah,  2  Chron.  xxxii.  Maimonides,  and  other  Jewifli 
 do(5lors  in  the  Talmud,  alfert,  that  the  kings  of  the  houfe  of  David  were  all 
 obliged  to  be  anointed  at  the  fide  of  a  fountain  or  river,  which  they  fay  was  the 
 reat'on  why  David  commanded  his  fervants  “  to  bring  his  fon  down  to  Gihon," 
 and  there  anoint  him.  Ver.  30.  And  Adoiiijah  feared, — and  went,  atid  caught 
 hold  on  the  horns  of  the  altar.  Though  no  preeept  in  the  law  makes  the  altar  3 
 privileged  place,  the  Jews,  in  conformity  to  the  cuftom  of  other  nations,  feera  t6 
 iiave  confidered  it  as  fuch. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  I.]  The  ftrongeft  conftitution  of  men  quickly  waftes  of  itfelf,  and  every  proje<5I  for  retaining  llrength  or  vigour, 
 •is  foolifli  and  ineffecSlual.  What  dying  v^-urms  the  greateft  of  men  are  j  and  how  tertain  is  it  that  death  hath  paffed  on  all  men,  becaufe  all  have  fisned.  Rut  Oh  I 
 
 No,  21„„6d.  4  F 
 
David’s  charge  to  "Solomon, 
 
 I.  KINGS. 
 
 Btfgre 
 
 Chrift 
 
 1015. 
 
 chap.  II. 
 
 1  Davicl,  having  gi^n  a  charg,  to  So!omo„,  3  a/ religiousneA  5  ofjoab,  7 
 O’  BarsiUai,  S  o  Shinu’i-,  0  dieth.  \  2  Solomon  succeedeth.  IS  Adoni- 
 jnh,  moving  Bath-shcba  to  sue  unU  Solomon  for  Ahiskag,  is  put  to  death. 
 
 %  "  ’’  <idprivcd  of  the  priesthood. 
 
 jWT  j.  days  of  David  drew-nign  that  he  fhould 
 die ;  and  he  charged  Solomon  his  fon,  laying, 
 
 2  1  go  the  way  ol  all  the  earth  :  be  thou  ftrong 
 therefore,  and  (hew  fhyfelf  a  man  ; 
 
 3  And  keep  the  charge  of  the  Lord  thy  God,  to 
 
 walk  in  his  ways,  to  keep  his  ftatutes,  and  his  com- 
 manvlments,  and  his  judgments,  and  his  teftimonies, 
 as  it  is  written  in  the  law  of  Mofes,  that  thou  mayelt 
 *  11  prolper  in  all  that  thou  doeft,  and  whitherl'oever  I 
 thou  turned;  thyfelf ;  i 
 
 -!•  1  hat  the  Lord  may  continue  his  word  which  hej 
 fpake  concerning  me,  faying,  If  thy  children  take  heed ! 
 to  their  way,  to  walk  before  me  in  truth,  with  all  their'; 
 heart,  and  with  all  their  foul,  ^  there  (hall  not  f  fail 
 thee  (faid  he,)  a  man  on  the  throne  of  Ifrael.  1 
 
 be  cut  off  5  Moreover,  thou  knoweft  allb  what  Joab  the  fon! 
 
 from\he  Zeruiah  did  to  me,  and  what  he  did  to  the  two 
 
 captains  of  the  hofts  of  Ifrael,  unto  =  Abner  the  fon  of 
 Ner  ;  and  unto  ^  Amafa  the  fon  of  Jether,  whom  he 
 (lew,  and  f  (bed  the  blood  of  war  in  peace,  and  put 
 the  blood  of  war  upon  his  girdle  that  teas  about  his 
 loins,  and  in  his  (hoes  that  ~xcre  on  his  feet 
 
 6  Do,  therefore,  according  to  thy  vvifdom,  and  let 
 not  his  hoar  head  go  dov%n  lo  the  grave  in  peace. 
 
 7  But  (hew  kindnefs  unto  the  fons  of  ^  Barziilai  the 
 Gileadite,  and  let  them  be  of  thofe  that  eat  at  thy 
 table ;  for  fo  they  came  to  me  when  I  fled  becaufe  of 
 Abfalom  thy  brother. 
 
 8  And,  behold,  than  hast  with  thee  ^  Shimei  the  fon ' 
 of  Gera,  a  Benjamite  of  Bahurim,  which  curled  me 
 with  a  t  grievous  curfe,  in  the  day  when  I  went  to; 
 Mahanaim :  but  he  came  dowm  to  meet  me  at  Jordan,  i 
 
 2  Sair.  and  s  I  (ware  to  him  by  the  Lord,  faying,  I  will  not  | 
 put  thee  to  death  with  the  fvvord.  j 
 
 9  Now  therefore  hold  him  not  guiltlefs  :  for  thou 
 
 a  Deut. 
 29,  9. 
 Jofliua 
 1.  7. 
 
 1!  Or, 
 
 do  U'iselj/. 
 b  2  Sana, 
 7.  12. 
 t  Heb. 
 
 throne, 
 c  2  Sam. 
 3.  27. 
 d  2  Sam. 
 20.  10. 
 t  Heb. 
 ^uU 
 
 e  2  Sam. 
 19.  31. 
 
 f  2  Sam. 
 16.  5. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 strong. 
 
 19.  23. 
 
 Adonijah^s  petition fof  Ahishag  to 
 
 art  a  wife  man,  and  knoweft  what  thou  oughteft  to  Before 
 do  unto  him ;  but  his  hoar  head  bring  thou  down  to 
 the  grave  with  blood.  ^ 
 
 10  M  So  ’’  David  dept  with  his  fathers,  and  wasLla^' 
 
 buried  in  the  city  of  David.  o.  29.\ 
 
 11  And  the  days  that  David  ‘  reigned  over  Ifrael 
 xvere  forty  years  :  feven  years  reigned  he  in  Hebron, 
 and  thirty  and  three  years  reigned  he  in  Jerufalera.  ’  f 
 
 12  H  “^Then  fit  Solomon  upon  the  throne  of  David  SD.aeS. 
 his  father ;  and  his  kingdom  was  eftablilhed  greatly.  ^  '  Ohroi 
 
 13  H  And  Adonijah  the  (bn  of  Haggith  came  to“^{o?4 
 Bath.fheba  the  mother  of  Solomon  ;  and  (he  faid, 
 Comeit  thou  peaceably?  And  he  (aid.  Peaceably. 
 
 14  He  faid  moreover,  I  have  femewhat  to  lay  unto 
 thee.  And  (he  (aid,  Say  on. 
 
 15  And  he  faid,  Thou  knoweft  that  the  kingdom 
 w'as  mine,  and  that  all  Ifrael  let  their  faces  on  me,  that 
 I  (hould  reign :  howbeit  the  kingdom  is  turned  about, 
 and  is  become  my  brother's :  for  it  was  his  from  the 
 Lord. 
 
 16  And  now  I  afle  one  petition  of  thee,  f  deny  met 
 
 not.  And  (he  faid  unto  him.  Say  on.  tummt 
 
 17  And  he  faid,  Speak,  I  pray  thee,  unto  Solomonjrcer"^ 
 the  king,  (for  he  will  not  fay  thee  nay,)  tnat  he  give 
 
 me  Abilhag  the  Shunammite  to  wife, 
 
 18  And  Bath-lheba  faid,  Weil  ;  I  will  fpeak  for 
 thee  unro  the  king. 
 
 19  Bath-fiieba  therefore  went  unto  king  Solomon, 
 to  fpeak  unto  him  for  Adonijah.  And  the  king  rofe 
 up  to  meet  her,  and  bowed  himfelf  unto  her,  and  (at 
 down  on  his  throne,  and  caufed  a  feat  to  be  fetfer  the 
 king’s  mother  ;  and  fhe  fat  on  his  right-hand. 
 
 20  Then  (he  faid,  I  defire  one  (mail  petition  of  thee  : 
 
 I  pray  thee,  fay  me  not  nay.  And  the  king  faid  unto 
 her,  Aik  on  my  mother  ;  for  I  will  not  fay  thee  nay. 
 
 21  And  (he  faid.  Let  Abilhag  the  Shunammite  be 
 given  to  Adonijah  thy  brother  to  wife. 
 
 22  And  king  Solomon  anlwtred  and  faid  unto  his 
 mother.  And  why  doft  thou  ailc  Abilhag  the  Shunam- 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  II.  Ver.  3.  Keep  the  charge  of  the' 
 ford  thy  God.  In  this  fummary  all  the  laws  of  Mofes  are  comprehended.  Sta¬ 
 tutes  were  fuch  conftitutions  as  had  their  foundation  not  in  reafoii,  but  in  the  will 
 and  pleafurc  of  God.  Commandments  were  moral  duties,  founded  in  tlie  nature 
 of  things.  Judgments  were  the  laws  relating  to  civil  government,  and  the  dealings 
 of  one  man  w  ith  another.  And  Ttjtimunies  were  fuch  laws  as  preferved  the 
 remembrance  of  feme  events,  and  tefiified  to  meet  the  loving-Jcindnefs  of  the  Lord. 
 That  thou  mayest  prosper.  The  Hebrew  fignifies,  “  that  thou  mayeft  do  wifely,” 
 Ter.  6.  L,t  not  his  hoar  head  go  down  to  the  grave  in  peace.  David’s  dying  order  ' 
 was  an  order  worthy  of  a  good  king,  and  fit  to  be  given  in  the  laft  moments  of 
 his  life.  Many  rcafons  concurred  to  prevent  David  s  calling  him  to  an  account  ; 
 but  it  is  plain  that  he  never  forget  nor  forgave  his  crime ;  nay,  he  could  not, 
 confiflently  with  the  law,  have  forgiven  him,  if  he  had  been  inclined  to  it.  His 
 deferring  his  punillimcnt  fo  long,  was  no  reafon  why  he  Ihould  always  do  it  ; 
 reafens  of  date  prevented  its  being  inflicted  before,  and  realons  offlate  required 
 its  being  put  in  execution  at  this  juncture.  In  time  of  war  it  was  dangerous  to 
 attempt  it  on  account  of  the  power,  influence,  and  military  fkill  of  Joab  ;  in  time 
 ef  peace  it  was  fafe,  becaufe  Joab’s  power  was  then  on  the  decline,  and  his  fervices 
 were  unnecefTary.  Tliough  Joab  had  been  his  faithful  general,  and  frequently  | 
 affifted  David  in  his  e.xtremities,  yet  private  obligations  are  in  their  nature  inferior,  j 
 and  ought  to  give  way  to  public  ones  ;  and  the  yielding  up  fuch  an  offender  to  • 
 public  juftice,  when  perfoiial  obligations  might  have  been  pleaded  in  his 
 favour,  was  a  nobler  facrifice  in  its  nature,  and  renders  David  s  merits, 
 as  a  prince,  the  more  illufirious.  \er.  7.  The  sons  oj  Barziilai.  Bar- 
 zillai  had  defired  David  to  be  kind  only  to  Chimham,  but  he  extends  his  bene¬ 
 volence  to  all  the  fbns  of  Barziilai  :  which  fliews  the  greatnefs  of  his  generofity, 
 
 and  the  goodnefs  of  his  heart  to  the  highefl  advantage.  Ver.  8,  9.  Thou  hajl 
 U'ltk  thee  Shimei — his  hoar  head  brbig  thou  down.  The  reader  will  not  forget 
 who  Shimei  was.  It  appears  by  the  expreffion.  Behold  thou  haJl  tvUh  thee,  that 
 he  vva.s  now  in  Jerui'alem ;  and  therefore  David  thought  this  a  favourable  op¬ 
 portunity  for  confining  him,  that  be  might  not  f'pread  difaffeHion  to  Solomon’s 
 governnient  amongft  thofe  of  his  own  tribe,  or  any  of  the  other  tribes  of 
 Ifrael  •  a  precaution  the  more  ncceffary  in  the  infancy  of  Solomon’s  reign, 
 and  as  I'ome  of  his  bi'ethren  were  inclined  to  difpute  with  him  the  fuccefiion 
 to  the  crown  ;  and  it  is  far  from  being  improbable  that  he  was  in  the  party 
 with  Adonijah  againft  Solomon,  as  he  was  before  in  that  of  Abfalom  agaiult 
 David;  and  that  this  is  the  true  reafon  of  thefe  words.  Hold  not  him  guiltlf, 
 that  is,  thoiigli  I  forgave  him,  and  fwore  to  him  that  he  fllould  not  die, 
 do  not  thou  look  on  him  as  an  innocent  man,  that  is  reconciled  to  my  family, 
 and  tliy  fuccefiion  in  the  throne  of  Ifrael.  He  is  Shimei  Hill,  and  wants  notliiiig 
 but  a  fair  opportunity  to  declare  it.  Clear  him  not,  therefore,  as  I  did,  if  thca 
 findeil  him  guilty  of  any  mal-pratflices,  but  his  hoar  head  bring  thou  down  to  Ike 
 grave,  cut  him  off'  as  an  old  offender  and  dangerous  enemy,  to  fecure  thy  own 
 peace,  and  the  fafety  of  thy  government.  In  this  lenfe  Jofephus  uiiderllands 
 his  words  ;  “  He  then,”  fays  he,  “  obtained  a  promife  of  lecurity  from  me, 
 but  do  thou  when  thou  canst  Jind  any  just  cause  punish  him.”  And  how  is  this 
 inconfiflent  with  piety,  or  the  advice  of  a  prince  on  his  death  bed  ?  It  is  true  for- 
 givfcuefs  of  enemies  is  a  duty,  provided  they  ceafe  to  become  our  enemies  ;  hut 
 no  man  is  obliged  by  any  law,  fo  to  forgive  an  enemy,  continuing  fuch,  as  nut 
 to  take  the  proper  methods  to  guard  againll  the  effetfl  of  his  enmity,  and  bring 
 hini  to  juftice,  if  no  other  method  will  prove  effecilual.  Ver.  11.  Seven  years 
 reigned  he  in  Hebron.  More  preeifely,  feven  years  and  fix  months,  2  Sam.  v. 
 
 the  unknown,  inexpreffible  glory,  contained  in  thefe  words  ;  “Jefus  ChrifI,  the  fame  yefterday,  and  to  day,  and  for  evm-.  And  •<  Becaufe  I  live,  ye  fliall  hvealfo ! 
 Ambition  of  honour  leads  many  to  trample  on  the  ordinances  of  God  and  man.  But  God  eafily  defeats  every  projeH  inconfiflent  with  his  promife,  even  when  rt 
 feem,  fully  fecureJ.  And  they  who  know  his  will  ought  zealoufly  to  feekits  accomplifliment  To  leave  church  and  Hate  in  a  profperous  condition  is  the  joy  of  every 
 dvin-r  faint.  'What  difeouragement  and  danger  attend  a  bafe  caufe !  How  becoming  is  it  when  kings  are  not  lefs  juft  than  merciful.  But  much  move  lovely  and 
 anmiim  the  conduH  of  Jehovah,  who  delights  to  Ihew  mercy  to  thevilefl  finners  while  lie  maintains  the  glory  of  his  charaHer  and  the  purity  ot  Ins  government. 
 
Adonijah  and  Joah  slain. 
 
 I.  KINGS. 
 
 Shin'.Li  jnd  to  death , 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 1014. 
 
 !  2  Sam. 
 V.  12,  13. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 a  mmi  of 
 death. 
 
 m  1  Sam. 
 2.  31— 
 €5. 
 
 n  2  Sam. 
 3.  27. 
 o  2  Sam. 
 20.  10. 
 
 mite  for  Adonijah  ?  afk  for  him  the  kingdom  alfo  ; 
 (for  he  is  mine  elder  brother;)  even  for  him,  and  foi 
 Abiafhar  the  priefl,  and  for  Joab  the  ion  of  Zeruiah. 
 
 23  Then  king  Solomon  I'wareby  the  Lord,  faying, 
 God  do  lb  tome,  and  more  alfo,  if  Adonijah  have  not 
 fpoken  this  word  againlt  his  own  life. 
 
 24  Now  therefore,  os  the  Lord  liveth,  which  hath 
 elhblifhed  me,  and  let  me  on  the  throne  of  David  my 
 father,  and  who  hath  made  me  an  houfe,  as  he  *  pro- 
 mifed,  Adonijah  (hall  be  put  to  death  this  day. 
 
 2.5  And  king  Solomon  fent  by  the  hand  of  Benaiah 
 the  fon  of  Jehoiada ;  and  he  tell  upon  him  that  he  died. 
 
 26  H  And  unto  Abiathar  the  prieft,  faid  the  king. 
 Get  thee  to  Anathoth,  unto  thine  own  field.s ;  for  thou 
 art  t  worthy  of  death  :  but  1  wiil  not  at  this  time  put 
 thee  to  death,  becaufethou  bearefi:  the  ark  of  the  Lord 
 God  before  David  my  father,  and  becaufe  ti'ou  haft 
 been  aftliffed  in  all  wherein  my  father  was  afli  cfed. 
 
 27  So  Solomon  thruft  out  Abiathar  from  being 
 prieft  un.o  the  Lord  :  that  he  might  fulfil the  word 
 of  the  Lord,  which  he  fpake  concerning  the  houfe  of 
 Eli  in  Shiloh. 
 
 28  ^  Then  tidings  came  to  Joab ;  (for  Joab  had 
 turned  after  Adonijah,  though  he  turned  not  after 
 Abfalom  ;)  and  Joab  fled  unto  the  tabernacle  of  the 
 Lord,  and  caught  hold  on  the  horns  of  the  altar. 
 
 29  And  it  was  told  king  Solomon  that  Joab  was 
 fled  unto  the  tabernacle  of  the  I..ord  ;  and,  behold, 
 he  is  by  the  altar  :  then  Solomon  fent  Benaiah  the  fon 
 of  Jehoiada,  faying.  Go,  ^'all  upon  him. 
 
 30  And  Benaiah  came  to  the  tabernacle  of  the 
 Lord,  and  faid  unto  him,  Thus  faith  the  king,  Come 
 forth.  And  he  faid.  Nay ;  but  I  will  die  here.  And 
 Benaiah  brought  the  king  word  again,  faying,  Thus 
 faid  Joab,  and  thus  he  anfwered  me. 
 
 3 1  Arid  the  king  faid  unto  him.  Do  as  he  hath  faid, 
 and  fall  upon  him,  and  bury  him  ;  that  thou  mayeft 
 take  away  the  innocent  blood,  which  Joab  fhed,  from 
 me,  and  from  the  houle  of  my  father. 
 
 32  And  the  Lord  fhall  return  his  blood  upon  his 
 own  head,  who  fell  upon  two  men  more  righteous  and 
 better  than  he,  and  flew  them  with  the  fword,  my  fa¬ 
 ther  David  not  knowing  thereof.,  to  ivit,  "  Abner  the 
 fon  of  Ner,  captain  of  the  hold  of  Ifrael,  and  °  Amalii 
 the  fon  of  Jether,  captain  of  the  hott  of  Judah. 
 
 33  Their  blood  Ihall  therefore  return  upon  the 
 head  of  Joab,  and  upon  the  head  of  his  feed  for  ever  ; 
 but  upon  David,  and  upon  his  feed,  and  upon  his 
 
 but  fmaller  periods  are  often  neglecfted.  Ver.  22.  4/k/or  him  the  kingdom  alfo. 
 Adonijah,  by  afking  Abithag,  David’s  wife,  did  in  fabl  atk  the  kingdom  alfo,  be- 
 caulcthe  wives  of  the  deceafed  monarch  could  only  belong  to  the  perfon  who  fuc- 
 ceeded  to  the  throne ;  and  Abithag  was  the  concubine,  that  is,  a  kind  of  fecondary  ^ 
 "■ite  to  David.  Ver.  27.  Solomon  thrust  out  Abiathar.  The  chief  pvi ells  were 
 appointed  by  the  kings,  and  were  removed  or  put  to  deatli  by  them  on  account  of. 
 any  enormous  crime,  an  ,  in  order  to  drew  their  inferiority,  always  apireared  (land-  i 
 ing  in  the  royal  prefence — that  he  might  fuljit.  The  word  that  does  not  exprtds  j 
 any  defign  or  intention  of  Solomon  to  fulfil  the  threat  denounced,  1  Sam.  ii.  31.  I 
 but  that  the  event  itl’elf  was  an  accomplilhment  of  that  threat :  and  it  is  obferv.ahle,  I 
 
 king.  The  faying  is 
 faid,  fo  wiil  thy  fer- 
 
 Bctbre 
 ClirHl 
 1 01  ■!. 
 
 noufe,  and  upon  his  throne,  ihall  there  be  peace  for 
 ever  from  the  I.,ord. 
 
 34  So  Benaiah  the  fon  of  Jehoiada  went  up  and 
 fell  upon  him,  and  flew  him  ;  and  he  was  buried  in 
 his  own  houfe  in  the  wildernels. 
 
 35  51  And  the  king  put  Benaiah  the  fon  of  Jehoiada, 
 n  his  room  over  the  hoft;  and  Zadok  the  prieft  did 
 ne  king  put  in  the  room  of  Abiathar. 
 
 36  51  And  the  king  fent  and  called  for  Shimei,  and 
 (aid  unto  him,  Build  thee  an  houfe  in  Jerufaiem,  and 
 dwell  there,  and  go  not  forth  thence  any  whither. 
 
 37  For  it  (hall  be,  that  on  tlic  day  thou  goelt  out, 
 and  pafleft  over  the  brook  ICidron,  thou  lhah  know 
 for  certain  that  thou  (halt  furely  cie  :  thy  blood  (hall 
 be  upon  thine  own  head. 
 
 1  38  And  Shimei  faid  unto  the 
 
 'good  :  as  my  lord  the  king  hath 
 vant  do.  And  Shimei  dwelt  in  Jerul'alem  many  days. 
 
 39  And  it  came  to  pal's  at  the  end  of  three  years, 
 that  two  of  the  fervants  of  Shimei  ran  away  unto 
 Achi(h,  fonof  Maachah  king  of  Gath  ;  and  they  told 
 Shimei,  faying,  Behold,  thy  fervants  in  Gath. 
 
 40  And  Shimei  arofe  anci  I'addled  his  afs,  and  went 
 to  Gath,  to  Achiih,  to  feek  his  fervants ;  and  Shimei 
 went,  and  brought  his  fervants  from  Gash. 
 
 41  And  it  was  told  Solomon  that  Shimei  had  gone 
 from  Jerulalera  to  Gath,  and  was  come  again. 
 
 42  And  the  king  fent  and  called  for  Shimei,  and 
 faid  unto  him.  Did  I  not  make  thee  to  fwear  by  the 
 Lord,  and  prorefted  unto  thee,  faying.  Know  for  a 
 certain,  that  on  the  day  thou  goeft  out,  and  walkeft 
 abroad^  any  whither,  that  thou  (halt  furely  die?  and 
 thou  faidft  unto  me,  The  word  that  I  have  heard  is 
 good. 
 
 43  Why  then  haft  thou  not  kept  the  oath  of  the 
 Lord,  and  the  commandment  that  1  have  charged 
 thee  with  ? 
 
 44  The  king  faid  moreover  to  Shimei,  Thou  know- 
 (t  all  the  wdekednefs  which  thine  heart  is  privy  to, 
 
 that  thou  didft  to  D  ;vid  my  father;  therefore  the 
 Lord  (hail  return  thy  vvickecnefs  upon  thine  own 
 head  : 
 
 45  And  king  Solomon  shad  t^^bleffed,  and  the  throne 
 ot  David  (hall  be  eftabliihed  before  the  Lord  for  ever. 
 
 46  So  the  king  commanded  Benaiah  the  fon  of 
 Jehoiada ;  which  went  out,  and  fell  upon  him,  that 
 
 he  died.  ^  And  the  p  kingdom  was  eftabliihed  in  thep  2Chro. 
 hand  of  Solomon.*’ 
 
 1. 1, 
 
 that  the  Hebrew  fignifies  literally,  not  that  he  might  fulfU  the  word,  but  that  the 
 word  of  the  Lord  might  be  fuljillc!,  Ver.  31.  And  the  king  said,— Do  as  he 
 
 hath  fail.  Kill  him  at  the  very  altar  where  he  refolves  to  die.  This  adion  of. 
 Solomon  was  jullifled  by  Exod.  xxi.  13,  14.  Joab,  indeed,  hoped  by  flying  to  the 
 altar  to  have  elcapcd  capital  pimiiliment,  for  the  fame  roafou  as  Abiathar  rfeapej, 
 w.  ich  was  on  account  of  his  being  confecrateJ  to  God  and  his  fervice  ;  fo  Joab  by 
 tliis  means  confccrated  hin  i-l*';  i.ecaufe  the  laying  hold  of  the  altar  had  the  nature 
 of  a  vow'in  it  for  the  future,  .i:  -veil  as  the  hope  of  prefent  fafety.  This  mio-ht  be 
 inferred  from  the  nature  of  the  aitar,  which  famftified  that  which  toucheth  it^vhaU 
 ever  it  was. 
 
 I  RACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS - *  Chap.  II.]  Blefled  are  the  dead  wlm  die  in  the  Lord,  whether  they  be  rich  or  poor,  honoured  or  defpifed.  How 
 
 tranfporting  to  bear  dying  faints,  who  have  been  eminent  in  their  duty,  encouraging  their  furviving  friends  to  their  proper  duty!  How  often  do  wicked  men 
 loeni  to  folicit  their  own  ruin.  How  careful  ought  all  to  be  who  have  the  ear  of  their  fnperiors  to  weigh  well  the  advices  wh^ch  they  give  them'  The  due  execa 
 tion  of  juftice,  both  remunerative  and  vindicAivc^  is  the  .  eflahlilhment  of  the  prince’s  throne.  David  was  doubtlefs  one  of  the  moll  extraordinary  characters  that 
 ever  lived,  whether  we  confider  his  birth,  his  advancement  to  honour,  the  ufefulnefs  of  his  life,  bis  talents  and  piety,  or  his  backfliding  and  relloration.  And 
 te  was  no  doubt  intended  to  be  held  forth  as  a  monument  to  the  church  of  God  in  all  ages.  Let  his  moll  alloniibing  heights  of  devotion  (limulate  the  people  of  God 
 0  grow  in  grace,  and  in  the  knowledge  of  the  Lord  Jefus  Chrift;  and  let  the  almighty  and  abundant  mercy  of  God  in  reiloring  him  from  his  fad  falls  preferve 
 penitent  tranfgrelfors  from  defpair,  and  excite  them  to  return  to  the  Lord,  who  will  have  mercy  on  them,  and  to  oiir  God,  whcT  will  abundantly  pardon  —As 
 
I.  KINGS. 
 
 Solomon  vwrrldh  PhamoVs  Javoltcr,  Sc,  ' 
 
 .Heft'i’e 
 
 (.lirirt 
 
 CHAR  IIT. 
 
 1  marrL  th  Pharaoh',  dm, gbtcr.  2  Uigh  places  in  nse ;  Solomon 
 
 j-.tupc  th  at  Odh\,n.  5  Solomon,  at  Gibeon,  in  the  choice ‘lohh  h  God 
 
 ?  ^  wisdom,  riches,  Qiid  honou7\  ' 
 
 0  oinon  s jud^ynent  between  the  two  horlols  maketh  him  renowned* 
 
 a  2  Chro.  Ni)  Solomon  made  affinity  with  Pharaoh  king 
 '•  jL\,oi  Egypt,  and  took  Pharaoh’s  daughter,  and 
 brought  her  into  the  city  of  David,  until  he  had  made 
 an  end  of  building  his  own  houfe,  and  the  houfe  of 
 the  Lord,  and  the  wall  of  Jerufalem  roundabout. 
 
 2  Only  the  people  lacrificed  in  high  places,  be- 
 caule  there  was  no  houfe  built  unto  the  name  of  the 
 Lord  until  thofe  days. 
 
 3  And  Solomon  loved  the  Lord,  walking  in  the 
 fiatutes  of  David  his  father  :  only  he  facrificed  and 
 burnt  incenfe  in  high  places. 
 
 4  And  the  king  went  to  Gibeon  to  facrifice  there; 
 for  that  ’•joas  the  great  high  place  :  a  thouland  burnt- 
 offerings  did  Solomon  offer  upon  that  altar. 
 
 5  If  In  Gibeon  the  Lord  appeared  to  Solomon  in 
 a  dream  by  night :  and  God  faid,  Afk  what  I  (hall 
 give  thee. 
 
 6  And  Solomon  faid.  Thou  hafl  (hewed  unto  thy 
 B  Or,  fervant  David  my  father  great  11  mercy,  according  as 
 bounty,  walked  before  thee  in  truth,  and  in  righteouffiefs, 
 
 and  in  uprightnefs  of  heart  with  thee  ;  and  thou  haft 
 kept  for  him  this  great  kindnels,  that  thou  haft  given 
 him  a  ion  to  fit  on  his  throne,  as  it  is  this  day. 
 
 7  And  now  O  Lord  my  God,  thou  haft  made  thy 
 fervant  king  inftead  of  David  my  father  ;  and  I  om  but 
 a  little  child  ;  I  know  not  bow  to  go  out  or  come  in. 
 
 8  And  thy  fervant  rs  in  the  midft  of  thy  people 
 which  thou  haft  choferi,  a  great  people,  that  cannot  be 
 numbered  nor  counted  for  multitude. 
 
 b  5  Chro.  9  a  Give  therefore  thy  fervant  an  f  underftanding 
 ^  to  judge  thy  people,  that  I  may  difeern  between 
 
 \earing.  good  and  bad  :  for  who  is  able  to  judge  this  thy  fo 
 great  a  people. 
 
 10  And  the  fpeech  pleafed  the  Lord,  that  Solomon 
 had  aftced  this  thing. 
 
 1 1  And  God  faid  unto  him,  Becaufe  thou  haft  allced 
 Heb.  this  thing,  and  haft  not  afked  for  thyfelf  f  long  life  ; 
 
 many  neither  haft  alked  riches  for  thyl'elf,  nor  haft  aiked 
 
 days.  ijfg  Qf  thine  enemies  ;  but  haft  aiked  for  thyfelf 
 
 f  Heb  underftanding  t  to  difeern  judgment ; 
 to  hear,  j2  Behold,  I  have  done  according  to  thy  wotds  ; 
 
 j^XPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  III.  Ver.  1.  Solomon' — took  Pharaoh's 
 daughter.  This  was  contrary  to  the  Mof'aic  law,  unlefs  file  was  firft  a  profelyte  to 
 the  Jewiflt  religion,  which  in  all  probability  the  was,  as  appears  from  feveral 
 paiTages  in  the  plalms,  and  from  Solomon’s  fong;  Ver.  4.  the  king  went  to 
 Gib,on  tofacrijice  there.  The  tabernacle  and  brazen  altar  were  both  at  Gibeon  : 
 for  after  Shiloh  was  detlroyed,  tlie  tabernacle  was  carried  to  Nob  ;  and  the 
 priefts  being  llaLn  there  by  Saul}  it  was  removed  to  Gibeon,  2  Chro.  i.  3. 
 Ver.  5,  In,  Gibeo7i  the  Lord  appeared  to  Solomon  in  a  dream  by  night.  This  vifion 
 fferas  to  liave  happened  the  night  after  he  made  an  end  of  offering  his  burnt-offer¬ 
 ings,  which  he  doubtlefs  concluded  with  ardent  prayers  for  wifdom  ;  and  when  he 
 was  retired  to  reft,  God  was  pleafed  for  the  confirmation  of  his  faith,  to  hcSld  the 
 converfation  with  him  mentioned  in  the  following  verfes.  Ver.  7.  I  am  but 
 a  little  child.  Though  Solomon  was  at  this  time  but  a  young  man,  we  arc  not  to 
 understand  this  expreflion  in  a  literal  fenfe.  It  was  certainly  intended  by  Solo- 
 men  to  convey  the  idea  of  bis  inexperience  in  the  art  of  government,  and  was  the 
 eff^  fiion  of  his  humility,  in  which  fenfe  it  is  iikewifeufed,  Pfal.  cxxxi.  1,  3.  Ver. 
 1 2.  7 have  given  thee  a  wise  and  an  taiderstanding  heart.  Otherw  ife  men  accumu¬ 
 late  their  knowledge  by  study  and  obfervation  :  the  common  road  to  wifdom  is  full 
 of  difficulties :  but  Solomon  had  his  by  infpiration.  W’ithout  undergoing  the 
 tedious  and  fatiguing  toil  of  otlier  mortalfi  So  that  there  was  none  like  thee.  Sotne. 
 
 Ills  judgment  between  two  harhtg', 
 
 lo,  I  havo  given  thee  a  wife  and  an  underftanding 
 heafu .  (o  that  there  w'as  none  like  thee  before  thee 
 neither  after  thee  Ihall  any  arife  like  unto  thee  *  ^ 
 
 13  And  1  have  alfo  given  thee,  that  which  thouclS^ 
 halt  cot  aiked,  both  riches  and  honour ;  fothat  there  |l  h. 
 
 (hall  not  be  any  among  the  kings  like  unto  thee  all  thy 
 days.  •'  6. 33. 
 
 14  And  if  thou  wilt  walk  in  my  ways,  to  keep  mvL</r  wt 
 ftatutes  and  my  commandments,  as  thy  father  David 
 
 did  walk,  then  I  will  lengthen  thy  days.  d  chap, 
 
 15  And  Solomon  awoke;  and,  behold,  it  wus 
 dream :  and  he  came  to  Jerulalem,  and  ftood  before 
 the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  the  Lord,  and  offered  up 
 burnt  offerings,  and  offered  peace-offerings,  and  made 
 a  feaft  to  all  his  fervants. 
 
 16  H  Ihen  came  there  two  women,  that  were  har¬ 
 lots,  unto  the  king,  and  ftood  before  him. 
 
 17  And  the  one  woman  faid,  O  my  lord,  I  and 
 this  woman  dwell  in  one  houfe :  and  I  was  delivered 
 of  a  child  with  her  in  the  houfe. 
 
 18  And  it  came  to  pafs,  the  third  day  after  that 
 I  was  delivered,  that  this  woman  was  delivered  alio  ; 
 and  we  were  together  :  there  was  no  ftranger  with  us 
 in  the  houfe,  fave  we  two  in  the  houfe. 
 
 19  And  this  woman’s  child  died  in  the  night;  be- 
 caufe  fhe  overlaid  it. 
 
 20  And  fhe  arofe  at  midnight,  and  took  my  fon 
 :  from  befide  me,  w'hile  thine  handmaid  flepr,  and  laid 
 
 it  in  her  bofom,  and  laid  her  dead  child  in  my  bofom. 
 
 21  And  when  I  arofe  in  the  morning  to  give  my 
 child  fuck,  behold,  it  was  dead  :  but  when  I  had  con- 
 fidered  it  in  the  morning,  behold  it  was  not  my  fon 
 which  I  did  bear. 
 
 22  And  the  other  woman  faid,  Nay ;  but  the  living 
 is  my  fon,  and  the  dead  is  thy  Ion.  And  this  faid, 
 
 No ;  but  the  dead  is  thy  fon,  and  the  living  is  my 
 fon.  Thus  they  fpake  before  the  king. 
 
 23  Then  faid  the  king.  The  one  faith,  This  is  my 
 fon  that  liveth,  and  thy  fon  zs  the  dead  :  and  the  other 
 faith.  Nay  ;  but  thy  fon  is  the  dead,  and  my  fon  is  the 
 living. 
 
 24  And  the  king  faid,  Bring  me  a  fword.  And 
 they  brought  a  fword  before  the  king. 
 
 25  And  the  king  laid,  Divide  the  living  child  in 
 two,  and  give  half  to  the  one,  and  half  to  the  othen 
 
 26  Then  fpake  the  woman  whofe  the  living  child 
 
 reftrain  this  to  kings.  But  it  may  include  all  men  of  all  nations,  fince  he  is  faid 
 to  be  wifer  than  all  men,  which  mult  be  underflood  of  men  fince  the  fall  :  for 
 Adam  had  undoubtedly  had  a  larger  flock  of  knowledge  and  underftanding  in 
 his  flate  of  innocence  than  ever  Solomon  had.  Ver.  16.  Tivo  women  that  were 
 harlots.  'Pile  Hebrew  word  rendered  harlot,  fignifies  alfo  an  hi^lefs,  or  one  who 
 keeps  a  houfe  of  public  entertainment.  And  that  it  is  fo  to  be  taken  here,  we 
 have  thefe  rcafons  to  prefume  ;  That  as  all  public  proflitution  was  feverely 
 forbiddeh  by  the  law,  Deut.  xxiii.  17.  women  of  this  infamous  charadler  durll 
 not  have  prefented  themlelves  before  fo  juft  and  fo  wife  a  king.  There  is  no 
 reafon  to  fuppofe  then,  that  thefe  women  were  common  harlots ;  and  yet  it  is 
 generally  thought  that  they  were  both  unmarried  perfons,  and  guilty  of  for¬ 
 nication,  becaufe  ho  mention  is  made  of  their  hufbands,  whofe  office  it  was 
 (if  they  had  any)  to  contefl  tlie  matter  for  their  wives.  Ver.  25.  Divide  the 
 living  child  in  two,  Solomon  knew  at  once,  that  the  only  fign  that  would  dif- 
 cover  the  true  mother,  would  be  her  affeeSlion,  cotnpaflibn  and  teiidernefs  M 
 her  child ;  and  therefore,  in  order  to  dillinguilh  between  the  two,  his  bufmefs 
 was  to  make  tri  d  of  this  ;  and  if  we  fuppofe,  that  when  he  commanded  the 
 child  to  be  divided,  he  fpake  tvith  a  fedate  countenance,  and  feeming  earnefl- 
 nefs,  (as  the  true  mother’s  iietition  to  the  king  makes  it  apparent  he  did,)  then 
 we  fuppofe  farther,  not  only  the-  two  women,  but  all  the  people  prefent  ftruck 
 
 infinitely  higher  than  the  kings  of  the  earth.  Hail  !  hleffed  Jefus  !  thou  hafl  the  key  of  David  ;  thou  art  both  his  root  and  offspring.  Thou  hafl  taken  poffeffion 
 of  the  kingdom  of  Ifrael;  thou  flialt  co>  duel  them  to  vidtory  and  glory;  thou  fhalt  lead  and  guide  them  eternally  befide  fountains  of  living  waters,  and  God  Ihall 
 wipe  awa^all  tears  from  their  eyes.  Truly;  Lord,  many  kings  have  done  virtuoufly,  but  thou  eXcellefl  them  all.  Oh  ?  may  the  hiflory  of  all  thy  fervants  lead  ouf 
 fouls  to  thee.  They  fiiali  lay  on  tbee  all  the  glory  of  thy  Father’s  houfe,  and  on  thee  whuld  wO  Isly  all  the  glory  of  Ohr  Ihlvation, 
 
Solomon*s  princes  and  oJJlcm> 
 
 I.  KINGS. 
 
 The  pure  and  lar^ena'i  of  his  kin^doirty  Ssct 
 
 1014. 
 
 rieb. 
 wi:re  hot. 
 
 ■|-  Hcb.  in 
 
 the  jiii'lst 
 tj  him. 
 
 Before  iiiito  the  kill)!:,  (forhcr  bowels  f  yearned  upon  her 
 
 chria  and  (he  laid,  O  my  lord,  give  her  the  living  child, 
 
 and  in  no  wife  11  ly  it :  but  the  other  laid,  Let  it  be 
 neither  mine  nor  thine,  (mt  divide  it. 
 
 27  Then  the  king  anfwered  and  faid.  Give  her  the 
 living  child,  and  in  no  wife  flay  it :  Ihe  is  the  mother 
 thereof. 
 
 28  And  all  Ifrael  heard  of  the  judgment  which  the  | 
 
 king  had  judged  ;  and  they  feared  the  king  ;  for  they  j 
 faw  that  the  wildom  of  God  tc’asf  in  him  to  do  judg- 1 
 ment.*  i 
 
 CHAP.  IV.  1 
 
 1  Eelomon' s  princes  :  7  his  tivelvc  officers  for  provision  :  20,  24  ihe  pence  | 
 and  largeness  of  his  kingdom  :  22  his  daily  provifion ;  26  his  stables  :  ] 
 ‘29  his  wisdom. 
 
 ^  O  king  Solomon  was  king  over  all  Ifrael.  i 
 
 2  And  thefe  were  the  princes  which  he  had  : 
 Azariah  the  fon  of  Zadok  the  ||  priefl. ; 
 
 3  Elihoreph  and  Ahiah,  the  fons  of  Shilha,  H  feribes; ! 
 
 Jeholhaphat  the  fon  of  Ahilud,  the  ||  recorder.  | 
 
 4  And  Bsnaiah  the  fon  of  Jeboiada,  was  over  the  i 
 
 hod  ;  and  Zadok  and  Abiaihar  were  the  priefts  ;  ; 
 
 5  And  Azariah  the  Ion  of  Nathan  was  over  the  i 
 officers  ;  and  Zabud  the  fon  of  Nathan  was  principal 
 officer  and  the  king’s  friend  ; 
 
 6  And  Ahilhar  was  over  the  houfehold  ;  and  *  Ado- 
 niram  the  fon  of  Abda  was  over  the  1|  tribute, 
 
 7  f  And  Solomon  had  twelve  officers  over  all  If¬ 
 rael,  which  provided  viftuals  for  the  king  and  his 
 houfehold  :  each  man  his  month  in  a  year  made  pro¬ 
 vifion. 
 
 8  And  thefe  are  their  names  :  11  The  fon  of  Hur, 
 in  mount  Ephraim. 
 
 9  II  The  fon  of  Dekar,  in  Makaz,  and  in  Shaalbim, 
 and  Beth-lheraefh,  and  Elon-beth-hanan.  _ 
 
 10  II  The  fon  of  Hefed,  in  Aruboth  ;  to  him  per¬ 
 tained  Sochoh,  and  all  the  land  of  Hepher. 
 
 1 1  11  The  fon  of  Abinadab,  in  all  the  region  of  Dor ; 
 which  had  Taphath  the  daughter  of  Soloifion  to 
 wife. 
 
 12  Baana  the  fon  of  Ahilud  ;  to  him  pertained  Taa- 
 nach  and  Megiddo,  and  all  Beth-fhean,  which  is  by 
 Zartanah,  beneath  Jezreel,  from  Beth-fhean  to  Abel- 
 meholah,  even  unto  the  place  that  is  beyond  Jokneam. 
 
 13  |]  The  fon  of  Geber,  in  Ramoth-gilead  ;  to  him 
 pertained  the  towns  of  Jair  the  fon  of  ManaflTeh,  which 
 are  in  Gilead  ;  to  him  also  pertained  the  region  of  Ar- 
 gob,  which  is  in  Bafhan,  threefcore  great  cities,  with 
 walls  and  brafen  bars. 
 
 14  Ahinadab  the  fon  of  Iddo  had  H  Mahanaim. 
 
 the  gJmJ 
 officer. 
 
 11  Or, 
 
 secretaries 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 remem¬ 
 
 brancer. 
 
 a  Chap* 
 5.  14. 
 il  Or, 
 levy. 
 
 B  Or, 
 
 Ben-hiir. 
 
 11  Or, 
 SeiideJcaTi 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 Ben-he- 
 
 sed. 
 
 H  Or, 
 
 Ben-abi- 
 
 nddab. 
 
 n  Or, 
 
 Ben-ge- 
 
 her. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 fo  Maha* 
 naivu 
 
 15  Ahimaaz  was  in  Naphtali ;  he  allb  took  Ba'- 
 math  the  daughter  of  Solomon  to  wife. 
 
 16  Baanahthe  fon  of  Hufhai  was  in  Afher  and  in 
 Aloth. 
 
 17  Jeholhaphat  the  fon  of  Paruah,  inlflachar. 
 
 18  Shimei  the  fon  of  I'Llah,  in  Benjamin. 
 
 19  Geber  the  fon  of  Uri  was  in  the  country  of  Gi¬ 
 lead,  in  the  country  of  Sihon  king  of  the  Araorites, 
 and  of  Gg  king  of  Bafhan  ;  and  he  was  the  only  ofliccr 
 which  was  in  the  land. 
 
 20  H  Judah  and  Ifrael  were  many,  as  the  fand  wlvch 
 is  by  the  lea  in  multitude,  eating  and  drinking,  and 
 making  merry. 
 
 21  And  ^  Solomon  reigned  over  all  kingdoms,  from  b^Exodus 
 the  river  unto  the  land  of  the  Pniliflincs,  and  unto^"* 
 
 the  border  of  Egypt:  they  brought  prefents,  and 
 lerved  Solomon  all  the  days  of  his  life. 
 
 22  f  And  Solomon’s  t  provifion  for  one  day  wast 
 
 threefcore  raea-^^'^; 
 
 f  Hfb, 
 
 cor^ 
 
 thirty  f  meafures  of  fine  flour,  and 
 fures  of  meal. 
 
 23  Ten  fat  oxen,  and  twentyr  oxen  out  of  the 
 paftures,  and  an  hundred  fheep,  befide  harts,  and 
 roe-bucks,  and  fallow-deer,  and  fatted  fowl. 
 
 24  For  he  had  dominion  over  all  the  region  on  this 
 fide  the  river,  from  Tiphfah  even  to  Azzab,  over  all 
 
 ;  the  kings  on  this  fide  the  river  :  and  he  had  peace  on 
 all  fides  round  about  him. 
 
 I  25  And  Judah  and  Ifrael  dw’elt  t  fafely,  every  man  t 
 I  under  his  vine,  and  under  his  fig-tree,  from  Dan  even^’"^^”^ 
 
 I  to  Beer-lheba,  all  the  days  of  Solomon, 
 i  26  II  And  Solomon  had  forty  thoufand  flails  of 
 ;  horfes  for  his  chariots,  and  twelve  thoufand  horfemen. 
 
 27  And  thofe  officers  provided  visual  for  king  So¬ 
 lomon,  and  for  all  that  came  unto  king  Solomon’s 
 table,  every  man  in  his  month  :  they  lacked  nothing. 
 
 28  Barley  alfo  and  ftraw  for  the  horfes  and  |1  dro-H  Or, 
 
 raedaries  brought  they  unto  the  place  where  the  ®''> 
 
 cers  were,  every  man  according  tohis  charge. 
 
 29  f  And  God  gave  Solomon  wifdom  and  under- a  EccIub. 
 tlanding  exceeding  much,  and  largenefs  of  heart,  even47.  i4, 
 as  the  fand  that  is  on  the  fea-fhore. 
 
 30  And  Solomon’s  wifdom  excelled  the  wifdom  of 
 all  the  children  of  the  eatt  country,  and  all  the  wifdom 
 of  Egypt. 
 
 31  For  he  was  wifer  than  all  men  ;  than  Ethan  the 
 Ezrahite,  and  Heman,  and  Chalcol,  and  Darda,  the 
 Ions  of  Mahol :  and  his  fame  was  in  all  nations  round 
 about. 
 
 32  And  he  fpake  three  thoufand  proverbs :  and  his 
 fongs  were  a  thoufand  and  five. 
 
 with  horror  and  admiration,  expe6ling  the  execution  of  the  thing ;  which 
 when  it  ended  in  fo  jull  a  decifion,  quite  contrary  to  what  they  looked  for, 
 raifed  joy  in  every  breall,  and  gave  a  more  advantageous  commendation  to  the 
 judge. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  IV.  Ver.  21.  And  Solomon  reigned 
 ever  all  kingdoms,  Jrom  Ihe  river  ;  that  isj  the  kingdom  of  Solomon  was  bounded 
 on  the  call  by  the  river  Euphrates,  often  called  the  river,  by  W'ay  of  excellence ; 
 on  the  weft,  by  the  land  of  the  Philiftincs,  which  bordered  on  the  Mediterranean 
 fea ;  and  on  the  fouth  by  Egypt :  fo  that  the  kings  of  Syria,  Dainafcus,  Meab, 
 and  Ammon,  which  lay  between  the  Euphrates  and  the  Mediterranean,  were 
 tributaries  to  Solomon.  God  had  now  performed  the  promife  he  had  made  to 
 
 I  Abraham,  that  his  feed  fhould  poffefs  the  land  from  the  river  of  Egypt  t» 
 i  the  great  river,  the  river  Euphrates,  Gen.  xviii;  18.  Ver.  22.  Thirty  m  ajliresof 
 ffine  flour. — The  meafures  here  mentioned  contained  ten  ephahs  ;  fo  that  tlie  quan¬ 
 tity  fpoken  of  was  fufficient  to  make  bread  enough  for  near  three  thoufand 
 I  perfons.  Ver.  29.  Even  as  the  /and  that  is  on  the  fea-Qiore.  As  the  fand  there 
 inclofes  a  great  body  of  waters,  lb  his  mind  contained  an  ocean  of  knowled^-e. 
 
 !  Ver.  30.  And  Solomon's  ■wifdom  excelled. — There  were  three  oriental  nations  fa- 
 I  mous  for  their  wifdom  and  eruditigu  ;  the  Chaldeans,  the  Perlians,  and  tiie  Ara- 
 j  bians.  Wliether  the  Perlians  were  famous  for  thoir  learning  in  Solomon’s  time 
 I  is  not  agreed  on.  That  the  Arabians  were  remarkable  for  their  wildom  in  ancient 
 ■  times,  is  fufficiently  evident  from  the  book  of  Job.  Egypt  was  celebrated  for 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—"*  Chap.  III.]  Wife  hearted  children  indeed  are  they  who  walk  in  the  Heps  of  their  pious  parents  j  and  on  them  God 
 by  his  word,  and  often  by  his  providence,  finiles  his  approbation.  How  encouraging  is  it  that  God  is  the  hearer  of  prayer,  and  that  while  we  allc  fpiritual  wifdom 
 all  other  things  lhallbe  added.  How  quickly  and  often  uiiexpeAedly  does  God  call  forth  the  exercife  of  thofe  talents  whidi  he  bellows  !  Let  im>  therefore  be  ever 
 ready  to  ferve  him  with  what  he  has  freely  given.  Oh  that  with  Solomon  we  may  receive  ample  teftimony  of  God’s  love  towards  us  ;  and  if  this  be  our  nortion 
 fouls  lhall  be  fatisfied.  May  the  Holy  Spirit  vifit  us  in  the  night  feafons,  and  may  oiir  eyes  prevent  the  night-watches,  that  they  may  meditate  oc.  the  divine  law' 
 Bleffed  be  the  Lord  who  hath  given  us  in  Chrill  Jefus  far  more  than  we  alk  or  think  i  Let  bis  kindnefs  and  mercy  engage  our  w  hole  fouls  to  ferve  him  iinfelmiBU^ 
 end  conftantly,  henceforth  even  for  ever,  Amen.  ®  ^ 
 
 No,  22.,.,<}d.  4  Q 
 
'Hiram  sendeth  to  congratidate  Solomon, 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 1014. 
 
 a  2  ChrO, 
 
 2.  3. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 b  2  Sam. 
 ■7.  13. 
 
 1  Chron. 
 
 22.  10. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 6a_y. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 heardt 
 
 33  And  he  fpake  of  trees,  from  the  cedar-tree  that 
 in  Lebanon,  even  unto  the  hyffop  that  fpringeth 
 out  of  the  wall :  he  ipake  alfo  of  beads,  and  of  lowl, 
 and  of  creeping  things,  and  of  fifhes. 
 
 3_4  And  there  came  of  all  people  to  hear  the  wlfdom 
 of  Solomon,  from  all  kings  of  the  earth,  which  had 
 heard  of  his  wifdom.* 
 
 CHAP.  V. 
 
 1  Hirnm,  sending  to  congratulate  Solomon,  is  certified  of  his  pumofe  to  ! 
 build  the  templcy  and  dejired  tofuniifli  him  with  timbev  thereto*  7  ^ 
 ^iram  bltjjing  God  Jor  Solo7no7i,  a?{d  regue/lhig  food  for  hia  fmnily  ^ 
 furnijheth  hUn  xvith  trees,  13  iiutnber  of  SoIothotCs  u'orkiiien  and  . 
 labourers, 
 
 And  Hiram  king  of  Tyre  fent  his  fervants  unto 
 Solomon  ;  (for  he  had  heard  that  they  had 
 anointed  him  king  in  the  room  of  his  father;)  for 
 Hiram  was  ever  a  lever  of  David. 
 
 2  And  ®  Solomon  fent  to  Hiram,  faying, 
 
 3  Thou  knoweft  how  that  David  my  father  could 
 not  build  an  houfe  unto  the  name  of  the  Lord  his 
 God,  for  the  wars  which  were  about  him  on  every 
 fide,  until  the  Lord  put  them  under  the  foies  of  his 
 feet. 
 
 4  But  now  the  Lord  my  God  hath  given  me  reft 
 on  every  fide,  so  that  there  is  neither  adverfary  nor 
 evil  occurent 
 
 5  And,  behold,  I  f  purpofe  to  build  an  houfe  unto 
 the  name  of  the  Lord  my  God,  as  the  Lord  I'pakr 
 unto  David  my  father,  faying,  Thy  fon,  whom  I  v  ill 
 fet  upjn  thy  throne  in  thy  room,  he  fliall  build  an 
 houfe  unto  my  name. 
 
 6  Now  therefore  command  thou  that  they  hew  me 
 cedar-trees  out  of  Lebanon  ;  and  my  fervants  fhall  be 
 wirh  thy  fervants  ;  and  unto  thee  will  I  give  hire  for 
 thy  fervants,  according  to  all  that  thou  (halt  f  appoint : 
 for  thou  knoweft  that  there  is  not  among  us  any  that 
 can  Ikill  to  hew  timber  like  unto  the  Sidonians. 
 
 7  f  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  Hiram  heard  the 
 v^ords  of  Solomon,  that  he  rejoiced  greatly,  and  faid, 
 Blefifed  be  the  Lord  this  day,  which  hath  given  unto 
 David  a  wife  Son  over  this  great  people. 
 
 8  And  Hiram  fent  to  Solomon,  faying,  I  have 
 f  confidered  the  things  which  thou  fenteft  me  for : 
 
 Ib'fore 
 
 t’lirift 
 
 mi4, 
 
 -''VNo 
 
 I.  KINGS.  Solomon  and  Hiram*s  mutual  ogreemeni, 
 
 and  I  will  do  all  thy  defire  concerning  timber  of  cedar, 
 and  concerning  timber  of  fir. 
 
 9  My  fervants  ihall  bring  Mm  down  from  Lebanon 
 unto  the  lea ;  and  I  will  convey  them  by  fea  in  floats 
 unto  the  place  that  thou  fhalt  f  appoint  me,  and  will  t 
 caule  them  to  be  difeharged  there,  and  thou  fhalt  re-*"’"'^* 
 ceiye  them :  and  thou  fhalt  accomplifh  my  defire,  in 
 giving  food  for  my  houfehold. 
 
 10  So  Hiram  gave  Solomon  cedar-trees,  and  fir- 
 trees,  according  to  all  his  defire. 
 
 11  And  Solomon  gave  Hiram  twenty  thoufand 
 I  meafures  of  wheat  fur  food  to  his  houfehold,  and  t 
 twenty  meafures  of  pure  oil :  thus  gave  Solomon  to^'’'^^" 
 Hiram  year  by  year. 
 
 12  And  the  Lord  gave  Solomon  wifdom,  ®  as  he^  Chap, 
 i  promifed  him  :  and  there  was  peace  between  Hiram 
 
 and  Solomon  ;  and  they  two  made  a  league  together. 
 
 13  f  And  king  Solomon  railed  a  t  levy  out  of  allt  ^eb. 
 Ifrael ;  a'  d  the  levy  was  thirty  thoufand  men, 
 
 1 4  And  he  fent  them  to  Lebanon,  ten  thoufand  a 
 month  by  courfes  ;  a  month  they  were  in  Lebanon, 
 and  two  months  at  home :  and  Adoniram  was  over  ^  chap, 
 the  levy. 
 
 15  And  Solomon  had  threefcore  and  ten  thoufand 
 that  bare  burdens,  and  fourfeore  thoufand  hewers  in 
 the  mountains : 
 
 16  Befiies  the  chief  of  Solomon’s  efiicers  which 
 tv'  re  over  the  work,  three  thoul'and  and  three  hundred, 
 which  ruled  over  the  people  that  wrought  in  the  work. 
 
 17  And  the  king  commanded,  and  they  brought 
 great  ftones,  coftly  ftones,  and  hewed  ftones,  to  lay 
 the  foundation  of  the  houfe. 
 
 18  And  Solomon’s  builders  and  Hiram’s  builders  II  Cr, 
 did  hew  thetn,  and  'he  ||  ftone-fquarers :  fo  they 
 pareti  timber  and  ftones  to  build  the  houfe.t 
 
 CHAP,  VI 
 
 1  The  building  of  Solomon  s  temple  :  5  the  chambers  thereof;  1 1  God's 
 promife  unto  it ;  15  The  ceiling  and  adorning  of  it  ;  23  the  cherubims  ; 
 
 S 1  the  doors  ;  36  the  court, 
 
 ND  *  it  came  to  pafs  in  the  four  hundred  and  1012. 
 
 Vvifclom  in  the  time  of  Mofes,  and  was  the  fource  whence  other  countries  derived 
 all  their  learning.  Ver.  32.  He  fpake  three  thoufand  proverbs  :  that  is,  wife  fayings, 
 fliort  and  pithy  fen^ences,  inllruAive  in  morality  and  civil  life.  Ver.  33.  He 
 fpake  of  trees;  that  is,  of  the  whole  clafs  of  plants,  or  as  the  botanifts  term  it,  the 
 vegetable  kingdom.  He  spake  also  of  b:asts  and  «f  foul.  HenCe  we  may  form 
 fome  idea  of  his  vail  genius,  which  comprehended  the  whole  hiftory  of  animals  as 
 Well  iis  plants. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  VI.  Ver.  i.  Hiram-^-sent  his  ser¬ 
 vants  unto  Solomon  ;  that  is,  he  fent  ambaffadors  to  condole  with  him  on  account  of 
 the  death  of  his  father,  and  to  congratulate  him  on  his  acceflion  to  the  throne. 
 This  Hiram  was  not  tlie  fame  perfon  of  that  name  who  correfponded  w  ith  David, 
 but  was  probably  his  fon.  Ver.  1.  Blejfed  be  the  Lord.  By  this  he  feems  to  have 
 had  fome  knowledge  of  the  true  God,  the  God  of  Ifrael,  and  might  worlbip  him, 
 though  along  with  his  other  deities,  as  fome  other  heathen  princes  did.  From 
 fome  paffages  in  the  prophets,  fome  are  of  opinion  that  the  prince  of  Ty're  had 
 
 Giblites; 
 ^  as  Ezek. 
 27.  9. 
 
 _  _  eigiitieth  year  after  the  children  of  ifrael  were^ 
 
 come  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  in  the  fourth  year  of' 
 
 a  2  ChrOi 
 
 1. 
 
 about  this  time  pro felTed  the  true  religion,  fee  Ezek.  xxviii.  12 — 19.  Ver.  8. 
 Timber  of  fir.  Tlie  Hebrew  word  rojhim,  may  be  rendered,  pine,  or  cyprefis,  being 
 more  durable,  and  more  fit  for  building  than  fir ;  but  as  this  feems  to  be  a  diredl 
 anfwer  to  David’s  requeft,  who  only  mentions  cedar,  ver.  C.  it  is  not  at  all  impro¬ 
 bable  that  the  wood  here  mentioned  'was  a  fpecies  of  cedar,  and  included  under 
 the  general  term.  Ver.  9.  In  floats.  As  lliips  w'ere  early  known  at  Sidon,  accord¬ 
 ing  to  Diodorus  Siculus,  it  would  be,  perhaps,  more  I'uitable  to  the  ideas  of  the 
 divine  hiftorian,  and  to  the  circumftances  of  tilings,  to  render  the  Hebrew  word 
 dibroth,  not  floats,  but  fhips.  Ver.  15.  And  fourscere  thousand  hewers  in  the 
 mountains  ;  that  is,  hewers  of  ftones;  for  the  timber  was  hewed  by  Hiram’s  fer¬ 
 vants  in  Lebanon.  Wliile  Ifrael  vi  ere  in  the  wildernefs  fome  of  them  were  admi¬ 
 rable  artifts,  Exod.  xxxi.  but  after  their  entrance  into  Canaan  they  devoted  their 
 attention  chiefly  to  agricultural  purfuits.  But  Solomon  procured  a  fufficient  num¬ 
 ber  from  Tyre  ;  a  place  greatly  diftinguiftied  at  that  time  for  excellent  artifts  in 
 feveral  kinds  of  woik. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. _ *  Chap.  IV.]  It  is  proper  irt  all  men  to  provide  for  their  houfehold  in  the  manner  that  beft  fuits  their  ftation.  If  God 
 
 can  rive  fuch  hapiiinefs  on  earth,  what  muft  heaven  be!  How  faithful  is  God  to  bis  promifes  I  How  fully  did  Solomon  experience  the  truth  of  thofe  which  Jehovah 
 tr,  David  Nor  is  God  lefs  fovereisn  in  the  beftowal  of  his  gift.  But  lebiis  never  envy  thofe  who  feem  more  favoured  by  him  than  us  It  is  the  Lord  ;  let 
 
 “  ..  ft  _ ^  /»  _ _ .  _ M  kA  flzvzvlr  ?  »-i  TnGif*  Gil»\nfc«  in  till  fmoGlVOC  aE  WlYVIoill 
 
 nir 
 end 
 maket’n 
 
 Saviour,  Lord,  and  King. 
 
 God  ; 
 
 frmhfXSs  So’brpairwift  "thrgmaR^  eafily“p''rovid'e'inftrUments  for  his  work.  How  great  the  miracle  of  fove  reign  grace  and  almighty 
 
 irdSer,  that  thoufandi  unnumbered  of  Gentile  finners  have  been  brought  into  the  gofpel  churcli,  and  build  up  a  Ipmtual  temple,  a  fit  habitation  of  God,  through  the 
 
 Spirit. 
 
j'he  building  of  the  temple;  God^s  promise. 
 
 I.  KINGS. 
 
 Qf  the  chf.rahi"x>^  doorSy  ond  court. 
 
 Pefore 
 
 CliriA 
 
 101 
 
 \  Or, 
 
 fDiiidon'Si 
 
 hrotid 
 
 within 
 
 and  /inr- 
 row  with¬ 
 out,  or, 
 fkewed 
 ^ndclopd, 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 rUpSUj 
 joining  to 
 I  Heb. 
 floors. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 
 ribs. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 ncirrOff!- 
 
 in«s,  or, 
 
 aiale- 
 
 tntnls- 
 
 f  Heb. 
 fiioulder. 
 
 1005. 
 j]  Or,  the 
 vanltt-d 
 beams, 
 and  the 
 teiliags 
 viilh 
 (edftr. 
 
 b  2  Sam. 
 7.  IS. 
 
 1  Chron. 
 22. 10. 
 
 i  Or, 
 fruve  the 
 Jl'jor  of 
 the  houfe 
 unto  the 
 wdls, 
 and  fo 
 verfe  16. 
 
 Solomon*.',  reign  over  Ifrael,  in  the  month  ZiF,  which 
 is  the  I'econd  month,  that  he  f  began  to  build  the 
 .houl'e  of  the  Lord.  , 
 
 2  And  the  houfe  which  king  Solomon  built  for 
 the  Lord,  the  length  thereof  was  threefcore  cubits, 
 and  t^^.e  breadth  thereof  twenty  cuhitSy  and  the  height 
 thereof  thirty  cubits. 
 
 3  And  the  porch  before  the  temple  of  the  houfe, 
 twenty  cubits  was  the  length  thereof,  according  to 
 the  breadth  of  the  houfe ;  and  ten  cubits  was  the 
 breadth  thereof  before  the  houfe. 
 
 4  And  for  the  houfe  he  made  H  windows  of  nar¬ 
 row  lights. 
 
 5  %  And  II  againft  the  wall  of  the  houfe  he  built 
 f  chambers  round  about,  against  the  walls  of^  the 
 ho’ife  round  about,  both  of  the  temple  and  of  the 
 oracle  :  and  he  made  t  chambers  round  about. 
 
 6  The  nethermoff  chamber  w.2s  five  cubits  broad, 
 and  the  middle  was  fix  cubits  broad,  and  the  third 
 was  feven  cubits  broad  :  for  without  in  the  wall  of  the 
 houfe  he  made  f  narrowed  refis  round  about,  that 
 the  beams  fhould  not  be  fattened  in  the  walls  of  the 
 houfe. 
 
 7  And  the  houfe,  when  it  was  in  building,  was 
 built  of  ttone  made  ready  before  it  was  brought  thi¬ 
 ther  ;  fo  that  there  was  neither  hammer,  nor  axe,  nor 
 any  tc'ol  of  iron,  heard  in  the  houfe  while  it  was  in 
 building. 
 
 8  The  door  for  the  middle  chamber  was  in  the 
 right  t  fide  of  the  houfe :  and  they  went  up  with 
 winding  flairs  into  the  middle  chamber,  and  out  of  the 
 middle  into  the  third. 
 
 9  So  he  built  the  houfe,  and  finifhed  it :  and  co¬ 
 vered  the  houfe  |1  with  beams  and  boards  of  cedar. 
 
 10  And  then  he  built  chambers  againttall  the  houfe, 
 five  cubits  high ;  and  they  retted  on  the  houfe  with 
 timber  of  cedar. 
 
 1 1  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  to  Solomon, 
 faying, 
 
 12  Concerning  this  houfe  which  thou  art  in  building, 
 if  thou  wilt  walk  in  my  ftatutes,  and  execute  my 
 judgraens,  and  keep  all  my  commandments  to  walk 
 in  them  ;  then  will  I  perform  my  word  with  thee, 
 ^  which  I  fpake  unto  David  thy  father  : 
 
 13  And  I  will  dwell  among  the  children  of  Ifrael, 
 and  will  not  forfake  my  people  Ifrael. 
 
 14  So  Solomon  built  the  houfe  and  finifhed  it. 
 
 15  And  he  built  the  walls  of  the  houfe  within  with 
 boards  of  cedar,  ll'both  the  floor  of  the  houfe,  and 
 the  walls  of  the  ceiling  :  and  he  covered  Hum  on  the 
 infide  with  wood,  and  covered  the  floor  of  the  houfe 
 with  planks  of  fir. 
 
 16  And  he  built  twenty  cubits  on  the  Tides  of  the 
 houfe,  both  the  floor  and  the  walls  with  boards  of 
 cedar  :  he  even  built  them  for  it  within,  even  for  the 
 oracle,  even  for  the  raott  holy  place. 
 
 H<  <•<„  < 
 
 cr.iit 
 
 it  A,.. 
 
 <Jr, 
 
 17  And  the  houfe,  that  is,  the  temple  before  i% 
 was  forty  cubits  long. 
 
 18  And  the  cedar  of  the  houl'e  within  uy/s  craved 
 with  II  knops  and  t  open  flowers  ;  all  was  cedar  ;  there 
 
 was  no  ttone  I’een.  ^  ,  r  f 
 
 19  And  the  oracle  he  prepared  in  the  1  oule 
 within,  to  fet  there  the  ark  of  the  covenant  of 
 Lord. 
 
 20  And  the  oracle  in  the  fore  part  was  twenty  cu¬ 
 bit-:  in  length,  and  twenty  cubits  in  breadth,  and  ^ 
 twenty  cubits  in  the  height  thereof  :  and  he  t  overlaid  ytiui  up, 
 it  with  pure  gold  ;  and  so  covered  the  altar  which  was 
 
 0/ cedar.  _  ,  r  -  .  ■ 
 
 21  So  Solomon  oveilaid  the  houle  wnth.n  vita 
 pure  gold  ;  and  he  made  a  partition  by  the  cnains 
 of  gold  before  the  oracle,  and  he  overlaid  it  with 
 
 ^%2  And  the  whole  houfe  he  overlaid  with  gold, 
 until  he  had  finilbed  all  the  houfe :  alfo  the  whole 
 altar,  that  xms  by  the  oracle,  he  overlaid  with  gold. 
 
 23  H  And  within  the  oracle  he  made  two  cheru- 
 
 bims  of  II  f  olive  tree,  each  ten  cubits  high.  W  ^ 
 
 24  And  five  cubits  was  the  one  wing  of  the  cherub,  | 
 and  five  cubits  tae  other  wing  of  the  cherub  ;  fromtrees^ 
 the  utterraoft  part  of  the  one  wing  unto  the  uttermoft®^ 
 part  of  the  other  were  ten  cubits. 
 
 25  And  the  other  cherub  was  ten  cubits,  both  the 
 [  cherubims  xoere  of  one  meafnre  and  one  fize. 
 
 26  The  height  of  the  one  cherub  was  ten  cubits, 
 and  fo  was  it  of  the  other  cherub. 
 
 27  And  he  fet  the  cherubims  w'ithin  the  inner  houfe  : 
 and  '■  11  they  ttretched  forth  the  wings  of  the  cheru- 
 bims,  fo  that  the  wing  of  the  one  touched  the  y 
 wall,  and  the  wing  of  the  other  cherub  touched  the  the  che- 
 other  wall  ;  and  their  wings  touched  one  another  in 
 
 the  midfl:  of  the  houfe.  plnh  their 
 
 28  And  he  overlaid  the  cherubims  with  gold.  • 
 
 29  And  he  carved  all  the  walls  of  the  houfe  round 
 
 about  with  carved  figures  of  cherubims,  and  palm- 
 trees,  and  t  open  flowers,  within  and  without.  f 
 
 30  And  the  floor  of  the  houfe  he  overlaid  W'ith  gold 
 within  and  without. 
 
 31  ^  nd  for  the  entering  of  th?  oracle  he  made 
 
 doors  of  olive-tree  :  the  lintel  a?id  fide-pofts  were  II  a  11  Or, 
 fifth  part  if  the  wall.  _  'fJLre. 
 
 32  The  11  two  doors  alfo  were  of  olive-tree  ;  and  he  ||  or, 
 carved  upon  them  carvings  of  cherubims,  an i  palm- fcai’<?s  ^ 
 trees,  and  t  open  flowers,  and  overlaid  Mr-’w  with  gold, 
 
 and  fpread  gold  upon  the  cherubims,  and  upon 
 palm-trees.  o/jiotvcrs. 
 
 33  So  alfo  made  he  for  the  door  of  the  temple- 
 
 polis  «/  olive-tree,  11  a  fourth  part  (f  the  wall.  11  Or, 
 
 34  And  the  two  doors  were  of  fir-tree .  the  two/‘’“’' 
 leaves  of  the  one  door  xecre  folding,  and  the  tw o 
 
 leaves  of  the  oth.  r  door  xocre  fuK  ing. 
 
 55  And  he  carved  thereon  cherubims,  and  palm- 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  VI.  Ver.  1.  In  the  fourth  year  of. 
 hlomoits  reign.  If  it  (hould  beatked,  wh}-  Solomon  did  not  begin  the  building 
 oftlie  temple  fooner  ?  it  may  be  anfwered,  tliat  the  materials  bis  father  had  pro- 
 tided  lay  rude  and  unfafliioned,  and  at  a  confiderable  diflance  ;  his  time  was  there¬ 
 fore  requifite  to  form  them  into  exa<5l  fymmetry  and  order,  efpeci.illy  as  the  very 
 Hones,  which  made  the  foundation,  were  probably  vaft  blocks  of  marble,  or 
 Itorphyry,  and  all  poliflied  in  the  moft  exquifite  manner.  Ver.  4.  And  for  the 
 house  he  made  winduivs  of  narrow  lights.  Or,  as  it  is  in  the  margin  broad  ivithin 
 and  narrow  luitiionc.  Ver.  5.  And  against  the  wall  of  the  house ;  Or,  Joining  to  it, 
 as  tile  words  are  rendered  in  the  margin.  V^t.  6.  The  nethermost  chamber  teas 
 Jive  cubits.  It  appears  from  ver.  10.  that  they  were  only  five  cubits  high,  and 
 built  tliree  Rories  over  one  another,  increafing  one  cubit  in  breadth  every  Rory  | 
 
 Ver.  7.  So  that  there  was  neither  hammer. — The  Rones  were  laid  without  any 
 nuife, ’nothing  being  wanting  hut  to  join  them^ together.  Ver.  15.  Atid  he  built 
 tie  walls  of  the  house  within  with  boards  of  cedar;  that  is,  he  W’ainfcotted  tlie  whole 
 houfe  with  cedar.  iO  K.-'n  for  the  oracle  for  the  most  holy  place.  This  is 
 
 an  explanation  of  what ’s  -r  ;  -  ^  l.y  the  house  in  the  preceding  verfes.  And  his 
 part  beR  deferved  to  he  tilled  die  hrusc,  .as  the  divine  glory  dwelt  there,  and 
 thence  God  gave  anfwers  when  I  c  was  confulted.  Ver.  19.  And  the  oracle  he  pre. 
 pared  in  the  place  within  ;  that  is,  in  the  innermoR  part  of  the  houfe  he  built 
 the  moft  holy  place  to  receive  the  ark  of  God  Vri  23.  Within  the  oracle  he 
 made  two  cherubims.  The  cherubims  made  by  Mofes  w -re  of  folid  gold,  and  of 
 the  fame  piece  with  the  mercy-feat ;  whereas  thofe  made  by  Solomon  were  of 
 w  ood,  and  overlaid  with  gold.  Ver,  27.  And  he  set  the  cherubims  uithin  the  inner 
 
Ofilic  house  of  Pharaoh's  uaughtr  , 
 trees,  and  open  iicwers 
 
 1.  KINGS. 
 
 lit fore 
 Chrift 
 
 1005.  fitted  upon  the  carved  work. 
 
 and  covered  them  with  gold 
 
 r  ^  inner  court  with  three  rows 
 
 Or  hewed  none,  and  a  row  ot  cedar-beams. 
 
 with  all  3  (  It  In  the  lourth  year  was  the  foundation  of  the 
 ‘toLile  ot  the  Lord  laid,  in  the  rponth  Zif : 
 
 -icna7ices  3S  And  in  the  eleventh  yeai;  in  the  month  Bui, 
 thereof,  (which  is  the  eighth  month,)  waS  the  houle  fitiilhed 
 II  throughout  all  the  parts  thereof,  and  according  to 
 all  the  falhion  ot  it.  So  was  he  feven  years  in  build¬ 
 ing  it.* 
 
 CHz\P.  VII. 
 
 and  with 
 cl!  the  or- 
 dmatices 
 thereof. 
 
 A  further  description  of  the  temple 
 
 row'S  of  hewed  ftcnes.  and  a  row  of  cedar-beams,  both  ikr 
 tor  the  inner  court  of  the  houfe  of  the  Lord,  and 
 ‘for  the  porch  of  the  houfe.  1005. 
 
 I  13  11  And  king  Solomon  fent  and  fetched  Hiram 
 out  of  Tyre. 
 
 14-  He  xvas  ]■  a  widow^s  fon  of  the  tribe  of  Naph-f  m,, 
 tali,  and  his  father  was  a  man  of  Tyre,  a  w'orker 
 
 and  he  was  filled  with  wifdom  and  underftand- " 
 
 brafs 
 
 a  Cbap. 
 9.  10. 
 
 B 
 
 f  Heb 
 ribs. 
 t  Heb. 
 fght 
 a^ainjl 
 fight. 
 
 }1  On 
 Jpaces  aiul 
 jiillars 
 
 fquare  in 
 profpeft. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 according 
 to  them. 
 
 11  Or, 
 
 according 
 to  them. 
 
 ■}•  Heb. 
 
 The  building  of  Solomont s  house  ;  2  of  the  house  of  Lebanon,  6  of  the 
 porch  of  pillars,  7  of  the  jmrch  of  Judgment,  8  of  the  house  for' rha. 
 raoh's  daughter.  1 3  Hiram's  work  of  the  two  pillars,  tjc. 
 
 UT  Solomon  was  building  bis  own  houfe  *  thir¬ 
 teen  years,  and  he  finifhed  all  his  houfe. 
 
 2  H  He  built  alfo  the  houfe  of  the  forell  of  Leba¬ 
 non  ;  the  length  thereof  "was  an  hundred  cubits,  and 
 the  breadth  thereof  fifty  cubits,  and  the  height  thereof 
 thirty  cubits,  upon  four  rows  of  cedar  pillars,  with 
 cedar  beams  upon  the  pillars. 
 
 3  And  it  was  covered  w'ith  cedar  above  upon  the 
 t  beams,  that  toy  on  forty-five  pillars,  fifteen  in  a  row. 
 
 4  And  there  were  windows  in  three  rows,  and 
 t  light  ti'«s  againfl  light  in  three  ranks. 
 
 5  And  all  the  1!  doors  and  polls  were  fquare  with 
 the  windows  :  and  light  was  againfl;  light  in  three 
 ranks. 
 
 6  H  And  he  made  a  porch  of  pillars  ;  the  length 
 thereof  tees  fifty  cubits,  and  the  breadth  thereof  thirty 
 cubits  :  and  the  porch  was  H  before  them  ;  and  th^ 
 other  pillars  and  the  thick  beam  were  y  before  them. 
 
 7  11  Then  he  made  a  porch  for  the  throne  where 
 he  might  judge,  even  the  porch  of  judgment;  and  tt 
 was  covered  with  cedar  t  from  one  fide  of  the  floor 
 to  the  other. 
 
 8  H  And  his  houfe  where  he  dwelt  had  another 
 
 ywwyzoor  court  within  the  porch,  was  of  the  like  work. 
 
 ing,  and  cunning  to  work  all  works  in  brafs.  And  he’“”‘“’*' 
 Tame  to  king  Solomon,  and  wmought  all  his  work, 
 j  15il  For  he  t  call  two  pillars  of  brafs,  of  eighteen  t  Heb 
 cubits  high  a-piece;  and  a  line  of  twelve  cubits  did 
 ;  compafs  either  of  them  about, 
 j  16  And  he  made  two  chapiters  of  molten  brafs,  to 
 ifet  upon  the  tops  of  the  pillars  :  the  height  of  the  one 
 i  chapiter  twfls  five  cubits,  and  the  height  of  the  other 
 ;  chapiter  xcas  five  cubits  : 
 
 17  And  nets  of  checker- work,  and  wreaths  of  chain- 
 work,  for  the  chapiters  which  were  upon  the  top  of 
 the  pillars  :  feven  for  the  one  chapiter,  and  feven  for 
 the  other  chapiter. 
 
 18  And  he  made  the  pillars,  and  two  rows  round 
 about  upon  the  one  net-work,  to  cover  the  chapiters 
 that  were  upon  the  top  with  pomegranates :  and  lb 
 did  he  for  the  other  chapiter. 
 
 19  And  the  chapiters  that  xme  upon  the  top  of  the 
 pillars  twezr  of  lily-work  in  the  porch,  four  cubits. 
 
 20  And  the  chapiters  upon  the  two  pillars  hadpome- 
 ^ranates  alfo  above,  over  againfl;  the  belly  which  was 
 by  the  net-work:  and  the  pomegranates  were  two 
 hundred,  in  rows  round  about  upon  the  other  cha¬ 
 piter. 
 
 21  And  he  fet  up  the  pillars  in  the  porch  of  the  *^2014 
 temple:  and  he  fet  up  the  right  pillar,  and  called  the^'^^’ 
 name  thereof  II  Jachin  ;  and  he  fet  up  the  left  pillar, 
 
 and  called  the  name  thereof  ||  Boaz. 
 
 22  And  upon  the  top  of  the  pillars  was  lily-work :  \\  Thatisj 
 
 To  w^as  the  work  of  the  pillars  finifhed.-  ^nitis 
 
 to floor. 
 
 b  Chap,  ( 
 
 Solomon 
 whom 
 
 3,  1 
 
 porch. 
 
 made  alfo  an  houfe  for  Pharaoh’s  daughter, 
 he  had  taken  to  wife,)  like  unto  this 
 
 9  All  thefe  were  of  coftly  ftones,  (according  to  the 
 meafures  of  hew’ed  ftones  I'aw'ed  with  faws,)  within 
 and  without,  even  from  the  foundation  unto  the  co¬ 
 ping,  and  soon  the  ouiflde  toward  the  great  court. 
 
 10  And  the  foundation  was  of  coftly  ftones,  even 
 great  ftones,  ftones  of  ten  cubits,  and  ftones  of  eight 
 cubits. 
 
 1 1  And  above  were  coftly  ftones  (after  the  meafures 
 of  hewed  (tones,)  and  cedars. 
 
 12  And  the  great  court  round  about  twos  with  three 
 
 houte  •  So  that  they  looked  upon  him  that  entered  into  the  oracle.  Ver.  38. 
 Seven yearsinbuildingit.  He  was  feven  years  and  a-half ;  but  the  Icffer number 
 is  omitted,  as  is  ul'ual  in  the  facred  writings.  And  it  muft  be  owned,  that 
 Solomon  made  extraordinary  difpatch  ;  for  though  the  temple  itfelf  was  hut  a 
 fmall  edifice,  yet  the  feveral  adjoining  offices  rendered  the  whole  a  vail  pile  of 
 
 building.  , 
 
 EXPL4XATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  VII.  Ver.  1.  Solomon  was  building 
 
 his  own  house  thirteen  years.  He  did  not  begin  to  build  his  own  houfe,  til!  he 
 had  finifiied  the  temple  of  God,  This  appears  from  chap,  ix,  10.  where  it  is  faid 
 he  was  twenty  years  in  tinifliing  both  thefe  ftruOures.  Ver,  2,  The  house  of  the 
 forest  of  Lebanon.  This  heufe  was  near  Jerufalem,  and  called  by  the  name 
 
 23  H  And  he  made  a  molten  fea,  ten  cubits  f 
 
 his  brm 
 
 the  one  brim  to  the  other:  it  was  round  all  about, 
 and  his  height  xvas  five  cubits  ;  and  a  line  of  thirty  fnmh 
 cubits  did  compafs  it  round  about. 
 
 24  And  under  the  brim  of  it  round  about  there  were 
 knops  compafTing  it,  ten  in  a  cubit,  compafling  the  d  2  cine 
 fea  round  about :  the  knops  were  caft.  in  two  rows,  4-  3 
 when  it  was  caft* 
 
 25  It  flood  upon  twelve  oxen,  three  looking  toward 
 the  north,  and  three  looking  toward  the  weft,  and 
 three  looking  toward  the  foutb,  and  three  looking  to¬ 
 ward  the  eaft :  and  the  fea  was  set  above  upon  them, 
 and  all  their  hinder  parts  were  inward. 
 
 26  And  it  xms  an  hand-breadth  thick,  and  the  brim 
 
 of  the  forest  of  Lebanon,  becaufe  it  was  fituated  in  a  lofty  place  like  Lebanni:. 
 Ver.  i  .7.  Two  pillars  of  brafs  of  eighteen  cubits  high  a-picce.  In  2  Cliroii.  iii.  k 
 thefe  pillars  are  faid  to  be  thirty  five  cubits  high  ;  but  this  relates  to  tW 
 height  of  both  of  them  together,  without  their  pedeftals  ;  whereas  the  heiglit 
 of  each  is  given  here  with  its  pedefial.  Ver.  21.  And  he  set  up  the  pillars  in  M 
 porch  of  the  temple;  Abarbinel  is  of  opinion,  that  Solomon  placed  them  lietj 
 as  fynibols  of  the  pillar  of  the  cloud,  and  the  pillar  of  fire,  that  conduced 
 the  Ifraelites.  Ver.  23*  A  molten  fea.  In  the  Hebrew  the  word  haijon  is  uW 
 to  fignify  any  great  colledlion  of  waters,  and  iii  this  place  it  fignifies  a  lafg® 
 veflhi  containing  a  great  quantity  of  water.  Ver.  26.  It  contained  two  thousmi ^ 
 baths.  A  bath  was  the  fame  with  the  ephah,  and  contained  eight  gallons! 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  VI.]  How  little  muft  God  regard  pomp  in  his  worfliip,  when  for  fucli  a  long  period,  he  defired  not  a  templf 
 under  the  tvpical  difpenfation  !  When  he  calls  for  our  fubftance,  we  ought  to  give  cheerfully  in  proportion  to  our  wealth  How  tranfcendantly 
 litres  of  the  ChrHtian  church  above  that  of  the  Mofaic,  which  infiead  of  the  material  type,  enjoys  the  fpintual  and  heaven  y  Antitype  !  inftead  of  a 
 li  ^we  have  an  incarnate,  and  afeended  Redeemer  !  a  glorious  Ipiritual  building,  planned,  prepared,  ereHed,  fafmoned,  and  furliilhed  by  Gou  :  every  believe 
 ^living  temple  for  the  Lord  j  and  in  heaven  we  have  a  houfe  not  made  with  hands  eternal  and  immoveable. 
 
A  firthn'  d^scriplton  of  the  temple- 
 
 I.  KINGS. 
 
 The  (I'diMiOn  (f  it. 
 
 lUfore 
 
 Cliria 
 
 1005. 
 
 ■J-  Heb.  in 
 the  bafe. 
 
 Heb. 
 
 naked¬ 
 
 ness. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 Jhoulder^ 
 
 f  Heb. 
 Hiram. 
 
 thereof  was  wrought  like  the  brim  of  a  cup,  with 
 flowers  of  lilies  ;  it  contained  two  thoufand  baths. 
 
 27  ’ll  And  he  made  ten  bafes  of  brals  ;  four  cubits 
 <ims  the  length  of  one  bafe,  and  four  cubits  the  breadth 
 thereof,  and  three  cubits  the  height  of  it. 
 
 28  And  the  work  of  the  bafes  was  on  this  manner 
 they  had  borders,  and  the  borders  were  between  the 
 ledges : 
 
 29  And  on  the  borders  that  were  between  the  ledges 
 
 were  lious,  oxen,  and  cherubims :  and  upon  the  ledges ! 
 there  was  a  bafe  above  :  and  beneath  the  lions  and  j 
 oxen  were  certain  additions  made  of  thin  work.  : 
 
 30  And  every  bafe  had  four  brafen  wheels,  and  | 
 
 plates  of  brafs  ;  and  the  four  corners  thereof  had  un-  ^ 
 derfetters  :  under  the  laver  were  underfetters  molten, : 
 at  the  fide  of  every  addition.  ^  i 
 
 31  And  the  mouth  of  it,  within  the  chapiter  and 
 above,  was  a  cubit :  but  the  mouth  thereof  was  round, 
 after  the  work  of  the  bafe,  a  cubit  and  an  half ;  and 
 alfo  upon  the  mouth  of  it  were  gravings  with  their  bor- 
 ders,  four-fquare,  not  round. 
 
 32  And  under  the  borders  were  four  wheels ;  and 
 the  axle-trees  of  the  wheels  were  t  joined  to  the  bafe  ; 
 and  the  height  of  a  wheel  was  a  cubit  and  half  a  cubit. 
 
 33  And  the  work  of  the  wheels  wars  like  the  work 
 ofachariot-wheel ;  their  axle-trees,  and  their  naves, 
 and  their  felloes,  and  their  fpokes,  xoere  all  molten. 
 
 34  And  there  were  four  underfetters  to  the  four 
 corners  of  one  bafe  :  and  the  underfetters  were  of  the 
 very  bafe  itfelf. 
 
 35  And  in  the  top  of  the  bale  was  there  a  round 
 compafs  of  half  a  cubit  high  ;  and  on  the  top  of  the 
 bafe,  the  ledges  thereof,  and  the  borders  thereof,  were 
 of  the  fame. 
 
 36  For  on  the  plates  of  the  ledges  thereof,  and  on 
 the  borders  thereof,  he  graved  cherubims,  lions,  and 
 palm-trees,  according  to  the  t  proportion  of  every 
 one,  and  additions  round  about. 
 
 37  After  i\i\smanner  he  made  the  ten  bafes;  all  of, 
 them  had  one  calling,  one  meafure,  and  one  fize.  j 
 
 38  H  Then  made  he  ten  layers  of  brafs  ;  one  laver  i 
 contained  forty  baths ;  and  every  laver  was  four 
 cubits  :  and  upon  every  one  of  the  ten  bafes  one  laver. 
 
 39  And  he  put  five  bafes  on  the  right  t  fi  le  of  the 
 houle,  and  five  on  the  left  fide  of  the  houfe ;  and  he 
 let  the  fea  on  the  fight  fide  of  the  houfe  call  ward, 
 over  againft  the  fouth. 
 
 40  H  And  t  Hiram  made  the  lavers,  and  the  fhovels, 
 and  the  bafons :  So  Hiram  made  an  end  of  doing  all 
 the  work  that  he  made  king  Solomon  for  the  houfe  of  | 
 the  Lord  ; 
 
 41  The  two  pillars,  and  the  two  bowls  of  the  chapi¬ 
 ters  that  were  on  the  top  of  the  two  pillars  ;  and  ‘ 
 the  two  net-works,  to  cover  the  two  bowls  of  the 
 chapiters  which  were  upon  the  top  of  the  pillars  ; 
 
 42  And  four  hundred  pomegranates  for  the  t'.vo 
 
 net-works,  even  two  rows  of  poui-'granates  tor  one 
 net-work,  to  cover  the  two  bowls  of  the  chapiters 
 that  were  t  upon  the  pillars  :  t 
 
 43  And  the  ten  bafes,  and  ten  lavers  on  the  bales  ;  , 
 
 44  And  one  fea,  and  twelve  oxen  under  the  fea  ; 
 
 45  And  the  pots,  and  the  (hovels,  and  the  baions  : 
 and  all  thefe  velTels,  which  Hiram  made  to  king  Solo¬ 
 mon  for  the  houle  of  the  Lord,  were  of  \  bright  brafs.  J 
 
 46  In  the  plain  of  Jordan  did  the  king  call  them, 
 
 t  in  the  clay  ground  between  Succoth  and  Zarthan.  /  .r 
 
 47  And  Solomon  left  all  the  ve^e\sunwei<ilied,\hc-\ 
 
 caufe  they  were  exceeding  many  :  neither  was  the 
 weight  of  the  brafs  t  found  out.  of  the 
 
 48  11  And  Solomon  made  all  the  vefiels  that  pertain- ground, 
 ed  unto  the  houfe  of  the  Lord  ;  the  altar  of  gold,  andt^t^’^- 
 the  table  of  gold,  whereupon  the  Ihew-bread  was.  e^eeding 
 
 49  And  the  candlefticks  of  pure  gold,  five  on  muUUwie. 
 right  side,  and  five  on  the  left,  before  the  oracle,  with  t  Heb. 
 the  flowers,  and  the  lamps,  and  the  tongs,  o/’gold  :  if^rched. 
 
 50  And  the  bowls,  and  the  fnuffers,  and  the  bafons, 
 
 and  the  fpoons,  and  the  f  confers,  of  pure  gold,  and  f  Heb. 
 the  hinges  of  gold,  both  for  the  doers  of  the  inner 
 houfe,  the  moll  holy  place,  and  for  the  doors  of  the 
 houfe,  to  wit,  of  the  temple. 
 
 51  So  was  ended  all  the  w-ork  that  king  Solomon 
 made  for  the  houfe  of  the  Lord.  And  Solomon 
 brought  in  the  f  things  =  which  David  his  father  hadj. 
 dedicated;  even  the  filver  and  the  gold,  and  the^^a„d; 
 veflTels,  did  he  put  among  the  treafures  of  the  houfe  of  e  2  Chro. 
 the  Lord.* 
 
 chap.  VIIL 
 
 fo  that  this  molten  fea  helfl  fixteen  thoufand  gallons.  Ver.  30.  Undefetters. 
 The  Hebrew  fignifies Jhovlders,  alluding  to  their  ufe,  which  fupported  the  lavers 
 in  the  fame  manner  as  the  ihouldcrs  of  a  porter  do  a  burden.  Ver.  50.  Tlieftoic/i 
 ■were  to  contain  the  oil  for  the  lamps  ;  the  snvffers  to  trim  them.  The  Hebrew 
 ■word  rendered  censer,  fignifies  a  velfel  which  contained  the  incenfc;  or  rather  the 
 infirument  wdiich  received  (he  coals  from  thealtar  of  burnt-offering  ;  and  the  word 
 rendered  spoons,  that  which  had  the  incenfe  in  it,  to  be  poured  tipon  them.  And 
 the  hinges  of  gold.  This  fhews  the  vaft  riches  of  Solomon,  and  his  great  piety  ; 
 
 1  The  feast  of  the  dedication  of  the  temple.  1 2,  53  Solomon's  blejfing. 
 
 22  Solomons  prayer  ;  62  his  sacrifice  of  peace-offei-ings. 
 
 Then  ^  Solomon  aflembled  the  elders  of  Ifraelj  ^ 
 and  all  the  heads  of  the  tribes,  the  t  chief  of  5.  2. 
 the  fathers  of  the  children  of  Ifrael,  unto  king  Solomon  t  Heb. 
 in  Jerufalen,  that  they  might  bring  up  the  ark  of  thet^’^'*^^** 
 covenant  of  the  Lord  out  of  the  city  of  David, 
 whi.  h  is  Zion. 
 
 2  And  all  the  men  of  Ifrael  aflTembled  themfelves 
 unto  king  Solomon  at  the  feall  in  the  month  Ethanim, 
 which  IS  the  feventh  month. 
 
 3  And  all  the  elders  of  Ifrael  came,  and  the  priells 
 rook  up  the  ark. 
 
 4  And  they  brought  up  the  ark  of  the  Lord,  and 
 the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  and  all  the  holy 
 veflTels  that  were  in  the  tabernacle,  even  thofe  did 
 the  priells  and  the  Levites  bring  up. 
 
 5  And  king  Solomon,  and  all  the  congregation  of 
 Ifrael,  that  were  aflembled  unto  him,  were  with  him 
 before  the  ark,  facrificing  llieep  and  oxen,  that  could 
 not  be  told  nor  numbered  for  multitude. 
 
 6  And  the  priells  brought  in  the  ark  of  the  cove¬ 
 nant  of  the  Lord  unto  his  place,  into  the  oracle  of 
 
 which  made  him  fpare  no  coft  to  beautify  the  houfe  of  God,  and  the  meanefl  thing 
 belonging  to  it. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  VITI.  Ver.  I.  The  elders.  Thefe  wore 
 the  judges  in  the  feveral  cities.  Ver.  2.  All  the  men  of  Israel  assembled — in  the 
 month  Ethmiaim.  It  was  fo  called,  btcaufemore  facred  ioltmnities  were  performed 
 in  it  than  in  any  other.  In  particular  the  feaft  of  tabernacles  and  of  fiie  dedica¬ 
 tion  were  kept  this  month.  Ver.  4.  The  ark  of  the  Lord,  and  the  tabernacle  of  the 
 The  Mofaic  tabernacle  is  hero  intended  ;  ■which  for  the  prevention 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  VIE]  "While  we  admire  the  beautiful  firndlure  ofZioii,  Ictus  efpcc'ally  contemplate  the  unparalleled  glory  of 
 Jmn-ianuel,  who  is  at  once  the  firength  and  pillar  of  our  falvation  ;  our  propitiatory  ;  our  laver  for  purification  ;  our  altar  of  inceufe;  our  light,  and  the  true  bread 
 ■avhich  the  Father  giveth  us,  of  which  if  a  man  eat,  he  lliall  never  die. 
 
 ^o.22...6d.  4  R 
 
Solomon’s  ]:>mjer  at  the 
 
 Before 
 
 chvia 
 
 1004. 
 
 1.  KINGS. 
 
 holy  evcii  under  the 
 
 f  IT  oh. 
 htaJs, 
 
 !!  Or, 
 ark.,  iXJ- 
 2  Chion. 
 5.  9. 
 b  Deut, 
 10.  5. 
 
 II  or, 
 
 U'Ucrc. 
 
 c  ExoJ. 
 49.  34. 
 
 d  0  Chro. 
 
 6.  1. 
 
 the  houfe  to  the  mod 
 wings  of  the  cherubims. 
 
 7  For  the  cherubims  fpread  forth  their  two  wings 
 over  the  place  of  the  ark,  and  the  cherubims  covered 
 the  ark,  and  the  Itaves  thereof  above. 
 
 8  iind  they  drew  out  the  ftaves,  that  the  t  ends  of 
 the  daves  were  feen  out  in  the  \\  holy  place  before  the 
 oracle,  and  they  were  not  feen  without :  and  there 
 they  are  unto  this  day. 
 
 9  r/ierc  teas  nothing  in  the  ark  ^  fave  the  two  tables 
 of  done,  which  Moles  put  there  at  Horeb,  H  when  the 
 Lord  made  a  covenant  with  the  children  of  Ifrael, 
 when  they  came  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt. 
 
 10  %  And  it  came  to  pafs  when  the  prieds  W'ere 
 co  re  out  of  the  holy  plate,  that  the  cloud  "  filled  the 
 houfe  of  the  Lord. 
 
 1 1  So  that  the  prieds  could  not  dand  to  minider 
 becaufe  of  the  cloud  :  fi  r  the  glory  of  the  Lord  had 
 filled  the  houfe  of  the  Lord. 
 
 12  51  Then  fpake  Solomon,  **  The  Lord  faid  that 
 
 dedication  of  the 
 
 e  2  Sam. 
 
 7.  8. 
 
 he  would  dwell  in  the  thick  dar’knefs. 
 
 13  1  have  furely  built  thee  an  houfe  to  dwell  in,  a 
 fettled  place  for  thee  to  abide  in  for  ever. 
 
 14  And  the  king  turned  his  face  about,  and  bit  fled 
 all  the  congregation  of  Ifrael :  (and  all  the  congrega¬ 
 tion  of  Ifrael  flood  :) 
 
 15  And  he  faid,  BlefTed  be  the  Lord  God  of  Ifrael, 
 which  fpake  with  his  mouth  unto  David  my  father, 
 and  hath  wdth  his  hand  fulfilled  it,  faying, 
 
 16  Since  the  day  that  I  brought  forth  my  people 
 Ifrael  out  of  Egypt,  I  chofe  no  city  out  of  all  the 
 tribes  of  Ifrael  to  build  an  houfe,  that  my  name  might 
 be  therein  ;  but  1  chofe  '  David  to  be  over  my  people 
 Ifrael. 
 
 17  And  it  w'as  in  the  heart  of  David  my  father  to 
 build  an  houfe  for  the  name  of  the  Lord  God  of 
 Ifrael. 
 
 18  And  the  Lord  faid  onto  David  my  father, 
 Whereas  it  was  in  thine  heart  to  built  an  houfe  unto 
 my  name,  thou  didd  well  that  it  was  in  thine  heart : 
 
 ”l9  Neverthelefs  thou  dialt  not  build  the  houfe  ;  but 
 thy  fon,  that  diall  come  forth  out  of  thy  loins,  he  (hall 
 build  the  houfe  unto  my  name. 
 
 20  And  the  Lord  hath  performed  his  word  that  he 
 fpake  ;  and  I  am  rifen  up  in  the  room  of  David  my 
 father,  and  fit  on  the  throne  of  Ifrael,  as  the  Lord 
 promifed,  and  have  built  an  houfe  tor  the  name  of  the 
 Lord  God  of  Ifrael. 
 
 2 1  And  I  have  fet  there  a  place  for  the  ark,  wherein, 
 is  the  covenant  of  the  Lord,  which  he  made  with  our 
 fathers,  when  he  brought  them  out  of  the  land  of 
 Egypt. 
 
 22  5J  And  Solomon  flood  before  ^  the  altar  of  thefs  Sam. 
 Lord,  in  the  prefence  of  all  the  congregation 
 
 Ifrael,  and  fpread  forth  his  hands  toward  heav  n : 
 
 23  And  he  faid,  e  Lord  God  of  Ifrael,  Hure  is  nog 2 Mac. 
 God  like  thee,  in  heaven  above,  or  on  earth  beneath,^’ 
 who  keeppfl  covenant  and  mercy  with  thy  fervauts 
 
 that  walk  before  thee  with  all  their  heart ; 
 
 24  Who  had  kept  with  thy  fervant  David  my 
 father  that  thou  promifedd  him  ;  thou  (paked  alio 
 with  thy  mouth,  and  had  fulfilled  it  with  thine  hand, 
 as  it  is  this  day'. 
 
 25  Therefore  now.  Lord  God  of  Ifrael,  keep  with 
 
 thyfervjnt  David  ray  father  that  thou  promifedd  him, 
 faying,  ''  f  I’here  fliall  not  fail  thee  a  man  in  my  fight  2  Sani, 
 to  fit  on  the  throne  of  Ifrael :  t  fo  that  thy  children ’  j 
 take  heed  to  their  way,  that  they  walk  before  me,  asg. 
 thou  had  walked  before  me.  t  Heb. 
 
 26  And  now,  O  God  of  Ifrael,  let  thy  w'ord,  I  pray 
 thee,  be  verified,  which  thou  fpaked  unto  thy  fervant^'“^^”°* 
 David  my  father. 
 
 27  But  will  God  indeed  dwell  on  the  earth  ?  behold,  a  man 
 the  heaven,  and  heaven  of  heavens,  cannot  contaipA®"‘™ii 
 thee  ;  how  much  lefs  this  houfe  that  I  have  builded  !  ^  Heb, 
 
 28  Yet  have  thou  refpe^f  unto  the  prayer  of  thyon/.yi/;’ 
 fervant,  and  to  his  fupplicarion,  O  Lord  my  God, 
 
 to  hearken  unto  the.cry  and  to  the  prayer  which  thy 
 lervant  prayeth  before  thee  to-day : 
 
 29  That  thine  eyes  may  be  open  toward  this  houfe 
 night  and  day,  even  toward  the  place  of  which  thou 
 had  faid,  ‘  My  name  fliall  be  there  ;  that  thou  maytfli  Dent, 
 hearken  unto  the  prayer  which  thy  fervant  (hall  make 
 
 11  toward  this  place.  II  D,''f 
 
 30  And  hearken  thou  to  the  fuppliration  of  thy*”^^® 
 lervant,  and  of  thy  people  Ifrael,  when  they  (hall  pray 
 toward  ttiis  place  :  and  hear  thou  in  heaven  thy  dwel¬ 
 ling-place  ;  and,  when  thou  beared,  forgive. 
 
 31  51  If  any  man  trefpafs  againfl  his  neighbour,  f  and  t  Deb. 
 an  oath  be  laid  upon  him  to  caule  him  to  fwear,  and 
 
 the  oath  come  before  thine  altar  in  this  houfe:  _ 
 
 32  Then  hear  thou  in  heaven,  and  do,  and  judge /,m. 
 thy  fervants,  condemning  the  wicked,  to  bring  his 
 way  upon  his  head  ;  and  judifying  the  righteous,  to 
 give  him  according  to  his  righteoufnefs. 
 
 33  51  When  thy  people  Ifrael  be  fmitten  down  before 
 
 of  fcbifin,  and  to  make  the  temple  the  centre  of  devotion,  was  now  taken  down 
 nnd  depofited  in  the  treafiiry,  where  it  continued  till  the  taking  of  Jerufalemby  the 
 Chaldeans.  Ver.  9.  There  was  nothing  in  the  ark  fave  the  two  tables  ofjlene  which 
 I.Ufes  put  there  at  Jlorcb.  The  author  of  the  Hebrews  alferts,  that  in  the  ark  was 
 the  ‘-olden  pot  that  had  the  manna,  and  Aaron  s  rod  that  budded  ;  as  ivell  as  the  ta¬ 
 llest  f  the  covenant,  Heb.  ix.  4.  Thefe  places  may  eafily  be  reconciled,  by  obferv- 
 in<x  {hat  the  Greek  prepofition  (en)  as  well  as  the  Hebrew  (beth,)  fignifies  by  or 
 near  ■  according  to  which  the  fenfe  of  the  apoftle  will  he,  that  the  golden  pot  and 
 S3  ”e“,po4.d  ly  o,  Cl,e  a,k,  fce  Ik-b.  i,.  1-4,  Wr.  .0,  TUec,.,ip- 
 led  the  houfe  of  the  Lord.  By  this  f.gn  God  declared  Ins  acceptance  of  the  budd- 
 in-r,  and  the  furnifliiug  of  the  temple.  Ver.  22.  Solomon— fpread  forth  his  hands 
 towards  heaven.  This  was  a  folemn  attitude  of  prayer  among  other  nations  as  well 
 as  the  liebrevi  s.  It  is  evident  from  ver.  54.  that  when  he  had  Aood  fome  time 
 with  his  face  toward  the  altar,  he  fell  on  his  knees,  and  fpread  forth  his  hands  o- 
 wards  heaven.  Ver.  27.  But  will  God.  A  fine  abrupt  beginning,  mod  fignificantly 
 defcribinglhe  amazement  and  rapture  of  the  royal  prophet  s  mind  I— God  he  ufes 
 no  epithet,  vfhere  writers  of  inferior  difeernment  would  have  been  fond  to  multiply 
 them  :  but  fpeaks  of  the  deity  as  an  inconiprehenfible  being,  whole  perfeaions  and 
 glories  are  exalted  above  all  Dwell :  to  befiow  on  finful  creatures  a  propi¬ 
 
 tious  look  :  to  favour  them  with  a  tranf.ent  vif.t  of  kindnefs  ;  even  this  were  an 
 unutterable  obligation  ;  will  he  tlien  vouchfafe  to  fix  his  abode  among  them,  and 
 
 take  up  his  dated  refidence  with  them  ? — Indeed  :  a  word,  in  this  coniieaion,  pe¬ 
 culiarly  emphatical  :  expreflive  of  a  condefcenfion  wonderful  and  extraordinary, 
 almoft  beyond  all  credibility. — Behold  ;  intimating  the  continued,  or  rather  the  -> 
 creafing  furprife  of  the  fjieaker,  and  awakening  the  attention  of  the  people.— 
 Beholifthe  heaven  ;  the  fpacious  concave  of  the  firmament,  that  wide  extended  azure 
 circumference,  in  which  worlds  unnumbered  jierform  tlieir  revolutions,  is  too  fcan- 
 ty  an  apartment  for  the  Godhead. — Nay,  the  heaven  cf  heavens  ;  thofe  vadly  higher 
 tradls  which  lie  far  beyond  the  limits  of  human  furvey ;  to  which  our  very  thoughts 
 can  hardly  foar ;  even  thefe  (unbounded  as  they  are)  cannot  afford  an  adequate 
 habitation  for  Jehovah ;  even  thefe  dwindle  into  a  point,  when  compared  with  the 
 infinitude  of  his  effence  ;  even  thefe  are  os  nothing  hejore  him — how  much  lefs  thi} 
 houfe  that  1  have  builded  I  how  much  lefs  proportionate  is  this  poor  dimimitiie 
 fpeck,  which  I  have  been  eredting  and  embellifhing  to  fo  auguft  a  prefence,  fo  im- 
 menfe  a  majefly.  Ver.  33.  When  thy  people  Ifrael— pray,  and  moke  supplicnnoit 
 unto  thee  in  this  houfe.  It  is  doubtlefs  the  fame  thing  to  God  in  whatever  place 
 we  pray,  provided  we  pray  in  the  name  of  Chrift,  in  faith,  with  a  pious  mind  a>i 
 a  devout  heart,  and  make  the  fubjea  of  our  prayers  fuch  things  as  are  agrcea  ■ 
 to  his  will;  but  it  was  not  confifterit  with  the  prefervation  of  the  Jewifti  ffate, 
 religion,  that  Uod  fliould  be  publicly  worffiipped  in  every  place:  for  as  th®  Jf" 
 were  on  every  fide  furrounded  with  idolaters,  it  was  highly  iiecetfaiy,  that  m 
 divine  matters  there  fliould  be  a  Hridl  union  between  them  all,  both  in  heart  an 
 
Solomon  s  pratjcr 
 
 at  the  dedication  of  the  temple  i 
 
 I.  KINGS. 
 
 lOUi. 
 
 II 
 
 iumrd 
 
 11  Or, 
 jurisdic¬ 
 tion. 
 
 Before  the  enemy,  becaufe  they  have  finned  againft  thee,  and 
 ^ (hall  turnagainto  thee,  and  confels  thyname,  and  pray, 
 and  make  l'upp;ication  unto  thee  11  in  this  houle  : 
 
 34  Then  hear  thou  in  heaven,  and  forgive  the  lin 
 of  thy  people  llrael,  and  bring  ^  them  again  unto  the 
 land  which  thou  gaveft  unto  their  fathers.  ^ 
 
 35  H  When  heaven  is  (hut  up,  and  there  is  no  ram, 
 becaufe  they  have  finned  againil  thee  ;  if 
 toward  this  place,  and  confefs  thy  name,  and  turn 
 from  their  fin,  when  thou  allli<fl:eft  them  ;  ^ 
 
 36  Then  hear  thou  in  heaven,  and  forgive  the  lin 
 
 of  thy  fervants,  and  of  thy  people  Krael,  that 
 teach  them  the  good  way  wherein  they  (hould  walk, 
 and  give  rain  upon  the  land  which  thou  haft  given  to 
 thy  people  for  an  inheritance.  ^  _ 
 
 37  f  If  rhere  be  in  the  land  famine,  if  there  be  pefti- 
 lence,  blafting,  mildew,  locuft,  orif  there  be  caterpillar; 
 if  their  enemy  befiege  them  in  the  land  of  t  heir  11  cities ; 
 whatfof^ver  plague,  whatfoever  ficknefs,  there  be  : 
 
 38  What  prayer  and  fupplication  foever  be 
 by  any  man,  or  by  all  thy  people  llrael,  which  (hall 
 know  every  man  the  plague  of  his  own  heart,  and 
 fprea<(  forth  his  hands  toward  this  houfe : 
 
 39  Then  hear  thou  in  heaven  thy  dwelling-place, 
 
 and  forgive,  and  do,  and  give  to  every  man  accord- 
 ing  to  his  ways,  whofe  heart  thou  knoweft  ;  (for  thou  ; 
 exwi  thou  only,  knoweft  the  hearts  of  all  the  children  ! 
 of  men  ;)  | 
 
 40  That  they  may  fear  thee  all  the  days  that  they  i 
 live  in  the  land  which  thou  gaveft  unto  our  fathers  i 
 
 41  U  Moreover,  concerning  a  ftranger,  that  is  not  j 
 of  thy  people  Ifrael,  but  cometh  out  of  a  far  country 
 for  thy  name’s  fake. 
 
 42  (For  they  (hall  hear  of  thy  great  name,  and  of 
 thy  ftrong  hand,  and  of  thy  ftretched-out  arm  ;)  when 
 he  (hall  come  and  pray  towards  this  houfe : 
 
 43  Hear  thou  in  heaven  thy  dwelling  place,  and 
 do  according  to  all  that  the  ftranger  calleth  to  thee 
 for ;  that  all  people  of  the  earth  may  know  thy  name, 
 to  fear  thee,  as  do  thy  people  Ifrael  ;  and  that  they 
 may  know  that  f  this  houfe,  which  I  have  builded,  is 
 
 hy  name  called  by  thy  name. 
 
 'qL\his  ^  t*^Y  people  go  out  to  battle  againft  their 
 iouse.  enemy,  whitherfoever  thou  (halt  fend  them,  and  (hall 
 !•  pray  unto  the  Lord  f  toward  the  city  which  thou 
 ;*^”l“^_‘’^haft  chofen,  and  toward  the  houfe  that  I  have  built  for 
 thy  name  : 
 
 45  Then  hear  thou  in  heaven  their  prayer  and  their 
 fupplication,  and  maintain  their  \\  caufe. 
 
 46  Ifttiey  fia  againft  thee,  {^for there  is  no  man  that 
 finneth  not,)  and  thou  be  angry  with  them,  and  deli¬ 
 ver  them  to  the  enemy,  fo  that  they  carry  them  away 
 capdves  unto  the  land  of  the  enemy,  far  or  near  ; 
 
 47  Yet  if  they  (hall  f  bethink  themfelves  in  the  land 
 rieo.  whither  they  were  carried  captives,  and  repent,  and 
 n'n^iscimake  fupplication  unto  thee  in  the  land  of  them  that 
 
 carried  them  captives,  faying.  We  have  finned,  and 
 have  done  perverfely,  we  have  committed  wickednefs ; 
 
 48  And  so  return  unto  thee  with  all  their  heart,  and 
 with  all  their  foul,  in  the  land  of  their  enemies  which 
 led  them  away  captive,  and  pray  unto  thee  toward 
 their  land  which  tnou  gaveft  unto  their  fathers,  the 
 
 His  sacrifice  of  pextee  of  rings, 
 
 and  the  houfe  which  I 
 
 Hcb. 
 
 nor, 
 right. 
 k  2  Chro 
 6.  36. 
 Ecclef. 
 
 V.  20. 
 
 1  John 
 1.  8,  10. 
 t  Heh 
 
 '■0  their 
 teart. 
 
 Voice  ;  and  confequently  that  they  (hould  all  meet  togetlier  in  one  place  to  wor 
 (hip  God,  left  they  ftiould  run  into  parties,  and  fall  into  idolatry.  Bolides  they 
 thus  aflembled,  that  they  might  reprefent  more  ftrikingly  the  general  affenibly  anil 
 church  of  the  firft-born.  And,  therefore,  though  Solomon  well  knew  that  in 
 every  place  God  was  ready  to  hear  the  prayers  of  every  devout  fupplicant,  yet  he 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 lOO'l. 
 
 Or, 
 
 ri-'ht. 
 
 city  which  thou  haft  chofen, 
 have  built  for  thy  name  :  _  ,  .  -  r 
 
 49  I’nen  hear  thou  their  prayer  and  their  luppnca- 
 tioii  in  heaven  thy  dwelling  place,  and  maintain  their  ^ 
 
 II  caufe,  ,  ,  -  j  .  n  ’ 
 
 50  And  forgive  thy  people  that  have  (inned  againlt 
 
 thee,  and  all  their  tranfgreffions  wherein  they  iuve 
 tranfgrelfed  againft  thee,  and  give  them  compaKion 
 before  them  who  carried  them  captive,  that  they  may 
 
 have  compaflijn  on  them.  .  ,  • 
 
 51  For  they  be  thy  people,  and  thine  inheritance, 
 which  thou  broughtelt  forth  out  of  Lgypt,  from  the 
 
 midft  of  the  furnace  of  iron  :  i  /•  t 
 
 52  That  thine  eyes  may  be  open  unto  the  iuppli' 
 cation  of  thy  (ervant,  and  unto  the  (u;  plic.ation  of  thy 
 people  Ifrael,  to  hearken  unto  them  in  all  that  they 
 call  for  unto  thee. 
 
 53  For  thou  didft  feparate  them  from  among 
 the  people  of  the  earth,  to  be  thine  inheritance,  as 
 thou  fpaktft  by  the  hand  of  Moles  thy  fervant,  when 
 thou  broughteft  our  fathers  out  of  Egypt,  O  Lord 
 
 God.  ,  J  J 
 
 54  H  And  it  was  so,  that  when  Solomon  had  made 
 an  end  of  praying  all  this  prayer  and  fupplication  un¬ 
 to  the  Lord,  he  aroL  from  before  the  altar  of  the 
 Lord,  from  kneeling  on  his  knees,  with  his  hands 
 I'pread  up  to  heaven, 
 
 55  And  he  flood,  and  blelTed  all  the  congregation 
 of  Ifrael  wdth  a  loud  voice,  faying, 
 
 56  Blefled  be  the  Lord,  that  hath  given  reft  unto 
 his  people  Ifrael,  according  to  all  that  he  promifed  L 
 there  hath  not  t  failed  one  word  of  all  his  good  pro-J„^^„, 
 mife,  which  he  promifed  by  the  hand  of  Mofes  his 
 fervant. 
 
 57  The  Lord  our  God  be  with  us,  as  he  was  with 
 our  fathers :  let  him  not  leave  us,  nor  forfake  us ; 
 
 58  I'hat  he  may  incline  our  hearts  un^o  him,  to 
 walk  in  all  his  ways,  and  to  keep  his  commandments, 
 
 ■and  his  ftatutes,  and  his  judgments,  which  he  com¬ 
 manded  our  fathers. 
 
 59  And  let  thefe  my  words,  w'herewith  I  have  made 
 fupplication  before  the  Lord,  be  nigh  unto  the  Lord 
 our  God  day  and  night,  that  he  maintain  the  caufe 
 of  his  Lrvant,  and  the  caufe  of  his  people  Ifrael  f 
 
 all  times,  as  the  matter  fhall  require  :  p/  a  day 
 
 GO  That  all  the  people  of  the  earth  may  know'  that  in  hisday. 
 the  Lord  is  God,  and  that  there  is  none  elle. 
 
 61  Let  your  hearts  therefore  be  perf'eft  with  the 
 Lord  our  God,  to  w'alk  in  nis  ftatutes,  and  to  keep 
 his  coTimandments.  as  at  this  day 
 
 62  ^  .\nd  the  king,  and  all  Ifrael  with  him,  offer-*”  ^  Chr. 
 
 ed  (acrifice  before  the  Lord.  ’’ 
 
 63  And  Solomon  oifered  a  facrifice  of  peace-offer¬ 
 ings,  which  he  offered  unto  the  L^.-rd,  wo  and  twenty 
 thoufand  oxen,  and  an  hundred  and  twenty  thoufand 
 flieep;  So  the  king  and  all  the  children  ofllrael  de¬ 
 dicated  the  houfe  of  the  Lord. 
 
 64  "  The  fame  day  did  the  king  hallow  the  middle  ^  2  Chr. 
 of  the  court  that  teas  before  the  houfe  of  the  Lord  : 
 
 for  there  he  offered  burnt-offerings,  and  meat-offer¬ 
 ings,  and  the  fat  of  the  peace-offerings ;  becaufe  the 
 brafen  altar  that  was  before  the  Lord  was  too  little  to 
 
 was  defirous  of  inculcating  the  idea  of  God  there,  he  would  be  more  propitious  to 
 the  prayers  that  were  oflered  in  the  temple  at  Jerufalem,  and  thereby  excite 
 them  to  frequent  that  place  only.  Ver.  48.  Andfo  return  imto  thee  with  aU  their 
 heart.  In  thefe  and  the  foregoing  words  he  gives  a  defeription  of  true  repen¬ 
 tance  ;  which  begins  in  the  ftrious  refledion  which  men  make  upon  their  paft 
 
Goil'. 
 
 s  cj\'cnani  Solomon r 
 
 I'ofore 
 (  iirifl 
 cir.  992. 
 
 !1  Or, 
 thanked. 
 
 I.  KINGS. 
 
 receive  the  burni-off^ings,  nnd  meat-offerings,  and 
 the  tat  of  the  peace-offerings, 
 
 Solomon  held  a  feaft,  and  all 
 iirael  v^un  him,  a  great  congregation,  fromlthe  enter- 
 ing  in  ot  Hamath,  unto  the  river  of  Egypt,  before  the 
 
 Lord  our  God,  feven  days  and  feven  days,  eve7i 
 fourteen  days. 
 
 66  Ou  the  eighth  day  he  fent  the  people  away ; 
 and  they  H  bleffed  the  king,  and  went  into  their  tents 
 joyful  and  glad  of  heart,  for  all  the  goodnefs  that  the 
 Lord  had  done  for  David  his  fervant,  and  for  Ifrael 
 his  people."^ 
 
 Solomon  hdldeth  divers 
 
 a  2  Chro. 
 7.  11. 
 
 b  Chap. 
 2.  5. 
 
 CHAP.  IX. 
 
 God  s  covenant  in  a  vision  tvith  Soio7>ion.  1 0  The  mutual  prejents  of 
 Solomon  and  Hiram.  15  In  Solomon  s  wo^s  the  Canaanites  were  his 
 bondmen,  the  Jfraelites  hit  honourable  scrvaiUs.  24  Pharaoh's  daughter 
 removelh  to  her  houfe.  25  Solumons  yearly  j'acrijices ;  26  his  navy 
 Jetcheth  gold  from  Ophir. 
 
 ND  it  came  to  pafs,  when  Solomon  had  finifh- 
 ed  the  building  of  the  houfe  of  the  Lord,  and 
 the  king’s  houfe,  and  all  Solomon’s  defire  which  he 
 was  pleafed  to  do, 
 
 2  That  the  Lord  appeared  to  Solomon  the  fecond 
 
 time,  as  he  had  appeared  unto  him  at  Gibeon. 
 
 c  Chap. 
 8.  29. 
 
 d  2  Sam. 
 7.  12. 
 
 1  Chro. 
 22.  10. 
 
 3  And  the  Lord  laid  unto  him,  I  have  heard  thy 
 prayer  and  thy  fupplicaticn  that  thou  haft  made  be¬ 
 fore  me :  I  have  hallowed  this  houfe,  which  thou  haft 
 built,  to  put  my  name  there  for  ever ;  and  mine 
 eyes  and  mine  heart  fhall  be  there  perpetually. 
 
 4  And  if  thou  wilt  walk  before  me,  as  David  thy 
 father  walked,  in  integrity  of  heart,  and  in  upright- 
 nefs,  to  do  according  to  all  that  I  have  commanded 
 thee,  and  wilt  keep  my  ftatutes  and  my  judgments; 
 
 5  Then  I  will  eltablifh  the  throne  of  thy  kingdom 
 up5n  Ifrael  for  ever,  ^  as  I  promifed  to  David  thy 
 father,  faying.  There  fhall  not  fail  thee  a  mean  upon 
 the  throne  of  Ifrael. 
 
 G  But  if  ye  fhall  at  all  turn  from  following  me, 
 3'ou  or  your  children,  and  will  not  keep  my  command 
 ments,  and  my  ftatutes,  which  I  have  let  before  you, 
 but  go  and  ferve  other  gods,  and  worfhip  them  ; 
 
 7  Then  will  I  cut  off' Iirael  cut  of  the  land  which  1 
 
 e  Jerem. 
 7.  14. 
 
 f  Dent. 
 29.  21. 
 Jerem. 
 22.  8. 
 
 hay'e  given  them  ;  and  this  houfe,  which  I  have  hallow¬ 
 ed  '  for  my  name,  will  I  caft  out  of  ray  fight ;  and 
 Ifrael  fhall  be  a  proverb  and  a  by-word  among  all 
 people  : 
 
 S  And  at  this  houfe,  ti-hir/i  is  high  , every  one  that 
 paffeth  by  it  fhall  be  aftonifhed,  and  (hall  hifs ;  and 
 they  fhali  lay,  ^  Why  hath  the  Lord  done  thus  unto 
 this  land,  and  to  this  houfe  ? 
 
 9  And  they  ftiaii  anlwer,  Becaufe  rhey  'forfook  the 
 Lord  their  God,  who  brought  forth  theirfathers  out 
 
 of  the  land  of  Egypt,  and  have  taken  hold  upon  other 
 
 lives,  and  the  prefent  iniferics  into  which  their  fins  have  brouglit  them  ;  which 
 bc'Tets  an  linfeigncd  forrow  for  fin  ns  offenfive  to  God,  and  a  fincere  reiolution 
 of  amendment,  with-earneli;  fupplication  for  divine  mercy  and  grace:  confefiing 
 their  unworlhincfs,  and  condemning  themfelves  for  their  fins,  wliicb  tliey  reliu- 
 qaifli  will)  joy,  and  become  fincere  converts  to  tlie  fervice  of  God  and  tiis  Son 
 jefus  Clirift. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  CitAP.  IX.  Ver.  3.  I  have  Itnllouxd  this 
 house.  Jiy  the  cloud  of  glory  which  came  into  it,  and  filled  it;  .and  by  the  fire, 
 which  defeendtd  from  heaven  to  confume  the  facrificcs,  feAified  his  acceptance  of 
 them.  Ver.  \l.  King  Solomon  gave  Hiram  twenty  cities  in  the  land  of  Galilee.  The 
 feriptnre  exprefsl--  alferts.  that  thefi'  cities  were  not  in  (he  territories  of  Ifrael,  nor 
 inhabited  at  that  time  by  the  Ifraelites,  2  Chron.  viii.  2.  'V'er.  12.  They  jdeased 
 
 gods,  and  have  worfhipped  them  and  ferved  them ;  Refo, 
 therefore  hath  the  Lord  brought  upon  them  all  this  cCJ' 
 evil.  995, 
 
 10  t  And  K  it  came  to  pafs  at  the  end  of  twenty 
 vears,  when  Solomon  had  built  the  two  houfes, 
 houfe  of  the  Lord,  and  the  king’s  houfe, 
 
 1 1  fNow  Hiram  the  king  of  Tyre  had  furniflied  So¬ 
 lomon  with  cedar  trees,  and  fir  trees,  and  W'ith  gold, 
 according  to  all  his  defire,)  that  then  king  Solomon 
 gave  Hiram  twenty  cities  in  the  land  of  Galilee. 
 
 12  And  Hiram  came  out  from  Tyre  to  fee  the 
 cities  v/hich  Solomon  had  given  him  ;  and  they  f  plea- 1  Ret. 
 fed  him  not. 
 
 wrre 
 
 13  And  hefaid.  What  cities  are  thefe  which  thou 
 
 ’’ii’/j;  ; 
 
 )i»( 
 
 his 
 
 haft  given  me,  ray  brother  ?  And  he  called  them  the 
 land  of  II  Cabul  unto  this  day.  i  ii.ai 
 
 1 4  And  Hiram  fent  to  the  king  fixfcore  talents  of  ^ W 
 gold. 
 
 15  H  And  this  is  the  reafon  of  the  levy  which  king 
 Solomon  raifed  ;  for  to  build  the  houfe  of  the  Lord, 
 and  his  own  houfe,  and  Millo,  and  the  wall  of  Jeru- 
 falem,  and  Hazor,  and  Megiddo,  and  Gezer. 
 
 16  For  Pharaoh  king  of  Egypt  had  gone  up  and 
 taken  Gezer,  and  burnt  it  with  fire,  and  flain  the 
 Canaanites  that  dwelt  in  the  city,  and  given  it^or  a 
 prel'ent  unto  his  daughter,  Solomon’s  wife. 
 
 17  And  Solomon  built  Gezar,  and  Beth-horon  the 
 
 nether,  ^ 
 
 18  And  Baalath,  and  Tadmor  in  the  wildernefs,  in 
 the  land, 
 
 19  And  all  the  cities  of  ftorethat  Solomon  had,  and 
 cities  for  his  chariots,  and  cities  for  his  horferaen,  and 
 
 f  that  which  Solomon  defined  to  build  in  Jerufalem,  t  iw. 
 and  in  Lebanon,  and  in  all  the  land  of  his  dominions. 
 
 20  ^  And  all  the  people  that  •were  left  of  the  Amor- 
 
 ites,  Hittites,  Perizzites,  Hivites,  and  Jebufites,  whicr  ;,i 
 tocrc  not  of  the  children  of  Iirael,  difni 
 
 21  Their  children  that  were  left  after  them  in  the 
 land,  whom  the  children  of  Ifrael  all'o  were  not  able 
 utterly  to  deftroy,  upon  thofe  did  Solomon  levy  a  tri¬ 
 bute  of  bond-l'ervice  unto  this  day. 
 
 22  But  of  the  children  of  Ifrael  did  Solomon  make  i>  l™'' 
 no  bondmen  ;  but  they  ttcere  men  of  war.  and  his  fer-^^'^^' 
 vanrs,  and  his  princes,  and  his  captains,  and  rulers  of 
 
 •his  chariots,  and  his  horfemen. 
 
 23  Tbel'e  xoere  the  chief  of  the  officers  that  xm-e  over 
 Solomon’s  work,  five  hundred  and  fifty,  which  bare 
 rule  over  the  people  that  wrought  in  the  work. 
 
 24  <11  But  ‘  Pharaoh’s  daughter  came  up  out  of  theiciwp^ 
 city  ot  David  unto  her  houle  which  Solomon  had  built 
 
 for  her  :  then  did  he  build  Millo.  3.  ,1. 
 
 25  ^  And  three  times  in  a  year  did  Solomon  oflT 
 
 him  not.  The  reafon  was,  becaufe  tlie  Tyrians  -were  wholly  addi<51ed  to  trades' 
 merchandife,  and  tlierefore  would  not  remove  from  the  fe.a-fliore  to  live  in 
 foil  which  required  a  great  deal  of  labour  to  cultivate  it,  a  hufmefs  they 
 little  .•iccutlomed  to,  and  to  which  tliey  alway's  fiiewed  the  greatefi;  nvei'l 
 Ycr.  ].3.  Tndmor  in  itiC  ivildernefs.  This  city  was  by  the  Greeks  called  raimy 
 and  food  in  the  wildernefs  of  Syria,  upon  the  borders  of  Arabia  Defeita, 
 dining  towards  the  Euphrates.  Jofephus  jilaces  it  two  days'  journey  1''' 
 Upper  Syria,  one  from  the  Euphrates,  and  fix  from  Babylon.  The  ruins  wlw 
 fiill  remain  of  this  city  abundantly  demonflrate,  that  it  was  one  of  the  fairefts' 
 mofi  magnificent  in  the  eafi.  Ver.  28.  Ophir.  It  is  probable  that  Oidiii'''' 
 fituated  in  fome  of  the  remote  parts  of  India,  beyond  the  Ganges,  near,  or 
 China  or  Japan.— Arul  fetched  from  thence  gold.  As  great  a  king  as  .Soloinon  s 
 
 lie  rej-: 
 
 Pi;  ACTIf  AT.  OBSERVATION.S.— »  Chap.  VUI.]  It  is  imfpeJikably  plcafant  to  obferveall  ranks  animated  by  .-^eal  in  the  caufe  of  the  Lord. 
 
 ‘to  meet  thole  v;ho  v/ork  righteoufnefs,  Lnd  v-ho  remember  him  in  all  their  ways,  and  takes  up  Iiis  abode  with  them.  Pioug  c  ou  s  ana  t  iicv  ar  ne  ^ 
 about  him,  jufrice  and  iudgment  are  the  habitations  of  his  tlirone,  and  mercy  and  truth  go  before  Ins  face.  When  he  is^pre  ent  am  is  pint  pourec  fu  ' 
 livelinefs  do  men  obferic  the  fulfilment  of  bis  promifes,  and  pour  forth  their  prayers  to  him.-If  focial  worflnp  be  fo  fwcet  on  earth  howinuch  more  lo  Dm' 
 g«tliecing  to  Jefus  be,  never  to  part,  but  to  feaft  eternally  on  him,  as  our  great  atonement,  cur  only  peacc-offenng,  and  our  A1  in  A  , 
 
cir, 
 
 lUfore 
 Cliiia 
 992. 
 
 f  Hcb. 
 
 Import  it* 
 f  Hub. 
 lying. 
 
 The  qneni  of  Shfhas  vis'd  to  Salomon. 
 
 hurnt-olFcrings  and  peacp-ofFerinjr?  upon  the  al-ar 
 which  he  built  unto  the  Lord,  and  he  burnt  incenfe 
 f  upon  the  altar  that  was  btfore  the  Lord.  So  he 
 
 finilhod  the  hrufe.  r  /t.-  • 
 
 26  II  And  king  Solomon  made  a  navy  or  ihips  in  ; 
 Ezion  Geber,  which  is  befide  Eloth,  fon  the  (hore  of  I 
 the  Red  fea,  in  the  land  of  Edom. 
 
 27  And  Hiram  fent  in  the  navy  his  fervants,  fhip- , 
 
 men  that  had  knowledge  of  the  fea,  with  the  fervants  j 
 of  Solomon.  i 
 
 28  And  they  came  to  Ophir,  and  fetched  from  thence  | 
 
 gold,  four  hundred  and  twenty  talents,  and  brought  j 
 it  to  king  Solomon.*  i 
 
 CHAR  X.  ^  I 
 
 1  The  queen  of  Shehn,  admireth  the  wMom  of  Solomon.  14  Solomon's 
 gold;  16  his  tnrgcis  ;  \S  the  throne  of  ivory  ;  21  his  vefflls ;  24  his 
 presents  ;  26  his  chariots  and  horses;  28  his  tribute.  , 
 
 a  2  Chro.  A  ND  when  the  *  queen  of  Sheba  heard  of  the 
 9. 1,  &c.  Qf  Solomon,  concerning  the  name  of  the 
 
 Lord,  (he  came  to  prove  him  with  hard  quedions. 
 
 2  And  (he  came  to  Jerufalem  w  ith  a  very  great  train, 
 with  camels  that  bare  fpices,  and  very  much  gold,  and 
 precious  (hones  :  and  when  (he  was  come  to  So'omon, 
 (he  communed  with  him  of  all  that  was  in  her  heart. 
 
 3  And  Solomon  told  her  all  her  f  queffions  :  there 
 was  not  an^  thing  hid  from  the  king,  which  he  told 
 her  not. 
 
 4-  Ani  when  the  queen  of  Sheba  had  feen  all  Solo¬ 
 mon’s  wifdom,  and  the  houfe  that  he  had  built, 
 
 5  And  the  meat  of  his  table,  and  the  fitting  of  his 
 
 fervants,  and  the  f  attendance  of  his  miniders,  and 
 their  apparel,  and  his  H  cup-bearc  rs,  and  his  afeent  by 
 w'hich  he  went  up  unto  the  houfe  of  the  Lord  ;  there  ! 
 was  no  more  fpirit  in  her.  1 
 
 6  And  (he  (aid  to  the  king.  It  was  a  true  f  report 
 that  I  heard  in  mine  o^n  land  of  thy  H  afts,  and  of 
 thy  w'ifdom. 
 
 7  Howbeit  I  believed  not  the  words,  until  I  came, 
 and  mine  eyes  had  feen  it :  and,  behold,  the  half  was 
 not  told  me  :  f  thy  wifdom  and  profperity  exceedeih 
 the  fame  which  I  heard. 
 
 8  ^  Happy  are  thy  men,  happy  arc  thefe  thy  fervan  s. 
 
 ■for.- 
 
 .rill 
 
 902, 
 
 Matth. 
 12.  42. 
 Duke 
 
 11.  31. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 tvords. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 Jlnnding 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 butlers. 
 t  IHeb. 
 
 word. 
 
 II  O'-. 
 
 sayings. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 thou  hojl 
 added 
 wifdom 
 
 which  (land  continually  before  thee,  and  that  hear  thy 
 same*  wifdom. 
 
 I.  KINGS.  Solomon* s  u/  Jtrs  W'sdom 
 
 9  B'efTed  be  the  Lord  thy  God,  which  d«  light -  I  ^ 
 in  thee,  to  fet  thee  on  the  throne  of  Ifrael  :  becaule,,;,. 
 the  Lord  loved  Ifrael  fer  ever,  therefore  made  he 
 thee  king,  to  do  judgment  and  juflice. 
 
 10  And  (he  gave  the  king  an  hundred  and  twenty 
 talents  of  gold,  and  of  fpices  very  great  (lore,  and  pre¬ 
 cious  (lont  s  :  there  came  no  more  fueh  abundance  or 
 fpices  as  thefe  which  the  queen  ot  Sheba  gave  to  king 
 
 Solomon.  , 
 
 1 1  And  the  navy  alfo  of  Hiram,  that  brought  gold 
 from  Ophir,  brought  in  from  Ophir  great  plenty  of 
 almiig-trees,  and  precious  (iones. 
 
 12  And  the  king  made  of  the  almug-trecs  ||  f  p  Hars 
 for  the  houfe  of  the  Lord,  and  tor  the  king  s  houle,  ^ 
 harps  alfo  and  pfalteries  for  (ingtrs;  there  came  no  a  pro,-, 
 (uch  ^  almug-trees,  nor  were  feen  unto  this  day.  b  2  Chro. 
 
 13  And  king  Solomon  gave  unto  the  queen  of  Sheba 
 all  her  drfire,  whatfoever  (healked,  befides which 
 Solomon  gave  her  f  of  his  royal  bounty :  So  (he  turned,  r 
 and  went  to  her  own  country,  (he  and  her  fervants. 
 
 14.  D  Now  the  weight  of  gold  that  came  to  Solomon  qfhmg 
 in  one  year  was  (ix  hundred  thretfeore  and  (ix  talents  Solomon.- 
 of  gold, 
 
 15  Befides  that  he  had  of  the  merchant-men,  and  of 
 the  traffic  of  the  (pice-merchants,  and  of  all  the  kings 
 of  Arabia,  and  of  the  1]  governors  of  the  country.  II  O'". 
 
 16  H  And  king  Solomon  made  two  hundred  targets 
 0/ beaten  gold  :  fix  hundred  shekels  of  gold  went  to 
 one  target. 
 
 17  And  he  made  three  hundred  (hields  of  beaten 
 gold;  three  pounds  of  gold  went  to  one  fhield  :  and  the 
 king  put  them  in  the  <=  houfe  of  the  foreft  of  Lebanon,  c  Chap. 
 
 18  f  Moreover,  the  king  made  a  great  throne  of 
 ivory,  and  overlaid  it  with  the  bed  gold. 
 
 19  The  throne  had  fix  fteps,  and  the  top  of  the 
 
 throne  was  round  t  behind  :  and  there  were  f  days  on  ^  Heb. 
 either  fide  on  the  place  of  the  feat,  and  two  lions  "dood  onthehin. 
 befide  the  days.  derpart 
 
 20  And  twelve  lions  dood  there  on  the  one 
 
 and  on  the  other  upon  the  fix  deps  :  there  was  not  hands! 
 t  the  like  made  in  any  kingdom.  f  Heb.  m 
 
 21  H  And  all  king  Solomon’s  drinking  vefTels  were\^’^' 
 
 of  go\d,  and  all  the  velTels  of  the  houfe  of  the  fored 
 of  Lebanon  were  of  pure  gold  ;  ||  none  were  of  filver  :  in  them. 
 
 there  was 
 no  filver 
 
 we  find  be  turned  merchant ;  and  yet  the  imperial  laws  forbid  noblemen  to  exer-  i 
 cife  trade  and  commerce  as  a  thing  below  them  ;  and  much  lefs  then  (as  Bodinus  ■ 
 fays)  does  it  become  a  king.  But  the  lame  author  is  very  right  in  one  concelfion 
 that  he  makes,  viz.  that  though  he  would  not  have  kings  now  to  be  merchants,  yet 
 if  he  might  have  his  choice,  “  I  had  rather  a  ps  ince  fhall  be  a  merchant,”  fays  ' 
 he,  “  than  a  tyrant,  and  that  noblemen  lliould  rather  trade,  than  opprefs  and  make 
 a  prey  of  their  tenants.” 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  X.  Ver.  1.  The  queen  of  Sheba. 
 Some  commentators  are  of  opinion,  that  llie  came  from  Aljemin,  which  lay  on  the 
 borders  of  the  Red  fea,  in  the  fouthern  part  of  Arabia  Felix.  What  makes  this 
 conjeAure  feem  more  probable,  is,  that  this  country  abounded  in  precious  Hones, 
 fpices  and  gold,  which  they  fetched  from  Ophir.  This  place  will  alfo  agree  witti  ‘ 
 what  our  Saviour  fays,  that  fhe  came  from  the  ends  of  the  earth,  as  there  is  no  i 
 land  beyond  the  Sabeans  in  Arabia,  their  country  being  on  one  fide  bounded  by  ' 
 the  Indian  ocean.  To  prove  him  with  hard  quejlions.  In  things  natural,  civil, 
 and  divine  :  to  try  whether  he  had  fuch  a  lhare  of  knowledge  and  wifdom  as  it  ■ 
 was  reported  be  had,.lhe  pofed  him  with  enigmas,  riddles,  dark  and  intricate  fay-  j 
 ings,  that  he  might  unravel  and  explain  them.  "Ver.  4.  And  when  the  queen  of 
 Sheba.  A  very  great  man  has  ohferved,  that  fuch  things,  as  the  difference  of  ap-  ' 
 
 parel,  the  order  of  fitting  at  table,  and  the  attendance  of  Solomon’s  fervants  and 
 minillers,  were  juftly  admired  by  the  queen  of  Sheba,  as  an  indication  of  his  wif¬ 
 dom  ;  “  for  they  .are  the  outworks,”  as  he  calls  them,  « which  preferve  majelly 
 itfelf  from  approaches  and  furprifals ;  and  whatfoever  prince  departs  from  thelh 
 forms,  and  trappings,  and  ornaments  of  his  dignity  and  pre-eminence,  will  hardly 
 be  able  at  fome  time  to  preferve  the  body  itfelf  of  majelly  from  intriifion,  invafion, 
 and  violation.”  "Ver.  5.  There  was  no  more  fpirit  in  her.  Ihe  Hood  fixed  and 
 gazing  with  fpeechlefs  admiration  ;  like  one  loH  in  aHonilhment,  and  tranfported 
 j  with  delight :  Her  looks  fpoke  what,  when  Ihe  received  the  power  of  utterance, 
 j  her  tongue  exprelfed.  Ver.  9.  Blejed  be  the  Lord  thy  God.  That  the  govern¬ 
 ment  of  the  Jews  was  only  a  vice- royalty,  may  be  inferred  from  this  circunrilanoe  • 
 the  throne  and  kingdom  of  Judah  is  all  along  exprefsly  declared  to  be  God's 
 throne,  and  God's  kingdonu  Thus  the  queen  of  Sheba,  w  ho  vifited  Solomon  to 
 be  inHrudled  in  his  wifdom,  and  doubtlel's  had  been  infonned  by  him  of  the  true 
 nature  of  his  kingdom,  compliments  him  in  thefe  words:  “  bleffed  be  the  Lord 
 thy  God,  which  delighted  in  thee  to  fet  thee  on  his  throne,  to  be  king  for  the 
 
 Lord  thy  God,"  as  it  is  read,  2  Chron.  ix.  8.  Becaufe  fhe  Lord  loved° Israel _ 
 
 therejore  he  made  thee  king,  to  do  judgment  and  jujlice.  A  moH  excellent  adino- 
 nition  both  to  the  people  and  to  the  king  ;  that  they  Hiould  think  themfdves 
 
 *  Chap.  IX.]  The  eyes  of  the  Lord  are  on  the  righteous,  and  his  ears  are  open  to  tl.eir  erv  If  we  wr>i  18  c 
 
 children  the  entail  of  God’s  blefling,  we  muH  leave  them  the  examnle  of  our  firlelitv  Itut  if  our  ..ro.  ;  a  ^  would  fecure  to  our 
 
 forms  of  religion  will  hut  delude  and  deHroy  us.  How  graeio's  are  Go^^^^^  Eln  CoiTefpond  with  our  privileges,  the  heft 
 
 While  we  tremble  at  the  ruin  of  Ifmcl  and  their  temple,  let  our  care  he  to  take  fall  hold  of  the  better  covenan’t  I  'T'  correaions  of  their  tranfgrcinons  ! 
 
 Hie  people  of  God  are  kept,  by  the  power  of  God,  through  faith  unto  falvation.  Generous  minds  are  forward  fVdrithar4  tSr^bL^^^^ 
 
 And  It  IS  hononraUle  when  great  acclivity  in  fccular  bulinefs  is  attenfinH  with  ^ool  ; ,  r  •  i  ^  **  it  be  in  tbeir  power. 
 
 No.  22....6d.  4.  S 
 
<1  2  Chro. 
 
 1.  14. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 gave. 
 e  2  Chro 
 1.  16.  & 
 9.  28. 
 
 •f  Heb. 
 Jlnd  the 
 going 
 forth  of 
 the  horses 
 
 hy  their 
 hand. 
 
 Soloman’s  Kities  and  ;mei, thus.  j  KINGS 
 
 accounted  ofin  the  days  of  Solo-; 
 
 cir.  092.  TO'-  n.  J  .  I 
 
 - -  the'Lvv  Tharlhin.  with  I 
 
 II  Or,  nF  "Ph-jr^iOi  K  *  * '  J'?  three  years  came  the  navy 
 
 Sr""'  apel  an? peacock?”® 
 
 ear?h  for  riclestd  for  ““S' 
 
 tSme  to  Solomon,  to 
 
 face  of.  ^ifdom  which  God  had  put  in  his  heart. 
 
 -^od  they  brought  every  man  his  prefents,  veffels 
 of  iilver,  and  veffeis  of  gold,  and  garments,  and  ar¬ 
 mour,  and  Ipices,  horfes,  and  mules,  a  rate  year  bv 
 year.  ^  ^ 
 
 26  And  Solomon  gathered  together  chariots  and 
 hori0iii0ii  •  and  he  had  ^  thou(and  and  tour  hundred 
 
 chariots,  and  twelve  thoufand  horleinen,  whom  he 
 beitowed  in  the  cities  for  chariots,  and  w-ith  the  king 
 at  Jerufalem. 
 
 27  And  the  king  f  made  filver  /o  be  in  Jerufalem  as 
 iioiies,  and  cedars  made  he  to  be  as  the  lycamore-irees 
 that  ore  in  the  vale,  for  abundance. 
 
 2S  f  f  And  Solomon  had  horfes  brought  out  of 
 Egypt,  and  linen  yarn  :  the  king’s  merchants  received 
 the  linen  yarn  at  a  price. 
 
 29  And  a  chariot  came  up  and  went  out  of  Egypt 
 for  fix  hundred  s/re/.-e/s  of  filver,  and  an  horfe  for  an 
 
 SolS!  all  the  kings  of  the 
 
 t  Heb.  flittites,  and  for  the  kings  of  Syria,  did  they  bring 
 V  .c  v  out  t  by  their  means.* 
 
 CHAP.  XL 
 
 1  Solotnon’s  wives  and  concubines;  4  they  in  his  old  age  draw  him  to 
 idolatry ;  8  God  threateneth  him.  14  Solomon’s  adversaries  were  Ha- 
 dad  who  ivas  entertained  in  Egypt  i  23  liezon,  who  reigned  in  Da¬ 
 mascus ;  26  and  Jeroboam,  to  whom  Ahijah  prophefied.  41  Solomon’s 
 cSls,  ragn,  and  death. 
 
 BUI  king  Solomon  ®  loved  many  flrange  women, 
 
 (II  together  with  the  daughter  of  Pnaraoh,  wo¬ 
 men  of  the  Moabites,  Ammonites,  Edomites,  Zido- 
 nians,  and  Hittites  ; 
 
 2  Of  the  nations  concerning  w'hich  the  Lord  faid 
 unto  the  children  of  Ifrael,  “  Ye  lhall  not  go  in  to 
 them,  neither  (hall  they  come  in  unto  you  ;  for  furely 
 
 cir.  992 
 a  Deut. 
 17.  17. 
 Ecclef. 
 47.  19. 
 
 II  Or. 
 
 hejides. 
 b  Exod. 
 34.  16. 
 
 God  threateneth  him  for  hh  idolahy, 
 
 they  will  turn  away  your  heart  after  their  gods  Sn-  Bet 
 lomon  clave  unto  thefe  in  love.  ^ 
 
 3  And  he  had  feven  hundred  wives,  princelTes  and 
 h^s^hear concubines :  and  his  wives  turned  away 
 
 4  For  it  came  to  pafs,  when  Solomon  was  old,  tbat  ch 
 
 his  wives  turned  away  his  heart  after  other  gods ;  and 
 his  heart  was  not  perfe<5f  with  the  Lord  his  God  as 
 xias  the  heart  of  David  his  father.  ’ 
 
 Aflitorelh  the  goddefs  c  J„dg„ 
 ot  the  Zidomans,  aad  after  Milcoin  the  abomination  2-  D 
 of  the  Ammonites. 
 
 6  And  Solomon  did  evil  in  the  fight  of  the  Lord 
 and  t  went  not  fully  after  the  Lord,  as  did  David  his  t  Heb. 
 
 '  '  J-nen  did  bolomon  build  an  high  place  for  Che‘”‘'“'/'‘‘r 
 
 :  molh,  the  abomination  of  Moab,  in  the  hill  that  is  be- 
 fore  Jerufalem  and  for  Molech  the  abomination  of 
 the  children  of  Ammon. 
 
 8  And  likewife  did  he  for  all  his  flrange  wives, 
 which  kurned  incenfe,  and  facrificed  unto  their  gods. 
 
 r  Lord  was  angry  with  Solomon,  be- 
 
 caule  his  heart  was  turned  from  the  Lord  God  of 
 lirael,  ^  which  had  appeared  unto  him  twice,  a  chao 
 
 10  ®  i^d  had  commanded  him  concerning  this  thing,  3.  5.  & 
 
 that  he  (hould  not  go  after  other  gods  :  but  he  kept  not  -• 
 that  which  the  Lord  commanded.  ‘-'’'‘p- 
 
 11  Wherefore  the  Lord  faid  unto  Solomon,  For-^’^"' 
 afmuch  as  this  f  is  done  of  thee,  and  thou  haft  not+  hpi, 
 kept  my  covenant,  and  my  ftatutes,  which  I  have  com- w  wirt 
 inanded  thee,  f  I  will  furely  rend  the  kingdom  from  thee. 
 thee,  and  will  give  it  to  thy  fervant. 
 
 12  Notwithflanding  in  thy  days  I  will  not  do  it 
 for  David  thy  father’s  fake  :  but  1  will  rend  it  out  of 
 the  hand  of  thy  fon. 
 
 13  Ho^ivbeit  I  will  not  rend  away  all  the  kingdom ; 
 but  will  give  one  tribe  to  thy  (bn,  for  David  my  fer- 
 vant’s  fake,  and  for  Jerufalera’s  fake,  which  I  have 
 chofen. 
 
 14  If  And  the  Lord  ftirred  up  an  adverfary  unto 
 Solomon,  Hadad  the  Edomite  t  he  "was  of  the  king’s 
 feed  in  Edom. 
 
 f  Cliap, 
 12.  15. 
 
 liigbly  obliged  to  God,  who  had  given  them  fuch  a  king ;  and  he  fliould  think 
 God  made  him  king,  to  govern  his  people  juftly  according  to  his  law.  Ver.  13. 
 All  her  defire.  That  is,  feme  curiofities  flie  was  defirous  to  be  poflelTed  of.  Of  his 
 royal  tounty.  Of  bis  own  goo  I  will  and  pleafure,  without  being  alked. 
 
 EXPLAIsATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XI.  Ver.  1.  But  king  Solomon  loved 
 many  flrange  women.  Hitherto  we  have  feen  nothing  in  Solomon  but  wbat  was 
 truly  great ;  but  the  latter  aiRions  of  his  life  fadiy  tarnilh  his  charaaer.  For  he 
 gave  himfelf  up  to  the  love  of  llrange  women,  who  were  defceiided  from  idolatrous 
 jiations,  and  not  prolelyted  to  the  Jewilli  religion.  Ver.  3.  Seven  hundred  wives. 
 The  ftrong  propenfity  which  the  eaftern  nations  retain  ftill  for  polygaipy  may  ren¬ 
 der  this  account  not  to  be  wondered  at.  Ver.  4.  When  Solomon  was  old, — his 
 wives  turned  eway  his  heart.  A  man  of  Solomon’s  great  wifdom,  one  would 
 thiiik,  fliould  have  converted  thofe  women  who  were  about  him  to  the  true  reli¬ 
 gion,  rather  than  have  fuffered  himself  to  be  perverted  by  them  to  a  falle  one. 
 But  this  is  a  fad  inftance  of  the  weakuefs  of  human  nature,  even  in  the  moft  ac- 
 
 compliflied  men,  when  bereft  of  the  affiftance  of  divine  grace,  without  which  the 
 greateft  faints  will  not  be  able  to  witliftand  the  fierce  affaults  of  their  fpiritual  ad¬ 
 verfary.  Ver.  5.  Solomon  went  after  Ajhtoretk.  His  wives,  no  dobut,  as  they  had 
 gained  an  afcendency  over  him,  might  abate  liis  zeal  againft  idolatry,  and  prevail 
 with  him  for  a  public  toleration  of  their  religion  ;  they  might  obtain  money  of 
 him  for  the  making  of  their  idols,  the  fupport  of  their  priefls,  and  expence  of  their 
 lacrifices;  nay,  and  perhaps  might  fonietimes  perfuade  him,  in  eoniplailance,  to 
 go  with  them  to  their  worfliip,  or  to  partake  of  their  lewd  and  riotous  feafisj  but 
 that  they  fliould  ever  be  able  to  alter  his  notions  concerning  the  true  God,  or 
 pievail  with  him  to  believe  that  the  images  they  worfliipped  w'ere  informed 
 with  any  kind  of  divinity,  is  a  thing  incredible.  Ver.  11.  The  Lord  said  unto 
 5^oZo?»or«.— Probably  by  the  prophet  Ahijah,  mentioned  ver.  29.  for  we  can 
 hardly  fuppofe  he  would  again  appear  to  him  after  fo  fliameful  a  defe<5lion. 
 unlefs  we  fhould  fuppofe  he  now  appeared  dreffed  in  the  robes  of  terror,  to 
 1  pronounce  this  fenteiice  upon  him.  Ver.  14.  Hadad  the  Edomite.  This  perfon 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  X.]  So  important  is  true  wifdom,  that  one  cannot  purcliafe  it  too  dear,  or  fetch  it  too  far-  nor  hath  God  con¬ 
 fined  it  to  one  fex,  or  tribe,  or  nation  of  the  human  race.  Such  as  have  real  knowledge  will  delight  to  communicate  it  for  the  benefit  of  otlieis.  But  efpecially,  let 
 iis  contemplate  here  with  pleafure,  the  early  prefiguration  of  the  gathering  of  the  Gentiles  to  Jefus  Chrifl ;  in  whom  are  hid  all  the  treafures  of  wifdom  and  know  ledge. 
 Good  order  in  families,  courts,  cities,  and  kingdoms,  is  extremely  amiable  and  ufeful ;  and  to  enjoy  the  fociety  of  the  wife  is  a  great  and  unfearchable  mercy:  but 
 
 God  who  is  the  author  of  all  our  mercies,  deferves  the  praife  of  them  all.  Mutual  prefents  are  pledges  of  frieiidflii]) :  but  the  friendlhip  of  God  is  invaluable. _ In 
 
 the  emphatic  names  and  fplendid  a<5Iions  of  Solomon,  let  the  Cbriflian  contemplate  and  admire  Jefus  Chrifl  the  Prince  of  peace.  He  is  JEDIDIAH,  the  beloved 
 of  the  Lord.  His  birth  is  our  confolation  againft  griefs  and  vvoes  innumerable.  He  is  infinitely  peaceful,  prudent  and  wife  ;  and  to  him  every  thing  is  naked  and 
 open.  Notwithflanding  oppofitions  innumerable,  he  was  folemnly  chofen,  appointed,  and  enthroned  by  bis  Father.  Juflly  he  puiiilhes  the  guilty  and  rewards  tliC 
 virtuous,  particularly  fuch  as  favoured  his  caufe  in  troublous  times.  Wifely  he  judges  his  fubjedls,  and  he  will  judge  the  world.  In  infinite  wifdom  he  indites  and 
 applies  his  reve'ation  of  truth.  At  infinite  expenfe  he  builds  bis  temple  the  church,  and  confecrates  her  to  God  by  tlie  great  I'acrifice  of  himfelf.  Ids  prevalent  inter- 
 cefllon  and  the  gift  of  his  Holy  Spirit.  He  plentifully  enriches,  and  prudently  governs  his  people  in  his  extenfive  dominions.  Great  is  the  peace,  the  fafety,  the 
 glory  of  his  reign  ;  and  no  report  can  fufficiently  deferibe  his  glory,  wifdom,  and  power.  Happy  they  who  are  bis  fervaiits,  who  behold  his  beauty,  and  for  ever  en¬ 
 quire  in  bis  temple.  And  bleffed  be  the  Lord  that  multitudes  are  brought  to  him,  admire  his  excellency,  and  laboui  in  his  fervice  j  nay,  captivated  witli  his  lovC) 
 grace,  and  beautjr,  abide  in  his  boufe  for  ever, 
 
*2  Sam. 
 
 g 
 
 S.  14. 
 
 Aliij(th*s  prophecy  to  Jeroboam* 
 
 Uefore  15  s  For  it  catiie  to  pafs,  when  David  was  in  LJom, 
 and  Joab  the  captain  of  the  hott  was  gone  up  to  bury 
 the  {lain,  after  he  had  fmitten  every  male  m  Fdom. 
 
 16  (For  fix  months  did  Joab  remain  there  with  ali 
 Ifrael,  until  he  had  cut  off  every  male  in  Edom,) 
 
 17  That  Hadad  fled,  he,  and  certain  Edomites  of 
 his  father’s  fervants  with  him,  to  go  into  Egypt ;  Ha¬ 
 dad  being  yet  a  little  child. 
 
 18  And  they  arofe  out  of  Midian,  and  came  to 
 Paran  :  and  they  took  men  with  them  out  of  Paran, 
 and  they  came  to  Egypt,  unto  Pharaoh  king  of  Egypt, 
 which  gave  him  a  houfe,  and  appointed  him  victuals, 
 and  gave  him  land. 
 
 1 9  And  Hadad  found  great  favour  in  the  fight  of 
 Pharaoh,  fo  that  he  gave  him  to  wife  the  fifter  of  his 
 own  wife,  the  fifter  of  Tahpenes  the  queen. 
 
 20  And  the  fifter  of  Tahpenes  bare  him  Genubath 
 his  Ton,  whom  Tahpenes  weaned  in  Pharaoh’s  houfe : 
 and  Genubath  was  in  Pharaoh’s  houfehold  among  the 
 fons  of  Pharaoh. 
 
 2 1  And  when  Hadad  heard  in  Egypt  that  David 
 flept  with  his  fathers,  and  that  Joab  the  captain  of 
 the  hoft  was  dead,  Hadad  faid  to  Pharaoh,  f  Let  me 
 
 Send  me  depart,  that  I  may  go  to  mine  own  country. 
 away.  ^2  Then  Pharaoh  faid  unto  him.  But  what  haft 
 thou  lacked  with  me,  that,  behold,  thou  feekeft  to  go 
 to  thine  own  country  ?  And  he  anfwered,  f  Nothing  : 
 howbeit  let  me  go  in  any  wife. 
 
 23  H  And  God  ftirred  him  up  another  adverfary, 
 Rezon  the  Ton  of  Eliadah,  which  fled  from  his  lord 
 Hadadezer  king  of  Zobab. 
 
 24  And  he  gathered  men  unto  him,  and  became 
 
 hssam.  captain  over  a  band,  when  David  flew  them  of  Zo- 
 8. 3.  &  .  and  they  went  to  Damafeus,  and  dwelt  therein, 
 
 10. 8, 18.  reigned  in  Damafeus. 
 
 25  And  he  was  an  adverfary  to  Ifrael  all  the  days 
 of  Solomon,  befides  the  mifehief  that  Hadad  did  : 
 and  he  abhored  Ifrael,  and  reigned  over  Syria. 
 
 .  26  f  And  ’  Jeroboam  the  fon  of  Nebat,  an  Eph- 
 
 rathite  of  Zereda,  Solomon’s  fervant,  (whole  mo¬ 
 ther’s  name  -ms  Zeruah,  a  widow  woman,)  even  he 
 lifted  up  bis  hand  againft  the  king. 
 
 27  And  this  was  the  caufe  that  he  lifted  up  uis  hand 
 againft  the  king  ;  Solomon  built  Millo,  and  t  repaired 
 the  breaches  of  the  city  of  David  nis  father. 
 
 28  And  the  man  Jeroboam  was  a  mighty  man  of 
 vglour ;  and  Solomon  feeing  the  young  man  that  he  f  j 
 was  induftrious,  he  made  him  ruler  over  all  the  f 
 charge  of  the  houfe  of  Jofeph. 
 
 29  And  it  came  to  pal's  at  that  time,  when  Jero¬ 
 boam  went  out  of  Jerufalem,  that  the  prophet  Ahijari 
 the  Shilonite  found  him  in  the  way  ;  and  he  had  clad 
 
 I.  KINGS. 
 
 Soiomm*s  (oj  f,  reipttj  and  death. 
 
 himfelf  with  a  new  garment :  and  they  two  were  alone 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 t  Heb, 
 Not. 
 
 i  2  Chro 
 13.  6. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 dosed. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 did  work. 
 f  Heb. 
 burden. 
 cir.  980. 
 
 in  the  field  ; 
 
 30  And  Ahijah  caught  the  new  garment  that  was 
 on  him,  and  rent  itm  twelve  pieces. 
 
 31  And  he  faid  to  Jeroboam,  Take  thee  ten  pieces ; 
 for  thus  liiith  the  Lord,  the  God  of  Ifrael,  Behold, 
 
 I  will  rend  the  kingdom  out  of  the  hand  of  Solomon, 
 and  will  give  ten  tribes  to  thee  : 
 
 32  (But  he  (hall  have  one  tribe  for  my  fervant  Da¬ 
 vid’s  lake,  and  for  Jerufalem’s  fake,  the  city  which  I 
 have  chofen  out  of  all  the  tribes  of  Ifrael :) 
 
 33  B.rcaufe  that  they  have  forlaken  me,  and  have 
 worlhipped  Afhtoreth,  the  goddels  of  the  Zidonians, 
 Chemolh  the  god  of  the  Moabites,  and  Milcom  the 
 god  of  the  children  of  Ammon,  and  have  not  walked 
 in  my  ways,  to  do  that  which  is  right  in  mine  eye.s,  and 
 to  my  ttalutes  and  my  judgments,  as  did  David 
 his  father. 
 
 34  Howbeit  I  will  not  take  the  whole  kingdom  out 
 of  his  hand  :  but  I  will  make  him  prince  all  the  days 
 of  his  life  for  David  my  fervant’s  fake,  whom  I  chofe, 
 becaufe  he  kept  my  commandments  and  my  ftatutes  ; 
 
 35  But  ^  I  will  take  the  kingdom  out  of  his  ton’s  Chap; 
 hand,  and  will  give  it  unto  thee,  even  ten  tribes. 
 
 36  And  unto  his  fon  will  I  give  one  tribe,  that 
 
 David  my  fervant  may  have  a  t  light  alway  before  ^  Heb 
 me  in  Jerufalem,  the  city  which  I  have  chofen  me  to  lamp,  or, 
 put  my  name  there.  candk. 
 
 37  And  I  will  take  thee,  and  thou  fhak  reign  ac- 
 cording  to  all  that  thy  Ibul  deflreih,  and  lhalt  be  king 
 over  Ifrael. 
 
 38  And  it  lhall  be,  if  thou  wilt  hearken  unto  all 
 that  I  command  thee,  and  wilt  walk  in  my  ways,  and 
 do  that  is  right  in  ray  fight,  to  keep  my  ftatutes  and 
 my  commandments,  as  David  my  fervant  did  ;  that 
 I  will'be  with  thee,  and  build  thee  a  fare  houfe,  as  I 
 built  for  David,  and  will  give  Ifrael  unto  thee  : 
 
 39  And  I  will  for  this  aflli<ft  the  feed  of  David,  but 
 not  for  ever. 
 
 40  Solomon  fought  therefore  to  kill  Jeroboam  :  and 
 Jeroboam  arofe,  and  fled  into  Egypt,  unto  Shifhak 
 king  of  Egypt,  and  was  in  Egypt  until  the  death  of 
 
 Solomon. 
 
 bore  a  mortal  hatred  to  Solomon,  ever  fince  the  death  of  David,  who  had  a- 
 tempted  to  deftroy  iiim  and  every  male  in  the  country.  Hadad  however  efcaped, 
 according  to  Jofephus,  into  Egypt,  where  he  found  favour  in  the  eyes  of  the  king, 
 and  fettled  there.  But  after  David’s  deatli,  he  returned  into  Idumea,  and  gave 
 Solomon  much  moleflation.  For,  alTifted  by  Rezon,  who  had  conquered  a  part 
 of  Syria,  he  made  fo  many  inroads  into  Judea,  that  the  country  fuffered  much  even 
 before  Solomon  died.  Ver.  25.  And  he  was  an  adversary  to  Israel  all  the  days  of 
 Solomon-  This  is  not  to  beunderftood  of  the  whole  reign  of  Solomon  ;  but  of  the 
 •■emainder  of  his  life,  after  his  wives  publicly  exercifed  their  idolatry.  Ver.  30. 
 •^nd  Ahijah  caught  the  new  garment  that  was  on  him,  and  rent  it  in  twelve  pieces. 
 riiis  is  the  full  fymbolical  adlion  we  meet  with  in  any  prophet;  but  in  after-ages 
 tnftances  of  this  kind  became  more  frequent,  comp.  Note  on  Jer.  xix.  Ahijah 
 a  native  of  Shiloh,  and  wrote  the  annals  of  Solomon’s  reign,  2  Chroli.  ix.  29. 
 •He  is  alfo  fuppofed  to  have  delivered  the  mind  of  God  to  Solomon,  on  two  me- 
 >norable  occafions,  chap.  vi.  12.  xii.  6.  Ver.  40.  Solomon  sought — to  kill  Jeroboam. 
 
 41  f  And  the  reft  of  the  [1  a^Is  of  Solomon,  and  LS  or, 
 all  that  he  did,  and  his  wifdom,  «;ethey  not  written 
 
 in  the  book  of  the  afts  of  Solomon  ^  t  Heb. 
 
 42  And  the  f  time  that  Solomon  reigned  in  Jerufa-f^^chro. 
 
 lem  over  all  lirael  -was  *  forty  years.  9.  30. 
 
 43  And  Solomon  flept  with  his  fathers,  and  was  <-'u-  975. 
 buried  in  the  city  of  David  his  father ;  and  “  Rehobo-  “ 
 
 am  his  Ion  reigned  in  his  ftead.* 
 
 Roboam, 
 
 A  fign  of  his  dotage,  to  endeavour  to  defeat  the  purpofe  of  the  Almighty.  Ver. 
 41.  The  book  of  the  adls  of  Solomotu  Abarbinel  is  of  opinion,  that  all  the  kings 
 of  Ilrael  and  Judah  maint-ained  proper  perfons  to  write  the  tranfadlions  of  their 
 reign,  comp.  Note  on  2  Sam.  viii.  16.  Ver.  42.  Solomon  slept  loUh  his  fathers. 
 1  hough  nothing  is  faid  of  Solomon’s  repentance,  there  is  no  doubt  but  he  was  a 
 good  man,  repented  of  his  fins,  and  was  faved  ;  as  may  be  concluded  from  the 
 commendations  of  him  after  his  death,  2  Chron.  xi.  17.  from  thepromife  of  God 
 that  his  mercy  Hiould  not  depart  from  him,  though  he  chaftifed  him,  2  Sam.  vU, 
 14,  15.  troin  his  being  an  mfpired  writer,  who  were  all  holy  men,  Pet  i  20  ■ 
 and  efpecially  from  him  writing  the  book  of  Ecclefiaftes  after  his  fall,  which  coni 
 Uins  a  full  acknowledgement  of  .all  his  evils,  a  recantation  of  them,  and  repen- 
 tance  lor  them.  RAwboam  is  the  only  Ion  whom  Solomon  had,  as  far  as  we  know  j 
 and  we  have  no  evidence  that  he  ever  had  any  more  children,  except  two  dauch- 
 ters,  notwithftanding  his  numerous  wives,  chap.  iv.  11,  15,  ^  ^ 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  XI.]  Behold  here  amoft  ftriking  proof,  that  it  isnot  in  man  who  walkethto  direA  his  fteps. 
 
 When  left  to 
 
The  Israelites*  suit  to  Rchohoam- 
 
 T.  KINGS. 
 
 a  9 
 10 
 
 b  Chap 
 11.  40. 
 
 CHAP.  XIL 
 
 TAt at  Shcchem  to  crown  Rchohoam,  by  Jenybnam 
 r  1'  6  Rchoboantrc  njingiheoldman's 
 
 unse  ,  y  t  e  advice  of  yot,ng  men,  an/werel/i  them  roughly.  I  6  'I'eii 
 tribes  rcvolnng,  ktUJdoram.  and  make  Rehoboam  to  fee. 
 
 K  Rehoboam  w  ent  to  Shechem  ;  for  all  If 
 
 A  ^  ^  ^  come  to  Shechem  to  make  him  king.  I 
 came  to  pals,  when  Jeroboam  the  ion  of  i 
 Mebat,  who  was  yet  in  Egypt,  heard  of  it,  (for  he  I 
 W'as  lied  from  the  prefence  of  king  Solomon,  and  Je¬ 
 roboam  dw'elt  in  Egypt,) 
 
 3  1  hat  they  lent  and  called  him  :  and  Jeroboam 
 and  all  the  congregation  of  Ifrael  came,  and  fpake  unto 
 Rehoboam.  laying, 
 
 4  1  hy  father  made  our  '  yoke  grievens  :  now 
 therefore  make  thou  the  grievous  ferviceof  thy  father, 
 and  his  heavy  yoke  w’hich  he  put  upon  us,  lighter, 
 and  we  will  ferve  thee. 
 
 The  ten  tribes  make  Jeroboam  kinn. 
 
 c  Chap. 
 
 4.  7. 
 
 I  made  our  yoke  heavy,  but  make  thou  it  lighter  unto  Before 
 ns;  thus  (halt  then  fay  unto  them.  My  i,ttle 
 ihall  be  thicker  than  my  father’s  loins.  ^ 
 
 1 1  And  now’  whereas  my  father  did  lade  you  with^"*^"^ 
 a  heavy  ycke,  I  w-ill  add  to  your  ycke;  my  father 
 
 hath  caftifed  you  with  whips,  but  i  will  chaftife  ycu 
 with  fcorpions. 
 
 12  H  So  Jeroboam  and  all  the  people  came  to  Re- 
 hoboam  the  third  d^y,  as  the  king  had  appointed, 
 laying,  Come  to  me  again  the  third  day. 
 
 13  And  the  king  antwered  the  people  f  rcughly,  t  iht*. 
 and  ferfook  the  old  men’s  ccunftl  that  they  gave  him 
 
 14  And  fpake  to  them  after  theccunfel  of  the  young 
 men,  laying.  My  father  made  your  yoke  heavy,  and 
 I  will  add  to  your  yoke  :  my  father  also  chaflifed  you 
 with  whips,  but  I  will  chaftife  you  with  Iccrpions. 
 
 15  Wherefore  the  king  hearkened  not  unto  the 
 people  ;  for  the  caufe  was  from  the  Lord,  that  he 
 
 r  A r>rt  .u  TA  ^  1  1  I  me  eauie  was  rrom  tne  i^ORD,  tnat  ne 
 
 en  "  fp?h  byd  a.p, 
 
 975. 
 
 then  come  again  to  m.e.  And  the  people  departed. 
 
 6  H  And  king  Rehoboam  confulted  with  the  old 
 men,  that  flood  before  Solomon  his  father,  while  he 
 yet  lived,  and  laid.  How  do  ye  advife,  that  I  may 
 anfwer  this  people  ? 
 
 7  And  they  fpake  unto  him,  faying.  If  thou  wilt 
 be  a  itrvant  unto  this  people  this  day,  and  wilt  ferve 
 them,  and  anfwer  them,  and  fpeak  good  words  to 
 them,  then  they  will  be  thy  fervants  for  ever. 
 
 8  But  he  forfock  the  ccunlel  of  the  old  men,  which 
 they  had  given  him,  and  confulted  with  the  young 
 men  that  were  grown  up  with  him,  and  which  (food 
 before  him : 
 
 9  And  he  faid  unto  them.  What  counfel  give  ye, 
 that  we  may  anfwer  this  people,  who  have  fpoken  to 
 me,  faying.  Make  the  yoke  which  thy  father  did  put 
 upon  us  lighter  ? 
 
 10  And  the  young  men  that  were  grown  up  with 
 him  fpake  unto  him,  faying,  Thus  (bait  thou  fpeak  un¬ 
 to  this  people  that  fpake  unto  thee,  faying,  I’hy  father 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XII.  Ver.  1.  All  Ifrael  icere  come  to 
 Shechem  to  make  him  king.  This  city  flood  in  tlie  centre  of  the  kingdom  of  Ifrael, 
 wiierein  there  was  the  greateft  number  of  mal-contents.  Ver.  4.  Thy  father  made 
 our  yoke  grievous.  AVhat  the  particular  grievances  were  that  thefe  people  defired 
 to  have  redreffed,  we  may  gather  from  chap,  iv.  7.  viz.  the  tribute  Solomon  exaeSf- 
 ed  for  liis  buildings,  the  expences  of  his  family,  arid  the  maintenance  of  his  cha¬ 
 riots  and  horfes,  which  being  for  the  honour  of  the  nation,  ought  to  have  been 
 borne  more  contentedly  by  a  people  enjoying  fuch  a  large  (hare  of  peace  and  plenty, 
 and  from  a  prince  who  had  brought  in  fuch  vail  riches  to  his  fubjei5ls,  as  made  lil- 
 ver  to  be  of  no  value  at  all  in  his  days,  chap.  x.  21.  It  is  remarkable  that  no  com¬ 
 plaint  was  made  of  Solomon’s  departure  from  God,  and  his  fupport  of  idolatry. 
 
 This  cc-rtainlv  feems  to  indicate  the  exiftence  of  little  zeal  for  true  religion,  in  the 
 ration  ;  and”  hence  we  need  pot  wonder  that  Jeroboam  met  with  fo  little 
 o^jpofition,  to  his  deteflable  meafures,  among  the  ten  tribes.  Ver.  7.  If  thou 
 wilt  be  a  fervant  unto  this  people.  This  wasfolid  advice  ;  for  bj'  condefeending  to 
 them  for  once,  he  might  have  made  them  Iiis  fervants  for  ever.  5  er.  8.  Confulted 
 with  the  young  men  that  teere grown  up  xvith  him.  It  was  a  common  cufloni  among 
 the  kings  of  the  ea(l  to  have  their  fens  educated  among  other  young  lords  of  the 
 fame  age  ;  which,  as  it  created  a  generous  fpirit  of  emulation,  and  endeared  the 
 prince  to  the  nobles,  and  the  nobles  to  the  prince,  mud  greatly  tend  to  the  benefit 
 
 "himfelf  and  his  latent  luds,  the  wifeft  of  men  become  fools.  Is  this  Solomon— the  beloved  of  the  Lord— the  miracle  of  wifJom— the  man  of  prayer— the  bnilderof 
 the  temple'  How  art  thou  fallen  from  heaven,  O  thou  fon  of  the  morning  !  How  enfnaring  is  the  inordinate  love  of  women  !  Every  indulgence  given  to  lc«u 
 defires  oiilv  renders  them  more  infatiahle  ;  and  they,  who  give  way  to  one  w  ilful  fin,  never  know  when  or  where  they  (hall  (lop.  Indulgence  of  fl.flily  iufls  mako 
 the  heart  brutilh,  and  (lupifes  the  confcience  :  and  even  fuinptuous  fare  too  fearfully  pampers  our  lulls.  No  prefent  attamment  of  gifts  or  graces,  without  continii 
 watchfulnefs,  will  feciire  us  agaiiift  the  mod  lliameful  falls.  How  fad,  how  humbling,  when  the  old  age  of  once  famous  laiiits  becomes  a  long  continued  feere 
 profligaev  !  Alas  !  how  Solomon’s  inordinate  love  of  fplendour  KTues  in  an  inordinate  love  of  bafe  women  ;  and  this  in  a  multiplication  of  abominable  idols  .  H 
 the  a.rcd‘ faint  is  enfnared  hy  vouthful  luds  !  How  the  wifed  fage  is  made  an  arrant  fool  hy  filly  women  !  How  the  man,  who  fo  often  warned  others  againd  le  ? 
 aid  wJibredcm,  turns  out  a  monder  of  vilenefs  !  How  the  man  once  fo  familiar  with  God,  is  plunged  into  the  viled  depths  of  feilowfinp  with  Satan  and  his  aboi 
 nable  a-ents  !  When  we  have  pondered  well  Solomon’s  hidory,  let  us  look  at  our  own  ;  »  Let  him  that  hinketh  he  dande  li,  take  heed  led  he  fall.  Lord  £e 
 to  fee  and  feelingly  to  acknowledge,  that  hv  nature  all  men  are  the  fame.  A II  equally  prone  to  evil  ;  and  all  Imt  for  the  hletfed  influence  of  divine  grace,  fubjec 
 the  hiine  (in  and  condemnation.  Let  us  then  always  fulpea  our  own  coiruptions,  and  depend  on  the  grace  that  is  m  Chmt  Jefus. 
 
 Ahijah  the  Shilonire  unto  Jeroboam  the  fon  of  Nt  bat. 
 
 16  H  So  when  all  Il’rael  law  that  the  king  hearkened 
 not  unto  them,  thepeop'e  anl’A’ered  the  king,  Lying, 
 
 What  portion  have  we  in  David  ?  neither  have  ter  in¬ 
 heritance  in  the  fon  of  Jtlfe  :  to  ycur  tents,  O  Ifrael. 
 
 Now  fee  to  thine  own  houfe,  David.  So  Ifrael  de¬ 
 parted  unto  their  tents. 
 
 17  But  as  for  the  children  of  Ifrael  which  dwelt  in 
 the  cities  ol  Judah,  Rehoboam  reigned  over  them. 
 
 18  Then  king  Rehoboam  fent  Adoram,  whot.-;i7s 
 over  the  tribute  ;  and  all  Ifrael  ftened  him  with  Hones, 
 that  he  died  :  therefore  king  Rehoboam  f  made  fpeed  1 
 
 to  get  him  up  to  his  chariot,  to  flee  to  Jerufalem.  /'•«'«'''• 
 
 19  So  Ifrael  |  rebelled  againft  the  houfe  of  David^"/. 
 
 unto  this  day.  ||  br, 
 
 20  ^  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  all  Ifrael  heard  xhzU’''-^ 
 Jeroboam  was  come  again,  that  they  fent  and  called 
 him  unto  the  cengrega  ion,  and  made  him  king  over 
 
 dl  Ifrael  ;  there  was  none  that  followed  the  tioufe  ofp  chap. 
 David,  but  the  tribe  of  Judah  =  only.  ii.  is. 
 
 of  the  public.  Ver.  10.  And  the  young  men.  They  were  not  fo  young,  hut  they 
 might  have  known  better  ;  for  as  Rehoboam  was  forty-one  y  ears  old  when  he 
 entered  upon  his  kingdom,  fo  thefe  gentlemen  having  been  brouglit  up  with  him, 
 mud  have  been  mucli  about  the  fame  age  ;  hut  they  were  raw  and  imexpcrieiici'd, 
 and  unacquainted  with  the  humours  of  tlie  people  ;  and  therefore  they  gave  the  king 
 fuch  unfeafonable  advice.  Itly  little  fnger  Oiall  be  thicker  than  my  father  s  loins. 
 Surely  this  prince  mud  either  he  mad  or  dupid  to  hearken  to  fuch  iiernicious  coun¬ 
 fel.  Ver.  1 1.  My  father  hath  chaslisedyou  with  whips,  hut  I  will  chastise  you  xvithscor- 
 pions.  This  was  dill  worfe,  to  acknowledge  that  his  father  had  treated  the  Ifraelitcs 
 like  heads  of  burden,  but  he  would  ufe  them  in  a  farmore  cruel  manner  ;  and  inftead 
 of  common  whips,  ufe  tliofe  full  of  thorns  or  pieces  of  iron,  which  would  tear  their 
 flelli  in  pieces.  Ver.  1 5.  For  the  taufewas front  the  Lord,  God  infatuated  his  coun- 
 fels  to  bring  about  his  own  defign.  Ver.  16.  What  portion  have  we  in  David  ?  Y® 
 have  here  a  true  pidlureof  an  ungrateful  world  ;  for  furely  if  ever  any  j  “"ople  were 
 obliged  to  their  prince,  the  Ifraelites  were  fo  to  David.  Ver.  18.  King  Rehoboam  sent 
 Adoram  was  over  the  tribute.  It  was  certainly  a  piece  of  great  imprudence  to  fend 
 any  one  to  treat  with  them,  vvhenjhey  were  fo  highly  exafperated,  but  to  fend  him 
 that  was  an  obnoxious  man,  as  having  the  principal  care  of  the  very  tributes  they 
 '  complained  of,  was  downright  infatuation.  Chariot.  Thisis  the  firdtimewe  rend  of 
 h  a  prince  in  Ifrael  ufing  a  chariot.  The  cudom,  however,  became  common  aftei  d  e 
 
Jerohoams  rihlairoim  xarrship,  <^-c. 
 
 1.  KINGS. 
 
 His  hmul  vcithercth  at  the  aUa>\  <$■ 
 
 Tt 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrill 
 
 D75. 
 
 f  Q  Chro. 
 11.  i. 
 
 21  ^  And  when  Rehnboam  was  come  to  Jcnif  lem, 
 he  nffembled  all  the  houfe  ot  Judah,  with  the  tribe  of 
 
 ,  Benjamin,  an  hundred  and  fourlcore  thouland  chofen 
 men,  which  w'ere  warriors,  to  tight  againft  the  houfe  | 
 of  Ifrael,  to  bring  the  kingdom  again  to  Rehoboam  i 
 
 the  fon  of  Solomon.  •, 
 
 22  But  f  the  word  of  God  came  unto  Shemaiah  the 
 
 man  of  God,  faying,  ^  r  c 
 
 23  Speak  unto  Rehoboam,  the  fon  of  Solomon, 
 
 kin'^  of  Judah,  and  unto  all  the  houfe  of  Judah  and 
 B  niamin,  and  to  the  remnant  of  the  people,  laying, 
 
 2.i‘Thiis  faith  the  Lord,  Ye  fhall  not  go  up,  nor 
 fight  againll  your  brethren  the  children  of  llrael ;  re¬ 
 turn  every  man  to  his  houfe  for  this  thing  is  ffom  , 
 me.  They  hearkened  therefore  to  the  word  of  the 
 Lord,  and  returned  to  depart,  according  to  the  word  j 
 
 of  the  Lord.  .  u  i 
 
 25  ^  Then  Jeroboam  built  Shechem  in  mount  Jiph-  .  *.  - - a  i  . 
 
 raim,  and  dwelt  therein  ;  and  went  out  from  thence,  ,  and 
 
 altar,  (fodid  he  in  Betb-el,)  1|  facrificinK  unto  the  calves 
 that  tie  had  made :  and  he  placed  in  beth-el  the  pneits 
 of  the  high  places  which  he  had  made.  ,  , 
 
 33  So  he  II  offered  upon  the  ahar  which  he  rad  |j  Or,  to 
 made  in  Beth-el  the  fifteenth  day  of  the  lighih  month, 
 mvi  in  the  month  which  he  had  devifed  of  his 
 heart;  and  ordained  a  feall  unto  the  children 
 Ifrael ;  and  he  offered  upon  the  altar,  f  and  burnt  alter,  if-r. 
 
 incenle.*  * 
 
 CHAP.  XIIL 
 
 1  Jeroboam's  hand,  that  oferM  violence  to  him  that  rrophefied  againfl  his 
 altar  ot  Bethel  ■wUhercth,  6  and  at  the  pv^yer  of  the  prophet  isrejfircd. 
 
 7  The  prophet,  refxifing  the  Icing's  entextamment,  deparUth  from 
 Bethel i  1  I  an  old  prophet,  seducing  him,  bringeth  him  back ;  20  he  ts 
 reproved  by  God,  ^'C. 
 
 And,  behold,  there  came  a  man  of  God  out  of 
 Judah  by  the  word  of  the  Lord  unto  Beth-el: 
 
 to  bu"!, 
 vicense. 
 
 to  burn  incenfe.  (j  Or, 
 
 c  Exod. 
 
 S2.  8. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 went  up 
 to  the 
 altar,  <|-c. 
 
 and  built  Fennel.  . 
 
 26*  ^  And  Jeroboam  faid  in  his  heart.  Now  (nail 
 
 the  kingdom  return  to  the  houfe  of  David. 
 
 27  If  this  people  go  up  to  do  facrince  in  the  hou.e 
 of  the  Lord  at  Jerufalem,  then  (hall  the  heart  of  this 
 people  turn  again  unto  their  lord,  even  unto  Reho¬ 
 boam  king  of  Judah,  and  they  (ball  kill  me,  and  go 
 again  to  Rehoboam,  king  of  Judah. 
 
 28  Whereupon  the  king  took  counfel,  and  made 
 two  calves  o/'gold,  and  faid  unto  them.  It  is  too  much 
 ffr  you  to  go  up  to  Jerufalem :  ^  behold  thy  gods, 
 O  Ifrael,  which  brought  thee  up  out  of  the  land  of . 
 
 Egypt.  I 
 
 29  And  he  fet  the  one  in  Beth-el,  and  the  other 
 
 put  he  in  Dan. 
 
 30  And  this  thing  became  a  fin  :  for  the  people 
 went  fo  •'xorship  before  the  one,  even  unto  Dan. 
 
 31  And  he  made  an  houfe  of  high  places,  and  made 
 priefts  of  the  lowelt  of  the  people,  wnich  were  not  of 
 the  Tons  of  Levi. 
 
 32  And  Jeroboam  ordained  a  feafl  in  the  eighth 
 month,  on  the  fifteenth  day  of  the  month,  like  unto 
 the  featt  that  7s  in  Judah  ;  and  he  ||  offered  upon  the 
 
 ,  2  And  he  cried  againff  the  altar  in  the  word  of  the'» 
 
 Lord,  and  (aid,  O  altar,  altar !  thus  faith  the  Lord, 
 
 '  Behold,  a  child  (hall  be  born  unto  the  hou(e  ot  Da¬ 
 vid,  *  Jofiah  by  name;  and  upon  thee  (ha  1  he  offer  a  2  Kings 
 I  he  priefts  of  the  high  places  that  burn  incenfe  upon  23-  le* 
 ihee,  and  men’s  bones  (hall  be  burnt  upon  thee. 
 
 3  And  he  gave  a  fign  the  fame  day,  faying,  This 
 is  the  fign  which  the  Lord  hath  fp^ken  ;  Behold,  the 
 altar  (hall  be  rent,  and  the  afhes  that  are  upon  it  (hall 
 be  poured  out. 
 
 4  H  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  king  Jeroboam  heard 
 the  faying  of  the  man  of  God,  which  had  cried  againff 
 the  altar  in  Beth-el,  that  he  put  forth  his  hand  from 
 the  altar,  faying,  Lay  hold  on  him.  And  his  hand, 
 which  he  put  forth  againlt  him,  dried  up,  fo  that  he 
 could  not  pull  it  in  again  to  him. 
 
 5  The  altar  alfo  was  rent,  and  the  afhes  poured  out 
 from  the  altar,  according  to  the  fign  which  the  man 
 of  God  had  given  by  the  w'ord  of  the  Lord. 
 
 6  And  the  king  anfwered  and  faid  unto  the  man 
 of  God,  Entreat  now  the  face  of  the  Lord  thy  God, 
 and  pray  for  me,  that  my  hand  may  be  reftored 
 
 again.  And  the  man  of  God  befought  t  the  Lord,  'lord. 
 
 days  of  Rehoboam.  Ver.  22.  Shemaiah.  Tins  prophet  was  very  well  known 
 in  the  reign  of  Rehoboam.  lie  is  fuppofed  to  have  wrote  the  annals  of  that 
 prince ;  and'  of  w'hat  authority  he  was  in  Judah,  we  may  gather  from  this 
 patfage,  where  he  is  faid  to  have  prevailed  with  the  king,  and  an  hundred  and 
 fotirfeore  thoufand  men,  to  lay  down  their  arms.  Ver.  28.  Behold  thy  gods,  0 
 Ifrael.  Thefe  are  tlie  fame  words  which  Aaron  fpoke  upon  a  like  occafion  ; 
 pretending  that  he  did  not  def'gn  to  forfake  the  worfliip  of  the  true  God,  the 
 calves  being  only  made  as  fymbols  of  his  prefence.  And  there  can  be  no  doubt 
 that  the  words  were  u fed  in  the  fame  fenfe  by  Jeroboam.  His  objedt  was  to 
 pleafe  the  people,  and  they  were  not  yet  prepared  to  acknowledge  idolatry  in 
 its  undiguifed  form.  Ver.  31.  Lowcfl  oj  the  people.  Thefe  words  in  the  original, 
 according  to  a  great  critic,  properly  denote  “out  of  all  the  people.”  That  is, 
 the  priefts  were  chofen  from  among  the  people,  without  any  refpe<5l  to  family 
 or  rank.  To  feledt  the  refuse  of  the  people  would  have  been  bad  policy  ;  but  to 
 lay  open  the  priefthood  to  any  who  chofe  the  office  was  calculated  to  pleafe  a 
 people,  who  were  often  difpofed  to  view  with  much  jealoufy  the  family  of 
 
 Aaron,  and  correfponded  well  with  the  other  political  meafures  of  Jeroboam. 
 Ver.  .32.  And  Jeroboam  ordained  a  feajl  in  the  eighth  month.  The  Jews  held 
 the  feaft  of  tabernacles  on  the  fifteenth  day  of  the  feventh  month  ;  fo  that  this 
 feaft  was  entirely  of  his  own  appointment.  Indeed  he  did  every  thing  he  could 
 to  eftablifti  his  religion,  his  chief  intention  being  to  alienate  the  minds  of  the  peo¬ 
 ple  from  the  worfliip  of  the  true  God  performed  at  Jerufalem. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XII I.  Ver.  1.  There  came  a  min  of 
 God  out  of  Judah  ;  that  is,  there  came  a  prophet  from  Judah  ;  for  prophets  only 
 are  called  men  of  God  in  feripture.  But  who  he  was  no  one  can  tell.  Ver.  2. 
 Jifiah  by  name.  This  is  one  of  the  moft  remarkable  prophecies  that  we  have  in 
 facred  writ.  It  foretels  an  adlion  that  exactly  came  to  pafs  above  three  huiid* 
 red  and  fixty  years  afterwards.  It  deferihes  the  circumftances  of  the  a<5tion,  and 
 fpecifies  the  very  name  of  the  perfon  that  was  to  do  it ;  and  therefore  every  Jew 
 who  lived  in  the  time  of  its  accompliftiment,  muft  have  been  convinced  of  the 
 divine  authority  of  a  religion  founded  on  fuch  prophecies  as  this ;  fince  none 
 but  God  could  forefee,  and  confequently  none  but  God  could  foretel,  events  at 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XII.]  The  way  of  fin  is  a  inoft  unpromifing  means  of  building  families.  By  all  his  wives  Solomon  feems  to 
 have  had  but  one  fon,  and  he  was  not  wife.  Often  the  heft  inftrudlions  are  thrown  away  on  children,  efpeeiatly  if  the  parent  has  himfelf  pracSUcally  difregardod 
 them.  It  is  aftonifhing  that  we  hear  no  complaints  from  Solomon’s  fubjects  of  his  idolatry,  when  they  complained  fo  inucli  of  his  oppreftive  fervitude.  But  mofh 
 men  feek  their  own,  not  the  things  of  Jefus  Chrift.  They  are  more  concerned  to  fave  their  money  than  their  fouls.  That  government  is  in  a  tottering  condition 
 which  fubfifts  by  feverity,  and  w'here  the  king  detes  not  reign  in  the  hearts  of  his  fuhjcdts.  They  are  our  heft  friends  who  dilfuade  us  from  our  rafti  defigns  and 
 they  are  our  word  enemies  who  footbe  our  folly  and  flatter  our  pride.  It  is  madnefs  to  give  true  caufe  of  provocations  to  thofe  who  are  already  provoked  without 
 caufp.  But  it  is  too  common  at  courts  to  ftudy  the  pleafure  of  kings  rather  than  the  good  of  the  kingdom.  God  however  fulfils  his  purpofes,  promifes  and  threat- 
 eniiigs,  by  the  follies,  as  well  as  the  crimes  of  men.  They  who  by  oppreffion  drive  men  into  rebellion,  muft  blame  themfelves  for  th'e  mifehief  which'  they  incur. 
 Princes,  once  infatuated  in  their  coiinfels,  readily  add  one  blunder  to  another,  running  to  the  various  extremes  of  haughtiiiefs,  filly  compliance,  and  open  violence* 
 V  e  often  fee  our  follies  by  their  evil  confcqnence  when  it  is  too  late  to  remedy  them.  Ilafty  words  often  produce  endlefs  mifehief.  Wicked  princes  foon  for'n-t  the 
 exprefs  condition  on  which  God  granted  them  their  power.  And  with  infinite,  perpetual  infamy,  guilt  and  danger  to  themfelves  and  their  fuhjetfls,  they  model  the 
 worllup  of  God  after  patterns  of  human  invention,  which  they  judge  moft  adapted  to  pleale  their  fubjeas,  or  luaintaiu  their  gwn  dignity  and  power.'  But  they  wha 
 oppofe  God  (hall  not  always  profper ;  fooner  or  later  their  folly  and  wickednefs  (hall  be  manifefted  to  all  men.  ^ 
 
 No.  22.. ..6d.  4  T 
 
An  old  prophet  seduceth  the  man  of  Gcd, 
 
 I.  KINGS. 
 
 Bofcre 
 
 Chrlft 
 
 D75. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 a  word 
 
 was. 
 
 and  the  king  s  hand  was  reflored  him  again,  and  be¬ 
 came  as  it  "was  before. 
 
 7  H  And  the  king  faid  unto  the  man  of  God,  Come 
 home  with  me,  and  refreCh  thyfelf,  and  I  will  give  thee 
 a  reward. 
 
 8  And  the  man-  of  God  faid  unto  the  king.  If  thou 
 wilt  give  me  half  thine  houfe,  I  will  not  go  in  with 
 thee,  neither  will  I  eat  bread  nor  drink  w'ater,  in 
 this  place: 
 
 9  For  it  vvas  fo  charged  me  by  the  word  of  the 
 Lord,  laying,  Eat  no  bread,  nor  drink  w'ater,  nor 
 turn  again  by  the  fame  way  that  thou  cameft, 
 
 JO  So  he  went  another  way,  and  returned  not  by 
 the  way  that  he  came  to  Beth-el. 
 
 11  ^  Now  there  dwelt  an  old  prophet  in  Beth-el; 
 and  his  fons  came  and  told  him  all  the  works  that  the 
 man  ot  God  had  done  that  day  in  Beth-el ;  the  words 
 which  he  had  fpoken  unto  the  king,  them  they  told 
 alfo  to  their  father. 
 
 12  And  their  father  faid  unto  them,  What  W'ay 
 went  he  ?  For  his  fons  had  feen  what  way  the  man 
 of  God  went  which  came  from  Judah. 
 
 13  And  he  faid  unto  his  fons.  Saddle  me  the  afs. 
 So  they  faddled  him  the  afs  :  and  he  rode  thereon  ; 
 
 _  14  And  went  after  the  man  of  God,  and  found 
 him  fitting  under  an  oak  :  and  he  faid  unto  him.  Art 
 thou  the  man  of  God  that  cameft  from  Judah  ?  And 
 he  laid,  I  am. 
 
 15  Then  he  faid  unto  him,  Come  home  with  me, 
 and  eat  bread.- 
 
 16  And  he  faid,  I  may  not  return  with  thee,  nor 
 go  in  with  thee  ;  neither  will  I  eat  bread  nor  drink 
 water  with  thee  in  this  place  ; 
 
 17  For  f  it  was  faid  to  me  by  the  word  of  the 
 Lord,  Thou  (halt  eat  no  bread  nor  drink  water  there ; 
 nor  turn  again  to  go  by  the  way  that  thou  cameft. 
 
 18  He  faid  unto  him,  I  am  a  prophet  alfo  as  thou 
 art  s  and  an  angel  fpake  unto  me  by  the  word  of  the 
 Lord,  faying.  Bring  him  back  with  thee  into  thine 
 houfe,  that  he  may  eat  bread  and  drink  water.  But 
 he  lied  unto  him. 
 
 19  So  he  went  back  with  him,  and  did  eat  bread  in 
 his  houfe,  and  drank  water. 
 
 20  H  And  it  came  to  pafs,  as  they  fat  at  the  table, 
 that  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  the  prophet 
 that  brought  him  back  : 
 
 21  And  he  cried  unto  the  man  of  God,  that  came 
 from  Judah,  faying.  Thus  faith  the  Lord,  Forafmuch 
 as  thou  haft  difobeyed  the  mouth  of  the  Lord,  and 
 
 o  Ih 
 
 fuch  a  diftaace.  Ver,  6.  Entreat  now  the  face  of  the  Lord  thy  God,  and  pray  for 
 me.  A  furprifing  change  indeed  !  The  prince  that  a  moment  ago  threatened 
 to  punitii  the  man  of  God,  now  implores  him  to  pray  to  that  Being  for  afliftance, 
 •whofe  worihip  be  bad  dellroyed ;  and  tacitly  acknowledges  the  dirine  miffion 
 of  the  prophet,  by  confefling  that  it  proceeded  from  God.  Ver.  9.  Eat  7io  bread. 
 The  reafon  why  this  prophet  was  forbid  to  eat  or  drink  with  the  people  of  Beth-el 
 is  obvious,  becaufe  he  was  to  have  no  familiarity  with  idolaters  ;  but  why  he  was 
 not  to  return  by  the  fame  way  he  came  is  not  fo  evident.  The  moft  probable 
 reafon  is,  that  by  returning  home  another  way  he  would  be  more  fafe.  For  had 
 he  returned  the  fame  way,  it  was  probable  that  fome  of  thofe  whofe  condu(51:  he 
 condemned  might  purfue  after  him,  to  do  him  mifchief.  For  a  fimilar  reafon  the 
 •wife  men  who  worihipped  the  holy  child  Jefus,  were  commanded  to  return  home 
 by  a  different  road  from  that  by  which  they  came  to  Bethlehem,  Matth.  n.  12. 
 Ver.  11.  Now  there  dundt  an  old  jn-ophet  in  Beth-el.  It  is  bard  to  fay  whether  this 
 prophet  was  a  good  or  bad  man.  If  a.  good  man,  he  was  guilty  of  many  things 
 tvhich  are  not  to  bis  credit,  fuch  as  dwelling  in  an  idolatrous  place,  fufffering  his 
 Ibnstto  attend  idolatrous  worlhip,  and  telling  the  man  of  God  a  premeditated  lie. 
 Yet  there  are  feveral  things  that  plead  in  his  favour,  fince  he  is  called  an  old  pro- 
 t>het  did  not  attend  idolatrous  worlhip,  Ihewed  great  refpea  to  the  man  of  God, 
 tod  the  word  of  God  concerBing  him  fcnt  to  him,  believed  that  what  he  had 
 
 % 
 
 Before 
 
 971. 
 
 He  is  slain  h/ 
 
 haft  not  kept  the  commandment  which  the  Lord  thv 
 God  commanded  thee,  ^ 
 
 22  But  cameft  back,  and  haft  eaten  bread  and  drunk 
 water  in  the  place  of  the  which  the  LORD  did  lay  to 
 thee,  Eat  no  bread,  and  drink  no  water  ;  thy  carcafe 
 (hall  not  come  unto  the  fepulchre  of  thy  fathers. 
 
 23  H  And  it  came  to  pafs,  after  he  had  eaten  bread 
 and  after  he  had  drunk,  that  he  faddled  for  him  the 
 afs,  to  wit,  for  the  prophet  whom  he  had  brought 
 back. 
 
 24  And  when  he  was  gone  a  lion  met  him  by  the 
 way,  and  flew  him  ;  and  his  carcafe  was  caft  in  the 
 way,  and  the  afs  flood  , by  it,  the  lion  alio  flood  by  the 
 carcafe. 
 
 25  And,  behold,  men  paflTed  by,  and  faw  the  carcafe 
 caft  in  the  way,  and  the  lion  ftanding  by  the  carcafe  : 
 and  they  came  and  told  it  in  the  city  where  the  old 
 prophet  dwelt. 
 
 26  II  And  when  the  prophet  that  brought  him  back 
 from  the  way  he?ird  thereof,  he  faid.  It  is  the  man 
 of  God,  who  was  difbbedient  unto  the  word  of  the 
 Lord  ;  therefore  the  Lord  hath  delivered  him  unto 
 
 the  lion,  which  hath  t  torn  him,  and  flain  him,  accord- 1  Heb. 
 ing  to  the  word  of  the  Lord,  which  he  fpake  unto^'’®''^* 
 him. 
 
 27  And  he  fpake  to  his  fons,  faying,  Saddle  me  the 
 afs.  And  they  faddled  him. 
 
 28  And  he  .went,  and  found  his  carcafe  caft  in  the 
 way,  and  the  afs  and  the  lion  ftanding  by  the  carcafe : 
 
 the  lion  had  not  eaten  the  carcafe,  nor  f  torn  the  afs.  t  Heb. 
 
 29  And  the  prophet  took  up  the  carcafe  of  the  man*^®^"** 
 of  God,  and  laid  it  upon  the  afs,  and  brought  it  back: 
 
 and  the  old  prophet  came  to  the  city  to  mourn,  and  to 
 bury  him. 
 
 30  And  he  laid  his  carcafe  in  his  own  grave  ;  and 
 they  mourned  over  him,  saying,  Alas,  my  brother  ! 
 
 31  And  it  came  to  pafs,  after  he  had  buried  him, 
 that  he  fpake  to  his  fons,  faying,  When  I  am  dead, 
 then  bury  me  in  the  fepulchre  wherein  the  man  of 
 God  is  buried  ;  lay  ray  bones  befide  his  bones. 
 
 32  For  the  faying  which  he  cried  by  the  word  of 
 the  LoRDagainft  the  altar  in  Beth-el,  and  againftall 
 the  houfes  of  the  high^places  which  are  in  the  cities 
 of  Samaria,  fliall  furely  come  to  pals. 
 
 33  ’ll  After  this  thing  Jeroboam  returned  not  fromf  Heb. 
 his  evil  wav,  butf  made  again  of  the  loweft  of  the  returned 
 people  priefts  of  the  high  places 
 
 whofoever  would, 
 
 he  f  confecrated  him,  and  he  became  owe  of  the  prieftsj^/g//;is 
 of  the  high  places.  hand. 
 
 prophcfied  fliould  come  to  pafs,  buried  the  man  of  God  in  his'  own  grave,  and  de- 
 fired  his  fons  to  bury  him  with  him.  Ver.  24.  And  when  he  torn  gone,  a  lion  met 
 him  by  the  way,  and  flew  him.  Whenever  God  in  an  extraordinary  manner  com¬ 
 municates  his  will  to  a  prophet,  he  always  makes  fuch  a  fenfible  impreffion  upon 
 his  mind,  that  lie  cannot  but  perceive  himfelf  a<5luated  by  a  divine  Spirit,  and 
 confequently  muff  be  affured  of  the  evidence  of  his  own  infpiratiou.  This  evi¬ 
 dence  the  prophet  that  was  fent  to  Beth-el  had ;  for  as  he  was  able  to  work  mira¬ 
 cles,  be  could  not  but  be  fenfible  of  his  divine  miffion,  and  tlwit  the  particular  in- 
 jtm<5lion  of  his  not  eating  or  drinking  in  the  town  of  Beth-el,  was  as  much  the 
 will  of  God  as  any  other.  And  his  carcafe  was  cajl  intheioay.  This  fevere  judg¬ 
 ment  was  to  admonilh  all  prophets  to  obferve  every  part  of  God’s  commands. 
 Ver.  31.  Lay  my  bones  befide  his  hones.  He  had  probably  heard  the  menace  of 
 the  prophet,  wherein  he  predidled  that  men  s  bones  fhould  be  burnt  uj>07i  the  aUaft 
 ver.  2.  and  being  defirous  that  his  own  bones  ffiould  not  be  diflurbed,  ordered 
 them  to  he  depofited  along  with  thofe  of  the  prophet’.  The  expedient  he  mads 
 ufe  of  bad  its  defired  effec'I ;  for  we  read,  2  Kings  xaiii.  16,  17.  that  Jofiah  or¬ 
 dered  the  bones  to  be  taken  out  of  the  fepulchres,  and  to  be  burnt  on  the  altar. 
 But  when  they  came  to  the  fepulchre  of  the  man  of  God  'which  came  from  Judal) 
 he  faid,  let  him  alone  let  no  mars  move  his  bones. 
 
Jhijah, 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 971. 
 
 Jerohovn*s  son,  falleth  sick 
 3+  And  this  thing  became 
 
 Jeroboam,  even  to  cut!/ off,  and  to  deltroy  ./  trom 
 
 off ‘deface  of  the  e^arth^p^ 
 
 to  propl.t  AI.jak  at  Shdoh.  ^  ^ 
 
 I.  KINGS. 
 
 Jeroloam  dieth  ;  Rehoboam* s  ^mcked  reign. 
 
 nounceth  God  s  jitdgmcnts- 
 dab  succccdeth  Jeroboam, 
 spodeth  Jerusalem. 
 
 956. 
 
 s  Chap. 
 11.  31. 
 f  Heb. 
 in  time 
 hat  A. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 caket, 
 
 II  Or, 
 battle. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 Jliod  for 
 his  hoari- 
 wefs. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 hard. 
 
 b  Chap. 
 15.  29. 
 
 1  r  »*nel...7 - 
 
 21  Rehoboam’s  wicked  reigu.  25  Shtjhak 
 
 \  T  ^hat  time  Abijah  the  Ton  of  Jeroboam  fell  ficl^ 
 /\  ajjAnd  Jeroboam  faid  to  his  wife,  Anfe,  I  pray 
 th^anllifgaife  thyfelf,  that  thou  be  no^  known  to 
 be  the  wife  of  Jeroboam,  and  get  thee  to  Shiloh  ,  be¬ 
 hold,  there  is  Ahijah  the  prophet,  which  told  me  that 
 
 »  I  should  be  king  over  this  people. 
 
 3  And  take  f  with  thee  ten  loaves,  and  II  ^aknels, 
 and  a  |1  crufe  of  honey,  and  go  to  him:  he  fhall  tell 
 thee  what  (ball  become  of  the  child. 
 
 4  And  Jeroboam’s  wife  did  lo,  and  arofe, 
 
 to  Shiloh,  and  came  to  the  houfe  of  Ahijah  :  but  Ahi- 
 jah  could  not  fee  ;  for  his  eyes  t  were  fet  by  reafon 
 
 5  H  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  Ahijah,  Behold,  the 
 wife  of  Jeroboam  cometh  to  aflc  a  thing  ot  thee  for 
 her  fon,  for  he  is  fick  ;  thus  and  thus  (halt  thou  lay 
 untohec  ;  for  it  lhall  be,  when  Ihe  cometh  in,  that 
 Ihe  (hall  feign  herfelf  to  he  another  >woman, 
 
 6  And  it  was  so,  when  Ahijah  heard  the  f^und  of 
 her  feet,  as  flie  came  in  at  the  door,  that  he  laid, 
 Come  in,  thou  wife  of  Jeroboam  ;  why  feigneft  thou 
 thyfelf,  to  he  another?  for  I  am  fent  to  thee  with 
 
 f  heavy  tidings.  ,  t  j  r 
 
 7  Go,  tell  Jeroboam,  Ihus  faith  the  I.ord  God  of 
 Ifrael,  Forafmuch  as  I  exalted  thee  from  among  the 
 people,  and  made  thee  prince  over  my  people  llrae,. 
 
 8  And  rent  the  kingdom  away  from  the  houle  ot 
 David,  and  gave  it  thee ;  and  ijet  thou  haft  not  been 
 as  my  fervant  David,  who  kept  my  commandments, 
 and  who  followed  me  with  all  his  heart,  to  do  that 
 only  xdiich  vorts  right  in  mine  eyes  ; 
 
 9  But  haft  done  evil  above  all  that  were  before 
 thee :  for  thou  hafl  gone  and  made  thee  other  gods, 
 and  molten  images,  to  provoke  me  to  anger,  and  haft 
 caft  me  behind  thy  back  ; 
 
 10  Therefore,  behold,  ^  I  will  bring  evil  upon  the 
 houfe  of  Jeroboam,  and  will  cut  oft  from  Jeroboam 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 956. 
 
 t  Chap. 
 .21.  21. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XIV.  Ver.  3.  Take  with  thee  ten  loaves. 
 They  who  went  to  enquire  of  a  prophet  ufed  to  make  him  fome  prefents,  as  a 
 token  of  their  refpea,  1  Sam.  ix.  7.  The  prefent  on  this  occafion,  confined  of 
 fuch  mean  things  as  might  make  him  think  her  to  be  an  ordinary  country¬ 
 woman,  whom  fhe  perfonated.  Ver.  6.  Why  feigneji  thou  thyjhy  to  be  ajiother  P 
 The  reafon  why  Jeroboam  fent  his  own  wife  to  confult  the  prophet  at  Shiloh, 
 was  to  keep  the  whole  tranfatSlion  an  in\dolable  fecrct;  for  had  it  been  divulged, 
 his  whole  government  might  have  been  in  danger  ;  becaufe,  if  his  fubjedls 
 ckme  to  underfland  that  he  put  no  confidence  in  the  golden  calves,  but  had  re- 
 courfe  to  the  worfhippers  of  Jehovah,  they  w'ould  forfake  thefe  fenfelefs  idols, 
 and  return  to  the  true  worlhip  of  the  God  of  Ifrael,  whom  they  had  fo  impru¬ 
 dently  forfaken.  Pie  knew  alfo,  that  the  prophet  Ahijah  was  offended  at  the 
 grofs  idolatry  he  had  introduced  ;  and  therefore  he  thought  that  her  being  dif- 
 guifed  would  be  the  only  means  of  making  the  prophet  fpeak  without  the  leaff. 
 referve.  But  how  grofsly  was  he  miftaken  !  It  is  furprifing  that  he  could  be  fo 
 
 c  him  that  piffeth  againft  the  wall,  andhim  that  is  fhut 
 up  and  left  in  Ifrael,  and  will  take  away  the  remnant 
 of  the  houfe  of  Jeroboam,  as  a  man  taketh  away  dung, 
 
 till  it  be  all  gone.  •  a,  u  .n..2i.  21. 
 
 1 1  Him  that  dieth  of  Jeroboam  in  the  city  Inall 
 
 dogs  eat;  and  him  that  dieth  in  the  field  lhall  the 9.8. 
 fowls  of  the  air  eat :  for  the  I..0RD  hath  fpoken  it. 
 
 12  Arife  thou  therefore,  get  thee  to  thine  own 
 houfe ;  and  when  thy  feet  enter  into  the  city,  the 
 
 child  lhall  die.  .  j .  u- 
 
 1 3  And  all  Ifrael  lhall  mourn  for  him,  and  bury  him  ; 
 for  he  only  of  Jeroboam  Iball  come  to  the  grave,  b^ 
 caufe  in  him  there  is  found  seme  good  thing  toward 
 the  Lord  God  of  Ilrael  in  the  houle  of  Jeroboam. 
 
 14  Moreover  tiie  Lord  lhall  raife  him  up  a  king 
 over  Ifrael,  who  lhall  cut  off  the  houfe  of  Jeroboam 
 that  day  ;  but  what  ?  even  now. 
 
 1.5  For  the  Lord  lhall  fmite  Kfael,  as  a  reed  is 
 fhaken  in  the  water,  and  he  lhall  root  up  Ifrael  out  of 
 this  good  land,  which  he  gave  to  their  fathers,  and 
 lhall  Icatter  them  beyond  the  river,  becaufe  they 
 have  made  their  groves,  provoking  the  Lord  to 
 
 16  And  he  fhall  give  Ifrael  up,  becaufe  of  the  fins 
 of  Jeroboam,  w'ho  did  fin,  and  who  made  Ifrael  to 
 fin. 
 
 n  H  And  Jeroboam’s  wife  arofe,  and  departed, 
 and  came  to  Tirzah :  and  when  Ihe  came  to  the 
 threlhold  of  the  door,  the  child  died  ; 
 
 18  And  they  buried  him;  and  all  Ifrael  mourned 
 for  him  according  to  the  word  of  the  Lord,  which 
 he  fpake  by  the  hand  of  his  fervant  'Ahijah  the  pro¬ 
 phet. 
 
 19  ^  And  the  reft  of  the  a6Is  of  Jeroboam,  how  he 
 warred,  and  how  he  reigned,  behold  they  aie  writ¬ 
 ten  in  the  book  of  the  Cnronicles  of  the  kings  of 
 Ifrael. 
 
 20  And  the  days  which  Jeroboam  reigned  treretwo 
 
 and  twenty  years;  and  he  t  fl“pt  with  his  fathers,  f  Heb. 
 and  Nadab  his  fon  reigned  in  his  ftead.  laydown. 
 
 21  ^  And  Rehoboam  the  fon  of  Solomon  reigned  ^54. 
 in  Judah.  ^  Rehoboam  was  forty  and  one  years  old 
 when  he  began  to  reign  ;  and  he  reigned  feventeen  "975] 
 years  in  Jerufalem,  the  city  which  the  Lord  did 
 choofe  out  of  all  the  tribes  of  Ifrael,  to  put  his  name 
 
 far  infatuated  as  to  think  that  the  perfoii  who  was  capable  of  foretelling  the  fate 
 of  his  fon,  fhould  not  at  the  fame  time  be  able  to  fee  through  this  fraud  and 
 difguife.  Ver.  10.  And  him  that  is  shut  icp  arid  left  in  Ifrael.  That  is,  every  male, 
 whether  he  be  a  captive  or  freeman,  whether  he  live  in  the  city  or  in  the  country, 
 be  man  ied  or  fmgle.  Ver.  13.  Becauje  in  him  there  is  found  some  good  thing. 
 He  had  the  feeds  of  piety  fown  in  his  heart ;  there  appeared  to  be  in  him  a  difpo- 
 fition  of  mind,  and  a  prevailing  regard  and  afteilion  to  the  name,  the  worfliip, 
 and  fervice  of  the  God  of  Ifrael.  Ver.  14.  But  what  ?  even  now.  What  did  I 
 fay  !  it  fliall  happen  even  now.  Kirachi,  by  putting  no  ftop  to  the  Hebrew  word 
 vezmah  [and  tohat .?]  in  the  paffage,  reads  it  thus  ;  “  But  what  is  tliis  which  fhall 
 now  happen,  to  that  which  fhall  come  hereafter  ?”  That  is  the  prefent  calami¬ 
 ties  fliall  be  nothing  to  the  future.  Ver.  1 7.  Tirzah.  This  city  flood  in  the 
 tribe  of  Manaffeh,  and  having  been  famous  in  ancient  times,  Jeroboam  now 
 made  it  his  royal  feat,  Ver.  19.  The  hook  of  the  Chronicles.  Not  the  book  in  our 
 Bibles  called  Chronicles,  but  a  book  kept  for  recording  all  the  traiifkaions  of 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  XIII.]  God’s  nieffengers  mujl  be  faithful,  and  mod  impious  is  the  prefumption  that  dares  to  perlecute  them 
 Nothing,  however  contingent,  diflant,  or  future,  is  unknown  to  God  ;  his  purpofe  is  fixed  and  unchangeable  with  refpea  to  even  the  fmalleft  circumflances  of  our  lot.' 
 
 tlie  path  of  fafety  and  peace.  How  neceffary  is  conflant  readinefs  for  death  !  Hypocrites  in  vain  claim  kindred  to  the  people  of  God,  and  w  iili  their  la*tte7end^^'^K^ 
 like  theirs.  In  the  charaaer  of  the  falfe  prophet,  grown  old  in  fin,  as  well  as  years,  what  an  alarming  reprefentation  is  held  forth  !  To  what  a  defperate  ft  ” 
 tnay  advance,  who,  though  miniflering  in  holy  things,  never  feel  their  power,  and  live  and  die  uiiconfcious  of  their  influence.  God  will  never  want  witnefle^  f 
 "  If  the  man  of  God  be  (lead,  the  falfe  prophet  muft  attell  his  warnings.  But  how  defperate  are  thofe  fmners  who,  after  repeated  warnines  corre<fti* 
 
 Sooner  or  later  the  vengeance  of  God  will  overtake  the  finiicr,  and  he  fhall  perifh  in  bis  own  deceivings.  “  ’  ^ 
 
 Caufe, 
 
 mercies,  continue  impenitent. 
 
tiidrd  t'drrn :  Asa's  good  reign,  I.  KINGS. 
 
 there ;  and  his  aiother*s  name  ims  Naamah  an  Am- 
 monitels.  j 
 
 22  And  Judah  did  evil  in  the  fight  of  the  Lord, 
 and  they  provoked  him  to  jealouly  with  their  fins 
 which  they  had  committed,  above  all  that  their  fathers 
 had  done.  ! 
 
 . . . ^  they  alfo  built  them  high  places,  and  II  im- 
 
 imagi\«,  or 3g^s,  and  groves  on  every  high  hill,  and  under  every 
 green  tree.  i 
 
 24  And  there  were  alfo  Sodomites  in  the  land  ;  and 
 
 972. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 stayidin 
 
 statues. 
 
 Asa's  league  'with  BenhadUft, 
 
 mother’s  name  was  Maachah,  the  daughter  of  Abi.  B«-fore 
 lhalom.  Cl, rill 
 
 3  And  he  walked  in  all  the  fins  of  his  father,  which 
 
 he  had  done  before  him;  and  his  heart  was  not  per-'"^"^ 
 te<5l  with  the  Lord  his  God,  as  the  heart  of  David 
 his  father. 
 
 4  Neverthelefs  for  David’s  fiike,  did  the  Lord  his 
 God  give  him  a  1|  lamp  in  Jerufalem,  to  fet  up  his  fon '' 
 after,  him,  and  to  (ftablifh  Jerufalem  ; 
 
 971. 
 
 ,  ,  -  —  5  Becaufe  David  did  that  which  W’os  right  in  the  eyes 
 
 they  did  according  to  all  the  abominations  of  the  j  of  the  Lord,  and  turned  not  afide  from  any  thin» 
 nations  w'hich  the  Lord  cad  out  before  the  children  |  that  he  commanded  him  all  the  days  of  his  life,*’  lavebas^m 
 of  Ifrael.  i  only  in  the  matter  of  Uriah  the  Hittire.  ’  ii- 
 
 t  Heb. 
 runners* 
 
 25  ^  And  it  came  to  pafs,  in  the  fifth  year  of  kirg 
 Rehoboam,  that  Shilhak  king  of  Egypt  came  up 
 againff  Jerufalem. 
 
 26  And  he  took  away  the  treafures  of  the  houfe 
 ot  the  Lord,  and  the  treafures  of  the  king’s  houfe  ; : 
 he  even  took  away  all :  and  he  took  away  all  the 
 
 c^Chap.  {fields  of  gold  ^  which  Solomon  had  made.  j 
 
 ■ 27  And  king  Rehoboam  made  in  their  ftead  brafen 
 fbields,  and  committed  them  into  the  hands  of  the 
 chief  of  the  t  guard,  which  kept  the  door  of  the  king’s 
 houfe. 
 
 28  And  it  was  so,  when  the  king  went  into  the 
 houfe  of  the  Lord,  that  the  guard  bare  them,  and 
 brought  them  back  into  the  guard-chamber. 
 
 29  11  Now  the  red  of  the  a£l:s  of  Rehoboam  and 
 
 all  that  he  did,  are  they  nor  written  in  the  book  of  i 
 the  Chronicles  of  the  kings  of  Judah  ?  I 
 
 30  And  there  was  war  between  Rehoboam  and 
 
 Jeroboam  all  their  days.  | 
 
 31  And  Rehoboam  d^t  with  his  fathers,  and  was  I 
 buried  with  his  fathers  iif  the  city  of  David  ;  and  his 
 mother’s  name  was  Naamah,  an  Ammonitefs  :  and 
 Abijam  his  fon  reigned  in  his  dead.* 
 
 chap.  XV. 
 
 1  yJhijam' s  wicked  reign  :  j4sa  J'ucceedeth  him:  ^  AJa' s  good  reign.  16 
 The  war  bettveen  Baajha  and  him,  caiiscth  him  to  make  a  league  with 
 Bcnhadad.  24  Jehq/haphat  succeedeth  A/a.  25  Nadab's  wicked  reign. 
 
 27  Baajha,  confpiring  against  him,  executeth  Ahijah's  prophecy.  31  Na. 
 dab'sublsand  death. 
 
 NOW,  in  the  eighteenth  year  of  king  ®  Jeroboam 
 the  fon  of  Nebat,  reigned  Abijarn  over  Judah. 
 
 2  Three  years  reigned  hS  in  Jerufalem  :  and  his 
 
 958. 
 
 958. 
 
 a  2  Chro, 
 t3..1 
 
 Reho- 
 
 eacli  reign.  Ver.  25.  Shijbak  king  of  Egypt  came  vp  against  Jervfatem.  - 
 
 beam  was  not  the  fon  of  rharaoli’s  daughter,  and  therefore  no  relation  to  Sliifliak; 
 and  Jerohoam  lived  long  enough  in  Egypt  to  ftirhim  up  againtl  his  rival,  in  order 
 to  eftablifli  himfelf  in  his  own  kingdom.  Ver.  26.  And  he  took  away  the  treasures 
 of  the  hovfe  of  the  Lord.  Thefe  prodigious  treafures,  which  David  and  Solomon 
 had  amalfcd,  were  a  great  incitement  to  Shiiliak  to  undertake  this  expedition  ; 
 and  in  five  years  after  Solomon’s  death,  they  were  all  carried  into  Egypt.  Ver. 
 
 SO.  And  there  leas  tear  between  Rehoboam  and  Jerohoam  all  their  days.  In  chap, 
 xii.  23,  &c.  it  is  faid  that  God  commanded  llehoboani  and  his  people  not  to  fight 
 ao-ainll  the  Ifraelites  and  they  obeyed.  But  though  the  Jews  were  not  to  make 
 war  upon  the  Ifraelites,  they  had  lived  to  defend  themfelves,  in  cafe  the  Ifraelites 
 attacked  them  ;  and  as  they  were  now  two  rival  nations,  it  is  very  natural  to  think 
 that  there  were  fiequent  a^s  of  hollility  committed  on  the  frontiers,  though  they 
 never  engaged  in  a  pitched  battle. 
 
 UHArTTCAL  OBSERVATIONS. _ *  Chaf.  XIV.]  When  God  vif.ts  the  families  with  his  rod,  we  ought  to  fearch  out  the  finful  caufe.  And  as  ficknefs 
 
 and  death  are  equally  the  lot  of  the  young  and  old,  we  fitould  always  expecil  and  prepare  for  it.  But  it  is  com, non  for  finners  to  be  more  anxious  about  the  remova 
 and  cteatn  are  equa  J  /  Torino-  to  attemnt  imnofin'r  on  the  fei wants  of  God,  however  aged  and  blind.  But  as  no  covering  can  hide  the  hypocn  e 
 
 of  thenr  or  norTaUery  ever  divert  a  minidcr  from  a“bold  and'  free  declaration  of  the  mind  of  God.  Fearfully 
 
 from  the  ece  of  Jeho  a  ,  p  difeovers  them  efneciaUy  at  his  awful  bar.  Ingraihude  for  Angular  favours,  and  fedudlton  of  others  to  fm,  entail  o" 
 
 confounded  wtll  Ijj  pocntes  appear  .pe  very  w^rll  families.  lie  takes  of  fuch  the  greateft  care,  and  often  removes  them 
 
 the  guilty  the  moR  tern  jle  i  *  ,  .  “  j?  amiable  is  early  relin-ion  !  and  hajipy  is  it  to  be  early  ripe  for  the  joy  of  the  Loid,  and  tranfported  to  it ! 
 
 from  the  evil  to  come  by  an  on  ,i,,,iru'6lion  to  families  or  nations  wdien  the  godly  die  from  among  them.  Alas  !  that,  notwitliRanding  warnings  and  judgments 
 
 the  fame  time  it  is  a  fearful  EveTamldR  weaknels  and  diRrefs  men”  will  become  more  and  more  wicked  ;  while  God,  to  pun.* 
 
 on  the  wicked,  ripened  themfelves  for  his  judgments.  God’s  inflruments  are  always  readj  at  hand  for  chaRenmg  eve 
 
 Ws  profhffed^ierple  :  and  fin  quickly  reduces  the  wealthieft  to  poverty  and  debafement.  Jerufalem  is  now  emptied  of  her  gold  and  filver ;  yet  not  chiefly  Sinlha  t 
 
 but  fm  hath  done  it. 
 
 6  And  there  was  war  between  Rehoboam  and  Je-^^*^’ 
 roboam  all  the  days  of  his  life. 
 
 7  H  Now  the  reft  of  the  atfts  of  Abijam,  and  all 
 
 that  he  did,  are  they  not  written  in  the  book  of  the'=  -  cino. 
 
 Chronicles  of  the  kings  of  Judah  and  there  was 
 war  between  Abijam  and  Jeroboam. 
 
 8  And  Abijam  flept  with  his  fathers ;  and  they 
 
 buried  him  in  the  city  of  David  ;  and  Afa  his  fondachto 
 reigned  in  his  ftead.  14.1. 
 
 9  f  And  in  the  twentieth  year  of  Jeroboam  king  of 
 Ifrael,  reigned  Afa  over  Judah. 
 
 10  And  forty  and  one  years  reigned  he  in  Jeru- 
 
 falem  :  and  his  ||  mother’s  name  was  Maachah,  the  \\  That!;, 
 
 daughter  of  Abifhalom.  gro  lid. 
 
 11  And  Ala  did  that  which  was  right  in  the  eyes 
 the  Lord,  as  did  David  his  father. 
 
 12  And  he  took  away  the  Sodomites  out  of  the  land,  dr,  951. 
 and  removed  all  the  idols  that  his  father  had  made. 
 
 13  And  alfo  ®  Maachah  his  mother,  even  her  hee  2  chro, 
 removed  from  being  queen,  becaufe  (he  had  made  an  le. 
 idol  in  a  grove :  and  Afa  f  dettroyed  her  idol,  andt^ch. 
 burnt  it  by  the  brook  Kidron. 
 
 14  But  the  high  places  were  not  removed  ;  never- 
 thelel's  Ala’s  heart  was  perfteft  with  the  Lord  all  his 
 days. 
 
 15  And  he  brought  in  the  f  things  which  his  father  f  Heb. 
 had  dedicated,  and  the  things  which  himfelf  had  dedi-^o^y* 
 cated,  into  the  houfe  of  the  Lord,  filver,  and  gold, 
 
 and  veffels. 
 
 16  H  And  there  was  war  between  Afa  and  Baalha 
 king  of  Ifrael  all  their  days. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XV.  Ver.  5.  His  heart  was  not  per- 
 fe6l.  Though  he  profelTed  the  true  Gotl,  and  worRiipped  him,  yet  not  wholly  and 
 only,  and  (incercly,  but  worRiipped  other  gods  befide  him.  The  word  fignifies 
 the  adhering  to  the  worlhip  of  the  true  God  exclufively  of  all  others.  \  er.  4. 
 A  Intnp.  That  is,  according  to  the  Targtui),  a  kingdom  fplendid  and  glorious 
 to  be  continued  in  his  poRerity.  Ver.  14.  But  the  high  places  were  not  removd. 
 He  had  taken  away  all  the  high  places  where  they  facrifieed  to  firange  gods, 
 but  not  thofe  wherein  God  alone  was  worRiipped.  His  authority  probably 
 was  not  great  enough  for  this,  the  people  having  been  fo  long  indulged  in 
 this  pra<5lice,  Ver.  17.  Ramah.  This  city  was  in  the  tribe  of  Benjamin,  fouth 
 of  Jerufalem.  It  was  fortified,  garrifoned  to  prevent  the  Il'raelites  from  goingto 
 worlhip  at  Jerufalem,  as  they  had  been  permitted  in  the  former  reign  ;  and  there¬ 
 by  this  politic  king  thought  he  Riould  guard  againR  any  iniurreaion  or  revolt 
 of  liis  own  fuhjeas.  Ver.  18.  Asa  look  all  the  filver,  and  the  gold.  In  cafes  of 
 
I.  kings.  NaJaJ/s  acts  ami  deaf>> 
 
 Jlsas  league  tsoith  Bcn-hadad. 
 
 r  1-7  Anr^  f  Rqafha  kinc  of  Ifrael  went  up  againfh  Ju- 1|  28  Even  in  the  third  year  of  Afa  king  of  Judan 
 
 c£'  dah  a^id^built  Ramah.  that  he  might  not  fuffer  any  jj  did  Baa(ha  flay  him,  and  reigned  m  his  (trad. 
 
 *•  fo  20  out  or  come  in  to  Ala  king  of  Judah.  !  29  And  it  came  to  pafs,  u-hen  he  reigned,  h<,i  he 
 
 '  fs  I'hen  Afa  took  all  the  filver  and  the  gold  that  '  fmote  all  the  houle  of  Jeroboam  ;  he  Jett  not  to  Icro 
 
 re 
 
 !  J.l'iil 
 
 ^  .  95 
 
 t, 
 
 16 
 
 t  Heb. 
 ga  up. 
 
 16.  li&c.  left  in  the  treafures  of  the  houfe  of  the  Lord,  and 
 the  treafures  of  the  king’s  houfe,  and  delivered  them 
 into  the  hand  of  his  fervants ;  And  king  A(a  fent  them 
 schro,  to  8  Ben-hadad,  the  Ton  of  Tabrimon,  the  Ton  of  He- 
 2-  zion,  king  of  Syria,  that  dwelt  at  Damalcus,  faying, 
 
 19  There  is  a  league  between  me  and  thee,  and  be¬ 
 tween  my  father  and  thy  father  :  behold,  I  have  fent 
 unto  thee  a  prefent  of  filver  and  gold j  come  and 
 break  thy  league  with  Baafha  king  of  Ifrael,  that  he 
 may  f  depart  from  me. 
 
 20  So  Ben-hadad  hearkened  unto  king  Afa,  and 
 fent  the  captains  of  the  hoft  which  he  had  againft 
 the  cities  of  Ifrael,  and  fmote  Ijon,  and  Dan,  and 
 Abel  beth-maachah,  and  all  Cinneroth,  with  all  the 
 land  of  Naphtali. 
 
 21  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  Baafha  heard  thereof^ 
 that  he  left  off  building  of  Ramah,  and  dwelt  in 
 Tirzah. 
 
 22  Then  king  Afa  made  a  proclamation  through¬ 
 out  all  Judah  ;  (none  was  f  exempted  ;)  and  they  took 
 away  the  (tones  of  Ramah,  and  the  timber  thereof, 
 wherewith  Baafha  had  builded :  and  king  Afa  built 
 with  them  Geba  of  Benjamin,  and  Mizpah. 
 
 23  ^  The  reft  of  all  the  aifts  of  Afa,  and  all  his 
 might,  and  all  that  he  did,  and  the  cities  which  he 
 built,  are  they  not  written  in  the  book  of  the  Chro¬ 
 nicles  of  the  kings  of  Judah  ^  Neverthelefs  in  the 
 time  of  his  old  age  he  was  difeafed  in  his  feet. 
 
 24  And  Afa  flept  with  his  fathers,  and  was  buried 
 with  his  fathers  in  the  city  of  David  his  father  :  and 
 h  Jehofhaphat  his  fon  reigned  in  his  ftead. 
 
 25  H  And  Nadab  the  fon  of  Jeroboam  t  began  to 
 reign  over  Ifrael  in  the  fecond  year  of  Afa  king  of 
 Judah,  and  reigned  over  Ifrael  two  years. 
 
 26  And  he  did  evil  in  the  fight  of  the  Lord,  and 
 walked  in  the  way  of  his  father,  and  in  his  fin 
 i^irerewith  he  made  Ifrael  to  fin. 
 
 27  11  And  Baafha  the  fon  of  Ahijah,  of  the  houfe 
 •of  Iffachar,  confpired  againft  him:  and  Baaftia  fmote 
 him  at  Gibbethon,  which  belonged  to  the  Philiftines  ; 
 (for  Nadab  and  all  Ifrael  laid  fiege  to  Gibbethon  ;) 
 
 f  Heb. 
 jfree. 
 
 b  Matth. 
 1.  3. 
 called 
 Jotaphat, 
 f  Heb. 
 reigned. 
 
 9S4,. 
 
 extreme  danger,  it  was  always  held  lawful  to  employ  facred  things  in  the  defence 
 of  one’s  country  ;  but  there  was  no  necefTity  here.  God  had  appeared  wonderfully 
 againft  a  much  more  powerful  enemy  than  Baafha,  and  therefore  Afa  ought  to 
 have  confided  in  him  for  help,  as  the  prophet  Hanani  told  him,  2  Chron.  xvi.  7. 
 Ver.  19.-  A  present.  The  Hebrew  word  fignifies  fomething  given  to  bias  a  per- 
 fon  from  purfuing  fuch  a  courfe  of  adtion  as  he  would  probably  have  done  if  he 
 had  not  received  it.  Hence  it  is  ufually  tranflated  ‘a  bribe.’  Ver.  28.  Did 
 Baasha  slay  him,  and  reigned  in  his  stead.  What  was  the  pretence  for  this  con- 
 fpiracy,  we  are  not  told  ;  but  it  is  probable  he  had  many  accomplices  in  it :  for 
 olherwife  we  cannot  well  conceive  how  he  could  (lay  Nadab,  when  he  was  in  the 
 midft  of  his  army  at  Gibbethon. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XVI.  Ver.  I.  Jeiiu  lived  till  the  end 
 of  the  reign  of  Jehofhaphat,  2  Chron.  xix.  2.  xx.  34.  and  his  father  was  a  pro¬ 
 phet  before  him,  2  Chron.  xvi.  7.  Ver.  2.  /  exalted  thee  out  of  the  dust.  This 
 
 boam  any  that  breathed,  until  he  had  deftioyed  him, 
 according  unto  '  the  faying  of  the  Lord,  which 
 fpake  bv  his  fervant  Ahijah  the  Shilonite  : 
 
 30  B  caufe  of  the  fins  of  Jeroboam  which  he  finned, 
 and  which  he  made  Ifrael  to  fin,  by  his  provocation 
 wherewith  he  provoked  the  Lord  God  ol  Ilrael  to 
 anger. 
 
 3 1  Now  the  reft  of  the  affs  of  Nadab,  and  all  that 
 he  did,  are  they  not  written  in  the  book  of  the  Chro¬ 
 nicles  of  the  kings  of  Ifrael  ? 
 
 32  And  there  was  war  between  Afa  and  Baafha 
 king  of  Ifrael  all  their  days. 
 
 33  In  the  third  year  of  Afa  king  of  Judah  began  953. 
 Baafha  the  foa  of  Ahijah  to  reign  ever  all  Ifrael  in 
 Tirzah,  tw’enty  and  four  years. 
 
 34  And  he  did  evil  in  the  fight  of  the  Lord,  and 
 walked  in  the  way  of  Jeroboam,  and  in  his  fin  where¬ 
 with  he  made  Ifrael  to  fin.* 
 
 CHAP.  XVI. 
 
 1,  7  Jehu's  prophecy  against  Baasha;  6  Elah  his  son  tvcceedelh  him. 
 
 8  Zimri,  conspiring  against  Elah,  succceJeth  him.  11  Zimri  executeth 
 
 Jehus  prophecy.  15  Oniri,  made  king  by  the  sal  Hers,  forcelh  Zimri 
 
 desperately  to  burn  himself.  21  The  kingdom  being  divided,  Omri  pre~ 
 
 vaileth  against  Tibni,  ijc. 
 
 Then  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  to  Jehu  the  c‘'‘-93o. 
 fon  of  Hanani  againft  Baafha,  faying, 
 
 2  Forafmuch  as  I  exalted  thee  out  of  the  duft,  and 
 made  thee  prince  over  my  people  Ifrael,  and  thou  haft 
 walked  in  the  way  of  Jeroboam,  and  haft  m.ide  my 
 people  Ifrael  to  fin,  to  provoke  me  to  anger  with  their 
 fins : 
 
 3  Behold,  I  will  take  away  the  pofterity  of  Baafha, 
 and  the  pofterity  of  his  houfe ;  and  will  make  thy 
 houfe  like  ®  the  houfe  of  Jeroboam  the  fon  of  Nebat.  * 
 
 4  Him  that  dieth  of  Baafha  in  the  city  fhall  thCb'^cbap. 
 dogs  eat;  and  him  that  dieth  of  his  in  the  fields  fhall  14. 11. 
 the  fowls  of  the  air  eat. 
 
 5  H  Now  the  reft  of  the  afts  of  Baafha,  and  what 
 he  did,  and  his  might,  are  they  not  written  in  the 
 book  of  the  Chronicles  of  the  kings  of  Ifrael  ? 
 
 ,  6  So  Baafha  flept  with  his  fathers,  and  was  buried 
 
 '  in  Tirzah  :  and  Elah  his  fon  reigned  in  his  ftead. 
 
 contirms  the  government  of  the  kings  of  Ifrael,  to  have  been  only  a  vice-royalty, 
 as  we  have  formerly  obferved.  tjpon  ibis  paflage,  it  may  be  inquired,  how 
 I  Baaftia’s  exaltation  to  the  kingdom  of  Ifrael  can  be  aferibed  to  God,  when  it  is 
 I  manifeft  he  got  it  by  his  own  treachery  and  cruelty  ?  To  this  it  may  be  replied. 
 That  though  the  manner  of  invading  the  kingdom  was  from  himfelf,  and  his 
 own  wicked  heart;  yet  the  tranflation  of  the  kingdom  from  Nadab  to  Baafha 
 limply  confidered,  was  from  God,  who,  by  his  decree  and  providence,  O'dered 
 it,  and  difpofed  on  all  occafions,  of  the  hearts  of  the  foldiers  and  of  the  people 
 fo,  that  Baaflia  fhoiild  have  an  opportunity  of  executing  his  judgments  upon  Na¬ 
 dab,  and  fuch  fnccefs  thereupon,  as  (hould  procure  him  a  prefent  and  quiet 
 pofTefTion  of  the  kingdom.  Ver.  4.  The  dogs  eat.  This  predi^ion  fi<rnified 
 that  all  his  family  Ihould  uie  a  violent,  as  well  as  a  very  difgraceful  death.”  Ver! 
 7.  The  work  of  his  hauls  Though  this  is  a  general  term  for  any  aaion,*  it  here 
 fignifies,  as  reftrained  by  the  context,  the  idols  made  by  his  orders.  Ver.  10. 
 
 X  V.]  How  few  great  men,  efpoc.ally  kmgs,  have  any  real  piety  !  And  what  a  plague  to  their  fubieas  is  their 
 iicious  to  thgir  ch.Wren  :  and  .t  is  a  double  reproach  on  thofe  who  degenerate  from  the  piety  of  their  anceflors 
 1  untimely  eird.  But  what  a  remarkable  blefiing  to  families  and  nations  are  God’s  noted  favourites 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap. 
 want  of  it!  The  ill  example  of  parents  is  very  pernicious 
 
 Sin  often  (liortens  men’s  days,  and  haftens  them  to  an  untm.c.y  cu.  om  wnai  a  remarKaoie  uiemng  to  tamilies  and  nations  are  God’s  noted  favourites 
 ttieir  death,  God  often  pities  from  regard  to  them,  and  to  his  promifes  made  to  them.  It  is  a  mercy  when  God  Ihortens  the  reio-n  of  wirkeH  r.,1  . 
 
 belter,  and  who  will  begin  reformation  at  themfelves  and  their  courts.  Many  defeas  are  in  the  beft  ;  much  imperfeaion  in  th"eir  works  of  ref  * 
 pronenefs  to  rely  on  the  arm  of  flefli  in  the  time  of  trouble.  But  God  generally  embitters  to  his  people  the  fuccefs  of  their  own  finful  nroieas  ’ 
 
 nations  when  one  wicked  prince  ftill  follows  another  !  When  fucceffors  murder  their  wicked  fovereigns,  but  continue  cleav'  •  •  ^  ojeas.  H 
 
 Even  after 
 rulers  to  make  way  for 
 and  great 
 ow  wretched  are 
 
 ing  to  their  ruinous  wickednefs.- 
 
 we  behold  the  miferies  of  war,  and  the  fucceffion  of  princes  rifing  up  to  dellroy  one  another,'how  giVaTand^crVcTou^rreTiln^^^^  Z  wickednefs - When 
 
 gent  bangs!"  dominion  has  for  it^  ultimate  objea  the  honour  of  Jehovfb,  the  fafvatiou  of  the  wretched,  an^thf  V.Kr 
 
 Ko.  23...Gd.  4  U 
 
 wretched,  and  the  felicity  of  all  holy  intelli- 
 
%’mri  exeaiteth  Jehn\  prophecy. 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 cir.  930. 
 
 I.  KINGS. 
 
 r  ^  ^  prophet  Jehu  the 
 
 n!  "ord  of  the  Lord  againft 
 
 malha,  and  agatnft  his  houfe,  even  for  all  the  evil 
 that  he  did  in  the  fight  ot  the  Lord,  in  provoking 
 him  to  anger  wth  the  work  of  his  hands,  in  being  : 
 Jitie  the  houleot  Jeroboam  ;  and  becaule  he  killed  him. 
 
 8  f  In  the  twenty  and  fixth  year  of  Afa  king  of' 
 
 Klah  the  fon  ot  Eaafha  to  reign  over; 
 llrael  in  lirzah,  two  years.  i 
 
 Zirori,  (captain  of  half  his  chariots,) : 
 conlpired  againft  him,  as  he  was  in  Tirzah,  drinking  i 
 himlelt  drunk  in  the  houfe  of  Arza,  f  tteward  of  his 
 
 fHeb. 
 
 houfe  in'Tirzih" 
 
 over. 
 929. 
 
 «  Or, 
 i>oth  his 
 kinsman 
 and  his 
 friends, 
 f  Heb. 
 by  the 
 hand  af. 
 
 929. 
 
 10  And  Zimri  went  in,  and  fmote  him,  and  killed 
 him,  in  the  twenty  and  feventh  year  of  Afa  king  ot 
 Judah,  and  reigned  in  his  ftead. 
 
 1 1  ^  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  he  began  to  reign, 
 as  fooQ  as  he  fat  on  his  throne,  that  he  flew  all  the 
 houfe  ot  Baafha ;  he  left  him  not  one  that  pilTeth 
 againft  a  wall,  1|  neither  of  his  kinsfolks,  nor  of  his 
 friends. 
 
 12  Thus  did  Zimri  deftroy  all  the  houfe  of  Baatha, 
 according  to  the  word  of  the  Lord,  which  he  fpake 
 againft  Baafha  f  by  Jehu  the  prophet ; 
 
 _  13  For  all  the  fins  of  Baafha,  and  the  fins  of  Elah 
 his  fon,  by  which  they  finned,  and  by  which  they 
 made  Ifrael  to  fin,  in  provoking  the  Lord  God  of 
 Ifrael  to  anger  with  their  vanities. 
 
 14  Now  the  reft  of  the  a6ls  of  Elah,  and  all  that 
 he  did,  arc  they  nor  written  in  the  book  of  the  Chro¬ 
 nicles  of  the  kings  of  Ifrael  ? 
 
 15  ^  In  the  twenty  and  feventh  year  of  Ala  king 
 of  Judah  did  Zimri  reign  feven  days  in  Tirzah  :  and 
 the  people  'were  encamped  againft  Gibbethon,  which 
 belonged  to  the  P..iliftines. 
 
 16  And  the  people  that  "were  encamped  heard  fay, 
 Zimri  hath  confpired,  and  hath  alfo  fl  lin  the  king  : 
 wherefore  all  Ifrael  made  Omri,  the  captain  of  the 
 hoft,  king  over  Ifrael  that  day  in  the  camp. 
 
 17  And  Omri  went  up  from  Gibbethon,  and  all 
 Ifrael  w  th  him,  and  they  befieged  Tirzah. 
 
 J8  And  it  came  to  pats,  when  Zimri  faw  that  the 
 city  was  taken,  that  he  went  into  the  palace  of  the 
 king’s  houfe,  and  burnt  the  king’s  houfe  over  him  with 
 fire,  and  died, 
 
 19  Fur  his  fins  which  he  finned  in  doing  evil  in  the 
 fight  of  the  Lord,  in  walking  in  the  way  of  Jeroboam, 
 and  in  his  fin  which  he  did,  to  make  Ifrael  to  fin. 
 
 20  Now  the  reft  of  the  a£ts  of  Zimri,  and  his  treafon 
 
 Zimri  went  in  and  smote  him.  Thus  was  the  vengeance  threatened  againft  him 
 executed  fpeedily;  his  houfe  being  foon  made,  according  to  the  word  of  the 
 Lord,  like  the  houfe  of  Jeroboam.  For  as  TCadab  the  fon  of  Jeroboam  reigned 
 only  two  years,  fo  Elah  the  fon  of  Baaftia  reigned  no  more  :  and  as  Nadab  was 
 killed  with  the  fword,  fo  alfo  was  Elah.  Thus  was  there  a  remarkable  fimi'arity 
 between  Jeroboam  and  Baaflta  in  their  lives  and  in  their  deaths,  in  their  fons 
 and  in  their  family.  Ver.  13.  IHlh  their  vanities  -  That  is,  with  their  idols 
 which  are  frequently  fo  denominated.  Ver.  18.  Zimii  burnt  the  king's  house  over 
 him.  He  was  apprelienfi ve  of  fuffering  fome  infamous  puniftiment,  if  taken 
 prifoner,  and  had  recourfe  to  this  defperate  a<5\ion  to  fecure  his  fon  from  indig¬ 
 nities.  Ver.  24.  Samaria.  This  city  was  fituated  near  the  centre  of  the  tribe  of 
 
 Ahah  the  son  of  Omri 
 
 that  he  wrought,  are  they  not  written  in  the  book  of  Bef  ' 
 the  Chronicles  of  the  kings  of  llrael  ?  c& 
 
 21  11  Then  were  ihe  people  of  Ifrael  divided  into 
 two  parts  :  half  of  tne  people  followed  Tibni  the  fon 
 or  Ginath,  to  make  him  king  :  and  half  followed  Omri 
 2-  But  the  people  that  followed  Omri  prevailed 
 
 Ion  of 
 
 925. 
 
 ■ron 
 
 againft  the  people  that  followed  Tibni  the 
 Ginath  ;  fo  libni  died,  and  Omri  reigned. 
 
 23  H  In  the  thirty  and  firft  year  of  Afa  king  of 
 Judah  began  Omri  to  reign  over  Ifrael,  twelve  years* 
 fix  years  reigned  he  in  Tirzah. 
 
 24  And  he  bought  the  hill  Samaria  of  Shemer  for 
 
 two  talents  of  filver,  and  built  on  the  hill,  and  called 
 the  name  of  the  city  which  he  built,  after  the  name 
 of  Shemar,  owner  of  the  hill,  f  Samaria.  f  Hes 
 
 25  If  But  Omri  wrought  evil  in  the  eyes  of  the'^'''>ni 
 Lord,  and  did  worfe  than  all  that  were  before  him. 
 
 26  For  he  walked  in  all  the  way  of  Jeroboam  the 
 Ion  of  Nebar,  and  in  his  fin  wherewith  he  made 
 llrael  to  fin,  to  provoke  the  Lord  God  of  Ifrael  to 
 anger  with  their  vanities.^ 
 
 27  H  Now  the  reft  of  the  afts  of  Omri,  which  he 
 did,  and  his  might  that  he  (hewed,  are  they  not  writ¬ 
 ten  in  the  book  of  the  Chronicles  of  the  kings  of 
 
 28  So  Omri  flept  with  his  fathers,  and  was  buried 
 in  Samaria  :  And  Ahab  his  fon  reigned  in  his  ftead. 
 
 29  f  And  in  the  thirty  and  eighth  year  of  Afa  king 
 of  Judah,  began  Ahab  the  fon  of  Omri  to  reign  over 
 llrael:  and  Ahab  the  fon  of  Omri,  reigned  over  Ifrael 
 in  Samaria  twenty  and  two  years. 
 
 30  And  Ahab  the  fon  of  Omri  did  evil  in  the  fight 
 of  the  Lord  above  all  that  were  before  him. 
 
 31  And  it  came  to  pafs,  f  as  if  it  had  been  a  light  f  Heb. 
 thing  for  him  to  walk  in  the  ways  of  Jeroboam  the  fon 
 
 of  Nebat,  that  he  took  to  wife  Jezebel,  the  daughter 
 of  Ethbaal,  king  of  the  Zidonians,  and  went  and  ferved 
 Bial,  and  worfhipped  him. 
 
 32  And  he  reared  up  an  altar  for  Baal  in  the  houfe 
 cf  Baal,  which  he  built  in  Samaria. 
 
 33  And  Ahab  made  a  grove ;  and  Ahab  did  more 
 to  provoke  the  Lord  God  of  Ifrael  to  anger  than  ail 
 the  kings  of  llrael  that  were  before  him. 
 
 34  f  In  his  days  did  Hiel  theBeth-elite  build  Jericho: 
 he  laid  the  foundation  thereof  in  Abiram  his  firft-born, 
 and  let  up  the  gates  thereof  in  his  youngeft  son  Segub, 
 
 =  according  to  the  word  of  the  Lord,  which  he  fpake  c  Jbft. 
 by  Joihua  the  fon  of  Nun.*  6.26. 
 
 918. 
 
 Ephraim  on  a  pleafant  hill,  and  foon  became  the  capital  of  the  kingdom  of  Ifael. 
 It  was  probably  once  larger  than  the  city  of  Jeruialem  ;  but  at  prefent  confifts 
 only  of  a  few  cottages  and  convents  inhabited  by  fome  Greek  monks.  Ver.  25. 
 Did  worse  than  all  that  were  before  him.  He  not  only  feduced  the  people  by  his 
 own  example,  as  his  predeceffors  had  done,  but  likewife  forced  them  to  woilhip 
 idols  by  fevere  penalties,  and  prohibited  them  from  going  up  to  Jerufalem  by  ri¬ 
 gorous  laws.  Ver.  34.  In  his  days  did  Hiel  the  Beth-etile  build  Jericho.  He  was 
 either  ignorant  that  Jericho  was  devoted  to  God,  and  therefore  never  to  be  re¬ 
 built,  or  fo  impious  as  not  to  regard  the  words  of  Jofhuar  but  he  found  that  the 
 fentence  which  that  great  general  denounced  againft  the  rebuilding  of  Jericho 
 was  true,  Joftj.  vi.  26. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XVI.]  For  the  iniquity  of  a  land  many  and  bad  are  the  princes  thereof  Short-lived  and  troubleiome  is  the 
 honour  and  power  procured  by  murder.  How  eagerly  do  men  follow  the  fame  fins,  or  worfe,  which  ruined  their  predeceffors  before  their  eyes.  But,  if  thus  they 
 harden  the.nfelves  in  their  ingratitude,  their  blood  muft  be  on  their  own  heads.  God  indeed  fometimes  permits  wicked  men  to  die  in  their  beds,  and  leave  tlwif 
 ■wicked  children  to  pay  off  their  awful  reckoning.  Drunkards  fearfully  expofe  themfeives  to  death  in  a  thoufand  forms.  And  it  is  terrible  to  be  hurried  drunk  to  the 
 tribunal  of  a  holy  God!  RebTlious  projerSlors  often  perilh  in  the  flames  which  they  have  kindled  ;  and  revenge  and  envy  Attend  them  in  their  death.  It  is  terrible 
 ■when  God  punilhes  men’s  harmony  in  wickednefs  with  civil  wars  and  difeords.  Dreadful  is  his  cafe  who  is  married  to  a  wicked  and  abandoned  woman  :  nothin? 
 is  fo  bafe  or  horrid  but  file  can  petfuade  him  to.  When  kings  are  monfiers  in  wickednefs  the  fubjedls  will  flrive  to  outdo  them  in  contempt  of  God.  But  fuel) 
 defpife  his  curfe  ffiall  feel  the  weight  of  it. 
 
EUjah  fed  hj  the  ravens. 
 
 L  KINGS. 
 
 He  raiseth  a  •uoidervs  son. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 910. 
 
 j  Hcb. 
 Jilij'iitu, 
 Luke  4. 
 2.5.  he  is 
 called 
 £lin$. 
 a  Ecclus. 
 48.  3. 
 James 
 
 S.  17. 
 
 -  CHAP.  XVII. 
 
 1  having  pTophssi^d  ngninst  jiUobf  is  sent  to  Cheiilhy  whete  the 
 
 ravens  Jeed  him;  he  is  sent  to  the  widow  oj  Zjirephalh  ;  11  he  raiseth 
 the  widow's  son,  cjc. 
 
 And  t  Elijah  the  Tifhbite,  who  was  of  the  inha¬ 
 bitants  of  Gilead,  faid  unto  Ahab,  *  As  the 
 Lord  God  ol  Ifrael  liveth,  before  whom  I  ftand,  there 
 (hall  not  be  dew  nor  rain  thefe  years,  but  according 
 to  my  word. 
 
 2  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  him,  fay¬ 
 ing, 
 
 3  Get  thee  hence,  and  turn  thee  eaftward,  and 
 hide  thyfelf  by  the  brook  Cherith,  that  is  before 
 Jordan. 
 
 4  And  it  (hall  be,  that  thou  (halt  drink  of  the  brook ; 
 and  1  have  commanded  the  ravens  to  feed  thee  there. 
 
 5  So  he  went,  and  did  according  unto  the  word  of 
 the  Lord  :  for  he  went  and  dwelt  by  the  brook  Che¬ 
 rith,  that  is  before  Jordan. 
 
 6  And  the  ravens  brought  him  bread  and  flefh  in 
 the  morning,  and  bread  and  flefh  in  the  evening  ;  and 
 be  drank  of  the  brook. 
 
 7  And  it  came  to  pafs,  f  after  a  while,  that  the  brook 
 at  the  end  Up,  bccaulc  there  had  been  no  rain  in  the  land. 
 o/days.  g  ^  LoRD  came  unto  him, 
 
 faying, 
 
 .  9  Arife,  get  thee  to  Zarephath,  which  helongeth 
 to  Zidon,  and  dwell  there  :  behold,  I  have  command¬ 
 ed  a  w’idow  woman  there  to  fuftain  thee. 
 
 10  So  he  arofe,  and  went  to  Zarephath  :  and  when 
 he  camiC  to  the  gate  of  the  city,  behold,  the  widow 
 woman  was  there  gathering  of  flicks ;  and  he  called 
 to  her,  and  faid.  Fetch  me,  I  pray  thee,  a  little  water, 
 in  a  veflTel,  that  I  may  drink. 
 
 1 1  And  as  (he  was  going  to  fetch  zV,  he  called  to 
 her,  and  laid.  Bring  me,  1  pray  thee,  a  morfel  of 
 bread  in  thine  hand. 
 
 12  And  fhe  faid,  As  the  Lord  thy  God  liveth,  I 
 have  not  a  cake,  but  an  handful  of  meal  in  a  barrel, 
 and  a  little  oil  in  a  ernfe  :  and,  behold,  I  am  gathering 
 two  flicks,  that  I  may  go  in  and  drefs  it  for  me  and 
 my  fon,  that  we  may  eat  it,  and  die. 
 
 Before 
 
 Clirift 
 
 910. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 b  Luke 
 4.  26. 
 called 
 Sarepta. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XVII.  Ver.  1.  And  Elijah  the  Tuhbke. 
 The  great  care  God  ftill  (hewed  for  his  people,  notwithftanding  the  many  fins 
 they  had  committed  to  provoke  him  to  anger,  was  fo  remarkable,  that  in  every 
 king’s  reign,  from  the  firfi  to  the  laft,  there  was  one  prophet  at  lead  to  inftrudl, 
 admonifii,  and  correa  them.  And  now  in  the  reign  of  Ahab,  when  idolatry 
 was  earned  to  its  liigheft  pitch,  God  raifed  up  an  extraordinary  prophet  to  call 
 the  Ifiaehtes  to  repentance.  He  is  called  the  Tilhbite,  from  Thilbe,  a  town  on 
 the  other  fide  Jordan,  in  the  tribe  of  Gad,  where  he  was  born.  There  shall  not  be 
 dew  nor  rain  these  years.  This  calamity  is  faid  to  have  been  procured  by  Elijah’s 
 prayers;  but  we  mua  not  therefore  imagine  that  his  prayers  were  fpiteful  and 
 malicious,  but  rather  neceffary  and  charitable,-  for  the  anfwer  was  well  fitted 
 to  vindicate  the  charaaer  of  God  by  a  ftriking  proof  of  his  abhorrence  of  ido- 
 Jatry,  and  to  awaken  the  people  to  a  fenfe  of  their  guilt  and  danger  in  departing 
 trom  him.  \  er.  6.  And  the  ravens  brought  him  bread  and  Jltsh  in  the  morning.  It 
 IS  remarked  by  naturalids,  that  ravens  are  very  greedy  and  voracious  creatures, 
 and  fo  entirely  deftitute  of  natural  affeaion  to  their  young,  that  they  forfake 
 
 13  And  Elijah  faid  unto  her.  Fear  not ;  go  and  do 
 as  thou  haft  faid  :  but  make  me  thereof  a  little  cake 
 firft,  and  bring  it  unto  me,  and  after  make  for  thee 
 and  for  thy  fon. 
 
 14  For  thus  faith  the  Lord  God  of  Ifrael,  Ihe 
 barrel  of  meal  (hall  not  wafte,  neither  fhall  the  crule 
 
 of  oil  fail,  until  the  day  that  the  Lord  f  fendeth  rain  f-  Heb. 
 
 upon  the  earth.  ^ 
 
 15  And  fhe  went,  and  did  according  to  the  faying 
 of  Elijah  :  and  fhe,  and  he,  and  her  houle,  did  eat 
 II  mam/ days. 
 
 16  And  the  barrel  of  meal  wafted  not,  neither  d’.d"^" 
 
 !  the  crule  of  oil  fail,  according  to  the  word  of  the 
 
 I  Lord,  which  he  fpake  f  by  Elijah.  t  Heb. 
 
 ,  17  f  And  it  came  to  pafs,  after  thefe  things,  that^yt>‘^ 
 
 \  the  fon  of  the  woman  the  miftrefs  of  the  houfe,  fell 
 flek ;  and  his  ficknefs  was  fo  fore,  that  there  was  no 
 •  breath  left  in  him. 
 
 i  18  And  fbe  faid  unto  Elijah,  what  have  I  to  do 
 with  thee,  O  thou  man  of  God  1  art  thou  come  unto 
 me  to  call  my  fin  to  remembrance,  and  to  flay  my 
 I  fon  ?  * 
 
 I  19  And  he  faid  unto  her,  Give  me  thy  fon.  And 
 j  he  took  him  out  of  her  bofom,  and  carried  him  up  into 
 I  a  loft  where  he  abode,  and  laid  him  upon  his  own  bed. 
 
 20  And  he  cried  unto  the  Lord,  and  faid,  O  Lord 
 my  God,  haft  thou  allb  brought  evil  upon  the  widow 
 with  whom  I  fojourn,  by  flaying  her  fon  ? 
 
 21  And  he  t  ftretched  himfelf  upon  the  child  three|Heb. 
 
 times,  and  cried  onto  the  Lord,  and  faid,  O  Lord  measured' 
 my  God,  I  pray  thee,  let  this  child’s  foul  f  come  into  t  Heb. 
 him  again.  into  hi$ 
 
 22  And  the  Lord  heard  the  voice  of  Elijah  ;  and'”*"“’'^ 
 the  foul  of  the  child  came  into  him  again,  and 
 revived. 
 
 23  And  Elijah  took  the  child,  and  brought  him 
 down  out  of  the  chamber  into  the  houfe,  and  deli¬ 
 vered  him  unto  his  mother:  and  Elijah  faid.  See,  thy 
 fon  liveth  ! 
 
 24  And  the  woman  faid  to  Elijah,  Now  by  this  I 
 know  that  thou  art  a  man  of  God,  and  that  the  word 
 of  the  Lord  in  thy  mouth  h  truth.* 
 
 them  before  they  are  fledged.  But  this  is  fo  far  from  being  an  obje6Iion  to 
 almighty  power,  that  it  greatly  magnifies  it,  fince  the  more  unfit  the  inflrumeuts 
 were  to  the  purpofes  they  were  intended  to  ferve,  the  more  manifeft  was  the 
 divine  interpofition  in  behalf  of  the  prophet.  Ver.  9.  Zarephath,  or  Zarepta, 
 was  fituated  between  Tyre  and  Zidon,  comp.  Luke  iv.  25.  Ver.  18.  IVhat  have  I 
 to  do  wUh  thee  ? — She  undoubtedly  imputed  the  death  of  her  fen  to  the  prophet  ; 
 either  as  a  punifiimenl,  for  her  not  behaving  to  him  with  all  the  refpeift  due  to 
 his  chara(5ler,  or  tlfe  as  a  punifhmeut  for  her  former  fins;  which  is  the  meaning 
 of  calling  her  fins  to  remembrance.  Ver.  21.  Let  this  child's  soul  come  unto  him 
 ogam.  This  is  a  proof  that  the  foul  does  not  die  with  the  body,  hut  exifls  tn  a 
 feparate  (late  without  it.  Ver.  24.  Now  by  this  I  know  that  thou  art  a  man  of 
 God.  Tliough  the  woman  bad  before  fufBcient  reafon  to  believe  that  Elijah  was 
 a  propl^t,  yet  upon  his  not  curing  her  fon  while  he  lay  fick,  her  faith  began  to 
 I  '  j  *  upon  feeing  him  raifed  from  the  dead,  her  faith  revived  with  her  fon  • 
 
 1  and  th-ough  the  joy  of  having  him  refiored,  flie  confidered  Uiis  laft  miracle  as 
 I  much  greater  than  the  former. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS _ CHApOrVl7T~rT^n  - - 
 
 fo  thefe  are  ftrengthened  for  the  difllieulties  which  they  have  to  encouiuer^a^rd'a'^ri  u  ^be  righteoufnefs  of  his  procedure, 
 
 a  people,  when  God’s  fervants  are  driven  into  cornerJ,  and  Xn  ri.frof  ohferL ZZ  ^ut  it  bodes  ill  for 
 
 bim  with  their  protedion  ;  he  will  take  care  that  they  fiiall  net  ftarve  He^an  maL  theZoV^av  ‘ 
 
 one  created  fource  runs  dry,  he  c.n  make  another  break  forth  And  nleniif Z  h  ^  '"avenous  or  deftitute  creatures  on  earth  to  provide  for  them.  When 
 
 ftraits  and  perplexity  may  thofe  who  fear  his  name,  or  their  ch'ildrfn  beZduced  ‘be  wants  of  his  fervants.  Yea,  to  what 
 
 lieve  us  than  we  think,  and  faith  muft  filence  all  ohjeaions.  A  promife  of  God  'd  ^fP®Z  Z  ‘‘^bef  ?  But,  in  our  deeped  diftrefles,  God  is  nearer  to  re- 
 
 find  themfelves  no  lofer  by  him  ;  and  fo  works  of  pitty  and  chadtv  br^nt  ns  ‘‘‘oufand  arguments.  They  who  can  truft  God  with  their  al'  will 
 
 they  have  met  with  remarkable  favours.  And  the  more  unexpeaZ  the  ArluFk  bis  people  with  the  heavieft  trials  ’after 
 
 ledge  our  fin,  which  is  the  caufe  of  them.  ^  ^'P^  •  ‘^^ent  and  becoming  humbly  to  fearch  out,  confefs,  aad  acknow- 
 
Obadiak  IringHh  Ahah  to  Elijah, 
 
 CHAP.  XVIIL 
 
 I.  KINGS. 
 
 A’ 
 
 f  Heb. 
 Obadiuhu 
 t  Heb. 
 over  his 
 house. 
 f  Heb. 
 label. 
 
 jrom  the 
 beasts. 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 
 cin  909.  1  ht  the  of  famine  Elijah  is  sent  to  Ahah  :  7  he  mceteth  Obn 
 
 J^^odmh  hrnigeth  Ahub  to  Elijah.  17  Ehjah  reproving 
 Ahob,  byjire  from  heaven  convinceth  Baal’s  prophets,  <Jc. 
 
 ND  it  came  to  pafs,  after  many  days,  that  the 
 
 - the  Lord  came  to  Elijah  on  the  third 
 
 year,  laying.  Go,  (hew  thylelt  unto  Ahab  ;  and  I  will 
 lend  ram  upon  the  earth. 
 
 2  And  Elijah  vpent  to  fhew  himfelf  unto  Ahab  ; 
 and  there  ivas  a  lore  famine  in  Samaria. 
 
 3  And  Ahab  called  f  Obadiah,  which  tojs  t  the 
 governor  of  his  houfe :  (Now  Obadiah,  feared  the 
 Lord  greatly ;  " 
 
 4  For  it  wasse,  w  hen  f  Jezebel  cut  off  the  prophets 
 of  the  Lord,  that  Obadiah  took  an  hundred  pro¬ 
 phets,  and  hid  them  by  fifty  in  a  cave,  and  fed  them 
 with  bread  and  water  :) 
 
 .5  And  Ahab  (aid  unto  Obadiah,  Go  into  the  land, 
 unto  all  fountains  of  water,  and  unto  ail  brooks  ;  per- 
 adventure  we  may  find  grafs  to  fave  the  horl'es  and 
 
 IhUfwJ  ^  beatts. 
 
 lutZ'off  ^  ^9  ^hey  divided  the  land  between  them,  to  pafs 
 ourfeives  throughout  It  t  Ahab  went  one  way  by  himfelf,  and  ' 
 Obadiah  went  another  way  by  himfelf. 
 
 7  ^_And  as  Obadiah  was  in  the  way,  behold  Elijah 
 met  him  :  and  he  knew  him,  and  fell  on  his  face,  and 
 laid.  Art  thou  that  my  lord  Elijah. 
 
 8  And  he  anfwered  him,  1  am  ;  go,  tell  thy  lord. 
 Behold,  Elijah  is  here. 
 
 9  And  he  laid.  What  have  I  finned,  that  thou 
 wouldeft  deliver  thy  fervant  into  the  band  of  Ahab,  to 
 flay  me  ? 
 
 10  As  the  Lord  thy  God  liveth,  there  is  no  nation 
 or  kingdom  whither  my  Lord  hath  not  fent  to  feek 
 thee  ;  and  when  they  faid.  He  is  not  there,  he  took  an 
 oath  of  the  kingdom  and  nation,  that  they  found  thee 
 not. 
 
 tl  And  now  thou  fayeft.  Go,  tel!  thy  lord.  Behold, 
 Ehjah  is  here. 
 
 12  And  it  (hall  come  to  pafs,  as  soon  as  I  am  gone 
 from  thee,  that  the  fpirit  of  the  Lo^  fliall  carry 
 thee  whither  I  know  not ;  and  so  whin  1  come  and 
 tell  Ahab,  and  he  cannot  find  thee,  he  (hall  flay  me  : 
 but  I  thy  fervant  fear  the  Lord  from  my  youth. 
 
 13  Was  it  not  fold  my  lord  what  I  did,  v.'hen  Jeze¬ 
 bel  flew  the  prophets  of  the  Lord,  how  1  hid  an  hun¬ 
 dred  men  of  the  Lord’s  prophets  by  fifty  in  a  cave, 
 and  fed  them  with  bread  and  water. 
 
 14  And  now  thou  fayeft.  Go,  tell  thy  lord,  Behold, 
 Elijah  is  here ;  and  he  lhall  flay  me. 
 
 15  And  Elijah  faid.  As  the  Lord  of  hofts  liveth. 
 
 Elijah  confoundeth  BaaVs  prophg^^ 
 
 before  whom  I  ftand,  I  will  furely  fhew  myfelf  unto  b.  J‘ 
 him  to-day. 
 
 16  So  Obadiah  went  to  meet  Ahab,  and  told  him  • 
 
 and  Ahab  went  to  meet  Elijah.  * 
 
 17  H  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  Ahab  faw  Elijah 
 
 Ifta^el  ?  thou  he  that  troubleih 
 
 IS  And  he  anfwered,  I  have  not  troubled  Ifrael ; 
 but  thou  and  thy  father’s  houfe  ;  in  that  ye  have 
 
 commandments  of  the  Lord,  and  thou 
 haft  followed  Baalim. 
 
 19  Now  therefore  fend,  and  gather  to  me  all  Ifrael 
 unto  mount  Carmel,  and  the  prophets  of  Baal  four 
 hundred  and  fifty,  and  the  prophets  of  the  groves  four 
 hundred,  which  eat  at  Jezebel’s  table. 
 
 20  So  Ahab  fent  unto  all  the  children  of  Ifrael,  and 
 gathered  the  prophets  together  unto  mount  Carmel. 
 
 21  H  And  Elijah  came  unto  all  the  people,  and  faid. 
 
 How  long  halt  ye  between  two  I]  opinions?  if  the II  Or, 
 Lord  be  God,  follow  hiin  :  but  if  Baal,  then  follow 
 him.  ^  And  the  people  anfwered  him  not  a  word. 
 
 22^  1  hen  laid  Elijah  unto  the  people*,  I,  even  I  only, 
 remain  a  prophet  of  the  Lord  ;  but  Baal’s  prophets 
 are  four  hundred  and  fifty  men. 
 
 23  Let  thetn  therefore  give  ns  two  bullocks  ;  and 
 let  them  choofe  one  bullock  for  themfelves,  and  cut 
 it  in  pieces,  and  lay  it  on  wood,  and  put  no  ^re  under  : 
 and  I  will  drefs  the  other  bullock,  and  lay  it  on  wood, 
 and  put  no  fire  under : 
 
 24  And  call  ye  on  the  name  of  your  gods,  and  I  will 
 
 call  on  the  name  of  the  Lord  ;  and  the  god  that  an- 
 Iwereth  by  fire,  let  him  be  God.  And  all  the  people 
 anfwered  and  faid,  f  It  is  well  fpoken.  t  Heb. 
 
 25  And  Elijah  faid  unto  the  prophets  of  Baal,|f;;;‘' 
 
 Choofe  you  one  bullock  for  yourfelves,  and  drefs  it'^^'‘'^‘ 
 firft  ;  for  ye  are  many;  and  call  on  the  name  of  your  n  or, 
 gods,  but  put  no  fire  under.  answer, 
 
 26  And  they  took  the  bullock  which  was  given  H 
 
 them,  and  they  dreffed  it,  and  called  on  the  name  of  N^or’ 
 Baal  from  morning  even  until  noon,  faying,  O  Baal,  Lpedw/- 
 II  hear  us  !  But  there  vw  no  voice,  nor  any  that  |1  an-  a^^hdom 
 Iwered.  And  they  ll  leaped  upon  the  altar  which  was“^V^*^ 
 made.  .  J  Heb. 
 
 27  And  It  came  to  pafs  at  noon,  that  Elijah  mocked  with  a 
 
 them,  and  faid,  Cry  f  aloud  ;  for  he  is  a  god  :  either«"“'”"'^ 
 li  he  is  talking,  or  he  f  is  purfuing,  or  he  is  in  ^  ]oytx-  iJZd . 
 ney,  or  peradventure  he  fleepeth,  and  muft  be  a-  tateth. 
 waked.  t  Heb. 
 
 28  And  they  cried  aloud,  and  cut  themfelves,  after 
 
 their  manner,  with  knives  and  lancets,  till  the  blood  |“Heb.' 
 f  gufhed  out  upon  them.  poured. 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  XVIII.  Ver.  1.  The  word  of  the  Lord  ! 
 came  to  Eljah  in  the  third  year.  Both  our  bleffed  Saviour  and  the  apoAle  James  I 
 tells  us,  that  there  was  no  rain  for  three  years  and  fix  months.  But  this  difference  j 
 is  eafily  reconciled ;  for  the  land  of  Canaan  had  only  rain  twice  a  year,  called 
 the  foiraer  and  the  lattier  rain.  It  is  therefore  natural  to  think,  that  Ahab  im¬ 
 puted  the  beginning  of  the  drought  to  natural  caufes ;  but  after  waiting  fix 
 iBODths  longer,  without  perceiving  any  figns  of  rain,  he  began  to  be  enraged  at 
 Elijalt,  as  the  caufe  of  this  national  judgment.  Ver.  1 3.  I  hid  on  hundred  men  of 
 the  Lord's  prophets.  Elijah  in  his  appeal  to  the  people,  tells  them,  7,  even  I  only 
 remain  a  prophet  of  the  Lord,  ver.  22.  and  therefore  the  hundred  preferved  by  Oba- 
 diah  were  not  men  a(5lually  infpired  but  fuel)  only  as  were  thedifciples  of  the  pro¬ 
 phets,  and  candidates  for  that  high  office.  Ver.  21.  How  long  halt  ye  between  livo 
 opinions?  According  to  the  principle  of  intercommunity  acknowledged  by  heathen 
 nations  it  was  lawful  to  blend  the  wordiip  of  foreign  gods  with  that  ot  the  local 
 deity  ;  but,  according  to  the  Mofaic  law,  God  reje<5led  all  fuch  affociations,  infi fl¬ 
 ing  upon  being  efteemed  as  the  foie  object  of  worfhip,  exclufive  of  ail  the  other 
 deities.  Ver.  24.  The  God  that  answeretk  by  fire.  This  addrefs  of  the  prophet 
 
 may  be  thus  paraphrafed  :  “  You  that  are  his  priefts  and  prophets  maintain  that 
 Baal — the  fun — is  a  proper  objedt  of  divine  worfhip,  and  has  as  great  a  right  to 
 our  adoration  as  Jehovah,  whom  w-e  affert  to  be  the  true  and  only  God.  The 
 effence  of  the  sun  is  fire ;  and  furely  if  he  can  difplay  himfelf  and  vindicate  his 
 deity  in  any  thing,  it  muft  be  in  that.  The  Gad  that  answerelh  hyji>e,  let  him  'n 
 God.”  I  his  was  a  rational  method  of  determination,  adequate  and  fuitable  to  the 
 point  in  controverfy,  and  therefore  what  the  people  could  not  but  approve.  Ven 
 26.  And  they  leaped  upon  the  altar.  The  Chaldee  and  Arabic  render  it  fo  as  to 
 convey  the  idea  of  their  being  feized  with  a  prophetic  fury,  which  impelled 
 them  to  fome  extravagant  motions  ;  the  Syriac  foems  to  confirm  this  by  re- 
 prefenting  them  in  a  ftate  of  ecflacy  or  coniiernaiion.  Ver.  27.  Elij-di  mocled 
 them.  Here  we  liave  a  ftriking  infiance  of  fpirited  and  delicate  raillet.V- 
 Nothing  exceeds  Elijah’s  pungent  farcafm,  on  the  ftnpid  and  defpicable  dupe* 
 of  idolatry.  Ver.  28.  And  they  cried  aloud,  aud  cut  themselves — with  kniuts  and 
 lancets.  A  flrange  method  this  to  obtain  the  favour  of  their  god  !  and  yet 
 we  look  into  antiquity,  we  fliall  find  nothing  more  common  in  the  religif’hS; 
 rites  of  feveral  nations  than  this  barbarous  cufiom,  as  is  fuffifiently  jrroved  17 
 
I.  KINGS. 
 
 ]^Ujah  causeth  BaaVs  prophets  to  he  slain. 
 
 29  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  mid-day  was  paft, 
 and  they  prophefied  until  the  time  of  the  f  ollering  of 
 the  eveum;i  facrifice,  that  there  was  neither  voice,  nor 
 any  to  anlwer,  nor  any  t  that  regarded. 
 
 so  And  Elijah  laid  unto  all  the  people,  Come  near 
 t  Hfb. "  unto  me.  And  all  the  people  came  near  unto  him  : 
 aiicH!ion.  repaired  the  altar  of  the  Lord  that  was  broken 
 
 B-fore 
 Clirist 
 cir.  008 
 
 g  Gen. 
 32.  28. 
 
 2  Kings 
 
 J7.34. 
 
 t  Hcb, 
 teent. 
 
 I  Or, 
 
 Jppre- 
 
 hend. 
 
 down.  , 
 
 31  And  Elijah  took  twelve  ftones  according  to  the 
 number  of  the  tribes  of  the  Tons  of  Jacob,  unto  whom 
 the  word  of  the  Lord  came,  faying,  »  Ifrael  Ihall  be 
 
 thy  name;  _  ,  .  , 
 
 32  And  with  the  ftones  he  built  an  altar  in  the  name 
 of  the  Lord  :  and  he  made  a  trench  about  the  altar, 
 as  great  as  would  contain  two  meafures  of  feed. 
 
 33  And  he  put  the  wood  in  order,  and  cut  the  bul¬ 
 lock  in  pieces,  and  laid  him  on  the  wood,  and  faid, 
 Fill  four  barrels  with  water,  and  pour  it  on  the  burnt- 
 facrifice,  and  on  the  wood. 
 
 34;  And  he  faid,  Do  it  the  fecond  time  :  and  they 
 did  it  the  fecond  time.  And  he  faid,  Do  it  the  third 
 time  ;  and  they  did  it  the  third  time. 
 
 3.5  And  the  water!  ran  round  about  the  altar  ;  and 
 he  filled  the  trench  alfo  with  water. 
 
 36  And  it  came  to  pals,  at  the  time  of  the  offering 
 of  the  evening  facrifice,  that  Elijah  the  prophet  came 
 near,  and  fafd,  Lord  Gcxi  of  Abraham,  Ifaac,  and 
 of  Ifrael,  let  it  be  known  this  day  that  thou  art  God 
 in  Ifrael,  and  that  I  am  thy  fervant,  and  that  1  have 
 done  all  thefe  things  at  thy  word. 
 
 37  Hear  me,  O  Lord,  hear  me ;  that  this  people 
 may  know  that  thou  art  the  Lord  God,  and  that  thou 
 haft  turned  their  heart  back  again. 
 
 38  Then  the  fire  of  the  Lord  fell,  and  confumed  the 
 burnt-lacrifice,  and  the  wood,  and  the  ftones,  and  the 
 duft,  and  licked  up  the  water  that  was  in  the  trench. 
 
 39  And  when  all  the  people  fawi^,  they  fell  on  their 
 faces ;  and  they  faid,  The  Lord,  he  is  the  God  ;  the 
 Lord,  he  is  the  God. 
 
 40  And  Elijah  faid  unto  them,  H  Take  the  prophets 
 of  Baal ;  let  not  one  of  them  elcape.  And  they  took 
 
 Jezehel  threateneth  to  slay  him* 
 
 them  ;  and  Elijah  brought  them  down  to  the  brook 
 Kifhon.  and  flew  them  there.  cir.  9C> 
 
 41  •!  And  Elijah  faid  unto  Ahab,  Get  thee  up,  eat 
 and  drink:  for  there  is  a  H  found  of  abundance 
 
 42  So  Ahab  went  up  to  eat  and  to  drink  :  and 
 
 iah  went  up  to  the  top  of  Carmel ;  and  he  caft  himlelr 
 down  upon  the  earth,  and  put  his  face  between  his 
 
 knees. 
 
 43  And  faid  to  his 
 ward  the  fea.  And 
 faid.  There  is  nothing, 
 times. 
 
 44  And  it  came  to 
 
 fervant,  go  up  now,  look  to- 
 he  went  up  and  looked,  and 
 And  he  faid.  Go  again  feven 
 
 ...a...  pafs,  atthefeveath  time  that 
 he  faid.  Behold,  there  arifeth  a  little  cloud  out  of  the 
 fea,  lik-  a  man’s  hand.  And  he  laid.  Go  up,  lay  un¬ 
 to  Ahab,  t  Prepare  thy  chariot,  and  get  thee  down, 
 
 that  the  rain  ftop  thee  not._ 
 
 45  And  it  came  to  pafs,  in  the  mean  while,  that  the 
 heaven  was  black  with  clouds  and  wind,  and  there  was 
 a  great  rain.  And  Ahab  rode,  and  went  to  Jezreel. 
 
 46  And  the  hand  of  the  Lord  was  on  Ehjah  ; 
 
 he  girded  up  his  loins,  and  ran  before  Ahab  f  to  thet^wj^-^ 
 entrance  of  Jezreel.*  come  to 
 
 r-MAP  WIV  Jezreel. 
 
 1  Elijah  ihrealened  by  Jezebel,  fieeth  to  Beer-JIteba  ;  4  in  the  wilderness 
 being  weary  of  iiii  life,  he  is  comforted  by  an  angels  9  at  Horeb  God 
 appearelh  unto  him,  sending  him  to  anoint  Haznel,  Jehu,  and  Elisha. 
 19  Elisha  taking  leave  of  his  friends,  foUoweth  Elijah. 
 
 And  Ahab  told  Jezebel  all  that  Elijah  had  done, 
 and  withal,  how  he  had  flain  all  the  prophets 
 with  the  fword. 
 
 2  Then  Jezebel  fent  a  meflenger  unto  Elijah,  lay¬ 
 ing,  So  let  the  gods  do  to  me,  and  more  alfo,  If  1  make 
 not  thy  life  as  the  life  of  one  of  them  by  to-morrow 
 about  this  lime. 
 
 3  And  when  he  faw  that,  he  arofe,  and  went  for 
 his  life,  and  came  to  Beerfheba,  which  helon  ^  et 
 Judah,  and  left  his  fervant  there. 
 
 4  But  he  himfelf  went  a  day’s  journey  into  the 
 wildernefs,  and  came  and  fat  down  under  a  juniper- 
 
 the  teftimonies  of  Plutarch,  Herodotus,  Apulcius,  and  feveral  other  authors  of 
 eftablilhcd  credit,  both  ancient  and  roodern.  Ver.  29.  They  prophesied.  They 
 continued  praying,  or,  as  if  divinely  infpired,  fung  hymns  in  praife  of  their  god, 
 both  of  which  were  according  to  tlie  opinion  of  Jews  and  Gentiles  parts  of  the  pro¬ 
 phetic  office.  Ver.  31.  Elijah  took  twelve  stones.  This  was  in  alluiion  to  the  num¬ 
 ber  of  tribes,  and  was  probably  intended  to  fliew  that  all  the  Ifraelites,  though  bow 
 divided  into  two  nitions,  ouglit  to  be  united  by  the  fame  band  and  mode  of  wor- 
 fiiip.  Ver.  33.  Fill  four  barrels  o'  water;  and  pour  it  on  the  burnt  sacrifice. 
 This  was  done  to  render  the  miracle  more  confpicuous,  for  it  evidently  fhewed 
 there  could  be  no  fallacy,  no  fire  being  concealed  in  or  about  the  altar,  but  that 
 the  lightning  which  was  to  canfume  the  facrifice  came  from  heaven,  and  came  at 
 his  invocation.  Ver.  39.  The  Lord,  he  is  the  God ;  the  Lord,  he  is  the  God. 
 They  were  deeply  aft'edled  by  this  amazing  proof  which  God  bad  given  them,  that 
 he  alone  was  to  be  woi  fhipped  ;  and  by  their  repetition  fhewed  that  their  convidlion 
 admitted  of  no  fliadow  of  a  doubt;  for,  in  the  Hebrew,  repetitions  are  generally 
 made  ufe  of  to  confirm  and  flrengtben  the  fenfe.  Ver,  40.  Slew  them  there. 
 
 He  did  not  flay  them  with  bis  own  hands,  but  by  the  instrumentality  of  others  ; 
 and  this  not  as  a  private  perfon,  but  as  an  extraordinary  minister  of  God,  raifed 
 up  to  execute  justice  according  to  the  divine  law,  Deut.  xiii.  by  which  law  fuch 
 falfe  prophets  were  to  die.  Ver.  46.  The  hand  of  the  Lord  was  on  Elijah.  To 
 increafe  the  convi<filon  that  he  was  really  commiffioned  by.  God,  he  was  miracu- 
 loufly  enabled  to  run  faster  than  the  horCes  in  Ahab’s  chariot;  and  by  fo  public  ao 
 adtion  confirmed  the  people  in  their  idea  of  the  divine  power,  and  unity  of  the 
 Godhead. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XIX.  Ver.  2.  Jezebel  sent  a  mejen- 
 genuiito  Elijah.  This  was  certainly  the  eft’edl  of  her  blind  rage,  and  not  of  pru¬ 
 dence,  which  would  have  prompted  her  to  conceal  her  defigns  till  they  were 
 ripe  for  execution,  whereas  by  fending  him  word  fhe  gave  him  notice  of 
 I  his  danger,  and  admonifhed  him  to  efcape  by  flight.  Ver.  3.  IVhen  he  saw 
 that,  he  arose,  and  went  for  his  life.  The  Septuagint,  Vulgate,  and  Syriac  verfions, 
 read.  And  he  was  afraid.  He  that  had  fuch  courage  as  not  to  be  afraid  to  meet 
 1  Ahab,  and  contend  with  450  priefts  of  Baal,  in  the  face  of  all  Ifrael,  who  at 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XVIII.]  God  often  turns  a  fruitful  land  into  barrennefs  for  the  fins  of  tliem  who  dwell  therein  ;  but  judgments, 
 inflerfd  of  humbling,  enrage  the  impenitent.  But  what  a  mercy  is  it  that  God,  even  in  wicked  courts,  hath  thofe  who  fear  and  protedt  his  fervants.  And  who  that 
 teads  the  hiftory  of  Elijah  but  muft  rejoice  in  beholding  the  great  blelTednefs  of  faith  which  animates  the  pofleflbrs  to  perform  the  mod  diflficult  duties.  What  firtnnefs 
 and  magnanimity  were  manifefled  in  the  whole  of  Elijah’s  condudl  !  When  the  Lord  commanded  him  to  fliew  himfelf  to  Ahab,  not  a  word  of  requeft  to  be  fpared  ibg 
 tmpleafant  talk,  but  an  inflant  readinefs  to  obey.  And  with  what  plainnefs  and  fidelity  did.  he  declare  the  mod  unwelcome  truths  to  the  ungodly  king.  And  how 
 great  was  the  confidence  in  God,  which  he  diCcovered  on  mount  Carmel,  when  he  dood  alone  and  boldly  pleaded  the  caufe  of  God,  in  the  midd  of  four  hundred  and 
 Jifty  prieds  of  Baal,  furrounded  by  their  numerous  friends.  Surely  he  was  drongly  perfuaded,  that  God  can  confound  his  enemies,  and  deliver  his  fervants  out  of  all 
 faithful  fervants  of  God  are  often  calumniated  as  enemies  to  the  date  ;  and  even  when  they  bring  the  bed  of  tidings,  the  impenitent  brand  them  as  the 
 troublers  of  the  nations.  But  God  can  overrule  the  hearts  of  his  mod  inveterate  enemies,  and  make  them  grant  what  bis  fervants  demand  for  his  honour.  Unfet- 
 cd  notions  in  religion  lead  to  unfound  practices;  and  there  can  be  no  communion  between  God  and  idols.  Let  us  then  never,  in  inclination,  profeflion,  or  praAice, 
 a  t  between  God  and  his  rivals.  Nor  mud  the  fervants  of  God  be  difeouraged  when  they  fee  multitudes  against  them  ;  it  is  enough  that  God  is  on  their  fide.  He 
 Can  take  the  wife  in  their  ov/n  craftinefs,  and  turn  the  couiifel  of  the  frovvard  headlong  ;  and  the  hope  of  a  hypocrite  perifhes.  Dreadful  is  the  luin  of  fuch  as  dif- 
 pu  e  t  le  Inpremacy  of  God ;  nothing  but  abfolute  and  cheerful  fubmiffioti  to  him  can  prevent  their  complete  destrudlion.  Secret,  importunate,  and  perfevering 
 S‘‘C“dst  promifed  bleflings:  and  great  mercies  often  arife  from  fmall  beginnings.  But  distinguilhed  hotnility  and  dependence  on  the  all- 
 ngthening  God,  ought  to  accompany  the  feceipt  of  fuch  most  distinguiflied  honours, 
 
 JVo.  2  J.  t t.Ccl,  4  X 
 
God  sendeth  Elijah  to  anoint 
 
 I.  :KINGS. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 iolster. 
 
 Chria  ’  and  he  reqnefted  f  for  himfelf  that  he  might 
 cir.  906.  »  ^•^d  laid,  It  IS  enough  :  now,  O  Lord,  take 
 
 away  my  lile  ;  tor  I  am  not  better  than  my  fathers, 
 u  u  fl^pt  under  a  juniper-tree,  be- 
 
 A  ■  r  angel  touched  him,  and  faid  unto  him, 
 
 Ante  07id  eat. 
 
 6  And  he  looked,  and,  behold,  tl/cre  teas  a  cake 
 oaken  on  the  coals,  and  a  cruile  of  water  at  his  f  head  : 
 and  he  did  eat  and  drink,  and  laid  him  down  again. 
 
 ^pd  the  angel  of  the  Lord  came  again  the  fe- 
 cond  time,  and  touched  him,  and  faid,  Arife  and  eat ; 
 becaule  the  journey  is  too  great  for  thee. 
 
 8  And  he  arofe,  and  did  eat  and  drink,  and  went 
 in  the  ftrength  of  that  meat  forty  days  and  forty 
 nights,  unto  Horeb  the  mount  of  God. 
 
 9  %  And  he  came  thither  unto  a  cave,  and  lodged 
 there  .  and,  behold,  the  word  of  the  Lord  cams  to 
 him,  and  he  faid  unto  him.  What  doefl  thou  here 
 Elijah 
 
 10  And  he  faid,  I  have  been  very  jealous  for  the 
 Lord  God  of  holfs :  for  the  children  of  Ifrael  have 
 forfaken  thy  covenant,  thrown  down  thine  altars,  and 
 {lain  thy  prophets  with  the  fword  ;  and  *  I,  even  I  only, 
 am  left ;  and  they  feek  rny  life,  to  take  it  away. 
 
 11  And  he  faid,  Goforth,  and  ffand  upon  the  mount 
 before  the  Lord.  And,  behold,  the  Lord  paffed 
 by,  and  a  great  and  ftrong  wind  rent  the  mountains, 
 and  brake  in  pieces  the  rocks,  before  the  Lord  ;  hut 
 the  Lord  ti-as  not  in  the  wind :  and  after  the  wind 
 an  earthquake ;  but  the  Lord  teas  not  in  the  earth¬ 
 quake  : 
 
 12  And  after  the  earthquake  a  fire  ;  hut  the  Lord 
 voas  not  in  the  fire :  and  after  the  fire  a  ftill  fmall 
 voice. 
 
 13  And  it  was  so,  when  Elyah  heard  it,  that  he 
 wrapped  his  face  in  his  mantle,  and  went  our,  and 
 flood  in  the  entering  in  of  the  cave  ;  and,  behold, 
 there  came  a  voice  unto  him,  and  faid,  What  doefl 
 thou  here,  Elijah  ? 
 
 a  Rom. 
 
 li.  5. 
 
 fil'd  were  not  inclined  to  take  his  part,  is  now  terrified  at  the  threats  of  a  fingle 
 ■woman.  This  fliews,  that  the  fpirit  and  courage  be  bad  before  were  of  the  Lord, 
 and  not  of  himfelf ;  and  that  men  who  have  the  mod  flaming  zeal  and  courage 
 in  the  caufe  of  God  and  religion,  if  left  to  tberofelves,  become  weak  and  timar- 
 ous.  Ver.  4.  For  I  am  not  belter  than  my  'others.  That  I  ftiould  continue  in 
 life,  when  other  prophets  who  have  gone  before  me  have  lod  their  lives  by  Jeze¬ 
 bel  or  other  perfecutors.  Ver.  II,  12.  Behold,  the  Bord  passed  by,  Elijah  being 
 now  come  to  the  Tame  place  where  God  had  delivered  the  law  to  his  fervant 
 Mofes,  God  was  minded  to  communicate  the  like  favour  to  his  fervant  the  prophet, 
 Tiz.  to  unveil  his  majedy  to  him,  and  give  him  fome  fignal  token  of  bis  immediate 
 prefence.  Various  are  the  fpeculations  which  this  appearance  of  the  divine 
 Majedy  had  fuggeded  to  interpreters.  The  generality  of  them  have  looked  upon 
 this  as  a  -figure  of  the  gofpel  difper.fation,  which  came  not  in  fuch  a  terrible 
 manner  as  the  law  did,  with  dorms,  thunders,  lightnings,  and  earthquakes,  Exod. 
 3tix.  11.  but  with  great  lenity  and  fweetnefs,  wherein  God  fpeaks  to  us  by  his 
 Son,  who  makes  ule  of  no  other  but  gentle  arguments  and  Loft  perfuafions.  But 
 others  take  this  to  be  a  Symbolical  admonition  to  Elijah,  according  to  the 
 circumdances  he  was  then  in.  Ver.  16.  Elisha  shall  thou  anoint  to  be  prophet. 
 
 Ming, 
 
 2,3. 
 
 Hazacl,  Elisha,  and 
 
 14  And  he  faid,  I  have  been  very' jealous  for  the  Boro^, 
 Lord  God  of  holts  :  becaufe  the  children  of  Ifrael 
 have  forfaken  thy  covenant,  thrown  down  thine  altars 
 
 :  and  flain  thy  prophets  with  the  fword  and  I,  even 
 only,  am  left ;  and  they  feek  my  life,  to  take  it  aw.ay. 
 
 15  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  him,  Go,  return  on  thy 
 way  to  the  wildernefs  of  Damafeus,;  and  when  thou 
 comeft,  anoint  Hazael  to  he  king  over  Syria  : 
 
 16  And  Jehu  the  fon  of  Nimibi  (halt  thou  anoint  b 
 to  he  king  over  Ifrael ;  <=  andElifha  the  fon  of  Shaphat,  ‘-  a 
 of  Abelraeholah,  (halt  thou  anoint  to  be  prophet  in  thy 
 
 17  And  it  (hall  come  to  pafs,  that  him  that  efcapeth  4. 27." 
 the  fword  of  Hazael  (hall  Jehu  flay;  and  him  that“''®*^ 
 efcapeth  from  the  fword  of  Jehu  (hall  Elifha,  flay. 
 
 18  Yet  11  I  have  left  me  fe.ven  thoufand  in  Ifrael,  d  Rom. 
 
 all  the  knees  which  have  not  bowed  unto  Baal,  and^'-'*- 
 every  mouth  which  hath  not  kifled  him.  ,  ®''’/ 
 
 19  ^  So  he'  departed  thence,  and  found  Eliflia  the’^* 
 fon  of  Shaphat,  who  tvas  plowing  twelve  yoke  of 
 oxen  before  him,  and  he  with  the  twelfth  :  and  Elijah 
 pafled  by  him,  and  caft  his  mantle  upon  him. 
 
 20  And  he  left  the  oxen,  and  ran  after  Elijah,  and 
 faid,  Let  me,  I  pray  thee,  kifs  my  father  and  my  mo¬ 
 ther,  and  then  I  will  follow  thee.  And  he  faid  unto 
 him,  t  Go  back  again  :  for  what  have  I  done  to  thee  ?t  Meb. 
 
 21  And  he  returned  back  ftom  him,  and  took  a^’"" 
 yoke  of  oxen,  and  flew  them,  and  boiled  their  flefli 
 with  the  inftruments  of  the  oxen,  and  gave  unto  the 
 people,  and  they  did  eat :  then  he  arofe,  and  went 
 after  Elijah,  and  miniflered  unto  him,* 
 
 do  76’- 
 
 turn* 
 
 CHAP 
 
 •xr  -v 
 A  A. 
 
 901. 
 
 1  Ben-hadad,  not  content  with  Ahab’s  homage,  besiegeth  Samaria,  lo  Bq 
 the  dircBions  of  the  prophet  the  Syrians  are  slain.  22  As  the  prophet  Jore- 
 toarned  Ahah,  the  Assyrians,  trusting  in  the  valleys  come  against  him  in 
 Aphek,  28  By  the  word  oj  the  prophet,  and  God’s  judgments,  the  Sy~ 
 rians  are  again  smitten. 
 
 ND  Ben-hadad  the  king  of  Syria  gathered  all 
 his,hofl;  together ;  and  there  were  thirty  and  two 
 
 Thou  fhalt  anoint  him  for  thy  fuccelTor,  Kings,  prophets,  and  priefls,  being 
 inverted  with  their  offices  by  anointing.  Ver.  17.  Him  that  escapeth  the  sworS 
 of  Hazael,  shall  Jehu  slay.  That  is,  God  has,  in  his  providence,  appointed  three 
 perfons  to  punitli  the  Ifraelites,  according  to  their  defei  ts  ;  one  or  other  of  which 
 Iball  infallibly  execute  his  judgments  upon  them.  Ver.  18.  Yet  I  have  left  me 
 seven  thousand  in  Israel.  This  feems  to  have  been  added  to  correiSl  Elijah’s 
 miftake,  who  imagined  that  he  alone  remained  a  true  worfhipper  of  God  in  Krael, 
 comp.  Note  on  Rom.  xi.  2.  Every  mouth  that  hath  not  kissed  him.  Kilfing  the 
 image  of  a  faife  god,  or  killing  the  hand  and  ftretching  it  out  toward,  the  image, 
 was  erteemed  an  aeft  of  adoration.  Ver.  19.  El'sha—— plowing  with  twelve  yoke  oj 
 oxen.  This  was  a  token  of  Elifha’s  wealth  and  great  riches'^  for  he  who  could 
 keep  twelve  yoke  of  oxen  at  plough,  was  in  this  refpedl  no  inconfiderable  man; 
 and  yet,  according  to  the  cuftom  of  thefe  early  times,  be  looked  after  his  owa 
 bufinefs  himfelf.  Eijah — cast  his  mantle  upon  him.  The  mantle  was  the  habit 
 appropriated  to  the  prophets;  and  Elijah’s  carting  his  mantle  on  Elifha  was  S 
 I'ymbolical  acRion,  wherein  he  informed  him  that  he  was  appointed  to  the  prophetic 
 office. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XX.  Ver.  1.  He  luenl  up  and  besiegei 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS _ *  Chap.  XIX.]  Behold  how  malignantly  the  promoters  of  faife  worfiiip  hate  thofe  wdio  zealoufly  oppofe  their  defigHSj 
 
 And  no  perfecutor  is  more  malicious  or  furious  than  a  profane  woman.  How  weak  and  fpiritlefs  are  the  moft  devoted  to  God,  when  left  to  themfelves  !  Elijah  ba 
 just  commanded  both  kings  and  fubjecRs  ;  now  he  (brinks  for  fear  of  a  dignified  harlot.  B'.it  it  is  mean  to  defire  death  as  a  refuge  from  diftrefs  ;  or  to  feek  to  die 
 like  a  wandering  fheep  in  the  wildernefs,  while  fhunnkig  the  honourable  death  of  a  martyr  for  God  at  Jezreel.  We  ought  never  to  depart  the  path  of  duty  t  oUo 
 it  lead  us  through  the  valley  of  the  fhadow  of  death.  However  dark  providence  appear,  we  must  never  defpair  !  We  know  not  wh.at  faither  work  God  may  have  to 
 US.  To  defire  to  be  with  Cbrirt  is  laudable  ;  hut  to  be  wearv  of  our  warfare  is  finful.  But  God  kindly  overlooks  the  infirmities  of  his  people ;  vifits  them  in  merry 
 when  on  the  brink  of  defpair  ,;  and  lays  meat  before  them  when  they  fbamefully  defert  his  fervice.  To  encourage  their  own  peevifhnefs,  faints  are  apt  to  thm 
 matters  in  the  church  worfe  than  they  really  are.  But  whom  the  Lord  loves  he  will  rebuke  and  ebastife;  be  will  direa  and  further  empl^  them.  No  place  c  ■ 
 exclude  from  bis  gracious  manifestations.  It  is  the  folly  of  human  weakneL  tn  be  difeouraged  for  want  of  fuceefs  in  God’s  work.  The  lufficiency  of  the  po"®  ^ 
 of  God,  not  of  ourfelves.  They  that  would  be  faithful  in  bad  limes,  must  put  their  lives  in  their  hand,  and  be  ready  to  die  for  him.  — In  the  most  ternb  e  ma 
 God  often  introduces  his  moft  mild  and  gracious  intimations.  God’s  faints  are  generally  few  ;  but  they  are  often  more  numerous,  in  times  of  general  apotlacy, 
 good  men  think  ;  and  all  of  them  are  under  the  fpedal  care  and  providence  of  God.  It  bodes  ill  when  God’s  fervants  bitterly  lament  over  the  wickednefs  ot  t . 
 people.  We  may  expecR  quickly  to  fee  or  hear  of  inrtruments  of  God’.s  wrath  raifed  up  to  deftroy  them  ;  for  in  due  time  God  will  avenge  his  peop  e,  and 
 fpcedily.  Never  can  he  want  agents  for  his  work,  whether  of  mercy  or  judgment.  None  can  refill  his  effedlual  and  heait-loirehing  call,  and  no  earti  y  c 
 «otain  -from  bis  ferviec. 
 
901. 
 
 f  Hpb. 
 desirable^ 
 
 f  Heb. 
 j  kept  not 
 back  from 
 Ai'/i.  • 
 
 Jien-Jiadad  hesiegclh  Samaria, 
 
 Before  kings  with  him,  and  horfes  and  chariots :  and  he  went 
 up  and  befieged  Samaria,  and  warred  againft  it. 
 
 2  And  he  fent  meflengers  to  Ahab  king  of  Ifrael 
 into  the  city,  and  faid  unto  him,  Thus  faith  Ben-ha- 
 
 s’Xhy  filver  and  thy  gold  is  mine  ;  thy  wives  alfo 
 and  thy  children,  even  the  goodlieft  are  mine. 
 
 4  And  the  king  of  Ifrael  anfwered  and  faid.  My 
 lord,  O  king,  according  to  thy  faying,  I  am  thine,  and 
 all  that  1  have. 
 
 5  H  And  the  meflengers  came  again,  and  faid,  Thus 
 fpeaketh  Benhadad,  faying.  Although  1  have  lent  unto 
 thee,  faying.  Thou  (halt  deliver  me  thy  filver,  and  thy 
 gold,  and  thy  wives,  and  thy  children  ; 
 
 6  Yet  I  will  fend  my  fervants  unto  thee  to-morrow  ! 
 about  this  time,  and  they  fhall  fearch  thine  houfe,  | 
 and  the  houfes  of  thy  fervants;  and  it  (hall  be  that  \ 
 whatfoever  is  f  pleafant  in  thine  eyes,  they  lhall  put  it 
 in  their  hand,  and  take  it  away. 
 
 7  Then  the  king  of  Ifrael  called  all  the  elders  of  the 
 land,  and  faid,  Mark,  I  pray  you,  and  fee  how  this 
 man  (eeketh  mifchief :  for  he  feat  unto  me  for  my 
 wives,  and  for  my  children,  and  for  my  filver,  and  for 
 ray  gold,  and  f  I  denied  him  not. 
 
 8  And  all  the  elders,  and  all  the  people,  faid  unto 
 
 him.  Hearken  not  ttnto  him^  nor  conlent.  j 
 
 9  Wherefore  he  faid  unto  the  meflengers  of  Ben-  j 
 hadad,  Tell  my  lord  the  king.  All  that  thoudidfl  fend 
 for  to  thy  fervant  at  the  firft  I  will  do :  but  this  thing 
 
 I  may  not  do.  And  the  meflengers  departed,  and 
 brought  him  word  again. 
 
 10  And  Ben-hadad  fent  unto  him,  and  faid.  The 
 gods  do  fo  unto  me,  and  more  alfo,  if  the  dull;  of 
 Samaria  fhall  fuffice  for  handfuls  for  all  the  people 
 that  t  follow  me, 
 
 1 1  And  the  king  of  Ifrael,  anfwered  and  faid.  Tell 
 him.  Let  not  him  that  girdeth  on  his  harness  boatt  him- 
 felf  as  he  that  putteth  it  off. 
 
 12  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  Ben-hadad  this 
 t  meflage,  (as  he  ziyas  drinking,  he,  and  the  kings  in  the 
 
 II  pavilions,)  that  he  faid  unto  his  fervants,  ||  Set  your¬ 
 selves  in  array  :  and  they  fet  themselves  in  array  againft 
 the  city. 
 
 13  H  And,  behold,  there  f  came  a  prophet  unto 
 Ahab  king  of  Ifrael,  faying,  Thus  faith  the  Lord, 
 
 placed  on-  Haft  thou  feen  all  this  great  multitude  ?  behold,  I  will 
 ^ines.  deliver  it  into  thine  hand  this  day ;  and  thou  fhalt 
 know  that  I  am  the  Lord. 
 
 14  And  Ahab  faid,  by  whom?  and  he  faid.  Thus 
 faith  the  Lord,  Even  by  the  i|  young  men  of  the 
 princes  of  the  provinces.  Then  he  faid.  Who  fhall 
 f  order  the  battle?  and  he  anfwered.  Thou. 
 
 15  1  hen  he  numbered  the  young  men  of  the  princes 
 of  the  provinces,  and  they  were  two  hundred  and  thirty 
 two  :  and  after  them  he  numbered  all  the  people,  even 
 all  the  children  of  Ifrael,  being  feven  thou  (and. 
 
 16  And  they  went  out  at  noon:  but  Ben-hadad  vsas 
 drinking  himfelf  drunk  in  the  pavilions,  he  and  the 
 kings,  the  thirty  and  two  kings  that  helped  him. 
 
 I.  KINGS. 
 
 Ahab  cvercometk  the  Syrians* 
 
 I  Heb. 
 are  at  my 
 feet. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 word, 
 
 II  On 
 
 tents. 
 n  Or, 
 Place  the 
 engines ; 
 and  they 
 
 t  HelJ- 
 
 approach¬ 
 
 ed. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 servants. 
 t  Heb. 
 bind,  or, 
 iie. 
 
 Before 
 Cliria 
 90  J. 
 
 17  And  the  young  men  of  the  princes  of  the  pro¬ 
 vinces  went  out  firft  ;  and  Benhadad  fent  out,  and 
 they  told  him,  faying.  There  are  men  come  out  of 
 Samaria. 
 
 18  And  he  faid.  Whether  they  be  come  out  for 
 peace,  take  them  alive ;  or  whether  they  be  come  out 
 for  war,  take  them  alive. 
 
 19  So  thefe  young  men  of  the  prince  of  the  pro¬ 
 vinces  came  out  of  the  city,  and  the  army  which  fol¬ 
 lowed  them. 
 
 20  And  they  slew  every  one  his  man :  and  the  Sy¬ 
 rians  fled  :  and  Ifrael  purfued  them  ;  and  Ben-hadad 
 the  king  of  Syria  efcaped  on  a  horfe  with  the  horle- 
 
 21  And  the  king  of  Ifrael  went  out  and  Imote  the 
 horfes  and  chariots,  and  slew  the  Syrians  with  a  great 
 
 slaughter.  r  rr  t 
 
 22  ^  And  the  prophet  came  to  the  king  of  llrael, 
 
 and  faid  unto  him.  Go,  ftrengthen  thyfelf,  and  mark, 
 and  fee  what  thou  doeft  :  for  at  the  return  of  the  year 
 the  king  of  Syria  will  come  up  againft  thee. 
 
 23  And  the  fervants  of  the  king  of  S.yria  faid  unto 
 him,  Their  gods  are  gods  of  the  hills  ;  therefore  they 
 were  ftronger  than  we  :  but  let  us  fight  againft  them 
 in  the  plain,  and  furely  we  fhall  be  ftronger  than 
 they. 
 
 24  And  do  this  thing  :  Take  the  kings  away,  every 
 man  out  of  his  place,  and  pat  captains  in  their 
 rooms ; 
 
 25  And  number  thee  an  army  like  the  army  t  that  f  Heb. 
 thou  haft  loft,  horfe  for  horfe,  and  chariot  for  chariot 
 
 and  we  will  fight  againft  them  in  the  plain,  and  furely-'" 
 we  fhall  be  ftronger  than  they.  And  he  hearkened 
 unto  their  voice,  and  did  fo. 
 
 26  And  it  came  to  pafs  at  the  return  of  the  year, 
 
 '  that  Ben-hadad  numbered  the  Syrians,  and  went  up 
 
 to  Aphek,  t  to  fight  againft  Ifrael. 
 
 27  And  the  children  of  Ifrael  were  numbered, 
 
 II  were  all  prefent,  and  went  againft  them  :  and 
 children  of  Ifrael  pitched  before  them  like  tw’o  little  11  Or, 
 flocks  of  kids  ;  but  the  Syrians  filled  the  country. 
 
 28  H  And  there  came  a  man  of  God,  and  fpake 
 unto  the  king  of  llrael,  and  faid,  Thus  faith  the  Lord, 
 Becaufe  the  Syrians  have  faid.  The  Lord  is  God  of 
 the  hills,  but  he  is  not  God  of  the  valleys,  therefore 
 
 :  will  I  deliver  all  this  great  multitude  into  thine  hand  ; 
 
 I  and  ye  fhall  know  that  I  am  the  Lord. 
 
 !  29  And  they  pitched  one  over  againft  the  other 
 
 feven  days  :  and  so  it  w'-as,  that  in  the  feventh  day 
 the  battle  was  joined  :  and  the  children  of  Ifrael  slew 
 I  of  the  Syrians  an  hundred  thoufand  footmen  in  one 
 day.  ■  II  Or. 
 
 30  But  the  reft  fled  to  Aphek,  into  the  city ;  and 
 there 
 the  men 
 
 900, 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 and 
 
 tneraeL 
 
 were  vie* 
 tuciUeiL 
 
 a  w’all  fell 
 that 
 
 '  chamber 
 
 TSimaria.  He  went  up  to  befiege  Samaria  ;  but  his  army  was  defeated  before  he 
 reached  that  city,  Ver.  4.  /  am  thine,  and  all  that  I  have.  He  feems  not  only 
 to  have  complied  with  the  infolent  demand  of  Ben-hadad,  but  likewife  to  have  | 
 made  a  greater  fubmilTion  than  he  could  expea ;  which  flievved  fo  much  ah-  \ 
 jeanefs,  that  Benhadad  increafed  his  demands;  and  augmented  his  infolence  in  ! 
 proportion  to  the  pufillanimity  of  Ahab.  Ver.  12.  They  set  themselves  in  nrrav  i 
 ttgain/l  the  city.  Whilft  the  treaty  lafted  between  him  and  Ahab  he  was  remits, 
 but  now  he  conmands  his  army  to  be  put  in  ordefr,  that  they  fliould  invert  j 
 Samaria,  and  plant  their  batteries  againft  it.  Vet.  13.  There  came  a  prophet  unto  \ 
 
 upon  twenty  and  feven  thouliind  of. 
 
 •were  left.  And  Benhadad  fled,  andte^^^”* 
 came  into  the  city,  I1  f  into  an  inner  chamber.  t  Heb. 
 
 31  ^  And  his  fervants  faid  unto  him,  Behold  now 
 we  have  heard  that  the  kings  of  the  houfe  of  Ifrael  are‘^,tu^Z 
 merciful  kings :  let  us,  I  pray  thee,  put  fackcloth 
 
 tuithin  a 
 on  chamber. 
 
 Ahab.  Perh.-ips  it  was  one  of  thofe  whom  Obadiah  preferved  from  Jezebel’, 
 inhuman  perfecutions.  Ver.  23.  Their  god,  are  god,  of  the  hilh.  Benhadad  whofa 
 forces  confirted  of  Chariots  and  horfemen,  having  warred  with  ill  fuccefs  a<rainrt 
 the  king  of  Ifrael,  his  minirters  in  a  council  of  war,  deliver  their  advice  to  him 
 in  the  terms  included  in  this  verfe.  Ver.  26.  Aphek  was  fuuated  in  Libanus, 
 upon  the  nver  Adonis  between  Heliopolis  and  Biblos,  and,  in  all  probability. 
 IS  lie  fame  that  Paul  Lucas  mentions,  as  fwallowed  up  in  a  lake,  wherein  there 
 are  feveral  houfes  all  entire  to  be  feen  under  water.  Ver.  27.  Two  lUile  flocks 
 oj  ms,  ilus  fimile  IS  highly  proper  to  convey  the  great  dif^iarity  betweea 
 
Ahah  by  a  parable  condcmneth  hiinself. 
 
 Bafore 
 
 Chria 
 
 900. 
 
 our  loins,  and  ropes  upon  our  heads,  and  go  out  to 
 the  king  of  Ifrael :  peradventure  he  will  fave  thy  life. 
 
 3^  So  they  girded  fackcloth  on  their  loins,  and  ptd 
 ropes  on  their  heads,  and  came  to  the  king  ot  Ifrael, 
 and  faid.  Thy  fervant  Ben-hadad  faith,  I  pray  thee,  let 
 me  live.  And  he  faid,  Is  he  yet  alive  ?  he  is  my  brother. 
 
 33  Now  the  men  did  diligently  obferve  whether 
 any  thuig  would  come  from  him,  and  did  haftily  catch 
 it:  and  they  faid.  Thy  brother  Ben-hadad.  Then  he 
 faid.  Go  ye,  bring  him.  Then  Ben-hadad  came  forth 
 to  him  ;  and  he  caufed  him  to  come  up  into  the  chariot. 
 
 34-  And  Ben-hadad  faid  unto  him,  the  cities  which 
 my  father  took  from  thy  father,  1  will  reftcre ;  and 
 thou  (halt  make  ftreets  for  thee  in  Damafcus,  as  my 
 father  made  in  Samaria.  Then  said  Ahaby  1  will  fend 
 thee  away  with  this  covenant.  So  he  made  a  covenant 
 with  him,  and  fent  him  away. 
 
 35  f  And  a  certain  man  of  the  fons  of  the  prophets 
 faid  unto  his  neighbour  in  the  w’ord  of  the  Lord, 
 Smite  me,  1  pray  thee.  And  the  man  refufed  to 
 fmite  him. 
 
 36  Then  faid  he  unto  him,  Becaufe  thou  haft  not 
 obeyed  the  voice  of  the  Lord,  behold,  as  foon  as 
 thou  art  departed  from  me,  a  lion  fliall  flay  thee.  And 
 as  foon  as  he  was  departed  from  him,  a  lion  found  him, 
 and  flew  him. 
 
 37  Then  he  found  another  man,  and  faid.  Smite 
 me,  1  pray  thee.  And  the  man  fmote  him,  t  fo  that 
 in  fraiting  he  wounded  him. 
 
 38  So  the  prophet  departed,  and  waited  for  the  king 
 by  the  way,  and  difguifed  himfelf  with  afhes  upon  his 
 face. 
 
 39  And  as  the  king  pafTed  by,  he  cried  unto  the 
 king  :  and  he  faid.  Thy  fervnat  went  out  into  the 
 midft  of  the  battle ;  and,  behold,  a  man  turned  afide, 
 and  brought  a  man  unto  me,  and  faid.  Keep  this  rnan  : 
 if  by  any  means  he  be  miffing,  then  fhall  thy  life  be 
 for  his  life,  or  elle  thou  f  ftjalt  pay  a  talent  of  fiiver. 
 
 40  And  as  thy  fervant  was  bufy  here  and  there,  t  he 
 heviusnot.  was  gone.  And  the  king  of  Ifrael  faid  unto  him,  So 
 
 shall  thy  judgment  be :  thyfelf  haft  decided  it. 
 
 41  And  he  hafted,  and  took  the  affies  away  from 
 his  face ;  and  the  king  of  Ifrael  difcerned  him  that  he 
 was  of  the  prophets. 
 
 A’ 
 
 evii. 
 
 fHeb. 
 
 smiting 
 
 end 
 
 wounding 
 
 •5-  Heb. 
 weigh. 
 t  Heb 
 
 I.  KINGS.  Ahab  is  dented  Nabotlds  'vincyaj-^ 
 
 42  And  he  faid  unto  him.  Thus  faith  the  Lord,  Before 
 Becaufe  thou  haft  let  go  out  of  thy  hand  a  man 
 
 whom  I  appointed  to  utter  deftruiftioh,  therefore  thy  ^ 
 life  fhall  go  for  his  life,  and  thy  people  for  his  people,  a  ch*^ 
 
 43  And  the  king  of  Ifrael  went  to  his  houfe  heavy  22.  sf’ 
 and  difpleafed,  and  came  to  Samaria.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXL 
 
 1  Ahah  is  denied  N^abofh's  vineyard.  5  By  Jezebel's  letters  Naboth  it 
 condemned  and  stoned.  15  Ahab  taketh  possession  of  the  vineyard.  17 
 EVjah  denounceth  judgments  against  Ahab  and  Jezebel, 
 
 ND  it  came  to  pafs,  after  thefe  things,  that  899. 
 Naboth  the  Jezreelite  had  a  vineyard,  which 
 was  in  Jezreel,  hard  by  the  palace  of  Ahab  king  of 
 Samaria. 
 
 2  And  Ahab  fpake  unto  Naboth,  faying.  Give  me 
 thy  vineyard,  that  I  may  have  it  for  a  garden  of  he'-bs, 
 becaufe  it  is  near  unto  my  houfe :  and  I  will  give  thee 
 for  it  a  better  vineyard  than  it ;  or ;  if  it  f  feem  good  t  Heb. 
 to  thee,  I  will  give  thee  the  worth  of  it  in  money.  good  in 
 
 3  And  Naboth  faid  to  Ahab,  The  Lord  forbid 
 me,  that  1  fhould  give  the  inheritance  of  my  fathers 
 unto  thee. 
 
 4  And  Ahab  came  into  his  houfe  heavy  and  dif¬ 
 pleafed  becaule  of  the  word  which  Naboth  the  Jez¬ 
 reelite  had  fpoken  to  him  ;  for  he  had  faid,  I  will  not 
 give  thee  the  inheritance  of  my  fathers:  and  he  laid  ’ 
 him  down  upon  his  bed,  and  turned  away  his  face, 
 and  would  eat  no  bread. 
 
 5  f  But  Jezebel  his  wife  came  to  him,  and  faid  unto 
 him.  Why  -is  thy  fpirit  fo  fad,  that  thou  eateft  no 
 bread  ? 
 
 6  And  he  faid  unto  her,  becaufe  I  fpake  unto  Na¬ 
 both  the  Jezreelite,  and  faid  unto  him,  Give  me  thy 
 vineyard  for  money  ;  or,  elfe,  if  it  pleafe  thee,  I  will 
 give  thee  another  vineyard  for  it  :  and  he  anfwered,  I 
 will  not  give  thee  my  vineyard. 
 
 7  And  Jezebel  his  wife  faid  unto  him,  Dol^  thou 
 now  govern  the  kingdom  of  Ifrael  ?  arife,  and  eat 
 bread,  and  let  thine  heart  be  merry  :  I  will  give  thee 
 the  vineyard  of  Naboth  the  Jezreelite. 
 
 8  So  fhe  wrote  letters  in  Ahab’s  name,  and  fealed 
 them  with  his  feal,  and  fent  the  letters  unto  the  elders 
 and  to  the  nobles  that  were  in  his  city  dwelling  with 
 Naboth. 
 
 the  armies  of  the  Ifraelites  and  their  enemies  ;  for  kids  are  generally  rambling, 
 and  feldom  found  in  numbers.  Ver.  20.  The  wall  Fell.  Though  this  event 
 may  be  accounted  for  in  a  natural  way,  yet  it  is  more  reafonahle  to  think 
 that  God  interpofed  his  mighty  arm  on  this  occafion,  as  well  in  vindication  of 
 his  fovereign  power,  and  authority,  which  thefe  people  had  blafphemoufly 
 denied,  as  to  convince  them,  that  he  was  the  God  of  the  pZams,  as  well  as  of 
 the  hills,  that  he  could  as  effeiaually  defiroy  them  in  ftrong  holds,  as  in  the  open 
 held,  and  make  the  very  walls  in  which  they  trufted  for  their  defence,  the  in- 
 ilruments  of  their  ruin.  Ver.  31.  But  sackcloth  on  our  loins,  and  ropes  upon  our 
 heads.  This  fignified  the  loweft  degree  of  fubmiflion,  and  was  the  ancient  manner 
 of  fupplication  ufed  by  the  Syrians.  Ver.  32.  Thy  servant  Ben-hadad  saith.  He 
 now  as  humbly  petitions  Ahab,  as  Ahab  a  little  while  ago  bad  petitioned  him, 
 and  be  begs  of  him  his  life.  Ver.  33.  Nets  my  brother.  The  lenity  of  Ahab  on 
 this  occafion  was  very  remarkable ;  to  call  a  perfon  brother  who  had  determined 
 his  deftruiStion,  was  a  great  pitch  of  humanity ;  and  to  forgive  one  who  had 
 been  guilty  of  the  moft  atrocious  blafpbemy  againft  God,  Ihewed  in  it  an  indo¬ 
 lence  of  mind  which  was  unworthy  of  pity,  and  a  difregard  for  the  fafety- of  his 
 nation,  which  would  naturally  caufe  its  fubverfion.  Ver.  34.  The  word  Ben- 
 hadad  is  not  in  the  original,  but  feems  to  have  been  inferted  very  judicioufly  by 
 our  tranflators,  in  order  to  remove  that  ambiguity  which  would  have  oiherwife 
 embaraffed  an  unlearned  reader.  Ver.  36.  Because  thou  hast  not  obeyed  the  voice 
 
 of  the  Lord, — 3  lion  shall  slay  thee.  Herein  lay  the  whole  fault  of  the  refufer;  he 
 well  knew  the  authority  of  God’s  commands,  and  that  this  was  the  very  thing 
 that  he  enjoined.  Ver.  38.  With  ashes.  The  Hebrew  word  fignifies  a  veil,  which 
 feems  moll  agreeable  to  the  prophet’s  intention  of  difguifing  himfelf,  fo  as  to 
 pass  upon  the  king  for  one  wlio  had  been  wounded  in  the  battle.  Ver.  43.  Th^ 
 life  shall  go  for  his  life.  Ahab’s  offence  confided  in  fuffering  fo  horrid  a  blaf- 
 phemer  as  Ben-hadad  was,  to  go  unpunifhed,  which  was  contrary  to  an  exprefs 
 law,  Lev.  xxiv.  16.  This  law  extended  not  to  thofe  only  who  were  born  in  the 
 I  nd,  but  to  flrarigers  likewife  that  were  among  them,  and  in  their  power,  as  Bei> 
 badad  certainly  was. 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  XXI.  Ver.  1.  Naboth  the  Jezreelite 
 had  a  vineyard.  It  is  evident  that  Naboth  dwelt  at  Jezreel,  otherwife  he  could 
 not  have  been  called  a  Jezreelite ;  and  that  his  vineyard  was  in  Samaria,  near  the 
 palace  of  Ahab.  Ver.  2.  Give  me  thy  viney  ird.  This  account  of  Ahab’s  coveting 
 Naboth’s  vineyard  is  immediately  placed  after  his  treament  of  Ben-badad,  to 
 fhew  his  extrema  great  wickednefs  in  fparing  him,  (as  Saul  did  Agag  king  of  the 
 Amalekites  )  and  killing  Naboth,  that  be  might  get  poffeflion  of  his  vineyard. 
 For  this  was  a  high  aggravation  of  his  crime,  that  he  bafely  murdered  a  juft 
 Ifraeliie,  and  let  an  impious  eneniy  efcape.  Ver.  3.  The  Lord  forbid  it  me. 
 As  it  is  natural  to  all  men  to  love  and  value  the  ancient  poffeffions  that  have 
 been  in  their  family  ;  fo  the  law  of  Mofes  prohibited  the  alienation  of  lands  from 
 
 — - -  m  1  are  thofe  who  have  provoked  God  to  forfake  them,  however  former  fucceffes  may 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—  Chap.  XX.]  ® ^  ^  fpirits  delight  to  tyrannize  over  thofe  who  they  think  dare  not  refift  them,  God 
 
 make  them  proud  and  infolent  There  ,s  no  -Te  /ememhers  his  holy  covenant  and  faves  them  for  his  name’s  fake.  By  the  weakefl  inftru^ 
 
 often  heaps  mercies  on  his  Cnful  people  when  they  merit  deflruaion  ,  he  remem  e  y  fuccefs.  Atheiftical  apprehenfions  of  God  efFeiSlually  plunge 
 
 he  e»  ab.f.  .l.e  proud  .ndd.f...  Uj.  powej^^ul  e™...  Cod’.  fer.,h.?h.,e  peed  of  greet  boldh.ft  .od 
 
 ir,eii  headiong  into  milery.  For  they  that  fight  „  „  ...  j, peculiarly  Hinging  when  men  are  oondemoed  out  of  their  o*H  mculhi 
 
 Ulafr  they  may  declare  his  mind  to  the  mod  powerful  tranfgreflors.  And  it  is  {-etuiiauy  o  o 
 
in 
 
 of ‘he 
 fieaple’ 
 
 jjy  Jezebel*s  'wickedness  Naboth  is  stoned, 
 
 Before  9  And  (he  wrote  in  the  letters,  faying,  Proclaim  a 
 faft,  and  fet  Naboth  f  on  high  among  the  people  ; 
 
 10  And  fet  two  men,  Tons  of  Belial,  before  him, 
 to  bear  witnefs  againft  him,  faying,  thon  didft  blaf- 
 
 *  ihe'iov  pheme  God  and  the  king:  and  then  carry  him  out, 
 and  Itone  him  that  he  may  die. 
 
 1 1  And  the  men  of  his  city,  even  the  elders  and  the 
 nobles  who  were  the  inhabitants  in  his  city,  did  as 
 Jezebel  had  lent  unto  them,  and  as  it  was  written  in 
 the  letters  which  Hie  Cent  unto  them  ; 
 
 12  They  prc claimed  a  faft,  and  fet  Naboth  on  high 
 among  the  people. 
 
 13  And  there  came  in  two  men,  children  of  Belial, 
 and  fat  before  him  :  and  the  men  of  Belial  witnefted 
 againft  him,  even  againft  Naboth,  in  the  prefence  of 
 the  people,  faying,  Naboth  did  blafpherae  God  and 
 the  king.  Then  they  carried  him  forth  out  of  the 
 city,  and  ftoned  him  with  ftones,  that  he  died. 
 
 1 4  Then  they  fent  to  Jezebel,  faying,  Naboth  is 
 ftoned  and  is  dead. 
 
 15  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  Jezebel  heard  that 
 Naboth  was  ftoned,  and  was  dead,  that  Jezebel  faid 
 to  Ahab,  Arife,  take  poffeflion  of  the|  vineyard  of 
 Naboth  the  Jezreelite,  which  he  refufed  to  give  thee 
 for  money  :  for  Naboth  is  not  alive,  but  dead. 
 
 16  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  Ahab  heard  that 
 Naboth  was  dead,  that  Ahab  rofe  up  to  go  down  to  the 
 vineyard  of  Naboth  the  Jezreelite,  to  take  poflef- 
 fion  of  it. 
 
 17  1  And  the  v/ord  of  the  Lord  came  to  Elijah 
 the  Tilhbite,  faying, 
 
 18  Arife,  go  down  to  meet  Ahab  king  of  Ifrael, 
 which  is  in  Samaria :  behold,  he  is  in  the  vineyard  of 
 Naboth,  whither  he  is  gone  down  to  poffels  it. 
 
 19  And  thou  (halt  I’peak  unto  him,  faying,  Thus 
 faith  the  Lord,  Haft  thou  killed,  and  alfo  taken  pof- 
 k-ffion  ?  And  thou  (halt  fpeak  unto  him,  faying.  Thus 
 faith  the  Lord,  In  the  place  where  dogs  licked  the 
 blood  of  Naboth  (hall  dogs  lick  thy  blood,  even  thine. 
 
 20  And  Ahab  faid  to  Elijah,  Haft  thou  found  me, 
 O  mine  enemy?  And  he  anfwered,  I  have  found  thee 
 
 I.  KINGS. 
 
 Elijatis  prophecy  against  Ahab, 
 
 one  tribe  or  family  to  another,  unlefs  a  man  was  reduced  to  poverty,  in  which 
 cafe  he  might  fell  it  to  the  jubilee;  but  then  it  was  to  revert  to  him  again,  Lev. 
 XXV.  15,  25,  28.  Ver.  6.  1  will  not  give  you  my  vineyard.  He  doth  not  acquaint 
 her  with  the  reafon  ;  but  reports  his  anfwer,  as  if  be  gave  him  a  furly  refufal, 
 which  was  far  otherwife;  Naboth  reprefenting  it  as  a  religious  duty  founded 
 upon  the  law  of  God,  not  to  part  with  the  inheritance  of  his  fathers,  which  was 
 allotted  to  them  by  Jolhua  never  to  be  alienated.  Ver.  9.  Proclaim  a  fad. 
 This  was  meant  as  a  cloak  for  her  wicked  defigns,  and  intended  to  convince  the 
 people  of  the  neceffity  of  calling  Naboth  to  account,  by  inftnuating  he  had  been 
 gu'lty  of  a  crime  which  called  for  public  expiation.  Ver.  10.  Thou  did'l  balf- 
 pheme.  Blafpbemy  againa  God  was  a  capital  offence  by  Lev.  xxiv.  16.  and  to 
 blafpheine  the  king  likewife  was  capital  by  prefcription,  founded  upon  Exod.  xxii. 
 28.  If  .a  man  were  guilty  of  blasphemy  againR  God,  he  was  to  be  tried  by  the 
 great  court  at  Jerufalem,  and,  if  cad,  bis  effeas  devolved  to  his  heirs;  but  when 
 condemned  for  treafon  againft  the  king,  his  eftate  went  to  the  exchequer,  being 
 forfe'.ted  to  him  againft  whom  the  offence  was  committed.  Ver.  1 3.  They  car¬ 
 ried  him  jorlh — and  Jioned  him  with  stones.  Princes  never  want  inftruments  to 
 execute  their  pleafure  ;  and  yet  it  is  ftrange,  that  among  all  thefe  Judges  and 
 
 him  that  pifTeth  againft 
 fhut  up  and  left  in  Ilrael, 
 
 22  And  will  make  thine  houfe  like  the 
 
 becaufe  thou  haft  fold  thyfelf  to  work  evil  in  the  fight 
 of  the  Lord. 
 
 21  Behold,  »  I  will  bring  evil  upon  thee,  and  will 
 take  away  thy  pofterity,  and  will  cut  off  from  AhabaCbap. 
 
 the  wall,  and  him  that 
 
 .9.  8. 
 
 houfe  ofb  1  Sam. 
 
 Jeroboam  the  fon  of  Nebar,  and  like  the  houfe  0(25.22. 
 
 '  Baafha  the  fon  of  Ahj-ih,  for  the  provocation  where- 
 with  thou  haft  provoked  me  to  anger,  and  made  Ifrael  d  chap. 
 to  fin.  15.  29. 
 
 23  And  f  of  Jezebel  alfo  fpake  the  Lord,  faying,® 
 
 The  dogs  (hall  eat  Jezebel  by  the  !l  wall  of  Jezreel.  fl' Kings 
 
 24  Him  that  dieth  of  Ahab  in  the  city  the  dogs  (hall  9.  36. 
 eat ;  and  him  that  dieth  in  the  field  (hall  the  fowls  of  il  Or, 
 the  air  eat. 
 
 25  (But  there  was  none  like  unto  Ahab,  which  did 
 
 fell  himfelf  to  work  wickednefs  in  the  fight  of  the 
 Lord,  whom  Jezebel  his  wife  ||  ftirred  up.  II 
 
 26  And  he  did  very  abominably  in  following  idols, ‘”‘^***  ‘ 
 according  to  all  things  as  did  the  Amorites,  whom  the 
 Lord  calt  out  before  the  children  of  Ifrael.) 
 
 27  ^  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  Ahab  heard  thofe 
 words,  that  he  rent  his  clothes,  and  put  fackclcth  upon 
 his  flelh,  and  fafted,  and  lay  in  fackcloth,  and  went 
 foftly. 
 
 28  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  to  Elijah  the 
 
 Tifhbite,  laying,  ^ 
 
 29  Seeft;  thou  how  Ahab  bumbleth  himfelf  before 
 me?  becaufe  he  humbleth  himfelf  before  me,  I  will 
 not  bring  the  evil  in  his  days  ;  bvt  in  his  fon’s  days 
 will  1  bring  the  evil  upon  his  houfe.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXII. 
 
 1  Ahab  Jeduced  by  falfe  prophets,  according  to  the  word  of  Micaiah  is 
 
 slain  at  Itamoth-gilead ;  37  the  dogs  lick  up  his  blood-,  and  Ahtziah 
 
 succeedeth  him.  41  Jehoshaphat’s  good  leign,  ^c. 
 
 ND  they  continued  three  years  without 
 between  Syria  and  Ifrael. 
 
 2  And  it  came  to  pafs  in  the  third  year,  that  ®  Je-a2  Chro. 
 hofhaphat  the  king  of  Judah  came  down  to  the  king*®' 
 of  Ilrael. 
 
 war  897. 
 
 great  men,  there  fliould  be  none  that  abhorred  fuch  villaiiy.  Ver.  19.  In  the 
 place  where  the  dogs  licked.  The  Hebrew  which  we  render  ‘in  the  place  where,’ 
 does  not  denote  the  place,  but  die  manner  in  which  the  thing  was  done ;  and 
 then  the  fenfe  of  the  paffage  will  be  ;  “  In  the  fame  manner  as  dogs  licktd  the 
 blood  of  Naboth,  even  fo  ftiall  they  lick  thy  blood,  even  thine.”  Ver.  20.  Becaufe 
 tbou  haft  fold  thyself  to  work  evil.  The  Hebrew  word  fPr  sell  here  alludes  to  the 
 cuftom  of  buying  flaves  for  any  particular  purpofe  or  work  ;  and  the  paffage  fig- 
 mfies,  as  Grotius  obferves,  that  Ahab  was  enftaved  to  the  moft  flarriiious  crimes. 
 Others  obferve,  that  the  Hebrew  word  maker,  fignifies  both  to  fell,  and  to  give  one’s 
 self  up  to  :  and  that  if  it  had  been  rendered  in  the  latter  fenfe,  “  Thou  hast  <»iTea 
 up  thyfelf  to  work,  &c.  the  paffage  would  have  been  plainer,  Ver,  27  IPhers 
 Ahab  heard  those  words, — he  rent  his  clothes.  Upon  Ahab’s  repentance  God  re 
 voked,  in  part,  the  fentence  he  had  denounced  againft  him,  and  transferred  it  to 
 his  poueiTty. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXII.  Ver.  5.  T-ie  king  of  Israel 
 gathered  the  prophets  together  about  Jour  hundred  men.  Thefe  undoubtedly  were 
 his  own  falfe  prophets,  or  the  priefts  of  Baal:  probably  thefe  very  four  hundred 
 men  whom  Jezebel  preferved  from  that  great  Ihughter,  chap.  xvii.  who  yet  gave 
 
 wh^eru^mIe^lit?ftLg*te?uTta;io^n?^‘How?nVatX^  i  -"J  f-ere  is  need  of  ftedfaft 
 
 becaufe  of  fome  fancied  want;  and  proud  and  difcontented  fpirits  terribly  torment  themfelves.’  ^VhatlTllgCrto'naftoni’^^  pleafure 
 
 ing  tlieir  hearts  fet  on  wickednefs,  Satan  quickly  furnifties  the  means  •  anrl  t ...  i  r  a  i  nations  are  covetous  and  tyrannical  ruleis  '  Hav- 
 
 AVhen  fill  has  hardened  the  heart,  men  glory  in  their  wickednefs,  and  are  loft  to  lhame.  But*tLrwhictrirunlLvfu*^ll7*°  tt blafpbemous,  for  them  to  ftick  at. 
 comfort.  The  very  prefence  of  faithful  mini  fters,  who  cannot  r’lnlure  to  fee  ,'he  w^ke'd  periftftn^J  in^utir  ininuhllf U  “fa 
 
 urof  ff  V  1.0W  often  even  in  this  life,  does  the  marked  vengeance  of  God  perplex  and’pmfie Tern  I  T  ’  7 
 
 profeffions  of  repentance,  but  only  a  fenle  of  Gtnl’s  pardoning  love  can  convert  men  And  if  God  mark  f,.Jh  r  ^  ‘  terrors  may  produce  ftrona- 
 
 I ‘ T ’  M  gtace,  we  are  brought  to  look  at  the  rock  whenerwe  wet  hewn  f  i‘“’’ 
 
 d  ed  .  Oh  how  precious,  ineftimably  precious  is  that  mercy  which  is  fo  diftiimuilliing.  May  the  ueruetoal  f..nr«  f  k  ^  '*’®  "Itence  we  were 
 
 difpofe  us  habitually  to  live  entirely  devoted  to  the  fervice  of  God.  o  E  7  P  pelual  lenfe  ot  the  nchnefs  of  divine  grace  in  favinir  u*- 
 
 No.  23..,.6d,  4  Y 
 
Ahah  seduced  by  false  prophets. 
 
 Kmnv^v^P^fh^f  his  fervants, 
 
 n.;|]  *  1  ^  l^air.oth  in  Gilead  is  ours,  and  we  be  f 
 
 S%"?)  the  ki«g  of 
 
 me^fo  faid  unto  Jehofhaphat,  Wilt  thou  go  with 
 
 Ko'v^"-  tTfhP  hW  t°  .^^"'O^h.gileaJ  ?  and  Jehofhaphat  laid 
 b2 Kings  ^ of  Ifrae  ,  1  am  as  thou  art,  my  people  as 
 
 3. ..  thy  people,  my  horles  as  thy  horfes.  ’  '  ^ 
 
 of  And  Jeholhaphat  faid  unto  the  king  of  Ifrael, 
 f  pray  thee,  at  the  word  of  the  Lord  to-day. 
 ^ king  of  Ifrael  gathered  the  prophets  to- 
 gether,  about  four  hundred  men,  and  faid  unto  them, 
 bhall  1  go  againft  Ramoth-gilea  J  to  battle,  or  (hall  I 
 forbear.  And  they  faid.  Go  up  :  for  the  Lord  fhall 
 deliver  it  into  the  hand  of  the  king. 
 
 Jehofhaphat  laid,  A  there  not  here  a  prophet 
 Qi  the  Lord  beliJes,  that  we  might  enq-aire  of  him  ? 
 
 of  Ifrael  faid  unto  Jehofhaphat, 
 Iftere  ts  yet  one  man,  (Micaiah  the  fon  of  Imlah  )  by 
 whom  we  may  enquire  of  the  Lord  ;  but  I  hate  him ; 
 
 A  j  T  L  prophecy  good  concerning  me,  but  evil. 
 And  jehofhaphat  laid,  Let  not  the  king  lay  fo. 
 
 r  •  j  called  an  i|  officer,  and 
 
 laid,  Haften  Micaiah  the  fon  of  Imlah. 
 
 10  And  the  king  of  Ifrael,  and  JehoOiaphat  the  king 
 of  Judah,  lat  each  on  his  throne,  having  put  on  their 
 robes,  in  a  f  void  place  in  the  entrance  of  the  gate  of 
 bamarja  ;  and  all  the  prophets  prophefied  before  them. 
 
 1 1  And  Zedekiah  the  Ion  of  Chenaanah  made  him 
 horns  of  iron  ;  and  he  laid,  1  hus  faith  the  Lord,  With 
 thefe  ffialt  thou  pufh  the  Syrians,  until  thou  havecon- 
 lumed  ihem. 
 
 12  And  all  the  prophets  prophefied  fo,  faying,  Go 
 up  to  Ramoth.gilead,  and  profper  :  for  the  Lord  fhall 
 deliver  it  into  the  king’s  hand. 
 
 13  And  the  meffinger  that  was  gone  to  call  Mi¬ 
 caiah  fpake  unto  him,  faying.  Behold  now,  the  words 
 of  the  prophets  declare  good  unto  the  king  with  one 
 mouth  ;  let  thy  word,  I  pray  thee,  be  like  the  word 
 of  one  of  them,  and  fpeak  that  'oihich  is  good. 
 
 li  And  M  caiah  faid.  As  the  Lord  liveth,  w'hat 
 the  Lord  faith  unto  me,  that  will  I  fpeak. 
 
 15  11  So  he  came  to  the  king.  And  the  king  faid 
 unto  him,  Micaiah,  fhall  we  go  againft  Ranaoth-giiead 
 to  battle,  or  fhall  we  forbear?  And  he  anfwered  him, 
 Go,  and  profper :  for  the  Lord  fhall  deliver  it  into 
 the  hand  of  the  king. 
 
 16  And  the  king  faid  unto  him,  How  many  times 
 fnall  I  adjure  thee  that  thou  tell  me  nothing  but  that 
 "which  is  true  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  ? 
 
 17  And  he  faid,  I  law  all  Ifrael  Icattered  upon  the 
 hills,  as  ftieep  that  have  not  a  fhepherd :  and  the  Lord 
 
 I.  kings. 
 
 Micaiah' 
 
 let 
 
 them  return  every 
 
 n  Or, 
 eunuch. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 Jloor. 
 
 in  their  anfwer  in  the  name  of  Jehovah,  not  of  Baal,  either  in  compliance  with 
 Jehofhaphat,  or  rather  by  Ahab’s  dire<5lion,  that  good  Jehofhaphat  might  be 
 deceived  by  them  into  a  good  opinion  of  the  war.  Ver.  15.  Go.  and  prosper  ; 
 for  Ihe  Lord  shall  deliver.  Thife  words  were  fpoken  ironically,  and  in  mockery 
 to  the  promifes  made  Ahab.  Accordingly,  we  may  obferve  by  Ahab’s  reply,  that 
 he  fufpet5led  Micaiah’s  fincerity,  and,  either  by  his  geflure  or  manner  of  fpeaking, 
 gathered  that  his  meaning  was  to  traduce  thefe  falfe  prophets  for  their  anfwers. 
 Ver.  19.  I  saiu  the  Lord  silting.  Few  pafTages  in  feripture  have  given  greater 
 occafion  to  the  enemies  of  revelation  to  ridicule  the  facred  records,  than  this 
 prophetic  fpeech  of  Micaiah’s.  The  Jews  conceived  of  God  in  heaven,  as  of 
 a  king  feated  upon  his  throne  ;  and  that  good  and  bad  angels,  the  one  flanding 
 on  his  right  band,  and  the  other  on  his  left,  were  the  appointed  executioners 
 of  his  orders,  either  to  reward  or  punilli  his  fuhje<5ls.  And  as  princes  upon 
 earth  generally  do  nothing  of  moment,  without  advifing  with  their  council,  and 
 chief  officers,  fo  the  prophet  reprefents' Omnipotence  as  deliberating  with  his 
 heavenly  courtiers,  what  courfe  he  had  befl  take  to  bring  Ahab  to  deflruc- 
 tlon.  Anoidft  this  confultation,  fome  fuggefl  one  expedient  and  feme  another  ; 
 
 faid,  Thefe  have  no  mafter; 
 
 man  to  his  houfe  in  peace.  -  ci  ■ 
 
 IS  And  the  king  of  Ifrael  faid  unto  Jehofhaphat  , 
 
 Did  I  not  tell  thee  that  he  would  prophecy  no  goS  ^ 
 concerning  me,  but  evil  ?  t  f  y  booa 
 
 19  And  he  faid,  Hear  thou  therefore  the  word  of 
 
 ^iwh  h°a’  r  r  on  his  throne,  and 
 
 hln^  of  heaven  ftanding  bv  him  on  his  right 
 hand  and  on  bis  left.  ^ 
 
 fl  Perfuade  Ahab  ii  Or 
 that  he  may  go  up  and  fall  at  Ramoth-gilead  And  Lk, 
 
 one  faid  on  this  manner,  and  another  faid  on  that 
 manner. 
 
 21  And  th=re  cjme  fo„(,  ^  rpjri,_ 
 the  Lord,  and  faid,  I  will  perfuade  him. 
 
 22  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  him,  Wherewith?  And 
 
 he  laid,  I  will  go  forth,  and  I  will  be  a  lying  fpirit  in 
 the  moutn  of  all  his  prophets.  And  he  laid,  Thou  fhalt 
 ^  00“  M  and  prevail  alfo:  go  forth,  and  do  fo. 
 
 23  Now  therefore,  behold,  the  Lord  hath  put  a 
 vmg  fpirit  in  the  mouth  of  all  thefe  thy  prophets%nd 
 the  Lord  hath  fpoken  evil  concerning  thee. 
 
 24-  If  But  Zedekiah  the  fon  of  Chenaanah  went 
 r  Micaiah  on  the  cheek,  and  faid, 
 
 Which  way  went  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  from  mecscbro 
 to  Ipeak  unto  thee 5  I8.22. 
 
 ^  25  And  Micaiah  faid,  Behold,  thou  fhalt  fee  in  that 
 
 aay,  when  thou  fhalt  go  |1  into  f  an  inner  chamber  to  II  Or, 
 hide  thyielf.  /row 
 
 26  And  the  king  of  Ifrael  faid,  Take  Micaiah,  and'fi 
 
 carry  him  back  unto  Amon  the  governor  of  the  city,  her. 
 and  to  Joafh  the  king’s  fon  :  t  Heb- 
 
 27  And  fay,  Thus  faith  the  king.  Put  this  fellow 
 
 the  pnfon,  and  feed  him  with  bread  of  affliffion,  and^”* 
 wmh  water  of  affliaion,  until  I  come  in  peace. 
 
 28  And  Micaiah  laid.  If  thou  return  at  all  in  peace, 
 the  Lord  hath  not  fpoken  by  me.  And  he  faid, 
 rJearken.  O  people,  every  one  of  you. 
 
 29  H  So  the  king  of  Ifrael,  and  Jehofhaphat  the  king 
 of  Judah,  went  up  to  Ramoth-gilead. 
 
 II  Jehofhaphat, 
 
 II  1  wall  dilguile  myfelf,  and  enter  into  the  battle  ;  but  II  Or, 
 put  thou  on  thy  robes.  And  the  king  of  Ifrael  dif- 
 guifed  himfelf,  and  went  into  the  battle.  wasiodi,. 
 
 31  H  But  the  king  of  Syria,  commanded  his  thirty SrattT' 
 
 ;  and  mo  captains,  that  had  rule  over  his  chariots,  fay- '  ' 
 i  mg,  rigrii  neither  w'ith  fmall  nor  great,  fave  only  with 
 j  the  king  of  Ifrael. 
 
 32  And  it  came  to  pals,  when  the  captains  of  the 
 chariots  fa  w  Jehofhaphat,  that  they  faid,  Surely,  it  2s  the 
 king  of  Ifrael.  And  they  turned  afide  to  fight  againft 
 him  :  and  Jehofhaphat  cried  out. 
 
 enter  inti 
 the  bailie. 
 
 but  none  pleafes  him  till  a  lying  fpirit  offers  his  ferviees,  which  are  at  laft  ac- 
 cepted.  But  furely  no  man  can  have  fuch  a  crude  conception  of  divine  Provi. 
 dence,  as  to  think  that  this  is  the  method  of  God’s  governint^  the  world*  that 
 he,  who  is  the  fountain  of  all  power  and  wifdom,  needs  to  advife  with  any 
 of  his  creatures,  or  is  at  a  lofs  for  any  expedient  to  accompliffi  bis  ends  •  or  that 
 he,  who  is  both  truth  and  holinefs  itfelf,  ffiould  ever  fend  a  lying  fpirit  among 
 his  prophets,  which  would  be  to  confound  all  infpiration,  and  to  make  the  impu¬ 
 tation  of  error  rebound  upon  himfelf.  Upon  the  whole,  then,  it  is  plain,  that 
 the  fpeech  of  Micaiah  was  no  more  than  a  parabolical  reprefentation  of  a 
 certain  event,  which  not  long  after  came  to  pafs,  and  is  adapted  to  our  weak 
 capacities,  to  exprefs  the  various  means  which  God  employs  to  execute  his  will. 
 Ver.  29.  Sj  the  king  of  Israel,  and  Jeliofhuphut — went  up  to  Ramoth-gilead.  That 
 Ahab  went,  is  not  to  be  wondered  at ;  it  was  his  own  motion  firft,  his  inclination 
 led  to  it,  his  prophets  encouraged  him  to  it,  and,  in  bravado  to  the  prophet  of  the 
 Lord,  he  was  determined  upon  it;  but  it  may  feem  much  more  ftrange,  that  Jebo- 
 fhapbat  ffiould,  after  fuch  an  account  as  Micaiah  had  given,  and  who,  doubtlefs, 
 could  obferve  a  great  difference  between  him  and  the  prophets  of  Ahab.'  Ver.  34, 
 
f 
 
 ihab's  death  :  JehoshajdiaCs  good  reign. 
 
 I.  KINGS. 
 
 Jchoshaphat^ s  death  :  Ahaziah  mcceedeth  Ahah. 
 
 J3efore 
 
 Chria 
 
 897. 
 
 33  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  the  captains  of  the 
 chariots  perceived  that  it  was  not  the  king  of  Ifrae!, 
 _  _  that  they  turned  back  from  purfuing  him. 
 
 I  Htb.  34  H  And  a  certain  man  drew  a  bow  f  at  a  venture, 
 «»Ais»<"t-and  fmote  the  king  of  ll'rael  between  the  f  joints  of 
 ^^Heb  harnefs :  wherefore  he  laid  unto  the  driver  of  his 
 jjina  a/ii  chariot,  Turn  thine  hand,  and  carry  me  out  of  the 
 Meireusr- hoft ;  for  I  am  t  wounded. 
 
 35  And  the  battle  -f  increafed  that  day  :  and  the 
 \nadeikk.  king  was  Ifayed  up  in  his  chariot  againft  the  Syrians, 
 
 f  Heb. 
 ascended, 
 
 f  lleb. 
 
 iosjm. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 r  ame. 
 
 d  Chap, 
 til.  19. 
 
 899. 
 
 and  died  at  even  :  and  the  blood  ran  out  of  the  wound 
 into  the  f  midlt  of  the  chariot. 
 
 36  And  there  went  a  proclamation  throughout  the 
 holf,  about  the  going  down  of  the  fun,  faying.  Every 
 man  to  his  city,  and  every  man  to  his  own  country. 
 
 37  ^  So  the  king  died,  and  f  was  brought  to  Sa¬ 
 maria  ;  and  they  buried  the  king  in  Samaria. 
 
 38  And  one  walked  the  chariot  in  the  pool  of  Sa¬ 
 maria  ;  and  the  dogs  licked  up  his  blood,  (and  they 
 wafhed  his  armour,)  according  =*  unto  the  word  of  the 
 Lord  which  he  fpake. 
 
 39  11  Now  the  reft  of  the  afts  of  Ahab,  and  all  that 
 he  did,  and  the  ivory  houfe  which  he  made,  and  all 
 the  cities  that  he  built,  are  they  not  written  in  the  book 
 of  the  Chronicles  of  the  kings  of  Ifrael  ? 
 
 40  So  Ahab  flept  with  his  fathers  ;•  And  Ahaziah 
 Began  to  his  foii  reigned  in  his  ftead. 
 
 41  H  And  ®  Jehofhaphat  thefon  of  Afa  began  to  reign 
 over  Judah  in  the  fourth  year  of  Ahab  king  of  Ifrael. 
 
 42  Jehofhaphat  tms  thirty  and  five  years  old  when 
 he  began  to  reign ;  and  he  reigned  twenty  and  five 
 years  in  Jerufalem  :  and  his  mother’s  name  was  Azu- 
 bah,  the  daughter  of  Shilhi. 
 
 43  And  he  walked  in  all  the  ways  of  Afa  his  father  ;* 
 
 And  a  certain  man  drew  a  bow  at  a  venture.  Was  it  then  a  random  blow  ?  Doubt- 
 lefs  the  ftroke  came  from  an  aiming,  though  invifible  hand.  God  prefideth  over 
 the  armies  of  heaven  ;  God  ruleth  among  the  inhabitants  of  the  earth,  and  God 
 condudleth  what  men  call  chance.  Nothing,  nothing  comes  to  pafs  throu^rh  a 
 blind  and  undifcerning  fatality.  If  accidents  happen,  they  happen  according  to 
 the  exadi  foreknowledge,  and  in  confequence  of  the  determinate  counfels  of 
 Almighty  wifdom.  The  Lord  with  whom  are  theiffuesof  death,  (igned  the  war¬ 
 rant,  and  gave  the  high  commiffion  ;  the  feemingly  fortuitous  difaller,  was  only 
 the  minifter  appointed  to  execute  the  fupreme  decree.  I  am  wounded.  Rather, 
 J  am  j;c<- ;  fomewhat  out  of  order,  and  therefore  chofe  to  retire  a  little  while; 
 not  caring  it  fhould  be  known  that  he  was  wounded,  left  his  foldiers  ihould  be* 
 
 reign 
 alone, 
 ver.  51. 
 e  2  Chro. 
 20.31. 
 
 Or, 
 
 he  turned  not  afiJe  from  it,  doing  that  which  was  right 
 I  in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord  :  neverthelefs  the  high  places 
 :  were  not  taken  away ;  Jbr  the  people  offered  and 
 I  burnt  incenfe  yet  in  the  high  places. 
 
 44  And  Jehofhaphat  made  peace  with  the  king  of 
 Ifrael. 
 
 45  Now  the  reft  of  the  affs  of  Jehofhaphat,  and  his 
 might  that  he  fhewed,  and  how  he  warred,  are  they 
 not  written  in  the  book  of  the  Chronicles  of  the  kings 
 of  Judah  ? 
 
 46  And  the  remnant  of  the  Sodomites,  which  re¬ 
 mained  in  the  days  of  his  father  Afa,  he  took  out  of 
 the  land. 
 
 47  There  was  then  no  king  in  Edom  :  a  deputy  was 
 king. 
 
 48  Jehofhaphat  1|  made  fhips  of  Tarfhifh  to  go  ton 
 
 Ophir  for  gold:  but  they  went  not;  for  the  fhips 
 were  broken  at  Ezion-geber.  • 
 
 49  Then  faid  Ahaziah  the  fon  of  Ahab  unto  Jeho¬ 
 fhaphat,  Let  my  fervaats  go  with  thy  fervants  in  the 
 fhips:  but  Jehofhaphat  would  not. 
 
 50  II  And  Jehofhaphat  flept  with  his  fathers,  and 
 was  buried  with  his  fathers  in  the  city  of  David  his 
 father:  and  Jehoram  his  fon  reigned  in  his  ftead. 
 
 51  ^  Ahaziah  the  fon  of  Ahab  began  to  reign  over  Now  he 
 Ifrael  in  Samaria  the  feventeenth  year  of  Jehofhaphat  to 
 king  of  Judah,  and  reigned  two  years  over  Ifrael. 
 
 52  And  he  did  evil  in  the  fight  of  the  Lord,  and“  °”^’ 
 vvalked  io  the  way  of  his  father,  and  in  the  way  of 
 his  mother,  and  in  the  way  of  Jeroboam  the  fon  of 
 Nebat,  who  made  Ifrael  to  fin  : 
 
 53  For  he  ferved  Baal,  and  worfhipped  him,  and 
 provoked  to  anger  the  Lord  God  of  Ifrael,  accord¬ 
 ing  to  all  that  his  father  had  done.* 
 
 889. 
 
 difheartened.  Ver.  38.  Wajhed  the  chariot.  Though  the  Hebrew  language  has 
 bee^n  ignorantly  charged  with  a  want  of  precifion,  yet  is  has  no  left  than  three 
 ^fferent  words  to  exprefs  the  aaion  of  waftiing.  The  dogs  licked  up  his  blood. 
 The  dogs  licked  up  his  blood  mixed  with  the  water,  wherewith  his  chariot  and 
 armour  were  walhed.  Thus  the  prophecy  of  Elijah  was  partly  fulfilled,  even  in 
 the  common  acceptation.  Ver.  39.  AVoto  the  rest  oj  the  a£ls  o/  Ahab  and  theivoru 
 house  which  he  made,  ^c.  It  appears  by  this  fhort  hiftory,  that  he  had  feveral 
 noble  qualities  in  him,  and  would  have  been  a  great  man,  if  he  had  not  been  in¬ 
 curably  addiaed  to  idolatry  — But  it  is  not  to  be  imagined  that  the  houfe  here 
 mentioned,  was  made  of  ivory,  but  only  inlaid  with  it. 
 
 are  poor  proofs  of  the  goodnefs  of  a  caufe.  FaithfuTrnifters  are  ofl^^^^  w  t^  ne  compliance.  Unity  and  multitude 
 
 When  the  godly  are  out  of  the  way  of  duty,  they  need  not  wonder  that  they  fall  into  mifchie7^  B,  ^  teachers  of  lies, 
 
 times  of  trouble.  By  events,  which  to  us  are  purely  accidental  God  will  execute  his  nuroofe  and  arm  °  ^  prefent  help  in  the 
 
 cultivate  familiarity  with  the  wicked,  even  after  they  have  Sted  for  ft  Tndt  t  l  mer'^v^  righteous  men  to 
 
 orif„e,,  „co,d.d  in  .hi.  h.ol.,  behold  nL..:u7l  f  th.ir  .„o,s  ..  .he  !.«.  I„  ,he 
 
 jbl  fervants  of  Jehovah,  ratfed  up  amidft  the  general  corruption  deliehtful  is  it  to  obftrve  thafiCT  ^  ^ 
 
 The  promifed  feed  ftiall  come  :  and  the  feed  of  the  woman  fti’ill  1  mife  the  f  t»  v.  ^  c  ^  people  whom  be  foreknew, 
 
 or  this  great  and  important  event.  And  wfth  n  eye  mT,  m,t  wh^/^^  remembranl; 
 
 us  fix  our  eyes  on  the  Lord  Jefus  while  palling  th.ough  oontinually  on  Ifrael.  Stedfaftly  let 
 
 defpifed,  his  altars  defecrated  by  idols,  and  impious  men  nrofanino-  hw  Cin/l  I  f i  c  t  when  we  behold  bis  church  opprefled,  his  worlhip 
 
 For  all  fcripture  joins  in  this,  and  all  the  faithfiirr eft  Sured  in  the  ti™os  he  ftiall  have  T  feed  to  ferve  h^ 
 
 and  whether  evil  men  or  devils  rife  up  in  confederacy  ao-ainft  it  or  whether  hv  •  r  11  rl  '  “■no  his  church  through  the  wildernefs  of  this  world  to  glory  • 
 
 and  will  unfold  its  blelfed  fruits  in  tlm  very  moureaf  afreadv  annointed^  <.  ^  d  “j^t  period  is  ripfninV 
 
 and  he  lhall  reign  for  ever  and  ever.”  Amer  ^  ^  become  the  kingdoms  of  our  Lord  Ld  of  hft  Chrift; 
 
the  second  book  of  the 
 
 KINGS. 
 
 THE  ARGUMENT. 
 
 ■of  Judah,  from  Jehoshaphat  to  Zedekiah  •  in  •a.fiose^rei^n  the  cifv  mid  /  ^  T’  history  of  the  kings 
 
 cd  by  „,e  CkaUcan.,  and  Jen>s  carried  captive  io  Bahjon.  All  Me 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 cir,  S96. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 V  The  bed 
 whither 
 thou  art 
 gone  up, 
 thou  shalt 
 not  aome 
 down 
 from  it. 
 
 CHAP.  I. 
 
 1  -2  Ahaiiiah  sending  to  Baol.zebnh,  hath  his  judgment 
 
 bnngethfire  Jrom  heaven  upon  them  whom 
 Ahaziah  sent  to  apprehend  him  IS  he  pitieth  the  third  captain,  and 
 encouraged  by  an  angel,  telleth  the  king  oj  his  death.  1 7  Jehoram  suc- 
 ceeaclb  Ahas'.ah. 
 
 Moab  rebelled  againfl  Ifrael  ®  after  the 
 J.  death  of  Ahab. 
 
 2  H  And  Ahaz'ah  fell  down  through  a  lattice  in 
 his  uper  chamber  that  teas  in  Samaria,  and  was  Tick  ; 
 and  he  f^t  raelTengers,  and  faid  unto  them,  Go  en- 
 quire  of  Baal  zebub  the  god  of  Ekron  whether  I  fhall 
 recover  of  this  difeafe. 
 
 _  3  Sut  the  angel  of  the  Lord  faid  to  Elijah,  the 
 1  ithbite,  Arife,  go  up  to  meet  the  meffengers  of  the 
 king  cr  i^amaria,  and  fay  unto  them,  Is  it  not  becaufe 
 thci  e  is  not  a  God  in  Ifrael,  that  ye  go  to  enquire  of 
 Baal-zebub  the  god  of  Ekron  ? 
 
 4  Now  therefore,  thus  faith  the  Lord,  f  thou 
 malt  not  come  down  from  that  bed  on  which  thou  art 
 gone  up,  but  fhalt  furely  d^e.  And  Elijah  departed. 
 
 5  f  And  when  the  meffengers  turned  back  unto 
 him,  he  faid  unto  them.  Why  are  ye  now  turned 
 back  ? 
 
 6  And  they  faid  unto  him.  There  came  a  man  up 
 to  meet  us,  and  faid  unto  us.  Go,  turn  again  unto 
 the  king  that  lent  you,  and  fay  unto  him,  Thus  faith 
 
 cir.  89s, 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  I.  Ver.  2.  Ahaziah  fell  down  through 
 a  lattice  in  his  upper  chamber.  In  the  eaftern  countries  the  roofs  of  the  houfes 
 were  flat,  and  furiounded  with  battlement,  which  being  rotten,  as  Ahaziah  was 
 leaning  over,  it  broke,  and  he'  fell  into  the  court  or  garden  of  the  palace. 
 Baal-zebub  the  god  of  I kron.  Baal-zebub,  figni6es  ‘  the  god  of  flies  but  how  this 
 idol  obtained  that  appellation,  is  not  eafy  to  difeover.  Pliny  tells  us,  when 
 there  was  a  terrible  plague  in  Africa,  occafioned  by  vaft  quantities  of  flies,  they 
 facrificed  to  the  god  Achore,  (the  god  of  Ekron,)  and  immediately  the  flies  all 
 died,  and  the  diftemper  ceafed  it  ravages.  And  hence  this  idol  feems  to  have 
 its  name.  Ver.  4.  I’hou  shall  not  come  dawn  from  that  bed.  At  one  end  of  each 
 chamber,  in  the  eaftern  buildings,  there  is  a  little  gallery  raifed,  three,  four,  or 
 five  feet  above  the  floor,  with  a  baluftrade  in  the  front,  with  a  few  Heps  like- 
 wife  leading  up  toil;  there  they  placed  their  beds;  a  fituation  frequently  al¬ 
 luded  to  in  the  feriptures.  Ver.  10.  Let  fire  come  down.  This  may  be  rendered, 
 “  Fire  will  come  down,”  &c.  Had  thi.s  rendering  been  obferved  by  our  tranf- 
 lators  in  this  and  many  other  places,  the  words  of  Elijah  would  have  been 
 better  under  ftood;  and  feveral  paffages  in  the  pfalms,  which  now  feem  to  be 
 revengeful  wifhes  and  imprecations,  would  have  plainly  appeared  to  be  what 
 they  really  are,  prophetical  denunciations  and  prediAions.  And  there  came  down 
 fire  ,rom  heaven  and  confumed  him  and  his  fifty.  The  enemies  to  revelation 
 have  reprented  this  adlion  of  Elijali  as  cruel  and  unjuft  in  the  liigheft  degree. 
 But  fuch  wouid  do  well  to  remember,  that  it  was  entirely  done  in  obedience  to 
 the  Holy  Sp  rit  by  whom  he  was  animated,  and  in  zeal  for  the  honour  and  glory 
 of  God,  wlto  was  groLly  abuftd  in  the  perfon  of  the  prophets.  The  officers,  in¬ 
 deed,  that  were  fent  to  him,  call  him  a  man  of  God ;  but  by  the  anfwer  which 
 the  prophet  returned,  it  appears  that  they  ftyled  him  fo  only  by  way  of  con¬ 
 tempt  and  derifion.  Befides,  they  could  not  be  ignorant  that  Ahaziah  was 
 
 the  Lord,  7s  tV  net  becaufe  there  is  not  a  God  in  before 
 llrael,  thou  lendeft  to  enquire  of  Baal  zebub  the 
 go  o  Ekron  ?  therefore  thou  fhalt  not  come  down 
 
 furdy  dfe 
 
 ^  i^nto  them,  f  What  manner  of  man  f  Heb. 
 
 was  //c  which  came  up  to  meet  you,  and  told  you  thefe  "as 
 
 words  ?  ^  the  man- 
 
 8  And  they  anfwered  him.  He  was  an  hairy  man,;";-'."'' 
 and  girt  with  a  girdle  of  leather  about  his  loins.  And 
 
 j  he  laid,  It  is  Elijah  the  Tilhbite. 
 
 9  1  hen  the  king  fent  unto  him  a  captain  of  fifty 
 with  his  fifty  :  and  he  went  up  to  him  ;  (and,  behold, 
 he  lat  on  the  top  oI  an  hill ;)  and  he  fpake  unto  hitr, 
 
 Ihou  man  of  God,  the  king  hath  faid.  Come  down. 
 
 10  And  Elijah  anfwered  and  faid  to  the  captain  of 
 Wty,  U  lbe2.  man  of  God,  then  let  fire  come  down 
 from  heaven,  and  confume  thee  and  thy  fifty.  And 
 there  came  down  fire  from  heaven,  and  confumed 
 him  and  his  fifty. 
 
 11  Again  alfo  he  fent  unto  him  another  captain  of 
 fifty  wth  his  fifty  :  and  he  anlwered  and  faid  unto 
 him,  O  man  of  God,  thus  hath  the  king  faid,  Come 
 down  quickly. 
 
 12  And  Elijah  anfwered  and  faid  unto  them,  If 
 1  be  a  man  of  God,  let  fire  come  down  from  heaven, 
 
 highly  offended  againft  Elijah  for  having  denounced  his  death,  and  confequentlf 
 that  the  intention  of  fending  for  liim  was  to  punifli  him.  Ver.  14.  Beholi  theli 
 cime  fire  dawn  from  heaven.  The  wickednefs  of  Ahaziah  and  his  people  was 
 extreme  y  great.  He  was  not  moved  by  the  untimely  death  of  his  father  •  but 
 followed  his  pernicious  example,  ftill  feducing  the  people,  and  provoking  the 
 God  of  Ifrael  by  his  abominable  idolatries.  The  author  of  the  book  of  Chroni- 
 cles  informs  us,  that  Ins  impiety  was  fo  provoking,  that  God  had  abandoned  him, 
 and  would  not  profper  the  naval  expedition  of  Jehoffiaphat,  becaufe  he  joined 
 the  fleet  of  this  pernicious  prince.  And  the  wickednefs  of  Ahazi.ali,  fo  great  in 
 itfelf,  was  highly  aggravated  by  his  making  the  people  to  fin.  The  king  biinfelf 
 was  certainly  an  incorrigible  finner;  for  when  he  was  dangeroufiy  ill  from  his 
 fall  through  the  lattice,  he  did  not  repent,  but  fent  to  enquire  of  Baal.zebub  the 
 Idol  of  the  Eltronites.  This  frefli  inftance  of  his  impiety  fo  offended  the  true 
 God  that  he  oecreed  he  ftiould  not  recover,  and  fent  Elijah  to  foretel  his  death 
 to  the  meffengers.  But  even  this  meffage,  inftead  of  touching  him  will]  retnorfe, 
 excited  in  him  the  wncked  refolution  of  murdering  the  prophet  No  one  can 
 doubt  but  that  he  defigned  to  take  away  his  life,  the  manner  of  lending  fur 
 him  confirms  this  to  have  been  his  defign.  Why  did  he  not  fend  the  fame  mef- 
 lengers  as  he  did  to  Ekron  ?  How  came  he  to  fend  a  company  of  foldiers,  if  he 
 bad  not  the  fame  defign  againft  him,  as  the  king  of  Syria  had  againft  Elillia, 
 chap.  VI.  13.?  The  captains  commanded  him  to  come  down,  but  in  a  haufThly 
 manner,  becaufe  they  thought  he  muft  furrender  himfelf,  and  had  he  refufed  m 
 go  with  them,  would  undoubtedly  have  compelled  him  bv  force;  and  Jofephiis 
 pofitively  affeits  that  the  captain  threatened  as  much.  That  it  was  the  will  of 
 God  to  deltroy  thefe  men,  may  be  inferred  from  the  prefence  of  the  angel  who 
 guarded  tlie  prophet.  This  is  ftill  farther  evident  from  the  nature  of  the 
 puniftiment  which  was  inflidled  upon  them,  The  prophet  appealed  to  this  eVent 
 
I  Heb 
 
 how^d* 
 
 j^lijah  hringelh  do-jon  fire  from  heaven : 
 
 Before  and  confume  thee  and  thy  fifty.  And  the  fire  of 
 Chrift  QqJ  came  down  from  heaven,  and  confumed  him  and 
 
 cir*  89^*  I  fifty 
 
 13  ^  And  he  fent  again  a  captain  of  the  third  fifty 
 with  his  fifty :  and  the  third  captain  of  fifty  went  up, 
 and  came  and  t  fell  on  his  knees  before  Elijah,  and 
 befought  him  and  faid  unto  him,  O  man  of  God,  I 
 pray  tnee,  let  my  life,  and  the  life  of  thefe  fifty  thy 
 fervants,  be  precious  in  thy  fight. 
 
 14  Behold,  there  came  fire  down  from  heaven, 
 and  burnt  up  the  two  captains  of  the  former  fifties 
 with  their  fifties :  therefore  let  roy  life  nov.^  be  pre¬ 
 cious  in  thy  fight. 
 
 15  And  the  angel  of  the  Lord  faid  unto  Elijah, 
 Go  down  with  him  ;  be  not  afraid  of  him.  And  he 
 arofe,  and  went  down  with  him  unto  the  king. 
 
 16  And  he  faid  unto  him,  Thus  faith  the  Lord, 
 Forafmuch  as  thou  haft  fent  meffengers  to  enquire 
 of  Baal-zebub  the  go!  of  Ekron,  fisit  not  becaufe 
 there  is  no  God  in  Ifrael  to  enquire  of  his  word?) 
 therefore  thou  (halt  not  come  down  off  that  bed  on 
 which  thou  art  gone  up,  but  (halt  furely  die. 
 
 17 II  So  he  died,  according  to  the  word  of  the  Lord 
 which  Elijah  had  fpoken :  and  ll  Jehoram  reigned  in 
 his  ftead,  in  the  fecond  y  ear  of  Jehoram  the  (bn  of 
 Jeholhaphat  king  of  Judah,  becaufe  he  had  no  fon. 
 
 18  Now  the  reft  of  the  afts  of  Ahaziah  which  he 
 did,  are  they  not  written  in  the  book  of  the  Chroni¬ 
 cles  of  the  kings  of  Ifrael  ?* 
 
 CHAP.  II. 
 
 1  Elijah,  taking  his  leave  of  Elisha,  with  his  mantle  dividelh  Jordan,  9 
 and,  granting  Elisha  his  requejl,  is  taken  up  bp  a  fiery  chariot  into  hea¬ 
 ven.  12  Elisha,  dividing  Jordan  with  Elijah's  mantle,  is  acknowledged 
 his  successor.  16  The  young  prophets,  hardly  obtaining  leave  to  Jeek 
 Elijah,  could  710 1  find  him,  tj-c. 
 
 And  it  came  to  pals,  when  the  Lord  would 
 take  up  Elijah  into  heaven  by  a  whirlwind, 
 that  Elijah  went  with  Elilha  from  Gilgal. 
 
 2  And  Elijah  faid  unto  Eliftia,  Tarry  here,  I  pray 
 
 If.  KINGS. 
 
 .  le  grant cth  conditionally  FJishof  s  rc/uest. 
 
 895. 
 
 II  Tne 
 iVciiid 
 
 v.'.ii'  that 
 j.,.l)(>rain 
 was  Fro- 
 rer,  and 
 
 tec 
 
 Jehodia- 
 
 phat, 
 
 Chap. 
 
 3.  1. 
 
 for  the  truth  of  his  milTion,  ver.  10,  12.  If  I  be  a  man  of  God,  <^c.  which  means 
 no  more  or  lefs,  than  that  they  had  ftyled  him  a  man  of  God  by  way  of  derifion  ; 
 but  to  convince  them  of  the  reality  of  his  claim,  he  alTured  them  that  God  him- 
 felf  would  vindicate  his  chararSler  by  fending  down  the  fire  from  heaven.  Thefe 
 few,  therefore,  were  not  only  taken  away  to  preferve  the  prophet,  but  like, 
 wife  to  reclaim  the  people,  and  to  prevent  the  ruin  of  the  whole  nation.  If 
 we  confidcr  this  judgment  as  an  a<5l  of  God,  there  is  nothing  in  it  unworthy  of 
 his  perfec51ions.  That  it  was  an  inllance  of  his  power,  will  not  be  contefted, 
 becaufe  it  was  what  no  man,  nor  any  fuperior  being,  could  infii<5l  without  his 
 permiflinn.  His  holinefs  and  jullice  are  confpieuoully  feen,  becaufe  this  cataflrophe 
 was  intended  as  a  punilhment  againll  enormous  crimes,  and  the  perfoas  who 
 fuffered  were  engaged  in  a  wicked  attempf  upon  the  life  of  his  prophet.  It 
 could  not  be  inconfillent  with  his  goodnefs  and  clemency,  becaufe  thedeath  of  thefe 
 few  was  deligned  for  the  reformation  of  all  the  nation.  His  wifdom  appears  herein 
 luafmuch  as  by  thefe  means  the  prophet’s  life  was  preferved  ;  and  it  was  well 
 adapted  to  the  Hate  of  the  kingdom,  wliich  called  for  feme  llriking  and  alarming 
 difpenfation.  Ver.  15.  dad  he  arofe  and  went  down  with  him.  This  is  a  great 
 infiancc  of  the  prophet’s  faith  and  obedience  to  God  on  whom  he  relied  for 
 deliverance  from  the  wrath  of  the  king,  and  the  malice  of  Jezebel.  Ver.  17. 
 dnd  Jehoram  reigned  in  his  stead,  in  the  second  year  of  Jehoram.  It  has  been  alked 
 how  could  Jehoram,  the  brother  of  Ahaziah,  begin  his  reign  in  Ifrael  in  the  fecond 
 year  of  Jehoram,  the  fon  of  Jebofliaphat,  when  we  read  foon  after  that  he 
 began  his  reign  over  Ifrael  in  the  eighteenth  year  of  Jeholhaphat  king  of  Judah  ; 
 and  in  another  place,  that  Jehoram  the  fon  of  Jeholhaphat  began  to  reign  over 
 Judah  in  the  fifth  year  of  Jehoram  king  of  Ifrael  ?  In  order  to  remove  this  diffi- 
 
 thee?  for  the  Lord  hath  lent  me  to  Beth  el.  And 
 Eliftia  said  unto  him.  As  the  Lord  liveth,  and  as  thy 
 foul  liveth,  I  will  not  leave  thee.  -So  they  went  down 
 to  Beth-el. 
 
 3  And  the  fons  of  the  prophets  that  u-ere  at  Berhel 
 came  forth  to  Eliftia,  and  laid  unro  him,  Know-'t 
 thou  that  the  Lord  will  fake  away  thy  matter  from 
 thy  head  to-day?  and  he  faid.  Yea,  I  know  H:  bold 
 ye  your  peace. 
 
 4  And  Elijah  faid  unto  him,  Eliftia,  tarry  here,  I 
 pray  thee ;  for  the  Lord  hath  fent  me  to  Jerici-.o. 
 And  he  faid,  As  the  Lord  liveth,  and  as  thy  loul 
 liveth,  I  will  not  leave  thee.  So  they  came  to  Jericho. 
 
 5  And  the  fons  of  the  prophets  that  were  at  Jericho 
 came  to  Eliftia,  and  faid  unto  him,  Knoweft  thou  tnat 
 the  Lord  will  take  away  thy  matter  from  thy  head 
 to-day  ?  And  he  anfwered.  Yea,  1  know  it ;  hold  ye 
 your  peace. 
 
 6  And  Elijah  faid  unto  him.  Tarry,  I  pray  thee, 
 here :  for  the  Lord  hath  fent  me  to  Jordan.  And 
 he  faid,  As  the  Lord  liveth,  and  as  thy  foul  l.veth, 
 I  will  not  leave  thee.  And  they  two  went  on. 
 
 7  And  fifty  men  of  the  fons  of  the  prophets  went 
 and  ftood  f  to  view  afar  off :  and  they  two  ttood  by 
 Jordan. 
 
 8  And  Elijah  took  his  mantle,  and  wrapped  it  to¬ 
 gether,  and  fmote  the  waters,  and  they  were  divided 
 hither  and  thither,  fo  that  they  two  went  over  on  dry 
 ground. 
 
 9  f  And  it  came  to  pais,  when  they  were  gone 
 over,  that  Elijah  faid  unto  Elilha,  Afk  what  i  (hail  do 
 for  thee,  before  I  be  taken  away  from  thee.  And 
 Eliftia  faid,  I  pray  thee,  let  a  double  portion  of  thy 
 fpirit  he  upon  me. 
 
 10  And  he  faid,  f  Thou  haft  afked  a  bard  thing: 
 nevertheless,  if  thou  fee  me  when  lam  taken  from  thee, 
 
 j  it  (hall  be  fo  unto  thee ;  but  if  nor,  it  lhall  not  be  so. 
 
 11  And  it  came  to  pal’s,  as  they  ftill  went  on,  and 
 
 f  Heb. 
 in  sight, 
 or,  over 
 againfl. 
 
 f  Hcb. 
 Thou  hast 
 dene  hard 
 in  afk  in  g. 
 
 culty,  it  muft  be  remembered  that  the  kings  of  Judah  and  Ifrael,  like  other 
 oriental  princes,  appointed  their  fucceflors,  and  even  in  their  lifetime  gave  them 
 a  lhare  of  the  adminitlration,  as  is  plain  from  leveral  inllances.  And  we  read  in 
 fecond  Chronicles,  that  Jeholhaphat  gave  the  kingdom  to  Jehoram,  becaufe  be 
 was  bis  firft.born,  and  gave  gifts  to  the  reft  of  his  fons. 
 
 EXPLANAIORY  notes.  Chat.  II.  Ver.  3.  .And  the  fons  of  the  pro¬ 
 phets  that  were  at  Belh-et.  Tliat  is,  fucb  as  were  educated  at  that  place,  and  trained 
 up  in  religion  and  virtue,  on  whom  God  by  degrees  beftowed  the  fpirit  of  prophecy  ; 
 and  whom  the  fuperior  prophets  employed  in  tlie  fame  capacity  as  the  apoftles 
 did  the  evangelifts,  namely,  to  publifti  their  prophecies  and  inftruilions  to  the 
 people,  in  fuch  places  as  they  themfelves  could  not  vifit.  And  furely  this  is  a 
 remarkable  inftance  of  God’s  love  to  an  apoftate  people,  and  in  thofs  corrupt 
 times,  and  in  the  very  place  where  the  golden  calves  were  worlhipped,  he  ftill 
 continued  the  fthools  of  the  prophets,  in  order  to  recover  them  from  idolatry. 
 Ver.  9.  1  prny  thee,  let  a  double  portion  of  thy  fpirit  be  upon  me.  Some  learnt 
 men  are  of  opinion,  that  this  requell  of  Eliftia  would  be  arrogant,  if  taken  in  the 
 moft  obvious  feiile;  and  therefore  they  refer  it  to  Elilha’s  fchool-fellows,  whom 
 h?  defires  to  furpals  in  all  the  gifts  of  prophecy,  as  much  as  the  firft-born  excelled 
 Ills  brethren  in  his  portion  of  the  inheritance.  But  as  Elijah  had  no  other  fuc- 
 ceflbr,  on  whom  he  w’as  to  bellow  auy  prophetic  gift,  one  cannot  fee  why 
 Eliftia  may  not  be  faid  to  have  had  a  double  portion  of  Eljah’s  fpirit;  for  it  is 
 evident  that  he  did  many  more  miracles  than  his  mafter,  and  even  afur  his 
 death,  exerted  a  divine  power  in  raifing  the  dead  man.  Had  he  indeed  defired 
 this  double  portion  out  of  a  principle  of  vain-glory,  there  might  then  have 
 been  fomething  urged  againft  this  requeft  ;  but  as  his  only  intention  in  .liking 
 
 wonder  if  our  inferiors  defert  or  rebel  againft  us  Death  often  over- 
 
 r  “  "  "  P'  ?  a  h“PPy  death.  Many  choSe 
 
 mther  to  nfk  their  expence  and  toil,  nay,  their  condemnation,  in  confulting  Satan  or  his  emiffaries,  than  to  confult  God  fullv  to  their  uretimt  ...  1  ^  ^ 
 
 Perfecutors  and  mockers  of  God’s  faithful  melfengers  .and  lervan.s  lhall  “not  efcape  puniftiment :  for  God  confidel^  what  t  done  m  irJolZ  JT 
 
 Buch  as  have  turned  alide  to  idolatry,  even  after  miraculous  demonllrations  of  its  wickednei's,  richly  deferve  death  ,  and  if  they  wil,  harden  thefr  htl 
 
 rors  of  God  It  is  juft  that  their  deft.uaion  be  uncommonly  terrible.  The  way  to  prevail  with  God  is  not  to  infult  him  bL  huS  to  bo^  ^  T  d  T 
 
 fuffertngs  of  others  ftiould  be  our  warning.  God  can  endow  his  fervants  with  fuch  honourable  boldnefs  that  captains  and  kincs  look  contemntil  \ 
 
 .w.  rto  con^l.  S.UU,  or  „o  goM  b,  bi»,  if  f^boanlins  mm,  not,  m.,  .xprA  foon  ,o  to™  S  lodnin^n  ilTbim  rS  '  " 
 
 No,  23„„Qd,  4  14 
 
 And 
 
JUijali  1$  taken  tri'  into  kcaven. 
 
 II.  KINGS. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 lip. 
 
 c  Vtrfe ' 
 
 f  Heb. 
 sons  o/ 
 ilreneih. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 one  of  the 
 moun¬ 
 tains. 
 
 r  a-ppe.ircd  a  chariot  of  fire, 
 
 ‘’nd  parted  them  both  afunder : 
 and  *  hfjah  went  up  by  a  whirlwind  into  heaven. 
 
 Eiiiha  i'aw  ?/,  and  he  cried,  My  father, 
 my  father,  the  chariot  of  IlVael,  and  the  hori'emen 
 thereof,  -f^nd  he  law  him  no  more :  and  he  took 
 hold  of  his  oun  clothes,  and  rent  them  in  two 
 pieces, 
 
 13  He  took  up  alfo  the  mantle  of  E'ijah  that  fell 
 from  him,  and  went  back,  and  Hood  by  the  f  bank 
 of  Jordan  ; 
 
 14-  And  he  took  the  mantle  of  Elijah  that  fell  from 
 him,  and  Imote  the  waters,  and  laid,  Where  h  the 
 Lord  God  of  Elijah  .?  and  when  he  a'.lb  had  fmitten 
 the  waters,  they  parted  hither  and  thither;  and  Elifha 
 went  over. 
 
 15  And  when  the  Ions  of  the  prophets,  which  xvere 
 ^  to  view  at  Jericho,  law  him,  they  laid.  The  fpirit  of 
 Elijah  doth  reft  on  Elilha.  And  they  came  to  meet 
 him,  and  bowed  themlelves  to  the  ground  before 
 him. 
 
 16  H  And  they  laid  unto  him,  Behold,  now,  there 
 be  with  thy  fervants  fifty  t  flrong  men ;  let  them  go, 
 we  pray  thee,  and  feek  thy  malier  :  left  peradventure 
 the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  hath  taken  him  up,  and  cafl 
 liiin  upon  f  lome  mountain,  or  into  Tome  valley.  And 
 he  faid,  Ye  lhall  not  fend. 
 
 17  And  when  they  urged  him  till  he  W'as  afhamed, 
 
 2''lhha  healeih  the  springs  of  xxiater 
 
 he  faid,  Send.  They  fent  therefore  fifty  men  ;  and  Before 
 they  fought  three  .days,  but  found  him  not.  Chria 
 
 18  And  when  they  came  again  to  him,  (for  he  tar- 
 ried  at  Jericho,)  he  faid  unto  them.  Did  I  not  fay  unto 
 you,  Go  not  ? 
 
 19  f  And  the  men  of  the  city  faid  unto  Elilha,  Be. 
 
 hold,  I  pray  thee,  the  fituation  of  this  city  is  pleafant, 
 as  my  lord  leeth  ;  but  the  water  is  naught,  and  the 
 ground  f  barren.  f  tieh, 
 
 20  And  he  laid,  bring  me  a  new  crufe,  and  put 
 therein  :  and  they  brought  it  to  him. 
 
 21  And  he  went  forth  into  the  fpring  of  the  w'aters, 
 and  call  the  fait  in  there,  and  laid,  Thus  faith  the 
 Lord,  I  have  healed  thefe  waters ;  there  lhall  not  be 
 from  thence  any  more  death  or  barren  land. 
 
 22  So  the  waters  were  healed  unto  this  day,  accord¬ 
 ing  to  the  faying  of  Elilha  which  he  fpake. 
 
 23  %  And  he  went  up  from  thence  unto  Beth-el : 
 and  as  he  was  going  up  by  the  way,  there  came  forth 
 little  children  out  of  the  city,  and  mocked  him,  and 
 faid  unto  him.  Go  up,  thou  bald-head ;  go  up,  thou 
 bald-head. 
 
 24  And  be  turned  back,  and  looked  on  them,  and 
 curled  them  in  the  name  of  the  Lord:  and  there 
 came  forth  tw-o  Ihe-bears  out  of  the  wood,  and  tare 
 forty  and  two  children  of  them. 
 
 25  And  he  went  from  thence  to  mount  Carmel; 
 and  from  thence  he  returned  to  Samaria.* 
 
 it  was  to  render  him  more  ferviceable  to  his  generation,  ive  cannot  perceive  how 
 he  can  be  blamed  for  requefiing  what  our  Saviour  himfelf  granted  to  his  difciples, 
 the  power  of  working  greater  miracles  than  himfelf  had  done.  Ver.  11.  i 
 ii’holj  there  appeared  a  chariot  of  Jire,  and  horses  of  Jire.  This  account  of  j 
 diilijah  s  tranfl.-tion  is  not  to  be  taken  in  a  literal  fenfe ;  fince  a  fiery  chariot  and  | 
 horfes  would  not  have  been  a  proper  vehicle  for  a  body  as  yet  not  impregnated  with  , 
 immortality.  W'e  read  that  our  hlefied  Saviour  was  carried  up  by  the  fubvenfion  ' 
 of  a  cloud,  which  raiferl  him  from  tlie  ground,  nnd,  mounting  with  him  gradual-  i 
 ly,  carried  him  out  of  the  apofiles’  fight.  In  like  manner,  we  may  prefume,  the  ; 
 tranflafion  of  Elijah  was  performed,  namely  by  a  bright  and  radiant  cloud,  which,  ij 
 as  it  afeended,  appeared  like  a  chariot  and  horfes  of  fire  ;  this  cloud  raifed  him 
 from  the  earth,  and  leaving  this  little  globe  behind,  wafted  him  to  the  feats  of  : 
 the  blefled.  But  we  muft  obferve,  that  Chrift’s  body  was  at  this  time  inverted 
 ■with  the  powers  of  fpirituality,  and  therefore  capable  of  afeending  without  | 
 any  vehicle  ;  whereas  that  of  Elijah  was  retarded  with  a  load  of  matter  :  and  '' 
 therefore  it  is  reafonable  to  think,  that  by  the  miniftry  of  angels,  or  rather  by  the  | 
 jjower  of  God,  the  cloud  that  carried  him  up  was  condenfed  to  a  more  than  com-  \ 
 mon  confiftency,  and  that  the  whirlwind  accelerated  its  motion  and  afeent.  But  I 
 as  “  flefli  and  blood  cannot  inherit  the  kingdom  of  God,  neither  doth  corruption 
 inherit  incorruption  it  has  been  afked,  how  Elijah  was  on  a  fudden  “  made  meet  ' 
 to  be  a  partaker  of  the  inheritance  of  the  faints  in  light  ?”  This  queftion  will,  how-  | 
 ever,  be  cafily  anfwered,  if  we  confider,  that  the  fame  almighty  power  which,  at  j 
 the  lart  trump,  will  make  our  “  corruptible”  nature  “  put  on  incorniplion,  and  our  : 
 mortal  put  on  immortality,”  doubtlefs  changed  in  his  paflage  to  the  regions  uf 
 happiness,  his  “  terreftrial”  into  a  “  celeftial”  body,  and  endowed  it  with  fuch  fa-  j 
 fulties  as  were  necertary  for  the  enjoyment  of  thofe  paradifaical  manfions  in  the  j 
 great  Jehovah’s  kingdom.  Ver.  12.  The  chariot  of  Israel  nnd  the  horsemen.  This  ^ 
 is  as  much  as  to  fay,  we  have  loft  a  troojt,  a  whole  army  in  him.  All  good  men,  j 
 but  efpecially  men  of  extraordinary  wifdom  and  piety,  are  the  guard  and  defence  of  i 
 the  country  where  they  live.  Ver.  15.  S iw  him.  This  fhould  have  been  rendered,  | 
 saw  it ;  for  the  relative  refers  not  to  the  perfon  of  Elifha,  but  the  miracle  which  | 
 he  wrought.  Ver.  21.  Cast  salt  into  the  water.  It  is  remarkable  that  f. It  renders 
 water  lefs  potable,  and  in  large  quantities  is  the  natural  caufeof  the  barrennefs  of 
 the  ground.  E'ifha,  in  choofing  this  ingredient,  was  defirous  to  render  the 
 divine  power  ftill  more  confpicuous;  and  this  miracle  could  not  but  convince  the 
 Ions  of  the  prophets,  that  he  was  delegated  to  fuccoed  Elijah  in  his  office.  Ver. 
 ”3.  In  order  to  refeue  the  cbara<51er  of  the  prophet  from  the  objections  of  infidels 
 on  account  of  the  cataftrophe  of  thefe  children,  it  deferves  particular  notice,  that 
 the  perfons  termed  ‘  little  children  ’  were  grown  to  the  age  of  maturity,  and  confe- 
 quently  were  capable  of  being  concerned  in  any  riotous  proceedings.  In  this 
 fenfe  the  original  word  is  frequently  ufed,  Gen.  xxxii.  22.  xxxiv.  4.  xxxvii. 
 .20.  Ruth  i.  5.  1  Kings  iii.  7.  2  Chron.  xiii  7.  Nay,  their  coming  out  of 
 the  city  implied  as  much.  They  came  out  of  Bethel,  the  chief  feat  of  idolatry  : 
 they  had  ftrongiy  imbibed  the  prejudices  of  their  i«:rents,  and  were  old  enough  to 
 riiftinguifh  between  idolatry  and  the  worfhip  of  the  true  God.  They  probably 
 bad  heard,  if  they  had  not  feen,  that  Elijah  was  taken  up  into  heaven.  The 
 
 words,  Go  up,  thou  bald-head  ;  go  up,  thou  bald-head,  plainly  refer  to  the  ‘  afeenfioa' 
 of  Elijah;  and  if  our  tranflators  had  made  ufe  of  the  word  ‘afeend,’  inrtead  of  the 
 words  ‘  go  up,’  this  allufion  would  have  appeared  plainer  and  ftronger  ;  for  their 
 language  feems  peculiarly  expreffive  of  their  dreadful  progrefs  in  infidelity, 
 They  heard  that  Elijah  had  afeended  to  heaven,  but  inrtead  of  endeavouring  to 
 afeertain  the  truth  of  the  report,  and  refleeSling  on  the  defign  of  Jehovah  in 
 thus  removing  bis  fervant  from  the  earth,  they  treat  it  at  once  as  unworthy  of 
 attention,  and  a  fit  fubjetft  for  ridicule:  “We  are,”  they  faid  farcaftically  to 
 Elifha,  “no  Grangers  to  the  report  of  your  matter’s  afeenfion,  great  doubtlefs  is 
 his  honour  and  bleffednefs,  delay  not  to  follow  him  ;  your  bald  head  fufficiently  in¬ 
 dicates  that  you  are  long  enough  here,  and  we  will  willingly  difpenfe  with  your 
 labours,  that  you  and  your  mafter  may  he  no  longer  feparated.”  But  their  guilt 
 is  ftill  more  aggravated  by  this  confideration,  that  they  did  not  meet  with  the  pro. 
 phet  by  accident,  but  went  out  with  a  defign  to  infult  him;  this  is  evident  from 
 the  very  context.  They  likewife  went  in  a  body,  which  fhbwed  that  their  motive 
 was  malice,  and  their  going  not  cafual.  Hence  it  feems  probable,  that  they 
 went  out  not  only  to  deride  the  prophet,  but  likewife  to  prevent  his  entering  into 
 the  city.  They  feared  he  would  he  as  zealous  again  ft  their  idolatries  as  Elijah 
 had  been;  and  by  this  infult  they  intended  to  free  themfelves  from  his  rctnon- 
 ftrances.  Though  the  prophet  could  not  hut  be  difpleafed  with  the  Infult,  yet 
 no  part  of  the  narrative  will  countenance  us  in  fuppofing,  that  the  curfe  he 
 denounced  agninft  them  was  owing  to  the  peevifnnefs  of  his  temper,  or  the  ebulli¬ 
 tions  of  his  anger.  Though  his  rage  had  been  ever  fo  turbulent,  it  would  not 
 have  fupplied  him  with  power  to  command  thefe  favage  creatures  to  leave  the 
 woods  at  an  inftant,  and  to  come  to  a  place  they  did  not  frequent,  (as  a  public 
 road  must  be  fuppofed  to  be)  in  order  to  deftroy  thefe  infolent  infidel  youths. 
 As  his  curfe  would  have  had  no  effedl  had  it  proceeded  from  a  peevifh  temper, 
 we  have  therefore  no  juft  caufe  from  his  curfing  tliem,  to  fufpedl  that  he  was 
 agitated  by  any  furious  or  malicious  paffion.  The  word  curse  has  in  feripture 
 three  different  acceptations.  It  fignifies  to  injlifl  a  curfe;  and  in  this  fenfe 
 God  is  faid  to  have  cursed  the  ground  after  the  fall.  It  fignifies  to  wlfh  a  curfe; 
 and  in  this  fenfe  Shimei  is  faid  to  have  cursed  David.  Laftly,  it  fignifies  to  pro¬ 
 nounce  or  foretel  a  curse,  or  punifliment  ;  and  in  this  fenfe  Elifha  is  faid  to  have 
 curfed  the  children.  The  hiftorian  exprefsiy  afterls,  “  that  he  curfed  them  in  the 
 name  of  the  Lord.”  To  speak  in  the  name  of  the  I.ord,  is  to  deliver  what  he 
 commands  ;  to  prophecy  in  the  name  ot  the  Lard,  is  to  foretel  what  he  reveals ; 
 and  to  curse  in  the  name  cf  the  Lard,  is  to  declare  a  curfe  which  he  is  determined 
 to  fnflicl,  and  has  authorifed  the  prophet  to  denounce;  fo  that  in  curfing  thefe 
 young  perfons,  Elifha  adltd  as  a  minifter  of  the  fupreme  tuler  of  the  world; 
 and  by  his  order  foretold  the  puniftiment  that  was  going  to  be  inflidled  on  thefe 
 idolaters.  His  pronouncing  this  curfe  was  not  the  caufe  of  their  cataftrophe,  but 
 the  certainty  of  the  cataftrophe  and  deftrudlion,  and  the  command  of  God,  were 
 the  caufes  of  his  pronouncing  this  curfe.  The  puniftiment  itfeif  will  appear  jufti 
 if  we  confider  the  time,  place,  perfons,  and  likewife  how  well  it  was  adapted  to 
 convince  the  people  of  the  heinoufnefs  of  idolatry,  and  to  recover  them  to  that 
 purity  of  worftiip,  which  their  law  was  peculiarly  intended  to  preferve. 
 
 RKACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  II.]  What  honoui  God  del  ghts  to  put  on  his  faithful  fervants  !  The  leaft  of  them  fhall  lack  nothing  of  Elijah's 
 
Three  kings  'taar  against  Moah. 
 
 II.  KINGS.  ‘ji  he  Moahi  •  arc  -  ■.  ':cd  and  smihen. 
 
 before 
 Chrift 
 «96-  ^ 
 
 CHAP.  III. 
 
 Jehoram’t  reign.  4  Metha  rebelleth.  6  JeAornm,  with  Jehoshapkal,  and 
 the  king  of  Edom,  being  distressed  for  want  oj  water,  by  Elisha  obtaineth 
 water  and  a  promise  of  victory,  ^c. 
 
 NOW  Jehoram  the  fon  of  Ahab  began  to  reign 
 over  ICrael  in  Samaria  the  eighteenth  year  of 
 Jeholhaphat  king  of  Judah,  and  reigned  twelve  years 
 2  And  he  wrought  evil  in  the  fight  of  the  Lord, 
 but  not  like  his  father,  and  like  his  mother;  for  he 
 f  iicb.  put  away  the  f  image  of  Baal  that  his  father  had 
 
 statue,  made. 
 
 3  Neverthelefs  he  cleaved  onto  the  fins  of  Jero¬ 
 boam  the  fon  of  Nebat,  which  made  Ifrael  to  fin  ;  he 
 departed  not  therefrom. 
 
 4  ^  And  Mefha  king  of  Moab  was  a  fheep  mafter 
 and  rendered  unto  the  king  of  Ifrael  an  hundred  thou- 
 fand  lambs,  and  an  hundred  thoufand  rams,  with  the 
 wool. 
 
 1  Chap.  .5  But  it  came  to  pafs,  when  ^  Ahab  was  dead,  that 
 the  king  of  Moab  rebelled  againfi;  the  king  of  Ifrael. 
 895.  6  f  And  king  Jehoram  went  out  of  Samaria  the 
 
 fame  time,  and  numbered  all  Ifrael. 
 
 7  And  he  went  and  fent  to  Jeholhaphat  the  king  of 
 Judah,  faying,  the  king  of  Moab  hath  rebelled  againfi: 
 me:  wilt  thou  go  with  me  againfi;  Moab  to  battle? 
 biKiogsAnd  he  faid,  I  will  go  up:  ^  I  am  as  thou  art,  my 
 22.  4.  people  as  thy  people,  and  my  horfes  as  thy  horfes. 
 
 S  And  he  faid,  Which  way  (hall  we  go  up?  and 
 he  anlwered,  The  way  through  the  wildernefs  of 
 Edom. 
 
 9  So  the  king  of  Ifrael  went,  and  the  king  of  Ju¬ 
 dah,  and  the  king  of  Edom  ;  and  they  fetched  a  com- 
 pafs  of  feven  days’  journey :  and  there  was  no  water 
 f  Heb.  for  the  hoft,  and  for  the  cattle  t  that  followed  themi 
 atjbeir  jq  of  Ifrael  faid,  Alas!  that  the  Lord 
 
 hath  called  thele  three  kings  together,  to  deliver  them 
 into  the  hand  of  Moab  1 
 
 1 1  But  Jeholhaphat  faid.  Is  there  not  here  a  pro¬ 
 phet  of  the  Lord,  that  we  may  enquire  of  the  Lord 
 by  him  ?  And  one  of  the  king  of  Ilrael’s  fervants  an- 
 fwered  and  faid.  Here  is  Elifiia  the  fon  of  Shaphat, 
 which  poured  water  on  the  hands  of  Elijah. 
 
 12  And  Jeholhaphat  faid,  The  word  of  the  Lord 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  III.  Ve-.  2.  He  put  away  the  image 
 ojBaal.  It  is  a  little  ftrange,  that  his  mother  Jezebel,  who  lirought  this  worlhip 
 with  her  from  the  Zidonians,  fiiould  fuffer  him  to  remove  the  images  of  her 
 favourite  god  ;  but  perhaps  file  might  be  fomewhat  daunted  with  the  many  dif- 
 aders  that  had  befallen  her  family,  and  was  content  with  the  privilege  of 
 having  her  idolatrous  worfliip  in  private  j  Nor  is  it  unlikely  that  Jehofliaphat 
 might  refufe  to  affift  him  in  his  wars  againft  the  king  of  Moab,  uniefs  he 
 would  confent  to  renounce  his  idolatry.  It  is  not  unworthy  notice,  here,  that  in 
 ihefe  countries  fltcep  were  very  numerous;  1  Ghro.  v.  7.  2  Chron.  vii.  5.  Ver. 
 H.  And  Jehoshaphut  said.  Is  there  not  here  a  prophet  of  the  Lord.  This  was  fpoken 
 like  a  pious  man  ;  but  it  was  a  fault  that  he  did  not  inquire  before  for  dire<aion 
 in  this  war;  as  he  did  in  that  with  the  Syrians.  Ver.  1 J.  What  have  I  to  do  with 
 
 M  is  with  him.  So  the  king  of  Ilraei,  and  jehofbaphat, 
 
 ;  and  the  king  of  Edom,  went  down  to  him.  ^95. 
 
 13  And  Elifha  faid  unto  the  king  of  Ifrael,  What 
 I  have  I  to  do  with  thee  ?  get  thee  to  the  prophets  of 
 [  thy  father,  and  to  the  prophets  of  thy  mother.  And 
 
 the  king  of  Ifrael  faid  unto  him.  Nay:  for  the  Lord 
 hath  called  thefe  three  kings  together,  to  deliver  them 
 into  the  hand  of  Moab. 
 
 14  And  Elifha  laid.  As  the  Lord  of  hofis  liveth, 
 
 '  before  whom  I  ftand,  furely,  were  it  not  thatl  regard 
 i  the  prefence  of  Jeholhaphat  the  king  of  Judah  I  would 
 j  not  look  toward  thee,  nor  fee  thee. 
 
 !  15  But  now  bring  me  a  minftrel.  And  it  came  to 
 
 I  pafs,  when  the  minftrel  played,  that  the  hand  ol  the 
 Lord  came  upon  him. 
 
 16  And  be  faid.  Thus  faith  the  Lord,  Make  this 
 valley  full  of  ditches : 
 
 17  For  thus  faith  the  Lord,  Ye  lliall  not  lee  wind, 
 neither  fhall  ye  fee  rain  ;  yet  that  valley  (hall  be  filled 
 with  water,  that  ye  may  drink,  both  ye,  and  your 
 cattle,  and  your  beafts. 
 
 18  And  this  is  but  a  light  thing  in  the  fight  of  the 
 Lord  :  he  will  deliver  the  Moabites  aU’o  into  your 
 hand. 
 
 J9  And  he  Iball  fmue  every  fenced  city,  and  every 
 choice  city,  and  fhall  fell  every  good  tree,  and  flop 
 all  wells  of  water,  and  mar  t  every  good  piece  of  land  f 
 with  ftones. 
 
 20  f  And  it  came  to  pafs  in  the  morning,  when  the 
 meat-offering  was  offered,  that,  behold,  there  came 
 water  by  the  way  of  Edom,  and  the  country  was 
 filled  with  water. 
 
 !  21  And  when  all  the  Moabites  heard  that  the  kings 
 
 !  were  come  up  to  fight  againft  them,  they  f  gathered  t  Heb. 
 jail  that  were  able  to  put  f  on  armour,  and  upward 
 and  flood  in  the  border. 
 
 !  22  And  they  rofe  up  early  in  the  morning,  and  thegini/i,^. 
 
 fun  (hone  upon  the  water,  and  the  Moabites  law  the  ffVu>ith  a 
 water  on  the  other  fide  as  red  as  blood  : 
 
 23  And  they  faid.  This  is  blood :  the  kings  are 
 
 furely  f  ll  iin,  and  they  have  fmitten  one  another :  t  Heb. 
 now  therefore,  Moab,  to  the  I’poil.  destroyed. 
 
 24  And  when  they  came  to  the  camp  of  Ifrael,  the 
 
 thee?  What  bufinefs  have  I  with  an  idolater?  I  can  hold  no  difeourfe  with  thee 
 nor  give  thee  any  advice  or  affiftance.  Ver.  20.  There  came  wafer.  Valievs  are 
 generally  watery  places,  and  the  opening  trenches  will  fometimes  caufe  the’  fub- 
 terraneous  water  to  appear ;  yet  as  it  is  evident  from  this  narrative  that  there 
 was  no  appearance  of  water  on  the  opening  of  thele  trenches,  and  that  it  poured 
 forth  in  the  very  period  that  had  been  predi<5led,  this  fudden  fupply  mull  be 
 owned  to  have  been  no  lefs  miraculoos  than  the  producing  of  water  out  of  a  rock 
 by  Mofes  ;  and  therefore  muft  furely  be  fuppofed  to  effect  the  idolatrous  kin<r 
 of  Ifrael,  to  fee  that  the  God  whofe  worlhip  he  had  defpifed,  and  whofe  altars 
 he  had  thrown  down,  was  able  to  fupply  fo  large  a  company  with  water,  an  1 
 even  fo  kind  as  to  fupply  thofe  with  that  neceflary  fluid  who  had  abandoned 
 his  laws,  and  worfhipped  other  gods  to  provoke  him  to  anger.  Ver.  23,  And 
 
 jappinefs,  but  that  they  muR  lodge  a  little  in  the  grave  on  the  way  to  their  perfedl  felicity  above.  Faithful  faints  have  the  good  of  the  rifing  generation  much  on 
 VLi?h  ”  e  Ihould  make  the  mofl  of  their  converfation  while  we  can  have  it.  It  is  very  diflreffing,  though  hopeful,  to  part  with  dear  friends,  high  in  favour 
 
 f  ,  .  .  ,  n.ajeflic  IS  then-  compofed  retirement  to  the  heavenly  (late,  even  in  their  palTige  through  Jordans  of  trouble  and  death  '  The  removal  of 
 
 uch  IS  indeed  a  greaHofs  to  churches -and  nations,  efpecially  if  iniquity  be  come  to  a  great  height.  But  when  God  removes  one  faithful  fervant,  he  can  raife  uo  ano 
 ther,  equal  y  endowed  with  the  holy  Spirit.  Wl.en  an  animating  pattern,  powerful  prayer  of  f.iith,  and  the  diftinguiflied  prefence  of  God,  concur,  there  is  .Treat 
 ground  of  hope.  They  whom  God  honours  ought  to  be  honoured  ;  and  the  flrong  mufl  bear  with  the  infirmities  of  the  weak.  It  becomes  us  to  make  all  the  nmfiT 
 able  improvement  we  can  of  the  m.mflei-s  of  God  while  we  have  them  ;  for  what  bitternefs,  barrennefs,  and  death,  can  God  caufe  through  men’s  unbef  ef  bv  th^iT 
 gofpel  min.ftrations  !  They  often  bring,  even  to  accui  fed  places,  the  moft  diftinguilhed  mercies,  where  providence  orders  their  lot.  But  how  terrible  are  the  confT 
 STeiTTod  F  r  !  For  parents  are  often  pnnifhed  for  their  neglea,  or  bad  example,  in  the  lots,  the  wretchednefs  or  r^T  of 
 
 mean  afi’iaeH  a.T  Elijah,  la  us  contemplate  an  infinitely  greater  prophet  prefigured  by  him.  The  Mefliah,  like  him,  condefeended  to  a 
 
 ,  i  f  perfecuted  condition  on  earth.  His  holy  zeal  was  ardent  in  his  rebukes;  his  warnings  of  wrath  terrible  and  affeaive  •  his  prayers  for  murev 
 
 T  lirr*’  Z  T  prevalent.  By  him  kings  are  appointed  to  death  and  Lminion  ;  and  by  him  prophets,  apoflles  Ld  mTn.Ter? 
 
 o  an  urmthed  for  their  office.  In  high  fovereignty  he  removes  his  ordinances  from  the  Jews,  that  he  might  dwell  with  raven  like  publicans  and  finnerl^ 
 
 estore  life  to  their  children.  RpaH  (n  irpfn.,(r,.c  fine  r _ . _ i.- .  ^  cans  and  finneis  , 
 
 dwell  with  long  widowed  Gentiles,  and  restore°life  to  their  children,  dead  in^Ue'fpa'ffi.”  and” fins 
 aicended  to  heaven  without  feeing  corruption 
 
 Baptized  in  Jordan,  travelling  through  trouble  and  death,  he 
 
The  oil  7nultiplicA~ 
 
 11.  KINGS. 
 
 Elisha  "iveth  the  ^ood  Shtmamiie 
 
 a 
 
 '•on. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chria 
 
 895. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 Ifraelitts  role  up  and  fmote  the  Moabites,  fo  that  they 
 fled  before  them :  but  1!  they  went  forward  fmiting 
 the  Moabites,  even  in  their  country. 
 
 25  And  they  beat  down  the  cities,  and  on  every 
 tfte^  smote  gQQ^  piece  of  land  call  every  man  his  ftone,  and  filled 
 it ;  and  they  flopped  all  the  wells  of  water,  and  felled 
 t  Heb!  all  the  good  trees  ;  f  only  in  Kir-harafeth  left  they  the 
 until  he  ftoncs  thereof;  howbeit  the  {lingers  "^vent  about  it, 
 and  fmote  it. 
 
 lhel7o/in  26  ^  And  when  the  king  of  Moab  faw  that  the 
 A'lr-Aara-  battle  was  too  fore  for  him,  he  took  with  him  (even 
 
 Bofore 
 
 Clirift 
 
 89S. 
 
 Then  Ihe  came  and  told  the  man  of  God :  and 
 he  laid.  Go,  fell  the  oil,  and  pay  thy  H  debt,  and  live 
 thou  and  thy  children  of  the  reif. 
 
 8  H  And  t  it  fell  on  a  day,  that  Elifha  paffed  to 
 Shunem,  where  ivas  a  great  woman  :  and  flie  f  con- "<’*0^. 
 flrained  him  to  eat  bread.  And  so  it  was,  that  as  oftf 
 
 there  ums 
 
 seth. 
 
 II  Or, 
 Israel  was 
 
 hundred  men  that  drew  fwords,  to  break  through  rocn  | 
 unto  the  king  of  Edom :  but  they  could  not.  | 
 
 27  Then  he  took  his  eldefl  fon,  that  (hould  have  | 
 reigned  in  his  flead,  and  offered  him  for  a  burnt-of¬ 
 fering  upon  the  wall.  And  11  there  was  great  indigna- ; 
 
 sore  griev- 
 ,cd» 
 
 tion  againft  Ifrael :  and  they  departed  from  him,  and 
 
 to  the  good  Shu- 
 Gilgal  he  healeth 
 
 II  Or, 
 scant  not. 
 
 returned  to  their  oxen  land. 
 
 CHAP.  IV. 
 
 1  HUsha  multiplieth  the  wilow's  oil:  8  he  givetk  a  son 
 tiamite :  S3  he  raiselh  again  her  dead  son;  38  at 
 the  deadly  pottage,  ^*c. 
 
 NOW  there  cried  a  certain  woman  of  the  wives  of 
 the  fons  of  the  prophets  unto  Elifha,  faying, 
 Tny  fervant  my  hulband  is  dead  ;  and  thou  knoweft 
 that  thy  fervant  did  fear  the  Lord  ;  and  the  creditor  is 
 come  to  take  unto  him  my  two  fons  to  be  bond-men. 
 
 2  And  Elifha  faid  unto  her.  What  fhall  I  do  for 
 thee^  tell  me,  v.’hat  haft  thou  in  the  houfe?  And  j 
 fhe  faid,  Thine  handmaid  hath  not  any  thing  in  the  ,1 
 houfe,  fave  a  pot  of  oil. 
 
 3  Then  he  faid.  Go,  borrow  thee  veffels  abroad  of 
 all  thy  neighbours,  even  empty  vefl'els ;  ^1]  borrow  not 
 a  few. 
 
 4  And  when  thou  art  come  in,  thou  {halt  fhut  the 
 door  upon  thee,  and  upon  thy  fons,  and  (halt  pour  out : 
 into  all  thofe  veffels,  and  thou  (halt  fet  afide  that  which 
 is  full. 
 
 5  So  fhe  went  from  him,  and  fhut  the  door  upon  , 
 her  and  upon  her  fons,  who  brought  the  vessels  to  her  ;  | 
 and  fhe  poured  oat.  I 
 
 6  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  the  veflels  were  full, 
 that  fhe  faid  unto  her  fon,  bring  me  yet  a  veffel.  And  ; 
 he  faid  unto  her,  There  is  not  a  veffel  more.  And  the  i 
 oil  flayed. 
 
 as  he  paffed  by,  he  turned  in  thither  to  eat  bread.  „ 
 
 9  And  fhe  faid  unto  her  hufband.  Behold,  now,  1 1  Hei,. 
 perceive  that  this  is  an  holy  man  of  God  which  paf- 
 feth  by  us  continually. 
 
 JO  Let  us  make  a  little  chamber,  I  pray  thee,  on 
 the  w^all :  and  let  us  fet  for  him  there  a  bed,  and  a 
 table,  and  a  flool,  and  a  candleflick :  and  it  fhall  be, 
 when  he  cometh  to  us,  that  he  fhall  turn  in  thither. 
 
 11  And  it  fell  on  a  day,  that  he  came  thither,  and 
 he  turned  into  the  chamber,  and  lay  there. 
 
 I  12  And  he  faid  to  Gehazi  his  fervant,  Call  this 
 Shuoamite.  And  when  he  had  called  her,  fhe  flood 
 before  him, 
 
 I  13  And  he  faid  unto  him,  Say  now  unto  her,  Be- 
 ;  hold,  thou  haft  been  careful  for  us  with  all  this  care  ; 
 
 '  what  is  to  be  done  for  thee^  wouldeft  thou  be  fpoken 
 for  to  the  king,  or  to  the  captain  of  the  hoft  ?  And 
 :  (he  anfwered,  I  dwell  among  mine  own  people. 
 
 I  14  And  he  faid.  What  then  is  to  be  done  for  her? 
 
 :  And  Gehazi  anfwered,  Verily  fhe  hath  no  child,  and 
 her  hufband  is  old. 
 
 15  And  he  laid.  Call  her.  And  when  he  had  called 
 j  her  fhe  flood  in  the  door. 
 
 il  16  And  he  faid,  ®  About  this  f  feafon,  according  to  a  Gen. 
 '  the  time  of  life,  thou  (halt  embrace  a  fon.  And  fne 
 
 faid.  Nay,  my  lord,  thou  man  of  God,  do  not  lie 
 unto  thine  handmaid. 
 
 17  H  And  the  woman  conceived,  and  bare  a  fon  at 
 that  feafon  that  Eliflia  had  faid  unto  her,  according  to 
 the  time  of  life. 
 
 18  And  when  the  child  was  grown,  it  fell  on  a 
 day,  that  he  went  out  to  his  father  to  the  reapers. 
 
 19  And  he  'aid  unto  his  father,  My  head,  my  head  ! 
 And  he  faid  to  a  lad,  Carry  him  to  his  mother. 
 
 20  And  when  he  had  taken  him,  and  brought  him 
 to  his  mother,  he  fat  on  her  knees  till  noon,  and  then 
 died. 
 
 2 1  And  fhe  went  up,  and  laid  him  on  the  bed  of  the 
 man  of  God,  and  fljut  the  door  upon  him,  and  went  out. 
 
 t  Hel). 
 
 set  time. 
 
 they  Slid,  This  is  blood;  the  kings  are  surely  slain.  The  Moabites  knew  there 
 was  no  water  a  few  days  before,  and  no  rain  having  fallen,  they  were  convinced  it 
 «ould  not  be  water,  and  therefore  concluded  that  it  muft  be  blo^,  which  the  rtv 
 fle<5Uon  of  the  red  rays  of  the  morning  feemed  to  confirm.  Ver.  27.  Took  Ins 
 son— and  offered  him  lor  a  burnt  offeiing.  Thefe  abominable  facrifices  were  in 
 requea  among  feveral  nations  ;  but  the  Ifraelites  could  not  but  behold  them  with 
 the  greateft  deteftation  and  abhorrence.  Their  ‘  indignation.’  as  the  text  clTerls, 
 might  have  been  raifed  very  high  at  the  fight  of  this  execrable  crime,  and  ‘  being 
 forry,’  as  the  word  likewife  Cgnifies,  that  they  had  made  the  hefieged  fo  defperate, 
 they  thought  it  prudent  to  draw  off  their  armies,  as  the  only  expedient  to  prevent 
 
 a  repetition  of  it.  ... 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  IV.  Ver.  1.  The  creduor  ts  come  to 
 take  unto  him  my  two  sons  to  be  bondmen.  Tlie  Jewifli  law  confidered  children  as 
 tlie  property  of  their  parents,  who  had  full  power  to  fell  them  for  feven  years,  as 
 
 their  creditors  had  to  compel  them  to  do  it,  in  order  to  pay  their  debts.  The 
 fume  abfolute  controul  over  their  children  was  common  among  the  Grecians  and 
 Romans.  And  in  the  eafl  alfo,  the  debtor,  his  perfon,  his  family,  and  property, 
 were  at  the  abfolute  difpofal  of  his  creditor,  fee  Matth.  xviii.  23 — 35.  Ver.  8. 
 There  was  a  great  woman  ;  that  is  a  rich  woman,  one  of  a  great  eftate,  and  who 
 probably  kept  a  great  houfe.  Her  hofpitality,  though  aftonilhing  even  in 
 Chrillian  times,  was  nothing  uncommon  among  the  eaftern  nations,  in  thefe  days; 
 nor  indeed  is  the  cuftotn  entirely  dropt  among  thefe  nations  even  in  the  preientj 
 times.  Ver.  10.  Hake  a  little  chamber  on,  the  wall.  The  houles  in  the  eafl.  ha*® 
 generally  a  fmaller  one  annexed,  which  fometimes  rifes  one  or  two  ftories 
 higher  than  the  houfe;  at  other  times  it  confifts  of  one  or  two  rooms  oiil.v, 
 and  a  terrace.  The  little  chamber  provided  by  the  Shunaraite  for  Elifl.a  was  prO' 
 bahly  one  of  thefe  buildings.  Ver.  14.  Eerily  /he  hath  no  child,  and  her  husbaw 
 is  old*  He  knew  women  were  defirous  above  all  things  to  have  children ;  whic 
 
 PR  APTir  AT  nUSFRVATIONS.— •  Chap.  HI.]  To  be  better  than  monfters  in  crimes  is  no  real  evidence  of  real  goodnefs;  and  a  partial  reformation 
 oftL  madi  wkhout  rfa^wnv^^fi^^^^  To  forbear  the  fins  ibich  we  no  longer  love,  while  we  cleave  to  thofe  that  are  more  pleafmg  and  profitabl^e,  (l.ews  the  mfincer^ 
 
 of  our  pretended 
 as  are  remarkably 
 And  if  we  affociate 
 
 .auu  11  .-c  ouui-.o.v  ..  ....  i,,,.  hpvnnd  nnr  eXiie^lations  •  and  Others  fate  the  better  for  their  connedlion  with  his  people,  for  he  wid  not  leave  his  o»'' 
 
 whTc^y  untririm"  ^even  “n  the  ftraits  into  which  their  folly  has  plunged  them.  What  a  remarkable  bleffing  are  pious  commanders  ^nd  faithful  mmiflers  to 
 
 --  -  How  compoled  ought  our  mtnds  to  be  in  all  our  approaches  to  God  !  and  never  mult 
 
 who  cry 
 
 and  the  eff  dlual  fervent  prayer  of  a  righteous  man  availeth  much. 
 
 a  gracious  anfwer  to  our  requells,  but  through  Jefus’  offeritig  of  bimfelf  a  1 
 
 facrifice  for  fins.  How  (Irongly  men  fancy  what  they  with  !  for  thofe  are  often  inf 
 
 whom  God  has  determined  to  deflroy ;  and  they  rufh  headlong  upon  their  Oa  d  dearuaton. 
 favour  of  their  idol,  or  to  mark  therafelves  defperateJy  obainate. 
 
 What  iubuman  and  bloody  courfes  will  people  take  to  procuie 
 
 ilie 
 
0isfia  raiselli  the  Shu7iamite*s  dead  son.  U-  KINGS. 
 
 22  And  fhe  called  unto  her  hufband,  find  fuid,  Send 
 
 lie  healdh  h  -  anadly  'pono^^e,  S.c. 
 
 I  Hcb. 
 
 I  I lob. 
 dn 
 
 ^o:  Jor  me 
 10  rate- 
 
 Pefore  inuu  mv.  - - - -  -  -  - 
 
 ciirilt  ]  pray  thee,  one  of  the  young  men,  and  one  or 
 the*  alles,  that  I  may  run  to  the  man  of  God,  and 
 come  again. 
 
 23  And  he  faid,  Wherefore  wilt  thon  go  to  him 
 to-day  ^  it  is  neither  new  moon  nor  fabbath.  And 
 fhe  laid,  It  shall  be  t  well. 
 
 24.  Then  fhe  faddled  an  afs,  and  faid  to  her  lervant, 
 Drive,  and  go  forward  :  f  not  thy  riding  for  me, 
 
 except  1  bid  thee.  ^  , 
 
 25  So  fhe  went,  and  came  unto  the  man  of  God  to 
 mount  Carmel.  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  the  man 
 of  God  faw  her  afar  off,  that  he  faid  to  Gehazi  his 
 fervant,  Behold,  yonder  is  that  Shunamite  : 
 
 26  Run  now,  I  pray  thee,  to  meet  her ;  and  fay  unto 
 her,  Is  it  well  with  thee?  Is  it  well  with  thy  huiband  ? 
 h  it  well  with  the  child  ?  And  flie  anfwered,  It  ts  w-ell. 
 
 27  And  when  fhe  came  to  the  man  of  God  to  the 
 
 f  Tieb.  6yhi!!,  fhe  f  caught  him  by  the  feet ;  but  Gehazi  came 
 ■kisjecu  jjggj.  ro  thruff  her  away.  And  the  man  of  God  faid, 
 f  Heb.  j^et  her  alone  ;  for  her  foul  tsf  vexed  within  her  ;  and 
 hiiur.  Lord  hath  hid  it  from  me,  and  hath  not  told  me. 
 
 28  I’hen  fhe  faid,  Did  I  define  a  fon  of  my  lord  ? 
 did  I  not  fay,  Do  not  deceive  me  ? 
 
 29  ITen  he  faid  to  Gehazi,  Gird  op  thy  loins,  and 
 take  my  fiafFin  thine  hand,  and  go  thy  way  :  if  thou 
 meet  any  man,  falute  him  not ;  and  if  any  lalute  thee, 
 anfwer  him  not  again  ;  and  lay  my  ftafF  upon  the  face 
 of  the  child. 
 
 30  And  the  mother  of  the  child  faid,  As  the  Lord 
 liveth,  and  as  thy  foul  llveth,  1  will  not  leave  thee. 
 And  he  arofe,  and  followed  her. 
 
 31  And  Gehazi  pafTed  on  before  them,  and  laid  the 
 ftaff  upoa  the  face  of  the  child  ;  but  there  was  neither 
 
 -f  Heb.  voice  nor  t  hearing  :  wherefore  he  went  again  to  meet 
 Mention,  Lying,  the  child  is  not  awaked. 
 
 32  And  when  Elifha  was  come  into  the  houfe,  be¬ 
 hold,  the  child  was  dead,  and  laid  upon  his  bed. 
 
 33  He  went  in  therefore,  and  ihut  the  door  upon 
 them  twain,  and  prayed  unto  the  Lord. 
 
 34  And  he  went  up,  and  lay  upon  the  child,  and  put 
 his  mouth  upon  his  mouth,  and  bis  eyes  upon  his  eyes, 
 and  his  hands  upon  his  hands ;  and  he  ftretched  him- 
 felf  upon  the  child,  and  the  flefh  of  the  child  waxed 
 
 t  Heb.  vvarm. 
 
 TniioLT  Then  he  returned,  and  walked  in  the  houfe 
 thither,  f  10  and  fro;  and  went  up,  and  ftretched  himfelf  upon 
 
 him  :  and  the  child  fueezed  feven  times,  and  thw.  child 
 
 opened  his  eyes.  ^  . 
 
 36  And  he  called  Gehazi,  and  faid,  »^all  this  Shuna- 
 mite.  So  he  called  her ;  and  when  fhe  w-as  come  in 
 unto  him,  he  faid,  Take  up  thy  fon. 
 
 37  Then  fhe  went  in,  and  fell  at  his  feet,  and 
 bowed  herfelf  to  the  ground,  and  took  up  her  ion, 
 
 and  went  out.  .  .r-,-,  ,  j  7  «o) 
 
 38  And  Elifha  came  again  to  Gilgal :  and  there 
 
 was  a  dearth  in  the  land:  and  the  Ions  of  the  pio- 
 phets  were  fitting  before  him  :  and  he  faid  unto  f)is 
 fervant.  Set  on  the  great  pot,  and  feethe  pottage  for 
 
 the  fons  of  the  prophets.  ,  u  u 
 
 39  And  one  went  out  into  the  field  to  gather  herbs, 
 and  found  a  wild  vine,  and  gathered  thereof  wild 
 gourds  his  lapful,  and  came  and  fhred  them  into  the 
 pot  of  pottage  ;  for  they  knew  lhcn>  not. 
 
 40  So  they  poured  out  for  the  men  to  eat :  and  it 
 came  to  pafs,  as  they  were  eating  of  the  pottage,  that 
 they  cried  out,  and  laid,  O  thou  man  of  God,  there  is 
 death  in  the  pot :  and  they  could  not  eat  thereof. 
 
 41  But  he  faid.  Then  bring  meal :  and  he  catt  it  in¬ 
 to  the  pot ;  and  he  faid,  Pour  out  for  the  people,  that 
 they  may  eat :  and  there  was  no  f  harm  in  the  pot.  t 
 
 42  ll  And  there  came  a  man  from  Baal-fhalifha, 
 and  brought  the  man  of  God  bread  of  the  firft-fruits, 
 twenty  loaves  of  barley,  and  full  years  of  corn  |1  in  the  II  Or, 
 
 '  huflc  thereof :  and  he  faid,  Give  unto  the  people,  that 
 :  they  may  eat.  garment. 
 
 I  43  And  his  fervitor  faid,  What !  fhould  I  fet  this 
 before  an  hundred  men  ?  He  laid  again.  Give  the 
 people,  that  they  may  eat :  for  tr.us  faith  the  Lord, 
 
 They  fhail  car,  and  fha'l  leave  thereof.  b  Joha 
 
 44  So  he  fet  it  before  them,  and  they  did  eat,  and^' 
 left  thereof,  accordiug  to  the  word  of  the  Lord.* 
 
 CHAP.  V. 
 
 I  Naaman,  hy  the  report  of  a  captive  maid,  is  sent  to  Samaria  to  be  ettred 
 
 of  his  leprosy;  S  Elisha,  sending  him  to  Jordan,  curelh  him,-  15 
 he,  refusing  Naaman  s  gifts,  granteth  him  some  0/  the  earth.  20  Gs- 
 hazi,  abusing  his  master's  name  unto  J^aaman,  is  smit  en  with  leprosy. 
 
 OW  Naaman,  captain  of  the  hoft  of  the  king  of 
 Syria,  was  a  great  man  t  with  his  mafter,  and  t  lieh.  * 
 
 II  t  honourable,  becaufe  by  him  the  I.ord  had  given  t'-yore. 
 
 11  deliverance  unto  Syria  :  he  w’as  alfo  a  mighty  roan  U 
 
 of  valour  ;  hut  he  was  a  leper. 
 
 2  And  the  Syrians  had  gone  out  by  companies,  zudiuedup, 
 
 or,  accepted  in  count :nance.  ||  Or,  victory. 
 
 flie  neither  had  nor  was  like  to  have,  hy  reafon  of  her  bufband’s  age.  Ver.  23. 
 
 It  is  neither  new  moon  nor  sabbath.  The  prophets  ufed  to  teach  publicly  on  tbefe 
 days,  and  for  that  purpofe  retorted  to  feme  ftated  place.  Ver.  27.  Hath  not  told 
 me.  The  prophets  did  not  know  all  things,  hut  only  what  God  was  pleafed  to 
 impart  unto  them.  For  the  fpirit  was  not  in  them  after  the  manner  of  a  ftiper- 
 naturai  faculty,  or  infufed  habit,  (as  we  fay)  whereby  they  might  a<51  what  and 
 when  they  pleafed  ;  hence  Mofes  liimfelf,  the  great  prophet,  was  not  able  to  de¬ 
 termine  fome  things,  till  he  had  confulted  the  divine  raajefty.  Ver.  34.  Pu'  his 
 mnu'h  upon  his  mouth. — This  could  not  have  been  done  at  once,  becaufe  of  the 
 difference  of  their  refpeitive  dimenfions.  But  it  was  probably  done  at  dillerent 
 times,  and  by  fucceffive  acitions,  the  prophet  firlt  laying  his  mouth  upon  the  child’s  | 
 
 mouth,  then  his  eyes  upon  the  child’s  eyes,  and  afterwards  his  bands  upon  his 
 hands.  Ver.  38.  ll'ere  silting.  This  was  the  attitude  ufed  by  the  difciples  of  the 
 prophets  in  their  fchools.  The  sons  o'  the  prophets.  W'e  may  collect  from  feveral 
 paffages  of  the  facred  hiftorians,  that  there  were  fchools  of  the  prophets,  fo  called, 
 becaufe  the  prophets  prefided  in  them.  Samuel  was  at  the  head  of  one  of  them, 
 and  Elidia,  it  appears  from  this  p.affage,  was  over  another.  Ver.  39.  And  found 
 a.  wild  vine.  Probably  the  coloquintida  plant,  which  is  extremely  bitter,  and 
 purges  exceffiveiy  ;  and  is  a  fort  of  poifori,  if  not  qualified  or  taken  in  moderate 
 quantity.  Ver.  41.  Bring  meal.  This  alteration  mull,  be  wholly  aferibed  to  the 
 fovereign  power  of  God,  not  at  all  to  the  virtues  of  tlie  meal. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  V.  Ver.  2.  By  companies.  Rather  in 
 
 PR.'VCTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  IV.]  Parents  ought  carefully  to  avoid  dying  in  debt,  as  it  may  render  their  children  miferahle;  hut  unforefeen 
 providences  may  involve  the  mod  honed  man  in  debts  wliich  he  cannot  pay.  If  however  providence  didrefs  a  good  man,  it  will  alfo  relieve  him.  I^et  hufbands  then 
 fear  God,  and  he  will  take  care  of  widows  and  children.  Let  poor  didreffe;!  widows  and  orphans  cad  all  their  care  on  him  ;  he  is  readv  to  relieve  tiiem  in  tlie  mod 
 deflitnte  cafe.  And  if  we  wifli  or  expecSt  God  to  be  for  us,  we  mud  do  all  that  is  in  our  own  power.  It  is  only  in  our  diligent  endeavours  that  we  can  expe<51  his 
 hlcffing;  and  then  let  us  believe,  and  we  fiiall  quickly  find  that  God  is  more  ready  to  give  than  we  are  to  receive.  Acquaintance  and  frienddl-p  with  God’s  fervants 
 is  a  principal  ornament  of  the  great  ;  and  happy  are  thofe  families  where  troth  heads  agree  in  it.  Nothing  is  tUore  comely  than  for  thofo  who  receive  favours  to  be 
 earned  in  expreffing  their  gratitude  ;  but  elfetdual  fervent  prayers  are  the  bed  returns  that  we  can  make.  Our  bed  enjoyments  on  earth  are  uircertain  •  and  it  becomes 
 us  to  fliind  always  ready  for  a  fudden  droke.  Bat  in  every  adlidlion  the  view  of  God’s  hand  dtould  filence  us.  If  he  w  ro  gives  takes  away,  we  are  called  to  be  thank¬ 
 ful  for  the  loan  ;  and  not  to  murmur  when  he  refumes  his  own.  What  fympathy  do  tender  mothers,  bereaved  of  their  children,  need  at  our  hand.  But  the  effetflual 
 fervent  prayers  of  faith  are  prevalent  even  over  death  j  for  in  his  fovereign  authority  God  kills  and  makes  alive. 
 
 No.  24...6rf.  5  A 
 
f  Heb. 
 in  lilt 
 hand. 
 
 Nuamaii  /icalcd  of  hh  leprosij, 
 nad 
 
 little  TOiij;  and  (lie  t  onN^aimn’s  wife. 
 
 t  H.b,  lord  -var  t  with  the  propheT'lhat*’  l  T 
 
 t  '•ecover  hi?n  hi  lep'r" 
 
 ‘t tua.  and  tt"  tohTh" maid"that““  t  f' 
 
 5  And  the  kin^  of  q  r  ',■"4°'^,''’'^ 
 r  i  I  oyriH  (uid*  Cio  to  so  snd  I  will 
 
 of  Ifrael.  And  he  departed, 
 and  took  \  ,vuh  him  ten  talents  of  filver  and  fix  thou 
 
 fo  •  bi ought  the  latter  to  the  king  of  Ifrael 
 
 ho'd  ^I  'I*.'*  “"’e  unto  therbe- 
 
 hold,  I  have  ihe,e-Mi/i  lent  Naamao  ray  fervant  to  thee 
 that  thou  mayett  recover  hira  of  his  leprolV  ’ 
 
 I  God  ti'k-n’  T"*'  and  faid,  1„ 
 
 lend  untome  to  recover  a  man  of  his  leprofy  ?  where- 
 
 qrrre?againtt  me:'"^  ^ 
 
 u  Eliflaa  the  man  of  God  had 
 
 heard  that  the  king  ot  Krael  had  rent  his  clothes,  that 
 he  lent  to  the  king,  laying.  Wherefore  halt  thou  rent 
 t^hy  clovhes  let  him  come  now  to  me,  and  he  lhall 
 know  that  there  is  a  prophet  in  Ifrael. 
 
 9  So  Naaraan  came  with  his  horfes  and  with 
 EUlha^*^*°^’  ^“d  flood  at  the  door  of  the  houfe  of 
 
 10  And  ^ilba  fent  a  raefleoger  unto  him,  faying, 
 Go  and  walh  in  Jordan  feven  times,  and  thy  llelh 
 Iball  come  apin  to  thee,  and  thou  lhalt  be  clean, 
 r  -  n  ^‘taman  was  wroth,  and  went  away,  and 
 faid,  Behlod,  f  |i  I  thought,  He  will  fui-ely  come  out 
 to  and  fland,  and  call  on  the  name  of  the  Lord 
 
 -  his  God,  and  flrike  his  hand  over  the  place,  and  re- 
 
 u'uh  my-  cover  the  leper. 
 
 v'iUsurdy  '*  Pharpar,  rivers  of  Da- 
 
 come  out,  malcns,  better  than  all  the  waters  of  Ifrael  ?  may  1 
 cjc.  not  walh  in  them,  and  be  dean?  So  he  turned,  and 
 t  Heb.  went  away  in  a  rage. 
 
 Tuiihwn.,.  came  near,  and  fpake  unto 
 
 il  Or,  bun,  and  (aid.  My  lather,  ij  the  prophet  had  bid  thee 
 Anmna.  (Jo  some  great  thing,  wouideft  thou  not  have  done  it  ? 
 how  much  rather  then,  when  he  faith  to  thee,  Walh, 
 and  be  clean  ? 
 
 ^  r  II-  kings.  rj'  -44  , 
 
 Before  haj  hrnno-br  o....  •  ^efiazi  snultcn  tliert^uh  e. 
 
 little  m.i,i .  ol*.  fhe  land  of  Ifrael  a  u  Then  went  he  down,  and  dipped  himself  feven 
 
 times  in  Jordan,  according  to  the  laying  of  the  man  ci.r,,' 
 
 .  1  came  again  like  unto  the  flrlh  !!• 
 
 or  a  little  child,  and  he  was  clean. 
 
 15  If  And  he  returned  to  the  man  of  God,  he  and?.^>^ 
 
 fb  .‘low  I  know  that  there  is  no  God  in 
 
 all  the  eart^  but  in  Ifrael ;  now  therelore,  I  pray  thee 
 take  a  bleliiog  ol  thy  lervant. 
 
 T  ft:fnr?^T  4^  LoRD  llveth,  before  whom 
 
 takr';  ■“ 
 
 .u  Naaman  laid,  Shall  there  not  then,  I  prav 
 
 thee,  be  given  to  thy  fervant  two  mules’  burden  of 
 
 KnVnV  ff  •  Servant  will  henceforth  olFer  neither 
 burnt-oftering  nor  lacrilice  unto  other  gods,  but  unto 
 the  Lord.  d  > 
 
 18  In  this  thing  the  Lord  pardon  thy  fervant,  that 
 when  my  mafler  goeth  into  the  houfe  of  Rimmon  to 
 worlhip  there,  and  be  leaneth  on  my  hand,  and  I  bow 
 
 ^  boule  of  Rimmon  ;  when  I  bow  down 
 mylelf  m  the  houfe  of  Rimmon,  the  Lord  pardon 
 thy  fervant  in  this  thing. 
 
 19  And  he  faid  unto  him.  Go  in  peace.  So  he  de¬ 
 parted  from  him  f  a  little  way. 
 
 r  1-  I'e»’vaDt  of  Elifha  the  man  of^-at' 
 
 ,Px  Behold,  my  mafler  hath  fpared  Naaman  ph'ce  uf 
 this  Syrian,  in  not  receiving  at  his  hands  that  which 
 he  brought ;  but,  as  the  Lord  liveth,  I  will  run  after 
 him,  and  take  fomewhat  of  him. 
 
 21  So  Gehazi,  followed  alter  Naaman;  and  when 
 Naaman  law  him  running  after  him,  he  lighted  down 
 from  the  chariot  to  meet  him,  and  faid,  f  1$  all  well  ?f  Heb. 
 
 Apd  he  faid.  All  is  well.  My  mafler  hath  fent 
 roe,  laying.  Behold,  even  now  there  be  come  to 
 from  mount  Ephraim  two  young  men  of  the  fons  of 
 the  prophets  ;  give  them,  I  pray  thee,  a  talent  of  lilver 
 and  two  changes  of  garments. 
 
 23  And  Naaman  faid.  Be  content,  take  two  talents. 
 
 And  he  urged  him,  and  bound  two  talents  of  filver  in 
 two  bags,  with  two  changes  of  garments,  and  laid 
 them  upon  two  ol  his  fervants  ;  and  they  bare  them 
 before  him. 
 
 And  when  he  came  to  the  !1  tower,  he  took  them  l|  Or, 
 
 t  Heb 
 I  said. 
 1,'  Or, 
 I  Slid 
 
 parties,  to  ijiake  iucurfions.  ap.d  to  pillage  the  neighbouring  towns.  Ver.  3. 
 Leprosy.  This  is  faid  to  be  in  thofe  parts  a  lo.ithfome  and  inveterate  difeafe,  del 
 tiling  the  whole  furface  of  the  bod>-  with  a  foul  feurf,  deforming  the  joints,  ’par¬ 
 ticularly  at  the  wriil?  and  anclvs,  which  fwell  out  with  a  fcrophulous  fubftance. 
 Ver.  6.  A"un’  when  teis  teller  is  come  unto  thee.  The  king  of  Syria  doubllefs  nieant 
 no  more  than  that  the  king  of  Ifrael  thould  fend  Naaman  to  the  prophet,  for 
 him  to  cure  him  of  his  leprofy.  But  th.s  being  inaccurately  expreffed,  the  kiniv 
 of  Ifrael  took  it  for  granted,  that  the  whole  intention  was  to  find  a  pretence 
 for  beginning  a  war.  Ver.  7.  Ami  God  that  this  man  doth  send.  Certain 
 difeafes,  foch  as  the  leprofy,  were  denounced  by  the  law,  and  esteemed  by  the  Jews, 
 as  puniflimeiit  for  certain  fins.  Now  if  tlie  accclTion  or inflitSfion  of  thefe  difeafes^ 
 was  a  fure  token  of  God’s  di.'pleafure  against  thefe  finners,  it  argued  great  im-’ 
 piety  for  a  man  unallisled  by  God,  and  not  employed  by  him  for  that  purpofe 
 to  pretend  to  remove  thefe  difbrdeis  ;  for  it  was  in  effeeff  to  pretend  to  forgive 
 ihofe  fins  which  God  was  offended  at,  and  which  none  but  himfelf  could  pofTihly 
 forgive.  Vei.  10.  And  Elisha  sent  a  messenger  unto  him  sayins.  Eliflia’s  not  ap¬ 
 pearing  before  the  Syrian  general,  was  to  fupport  the  charadfer  and  dignity  of 
 a  prophet  of  the  moft  high  God  j  efpecially  as  this  had  a  tendency  to  raife  the 
 honour  of  his  religion  and  ntiniftry,  and  gave  Nainaan  a  truer  idea  of  his 
 miraculous  cure,  when  he  found  that  it  was  entirely  affedted  by  the  divine 
 power  and  goodnefs,  JV^nsh  in  Jordan  seven  timest  This  was  the  number  of 
 times  picicribfcd  to  thofe  who  had  recovered  from  this  difeafe,  Lev,  xiv.  7.  It 
 night  tp  be  remarked  that  wafljing  in  cold  water  is  the  moll  pernicious  thing  for 
 jierjons  efiedled  with  the  leprofy  ;  and  the  prophet’s  preferibing  it  as  a  remedy, 
 zeadcred  the  iuterpufriion  of  the  Deity  confpicuous  in  the  cure.  Jordan  was 
 
 from  iheir  hand,  and  beftowed  them  in  the  houfe 
 he  let  the  men  go,  and  they  departed. 
 
 and 
 
 pL.ce. 
 
 chofen  m  preference  to  the  great  rivers  of  Syria,  not  on  account  of  the  water  of 
 die  former  having  any  efficacy  more  than  the  latter;  but  it  was  moft  convenient, 
 in  order  to  Naaman  teftifying  his  obedience  and  faith.  Ver.  l‘J.  Ahana  and 
 Pharpar  The  valley  of  Damafeus,  which  lies  between  Libanus  and  Antilibanus, 
 was  waffied  by  fi ve  rivers ;  the  two  principal  of  which  were  thofe  juft  men- 
 tioned  ;  they  defeended  from  mount  Hermon  ;  I'harpar  runs  by  the  walls  of 
 Damafeus,  and  Abana  through  the  city,  dividing  it  into  two  parts.  Ver.  15. 
 7  pray  thee,  take  a  blessing  of  thy  servant.  7  he  prophet  did  not  think  it  a  thing 
 fiinply  '>>'l3wful  to  receive  gifts  or  prefents,  for  upon  another  occafion,  (chap.  ir. 
 4_.)  we  find  be  did  receive  them  ;  but  in  his  prefeiit  circumftances  he  did  not 
 hold  It  expedient,  juftly  concluding  that  his  difmterefted  conduct  on  this  occafion 
 would  great^  conduce  to  imprefs  upon  the  mind  of  Naaman  an  exalted  notion 
 of  the  Jewifh  religion,  when  he  perceived  their  minifters  fo  eminent  for  tiicir 
 piety  and  charity,  and  fo  ftrongly  contrafted  in  that  refpea  with  the  priefts  and 
 prophets  of  the  Gentiles.  Ver.  17.  Shall  there  not  then-be  given  to  thy  serv  .nt 
 two  mules  burden  of  earth  1  He  defired  the  earth  of  the  land,  becaufe  he  thought 
 It  more  holy  and  acceptable  to  God,  or  becaufe  he  would,  by  this  token,  declare 
 his  conjunclion  in  the  true  worfhip,  and  conftantly  put  himfelf  in  mind  of  liis 
 great  obligation  to  that  God  from  whofe  land  this  earth  was  taken  Ver  18. 
 When  1  bow  myself  in  the_  house  of  Rimmon,  the  Lord  pardon.  When  the  kiiij^ 
 of  Syria  went  in  to  worffiip  in  the  temple  of  Rimmon,  (what  the  idol  was,  inter- 
 preters  are  not  agreed,)  he  ufed  to  lean  on  the  hand  of  one  of  his  officers, 
 being  either  lame,  or  for  the  fake  of  grandeur,  in  which  office  Naaman  was  5 
 and  his  req.ieft  to  the  prophet  of  the  Lord,  is  not  for  pardon  of  a  fin  to  be 
 committed  ;  nor  to  be  indulged  in  his  continuance  of  it ;  nor  to  worfhip  the  idol 
 
.  fir. 
 
 893, 
 
 ■[.lUha  causeth  iron  io  sixiim. 
 
 Fefore  25  Bot  he  Went  in,  and  Rood  before  his  raafter : 
 and  Kiiiha  fiid  unto  him,  "Whence  comest  thou  Geha- 
 '  ftrvant  went  t  no  whither. 
 
 J’hXT'^  26  And  he  faid  unto  him,  Went  not  mine  heart 
 noi  hither when  the  man  turned  again  from  his  chariot 
 ,T  thither.  meet  thee  ?  Is  it  a  time  to  receive  money,  and  to 
 ,  receive  garments,  and  oliyeyards,  and  vineyards,  and 
 fheep,  and  oxen,  and  men-fervants,  and  m^'id  fervants  ? 
 
 27  Toe  leprofy  therefore  of  Naaman  (hall  cleave 
 unto  thee,  and  unto  thy  feed  for  ever.  And  he  went 
 out  from  his  prefence  a  leper  as  vchite  as  fnow.* 
 
 CHAP.  VI. 
 
 1  Elisha  giving  leave  to  the  young  propliecs  to  enlarge  their  dwellings 
 causeth  iron  to  swim ;  S  he  discloselh  the  king  of  Syria's  counfd,  and 
 disappointeth  him,  ^c, 
 
 And  the  fons  of  the  prophets  faid  unto  Elifha, 
 Behold  now  the  place  where  we  dwell  with 
 thee  is  too  ftraight  for  us. 
 
 2  Let  us  go,  we  pray  thee,  unto  Jordan,  and  take 
 thence  every  man  a  beam,  and  let  us  make  us  a  place 
 there,  where  we  may  dwell.  And  he  anfwered,  Go  ye. 
 
 3  And  one  faid,  Be  content,  I  pray  thee,  and  go 
 with  thy  fervants.  And  he  anfw'ered,  I  will  go. 
 
 4>  So  he  went  with  them.  And  when  they  came  to 
 Jordan,  they  cut  down  wood. 
 
 5  But  as  one  was  felling  a  beam,  the  t  axe-head 
 fell  into  the  water :  and  he  cried,  and  faid,  Alas  maf- 
 ter !  for  it  was  borrowed. 
 
 6  And  the  man  of  God  faid.  Where  fell  it  ?  And 
 he  fhev.'ed  him  the  place.  And  he  cut  down  a  flick, 
 and  catt  it  in  thither  j  and  the  iron  did  fwim, 
 
 7  iherefore  faid  he,  Take  it  up  to  thee.  And  he 
 put  out  his  hand,  and  took  it. 
 
 8  Ihen  the  king  of  Syria  warred  againft  Ifrael, 
 and  took  counfel  with  his  fervants,  faying,  in  fuch  and 
 loch  a  p'ace  shall  he  my  [)  camp. 
 
 9  And  the  man  of  God  lent  unto  the  king  of  Ifrael, 
 faying,  Bew'are  that  thou  pafs  not  fuch  a  place  ;  for 
 thither  the  Syrians  are  come  down. 
 
 10  And  the  king  of  Ifrael  fent  to  the  place  which 
 
 II.  KINGS. 
 
 7Jie  Syrians  smitten  'Kil.t  blindness. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 8  Or. 
 tncanip- 
 
 ^ong  with  his  mafter  ;  nor  to  diff.mble  the  worfliip  of  it,  when  lie  really  wor- 
 fhipped  It  not ;  nor  to  be  excufed  any  evil  in  the  difeharge  of  his  poft  and  office  ■ 
 ut  for  the  pardon  of  the  fin  of  idolatay  he  bad  been  guilty  of,  which  he  was  irtiW  i 
 enfible  of,  now  fincerely  accknowledgcs,  and  defires  forgivenefs  of.  Accordingly  1 
 everfe  is  thus  rendered  by  Dr  Lightfoot  i  «  The  Lord  pardon  thy  fervant,  ' 
 
 h  ndtna  l7  “'t  Rimmon,  and  he  leaned  on  n,;  | 
 
 in  i?.  ‘‘'e  Lord  pardon  thy  fervant  ! 
 
 andnnto'^tt  7r’^'  e  of  Naaman  shall  cleave  un‘o  thee 
 
 erfr  w  s  ^  This  fentenee  was  juftly  merited  by  Gebazi ;  for  his 
 
 nan?of  r'fT  is  idolatry;  by  a  profanation  of  the 
 
 livdeliber^?’  7  keeping  that  which  was  given  for  others; 
 
 See  Ind  hnr'^  impudent  lying  ;  by  a  defperate  contempt  of  God’s  oninifcience, 
 Wn  W  K  '  ’•  ^  ‘ko  prophet  and  his  reli-  ' 
 
 Ihoiil’d  I  ^  ^  pernicious  Icandal  given  to  Naaman  and  every  other  Syrian,  who 
 mould  liappen  to  hear  of  this  tranfadion.  ^  ’ 
 
 ''L  'Ver.  12.  Elisha  the  prophet— 
 _  •  Naaman  s  cure  might  have  rendered  the  fame  of  the  prophet  very  exten- 
 
 I  the  man  of  God  told  him  and  warned  him  of,  and 
 laved  himlelf  there,  not  once  nor  twice.  893. 
 
 11  'Lherefore  the  heart  of  the  king  of  Syria 
 fore  troubled  for  this  thing  ;  and  he  called  his  lervants, 
 and  faid  unto  them,  "Wtil  ye  not  Ihew  me  which  of  us 
 is  for  the  king  of  Ifrael  ? 
 
 I  12  Aod  one  of  his  fervants  faid,  f  None,  my  lord,t^Heh. 
 
 I  O  king  ;  but  Elifha  the  prophet  that  is  in  Ifrael,  tel--^"®* 
 
 J  leth  the  king  of  Ifrael  the  words  that  thou  fpeakelt  in 
 I  thy  bed-chamber. 
 
 !  13  And  he  faid.  Go  and  fpy  where  he  is  that  I  may 
 
 fend  and  fetch  him.  And  it  was  told  him,  faying, 
 
 ,  Behold,  he  is  in  Dothan. 
 
 I  14  Therefore  lent  he  thither  herfes  and  chariots, 
 
 I  and  a  f  great  hoft  :  and  they  came  by  night  and  com- 1  Heb. 
 
 ^  paffed  the  city  about. 
 
 15  II  And  when  the  ||  fervant  of  the  roan  of  God  II  Or, 
 
 !  was  rifen  earlj%  and  gone  forth,  behold,  an  hoft  com- 
 
 I  palled  the  chy  both  with  horfes  and  chariots:  and  bis 
 fervant  faid  unto  him,  Alas,  mymafter !  how  (hall  wedo? 
 
 16  And  he  anlwered.  Fear  not :  for  *  they  that  betm  Cbro. 
 with  us  are  more  than  they  that  be  with  them. 
 
 17  And  Elifha  prayed,  and  faid.  Lord,  I  pray  thee, 
 
 I  open  his  eyes,  that  he  may  fee.  And  the  Lord  open¬ 
 ed  the  eyes  of  the  young  man  ;  and  he  faw  :  and,  be¬ 
 hold,  the  mountain  teas  full  of  horfes  aod  chariots  of 
 fire  round  about  Elifha. 
 
 18  II  And  when  they  came  dowm  to  him,  Elifha 
 prayed  unto  the  Lord,  and  faid,  Smite  this  people,  I 
 pray  thee  with  blindnefs.  And  he  fmote  them  with 
 blindnefs,  according  to  the  word  of  Elifha. 
 
 19  And  Elifha  faid  unto  them.  This  is  not  the  way, 
 neither  is  this  the  city  ;  f  follow  me,  and  1  will  bring  t  Heb. 
 you  to  the  man  whom  ye  leek.  But  he  led  them 
 Samaria. 
 
 20  And  it  came  to  pafs  when  they  were  come  in¬ 
 to  Samaria,  that  Elifha  laid,  Lord,  open  the  eyes  of 
 thefe  men,  that  they  may  fee.  And  the  Lord  opened 
 their  eyes,  and  they  faw  ;  and,  behold,  they  veere  in 
 the  midft  of  Samaria. 
 
 tfler  me. 
 
 five  ;  and  as  the  removal  of  fo  incurable  a  diAeinper  was  an  argument  that  he 
 was  aflidcd  by  the  Deity,  they  probably  concluded  that  he  was  likewife  enabled 
 by  the  divine  affiltance,  to  reveal  the  raoft  fecret  defigns  of  the  king  at  that  dif- 
 tance.  They  thought  indeed  that  their  own  prophets  were  enabled  by-  their 
 rel'peaive  deities  to  deliver  their  refponfes,  and  to  advife  them  in  affairs  of  the 
 greateft  perplexity  ;  could  they  then  fail  of  concluding  otherwife  with  refpea  to 
 Eiiflia,  who  had  demonftrated  liimfelf  by  Naaman’s  cure  to  be  fir  fuperior  to  any 
 of  their  priefts  ?  \er  17.  Tiie  mounta.n  was  ] nil  of  horses  and  ch  .riots  of  Are 
 roundabout  Elisha.  It  muft  be  allowed,  that  angels  cannot  he  feen  bv  mortal 
 eyes  ;  and  therefore  as  Elillia  liimfelf,  without  a  peculiar  favour  from  God,  could 
 not  difcern  tlie  heavenly  hoft  at  this  time  encamped  about  him  ;  fo  he  rtquefts 
 God  that  for  the  removal  of  his  fears,  and  for  the  confirmation  of  bis  faith,  his 
 fervant  might  be  indulged  with  the  fame  privilege.  Ver.  18.  IVith  blindness. 
 Ihis  was  not  a  total  !ofs  of  fight,  but  only  fuch  a  dimnefs  as  might  render  them 
 incapableof  diftinguiffiingohjeas,  as  appears  from  their  following  Eliftia  into 
 am  an  a,  ver.  19.  \er.  21.  ^hall  J  &mite  them  This  repetition  implies  a  very 
 eager  defire  to  attack  them  ;  occafioned  pat tly  from  :o  «nexpe<5led  an  oppor- 
 
 f’RACTlC  - - — ^ - - - - - ! _ _ _ ^  - * - 
 
 p  make  the  dTtrefs  and  capTkky^S  ffit  peopl^7?a  Jffil  nSlI  iffL^^iL^  th'rknorM’’  ‘'“f  V  ‘  the  moft  loathfome  difeafes  !  God 
 
 he  can  perfecf  praife.  It  is  a  great  privilege  to  haveT?ants  wh^kn^w  gS  a  d^f^  ?  7 
 
 Mient  to  obtain  a  cure  of  bodily  diftemper ;  and  not  lefs  readv  to  fanrv  rh^t  7  7  L‘^k  welfare  of  the  family.  Men  are  generally  wilting  to  try  every  ex- 
 
 U?  '  I  '*‘^P‘-*rts  often  tremble  at  every  (hadow,  and  difquiet  their  minds  *bv  inifintTrnreknff  ft"  PU''ckafed  by  carnal  means.  They  who  are  cotifcious  of 
 
 Ips  the  wicked  far  beyond  what  they  have  reafon  to  exp  a  Min  Srs^f  S  r  ^'’eir  neighbours.  God  in  mercv  often 
 
.'3  grievous  famine  in  Samaria. 
 
 II.  KINGS. 
 
 Beforo 
 ChriP 
 cir.  SP3. 
 
 £1  And  the  king  of  Ifrael  faid  unto  Elifha,  when 
 he  faw  them,  My  father,  fhall  1  fmite  them  ?  Oiall  1 
 Imite  than  ; 
 
 £2  And  he  anfwered.  Thou  (halt  not  fmite  them  •• 
 
 Elnha's  prophecy  of  phnlij  in  Samotid 
 
 if  the  head  of  Elifha  the  fon  of  Shaphan  (hall  (land  on 
 him  this  day- 
 
 32  But  Elifha  fat  in  his  houfe,  and  the  elders  fat 
 with  him  ;  and  the  Ling  lent  a  man  from  before  him 
 
 —  — - -  JL  iiicni  ijwL  n.«i  liiiti  y  diici  a  (iiau  iiuiii  i./CiL/iC  IllUJ  . 
 
 \youldeIl  thou  fmite  thofe  whom  thou  h^ft  taken  cap-  Ij  but,  ere  the  mefl'enger  came  to  him,  he  faid  to  the 
 tive  with  thy  (word  and  with  thy  bow?  fet  bread  and  Ij  elders.  See  ye  how  this  fon  of  a  murderer  hath  lent  to 
 water  before  them,  that  they  may  cat  and  drink,  and;  take  away  mine  head?  look,  when  the  melTenger 
 
 pmeth,  fhut  .the  door,  and  hold  him  fafl  at  the  door  ; 
 is  not  the  found  of  his  mafter’s  feet  behind  him? 
 
 692. 
 
 go  to  their  mafter. 
 
 23  And  he  prepared  great  provifion  for  them  ;  and  ,,  ,  _ 
 
 w’hen  they  had  eaten  and  drunk,  he  lent  them  away,  j  33  And,  while  he  yet  talked  with  them,  behold,  the 
 and  they  went  to  their  mafter.  So  the  bands  of  Syria  j  meflenger  came  dowm  unto  him  :  and  he  laid,  Behold, 
 came  no  more  into  the  land  of  llvael.  I  this  evil  is  of  the  Lord;  what  fhould  I  wait  for  the 
 
 24  *[I  And  it  came  to  pafs  after  this,  that  Ben-hadad  ;  Lord  any  longer  ?* 
 
 king  of  Syria  gathered  ail  his  hoft,  and  went  up,  and  ||  CHAP.  VI 1. 
 
 befleged  Samaria.  'i  ^  FJkha  proj^kesieth  incredible  plenty  in  S  imaria.  5  Four  lepers  ven- 
 
 23  And  there  was  a  great  famine  in  Samaria  :  and  il  [’'’‘'"f 2’'“^ 
 
 blit,  \  r  J*  •!  r)i_j  y  1  ^  King  Jennng  n  s'ratngemfjendei/i  out/p>es,  and  findtns  ifie  report  trtie, 
 
 Id  they  l)dlC^cd  if,  UDtll  sn  P.IS  S  hc^d  ^^3S  SOo(l'\  spoileth  the  St/ri't7hs'  carni).  17  The  unbeltevhtg  lord^  having  the 
 
 for  feurfeore  pieces  of  fi'ver,  and  the  fourth  part  of  a 
 
 cab  of  d.  ve’s  dung  for  five  pieces  of  filver. 
 
 II  Or,  Let 
 not  the 
 LORD 
 
 chiirse  in  the  qnie,  is  trodden  to  death  in  the  press, 
 
 Then  Ellfha  faid,  Hear  ye  the  word  of  the 
 Lord  ;  Thus  faith  the  I.ord,  To-morrow, 
 the  w;:l!,  there  cried  a  woman  unto  him,  laving,  Help,  i  about  this  time  shall  a  nieafure  of  fine  flour  be  sold  for 
 my  lord,  O  king!  "  a  Ibekel,  and  two  meafures  of  barley  for  a  Ihekel,  in 
 
 27  And  he  faid,  ||  If  the  Lord  do  not  help  thee,  jjthe  gate  of  Samaria. 
 
 b  Deut. 
 28.  58. 
 f  Heb. 
 another. 
 
 whence  lhall  I  help  thee  ?  out  of  the  barn  floor,  or 
 thee,  out  of  the  w^ine-prefs  ? 
 
 2S  And  the  king  faid  unto  her.  What  aileth  thee  ? 
 And  Ihe  anfwered.  This  woman  faid  unto  me.  Give 
 thy  fon,  that  we  may  eat  him  to-day,  and  we  will  eat 
 ray  (bn  to-morrow. 
 
 29  So  ^  w'e  boiled  my  fon,  and  did  eat  him  ;  and  1 
 faid  unto  her  on  the  f  next  day.  Give  thy  ion,  that 
 we  may  eat  him  ;  and  Ihe  hath  hid  her  fon. 
 
 30  ^  And  it  came  to  pals,  w'hen  the  king  heard 
 
 2 '1  hen  f  a  lord,  on  whofe  hand  the  king  leaned,  f  Heb. 
 anfwered  the  m,an  of  God,  and  faid.  Behold,  the" 
 Lord  would  make  windows  in  heaven,  might  this 
 thing  be?  and  he  faid,  Behold,  thou  fhalt  fee  it  with io/sejL. 
 thine  eyes,  but  fhalt  not  cat  thereof.  /eamn/ 
 
 3  ^  And  there  were  four  leprous  men  at  the 
 tering  in  of  the  gate ;  and  they  faid  one  to  another,  ‘ 
 Why  fit  we  here  until  we  die  ? 
 
 the  words  of  the  woman,  that  he  rent  his  clothes 
 
 and  he  pafied  by  upon  the  wall,  and  the  people  look¬ 
 ed,  and,  behold,  he  kad  fackcloth  within  upon  his 
 flefh. 
 
 31  'rhen  he  laid,  God  do  fo  and  more  alfo  to  ire, 
 
 i  4  If  we  lay,  we  will  enter  into  the  city,  then  the 
 j  famine  is  in  the  city,  and  we  fhall  die  there ;  and  if 
 j  w'e  fit  ftill  here,  w'e  die  all'o.  Now  therefore  come, 
 land  left  us  fall  unto  the,  hoft  of  the  Syrians:  if  they 
 I  lave  ns  alive,  we  fnail  live  :  and  if  they  kill  us,  we 
 I  fhall  but  die. 
 
 i  5  And  they  arofe  up  in  the  twilight,  to  go  unto  the 
 
 tunity,  and  a  defire  to  free  t)is  country  from  its  inveterate  enemies.  Ver.  22. 
 
 IFruides'  thou  smite  those  whom  thou  host  taken  cap'ivc?  Though,  according  to 
 the  ri<rour  of  arms,  a  conqueror  is  at  liberty  to  put  whatever  enemies  fall  into  his 
 hands  to  the  fword  ;  yet  the  laws  of  humanity  and  companion,  of  honour  and 
 good  nature,  fhould  always  reArain  us  from  treating  with  the  utmoA  feverity 
 fuch  as  furrender  themfelves,  and  implore  our  mercy.  Ver.  25.  jln  ass's  head 
 was  sold  Jot  fourscore  pieces  oj  silver.  If  we  compute  thefe  pieces  of  Alvcr,  or 
 Aiekels,  at  157.  a- piece,  they  amount  to  £5.  Sterling.  A  prorligious  price  for  extremities, 
 what  had  lb  little  meat  on  it,  and  that  which  was  itfelf  according  to  the  law. 
 unclean  ;  and  a  flagrant  proof  of  the  height  of  the  famine,  which  compelled 
 them  to  feed  on  wjiat  was  deteAable.  Dove’s  duns-  The  word  in  the  original 
 flo-nifies  alfo  vetches  or  pulp,  and  fo  it  Aiould  have  been  rendered  here.  Modern 
 travellers  tell  ns,  that  at  Grand  Cairo  and  Daraafeus,  there  are  magazines  where 
 thev  conAantly  dry  this  kind  of  grain,  which  the  pilgrims  buy,  and  lake  with 
 them,  as  part  of  the  provifion  for  their  journey.  Ver.  28,  29.  Owe  me  th,/  son,  thot 
 W’  may  eat  him  to-dat/.  A  moA  Aiocking  relation  '  and  terrible  cAea  of  tl.e 
 divine  vengeance,  which  Mofes  had  long  fince  told  the  Hraehtes  would  fail  i 
 upon  then,  Deut.  xxviii.  54.  comp.  Matt.  xxiv.  19.  Ver.  32.  The  for,  o>  a  mn-- 
 de,er.  So  he  calls  Jclioram,  becaufe  of  his  mother  jezebe’,  who  killed  Naboth, 
 
 and  the  prophets  of  the  Lord,  and  becaufe  he  appeared  to  be  of  the  fame  fan. 
 guinary  difpofition.  Hold  him  fast  at  the  door  ;  is  not  the  sound  of  his  muster’s  jti 
 behind  him  t  That  is,  Aop  the  meffenger  at  tiie  door  j  for  his  master  is  followinj 
 to  revoke  the  order.  Ver.  3.8.  Behold  this  evil  is  oJ  the  Lord ;  what  should  lad 
 lor  the  Lord  any  longer  f  Thefe  words  feem  to  have  been  fpoken  by  the  kit' 
 in  a  fit  of  defpair.  He  could  not  but  acknowledge  that  the  evil  was  from  ta( 
 Lord  ;  hut  declared  he  had  no  hopes  of  redrefs,  fince  they  were  given  to  fucii 
 
 EXPI.AN.\TORY  NOTES.  Chap.  VII.  Ver.  2.  On  v, hose  hand  ilie  bt 
 leaned-  This  implies  that  he  wa?  a  perfon  of  high  rank,  and  the  king’s  favourite 
 h  the  Lord  would  make  luindows  in  heaven.  — In  deferibing  a  large  fliower,  or  gves 
 fall  of  rain,  the  facred  writers  ufe  the  phrafe  of  “opening  windows  of  heaven.’ 
 This  unfeafonable  ridicule  therefore,  implies,  that  this  nobleman  thought  tb 
 this  furlden  tranfition  from  famine  to  plenty,  predi61ed  by  the  prophet,  defernt 
 no  credit,  and  was  as  improbable  as  to  cxpebl  that  it  Aiould  rain  corn.  \er.S 
 There  were  four  leprous  men  at  the  entering  in  of  the  gate.  The  Jews  were  of  opr 
 ion  that  thefe  four  lepers  were  Gehazi  and  three  ot  his  fons.  They  do  not  itrt 
 to  have  been  excluded  the  city  merely  on  account  of  their  diAemper,  but  becai 
 they  were  entirely  ufclefs  ;  they  could  neither  fight  nor  work  in  communion  » 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS 
 
 rich  and  honouraide,  but  the  poor  and  defpifed 
 
 *  Chap-  VI.]  It  is  comfortable  to  fee  the  friends  of  righteoufnefs  increafe  in  theworA  times,  and  they  are  often  ncti 
 The  fervants  of  God  ought  not  to  grudge,  if,  in  evil  times,  they  muA  miniAer  to  their  own  neceffities.  Tim 
 
 ind  to  hurt  his  neighbour.  How  rcAKTs  are  the  enemies  of 
 
 ,  J  nreferved.  Tt  is  extremely  difirelfing  to  an  honeA  or  generous  minu  n.  uu.  v  ..i;. 
 
 borrowed  ought  to  be  caret  ,  p  ,,  ,  .  .  V  .u.  : - e„i„  i...  - - qi;  fervants  of  them  ;  and  it  is  fulutary  to  attend  exaflly  to  hrs  ail>- 
 
 n-ople  -  But  it  is  ealy  for  God,  who  know5  all  things,  to  f.uArate  their  counfels,  by  warning  Ins  fervant.s 
 nltions'  On  the  contrary,  it  is  mad  impiety  for  the  miglttieA  to  attempt  fighting  agamA  God  and  Ins  A 
 eafily  overwhelmed  with  'conAernation.  and  tempted  to  defpair  of  divine  protea.orr.  But  they  who  are  Ar 
 
 fervants.  When  there  is  at  bcA  but  little  faiili,  the  nn'''l 
 rong  ought  to  pray  for  the  weak,  and  bear  with  Iheir  iiin 
 
 any  caufe  rather  than  Aio  real  one,  them  fins  ri^  E^ebfr^nd  the  moA  uielul  Kre  reckoned  the  very  pefis  of  fbciety. 
 
 uften  calumniated  and  perfecuted,  as  i  ,  -  ,  ,  ■ 
 
 difappointmerits  render  men  defperate  with  rage  againll  God  p  the  view 
 
 patie.nco  and  hope. 
 
 But  dreadful  is  tl.e  cale"" 
 
 ,'^of  w  hofe  hand  Aiould  iiraLe  them  refigncd,  and  whofe  abuddant  mercy  Aiould  entourage 'll 
 
Four  leiws  bring  tidings  of  the  Sijrians  flight.  II.  KINGS. 
 
 The  Shunamite’s  land,  rntorcd. 
 
 Before  camp  of  the  Syrians  ;  and  when  they  were  come  to 
 Chrift  the  attermoft  part  of  the  camp  of  Syria,  behold,  there 
 was  no  man  there. 
 
 6  For  the  Lord  had  made  the  hoft  of  the  Syrians 
 to  hear  a  noife  of  chariots,  and  a  noife  of  horfes,  even 
 the  noife  of  a  great  hoft  ;  and  they  faid  one  to  ano¬ 
 ther,  Lo,  the  king  of  Ifrael  hath  hired  againft  us  the 
 kings  of  the  Hittites,  and  the  Kings  of  the  Egyptians, 
 to  come  upon  us. 
 
 7  Wherefore  they  arofe,  and  fled  in  the  twilight, 
 and  left  their  tents,  and  their  horfes,  and  their  afl'es, 
 even  the  camp  as  it  was,  and  fled  for  their  life. 
 
 8  And  when  thefe  lepers  came  to  the  utterraoft 
 part  of  the  camp,  they  went  into  one  tent,  and  did  eat 
 and  drink,  and  carried  thence  filver,  and  gold,  and 
 raiment,  and  went  and  hid  it ;  and  came  again,  and 
 entered  into  another  tent,  and  carried  thence  also,  and 
 went  and  hid  it. 
 
 9  Then  they  laid  one  to  another.  We  do  not  well : 
 this  day  is  a  day  of  good  tidings,  and  we  hold  our 
 
 |Heb,  peace ;  if  we  tarry  till  the  morning  light,  f  fome  mif- 
 chief  will  come  upon  us :  now  therefore  come,  that 
 we  may  go  and  tell  the  king’s  houfehold. 
 
 10  So  they  came,  and  called  unto  the  porter  of  the 
 
 I  city ;  and  they  told  him,  faying.  We  came  to  the 
 
 j  camp  of  the  Syrians,  and,  behold,  there  was  no  man 
 
 i  there,  neither  voice  of  man,  but  horfes  tie^  and  affes 
 
 tied,  and  the  tents  as  they  were. 
 
 1 1  And  he  called  the  porters,  and  they  told  it  to 
 the  king’s  houfe  within. 
 
 12  If  And  the  king  arofe  in  the  night,  and  faid 
 unto  his  fervants,  I  will  now  fhew  you  what  the 
 Syrians  have  done  to  us.  They  know  that  we  be 
 hungry,  therefore  are  they  gone  out  of  the  camp 
 to  hide  themfelves  in  the  field,  faying,  When  they 
 come  out  of  the  city,  we  fhall  catch  them  alive,  and 
 get  into  the  city. 
 
 13  And  one  of  his  fervants  anfwered  and  faid,  Let 
 
 ■  ^  horfes  that  remain, 
 
 ^  in  ii  '''hich  are  leftf  in  the  city,  (behold,  they  as  all  the 
 
 multitude  of  Ifrael  that  are  left  in  it ;  behold  I  smj, 
 they  are  even  as  all  the  multitude  of  the  Kraelites  that 
 are  confumed,)  and  let  us  fend  and  fee. 
 
 U  They  took  therefore  two  chariot-horfes ;  and 
 the  king  lent  after  the  hoft  of  the  Syrians,  faying.  Go 
 and  fee. 
 
 15  And  they  went  after  them  unto  Jordan;  and, 
 lo,  an  the  way  was  full  of  garments  and  veffels,  which 
 
 away  in  their  haftec  and  the 
 meflengers  returned,  and  told  the  king. 
 
 16  And  the  people  went  out,  and  fpoiled  the  tents 
 
 of  the  Syrians.  So  a  meafure  of  fine  ft  lur  was  sold 
 for  a  fhekel,  and  two  meafures  of  barley  for  a  Ihekd, 
 according  to  the  word  of  the  Lord. 
 
 17  If  And  the  king  appointed  the  lord,  on  whofe 
 hand  he  leaned,  to  have  the  charge  of  the  gate  :  and 
 the  people  trode  upon  him  in  the  gate,  and  he  died, 
 as  the  man  of  GoJ  had  faid,  who  fpake  when  the 
 king  came  down  to  him. 
 
 18  And  it  came  to  pafs,  as  the  man  of  God  had 
 fpoken  to  the  king,  faying,  Two  meafures  of  barley 
 for  a  (bekel,  and  a  raealure  of  fine  flour  for  a  ftiekel, 
 fhall  be  to-morrow,  about  this  time,  in  the  gate  of 
 Samaria. 
 
 19  And  that  lord  anfwered  the  man  of  God,  and 
 faid.  Now,  behold,  if  the  Lord  fhould  make  windows 
 in  heaven  might  fuch  a  thing  be?  And  he  faid.  Be¬ 
 hold,  thou  (halt  fee  it  with  thine  ej'es,  but  fhalt  not 
 eat  thereof. 
 
 20  And  fo  it  fell  out  unto  him  ;  for  the  people  trode 
 upon  him  in  the  gate,  and  he  died.* 
 
 CHAP.  Vlll. 
 
 1  The  Shunamife,  having  left  her  country  tev.n  yeart,  to  avoid  the  fore¬ 
 warned  J  amine,  jor  Elisha's  miracle's  sake,  hath  her  land  restored  by 
 the  king.  7  Hazael  being  tent  with  a  present  hy  Ben  hadad  lo  Elisha 
 at  D  imascus,  after  he  had  heard  the  prophecy,  killclh  his  master,  and 
 succeedeth  him,  ^c. 
 
 ^^HEN  fpake  Elifha  unto  the  woman,  *  whofe  fon  »  Chap. 
 
 X  he  had  reftored  to  life,  faying,  Arife,  and  go'^-^^* 
 thou  and  thine  houfehold,  and  fojouru  wherefoever 
 thou  canft  fojourn  ;  for  the  Lord  hath  called  for  a 
 famine :  and  it  fhall  alfo  come  upon  the  land  feven 
 years. 
 
 2  And  the  woman  arofe,  and  did  after  the  faying 
 of  the  man  of  God  :  and  fhe  went  with  her  houfe¬ 
 hold,  and  fojourned  in  the  land  of  the  Philiftines 
 feven  years. 
 
 3  And  it  came  to  pafs,  at  the  feven  years’  end,  that 
 the  woman  returned  out  of  the  land  of  the  Phiii- 
 ftines  :  and  ftie  went  forth  to  cry  unto  the  king  for 
 her  houfe,  and  for  her  land. 
 
 4.  And  the  king  talked  with  Gehazi,  the  fervant  of 
 the  man  of  God,  faying.  Tell  me,  I  pray  thee,  all  the 
 great  things  that  Elifha  hath  done. 
 
 5  And  it  came  to  pafs,  as  he  was  telling  the  king 
 how  he  had  reftored  a  dead  body  to  life,  that,  behold 
 the  woman,  whofe  fon  he  had  reftored  to  life,  cried  to 
 the  king  for  her  houfe,  and  for  her  land.  And  Ge¬ 
 hazi  laid.  My  lord,  O  king,  this  is  the  woman,  and 
 this  IS  her  fon,  whom  Elifha  reftored  to  life. 
 
 6  And  when  the  king  afked  the  woman,  fhe  told 
 nim.  So  the  king  appointed  unto  her  a  certain  ||  offi- 1|  Or 
 cer,  faying,  Reftore  all  that  w>as  her’s,  and  all  the‘’“““‘^^* 
 
 ThT;  ^  u  of  chariots. 
 
 he  r  l  h  T  ‘"-r  other,^ife  the  Samaritans  had 
 
 freS't hi  f  rendered  confpicuous  by  a  double  miracle.  1.  By 
 
 treeing  the  Ifraelites  from  an  enemy,  which  would  have  endangered  the  very  ex- 
 
 Would"ha?e  r  T  ^  ^“^«"der  5  and  diis  they  probably 
 
 oula  have  donefoon,  as  the  Ifraelites  were  reduced  to  the  greateR  extremeties. 
 
 and  could  not  have  fupported  the  famine  much  lon-rer.  2  BvfaHnr,.!,-  .  . 
 
 of  fopplyin,  U,P  of  ...0  bonogod,  .„d  ,“"7.”!  w  bl  'T* 
 
 llroying  their  enemies.  Ver.  20  And  the  nrn,,!,.  °  t  ■  *  without  de- 
 
 The  fentence  pronounced  by  tlie  prophet  was  Zs  literally  ^fuffiUerV'' 
 he  law  the  plenty,  but  was  killed  before  he  could  eat  of  it  ^  ulhlled  ,  for 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  VIII  Ver  3  Tn 
 
 her  house.  It  probably  was  a  cuftom  to  confifeate  the  goods  onh“ot  who'^d 
 
 practical  observations _ »  Chap  VII  I  Rpm»rt,Ki  rr-  r  - - - - —  _ _ 
 
 our  carvs  on  the  Lord,  who  doeth  all  things  well.  But  alas  '  finder  anH  7  ‘n  °  appearance  of  it.  Let  tbiT^nofe  , - TT 
 
 “r:or.,s:7„d7:7i7X7r;:o"p'S.bT::::,r7rbTK 
 
 perilh  that  trust  in  him  .  K„  •  r  .  u  i  ^  ‘ ‘0°  liard  for  him  ?  In  every  time  of  flkir»f-  l  ^  ^  therefore  stand  in  awe,  and 
 
The  death  of  Bcn-hadad,  c5r. 
 
 II.  KINGS. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrill 
 
 895. 
 
 t  lleb. 
 in  his 
 hand. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 fruits  of  the  field,  fince  the  day  that  fhe  left  the  land, 
 even  until  now. 
 
 7  ^  And  Elifhacame  to  Damafcus  ;  and  Ben-hadad 
 the  king  of  Syria  was  fick  :  and  it  was  told  him,  fay¬ 
 ing  the  m  ui  of  God  is  came  hither. 
 
 S  And  the  king  faid  unto  Hazael,  Take  a  prefent 
 in  thine  hand,  and  go  meet  the  man  of  God,  and 
 enquire  of  the  Lord  by  him,  faying,  Shall  1  recover 
 of  this  difeafe? 
 
 9  So  Hazael  went  to  meet  him,  and  took  a  prefent 
 t  With  him,  even  of  every  good  thing  of  Damafcus, 
 forty  Ccmel s’  burden,  and  came  and  flood  before  him, 
 and  laid,  1  hv  fon  Ben-had  id  king  of  Syria  hath  lent 
 me  to  titee,  fayang,  Shall  I  recover  of  this  difeafe? 
 
 10  And  Elifha  faid  unto  him,  Go,  fay  unto  him 
 Thou  mayefi  certainly  recover  :  howbeit  the  Lord 
 hath  (hewed  me  that  he  fhall  furely  die. 
 
 1 1  And  he  fettled  his  countenance  f  ftedfaflly,  until 
 and  set  U.  Jjg  afhamed  :  and  the  man  of  God  wept. 
 
 12  And  Hazael  faid.  Why  weepeth  ray  lord?  And 
 he  anfuered,  B  caufe  I  know  the  evil  that  thou  wilt 
 do  unto  the  children  of  Ifrael :  their  ftrorg  holds  wilt 
 thou  fet  cn  fire,  and  their  voung  men  wilt  thou  slay 
 with  the  fwerd,  and  wilt  dafh  their  children,  and  rip 
 up  their  wm  iaen  with  child. 
 
 13  And  Hazael  faid,  But  what  !  is  thy  fervant  a 
 dog,  that  he  fhould  do  this  great  thing?  And  Elifha 
 anfwered,  the  Lord  hath  (hewed  me  that  thou  shall 
 he  king  over  Syria. 
 
 14  So  he  departed  from  Eli'ha,  and  came  to  his 
 maker;  who  laid  to  him,  What  faid  Elifha  to  thee? 
 And  he  anfwered,  He  told  me  that  thou  fhouldeft 
 furely  r  cover. 
 
 15  And  it  came  to  pafs  on  the  morrow,  that  he  took 
 a  thii  k  cloth,  and  dipped  it  in  water,  and  fpread  it  on 
 his  face,  fo  that  he  died  ;  and  Hazael  reigned  in.  his 
 head, 
 
 16  ^  And  in  the  fifth  year  of  Joram  the  foo  of 
 A^ab  king  of  Ifrael,  Jeholhaphat  beirg  then  king  of 
 
 b.2  Cbro.  jujah,  Jehoram,  the  fo.i  of  Jehofhaphat  king  of  Ju- 
 rklb.  h  began  to  reign. 
 
 reigned.  1"  Thirty  and  two  years  old  was  he  vvhf  n  he  began 
 to  r-ign  ;  and  he  reigned  eight  years  in  Jerufaiem. 
 
 18  And  he  walked  in  the  way  of  the  kings  of  Ifrael, 
 as  did  the  houfe  of  Abab  ;  for  the  daughter  of  Ahab 
 w'as  hiS  wife ;  and  he  did  evil  in  the  fight  of  the 
 Lord. 
 
 ore 
 
 Joram  ‘s.'owidcd  at  Itamoth-gikad, 
 
 19  Yet  the  Lord  would  not  deftroy  Judah  for  Befo,, 
 David  his  fervant’s  fake,  as  he  promifed  him  to  give 
 
 him  alway  a  f  light,  and  to  his  children. 
 
 20  <11  In  his  days  Edom  revolted  from  under  thecTs^”* 
 hand  of  Judah,  and  made  a  king  over  thtrafelves.  ’  is. 
 
 21  So  Joram  went  over  to  Zair,  and  all  the  chariots^ 
 with  him  ;  and  he  role  by  night,  and  fmote  the  Edom- 
 ites  which  compaffed  him  about,  and  the  captains  of 
 the  chariots  :  and  the  people  fled  into  their  tents. 
 
 22  Yet  Edom  revolted  from  under  the  hand  of 
 I  Judah  unto  this  day.  Then  Libnah  revolted  at  the 
 
 1  fame  time. 
 
 i  23  And  the  reft  of  the  a£l:s  of  Joram,  and  all  that 
 ;  he  did,  are  they  not  written  in  the  book  of  the  Chro- 
 I  nicies  of  the  kings  of  Judah? 
 
 24  And  Joram  flept  with  his  fathers,  and  w'as  bu- 
 j  ried  with  his  fathers  in  the  city  of  David  ;  and'^  Aha-*^ '-Chro, 
 j  ziah  his  fon  reigned  in  his  ftead 
 
 !  25  H  In  the  twelfth  year  of  Joram  the  fon  of  Ahab  885. 
 
 king  of  Ifrael,  did  Ahaziah  the  fon  of  Jehoram  king 
 of  Judah  begin  to  reign. 
 
 26  Two  and  twenty  years  old  was  Ahaziah  when 
 he  began  to  reign:  and  he  reigned  one  year  in  Jeru- 
 falem  :  and  his  mother’s  name  was  Athaliah,  the 
 daughter  of  Oti.ri  king  of  Ifrael. 
 
 27  And  he  walked  in  the  way  of  the  houfe  of 
 i\hab,  and  did  evil  in  the  fight  of  the  Lord,  as  did 
 the  houfe  of  A1  ab  :  for  he  teas  the  fon-in-law  of  the 
 houfe  of  Ahab.. 
 
 28  H  And  he  went  with  Joram  the  fon  of  Ahab 
 to  the  war  againfl  Hazael  king  of  Syria  in  Ra.motk- 
 gilead  ;  and  the  Syrians  wounded  Jeram. 
 
 29  And  king  Joram  went  back  to  be  healed  in  J^^z-  f  Heb. 
 reel  of  the  w’ounds  t  which  the  Syrians  had  given 
 
 him  at  Ramah,  when  he  fought  againfl  Hazael  king 
 of  S\ri,i;  and  Ahaziah  the  fon  of  Jehoram  king  c\  ^founded, 
 Judah  went  down  to  fee  Joram  the  fon  of  Ahab  int  Heb. 
 Jezreel,  becaufe  he  was  f  lick.* 
 
 CHAP.  IX. 
 
 I  Elisha  jendetk  a  ynurrg  prophet  with  infliuHions  to  anoint  Jehu  at  Ra- 
 
 moth-gikad.  4  The  prophet  having  dune  his  message  Jleeth.  1 1  Jehu 
 
 being  made  king  by  the  soldiers,  killeth  Joram  in  the  Jl  Id  of  Naboth. 
 
 27  Attaziah  is  slain  at  Gur,  and  buried  at  Jerusalem,  <^c. 
 
 ND  Elifha  the  prophet  called  one  of  the  chil- 
 _  _  dren  of  the  prophets,  and  faid  unto  him,  Gird 
 up  thy  loins,  and  take  this  box  of  oil  in  thine  hand, 
 and  go  to  Ramoth  gilead  : 
 
 WJundei, 
 
 tbeir  country.  Vt-r.  JO  Thou  maytjl  certainly  recover.  His  difeafe  was  not  cf 
 fuch  a  nature  as  would  endanger  his  life,  if  he  did  not  lofe  it  by  fome  other 
 means,  as  the  prophet  forefaw  he  would.  But  the  words  niigtit  have  been 
 rendered  thus:  ‘  Go  fay,  thou  fiialt  not  recover;  for  the  Lord  hath  the  wed  me 
 that  he  fliall  furely  die.  Ver.  11.  He  settled  his  countenance.  The  propliet  Har¬ 
 ed  at  him  with  fo  much  attention,  that  Hazael  could  not  fupport  it  ;  and  he  imme¬ 
 diately  melted  into  tears,  and  thereby  firuck  Hazael  with  a  f  cond  furpnfe,  who 
 could  keep  filence  no  longer,  and  therefore  afked  him  the  caufe  of  his  grief.  \er. 
 1 2.  I" lit  dash  their  children,  and  rip  up  their  women  with  child.  That  dalhing  young 
 children  againfl  the  (tones  was  one  piece  ol  barbarous  cruelty',  wliich  the  people 
 of  the  ea.H  were  apt  to  run  into,  in  profecution  of  their  wars,  is  plainly  inti¬ 
 mated  iji  Pfai.  cxxxvii.  8,  9.  The  ripping  up  women  with  child,  is  the  higheft 
 decree  of  trrutal  cruelty;  and  a  cruelty  for  which  there  is  no  occafion,  becaufe  if 
 the  mother  is  killed  the  child  dies  of  courf  .  Ver.  1.8.  Is  thy  fervant  a  dog, 
 yVhen  Ih.  p'ophet  will)  tears  fo.ctold  what  calamities  Hazael  fliould  hereafter 
 bring  upon  Ifrael,  his  ambition  inflantly  took  fire,  and  he  ciied  out  with  tranf- 
 poit,  ‘AVhat  thy  fervant  a  dog!  that  he  fiiould  do  the  great  (w-ord)  deed  ! 
 This  is  the  lile  al  trai  flation  of  the  paffage, 
 
 Sol. 
 
 Iliat  our  Bible  hath  flood  in 
 
 the  front  of  many  a  declamation,  which,  proceeding  on  the  fuppofition  tliat 
 Hazael  here  exprtffes  his  deteflation  againfl  the  crimes  foretold  by  the  prophet, 
 h.aving  expiated  on  the  gradual  progrefs  of  vice,  and  concluded  with  inferences 
 utterly  wide  of  the  real  fentiments  of  this  general.  Hazael’s  exclamation  was 
 not  the  refult  of  horror;  his  exclamation  has  no  tindlure  of  it,  but  of  the  unes- 
 pedled  glimpfe  of  a  crown.  The  prophet’s  anl'wer  is  plainly  calculated  W 
 fatisfy  the  aftonifhment  he  had  excited  ;  ‘  The  Lord  hath  fliewed  me  that  thou 
 (halt  be  king  over  Syria.’  Ver.  15.  He  look  a  thick  cloth  ;  That  is  the  cloth  w'hicli 
 be  pretended  to  lay  on  his  face  to  cool  him,  he  fufFocated  him  with;  and  this  me 
 thod  of  difpatching  him,  he  rather  chofe,  becaufe  no  marks  of  violence  would  ap- 
 pear;  for  Ben-hadad  was  fo  well  beloved  by  his  fubjeiHs,  that  had  they  in  the 
 leaft  fufpedled  his  being  murdered,  Hazael  would  not  eafily  have  fucceeded  to 
 the  throne.  Ver.  25.  Alhnliah  the  daughter  of'  Omri.  Site  was  the  daughter  o 
 Ahab,  but  brought  up,  and  educated  by  Omri  her  grandfather,  and  hence  calls’ 
 his  daughter.  , 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  IX.  Ver.  1.  Elisha— called  one  of 
 die  children  of  the  prophets.  Elifha  was  called  to  anoint  Jel.u  ;  but  by  Abahs 
 repentance,  God  deferred  the  judgment  pronounced  upon  him  and  his  family  tiiu'* 
 
 PR\CTIC4L  OBSERVATIONS _ *  Chap.  Vlil.l  How  feverely  does  God  corre«5l  apoflate  proftflurs  of  the  true  religion  !  His  providence  makes  us  fj"  , 
 
 tlnus  Mad  to  leave  the  mefi  commodious  feldementon  earth.  How  ready  are  mod  meu  to  take  advantage  agaiuft,  and  to  feize  cm  the  property  of  the 
 UetTod^  But  it  is  a  merev  if  we  have  magidrates  to  whom  we  may  fafely  appeal  from  the  injud.ee  of  fi.euds  or  neighbours.  The  mord.nate  defire  of  ^  | 
 
 ™nt  men  to  villany  and  murder.  The  finful  indulgence  of  children,  or  too  early  ttuding  them  with  wealth  or  power,  anc^  efpecially  their  marriages  wUh^M 
 wonTeii,  entail  on  families  and  nations  ti.e  mod  certain  mifery.  But  death  and  hell  infallibly  meet  with  tyrants  at  lad.  And  alas  !  in  their  way  to  it,  how  often  | 
 the  wounds  of  their  bodies  taken  care  of  w  hile  Ihofe  of  their  fouls  are  negieifled! 
 
Jef}U  anointed  Icing  at  RamotH-gilead. 
 
 II.  KINGS. 
 
 Pefore  2  And  when  thou  comeft  thither,  loo^r  out  there 
 cimst  Jehofhaphat,  the  Ton  of  Nimflii,  and 
 
 ,goin,  and  make  him  arife  up  from  among  his  bre¬ 
 thren,  and  carry  him  to  f  an  inner  chamber  : 
 
 3  Then  *  take  the  box  of  oil,  and  pour  it  on  his 
 
 88-J. 
 
 HH4. 
 
 His  commission  to  destroy  all  Ahab's  .fnmilj/, 
 
 lezreel,  and  he  fpied  the  company  of  Jehu  as  he  came,  K^fore 
 and  laid,  I  fee  a  company.  And  Joram  laid,  "^rake  an  ‘ 
 horfeman,  and  lend  to  meet  them,  and  let  him  fay,  Is 
 it  peace  ? 
 
 I  18  So  there  went  one  on  horfeback  to  meet  him, 
 j  and  laid,  Ihus  faith  the  king,  Is  it  peace  ?  And  Jehu 
 I  laid.  What  half  thou  to  do  with  peace?  turn  thee  be- 
 I  hind  me.  And  the  watchman  told,  laying,  d'he  mel- 
 fenger  came  to  them,  but  he  cometh  not  again. 
 
 19  Then  he  fent  out  a  fecond  on  horleback,  which 
 
 I  Ileb 
 
 i«nc/iii«t-head,  and  fay,  Thus  faith  the  Lord,  I  have  anointed 
 *‘T'k'  n^cfhee  king  over  llfael :  then  open  the  door,  and  flee, 
 
 19.  iG.  and  tarry  not. 
 
 4  11  So  the  young  man,  eve7i  the  young  man  the  pro¬ 
 phet,  went  to .Ramoth-gilead.  ij  tucu  nt  icm  uui  .i  icluuu  ou  uorieoacK,  wnic^ 
 
 5  And  when  he  came,  behold,  the  captains  of  the  |i  came  to  them,  and  faid,  Thusfaith  the  king,  hu  peace? 
 hoft  were  fitting  ;  and  he  faid,  1  have  an  errand  to  j|  and  Jehu  anfwered.  What  hall  thou  to  do  with 
 thee,  O  captain.  And  Jehu  laid.  Unto  which  of  all  us  ?  j:  peace  ?  turn  thee  behind  me- 
 
 And  he  laid,  to  thee,  O  captain.  jj  20  And  the  watchman  told^  faying.  He  came  even 
 
 6  And  he  arofe,  and  went  into  the  houfe  ;  and  he unto  them,  and  cometh  rftt  again  :  and  the  ||  driving  ,|  Or, 
 
 poured  the  oil  on  his  head,  and  laid  unto  him,  Ttius  is  like  the  driving  of  Jehu  the  fon  of  Nimfhi  •  for  he 
 faith  the  Lord  God  of  llfael,  I  have  anointed  theej  driveth  f  furioufly.  *  fHeb.  «>? 
 
 Ifintr  nvpr  thp  np.-inlo  r>f' thp  T  oi  r _ _  •  j  •  h.t  i  .  .....  madness. 
 
 king  over  the  people  of  the  Lord,  even  over  Ifrael. 
 
 7  And  thou  fhalt  fmite  the  houfe  of  Ahab  thy 
 mafler,  that  1  may  avenge  the  blood  of  my  fervants 
 the  prophets,  and  the  blood  of  all  the  fervants  of  the 
 bi  Kings  Lord,  at  the  hand  of  Jezebel. 
 
 21. 15.  8  For  the  whole  houfe  of  Ahab  (hall  perifh  ;  and 
 
 cl  Kings'^  1  will  cut  oft  from  Ahab  him  tfiat  pilTeth  againfl  the 
 14.  10.  &  wall,  and  him  that  is  (hut  up  and  left  in  Ifrael. 
 
 2'-  9  And  I  will  make  the  houfe  of  Ahab  like  the  houfe 
 
 di  Kings  of  <1  Jeroboam  the  Ton  of  Nebat,  and  like  the  houfe  of 
 2i!  22.  ^  '  ^^^2lha  the  Ibn  of  Abijah, 
 
 el  Kings  And  the  dogs  fhail  eat  Jt^zebel  in  the  portion  of 
 J6. 3.  Jezreel,  and  t/iere  shalt  he  none  to  bury  her.  And  he 
 opened  ti  e  door  and  fled. 
 
 11  U  Then  Jehu  came  forth  to  the  fervants  of  his 
 lord  :  and  one  faid  unto  him,  Is  all  well  ?  wherefore 
 Mme  this  mad  fellow  to  thee  ?  And  he  faid  unto  them. 
 Ye  know  the  man  and  his  communication. 
 
 12  And  they  faid.  It  is  falfe  ;  tell  us  now.  And  he 
 laid,  ft  hus  and  thus  fpake  he  to  me,  faying.  Thus  faith 
 the  Lord,  I  have  anointed  thee  king  over  Ifrael. 
 
 13  ft  hen  they  bafled,  and  took  every  man  his  gar¬ 
 ment,  and  put  it  under  him  on  the  top  of  the  flairs, 
 and  blew  with  trumpets,  faying,  t  Jehu  is  king. 
 
 H  So  Jehu  the  fon  of  Jehofhaphat,  the  fon  of  Nim- 
 fni,  conlpired  againlt  Joram  ;  (now  Joram  had  kept 
 Kamoth-gilead,  he  and  all  Ifrael,  becaufe  of  Hazael 
 king  of  Syria : 
 
 15  But  f  king  t  Joram  w'as  returned  to  be  healed  in 
 Jezreel  of  the  wounds  which  the  Syrians  f  had  given 
 
 i.  him,  when  he  fought  with  Hazael  king  of  Syria  ;) 
 iand  Jehu  faid.  If  it  be  your  minds,  then  I  let  none  go 
 L  rth  nor  efcape  out  of  the  city,  to  go  to  tell  it  in 
 J  zreel. 
 
 16  If  So  Jehu  rode  in  a  chariot,  and  went  to  Jez- 
 reel;  (for  Joram  lay  there.)  And  Ahaziah  king  of 
 Judah  was  come  down  to  fee  Joram. 
 
 1 1  And  there  Hood  a  watchman  on  the  tower  in 
 
 fHeb. 
 
 reigneUi, 
 
 f  Chap, 
 ifi.  29. 
 t  Heb. 
 J  horam. 
 t  Hob. 
 smote. 
 t  Heb. 
 let  no 
 escaper 
 
 i<>i  ijc. 
 
 I  '^^^eanoirdedtkeelang.  The 
 “fe  k.ngs  o.'  Ifrael  were  anointed,  but  tbofe  of 
 
 'tliev  fa/  u  fuccefllcn  ;  as  Solomon, 
 
 AdLSb  ri  *^®?  not  to  have  been  anointed,  bad  it  not  been  for  the  fatUion  of 
 
 Jom  tbl  f  ^  kingdom.  But  in  the  cafe  of  Jehu  in 
 
 line  of  t/e  r/d  f  4  .  k-ng'  of  HVael  was  to  l>e  trnnllated  out  of  the  right 
 appointmLt  of  ^  i  k  the  kingdom,  but  merely  the 
 
 to  convr  L/en  '  for  bis  being  anointed,  in  order  both 
 
 Ver  II  r  /  to  mveft  him  m  the  aaual  pofTeirion  of  the  kingdom, 
 
 tiis  Muntenancp  I'll  ‘lie  terror  painted  on 
 
 of  a  railitarriife  7*"’  ‘ke  general  contempt  wh.cb  men 
 
 have  for  the^nro  i  pn^lbood,  joined  to  the  contempt  which  idolaters  I 
 
 on  the  prophet  m  this  unfavourable  light.  Ver.  f  7.  There  stood  a  teJuman  ! 
 
 21  And  Joram  faid,  f  Make  ready.  And  his  cha- fiiebr 
 riot  was  made  ready.  And  Joram  king  of  Ifrael,  and.®f'«^. 
 Ahaziah  king  of  Judah,  went  out,  each  in  his  chariot, 
 
 and  they  went  out  againfl  Jehu,  and  fmet  him  in  thet  Hob. 
 portion  of  Naboth  the  Jezreelite.  found. 
 
 22  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  Joram  faw  Jehu,  that 
 he  laid.  Is  it  peace,  Jehu  ?  And  he  anfwered.  What 
 peace,  lo  long  as  the  whoredoms  of  thy  mother  Jeze¬ 
 bel,  and  her  witchcrafts,  are  so  many  ? 
 
 23  And  Joram  turned  his  hands,  and  fled,  and  faid 
 to  Ahaziah,  ihere  is  treachery,  O  Ahaziah  ! 
 
 24  H  And  Jfhu  t  drew  a  bow  with  his  full  ftrength,  tS;, 
 and  Imote  Jehoram  between  his  arras,  and  the  arrow  Aand  wuh 
 went  out  at  his  heart,  and  he  f  funk  down  in  his  chariot  “ 
 
 25  Then  faid  Jehu  to  Bidkar  his  captain,  ftake  up  t 
 
 and  ca  I  him  m  the  portion  of  the  field  of  Naboth  thcgTKin.s- 
 Jezreelite:  for  remember  how  that,  when  I  and  thou  21.29.° 
 
 sfter  Ahab  his.  father,  ^  the  Lord  laid  ^  Heb. 
 this  burden  upon  him  ;  bloods. 
 
 26  Surely  1  have  leen  yeflerday  the  f  blood  of  Na-J!orW 
 both,  and  the  blocd  of  his  Ions,  faith  the  Lord  :  and 
 
 1  will  requite  thee  in  this  ||  plat,  fdith  the  Lord.  NowT’*'*^" 
 
 acv-ordiog  to  the  word  of  the  Lord.  viceroy  to 
 
 u  \  Ahaziah  the  king  of  Judah  h\v  this  ^is  father 
 
 he  fled  by  the  way  of  the  garden  houfe:  and  Jehu’ 
 
 PhX  'i'";’’,™'  f;' 
 
 Chariot.  And  they  dtd  so  at  the  going  up  to  Gur,  21. i8,i9. 
 which  25  by  Ibicam  ;  and  he  fled  to  Megiddo,  and^'"^'" 
 died  there.  ®  ’  ^‘^^Joram’s  ■ 
 
 bis  [enynts  carried  him  in  a  chariot 
 Jerulaltm,  and  beiied  him  in  his  fepulchre,  with  his‘°*'e'g'i 
 fathers  in  the  c’ty  of  David.  alone, 
 
 Ahaziah  to  reign  over  Judah.  dr.  884. 
 
 30  If  And  when  Jehu  was  come  to  Jezreel,  Jezebel  t 
 hedT^oJit:  and  Ihe  f  painted  her  face,  and  tired  her 
 head,  and  looked  out  at  a  window.  "* 
 
 painiing. 
 
 on  the  lower.  It  was  cuftomarv  bnth  ir.  _ i 
 
 high  places  wherever  the  king  was,  to  prevent  his  bdn^Vuririlbd  ^ 
 
 tiiral  to  think  that  Joram  would  keen  a  wa(r.|.f..l  ^  ”  pnled,  and  it  is  na- 
 
 appt-ared,  efpecially  from  Ramoth-rrilead  where  ‘bat 
 
 rianst  Ver  20.  The  drivinnTX  Jehu  ’f.r  hi  «.'* 
 
 with  which  he  put  his  relblutions  into’  praAieV  feei/s“7rb‘^  The  quicknefs 
 him  ;  and  therefore  no  wonder  .hat  he  drove  .  urionL  v  ”  09 
 of  Ihp  mother  Jezebel.  The  reafon  whv  Jehu  uubrai^^'s  r  t  whoredoms 
 
 fins,  and  not  his  own,  might  be,  becaufe  her’s^were^  •fvhoram  with  his  mother’s 
 notorious,  and  which  by  his  co’nnivance  he  had  T/  I"/r 
 
 own  ;  becaule  they  were  the  principal  occafion  nf  r  f^eafure  made  his 
 
 cuting  the  prefent  judgments;  and^becaufe^he  could  ‘‘is  escA 
 
 agaiiirt  him,  except  the  golden  calves  which  bo  ^  c"/  "dmus  acciifations 
 
 becaufe  he  intended  to  continue  Jh  m!’  Vef  as' 
 
 >  er.  jt.  Blood  oj  hiS  sons.  In  the  hillor/ 
 
Jezebel  is  thratsm  out  of  a  •xindo'm,  and  dieih. 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 cir.  884. 
 
 II.  KINGS. 
 
 (he  faid, 
 
 1!  o«-. 
 
 chamber~ 
 
 tains. 
 
 31  And  as  Jehu  entered  in  at  the  gate, 
 
 Had  Zimri  peace,  who  flew  his  mafter  ^ 
 
 32  And  he  lifted  up  his  face  to  the  window,  and 
 faid,  Who  is  on  my  fide  ?  who  ?  And  there  looked 
 out  to  him  two  or  three  H  eunuchs. 
 
 33  And  he  faid,  Throw  her  down.  So  they  threw 
 her  down  :  and  some  of  her  blood  was  fprinkled  on  the 
 W’rtll,  and  oil  the  horfes ;  and  he  trode  her  under  foot. 
 
 34  And  when  he  was  come  in,  he  did  eat  and 
 drink,  and  faid.  Go,  fee  now  this  curled  wctnan,  and 
 bury  her  ;  for  (he  is  a  king’s  daughter. 
 
 35  And  they  went  to  bury  her ;  but  they  found  no 
 more  of  her  than  the  ikull,  and  the  feet,  and  the 
 palms  of  ker  hands. 
 
 36  Wherefore  they  came«again,  and  told  him  ;  and 
 he  faid.  This  is  the  word  of  the  Lord,  which  he  I'pake 
 f  by  his  fervant  Elijah  the  Tilhbite,  faying,  In  the 
 portion  of  Jezreel,  ftiall  dogs  eat  the  flefli  of  Jezebel : 
 
 37  And  the  carcafe  of  Jezebel  ihall  be  as  dung  up¬ 
 on  the  face  of  the  field  in  the  portion  of  Jezreel;  so 
 that  they  fhall  not  fay.  This  is  Jezebel.* 
 
 CH  AP.  X. 
 
 1  Jehu,  hy  his  letters,  causeth  Ahah' s  seventy  children  to  be  beheaded; 
 8  he  excuselh  the  la£l  by  the  prophecy  of  Idl^ah  ;  12  at  his  shearing 
 house  he  slnyeth  two  and  forty  of  Ahazinh's  brethren;  15  he  takelh 
 Jehanadnb  into  his  company  ;  IS  by  subtilty  he  de.stroyelh  all  the  wor¬ 
 shippers  aj  Baal,  <|-c. 
 
 And  Ahab  had  feventy  fons  in  Samaria.  And 
 Jehu  wrote  letters,  and  fent  to  Samaria,  unto 
 the  rulers  of  Jezreel,  to  the  elders,  and  to  t  them  that 
 nounsfters  up  Ahab’s  children,  faying, 
 
 2  Now',  as  foon  as  this  letter  cometh  to  yoo,  feeing 
 your  mafter’s  ions  are  with  you,  and  there  are  with 
 you  chariots  and  horfes,  a  fenced  city  alfo,  and 
 armour ; 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 by  the 
 hand  of. 
 b  1  Kings 
 21.  23. 
 
 884. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 AhaVs  children  slain,  as  iLUjah  had  prophesied 
 
 3  Look  even  out  the  beft  and  meeteft  of  your  maf- 
 ter’s  fons,  and  fet  him  on  his  father’s  throne,  and  fight 
 for  yonr  mafler’s  houle. 
 
 4  But  they  were  exceedingly  afraid,  and  faid,  be¬ 
 hold,  two  kings  flood  not  before  him  ;  how  then  (hall 
 we  fland  ? 
 
 5  And  he  that  was  over  the  houfe,  and  he  that  was 
 over  the  city,  the  elders  alfo,  and  the  bringers  up  of 
 the  children,  fent  to  Jehu,  fayng.  We  are  thy  fervants, 
 and  will  do  all  that  thou  (halt  bid  us  ;  we  will  not  make 
 any  king  ;  do  thou  that  which  is  good  in  thine 
 eyes. 
 
 6  Then  he  wrote  a  letter  the  fecond  time  to  them, 
 faying.  If  ye  be  f  mine,  and  if  ye  will  hearken  unto  f 
 my  vo’ce,  take  ye  the  heads  of  the  men  your  mafter’s 
 
 j  fons,  and  come  to  me  to  Jezreel  by  to-morrow  this 
 time.  (Now  the  king’s  fons,  being  feventy  perfons, 
 were  with  the  great  men  of  the  city,  which  brought 
 them  up.) 
 
 7  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  the  letter  came  to 
 them,  that  they  took  the  king’s  fens,  and  (lew  feventy 
 perfons,  and  put  their  heads  in  bafkeis,  and  fent  him 
 them  to  Jezreel. 
 
 8  H  And  there  came  a  melTenger,  and  told  him,  fay¬ 
 ing,  They  have  brought  the  heads  of  the  king’s  fons. 
 
 And  he  (aid.  Lay  ye  them  in  two  heaps  at  the  enter¬ 
 ing  in  of  the  gate  untd  the  morning. 
 
 9  And  it  came  to  pafs  in  the  morning,  that  he  went 
 out,  and  flood,  and  faid  to  all  the  people,  "Ye  be  righ¬ 
 teous  :  behold,  I  confpired  againft  my  mafter,  and 
 flew  him  ;  but  who  flew  all  thele? 
 
 10  Know  now,  that  there  fhall  fall  unto  the  earth 
 nothing  of  the  word  of  the  Lord,  which  the  Lord 
 fpake  concerning  the  houfe  of  Ahab:  for  the  Lord 
 
 of  Naboth,  1  Kings  xxl.  there  is  no  mention  of  the  death  of  his  fons ;  but  it  is 
 no  unco.nmon  thing  for  the  feripturo  to  fupply  in  one  place,  what  is  omitted  in 
 another.  And  therefore,  it  is  probable,  from  tbefe  words,  that  Naboth’s  family 
 fuffered  death  along  with  him  ;  or  perhaps  Jehu  is  here  aggravating  Ahab’s 
 Clime,  by  infinuating,  that  he  was  guilty  of  murdering  the  fons,  when  he  put  the 
 father  to 'death  and  feized  on  that  which  fupported  them.  Ver.  30.  She  painted  her 
 face.  In  the  Hebrew,  “  She  put  her  eyes  in  paint.”  The  ancients  ufed  fiibium, 
 which  is  the  meaning  of  the  Hebrew  word  rendered  paint,  to  make  their  eyes 
 black,  and  by  contraaing  the  lids,  to  make  them  appear  large  or  full,  which  were 
 looked  upon  as  marks  of  beauty.  The  vanity  of  Jezebel  on  this  oecafion  was 
 not  to  conquer  Jehu  by  her  perfonal  charms,  but  rather  to  appear  in  his  eyes 
 like  one  who  wanted  none  of  the  arts  of  luxury  to  fet  out  her  grandeur,  and  to 
 keep  up  all  the  marks  of  majefty,  notwithftanding  the  cataftrophe  of  her  hulband. 
 Ver.  32.  And  there  looked  out  two  or  three  eunuchs.  Thefe  perfons  in  the  eaftern 
 countries,  attended  upon  queens  in  their  chambers,  and,  by  their  great  care  and 
 dili<rence,  were  often  promoted  to  places  of  great  tru ft  .and  profit;  as  appears! 
 from  the  Hebrew  word  which  is  fometimes  ufed  to  Cgnify  a  great  officer  of  ftate, 
 who  dwells  in  the  palace,  and  is  near  the  perfon  of  the  fovereign.  Ver.  33.  | 
 And  some  of  her  blooel  was  sprinkled  on  the  wall.  Some  of  the  Jewifh  dolors  look  j ; 
 upon  this  as  a  punifhment  according  to  the  ‘lex  talionis  for  as  fhe  had  done,  fo 
 Ihe  fiiffered.  Ver.  34.  For  Pie  is  a  king’s  daughter.  She  was  the  daughter  ot 
 Ethbaal  king  of  Tvre,  the  wife  of  Ahab,  the  mother  of  Joram  king  of  Ifrael,  the 
 mother-in-law  of  jehoram  king  of  Judah,  and  the  aunt  of  Ahaziah,  alfo  kmg  of 
 Judah  Ver.  35.  T/<fy  found  no  more  of  her  than  the  ekull.  A  little  ago  we  faw 
 this  cu’rfed  woman  dreifed  in  all  the  pride  of  life,  and  decked  out  with  all  .ma- 
 ginable  gaudinefs  ;  but  how  mortifying  is  the  contraft  now  !  An  important  lefTon 
 this  to  all  future  Jezebels,  to  think  upon  her  fate,  when  they  contemplate  thetr 
 
 painted  faces  in  the  glafs.  Such  a  feafonable  refledlion  might  regulate  the  labours 
 of  the  toilet,  and  create  a  more  ardent  folicitude  to  polilh  the  jewel,  than  to 
 varnifh  the  caiket.  It  might  then  become  their  higheft  ambition  to  have  the 
 mind  decked  with  divine  beauties,  and  drefled  after  the  pattern  of  their  Re¬ 
 deemer’s  holinefs.  Ver.  ."7  They  shall  not  say.  This  is  Jezebel,  No  memory  of 
 her  ;  nothing  whereby  to  know  that  there  had  been  fuch  a  woman  as  Jezebel; 
 fiippofe  a  pidture,  or  effigy,  to  which  men  might  point  and  fay,  This  is  Jeze¬ 
 bel.  In  our  language  perhaps  we  fhould  have  faid,  ‘  They  (hall  not  fay,  Here 
 ies  Jezebel,’  for  no  monument  was  made  for  her,  fhe  having  no  fepulchre  but  iii 
 ,1  _  L.ii — !•  j —  ffjjg  jg  jfjg  faying  of  feripture,  that  ‘the  memory  of  the 
 
 the  belly  of  dogs, 
 w'ckcd  fliall  rot.’ 
 
 -  EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap. 
 
 ■  iiAr  j-./ii'i-xi  1  X.  Ver.  1.  Ahab  had  seventy  som. 
 
 Either  properly  fons  by  feveral  wives,  or  rather  grandfons  are  comprehended  who 
 are  often  called  sons,  and  grandfathers,  fathers  in  feripture.  Sent  to  Samaria  unto 
 the  rulers  of  Jezreel.  From  the  context,  one  would  be  inclined  to  think,  that  the 
 letters  were  fent  to  the  rulers  of  Samaria  ;  and  that  it  was  originally  fo  written, 
 will  appear  probab'e  from  finding  Samaria,  fubftituted  inftead  of  Jezreel  in  the 
 Septuagint.  Ver.  8.  Lay  them  in  two  heaps  at  the  entering  in  of  the  ^te.  The 
 
 oeplUQi^ini.  Vtr.  o.  Xau//  t ntFUb  nt/u  t*./  imo  o  ^ 
 
 place  of  judicature ;  to  fignify,  that  this  was  an  adt  of  juftice,  and  of  God’s  righto- 
 
 _ A.  .  ..-.-I  r.C  .-wt.i'iA  *  n /» /%  VS  A 1 1 V  Ert  W’Ont  Ollt.  Ol  iHC 
 
 ous  judgment ;  and  the  place  of  greateft  concourfc,  where  people  went  out  of  the 
 city  and  came  into  it,  .and  whither  they  reforted  for  judgment  and  on  other  oeca- 
 (ions;  that  all  men  might  behold  this  dreadful  fpedlacle  of  divine  vengeanoe 
 upon  Ahab’s  family,  and  thereby  might  juftify  Jehu’s  caufe  and  proceedings. 
 Ver.  9.  T  conspired  against  my  master.  Several  reafons  befldes  the  intention  of 
 fulfilling  Elijah’s  prophecy,  may  be  alTigned  for  Jehu’s  impofing  this  cruel  tall 
 on  the  rulers  of  the  nation.  He  might  intend  by  thefe  means  to  involve  them  m 
 the  fame  crimes  with  himfelf,  and  by  cxpofing  them  to  popular  hatred,  render 
 
 -  r-DCTTtzvAXTDXS _ «  Chap  IX. 1  God’s  minfters  ought  to  impart  their  labours  and  honours  to  each  other,  and  ought  to  difcliarge  their 
 
 office  m  a  fa.lhful,  prudent,  ad  ,  neonlc  '  Such  as  rule,  ought  to  confider  God  as  the  fource  of  their  power,  and  to  life  it  humbly  for  hi! 
 
 religion  go  before  God  ’  ar.d  they  need  ^reat  difintereftednefs  and  fteadinefs  in  the  execution  of  it.  To  alfc  advice  fro™ 
 
 glory.  To  what  fearful  woik  Go  me^Ld  to  procure  their  friendfhip  ;  and  matters  of  importance  ought  to  he  tranfa^ed  with  proper  fecrccy  and  difpatch 
 
 our  equals  and  inferiors  is  J  j  deftrucTion  hangs  over  the  finnet’s  head  !  But  perfecutors  of  God’s  people  are  reckoned  by  him  the  moll  hein- 
 
 Tottering  IS  the  throne  of  ""A mooted  out  at  laft  ;  and  Companions  of  fools  Ihall  be  deftroyed  along  wid,  them.  Solid  peace  .u» 
 
 ous  offenders;  and  they  w  o  per  p  ^  whoredoms  which  arc  now  men’s  pleafure,  will  fhnrtly  ilfiie  in  everlafting  pain.  F'' 
 
 pever  exift  with  wilful  finning,  let  finners  w,(b  or  expeft  ^ ‘Jey  ^  threatenings  ;  and  all  things  work  for  the  overthrow  of 
 
 vidence  wonderfully  conneas  the  ^'-piiey  rufb  on  their  own  ruin  ;  and  God’s  inftruments  of  wrath  may  be  infulted,  hut  cannot  be  intimiJo'’ 
 
 thofe  whom,  for  their  fins  he  hath  demoted  to  dejniaion.  tampering  do  but  ripen  for  tremendous  woe.  And  thoug 
 
 >•»  ^  '>“■  """  "• " 
 
 perifh- 
 
fhe  brethren  'tf  Ahaaiah  stain 
 Before  hath  donc  that  which  he  fpake  »  t  by  his  fervant 
 
 ^84.  Jehu  flew  all  that  remained  of  the  ho\ife  of 
 
 ‘-TS'sAhab  in  Jezreel,  and  all  his  great  men,  and  his 
 II  kinsfolks,  and  his  priefts,  until  he  left  him  none 
 
 remaining.  .  ,  ,  j  j 
 
 12  f  And  he  arofe  and  departed,  and  came  to 
 
 Samaria :  and  as  he  was  at  the  f  fhearing-houfe  in  the 
 
 WSVj 
 
 13  Jehu  t  with  the  brethren  of  Ahaziah  king 
 ,  ,  „  of  Judah,  and  faid.  Who  are  ye  ?  And  they  anfwered, 
 thephei^J>  We  are  the  brethren  of  Ahaziah  :  and  we  go  down 
 
 binding  fhfa  Irinfr  QnH  thp  rhilnrpn 
 
 Iheep. 
 t  Heb. 
 
 found. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 to  the 
 jtence  of, 
 
 Ac. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 found. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 Ueited. 
 
 II.  KINGS. 
 
 The  worshippers  of  Baal  destroyed. 
 
 t  to  falute  the  children  of  the  king,  and  the  children 
 
 of  the  queen.  ... 
 
 14  And  he  faid,  Take  them  alive.  And  they  took 
 them  alive,  and  flew  them  at  the  pit  of  the  fhearing- 
 houfe,  even  two  and  forty  men  ;  neither  left  he  any 
 of  them. 
 
 1 5  If  And  when  he  was  departed  thence,  he  t  lighted 
 on  Jehonadab  the  fon  of  Rechab  coming  to  meet  him  ; 
 and  he  f  faluted  him  and  faid  to  him.  Is  thine  heart 
 right,  as  my  heart  is  with  thy  heart  ?  and  Jehonadab 
 aafwered.  It  is.  If  it  be,  give  me  thine  hand.  And 
 he  gave  him  his  hand ;  and  he  took  him  up  to  him 
 into  the  chariot. 
 
 '  16  And  he  faid,  Come  with  me,  and  fee  my  zeal 
 for  the  Lord.  So  they  made  him  ride  in  his  chariot. 
 
 17  And  when  he  came  to  Samaria,  he  flew  all  that 
 remained  unto  Ahab  in  Samaria,  till  he  had  deftroyed 
 him,  according  to  the  faying  of  the  Lord,  which  he 
 fpake  to  Elijah. 
 
 18  If  And  Jehu  gathered  all  the  people  together, 
 and  faid  unto  them,  Ahab  ferved  Baal  a  little,  but 
 Jehu  fhall  ferve  him  much. 
 
 19  Now  therefore  call  unto  me  all  the  prophets  of 
 Baal,  all  his  fervants,  and  all  his  priefts,  let  none  be 
 wanting ;  for  I  have  a  great  facrifice  to  do  to  Baal ; 
 whofoever  fhall  be  wanting,  he  fhall  not  live.  But 
 Jehu  did  it  in  fubtilty,  to  the  intent  that  he  might  de- 
 ftroy  the  worfhippers  of  Baal. 
 
 20  And  Jehu  faid,  f  Proclaim  a  folemn  afTembly  fof 
 Baal.  And  they  proclaimed  it. 
 
 21  And  Jehu  fent  through  all  Ifrael ;  and  all^the^ 
 worfhippers  of  Baal  came,  fo  that  there  was  riot  a 
 man  left  that  came  not.  And  they  came  into  the 
 
 I  houfe  of  Baal ;  and  the  houfe  of  Baal  was  H  full  from 
 th^“they  on®  ®nd  to  another. 
 
 flood.  22  And  he  faid  unto  him  that  was  over  the  veftry, 
 mouth  lo  Bring  forth  veftments  for  all  the  worfhippers  of  Baal. 
 mouth,  brought  them  forth  veftments. 
 
 23  And  Jehu  went,  and  Jehonadab  the  fon  of  Re- 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 884. 
 
 fHeb. 
 
 Sandiify. 
 
 chab,  into  the  houfe  of  Baal,  and  faid  unto  the  wor¬ 
 fhippers  of  Baal,  Search,  and  look  that  there  be  here 
 with  you  none  of  the  fervants  of  the  Lord,  but  the 
 worfhippers  of  Baal  only. 
 
 24  And  when  they  went  in  to  offer  facrifices  and 
 burnt-offerings,  Jehu  appointed  fourfcore  men  with¬ 
 out,  and  faid,  //  any  of  the  men  whom  I  have  brought 
 into  your  hands  efcape,  he  that  letteth  him  go,  his  life 
 shall  be  for  the  life  of  him. 
 
 25  And  it  came  to  pafs,  as  foon  as  he  had  made  an 
 end  of  offering  the  burnt-offering,  that  Jehu  faid  to 
 the  guard,  and  to  the  captains,  Go  in  and  flay  them  ; 
 let  none  come  forth.  And  they  fmote  them  with 
 
 t  the  edge  of  the  fword  ;  and  the  guard  and  thetji®“j^^^ 
 captains  caft  them  out,  and  went  to  the  city  of  the 
 houfe  of  Baal.  ,  . 
 
 26  And  they  brought  forth  the  f  images  out  ot  theM“^^| 
 houfe  of  Baal,  and  burned  them.  ^ 
 
 27  And  they  brake  down  the  image  of  Baal,  and 
 brake  down  the  houfe  of  Baal,  and  made  it  a  draught- 
 houfe  unto  this  day. 
 
 28  Thus  Jehu  deftroyed  Baal  out  of  Ifrael. 
 
 29  H  Howbeit/zoffJ  the  fins  of  Jeroboam  the  fon  of 
 j  Nebat,  who  made  Ifrael  to  fin,  Jehu  departed  not 
 
 j  from  after  them,  to  wit  the  golden  calves  that  were 
 in  Beth-el,  and  that  were  in  Dan. 
 
 30  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  Jehu,  Becaufe  thon 
 haft  done  well  in  executing  that  which  is  right  in  mine 
 eyes,  and  haft  done  unto  the  houfe  of  Ahab  accord- 
 in  to  all  that  was  in  mine  heart,  thy  children  of  the 
 fourth  generation  fhall  fit  on  the  throne  of  Ifrael. 
 
 31  But  Jehu  t  took  no  heed  to  walk  in  the  law  off 
 the  Lord  God  of  Ifrael  with  all  his  heart ;  for  he 
 parted  not, from  the  fins  of  Jeroboam,  which  made 
 Ifrael  to  fin. 
 
 .32  ^  In  thofe  days  the  Lord  t  began  to  cut  IfraeL^®^^®®' 
 fhort and  Hazael  fmote  them  in  all  the  coafts  ot  i^cui  off 
 .Ifrael  ;'  the  ends. 
 
 33'From  Jordan  f  eaftward,  all  the  land  of  Gilead,  t 
 the  Gadites,  and  the  Reubenites,  and  the  Manaflates, 
 from  Aroer,  (which  is  by  the  river  Arnon,)  l|  evenIL’*t)^ 
 Gilead  and  Bafhan.  u  Or, 
 
 34  H  Now  the  reft  of  the  a£fs  of  Jehu,  and  all  that 
 he  did,  and  all  his  might,  are  they  not  written  in 
 
 book  of  the  Chronicles  of  the  kings  of  Ifrael  ^  ihan. 
 
 35  And  Jehu  flept  with  his  fathers ;  and  they  bu¬ 
 ried  him  in  Samaria:  and  Jehoahaz  his  fon  reigned  in 
 his  ftead. 
 
 36  And  f  the  time  that  Jehu  reigned  over  Ifrael  in 
 
 Samaria  was  twenty  and  eight  years.*  te<atjs 
 
 them  unable  to  travorfe  bis  defigns,  or  form  any  confpiracy  to  dethrone 
 him.  While  any  of  the  defcendants  of  Ahab  furvived,  there  was  a  probability 
 that  a  party  might  be  formed  in  their  favour,  which  would  have  rendered 
 his  reign  uneafy,  and  his  fovereignty  unfafe  ;  and  by  deftroying  all  the  royal 
 feed,  as  it  were  with  one  blow,  he  freed  himfelf  from  all  apprehenfions  from 
 that  quarter  j  and  as  none  of  the  royal  blood  remained,  and  the  nobles  had  be¬ 
 come  acceflaries  to  his  endeavour  to  exlinguiih  the  whole  r.ace  of  Ahab,  he  was 
 in  danger  of  no  rival  whatever.  Ver.  15.  He  lighted  on  Jehonadab  the  son  of 
 Rechab.  Several  learned  men  are  of  opinion,  that  this  Jehonadab  was  not  the 
 perfon  mentioned  in  Jer.  xxxv.  Give  me  thine  hand.  To  give  the  hand  figuifies  to 
 promife;  and  when  we  are  told,  that  Jehu  aflced  Jehonadab  to  give  him  bis  hand, 
 we  are  not  to  fuppofe  that  it  was  that  he  might  alRll  him  in  getting  into  the 
 chariot;  but  that  Jehonadab  would  give  him  an  affurance  that  he  would  aflift 
 him  in  the  prolecution  of  his  defigns.  Ver.  22.  Bring  Jorth  vestments  for  all  the 
 
 were. 
 
 worshippers  of  Baal.  It  was  the  cuflom  of  almofl  all  idolaters  to  be  very  curious 
 about  the  external  pomp  of  their  ceremonies,  wherein  indeed  the  chief  parts  of  their 
 worfhip  did  confift.  All  the  priefts  of  Baal  were  clothed  in  6ne  linen  :  and 
 their  chief  priefts  had,  no  doubt,  fome  peculiar  ornaments  to  diftinguifti  them. 
 Ver.  25.  The  captains  cast  thevi  out.  As  the  word  them  is  not  in  the  Hebrew,  and 
 it  fecms  improbable  that  the  captains  and  foldiers  Ihould  give  themfelves  this 
 unneceffary  trouble;  the  hiftorian’s  meaning  may  be,  that  the  loldiers  having 
 inaffacred  all  that  were  in  the  temple  rufhed  out  in  great  hafte,  and  ran  imme¬ 
 diately  to  the  adjoining  buildings.  And  went  to  the  city  of  the  house  of  Baal. 
 The  large  buildings  adjoining  to  the  temple  of  that  idol,  where  the  prophets  and 
 the  priefts,  with  the  fervants,  lefided,  and  which  were  called  a  city,  from  their  being 
 fo  very  fpacious.  Ver,  27.  And  made  it  a  draught-house  unto  this  day.  That  is, 
 he  turned  it  into  a  common  jakes,  which  was  the  higheft  contempt  that  could 
 polTibly  be  put  upon  it. 
 
 PR.VCTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  X.]  Sinners,  efpecially  thofe  in  exalted  ftations,  treafure  up  exemplary  judgments  for  themfelves  and  their  feed  • 
 and  loads  of  guilt  frequently  extirpate  numerous  flourilhing  families  and  nations.  None  are  more  ready  to  imbrue  their  bands  in  their  fovereign’s  children  than 
 
 No.  24:. ..6d,  5  C  ® 
 
Jihoiada  anointeth  Oehoash  king. 
 
 CHAP.  XI. 
 
 II.  KINGS. 
 
 a  2  Chro 
 
 22.  10. 
 
 God's  H'orship.  '  ‘  “  ilatu,  17  Jehoiada  resiorelh 
 
 f  Heb. 
 seed  oj  the 
 kingdom. 
 
 878. 
 
 A  ThJr"  I  the  mother  of  Ahaziah, 
 
 of  king  Joram,  fifter 
 
 !h?v^h?d’  h  the  king’s  Tons  xv/tic/i  were  flain  ;  and 
 J  even  him  and  his  nurfe,  in  the  bed- 
 
 Athaliah,  fo  that  he  was  not  flain. 
 
 3  And  he  was  with  her  hid  in  the  hoiife  of  the  Lord 
 Athaliah  did  reign  over  the  land, 
 b  2  Chro.  ,  1  l^venth  year  Jehoiada  fent  and  fetch- 
 
 23,  i.  j  hundreds,  with  the  captains  and 
 
 frLb  ^t)RD,  and  made  a  covenant  with  them,  and 
 J^k  an  oath  of  them  in  the  houfe  of  the  Lord,  and 
 Ihewed  them  the  kiqg’s  fon. 
 
 5  And  he  commanded  them,  faying,  This  is  the 
 thing  that  ye  (hall  do:  A  third  part  of  you  that  Lte? 
 
 nf  labbath  fhall  even  be  keepers  of  the  watch 
 
 of  the  kmg’s  houfe  ; 
 
 6  And  a  third  part  shall  be  at  the  gate  of  Sur :  and 
 a  third  part  at  the  gate  behind  the  guard  ;  fo  fliail  ye 
 
 iasds.  8  And  ye  (hall  compafs  the  king  round  about,  every 
 man  wth  his  weapons  in  his  hand:  and  he  that 
 cometh  within  the  ranges,  let  him  be  flain  ;  and  be 
 ye  with  the  king  as  he  goeth  out,  and  as  he  cometh 
 
 i  13  • 
 
 Athaliah 
 
 I  Or, 
 
 from 
 
 breaking 
 
 sip. 
 
 I!  Or, 
 
 ^  9  And  the  captains  over  the  hundreds  did  accord¬ 
 ing  to  all  things  that  Jehoiada  the  prieft  commanded  • 
 and  they  took  every  man  his  men  that  were  to  come 
 in  on  the  fhbbath,  with  them  that  fhould  go  out  on 
 toe  labbath,  and  came  to  Jehoiada  the  prieft. 
 
 Th^irribfe^al^o?5,^r  when  Athaliah,- 
 
 terrible  fate  of  thefe  royal  families  cannot  be  read  without  horror.  The  whole 
 
 i  •  there  was  not  one  left;  and  the  kings  of  Judah  having  con- 
 traaed  an  affinity  with  the  houfe  of  Ahab,  and  being  by  them  fcduced  into  the 
 fame  crime  were  fo  dellroyed  by  three  fucctffive  maffacres,  that  there  was  but 
 ^®,^thal.ath  was  one  of  Ahab’s  family,  ffie  had  reafon  to  apprehend, 
 that  Jehu,  who  had  a  commiffion  to  extirpate  all,  would  not  be  long  before  he 
 called  on  her.  \  er.  2.  UiU  him  in  the  chamber.  It  is  evident  from  the  next 
 Terfe,  that  this  bed  chamber  was  in  the  house  of  the  Lord,  and  fituated  in  the  out¬ 
 ward  court  Ver.  S  Hid— six  pears.  It  is  very  likely,  that  Athaliah  might 
 imagine  that  fhe  had  fliin  all,  and  fo  think  herfelf  fecure;  or  if  fhe  fufpedled 
 that  this  one  was  prcferved,  flie  might  not  think  it  advifeable  to  make  any  ftri^l 
 learch,  left  thereby  fhe  fliould  alarm  the  people  with  the  notion  that  there  was 
 llill  a  fon  of  David  s  family  left,  which  might  be  a  means  to  make  them  uneafy 
 under  her  government,  and  defirous  of  a  change  .-  Befides,  that  flt£  might  have 
 the  vanity  to  think  of  being  able,  in  a  fliort  time,  to  fecure  the  crown  to  heifelf 
 in  fuch  a  manner,  as  that  firs  would  not  need  to  fear  fucb  a  weak  and  defence- 
 lefs  competitor.  Ver.  5.  The  king's  house  ;  that  is,  the  part  of  the  temple  in 
 
 pons  his  wea-'"^ 
 
 SSS r"”“' 
 
 irnarrl^  Aud  wheu  Athaliah  heard  the  noil'e  of  the'^®"^* 
 A7e  of  IS:  Kn!  imo*-'- 
 
 f  5"^  T^irefton ! 
 
 r>f  tin  Jehoiada  the  prieft  commanded  the  cantains 
 "eJ  hoft,tnd  fa?dCo 
 
 L^a'  ?  '?*/'''  >'«'■  ’‘“I  wilh  the  fword.  loV.he  nrtft 
 M  bid,  Let  her  not  be  llain  in  The  ho’ufe  ophe 
 
 16  And  they  laid  hands  on  her  ;  and  fhe  went  bv 
 
 the  way  by  the  which  the  horfes  came  into  thl  king’s 
 houle  :  and  there  was  (he  flain.  ^ 
 
 17  H  And  Jehoiada  made  a  covenant  between  the 
 
 h^rh^  king  and  the  people,  that  they  fhould 
 
 people.^  ^  ^  *  between  the  king  alfo  and  the 
 
 hJr  the  land  went  into  the 
 
 oule  of  Baal,  and  brake  it  down ;  his  altars  and  his 
 
 un^eSft  of  R  and  flew  Mat- 
 
 tan  the  prieft  of  Baal  before  the  altars :  and  the  prieft 
 
 appointed  tofEcers  over  the  houfe  of  the  LorL^  ,Heb 
 
 cantai^s^'i^d  and  the^X 
 
 captains,  and  the  guard,  and  all  the  people  of  the 
 
 land  ;  and  they  brought  down  the  king  from  the 
 
 houfe  of  the  Lord,  and  came  by  the  way  of  the  gate 
 
 which  the  king  was  concealed.  Ver.  6.  The  sale  nf  ^ 
 
 toward  the  city,  and  was  the  principal  entrance  into  Uie  leJule  '^Thl  /  ; 
 the  guard  was  the  foutb  gate,  fronting  the  roval  nalap^  .b- 
 generally  entered.  Ver  JO  ^nriinfi  which  Athaliah 
 
 who  were  unacquainted  with  Jehoiada’s^  defi  "nr'came^  cuptams  and  other  officers 
 for  f.ar  of  gir.^g  fofpioioo.  B:. ^^”.^,•^5%“''^''' 
 
 moury  in  one  of  the  apartments  of  the  temnip  ilb  •  j  ^  ^ 
 
 cafion,  to  have  this  magazine  of  military  ftores  opened^'Ld  d^iftribrneiTth*" 
 thofe  who  were  of  his  party.  Ver  14  The  hinn  ,i  ^ ‘buted  them  among 
 
 famous  pillars  ereaed’^by  ^Solomon  in  tlm  porltf  ffif  teli:  ‘""r 
 
 thefe,  in  all  probability,  there  was  a  throne  of  ftate.  Ver  n’  TeLi^T'"  ””rJ 
 covenant.  The  fubftance  of  this  covenant,  like  ffiat  of  H^Jel; 
 ffiould  conftder  and  acknowledge  God,  as  their  God  and  King,  ^nd,  L  ffich  kee 
 his  worfhip  free  from  any  mixture  of  idolatry,  and  obferve  his  laws  and' ord? 
 nances ;  in  confequence  of  which  God  would  reeard  them  i  •  “  .“,i 
 
 people,  and  protea  and  defend  them  from  their  furrounding  enem^ri 
 he  king  fliould  rule  over  the  people,  according  to  the  word  of  Go^ Tnd  h  t 
 
 r.  20.  They  slew  Athaliah— beside  lue  king's  house.  Not  far  from  it ;  the  people 
 
 thofe  who  have  been  his  inftruments  in  murdering  the  innocent.  They  who  debauch  men’s  confciences  will  find  the  effifCv,  •,  .  - - ^ - 
 
 makes  men  fpintlefs  cowards,  when  brought  to  a  trial,  they  will  be  always  ready  to  fide  with  the  ftron^eft  •  and  till  ^  u 
 
 them felves,  that  if  poffible,  they  may  cover  their  ffiame.  It  is  common  for  wicked  men  to  lellen  theft  guilt  bv  com  ^  the  ftiadow  of  an  argument,  to  excul 
 
 intimacy  with  finners  involve  us  in  their  punilhment;  and  fucb  as  have  been  inftruments  in  wickednefs  ^  t,  by  comparing  it  with  that  of  others.  Friendfhip  an 
 are  the  judgments  of  God,  even  when  the  executors  aa  wickedly  *  But  it  is  illioding  when  pretended  ^efotm  ‘ r  encouragers.  How  righteoc 
 
 hj^pocrify  and  falfehood  to  accomplifti  it.  They  who  boaft  of  theft  zeal  give  ground  to  fufpea  their  fmcerlS  Andffiou"  h  thi  dl  them  felves  i 
 
 fllh  mu  reft,  cannot  but  approve  what  is  apparently  good,  yet  the  Lord  will  at  laft  difeover  and  nuniffi  theft  L  ^”‘1  “'f  g"‘^*yr  they  carefs  for  their  fe 
 
 heart  «hen  the  wifdom  of  the  ferpent  is  mixed  with  its  poifon  in  our  woi^-  and  wfat  T 
 
 the  fame  time  :  Real  converts  mud  put  away  all  fin  without  referve  How  -wful  will  ho  n..r  rtpte  b  '  of  falfe  worfhip,  yet  cleave  to  another  i 
 
 our  own  by  our  negligence  in  the  fervice  of  God  ^'VZerit^  "r  ? 
 
 orrighteoufnefs.  how  much  more  glorious  the  reward  of  the  diligent  and  faithful  faints!  And  while  GodleSes^ffis  holfnerL?,"uftfte niay  manifeft  bis  lov 
 ance  of  good,  it  becomes  him  to  punifli  every  foul  of  man  tiiat  doth  evil.  «iimes  nis  noiinels  and  juftice,  by  rewarding  every  appeal 
 
Jehoash  reigneth  icell. 
 
 11.  KINGS. 
 
 Jiaxael  is  diverted  Jrom  Jerusalem,  8^, 
 
 J5efore 
 
 Chrid 
 
 878. 
 
 of  the  guard  to  the  king’s  houfe :  and  he  fat  on  the 
 throne  of  the  kings. 
 
 ,  20  And  all  the  people  of  the  land  rejoiced,  and  the 
 
 city  was  in  quiet :  and  they  slew  Athaliah  with  the 
 I'word  beside  the  king’s  houfe. 
 
 21  Seven  years  old  voas  Jehoaflh  when  he  began  to 
 
 reign. 
 
 CHAP.  XII. 
 
 a  2  Chro. 
 S4.  1. 
 
 11  Or, 
 
 holy 
 thingii 
 f  Heb. 
 holinesses. 
 t  Heb. 
 the  money 
 the  souls 
 of  his  ejli- 
 mution. 
 
 856. 
 f  Heb. 
 ascendelh 
 upon  the 
 heart  of 
 n  man. 
 fHeb. 
 the  twen¬ 
 tieth  year 
 end  third 
 yar. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 threshold. 
 
 1  Jehoash  reigneth  well  all  the  days  of  Jehoiada  ;  4  he  giveth  order  for  the 
 repair  of  the  temple.  17  Hnxael  is  diverted  from  Jerufalem  by  a  pre¬ 
 sent  of  the  hallowed  treafures,  ^c. 
 
 IN  the  feventh  year  of  Jehu,  *  Jehoalh  began  to 
 reign  ;  and  forty  years  reigned  he  in  Jerufalem : 
 and  his  mother’s  name  teas  Zibia  of  Beer-fheba. 
 
 2  And  Jehoafh  did  that  which  was  right  in  the  fight 
 of  the  Lord  all  his  days  wherein  Jehoiada  the  prieft 
 inftru^ted  him. 
 
 3  But  the  high  places  were  not  taken  away  ;  the 
 people  ftill  facrificed  and  burnt  incenfe  in  the  high 
 places. 
 
 4  f  And  Jehoafh  faid  to  the  priefts.  All  the  money 
 of  the  II  t  dedicated  things  that  is  brought  into  the 
 houfe  of  the  Lord,  even  the  money  of  every  one  that 
 pafleth  the  account,  t  the  money  that  every  man  is  fet 
 at,  and  all  the  money  that  f  cometh  unto  any  man’s 
 heart  to  bring  into  the  houfe  of  the  Lord. 
 
 5  Let  the  priefts,  take  it  to  them,  every  man  of  his 
 acquaintance ;  and  let  them  repair  the  breaches  of 
 the  houfe,  wherefoever  any  breach  fhall  be  found, 
 
 6  But  it  was  so,  that  in  t  the  three  and  twentieth 
 year  of  king  Jehoafh,  the  priefts  had  not  repaired  the 
 breaches  of  the  houfe. 
 
 7  Then  king  Jehoafh  called  for  Jehoiada  the  prieft, 
 and  the  other  priefts,  and  faid  unto  them.  Why  repair 
 ye  not  the  breaches  of  the  houfe  ?  Now  therefore 
 receive  no  more  money  of  your  acquaintance,  but 
 deliver  it  for  the  breaches  of  the  houfe. 
 
 8  And  the  priefts  confented  to  receive  no  more 
 money  of  the  people,  neither  to  repair  the  breaches 
 of  the  houfe. 
 
 9  But  Jehoiada  the  prieft  took  a  cheft,  and  bored 
 a  hole  in  the  lid  of  it,  and  fet  it  befide  the  altar,  on  the 
 right  fide  as  one  cometh  into  the  houfe  of  the  Lord  : 
 and  the  priefts  that  kept  the  f  door  put  therein  all 
 the  money  that  was  brought  into  the  houfe  of  the 
 Lord. 
 
 having  fo  little  kindnefs  for  her  that  they  fuffored  her  to  be  slain  without  any  op- 
 pofition. 
 
 ^^I’t.ANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XII.  Ver.  2.  And  Jehoash  did  that 
 which  was  right — all  his  days  wherein  Jehoiada — injlrublcd  him.  We  find,  that 
 after  the  death  of  this  good  man,  the  king  fell  into  idolatry,  and  even  slew  the  fon 
 of  Jehoiada  only  for  reproving  him  for  it,  eCliro.  xxiv.  Ver.  4.  The  money  that 
 every  man  is  set  at.  Or,  the  money  which  every  man,  who  had  avowed  to*  God 
 was  to  pay,  by  the  efiimation  that  the  prieft  ftiould  make  for  his  eftimation.  The 
 words  in  the  Hebrew  are,  <  the  money  of  a  man  w  hofe  taxation  is  the  money  of  his 
 loul;’  that  is,  who  is  taxed  with  fuch  a  fum  of  money,  whereby  his  foul  might  be 
 
 up. 
 
 10  And  it  was  so,  when  they  faw  that  there  was  much 
 I  money  in  the  eheft,  that  the  king’s  U  fcribe,  and  the 
 
 high  prieft  came  up,  and  they  f  put  up  in  bags,  and  > — 
 told  the  money  that  was  found  in  the  houfe  of  tfieii  Or, 
 
 T  fecrelary 
 
 Lord.  -i 
 
 11  And  they  gave  the  money,  being  told,  into  the^„^,^  ; 
 hands  of  them  that  did  the  work,  that  had  the  over- 
 fight  of  the  houfe  of  the  Lord  :  and  they  f  laid  it  out  t  ^eb. 
 to  the  carpenters  and  builders  that  wrought  upon  thej^^  ^  “ 
 houfe  of  the  Lord. 
 
 12  And  to  mafons,  and  hewers  of  ftone,  and  to  buy 
 timber  and  hewed  Ifone  to  repair  the  breaches  of 
 
 the  houfe  of  the  Lord,  and  for  all  that  -f  was  laid  out  t  Heb. 
 for  the  houfe  to  repair  it. 
 
 13  Howbeit  there  were  not  made  for  the  houfe  of 
 the  Lord  bowls  of  filver,  fnuffers,  bafons,  trumpets, 
 any  veflels  of  gold,  or  veffels  of  filver,  of  the  money 
 that  was  brought  into  the  houfe  of  the  Lord  : 
 
 14  But  they  gave  that  to  the  workmen,  and  repaired 
 therewith  the  houfe  of  the  Lord. 
 
 15  Moreover  they  reckoned  not  with  the  men  into 
 whofe  hand  they  delivered  the  money  to  be  beftowed 
 on  workmen  :  for  they  dealt  faithfully. 
 
 16  The  trefpafs-money,  and  fin-money  was  not 
 brought  into  the  houfe  of  the  Lord  :  it  was  the  priefts. 
 
 17  H  Then  Hazael  king  of  Syria  went  up,  and  fought  84a 
 againft  Gath,  and  took  it :  and  Hazael  fet  his  face  to 
 
 go  up  to  Jerufalem. 
 
 18  And  Jehoafh  king  of  Judah  took  all  the  hallow¬ 
 ed  things  that  Jehofhaphat,  and  Jehorara,  and  Ahazi- 
 ah,  his  fathers,  kings  of  Judah  had  dedicated,  and  his 
 own  hallowed  things,  and  all  the  gold  that  was  found 
 in  the  treafures  of  the  houfe  of  the  Lord,  and  in  the 
 king’s  houfe,  and  fent  it  to  Hazael  king  of  Syria  ;  and 
 he  t  went  away  from  Jerufalem. 
 
 19  II  And  the  reft  of  the  afts  of  Joafb,  and  all  that’^^” 
 he  did,  are  tbey.not  written  in  the  book  of  the  Chro¬ 
 nicles  of  the  kings  of  Judah  ? 
 
 20  And  his  fervants  arofe,  and  made  a  confpiracy,  ssg. 
 
 and  slew  Joafh  in  |i  the  houfe  of  Millo,  which  goeth  |l  Or,' 
 down  to  Silla.  Beth¬ 
 
 el  For  Jozachar  the  fon  of  Shimeath,  and  Jehoza-’”'^^*’" 
 
 bad  the  Ion  of  Shomer,  his  fervants,  fmote  him,  and  he 
 died  ;  and  they  buried  him  with  his  fathers  in  the 
 city  of  David  :  and  Araaziah  his  fon  reigned  in  his 
 ftead.f 
 
 freed  from  the  vow  wherewith  he  had  bound  himfelf.  Ver.  17.  Set  his  face.  He 
 made  preparations  for  that  purpofe,  or  as  the  Syriac  renders  it,  <  he  propofed  to  go 
 up.’  Ver.  21.  Jozachai~.ind  Jehozob.id — his  servants,  s/note  him,  and  he  died. 
 Thefe  two  murderers.  (  Hongrel  fellows,  whofe  fathers  were  Jews,  but  their  mothers 
 aliens)  perhaps  were  of  his  bed  chamber,  and  having  conftant  accels  to  the  king, 
 might  more  eafily  accomplilh  their  defign.  However  he  was  fo  weak  and  feeble, 
 that  he  could  make  no  refiftance  ;  and  bad  fallen  into  that  contempt  and  difefteem 
 that  his  guards  minded  not  what  became  of  him — a  leflbn  to  future  kings  to  take 
 care  whom  they  truft. 
 
 affeaions  ;  and  men  would  be  devils  incarnate 
 
 tinners  triumnh  in  of  God.  Wnat  terrible  rum  does  the  introduaion  of  one  wicked  woman  fometimes  produce  in  a  family  or  nation  f  However 
 
 oysEtvA^iitf “  'ft"-  ““  cr.'™.’  s:  r"' "" 
 
 •b.  .0  ^ .n“ tsr ,h.r „7.S  rGod"”  «,d  ”  F  li  7”^  '7, 
 
 own  accord,  too  often  makes  even  good  men  to  ftop  ftiort  How  orpat  an  -j  i  ■  r  .i,  ’  •  i  hopes  that  corruption  will  die  awav  of  its 
 
 How  hopeful  is  it,  when  liberality,  in  contributing  for  facred  purpLs,  meets  rthTrudeLraTfid’elhTiu“t^^^^^  ’ 
 
 excited  to  good  by  the  influence  of  others,  their  wickednefs  geuerrilv  breaks  out  hifl  and  that,  daft  ^  i  .  k  ‘  reftrained  from  evil  or 
 
 marks  of  his  vengeance  on  apoftates,  for  they  chiefly  dilhono^ur  bis  cLfe.  '  ^  ^  '  deftroy  what  they  have  built.  And  God  will  imprint  diftinguifheJ 
 
Jehoahaz  oppressed  hy  Hazael. 
 
 11,  KINGS. 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 cir.  896. 
 
 CHAP.  HIT. 
 
 1  Jehoakoz's  wicked  r«gn.  S  Jehoahaz  opprejpd  hy  Hazael,  it  relieved 
 
 Elishas  death:  JchoasVs  victorl 
 
 hy  prayer  i  8  Joashfucceedeth  him  : 
 boarn  fucceedelh  him, 
 
 10  his  wicked  reign.  12  Jer<y- 
 
 f  Heb. 
 the  twen- 
 tieth  year 
 and  third 
 year. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 walked 
 after. 
 
 cir.  849. 
 
 cir.  842. 
 
 j-  Heb. 
 s'ood. 
 
 IN  t  the  three  and  twentieth  year  of  Joafh  the  Con 
 of  Ahazlah  king  of  Judah,  Jehoahaz  the  fon  of 
 Jehu  began  to  reign  ewer  Ifrael  in  Samaria,  and  reign- 
 ed  feventeen  years. 
 
 2  And  he  d:d  that  •aehick  xsas  evil  in  the  fight  of  the 
 Lord,  and  f  followed  the  fins  of  Jeroboam  the  foo 
 of  Nebat,  which  made  Ifrael  to  fin  ;  he  departed  not 
 therefrom. 
 
 3  ^  And  the  anger  of  the  Lord  was  kindled  againft 
 Ifrael  :  and  he  delivered  them  into  the  hand  of  Hazael 
 king  of  Syria,  and  into  the  hand  of  Ben-hadad  the 
 fon  of  Hazael  all  their  days. 
 
 4  And  Jehoahaz  befought  the  Lord,  and  the  Lord 
 hearkened  unto  him  ;  for  he  faw  the  oppreflion  of 
 llfael,  becaufe  the  king  of  Syria  opprefTed  them. 
 
 5  (And  the  Lord  gave  Ifrael  a  faviour,  fo  that  they 
 went  out  from  under  the  hand  of  the  Syrians  ;  and  the 
 fHeb.  children  of  Ifrael  dwelt  in  their  tents,  f  as  beforetime. 
 Ta^Z‘n7  ^  Neverthelefs  they  departed  not  from  the  fins  of 
 tXd°day.^^^  houfe  of  Jeroboam,  who  made  Ifrael  fin,  btii 
 t  Heb.  I  walked  therein:  and  there f  remained  the  grove  alfo 
 hewMed.  jn  Samaria.) 
 
 7  Neither  did  he  leave  of  the  people  to  Jehoahaz, 
 but  fifty  horfemen,  and  ten  chariots,  and  ten  thoufand 
 footmen  ;  for  the  king  of  Syria  had  deftroyed  them, 
 and  had  made  them  like  the  dufl  by  thrafhing. 
 
 8  ^  Now  the  reft  of  the  a£fs  of  Jehoahaz,  and  all 
 that  he  did,  and  his  might,  are  they  not  written  in  the 
 book  of  the  Cnronicles  of  the  kings  of  Ifrael  ? 
 
 9  And  Jehoahaz  flept  v.?ith  his  fathers,  and  they 
 buried  him  in  Samaria  :  and  Joalh  his  fon  reigned  in 
 his  ftead.* 
 
 10  ^  In  the  thirty  and  feventh  year  of  Joafli  king  of 
 fort  with  Judah  began  ||  Jehoalh  the  Ion  of  Jehoahaz  to  reign 
 insfather.  over  Ifrael  in  Samaria,  at^d  reigned  fixteen  years. 
 
 1 1  And  he  did  that  'which  was  evil  in  the  fight  of  the 
 Lord  ;  he  departed  not  from  all  the  fins  of  Jeroboam 
 the  fon  of  Nebat,  who  made  Ifrael  fin  :  he  walked 
 
 therein, 
 
 12  And  the  reft  of  the  a£l:s  of  Joafh,  and  all  that 
 he  did,  and  his  might  wherewith  he  fought  againft 
 Amaziah  king  of  Judah,  are  they  not  written  in  the 
 book  of  the  Chronicles  of  the  kings  of  Ifrael  ? 
 
 13  And  Joafh  flept  w'ith  his  fathers :  and  Jeroboam 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XIII.  Ver.  I.  In  the  three  and  twen¬ 
 tieth  year.  There  is  feme  difficulty  in  this  account;  becaufe  Joaffi  began  to  reign 
 in  the  feventh  year  of  Jehu,  who  reigned  only  twenty-eight  years,  from  which 
 if  feven  years  be  deducted,  there  remain  but  twenty-one  inftcacl  of  twenty-tliree. 
 Some  therefore  fupnofe,  that  there  were  two  incomplete  years,  but  only  twenty- 
 one  perfedl  ;  and  others  that  there  was  an  interregnum  of  a  year  between  the 
 death  of  Jehu  and  the  firft  of  Jehoahaz.  Ver.  5.  The  Lord  gave  Israel  a  i  iviour. 
 This  feems  to  be  the  fon  of  Jehoahaz,  who  was  properly  joint  lovereign  wuth 
 his  father  ;  for  we  read,  that  when  Hazael  was  dead  he  delivered  them  from 
 their  bondage.  Ver.  10.  In  the  thirtieth  and  seventh  year.  This  confirms  what 
 has  been  obferved  in  the  preceding  note,  that  he  reigned  with  his  father  ;  for 
 otherwife  he  mull  have  begun  his  reign  in  the  thirt}'- ninth  or  fortieth  year  of 
 Joafh  king  of  Judah.  Ver.  14.  A'oia  Elisha  was  fallen  sick.  Ihe  Jews  tell  us 
 that  this  happened  in  the  tenth  year  of  Joafh  ;  and  therefore,  as  Elifha  began 
 his  miffion  in  the  nineteenth  year  of  Jehofhaphat,  he  had  continued  fitty-five 
 years  a  prophet  in  Ifrael.  The  chariot  of  Ifrael.  Thefe  are  the  very  fame  words 
 •which  Elifha  ufed  concerning  his  mafler  Elijah,  when  he  was  taken  up  into 
 heaven  ;  and  fignify  the  great  authority  which  he  bad  maintained  among  them 
 included  in  the  ward  father,  and  the  many  glorious  vidlories  which  he  had  ob- 
 
 839. 
 
 *  Alone. 
 841. 
 
 |]  In  con- 
 
 Chap. 
 14.  1. 
 
 'es, 
 
 (at  upon  his  throne  :  and  Joafh  was  buried  in  Samaria  Before 
 with  the  kings  of  Ifrael.  ciuid 
 
 14  H  Now  Elftha  was  fallen  fick  of  his  ficknefs  where- 
 or  he  died.  And  Joafh  the  king  of  Krael  came  down 
 unto  him,  and  wept  over  his  (ace,  and  faid,  O  my 
 father,  my  father  I  the  chariot  of  ifrael,  and  the  horfe- 
 men  thereof ! 
 
 15  And  Elifha  faid  unto  him,  Take  bow  and  ar¬ 
 rows  ;  and  he  took  unto  him  bow  and  arrows. 
 
 16  And  he  faid  unto  the  king  of  Ifrael,  tPut  thine 
 hand  upon  the  bow:  and  he  put  his  hand  upon  it 
 
 I  and  Elifha  put  his  hands  upon  the  king’s  hands.  to7iul^ 
 
 I  17  And  he  faid,  Open  the  window  eaftward  ;  and 
 he  opened  rV.  ^  Then  Elifha  faid,  Shoot :  and  he  fhor. 
 
 And  he  faid,  The  arrow  of  the  Lord’s  deliverance, 
 and  the  arrow  of  deliverance  from  Syria:  for  thou 
 ;  fhalt  fmite  the  Syrians  in  Aphek,  till  thou  have  con- 
 fumed  them. 
 
 18  And  he  faid,  Take  the  arrows  ;  and  he  took  themi. 
 
 And  he  faid  unto  the  king  of  Ifrael,  Smite  upon  the 
 ground  :  and  he  fmote  thrice,  and  flayed, 
 j  19  And  the  man  of  God  was  wroth  with  him,  and 
 j  faid.  Thou  fhouldeft  have  fmitren  five  or  fix  times, 
 
 I  then  hadft  thou  fmitten  Syria  till  thou  hadft  confnmed 
 i  it :  whereas  now  thou  fhalt  fmite  Syria  but  thrice. 
 
 !  20  •[[  And  Elifha  died,  and  they  buried  him.  And  cir.  ssj, 
 
 I  the  bands  of  the  Moabites  invaded  the  land  at  the 
 I  coming  in  of  the  year. 
 
 2 1  And  it  came  to  pafs,  as  they  were  burying  a  man, 
 that,  behold,  they  fpied  a  band  of  men ;  and  they  cafl 
 the  man  into  the  fepulchre  of  Elifha  ;  and  when  the 
 man  t  was  let  down,  and  touched  the  bones  of  Elifha,!  Heb. 
 
 ^  he  revived,  and  flood  up  on  his  feet. 
 
 22  ^  But  Hazael  king  of  Syria  opprefTed  Ifrael  all  f^Eccius. 
 
 the  days  of  Jehoahaz.  43.  ii  ' 
 
 23  And  the  Lord  was  gracious  unto  them,  and 
 
 had  compaffion  on  them,  and  had  refpe^f  unto  them, 
 becaufe  of  his  covenant  with  Abraham,  Ifaac,  and  Ja¬ 
 cob,  and  would  not  deftr.oy  them,  neither  cafl  he  them 
 from  his  t  prefence  as  yet.  !,«**’* 
 
 24'  So  Hazael  king  of  Syria  died  ;  and  Ben-hadad  Jr* 833. 
 his  fon  reigned  in  his  ftead.  f  Heb. 
 
 25  And  Jehoafh  the  fon  of  Jehoahaz  t  took  again 
 out  of  the  hand  of  Ben-hadad,  the  fon  of  Hazael,  thej”jg35‘ 
 cities  which  he  had  taken  out  of  the  hand  of  Jehoahaz 
 his  father  by  war:  three  times  did  Joafh  beat  him, 
 and  recovered  the  cities  of  Ifrael.* 
 
 825. 
 
 tained  for  them  by  the  efficacy  of  his  counfels  and  prayers.  Ver.  15.  Take 
 and  arrows.  This  was  an  information  by  a(5lion,  whereby  the  prophet  informed 
 the  king  of  the  vitflory  which  be  ffiould  gain  over  the  Syrians,  to  confole  hint 
 on  account  of  his  own  approaching  death.  His  (hooting  the  arrow  eaftward, 
 was  explained  by  the  prophet  to  fignify  his  deliverance  from  the  Syrians; 
 and  his  ordering  him  to  (hoot  the  other  arrows  againft  the  ground,  had  not  the 
 king  been  very  dull  of  apprehenfion,  or  very  far  gone  in  infidelity,  rauft  have  been 
 underftood  by  him  to  fignify  a  repetition  of  thefe  vitSloiies.  To  (iop,  therefore, 
 when  he  knew  beforehand  what  his  adlion  meant,  was  an  inftance  of  the  higheft 
 degree  of  fupinenefs  ;  and,  as  fucb,  juftiy  excited  the  indignation  of  the  prophet, 
 who  could  not  but  grieve  at  the  calamities  which  threatened  his  country  on  ac¬ 
 count  of  the  incredulity  or  remiffnefs  of  their  king.  Ver.  21.  He  revived,  and 
 stood  up  on  his  feet.  In  order  to  reclaim  the  Ifraelites,  when  funk  in  idolatry, 
 prophets  were  fucceffively  fent  by  the  Lord.  To  effecl  the  fame  end,  this  flu* 
 pendous  miracle  was  wrought  at  this  juncture,  which  feems  likewife  to  have  had 
 a  further  defign,  worthy  ef  the  gracious  interpofal  of  Providence  ;  which  was 
 to  remind  the  Ifraelites  of  the  confequences  of  their  Idolatry,  and  the  good  effects 
 \  wijich  would  refult  from  their  converfion. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.-*  Chap.  XIII.]  Behold  here  a  ftriking  inftance  of  the  corruption  of  human  nature  !  When  falfe  worfhip  hath  ^ 
 its 'roots  deep  in  a  nation,  nothing  but  Omnipotence  can  extirp.nte  it:  but  thofe  who  make  themfelves  patrons  of  vice,  God  will  make  examples  of  his  ven„ 
 
II.  KINGS. 
 
 irw 
 
 a  2  Chro 
 83.  1. 
 
 ^maziah's  victory  over  Edom,  ^x. 
 
 Before  CHAP.  XIV. 
 
 Oirift  I  Amnxiah'i  good  rei^n ;  5  hu  justice  on  the  murderers  of  his  father; 
 cir.  839.  7  /,«  viHory  over  Edom.  8  Amaziah.  provoking  J  hoash,  is  overcome 
 
 and  spoiled.  \6  Jerohoam  succeedeth  J  honsh.  17  Amaziah  is  slain 
 bij  a  conspiracy ;  21  Azariah  succeedeth  him,  23  Jeroboam's  wicked 
 reign,  tJ'C. 
 
 N  the  fecond  year  of  Joafh  fon  of  Jehoahaz  king 
 _  of  Ifrael,  reigned  “  Amaziah  the  ion  of  Joalh  king 
 of  Jndan. 
 
 2  He  was  twenty  and  five  years  old  when  he  began 
 to  reign  and  reigned  twenty  and  nine  years  in  Jeru- 
 fale;Ti :  and  his  mother’s  name  was  Jehoaddan  of  Jeru- 
 falem. 
 
 3  And  he  did  t//dt  which  was  right  in  the  fight  of 
 the  Lord,  yet  not  like  David  his  father;  he  did  ac¬ 
 cording  to  all  things  as  Joafn  his  father  did. 
 
 4  Howbeit  the  high  places  were  not  taken  away ; 
 as  yet  the  people  did  facrifice  and  burn  incenfe  on 
 the  high-places. 
 
 5  II  And  it  came  to  pafs,  as  foon  as  the  kingdom 
 was  confirmed  in  his  hand,  that  he  flew  his  fervants 
 
 which  had  flain  the  king  his  father.  i 
 
 6  But  the  children  of  the  murderers  he  flew  not :  | 
 according  unto  that  which  is  written  in  the  book  of  the  i 
 law  of  Mofes,  wherein  the  Lord  commanded,  faying,  | 
 <=  The  fathers  fhali  not  be  put  to  death  for  the  children,  j 
 
 24. 16.  cor  the  children  be  put  to  death  for  the  fathers  ;  but 
 every  man  (hall  he  put  to  death  for  his  own  fin.  i 
 
 7  ^  He  fl'^w  of  Edom  in  the  valley  of  Salt  ten  thou- 1 
 faod,  and  took  H  Selah  by  war,  and  called  the  name 
 of  it  Joktheel  unto  this  day. 
 
 8  1}  Then  Amaziah  feut  meflengers  to  Jehoafli  the 
 fon  of  Jehoahaz,  Ion  of  Jehu,  king  of  Ifrael,  laying, 
 Come,  let  us  look  one  another  in  the  face. 
 
 9  And  Jehoafh  the  king  of  Ifrael  lent  to  Amaziah 
 king  of  Judah,  faying,  Tne  thiftle  that  was  in  Lebanon  | 
 lent  to  the  cedar  that  was  in  Lebanon,  faying,  Give  thy 
 daughter  to  ray  fon  to  wife :  and  there  paiTed  bv  a  I, 
 wild  beaft  that  was  in  Lebanon,  and  trode  down  the 
 thiftle. 
 
 He  is  slain  hy  a  conspiracy. 
 
 b  Chap. 
 
 12.  20. 
 
 ■  Deut. 
 
 18  20. 
 
 827. 
 
 II  <)■•. 
 
 The  rock. 
 cir.  826. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XIV.  Ver.  3.  Not  like  Bavil  ;—he 
 dill  according  to  all  things  ns  Joafh.  The  contrail  between  the  charatSler  of  David 
 anil  Joalh  confided  in  thefe  particulars;  David  was  a  rigid  obferver  of  the  law 
 during  his  whole  life  ;  but  Joalh,  though  he  began  his  reign  well,  violated  the  law 
 in  the  clofe  of  it.  David  was  an  inveterate  enemy  to  idolatry  ;  but  Joafh  pradlifeJ 
 it  after  the  lofs  of  his  tutor  and  counfellor  Jehoiada.  D avid  paid  the  greatell 
 deference  to  Ihofe  who  were  inveded  with  the  prophetic  office;  but  Joafh  put 
 Zechariah  to  death.  David  was  reclaimed  by  the  remondrances  of  Nathan  ; 
 but  Juafli  turned  a  deaf  ear  to  the  divine  menaces.  David  wordtipped  God  at 
 the  tabernacle,  the  place  appointed  by  the  Deity;  but  Joalh  perfided  iti  the  in¬ 
 novation  made  by  Jeroboam,  and  continued  the  cudom  of  worfliipping  at 
 Beth-cl,  Ac.  To  conclude  tiiis  contrad  ;  David  abdained  from  idols  ;  but  Joalh 
 Hill  worfhipped  the  calves,  and  added  to  them  the  adoration  of  all  the  falfo  gods 
 of  the  neighbouring  countries.  Ver.  7.  And  took  Selah  by  war,  Selah,  in  the 
 Hebrew  figmfies  a  rock,  and  anfwers  to  the  Greek  word  Petra;  whence  mod 
 commentators  agree,  that  this  is  the  fame  with  Petra,  tlie  metropolis  of  Arabia 
 Petraja,  named  fro  n  its  fitiiation  on  a  rock;  the  adjacent  tra6l  was  called  Arabia 
 Petr;ea,  from  its  being  full  of  rocks.  Jo.'Jheel.  He  gave  it  this  name,  which 
 fignilies,  obedience  to  God,  in  remembrance  of  his  having  obliged  the  inhabitants  to 
 obferve  the  laws  and  datutes  of  Mnfes.  Ver.  8.  Let  i/s  look  one  another  in  the 
 face.  Amaziah  being  encouraged  by  his  late  viiflory,  determined  to  be  revenged 
 for  th,  fl.ioghter  of  his  ancedors  by  J.lui,  2  Kings  ix.  and  for  the  late  fpoil  which 
 the  Ifraelites  had  made  in  his  country  ;  and  therefore  rtfolvintr  to  have  fatisfac- 
 
 10  Thou  haft  Indeed  i’niltfen  Edom,  and  thine  heart 
 hath  lifted  thee  up:  glory  of  this,  and  tarry  t  ar  home  ; 
 
 for  why  fhouldelt  thou  meddle  to  thy  hurt,  that  thou  w 
 Ihouldeft  fall,  even  thou,  and  Judah  with  thee^  ruI/V/,?’ 
 
 11  Bur  Amaziah  would  not  hear:  therefore  K'hoalh 
 king  of  Ifrael  went  up  ;  and  he  and  Amaziah  king  of 
 Judah  looked  one  another  in  the  face  at  Beth-flieniefb, 
 which  belons^eth  to  Judah. 
 
 12  And  Judah  t  was  put  to  the  worfe  before  Ifrael, 
 and  they  fled  every  man  to  their  tents. 
 
 13  And  Jehoafh  king  of  Ifrael  took  Amaziah  king 
 of  Judah,  the  Ion  of  Jehoafh,  the  fon  of  Anaziah,  at 
 Beth-fhemefh,  and  came  to  Jerufalem,  and  brake 
 down  the  wall  of  Jerufalem,  from  the  gate  of  Ephraim 
 unto  the  corner-gate,  four  hundred  cubits. 
 
 14  And  he  took  all  the  gold  and  filver,  and  all  the 
 veflels  thai  were  found  in  the  houfe  of  the  Lord,  and 
 in  the  ireafores  of  the  king’s  houfe,  and  hoftages,  and 
 returned  to  Samaria. 
 
 15  H  Now  the  reft  of  the  a<fts  of  Jehoafh  which  he 
 did,  and  his  might,  and  how  he  fought  with  Am  -ziah 
 king  of  Judah,  are  they  not  written  in  the  t>ook  of  the 
 Chronicles  of  the  kings  of  Kratl  ? 
 
 16  And  Jehoafh  ft  pt  with  his  fathers,  and  was 
 buried  in  Samaria  with  the  kings  of  Ifrael ;  and  Jero¬ 
 boam  his  fon  reigned  in  his  ftead. 
 
 J7  H  And  Amaziah,  the  fon  of  Joafh  king  of  Judah 
 lived  after  the  death  of  Jehoafh,  fon  of  Jehoahaz  king 
 of  Ifrael,  fifteen  years. 
 
 18  And  the  reft  of  the  a^fs  of  Amaziah,  are  they 
 not  written  in  the  book  of  the  Chronicles  of  tne  kings 
 of  Judah.? 
 
 19  Now  ^  they  made  a  confpiracy  againft  him  in‘>2Chro. 
 Jerufalem:  and  he  ft  d  to  Lachifh  ;  but  they  f  nt^^'" 
 after  him  to  Lachifh,  and  ft  w  him  there. 
 
 20  And  they  brought  him  on  hoifes  ;  and  he  was  84o. 
 buried  at  Jerufalem  with  his  fathers  in  the  city  of  ® 
 
 ,s.  26  J  he 
 
 Uavid-  ^  is  called 
 
 21  H  And  all  the  people  of  Judah  took  '  Azaiiah,  uzzmh. 
 
 tion,  but  in  a  fair  and  honourable  vvay,  he  fent  them  this  open  declaration  of 
 war,  but  conceived  in  as  mild  terms  as  any  thing  of  that  harfli  nature  could  be. 
 Ver.  9.  The  histle  that  was  in  Lebanon.  It  was  a  cuiloin  among  the  oriental 
 people  to  deliver  their  fentiinents  in  parables,  in  wliich  they  made  a  great  part 
 of  their  wifdom  to  confill  ;  and,  confidering  the  cipcunifl,.vnces  of  the  porfon 
 whom  he  addreffed,  who  was  a  petty  prince,  fluflied  with  a  litt'e  good  fucci  fs, 
 and  thereupon  impatient  to  enlarge  his  kingdom  and  fancying  himfelf  invinci¬ 
 ble,  no  ficnilitude  could  be  better  adapted  than  that  of  a  thiftle,  a  low  couteinoti  - 
 ble  fliurb,  but  upon  its  having  drawn  blood  of  fome  traveller,  growing  proud,  .and 
 aff'dling  an  equality  with  the  cedar,  (a  tall  dately  tree,  that  is  the  pride  and  or¬ 
 nament  of  tlie  wood,  a  fit  emblem  of  a  powerful  prince,)  till,  in  the  mid 9  of 
 ali  its  arrogance  and  prefumptioo,  it  is  uniiappily  troddi  n  down  by  the  bea  s  of 
 the  foreft  ;  which  Joafh  intimates  would  be  Amaziah’s  fate,  if  he  continued  to 
 provoke  a  princ  of  his  fuporior  power  and  ftrength  A  late  writer  jullly  ob- 
 ferves,  that  this  epilogue,  for  gallantry  of  fpiiit,  and  delicacy  of  wit,  for  poignan¬ 
 cy  of  fatire,  ami  propriety  of  application,  has  feiJem  been  equalled,  pernaps 
 never  exceeded.  \'er.  14.  Too’, — hostages.  Thefe  hoftages  were,  in  all  probani- 
 lity,  the  great  men’s  fotis  of  the  c;ty,  whom  Joafh  took  along  with  him,  as  a  t'ecu- 
 rity  that  the  kingdom  of  Judah  (liould  give  him  no  further  molefl  ition.  Ver. 
 19.  They  made  a  conspiracy.  What  provoked  tlie  people  of  Jerufalem  mere  than 
 any  otiier  part  of  the  nation  agaiull  their  king,  was,  their  feeing  their  city  fpoiled 
 of  its  bell  ornaments,  expofed  to  reproach,  upon  account  of  the  great  breach 
 that  was  made  in  their  wall,  and  feveral  of  their  children  carried  away  as  hof- 
 
 Ile  is  how. ver  Rill  le.dy  to  hear  the  prayers  of  his  difircffed  people  :  and  his  mercy  abounds  to  the  chief  of  finners.  But  they,  who  after  boUi  iud.r  „ents  and  m-rev 
 continue  in  tf.eir  fins,  have  reafon  at  lad  to  dread  judgment  without  mercy.  How  fovereignly  does  God  magnify  his  fervanti  or  render  them  ohRu  e  as  be  oleafes  ' 
 an  what  diverfihed  forms  they  leave  this  world  !  S  icli  ardent  marks  of  his  favour  -  ^  ' -  •  p  •  • 
 
 traies  or  others  are  confliuined  to  honour  them,  and 
 
 and  image  are  iinpr.  li'ed  on  fome  of  his  miniflers  r  faints,  that  even  wicked  m.auif. 
 
 ,  1  r  ■  ur  I  •  .  ‘heir  lo!V  The  dcath-beds  of  diflinguifhed  fervants  of  God  are  ufefiii  fchools  of  important  inllruaion  • 
 
 but  the  removal  of  the  few  faithful  is  a  great  weakening  to  theulefcnce  of  .a  nation  :  And  their  ofs  is  feit,  who  whet,  alive  were  negleaed  God  himfelf,  however 
 3.1(17x00^  f''  r  d'-’hverer  ;  and,  when  Ins  everlalt.ng  arms  are  employed  in  oi.r  favour,  nothing  can  injure  or  withlland  us.  But,  alas !  our  confined  def.res 
 Rr  an,  ?  f  "  '^e  improve  not  the  offers  and  advantages  which  God  puts  into  0.1.  hands,  and  often  we  wrieve  him  aud  his 
 
 Rrvams,  by  lof.ng  our  mercies  for  want  of  defire  to  obtain  them.  The  death  of  God’s  eminent  fervants  is  frequently  marked  with  tokens  of  wrath  a-Ainft  the^  ciiurch 
 or  nation.  And  even  vidlory  over  one  enemy  is  often  attended  with  trouble  from  another  ;  but  what  bleff.ngs  are'  good  men,  by  their  former  examnle  inffruiUofs’ 
 and  prayers,  even  after  they  are  dead  !  How  fuddenly  is  the  fate  of  the  mod  povrerful  nation  reverfed  when  the  Lord  pieaRs  '  ^  ^ 
 
 No.  24.. ..66/.  5  D 
 
Jcfohoam  s  icic/ced  reign,  jj 
 
 M  '■f oW,  and  made  him  king  in- 
 
 aio.  “ead  ot  his  father  Araaziah. 
 
 reftored  it  to  Judah,  after 
 835.  that  the  king  flept  with  his  fathers. 
 
 ^e^gTnMo  ll'A  ^™3ziah  the  fon  of 
 
 reign  ^  ° Jadah,_  Jeroboam  the  fon  of  Joalh  king 
 
 •lone,  o  rae  began  to  reign  in  Samaria,  and  reigned  forty 
 and  one  years.  ^  '■y 
 
 24  And  he  did  that  xxihick  veas  evil  in  the  fight  of  the 
 IjOrd  .  he  departed  not  from  all  the  fins  of  Jeroboam 
 the  Ion  Or  Nebat,  who  made  Ifrael  to  fin, 
 
 ^  He  rettored  the  coalt  ot  Ifrael,  from  the  entering  ' 
 or  Hati^th  unto  the  lea  of  the  plain,  according  to  the  I 
 f  MnMi,  of  the  Lord  God  of  Ifrael,  which  he  fpake  by  I 
 
 12.39,*  hand  of  his  fervant  Uonah,  the  fon  of  Amittai,  | 
 
 4a  called  the  prophet,  which  was  of  Gath-hepher. 
 
 AzariaVs  death;  Jotham  succeedeth 
 
 ‘iii. 
 
 Jonas. 
 
 26  For  the  Lord  faw  the  affliaion  of  Ifrael,  that  it 
 xvas  very  bitter :  for  there  was  not  any  fhut  up,  nor 
 any  left,  nor  any  helper  for  Ifrael. 
 
 27  And  the  Lord  faid  not  that  he  would  blot  out 
 the  name  of  Ifrael  from  under  heaven  :  but  he  faved 
 them  by  the  hand  of  Jeroboam  the  fon  of  Joafh. 
 
 28  f  Now  the  reft  of  the  ads  of  Jeroboam,  and  all 
 •  After  he  did,  and  his  might,  how  he  warred,  and  how 
 an  inter-  he  recovered  Damafcus,  and  Hamath,  which  belonged 
 regnum  to  Judah,  for  Ifrael,  are  they  not  written  in  the  book 
 
 of  the  Chronicles  of  the  kings  of  Ifrael  7 
 ChlJ.  29  And  Jeroboam  flept  with  his  fathers,  evenwxih 
 15.  8.  the  kings  of  Ifrael ;  and  *  Zachariah  his  fon  reigned 
 784.  in  his  ftead.* 
 
 CHAP.  XV. 
 
 1  Azariah't  good  reign;  5  He  dying  a  leper  Jotham  succeedelh.  8  Za. 
 chariah,  the  last  of  Jehus  generation,  reigning  ill,  is  slain  by  Shallum, 
 13  Shallum,  reigning  a  month,  is  slain  by  ilenahem,  ^c. 
 
 IN  the  twenty  and  feventh  year  of  Jeroboam  king 
 of  Ifrael,  began  Azariah  fon  of  Amaziah  king  of 
 
 ct  r.  11 0. 
 
 This  is 
 
 27th  Jndah  to  reign. 
 jerL”  2  Sixteen  years  old  was  he  when  he  began  to  reign  ; 
 beam’s  aod  he  reigned  two  and  fifty  years  in  Jerufalem:  and 
 partner-  his  mother’s  name  was  Jecholiah  of  Jerufalem. 
 the^kin  ^  "dchich  was  right  in  the  fight  of  the 
 
 dom'XhLoRD,  according  to  all  that  his  father  Amaziah  had 
 
 bis  father,  done 
 
 who  made  him  confort  at  bis  going  to  the  Syrian  war.  It  is  the  16th  year  of 
 Jeroboam’s  monarchy. 
 
 ^  high  places  were  not  removed  :  the  Before 
 
 people  lacrificed  and  burnt  incenfe  ftill  on  the  high 
 places.  ®  765 
 
 5  ^  And  the  Lord  fmote  the  king,  fo  that  he  was'"^^ 
 a  leper  unto  the  day  of  his  death,  and  dwelt  in  a  fe- 
 veral  houle  ;  and  Jotham  the  king’s  fon  xvas  over  the 
 houle,  judging  the  people  of  the  land. 
 
 6  And  the  reft  of  the  aas  of  Azariah,  and  all  that 
 he  did,  are  they  not  written  in  the  book  ot  the  Chro¬ 
 nicles  of  the  kings  of  Judah  ? 
 
 7  So  Azariah  flept  with  his  fathers  ;  and  they  bur¬ 
 ned  him  wih  his^  fathers  in  the  city  of  David:  and 
 Jotham  his  fon  reigned  in  his  ftead. 
 
 T  5  1 thirty  and  eighth  year  of  Azariah  king  of 
 Judah  did  Zachariah  the  fon  of  Jeroboam  reign®  over  ^ 
 
 Ifrael  in  Samaria  fix  months.  ^ 
 
 9  And  he  did  that  which  was  evil  in  the  fight  of  the*”‘«fet 
 
 Lord,  as  his  fathers  had  done :  he  departed  not  from"“® 
 the  fins  of  Jeroboam  the  fon  of  Nebat,  who  made  If-v”!" 
 rael  to  fin.  ^ 
 
 10  And  Shallum  the  fon  of  Jabefh  confpired  againftcir.  772 
 
 him,  and  *  fmote  him  before  the  people,  and  flew  him  * 
 and  reigned  in  his  ftead.  '  phefied, 
 
 11  And  the  reft  of  the  afts  of  Zachariah,  behold, 
 they  are  written  in  the  book  of  the  Chronicles  of  the 
 kings  of  Ifrael. 
 
 12  This  was^  the  word  of  the  Lord  which  he  ^  Chap, 
 fpake  unto  Jehu,  faying,  thy  Ions  fhall  fit  on  the^°-®“’ 
 throne  of  Ifrael  unto  the  fourth  generation.  And  fo  it 
 came  to  pafs. 
 
 IS  ^  Shallum  the  fon  of  Jabelh  began  to  reign  in 
 the  nine  and  thirtieth  year  of  ^  Uzziah  king  of  Judah :  b  Mattb. 
 and  he  reigned  t  a  full  month  in  Samaria.  s- 
 
 For  Menahem  the  fon  of  Gadi  went  up  from  ott 
 lirzah,  and  came  to  Samaria,  and  fmote  Shallum  thetHeb! 
 foQ  of  Jabefh  in  Samaria,  and  flew  him,  and  reigned  ^  rnontk 
 in  his  ftead,  ofduy% 
 
 15  And  the  reft  of  the  afts  of  Shallum,  and  his  con- 
 fpiracy  which  he  made,  behold,  they  are  written  in  the 
 book  of  the  chronicles  of  the  kings  of  Ifrael. 
 
 16  f  Then  Menahem  fmote  Tiphfah,  and  all  that  were 
 therein,  and  the  coafts  thereof  from  Tirzah  :  becaufe 
 they  opened  not  to  him  therefore  he  fmote  it ;  and  all 
 the  women  therein  that  were  with  child  he  ripped  up. 
 
 17  In  the  nine  and  thirtieth  year  of  Azariah  king 
 
 tages  for  their  good  behaviour;  all  which  they  imputed  to  their  king’s  mal- 
 adminiftration.  Ver.  25.  By  the  hand  of  his  servant  Jonah.  The  only  mention 
 we  have  of  this  prophet  is  in  this  paffage,  and  the  account  of  his  famous  million 
 to  Nineveh. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XV.  Ver.  1,  In  the  twenty  and  seventh 
 year.  Commentators  have  taken  a  great  deal  of  pains  to  reconcile  a  feeming 
 contradi<5tion  in  this  computation.  For  if  Amaziah  the  father  of  Azariah  lived 
 no  more  than  fiften  years  after  the  beginning  of  Jeroboam^s  reign,  then  Aha- 
 ziab  mull  begin  his,  not  in  the  twenty- feventh,  but  if  he  fucceeded  his  father 
 immediately,  in  the  fixteenth,  or  rather  hfteeutb  of  Jereboam  ;  it  is  therefore 
 fuppofed  that  there  was  an  interregnum,  wherein  the  throne  was  vacant  eleven 
 or  twelve  years,  between  the  death  of  Amaziah  and  the  inauguration  of  his  fon 
 Azariah,  who  was  placed  on  the  throne  of  bis  ancellors  in  the  twenty-feventh 
 year  of  Jeroboam.  Ver,  5.  Smote  the  king  so  that  he  was  a  leper.  The  caufe  of 
 this  punilhment  is  related,  2  Chron.  sxvi.  16,  &c.  It  appears  from  thence,  that 
 it  was  infli(5led  as  a  punilhment  for  intruding  himfelf  into  the  priell’s  office, 
 
 772. 
 
 and  it  was  perfeaiy  well  calculated  to  convince  him  of  his  crime,  as  it  rendered 
 him  incapable  of  attending  at  public  worlhip  for  the  future.  Ver.  12.  Thy 
 sons  shall  sit.  God  has  promifed  Jehu,  that  for  executing  his  will  upon  the  houfe 
 of  Ahab,  he  would  continue  the  crown  of  Ifrael  in  his  family  for  four  gene¬ 
 rations;  and  accordingly  Jehoabaz,  Joalh,  Jeroboam,  and  Zachariah,  fuceeded 
 him ;  but  becaufe  he  did  it  not  fo  much  in  obedience  to  the  divine  command, 
 as  to  fatisfy  hia  private  and  ambiiious  views,  and  in  a  method  of  cruelty  quite 
 abhorrent  to  the  divine  nature,  God  cut  his  family  Ihort,  as  foon  as  he  bad  ful¬ 
 filled  his  promife  to  him,  and  thereby  accompliflied  the  prophecy  of  Hofea, 
 “  I  will  avenge  the  blood  of  Jezreel  upon  the  houfe  of  Jehu,  and  will  caufe  to 
 ceafe  the  kingdom  of  the  houfe  of  Ifrael,”  chap,  i.  4.  and  perhaps  it  was  the  remem¬ 
 brance  of  this  prophecy,,  which  gave  the  kingdom  to  Jehu’s  pollerity  during  four 
 generations  only,  that  encouraged  Shallum  to  attempt  the  life  of  Zachariah.  Ver. 
 16.  Tiphsah  was  not  far  from  Tirz  ih,  which  ftood  in  the  tribe  of  Ephraim,  and  was 
 for  a  confiderable  time  the  capital  of  the  kingdom  of  Ifrael.  By  the  abominable 
 cruelty  which  Menahem  exercifed  here,  be  thought  to  terrify  the  whole  kingdom. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XIV.]  It  is  not  lefs  dangerous  than  eafy  to  be  a  formalift  in  religion. — But  God  tries  theheart,  and  will  render 
 to  every  one  according  to  bis  woiks.  How  fhort  lived  is  the  profperity  of  traitors  and  murderers!  Vain  minds  are  proud  of  little,  and  even  of  what  they  do  not 
 poffefs  ;  and  in  ignorance,  prefumption,  and  obftinacy,  they  rejedl  the  bell  advice.  But  others  vvill  be  found  proud  enough  to  mortify  them,  and  llrong  enough  to 
 render  them  miferable.  It  is  extremely  fooliih,  as  well  as  finful  for  the  people  of  God  to  weaken  thcmfelves  before  their  common  enemy  by  their  mutual  conten¬ 
 tions.  They  who  are  lead  fond  of  war  have  generally  the  heft  fuccefs  in  it ;.  and  bad  governors  frequently  raife  diffatisfadlion  and  contention  amonir  their  fubje<Jls> 
 that  iffue  in  their  own  ruin.  To  whatever  refuge  finners  flee,  evil  ffiall  overtake  them.  And  God  lhall  not  fail  to  make  his  providence  exadlly  correfpond  with  bis 
 purpofe  and  word.  Wicked  perfons,  families,  and  nations,  are  often  allowed  a  tranfient  blaze  of  profperity  ere  they  finally  fall  into  everlafting  mifery.  But  if  fm* 
 ners  encourage  themfelves  in  fin  becaufe  God  is  long  fuffering  and  kind,  it  will  fpeedily  appear  that  they  have  been  only  treafuring  up  for  themfelves  wrath 
 the  day  of  wrath,  and  the  revelation  of  the  righteous  judgment  of  God,  which  he  hath  denounced  on  every  foul  of  mao  that  doeth  evil. 
 
Pclcah  oppressed  hy  Tiglath-pileser* 
 
 II.  KINGS. 
 
 The  kicked  reign  of  Max. 
 
 771. 
 
 c  1  Chro 
 S,  26. 
 
 772. 
 I  ITeb. 
 caused 
 to  come 
 forth. 
 
 761. 
 
 Before  of  Judah  began  Menahem  the  foo  of  Gadi  to  reign 
 ciirift  iCrael,  and  reigned  ten  years  in  Samaria. 
 
 18  And  he  did  that  which  was  evil  in  the  fight  of  the 
 
 he  departed  not  all  his  days  from  the  fins  of 
 Jeroboam  the  Ion  of  Nebat,  who  made  Ifrael  to 
 fin. 
 
 19  And  ®  Pal  the  king  of  Aflyria  came  againft  the 
 land  :  and  Menahem  gave  Pul  a  thouCand  talents  of 
 filver,  that  his  hand  might  be  with  him  to  confirm  the 
 kingdom  in  his  hand. 
 
 20  And  Menahem  t  exafted  the  money  of  Ifrael, 
 even  of  all  the  mighty  men  of  wealth,  of  each  man 
 fifty  fhekels  of  filver,  to  give  to  the  king  of  AlTyria : 
 fo  the  king  of  Aflyria  turned  back,  and  flayed  not 
 there  in  the  land. 
 
 21  And  the  reft  of  the  afts  of  Menahem,  and  all 
 that  he  did,  are  they  not  written  in  the  book  of  the 
 Chronicles  of  the  kings  of  Ifrael  ? 
 
 22  And  Menahem  slept  with  his  fathers  ;  and  Pe- 
 kaiah  his  fon  reigned  in  his  ftead. 
 
 23  ^  In  the  fiftieth  year  of  Azariah  king  of  Judah, 
 Pekahiah  the  fon  of  Menahem  began  to  reign  over 
 Ilrael  in  Samaria,  and  reigned  two  years. 
 
 24  And  he  did  that  which  was  evil  in  the  fight  of 
 the  Lord  :  he  departed  not  from  the  fins  of  Jeroboam 
 the  fon  of  Nebat,  who  made  Ifrael  to  fin. 
 
 25  But  Pekah  the  fon  of  Remaliah,  a  captain  of 
 his,  confpired  againft  him,  and  fmote  him  in  Samaria, 
 in  the  palace  of  the  king^s  houfe,  with  Argob  and 
 Arieh,  and  with  him  fifty  men  of  the  Gileadites :  and 
 he  killed  him  and  reigned  in  his  room. 
 
 26  And  the  reft  of  the  afts  of  Pekaiah,  and  all  that 
 he  did,  behold,  they  are  written  in  the  book  of  the 
 Chronicles  of  the  kings  of  Ifrael. 
 
 27  II  In  the  two  and  fiftieth  year  of  Azariah  king 
 of  Judah,  Pekah  the  fon  of  Remaliah  began  to  reign 
 over  Ifrael  in  Samaria,  and  reigned  twenty  years. 
 
 28  And  he  did  that  which  was  evil  in  the  fight  of 
 the  Lord  :  he  departed  not  from  the  fins  of  Jeroboam 
 the  fon  of  Nebat,  who  made  Ifrael  to  fin. 
 
 29  f  In  the  days  of  Pekah  king  of  Ifrael  came 
 Tiglath-pilefer  king  of  AlTyria,  and  took  Ijon,  and 
 Abel-beth-maachah,  and  Janoah,  and  Kedelh,  and 
 Hazor,  and  Gilead,  and  Galilee,  all  the  land  of  Naph- 
 tali,  and  carried  them  captive  to  AlTyria. 
 
 30  And  Holhea,  the  fon  of  Elah  made  a  confpi- 
 racy  againft  Pekah  the  fon  of  Remaliah,  and  fmote 
 
 759. 
 
 756. 
 
 740. 
 
 739. 
 
 that  none  might  dare  to  withfland  him.  Ver.  19.  Ful  king  of  Assyria.  It  is 
 conjedtured  that  he  was  the  father  of  Sardanapalus,  wbofe  name  was  Sardan,  and 
 with  his  father’s  name  annexed,  Sardanapalus,  in  the  fame  manner  as  Merodach 
 king  of  Babylon  is  called  Merodach  Baladan,  from  Baladan  tlie  name  of  his  fa¬ 
 ther.  Ver,  29.  And  carried  them  coptive  to  Assyria.  This  was  the  fecond  captivi- 
 y  or  deportation  of  the  Ifraelites,  the  firft  being  made  by  Pul,  who  cari  ied  away 
 e  two  tribes  and  a-balf  fituated  beyond  Jordan.  The  king  of  Aflyria  carried 
 
 him,  and  slew  him,  and  reigned  in  his  ftead,  *  in  the 
 twentieth  year  of  Jotham  the  fon  of  Uzziah-f 
 
 31  And  the  reft  of  the  a6fs  of  Pekah,  and  all  thatu.-v-*s.j 
 
 he  did,  behold,  they  are  written  in  the  book  of  the  *  After 
 Chronicles  of  the  kings  of  Ifrael.  eby^foV* 
 
 32  H  In  the  fecond  year  of  Pekah  the  Ion  of  Rema-  pome 
 liah  king  of  Ifrael,  began  Jotham  the  fon  of  Uzziah  years, 
 king  of  Judah  to  reign. 
 
 33  Five  and  twenty  years  old  was  be  when 
 
 began  to  reign;  and  he  reigned  fixteeo  years  in  Je  3,7,’ 15.* 
 rulalem  :  and  his  mother’s  name  was  Jerulha,  the  758. 
 
 daughter  of  Zadok.  fourth^* 
 
 34  And  he  did  that  which  w>as  right  in  the  fight  ofy°“[  ^f 
 the  Lord  :  he  did  according  to  all  that  his  father  Ahaz  in 
 Uzziah  had  done. 
 
 35  Howbeit  the  high  places  were  not  rernoved  ;  the  Jotham 
 people  facrificed  and  burnt  incenfe  ftill  in  the  high  bad  be- 
 places.  He  built  the  higher  gate  of  the  houfe  of  the  gun  to 
 Lord. 
 
 36  H  Now  the  reft  of  the  afts  of  Jotham,  and  all  ^  g’chro. 
 that  be  did,  are  they  not  written  in  the  book  of  the  27. 1. 
 Chronicles  of  the  kings  of  Judah  ? 
 
 37  (In  thofe  days  the  Lord  began  to  fend  againft  cir.  742. 
 Judah,  Rezin  the  king  of  Syria,  and  Pekah  the  fon  of  ‘*1® 
 Remaliah.) 
 
 38  And  Jotham  slept  with  his  fathers,  and  was  bu- reign, 
 ried  with  his  fathers  in  the  city  of  David  his  father  :  '^^2. 
 and  Ahaz  his  fon  reigned  in  his  ftead.* 
 
 CHAP.  XVI. 
 
 1  Aliaz's  wicked  reign.  5  Ahaz  assailed  by  Resin  and  Pekah,  hireik 
 Tiglath-pileser  againji  them.  10  Ahaz,  fending  a  pattern  of  an  altar 
 from  Damascus  to  Urijah,  diverteth  the  brazen  altar  to  his  own  devo¬ 
 tion  i  17  he  spoileth  the  temple  ;  19  Hezekiah  succeedeth  him. 
 
 IN  *  the  feventeenth  year  of  Pekah  the  fon  of  Re-  cir.  741. 
 
 maliah,  Ahaz  the  fon  of  Jotham  king  of  Judah  be-“^ 
 gan  to  reign.  28.  i,&e. 
 
 2  Tv/enty  years  old  was  Ahaz  when  he  began  to 
 reign,  and  reigned  fixteen  years  in  Jerufalem,  and  did 
 not  that  which  was  right  in  the  fight  of  the  Lord  his 
 God,  like  David  his  father. 
 
 3  But  he  walked  in  the  way  of  the  kings  of  Ifrael ; 
 yea,  and  made  his  Ion  to  pafs  through  the  fire,  accord¬ 
 ing  to  the  abominations  of  the  heathen,  whom  the 
 Lord  caft  out  from  before  the  children  of  Ifrael. 
 
 4  And  he  facrificed  and  burnt  incenfe  in  the  high 
 places,  and  on  the  hills,  and  under  every  green  tree. u 
 5  H  Then  Rezin  king  of  Syria,  and  Pekah  fon  of  7.  i,“&c. 
 
 away  the  golden  calf  which  Jeroboam  fet  up  at  Bethel  j  the  other  in  Da» 
 was  taken  away  by  Pul,  when  be  invaded  Galilee  in  which  province  that  city 
 flood.  ' 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XVL  Ver.  3.  Made  his  son  to  pass, 
 through  the  fire.  He  excelled  all  that  went  before  him  in  wickednefs  ;  for  he  even 
 imitated  the  abominable  idolaters  whom  God  caft  out  before  the  children  of  Ifrael 
 by  burning  the  children  in  the  fire  to  his  idols.  Ver.  6.  Refiored  Elulh.  This^ 
 
 ner!tl^^o^gfntatio.r  i"  religion  w  hich  is  often  continued  from  ge- 
 
 pollyity  Indeed  it  is  perhaps  impoflible  to  calculate  the  fum  of  good  o^  evil  which  mav  refult  to  mankind  fron^"^  an  influence  on 
 
 our  focial  capacity,  not  only  while  we  live’,  but  lone  after  we  die  nne  ft  i  mankind  from  our  condua  even  as  individuals,  and  much  more  in. 
 
 to  themfelves" ;  and  after  J  their  glo^  brin.  th  m  with  flilL  to  thf  Lave  Fo'r  foe  ^  f  ft  “"d  a  bLd  a 
 
 are  its  rulers  !  Few  traitors  or  murderers  die  in  t”  ir  beds Tr  efLne  trnLifor^Lfw^^^^^  >  “  a  ’  unqualified  for  their  important  offic^, 
 
 not  deter  many  from  imitating  their  condua.  Wicked  men  are  eLerallv  fonH  T*  ^  ^  they  merit ,  and  yet  fo  great  is  human  depravity  that  their  awful  end  does 
 to  the  perpetual  hazard  of  tbefr  own  lives,  and  oSn  the  Toft  crua  LTfo'e  Za  cL^LdlL  "ut’ Vhat  TmtcT-  T”  -d  Turd" 
 
 add  government !  By  civil  wars,  by  murders  of  princes,  by  occafional  ravages  and  follfions  of  the  enerv  ^  ^  a  '^»der  a 
 
 Thofe  who  have  riches  and  eafe  generally  fliare  with  the  firft  in  defolatin^  judgmeLs  And  hence  if  the^  wealfo  ^  M  f  ‘"^rned  into  deferved  and  lafting  ruin, 
 pecially  m  evil  times,  let  them  abound  in  good  works,  and  by  liberally  fooLS  fir  Tefo.’  (Ik^  fol  ,  1  S®?’’®  ‘hemfelves  permanent  felicity,  ef- 
 
 heaven,  where  moth  nor  ruft  cannot  corrupt,  and  wberl  thiev^  LLrotL^eTk  ^h^  “P  themfelves  treafure  h, 
 
 faThfoir^'^L^"  the  norm  is  gathering  againft  hypocritical  profelTors.  Let  this  nfanifelfalion  of  God’s'cfre^lTfos^n mmifters  are  often  taken  away  from  the  evil  to 
 faithfully  for  furely  he  is  the  Ihield  and  exceeding  great  rewLd  of  his  people.  ®  of  L.s  people  encourage  us  to  truft  in  him.  and  ferve  him 
 
Urijah  settcth  up  an  altar  for  Altaz. 
 
 II.XINGS. 
 
 Samaria,  for  their  sins,  carried  capti-^^ 
 
 Chrift^  ^emaliah  king  of  Krael,  came  up  to  Jcrufalem  to  war  : 
 
 742.  oefieged  Ahaz,  but  could  not  overcome  hun. 
 
 ’^-At  that  time  Rezin  king  of  Srri  I,  recovered  Elath 
 to  Sj’ria,  anddravethe  Jews  from  Elath  :  and  the  Sv- 
 rians^ame  to  Elath,  and  dwelt  there  unto  this  day. 
 
 7  So  Ahaz  lent  meflengers  to  Tiglath-pilefer  king  j 
 
 ■  of  AlTyria,  faying,  I  am  thy  fervant,  and  thy  Ion  ;  co^.e  ' 
 
 up,  and  lave  me  out  of  the  hand  of  the  kina  of  Syria.  | 
 and  out  of  the  hand  of  the  king  of  Ilrael,  which  rift-  | 
 up  againft  me.  i; 
 
 8  And  Ahaz  took  the  filver  and  gold  was  found  ;i 
 
 in  the  houfe  of  the  Lord,  and  in  the  treafures  of  the  ! 
 king’s  houfe,  and  lent  it  for  a  prefent  to  the  king  of  ! 
 Aflyria.  j! 
 
 9  And  the  king  of  Afivria  hearkened  unto  him  :  j 
 tHeb.  for  the  king  of  AlTyria  went  up  againft  f  Dimafcus,  | 
 Damme-  gnd  took  it,  and  carried  the  people  of  \i  captive  to  Kir, 
 
 ■  and  Hew  R  zin. 
 
 10  ^  And  king  Ahaz  went  to  Dimafcus  to  meet 
 'Tiglath-pilefer  king  of  Aflyria,  and  faw  an  altar  that 
 ims  at  Damafcus  :  and  king  Ahaz  lent  to  Urijah  the 
 pneft  the  lafhion  of  the  altar,  and  the  pattern  of  it,  j 
 acc-  'rding  to  alt  the  workmanfh  p  thereof. 
 
 11  And  Urijah  the  prieft  built  an  altar  according 
 to  all  that  king  Ahaz  had  fent  from  Damafcus :  fo 
 Urijah  the  prieft  made  27  againft  king  Ahaz  came  from 
 Da  *  afcus. 
 
 12  And  when  the  king  vi^as  come  from  Damafcus, 
 the  king  faw  the  altar ;  and  the  king  approached  to 
 the  a'tar  and  offered  thereon. 
 
 13  And  he  hii-nt  his  hurn''-cftVring  and  his  meat¬ 
 offering,  and  poured  his  drink-offering,  and  fprnkled 
 
 f  iieb.  the  blood  of  his  f  peace-offerings  upon  the  altar.  ^ 
 •mhich  J4,  he  brought  alio  the  braz  n  altar  which  w/s 
 v>ere  his.  [before  tfc  LoRD,  fVom  the  fore-frout  of  the  houfe, 
 from  between  the  altar  and  the  houfe  of  the  Lord,! 
 and  pu^  it  on  the  north  fide  of  the  altar.  '  I 
 
 15  And  king  Ahaz  commanded  Urijah  the  prieft,; 
 faying,  Upon  the  great  altar  burn  the  morning  burnt- 
 offering,  and  the  evening  meat-offering,  and  the ; 
 'king’s  burnt  facriffce,  and  h\s  meat-offering,  with  thf 
 burnt-off  ring  of  all  the  people  of  the  land,  and  their 
 meat-off  ring,  and  their  drink-offerings,  and  •Ip’-inkle 
 upon  If  all  the  blood  of  the  burnr-off-iing.  and  all  the 
 •  l)lood  of  the  facnfice  ;  and  the  brazen  altar  lhall  be 
 for  to  enquire  by 
 
 IG  I’rius  did  U  ijih  the  prieft,  according  to  all  that 
 king  Ahaz  commanded. 
 
 1 7  f  And  king  Ahaz  cut  off'the  borders  of  the  bafes,  Before 
 and  removed  the  laver  fr  un  off  them  ;  and  oak  down 
 
 the  lea  from  oft  the  brazen  oxen  that  vcere  under  it, 
 and  pur  it  upon  a  pavement  of  ftones  ; 
 
 18  And  the  covert  tor  the  fabbath  that  they  had 
 built  in  the  houfe,  and  the  king’s  entry  without,  turn- 
 
 d  he  from  the  houfe  of  the  Lord  for  the  king  of 
 Affvria. 
 
 19  ^  Now  the  reft  of  the  affs  of  Ahaz  which  he  726, 
 did  are  they  not  written  in  the  book  of  the  Chronicles 
 
 of  the  kings  of  Judah  ? 
 
 20  And  Ahazflept  with  his  fathers,  and  was  buried 
 with  his  fathers  in  t-he  city  of  David  :  and  Hezekiah 
 ;his  Ton  reigned  in  his  ftead,* 
 
 I  CHAP.  XVIl. 
 
 1  Htishea' s  wicked  reign  ;  5  beino  seduced  by  Shnlmaneser,  he  cnnspire'th 
 against  him  with  S>  king  o;  Eeypt.  5  Simaria,  for  their  sins  is  cap. 
 tivnted  24  The  strange  nations,  which  are  transplanted  into  Simaria, 
 being  pligued  with  Hons,  make  a  mixture  oj  religions. 
 
 fN  the  twelfth  year  of  Ahaz  king  of  Judah,  began  V’o. 
 
 ”  Hoftiea  the  fon  of  Elah  to  reign  iu  Samaria  over* 
 j  Ilrael  nine  years.  regnum 
 
 2  And  he  did  that  which  was  evil  in  the  fight  of  the 
 Lord,  but  not  as  the  kings  of  Ilrael  that  were  before 
 him. 
 
 3  H  Againft  h-m  came  up  Shalmanefer  king  of  Af¬ 
 fvria  ;  and  Hofttea  became  his  fervant,  and  f  gave  t  Ueb. 
 him  II  prefents.  70^*^ 
 
 4  And  the  king  of  Affvria  found  confpiracy  in  Ho- 
 Ibea  :  for  he  had  lent  meff<-ngers  to  So  king  of  Egypt,  725. 
 and  brought  no  prefent  to  the  king  of  Affvria  as  he 
 had  done  year  by  year;  therefore  the  king  of  Aflyria 
 rhnt  him  up  and  bound  him  in  prifon, 
 
 5  ^  Then  the  king  of  Affvria  came  up  throughout  723. 
 all  the  land,  and  went  up  to  S  maria,  and  befieged  it 
 three  years. 
 
 6  ®  In  the  ninth  year  of  Holhea  the  king  of  Aflomia  72i. 
 rook  Samaria,,  and  carried  Ifrael  away  into  Aflyria, 
 and  placed  them  in  Halah  and  in  Habor,  by  the  river' 
 of  Gozan,  and  in  the  cities  of  the  Medes. 
 
 7  For  so  it  was,  r-at  the  childrr’n  of  Ifnel  hnd  fin¬ 
 ned  againft  the  Lord  their  God,  which  had  brought 
 them  up  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  from  under  the 
 hand  of  Pharaoh  king  of  Egypt,  and  had  feared  other 
 gods 
 
 8  And  walked  in  the  ftamtes  of  the  heathen,  w^hom 
 the  Lord  raft  out  f'r.am  before  the  children  of  Ilrael, 
 
 ,4nd  of  the  kings  of  Ifrael,  which  they  had  made. 
 
 was  a  confiderable  port  on  the  Red  fea.  Ver.  1  I.  Urijah  the  priest  built  an  clnr. 
 This  was  direetly  contrary  to  the  command  of  God,  who  had  appointed  wliat 
 kind  of  attar  he  would  have,  and  no  other  fort  to  be  made,  Exod.  xxvii.  1,  9.  j 
 Ver.  1.5.  ^ad  the  brazen  attar  shall  be  Jor  me  to  enquire  by.  I’o  offer  I'dCn lice 
 upon,  and  to  leek  for  inftrudlion  at,  in  critical  junaures.  \'er.  17.  Cut  off  the  j 
 borders  ot  the  buses.  Ttrfs  he  did  perhaps  to  exprefs  his  contempt  of  them  or  to 
 render  them  inconvenient  fo”  -the  ufes  to  which  they  had  been  defigned  ;  or  to  dif- 
 pofe  of  them,  or  of  the  hi  afs  of  them,  or  for  the  king  of  Affvria,  as  it  follows  in  the 
 next  verfe.  Ver,  .8.  T‘ie  covert  Jor  the  sabbath  that  they  hud  built  in  ihe  house. 
 The  mod  pnoha'de  opinion  why  the  place  was  called  the  ‘  covert  for  the  fahb.ath,  is, 
 that  it  vra.s  a  covered  place,  where  the  king  fat,  in  the  porch  of  the  temple,  on 
 the  fahhath,  and  ^her  great  folemnities.  Probably  he  did  this  to  exprefs  his  con¬ 
 
 tempt  of  the  fabbath,  as  he  had  already  done  with  regard  to  feveral  other  precepts 
 of  tlie  law. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XVII.  Ver.  2.  DU  that  which  ms 
 roll — ,ut  not  as  the  k  ngs  of  hr  cl — he  ore  him.  This  prince  came  to  the  crown, 
 it  mud  he  owned,  in  a  very  wicked  manner,  yet  his  charadler  in  fcrlpture  is  not 
 fo  vile  as  many  of  his  predeceff  irs  For  whereas  the  kings  of  Ifrael  had  hiihetto 
 maintained  guards  upon  the  frontiers,  to  hinder  their  fubje-as  from  goin;.'  to 
 Jerufdlem  to  wordtip,  Hofliea  took  away  thofe  guards,  and  gave  free  liberty  to 
 all  to  go,  and  pay  their  adorations  wliere  the  law  had  diredled.  And  tlieretore 
 when  Hezekiah  had  invited  all  Ifrael  to  come  to  his  paffover,  this  prince  pc- 
 nsitted  all  that  w'ould  go.  Ver  4.  So  king  ot  E^yp*.  Tliis  So,  with  whoni 
 Holhea  entered  into  confederacy,  is  in  profane  authors,  called  Srbacon,  tia 
 
 PR4CTICAI  OBSERVATIONS—*  Chap.  XVI.I  What  mon  Hers  orchildren  have  fome  of  the  bed  of  faints;  grace  mud  be  infufed  by  God  ;  it  cannot 
 
 Ir'K.AC  1  ICAl.  esx  .  t  I  r  f  tli..  Iniman  heart  if  left  to  itfelf  ?  It  can  extinguilh  natural  aSerflions,  and  render  men  mw 
 
 be  conveyed  by  Parents  _  V  ho  can  know  j  ^heir  neighhonrs  before  their  eyes.  In  the  day  of  dilh*; 
 
 favage  than  the  heads  of  the  fored  ,  i  ca  k,,.  f.om  God  ahme  can  th“y  have  it.  Thev  will  dick  at  nothing  llavidi.  diflionell,  or  (liameful,  toobto' 
 
 finners  are  bent  on  turning  them'elves  every  way  forrehet,  but  from  ^od  a  enmirv^againd  God  that  they  will  rather  fnhmit  to  feek  the  prote<<lion  of  tin  ir  enem) 
 that  which  they  might  poffefs  in  the  mod  honourable  manner.  So  great  is  the  ^  «  fave  their  vouries  has  hem  nianifeded  before  them  clear  as  the  fuo- 
 
 than  his  Uiendfhip.  Y-a,  they  will  choofe  tholh  very  .  ols  for  Id  with  the  mod  detedahle  meafnres  !  The  molt  a.ion- 
 
 beam.  U  hat  a  curie  to  nat.ons  are  thofe  m.n.ders  who  fla  ter  the.r  P  unworthy,  is  undoubtedly  calculated  to  bninbi* 
 
sins  of  the  Israelites. 
 
 9  And  the  children  of  Ifracl  did  r-rretly /7;ose  thioRS 
 that  -jorre  not  ii^;ht  agaiaft  the  Lop.n  their  God,  and 
 they  built  th'-m  high  places  in  all  fh -ir  cit  es,  rrom  tne 
 tower  of  the  watcUmen  to  the  fenced  city, 
 
 10  And  they  fet  them  up  t  and  groves  tn 
 
 every  high  hill,  and  under  every  green  tree  ; 
 
 1 1  And  there  they  burnt  fneenfe  in  all  the  liigh 
 did  the  heathen  whom  the  Lord  carried 
 
 wrought  wicked  things  to 
 
 Clinit 
 
 721. 
 
 w 
 
 I  Iltib. 
 Statues. 
 
 II.  KINGS. 
 
 22  For  the  children  of  Ifrael  walked  in 
 
 /j  mi. (hire  of  rc'<:u,''<n-, 
 
 had 
 
 b  Deu^ 
 
 4.  19- 
 I  Ileb. 
 hy  the 
 hmd  of 
 all- 
 
 c  Jerem. 
 18.  11.  & 
 25.  5.  & 
 .•35.  15. 
 d  Deut. 
 SI.  27. 
 
 d;' 
 
 t  Exod. 
 32.  8. 
 
 1  Kings 
 28. 
 
 places,  as 
 
 away  before  them ;  ^nd 
 provoke  the  Lord  to  ang-r  : 
 
 12  For  they  lerved  idols,  whereof  the  Lord 
 
 faid  unto  them,  Ye  rnall  not  do  this  thing. 
 
 13  Yet  the  Lord  teftified  againft  Krael  and  agauui 
 Judah,  t  by  all  the  prophets,  and  bij  all  the  fee’s,  lay¬ 
 ing,  I'urn  ye  from  your  evil  ways,  and  keep  my 
 co  iuuandments  mv  ffatutes,  according  to  all  the 
 law  which  I  commanded  your  fathers,  and  which  1 
 feat  to  you  hy  my  lervants  the  prophe:s. 
 
 14  No'-withllanding  they  would  not  bear,  but  '^  hard¬ 
 ened  their  necks,  like  to  the  neck  of  their  fathers, 
 that  did  not  believe  in  the  Lord  their  God. 
 
 15  And  they  reje£fed  his  batutes,  and  his  covenant 
 that  he  made  with  their  fathers,  and  his  tefbraonies 
 which  he  teftified  againft  them  ;  and  they  followed 
 vanity,  and  became  vain,  and  went  after  the  heathen 
 that  icere  round  about  t'Hem,  concerning  whom  the 
 Lord  had  charged  them,  that  they  fbould  not  do  like 
 them. 
 
 16  And  they  left  all  the  commandments  of  the 
 Lord  their  God,  and  made  Mhera  molten  images, 
 even  two  calves,  and  made  a  grove,  and  worftiipped  all 
 the  hoft  of  heaven,  and  ferved  Baal. 
 
 17  And  they  cauf^d  their  fons  and  their  daughters 
 to  pals  through  the  fire,  and  ufed  divination  and  en¬ 
 chantments,  and  fold  themfelves  to  do  evil  in  the  fight 
 of  the  Lord,  to  provoke  him  to  anger. 
 
 ife  Therefore  the  Lord  was  very  angry  with  Ifrael, 
 and  removed  them  out  of  his  fight  :  there  was  none 
 left  but  the  tribe  of  Judah  only. 
 
 19  Alfo  Judah  kept  not  the  commandments  of  the 
 Lord  their  God,  but  walked  in  the  fiatutes  of  Ifrael 
 which  they  made. 
 
 20  And  the  Lord  rejefted  all  the  feed  of  Ifrael, 
 and  afii£fed  them,  and  delivered  them  into  the  hand 
 of  i'pnilers,  until  he  had  caft  them  out  of  his  fight. 
 
 21  For  he  rent  Ifrael  from  theboufe  of  David  ;  and 
 they  made  Jeroboam,  the  fbn  of  Nehat  king:  and  Je¬ 
 roboam  drave  Ifrael  from  following  the  Lord  ;  and 
 made  them  fin,  a  great  fin. 
 
 they  depa 
 
 rted 
 
 the  fins 
 ot  from 
 
 C78. 
 
 of  Jeroboam  which  he  did 
 
 23  Until  the  Lord  removed  Ifrael  out  of  his  fighb 
 as  he  had  faid  hy  all  his  f'ervints  the  prophets. 
 was  Ifrael  carried  aw'ay  out  of  their  own  land  to  .  il- 
 IVria  unto  tnis  day. 
 
 24  <11  And  the  king  of  Aflyria  brought  men  from 
 Baby’on,  and  from  Cuthah,  and  from  Ava,  and  from 
 Hamath,  and  from  Sephatvaim,  and  placed  them  in 
 the  cities  of  Samaria  infiead  of  the  children  of  Ifrael  ; 
 and  they  pofTefled  Samaria,  and  dwelt  in  the  cities 
 
 thereof.  ,  .  ^  •  j  i.- 
 
 25  Andsn  it  was,  at  the  beginning  of  their  dwelling 
 
 ther^,  that  they  feared  not  the  Lord  ;  therefore  the 
 Lord  lent  lions  among  them,  wnich  flew  some  or 
 
 them.  ,  r  /. /r  • 
 
 26  Wherefore  they  fpake  to  the  king  of  Alfyria, 
 faying,  The  nations  which  thou  haft  removed  and 
 placed  in  the  ci  ies  of  Samaria,  know  not  the  manner 
 of  the  God  of  the  land  :  therefore  he  hath  lent  lions 
 among  them,  and,  behold,  they  flay  them  ;  becaufe 
 they  know'  not  the  manner  of  tlie  God  of  the  land  : 
 
 27  Then  the  king  of  Aflyria  commanded,  faying, 
 C.'.rrv  thither  one  of  the  prielts  whom  ye  brought 
 from  thence,  and  let  them  go  and  dwell  there,  and 
 let  him  teach  them  the  manner  of  the  God  cf  the 
 land. 
 
 28  'Fhen  one  of  the  priefts,  whom  they  had  carried 
 away  from  Samaria,  came  and  dwelt  in  Beth-el,  and 
 taught  them  how  they  (bould  fear  the  Lord. 
 
 i  29  Howbeit  every  nation  made  gods  of  their  own, 
 and  put  than  in  the  hoults  of  the  high  places  which 
 the  Samaritans  had  made,  every  nation  in  their  cities 
 wherein  they  dwelt. 
 
 30  And  the  P  en  of  Babylon  made  Succoth-benoth, 
 and  the  men  of  Cuth  made  Nergal,  and  the  men  of 
 Hamath  made  Afhima. 
 
 31  And  the  Avites  made  Nibhaz  and  Tartak,  and 
 the  Sepharvites  burnt  their  children  in  fire  to  Adrara- 
 melech  and  Anammelech,  the  gods  of  Sepharvaim. 
 
 32  So  th^y  feared  the  Lord,  and  made  unto  them¬ 
 felves  of  the  lowefi  of  them  priefts  of  the  high  places,  ^ 
 which  facrificed  for  them  in  the  houfes  of  the  high*. 
 
 places. 
 
 Or, 
 
 famous  Ethiopian,  who,  in  the  beginning  of  Hezekiah’s  reign,  invaded  Egypt, 
 and  having  taken  Bocebaris,  the  king  thereof,  prifoner,  caufed  him  to  be  in  a 
 V^ry  cruel  manner  burnt  alive,  and  then  ficzed  on  his  kingdom.  V’er.  10.  The 
 llehrew  word  rendered  groves,  fignifies  the  idols  placed  in  groves,  and  fhould 
 have  been  fo  ffanflated  here  ;  for  how  could  groves  he  fet  under  every  green  tree. 
 Ver.  14.  Bid  not  believe  the  Lord.  They  did  not  believe  the  prophets  of  the 
 Lord,  when  they  foretold  them  of  the  conRquences  of  their  finsi  for  a  tliey  had 
 Jiever  rejedled  the  wortTiip  entirely,  but  vvorlbipped  him  in  conjundlion  with  idc.ls, 
 they  coiiiidered  themfelves  innocent.  Ver.  15.  Bis  statutes  .irid  his  covenant. 
 The  covenant  which  God  liad  made  with  them  was,  that  he  fliould  be  their  only 
 God  and  King  ;  but  not  worfliipped  in  the  fame  manner  as  the  tutelary  deities  of 
 the  neighbouring  nations,  who  adored  the  tutelary  gods  of  other  nations  in  con- 
 jundlion  with  their  ovvn.  On  the  contrary,  he  reftrained  all  their  worfliip  to  him- 
 lelf  by  exprefs  law,  and  flill  flrengthcned  this  part  of  their  conflitution  by  nffumino- 
 the  charadler  of  their  King  ;  for  as  the  feparate  characSlers  of  King  and  Gol; 
 centered  in  one  object,  they  could  not  be  guilty  of  idolatry  without  beiny  gtiilty 
 of  rebellion  at  the  fame  time.  So  admirable  was  the  conftitution  Of  the  tiieocracy, 
 under  wliich  the  Ifraelites  were.  Ver.  1  8.  Out  of  his  sight.  The  temple  of  Jeru- 
 faletn  was  eaeemed  tiie  palace  of  Jehovah,  both  as  the  protecting  Gotl  and  Kin-^ 
 of  the  Jews;  when,  therefore,  they  were  removed  out  of  the  fight  of  .leruliilem'^ 
 they  are  faid  to  be  removed  out  of  the  fight  of  the  Lord,  or  hauithed  from  his 
 
 No.  25...,eUs  5  E 
 
 33  ^  They  feared  the  Lord,  and  ferved  their  own  toho  c-u- 
 god.s,  after  the  manner  of  the  nations  |1  who.m  they 
 carried  away  from  thence. 
 
 34  Unto  this  day  they  do  after  the  former  manners rh/mnee. 
 
 prefence.  Ver.  23.  So  was  Israel  carried  aijoay  out  of  their  own  I  .ml.  Ti  e  puiicy 
 of  any  prince,  in  tranfplanting  a  conquered  people  into  another  country,  is  to 
 prevent  their  combining  logetiier  to  (hake  off  their  uneafy  yoke,  and  recover 
 their  liberty  which  they  cannot  fo  well  do  in  a  ftrange  land,  and  among  a  mixed 
 people  of  different  languages,  as  in  their  own  country.  Ver  25  They  feared  not 
 the  Lord;  iherejure  the  Lord  sent  linns  among  them.  Inftcad  of  lions,  Jofephus 
 fays  they  were  vilited  with  a  dreadful  plague,  fo  that  the  place  was  in  a  manner 
 depopulated.  Ver.  28.  How  they  should  je.,rlhe  I,otd.  'that  is,  the  manner  hew 
 they  fliould  worlhip  and  ferve  him  according  to  the  law  of  Mofes.  Ven  30,  31. 
 The  men  oj  Babylon  made  Succoth-benoth.  The  words  literally  fignifv,  “the 
 tabernacle  of  daughters.”  And  the  men  uj  Cuth  made  Kergnl.  With  regard  to 
 the  god  Nergal,  we  may  infer,  that,  as  the  word  ner  fignifies  a  lamp,  thele  Cuthites, 
 who  were  afterwards  called  Peifians,  adored  fire;  and  we  are  informed,  iiiat,  in 
 honour  of  the  fun,  they  kept  a  perpetual  flame  burning  on  their  altars.  And  the 
 men  of  Hamath  made  Ashima.  As  it  is  well  known  that  the  Affyi  ian.s  adored  the 
 fun,  and  as  asamaw,  or  suman,  in  the  Perfian  language,  fignifies  heaven,  it  is  pro¬ 
 bable  that  the  Syrians  derived  from  thence  the  name  of  their  god,  who  w.as  repn- 
 fented  by  a  large  ftone  pillar,  of  a  conical  or  pyrainidicai  form,  the  hierogh  pl.ic 
 of  hie.  NtbhuK  or  Nibchas,  both  in  the  Hebrew  and  Chaldee,  denotes  quick, 
 Iwift,  rapid,  &c.  and  tartak,  in  the  fame  latlghage,  fignifies  a  chariot:  and 
 hence  thefe  two  idola  may,  both  together,  denominate  the  fun  mounted  on 
 
Jf-lezekiaii* s  {rood  rcirrn 
 
 o  to 
 
 idolatnj  destrojjed. 
 
 II.  KINGS. 
 
 32.  28. 
 
 1 
 
 31. 
 
 Kiiiffs 
 
 O 
 
 18. 
 
 h  Judsjes 
 
 £>.  10. 
 
 CMa  neither  do  they  after  their 
 
 6'78.  ttatutes,  or  after  their  ordiuances,  or  after  their  law 
 commandment  which  the  Lord  commanded  the 
 g  Genefis  children  of  Jacob,  s  whom  he  named  Ilrael ; 
 
 35  With  whom  the  Lord  had  made  a  covenant, 
 and  charged  them,  faying,  •'Ye  Ihall  not  fear  other 
 gods,  nor  bow  yourfelves  to  them,  nor  ferve  them, 
 nor  facrifice  to  them  : 
 
 36  Bat^  the  Lord,  who  brought  you  up  out  of  the 
 land  of  Egypt  with  great  power,  and  a  llrerched-out 
 arm,  him  Ihall  ye  fear,  and  him  Ihall  ye  worlhip,  and 
 to  him  (hall  ye  do  facrifice. 
 
 37  And  the  liatutes  and  the  ordinances,  and  the 
 law,  and  the  commandment,  which  he  wrote  for  you, 
 ye  fliall  obl'erve  to  do  for  evermore :  and  ye  Ihall  not 
 fear  other  gods. 
 
 38  And  the  covenant  that  I  have  made  with  you 
 ye  (hall  not  forger ;  neither  (hall  ye  fear  other  gods. 
 
 cir.  726. 
 a  2  Chro. 
 
 28.  27.  & 
 
 29.  1.  , 
 
 He  is 
 called 
 £zeki(is, 
 jMattl), 
 
 1.  9. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 statues. 
 
 39  But  the  Lord  your  God  ye  fhall  fear ;  and  he 
 (hall  deliver  you  out  of  the  hand  of  all  your  enemies. 
 
 40  Howbeit  they  did  not  hearken,  bat  they  did 
 after  their  former  manner. 
 
 4t  So  thel'e  nations  feared  the  Lord,  and  ferved 
 their  graven  images,  both  their  children,  and  their 
 children’s  children  :  as  did  their  fathers,  fo  do  they  | 
 unto  this  day.* 
 
 CHAP,  xviir. 
 
 1  Hezekiah's  good  reign  :  4  he  dejlroyeth  idolatry  and  prospereth.  6  Sa¬ 
 maria  is  carried  captive  for  their  sins.  1 3  Sennacherib  invading  Judah, 
 is  pacified  by  a  tribute.  17  Rab-shnkeh,  sent  ug'dn  by  Sennacherib,  re¬ 
 vile,  h  Hezekiah,  28  and  by  a  blasphemous  persuasion,  soliciteth  the  peo¬ 
 ple  to  revolt. 
 
 OW  it  came  topafs,  in  the  third  year  of  Hofhea 
 _  (bn  of  Elah,  king  of  KVael,  that  “  Hezekiah  the 
 Ion  of  Ahaz  king  of  Judah  began  to  reign. 
 
 2  Twenty  and  five  years  old  was  he  when  he  be¬ 
 gan  to  reign  ;  and  he  reigned  twenty  and  nine  years 
 in  Jeruf'alem  :  his  mother’s  name  alfo  was  Abi,  the 
 daughter  of  Zechariah. 
 
 3  And  he  did  that  which  was  right  in  the  fight  of 
 the  Lord,  according  to  all  that  David  his  father  did. 
 
 4  ^  He  removed  the  high  places,  and  brake  the 
 f  images,  and  cut  down  the  groves,  and  break  in  pieces 
 
 his  ear,  as  the  poets  and  ancient  theologifts  often  reprefented  that  bright  lumi¬ 
 nary.  Suspires.  In  all  likelihood  they  were  the  fame  with  thofe  which  the 
 text  calls  Sephar files,  jddrammelech  and  Anammelech.  Moloch,  Milcolm  and 
 Melech,  in  the  language  of  different  nations,  all  fignify  a  king,  and  imply  the  fun, 
 ■which  was  called  the  “king  of  heaven;”  and  therefore  the  addition  of  Adra, 
 which  fignifies  powerjvl,  to  the  one,  and  of  Anam,  which  implies  to  answer, 
 to  the  other,  means  no  more,  than  the  mighty  or  the  oracular  JMoloch. 
 Ver.  33,  34.  They  feared  the  Lord,  and  served  their  own  gods.  That  is,  they 
 feared  the  vengeance  impending  on  the  exclufion  of  the  vvorfliip  of  the  God  of 
 Ifrael. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XVHI.  Ver.  2.  Twenty  and  Jive  years-old 
 was  he  when  he  began  to  reign.  It  is  before  faid  of  Ahaz,  chap.  xvi.  2.  that  he  was! 
 
 Sennacherib  invadeth  . 
 
 the  bnzen  ferpent  that  Mofes  had  made:  for  unto  new* 
 thole  days  the  children  of  Ilrael  did  burn  incenfe 
 to  it;  and  he  called  it  |1  Nehulhtan.  ’ss. 
 
 5  He  trotted  in  the  Lord  God  of  Ifrael ;  fo  that^ii;;;' 
 after  him  was  none  like  him  among  all  the  kings  of^'-  9.  ’ 
 Judah,  nor  an^  that  were  before  him.  U  Thatis^ 
 
 G  For  he  clave  to  the  Lor.d,  o?2d  departed  notf/iiy 
 t  from  following  him,  but  kept  his  commandments,  f  Heb?' 
 which  the  Lord  commanded  I^ol'es.  /»■«''* 
 
 /  And  the  Lord  was  with  him  ;  and  he  profpered 
 whitherfoever  he  went  forth  :  and  he  rebelled  againft 
 the  king  of  Affyria,  and  ferved  him  not. 
 
 8  He  (mote  the  Fhilittines,  even  unto  f  Gaza,  and  t  Hei, 
 the  borders  thereof,  from  the  tower  of  the  watchmen 
 
 !o  the  fenced  city. 
 
 9  ^  And  '  it  came  topafs  in  the  fourth  year  of  king  Hr.  723. 
 Hezekiah,  which  xvas  the  feventh  year  of  Hofhea  lon*^ 
 
 of  Elah  king  of  Ifrael,  that  Shalraanefer  king  of  Affy- 
 ria  came  up  againtt  Samaria,  and  befieged  it. 
 
 _  10  And  at  the  end  of  three  years  they  took  it ;  even 
 in  the  fixth  year  of  Hezekiah,  (that  t.s,  the  ninth  year  cir.  721. 
 of  Holhea  king  of  Ifrael,)  Samaria  was  taken.  ddiap. 
 
 11  And  the  king  of  AlF/na  did  carry  away  Ifrael 
 unto  AlTyria,  and  put  them  in  Halah  and  in  Habor  by 
 the  river  of  Gozan,  and  in  the  cities  of  the  Mc-des; 
 
 12  Becaute  they  obeyed  not  the  voice  of  the  Lord 
 their  God,  but  tranfgrefifed  his  covenant,  and  all  tr.at 
 Moles  the  fervant  of  the  Lord  commanded,  and 
 would  not  hear  them  nor  do  them. 
 
 1 3  H  Now,  ®  in  t  he  fourteenth  year  of  king  Hezekiah  713. 
 did  f  Sennacherib  king  of  Aflvria  come  up  againtt 'all  ®  ^ 
 the  fenced  cities  of  Judah,  and  took  them.' 
 
 14  And  Hezekah  king  of  Judah  fenr  to  the  kingse!'! 
 of  AlTyria  to  Ijachilh,  laying,  I  have  offended  ;  return  h  cIus, 
 from  me  ;  that  which  thou  putteft  on  me  will  I  bear. 
 
 And  the  king  of  riflyria  appointed  unto  Hezekiah 
 king  of  Judah  three  hundred  talents  of  filver,  and 
 thirty  talents  of  gold, 
 
 15  And  Hezekiah  gave  him  all  the  filver  that  was 
 found  in  the  houfe  of  the  Lord,  and  in  the  treafures 
 of  the  king’s  houle. 
 
 16  At  that  time  did  Hezekiah  cut  off  the  gold 
 Jrom  the  doors  of  the  temple  of  the  Lord,  and  from 
 
 but  twenty  years  old  when  he  began  to  reign  and  that  he  reigned  fifteen.  Now 
 if  his  fon  Hezekiah  was  twenty-five  years  old  at  his  father’s  death,  it  mull  follow, 
 that  his  father,  wlien  he  begat  him,  was  only  eleven  years  old  which  feems  incre¬ 
 dible.  But  it  mull  be  remembered,  that  it  was  very  common,  both  in  facred 
 and  profane  authors,  in  the  computation  of  time,  to  take  no  notice  whether  the  year 
 they  mention  be  perfedl  or  imperfect,  whether  finiflied,  or  but  newly  begun. 
 Hence  we  many  very  naturally  fuppofe,  that  Ahaz  was  near  one  and  twenty  years 
 old  when  he  began  to  reign,  and  near  feventeen  years  older  when  he  died  ;  and 
 on  the  otlier  hand  that  Hezekiah,  'Ahen  he  began  to  reign,  was  but  juft  entered 
 into  his  five  and  twentieth  year,  and  by  this  means  Ahaz  might  be  near  fourteen 
 years  old  when  he  begat  Hezekiah  ;  which  is  no  extraordinary  thing  if  the  nature 
 of  the  climate  where  he  lived  he  confidered.  Ver.  4.  He  removed  the  high  places. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. _ *Chap.  XVH.]  God  is  merciful  even  in  his  judgments  ;  he  tries  men  with  leffer  alflicftions,  if  perpbaps  they  may  repent 
 
 and  pray  that  the  evil  thoughts  of  their  hearts  and  deeds  of  their  life  may  be  forgiven  before  he  Itrikes  the  final  blow.  But  fuch  as  continue  felling  therofelves  to  tlie 
 fervice  of  fin  will  at  laft  fhare  its  wages  in  ruin.  How  fovereignly  does  God  time  his  judgments  !  [n  the  days  of  a  better  king  than  his  predeceffors,  and  even  by  bis 
 treachery  to'a  tvrant,  the  nation  is  plunged  into  mifery  and  ruin.  However  men  may  forget  their  fin,  God  keeps  an  exac5l  account  of  it,  and  even  of  its  aggravations. 
 He  marks  againft  what  mercies,  warnings,  and  judgments,  it  has  been  committed  ;  and  in  what  different  forms,  and  what  influence  it  bad  on  the  fedudlion  of  others. 
 Certain,  however  flow,  is  the  deftruaion  of  apoftates  from  God  ;  and  even  at  dillant  periods  God  is  preparing  for  it-  And  therefore  the  encouragement  which  they 
 take  to  perfevere  in  their  iniquity,  only  betrays  their  wickednefs  and  folly,  while  it  renders  their  piinilhment  tiie  more  awful,  iuaflnuch  as  it  overtakes  them  at  a  time 
 when  they  are  not  dreading  it— Uncertain  are  all  earthly  enjoyments,  and  great  is  the  inftability  of  earthly  fettlements  :  and  who  knows  whether  the  Lord  may  tols  us 
 in  life?  But  his  prefence  is  with  his  people  wherever  they  fojourn,  while  the  wicked,  alas  !  carry  their  fins  clofely  with  them,  go  where  they  will.  God  is  jealous  of 
 his  glory,  and  he  eafily  puniflies  Ibofe  who  pollute  what  belongs  to  him  with  their  wickednefs.  Lions,  and  all  otlier  creatures,  yea,  the  whole  creation,  animated 
 and  inanimated,  are  at  his  call ;  and  they  readily  execute,  in  obedience  to  his  will,  his  purpofes  of  judgments  as  well  as  of  mercy.  Satan  and  wicked  men  often  quit  a 
 nart  that  they  may  not  be  obliged  to  give  up  their  whole  power  and  honour.  But  no  internal  inftruaions,  warnings,  merc-es,  or  judgments,  will  reform  finr.ers 
 fVom  the  medley  religion  which  themfelves  have  devifed.  While  the  religion  of  Jefus  fcarcely  continues  pure  for  an  age,  the  religion  fupported  by  Satan  ctm  flouiil^ 
 for  many  -ges  together.  This  is  a  remarkable  proof  of  the  influence  of  Satan  in  the  world.  But  it  is  pleafing  to  reflea  on  the  glorious  purpofes  of  the  Molt  Hig"-  j 
 tliat  the  power  of  the  evil  one  fhall  be  completely  deftroyed,  and  righteousnefs  fhall  univerfally  triumph  in  this  prefent  evil  world.  Haften  this,  O  Lord,  in  ih'P®  ; 
 own  time ;  Thy  will  be  done,  as  in  heaven,  i'o  on  earth. 
 
jlih-shalceh  sent  against  Jerusalem 
 
 F 
 
 I  J 
 
 I  before  the  pillars  which  Plezekiah  king  of  Judah  had  overlaid, 
 
 I  ci'i-ifi  crave  t  it  to  the  king  of  Affyria. 
 
 17  And  the  king  of  Affyria  Tent  Tartan  and  Rab- 
 laris  and  Rab-lhakeh,  from  Lachifh  toking  Hezekiah 
 
 +  with  a  t  great  holt  againft  Jerulalem  :  and  they  went 
 S'710.  up  and  came  to  Jerulalem.  And  when  they  were  come 
 t  up*  they  came  and  ftcod  by  the  conduit  of  the  upper 
 pool,  which  is  in  the  highway  of  the  fuller’s  field, 
 
 18  And  when  they  had  called  to  the  king,  there 
 came  out  to  them  Eiiakim  the  fon  of  Hilkiah,  which 
 
 Or,  was  over  the  houfehold,  and  Shebna  the  11  feribe,  and 
 tecrelary’  Joah  the  fon  of  Afaph  the  recorder. 
 
 19  And  Rab-fhakeh  faid  unto  them,  Speak  ye  now 
 to  Hezekiah,  Tnus  faith  the  great  king,  the  king  of 
 Affyria,  What  confidence  rs  this  wherein  thou  trufteu  ? 
 
 20  Thou  II  fayeft,  (but  i/iey  are  but  t  vain  words,)  11 
 1  have  counfel  and  ftrength  for  the  war.  Now  on 
 whom  doft  thou  truft,  that  thou  rebelEft  againfi  me  I 
 
 21  Now,  behold,  thou  f  truaeft  upon  the  aaff  of 
 this  bruifed  reed,  even  upon  Egypt,  on  which  if  a 
 man  lean,  it  will  go  into  his  hand,  and  pierce  it :  lb  is 
 Pharaoh,  king  of  Egypt,  unto  all  that  truft  on  him. 
 
 22  But  if  ye  fay  unto  me.  We  truft  in  the  Lord 
 our  God  :  is  not  that  he  whofe  high  places  and  whofe 
 altars  Hezekiah  hath  taken  away,  and  hath  faid  to  Ju¬ 
 dah  and  Jerufalem,  Ye  (hall  worihip  before  this  altar 
 in  Jerufalem  ^ 
 
 23  Now  therefore,  I  pray  thee,  give  H  pledges  to 
 my  lord  the  king  of  Affyria,  and  I  will  deliver  thee 
 two  (huufand  horfes,  if  thou  be  able  on  thy  part  to  let 
 riders  upon  them. 
 
 24  How  then  wilt  thou  turn  away  the  face  of  one 
 captain  of  the  leaft  of  my  mafter’s  fervants,  and  put 
 thy  truft  on  Egypt  for  chariots  and  for  horfemen  ? 
 
 25  Am  I  now  come  up  without  the  Lord  againft 
 this  place  to  deftroy  it?  The  Lord  faid  to  me,  Go  up 
 againft  this  land,  and  deftroy  it. 
 
 26  Then  faid  Eiiakim  the  fon  of  Hilkiah,  and 
 Shebna,  and  Joab,  unto  Rab-fhakeh,  Speak,  I  pray 
 thee,  to  thy  fervants  in  the  Syrian  language;  (for  we 
 underftand  it:)  and  talk  not  with  us  in  the  Jews’  lan¬ 
 guage  in  the  ears  of  the  people  that  are  on  the  wall. 
 
 27  But  Rab-lhakeh  faid  unto  them,  Hath  ray  maf- 
 
 II.  KINGS. 
 
 yje  soUcileth  the  'people  to 
 
 «  Or, 
 
 I  Hub. 
 itlOrd  nf 
 Ike  lips. 
 
 II 
 
 but  coun¬ 
 sel  and 
 
 slreneth 
 id  for 
 the  war, 
 
 I  Heb. 
 truslest 
 thee. 
 
 11  Or, 
 iigilages. 
 
 mr  fent  me  to  thy  mafter,  and  to  thee,  to  Ipeak  thefe 
 words  '  hath  he  not  se./  to  the  men  which  fit  on  he 
 wall,  that  they  may  eat  their  own  dung,  and  drin 
 
 ^  ^2?11  Then^  Rab-fhakeh  flood  and  cried  with 
 voice  in  the  Jews’  language,  and  Ipake,  laviag, 
 the  word  of  the  great  king,  the  king  of  Allyria  : 
 
 29  Thus  faith  the  king,  Let  not  Hezekiah  deceive 
 you  ;  tor  he  fhall  not  be  able  to  deliver  you  out  ot 
 
 ^'^SO^Nehher  let  Hezekiah  make  you  truft  in  the 
 I  ORD  faying,  The  Lord  wdl!  furely  deliver  us,  and 
 this  city  fhall  not  be  delivered  into  the  hand  Oi  the 
 
 '^'"fl’fleaHcerfnot  unto  Plezekiah  :  for  thus  ^^e 
 king  of  Aflyria,  1|  f  Make  an  agreement  with  me  by  a 
 prefent,  and  come  out  to  me,  and  then  eat  ye  everyy^^^„,. 
 man  of  his  own  vine,  and  every  one  of  his  fig-tree,  t  Heb. 
 and  drink  ye  every  one  the  waters  of  his  11 
 
 32  Until  I  come  and  take  you  away  to  a  land 
 your  own  land ;  a  land  of  corn  and  wine,  a  land  Oi  y 
 bread  and  vineyards,  a  land  of  oil-ohve  and  of  honey, />i/. 
 that  ye  may  live,  and  not  die :  and  hearken  not  unto 
 Hezekiah,  when  he  H  perfuadeth  you,  faying,  ine 
 Lord  will  deliver  us. 
 
 33  Hath  any  of  the  gods  of  the  nations  delwered  at 
 all  his  land  our  of  the  hand  of  the  king  of  Affyria  ? 
 
 34  Where  are  the  gods  of  Hamath  and  of  Arpad  ? 
 where  are  the  gods  of  Sepharvaim,  Hena,  and  Ivah  ? 
 have  they  delivered  Samaria  out  of  mine  hand  ? 
 
 35  Who  are  they  among  all  the  gods  ot  the  countries 
 that  have  delivered  their  couotry  out  of  mine  hand, 
 that  the  Lord  fliould  deliver  Jerufalem  out  of  mine 
 
 hand  ?  ^  ,  p  . 
 
 36  Bui  the  people  held  their  peace,  and  anlwered 
 him  not  a  word  ;  for  the  king’s  commandment  was, 
 faying,  Anfwer  him  not. 
 
 37  Then  came  Eiiakim  the  fon  of  Hilkiah,  which 
 was  over  the  houfehold,  and  Shebna  the  feribe,  and 
 Joah  the  fon  of  Afaph  the  recorder,  to  Hezekiah, 
 with  their  clothes  rent,  and  told  him  the  words  ot 
 Rab-lhakeh.* 
 
 A  great  clemonftratiun  of  his  fincere  piety  and  zeal  towards  God,  that  he  began 
 fo  foon  to  reform  the  corruption  of  religion,  and  did  not  flay  till  he  had  efta- 
 hliflied  himfelf  on  his  throne.  Brake  in  pieces  the  brazen  ferpent  that  Mo/es  had 
 made  ;  for  unto  Ihofe  days  the  children  of  Israel  did  burn  incense  to  it.  We  are  not 
 :to  fuppofe,  that  from  the  days  of  Mofes  the  Ifraelites  confidered  this  brazen  ferpent 
 as  an  obje<5l  of  religious  worfliip:  for  neither  David,  nor  Solonaon,  nor  Afa,  nor 
 Jeholhaphat  would  have  permitted  it.  It  is  more  than  probable,  therefore,  that 
 in  the  general  defe<51ion  which  happened  after  the  reigns  of  thofe  princes,  the 
 people  either  worlhipped  the  God  of  Ifrael  under  that  image,  or  which  is  worfe, 
 fubdituted  a  heathen  god  in  his  room,  and  worfliipped  the  brazen  ferpent  as  his 
 image.  Upon  this  account  Hezekiah  chofe  rather  to  deftroy  this  memorial  of 
 God’s  wonderful  mercy  to  his  people  in  the  willernefs,  than  to  fuffer  it  any 
 longer  to  be  abiifed  to  idolatry.  Ver.  17.  Tartan,  and  Rab-saris,  and  Rab.,shakeh. 
 Thefe  are  not  tiie  proper  names  of  men,  but  the  names  of  officers.  Tartan  figni- 
 ■fit's,  the  prefident  of  the  council ;  R  ib-saris,  the  chief  eunuch  ;  and  Rab-fhakeh,  the 
 principal  cup-bearer.  Ver.  19,  20.  And  Rab-fhakeh  said  un'o  them.  The  Jews  are 
 of  opinion,  that  llab-fliakeh  from  his  fpeaking  Hebrew  fo  fluently,  was  either  an 
 apoftate  Jew-,  or  one  of  the  captivity  of  Ifrael.  It  is  certain  that  he  was  a  very 
 
 eloquent  man,  and  his  fpeech  w’as  excellently  adopted  to  raife  fedition  among  the 
 befjeged.  Ver.  21.  Thou  trnjiejl  upon  the  staff  of  this  bruised  reed.  This  compa- 
 rifon  is  excellently  adapted  to  denote  an  ally  that  is  not  only  weak  and  unable  to 
 help,  but  alfo  dangerous  to  thofe  who  rely  on  him  for  fuccour.  Ver.  23.  1  will 
 deliver  thee  two  thousand  horses.  He  feems  to  challenge  him  to  come  out  and  fight 
 with  his  raafler  ;  and  if  be  could  give  fecurity  to  make  that  ufe  of  them,  he  would 
 furnifh  him  with  two  thoufand  horfes,  provided  he  was  able  to  find  the  fame 
 number  of  men  to  mount  them.  A  very  infolent  fpeech.  Ver.  35.  JFlio  are  they 
 among  the  gods.  Aceordmg  to  the  opinion  of  all  the  J?agan  nations  he  looks 
 upon  the  Almighty  as  the  local  tutelary  deity  of  the  Jews,  Now  as  their  tute¬ 
 lary  deities  had  not  delivered  their  nations  from  his  attempts,  witn  an  impious 
 inColence  he  infers  that  the  God  of  Ifrael  could  not  deliver  his  chofeii  people  out 
 of  his  hand.  Ver  36.  The  king’s  commandment  was — Answer  him  not.  This  was 
 a  very  wife  order,  becaufe  he  might  have  bad  lome  advantage  by  a  fudden  anc 
 fw'er  ;  and  it  was  no  lefs  pious;  for  Hezekiah  believed  God  would  anfwer  for 
 himfelf,  not  in  words,  but  in  fuch  deeds  as  would  demonftrute  that  he  was  above 
 all  gods. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XVIII.]  The  Lord  dlfpoles  of  all  things  for  the  good  of  men,  and  particularly  for  the  advantage  of  them  that 
 fear  him,  and  for  the  glory  of  his  name  Thus  the  ruin  of  the  kingdom  of  Ifrael  was  deligned  and  fitted  to  warn  the  kingdom  of  Judah,  that  nothing  but  their 
 obedience  of  his  laws  could  prevent  their  deft.ru(5tion.  And  of  this  truth  the  latter  had  greater  reafon  to  be  convinced  when  they  alfo  were  attacked  by  thejr 
 Affyrian  king,  who  feized  fevcral  of  their  cities,  while  he  was  not  permitted  to  fubdue  them.  —  God  never  makes  a  full  end  of  his  people,  r.olwitlillanding  their 
 numerous  provocations  ;  but  provides  them  relief  in  one  part  of  the  world  when  he  almoft.  extirpates  them  in  another.  Nay,  in  the  darkell  times,  he  can  raifo 
 up  the  moft  burning  and  fhining  lights.  And  his  grace  can  enable  them  to  overcome  the  ftrongeft  obflacle,  and  perfevere  to  the  end.  Thofe  therefore  who 
 refolutely  truft;  in  the  Lord  have  no  reafon  to  fear  while  they  keep  the  path  of  duty  ;  for  the  Lord  will  be  their  protedtion  and  their  deliverance.  The  gre^t 
 antiquity  or  univerfal  adoption  of  any  evil  cuftom  cannot  juftify  it.  continuance;  nor  can  length  of  time  confecrate  an  evil  practice.  If  ever  oar  parents  have 
 difljonourtd  God,  it  is  our  honour  not  to  imitate  them.  And  fidelity  in  Gpd's  fervice  will  ever  be  accompanied  wdth  his  blefiing,  Xo  prove  their  faith  and  coi}’ 
 
II.  KINGS. 
 
 a  Ifaiah 
 S7.  1. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 ■found. 
 
 ^Jczi  Jciah  rcceivcih  Scnnaciienb*S  Idlcr^ 
 
 CHAP.  XIX. 
 
 1  Hcz^Mh,  mou-uinfr,  .ncnrh  k  to  naiuh  to  pray  for  them.  G  I^ahh 
 comforMU  them.  S  Sennacherib,  going  to  encouvUr  Tirh.k  It,  s.nid- 
 eth  a  blaiphenious  Icf.er  to  Hezekinh.  14  Ilcz.-krih’s  prarjer.  20 
 noiahs  prophecy  concerning  the  pride  and  destruction  of  Sennacherib, 
 and  the  good  oj  Zion,  i^c. 
 
 And  *  it  came  to  pafs,  v.-hen  kin?  Hezekiah  heard 
 It,  that  he  r-.Pt  his  clothes,  and  covered  himi’elt 
 with  lackcloth,  and  w'ent  into  the  hoiileof  the  Lord. 
 
 .  2  And  he  lent  Eliakim,  which  -ii'as  over  the  hdule- 
 hold,  and  Shebna  the  Icribe,  and  the  elders  cf  the 
 bLuke  prielL':,  covered  with  lackcloth,  to  ^  Ilaiah  the  prophet, 
 s.  ciii-  the  Ibri  of  Amoz. 
 
 lediiw.as  3  they  laid  unto  him,  Thus  faith  Hezekiah, 
 1  his  day  ts  a  ^day  of  trouble,  and  of  rebuke,  and 
 11  Or,7)ro- 11  blalphemy  ;  for  the  children  are  come  to  the  birth, 
 vocation.  and  there  is  not  strength  to  bring  forth. 
 
 4  It  may  be  the  Lord  thy  God  will  hear  all  the 
 words  of  Rab-lhakeh,  whom  the  king  of  Aliyria  his 
 iTiafter  hath  fent  to  reproach  the  living  God  ;  and 
 •  will  reprove  the  words  which  the  Lord  thy  God  hath 
 heard:  wht-reiore  lift  up  prayer  for  the  remnant 
 that  are  f  left, 
 
 5  8o  the  lervants  of  king  Hezekiah  came  to  Ifaiah. 
 6  II  And  Ifaiah  faid  unto  them.  Thus  (hall  ye  lay  to 
 your  mafter,  Thus  faith  the  Lord,  Be  not  afraid  of 
 the  words  which  thou  half  heard,  with  which  thefer- 
 vants  of  the  king  of  AlTy  ria  have  blafphemed  me. 
 
 7  Behold,  1  will  fend  a  blaft  upon  him,  and  he  lhall 
 Lear  a  rumour,  and  (hall  return  to  his  own  land  ;  and 
 1  will  caufe  him  to  fall  by  the  Iword  in  h's  own  land. 
 
 8  II  So  Rab-Hiakeh  returned,  and  found  the  king 
 of  AfTyria  warring  againft  Libnah  :  for  he  had  heard 
 that  he  was  departed  from  Lachilh. 
 
 9  And  when  he  heard  fay  of  Tirhakah  king  of 
 Ethiopia,  Behold,  he  is  come  out  to  fight  againft  thee  ; 
 he  fent  raeftengers  again  unto  Hezekiah,  faying, 
 
 10  Thus  lhall  ye  fpeak  to  Hezekiah  king  of  Judah, 
 faring.  Let  not  thy  God  in  whom  thou  trufteft  de¬ 
 ceive  thee,  laying,  Jerufalem  lhall  not  be  delivered 
 into  the  hand  of  the  king  of  Aflyria. 
 
 1 1  Behold,  thou  haft  heard  what  the  kings  of 
 Affyria  have  done  to  all  lands,  by  deftroying  them 
 utterlv  :  and  (halt  thou  be  delivered  ? 
 
 12  Have  the  gods  of  the  nations  delivered  them 
 which  my  fathers  have  d&ftroyed  ;  as  Gczan,  and 
 Haran,  and  R  '-zeph,  and  the  children  of  Edeo  which 
 'mere  in  Thelal'er.^ 
 
 13  Where  is  the  king  of  Hamath,  and  the  king  of 
 Arpad,  and  the  king  of  the  city  of  Sepharvaim,  of 
 Henah  and  Ivan  ? 
 
 14ll  And  Hezekiah  received  the  letter  of  the  hand 
 
 £XrL.\NATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XIX.  Ver.  S.  The  children  are  cume 
 to  the  birth.  Tiiis  was  a  proverbial  expieiBon  ufed  to  convey  tlie  idea  of  the  "reat- 
 eft  calamity  and  inevitable  danger.  Procopious  thus  explains  the  words  ;  “We  are 
 in  pain  to  hear  fuch  Llafphemous  exprefiions,  but  are  not  able  to  punifli  thofe 
 who  have  made  ufe  of  them.”  Ver.  4.  The  epithet  living,  llrongly  marks  the 
 diftin<5tion  between  the  God  of  Ifrael,  end  the  tutelary  deities  of  the  Pagan 
 nations,  and  accordingly  Jehovah  is  frequently  denominated,  living  Gad.  Ver. 
 23,  24.  Ey  thy  vicssengers.  The  prophet,  in  this  anlV.ler  to  Hezekiah,  has  given 
 us  an  admirable  diTcriptioti  of  the  ridiculous  vanity  and  oflentation  of  a  king 
 puffed  up  with  great  fuccefs.  As  if  he  had  faid,  “  W'liat  can  refill  the  force  of 
 
 Ilis  patjer  ;  Isaiah's  proph,^,^^ 
 
 of  the  rnfflengers,  and  read  it :  and  Hi  zekiah  went  Hec.,,, 
 up  into  the  houle  of  the  Lord,  and  IpreaJ  it  before 
 the  Lord. 
 
 ].5  And  Hez-^kiah  prayed  before  the  Lord,  ard'^'^ 
 laid,  O  Lord  God  of  Hiael,  which  dv\'el!eli  Udvicin 
 the  cherubiiits,  thou  art  the  God,  even  thou  alout ,  of 
 all  the  kingdoms  of  the  earth  ;  thou  haft  made  heaven 
 and  earth. 
 
 16  Lord,  bow  down  thine  ear,  and  hear;  open. 
 
 Lord,  thine  eyes,  and  lee  ;  and  hear  (he  words  of 
 Sennacherib,  which  hath  fent  him  to  reproach  the 
 living  God. 
 
 17  Of  a  truth.  Lord,  the  kings  of  Aift'yria  havede- 
 ftroyed  the  nations  and  their  lands, 
 
 18  And  have  t  call  their  gods  into  the  fire:  forfHcb, 
 they  xcere  no  gods,  but  the  work  of  men’s  hands, 
 wood  and  ftone  ;  therefore  they  have  deftroyed  them. 
 
 19  Now  therefore,  O  Lord  our  God,  I  befeech 
 thee,  lave  thou  us  out  of  his  band,  that  all  the  king¬ 
 doms  of  the  earth  may  know  that  thou  art  the  Lord 
 God,  even  thou  only. 
 
 _  20  51  1  hen  Ifaiah  the  Ton  of  Amoz  fent  to  Heze¬ 
 kiah,  faying,  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God  of  Ifrael,  I  hat 
 which  thou  haft  prayed  to  me  againft  Sennacherib 
 king  of  Affyria  1  have  beard. 
 
 21  This  ?s  the  word  that  the  Lord  hath  fpokenfiieb. 
 concerning  him:  Trie  virgin  the  daughter  of 
 
 hath  defpifed  thee,  and  laughed  thee  to  fcora  ;  "-f' 
 
 daughter  of  Jerufaleni  hath  lhaken  her  head  at  thee, 
 
 22  Whom  halt  thou  reproached  and  blafphemed  ?«pss,  .jc 
 and  againft  whom  haft  thou  exalted  /Ay  voice,  and  !ifi-  U 
 
 ed  up  thine  eyes  on  high  ?  even  againft  the  Holy 
 of  Ifrael.  jrnUjui 
 
 23  f  Ly  thy  meuengers  thou  haft  reproached  theM'i. 
 Lord,  and  haft  laid,  With  the  multimde  of  my  cha-  II 
 riots  I  am  come  up  to  the  height  of  the  mountains, 
 
 the  fidrs  of  Lebanon,  and  will  cuf'down  f  the  tali  ce ■  jiasf’thou 
 dar-irees  thereof,  and  the  choice  fir-trees  thereof :  and  notheoH 
 
 I  wiil  enter  into  the  lodgings  of  his  borders,  and  , 
 
 II  the  foreft  of  his  Carmel. 
 
 24  I  have  digged  and  drunk  ftrange  waters,  and  and  joriii- 
 with  the  foie  of  my  feet  have  I  dried  up  all  the  rivers 
 
 of  t  btfieged  places, 
 
 25  i|  liaft  thou  not  heard  long  ago  how  I  have  done^w-  ; 
 
 it,  and  of  ancient  times  that  I  have  formed  it  now  now  rinig 
 have!  brought  it  to  pal's,  that  thou  fhouldeft  be  to  lay 
 wafte  fenced  cities  lato  ruinous  heaps.  jeTcedd- 
 
 26  Therefore  their  inhabitants  were  f  of  fmall  ae,- to  he 
 power,  they  were  difmayed  and  confounded;  they 
 were  as  the  grafs  of  the  field,  and  as  the  green  herb, 
 
 as  the  grafs  on  the  houfe-tops,  and  as  corn  blafted  be-]),oao/ 
 fore  it  be  grown  up.  hand. 
 
 my  vicSlorions  arm  !  Or,  where  is  the  place  that  is  inaccelTible  to  the  ilrengtli 
 and  adlivity  of  my  troops  ;  I  have  even  afeended  Lebanon  itfelf  ?  Who  then 
 hinder  me  from  taking  up  my  quarters  in  w  hat  part  of  Judea  I  pleafe  ?  At  my 
 call,  fountains,  even  in  the  drieii  places,  arife  :  at  my  command,  the  hills  lublidO) 
 the  rocks  f'eparate,  and  make  me  a  way  ;  and  at  my  approach,  the  deepefi  waters 
 and  lakes  become  dry;  fo  that  all  refiflance  is  vain,  for  vicSlory  muff  continually 
 attend  my  flandard.  ”  Ver.  25.  Hnjl  thou  nut  heard  long  agoi  Jehovah  thus  an- 
 fv.  ers  the  boafting  of  this  vain  prince.  W’hat  are  thy  exploits  when  compared  to 
 the  works  that  I  have  done?  Art  thou  ignorant  how  I  dried  up  Uie  Ited  fe* 
 before  my  people,  and  made  them  wailHrtirough  the  deep  as  through  the  wilderneli" 
 
 flancy,  and  to  punith  a  hypocritical  nation,  they  who  are  mod  zealous  for  God  may  be  reduced  to  fuch  difficulties  as  will  make  them  dagger,  and  finfully  yield.  Uti* 
 flyincr  to  human  confidence  in  (lead  of  God  will  only  bring  the  ruin  on  us  which  we  feek  to  avoid.  The  mod  folenin  entreaties,  orlarge/l  promifes  make  little  impy  ' 
 lion  on  conquering  tyrants.  Never  let  men  rob  God  to  procure  temporal  advantages;  othenvife  tliey  will  afi'uredly  find  themfelves  grievoufly  difappointed.  Vna 
 an  unruly  evil  is  an  infblent  tongue!  It  cafiieth  forth  fire-brands,  arrows,  and  death,  againft  God  and  man  ;  and  readily  upbraids  the  people  of  God  with  tlivP 
 gi'catefl  hondiirs.  Little  reafoii  has  one  power  to  vaunt  againft,  another  J  for  fcon  they  may  be  found  equally  weak,  as  well  as  equally  treacherous. 
 
Before 
 
 Clirifl 
 
 710. 
 
 II  Or. 
 
 »Uing- 
 
 I  Heb. 
 
 Sennacherib's  dcstniSiion ;  Zion's  prosperity. 
 
 27  But  I  know  thy  ||  abode,  and  thy  going  out 
 and  thv  coming  in,  and  thy  rage  againft  me. 
 
 2S  Becaule  thy  rage  againft  me,  and  thy  tumult 
 is  come  up  into  mine  ears,  theretore  I  v.ill  put  mv 
 hook  in  thy  nofe,  and  my  bridle  in  thy  lips,  and  1 
 will  turn  thee  back  by  the  v.’ay  by  which  thou  rameft. 
 
 29  And  this  shall  be  a  fign  unto  thee.  Ye  lltall  eat 
 this  year  I'uch  things  as  grow  of  therafelyes,  and  in 
 the  fecond  year  that  which  fpringeth  oi  the  fame ; 
 and  in  the  third  year  fow  ye,  and  reap,  and  plant 
 vineyards,  and  eat  the  fruits  thereof. 
 
 30  And  t  the  remnant  that  is  efcaped  of  the  houle 
 
 the  escap- of  Judah  (ball  yet  again  take  root  downward,  and 
 iugofihe  upward. 
 
 irr*  31  For  out  of  Jernfalem  ftiall  go  forth  a  remnant, 
 tha^re-  and  t  they  that  efcape  out  of  mount  Zion  ;  the  zeal 
 tmineth.  of  the  LoRD  of  hosts  fhal!  do  this, 
 t  Heb.  32  Therefore  thus  faith  the  Lord  concerning  the 
 king  of  Affyria,  He  (hall  not  come  into  this  city,  nor 
 (hoot  an  arrow  there,  nor  come  before  it  with  Ihield, 
 nor  caft  a  bank  againft  it. 
 
 33  By  the  way  that  he  came,  by  the  fame  fliall  he 
 return.and  fhall  not  come  into  this  city,  faith  the  Lord. 
 
 34  For  I  will  defend  this  city,  to  fave  it,  for  mine 
 own  fake,  and  for  my  fervant  David’s  fake. 
 
 35  If  And  it  came  to  pafs  that  night,  that  the  angel 
 of  the  Lord  went  out,  and  fmote  in  the  camp  of  the 
 Aftyrians  an  hundred  fourfeore  and  five  thoufand  : 
 and  when  they  rofe  early  in  the  morning,  behold, 
 they  "were  all  dead  corpfes. 
 
 II.  RINGS. 
 
 the  escap¬ 
 ing. 
 
 C  Ifaiah 
 
 37.  36. 
 Ecclus. 
 48.  21. 
 
 1  Mac. 
 
 7.  41. 
 
 2  Mac. 
 
 8.  19. 
 
 Hczehalis  life  lengthened,  Sro. 
 
 and 
 
 Liar- 
 
 Dcf.TC 
 
 (■(.rid 
 
 709. 
 
 71.S. 
 
 5  Chro. 
 
 Sharezer  ^  his  fons  fmote  him  v/ith  the  (word 
 they  efcaped  into  the  land  of  -t-  Armenia:  and 
 haddon  his  fon  reigned  in  his  ftead.*  ^  v 
 
 dTobitI.21.  f  llA.  ylrarat. 
 
 CHAP.  XX. 
 
 1  Hezeliah,  having  received  a  mejptge  of  death,  hy  prayer  hath  his  Ufa 
 lenolhened.  8  The  fun  goelh  ten  degrees  backward,  f,r  a  sign,  of 
 that  promise.  12  Ucrodach-baladan  sending  to  visit  Ilnekiah,  ircaufe 
 of  the  wonder,  hath  notice  of  his  treasures.  1 4  Jsaiah,  underfandiug 
 thereof,  foretelletk  (he  Babylonian  captivity,  J,;c. 
 
 IN  *  thofe  days  was  Hezekiah  fick  unto  death  :  and  ^  ^ 
 the  prophet  Ifaiah  the  fon  of  Amoz  came  to  him  ’  32.  24. 
 and  faid  unto  him,  Thus  faith  the  Lord,  f  Set  thine  ifaiah 
 houfe  in  order  ;  for  thou  (halt  die,  and  not  live.  ss.  i. 
 
 2  Then  he  turned  his  face  to  the  wall,  and  prayed 
 unto  the  I.ORD,  faying,  charge 
 
 3  I  befeech  thee,  O  Lord,  remember  now  how  1  concern. 
 have  walked  before  thee  in  truth,  and  with  a  perfeftj^^-^ 
 heart,  and  have  done  that  vchich  is  good  in  thy  fight, 
 
 And  Hezekiah  wept  t  fore*  rvith  a 
 
 4  And  it  came  to  pafs,  afore  IfaHh  was  gone  out  great 
 into  the  luiddle  11  court,  that  the  vverd  of  the  Lord 
 came  to  him,  faying,  _  ^  cUy. ' 
 
 5  Turn  again,  and  tell  Hezekiah  the  captain  of  my 
 people.  Thus  faith  the  Lord,  the  God  of  David  thy 
 father,  I  have  heard  thy  prayer,  i  have  i’een  thy  tears : 
 behold,  I  will  heal  thee ;  on  the  third  day  thou  fhalt 
 go  up  unto  the  houfe  of  the  Lord. 
 
 6  And  1  will  add  unto  thy  days  fifteen  years  ;  and 
 I  will  deliver  thee  and  this  city  out  of  the  hand  of  the 
 king  of  Afiyria  ;  and  I  will  defend  this  city  f 
 
 709. 
 
 ey  were  <iii  ucdu  c-uipica.  _  i|  ,  . .  .  ..r  mine 
 
 36  So  Sennacherib  king  of  Affyria  departed,  and  j!  own  fake,  and  for  my  fervant  David  s  lake. 
 
 went  and  returned,  and  dwelt  at  Nineveh.  |  7  And  Ifaiah  laid.  Take  a  lump  of  figs  :  and  they 
 
 37  And  it  came  to  pafs,  as  he  was  worfhipping  in  I!  took  and  laid  it  on  the  boil,  and  he  recovered. 
 
 the  houfe  of  Nifroch  his  god,  that  Adramraelech  and  •[  8  ^  And  Hezekiah  faid  unto  Kaiab,  What  shall  be 
 
 How  vain  is  it  for  one  fprung  of  earth  to  vie  with  the  Almighty  Creator? 
 Ver.  28.  I  will  put  my  hook  in  thy  nose.  This  alludes  either  to  the  method  by 
 which  they  manage  their  beads  in  the  eaft,  efpecially  the  dromedaries,  which 
 are  governed  by  a  bridle  that  is  faftened  to  a  ling  which  runs  through 
 the  noftrils  of  the  bead ;  or  to  the  ahfolute  power  which  man  has  over  a  filh 
 which  is  fadened  by  the  nofe  .to  his  hook.  Ver.  35.  The  angel  oj  the  Lord.  Seii- 
 racherib.  fluflied  with  his  vidlories,  and  breathing  dedrudlion  againd  the  king¬ 
 dom  of  Judah,  which  had  withdrawn  its  allegiance  from  him,  fent  an  opprobri¬ 
 ous  meffage  to  Hezekiah  and  his  fubjedls,  charged  with  the  mod  bitter  inveflives, 
 not  only  againd  the  king,  but  even  againd  God  ;  as  appears  from  ver.  10,  11, 
 12.  of  this  chapter  ;  from  ver.  32 — 35.  of  the  preceding  chapter  ;  and  from  j 
 2  Chron.  xxxii.  15 — 17.  In  thele  palTages  he  brings  down  the  great  God  of 
 Ifrael  to  the  contemptible  level  of  the  gods  of  the  nations,  puts  him  to  open  de¬ 
 fiance,  and  charges  him  with  impotence  to  his  face.  This  then  was  the  time  for 
 the  Lord  to  vindicate  his  honour;  to  aflert  his  fupreniacy  and  power;  and  to 
 make  both  parties  fenfible  that  he  was  “  glorious  in  might,  equally  able  to  help 
 and  to  cad  down,  to  fave  and  dedroy.”  Accordingly  this  blafphemous  tyrant 
 had  fcareely  advanced  to  the  holy  city,  but  his  forces  were  indanlly  broken  ;  as 
 appears  from  the  verfe  before  us.  This  tremendous  adl  forced  him  to  retreat 
 with  fhame  and  confufion,  and  made  it  vifible  to  all  the  nations,  efpecially  to  the 
 Jews,  that  Jehovah  was  a  God  “  mighty  in  drengtli  and  excellent  in  power  ;” 
 that  he  was  truly  what  he  dyled  himfelf,  “  the  Lord  of  hods  ;”  and  that  “  there 
 was  no  other  bod  that  could  deliver  after  this  fort.”  Ver.  37.  In  the  houfe  of 
 Nisroch  his  god.  This  was  probably  the  tutelary  deity  of  this  country,  who  miglit  [ 
 originally  have  been  their  king  or  legiflalor,  and  might  have  been  deified,  as  the  j 
 cudom  was,  in  order  to  preferve  the  veneration  of  his  laws,  or  the  memory  of  j 
 
 I  his  ferviccs  to  the  date.  The  fignifications  aferibed  to  the  vcord  fCisrock  are 
 1  various.  Some  imagine  that  it  fignifies  a  fliip,  and  in  the  Egyptian  tropical 
 j  hieroglyidiics  we  find  that  a  diip  and  pilot  were  ufed  to  exprefs  “the  Gover- 
 ner  of  the  univerfe.”  According  to  others,  it  fignifies  a  “young  eagle;”  by 
 which  might  be  infinuatcd,  the  intrepidity,  drength,  and  infatiable  ambition  of 
 the  herb  reprefentsd  by  this  hieroglyphic. — It  was  a  remarkable  jud  judgment 
 of  God,  that  in  the  houfe  or  temple  of  this  idol,  whom  Sennacherib  blafphenioudy 
 preferred  to  the  true  God,  he  (hould  be  dain,  and  by  his  own  fons,  who,  accoru- 
 ing  to  nature,  fhould  have  defended  him  ;  but  we  may  expedl  to  fee  all  natural 
 rules  and  expcidations  inverted  to  our  dednuftion,  when  we  blafphcme  and 
 difebey  the  great  God  of  nature.  God  proved  himfelf  to  be  the  only 
 
 true  God,  in  dedroying  his  army  by  his  own  power,  and  the  divine  exer¬ 
 tion  of  his  fpccial  and  vindidlive  providence,  and  then,  in  a  few  days,  dedroy¬ 
 ing  him  before  his  helplefs  idol,  and  in  a  manner  contrary  to  filial  obligaiioii, 
 which  is  due  to  every  parent,  and  the  common  and  jud  couife  of  nature’s 
 proceedings. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XX.  Ver.  1.  Tn  those  days  was  Heze¬ 
 kiah  sick.  Though  the  facred  hidorian  has  placed  this  ficknefs  immediately  after 
 the  defeat  and  death  of  Sennacherib,  yet  it  is  fiifficiently  evident  from  ver.  G.  that 
 it  happened  before  that  time,  Hezekiah  reigned  in  all  twenly-nine  years.  H-e 
 had  reigned  fourteen  years  when  Sennacherib  invaded  him,  and  after  his  ficUntls 
 he  reigned  fifteen  years;  condqiiently  this  fickritf,  happened  in  the  very  fan  e 
 year  that  the  king  of  Affyria  invaded  Judea;  hut  the  facred  hidorian  thought 
 proper  to  defer  the  account  of  it  till  he  had  fiuilhed  the  account  of  Sennacherib. 
 Thefe  kinds  of  tranfpofitions  are  not  unufual  in  fpiiiture,  as  the  reader  may 
 find  from  feveral  paffages  in  the  fird  book  of  Samuel,  efpecially  in  thefe  which 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — '*  Chap.  XIX.]  Severe  afdiaions  ought  to  affedl  us  deeply,  and  excite  us  earneOly  to  call  on  God  for  relief  But 
 while  our  helper  is  almighty,  we  have  no  reafon  to  defpair.  Let  us  however  always  feek  an  intered  in  the  prayers  of  .lefus  Ci.r-d  and  his  fervants  on  our  behalf 
 Ihus  trading  in  God  we  ftall  never  be  confounded  ;  while  thofe,  who  lift  up  their  hearts  and  tongues  againd  him,  diall  bring  fwift  vengeance  on  their  own  beads' 
 ihe  prefumption  of  the  wicked  is  adomfhing ;  they  dare  to  defy  God,  and  are  fond  of  trumpeting  forth  their  own  praife.  And  frequentltT lud  before  their  min  t 
 blafphemy  and  pride  fwell  to  the  bighed;  and  thus  illudrate  the  words  of  Solomon  ;  “  Pride  goelh  before  a  fall.”  But,  while  we  have  a  prayer  heardio-  Co  I  f 
 addrefs  in  the  time  of  our  trouble,  let  us  not  fear.  If  the  great  objedl  of  our  requests  be  the  manifestation  .  f  his  glory,  we  diall  certainly  he  hLrd  .  r-  V> 
 
 anfwers  to  the  prayers  of  faith  are  as  fpeedy  as  they  are  comfortable.  How  honourable,  in  God's  view,  a  e  his  people  in  their  greatest  distrefs  '  but  enn*Amr,f  M  ^ 
 fight  are  his  greatest  oppofers.  His  enemies’  boasting  is  an  empty  noife,  a  proud  puff,  and  no  morel  for  neither  earth  nortu  ^ge  ^  ' 
 
 his  people  any  further  than  bis  limits  permit  them.  He  gracioufly  for  Mefitah’s  fake  proteas,  delivers,  and  provides  for  his  people  aLve^what  thov  i  i 
 How  glorious  IS  Jehovah  !  What  a  fpeedy  regard  does  he  manifest  for  his  promif,  !  What  terrible  majesty  is  with  him  '  How  fearful  S  fill  Tnto  i  A  l  M 
 pat  IS  the  pow'er  of  his  heavenly  ministers !  And  how  fafe  are  thofe  who  have  millions  of  fuch  guardians  and  proteaors  '  And  this  nrivile  1  I”-'  e 
 
 for  all  the  angels  of  God  are  feht  forth  to  minister  to  thofe  who  are  heirs  of  falvation.  But  miferahk  is  the  end  of  blafphlmer^  ^  ^  ' 
 
 .^0. 25.tt.Qd,  5  F  ^ 
 
H  zekiah  shewcih  his  irtcsun\  . 
 
 n.  KINGS. 
 
 b  Ifaiah 
 
 38.  8. 
 Ecclus, 
 48.  2.3. 
 f  Heb. 
 degrees. 
 
 712. 
 c  Ifaiah 
 
 39.  1. 
 
 !l  Or, 
 
 S]>i  -ery. 
 
 11  Or, 
 jewels, 
 t  Ileb. 
 vessels. 
 
 Before  the  fign  that  the  Lord  will  heal  me,  and  that  I  fliall 
 go  up  into  the  houfe  ot  the  Lord  the  third  day  ? 
 
 9  And  Ifaiah  faid,  This  fign  (halt  thou  have  of  the 
 Lord,  that  the  Lord  will  do  the  thing  that  he  hath 
 Ipoken  ;  fliall  the  Oiadow  go  forward  ten  degrees,  or 
 go  back  ten  degrees  ? 
 
 10  And  Hezekiah  anfwered,  It  is  a  light  thing  for 
 the  (liadow  to  go  down  ten  degrees :  nay,  but  let  the 
 fhadow  return  backward  ten  degrees. 
 
 11  And  Ilaiah  the  prophet  cried  unto  the  I.ord; 
 and  **  he  brought  the  (hadow  ten  degrees  backward,  j 
 by  which  it  had  gone  down  in  the  t  dial  of  Ahaz.  ! 
 
 12  ®  At  that  time  Berodach-baladan,  the  fon  of  I 
 
 Baladan,  king  of  Babylon,  feot  letters  and  a  prefent ! 
 unto  Hv  zekiah  :  for  he  had  heard  that  Hezekiah  had  | 
 been  lick.  '  j 
 
 13  And  Hezekiah  hearkened  unto  them,  and  fhew’- 1 
 
 ed  them  all  the  houfe  of  his  ||  precious  things,  the  j 
 filver,  and  the  gold,  and  the  (pices,  and  the  precious  i 
 ointment,  and  all  the  houfe  of  his  H  f  armour,  and  all  ’ 
 that  was  found  in  his  treafures  :  there  was  nothing  in  i 
 his  houfe,  nor  in  all  his  dominion,  that  Hezekiah  fhew- ; 
 ed  them  not.  i 
 
 14  11  Then  came  Ifaiah  the  prophet  unto  king  He- ' 
 zekiah,  and  faid  unto  him.  What  faid  thefe  men  ?  I 
 and  from  wheccecame  they  unto  thee?  And  Heze- 1 
 kiah  faid.  They  are  come  from  a  far  country,  even 
 from  Babylon. 
 
 15  And  he  faid,  What  have  they  feen  in  thine 
 houl’e^  And  Hezekiah  anfwered,  AW  the  things  that 
 
 Manassch's 
 
 ■Sn, 
 
 relate  to  the  tranfa<5liors  in  the  mod  early  part  of  David’s  life.  Ver.  3.  Hez'-  [ 
 kiah  wept  sore.  The  love  of  life  is  naturjil  to  us,  and  the  fear  of  death  is  fo  1 
 llrongly  implanted  in  our  very  frame  and  conftitution,  that  it  requires  no  fmall  , 
 lhare  of  fortitude  to  receive  fentence  of  our  diffolution,  with  a  proper  ferenity  j 
 and  compofure  of  mind.  Human  infirmity,  therefore,  is  a  fufficient  apology  for  | 
 Hezekiah’s  behaviour  ;  but  there  is  fomewhat  more  to  bealledged  in  his  behalf. —  , 
 He  faw  in  himl’elf  the  royal  family  of  David  extinct,  he  being  as  yet  cbildlefs,  I 
 and  confequently  all  hopes  of  the  Mefliah’s  being  born  of  his  race  were  become 
 
 abortive. He  faw  the  impending  dorm  that  threatened  his  country  with  ruin  ' 
 
 ard  delblation,  and  that  as  tlrere  was  none  of  his  family  to  fuc  ecd  him  in  the 
 throne,  all  things  were  in  danger  of  running  into  anarchy  and  confiifion.  Ver. 
 
 7.  Ta'.e  a  lump  of  Jigs.  Thus  the  Omnipotent,  who  could  remove  this  didemper 
 by  his  word  alone,  chofe  to  do  it  by  the  efifetd  of  natural  remedies ;  but  the 
 reality  of  the  miraculous  interpofition  of  the  Deity  appears  from  the  cure  being 
 wrought  indantaneoudy.  And  here  we  have  an  ufeful  leffon  given  us,  not  to 
 ne-rlecd  the  ufe  of  thofe  things  which  the  bountiful  Creator  has  bedowed  on  us, 
 and  at  the  fame  time  to  add  our  fervent  prayers,  that  he  would  be  gracioully 
 pleafed  toprofper  our  endeavours.  Ver.  11.  He  brought  the  shadow  ten  degrees 
 b  ckwa  d.  Scarcely  any  palTage  m  the  Old  Tedament  has  been  more  tortured  by 
 licentious  critics  than  this,  the  general  objeedion  againd  the  reality  of  the  mira¬ 
 cle  being  the  great  danger  of  diaking  or  unhinging  the  whole  frame  of  nature, 
 by  fo  retrograde  a  morion.  But  furely  it  is  fufficient  to  filence  this  cavil  to  ob- 
 terve,  that  it  was  a  miracle  wrought  by  the  immediate  appointment  of  Ood 
 himfelf;  and  that  though  it  effeeded  the  whole  frame  of  nature,  yet  no  reafon- 
 able  man  can  denv  that  the  fame  omnipotent  band  that  called  thofe  dupeni  ous 
 globes  into  being  ^t  fird,  and  affigned  to  each  its  peculiar  mot.on,  can,  whenever 
 lie  in  his  infinite  wifdom  fees  fit,  either  change,  ac, derate,  or  retard, fuch  motion 
 to  anfwer  the  wife  purpofes  of  his  providence,  and  at  the  fame  time  fupercede 
 
 are  in  mine  houfe  have  they  feen :  there  is  nothinc  i?cf 
 among  my  trealures  that  I  have  not  (hewed  them.  C'liriJ 
 IG  And  Ifaiah  (aid  unco  Hezekiah,  Hear  the  word 
 of  the  Lord  : 
 
 17  Behold,  the  days  come,  that  all  that  is  in  thine 
 
 houfe,  and  that  which  thy  fathers  have  laid  up  in  (tore 
 unto  this  day,  (hall  be  carried  into  Babylon  :  nothioira  r. 
 (liall  be  left,  faith  the  Lord.  ^21  ^ 
 
 18  And  of  thy  fons  that  (hall  ifTue  from  thee,  which  13/ 
 thou  (halt  beget,  (hall  they  takeaway;  and  they  (hall  or"’’ 
 be  eunuchs  in  the  palace  of  the  king' of  Babylon. 
 
 19  Then  faid  Hezekiah  unto  Ilaiah,  Good  is  the 
 werd  of  the  Lord  which  thou  haft  fpokeo.  And  he 
 (aid,  II  /.V  it  not  gvod^  if  peace  and  truth  be  in  my  days  ?  II  Or, 
 
 20  If  And  the  reft  of  th%a6ts  of  Hezekiah,  and  all 
 his  might,  and  how  he  made  a  pool,  and  a  conduit, 
 
 and  brought  water  into  the  city,  are  they  not  writ-t>w/*,? 
 ten  in  the  book  of  the  Chronicles  of  the  kings  of 
 Judah?  ^ 
 
 2 1  And  Hezekiah  (lept  with  his  fathers ,  and  Ma-  693. 
 nafleh  his  fon  reigned  in  his  ftead.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXL 
 
 1  Mannsseh  reigneth  :  3  his  great  idolatry;  10  his  wickedness  causeth 
 prophecies  againjl  Judah.  17  Amon  succeedelh  him.  19  Anion's 
 tvicked  reign,  ^c. 
 
 MANASSEH  *  was  twelve  years  old  when  he  e.qs. 
 
 began  to  reign,  and  reigned  fifty  and  five^^chro. 
 years  in  Jerufalera  :  and  his  mother’s  name  was  Heph-^^’ 
 zi-bah. 
 
 2  And  he  did  that  which  was  evil  in  the  fight  of  the 
 
 the  effe<5l  which  Aieh  alteration  would  otherwife  have  upon  this  viiible  fyflem, 
 Ver.  12.  At  that  time  Berodach-baladan.  Ihe  conquefis  vihich  the  AfTyrians 
 were  every  where  making  could  not  fail  of  giving  umbrage  to  the  neighbouring 
 powers  to  confederate  againft  them  ;  and  therefore  we  may  well  fuppole  that 
 befides  the  bufiiiefs  of  congratulating  Hezekiah’s  recovery,  the  purpol’e  of  thij 
 emhaffy  was  to  enter  into  an  alliance  with  him  againft  Sennacherib,  whofe 
 growing  power  the  Babylonians  had  reafon  to  fear,  as  well  as  the  Jew  s.  Ver.  16, 
 Hear  the  uord  of  the  Lord.  This  acftioii  of  Hezekiah  I'avours  of  weaknefs,  as 
 nothing  more  ftrongly  excites  the  enmity  of  neighbouring  ftates  than  fiicb  an 
 unreafoiiable  difplay  of  riches;  it  favours  of  oftentation  and  vanity,  both  of  them 
 vices  incompatible  with  that  temper  of  mind  which  Hezekiah’s  late  cure,  and 
 the  miracle  he  had  feen,  ffiould  have  wrought  in  hiri>  ;  and  perhaps  it  favours 
 of  impiety,  as  Hezekiah  feems  to  have  difplayed  his  treafure  as  his  own  acqui- 
 fitions,  without  aferibing  the  poffellion  of  them  to  the  goodnefs  and  power  of 
 God.  Ver.  17.  Shall  be  car ried  into  Babylon.  Whoever  confiders  the  ftate  of 
 things  at  this  time,  the  fmall  power  which  the  Babylonians  had,  and  that  their 
 king  was  tributary  to  the  king  of  Affyria,  muft  acknowledge  that  this  was  a  glar¬ 
 ing  inftance  of  the  divine  omnifcieiice  or  forefight;  and  when  he  finds  that  this 
 prediiflion  was  verified  at  the  diftance  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  years  after  it  was 
 pronounced,  he  cannot  but  confefs  that  Ifaiah  was  a  true  p/ophet.  Ver.  19.  Good 
 is  the  ward  of  the  Lord.  The  words  in  the  original  maybe  rendered,  “That 
 which  thou  haft  told  me  from  the  Loid  is  good  ;  I  willingly  fubmit  to  it.  But 
 shall  peace  '<nd  truth,  folid  and  lading  peace,  continue  jor  my  lime  ?"  Ver.  20.  He 
 brought  water  into  the  city.  This  he  did  by  making  fubterraneous  channels  in  the 
 rocks,  and  by  thefe  fecret  avenues  he  deprived  an  enemy  of  water  at  the  fame  time 
 that  he  fupplied  the  city  with  it. 
 
 explanatory  NOTES.  Chap.  XXI.  Ver.  4.  He  built  ettars  in  the  house 
 of  the  Lord.  That  is,  he  introduced  the  worfliip  of  idols  into  the  very  fanduary 
 
 - - - ;  *  Thap  XX  1  Neither  the  dignity  of  birth  nor  ftation,  nor  even  the  excellence  of  charadler  can  exempt  from  ficknefs  or 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.  •  ,  ’,3  .  >  ,u  is  moft  need  for  them.  Thusdoes  Jehovah  manifeft  his  fupremacy  by  doing 
 
 death.  And  God  often  lays  men  afide  v^aft  prepararion  of  ftate,  frame,  and  cxercife,  which  is  neceifary  to  a  comfortable  entrance  into  eternity.  It  he- 
 
 that  which  feeroeth  good  in  his  fight.  But  O  ,  and  folemn  manner.  In  our  dying  moments  it  is  the  greateft  mercy,  and  Ihould  be  ourearneft  defire 
 
 IS 
 
 and  the  in¬ 
 to  the 
 
 to  have  all  our  hopes  founded  on  .*^t  can  for  death,  and  deliver  us,  when  it  pleafes  God,  from  diftempers  that  are  in  them- 
 
 over  tl  e  natural  fears  and  pains  of  death.  Ho  reoLfts  and  bellows  on  them  exceedingly  above  what  they  afkor  think.  At  heft,  our  life  is  limited  ;  it  is 
 
 felves  deadly.  And  God  giants  with  -K^kuTwe  ought  m  u^  otherwifeVe  but  tempt  God  in  defiring  or  expeaing  recovery;  and 
 
 Ihort,  and  had  need  to  be  well  improved.  In  fitk  g  P  referiptions  of  the  moll  Ikilful  pbyficians.  How  great  is  God  s  condelcenlion 
 
 ftru(5lions,  counfels,  and  Pjayets  of  God  s  Fop  ^  s  S ^  fajjh.  Profperous  favourites  of  heaven  are  frequently  courted  by  the  great  and  even 
 
 weaknefs  and  infirmities  of  his  faints  !  He  will  work  flatter/ of  the  mighty.  But  if  we  walk  with  pride,  God  will  alfuredly  abafe  us 
 
 wicked  :  and  the  heft  men  are  apt  to  be  enfnared,  long  cover  us  with  coufufion.  May  God  enable  us  to  accept,  with  humble  fuhniif- 
 
 or  our  feed 
 fion,  the  punifhment 
 
 compaffion  of  our  God.  Peace  of  enjoying  both  thefe  bleffings  in  this  life? 
 
 What  has  miniftered  to  our  vanity,  of  hell  :  how  much  more  if,  when  chaftifed,  we  are  affiired  of  the  love  and 
 
 JuTgo2'  flu'l.  ™  .nl  n«ion,  N  .  H.IT.ng  »hicb  only  bo  o.c„d.d  by  ,bo  p.oool.noo  and  .numpb  of  uu.b  .nd 
 
 nefs  in  our  clay.  And  who  can 
 
Jilitnaisch* s  great  idulalry. 
 
 Lord,  after  the  abominations  of  the  heathen,  whom 
 the  i.oRD  caft  out  before  the  children  of  ll'rael.  j 
 
 3  For  he  built  up  again  the  high  places  which  He- 
 zekiah  his  father  had  deflroyed  ;  and  he  reared  up  ^ 
 altars  for  Baal,  and  made  a  grove  as  did  Ahab  king  ' 
 of  Ifrael ;  and  worfliipped  all  the  hod  of  heaven,  and 
 ferved  them. 
 
 4  And  he  built  altars  in  the  houfe  of  the  Lord  ^ 
 of  which  the  Lord  faid,  “  in  Jerufalem  will  I  put  my  ' 
 
 II.  KINGS. 
 
 Arnolds  'xicked  reign^ 
 
 Before 
 
 Cliritl 
 
 698- 
 
 b  Cliap 
 
 18.  4. 
 
 c  Jerom. 
 
 an.  8‘l. 
 
 (]  ‘I  Sam. 
 7.  l:3. 
 
 name. 
 
 ‘  Chap. 
 23.  27. 
 
 And  he  built  altars  for  all  the  hod  of  heaven  in 
 the  two  courts  of  the  houfe  of  the  Lord. 
 
 6  And  he  made  his  Ton  to  pafs  through  the  fire,  and 
 oblerved  times,  and  ufed  enchantments,  and  dealt 
 with  familiar  fpirits  and  wizards ;  he  wrought  much 
 wickedael's  in  the  fight  of  the  Lord,  to  provoke  him 
 to  anger. 
 
 7  And  he  fet  a  graven  image  of  the  grove  that  he 
 had  made  in  the  houfe,  of  which  the  Lord  laid  to 
 
 e  1  Kiigs  David,  and  to  Solomon  his  fon,  '  In  this  houfe,  and 
 8. 29.  &.  in  Jerufalem,  which  I  have  chofen  out  of  all  the  tribes 
 of  Ifrael,  will  I  put  my  name  for  ever. 
 
 8  Neither  will  i  make  the  feet  of  Ifrael  move  any 
 more  out  of  the  land  which  I  gave  their  fathers ;  only 
 if  they  will  obferve  to  do  according  to  all  that  I  have 
 commanded  them,  and  according  to  all  the  law  that 
 my  I’ervant  Mofes  commanded  them. 
 
 9  But  they  hearkened  not :  and  Manafielh  feduced 
 them  to  do  more  evil  than  did  the  nations  whom  the 
 Lord  deliroyed  before  the  children  of  Ifrael. 
 
 JO  ^  And  the  Lord  fpake  by  his  fervants  the  pro¬ 
 phets,  faying, 
 
 1 1  f  Becaufe  Manafleh  king  of  Judah  hath  done 
 thefe  abominations,  and  hath  done  wickedly  above 
 all  that  the  Amorites  did,  which  'were  before  him,  and 
 hath  made  Judah  alfo  to  fin  with  his  idols : 
 
 12  Therefore  thus  faith  the  Lord  God  of  Ifrael, 
 Behold,  I  am  bringing  such  evil  upon  Jerufalem  and 
 
 g  1  Sam.  that  whofoever  heareth  of  it,  both  e  his  ears 
 
 lhall  tingle. 
 
 13  And  I  will  ftretch  over  Jerufalem  the  line  of 
 Samaria,  and  the  plummet  of  the  houfe  of  Ahab  ;  and  i 
 
 iifelfj  for  tbe  outward  courts  and  chambers  are  mentioned  in  the  very  next 
 verfe.  Ver.  7.  Set  a  graven  image— in  the  house — nf  the  Lord.  In  the  preceding 
 reigns,  though  the  kings  brought  in  idolatry,  yet  ftill  it  feems  that  they  ererSted 
 temples  peculiarly  for  that  purpofe.  Tbe  dodtrine  of  inter-community  was  not 
 introduced  in  all  its  drengtb  tili  this  king’s  reign,  who  eredted  the  images  of  the 
 heathen  deities  in  the  temple,  and  under  the  fame  roof  worfliipped  God  and 
 Belial,  Ver.  1 3.  /  will  stretch  over  Jerusalem  the  line  of  Samaria,  This  is  a  me¬ 
 taphor  taken  from  thofe  who  life  a  line  in  laving  out  the  lots  of  feveral  perfons, 
 and  fignifies  that  Jerufalem  fliould  fuffer  the  fame  fate  that  Samaria  had  done ; 
 he  vlfited  with  famine,  deflroyed  with  the  fword,  and  its  inhabitants  carried  info 
 captivity.  Ver.  \6,  Manajfeh  shed  innocent  hlood.  He  is  fuppofed  to  have  put  to 
 death  the  prophets  who  were  fent  to  reprove  him,  and  particularly  the  great 
 prophet  Ifaiah,  who  as  fome  fay,  was  his  father-in-law  ;  againfl  whom  he  was 
 fo  exafperated,  for  bis  endeavours  to  reclaim  him  from  his  vicious  courfe^,  that 
 he  caufed  him  to  be  apprehended,  and  to  make  his  tortures  more  lingering-  and 
 tnore  exquifite,  ordered  him  to  be  fawn  afunder  witli  a  wooden  faw.  Ver\  18. 
 Mannffeh — buried  in  the  garden  of  his  own  house.  Tiiis  garden  is  generally 
 
 f  Jerem. 
 15.  4. 
 
 I  will  wipe  Jerufalem  as  a  man  wipeth  a  dilh,  f  wiping 
 it,  and  turning  it  upfide  down.  _  .  , 
 
 14  And  I  will  forl'ake  the  remnant  of  mine  inheri- 
 tance,  and  deliver  them  into  the  hand  of  their  enemies  ;  t  neb. 
 and  they  fball  become  a  prey  and  a  fpoil  to  all 
 
 enemies  j  ethiiupon 
 
 \rj  Becaufe  they  have  Aone  that  nhich  rvas  evil  iOihe/ace 
 my  fight,  and  have  provoked  me  to  anger  fince  the  thereof. 
 day  their  fathers  came  forth  out  of  Egypt,  even  unto 
 this  day. 
 
 IG  Moreover,  ManalTeh  flied  innocent  blood  very 
 much,  till  he  had  filled  Jerufalem  f  from  one  end  tot  ^eb. 
 another  ;  befides  his  fin  wherewith  he  made  Judah  to-^j^^ 
 fin,  in  doing  that  tsohich  was  evil  in  thefight  of  the  Lord,  mouth, 
 
 17  H  Now  the  rell  of  the  a^Is  of  Manafifeh,  and  all 
 that  he  did,  and  his  fin  that  he  finned,  they  not 
 written  in  the  book  of  the  Chronicles  of  the  kings  ot 
 Judah  ? 
 
 18  And  ManalTeh  flept  with  his  fathers,  and  was^  2Chro. 
 buried  in  the  garden  of  his  own  houfe,  in  the  garden 
 
 of  Uzza :  and  Amon  bis  fon  reigned  in  his  Itead. 
 
 19  H  Amon  was  twenty  and  two  years  old  when  he 
 began  to  reign  ;  and  he  reigned  two  years  in  Jerufa- 
 
 lem  :  and  his  mother’s  name  was  Melhullemeth,  the  64s, 
 daughter  of  Haruz  of  Jotbah. 
 
 20  And  he  did  that  which  was  evil  in  the  fight  of  the 
 Lord,  as  his  father  Manafleh  did. 
 
 21  And  he  walked  in  all  the  ways  that  his  father 
 walked  in,  and  ferved  the  idols  that  his  father  ferved, 
 and  worfliipped  them : 
 
 22  And  he  forfook  the  Lord  God  of  his  fathers, 
 and  walked  not  in  the  way  of  the  Lord. 
 
 23  And  the  fervants  of  Amon  confpired  againfl 
 him,  and  flew  the  king  in  his  own  houfe. 
 
 24  And  the  people  of  the  land  flew  all  them  that 
 had  confpired  againfl:  king  Amon  :  and  the  people  of 
 the  land  made  Jcfiati  his  fon  king  in  his  ftead. 
 
 25  H  Now  the  reft  of  rhe  afts  of  Amon  which  he 
 did,  are  they  not  written  in  the  book  of  the  Chronicles 
 
 of  the  kings  of  Judah  ?  *  Matth. 
 
 26  And  he  was  buried  in  his  fepulchre  in  the  garden 
 of  Uzza :  and  ‘  Jofiah  his  (bn  reigned  in  his  ftead.* 
 
 called 
 
 Josias. 
 
 fuppofed  to  be  the  place  where  Azariah,  who  died  a  leper,  was  buried ;  and  it  is 
 thought  that  Manafleh  chofe  to  be  buried  there,  as  unworthy  to  be  laid  in  the 
 fepulchres  of  the  kings  of  Judah.  His  miferable  captivity,  repentance,  and  re¬ 
 formation,  are  mentioned  in.2  Chroii.  xxxiii.  And  certainly  the  pardon  and  re- 
 floration  of  Manafleh  to  the  favour  of  God,  illuflrates  in  the  moft  flriking  manner 
 
 tbe  riches  of  divine  mercy  as  almofl  any  example  on  record.  Ver.  19,  Amon _ 
 
 reigned  two  years.  The  Jewifli  authors  obferve,  that  this  is  the  ufual  number  of 
 years  which  the  fons  of  thofe  kings  reigned,  who  by  their  abominations  provoked 
 God’s  anger;  and  the  inflance  in  the  fon  of  Jeroboam,  1  Kings  xv.  25.  the  fon 
 of  Baaflia,  chap.  xvi.  8.  and  the  fon  of  Ahab,  chap.  xxii.  51.  Ver.  22.  He  forsook 
 the  Lord  of  his  fathers.  The  mofl  abominable  wickednefs  and  licentioufnefs  had 
 overfpread  the  land ;  among  the  princes,  judges,  and  magiflrates,  reigned  injuf- 
 tice,  oppreflion,  cruelty,  and  all  manner  of  debauchery  ;  among  the  priefts,  pride 
 avarice,  and  a  fliameful  traflic  of  religion ;  among  the  people,  ignorance  and  im! 
 piety  •  altars  reared  every  where  to  Baal  and  the  whole  hoft  of  heaven,  and  the 
 very  fan<5luary  polluted  by  the  filthy  idols  of  the  groves.  * 
 
 to  fl*  ^ ^ ^ *  Chap.  XXI  ]  It  is  extremely  dangerous  to  arrive  too  early  at  dignity,  power  and  wealth  ;  for  many  are  Iviiio-  in  w  > 
 
 to  flatter  fuch  to  their  rum.  Even  religious  perfons  too  foon  exalted  to  important  flations  in  the  church  are  apt,  by  being  lifted  up  with  pride  Jfall  intll 
 demnation  of  the  devil.  None  are  more  in  danger  of  becoming  abandoned  profligates  than  thofe  who  trample  ^n  a  religfous  education  Irrel^ilu  1a 
 attachment  to  o.  vilifh  devices  and  falft-  worfliip,  are  often  clofely  conneaed.  The  bad  example  of  great  men,  particularly  the  chief  rulers  of  a  nation^  y  olent 
 
 nflaious  ;  and  thole  who  let  it  will,  in  the  lafl  judgment  have  to  anfaer  for  thoulands  or  millions,  whom  they  feduLd  or  deflroyed  •  and  the  I” 
 
 loitly  rt,and  on  a  level  with  the  meanell  fuhjeas  at  God's  bar.  When  men  abandon  tbemfelves  to  fin,  the  fins  of  their  fathers  are  brouirht  into  tlti  ^ 
 wiele  by  them.  Nothing  fiils  up  tbe  meafljre  of  a  nation’s  fins  foontr  than  the  perfecution  of  God’s  people.  TerrLe  are  the  f 
 
 God  bring  on  thofe  under  their  charge.  And  they  who  imitate  them  in  their  fins  mud  lhare  in^their  punifhments  ^ 
 
 Cjod  have  juft  reafori  to  dread  that  he  ftiall  forlake  them.  And  ereat  mud  be  the  ftreni^tli  of  that  in  »rfl  mmintirtu  k  nients.  They  who  forfake 
 
 tiotwithdanding  the  moft  awful  warnings  and  judgments.  Men’s  holdnefs  in  finninff  often'^hurries  them  into  lallinmnft  i  ^  daring  in  wickednefs, 
 
 mercy  to  a  nation  when  the  power  of  their  wicked"rulcrs  is  of  ftort  d"ura"tiom "  inexpreinble  mifery.  It  is  an  unfpeakahle 
 
Josiah*s  good  trign,  t^-c. 
 
 II.  KINGS. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrilt. 
 
 6-11. 
 
 a  2  Chro, 
 S4.  1. 
 
 Huldalds  pn^pltcij  against  Jet,is-,ien 
 
 ^f^Shaphan,  and  Achbor  the  Ton 
 o.  Mrcha^iah,  ^nd  Shaphan  the  i’cribe,  and  Alahiah,  a 
 lervant  ot  the  king’s,  faying,  ’  fiii 
 
 Cir.  624. 
 
 f  Ileb. 
 threiiiold. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 melled. 
 
 1  r  V  w  •  CHAP.  XXII  I 
 
 ’  -r;  * 
 
 _ . 
 
 I  rpj  rn  to  :  ^  ^  I  r  of  the  LoRD  for  me,  and  for  the 
 
 Teriifdem-  rt'igned  thirty  and  one  years  in!  P^oph,  and  tor  all  Judah,  concerning  the  words  of  this 
 
 Hon  Jtiother  s  name  aas  Jedidah,  the;  '^ook  that  is  found:  tor  great  is  the  wrath  of  the 
 
 ^  9^An5  f  r  ■  "^Kainft  us.  becaufe'  our  farhm 
 
 ^  Ann  he  din  that  w/ncfi  tt'as  right  in  the  fight  of  the  not  hearkened  unto  the  words  of  this  book  fr> 
 
 ORD,  and  walked  in  all  the  wavs  of  David  his  father,  !'0  according  unto  all  that  which  is  written  concernin  g 
 
 and  turned  not  afide  to  the  right  hand  or  to  ihe  left:;; 'JS.  ^ 
 
 1  •  '  T  r  came  to  pafs,  in  the  eighteenth  year  of  ii  P prieft,  and  Ahikam,  and  Achbor 
 
 King  Joliah,  t/iat  the  king  fent  Shaphan  the  fon  of ,  '^cnt  unto  Huldah  the  nrn’ 
 
 Azahah,  the  Ion  of  Melhullam,  the  fcribe  to  the  ‘  fhe  wifp  of  «hoii.,r„ 
 
 houle  of  the  Lord,  faying,  ’ 
 
 4  Go  up  to  Hiikiah  the  high  prieft,  that  he  mav  i 
 lum  the  filycr  which  is  brought  into  the  houfe  of  thci 
 
 "  keepers  of  the  f  door  have  gathered 
 
 of  the  people  ; 
 
 5  And  let  them  deliver  it  into  the  hands  of  the  do- ' 
 ers  of  the  work,  that  have  the  overfight  of  the  houfe  j 
 of  the  Lord  :  and  let  them  give  it  to  the  doers  ofi 
 the  work  wnich  is  in  the  houfe  of  the  Lord,  to  re¬ 
 pair  the  breaches  of  the  houfe. 
 
 6  Unto  carpenters,  and  builders,  and  mafons,  and 
 to  f'tiy  timber  and  hewn  ftone  to  repair  the  houfe. 
 
 7  Howbeit  there  was  no  reckoning  made  with 
 them  of  the  money  that  was  delivered  into  their  hand, 
 becaufe  they  dealt  faithfully. 
 
 ,  Hiikiah  the  high  prieft  faid  unto  Shaphan 
 
 t^he  Icribe,  1  have  found  the  book  of  the  law  in  the 
 houle  of  the  Lord.  And  Hiikiah  gave  the  book  to 
 Shaphan,  and  he  read  it. 
 
 9  And  Shaphan  the  Icribe  came  to  the  king  and 
 brought  the  king  w'ord  again,  and  faid  thy  fervants 
 have  f  gathered  the  money  that  w'as  found  in  the 
 houfe,  and  have  delivered  it  into  the  hand  of  them 
 that  do  the  work,  that  have  the  overCght  of  the  houfe 
 of  the  Lord. 
 
 10  And  Shaphan  the  fcribe  fhewed  the  king,  faying, 
 
 Hiikiah  the  prieft  hath  delivered  me  a  book  :  and  Sha¬ 
 phan  read  it  before  the  king. 
 
 11  And  it  came  to  pafs,  w'hen  the  king  had  heard  the 
 words  of  the  book  of  the  law,  that  he  rent  his  clothes. 
 
 12  And  the  king  commanded  Hiikiah  the  prieft, 
 
 'ore 
 
 Iiria 
 
 0 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXII.  Ver.  8.  I  have  found  the  book 
 of  the  law.  Tins  was  doubtlefs  the  original  book  of  the  law  written  by  Mofes 
 lirmlelf,  and  which  was  by  God’s  command,  laid  up  in  the  mod  holy  placl  The 
 Jews  charge  Manafleb  with  corrupting  all  the  copies  he  could  find,  by  blotting 
 the  name  JcAoea*  out  of  them  ;  Hiikiah  therefore  rejoiced  that  he  had  found  the 
 criginal,  by  which  all  the  reft  might  be  corre^ed;  and  the  finding  it  at  this  i 
 ^ery  crifis  when  Jofiah  was  endeavouring  to  recal  the  eftabliflied  worlhip  to 
 its  original  purity,  could  not  but  prove  a  very  ftriking  circumdan.-e,  which  j 
 mud  give  both  the  king  and  the  people  a  recent  indance  of  the  divine  providence 
 and  goodnefs.  Ver.  1 1 .  TF/ien  the  king  heard  the  words — he  rent  his  clothes.  The 
 Jews  have  a  tradition,  that  Shaphan,  either  by  the  over-ruling  providence  of  the 
 Almighty,  or  elfe  by  defign,  read  the  paffage  in  Deut.  xxviii.  36.  which  affeaed 
 the  king  with  the  mod  profound  forrow  and  terror.  The  date  of  the  kingdom 
 when  he  afcended  the  throne,  was  fo  like  that  defcribed  in  the  book  of  Deutero- 
 oiomy,  that  tl>e  king  could  not  but  infer  the  danger  which  threatened  his  nation  ; 
 and,  like  a  true  father  of  his  people,  he  felt  the  mod  lively  agonies  of  forrow  at 
 
 pheteL,  the  wife  of  Shallum  the  fon  of  likvah^t^e 
 ton  of  . Harhas,  keeper  ol  the  t  v.^ardrobe  ;  (now  foe  xt 
 dwelt  in  Jerulalem  ||  in  the  college  5)  and  they  com- 
 muned  with  her.  ^  y 
 
 thus  laith  the  Lord'""'^-^'' 
 God  of  Ilrael,  fell  the  man  that  fent  you  to  me 
 
 16  Thus  faith  the  Lord,  Behold  I  will  bring  evil 
 upon  this  place,  and  upon  the  inhabitants  thereof,  even 
 all  the  words  of  the  book  which  the  king  of  Judah 
 hath  read  : 
 
 17  Becaufe  they  have  forfaken  me,  and  have  burnt 
 incenle  unto  other  gods,  that  they  might  provoke  me 
 to  anger  with  all  the  works  of  their  hands  ;  therefore 
 my  wrath  foall  be  kindled  againft  this  place;  and  foall 
 not  be. quenched. 
 
 18  But  to  the  king  of  Judah,  which  fent  you  to 
 enquire  of  the  Lord,  thus  fliall  ye  fay  to  him,  Thus 
 laith  the  Lord  God  of  Ifrael,  As  touching  the  words 
 which  thou  haft  heard  ; 
 
 19  Becaufe  thine  heart  was  tender,  and  thou  haft 
 humbled  thyfelf  before  the  Lord,  w-hen  thou  heardft 
 what  1  fpake  againft  this  place,  and  againft  the  inhabi¬ 
 tants  thereof,  that  they  fhould  become  a  defolation, 
 and  a  curfe,  and  haft  rent  thy  clothes,  and  wept  before 
 me  ;  I  alfo  have  heard  thee  faith  the  Lord. 
 
 20  Behold,  therefore,  I  will  gather  thee  unto  thy 
 fathers,  and  thou  (halt  be  gathered  into  thy  grave  in 
 peace;  and  thine  eyes  foall  not  fee  all  the  evil  which 
 I  will  bring  upon  this  place.  And  they  brought  the 
 king  word  again.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXIII. 
 
 1  Josiah  caufelh  the  book  to  be  read ;  he  reneweth  the  covenant  of  the 
 
 Lord,  4  And  dejlroyelh  idolatry. 
 
 the  deplorable  profpedt.  Ver.  14.  HulUak  the  prophetess.  This  is  the  only  men¬ 
 tion  we  have  of  this  prophetefs,  though  (he  was  doubtlefs  an  excellent  womaiir 
 as  is  evident  from  the  king’s  confulting  her  on  this  occafion,  when  both  Jere¬ 
 miah  and  Zephaniah  were  prophets  in  Judah.  The  king  probably  had  rccourfe 
 to  her  in  their  abfeoce  from  Jerufalem,  efpecially  as  flie  refided  in  the  fchool  or 
 college  of  prophets  in  that  city.  Ver.  1 9.  Because  thine  heart  was  lender.  Here 
 are  four  tokens  of  true  repentance.  1.  Softnefs  of  heart,  in  oppofition  to  that 
 hardnefs  and  infenfibility  which  arifes  from  a  disregard  of  God’s  threatening'' 
 2.  great  humanity,  arifing  from  a  fenfe  of  his  unwortliinefs  of  any  mercy.  Thele 
 two  were  inward.  The  other  were  outward  tokens  of  his  inward  fenle,  namel/i 
 rending  his  clothes,  and  weeping  for  his  own  fin,  and  thofe  of  the  public.  There¬ 
 fore  God  had  refpe(5I  to  him,  and  told  him  by  the  prophetefs,  as  in  veife  20.  that 
 he  fltould  be  gathered  to  his  godly  anceftors,  to  fhare  with  them  in  eternal  lift 
 and  happinefs,  though  the  deflrutHion  threatened  fliould  come  upon  the  kin 
 in  the  days  of  his  fons. 
 
 ' 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSER^  ATI O NS. — *  Chap.  XXII,]  Even  in  the  moil  ungodly  families,  Jehovah  fometimes  difplays  the  richnefs  of  his  grace  bv  raifing up 
 eminent  examples  of  piety.  Happy  is  that  prince  whofe  reign  is  diRinguilhed  in  its  commencement,  progrefs,  and  conclufion,  by  the  reformation  or  fupport  of 
 the  true  religion.  Untainted  integrity  refledls  honour  on  the  moll  exalted  Rations.  It  is  dreadful  and  ruinous  when  men  of  all  ranks  treat  divine  revelation 
 contempt :  for  the  time  is  at  band  when  fuch  charadlers  (hall  tremble,  wonder  and  periih  :  while  thofe  who  have  revered  the  divine  oracles  (hall  efcape  the  impendi'’o 
 fiorm.  When  we  fee  the  wrath  of  God  hanging  over  our  heads,  it  is  full  time  for  us  to  think  how  we  are  to  prevent  it.  Such  as  are  under  deep  convi<51ions,  or  oP' 
 prelfive  fears  ought  to  confult  the  Lord’s  prophets;  and  holy  perfons  are  the  fitteR  to  be  our  friends  and  advifers.  ObRinate  and  wilful  finning  muR  end  in  r'-'roi' 
 dilefs  and  endlels  mifery.  It  is  a  great  mercy  to  have  our  hearts  early  and  deeply  affetSled  with  the  things  of  God.  Happy  are  they  who,  being  at  peace  with 
 their  own  confciences,  aud  mankind,  are  taken  away  before  the  indi'dlion  of  public  and  awful  judgmeuts.  And  it  bodes  ill  to  that  nation  when  the  righteous  at® 
 Ipeedily  taken  atv^. 
 
'Ihe  covenant  of  the  Lord  renewed. 
 
 And  *  the  kinp;  fent,  and  they  gathered  unto 
 him  all  the  elders  of  Judah  and  of  Jerulalem. 
 
 2  And  the  king  went  up  into  the  houle  or  the 
 ,  ci.ro.  Lord,  and  all  the  men  of  Judah,  and  all  theinha- 
 34.29*  bitants  of  Jerufalem  with  him,  and  the  pnelis  and  the 
 nrophets,  and  all  the  people,  f  both  (mall  and  great : 
 and  he  read  in  their  ears  all  the  words  of  the  book  or 
 
 II.  KINGS. 
 
 Idolatry  destroyed-) 
 
 Heb. 
 
 t 
 
 from 
 
 inhciiiev  n  covenant  which  was 
 
 found  in  the  houfe  of  the 
 
 ttnlo 
 
 iireat. 
 
 eaufed  to  the  kiogs  of  Judah  had  ordained  to  burn  incenle  in  the 
 
 Lord.  .  , 
 
 3  H  And  the  king  flood  by  a  pillar,  and  made  a 
 
 covenant  before  the  Lord,  to  walk  after  the  Lord, 
 and  to  keep  his  commandments,  and  his  teflimonies, 
 and  his  flatutes,  with  all  their  heart,  and  all  their  foul, 
 to  perform  the  words  of  this  covenant  that  were  writ¬ 
 ten  in  this  book  :  and  all  the  people  flood  to  the  co* 
 
 '^^4  And  the  king  commanded  Hilkiah  the  high- 
 prieft,  and  the  priefls  of  the  fecond  order,  and  the 
 keepers  of  the  door,  to  bring  forth  out  of  the  temple 
 of  the  Lord  all  the  veflels  that  were  made  for  Baal, 
 and  for  the  grove,  and  for  all  the  hoft  of  heaven  ; 
 and  he  burnt  them  without  Jerufalem  in  the  fields  of 
 Kidron,  and  carried  the  alhes  of  them  unto  Beth-el. 
 
 5  And  he  t  put  down  the  f  idolatrous  priefls,  whom 
 
 cease, 
 f  Heb. 
 chema- 
 rim. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 twelve 
 signs,  or, 
 conjlella- 
 ’  tions. 
 b  Chap. 
 21.  7. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 tiouses. 
 
 high  places  in  the  cities  of  Judah,  and  in  the  places 
 round  about  Jerufalem  :  them  alfo  that  burnt  incenfe 
 unto  Baal,  to  the  fun,  and  to  the  moon,  and  to  the 
 11  planets,  and  to  all  the  hofl  of  heaven. 
 
 6  And  he  brought  out  the  grove  from  the  houfe 
 of  the  Lord,  without  Jerufalem,  unto  the  brook  Ki¬ 
 dron,  and  burnt  it  at  the  brook  Kidron,  and  ftaraped 
 it  (mail  to  powder,  and  caft  the  powder  thereof  upon 
 the  graves  of  the  children  of  the  people. 
 
 7  And  he  brake  down  the  houfes  of  the  Sodomites, 
 that  were  by  the  houfe  of  the  Lord,  where  the  wo¬ 
 men  wove  t  hangings  for  the  grove. 
 
 8  And  he  brought  all  the  priefls  out  of  the  cities  of 
 Judah,  and  defiled  the  high  places  where  the  priefls 
 had  burnt  incenfe,  frpm  Geba  to  Beer-fheba,  and 
 brake  down  the  high  places  of  the  gates  that  xvere  in 
 the  entering  in  of  the  gate  of  Jofhua  the  governor  of 
 the  city,  which  were  on  a  man’s  left  hand  at  the  gate 
 of  the  city. 
 
 9  Neverthelefs  the  priefls  of  the  high  places  came 
 not  up  to  the  altar  of  the  Lord  in  Jerufalem,  but 
 they  did  eat  of  the  unleavened  bread  among  their 
 brethren. 
 
 10  And  he  defiled  Topheth,  which  k  in  the  valley 
 of  the  children  of  liinnom,  that  no  man  might  make 
 his  fon  or  his  daughter  to  pafs  through  the  fire  to 
 Molech. 
 
 1 1  And  he  took  away  the  horfes  that  the  kings  of 
 Judah  had  given  to  the  fun,  at  the  entering  in  of  the 
 houfe  of  the  Lord,  by  the  chamber  of  Nathan-melech 
 
 the  II  chamberlain,  which  was  in  the  luburbs,  and  n  or, 
 burnt  the  chariots  of  the  fun  with  fire. 
 
 12  And  the  altars,  that  were  on  the  top  of  the  upper 
 chamber  of  Ahaz,  which  the  kings  of  Judah  had  made, 
 
 and  the  altars  which  '  Manafleh  had  made  in  the  two  c  Chap, 
 courts  of  the  houfe  of  the  Lord,  did  the  king  beat  ^i*  5* 
 down,  and  1|  brake  them  down  from  thence,  and 
 the  dufl  of  them  into  the  brook  Kidron. 
 
 13  And  the  high  places  that  were  before  Jerufalem, 
 which  on  the  right  hand  of  the  ||  inount  of  Cor- 
 ruption,  which  Solomon  the  king  of  Ifrael  had  of  Olivet. 
 builded  for  Afhtoreth  ihe  abomination  of  the  oido- j  i  Kings 
 uians,  and  for  Chemofh  the  abomination  of  the  Moab-  ii.  v. 
 ites,  and  for  Milcom  the  abomination  of  the  children 
 
 of  Ammon,  did  the  king  defile.  _  ,  .  „ 
 
 14  And  he  brake  in  pieces  the  f  images,  and  cutt 
 down  the  groves,  and  filled  their  places  with  the  bones*' 
 
 of  men.  -r,  u  i  , 
 
 15  H  Moreover,  the  altar  that  was  at  Beth-el,  and 
 
 the  high  place  which  Jeroboam  the  fon  of  Nebat, 
 who  made  Ifrael  to  fin,  had  made  both  that  altar  and 
 the  high  place  he  brake  down,  and  burnt  the  high 
 place,  and  ftaraped  it  fmall  to  powder,  and  burnt  the 
 grove. 
 
 16  And  as  Jofiah  turned  himfelf,  he  fpied  the  fe- 
 pulchres  that  were  there  in  the  mount,  and  fent,  and 
 took  the  bones  out  of  the  fepulchres,  and  burnt  them 
 
 upon  the  altar,  and  polluted  it,  according  to  the '  word  ^  i^Kings 
 of  the  Lord,  which  the  man  of  God  proclaimed,  who^ 
 proclaimed  thefe  words. 
 
 17  Then  he  faid.  What  title  is  that  that  I  fee  ?  And 
 the  men  of  the  city  told  him.  It  is  the  fepulchre  of  the 
 man  of  God,  which  came  from  Judah,  and  proclaimed 
 thefe  things  that  thou  haft  done  againft  the  altar  of 
 Beth-el. 
 
 18  And  he  faid.  Let  him  alone ;  let  no  man  move 
 
 his  bones.  So  they  let  his  bones  t  alone,  with  theJo  exnpe. 
 bones  of  the  prophet  that  came  out  of  Samaria.  y  Or, 
 
 19  f  And  all  the  houfes  alfo  of  the  high  places  that^^^r^erf, 
 were  in  the  cities  of  Samaria,  which  the  kings  of  Ifrael 
 
 had  made  to  provoke  the  LORD  to  anger,  Jofiah  i  Efjras 
 took  away,  and  did  to  them  according  to  all  the  a£ls  1. 1- 
 that  he  had  done  in  Beth-el.  g  Exod. 
 
 20  And  11  he  flew  all  the  priefls  of  the  high  places 
 
 that  were  there  upon  the  altars,  and  burnt  men’s  bones  le.  2.* 
 upon  them,  and  returned  to  Jerufalem.  cir.  623. 
 
 21  ^  And  the  king  comman.'ed  all  the  people,  fay-^‘®®'S^- 
 ing,  *■  Keep  the  pafl'over  unto  the  Lord  your  God, 
 
 s  as  it  is  written  in  the  book  of  this  covenant.  Ldino- 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXIII.  Ver.  5.  Idolatrous  priefls. 
 The  Hebrew  word  fignifies  one  clothed  in  black.  In  oppofition  to  this  cuflom, 
 the  Jewiih  priells  wore  at  their  facrifices  white  garments ;  and  none  hut  thole 
 whofe  pedigree  was  uncertain,  or  tbofe  who  had  fome  defeiSI  or  blerailli  in  their 
 body,  were  fuffered  on  I’olemn  occafions  to  wear  black.  Ver,  6  Brought  out  the 
 grove.  Not  a  real  grove  of  trees,  but  a  carved  one ;  or  rather  the  image  of  the 
 grove,  chap.  xxi.  7.  theidol  Aflitarolh,  or  Aftarte,  which  was  fet  up  there.  Ver. 
 8.  Brake  doum  the  high  places  of  the  gates.  Thefe  high  places  were  probably 
 ere(3ed  there,  to  offer  incenfe  to  thofe  tutelary  gods,  to  whom  their  idolatrous 
 kings  had  committed  the  care  of  the  city.  Ver.  9.  1  he  priefls  of  the  high  places. 
 Several  of  thefe  priells,  feeing  the  worlhip  of  the  temple  abandoned,  and  after  that 
 the  tenths,  and  offerings,  and  facrifices  were  taken  away,  having  nothing  to  fuhfill 
 themfelves,  had  the  weaknefs  to  repair  to  the  high  places,  and  there  offer  unto 
 God  fuch  oblations  and  I'acrifices  as  the  people  brought  theijn.  Ver.  1 3.  The 
 mount  of  corruption ;  that  is,  the  inount  of  Olives,  called  the  mount  of  corruption 
 
 2so,  25.. .6d,  5  G 
 
 from  the  idols  placed  there,  which  corrupted  the  religion  of  the  people.  Ver. 
 16.  Jlccording  to  the  word  q)  the  Lord.  Thefe  very  tranfadlions,  were  foretold  by 
 the  man  of  God  from  Judah,  three  hundred  and  fifty  years  before  they  happened. 
 Ver.  17.  fFhal  title  is  that  that  I  see?  It  was  a  high  and  large  monument  over  a 
 grave,  with  an  infeription  on  it  more  remarkable  than  any  of  the  reft  :  which  made 
 Jofiah  take  notice  of  it.  The  Jews  have  a  tradition,  as  Kimchi  obferves  that  on 
 one  fide  of  the  grave  grew  nettles  and  thiftles,  and  on  the  other  fide  odoriferous 
 herbs,  fignifying  that  a  true  and  falfe  prophet  lay  there.  This  is  not  to  be  de¬ 
 pended  upon.  But  what  that  writer  further  obferves  may  be  true,  that  the  old 
 prophet,  as  he  gave  orders  to  his  fons  to  lay  his  body  in  the  fame  grave  with  the 
 man  of  God,  believing  his  orders  Ihould  be  fulfilled,  fo  he  likewife  gave  orders 
 to  have  a  diftinguiflied  monument  ereaed  over  the  grave;  and  which  people 
 in  after  times  took  care  to  fupport,  in  memory  of  the  men  of  God  ■  by  which 
 means  the  bodies  both  of  the  man  of  God  and  the  prophet  were  preferred  from 
 burning.  Ver.  22.  Surely  there  was  not  holden  such  a  pajjhvcr ;  that  is,  there  had 
 
Josiah's  death. 
 
 IL  KINGS. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 C24. 
 
 11  Or, 
 terapkim. 
 
 h  Levit. 
 30.  27. 
 Deuter. 
 
 18.  11. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 ansers. 
 
 i  1  Kmgs 
 
 8.  29.  & 
 
 9.  5. 
 Cbap. 
 
 21.  4,  7. 
 
 610. 
 
 k  2  Chro, 
 35.  29. 
 
 I  2  Chro. 
 36.  1. 
 
 rb  “a  not  bolden  fuch  a  pafTover,  from 
 
 e  days  of  tne  judges  that  judged  Israel,  nor  in  all  the 
 ^  kings  of  Ifrael  nor  of  the  kings  of  Judah, 
 
 23  But  in  the  eighteenth  year  of  king  Jofiah  xvharhi 
 this  pailover  was  holden  to  the  Lord  in  Jerufalem. 
 
 24  If  Moreover,  the  xvorhers  zciih  familiar  fpirits, 
 and  the  wizards,  and  the  f{  images,  and  the  idols,  and 
 all  the  abominations  that  were  fpied  in  the  land  of 
 Judan,  and  in  Jerulalem,  did  Jofiah  put  away  that  he 
 might  perform  the  words  of  ^  the  law  -widc/i  •viri-e 
 written  in  the  book  that  Hilkiah  the  prieff  found  in 
 the  houfe  of  the  Lord. 
 
 25  And  like  unto  him  was  there  no  king  before 
 him,  that  turned  to  the  Lord  with  all  his  heart,  and 
 with,  all  his  foul,  and  with  all  his  might,  according  to 
 all  the  law  cf  Mofes;  neither  after  him  arofe  there 
 0711/  ike  him. 
 
 26  II  Notwithftanding,  the  Lord  turned  not  from 
 the  fiercenefs  of  his  great  wrath,  wherewith  his  anger 
 was  kindled  againlf  Judah,  becaufe  of  all  the  f  provo¬ 
 cations  that  ManalTeh  had  provoked  him  withal. 
 
 27  And  the  Lord  faid  1  will  remove  Judah  alfo 
 out  of  my  fight,  as  1  have  removed  Ifrael  and  will  calf 
 off  this  city  Jerufalem,  w'hich  I  have  cholen,  and  the 
 houfe  of  which  I  faid.  '  my  name  fhall  be  there. 
 
 28  11  Now'  the  reft  of  the  a£Is  of  Jofiah,  and  all  that 
 he  did,  are  they  not  written  in  the  book  of  the  Chro- 
 nicies  of  the  kings  of  Judah 
 
 29  ^  In  his  days  Pharaoh-necho  king  of  Egypt 
 went  up  againft  the  king  of  Aflyria  to  the  river  Eu- 
 phrates :  and  king  Jofiah  went  againft  him  ;  and  he 
 flew  him  at  Megiddo,  w'hen  he  had  feen  him. 
 
 30  And  his  lervants  carried  him  in  a  chariot  dead 
 from  Megiddo,  and  brought  him  to  Jerulalem,  and 
 buried  him  in  his  owm  fepulchre  :  and  *  the  people  of 
 the  land  took  Jeh'  ahaz  the  fon  of  Jofiah,  and  anointed 
 him,  and  n  ade  hi.m  king  in  his  father’s  ftead. 
 
 31  If  Jehoahaz  xa-as  twenty  and  three  years  old  when 
 
 Jehoahaz  succeeded, 
 
 hefiirj 
 
 610. 
 
 Or. 
 
 he  began  to  reign ;  and  he  reigned  three  months  in 
 Jerulalem  :  and  his  mother’s  name  was  Hamutal  the 
 daughter  of  Jeremiah  of  Libnah.  ’ 
 
 32  And  he  did  that  which  was  evil  in  the  fight  of  the 
 Lord,  according  to  all  that  his  fathers  had  done. 
 
 33  And  Pharaoh-necho  put  him  in  bands  at  Rib- 
 lah,  in  the  land  of  Hamath,  |1  that  he  might  not  reign  1 
 in  Jerufalem  :  and  f  put  the  land  to  a  tribute  of  an 
 hundred  talents  of  filver,  and  a  talent  of  gold. 
 
 34  And  Pharaoh-necho  made  Eliakira  the  fon 
 Jofiah  king  in  the  room  of  Jofiah  his  father,  and  turned 
 his  name  to®  Jehoiakim,  and  took  Jehoahaz  aw'ay : 
 and  he  came  to  Egypt  and  died  there. 
 
 55  If  And  Jehoiakim  gave  the  filver  and  the  gold  tocliii 
 Pharaoh  ;  but  he  taxed  the  land  to  give  the  money, 
 according  to  the  commandment  of  Pharaoh :  he  exafted 
 the  filver  and  the  gold  of  the  people  of  the  land,  of 
 every  one  according  to  his  taxation,  to  give  it  unto 
 Pharaoh-necho. 
 
 36  11  Jehoiakim  was  twenty  and  five  years  old  when 
 he  began  to  reign  ;  and  he  reigned  eleven  years  in 
 Jerufalem  ;  and  his  mother’s  name  was  Zebudah,  the 
 daughter  of  Pedaiah  of  Rumah. 
 
 37  And  he  did  that  which  was  evil  in  the  fight  of  the 
 Lord,  according  to  all  that  his  fathers  had  done.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXIV. 
 
 1  Jehoiakim  rebelling,  procurelh  Ids  own  ruin,  10  Jerufalem  is  taken. 
 
 1 7  Zedekialis  evil  reign. 
 
 N  his  days  Nebuchadnezzar  king  of  Babylon  cameeo?.  gos. 
 _  Up,  and  Jehoiakim  became  his  fervant  three  years  jsos.  goo, 
 then  he  turned,  and  rebelled  againft  him. 
 
 2  And  the  Lord  fent  againft  him  bands  of  the 
 Chaldees,  and  bands  of  the  Syrians,  and  bands  of  the 
 Moabites,  and  bands  of  the  children  of  Ammon,  and  a  Chap, 
 fent  them  agaiuft  Jmlah,  to  deftroy  it,  *  according  to 20. 17.& 
 the  word  of  the  Lord,  which  he  fpake  f  by  his  fer- 
 vants  the  prophets. 
 
 3  Surely  at  the  commandment  of  the  Lord  came  hanf  of. 
 
 I 
 
 not  been  fo  great  a  concourfe  of  people,  nor  bad  there  been  fuch  a  multitude 
 of'  facrifices  offered  ;  btlides  tlie  rites  and  ceremonies  of  this  feaft  were  more 
 ftri(5lly  obferved  now,  than  they  had  ever  beep  fince  the  days  of  Samuel,  it  being 
 held  according  to  the  ancient  form  preferibed  in  the  authentic  book  of  the  law, 
 lately  found  by  Hiikiah  the  prieft.  Ver.  25.  Like  unto  him  wos  ilure  no  king  be¬ 
 fore  him.  The  preference  given  to  this  king  is  reftrained  by  the  words  ivho  turned, 
 to  the  Lord  wtih  all  his  heart  ;  by  which  it  is  fignified,  that  he  made  a  more 
 thorough  reformation  than  any  of  his  predeceffors.  David  confequently  is  ex¬ 
 cluded  from  the  comparifon,  becaufe  as  the  Jews  had  not  fallen  into  idolatry  at 
 the  time,  when  he  fucceeded  Saul,  fo  he  could  not  be  looked  upon  as  a  reformer ; 
 but  vi'hen  this  king  is  compared  with  A  fa,  Jehofliaphat,  and  others,  who  en¬ 
 deavoured  to  red  ore  religion  to  its  original  purit)-,  it  will  be  found  that  they 
 tolerated  or  left  fome  idolatrous  ceremonies  unabolifhed  ;  and  to  inftance  one  in 
 particular  the  cuftom  of  facrificing  in  high  places.  Ver.  26  Koiudthstanding  the 
 Lord  turned  not. — All  the  purity  of  Jofiah,  his  great  care  and  indefatigable  indiif- 
 try  to  extirpate  idolatry,  and  reftore  the  purity  of  divine  worll)ip  were  not  fuffi- 
 cient  to  obtain  a  revecStion  of  the  fentence  God  had  pronounced  againfl  Judah. 
 It  feems  that  tbitogh  the  people  complied  with  the  pref'ent  reformation,  yet 
 
 their  compliance  proceeded  principally  from  a  fear  of  incurring  the  king’s  dif- 
 pleafure,  or  feeling  the  feverity  of  his  juftice.  They  had  flill  a  hankering  after 
 their  former  corruptions,  and  their  hearts  w'ere  not  right  towards  God;  as 
 manifefliy  appears  from  the  writings  of  thofe  prophets  who  lived  at  that  timet 
 Ver.  SO.  Anointed  him.  Jehoahaz  came  not  to  the  crown  by  right  of  fucceflion, 
 for  he  was  younger  than  his  brother  Jehoiakim.  To  prevent  his  title  from  being 
 difputed,  he  was  anointed  with  oil,  a  ceremony  ufed  only  it  is  faid,  in  difputable 
 cafes.  We  know  not  the  reafon  why  the  people  preferred  him  to  liis  brother;  if 
 his  chara(5ter  and  deeds  had  excited  their  liopes  that  he  would  defend  tlieni 
 againfl  the  king  of  Egypt,  they  were  doubtlef’s  grievoufly  difappointed  by  the 
 event.  Ver.  34.  The  king  of  Egypt  changed  the  name  of  Eliakim  to  Jehoiakim, 
 probably  in  conformity  to  the  cufiom  of  ancient  conquerors,  who  changed  the 
 names  of  princes' whom  they  vanquifhed,  to  denote  their  abfolute  potver  over  them, 
 comp.  chap.  xxiv.  17.  He  took  jehonhez  away ;  and  he  came  to  Egypt  and  died 
 there.  Thus  the  prophecy  of  Jeremiah  was  literally  fulfilled,  chap.  xxii.  10, 
 1  1,  12. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXIV.  Ver.  3.  At  the  commandment 
 of  the  Lord  came  this  upon  Judah.  Manaffeh  had  fo  corrupted  the  whole  body  of 
 
 PRAC'llCAL  OBSERVATIONS. _ *ChAp.  XXIII-]  The  befl  means  of  averting  impendingjudgments,  is  to  return  to  God  and  fubmit  to  bis  laws.  “At 
 
 vhat  ihftant,”  faith  Jehovah,  “  I  fhall  fpeak  concerning  a  nation,  and  concerning  a  kingdom,  to  plutk  up,  and  to  pull  down  and  to  deflroy  it :  if  that  nation  againft 
 whom  I  have  pronounced,  turn  from  their  evil  I  will  repent  of  the  evil  that  I  thought  to  do  unto  them”  It  is,  however,  chiefly  God’s  love  and  covenant  that  bind 
 men  faft  to  him,  not  their  moft  folemn  vows  and  promifes.  Indeed  the  noblefl  coritefTionS  are  often  feigned,  and  flill  more  frequently  their  influence  is  fniall  and  cf 
 fliort  duration.  Nothing  tends  more  to  the  welfare  cf  printes  than  zeal,  well  diredled  for  promoting  the  true  wifdom  of  God  and  his  worfhip.  But  alas  !  what  fear- 
 ful  abominations  may  he  found  even  among  thofe  who  have  not  entirely  abandoned  the  worfhip  of  the  true  God  !  and  fhamiful  difeoveries  are  generally  made  where- 
 CVer  thorough  refi  rmation  is  attempted.  There  is  therefore  need  of  much  knowledge,  prudence,  courage,  and  zeal,  to  carry  reformation  to  a  proper  pitch.  God  s 
 promifes  and  threatenings  are  all  fulfilled  at  lafl,  notwithfianding  the  longefl  delays.  Such  as  truly  fubmit  to  God’s  covenant  raufl  not  only  remove  corruptions,  hut 
 reftore  the  purity  and  firia  ohfervance  of  the  ordinances  cf  Gcd  ;  ahd  particular  regard  mufl  be  bad  to  exaa  the  obf'erving  of  the  inflituted  feals  of  the  covenants. 
 God  takes  a  peculiar  pleafure  to  perpetuate  their  honour  who  have  been  fincere  and  aiflive  for  him  in  their  generation.  But  irreverfible  is  the  doom  of  nations  when 
 once  ripened  by  wicktdnefs.  Often  the  befl  princes  muft  tatle  a  little  of  their  cup,  efpecially  if  they  have  attempted  to  fupport  their  ungodly  neighbours.  When 
 thofe  who  flood  in  the  gap  to  retard  deferved  judgments  are  removed  by  death,  with  what  tremendous  fpeed  do  thofe  judgments  hasten  to  ruin  the  guilty  !  and  when 
 neither  warnings  reflrain  from  wickednefs,  nor  good  example  influence  to  ferve  God,  deflruaion  is  evidently  near.  Thus  w  hen  Jofiah,  the  lafl  good  king  of  Judah, 
 w'bs  removed  by  death,  every  future  event  feemed  to  halleo  the  judgments  of  God  on  this  impenitent  or  hypocritical  people,  till  at  lafl  they  were  carried  away  cap 
 tives  by  the  enemy. 
 
Great  armies  sent  against  Judah. 
 
 II.  KINGS. 
 
 Zddiah  taken ;  his  sons  slain ^  ^c. 
 
 599. 
 
 599. 
 
 Before  i/iig  upoii  Juclah,  to  remove  them  out  of  his  fight,  for 
 the  fins  of  Manafleh,  according  to  all  that  he  did  ; 
 
 4.  And  alfo  for  the  innocent  blood  that  he  (hed,  (for 
 he  filled  Jerufalem  with  innocent  blood,)  which  the 
 Lord  would  not  pardon. 
 
 5  11  Now  the  reft  of  the  afts  of  Jehoiakim,  and  all 
 that  he  did,  are  they  not  written  in  the  book  of  the 
 Chronicles  of  the  kings  of  Judah  ? 
 
 6  So  Jehoiakim  flept  with  bis  fathers ;  and  Jehoia- 
 chin  his  fon  reigned  in  his  ftead. 
 
 7  f  And  the  king  of  Egypt  came  not  again  any  more 
 out  of  his  land  :  for  the  king  of  Babylon  had  taken, 
 from  the  river  of  Egypt  unto  the  river  Euphrates,  all 
 that  pertained  to  the  king  of  Egypt. 
 
 8  II  Jehoiachin  was  eighteen  years  old  when  he  be¬ 
 
 gan  to  reign ;  and  he  reigned  in  Jerufalem  three 
 months:  and  his  mother’s  name  ox/s  Nehufhta,  the 
 daughter  of  Elnathan  of  Jerufalem.  I 
 
 9  And  he  did  that  which  ivas  evil  in  the  fight  of  the 
 Lord,  according  to  all  that  his  father  had  done. 
 
 10  ^1  At  that  time  the  fervants  of  Nebuchadnezzar  i 
 king  of  Babylon  came  up  againft  Jerufalem,  and  the 
 city  t  was  befieged. 
 
 11  And  Nebuchadnezzar  king  of  Babylon  came 
 againft  the  city,  and  his  fervants  did  befiege  it, 
 
 12  And  Jehoiachin  the  king  of  Judah  went  out  to 
 the  king  of  Babylon,  he,  and  his  mother,  and  his  fer- 
 
 II  Or,  vants,  and  his  princes,  and  his  ||  officers  ;  and  the  king 
 eunuchs,  gabylon  took  him  in  the  eignth  year  of  his  reign. 
 cChap.  13  =  And  he  carried  out  thence  all  the  treafures  of 
 20. 17.  the  houfe  of  the  Lord,  and  the  treafures  of  the  king’s 
 houfe,  and  cut  in  pieces  all  the  vtflels  of  gold  which 
 Solomon  king  of  Ifrael  had  made  in  the  temple  of 
 the  Lord,  as  the  Lord  had  faid. 
 
 14  And  he  carried  away  all  Jerufalem,  and  all  the 
 princes,  and  all  the  mighty  men  of  valour,  even  ten 
 thoufand  captives,  and  all  the  craftfraen  and  fmiths  : 
 none  remained,  fave  the  pooreft  fort  of  the  people  of 
 
 i  2  Chro.  the  land. 
 
 15  And  he  carried  away  Jehoiachin  to  Babylon, 
 and  the  king’s  mother,  and  the  king’s  wives,  and  his 
 II  officers,  and  the  mighty  of  the  land;  those  carried  he 
 into  captivity  from  Jerufalem  to  Babylon. 
 
 b  Daniel 
 
 1.  1. 
 
 fHeb. 
 came  into 
 tiege. 
 
 36.  10. 
 Eftber 
 2.' 6. 
 
 II  Or, 
 eunuchs. 
 
 the  people,  that  all  Jofiah’s  pains  to  ref'ortn  them  were  of  no  effei5l ;  and  accord, 
 ingly  we  find,  that  immediately  upon  his  death,  his  fon  relapfed  into  the  old  idola¬ 
 try.  Here  as  on  many  other  inftances,  we  have  the  mofl  affecSling  evidence  of 
 the  hypocrify  or  irrefolutenefs  of  Ifrael  in  the  fervice  of  God.  Many  a  time  did 
 they,  through  the  influence  of  fear,  make  the  moft  honourable  profeffions  of  re¬ 
 verence  for  God  and  his  laws,  when  their  future  condu(5l  foon  proved  that  their 
 hearts  cleaved  to  the  abominations  of  the  heathen.  Ver.  4.  If'/iich  the  Lord  would 
 not  pardon-^  He  pardoned  the  fins  of  Manafleh  who  repented,  but  not  the  fins  of 
 t  ofe  who  imitated  him,  but  repented  not.  Or,  though  he  perfonally  pardoned 
 the  fins  of  Manafleh,  fo  that  he  was  faved  everlaflingly,  yet  the  temporal  punifli- 
 nrentof  the  nation  for  thofe  fins  in  which  they  were  involved  with  him,  was  not 
 ajferted.  Ver.  6.  Slept  wUk  his  faikers.  This  aspreflion  implies  no  more  than 
 
 Before 
 
 Chria 
 
 588. 
 
 52.  I. 
 
 593. 
 
 16  And  all  the  men  of  might,  even  fevon  thoufand, 
 and  craftfmen  and  fmiths  a  thouland,  all  that  wire 
 Itrong  and2i'(>l  for  war,  even  them  the  king  of  Baby¬ 
 lon  brought  captive  to  Babylon. 
 
 17  II  And  '  the  king  of  Babylon  made  Mattaniah 
 his  father’s  brother  king  in  his  ftead,  and  changed  his 
 name  to  Zedekiah. 
 
 18  ‘  Zedekiah  was  twenty  and  one  years  old  whenf  Jeyem- 
 he  began  to  reign ;  and  he  reigned  eleven  years  in  ” 
 Jerufalem  :  and  his  mother’s  name  was  liamutal,  the 
 daughter  of  Jeremiah  of  IJbnah. 
 
 19  And  he  did  that  which  was  evil  in  the  fight  of 
 the  Lord,  according  to  all  that  Jehoiakim  had  done. 
 
 20  For  through  the  anger  of  the  Lord  it  came  to 
 pal's  in  Jerufalem  and  Judah,  until  he  had  caft  them 
 out  from  his  prefence,  that  Zedekiah  rebelled  againft 
 the  king  of  Babylon.” 
 
 CHAP.  XXV. 
 
 1  Jerusalem  besieged.  4  Zedekiah  taken,  his  sons  slain,  and  his  eyes  put 
 
 out-  8  Nebuzar-adan  defaceth  the  city,  carrielh  the  remnant  into  cap¬ 
 tivity,  13  and  all  the  valuable  things  oj  the  land,  ^c. 
 
 ND  it  came  to  pafs  *  in  the  ninth  year  of  his  590. 
 reign,  in  the  tenth  month,  in  the  tenth  day  of  “ 
 the  month,  that  Nebuchadnezzar  king  of  Babylon 
 came,  he,  and  all  his  hoft,  againft  Jerufalem,  and 
 pitched  againft  it;  and  they  built  forts  againft  it 
 round  about. 
 
 2  And  the  city  was  befieged  unto  the  eleventh  year 
 of  king  Zedekiah. 
 
 3  And  on  the  ninth  day  of  the  fourth  month  thei>  Jerem. 
 famine  prevailed  in  the  city,  and  there  was  no  bread 
 
 for  the  people  of  the  land. 
 
 4  H  And  the  city  was  broken  up,  and  all  the  men 
 
 of  war  fled  by  night  by  the  way  of  the  gate,  between 
 rwo  walls,  which  is  by  the  king’s  garden ;  (now  the 
 Chaldees  were  againft  the  city  round  about ;)  and  the  ‘ 
 king  went  the  way  toward  the  plain.  .  i 
 
 5  And  the  army  of  the  Chaldees  purfued  after  the 
 king,  and  overtook  him  in  the  plains  of  Jericho  :  and 
 all  his  army  were'  fcattered  from  him. 
 
 6  So  they  fook  the  king,  and  brought  him  up  tof 
 
 the  king  of  Babylon  to  Riblah  ;  and  they  f  gavejudg-jj^f„,„^ 
 ment  upon  him.  wiuihim. 
 
 A' 
 
 that  he  died  as  his  anceftors  had  done  ;  for  be  was  not  buried  with  them,  neither 
 did  he  die  in  his  bed,  but  as  he  was  preceding  out  of  Jerufalem,  at  the  gates  of 
 w'hich  his  corple  w'as  cafi,  and  had  no  burial.  Ver.  8.  Jehoiachim  was  eighteen 
 years  old.  In  2  Chron.  xxxvi.  9.  he  is  faid  to  be  eight  years  old  ;  but  perhaps  the 
 tranferiber  of  the  book  has  committed  an  error,  by  writing  eight  for  eighteen,  for 
 both  the  Syriac  and  Arabic  verfions  read  eighteen  years.  Ver.  13.  jlnd  Cu-  in 
 pieces  all  the  vejels.  That  is,  he  carried  them  with  him  to  Babylon,  or  cut  them 
 off  from  the  temple  ;  for  thefe  velTels  were  preferved  entire,  and  not  cut  to  pieces 
 as  appears  from  Dan.  v.  2.  ’ 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES,  Chap.  XXV.  Ver.  3.  The  famine  ifrevailed. 
 This  was  very  grievous,  as  appears  from  Lam.  iv.  10.  Ver  4.  All  the  men  of 
 war  fled  by  night,  by  the  way  of  the  gate,  be!  ween  two  walls.  It  is  difficult  to  con- 
 
 Jehovah  in  purpofing  or  threatening  deftruiftion  on  the  ungodly,  is  fully  vindicated  bv 
 tlw  r  obftinate  perfeverance  in  wickednels,  notwithftandmg  of  the  numerous  merciful  warnings  which  tliey  receive  of  their  danger.  Multitudes  of  wdcke.1  min  , 
 graufy  their  ovin  felfiffi  purpofes,  are  always  ready  to  execute  the  threatened  vengeance  of  God  ;  and  all  reffftance  is  vain  when  G°od  wifi  deftrov  If  meh  IZn 
 felfp  ®  fniart  for  them  ;  and  not  one  jot  or  title  of  the  divine  threatening  fliall  fail.  In  the  dlv  of  wrath  fh 
 
 alfe  confidence  of  finners  ffiall  utterly  fail  them  ;  and  the  mightieR  arm  of  ilefli  ffiall  be  a  weak  fupport  againft  an  angry  God.  In  his  fovereinuLuer  hi  ^ 
 p  ucks  up  wicked  princes  in  the  bud  ;  and  frequently  he  exalts  them  that  their  fall  may  be  more  ruinous.  How  craftily  conquerors  weaken"  the  n  ,  ^  foretimes 
 fn  rf®  enflaved  !  Hardened  indeed  muft  men  be  in  their  wickednefs,  when  the  repeated  mifeiies  of  their  fellow*  tranilrefibrs  dett  them  not 
 
 God-  ^  evidently  on  the  verge  of  ruin,  whofe  princes  are  infatuated  ;  and  when  for  the  fin  of  a  land  its  pfinces  are  tiumernns TnV  \ 
 
 '>'s  ehofen  people  it  deferves  notice,  that  his  juftice  was  not  more  difplayed  than  his  mercy.  Many  were  the  warninirs  whieh  fh 
 fend  u  ‘^e**''ei"ed  them  into  the  hand  of  their  enemies.  They  witnefled  numerous  events  foretold  them  by  the  prophets  which  nlainlv  int'  ♦  ‘‘y  J't’cmed  before 
 Jndod  with  them,  and  about  to  withdraw  his  proteaion  from  them.  And  thefe  things  happened  to  them  for  Jur  inftruE’  on  wLm  he  ‘’‘■- 
 
 onr  nriv  r"  long-fufieriiig  towards  thofe  that  offend  him,  yet  if  they  perfevere  their  i  tl'e  «  or.d  are  come. 
 
 on?h  his  profelTed  people  ;  and  great  is  our  refponfibility  ;  and  if%ve  are  found  to  mifimprove  ou  privileges  the  moft  inevitable.  Great  are 
 
The  7ioblcs  of  Judah  Jain,  S  c. 
 
 IL  KINGS. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chria 
 
 588. 
 
 Jchoinchitds  enlargement  from  >)^,- 
 
 /  And  they  flew  the  fons  of  Zedekiah  before  hij  ,  city,  and'the  ll.DrlnciDal  Ccribe  of  thp  hnft  v,  /• 
 
 eyes,  and  t  put  out  the  eyes  of  Zedekiah,  and  bound  |  tered  the  people  of  the  land  and  threpfrorp^^^ 
 
 8  ?  And  in  thefi^^h  'and.  that  u'ere  find  in  th^^dTy"  S* 
 
 8  II  And  in  the  nfth  month,  on  the  leventh  day  of '  20  And  Nebuzar-adan  rantaiti  of  rhp 
 
 month,  (which  is  the  nineteenth  year  of  king  i]  thefe,  and  brought  them’to  the  king  of  Bahvlon^^^ 
 Nebuchadnezzar  king  of  Rahvlon  1  r^mn  Nohnyar.  RiWoh  .  ^  ^  or  Babylon  to. 
 
 Nebuchadnezzar  king  of  Babylon,)  came  Nebuzar- 
 n  captain  of  the  guard,  a  lervant  of  the  king  of 
 Babylon,  unto  Jerufalem  : 
 
 Scr  ibe  of 
 caji. 
 
 fHeb. 
 
 fallen 
 
 away. 
 
 c  Chap. 
 20.  1 7. 
 Jerem. 
 27.  22- 
 
 j  21  And  the  king  of  Babylon  fmote  them,  and  flew  'nm  of 
 
 9 -And  he  burn,  ,he  -houfe  oE  the  Loni>,  and  the  !  ™ied  ™ay  oul  ofSrfandf'"^''- 
 king  s  houle,  and  all  the  houfes  of  Jerufalem,  and  ;|  22  H  e  And  as  hr  the  oeonle  thar  rpmalnprl  '  .u 
 
 every  great  7«an’s  houle  burnt  he  w-ith  fire.  land  of  Judah,  w-hen  Nebuchadnezzar  kTnTof 
 
 'th  all  the  army  of  the  Chaldees,  that  i|  Ion  had  left,  even  over  them  he  made  Gedaliah  the  ^ 
 
 S  n„1  i  f  n  ‘r  f  Shaphan  ruler. 
 
 23  And  when  all  the  ^  captains  of  the  armies,  theyr  jem 
 ;  and  rheir  men,  heard  that  the  king  of  Babylon  had^o.7.Jj 
 made  Gedaliah  governor,  there  came  to  Gedaliah  to 
 Mizpah,  even  Iflimael  the  fon  of  Nethaniah,  and 
 Johanan  the  fon  of  Careahj  and  Seraiah  the  fon  of 
 lanhumeth  the  Netophathite,  and  Jaazaniah  the  fon 
 of  a  Maachathite,  they  and  their  men. 
 
 of  Jerufalem  round  about. 
 
 1 1  Now  the  refl.  of  the  people  that  uvre  left  in  the 
 city,  and  the  f  fugitives  that  fell  away  to  the  king  of 
 Babylon,  with  the  remnant  of  the  multitude,  did 
 Nebuzar-adan,  the  captain  of  the  guard,  carry  away. 
 
 12  But  the  captain  of  the  guard  left  of  the  poor  of 
 the  land  to  he  vine-drefTers  and  hulbandmen. 
 
 13  f  And  '  the  pillars  of  brafs  that  v^cre  in  the  ||  24  And  Gedaliah  fware  to  them,  and  to  their  men 
 
 houfe  of  the  Lord,  and  the  bafes.  and  the  brafen  land  faid  unto  them,  Fear  not  to  be  the  ferVantS  of 
 fea,  that  was  in  the  houfe  of  the  Lord,  did  the  Chal-  |i  the  Chaldees  :  dwell  in  the  land,  and  ferve  the  king 
 dees  break  in  pieces,  and  earned  the  brafs  of  them  to  of  Babylon,  and  it  (hall  be  well  with  you.  ^ 
 
 ,  J  U  A.  ,  J  L  r  rr  i  25  But  it  came  to  pals  in  the  feventh  month,  that 
 
 14  An^d  the  pots,  and  the  Ihovels  and  the  fnuffers,  Ifhmael  the  fon  of  Nethaniah,  the  fon  of  Elifhama 
 and  the  fpoons,  and  all  the  veflTels  of  brafs,  wherewith  |  of  the  leed  t  royal  came,  and  ten  men  with  him,  andtHeb. 
 
 they  minittered,  took  they  aw-ay. 
 
 15  And  the  fire-pans,  and  the  bowls,  and  fuch 
 things  as  ycere  of  gold,  in  gold,  and  of  filver,  in  filver, 
 the  captain  of  the  guard  took  away. 
 
 16  The  two  pillars,  f  one  fea,  and  the  bafe  which 
 Solomon  had  made  for  the  houfe  of  the  Lord  :  the 
 brafs  of  all  thefe  vefTels  was  without  weight. 
 
 17  **  The  height  of  the  one  pillar  was  eighteen 
 cubits,  and  the  chapiter  upon  it  was  brafs;  and  the 
 height  of  the  chapiter  three  cubits  ;  and  the  wreachen 
 work,  and  pomegranates  upon  the  chapiter  ground 
 about,  all  of  brafs :  and  like  unto  thefe  had  the  fecond 
 pillar  with  wreathen  work. 
 
 t  Heb.  18  il  And  the  captain  of  the  guard  took  Seraiah 
 threshold,  chief  prieft,  and  Zephaniah  the  fecond  prielt,  and 
 \unuch.  three  keepers  of  the  door : 
 t  Heb.  19  And  out  of  the  city  he  took  an  j]  officer  that  was 
 saw  the  fet  ovcr  the  men  of  war,  and  five  men  of  them  that 
 kmg'sface^  Were  in  the  king’s  prefence,  which  were  found  in  the 
 
 t  Heb. 
 the  one 
 fea. 
 
 d  1  Kings 
 7.  15. 
 Jerem. 
 52.  21. 
 
 ceive  how  the  befieged  could  make  their  efcape,  feeing,  the  Chaldeans  had  encom- 
 palTed  the  city.  The  Jews  think  there  was  a  fubterraneous  palTage  from  the  palace 
 to  the  plains  of  Jericho,  and  that  it  was  through  this  they  retired.  But  as  no  fuch 
 fubterraneous  palTage  is  mentioned  by  the  facred  biltorian,  it  feems  more  probable 
 that  the  Chaldeans  being  now  making  their  alfault  iu  the  oppolite  part  of  the  city, 
 this  was  left  unguarded.  Ver.  7.  And  put  out  the  eyes  ofZedekiah, — And  carried 
 him  to  Babylon.  Thus  the  faqaous  prophecies  of  Ezekiel  and  Jeremiah,  which 
 feemed  to  contradi<5l  each  other,  were  both  fulfilled,  Ezek.  xii.  1  3..  Jer.  xxxii.  4. 
 for  Zedekiah  was  carried  to  Riblah,  where  he  faw  the  king  of  Babylon,  and  fpoke 
 to  him;  but  bad  afterwards  his  eyes  put  out,  and  was  then  carried  to  Babylon, 
 where  he  was  incapable  of  feeing  the  city.  Ver.  8.  He  burnt  the  house  of  the  Lord. 
 Thus  was  the  celebrated  temple  built  by  Solomon  laid  in  allies,  after  it  had  Rood 
 four  hundred  and  twenty  four  years,  three  months,  and  eight  days,  according  to 
 
 s  (mote  Gedaliah,  that  he  died,  and  the  Jews  and  the“-^  "'e 
 Chaldees  that  were  with  him  at  Mizpah.  i^^Hdom. 
 
 26  And  all  the  people,  both  (mail  and  great,  and  thefu  i'y 
 captains  of  the  armies,  arofe,  and  came  to  Egypt :  for 
 they  were  afraid  of  the  Chaldees. 
 
 27  H  And  it  came  to  pal's,  in  the  feven  and  thirtieth  562. 
 year  of  the  captivity  of  Jehoiachin  king  of  Judah,  in 
 
 the  twelfth  month,  on  the  feven  and  twentieth  day  of 
 the  month,  that  Evil-merodach  king  of  Babylon,  in 
 the  year  that  he  began  to  reign,  did  lift  up  the  head 
 of  Jehoiachin  king  of  Judah  out  of  prifon  ; 
 
 28  And  he  fpake  f  kindly  to  him,  and  fet  his  thronefHeb. 
 
 above  the  throne  of  the  kings  that  were  with  him  in  goodthingx 
 Babylon;  mikhm 
 
 29  And  changed  his  prifon  garments :  and  he  did  eat 
 bread  continually  before  him  all  the  days  of  his  life. 
 
 30  And  his  allowance  was  a  continual  allowance 
 given  him  of  the  king,  a  daily  rate  for  every  day,  all 
 the  days  of  his  life.* 
 
 archbilhop  Ufher’s  computation.  Kimchi  and  Abarbinel  fay,  that  it  ftood  fouf 
 hundred  and  thirty  years.  If  we  believe  Jofephus,  the  fecond  temple  was  burnt 
 by  the  Romans  in  this  month,  and  on  the  very  fame  day  of  the  month ;  and  wbal 
 is  very  remarkable,  while  the  Levites  were  in  their  defe,  finging  the  very  fauie 
 paffage  which  was  Pfal.  xciv.  23.  He  shall  bring  upon  them  their  own  itiiquiiyi 
 and  shall  cut  them  off  in  their  own  wickedness;  yea,  the  Lord  our  God  shall  nt 
 them  off.  Ver.  18.  The  second  priest.  He  is  ftyled  the  Sagan  by  the  Jews,  and 
 in  cal'e  of  Ccknefs,  or  any  otlier  incident  which  hindered  the  high  prieft  from  offi¬ 
 ciating  in  perfon  he  acSied  as  his  deputy.  Ver.  21.  So  Judah  was  carried  awof, 
 Four  hundred  and  fixty  eight  years  after  the  beginning  of  the  reign  of  David,  388 
 years  from  the  divifion  of  the  ten  tribes  from  Judah  and  Benjamin,  and  134  after 
 the  deftrut^ion  of  the  kingdom  of  the  ten  tribes,  according  to  Uiher’s  account. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XXV.]  How  dreadful  are  the  fruits  of  fin,  in  individuals,  families,  cities  and  nations.  Fearful  is  the  cafe  of 
 
 thofe  in  cities  which  are  long  befieged  or  taken  by  force.  But  more  fearful  is  the  final,  eternal  doom  i  f  impenitent  flnners,  who  (hall  be  bound  with  chains  in  dark* 
 nefs  till  the  judgment  of  the  great  day,  and  who  ftiall  then  be  caft  into  the  lake  of  fire  that  burns  for  ever  and  ever,  and  fubjetfled  to  the  tormenting  pain  of  the  "or® 
 that  never  dieth,  and  the  fire  that  (hall  never  be  quenched. — No  contrivance  for  fafety  (hall  at  laft  avail  thofe  who  have  contemned  the  counfel  of  God.  How  urw  ) 
 the  ordinances  of  God  fuffer  for  the  fins  of  thofe  to  whom  they  were  gi'acioufly  delivered.  Surely  thofe  fins  were  hateful  in  God’s  fight,  on  account  of  w'!  iub 
 devoted  bis  temple,  the  place  of  bis  delight,  to  dilhonour,  defolation  and  ruin  Woe  to  that  people  from  whom  the  ordinances  of  God  are  removed  !  Dreadful  is 
 overthrow  that  furely  follows  ;  and  men  of  rank,  in  the  time  of  fuch  public  calamities,  are  expofed  to  the  moft  diftinguKhed  miferies,  correfponding  to  their 
 guilhed  influence  in  the  fmful  caufeg  thereof.  But  obferve  here  how  exaiftly  all  the  threatenings  mixed  with  mercy,  which  God  had  pronounced  by  his  I'ervauts  t 
 prophets,  were  fulfilled. 
 
THE  FIRST  BOOK  OF  THE 
 
 OHRONiCliES. 
 
 CHAP.  T. 
 
 1  Adam's  line  to  Id’oah.  5  The  sons  of  Japhelh.  8  The  sons  of  H  im. 
 17  The  sons  of  Shem.  24  Shem’s  line  to  Abraham.  29  Ishmael's 
 32  The  sons  of  Keturuh,  ^c. 
 
 sons. 
 
 Before  4  DAM,  Sheth,  Enofh, 
 
 chrift  2  Kenan,  Mahalaleel,  Jered, 
 
 4004,  &c.  2  Henoch,  Methul’aleh,  Lamech, 
 
 4  Noah,  Shem,  Ham,  and  Japheth. 
 
 I  3,9.  5  f  Tne  Tons  of  Japheth  ;  Gumer ;  and  Magog, 
 
 2347.  and  Madai,  and  Javan,  and  Tubal,  and  Mefbech,  and 
 
 Tiras. 
 
 |l°br,  6  And  the  Tons  of  Gomer ;  Afhchenaz,  and  11  Ri- 
 hiphath,  phath,  and  Togarraah. 
 
 as  it  is  in  7  And  the  fons  of  Javan  ;  Elifhah,  and  Tarfhifh, 
 copies.  K'ttim,  and  11  Dodanitu. 
 
 II  Or,  8  H  The  foas  of  Ham  ;  Cu(b,  and  Mizraim,  Put, 
 Bodanim,  and  Canaan. 
 
 according  g  .  5e}^a^  and  Havilah,  and 
 
 Sibta,  and  Raamah,  and  Sabtecha.  And  the  fons  of 
 
 to  forae 
 copies. 
 
 c  Gen. 
 
 10.  8. 
 
 II  Or, 
 M'.sh, 
 Genefis 
 10.  23. 
 
 THE  ARGUMENT. 
 
 The  hooks  o/ Chronicles  arc  records  of  whaf  passed  under  the  reigns  of  David  and  Solomon,  and  the  kings  of  Judah 
 in  particular:  among  ix'idch  are  mterspetsed  some  circumstances  relating  to  the  kings  oj  Israel.  The  fust  book  of 
 Chronicles  contains  several  genealogies  from  Adam  to  the  time  the  Babylonish  captivity ;  this  is  the  subject  of 
 the  first  nine  chapters.  In  the  test  oj  the  book  we  have  the  history  oj  David*  s  reign,  beginning  at  the  death  o)  Saul. 
 
 24  If  s  Shem,  Arphaxad,  Shelah, 
 
 2.5  I*  Eber,  Pel  eg,  Reu, 
 
 26  Serug,  Nahor,  Terah, 
 
 27  '  Abram  ;  the  fame  is  Abraham. 
 
 28  The  fons  of  Abraham  ;  Ifaac,  and  ‘  Ifhmael. 
 
 29  If  Thefe  are  their  generations  :  The  “  firlt  born 
 of  Ifhmael,  Nebaioth  ;  then  Kedar,  and  Adbeel,  and 
 Mibfam, 
 
 30  Mifhma,  and  Dumah,  Maffa,  H  Hadad,  and 
 Tema, 
 
 31  Jetur,  Naphifh,  and  Kedemah.  Thefe  are  the 
 fons  of  Ifhmael. 
 
 32  II  Now  the  fons  Keturah,  Abraham’s  concu¬ 
 bine  :  (he  bareZimran,  and  Jokfhan,  and  Medan,  and 
 Midian,  and  Ifhbak,  and  Shuah.  And  the  fons  of 
 Jokfhan  ;  Sheba,  and  Dedan. 
 
 33  And  the  fons  of  Midian ;  Ephah,  and  Epher, 
 and  Henoch,  and  Abida,  and  Eldaah.  All  thefe  are 
 the  fons  of  Keturah. 
 
 ^  34  And  Abraham  begat  Ifaac.  The  fons  of  Ifaac  ; 
 Efaii,  and  Ifrael. 
 
 35  If  I'he  fons  of  “  Efan ;  Eliphaz,  Reuel,  and 
 Jeufh,  and  Jaalam,  and  Korah. 
 
 36  Ihe  fons  of  Eliphaz  ;  Teman,  an:f  Omar,  l|  Ze- 
 phi,  and  Gatam  Kenaz.  and  Timna,  and  Amalek. 
 
 37  The  fons  of  Reuel ;  Naha.h,  Zerah,  Shamraah, 
 and  M)zzah. 
 
 38  If  And  the  Tons  of  Selr  ;  Lotan.  and  Shobal,  and 
 Zibeon,  and  Anah,  and  Difhon,  and  Ezer,  and  Difhan. 
 
 39  And  the  (bns  of  Lotan;  Hcri,  and  |1  Homam  ; 
 and  Timna  was  Lotan’s  fifter. 
 
 40  The  fons  of  Shobal ;  ||  Alian,  and  Manahath, 
 and  Ebal,  i|  Shephi,  and  Onam.  And  the  Ions  of 
 Zibe'on  ;  Aiah,  and  Anah. 
 
 41  The  fons  of  Anah  ;  °  Difhon.  And  the  fons  of 
 Difhon  ;  |1  Amram,  and  Efhban,  and  Ithrau,  an 
 Cheran. 
 
 T  The  fons  of  Ezer;  Bilhan,  and  Zavan,  and  11 
 Jakan.  The  fons  of  Difhan  ;  Uz,  and  Aran. 
 
 43  ^  Now  thefe  ore  the  p  kings  that  reigned  in  the 
 land  of  Edom  before  any  king  reigned  over  the  chil- 
 dren  of  Ifrael ;  Bela  the  Ion  of  Beor  :  and  the  name 
 of  his  city  ujos  Dinhabah. 
 
 44  And  when  Bela  was  dead,  Jobab,  the  fou  of 
 Zerah  of  Bozrah,  reigned  in  his  fteaci. 
 
 '  r  - - - 
 
 2218.  Raamah  ;  Stieba,  and  Dedan. 
 
 10  And  Cufh  <=  begat  Nimrod  ;  and  he  began  to  be 
 '  mighty  upon  the  earth. 
 
 1 1  And  Mizraim  begat  Ludim,  and  Anamim,  and 
 Lehabim,  and  Naphtuhim, 
 
 12  And  Pathrufim,  and  Cafluhim,  (of  whom  came 
 A  Deut.  the  Philiftines,)  and  Caphtorim. 
 
 13  And  Canaan  begat  Ziden  his  firfl-born,  and 
 Heth, 
 
 14  The  Jebufite  alfo,  and  the  Amorite,  and  the 
 Girgafhite. 
 
 15  And  the  Hivite,  and  the  Arkite,  and  theSinite, 
 
 16  And  the  Arvadite,  and  the  Zemarite,  and  the 
 Hamathite. 
 
 10^22  &  n  ^  ®  ’  Elam,  "and  Afhur,  and 
 
 11  I'o.  Arphaxad,  and  Lud,  and  Aram,  and  Uz,  and  Hul, 
 2247.  and  Gether,  and  y  Mtfhech. 
 
 18  And  Arphaxad  begat  Shelah,  and  Shelah  begat 
 Eber. 
 
 _  .19  And  unto  Eber  were  born  two  fons  ;  the  name 
 
 II  Tbatis.of  the  one  was  y  Peleg,  (becaufein  his  days  the  earth 
 was  divided,)  and  his  brother’s  name  was  Joktan. 
 
 10.  26.  ^  Joktan  begat  Almodad,  and  Sheleph,  and 
 
 Hazarmavethj  and  Jerah, 
 
 21  Hadoram  alfo,  and  Uzal,  and  Diklah, 
 
 22  And  Ebal,  and  Abimael,  and  Sheba, 
 
 23  And  Ophir,  and  Havilah,  and  Jobab.  All  thefe 
 Were  the  Sons  of  Joktan. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 1857. 
 
 g  Luke 
 3.  36. 
 h  Gen. 
 11.15. 
 i  Gen. 
 
 17.  5. 
 k  Gen. 
 21.  2,  3. 
 
 I  Gen, 
 
 16.  II. 
 m  Gen. 
 25  IS¬ 
 IS. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 Hailar, 
 Genefis 
 25.  15. 
 dr.  1853. 
 
 EX‘PLANAT0RY  NOTES.  Chap  I.  Ver.  1—97.  This  eeneatodcal 
 
 me  commences  with  Adam  and  clofes  with  Abraham.  Between  tlie  creation 
 
 If  ’"'P  thoufand  ye  ,rs,  nearh  to  the 
 
 the^  th  °  Adam  exifted.  The  one  our  common  father  after  the  flefh  ‘ 
 
 Ite  other  II,.  fetter  fiiU.fol,  The  lioe  of  the  Mt'ffl.b,  Tof 
 
 No.25....6d.  5H 
 
 n  Gen. 
 36.  9,  10. 
 
 II  Or, 
 Zepho, 
 Genefis 
 36.  11. 
 
 il  o.-, 
 
 Heman, 
 Genefis 
 36.  22. 
 
 H  Or, 
 Alvan, 
 Genefis 
 36.  23. 
 
 II  Or. 
 Shejihn, 
 Genefis 
 36  2.3. 
 o  Gen. 
 36.  25. 
 
 II  Hem- 
 dan, 
 Genefis 
 36.  26. 
 dr.  1676. 
 II  Or, 
 Achan, 
 Genefis 
 36  27. 
 p  Gen. 
 36.  31. 
 
 28  53.  Here  the  facred  hiftor.an  mentions  the  defeendants  of"  AbZaax  afTr 
 
 45  And  when  Jobab  was  dead,  Hufham  of  the  land 
 of  the  iemanites,  reigned  in  his  Head. 
 
The  posleriUj  of  Ju  Jah^  t5  f'- 
 
 I.  CHRONtCXES. 
 
 cir, 
 
 q  Gen. 
 36.  37. 
 
 when  tidfham  was  dead,  Hadad  the  fon 
 .  1676.®^  Uedad  (which  I'mote  Midian  in  the  field  oF  Moab) 
 reigned  in  his  Itead  :  and  the  name  of  his  city  -ivas 
 Avith 
 
 47  And  when  Hadad  was  dead,  Samlah  of  Mafre- 
 kah  reigned  in  his  Read. 
 
 48  And  when  Samlah  was  dead,  Shaul  of  Rehc- 
 both  by  tne  river,  reigned  in  his  (lead. 
 
 49  And  when  Shaul  was  dead,  Baal-hanan  the  fon 
 of  Achbor  reigned  in  his  Read. 
 
 50  And  when  Btal-hanan  was  dead,  II  Hadad  reign¬ 
 ed  in  his  ftead  :  and  the  lame  of  his  city  -joas  |1  Pai ; 
 and  his  wife’s  name  tms  Mehetabel,  the  daughter  ot 
 Ma  red,  the  daughter  of  Mezahab. 
 
 51  11  Hadad  died  alfo.  And  the  f  dukes  of  Edom 
 were  ;  duke  Timoah,  duke  Aliah,  duke  Jetheth, 
 
 52  Duke  Aholibaraah,  duke  Elah,  duke  Pinon, 
 
 U  Or, 
 
 Jlalar, 
 Gen 
 36  3f. 
 y  Or, 
 Pau, 
 
 Gen. 
 
 36.  3?. 
 cir.  1496. 
 
 The  poslcrily  of 
 
 18  f  And  Caleb  the  fon  of  Hezron  begat  child, 
 ot  Azubah  his  wife,  and  of  Jerioth :  her  fons 
 
 ran. 
 
 thefe 
 
 en 
 
 are 
 
 Kefor, 
 
 Cl, 
 
 Jefher,  and  Shobab,  and  Ardon.  ^ir. 
 
 19  And  when  Azubah  was  dead,  Caleb  took  unto^^ 
 him  Ephrafh,  which  bare  him  Hur. 
 
 20  And  Hur  begat  Uri,  and  Uri  begat  Bezaleel  kr 
 
 21  H  And  afterwards  Hezron  went  into  the3l^>°''' 
 daughter  of  Machir,  the  father  of  Gilead,  whom  he 
 t  married  when  he  rtw  threefcore  years  old,  and  Ihef  u 
 
 r  Gen. 
 S6.  40. 
 
 17Se,&C. 
 il  Or, 
 Jocob. 
 a  Gen. 
 
 129.  32.  &  Afher. 
 
 53  Duke  Kenaz,  duke  Teman,  duke  Mibzar, 
 
 54  Duke  Magdiel,  duke  Iram.  Thefe  are  the  dukes 
 of  Edom.* 
 
 CHAP.  IT. 
 
 1  The  Jons  of  Ifrael,  3  The  poflerity  oj  Judah  by  Tamar.  13  The 
 children  of  JfJJe.  18  Caleb's  jiosieiily.  41  Hezron  s  posterity.  25 
 Jerah/neel's  posterity. 
 
 These  are  the  fons  of  H  Ifrael ;  *  Reuben, 
 Simeon,  Levi,  and  Judah,  llTachar,  and  Zebulun, 
 2  Dan,  Jofeph,  and  Benjamin,  Naphtali,  Gad,  and 
 
 sa  5.  & 
 35.18,22 
 &  46.  3, 
 &c. 
 
 b  Gen. 
 
 38.  3.  & 
 46.  12. 
 c  Gen. 
 
 38.  2. 
 d  Gen. 
 IVS.29,30. 
 Matth. 
 
 1.  3. 
 e  llutb 
 4.  13. 
 
 Or, 
 Zadai, 
 Jotli.?.  1. 
 f  I  Kings 
 
 3  *1  The  fons  of  Judah ;  Er,  and  Onan,  and  She- 
 lah  ;  ichich  three  were  born  unto  him  of  the  daughter 
 of  ‘  Shua  the  Canaanitefs.  And  Er,  the  firft-born 
 of  Judah,  was  evil  in  the  fight  of  the  Lord,  and  he 
 flew  him. 
 
 4  And  Tamar,  his  daughter-in-law,  bare  him  Pha 
 rez  and  Zerah.  All  the  fons  of  Judah  n'ere  five. 
 
 5  The  fons  of  <=  Pharaz  ;  Hezron,  and  Hamuh 
 
 6  And  the  fons  of  Zerah  ;  1|  Zimri,  *■  and  Ethan, 
 and  Heman,  and  Calcol,  and  11  Dara  :  five  of  them 
 in  all. 
 
 7  H  And  the  fons  of  Carmi ;  |1  Achar,  the  troubler 
 of  Ifrael,  who  traDfgrt-flfed  in  the  thing  s  accurfed. 
 
 8  And  the  fon.s  of  Ethan  ;  Azariah. 
 
 9  The  fons  alfo  of  Hezron,  that  were  born  unto 
 
 4.  31. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 Darila. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 Hchnn. 
 g  Joihua 
 6.  18.  & 
 
 7.  1. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 Aram, 
 
 Matth. 
 
 1.  3. 
 
 y  Or, 
 
 Caleb, 
 Ver.  18. 
 h  Ruth. 
 4.  19. 
 i  1  Satn 
 16.  7, 
 
 him ;  Jerahmeel,  and  H  Ram,  and  ||  Chelubai.  ^ 
 
 10  And  Ram  •'begat  Ammiaadab,  and  Amrainadab 
 begat  Nahfhon,  prince  of  the  children  of  Judah. 
 
 1 1  And  Nahfhon  begat  Salma,  and  Salma,  begat  Boaz, 
 
 12  And  Boaz  begat  Obed,  and  Obed  begat  JtflTe. 
 
 13  11  ‘  And  JeflTe  begat  his  firft-born  Eliab,  and  Abi- 
 nadab  the  fecond,  and  |1  Shimraa  the  third, 
 
 14  Nethaneel  the  fourth,  Raddai  the  fifth, 
 
 15  Ozem.the  fixth,  David  the  feventh  : 
 
 16  Whole  fitters  "vcere  Zeruiah  and  Abigail.  And 
 the  fons  of  Zeruiah  ;  Abifhai,  and  Joab,  and  Afahel, 
 
 17  And  Abigail  bare  Amafa :  and'the  father  of 
 Amsfa  'vns  Jether  the  llhmaelite. 
 
 J  Or,  Shammah,  1  Sam.  16.  9.  cir.  1471. 
 
 bare  him  Segub. 
 
 22  And  Segub  begat  J  lir,  who  had  three  and  twen¬ 
 ty  cities  in  the  land  of  Gilead. 
 
 23  '  And  he  took  Geflinr,  and  Aram,  with  theiN 
 
 towns  of  Jair,  from  them,  with  Keneth,  and  the  towns  ••a.  “t'’’ 
 thereof,  even  threefcore  cities ;  all  thefe  beloiiged  to  the^*^"'- 
 tons  of  Machir,  the  father  of  Gilead.  j-  ‘‘*- 
 
 24  And  after  that  Hezron  was  dead  in  Caleb- lal^’ac* 
 phratah,  then  Abiah,  Hezron’s  wife,  bare  him  Afhur 
 
 the  father  of  Tekoa. 
 
 25  f  And  the  fons  of  Jerahmeel,  the  firfl-born  of 
 Hezron,  were  Ram  the  firfl-born  and  Bunah,  and 
 Oren,  and  Ozem,  artd  Ahijah. 
 
 26  Jerahmeel  had  alfo  another  wife,  whofe  name 
 was  Atarah  :  fbe  was  the  mother  of  Onara. 
 
 27  And  the  fons  of  Ram,  the  firft-born  of  Jerah¬ 
 meel,  were  Maaz,  and  Jamin,  and  Eker. 
 
 28  And  the  Ions  of  Guam  were  Shammai,  and 
 Jada.  And  the  fons  of  Shammai ;  Nadab,  and  Abi- 
 Ihur. 
 
 29  And  the  name  of  the  wife  of  Abifhur  was  Abl- 
 hail,  and  fhe  bare  him  Ahban,  and  Molid. 
 
 30  And  the  fons  of  Nadab ;  Seled,  and  Appaim  : 
 but  Seled  died  without  children. 
 
 3 1  And  the  fons  of  Appaim  ;  Ifhi.  And  the  fons  of 
 Ifhi ;  Shefhan.  And  the  children  of  Shefban  ;  Ahlai. 
 
 32  And  the  fons  of  Jada,  the  brother  of  Shammai ; 
 Jether,  and  Jonathan :  and  Jether  died  without  chil¬ 
 dren. 
 
 33  And  the  fons  of  Jonathan ;  Peleth,  and  Zaza. 
 Thefe  were  the  fons  of  Jerahmeel. 
 
 34  H  Now  Sbelhan  had  no  fons,  but  daughters : 
 and  Shefhan  had  a  fervant,  an  Egyptian,  whofe  name 
 was  Jarha. 
 
 35  And  Shefhan  gave  his  daughter  to  Jarha  his  fer- 
 vant  to  wife,  and  fhe  bare  him  Attai. 
 
 36  And  Attai  begat  Nathan,  and  Nathan  begat 
 
 Zabad,  m  ciiap, 
 
 37  And  Zabad  begat  Ephlal,  and  Ephlal  begat 
 Obed, 
 
 38  A.nd  Obed  begat  Jehu,  and  Jehu  begat  Azariah, 
 
 39  And  Azariah  begat  Heiez,  and  Helez  begat 
 Eleafah, 
 
 40  And  Eleafah  begat  Sifaraai,  and  Sifamai  begat 
 Shailum, 
 
 41  And  Shailum  begat  Jekamiah,  and  Jekamiah  be¬ 
 gat  Elifhama. 
 
 42  11  Now  the  fons  of  Caleb,  the  brother  of  Jerah¬ 
 meel,  were  Mcfha  his  firfl-born,  which  was  the  fa- 
 
 th3  fleih.  lilimael  becomes  the  father  of  twelve  princes,  according  to  Gen.  xvii. 
 20  He  allb  takes  notice  of  Efau's  pofterity  and  their  dignity.  ' 
 
 £XPL.\KATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  II.  Ver.  1—17.  Jacobs  family 
 comes  next,  and  of  them  Judah,  as  uioft  dirtinguilhed  hath  the  pre-eminence 
 
 in  his  genealogy  :  not  only  becaufe  he  was  of  the  royal  tribe,  but  for  the  Mef’ 
 fiah’s  fake,  who  fprung  from  him.  The  family  of  Jeffe  is  particularly  defend 
 ed  on  David’s  account,  of  whom  as  concerning  the  flefh  Ctirift  came. 
 
 18 — 55.  Among  thefe  here  mentioned,  is  Bezaleel  who  w.is  the  chief  workinw. 
 
 ■"TiTArTrf'AT  OBSERVVTIONS  — *  Chap.  LI  Since  all  men  are  brethren  defeended  from  Adam,  it  bee  mes  them  to  love  as  brethren.  KemarkaUj 
 4  f  t  b  il  e  tn.  of  d^aSb"  ;Lgh  mil  unknotn.  ■^Quickly  men  port  into  death  and  eternity  ,  and  fcarcely  are  they  born  in  God’s  reckoning  when  they^ 
 Vrt  -re  st  and  awful  will  that  affembly  be  in  which  all  the  deL  Oiall  ftand  before  God.  Jiut  of  how  little  account  with  God  are  aU  nations  compared  to  his  chuf 
 people"^  [be  genealogy  of  the  former  comes  in  merely  as  incidental  to  that  of  the  latter. 
 
Clirilt 
 
 H7I 
 
 11  O'-. 
 
 Jleiiiah, 
 
 Chap. 
 
 4  2- 
 
 Ihe  sons  of  Calebs 
 
 i5efore  ther  of  Ziph  ;  and  the  Ions  of  Marefhah,  the  father 
 of  Hebron. 
 
 43  And  the  Tons  of  Hebron;  Korah,  and  Tappnah, 
 and  Rekem,  and  Shenia. 
 
 44.  And  Shema  begat  Raham,  the  father  of  Jor- 
 koam  ;  and  Rekem  begat  Shammai. 
 
 45  And  ihel’on  of  Shaminai  was  Maon  :  and  Maon 
 <was  the  father  of  Beth  zur. 
 
 43  And  Ephah,  Caleb’s  concubine,  bare  Haran, 
 and  Moza,  and  Gazez  :  and  Haran  begat  Gaz<  z.  | 
 
 47  And  the  Cons  of  Jahdai ;  Regem  and  Jotham,  i 
 and  Gelhan,  and  Pelet,  and  Ephah,  and  Shaaph. 
 
 48  Maachah  Caleb’s  concubine,  bare  Shebar,  and  : 
 
 Tirhanah.  | 
 
 49  She  bare  alfo  Shaaph  the  father  of  Madmannah, 
 Sheva  the  father  of  Machbenah,  and  the  father  of 
 
 „  joftua  Gibea  ;  and  the  daughter  of  Caleb  nsoas  “  Achfa. 
 
 15.  17.  50  ^  Thefe  were  the  Tons  of  Caleb,  the  Ion  ot  Hur, 
 
 the  firft-born  of  Ephratah  ;  Shobal  the  father  of  Rir- 
 jath-jearim, 
 
 51  Salma  the  Father  of  Beth-lehem,  Hareph  the 
 father  of  Beth-gader. 
 
 52  And  Shobal  the  father  of  Kirjath-jearira,  had 
 i/ife  J*- Cons ;  II  Elaroeh,  and  |i  half  of  the  Manahethites. 
 nuchiics,  53  And  the  families  of  Kirjath-j^arim  ;  the  Ithrites, 
 
 and  the  Puhites,  and  the  Shumathites,  and  the  MiCh- 
 ^nMhoZ  raites :  of  them  came  the  Zareathites,  and  the  Elh- 
 II  Or,  taulires. 
 
 jjhrites,  54,  1  he  Cons  of  Salma  ;  Beth-lehem,  and  theNeto- 
 pharhires,  \\  Ataroth  the  houfe  of  Joab,  and  half  of 
 house  0/  the  Marifhethites,  the  Z  irites. 
 
 Jonh.  55  And  the  families  of  the  fcribes  which  dwelt  at 
 ©Judges  j^bez  ;  the  Tiratbiies,  the  Snimeathites,  and  Sucha- 
 p'jerem.  tflites.  Thefe  are  the  °  Kenitps  that  came  of  Hemath, 
 35.  2.  the  father  of  the  houfe  of  p  Rechab.* 
 
 CHAP.  III. 
 
 1  The  sons  of  David  :  10  his  line  lo  Zedekiah,  1  7  The  successors  of 
 Jeconiah, 
 
 thefe  were  the  fons  of  David,  which  were 
 a2^Sam.  Hebron  :  the  firft-born  ®  Am- 
 
 b  Joihua  non  of  Ahinoara  the  Jezreelitefs  ;  the  fecond,  |I  Da¬ 
 is.  56.  niel,  of  Abigail  the  Carmelirefs  ;  ‘ 
 
 2  The  third,  Abfalom,  the  ton  of  Maachah,  the 
 daughter  of  Talmai  king  of  Gefhur ;  the  fourth, 
 Adonijah,  the  fon  of  Haggith  ; 
 
 3  I'he  filth,  Shephatiah  of  Abital ;  the  fixth,  Ith- 
 c2^Sam.  ream,  by  <=  Eglah  his  wife. 
 
 4  L'hcse  fix  were  born  unto  him  in  Hebron ;  and 
 
 I.  CHRONICLES.  The  sons  of  Jeconiah,  4c- 
 
 there  he  reigned  feven  years  and  lix  months :  and  in 
 Jerufalem  he  reigned  thirty  and  three  years.  ,,jr.  1053. 
 
 5  And  thefe  were  born  unto  him  in  Jerufalem  ;  ^ 
 
 II  Shimea,  and  Shobab,  and  Nathan,  and  Solomon,  d  2  .8am. 
 tour,  of  II  B.ath-(hua,  the  daughter  of  ||  Ammiel ; 
 
 6  Ibhar  alfo,  and  II  Elilhama,  and  Eliphelet, 
 
 7  And  Nogah,  and  Nepheg,  and  Japhiab, 
 
 5.  14. 
 
 II 
 
 Sham~ 
 
 mua^ 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 Chile  (lb, 
 2  Sa  n, 
 
 3.  3. 
 
 8.  5. 
 
 in  building  the  tabernacle,  Exod.  xxxL  2.  alfo  of  Hezron  fon  of  Pharez,  who  had 
 B  numerous  pofterity  defcendiiig  from  him,  who  even  in  old  age  married,  and  left 
 bis  wile  pregnant  It  is  faid  he  died  in  Caleb  Ephratah,  fuppofed  to  be  Beth¬ 
 lehem.  Here  are  fome  called  families  of  fcribes,  or  fuch  as  kept  up  learning  in 
 their  families,  particularly  a  knowledge  of  the  facred  oracles,  which  is  an  honour- 
 aide  diftiiiAion 
 
 ANATOR-Y  notes.  Chap.  III.  Ver.  1—24.  David’s  family 
 confills  of  fixteen  fons  and  one  daughter  ;  four  of  them  by  Balhuaor  Bathflisha; 
 one  ^of  which  Solomon,  was  his  fuccelTor,  and  Nathan  another,  from  which 
 St.  :„uke  traces  our  Lord  s  pedigree.  The  fons  of  his  concubines  are  not 
 reckoned.  For  feventeen  defcents  the  crown  of  Judah  went  from  father  to  fon 
 
 8  And  Elifbama,  and  i;  Efrada,  and  Eliphelet,  nine.  2  Sam. 
 
 9  These  uere  all  the  fons  of  David,  befides  the 
 
 of  the  concubines,  and  ®  Tamar  their  fifter.  nath- 
 
 10  f  And  Solomon’s  fon  teas  ^  Rehoboam,  ||  Abi'dshebn, 
 
 his  fon,  Ala  his  Ion,  Jehofhapnat  his  fon,  2  Sam. 
 
 11  Joram  his  fon,  |1  Ahaziah  his  fon,  JoaCh  his  fon, 
 
 12  Amaziah  his  fon,||  Azariah  his  fon,  Jotham  his  fon,  Dliamt 
 
 13  Ahaz  hislbn,  Ht  zekiah  his  fon,  Manalleh  his  fon,  2  Sam. 
 
 14  Amon  his  fon,  Jofiah  his  fon. 
 
 15  A^nd  the  fons  of  Jofiah  were,  the  firft-born  !l 
 
 hanan,  the  fecond  ||  Jehoiakim,  the  third  II  Zedekiah,  2  Sam.’ 
 the  fourth  Shallum.  ^ 
 
 16  And  the  fons  of  s  Jehoiakim;  ||  Jeconiah  his  II  f’ 
 
 for.,  Zedekiah  "  his  fon.  .  c£T' 
 
 17  f  xAnd  the  fons  of  Jeconiah,  Affir  ;  f  Salathiel  14.  7. 
 
 his  fon,  ®  2  Sam. 
 
 18  Malcbiram  alfo,  and  P  daiah,  and  Shenazar, 
 
 Jecamiah,  Hofliama,  and  Nedabiah.  11.43.& 
 
 19  And  the  fons  of  Pedaiah  were  Zerubbabel,  and  15.  6. 
 
 Shimei ;  and  the  Sons  of  Zerubbabel  ;  Meftiuilam,  II  P''’ 
 and  Hananiah,  and  Shelomi’h  their  fifter  :  f 
 
 20  And  Haftiubah,  and  Ohel,  and  Berechiah,  and  15,  1. 
 
 Hafadiah.  Jufhab-hefed  five.  H 
 
 21  And  the  fons  of  Hananiah  ;  Pelatiah,  and  J^“^^chroL 
 
 faiah  :  the  fons  of  Rephaiah,  the  fons  of  Arnan,  the 22.  6°°' 
 fons  of  Obadiab,  the  (ons  of  Shecaniah.  n  Or, 
 
 22  And  the  fons  of  Shechaniah  ;  Shemaiah :  and  Jizaah, 
 
 tne  fons  of  Shemaiah,  Hattufh,  and  Igeal,  and  Ba- 
 riah,  and  Neariah,  and  Shaphat,  ||  fix.  [|'’br,  * 
 
 23  And  the  fons  of  Neariah;  Elioenai,  and  t  He-  Jehoahaz, 
 
 zekiah,  and  Azrikam,  three.  2  Kings 
 
 24  And  the  fons  of  Elioenai  were,  Hodaiah,  and 
 
 Elialhib,  and  Pelaiah,  and  Akkub,  and  Johanan,  dndEUakim, 
 Dalaiah,  And  Anani,  feven. f  2  Ki  ngs 
 
 23.  .34.  j|  Or,  il/rt/<on(a/(,  2  Kings  24.  17.  g  IMatfh  1.  11.  ||  Or,  Jehoiachin* 
 
 2  Kings  22.  6.  or  Coaiah,  Jerem.  22.  24.  h  2  Kings  24.  17.  being  his  uncle, 
 j-  Heb.  Shealtiel.  i  Mattb.  1.  12.  ||  Including  Shemaiah,  I'uppofed  to  be  a  na¬ 
 
 tural  fon  of  Shechaniah.  +  Ileb.  Hifkivihu. 
 
 CHAP.  IV. 
 
 1,11  The  posterity  of  Judah  by  Caleb  the  fon  of  Hur.  5  Of  Ashur,  the 
 posthumous  fon  o)  Hezron.  9  Of  Jabez  and  his  prayer.  2 1  The 
 posterity  oj  Shelah,  24  and  of  Simeon,  ^c. 
 
 in  a  diredi  line.  About  this  time  of  the  captivity  the  defeent  was  interrupted 
 and  the  crown  went  from  one  brpther  to  another,  and  from  a  nephew  to  an 
 uncle.  The  only  famous  character  we  meet  with  after  their  return  from  capti¬ 
 vity,  was  Zerubbabel,  here  faid  to  be  the  fon  of  Pedaiah,  who  is  elfewhere  called 
 the  fon  of  Salathiel,  either  bis  grandfon,  if  Pedaiah,  was  Salathiel’s  fon,  or  if  his 
 brother,  as  feems  more  probable  from  Pedaiah,  as  next  in  kin,  might  on  his  dying 
 childlefs  marry  his  widow,  and  raife  up  feed  to  his  brother.  There  appears  a  di^ 
 ference  between  the  genealogy  of  Zerubbabel  here  and  in  St.  Matthew,  which  may 
 be  accounted  for  by  the  fame  perfon  frequently  in  feripture  having  more  names 
 than  one,  comp.  Notes  on  Matth.  i. 
 
 *v-i  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  II.]  How  great  the  fovereignty  of  Jehovah  !  Scandalous  were  the  faults  of  the  firfl  four  fathers  of  the  Hebrew 
 
 1  es;  and  yet  two  of  them  were  cholen  to  the  diftiuguifhed  honours  of  prieilhood  and  royalty;  and  the  lad  the  progenitor  of  the  Meifiah _ God’s  favonr«  ore  nec 
 
 o  wor  s,  left  any  man  Ihould  boaft.  The  rnoft.  didingui  (hed  fmners  are  often  rendered  the  mod  remarkable  monuments  of  his  faving  grace,  or  of  ufefulnefs  in  lii« 
 church.  God  takes  pleafure  to  exalt  the  low,  and  abafe  the  high.  Even  fo  Father,  for  fo  it  feemeth  good  in  thy  fight.  ^  ^  ‘ulnels  in  Ins 
 
 Ho.,  OBSERVATIONS,  f  Chap.  Ill.j  What  didinguidied  refpedl  does  God  pay  to  his  promife,  and  the  noted  piety  of  Lis  fervonKi  Never  ner 
 
 ®  family,  did  a  crown  go  direflly  from  father  to  fon  for  feventeen  generations.  This  wonderful  circumdance  was  not  bccaufe  David’s  defei^  d" 
 ants  were  faithful  to  God  ;  for  many  of  them,  and  fome  who  were  railed  to  the  throne,  were  the  reverfe.  But  God  conferred  h!s favours  on  oZ  I  p  h 
 hie  covenant  and  promife  to  David  his  fervant. — Great,  inconceivably  great  is  our  mercy  that  we  have  Jefus,  the  kinw  eternal  immortal’  ^ 
 
 ble  to  complete  and  crown  the  fons  of  David,  who  were  dedioed  to  reign.  From  God’s  refpeA.  t«  him'  all  bis  fubjeas  diall  live  for  ever  ’ 
 
Before 
 
 Jiirift 
 
 1300. 
 
 a  Gen 
 
 Chap. 
 
 2.  1-8. 
 il  Or. 
 Hnrock, 
 Cliap. 
 
 2.  52. 
 
 1)  Chap, 
 2.  24. 
 
 The  posterUy  of  Judah y  4  c. 
 
 The  Tons  of  Judah  ;  *  Pharez,  Kezron,  and  H  Car- 
 mi,  and  Hur,  and  Shobal. 
 
 2  And  !1  Reaiah,  the  fon  ot  Shobal  begat  Jahath, 
 
 -  Ahumai,  and  Lahad.  TheCe  are  the 
 
 .ss.  29.  As  families  of  the  Zorathites. 
 
 cUl„  ^  theie  Ttvre  o/  tne  father  of  Etam  ;  Jezreel, 
 Chap.  i.nma,  and  Idbafli ;  and  the  name  of  their  fifter 
 
 2  9.  or  icfTs  Hazelelponi  ; 
 
 r«/.5,  •  4  And  Penuel  the  bither  of  Gedor,  and  Ezer  the 
 
 ta'her  of  Hufhah.  Thefe  are  the  ions  of  Hur,  the 
 nrft-born  of  Ephratah,  the  father  of  Beth-Iehem. 
 
 5  H  And  ^  Afhur  the  father  cf  Tekoa,  had  two 
 w;ves,  He’ah  and  Naarah.  • 
 
 6  And  Naarah  bare  him  Ahuzam,  and  Hepher, 
 and  1  emeni,  and  Haahaflitari.  T.  htie  xccre  the  ions 
 .  of  Naarah. 
 
 7  And  the  Tons  of  Helah  tcere  Zereth,  and  Jezoar, 
 and  Ethnan. 
 
 S  And  Coz  begat  Anub,  and  Zobebah,  and  the 
 families  of  Aharhel  the  fon  of  Harum. 
 
 9  ^  And  Jabez  was  more  honourable  than  his  bre- 
 II  Thatis,  thren  ;  and  his  mother  called  his  name  II  Jabez,  fav- 
 ing'  Becanfe  I  bare  him  with  forrow. 
 f  Heb.  10  And  Jabez  called  on  the  God  of  Ifrael,  faying, 
 If  thou  t  Oh  that  thou  wouldeit  blels  HiC  indeed,  and  enlarge 
 
 t  Hetr  be  with  me,  and 
 
 do  me,'  vvouldeft  f  keep  nie  from  evil,  that  it  may 
 
 not  grieve  me !  And  God  granted  him  that  which  he 
 requefted. 
 
 11^  And  Chelub,  the  brother  of  Shuah,  begat  Me- 
 hir,  which  xcas  the  father  of  EChton. 
 
 12  And  Eduon  begat  Berh-rapha,  and  Pafeah,  and 
 II  Or,  Tehinnah  the  father  of  |1  Ir-nahaln.  Thefe  are  the 
 ‘■'^“■^men  of  Rechah. 
 
 iv./m/A.  of  Kenaz  ;  Othniel,  and  Seraiah  : 
 
 II  Or,  and  the  fons  of  Othniel ;  ||  Hathath. 
 
 Meonothai  bept  Ophrah  :  and  Seraiah 
 nothni,  begat  Jo.;b,  the  father  of  the  ||  valley  of  ||  Charaihim  ; 
 for  they  were  craftfmen. 
 
 1.5  And  the  fons  of  Caleb  the  fon  of  Jephunneh  ; 
 Iru,  Elah,  and  Naam  :  and  the  fons  of  Elah,  even  II 
 Kenaz, 
 
 16  And  the  fons  of  Jehaleleel ;  Ziph,  and  Ziphah, 
 
 vho  be- 
 gat,  <^-c, 
 
 it  Or, 
 inhabi¬ 
 tants  of 
 
 the  volley,  _  _ 
 
 Afireel. 
 
 ^  Or,  *  1”  And  the  fons  of  Ezra  tevre  Jether,  and  Mered, 
 
 Ukuaz.  and  Epher,  and  Jalon  ;  and  (be  bare  Miriam,  and 
 Shammai,  dnd  Ifhbah  the  father  of  Efntemoa. 
 
 II  Or,  the  is  And  his  wife  |1  Jehud  jah  bare  Jared  the  father 
 
 Jewess,  Gedor,  and  Heber  the  father  of  Sccho,  and  Jeka- 
 
 thi-^l  the  father  of  Zanoah.  And  thefe  are  the  fons 
 of  Bithiah  the  daughter  of  Pharaoh,  which  Mered 
 took. 
 
 (I  Or,  19  And  the  fons  of  /?/s  wife  I|  Hodiah,  the  fifter  of 
 Jehudijah  the  father  of  Keilah  the  Garmite,  and  Efti- 
 
 ^Tefore.  Mdachathite. 
 
 20  And  the  fons  of  Shimon  urre  Amnon,  and 
 Rinnah,  Ben-banan,  and  Tilon.  And  the  Ions  of 
 Ifhi  Tvere  Zoheth,  and  Ben-zoheth. 
 
 I.  CHRONICLES.  Simeon’s  conquest  of  Gethr 
 
 !  21  ^  The  fons  of  Shelah  «=  the  fon  of  IiHsih  . 
 
 Er.  the  father  of  Lecah,  and  Laada^  the 
 Mareftiah  and  the  families  of  the  honle  of  them  that 
 wrought  fine  linen,  ot  the  houfe  of  Afhbea 
 
 22  And  Jokim  and  the  men  of  C'hozeba,  and  Joafti  l?.T- 
 and  Saraph,  who  had  the  dominion  in  Moab  and 
 Jaihubi-Iehem.  And //te/Z' Are  ancient  things.  * 
 
 23  Thefe  were  the  potters,  and  thofe  that  dwelt 
 among  plants  and  hedges :  there  tney  dwelt  with  the 
 king  tor  his  work. 
 
 24  H  The  fons  of  Simeon  were  |1  Nemuel,  and «  Or 
 
 Jamm,  Jarib,  Zerah,  rtwrfShauI :  Jen,nri, 
 
 25  Shallum  his  fon,  Mibfam  his  fon,  Mifhma  his  fon 
 
 26  And  the  fons  of  Minima;  Hanmel  hisfon,  Zac-E..d“; 
 
 chur  his  ion,  Shimei  his  Ion.  e.  is. 
 
 27  And  Shimei  had  fixteen  fons  and  fix  daughters  • 
 but  his  brethren  had  not  many  children,  neither  did 
 all  their  family  multiply  f  Hke  to  the  children  oft  Heb 
 
 lJudsh.  unio, 
 
 28  And  they  dwelt  at  Beer-ftieba,  and  Moladah.a  t  n, 
 
 and  Hazar-fhual,  ’ 
 
 29  And  at  |)  Bilhah,  and  at  Ezem,  and  at  II  Tolad,  II  Orj 
 
 30  And  at  Bethuel,  and  at  Hormah,  and  at?"'*’ 
 Z’klag. 
 
 31  And  at  Beth-marcaboth,  and  ||  Hazar-fufim,  and  ||  Or,' 
 at  Beth-birei,  and  at  Shaaraim.  T.hele  were  their  citie.'' 
 unto  the  reign  of  David. 
 
 32  And  their  villages  were,  1|  Etam,  and  Ain,  Rim-  y  Vr‘ 
 
 mon,  and  Tochen,  and  Afhan,  five  cities  ;  u 
 
 33  And  all  their  villages  that  were  round  about  the*/“ 
 
 fame  cities,  unto  ||  Baal.  Thefe  were  their  habitai  ions ;  ifr 
 and  II  their  genealogy.  n  or,' 
 
 34  And  Melhobab,  and  Jamlech,  and  Jofhah  the 
 
 fon  of  Amaziah,  Joihua 
 
 35  And  Joel,  and  Jehu  the  fon  of  Jofibiah,  the  fonj^r,' 
 
 of  Seraiah,  the  fon  of  Afiel,  B  itibilh. 
 
 36  And  Elioenai,  and  Jiakobah,  and  Jefhohaiah,*/®  ’ 
 and  Afaiah,  and  Adiel,  and  Jefimiel,  and  Benaiah,  19. 
 
 37  And  Ziza  the  fon  of  Sniphi,  the  fon  of  Allon,  y  Or, 
 the  fon  of  Jedaiab,  the  fon  of  Shimri,  the  Ion  of"*'/"’^ 
 Shemaiah : 
 
 38  1  hefe  mentioned  by  their  names  were  princes 
 in  their  families ;  and  the  houfe  of  their  fathers  in-  ifTtiong 
 creafed  greatly. 
 
 them. 
 f  Heb. 
 comitis- 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  IV.  Ver.  1—23  Among  the  def- 
 cendants  of  Judah,  in  the  line  of  Pbarez,  Jabez  is  particularly  noticed  ;  wiio 
 feems  to  be  of  the  family  of  Aharbel.  His  name  is  expreffive  of  tiie  pangs  his 
 mother  endured  when  in  travail.  He  appears  to  have  been  a  great  man  on  ac¬ 
 count  of  his  wealth,  courage,  or  wifdom  ;  or  more  probably  for  his  piety.  We 
 have  here  bis  prayer  and  its  acceptance  by  God,  Two  families  are  likewife  men¬ 
 tioned  as  being  craftfmen  an-l  weavers,  which  trades  defeended  from  father  to  fon, 
 and  one  of  them  feems  to  have  been  nobly  allied.  It  was  not  then  thought  any 
 diiTioiioar  to  be  a  mechanic.  Another  family  that  had  been  placed  as  governors, 
 
 39  %  And  they  went  to  the  entrance  of  Gedor, 
 unto  the  eaft  fide  of  the  valley,  to  leek  pafture  for  cir.  715. 
 their  flocks. 
 
 40  And  they  found  fat  pafture  and  good,  and  the 
 land  was  wide,  and  quiet,  and  peaceable ;  for  they  of 
 Ham  had  dw'elt  th'^re  of  old. 
 
 41  And  thefe  written  byname  came  in  the  days  of 
 Hezekiah  king  of  Judah,  and  fiiote  their  tents,  and 
 the  habitations  that  were  found  there,  and  deftroy- 
 ed.  them  utterly  unto  this  day,  and  dw'elt  in  their 
 rooms  ;  becaufe  there  xvas  pafture  there  for  their 
 flocks. 
 
 42  And  some  of  them,  even  of  the  fons  of  Simeon, 
 five  hundred  men,  went  to  mount  Seir,  having  for 
 
 by  David  over  the  Moabites  when  tributary,  were  now  brought  very  low,  being 
 
 reduced  to  be  hufbandmen  to  the  king  of  Babylon.  Ver.  24 _ 4.3.  The  tribe  of 
 
 Simeon  follows  ne.xt  to  that  of  Judah,  it  having  its  lot  in  the  midft  of  that  tribe. 
 In  the  reign  of  king  David,  they  had  left  thofe  cities  mentioned ;  and  in  Hezekijh’s 
 time,  they  profpered  greatly;  enlarged  their  borders  by  two  expeditions;  one 
 againll  thofe  who  inhabited  the  valley  of  Gedor,  who  were  probably  Philiftines; 
 the  other  againfl  the  Amalekites,  whom  they  utterly  extirpated.  It  appears  they 
 who  dwelt  in  S.-ir,  were  not  taken  away  captives  into  Babylon  with  their  brethrtni 
 Buf  continued  in  this  place  until  the  return  of  Ezra  the  author  of  this  book. 
 
fhe  liit^ 
 
 their  captains  Pelatiah,  and  Neariah,  and  Rephaiah, 
 and  Uzziel,  the  Cons  of  I(hi. 
 
 43  And  they  fmote  the  reft  of  the  Amalekites  that 
 were  efcaped,  and  dwelt  there  unto  this  day.* 
 
 CHAP.  V. 
 
 peforc 
 
 Ctirilt 
 
 1300. 
 
 N' 
 
 Gen. 
 
 1  The  line  of  Ruben  :  9  Their  habilnlion  and  conquest  oj  the  Ilagariles. 
 11  The  chief  men  and  habitations  of  Gad.  18  The  number  and  con¬ 
 quest  of  Reuben,  Gad,  ^c. 
 
 O  W  the  fons  of  Reuben,  the  firft-born  of  ICrael, 
 (for  he  was  the  firft-born  ;  but,  forafmuch  as 
 “^defiled  his  father’s  bed,  his  birthright  was  given 
 35^22.  &  unto  the  Cons  of  JoCepn  the  Con  of  ICrael :  and  the  ge- 
 ■19'  4.  nealogy  is  not  to  be  reckoned  after  the  birthright. 
 
 Qgn  2  For  Judah  prevailed  above  his  brethren,  and 
 49  MO-  of  him  catne  the  <=  chief  H  ruler ;  but  the  birthright 
 cMimI*  lyas  Jofeph’s ;) 
 
 3  The  Cons,  I  say,  of  ^  Reuben,  the  firft-born  of  II- 
 rael,  were  Hanoch,  and  Pallu,  Hezron,  and  Carrai. 
 
 4  The  Cons  of  Joe! ;  Shetnaiah  his  Con,  Gog  his  Con, 
 Shimei  his  Con. 
 
 5  Micah  his  Ion,  Reaiah  his  (on,  Baal  his  Con, 
 
 6  Beerah  his  Con,  whom  ||  Tilgath-pilneCer  king  of 
 Aflyria  carried  away  captive;  he  was  prince  of  the 
 Reubenites. 
 
 7  And  his  brethren  by  their  families,  (when  the  ge¬ 
 nealogy  of  their  generations  was  reckoned,)  were  the 
 chief,  Jeiel,  and  Zechariah, 
 
 8  And  Bela  the  Con  of  Azaz,  the  Con  of  |l  Shema, 
 Con  of  Joel,  who  dwelt  in  ^  Aroer,  even  unto 
 
 e'ltrifi. 
 
 1  'lOO. 
 
 g  Chap, 
 27  29. 
 H  eb. 
 
 go- 
 
 5.2. 
 
 Watth. 
 
 2.  6. 
 
 11 
 
 prince. 
 d  Gen. 
 
 46.  9. 
 
 Exodus 
 
 6.  H. 
 
 Eumb. 
 
 26.  5. 
 
 11  Of- 
 
 Tiglath- 
 pilneser, 
 
 2  Kings 
 15.29.  & 
 
 16. 7.  the 
 11  Or,  Nebo  and  Baal-meon  : 
 
 ^lemnak,  g  eaftward  he  inhabited  unto  the  entering  in 
 eJoihua  of  the  wildemeCs  from  the  river  Euphrates ;  becauCe 
 13.15,16.  their  cattle  were  multiplied  in  the  land  of  Gilead. 
 
 10  And  in  the  days  of  Saul  they  made  war  with 
 the  Hagarites,  who  fell  by  their  hand  :  and  they 
 .fHeb.  dwelt  in  their  tents  f  throughout  all  the  eaft  la?td  of 
 ujmiaU  Gilead. 
 
 *thseast°^  11  ^  And  the  children  of  Gad  dwelt  over  againft 
 f  joihua  them,  in  the  land  of  ^  Bafhan,  unto  Saicah  : 
 
 13.11.  12  Joel  the  chief,  and  Shaphara  the  next,  and 
 
 Jaanai,  and  Shaphat  in  Bafhan. 
 
 13  And  their  brethren  of  the  houfe  of  their  fathers. 
 Were,  Micnael,  and  Mefiiullam,  and  Sheba,  and  Jorai, 
 and  Jachan,  and  Zia,  and  Heber,  feven. 
 
 14  TheCe  are  the  children  of  Abihail  the  fon  of 
 Huri,  the  Con  of  Jaroah,  the  fon  of  Gilead,  the  fon  of 
 Michael,  the  Con  of  Jeftiiftiai,  the  Con  of  Jahdo,  the 
 ion  of  Buz ; 
 
 I.  CHRONICLES,  Tt.cir  number  and  conquu,, 
 
 15  Ahi  the  Con  of  Abdiel,  the  Con  of  Guni,  chief 
 
 of  the  houfe  of  their  fathers.  . 
 
 16  And  they  dwelt  in  Gilead  in  Bafhan,  and  iti  her 
 towns,  and  in  all  the  Cuburbs  of  ^  Sharon,  upon  f  their 
 
 ^°17^  All  thefe  were  reckoned  by  genealogies,  m  tl.e^ 
 days  of  Jotham  king  of  Judah,  and  in  the  days  of 
 
 Jeroboam  king  of  ICrael.  ^ 
 
 18  f  The  Cons  of  Reuben,  and  the  Gadites,  and  halt  i  ■  5. 
 
 the  tribe  of  Manafleh,  j  of  valiant  men,  men  able  toj.  Heb. 
 bear  buckler  and  (word,  and  to  Ihoot  with  bow  and  xon,  <,/ 
 fkilful  in  war,  were  four  and  forty  thouCand  feven 
 hundred  and  threeCcore,  that  went  out  to  the  war.  _ 
 
 19  And  they  made  war  with  the  Hagarites,  with 
 
 ‘  Jetur,  and  Nephifh,  and  Nodab.  _  efTi, 
 
 20  And  they  were  helped  againft  them,  and  the" 
 Hagarites  were  delivered  into  their  hand,  and  all  that 
 were  with  them  :  for  they  cried  to  God  in  the  battle, 
 and  he  was  entreated  of  them  ;  becauCe  they  put  their 
 
 truft  in  him.  _  £•!.•+  Heb 
 
 21  And  they  f  took  away  their  cattle;  of 
 
 camels  fifty  thouCand,  and  of  fheep  two  hundred  and^,„^_ 
 fifty  thoufand,  and  of  afles  two  thouCand,  and  of  f  men  f  Heb, 
 an  hundred  thouCand.  _ 
 
 22  For  there  fell  down  m.any  (lain,  becauCe  the  war^l^"^j, 
 xms  of  God.  And  they  dw  elt  in  their  fteads  until  the  31  35. 
 captivity. 
 
 23  H  And  the  children  of  the  half  tribe  of  Manafleh 
 dwelt  in  the  land  :  they  increafed  from  Bafhan  unto 
 Baal-hemion  and  Senir,  and  unto  mount  Hermon.  ^ 
 
 24  And  thefe  were  the  heads  of  the  houCes  of  their 
 
 fathers,  even  Epher,  and  Ilhi,  and  Eiiel,  and  Azriel, 
 and  Jeremiah,  and  Hodaviah,  and  Jahdiel,  mighty 
 men  of  valour,  t  famous  men,  and  heads  of  the  houfe  t 
 of  their  fathers.  ^  Tam^  -■ 
 
 25  %  And  they  tranfgrefled  againft  the  God  of  their 
 fathers,  and  went  a  whoring  after  the  gods  of  the  Kings 
 
 I  people  of  the  land,  whom  God  deftroyed  before  them.  ^  '■ 
 
 26  And  the  God  of  ICrael  ftirred  up  the  fpirit  of 
 *  Pul  King  of  Aflyria,  and  the  fpirit  of  Tilgath-pilneCer  ci*"  771. 
 king  of  AfTyria,  and  he  carried  them  away,  (even  the 
 Reubenites,  and  thegadiies,  and  the  half-tribe  of  Ma- msKings 
 nafl'eh,)  and  brought  them  unto  Halah,  and  Habor,  i7.  6. 
 and  Hara,  and  to  the  river  Gozan,  unto  this  day'.t  cir.  isoo. 
 
 ^  a  Gen. 
 
 CHAP.  VI.  46.11. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  V.  Ver.  1—26.  We  have  here  the 
 genealogy  of  the  Reubenites.  For  his  fin  Reuben  was  degraded  from  his  birtli- 
 right,  and  Jofeph  was  fubilituted  in  his  place,  and  as  firll-born,  poiTelTed  a  double 
 portion,  each  of  his  two  fons  being  head  of  a  tribe.  But  though  degraded  he 
 is  not  difinherited  :  he  hath  his  lot  with  his  brethren  in  Gilead  ;  and  when 
 by  the  increafe  of  his  flocks,  he  wanted  enlargement,  he  difpofltiTed'the  Hagar¬ 
 ites,  and  dwelt  in  their  country.  His  line  is  brought  down  to  Beerah,  who 
 was  their  chief  men  when  carried  away  captives.  The  Gadites  are  alfo  mentioned 
 here  along  with  the  Reubenites,  who  liad  been  both  numbered  under  Jeroboam 
 and  Jotham.  The  half  tribe  of  ManaiToh,  who  lay  on  the  other  fide  Jordan  alone 
 
 o 
 
 The  sons  of  Levi,  4  The  line  of  the  priests.  49  The  office  of  Aaron, 
 and  his  line  unto  Ahimmaaz,  c^c. 
 
 "^HE  fons  of  Levi ;  »  H  Gerfhon,  Kohath,  and 
 Merari. 
 
 Exod. 
 
 6.  1C. 
 
 ;i  Or, 
 
 Ger  shorn. 
 Ver.  16. 
 
 with  Reuben  and  Gad  follows  next  in  order,  all  whom  were  particularly  affociatcil 
 together  in  their  vi<51ories  and  captivity  ;  they  with  an  army  of  foily  four  thoufand 
 feven  hundred  and  fixty  chol'en  men  invaded  the  country  of  the  Hagarites,  and 
 while  engaged  with  the  enemy  they  prayed  to  God  on  whom  they  relied  ;  ami 
 he  heard  and  anfwered  their  requells,  by  giving  them  a  dillinguiflied  vidlory  with 
 immenfe  fpoils,  in  confequence  of  w  hich  their  country  was  enlarged.  By  the  kir.n- 
 of  AlTyria  they  were  luhjugated  and  led  away  captives,  as  a  juR  punilliment  for 
 their  lins,  from  which  captivity  they  never  retuined. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  ChAP.  VI.  Ver.  1—48.  As  Judah  was  moR 
 honoured,  and  Jol'eph  had  the  birthright,  Levi  was  exalted  by  the  priefthoed. 
 
 lot.^^lt  i^Vfmt-Lr^me^rfyYLvJ  a  ^etlovenanr^^^^^  %  "  according  as  God  is  plealed  t.  form  ibeir  charaaers  and  appoint  tl’^r 
 
 beginning;  and  the  mod  extenfive  and  fubllantial  bleflings  may  be  boldly  alked  and  exne<^  '  'h'  th^  Supplication  to  God  is  a  hopeful 
 
 the  fervent  prayer  of  faitn.  How  differently  God  difpoir!  of  men  In  reSa  of  .1  r  U  at  h.s  throne  ot  grace,  who  takes  pleafure  in  hearing  and  anfweH:,.. 
 
 grades  them  to  tire  mcaneft  employments  according  as  it  feemeth  good  in  his  fitrht  11  '  ^  them  to  honour  and  tower,  or  dc^ 
 
 fecuro  a  hater,  where  dignity  will  L  fecure,  without  variabl rmel  of  ffadow  offmdn.  "  ‘‘  ^  to 
 
 gatlier  their  fpoils  wh.  n  they  go  forth  with  prayer,  trufting  in  the  Lord  Pm  r  ^  ^  prelen^t  wilh  them  With  what  cale  they  tread  down  their  ei  emie-  -md 
 
'Ihe  lines  of  the  jn  tcs.'s. 
 
 Hcfore 
 Cliriil 
 cir.  1300. 
 
 b  T.ev. 
 10.  1. 
 
 c  2  Saoj. 
 15.  26. 
 
 4. 
 
 11  Or, 
 Mfiii  ul- 
 lam. 
 Chap. 
 9.  11. 
 e  Neh. 
 11.  II. 
 
 g  Exod. 
 6.  16. 
 ll  Or, 
 Gcrshon, 
 Vcr.  1. 
 
 I.  CIIRON[CLES. 
 
 fons  of  Kohath ;  Amram,  Izhar,  and 
 Hebron,  and  Uzziel. 
 
 j  children  of  Amram  ;  Aaron,  and  Mofes, 
 
 and  Minam.  1  he  fons  allb  of  Aaron  ;  Nadab,  and 
 Abihu,  Lleazar,  and  Ichamar. 
 
 4  51  Eleazar  begat  Phinehas,  Phinehas begat  Abifhua, 
 
 5  And  Abifhua  begat  Bukki,  and  Bukki  begat  Uzz', 
 
 6  And  Uzzi  begat  Zerahiah,  and  Zerahiah  begat, 
 
 Meraioth,  ^ 
 
 7  Meraioth  begat  Am-ariah,  and  Amariah  begat 
 Ahitub, 
 
 8  And  Ahitub  begat  Zadck,  and  =  Zadok  begat 
 Ahimaaz, 
 
 9  And  Ahimaaz  begat  Azariah,  and  Azariah  begat 
 Johanan, 
 
 10  And  Johanan  begat  Azariah,  (he  it  is  that  exe- 
 t  Heb.  cuted  the  priefl’s  office  f  in  the  temple  that  Solomon 
 
 Jerufalem  :) 
 
 d  i  Kings  1  *  ^od  Azariah  begat  Amariah,  and  Amariah  be* 
 
 6.  °  gat  Ahitub, 
 
 2  chron.  12  And  Ahitub  begat  Zadok,  and  Zadok  begat 
 II  Snallum, 
 
 13  And  Shallum  begat  Hilkiah,  and  Hilkiah  begat 
 Azariah, 
 
 14  And  Azariah  begat  «Seraiah,  and  Seraiah  begat 
 Jehozadak, 
 
 15  And  Jehozadak  went  into  captivity,  when  the 
 f  2  Kings  Lord  carried  away  Judah  and  Jerufalem  by  the  hand 
 25.  18.  Qf  Nebuchadnezzar. 
 
 16  *1  The  fons  of  Levi ;  s  ||  Gerfhom,  Kohath,  and 
 Merari. 
 
 1 7  And  thefe  be  the  names  of  the  fons  of  Gerfhom  ; 
 
 Libni,  and  Shimei. 
 
 18  And  the  fons  of  Kohath,  arre  Amram,  and  Izhar, 
 and  Hebron,  and  Uzziel. 
 
 19  'bhe  fons  of  Merari ;  Mahli,  and  Mufhi.  And 
 thele  are  the  familes  of  the  Levites,  according  to  their 
 fathers. 
 
 20  11  Of  Gerfhom  ;  Libni  his  fon,  Jahath  his  fen, 
 hVer.42.  h  Zioimah  his  fon. 
 
 The  office  of  Aaron  and  his 
 
 hiic, 
 
 11  Or, 
 
 £than, 
 Ver.  42. 
 
 |l  Or, 
 Ada.ah, 
 Ver.  11. 
 
 1!  Or, 
 
 Izhar, 
 Ver.  2, 18. 
 
 i  See 
 Ver.  35, 
 
 11  Or, 
 
 Zuph, 
 
 1  Sam. 
 
 1.  1. 
 jj  Called 
 a!fo  Joel, 
 Ver.  33. 
 
 1  Sam. 
 
 8.  2 
 
 21  11  Joah  his  fon,  ll  Iddo  his  fon,  Zerah  his  ion, 
 Jeaterai  his  fon. 
 
 22  H  The  fons  of  Kohath ;  H  Amminadab  his  fon, 
 Korah  his  fon,  Affir  his  fon, 
 
 23  Elkanah  his  fon,  and  Ebiafaph  his  fon,  and  Affir 
 his  fon, 
 
 24  Tahath  his  fon,  Uriel  his  fon,  Uzziah  his  fon, 
 and  Shaiil  his  fon. 
 
 25  And  the  fons  of  Elkanah ;  ‘  Amafai,  and  Ahi- 
 moth, 
 
 26  As  for  Elkanah  ;  the  fons  of  Elkanah  ;  ll  Zophai 
 his  fon,  and  Nanath  his  fon, 
 
 27  Eliab  his  fon,  Jeroham  his  fon,  Elkanah  his  fon. 
 
 28  And  the  fons  of  Samuel ;  the  firft-boin  |1  Vafhmi 
 and  Abiah. 
 
 29  II  The  fons  of  Merari :  Mahli ;  Libni  his  fon, 
 
 .”'i28o.  Shimei  his  fan,  Uzza  his  fon. 
 
 30  Shimei  his  fon,  Haggiah  his  fon,  Afaiah  his  fon 
 3J  H  And  thefe  are  they  whom  David  let  over  the  ‘'W 
 lervice  of  long  in  the  houfe  of  the  Lord,  after  thm  ‘^oo. 
 the  ark  had  reft. 
 
 32  And  they  miniftered  before  the  dwelling-place 
 of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation  with  finging 
 until  Solomon  had  built  the  houfe  of  the  Lord  in 
 Jerulalem  ;  and  then  they  waited  on  their  office,  ac¬ 
 cording  to  their  order. 
 
 The  three  Ions  of  Levi  have  been  often  mentioned.  Among  tiie  defendants  of 
 Kohath  tvere  Mofes,  Aaron,  and  Miriam,  whofe  names  are  great  in  the  holy 
 oracles.  Two  of  the  fons  of  Aaron  on  whom  the  priefthood  was  fettled,  fuf- 
 fered  for  their  daring  impiety ;  in  the  others  the  prieftly  line  was  maintained. 
 The  line  of  Eleaiar  to  the  captivity  is  drawn,  ver.  4 — 15.  during  which  the 
 l)?gh  priefthood  in  general  continued  in  that  family,  though  in  the  time  of  the 
 judges,  we  find  it  for  a  while  transferred  to  the  defendants  of  Itbamar  till  Solo¬ 
 mon  again  reflored  Zadok.  Azariah  is  mentioned  as  officiating  in  Solomon  s 
 temple,  probably  when  Uzziah  invaded  the  prieft’s  office,  whom  he  fo  nobly 
 contended  with.  Other  families  of  Levites  are  recorded ;  the  family  of  Libni 
 
 33  And  thefe  they  that  f  waited  with  their  chil-fiiob 
 
 dren  :  of  the  fons  of  the  Kohatbites  ;  JJeman  a  finger 
 the  (on  of  Joel,  the  !bn  of  Shemuel,  ’ 
 
 34  The  fon  of  Elkanah,  the  fon  of  Jeroham,  the 
 fon  of  Eliel,  the  fon  of  Toah, 
 
 35  T-he  fon  of  Zuph,  the  fon  of  Elkanah,  the  fon 
 of  Mahatb,  the  fon  of  Amafai, 
 
 36  The  fon  of  Elkanah,  the  fon  of  Joel,  the  fon  of 
 Azariah,  the  Ion  of  Zephaniah, 
 
 37  The  fon  of  Tahaih,  the  fon  of  Affir,  the  fon  of 
 '  Ebiafaph,  the  fon  of  Korah, 
 
 38  The  fon  of  Izhar,  the  Ion  of  Kohath,  the  fon  ofe-H  ‘ 
 Levi,  the  fon  of  Ilrael. 
 
 39  And  his  brother  Afaph,  (who  flood  on  his  right 
 hand,)  even  Afaph  the  Ion  of  Berachiah,  the  fon  of 
 Siiimea, 
 
 40  The  fon  of  Michael,  the  fon  of  Baafeiah,  the  fon 
 of  Malchiah, 
 
 4 1  I'he  fon  of  Ethni,  the  fon  of  Zerah,  the  fon  of 
 Adaiah, 
 
 42  The  fon  of  Ethan,  the  fon  of  Zimmah,  the  fon 
 of  Shimei, 
 
 43  The  fon  of  Jahath,  the  fon  of  Gerfhom,  the  fon 
 of  Levi. 
 
 44  And  their  brethren  the  fons  of  Merari,  stood  on 
 
 (he  left  hand  :  Ethan  the  fon  of  11  Kilhi,  the  fon  ofll 
 Abdi,  the  fon  of  Malluch,  chap?"^*’ 
 
 45  The  fon  of  Hafhabiah,  the  fon  of  Araaziah  the  15.  n. 
 fon  of  Hilkiah, 
 
 46  The  fon  of  Amzi,  the  fon  of  Bani,  the  fon  of 
 Shamar, 
 
 47  The  fon  of  Mahli,  the  fon  of  Mufhi,  the  fon  of 
 Merari,  the  fon  of  Levi. 
 
 48  Their  brethren  alfo  the  Levites  voere  appointed 
 unto  all  manner  ol  fervice  of  the  tabernacle  of  the 
 houfe  of  God. 
 
 49  ^  But  Aaron  and  his  fons  offered  ®  upon  the 
 
 of  the  burnt-offering,  and  “  on  the  altar  of  incenfe,  ’ 
 
 were  appointed  for  all  the  work  of  the  place  moft  holy  «  Exod. 
 and  to  make  an  atonement  for  Ifrael,  according  to  alli-  l 
 that  Mofes,  the  fervant  of  God,  had  commanded. 
 
 50  And  thefe  are  the  fons  of  Aaron ;  Eleazar  his 
 fon,  Phinehas  his  fon,  Abilhua  his  fon, 
 
 5 1  Bukki  his  fon,  Uzzi  his  fon,  Zerahiah  his  fon, 
 
 52  Meraioth  his  fon,  Amariah  his  fon,  Ahitub  his 
 fon, 
 
 53  Zadok  his  fon,  Ahimaaz  his  fon. 
 
 54  H  Now  thefe  are  their  dwelling  places  through- 
 
 from  Gerfhom,  honoured  with  producing  Samuel ;  and  the  family-  pf  Mahh, 
 defeended  from  Merari.  After  the  ark  was  brought  up  from  Obetl-edom 
 houfe,  David  appointed  a  folemn  choir  of  Levites,  for  the  conftanl  fingmg  t)  ^ 
 praifes,  among  the  chief  of  whom  were  Heman,  Afaph,  and  Etbam>  cn 
 feieaed  from  each  of  the  three  great  houfes  of  Levi,  with  their  children,  , 
 
 many  as  were  mufical  at  leaft.  The  remainder  of  the  Levites,  accor  mg 
 their  claffes,'  did  the  reft  of  tiie  fervice.  Ver.  49—81.  Sacrificing,  P^^'*^**  ^ 
 belonged  to  the  priefts  the  fons  of  Aaron  ;  they  alone  Ihed  the  blood  ot  a 
 tnent,  and  burnt  mcenfe.  The  Levites  were  diftributed  throughout  the  * 
 that  the  people  might  be  better  taught,  feparated  from  fecular  employu 
 
cir. 
 
 Pofore 
 Chrift 
 1444. 
 
 i|  Or, 
 Jlolollt 
 Jolhua 
 21.  16. 
 II  Or, 
 
 Ain, 
 Joftua 
 21.  16. 
 i  Or, 
 Almoti, 
 Jolhua 
 21.  18. 
 
 o  Jolhua 
 21.  5. 
 
 p  Jolhua 
 21.  7,34. 
 
 q  Jolhua 
 21.  21. 
 
 .  •  Z'  ,7,.  >nrir,h  ScC  I-  CHRONICLES. 
 
 The  cities  of  Vie  priests,  eye. 
 
 out  their  caltles,  in  their  coafts,  of  the  fons  of  Aaron,  of 
 the  families  of  the  Kohathites  ;  for  theirs  was  the  lot. 
 
 55  And  they  gave  them  Hebron  in  the  land  or  Ju¬ 
 dah  and  the  fuburbs  thereof  round  about  it. 
 
 5(5  But  the  fields  of  the  city,  and  the  villages  there¬ 
 of  they  g  ive  to  Caleb  the  fon  of  Jephunneh. 
 
 57  And  to  the  fons  of  Aaron  they  gave  the  cities 
 of  Judah,  namely,  Hebron,  the  city  of  refuge,  and  Lib- 
 nah  with  her  fuburbs,  and  Jattir,  and  Efhtemoa,  v/ith 
 their  fuburbs, 
 
 58  And  11  Hilen  with  her  fuburbs,  Debir  with  her 
 fuburbs, 
 
 59  And  11  Afhan  with  her  fuburbs,  and  Beth-Ihe- 
 mefh  with  her  fuburbs  : 
 
 60  And  out  of  the  tribe  of  Benjamin  ;  Geba  with 
 her  fuburbs,  and  H  Alemeth  with  ner  fuburbs,  and 
 Anathoth  with  her  fuburbs.  All  their  cities,  through¬ 
 out  their  families,  xcere  thirteen  cities. 
 
 61  And  unto  the  fons  of  Kohath,  'which  left 
 of  the  family  of  that  tribe,  'were  cities  given  out  of  the 
 half-tribe,  namely,  out  of  the  t\2^^-tribe  of  Manafleh, 
 
 by  lot,  ten  cities. 
 
 62  And  to  the  fons  of  Gerfhon,  throughout  their 
 families,  out  of  the  tribe  of  KTachar,  and  ou'  of  the 
 tribe  of  Alher,  and  out  of  the  tribe  of  Naphtali,  and 
 out  of  the  tribe  of  Manaffeh  in  Baalhan,  thirteen 
 cities. 
 
 68  Unto  the  fons  of  Merari  'were  given  by  lot. 
 throughout  their  families,  out  of  the  tribe  of  Reuben, 
 and  out  of  the  tribe  of  Gad,  and  out  of  the  tribe  of 
 Zebulun,  p  twelve  cities. 
 
 64  And  the  children  of  Ifrael  gave  to  the  Levites 
 these  cities  with  their  fuburbs. 
 
 65  And  they  gave  by  lot,  out  of  the  tribe  of  the 
 children  of  Judah,  and  out  of  the  tribe  of  the  chil¬ 
 dren  of  Simeon,  and  out  of  the  tribe  of  the  children 
 of  Benjamin,  thefe  cities  which  are  called  by  their 
 names. 
 
 66  And  the  residue  of  the  families  of  the  fons  of 
 Kohath  had  cities  of  their  coafis  out  of  the  tribe  of 
 Ephraim. 
 
 67  1  And  they  gave  unto  them,  of  the  cities  of  re¬ 
 fuge,  Shechem  in  mount  Ephraim  w'ith  her  fuburbs ; 
 theij  gave  alfo  Gezer  with  her  fuburbs, 
 
 68  And  Jokmeam  with  her  fuburbs,  and  Beth-horon 
 with  her  fuburbs, 
 
 69  And  Aijalon  with  her  fuburbs, and  Gath-rimmon 
 w  ith  her  fuburbs : 
 
 70  And  out  of  the  half-tribe  of  Manafleh;  Aner 
 with  her  fuburbs,  and  Bileam  with  her  fuburbs,  for 
 the  family  of  the  remnant  of  the  fons  of  Kohath. 
 
 7 1  Unto  the  fons  of  Gerfliom  -were  given,  out  of  the 
 family  of  the  half- tribe  of  Manafleh,  Golan  in  Balhan 
 with  her  fuburbs,  and,  Afhtaroth  with  her  luburbs : 
 
 72  And  out  of  the  tribe  of  Iffachar  ;  Kedelh  with 
 her  fuburbs,  Daberarh  with  her  fuburbs, 
 
 73  And  Ramoth  with  her  fuburbs,  and  Anem  with 
 her  fuburbs : 
 
 tW  they  might  be  wholly  given  to  the  miniftry,  They  were  liberally  provided 
 with  cities  to  dwell  in,  and  had  the  tithes  for  their  daily  fuftenance.  The  names 
 0  the  cities,  are  much  the  fame  here,  with  the  exception  of  fome  trivial  differences, 
 8sin  Jolh.  chap.  xxi. 
 
 The  sons  of  Issachar, 
 
 74  And  out  of  the  tribe  of  Aluer ;  Mafhal  with  her 
 
 fuburbs,  and  Abdon  with  her  fuburbs,  moo,  &c.7 
 
 75  And  Hukkok  with  her  fuburbs,  and  Rehob  witti 
 
 her  fuburbs :  ,.  ,  n.  • 
 
 76  And  out  of  the  tribe  of  Naphtah ;  Kedelh  in 
 
 Galilee  with  her  fuburbs,  and  Hamon  witn  her  fu-  4^ 
 burbs,  and  Kirjathaim  with  her  fuburbs.  '  ^ 
 
 77  Unto  the  reft  of  the  children  of  Merari  were 
 given  out  of  the  tribe  of  Zebuiun,  Rimmon  with  her 
 Tuburbs,  Tabor  with  her  luburbs  : 
 
 78  And  on  the  other  fide  Jordan  by  Jericho,  on  the 
 
 eaft  fide  of  Jordan,  'were  given  them,  out  of  the  tribe  of 
 Reuben,  Bezer  in  the  wildernefs  with  her  luoorbs, 
 and  Jahzah  with  her  luburbs,  ,  u 
 
 79  Kedemoth  alfo  with  her  fuburbs,  and  Mephaath 
 
 with  her  luburbs :  t-,  .  • 
 
 80  And  out  of  the  tribe  of  Gad  ;  Ramoth  m 
 Gilead  with  her  fuburbs,  and  Mahanaim  with  her  lu- 
 
 burbs,  . 
 
 81  And  Helhbon  with  her  fuburbs,  and  Jazer  with 
 
 her  fuburbs.* 
 
 CHAP.  VII. 
 
 1  The  sons  of  Issachar,  6  of  Benjamin,  of  Naphtali,  14  of  Manaf¬ 
 feh,  20,  23  and  of  Ephraim.  21  The  calamUy  of  Ephraim  by  the 
 men  ot  Gath,  ^e. 
 
 NOW  the  fons  of  Iflachar  were*  Tolah,  and  Puab,  a  Gen; 
 Jdlhub,  and  Shimron,  four.  ^  Numb* 
 
 2  And  the  fons  of  Tola  ;  Uzzi,  and  Rephaiah,  and  gg.  13’. 
 Jeritl,  and  Jahmai,  and  Jibfam,  and  Shemuel,  heads 
 of  their  father’s  houfe,  to  wit,  of  Tola ;  thei/  'were 
 valiant  men  of  might  in  their  generations  ;  ^  whofeb  2  Sam. 
 number  w'as  in  the  days  of  David,  two  and  twenty  24.  i,  2. 
 thoufand  and  fix  hundred. 
 
 3  And  the  fons  of  Uzzi ;  Izrahiah  ;  and  the  fons  of 
 of  Izrahiah  ;  Michael,  and  Obadiah,  and  Joel,  Ifhaiah, 
 five ;  all  of  them  chief  men. 
 
 4  And  with  them,  by  their  generations,  after  the 
 houfe  of  their  fathers,  -were  bands  of  foldiers  for  war, 
 fix  and  thirty  thoufand  men :  for  they  had  many  wives 
 and  fons. 
 
 5  And  their  brethren,  among  all  the  families  of  Iflfa- 
 char  'were  valiant  men  of  might,  reckoned  in  all,  by 
 their  genealogies,  fourfeore  and  feven  thoufand. 
 
 6  11  The  sons  of  ‘  Benjamin  ;  Bela,  and  Becher,  and  c  Cea 
 Jediael,  three. 
 
 7  And  the  fons  of  Bela ;  Ezbon  and  Uzzi,  and 
 Uzziel,  and  Jeriraoth,  and  Iri,  five ;  heads  of  the  houle 
 of  their  fathers,  mighty  men  of  valour;  and  were 
 reckoned  by  their  genealogies  twenty  and  two  thuu- 
 fand  and  thirty  and  four. 
 
 8  And  the  Ions  of  Becher :  Zemira,  and  Joalh,  and 
 Eliezer,  and  Eiioenai,  and  Omri,  and  Jerimoth,  and 
 Abiah,  and  Anathoth,  and  Alameth.  All  thefe  are 
 the  fons  of  Becher. 
 
 9  And  the  number  of  them,  after  their  genealogy 
 by  their  generations,  heads  of  the  houfe  of  their  fa¬ 
 thers,  mighty  men  of  valour,  was  twenty  thoufand 
 and  two  hundred. 
 
 46.  21. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  VII.  Ver.  1—19.  We  have  here  a 
 fliort  account  of  three  tribes  and  a  half.  1.  Of  Iffachar,  who  were  numerous 
 and  very  warlike,  amounting  to  eigbty-feven  thoufand  fighting  men.  2.  Of 
 Benjamin  ;  they  were  lefs  numerous,  being  only  fifty-nine  thoufand  four  hundred 
 
 I^^^CTICaL  observations.— «Chap.  VI.j 
 
 his  book  of  life  muft  be  the  names  of  thofe  who  are  the  objedls  of  Jefus’  love,  and  whom  he  hath  walhed  in  his  blood  and  made  kings  and  pritfls  to  him  and 
 
 Sure!**  "  bat  comfortable  provifion  God  requires  for  his  minifters ;  and  what  joint  concurrence  of  his  people  in  procuring  it  according  to  their  abilities, 
 
 y  they  who  w'ait  on  God  lhall  not  lack  any  good.  “ 
 
 If  the  names  of  ceremonial  priefts  are  thus  honourably  enrolled  in  heaven’s  records,  how  fhining  and  au- 
 ;  the  objects  of  Jefus’  love,  and  whom  he  hath  walhed  in  his  blood  and  made  kings  and  pritlls  to  bim  and 
 
EpJiratm*s  calamity  by  the  men  of  Gath, 
 
 10  The  fons  alfo  of  Jedlael ;  Bilhan 
 
 T.  CHRONICLES. 
 
 The  chief  men  oj 
 
 II  O'-. 
 Ji, 
 
 Ver.  7. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 ^kirnm. 
 Numb. 
 26.  38. 
 
 Before  iq  The  fons  slfo  of  Jedlael ;  Bilhan  :  and  the  Ions 
 of  Bilhan  ;  Jenfh,  and  Benjimin,  and  Ehud,  and 
 Chenaanah,  and  Zethan,  and  Tharlhilh,  and  Ahilha- 
 har. 
 
 1 1  All  thefe  the  fons  of  Jedlael,  by  the  heads  of 
 their  fathers,  mighty  men  of  valour,  rvere  leventeen 
 thoufand  and  two  hundred  soldiers,  fit  to  go  out  for 
 war  and  battle. 
 
 12  Shuppim  alfo,  and  Huppim,  the  children  of  H  Ir, 
 and  Hufhim,  the  tons  of  H  Aher. 
 
 1 3  1!  The  fons  of  Naphtali ;  Jahziel,  and  Guni,  and 
 Gez  r,  and  Shallum,  the  fons  of  Bilhah. 
 
 14  11  The  fons  of  Manafleh ;  Afhriel,  whom  (he 
 bare  ;  (but  his  concubine  the  Aramitefs  bare  Machir 
 the  father  of  Gilead  : 
 
 15  And  Machir  took  a  wife  the  sister  of  Huppim 
 and  Shuppim,  whole  fifter’s  name  xoas  Maachah  ;) 
 and  the  name  of  the  fecond  was  Zelophehad ;  and 
 Zelophehad  had  daughters. 
 
 16  And  Maachah,  the  wife  of  Mach'r,  bare  a  fon, 
 and  (he  called  his  name  Perelh  ;  and  the  name  of  his 
 
 d  1  Sam. 
 12.  11. 
 
 brother  was  Sherefh ;  and  his  fons  were  Ulam  and 
 Rakem. 
 
 17  And  the  fons  of  Ulam;  Bedan.  Thefe  were 
 the  fons  of  Gilead,  the  fon  of  Machir,  the  fon  of  Ma- 
 nafleh. 
 
 18  And  his  filler  Hammoleketh  bare  Ifhod,  and 
 Abiezer,  and  Mahalah. 
 
 19  And  the  fons  of  Shemidah  were  Ahian,  and 
 Shechem,  and  Likhi,  and  Aniam. 
 
 20  H  And  the  fons  of  Ephraim;  Shuthelah,  and 
 Bered  his  fon,  and  Tahath  his  fon,  and  Eladah  his 
 fon,  and  Tahath  his  fon, 
 
 21  And  Zabad  his  fon;  and  Shuthelah  his  fon,  and 
 Ezer  and  E'ead,  whom  the  men  of  Gath  that  were 
 born  in  that  land  flew,  becaufe  they  came  down  to 
 take  away  their  cattle. 
 
 22  And  Ephraim  their  father  mourned  many  days, 
 and  his  brethren  came  to  comfort  him. 
 
 23  H  And  when  he  went  in  to  his  wife,  fhecorceiv 
 ed  and  bare  a  fon,  and  he  called  his  name  Beriab 
 becaute  it  went  evil  with  his  houle. 
 
 24  (And  his  daughter  was  Sherah,  who  built  Beth- 
 horon  the  nether,  and  the  upper,  and  Uzzan-fherah.) 
 
 29  And  by  the  borders  of  the  children  of  ^  Manaf-  iHitj 
 feh,  Beth-fhean  and  her  towns,  Taanach  and  herT‘"'ft 
 towns,  8  Megiddo  and  her  towns,  Dor  and  her  towms.!^’*"- 
 In  thefe  dwelt  the  children  of  Jofeph  the  fon  of  Ifrael  f  joiP-' 
 
 30  H  '»  The  fons  of  Alher  ;  Imnah,  and  Ifuah,  andi7 
 
 Ifliuai,  and  Beriah,  and  Serah  their  filler.  eJodm, 
 
 31  And  the  fons  of  Beriah  ;  Heber,  and  Malchiel, 
 
 who  is  the  father  of  Birzavith.  jlJ] 
 
 32  And  Heber  begat  Japhlet,  and  Shomer,  and 
 Hotham,  and  Shuah  their  filler. 
 
 33  And  the  fons  of  Japhlet ;  Pafach,  and  Bimhal, 
 and  Alhvath  ;  thefe  are  the  children  of  Japhlet. 
 
 34  And  the  fons  of  Shamer ;  Ahi,  and  Rohgah, 
 Jehubbah,  and  Aram. 
 
 35  And  the  fons  of  his  brother  Hclem ;  Zophah, 
 and  Imna,  and  Sheleth,  and  Amal. 
 
 36  The  fons  of  Zophah  ;  Suah,  and  Harnepher,  and 
 Shual,  and  Beri,  and  Imrah. 
 
 37  Bezer,  and  Hod,  and  Sharama,  and  Shillhah, 
 and  Ithran,  and  Beera. 
 
 38  And  the  Tons  of  Jether ;  Jephunneh,  and  Pifpah, 
 and  Ara. 
 
 39  And  the  fons  of  Ulla  ;  Arab,  and  Haniel,  and 
 Rezia. 
 
 40  All  thefe  were  the  children  of  Alher,  heads  of 
 father’s  houfe,  choice  and  mighty  men  of  valour, 
 
 chief  of  the  princes.  And  the  number,  throughout 
 the  genealogy  of  them  that  were  apt  to  the  war  and 
 to  battle,  was  twenty  and  fix  thoufand  men.* 
 
 CHAP.  VIII. 
 
 1  The  sons  and  chief  men  of  Benjamin.  33  Thestockot  Said  and  Jonathan. 
 
 NOW  Benjamin  begat  “Bela  his  firil-born,  Aflj-^^en. 
 bel  the  fecond,  and  Aharah  the  third, 
 
 2  Nohah  the  fourth,  and  Rapha  the  fifth.  se.  ss. 
 
 3  And  the  fons  of  Bela  were  H  Addar,  and  Gera,  11  Or, 
 and  Abihud, 
 
 4  And  Abilhua,  and  Naaman,  and  Ahoah,  46.21, 
 
 5  And  Gera,  and  H  Sephuphan,  and  Huram.  ||  Or, 
 
 6  And  thefe  are  the  fons  of  Ehud  ;  thefe  are  the^'«;'*«i 
 heads  of  the  fathers  of  the  inhabitants  of  Geba,  and 
 they  removed  them  to  ^  Manahath:  b  ciiap. 
 
 And  Naaman,  and  Ahiah,  and  Gera,  he  remov-2.s2. 
 
 , 
 
 25  And  R-phah  was  his  fon,  alfo  Refheph,  and 
 
 11  On 
 JCun, 
 
 Numb. 
 
 13.  8. 
 e  Joihua 
 16.  7. 
 
 + 
 
 t^Heb.^^'’  Betn-H  and  the  towns  thereof,  and  eaflward  *  Naaran, 
 d.  «n/,ters  weftward  Gezer  with  the  f  towns  thereof ;  bhe 
 H  chem  alfo  and  the  towns  thereof,  unto  11  Gaza  and 
 7.45.'  the  towns  thereof  :  _____ 
 
 Telah  his  fon,  and  Tahan  his  fon, 
 
 26  Laadan  his  fon,  Ammihud  his  Ion,  Ehuiama  ms 
 
 {on 
 
 27  II  Non  his  fon,  Jehnlhua  his  fon.  _  ^ 
 
 28  11  And  their  poflVflions  and  habitations  were 
 
 anrl  fhirtv  if  ail  of  them  were  numbered,  as  they  feem  not  to  have  t'een.  3  Of 
 Na^phtali^’  The  heads  of  the  families  only  are  mentioned.  4.  Of  the  half  tribe  of 
 Manaffeh  The  marriage  of  his  fon  A (hriel  with  a  Syrian  w oman  is  particularly 
 mentioned,  and  of  bis  fon  Gilead,  who  more  wifely 
 
 u,  •  •  Rorlpn  one  of  tiie  iudees,  probably  the  fame  as  Jair,  was  of  th 
 
 tribi,Ter"’  17.  \'er.  30—40.  Ephraim,  the  moll  diftinguidied  of  the  tribes  next 
 
 to  Judah,  fuffered  more  than  any  of  the  others  at  firll ;  the  “’P"  °  J 
 
 had  uone  to  Egypt,  and  fettled  there,  made  an  irruption  upon  tha  part  of  Go 
 
 ■Ln  where  Zabad,  the  fecond  fon  of  Shuthelah  and  his  Ions 
 
 the  defence  of  which  they  loll  their  lives.  Ephraim  beheld  with  angu.lli  the 
 
 ed  them,  and  begat  Uzzaand  Ahihud. 
 
 8  And  Shaharaim  begat  children  in  the  country  of 
 Moab,  after  he  had  fent  them  aw'ay ;  Hulhim  and 
 Baara  were  his  wives. 
 
 9  And  he  begat  of  Hodelh  his  wife,  Jobab,  and 
 Zibia,  and  Mefha,  and  Malcham, 
 
 10  And  Jeuz,  and  Shachia,  and  Mirma.  Thele 
 were  his  fons  heads  of  the  fathers._ 
 
 1 1  And  of  Hufhim  ne  begat  Ahitub,  and  Elpaal. 
 
 12  The  foQS  of  Elpaal;  Eber,  and  Mifham,  and 
 Shamed,  who  built  Ono  and  Lod,  with  the  towns 
 thereof : 
 
 Ioffes  of  his  family,  and  the  breach  made  therein.  God  granted  him  another  to 
 in  his  old  age,  whom  in  remembrance  of  the  evils  which  had  happened  to 
 family,  he  called  Beriah.  which  fignifies  “  in  evil.”  Sherah,  one  of  his 
 was  famous  for  her  buildings  in  Chanaan,  ver.  24.  The  genealogy  c  o  es 
 Jofhua,  who  was  an  honour  to  his  tribe,  and  indeed  to  all  Ifrae!.  he  tn 
 A(ht;r  is  the  laft  mentioned,  Dan  and  Zebuhin  being  wholly  omitted, 
 heads  or  chiefs  taken  notice  of,  who,  in  David’s  time,  amounted  to  tweni} 
 thoufand  tit  to  take  the  field  againft  an  enemy. 
 
 I  EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  VIII.  Ver.  1—10.  Some  of  the  na 
 '  of  Benjamin’s  defeendants  vary  fomewhat  from  thofe  in  Gen.  chap-  x  s 
 
 obsekv.t.oks.-. 
 
I.  CHRONICLES. 
 
 I  Or, 
 
 Shem'i, 
 Ver.  13 
 
 fke  Slock  of  Saul  and  Jonathan. 
 
 iiefore  13  Beriah  allb,  and  Shema,  who  >mcre  heads  of  the 
 fathers  of  the  inhabitants  of  Aijalon,  who  drove  away 
 
 the  inhabitants  of  Gath  • 
 
 14  And  Ahio,  Shafhak,  and  Jeremoth, 
 
 15  And  Zebadiah,  and  Arad,  and  Ader, 
 
 16  And  Michael,  and  Ifpah,  and  Joha,  the  fons  of 
 
 ^^iT^A’nd  Zebadiah,  and  Meihullara,  and  Hezeki, 
 
 IS  Ifnmerai  alfo,  and  Jezliah,  and  Jobab,  the  fons 
 of  Elpaal ;  ^ 
 
 19  And  Jachim,  and  Zichri,  and  Zabdi, 
 
 20  And  Elienai,  and  Zilthai,  and  Eiiel, 
 
 21  And  Adaiah,  and  Beraiah,  and  Shiraratb,  the 
 fons  of  11  Shimhi ; 
 
 22  And  Khpan,  and  Heber,  and  Ehel, 
 
 23  And  Abdon,  and  Zichri,  and  Hanan, 
 
 24  And  Hananiah,  and  Elam,  and  Antotbijah, 
 
 25  And  Iphedeiah,  and  Penuel,  the  fons  of  Shifhak  ; 
 
 26  And  Shamfherai,  and  Shehariah,  and  Athaliah, 
 
 27  And  Jarefiah,  and  Eliah,  and  Zichri,  the  fons  of 
 Jeroham. 
 
 28  Thefe  'were  heads  of  the  fathers,  bv  their  gene¬ 
 rations,  chief  men.  Thefe  dwelt  in  Jerufalem. 
 
 29  And  at  Gibson  dwelt  the  II  father  of  Gibeon, 
 (whofe  <=  wife’s  name  'was  Maachah  ;) 
 
 30  And  his  firft-born  fon,  Abdon,  and  Zur,  and 
 Kilh,  and  Baal,  and  Nadab, 
 
 31  And  Gedor,  and  Ahio,  and  |1  Zacher. 
 
 32  And  Mikloth  begat  !|  Shimeah.  And  thefe  alfo 
 dwelt  wdth  their  brethren  in  Jerufalem  over  againft 
 them. 
 
 33  n  And  ^  Ner  begat  Ki(h,  and  Kifh  begat  Saul, 
 and  Saul  begat  Jonathan,  and  Malchi-fhua  ;  and  Abi- 
 
 d  1  Sam.  nadab,  and  H  Efh  baal. 
 
 14.51.  34  And  the  fon  of  Jonathan  -was 
 
 Ois7i/i- Merib-baal  begat  Micah. 
 
 35  And  the  fons  of  Micah  were  Pithon,  and  Me- 
 lech,  and  H  Tarea,  and  Ahaz. 
 
 36  And  Ahaz  begat  Jehoadah  ;  and  Jehoadah  begat 
 Alemeth,  and  Azmaveth,  and  Zimri :  and  Zimri  be¬ 
 gat  Moza ; 
 
 37  And  Moza  begat  Binea :  Rapha  was  his  fon> 
 Eleafah  his  fon,  Azel  his  fon. 
 
 38  And  Azel  had  fix  fons,  whofe  names  are  thefe, 
 Azrikara,  Bocheru,  and  Ilhraael,  and  Sheariah,  and 
 Obadiah,  and  Hanan.  All  thefe  were  the  fons  of 
 Azel. 
 
 39  And  the  fons  of  Efhek  his  brother  wereUhm  his 
 firft-born,  Jehufh  the  fecond,  and  Elipheiet  the  third. 
 
 40  And  the  fons  of  Ulam  were  mighty  men  of  va; 
 lour,  archers,  and  had  many  fons,  and  fons’  fons,  an 
 hundred  and  fifty.  All  thefe  are  of  the  fons  of  Ben¬ 
 jamin.” 
 
 Israel  and  Judah's  genealogy. 
 
 Ik'forc 
 
 Oiirill 
 
 27  TU  chau'iC  of  ar-  ^ 
 
 II  Called 
 Jehieh 
 e  Chap. 
 
 9.  35. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 ZecKa. 
 
 riah. 
 
 Chap. 
 
 9.  37. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 Sliinieam, 
 Chap. 
 
 9.  38. 
 
 bdshel h, 
 2  Sam. 
 
 2.  3. 
 
 II  Or, 
 Mephi- 
 boshetli, 
 2  Sam. 
 4.  4. 
 
 I  Or, 
 
 Taltrea, 
 
 Chap. 
 
 9.  41. 
 
 Merib-baal,  and 
 
 CHAP.  IX. 
 
 1  The  original  of  hrnel  and  Judah' <,  ganealogh-s. 
 tain  Levites.  35  Saul  and  Jonathan’s  stoch. 
 
 SO  all  Ifrael  were  reckoned  by  genealogies  ;  and 
 behold  they  were  written  in  the  book  of  tne 
 kings  of  Ifrael  and  Judah,  who  were  carried  away  to 
 
 Babvlon  for  their  tranfgrefiion.  . 
 
 2  II  Now  the  firft  inhabitants  that  dicelt  in  their 
 pnfleffions  in  their  cities,  were  the  Ifraelites,  the  priefts, 
 
 Levites,  and  the  Nethinims.  ,-aNcb. 
 
 3  ^  And  in  “  Jerulalem  dwelt  of  the  children  of 
 Judah,  and  of  the  cnildren  of  Benjamin,  and  of  the 
 
 i  Children  of  Ephraim,  and  ManafTeh  ;  _ 
 
 I  4  Uthai  the  fon  of  Ammihud,  the  fon  of  Omri,  the 
 I  fon  of  Imri,  the  fon  of  Bani,  of  the  children  of  Pnarez 
 
 I  the  fon  of  Judah.  _  r  n  l  j 
 
 5  And  of  the  Shilonites  ;  Afaiah  the  firu-born,  and 
 
 his  fons.  ,  ,  . 
 
 6  And  of  the  fons  of  Zerah  ;  Jeuei,  and  their  bre¬ 
 thren,  fi.x  hundred  and  ninety. 
 
 7  And  of  the  fons  of  Benjamin  -,  Sallu  the  Ion  of 
 Mefhullum,  the  fon  of  Hodaviah,  the  fon  of  Hafenuah, 
 
 8  And  Ibneiah  the  fon  of  Jeroham,  and  Elah  the 
 fonofUzzi,  the  fon  of  Michri,  and  Mefhullam  the 
 fon  of  Shephatiah,  the  fon  of  Reuel,  the  fon  of  Ibnijah ; 
 
 9  And  their  brethren  according  to  their  generations, 
 j  nine  hundred  and  fifty  and  fix.  All  thele  men  were 
 j  chief  of  the  fathers  in  the  houfe  of  their  fathers, 
 j  10^  And  of  the  priefts  ;  Jedaiah,  and  Jehoiarib, 
 
 I  and  Jachin, 
 
 1 1  And  Azariah  the  fon  of  Hilkiah,  the  fon  of  Me¬ 
 fhullam,  the  ion  of  Zadok,  the  fon  of  Meraioth,  the 
 fon  of  Ahitub,  the  ruler  of  the  houle  of  God  ; 
 
 12  And  Adaiah  the  fon  of  Jeroham,  the  fon  of  Pa- 
 fhur,  the  fon  of  Malchtjah,  and  Maafiai  the  fon  of 
 Adiel,  the  fon  of  Jahzerah,  the  fon  of  Mefhullam,  the 
 fon  of  Mefhillemith,  the  fon  of  Immer; 
 
 13  And  their  brethren,  heads  of  the  houfe  of  their 
 fathers,  a  thoufand  and  feven  hundred  and  threefcore  ; 
 t  very  able  men  for  the  work  of  the  fervice  of  thet^eb. 
 houfe  of  God. 
 
 14  H  And  of  the  Levites  ;  Shemaiah  the  fon  of  Haf- 
 fhub,  the  fon  of  Azrikam,  the  fon  of  Hafhabiah,  of 
 the  fons  of  Merari ; 
 
 15  And  Bakbakkar,  Herefh,  and  Gala!,  and  Mat- 
 taniah  the  fon  of  Micah,  the  fon  of  Zichri,  the  fon  of 
 Afaph. 
 
 16  And  Obadiah  the  fon  of  Shemaiah,  the  fon  of 
 Galal,  the  fon  of  Jeduthan,  and  Berecniah  the  fon  of 
 Afa,  the  fon  of  Elkanah,  that  dwelt  in  the  villages  of 
 the  Netophathites. 
 
 17  And  the  porters  -were  Shallum,  and  Akkub,  and 
 Talmon,  and  Ahiman,  and  their  brethren ;  Snallam 
 was  the  chief ; 
 
 "■hat  appears  to  be  intricate  to  us,  would  probably.be  fully  underflood  when  this 
 "■as  written.  Ver.  8.  Sent  them  away,  even  Hushini,  and  Banra  his  wives  which 
 fliould  perhaps  be  read,  ‘‘they  were  divorced,”  This  is  what  feems  to  be  the 
 fenfe.  Thofe  that  dwelt  at  Jerufalem,  ver.  28 — .32.  are  twice  mentioned  as  an 
 inducement  to  their  pofterity  to  fettle  there  after  their  return  from  Babylon. 
 Saul’s  family  is  here  mentioned  ;  he  had  feveral  fons,  but  the  line  of  Jonathan 
 only  is  continued  for  about  ten  generations  to  Ulam,  whofe  family  was  much 
 augmented,  and  remarkable  for  their  valour,  and  ufe  of  the  how  or  lling. 
 
 explanatory  NOTES-  Chap.  IX.  Vkr.  1— 13.  The  Ifraelites  never 
 returned  from  their  captivity  in  Affyria;  there  all  their  genealogies  periflied,  fo 
 
 that  they  could  he  no  farther  c.  nunued  down  by  the  writer,  with  the  exception 
 of  Judah,  whofe  families  were  preferved  ;  Hkewife,  the  places  where  their  anceC- 
 tors  refided,  particularly  thofe  who  were  fixed  at  Jerufalem.  A  number  beiouo-- 
 ing  to  the  tribes  of  Ephraim  and  ManafTeh,  cither  at  the  captivity  of  Ifrael,  or 
 when  Judah  was  in  Babylon  joined  them,  and  returned  with  them  to  Jerufalem 
 when  forgetting  their  former  variance,  they  united  in  the  work  and  fervice  of 
 God.  The  priefts  Ihewed  particular  zeal  for  returning  to  Jerufalem  ;  moie  of 
 
 them  came  than  of  Judah  and  Benjamin  put  together.  Ver.  14 44.  The 
 
 Levites  imitated  their  brethren  the  priefts  in  their  zeal  for  the  work  of  the 
 Lord.  They  had  been  for  a  confiderahle  time  deprived  of  the  temple,  altar, 
 
 ERACTICAL  observations. — *  Chap.  VIII.]  It  is  veryjremarkable,  that  not  one  king  of  Ift  ael  after  the  divifion  of  the  kingdom,  has  a  place  in  thefe 
 regifters  of  heaven  ;  while  the  family  of  Jonathan,  though  not  of  David’s  family,  is  marked  with  diftiuguilhed  honour.  The  memory  of  the  ri'diteous  is  hieffed  but 
 the  name  of  the  wicked  fhall  rot.  ®  ’ 
 
The  charge  c,f  certain  Liv'ics. 
 18  (Who  hitherto 
 
 I.  CHRONICXES. 
 
 The 
 
 'tmiled 
 
 rters 
 
 in  the  king’s  gate  eaft- 
 in  the  companies  of  the 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 Jounded, 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 trust. 
 
 Jltfore 
 
 &c. P 
 cni  dreo  ot  Levi. 
 
 19  And  Shallum  the  fon  of  Kore,  the  fon  of  Ebi- 
 afaph,  the  fon  of  Korah,  and  his  brethren,  of  the  houfe 
 of  his  lather,  the  Korahites,  were  over  the  \A'ork  of 
 
 fervice,  keepers  of  the  f  gates  of  the  tabernacle  ; 
 ir.s  0  s.  their  lathers,  dci/tg  over  the  holt  of  the  Lord, 
 icere  keepers  of  the  entrv. 
 
 20  And  Phinehas  the  ion  of  Eleazar  was  the  ruler 
 over  them  in  time  paft,  and  the  Lord  zms  with  him. 
 
 21  And  Zechariah  the  fon  of  Melhelemiah  toas  por¬ 
 ter  of  the  door  ol  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation. 
 
 22  All  thele  which  were  chofen  to  be  porters  in  the 
 gates  were  two  hundred  and  twelve.  Thefe  were 
 reckoned  by  their  genealogy  in  their  villages,  whom 
 David  and  Samuel  the  feer  t  did  ordain  in  their  ll  fer 
 office. 
 
 23  So  they  and  their  children  had  the  overfight  of 
 the  gates  of  the  houfe  of  the  Lord,  namelij^  the  houfe 
 of  the  tabernacle,  by  wards. 
 
 24'  In  four  quarters  were  the  porters,  toward  the 
 eaft,  well,  north,  and  fouth. 
 
 25  And  their  brethren  which  were  in  their  villages 
 were  to  come  after  (even  days  from  time  to  time  with 
 them. 
 
 26  For  thefe  Levites,  the  four  chief  porters,  were 
 in  their  11  let  office,  and  were  over  the  |1  chambers  and 
 treafuries  of  the  houfe  of  God. 
 
 27  H  And  they  lodged  round  about  the  houfe  of  God, 
 becaufe  the  charge  was  upon  them,  and  the  opening 
 thereof  every  morning  pertained  to  them. 
 
 28  And  ceriam  of  them  had  the  charge  of  the 
 miniftering  veffels,  that  they  fhould  f  bring  them  in 
 
 *”''"^'*'”*and  out  by  tale. 
 
 ^andcTr^  29  Some  of  them  alfo  were  appointed  to  overfee  the 
 them  out  vefle's,  and  all  the  |1  inftruments  of  the  fandfuary,  and 
 the  fine  flour,  and  the  w'ine,  and  the  oil,  and  tne 
 frankincenle,  and  the  fpices. 
 
 30  And  some  of  the  Ions  of  the  priefts  made  the 
 ointment  of  the  fpices. 
 
 31  And  Mattithiah,  one  o*^  the  Levites,  (who  was 
 the  firtt-born  of  Shallum  the  Korahite,)  had  the  ||  let 
 office  over  the  things  that  were  made  y  in  the  pins. 
 
 32  And  other  of  their  brethren,  of  the  Cons  of  the 
 Kohathites,  were  over  the  f  (he w- bread,  to  prepare 
 
 or  jwes.  every  (abbath. 
 
 33  And  thefe  are  the  fingers,  chief  of  the  fathers 
 of  the  Levites,  who  remaining  in  the  cf’ambers  were 
 free :  for  t  they  were  employed  in  that  work  day  and 
 
 34  Thefe  chief  fathers  of  the  Levites  were  chief 
 throughout  their  generations  :  thefe  dwelt  at  Jerufa- 
 lem. 
 
 35  H  And  in  Gibeon  dwelt  the  father  of  Gibeon, 
 Jehiel,  whofe  wife’s  name  was  •=  Maachati  : 
 
 36  And  his  firft-born  fon  Abdon,  then  Zur,  and 
 Kiffi,  and  Baal,  and  Ner,  and  Nadab, 
 
 Philistines  triumph  over  Sau’  t 
 
 >  '■JC, 
 
 37  And  Gedor,  and  Ahio,  and  Zechariah 
 Mikloth.  ’ 
 
 and  herw 
 
 38  And  Mikloth  begat  Shimeam  :  and  they  alfo 
 dwelt  with  their  brethren  at  Jerufalem,  over  aeainlt''^^ 
 
 their  brethren. 
 
 39  “  And  Ner  begat  Kilh, 
 
 and  Kifh  begat  S.; 
 
 IJ  Or, 
 trust. 
 fl  Or, 
 store¬ 
 houses. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 bu  tale. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 vrjfls. 
 b  Exod. 
 30.  23. 
 
 11  Or, 
 trust. 
 
 >r,  on 
 
 -{•Heb 
 bread  of 
 ordi^ring- 
 f  Heb. 
 upon' 
 them. 
 
 c  Chap. 
 8.  29. 
 
 and  facrifice ;  immediately  therefore,  on  their  return,  they  reared  a  tabernacle, 
 to  ferve  until  they  got  a  temple  ereaed.  According  to  their  courfes  into 
 which  they  were  divided  in  David’s  time,  they  commence  the  fervice.  Thofe  who 
 were  in  waiting  had  their  lodging  near  the  houfe  of  God,  that  they  might  he  in 
 readioefs  for  their  employment.  Every  one  had  his  particular  duty,  \er.  28—32. 
 and  foir.e  ditcnarged  from  all  other  employment,  were  conftantly,  or  at  Hated 
 
 and 
 
 ®  Cliap, 
 
 ^and  Saul  begat  Jonathan,  and  Malchi-lhua,  and  Abi’^-^a?’ 
 
 :  nadab,  and  Elh-baal 
 
 j  40  And  the  fon  of  Jonathan  was,  Merib-baal : 
 Merib-baal  begat  Micah. 
 
 41  And  the  fons  of  Micah  were,  Pithon,  and  Me- 
 lech,  and  Tahrea,  *  and  Ahaz. 
 
 42  And  Ahaz  begat  Jarah  ;  and  Jarah  begat  Ale-^-  S5.' 
 meth,  and  Azmaveth,  and  Zimri  j  and  Zimri  begat 
 Moza ; 
 
 43  And  Moza  begat  Binea  ;  and  Rephaiah  his  fon, 
 Elealdti  his  Ion,  Azel  his  fon. 
 
 44  And  Azel  had  fix  fons,  whofe  names  are  thefe, 
 Azrikam,  Bocheru,  anJ  Ifhmael,  And  Sneraiah,  and 
 Obadiah,  anu  Hanan  :  thele  were  the  Tons  of  Azel,* 
 
 CHAP.  X. 
 
 1  SauVs  overthrow  and  death  ;  the  Philistines  triumph  over  him  :  Ja- 
 Pesh-gilead's  kindness  to  him  and  his  sons. 
 
 NOW  “  the  Phitiflines  fought  againft  Ifrael ;  and  1055. 
 
 the  men  of  ll'rael  fled  from  before  the  Phili-aiSac. 
 ftines,  and  fell  down  y  flain  m  mount  Gilboa.  f‘- 
 
 2  And  the  Philittines  followed  hard  after  Saul,  andi^i^ 
 after  his  fons ;  and  the  Phiiiftines  flrw  Jonathan,  and 
 11  Abinadab,  and  Malchi-lhua,  the  Ions  of  Saul-  \\  Or, 
 
 3  And  the  battle  went  lore  againft  Saul,  and 
 
 1  Snm. 
 
 H.  4!). 
 
 t  archers  f  hit  him,  and  he  was  wounded  of  the 
 archers.  |  Heb, 
 
 4  Then  faid  Saul  to  his  armour  bearer,  Draw 
 
 fword,  and  thruft  me  through  therewith,  left  thefe 
 uncircumcifed  come  and  ||  abufe  me.  But  his  armour- 
 bearer  would  not ;  for  he  was  lore  afraid.  So  Saul  him. 
 took  a  fword  and  fell  upon  it.  II 
 
 5  And  when  his  armour-bearer  law  that  Saul 
 dead,  he  fell  likewife  on  the  fword,  and  died, 
 
 6  So  Saul  died,  and  his  three  fons,  and  all  his  houfe 
 died  together. 
 
 7  And  when  all  the  men  of  Ifrael  that  were  in  the 
 valley  law  that  they  fled,  and  that  Saul  and  his  fons 
 were  dead,  then  they  forlook  their  cities,  and  fled ; 
 and  the  Pniliftines  came  and  dwelt  in  them, 
 
 8  ^  And  it  came  to  pafs  on  the  morrow,  when  the 
 Pniliftines  came  to  fttip  the  flain,  mat  they  found 
 Saul  and  his  fons  fallen  in  m;  unt  Gilboa. 
 
 9  And  when  they  pad  Ifrioped  him,  they  took  his 
 head,  and  his  armour,  and  sent  into  the  land  of  the 
 Pfiilftines  round  about,  to  carry  tidings  unto  their 
 idols,  and  to  the  people. 
 
 10  And  they  pur  his  armour  in  the  houfe  of  their 
 gods,  and  faftened  bis  head  in  the  temple  of  Dagon. 
 
 1 1  51  And  when  all  Jabelh-giiead  heard  all  that  the 
 Pniliftines  had  done  to  Saul, 
 
 12  They  rofe,  all  the  valiant  men,  and  took  away 
 the  body  of  Saul,  and  tne  bodies  of  his  Ions,  and 
 
 hours  by  turns,  engaged  day  and  night  in  tinging  God’s  praifes.  From  ver.  35. 
 — 44.  is  a  mere  repetition  of  chap.  viii.  29—38.  to  introduce  the  hiliory  of  Sad 
 in  the  following  chapter. 
 
 EXPL.-.NATOUY  NOTES. 
 
 Saul’s  death,  De  i  Sam 
 
 Chap.  X.  Ver.  1 — 14.  For  this  account  of 
 oaui  s  ueaiii,  i  oaui.  xxxi.  I.  This  was  a  juft  judgment  on  Saul  i  aid 
 probably  his  bloody  houfe  following  his  ill  example,  rendered  it  juft  in  God  to 
 
 pkaC  jICAL  OBSERVATIONS _ •  Chap.  IX.j  Happy  is  it  for  the  church  when  every  member  knows  and  waits  upon  his  proper  work;  and  when  the 
 
 meaiieft  offices  and  lervices  are  confidered  truly  honourable.  Better  be  a  door-keeper  in  the  houfe  of  God  thau.dweU  in  the  palace  of  wickednefs. 
 
J)jind  tnade  king* 
 
 I.  CHRONICLES. 
 
 A  catalogue  of  hn  'xorlhief- 
 
 H>fore  hroujfht  them  to  Jabefh,  and  buried  their  bones  under 
 Chria  ^he  oak  in  Jabefh,  and  fafted  (even  day s. 
 
 1036.  '■  .«  m  go  Saul  died  for  his  tranlgrellion  which  he 
 +  committed  againlt  the  Lord,  cT;e«  againft  the  word 
 nfthe  Lord,  which  he  kept  not,  and  alfo  for  alking 
 counsel  of  one  that  had  a  familiar  fpirit,  ®  to  enquire 
 
 t  Ileb. 
 Itans- 
 
 \)  1  Sana 
 15.23, 
 c  1  Sam. 
 28.  t. 
 
 I  ileb. 
 Jsiti. 
 
 And  enquired  not  of  the  Lord  :  therefore  he 
 fl-w  him,  and  turned  the  kingdom  unto  David  the 
 
 fon  of  t  Jeffe.* 
 
 CHAP.  XL  ' 
 
 1  David  made  king  ;  4  he  winneth  the  castle  of  Zion  from  the  Jebusites 
 by  Joab’s  v.  lour,  10  A  catalogue  of  his  worthies. 
 
 1048.  r'T^HEN  ®  all  Ifrael  gathered  themfelves  to  David 
 a  2  Sam.  uiito  Hebron,  faying,  Behold,  we  are  thy  bone 
 
 5-  and  thv  fl  ih.  ^  „  u  q  . 
 
 .  Heb  2  And  moreover,  t  in  time  pan.,  even  when  Saul 
 L/ft  yes-  was  king,  thou  wast  he  that  leddeft  out  and  broughteft 
 ferday  jjj  Ifrael ;  and  the  Lord  thy  God  faid  unto  thee,  1  hou 
 (halt  t  feed  my  people  Ifrael,  and  thou  fhalt  be  ruler 
 
 11  Or,  over  my  people  llrael. 
 
 3  Therefore  came  all  the  elders  of  Ifrael  to  the 
 king  to  Hebron ;  and  David  made  a  covenant  with 
 them  in  Hebron  laefore  the  Lord  :  and  they  anointed 
 David  king  over  Ifrael,  according  to  the  word  of  the 
 Lord  t  by  ’’  Samuel. 
 
 4  %  And  David  and  all  Ifrael  went  to  Jerufalem, 
 
 w'hich  is  Jebus,  where  the  Jebufites  were,  the  inhabi¬ 
 tants  of  the  land.  ^  ^ 
 
 5  And  the  inhabitants  of  Jebus  faid  to  David,  Thou 
 (halt  not  come  hither.  Neverthelefs  David  took  the 
 caft’e  of  Zion,  which  is  the  city  of  David. 
 
 6  And  David  faid,  Wnofoever  fmiteth  the  Jebufites 
 firif  (hall  be  f  chief  and  captain.  So  Joab  the  fon  of 
 Z'^ruiah  went  firft  up,  and  was  chief. 
 
 7  And  David  dwelt  in  the  caftle ;  therefore  they 
 1)  That  is,  called  p.  it  the  city  of  David. 
 
 8  And  he  built  the  city  round  about,  even  from 
 r  5"™’  Millo  round  about :  and  Joab  t  repaired  the  reft  of 
 
 thedtv. 
 
 9  So  David  t  waxed  greater  and  greater  :  for  the 
 Lord  of  hofts  was  with  him. 
 
 10  H  I’hefe  alfo  are  the  chief  of  the  mighty  men 
 
 rule. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 by  Uie 
 hand  of. 
 b  1  S.im. 
 16.  13. 
 c  2  Sam. 
 6.  5. 
 
 fHeb. 
 
 head. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 revived. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 went  in 
 gains  and 
 
 ’ifCU  -  w  - _______  _  _  j 
 
 incr  asmg  whom  David  had,  who  H  flrengthened  themfelves  with  zo  /i^uo  me  vanaui  meu  ui  me  itniucs  -wire, 
 d2Sam.  hini  in  his  kingdom,  and  with  all  Ifrael,  to  make  him  !  the  brother  of  Joab,  Elhanan  the  fon  of  Dodo  of 
 
 23.8.  1  ■  i,  ,  _ 1  _c  ..1 _ T _ _ _ _ 
 
 parcel,  and  delivered  it,  and  flew  the  Phihftnes :  and 
 the  I^ord  Caved  them  by  a  great  11  deliverance.  ,047. 
 
 15  Now  D  three  of  the  thirty  *  captains  went  down 
 
 to  the  rock  to  David,  into  the  cave  of  Adullam  ;  and  n  or, 
 rhe  hoif  of  the  Pniliftines  encamped  in  the  valley  of 
 
 Rephaiin.  _  ,  ,  , ,  j  .u  01,; 
 
 16  And  David  was  then  in  the  hold,  and  the  1  taint  over 
 
 liftines’  garrifon  was  then  at  Beth-lehem.  the  t^rty. 
 
 17  And  David  longed,  and  faid.  Oh  that  one  would 
 give  me  drink  of  the  water  of  the  well  of  Beth-lehem, ' 
 
 that  is  at  the  gate  !  u  u  a  c 
 
 18  And  the  three  brake  through  the  holt  ^  the 
 
 Philiffmes,  and  drew  water  out  of  the  w'ell  of  Betn- 
 iehem,  that  was  by  the  gate,  and  took  it,  and  brought 
 It  to  David  :  but  David  would  not  drink  of  it,  but 
 
 poured  it  out  to  the  Lord.  ,  rn.  uj 
 
 19  And  faid,  My  God  forbid  it  me,  that  I  fhould  do 
 this  thing  :  fhall  I  drink  the  blood  of  thefe  men  f 
 have  put  their  lives  in  jeopardy?  for  with  the 
 nardu  of  their  lives  they  brought  it:  therefore  he 
 would  not  drink  it.  Thefe  things  did  thefe  three 
 
 mightieft.  .  > 
 
 20  And  Abifhai  the  brother  of  Joab,  he  was  chief 
 of  the  three :  for  lifting  up  his  fpear  againft  three 
 nundred,  he  Hew  them,  and  had  a  name  among  tne 
 thrtc* 
 
 21  ‘  Of  the  three  he  was  more  honourable  than  thefs  Sam, 
 two,  for  he  was  their  captain;  howbeit  he  attained 
 
 not  to  the  first  three. 
 
 22  Benaiah  the  fon  of  Jehoiada,  the  fon  of  a  valiant 
 man  of  Kabziel,  f  who  had  done  many  afts  ;  he  flew 
 fwo  lion-li.ke  men  of  Moab  c  alfo  he  went  down  and  deed*, 
 flew  a  lion  in  a  pit  in  a  fnowy  day. 
 
 23  And  he  flew  an  Egyptian,  t  ^  of  fta- 1  . 
 
 cure,  five  cubits  high  ;  and  in  the  Egyptian’s  hand 
 
 a  fpear  like  a  weaver’s  beam  ;  and  he  went  dow  □  to 
 him  with  a  flaff,  and  plucked  the  fpear  out  of  the 
 Egyptian’s  hand,  and  iTw  him  with  nis  own  (pear. 
 
 24  Thefe  things  did  Benaiah  the  fon  of  Jehoiada, 
 and  had  a  name  among  the  three  mighties. 
 
 25  Behold,  he  was  honourable  among  the  thirty, 
 but  attained  not  to  the  fitst  three  :  and  David  fet  him 
 over  his  guard. 
 
 26  Alio  the  valiant  men  of  the  armies  were,  Afahel 
 
 .........  - —  -  ^ 
 
 king,  according  to  the  word  of  the  Lord  concerning 
 Ifrael. 
 
 11  And  this  zs  the  number  of  the  mighty  men  whom 
 
 teilli  him.  r-.  •  .  .  .  ,  .t  .  ..  ,,  i 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 held 
 
 flrongly  _ _ _ _ _ _  _  _  _ 
 
 David  had;  Jafhobeam,  1|  an  Hachmonite,  the  chief 
 o/^c/rol  the  captains;  he  lifted  up  his  fpear  againft  three 
 mom.  hundred,  fliin  by  him  at  one  time. 
 
 1047.  12  And  after  him  teas  Eleazar  the  fon  of  Dodo, 
 
 II  Or,  file  Ahohite,  who  was  one  of  th^>  three  mighties. 
 
 Epkes-  13  He  was  with  David  at  il  Paf-dammim,  and  there 
 dammim.  the  Pniliftin  s  were  gathered  together  to  battle,  where 
 was  a  parcel  of  ground  full  of  barley  ;  and  the  people 
 II  ori  fled  from  before  the  Pniliftines. 
 uood.  14  And  they  fet  themfelves  in  the  midft  of  that 
 
 punifh  them  along  with  him,  and  the  ruin  of  his  lioufe,  removed  any  compe¬ 
 titors  that  migiit  have  caufed  an  oppofition  to  David’s  coming  to  the  throne. 
 JonathHii,  that  amiable  charaiSler,  is  lecorded  allb  among  the  llain.  The  indig¬ 
 nity  ottered  to  the  bodies  of  S.iul  and  his  fons,  and  the  brave  attempt  of  the 
 ni' n  ot  JaOelh-gilead,  are  here  again  taken  notice  of ;  and  Saul’s  difobedience 
 to  God’s  coii.mand  in  Amalek’s  cafe,  and  his  confulting  a  tamiliar  fpirit,  are 
 
 Beth-lehem, 
 
 27  Shamraoth  the  H  Harorite,  Helez  the  Pelonite,  l(  Or, 
 
 28  Ira  the  fon  of  Ikkefh,  the  Tekoite,  Abi-ezer  the 
 
 Amothite,  LTs! 
 
 29  Sibbecai  the  Hufhathite,  Ilai  the  Ahohite, 
 
 30  Maharai  the  Netophaihite,  Heled  the  fon  of 
 Baanah  the  Netophatbite, 
 
 3 1  Ithai  the  fon  of  Ribai  of  Gibeah,  that  pertained 
 to  the  children  of  Benjamin,  Benaiah  the  Pira  hoeite, 
 
 32  Hurai  of  the  brooks  of  Gaafti,  Abiel  the  Arba- 
 thite, 
 
 33  Azmaveth  the  Baharumite,  Eliahba  the  Shaal- 
 bonite, 
 
 here  declared  to  be  the  occafion  of  his  fall,  and  the  reafon  of  the  'change  of  the 
 kingdom  from  his  family  to  David’s. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XI.  Ver.  l_46.  Soon  after  SauPs 
 death,  David  was  made  king  of  Judah,  although  it  was  not  till  fev#n  years 
 after  that  he  reigned  over  the  other  tribes.  The  appointed  time  was  come 
 ;  when  Ifrael  bowed  before  him,  and  took  the  oath  of  allegiance.  W’hen  they 
 
 PRACITCAL  observations. — *  Chap.  X.]  Behold  hoiv  God  ftains  the  pride  of  royalty,  when  united  with  difobedience  and  idolatry  !  He  is  fovereign 
 hut  righteous  and  terrible  in  his  judgments.  The  hands  of  finners  make  the  bands  bj'  which  they  are  caught. 
 
The  comipanks  that 
 
 I.  CriRONtCLES. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 1047. 
 
 r  Hadiem  the  Gizonite,  Jonathan  the  ' 
 
 Ion  or  bhage  the  Haraite, 
 
 Sd  Ahiham  the  (on  ot  Sacar  the  Hararite,  Eliphal 
 the  Ion  of  Ur,  i 
 
 the  iMecherathite,  Ahijah  the  Pelonite,  ’ 
 3f  H-zrothe  Carmelite,  Naarai  the  Ion  of  Ezbai,  i 
 38  Joel  the  brother  of  Nathan,  Mibhar  |i  the  Ion  of  ; 
 
 to  David  at 
 
 hices  of  lions,  and  'were  f  as  fwift  as  the  roes  upon  th^ 
 mountains  •  ^ 
 
 ’%?.  <5f. 
 
 ci„ 
 
 1!  Or. 
 
 39  Zelek  the  Ammonite,  Naharai  the  Berorhite, 
 the  armour-bearer  of  Joab  the  fon  of  Zeruiah, 
 
 40  Ira  the  Ithrite,  Gareb  the  Ithrite, 
 
 41  Uriah  the  Hittire,  Zabad  the  fon  of  Ahlai, 
 
 42  Adina  the  fon  of  Shiza  the  Reubenite,  a  captain 
 of  the  Reubenites,  and  thirty  with  him, 
 
 43  Hanan  the  fon  of  Maachah,  and  Jofhaphat  the 
 Mitrsnite, 
 
 44  Uzzia  the  Afhterathite,  Shama  and  Jehiel  the 
 fons  of  Hothan  the  Aroerite, 
 
 II  Or,  45  Jediae!  the  fon  !1  of  Shimri,  and  Joha  his  brother, 
 Skimritc.  the  'J’izite, 
 
 46  Eiiel  the  Mahavite,  and  Jeribai  and  Jofhaviah, 
 the  fons  of  Elnaafn,  and  Ithmah  the  Moabite, 
 
 47  Eiiel,  and  Obed,  and  Jafiel  the  Mefobaite.* 
 
 CHAP.  XII. 
 
 1  The  companies  that  came  to  David  at  Ziklag ;  23  the  armies  that  came 
 
 to  him  at  Hebron. 
 
 !.  *  thefe  are  they  that  came  to  David  to 
 
 Ziklag,  t  while  he  yet  kept  himfelf  dole  becaufe 
 
 t  i^ieo.  among  the 
 
 Ling  yet  mighty  men,  helpers  of  the  war. 
 shut  up,  2  They  were  armed  with  bows,  and  could  ufe  both 
 the  right  hand  and  the  left  in  hurling  flones,  and  shoot¬ 
 ing  arrows  cut  of  a  bow’,  even  of  Saul’s  brethren  of 
 Benjamin. 
 
 3  The  chief  was  Ahiezer,  then  Joafh,  the  fons  of 
 
 11  Or,  (I  Shemaah  the  Gibeathite,  and  Jeziel  and  Pelet,  the 
 Hasmaah  ^zfr.aveth,  and  Barachah,  and  Jehu  the  An- 
 
 tothite, 
 
 4  And  Ifmaiah  the  Gibeonite,  a  mighty  man  among 
 the  thirty,  and  over  the  thirty;  and  Jeremiah,  and  Ja- 
 haziel,  and  Johanan,  and  Jozabad  the  Gederathite, 
 
 5  Eluzai,  and  Jerimoth,  and  Bealiah,  and  Shemariah, 
 and  Shephatiah  the  Elaruphite, 
 
 ^  6  Eikanah,  and  Jefiah,  and  Azareel,  and  Joezer, 
 
 and  Jalhobeam,  the  Korhites, 
 
 7  And  Joelah  and  Zedaeiah,  the  Tons  of  Jeroharo 
 of  Gedor. 
 
 8  And  of  the  Gadites  there  feparated  therafelves 
 unto  David,  into  the  hold  to  the  wildernefs,  men  of 
 might,  and  men  f  of  vn^rjit  for  the  battle,  that  could 
 handle  Ihield  and  buckler,  whole  faces  were  hke  tne 
 
 cir.  1058 
 a  1  Sa 
 27.  2. 
 Heb 
 
 t  Heb 
 oj  the 
 host. 
 
 •were  collected  together  on  this  foleinn  occafion,  David  led  them  on  to  attack  the 
 fortrefs  of  Jebus  where  he  defigned  to  fix  his  royal  refidence.  Though  almoft 
 impregnable,  being  rendered  fo  both  by  art  and  nature,  yet  animated  by  David’s 
 protfer,  Joab  entered  the  place,  and  was  preferred.  Others  are  added  to  the  lift  of 
 David’s  worthies,  2  Sam.  xxiii.  by  whofe  afliftance  chiefly,  the  kingdom  was  con¬ 
 firmed  to  David,  and  by  aiding  him,  they  gained  preferments  themfelves.  Some 
 of  tlicir  exploits  were  great  and  furprifing  ;  although  it  was  not  until  after  they 
 had  encountered  many  dangers,  that  they  came  to  fee  their  king  reign,  and  them¬ 
 felves  enjoy  the  fruits  of  their  labours. 
 
 BXPI-ANATORY  notes.  Chap.  XII.  Ver.  1—22.  As  the  time  was 
 near  when  David  was  to  afeend  the  throne,  many  of  the  Ifraelites  came  and 
 paid  obedience  unto  hiti^,  fome  of  thofe  joined  him  before  Saul’s  death  ;  but 
 it  ;s  probable  the  greateft  part  immediately  after.  We  have  here,  1.  Some  of 
 
 9  Ezer  the  firll,  Obadiah  the  fecond,  Eliab  the  third  ''''' 
 
 I  10  Midimannah  the  fourth,  Jeremiah  the  fifth 
 !  11  Altai  the  ii.^th,  Eiiel  the  feventli,  ’ 
 
 I  12  Johanan  tne  eighth,  Elzabad  the  nhith,  , 
 
 I  Jeremiah  the  tenth,  Machbanai  the  eleventh,  ’"“'"i-'' 
 
 I  14  Ihele  were  the  fons  of  Gad,  captains  of  the*"'?'" 
 
 I  holt :  II  one  of  the  Icalt  ims  over  an  hundred,  and  the^i' 
 
 I  greateft  over  a  thoufand.  n  o,', 
 
 :  15  Thefe  are  they  that  went  over  Jordan  in  the'’”'"''" 
 
 ;  nrit  month,  when  it  had  f  overflown  all  his  ^  banks  •  clV^ 
 
 '  to  flight  all  them  of  the  valleys,  bath  toLifto,''’ 
 
 i  w’ard  the  eaff,  and  toward  the  wefl;. 
 
 I  16  And  there  came  of  the  children  of  Benjamin"'"''*' 
 
 1  and  Judah  to  the  hold  unto  David.  2'^ 
 
 1  17  And  David  went  out  f  to  meet  them,  and  an-"iL 
 
 '  fwered  and  laid  unto  them.  It  ye  be  come  peaceablv’^""'*"’ 
 
 :  unto  me  to  help  me,  mine  heart  Ihall  f  be  knit  untolt^ 
 
 I  you  :  but  \‘i  ye  be  come  to  betray  me  to  mine  enemies,!  h4, 
 j  feeing  there  is  no  ||  wrong  in  mine  hands,  the  God  oi 
 
 ;  our  fathers  look  thereon^  and  rebuke  it.  ??['■ 
 
 ,  +  1^10  fpirit  came  upon  Araafai,  who  rwlL.' 
 
 chief  of  the  captains,  and  he  said,  Tfiine  are  we,  Da-  II 
 vid,  and  on  thy  fide  thou  Ion  of  JeflTe :  peace,  peace 
 be  unto  thee,  and  peace  be  to  thine  helpers;  for  rhyL/J'ij 
 Uod  helpeth  thee.  1  hen  David  received  them,  and  ctolliei 
 made  them  captains  of  the  band.  ■dmasd 
 
 19  And  there  fell  some  of  ManafTeh  to  David,  when  cir.  1055, 
 he  came  with  the  Pniliftines  againft  Saul  to  bittle ; 
 
 but  they  helped  them  not :  for  the  lords  of  the  Phi- 
 liflines,  upon  advifemenr,  fent  him  away,  faying,  •=  He  c  1  Sam, 
 will  fail  to  his  matter  Saul,  f  to  the  jeopardy  our?^2 
 heads. 
 
 20  As  he  went  to  Z'klag,  there  fell  to  him  of  Ma-/iea*- 
 nalTeh,  Adnah,  and  Jozabad,  and  Jediael,  and  Mi¬ 
 chael,  and  Jozabad,  and  Elihu,  and  Zilthai,  captains  of 
 the  thoufands  that  were  of  ManalTeh. 
 
 21  And  they  helped  David  II  againft  the  band  ofH.^''’ 
 the  rovers;  for  they  were  all  mighty  men  of  valour, “jL" 
 and  were  captains  in  the  hoft. 
 
 22  For  at  that  time,  day  by  day,  there  came  to 
 David  to  help  him,  until  it  was  a  great  hoft,  like  the 
 hoft  of  God. 
 
 23  %  And  thefe  are  the  numbers  of  the  1|  t  bands 
 that  xvere  ready  armed  to  the  w'ar,  and  came  to  David 
 
 to  Hebron,  to  turn  the  kingdom  of  Saul  to  him,  ac-omiw.’ 
 cording  to  the  word  of  the  Lord.  t  Heb. 
 
 24  The  children  of  Judah,  that  bare  fhield  and*'^"''"’ 
 fpear,  xvere  fix  thoufand  and  eight  hundred,  ready  il  , 
 
 II  armed  to  the  war. 
 
 Saul’s  relations,  men  of  Benjamin,  of  dexterity  and  valour,  who  joined  him  in 
 Ziklag.  2.  Of  the  Gadites,  fome  of  moft  diftinguiftied  courage  joined  him  in 
 the  wildernefs ;  they  were  advanced  afterwards  to  eminent  ftations  in  tlieir 
 tribe.  They  were  not  prevented  from  attacking  the  enemy  by  the  fwellings 
 of  Jordan  ;  aitd  on  their  way  to  the  hold,  meeting  fome  plundering  bands  of 
 Philiftines,  or  Moabites,  they  routed  them.  3.  A  number  of  Judah  and  Ben¬ 
 jamin,  exclufivei,of  thofe  under  Amafai,  David’s  nephew,  fell  to  him ;  being  a  nu* 
 
 !  merous  body,  David  had  fome  I'ul'picion  of  tlieir  pretenfions,  and  therefots 
 quefiioned  them  with  refpcci  to  their  defigns.  Amafai,  as  the  mouth  of  the 
 company,  with  a  fpirit  of  wifdom  and  genuine  affedtion,  filences  David’s  fears, 
 alfuring  him  of  their  true  friend fliip.  4.  Of  ManafiVh,  feveral  of  the  cliiefs  or 
 heads  of  the  tribes  joined  him.  After  the  defeat  of  Saul,  many  flocked  to  Dt’ 
 vid,  from  all  parts,  which  made  his  little  baud  a  large  army.  Ver.  23 — dO- 
 
 J  K  ACTlCAl.  OBSERVATIONS. _ *  Chap.  XI.]  (See  2  Samuel,  chap.  v.  Pradtical  Ohfervations  )  The  providential  prefence  of  God  with  men  is 
 
 true 
 
 prod 
 
 oUr 
 
 caufe  of  ti.eir  ftrength  and  fortitude  ;  and  the  way  to  be  great  and  famous  is  to  do  remarkable  fervices  to  our  God  and  country.  Great  men  ought  never  to 
 ,io-al  of  the  lives  of  tlieir  fubjeas,  efpecially  of  the  moft  faithful  among  tliem.  But  were  not  thefe  chiefs  of  David’s,  typical  of  the  foldiers  of  Jefus  the  captain 
 Iklvation  ?  By  faith  they  do  marvellous  exploits;  they  vvrefile  with  principalities  and  powers,  and  are  more  than  conquerors  through  him  tlwt  loved  them. 
 
 the 
 to  be 
 of 
 
Hehron.  I.  CHRONICLES. 
 
 Pefore 
 
 Clirift 
 
 1056. 
 
 fj,c  firmed  men  that  came  to  David  at 
 
 Of  the  children  of  Simeon,  mighty  men  of  va¬ 
 lour  for  the  war,  feven  thouland  and  one  hundred. 
 
 26  Of  the  children  of  Levi,  four  thoufand  and  fix 
 
 ^^27^ And  Jehoiada  xms  the  leader  of  the  Aaronites, 
 and  with  him  veerc  three  thoufand  and  feven  hundred  ; 
 
 28  And  Zadok,  a  young  man  mighty  of  valour, 
 and  of  his  father’s  houfe  twenty  and  two  captains. 
 
 29  And  of  the  children  of  Benjamin,  the  f  kindred 
 of  Saul,  three  thoufand :  for  hitherto  f  the  gre^ateft 
 nart  of  them  had  kept  the  ward  of  the  houfe  of  baul. 
 ^  30  And  of  the  children  of  Ephraim,  twenty  thou¬ 
 fand  and  eight  hundred,  mighty  men  of  valour,  f  fa¬ 
 mous  throughout  the  houfe  of  their  fathers.  _ 
 
 31  And  of  the  half-tribe  of  Manafleh,  eighteen 
 thoufand,  which  were  exprefled  by  name,  to  come  and 
 make  David  king. 
 
 32  And  of  the  children  of  Iffachar,  xschich  were  men 
 that  had  underffanding  of  the  times,  to  know  what  11- 
 rael  ought  to  do :  the  heads  of  them  xveretwo  hundred  ; 
 and  all  their  brethren  were  at  their  commandment. 
 
 33  Of  Zebulun,  fuch  as  went  forth  to  battle. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 
 I  Heb.  a 
 
 ot  them. 
 I  Heb. 
 men  of 
 nuntes. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 rangers  o 
 
 ex- 
 
 ■pert  in  war,  with  all  inffruments 
 
 of  war,  fifty  thou- 
 f  keep  rank  :  (heiy  were  t 
 
 not  of 
 
 battle,  or,  whlch  COUld 
 
 "‘double  heart. 
 
 ll'‘or,’  34  And  of  Naphtali  a  thoufand  captains,  and  with 
 'e(  the  them,  with  fhield  and  fpear,  thirty  and  feven  thoufand. 
 battle  in  Danites,  expert  in  war,  tv/enty  and 
 
 t  Heb.  eignt  thoufand  and  fix  hundred. 
 
 without  a  36  And  of  Afher,  fuch  as  went  forth  to  battle, 
 heart  and  y  g^pert  in  war,  forty  thoufand. 
 
 «  37  And  on  the  other  fide  of  .Iordan,  of  the  Reu- 
 
 leepbig  benites,  and  of  the  Gadites,  and  of  the  half  tribe  of 
 theirranh  Manaffeh,  with  all  manner  of  inffruments  of  war  for 
 the  battle,  an  hundred  and  twenty  thoufand. 
 
 38  All  thefe  men  of  war,  that  could  keep  rank,  came 
 with  a  perfe£l  heart  to  Hebron,  to  make  David  king 
 over  all  Ifrael :  and  all  the  reft  alfo  of  Ifrael  were  of 
 one  heart  to  make  David  king.  ^ 
 
 39,  T^nd  there  they  were  with  David  three  days, 
 eating  and  drinking  :  for  their  brethren  had  prepared 
 for  them. 
 
 '  40  Moreover,  they  that  were  nigh  them,  even  unto 
 
 Iffachar,  and  Zebulun,  and  Naphtali,  brought  bread 
 on  afles,  and  on  camels,  and  on  mules,  and  on  oxen, 
 and  II  meat,  meal,  cakes  of  figs,  and  bunches  ofrafins, 
 and  wine,  and  oil,  and  oxen,  and  fheep  abundantly  ; 
 for  there  was  joy  in  llrael.* 
 
 11  Ob 
 
 viflual 
 
 meat. 
 
 'The  arJc  brov^ld  from  Ki>jalh-jearun,  Su 
 
 CHAP.  xiir.  ‘ 
 
 *  Heforo 
 
 (Jlirift 
 
 9  U'-z'i  being  tmitlen  jq-j  j. 
 
 A 
 
 1045. 
 
 Dnwl  fctchelh  the  ark  from  A'irJ  ith-ieariin. 
 the  ark  is  left  at  the  house  of  Obed-edorn. 
 
 ND  David  confulted  with  the  captains  of  thou- 
 fands  and  hundreds,  and  with  every  leader. 
 
 And  David  laid  unto  all  the  congregation  of 
 Ifrael,  If  it  seem  good  unto  you,  and  that  it  be  of  the 
 Lord  our  God,  t  let  us  fend  abroad  unto  our  bre-  f 
 thren,  every  where,  that  are  left  in  all  the  land 
 Ifrael,  and  with  them  also  to  the  priefts  and  Levites,„„^. 
 ■which  are  t  in  their  cities  and  fuburbs,  that  they  may  fHcb. 
 gather  themfelves  unto  us 
 
 3  And  let  us  f  bring  again  the  ark  of  our  God  to 
 
 US  I  for  we  enquired  not  at  it  in  the  days  or  Saul-  suburbs* 
 
 4  And  all  the  congregation  laid  that  they  would  dof  iieb. 
 lo  :  for  the  thing  was  right  in  the  eyes  of  all  the  people, 
 
 5  So  ®  David  gathered  all  Ifrael  together,  from  ohi-^^  j 
 
 hor  of  Egypt,  even  unto  the  entering  of  Hemath,  toy.  i. 
 bring  the  ark  of  God  from  Kirjath-jearim.  2  Sam. 
 
 6  And  David  went  up,  and  all  Ifrael  to  Baalah, 
 that  is,  to  Kirjath-jearim,  which  belonged  to  Judah,  to  15, 
 bring  up  thence  the  ark  of  God  the  Lord,  that  dwel- 
 leth  between  the  cherubims,  whole  name  is  called  ouit. 
 
 7  And  they  t  carried  the  ark  of  God  in  a  new  cart  f  Heb. 
 our  of  the  houfe  of  Abinadab  :  and  Uzza  and 
 
 drave  the  cart. 
 
 8  And  David  and  all  Ifrael  played  before  God  with 
 
 all  their  might,  and  with  f  Tinging,  and  with  harps,  t  Heb. 
 and  with  pfalteries,  and  with  timbrels,  and  with  cym-  ^ongs. 
 bals,  and  with  trumpets. 
 
 9  f  And  when  they  came  unto  the  thrafbing-floor 
 
 of  11  Chidon,  Uzza  put  forth  his  hand  to  hold  the  ark  ^  ^ici 
 for  the  oxen  1|  (tumbled,  _  2  Sam?’ 
 
 10  And  the  anger  of  the  Lord  was  kindled  againftg.  e. 
 Uzza,  and  he  fmote  him,  becaufe  he  put  his  hand  to  f  Heb.  . 
 the  ark  ;  and  there  he  died  before  God. 
 
 11  And  David  was  dilpleafed,  becaufe  the  Lord^^j^™  ' 
 had  made  a  breach  upon  Uzza  :  wherefore  that  place 
 
 is  called  |1  Perez-uzza  to  this  day.  .  II  Thatis, 
 
 12  And  David  was  afraid  of  God  that  day,  faying, 
 
 How  (hall  I  bring  the  ark  of  God  home  to  me  ?  jj^, 
 
 13  So  David  f  brought  not  the  ark  home  to  himfelf  f  Heb, 
 to  the  city  of  David,  but  carried  it  afide  into  the  houfe 
 
 of  Obed-edom  the  Gittite. 
 
 14  And  the  ark  of  God  remained  w'ith  the  family 
 of  Obed-edom  in  his  houfe  three  mouths.  And  the  , 
 
 Lord  bleffed  the  ^  houfe  of  Obed-edom,  and  all  that  '  * 
 he  had.f 
 
 Chap. 
 26.  5. 
 
 While  Iflilionieth  lived,  the  houfe  of  Saul  daily  weakened  ;  on  his  death,  all  the 
 tribes,  convinced  of  the  divine  appoinlnaent  of  David,  voluntarily  aflenablcd  to 
 crown  liim  king.  They  who  met  on  this  occation  amounted  to  no  lefs  than 
 about  35,000  valiant  men,  and  along  with  tlieir  brethren  were  the  priefts  and 
 Levites,  who  flievved  great  friendftiip  for  David,  not  only  in  praying,  but  in 
 hazarding  their  lives  for  him  when  duty  required  it.  The  tribe  of  Iffachar  dele¬ 
 gated  two  hundred  of  their  chiefs  to  welcome  him  to  the  throne.  It  is  faid 
 here  that  they  were  of  a  perfe<51  heart  in  this  caufe  5  that  is,  it  was  the  unfeigned 
 refolution  of  the  whole  of  them,  that  he  might  reign  over  them.  Such  a  vaft 
 company  would  need  a  large  quantity  of  provifions,  which  we  fee  they  were 
 
 liberally  provided  with;  they  not  only  fed,  but  were  feafted,  while  Ifrael 
 were  filled  with  rejoicing,  to  have  the  man  after  God’s  own  heart  for  their 
 king. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Ch.vf.  XIII.  Ver.  1—14.  David  had  no 
 fooner  gone  up  from  Hebron,  and  fecured  Jerufalem,  than  he  ftiewed  himfelf  fo- 
 licitous  to  recover  the  ark  from  its  negledled  ftate.  He  propofes  the  matter  to  his 
 chiefs  and  officers  for  their  approbation.  The  propol’al  n  as  received  with  j  y, 
 and  the  congregation  affembled  from  all  parts  of  the  land  to  execute  it.  The 
 error  they  committed  in  the  removing  of  the  ark  has  already  come  under  our 
 notice,  comp.  2  Sam.  vi. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — Chap.  XII.]  The  hearts  of  all  men  are  in  the  hands  of  the  Lord,  who  turns  them  as  he  pleafes  for  the  accomplifhment 
 of  his  purpofes  and  promifes.  It  becomes  us  diligently  to  avoid  all  evil,  and  boldly  to  maintain  the  caufe  of  truth.  Such  as  have  been  once  endangered  by  falfe 
 friends  have  good  reafon  to  be  cautious  in  future  ;  while  they  ought  to  receive  with  the  kindeft  affetSlion  tbofe  who  come  to  their  help  in  the  time  of  troub.e.  With 
 prudent  zeal  let  us  join  thofe  whom  the  Lord  plainly  favours  and  protedls.  How  bften  does  God  raife  up  help  to  his  people  in  the  very  moment  when  they  moR 
 need  it !  Hopeful  is  that  kingdom,  whole  kings  afeend  the  throne  to  the  univerfal  fatisfadlion  of  the  luhjedls,  efpecially  the  mod  pious  and  prudent. 
 
 PRACTIC.\L  OBSERVATIONS. — f  Chap.  XIII.]  Refpea  paid  to  thofe  whom  we  command  conciliates  their  atfeaion,  and  effeaually  tends  to  fecure 
 their  cheerful  obedience.  In  the  multitude  of  wife  counfellors  there  is  much,  though  not  all,  fatyfy-  In  the  fettlement  of  the  true  religion  magiftrates  ought  to 
 tnanage  fo  as  to  recommend  it  to  the  approbation  of  all  their  fuhjeas,  who  ought  tojrejoice  wljen  true  relig.on  is  countenanced  and  pri)moted  bv  the  higher  powers. 
 But  with  all  our  joy  we  need  to  join  trembling.  For  a  mifearrihge  feemingly  fmall  in  the  eyes  of  men,  God  may  quickly  turn  our  temple-fongs  into  how  lings  j  and 
 difeouragements  are  apt  to  cool  our  zeal  in  the  path  of  duty. 
 
 ^0,  26.t»,6di  5  L 
 
David’s  Jelicihj  and  victor  its. 
 
 I.  CHRONICLES. 
 
 Before 
 
 ChriR 
 
 David  bringelh  He  arh  from  Qhed 
 
 -'-3.  ■  sr,  i  of  GodC?^^  Louts'?™:  Zm  'hZH'^r 
 
 XT  O  W  ■  Hirani  king  of  Tyre  fent  meHengers  to  <o  oarr'' the  arU  ,„j  ..  ^-oro 
 
 % 
 
 eir 
 
 ^cfot 
 
 Cl 
 
 '"■ist 
 
 f  Heb. 
 yet. 
 
 !l  Or, 
 JUliada, 
 2  Sam. 
 
 5.  17. 
 
 _  ,  David,  and  timber  of  cedars,  with  mafons  and 
 carpenters,  to  build  him  an  houle. 
 
 2  f  And  David  perceived  that  the  Lord  had  con- 
 hrmed  him  king  over  Ifrael  ;  for  his  kingdom  was 
 lifted  up  on  high,  becaufe  of  his  people  Ifrael. 
 
 3  f  And  David  took  t  more  wives  at  Jerufalem  : 
 and  David  begat  more  Tons  and  daughters. 
 
 4  Now  thefe  are  the  names  of  his  children,  which 
 he  had  in  Jerufalem  ;  Shammua,  and  Shobah,  Nathan, 
 and  Solomon, 
 
 5  And  Ibhar,  and  Elifhua,  and  Elpalet, 
 
 6  And  Nogah,  and  Nepheg,  and  Japhia, 
 
 7  And  Elifhama,  and  H  Beeliada,  and  Eliphalet. 
 
 8  f  And  when  the  Pniliftines  heard  that  ^  David 
 was  anointed  king  over  all  Ifrael,  all  the  Philiffines 
 
 b  2  Sam.  went  up  to  feek  David :  and  David  heard  f  it,  and 
 
 5.  1 
 
 1047. 
 
 went  out  againft  them. 
 
 9  And  the  Philiftines  came  and  fpread  themfelves 
 in  the  vallev  of  Rephaim. 
 
 10  And  David  enquired  of  God,  faying,  Shall  I  go 
 up  againft  the  Pniliftines  ?  and  wilt  thou  deliver  them 
 into  mine  hand  ?  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  him.  Go 
 up;  for  I  will  deliver  them  into  thine  hand. 
 
 1 1  So  they  came  up  to  Baal-perazim  ;  and  David 
 fmote  them  there.  Tnen  David  faid,  God  hath  bro¬ 
 ken  in  upon  mine  enemies  by  mine  hand,  like  the 
 breaking  forth  of  waters :  therefore  they  called  the 
 
 It  That  is,  name  of  that  place  ||  Baal-perazim, 
 a  pi-ice  of  12  And  when  the3(  had  left  their  gods  there,  David 
 reaches,  ^  commandment,  and  they  were  burnt  with  fire. 
 
 13  And  the  Philiftines  yet  again  fpread  themfelves 
 abroad  in  the  valley. 
 
 14  Therefore  David  enquired  again  of  God  ;  and 
 God  laid  unto  him.  Go  not  up  after  them  ;  turn  away 
 
 c2Sam.  from  them,  *=  and  come  upon  them  over  againft  the 
 mulberry-trees. 
 
 15  And  it  fhall  be,  when  thou  (halt  hear  a  found 
 of  going  in  the  tops  of  the  mulberry-trees,  that  then 
 thou  [halt  go  out  to  battle;  for  God  is  gone  forth 
 before  thee,  to  fmite  the  hoft  of  the  Philiftines. 
 
 16  David  therefore  did  as  God  commanded  him  : 
 and  they  fmote  the  hoft  of  the  Philiftines  from  Gibeon 
 even  to  Gazer. 
 
 17  And  the  fame  of  David  went  out  into  all  lands ; 
 and  the  Lord  brought  the  fear  of  him  upon  all  na¬ 
 tions.* 
 
 CHAP.  XV. 
 
 1  David  bringeth  the  ar]t  jrom  Obed-edom :  25  he  iierformeth  it  with 
 great  joy  ;  29  Michal  despiseth  him. 
 
 AND  David  made  him  houfes  in  the  city  of 
 David,  and  prepared  a  place  for  the  ark  of 
 God,  and  pitched  for  it  a  tent. 
 
 1042. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XIV.  Ver.  1 — 17.  The  contents 
 of  this  chapter  has  alfo  been  explained ;  but  we  may  notice  David’s  taking  the 
 Philiftines’  gods,  which  they  left  when  they  fled  before  him  He  commands 
 them  to  be  burnt  as  being  worthy  of  no  better  reception,  who  had  no  power  to 
 
 :  h™  former'' 
 
 13  And  David  gathered  all  Ifrael  together  to  Jem 
 falem,  to  bring  up  the  ark  of  the  Lord  unto 
 place,  wTich  he  had  prepared  for  it.  ^ 
 
 ,  4  And  David  affembled  the  children  of  Aarnn 
 
 i  and  the  Levites. 
 
 j  5  Of  the  fons  of  Kohath  ;  Uriel  the  chief  anrl  k- 
 
 11  brethren  an  hundred  and  twenty.  ’  ^ 
 
 ,  6  Of  the  fons  of  Merari ;  Afaiah  the  chief,  and  hi  J  ' 
 
 orethren  two  hundred  and  twenty. 
 
 7  Of  the  ions  of  Gerlhom  ;  Joel  the  chief,  and  his 
 brethren  an  hundred  and  thirty. 
 
 8  Of  the  fons  of  Elizaphan  ;  Shemaiah  the  chief 
 
 and  his  brethren  two  hundred,  ’ 
 
 9  Of  the  fons  of  Hebron  ;  Eliel  the  chief,  and  his 
 brethren  fourfcore.  ’ 
 
 10  Of  the  fons  of  Uzziel ;  Amminadab  the  chief 
 
 and  his  brethren  an  hundred  and  twelve.  ’ 
 
 11  And  David  called  for  Zadok  and  Abiathar  the 
 priefts,  and  for  the  Levites,  for  Uriel,  Afaiah,  and 
 Joel,  bhemaiah,  and  Eliel,  and  Amminadab, 
 
 12  And  laid  unto  them.  Ye  are  the  chief  of  the 
 fathers  of  the  Levites :  fan^ify  yourfelves,  both  ve 
 and  your  brethren,  that  ye  may  bring  up  the  ark  of 
 the  Lord  God  of  Krael  unto  the  place  that  I  have 
 prepared  for  it. 
 
 13  For  becaufe  ye  did  it  not  at  the  firft,  the  Lord 
 
 our  God  made  a  breach  upon  us,  for  that  we  fought 
 him  not  after  the  due  order.  ° 
 
 14  So  the  priefts  and  the  Levites  fanftified  them- 
 felves  to  bring  up  the  ark  of  the  Lord  God  of 
 Ifrael. 
 
 ^13  And  the  children  of  the  Levites  bare  the  ark 
 of  God  upon  their  (boulders,  with  the  ftaves  thereof, 
 as  Moles  commanded,  according  to  the  word  of  theb  Exod 
 Lord.  _  25.14.’ 
 
 16  And  David  fpake  to  the  chief  of  the  Levites,  to 
 appoint  their  brethren  to  be  the  fingers  with  initru- 
 ments  of  mufic,  pfalteries,  and  harps,  and  cymbals, 
 'founding,  by  lifting  up  the  voice  with  joy. 
 
 17  So  the  Levites  appointed  <=  Heman  the  fon  of  c  Chap. 
 Joel;  and  of  his  brethren,  “  Alaph  the  fon  of  Bere-^Sa 
 chiah ;  and  of  the  fons  of  Merari  their  brethren,  e. 
 
 Ethan  the  fon  of  Kuftiaiah  ;  e  Chap. 
 
 18  And  with  them  their  brethren  of  the  fecond  de-^'^"^' 
 gree,  Zechariah,  Ben,  and  Jaaziel,  and  Shemiramoth, 
 and  Jehiel,  and  Unni,  Eliab,  and  Benaiah,  and  Maa- 
 feiah,  and  Mattithiah,  and  Elipheleh,  and  Mikneiah, 
 and  Obed-edom,  and  Jeiel,  the  porters. 
 
 19  So  the  fingers,  Heman,  Alaph,  and  Ethan,  icere 
 appointed  to  (bund  with  fymbals  of  brafs ; 
 
 20  And  Zechariah,  and  Aziel,  and  Shemiramoth, 
 
 fave  themfelves  nor  their  deluded  worlhippers.  David’s  chara^er  now  ftands 
 high  in  the  opinion  of  all  Ifrael ;  and  his  deeds  excited  the  attention  and  admira¬ 
 tion,  if  not  the  efteem,  of  all  the  neighbouring  nations. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XV.  Ver.  1 — 29.  Upon  David’s  M 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XIV.]  It  is  pleafant  for  the  godly  to  difcern  God’s  hand,  even  in  their  earthly  fettlements;  and  all  advantages 
 conferred  on  us  ought  to  be  confidered  as  intended  for  our  more  extenfive  ufefulnefe.  Rarely  do  even  good  men  profper  in  worldly  things,  without  waxiug 
 fecure  and  indulgent  to  the  flefh.  Little  eafe  indeed  mull  be  expedted  in  this  world  to  the  church  of  God,  or  to  the  fouls  of  his  people.  But,  if  we  acknow¬ 
 ledge  the  Lord  in  all  our  ways,  he  will  diredl  our  paths,  and  make  us  more  than  conquerors.  If  we  carefully  attend  to  the  work  of  God,  and  the  motions  of  lii® 
 Spirit  and  providence,  depending  on  his  ftrength  we  may  gird  up  our  loins,  gird  on  our  armour,  and  conquer.  And  when  God  delivers  our  fpiritual  enemies  into  out 
 hands,  let  us  not  fpare  them,  but  by  their  deftrudtion  raife  up  a  monument  to  the  praife  of  his  glory  j  for  his  name  is  worthy  to  be  exalted  j  and  may  his  glory 
 
David  and  the  ciders  of  Israel  rejoice. 
 
 Before  and  Jehiel,  and  Unni,  and  Eliab,  and  Maafeiah,  and 
 Chrift  Renaiah,  with  plalterifs  on  Alamoth  ; 
 
 ‘21  And  Mattithiah,  and  Elipheleh,  and  Mikneiah, 
 '^'"'^and  Obed-edom,  and  Jeiel,  and  Azaziah,  with  harps 
 „  or.  on  11  on  the  Sherainith  to  excel. 
 
 liceiihtk  22  And  Chenaniah,  chief  of  the  Levites,  l|  was  for 
 1  fong :  he  inllrufted  about  the  fong,  becaufe  he 
 
 was 
 
 Or,  was 
 fr  I'iC 
 earrings  ; 
 be  o'- 
 
 firubled 
 
 aboul  the 
 
 carriage- 
 f  Heb. 
 li/ling  MO. 
 
 ikilf’ul. 
 
 f  2  Sam. 
 
 S  Or, 
 
 carriage. 
 
 23  And  Berechiah  and  Elkanah  were  door-keepers 
 for  the  ark. 
 
 24  And  Shebaniah,  and  Jehofhaphat,  and  Netha- 
 neel,  and  Amafai,  and  Z^'chariah,  and  Benaiah,  and 
 Eliezer,  the  prieifs,  did  blow  with  the  trumpets  be¬ 
 fore  the  ark  of  God  :  and  Obed-edom  and  Jehiah 
 n-ere  door-keepers  for  the  ark. 
 
 25  H  So  f  David,  and  the  elders  of  Ifrael,  and  the 
 captains  over  thoufands,  went  to  bring  up  the  ark  of 
 the  covenant  of  the  Lord  oat  of  the  houl'e  of  Obed- 
 edom  with  joy. 
 
 26  And  it  catiie  to  pafs,  when  God  helped  the  Le¬ 
 vites  that  bare  the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  the  Lord, 
 that  they  offered  leven  bullocks  and  feven  rams. 
 
 27  And  David  was  clothed  with  a  robe  of  fine  linen, 
 and  all  the  Levites  that  bare  the  ark,  and  the  fing¬ 
 ers,  and  Chenaniah  the  matter  of  the  11  fong  with 
 the  fingers :  David  alfo  had  upon  him  an  ephod  of 
 linen. 
 
 28  Thus  all  Ifrael  brought  up  the  ark  of  the  cove¬ 
 nant  of  the  Lord  with  ttiouting,  and  with  found  of 
 the  cornet,  and  with  trumpets,  and  with  cymbals, 
 making  a  noife  with  pfalteries  and  harps. 
 
 29  %  And  it  came  to  pafs,  as  the  ark  of  the  cove¬ 
 nant  of  the  Lord  came  to  the  city  of  David,  that 
 Michal,  the  daughter  of  SjuI,  looking  out  at  a  win¬ 
 dow  law  king  David  dancing  and  playing :  and  fhe 
 defpifed  him  in  her  heart.* 
 
 CHAP.  XVI. 
 
 1  David's  fefiival  sacrifice;  4  he  ordereth  a  choir  to  sing  thanksgiving,  7 
 The  psalm  of  thanksgiving,  <^c, 
 
 SO  ^  they  brought  the  ark  of  God,  and  fet  it  in 
 the  midtt  of  the  tent  that  David  had  pitched  for 
 it:  and  they  offered  burnt  facrifices  and  peace-offer¬ 
 ings  before  God. 
 
 2  And  when  David  had  made  an  end  of  offering 
 the  burnt-offerings  and  the  peace-offerings,  he  bleffed 
 the  people  in  the  name  of  the  Lord. 
 
 3  And  he  dealt  to  every  one  of  Ifrael,  both  man 
 and  woman,  to  every  one  a  loaf  of  bread,  and  a  good 
 piece  of  flefh,  and  a  flagon  of  wine. 
 
 4  H  And  he  appointed  certain  of  the  Levites  to  mi- 
 
 Beforc 
 
 Chrift 
 
 1042. 
 
 I.  CHRONICLES.  ijsahn  of  thanJesfit^iving. 
 
 nirter  before  the  ark  of  the  Lord,  and  to  record,  and 
 to  thank  and  praife  the  Lord  God  of  Ifrael : 
 
 5  Alaph  the  chief,  and  next  to  him  Zechariah, 
 
 Jeiel,  and  Shemiramoth,  and  Jehiel,  and  Mattithiah, 
 and  Eliab,  and  Benaiah,  and  Obed-edorn  ;  and  Jeiel 
 +  with  pfalteries  and  with  harps ;  but  Afaph  made 
 
 (ound  with  cynin^lls  \  ^  tirmnenls 
 
 6  Benaiah  alfo  and  Jahaziel  the  priefts  with  trum-  of  psalte- 
 pets  continually  before  the  ark  of  the  covenant  ofrUsand 
 God. 
 
 7  U  Then  on  that  day  David  delivered  firtt  this 
 psalm,  to  thank  the  Lord,  into  the  hand  of  Afaph  and 
 his  brethren. 
 
 8  >>  Give  thanks  unto  the  Lord,  call  upon  his  name, 
 
 make  known  his  deeds  among  the  people.  ' 
 
 9  Sing  unto  him,  fing  pfalms  unto  him,  talk  ye  of 
 all  his  w’onderous  works. 
 
 10  Glory  ye  iu  his  holy  name  :  let  the  heart  of  them 
 rejoice  that  feek  the  Lord. 
 
 11  Seek  the  Lord  and  his  ttrength,  feek  his  face 
 continually. 
 
 12  Remember  his  marvellous  works  that  he  hath 
 done,  his  wonders  and  the  judgments  of  his 
 mouth ; 
 
 13  O  ye  feed  of  Ifrael  his  fervant,  ye  children  of 
 Jacob,  his  chofen  ones. 
 
 1042. 
 a  2  Sam. 
 6. 17. 
 
 14  He  is  the  Lord  our  God  ;  his  judgments  are  in 
 all  the  earth. 
 
 15  Be  ye  mindful  always  of  his  covenant,  the 
 word  which  he  commanded  to  a  thoufand  genera¬ 
 tions  ; 
 
 1 6  Even  of  the  covenant  which  he  made  with  Abra-  ^ 
 
 ham,  and  of  his  oath  unto  Ilaac ;  26  3  & 
 
 17  And  hath  confirmed  the  fame  to  Jacob  for  a28. 
 law,  and  to  Ifrael  for  an  everlafting  covenant, 
 
 18  Saying,  unto  thee  will  I  give  the  land  of  Canaan, 
 
 1 1  the  lot  of  your  inheritance  ;  t  Heb. 
 
 1  19  When  ye  were  but  f  few,  even  a  few,  and'^"'''^* 
 
 'ftrangersinit.  + 
 
 I  20  And  w/ie}i  they  went  trom  nation  to  nation,  and  number. 
 j  from  one  kingdom  to  another  people,  4  Gen. 
 
 21  He  fuff'ered  no  man  to  do  them  wrong  ;  yea,  he^^‘  * 
 
 '  reproved  kings  for  their  fakes,  e  Pfaim 
 
 22  Saying,  ^  Touch  not  mine  anointed,  and  do  my  ^ 
 
 prophets  no  harm.  .  f  pftim 
 
 23  e  Sing  unto  the  Lord,  all  the  earth ;  (hew  forth  10/15. 
 
 from  day  to  day  his  falvaiion.  g  Pfaim 
 
 24  Declare  his- glory  among  the  heathen  :  his  mar-®®' 
 velloiis  works  among  all  naiions. 
 
 25  For  great  is  the  Lord,  and  greatly  to  be  praifed  : 
 he  alfo  is  to  be  feared  above  all  gods. 
 
 attempt  to  remove  the  arkj  he  proved  unfuccefsful,  the  reafon  of  which  he  now 
 perceives,  and  humbling  himfeif,  he  juflifies  God,  and  warns  the  Levites  to  be 
 more  exadl  for  the  future.  Having  completed  his  own  houfe,  and  reared  a  taber¬ 
 nacle  for  the  ark’s  reception,  he  colledls  the  priefts  and  Levites  to  the  amount  of 
 eight  hundred  and  fixty-two,  and  having  fliewn  them  the  caufe  of  the  late  difafter, 
 exhorts  the.n  to  be  more  exa61  in  obferving  the  divine  prefeription.  They  were 
 obedient,  and  God  enabled  them  for  their  w-ork.  Each  man  had  his  ftation  ; 
 fome  bore  the  ark,  others  were  porters  to  keep  the  doors  ;  and  probably  furround- 
 ed  the  ark,  that  others  might  not  touch  it  as  Uzza  had  done.  While  others  with 
 mufical  inftruments  joined  in  concert  they  offered  folemn  facrifices  as  atonements 
 
 for  part  miftakes,  and  as  expreflive  of  their  defire  of  prefent  afliftance,  rejoicing 
 under  their  burdens  as  they  proceeded.  “ 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chai-.  XVI.  Ver.  1-36.  The  ark  being 
 lodged  in  fafety,  they  offered  vaft  facrifices  in  honour  to  God,  and  a  conftant 
 courfe  of  Levites,  were  now  appointed  to  fing  God’s  praifes,  and  to  commemo¬ 
 rate  the  mercies  they  had  received  from  him.  This  pfaim  here,  is  chiefly  com- 
 pofed  of  two  others,  tiie  cv.  and  xevi.  1.  It  opens  with  thankfgiving  2  It 
 contains  great  memo.ials  of  God’s  dealings,  which  deferve  everlaffinc  remem- 
 brance.  3.  It  proceeds  to  declare  the  tranfeendant  excellency  of  Ifrael’s  God 
 4.  In  confequence  of  thefe  views  of  God’s  glory,  and  pall  experience  of  his 
 
 ^*^®‘l'"®^stoco''>'eaforroermiftakesinourreligiousfervice,  is  an  evidence  of  true  win 
 let  u.7  T  r®  ‘‘"a  Whatever  gi.‘ts  God  beftows  on  us  Ihould  be  employed  in  his  ferlioe  S^dnefs. 
 
 exaane/  ''“Y  and  hope  to  heaven  for  help.  If  we  efcape  the  judgiLnts  of  God  while  we  are  ferving  him  we  owe  i/to 
 
 .'.'pa'  “”“"e  >»  n.ou,  U  b.u.,  ,b.»  ..pd  tb  »b»m  «e Td.bt.dX.S' bfgt-d 
 
DiiV'  s  Fsjiifi  (>/'  thauks^ivintr- 
 
 I.  CHRONICLES. 
 
 but 
 
 h  Levit. 
 19  4. 
 
 i  Pfalm 
 106. 
 
 k  Deut 
 27.  15. 
 
 people  are  idols 
 
 1042.  Lord  made  the  heavens. 
 
 '--‘v-.N.j  27  Glory  and  honour  are  in  his  prefence  ;  flrength 
 
 and  gladnels  are  in  his  place, 
 
 _  28  Give  unto  the  Lord  ye  kindreds  of  the  people, 
 give  unto  the  Lord  glory  and  ttrength. 
 
 29  Give  unto  the  Lord  the  glory  due  unto  his 
 name  ;  bring  an  ofiering,  and  come  before  him  :  wor- 
 ftiip  the  Lord  in  the  beauty  of  holinefs. 
 
 30  Fv^ar  before  him,  all  the  earth  ;  the  world  alfo 
 uiall  be  ftable,  that  it  be  not  moved. 
 
 31  Let  the  heavens  be  glad,  and  let  the  earth  re¬ 
 joice  ;  and  let  men  fay  among  the  nations,  the  Lord 
 reigneth. 
 
 32  Let  the  lea  roar,  and  the  fulnefs  thereof :  let 
 the  fields  rejoice  and  all  that  is  therein. 
 
 33  rhenfhall  the  trees  of  the  wood  fingout  at  the  pre¬ 
 fence  of  t  he  Lo  R  d,  beca  ufe  h  e  co  m  e  t  h  t  o  j  ud  ge  t  he  eart  h . 
 
 luo  '.  &  ^  thanks  unto  the  Lord  ;  tor  he  is  good  : 
 
 107.  1.  &  lof  l^ls  mercy  endiireth  for  ever. 
 
 118. 1.&  35  And  fay  ye,  Save  us,  O  God  of  our  falvation, 
 
 136.  1.  and  gather  us  together,  and  deliver  us  from  the  hea¬ 
 then,  that  we  may  give  thanks  to  thy  holy  name,  a7id 
 glory  in  thy  praife. 
 
 36  Blefled  the  Lord  God  of  Ifrael  for  ever  and 
 ever.  And  all  ^  the  people  faid.  Amen,  and  praifed 
 the  Lord. 
 
 37  U  So  he  left  there,  before  the  ark  oft  he  covenant 
 of  the  Lord,  Afaph  and  his  brethren,  to  minifter 
 before  the  ark  continually,  as  every  day’s  work  re¬ 
 quired  : 
 
 38  And  Obed-edom  with  their  brethren,  threefcore 
 and  eight ;  Obed-edom  alfp  the  fon  of  Jeduthun,  and 
 Hofah  to  be  porters  : 
 
 39  And  Zadok  the  prieft,  and  his  brethren  the 
 priefts,  before  the  tabernacle  of  the  Lord,  in  the  high 
 place  that  ’xus  at  Gibeon, 
 
 40  To  offer  burnt  offerings  unto  the  Lord  upon  the 
 altar  of  the  burnt-offering  continually  f  morning  and 
 evening,  and  to  do  according  to  all  that  is  written  in 
 
 and  inlhelhe  law  of  the  Lord,  which  he  commanded  Ifrael  ; 
 evening.  41  And  wdth  them  Heman  and  Jeduthun,  and  the 
 reft  that  w'ere  chofen,-  who  were  expreffed  by  name, 
 to  give  toanks  to  the  Lord,  becaufe  his  mercy  mdur- 
 eth  for  ever  : 
 
 42  And  with  them  Heman  and  Jeduthun,  with 
 trumpets  and  cymbals  for  thole  that  fhould  make  a 
 found,  and  with  mufical  inftruments  of  God.  And 
 
 i/if fons  of  Jeduthun  were  t  porters. 
 
 43  And  all  the  people  departed  every  man  to  his 
 houfe  ;  and  David  returned  to  blefs  his  houfe.* 
 
 CHAP.  XVII. 
 
 1  David  forbidden  to  build  God  an  house,  1 1  is  promised  hlrjjin^s  in,  his 
 seed;  16  his  prayer  and  thanksgivings. 
 
 NOW  “  it  came  to  pal’s,  as  David  fat  in  his  houfe, 
 that  David  faid  to  Nathan  the  prophet,  Lo,  I 
 dwell  in  an  houfe  of  cedars,  but  the  ark  of  the  cove¬ 
 nant  of  the  Lord  remaineth  under  curtains. 
 
 2  Then  Nathan  faid  unto  David,  Do  all  that  is  in 
 thine  heart ;  for  Gcd  is  with  thee. 
 
 f  Jc  is  Jorhidden  to  build  God 
 
 t  Heb, 
 in  the 
 morning 
 
 a  2  Sam. 
 7.  1,  &c. 
 
 mercy,  the  pfalmifl:  clofes  with  the  language  of  prayer.  5.  The  people  added 
 their  joyful  Amen,  and  praifed  the  Lord.  Ver.  37—4.3,  The  ark  being  fixed 
 at  Jerufalem,  and  the  Levites  appointed  to  minifter,  David  takes  care  alfo  of  the 
 tabernacle  at  Giheon.  Zadok,  the  priefts  and  Levites,  attended  there,  whilft 
 
 3  H  And  It  came  to  pafs  the  fame  ninht  that  m 
 
 word  of  God  came  to  Nathan,  faying,  ^  ’  ^ 
 
 4  Go  and  tell  David  my  fervanr,’ Thus  faith  the  'o'-’ 
 -  Ihou  (halt  not  build  me  an  houfe  to  dwell 
 
 Lord, 
 in  : 
 
 .5  For  I  have  not 
 
 dwelt 
 
 .  .  .  .  in  an  houfe  fince  the  dav 
 
 that  1  brought  up  Ilrael  unto  this  day  ;  but  t  have  gone  fir„ 
 
 tabernacle  to  another 
 
 6  Wnereloever  I  have  walked  with  all  Ifrael,  fpake 
 1  a  w'ord  to -any  of  the  judges  of  Ifrael,  whom  I  com¬ 
 manded  to  feed  ray  people,  faying.  Why  have  ye  not 
 built  me  an  houfe  of  cedars  ? 
 
 7  Now  therefore  thus  (halt  thou  fay  unto  ray  fer- 
 vant  David,  Thus  laith  the  Lord  of  hofts,  I  took  thee 
 from  the  ftieep-cote,  even  f  from  following  the  (heep  + 
 that  thou  fhouldeft  be  ruler  over  my  people  Ifrael ;  'from  ' 
 
 8  And  I  have  been  with  thee  whitherfoever  thou 
 haft  walked,  and  have  cut  oft  all  thine  enemies  from 
 before  thee,  and  have  made  thee  a  name  like  the  name 
 of  the  great  men  that  are  in  the  earth  : 
 
 9  Alfo  I  will  ordain  a  place  for  my  people  Ifrael,  and 
 will  plant  them,  and  they  (hall  dwell  in  their  place,  and 
 (hall  be  moved  no  more ;  neither  (hall  the  children  of 
 wickednefs  wafte  them  any  more,  as  at  the  beginning. 
 
 10  And  fince  the  time  that  I  commanded  judges 
 to  he  over  my  people  Ifrael :  moreover,  I  will  lubdue 
 all  thine  enemies.  Furthermore,  I  tell  thee,  that  the 
 Lord  will  build  thee  an  houfe. 
 
 1 1  ^  And  it  (hall  come  to  pafs, when  thy  days  be 
 expired,  that  thou  muft  go  to  be  with  thy  fathers,  that 
 I  will  raife  up  thy  feed  after  thee,  which  (hall  be  of 
 thy  fons ;  and  I  will  eftablifh  his  kingdom. 
 
 12  f  He  (hall  build  me  an  houfe,  and  1  will  eftablifh 
 his  throne  for  ever. 
 
 J3  ”  I  will  be  his  father,  and  he  (hail  be  my  fon  Sam, 
 and  I  will  not  take  my  mercy  away  from  him,  as  I  ‘ 
 took  it  from  him  that  was  before  thee : 
 
 14  But  I  will  fettle  him  in  mine  houfe  and  in  my 
 kingdom  for  ever:  and  his  throne  (hall  be  eftablifhed 
 for  evermore. 
 
 15  According  to  all  thefe  words,  and  according  to 
 all  this  vifion,  fo  did  Nathan  fpeak  unto  David. 
 
 16  f  And  David  the  king  came  and  fat  before  the 
 Lord,  and  laid.  Who  am  I,  O  Lord  God,  and  what 
 is  mine  houfe  that  thou  haft  brought  me  hitherto  ? 
 
 17  And  yet  this  was  a  (’mail  thing  in  thine  eyes,  O 
 God  ;  for  thou  haft  also  fpoken  of  thy  lervant’s  houfe 
 for  a  great  while  to  come,  and  haft  regarded  me  ac¬ 
 cording  to  the  eftate  of  a  man  of  high  degree,  O 
 Lord  God. 
 
 18  What  can  David  speaJc  more  to  thee  for  the  ho¬ 
 nour  of  thy  fervant  ?  for  thou  knoweft  thy  fervant. 
 
 19  O  Lord,  for  thy  fervant’s  lake,  and  according 
 to  thine  own  heart,  haft  thou  done  ail  this  greatnefs, 
 in  making  known  all  these  f  great  things. 
 
 20  O  Lord,  there  is  none  like  thee,  neither  isthere^'^" 
 
 have 
 
 nrjfes. 
 
 any  God  befides  thee,  according  to  all  that  we 
 heard  with  our  ears. 
 
 21  And  what  one  nation  in  the  earth  is  like  thy 
 people  Ifrael,  whom  God  v/ent  to  redeem  to  be  his 
 
 Abiathar  probably  abode  at  Jcrufaletn  to  confult  the  Lord  before  the  ark.  Go  * 
 fervice  being  thus  fettled,  the  people  went  home  rejoicing,  and  David  returned  « 
 his  houfe,  to  pray  with  and  for  them. 
 
 EXPLANATOUY  NOTES.  Chap.  XVII.  Ver.  1—27. 
 
 We  have  her® 
 
 PRACTICAL  observations _ *Cbap.  XVI.]  Here  contemplate  for  daily  ufe  a  noble  plan  and  exemplification  of  die  duty  of  praife  ;  Gratitude  )S» 
 
 moil  acceptable  freewill  off*ering  to  God,  He  is  the  proper  obje(5l  of  all  our  praifes;  and  in  all  our  rejoicings  we  ought  to  exprefs  than  u  ne  s  to  iun* 
 
1.  CHRONICLES. 
 
 JJcforc 
 
 Clirift 
 
 1042. 
 
 fHeb. 
 hajl  re- 
 
 D  Or, 
 
 it  hath 
 pleased 
 thee. 
 
 suhducth  the  Philistines,  Moabites,  ^c- 
 
 own  people,  to  make  thee  a  name  of  greafneis  and 
 terriblenefs,  by  driving  out  nations  from  before  thy 
 people,  whom  thou  haft  redeemed  out  of  Egypt. 
 
 ^  22  For  thy  people  Ifrael  didft  thou  make  thine  own 
 people  for  ever ;  and  thou,  Lord,  becameft  their 
 
 ^23*  Therefore  now,  Lord,  let  the  thing  that  thou 
 haft  fpoken  concerning  thy  fervant,  and  concerning 
 his  houfe,  be  eftabliftied  for  ever,  and  do  as  thou  haft 
 
 2I  Let  it  even  be  eftabliftied,  that  thy  name  may 
 be  magnified  for  ever,  faying,  The  Lord  of  hofts  is 
 the  God  of  Ifrael,  even  a  God  to  Krael ;  and  let  the 
 houfe  of  David  thv  fervant  be  eftabliftied  before  thee. 
 
 25  For  thou,  O  my  God,  f  haft  told  thy  fervant 
 that  thou  wilt  build  him  an  houfe  :  therefore  thy  fer- 
 viaiedihe  found  in  ttis  heart  to  pray  before  thee. 
 
 ZrSnu  "^6  And  now.  Lord,  thou  art  God,  and  haft  pro- 
 mifed  this  goodnefs  unto  thy  fervant : 
 
 27  Now  therefore  ll  let  it  pleafe  thee  to  blefs  the 
 houie  of  thy  fervant,  that  it  may  be  before  thee  for 
 ever :  for  thou  blefleft,  O  Lord,  and  it  shall  be  blel- 
 fed  for  ever.* 
 
 CHAP.  XVIII. 
 
 I  David  subdueth  the  Philistines  and  Moabites  :  3  he  smitelh  Hadarextr 
 and  the  Syrians, 
 
 cir.  1040.  O W  after  this » it  came  to  pafs,  that  David  fmote 
 
 a  2  Sam.  the  Philiftincs,  and  fubdued  them,  and  took 
 
 8.  1,  &c.  Q^th  her  towns  out  of  the  hand  of  the  Philiftines. 
 
 2  And  he  fmcle  Moab ;  and  the  Moabites  became 
 David’s  fervants  and  brought  gifts. 
 
 3  H  And  David  fmote  11  Hadarezer  king  of  Zobah 
 unto  Hamath,  as  he  went  to  eftablifti  his  dominion  by 
 the  river  Euphrates. 
 
 4  And  David  took  from  him  a  thoufand  chariots, 
 and  feven  thoufand  horfemen,  and  twenty  thoufand 
 footmen :  David  all’o  houghed  all  the  chariot-Z/orses, 
 but  referved  of  them  an  hundred  chariots. 
 
 5  And  when  the  Syrians  of  f  Damafeus  came  to 
 help  Hadarezer  king  of  Zobah,  David  flew  of  the 
 Syrians  two  and  twenty  thoufand  men. 
 
 6  Then  David  put  garrisons  in  Syria-damafeus ;  and 
 the  Syrians  became  David’s  fervants,  and  brought 
 gifts.  Thus  the  Lord  preferved  David  whitherfo- 
 ever  he  went. 
 
 7  And  David  took  the  fhields  of  gold  that  were  on 
 2Chron.  the  fervants  of  Hadarezer,  and  brought  them  to  Je- 
 
 rufalem. 
 
 8  Likewife  from  p  Tibhath,  and  from  Chun,  cities 
 of  Hadarezer,  brought  David  very  much  brafs,  where¬ 
 with  Solomon  made  the  brazen  fea,  and  the  pillars, 
 and  the  velLls  of  brafs. 
 
 9  ^  Now  when  H  Tou  king  of  Hamath  heard  how 
 Davift  had  fraitten  all  the  hoft  of  Hadarezer  king  of 
 Zobah, 
 
 10  He  fent  |1  Fladoram  his  fon  to  king  David,  to 
 
 II  enquire  of  his  welfare,  and  to  f  congratulate  him. 
 
 lie  sc.ndelh  to  conjorl 
 
 11  O'-. 
 
 Hadad- 
 
 ezer. 
 
 2  Sam. 
 8.  3. 
 
 tHeb. 
 
 Darme- 
 
 sek. 
 
 II  Called 
 in  the 
 book  of 
 Samuel, 
 Belah 
 and  Be- 
 rothai. 
 b  1  Kinss  ' 
 7.  23. 
 
 Toi, 
 
 2  Sam, 
 8.9. 
 y  Or, 
 Joram, 
 2  Sam, 
 8.  9. 
 y  Or, 
 Salute. 
 tHeb. 
 bless. 
 
 David’s  pious  purpofe,  Nathan’s  encouragement,  and  God’s  gracious  acceptance 
 m  the  will  for  the  deed  ;  an  account  of  which  we  had  before  in  2  Sam.  chap.  vii. 
 The  Jews  took  this  to  be  a  prophetic  defeription  of  the  reign  of  the  Mefliah,  and 
 the  writer  of  the  epiftle  to  the  Hebrews,  by  urging  this  paffage  in  that  fenfe,  gives 
 Its  a  good  proof  that  the  Jewilh  interpretation  w'as  juft,  comp,  ver.  13.  and  Heb. 
 t.  5.  David’s  prayer  differs  little  here  from  the  former. 
 
 explanatory  notes.  CHAr.  XVIII.  Ver.  1—17.  The  conquefts 
 
 o  Uavid  here  recorded,  we  have  2  Sam.  chap.  viii.  they  followed  his  prayer  and 
 promife  of  the  fucceeding  chapter  ;  they  who  have  God  in  their  intereft,  need  not 
 
 becaufe  he  had  foughf  againft  Hadarezf’r  and  fmit- 
 ten  him;  (for  Hadarezer  1  had  war  with  Tou;)  and 
 with  him  all  manner  of  vellels  of  gold,  and  fi'vcr,  and 
 brnfs#  ^  Hfcb- 
 
 1 1  Them  alfo  king  David  dedicated  unto  the  Lord, 
 with  the  filver  and  the  gold  that  he  brought  frona 
 these  nations ;  from  Edom,  and  from  Moab,  and  from 
 the  children  of  Ammon,  and  from  the  Philiftines,  and 
 from  Amalek. 
 
 12  Moreover,  Abifhai  the  fon  of  Zeruiah  flew  of||  or, 
 the  Edomites  in  the  valley  of  Salt  eighteen  thoufand.  remem'' 
 
 13  H  And  he  put  garrifons  in  Edona  ;  and  all 
 
 Edomites  became  David’s  fervants.  Ihus  the  Lord^^.^^_ 
 preferved  David  whitherfoever  he  went,  ucu, 
 
 14  H  So  David  reigned  over  all  Ifrael,  and  executed  2  Sam. 
 
 judgment  and  juftice  among  all  his  people.  «*  Called 
 
 15  And  Joab  the  fon  of  Zeruiah  was  over  the  hoft  ;  Serdink, 
 
 and  Jehofhaphat  the  fon  of  Ahilud  I)  recorder  ;  2  Sam. 
 
 16  And  Zadok  the  fon  of  Ahitub  and  ||  Abimelech  17.  & 
 
 the  fon  of  Abiathar,  were  the  priefts ;  and  H  Shaviha  j  j^ings 
 tcd'jfcribe;  4,3. 
 
 17  And  Benaiah  the  fon  of  Jehoiada  was  over  the  t  Heb. 
 
 Cherethites  and  the  Pelethites  ;  and  the  fons  of  David  , 
 were  chief  t  about  the  king.l  the  kin". 
 
 CHAP.  XIX. 
 
 1  David's  messengers  sent  to  comfort  Hanun,  are  villainously  entreated, 
 
 6  The  Ammonites  are  overcome, 
 
 NOW  »  it  came  to  pafs  after  this,  that  Nahalh  the  »  2  Sam. 
 
 king  of  the  children  of  Ammon  died,  and 
 fon  reigned  in  his  ftead. 
 
 2  And  David  faid,  I  will  (hew  kindnefs  unto  Hanun 
 the  fon  of  Nahafh,  becaufe  his  father  (hewed  kindneis 
 to  me.  And  David  fent  meflengers  to  comfort  him 
 concerning  his  father.  So  the  fervants  of  David  came 
 into  the  land  of  the  children  of  Ammon  to  Hanun,  to 
 comfort  him. 
 
 3  But  the  princes  of  the  children  of  Ammon  faid  to 
 Hanun,  f  Thinkeft  thou  that  David  doth  honour  thy  j  Heb. 
 father,  that  he  hath  fent  comforters  unto  thee? 
 not  his  fervants  come  unto  ttiee  for  to  fearch,  and 
 overthrow,  and  to  fpy  out  the  land  ?  ^c, 
 
 4  Wherefore  Hanun  took  David’s  fervants,  and 
 fhaved  them,  and  cut  off  their  garments  in  the  raidft, 
 hard  by  their  buttocks,  and  fent  them  away. 
 
 5  Then  there  w^ent  certain,  and  told  David  how  the 
 men  were  ferved :  and  he  lent  to  meet  them  ;  (for  the 
 men  vvere  greatiy  aihamed  ;)  and  the  king  faid,  Tarry 
 at  Jericho  until  your  beards  be  grown,  and  then 
 return, 
 
 6  H  And  when  the  children  of  Ammon  law  that 
 they  had  made  themfelves  t  odious  to  David,  Hanun  t  Heb. 
 and  the  children  of  Ammon  fent  a  thoufand  talents 
 of  filver  to  hire  them  chariots  and  horfemen  out  of 
 Mefopotamia,  and  out  of  Syria-maachah,  and  out  of 
 Zobah. 
 
 7  So  they  hired  thirty  and  two  thoufand  chariots, 
 and  the  king  of  Maachah  and  his  people ;  who  came 
 
 Chap.  XVII,]  See  2  Sam,  vii.  Practical  Obfervations. 
 
 fear  their  enemies,  however  ftrong  and  numerous  they  may  be.  They  who  ar 
 profperous.  like  David,  will  be  courted  ;  but  a  true  friend  is  bed  known  in  ad 
 verfity.  Tou  thought  David’s  favour  well  worth  the  moft  valuable  prefent  h 
 could  fend  him.  David’s  government  feems  to  be  as  excellent  as  his  vianrie 
 were  glorious ;  but  of  tbis  we  need  not  be  (brprifed,  as  God  pfofpertd  him  ii 
 every  undertaking.  ^ 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES  Chap.  XIX.  Ver.  1_16.  This  account  w, 
 find,  2  Sam.  chap.  x.  Had  the  Ammonttes  fuhmitted,  they  might  have  obtaine, 
 peace  from  David  at  a  lefs  expence  than  the  fruitlefs  affifta  ice  of  Syria.  J,al 
 
 No.  26.„.6(I, 
 
 M 
 
 f  tjHAP.  XVlll.j  See  2  Sam,  viii,  Pra<5lical  Obfervations. 
 
The  Ammonites  overcome  hj  Joahy  S^-c. 
 
 I.  CHRONICLED 
 
 Before 
 
 Chria 
 
 1017. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 was. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 young 
 
 men. 
 
 •f  Heb. 
 .Abishai. 
 
 and  pitched  before  Medeba.  And  the  children  of 
 Aoimon  gathered  themlelves  together  from  their  ci- 
 ties,  and  came  to  battle. 
 
 8  And  when  David  heard  of  it,  he  fent  Joab,  and 
 all  the  hoft  of  the  mighty  men. 
 
 9  And  the  children  of  Ammon  came  out  and  put 
 the  battle  in  array  before  the  gate  of  the  city  :  and  the 
 kings  that  were  come  -ivere  by  themlelves  in  the  field. 
 
 the  face  of  Now  When  Joab  f.iw  that  f  the  battle  was  let 
 thehatiie  fi'tB  before  and  behind,  he  chofe  out  of  all  the 
 
 II  choice  of  Ilrael,  and  put  them  in  array  against  the 
 Syrians. 
 
 1 1  And  the  reft  of  the  people  he  delivered  into  the 
 hand  of  f  Abishai  his  brother,  and  they  let  themselves 
 in  array  againft  the  children  of  Ammon. 
 
 12  And  he  laid,  If  the  Syrians  be  too  ftrong  for  me 
 then  thou  (halt  help  me ;  but  if  the  children  of  Am¬ 
 mon  be  to  ftrong  for  thee,  then  I  will  help  thee.  i 
 
 13  Be  of  good  courage,  and  letius  behave  ourfelves  ; 
 valiantly  for  our  people  and  for  the  cities  of  our  God  :  j 
 and  let  the  Lord  do  that  which  is  good  in  his  fight.  | 
 
 14  So  Joab,  and  the  people  that  ■a/£Te  with  him,  drew 
 nigh  before  the  Syrians  unto  the  battle  ;  and  they  fled 
 before  him. 
 
 15  And  when  the  children  of  Ammon  faw  that  the 
 Syrians  were  fled,  they  libewife  fled  before  Abifhai 
 his  brother,  and  entered  into  the  city.  Tnen  Joab 
 came  to  Jerufalem. 
 
 16  H  And  when  the  Syrians  faw  that  they  were  put 
 to  the  worfe  before  Ifrael,  they  fent  mefl'engers,  and 
 drew  forth  the  Syrians  that  were  beyond  the  1|  river; 
 and  II  Shophach,  the  captain  of  the  hoft  of  Hadarezer, 
 went  before  them. 
 
 17  And  it  was  told  David  :  and  he  gathered  all  If- 
 rael,  and  pifled  over  Jordan,  and  came  upon  them 
 and  fet  the  battle  in  array  againft  them.  So  when 
 David  had  put  the  battle  in  array  againft  the  Syrians 
 they  fought  with  him. 
 
 18  But  the  Syrians  fled  before  Ifrael ;  and  David 
 flew  of  the  Syrians  feven  thoufand  men  which  fought  in 
 chariots,  and  forty  thoufand  footmen,  and  killed  Sho¬ 
 phach  the  captain  of  the  hoft. 
 
 19  x^nd  when  the  fervants  of  Hadarezer  faw  that 
 they  were  put  to  the  worfe  before  ifrael,  they  made 
 peace  with  David,  and  became  his  fervants  :  neither 
 would  the  Syrians  help  the  children  of  Ammon  any 
 more.* 
 
 CHAP.  XX. 
 
 jRabbnk  is  besieged  by  Joab,  fpoiled  by  David,  and  the  people  tortured, 
 4  Three  overthrows  oj  the  Philistines. 
 
 ND  *  it  came  to  pafs,  that  t  after  the  year  was 
 
 II  That  is. 
 Euphra¬ 
 tes. 
 
 (I  Or, 
 Shobach, 
 
 2  Sam. 
 10.  16. 
 
 cir.  1035. 
 a  2  Sam.  ^ 
 II.  I. 
 f  rieb. 
 
 at  the  re-  A  expired,  at  the  time  that  kings  go  out  to  battle, 
 ^thTear  Joab  led  forth  the  power  of  the  ariuy,  and  wafted  the 
 cir. ^1033.  country  of  the  children  of  Ammon,  and  came  and  be- 
 b  2  Sam,  fieged  Rabbah  ;  (but  David  tarried  at  Jerufalem  ;)  and 
 Joab  fmote  Rabbah,  and  deftroyed  it. 
 
 2  And  David  took  the  crown  of  their  king  from 
 off  his  head,  and  found  it  f  to  weigh  a  talent  of  gold, 
 
 12.  50. 
 f  Heb. 
 the  weight 
 
 Satan  tempteth  David  to  number  , 
 
 and  there  precious  Hones  in  it ;  and  it  was  f 
 
 upon  David’s  head  ;  and  he  brought  alfo  excppHi. 
 much  fpoil  out  of  the  city.  ‘exceeding ^ 
 
 3  And  he  brought  out  the  people  that  were  in  if 
 and  cut  them  with  laws  and  with  harrows  of  iron  an  1 
 with  axes  ;  even  fo  dealt  David  with  all  the  cities  of 
 the  children  of  Ammon.  And  David  and  all  th^ 
 people  returned  to  Jerufalem. 
 
 4  H  And  it  came  to  pafs  after  this,  =  that  there  ll  +‘=2  v 
 arole  war  at  Gezer  with  the  Philiftines  ;  at  which  timi 
 Sibbechai  the  Huftiathire  flew  Sippai  that  was  of  the  li‘ o*'’"'' 
 children  of  ||  the  giant  ;  and  they  were  fubdued.  ULi 
 
 5  And  there  was  war  again  with  the  Ptiiliftines  •  ' 
 
 and  Elhanan  the  fon  of  |1  Jair  flew  Lahmi,  the  brotherTn’ 
 of  Gohath  the  Gittue,  whofe  Ipear’s  ftafF  tecs  like  ac^’ 
 weaver’s  beam.  p  oi-, 
 
 6  And  yet  again  ^  there  was  war  at  Gath,  where 
 was  t  a  man  of  great  ftature,  whofe  fingers  and  toesliib 
 were  four  and  twenty,  fix  on  each  hand,  and  fix  on  each^'^'^n. 
 foot :  and  he  alfo  was  the  f  fon  of  the  giant. 
 
 7  But  when  he  ||  defied  Ifrael,  Jonathan  the  fon  of 21®?; 
 
 \\  Shiraea,  David’s  brother  flew  him.  das! 
 
 8  Thefe  were  born  unto  the  giant  in  Gath;  and “‘•20.'' 
 they  fell  by  the  hand  of  David,  and  by  the  hand  ot  ^ 
 
 his  fervants. t  ymoj- 
 
 t  Heb.  born  to  the  giant,  or,  Rapha.  |1  Or,  reproached.  j|  Shammah,  1  SaiTu's 
 
 CHAP.  XXL 
 
 I 
 
 1  David  numbereth  the  people  ;  5  he  rcpenlelh,  9  and  chooselh  the  pesti¬ 
 lence;  18  he  purchajilh  Oman's  threshing-Jloor,  tjr. 
 
 And  *  Satan  flood  up  againft  Ifrael,  and  provok-a  ssm, 
 ed  David  to  number  Ifrael.  24.  i.sc, 
 
 2  And  David  faid  to  Joab,  and  to  the  rulers  of  the 
 people,  Go,  number  Ifrael,  from  Beer-fheba  even  to 
 Dan  ;  and  bring  the  number  of  them  to  me  that  I 
 may  know  it. 
 
 3  And  Joab  anfwered.  The  Lord  make  his  people 
 an  hundred  times  fo  many  more  as  they  be  .•  but  my 
 lord  the  king,  are  they  not  all  my  lord’s  fervants  ? 
 why  then  doth  my  lord  require  this  thing  ?  why  will 
 he  be  a  caufe  of  trefpafs  to  Ifrael  ? 
 
 4  Neverthlels,  the  king’s  word  prevailed  againft 
 Joab :  wherefore  Joab  departed  and  went  through¬ 
 out  all  Ifrael,  and  cam.e  to  Jerufalem. 
 
 5  f  And  Joab  gave  the  lum  of  the  number  of  the 
 
 feems  to  have  been  in  imminent  danger,  but  with  great  prefence  of  mind  be  ex¬ 
 tricated  himfelf,  and  by  the  afliltance  of  Providence  routed  them,  and  they  were 
 obliged  to  fiibmit. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XX.  Ver.  1—8.  Whilft  Job  con¬ 
 quered  the  country  of  the  Ammonites,  David  remained  at  Jerufalem  :  we  are 
 informed  with  grief,  2  Sam.  chap.  xi.  to  how  bad  a  purpofe  which  is  not  mentioned  ; 
 
 people  unto  David.  And  all  they  o/’Ifrael  were  a  thou- 
 I’and  thoufand  and  an  hundred  thoufand  men  that  drew 
 fword  :  and  Judah  was  four  hundred  threefcore  and 
 ten  thoufand  men  that  drew  fword. 
 
 6  But  Levi  and  Benjamin  counted  he  not  among 
 them  :  for  the  king’s  word  was  abominable  to  Joab.  |  Heb. 
 
 7  ^  b  And  God  was  difpleafed  with  this  tning  ;  ii 
 therefore  he  fmote  Ifrael. 
 
 8  And  David  faid  unto  God,  •’I  have  finned  great- 
 
 ly,  becaule  I  have  done  this  th.ng;  but  now',  1  be-xoui) 
 leech  thee,  do  away  the  iniquity  of  thy  lervant ;  forw""''*' 
 I  have  done  very  foolifhly. 
 
 9  H  And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  Gad,  David’s  feer, [,‘28^ 
 
 faying,  24.  lO’ 
 
 here.  When  a  man  repents  of  his  fins,  a  veil  fliould  be  drawn  over  them, 
 they  Ihould  be  no  more  mentioned.  The  Philiftines  ftruggled  with  great 
 nacy  againft  Ifrael,  but  all  their  mighty  men  fell  at  laft  before  the  vidlorious a'® 
 of  David  and  his  people, 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXI.  Ver.  1—17.  Obferve  here,  b'* 
 Satan  fucceeds  in  bis  temptation  againft  David.  Pride  appears  to  be  the  eorr“l' 
 
 *  Chap.  XIX.]  See  2  Sam.  x.  Pra6lical  Obfervations. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS _ +  Chap.  XX.]  We  Ihould  conceal  the  faults  of  the  godly  with  candour,  if  we  do  it  with  faitbfulnefs.  - 
 
 fay  good  of  others,  we  had  generally  better  fay  nothing  of  them.  But  however  long  the  powerful  enemies  of  God  and  his  ebureb  Hand  their  ground  they 
 ^  ^  need  the  faints  le  ever  diflieartened  by  their  enemies’  infolence  and  pride,  while  they  have  the  Almighty  God  on  their  fide. 
 
 And  if  we 
 
 ilialli 
 
 brought  down  at  laA. 
 
Dmd  pirclmcih  OtnanU  lhrashing:Por, 
 
 I.  CHRONICLES. 
 
 David  preparelh  to  Ouild  the  temple- 
 
 t  Hei> 
 
 ijrelchout 
 
 Ileb. 
 
 fake  10 
 thee. 
 
 li  Of. 
 
 many. 
 
 c  2  Sam. 
 24.  IS* 
 
 8  Or, 
 
 Araunah, 
 
 2  Sam. 
 24.  18. 
 
 10  Go  and  tell  David,  faying.  Thus  faith  the  Lord, 
 
 cS  u  oiler  thee  three  choofe  thee  one  ot  them, 
 
 that  I  may  do  it  unto  thee. 
 
 1 1  So  Gad  came  to  David,  and  faid  unto  him,  1  hus 
 
 ■  faith  the  Lord,  t  Choole  thee 
 
 12  Either  three  years’  famine;  or  three  months  to 
 be  deftroyed  before  thy  foes,  while  that  the  (word  of 
 thine  enemies  overtaketh  thee;  or  elle  three  days  the 
 fword  of  the  Lord,  even  the  peftilence  m  the  land, 
 and  the  angel  of  the  Lord  deftroymg  throughout  a 
 the  coatfs  of  Ifrael.  Now  therefore  adyile  thylelf 
 what  word  I  (ball  bring  again  to  him  that  lent  me. 
 
 13  And  David  faid  unto  Gad,  1  am  in  a  great  Idrait : 
 let  me  fall  now  into  the  hand  of  the  Lord  ;  for  very 
 II  great  are  his  mercies :  but  let  me  not  fall  into  the 
 
 hand  of  man.  xr  i  i 
 
 14,  H  So  the  Lord  fent  peftilence  upon  Ifrael :  and 
 
 there  fell  of  Ifrael  feventy  thoufand  men. 
 
 15  And  God  fent  an  <=  angel  unto  Jerufalem  to  de- 
 ftroy  it ;  and,  as  he  was  deftroying,  the  Lord  be¬ 
 held  and  he  repented  him  of  the  evil,  and  laid  to  the 
 angel  that  deftroyed.  It  is  enough  ;  flay  now  thine 
 hand.  And  the  angel  of  the  Lord  ftood  by  the 
 thralhing-floor  of  I1  Oman  the  Jebufite. 
 
 16  H  And  David  lifted  up  his  eyes,  and  law  the  an¬ 
 gel  of  the  Lord  ftand  between  the  earth  and  the 
 heaven,  having  a  drawn  fword  in  his  hand  ftretched 
 out  over  Jerufalem :  then  David  and  the  elders  of  Israel, 
 iioho  were  clothed  in  lackcloth  fell  upon  their  faces. 
 
 17  And  David  faid  unto  God,  Is  it  not  I  that  com¬ 
 manded  the  people  to  be  numbered  ?  even  I  it  is  that 
 have  finned  and  done  evil  indeed  :  but  as  for  thefe 
 Iheep,  what  have  they  done?  Let  thine  hand,  I  pray 
 thee,  O  Lord  my  God  be  on  me,  and  on  my  fa¬ 
 ther’s  houfe  ;  but  not  on  thy  people,  that  they  Ihould 
 be  plagued. 
 
 dsChro.  18  ^  Then  the  angel  of  the  Lord  commanded 
 3-  Gad  to  fay  to  David,  that  David  Ihould  go  up,  and 
 
 fet  up  an  altar  unto  the  Lord  in  the  thralhing-floor 
 of  Oman  the  Jebulite. 
 
 19  And  David  went  up  at  the  faying  of  Gad,  which 
 he  fpake  in  the  name  of  the  Lord. 
 
 20  II  And  Oman  turned  back,  and  faw  the  angel ; 
 and  his  four  fons  with  him  hid  themfelves.  Now 
 Oman  was  thrafhing  wheat. 
 
 21  And  as  David  came  to  Oman,  Oman  looked, 
 and  faw  David,  and  went  out  of  the  thralhing-floor, 
 and  bowed  himfelf  to  David  with  /«s  face  to  the  ground. 
 
 22  Then  David  faid  to  Oman,  t  grant  me  the  place 
 
 }ou.-  sans  of  this  thrafhing-floor,  that  I  may  build  an  altar  there- 
 Zi'them  Lord:  thou  lhalt  grant  it  me  for  the  full 
 
 seLs?"*'  price,  that  the  plague  may  be  ftayed  from  the  people. 
 tHeb.  23  And  Oman  faid  unto  David,  Take  it  to  thee, 
 
 and  let  my  lord  the  king  do  that  ivhich  is  good  in  his 
 eyes ;  lo,  I  give  thee  the  oxen  also  for  burnt  offerings, 
 and  the  ihralhing  inftrumenis  for  wood,  and  tne 
 wheat  for  the  meat-offering  ;  I  give  it  all. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chritt 
 
 1017 
 
 I  Or, 
 
 When 
 Ornim 
 turned 
 hick  and 
 saw  the 
 angst 
 then  he 
 and  his 
 
 Give. 
 
 24  And  king  David  faid  to  Oman,  Nay  ;  but  I 
 will  verily  buy  it  for  the  full  price  ;  for  I  will  not  take 
 that  which  is  thine  for  the  Lord,  nor  offer  burnt- 
 offerings  without  coft. 
 
 25  So  '  David  gave  to  Oman  for  the  place  fix  hun-  e  2  sam. 
 
 dred  fhekels  of  gold  by  weight.  '  ' 
 
 26  And  David  built  there  an  altar  unto  the  Lord, 
 and  offered  burnt-offerings  and  peace-offerings,  and 
 called  upon  the  Lord  ;  and  he  anfwered  him  from 
 heaven  by  fire  upon  the  altar  of  burnt-offering. 
 
 27  And  the  Lord  commanded  the  angel,  and  he 
 put  up  his  fword  again  unto  the  Iheath  thereof. 
 
 28  H  At  that  time,  when  David  faw  that  the  Lord 
 had  anfwered  him  in  the  thralhing-floor  of  Oman 
 
 the  Jebufite,  then  he  facrificed  there. 
 
 29  For  the  tabernacle  of  the  Lord,  which  Moles 
 made  in  the  wildernefs,  and  the  altar  ot  the  burnt-offer¬ 
 ing,  were  at  that  feafon  in  the  high  place  at  *  Gibeon.  ^  i^Kmgs 
 
 30  But  David  could  not  go  before  it  to  enquire  of 
 
 God  ;  for  he  was  afraid,  becaufe  of  the  Iwcrd  ot  the  ig,  39. 
 angel  of  the  Lord.*  2  Chron. 
 
 CHAP.  XXII.  "• 
 
 1  David  preparelh  for  the  building  of  the  temple ;  6  he  instruBeth  Solo- 
 -  mon;  17  hechargelh  the  princes  to  assist, 
 
 Then  David  faid.  This  A  the  houfe  of  the  Lord 
 God,  and  this  is  the  altar  of  the  burnt-offering 
 for  Ifrael. 
 
 2  And  David  commanded  to  gather  together  the 
 ftrangers  that  were  in  the  land  of  Ifrael ;  and  he  let  ma- 
 fons  to  hew  wrought  ftones  to  build  the  houfe  of  God. 
 
 3  And  David  prepared  iron  in  abundance  for  the 
 nails  for  the  doors  of  the  gates,  and  for  the  joinings ; 
 and  brafs  in  abundance  without  weight ; 
 
 4  Alio  cedar-trees  in  abundance ;  for  the  Zido- 
 nians,  and  they  of  Tyre,  brought  much  cedar-wood 
 to  David. 
 
 5  And  David  faid,  »  Solomon  my  fon  is  young  and 
 tender,  and  the  houfe  that  is  to  be  builded  for  the 
 Lord  must  be  exceeding  magnifical,  of  fame  and  of 
 glory  throughout  all  countries  :  I  will  therefore  now 
 make  preparation  for  it.  So  David  prepared  abun¬ 
 dantly  before  his  death. 
 
 6  %  Then  he  called  for  Solomon  his  fon,  and  charg-  • 
 ed  him  to  build  an  houfe  for  the  Lord  God  of  Ifrael. 
 
 7  And  David  laid  to  Solomon,  My  fon,  as  for  me, 
 it  was  in  my  mind  to  build  an  houfe  unto  the  name 
 of  the  Lord  my  God  : 
 
 8  But  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  to  me,  faying. 
 
 Thou  haft  Ihed  blood  abundantly,  and  haft  madebCbap. 
 great  wars:  thou  fnalt  not  build  an  houfe  unto  my28.  s. 
 name,  becaufe  thou  haft  Ihed  much  blood  upon  the 
 earth  in  ray  fight. 
 
 9  Behold,  a  fon  fhall  be  born  to  thee,  who  lhall 
 be  a  man  of  reft ;  and  1  will  give  him  reft  from  all 
 his  enemies  round  about  ;  for  his  name  fhail  be  H  So-  II  That  Is, 
 lomon,  and  I  will  give  peace  and  quietnels  unto  ifrael 
 in  his  days. 
 
 tion  the  devil  wrought  upon,  which  is  lefs  or  more  in  every  bread  Even 
 Joab,  allliougb  a  bad  man,  difeovers  David’s  folly  in  this  tranfadlion.  The  Lord 
 chaftifes  David  for  this  fin,  and  Gad’s  reproof  brought  him  to  repentance;  hut 
 this  could  not  fave  from  the  threatened  judgment.  Ver.  18 — 30.  Gad  is  com- 
 tnanded  by  an  angel  who  was  the  melTenger  of  the  plague,  to  bring  David  worn 
 of  reconciliation,  and  diredls  him  what  to  do,  in  which  David  makes  no  delay. 
 He  purchafed  the  thrulhing  floor  of  O' nan,  or  Araunah,  where  the  angel  ap¬ 
 peared,  to  rear  an  altar  for  facrifice.  He  otters  there  the  blood  of  atonement,  and 
 God  teflifies  his  acceptance  by  fire  from  heaven  on  the  I'acrifice.  David  con 
 tinned  ever  after  to  facrifice  on  that  altar.  At  firft,  he  was  afraid  to  move  from 
 
 Jerufalem,  where  he  had  feen  the  terrible  angel,  till  the  judgment  was  removed, 
 and  as  God  accepted  of  the  ofierings,  he  was  thereby  encouraged  to  continue  his 
 attendance  at  the  fame  place. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXII.  Ver.  1— 19.  Obferve,  1.  The 
 magnificence  of  the  temple,  which  David  had  in  his  heart  to  build  to  Jehovah, 
 and  the  noole  objedt  which  he  had  in  view  by  this  magnificence;  that  ftrangers 
 night  be  engaged  to  vifit  it,  doubtlefs  in  order  to  their  obtaining  the  knowledo'e 
 of  the  God  of  lirael.  2.  Solomon  was  young,  and  ttiould  the  crown  devolve 
 to  him,  it  would  encourage  him  to  proceed,  when  fo  much  was  ready  to  his 
 iiand. — The  perfous  he  employed  were  ftraugevs ;  either  they  were  more  able 
 
 Chap.  XXL]  See  2  Sam.  xxiv.  Pradlical  Obfervations. 
 
A'/o/: 
 
 omon  made 
 
 l:ing. 
 
 I.  CHRONICLES. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chnll 
 
 1017. 
 
 c  2  Sam. 
 7.  1^! 
 
 li  Or. 
 
 tn  my 
 poverty. 
 
 d  As 
 Verfe  3. 
 
 II  niat  is, 
 ma/oHS 
 and  car¬ 
 penters. 
 
 1013. 
 a  Chap. 
 28.  5. 
 
 b  Numb. 
 4  3. 
 
 cir.  1045. 
 
 «  Or, 
 to  overfee, 
 
 10  t  He  (hall  build  an  houfe  for  my  name  ;  and  he 
 
 I  he  his  father  ;  and  I  will 
 eliabmh  the  throne  of  his  kingdom  over  Ilrael  for  ever. 
 
 1 1  Now,  niy  fon,  the  Lord  be  with  thee ;  and  prof- 
 pier  i-  ou,  and  build  the  houfe  of  the  Lord  thy  God, 
 as  he  hath  laid  of  thee. 
 
 12  Only  the  Lord  give  thee  wil’d om  and  under- 
 Itanding,  and  give  thee  charge  concerning  Ilrael,  that 
 thou  mayeft  keep  the  law  of  the  Lord  thy  God. 
 
 ,1?  ^  profper,  if  thou  takeft  heed  to 
 
 tulhl  the  ftatutes  and  judgments  which  the  Lord, 
 charged  Moles  with  concerning  Ilrael :  be  ftrong,  and 
 of  good  courage ;  dread  not,  nor  be  difmayed. 
 
 H  Now,  behold,  1|  in  my  trouble  I  have  prepared 
 for  the  houie  of  the  Lord  an  hundred  thoufand  ta¬ 
 lents  of  gold,  and  a  thoufand  thoufand  talents  of  lilver ; 
 and  of  brafs  and  iron  without  weight  \  (for  it  is  in 
 abundance,)  timber  alfo  and  Hone  have  I  prepared ; 
 and  thou  mayeft  add  thereto. 
 
 1 5  Moreover,  f/tete  are  workmen  with  thee  in  abun¬ 
 dance,  hewers  and  ||  W'orkers  of  ftoneand  timber,  and 
 all  manner  of  cunning  men  for  every  manner  of  work. 
 
 16  Of  the  gold,  the  lilver,  and  the  brafs,  and  the 
 iron,  there  is  no  number.  Arife  therefore^  and  be  do¬ 
 ing,  and  the  Lord  be  with  thee. 
 
 17  H  David  alfo  commanded  all  the  princes  of  Ifrael 
 to  help  Solomon  his  fon,  faying, 
 
 18  /s  not  the  Lord  your  God  with  you?  and  hath 
 he  not  given  you  reft  on  every  fide  ?  for  he  hath  given 
 the  inhabitants  of  the  land  into  mine  hand  ;  and  the 
 land  is  fubdued  before  the  Lord,  and  before  his 
 people. 
 
 19  Now  fet  your  heart  and  your  foul  to  feek  the 
 Lord  your  God :  arife  therefore,  and  build  ye  the 
 fan£fuary  of  the  Lord  God,  to  bring  the  ark  of  the 
 covenant  of  the  Lord,  and  the  holy  veffels  of  God, 
 into  the  houfe  that  is  to  be  built  to  the  name  of  the 
 Lord.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXIII. 
 
 1  Solomon  made  king.  2  The  Levites  ordered.  7  The  font  of  GerOion. 
 
 1 2  ICohath,  2 1  and  MerarL 
 
 SO  when  David  was  old  and  full  of  days,  he  made 
 “  Solomon  his  fon  king  over  Kfael. 
 
 2  H  And  he  gathered  together  all  the  princes  of 
 Ifrael,  with  the  priefts  and  the  Levites. 
 
 3  Now  the  Levites  were  numbered  from  the  age 
 of  “I  thirty  years  and  upward  :  and  their  number  by 
 their  polls,  man  by  man,  was  thirty  and  eight  thou- 
 '  fand. 
 
 4  Of  which,  twenty  and  four  thoufand  -were  II  to 
 fet  forward  the  work  of  the  houfe  of  the  Lord,  and 
 fix  tnonfand  'veere  officers  and  judges : 
 
 5  Moreover,  four  thoufand  were  porters  ;  and  four 
 
 The  Jamily  of  the  Gcrd,, 
 
 "V  I 
 is. 
 
 and  ^'tiap, 
 
 c. 
 
 artifts,  or  Le  would  have  no  fervile  work  laid  on  free-born  Ifraelites  :  or  as 
 figure  of  things  to  come,  when  Gentiles  ihould  be  not  only  called  into  the  church, 
 but  be  employed  as  mafler-builders.  The  preparations  made  were  vaft  and 
 coflly.  The  work  of  building  the  temple  being  by  divine  appointment,  David 
 gives  Solomon  dire<5lions  about  it.  God  forbade  him  to  do  it  himfelf,  as  he  had 
 been  much  enraged  in  war  and  blood (hed,  but  atfured  him  that  a  fon  Ihould 
 be  born  to  him,  in  whofe  days  they  Ihould  be  at  peace,  and  be  Ihould  have  lei- 
 fure  to  undertake  the  work.  David  encourages  him  that  vaft  preparations  were 
 already  made,  amounting  to  nearly  eight  hundred  millions  of  our  money,  con¬ 
 fining  of  gold,  filver,  brafs,  iron,  cedar  and  ftone.  He  exhorts  him  not  to  be 
 
 thoufand  pnifed  the  Lord  with  the  inftruments  which  r7'’ 
 
 I  made,  ( said  DavidJ  to  praile  therewtth.  cv** 
 
 intofeourfes  amonv  '5 
 snd  Merarf 
 
 ~  Gerfbomtes  were  H  Laadan  and  Shimei'e 
 
 8  1  he  Ions  of  Laadan  ;  the  chief  aos  Jehiel 
 
 Aetham,  and  Joel,  three.  o. 
 
 9  The  Tons  of  Shimei ;  Shelomith,  and  Haziel 
 Haran,  three.  Thefe  were  the  chief  of  the  fathe’rs  ofsg.'or'^ 
 
 JLjH^u^n*  I  jj^^* 
 
 10  Aud  the  Tons  of  Shimei  were,  Jahath,  II  Zina,  and 
 Jeuln,  and  Beriah.  Thefe  four  were  the  Ions  of  Shimei 
 
 1 1  And  Jahath  w-as  the  chief,  and  Zizah  the  fecond  : «  0r‘‘ 
 but  Jeulh  and  Beriah f  had  not  many  fons  ;  therefore^*’"- 
 they  were  in  on-?  reckoning,  according  to  their  father’s??”- 
 houfe.  _ 
 
 Kohath ;  Amram,  Izhar,  Hebron  ^'4 
 and  Lizzie],  four.  ’Ver.n, 
 
 13  The  fons  of '  Amram  ;  Aaron  and  Mofes  :  andJi?'''' 
 f  Aaron  was  (eparated,  that  he  fhould  fanft.fy  thewWil 
 moft  holy  things,  he  and  his  fons  for  ever,  to  burn*"''®- 
 incenl'e  before  the  Lord,  to  minifter  unto  him,  and  6?“'^ 
 to  blefs  in  his  name  for  ever. 
 
 14  Now,  concerning  Mofes,  the  man  of  God,  his  fons^s  h 
 were  named  of  the  tribe  of  Levi. 
 
 15  The  fons  of  Mofes  were  Gerfhom  and  Eliezer. 
 
 16  Of  the  fons  of  Gerfhom,  Shebuel  was  the  chief.  2. 22.4 
 
 17  And  the  fons  of  Eliezer  were,  Rehabiah  ||  the*®.  s,4, 
 
 chief.  And  Eliezer  had  none  other  fons ;  but  the  fons  26?“”' 
 of  Rehabiah  t  were  very  many.  jj  q? 
 
 18  Of  the  fons  of  Izhar;  Shelomith  the  chief.  tilt  first, 
 
 19  Of  the  fons  of  Hebron  ;  Jeriah  the  firft,  Ama-t^*^^''- 
 
 riah  the  fecond,  Jahaziel  the  third,  and  Jekameam  theT?. 
 fourth.  _ 
 
 20  Of  the  Tons  of  Uzziel ;  Micah  the  firft,  and  Je- 
 fiah  the  fecond. 
 
 2 1  II  The  Tons  of  Merari ;  Mahli  and  Mufhi.  The 
 fons  of  Mahli ;  Eleazar  and  Kifh, 
 
 22  And  Eleazar  died,  and  had  no  fons,  but  daugh¬ 
 ters  :  and  their  |1  brethren  the  Tons  of  Kifh  took  them,  n  Or, 
 
 23  The  fons  of  Mufhi ;  Mahli,  and  Eder,  and  Jere-*'"*"''’*' 
 moth,  three. 
 
 24  f  Thefe  were  the  fons  of  *  Levi  after  the  houfe  of  i  Nimii. 
 rheir  fathers;  even  \.\\q  chief  of  the  fathers,  as  they 
 were  counted  by  number  of  names  by  their  polls,  that 
 
 did  the  work  for  the  fervice  of  the  houfe  of  the  Lord, 
 from  the  age  of'  tv;enty  years  and  upward.  kNumb. 
 
 25  For  IJavid  faid.  The  Lord  God  of  Ifrael  hath|-^- 
 
 given  reft  unto  his  people,  ||  that  they  may  dwell 
 Jerufalem  for  ever ;  dxreiieHM 
 
 26  And  alfo  unto  the  Levites :  they  fhall  no  moreJe^'^fi- 
 carry  the  tabernacle,  nor  any  veffels  of  it  for  the 
 
 vice  thereof. 
 
 intimidated  by  the  greatnefs  of  the  undertaking,  nor  the  difficulties  that  migbt 
 occur,  but  to  take  heed  to  all  God’s  commandments,  fror«  which  he  might  hope 
 for  his  bicffing.  David  prays  that  God  would  endue  him  with  wifdom  and  undef* 
 (landing,  thus  to  walk  and  adl,  and  bids  him  without  delay  to  proceed.  He 
 exhorts  the  princes  to  lend  him  every  affiftance  in  their  power. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXIII.  Ver.  1—13.  David  having 
 made  Solomon  his  fucceflTor,  convokes  a  folemn  aflTembly  to  recognife  hi*  np 
 pointment,  in  order  to  prevent  all  competition.  At  this  affembly,  David  pef 
 fe(3ed  the  fettlement  of  the  Levites.  He  numbered  them,  and  they  amoun 
 to  thirty-eight  thoufand  men,  a  vaft  increafe  fince  the  time  of  Moles.  He 
 
 ted 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS; — *  Chap.  XXII. ]  Very  diffierent  are  men’s  fpirits  when  ruled  by  their  pride,  than  when  governed  by  the  humi^i^^^ 
 grace  of  God.  As  the  church  of  God  is  not  built  up  by  the  (  word  of  war,  but  by  the  gofpel  of  peace,  let  us  devote  our  leifure  from  other  avocations  in  tiieininie‘ 
 fervice  of  God.  The  more  God  has  done  for  us,  the  greater  are  our  obligations  to  ferve  him  diligently  and  faithfully.  Truly  humble  and  grateful  ."'npi 
 
 little  account  of  all  they  can  do  for  God’s  honour.  And  indeed  nothing  can  we  ever  perforin  to  the  glory  of  God  compared  to  what  he  hath  done  for  us.  1  * 
 *he  greatnefs  of  any  work,  but  the  fpirituality  of  temper  with  which  it  is  done,  that,  next  to  Jefus’  blood,  gives  its  Value  before  God.  Great  courage,  refolutiou, 
 d«p«adeace  ob  God  bj  faith  and  prayer,  are  neceftary  in  the  fervice  of  God. 
 
(Jirhions  of  Aarons  sons, 
 
 Before  27  For,  Hy  the  laft  words  of  D.ivid,  the  Levites 
 ciiiift  I  numbered  (rom'fwenty  years  old  and  above: 
 10I5-  28  Becaufc  f  their  office  was  to  wait  on  the  (bns  of 
 
 Aaron,  for  the  fervice  of  the  houfe  of  the  Lord,  in 
 the  courts,  and  in'  the  chambers,  and  in  the  purify- 
 inji  of  all  holy  things,  and  the  work  of  the  fervice  of 
 the  houfe  of  God  ; 
 
 29  Both  for  the  fhew-bread,  and  for  the  '  fine  flour 
 
 I.  CHRONICLES, 
 
 f  Het». 
 fiutnhers- 
 I  Hcb. 
 their  na¬ 
 tion  was  at 
 
 the  hawi 
 
 1  Lev  it. 
 6.  29. 
 
 I  Or, 
 
 jlutiMe. 
 
 of  the  sons  meat-offering,  and  for  the  unleavened  cakes,  and 
 that  which  is  baked  in  the  |)  pan,  and  for  that  which 
 is  fried,  and  for  all  manner  of  meafure  and  fize  ; 
 
 30  And  to  {land  every  morning  to  thank  and  praife 
 the  Lord,  and  likewife  at  even  : 
 
 31  And  to  offer  all  burnt-facrifices  unto  the  Lord 
 in  the  fabbaths,  in  the  new-moons,  and  on  the  fet 
 fealts,  by  number,  according  to  the  order  commanded 
 unto  them,  continually  before  the  Lord  : 
 
 32  And  that  they  ffiall  keep  the  charge  of  the 
 tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  and  the  charge  of 
 the  holy  place,  and  the  charge  of  the  fons  of  Aaron 
 their  brethren,  in  the  fervice  of  the  houfe  of  the 
 Lord.* 
 
 CHAP  XXIV. 
 
 1  The  divi/ions  of  the  sons  of  Aaron  by  lot  into  four  and  twenty  orders, 
 20  The  Kahathiles.  27  And  the  Merariles,  divided  by  lot. 
 
 NOW  these  are  the  divifions  of  the  fons  of  Aaron. 
 *  The  fons  of  Aaron ;  Nabab  and  Abihu, 
 lu.  I,  o.  £igazar,  and  Ithamar. 
 
 b  Numb.  2  But  Nadab  and  Abihu  died  before  their  father, 
 and  had  no  children  ;  therefore  Eleazar  and  Ithamar 
 executed  the  prieft’s  office. 
 
 3  And  David  diftributed  them,  both  Zadok,  of  the 
 fons  of  Eleazar,  and  Ahimelech,  of  the  fons  of  Ithamar, 
 according  to  their  offices  in  their  fervice. 
 
 4  And  there  were  more  chief  men  found  of  the 
 fons  of  Eleazar  than  of  the  fons  of  Ithamar  ;  and  thus 
 were  they  divided.  Among  the  fons  of  Eleazar  there 
 were  fixteen  chief  men  of  the  houfe  of  fathers, 
 and  eight  anaong  the  fons  of  Ithamar,  according  to  the 
 houfe  of  their  fathers. 
 
 5  Thus  were  they  divided  by  lot,  one  fort  with 
 another ;  for  the  governors  of  the  fanduary,  and  go¬ 
 vernors  of  the  house  of  God,  were  of  the  fons  of  Elea¬ 
 zar,  and  of  the  fons  of  Ithamar. 
 
 6  And  Shemaiah  the  fon  of  Nefhaneel  the  feribe, 
 o«eof  the  Levites,  wrote  them  before  the  king,  and 
 the  princes,  and  Zadok  the  prieft,  and  Ahimelech  the 
 ton  of  Abiathar,  and  hfore  the  chief  of  the  fathers 
 hout'of  and  Levites:  one  t  principal  houfehold 
 
 ihefather.  °^'9g  taken  for  Eleazar,  and  one  taken  for  Ithamar. 
 
 7  Now  the  firft  lot  came  forth  to  Jehoiarib,  the 
 lecond  to  Jedaiah, 
 
 11  'Fhe  ninth  toLffitvili,  th'  i  ni'a  to  S'-fcar.  h: 
 
 12  1  he  eleventh  to  J’.liali  ll),  tho  'wt-lftr,  to 
 
 13  I'he  thirteenth  to  Iluppah,  tiic  iourte-cr.  h 
 Jefhebeah, 
 
 ■  t.i 
 
 -r, 
 
 to 
 
 lO 
 
 a  Levit. 
 
 S.  4.  & 
 26.  61. 
 
 «  Luke 
 
 l.S. 
 
 ^  to  Harim,  the  fourth  to  Seorim, 
 
 9  The  fifth  to  Malchjah,  the  fixth  to  Mijarain, 
 
 10  The  feventh  to  Hakkoz,  the  eighth  toc  A.bijah, 
 
 pointed  them  their  feveral  employments  ;  twenty-four  thoufand  were  to  ferve  by 
 as  hpn  ,vii  rotation.  Six  thoufand  were  appointed  judges  and  officers, 
 
 cities  ecclefiaftical,  and  didributed  through  the 
 
 ters  f  maintain  peace  and  execute  judice.  Four  thoufand  were  por. 
 
 Thp  -u  ^  guards;  and  four  thoufand  more  were  lingers,  divided  into  choirs. 
 BhnJ!' .K  ®  into  three  clalTes,  according  to  the  Unee  fons  of  Levi  from 
 
 no  Zr .  7  1  f  furniture  being 
 
 alterpt!^'  °  as  they  had  been,  David,  by  divine  appointment,  makes 
 
 twentv°"  Levites  were  to  begin  their  miniftration.  fr. 
 
 twenty  years  old  and  upwards. 
 
 an 
 
 tniniftration,  from 
 Ihe  particular  bufinefs  of  the  attendant  Levites 
 
 11.  I’he  fifteenth  to  Bilgi'h,  the  fixt'-eiiih  tc)  1'  ’ 
 
 1.5  The  feventcenth  to  Ilezir,  tin- 
 Aphlcs, 
 
 16  The  nineteenth  to  Pethahiah,  the  twen  ’vtf 
 Jehezekel, 
 
 17  The  one  and  twentieth  to  Jachin,  the  f ,  ...  'iud 
 twentieth  to  Ganiul, 
 
 18  The  three  and  twentieth  to  Delaiab,  the  fim*’ 
 and  twentieth  to  Maaziah. 
 
 19  Thefe  m.re  the  ordering.?  of  them  Lu  their  fervice, 
 to  come  into  the  houfe  of  the  Lord,  according  to  their 
 manner,  under  Aaron  their  father,  as  the  Lord  God 
 of  Ilfael  had  comm.anded  hi.Ti. 
 
 20  H  And  the  reft  of  the  fons  of  Levi  were  these: 
 
 Of  the  (bns  of  Amram  ;  Shubael :  of  the  fons  of  Shu- 
 batl ;  Jehdeiah. 
 
 21  Concerning  Rehabiah  :  of  the  Tons  of  Rehabiah, 
 the  firft  was  Isffiiah. 
 
 22  Of  .  the  Izharites  ;  Shelorooth :  of  the  fons  of 
 Shelomoth ;  Jahath. 
 
 23  And  the  fons  of  Hebron  Jeriah  the  first,  d  Chap. 
 
 Amariah  the  fecond,  Jahaziel  the  third,  Jekameam  the  23. 19.  & 
 fourth.  26. 31. 
 
 24  Of  the  fons  of  Uzziel ;  Michah :  of  the  fons  of 
 Michah  ;  Shamir. 
 
 25  The  brother  of  Michah  was  Isffiiah  :  of  the  fens 
 of  Isffiiah  ;  Zechariah. 
 
 26  ^  The  fons  of  Merari  were  Mahli  and  Muftii : 
 the  fons  of  Jaaziah  ;  Beno. 
 
 27  The  fons  of  Merari  by  Jaaziah  ;  Beno,  and  Sho- 
 ham,  and  Zaccur,  and  Ibri. 
 
 28  Of  Mahli  came  Eleazar,  who  had  no  fons. 
 
 29  Concerning  Kifh  :  the  fon  ofKiffi  Jerahmeel, 
 
 30  The  fons  alfo  of  Mnlhi ;  Mahli,  and  Eder,  and 
 Jerimoth.  Thefe  were  the  fons  of  the  Levites,  after 
 the  houfe  of  their  father  . 
 
 3 1  Thefe  likewife  caft  lots  over  againftiheir  brethren 
 the  fons  of  Aaron,  in  the  prefence  of  David  the  king, 
 and  Zadok  and  Ahimelech,  and  the  chief  of  the  fathers 
 of  the  priefts  and  Levites,  even  the  principal  fathers 
 over  againft  their  younger  brethren,* 
 
 CHAP.  XXV. 
 
 1  The  number  and  offices  aj  the  fingers,  8  Their  divifon  by  lot  into  'out 
 and  twenty  orders. 
 
 OREOVER,  David,  and  the  captains  of  the 
 hoft,  feparated  to  the  fervice  of  the  fons  of 
 Alapii,  and  of  Hemen,  and  of  Jeduthun,  who  fhould 
 prophely  with  harps,  with pfalteries,  and  wit  cymbals: 
 and  the  number  of  the  workmen,  according  to  their 
 fervice  was : 
 
 2  Of  the  fons  of  Afaph  ;  Zaccur,  and  Jofeph,  and 
 
 »  u/i 
 
 M 
 
 IS  here  pointed  out  to  them.  They  were  to  keep  the  courts  and  chambers  clean, 
 prepare  the  facrifices,  and  meat  and  drink-offerings  Others  offered  up  praifes  to 
 God  morning  and  evening ;  and  the  porters  prevented  any  thing  from  coming  ia 
 or  going  out  contrary  to  the  law.  ° 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXIV.  Ver.  1—31.  The  priefts 
 were  divided  into  twenty-four  courfes,  who  came  into  waiting  by  turns.  Tbe  fa¬ 
 mily  of  Eleazar  had  lixteen  courfes,  Ithamar  only  eight.  That  there  m  gbt  be  no 
 dilpute,  the  determination  was  to  be  by  lot;  and  thefe  courfes,  though  interrupted 
 probably  during  the  reign  of  wicked  kings,  or  in  the  captivity,  yet  ftill  fubfiLd 
 unto  the*r  return,  and  to  the  delliuaion  of  the  fecond  temple.  We  find  the 
 
 'toliis  ^rtic^arw^ork'*'^^  honourable  to  enter  on  God’s  fervice  as  early  as  poffible. 
 
 27.., .6c?.  5  N 
 
 of  faithful  minifters  rema.kablr 
 Church  aftairs  are  moft  likely  to  profper  when  every  one  kuows  and  aitencb 
 
The 
 
 divhit>n  of  the  singtrs,  Sc, 
 
 Before 
 
 Clirift 
 
 1015. 
 
 I.  CHRONICLES. 
 
 Nethaniab,  and  |!  Al'arelah,  the  fons  of  Afaph,  under 
 the  hands  of  Alaph,  which  prophclied  t  according  to 
 the  order  of  the  king. 
 
 •.jttKT-  3  Of  Jeduthun  ;  the  fons  of  Jeduthan  ;  Gedaliah, 
 rife  and  tl  Zen,  and  Jeftiaiah,  Halhabiab,  and  Mattithiah, 
 jl  fix,  under  the  hands  of  their  father  Jeduthun,  who 
 prophefied  with  a  harp,  to  give  thanks  and  to  praife 
 Verfe  H.  the  Lord. 
 
 ^iieb.  4  Of  Heman  ;  the  fons  of  Heman  ;  Bukkiah,  Mat- 
 taniah,  \\  Uzziel,  It  Shebuel,  and  Jerimoch,  Hananiah, 
 
 'Z'lini  Hanani,  Eiiathan,  Giddalti,  and  Romamti-ezer,  Jolh- 
 li  Or,  ’  bekafhah,  Mallothi,  Hothir,  and  Mahazioth  : 
 
 5  All  thefe  zvcre  the  fons  of  Heman  the  king’s  feer 
 '•  in  the  H  words  of  God,  to  lift  up  the  horn.  And  God 
 shinici,  gave  to  Heman  fourieen  fons  and  three  daughters, 
 men-  ’  6  All  thefe  -d-ere  under  the  hands  of  their  father  for 
 
 tioned  fu  the  houfe  of  the  Lord,  with  cymbals,  pfal- 
 
 7  o?  ^ teries,  and  harps,  for  the  fervice  of  the  houi'e  of  God, 
 hzarU  t  according  to  the  king’s  order  to  Afaph,  Jeduthun, 
 
 Verfe  18.  and  Hemao. 
 
 B  7  So  the  number  of  them,  with  their  brethren  that 
 
 Ve’ffSo.  were  inftruffed  in  the  longs  of  the  Lord,  even  all 
 II  Or,”  that  were  cunning,  veas  tw’o  hundred  fouricore  and 
 
 malters.  eight. 
 
 t  Heb.  g  ^  lots,  ward  againll  ward,  as  well 
 
 0/  the  fmall  as  the  great,  the  teacher  as  the  fcholar. 
 the  king.  9  Now  the  firft  lot  came  forth  for  Afaph  to  Jofeph  : 
 the  fecond  to  Gedaliah,  who  with  his  brethren  and 
 fons,  were  twelve  ; 
 
 10  The  third  to  Zaccur,  he,  his  fons  and  his  brethren, 
 
 were  twelve :  ,  , .  ,  , 
 
 1 1  The  fourth  to  Izri,  he,  his  fons  and  his  brethren, 
 
 were  twelve  :  ^ 
 
 -  12  The  fifth  to  Nethaniah,  he,  bis  ions  and  his 
 berethren,  were  twelve  :  _  ,  , .  . 
 
 1 3  The  fixth  to  Bukkiah,  he,  his  fons  and  his  bre¬ 
 thren,  were  twelve : 
 
 j  4  The  feventh  to  Jefharelah,  he,  his  fons  and  his 
 
 brethren,  were  twelve  :  ,  , .  . 
 
 15  The  eighth  to  Jefhaiah,  he,  his  fons  and  his  bre¬ 
 thren,  were  twelve :  ,  .  r  j  .  • 
 
 16  The  ninth  to  Mattaniah,  he,  his  Ions  and  his 
 
 brethren,  were  twelve :  .  • 
 
 17  The  tenth  to  Shimei,  he,  his  fons  and  his  bre¬ 
 thren,  were  twelve :  ,  ,  , .  r  j  u- 
 
 18  The  eleventh  to  Azareel,  he,  his  Ions  and  his 
 
 brethren,  were  twelve ;  , .  ,  j  .  • 
 
 19  The  twelfth  to  Halhabiab,  he,  his  Ions  and  his 
 
 brethren,  were  twelve :  ,  ,  ,  r  j  u- 
 
 20  The  thirteenth  to  Shubae),  he,  his  Ions  and  his 
 
 brethren  were  twelve ;  .  , .  ,  ,  u-  r  a 
 
 2 1  The  fourteenth  to  Mattithiah,  he,  his  Ions  and 
 
 his  brethren,  were  twelve :  ,  ,  . .  ^  ,  v. 
 
 22  The  fifteenth  to  Jeremoth,  he,  his  fons  and  his 
 
 brethren,  were  twelve :  .  .  ,  ,  •  r  a 
 
 ^3  The  fixteenth  to  Hananiah,  he,  his  Ions  and  his 
 brethren,  were  twelve  :  _ 
 
 The  division  of  the  porters, 
 
 24  The  feventeenth  to  Jofhbekalhah,  he,  his  funs  Dwore 
 
 and  his  brethren,  were  twelve  :  cinia 
 
 25  The  eighteenth  to  Hanani,  he,  his  fons  and  his 
 brethren,  were  twelve  : 
 
 26  The  nineteenth  to  Mallothi,  he,  his  fons  and  his 
 brethren,  xtere  twelve : 
 
 27  The  twentieth  to  Eliathah,  he,  his  fons  and  his 
 brethren,  voere  twelve : 
 
 2S  The  one  and  twentieth  to  Hothir,  he,  his  fons 
 and  his  brethren,  were  twelve : 
 
 29  The  two  and  twentieth  to  Gidalti,  he,  his  fons 
 and  his  brethren,  were  twelve  : 
 
 30  The  three  and  twentieth  to  Mahazioth,  he,  his 
 fons  and  his^  brethren,  were  twelve : 
 
 31  The  four  and  tw’entieth  to  Romamti-ezer,  he, 
 his  fons  and  his  brethren,  were  twelve.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXVI. 
 
 1  The  division  of  the  porters.  13  The  gales  njjigned  by  lot.  20  The 
 
 Levitea  that  had  the  charge  of  the  treasures. 
 
 Concerning  the  divlfions  of  the  porters: 
 
 Of  the  Korbites  was  H  Melheleipiah  the  fon  of  H,  Or, 
 Kore,  of  the  fons  of  H  Ai'aph.  _ 
 
 2  And  the  Tons  of  Mefhelemiah  were  Zechariah  the  n  or, 
 firfl-born,  Jediael  the  fecond,  Zebadiah  the  third,  Jath-Atiasfl,',t, 
 niel  the  fourth, 
 
 3  Elam  the  fifth,  Jehohanan  the  fixth,  EUoenai  the 
 
 feventh. 
 
 4  Moreover,  the  fons  of  Obed-edom  were  She- 
 maiah  the  firft-born,  Jehozabad  the  fecond,  Joah  the 
 third,  and  Sacar  the  fourth,  and  Nethaneel  the  fifth, 
 
 5  Ammiel  the  fixth,  Iffachar  the  feventh,  Peulthai 
 
 9.  19. 
 
 the  eighth  j  for  God  bleffed  11  him. 
 
 6  Alfo  unto  Shemiah  his  fon  were  fons  bom,  that 
 
 U  That  is, 
 
 Obed- 
 
 ij  uiiiv  uiJiw  ...u  .w..  ..  w.  -  --.-w  xxxxy.,  edom,  la 
 
 ruled  throughout  the  houfe  or  their  father:  tor  they  chap, 
 were  mighty  men  of  valour.  is.  u. 
 
 7  The  fons  of  Sheraaiah  :  Othni,  and  Rephael,  and 
 Obed,  Elzabad,  (whole  brethren  were  ftrong  men,) 
 
 Elihu,  and  Semachiah. 
 
 8  All  thefe  of  the  fons  of  Obed-edom :  they,  and 
 their  fons,  and  their  brethren,  able  men  for  ftrength 
 for  the  fervice,  were  threefcore  and  two  of  Obed- 
 edom. 
 
 9  And  Melhelemiah  had  fons  and  brethren,  ttrong 
 men,  eighteen. 
 
 10  Alfo  Holah,  of  the  children  of  Merari,  had  fons ; 
 
 Simri  the  chief,  (for  though  he  was  not  the  firft-born, 
 yet  his  father  made  him  ttie  chief,) 
 
 11  Hilkiah  the  fecond,  Tebaliah  the  third,  Zecha- 
 
 riah  the  fourth ;  all  the  fons  and  brethren  of  Holah 
 were  thirteen.  II  Or, 
 
 12  Among  thefe  were  the  divifions  of  the  porters, 
 even  among  the  chief  men,  having  wards  one  againft-{^„;/„, 
 another,  to  rcinifter  in  the  houle  of  the  Lord.  /or  the 
 
 1.3  H  And  they  call:  lots,  II  as  well  the  fmall  as  thegr^f. 
 great,  according  to  the  houfe  of  their  fathers  for  every 
 
 te.  ^  miah, 
 
 14  And  the  lot  eaftward  fell  to  1|  Shelemiah  :  then  Veriei. 
 
 father  of  John  the  Baptift,  of  the  courfe  of  Abijah,  Luke  5.  5.  The  ^vites  were 
 dirided  into  the  fame  number  of  courlea  as  the  priefts  ;  their  order  of  fervice  was 
 
 “"jx'prAi'l^bEi  NOTES.  C...  XXV.  V„.  .-.1.  Th.  f 
 
 fino’ers  are  here  appointed  to  accompany  the  priefts  and  Levites.  Afaph,  He- 
 man.  and  Jeduthan  or  Ethan  were  conCdered  as  the  great  mafters,  ‘‘"'J  "" 
 
 tmder  them,  four  and  twenty,  according  tn  the  number  of  courfes.  The.r  foy.ce 
 is  called  prophefying.  1  Cor.  xi.  4.  xiy.  24.  for  the  fongs 
 
 prophetical  of  the  Mefliah.  A  variety  of  inftruments  were  ufed  to  fill  ^e  ch^^ 
 Each  of  thefe  twenty-four  had  eleven  afliftant  liners,  of  the  moll  muftca  of  their 
 treibreu,  amounting  to  two  hundred  and  eighty-eight  m  all  j  and  as  faid  before 
 
 gate. 
 
 four  thoufand  were  appointed,  probably  they  were  divided  into  claffes,  and  follow¬ 
 ed  thefe  principal  fingers;  or  they  might  be  engaged  in  teaching  the  divine 
 hymns  of  David  to  the  reft  of  the  people. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXVI.  Ver.  1—32.  Tire  porteri 
 were  divided  into  courfes  with  the  reft  of  the  brethren,  each  pofted  at  their  feveral 
 gates  by  lot.  They  are  fpoken  of  as  mighty  men,  ftrong  and 'able,  fuch  as  tlieif 
 poft  required,  to  keep  conflant  gusud,  that  no  profane  intruder  might  be  admitlMi 
 nor  the  facred  houfe  violated.  The  family  of  Obed-edom  were  employed  m 
 this  office.  He  wasbltffed  with  a  numerous  family,  and  none  w  ere  more  deleo- 
 ing  of  keeping  the  charge  of  the  temple,  than  he  who  had  fo  cheerfully  enie^ 
 tained  the  ark  at  his  own  houfe.  In  the  houfe  of  God  there  yvete  great  »«* 
 
The  captains  Jor  every  mohLh. 
 
 hevites  that  had  tfic  charge  of  the  treasures.  1.  CHRONICLES. 
 
 for  ZeeharUh  his  Ton  {a  wife  couhfellor)  they  cafts  lots,  II  32  And 
 and  his  lot  came  out  northward.  '  »ana  anu  icv 
 
 peforc 
 
 CMfiil 
 
 1015' 
 
 I  Heb. 
 things, 
 
 II  0--. 
 
 Jjibnh 
 Cluip. 
 6.  17. 
 
 I  Or, 
 Jehiet, 
 Ctt3p. 
 23.  8. 
 
 15  To  Obed-edom  Southward  ;  and  to  his  fons  the 
 
 houle  of  f  Afuppim. 
 
 16  To  Shuppim  aud  Hofah  the  lot  ca^ne  forth  welt- 
 
 ward,  with  the  gate  Shallecheth,  by  the  caufeway  of 
 the  going  ||  up,  ward  againR  ward. 
 
 17  Ealtward  were  fix  Levites,  northward  four  a 
 dav,  Ibuthward  four  a  day,  and  toward  Afuppim  two 
 
 and  two.  f  .  r  ^ 
 
 18  At  Parbar  weftward,  four  at  the  cauleway,  and 
 
 two  at  Parbar. 
 
 19  Thefe  are  thedivifions  of  the  porters  among  the 
 fons  of  Kore,  and  among  the  fons  of  Merari. 
 
 20  ^  And  of  the  Levites,  Ahijah  was  over  the  trea- 
 fures  of  the  houfe  of  God,  and  over  the  treafures  of 
 
 the  t  dedicated  things.  ^  j  u  r  c 
 
 2 1  As  concerning  the  fons  of  11  Laadan  ;  the  loos  or 
 the  Gerfhonite  Laadan,  chief  fathers,  even  of  Laadan 
 the  Gerfhonite,  were  11  Jehieli. 
 
 22  The  fons  of  Jehieli ;  Zetham,  and  Joel  his  bro¬ 
 ther,  which  were  over  the  treafures  of  the  houfe  of  the 
 
 Lord.  ,  t  .  •  u  u 
 
 23  Of  the  Amraraites,  and  the  Izharites,  the  tle- 
 
 bronites,  and  the  Uzzielites  : 
 
 24  And  Shebuel  the  fon  of  Gerfhom,  the  Ion  of 
 Moles,  was  ruler  of  the  treafures. 
 
 25  And  his  brethren  by  Eliezer  ;  Rehabiah  his  fon, 
 and  Jefhaiah  his  fon,  and  Joram  his  fon,  and  Zichri 
 his  fon,  and  Shelomith  his  fon ; 
 
 26  Which  Shelomith  and  his  brethren  were  over  all 
 the  treafures  of  the  dedicated  things,  which  David 
 the  king,  and  the  chief  fathers,  the  captains  over  ihou- 
 fands  and  hundreds,  and  the  captains  of  the  hoft  had 
 dedicated. 
 
 27  t  Out  of  the  fpoils  won  in  battles  did  they  dedi- 
 
 Ib.fore 
 (  i.i'ifl 
 <-ir.  101.7. 
 
 cir.  1015. 
 
 t  Heb.  {Q  maintain  the  houfe  of  the  Lord. 
 bnitksand  28  And  all  that  Samel  the  feer,  and  Saul  the  fon 
 
 /poits. 
 
 ■  t  Heb. 
 over  the 
 
 charge. 
 
 of  Kifh,  and  Abner  the  fon  of  Ner,  and  Joab  the  fon 
 of  Zeruiah,  bad  dedicated  ;  and  whofoever  had  dedi¬ 
 cated  any  thing,  it  was  under  the  hand  of  Shelomith, 
 and  of  liis  brethren. 
 
 29  f  Of  the  Izharites,  Chenaniah  and  his  fons  were 
 for  the  outward  bufinefs  over  Il’rael,  for  officers  and 
 judges. 
 
 30  And  of  the  Hebronites,  Hafiiabiah  and  his  bre¬ 
 thren,  men  of  valour,  a  thouiand,  and  (even  hundred, 
 were  t  officers  among  them  of  Krael  on  this  fide  Jor¬ 
 dan  weftward,  in  all  the  bufinefs  of  the  Lord,  and 
 in  the  fervice  of  the  king. 
 
 31  Among  the  Hebronites,  was  Jerijah  the  chief,  even 
 among  the  Hebronites,  according  to  the  generations 
 of  his  fathers.  In  the  fortieth  year  of  the  reign  of 
 David  they  were  fought  for,  and  there  were  found 
 among  them  mighty  men  of  valour,  at  Jazer  of  Gilead. 
 
 David  made  rulers  over  the  Reubenites,  the  Cradites, 
 and  the  half-tribe  of  ManafiTeh,  for  every  matter  p'.r-^ 
 taininff  to  God,  and  f  afFairs  of  the  king.  thin^c 
 
 CHAP.  XXVII. 
 
 1  The  twelve  captain,  for  every /everal  month.  16  The  prince,  of  the 
 twelve  tribes.  ^ 
 
 OW  the  children  of  Ifraei  after  their  number,  cq 
 
 N' 
 
 I  ^  wit  the  chief  fathers  and  captains  of  thoufands 
 and  hundreds,  and  their  officers  that  ferved  the  king 
 in  any  matter  of  the  courles,  which  came  m  and  wenc 
 out  month  by  month  throughout  all  the  months  of  the 
 year,  of  every  courle  were  twenty  and  four  thou- 
 
 C  A 
 
 Over  the  firft  courfe,  for  the  firft  month,  was 
 Jalhobeara  the  fon  of  Zabdiel ;  and  in  his  courle  were 
 
 twenty  and  four  thoufand. 
 
 3  Of  the  children  of  Perez  wes  the  chief  of  all  the 
 captains  of  the  hoft  for  the  firft  month. 
 
 4  And  over  the  courfe  of  the  lecond  month  was 
 
 II  Dodai  an  Ahohite,  and  of  his  courle  was  MiklotM 
 alfo  the  ruler ;  in  his  courfe  likewile  were  twenty  and  g  sam. 
 
 four  thoufand.  ,  n.  r  x.  .w  ■ 
 
 5  The  third  captain  of  the  hoft,  for  the  third 
 
 month,  was  Benaiah  the  fon  of  Jehoiada  a  U  chief 
 prieft  ;  and  in  his  courfe  were  twenty  and  tour  tnou-  njpeer. 
 
 fand.  a  .  1  ..  O  Cnrri 
 
 6  This  is  that  Benaiah,  who  was  mighty  amonz  the«  - 
 
 and  in  his  courle  was 
 
 23.  20, 
 
 thirty,  and  above  the  thirty:  <iuu  m  jiu  ^“^22,23. 
 
 Ammizabad  his  fon.  Chap. 
 
 7  The  fourth  captain,  for  the  fourth  month,  was  11*22, 
 Afahel  the  brother  of  Joab,  and  Zebadiah  his  fon 
 after  him :  and  in  his  courfe  were  twenty  and  four 
 thoufand. 
 
 8  The  fifth  captain,  for  the  fifth  month,  was  bham- 
 huih  the  Izrahite  :  and  in  his  courfe  were  twenty  and 
 four  thoufand. 
 
 9  The  fixth  captain,  for  the  fixth  month  teas  Ira  the 
 fon  of  Ikkelh  the  Tekoite :  and  in  his  courfe  were 
 twenty  and  four  thoufand. 
 
 10  The  feventh  captain,  for  the  feventh  month,  was 
 Helez  the  Pelonite,  of  the  children  of  Ephraim  :  and 
 in  his  courle  were  twenty  and  four  thoufand. 
 
 1 1  The  eighth  captain  for  the  eighth  month, 
 
 Sibbecai  the  Hulhathite  of  the  Zarhites  :  and  in 
 courfe  were  twenty  and  four  thoufand. 
 
 12  The  ninth  captain,  for  the  ninth  month, 
 
 was 
 
 his 
 
 was 
 
 and  in 
 
 Abiezer  the  Anetothite,  of  the  Benjamites 
 his  courfe  were  tw’enty  and  four  thoufand. 
 
 13  The  tenth  captain,  for  the  tenth  month  was 
 Maharai  the  Netophathite,  of  the  Zarhites  :  and  in 
 his  courfe  were  tw’enty  and  four  thoufand. 
 
 14  Ttie  eleventh  captain,  for  the  eleventh  month, 
 was  Benaiah  the  Pirathonite,  of  the  children  of 
 
 needed  for  the  fer.vice  of. the  altar  :  veftwients,  utenCls,  &c.  and  alfo  great  trea- 
 fures,  either  ofTerings  of  the  people,  or  things  which  had  been  dedicated  by  Sa¬ 
 muel,  David,  &c.  The  fervice  of  Jerusalem  being  fupplied,  the  bufinefs  of  other 
 parts  of  the  nation  is  alfo  taken  care  of.  The  Levites  had  the  adminiftralion  of 
 Jiifiice,  vfith  the  princes  and  elders  of  the  feveral  tribes ;  all  matters  relating  to 
 God’s  wprftiip  alio,  and  the  king’s  revenue,  came  under  their  infpedlion.  In  the 
 •‘emote  tribes  beyond. Jordan,  the  greateft  number  was  flationed,  where  there  would 
 be  probably  the  jnoft  danger,  that  by  their  prefence  the  people  might  be  preferved 
 ai^fni,  both  to  God  and  their  fovereign. 
 
 EXPLANA'TORY  notes.  Chap.  XXVII.  "Ver.  2 — 34.  The  military 
 eitabliihment  was  divided  into  twelve  courfes  of  tweiity-fp^r  thoufand  men,  ferv- 
 jng  inonihly,  amounting  in  all  to  two  hundred  and  eighty  eight  thoufand  men. 
 ms  regulation,  only  novy  mentioned,  appears  to  have  taken  place  early  in  David’s 
 Avoiding  tlie’ expence  of  a  Ilanding  army,  a  great  force  was  thus  always 
 
 ready.  The  chief  fathers,  fo  called,  appear  to  be  the  general  officers,  who  hart 
 the  chief  I'uperintendance.  Benaiah,  one  of  them,  is  called  a  chief  priell,  but 
 Gohen,  tranllated  chief  prieft,  fignifies  a  prince  or  ruler,  and  it  is  not  very  pro¬ 
 bable  that  one  of  this  order  of  the  priefts  would  be  engaged  thus  in  a  n-.ilitary 
 life.  Every  tribe  appears  to  have  ftill  a  prelident  or  prince,  one  who  had  great 
 authority  among  his  brethren ;  amongft  thefe  we  find  a  fon  of  A.bner  ;  the  father’s 
 principles  not  preventing  the  Ton’s  preferment.  David  in  numbering  the  people, 
 being  delirous  only  of  knowing  the  ftate  of  the  men  of  war,  counted  not  thole 
 under  twenty  years  of  age ;  but  the  regifter  taken  by  Joab  was  never  entered 
 into  the  annals  of  the  nation,  David  being  convinced  of  the  impropriety  of  it. 
 David’s  finances  Were  wifely  condinfted.  Pie  had  not  only  a  tieafurer  to  take 
 care  of  the  tribute  ;  but  he  had  vaft  trails  of  land  for  corn,  oil,  flocks,  and  herds, 
 p\er  which  feveral  officers  were  placed.  He  had  alfo  about  his  perfon  and 
 court,  men  diftinguiflted  for  their  wil'doin.  Oue  was  a  preceptor  to  his  children, 
 
SjIomo)i\^  in.ijisnj  nud  }r,or.H'rihj. 
 
 I.  CHRONICLES. 
 
 The  time  6f  Duvid^s  reian  c 
 
 h",  cjc. 
 
 Befote 
 
 Cfiria 
 
 101:. 
 
 people,  which  are  tt  prefent  here,  to  offer  willingly 
 
 unto  thee.  ,  r  y,-  i 
 
 18  O  Lord  God  of  Abraham,  IPaac,  and  of  Ilrael, 
 our  fathers,  keep  this  for  ever  in  the  imagination  of 
 the  thoughts  of  the  heart  of  thy  people,  and  |1  prepare 
 their  heart  unto  thee. 
 
 19  And  give  unto  Solomon  my  fon  a  perfe^I  heart, 
 to  keep  thy  commandments,  thy  teftimonies,  and  thy 
 fiarures,  and  to  do  all  tfuj'e  things^  and  to  build  the 
 pa;ace,  /oi  the  which  I  have  made  provifion. 
 
 ‘20  ^  And  D  ivtd  faid  to  all  the  congregation.  Now 
 b’els  the  i.oRD  your  God.  And  all  tne  congregation 
 b  ff.-d  the  Lord  G  d  of  rheir  fathers,  and  bowed 
 down  their  heads,  and  worfhipped  the  Lord,  and 
 the  Kmg< 
 
 21  And  they  facrificed  facrifices  unto  the  Lord, 
 and  offered  burnt-offerings  unto  the  Lord,  on  the 
 morrow  after  that  day,  even  a  thoufand  bullocks,  a 
 thouland  rams,  and  a  thoufand  lambs,  vyith  their  drink- 
 offerings,  and  facrifices  in  abundance  for  all  Ifrael ; 
 
 22  And  did  eat  and  drink  before  the  Lord  on  that 
 day  with  great  gladnefs ;  and  they  made  Solomon  the 
 
 g  1  Kings  fon  of  David  king  the  fecond  time,  and  §  anointed 
 1.  39.  ],i,n  unto  the  Lord  to  be  the  chief  governor,  and  Za- 
 
 dok  to  be  prieft. 
 
 28  H  Then  Solomon  fat  on  the  throne  of  the  Lord  Ewor, 
 s  king  ii.fiead  of  David  his  father,  and  profpered  j 
 nd  all  Ifrael  obeyed  him. 
 
 24  And  all  the  princes,  and  the  mighty  men,  and 
 
 all  the  fons  likewife  of  king  David,  \  fubmitted  them-f  lU. 
 (elves  unto  Solomon  the  kmg. 
 
 25  And  the  Lord  magnified  Solomon  exceedingly  . 
 
 in  the  fight  of  all  Ifrael,  and  "  beftowed  upon  him,/?<6V:/omo„. 
 royal  majelly  as  had  not  been  on  any  king  betor*.  '  King, 
 him  in  Ifrael.  g 
 
 26  %  Thus  David  the  fon  of  Jtlfe  reigned  over  all  i.  lo"”’ 
 
 Ifrael.  Kidef. 
 
 27  And  the  time  that  he  reigned  over  Ifrael  was^- 
 forty  years ;  feven  years  reigned  he  in  H  bron,  and 
 thirty  and  three  y^ars  reigned  he  in  Jerulaltm. 
 
 28  And  he  died  in  a  good  old  age,  full  of  d.iys, 
 riches,  and  honour;  and  Solgraon  tiis  fon  reign- d  in 
 his  ftead. 
 
 29  Now  the  afts  of  David  the  king,  firft  and  la  ft, 
 
 behold,  they  are  written  in  the  tl  t  book  of  Samuel  the  ||  Or, 
 leer,  and  in  the  book  of  Nathan  the  prophet,  and  in'^g 
 the  booR  of  Gad  the  feer,  _  ^ 
 
 30  With  all  his  reign  and  his  might,  and  the  times 
 that  went  over  him,  and  over  Ifrael,  and  over  all  the 
 kingdoms  of  the  countries.* 
 
 concluded  his  difeourfe  to  Solomon,  addreffes  the  people,  to  exhort  them  to  libera, 
 lity  in  their  contributions.  The  work  was  great,  and  Solomon  was  young,  tbere- 
 fote  their  afliftance  was  the  more  needful.  What  he  hinafelf  had  done,  fhould  ferve 
 to  ftimalate  them  to  great  exertions.  His  exhortation  met  with  great  fuccels ; 
 xcillingly  the  princes  and  people  ofiered  an  immenfe  fum,  amounting  to  twenty 
 two  millions,  fix  hundred  and  feven  thoufand,  five  hundred  pounds  fterling,  ac¬ 
 cording  to  Brere wood’s  computation,  befides  precious  Hones;  and  of  brafs  and  iron, 
 a  prodigious  weight.  The  people  rejoiced  that  they  had  to  give,  and  David  was 
 filled  with  joy  to  behold  their  liberality,  wherein  they  teftified  their  zeal  for  God  s 
 glorv.  David  hereupon  poured  out  his  heart  in  thankful  adoration  before  God 
 and Vbis  great  congregation;  he  bleffes  the  name  of  Ifrael’s  God,  exalting  his 
 almio-bty  power,  his  tranfcendant  greatnefs  and  glory,  his  fovereign  dominion,  and 
 unirerfal  agency  and  government.  He  thanks  God  for  giving  them  the  inclination 
 to  be  fo  liberal  in  his  ferviee  ;  with  deep  humility  he  mentions  their  gifts ;  he 
 could  appeal  to  God  for  the  fimplicify  of  his  heart  and  intentions,  as  he  was  com¬ 
 fortably  affured  of  the  people’s  likewife.  He  folicits  that  God  would  ever  keep 
 elive.fo  the  hearts  of  the  people  fuch  gracious  difpofitions,  and  that  his  fon  Solomon 
 might  pclTefs  a  fincere  heart,  be  enabled  to  execute  the  great  work  intended,  and 
 
 APTir  AT  OTTSERVATIONS  — *  Chap.  XXIX,]  It  is  a  debt  which  every  generation  owe  to  thofe  who  (hall  fueceed  them,  to  encourage  them  in  the 
 T  fs^^t^tbeir  affeaions  on  God’s  ferviee  will  think  no  pains  nor  coft  too  much  to  advance  it :  and  what  is  beftowed  in  th.s  manner  brings  its  on 
 
 ^ft  p'^fvdegrwhRhTetn  fnlf  ^oly'rejoici'";  e^Tven""  ery  oUrS  by"  faitlfon'tbe  faerifice 
 
 above  all  to  follow  God’s  holy  law.  To  which  (he  people  gladly  gave  their  affent, 
 bowing  their  heads  in  token  of  adoration,  and  withal  paying  their  refped  to  the 
 kino-.  On  this  occafion  a  great  facrifice  was  oflfered  of  burnt-offerings  in  honour 
 of  God.  Salomon  was  now  a  fecond  time  folemiily  invefted  with  tlie  fovereige 
 
 power.  Ver.  23 30.  We  have  here  Solomon  on  the  throne,  which  is  called  ilie 
 
 Lord’s  throne,  he  being  Ifrael’s  imnnediate  king,  fetting  up  whom  he  ploafed  foi 
 his  vicegerents,  dictating  all  their  laws,  and  direfting  them  in  all  their  undertak. 
 ings.  All  the  great  men  of  the  kingdom,  and  David’s  fons  though  elder  thaj 
 Solomon,  peaceably  acquiefeed  in  the  divine  appointment,  and  fwore  fidelity  anil 
 allegiance  to  him.  David,  after  a  long  reign,  diftinguilhed  with  glory,  and  erownea 
 with  riches  and  honour,  full  of  days,  was  gathered  to  the  tomb  ;  and,  as  during  his 
 affluence,  the  glory  of  God  chiefly  engaged  his  defire,  he  hoped  to  awake  in  God’s 
 likenefs,  in  which  alone  he  expeaed  to  enjoy  perfea  felicity.  For  a  more  full 
 account  of  his  life  and  viaories,  we  are  referred  to  the  books  of  Samuel>  Nathan, 
 and  Gad,  either  the  canonical  books  of  Samuel,  the  latter  of  which  tliefe  prophets 
 might  have  written,  or  to  forae  authentic  records  that  they  kept,  which  being  not 
 divinely  infpired,  have  fince  been  buried  in  oblivion. 
 
 THE  SECOND  BOOK  OF  THE 
 
 CHRONICLES. 
 
 Before 
 
 .Chrift 
 
 1015. 
 
 THE  argument. 
 
 TL  ■  Ms  Hslorti  of  IM  kirns  that  n  ignei  at  Jettmkm,  from  Salomon  the  sm  of  Daviil,  to  the  time  of 
 
 This  hook  Kotams  he^  „  several  ta stories  -Mich  are  recorded  in  the  books  of  Kings :  OM  mth  this 
 
 Mf:^^Thot  tk  Zk,  treats  only  of  the  reigns  of  the  kings  oj  Judah  i  and  -.hen  the  kings 
 
 ^of  Israel  are  mentioned,  it  is  L/oecasumatliy  ,  vhereas  the  books  oJ  Kings  include  the  history  bath  oJ  the  kings  ,f 
 
 2  Then  Solomon  fpake  unto  all  Ifrael,  to  tt^e  cap- 
 tains  of  thoufands  and  of  hundreds,  and  to  th(  judge.s. 
 and  to  every  governor  in  all  Ifrael  the  chief  of  the  ^  ‘ 
 
 tattlers.  i  cw 
 
 3  So  Solomon,  and  all  the  congregation  with  him.  le.si 
 went  to  the  high  place  that  w’ai  at  *  Gibeoh ;  f t ‘i 
 
 quiet  poffeffionof  Ifrael’s  tbraae,  and  his  authority  efjablilliedj  he  luuwi»'' 
 
 Israel  and  Judah, 
 
 CHAP.  I. 
 
 1  The  folemn  tiering  of  Solomon  at  Gibeon ;  7  his  choke  of  wi/Jom  is 
 lldjeii  by  God;  13  his  slrenglk  and  weailh. 
 
 A  ND  *  Solomon  the  Ion  of  David  was  ftrength- 
 ened  in  his  kingdom,  and  th  Lord  his  God 
 with  him,  a' d  magnified  him  exceeding!). 
 
 explanatory  NOTES.  Cuap.  L  Ver.  i— 17.  Solomon  had  now  got 
 
choice  of  wisdom  blessed  hj  God.  II.  CHRONICLES. 
 
 Solomons  cnm  j  .  , 
 
 .  .  .hPre  was  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation  of  Ood, 
 which  MoCes  the  I'ervam  of  the  Lor-d,  had  made  in 
 
 fhc  •  1  1  L  £* 
 
 4.  c  i3ui  the  ark  of  God  had  David  brought  up  from 
 TCiriath-jparim  to  David  had  prepared 
 
 !hr  it :  for  he  had  pitched  a  tent  for  it  at  Jerufalem. 
 
 <5  Moreover,  the  brazen  altar,  that  Bs'zaleel  the  fon 
 of  Un  the  fon  of  Hur,  had  made,  II  he  put  before 
 the  tabernacle  of  the  Lord  ;  and  Solomon  and  the 
 conKtegation  fought  unto  it. 
 
 6  And  Solomon  went  up  thither  to  the  brazen  altar 
 before  the  Lord,  which  was  at  the  tabernacle  of  the 
 congregation,  and  offered  a  thoufaud  burnt-ofterings 
 
 ^  In  that  night,  did  God  appear  unto  Solomon, 
 and  faid  unto  him,  Afk  what  I  fhall  give  thee. 
 
 8  And  Solomon  faid  unto  God,  thou  haft  mewed 
 great  mercy  unto  David  my  father,  and  haft  made 
 
 me  *  to  reign  in  his  ftead.  . 
 
 9  Now,  O  Lord  God,  let  thv  promife  unto  David 
 mv  father  be  eftabliftied:  f  for  thou  haft  made  me  king 
 over  a  people  t  like  the  duft  of  the  earth  in  multitude. 
 
 10  *  Give  me  now  wifdora  and  knowledge,  that  1 
 
 .yii 
 
 itnmons  Tncv-yc  io  liar  am. 
 
 i  ExoJ- 
 33’ 
 
 II  Or, 
 wab  there. 
 
 Ir’  int- 
 
 lit  fi;rs 
 Ci'fill. 
 
 101  r>. 
 
 e  1  Chro. 
 
 28.  5. 
 f  1  Kings 
 3.  7. 
 
 .f  Hpb. 
 
 piuch  as  mv-  wvv.r  ..  -  - -  -  -  . 
 
 thedujiof ^  h  go  Qyj  mid  come  in  before  this  people:  tor 
 Kilts  who  can  judge  tnis  thy  people  that  is  so  great? 
 
 g 
 3.  9. 
 
 b  Numb. 
 27.  17. 
 
 i  1  Chro. 
 2^.  25. 
 Chap. 
 
 9.  22. 
 Eccles. 
 
 2.  9. 
 
 1 1  And  God  faid  to  Solomon,  Becaufe  this  was  in 
 thine  heart,  and  thou  haft  not  aiked  riches,  wealth, 
 or  honour,  nor  the  life  of  thine  enemies,  neither  yet 
 haft  aiked  long  life ;  but  haft  afked  wifdom  and  know¬ 
 ledge  for  thyfelf,  that  thou  mayeft  judge  my  people, 
 over  whom  1  have  made  thee  king  : 
 
 12  Wifdom  and  knowledges  granted  unto  thee; 
 and  I  will  give  thee  riches,  and  wealth,  and  honour, 
 
 Inch  as  >  none  of  the  kings  have  had  that  have  been  be¬ 
 fore  thee,  neither  fhall  there  any  after  thee  have  the  like. 
 
 2.  y.  13  f  Then  Solomon  came  from  his  journey  to  the 
 fc  1  Kings  high  place  that  was  at  Gibeon  to  Jerufalem,  from  be- 
 !o^26,*  fore  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  and  reigned 
 
 &c'. "  ’  over  lirael.  ...  , .  i  j  t-  i 
 
 1 1  Kings  U  k  And  Solomon  gathered  chariots  and  horferaen:  derful  great 
 
 and  he  had  a  thoufand  and  four  hundred  chariots,  I  in  And. 
 9*^27*.  2nd  twelve  thoufand  horfemen,  which  he  placed  in  the 
 t  Heb.  chariot-cities,  and  v/ith  the  king  at  Jerufalem. 
 nave  15  1  And  the  king  f  madelilver  and  gold  at  Jeruia- 
 ‘lo  as  plenteous  as  ftones,  and  cedar-trees  made  he  as 
 
 Chap,’  the  fycamore-trees  that  are  in  the  vale  for  abundance. 
 
 9.28.  16®  And  t  Solomon  had  horfes  brought  out  of 
 
 t  Heb.  Egypt  and  linen  yarn ;  the  king’s  merchants  received 
 yarn  at  a  price. 
 
 the  horfes  17  Aod  they  fetched  up,  and  brought  forth  out  of 
 which  was  Egypt,  a  chariot  for  fix  hundred  shekels  of  fiiver,  and 
 an  horfe  for  an  hundred  and  fifty;  and  fo  brought 
 by  their  they  out  hofses  for  all  the  kings  of  the,  Hittiies,  and 
 hand.  for  the  kings  of  Syria,  f  by  their  means.* 
 
 CHAP.  II. 
 
 1,  n  Solomon  s  tahnurers  for  t/,'  bnd'/iii£  -f  l':<  :  l-rn\i'' 
 to  Iluram,  and  Iluram's  kitul  anfwer. 
 
 And  Solomon  determined  to  build  an  hoiife  tor 
 the  name  of  the  Lord,  and  an  houfe  for  his 
 kingdom. 
 
 2  And  Solomon  told  cut  thrc<  fcore  and  ten  rnou- 
 fand  men  to  bear  burdens,, -and  fourfcore  thouIatiJ 
 to  hew  in  the  mountain,  and  three  thoufand  and  fix 
 hundred  to  overfee  them. 
 
 3  f  And  Solomon  fent  fo  ||  Huram  the  king  of  I  Or, 
 Tyre,  faying,  As  thou  didft  deal  with  David  my  fa- 
 ther,  and  didft  lend  him  cedars  to  build  him  an  houfe  5^ 
 to  dwell  therein,  even  so  deal  with  me. 
 
 4-  B.-hold,  I  build  an  houfe  to  the  name  of  the  Lord 
 my  God,  to  dedicate  it  to  him,  and  to  bum  before 
 him  t  Iweet  incenfe,  and  for  the  continual  fbew-bread,  , 
 
 and  for  the  burnt-oft  erings  morning  and  evening,  on  ® 
 i  the  fabbaths,  and  on  the  new-moons,  and  on  the  fo- 
 j  lemn  feafts  of  the  Lord  our  God.  Tnis  is  an  ordi- 
 \  nance  for  ever  to  Ifrael. 
 
 5  And  the  houfe  which  I  build  is  great :  for  great 
 is  our  God  above  all  gods. 
 
 6  »  But  who  t  is  able  to  build  him  an  houfe,  feeing  a  i  Kings 
 the  heaven,  and  heaven  of  heavens,  cannot  contain 
 him  ?  who  am  I  then,  that  i  fhould  build  him  an  houfe,  g.  iX 
 fave  only  to  burn  facrifice  before  him  ?  t  Heb. 
 
 7  Send  me  now  therefore  a  man  cunnii^  to  work  »•«- 
 in  gold,  and  in  filvf r,  and  in  brafs,  and  in  iron,  and  in 
 purple,  and  crimfon,  and  blue,  and  that  can  fkill  t  t  jh-engih. 
 grave  with  the  cunning  men  that  are  with  me  in  Ju-  (•  Heb. 
 !dah  and  in  Jerufalem,  whom  David  my  father  did'"^’’"®^ 
 
 1,  j  gravings. 
 
 t  provide. 
 
 [  8  Send  me  alfo  cedar-trees,  fir-trees,  and  U  algom-l  Or,  at. 
 
 I  trees,  out  of  Lebanon  ;  (for  I  know  that  thy  Servants 
 jl  can  fkiil  to  cut  timber  in  Lebanon ;)  and,  behold,  my  10.  u. 
 [jfervants  shall  be  with  thy  fervants. 
 
 9  Even  to  prepare  me  timber  in  abundance :  for 
 1  he  houfe  which  I  am  about  to  build  shall  be  t  won-  f 
 
 great  and 
 wonder^ 
 
 ,  10  And,  behold,  I  will  give  to  thy  fervants,  the/ui. 
 
 i  hewers  that  cut  timber,  twenty  thoufand  meafures  of 
 '  beaten  wheat,  and  twenty  thoufand  meafures  of  bar¬ 
 ley,  and  twenty  thoufand  baths  of  wine,  and  twenty 
 thoufand  barbs  of  oil. 
 
 i  I  51  Then  Huram  the  king  of  Tyre  anfwered  in 
 writing,  which  he  fent  to  Solomon.  Becaufe  the  Lord 
 hath  loved  his  people,  he  hath  made  thee  king  over 
 them. 
 
 12  Huram  faid,  moreover,  Blefled  be  the  Lord  God  f  Heb. 
 of  Ifrael,  that  made  heaven  and  earth,  who  hath  given  knowing 
 to  David  the  king  a  wife  fon,  f  endu^  with  prudence^'^"'^®"^* 
 and  underftanding,  that  might  build  an  hoafe  for 
 Lord,  and  an  houfe  for  his  kingdom.  ing. 
 
 tlie  chief  men  of  Ifrael  to  attend  him  at  Gibeon,  where  the  tabernacle  was;  as 
 he  well  knew  that  attending  to  God’s  commandments  was  the  fureft  way  of 
 ^ftahlilhing  it  upon  a  firm  and  lafling  bafis  ;  by  his  own  example  alfo  he 
 labhured  to  diffufe  an  univerfal  attachment  to  God  and  his  ordinances  through 
 his  kingdom  ;  being  fully  affured  that  pious  men  would  be  llie  moft  loyal 
 fubjeas.  There  he  offered  a  thoufand  burnt-offerings,  befide  peace-offerings,  and 
 h#  and  all  the  congregation  partook  of  a  feaft  before  the  Lord.  God  appeared 
 to  him  at  night,  and  bade  him  requefl  whatever  he  chofe.  His  prayer  and  wife 
 choice  and  God’s  gracious  anfwer  we  have,  1  Kings  iii.  5.  After  he  had  waited 
 Upon  God  he  returned  to  exei  cile  his  kingly  power.  He  foon  acquired  ricues  by 
 trading  with  Egypt,  aud  ertabliffung  a  linen  raanufadtory  ;  whereby  he  was 
 enabled  to  maintain  an  additional  iiuml)er  of  forces,  and  to  appear  ti)  that  Iplen- 
 dour  and  dignity  which  never  before  bad  been  exhibited  in  Ifrael. 
 
 j  EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  II.  V^er.  I— IS.  Sotomon  being  ap- 
 i  pointed  to  build  God's  houfe,  for  which  he  was  eminently  qualified  by  his  wifw 
 i  dom,  begins  to  fet  about  raifiag  the  glorious  llrudlure  ;  and  afterwards  refolves 
 j  to  build  a  palace  for  liiralclf.  For  this  purpofe  be  feuds  an  embaffy  to  Haram 
 i  king  of  Tyre  to  folicit  his  aid.  He  mr.kes  mention  of  live  friendlhip  which  h* 
 I  had  fhewn  hb  father,  and  informs  him  of  his  defign  to  build  God  a  houfe.  The 
 Tyrians  being  molt  expert  workmen,  he  begs  him  to  feud  one  of  his  principal 
 artifts  in  engraving  and  embroidery,  that  he  might  inftrudt  the  nioft  ingenious 
 of  bis  people  ;  and  that  he  would  I'urnilh  him  with  timber  from  Lebanon,  and 
 in  cutting  down  thereof  he  would  need  fome  of  Hiram’s  iervants  to  aliill  his 
 people  who  were  more  Ikilled  in  the  employmeiU  ;  in  coniidcration  for  which 
 lerviees  he  tifters  twenty  thoufand  meafures  of  wheat  and  Uarley,  and  as  maov 
 I  baths  of  wine  and  oil,  commodities  which  Tyre  v/a*;  ed.  ai  d  Clanaan  abounded  iir. 
 
 *  CuAf.  l.J  See  1  Kings  iii.  Ptadtical  Obfetvatiaus. 
 
Tic  ph'.cc  ar.d  frmj  of  huMing  thr  temple. 
 
 IL  CHRONICLES. 
 
 t  Heh. 
 
 IS  And  I  have  fent  a  cunning:  nian,  endued 
 with  underltandnig,  of  Huram  my  father’s  ; 
 
 W-  r  u  ^  woman  of  the  daughters  of  Dan. 
 and  his  .ather  tfos  a  man  of  Tyre,  ikilfut  to  work  in 
 gold,  and  in  fiiver,  in  brafs,  in  iron,  in  (tone,  and  in 
 timber,  in  purple,  in  blue,  and  in  fine  linen,  and  in 
 ciimlon;  alio  to  grave  any  manner  of  graving,  and 
 to  out  every  device  which  {ball  be  put  to  him, 
 with  thy  cunning  men,  and  with  the  cunning  men  of 
 my  lord  David  thy  father. 
 
 15  Now  therefore  the  wheat,  and  the  barley,  the 
 od,  and  the  wine,  which  my  lord  hath  fpoken  of,  let 
 him  fend  unto  his  fervants  : 
 
 16  And  we  will  cut  wood  out  of  Lebanon,  fas 
 
 ZMlhy  will  bring  it  to  thee 
 
 to  all  thy 
 need. 
 
 Heb 
 Japho. 
 b  As 
 A'erfe  2. 
 
 in  floats  by  fea  to  f  Joppa,  and  thou  (halt  carry  it  up 
 to  Jerufalem. 
 
 1  /  H  And  Solomon  numbered  all  f  the  ftrangers 
 ene  *0  the  land  of  Ifrael,  after  the  numbering 
 
 t  Heb.<Ar  '^'horewith  David  his  father  had  numbered  them  ;  and 
 men  the  they  Were  found  an  hundred  and  fifty  thoufand,  and 
 c  A^rit  thoufand  and  fix  hundred. 
 
 WfJV.*  ^  ^  he  fet  =  threefcore  and  ten  thoufand  of  them 
 to  i>e  bearers  of  burdens,  and  fourfeore  thoufand  to 
 be  hewers  in  the  mountain,  and  three  thoufand,  and  fix 
 hundred  overfeers  to  fet  the  people  a  work.* 
 
 CHAP.  III. 
 
 1  The  place  and  lime  o/ building  the  temple.  3  The  measure  and  orna¬ 
 ments  of  the  house  and  of  the  cheruhims,  ^c. 
 
 ^  *  Solomon  began  to  build  the  houfe  of  the 
 
 JL  Lord  at  Jerufalem  in  mount  Moriah,  y  where 
 if  Or,  LORD  appeared  unto  David  his  father,  in  the 
 wAiefc  tin* place  that  David  had  prepared  in  the  threfhing*floor 
 seen  of  of  ^  |1  Oman  the  Jebufite. 
 
 r  ^  of  the 
 
 b  1  ciiro.  fecond  month,  in  the  fourth  year  of  his  reign. 
 
 21. 18.  3  H  Now  thefe  are  the  things  c  wherein  Solomon  was 
 
 II  O'-.  t  inftru£fed  for  the  building  of  the  houfe  of  God. 
 1  length  by  cubits  after  the  firft  meafure  was 
 
 24. 18.  threefcore  cubits,  and  the  breadth  twenty  cubits. 
 
 C  1  Kings  4  And  the  “  porch  that  was  in  the  front  of  the  house^ 
 +  Heb  length  of  it  was  according  to  the  breadth  of  the 
 founded,  houfe,  twenty  cubits,  and  the  hdght  was  an  hundred 
 d  1  Kings  and  twenty  :  and  he  overlaid  it  within  with  pure  gold. 
 
 5  And  the  greater  houfe  he  ceiled  with  fir-tree, 
 which  he  pverlaid  with  fine  gold,  and  he  fet  thereon 
 palm-trees  and  chains. 
 
 6  And  he  f  garnifhed  the  houfe  with  precious  flones 
 for  beauty  :  and  the  gold  was  gold  of  Parvaim. 
 
 7  He  overlaid  alfo  the  houfe,  the  beams,  the  pofts, 
 and  the  walls  thereof,  and  the  doors  thereof,  with 
 gold  ;  and  graved  cherubims  on  the  walls. 
 
 8  f  And  he  made  the  moft  holy  houfe,  the  length 
 whereof  was  according  to  the  breadth  of  the  houfe. 
 
 6.  3. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 covered. 
 
 7 he  cherubims  and  vail  t 
 
 '»  <5c, 
 
 uenty  cubits,  and  the  breadth  thereof  twenty  cubits  •  iK-fo 
 
 ind  he  overlaid  it  with  fine  gold,  amounting  to  fix  hun- 
 dred  talents.  lois, 
 
 9  And  the  weight  cf  the  nails  was  fifty  fhekels  of"^^ 
 
 I  gold.  And  he  overbid  the  upper  chambers  with  gold. 
 
 10  A.nd  in  the  moft  holy  houfe  he  made  two  che- 
 rubiras  y  of  image-work,  and  overlaid  them  with  gold.  II  Or, 
 
 11  And  the  wings  of  the  cherubims  *wer€  twenty 
 cubits  long  :  oue  virngofthe  one  cherub  was  five  cubits 
 reaching  to  the  wall  of  the  houfe  ;  and  the  other  wing  twT'' 
 was  Ir/cewise'Uve  cubits,  reaching  to  the  wing  of  the 
 other  cherub. 
 
 ^  12  And  one  wing  of  the  other  cherub  was  five  cu- 
 bits,  reaching  to  the  wall  of  the  houfe  ;  and  the  other 
 wing  was  five  cubits  also,  joining  to  the  wing  of  the 
 other  cherub.  y 
 
 13  Ihe  v.'ings  of  thefe  cherubims  fpread  themfelves  toward  f, 
 forth  twenty  cubits  :  and  they  ftood  on  their  feet,  and 
 their  faces  were  y  inward. 
 
 made^  the  '  vail  of  blue,  and  purple,  t  ntb. 
 
 ,  and  crimlon,  and  fine  linen,  and  f  wrought  cherubims  caused  1} 
 
 '  thereon.  ‘ 
 
 15  %  Alfo  he  made  before  the  houfe  f  two  pillars  of  r‘i5.‘"“’ 
 thirty  and  five  cubits  f  high,  and  the  chapiter  that  was  Jpi-ew. 
 on  the  top  of  each  of  them  was  five  cubits. 
 
 16  And  he  made  chains,  as  in  the  oracle,  and  putL^'*"' 
 them  on  the  heads  of  the  pillars  ;  and  made  an  hun-gi^Kin^ 
 dred  pomegranates,  and  put  them  on  the  chains.  7. 21.  “ 
 
 17  And  he  s  reared  up  the  pillars  before  the  tern- 
 pie,  one  on  the  right  hand,  and  the  other  on  the  left ; 
 
 and  called  the  name  of  that  on  the  right  hand  y  Jachin,  II  Thatis, 
 and  the  name  of  that  on  tlie  left  H  Boaz.* 
 
 CHAP.  IV. 
 
 1  The  altar  of  brass.  2  The  molten  sea.  6  The  ten  lavers,  candkslicles, 
 and  tables.  19  The  instruments  of  gold. 
 
 OREOVER,  he  made  an  altar  of  brafs,  twenty 
 
 _ cubits  the  length  thereof;  and  twenty  cubits 
 
 the  breadth,  thereof,  and  ten  cubits  the  height  there¬ 
 of. 
 
 2  H  *  Alfo  he  made  a  molten  fea  of  ten  cubits  t  from  *  ^ 
 brim  to  brim,  round  in  compafs,  and  five  cubits  thel‘^\ 
 height  thereof:  and  a  line  of  thirty  cubits  did  com- 
 pals  It  round  about.  brim  lo 
 
 ,3  And  under  it  was  the  fimilitude  of  oxen,  which 
 did  compafs  it  round  about ;  ten  in  a  cubit,  compaf- 
 fingthefea  round  about.  Two  rows  of  oxen  were 
 caft,  when  it  was  caft. 
 
 4  It  ftood  upon  twelve  oxen,  three  looking  toward 
 the  north,  and  three  looking  toward  tbe  weft,  and 
 three  looking  toward  the  fouth,  and  three  looking  to¬ 
 ward  the  eaft :  and  the  fea  was  set  above  upon  them, 
 and  all  their  hinder  parts  were  inward. 
 
 5  And  the  thicknefs  of  it  was  an  hand-breadth,  and 
 the  brim  of  it  like  the  work  of  the  brim  of  a  cup, 
 
 wim  lai 
 
 M 
 
 HiratP  cli€erfully  granted  his  requeft,  and  congratulated  Ifrael,  on  having  fo 
 good  a  king  and  bleffes  God  for  giving  his  friend  fuch  a  fon.  He  fent  him  a 
 ikilful  artift,  who  was  half  an  Ifraelite,  and  undertook  to  convey  the  timber  to  Jop¬ 
 pa  by  fea.  Solomon  immediately  difpatcbed  his  fervants,  amounting  to  one  hun. 
 dred  and  fifty  three  thoufand,  fix  hundred,  which  number  David  bad  regiftered  be. 
 fore  to  meet  Hiram’s  fervants,  who  were  probably  well  paid  for  their  labour.  He 
 employed  no  Ifraelite*  in  fervile  work  but  ftrangers ;  either  profelytes  who  were 
 incorporated  among  them,  ar  a  remnant  of  the  old  inhabitants. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  III.  Ver.  I— 17.  We  had  the  ac¬ 
 count  of  building  the  temple  more  full,  1  Kings  chap,  vi,  here  we  are  told  the  place 
 or  loot  of  ground  where  it  was  built ;  on  mount  Moriah,  where  Abraham  had 
 oflTered  up  Ifaac.  David  had  fixed  the  place  by  divine  diretSUon,  and  purchMed 
 the  la  •  '  of  Oman  the  Jebufite.  Three  years  elapfed  in  making  needful  prepara¬ 
 
 tions^  on  the  fourth,  Solomon  laid  the  foundations.  The  dinienfionsexatSlly  cor* 
 refponded  with  the  pattern  given  him  by  David,  1  Chron.  chap,  xxvli.  2.  The 
 porch  led  into  the  greater  house,  or  the  holy  place  !  and  that  into  the  holieft  of  all, 
 within  the  veil.  The  whole  was  covered  throughout  on  the  infide  with  plates  of 
 gold,  with  golden  chains  and  palm-trees  emboffed.  The  cherubims  reprefented 
 the  angels,  bending  in  adoration  towards  the  mercy-feat,  to  teach  us  that  what  is 
 their  work  Ihould  be  ours.  A  vail  feparated  the  moft  holy  place;  that  difpenfa- 
 tion  was  dark,  but  the  vail  was  rent,  when  Chrift  cried,  «  It  is  finiflied.”  Ci' 
 vail  cherubipas  were  brought,  or  caufed  to  afeend,  either  raifed' work,  or  in  aa 
 afeending  pofture,  as  if  mounting  to  heaven.  There  were  two  pillars  at  the  en¬ 
 trance,  1  Kings  chap.  vii.  15. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  IV.  Ver.  1—22.  An  account  ol 
 thefe  veffels  we  had,  with  the  exception  cf  the  brafen  altar,  1  Kings  chap,  vii,  This 
 
 *  CuAP.  II,  III.J  See  1  Kings  v.  Prai^ical  Obfervatipns. 
 
l]c(orc 
 
 Chrilt 
 
 I0l2. 
 
 II 
 
 lik.'  « 
 flint'er- 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 the 
 
 il  <>’•> 
 
 bowl^‘ 
 
 J  Or, 
 
 towls. 
 t  Heb. 
 Jinijhed  to 
 tnOikc, 
 
 nefimluy^  of  il,e  temple.  U.  CHRONICLES. 
 
 11  with  flowers  of  lilies ;  and  it  received  and  held  three 
 
 ihonfand  baths.  i  r 
 
 6  <11  He  made  alio  ten  lavers,  and  put  hve  on  the 
 riftht  hand,  and  five  on  the  left,  to  wafli  in  them  ; 
 
 +  fuch  things  as  they  offered  for  the  burnt-offWing 
 they  wafbed  in  them  ;  but  the  fea  was  for  the  priefis 
 to  wafh  in. 
 
 7  And  he  made  ten  candlefticks  of  gold,  according 
 burnt-  ,  .  form,  and  fet  tfiem  in  the  temple,  five  on  the 
 
 r°ght  hand,  and  five  on  ,he  left. 
 
 8  He  made  alfo  ten  fables,  and  placed  ihem  in  the 
 temple,  five  on  the  right  fide,  and  five  on  the  left ; 
 and  he  made  an  hundred  |1  bafons  of  gold. 
 
 9  <11  Furthermore,  he  made  the  court  of  the  priefis, 
 and  the  great  court,  and  doors  for  the  court,  and 
 overlaid  the  doors  of  them  with  brafs. 
 
 1*0  And  he  fet  the  fea  on  the  right  fide  of  the  eafi 
 end,  over  againft  thefouth. 
 
 11  H  And  Huram  made  the  pots,  and  the  fhovels, 
 and  the  H  bafons.  And  Huram  I  finifhed  the  work 
 that  he  was  to  make  for  king  Solomon  for  the  houfe 
 of  God ; 
 
 12  To  wit,  the  two  pillars,  and  the  pommels,  and 
 the  chapiters  which  were  on  the  top  of  the  tw^o  pillars  ; 
 and  the  two  wreaths  to  cover  the  two  pommels 
 cf  the  chapiters  which  were  on  the  top  of  the  pil¬ 
 lars  ; 
 
 13  And  four  hundred  pomegranates  on  the  two 
 wreaths ;  two  rows  of  pomegranates  on  each  wreath, 
 to  cover  the  two  pommels  of  the  chapiters  which  were 
 t  upon  the  pillars. 
 
 It'  He  made  alfo  bafes,  and  il  lavers  made  he  upon 
 the  bafes ; 
 
 15  One  fea,  and  twelve  oxen  under  it. 
 
 16  The  pots  alfo,  and  the  fhovels,  and  the  flefh- 
 hooks,  and  all  their  inftruments,  did  Huram  his  father 
 make  to  king  Solomon,  for  the  houfe  of  the  Lord, 
 of  t  bright  brafs. 
 
 17  In  the  plain  of  Jordan  did  the  king  caft  them,  in 
 the  f  clay  ground  between  Succoth  and  Zeredathah. 
 
 18  Thus  Solomon  made  all  thefe  vefTels,  in  great 
 iAictesa abundance :  for  the  weight  of  the  brafs  could  not  be 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 xiptm  the 
 jo.ee. 
 
 II  Or. 
 
 ehaldrons. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 made 
 brvjtt,  or 
 fcoured. 
 
 ■)■  Heb. 
 
 of  the 
 ground, 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 perjec- 
 
 •ions  of 
 
 SoU. 
 
 fiOr, 
 
 bonds. 
 
 found  out. 
 
 19  H,  And  Solomon  made  all  the  vefTels  that  were 
 .for  the  houfe  of  God,  the  golden  altar  alfo,  and  the 
 tables  whereon  the  fhew-bread  was  set ; 
 
 20  Moreover,  the  candlefticks  with  their  lamps, 
 that  they  fhould  burn  after  the  manner  before  the 
 oracle,  of  pure  gold. 
 
 21  And  the  flowers,  and  the  lamps,  and  the  tongs, 
 made  he  of  gr  id,  and  that  f  perfect  gold  ; 
 
 22  And  the  fnufters,  and  the  H  bafons,  and  the 
 fpoons,  and  the  cenlers,  of  pure  gold  :  and  the  entry 
 of  the  I'oufe,  the  inner-doors  thereof  for  the  moft 
 holy and  the  doors  of  the  houfe  of  the  temple, 
 wete  ()/  gold.* 
 
 ^as  four  fimes  as  wide,  and  thrice  as  high  as  that  of  Mofes.  The  fea  and  the 
 avers  re  of  brafs.  Thefe  were  placed  without  in  the  court  of  the  priells,  within 
 a  1  ft’as  gold.  The  golden  altar,  ten  netv  candlefticks,  and  as  many  tables  of  pure 
 gold,  vyere  placed  within  the  holy  place,  where  lights  continually  burned,  irTcenfe 
 ’’’as  daily  ofTered,  And  the  (liew-bread  flood.  Harum  called ■  Solomon’s  father, 
 ror.  1^.  being  a  great  artift,  and  prefident  of  ail  the  reft,  finiftied  his  work  com- 
 P  He  who  gave  him  underflanding,  gave  him  power  to  do  fo. 
 
 The  arhy  brought  into  the  oracle, 
 
 CIlAP.  V.  Before 
 
 1  The  dedicated  Ircafures,  2  The  bringing  vp  of  the  ark  of  the  covenant 
 1  I  God  being  prai/id,  gweth  a  visible  sign  of  his  favour.  ^ 
 
 Thus  all  the  work  that  Solomon  made  for  the 
 
 houfe  of  the  Lord  was  finifhed  ;  *  and  Solomon  a  i  King,- 
 brought  in  the  things  that  David  his  father  had'^-  '^’* 
 dedicated  ;  and  the  filver,  and  the  gold,  and  all  the 
 inftruments,  put  he  among  the  treafures  of  the  houfe 
 of  God.  :  1004. 
 
 2  f  Then  Solomon  alTembled  the  elders  of  Ifrael, 
 and  all  the  heads  of  the  tribes,  the  chief  of  the  fathers  ’  ’ 
 of  the  children  of  Ifrael,  unto  Jerufalem,  to  bring  up 
 the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  the  Lord  out  of  the  city 
 of  David,  which  is  Zion. 
 
 3  Wherefore  all  the  men  of  Ifrael  alTembled  them- 
 felves  unto  the  king,  in  the  feaft  which  was  in  the 
 ffcventh  month. 
 
 4  And  all  the  elders  of  Ifrael  came ;  and  the  Le- 
 vites  took  up  the  ark. 
 
 5  And  they  brought  up  the  ark,  and  the  tabernacle 
 of  the  congregation,  and  all  the  holy  vefTels  that  were 
 in  the  tabernacle ;  thefe  did  the  priefts,  and  the  Levites 
 bring  up. 
 
 6  Alfo  king  Solomon,  and  all  the  congregation  of 
 Ifrael  that  were  afifembled  unto  him  before  tUe  ark, 
 facrificed  (beep  and  oxen,  which  could  not  be  told  nor 
 numbered  for  multitude. 
 
 7  And  the  priefts  brought  in  the  ark  of  the  cove¬ 
 nant  of  the  Lord  unto  his  place,  to  the  oracle  of  the 
 houfe,  into  the  moft:  holy  places  even  under  the  wings 
 of  the  cherubims : 
 
 8  For  the  cherubims  fpread  forth  their  wings  ever 
 the  place  of  the  ark,  and  the  cherubims  covered  the 
 ark  and  the  ftaves  thereof  above. 
 
 9  And  they  drew  out  the  ftaves  of  the  ark,  that  the 
 ends  of  the  ftaves  were  feen  from  the  ark,  before  the 
 oracle,  but  they  were  not  feen  W’ithour.  And  i|  there  H 
 it  is  unto  this  day.  '  ^ther^^ 
 
 10  There  was  nothing  in  the  ark,  fave  the  two  tables  a^rKings 
 which  Mofes  put  therein  at  Horeb,  |)  when  the  Lord®-  b. 
 made  a  covenant  with  the  children  of  Iirael,  when  they 
 came  out  of  Egypt.  1°^^’ 
 
 11  H  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  the  priefts  wereLerc. 
 come  out  of  the  huiy  place:  (for  all  the  priefts  that 
 were  t  prefect  were  lacdified,  a?id  did  not  then  wait  t  Heb. 
 by  cdurfe :  .  jouud. 
 
 12  Alfo  the  Levites  which  were  the  fingers,  all  of*^!  Chro. 
 them  of  Alaph,  of  Heman,  of  Jeduthun,  with  their^^'^* 
 fons  and  their  brethren,  being  arrayed  in  white  linen, 
 
 I  aving  cymbals,  and  pfalterfes,  and  harps,  ftood  at  the 
 eaft  end  of  the  altar,  and  with  them  an  hundred  and 
 twenty  priefts  founding  with  trumpets  ;) 
 
 13  It  came  even  to  pafs,  as  the  trumpeters  and 
 fingers  were  as  one,  to  make  one  Ibui  d  to  be  heard  in 
 praifing  and  thanking  the  Lord,  and  when  they  lifted 
 up  their  voice  with  the  trumpets,  and  cymbals,  and  iu- 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  V.  Ver.  1  — 14.  This  foletnnity  we 
 meet  with,  1  Kings  viii.  2.  He  brought  up  the  ark  with  great  ceremonv'^at  a 
 I  pneral  convention  affembled  lor  that  purpofe,  and  placed  it  under  the  ctierubiin 
 ■  in  the  moft  holy  place,  where  it  remained  till  the  records  were  written  whence 
 Ezra  made  this  extras.  The  lacrifices  on  this  occafion  were  great  All  the  eruld 
 and  jewels  whmh  it  contained  are  not  worthy  to  be  compared  with  the  prel'euce  of 
 the  celeftial  inhabitant,  whofe  glory  filled  the  temple  j  no  fooner  were  the  prKfts 
 
 ^ACTICAL  pB^ERyATlONS.— *  Chap.  IV.J 
 
 hartlei 
 
 Every  part  of  divine  worftiip  ought  to  be  regarded  according  to  the  appointment  of  God  •  and  if  l.« 
 
 r.  ,  •  ■  . —  With  US,  let  us  hope  for  a  continuance  of  the  fame  invaluable  blefling.  Let  us  reioice  that  1  .  1  ’  .  . 
 
 fall  “  of  time,  and  that  God  dwells  in  him.  Let  us  alfo  contemplate  the  antitypieal  fountain  which  is  opened  in  thehoifteof  David^ ^fn.”*tl  ^1 
 it  /”/.  undeanneft.  Wafting  in  the  laver,  let  us  draw  near  to  God  with  true  hearts  in  the  fu U  atae  0^  L  us  eU 
 
 ''ght  of  his  church  and  Ih.  ,„,1  hin,  wp  nnl  ..alt-  in  d,.tnpf«  l,..t  iKp  „C  UC  ^  US  CVCr  regard  JsfuS  8*  tb© 
 
 WaHiing  in  the  laver,  let  us  draw  near  -to  -God  with  true  hearts  in  the  full  alfurance  of  faith, 
 his  church  and  the  M'orld,  anti  following  him  we  fliall  not  walk  in  darkuefs^  but  have  the  light  of  life. 
 
 xVo.  2f,„Qd,  5  P 
 
Svioluon  Iksseih  the  people, 
 
 II.  CHRONICLES. 
 
 His  prayer  at  the  consccralioH  oj  ilte  implf 
 
 e  PCalm 
 1S6.  i. 
 
 b  Lev  it 
 16 
 
 c  2  Sam. 
 
 2. 
 
 1  Chro. 
 £S,  2. 
 
 Before  ftruments  of  mufic,  find  praifed  the  Lord,  sayivg, 
 foo4^  '  mercy  endureth  for  ever  ;  that 
 
 then  the  houfe  was  filled  with  a  cloud,  even  the  houle 
 of  the  Lord  ; 
 
 14  So  that  the  priefts  could  not  Hand  to  minilter 
 by  reafon  of  the  cloud  :  for  the  glory  of  the  Lord 
 had  filled  the  houfe  of  God.* 
 
 CHAP,  VI. 
 
 1  Solotnon,  hanng  blessed  the  people,  blesselh  God ;  12  his  jirn’/er  <tl  Ike 
 consecration  oj  the  temple. 
 
 ai  Kings  r-r^HElS!  ‘  faid  Solomon,  The  Lord  hath  faid  that 
 8. 12, &c.  J[  he  would  dwell  in  the  ^  thick  diu-knefs. 
 
 '2.  But  1  have  built  an  houfe  of  habitation  for  thee, 
 and  a  place  for  thy  dwelling  for  ever. 
 
 SH  And  the  king  turned  his  face,  and  blelfed  the 
 whole  congregation  of  Ifrael :  (and  ail  the  congrega¬ 
 tion  of  Ifrael  ftood :)  ^  t,-  , 
 
 4  And  he  faid,  Bleffed  he  the  Lord  God  of  lirael, 
 who  hath  with  his  hands  fulfilled  that  which  lie  fpake 
 with  his  mouth  to  my  father  David,  faying, 
 
 5  Since  the  day  that  I  brought  forth  my  people  out 
 
 of  the  land  of  Egypt,  I  chofe  no  city  among  all  the 
 tribes  of  Ifrael  to  build  an  houle  in,  that  my  name 
 might  be  there ;  neither  chofe  I  any  man  to  be  a 
 ruler  over  ray  people  Ifrael :  . 
 
 6  But  I  have  chofen  Jerufalem,  that  ray  name  might 
 be  there  ;  and  have  chofen  David  to  be  over  my  peo¬ 
 ple  Ifrael. 
 
 7  Now,  *=  it  was  in  the  heart  of  David  my  rather  to 
 build  an  houfe  for  the  name  of  the  Lord  God  of 
 I(V(id  * 
 
 S  But  the  Lord  faid  to  David  my  father,  Foraf- 
 much  as  it  was  in  thine  heart  to  build  an  houfe  for 
 my  name,  thou  didft  well  in  that  it  was  in  thinfe 
 
 9  Notwithftanding  thou  (halt  not  build  the  houfe  ; 
 but  thy  fon,  which  fhall  come  forth  out  of  thy  loins, 
 he  fhall  build  the  houfe  for  my  name. 
 
 Id  The  Lord  therefore  hath  performed  his  wurd 
 that  he  hath  fpoken  :  for  I  am  rifen  up  in  the  room  of 
 David  my  father,  and  am  fet  on  the  throne  of  lirael, 
 as  the  Lord  promifed,  and  have  built  the  houie  for 
 the  name  of  the  Lord  God  of  Ifrael:  .  .  , 
 
 1 1  And  in  it  have  I  put  the  ark,  wherein  es  the 
 covenant  of  the  Lord,  that  he  made  with  the  chil- 
 
 dren  of  Ifrael.  •  t 
 
 12  H  And  he  flood  before  the  altar 
 
 in  the  prefence  of  all  the  congregation  of  ifrael,  and 
 
 fpread  forth  his  hands,  r  u  of 
 
 Id  (For  Solomon  had  made  a  brazen  fcaftold,  ot 
 t  Heb.  five  cubits  t  long,  and  five  cubits  broad,  and  three 
 the  cubits  high,  and  had  fet  it  in  the  midfi  ot  the  court  ; 
 and  upon  it  he  flood,  and  kneeled  down  upon  his 
 knees  before  all  the  congregation  ot  Ifrael,  and  fpread 
 
 forth  his  hands  toward  he^en,) 
 
 14  And  faid,  O  Lord  God  of  Ifrael,  ^  thne  no 
 God  like  thee  in  the  heaven,  nor  in  the  earth  :  which 
 keepeft  covenant,  and  sheveest  mercy  unto  thy  fervants 
 that  walk  before  thee  with  all  their  hearts :  _ 
 
 d  £xod. 
 15.  11. 
 
 ''  explanatory  notes.  Chap.  VI.  Ver.  1-11.  For  this,  fee  1 
 
 ire 
 
 15  Thou  which  haft  kept  with  thy  fervant  David 
 my  father  that  which  thou  haft  promifed  him  ;  and 
 fpakeft  with  thy  mouth,  and  halt  fulfilled  it  with  thine 
 hand,  as  it  is  this  day. 
 
 16  Now  therefore,  O  Lord  God  of  Ifrael,  keep 
 with  thy  fervant  David  my  father  that  which  thou 
 
 haft  promifed  him,  faying, ' t  There  fliall  not  fail  thee « 2  Snm. 
 a  man  in  my  fight  to  fit  upon  the  throne  of  Ifrael;  ‘2. 
 f  yet  fo  that  thy  children  take  heed  to  their  way,  to^. 
 walk  in  ray  law,  as  thou  baft  walked  before  me.  c.  12. 
 
 17  Now  then,  O  Lord  God  of  Ifrael,  let  thy  t  Heb. 
 w^ord  be  verified,  which  thou  haft  fpoken  unto  thy 
 
 fervant  David.  ,  n  man  be 
 
 IS  (But  will  God  in  very  deed  dwell  with  men  oncw«^. 
 the  earth  ?  s  Behold,  heaven,  and  the  heaven  of  hea- 
 vens,  cannot  contain  thee  ;  how  ranch  lefs  this  houfe  ^ 
 which  I  have  built !)  2.6.. 
 
 19  Have  refpeft  therefore  to  the  prayer  of  thy  Haiah 
 fervant,  and  fo  his  fupplication,  O  Lord  ray  God, 
 
 to  hearken  unto  the  cry  and  the  prayer  which  thy  7, 4^, 
 fervant  prayeth  before  thee : 
 
 20  That  thine  eyes  may  be  open  upon  this  houfe 
 day  and  night,  upon  the  place  whereof  thou  haft  faid 
 that  thou  wouldeft  put  thy  name  there ;  to  hearken 
 unto  the  prayer  which  thy  fervant  prayeth  H  toward 
 this  place. 
 
 21  Hearken  therefore  unto  the  fupplications  of 
 thy  fervant,  and  of  thy  people  Ifrael,  which  they  fhall 
 
 t  make  toward  this  place  :  hear  thou  from  thy  dwel- 1  H^b. 
 ling-place,  evenhom  heaven  ;  and  when  thou  heareft, 
 forgive. 
 
 22  H  If  a  man  fin  againft  his  neighbour,  f  and  an  t  Heb. 
 
 oath  be  laid  upon  him  to  make  him  fwear,  and  the^j;;^' 
 oath  come  before  thine  altar  in  this  houle  :  _  oath  of 
 
 23  Then  hear  thou  from  heaven,  and  do,  and  judge 
 thy  fervants,  by  requiting  the  wicked,  by  recompen- 
 fing  his  way  upon  his  own  head ;  and  by  juftifying 
 the  righteous,  by  giving  him  according  to  his  righte- 
 
 oufnefs.  .  ,  r 
 
 24«il  And  if  thy  people  Ifrael,  ||  be  put  to  the  worft 
 before  the  enemy,  becaufe  they  have  finned  againft 
 thee ;  and  fhall  return  and  confefs  thy  name,  and 
 pray,  and  make  fupplication  before  thee  J|  in  this^"^^^';^ 
 
 * 
 
 25  Then  hear  thou  from  the  heavens,  and  forgive 
 the  fin  of  thy  people  Jirael,  and  bring  them  again  un¬ 
 to  the  land  which  thou  gaveft  to  them  and  to  their 
 fathers. 
 
 Or, 
 in  this 
 rPiJce. 
 
 II  Or, 
 bcsmilltn. 
 
 h  1  Kings 
 17.  1. 
 
 26  1  When  the  ^  heaven  is  fhut  up,  and  there  is 
 'no  rain,  becaufe  they  have  finned  againft  thee ;  i/ei 
 if  they  pray  toward  this  place,  and  confels  thy  name, 
 and  turn  from  their  fin,  when  thou  doft  afflia  them  : 
 
 27  Then  hear  thou  from  heaven,  and  forgive  the 
 fin  of  thy  fervants,  and  of  thy  people  Il'rael,  when 
 thou  haft  taught  them  the  good  way  wherein  they 
 fhould  walk;  and  fend  rain  upon  thy  land,  which 
 thou  haft  given  unto  thy  people  for  an  inheritance. 
 
 28  11  If  there ‘be  dearth  in  the  land,  if  there 
 peftilence,  if  there  be  blafting,  or  mildew,  locufts,  01 
 
 Kiii<rs  viii.  12—53.  We  have  only  farther  to  obferve,  that  it  is  our  duty  to  aC' 
 quiefee  in  the  divine  appointment  and  earneftly  profecute  whatever  God  com¬ 
 mands  us.  Grateful  acknowledgements  of  God’s  faithfulnefs  ought  to  he  ma  e 
 only  for  his  honour,  but  for  the  encouragement  of  others,  Ver.  12—42.  Tlie  "  ii  , 
 
 OBSERVATIONS,-.  c„„.  V,] « s 
 
 .‘‘‘‘“"““S  a.  ch,m  Jel...  »  .U.n.  d„dk.S  .11 
 
 fuinelb  of  the  Godliead  bodily. 
 
r.od'z  '^lorv  fdldh  the  temple. 
 
 vmyer  at  the  comecralion  of  the  temple.  II.  CHRONICLES. 
 
 refting-place,  thou,  and  the  ark  of  thy  ftrength  :  let 
 thy  priefts,  O  Lord  God,  be  clothed  with  lulvation, 
 and  let  thy  (aints  rejoice  in  goodnefs. 
 
 42  O  Lord  God,  turn  not  away  the  face  ot  thine 
 anointed :  remember  the  mercies  of  David  thy  fer- 
 
 in  the 
 what  foe  ver 
 
 ofitiicir 
 
 antes* 
 
 II 
 
 lilts  hou>se< 
 
 gfffonion  s 
 
 .r,»  raterpillars :  if  their  enemies  befiege  them  + 
 
 Wi«  Sics^of  their  land ;  whatloever  fore, 
 
 1004.  f.  f-h^ci's  i/iere  be :  v  r 
 
 20  rhen  what  prayer  or  what  fupphcation  foever 
 be  made  of  any  man,  or  of  all  thy  people  llrael, 
 aZn  everv  one  fhall  know  his  own  lore,  and  his 
 own  grief,  kd  Oiali  fpread  forth  his  hands  H  in  this 
 
 ^^^ScTThen  hear  thou  from  heaven  thy  dwelling-place, 
 and  forgive,  and  render  unto  every  man  according 
 imto  all  his  ways,  whofe  heart  thou  knowett  ;  (for , 
 kiChro.  thou  only  ^  kuoweil  the  hearts  ot  the  cnildren  of  j 
 
 ^^s^That  they  may  fear  thee,  to  walk  in  thy  ways, ; 
 t  to  long  as  they  live  f  in  the  land  which  thou  gavefl  i 
 
 unto  our  fathers.  ^  ,  n  ,  u*  u  •  ! 
 
 32  H  Moreover,  concerning  the  ftranger,  which  is  . 
 
 not  of  thy  people  Ifrael,  but  is  come  from  a  far  conn-  , 
 ,p.nihe  try  for  thy  great  name’s  fake,  and  thy  mighty  hand, , 
 faceoft’is  ftretched-out  arm  ;  if  they  come  and  pray  m  | 
 
 Iniul. 
 
 1  John 
 12.  20. 
 
 AiSls 
 8.27. 
 
 vant. 
 
 CHAP.  VII. 
 
 I  Heb 
 
 alt  the 
 days 
 which- 
 f  Heb 
 vpon 
 
 9.  24. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 
 is  called 
 upon  this 
 
 house- 
 
 nor. 
 
 right. 
 
 w  Prov. 
 20.  9. 
 EccleC 
 7.  20. 
 James 
 3.2. 
 
 1  John 
 1.8. 
 fHeb 
 
 this  houfe :  „  ,  ,  r 
 
 33  Then  hear  thou  from  the  heavens,  etien  from 
 
 thy  dwelling-place,  and  do  according  to  all  that  the 
 ftranger  calleth  to  thee  for ;  that  all  people  of  the  earth  j 
 may  know  thy  name,  and  fear  thee,  as  doeth  thy  peo¬ 
 ple  Ifrael ;  and  may  know  that  f  this  houfe,  which  I 
 
 thy  name  jg  by  name.  , 
 
 34  ^  If  thy  people  go  oat  to  war  againft  their  ene¬ 
 mies  by  the  way  that  thou  ftalt  fepd  them,  and  they 
 pray  unto  thee  toward  this  city  which  thou  haft  cho- 
 fen,  and  the  houfe  which  I  have  built  for  thy  name : 
 
 35  Then  hear  thou  from  the  heavens  their  prayer 
 and  their  fupplication,  and  maintain  their  jj  caufe. 
 
 36  f  If  they  ftn  againft  thee,  (for  there  is  “  no  man 
 which  finneth  not,)  and  than  be  angry  with  them,  and 
 deliver  them  over  before  their  enemies,  and  t  they 
 carry  them  away  captives  unto  a  land  far  off  or  near ; 
 
 37  Yet  ?/they  t  bethink  themfelvesin  the  land  whi¬ 
 ther  they  are  carried  captive,  and  turn  and  pray  unto 
 thee  in  the  land  of  their  captivity,  faying,  we  have 
 finned,  we  have  done  amils,  and  have  dealt  wick- 
 
 they  that  , , 
 
 IfpiiveT^  sVif  they  return  to  thee  with  all  their  heart,  and 
 with  all  their  foul,  in  the  land  of  their  captivity,  whi- 
 ther  they  have  carried  them  captives,  and  pray  toward 
 t'S.  their  land,  which  thou  gaveft  unto  their  fathers,  and 
 Wng  iacA  totyarc?  the  city  which  thou  haft  chofen,  and  toward 
 to  their  Jhe  houfe  which  I  have  built  for  thy  name: 
 heart.  jbe  heavens,  eve7i  from 
 
 thy  dwelling-place,  their  prayer  and  their  fupplica- 
 tions,  and  maintain  their  II  caufe,  and  forgive  thy  peo¬ 
 ple  which  have  finned  againft  thee. 
 
 40  It  Now,  my  God,  let  1  befeech  thee,  thine  eyes 
 prayer  of  bg  open,  and  let  thine  ears  be  attent  f  unto  the  prayer 
 nPfaim  that  %s  made  in  this  place.  _ 
 
 132.9.  41  Now  “  therefore  arife,  O  Lord  God,  into  thy 
 
 I  Or, 
 
 right. 
 t  Heb. 
 <0  the 
 
 1  G»il gimng testimowj  to  Solomons  prayer,  the  people  fuorfUip  lU  Lord, 
 
 4  Solomon’s  sacrifices.  12  God's  promise  to  Solomon. 
 
 NOW,  *  when  Solomon  had  made  an  end  of  pray-  a  i  King* 
 ing,  the  ^  fire  came  down  from  heaven,  and  »•  54. 
 conl'umed  the  bnrht-oft'ering  and  the  facrifices ; 
 the  glory  of  the  Lord  tilled  the  houfe. 
 
 2  And  the  priefts  could  not  enter  into  the  houfe  of 
 the  Lord,  becaufe  the  glory  of  the  Lord  had  filled 
 the  Lord’s  houfe. 
 
 3  And  when  all  the  children  of  Ifrael  faw  how  the 
 fire  came  down,  and  the  glory  of  the  Lord  upon  the 
 houfe,  they  bowed  themfelves  with  their  faces  to  the 
 ground  upon  the  pavement,  and  worfhipped,  and 
 praifed  the  Lord,  saying.  For  he  is  good ;  for  his 
 mercy  endnreth  for  ever. 
 
 4  f  Then  the  king  and  all  the  people  offered  facri¬ 
 fices  before  the  Lord. 
 
 5  And  king  Solomon  offered  a  facrifice  of  twenty 
 and  two  thouland  oxen,  and  an  hundred  and  twenty 
 thoufand  fheep.  So  the  king  and  all  the  people  dedi¬ 
 cated  the  houfe  of  God. 
 
 6  =  And  the  prieffs  waited  on  their  offices  ;  the  Le- 
 vites  alfo  with  infiruments  of  mufic  of  the  Lord, 
 which  David  the  king  had  made  to  praife  the  Lord, 
 becaufe  his  mercy  endnreth  for  ever,  when  David 
 i  praifed  f  by  their  miniftry  ;  and  the  prieft  founded 
 I  trumpets  before  them,  and  all  Ifrael  flood. 
 
 1  7  Moreover,  Solomon  hallowed  the  mi.fdle  of  the 
 
 j  court  that  eras  before  the  houfe  of  the  Lord  ;  for 
 j  there  he  offered  burnt-offerings,  and  the  fat  of  the 
 1  peace-offerings,  becaufe  the  brafen  altar  which  Solo- 
 j  mon  had  made  was  not  able  to  receive  the  burnt-offer- 
 ings,  and  the  meat-offerings,  and  the  fat. 
 j  8  H  Alfo  at  the  fame  time  Solomon  kept  the  feaft 
 I  feven  days,  and  all  Ifrael  with  him,  a  very  great  con¬ 
 gregation,  from  the  entering  in  of  Hamath  unto'*  the'^ 
 river  of  Egypt. 
 
 9  And  on  the  eighth  day  they  made  a  f  folemn  f 
 affembly;  for  they  kept  the  dedication  of  the  altar 
 feven  days,  and  the  feaft  feven  days. 
 
 10  And  on  the  three  and  twentieth  day  of  the 
 feventh  month,  be  fent  the  people  away  into  their 
 tents,  glad  and  merry  in  heart,  for  the  goodnefs  that 
 the  Lord  had  fliewed  unto  David,  and  to  Solomon, 
 and  to  Ifrael  his  people. 
 
 1 1  Thus  Solomon  finifhed  the  houfe  of  the  Lord,  ®  i 
 ^  and  the  king’s  houfe  ;  and  all  that  came  into  Solo- 
 '  men’s  heart  to  make  in  the  houfe  of  the  Lord,  and 
 ,  in  his  owm  houfe,  he  profperoufly  effected. 
 
 c  1  Chro. 
 15.  16. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 hy  their 
 hand. 
 
 of  this  prayer  we  had,  1  Kings  chap.  viii.  except  the  two  laft  verfes,  which  are 
 taken  frona  the  Pfaltns. 
 
 'EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Cha?.  VII.  Vor.  1 — 22.  A  glorious  anlwer 
 was  given  to  iiolomon’s  fervent  prayer.  Fire  from  heaven,  either  diftindl  from  ] 
 the  former,  or  iffuingTrom  the  cloud  which  had  filled  the  houfe,  confumed  the  } 
 ftcrifices.  Struck  with  the  awful  fight,  the  people  reverentially  bowed  nnd  wor-  |, 
 fiiipped,  regarding  it  as  a  token  of  God’s  efpecial  favour.  A  vaft  muUitiide  of 
 ftcrificts  fed  this  facred  fire,  which  was  maintained  continually.  The  priefts  and 
 
 Levites  with  diligence  and  zeal  difcharged.  their  offices  ;  the  fingers,  with  the 
 pfalms  and  inftruinents  appointed  by  David,  fet  forth  God’s  praifes.  The  people 
 held  a  feaft  before  the  Lord  for  fourteen  dap  expreflive  of  their  gratitude  ^ 
 tliankfulnefs  ;  and  Solomon  enjoyed  the  peculiar  fatisfaflion  of  feeing  the  laboura 
 of  his  hand  accepted  and  profperous.  Ver.  12—22.  God’s  fecond  4acioua  vifit 
 to  Solomon  we  had  before,  1  Kings  Chap.  ix.  He  fully  grants  all  tbe  particulara 
 he  had  prayed  for.  He  confents  to  make  this  houfe  his  abode  for  ever  and  to 
 eftablilh  bis  kingdom  to  the  latell  pofterity,  provided  he  proved  hitnfelf  faithful  - 
 
 practical  observations.—*  Chap.  VI.]  Since  Chrift  is  our  temple,  let  us  daily  approach  God  through  faith  in  his  name.  And  may  our  eyes  be 
 ever  fixed  on  the  infinite  perfeaions  of  God,  and  oii  our  own  mcannels  aud  vilenefs  in  his  prefence.  Let  lus  fpotlel's  holinefs  and  perfeil  knowled<ve  excite  us  to 
 Watch  againft  the  leaft  approach  to  fin,  either  in  heart  or  life.  * 
 
JirlioLoatns  atisiocr  :  ten  tribes  revolt* 
 
 n.  CHRONICLES. 
 
 Jeroboam  scttetli  up  idohily 
 
 a  1  King' 
 1'.'.  !,&.■ 
 
 t  Heb. 
 laded^ 
 
 CHAP.  X. 
 
 Rehobocfji  refusing  the  oil  nu'ns  counji’l,  16  ten  tribes  revolt,  kill  Ha~ 
 dorani,  a^ui  he Jleelh  to  JervJ'alem. 
 
 ND  *  Rehoboam  went  toShechem  ;  for  to  She* 
 chem  were  all  Ifrael  come  to  make  him  king. 
 
 2  And  it  came  to  pal's,  when  Jeroboam  the  ion  of 
 Nebat  (who  leas  in  Egypt,  whither  he  had  fled  from 
 the  prefence  of  Soloroom  the  king)  heard  ity  that  Jero¬ 
 boam  returned  out  of  Egypt. 
 
 3  And  they  fent  and  called  him  :  fo  Jeroboam  and 
 all  lirael  came,  and  fpake  to  Rehoboam,  faying, 
 
 4  Thy  father  made  our  j^oke  grievous:  now  there¬ 
 fore  eal'e  thou  fomew'hat  the  grievous  fervitude  of 
 thy  father,  and  his  heavy  yoke  that  he  put  upon  us, 
 and  we  will  ferve  thee. 
 
 5  And  he  faid  unto  them,  Come  again  unto  me  after 
 three  days.  And  the  people  departed. 
 
 6  f  And  king  Rehoboam  took  counfel  with  the  old 
 men  that  had  ttoed  before  Solomon  his  father  while 
 he  yet  lived,  faying,  'What  counfel  give  ye  me  to  re¬ 
 turn  anfwer  to  this  people  ? 
 
 7  And  they  fpake  unto  him,  faying.  If  thou  be  kind 
 to  this  people,  and  pleal'e  them,  and  (peak  good  words 
 to  them,  they  will  be  thy  fervants  for  ever. 
 
 8  But  he  forfook  the  counfel  w'hich  the  old  men 
 gave  him,  and  took  counfel  with  the  young  men 
 that  were  brought  up  with  him,  that  flood  before 
 him. 
 
 9  And  he  faid  unto  th§m.  What  advice  give  ye 
 that  we  may  return  anfwer  to  this  people,  which  have 
 I'poken  to  me,  fatdng,  Eafe  fomewhat  the  yoke  that 
 thy  father  did  put  upon  us  ^ 
 
 'lO  And  the  young  men  that  were  brought  up  with 
 him,  fpake  unto  him  faying.  Thus  (halt  thou  anfwer 
 the  pieople  that  fpake  unto  thee,  faying.  Thy  father 
 made  our  yoke  heavy,  but  make  thou  it  fomewhat 
 lighter  for  us  ;  thus  fhalt  thou  fay  unto ^ them.  My 
 \\n\e  farmer  fhall  be  thicker  than  my  father’s  loins. 
 
 1 1  For  whereas  my  father  f  put  a  heavy  yoke  upon 
 you.  I  will  put  more  to  y^our  yoke  ;  my  father  chaftifed 
 you  with  whips,  but  I  voill  chastise  you  with  fcorpions. 
 
 ]  2  ^  So  Jeroboam  and  all  the  people  came  to  Re¬ 
 hoboam  on  the  third  day,  as  the  king  bade,  faying, 
 Come  again  to  me  on  the  third  day.  ^ 
 
 13  And  the  king  anfwered  them  roughly  ;  and  king 
 Rehoboam  forfoo'k  the  counfel  of  the  old  men, 
 
 14  And  anfwered  them  arter  the  advice  of  the  young 
 
 [  16  And  when  all  Ifrael  saxo  that  the  king  would  Rffur* 
 
 '  not  hearken  unto  them,  the  people  anfwered  the  king, 
 
 1  faying,  What  portion  have  we  in  David  ?  and  xve  have  ^ 
 1  none  inheritance  in  the  fon  of  Jeffe :  every  man  to 
 !  your  tents,  O  Ifrael :  and  now,  David,  fee  to  thine 
 ;  own  houfe.  So  all  Ifrael  went  to  their  tents. 
 
 I  17  But  as  for  the  children  of  Ifrael  that  dwelt  in  the 
 '  cities  of  Judah,  Rehoboam  reigned  over  them. 
 
 I  1 8  Then  king  Rehoboam  fent  Hadoram,  that  was 
 i  over  the  tribute ;  and  the  children  of  Ifrael  Honed  him 
 with  Hones,  that  he  died ;  but  king  Rehoboam  f  madet 
 ;  fpeed  to  get  him  up  to  his  chariot,  to  flee  to  Jerufalero.'{'^®"s^ 
 
 I  19  And  Ifrael  rebelled  againH  the  houfe  of  David 
 unto  this  day.* 
 
 CHAP.  XI. 
 
 1 
 
 Rehoboam  raising  an  army  to Jubdue  Israel,  is  forbidden  by  Shemaiah; 
 18  his  wives  and  children. 
 
 '&c. 
 
 men,  .ajiuf,,  xto.,  - - -  7---.  ^  •,.  '  i- 
 
 1  will  add  thereto  :  my  father  chaHiled  you  wuh  whips, 
 
 but  I  "Will  chastise  you  with  fcorpions. 
 
 15  So  the  king  hearkened  not  unto  the  people;  jor 
 the  caufe  vpas  of  God,,  that  the  Lord  might  perform 
 b  1  Kings  word,  which  he  fpake  by  the  hand  of  Ahijah  the 
 II, -aa.  f.o  fpmhnaru  the  ton  of  Nebat. 
 
 faying.  My  father  made  your  yoke  heavy,  but 
 
 ND  *  when  Rehoboam  was  come  to  Jerufalem,  *2’ 
 
 JL.  jL.  he  gathered  of  the  houfe  of  Judah  and  Benja-^" 
 j  min  an  hundred  and  fourfeore  thoufand  chofen 
 i  which  were  warriors,  to  fight  againfl  Ifrael,  that  he 
 I  might  bring  the  kingdom  again  to  Rehoboam. 
 
 2  But  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  to  Shemaiah 
 the  man  of  God,  faying, 
 
 3  Speak  unto  Rehoboam  the  fon  of  Solomon,  king 
 of  Judah,  and  to  all  Ifrael  in  Judah  and  Benjamin, 
 faying, 
 
 4  Thus  faith  the  Lord,  Ys  (hall  not  go  up,  nor 
 fight  againH  your  brethren  :  return  every  man  to  his 
 houfe ;  for  this  thing  is  done  of  me.  And  they  obey¬ 
 ed  the  words  of  the  Lord,  and  returned  from  going 
 againH  Jeroboam. 
 
 5  f  And  Rehoboam  dwelt  in  Jerufalem,  and  built 
 cities  for  defence  in  Judah. 
 
 6  He  built  even  Bethdehem,  and  Etara,  and  Tekoa, 
 
 7  And  Beth-zur,  and  Shoco,  and  Adullam, 
 
 8  And  Gath,  and  Marelhah,  and  Ziph, 
 
 9  And  Adoraim,  and  Lachifli,  and  Azekah. 
 
 10  And  Zorah,  and  Aijalon,  and  Hebron,  which 
 are  in  Judah  and  in  Benjamin  fenced  cities. 
 
 1 1  And  he  fortified  the  Hrong  holds,  and  put  cap¬ 
 tains  in  them,  and  Hore  of  viiHual,  and  of  oil  and  wine. 
 
 12  And  in  every  feveral  city  he  put-  fhields  and 
 fpears,  and  made  them  exceeding  Hrong,  having  Ju¬ 
 dah  and  Benjamin  on  his  fide. 
 
 13  H  And  the  prieHs  and  the  Levites  that  xvere  in  s-J’ 
 all  Ifrael  t  reforted  to  him  out  of  all  their  coaHs.  _ 
 
 14  (For  the  Levites  left  their  lubnrbs,  and  their  them/dta 
 poHeffion,  and  came  to  Judah  -and  Jerufalem;  for <0 to. 
 
 Jeroboam  and  his  fons  had  call  them  off  from  exe-^g^J^P' 
 cuting  the  prieH’s  office  unto  the  Lord  : 
 
 15  And  he  ordained  him  prieHs  for  the  high  places, 
 and  for  the  devils,  and  for  the  calves  which  he  had 
 made.) 
 
 FXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap-  X.  Ver.  1-19.  After  what  has  been 
 faid  on  the  contents  of  this  chapter  in  1  Kings  xn.  we  have  only  to  add  u.at  men 
 ar-  readier  to  complain  of  the  leaO;  expenee  which  the  wants  of  SO'^’-nment  ca 
 for,  than  [o  acknowledge  how  indebted  they  are  for  the  mercies  and  Fo‘ea*o 
 ivhich  tbev  enjoy.  The  evil  effeas  of  Rehoboarn’s  feventy 
 «f  the  ten'tribes  ;  fee  I  Kings  xii.  He  rejeaed  the  good 
 f.ietids,  and  deferved  to  be  given  up  to  his  folly.  God  s  counfel  thus  wa 
 tiiled,  ver.'  IS.  though  he  had  none  but  Inmlelf  to  blame  for  this  lo  . 
 
 kind  in  God  to  grant  him  a  part  for  his  father’s  fake,  and  that  he  did  not  caufe  sH 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  XI.  Ver.  1—23.  Though  Reho- 
 beam  had  been  unfuccefsftil  in  his  attempt  to  reduce  the  people  by  fair 
 chap.  X.  18.  he  refolved  to  try  the  fword  before  Jeroboam  wasflrengtbenedmW 
 .kingdom;  and  he  foori  raifed  a  formidable  force  ;  but  on  the  prophet  s  adinon', 
 tion,  he  difbanded  him.  He  forfeited  liis  country,  weakened  by  fuch  a  rcioi,, 
 but  as  many  of  the  loyal  Ifraelites  and  of  the  Levites  as  cbole  to  live  undev 
 
 hii 
 
 snergus;,  aim  uugut  iv  uc  au,  - -  -  H  t  *  Leitf 
 
 and  contemned.  v  n  v  r,..rf,-r.s  are  ffcuerallv  too  hot  to  prove  wife  counfellors  ;  and  many  ruin  their  own 
 
 ..a  h.„  -a  ....a- 
 
 touuftas  even  by  iocb’s  folly  and  ftiry. 
 
II.  CHRONICLES. 
 
 peforc 
 Cliri't 
 971  • 
 
 el  Kings 
 13. 
 
 jUnjaii  made  king  h  hh  father,  S^-c. 
 
 16  And  after  them,  out  of  all  the  tribes  of  Ifrael, 
 fneh  as  fet  their  hearts  to  leek  the  Lord  God  of  Ilrael, 
 came  to  Jerufalera,  to  facrifice  unto  the  Lord  God 
 
 nf  their  fathers.  , .  ,  .r  t  j  u 
 
 17  So  they  flrengthened  the  kingdom  6r  Judah, 
 
 and  made  Rehoboam  thefon  of  Solomon  ftrong  three 
 years :  for  three  years  they  walked  m  the  way  of 
 
 18  <11  And  Rehoboam  took  liimMahaleth,  the  daugh- 
 ter  of  Jerimoth  the  fon  of  David,  to  wife,  and  Abihail, 
 the  daughter  of  Eliab  the  fon  of  Jeffe ; 
 
 19  Which  bare  him  children  ;  Jeuib,  and  Shama- 
 
 riah  and  Zaham.  ,  ,  ,  r-  j  u. 
 
 20  And  after  her  he  took  =  Maachah  the  daughter 
 
 of  Abfalom,  which  bare  him  Abijah,  and  Attai,  and 
 
 Ziza  and  Shelomith.  j  v,. 
 
 21  And  Rehoboam  loved  Maachah  the  daughter 
 of  Abfalom  above  all  his  wives  and  his  concubines ; 
 (for  he  took  eighteen  wives,  and  threefcore  concu¬ 
 bines  ;  and  begat  twenty  and  eight  fons  and  threefcore 
 
 daughters.)  ,1  ••  t.  t.  r  r  t\/t 
 
 22  And  Rehoboam  made  Abijah  the  fon  or  Maa¬ 
 chah  the  chief,  to  be  ruler  among  his  brethren  ;  for  he 
 
 thought  to  make  him  king.  ,  ,  r  n  u* 
 
 23  And  he  dealt  wifely,  and  difperfed  of  ad  his 
 children  throughout  all  the  countries  of  Judah  and 
 Benjamin,  unto  every  fenced  city  ;  and  he  gave  them 
 visual  in  abundance  :  and  he  defired  f  many  wives.* 
 
 CHAP.  XII. 
 
 1  Rehoboam  forsaking  God,  is  punished  by  Shishak  ;  5  he  and  his  princes 
 humble  themselves  ;  13  his  reign  and  death. 
 
 And  it  came  to  pafs  when  Rehoboam  had  efta- 
 blifhed  the  kingdom,  and  had  flrengthened  him- 
 felf,  he  forfook  the  law  of  the  Lord,  and  all  Ifrael 
 
 with  him.  .  .  rr  u  c 
 
 2  And  it  came  to  pafs,  that,  in  the  fifth  year  of 
 
 king  Rehoboam,  Shifhak  king  of  Egypt  came  up 
 aiKirrgsagainft  Jerufalem,  "  becaufe  they  had  tranfgreiTed 
 14.22,25.  againft  the  Lord.  ,  ,  r  . 
 
 3  With  twelve  hundred  chariots,  and  threefcore 
 thoufand  horferaen:  and  the  people  xvere  without 
 number  that  came  with  him  out  of  Egypt ;  the  Lu- 
 bims,  the  Sukkims,  and  the  Ethiopians. 
 
 4  And  he' took  the  fenced  cities  which  pertained  to 
 Judah  and  came  to  Jerufalem. 
 
 5  ^  Then  came  Shemaiah  the  prophet  to  Rehoboam, 
 
 ■Shishak  invadeth  the  land,  ^c. 
 
 \}0  t  • 
 
 |Heb. 
 
 o  multi¬ 
 tude  of 
 wives. 
 
 972. 
 
 971. 
 
 and  to  the  princes  of  Judah,  that  were  gathered  toge- 
 ther  to  Jerufalem  becaufe  of  ohifhak,  and  faid  un»o 
 them,  Thus  faith  the  Lord,  Ye  haveforfaken  me,  and 
 therefore  have  I  alfo  left  you  in  the  hand  of  Sr  'hak. 
 
 6  Whereupon  the  princes  of  Ifrael  and  the  king  hum¬ 
 bled  themfelves;  and  they  faid,  The  Lord  is  righteous. 
 
 7  And  when  -the  Lord  law  that  they  humbled 
 themlelves,  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  to  Shemaiah, 
 favine  they  have  humbled  themfelves;  therefore,  I 
 will  not  deftroy  them,  but  1  wiii  grant  them  1|  lome  1  Oo 
 deliverance;  and  ray  wrath  lhall  not  be  poured  out;,;'^;'’ 
 upon  Jerufalera  by  the  hand  of  Shifhak. 
 
 8  Nevcrthcltfs  they  (iicill  be  his  hTvsDts  \  thuttney 
 
 may  know  my  fervice,  and  the  fervice  of  the  king¬ 
 doms  of  the  countries.  . 
 
 9  So  Shifhak  king  of  Egypt  came  up  againft  Jeru- 
 falem,  and  rook  away  the  treafures  of  the  houfe  of 
 the  Lord,  and  the  treafures  of  the  king’s  houfe  ;  he 
 
 I  took  all :  he  carried  away  alfo  the  fhields  of  gold  which 
 
 !  Solomon  bad  made.  ,  n  •  u 
 
 1 0  Inftead  of  which  king  Rehoboam  made  fhields  of  . 
 brafs,  and  committed  them  to  the  hands  of  the^  chief  ot 
 the  guard,  that  kept  the  entrance  of  the  king’s  houfe. 
 
 1 1  And  when  the  king  entered  into  the  houfe  of 
 the  Lord,  the  guard  came  and  fetched  them,  and  ’ 
 brought  them  again  into  the  guard-chamber. 
 
 12  And  when  he  humbled  hirafelf,  the  wrath  of  the 
 Lord  -turned  from  him,  that  he  would  not  deftroy 
 him  altogether :  H  and  alfo  in  Judah  things  went  well.  T; 
 
 13  ^  So  king  Rehoboam  flrengthened  himfelf  in  Judah 
 Jerufalem,  and  reigned  :  for  Rehoboam  teas  one  and  there  were 
 forty  years  old  when  he  began  to  reign,  and  he  reign- 
 
 ed  feven teen  years  in  Jerufalera,  the  city  which  the^iELg* 
 Lord  had  chofen  out  of  all  the  tribes  of  Ifrael,  to  put  m.  21.° 
 his  name  there:  and  his  mother’s  name  was  Naamah 
 an  Amraonitefs. 
 
 1 4  And  he  did  evil,  becaufe  he  H  prepared  not  his  II 
 heart  to  feek  the  Lord. 
 
 15  Now  the  a6ls  of  Rehoboam,  firft  and  laft,  are 
 they  not  written  in  the  f  book  of  Shemaiah  the  pro-t  Heb. 
 phet,  and  of  Iddo  the  feer,  concerning  genealogies  ? 
 
 And  there  xicere  wars  between  Rehoboam  and  Jero¬ 
 boam  continually. 
 
 16  And  Rehoboam  flept  with  his  fathers,  and  was 
 buried  in  the  city  of  David  :  and  Abijah  his  fon  reign¬ 
 ed  in  his  ftead.t 
 
 government  were  well  accommodated  in  fome  of  the  cities  lie  built.  VVe  have 
 here  the  nohle  conduct  of  the  priefis  and  Levites.  As  their  country  was  become 
 idolatrous,  and  they  were  prevented  from  exercifing  tbeir  facred  funaipns  at 
 home,  they  quitted  their  cities  and  the  lands  aflignod  them  ;  rather  clioofing 
 to  fuffer  any  hardfhips  than  bs  debarred  from  werflripping  God,  whom  they 
 etteemed  above  all  earthly  poffeffions.  Many  pious  Ifraelites  followed  their 
 example,  and  forfook  all  rather  than  be  deftitute  of  the  priefts  thus  driven 
 from  them  ;  by  which  Ifrael  was  diminifhed,  and  Judah  flrengthened  ;  but  more 
 by  the  blefling  than  the  number  which  they  received.  For  three  years  they 
 walked  following  David’s  example,  but  at  the  end  of  this  period,  Rehoboam 
 turned  afide,  and  the  people  were  drawn  after  him,  and  thereby  forfeited  the 
 divine  favour.  He  followed  the  unjuftifiable  example  of  his  fathers,  and  mul¬ 
 tiplied  wives.  Abijah  bis  fon,  by  Blaaohah,  was  appointed  his  fucceffor,  and 
 his  other  fons  were  difperfed  in  the  cities  of  Benjamin  and  Judah  as  confidential 
 peiTons. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XII.  Ver.  1 — 16.  Short  was  the  con¬ 
 tinuance  of  the  bright  afpeifv  which  the  firft  years  of  Relioboam’s  reign  wore.  He 
 forfook  God’s  commandments,  and  his  people  didfo  likewife  ;  their  fin  is  reconU 
 ed,  1  Kings  xiv.  22 — 24.  Now  the  kingdom  was  ftreiigthened,  they  not  only 
 call  off  the  fear  of  men,  but  of  God.  The  judgments  of  Cod  foon  overtook  them. 
 
 Shifliak  king  of  Egypt,  in  the  fifth  year  of  Reholioam,  invaded  tire  land,  and 
 eafily  took  the  fortified  cities  in  which  Rehoboam  had  confided.  In  this  diflrefs 
 God  fends  a  prophet  to  the  king  and  princes,  to  enforce  the  providence  in  order 
 to  their  repentance.  The  prophet’s  words  had  the  defired  effe<5l ;  conviction 
 feized  their  hearts,  and  they  confeffed  the  judgment  of  God  to  be  juft.  God  had 
 compaffion  on  them  under  their  humiliation,  and  fent  his  propliet  to  comfort 
 them.  God  prevented  tbe  threatened  ruin  of  Jerufalem  ;  but  he  allowed  them  to 
 fmart  for  a  time  for  their  wickednefs.  Shifliak  reftraiived  of  God,  after  plun¬ 
 dering  the  country,  and  carrying  off  their  fliields  of  gold,  and  all  the  treafures  of 
 Rehoboam  which  David  and  Solomon  had  amafted,  returned  into  Egypt  ;  and 
 the  king  was  obliged  to  fubftitute  fliields  of  brafs  in  their  place.  On  Shifliak’s 
 return,  and  Rehoboam’s  repentance,  God  bad  mercy  on  Judah;  the  ravaged 
 country  recovered,  and  religion  began  again  to  revive  anJ  flourifli.  Things 
 went  on  well  in  Judah,  or  in  Judah  tliere  were  good  things.  Evil  as  tlie  funts 
 were,  there  was  a  remnant  left  who  feared  God.  Rehoboam  recovered  llrength, 
 and  fortified  Jerufalem  againft  any  attacks  in  future.  His  wars  with  Jeroboam 
 were  continued  to  the  end  of  his  reign  ;  though  they  fought  no  pitched  battle, 
 there  were  conllaat  aiSls  of  hoftility  on  the  borders.  His  reign  lafted  for  feveu- 
 teen  years,  and  then  his  fon  too  much  refenihling  his  father,  I'ucceeded  him  on  the 
 throne. 
 
 .PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XI.]  It  is  honourable  to  make  the  greatest  facriSces  when  this  is  neceffary  in  doing  the  will  of  God.  No  fecular 
 advantage  ought  to  carry  of  keep  us  where  we  must  make  fliipwreck  of  faith  and  a  good  c-itfclence.  If  for  God’s  fake  we  forfake  our  worldly  all,  we  lhall  one 
 day  find  ourfelvcs  great  gainers.  Seafons  of  pcrfccutiou  distinguifti  the  precious  from  the  vile.  Nothing  can  strengthen  a  nation  lo  much  as  tlie  vniveflal  preva¬ 
 lence  of  piety. 
 
 f  Chap.  XII.]  See  1  Kings  xiv,  Prailical  Obfervations. 
 
Ji.;  o'jo.:;n. 
 
 11.  CHRONICLES. 
 
 Jer6loam*s  gtrat  crmj 
 
 Ket'oro 
 
 Ctiilll 
 
 9oS. 
 
 overcometh  him. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 bound 
 
 together. 
 
 N' 
 
 957. 
 
 CHAP.  XIII. 
 
 ■lliii  :k  /urrwling,  rxokctk  war  againjl  Jeroboam  and 
 7V;f  u'l.  i  .s-  and  chi' Iren  of  Abija'i. 
 
 0\V, in  the  eighteenth  year  of  king  Jeroboam 
 a  ^Khir^  -L^  begin  Abijah  to  reign  over  Judah. 
 
 5.  j,cic.  ,2  He  reigned  three  years  in  Jerufalem :  (his  mo¬ 
 ther’s  name  aUb  lo'is  IMichaiah,  the  daughter  ot  Uriel 
 of  Gibeah  :)  and  there  was  war  between  Abijah  and 
 Jeroboam. 
 
 3  And  Abijah  f  fet  the  battle  in  array,  with  an  ar¬ 
 my  of  vaUant  men  of  war,  four  hundred  thoufand 
 chofen  men  :  Jeroboam  aUb  fet  the  battle  in  array 
 againft  him  with  eight  hundred  thoufand  cholen  men, 
 h.ing  mighty  men  of  valour. 
 
 4  *1  And  Abijah  flood  up  upon  mount  Zemaraira, 
 which  IS  in  mount  Ephraim,  and  faid,  Hear  me,  thou, 
 Jeroboam,  and  ail  Ifrael. 
 
 .  5  Ought  ye  not  to  know  that  the  Lord  God  of 
 Ifrael  gave  the  kingdom  over  Ifrael  to  David  for  ever, 
 tven  fo  him  and  to  his  Ions  by  a  covenant  of  fait  ? 
 
 6  Yet  Jeroboam  the  fon  of  Nebat,  the  fervanj  of 
 bi  Kin^Solom.on  the  fon  of  David,  is  rifen  up  and  hath  re- 
 11.  26.  belled  againft  his  lord. 
 
 7  And  there  are  gathered  unto  him  vain  men,  the 
 children  of  Belial,  and  have  ftrengthened  themfelves 
 againft  Rehoboam  the  fon  of  Solomon,  w^hen  Reho- 
 boam  was  young  and  tender-hearted,  and  could  not 
 withftand  them. 
 
 8  And  now  ye  think  to  withftand  the  kingdom  of 
 the  Lord  in  the  hand  of  the  Tons  of  David  ;  and  ye 
 be  a  great  multitude,  and  there  are  with  you  golden 
 
 •  1  Kings  calves,  which  Jeroboam  <=  made  you  for  gods. 
 
 ”  9  **  Have  ye  not  caft  out  the  priefts  of  the  Lord, 
 
 the  fons  of  Aaron,  and  the  Levites,  and  have  made 
 you  priefts  after  the  manner  of  the  nations  of  other 
 lands  ?  fb  that  whofoever  coraeth  f  to  confecrate  him- 
 felf  with  a  young  bullock  and  fevens  rams,  the  same 
 may  be  a  priett  of  them  that  ore  no  gods. 
 
 10  But  as  for  us,  the  Lord  is  our  God,  and  we- 
 have  not  forfaken  him ;  and  the  priefts,  which  miml- 
 ter  unto  the  Lord,  are  the  fons  of  Aaron,  and  the 
 Levites  'wait  upon  thsir  bufinefs  : 
 
 1 1  e  And  they  burn  unto  the  Lord,  every  morning 
 and  every  evening,  burnt-facrifices  and  fweet  incenie ; 
 the  ^  fhew-bread  alfo^/f^  they  in  order^  upon  the  pure 
 table ;  and  the  candleftick  of  gold,  with  the  lamps 
 thereof,  to  burn  every  eve  ning :  for  we  keep  the  charge 
 of  the  Lord  our  God  :  but  ye  have  forfaken  him. 
 
 12  And,  behold,  God  himfelf  is  with  us  for  owr  cap¬ 
 tain,  and  his  priefts  with  founding  trumpets  to  cry 
 
 95: 
 
 12.  28. 
 d  Chap. 
 11.  14. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 to  Jill  his 
 hand. 
 
 e  Chap. 
 24.  6. 
 
 f  Lev. 
 24.  6. 
 
 alarm  againft  you.  O  children  of  Ifrael,  fight  ye  not  iWof, 
 againft  the  Lord  God  of  your  fathers :  for  ye  fhall 
 not  prol'per. 
 
 13  f  But  Jeroboam  caufed  an  ambufhmentto  come 
 about  behind  them  :  fo  they  were  before  Judah,  and 
 the  ambufhment  was  behind  them. 
 
 14  And  when  Judah  looked  back,  behold,  the 
 battle  was  before  and  behind :  and  they  cried  unto 
 the  Lord,  and  the  priefts  founded  with  the  trumpets. 
 
 15  Then  the  men  of  Judah  gave  a  fhout :  and,  as 
 the  men  of  Judah  Ihouted,  it  came  to  pafs,  that  God 
 fmote  Jeroboam  and  all  Ifrael  before  Abijah  and 
 Judah. 
 
 16  And  the  children  of  Ifrael  fled  before  Judah: 
 and  God  delivered  them  into  their  hand. 
 
 17  And  Abijah  and  his  people  flew  them  with  4 
 great  flaiighter :  lb  there  fell  down  flain  of  Ifrael  five 
 hundred  thoufand  chofen  men. 
 
 1 8  Thus  the  children  of  Ifrael  w/ere  brought  under 
 at  that  lime,  and  the  children  of  Judah  prevailed,  be- 
 caufe  they  relied  upon  the  Lord  God  of  their  fathers. 
 
 19  And  Abijah  purfued  after  Jeroboam,  and  took 
 cities  from  him  ;  Beth-el  with  the  towns  thereof,  and 
 Jefhanah  with  the  towns  thereof,  and  Ephraim  with 
 the  towns  thereof. 
 
 20  Neither  did  Jeroboam  recover  ftrength  again  in 
 
 the  days  of  Abijah :  and  the  Lord  ftruck  him,  and 
 he  died.  . 
 
 21  ^  But  Abijah  waxed  mighty,  and  married  four¬ 
 teen  wives,  and  begat  twenty  and  two  fons,  and  fix- 
 teen  daughters. 
 
 22  And  the  reft  of  the  aas  of  Abijah,  and  his  ways, 
 and  his  layings,  are  written  in  the  H  ttory  of  the  pro- g  Chap, 
 phetslddo.* 
 
 CHAP.  XIV. 
 
 1  AJh  Jucceeding,  dejiroyeth  idolatry;  9  calling  on  God,  he  overcometh 
 Zernh,  and  fpoileth  the  Ethiopians. 
 
 SO  Abijah  flept  with  his  fathers,  and  they  buried 
 him  in  the  city  of  David ;  and  »  Afa  his  fon 
 reigned  in  his  ftead.  In  his  days  the  land  was  quiet 
 
 ten  years.  ,  .  ,  •  . 
 
 2  And  Afa  did  that  'which  "was  good  and  right  in  the 
 
 eyes  of  the  Lord  his  God  : 
 
 3  For  he  -took  away  the  altars  of  the  ftrange  godsy 
 the  lamps'  and  the  high  places,  and  brake  down  the  f  images, 
 and  cut  down  the  groves  ;  ^  ^ 
 
 4  And  commanded  Judah  to  feek  the  Lord  God 
 of  their  fathers,  and  to  do  the  law  and  the  command¬ 
 ment. 
 
 Or, 
 
 commtih 
 
 15. 
 
 951. 
 
 and  fled,  and  five  hundred  thoufand  men  were  left  dead  on  the  field  5 
 1  number  of  flain  is  unexampled  in  the  page  of  hiflory.  Abijah  followed  up  i 
 viaory,  and  recovered  part  of  the  revolted  cities,  particularly  Beth-el,  whence 
 '  Jeroboam  had  either  withdrawn  the  calf,  or  Abijah  had  not  zeal  enou„ 
 
 I  to  deftroy  it.  We  find  it  ftill  there,  2  Kings  x.  29.  Death,  foon  after 
 removed  them  both  from  the  throne,  to  give  an  account  of  their  govemn 
 to  the  King  of  kings.  Jeroboam,  weakened  by  his  defeat,  and  Imitten 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XIII.  Ver.  1-22.  Abijah  is  no  fooner 
 proclaimed  king,  than  he  is  involved  in  a  dangerous  war.  It  is  probable  Jero- 
 beam  wifhed  to^take  the  advantage  of  him  on  his  acceflma,  j 
 
 unable  to  cope  with  him.  Immenfe  anuies  were  brought  into  the  field  ,11^6 
 outnumbered  Judah  by  double  the  quantity,  but  the  deficiency  in  numbers  was 
 
 behind  Lm,  and  inftead  of  aofwering  bis  arguments,  expe^ed  he  had 
 in  enfuring  vidlory.  Abijah  and  his  fervants  put  the  battle  ^  ^ 
 
 fooner  was  tlie  front  engaged  than  a  ery  in  the  rear  ^  nr^ 
 
 In  the  greateft  conflernation  they  cried  to  the  Lord,  and  trufting  .  .  P 
 teaion^ndured  the  ftiock.  The  priefts  with,  trumpets  founded, 
 than  mortal  courage  :  loud  the  men  of  Judah  ftout  as  for  viaory, 
 their  foes,  difpirited  and  fmitten  of  God  with  panic  fear.  r 
 
 llii 
 
 lOlies.  linj^ertu  lui  a  wms^,  V4.w«  v.-v-  - ^ 
 
 Abijah,  ftrengthened  by  his  acquifitions,  and  blelTed  with  a  numerous  f 
 waxed  mighty,  but  his  greatnefs  was  of  fliort  duration  ;  he  foon  flept  ^ 
 fathers,  A  further  account  of  his  wars,  private  character,  and  ^ 
 
 mentioned  to  have  been  written  in  the  book  of  Iddo,  which  is  long  fince 
 
 m  obh^^^^ATGRY  NOTES.  Chap.  XIV.  Ver.  2—15.  At  Abijah’s  de«af< 
 the  crown  fell  to  a  w  orthy  fuccelibr,  wliofe  piety  and  profperity  are  here^ 
 
 eir  roes,  aiipiriieu  aau  iuiivtci*  v*  -  —  _ - - - - ■  . - — -  -  . 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.-*Chap.  XIHJ  The  m  S^n  time^of'dange”  •no’'®  powerful  than  carnal 
 
 of  fuccefs.  But  dangerous  is  the  itlLo'^hTierteft  ftraits,  to  awaken  them  from  fpiritual  ftcurity,  -to  exercifethetr  faith,  ahd  make  his  gr 
 
 to  Una  ia  him  they  Ihali  not  be.ove^ 
 
Asa 
 
 jjcfore 
 
 Clirid 
 
 955. 
 
 11.  CHRONICLES. 
 
 ^fJtcTs  prophcnj.  Avj.  >  <>.i):nani. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 
 sun-ima- 
 
 ges. 
 
 941. 
 b  Cliap. 
 
 16.  8. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 broken. 
 
 c  1  Sam. 
 
 14.  6. 
 
 I  Or, 
 
 mortal 
 
 5  Allb  he  took  away  out  of  all  the  cities  of  ludah  ' 
 the  high  places  and  the  t  images :  and  the  kingdom  ' 
 was  quiet  before  him. 
 
 6  f  And  he  built  fenced  cities  in  Judah :  for  the 
 land  had  reft,  and  he  had  no  war  in  thofe  years  ;  be- 
 caufe  the  Lord  had  given  him  reft. 
 
 7  Therefore  he  laid  unto  Judah,  Let  us  build  thefe 
 cities,  and  make  about  them  walls,  and  towers,  gates, 
 and  bars,  ivhtle  the  land  is  yet  before  us;  becaufe  we 
 have  fought  the  Lord  our  God,  we  have  fought  him, 
 and  he  hath  given  us  reft  on  every  fide :  fo  they 
 built  and  profpered. 
 
 8  And  Afa  had  an  army  oj  men  that  bare  targets 
 and  (pears, 
 
 and  out  of  Benjamin,  that  bare  ftiields  and  drew 
 bows,  two  hundred  and  fourfcore  thoufand  :  all  thefe 
 tsijcre  mighty  men  of  valour. 
 
 9  ^  ”  And  there  came  out  againft  them  Zereh  the 
 Ethiopian,  with  an  hoft  of  a  thoufand  thoufand,  and 
 three  hundred  chariots  ;  and  came  unto  Marefhah. 
 
 10  Then  Afa  went  out  againft  him,  and  they  fet 
 the  battle  in  array  in  the  valley  of  Zeptiathah  at  Ma- 
 reftiah. 
 
 11  And  Afa  cried  unto  the  Lord  his  God,  and 
 faid,  Lord,  it  is  nothing  witft  thee  to  help,  whe¬ 
 ther  with  many,  or  with  them  that  have  no  power  : 
 help  us,  O  Lord  our  God  ;  for  w’e  reft  on  thee, 
 and  in  thy  name  we  go  againft  this  multitude.  O 
 I.ORD,  thou  art  our  God;  let  not  ||  man  prevail 
 againft  thee. 
 
 12  So  the  Lord  fmote  the  Ethiopians  before  Afa, 
 and  before  Judah  ;  and  the  Ethiopians  fled. 
 
 13  And  Afa,  and  the  people  that  were  with  him, 
 purfued  them  unto  Gerar :  and  the  Ethiopians  were 
 overthrown,  that  they  could  not  recover  themfelves ; 
 for  they  were  f  deftroyed  before  the  Lord,  and  be¬ 
 fore  his  hoft  :  and  they  carried  away  very  much  fpoil. 
 
 14-  And  they  fmote  all  the  cities  round  about  Ge¬ 
 rar  ;  for  the  fear  of  the  Lord  came  upon  them  :  and 
 they  fpoiled  all  the  cities ;  for  there  was  exceeding 
 much  fpoil  in  them. 
 
 15  They  fmote  alfo  the  tents  of  cattle,  and  carried 
 away  (beep  and  camels  in  abundance,  and  returned  to 
 Jerufalem.* 
 
 CHAP.  XV. 
 
 1  Asa,  with  Olliers,  make  a  folemn  covenant  with  God ;  1 6  Ae  imttelh 
 
 down  Maachak  his  mother  jor  her  idolatry. 
 
 And  the  spirit  of  God  came  upon  Azariah  the 
 fon  of  Oded. 
 
 IJeforc 
 
 C'lri;'. 
 
 '  J . 
 
 bej:,r 
 
 An. 
 
 cvercomcth  Zerah  the  Ethiopian. 
 
 2  And  he  went  out  f  to  meet  Afa,  and  fa:J  unto 
 him,  Hear  ye  me,  Ala,  and  all  Judah  and  Benjitnin  ; 
 d'he  I.ORD  is  with  you,  while  ye  be  with  him  ;  and 
 if  ye  feek  him,  he  will  be  found  of  you  ;  but  ,r  ye  r  Hot 
 forfake  him,  he  w'ill  forfake  you. 
 
 3  Now  for  a  long  (eafon  Ifrael  hath  been  without 
 the  true  God,  and  without  a  teaching  prieft,  and 
 without  law. 
 
 4  But  when  they  in  their  trouble  did  turn  unto  the 
 Lord  God  of  Ifrael,  and  fought  him,  he  was  found 
 of  them. 
 
 5  And  in  thofe  times  there  was  no  peace  to  him 
 that  went  out,  nor  to  him  that  came  in,  but  great  vex- 
 
 out  of  Judah  three  hundred  thoufand, !  ations  were  upon  all  the  inhabitants  ol  the  countries. 
 
 deftroyed  of  nation,  and  city 
 
 orded.  One  of  an  excellent  charadter,  whofe  eye  was  Angle  in  the  fervice  of 
 God,  which  met  with  his  blefling  and  approbation.  No  fooner  was  he  come  to 
 me  throne,  than  he  aboliihed  every  monument  of  idolatry,  which  had  remained 
 fince  the  days  of  Solomon,  and  had  received  the  royal  fandlion,  or  at  leall  was 
 connived  at  during  the  laft  reigns.  This  reformation  he  carried  through  alt 
 ms  dominions,  bringing  back,  the  people  to  the  fervice  of  the  temple,  w'hich 
 wough  kept  up,  had  been  grievoufly  negle<5led  ;  and  to  the  obfervance  of  God’s 
 laws,  about  which  they  had  become  remifs.  No  foreign  foe  difturbed  his  re- 
 Pofe,  and  none  of  his  own  fubjedts  dared  oppofe  him.  Afa  improved  the  peace 
 be  enjoyed  for  the  ftren^thening  of  his  kingdom,  as  well  as  reforming  it.  He 
 irs  up  his  chief  men  to  affift  him  in  fortifying  the  cities,  and  conftantly  training 
 e  militia,  confiding  of  three  hundred  thoufand  men  of  Judah,  and  two  hundred 
 thoufand  of  Benjamin,  differently  armed  for  the  various  plans  of 
 a  diftance.  Peace  is  often  of  fliort  duration.  Afa 
 s  n.  eatened  by  a  vali  army  of  Ethiopians,  and  their  confederates  threaten  to 
 :Vvertbiow  him,  Afa,  iq  fervent,  humble,  and  believing  prayer,  addreffes  his  God,  1 
 
 beaten  in 
 pieces. 
 
 Heb.  ’ 
 
 which 
 
 6  And  nation  was  t  deftroyed  or  nation, 
 of  city  :  for  God  did  vex  them  with  all  adverflty. 
 
 7  Be  ye  ftrong  therefore,  and  let  not  your  hands 
 be  weak  ;  for  your  work  ftiall  be  rewarded. 
 
 8  H  And  when  Afa  heard  thefe  words,  and  the 
 prophecy  of  Oded  the  prophet,  he  took  courage,  and 
 put  away  the  f  abominable  idols  out  of  all  the  land  t 
 
 of  Judah  and  Benjamin,  and  out  ot  the  cities  . . 
 
 he  had  taken  from  mount  Ephraim,  and  renewed  the 
 altar  of  the  Lord  that  voas  before  the  porch  of  the 
 Lord. 
 
 9  And  he  gathered  all  Judah  and  Benjamin,  and 
 the  ftrangers  with  them  out  of  Ephraim  and  Manaf- 
 (eb,  and  out  of  Simeon  :  (for  they  fell  to  him  out  of 
 Ifrael  in  abundance,  when  they  faw  that  the  Lord 
 his  God  was  with  him  :) 
 
 10  So  they  gathered  themfelves  together  at  Jeru- 
 falem  in  the  third  month,  in  the  fifteenth  year  of  the 
 reign  of  Afa. 
 
 11  And  they  offered  unto  the  Lord  t  the  famef  Heb. 
 
 time,  of  the  fpoil  which  they  had  brought,  feven  hun-^"'*“^ 
 dred  oxen,  and  feven  thoufand  fheep.  “  ‘ 
 
 12  And  they  entered  into  a  covenant  to  feek  the 
 Lord  God  of  their  fathers  with  all  their  heart,  and 
 with  all  their  foul ; 
 
 13  That  whofoever  w'ould  not  feek  the  Lord  God 
 of  Ifrael  ®  (hould  be  put  to  deatn,  whether  f.uali 
 great,  whether  man  or  woman. 
 
 14  And  they  fware  unto  the  Lord  with  a  loud 
 voice,  and  with  (houting,  and  with  trumpets,  and  with 
 cornet?. 
 
 15  And  all  Judah  rejoiced  at  the  oath  :  for  they 
 had  fworn  with  all  their  heart,  and  fought  him  with 
 
 i  their  whole  defire  ;  and  he  was  found  ot  them  :  and 
 the  Lord  gave  them  reft  round  about. 
 
 13.  5,  9. 
 
 whom  he  claims  as  his  covenant  God,  and  pleads  that  his  own  glory  was  engaged 
 which  would  be  diflionoured  ihould  his  enemies  prevail  againft  his  church  and 
 people.  His  pr.iyer  was  anfwered  with  vidlory.  The  enemy  fled  in  confufion, 
 fmitten  of  God,  and  filled  with  confternation  ;  whom  Aft  purfued  with  great 
 flaughter  ;  ftormed  the  cities  of  their  confederates,  where  they  had  taken  ftielter, 
 and  plundered  and  ravaged  their  camps,  cities,  and  country,  carrying  away  great 
 fpoils,  and  vaft  herds  of  cattle. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XV.  Ver.  1—19.  The  prophet  Aza¬ 
 riah  met  the  vidtor  hoft  returning,  not  fo  much  to  congratulate  them  as  to  admo- 
 riifli  them  to  the  right  improvement  thereof  He  informs  them  that  the  conti¬ 
 nuance  of  their  profperity  depended  upon  their  perfeverance  in  well-doing.  Ilea 
 fets  before  them  the  dangerous  confequences  of  departing  from  God,  in  the  expc^ 
 rience  of  their  nation  during  the  day  of  the  judges,  when  they  forfook  the  true 
 God  for  Baal  and  Aflitaroth.  For  a  longjeajbn  IJ'rael had  been  wiihou"  the  trur.  Ciod  j 
 that  is,  they  had  lived  a  long  time  ignorant  of  the  true  God,  notwitiiftand'  ..ja^hat 
 he  had  given  them  the  revelation  of  himfelf.  The  prophet  therefore  e  . hurts  the^ 
 
 it  Hi OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XIV.]  What  a  great  mercy  to  a  church  and  nation,  are  zealous,  pious,  and  reforming  prine- 
 their  n  when  they  adt  with  due  patience  and  prudence,  as  well  as  holy  zeal  ;  feeking  to  draw  men  from  their  abominations  w'  " 
 
 wd SSiriite “  ““ “““““ ,  ■- '  Ho. 
 
 --  ^  Goa 
 
 ^0.  2Q.,„Qcl. 
 
-U  dim;,!,’:  /hush.,/, cm  l,„idi„g  namah.  II.  CHRONICLES.  He  seelcth  nol  le  God  l„t  lo  i!,e  phsiciom,  ,u. 
 
 Clirtil  Anu  alio  concervivg  ^  Maachah  the  mother  of  | 
 
 fi-ii.  Ala  the  kins:,  he  removed  her  from  bewg  queen,  be- 
 caule  the  had  made  an  f  idol  in  a  grove  :  and  Ala  cut 
 bi  Kings  down  her  idol,  and  ftamped  rV,  and  burnt  it  at  the 
 ^^i/b  Kidron. 
 
 torw.  ^ '  Kut  the  high  places  were  not  taken  away  out  of 
 i  rael :  neverthelefs  the  heart  of  Afa  was  perfedl  all 
 his  days. 
 
 18  If  And  he  brought  into  the  houfe  of  Ood  the 
 things  that  his  father  had  dedicated,  and  that  he  hiai- 
 lelf  had  dedicated,  filver,  and  gold,  and  veflels. 
 
 19  And  there  was  no  ?no7'e  war  unto  the  five  and 
 thirtieth  year  of  the  reign  of  Afa.* 
 
 CHAP.  XVT. 
 
 1  Jfa,  by  the  ail  oj  the  Syrians,  divertetli  Baajha  from  building  of  Hamah  ; 
 
 11  he  sceketh  not  to  God  but  lo  the  physicians  ;  IS  his  death  and  burial. 
 
 040,  s.  fix  and  thirtieth  year  of  the  reign  of  Afa, 
 
 Trom  the  »  Baafhd  king  of  Ifrael  came  up  againft  Judah, 
 
 rending  Ramah,  to  the  intent  that  he  m.ight  let  none 
 
 tribe's  go  ^ut  or  come  in  to  Afa  king  of  Judah, 
 from  ju-  2  Then  Afa  brought  out  filver  and  gold  out  of  the 
 dah  over  treafures  of  the  houfe  of  the  Lord,  and  of  the  king’s  i 
 which  houfe,  and  fent  to  Ben-hadad  king  of  Syria,  that  dwelt 
 ^ot”„V=>ttnamafcus,  faying, 
 
 ai  Kings  3  There  is  a  league  between  me  and  thee,  as  there 
 
 15. 17.  jt-ris  between  ray  father  and  thy  father  :  behold,  I  have 
 filver  and  gold  ;  go,  break  thy  league  with 
 armese  qJ.-  that  he  may  depart  from  me. 
 
 4  And  Ben-hadad  hearkened  unto  king  Afa,  and 
 f  Heb.  f^nt  the  captains  of  f  his  armies  againfl  the  cities  of 
 which  Ifrae! ;  and  they  fmoteljon,  and  Dan,  an;!  Abel-maim, 
 were  Aw.  and  all  the  ftore  cities  of  Naphtali. 
 
 5  And  it  came  to  pafs,  vvhen  Baaflia  heard  it,  that 
 he  left  off  building  of  Ramah,  and  let  his  work  ceafe. 
 
 6  Then  Afa  the  king  took  all  Judah ;  and  they 
 carried  away  the  ftones  of  Raman,  and  the  timber 
 thereof,  w'herewith  Baafha  w'as  a  building ;  and  he 
 built  therewith  Geba  and  Mizpah. 
 
 7  *11  And  at  that  time  Hanani  the  feer  came  to  Afa 
 king  of  Judah  and  faid  unto  him,  Becaufe  thou  haft 
 
 b  Chap,  relied  on  the  king  of  Syria,  and  not  relied  on  the 
 Lord  thy  God,  therefore  is  the  hoft  of  the  king  of 
 tn^obun-  Syria  efcaped  out  of  thine  hand. 
 dance.  '  "s  Were  not  ^  the  Ethiopians  and  the  Lubims  f  a 
 
 king  and  people  to  be  zealous  for  God,  and  affures  them  their  labour  ftiould  receive 
 an  abundant  recompence.  Afa  encouraged  by  his  vidlory,  but  more  particularly 
 by  the  prophet’s  exhortation,  zealoufly  renewed  the  work  of  reformation  ;  be  ; 
 Ibught  out  and  extirpated  every  abomination  which  yet  remained,  nor  did  he  con¬ 
 nive  at  the  praiSlices  of  his  own  grandmother,  though  a  queen,  but  deftroyed  her 
 ima^e  and  grove,  degraded  her,  and  removed  her  from  court.  He  convoked 
 an  alfcmbly  of  the  people  at  Jerufalem.  This  was  done,  probably  at  the  feaft  of 
 PentecofV,  when  he  repaired  the  altar,  and  offered  numerous  facrilices  of  the  spoil 
 tliey  had  taken.  The  people  folemnly  renewed  the  dedication  of  themfelves  to 
 God  as  his  people.  Afa  brought  in  the  dedicated  treafures  into  the  temple  which 
 his  father  had  colledled  and  he  had  augmented  for  this  purpofe.  Peace  followed 
 for  manv  vears ;  though  fome  afls  of  hoftility  continued  on  the  borders,  yet,  in 
 general,  the  nation  h  id  reft  from  war. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XVI.  Ver,  1 — 14.  The  event  here 
 recorded  we  had,  1  Kings  xv.  The  fix  and  thirtieth  year  of  Afa  is  reckoned  from 
 the  diVifion  of  the  kingdom,  which  is  no  more  than  the  fixteeneth  of  his  reign,  y 
 
 1  huge  hoft,  with  very  many  chariots  and  horfemen  ?  Before 
 I  yet,  becaufe  thou  didft  rely  on  the  Lord,  he  deli- 
 vered  them  into  thine  hand. 
 
 9  For  the  eyes  of  the  Lord  run  to  and  fro  through- 
 out  the  vvhole  earth,  |1  to  (hew  himCelf  ftrong  in  the  II  Or, 
 behalf  of  them  whofe  heart  is  perfeft  towards  him 
 Herein  thou  haft  done  foolifhly  ;  therefore  from 
 henceforth  thou  (halt  have  wars. 
 
 10  Then  Afa  was  wroth  with  the  feer,  and  put  him 
 j,  in  a  prifon-houfe  ;  for  he  'vons  in  a  rage  with  him  be- 
 
 caufe  of  this  thing.  And  Ala  f  oppreffed  Jbme  of  thet  Heb. 
 
 I  people  the  fame  time.  crvficd. 
 
 11  f  And,  behold,  the  afts  of  Afa,  firft  and  laft, 
 lo,  they  are  written  in  the  book  of  the  kings  of  Judah 
 and  Ifrael. 
 
 12  And  Afa,  in  the  thirty  and  ninth  year  of  his 
 reign,  was  difeafed  in  his  feet,  until  his  dii'eafe  was 
 ex'ceeding  great :  yet  in  his  difeafe  he  fought  not  to 
 the  Lord,  but  to  the  phyficians. 
 
 13  H  And  Afa  flept  with  his  fathers,  and  died  in 
 the  one  and  fortieth  year  of  his  reign. 
 
 14  And  they  buried  him  in  his  own  fepulchres, 
 
 w  hich  he  had  f  made  for  himfelf  in  the  city  of  David,  9i  l 
 and  laid  him  in  the  bed  which  was  filled  with  fweett  Heb. 
 odours,  and  divers  kinds  of  spices  prepared  by 
 apothecaries’  art :  and  they  made  a  very  great  burn¬ 
 ing  for  him.f 
 
 CHAP.  XVII. 
 
 1  Jehojhaphat  reigneth  well,  and  jrrosperelh  ;  he  fendeth  Leviles  lo  leach 
 in  Judah;  12  Ins  greatnefs,  captains,  and  armies. 
 
 And  “  Jehofhaphat  his  fon  reigned  in  his  Read,  a  i  Kingj 
 and  ftrengthened  himfelf  againft  Ifrael. 
 
 2  And  he  placed  forces  in  all  the  fenced  cities  of 
 Jndah,  and  fet  garrilbns  in  the  land  of  Judah,  and  in 
 the  cities  of  Ephraim,  which  Afa  his  father  had  taken. 
 
 3  And  the  Lord  was  with  Jehofhaphat,  becaufe 
 he  walked  in  the  firft  ways  of  his  father  David,  and 
 fought  not  unto  Baalim  ; 
 
 4  But  fought  to  the  LORD  God  of  his  father,  and 
 walked  in  his  commandments,  and  not  after  the  doings 
 of  Ili-ael :  .j.  Heb. 
 
 5  Therefore  the  Lord  eftablifhed  the  kingdom  in^^f- 
 his  hand  :  and  all  Judah  f  brought  to  Jehofhaphat  pre-  11 
 fents  ;  and  he  had  riches  and  honour  in  abundance,  couraged. 
 6  And  his  heart  [1  was  lifted  up  in  the  w^ays  of  the  912. 
 
 The  expedient  Afa  took  to  divert  Baaflia,  was  unjufttfiable  andfmful.  He  row 
 probably  pleafed  himfelf  in  the  fuccefs  of  his  policy,  but  God  embittered  his  joys, 
 by  fending  Hanani  the  prophet  with  a  fevere  rebuke  for  his  diftruft  of  God. 
 Far  from  repenting  at  the  juft  rebuke,  the  angry  king  vents  his  rage  on  the  pro¬ 
 phet,  cafls  him  into  pri  fon,  eras  some  think,  put  him  into  the  ftocks,  as  if  bis 
 faithfulnefs  were  criminal.  Afa  grew  difeafed  in  the  latter  part  of  his  life,  either 
 the  gout,  or  fome  asdematous  fuelling,  feiaed  his  feet,  and  he  languiflied  for  a 
 while  in  great  mifery ;  a  juft  rebuke  for  his  injury  to  the  prsphet.  Under  his 
 affli^lion  he  placed  more  dependance  on  his  phyficians  than  to  God;  which  was 
 the  more  criminal,  if,  as  fome  have  conje<5lured,  they  were  heathens,  a  kind  of 
 conjurers.  Medicine,  without  God’s  blelling,  is  ufelefs.  Death  mocked  at  his 
 vain  confidence,  and  brought  him  to  the  grave.  The  good  report  given  after¬ 
 wards  of  him,  gives  us  ground  to  believe  that  he  lamented  his  fin,  and  was  for¬ 
 given  :  Ifrael  lamented  over  his  death  in  the  fame  manner  by  which  they  teftifieii 
 their  efteem  for  their  heft  kings. 
 
 EXPLANATORY"  NOTES.  Chap.  XVII.  Ver.  1—19.  Jehofliaphat  no 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERY"ATIONS. — *  Chap.  XV.]  The  hiftory  of  God’s  mercies  to  his  people  in  paft  ages  is  a  ftrong  motive  to  abound  in  good  works,  to 
 endeavour  doing  as  much  good  as  pollible  in  our  day.  Great  are  the  obligations  under  which  we  are  laid  to  keep  God’s  law;  but  if  we  would  chebrfully  and  refo- 
 lutely  regard  all  his  precepts,  it  is  neceffary  that  we  frequently  call  to  our  remembrance  the  covenants  of  mercy  made  to  the  fathers,  and  cultivate  fuitable  love  ana 
 gratitude  to  God  for  that  mercy.  Without  thefe  tsmjiers  all  vows,  oaths,  or  refolutions  to  ferve  God,  prove  as  the  morning  cloud  and  early  dew.  While  we  are 
 
 felicitous  to  honour  the  Lord,  let  us  be  careful  to  engage  in  nothing  but  what  he  warrants. 
 
 PRACTICAL'OBSERVATIONS. — f  Chap.  XVL]  What  madnefs  to  depend  on  the  perjured  for  protedlion,  efpecially  if  we  have  hired  them  to  the  com- 
 iniftion  of  that  crime  by  the  plunder  of  facrilege.  O  what  need  have  we  to  confider  our  ways,  to  keep  our  hearts  with  all  diligence,  and  to  pray  for  peculiar  grace 
 to  keep  us  to  the  end  !  How  many  have  in  youth  promifed  fair,  whofe  deeds  in  advanced  years  have  covered  them  with  lafting  disgrace.  All  our  departures  from 
 God  fpring  from  an  evil  heart  of  unbelief.  The  very  means  which  we  ufe  unlawfully  to  avert  trouble  will  bring  it  more  heavily  on  us.  Sinful  wifdom  will  at  wu 
 appear  egtegious  folly- 
 
,  ,  *  ,  II.  CHRONICLES. 
 
 good  reign,  ^c. 
 
 Jes/ioS'.np^Kd's  ufp.mfy  iiiln  Auuh. 
 
 jHeb. 
 
 j|0^' 
 
 ( pduccs. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 
 at  his 
 kanil. 
 
 *97, 
 
 Lord  :  moreover,  he  took  away  the  high  places  and 
 
 ^‘’«^?AUb  ^^Vtlmithird  year  of  his  reign,  he  fent  to 
 Hi  '  Jmces’e.erto  Ben-hml,  and  to  Obad^^ab  and  to 
 Z^cLriah,’  and  to  Nethaneel,  and  to  Michaiah,  to 
 
 teach  in  the  cities  of  Judah.  _  ou  •  u 
 
 «  4nd  with  them  he  sent  Levites,  even  Shemaiah,  and 
 Nethaniah,  and  Zebadiah,  and  Afahel,  and  Shemira- 
 raoth,  and  Jehonathan,  and  Adomjah,  and  l^ijah, 
 and  Tob  adonijah,  Levites  ;  and  with  them  Elilhama, 
 
 ““s  And”heV'’taught  in  Jndah,  and  had  the  book  of 
 the  law  of  the  Lord  with  them,  and  w'ent^about 
 throughout  all  the  cities  ot  Judah,  and  taught  the 
 
 ^^10  H  And  the  fear  of  the  Lord  t  fell  upon 
 kingdoms  of  the  lands  that  xsere  round  about  Judah, 
 fo  that  they  made  no  war  againft  Jeholhaphat. 
 
 11  Alfo  soiKe  of  the  Philiftines  brought  Jeholhaphat 
 orefents,  and  tribute-filver  ;  and  the  Arabians  brought 
 him  flocks,  feven  thoufand  and  leven  hundred  rams, 
 and  (even  thoufand  and  feven  hundred  he-goats. 
 
 12  h  And  Jeholhaphat  waxed  great  exceedingly 
 and  he  built  in  Judah  H  caftles,  and  cities  of  Itore. 
 
 13  And  he  had  much  bufinels  in  the  cities  or  Judah  : 
 and  the  men  of  war,  mighty  men  of  valour,  were  in 
 
 Jcirufalem.  „  ,  , 
 
 14  And  thefe  are  the  numbers  of  them,  according 
 to  the  houfe  of  their  fathers  ;  of  Judah,  the  captains 
 of  thoufands ;  Adnah  the  chief,  and  with  him  mighty 
 men  of  valour  three  hundred  thoufand. 
 
 15  And  t  next  to  him  teas  Jehohanan  the  captain, 
 and  with  him  two  hundred  and  fourfeore  thoufand. 
 
 16  And  next  him  was  Amafiah  the  fon  of  Zichn, 
 who  willingly  offered  himfelf  unto  the  Lord;  and 
 with  him  two  hundred  thoufand  mighty  men  of  valour. 
 
 17  And  of  Benjamin  ;  Eliada,  a  mighty  roan  of  va¬ 
 lour,  and  with  him  armed  men  with  bow  and  ffjield, 
 
 two  hundred  thoufand.  ■  . 
 
 18  And  next  him  was  Jehozabad,  and  with  him  an 
 hundred  and  fourfeore  thoufand  ready  prepared  for 
 the  war. 
 
 19  Thefe  waited  on  the  king,  befides  those  whom 
 the  king  put  in  the  fenced  cities  throughout  all 
 Judah.* 
 
 CHAP.  XVIIT. 
 
 1  Jehoshaphat  goelh  with  Ahah  against  Bamotk-gilead,  4  Ahab  seduced 
 by false  prophets,  is  slain, 
 
 Jeholhaphat  had  rkhes  and  honour  in  a- 
 
 bundance,  and  joined  affinity  with  Ahab. 
 
 2  *  And  t  after  eertahi  yczrs  he  went  dowm  to  Ahab 
 to  Samaria  :  and  Ahab  killed  fheep  and  *;xen  for  i,iin  ,, , 
 in  abundance,  and  for  the  people  that h'A  — , 
 
 him,  and  perfuaded  him  to  go  up  with  him  to  R;-  noth-  «^i 
 
 ^^^^And  Ahab  king  of  Ifrael  faid  unto  Jeholhaphat 
 king  of  Judah,  Wilt  thou  go  with  me  to  Ka:i.oth-./i,.«-  .. 
 gilead  '''  And  he  anfwered  him,  I  am  as  thou  an,  and 
 my  people  as  thy  people ;  and  ttr  will  be  with  thee  la 
 
 ^^d-^'Tnd  Jeholhaphat  faid  unto  the  king  of  Ifiael, 
 Enquire,  I  pray  thee,  at  the  word  of  the  I.ord  to-day. 
 
 5  Therefore  the  king  of  Ifrael  gathered  together  of 
 prophets  four  hundred  men,  and  faid  umo  them. 
 
 Shall  we  go  to  Ramoth-gilead  to  battle,  or  lhall  I,or- 
 bear  ?  And  they  laid.  Go  up  ;  for  God  will  deliver 
 it  into  the  king’s  hand, 
 
 6  H  But  Jeholhaphat  faid.  Is  there  not  here  a  pi'O" 
 phet  of  the  Lord  f  befides,  that  we  might  enquire  offJJJ' 
 
 hifD  ?  „  .  ,  T  u  ru  V.  . 
 
 7  And  the  king  of  Ifrael  faid  unto  Jehefhaphat, 
 
 JViere  is  yet  one  man,  bv  whom  we  may  enquire  or 
 the  Lord:  but  I  hate  him  ;  for  he  never  prophclied 
 good  unto  me,  but  always  evil :  the  lame  is  hlicaiah 
 the  fon  of  Imla.  And  Jeholhaphat  faid,  Let  not  the 
 
 king  fay  fo.  . 
 
 8  And  the  king  of  Ifrael  called  for  one  of /ns  H  otli-  II  or, 
 
 cers,  and  faid,  f  Fetch  quickly  Micaiah  the  fon 
 
 Imla.  Hasten. 
 
 9  And  the  king  of  Ifrael,  and  Jeholhaphat  king  of 
 Judah,  fat  either  of  them  on  his  throne,  clothed  in 
 their  robes,  and  they  fat  in  a  1!  void  place  at  the  enter-  n  Or, 
 ing  in  of  the  gate  of  Samaria ;  and  all  the  prophets/^"’’* 
 prophefied  before  them. 
 
 10  And  Zedekiah  the  fon  of  Chenaanah  had  made 
 him  horns  of  iron,  and  faid.  Thus  faith  the  Lord, 
 
 With  thefe  thou  lhalt  pulh  Syria  until  t  they  be  con-  f  ^eb. 
 
 ...  *  •  ■  inou  con- 
 
 luineu.  ,  /*  1  r  r  • 
 
 1 1  And  all  the  prophets  prophelied  lo,  laying,  (jO  them. 
 up  to  Ramoth-gilead,  and  profper  ;  for  the  Lord 
 lhall  deliver  it  iiito  the  hand  of  the  king. 
 
 12  And  the  meflenger  that  went  to  call  Micaiah, 
 
 fpake  to  him,  faying.  Behold,  the  words  of  the  pro¬ 
 phets  good  to  the  king  t  with  one  alTent :  let  f  Heb. 
 
 thy  word  therefore,  I  pray  thee,  be  like  one  of  theirs, 
 
 and  Ipeak  thou  good. 
 
 13  And  Micaiah  faid.  As  the  Lord  liveth,  even 
 what  my  God  faith,  that  will  I  fpeak. 
 
 14  And  when  he  was  come  to  the  king,  the  king 
 faid  unto  him,  Micaiah,  lhall  we  go  to  Ramoth-gilead 
 
 fooner  afeends  the  throne,  than  the  davvnings  of  a  glorious  reign  commenced* 
 He  ftrengthened  his  kingdom,  by  placing  ftrong  garrilons  in  the  cities  of  Judah, 
 and  thofe  his  father  had  recovered  from  Ifrael,  and  prepared  againll  that  danger 
 which  Ahab’s  growing  ftrength  appeared  to  threaten.  Religion  was  his  mofl  im¬ 
 portant  concern.  He  copied  after  the  heft  of  his  predeceffors  in  their  beft  days  ; 
 faithful  to  the  worlliip  of  God,  he  abhorred  all  idols  j  the  law  of  God  was  his 
 rule  of  duty,  and  IfracVs  apollacy  rendered  his  faithfulnefs  more  Angular  and 
 exemplary.  The  idols  and  groves,  that  in  the  declining  days  of  Afa  might  have 
 been  fet  up  again,  he  utterly  deflroyed.  lie  not  only  removed  the  temptations 
 to  fin,  but  took  care  to  in!lru(5l  the  people  in  the  path  of  duty.  He  fent  the  Le- 
 t'ites  and  priefts  through  the  cities  of  Judah,  with  the  book  of  the  law,  to  explain 
 and  ertforce  tire  commandments  of  God.  The  blelfmg  of  God  attended  his 
 labours.  The  Lord  was  with  him ;  or  as  the  Targuin  generally  expreffes  it, 
 
 “the  word  of  the  Lord,”  the  divine  Logos,  to  whpm  all  things  are  committedr 
 rtrengthened  him  in  his  exertions,  and  eftablillied  his  kingdom.  His  people 
 complimented  him  with  many  rich  prefents,  witli  which  he  was  not  intoxicated, 
 but  filled  with  greater  love  and  tbankfulncfs  to  the  gracious  giver.  It  was  then 
 cuftomary  for  the  fubjedls  to  teftify  their  refpeA  and  fubjecUon  to  their  kings, 
 by  bringing  them  prefents,  chap,  xxxii.  123.  1  Sam.  x.  27,  28.  1  Kings  x.  25. 
 Jehoflraphal’s  glory  increafed  ;  he  was  feared  by  his  enemies,  and  beloved  by 
 his  fubjedls.  Fhiliftia  and  .Vrabia  courted  his  favour.  Ills  military  preparations 
 increafed  greatly.  He  fortified  the  walls  of  the  cities,  built  caftles  and  ftore- 
 cities  ;  under  five  chief  officers  an  immenfe  army  was  enlifted.  Amafiah,  one  of 
 the  officers,  is  mentioned  with  an  honourable  mark  of  diftindlion. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XVI 11.  Ver.  1—34.  Jehoftiaphat’s 
 Lncreafe  made  the  king  of  Ifrael  probably  defirous  of  his  alliance  and  Jehofhaphal 
 
 I.]  In  Jeholbaphat  we  behold  the  triumph  of  grace  over  all  the  allurements  of  riches ;  and  much  piety  and 
 for  themfelves  and  their  fubjedls,  when  kings  promote  religion  and  advance  the  civil  power  1 — When  the 
 
 PRACfiCAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  XVIL 
 
 profperity  mutually  promoting  one  another.  How  happy  for  l  i  •  •  f 
 
 Perfonal  piety  of  princes,  and  their  zeal  for  reforming  others,  are  equally  confpicuous  !  Religion  is  a  reafonable  fervice  ;  and.  in  promouiig  reformation  we  muft 
 begin  with  inftrudfion  aFlaid  down  in  the  fucred  oracles.  What  a  powerful  protedlioa  to  nations  is  the  terror  of  God  imprelRd  on  their  neighbours  and.  enemies  1 
 No  armed  holts  are  comparable  to  this. 
 
^hab  ^educt^d  by  false  prophcls^ 
 
 IL  CHRONICLES. 
 
 He 
 
 B  Or, 
 but  for 
 evil  f 
 
 b  Job 
 
 1.  6. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 from 
 chumLerto 
 chamber. 
 t  Heb. 
 a  cham¬ 
 ber  in  a 
 chamber. 
 
 to  battle,  or  fhall  I  forbear?  And  he  faid,  Go  ye  up,  || 
 and  prefper,  and  they  fhall  be  delivered  in  to  your  hand. 
 
 And  the  king  faid  to  him,  How  many  times 
 fliall  I  adjure  thee  that  thou  fay  nothing  but  the  truth 
 to  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  ? 
 
 16  1  hen  he  faid,  I  did  fee  all  Ifrael  fcattered  upon 
 the  niountams,  as  fheep  that  have  no  fhepherd  :  and 
 the  Lord  laid,  Thefe  have  no  matter ;  let  them  re¬ 
 turn  tiu  refore  every  nian  to  his  houfe  in  peace. 
 
 17  And  the  king  of  Ifrael  faid  to  Jehofhaphat,  did 
 1  not  tell  thee  that  he  would  not  prophecy  good  unto 
 me,  II  but  evil  ? 
 
 1 8  Again  he  faid,  Therefore  hear  the  word  of  the 
 Lord  ;  1  law  the  Lord  fitting  upon  his  throne,  and 
 all  the  hoft,  of  heaven  ttanding  on  his  right  hand  and 
 on  his  left. 
 
 19  And  the  Lord  faid,  Who  [hall  entice  Ahab 
 king  of  Ifrael,  that  he  may  go  up  and  fall  at  Ramoth- 
 gilead  ?  And  one  fpake,  faying  after  this  manner,  and 
 another  faying  after  that  manner. 
 
 20  Then  there  came  out  a  fpirit,  and  ttood  before 
 the  Lord,  and  faid,  I  will  entice  him.  And  the 
 Lord  laid,  unto  him.  Wherewith  ? 
 
 21  And  he  faid,  I  will  go  out,  and  be  a  lying  fpirit 
 in  the  mouth  of  all  his  prophets.  And  the  LORD 
 faid,  Thou  (halt  entice  him^  and  thou  lhalt  alfo  pre- 
 rail  :  go  out,  and  do  even  fb. 
 
 22  Now  therefore,  behold,  the  Lord  hath  puf 
 a  lying  fpirit  in  the  mouth  of  thefe  thy  prophets,  and 
 the  Lord  hath  fpoken  evil  againft  thee. 
 
 23  H  Then  Zedekiah  the  fon  of  Chenaanah  came 
 near,  and  fmote  Micaiah  upon  the  cheek,  and  faid, 
 Which  way  went  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  from  me  to 
 fpeak  unto  thee  ? 
 
 24  And  Micaiah  faid.  Behold,  thou  fhalt  fee  on  that 
 day  when  thou  fhalt  go  1|  into  t  an  inner  chamber  to 
 hide  thyfelf. 
 
 25  Then  the  king  of  Ifrael  faid.  Take  ye  Micaiah, 
 and  carry  him  back  to  Amon  the  governor  of  the  city, 
 and  to  Joafh  the  king’s  fon : 
 
 26  And  fay.  Thus  faith  the  king.  Put  xYus  fellow  in 
 the  prifon,  and  teed  him  with  bread  of  affli^fion,  and 
 with  water  of  aill.dion,  until  I  return  m  peace. 
 
 27  And  Mic..iah  laid,  If  thou  certainly  return  in 
 peace,  then  hath  not  the  Lord  fpoken  by  me.  And 
 he  faid.  Hearken,  all  ye  people. 
 
 28  H  So  the  king  of  Ifrael  and  Jehofhaphat  the  king 
 of  Judah,  w’ent  up  to  Ram  'th-gilead. 
 
 -29  And  the  king  of  Ifrael  faid  unto  Jehofhaphat,  I 
 will  dilguife  myfelf,  and  will  go  to  the  battle  ;  but  put 
 thou  on  thy  robes.  So  the  king  of  Ifrael  difguiled 
 himfelf ;  and  they  went  to  the  battle. 
 
 too  readily  confented.  An  Ifraelitifti  princefs  appeared  an  eligible  match  for  his  ; 
 fon  •  he  might  expea  to  hare  fome  advantage  by  it,  in  recovering  Ifrael  to  the 
 fervice  of  God.  The  conneaion,  however,  proved  dangerous  to  himlelf,  and 
 ruinous  to  the  family,  by  involving  him  in  war  with  the  Syrians,  in  complaifance 
 to  Ahab,  fee  1  Kings  chap.  sxi.  Ahab  pretends  to  honour  Jehofhaphat,  but,  pro¬ 
 bably  defi<rned  to  enfnare  him  ;  be,  by  divine  interpoCtion  efcapes,  wbilft  Ahab 
 falls  in  his^dirguife,  and  bis  armour  is  no  proteaion  againft  the  fatal  arrow,  when 
 directed  bv*  God*s  commiffion. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap,  XIX.  Ver.  1—11.  Imminent  was 
 the  danger  Jehofhaphat  had  efcaped  ;  yet  through  divine  proteaion,  he  arrives  at 
 
 30  Now  the  king  of  Syria 
 captains  of  the  chariots  that  were 
 
 ts  slain  at  namoik.^^i^^ 
 
 had  commanded 
 with  him,  (  t 
 
 the  hff, 
 
 »r«|l 
 
 '*Ving, 
 
 fmall  or  great,  fave  only  with  the 
 
 (>*l 
 
 Fight  ye  not  with 
 king  of  Ifrael. 
 
 31  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  the  captains  of  the 
 chariots  faw  Jehofhaphat,  that  they  faid,  It  is  the  king 
 of  Ifrael ;  therefore  they  carapafled  about  him  to 
 fight:  but  Jehofhaphat  cried  out,  and  the  Lord  ‘ 
 helped  him ;  and  God  moved  them  to  depart  from 
 him. 
 
 32  For  it  came  to  pafs,  that,  when  the  captains  of 
 the  chariots  perceived  that  It  was  not  the  king  of  If. 
 rael,  they  turned  back  again  f  from  purfuing  him.  f  ijei, 
 
 33  H  And  a  certain  man  drew  a  bowf  at  a  venture,.^o'««i, 
 and  fmote  the  king  of  Ifrael  t  between  the  joints  ofx’"' 
 the  harnefs:  therefore  he  faid  to  his  chariot-man,  1,)^'': 
 Turn  thine  hand,  that  thou  mayeft  carry  me  out  of 
 
 the  hoft  ;  for  I  am  t  wounded.  tHebs., 
 
 34  And  the  battle  increafed  that  day  :  howbeit  the 
 king  of  Ifrael  flayed  himself  up  in  his  chariot  againftCufeJ'"*' 
 the  Syrians  until  the  even  ;  and  about  the  time  of 
 
 fun  going  down  he  died.* 
 
 CHAP.  XIX.  ’’•‘Xiesitj.i 
 
 1  Jehoshnphat  visitelh  his  kingdom ;  5  his  inslruClions  to  the  judges,  8  and, 
 to  the  priests  and  Levites. 
 
 And  Jehofhaphat  the  king  of  Judah  returned  to  896. 
 his  houfe  in  peace  to  Jerufalem. 
 
 2  And  Jehu  the  fon  of  Hanani  the  feer  went  out  to 
 meet  him,  and  faid  to  king  Jehofhaphat,  Shouldeft 
 thou  help  the  ungodly,  and  love  them  that  hate  the 
 Lord  ?  therefore  is  wrath  upon  thee  from  before  the 
 Lord. 
 
 3  Neverthelefs,  there  are  “good  things  found 
 thee,  in  that  thou  haft  taken  away  the  groves  out^^'^’®' 
 of  the  land,  and  haft  prepared  thine  heart  to  feek 
 God. 
 
 4  And  Jehofhaphat  dwelt  at  Jerufalem  :  and  f  hea,inTHi 
 went  out  again  through  the  people,  from  Beer-fheba  <)«(. 
 
 'O  mount  Ephraim,  and  brought  them  back  unto  thel^®'^- 
 Lord  God  of  their  fathers.  . 
 
 5  U  And  he  fet  judges  in  the  land,  throughout  all>,/,=J(, 
 the  f  need  cities  of  Judah,  city  by  city ;  •>  Deut. 
 
 6  And  faid  to  the  judges,  Take  heed  what  ye  do ; 
 for  ye  judge  not  for  man,  but  for  the  Lord,  who  is  sl.19. 
 with  you  t  in  the  judgment.  a^s 
 
 7  Wherefore  now,  let  the  fear  of  the  Lord 
 upon  you ;  take  heed,  and  do  it  s  for  there  is  no  iniquity  ^ 
 with  the  Lord  our  God,  nor  **  refpe£l  of  perfons,  nor  iphef. 
 taking  of  gifts.  6.9. 
 
 8  f  Moreover,  in  Jerufalem  did  Jehofhaphat  fet  of 
 the  Levites,  and  of  the  priefts,  and  of  the  chief  of  the  i‘p,t'er 
 fathers  of  Ifrael,  for  the  judgment  of  the  Lord,  and  1.  n. 
 
 his  houfe  in  peace,  whilft  Ahab  died  in  Samaria.  Jehu,  the  fon  of  Hananiiii 
 fent,  and  fears  not  to  deliver  his  meflage,  though  his  father  had  fuSered  for  hr 
 faithfulnefs.  He  expoftulates  with  him  on  the  evil  of  hiscondu(5l,  and  threateni 
 him  with  the  difpleal'ure  of  God.  War  was  his  choice,  and  war  he  ftioiild  have; 
 and  that  Jehorara,  whom  he  had  fo  wick-'dly  matched,  fliould  be  a  fcourgeto 
 him  ;  hut,  as  his  heart  is  found  with  God,  he  is  not  finally  call  olf.  The  «• 
 buke  was  received  with  filence  and  the  efledl  of  it  was  good  ;  he  no  more  viCtei 
 his  idolatrous  neighbours,  but  ftaid  at  home  to  pay  attention  to  his  own  conceri'i' 
 he  Hill  exerted  himlelf  to  carry  on  the  reformation  which  he  had  begun,  aw 
 appointed  judges  in  every  city  with  a  folemn  charge  lO  take  heed  to  the  dif' 
 
 PitArTiPAT  ORSFHVATTONS— *  Chap.  XVni.l  Alliances  with  the  abandoned  great  are  dangerous.  Their  feafts,  as  well  as  k.lfes,  are  deceitful ;  e  « 
 
 PRACIICaL  OBSERVA  -  •  a  fl.f.prv  And  thev  who  are  once  become  familiar  with  the  wicked  mull  involve  thenifelves  in  great  polliitio” 
 
 the  bed  men  are  apt  to  be  enfnared  by  their careffes  and  llatte  y.  And  they  who  are  once ^  allonifliing  powtr  bath  Satar: 
 
 and  Unhappy  are  tho  e  princes  v\  a'"'^  fionT'^'creat  multitudes  particularly  of  the'e^ergy  he  carries  before  him  with  great  unanimity  Hard  is  the 
 
Pifore 
 
 t'l.iill 
 
 8yU> 
 
 f  inu^ 
 
 {!lilude  cometh  a^ahst  JelioshapJiat, 
 
 II.  CHRONICLES. 
 
 tj' 
 
 for  controverfies, 
 lem. 
 
 when  they  returned  to  JeruCa- 
 
 in 
 
 9’ And  he  charp^ed  them,  faying,  Thus  fhall  ye  do 
 the  fear  of  the  Lord,  faithfully,  and  with  a  perfeft 
 
 |Heb. 
 
 furdgs 
 ad  do. 
 
 ^Heb. 
 
 lit  foce. 
 
 P  I  King 
 
 |.33. 
 
 pbap, 
 
 i.23. 
 
 heart. 
 
 10  And  what  caufe  foever  fhall  come  to  you  of  your 
 brethren  that  dwell  in  their  cities,  between  blood  and 
 blood,  between  law  and  commandment,  ftatutes  and 
 judgments,  ye  fhall  even  warn  them  that  they  trefpafs 
 not  againfl  the  Lord,  and  fo  wrath  come  upon  you, 
 and  upon  your  brethren :  this  do,  and  ye  fhall  not 
 trefpafs. 
 
 11  And,  behold,  Amariah  the  chief  prieft  is  over 
 you  in  all  matters  of  the  Lord  ;  and  Zebadiah  the  fon 
 of  Ifhmael,  the  ruler  of  the  houfe  of  Judah,  for  all  the 
 king’s  matters  :  alfo  the  l.evites  shall  be  officers  before 
 you.  t  Deal  courageoufly,  and  the  Lord  fhall  be 
 with  the  good.* 
 
 CHAP.  XX. 
 
 1  Jehoshapkat  proclaimelh  0,  fcijl ;  5  his  proper  ;  22  the  overthrow  of  his 
 enemies;  his  reign. 
 
 T  came  to  pafs  after  this  alfo,  that  the  children  of 
 Moab,  and  the  children  of  Ammon,  and  with  them 
 other  befides  the  Ammonites,  came  againfl  Jehofha- 
 phat  to  battle. 
 
 2  Then  there  came  fome  that  told  Jehofhaphat, 
 faying,  There  cometh  a  great  multitude  againfl  thee 
 from  beyond  the  fea  on  this  fide  Syria  ;  and,  behold, 
 they  he  in  Hazazon-tamar,  which  is  En-gedi. 
 
 3  And  Jehofhaphat  feared,  and  fet  f  himfelf  to  feek 
 the  Lord,  and  proclaimed  a  fall  throughout  all  Judah. 
 
 4-  And  Judah  gathered  themfelves  together  to  afk 
 help  of  the  Lord  ;  even  out  of  all  the  cities  of  Judah 
 they  came  to  feek  the  Lord. 
 
 5  H  And  Jehofhaphat  flood  in  the  congregation  of 
 Judah  and  Jerufalem,  in  the  houfe  of  the  Lord,  be¬ 
 fore  the  new  court. 
 
 6  And  faid,  O  Lord  God  of  our  fathers,  art  not 
 thou  God  in  heaven  ?  and  ruleft  not  thou  over  all  the 
 kingdoms  of  the  heathen  ?  and  in  thine  hand  is  there 
 not  power  and  might,  fo  that  none  is  able  to  withfland 
 thee  ? 
 
 7  Art  not  thou  our  God,  f  xvho  didfl  drive  out  the 
 inhabitants  of  this  land  before  thy  people  Ifrael,  and 
 gavefl  it  to  the  feed  of  Abraham  thy  friend  for  ever  ? 
 
 8  And  they  dwelt  therein,  and  have  built  thee  a 
 fandluary  therein  for  thy  name,  faying, 
 
 ‘  9  *  If  xsohen  evil  cometh  upon  us,  as  the  fword, 
 
 judgment,  or  peftilence,  or  famine,  we  ftand  before 
 this  houfe,  and  in  thy  prefence,  (for  thy  name  is  in 
 
 barge  of  their  duties,  and  to  keep  alive  on  their  minds  the  fear  of  God,  the 
 [Teat  prefervative  from  adting  unjuftly.  He  alfo  eftablillicd  a  fupreme  court 
 
 '  judicature  at  Jerufalem,  confiding  of  priefts  and  Levites  as  mod  (killed  in 
 aw.  .... 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Cuxr.  XX.  Ver.  1—37.  Little  did  Jeho- 
 
 phat  apprehend,  in  the  midd  of  the  pious  and  ufeful  edablidiments  in  which 
 i’w**  tbe  threatening  dorm  which  hung  over  his  head.  An  army 
 
 ^  oabites,  Ammonites,  and  their  confederates,  affemble  on  his  frontiers  unex- 
 e  i  - danger,  and  fearing  led  the  wrath  of  God  (hould 
 use  him,  he  fet  himfelf  in  earned  to  feek  the  Lord.  At  his  command  Judah 
 ®  r  much  to  fight,  as  to  feek  that  God’s  difpleafure  might  be  avert- 
 
 I  ehodiaphat’s  prayer  on  this  occafion  is  remarkable.  He,  in  the  midd  of 
 tongrei;ation,  lifts  up  his  eyes  to  heaven,  and  cried  unto  God  as  the  God  of 
 a  vation,  and  their  covenant  God;  he  pleads  the  gift  God  had  made  to 
 1  Kings  chap.  ix.  3.  he  urges  the  ingratitude  of  their  enemies.  Into 
 
 Gil,  th-n 
 
 1-  D(  • 
 
 'I,  0. 
 H/. 
 
 '  this  houfe,)  and  cry  unto  thee  ia  cur 
 i  thou  wilt  hear  and  help. 
 
 j  10  And  now,  behold,  the  children  of  Atut.  rnd 
 I  Moab,  and  mount  Seir,  whom  thou  woul  n  a  n  ' 
 
 Ifrael  invade,  when  they  came  out  of  the  'and  of 
 Egypt,  but  they  turned  from  them,  and  ddu  jycd 
 them  not ; 
 
 1 1  Behold,  Ifapi  ho-m  they  reward  us,  to  come  to 
 call  us  out  of  thy  pofleffion,  which  thou  hall  given  us 
 to  inherit. 
 
 12  O  our  God,  wilt  thou  not  judge  them  ?  for  we 
 have  no  might  againfl  this  great  company  that  cometh 
 againfl  us  ;  neither  know  we  what  to  do :  but  our 
 eyes  are  upon  thee. 
 
 13  And  all  Judah  Rood  before  the  Lord,  with 
 their  little  ones,  their  wives  and  their  children. 
 
 14'  f  Then  upon  Jahaziel  the  fon  of  Zachariah,  the 
 fon  of  Benaiah,  the  Ion  of  Jeiel,  the  fon  of  Mattauiah, 
 a  Levite  of  the  fons  of  Afaph,  came  the  Spirit  of  the 
 Lord  in  the  roidft  of  the  congregation  ; 
 
 15  And  he  faid.  Hearken  ye,  all  Judah,  and  ye 
 inhabitants  of  Jerufalem,  and  thou  king  Jehofhaphat ; 
 
 Thus  faith  the  Lord  unto  you.  Be  not  afraid  nor 
 difmayed  by  reafon  of  this  great  multitude ;  for  the 
 battle  is  not  yours,  but  God’s. 
 
 16  To-morrow  go  ye  down  againfl  them  :  behold, 
 they  come  up  by  the  t  cliff  of  Ziz  ;  and  ye  fhall  findt  Hc4>. 
 them  at  the  end  of  the  H  brook,  before  the  wildernefs 
 
 of  Jemel.  ^  ^ 
 
 17  Ye  fhall  not  need  to  fight  in  this  battle :  fet  your- 
 felves,  fland  ye  stilly  and  fee  the  falvation  of  the  Lord 
 \vith  you,  O  Judah  and  Jerufalem  :  fear  not,  nor  be 
 difmayed  ;  to-morrow  go  out  againfl  them  j  for  the 
 Lord  mil  he  with  you. 
 
 18  And  Jehofhaphat  bowed  his  head  with  his  face 
 to  the  ground  ;  and  all  Judah  and  the  inhabitants  of 
 Jerufalem,  fell  before  the  Lord,  worfhippiug  the 
 Lord. 
 
 19  And  the  Levites,  of  the  children  of  the  Kohath- 
 ites,  and  of  the  children  of  the  Korhites,  flood  up 
 to  praife  the  Lord  God  of  Ifrael  with  a  loud  voice  on 
 high. 
 
 20  II  And  they  arofe  early  in  the  morning,  and 
 went  forth  into  the  wildernefs  of  Tekoa  :  and,  as 
 they  went  forth,  Jehofhaphat  Rood  and  faid,  Hear 
 
 me,  O  Judah,  and  ye  inhabitants  of  Jerufalem  ;  ^  Be-c  ifatah 
 lieve  in  the  Lord  your  God,  fo  Riall  ye  be  eflablifh- 
 ed  ;  believe  his  prophets,  fo  fhall  ye  profper. 
 
 21  And  when  he  had  confulted  with  the  people,  he^  «  . 
 appointed  fingers  unto  the  Lord,  and  t  that  fliould  proifrs. 
 
 God  s  hands,  the  righteous  judge,  he  therefore  refers  the  caufe.  God  ffracioullv 
 
 th^f  1  ®  tlie  fons  of  Afaph,  filled  with 
 
 the  fpirit  of  prophecy,  foretels  the  approaching  viaory  ia  the  midft  of  the  coir- 
 
 ixertl'°"t'-  and  not  be  afraid.  He 
 
 fixes  the  time  and  place,  %vhea  and  where  they  fliould  meet  the  enemy  not  to 
 
 Sfem  great  viaory  that  God  fliould  workout  for 
 
 them.  The  meflage  was  received  with  acclamations  of  great  iov  and 
 
 nefs.  J^ofliaphat,  as  the  army  pafles  in  review  before  him,  encourages  them'tn 
 trufl  m  God  with  affurance  of  fuccefs.  The  event  exceeded  their  ex|eaafl^ns! 
 no  fooner  was  the  fong  of  praife  begun,  Uian  the  Lord  fet  ambufhm^tt  S 
 tlmangehchofts,  according  to  fome,  or  their  own  ambuftiment,  th”t,  SatuaS 
 I  of  God  fell  upon  their  own  army,  each  man’s  fword  was  turn^ 
 
 I  low ;  the  Moabites  and  Ammonites  againfl  the  Edomites  and  .n  ^ 
 other.  O,.  .ho.pp,o.oh  of 
 
 'probabl,  llo«|  th.  cliff  of  Zir.  Ld  ororloLod  the 
 
 It 
 
 flUtCTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.— *  Chap.  XIX.l  (See  1  Kings  xxi.  PraAical  \  xr  ..  .  _  - 
 
 fe*nTng'l  *‘^1®  offended  him  !  It  is  a  proof  of  true  wjfdom  to  receive  faithful,  though  fliarp  reproofe  as  a'fiugXr  kindn  f  *'*d*’‘®  "dien  their 
 
J.' 
 
 \'hoi7i.Tphai*s 
 
 reign. 
 
 II.  CHRONICLES. 
 
 Jt’horam  succeccleth  Jvhci\\ 
 
 ^  ileK 
 
 And  in  the 
 time  that 
 they.  ij-c. 
 t  Ileb. 
 in Jinking 
 
 prail'e  the  beauty  of  holinefs,  as  they  went  out  before 
 the  army,  and  to  fay,  Praife  the  I.ord  ;  tor  his  mercy 
 cndiireth  for  ever. 
 
 22  H  t  And  when  they  began  t  to  fing  and  to  praife, 
 
 the  Lord  fet  ambuthmenis  the  children  of 
 
 Ammon,  Moab,  and  mount  Seir,  which  were  come 
 againft  Judah  ;  and  11  they  were  fmitten. 
 
 23  For  the  children  of  Ammon  and  Moab  flood 
 
 *"./*'*  1  UI  Hit  XAiinxiv/L*  — 
 
 againtt  the  inhabitants  of  mount  Seir,  utterly  to 
 <As/smo<e^‘’V  and  deflroy  ihem:  and  when  they  had  made  an 
 cne  flno-  end  of  the  inhabitants  of  Seir,  every  one  helped  t  to 
 ther.  deflroy  another. 
 
 t  Ileb.  ^ 
 
 for  the  de- 
 struclioiu 
 
 iKi  \j  y  oiiwiiivs* 
 
 24-  And  when  Judah  came  toward  the  watch-tower 
 in  the  wildernels,  they  looked  unto  the  multitude, 
 and,  behold,  they  xcere  dead  bodies  fallen  to  the  earth, 
 and  t  none  efcaped. 
 
 Q5  And  when  Jehofliaphat  and  his  people  came  to 
 take  away  the  fpoil  of  them,  they  found  among  them 
 in  abundance  both  riches  with  the  dead  bodies,  and 
 precious  jewels,  (which  they  ftripped  off  for  them- 
 felves,)  more  than  they  could  carry  away ;  and  they 
 were  three  days  in  gathering  of  the  fpoil,  it  was  fo 
 
 much.  , ,  ,  v 
 
 26  f  And  on  the  fourth  day  they  aflembled  them- 
 U  That  is,  felves  in  the  valley  of  11  Berachah ;  for  there  they 
 
 f  Ileb. 
 
 there  was 
 not  an 
 escaping. 
 
 the  fon  of  Hanani,  *  who  is  mentioned  in  the  book  M 
 of  the  kings  of  Ifrael.  ti,* 
 
 35  ^  And  after  this  did  Jehofhaphat  king  of  Judah  J 
 
 join  hirafelf  with  Ahaziah  king  of  ifrael,  who  dideiK 
 very  wickedly.  _  ic,| 
 
 36  *  And  he  joined  himfelf  with  him  to  make  fliipsl**' 
 
 to  go  to  Tarffiiih  :  and  they  made  the  (hips  in  Ezion-T’ 
 gaber.  • 
 
 37  Then  Eliezer,  the  fon  of  Dodavah  of  Mareffiah.^'^M 
 prophefied  againfl  Jeholhaphat,  faying,  Becaufe  thouj 
 haft  joined  thyfelf  with  Ahaziah,  the  Lord  hathbro.' 
 
 ‘""il 
 
 lilltr. 
 
 ken  thy  works.  And  the  (hips  were  broken,  that  they '  i 
 _ _  n''o..a,;n-.  ♦ 
 
 22.  d 
 
 w'ere  not  able  to  go  to  Tarfhifh.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXL 
 
 1  Jehoram  succeedeth  Jehoshaphat !  5  his  wicked  reign  ;  1 8  his  incural/U 
 disease,  infamous  death  and  bui-ial. 
 
 OW  *  Jehofhaphat  flept  with  his  fathers,  and 
 was  buried  with  his  fathers  in  the  city  of  Da-" 
 and  Jehoram  his  fon  11  reigned  in  his  head.  i^i 
 
 N' 
 
 vid 
 
 BleJJini. 
 
 \  Heb. 
 head'. 
 
 blefled  the  Lord:  therefore  the  name  of  the  fame 
 place  was  called,  the  valley  of  Berachah  unto  this  day. 
 
 27  Then  they  returned,  every  man  of  Judah  and 
 Jerufalem,  and  Jehofhaphat  in  jhet  forefront  of  them, 
 to  go  again  to  Jerufalem  with  joy :  for  the  Lord  had 
 made  them  to  rejoice  over  their  enemies. 
 
 28  And  they  came  to  Jerufalem  with  pfalteries,  and 
 harps,  and  trumpets,  unto  the  houfe  of  the  Lord. 
 
 29  And  the  fear  of  God  was  on  all  the  kingdoms 
 of  thoie  countries,  when  they  had  heard  that  the  Lord 
 fought  againft  the  enemies  of  Ifrael. 
 
 SO  So  the  realms  of  Jehofhaphat  was  quiet ;  for  his 
 God  gave  him  reft  round  about. 
 di  Kings  31  ^  And  Jehofhaphat  reigned  over  Judah.  He 
 22.  41,  thirty  and  five  years  old  when  he  began  to  reign  ; 
 and  he  reigned  twenty  and  five  years  in  Jerufalem  ; 
 and  his  mother’s  name  was  Azubah,  the  daughter  of 
 
 32  And  he  walked  in  the  way  of  Afa  his  father,  and 
 departed  not  from  it,  doing  that  which  was  right  in  the 
 fight  of  the  Lord. 
 
 33  Howbeit  the  high  places  were  not  taken  away , 
 for  as  yet  the  people  bad  not  prepared  their  hearts 
 
 unto  the  God  of  their  fathers.  „  ,  r  n  j 
 
 34  Now  the  reft  o-f  the  afts  of  Jehofhaphat,  hm  ajja 
 laft,  behold,  they  are  written  in  the  t  book  of  Jehu 
 
 &c 
 
 t  Hob. 
 
 tDor(ls» 
 
 2  And  he  had  brethren,  the  fons  of  Jehofhaphat, 
 Azariah,  and  Jehiel,  and  Zechariah,  and  Azariah,  and 
 Michael,  and  Shephatiah  ;  all  thefe  were  the  fons  of 
 Jehofhaphat  king  of  Ifrael. 
 
 •  3  And  their  father  gave  them  great  gifts  of  friver, 
 and  of  gold,  and  of  precious  things,  with  fenced  cities 
 in  Judah:  but  the  kingdom  gave  he  to  |l  Jehoram, 
 becaufe  he  teas  the  firft-born.  _  ps^, 
 
 4  Now,  when  Jehoram  was  rifen  up  (o  the  king-tbt 
 
 dom  of  his  father,  he  ttrengthened  himfelf,  and  flew 
 all  his  brethren  with  the  fword,  and  divers  alfo  of  the 
 princes  of  Ifrael.  , ,  . 
 
 5  f  ^  Jehoram  was  thirty  and  two  years  old  whenj 
 he  began  to  reign  ;  and  he  reigned  eight  years  in  Je- "J, 
 
 rufalem.  r  ,  ,  .  rrr  , 
 
 6  And  he  walked  in  the  way  of  the  kings  of  Ifrael, 
 like  as  did  the  houfe  of  Ahab  ;  for  he  had  the  daugh¬ 
 ter  of  *=  Ahab  to  wife  :  and  he  wrought  that  which  teas' “ 
 
 evil  in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord.  ,  ,  r 
 
 7  Howbeir  the  Lord  would  not  deflroy  the  houleiHu 
 
 of  David,  becaufe  of  the  covenant  that  he  had  madeH^ 
 with  David,  and  as  he  promifed  to  give  a  f  light  to“J‘ 
 him  and  to  his  '•  fons  for  ever.  7.11 
 
 8  «1I  In  his  days  the  Edomites  revolted  from  under  1  si 
 the  t  dominion  of  Judah,  and  made  ihemlelves 
 
 king.  ^  ,  .  ,  , .  .  ,  8. 1! 
 
 9  Then  Jehoram  went '  forth  with  his  princes,  andp^ 
 
 all  his  chariots  with  him  :  and  he  rofe  up  by  night,  131 
 and  fmote  the  Edomites  which  compalled  him  m,  and 
 the  captains  of  the  chariots.  ,  ,  ,  j 
 
 10  So  the  Edomites  revolted  from  under  the  hand 
 
 covered  with  earcafts,  and  not  a  living  foe  remained.  Immenfe  fpoil  loaded 
 
 ing  the  high  places  to  remain,  h  f  experienced  from  his  con- 
 
 ss'SriS  b.  A-.™-  “■  • 
 
 voyage  to  Tarftiifh.  But  he  fmarted  for  it.  _ 
 
 f  Hil 
 imni 
 
 Sl 
 
 of  Judah  unto  this  day.  The  fame  time  also  did  8.21 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXI.  Ver.  1—20.  Jelioftapli 
 ceafe  opened  the  fuccefiion  to  the  unworthy  Jehoram,  whom  during 
 time,  he  had  affociated  with  him  in  the  government.  Jehoram  s  reig 
 menced  with  the  moft  bloody  and  unnatural  murder  of  his  bfctbren. 
 whom  he  feared  being  removed,  be  throws  off  the  mafk,  and  intro  u 
 idolatry  fimilar  to  Ahab  bis  father-in-law.  _  God  ^con  fent  his  judgnie 
 him  His  tributary  Edom  revolted,  and  his  fubjedts  m  Libnah  reb  ■ 
 account  of  David,  God  would  not  utterly  confume  him.  Elijah  app 
 have  been  tranflated  feven  years  before  this;  but,  by  ® 
 
 forfeeiii.^  the  abominations  of  Jehoram,  be  feems  to  Rave  left  the 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.— *  Chap  XX  ] 
 
 Great  danger  is  often  at  hand  when  we  lead  dread  it ;  and  even  when  xye  are 'fooR  fai^fo'- 
 tjreat  aa  g  _ v  o:-  tr,  nmvpr  will  never  ruin  us.  If  faith  and  hope  loOk  up 
 
 Mi{  Ai- 1  11  AL.  ,  VI!.!!!!.!*  which  ftir  uD  to  nraver  will  never  ruin  us.  If  faith  and  hope  loOk  up"' 
 
 u.  be  ineoLed  ib  greet  "f  '‘ZZrtZfto  God  for  out  deHtereece,  le.  ».  th.tefore  P'.*!'” “  J?  ' 
 
 10  DC  mvoiTvu  III  — . /  -  rvvat.pre  tn  God  for  our  denverance,  lei  us  i.uci«^jv7*v  —  ---  ---  ---  -----  >  ,„:,h  foi 
 
 fverlafting  arms  of  Jehovah  will  be  fti^e  Ld  violence  of  our  eneiiles.  Unlhaken  faith  will  feCure  vidlory  and  ^  ) 
 
 ability  to  protea  and  deliver  us,  and  the  «ngrat.tu^,  ®  his  people,  and  employ  their  arongly  confederated  enemies  to  deflroy  ^ 
 
 ptaito  ate  jrdfCter;Jrb.e.»l^^^  inereaf.  in  .e.lU,.  benUt,  and  peace.  It  become.  ».  .»  fneh  noted  d.h«,.nc..  toj. 
 
ihasiah  is  shin  bjj  JeJiUy 
 
 rpiiJt's  prophet  Moram.  11.  CHRONICLES. 
 
 . .  daughter  of  Onri.  c  au  u 
 
 3  He  alio  walked  in  the  ways  of  the  houfe  of  Ahab  • 
 for  his  mother  was  his  counfellor  to  do  wickedly. 
 
 4  Wherefore  he  did  evil  in  the  fight  of  the  Hord, 
 like  thehoiife  of  Ahab  ;  for  they  were  hiscounleilors. 
 
 889. 
 
 Moreover,  he  made  high  places  in  the  mountains 
 of  Judah,  and  caufed  the  intiabitants  of  Jerufalem  to 
 com  nit  fornication,  and  compelled  Judah  thereto. 
 
 .  Which  12  II  And  there  came  a  *  writing  to  him  from  LIi- 
 was  writ  .the  prophet,  faying.  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God 
 before  his {hy  father,  Becaufe  thou  haft  not  walked  in 
 ,h-  wav.s  of  Jehofhaphat  thy  father,  nor  in  the  ways 
 <2  Kings  of  Ala  king  of  Judah. 
 
 s.  1. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 a  great 
 ttroke. 
 
 13  But  haft  walked  in  the  way  of  the  kings  of  If* 
 rael,  and  haft  made  Judah  and  the  inhabitants  of  J-.- 
 rulalem  to  go  a  whoring,  like  to  the  whoredoms  of  the 
 houfe  of  Ahab,  and  alfo  haft  flain  thy  brethren  of  thy 
 father’s  houfe,  xv'tich  were  better  than  thyfelf : 
 
 834. 
 
 after  the  death  of  his  father,  to  his  deftru(Sl  on. 
 
 5  H  He  walked  alfo  after  their  counfel,  and  went 
 with  Jehoram  the  fon  of  Ahab  king  of  llrael  to  war 
 againft  Hazael  king  of  Syria  at  Kamoth-gilead  :  and 
 
 the  Syrians  fmote  Joram.  ,  .  t  ^  u 
 
 I  6  And  he  returned  to  be  healed  in  .  jjj.b 
 
 Icaufe  of  the  wounds  t  which  were  given  him  at  K.a- 
 
 her’s  houle,  xv'nc/i  wereoeiier  man  mvifH  .  imah,  when  he  fought  with  Hazael  king  o  | 
 
 i*B..ho!d,  with  t  a  great  plague  will  the  Lord,}  And  ||  Azanah  the  Ion  ot  f 
 
 fmitethvpeople,andthychildren,  and  thy  Wives,  aud  , I  went  down  to  fee  Jehoram  the  Ion  o.  AhaD  at  j  z  ^ 
 nil  thv  pnods  li  reel,  becaufe  he  was  lick.  wife  cai- 
 
 15  And  thou  Shalt  have  great  ficknefs  by  dileafe  of  I  7  And  the  f  deftruftion  of  Ahaziah  was  of  God,  ,^6  Aka. 
 
 fHeb. 
 
 ttrried 
 
 captive. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 yificLZidhf 
 
 Chap. 
 
 thy  bowels,  and  thy  bowels  fall  out  by  reafon  of  the 
 
 ficknefs  day  by  day.  .nr. 
 
 16  H  Moreover,  the  Lord  ftirred  up  againft  Jeho¬ 
 ram  the  fpirit  of  the  Pniliftines,  and  of  the  Arabians, 
 that  "ivere  near  the  Ethiopians  : 
 
 17  And  they  came  up  into  Judah,  and  brake  into 
 it,  and  f  carried  away  all  the  fubftance  that  was  found 
 in  the  king’s  houL,  and  his  fons  alfo,  and  his  wives ; 
 fo  that  there  was  never  a  fon  left  him,  fave  H  Jehoa- 
 haz  the  youngeft  of  his  fons. 
 
 18  H  11  And  after  all  this  the  Lord  fmote  him  in 
 his  bowels  with  an  incurable  difeafe. 
 
 VeTi’  19  And  it  came  to  pafs,  that,  in  procefs  of  time, 
 887.  after  the  end  of  two  vears,  his  bowels  fell  out  by 
 II  His  fon  reafon  of  his  ficknefs  ;  fo  he  died  of  fore  difeafes ;  and 
 his  people  made  no  burning  for  him,  like  the  burning 
 2  Kings  of  his  fathers. 
 
 a  29  20  Tnirty  and  two  years  old  was  he  when  he  began 
 
 fjon after jQ  reign;  and  he  reigned  in  Jerufalem  eight  years, 
 and  departed  f  without  being  defired  :  howbeit  they 
 buried  him  in  the  city  of  David,  but  not  in  the  fe- 
 pulchres  of  the  kings.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXII. 
 
 1  Ahaziah  succeeding  reigneth  wickedly  i  5  he  is  slain  hy  Jehu.  10  Atha- 
 liah  destreying  tdl  the  seed-royal,  savejoash,  usurpeth  the  kingdom. 
 
 And  the  inhabitants  of  Jerufalem  made  ^  Aha¬ 
 ziah  his  youngeft  fon  king  in  his  ftead  :  for 
 the  band  of  men  that  came  with  the  Arabians  to  the 
 camp  had  flain  all  the  ^  eldeft.  So  Ahaziah  the  fon  of 
 Jehoram  king  of  Judah  reigned. 
 
 2  Forty  and  two  years  old  xvas  Ahaziah  w'hen  he 
 
 f  Heb. 
 Wiliout 
 desire. 
 
 '  885. 
 a  2  Kings 
 8.  21. 
 
 b  Chap. 
 21.17. 
 
 by  coming  to  Joram  :  lor,  when  he  was  come  be  went 
 out  with  Jehoram  agaioft  Jehu  the  fon  of 
 **  whom  the  Lord  had  anointed  to  cut  off  the  houle 
 of  Ahab.  Chap.^ 
 
 8  And  it  came  to  pafs,  that,  when  Jehu  was  exe-2H^i^7. 
 cuting  judgment  upon  the  houfe  of  Ahab,  and  ^oand^^^ 
 the  princes  of  Judah,  and  the  fons  of  the  brethren  of  yovm.  ° 
 Ahaziah,  that  miniftered  to  Ahaziah,  he  flew  thena.  d  2 Kings 
 I  9  *  And  he  fought  Ahaziah:  and  they  caught 
 (for  he  was  hid  in  Samaria,)  and  brought  him  to  Jehu  : 
 and  when  they  had  flain  him,  they  buried  him  :  Be- 
 icaure(raid  they)  ne  is  the  fon  of  Jehofhaphat,  who 
 fought  the  ILord  with  all  his  heart.  So  the  houfe  ot 
 Ahaziah  had  no  power  to  keep  ftill  the  kiugdiom.  ^ 
 
 10  ^  But  when  Athaliah,  the  mother  of  Ahaziah,  e84. 
 ,faw  that  her  fon  was  dead,  fhe  arofe  and  deftroyed  ^ 
 all  the  feed-royal  of  the  houfe  of  Judah. 
 
 11  But  Jehofhabeath,  the  daughter  of  the  king, 
 took  Joalh  the  fon  of  Ahaziah,  and  ftole  him  from 
 among  the  king’s  fons  that  were  flain,  and  put  him 
 and  his  nurfe  in  a  bed-chamber.  So  Jehofhabeath, 
 the  daughter  of  king  Jehoram,  the  wife  of  Jehoiada 
 the  prieft,  (for  fhe  was  the  After  of  Ahaziah,)  hid  him 
 from  Athaliah,  fo  that  fhe  flew  him  not. 
 
 12  And  he  was  with  them  hid  in  the  houfe  of  God 
 fix  years  :  and  Athaliah  reigned  over  the  land.f 
 
 ‘  CHAP.  XX III. 
 
 1  Jehoiada  makelh  Joash  king.  12  Athaliah  is  slain,  16  Jehoiada  re¬ 
 st  or  eth  the  worship  of  God, 
 
 y^ND  ^  in  the  f  venth  year  Jehoiada  ftrengihened  ^  2Kings 
 
 EliOia,  or  fome  other,  to-be  fent  to  JelioraTi.  He  reproaches  him  with  his  ini¬ 
 quities,  particularly  tyranny,  idolatry,  and  murder,  and  denounces  the  righteous  . 
 
 judgiuent  of  God. _ The  warning  being  difregarded,  the  accomplilhment  of  the  j 
 
 threatening  was  fpeedy.  The  Arabians,  by  God’s  providence,  made  an  irruption  | 
 into  Judah  ;  plundered  the  king’s  palace,  flew  all  his  fons  but  one,  and  carried 
 away  his  wives  captive,  except  Athaliah,  who  efcaped.  He  was  feized  w  ith  a  pain-  I 
 ■ful  and  incurable  difeafe  which  rendered  him  unfit  for  recovering  his  lolTes,  and 
 •robbed  him  of  every  domeftic  comfort.  He  lingered  two  long  years,  when  thofe 
 bowels  wliich  had  no  compaffion  over  bis  brethren,  fell  out ;  and  he  died  without 
 lamentation,  and  was  buried  with  difgrace. 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Cuap.  XXII.  Ver.  1—12.  Ahaziah,  called 
 •Jehoahaz,  (the  name  being  the  fame  in  the  figniScation,)  who  alone  had  efcaped 
 
 himfelf,  and  took  the  captains  of  hundreds,  11,4, &c. 
 
 the  maflacre  of  the  Arabians,  fucceeded  his  father  at  t'le  age,  it  is  faid,  of  forty- 
 two,  or  rather  twenty-two,  2  Kings  viii.  26.  Several  reafons  have  been  given 
 for  this  difference,  but  the  mod  natural  folution  is  to  acknowledge  an  error  in 
 the  tranferiber,  tlie  Hebrew  numerals  for  twenty-two  and  forty-two  being  very 
 liable  to  be  miftaken.  The  Syriac  and  the  Arabic  verfions,  with  fome  copies  of 
 the  Septuagint,  read  it  twenty-two.  The  account  which  we  have  of  Ahaziah 
 is  very  bad  ;  he  was  influenced  by  the  word  of  counfeliors,  by  an  idolat'ous  mo¬ 
 ther  and  his  wicked  relations,  ludead  of  taking  warning  by  his  father’s  mifer- 
 able  end  he  followed  the  fame  evil  courfes,  and  having  gone  to  vifit  Joram  who 
 had  been  wounded,  fell  with  him  by  the  Avord  of  Jehu.  Never  was  the  pro- 
 mife  made  to  David,  to  human  view,  more  in  danger  of  failing.  The  raonder 
 Athaliah,  to  ufurp  the  throne,  put  to  death  all  her  grand  children,  and  the  whole 
 
 I  •  PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XXL]  What  vipei-s  arc  bred  even  in  pious  families !  How  yet  more  venomous  do  they  become  by  their  un- 
 /  . fallowed  marriages  into  families  abandoned  to  wickednsl’s!  T/)rment,  mifery,  and  difgrace  i'urely  await  tyrants. 
 
 ^  practical  observations. — I  Chap.  XXIL]  Behold  how  the  woman,  for  whofe  fake  Jehofhaphat  had  cultivated  friendfhip  with  Ahab,  reduceshis 
 Jfi:.  glorious  kingdom,  numerous  family,  and  bleffed  reformation  to  the  brink  of  ruin  !  And  to  the  reproach  of  Judah,  the  favage  murderer,  the  vile  idolater  is  per- 
 L'lniiJisitted  to  fill  the  facred  throne  without  fo  much  as  the  fliadow  of  a  title.  But  God  for  his  pronriifes’  fake,  preferves  a  young  and  helplefs  defcendaiit  of  David  to 
 iid  ijWear  his  a»4  even  to  uflier  in  the  MelD.ili  in  his  time, 
 
 fail. 
 
 Vain  is  every  attempt  of  earth  or  hell  to  defeat  the  word  of  truth  ;  not  one  jot  or  title  of  it  lha’d 
 
 ever 
 
Jehniada  maJ.etk  Jt’hor.sh 
 
 king. 
 
 II.  CHRONICLES. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrill 
 
 878. 
 
 b  2  Sam. 
 7.  12. 
 
 1  Kings 
 2.  4.  & 
 
 9.  5. 
 Chap. 
 
 6.  16.  & 
 7.  18. 
 
 •}•  Heb. 
 threJJiolds 
 
 f  Heb. 
 shoulder, 
 ■j"  Heb. 
 hou/e. 
 
 c  Deut. 
 17.  18. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 let  the 
 king  live. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 Confpi- 
 racy. 
 
 Azanah  the  fon  of  Jeroham,  and  Iflimael  the  fon  of 
 .  V  nohanan,  and  Azariah  the  Ion  of  Obed,  and  Maa- 
 
 Adaiah,  and  Elifliaphat  the  fon  of 
 Aichn,  into  covenant  with  him.  ^ 
 
 2  And  they  went  about  in  Judah,  and  gathered  the 
 Levites  out  of  all  the  cities  of  Judah,  and  the  chief  of 
 the  fathers  of  Ifrael,  and  they  came  to  Jerufalem. 
 
 3  And  all  the  congregation  made  a  covenant  with 
 the  king  in  the  houfe  of  God.  And  he  faid  unto 
 them,  Behold,  the  king’s  fon  fhall  reign,  as  the  Lord 
 hath  ^  faid  of  the  fons  of  David. 
 
 4  This  is  the  thing  that  ye  (hall  do:  A  third  part 
 of  you  entering  on  the  fabbath,  of  the  priefts  and  of 
 the  Levites,  shall  be  porters  of  the  f  doors  ; 
 
 5  And  a  third  part  shall  be  at  the  king’s  houfe  ;  and 
 a  third  part  at  the  gate  of  the  foundation  :  and  all  the 
 people  shall  be  in  the  courts  of  the  houfe  of  the  Lord. 
 
 ■  6  But  let  none  come  into  the  houfe  of  the  Lord, 
 
 fave  the  priefts,  and  they  that  minifterof  the  Levites; 
 they  (hall  go  in,  for  they  are  holy  :  but  all  the  people 
 fhall  keep  the  watch  of  the  Lord.  I 
 
 7  And  the  Levites  fhall  compafs  the  king  round  i 
 about,  every  man  with  his  weapons  in  his  hand  ;  and  ' 
 whofcever  else  cometh  into  the  houfe,  he  fhall  be  put 
 to  death  :  but  be  ye  with  the  king  w'hen  he  cometh 
 in,  and  when  he  goeth  out. 
 
 8  So  the  Levites,  and  all  Judah,  did  according  to  all 
 things  that  Jehoiada  the  prieft;  had  commanded,  and 
 took  every  man  his  men  that  were  to  come  in  on  the 
 fabbath,  with  them  that  were  to  go  out  on  the  fabbath: 
 for  Jehoiada  the  prieft  difmifled  not  the  courfes. 
 
 9  Moreover,  Jehoiada  the  prieft  delivered  to  the  cap* 
 tains  of  hundredsfpears,  and  bucklers,  and  fhields,  that 
 had  been  king  David’s,  which  veere  in  the  houfe  of  God. 
 
 10  And  he  fet  all  the  people,  every  man  having  his 
 w'eapoD  in  his  hand,  from  the  right  f  fide  of  the  t 
 temple  to  the  left  fide  of  the  temple,  along  by  the 
 altar  and  the  temple,  by  the  king  round  about. 
 
 J 1  Tnen  they  brought  out  the  king’s  fon,  and  put 
 upon  him  the  crown,  and  gave  him  the  teftimony, 
 and  made  him  king :  and  Jehoiada  and  his  fons 
 anointed  him,  and  faid,  t  God  fave  the  king. 
 
 12  H  Now  when  Athaliah  heard  the  noife  of  the 
 people  running  and  praifing  the  king,  fhe  came  to  the 
 people  into  the  houfe  of  the  Lord. 
 
 13  And  fhe  looked,  and,  behold,  the  king  flood  at 
 his  pillar  at  the  entering  in,  and  the  princes  and  the 
 trumpets  by  the  king:  and  all  the  people  of  the  land 
 rejoiced,  and  founded  with  trumpets;  alfo  the  fingers 
 with  iLftrumenrs  of  mulic,  and  fuch  as  taught  to  fing 
 praife.  Then  Athaliah  rent  her  clothes,  and  faid, 
 t  Treafon,  treafon ! 
 
 14  Then  Jehoiada  the  prieft  brought  out  the  cap¬ 
 tains  of  hundreds  that  were  fet  over  the  hoft,  and  laid 
 
 The  worship  of  God  rcstotej^ 
 
 unto  them.  Have  her  forth  of  the  ranges ;  and  whnfo  iiof„  ’ 
 followeth  her,  let  him  be  flain  with  the  fword.  For 
 the  prieft  faid.  Slay  her  not  in  the  houfe  of  the  Lord. 
 
 15 
 
 feed  royal  of  Judah  ;  one  babe  only  of  a  year  old,  as  a  brand  from  the  burning,  is 
 fnatebed  from  tb«  malTacre  by  the  care  of  liis  aunt  the  wife  of  Jehoiada. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES  Chap.  XXIII.  For  fix  years  did  Athaliah 
 ufurp  dominion,  till  by  the  courage  and  prudence  of  Jehoiada  file  is  hurled  from 
 her  bloody  throne,  and  the  rightful  heir  refiored.  Athaliab’s  important  attempt 
 haftens  her  ruin  ;  the  people  were  too  tired  of  her  government  to  afford  her  any 
 aflifiance  ;  flie  fell  therefore  a  juft  faciifice  for  her  crimes.  Rejoicing  now  cover- 
 ed  the  land  ;  the  king  and  people  by  Jehoiada  as  mediator,  renew  their  covenant 
 with  Cod  and  each  other.  Baal’s  worfiiip  is  deftroyed,  and  regularity  and  order 
 refiored  to  God’s  houfe. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXIV.  Ver.  I — 27.  Under  Jehoiada’s 
 
 a  So  they  laid  hands  on  her:  and  when  Ihe  was 
 come  to  the  entering  of  the  horfe-gate  by  the  king’s 
 houle,  they  flew  her  there. 
 
 16  f  And  Jehoiada  made  a  covenant  between  him 
 and  between  all  the  people,  and  between  the  king* 
 that  they  Ihould  be  the  Lord’s  people. 
 
 17  And  all  the  people  went  to  the  houfe  of  Baal 
 and  brake  it  down,  and  brake  his  altars  and  his  images 
 
 in  pieces,  and  ^  flew  Mattan  the  prieft  of  Baal  before  4  w 
 the  altars. 
 
 18  Alfo  Jehoiada  appointed  the  offices  of  the  houfe 
 of  the  Lord  by  the  hand  of  the  priefts  the  Levites 
 whom  David  had  «  diftributed  in  the  houfe  of  theei  ci,ro 
 Lord,  to  offer  the  burnt-offerings  of  the  Lord, 
 
 it  is  written  in  the  f  law  of  Mofes,  with  rejoicing  and  f  Numb, 
 with  finging,  as  it  was  ordained  t  by  David.  28. 2. 
 
 19  And  he  fet  the  s  porters  at  the  gates  of  the! 
 
 houfe  of  the  Lord,  that  none  which  was  unclean  \n  hath  i 
 any  thing  fhould  enter  in.  David! 
 
 20  And  he  took  the  captains  of  hundreds,  and  the  s'  ci'to. 
 nobles,  and  the  governors  of  the  people,  and  all  the  "^^' 
 people  of  the  land,  and  brought  dow'n  the  king  from 
 
 the  houfe  of  the  Lord  :  and  they  came  through  the 
 high  gate  into  the  king’s  houfe,  and  fet  the  king  upon 
 the  throne  of  the  kingdom. 
 
 21  And  all  the  people  of  the  land  rejoiced  :  and  the 
 city  was  quiet,  after  that  they  had  flain  Athaliah  with 
 the  fword.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXIV. 
 
 1  Jehoash  reigneth  well  all  the  days  of  Jehoiada  :  15  Jehoiada  being  deadt 
 n  Joash/allelh  to  idolatry ;  23  he  is  slain. 
 
 JOASH  *  was  feven  years  old  when  he  began  to  dr.  878, 
 reign  ;  and  he  reigned  forty  years  in  Jerufalem  ;  a  2  Kingj 
 his  mother’s  name  alfo  wasZibiah  of  Beer-fheba. 
 
 2  And  Joafli  did  that  which  was  right  in  the  fight 
 •f  the  Lord  all  the  days  of  Jehoiada  the  prieft. 
 
 3  And  Jehoiada  took  for  him  two  wives ;  and  he 
 begat  fons  and  daughters. 
 
 4  H  And  it  came  to  pafs  after  this,  that  Joafh  was 
 minded  to  t  repair  the  houfe  of  the  Lord.  t  Heb. 
 
 5  And  he  gathered  together,  the  priefts  and  the 
 Levites,  and  laid  to  them,  Go  out  unto  the  cities  of 
 Judah,  and  gather  of  all  Ifrael  money  to  repair  the 
 houfe  of  your  God  from  year  to  year,  and  fee  that  ye 
 haften  the  matter:  Howbeit  the  Levites  haftenediV  not. 
 
 6  And  the  king  called  for  Jehoiada  the  chief,  and 
 faid  unto  him.  Why  haft  thou  not  required  of  the 
 Levites  to  bring  in,  out  of  Judah,  and  out  of  Jerula- 
 lem,  the  colleclion,  according  to  the  commandment  of 
 ^  Mofes,  the  feryant  of  the  Lord,  and  of  the  congre- 30  1 2, 
 gation  of  Ifrael,  for  the  tabernacle  of  witnel's  ?  13’  \Z 
 
 influence  Joafti  continued  to  reign  with  credit  and  honour,  See  2  Kin<rs  xii.  I’ 
 Jehoiada  dies,  after  being  long  fpared  by  God,  for  the  fpace  of  fix  reigns  before 
 Joafh.  His  charadler  was  exemplary,  and  his  laft  works  greater  than  the  firfl. 
 The  princes  of  Judah  appear  not  to  have  been  truly  changed,  though  they 
 conformed  to  the  reformation  ;  hence  they  feize  on  the  prefent  favourable  oppor¬ 
 tunity,  and  prevail  with  the  king  to  reftore  idolatry,  and  plant  again  thofe  groves 
 which  he  Irad  deftroyed.  God  left  himCelf  not  without  a  witnefk :  Ins  propli.e;? 
 rebuked  this  fhameful  apoftacy,  particularly  Zachariah,  the'  wiifjhy  of  the 
 great  Jehoiada  ;  he  flood  up,  moved  by  the  Holy  Ghoft,  and  plainly  and  feripufly 
 reminded  them  of  the  evil  of  their  ways.  Difgraceful  vvas  the  treatment  thefe 
 holy  men  received  ;  they  defpifed  their  admonitions  in  general  ;  and  as  Zeeba, 
 
 1  RACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XXIII.]  It  is  a  great  mercy  in  critical  times  to  have  one  of  great  prudence,  piety,  and  courage,  and  influence, 
 to  be  the  principal  direaor.  How  aftonifhing  to  fee  religion  and  liberty  all  at  once  recovered  from  tbe  wrecks  of  ruin  !  But  there  is  notbing  too  hard  for  the  Lord  7 
 Tbofe  who  eppofe  him  rufh  headlong  on  their  own  deftruaion. 
 
Hefore 
 Oil  rift 
 878. 
 
 ^  Heb 
 a  voice. 
 
 Jiiliotada  diclh  :  , hash's  idolatry. 
 
 7  For  the  Tons  of  AthaHah,  that  wicked  woman, 
 had  broken  up  the  houl'e  of  God  ;  and  allb  ail  the 
 
 ,  dedicated  things  of  the  houfe  of  the  Lord  did  they 
 beftoW  upon  Baalim. 
 
 8  And  at  the  king’s  commandment  they  made  a 
 cheft,  and  let  it  without  at  the  gate  of  the  houfe  of 
 the  Lord. 
 
 9  And  they  made  f  a  proclamation  through  Judah 
 and  Jerufalem,  to  bring  in  to  the  Lord  the  colleftion 
 that  iMofes  the  (ervant  of  God,  laid  upon  Ifrael  in  the 
 wildernefs. 
 
 10  And  all  the  princes,  and  all  the  people  rejoiced, 
 and  brought  in,  and  calf  into  the  cheft,  until  they  had 
 made  an  end. 
 
 1 1  Now  it  came  to  pafs,  that  at  what  time  the  cheft 
 
 was  brought  unto  the  king’s  office  by  the  hand  of 
 the  Levites,  and  when  they  faw  that  there  was  much 
 money,  the  king’s  feribe  and  the  high-prieft’s  officer 
 came  and  emptied  the  cheft,  and  took  it,  and  carried 
 it  to  his  place  again.  Thus  they  did  day  by  day,  and  i 
 gathered  money  in  abundance.  I 
 
 12  And  the  king  and  Jehoiada  gave  it  to.  fuch  as 
 
 IT.  chronici.es. 
 
 Cod's  jad^mciit  si  -JorJi, 
 
 Mranrgrefs  ye  the  ccmmandrTiC-nts  of  the  Lord,  tiat 
 ye  cannot  profptr  becaufe  ye  have  forlakcn 
 Lord,  he  hath  alto  forCdken  you. 
 
 21  And  they  cotifpired  againft  him,  and  ftoned . 
 
 with  ftones  at  the  commandment  of  the  king,  in  the 
 court  of  the  houfe  of  the  Lord. 
 
 22  Thus  Joalh  the  king  remembered  not  the  kind- 
 nets  which  Jehoiada  bis  father  had  done  to  him,  but 
 flew  his  ton  :  and  when  he  died,  he.  (aid,  The  Lord 
 look  upon  7^,  and  require  it. 
 
 23  H  And  it  came  to  pals  f  at  the  end  of  the  year, 
 that  the  hoft  of  Syria  came  up  againft  him  :  and  they  t 
 came  to.  Judah  and  Jerufalem,  and  deftroyed  all  the 
 princes  of  the  people  from  among  the  people,  and  lent 
 
 all  the  fpoil  of  them  unto  the  king  of  f  Daraafeus.  year. 
 
 24-  For  the  army  of  the  Syrians  came  with  a  Iraall  ^ 
 company  of  men,  and  the  Lord  delivered  a  verv^r"^* 
 great  hoft  into  their  hand,  becaufe  they  had  forfakeh*'  ' 
 the  Lord  God  of  their  fathers :  fo  they  executed 
 judgment  againft  Joath. 
 
 25  And  when  they  were  departed  from  him,  (for 
 they  left  him  in  great  difeafes,)  his  own  fervants  con- 
 
 SiO. 
 
 «39. 
 
 J-J  U  V  E  U  r  •  ‘CJI  IJH.I  UJ  gnjdi  uiieajes,;  ms  own  lervants  con- 
 
 did  the  work  of  the  tervice  of  the  houfe  of  the  Lord,  ,  fpired  againft  him,  for  the  bloods  of  the  tons  of  Je- 
 
 and  hired  mafons  and  carpenters  to  repair  the  houle  j  hoiada  the  prieft,  and  flew  him  on  his  bed  and  he 
 
 of  the  Lord,  and  alfo  luch  as  wrought  iron  and  brats  !  died  i  and  they  buried  him  in  the  city  of  David  but 
 
 tf>  mpnfl  fhp  hnnfp  nf  fhp  F  .nnn.  '  .ho,.  uir^r.  ......  ..u .  r _  i  .  ,  ,  .  * 
 
 fHeb. 
 the  heal¬ 
 ing  toent 
 up  upon 
 the  work. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 pestils. 
 
 cir.  850. 
 
 eir.  840. 
 
 - - - -  _...  ... 
 
 to  mend  the  houfe  of  the  Lord. 
 
 1 3  So  the  workmen  wrought,  and  f  the  work  was  ! 
 perfected  by  them,  and  they  fet  the  houfe  of  God  in 
 his  ttate,  and  ftrengthened  it. 
 
 14  And  when  they  had  finifhed  ity  they  brought 
 the  reft  of  the  money  before  the  king  and  Jehoiada, 
 whereof  were  made  veflels  for  the  houfe  of  the  Lord, 
 even  vell'els  to  minifter,  and  II  to  offer  withal,  and 
 fpoons,  and  veffels  of  gold  and  filyer :  and  they  offer¬ 
 ed  burnt-offerings  in  the  houfe  of  the  Lord  contiau- 
 ally  all  the  days  of  Jehoiada. 
 
 15  51  But  Jehoiada  waxed  old,,  and  was  full  of  days 
 when  he  died  ;  an  hundred  and  thirty  years  old  was 
 he  when  he  died. 
 
 16  And  they  buried  him  in  the  city  of  David  among  ,  -  -  ju 
 
 the  king,'!,  becaufe  he  had  done  good  in  Ifrael,  both  {1  y.,  r  il®  reigned  twenty  and 
 
 toward  God,  and  toward  his  houTe.  iZaddln  nf  ^  mother’s  name  teas 
 
 17  UNow  after  the  death  of  Jehoiada  came  ,},e ' 
 
 Or, 
 
 Jozachar. 
 2  Kings 
 
 they  buried  him  not  in  the  fepulchres  of  the  kings. 
 
 ,t  confpired  againft  him  ;2  Kin. 
 
 II  Aabad  the  Ion  of  Shimeath  an  Aramonitefs,  and  Je-i2.'^i. 
 hozabad  the  fon  of  il  Shirarith  a  Moabitefs.  II  Or, 
 
 27  *1  Now  conceriihg  W\s  fons,  and  the  greatnefs  of^'^cT' 
 the  burdens  laid  upon  him,  and  the  f  repairing  of  the  t  Heb, 
 houle  of  God,  behold,  .they  are  written  in  the  y  ftory>“"‘^*«5* 
 
 of  the  book  of  the  kings :  and  Amaziah  his  fon  reign- 
 ed  in  his  ftead.*  ®  commen- 
 
 CHAP.  XXV. 
 
 1  Jmazmh  heginneth  to  reign  yceU ;  S  he  executethjujlice  on.  the  traitor,  - 
 5  having  hired  an  army  of  Israelites  against  the  Edomites,  at  ike  word  of 
 a  prophet  he  loseth  the  hundred  talents,  and  dismisseth  them;  he  over- 
 
 A/Zirottrl/i  Me  17  he  provoketh  Joath  fo  his  overthrow,  i'C. 
 
 u  u  twenty  and  five  years  old  when  a  2  Kings 
 
 he  began  to  reign  ;  and  he  reigned  tw’entv  and  i-*- 
 
 mnP  X7PQfO  in  •  rs  ^  _ _  .1  %  ^ 
 
 t  Heb. 
 clothed. 
 
 princes  of  Judah,  and  made  obeilance  to  the  king  : 
 then  the  king  hearkened  unto  them. 
 
 18  And  they  left  the  houfe  of  the  Lord  God  of 
 their  fathers,  and  ferved  groves  and  idols  ;  and  wrath 
 came  upon  Judah  and  Jerufalem  for  this  their  trefpafs. 
 
 19  Yet  he  fent  prophets  to  them,  to  bring  them 
 again  unto  the  Lord  ;  and  they  teftified  againft 
 them  :  but  they  would  not  give  ear. 
 
 20  And  the  Spirit  of  God  f  came  upon  Zachariah 
 the  fon  of  Jehoiada  the  prieft,  which  ftood  above  the 
 people,  and  faid  unto  them,  Thus  faith  God,  Why 
 
 riah  s  reproof,  though  mild,  particularly  exafperated  them,  at  the  inftigation  cf 
 the  princes,  and  by  the  comoiaud  of  the  king,  the  people  ftoned  him  to  death 
 between  the  pojch  and  the  altar  of  the  houfe  of  the  Lord;  ungratefully 
 Mrgetting  the  innumerable  obligations  which  they  owed  his  pious  father. 
 |he  dying  martyr  foretels  the  judgments  of  God  which  were  ready  to  overtake 
 them,  and  which  God  foon  put  in  execution.  A  fmall  army  of  Syrians  vauquilh- 
 u;,i^}jrpuj,hofts  of  Joafti,  plundered  his  capital,  flew  his  princes,  and 
 Jl''"  lingering  either  under  the  wounds  he  had  received,  or  fomc  difeafe 
 ■*Vbich  had  I'eized  him.  A  confpiracy  formed  by  his  own  fervants,  put  an  end 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 ^  2  And  he  did  that  which  was  right  in  the  fight  of 
 
 tne  Tord,  but  not  with  a  perfe£f  heart. 
 
 j  kingdom  w’as 
 
 I  -ft  fervants  that  had^ 
 
 killed  the  king  his  father  : 
 
 4  But  he  flew  not  their  children,  but  did  as  it 
 written  in  the  law  in  the  book  of  Mofes,  where  the*’ 
 Lord  commanded,  faying,  The  fathers  (hall  not  dieo  KinL 
 for  the  children,  neither  lhall  the  children  die  for  the  14.  s. 
 ratners,  but  every  man  fhall  die  for  his  own  fin  Jerem. 
 
 5  If  Moreover,  Amaziah  gathered  Judah  together,  v' 
 and  made  them  captains  over  thoufands,  and  captains 
 
 to  his  exiftence.  As  he  had  degenerated  fo  far  from  bk  anceftors  he  was 
 blood  fLwo7L^‘“  ti^eir  fepulchres;  thus  juftly  did  God  require 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  XXV.  Ver  1_2S  A,.,,  ’  k-  ■ 
 
 we  had  before,  2  Kings  chap.  xiv.  His  careleffnefs  abolit  reltgi^n  anfll"^'^" 
 cntion  of  h.s  father’s  murders  we  had  there  recorded-  his  exuedifton  g 
 Edom  is  more  fully  deferibed  here.  He  colleas  all  his  own  againft 
 
 by  one  liundied  thoufaud  hired  auxiliaries  out  of  Ifrail  God  ^1^^’ 
 
 a6liv 
 
 ^0.  28,„.6d,  5  T 
 
Amaziah  o-oetihro-xcth  the  Edsmilcs, 
 
 II.  CHRONICLES. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrill 
 
 S39. 
 
 XJzxiah  succecdclh  Am 
 
 f  Heb. 
 band. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 to  their 
 place, 
 t  Heb. 
 
 overhundreds,  nccordingto  the  houfes  of  their  fathers, 
 throughout  all  Judah  and  Benjamin  :  and  he  numbered 
 them,  from  twenty  years  old  and  above,  and  found 
 them  three  hundred  thoufand  choice  meiif  able  to  go 
 forth  to  war,  that  could  handle  fpear  and  Ihield. 
 
 6  He  hired  alfo  an  hundred  thoufand  mighty  men  of 
 valour  out  of  Ifraelfor  an  hundred  talents  offilver. 
 
 7  But  there  came  a  man  of  God  to  him,  faying,  O 
 king,  let  not  the  army  of  Ifrael  go  with  thee ;  for  the 
 Lord  ts  not  with  HVael,  zfotcvV,  v^ith  all  the  children  ol 
 Epnraim. 
 
 8  But  if  thou  wilt  go,  do  jV,  be  flrong  for  the  battle ; 
 God  (hall  make  thee  fall  before  the  enemy  :  for  God 
 hath  po»er  to  help,  and  to  call  down. 
 
 9  And  Amaziah  laid  to  the  man  of  God,  But  what 
 fhal!  we  do  for  the  hundred  talents  which  I  have  given 
 to  the  f  army  of  Hrael  ?  And  the  man  of  God  anfwerd, 
 The  Lord  is  able  to  give  thee  much  more  than  this. 
 
 10  Then  Amaziah  feparated  them,  to  wit,  the  army 
 that  was  come  to  him  out  of  Ephraim,  to  go  f  hom. 
 again  :  wherefore  their  anger  was  greatly  kindled 
 againft  Judah,  and  they  returned  home  f  in  great 
 
 in.  heat  of  anger. 
 
 ^  j  1  f  And  Amaziah  flrengthened  himfelf,  and  led 
 cir.  S27.  forth  his  people,  and  went  to  the  valle^”^  of  Salt,  and 
 fmote  of  the  children  of  Seir  ten  thoufand. 
 
 12  And  other  ten  thoufand  left  alive  did  the  children 
 of  Judah  carry  away  captive,  and  brought  them  unto 
 the  top  of  the  rock,  and  caft  them  down  from  the  top 
 of  the  rock,  that  they  all  were  broken  in  pieces, 
 t  Heb.  13  H  But  t  the  folTiers  of  the  army  which  Amaziah 
 jAewns o/fent  back,  that  they  Ihould  not  go  with  him  to  battle, 
 the  band.  fp|j  cities  of  Judah,  from  Samaria  even  unto 
 
 Beth-horon,  and  fmote  three  thoufand  of  them,  and 
 took  much  fpoil. 
 
 14  II  Now  it  came  to  pafs,  after  that  Amaziah  was 
 come  from  the  flaughter  of  the  Edomites,  that  he 
 brought  the  gods  of  the  children  of  Seir,  and  fstthem 
 up  to  be  his  gods,  and  bowed  down  himfelf  before 
 them,  and  burned  incenfe  unto  them  : 
 
 15  Wherefore  the  anger  of  the  Lord  was  kindled 
 againft  Amaziah,  and  he  fent  unto  him  a  prophet, 
 which  faid  unto  him,  Why  haft  thou  fought  after  the 
 gods  of  the  people,  which  could  not  deliver  their  own 
 people  out  of  thine  hand  ? 
 
 16  And  it  came  to  pafs,  as  he  talked  W'ith  him,  that 
 the  kmg  faid  unto  him,  Art  thou  made  of  the  king’s 
 counfel?  forbear;  why  Ihouldeft  thou  be  fmitten? 
 Tnen  the  prophet  forbare,  and  laid,  1  know  that  God 
 hath  t  determined  to  deftroy  thee,  becaufe  thou  haft 
 done  this,  and  haft  not  hearkened  unto  my  counfel. 
 
 17  ^  Then  =  Amaziah  king  of  Judah  took  advice, 
 to  Jo. ft),  the  Ion  of  Jehoahaz,  the  fon  of 
 
 t  Ileb. 
 cauiiset- 
 led.  . 
 
 S2(T. 
 
 c  2  Kings 
 
 14.  8,  9.  and  lent 
 
 «.d  commands  him  to  dift>and  them,  otlierwife  they  would  prove  bis  overtlirow. 
 J^masiab  confents  with  feme  reluctance.  When  he  bad  dilhiifled  the  Ifraelites, 
 he  advanced  into.  Idumea,  and  obtained  a  complete  viaory  ;  flew  ten  thoufand 
 and  executed  with  great  feverity  ten  thoufand  captives,  Tlie  dilbanded  army  re-  j 
 leiited  highly  the  affront;  ungodly  as  they  were  they  could  not  bear  to  be  reckoned  ■ 
 fueb.  They  ravaged  part  of  ./uoab,  and  flew  three  thoufand  men  in  revenge  for  | 
 their  difappointment.  He  leaves  the  ferviceof  thecontjuering  Jehovah  for  that  of  j 
 idols  taken  from  tae  enemy.  Juftly  wafi  God  difpleafed,  and  fends  his  prophet  to  j 
 rabuke  him.  indignation  he-receives,  bids  him  hold  his  peace,  and  threat-  j 
 
 eas  him  with  tlie  fate  of  Zecbariah.  ■  Tire  propKct  perceiving  it  fiiritlefs,  retires;  . 
 leaving  behind  him  a  folcmn  notice  of  tf»«t  approaching  ruin,  which  his  obftinacy 
 
 or. 
 
 Jehu,  king  of  Ifrael,  faying,  Come,  let  us  fee  ooeauo-  B*fo, 
 ther  in  tiie  face.  ci.n^ 
 
 18  And  Joalh  king  of  Ifrael,  fent  to  Amaziah  kin» 
 of  Judah,  faying,  The  II  thilile  that  was  in  Lebanon 
 lent  to  the  cedar  that  was  in  Lebanon,  faying,  Give  W 
 rhy  daughter  to  my  fon  to  wife  :  and  there  paffed  by*“‘''>c 
 t  a  wild  beaft  that  was  in  Lebanon,  and  trode  down?n"; 
 the  thiftle. 
 
 1 9  Thou  fayeft,  Lo,  thou  haft  fmitten  the  Edomites, 
 and  thine  heart  lifteth  thee  up  to  boaft  :  abide  now  at 
 home  ;  why  fhouldeft  thou  meddle  to  t/iine  hurt,  that 
 thou  fhouldeft  fall,  even  thou,  and  Judah  with  thee  ? 
 
 20  But  Amaziah  would  not  hear ;  for  it  came  of 
 God,  that  he  might  deliver  them  into  the  hand  of  their 
 enemies^  becaufe  they  fought  after  the  gods  of  Edom. 
 
 21  So  Joalh  the  king  of  Ifrael  went  up:  and  they 
 faw  one  another  in  the  face,  both  he  and  Am^'zian  king 
 of  Judah,  at  Bethfhemefh,  which  belongeth  tc.  Judah. 
 
 22  And  Judah  was  f  put  to  the  worle  before  Ifrael,  t  Heb, 
 
 and  they  fled  every  man  to  his  tent.  tmitia,. 
 
 23  And  Joafh  the  king  of  Ifrael  took  Amaziah  king 
 of  Judah,  the  fon  of  Joafh,  the  fon  of  Jehoahaz,  at 
 Beth-fheraefn,  and  brought  him  to  Jerufalem,  and 
 brake  down  the  wall  of  Jerulalem,  from  the  gate  of 
 Ephraim,  to  f  the  corner-gate,  four  hundred  cubits, 
 
 24  And  he  took  all  the  gold  and  the  filver,  and 
 
 the  veflels  that  were  found  in  the  houfe  of  God  with^ooteA. 
 Obed-edom,  and  the  treafurers  of  the  king’s  houfe, 
 and  hoftages  alfo,  and  returned  to  Samaria. 
 
 25  H  And  Amaziah  the  fon  of  Joafh  king  of  Judah 
 lived  after  the  death  of  Joafh,  fon.of  Jehoahaz  king  of 
 Ifrael  fifteen  years. 
 
 26  Now  the  reft  of  the  a£ls  of  Amaziah  firft  and 
 
 the  book  of  theL.*, 
 
 in 
 
 from  after 
 
 laft,  behold,  are  they  not  written 
 
 kings  of  Judah  and  Ifrael  ?  t  Heb, 
 
 27  H  Now,  after  the  time  that  Amaziah  did  turn 
 away  t  from  following  the  Lord,  they  t  made  a  con- 
 fpiracy  againft  him  in  Jerufalem ;  and  he  fled  to  La-  h  fhatis, 
 chifh  ;  but  they  fent  to  Lachifh  after  him,  and  flew  the  city  oj 
 him  there. 
 
 28  And  they  brought  him  upon  horfes,  and  buried  g^Kin^ 
 
 him  with  his  fathers  in  ||  the  city  of  Judah.*  h.  so. 
 
 CHAP.  XXVI. 
 
 1  Uzziah  SHCceedeth  Amaziah;  16  he  invadelh  the  prieffs  office,  and  is 
 smitten  with  leprosy ;  22  he  dieth,  and  Joiham  succeedeth  him. 
 
 Then  all  me  people  of  Judah  took  “  ||  Uzziah, 
 
 who  was  Cxteen  years  old,  and  made  him  king  4 
 in  the  rc-om  of  his  father  Amaziah.  15.’  1.' 
 
 2  He  built  Eloth,  and  reftored  it  to  Judah,  after  |i  Or, 
 that  the  king  flept  with  his  fathers. 
 
 3  Sixteen  years  old  was  Uzziah  when  he  began  to 
 reign;  and  he  reigned  fifty  and  two  years  n  Jerufalem: 
 his  mother’s  name  allb  was  Jecoliah  of  Jerufalem- 
 
 Azarkh. 
 
 provoked.  Amaziah’s  pride  and  fall  were  before  recorded,  2  Kings  chap,  xiv- 
 Taking  the  advice  of  evil  counfellors,  he  was  jiift'y  hurried  to  his  ruin  ;  he  was 
 firft  entlaved  by  the  king  of  Hrael,  and  then  llain  by  a  confpiracy  of  his  own  fft- 
 vants,  fro.n  whom  he  in  vain  attempted  to  flee ;  they  purfued  him  to  Lachifli,  and 
 there  murdered  him. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXVI.  Ver.  1—23.  Uzziah  followed 
 the  heft  ways  of  his  father  Amaziah,  and  under  the  influence  of  Zechariah,  a  nian 
 favoured  w-ith  the  prophetic  vifions,  or  deeply  converfant  with  tile  writings JofthC' 
 prophets  before  him,  kept  clofe  to  the  worfliip  of  the  true  God.  'ftndiprofpered  in 
 all  hi.s  undertakings.  He  was  vidlorious  in  all  his  battles.  God  enabled  him  W 
 vanquifli  the  Philillines  and  Arabians  and  feize  their  country,  .  He  repaired  and 
 
 r'i  -i*  TIC  \L  OLSERVATIftNS _ •ChA'»  XXV.I  fSee  1  Kings  xiv;  Ptaflical  Obfervations. )  How  many  of  all  charaiSlers  and  Tanks  diflemble  in  then 
 
 ralii^VpfJlei^ons.- !  "ite  lofii  of  money  is  dift.efltng,to  ,he  covetous  while  they  who.truft  in  GoU'^nd  I  mm  G- 
 
 ”  ■  '  -  '  p.,,,  np.,,.  :,n,l  certain  is  t;  eir  d.  flruaion  whom  God  lias  idt  oft  to  reprove,  and  in  whom. pride iwetls  to  the  eriw. 
 
 gaii.ers. 
 ilcv  ev.r  \i 
 
 Vviil.fd  iiniJ  f  .it"--  a  faid.loi  ici.rovei  ;  Cut  neni 
 
 viA.tl  '.‘iw  ,'i;ftrii:i.--ot--  t.''  God’-  venjtauce  inay  be,  lii?  judgnuiits  arc  always  righteous. 
 
JO/' 
 
 in 
 
 the 
 
 country 
 
 ^  Heb. 
 fucnt» 
 
 I  O'"’ 
 
 fgy/(UVC^Z• 
 
 II  0'> 
 
 cut  out 
 funny  cis¬ 
 terns, 
 
 II  <’'•>.  , 
 
 jrwtjnl 
 fields. 
 f  Heb. 
 ground, 
 
 I  Heb. 
 
 army. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 Jtones  of 
 flings. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 jj^jah  invadeth  the  pricsl^s  office. 
 
 Before  4  And  he  did  that  which  wits  right  in  the 
 
 Lord,  according  to  all  that  his  father  Amaziah  did. 
 
 5  And  he  fought  God  in  the  days  of  Zechariah 
 ' — had  underftanding  +  in  the  vifions  or  God  ;  and 
 yS;rrXta“e  ibaght  We  Loro,  God  made  him  ,o 
 
 ,J0  fgrih  anj  warred  againft  the  Phili- 
 
 ftines  and  brake  down  the  wall  of  Gath,  and  the  wall 
 cl-  Jabneh,  and  the  wall  of  Alhdod,  and  built  cities 
 about  Afhdod,  and  among  the  Philiftines.^ 
 
 7  Aod  God  helped  him  againft  the  Philmines,  and 
 rrcainfl.  the  Arabians  that  dwelt  in  Gur-baal,  aod  the 
 
 '’•/^'/“^‘’‘^Mehuninis.  tt  •  a 
 
 8  And  the  Ammonites  gave  gifts  to  Uzziah  :  and 
 
 his  name  t  I'pread  abroad  even  to  the  entering  in  of 
 Egypt :  for  he  ftrengthened  A wse// exceedingly. 
 
 9  II  Moreover,  Uzziah  built  towers  in  Jerufalem 
 at  the  coroer-gate,  and  at  the  valley-gate,  and  at  the 
 turning  of  the  waif  and  H  fortified  them. 
 
 10  All'o  he  built  towers  in  the  delert,  and  1|  digged 
 many  wells  :  for  he  had  much  cattle,  both  in  the  low 
 country,  and  in  the  plains;  hufbandmen  also,  and 
 vine-dreffors  in  the  mountains,  and  in  H  Carmel :  for 
 
 he  loyed  t  hufbandry.  n  r  r  i.  ■ 
 
 H  f  Moreover,  Uzziah  had  an  hoft  of  fighting 
 men,  that  went  out  to  war  by  bands,  according  to  the 
 number  of  their  account,  by  the  hand  of  Jeiel  the 
 ftribe,  and  Maafeiah  the  ruler,  under  the  hand  of 
 Hananiah,  one  of  the  king’s  captains. 
 
 12  The  whole  number  of  the  chief  of  the  fathers 
 of  the  mighty  men  of  valour  were  two  thoufand  and 
 fix  hundred. 
 
 13  And  under  their  hand  was  t  an  army,  three  hun- 
 tke  power  dred  thoufand,  and  feven  thoufand  and  five  hundred, 
 '  that  made  war  with  mighty  power,  to  help  the  king, 
 
 againft  the  enemy. 
 
 14  And  Uzziah  prepared  for  them,  throughout  all 
 the  hoft,  fhields,  and  fpears,  and  helmets,  and  haber¬ 
 geons,  and  bows,  and  f  flings  to  cast  fiones. 
 
 15  And  he  made  in  Jerufalem  engines,  invented  by 
 cunning  men,  to  be  on  the  towers,  and  upon  the  bul¬ 
 warks,  to  (hoot  arrows  and  great  ftones  withal :  and 
 his  name  f  Ipread  far  abroad  ;  for  he  was  marvellouf- 
 
 veni/ortiiiy  helped,  till  he  was  ftrong. 
 
 «ir.765.  16  «p  But  wheU  he  was  ftrong,  his  heart  was  lifted 
 
 up  to  his  deftruftion  ;  for  he  tranfgrefl'ed  againft  the 
 Lord  his  God,  and  went  into  the  temple  of  the 
 Lord,  to  burn  incenfe  upon  the  altar  of  incenfe. 
 
 17  And  Azariah  the  prieft  went  in  after  him,  and 
 with  him  fourfcore  priefts  of  the  Lord,  that  were 
 valiant  men ; 
 
 18  And  they  withftood  Uzziah  the  king,  and  faid 
 
 II.  CHRONICLES. 
 
 Jolham  inbJii'th  the  Ammonilis, 
 
 fortified  Jerufalem,  and  built  cities  and  garrifons  in  the  conquered  countries. 
 He  kept  up  a  great  army  ready  for  any  emergency  ;  they  vere  well  armed  ; 
 nien  of  great  courage,  and  provided  with  warlike  engines,  whether  for  defend¬ 
 ing  or  afiTaulting  befieged  cities.  Puffed  up  with  pride  Uzziah  puts  a  ftaiu 
 Upon  his  chara6ter,  by  an  a6t  of  daring  intrufion  into  the  pvieff’s  office.  He 
 would  offer  incenfe  upon  the  golden  altar,  and  enter  that  holy  place  ;  and  as  his 
 tranfgrelTion  was  public  and  obflinate,  contrary  to  the  Lord’s  command,  he  was 
 bravely  oppofed  by  Azariah  the  high  prieft  with  fourfcore  of  his  brethren,  not 
 wolentiy,  hut  by  a  faithful  and  fe  rious  remonftrance.  Uzziah  was  angry  at  the 
 toiiionftrance'and'rBfulbd  to  quit  his  cenfer.  God  therefore  appeared  to  decide 
 
 uxxlo  \nTa,  It  ^  appertaineth  not  uv\\o  Tizz’nb,  to  j'*' ‘Ij* 
 burn  inccufe  uuto  the  Lord,  but  to  the  priyfts  the  ^ir. 
 fons  of  Aaron,  that  are  conlecrated  to  burn  incenfe  ;  / 
 
 go  out  of  the  fanftuary ;  for  thou  haft  trefpafled  :  i,  Numb, 
 neither  shall  it  he  for  thine  honour  from  the  Lordi«,7- 
 
 God.  ^30  T 
 
 19  Then  Uzziah  was  wroth,  and  had  a  center  in 
 his  hand  to  burn  incenfe :  and,  while  he  was  wroth 
 with  the  priefts,  the  leprofy  even  rofe  up  in  hi.s  fore¬ 
 head  before  the  priefts  in  the  houfe  of  the  Lord, 
 from  befide  the  incenfe  altar. 
 
 20  And  Azariah  the  chief  prieft,  and  all  the  priefts, 
 
 looked  upon  him,  and,  behold,  he  was  leprous  in  nis 
 forehead,  and  they  thruft  him  out  from  thence  ;  yea, 
 himfelt  halted  allb  to  go  out,  becaufe  the  Lord  had^^® 
 i[riitt6D  hiin*  j2. 
 
 21  '  And  Uzziah  the  king  was  a  leper  unto  the  day  e  2  Kings 
 
 of  his  death,  and  dwelt  in  a  ^  t  feveral  houfe,  hein"  a  i5.  s. 
 leper ;  for  he  was  cut  off  from  the  houfe  of  the  Lord  :  ' 
 
 and  Jothara  his  Ibu  was  over  the  king’s  houfe,  judging 
 
 the  people  of  the  land.  jree. 
 
 22  f  Now  the  reft  of  the  a£ts  of  Uzziah,  firft  and 
 kft,  did  Ifaiah  the  prophet,  the  Ion  of  Am.oz,  write. 
 
 23  So  Uzziah  flept  with  his  fathers,  and  they  bu¬ 
 ried  him  with  his  fathers  in  the  field  of  the  burial 
 which  belonged  to  the  kings ;  for  they  laid,  He  is  a  le¬ 
 per :  and  Jotham  his  fon  reign°d  in  his  ftead.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXVII. 
 
 1  Jotham  reigning  welt,  prqfpereth  ;  5  he  subJueth  the  Ammonites ;  7  his 
 
 reign;  9  Ahaz  succeedelh  him. 
 
 OTH  AM  ®  Tt  OS  twenty  and  five  years  old  when 
 
 he  began  to  reign  ;  and  he  reigned  fixteen  years 
 
 15.  32, 
 
 J 
 
 in  lerufalfem  :  his  mother’s  name  alfo  was  Jerulhab,  ' 
 the  daughter  of  Zadok. 
 
 2  And  he  did  that  which  was  right  in  the  fight  of  the 
 Lord,  according  to  all  that  his  father  Uzziah  did  : 
 howbeit  he  entered  not  into  the  temple  of  the  Lord. 
 
 And  the  people  did  yet  corruptly. 
 
 3  ^  He  built  the  high  gate  of  the  houfe  of  the  Lord, 
 
 and  on  the  wall  of  H  Ophel  he  built  much.  II  Or, 
 
 4  Moreover,  he  built  cities  in  the  mountains  of  Jq. 
 dah,  and  in  the  forefts  he  built  caftles  and  towers. 
 
 5  H  He  fought  allb  with  the  king  of  the  Ammonit'^s,- 
 and  prevailed  againft  them.  And  the  children  of  Am¬ 
 mon  gave  him  the  fame  year  an  hundred  talents  of 
 filver,  and  ten  thoufand  meafures  of  wheat,  and  ten 
 thouland  of  barley,  t  So  much  did  the  children  of  t  Heb. 
 Ammon  pay  unto  him,  both  the  fecond  year  and  the 
 third. 
 
 G  So  Jotham  became  might3^  becaufe  H  he  prepared  II  Or, 
 his  wa\'«  before  the  Lord  his  God.  ejuMisked 
 
 7  f  Now  the  reft  of  the  a£ls  of  Jotham,  and  all  his 
 
 the  controverfy.  He  was  feized  with  leprofiy  foul  and  incurable,  and  the  marks 
 of  it  appeared  vifible  in  his  forehead.  Tiie  priefts  hurried  him  foiUi  from  the 
 holy  place,  and  now  he  dares  not  approach  the  houfe  of  God  any  more  :  nay, 
 he  is  excluded  from  his  own  palace  while  he  lives,  and  from  the  fepulchre  when 
 be  dies. 
 
 EXPLANA  TORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXVII.  Ver.  1— 9.  Tlie  reign  of  Jo¬ 
 tham  was  pious  and  profperous.  He  copied  the  heft  of  his  father’s  ways,  and 
 avoided  his  evil  co'orfes.  His  heart  was -right  with  God  but  the  people  follow  eil 
 not  his  good  example.  His  profperity  w  ent  hand  in  hand  w  ith  his  piety  ;  he 
 fortified  his  dominions,  built  new  cities,  and  fuhdueJ  the  Ammonites.  Too  fton 
 
 ^^-4CT1CAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XXVI.]  Decided  regard  for  the  law  of  God,  hays  an  excellent  foundation  for  profperity;  for  God  lioimurs 
 thofe  who  honour  him.  But  it  is  difficult  to  be  profperous  and  humble.  Seldom  do  men  gratify  their  pride,  without  bringing  on  thetnfelvcs  iha.ne.  1  lie  ordinaitces 
 I  •  facred ;  and  it  is  at  our  higheft  peril  if  we  dare  profane  tlaeni.  It  is  honnurahle  and  becoming  in  tho  minifters  of  God  to  magnify  no.t  thoinfelves,  but 
 
 |^eir  :uffice,.and>hoUliy  to  withftand  the  arrogance  and  pride  of  tin.  mali  mighty.  But  the  proud  are  impatient  of  laithful  reproof,  or  zealous  oppolition.  They,  now- 
 who.  will  not  Inhinit  to; gof.d  admonition,  kivnlve  theraRlvt s  in  much  diilivl's.  Thol'v  who  prelum e  to  detaiige  the  plans  and  appointments  of  infinite  wi'fdom 
 juftly  expofed  to  punilhments  equal  to  their  crimes,  •.  .  .  .  ’ 
 
A^ir-rz  yc/^‘i,fh  •uyicl-CuJy* 
 
 II.  CHRONICLES. 
 
 His  death  :  IlczeJdali 
 
 r^'I'ore 
 
 Chiia 
 
 75S. 
 
 sticcecdeih 
 
 wnrs  and  bis  ways,  io,  they  'written  in  the  book  i  lum,  and  Amafa  the  Ton  of  Hadlai,  Hood  up  acainft 
 
 nt  rh'^  |-!ncrc  nr  nnrt  !  .u _ _ r. _ r  b  ‘iii-L  leiotj 
 
 cir.  T-li!. 
 
 741. 
 
 a  2  Kings 
 
 16.  2. 
 
 y  Or, 
 
 18.  21. 
 
 cir.  741. 
 
 ■}■  Ileb. 
 
 Dar/nc~ 
 
 scL 
 
 ot  th'^  i;ings  of  liVac!  and  Judah. 
 
 s  He  was  five  and  twenty  years  old  when  he  began 
 to  i  eig!i,  and  reigned  fixteen  years  in  Jerufalem. 
 
 9  ^  And  Jotham  flept  with  his  fathers;  and  they 
 buried  him  in  the  city  of  David:  and  Ahaz  his  fon 
 reigned  in  his  ftead.* 
 
 CH.AP.  XXYIU. 
 
 1  Mnz,  reigning  n'ickedly,  is  cjjiiaed  by  the  Syrians s  16  he  dyivg,  He- 
 zekiah  sticcecddh  him. 
 
 Ahaz  *  zvas  twenty  years  old  when  he  began 
 to  reign  ;  and  he  reigned  fixteen  years  in  Je- 
 nilalem :  but  he  did  not  t/iaf  tchich  teas  right  in  the 
 fight  of  the  Lord,  like  David  his  father  : 
 
 2  For  he  walked  in  the  ways  of  the  kings  of  Ifrael, 
 and  made  alfo  molten  images  for  Baalim.. 
 
 3  Moreover,  he  1|  burnt  incenfe  in  the  valley  of  the 
 offered  sa- of  Hionom,  and  burnt  ^  his  children  in  the  fire, 
 r^it.  abominations  of  the  heathen,  whom  the 
 
 Lord  hath  call  out  before  the  children  of  Ifrael. 
 
 4  He  facrificed  alfo  and  burnt  incenle  in  the  high 
 places,  and  on  the^iUs,  and  under  every  green  tree. 
 
 5  Wherefore  the  Lord  his  God  delivered  him  into 
 the  hand  of  the  king  of  Syria;  and  they  fmote  him, 
 and  carried  away  a  great  multitude  of  them  captives 
 and  brought  tfiem  to  f  Damafeus :  and  he  was  alfo 
 delivered  into  the  hand  of  the  king  of  Ifrael,  who 
 fmot-  him  with  a  great  daughter. 
 
 6  For  Pekah  the  fon  of  Remaliah  flew  in  Judah  an 
 hundred  and  twenty  thoufand  in  one  day,  tv/iich  ivcre 
 all  t  valiant  men;  becaufe  they  had  forfiiken  the  Lord 
 God  of  their  fathers. 
 
 7  And  Zichri,  a  mighty  man  of  Ephraim,  flew  Maa- 
 feiah  the  king’s  fon,  and  Azrikam  the  governor  of  the 
 f  Heb.  houle,  and  Elkanah  that  toas  +  next  to  the  king. 
 
 8  ^  And  the  children  of  KVael  carried  away  captive 
 tot  e  ng.  hundred  thoufand,  women,  fons, 
 
 and  daughters,  and  took  alfo  away  much  fpoil  from 
 them,  and  brought  the  fpoil  to  Samaria. 
 
 9  But  a  prophet  of  the  Lord  was  there,  whofe 
 name  teas  Oded ;  and  he  w'ent  out  before  the  hoft 
 that  came  to  Samaria,  and  faid  unto  them,  Behold, 
 becauTe  the  Lord  God  of  your  fathers  was  wroth 
 with  Judah,  he  hath  delivered  them  into  your  hand, 
 and  ye  have  flain  them  in  a  rage/Wreacheth  up  unto 
 heaven. 
 
 10  And  now  ye  purpofe  to  keep  under  the  children 
 of  Judah  and  Jerufalem  for  bond-men  and  bond-vvo- 
 men  unto  you  :  did  are  there  not  w'ith  you,  even  with 
 you,  fins  againft  the  Lord  your  God  ? 
 
 1 1  Now  hear  me  therefore,  and  deliver  the  captives 
 again,  which  ye  have  taken  captive  of  your  brethren  ; 
 for  the  fierce  wrath  of  the  Lord  is  upon  you. 
 
 12  Then  certain  of  the  heads  of  the  children  of 
 Ephraim,  Azariah  the  fon  of  Johanan,  Berechiah  the 
 fon  of  Mefliillemoth,  and  Jehizkiah  the  fon  of  Shal- 
 
 j  them  that  came  from  the  war.  '  --ote 
 
 1  13  And  faid  unto  them,  Ye  Ihall  not  bring  in  the 
 
 I  captives  hither :  for  whereas  we  have  oftended  againft 
 I  the  Lord  alreadt/,  ye  intend  to  add  more  to  our  fins 
 i  and  to  our  trefpafs  ;  for  our  trefpafs  is  great,  and  there 
 !  is  fierce  wrath  againft  Ifrael. 
 
 !  14  So  the  armed  men  left  the  captives  and  the  fpoil 
 
 !  before  the  princes  and  all  the  congregation, 
 j  1 5  And  the  men  which  were  exprefled  by  name 
 rofe  up,  and  took  the  captives,  and  with  the  fpoil  cloth¬ 
 ed  all  that  were  naked  among  them,  and  arryed  them, 
 and  Ihc^  them,  and  gave  them  to  eat  and  to  drink, 
 and  anointed  them,  and  carried  all  the  feeble  of  them 
 upon  affes,  and  brought  them  to  Jericho,  the  city  of Dcm, 
 palm-trees,  to  their  brethren:  then  they  returned  to 3- 
 Samaria. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 snns  of 
 valour. 
 
 for  bis  people,  he  finifhed  bis  happy  reign,  but  the  unworthy  fon  who  fuc.-eeded 
 hint),  made  the  lofs  the  greater. 
 
 •  EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXVIII.  Vcr.  1—27.  Ahaz,  the  fon 
 of  a  pious  father,  no  fooner  came  to  the  crown,  than  Ire  funk  into  every 
 nalion,  and  (pared  not  his  fons,  but  effered  them  in  the  fire  to  Moloch, 
 
 Swift 
 
 vengeance  overtook  him  ;  .Syria  defeated  liis  army,  plundered  his  country, 
 captivated  his  people  :  and  Ifrael  fcconded  tlie  blow  with  a  great  llaughter,  and 
 triumphs  over  treacherous  Judah.  One  hundred"  .ind  twenty  thoufand  fell  by 
 the  fword,  and  twice  the  number  of  women  and  children  are  led  away  captive. 
 
 16  f  At  that  time  did  king  Ahaz  fend  unto  the  kings  eir.n:, 
 of  AfTvria  to  help  him. 
 
 17  For  again  the  Edomites  had  come  and  fmitten 
 
 Judah,  and  carried  away  f  captives.  tHch. 
 
 18  The  Pniliftines  alfo  had  invaded  the  ddes 
 the  low  countrj^  and  of  the  fonth  of  Judah,  and  had 
 taken  Beth-fliemefh,  and  Ajalon,  and  Gederoth,  and 
 Shocho  with  the  villages  thereof,  and  Timnah  with  . 
 the  villages  thereof,  Gimzo  alfo  and  the  villages 
 thereof:  and  they  dwelt  there. 
 
 19  For  the  Lord  brought  Judah  low,  becaufe  of 
 Ahaz  king  of  Ifrael  ;  for  he  made  Judah  naked,  and 
 tranfgrefl'ed  fore  againft  the  Lord. 
 
 20  And  Tilgath-pilnefer  king  of  Affyria  came  unto  749. 
 him,  and  diftreffed  him,  but  ftrengthened  him  not. 
 
 21  For  Ahaz  took  away  a  portion  out  ofthehoufe 
 of  the  Lord,  and  out  of  the  honfe  of  the  king,  and 
 of  the  princes,  and  gave  it  unto  the  king  of  Aflyria  : 
 but  he  helped  him  not. 
 
 22  ^  And  in  the  time  of  his  diftrefs  did  he  iref- 
 pafs  yet  more  againft  the  Lord:  this  is  that\i\xig 
 Ahaz. 
 
 23  For  he  facrificed  unto  the  gods  of  f  Damafeus,  t  Heb. 
 which  fmote  him  ;  and  he  faid,  Becaufe  the  gods 
 
 the  kings  of  Syria  help  them,  therefore  will  I  facrifice^^  ’ 
 to  them,  that  they  may  help  rae  :  but  they  were  the 
 ruin  of  him,  and  of  all  Ifrael. 
 
 24  And  Ahaz  gathered  together  the  velTels  of  the 
 honfe  of  God,  and  cut  in  pieces  the  veffels  of  the 
 honfe  of  God,  and  fhut  up  the  doors  of  the  honfe  of 
 the  Lord,  and  he  made  him  altars  in  every  corner 
 of  Jernlalefn. 
 
 25  And  in  every  feveral  city  of  Judah  he  made  high 
 places  II  to  burn  incenfe  unto  other  gods,  and  prove- II  Or. 
 ked  to  anger  the  Lord  God  of  his  fathers. 
 
 26  f  Now  the  reft  of  his  afts,  and  of  all  his  ways,^ 
 firft  and  laft,  behold,  they  are  written' in  the  book  of 
 the  kings  of  Judah  and  Ifrael. 
 
 27  And  Ahaz  flept  with  his  fathers,  and  they  buried 
 
 to  of: 
 
 The  king’s  fon  and  his  principal  officers  fell  in  the  battle,  and  the  country 
 ravaged  and  plundered.  The  Lord  fends  a  prophet  to  the  people  of  ‘ 
 rebuke  the  feverity  with  which  they  had  ftainud  their  vidlory.  He  met 
 on  their  return  to  Samaria,  and  advifes  them,  in  order  to  avert  God’s  juagP^: 
 inflantly  to  rele.afe  their  captives.  The  princes  Itnick  vvitfi  ffiisHlyane 
 
 tion,  immediately  interpofed  with  the  men  of  war,  who  nobly  yielded  up  ^ 
 prifoners  and  fpoil.  Wlien  a  flate  is  weak,  the  meaneft  foe  is  ready  fo 
 
 , -  ■  rd’ 
 
 Edom,  Philiflia,  Syria,  and  Ifrael  joined  in  their  ravages,  took  the  cities,  an  ^ 
 
 the  inhabitants  captive,  and  reduced  Ahaz  to  deep  difljefs.  He  makes.an  t'f 
 
 PRACTICAL 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. _ *  Chaf.  XXVII. 1  It  is  true  wifdom  to  imitate  the  virtues,  not  the  vices  of  our  pred^elfors.  And  thus  atSliPc 
 
 warraptal 
 
 •lypromUeourfelvesbappiaefs— But  alas/ bow  often  are  the  bell  maglrtrates  and  minifiers  quickly  removed,  and  fucceeded  by  monfters  m  wi 
 
A  A  .s  . X'3M  X  ..rxii^  v-^ t) 
 
 •'Jfcrf V.-  ' 
 
 "  iX.' 
 
 ■Si. ' 
 
 -  ^'c; 
 
 «  r 
 
 4  J>  ' : 
 
 V  .V.t- 
 
good  reign. 
 
 11.  CHRONICLES. 
 
 hie  cmisclh  to  clcamc  the  lemp^r,  4' 
 
 741. 
 
 i8.  1. 
 
 Jicfore  him  in  the  city,  even  in  Jerufalom  ;  but  they  brought 
 ciiriit  jjjpp  into  the  fepulchres  ot  the  kings  ot  Hrael ;  and 
 Hezekiah  his  Ton  reigned  in  his  Head.'*' 
 
 CHAP,  XXIX. 
 
 1  ffexefdah's good  reign,  Sherrjforelhretigion.  12  Thehonfeof  Godcleanfed. 
 
 T  TEZEKIAH  “  began  to  reign  vihen  he  teas  tive 
 a 3 Kings  1^  and  twenty  years  old;  and  he  reigned  nin-^ 
 and  twenty  years  in  Jerufalem  :  and  his  mothers 
 name  xtns  Abijah,  the  daughter  of  Zechariah. 
 
 2  And  he  did  i/iat  vchich  was  right  in  the  hght  o  the 
 Lord,  according  to  all  that  David  his  father  had  done. 
 
 3  %  He,  in  the  firft  year  of  his  reign,  in  the  hilt 
 month,  opened  the  doors  of  the  houfe  of  the  Lord, 
 
 and  repaired  them.  ,  .  t 
 
 4  And  he  brought  in  the  priefts  and  the  Levites, 
 
 and  gathered  them  together  into  the  eaft  ttreet, 
 
 5  And  faid  unto  them.  Hear  me,  ye  Levites;  Sanc¬ 
 tify  now  yourfelves,  and  fandfify  the  houfe  of  the 
 Lord  God  of  your  fathers,  and  carry  forth  the  filthi- 
 
 nefs  out  of  the  holy  place. 
 
 6  For  our  fathers  have  trefpailed,  .and  done  that 
 which  was  evil  in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord  our  God,  and 
 have  forfaken  him,  and  have  turned  away  their  faces 
 from  the  habitation  of  the  Lord,  and  t  turned  their 
 
 buclcs*  .  .  ■  * 
 
 7  Alfo  they  have  fhut  up  the  doors  of  the  porch, 
 and  put  out  the  lamp'^,  and  have  not  burnt  incenfe, 
 nor  offered  burnt-offerings  in  the  holy  place^  unto  the 
 Godofifrael. 
 
 8  Wherefore  the  wrath. of  the  Lord  was  upon  Ju¬ 
 dah  and  Jerufalem,  and  he  hath  delivered  them  to 
 t  trouble,  to  aftoniffiment,  and  to  hifling,  as  ye  fee 
 with  your  eyes. 
 
 9  For,  lo,  our  fathers  have  fallen  by  the  Iword, 
 and  our  fons,  and  our  daughters,  and  our  wives,  are 
 in  captivity  for  this. 
 
 10  Now  it  is  in  mine  heart  to  piake  a  covenant 
 
 with  the  Lord  God  of  Ifrael,  that  his  fierce  wrath 
 may  turn  away  from  us.  '  ' 
 
 ,11  My  fons,  |l  be  not  now  negligent ;  for  the  Lqrd 
 hath  chofen  you  to  Hand  before  him,  to.ferye  him, 
 and  that  ye  ftiould  minilier  unto  him,  and  11  burn 
 ingenfe.  ... 
 
 12  H  Then  the  Levites  arofe,  Mahath  the  Ton  of 
 Amafau  and  Joel  the  fon  of  Azariah,  of  the  fons  of 
 the  Kohathites  :  and  of  the  fons  of  Merari ;  Kifh  the 
 fon  of  Abdi,  and  Azariah  the  fon  of  Je^alelel :  and 
 of  the  Gerfhonites ;  Jdah  the  fon  ot  .Zimmah,  and 
 Eden,  the  fon  of  Joah  : 
 
 1 3  And  of  the  fons  of  Elizaphan  ;  Shirari,  and  Jeiel ; 
 and  of  the  fons  of  Afaph  ;  Zechariah,  and  Mattaniah : 
 
 Or, 
 in  the 
 Lufin< fc 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 given  the 
 neck. 
 
 ^  Heb. 
 
 tion 
 
 II  Or,  he 
 not  now 
 deceived. 
 b  Numb. 
 8.  14.  & 
 18.  2,  6. 
 
 II  Or, 
 offer  4a- 
 erffee. 
 
 cefsful  attempt  to  extricate  himfelf, 'by  ifinpoverifhin'g  himfelf  and  his  kingdom. 
 He  is  dill  infatuated,  and  hardens  himfelf  in  idolatry.  God  was  gracioufly  pleafed 
 to  relieve  the  kingdom  of  fuch  a  plague,  and  in  the  midft  of  his  days,  cut  down 
 this  wicked  king.  Nor  did  the  men  of  Judah  fuffer  him  to  lie  among  his  godly 
 anceflors,  but  laid  him  among  the  people. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXIX.  Ver.  1—36.  No  Cooner  is 
 the  crown  devolved  to  Hezekiah,  than  with  unremitting  zeal  he  fets  himfelf  to 
 .repair  God’s  houfe,  and  recover  the  people  from  their  dreadful  apoftacy.  His 
 heart  was  right  with  God,  like  David,  and  religion  his  firft  and  great  concern. 
 He  convokes  the  priefts  and  Levites  in  this  auguft  affcmbly  ;  he  laments  the  evil 
 
 14  And  of  the  fons  of  Heman  ;  Jehiei,  and  Skimei : 
 and  of  the  fons  of  Jeduthun  ;  Sheroaiah,  and  U/z'el. 
 
 1.5  And  they  gathered  their  bretiiren,  and  lantftTied 
 theraffclves,  and  came,  according  to  the  commandment 
 of  the  king,  ||  by  the  words  of  the  Lo-rd,  to  cleanfe  il 
 
 the  houfe  of  the  Lord.  tu/n./r 
 
 16  And  the  priefts  went  into  the  inner  part  or  tne  „///,« 
 houle  of  the  Lord,  tocleanfe  it,  and  brought  out  zW  lord. 
 the  uncleannefs  that  they  found  in  the  temple  ot  the 
 
 I  Lord  into  the  court  ot  the  houfe  ot  the  Lord.  And 
 
 the  Levites  took  it,  to  carry  it  out  abroad  into  the 
 
 brook  Kidron.  ^  ,  c  x.  c  a 
 
 17  Now  they  began  on  the  firit  day  ot  the  nrit 
 
 month  to  lanftify,  and  on  the  eigth  day  of  the  month 
 came  they  to  the  porch  of  the  Lord  :  fo  they  I^nc- 
 tified  the  houfe  of  the  Lord  in  eight  days ;  and  in 
 the  fixteenth  day  of  the  firtf  month  they  made  an  end. 
 
 18  Then  they  went  in  to  Hezekiah  the  king,  and 
 faid,  We  have  cleanfed  all  the  houfe  of  the  Lord,  and 
 the  altar  of  burn  -offering,  with  all  the  veffels  thereof, 
 and  the  ffiew-bread  table,  with  all  the  veffels  thereof. 
 
 19  Moreover,  all  the  veffels,  which  king  Ahaz  in 
 his  reikiD  did  caft  away  in  his,  tranfgrelSoD  have  we 
 prepared  and  fanaified,  and,  behold,  they  are  before 
 !  the  altar  of  the  Lord. 
 
 20  H  Then  Hezekiah  the  king  rofe  early,  and  ga¬ 
 thered  the  rulers  of  the  city,  and  went  up  to  the  houfe 
 of  the  Lord. 
 
 21  And  they  brought  feven  bullocks,  and  feven 
 rams,  and  feven  lambs,  and  feven  he-goats,  for  a 
 
 fin-oft'ering  for  the  kingdom,  and  for  the  fanauary,  c  Le^. 
 and  for  Judah  :  and  he  commanded  the  priefts,  the  * 
 fons  of  Aaron,  to  offer  them  on  the  altar  of  the  Lord. 
 
 22  So  they  killed  the  bullocks,  and  the  priefts  re¬ 
 ceived  the  blood,  and  fprinkled  if  on  the  altar :  like- g  i7'i5 
 wife,  when  they  bad  killed  the  rams,  they  fprinkled  Hebrews 
 the  blood  upon  the  altar :  they  killed  alfo  the  lambs,  9. 21. 
 aud  they  fprinkled  the  blood  upon  the  altar. 
 
 23  And  they  brought  f  forth  the  he-goats  tnet  Heb. 
 
 fin-offering  before  the  king  and  the  congregation;’^'”' 
 and  they  laid  their  ®  hands  upon  them.  ® 
 
 24  And  the  priefts  killed  them,. and  they  made  ' 
 reconciliation  with  their  blood  upon  the  altar,  to  make 
 an  atonement  for  all  Ifrael ;  for  the  king  commanded 
 that  the  burnt-offering  and  .  the  fin-offering  should 
 
 made  for  all  Ifrael.  25.  e. 
 
 25  f  And  he  fet  the  Levites  in  the  houfe  of  the  Lord  t  Heb. 
 with  cymbals,  with  pfalteries,  and  with  harps,  accord- 
 
 ing  to  the  commandment  of  David,  and  ot  Gad 
 
 king’s  feer,  and  Nathan  the  prophet :  tor  fo  was  the^^  ,4^ ' 
 
 commandment  t  of  the  Lord  f  by  his  prophets.  hand  of. 
 
 of  their  fathers,  their  neglect  of  God  arid  his  fervice,  and  juftly  aferibes  tliereto 
 alt  the  miferies  that  they  had  fuflTered,  and  under  which  they  yet  groaned.  The 
 firft  fervice  neceffary  was  the  thorough  cleanfing  of  the  houfe  of  the  Lord,  which 
 j  had  been  fo  long  neglefted.  lu  eight  days  they  had  thoroughly  purged  the  houfe, 
 and  brightened  the  veffels  of  fervice.  Thus  began  the  happy  year  ;  and  Hezekiah 
 with  pleafure  heard  that  all  things  were  ready  for  renewing  the  interrupted  wor- 
 I  fhip  of  God,  As  foon  as  the  houfe  was  ready,  Hezekiah  goes  to  it,  and  fummoned 
 j  the  rulers  to  attend  him.  He  opened  the  fervice  with  facrifices  of  atonement  for 
 j  the  people  in  general,  as  all  ranks  had  been  guilty.  Bu!  nt-offerings  of  tliankf- 
 '  giving  accompanied  the  facrifices  of  atonement.  Whilft  the  offerings  were  burn- 
 
 .  PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS  — *  Chap.  XXVIII.]  O  the  aftonifhing  power  of  original  depravity  !  Behold  how  it  tramples  on  the  moft  pious  education 
 ..ftnd  the  moft  excellent  pattern  1  But  fearful  are  the  punifliments  which  heaven  hath  in  ftore  for  fuch  tranfgreffors,  and  wretched  are  the  nations  who  have  fuch  mon- 
 fters  of  impiety  for  their  rulers.  God  make',  even  idolatrous  nations  concur  to  punifti  his  profeffed  people.  Often  the  very  perfons  or  nations  whom  we  have  made 
 our  pattern  in  wickednefs,  are  made  the  inftruments  of  our  puniflithent.  Dreadfully  are  the  mightieft  numbered  to  the  llaughter,  when  the  Lord  fighteth  againft 
 .  them.  But  how  tender  his  compaffion  towards  his  offending  people,'  even  while  be  fniites  them  !  He  obferves,  and  is  provoked  with  thofe  who  murder  or  abufe  them, 
 i^^peciallylfthey  be  brethren, "  or  a(5\  from  jarinciples  of  hatred  or  reVenge.  And  when  he  pleafes,  he  can  make  their  moR  outrageous  enemies  kind  and  geuer«us  to 
 ,  them.  Tliey  who  are  fenfible  of  their  own  finsj  will  fympathize  with  thtir  brethren’s  fufferings, 
 
 Ho.  28,.»«66f.  5  U 
 
Tie::  hah  offerctfi  sdcnm  sacrif  ^c. 
 
 II.  CHRONICLES. 
 
 1 
 
 Bcfure 
 
 Chrift 
 
 f  Heb. 
 hands  0/ 
 itylru- 
 vienis. 
 f  Heb. 
 seng. 
 
 26  And  the  Leyites  flood  with  the  inflruments  of 
 Od\Md,  and  the  priefts  with  the  trumpets.  * 
 
 2(  And  Hezekiah  commanded  to  offer  the  burnt- 
 t  Heb.  in  offering  upon  the  altar  :  And  f  when  the  burnt-offer- 
 ihn  lime,  iog  began,  the  fong  ot  the  Lord  began  also  with  the 
 trumpets,  and  with  f  the  inflruments  ordained  by 
 David  king  of  Ifrael. 
 
 28  And  all  the  congregation  worlhipped,  and  the 
 t  fingers  fang,  and  the  trumpeters  ibunded  ;  and  all 
 this  continued  until  the  burnt-offering  was  finilhed. 
 
 29  And  when  they  had  made  an  end  of  offering, 
 the  k'mg,  and  all  that  were  t  prefent  with  him,  bowed 
 themfelves,  and  worfliipped. 
 
 SO  Moreover,  Hezekiah  the  king  and  the  princes 
 commanded  the  Levites  to  fing  praife  unto  the  Lord 
 with  the  words  of  David,  and  of  Afaph  the  feer:  and 
 they  fang  praifes  with  gladnefs,  and  they  bowed  their 
 heads  and  worlhipped. 
 
 3 1  I  hen  Hezekiah  anfwered  and  faid,  Now  ye 
 have  II  confecrated  yourfelves  unto  the  Lord,  come 
 
 t  Heb. 
 found. 
 
 il  Or, 
 
 ""near,  and  bring  facrifices  and  thank-offerings  unto  the 
 
 •t  Heb. 
 Jtrei.gth- 
 
 houfe  of  the  Lord  And  the  congregation  brought 
 in  facrifices,  and  thank-offerings  ;  and  as  many  as  were 
 of  a  free  heart,  burnt-offerings. 
 
 32  And  the  number  ot  the  burnt-offerings,  W’hich 
 the  congregation  brought,  was  threefcore  and  ten 
 bullocks^  an  hundred  rams,  and  two  hundred  Iambs : 
 all  thefe  were  for  a  burnt-ofering  to  the  Lord. 
 
 33  And  the  confecrated  things  were  fix  hundred 
 oxen,  and  three  thoufand  fheep. 
 
 31*  But  the  priefts  were  too  few,  fo  that  they  could 
 not  flay  all  the  burnt-offerings:  wherefore  their  bre¬ 
 thren  the  Levites  f  did  help  them,  till  the  work  was 
 emdihem.  ^^til  the  other  priefts  had  fan^fified  them¬ 
 
 felves  :  for  the  Levites  were  more  upright  in  heart  to 
 fanffify  themfelves  than  the  priefts. 
 
 35  And  alfo  the  burnt-offerings  were'm  abundance, 
 W’ith  the  fat  of  the  peace-offerings,  and  the  drink- 
 offeringv  for  evc/y  burnt-offering.  So  the  ferviee  of 
 the  houfe  of  the  Lord  w’as  fet  in  order. 
 
 36  And  Hezekiah  rejoiced,  and  all  the  people,  that 
 God  had  prepared  the  people:  for  the  thing  Wdsdu7ie 
 fuddenly.’" 
 
 CHAP.  XXX. 
 
 ^  tIezeJiinh  proclaime:h  a  piissover.  13  The  assembly,  destroying  Ihe  otlars 
 0/  idolatry,  keep  the  feast  fourteen  days. 
 
 ND  Hezekiah  fent  to  all  Ilrael  and  Judah,  and 
 
 _ _  wrote  letters  al!b  to  Ephraim  and  Manafleh, 
 
 that  they  fhould  come  to  the  hoafe  of  the  Lord  at 
 Jerufalem.  to  keep  the  pafl'jver  unto  the  Lord  God 
 
 As. 
 
 cf  Ili  ael. 
 
 a  Nutiib, 
 9.  10, 11, 
 
 2  For  the  king  had  taken  counf.l,  and  his  princes, 
 and  all  the  congregation  in  Jerufalem,  to  keep  the 
 paffover  in  the  *  fecond  month. 
 
 3  For  they  could  not  keep  it  at  that  time,  becaufe 
 the  priefts  had  not  fanftified  themfelves  lufEciently, 
 
 ing  upon  the  altar,  then  the  Levites  were  employed  praifing  God.  As  the  mi- 
 niflrations  were  received,  Hezekiah  exhorts  the  people  to  liberality.  The  priefts 
 ■were  not  fit  to  offer  the  facrifices,  many  of  them  being  defiled  with  idols,.  &c. 
 The  Levites  had  been  more  confi’fteiit,  and  many  of  them  were  employed  in  their 
 tier.d.  This  blefted  change  was  well  calculated  to  diffufe  univerfal  joy. 
 
 EXPL.‘\ N ATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXX.  Ver.  1 — 20.  The  engagements 
 'which  employed  ilrem  in  the  firft  ordering  of  the  ferviee,  the  fewnefs  of  tin. 
 pr  efts  who  were  prepared,  and  the  diftance  of  the- people,  prevented  them  the 
 
 A  solemn  passover  prochimei 
 
 neither  had  the  people  gathered  themfelves  together  Befor, 
 to  Jerufalem.  cimn 
 
 4  And  the  thing  f  pleafed  the  king  and  all  the  con- 
 gregation. 
 
 5  So  they  eftabliftied  a  decree  to  make  proclama- ww 
 tion  throughout  all  Ilrael,  from  Beer-lheba  even 
 Dan,  that  they  (bould  come  to  keep  the  paffover 
 
 to  the  Lord  God  ot  Ilrael  at  Jerufalem ;  for  they 
 had  not  done  it  of  a  long  time  in  such  sort  as  it  was 
 written. 
 
 6  So  the  pofts  went  with  the  letters  f  from  the  king  t  Heb. 
 and  his  princes  throughout  all  Ifriel  and  Judah, 
 according  to  the  commandment  of  the  king,  faying,*"”'^ 
 Ye  children  of  Ifrael,  turn  again  unto  the  Lord  God 
 
 of  Abraham,  Ifaac,  and  Ifrael,  and  he  will  return  to 
 the  remnant  of  you  that  are  efcaped  out  of  the  hand 
 of  the  kings  of  Affyria. 
 
 7  And  be  not  ye  like  your  fathers,  and  like  your 
 brethren,  which  trefpafled  againft  the  Lord  God  of 
 their  fathers,  who  therefore  gave  them  up  to  defola’- 
 tion,  as  ye  lee. 
 
 8  Now,  f  be  ye  not  ftiff-necked,  as  your  fathers! 
 were,  but  t  yield  yourfelves  unto  the  Lord,  and  enter 
 into  his  fanefluary,  which  he  hath  fanftified  for  ever : 
 and  ferve  the  Lord  your  God,  that  the  fiercenels  oft  Heb. 
 his  wrath  may  turn  away  from  you. 
 
 9  For  if  ye  turn  again  unto  the  Lord,  your  bre-*“”‘^‘ 
 thren  and  your  children  shall,  find  compaflion  before 
 them  that  lead  them  captive,  fo  that  they  fhall  come 
 again  unto  this  land:  for  the  Lord  your  God  is 
 '’gracious  and  merciful,  and  will  not  turn  away  Exod, 
 face  from  you,  if  ye  return  unto  him. 
 
 10  So  the  pofts  paffed  from  city  to  city  through  the 
 country  of  Ephraim  and  Manafleh,  even  unto  Zebu- 
 Ion  t  but  they  laughed  them  to  fcorn,  and  mocked  them. 
 
 11  Neverthelefs,  divers  of  Afher,  and  Manaffei 
 and  of  Zebulon,  humbled  themfelves,  and  came  to 
 Jerufalem. 
 
 12  Alfo  in  Judah  the  hand  of  God  was  to  give 
 th?m  one  heart  to  do  the  commandment  of  the  king, 
 and  of  the  princes,  by  the  word  of  the  Lord. 
 
 ISf  And  there  affembled  at  Jerufalem  much  people 
 to  keep  the  feaft  of  unleavened  bread  in  the  fecond 
 month,  a  very  great  congregation. 
 
 14  And  theyarofe,  and  took  away  the  «  altars  that*’ 
 were  in  Jerufalem,  and  all  the  altars  for  incenfe  look^®'^^” 
 they  away,  and  caft  them  into  the  brook  Kidron. 
 
 15  Then  they  killed  the  paflover  on  the  fourteenth 
 dayoi  the  fecond  month  :  and  the  priefts  and  the  Le¬ 
 vites  were  afhamed,.  and  fanflified  themfelves,  and 
 brought  in  the  burnt-offerings  into  the  houfe  of  the 
 Lord. 
 
 16  And  they  flood  in  f  their  place,  after  their  man- 1  h®*’' 
 ner,  according  to  the  law  of  Moles,  the  man  of  God 
 
 .the  priefts  fprinkled  the  blood,  which  iheij  received  of 
 the  hand  of  the  Levites. 
 
 firft  month  from  obftrvinjj  the  paffover;  but  Hezekiah  being  unwilling  to  ne- 
 gleift  the  folemn  ordinance,  after  advifing  with  Ids  nobles,  agreed  to  keep  it  aa 
 the  fecond  month  with  the  whole  congregation  ;  for  which  purpofe  he  .fent  mef- 
 fengers  with  circular  letters,  not  only  tlirough  Judah,  but  to  the  cities  of  Ifiael. 
 The  tneffeiigers  experienced  very  different  entertainmentiBnyThef.tkiog’of  Ufrae' 
 
 gave  them  no  obftriKftion,  but  the  people  of  Ephraim  and  Mahaffeb,  and  mafly 
 
 others  not  only  flighted  but  derided  them.  Some,  however,  reoeive^f  it  as  a  joj- 
 l  al  opportunity  to  go  to  Jerufalem,  to'  keep  the  paffover  ;  •  the  men  of  Juda'' 
 
 PR.iC'lICAL  OBSPIRVATIONS. — *  Ciiap.  XXIX.]  Honourable  are  tln)jV  rulers^, wbom  God  ftirs  up  to  be  leaders  ih  the  work*  oPtfcforrrfndOii, id  provoke 
 tbe:r  hi  U:ren  to  every  good  worit ;  and  glorious  is  the  fight  vrhe.'i  they  are  diflinguiftied  by  duigeiice  and  tinanimity.  They  will  then  find  Ifieir  work  more  eafy  thua 
 they  t.Tpecled.  -  .  <0  ,  > 
 
’'he  J east  Icc-pl  fourteen  days,  SfC> 
 
 17  Yor  there  were  many  in  the  congregation 
 L...-  vvere  not  lanaified  ;  therefore  the  Levites  iiad  tht 
 charge  of  the  killing  of  the  pafTovers  for  every  one 
 ^  wns  not  clean,  to  fanady  them  unto  the  Lord. 
 
 pefvJie 
 
 Clirift 
 
 II.  CHRONICLES, 
 
 that 
 
 The  people  forward  in  offerings. 
 
 Il(-rf)re 
 
 Chriit 
 
 "Yii. 
 
 j.  Heb. 
 
 pwid. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 injlru- 
 mcnls  of 
 ilrenglh. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 lo  the 
 heart  af 
 oU, 
 
 that  was  not  clean,  to  fanady  them  unto 
 
 18  For  a  mult  tude  of  the  people,  even  j^^any  o 
 Ephraim,  and  ManafTeh,  Iflachar,  and  Zebulun,  had 
 not  cleanfed  therafelves,  yet  did  they  eat  the  pallovtj 
 otherwise  than  it  was  written  but  Hezekiah  prayer 
 tbr  them,  faying,  The  good  Lord  pardon  every 
 
 oo 
 
 19  That  prepareth  his  heart  to  feek  God,  the  Lord 
 God  of  his  fathers,  though  he  be  not  cleansed  according 
 
 to  the  purification  of  the  f  nauary. 
 
 20  And  the  Lord  hearkened  to  Hezekiah,  and 
 
 healed  the  people.  „ 
 
 21  And  the  children  of  Ilrael  that  were  t  preient 
 at  Jerulalem,  kept  the  feast  of  unleavened  bread  l^ven 
 days  with  great  gladnels :  and  the  Levites  and  the 
 priefts  praifed  the  Lord  day  by  day,  singing  with 
 f  loud  inftruments  unto  the  Lord. 
 
 22  An  i  Hezekiah  fpake  t  comfortably  unto  all  the 
 Levites  that  taught  the  good  knowledge  of  the  Lord  ■ 
 and  they  did  eat  throughout  the  feaft  fev^  days,  of¬ 
 fering  peace-ofFerings,  and  making  confeffion  to  the 
 Lord  God  of  their  fathers. 
 
 23  And  the  whole  aflembly  took  counlel  to  keep 
 other  leven  days :  and  they  kept  other  feven  days 
 
 with  gladnefs.  .  .  u 
 
 24-  For  Hezekiah  king  of  Judah  \  did  give  to  the 
 congregation  a  thoufand  bullocks,  and  leven  thouland 
 fheep ;  and  the  princes  gave  to  the  congregation  a 
 thoufand  bullocks,  and  ten  thoufand  ^eep  t  and  a 
 great  number  of  priefls  fan^lified  themfelves.  _ 
 
 25  And  all  the  congregation  of  Judah,  with  the 
 priefts  and  the  Levites,  and  all  the  congregation  that 
 came  out  of  Ifrael,  and  the  ftrangers  that  came  out  of 
 the  land  of  Ifrael,  and  that  dwelt  in  Judah,  rejoiced. 
 
 26  So  there  was  great  joy  in  Jertifalem  :  for  fince 
 the  time  of  Solomon,  the  fon  of  David  king  of  Ilrael, 
 there  was  not  the  like  in  Jerufalem. 
 
 27  ^  Fhen  the  priefts  the  Levites  arofe  and  blel- 
 fed  the  people:  and  their  voice  was  heard,  and  their 
 pray^’er  came  up  to  f  his  holy  dwelling-place,,  cucw  unto 
 heaven.*' 
 
 CHAP.  XXXI. 
 
 1  The  people  forward,  in,  destroying  idolatry,  5  in  offerings  and  tithes. 
 The  Jiacerity  of  Hezekiah. 
 
 OW,  when  all  this  was  finifned,  all  Ifrael  that 
 were  f  prefent  went  out  lo  the  cities  of  Judati, 
 brake  the  t  images  in  pieces,  and  cut  down  the 
 
 b  Numb 
 28.  &  V9. 
 
 I  Heb 
 
 lijted  tip., 
 
 or,  a 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 the  habP 
 talion  of 
 his  holi¬ 
 ness. 
 
 20 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 found. 
 a  2  Kings 
 18.  4. 
 f-  Heb. 
 statutes. 
 t  Hfb. 
 
 tintil  to 
 ^ake  an. 
 end. 
 
 according  to  his  fervice,  the  pri‘  1.  and  Levites  for 
 burnt-ofterings,  and  for  peace-oliering to  miiml'J, 
 and  to  give  thanks,  and  to  praife  in  the  gates  of  t.iC 
 
 ,  3  appointed  alfo  the  king’s  portion  of  his  (ubftance 
 
 '  for  the  burnt-ofterings.  to  wit,  for  the  morning  and 
 evening  burnt-oflfrrings,  and  the  burnt-eftenngs,  for 
 the  labbaths,  and  for  the  new-moons,  and  for  the  let 
 feafts,  as  it  is  written  in  the  law  of  the  Lord. 
 
 4  Moreover,  he  commanded  the  people  that  dwelt 
 in  J  rufalem  to  give  the  portion  of  tne  priefts  and  the 
 Levites,  that  they  might  be  encouraged  in  the  law  of 
 
 5  11  And'  as  foon  as  the  commandment  f  came  abroad,  t^Heb. 
 ,the  children  of  Ifrael  brought  m  abundance  the  nrft-^c„/,. 
 
 I  fruits  of  corn,  wine,  and  oil,  and  I1  noney,  and  of  dli  ^  or, 
 the  increafe  of  the  field ;  and  the  tithe  ot  all  thingsdateu 
 
 brought  they  in  abundantly'.  r  sr  \  j  t  a„,\^ 
 
 6  And  concerning  the  children  of  Ifrael  * 
 
 that  dwelt  in  the  cities  of  Judah,  tney  alio  ^  Levi^ 
 
 in  the  tithe  of  oiten  and  Iheep,  and  the  =  tune  of  holy 
 things  which  were  confecrated  unto  the  Lord  then 
 
 God,  and  laid  them  f  by  heaps.  ^  r  j  ! Vf‘ 
 
 7  In  the  third  month  they  began  to  lay  the  founda-t  Heb. 
 tion  of  the  heaps,  and  finilhed  them  in  the  leventh 
 
 month.  .  ,  ,  ,  ■  J 
 
 8  And  when  Hezekiah  and  the  pnnees  came  and 
 
 faw  the  heaps,  they  blefled  the  Lord,  and  his  people 
 ‘  X '  JTclol* 
 
 i  9  Then  Hezekiah  queftioned  with  the  priefts  and 
 !  the  Levites  concerning  the  he-ups.  ^  r  c 
 
 !  10  And  Azariah  the  chief  prieft,  of  the  houle  ot 
 
 Zadok,  anlwer."d  him,  and  faid.  Since  the  people  began 
 to  bring  thfe  offerings  into  the  houfe  ot  the  Lord, 
 w'e  have  had  enough  to  eat,  and  have  left  plenty  :  for. 
 the  Lord  hath  bleffed  his  people  ;  and  that  which  is 
 left  is  this  great  (lore. 
 
 1 1  H  Then  Hezekiah  commanded  to  prepare  H  I!  Or, 
 chambers  in  the  houfe  of  the  Lord  ;  and  they  pre- 
 pared' 
 
 12  And  brought  in  the  offerings,  and  the  tithes, 
 and  the  dedicated  thing.s,  faithfully  :  over  which  Co- 
 noniah  the  Levite 'ccas  ruler,  and  Sniinei  his  brother 
 
 !  tiias.  the  next. 
 
 I  13  And  Jehiel,  and  Azaziah,  and  Nahath,  and  Aia- 
 [hel,  and  Jerimoth,  and- Jozabad,  and'Elie!,  and  li- 
 1  machiah,  and  Manath,  ana  Benaiah,  were  overleers, 
 under  the  hand  of  Cononia.h,  and  Shimei  his  bro-  f 
 
 and 
 
 groves,  and  threw  down  the  high  places  and  the  altars 
 out  of  all  Judah  and. Benjamin,  in  Ephraim  alio  and 
 Manafftfi,  1 fl^ey  had  uiterly  deftroyed  them  all. 
 Then  alftne  children  of  Ilrael  returned,  every  man  to 
 his  pcfllfli'.'n,  into  their  own  cities. 
 
 2,  1  .find  He  zekiah  appointed  the  courfes  of  the 
 prielijs,  and  the  Levites  alter  their  courfes,  every  man 
 
 Were  liappily  more  unanimous.  A  vaft  aflembly  being  collcdled  on  tlie  I’onr- 
 teenth  day  of  the  fecund  month,  they  prepared  for  the  celebration  of  the  pafs- 
 'OverJ  by.  retauving  every  idol  altar  from  Jerulalem.  Tbe  zeal  of  the  people  was 
 Iwtjth'greBtei!  tlwlillhat  of  tbe  Levites.  Many  maRers  of  the  families  were  unclean, 
 for-fW'hom  tbe  Levites .  killed  the  palfover.  Hezekiah  who  oblbrved  the  irre¬ 
 gularity,  failed  tjot  to  pray  .to  God  to  pardon  it.  In  anfwer  to  Hezekiah  s 
 prayers',  God- healed  the  breach  their  fins  had  made,  and  gracioully  embraced 
 
 hand. 
 
 cher,  iit  the  commandment  of  Hezekiah  the  kiug, 
 
 Azariah  the  ruler  of  the  houle  of  God. 
 
 14  And  Kore,,the  Ibu  of  Imnah  the  Levite,  the 
 porter  f  tward  the  eaft,  toas  ever  the  free-will  offer¬ 
 ings  of  God,  to  diftnbute  the  oblaiious  of  the  Lord, 
 
 and  the  raoft  holy  things.  f  iieb. 
 
 15  And  t  next  him  were  Eden,  and  Miniamin,  and“'^^* 
 Jelhua,  and  Stiemaiah,  Amarian,  and  Stiecaniah,  in  ["or* 
 the  cities  of  the  priefts,  in  Ihcir.W  let.  office,  to  give  lo  trust. 
 
 them  in  the  arms  of  his  pardoning  mercy.  The  feven  days  of  unleavened  bread 
 followed  the  palfover,  and  they  were  fpent  in  facrifices,  ai.d  holy  joy  before  the 
 Lord. 
 
 .EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Ciiap.  XXXI.  Ver.  1—21.  Tlie  gracious 
 impreflions  made  by  atteuding  God’s  ordinances,  did  not  leave  thsrn  at  tlie  con- 
 ciufion  thereof ;  but  they  deftroyed  every  relic  of  idolatry,  both  in  Judah  and 
 feme  of  lire  cities  of  Ifrael ;  after  doing  fuel)  a  goorl  work  they  returntd  lioine 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. _ *  Ch-vp.  XXX. J  Divine  inftiiutions  muft  never  be  negle<5led  on  account  of  mere  circ-jm(l.inces,  which  admit  of  latitude 
 
 •in  tbtdr  olrfwjvjlBc®.  ii.Pleki.fsipt  is  the  work,  of  lelighiii  wlien  the.  vvcmipp.ors  have  fut-b  delight  in  ibcir  esercifvs,  that  luey  grudge  neiUier  coll  nor  time,  and  cwn 
 
 fcarceJy  hear  a  .cooclufion. 
 
S:}!?;-c/ittil>'s  army  invadcth  Judah. 
 
 II.  CHRONICLES. 
 
 II  Or. 
 trust. 
 
 fhf  rS-'""  Sreat  as  to 
 
 penealogy  of  males,  from  three 
 old  and  upward,  ev^  r.  unto  every  one  that  en- 
 ereth  into  the  houfe  of  the  Lord,  his  daily  portion 
 
 courf'T-  charges,  according  to  their 
 
 II  to  the  genealogy  of  the  priefts  by  the  houfe 
 or  their  lathers,  and  the  Levites,  from  twenty  years 
 old  and  upward,  in  their  charges,  by  their  courfes  ; 
 
 18  And  to  the  genealogy  of  all  their  little  ones, 
 their  wives,  and  their  Tons,  and  their  daughters, 
 through  all  the  congregation:  for  in  their  H  fet  cffice 
 they  lana-fied  themfelves  in  holinefs  : 
 
 •  fons  of  Aaron  the  prieft,  ishicJi  ivcre 
 
 in  the  nelds  or  the  fuburbs  of  their  cities,  in  every 
 feveral  citt,  the  men  that  were  exprefled  by  name, 
 to  g  ve  portions  to  all  the  males  among  the  priefts, 
 and  to  all  that  were  reckoned  by  genealogies  among 
 the  Levites. 
 
 20  1  And  thus  did  Hezekiah  throughout  all  Judah, 
 and  wrought  t/ia}  -sfiich  wa-sgood,  and  right,  and  truth, 
 before  the  Lord  his  God. 
 
 21  And  in  every  work  that  he  began  in  the  fervice 
 or  the  houfe  of  God,  and  in  the  law,  and  in  the  com¬ 
 mandments,  to  feek  his  God,  he  did  it  with  all  his 
 heart,  and  profpered.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXXII. 
 
 1  S  nnachenb  invadeth  Judah.  An  angel  destroyelh  the  Ajfyrinns.  24 
 Hezekmh's  sickness  and  rccoverxj  ;  S2hedying,  ManaJJeh  succeedelh  him.' 
 
 After  *  thele  things,  and  the  eftablifliment 
 thereof,  Sennacherib  king  of  Affyria  came, 
 and  entered  into  Judah,  and  encamped  agaiuft  the 
 fenced  cities,  and  Thought  f  to  win  them  forhim.felf. 
 
 2  And  when  Hezekiah  faw  that  Sennacherib  was 
 come,  and  that  f  he  was  purpofed  to  fight  againft 
 Jerufalem, 
 
 3  He  took  counfel  with  his  princes  and  his  mighty 
 men  to  flop  the  waters  of  the  fountains  which  •were 
 without  the  city  ;  and  they  did  help  him. 
 
 4  So  there  was  gathered  much  people  together, 
 who  flopped  all  the  fountains,  and  the  brook  that  f  ran 
 through  the  midtt  of  the  land,  faying,  Why  fhould 
 the  kings  of  AfTyria  come,  and  find  much  water  ? 
 
 5  Alfo  he  llrengthened  himlelf,  and  built  up  all  the 
 wall  that  was  broken,  and  raifed  it  up  to  the  towers, 
 and  another  wail  without,  and  repaired  Milio  in  the 
 city  of  David,  and  made  H  darts  and  fhields  in  abun- 
 
 The  Assyrian  army  dalt 
 
 ’713. 
 
 a  2  Kings 
 18.  13, 
 &c. 
 
 Ifaiah 
 36  1,&C. 
 f  Heb. 
 to  break 
 them  rip. 
 f  Heb. 
 hisjace 
 was  to 
 war. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 B  O'-, 
 
 swords,  or  Ja^ce. 
 
 rveapons. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 spake  to 
 the  heart. 
 
 b  Jerem. 
 17.  5. 
 
 6  And  he  fet  captains  of  war  over  the  people,  and 
 gathered  them  together  to  him  in  theftreet  of  the  gate 
 of  the  city,  and  t  fpake  comfortably  to  them,  faying, 
 
 7  Be  ftrong  and  courageous,  be  not  afraid  nor  oif- 
 mayed  for  the  king  of  AfTyria,  nor  for  all  the  multi¬ 
 tude  that  is  with  him  :  for  i/iere  he  more  with  us  than 
 with  him. 
 
 8  With  him  is  an  ^  arm  of  flefti  ;  but  with  us  is  the 
 
 in  peace.  Hezekiah  took  care  that  the  good  work  which  was  begun,  Ihould  be 
 continued.  His  univerfally  excellent  charaAer  is  remarked  ;  all  his  people  (hared 
 bis  pious  regard, 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXXII.  Ver.  1—33.  Wemighthave 
 fuppofed.that  all.  would  be  peace  and  tranquility  after  thefe  praife-worthy  actions 
 of  Hezekiah,  but  behold  a  dreadful  dorm  arifes.  Sennacherib  the  king  of  .4iry- 
 
 J  Lord  our  God,  to  help  us,  and  to  fight  onr  battle? 
 
 upon  the  words  ^ 
 
 ■“ml 
 
 And  the  people  f  refted  *  themfelves 
 I  of  Hezekiah  king  of  Judah.  ii 
 
 •9  U  e  After  this  did  Sennacherib  king  of  AfTyria'^' 
 fend  his  fervants  to  Jerufalem,  (but  he  himself  laij^ 
 sie^e  againft  Lachifh,  and  all  his  f  power  with  him  )  S 
 unto  Hezekiah  king  of  Judah,  and  unto  all  Judah'^^'v- 
 that  levrt?  at  Jerufalem,  faying,  '*■ 
 
 10  Thus  faith  Sennachenb°king  of  AfIVria,  Where  1?’ 
 on  do  ye  truft,  that  ye  abide  l|  in  the  fiege  in  Jerul'a- 1 1' 
 lem  ? 
 
 1 1  Doth  not  Hezekiah  perfuade  you  to  give  over^'’‘"''s 
 yourfelves  to  die  by  famine  and  by  thirft,  faying,  The 
 Lord  our  God  (hall  deliver  us  out  of  the  hand  of 
 the  king  of  AfTyria  ? 
 
 ^  12  Hath  not  the  Tame  Hezekiah  taken  away  his 
 high  places  and  his  altars,  and  commanded  Judah 
 and  Jerufalem,  faying.  Ye  fhall  worfhip  before  one 
 altar,  and  burn  incenfe  upon  it  ? 
 
 13  Know  ye  not  what  I  and  my  fathers  have  done 
 unto  all  the  people  of  other  lands  ?  were  the  gods  of 
 the  nations  of  thofe  lands  any  ways  able  to  deliver 
 their  lands  out  of  mine  hand  ? 
 
 14  Who  was  there  among  all  the  gods  of  thofe  na¬ 
 tions,  ^that  my  fathers  utterly  deftroyed,  that  could 
 deliver  his  people  out  of  mine  hand,  that  your  God 
 fhould  be  able  to  deliver  you  out  of  mine  hand  ? 
 
 15  Now  therefore  let  not  Hezekiah  deceive  you, 
 nor  perfuade  you  on  this  manner,  neither  yet  believe 
 him  :  for  no  God  of  any  nation  or  kingdom  was  able 
 to  deliver  his  people  out  of  mine  hand,  and  out  of  the 
 hand  of  my  fathers;  how  much  lefs  fhall  your  God 
 deliver  you  out  of  mine  hand  ? 
 
 16  And  his  fervants  fpake  yet  more  againft  the 
 Lord  God,  and  againft  his  fervant  Hezekiah. 
 
 17  He  wrote  alfo  letters  to  rail  on  the  Lord  God 
 of  Ifrael,  and  to  fpeak  againft  him,  faying,  As  the 
 gods  of  the  nations  of  other  lands  have  not  delivered 
 their  people  out  of  mine  hand,  fo  fhall  not  the  God 
 of  Hezekiah  deliver  his  people  out  of  mine  hand. 
 
 18  Then  they  cried  with  a  loud  voice,  in  the  Jews* 
 fpeech,  unto  the  people  of  Jerufalem  that  were  on  the 
 wall,  to  affright  them,  and  to  trouble  them,  that  they 
 might  take  the  city. 
 
 19  And  they  fpake  againft  the  God  of  Jerufalem, 
 as  againft  the  gods  of  the  people  of  the  earth,  which 
 were  the  work  of  the  hands  of  man. 
 
 20  51  And  for  this  cause  Hezekiah  the  king  and  the 
 prophet  Ifaiah,  the  Ion  of  Amoz,  prayed  and  cried  to 
 heaven. 
 
 21  <1  And  the  Lord  fent  an  angel,  which  cut  off  all*^-^!"^’ 
 
 the  mighty  men  of  valour,  and  the  leaders  and  cap- 
 tains,  in  th?  camp  of  the  king  of  AfTyria :  fo  he  re¬ 
 turned  with  fhame  of  face  to  his  own  land.  And 
 when  he  was  come  into  the  houfe  of  his  god,  they  „ . 
 that  came  forth  of  his  own  bowels  +  flew  him  there  tSw 
 with  the  fword.  fail. 
 
 ria  invades  his  .country,  Hezekiah  perceiving  his  defign  againft  Jerufalem,  ti« 
 fortified  it  ftrongly,  and  ufed  every  needful  precaution.  He  affembles  the  peopk, 
 and  marflials  them  under  proper  officers,  and  encourages  them  to  truft  in  Goi 
 for  alfiftance.  The  account  of  Sennacherib’s  blafphemy  ;  Hezekiah’s  pravcf, 
 ”  and  God’s  gracious  interpofition  to  fave  him,  we  had  more  at  large,  2  King* 
 chap,  xviii,  xix.  Hezekiah’s  reigq  conciudeis  glorioufty,  notwithftanding 
 
 PR  .ACTICAL  observations. — *  Chap.  XXXI.]  How  comfortable  is  it  to  go  home  from  the  folemn  fervice  of  the  fanftuary  with  the  blelfings  of  Cod 
 on  U-,  and  our  hearts  inflamed  with  holy  zeal  againft  every  thing  fiuful.  How  comely  is  it  when  great  men,  by  their  generous prefents,  encourage  others  tobeUd* 
 their  refpeeftive  due  on  the  fervice  and  fervants  of  God. 
 
fiM-iah's  siclcncis  and  recwertj 
 
 II.  CHRONICLES. 
 
 Mamsseh* i  "JJitfiLd  rc/gn, 
 
 'PU  .Ko  T  nnn  Caved  Hezeklab,  and  the  inha-  ^  wnom  me  uuku  nd, 
 
 W  ,  ttetafd  || ' 
 
 the  king  of  Affyr  . 
 and  guided  them  on  every  tide. 
 
 23^  And  many  brought  gifts  unto  the  Lord  to  Je- 
 rultlem,  and  t  preCenis  to  Hezekiah  king  of  Judah  ; 
 fo  that  he  was  magnified  in  the  fight  of  all  nations 
 
 ^'"24.  V  days  Hezekiah  was  fick  to  the  death, 
 
 esKingSand  prayed  unto  the  Lord:  and  he  Cpake  unto  him, 
 
 and  he  II  gave  him  a  fign.  , 
 
 25  But  Hezekiah  rendered  not  again  according  to 
 the  benefit  done  unto  him  ;  for  his  heart  was  lifted 
 up :  therefore  there  was  wrath  upon  him,  and  upon 
 
 Judah  and  Jerufalem.  .  ,  j  u-  r  ip 
 
 26  Notwithftanding  Hezekiah  humbled  himlelr  tor 
 
 +  Heb.  +  the  pride  of  his  heart,  {both  he  and  the  inhabitants 
 the  lijiing  of;  JeruCalem,)  fo  that  the  wrath  of  the  Lord  came 
 
 Jlefore 
 
 Clifift 
 
 698. 
 
 Heb. 
 
 precious 
 
 things- 
 713. 
 
 38.  1. 
 
 II  O'-' 
 
 wrought  a 
 miracle 
 ifor  him- 
 
 whom  the  Lord  had  call  out  before  the  children  of 
 
 again  the  high  places  which  Hf  ze- 
 kiah  his  father  had  '  bioken  down,  and  he  reared  upfjJ‘-^>J* 
 and  made  groves,  and  worlnippeu 
 
 c  2  King'. 
 
 Lord,  is- 
 
 altars  for  Baalim,  and  made  groves, 
 all  the  hoft  of  heaven  and  ferved  them. 
 
 4  Alfo  he  built  altars  in  the  houle  of 
 
 the 
 
 vp 
 
 fHeb. 
 instru¬ 
 ments  of 
 desire. 
 
 ,  d  Deut. 
 12.  11. 
 
 ,  1  Kings 
 
 in  8.  29.  & 
 9.  3. 
 
 712. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 
 highest. 
 
 693. 
 
 not  upon  them  in  the  days  of  Hezekiah. 
 
 27  ^  And  Hezekiah  had  exceeding  much  riches  and 
 honour  :  and  he  made  hirofelf  treafuries  for  filver,  and 
 for  gold,  and  for  precious  fiones,  and  for  fpices,  and 
 for  fhields,  and  for  all  manner  of  f  plealant  jewels ; 
 
 28  Storehoufes  alfo  for  the  increafe  of  corn,  and 
 wine,  and  oil;  and  ftalls  for  all  manner  of  bealts,  and 
 
 cotes  for  flocks.  ^  ,  j  zr  rr 
 
 29  Moreover,  he  provided  him  cities,  and  pollellions 
 
 of  flocks  and  herds  in  abundance  ;  for  God  had  given 
 him  fubftance  very  much. 
 
 30  This  fame  Hezekiah  alfo  flopped  the  upper  wa> 
 ter  courfe  of  Gihon,  and  brought  it  ftraight  down  to 
 the  weft  fide  of  the  city  of  David.  And  Hezekiah 
 
 profpered  in  all  his  works.  ,  j  r  * 
 
 31  H  Howbeit  in  the  business  of  the  f  ambaliadors  of 
 
 !  ' —  the  princes  of  Babylon,  who  \  lent  unto  him  to  enquire 
 in^er/jrei-  wonder  that  was  done  in  the  land,  God  left  him, 
 
 ^2  Kings  to  try  him,  that  he  might  know  all  that  loas  in  his  heart. 
 20. 12.  32  51  Now,  the  reft  of  the  afts  of  Hezekiah,  and  his  ‘ 
 
 ifaiah  ^  goodnefs,  behold,  they  are  written  in  the  vifion  of 
 fVeb.  Ifaiah  the  prophet,  the  fon  of  Amoz,  and  in  the  book 
 kindneffes.  of  the  kiogs  of  Judah  and  Ifrael.  1 
 
 II  O'-’  33  And  Hezekiah  flept  with  his  fathers,  and  they  ' 
 
 buried  him  in  the  chiefeft  of  the  fepulchres  of  the ! 
 fons  of  David  ;  and  all  Judah  and  the  inhabitants  of 
 Jerufalem  did  him  honour  at  his  death  :  and  ManafTeh 
 his  fon  reigned  in  his  ftead.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXXIII. 
 
 1  Manaffeh' s  wicked  reign;  11  he  is  carried  into  Babylon  ;  12  upon  his 
 prayer  he  is  released ;  20  Avion  succeedeth  him;  21  he  being  slain  by 
 his  own  servants,  25  Josiah  succeedeth  him. 
 
 aiKingsT^  yyANASSEH  ®  was  twelve  years  old  when  he 
 21, 1.  &c.  began  to  reign  ;  and  he  reigned  fifty  and  five 
 
 years  in  Jerufalem  : 
 
 ,,  2  But  did  that  which  xvas  evil  in  the  fight  of  the 
 
 18.1"’  Lord,  like  unto  the  ^  abominations  of  the  heathen, 
 
 whereof  the  I.ord  had  faid,  ^  In  Jerufalem  ftiall  my 
 
 name  be  for  ever.  „  .  .  a  t-  u 
 
 5  And  he  built  altars  for  all  the  hoft  of  heaven 
 
 the  two  courts  of  the  houfe  of  the  Lord. 
 
 6  And  he  caufed  his  children  to  pals  through  the^ 
 fire  in  the  valley  of  the  fon  of  Hinnom  :  alio  he  ob--,  ig. 
 ferved  times,  and  ufed  enchantments,  and  uled  witch- 
 craft,  and  dealt  with  a  familiar  fpirit,  and  with  wiz¬ 
 ards;  he  wrought  much  evil  in  the  fight  of  the  Lord, 
 
 to  provoke  him  to  anger.  i  •  u  u  u  j 
 
 7  And  he  fet  a  carved  image,  (the  idol  which  he  had 
 
 made)  in  the  houfe  of  God,  of  which  God  had  faid  to 
 David,  and  to  Solomon  his  fon.  In  '  this  houfe,  and  e  Pn»  « 
 Jerufalem,  which  I  have  choferi  before  all  the  tribes  of 
 Ifrael,  will  I  put  my  name  for  ever  : 
 
 8  f  Neither  will  I  any  more  remove  the  foot  ot  11- f  2  Sam. 
 
 raeffrom  out  of  the  land  which 
 your  fathers;  fo  that  they  will 
 
 [  have  appointed  for"* 
 
 .V.  ,  --  _  V  take  heed  to  do  all 
 
 that  T  have  commanded  them,  according  to  the  whole 
 law,  and  the  ftatutes,  and  the  ordinances,  by  the  hand 
 
 of  Moles.  c 
 
 9  So  ManafTeh  made  ludah  and  the  inhabitants  ot 
 
 Jerulalera  to  err,  and  to  do  worfe  than  the  heathen, 
 whom  the  Lord  had  deftroyed  before  the  children 
 
 of  Ifrael.  ,  .  • 
 
 10  51  And  the  Lord  fpake  to  Manalieb,  and  to  his 
 people  :  but  they  would  not  hearken. 
 
 1 1  Wherefore  the  Lord  brought  upon  them  the 
 
 captains  of  the  hoft  f  of  the  king  of  AlTyria,  which 
 took  ManafTeh  among  the  thorns,  and  bound  him 
 II  fetters,  and  carried  him  to  Babylon.  were  the 
 
 12  And  w'hcn  he  was  in  affliftion,  he  befought  theming’*. 
 
 Lord  his  God,  and  humbled  himfelf  greatly  before  i 
 the  God  of  liis  fathers,  ‘ 
 
 13  And  prayed  unto  him:  and  he  was  entreated 
 of  him,  and  heard  his  fuppiication,  and  brought  him 
 again  to  Jerufalem  into  his  kingdom.  Then  ManafTeh 
 
 j  knew  that  the  Lor.d  he  was  God. 
 
 14  51  Now  after  this  he  built  a  wall  without  the  city 
 '  of  David,  on  the  w'eft  fide  of  Gihon,  in  the  valley,  even 
 i  to  the  entering  in  at  the  fifti-gate,  and  compafled  about 
 
 Ophel,  and  raifed  it  up  a  very  great  height,  and  put  il 
 captains  of  war  in  all  the  fenced  cities  of  Judah.  ‘  eiouxr. 
 
 15  And  h.e  took  aw'ay  the  ftrange  gods  and  the  idol 
 ,  out  of  the  houfe  of  the  Lord,  and  all  the  altars  that 
 j  he  had  built  in  the  mount  of  the  houfe  of  the  Lord, 
 
 and  in  Jerufalem,  and  caft  them  ont  of  the  city. 
 
 16  And  he  repaired  the  altar  of  the  Lord,  and  facri- 
 
 677. 
 
 Heb. 
 
 the  fall  which  is  here  recorded.  We  have  here  his  licknefs  and  recovery, 
 which  we  had  more  full  before  ;  but  bis  fin  has  fome  more  particulars  than  in 
 2  Kings  chap.  xx.  Hezekiah’s  life  terminated  in  profperity.  His  riches  and 
 treafures  were  greatly  increafed  ;  his  fupplying  the  city  with  water  from  Gihon, 
 is  among  his  good  works;  a  further  account  of  which  we  will  find  in  Ifaiah 
 and  Kings.  He  is  at  la(t  removed  to  a  better  crown,  and  the  people  fiiewed 
 him  every  diftinguilhed  honour,  lamenting  with  unfeigned  grief  their  great 
 lofs. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXXIII.  Ver.  1—25.  Manaffeh's 
 wicked  beginning  we  had  before,  2  Kings  chap.  xxi.  He  was  idolatrous,  pro- 
 
 I  fane,  abandoned  to  every  evil,  and  llriving  to  dellroy  the  W'orfhip  of  God,  and 
 ^  remembrance  of  his  name  ;  and  not  content  with  being  wicked  himfelf,  com¬ 
 pelled  the  people  to  worfe  fins  than  ever  the  heathen  committed.  God’s  judg- 
 !  ments  will  not  always  tarry,  but  will  at  lall  overtake  the  finiier.  The  king  of 
 i  Babylon,  now  the  conqueror  of  Affyiia,  advances,  and  having  laid  all  walle 
 before  him,  draws  wicked  Manaffeh  from  a  thicket  of  thorns,  whether  he  had 
 fled  to  hide  himfelf,  and  binding  him  in  fetters,  carries  him  awav  cajitive  to 
 Babylon.  They  feized  all  Hezekiah’s  treafures,  and  the  people  received  a  juit 
 fconrge  for  their  apoflacy.  W’hat  all  former  warning  never  eHe6ted,  this  heavy 
 I  affliction  brought  about.  Slanaffeh  becomes  a  penitent,  and  cries  to  God  fiar 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XXXIL]  Satan  and  liishgents  are  never  idle  when  the  fainu  are  bufy  in  their  proper  work  !  But  firong  faith 
 in  God  will  raife  us  far  above  all  who  oppofe  us.  Pride  and  ingratitude  are  ^ious,  efpecially  in  tbbfc  whom  God  hath  greatly  dillinguiflieJ  by  his  favours. 
 
 No.  29...6rf»  5  X  / 
 
J  JSi 
 
 id'i  s  rcr 
 
 VI ;  flesh  oj/L  f/i  idolalr 
 
 7J’ 
 
 II.  CHRONICLES. 
 
 iiced  1  hereon  peace-olTerings  and  thank-ofTcringi?,  and 
 commanded  Judah  to  lerve  the  Lord  God  of  Ilrat  l. 
 
 1  /  Nevcrthelelii  the  people  did  facritice  (Vill  in  the 
 h.gh  plicf'S.  ijtt  unto  the  Lord  their  God  only. 
 
 iS  •'  Now  the  reft  ot  the  aifts  of  Man  >lTeh,  and  his 
 prayer  unto  his  God,  and  the  words  of  the  feers  tliat 
 Ipake  to  him  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  God  of  ll’rael, 
 behold,  they  arc  xirinen  in  the  book  of  the  kings  of 
 Ifrael : 
 
 19  His  prayer  alfo,  and  hoxc  God  was  entreated  of 
 him,  and  all  his  fins,  and  his  trefpafs,  and  the  places 
 wherein  he  built  high  places,  and  fet  up  groves  and 
 graven  images,  before  he  was  humbled,  behold,  they 
 are  written  among  the  fayings  of  |1  the  leers. 
 
 20  f  So  ManalTeh  ll.-pt  with  his  fathers,  and  they 
 buried  him  in  his  own  houfe :  and  Amon  his  fon 
 reigned  in  his  ftead. 
 
 g  2  Kings  2 1  f  Amon  was  two  and  twenty  years  old  when  he 
 -  •  began  to  reign,  and  reigned  two  years  in  Jerufalera. 
 
 22  But  he  did  that  waich  was  evil  in  me  fight  of  the 
 I.ORD,  as  did  IVIanafifeh  his  father ;  for  Amon  lacri* 
 ficed  unto  all  the  carved  images,  which  Manaileh  his 
 father  had  made,  and  ferved  them  ; 
 
 23  And  humbled  not  himfelf  before  the  Lord,  as 
 Manaileh  his  father  had  humbled  himfelf:  but  Amon 
 t  irerpafled  more  and  more. 
 
 dosiah  repaireth  the 
 
 Clirid 
 
 C2-1. 
 
 Of. 
 
 &C. 
 
 t  Ileb. 
 
 his  fervants  confpired  agaieft  him,  and  flew 
 641.'  him  in  his  own  houfe. 
 
 25  H  But  the  people  of  the  land  flew  all  them  that 
 had  confpired  againlt  king  Amon  :  and  the  people  of 
 the  land  made  J  fiah  his  fon  king  in  his  ftead.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXXIV. 
 
 1  Josiak's  good  reign  ;  3  he  destroyeth  idotalry  ;  8  he  repaireth  the  temple  ; 
 53  and  causing  the  law  to  be  read,  reneweth  the  covenant  with  God. 
 
 2i"  f  T  years  old  when  he  began  to 
 
 ■  ’  J  reign  ;  and  he  reigned  in  Jerufalem  one  and  thirty 
 years. 
 
 2  And  he  did  that  which  was  right  in  the  fight  of  the 
 Lord,  and  walked  in  the  ways  of  David  his  father, 
 and  declined  neither  to  the  right  hand  nor  to  the  left. 
 
 3  1i  For  in  the  eighth  year  of  his  reign,  while  he  was 
 yet  young,  he  began  to  feek  after  the  God  of  David 
 
 b  1  Kings  his  father  ;  and  in  the  tw-elfth  year  he  began  to  purge 
 Judah  and  Jerufalem  from  the  high  places,  and  the 
 groves,  and  the  carved  images,  and  the  molten  images, 
 c  Levit.  4  c  And  they  brake  down  the  altars  of  Baalim,  in 
 his  prefence;  and  the  ||  images,  that  xcereonhigh  above 
 them  he  cut  down  ;  and  the  groves,  and  the  carved 
 images,  and  the  molten  images  he  brake  in  pieces,  and 
 t  Heb.  made  duft  of  them,  and  ftrowed  it  upon  the  f  graves 
 ./oceo//AffQf  them  that  had  facnficed  unto  them. 
 
 634. 
 
 Ij  Or,  ju?i- 
 I  manes* 
 
 graves* 
 
 U  Or, 
 mauls. 
 
 +  Ilfb. 
 to  make 
 powder. 
 624. 
 
 5  And  he  burnt  the  bones  of  the  priefts  upon  their 
 altars,  and  cleanfed  Jndah  and  Jerufalem. 
 
 6  And  so  did  he  in  the  cities  of  ManalTeh,  and  Eph¬ 
 raim,  and  Simeon,  even  unto  Naphtali,  v;ith  their 
 11  mattocks  round  about. 
 
 7  And  when  he  had  broken  dowm  the  altars  and 
 the  groves,  and  had  beaten  the  graven  images  f  intt. 
 
 powder,  and  cut  down  all  the  idols  throughout  all  the 
 land  of  llrael,  he  returned  to  Jerufalem. 
 
 8  1]  Now,  in  the  eighteenth  year  of  his  reign,  when 
 
 he  had  purged  the  land,  and  the  houfe,  he  lent  Sha- 
 phan,  the  (on  of  Azaliah,  and  Maafeiah  the  governor 
 of  the  city,  and  Joan  the  fon  of  Joabaz  the  recorder 
 to  repair  the  houle  of  the  Lord  his  God.  ’ 
 
 9  And  when  they  came  to  TIilkiah  the  high  priefl 
 they  deh^red  the  money  to./s  brought  into  the 
 houle  of  God,  which  the  Levites  that  kept  the  doors 
 had  gathered  of  the  hand  of  Manaileh  and  Ephraim 
 and  of  all  the  remnant  of  Ifrael,  and  of  all  Judah  and 
 cenjamm  ;  and  they  returned  to  Jerufalem. 
 
 10  And  they  put  it  into  the  hand  of  the  workmen 
 that  had  the  overfight  of  the  houfe  of  the  Lord,  and 
 tney  gave  it  to  the  workmen  that  wrought  in  the  houfe 
 of  the  Lord,  to  repair  and  amend  the  houfe ; 
 
 11  Even  to  the  artificers  and  builders  gave  they  it 
 
 to  buy  hewn  ftone,  and  timber  for  couplings,  and  |i  to  u  Or 
 floorthe  houfes  which  thekingsof  Judah  haddeftroved  >oraJter. 
 
 12  And  the  men  did  the  work  faithfully  :  and  the 
 overleers  of  rhem  were  Jahath  and  Obadiah,-  the  Le- 
 ^tes,  of  the  ions  of  Merari  :  and  Zechariah  and  Me- 
 Ihul’am,  of  the  fens  of  the  Kohathites,  to  fet  it  for¬ 
 ward  :  and  other  of  the  Levites,  all  that  could  Ikill  of 
 inftruments  of  mufic. 
 
 13  AKo  they  were  over  the  bearers  of  burdens,  and 
 were  overfeers  of  all  that  tynmghr  the  work  in  any 
 manner  of  fervice :  and  of  the  Levites  there  were 
 icribes,  and  officers,  and  porters. 
 
 14  ^  And  when  they  brought  out  the  money  that 
 
 was  brought  into  the  houfe  of  the  Lord,  Hilkiah  the 
 pneftd  found  a  book  of  the  law  of  the  Lord  King* 
 
 t  by  Mofes.  *  22. 8,&c. 
 
 r  Hilkiah 'anfwered  and  faid  to  Shaphan  theL^Ie' 
 
 Icribe,  I  have  found  the  book  of  the  law  in  the  houfe  Aando/. 
 of  the  Lord.  And  Hilkiah  delivered  the  book  to 
 Shaphan, 
 
 16  And  Shaphan  carried  the  book  to  the  king,  and 
 brought  the  king  word  back  again,  faying,  All  that 
 
 was  committed  f  to  thy  Ervants,  they  do  it.  t  Heb. 
 
 17  And  they  have  f  gathered  together  the  money 
 
 ms  found  in  the  houfe  of  the  I.ord,  and  have  if 
 delivered  it  into  the  hand  of  the  overfeers,  and  to  the /.our'a 
 hand  of  the  workmen.  out,  or, 
 
 18  Then  Shaphan  the  feribe  tcld  the  king,  faying, 
 
 Hilkiah  the  prieft  hatn  given  me  a  book.  And  Sha¬ 
 phan  read  f  it  before  the  king.  f  Heb. 
 
 19  And  it  came  to  paCs,  wnen  the  king  had  heard 
 ihe  words  of  the  law,  that  he  rent  his  clothes. 
 
 20  And  the  king  commanded  Hilkiah,  and  Ahikam 
 
 the  fon  of  Shaphan,  and  ||  Abdon  the  fon  of  Micah  ,1  or 
 and  Shaphan  the  feribe,  and  Alaiah  a  I’ervant  of  the^cMor. 
 king  s,  laying,  2  Kings 
 
 21  Go,  enquire  of  the  Lord  for  me,  and  for  thcm“^’ 
 
 'hat  are  left  in  Ilrae!  and  in  Judah,  concerning  the 
 words  of  the  bock  that  is  found ;  for  great  is  the 
 wrath  of  the  Lord  that  is  poured  out  upon  us,  bt-caufe 
 
 mercy.  God  had  compafTion  on  him,  and  inclines  the  king  of  Babylon  to 
 refiore  him  to  bis  former  dignity.  Made  wife  by  pad  experience  he  now  knew 
 that  tiie  Lord  alone  was  God.  With  detefialion  of  !iis  former  ways,  he  caufes 
 idolatry  to  be  abolihied.  He  no  more  revolted  from  God  ;  the  lun  that  rofe 
 eclipfed,  fet  with  fpleiidour.  He  was  buried  privately,  probably  at  bis  own 
 defire,  and  left  his  throne  to  bis  ungodly  fon  and  fucctlfor,  Amon.  He  copied 
 
 the  word  of  his  father’s  ways,  hut  fliort  was  his  career  of  impiety  ;  in  two  years 
 
 1.'/ ““  “ 
 
 ,  EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXXIV.  Ver.  1_.3.  Jofiah  bi.an 
 
 ,  his  rpgn  very  young,  and  probably  things  might  continue  as  his  nn.roJly  father 
 ;  had  lelt  them  for  fome  time;  but  in  the  fifteenth  year  God  was  pleafed  to  l,»-in 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS - »  Chap.  XXXIIL]  How  readily  do  nations  and  churches  relapfe  into  their  wonted  aboniinatimis  from  which  th  lad 
 
 been  re/brmed  with  infinite  pains.  How  great  the  mercy  of  God  in  giving  repeated  warnings  to  tlie  mod  obdinate  finneis  !  He  can  convert  and  naidon  tl  '  d 
 awocious  fiuners.  Bitter  are  the  griefs,  and  viCble  the  evidence  of  real  repentance,  particularly  of  thole  who  were  once  remarkably  wicked  ^ 
 
Before 
 
 Clirilt 
 
 (i-Jl. 
 
 1  Or, 
 
 Jlurhus- 
 
 2  Kings 
 
 22,  14. 
 
 I  t'eb. 
 
 pa) 
 
 II  Of 
 
 the  school, 
 or,  ill  the 
 secjiid 
 furt. 
 
 Pe  look  of  the  la'm  found. 
 
 our  fathers  have  not  kept  the  word  of  the  Lord,  to 
 do  after  all  that  is  written  in  this  book. 
 
 22  And  Hilkiah,  and  they  that  the  king  had  appoint¬ 
 ed  went  to  Huldah,  the  prophetefs,  the  wife  of  Shal- 
 lum  the  fou  of  Tikvath,  the  Ion  of  1|  Hairah,  keeper 
 of  the  wardrobe ;  (now  fhe  dwelt  in  Jerufalem  ||  in 
 tne  college  ;)  and  they  fpake  to  her  to  that  effect. 
 
 2S  II  And  (he  anlwered  them,  Thus  laith  the  Lord 
 God  of  llrael.  Tell  ye  the  man  that  fent  you  to  me. 
 
 24  Thjs  faith  The  Lord,  Behold,  I  will  bring  evil 
 upon  this  place,  and  upon  the  inhabitants  thereof,  even 
 all  the  curies  that  are  written  in  the  book  which  they 
 have  read  before  the  king  of  Judah  : 
 
 25  Becaule  they  have  forlaken  me,  and  have  burn¬ 
 ed  incenfe  unto  other  gods,  that  they  uiight  provoke 
 me  to  anger  with  all  the  works  of  their  hands  ;  there¬ 
 fore  my  wrath  (hall  be  poured  out  upon  this  place, 
 and  (hall  not  be  quenched. 
 
 26  And  as  for  the  king  of  Judah,  who  fent  you  to 
 enquire  of  the  Lord,  lb  (hall  ye  fay  unto  him,  Thus 
 laith  the  Lord  God  of  Ifrael  concerning  the  words 
 which  thou  hall  heard. 
 
 27  Becaufe  thine  heart  was  tender,  and  thou  didft 
 humble  thyfelf  before  God,  w'hen  thou  heardelt  his 
 words  againll  this  place,  and  againit  the  inhabitants 
 thereof,  and  humblelt  thyfelf  before  me,  and  didft 
 rend  thy  clothes,  and  weep  before  me  ;  I  have  even 
 heard  thee  alfo,  faith  the  Lord. 
 
 28  Behold,  I  will  gather  thee  to  thy  fathers,  and 
 thou  lhak  be  gathered  to  thy  grave  in  peace,  neither 
 lhall  thine  eyes  lee  all  the  evil  that  1  will  bring  upon 
 this  place,  and  upon  the  inhabitants  of  the  fame.  So 
 they  brought  the  king  word  again. 
 
 e2  Kings  29  %  e  Then  the  king  lent  and  gathered  together  all 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 from 
 
 23. 1.  the  elders  of  Judah  and  Jerufalem. 
 
 30  And  the  king  went  up  into  the  houfe  of  the 
 Lord,  and  all  the  men  of  Judah,  and  the  inhabitants 
 of  Jerufalem,  and  the  priefts,  and  the  Leviies,  and  all 
 the  people,  f  great  and  fmall :  and  he  read  in  their 
 ears  all  the  words  of  the  book  of  the  covenant  that 
 
 found  in  the  houfe  of  the  Lord. 
 
 31  And  the  king  flood  in  his  place,  and  made  a 
 covenant  before  the  Lord,  to  walk  after  the  Lord, 
 and  to  keep  his  commandments,  and  his  teftimonies, 
 and  his  ftatutes,  with  all  his  heart,  and  with  all  his 
 foul,  to  perform  the  w'ords  of  the  covenant  which  are 
 written  in  this  book. 
 
 32  And  he  caul'ed  all  that  were  t  prefent  in  Jerufa¬ 
 lem  and  Benjamin  to  Hand  toil.  And  the  inhabitants 
 of  Jerul'aiem  did  according  to  the  covenant  of  God 
 the  God  of  their  fathers. 
 
 33  And  Joliah  took  away  all  the  abominations  out 
 of  all  the  countries  that  yertained  to  the  children  of 
 Ifrael,  and  made  all  that  were  prefent  in  HVael  to  ferve, 
 
 fHeb. 
 
 found. 
 
 II.  CHRONICLES.  Josiah  keepeth  a  solemn  passover- 
 
 even  to  ferve  the  Lord  their  God.  And  all  his  days 
 they  departed  not  f  from  following  Uit-'  Lord,  the 
 God  of  their  fat  hers. 
 
 CHAP.  XXXV. 
 
 1  Josiah  keepeth  a  solemn  passover ;  20  he  provoking  Pharaoh-necho, 
 sluiu  at  Megiddo  I  ‘Z5  lamentations  for  him. 
 
 Moreover,  »  Jofiah  kept  a  palTover  unto cir.  623. 
 
 tne  Lord  in  Jerulalem  ;  and  they  killed 
 pallbveron  the  fourteenth  day  of  the  firlt  month. 
 
 2  And  he  let  the  priefts  in  their  charges,  and  encou-  12.  6. 
 raged  them  to  the  lervice  of  the  boule  of  the  Lord  ; 
 
 3  And  laid  unto  the  Levites  that  taught  all  Ifrael, 
 which  were  holy  unto  the  Lord,  Put  the  holy  ark  in 
 the  houfe  which  Soiornen,  the  Ion  of  David  king  of 
 Ifrael,  did  build  ;  it  shall  not  be  a  burden  upon  your 
 (boulders ;  ferve  now  the  Lord  your  God,  aud  his 
 people  llrael ; 
 
 4  And  prepare  yourselves  hy  the'  houfes  of  ^ 
 fathers,  after  your  courfes,  according  to  the  ^  writing 
 of  David  king  of  Ifrael,  and  according  to  the  '  writing  23.  &  24. 
 of  Solomon  his  fon.  *  &• 
 
 5  And  ftand  in  the  holy  place,  according  to  the 26^^^ 
 divifions  of  +  the  families  of  the  fathers  of  your  bre.| 
 thren  4  the  people,  and  after  the  divilion  of  the  fa-  ^  Heb. 
 milifcs  of  the  Levites.  /“’*<*'* 
 
 6  bo  kill  the  paflbver,  and  fanctify  yourfelves,  and 
 prepare  your  brethren,  that  they  may  do  according  to^ 
 the  word  of  the  Lord  by/<'ue  hand  of  Moses.  the  sons 
 
 7  And  Jofiah  f  gave  t!^  the  people,  of  the  flock,  oj  the 
 ,  lambs  and  kids,  all  for  the'paflbver-offerings,  for 
 I  that  w'ere  prefent,  to  the  number  of  thirty  thousand,  ^^fed. 
 
 I  and  three  thoufand  bullocks  ;  thefe  were  of  the  king’s 
 I  fubftance. 
 
 I  8  And  his  f  princes  gave  willingly  unto  the  people,  t  Heb. 
 j  to  the  priefts,  and  to  the  Levites  :  Hilkiah,  and  Zecha* 
 
 Iriah,  and  Jehiel,  rulers  of  the  houfe  of  God,  gave 
 '  unto  the  priefts,  for  the  paflbver-oflerings  two  theu- 
 fand  and  fix  hundred  small  cattle,  and  three  hundred 
 oxen. 
 
 9  Conaniah  alfo,  and  Shemaiah,  and  Nethaneel, 
 his  brethren,  and  Hafhabiah,  and  Jelel,  and  Jozabad, 
 chief  of  the  Levites,  f  gave  uuto  the  Levites, 
 paflbver-oflerings  five  thousand  small  cattle,  and  five 
 hundred  oxen. 
 
 10  So  the  fervice  .was  prepared,  and  the  priests 
 flood  ill  their  place,  and  the  Levites  in  their  courfes, 
 according  to  the  king’s  commandment. 
 
 11  And  they  killed  the  paflbver,  and  the  priefts 
 fprinked  the  blood  from  their  hands,  and  the  Levites 
 ^  flayed  them. 
 
 12  And  they  removed  the  bnrnt-offerings,  that  they  <^9.  3^^ 
 might  give  according  to  the  divifions  of  the  families  of”  ' 
 ihe  people,  to  offer  unto  the  Lord,  as  it  is  written  in 
 the  book  of  Moles ;  and  lb  dta  they  with  the  oxen. 
 
 his  good  work  in  him,  and  notwilhftanding  his  bad  education  and  his  father’s 
 example,  he  then  began  to  feek  the  Lord.  When  he  arrived  at  the  twelfth  year 
 of  his  reign,  he  began  a  total  reformation,  in  deftroying  the  idols  and  their  idola¬ 
 trous  priefts,  which  he  effecled  not  only  in  Judah  but  the  cities  of  Ifrael  alfo 
 which  he  governed  ;  fo  deeply  interefted  was  he  in  the  work,  that  he  attended 
 in  perfon  the  execution  of  all  his  plans.  He  repaired  alfo  the  houfe  of  the  Lord, 
 for  which  he  collehled  money  and  hired  workmen  of  approved  fidelity,  whom 
 the  Levites  were  commanded  to  infpedl,  that  the  work  might  be  well  executed. 
 Concerned  for  the  welfare  of  his  people,  he  aflembles  them  to  hear  the  words  of 
 God’s  book,  and  by  his  example  and  command  engages  them  to  renew  the  cove¬ 
 nant. 
 
 for 
 
 offered. 
 
 f  See 
 Chap. 
 
 EXPLAN.4TORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXXV.  Ver.  1—27.  The  paffover 
 being  among  the  moll  folemn  ordinances,  Jofiah  prepares  to  obferve  it.  He 
 fet  the  priefts  in  their  courfes,  commands  the  ark  to  be  repl.aced  ;  enjoins  the 
 Levites  to  exercife  with  zeal  their  miniftry  for  the  glory  of  God  and  the 
 good  of  Ifrael,  and  in  order  thereunto,  he  exhorts  them  to  fanaify  themfelves. 
 The  king,  princes,  and  chief  priefts  liberally  contributed  on  this  occafion  •  the 
 king  gave  thirty  thoufand  lambs  for  the  poor  familiev,  and  three  thoufand 
 bullocks  for  facrifice  and  peace-offerings.  The  whole  was  conduaed  with 
 great  exaanefs  and  regularity.  The  priefts  and  Levites  difchargcd  their  office 
 with  great  diligence,  fo  that  there  was  no  paflbver  fince  the  days  of  the  judges 
 _ _  to  it-  We  might  have  expecled  that  Judah  would  have  profpered  after 
 
 PilACriCAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap  XXXIV.]  What  a  bleffing  is  early  converfion,  particularly  when  the  fubjeas  of  it  are  eminently  diftinguiflred 
 
 iaViiuted  worlWp  "f ’c^d  pleafant,  efpeeially  after  prevailing  impiety,  to  behold  magiftrales  aud  fubjeas  harmonioufly  and  heartily  zealous  for  the 
 
tTjsia’i  provoiei/i  P/tafaah~2^^’cflo, 
 
 II.  CHRONICLES. 
 
 Before 
 Chri  il 
 cir.  6 -’3. 
 
 1 
 
 AnJ  they  f  roafted  the  paflbver  with  fire,  ac¬ 
 cording  to  the  ordinance  :  bat  the  otfier  holy  offerings 
 fed  they  in  pots,  and  in  caldrons,  and  in  pans,  and 
 t  divided  trhein  Ipeedily  among  all  the  people. 
 
 li  And  attervvard.s  they  made  ready  tor  themlelves 
 and  tor  the  prielts  :  becnil'e  the  priefts  the  Ions  ot 
 Aaron  loere  buried  in  oiFering  of  burnt  offerings  and 
 the  fat  until  night ;  therefore  the  Levites  prepared  tor 
 themlelves,  and  for  the  prietls  the  Cons  of  Aaron. 
 
 15  And  the  fingers,  the  Cons  of  Afaph,  urre  in  their 
 t  p’ace,  according  to  the  commandment  of  David 
 and  Afaph,  and  Heman,  and  Jeduthun  the  king’s  leer  ; 
 25.  i.&c.  3nd  the  porters  '  -caiied  at  every  gate  :  they  m  ghtnot 
 i  1  Chro.  depart  from  their  fervice  ;  for  their  brethren  the  Le- 
 9. 17,  IS.  vices  prepared  for  them. 
 
 14,  i(j  33  all  the  fervice  of  the  Lord  was  prepared  the 
 fame  day,  to  keep  the  paffover,  and  to  offer  burnt- 
 offerings  upon  the  altar  of  the  Lord,  according  to  the 
 commandment  of  king  Jofiah. 
 
 IT  And  the  children  of  Ifrael  that  "mere  f  prefent 
 kept  the  paffover  at  that  time,  and  the  feaff  of  un¬ 
 leavened  bread  feven  days. 
 
 18  And  there  was  no  paffover  like  to  that  kept  in 
 
 I  Heb. 
 Jialion. 
 h  1  Chro. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 '^aund. 
 
 Jehoahaz  is  deposed  bij  Pharaoh 
 
 25  H  And  Jeremiah  lamented  for  Jofiah  ;  and  all  the 
 finging-men  and  the  finglng  women  fpake  of  Jofiah  in 
 their  lamentations  to  this  day,  and  made  them  an  or¬ 
 dinance  in  Ifrael ;  and,  behold,  they  are  written  in 
 the  Lamentations. 
 
 26  H  Now  the  reff  of  the  a£ls  of  Jofiah,  and  his 
 
 t  goodnefs,  according  to  that  which  was  written  in  thef  Heb 
 law  of  the  Lord.  w  ‘ 
 
 27  And  his  deeds,  firft,  and  laff,  beh  1),  they  ltc 
 written  in  the  book  of  the  kings  of  Ifrael  and  Judah.'* 
 
 CHAP.  XXX VI. 
 
 1  Jelioahaz  succeeding,  is  deposed  by  P/iuraoh.  5  Jehoiakim,  reigning  ill, 
 is  carried  into  Babylon.  9  Jehoiachin  succeedelh.  1 1  Zedekiah’s  ill  reign. 
 
 Then  »  the  people  of  the  land  took  Jehoahaz  asKin, 
 tne  fon  of  Jofiah,  and  made  him  king  in  his  fa-“^  =*o. 
 ther’s  Head  in  Jerufalem. 
 
 2  Jehoahaz  was  twenty  and  three  years  old  when 
 he  began  to  reign  ;  and  he  reigned  three  months  in 
 Jerufalem. 
 
 3  And  the  king  of  Egypt  f  put  him  down  at  Jerufa-t  Heb. 
 lem,  and  t  condemned  the  land  in  an  hundred  talents  ^ernovei 
 of  filver,  and  a  talent  of  gold. 
 
 4  And  the  king  of  Egypt  madeEliakim  his  brother  I, 
 
 Ifrael,  from  the  days  of  Samuel  the  prophet :  neither  Ij  king  over  Judah  and  Jerufalem,  and  turned  his  name 
 
 filO. 
 
 k  2  Kings 
 23.  29. 
 f  Heb. 
 kouje. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 the  houfe 
 of  my 
 
 did  all  the  kings  of  Ifrael  keep  fuch  a  paffover  as  Jo¬ 
 fiah  kept,  and  the  prierts,  and  the  Levites,  and  all  Ju- 
 dah  and  Ifrael  that  were  prefent,  and  the  inhabitants 
 of  Jerufalem. 
 
 19  In  the  eighteenth  year  of  the  reign  of  Jofiah 
 was  this  paffover  kept. 
 
 20  ^  “  After  all  this,  when  Jofiah  had  prepared  the 
 f  temple,  Necho  king  of  Egypt  came  up  to  fight 
 againft  Carchemifh  by  Euphrates :  and  Jofiah  went 
 out  againft  him. 
 
 21  But  he  lent  ambaffadors  to  him,  faying.  What 
 have  I  to  do  with  thee,  thou  king  of  Judah  ?  I  come 
 not  againft  thee,  this  day,  but  againft  f  the  houfe 
 wherewith  I  have  war  ;  for  God  commanded  me  to 
 make  halie ;  forbear  thee  from  meddling  with  God, 
 who  is  with  me  that  he  deftroy  thee  nor. 
 
 22  Neverthelefs  Jofiah  would  not  turn  his  face 
 from  him,  but  difguifed  himfelf  that  he  might  fight 
 with  him  and  hearkened  not  unto  the  words  of  Ne¬ 
 cho  from  the  mouth  of  God,  and  came  to  fight  in  the 
 valley  of  IMegiddo. 
 
 23  And  the  archers  fhot  at  king  Jofiah  ;  and  the 
 king  faid  to  his  fervants.  Have  me  away  ;  for  I  am 
 fore  f  wounded. 
 
 24  His  fervants  therefore  took  him  out  of  that  cha- 
 g  Or,  rior,  and  put  him  in  the  fecond  chariot  that  he  had, 
 among  Me  and  they  brought  him  to  Jerufalem,  and  he  died, 
 /epui-  33 j  v,’33  buried  \\  in  one  of  the  fepulchres  of  his 
 iSh.  Eh  hers  -.‘aod  ‘  all  Judah  and  Jerufalem  mourned  for 
 12.11.  Jofiah. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 made  sick. 
 
 thefe  religious  exercifes ;  but,  alas!  for  their  hypocrify  and  unfruitfulnefs,  divine 
 providence  takes  away  our  good  king  from  them  by  death,  and  all  tlieir  religion 
 dies  with  him.  He  imprudently  went  out  to  battle  again!!  Neclio  king  of  Egypt, 
 who  was  marching  again!!  the  king  of  Aflj  ria.  He  aflured  him  he  intended  no¬ 
 thing  again!!  Judah,  and  that  the  expedition  was  according  to  God  s  command. 
 Joflab  credited  him  not,  and  negle(5!ing  to  enquire  of  God  refolved  to  oppofe  him. 
 The  engagement  took  place  near  Megiddo,  and  though  the  king  of  Judah  had 
 difguifed  himfelf,  he  was  wounded  by  the  archers,  and  died  in  h.s  chariot.  The 
 nation  was  greatly  aQli6!ed  at  his  death  ;  Jeremiah  more  particularly  lamented  it, 
 forefeeing  the  evils  that  would  follow  ;  the  people  annually  commemorated  his 
 unhappy  fall  in  mournful  poems,  although  they  did  not  heartily  join  him  in  his 
 fideb'ty  when  alive. 
 
 6D-, 
 
 Or, 
 
 chains. 
 
 to  Jehoiakim.  And  Necho  took  Jehoahaz  his  brother 
 and  carried  him  to  Egypt. 
 
 5  f  Jehoiakim  was  twenty  and  five  years  old  when 
 he  began  to  reign  ;  and  he  reigned  eleven  years  in  Je¬ 
 rufalem  :  and  he  did  that  which  xeas  evil  in  the  fight  of 
 the  Lord  his  God. 
 
 6  Againft  him  came  up  Nebuchadnezzar  king  of 
 
 Babylon,  and  bound  him  in  |1  fetters,  to  carry  him  to 
 Babylon.  ^ 
 
 7  Nebuchadnezzar  alfo  carried  off  the  veffels  of  thcbsKiU 
 
 houfe  of  the  Lord  to  Babylon,  and  put  them  in  his  24. 13.° 
 temple  at  Babylon.  - 
 
 8  Now  the  reft  of  the  aefts  of  Jehoiakim,  and  hiSn'Q’'' 
 abominations,  which  he  did,  and  that  which  was  found  jewnwi, 
 in  him,  behold,  they  are  written  in  the  book  of  the  1  Chro. 
 kings  of  Ifrael  and  Judah:  and  ||  Jehoiachin  his  fon 
 reigned  in  his  ftead. 
 
 9  H  Jehoiachin  was  eight  years  old  when  he  began  to  22.  u. 
 
 reign;  and  he  reigned  three  months  and  ten  days ^ 2 Kings 
 m  Jerul'alem  :  and  he  did  that  which  was  evil  in  the^j^®jj 
 fight  of  the  Lord.  _  _  at  the  re- 
 
 "  10  And  f  when  the  year  was  expired,  king  Nebu-  lurno/the 
 chadr.ezzar  fent  and  brought  him  to  Babylon,  with 
 the  goodly  vtffrls  of  the  houfe  of  the  Lord,  andj^^^J^jy 
 made  li  ^  Zedekiah  his  brother  king  ever  Judah  desire, 
 
 Jerufalem.  II  Or. 
 
 1 1  ^1  '  Zedekiah  was  one  and  twenty  years  old-^^"."," 
 when  he  began  to  reign,  and  reignea  eleven  years  in 
 Jerufalem.  brother. 
 
 2  Kings  24.  17.  d  Jer.  37.  1.  e  2  Kings  24.  18.  Jer.  52.  1. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXXVI.  Ver.  1—23.  Jehoahaz,  kj 
 up  by  the  people,  was  quickly  dethroned  by  Necho  king  of  Egypt,  and  caniM 
 captive  into  his  country.  He  reigned  three  months,  in  wliich  he  gave  a  fulKci.i' 
 fpecimen  of  hrs  conduiSl.  Jehoiakim,  the  tributary  of  the  king  of  Egyi''’ 
 was  eleven  years  governor  of  the  impoveriflied  country,  and  weakened  by  ki 
 evil  courfes,  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  king  of  Babylon,  and  died  in  chan 
 after  beholding  Jerufalem  and  the  temple  plundered.  His  fon  who  fucceeu'; 
 him  at  eighteen  years  of  age,  rather  than  eight,  2  Kings  xxiv.  8.  ttflUi- 
 thougli  young  the  evil  that  was  in  his  heart;  and  after  a  fliort  reign  of 
 months  and  ten  days,  was  depofed  by  the  king  of  Babylon,  and  Zedekiah,  Ihe  a 
 of  the  kings  of  Judah,  advanced  to  the  throne.  Thus  did  the  nation  qu  e  ’  1 
 change  her  kings;  and  not  repenting  by  the  repeated  warnings,  jndgn'i-'J 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  XXXV.] 
 bea  men  raiely  leave  the  world  without  fome  vifible  bleaiifti. 
 
 How  much  mi^ht  bj  done  for  the  excitement  of  others  to  duty  by  one  in  high  aation. 
 
 The  very 
 
fhe  proclamation  of  Cyrus 
 
 EZRA. 
 
 «  fore  12  And  he  did  that  Mi  ms  evil  >n  the jlght  of  the 
 SSa  T  nfn  his  God,  and  humbled  not  himfelt  before  Jere- 
 miah  the  prophet,  speaking  from  the  mouth  of  the 
 
 ^^^And  he  alfo  rebelled  againft  king  Nebuchad¬ 
 nezzar,  who  had  made  him  (wear  by  God ;  but  he 
 ftiffened  his  neck,  and  hardened  his  heart,  from  turn¬ 
 ing  unto  the  Lord  God  of  Krael. 
 
 14.  H  Moreover,  all  the  chief  of  the  pnefts  and  the 
 people  tranfgreffed  very  much,  after  all  the  abomina¬ 
 tions  of  the  heathen ;  and  polluted  the  houfe  of  the 
 Lord,  which  he  had  hallowed  in  Jerul’alem. 
 
 \5  ^  And  the  Lord  God  of  their  fathers  fent  to 
 them  t  by  his  meffengers,  rifing  up  H  betimes,  and 
 30.  —  fending  ;  becaufe  he  had  compaffion  on  his  people,  and 
 
 the  meffengers  of  God,  and 
 
 ■'  -  "  j  u!. _ .T..;rnrorl  hie  nmnhpfQ  linfil  the 
 
 593. 
 
 f  Jer.  23, 
 3,4.  & 
 35.  15 
 
 Jot  the  rebuilding  of  the  tcmj  le. 
 and  (mall,  and  the  treafnres  of  the  houfe  of  the  Lord, 
 
 590. 
 
 300  dlJW  LiJC  iivaiu  •  1  •  •  11 
 
 and  the  treafures  of  the  king,  and  of  his  princes  all 
 
 these  he  brought  to  Babylon. 
 
 19  And  they  burnt  the  houfe  of  God,  and  brake  down 
 the  wall  of  Jerufalem,  and  burnt  all  the  palaces  thereof 
 with  fire,  and  delfroyed  all  the  goodly  veffels  the.eot. 
 
 20  And  t  them  that  had  efcaped  from  the  Iwordt^^^b. 
 carried  he  away  to  Babylon,  where  they  were  l^f*  mainder 
 vants  to  him  and  his  Ions  until  the  reign  of  the  kiDg-/rom  the 
 
 dom  of  Perfia  ;  ,  r  i.  t  u  .v,  th  **'*'^*^* 
 
 21  To  fulfil  the  word  of  the  Lord  by  the  mouth 
 
 of  ‘  Jeremiah,  until  the  land  '  had  enjoyed  her 
 
 baths -^/or  as  long  as  fhe  lay  defolate  me  kept  iab-gg.  lo. 
 
 I  bath,  to  fulfil  threelcore  and  ten  years.  i  Lev  26. 
 
 i  22  f  Now,  in  the  firft  year  of  Cyrus  king  of  Per-  34 w.. 
 fia,  (that  the  word  of  the  Lord,  spoken  by  the  mouth  ^  ^ 
 
 of  '  Jeremiah,  might  be  accoraplifhe^)  the  LoRDuer.  15. 
 J  jT.*  \r\ncr  nf  Pprfia.  that  he  12,  IS.  & 
 
 .rBut  they"  mocked  ,he  meffengers  of  God,  and  |  ^  .fow'.  of  Cyrurkrnrof  Pernr.harhelfmli 
 
 nft  maTeVp'locian^ation  thrLghont  allhis  kingdom,  and^.m. 
 
 •.  oeipiieci  Ills  WUIU.S,  duu  iiiiiut^tj 
 ‘"’wrath  of  the  Lord  arofe  againft  his  people,  till  there 
 
 was  not  remedy.  u  u  t  f 
 
 tarefuiii/.  17  s  Therefore  he  brought  upon  them  the  king  of 
 fHeb.  Chaldees,  who  flew  their  young  men  with  the 
 
 fword  in  the  houfe  of  their  fanftuary,  and  had  no  corn- 
 gsKingspaffion  upon  young  man  or  maiden,  old  man,  or  him 
 25.  i,&c.  that  flooped  for  age  ;  he  gave  them  all  into  his  hand.  , 
 18  And  all  the  vefl  ds  of  the  houfe  of  God  great  ^ 
 
 overtook  them  to  the  nttermoft.  Zion  is  made  defolate;  the  beautiful  temple 
 lies  in  ruins  ;  confufion  and  conflernation  fill  the  palaces  of  Jerufalem  ;  all  arifing 
 from  that  word  of  evils,  fin.  We  have  here  the  rebellion  and  perfidioufnefs  of 
 Zedekiah  againft  the  king  of  Babylon,  contrary  to  all  the  warnings  and  entreaties 
 of  the  prophet  Jeremiah.  He  and  all  the  people  and  priefts  rebelled  againft 
 6od,  and  univerfally  fell  into  idolatry  :  in  vain  did  God  raife  up  prophets  to  tef- 
 tify  againft  their  fins,  they  mocked  at  his  counfels,  and  would  have  none  of  his 
 reproof;  but  ill  ufed  his  prophets  and  treated  them  with  fcorn  and  contempt. 
 That  which  followed  fiich  condudl  was  ruin  to  the  attermoft.  After  a  terrible 
 fiege,  2  Kings  chap.  xxv.  the  city  was  taken  by  ftorm  ;•  no  fandluary  proteaed 
 
 Itirrea  up  tne  ipirii.  ui  -  , 
 
 made  a  proclamation  throughout  all  his  kingdom,  and 
 
 put  it  alfo  in  writing,  faying,  ^  ^  ^  • 
 
 2.8  Thus  faith  Cyrus  king  of  Perfia,  all  the  king¬ 
 doms  of  the  earth  hath  the  Lord  God  of  heaven 
 given  me;  and  he  hath  charged  me  to  build  him  an 
 houfe  in  Jerufalem,  which  is  in  Judah  ;  who  is  there 
 among  you  of  all  his  people?  the  Lord  his  God  be 
 with  him,  and  let  him  go  up.*  ____ 
 
 young  or  old  ;  even  the  temple  was  filled  with  the  carcafes  of  the  flain  ;  the  temple 
 burned,  and  the  city  razed  to  the  foundation  :  the  few  that  were  left  made  captives 
 and  dragged  to  Babylon,  and  feventy  years  the  iron  bondage  lafted,  till  the  king¬ 
 dom  of  Perfia  rofe  upon  the  ruins  of  their  conquerors,  and  Babylon  was  made  to 
 drink  of  that  bitter  cup  ftie  had  given  to  other  nations.  The  verfes  at  the  clofe  of 
 this  chapter,  conclude  the  book  of  Chronicles,  and  begin  the  book  of  Ezra,  from 
 which  it  is  more  than  probable,  they  were  both  written  by  the  fame  author.  The 
 prophecy  of  Jeremiah  is  mentioned  as  being  now  exa^ly  accomplifhed  by  the  de¬ 
 cree  of  Cyrus;  andafterthe  difmal  period  of  feventy  years’ captivity,  the  dawnng  of 
 returning  liberty  appears,  and  aconclufion  to  all  their  flavery  comes  to  pafs  for  a  feafon. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  XXXVI.]  None  are  more  deeply  involved  in  the  ruin  of  an  ungodly  nation  than  its  rulers.  In  wrath  Jehovah 
 remembers  mercy  ;  and  in  his  providence  he  adheres  exaaiy  to  his  word.  Nor  will  he  in  his  mercy  contend  for  ever,  even  when  his  honour  requires  him  to  contend  Jong. 
 
 THE  BOOK  OF 
 
 THE  ARGUMENT. 
 
 In  this  book  'ive  are  informed  that  Cyrus  king  of  Persia  permitted  the  Jexvs  to  return  into  Judea,  and  to  rebuild  the 
 temple  and  the  city  of  Jerusalem,  after  they  had  been  captive  seventy  years ;  that  they  'were  permitted  to  return 
 under  the  conduct  oj  Zeruhbabel,  prince  of  the  royal  Jamily  of  Judah,  and  grandson  to  king  Jcconiah,  and  under 
 the  conduct  of  Joshua  the  high  priest.  But  the  Jews  met  with  great  opposition  from  the  neighbouring  nations  till 
 the  time  of  king  Darius,  who  gave  leave  again  to  the  Jews  to  build  the  temple,  and  sent  Ezra  the  priest  into 
 Judea,  this  Ezra  was  a  man  of  great  knowledge  in  the  law  of  God,  endued  with  extraordinary  zeal  and  pru. 
 dence,  and  made  several  regulations  for  restoring  order  both  in  religious  and  civil  government. 
 
 CHAP.  I. 
 
 1  The  proclamation  oj  Cyrus  Cor  the  rebuilding  of  the  temple.  5  The  peo¬ 
 ple  provide  for  their  return.  7  Cyrus  rejlorelh  the  vessels  of  the  temple 
 to  Sheshbaxzar. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 536. 
 
 NOW,  in  the  firft  -^ar  of  Cyrus  king  of  Perfia, 
 (that  the  word  o^he  Lord  ^  by  the  mouth  of 
 Jeremiah  might  be  fulfilled,)  the  Lord  ttirred  up  the 
 a  2  Chro,  [pint  of  Cyrus  king  of  Perfia,  that  he  f  made  a  pro¬ 
 se.  22.  Jer.  25.  12.  &  29.  10.  •)•  Heb.  caused  a  voice  to  pass. 
 
 j  clamation  throughout  all  his  kingdom,  and  put  it  alfo 
 I  in  writing,  faying, 
 
 2  Thus  faith  Cyrus  king  of  Perfia,  The  I.ord 
 '  God  of  heaven  hath  given  me  all  the  king- 
 {doms  of  the  earth;  and  he  hath  charged  raebifa.  44. 
 
 to  build  him  an  hoale  at  Jerufalem,  w’hich  is  in  ^ 
 Judah;  / 
 
 3  Who  is  there  among  you  of  all  his  people  ?  his 
 God  be  with  him,  and  let  him  go  up  to  Jerufalem, 
 
 Before 
 
 Clirifl 
 
 536. 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  I.  V  er.  1 .  t\fuw  in  the  first  year  o) 
 yrus  king  6j  Persia.  This  is  that  famous  Cyrus  who  au  hundred  and  forty  years  1 
 
 ^^0  29..,.6c/*  SY 
 
 before  the  temple  was  deftroyed,  and  two  hundred  years  before  he  was  born,  wa» 
 mentioned  by  name  in  the  prophecy  of  Ifaiah,  as  deligned  by  God  for  the  relloring 
 
The  tt umber  that  returned  of  the  people^ 
 
 EZRA.  oj  the  priests,  the  Levites,  ,5, 
 
 4  The  children  of  Shephatiah,  three  hundred  fe-  lUfu 
 
 ventv  and  two.  ci,ri[* 
 
 5  The  children  of  Arab,  feven  hundred  feventy  and 
 
 five.  "vvj 
 
 I  6  The  children  of  Pahath-moab,  of  the  children  (, 
 jof  Jelhua,  a7id  Joab,  two  thoufand  eight  hundred  and?,  if* 
 
 1  rwplvp. 
 
 a  thoufand  two  hundred 
 
 ii-id 
 
 t  Hr!'. 
 li^l  him 
 
 Boiore  which  is  in  Judah,  and  build  the  houfe  of  the  Lord 
 God  of  Hrael,  (he  is  the  God)  which  is  in  Jerul'a- 
 lem. 
 
 4  And  whofoever  remaineth  in  any  place  where  he 
 najourncth,  let  the  men  of  his  place  t  help  him  with 
 filver  and  with  gold,  and  with  goods,  and  with  beads, 
 befides  the  free-will-offering  for  the  houle  ol  God 
 that  is  in  Jerul'alem. 
 
 5  Then  role  up  the  chief  of  the  fathers  of  Judah 
 and  Benjamin,  and  the  priefts  and  the  Levites  with 
 all  them  whofe  I'pirit  God  had  raifed,  to  go  up  to  build 
 the  houfe  of  the  Lord  which  is  in  Jerufulem. 
 
 1)  That  Is,  (3  J^ii  they  that  xcere  about  them  H  llrengthened 
 them^  their  nands  with  veffels  of  filver,  with  gold,  with  goods, 
 and  with  beads,  and  with  precious  thiugs,  befides  all 
 that  was  willingly  offered. 
 
 7  f  Alfo  Cyrus  the  king  brought  forth  the  veffds 
 c  2  Kings  of  the  houfe  of  the  Lord,  which  Nebuchadnezzar 
 ^■^1*^*  had  brought  forth  out  of  Jerufalem,  and  had  put  them 
 
 2  Cbron.  .  ,  r  r  l-  j 
 
 twelve. 
 
 7  The  children  of  Elam, 
 fifty  and  four. 
 
 8  The  children  of  Zattu,  nine  hundred  forty  and 
 :  five. 
 
 9  The  children  of  Saccai,  feven  hundred  and  three- 
 fcore. 
 
 10  The  children  of  i|  Bani,  fix  hundred  forty  and 
 two. 
 
 Or. 
 
 S6 
 
 d  See 
 Chap, 
 5.  14- 
 
 t  IleK 
 1h  •  trans- 
 
 IQ  the  houfe  of  his  gods  ; 
 
 8  Even  thofe  did  Cyrus  king  of  Perfia  bring  forth 
 by  the  hand  of  Mithredath  the  treafurer,  and  nura- 
 bered  them  uoto^  Shefhbazzar  the  prince  of  Judah. 
 
 9  And  this  is  the  number  of  them  :  thirty  chargers 
 of  gold  a  thoufand  chargers  of  filver,  nine  and  twenty 
 
 knives,  r-  -  j 
 
 10  Thirty  bafons  of  gold,  filver  bafons  of  a  lecond 
 sort,  four  hundred  and  ten,  and  otherveffels  a  thoufand. 
 
 1 1  All  the  vtffels  of  gold  and  of  filver  -eeere  five 
 thoufand  and  four  hundred.  All  these  did  Shefhbaz- 
 
 ,  ,  zar  bring  up  with  them  of  f  the  captivity,  that  were 
 
 2-o.tJtion.  brougnt  up  from  Babylon  unto  Jerulalem. 
 
 CHAP.  11. 
 
 1  The  number  that  returned.  61  Of  the  priejls  vihich  could  not  shew  their 
 pedigree. 
 
 a  Nehem.  TOW  »  thcfe  are  the  children  of  the  province  that 
 went  up  out  of  the  captivity,  of  thole  which  had 
 been  carried  away.  Whom  Nebuchadnezzar  the  king 
 of  Babylon  had  carried  away  unto  Babylon,  and 
 came  again  unto  Jerufalem  and  Judah,  every  one  unto 
 
 his  city :  ,  t  n  xt  i. 
 
 2  Which  came  with  Zerubbabel :  Jefhua,  Nehe- 
 
 miah,  I1  Seraiah,  Reelaiah,  Mordecai,  Billhan,  Mifpar, 
 Bigvai,  Rehum,  Bianah.  The  number  of  the  men  of 
 
 the  people  of  Ifrael.  ,  r  j  u 
 
 3  Tne  children  of  Parolh,  two  thouland  an  hun¬ 
 dred  feventv  and  two. 
 
 r.  6.  6iC. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 Azariah, 
 
 Nehem. 
 
 7.  7. 
 
 his  people,  chap.  xliv.  28.  xlv.  1.  His  name  in  the  Perfian  language,  fay  fome, 
 fitrnifies  the  fun.  Others  fay  his  name  fignifics  a  father.  The  firft  year  of  Cy¬ 
 rus’  reign  here  mentioned,  doth  not  relate  to  his  reign  in  Pc-rfia,  but  to  that 
 over  Babylon.  The  Lord  flirred  up  the  Spirit  oJ  Cyrus,  that  he  made  a  praclama- 
 lion.  It  is  hi^rhly  probable,  that  Jehovah  had  rendered  the  good  offices  of 
 Daniel  the  means  of  ftirring  up  the  fpirit  of  Cyrus  to  make  this  decree  in  favour 
 of  the  Jews.  Cyrus,  at  his  firft  coming  to  Babylon,  found  him  there  an  old  mi- 
 iiifter  of  ftate,  famed  for  his  great  wifdom  over  all  the  Eaft  ;  and  accordingly 
 \*e  find  that  he  not  only  employed  him  as  fucb,  but  upon  fettling  the  govern¬ 
 ment  of  the  whole  empire,  made  him  firft  fuperinlendant,  or  prime  miniftor  of 
 ftate  over  all  the  provinces.  In  this  ftation,  Daniel  muft  have  been  a  perfon  of 
 grea’t  authority  at  court,  and  highly  in  the  efteem  of  his  prince  ;  and  therefore 
 as  we  find  him  eaineft  in  his  prayers  to  God  for  the  reftoration  of  his  people, 
 Dan.  ix.  we  cannot  but  think  that  be  would  be  equally  warm  in  Ins  interceffions 
 for  it  with  the  king  ;  and  it  is  not  improbable  that  he  might  ftiew  him  thole 
 paffages  in  Ifaiah,  quoted  above;  for  it  is  evident  from  the  decree  itlelf,  that 
 Cyrus  had  teen  thofe  very  remarkable  prophecies.  The  word  of  the  Lord  by  Jere-^ 
 miah  ;  he  had  fixed  the  period  of  the  Jews’  deliverance  at  the  end  of  feventy  years- 
 captivity,  when  the  dominion  of  Babylon  (hould  ceafe,  Jer.  1,  li.  "Ver.  8.  And 
 
 11  The  children  of  Bebai,  fix  hundred  twenty  and  7, 
 three. 
 
 Linuni, 
 
 Nell. 
 
 15. 
 
 1  V,  • 
 
 12  The  children  of  Azgad,  a  thoufand  tw’o  hundred 
 tweuiy  and  two. 
 
 13  The  children  of  Adonikara,  fix  hundred  fixty 
 and  fix. 
 
 14  The  children  of  Bigvai,  two  thoufand  fifty  and 
 fix. 
 
 15  The  children  of  iVdin,  four  hundred  fifty  and 
 four. 
 
 16  The  children  of  Ater  of  Hezekiab,  ninety  and 
 eight 
 
 17  The  children  of  Bezai,  three  hundred  twenty 
 and  three. 
 
 18  The  children  of  1|  Jorah,  an  hundred  and  twelve.  |(  Or, 
 
 19  The  children  of  Halhum,  two  hundred  twenty 
 and  three. 
 
 20  The  children  of  |1  Gibbar,  ninety  and  five.  y  o.'i 
 
 21  The  children  of  Bethlehem,  an  hundred  twenty  GHeon, 
 and  three. 
 
 22  The  men  of  Netophah,  fifty  and  fix.  *  * 
 
 23  The  men  of  Anathoth,  an  hundred  twenty  and 
 eight. 
 
 24  The  children  of  ||  Azmaveth,  forty  and  two.  II  On 
 
 25  The  children  of  Kirjath-arim,  Chephirah, 
 
 Beeroth,  feven  hundred  forty  and  three.  Nek 
 
 26  The  ctiildren  of  Raraah  and  Gaba,  fix  hundred  7.  28. 
 twenty  and  one. 
 
 27  The  men  of  Michmas,  an  hundred  twenty  and 
 
 tW'O. 
 
 28  The  men  of  Bethel  and  Ai,  two  hundred  twenty 
 and  three. 
 
 numbered  unto  them  Sheshbozzar  the  prince  of  Judah.  His  name  was  originally 
 Zerubbabel.  But  it  was  common  for  the  great  men  of  Judah  to  have  two  names; 
 one  of  their  own  country,  which  was  domeftic,  and  another  of  the  Chaldeans, 
 which  was  ufed  at  court.  Zerubbabel  was  born  in  Babylon,  and  his  name  which 
 fignifies  an  “exile”  or  “  ftranger”  in  Babylon,  implies  the  iiiifery  of  the  people 
 of  Ifrael  at  that  time;  but  Sbelhbazzar,  which  is  a  compound  of  two  words  figni- 
 !  fving  “fine  linen  and  gold,”  or,  according  to  forae,  “joy  in  tribulation.”  feems 
 I  to  be  a  name  of  better  omen,  and  to  denote  their  future  and  more  fiourifliing  con- 
 '  dition.  Ver.  1 1.  All  the  vessels  were  Jive  thoufand  and  Jour  hundred.  Thefe  vef- 
 fels,  by  a  fingular providence  bad  been  preferved  till  this  time;  being  looked  upon 
 as  facred  things  which  Nebuchadnezzar  would  not  convert  to  his  own  private  ufe, 
 but  dedicated  to  his  idols. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  II.  Ver.  1.  These  are  the  children  oJ 
 the  province.  That  is,  of  Judea,  called  a  province,  chap.  v.  8.  lie  calls  it  thus  em¬ 
 phatically,  to  remind  hirafelf  and  his  brethren  of  the  fad  change  which  their  fins  had 
 made  among  them.  Ver.  2.  Which  came  with  Zerubb  <hel  This  catalogue  diflef* 
 in  fo.ne  names  and  numbers  from  tiiat  in  Neh.  vii.  which  might  be  owing  to  feveral 
 caufes;  partly  becaufe  divers  names  were  given  to  one  and  thf  fame  pc-rfou,  aud 
 partly  becaufe  of  the  many  changes  which  mighthappen  in  the  fame  families  between 
 
 IIP  A  PTir  M  OBSERVATIONS  — *  Chap.  1.1  Contemplate  and  adore  him  who  ruleUi  the  nations,  and  manageth  all  things  for  the  good  of  his  chofen 
 ponle  The  W  hole  of  his  dealings  with  ancient  Ifrael  demonftrate  that  he  is  faithful  to  all  his  prediaions  and  promifes.  How  glonoufly  does  he  mauiieft  the  grea  • 
 nefs^of  his  power  and  love,  by  making  the  moll  unlikely  inftruments  fubfervient  to  the  accompli fliment  of  his  word. 
 
EZRA. 
 
 rff,e  number  that  returned  of  the  people, 
 
 I  Or, 
 
 Shamlai, 
 
 fHcb. 
 3  izUth, 
 Neheiii. 
 7.  54. 
 
 oo  The  children  of  Nebo,  fifty  and  two. 
 
 30  The  children  of  Magbifli,  an  hundred  fifty  and 
 
 31  The  children  of  the  other  <=  Elam,  a  thoufand 
 
 two  hundred  fifty  and  four. 
 
 32  'fne  children  of  llarim,  three  hundred  and 
 
 twenty. 
 
 33  The  children  of  Lod,  |l  Hadid,  and  Ono,  feven 
 five. 
 
 34  'I’he  children  of  Jericho,  three  hundred  forty 
 and  five. 
 
 35  The  children  of  Senaah,  three  thoufand  and  fix 
 hundred  and  thirty. 
 
 36  H  The  priefts :  the  children  of"  Jedaiah,  of  the 
 houfe  of  Jefhua,  nine  hundred  feventy  and  three. 
 
 37  The._chiidren  of  =  Imtner,  a  thoufand  fifty  and 
 
 tW'O. 
 
 38  The  children  of  f  Pafhur,  a  thoufand  two  hun¬ 
 dred  forty  and  feven. 
 
 39  The  children  of  s  Harim,  a  thoufand  and  feven- 
 teen. 
 
 40  ^  The  Levites ;  the  children  of  Jefhua,  and  Kad- 
 miel,-of  the  children  of  11  H'^daviah,  feventy  and  four. 
 
 41  The  fingers  :  the  children  of  Afaph,  an  hundred 
 twenty  and  eight. 
 
 42  I'he  children  of  the  porters;  the  rhildreyof 
 Shallom,  the  cnildren  of  Atur,  the  children  of  Tal- 
 mon,  the  children  of  Akkub,  the  children  of  Hatita, 
 the  children  of  Shebai,  m  all  an  hundred  thirty  and 
 nine. 
 
 43  ^  The  Nethinims  :  the  children  of  Ziha,  the 
 children  of  Hafupha,  the  children  of  Tabbaoth, 
 
 44  The  children  of  Keros,  the  children  of  Siaha, 
 the  children  of  Padon, 
 
 45  The  children  of  Lebanah,  the  children  of  Ha- 
 gabah,  the  children  of  Akkub, 
 
 46  The  children  of  Hagab,  the  children  of  11  Shal- 
 mai,  the  children  of  Hanan, 
 
 47  The  children  of  Giddel,  the  children  of  Gahar, 
 the  children  of  Reaiah, 
 
 48  The  children  of  Rezin,  the  children  of  Nekoda, 
 the  children  of  Gazzam, 
 
 49  The  children  of  Uzza,  the  children  of  Pafeah, 
 the  children  of  Befai, 
 
 50  The  children  of  Afnah,  the  children  of  Mehu- 
 nim,  the  children  of  Nephufim, 
 
 51  The  children  of  Bakbuk,  the  children  of  Haku- 
 pha,  the  children  of  Harhur, 
 
 52  The  children  of  t  Bazluth,  the  children  ot  Me- 
 hida,  the  children  ol  Harlha, 
 
 53  The  children  of  Barkos,  the  children  of  Sifera, 
 the  children  of  Thamah, 
 
 54  The  children  of  Neziah,  the  children  of  Hatipha. 
 
 II  Or,  ,  , 
 
 iiarii,  as  hundred  twenty  an 
 
 it  is  in 
 fonie  co¬ 
 pies. 
 
 d  1  Cliro. 
 24.  7. 
 
 e  1  Chro. 
 24.  12. 
 f  1  Chro. 
 9.  14. 
 
 rt  1  Chro. 
 24.  a. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 Juiah, 
 
 Chap. 
 
 S.  9. 
 
 called 
 abb  Ho- 
 devi'i, 
 Nehotn. 
 7.  13. 
 
 the  time  of  the  toaking  of  this  catalogue  by  Ezra,  and  the  making  of  it  anew 
 fo  many  years  after,  Neh  vii.  7.  Ver.  63.  The  2'irshatha.  The  word  lignifies  the 
 king’s  commiflioner  :  Zerubbabel  is  here  meant  Till  there  stood  up  a  priest  xiilh 
 Vrim  nnd  Thummim.  Till  the  Lord  himfelf  fhould  decide,  by  means  of  fuch  a 
 high  prieft  as  there  was  in  the  firfl.  temple,  whether  they  were  the  fons  of  Aaron 
 or  not.  Is  this  a  prophecy  of  Meffiah,  who  as  the  great  high  prieft  would  re¬ 
 veal  the  fecret  counfels  of  the  Moft  High  ?  Ver.  64.  Forty  and  two  thousand 
 
 of  the  priests,  the  Lci  ’-tes,  SfC» 
 
 55  f  The  children  of  Solomon’s  fervan’s  :  the  chi- 
 dren  of  Soiai,  the  children  of  Sophtreth,  the  children 
 of  II  Peruda, 
 
 56  I'he  children  of  Jaalah,  the  children  of  Darkon, 
 
 the  children  of  Giddel,  {[" 
 
 57  The  children  of  Shephatiah,  the  children  of  Hat-y/ry"'* 
 til,  the  children  of  Pochereth,  of  Zebaiin,  the  children 
 
 of  II  Ami,  _  j  Or, 
 
 58  All  the  Nethinims,  and  the  children  of*  Solo- 
 mon’s  fervants  u-tre  three  hundred  ninety  and  two. 
 
 59  And  thel'e  rvere  they  which  went  up  fro  m  Tel- h  jofti.  9. 
 melah,  Tel-harfa,  Cherub,  Addan,  awr/lmmer;  but  21,  27. 
 they  could  not  (hew  their  father’s  houle,  and  their  ^  Cbron. 
 
 II  feed,  whether  they  uere  of  Ifrael  :  ;  ‘j  K-^g, 
 
 60  The  children  of  Delaiah,  the  children  of  Tobiah  9.  21. 
 the  children  of  Nekoda,  fix  hundred  fifty  and  two,  II  Or, 
 
 61  1[  And  of  the  children  of  the  priefts:  the  chil-^*^‘^'°''^^’ 
 dren  of  Habaiah,  the  children  of  Koz,  the  children 
 
 of  Barzillai ;  (which  took  a  wife  of  the  daughters  of 
 Barzillai  the  Gileadite,  and  was  called  after  their'^^Sam. 
 
 \  17.  27. 
 
 name 
 
 62  Thefe  fought  their  regifter  among  ihofe  that 
 were  reckoned  by  genealogy,  but  they  were  not 
 found  ;  therefore  f  were  they,  as  polluted,  put  from  t 
 the  priefthood.  ^ 
 
 63  And  the  \]  Tirfhatha  laid  unto  them,  that  \heyjlom\he 
 fhould  not  eat  of  the  moft  holy  things,  till  there  ftood 
 
 up  a  prieft  with  ‘  Urim  and  with  Phummim.  H 
 
 64  The  whole  congregation  together  -was  forty 
 
 and  two  thoufand  three  hundred  and  threefcore,  28.  so. 
 
 65  Befides  their  fervants  and  their  maids  of  whom 
 there  veere  feven  thoufand  three  hundred  thirty  and 
 feven  :  and  there  vccre  among  them  two  hundred  fing- 
 ing-:nen,  and  finging-women. 
 
 66  Their  horfes  uere  feven  hundred  thirty  and  fix  ; 
 their  mules,  two  hundred  forty  and  five  ; 
 
 67  Their  camels,  four  hundred  thirty  and  five  ;  their 
 afTes,  fix  thouland  feven  hundred  and  twenty. 
 
 68  H  And  some  of  the  chief  of  the  fathers,  when 
 they  came  to  the  houfe  of  the  Lord  which  is  at  Jeru- 
 
 ,  falem,  offered  freely  for  the  houl'e  of  God,  to  let  it 
 ;  up  in  his  place  ; 
 
 6'9  Tney  gave  after  their  ability  unto  the  ®  trea-™iChro. 
 fure  of  the  work,  thr  .’efcore  and  one  thoufand  drams 
 of  gold,  and  five  thoufand  pound  ot  filver,  and  one 
 hundred  priefts’  garments. 
 
 70  So  the  priefts,  and  the  Levites,  and  some  of  the 
 people,  and  the  fingers,  and  the  porters,  and  the  Ne¬ 
 thinims,  dwelt  in  their  cities,  and  all  Ifrael  in  their 
 cities.* 
 
 1  The  altar  is  set  up. 
 
 Oj  the  temple  is  laid,  (J-c. 
 
 CHAP.  III. 
 
 4  The  o£'erings  frequented. 
 
 8  The  foundation 
 
 three  hundred  and  threescore. 
 
 If  we  add  the  feveral  fums  together  enumerated  in 
 the  foregoing  verfes,  the  total  will  be  a  great  deal  lefs  than  what  is  here  men 
 tioned.  But  it  fliould  be  remembered,  that  great  iiumliers  of  the  other  tribes  of 
 Ifrael,  befides  thofe  of  Judah  and  Benjamin,  came  from  Babylon  :  and  thefe  not 
 
 being  able  to  make  out  their  defeent,  were  not  mentioned  by  their  families 
 others  were.  ^  -ujiucs  as  ttie 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  IL]  It  is  pleafing  to  obferve  what  care  God  took  to  keep  clear  the  genealogies  of  his  ancient  neonle  till  h' 
 the  Meffiah,  was  manifefted  tofpiing  of  Judah  and  David,  according  to  his  word.  It  is  reafonable  that  thofe  be  excluded  from  offices  in  the  church  wl  i  '' 
 
 that  honour,  and  want  proper  tokens  of  their  fpiritual  birth.  It  is  delightful  to  fee  the  fraall  company  of  Ifrael,  who  returned  from  Babylon  fo  -dl'” 
 poverty  contributing  to  build  the  temple  of  the  Lord.  Let  their  example  ftimulate  us  to  fupport  the  caufe  of  God.  and  our  liberality  fliall  he  am  1  ^'l**'*" 
 
 the  relloration  of  the  Jews,  excite  us  to  look  forward  to  that  more  important  event,  which  it  doubtlefs  prefigured,  when  all  tlie  ranfomed  of  the  L  ^  4  rewarded.  Let 
 nations,  (hall  return  and  come  to  Zion  with  fongs  and  everlafting  joy  upon  their  heads,  and  when  forrow  and  fiching  fliall  flee  awav  tvn  i  *1°"^  aniong  the 
 
 •mong  them  to  the  praife  and  glory  of  divine  grace.  fa  J  7  f  b  g  i  a  t  nee  away .  Oh  !  that  we  may  be  found 
 
T'hc  foundation  of  the  temple  laid. 
 
 EZRA. 
 
 The  adversaries*  letter  to  Aria. 
 
 And  when  the  fever. th  month  was  come,  and  the ' 
 c.iildren  of  Ifrael  viere  in  the  cities,  the  people] 
 gathered  themfelves  together  as  one  man  to  Jerufa- 1 
 lem.  I 
 
 2  Then  flood  up  \\  Jefhua  the  fon  of  Jozadak,  and  | 
 Ha  1  1  i'^’^lhren  the  prielts,  and  Zerubbabel  the  fon  of] 
 II  Called  ^nd  his  brethren,  and  bnilded  the  altar  of  j 
 
 Zorobabei,  the  God  of  Ifrael,  to  offer  burnt-offerings,  thereon  as  j 
 
 I!  (‘r. 
 
 Jyifhua. 
 
 lUatU 
 1. 
 
 Luke 
 S.  27. 
 a  Matth. 
 1.  12. 
 Luke 
 3.  27. 
 called 
 
 it  is.  written  in  the  law  of  Moles  the  man  of  God. 
 
 praifed  the  LoRD,becaufe  the  foundation  of  thehoufe  Rofore 
 of  the  Lord  was  laid.  Chrin 
 
 12  But  many  of  the  priefts  and  Levites,  and  chief 
 of  the  fathers  ttho  xvei-e  ancient  men,  that  had  feen 
 the  firft  houfe,  when  the  foundation  of  this  houfe  was 
 laid  before  their  eyes,  wept  with  a  loud  voice ;  and 
 many  fliouted  aloud  for  joy  : 
 
 13  So  that  the  people  could  not  difeern  the  noife 
 of  the  fhout  of  joy  from  the  noife  of  the  weeping  of 
 
 3  And  they  fet  the  altar  upon  his  bafes  ;  (for  fear  li  the  people;  for  the  people  (houted  with  aloud  fhout, 
 
 .  •  f*  /•.  1  f'  .  x  >'  I  •  n  I  /T*  3U. 
 
 voas  upon  them  becaufe  of  the  people  of  thole  coun¬ 
 tries  ;)  and  they  offered  burnt-offerings  thereon  unto 
 the  Lord,  even  burnt-offerings  morning  and  evening 
 4  H  They  kept  alCo  the  feaft  of  tabernacles,  as  it 
 is  written,  and  **  (ffered  the  daily  burnt-offerings  by 
 Sninthiei,  number,  according  to  the  cultom,  f  as  the  duty  of 
 b^Deut.  every  day  required  ; 
 
 c  Exod.  5  And  afterward  offered  the  continual  burnt-ofter- 
 23. 16.  ing,  both  of  the  new-moons,  and  of  all  the  fet  feafts  of 
 d  Numb,  the  Lord  that  aer^rconfecrated,  and  of  every  one  that 
 1^'  willingly  offered  a  free-will-oft'ering  unto  the  Lord. 
 t  Heb.  6  From  the  6rft  day  of  the  feventh  month  began  they 
 /Ac  7»ia//er to  offer  burnt-offerings  unto  the  Lord.  But  +  the 
 o/the  foundation  of  the  temple  of  the  Lord  was  uoii/et  laid. 
 
 7  H  They  gave  money  alfo  unto  the  mafons,  and  to 
 iAc/cm;>fethe  U  Carpenters  ;  and  meat,  and  drink,  and  oil,  unto 
 of  the  them  of  Zidon,  and  to  them  of  Tyre,  to  bring  cedar- 
 LORD  Lebanon  to  the  fea  of  *  Joppa,  according  to 
 
 yetfZL-  the  grant  that  they  had  of  Cyrus  king  of  Perfia. 
 ed.  8  Now,  in  the  fecond  year  of  their  coming  unto 
 
 the  houfe  of  God  at  Jerufalem,  in  the  fecond  month, 
 began  Zerubbabel  the  fon  of  Shealtiel,  and  Jefhua  the 
 fon  of  Jozadak,  and  the  remnant  of  their  brethren  the 
 priefls  and  the  Levites,  and  all  they  that  were  come 
 out  of  the  captivity  unto  Jerufalem  ;  and  appointed  the 
 Levites,  from  twenty  years  old  and  upward,  to  fet ; 
 forward  the  work  of  the  houle  of  the  Lord.  j 
 
 9  Then  flood  Jefhua,  xi'ith  his  fons  and  his  brethren,  | 
 li  Or,^.j.Kadmiel  and  his  fons,  the  fons  of  H  Judah  f  to¬ 
 gether,  to  fet  forw'ard  the  workmen  in  the  houfe  of 
 God  :  the  fons  of  Hanadad,  •mith  their  fons  and  their 
 brethren  the  Levites. 
 
 10  And  when  the  builders  laid  the  foundation  of ' 
 the  temple  of  the  Lord,  they  let  the  prietts  in  their 
 apparel  with  trumpets,  and  the  Levires,  the  fons  of 
 Afaph,  with  cymbals,  to  praife  the  Lord,  after  the 
 f  ordinance  of  David  king  of  Ifrael. 
 
 1 1  And  they  fang  together  by  courfe,  in  praifing 
 and  giving  thanks  unto  the  Lord  ;  becaufe  he  is  good, 
 for  hiis  mercy  endiireth  for  ever  toward  Ifrael.  And 
 all  the  people  fhouted  with  a  great  fhout ;  when  they 
 
 and  the  noife  was  heard  afar  off.* 
 
 N 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 u'o  rktnen. 
 e  Adis 
 9.  36. 
 635. 
 
 dnviah. 
 Cbap. 
 2.  40. 
 t  Heb, 
 cs  one 
 
 f  1  Cbro 
 6.  31.  & 
 16.  4.  & 
 25.  1. 
 
 CHAP.  IV. 
 
 The  building  hindered.  7  The  letter  to  Artnxerxes  ;  17  his  decree. 
 
 OW,  when  the  adverfaries  of  Judah  and  Benja¬ 
 min  heard  that  f  the  children  of  the  captivity  t  Heb. 
 builded  the  temple  unto  the  Lord  God  of  Ifrael ; 
 
 I  2  Then  they  came  to  Zerubbabel,  and  to  the  chief^'^^’]'!"*- 
 'of  the  fathers,  and  faid  unto  them.  Let  us  build  with^  ’ 
 
 I  you  ;  for  we  feek  your  God,  as  ye  do;  and  we  do  fa- 
 crifice  unto  him  fince  the  days  of  Efar-haddon  king 
 of  Affur,  which  brought  us  up  hither. 
 
 I  3  But  Zerubbabel,  and  Jelhua,  and  the  reft  of  the 
 chief  of  the  fathers  of  Ifrael,  laid  unto  them.  Ye  have 
 [nothing  to  do  w’ith  us  to  build  an  houfe  unto  our 
 I  God  ;  but  we  ourfelves  together  will  build  unto  the 
 {  Lord  God  of  Ifrael,  as  king  Cyrus  the  king  of  Perfia 
 I  hath  commanded  us. 
 
 I  4  Then  the  people  of  the  land  weakened  the  hands  ssj, 
 of  the  people  of  Judah,  and  troubled  them  in  building  ; 
 
 5  And  hired  counfellors  againft  them,  to  friiflrate 
 
 their  purpofe,  all  the  days  of  Cyrus  king  of  Perfia, 
 even  unto  the  reign  of  Darius  king  of  Perfia.  ^29. 
 
 6  And  in  the  reign  off  Ahafuerus,  in  the  begin- f  Heb. 
 ning  of  his  reign,  wrote  they  utdo  him  an  accufation 
 againft  the  inhabitants  of  Judah  and  Jerufalem.  ’‘’*^22, 
 
 7  %  And  in  tne  days  of  Artaxerxes  wrote  |)  Biftilam,  ||  or,  ’ 
 Mithredath,  Tabeel,  and  the  reft  of  their  f  compan-  in  peace* 
 ions,  unto  Artaxerxes  king  of  Perfia :  and  the  writing  t 
 
 of  the  latter  was  written  in  the  Syrian  tongue,  and 
 
 II  interpreted  in  the  Syrian  tongue.  declared, 
 
 8  Rehum  the  chancellor,  and  Shimfhai  the  H  feribe,  II  or 
 wrote  a  letter  againft  Jerufalem  to  Artaxerxes 
 
 king  in  this  fort. 
 
 9  Then  wrote  Rehum  the  chancellor,  and  Shimfhai 
 the  feribe,  and  the  reft  of  their  f  companions;  the 
 Dinaites,  the  Apharfathchites,  the  Tarpelites, 
 Arpharfites,  the  Archevites,  the  Babylonians,  the 
 Sufanchites,  the  Dehavites,  and  the  Elamites, 
 
 10  And  the  reft  of  the  nations  whom  the  great  and 
 noble  Afnapper  brought  over  and  fet  in  the  cities  of 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  III.  Ver.  3.  And  they  set  the  altar 
 upon  his  b  .scs;  that  is,  they  ereefted  it  on  the  fame  fpot  or  foundation  where  it 
 Rood  while  the  firft  temple  was  building.  This  they  thought  proper  to  do  before 
 they  laid  the  foundation  of  that  ftru<flure:  judging  it  very  improper  to  intermit 
 their  facrifices  till  they  had  finilhed  the  houfe  of  God,  which  in  their  circum- 
 llances,  mull  be  a  work  of  time.  Ver.  12.  But  many  of  the  p'iests  and  Levites 
 who  were  ancient  men,  that  had  seen  the  first  house — wept  ivith  a  loud  voice,  and 
 many  shouted  aloud  fo^  joy.  The  young  men  (houted  for  joy,  while  the  old  men 
 wept  aloud  ;  for  though  the  temple  was  intended  to  be  built  as  large  as  the  for¬ 
 mer,  vet  tbe’re  was  not  fuel,  ftones  for  laying  the  foundations  as  in  that  built  by 
 Solomon  ;  nor  could  they  hope  to  finifh  it  in  fo  magnificent  a  manner.  ^  The  She- 
 chinah,  or  divine  appearance,  together  with  a  pried  with  Urira  and  iliummim, 
 
 '  f  Chald, 
 the  societies. 
 
 were  wanting.  But,  notwithftanding  all  this,  they  ought  to  have  been  thankful 
 j  to  God  for  the  liberty  of  worfhipping  him  in  the  beauty  of  hoiinefs  and  again 
 I  enjoying  their  own  land. 
 
 !  EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  IV.  Ver.  1.  The  adversaries  of  Judah 
 I  and  Benjamin  Thefe  were  the  Samaritans  who  were  grieved  at  the  return  of  the 
 Jews.  Ver.  4.  Weakened  the  hands.  This  phrafe  fignifies  to  discourage,  and  it  is 
 i  tranllated  fo,  Jer.  xxxviii.  4.  It  may  likewife  imply  adlual  oppofnion,  as  Neh. 
 
 A  thing  very  incident  to  the  Lord’s  work.  Ver.  5.  And  hired  counsellors 
 
 vi.  9. 
 
 Vl»  C7«  jx  lliillg  VCJjr  I.V.P  me  U  O  T  WI.  o*  <t.A>  - - 
 
 again&t  them  to  jr%istrate  their  purpose*  They  corrupted  fonie  of  the  king  ot  Perfia  s 
 council  to  obfi.ru6l  the  work.  Ver.  6,  7.  Ahasuerus,  was  not  the  prince  men¬ 
 tioned  in  the  book  of  Eflher,  but  probably  Cambyfes,  the  fon  and  fucceflTor  of 
 Cjrus.  Artaxerxes.  The  fame  with  Ahafuerus,  or  Smerdis ;  thefe  are  the  names 
 
 niiArTIPAT  OR'tFHVATIOVS _ *  Chap.  IILl  May  we  learn  daily  to  prefer  the  advancement  of  true  religion  to  our  mod  prefTing  temporal  affairs:  P 
 
 ...lou.  If«  h..,  b..,.  long  f.clnd.d  f,.n,  .h.  public  ..d  fol™„  ordin.,,...  of  rcbg.on  « 
 ftmuld  the  more  readily  improve  the  opportunities  which  divine  providence  puts  into  our  hands,  while  we  by  no  means  neglea  the  daily  facrifices  of  he  famdy 
 oo(e  If  God  brings  us  out  of  the  furnace  of  affliaion,  our  hearts  ftiould  burn  with  love  to  him  ;  and  never  ffiould  wo  grudge  to  fpare  from  ourfelves,  that  «e  m  X 
 hive  means  of  honouring  him.  Never  let  us  defpife  the  day  offmall  things,  but  let  us  encourage  ourfelves  tn  the  everlaft.ng  power  and  mercy  of  God  ;  p.a.fing 
 for  the  beginning  of  his  returning  undefirrved  mercy  j  affured  that  we  (hall  enjoy  in  due  time  the  perLaion  of  h.s  mercy. 
 
I  Clwld- 
 
 Cheenelh, 
 
 522. 
 
 yiitaxerxes*  decree  for  slopping  the  building 
 
 Before  Samaria,  and  the  reft  that  are  on  this  fide  the  river, 
 ciirift  3p  j  f  at:  fuch  a  time. 
 
 11  1  This  is  the  copy  of  the  letter  that  they  lent 
 unto  him,  evenuiito  Artaxerxes  the  king  ;  Thy  fer- 
 vants  the  men  on  this  fide  the  river,  and  at  fuch  a  time. 
 
 12  1^  it  known  unto  the  king,  that  the  Jews,  which 
 came  up  from  thee  to  us,  are  come  unto  Jerufalem, 
 building  the  rebellious  and  the  bad  city,  and  have  || 
 fet  up  the  walls  thereof,  and  t  joined  the  foundations. 
 
 13  Be  it  known  now  unto  the  king,  that  if  this  city 
 be  builded,  and  the  walls  fet  up  again,  then  will  they 
 not  f  pay  toll,  tribute,  and  cuftom,  and  so  thou  (bait 
 endamage  the  |1  revenue  of  the  kings. 
 
 14  Now,  becaufe  t  we  have  maintenance  from  the 
 kings  palace,  and  it  was  not  meet  for  us  to  fee  the 
 king’s  diftionour,  therefore  have  we  fent  and  certified 
 
 EZRA. 
 
 'ij  the  temple:  Talnai  s  letter  to  Dar,’:.,. 
 
 II  , 
 
 finished^ 
 
 Chald. 
 sewed  to¬ 
 gether, 
 f  Cliald, 
 give* 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 strength* 
 f  Chald. 
 are 
 
 the  king. 
 
 the(,aiace.  15  I’hat  featch  may  be  made  in  the  book  of  the 
 records  of  thy  fathers ;  fo  (halt  thou  find  in  the  book 
 of  the  records,  and  know,  that  this  city  is  a  rebellious 
 city,  and  hurtful  unto  kings  and  provinces  ;  and  that 
 t  Chald.  they  have  f  moved  fedition  f  within  the  fame  of  old 
 7cL\d  which  caufe  was  this  city  deftroyed. 
 
 I,  the  ■  16  We  certify  the  king,  that  if  this  city  be  builded 
 
 again,  and  the  walls  thereof  fet  up,  by  this  means  thou 
 fhalt  have  no  portion  on  this  fide  the  river. 
 
 17  ^  Then  fent  the  king  an  anfwer  unto  Rehum  the 
 chancellor,  and  to  Shimfhai  the  feribe,  and  to  the  reft 
 
 '  of  their  f  companions  that  dwell  in  Samaria,  and  unto 
 •  the  reft  beyond  the  river,  Peace,  and  at  fuch  a  time. 
 
 18  The  letter  which  ye  fent  unto  us  hath  been 
 plainly  read  before  ma. 
 
 19  And  1 1  commanded,  and  fearch  hath  been  made, 
 and  it  is  found,  that  this  city  of  old  time  hath  f  made 
 infiirreftion  againft  kings,  and  that  rebellion  and  fe¬ 
 dition  have  been  made  therein. 
 
 20  There  have  been  mighty  kings  alfo  over  Jerufa¬ 
 lem,  which  have  ruled  over  all  countries  beyond  the 
 river ;  and  toll,  tribute,  and  cuftom,  was  paid  unto 
 them. 
 
 21  f  Give  ye  now  commandment  to  caufe  thefe 
 men  to  ceafe,  and  that  this  city  he  not  builded,  until 
 
 commandment  (hall  be  given  from  me. 
 
 22  Take  heed  now  that  ye  fail  not  to  do  this  ;  why 
 ftiould  damage  grow  to  the  hurt  of  the  kings  ? 
 
 23  ^  Now,  when  the  copy  of  king  Artaxerxes’  let¬ 
 ter  was  read  before  Rehum,  and  Shimfhai  the  feribe, 
 and  their  companions,  they  went  up  in  hafte  to  Jerufa¬ 
 lem  unto  the  Jews,  and  made  them  to  ceafe  f  by  force 
 and  power. 
 
 24  T  nen  ceafed  the  work  of  the  houfe  of  God 
 
 midst 
 
 thereof. 
 
 t  Chald 
 tocieties. 
 
 t  Chald. 
 
 me  a 
 decree  is 
 set. 
 
 t  Chald. 
 liflcd  up 
 iisetf. 
 
 ■f  Chald. 
 Hoke  a 
 decree. 
 
 t  Chald. 
 tiy  arm 
 and 
 power. 
 
 Jnr  reigned  between  Cyrus  and  Darius  are  known  in 
 
 The  great  arid  noble  Asnapper.  Some  fuppofe  that  the 
 colnn-  or Esarhaddon,  who  fent  thefe 
 
 *®  niore  reafonable  to  (uppofe  that  he  was  fome  principal 
 r.^r  rh  T?*^’  inaruaed  by  one  or  both  of  thefe  kings  to  condua  them 
 
 name  h  colonies.  Ver.  12.  Jews;  the 
 
 triho  people  m  general  were  known  after  the  captivity  ;  becaufe  the 
 
 turned  diftinguiflisd  ;  with  them  thofe  of  Benjamin,  who  re¬ 
 turned  V  ^  “  incorporated,  and  a  few  comparatively  of  the  ten  tribes  re- 
 
 _ _ ■  itecause  we  have  maintenance.  The  Hebrew  is.  We  are  f.il ted 
 
 B'fore 
 
 ('Alt'll 
 
 r,  '1. 
 
 T 
 
 S'-'i. 
 a  Hag. 
 1.  1. 
 
 which  is  at  Jerufalem.  ou  if  ceafed  unto  the  fecond 
 year  of  the  reign  of  Darius  king  of  Perfia.* 
 
 CHAP.  V. 
 
 1  Zerubbabel  and  Jeshua,  incited  by  Ilaggai  and  Zechariah,  set  Jorwnrd 
 the  building.  C  The  adversaries'  letter  to  Darius. 
 
 HEN  the  prophets,  *  Haggai  the  prophe#,  jind 
 
 _  b  Zechariah  the  fon  of  Iddo,  prophelied  unto 
 
 the  Jews  that  were  in  Judah  and  Jerufalem  in  the  name  i,  zecu. 
 of  the  God  of  Ifrael,  even  unto  them.  1. 1. 
 
 2  Then  rofe  up  Zerubbabel  the  fon  of  Shealtiel, 
 and  Jefhua  the  fon  of  Jozadak,  and  began  to  build 
 the  houfe  of  God  which  is  at  Jerufalem  ;  aud  with 
 them  "were  the  prophets  of  God  helping  them. 
 
 3  H  At  the  fame  time  came  to  them  I'atnai,  gover¬ 
 nor  on  this  fide  the  river,  and  Shethar-boznai,  and 
 their  companions,  and  faid  thus  un^o  them.  Who  hath 
 commanded  you  to  build  this  houle,  and  to  make  up 
 this  wall  ? 
 
 4  Then  faid  we  unto  them  after  this  manner,  What 
 
 are  the  names  of  the  men  f  that  make  this  building.^  th^c^blu'u 
 
 5  But  the  eye  of  their  God  was  upon  the  elders  of^hj^uuu- 
 the  Jews,  that  they  could  not  caufe  them  to  ceafe,  tillm^  ? 
 the  matter  came  to  Darius :  and  then  they  returned 
 anfwer  by  letter  concerning  this  matter. 
 
 6  ^  The  copy  of  the  letter  that  Tatnai,  governor  519. 
 on  this  fiJe  the  river,  and  Shethar-boznai,  and  his 
 companions  the  Apharfachites,  which  were  on  this  fide 
 
 the  river,  fent  unto  Darius  the  king  : 
 
 7  They  fent  a  letter  unto  him,  t  wherein  was  writ- 1  ChalJ. 
 ten  thus  ;  Unto  Darius  the  king,  all  peace. 
 
 8  Be  it  known  unto  the  king,  that  we  went  into 
 
 province  of  Judea,  to  the  houfe  of  the  great  God, 
 which  is  builded  with  f  great  ftones,  and  timber  isf  chai<». 
 laid  in  the  walls,  and  this  work  goeth  faft  on,  and  •’/ 
 profpereth  in  their  hands.  loUmg. 
 
 9  Then  aftced  we  thofe  elders,  and  faid  unto  them 
 thus.  Who  commanded  yea  to  build  this  houfe,  and 
 to  make  up  thefe  walls  ? 
 
 10  We  afleed  their  names  alfo,  to  certify  thee,  that 
 we  might  write  the  names  of  the  men  that  weie  the 
 chief  of  them. 
 
 11  And  thus  they  returned  us  anfwer,  faying,  we 
 are  the  fervants  of  the  God  of  heaven  and  earth,  and 
 build  the  houfe  that  was  builded  thefe  many  years 
 
 ago,  which  a  great  king  of  Ilrael  builded  ^  and  let  up.  c  1  Kings 
 
 12  But  after  that  our  fathers  had  provoked  the  God  •• 
 
 of  heaven  unto  wrath,  he  gave  them  into  the  hand  ofdoKings 
 ‘‘  Nebuchadnezzar  the  king  of  Babylon,  the  Chal-sa.s.  cT 
 dean,  who  deftroyed  this  houfe,  and  carried  the  peo-‘-^-®-®' 
 pie  away  into  Babylon,  ^ 
 
 13  But  in  the  firft  year  cf  ''  Cvrus  the  king  of  B 1-1. 
 
 for  it 
 
 with  the  fait  of  the  palace  ;  that  is,  they  received  their  falary  fiom  the  king  , 
 feems  they  received  their  ilipend  in  fait,  whence  it  was  c.illed  a  falarv. 
 
 ^^PL-ANATORY  XOIES.  Chap.  V.  Ver.  1.  P.  .,plicsie.l  unto  the  Jews. 
 Or  rather,  againft  them  ;  reproving  them  of  their  floth  and  iieglea  of  building  th.i 
 temple,  vyhen  they  were  careful  enough  to  raife  up  goodly  lioufes  for  themielves 
 to  dwell  in  ;  and  for  being  intimidated  by  the  command’of  the  king  of  Perfia, 
 who  only  forbade  the  building  of  the  city,  that  is  the  walls  of  it,  but  not  the 
 temple,  any  more  than  their  own  hoiifes;  and  befides,  there  was  now  a  new 
 lung,  from  whom  they  had  not  fo  much  to  fear,  Ver.  4.  Tb:n  said  we  unto  them. 
 i'roni  thefe  words  it  lias  been  thought  that  Ezra  was  not  the  author  of  this  book, 
 
 felvefinfn^!?,^o,  The  building  of  the  temple  of  God  is  ever  an  eye-fore  to  the  feed  of  the  fern 
 
 'indicate  their  caufe,  and  put  their  enemies  to  confuCon. 
 
 «^Vc/.  29....6C/.  5Z 
 
 his  chili ch. 
 doing  bis  wSi 
 
 I'r'oces  irt 
 and  iie  will 
 
EZRA. 
 
 Da'  ius  advcncctk  the  huihtiug. 
 
 "BelLut 
 t  'rift 
 5;  'J. 
 
 f  Cha 
 6.  7,  t 
 &  ’ .  S. 
 
 B  Or, 
 meptUy, 
 
 519. 
 
 j-  Cbald. 
 books. 
 t  Chald. 
 made  to 
 descend, 
 
 I!  Or, 
 
 Kchala- 
 mi,  or  in 
 a  coffer. 
 
 f  Chald, 
 
 £0. 
 
 .J-  Cbald, 
 their  so¬ 
 cieties. 
 
 bylon,  :hc  same  king  Cj’rus  made  a  decree  to  build  ! 
 this  houfe  ot  God. 
 
 1  t  And  ‘  the  vefTels  alfo  of  gold  and  filver  of  the 
 houfe  of  God;  which  Nebuchadnezzar  took  out  of  the 
 icmpie  that  tt’as  in  Jerufalem,  and  brought  them  into 
 the  temple  of  Babylon,  thofedid  Cyrus  the  king  take 
 out  of  the  temple  of  Babylon,  and  they  were  deliver¬ 
 ed  unto  one,  whofe  name  was  Shelhbazzar,  whom  he 
 had  made  H  governor  ; 
 
 15  And  laid  unto  him,  Take  thefe  veflels,  go,  carry 
 them  into  the  temple  that  is  in  Jerufalem,  and  let  the 
 houfe  of  God  be  builded  in  his  place. 
 
 16  Then  came  the  fame  Shelhbazzar,  and  laid  the 
 foundation  of  the  houfe  of  God  which  is  in  Jerufalem  : 
 and  fince  that  time  even  until  now  hath  it  been  in 
 building,  and  yet  it  is  not  finifhed. 
 
 17  Now  therefore  if  it  seem  good  to  the  king,  let 
 there  be  fearch  m-’de  in  the  king’s  trealure-houfe, 
 which  is  there  at  Babylon,  whether  it  be  so,  that  a  de¬ 
 cree  was  made  of  Cyrus  the  king  to  build  this  houle 
 of  God  at  Jerufalem,  and  let  the  king  fend  his  plea- 
 fure  to  us  concerning  this  matter.* 
 
 CHAP.  VI. 
 
 1  Darius  advanceth  the  building.  13  The  temple  is  Jini/hed.  15  The 
 
 teajl  of  the  dedication,  19  and  oj  the  paffover. 
 
 ’HEN  Darius  the  king  made  a  decree,  and  fearch 
 
 1,  was  made  in  the  houfe  of  the  f  rolls,  where  the 
 treafures  were  f  laid  up  in  Babylon, 
 
 2  And  there  was  found  at  jl  xAchmetha,  in  the  pa- 
 lace  that  is  in  the  province  of  the  Medes,  a  roll,  and 
 therein  was  a  record  thus  written  : 
 
 S  In  the  firft  year  of  Cyrus  the  king,  the  same  Cyrus 
 the  king  made  a  decree  concerning  the  houfe  of  God 
 at  Jerufalem,  Let  the  houfe  be  builded,  the^lace 
 where  they  efiered  facrifices,  and  let  the  foundations 
 thereof  be  ftrongly  laid  ;  the  height  thereof  threefcore 
 cubits,  and  the  breadth  thereof  threefcore  cubits  ; 
 
 4  With  three  row's  of  great  ftones,  and  a  row  of 
 new  timber ;  and  let  the  expences  be  given  out  of 
 the  king’s  houfe. 
 
 5  And  alfo  let  the  golden  and  fiver  veflels  ot  the 
 houfe  of  God,  which  Nebuchadnezzar  took  forth  out 
 of  the  temple  which  is  at  Jerufalem,  and  brought  unto 
 Babylon,  be  reftored,  and  t  brought  again  unto  the 
 temple  w  hich  is  at  Jerufalem,  nery  one  to  his  place, 
 and  place  t/iem  in  the  houfe  of  God. 
 
 6  Now  therefore,  Tatnai,  governor  beyond  the  ri¬ 
 ver,  bhethar-boznai,  and  f  your  companions  the 
 Apharfachites,  which  are  beyond  the  river,  be  ye  far 
 
 from  thence :  ^  ,  ,  ,  .  . 
 
 7  Let  the  w'ork  of  this  houfe  of  God  alone  ;  let  the 
 governor  of  the  Jews,  and  the  elders  of  the  Jews,  build 
 this  houfe  of  God  in  his  place. 
 
 ore 
 
 The  feast  of  the  dedication 
 
 8  Moreover,  f  I  make  a  decree  what  ye  (hall  do  to  Ki-for, 
 the  elders  of  thefe  Jews,  for  the  building  ot  this  houfe 
 
 of  God  ;  that  of  the  king’s  goods,  tven  of  the  tribute 
 beyond  the  river,  forthw  ith  expences  be  given  unto  t  ci,^ 
 thefe  men,  that  they  be  not  t  hindered. 
 
 9  And  that  which  they  have  need  of,  both  young 
 bullocks,  aud  rams,  and  lambs,  for  the  burnt-oft'er- 1  chV 
 ings  of  the  God  of  heaven,  wheat,  fait,  wine  and  oil,»'‘aaei. 
 according  to  the  appointment  of  the  pritfls  which 
 
 at  Jerufalem,  let  it  be  given  them  day  by  day  without 
 fail : 
 
 10  That  they  may  offer  facrifices  f  of  fweet  favours  ^  chaid. 
 unto  the  God  ot  heaven,  and  pray  for  the  life  of  theoy  rey/. ' 
 
 king,  and  of  his  Tons. 
 
 U  Ailo  I  have  made  a  decree,  that  whofoever  (hall 
 alter  this  word,  let  limber  be  pulled  down  from  his 
 houfe,  and,  being  let  up,  f  let  him  be  hanged  thereon  ;  t  ChaW. 
 and  let  his  houfe  be  made  a  dunghill  lor  this.  rfVrj' 
 
 12  And  the  God  that  hath  caufed  his  name  to  dwell 
 there,  deftroy  all  kings  and  people  that  fhall  put  to 
 their  hand  to  alter  and  to  delfroy  this  houfe  ot  God 
 which  is  at  Jerufalem.  1  Darius  have  made  a  decree  ; 
 let  it  be  done  with  tpeed. 
 
 13  Then  Tatnai,  governor  on  ihis  fide  the  river, 
 Shethar-boznai,  and  their  companions  according  to  that 
 whicn  Darius  the  king  had  lent,  io  they  did  fpeedily. 
 
 14  And  the  eldets  of  the  Jews  budded,  and  they 
 profpered  through  the  prophelying  of  Haggai  the  pro¬ 
 phet,  and  Zechariah  the  fon  ot  Iddo  t  and  they  build- 
 rd,  and  finifhed  zt,  according  to  the  commandment 
 of  the  God  of  llrael,  and  according  to  the  t  command- t^chaid. 
 
 menTof  Cyrus*,  and  j5arius,  and'^Artaxerxes  king 
 
 Perils 
 
 15  And  this  houfe  was  finifhed  on  the  third  day  of 
 the  month  Adar,  which  was  in  the  fixtb  year  of  the 
 reign  ot  Darius  the  king. 
 
 16  H  And  the  children  of  Ifrael  the  priefts,  and  the 
 Levites,  and  the  rell  of  t  the  children  of  the  captivity,  t  ChaW 
 kept  the  dedication  of  this  houfe  of  God 
 
 joy 
 
 imrtalMiu 
 
 17  And  offered  at  the  dedication  of  this  houfe  ot 
 God  an  hundred  bullocks,  two  hundred  rams,  four 
 hundred  lambs ;  and  for  a  fin-offering  for  all  Krael, 
 twelve  he-goats,  according  to  the  number  of  the  tribes 
 
 of  Ifrael.  ^  •  u  •  j-  -r  j 
 
 18  And  they  fet  the  priefts  in  their  diviiions,  and 
 
 the  Levites  in  tneir  courfes,  for  the  lervice  of  God, 
 which  /s  at  Jerufalem  ;  f  "  as  it  is  written  in  the  bookt^^l- 
 
 of  Moles.  to  the 
 
 19  And  the  children  of  the  captivity  kept  the  pall- wtog. 
 over  upon  the  fourteenth  daij  ot  the  fitfl  month. 
 
 20  For  the  priefts  and  the  Levites  were  punfa^  ^  g; 
 together  t  all  of  them  were  pure,  and  killed  the  pafl- 
 
 l.ecaufe  thev  fav,  the  wTiter  feems  to  have  been  prefent  at  this  tronfaaion  ;  whereas  j 
 Fzra  did  not  come  to  Jerufalem  till  the  feventh  year  of  Artaxerxes  Longimanus.  , 
 liut  if  we  confider  thefe  words  as  fpoken  in  the  name  of  the  Jews  in  general,  the 
 
 '‘'^'^XpVaNaVoIIY^  Chap.  VL  Ver.  2.  Achmetha.  This  city  , 
 
 was  afterwards  called  Ecbatana,  where  the  kings  of  Perfia  often  kept  their  court 
 
 vas  afterwards  calleo  XaCoaiaD**?  wucic  nsv  «.  u  i  • 
 
 It  is  plain  that  Darius  was  a  prince  of  great  goodnefs ;  for  though  lie  ^  , 
 
 vain  the  records  at  Uabylon,  he  did  not  decree  any  thing  againft  the  Jew  | 
 but  ordered  a  further  fearch  to  be  made  at  Achmetha,  where  the  roll  containing 
 
 the  decree  of  Cyrus  in  favour  of  tlie  Jews  was  found.  Ver.  6.  Be  ye 
 thence.  Come  not  near  Jerufalem  to  give  them  any  diflurhance.  Ver.  14.  I  S 
 prospered  through  the  prophesying  o)  Haggai.  This  is  a  leafonahle  intimation  hi 
 f^his  great  and  unexpedled  fuccefs  was  not  to  be  afenbed  to  chance  nor  evenj| 
 the  kmdnefs  or  good  humour  of  Darius,  but  unto  God  only,  who  by  h.s^ 
 phets  had  required  and  encouraged  them  to  proceed  in  the  work,  and  by 
 mighty  power  difpofed  Darius’  heart  to  fucli  kind  and  noble  purpoles 
 aafotis,  ^  Vor.  1 6  By  ihe children  oJ  Israel  are  to  be  underRood  not  only  the  t 
 tribes  of  Judah  and  Benjamin,  but  all  thofe  of  the  other  tribes,  who  had 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.-*  Chap.  \  .J  AV  hen  ’■ajles^u^^fa  thf  1^^  comfortfble  preftnee  is  fufficient  to  animate  us  to  the  utiiw^ 
 
 church  will  profper  ;  and  if  his  eye  be  on  us  for  good,  of  his  difpleafure  airaiiiR  us  or  our  fathers,  for  the  knowledge  of  it  is  fitted  to  awaken  us 
 
 diligence  in'  his  work,  nor  ought  we  to  conceal  the  juR  manifeRations  fp^^  .nercy  when  the  people  of  God  have  to  do  with  enemies  “>at  make  foine  confu  ^ 
 
 others,  to  t^«e  importance  of  walking  at  all  times  fo  as  to  pleale  God.  g  y  Lgj  ^aufe  be  hut  fairly  Rated  and  fairly  heard,  and 
 
 of  telling  tl-e  truth ;  for  the  fervants  of  God  are  never  perfected  hut  when  they  are  laiieiy  ace 
 
 fiand  its  ground  againR  all  oppofiuon. 
 
515. 
 
 457. 
 
 1-zra  gocih  up  to  Jerusalem. 
 ii.fore  over  for  all  the  children  of  the  capt'vity, 
 
 ciiriii  hrethreti  the  priests,  and  for  theinltl  e  . 
 
 ^21  And  the  cnildren  of  Ifrael,  which  were  come 
 .^•n  nf  can  ivitv,  and  all  Inch  as  had  leparated 
 Kifelves  unto  them  from  the  lilihinefs  of 
 then  of  the  land,  to  leek  the  Lord  God  of  Krael, 
 
 '^’22''And  kept  the  feaa  of  unleaven-d  b-ead  feyen  . 
 davs  with  joy;  for  the  Lord  had  m^e  them  joyful,  i 
 and  turned  the  heart  of  .he  king  of  na  unto  them, 
 to  lirengthen  their  hands  in  the  work  of  the  houfe  of  i 
 God,  the  God  of  Hi  ael.*  ; 
 
 CHAP.  VII.  > 
 
 1  Ezra  g»elh  up  to  Jerusalem.  1 1  The  gracious  couimission  of  Artaxerxes 
 to  him.  27  Ezra  blesselh  God  for  his  favour. 
 
 NOW  after  thele  things,  in  the  reign  of  Artax- 
 erx-s  king  of  Perfia,  Ezra  the  Ion  of  Seraiah, 
 the  ion  of  Azariah,  the  fon  of  Hilkiah, 
 
 2  The  fon  of  bhallum,  the  Ion  of  Zadok,  the  Ion 
 
 3  The  fon  of  Ameriah,  the  fon  of  Azariah,  the  fon 
 
 of  Meraioth,  _  ctt  •  u  r 
 
 4  Tne  fou  of  Zerahiah,  the  fon  of  Uzzi,  the  fon  oi 
 
 5  The  fon  of  Abilhua,  the  fon  Phinehas,  the  fon 
 of  Eleaz  r,  the  fon  of  Aaron  the  chief  prielt  : 
 
 6  I'nis  Ezra  went  up  from  Babylon  ;  and  he  was 
 a  ready  feribe  in  the  law  of  Mofes,  which  the  Lord 
 God  of  Ifrael  had  given  ;  and  the  king  granted  him 
 all  his  reqaeft,  according  to  the  hand  of  the  Lord  his 
 
 God  upon  him.  c  tc  i 
 
 7  And  there  went  up  some  of  the  children  or  llrael, 
 
 and  of  the  prietts,  and  the  Levites,  and  the  fingers, 
 and  the  porters,  and  the  Nethinims,  unto  Jerufalem, 
 in  the  feventhyear  of  Artaxerxes  the  king. 
 
 8  And  he  came  to  Jerufalem  in  the  fifth  month, 
 which  was  in  the  feventh  year  of  the  king. 
 
 9  For  upon  the  firlt  daij  of  the  firfl:  month  t  began 
 he  to  go  up  from  Babylon,  and  on  the  firft  day  of  the 
 iionoZ-iAe  fifth  month  came  he  to  Jerufalem,  accoraing  to  the 
 going  vp*  good  hand  of  bis  God  upon  him. 
 
 10  For  Ezra  had  prepared  his  heart  to  seek  the  law 
 of  the  Lord,  and  to  do  it,  and  to  teach  in  Ifrael  fia- 
 tutes  and  judgments. 
 
 J 1  11  Now  this  is  the  copy  of  the  letter  that  the  king 
 Artaxerxes  gave  unto  Ezra  the  prieft,  the  Icribe,  evm 
 a  feribe  of  the  words  of  the  commandments  of  the 
 Lord,  and  of  his  ftatutes  to  Ifrael. 
 
 12  Artaxerxes,  king  of  kings,  ||  unto  Ezra  the 
 
 EZRA.  A.laicrtcs 
 
 and  tor  their  !,  llrac-l,  and  e/ his  p  ieit-  and  1.  viui,  in  rr.y  realin, 
 
 .J-  Chald. 
 was  the 
 founda- 
 
 U  Or, 
 
 To  Ezra 
 the  jiriest 
 -  a  perject 
 Scribe  of 
 
 he  lav  of  prieft,  a  feribe  of  the  law  of  the  God  of  heaven,  per- 
 peace,  and  at  fuch  a  time. 
 
 peace, L.  13  I  make  a  decree  that  all  they  of  the  people  of 
 
 commission  to  hv^. 
 
 1  eft  re  ' 
 
 .  which  are  minded  of  their  ow^  bee  v\ill  to  go  up  to 
 
 i  !■  riilidem.  eo  with  thee.  .  ,  ' — 
 
 i  "  U  Foraimuch  as  thou  art  '-nt  t  (ft  the  king,  an.;  j  ( i  .id. 
 ’of  his  *  (even  counfellors,  to  cn  ii.ire  concerning  Ju-  -^ 
 
 Idah  and  Jerufalem,  accorumg  to  ti  e  law  of  thy 
 which  rsin  thine  hand;  ,  ,  .  a 
 
 1.5  And  to  carry  the  filver  and  gold,  which  the  king  i.  i4. 
 
 and'nis  counfellors  have  freely  oft.red  unto  tne  God 
 
 of  Ifrael,  whole  habitation  ts  in  J  muLlem  ;  o  r  i  h  rt  ao 
 
 IG  And  all  the  filver  and  gold  that  tnou  canft  find  ^  p- 
 in  all  the  province  of  Babylon,  with  the  free-will  offer, 
 ing  of  the  people,  and  of  the  pnefts,  oftermg-willingly 
 for  the  heufe  of  their  God  which  ?s  in  Jerulalem  . 
 
 17  That  thou  mayeft  buy  Ipeedily  with  this  money 
 bullocks,  rams,  lambs,  witn  their  meat  ofterings,  and 
 fhtir  drink-offerings,  and  offer  them  upon  the  altar  of 
 the  houfe  of  your  God  which  is  in  Jerufalem. 
 
 18  And  whatfoever  fhall  leem  good  to  thee,  and  .o 
 thy  brethren,  to  do  with  the  reft  of  the  filver  and  the 
 gold,  that  do  after  the  will  of  your  God. 
 
 19  The  veffels  alio  that  are  given  thee  for  the  ler- 
 vice  of  the  houfe  of  thy  God,  those  deliver  thou  before 
 
 the  God  of  Jerufalem.  „  „ 
 
 20  And  whatfoever  more  fhall  be  needful  for  the 
 houfe  of  thy  God,  which  thou  (halt  have  occafion  to 
 beftow,  beftow  it  out  of  the  king’s  trealure-houfe. 
 
 21  And  1  even  1,  Artaxerxes  the  king,  do  make  a 
 decree  to  all  the  trealurers  which  are  beyond  the 
 river,  that  whatfoever  Ezra  the  prieft,  the  scribe  of 
 the  law  of  the  God  of  heaven,  fhall  require  of  you, 
 it  be  done  Ipeedily, 
 
 22  Unto  an  hundred  talents  of  filver,  and  to  an 
 hundred  f  mealures  of  wheat,  and  to  an  hundred  baths  t  Chaid. 
 of  wine,  and  to  an  hundred  baths  of  oil,  and  fait  with”*^’^* 
 out  preferibing  how  much. 
 
 23  f  Whatfoever  is  commanded  by  the  God  of 
 
 heaven,  let  it  be  diligently  done  for  the  houfe  of  the  t  He*). 
 God  of  heaven;  for  why  ftiould  there  be  wrath 
 agairift  the  realm  of  the  king  and  his  Ions  ^  the  decree. 
 
 24  Alfo  we  certify  you,  that,  touching  any  of  the 
 priefts,  and  Levites,  fingers,  porters,  Nethinims,  or 
 minifters  of  this  houfe  of  God,  it  fhall  not  be  lawful 
 to  irapofe  toll,  tribute,  or  cuftoro,  upon  them. 
 
 25  And  thou,  Ezra,  after  the  wiidom  of  thy  God, 
 that  is  in  thine  hand,  fet  magiftraies  and  judges,  wEich 
 may  judge  all  the  people  that  are  beyond  the  river, 
 all  fuch  as  know  the  laws  of  t'ay  God  ;  and  teach  ye 
 them  that  know  them  not. 
 
 26  And  whofoever  will  not  do  the  law  of  thy  God, 
 
 and  the  law  of  the  king,  let  judgment  be  executed  Jorool„g 
 Ipeedily  upon  him,  whether  it  be  unto  death,  or  f  to  out. 
 
 turned  from  their  captivity.  Ver.  22.  The  king  of  AJjyria.  That  is,  the  king 
 of  Perfia,  who  was  now  king  of  Alfyria,  or  emperor  of  the  great  AtTyrian 
 empire. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  VII.  Ver.  6.  Ezra  teas  a  ready 
 scribe,  in  the  tow  of  Moses  The  word  here  rendered  a  ready  scribe,  fignifics  one 
 that  taught  God’s  law,  and  inftru^ted  the  people  out  of  it ;  in  which  fenfe  we  find 
 the  word  scr(6es  u fed  in  the  New  Teflament.  Ver.  10.  For  Ezra  had  prepared 
 his  heart.  The  order  of  things  in  this  verfe  is  obfervable.  Firft.  he  endeavours  to 
 underftand  God’s  law  ;  aind  that  not  for  curiofity  or  oftentation,  hut  in  order  to 
 praftife  ;  next,  he  confcientioglly  praiftifed  what  he  did  uitdcrlland,  which  made 
 bis  dodlrine  the  more  effedlual  :  and  then  he  earneftly  dtfires  and  labours  to  in- 
 
 ftru<5t  and  edify  others,  that  they  alfo  might  know  and  obey.  Ver.  1  1 .  Even  n  scribe 
 0/  (he  words  oj  the  comviandmenls  of  the  Lord.  The  Jews,  in  the  land  of  their 
 captivity,  had  in  a  great  meafure  loft  botii  their  language,  and  the  knowledge  of 
 God’s  commands  :  and  therefore  Ezra  and  his  companions  inftru<fted  them  in  both. 
 Ver.  12.  Perjeil  peace  and  at  such  a  time.  Tbe  word  perje£l,  belongs  to  Ezra’s 
 title  as  a  feribe,  fignifying  that  he  was  a  inoft  learned  and  complete  feribe,  or  teach- 
 er  of  the  law  of  God.  Peace  is  not  in  the  text.  The  phrafe,  at  such  a  lime,  refpe<5ls 
 tbe  date  of  tbe  letter,  though  not  expreffed,  or  is  only  an  et  cectera.  Ver,  23. 
 Whatsoever  is  commanded  by  the  God  of  heaven.  Thefe  words  exprefs  the  higbell 
 fenfe  of  the  greatnefs  of  God,  his  fupreme  authority,  and  the  regard  that  is  due 
 to  hi.i  i'acred  commands,  from  the  greateft  potentates  of  tbe  earth.  Ver.  2t>.  The 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  VI.]  Impartial  examinations  never  fail  to  promote  the  caufe  of  truth.  Behold  how  unexpc^lcdly  God  raifes 
 up  inftruments  to  accomplilh  his  gracious  purpofes.  Why  lllould  his  people  dtfpond  in  time  of  fevere  affli«5lion  ?  Let  them  trull  in  him  and  do  good,  and  he  will 
 make  light  to  arife  out  of  darknefs.  Ills  work  of  mercy  as  well  as  judgment  is  often  effeClcd  by  thofe  who  feek  for  neither  part  nor  lot  in  this  matter.  What  a 
 mercy  is  it  when  the  chuich  of  God  is  prepared  to  ohferve  exatSlly  all  his  ordinances,  the  nioft  foleiun  not  excepted  !  And  it  is  a  matter  of  great  joy  to  all  his  tru® 
 friends,  and  an  honour  to  his  church,  when  her  minifters  are  remarkably  faithful. 
 
I^zra  I  'rssf  f/i  God  f hi-  his  favour. 
 
 EZRA. 
 
 Bef, 
 
 Chriil 
 
 43“. 
 
 He 
 
 bnnifhment,  or  to  confiscation  of  goods,  or  to  impri- 
 
 k  Eord  God  of  onr  fathers,  which 
 
 hath  put  W/  a  thin-  as  this  in  the  king’s  heart,  to  beau¬ 
 tify  the  noule  of  the  Lokli  which  is  in  Jerulalem  ; 
 
 And  hath  extended  mercy  unto  me  before  the 
 King,  and  his  counlellors,  and  before  all  the  king’s 
 mighty  princes  :  and  I  was  ftrengthened  as  the  hand 
 of  the  Lord  my  God  teas  upon  me;  and  I  gathered 
 together  out  of  Krael  chief  men  to  go  up  with 
 me.* 
 
 CHAP.  VIII. 
 
 1  Ezra's  companions  from  Babylon ;  1 4  kc  sendeth  ie  Iddo  for  ministers 
 for  the  temjde 2 1  he  keqtelh  a  Jast. 
 
 These  are  now  the  chief  of  their  fathers,  and 
 this  is  the  genealogy  of  them  that  went  up  with 
 me  from  Babylon,  in  the  reign  of  Artaxerxes  the 
 king. 
 
 2  Of  the  Tons  of  Phinehas  ;  Gerfhom  ;  of  the  fons 
 of  Ithamar  ;  Daniel :  of  the  fons  of  David  ;  Hattufh. 
 
 3  Of  the  Ions  of  Shechaniah,  of  the  fons  of  Pba- 
 rolh  ;  Zechariah 
 
 seiideth  a  Dicssage  to  Iddo  for  minU 
 
 !/pr,_ 
 
 yor, 
 
 '-lirii] 
 
 Or, 
 
 runneth  to  Ahava ;  and  there  11  abode  we  in  tents 
 three  days  :  and  I  viewed  the  people,  and  the  prielts 
 and  found  there  none  of  the  fons  of  Eevi.  ’ 
 
 16'  Then  fent  I  for  Eliezer,  for  Ariel,  for  Shema- 
 j’  l-'nathan,  andfer  Jdrib,  and  for  Elnathan  me  , 
 and  for  Nathan,  and  for  Zechariah,  and  for  Mefhul! 
 lam,  chief  men  ;  alfo  for  Joiarib,  and  for  Elnathan 
 men  of  underiianding.  ’ 
 
 17  And  I  fent  them  with  commandment  unto  Iddo 
 the  chief,  at  the  place  Cafiphia,  and  f  I  told  them  t  IM 
 what  they  fhould  fay  unto  Iddo,  and  to  his  brethren^/’"' 
 
 ,  the  Nethinims,  at  the  place  Cafiphia,  that  they  fhould  T''''*'" 
 bring  unto  us  miniflers  for  the  honfe  of  our  God. 
 
 18  And,  by  the  good  hand  of  cur  God  upon  ns, 
 
 they  brought  us  a  man  of  underiianding,  of  the  fons 
 of  Mahli,  the  (bn  of  Levi,  the  fon  of  Ifrael ;  and 
 Sherebiah,  with  his  Tons  and  his  brethren,  eigh¬ 
 teen.  ° 
 
 19  And  Halhabiah,  and  with  him  Jefhaiah  of  the 
 Tons  o^f  Merari,  his  brethren,  and  their  Tons,  twenty  ; 
 
 20  *  Alfo  of  the  Nethinims,  whom  David  and  theaSee 
 
 vu  u-  r  ,  .  'I  .  lue  iNeiuinuns,  wnom  jjavid  and  theas 
 
 and  with  him  \vere  reckoned,  by  princes  had  appointed  for  the  fervice  of  the  Levites, 
 
 sales,  an  hnnrlrfvi  onrl  i  u _ i _ i _ i  .  -vt  ...  .  ’o  . 
 
 «  Or, 
 theyoung 
 est  son. 
 
 8  Or, 
 Zaccur, 
 as  forre 
 read. 
 
 genealt^y  of  the  males,  an  hundred  and  fifty. 
 
 4  Of  the  fons  of  Pahath-moab ;  Elihoenai  the  fon 
 of  Zerahiab,  and  with  him  twm  hundred  males. 
 
 5  Of  the  fons  of  Shechaniah  ;  the  fon  of  Jahaziel, 
 and  with  him  three  hundred  males. 
 
 6  Of  the  fons  alfo  of  Adin  ;  Ebed  the  fon  of  Jo¬ 
 nathan,  and  with  him  fifty  males. 
 
 7  And  of  the  Cons  of  Elam  ;  Jefhaiah  the  fon  of 
 Athaliah,  and  with  him  feventy  males. 
 
 8  And  of  the  fons  of  Shephatiah  ;  Zebadiah  the 
 Ion  of  Michael,  and  w'ith  him  fourlcore  males. 
 
 9  Of  the  fons  of  Joab ;  Obadiah  the  fon  of  Jehiel, 
 and  with  him  two  hundred  and  eighteen  males. 
 
 10  And  of  the  Ions  of  Shelomith  ;  the  fon  of  Jofi- 
 phiah,  and  with  him  an  hundred  and  threefcore  male.s. 
 
 1 1  And  of  the  foos  of  Bebai ;  Zechariah  the  fon  of 
 Bebai,  and  with  him  twenty  and  eight  males. 
 
 12  And  of  the  Tons  of  Azgad  ;  Johanan  |1  the  fon 
 of  Hakkaian,  and  with  him  an  hundred  and  ten 
 males. 
 
 -  - -  ‘“P- 
 
 two  hundred  and  twenty  Nethinims :  all  of  them  were'"' 
 expreffed  by  name. 
 
 21  f  Then  I  proclaimed  a  faft  there,  at  the  river  of 
 Ahava,  that  we  might  afliidl  ourfelves  before  our  God, 
 to  leek  of  him  a  right  way  for  us,  and  for  our  little 
 ones,  and  for  all  our  fuhflance. 
 
 22  For  I  was  afhamed  to  require  of  the  king  a  band 
 of  foldiers,  and  horCeraen  to  help  us  agaioft  the  enemy 
 in  the  way  :  becaufe  we  had  fpoken  unto  the  king, 
 faying,  The  hand  of  our  God  is  upon  all  them  for  good 
 that  feek  him  ;  but  his  power  and  his  wrath  is  againfl 
 all  them  that  forfake  him. 
 
 23  So  w^e  faffed,  and  befought  our  God  for  this ; 
 and  he  was  enireated  of  us. 
 
 24  *11  Then  I  feparated  twelve  of  the  chief  of  the 
 priefts,  Sherebiah,  Hafiiabiah,  and  ten  of  their  bre¬ 
 thren  with  them, 
 
 25  And  weighed  unto  them  the  filver,  and  the  gold, 
 
 I  and  the  velTels,  even  the  effbring  of  the  houfe  of  our 
 
 God,  which  the  king,  and  his  counfellors,  and  his 
 
 .oAJrut/Tj-  f-Ai.i  .viiii-ii  lilt  c.iu  liia  t-UUiJic-iiurs,  : 
 
 13  And  of  the  lalt  Ions  of  Adonikam,  whole  names  i;  lords,  and  all  Ifrael  there  prefent,  had  offered  • 
 
 are  thefe,  Eiiphelef,  Jeiel,  and  Shemaiah,  and  with 
 them  threeicore  males. 
 
 14  Of  the  Tons  alfo  of  Bigvai ;  Uthai,  and  |1  Zab- 
 bud,  and  with  them  feventy  males. 
 
 15  H  And  I  gathered  them  together  to  the  river  that 
 
 law  of  the  king;  that  is,  this  decree  which  was  made  in  favour  of  the  Jews  where¬ 
 by  they  were  authorifed  to  ufe  the  law  of  Mofes.  In  any  cafe  where  thefe  were 
 doubtful  or  filent,  they  were  to  be  guided  by  the  king’s  ordinance. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  VIII.  Ver.  1.  These  are  now  the 
 chief.  1  hefe  genealogies  are  introduced  here  to  preferve  their  memorv,  which  is 
 precious  in  the  efteeni  of  the  Children  cf  God  in  all  generations.  Ver.  15.  And 
 I  gathered  them  together  to  the  river  that  runneth  to  Ahava.  This  was  a  river  of 
 Affyria.  It  was  common  for  lliofe  who  travelled  from  Babylon  to  Jerufalem,  in 
 order  to  avoid  the  feorebing  Ireet  in  the  defects  of  Arabia,  to  direeft  their  courfe 
 at  firft  to  the  northward  ;  and  then  turning  to  the  wellward,  to  pafs  through 
 Syria  into  Palefline.  But  Ezra  had  a  further  reafon  for  taking  this  route;  for 
 as  be  intendtd  to  aflemble  as  many  Ifraelifes  as  poflible,  and  carry  them  with 
 him  to  Jerufalem,  he  palled  through  tliis  country,  and  halted  in  that  of  Ava,  or 
 Ahava,  whence  he  fent  meflengers  to  the  Cafpian  mountains,  to  invite  fiich  Jews 
 as  refided  there  to  join  their  brethren,  now  on  their  journey  to  their  own  land 
 
 26  I  even  weighed  into  their  hand  fix  hundred  and  ^  neb. 
 
 fifty  talents  of  filver,  and  filver  vefleis  an  hundred or, 
 talents,  and  of  gold  an  hundred  talents ;  jhhiing 
 
 27  Alfo  twenty  bafons  of  gold  of  a  thoufand  drams,  a 
 and  two  veffels  of  f  fine  copper,  f  precious  as  gold,  desirable. 
 
 Ver.  20.  Nethinims.  They  were  employed  in  carrying  wood  and  water  for  the 
 ufe  of  the  temple.  The  word  Nethinim  implies  given;  for  the  Levites  were 
 given  to  the  priefls.  Numb.  viii.  16,  19.  fo  were  they  given  to  the  Levites,  acd 
 were  diftindb  from  the  Gibeonites,  and  of  an  higher  rank  in  the  fervice  of  t.oii. 
 Ver,  21,  22.  Then  I  proclaimed  a  fast.  Jhis  tliey  did,  bec.aufe  they  carried  witli 
 them  things  of  confiderable  value,  were  apprehenfive  of  enemies,  who  lay  in 
 wait  for  them,  and  were  alhamed  to  alk  any  guard  of  the  king;  who  mip'lit 
 pollibly'  think,  that  what  they  had  faid  of  the  favour  of  God  towards  them,  (.iid 
 the  prophecies  concerning  their  reftoration,  were  only  empty  boafts,  in  r;ife 
 they  diftributed  his  power  and  favour,  by  making  ap))lic;»tion  to  the  king  fcf 
 his  proteflioti.  They  were  therefore  determined,  rather  than  give  any  umbrage 
 of  that  kind,  to  commit  thcmfelves  entirely  to  God  ;  but  then  it  was  necclTary 
 that  they  lliould  implore  that  favour  of  him,  which  they  could  not  without  giving 
 offence,  requeR  of  the  king  of  Perfia.  Ver.  27.  Two  vrJUs  of  fine  copper,  pre¬ 
 cious  as  gold.  Heb.  desirable  as  gold ;  not  as  being  of  equal  price  and  worth,  but 
 
 PRACTIC.VL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  VII.]  How  eminently  does  the  Lord  furnilh  with  gifts  and  gracious  qualifications  thofe  whom  he  deftines  hi 
 eminent  ftations,  and  important  Inimurs  in  his  church  !  Let  the  people  of  God  therefore  look  to  him,  that  he  may  raife  up  proper  inaruments  to  promote  their  edifica¬ 
 tion  and  the  caufe  of  righteoufnefs  in  the  earth.  If  they  want  magifirates  of  tbreir  own  religion,  he  can  make  even  heathen  magillrates  to  cotnponfate  their  lot's  doing 
 honour  to  his  word  as  tlte  rule;  flrewing  it  once  generous  hearts  and  open  hands,  and  punifhing  contemptuous  defpifers  of  their  Lord  and  his  interefts.  But  how 
 thankful  l.hould  we  he  wlten  he  thus  makts  the  princes  of  this  world  nurltug  paretits  to  his  church,  terrors  to  evil  doers,  an.d  a  praife  to  them  that  do  well. 
 
s 
 
 ■a  goefli  front  Ahmit  to  Jermalem, 
 
 «f.,«  28  And  I  laid  unio  them,  Ye  are  holy  onto  ihe 
 
 L o  ®dT  the  veffels  are  holy  alio ;  and  the  fileer  and 
 tiirBoid  are  a  free-will-offering  unto  the  Lord  God 
 
 WMch''ye,  and  keep  there,  until  ye  weigh  them 
 before  the  chief  of  the  prielfs  and  the  Levites,  and 
 chief  of  the  fathers  of  Ifrael,  at  Jerofaiem,  in  the 
 
 chambers  of  the  houfe  of  the  Lord. 
 
 30  So  took  the  prieas  and  the  Levites  the  weight 
 of  the  filver,  and  the  gold,  and  the  veffels,  to  bring 
 them  to  Jerufalem,  unto  the  houfe  of  our  Crod. 
 
 31  f  Then  we  departed  from  the  river  of  Ahava 
 on  the  twelfth  day  of  the  firit  month,  to  go  unto 
 Jerufalem  :  and  the  hand  of  our  God  was  upon  us, 
 and  he  deliverd  us  from  the  hand  of  the  eoemy,  and 
 
 of  fuch  as  lay  in  wait  by  the  way.  ,  ,  ,  . 
 
 32  And  we  came  to  Jerufalem,  and  abode  there 
 
 three  days.  .  n  j 
 
 33  ^  Now,  on  the  fourth  day  was  the  lilyer,  and 
 
 the  gold,  and  the  veffels,  weighed  in  the  houfe  of  our 
 
 .  1  «•  n  T  _ a.l_  j.\ _ 1  l*-toh  tno 
 
 lir-forc 
 (  -rift 
 
 EZRA.  Ezra  prqyeth  unto  f^’od  Kith  cofi/cyuor  ./  5/^'- 
 
 4  Then  were  affembied  unlo  me  every  c  re  that 
 trembled  at  the  words  of  the  God  of  Ifrael,  beeaufe 
 of  the  tranfgreffion  of  t hole  that  had  bet  n  carried  — 
 awav  ;  and  I  fat  aftonied  until  the  evening  Idcrifice. 
 
 5  ^  And  at  the  evening  facrifice  1  arolt;  up  from 
 my  II  heavinels ;  and,  having  rent  my  garment  and  ■ 
 
 i  my  mantle,  1  fell  upon  my  knees,  and  fpread  out  my 
 
 hands  unto  the  Lord  my  God.  « 
 
 G  And  laid,  O  my  God,  I  am  afhamed,  and  bluin  to 
 lift  up  mv  face  to  thee,  my  God  :  tor  our  iniquities 
 are  increafed  over  our  head,  and  our  11  trelpafs 
 grown  up  unto  the  heavens. 
 
 7  Since  the  days  of  our  fathers  /lave  we  been  in  a 
 great  trefpals  unto  this  day  j  and  for  our  iniquities 
 have  we,  our  kings,  and  our  priefts,  been  delivered 
 into  the  hand  of  the  kings  of  the  lands,  to  the  fword, 
 to  captivity,  and  to  a  fpoii,  and  to  confufion  of  face, 
 
 as  It  IS  this  day.  ,  .  ,  .  ti  u 
 
 8  And  now  for  a  t  Htt’e  fpace  grace  hath  been  f 
 
 sbe-jaed  from  the  Lord  our  God,  to  leave  us  ^  ' 
 
 a  rera- 
 
 g^oltf.re‘‘ha^„7d'‘KSX“fo;rci“uriah  =",0 -dcaperandTo-give  us  ll  a  nail  io  h.s  holy.Ou 
 priefl- and  with  him  tcosEleazar  the  Ion  of  PhiDehasJi  place,  that  our  God  may  lighten  our  eyes,  and  give^„,,^ 
 
 ““‘‘i|“%^F"r?brd“;ne7t'rcro^  hath  not-rr 
 
 BVnunfber  and  by  weight  of  every  one:  and  j forfaken  us  in  our  bondage  but  hath  extended  mercy**- 
 Dy  nu  y  &  Perfia,  to  give  us 
 
 a  reviving,  to  fet  up  the  houfe  of  our  God,  and  t  tof  Heb. 
 repair  the  defolations  thereof,  and  to  give  us  a  wall'® 
 in  Judah  and  in  Jerufalem. 
 
 10  And  now,  O  our  God,  what  fhall  we  fay  after 
 this?  for  we  have  forfaken  thy  commandments, 
 
 1 1  Which  thou  haft  commanded  f  by  thy  lervantst  Heb. 
 the  prophets,  faying,  The  land,  unto  which  ye  go  to 
 
 all  the  weight  was  written  at  ttiat  time. 
 
 35  Also  the  children  of  thofe  that  had  been  carried 
 away,  which  were  come  out  of  the  captivity,  offered 
 burnt-offerings  unto  the  God  of  Ifrael,  twelve  bullocks 
 for  all  Ifrael,  ninety  and  fix  rams,  feventy  and  feven 
 lambs,  twelve  be-goats./or  a  fin-offering:  all  this  was 
 a  burnt-offering  unto  the  Lord. 
 
 36  H  And  they  delivered  the  king  s  commillions 
 
 36  H  And  tney  aeiiverea  ine  Kings  cuimiumGus  .  j ^  vw 
 
 unto  the  king’s  lieutenants,  and  to  the  governors  on  jl  poffels  it,  is  an  unclean  land,  with  the  filthinels  of  the^/,^ 
 thi«  Grip  the  river;  and  thev  furthered  the  people,  people  of  the  lands,  with  their  abominations,  which uan 
 
 this  fide  the"  river  ;  and  they  furthered  the  people, 
 and  the  houfe  of  God.* 
 
 CHAP.  IX. 
 
 1  Ezra  mournelhfor  the  affinity  of  the  people  with  strangers  ;  5  he  pray- 
 eth  unto  God  with  ctnj'effion  of  sins. 
 
 NOW,  when  thefe  thinp  were  done,  the  princes 
 came  to  me,  faying,  I'he  people  of  Ifrael,  and 
 the  priefts,  and  the  Levites,  have  not  feparated  them- 
 felves  from  the  people  of  the  lands,  doing  according 
 to  their  abominations,  ewm  of  the  Canaanites,  the 
 Hittires,  the  Perizzites,  the  Jebufites,  the  Ammonites, 
 the  Moabites,  the  Egyptians,  and  the  Amorites. 
 
 2  For  they  have  taken  of  their  daughters  for  them- 
 felves,  and  for  their  fons  ;  fo  that  the  holy  feed  have 
 mingled  themfelves  with  the  people  of  those  lands  : 
 yea,  the  hand  of  the  princes  and  rulers  hath  been 
 chief  in  this  trefpafs. 
 
 3  And  when  I  heard  this  thing,  I  rent  my  garment 
 and  ray  mantle,  and  plucked  off  the  hair  of  my  heac^ 
 and  of  my  beard,  and  fat  down  aftonied. 
 
 5<fr- 
 vajili. 
 
 for  its  incomparable  excellency  in  its  kind,  and  for  its  great  rarity,  for  which  caufe 
 there  were  only  two  veffels  of  that  fort. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  IX.  Ver.  1,  2.  It  is  plain  from  thefe 
 verl’es,  that  Ezra  confidered  the  prohibition  refpeaing  marriages  with  the  Ca¬ 
 naanites,  equally  applicable  to  all  heathen  nations.  And  it  is  unquellionable, 
 that  the  reafon  of  the  prohibition,  to  preferve  Ifrael  from  idolatry,  jufiifies  fuch 
 an  application,  comp.  Deut.  vii.  2 — 4.  Ver.  3.  I  rent  my  garment  and  my  mantle. 
 That  is,  both  his  inner  and  upper  garment;  which  was  a  token  not  only  of 
 
 *•.*  VW  - - - ^ -  -  - - ^ 
 
 people  of  the  lands,  with  their  abominations,  which c- . 
 
 have  filled  it  f  from  one  end  to  another  with  their  t^eb. 
 uncleannels.  ^Zhio 
 
 12  Now  therefore  give  not  your  daughters  unto,„owM. 
 their  fons,  neither  take  their  daughters  unto  youraExod. 
 fons,  nor  leek  their  peace  or  their  wealth  for  ever ; 
 
 that  ye  may  be  ftrong,  and  eat  the  good  of  the  land,  ^  ^3  ' 
 and  leave  it  for  an  inheritance  to  your  children  for 
 ever. 
 
 13  And  after  all  that  is  come  upon  us  for  our 
 evil  deeds,  and  for  our  great  trelpafs,  feeing  that 
 thou  our  God  f  haft  punifhed  us  lefs  than  our  ini-fHeb. 
 quities  deserve^  2.11^  haft  given  us  such  deliverance  ^^'ZidZ-'^' 
 
 this  ^  nealh  our 
 
 14  Should  we  again  break  thy  commandments, 
 and  join  in  affinity  with  the  people  Df  thefe  abomina- 
 tions  ?  wouldft  not  thou  be  angry  with  us  till  thou 
 hadft  confumed  us,  fo  that  there  should  be  no  remnant 
 nor  efcaping  ? 
 
 15  O  Lord  God  of  Ifrael,  thou  art  righteous  ;  for 
 we  remain  yet  efcaped,  as  it  is  this  day  ;  behold,  we 
 
 great  grief  and  furrow,  but  of  his  apprehenfion  likewife  of  the  divine  difplea- 
 fure  Ver  6.  0  my  God,  I  am  ashamed.  This  is  one  of  the  inofl  pathetic,  moll 
 humble,  and  moll  devout  addrtffes  to  God,  in  the  holy  Icriptures.  To  vine  us  a 
 wall.  The  Hebrew  word  for  a  wall,  flgnifies  alfo  a  hedge  or  fence,  fuch  as  were 
 ufually  made  for  the  folds  of  Iheep,  and  fliould  have  been  lb  tranllated  •  for  the 
 wall  of  Jerufalem  was  now  broken  down,  and  the  gates  thereof  burnt  with  lire. 
 Ver.  10.  IVhat  shall  we  say  after  this  ?  What  apology  or  excufe  can  l>e  made 
 for  fuch  ingratitude?  what  can  be  faid  in  favour  of  .fuch  a  people?  what 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.  —♦  Chap.  VIIL]  How  allonifliing  was  the  backwardnefs of  the  Jews  to  return  to  their  own  land  !  How  much  more  nfto- 
 
 nilliing  that  the  revenues  for  God’s  temple,  even  from  healliens,  fluiuld  he  in  more  forwardnefs  than  the  Levites  to  bear  or  ufe  them.  In  perplexing  circumilance* 
 let  us  apply  to  folemn  falling  and  fervent  prayer.  O  how  infmite  is  his  goodnefs  in  bringing  his  chofen  people  fafe  through  all  dangers,  rendering  their  miniiters 
 faithful,  their  companions  devout,  arid  their  enemies  friendly. 
 
 No.  29..,6rf.  6  A 
 
rzra  er  ourjocd  to  reform  the  straniic  marriarres. 
 
 rzRA. 
 
 15 -•tore 
 
 Chri'’ 
 
 457. 
 
 The  people  promise  amend,,, 
 
 4c. 
 
 t  Ileb. 
 
 a 
 
 great 
 
 tceepmg. 
 
 c.'/v  beiore  toee  in  our  trelpiffes  ;  for  we  cannot  Hand 
 before  thee  becauie  of  this. 
 
 CHAP.  X. 
 
 1  Slit'ch  intah  fncou’‘(igeth  T,zra  to  4  rtdorni  of  the  strange  marri  tges.  6 
 i’lr.i  mourning,  assembleth  the  people.  9  The  people,  at  the  exhortation 
 oj  Ez-ii,  rej>€nl,  and  promise  amendment,  cj-c. 
 
 NOW,  when  Ezra  had  prayed,  and  when  he  had 
 confeiTed,  weeping,  and  caft^ng  hinifelf  down 
 
 before  the  houfe  of  God,  thrre  aflsmbled  unto  him  ,.,uj  im  isui  dn  me congn gation  Itand 
 
 out  ot  llrael  a  very  great  congregation  of  men,  and  and  let  all  them  which  have  taken  ftrar.ee  wive 
 women,  and  children  :  for  the  peop;e  f  wept  very  Ij  cmr  cities  come  at  appointed  times,  and  with  them  rhe<^-i«^ 
 
 O  A  ^  Ck  -  •  k  m  r  r  T  U-  .  r  u  of  everv  ci  y,  and  the  judges  thereof,  uniil  the 
 
 “  And  Shecnanrah  the  fon  of  Jehiel,  one  of  the  ||  herce  wrath  of  our  God  ||  for  this  matter  be  turned  II  Or 
 fons  of  Elam,  anf^vered  and  faid  unto  Ezra,  We  I  from  ns.  * 1  or, 
 
 rate  yourfelves  from  the  people  of  the  land,  and  from  iw 
 the  Itra'jge  wives. 
 
 12  Then  all  the  congregation  anfwered  and  faid 
 with  a  loud  voice,  As  thou  half  (aid,  fo  mult  we  do  — ^ 
 I  13  But  the  people  are  many,  and  it  b  a  time  of 
 ;  much  rain,  and  we  are  not  able  to  ffand  without 
 ;  neither  is  this  a  work  of  one  day  or  two  :  for  ||  vve  y  Or 
 
 are  many  that  have  iranlgrefTed  in  this  thing. 
 
 1+  Let  now  our  nih  rsof  all  the  congregation  ftand  ^ 
 
 /•i  G-k*  ..H  *  SiS  y-k  I _ .1  i\  .  ' 
 
 &re'ulu 
 
 t  Heh. 
 to  bring 
 JO.'th. 
 
 t  Ileb. 
 devoted. 
 
 •t  Heb. 
 the  show¬ 
 ers. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 have  caus¬ 
 ed  to  dwell, 
 or  have 
 brought 
 hack. 
 
 have  trelptlEd  againR  our  God,  and  have  taken 
 flrange  wives  of  the  people  of  the  land  ;  yet  uow 
 there  is  hope  in  Ifrael  concerning  this  thing. 
 
 3  Now,  therefore,  let  us  make  a  covenant  with  out 
 God,  t  to  put  aw'av  all  the  wives,  and  fuch  as  are  born 
 of  them,  according  to  the  counfel  of  mv  lord,  and 
 of  thole  that  tremble  at  the  commandment  of  our 
 God  ;  and  let  it  be  done  according  to  the  law. 
 
 4  Arile ;  for  this  matter  helongcth  unto  thee :  we  al- 
 fo  tci//  be  w'irh  thee ;  be  of  good  courage,  and  do  it. 
 
 5  Tnen  arofe  Ezra,  and  made  the  chief  priefts,  the 
 Levites,  and  all  llrael,  to  fwear  that  they  fhould  do 
 according  to  this  word.  And  they  (ware. 
 
 6  f  Tnen  Ezra  role  up  from  before  the  houfe  of 
 God,  and  went  into  the  cnamber  of  Johanan  the  fon 
 of  Eliafhib  ;  and  li-hcfi  he  came  thither,  he  did  eat  no 
 bread,  nor  drink  w'ater;  for  he  mourned  becaufe  of 
 the  traugr  ffion  of  them  that  had  been  carried  aw^ay. 
 
 7  And  they  made  proclamation  throughout  Judah 
 and  Jerufalem,  unto  all  the  children  of  the  captivity, 
 that  they  (houlJ  gather  themfelves '  together  unto 
 Jerufalem  ; 
 
 8  And  that  whofoever  would  not  come  within  three 
 days,  according  to  the  counfel  of  the  princes  and  the 
 elders,  all  his  fubftance  fhould  be  f  forfeited,  and 
 himfelf  leparafed  from  the  congregation  of  thofe  that 
 had  been  carried  away. 
 
 9  ^  Then  all  the  men  of  Judah  and  B-'^-njamin  ga¬ 
 thered  themfelves  together  unto  J  rulalem  within 
 three  days:  it  was  the  ninth  month,  and  the  twentieth 
 day  of  the  month;  and  all  the  people  fat  in  the  ftreet 
 of  the  houfe  of  God,  trembling  becaufe  of /4/s  matter, 
 and  for  f  the  great  rain. 
 
 10  And  Ezra  the  prieft  Rood  up,  and  faid  unto 
 them.  Ye  have  tranfgrefled,  and  f  have  taken  flrange 
 wives,  to  increale  the  trefpafs  of  Ifrael. 
 
 1 1  Now  therefore  make  conbRion  unto  the  Lord 
 God  of  your  fathers,  and  do  his  pleafure ;  and  (epa- 
 
 45S, 
 
 15  f  Only  Jonathan  the  fon  of  ACahel,  and  Jahaziah 
 
 the  Ion  of  Tikvah,  f  were  emplc'ved  about  this  ma/te,  •  TuT' 
 and  Mrfhullam  and  Shabbethai  the  Levite  helped  then’  sm! 
 
 16  And  the  children  of  the  captivity  did  fo.  And 
 Ezra  the  prieR,  wiih  cert^'in  chief  of  the  fathers,  after 
 the  houie  of  their  fathers,  and  ail  of  them  by  their 
 names,  were  (eparated,  and  (  t  down  in  the  firR  day 
 of  the  tenth  month  to  examine  the  matter. 
 
 17  And  they  made  an  end  wiih  all  the  men  that 
 had  taken  flrange  wives  by  tne  hiR  day  of  the  firft 
 month. 
 
 18  ^  And  among  the  fons  of  the  priefts  there  were 
 found  that  had  tak^n  flrange  wives;  namely,  of  the 
 I'-'-ns  of  Jefhua  the  fon  of  J  zadak,  and  his  brethren  • 
 Maaleiah,  and  Eliezer,  and  Janb,  and  Gedaiiah.  * 
 
 19  A.nd  they  gave  t.heir  hands  that  they  would  put 
 away  their  wives;  and,  being  guiby,  tmy  offaed  a 
 ram  of  the  flock  for  their  irelpafs. 
 
 20  And  of  the  fons  of  Imraer  ;  Elanani  and  Zeba- 
 diah. 
 
 21  And  of  the  fons  of  Harim  ;  Maafeiah  and  Eli- 
 Ijah,  and  bhemaiah,  and  Jehiel,  and  Dzziah. 
 
 22  And  of  the  fons  of  P.afhur  ;  Elioenat,  Maafeiah, 
 ffhmae!,  Nethaneel,  Jozabad,  and  Elalhh. 
 
 23  Alfo  of  the  Levi  e.s ;  J^^z-cbad,  and  Shimei,  and 
 Kelaiah,  the  (fame  is  Kelita,)  Pethahiah,  Judah,  and 
 Eli  zer. 
 
 i  24  Of  the  fingers  alfo;  Eliafhib;  and  of  the  por¬ 
 ters  ;  Shallum,  and  Telem,  and  L.'ri. 
 
 ,  25  Moreover,  of  Ifrael :  of  the  fons  of  Parofh  ; 
 
 ‘  Rarniah,  and  Jeziab,  and  Malchiah,  and  Miainin,  and 
 Eleazar,  and  Malchijah,  and  Benaiah. 
 
 26  And  of  the  fons  of  Elam  ;  Mattaniah,  Zecha- 
 riah,  and  Jehiel,  and  x^bdi,  and  J  remo  h,  and  Ehah. 
 
 27  And  of  the  fons  of  Z-atru ;  Eiioenab  Eliafhib, 
 Mattaniah,  and  Jeremoth,  and  Zabad  and  Az  za. 
 
 28  of  the  ions  alio  of  Bebai  ;  Jehohanan,  Hana- 
 niah,  Zabhai,  and  Athlai. 
 
 kindnefs  can  be  excited  to  be  Ihown  to  a  people  wlio  have  behaved  in  fo  bafe  a 
 manner  ? 
 
 EXPLAN.4TORY  NOTES.  Chap.  X.  Ver.  1.  Now  when  Ezra  had 
 jrrayed.  As  this  prayer  was  made  at  the  evening-facrifice,  when  the  greateft''/.art 
 of  the  people  were  affembled  to  worfhip  the  Lord,  and  as  it  was  uttered  with 
 great  fervour,  and  the  higheft  exprcflions  of  grief  and  forrow,  it  is  no  wonder 
 that  the  people  were  greatly  moved;  efpecially  to  fee  fuch  a  person  as  Ezra, 
 a  prieft  of  God,  and  a  great  ruler  under  the  king  of  Perfia,  fo  deje<5led,  full 
 of  fear,  confufion  and  aftonilhment,  Ver.  9.  Yet  now  there  is  hope  in  I.ruel  con¬ 
 cerning  this  thing,  in  cafe  of  our  repentance  and  'eformation.  Therefore  let  us 
 not  fur.'ow  as  perfons  without  hope,  nor  fit  down  in  defpair ;  but  let  us  amend 
 our  errors,  trufiing  to  the  tender  mercy  of  our  God,  which  is  above  all  his 
 
 works.  Ver.  3  Let — ns pu  nway  all  ’ h.  wives  He  means  all  the  (Irange  wives, 
 .fuch  marriages  being  unlawful.  The  children  were  to  be  put  :;way  left  they 
 Ihould  corrupt  other  children,  or  get  into  the  .aftedUous  of  tlieir  I'atiiers,  which 
 raiglu  prevail  on  them  to  take  back  their  ijedled  wives.  They  were  call  out  of 
 the  families  and  commonwealth  of  Ifrael,  but  were  not  utterly  fo  Dk.  n  and 
 ruined.  Ver.  6.  oind  when  he  c  me  thither,  he  did  eat  nohre  d.  Or  rather,  Not 
 yet  h  :d  he  eat  bread;  that  is,  not  till  he  came  thither,  from  the  time  he  firll  heard 
 of  the  evil  the  people  had  committed  ;  which  very  probably  was  early  in  hie 
 morning,  and  it  was  now  evening.  Ver,  8,  His  substance  should  be  JarJeded.  Or, 
 de'  oted  to  lacred  ufes,  to  he  put  into  the  treafury  of  the  temple.  Sep-rated  ,rom 
 the  consregalion.  Should  be  excommunicated  fioin  them  as  a  church,  and  he  no 
 more  reckoned  of  the  body  politic,  or  a  freeman  of  If  ail,  and  fo  depiived  <  all 
 
 PRACTICAL  OliSERV’ “vTIONS. — *  Chap.  IX. 1  Alas!  what  imperfedtions  cleave  to  the  church  militant.  Indeed  it  is  airi  to  exp-cl  peif  i-h'  tn* 
 
 The  refurredlion  from  the  dead  lhall  prefeiit  the  redeemed  fociety  without  fpot  before  the  Lord.  The  comfoits  of  the  faints  on  earth  are  quickly  and  f’-i qi  cndv  ein- 
 bittered  with  a  mixture  of  griefs.  How  infatuated  are  many  profeffed  Cbriftians,  who  think  of  no  fin,  no  danger,  in  being  unequally  yoked  together  with  unbclievei's- 
 
fhe  misery  of  Jmi'^alcm. 
 
 ‘29  And  of  the  fons  of  B;ini  ;  Mea^uU^m.  Malluch, 
 and  Adai.<h,  Jafhub,  and  Sheal,  and  Ramoth 
 
 90  And  of  tne  fons  of  Pahath-rnoab  ;  Adna,  and 
 Citelal,  Benaiah,  Maaleiah,  Mattauiah,  Brzaleel,  and 
 
 liinnui’,  and  Manafleh. 
 
 31  And  the  Ions  of  Harim  ;  Eliczer,  llhijah, 
 M  ilctiiah,  Siiema'uih,  Shimeon.^ 
 
 3'2  Benjamin,  Maliuch,  and  S’nen.ariah. 
 
 33  Of  the  fons  of  Hilhum  ;  Matcnai,  Mattathah, 
 Zabad,  Elipheler,  Jeremai,  MOafl^'h,  ^^//^/  Sai  nei. 
 
 34-  Or  the  fons  of  Bxui;  Maadai,  Araram,  and 
 
 Uel, 
 
 NEIIEMIAH. 
 
 Nthcmiah  moiirnelh  :  "is  ‘prayer. 
 
 IK  fore 
 Cnr'ill 
 456. 
 
 3.5  Benaiah,  Bedeiah,  Chelluh, 
 
 36  Vaniah,  Meremoih,  Eliafhd), 
 
 37  Matfaniah,  Mattenai,  anrJ  Jaaf.u, 
 
 38  And  Bini,  and  Binnu',  Shimei, 
 
 39  And  Saelemiah,  and  N  itnan,  and  Adaiah, 
 
 40  II  Machnadebai,  Shafhai,  S  arai, 
 
 41  Azareel,  and  Shclemiah,  Stiemariah, 
 
 42  Shdllum,  Araariah,  atid  Jofeph.  . „ 
 
 43  Of  the  fons  ot  bo  ;  Jeiel,  Mattithiah,  Zabad,  to  tome 
 
 Zebina,  Jjdau,  and  Joel,  Benaiah.  cop.es. 
 
 4t  All  thefe  had  taken  firan;?e  wives  ;  zud  fame  of 
 I  them  had  wives  by  wnom  tney  had  children.* 
 
 U  Or, 
 
 Mibna- 
 dr'  li,  ac« 
 cording 
 
 - rr'-  ,  ;n  Ver  9  The  street  of  the  house  of  God.  This  rxders  of  all  the  cong-eg  lion-and  he  tlderu  By  elders  are  meant  the  fuprema 
 
 privileges  t,,ev  .onhipped  ;  which  was  called  a  II  fenate,  in  every  city,  who  took  cognizance  of  all  c.v.l  caufes  ;  and  by  judges,  the 
 
 fl;:e?lecauL  it  lay  open,*^  not  lurrounded  with^  wall.  Ver.  14.  The  li  officers  of  an  inferior  rank,  by  whom  all  money  matters  were  tr.ed. _ 
 
 "^jpTrrTrTToBSERVATIONS.— *  Chap.  X.1  True  repentance  manifefts  itfelf  by  forlaking  all  known  iniquity.  When  fin  becomes  m  the  fin  tier’s  eye 
 edfn^^n^'uMhl  is  no  ground  for  defpair-,  and  indeed  there  is  hope  through  grac  ,  when  there  is  a  burden  of  the  moft  aggravated  guilt.  But  nothing  lefs  lhau 
 "'lid  nee  nbL  covenant  mfrey  can  reconcile  the  human  heart  to  the  holy  commandments  of  God.  Reformations  bepn  and  earned  on  with  much  fafting  and 
 "  r  and  Ltounce  of  God’s  covenant,  promife  much  profperity  to  the  church  of  God.  When  we  return  to  God  he  wilGetum  to  us  ;  and  pluck  us  as  brands  out  of 
 CVu’rniiig  T^y  who  have  the  caufe  of  God  at  heart,  fpare  neither  time  nor  pains  to  ferve  it;  and  they  ^hall  not  lofe  their  reward  :  they  rtiay  not  receive  that 
 rounte  iTnce  and  fuppoit  from  their  hrelhren  wl.-ich  they  had  reafon  to  expefl,  hut  God  will  affift,  profper  and  hlefs  them.  How  (hameful  is  .t  to  find  the  priefts. 
 wbol'e  m^.ia^es,  for  their  honour  and  happinefs,  were  pi  cnliarly  reftridled  by  God,  ring-leaders  in  unhallowed  cont^aions  with  heathen  women  !  It  was  however 
 hiahlv  comme°ndahle  in  them  to  prove  at  lafi  patterns  of  repentance  and  reformation.  Alas'  that  fo  few  miniaers  of  the  fanauary  are  difpoled  to  imUate  that  part 
 o/theircoiiduel  which  is  praife-worthy  ;  but  rather  endeavour  by  every  poflible  lliift  to  extenuate,  excufe,  if  not  defend,  their  own  error  and  wickednefs;  furely 
 fliaine  and  confufion  lliail  yet  cover  them.  May  their  example  he  deleftcd  and  avoided  by  aii  who  name  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jefus,  who  gave  hunfelf  for  hi» 
 people,  that  he  might  redeem  them  to  himfelf  from  all  iniquity,  and  purify  them  to  himfelf,  a  peculiar  people  zealous  of  good  works. 
 
 THE  BOOK  OF 
 
 N  E  H  E  M  I  A  H. 
 
 THE  ARGUMENT. 
 
 2iie  book  o/'Neliemiah  is  a  continuation  of  the  history  of  the  state  of  the  jetes  after  their  return  from  the  Babylo¬ 
 nish  captivity.  Isehcmiah  made  tvoo  journies  into  Judea  by  the  permission  oj  Artaxerxes  Longimanus,  king  of 
 Persia.  I  he first  was  in  the  twentieth  year  of  that  prince  s  reign,  thirteen  years  a.fter  Ezra's  journey  ;  and  the 
 second  about  twelve  years  ajta'.  He  went  there  in  quality  of  governor  oj  the  Jews,  to  rebuild  the  city  of  Je. 
 rusalern,  and  to  establish  good  order  therein.  In  all  his  conduct  he  shewed  great  zeal  for  God,  and  at  the  same 
 time  nnich  jirudence,  resolution,  and  confidence  in  the  Divine  Being.  Magistrates  should  read  and  meditate  on 
 this  book  with  great  attention,  and  improve  by  the  noble  examples  of  piety  and  wisdom  contained  in  it. 
 
 Before 
 
 Clirift 
 
 446. 
 
 CHAP.  I. 
 
 1  Neheminh  understanding  by  Hanani  the  misery  of  Jerusalem,  mourn- 
 eth,  fasteth,  and  prayeth  ;  5  his  prayer. 
 
 ^I'^HE  words  of  Neheraiah  the  fon  of  Harbaliah. 
 
 And  it  came  to  pal's  in  the  month  Chill  u,  in 
 the  twentieth  year,  as  I  was  in  Shulh.in  the  palace, 
 
 “  2  Tliat  Hanani,  one  of  my  brethren,  came,  he  and 
 
 certain  men  ol  Judah ;  and  I  alked  them  concerning 
 the  Jews  that  had  elcaped,  wbicn  were  left  of  tnecap- 
 tivity,  and  concerning  lerufalem. 
 
 3  And  they  fai  l  unto  me,  Tne  remnant  that  are  left 
 of  the  cap.ivity  there  in  the  province  ate  in  great 
 
 a2Kingsaffl  iffion  and  reproach  ;  the  wall  of  lerufalem  alio  » 
 25.10.  btoicen  down,  and  the  gates  thereof  are  burnt  with 
 fire. 
 
 4  %  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  1  heard  tbefe  words, 
 that  I  fat  down  and  wept,  and  mourned  certain  days, 
 and  fatted,  and  prayed  before  the  God  ot  neaven, 
 
 5  And  faid,  I  br leech  thee,  ^  O  Lord  God  ol 
 
 446. 
 
 b  Dan. 
 9.4. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  I.  Ver.  5.  0  Lord  God  of  heaven.  This 
 was  the  llyle  in  which  th.  y  meiitionid  God  after  the  captivity,  and  fignifies  Ids 
 fovereign  douiinioD  over  ail  things.  Ver.  9.  But  ij  ye  turn  unto  me  and  keep  my 
 
 heaven,  the  great  and  terrible  God,  that  keepeth  Before 
 covenant  and  mercy  for  them  that  love  him,  and  ob- 
 ferve  his  commandments  : 
 
 6  Let  tnine  ear  now  be  attentive,  and  thine  eyes 
 open,  that  thou  mayeft  hear  tne  prayer  ot  thy  Itr- 
 vant,  which  I  pray  before  thee  now,  day  and  night, 
 for  the  children  of  Ifrael  tny  fervants,  and  confefs  the 
 fins  of  the  children  of  Ifrael,  which  we  have  finned 
 againft  thee :  both  I  and  my  father’s  houfe  have 
 finned. 
 
 7  We  have  dealt  very  corruptly  againft  thee,  and 
 have  not  kept  the  comn  andments,  nor  the  ftatutes, 
 nor  the  judgments,  which  thou  commandedft  thy  I'er- 
 vant  Mofes. 
 
 8  Recrember,  1  befeech  thee,  the  word  that  thou 
 commandedft  ihv  fervant  Mofes.  faying,  If  ye  tranf- c  Deuter. 
 gr  fs.  I  will  Icatter  you  abroad  among  the  nations.  25, &c. 
 
 I  9  But  if  ye  turn  unto  me,  and  keep  my  command- jq. 
 .ments,  and  do  them,  though  there  were  of  you  caftso.  4!" "" 
 
 commandments.  Nihemiah  framed  t'  is  pr  yer  unto  God,  and  direiHed  his  euter- 
 pnfe  tuf  the  retoriiialion  of  the  Jews,  by  the  rule  laid  down  by  .Moles  in  Deut. 
 i  xxs.  2,  and  bad  the  pleafure  of  fiudng  that  preiiiaiwn  fully  anlwered,  by  the 
 
.^daxerxcs,  understanding  Xe/iemia/ds  sadness, 
 
 NEHEMIAH. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrill 
 
 446. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 wife. 
 
 .  ID 
 
 or  Artaxerxes  the  king, 
 and  I  took  up  the  wine, 
 Now  I  had  not  been  be- 
 
 out  unto  the  uttermoft  part  of  the  heaven,  yet  will  I 
 gather  them  from  thence,  and  will  bring  them  unto 
 the  P-ace  that  I  have  chofen  to  fet  my  name  there. 
 
 10  Now  thefe  are  thy  lervants  and  thy  people, 
 
 whom  thou  hall  redeemed  by  thy  great  power,  and 
 by  thy  ftrong  hand.  ^  & 
 
 11  O  Lord,  I  befeech  thee,  let  now  thine  ear  be 
 attentive  to  the  prayer  of  thv  fervant,  and  to  the 
 prayer  of  thy  fervants,  who  defire  to  fear  thy  name  ; 
 and  profper,  I  pray  thee,  thy  fervant  this  day,  and 
 grant  him  mercy  in  the  fight  of  this  man.  For  I  was 
 the  king’s  cup-bearer.* 
 
 CHAP.  II. 
 
 Ariixerxes,  underjlantling  the  enufe  of  Kehemiah's  Jhdness,  sendeth  him 
 with  letters  and  a  comiitij/ion  to  Jerujalem. 
 
 And  it  came  to  pals  in  the  month  Nifan, 
 the  twentieth  year 
 that  wine  was  before  him  ; 
 and  pve  it  unto  the  king. 
 foretime  fad  in  his  prefence. 
 
 2  Wherefore  the  king  laid  unto  me,  Why  is  thy 
 countenance  fad,  feeing  thou  art  not  Tick  ?  this  is  no¬ 
 thing  bin  forrow  of  heart.  Then  I  was  very  fore 
 afraid. 
 
 3  And  faid  unto  the  king.  Let  the  king  live  for 
 ever:  vvhy  fhould  not  my  countenance  be  fad,  when 
 the  city,  the  place  of  my  father’s  fepulchres  Ikth 
 wafte,  and  the  gates  thereof  areconfumed  with  fire  ? 
 
 4  Then  the  king  faid  unto  me.  For  what  doft  thou 
 make  requeft  ?  So  I  prayed  to  the  God  of  heaven. 
 
 5  And  I  faid  unto  the  king,  If  it  pleafe  the  king, 
 and  if  thy  fervant  have  found  favour  in  thy  fight,  that 
 thou  w’ouldelt  fend  me  unto  Judah,  unto  the  city  of 
 ray  fathers’  fepulchres,  that  I  may  build  it. 
 
 6  And  the  king  faid  unto  me,  (the  f  queen  alfo 
 fitting  by  him,)  For  how  long  lhall  thy  journey  be? 
 and  when  wilt  thou  return?  So  it  pleafed  the  king  to 
 fend  me  ;  and  I  fet  him  a  time. 
 
 _  7  Moreover  I  faid  unto  the  king.  If  it  pleafe  the 
 king,  1st  letters  be  given  me  to  the  governors  beyond 
 the  river,  that  they  may  convey  me  over,  till  I  come 
 into  Judah  ; 
 
 8  And  a  letter  unto  Afaph  the  keeper  of  the  king’s 
 foreft,  that  he  may  give  me  timber  to  make  beams 
 for  the  gates  of  the  palace  which  appertained  to  the 
 houfe,  and  for  the  wall  of  the  city,  and  for  the  houfe 
 
 saideth  him  'with  letters  to  Jeru 
 
 Rof, 
 
 Cl 
 
 fore 
 
 that  I  lhall  enter  into.  And  the  king  granted  me 
 according  to  the  good  hand  of  ray  God  upon  me. 
 
 9  II  Then  I  came  to  the  governors  beyond  the  river 
 and  gave  them  the  king’s  letters.  (Now  the  king  had 
 lent  captains  of  the  army  and  hori'emen  with  me ) 
 
 JO  When  Sanballat  the  Horonite,  and  Tobiah  the 
 lervant,  the  Ammonite,  heard  of  it,  it  grieved  them 
 excceedingly  that  there  was  come  a  man  to  leek  the 
 welfare  of  the  children  of  Ifrael. 
 
 1 1  So  I  came  to  Jerufalem,  and  was  there  three 
 days. 
 
 12  5[  And  I  arofe  in  the  night,  I  and  feme  few  men 
 
 with  me 
 
 had 
 
 neither  told  I  any  man  what  my  God 
 my  heart  to  do  at  Jerufalem  ;  neither  was 
 any  bealt  with  me,  lave  the  beall  that  I  rode 
 
 I  put  in 
 there 
 upon 
 
 13  And  I  went  out  by  night,  by  the  gate  of  the 
 valley,  even  before  the  dragon-well,  and  to  the  dung- 
 port,  and  viewed  the  walls  of  Jerulalem,  which  were 
 broken  down,  and  the  gates  thereof  were  conlumed 
 with  fire. 
 
 14  Then  I  went  on  to  the  gate  of  the  fountain,  and 
 to  the  king’s  pool :  but  there  was  no  place  for  the 
 bead  that  was  under  me  to  pafs, 
 
 15  1  hen  went  I  up  in  the  night  by  the  brook,  and 
 viewed  the  wall,  and  turned  back,  and  entered  by  the 
 gate  of  the  valley,  and  so  returned. 
 
 16  And  the  rulers  knew  not  whither  I  went,  or 
 what  I  did  ;  neither  had  I  as  vet  told  it  to  the  Jews, 
 nor  to  the  priefts,  nor  to  the  nobles,  nor  to  the  rulers, 
 nor  to  the  reft  that  did  the  work. 
 
 17  HI  hen  laid  I  unto  them.  Ye  fee  thediftrefs  that 
 we  are  in.  how  Jerufalem  lieth  wafte,  and  the  gates 
 
 thereof  are  burnt  with  fire :  come,  and  let  us  build 
 up  the  wall  of  Jerufalem,  that  we  be  no  more  a  re¬ 
 proach. 
 
 [18  Then  I  told  them  of  the  hand  of  ray  God  which 
 was  good  upon  me ;  as  allb  the  king’s  words  that  he 
 had  Ipoken  unto  me.  And  they  faid.  Let  us  rife  up 
 and  build.  So  they  ftrengthened  their  hands  for  this 
 good  work. 
 
 19  But  when  Sanballat  the  Horonite,  and  Tobiah 
 the  fervant,  the  Ammonite,  and  Gelhem  the  Arabian, 
 heard  2/,  they  laughed  us  to  fcorn,  and  defpifed  us, 
 and  faid,  VvT'hat  is  this  thing  that  ye  do  ?  will  ye  rebel 
 againft  the  king? 
 
 rcadinefs  of  the  king  of  Perfia  to  grant  his  petition.  Ver.  II.  I  was  the  king’s 
 cup  bearer.  This  was  a  pod  of  great  honour  and  profit  in  the  Perfian  court:  of 
 great  honour,  becaufe  of  the  privilege  of  being  daily  in  the  king’s  prefence;  and 
 confequently,  of  gaining  his  favour  for  obtaining  any  petition  he  (hould  think  fit  j 
 to  alk.  And  that  it  w-as  a  place  of  great  profit,  is  evident  becaufe  Nehemiah  had  | 
 gained  fuch  imnaenfe  riches,  that  he  was  enabled  to  fupport  the  charges  attending  i 
 his  government  without  laying  any  burden  on  the  people. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  II.  Ver.  1.  In  the  month  Hisan.  Part 
 of  March  and  April.  This  was  almoft  four  months  after  he  was  informed  of  the 
 deplorable  date  of  Jerufalem  ;  and  the  reafon  why  he  did  not  make  this  petition 
 before  might  he,  becaufe  his  turn  of  waiting  did  not  come  fooner.  Ver.  3.  The 
 city,  the  jdace  61  my  lather's  scjiulchres,  lieth  wajle.  It  is  very  natural  for  men  to 
 have  a  regard  for  the  fepulchres  of  their  ancedors,  and  to  be  troubled  at  feeing  the 
 places  where  their  aflies  are  depofited,  laid  wade.  Ver.  4.  In  this  verfe  we  have 
 a  very  remarkable  indance  of  the  fuccefs  which  has  attended  ejaculatory  prayer. 
 Nehemiah  dands  before  the  king  apprehenfive  of  his  fovereign’s  difpleafure,  yet 
 defirous  to  folicit  him  in  behalf  of  Jerufalem.  To  be  delivered  from  his  fears, 
 and  to  obtain  bis  defines,  he  does  not  recur  to  the  mean  and  fervile  arts  of  flat¬ 
 tery,  but  to  the  manly  and  devout  expedient  of  prayer.  I  prayed,  fays  the  pa-  } 
 
 triot,  to  the  God  of  heaven.  Ver.  6.  The  queen  also  silting  by  him.  This  is  heie 
 noted  partly  as  an  unufual  thing;  for  commonly  the  kings  of  Perfia  dined  alone, 
 and  their  queens  leldom  ate  with  them  ;  and  partly  becaufe  the  queen  (fuppofed 
 j  to  have  been  Edher)  expreffed  foine  kindnefs  to  him  ;  and  promoted  his  requell; 
 I  with  the  king.  I  Jet  him  a  time.  Either  that  twelve  years  mentioned,  chap.  v. 
 1  4.  and  xiii.  6.  or  rather  a  fliorter  time.  Ver.  8.  The  kings  forejl.  The  forell  of 
 Libanus,  famous  for  plenty  of  choice  trees,  whence  he  might  be  furnidied  with 
 materials  for  building.  Ver,  10.  Sanballat  the  Horonite,  This  perfon  was  pro¬ 
 bably  a  petty  prince  of  Moab;  for  Horonaim  was  an  eminent  city  in  that  coun- 
 dy,  ^Ifa.  XV.  5.  Tobiah  the  fervant,  the  Ammonite.  So  called,  probably,  from  bis 
 original  fervile  condition,  from  which  he  w'as  advanced  to  bis  prefent  power  and 
 dignity  ;  which  alfo  may  be  mentioned  as  one  reafon  why  he  now  carried  him- 
 felf  fo  infolently  and  perverfely  toward  the  Jews,  it  being  ufual  for  perfoiis 
 fuddenly  raifed  from  a  mean  to  a  high  degree,  to  demean  therafelves  with  all  the 
 fupercilious  airs  of  the  highefl;  pride.  Ver.  20.  We  his  servants  uidl  arise  and 
 build;  but  you  have  no  portion,  nor  right,  nor  memorial  in  Jerufalem.  You  have 
 no  part  either  in  the  labour  or  the  merit  of  it ;  for  you  are  not  of  our  religion,  and 
 therefore  have  nothing  to  do  with  us,  or  the  works  which  we  are  going  to  ere<3. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSER\  ATIONS. — *  Chap.  I.]  The  moll  diftinguifhed  fervants  of  God  are  often  found  where  we  would  leaft  expedl  them  ;  the  courts  of 
 heathen  princes  not  excepted.  And  no  place  or  Ration  can  make  fuch  carelefs  about  the  honour  of  God  or  Iiis  church.  The  poverty  or  perfecution  which  difeourages 
 others,  awakens  their  concern  and  animates  their  zeal.  It  is  great  relief  for  a  forrowful  fpirit  to  pour  out  its  complaints  into  the  hofom  of  his  compaflionate  and  al¬ 
 mighty  God.  And  tliey  who  have  the  Lord  for  their  help  ought  never  to  view  their  cafe  however  diftrefilng,  as  entirely  defperate.  If  be  pour  on  us  the  fpirit  of 
 grace  aHd  fupplication,  he  will  certainly  anfwer  thofe  prayers  which  he  hath  difpolbd  us  to  pour  out  before  him. 
 
The  names  and  order  of  them 
 
 NEHEMIAH. 
 
 that  Inlldid  the 
 
 .(■•it. 
 
 515. 
 
 a  Jerem 
 31.  38. 
 
 tion, 
 
 Ucfore  20  Then  anfwered  I  them,  and  faid  unto  them, 
 Chrid  Qoj  of  heaven,  he  will  profper  us  ;  therefore  we 
 his  fervants  will  arife  and  build  :  but  ye  have  no  por- 
 nor  right,  nor  memorial,  in  Jerufalem.* 
 
 CHAP.  III. 
 
 The  names  and  order  of  them  that  builded  the  wall. 
 
 EliaChib  the  high  prieit  rofe  up,  w'ith  his 
 X  brethren  the  priefts,  and  they  builded  the  Iheep- 
 gate :  they  fanftified  it,  and  fet  up  the  doors  of  it ; 
 even  unto  the  tower  of  Meah  they  fanftified  it,  unto 
 the  tower  of  *  Hananeel. 
 
 2  And  t  next  unto  him  builded  the  men  of  Jericho, 
 t  Heb.  a/^nd  next  to  them  builded  Zaccur  the  fon  of  Imri. 
 ns  lan  .  ^  fifh-gate  did  the  fons  of  Haffenaah  build, 
 
 who  also  laid  the  beams  thereof,  and  fet  up  the 
 doors  thereof,  the  locks  thereof,  and  the  bars 
 thereof. 
 
 4  And  next  unto  them  repaired  Meremoth  the  fon 
 of  Urijah,  the  fon  of  Koz.  And  next  unto  them  re¬ 
 paired  Melhullam  the  fon  of  Berechiah,  the  fon  of 
 Melhezabeel.  And  next  unto  them  repaired  Zaduk 
 the  fon  of  Baana. 
 
 5  And  next  unto  them  the  Tekoites  repaired  ;  but 
 their  nobles  put  not  their  necks  to  the  work  of  their 
 Lord. 
 
 6  Moreover,  the  old  gate  repaired  Jehoiada  the  fon 
 of  Pafeah,  and  Melhullam  the  fon  of  Befodeiah  :  they 
 laid  the  beams  thereof,  and  fet  up  the  doors  thereof, 
 and  the  locks  thereof,  and  the  bars  thereof. 
 
 7  And  next  unto  them  repaired  Melatiah  the  Gi- 
 beonite,  and  Jadon  the  Meronothite,  the  men  of  Gi- 
 beon  and  of  Mizpah,  unto  the  throne  of  the  gover¬ 
 nor  on  this  fide  the  river. 
 
 8  Next  unto  him  repaired  Uzziel  the  fon  of  Har- 
 haiah,  of  the  goldfmiths.  Next  unto  him  alfo  repaired 
 Hanani^ah  the  (bn  of  one  ^the  apothecaries ;  and  they 
 11  fortified  Jerufalem  unto  the  broad  wall. 
 
 9  And  next  unto  them  repaired  Rephaiah  the  fon 
 of  Hur,  the  ruler  of  the  half-part  of  Jerufalem. 
 
 10  And  next  unto  them  repaired  Jedaiah  the  fon  of 
 Harumaph,  even  over  againft  his  houfe.  And  next 
 unto  him  repaired  Hattu(h  the  fon  of  Hadiabniah. 
 
 1 1  Malchijah  the  fon  of  Harim,  and  Halhub  the 
 fon  of  iPahath-moab,  repaired  the  f  other  piece,  and 
 the  tower  of  the  furnaces. 
 
 12  And  next  unto  him  repaired  Shallnm  the  fon  of 
 Halohefh,  the  ruler  of  the  half-part  of  Jerufalem,  he 
 and  his  daughters. 
 
 13  The  valley  gate  repaired  Hanun,  and  the  inha¬ 
 bitants  of  Zanoah ;  they  built  it,  and  let  up  the  doors 
 thereof,  the  locks  thereof,  and  the  bars  thereof,  and 
 a  thoufand  cubits  on  the  wall  unto  the  dung-gate. 
 
 14  But  the  dung  gate  repaired  Malchiah  the  fon 
 of  Rechab,  the  ruler  of  part  of  Beth-haccerem  ;  he 
 built  it,  and  fet  up  the  doors  thereof,  the  locks  there¬ 
 of,  and  the  bars  thereof. 
 
 15  But  the  gate  of  the  fountain  repaired  Shallum 
 the  fon  of  Col-hozeh,  the  ruler  of  part  of  M  zpah  ; 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES 
 
 pri^  rose  vp  with  his  breUnen-  He  now  Ihews  by  wboin  the  wall  was  repaired, 
 and  the  gates  again  fet  up,  which  the  Babylonians  had  burnt  with  lire  when  they 
 took  Jerufalem.  Elialhib,  the  grandchild  of  Jefluia  the  high  pried,  gave  a 
 noble  example,  in  being  the  firft  in  building  the  wall  of  the  city  whicli  was  bro¬ 
 
 il  Or, 
 left  Jeru- 
 salemunto 
 the  broad 
 wall. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 second 
 
 measure. 
 
 he  built  it,  and  covered  it,  and  fet  up  the  doors  there-  i^efor^ 
 of,  the  locks  thereof,  and  the  bars  thtreof,  and  tee 
 wall  of  the  pool  of’  Siloah  bv  the  king’s  garden,  and 
 unto  the  (fairs  that  go  down  from  the  riiy  i  D.ivid.  bjoim 
 
 16  After  him  repaired  Neh^^miah  the  ('  U  d  .bz'juk,'^-  "• 
 the  ruler  of  the  half-part  of  B^th-zur,  unro  the 
 
 over  againft  the  fepulchr  -s  of  David,  and  to  the  '  poof  •' 
 that  was  made,  and  unto  the  houfe  of  the  mighty.  ' 
 
 17  And  after  him  repaired  the  Lt  vit  .,  Ri  hutu  the 
 fon  of  Bani  ;  next  unto  him  repaired  Ilifhabiah,  tne 
 ruler  of  the  half-part  of  Keilah,  in  his  parr. 
 
 18  After  him  repaired  their  brethren,  Bavai  the  fon 
 of  Henadad,  the  ruler  of  the  half-part  ol  Keilah. 
 
 19  And  next  to  him  repaired  Ezer  the  fon  of  Je- 
 ;  (hua,  the  ruler  of  Mizpah,  another  piece,  over  aguinlt 
 
 the  going  up  to  the  armoury,  at  the  turning  uj  the 
 xcall. 
 
 20  After  him  Baruch  the  fon  of  1|  Zabbai  earneRlyf 
 repaired  the  other  piece,  from  the  turning  uJ  the  -duU 
 unto  the  door  of  the  houle  of  Eliafhib  the  high 
 pried. 
 
 21  After  him  repaired  Meremoth  the  fon  of  Urijah, 
 the  fon  of  K  z,  another  piece,  from  the  door  of  the 
 houfe  of  Eliafhib,  even  to  the  enJ  of  the  houfe  of 
 Eliafhib. 
 
 22  And  after  him  repaired  the  prieds,  the  men  of 
 the  p'ain. 
 
 23  After  him  repaired  Benjamin  and  Hafhub,  over 
 againd  their  houfe.  After  him  repaired  Azariah  the 
 fon  of  Maafeiah',  the  fon  of  Ananiah,  by  his  houfe. 
 
 24  After  him  repaired  Binnui  the  fon  of  Henadad, 
 another  piece,  from  the  houfe  of  Azariah  unto  the 
 turning  of  the  -diall,  even  unto  the  corner. 
 
 25  Pdlal  the  fon  of  Uzzai,  over  againd  the  turning 
 of  the  xvall,  and  the  tower  which  lieth  out  from  the 
 king’s  high  houfe,  that  was  by  the  ^  court  of  the  pri-d  Jei^na. 
 fon.  After  him  Pedaiah  the  fon  of  Parofh. 
 
 26  Moreover,  the  Nethinims  dwelt  in'  1|  Ophel,  e  2  chro. 
 unto  the  place  over  againd  the  water-gate  toward  the^"' 
 ead,  and  the  low'er  that  lieth  out. 
 
 27  After  them  the  Tekoites  repaired  another  piece, 
 over  againd  the  great  tower  that  lieth  our,  even  unto 
 the  w'all  of  Ophel. 
 
 28  From  above  the  horfe-gate  repaired  the  prieds, 
 every  one  over  againd  his  houfe. 
 
 29  After  them  repaired  Zadok  the  fon  of  Immer, 
 over  againd  his  houfe.  After  him  repaired  alfo  She- 
 maiah  the  fon  of  bhechaniah,  the  keeper  of  the  ead 
 gate. 
 
 30  After  him  repaired  Hananiah  the  fon  of  Shele- 
 miah,  and  Hanun,  the  fixth  fon  of  Zalaph,  another 
 piece.  After  him  repaired  Mefhullam  the  fon  of  Be¬ 
 rechiah  over  againd  his  chamber. 
 
 31  After  him  repaired  Malchiah  the"  goldfmith’s 
 i  fon,  unto  the  place  of  the  Nethinims,  and  of  the  mer¬ 
 chants,  over  againd  the  gate  iMiphkad,  and  to  the 
 
 going  up  of  the  corner.  H 
 
 32  And  between  the  going  up  of  Ue  corner  untOewL-. 
 
 ken  down.  Ver.  5.  Their  nobles  jiut  not  their  neclcs  to  the  work  of  their  Lord. 
 
 I  Ihey  were  very  negligent,  not  caring  whether  the  work  was  performed  or  not 
 I  1  he  exprenion,  their  Lor.;  probably  fignifies  God  himfelf,  by  whofe  coma  and  the 
 '  City  was  rebuilt. 
 
 of  God^  The  or  o,,',  07,1:1 
 
 Many  will  generally  aflift  one  that  is  undaunted,  Uiiu 
 
 ^0 .  30.i«,6d.  6  B 
 
 fail 
 
 zealous,  and  peiievtiing. 
 
 •  ravf  r  e 
 
 ■:  pious  ejaculations  to  God  ;  and  the  prayer  of  fuiih  Ihall  never 
 
Xthi'})!:ah  jir.iycth 
 
 NEHEMIAH. 
 
 B 
 
 I  Heb. 
 leave  to 
 themtelves 
 
 t  Heb. 
 despite. 
 
 the  fheep-gate  repaired  the  goldfmiths  and  the  mer¬ 
 chants.’* 
 
 CHAP.  IV. 
 
 1  irhilc'  the  enemies  scoff,  Nehemiah  prayeth  "  he  scttelh  a  watch. 
 
 IJT  it  came  to  pais,  that  when  Sanballat  heard 
 ,  that  we  builded  the  W'all,  he  was  wroth,  and 
 took  great  indignation  and  mocked  the  Jews. 
 
 2  And  he  i'pake  before  his  brethren,  and  the  army 
 of  Samaria,  and  faid,  What  do  thefe  feeble  Jews  :  will 
 they  t  fortify  themfelves  ?  will  they  facrifice  ?  will 
 they  make  an  end  in  a  day?  will  they  revive  the 
 ftones  out  ot  the  heaps  ol  the  rubbilh  which  are 
 
 burnt  ?  .  j  L 
 
 3  Now  Tobiah  the  Ammonite  rcas  by  him  ;  and  he 
 faid.  Even  that  which  they  build,  if  a  fox  go  up,  he 
 mail  even  break  down  their  ftone  wall. 
 
 4  Hear,  O  our  God  :  for  we  are  f  defpifed ;  and 
 turn  their  reproach  upon  their  own  head,  and  give 
 them  for  a  prey  in  the  land  of  captivity  ; 
 
 5  And  cover  not  their  iniquity,  and  let  not  their  fin 
 be  blotted  out  from  before  thee:  for  they  have  pro¬ 
 voked  t/ice  to  anger  before  the  builders. 
 
 6  So  built  we  the  wall ;  and  all  the  wall  was  joined 
 together  unto  the  half  thereof :  for  the  people  had  a 
 mind  to  work, 
 
 7  f  But  it  came  to  pafs,  that  when  Sanballat,  and 
 Tobiah,  and  the  Arabians,  and  the  Ammonites,  and 
 the  Afhdodites,  heard  that  the  walls  of  Jerufalem 
 t  were  made  up,  and  that  the  breaches  began  to  be 
 flopped,  then  they  were  very  wroth, 
 
 8  And  confpired  all  of  them  together  to  come  a?id 
 
 ■f  Heb.  to  fight  againfi  Jerulalem,  and  t  to  hinder  it. 
 lomokean  g  Noverthelefs  we  made  our  prayer  unto  our  God. 
 enoTioU.  2^^  ^  watch  agaloft  them  day  and  night,  becaule 
 
 lO^And  Judah  faid,  The  ftrength  of  the  bearers  of 
 burdens  is  decayed,  and  there  is  much  rubbifh  ;  lo  that 
 we  are  not  able  to  build  the  wall.^ 
 
 1 1  And  our  adverfaries  faid,  I  hey  fhall  not  know’, 
 neither  fee,  till  vve  come  in  the  midfl  among  them,  and 
 flay  them,  and  caufe  the  work  to  ceafe. 
 
 12  And  it  came  to  pafs,  that  when  the  Jews  which 
 dwelt  bv  them  came,  they  faid  unto  us  ten  times,  li 
 
 He  setlcth  a  •watch, 
 
 1  Be  not  ye  afraid  of  them  :  remember  the  Lord  which 
 
 fHeb. 
 
 ascended. 
 
 frfj’rornFmm  ali  places,  whence  ye  (hall  return  unto  us,  ihe^ 
 
 all  phices  Ijg  li  on  you.  '  .  ,  ,  ,  U  u:..A 
 
 yemusire-  ]  3  1  perefore  fet  I  t  to  ff®  lower  places  behind 
 
 the  aud  on  the  higher  places,  1  even  fet  the 
 
 people  aft.r  their  families,  with  their  fwords,  their 
 (pears,  and  their  bows. 
 
 14  And  I  looked,  and  rofe  up,  and  faid  unto  t 
 nobles,  and  to  the  rulers,  and  to  the  red  of  the  peop.e, 
 
 4  Heb. 
 Jroni  the 
 
 litwer 
 
 parts  of 
 the  earth 
 fc. 
 
 rs  great  and  terrible,  and  fight  tor  your  brethren,  your 
 
 Clirist 
 
 445. 
 
 -y-W 
 
 Ions  and  your  daughters,  your  wives  and  your 
 houfes. 
 
 13  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  our  enemies  heard 
 that  it  was  known  unto  us,  and  God  had  brought 
 their  couuiel  to  nought,  that  we  returned  all  of  us  to 
 the  wall,  every  one  unto  his  work. 
 
 16  And  it  came  to  pafs,  from  mat  time  forth,  that 
 the  half  of  my  fervants  wrought  in  the  work,  and  the 
 other  half  of  them  held  both  the  fpears,  the  fiiields, 
 and  the  bows,  and  the  habergeons ;  and  the  rulers 
 were  behind  all  the  houle  of  Judah. 
 
 17  They  which  builded  on  the  wall,  and  they  that 
 bare  burdens,  with  thofe  that  laded,  evert/  one  wiih 
 one  of  his  hands  .wrought  in  the  works,  and  with  the 
 other  hand  held  a  weapon, 
 
 18  For  the  builders,  every  one  had  his  (word  gird- 
 
 ed  t  by  his  fide,  and  so  builded  :  and  he  that  founded  t  Heb. 
 the  trumpet  was  by  me. 
 
 19  f  And  i  laid  unto  the  nobles,  and  to  the  rulers, 
 and  to  the  reft  of  the  people.  The  work  is  great  and 
 large,  and  we  are  feparated  upon  the  wall,  one  far 
 from  another  : 
 
 20  In  wnat  place  therejore  \e  hear  the  found  of  the 
 trumpet,  relbrt  ye  thither  unto  us  :  our  God  fhall 
 fight  for  us. 
 
 21  So  we  laboured  in  the  work  ;  and  half  of  them 
 held  the  fpears  from  the  lifing  of  the  morning  till  the 
 liars  appeared. 
 
 22  Likewile  at  the  fame  time  faid  I  unto  the  people, 
 
 L‘"t  every  one  with  his  lervanr  lodge  within  Jerula- 
 lv;m,  that  in  the  night  they  may  be  a  guard  to  us,  and 
 labour  on  the  day.  „  H 
 
 23  So  neither  I,  nor  my  brethren,  nor  my  Servants, 
 
 nor  the  men  of  the  guard  which  followed  me,  notl^  /jis  uien- 
 if  us  put  oft'  our  clothes,  11  saving  that  every  one  put  pom  JOT 
 them  off  for  wafhing.f 
 
 CHAP.  V. 
 
 1  The  Jews  complain  of  their  debts,  mortgage,  and  bondage.  6  Nehe- 
 
 miah  amseth  rejHlution;  14  he  Jorbeareth  his  otvn  allowance,  and 
 
 keepeth  hcspitulity, 
 
 ND  there  was  a  great  cry  of  the  people,  and  of 
 their  wives,  againfl  their  brethren  the  Jews. 
 
 2  For  there  were  that  laid,  We,  our  fons,  and  our 
 daughters,  are  many  :  therefore  we  take  up  corn /or 
 them  that  we  may  eat,  and  live.  ^ 
 
 3  Same  alfo  there  were  that  laid.  We  have  mortgag¬ 
 ed  our  lands,  vineyards,  and  houfes,  that  we  might 
 buy  corn,  becaufe  of  the  dearth. 
 
 4  There  were  alfo  that  faid.  We  have  borrowed 
 
 EXPI  4NATOKy  NOTES.  Chap.  IV.  Ver.  2.  WUl  they  make  an  end 
 ■  Reuons  l.ad  been  fpiead  that  Co  many  of  them  were  at  woik,  as  if 
 
 ’they  infended  trbuild  the  wall,  keep  a  feaft,  not  the  firft 
 
 herfce  he  takes  occafion  to  ridicule  their  foolith  diligence.  g.  ^  ^ 
 
 Which  he  feared.  Ver.  5.  Cove,  no,  their  inn,uity  ;  p^irit  of 
 
 ed,  and  let  it  not  be  pardoned.  Tins  was  Ipoken,  not  from  a  'f 
 
 revenge,  but  from  a  zeal  for  the  glory  of  Cod.  and  bis  juR.ce,  not  a»  a  mere 
 b..  ..  .  propbec,  bf  .  h.t  would  b.  ,b.  o‘  D--*  f 
 
 petitions  in  the  Pfalms.  And  for  this  there  was  a  good  foundation 
 
 fince  God 
 
 bad  threatened  the  Moabites  and  Ammonites  with  utter  deftruaion.  Ver.  17. 
 Invert,  one  with  one  of  his  hands  wrought  in  the  work,  and  with  the  other  hand  heli 
 a  weapon.  This  is  a  figurative  fpeech,  and  fignifies.  that  they  were  prepared 
 either  to  build  or  fight;  it  being  impolTible  for  them  to  work,  if  both  their  hands 
 had  not  been  at  liberty. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  V.  Ver.  1—3.  The  poor  made  grie- 
 vous  complaints  againft  the  rich,  for  taking  the  advantage  of  their  neceflities, 
 and  exaaing  ufur'y.  This  oppreffion  reduced  them  fo  low,  that  they  were 
 obliged  to  mortgage  their  lands  and  houfes.  an^  even  to  fell  their  cl.ildren  to 
 enable  them  to  buy  bread  for  their  fupport.  Not  long  before  this  there  had 
 
 _  ,  TT^^TT^the  church  of  Ccd  when  her  minifters  are  forward  in  every  good  work,  and  when 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  HI.]  on  God.  When  the  work  is  the  Lord’s  we  cannot  be  too  zealoufly  afF^3ed; 
 
 they  undertake  and  go  through  their  work  with  much  lolemn  P’’  ^  ^o  one  is  too  little  to  be  ufeUfs  ;  and  no  one  is  too  high  to  be  above  .t.  We  are 
 
 and  every  perfon.  if  his  foul  is  heartily  devoted  to  it  may  oo  redeemed  us  to  himfelf  and  of  him  are  all  good  things  :  let  us  therefore  ftudy  to 
 
 •  *  1  . 11  -  whicli  tiiiVc  our  o»»**  • 
 
 not  our  ow  n,  nor  tan  we  properly  call  any  thing  r  «■  c 
 
NEHEMIAII. 
 
 ^ehcniiah  causeth  restitution  (jf  debts,  S^c. 
 
 Before  money  for  the  king’s  tribute,  and  that  upon  our  lands 
 chrift  vineyards:  „  „  ^  t  l 
 
 5  Yet  now  our  flesh  is  as  the  flefh  of  our  brethren, 
 our  children  as  their  children  ;  and,  lo,  we  bring  into 
 bondage  our  fons  and  our  daughters  to  be  fervants. 
 and  some  of  our  daughters  are  brought  into  bondage 
 already :  neither  is  it  in  our  power  to  redeem  them  :  tor 
 other  men  have  our  lands  and  vineyards. 
 
 6  U  And  I  was  very  angry  when  I  heard  their  cry 
 
 and  thefe  words.  x  l  i  j 
 
 fHeb-  7  Then  1 1  confulted  with  myfelf,  and  I  rebuked 
 „xyheart  and  the  rulers,  and  laid  unto  them,  Ye 
 
 exaft  uliiry,  every  one  ot  his  brother.  And  1  let  a 
 "  '  great  afl'enibly  againlt  them. 
 
 8  And  I  laid  unto  them.  We,  after  our  ability, 
 tLev.  have  *  redeemed  our  brethren  the  Jews,  w  ach  wrre 
 25. 48.  jvjjj  jjQfQ  heathen  ^  and  will  ye  even  1'  11  your 
 
 brettiren  ?  or  lhall  they  be  fold  unto  us  ?  Then  held 
 they  their  peace,  and  found  nothing  to  answer. 
 
 9  Allb  I  faid,  It  is  not  good  that  ye  do ;  ought  ye 
 not  to  walk  in  the  fear  of  our  God,  becaufe  of  the 
 reproach  of  the  heathen  our  enemies  ^ 
 
 10  i  likewile,  and  my  brethren,  and  my  fervants, 
 might  exaft  of  them  money  and  corn  :  1  pray  you, 
 let  us  leave  off  :his  ufury. 
 
 11  Rellore,  1  pray  you,  to  them,  even  this  day 
 their  lands,  their  vineyards,  their  olive  yards,  and  their 
 houlVs,  allb  the  hundredth  part  of  the  monpy,  and  of 
 the  corn,  the  wine,  and  the  oil,  that  ye  ex.Tl  of  them. 
 
 12  Tii^n  faid  toey,  Wc  will  reftore  fZ/c/zj  and  will 
 require  nothing  of  them  i  lb  will  we  do  as  thou  fayeft. 
 Then  I  called  the  priefts,  and  took  an  oath  of  them, 
 that  they  Ihould  do  according  to  this  promife. 
 
 13  Allb  I  fhook  my  lap,  d  laid,  So  God  lhake 
 out  every  man  from  his  houfe,  and  from  his  labour, 
 that  performeth  n  t  this  promife,  even  thus  be  he 
 
 fHeb.  (haken  our,  and  f  emptied.  And  all  the  congregation 
 faid.  Amen,  and  prailed  -‘he  Lord.  And  the  people 
 ‘  did  sccot'ding  to  this  promife. 
 
 14-  1i  iVl--reover,  from  the  time  that  I  was  appointed 
 to  be  their  governor  in  the  land  of  Judah,  from  the 
 twentieth  year,  even  unto  the  two  and  thirtieth  year  of 
 Arrax  rxes  the  king,  that  is,  twelve  years,  I  and  my 
 brethren  have  not  eaten  the  bread  of  tne  governor. 
 
 15  But  the  former  governors,  that  had  been  before 
 me,  were  chargeable  unto  the  people,  and  had  taken 
 of  them  bread  and  wine,  befides  forty  (hekels  of 
 filver  ;  yea,  even  their  fervants  bare  rule  over  the  peo¬ 
 ple  :  but  lb  did  not  1,  beciule  of  the  fear  of  God. 
 
 16  Yea,  alfo  1  continued  in  the  work  of  this  wall, 
 
 been  a  great  fcarcity  for  want  of  rain,  which  God  thought  proper  to  withhold 
 as  a  punifliment  for  their  taking  more  care  to  build  houfes  for  tbemfelves  than 
 bis  temple,  Haggai  i.  9 — 11.  During  this  diftrefs,  the  rich  had  obliged  their 
 brethren  to  part  with  all  they  had.  And  now  another  dearth,  occafioned  by  the 
 multitudes  of  people  in  tlie  city,  and  their  enemies  hindering  the  country- 
 people  from  coming  with  provifions,  rendered  their  condition  truly  wretched. 
 Ver  11.  The  hundrerllh  part  of  the  money.  The  ufury  they  exadled  was  one  per 
 cent,  for  every  month,  or  twelve  per  cent,  for  the  whole  year.  Ver.  12.  Then 
 I  Culled  the  prieils  ;  Not  as  delinquents,  but  as  witnelTtfs ;  that  the  oath  being 
 taken  befoie  the  prieils,  who  adled  in  God’s  name  and  Head,  might  make  the 
 more  deep  and  durable  imprefliou  upon  their  confciences.  Ver.  14.  2  and  my 
 brethren  have  no'  eaten  the  bread  of  the  governor;  That  is,  we  have  not  made  ufe 
 of  the  allowances  made  for  the  governors,  appointed  by  the  king  of  Perfia, 
 lo  pro\ide  them  a  table.  Ver.  15.  But  the  Jormer  governois.  We  are  not  told 
 
 SanballaCs  evil  practices  apainsl  N'  hemiat', 
 
 neither  bought  we  any  land  :  and  all  my  fervants 
 were  gathered  thither  unto  the  work. 
 
 1 7  Moreover,  there  were  at  my  table  an  hundred  en  !  — 
 fifty  of  the  Jews  and  rul  rs,  b- fides  th'»Ir-  iImi  came 
 unto  us  from  among  tne  heath*  n  thar  ur>  about  us. 
 
 1 8  Now,  that  which  was  prepared  ./or  i/ie  daily  was 
 one  ox,  and  fix  choice  fheep ;  alfo  fowls  t»'«-rf  prr^p  red 
 for  me  ;  and  once  in  ten  days  Itorc  o-  all  forts  of  vine  : 
 yei  for  all  this  required  not  I  the  bread  of  the  gov>  r- 
 nor,  b-caule  the  b  ndage  was  heavy  upon  this  people. 
 
 19  rnink  upon  me  my  God,  for  good,  according^ 
 to  all  that  1  have  done  for  this  people.* 
 
 CHAP  VI. 
 
 1  SanbaUat  pr  .eiibcth  to  terrijy  Nehetnbih.  15  The  work  it  Jinished. 
 
 17  S.'crei  in'eUigcHce  between  theeneniiet  and  the  noble t  oj  Judah. 
 
 NOW  It  came  to  pafs,  when  Sanbailat,  and  To¬ 
 biah,  and  Gefhem  the  Arabian,  and  the  reft  of 
 our  enemies,  heard  fhat  I  had  builded  the  v.all,  and 
 that  there  was  no  breach  left  therein,  (though  at  that 
 time,  I  had  not  fet  up  the  doors  upon  tne  gates  ) 
 
 2  That  SanbaUat  and  Gefhem  lent  unto  me,  faying. 
 
 Come,  let  us  meet  together  iu  S'  me  one  of  the  villages  in 
 the  plain  of  Ono  :  bur  they  thougnt  to  do  me  nnfeoief. 
 
 3  And  I  ftnt  meffengers  unto  them,  faying,  I  am 
 doing  a  great  work,  lb  that  I  cannot  come  down  ; 
 why  fhould  the  work  ceafe,  wniKt  I  leave  it,  and 
 come  down  to  you  ? 
 
 4  Yet  they  fent  unto  me  four  times  after  this  fort ; 
 and  1  aofwered  them  afrer  the  fame  manner. 
 
 5  U  Ihen  lent  SanbaUat  his  fervant  unto  me,  in  like 
 manner,  the  fifth  tinae,  with  an  open  Ltter  in  his  hand. 
 
 6  Wherein  was  written.  It  is  reported  among  the 
 heathen,  and  ||  Gefhmu  faith  it,  that  thou  and  the  11 
 Jews  think  to  rebel:  for  which  caufe  thou  buildefi 
 the  wall,  that  thou  mayeft  be  their  king,  according  toi,^L^‘" 
 thefe  words. 
 
 7  And  thou  haft  alfo  appointed  prophets,  to  preach 
 of  thee  at  Jerufalem,  laying,  There  is  a  king  in  Jodafi ; 
 and  now  it  fhall  be  reported  to  the  king  according  to 
 thefe  words.  Come  now  therefore,  and  let  us  take 
 counfel  together. 
 
 8  Then  I  Cent  unto  him,  faying.  There  are  no  fuch 
 things  done,  as  thou  fayeft,  but  thou  feigneft  them  out 
 of  thine  own  neart. 
 
 9  For  they  all  made  us  afraid,  faying,  their  hands 
 fhall  be  weakened  from  the  work,  that  it  be  not  done. 
 
 Now,  therefore,  O  Gvd,  ftrengthen  my  hands. 
 
 10  H  Afterward  1  came  unto  the  houfe  of  Shemaiah 
 the  fon  of  Delaiah,  tne  fon  of  Mehetabeel,  wfio  was 
 
 (hut  up  ;  and  he  laid,  Let  us  meet  together  in  the  noufe 
 !  —■  - — _ _ _ — — — — — — 
 
 who  thefe  governors  were,  it  being  fufficient  for  his  purpofe  to  obferve,  that  he  did 
 not  intimate  praaices  with  which  they  were  doubtlefs  well  acquainted.  But  to  did 
 not  I,  because  of  the  /.  ar  oj  the  Lord.  He  did  not  this  through  oflentation,  or  vaia 
 glory,  but  from  his  fincere  love  to  God  and  his  country  ;  for  he  elleemed  religion 
 far  above  riches,  and  the  laws  o,  God  were  dearer  to  him,  than  thousands  ot  gold  and 
 
 0,  silver.  Ver.  16.  Mi/Aer  tee  any  Zn/id;  Tnat  is,  of  Uieir  poor  brethren 
 whofe  neccffities  gave  him  abu.idant  opportunity  of  enriching  himfelf  by  making 
 good  bargains.  Ver.  19.  Think  upon  me,  my  God,  for  good.  He  did  not  eipea 
 any  recompenfe  from  the  people,  but  from  the  Lord  ;  and  from  him  not  in  a  wav 
 of  merit,  but  of  grace  and  good  will,  who  forgets  not  what  is  done  for  his  name’s 
 lake,  Heb.  vi.  10.  ^ 
 
 EXPLANA-TORY  notes  Chap.  VI.  Ver.  10.  Shemaiah.  He  was  s 
 
 prophet,  whom  Neiieiuiah  prooably  took  for  his  friend.  Le  us  meet  together 
 I  in  the  house  oj  God  wi.hin  the  t,  mple  ;  I  hat  is.  in  the  fanauary  and  w  hither  he 
 
 ^  V.  Callous  hearts  muR  ihofe  wretches  have,  who  can  « itii  inditteience  fee  their  brethren’s  dillref  A 
 
 inue  their  ulunou;  cx.iclious.  What  a  icandal  to  our  holy  religion,  is  a  work'ly  minded  and  ungodlv  profeffor  !  1  l.ere  can  he  no  unrightnefs  u” 
 
 r^aituuon  to  tne  opprelTed.  It  is  proper  that  rulers  Ihew  their  indignation  againR  what  is  finfulT  that  U.cu  fubjedls  niy  be  clet3  '  roxhL^ 
 
 ut  eproots  ought  to  be  -iv,  n  with  confideration  and  temper,  left  othervt  ife  they  Ihould  fail  of  their  full  end.— Tue  faitWut  difehar-e  of  the  A  r 
 when  proceeding  from  the  fear  of  God,  gives  a  good  coufcience.  »  v  m.  iue  laiimut  aucharge  of  the  duUes  of  one’s  Ratio 
 
The  veM  fitmlcd.  Secret  intelligence,  t^r. 
 
 NEHEMIAH.  A  register  of  those  'vclo  first  came  out  of 
 
 of  God,  within  the  temple,  and  let  us  (hut  the  doors 
 of  the  temple  ;  for  they  will  come  to  flay  thee  ;  yea, 
 in  the  uig,ht  will  they  come  to  flay  thee. 
 
 11  And  I  laid.  Should  I'uch  a  man  as  1  flee?  and 
 
 hhn 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 who  is  there,  that,  being  as  I  «w,  would  go  into  the 
 temple  to  lave  his  life  ?  I  will  not  go  in. 
 
 12  And,  Ic,  1  perceived  that  God  had  not  lent  him  ; 
 but  that  he  pronounced  this  prophecy  againfl  me;  tor 
 Tobiah  and  Sanballat  had  hired  him. 
 
 13  "^i'neretore  teas  he  hired,  that  1  fhouid  be  afraid, 
 and  do  lb,  and  fin,  and  that  they  might  have  matter 
 for  an  evil  report,  that  they  might  reproach  me. 
 
 14  My  God,  think  thou  upon  Tobiah  and  Sanbal¬ 
 lat  according  to  thele  their  works,  and  on  the  pro- 
 phetefs  Noadiah,  and  the  relt  of  the  prophets,  that 
 would  have  put  me  in  tear. 
 
 15  •!  So  the  wall  was  finithed  in  the  twenty  and 
 fifth  day  of  the  month  Elul,  in  fifty  and  two  days. 
 
 If)  And  it  came  to  pafs,  that  w’hen  all  our  enemies 
 heard  thereof,  and  all  the  heathen  that  xccre  about  us 
 law  these  things,  they  were  much  call  down  in  their 
 own  eyes:  for  they  perceived  that  this  work  was 
 
 wrought  of  our  God.  r  t  j  u 
 
 17  %  Moreover,  in  thofe  days  the  nobles  ot  Judah 
 t  fent  many  letters  unto  Tobiah,  and  the  letters  of  To- 
 came  unto  them. 
 
 their  ut-  J8  Por  there  wei-e  many  in  Judah  fworn  unto  him, 
 vig  fo  *  becaufe  he  toos  the  fon-in-law  ot  Shechaniah  the  ton 
 ot  Arab  t  and  his  fon  Johanan  had  taken  the  daughter 
 ot  Methullam,  the  fon  of  Berechiab. 
 
 19  Alfo  they  reported  his  good  deeds  before  me, 
 and  uttered  my  H  words  to  him.  T.obiah  lent 
 
 letters  to  put  me  in  tear.* 
 
 CHAP.  VII. 
 
 1  ^W,emi^h  commiltelh  the  charge  of  Jerusalem  to  Haunni  and  Hana- 
 niiih.  5  A  register  of  the  genealogy  oj  them  which  came  at  the  first  out 
 of  B  ibylon,  8  of  the  people,  59  oj  the  priests,  ^-c. 
 
 NOW  it  came  to  pafs,  when  the  w^all  was  built, 
 and  I  had  let  up  the  doors,  and  the  porters,  and 
 the  lingers,  and  the  Levites,  were  appointed. 
 
 2  That  I  gave  my  brother  Hanani,  and  Hananrah 
 the  ruler  of  the  palace,  charge  over  Jerul'alem  ;  (tor  he 
 w/s  a  faithful  man,  and  feared  God  above  many.) 
 
 3  And  1  laid  unto  them.  Let  not  the  gates  ot  Jeru- 
 falem  be  opened  till  the  fun  be  hot  ;  and  while  they 
 Hand  by,  let  them  (hut  the  doors,  and  bar  them and 
 appoint  watches  ot  the  inhabitants  of  Jerulalem, 
 one  in  his  w'atch,  and  every  one  to  be  over  againtt  his 
 
 houfe. 
 
 Tobiah. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 matters. 
 
 4  Now  the  city  xoas  t  large  and  great ;  but  the  peo-  Bofo^ 
 pie  xccre  few  therein,  and  the  houfes  xacte  not  builded.  Chr^i' 
 
 5  ^  And  my  God  put  into  mine  heart  to  gather  to- 
 gether  the  nobles,  and  the  rulers,  and  the  people,  that 
 they  might  be  reckoned  by  genealogy  ;  and  I  found  afro,,''’' 
 
 iiii-y  l.'e,  p  ^  a  i  j  ,  ciiiv.  x  lUUUU  d 
 
 regifter  of  the  genealogy  of  them  which  came  up  at 
 the  fird,  and  found  written  therein. 
 
 •I  owl  1 
 
 ^  iliLif  UIJS.4  LIIVIWJIA* 
 
 6  »Th8fe  arc  the  children  of  the  province,  that  went  *.535 
 up  out  of  the  captivity,  of  thofe  that  had  been  carried  “ 
 
 h  &(, 
 
 away,  whom  Nebuchadnezzar  the  king  ot  Babylon 
 had  carried  away,  and  came  again  to  Jerul'alem  and 
 to  Judah,  every  one  unto  his  city  ; 
 
 7  Who  came  with  Zerubbabel,  Jtlhua,  Nehemiah, 
 
 II  Azariah,  Raamiah,  Nahamani,  Mordecai,  Billhan,  ||  Or, 
 Mifpereth,  Bigvai,  Nehum,  Baanah  ;  the  number, 
 say,  of  the  men  of  the  people  of  Ifrael  xaas  this  j 
 
 8  The  children  of  Parolh,  two  thoufand  an  hun¬ 
 dred  feventy  and  two. 
 
 9  The  children  of  Shephatiah,  three  hundred  fe- 
 venty  and  two. 
 
 10  The  children  of  Arab,  fix  hundred  fifty  and 
 
 tW’O. 
 
 11  The  children  of  Pahath-moab,  of  the  children  of 
 Jethua  and  Joab,  two  thoufand  and  eight  hundred  and 
 eighteen. 
 
 12  The  children  ot  Elam,  a  thoufand  two  hundred 
 fifty  and  four. 
 
 13  The  children  of  Zattu,  eight  hundred  forty  and 
 five. 
 
 14  The  children  of  Zaccai,  feven  hundred  and 
 threelcore. 
 
 15  The  children  of  11  Binnui,  fix  hundred  forty  and  II  0'> 
 
 .  ,  Bam. 
 
 eight. 
 
 16  The  children  ot  Bebai,  fix  hundred  twenty  and 
 eight. 
 
 17  The  children  of  Azgad,  two  thoufand  three  hun¬ 
 dred  twenty  and  two. 
 
 18  The  children  of  Adonikara,  fix  hundred  three- 
 fcore  and  feven. 
 
 19  The  children  of  Bigvai,  two  thoufand  threefcore 
 and  I'even. 
 
 20  The  children  of  Adin,  fix  hundred  fifty  and  five. 
 
 21  The  children  of  Ater  of  Heztkiah,  ninety  and 
 eight. 
 
 22  The  children  of  Hathum,  three  hundred  twenty 
 
 and  eight.  ' 
 
 23  The  children  of  Bezai,  three  hundred  twenty 
 
 and  four. 
 
 24  The  children  of 
 
 Or, 
 
 11  ' 
 
 Haripb,  an  hundred  and  twelve.  Jorah. 
 
 advifed  Nehemi..h  to  let.eat,  bccaufe  it  was  a  strong  and  a  lacred  place.  Bat 
 Lis  real  delian  was,  not  only  to  dilgrace  Nehemiah,  and  dirtiearten  the  people, 
 tLn  they  l^w  the  cowardice  of  their  governor;  but  alfo  to  ^ 
 
 for  the  enemy’s  affaulting  and  taking  the  city,  when  there  was  none  to  defend 
 £e  walls  ^nd  probably  !o  destroy  Nehemiah,  or  fecure  his  perfon  till  be  city 
 i as  betra’yed  into  the  Uds  of  the  enemy.  Ver.  11.  IBs  «^rds  on  this  oc- 
 eafionare  very  fignificaut,  as  well  as  magnanimous.  Should  such  a  man  as  I  flee. 
 “  I  the  chief  governor,  upon  wliofe  pretence,  and  counfel,  ana  condufl,  the  very. 
 id:  lid  being^of  the  ^hole  city  and  nation  does,  in  a  great  meafure  depend 
 I  who  have^rofeffed  fuch  refolution,  courage,  and  confidence  in  God,  ,  w  i 
 l,;,rh.d  f«ch  «pe,i.ncof  God’,  gr.ciou,  .nd  po«,  »1 
 
 of  bi.  clliog  „.,0Li...n,p|ofP..».. 
 
 r„”  Ood  b,  co-.rdic.f  God,f«.bid,"  f ^ 
 
 and  citv  of  God  by  my  cowaroice  r  <jou  ...hen 
 
 in  fify'and  two  dlys.  This  prodigious  difpatch  will  not  appear  ' 
 
 it  is  remembered,  that  a  vast  number  of  men,  animated  ^  ^  P  „,..„lnved 
 
 in  this  work.  Ver.  1  8.  Ilis  son  Johanan  had  ta/,en  the  daughter  of  MeihuUamf 
 ^son  of  Berechiah.  This  is  noted  to  fhew  the  mifehief  of  fuch  unequal  and  W; 
 bidden  marriages,  and  how  realbnable  and  necelTary  Ezra  s  adlion  was  in  the  i' 
 
 folution  of  them.  ,  n- 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  VII.  Ver.  2.  I  gave  my  brother  li' 
 nani,  and  Hananiah— charge  over  Jerusalem.  Nehemiah  was  probably  no«'' 
 turning  to  Shuflian,  to  give  the  king  an  account  of  the  Hate  of  aflaiis  m  Ju  ' 
 and  tlierefore  he  took  care  to  place  fuch  men  in  the  city,  as  he  knew  would  hi 
 fully  fecure  it  in  bis  abfence.  Hanani  bad  given  proof  of  his  zea.  for  God  and^' 
 country,  in  taking  a  tedious  journey  from  Jerufalem  to  Sliulhan,  to  ' 
 
 !  hemiah  of  the  fad  (late  of  Jerufalem,  chap.  i.  2.  And  the  reafon  why  Nehtn.. 
 I  put  fuch  confidence  in  Hanani,  was,  becaufe  be  was  a  man  of  confcience, 
 a(3ed  upon  religious  principles,  which  would  keep  him  from  thofe  tempta' 
 to  peifidioufuefs,  which  the  enemy  during  his  abfence  might  throw  lu  Ins  "  , 
 '  Ver.  3.  I,e:’  no'  the  g'i:es  of  Jerusalem  be  opened  until  the  sun  be  hot ;  that  is,  i 
 he  clear  and  broad  day  ;  when  the  approach  of  enemies  may  be  difcovered, 
 
 it  is  remembered,  that  a  vast  number  of  men,  animated  ®  °  j  'the  people  of  the  city  vv’ill  be  ready  for  defence  in  cafe  of  an  alfault. 
 
 rulers,  and  ranged  and  diftributed  in  a  proper  manner  for  difpatcli,  were  employ  _ _ _ _ _ _ 
 
 PRACTICAL  OEbEEVATIONS.-^  C...  ^  M 
 
 rr  zi.  'n™-  --.a-  ca,  .a..p.  b..,.«  » 
 
 •ets  of  f  rofvffed  friends. 
 
b  See 
 Verfe 
 
 12. 
 
 ^  rr^isfer  of  tho%e  Vifio  came 
 
 Before  25  The  children  of  II  Gibeon,  ninety  and  five, 
 chriii  2f)  The  men  of  Bethlehem  and  Netophah,  an  hun- 
 
 dred  fourfcore  and  eight.  ,  ,  ^ 
 
 27  The  men  of  Anathoth,  an  hundred  twenty  and 
 
 Gibbar.  eight.  ,  ..  , 
 
 II  o.  28  The  men  of  ||  Beth-azniaveth,  forty  and  two. 
 
 hzmaveih  29  Tne  men  of  II  Kirjath-jearim,  Chephirah,  and 
 Beeroth,  feven  hundred  forty  and  three. 
 tvn!  '  30  The  men  of  Ramah  and  Gaba,  fix  hundred 
 
 twenty  and  one. 
 
 3 1  The  men  of  Michmas,  an  hundred  and  twenty 
 and  two. 
 
 32  The  men  of  Beth-eland  Ai,  an  hundred  twenty 
 and  three. 
 
 33  The  men  of  the  other  Nebo,  fifty  and  two. 
 
 31.  The  children  of  the  other  Elam  a  rhoufand 
 
 two  hundred  fifty  and  four. 
 
 35  The  children  of  Hiram,  three  hundred  and 
 twenty. 
 
 36  The  children  of  Jericho,  three  hundred  forty  and 
 five. 
 
 37  The  children  of  Lod,  Hadid,  and  Ono,  feven 
 hundred  twenty  and  one. 
 
 38  The  children  of  Senaah,  three  thcufand  nine 
 hundred  and  thirty. 
 
 •  Vchron.  39  The  prlcfts ;  the  children  of  <=  Jedaiah,  of  the 
 houfe  of  Jefhua,  nine  hundred  feventy  and  three. 
 
 40  The  children  of  Immer,  a  thouland  fifty  and  two. 
 
 41  The  children  of  Pafhur,  a  thouland  two  hundred 
 forty  and  feven. 
 
 42  The  children  of  Harim,  a  thouland  and  feven- 
 teen. 
 
 43  H  The  Levites  :  the  children  of  Jefhua,  of  Kad- 
 j|  Or,  miel,  a7id  of  the  children  of  11  Hodevah,  feventy  and 
 
 Jloddviahj  four* 
 
 or,  fingers  :  the  children  of  Afaph,  an  hundred 
 
 Judah,  ’forty  and  eight. 
 
 Ezra 3. 9.  45  The  porters  ;  the  children  of  Shallura,  the  chil¬ 
 
 dren  of  Ater,  the  children  of  Talmon,  the  children  of 
 Akkub,  the  children  of  Hatita,  the  children  of  Sho-  j 
 bai,  an  hundred  thirty  and  eight.  j 
 
 46  f  The  Nethinims :  the  children  of  Ziha,  the  | 
 children  of  Halhupha,  the  children  of  Tabaoth,  ^ 
 
 47  The  children  of  Keros,  the  children  of  Sia,  the  , 
 children  of  Padon, 
 
 48  The  children  of  Lebana,  the  children  of  Ha- 
 gaba,  the  children  of  Shalmai, 
 
 49  The  children  of  Hanan,  the  children  of  Giddel, 
 the  children  of  Gahar, 
 
 50  The  children  of  Reaiah,  the  children  of  Rezin, 
 the  children  of  Nekoda, 
 
 51  The  children  of  Gazzam,  the  children  of  Uzza, 
 the  children  of  Phafeah, 
 
 52  The  children  of  Bezai,  the  children  of  Meunim, 
 
 the  children  of  Nephilhefim,  i 
 
 53  The  children  of  Bakbuk,  the  children  of  Ha-  j 
 kupha,  the  children  of  Harhur, 
 
 54  The  children  of  Bazlith,  the  children  ofMehida,  j 
 the  children  of  Harlha, 
 
 NEHEMIAH. 
 
 fit  si  (.id  of  Dab  f  Ji, 
 
 {  . 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  VIII.  Ver.  1.  ^nd  the  people  fathered 
 themselves  together.  This  was  the  firft  great  feaft  after  the  walls  of  Jerufalem  were 
 
 the  children  of  Silc-ra, 
 
 Ilefure 
 
 t:.rill 
 
 r>VJ. 
 
 li  Or, 
 
 Ami. 
 
 59. 
 
 Or, 
 
 55  The  children  of  Barko  . 
 the  children  of  Tamah, 
 
 56  The  children  ofN'  ziah,  the  children  of  lla'lpha. 
 
 57  ^  The  children  of  Solomon’s  f  rvants ;  :nt  chil¬ 
 dren  of  Sotai,  tne  children  of  Sophercth,  the  children 
 of  Perida, 
 
 58  The  children  of  Jaala,  the  children  of  Darkon, 
 the  Children  of  Giddel, 
 
 59  The  children  of  Shephatiah,  the  childi  en  of  Hat- 
 til,  the  children  of  Pocheretb,  of  Zebaim,  the  children 
 
 of  II  Ammon.  ^ 
 
 60  All  the  Nethinims,  and  the  children  of  Solomon’s 
 
 fervants,  were  three  hundred  ninety  and  two.  a  f  r 
 
 61  ''  And  thefe  were  they  vaich  w^nt  up  also  from" 
 
 Tel-melah,  Tel-harefha,  Cnerub,  Addon,  and  Immer; 
 but  they  could  not  fbew  their  father’s  houfe,  nor  their 
 II  feed,  whether  they  wrre  of  Ifrael.  _  B 
 
 62  Tne  children  of  Delaiah,  the  children  of  Tobi- 
 ah,  the  children  of  Nekoda,  fix  hundred  forty  and.two. 
 
 63  H  And  of  the  priefts  :  the  children  of  Habaiah, 
 the  children  of  Koz,  the  children  of  Barziilai,  (whrch 
 took  one  of  the  daughters  of  Barziilai,  the  Gileadite  to 
 wife,  and  was  called  after  their  name.) 
 
 64  Thefe  fought  their  regifter  among  thofe  that  were 
 reckoned  by  genealogy,  but  it  w'as  not  found  ;  there¬ 
 fore  were  they,  as  polluted,  put  from  the  prielthood. 
 
 65  And  11  the  Tirfhatha  laid  unto  them,  that  they  i|  Or, 
 fhould  not  eat  of  the  moft  holy  things,  till  there  flood'''® 
 up  a  prieft  with  Urim  and  Thummim. 
 
 66  ^  The  whole  congregation  together  was  forty 
 and  two  thouland  three  hundred  and  threefcore : 
 
 67  Befides  their  man-fervants  and  their  maid-fer- 
 vants,  of  whom  there  were  feven  thoufand  three  hun¬ 
 dred  thirty  and  feven ;  and  they  had  two  hundred 
 forty  and  five  finging-men  and  finging  w-omen. 
 
 68  Their  horfes,  feven  hundred  thirty  and  fix ; 
 their  mules,  two  hundred  forty  and  five ; 
 
 69  Then  camels,  four  hundred  thirty  and  five  ;  fix 
 thoufand  feven  hundred  and  twenty  afles. 
 
 70  ^  And  f  fome  of  the  chief  of  the  fathers  gavefHeb. 
 unto  thew’ork;  the  Tiifliatha  gave  to  the  treafure^’'""'' 
 
 a  thourand  drachms  of  gold,  fifty  bafons,  five  hundred 
 and  thirty  prielt’s  garments. 
 
 71  And  some  of  the  chief  of  the  fathers  gave  to  the 
 treafure  of  the  work  twenty  thouland  drams  of  gold, 
 and  tw'o  thoufand  and  two  hundred  pound  of  filver. 
 
 72  And  that  which  the  relt  of  the  people  gave  was 
 twenty  thoufand  drams  of  gold,  and  two  thoufand 
 pound  of  fiver,  and  threefcore  and  feven  priefts’  gar¬ 
 ments. 
 
 73  So  the  priefts,  and  the  Levites,  and  the  porters, 
 and  the  fingers,  and  some  of  the  people,  and  the  Ne¬ 
 thinims,  and  all  Ifrael,  dwelt  in  their  cities  ;  and  when 
 the  feventh  month  came,  the  children  of  Ifrael  were 
 in  their  cities.* 
 
 CHAP.  VIII. 
 
 The  religious  manner  oj  reading  and  hearing  the  late. 
 
 ND  all  ^  the  people  gathered  themfelves  toge- 
 ther  as  one  man  into  the  ftreet  that  ions  before  ' 
 
 A' 
 
 Ezra 
 3.  1. 
 
 PRACTICAL 
 
 finilhed.  Ezra  the  scribe.  The  fame  who  is  called  Ezra  the  priefl,  and  ferihe  of 
 the  law  of  God,  Ezra.  vii.  6.  11,  12.  He  had  come  to  Jerufalem 
 
 tliirt 
 
 cen  ve^ra 
 
 is  that  nation  whofe  governors  fear  the  Lord.  ThLaTJful  pSrv^ation'onh'freTolS^^^^  impmtn^rfor^^'''’^^' 
 
 tribute  to  promote  exTenfive  happinefs  and  peace.  But  the^records  of  the  world'^rrTnr  u'tT/  public  is  of  great  importance,  for  when  accurate  they  con- 
 
 .cc.r.c,  to  p.o.o  tbo  truth  oOMi.h’.  ol.ttr.a.,,  o„  uhofo  u.o  et.ru.l  SoZrjuLf 
 
The  rdigicus  m  uincr  vf  rcadhg 
 
 NEIIEMIAII. 
 
 irom  the 
 
 f  Heb. 
 tower  oj 
 wood. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 tt/cs. 
 
 the  water-pate,  and  theylpake  unto  Ezra  the*>  fcribe 
 to  brinp  the  book  of  the  law  of  Mofes,  which  the 
 Lord  had  commanded  to  Ifrael. 
 b  Ezra  2  And  Ezra  the  prieft  brought  the  law  before  the 
 ■^•6.  congr  pation,  both  of  men  and  women,  and  all  f  that 
 t  Hi'b.  could  hear  with  underdandinp,  upon  the  tirii;  day  of 
 levenih  month. 
 
 henriig.  3  And  he  read  therein  before  the  dreet  that  xms 
 fHcb.  before  the  water-pate,  f  from  the  morninp  until  mid¬ 
 day,  before  the  men  and  the  w'omen,  and  thole  that 
 could  underftand ;  and  the  ears  of  all  the  people  were 
 attentive  unto  the  book  of  the  law. 
 
 i  And  Ezra  the  fcribe  (food  upon  a  f  pulpit  of 
 wood,  which  they  had  made  for  the  purpole  :  and  be- 
 fide  him  flood  Mattithiah,  and  Shema,  and  Anaiah, 
 and  Urijah,  and  Hilkiah,  and  Maafeiah,  on  his  right 
 hand  ;  and  on  his  left  hand,  Pedaiah,  and  IVliiliael, 
 and  Malchiah,  and  Haflium,  and  Halhbadanj,  Zecha- 
 riah,  and  Mcfhullam. 
 
 5  And  Ezra  opened  the  book  in  the  f  fight  of  all 
 the  people  ;  (for  he  was  above  all  the  people  ;)  and, 
 when  he  opened  it,  all  the  people  Ciood  up. 
 
 6  And  Ezra  bltfled  the  Lord,  the  great  God: 
 and  all  the  people  anfwered.  Amen,  amen,  with  lift¬ 
 ing  up  their  hands ;  and  they  bow'ed  their  heads,  and 
 worfhipped  the  Lord  with  their  faces  to  the  ground. 
 
 7  Allb  Jrfihua,  and  Bani,  and  Sherebiah,  lamin, 
 Akkub,  Saabbethai,  Hodijab,  Maafeiah,  Kelita, 
 Azariah,  Joz  .bad,  Hanan,  Pelaiah,  and  the  Levites 
 cauLd  the  people  to  underftand  the  law:  and  the 
 people  stood  in  their  place. 
 
 8  So  they  read  in  the  book,  in  the  law  of  God,  dif- 
 tincl!}',  and  gave  the  fenfe,  and  caufed  them  to  under¬ 
 ftand  the  reading. 
 
 II  9  ^  And  Nehemiah,  which  is  1|  the  Tirfhatha,  and 
 
 the  gover- '£2,rd  the  prieft  the  I'cribe,  and  the  Levites  that  taught 
 the  people,  laid  unto  all  the  people.  Phis  day  zs  holy 
 unto  the  Lord  your  God  ;  mourn  not,  nor  weep. 
 Eor  all  the  people  wept,  when  they  heard  the  words 
 of  the  law. 
 
 10  Then  he  faid  unto  them.  Go  your  way,  eat  the 
 fat,  and  drink  the  fweet,  and  fend  portions  unto  them 
 for  who.n  nothing  is  prepared  :  for  this  day  is  holy 
 unto  cur  Lord  ;  neither  be  ye  forry  ;  for  the  joy  of 
 the  Lord  is  your  ftrength. 
 
 1 1  So  the  Levites  (filled  all  the  people,  faying,  Hold 
 your  peace,  for  the  day  is  holy  ;  neither  be  ye  grieved. 
 
 12  And  all  the  people  went  their  way  to  eat,  and 
 to  drink,  and  to  (end  portions,  and  to  make  great 
 
 and  hearing  the  laiv, 
 
 I  mirth,  becaufe  they  had  nnderftood  the  words  that 
 I  were  declared  unto  them. 
 
 j  13^  And  on  the  fecoud  dav  were  gathered  together 
 I  the  chief  ot  t-ie  fathers  of  all  the  people,  the  pritfls, 
 
 I  and  the  Levites,  unto  Ezra  the  Icnbe,  even  H  to  un- 1|  Or, 
 '  derltand  the  words  of  the  law. 
 
 they 
 
 l-l-  And  they  found  written  in  the  law  which  the!,"”^!!’"- 
 
 ’  Jlil  1\,T/  k-lj 
 
 Or, 
 
 ...V-J  .v.v...-  - ...  ...W  . . . 
 
 Lord  had  commanded  f  by  Moles,  that  the  children ///ewur;/, 
 of  ll'rael  ftiould  dwell  in  booths  in  the  feaff  of  the^J‘heia^ 
 feventh  month  :  I/!/'’' 
 
 15  And  that  they  fhould  publifh  and  proclaim 
 all  the.r  cities,  and  in  Jerufalem,  faying,  Go  forth  cu-vitl 
 i' unto  the  mount,  and  fetch  olive-b.'-anches,  and  pine- 23- -u 
 j:  branches,  and  myrtle- branche.s  and  palm-branches,  - 
 ||  and  branches  of  thick  trees,  to  make  booths,  as  it  is 
 j;  written. 
 
 18  H  So  the  people  went  forth,  and  brought  them, 
 rand  made  themfelves  booths,  everyone  upon  thereof 
 tj  of  his  houl'e,  and  in  their  courts,  and  in  the  courts  of 
 '  the  houftS  of  God,  and  in  the  Ifreet  of  tr.e  water-gate, 
 
 '  and  in  the  ftreet  of  the  ga'e  of  Ephraim. 
 
 17  And  ail  the  congregation  of  them  that  were  come 
 again  out  of  the  captivity  made  booths,  and  fat  under 
 the  booths ;  for  fince  the  days  of  Jcfhua  the  fon  ot 
 ;  Nun  unto  that  day  had  not  the  children  of  Ifrael  done 
 j  lb  :  and  there  was  very  great  gladnels. 
 i  18  Allb  day  by  day,’  from  the  firft  day  nnto  the  laft 
 :  day,  he  read  in  the  book  of  the  law  of  God  ;  and 
 they  kept  the  feaft  feven  davs  ;  and  on  the  eignth  dav|  Heb. « 
 i  was  t  a  lolemn  afTembly,  according  unto  the  manner.*  j-esiminj. 
 
 !  CHAP  IX. 
 
 j  1  A  solemn  fast  and  repentance  of  the  people.  4  The  Levites  con/efs 
 \  God’s  goodness,  and  their  lokkedness. 
 
 OW,  in  the  twenty  and  fourth  day  of  *  this®  Chap. 
 
 _  month,  the  children  of  Ifrael  were  affembled  ' 
 with  falling,  and  with  fackcloth,  and  earth  upon 
 them. 
 
 2  And  the  feed  of  Ifrael  ftparared  themfelves  from 
 
 all  t  flrangers,  and  flood  and  contefled  their  fins,  andH^ 
 the  iniquities  of  their  fathers.  _  _  children. 
 
 3  And  they  flood  up  in  their  place,  and  read  in  the 
 book  of  the  law  of  the  Lord  their  God  one  fout^th 
 part  of  the  day  ;  and  another  fourth  part  they  confel- 
 fed,  and  worfhipped  the  Lord  their  God. 
 
 4  <i  Then  flood  up  upon  the  l|  (lairs,  of  the  Levites,  II 
 Jefhua,  and  Bani,  Kadm-el,  Shebaniab,  Bunni,  She-"‘^""“"* 
 rebiab,  Bani,  and  Chenani,  and  cried  with  a  loud  voice 
 unto  the  Lord  their  God. 
 
 5  Then  tne  Levites,  Jefrua,  and  Kadmiel,  Bani, 
 
 i  been  fo  great,  as  it  was  on  this  oceafion  ;  but  indeed  this  feftival  was  at  that  time 
 I  and  now  celebrated  on  fimUar  occafions  ;  in  tlie  davs  of  Jofhua  they  rejoiced  be- 
 i  caufe  they  h.-id  got  pofleffion  of  the  land  of  Canaan  ;  and  now  they  rejoiced  for 
 ‘  being  again  fettled  in  it,  after  fo  long  a  captivity. 
 
 EXPLAN.-\.TORY  NOTES.  Chap.  IX.  Ver.  1.  Now  in  the  twenty  fourlh 
 d  >y  of  this  vion!h.  The  feait  of  tabernacles  being  ended,  a  day  was  appointed  for 
 a  fole.rin  faft,  when  they  alfembled,  confeffed  their  fms,  deprecated  the  judgments 
 due  to  the  iniquity  of  their  fathers.  Ver.  2.  The  seed  of  Israel  se/rarated  ihemselces 
 from  oil  strangers;  that  is.  from  all  familiar  and  unnectlfary  intercourfe  with  the 
 heathens,  and  particularly  from  thofe  llrange  women  whom  fome  ot  them  hM 
 
 before  this  time  ;  but  had  very  probably  returned  to  Babylon,  and  was  lately  come 
 from  thence.  The  people  defned  him  to  read  the  law  at  this  great  feaft,  m  obe¬ 
 dience  to  the  law  of  Mofes,  Deut.  xxxi.  !0— 1  ft.  Ver.  8.  Caused  them  to  under- 
 s>and  the  reading.  I  he  people  of  Ifrael  having  for  fometime  been  accuflomed  to 
 the  Chaldee,  and  partly  loft  the  Hebrew  language  for  want  of  ulc,  the  Tdlmudilts 
 explain  the  verfe  in  the  following  manner:  “  The  law,”  fay  they,  “  was  read  m 
 Chaldee,  which  the  people  were  heft  acquainted  with;  it  was  read  dislinflty; 
 tuat  i-,  as  divided  into  fentences  and  periods  ;  it  was  read  fo  as  to  pye  the  fenfy 
 t:>at  is,  with  the  accents,  which  contribute  great  y  to  that  purpole.  Ver.  7. 
 
 For  since  the  days  oj  Joshua.— The  fenfe  is,  that  the  joy  fince  that  time  had  never _ 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVAT^^^  Cha.  VUL] 
 
 not  only  to  be  read,  but  alfo  explained,  and  enforced  on  the  confcience  .  w^l  o  nideed  relilh  it  will  never  think  that  the  time  which  they  have  devoted 
 
 to  it  is  ili-fpeut.  Short  difcourfes  on  religious  fubjeas,  or  lan„ui  u”  ^t '  Penitent  unfei-med  mourning,  makes  way  for  fpiritual  mii th  ;  and  they  wh 
 
 Sfi. --a  c-a  m. ....  . S,..,  i,np..a-,on  O,.  a,  ..a  dirpofe.  i.  .O  ..lah  a. 
 
 ef  the  word  of  God,  which  affords  ..bundant  hope  to  all  who  return  to  the  Lord. 
 
jhe  Lcvitcs'  confession  of  God's  goodness. 
 
 Refore  IT.niabniab.  Sherebiah,  HoHijah.  Shebaniah,  and 
 ci.rifi  pethahiah,  laid,  Stand  up  and  blels  the  Lord  your 
 God  for  ever  and  ever  ;  and  blelTed  be  thy  glorious 
 name,  which  is  exalted  above  all  blefling  and 
 
 6  I'hou,  even  thou,  ant  LoRD  alone ;  ^  thou  halt 
 made  heaven,  the  heaven  of  heavens,  with  all  their 
 hott,  the  earth,  and  ■dWt/iings  that  therein,  the  leas, 
 and  all  that  is  therein,  and  thou  preferv'elt  them  all ; 
 and  the  hoft  of  heaven  worlhippeth  thee. 
 
 7  Thou  art  the  Lord  the  God,  who  didH  choole 
 c  Abram,  and  brough  eit  him  forth  out  of  Ur  of  the 
 
 11.  L'lJ.  &  Chaldees,  and  gavefl  him  the  name  of  Abraham  ; 
 
 '•  8  And  foundelt  his  heart '  faithful  before  thee,  and 
 
 madfft  a  *'  covenant  with  him,  to  give  the  land  of  the 
 Canaanites,  the  Hit'ites,  the  Amorites,  and  the  Pe- 
 rizzites,  and  the  Jebufites,  and  the  GirgaOiites,  to 
 s:nj,  to  his  feed, -and  haft  performed  thy 
 
 NEIIEMIAII. 
 
 and  cf  their  national  sinSy 
 
 e  Gen. 
 
 d  Gen. 
 
 1 7.  5. 
 c  Gen. 
 
 15.  6. 
 
 12.7  &  I 
 
 15.18 
 
 .  &  words  ;  for  thou  art  righteous  : 
 
 9  s  And  didlt  fee  the  afUieftion  of  our  fathers  in 
 Egypt,  and  heardeft  their  cry  by  the  Red  fea  : 
 
 10  And  ibew'ed  figns  and  wonders  upon  Pha¬ 
 raoh,  and  on  all  his  fervants,  and  on  all  the  people 
 of  his  land  ;  for  thou  knoweft  that  they  dealt  proudly  i 
 
 fo  didft  thou  get  thee  a  name,  as  it  is 
 
 17.  7,  8. 
 c  Exod. 
 
 5.  7.  Sc 
 H.  10. 
 t]  Exod. 
 
 ^gainft  them 
 
 this  day.  ^  _  I 
 
 1 1  ‘  And  thou  didft  divide  the  fea  before  them,  fo ; 
 that  they  vrent  through  the  midft  of  the  fea  on  the 
 dry  land  ;  and  their  perl'ecutors  thou  threweft  into 
 the  deeps,  as  a  ftone  into  the  mighty  waters. 
 
 12  Moreover,  thou  *  leddeft  them  in  the  dav  by  a 
 cloudy  pillar,  and  in  the  night  by  a  pillar  of  fire,  to 
 give  them  light  in  the  way  wherein  they  fhould  go. 
 
 13  “  Thou  camelt  down  alfo  upon  mount  Sinai, 
 
 19.  20.  fpakeft  with  them  from  heaven,  and  gaveft  them 
 t°Hei).  judgments,  and  f  true  laws,  good  ftatutes  and 
 
 commandments  : 
 
 14  And  madeft  known  unto  them  thy  holy  fabbath, 
 and  commandeft  them  precepts,  ftatutes,  and  laws, 
 
 15  Mofes  thy  fervant :  1 
 
 15  And  "  gaveft  them  bread  from  heaven  for  their  j 
 hunger,  and  “  broughteft  forth  water  for  them  out  of  I 
 the  rock  for  their  thirft,  and  promifedft  them  that  i 
 they  fhould  p  go_  in  to  poflTefs  the  land  f  which  thou 
 hadft  (worn  to  give  them. 
 
 16  But  they  and  our  fathers  dealt  proudly,  and 
 whichthou  hardened  their  necks,  and  hearkened  not  to  thy  com- 
 
 naclst  lift  I  ^ 
 
 upihine  mandments,  ^ 
 
 huruL  to  17  And  refufed  to  obey,  neither  were  mindful  of  thy 
 wonders  that  thou  didft  among  them  ;  but  hardened 
 14.4.""^'  oecks,  and  in  their  rebellion  appointed  ^  a  cap- 
 f  Hei).  tain  to  return  to  their  bondage  ;  but  thou  art  f  a  God 
 uGo'i  of  ready  to  pardon,  gracious  and  merciful,  flow  to  anger, 
 pord.ns.  and  of  great  kindnefs,  and  foriookeft  them  not. 
 
 IS  Y'^a,  when  they  had  made  them  a  molten  calf, 
 and  laid,  'Ehis  is  thy  god  that  brought  chee  up  out  of 
 Egypt,  and  had  wrought  great  provocations ; 
 
 19  Yet  thou,  in  thy  manifold  mercies,  forfookeft 
 them  not  in  the  wildernefs :  the  ^  pillar  of  the  cloud 
 departed  not  from  them  by  day,  to  lead  them  in  the 
 
 i  Exod. 
 
 14.  21, 
 22. 
 
 k  Exod. 
 
 15.  10. 
 
 1  Exod. 
 
 13.  21. 
 
 m  Exod. 
 
 laivs  of 
 truth. 
 
 n  Exod 
 16 
 o  Exod. 
 17.  6. 
 Numb. 
 20.  9.  &c 
 p  Deut. 
 l.fe. 
 f  Heb. 
 ith 
 
 lift 
 
 r  Exod. 
 S2.  4. 
 
 1'  Exod. 
 1  3,  22. 
 Numb. 
 14.  14. 
 
 1  Cor. 
 10.  1. 
 
 married.  Ver.  6.  Thou,  even  thou,  art  Lord  alone.  This  prayer  was  probably 
 compofed  cither  by  Nehemiah  or  Ezra,  and  delivered  to  the  Levites,  who  were 
 ordered  to  fpeak  it  ditlindlly  before  the  whole  congrejration,  from  feveral  fcaf- 
 folds  conveniently  erected  in  different  parts  of  the  alfeinbly,  that  every  perfon 
 might  hear  it.  iifusfs  o  /irai'cn  (eein  to  denote  the  holy  angels.  Ver.  20.  'T hi/ good 
 Vhrit.  The  fpiritof  prophecy  which  refted  upon  Mofes,  God  inipartotl  to  feventy 
 other  -perfons  tliat  the  people  might  be  better  governed.  Ver.  22.  Didst  divide 
 ‘them  into  corners.  That  is,  into  every  corner  of  the  land  of  Canaan,  fo  that  they 
 pulTeired  the  whole  of  it,  a  few  cities  excepted.  Ver.  29.  mUidraw  the  shoulder; 
 
 w'ay  ;  neither  the  pillar  of  fire  by  night,  to  fhew  them 
 light,  and  the  wav  wherein  they  fhould  go. 
 
 ”20  Thou  gaveft:  al!b  thy  *  good  Spirit  to  inftruft 
 them,  and  v  ithh- Ideft  not  thy  “  manna  from  tht  ir  ‘ 
 mouth,  and  gaveft  them  *  water  for  ili.  ir  thirft.  J,  j-,,;,, 
 
 21  Yea  forty  years  didft  then  fuftain  them  in  the  j,;.  ly. 
 wildernefs,  so  that  they  lacked  nothing;  their  i  clotnt s  Joihua 
 waxed  not  old,  and  their  feet  fwelled  not.  f'Fx’od 
 
 i  22  Moreover,  thou  gaveft  them  kingdoms  andj^/^ 
 
 I  nations,  and  didft  divide  them  into  corners  ;  fo  they  y  Deut. 
 pofleff  d  the  land  of  ^  Sihon,  anti  the  land  of  the  king  ».  4. 
 of  Hefhbon,  and  the  land  of  Og  king  of  Bafhan. 
 
 23  Their  children  allb  multipliedft  thou  as  the  ftars^p 
 of  heaven,  and  broughteft  them  into  the  land  con¬ 
 cerning  which  thou  hadlt  promifed  to  their  fathers, 
 that  they  fhould  go  in  to  pofTJs  it. 
 
 24  So  the  children  went  in  and  pofTefTed  the  land, 
 and  thou  fubduedft  before  them  the  inhabitants  ot 
 the  land,  the  Canaanites,  and  gaveft  them  into  their 
 hands,  with  their  king.s,  and  the  people  of  the  land, 
 
 that  they  might  do  with  them  t  as  they  would.  Iccimding 
 
 2.5  And  they  took  ftrong  cities,  and  a  fat  land,  and  (otheir 
 pofTefTed  houfes  full  of  all  goods,  1|  wells  digged,  vine-tri//. 
 yards,  and  olive^^ards,  and  t  fruit  trees  in  abundance; 
 fo  they  did  eat  and  were  filled,  and  became  fat, 
 delighted  themfelves  in  thy  great  gcodnel's.  trees  of 
 
 26  Neverthelefs  they  were  dil'obedienr,  and  rebelled /o£«t. 
 againft  thee,  and  caft  thy  law  behind  their  backs,  and 
 flew  thy  ®  prophets,  which  teftified  againft  them  to  turn 
 them  to  thee;  and  they  wrought  great  provocations. 
 
 27  Therefore  thou  deliverelt  them  into  the  hands  of 
 their  enemies,  who  vexed  them  ;  and  in  the  time  of 
 their  trouble,  when  they  cried  unto  thee,  thou  heard¬ 
 eft  them  from  heaven;  and,  according  to  thy  mani¬ 
 fold  mercies,  thou  gaveft  them  fa vicurs,  who  faved 
 them  our  of  the  hand  of  their  enemies. 
 
 28  But  al  ter  they  had  reft,  t  they  did  evil  again  bc-f 
 fore  thee:  therefore  lefteft  thou  them  in  the  hand 
 
 their  enemies,  fo  that  they  had  the  dominion  o\er  do  evil. 
 them  ;  yet  when  they  returned,  and  cried  unto  thee, 
 thou  heardeft  them  from  heaven  ;  and  many  times 
 didft  thou  deliver  them,  according  to  thy  mercies  ;  f 
 
 29  And  reftifiedft  againft  them,  that  thou  iNighteft 
 
 I  bring  them  again  unto  thy  law- ;  yet  they  dealt  proud- rfroumg 
 j  ly,  and  hearkened  not  unto  thy  commandments,  but 
 finned  againft  thy  judgments,  (which  if  a  man  do,  hef 
 fhall  live  in  them,)  and  t  withdrew  the  (boulder, 
 heardened  their  neck,  and  would  not  hear  ;  b  2  Kings 
 
 so  Yet  many  years  didft  thou  f  forbear  them,  and  la. 
 teftifiedft  ^  againft  them  by  thy  Spirit  f  in  thy  pro- 
 phets  ;  yet  would  they  not  give  ear  :  therefore  gaveft  |  Heb’. 
 thou  them  into  the  hand  of  the  people  of  the  lands.  in  thehand 
 
 31  Neverthelefs,  for  thy  great  mercies’  fake,  thou 
 didft  not  utterly  coni'ume  them,  nor  forfake  them 
 
 for  thou  art  a  gracious  and  merciful  God.  S4.  c,  7. 
 
 32  Now  therefore,  our  God,  the  great,  the  '  mighty!  Heb. 
 and  the  terrible  God,  who  keepeft  covenant  and 
 mercy,  let  not  all  the  t  trouble  feem  little  before  thee/),*^^/,^)^^ 
 t  that  hath  come  upon  us,  on  our  kings,  on  onx i‘our!d  us: 
 
 a  metaphor  taken  from  refradlory  oxen  that  will  not  fubmit  to  the  yoke.  Ver. 
 .32.  A’oui  there:ore  our  God  the  great.  Thcfe  are  the  lame  words  w  ith  w  hicb  Ne- 
 hemiah  began  his  addrel's  to  God,  before  he  caxe  from  Shullian  ;  which  affords 
 an  argument  that  this  whole  prayer  was  compofed  by  him.  But  feveral  com¬ 
 mentators  think  that  Ezra  was  the  author  of  it.  Ver.  37.  They  have  dominion  over 
 our  hodi.s.  Notwithfta  ding  they  enjoyed  the  ineftiniable  privilege  of  livino’  by 
 tluir  own  laws,  yet  they  laboured  under  heavy  and  fore  diftrels.  They  were 
 liable  to  be  preffed  as  foldiers,  or  obliged  to  ferve  in  the  king’s  works’;  and 
 their  cattle  were  likewife  fubjedted  to  do  daily  lervice,  Ver.  38.  .dnd  because  of 
 
ua::its  to'';) 
 
 NEIIEMIAH. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 are  at  the 
 sealing, or, 
 sealed. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 at  the  seal¬ 
 ings. 
 
 «  Or, 
 the  goi'^T- 
 fi©r. 
 
 princes,  and  on  our  pneits,  and  on  our  prophets  and  n 
 on  our  lataers,  and  on  a'.l  thy  people,  fince  the  time  ;! 
 of  the  kings  ot  AlTyria  unto  this  dav.  j 
 
 33  Howbeit  thou  crt  jnll  in  all  that  is  brought 
 upon  us  ;  tor  thcu  hall  done  right  but  we  have  done  1 
 wickedly ; 
 
 54  Neither  have  our  kings,  our  princes,  our  priefts,  i 
 nor  our  fathers,  kept  thy  law,  nor  hearkened  unto  thy  I 
 commandments,  and  thy  teftimonies,  wherewith  thou  j 
 didlt  telfify  againft  them. 
 
 35  For  they  have  not  ferved  thee  in  their  kingdom, 
 and  in  thy  great  goodnels  that  thou  gavelt  them,  and 
 in  the  large  and  fat  land  which  thou  gaveli  before 
 them,  neither  turned  they  from  their  wicked  works. 
 
 36  Behold  we  arc  I'ervants  this  day  ;  and  /or  the 
 
 land  that  thou  gavelt  unto  our  fathers,  to  eat  the  fruit 
 thereof,  and  the  good  thereof,  behold  we  ai-e  i'ervants 
 in  it ;  _ 
 
 37  And  it  jieldeth  much  increafe  unto  the  kings 
 whom  thou  haft  I'et  over  us  becaufe  of  our  fins  :  alfo 
 they  have  dominion  over  our  bodies,  and  over  our 
 cattle,  at  their  pleafure ;  and  we  are  in  great  dif- 
 trelV. 
 
 38  And  becaufe  of  all  this  we  make  a  fure  covenant, 
 and  write  it .-  and  our  princes,  Levites,  and  priefts, 
 
 ■j-  leal  unto  it* 
 
 CHAP.  X. 
 
 1  The  names  of  them  that  sealed  the  covenant.  28  The  points  of  the  co¬ 
 venant,  cV-c. 
 
 OW  t  thofe  that  fealed  v-ere  Nehemiah  []  the 
 Tirlhatha,  the  fon  of  Hachaliah,  and  Zidkijah, 
 
 2  Seraiah,  Azariah,  Jeremiah, 
 
 3  Piftiur,  Amariah,  Malchijah, 
 
 4  Hattu'.h,  Shebaniah,  Malluc, 
 
 5  Harim,  Meremoth,  Obadiah, 
 
 6  Daniel,  Ginnethon,  Baruch, 
 
 7  Melhullam,  Abijah,  Mijamdn, 
 
 8  Maaz:ah,Bilgai,  Sheraaiah:  thefe  the  priefts. 
 
 9  And  the  Levites  :  both  .  *fhua  the  fon  of  Azani- 
 ah  ;  Binnui  of  the  Ions  of  Ht  idad  ;  Kadmiel : 
 
 10  And  their  brethren,  Shebaniah,  Hodijah,  Keli- 
 ta,  Pelaiah,  Hanan, 
 
 J 1  Micha,  Rehob,  Hafhabiah, 
 
 12  Zaccur,  Sherebiah,  Shebaniah, 
 
 13  Hodij  ih,  Bani,  Baninu. 
 
 14  d’he  chief  of  the  people  ;  Parolh,  Pahath-moab, 
 Elam,  Zatthu,  Bani, 
 
 15  Banns  Azgad,  Bebai, 
 
 16  Adouijah,  Bigvai,  Adin, 
 
 17  Ater,  Hizkijah,  Azznr, 
 
 18  Hodijih,  Hafhum,  Bezai, 
 
 19  Hariph,  Anathoth,  Nebai, 
 
 20  Magpialh,  Melhullam,  Hezir, 
 
 z/criufi 
 
 N' 
 
 Obligations  to  fulfil  the  covcna,ii 
 
 21  Meniezabeel,  Zadok,  Jaddua, 
 
 2-2  Pelatiah,  Hanan,  Anaiah,  CF,rii[ 
 
 23  lioniea,  Hananiah,  Halhub, 
 
 24  Hallohelh,  Pileha,  Shobek, 
 
 25  Rehum,  Halhabnah,  Maaleiah, 
 
 26  And  Ahijili,  Hanan,  Anan, 
 
 27  Maliuch,  Harim,  Baanah. 
 
 28  *11  *  And  the  reft  of  the  people,  the  priefts,  theaEjr, 
 Levites,  the  porters,  the  fingers,  the  Nethinims,  and 
 
 ,  all  they  that  had  feparated  themfelves  from  the  people 
 ;  of  the  lands  unto  the  law  of  God,  their  wives,  their 
 I  Tons,  and  their  daughters,  every  one  having  knovv- 
 1  lege,  and  having  underftanding  ; 
 
 29  They  clave  to  their  brethren,  their  nobles,  and 
 entered  into  a  curfe,  and  into  an  oath,  to  w'alk  in 
 God’s  law,  which  was  given  f  by  Moles  the  fervantfHeb. 
 of  God,  and  to  obferve  and  do  all  the  commandments 
 
 of  the  Lord  oui  Lord,  and  his  judgments  and 
 ftatutes  ; 
 
 30  And  that  we  fhould  net  give ’’ our  daughters  Esod, 
 unto  the  people  of  the  land,  nor  take  their  daughters 
 
 for  our  fons :  7. 3. 
 
 31  =  Andr/the  people  of  the  land  bring  ware,  orcExod, 
 any  vi£luals,  on  the  fabbath-day  to  fell,  that  we  w'ould^*^'  f®- 
 not  buy  it  of  them  on  the  Sabbath  or  on  the  holy 
 
 day  ;  and  that  we  would  leave  the  feventh  year,  and  Dem’. 
 the  ^  exaftion  of  f  every  debt.  5. 12. 
 
 32  Alfo  w'e  made  ordinances  for  us,  to  charge  our- 
 
 felves  yearly  with  the  third  part  of  a  fhekel  for  the&e! 
 fervice  of  the  houfe  of  our  God  :  a  Levit, 
 
 33  For  the  fliew-bread,  and  for  the  ^  continual  '*• 
 meat-offering,  and  for  the  continual  burnt-offering,  of 
 
 the  fabbaths,  of  the  new-moons,  for  the  fet-feafts,  |  iieb. 
 and  for  the  holy  z’/ii.Vjgs,  and  for  the  fm-offerings,  loeomj 
 make  an  atonement  for  Ifrael,  and  for  all  the  work 
 of  the  houfe  of  our  God. 
 
 34  And  we  caft  lots  among  the  priefts,  the  Le-es.  &29, 
 vites,  and  the  people,  for  the  wood-offering,  to  bring 
 
 it  into  the  houfe  of  our  God,  after  the  houfes  of  our 
 fathers,  at  times  appointed,  year  by  year,  to  burn 
 upon  the  altar  of  the  Lord  our  God,  as  it  is  written 
 in  the  law  : 
 
 35  And  s  to  bring  the  firff-friiits  of  enr  ground,  g 
 and  the  firfl-fruits_  of  all  fruit  of  all  trees,  year 
 
 year  unto  the  houfe  of  the  Lord  :  19.23. 
 
 36  Alfo  the  firtt-born  of  our  Tons,  and  of  our  cattle, 
 
 (as  it  is  writien  in  the  law,)  and  the  firftlings  of  ourh  Exod, 
 herds,  and  of  our  flocks,  to  bring  to  the  houfe  of  our  1. 
 God,  unto  the  priefts  that  minifler  in  the  houfe  of i  Levit. 
 our  God  : 
 
 37  '  And  that  we  fhould  bring  the  firft-fruits  of  our  ^ 
 dough,  and  our  offerings,  and  the  fruit  of  all  manner  ig.  12^ 
 of  trees,  of  wine,  and  of  oil,  unto  the  priefls,  to  rhe&c. 
 
 atl  this,  tve  make  a  sure  covenant  and  write  it.  It  was  of  very  little  confequence 
 what  luch  a  refractory  people  promifed;  for  what  regard  could  they  have 
 to  their  own  hand-writing  who  had  none  to  the  ten  commandments,  written 
 en  tables  of  ftoiie,  hy  the  finger  of  God.  It  was  however  tifcelTary  that  there 
 fhould  be  a  public  inllrument  ”to  c  onvince  them  of  their  impiet)',  that  they 
 might  be  confounded,  when  they  perlidioufly  refufed  to  obey  the  precepts  of 
 the°law,  by  Ihewing  them  under  their  own  hands  their  engagements  to  future 
 fidelity. 
 
 EX'PLAXATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  X.  Ver.  1.  7Vow  those  that  sealed  were 
 i^ehemiah. — Nehemiah,  being  governor  under  the  king  of  Perfia,  and  therefore 
 the  chief  prince  among  them,  fealed  firft.  It  is  obfervable  that  Ezra  is  not 
 
 among  thofe  that  fealed  this  covenant;  and  therefore  he  was  now  cither  gone  to 
 Babylon  or  hindered  by  ficknefs.  Ver.  28.  And  the  reft  of  the  people.  As  there 
 were  too  many  to  fubl'cribe  and  feal  the  writing,  the  principal  perfons  dii 
 in  the  name  of  the  reft,  who  all  declared  that  they  looked  upon  it  as  their  owt 
 a6l,  and  gave  their  full  confent  to  what  their  rulers  had  done.  Ver.  29.  4“;* 
 entered  into  a  curse,  and  into  an  oalk.  They  alfo  obliged  themfelves  by  oatli  W 
 ob.'erve  the  law ;  adding  an  imprecation  on  tiiemfelves,  wifliing  all  the  curfes  m 
 the  law  might  fall  upon  them,  if  they  did  not  obey  all  the  precepts  of  it.  Ver.  30. 
 And  that  we  would  not  give  our  daughters  unto  Ike  people  o*'  the  land.  From  tins 
 and  the  three  following  verfes,  it  is  plain,  that  the  principle  articles  they  oblig^ 
 themfelves  to  obferve,  were  not  to  make  intermarriages  with  the  Gentiles  to  ot- 
 
 C.l  How  quicS  and  powerful  is  the  word  of  God  !  By  it  fouls  are  affliacd  for  their  fins,  the  bands  of  wicker- 
 joyed.  Let  us  cultivate  a  fpirit  of  prayer;  our  wants  are  numerous,  and  none  but  God  can  fupply  the!"' 
 
 t  •  I  •  .  -  J  *  ^  _ 1,...  /V,  ••?/-»»  I  e  /vran  fi  f  I  or  r  t  i  ran  .  fn  /]  I  rnoTo  tfl  TOnffifs  Fill  T  fi  HS.  V  Olif  1  niTrStltUC^' 
 
 PR.ACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  IX. 
 
 nefs  are  loofe.H,  and  intimate  fellowlh'p  with  God  is  enjoyed.  - —  -  -  ■  -  '  „  ,  .  r  ..  r  .  •  ,i  •  ...n,: 
 
 Prayer  is  particularly  feafonable  in  the  time  of  affliaion,  which  is  fitted  to  awaken  us  to  ferious  conCderr.Uon,  to  difpofe  to  confels  our  fins,  elpecially  our  ingrati 
 
 to  celebrate  the  forbearanee  of  God,  and  excite  us  to  live  more  devoted  to  bis  lervice. 
 
Ucfore 
 
 Chfift 
 
 445. 
 
 A’ 
 
 fhe  rnlcrSf  vohDitary  men,  S)C, 
 
 chambers  of  the  hoiife  of  our  God ;  and  the  tithes 
 of  our  ground  unto  the  Levites,  that  the  fame  Le- 
 vites  might  have  the  tithes  in  all  the  cities  of  our  til* 
 lage. 
 
 38  And  the  prielt  the  fon  of  Aaron  (hall  be  with 
 Numb  the  Levites,  “  when  the  Levites  take  tithes  :  and  the 
 
 16  26.  Levites  (hall  bring  up  the  tithe  of  the  tithes  unto  the 
 houfe  of  our  God,  to  the  chambers,  into  the  trea(ure- 
 houfe. 
 
 39  For  the  children  of  Ifrael  and  the  children  of 
 Levi  (hall  bring  the  offering  of  the  corn,  of  the  new 
 wine,  and  the  oil,  unto  the  chambers,  where  are  the 
 ^lellels  of  the  fanftuary,  and  the  prielis  that  minifter, 
 and  the  porters,  and  the  fingers:  and  we  will  not  for- 
 fake  the  houfe  of  our  God.* 
 
 CHAP.  XI. 
 
 1  The  rulers,  voluntary  men,  and  the  tenth  man  chosen  by  lot  dwell  at 
 Jerusalem:  3  a  catalogue  of  their  names. 
 
 ND  the  rulers  of  the  people  dwelt  at  Jerufalem  : 
 the  reft  of  the  people  alfo  caft  lots,  to  bring  one 
 often  to  dwell  in  Jerufalem  the  holy  city  and  nine 
 parts  to  dwell  in  other  cities. 
 
 2  And  the  people  bleffed  all  the  men  that  willingly 
 offered  themfelves  to  dwell  at  Jerufalem. 
 
 3  f  Now  thefe  are  the  chief  of  the  province  that 
 dwelt  in  Jerufalem:  but  in  the  cities  of  Judah  dwelt 
 every  one  in  his  pofftffion  in  their  cities,  to  wit,  Ifrael, 
 the  priefts,  and  the  Levites,  and  the  Nethinims,  and 
 the  children  of  Solomon’s  fervants. 
 
 4  And  at  Jerufalem  dwelt  certain  of  the  children  of 
 Judah,  and  of  the  children  of  Benjamin  :  Of  the  chil¬ 
 dren  of  Judah  ;  Athaiah  the  fon  of  Uzziah,  the  (on  of 
 Zechariah,  the  fon  of  Araariah,  the  fon  of  Shephatiah, 
 the  fon  of  Mahalaleel,  of  the  children  of  Perez : 
 
 5  And  Maaleiah  the  fon  of  Baruch,  the  fon  of 
 Col-hozeh,  the  fon  of  Hazaiah,  the  fon  of  Adaiah, 
 the  fon  of  Joiarib,  the  fon  of  Zechariah,  the  fon  of 
 Shiloni. 
 
 6  All  the  fons  of  Perez  that  dwelt  at  Jerufalem  were 
 four  hundred  threefcore  and  eight  valiant  men. 
 
 7  And  thefe  are  the  fons  of  Benjamin ;  Snllu  the 
 fon  of  Mefhullam,  the  fon  of  Joed,  the  fon  of  Pedaiah, 
 the  fon  of  Kolaiah,  the  fon  of  Maaleiah,  the  fen  of 
 Ithiel,  the  fon  of  Jefaiah. 
 
 8  And  after  him  Gabbai,  Sallai,  nine  hundred 
 twenty  and  eight. 
 
 9  And  Joel  the  fon  of  Zichri  was  their  overfeer  ;  and 
 Judah  the  fon  of  Senuah  was  fecond  over  the  city. 
 
 1 0  Of  the  priefts ;  Jedaiah,  the  fon  of  Joiarib,  Jachin. 
 
 11  Seraiah  the  fon  of  Hilkiah,  the  fon  of  Melhul- 
 lara,  the  fon  of  Zadok,  the  fon  of  Meraioth,  the  Ion 
 of  Ahitub,  was  the  ruler  of  the  houfe  of  God. 
 
 NEHEMIAII. 
 
 dwell  uL  .IriKSulcm;  their  fla'Hte 
 
 fvrve  the  fabbath  and  fabbatical  years  ;  to  pay  their  annual  tribute  for  the  repara¬ 
 tion  of  the  temple  ;  to  bring  their  tithes  and  firft  fruits  for  the  maintenance  of  the 
 priefts  and  Levites  ;  and  to  exercife  mercy  and  juftice  to  their  poorer  brethren. 
 Hence  we  may  learn,  that  thefe  laws  had  been  chiefly  negledled  fince  their  re¬ 
 turn  from  the  captivity. 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  XL  Ver.  1.  The  rulers  of  the  peo¬ 
 ple  dwell  at  Jerusalem,  The  inhabitants  of  the  neighbouring  countries  were  fo 
 •xafperated  at  feeing  the  walls  of  Jerufalem  rebuilt,  that  many  of  the  Jews  were 
 afraid  to  live  there  ;  the  rulers  of  the  people  therefore  fettled  at  Jerufalem,  in 
 order  to  encourage  the  people  to  imitate  their  example.  Ver.  16'.  The  over  six  hi 
 
 Rffor^ 
 L  brill 
 ■34,^. 
 
 were  over. 
 
 12  And  their  breihreu  that  did  the  work  of  the 
 houfe  were  eight  hundred  twenty  and  two :  and 
 Adaiah  the  fon  of  Jeroham,  the  fon  of  Pelaliah,  the 
 fon  of  Amzi,  the  fon  of  Zechariah,  the  fon  of  Paffiur, 
 the  (bn  of  Malchiah, 
 
 13  And  his  brethren,  chief  of  the  fathers,  two  hun¬ 
 dred  forty  and  two;  and  Amaftiai,  thefon  of  Azareel, 
 the  fon  of  Ahafai,  the  fon  of  Me(hillemotn,  the  (bn  of 
 Immer, 
 
 ll.  And  their  brethren,  mighty  men  of  valour,  an 
 hundred  twenty  and  eight :  and  their  overfeer  was 
 Zabdiel,  ||  the  fon  oi'  one  of  the  great  men.  }hesonor 
 
 15  Alfo  of  the  Levites  ;  Shemaiah,  the  (bn  of  lla.- HaggedL 
 (hub,  the  (bn  of  Azrikam,  the  fon  of  llaftiabiah,  theimi. 
 
 fon  of  Bunni. 
 
 16  And  Shabbethai  and  Jozabad,  of  the  chief  of 
 the  Levites,  f  had  the  overfight  of  the  outward  buff- 1  Hcb. 
 nefs.  of  the  houfe  of  God, 
 
 17  And  Mattaniah  the  fon  of  Micah,  the  fon  of 
 Zabdi,  the  fon  of  Afaph,  was  the  principal  to  begin 
 the  thankfgiving  in  prayer  ;  and  Bakbukiah  the  fecond 
 among  his  brethren,  and  Abda  the  Ion  of  Shammua, 
 the  (bn  of  Galal,  the  fon  of  Jeduthun. 
 
 18  All  the  Levites  in  the  holy  city  were  two  hun¬ 
 dred  fourfeore  and  four. 
 
 19  Moreover,  the  porters:  Akkub,  Talmcn,  and 
 their  brethren  that  kept  f  the  gates,  were  an  hundred 
 feventy  and  two. 
 
 20  H  And  the  refidue  of  Ifrael,  of  the  priefts  and 
 the  Levites,  were  in  all  the  cities  of  Judah,  every  cue 
 in  his  inheritance. 
 
 21  »  But  the  Nethinims  dwelt  in  [1  Ophel :  and*^  * 
 Ziha  and  Gifpa  were  over  the  Nethinims. 
 
 22  The  overfeer  alfo  of  the  Levites  at  Jerufalem  was  y  br* 
 Uzzi  the  fon  of  Bani,  thefon  of  Haftiabiah,  thefon  of  the  town, 
 Mattaniah,  the  fon  of  Micha  :  of  the  fons  of  Afaph, 
 
 the  fingers  were  over  the  bufmefs  of  the  houfe  of 
 God. 
 
 23  For  it  was  the  king’s  comm.andment  concerning 
 
 them,  that  |1  a  certain  portion  Ihould  be  for  the  fingers,  ||  Or, 
 due  for  every  day  .  a  sure  or> 
 
 24  And  Petha.niah  the  fon  of  Melhezabeel,  cf  the‘^"‘“”‘'^‘ 
 children  of  Zerah  the  fon  of  Jodati,  was  at  the  king’s 
 hand  in  all  matters  concerning  the  people. 
 
 25  And  for  the  villages  with  their  fields,  some  of  the 
 cnildren  ot  Judah  dwelt  at  Kirjath-arba,  and  in  the 
 villages  thereof,  and  at  Dibon,  and  in  the  villages 
 thereof,  and  at  Jekabzeel,  and  in  the  villages  thereof. 
 
 26  And  at  Jelhua,  and  at  Moladab,  and  at  Beth- 
 phelet, 
 
 27  And  at  Hazar-fhual,  and  at  Beer  fheba,  and  in 
 the  villages  thereof, 
 
 ia 
 
 at  the 
 gates. 
 
 of  the  outward  business  of  the  house  of  God;  That  is,  of  ll.ofe  things  belonging  to 
 
 arthe'?  b  '  abroaA^  the  cL.Urv, 
 
 out  voluntary  contributions,  or  other  neceffarv  proviflons, 
 
 ,  V  ^  '"’y  I'onourable  employment  for 
 
 ward  h-  commandment  concerning  them.  Hy  the 
 
 wordlrmg,  ,s  meant  the  kmg  of  PerOa,  who  out  of  his  great  muniflcence  ga  e 
 t  or  them  better  lupport  ;  it  being  common  in  all  countries  .0  have  a  panic^uTar 
 epard  for  thofe  w ho  lung  hymns  in  praife  of  their  gods.  Ver.  24.  K  at  /L 
 •mg  s  tan  .  He  was  authorized  to  take  cognizance  of  every  thing  which  related 
 totheadm.n.ft.afon,  was  a  miniller  of  the  king’s  court,  and,  ‘on 
 
 ««SERVATIONS._*  Chap.  X.]  In  our  profelTcd  fubjedlion  to  God,  let  us  manifert  refuea  to  all  his  ,  - 
 
 tfoi  have  proved  moll  dangerous  to  ourlblves,  and  wiich  have  proved  the  occafion  of  ml  ^  men’s  fall  efpecially 
 
 ^ould  be  eminently  ufetul,  ought  particularly  to  teach  and  enforce  thofe  duties  which  their  hearers  are  moft  ant  to  ne.r!  A  ^“4  '  ‘he  fauauary  if  they 
 
 'd  adapted  to  promote  the  general  wellare.  How  invaluable  the  Vinrd  of  God,  Coufidered  merely  as  the  rule  of  A,  t  ^  ^  ''  hy  all  concerned, 
 
 ‘ciences  of  all  men  as  holy,  juft,  and  good.  ’  couHOcrca  merclj  as  t.ie  rule  ot  duty  j  every  prsctpt  commands  iifelf  to  the  con^ 
 
 Ao.  30.,., 6c/.  6  D 
 
■irsfs  tcho  ca;ue  iciih  Zcrttblkibelf 
 
 NEHEMIAH. 
 
 7  he  dedication  of  the  xiali 
 
 ('!n  i 
 
 I  Or, 
 
 majh. 
 
 »ir.  556. 
 
 a  Ezra 
 £>.  1. 
 
 a  Or, 
 ilelicu, 
 \'erfe  1  4. 
 I)  Or, 
 Shebaniafi 
 Verfe  14. 
 H  Or, 
 Harim, 
 
 jtsalms  of 
 thanki- 
 fifing. 
 
 uearnefs  to  liis  perfoo,  could  at  any  time  inform  him  of  the  true  eftate  of  his 
 kfnK^om,  and  more  particularly  of  that  of  the  Jews  Others  think  he  was  a  per- 
 fon^pointed  by  the  king  of  PerCa  for  receiving  and  anfwering  all  petitions  from 
 
 ^VxPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XII.  Ver.  i.  Now  thete  are  the  priests 
 and  ihe  Leviles  :  That  is,  the  chief  or  heads  of  the  priefts^and  Levites.  Ver.  11. 
 Joddua.  This  illuftrious  perfon  was  rendered  Aili  more  iHuftriou^  on  account  of 
 his  going  in  his  pontifical  habit  to  meet  Alexander  the  Great,  as  he  was  advan^ 
 [ng  towards  Jerufalem,  after  the  conqueft  of  Tyre  and  Gaza,  and  procuring  from 
 
 28  And  at  Ziklag,  and  at  Mekonah,  and  in  the 
 vi  thereof, 
 
 29  And  at  En-riramon,  and  at  Zareah,  and  at 
 .firnnuth, 
 
 30  Zanoah,  Adullam,  and  in  their  villages,  at  La- 
 chilh,  and  the  fields  thereof,  at  Azekah,  and  in  the 
 villages  thereof.  And  they  dwelt  from  Beer-lheba 
 unto  the  valley  of  Hinnom. 
 
 31  The  children  alio  of  Benjamin  ||  from  Geba  ^ 
 flker/i  II  at  Michmalb,  and  Aija,  and  Beth*el,  and  in 
 
 aficA-  their  villages. 
 
 32  And  at  Anathoth,  Nob,  x^naniah, 
 
 33  Razor,  Ramah,  Gittaim, 
 
 3i  HadiJ,  Zeboim,  Neballar,'* 
 
 35  Lod,  and  Ono,  the  valley  of  crafifmen. 
 
 36  And  of  the  Levites  xi-ere  divifions  in  Judah,  and 
 in  Benjamia.* 
 
 CHAP.  XII. 
 
 1  The  priests  which  came  with  Zerubbabel.  10  The  succession  of  high- 
 priests.  27  The  dvdication  of  the  wall,  ^a. 
 
 NOW  thefe  are  *  the  piiefts  and  the  Levites  that 
 went  up  with  Zerubbabel  the  Ton  of  Shealtiel, 
 and  Jefhua  ;  Seraiah,  Jeremiah,  Ezra, 
 
 2  Araariah,  H  Malluch,  Hattach, 
 
 3  11  Shechaniah,  |1  Rehum,  |l  Meremoth, 
 
 4  Iddo,  11  Ginnetho,  Abijah, 
 
 5  11  Miamin,  H  Maadiah,  Bilgah, 
 
 6  Shemaiah,  and  Joiarib,  Jedaiah, 
 
 7  11  Sallu,  Amek,  Hilkiah,  Jedaiah.  Thefe  were  the 
 VerTris.  chief  of  the  priefts,  and  of  their  brethren,  in  the  days 
 II  Or,  of  Jefhua. 
 
 Merabth,  8  Moreover,  the  Levites  :  Jefhua,  Binnui,  Kadmiel, 
 
 Verfe  15.  sherebiah,  Judah,  and  Mattaniah,  which  was  over  the 
 
 Cinne-  II  thank fgiving,  he  and  nis  brethren. 
 
 thou.  9  Alfo  Bakbukiah  and  Unni,  their  brethren,  were 
 
 Verfe  16.  againll  them  in  the  watches. 
 
 ifm?amin  10  If  And  Jefhua  begat  Joiakim,  Joiakim  alfo  begat 
 
 Verf^T^Eliafbib,  and  Eliafhib  begat  Joiada, 
 
 H  Or,  11  And  Joiada  begat  Jonathan,  and  Jonathan  begat 
 
 x’“‘ro  ‘i7-  Joddua. 
 
 u  Or  12  And  in  the  days  of  Joiakim  were  priefts,  the 
 suiai  chief  of  the  fathers  :  of  Seraiah,  Meraiah  ;  of  Jere- 
 Verfe  20.  [niah,  Haiianiah  ; 
 
 I  That  IS,  ^  3  Qj.-  Mefhullam  ;  of  Araariah,  Jehohannan ; 
 14  Of  Melicu,  Jonathan  ;  of  Shebaniah,  Joleph  ; 
 
 15  Of  Harim,  Adna  ;  of  Meraioth,  Helkai : 
 
 16  Of  Iddo,  Zechariah  ;  of  Ginnethon,  Mefhullam  ; 
 17  Of  Abijah,  Zichri;  of  Miniamio,  of  Moadiab, 
 
 Pihtii ;  .  L  T  I.  L 
 
 ]  8  Of  Bilgah,  Sharamua ;  of  Shemaiah,  Jehonathan ; 
 
 19  And  of  Joiarib,  Mattenai ;  of  Jedaiah,  Uzzi ; 
 
 20  Of  Sallai,  Kallai ;  of  x\mok,  Eber  ; 
 
 ‘J’C, 
 
 firo 
 
 iri'd 
 
 21  Of  Hilkiah,  Hafhabiah  ;  of  Jedaiah,  . Nethanept  r  . 
 
 H  The  Levites  in  the  dttys  of  Ehafhib,  Cda  ”2', 
 and  Johannan,  and  Jaddua,  were  recorded  chief  of  the 
 fathers;  alfo  the  priefts,  to  the  reign  of  Darius  the''"^ 
 Perfian, 
 
 23  The  foDS  of  Levi,  the  chief  of  the  fathers  were 
 
 written  in  the  book  of  the Chronicles,  even  until  bir>, 
 the  days  of  Johanan  the  fon  of  Eliafhib.  9. 
 
 24  And  the  chief  of  the  Levites ;  Hafhabiah,  She. 
 rebiah,  and  Jefhua  the  Ion  of  Kadmiel,  with  their 
 brethren  over  againft  them,  to  prail'e  and  to  give 
 thanks,  according  to  the  commandment  of  David  the 
 man  of  God,  ward  over  againft  ward. 
 
 25  Mattaniah,  and  Bakbukiah,  Obadiah,  Mefhnl- 
 
 lam,  Talmon,  Akkub,  were  porters,  keeping  the  ward 
 at  the  II  threfholds  of  the  gates,  ^ 
 
 26  Thefe  were  in  the  days  of  Joiakim  the  fon 
 
 !  Jefhua,  the  fon  of  Jozadak,  and  in  the  days  of  Nehe- 
 I  miah  the  governor,  and  of  Ezra  the  prieft,  the  fcribe.^^‘^*‘ 
 
 I  27  ^  And  at  the  dedication  of  the  wall  of  Jerufa¬ 
 lem  they  fought  the  Levites  out  of  all  their  places,  to 
 bring  them  to  Jerufalem,  to  keep  the  dedication  with 
 gladnefs,  both  with  thankfgivings,  and  with  finging, 
 xvith  cymbals,  pfalteries,  and  with  harps. 
 
 28  And  the  Ions  of  the  fingers  gathered  themfelves 
 together,  both  out  of  the  plain  country  round  about 
 Jerufalem,  and  from  the  villages  of  Netophathi : 
 
 29  Alfo  from  the  houfe  of  Gilgal,  and  out  of  the 
 fields  of  Geba  and  Azmaveth  :  for  the  fingers  had 
 builded  them  villages  round  about  Jerufalem. 
 
 30  And  the  priefts  and  the  Levites  purified  them- 
 !  felves,  and  purified  the  people,  and  the  gates,  and  the 
 1  wall. 
 
 I  31  Then  I  brought  up  the  princes  of  Judah  upon 
 j  the  wall,  and  appointed  two  great  companies  of  them 
 \  that  pfave  thanks,  whereof  one  went  on  the  right  hand 
 !  upon  the  wall  toward  the  dung-gate  ; 
 j  32  And  after  them  went  Hofhaiab,  and  half  of  the 
 j  princes  of  Judah. 
 
 33  And  Azariah,  Ezra,  and  Mefhullam, 
 
 34  Judah  and  Benjamin,  and  Shemaiah,  and  Je¬ 
 remiah  ; 
 
 35  And  certain  of  the  prieft’s  fons  with  trumpets  r 
 namehjy  Zechariah  the  fon  of  Jonathan,  the  fon  of 
 Shemaiah,  the  fon  of  Mattaniah,  the  fon  of  Michaiah, 
 the  fon  of  Zaccur,  the  fon  of  Afaph  ; 
 
 36  And  his  brethren,  Shemaiah,  and  Azareel,  Ma- 
 lalai,  Gilalai,  Maai,  Nethaneel,  and  Judah,  Hanani, 
 with  the  mnfical  inftraments  of  David  the  man  of 
 God,  and  Ezra  the  feribe  before  them. 
 
 37  And  at  the  fountain-gate,  which  was  over  againft 
 them,  they  went  up  by  the  flairs  of  the  city  of  David, 
 
 him  great  privileges  for  the  Jewifli  nation.  “  If  this  be  really  the  fame  perfos,” 
 fays  Grotius,  “The  feripture  hiftory  ends,  when  all  things  in  profane  hiliory,  re- 
 fpedling  the  Jews  become  in  a  great  meafure  clear.  ”  Ver.  27.  As  Mofes  dedicated 
 the  tabernacle  in  the  wildernefs,  and  Solomon  the  houfe  of  the  Lord  ;  fo  Nebeaiiab, 
 having  put  all  things  in  good  order,  dedicated  the  city,  as  a  place  which  God  bim- 
 felf  had  chofen  and  fanAified  by  his  temple  and  gracious  prefence  ;  and  by  this  de¬ 
 dication  reftored  it  to  him  after  it  had  been  laid  wafte  and  profaned  by  the  dtvaf- 
 rations  of  the  Heathen.  Ver.  31.  Then  1  brought  up  the  princes  of  Judah  upon  the 
 wall.  He  feparated  the  priefts,  Levites,  and  the  princes  of  the  people  into 
 
 TDnar'TTrAT  nuSFRVATIONS  — *  CHAr.  XL]  The  church  of  God,  even  on  earth,  ought  to  he  the  Holy  City.  And  fince  Jefus  her  great  ruler,  and 
 .  ■  aV  J  dwell  in  her  men  ought  cheerfuUv  to  fix  their  refidence  there.  But  alas  !  regard  to  carnal  advantages,  finful  liberties,  or  fear  of  perfecu- 
 
 his  apoftles  and  prop  ,  chJrch  of  God.  It  refleifts  great  honour  on  civil  or  religious  rulers,  when  they  zealeufly  and  faithfully  fulfil  the  duties  of  their 
 
 tion,  often  “I'^nate  many  denial  and  holy  refolutioii.  If  God  diftinguifti  them  with  honour,  they  ftiould  diftinguifh  themfelves  by  increafed  zeal 
 
 ftations.  and  ^  (hall  never  loofe  their  reward,  while  thofe,  who  command  duty  without  praaLg  it,  lhall  be 
 
 ,n  his  caute.  God  difnofe  men  into  their  various  habitations!  In  all  fituations,  therefore,  they  ought  to  accommodate  their  ciicumftancts  W 
 
 Ji^honour,  TuTafryT"  ftra^S^«  looking  for  the  city  which  hath  foundations,  whofe  builder  and  ttiaker  is  God. 
 
separation  is  made  from  the  mixed  mullllude.  NEHEMTAIT. 
 
 voice  lo  be 
 heard 
 
 at  the  going  up  of  the  wall,  above  the  houfe  of  David, 
 even  unto  the  water-gate  eallward. 
 
 35  And  the  other  compatiy  oj  them  that  thanks 
 went  over  againft  thtm^  and  1  after  them,  and  the  half 
 ot  the  people  upon  the  wall,  from  beyond  the  tower 
 of  the  furnaces  even  unto  the  broad  wall : 
 
 39  And  from  above  the  gate  of  Ephrain,  and  above 
 the  old  gate,  and  above  the  fifh-gate,  and  the  tower 
 of  Hananeel,  and  the  tower  of  Meah,  even  unto  the 
 iheep-gate  :  and  they  flood  ftill  in  the  prifon-gate. 
 
 40  So  flood  the  two  companies  of  them  that  gave 
 thanks  in  the  houfe  of  God,  and  1  and  the  half  of  the 
 rulers  with  me : 
 
 41  And  the  priefis;  Eliakira,  Maafeiah,  Miniamin, 
 
 Michaiah,  Elioenai,  Zechariah  and  Hananiah,  with 
 trumpets : 
 
 42  And  Maafeiah,  and  Shemaiah,  and  Eleazar, 
 and  Uzzi,  and  Jehohanan,  and  Malchijah,  and  Elam, 
 
 f  Heb.  and  Ezer  :  and  the  figners  f  fang  loud,  with  Jezrahiah 
 
 madeihen  overfeCrS. 
 
 '  43  Alfo  that  day  they  offered  great  facrifices,  and 
 
 rejoiced  for  God  had  made  them  rejoice  with  great 
 joy  :  the  wives  alfo  and  the  children  rejoiced  ;  fo  that 
 the  joy  of  Jerufalem  was  heard  even  afar  off. 
 
 44  ^  And  at  that  time  were  fome  appointed  over 
 the  chambers  for  the  treafures,  for  the  offerings,  for 
 the  6r[l-fruits,  and  for  the  tithes,  to  gather  unto  them, 
 
 I  That  is,  out  of  the  fields  of  the  cities,  the  portions  [j  of  the  law 
 bVhTiaw  priefts  and  Levites  :  f  for  Judah  rejoiced  for 
 
 the  priefts  and  for  the  Levites  t  that  waited. 
 for  the  joy  45  And  both  the  fingers  and  the  porters  kept  the 
 of  of  their  God,  and  the  ward  of  the  purification, 
 
 Ihatpood.^  according  to  the  commandment  of  David,  and  of 
 c  I  Chro.  Solomon  his  (bn. 
 
 25.  &  26.  46  For  in  the  days  of  David  and  Afaph  of  old 
 
 P‘J“'  there  were  chief  of  the  fingers,  and  longs  of  praife  and 
 ’  ’thanksgiving  unto  God. 
 
 47  And  all  Ilfael  in  the  days  of  Zerubbabel,  and 
 in  the  days  of  Nehemiah,  gave  the  portions  of  the 
 j,  fingers  and  the  porters  every  day  his  portion;  and 
 L  aparn  fauftified  ho/y  things  unto  the  Levites,  ®  and  the 
 
 e  Numb.  Levites  fan&ified  them  unto  the  children  of  Aaron.* 
 
 CHAP.  XIII. 
 
 1  Upon  the  reading  of  the  law,  separation  is  made  from  the  mixed  multi¬ 
 tude.  10  Certain  abuses  reformed, 
 
 ON  that  day  f  they  read  in  the  book  of  Mofes  in 
 the  t  audience  of  the  people;  and  therein  was 
 found  written,  »  that  the  Ammonite  and  the  Moabite 
 fhould  not  come  into  the  congregation  of  God  for 
 ever ; 
 
 bN  mb  ^  Becaufe  they  met  not  the  children  of  Ifrael  with 
 22.5.  '  and  with  water,  but  ^  hired  Balaam  againfl 
 
 Jofhua  them,  that  he  Ihould  curie  them  ;  howbeit  our  God 
 21  9.  turned  the  curie  into  a  blelTing. 
 
 3  Now  it  came  to  pafs,  when  they  had  heard  the 
 
 two  companies,  one  of  which  walked  on  the  left  hand,  and  the  other  to  the  left  T  - 
 
 on  the  top  of  the  walls.  J  he  two  companies  met  in  the  temple  where  they  halted  '  the  dedicating  fuppofe  that  tliis  was  done  immediately  afte 
 
 .nd  offered  up  their  facrifices.  Ver.  43.  The  joy  o,  Jerusalem  was  hea,-d  evenZ  '  letuSd  from  Irf n  - tr  r 
 
 EXrLASATOav  NOTES.  C»„,  X„..  >v„.  0.  ..  J  II!' 
 
 ’  - - - — '  -----  _ _ _  ^  •  X  VI  leiiie  or  Uiele  word 
 
 t  Heb. 
 there  was 
 read. 
 f  Heb. 
 ears. 
 a  Deut. 
 23.  3,  4. 
 
 Nclicmiah  reformeth  certain  aluseSf  S^e 
 
 law,  that  they  feparated  from  Ifrael  all  the  mixed 
 multitude. 
 
 4  H  And  before  thi.s,  Eliafhib  the  pried,  f  having 
 
 the  overfight  of  the  chamber  of  the  houfe  of  our  ^  Hcb. 
 God,  was  allied  unto  I'obiah  ;  being  t  t 
 
 5  And  he  had  prepared  for  him  a  great  chamber, 
 
 where  aforetime  they  laid  the  meat-eff;  rings,  the 
 frankincenfe,  and  the  veffels,  and  the  tithes  of  the 
 corn,  the  new  wine,  and  the  oil,  (f  which  was  com-fHei.. 
 manded  to  he  given  to  the  Levites,  and  the  fingers,  and'^' 
 the  porters,)  and  the  odVrings  of  the  prieds.  mund- 
 
 6  But  in  all  this  time  was  not  I  at  Jerufalem; 
 
 in  the  two  and  tl^tieth  year  of  Arraxerxes  king  oiviies. 
 Babylon  came  I  udro  the  king,  and  f  after  certain  days 
 f  obtained  I  leave  of  the  king  :  Inhe  end 
 
 7  And  I  came  to  Jerulalem,  and  underdood  of  the°/dl^," 
 
 evil  that  Eliafhib  did  for  Tobiah,  in  preparing  him  a  9  Or, 
 chamber  in  the  courts  of  the  houle  of  God.  leamejiiy 
 
 8  And  it  grieved  me  fore:  therefore  I  cad  forth 
 the  houfe-hold  duff  of  Tobiah  out  of  the  chamber. 
 
 9  Then  I  commanded,  and  they  cleanfed  the  cham¬ 
 bers  ;  and  thither  brought  I  again  the  veffels  of  the 
 houfe  of  God,  with  the  meat  ofiering  and  the  frank- 
 incenfe. 
 
 10  If  And  I  perceived  that  the  portions  of  the  Le¬ 
 vites  had  not  been  given  them  :  for  the  Levites  and 
 the  fingers,  that  did  the  work,  were  fled  every  one  to 
 his  field. 
 
 1 1  Then  contended  I  with  the  rulers,  and  faid,  Why 
 
 is  the  houfe  of  God  forfaken  ?  And  I  gathered  them 
 together,  and  fet  them  in  their  f  place.  |  Heb. 
 
 12  Then  brought  all  Judah  the  tithe  of  the  corn, 
 and  the  new  wine,  and  the  oil  unto  the  If  treafuries*.  ||  Or, 
 
 13  And  I  made  treafurers  over  the  treafuries 
 Shelemiah  the  priefl,  and  Zadok  the  feribe ;  and  of 
 
 the  Levites,  Pedaiah  ;  and  next  f  to  them  was  Hanan  +  iieb. 
 the  Ion  or  Zaccur,  the  fon  of  Maitaniah  ;  for  thev  ^ 
 were  counted  faithful :  and  f  their  office  was  to  dif-*"”'^- 
 tribute  unto  their  brethren.  t 
 
 14  ‘  Remember  me,  O  my  God,  concerning  this 
 
 and  wipe  not  out  my  good  f  deeds  that  I  have  done'^*^' 
 for  the  houle  of  ray  God,  and  for  the  offices  thereof. 
 
 lo  If  In  thofe  days  faw  1  in  Judah  some  treading  wine  -  Imtinck*. 
 preffes  on  the  fabbath,  and  bringing  in  fheaves,  and  !l  Or, 
 lading  altes ;  as  alfo  wine,  grapes,  and  fig.?,  and  all 
 manner  o/burdens  which  they  brought  into  Jerufalem 
 on  the  fabbath-day  :  and  I  teftified  against  them  in  the 
 day  wherein  they  fold  vifluals. 
 
 16  There  dwelt  men  of  Tyre  alfo  therein,  which 
 brought  filh,  and  all  manner  of  ware,  and  fold  on  the 
 fabbath  unto  the  children  of  Judah,  and  in  Jerufalem. 
 
 17  Ihen  I  contended  with  the  nobles  of  Judah,  and 
 laid  unto  them.  What  evil  thing  is  this  that  ye  do. 
 and  profane  the  labbath-day? 
 
 18  Did  not  your  fathers  thus,  and  did  not  our  God- 
 
^chemiah  rejortncth  certain  abuses,  Lje,  NEHEA'IIAH.  He  contenUclJi  with  the  Jews  C 
 
 >  ^  (?4 
 
 brin;;  all  this  evil  upon  us,  and  upon  this  city  ?  yet  yei|  ^5  And  I  contended  with  them,  and  ||  curfed  them,  itcf. 
 
 Itefoie 
 
 Clirift 
 
 434. 
 
 bring  more  wrath  uponifrael,  by  profaning  the  fabbath.  ij  and  fmote  certain  of  them,  and  plucked  off  their  hair, 
 19  And  it  came  to  pafs,  that  when  the  gates  ol!  and  made  them  I  wear  by  God,  saying.  Ye  fhall  not 
 Jerufalem  began  to  be  dark  before  the  fabbath,  1 
 
 be  (hut,  and 
 
 ore 
 Chi'i|\ 
 4  3-1. 
 
 f  lleb. 
 before  the 
 wall  T 
 B  Or, 
 
 commanded  that  the  gates  (hould 
 charged  that  they  (hould  not  be  opened  till  alter  the 
 fabbath  ;  and  some  of  my  fervants  fet  I  at  the  gates, 
 that  there  (hould  no  burden  be  brought  in  on  the  (ab- 
 bath-day. 
 
 20  So  the  merchants,  and  fellers  of  all  kind  of 
 ware,  lodged  without  Jerulalem  once  or  twice. 
 
 21  Tnen  I  teffified  againft  them,  and  faid  unto 
 them,  Wny  lodged  ye  f  about  the  wall  ?  if  ye  do  so 
 again,  1  will  lay  hands  on  you.  From  that  time  forth 
 
 tnuituude  came  they  no  more  on  the  fabbath. 
 t  Heh.  2-2  And  I  commanded  theLevites,  that  they  (hould 
 J'rrfJIw'^^cleanfe  themfelves,  and  that  they  Tnould  come  and 
 w'ith  keep  the  gates,  to  faa£fify  thefabbath-day.  Remem- 
 them.  Q  my  God,  concerning  this  alfo,  and  (pare 
 
 t  me  according  to  the  greatnefs  of  thy  mercy. 
 cerneinot  23  ^  In  thofe  days  alfo  law  I  Jews  that  f  had  mar- ! 
 to  speak,  ried  wives  of  A(hdod,  of  Ammon,  and  of  Moab  :  ' 
 
 t  Heb.  24  And  their  children  fpake  half  in  the  fpeech  of  ^ 
 Afhdod,  and  f  could  not  fpeak  in  the  Jews’  language,  ^ 
 lie.  but  according  to  the  language  t  of  each  people. 
 
 fee  Note  on  Deut.  xiiii.  1 — 9.  Itfeems  alfoprobable  from  the  connexion  here,  that 
 the  words  imply  that  Ifrael  were  not  to  incorporate  by  marriage,  any  of  the  hea¬ 
 then  into  the  nation.  Ver.  4.  The  words  having  the  oversight  of  the  chamber  of  the 
 house  of  God,  imply  the  whole  government  of  the  temple,  every  chamber  of  it ;  the 
 lingular  number  being  ufed  inilead  of  the  plural;  the  government  of  the^wbole 
 certainly  belonged  to  the  high  prieft.  It  feems  thus  probable,  that  Eliafhib  the 
 high  prieft  was  the  author  of  the  following  profanation  of  the  houfe  of  God ;  but 
 hAnight  die  before  Nehemiah  returned  from  Babylon;  for  we  hear  nothing  of  the 
 governor’s  reprehending  him  for  it;  which  be  doubtlefs  would  otherwife  have  done. 
 Ver.  6.  All  this  time  was  not  I  at  Jerusalem.  They  took  this  ftep  while  Nehemiah 
 was  retired  to  the  court  of  Perfia.  Ver.  8.  And  it  grieved  me  sore.  He  was  filled 
 with  forrow  and  indignation  at  feeing  a  ftranger,  nay,  an  enemy  to  the  Ifraelites, 
 brought  into  a  part  of  the  temple,  that  none  of  the  fans  of  Jacob,  except  the  priefts 
 
 give  your  daughters  unto  their  (bns,  nor  take  their  n 
 daughters  unto  your  fons,  or  for  yourfelves.  revihu 
 
 26  Did  not  Solomon  king  of  ll'rael  fin  by  thefe 
 things  ?  yet  among  many  nations  was  there  no  king 
 like  him,  who  was  beloved  of  his  God,  and  God  made 
 
 him  king  over  all  Ifrael :  neverthelefs,  even  him  did  fii  King, 
 oiitlandifb  women  caufe  to  fin. 
 
 27  Shall  we  then  hearken  unto  yon  to  do  all  this 
 great  evil,  to  tranfgrel's  againft  our  God  in  marrying 
 ((range  wives  ? 
 
 28  And  one  of  (he  fons  of  Joiada,  the  fon  of  Elia- 
 (bib  the  high  prieft,  was  fon-iu-law  to  Sanballat  the 
 Horoiiire  :  therefore  1  chafed  him  from  me. 
 
 29  Remember  them,  O  my  God,  f  becaufe  they  t  iicb. 
 have  defiled  the  priefthood,  and  the  covenant  of 
 prietthood,  and  of  the  Levites.  ^ 
 
 30  Thus  cleanled  I  them  from  all  ((rangers,  and 
 appointed  the  wards  of  the  priefts  and  the  Levites, 
 every  one  in  his  bufinefs. 
 
 31  And  for  the  wood-o(Fering,  at  times  appointed, 
 and  for  the  firft  fruits.  Remember  me,  O  my  God, 
 for  good.* 
 
 were  permitted  to  enter ;  and  even  the  holy  things  removed  to  make  room  for  the 
 boufebold  ftuff  of  this  Ammonite;  and  what  is  dill  a  greater  aggravation  of  the 
 !  crime  was,  that  all  this  was  done  by  the  high  prieft  himfelf,  who  ought  to  have  op. 
 pofed  fuch  an  attempt  with  all  his  power.  Ver.  14.  Remember  me,  0  my  God  con¬ 
 cerning  this.  That  is,  not  in  a  way  of  ftridl  juftice,  as  if  he  thought  he  merited  any 
 thing  at  the  hand  of  God  ;  but  in  a  way  of  grace  and  mercy,  praying  that  he  would 
 gracioufly  accept  of  what  he  had  done,  as  done  for  the  honour  of  his  name,  and 
 overlook  all  infirmities  therein.  Ver.  22.  I  commanded  the  Levites.  It  was  natu¬ 
 ral  to  think  that  the  Levites,  by  virtue  of  their  charadler,  would  meet  with  more 
 deference  and  refpeiSt  than  his  domeftic  fervants.  Ver.  25.  I  contended  with  them. 
 That  is,  I  argued  with  them,  faithfully  admoniftied  them,  and  (harply  reproved 
 them. — Cursed  them  ;  that  is,  affured  them  that  the  curfe  of  God  would  come 
 upon  them,  unlefs  they  repented. 
 
 PR  ACTIC.4L  OBSERVATIONS. _ *  Chap.  XIII.]  This  chapter  ought  to  be  particularly  confidered  by  thofe  who  have  the  government  of  the  church  i 
 
 mitted  to  them,  and  by  Chriftian  magiftrates.  We  here  fee  with  what  zeal  Nehemiah  fet  himfelf  to  reform  the  abufes  that  had  crept  in  while  he  was  going  into 
 "  .  ’  .  ^  .  --a  u-j _ A„A  1,,.,  tho  T.pvltps.  NolhinsT  is  more  worthy  the  care  of  nerlons  in  a  p 
 
 I  com- 
 
 _ _ _ _ crept  in  while  he  was  going  into  Per- 
 
 proc’urrthYobfcrvation  of  what  God  had  commanded  in  the  law  for  the  fupport  of  the  Levites.  Nothing  is  more  worthy  the  care  of  perfons  in  a  public 
 charaaerthan  the  concerns  of  religion.  How  remarkable  is  the  zeal  and  refolution  which  Nehemiah  (hewed  againft  thofe  vvho  kept  not  the  ftbbath,  and  on  ‘hat  day 
 brought  to  Jerufalem  burdens  and  feveral  wares,  as  well  as  againft  thofe  who  had  married  ftrange  women.  Magiftrates  ought  to  employ  their  authority  to  hinder, 
 yea,  to  oppole  with  vigour,  every  thing  that  is  contrary  to  the  law  of  God  and  good  order. 
 
 THE  BOOK  OF 
 
 OF 
 
 THE 
 
 THE  ARGUMENT. 
 
 In  this  book  we  see  how  God  made  use  of  queen  Efther,  w>ho  was^  a  Jewess,  and  wife  of  king  Ahafuerus,  to  bring 
 •  nboul  the  deliverance  of  the  Jews  who  were  in  that  kings  dominions,  and  to  do  them  good.  It  is  thought,  what  is 
 related  in  this  book  h-mpened  some  time  after  Jews  were  returned  from  the  ^^hy\ou\^  captiviLij ;  rn^  that 
 inis  Ah.al'uerus,  who  is  called  Artaxerxes,  in  the  additions  to  the  book  of  Efther,  teas  Darius  the  son  of  tiyltas- 
 pis  ;  this  prince,  as  well  as  others  in  that  time,  having  different  names  in  holij  writ  and  in  profane  history. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 521. 
 
 CHAP.  I. 
 
 1  Aharuerus  m.iketh  royal  feasts.  10  V.ahti  sent  for,  refuseth  to 
 
 come. 
 
 NIJW  it  came  to  pafs,  in  the  days  of  Aharuerus, 
 (this  is  Ahaiuerus  which  reigned  from  India 
 
 j even  unto  Ethiopia,  over  ctn  hundred  and  feven  and 
 twenty  provinces,) 
 
 2  rAat  in  thole  days,  when  the  king  Ahafuerus  fat 
 on  the  throne  of  his  kingdom,  which  was  in  Shufhan 
 the  palace. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  I.  Ver.  1.  2Jow  it  came  to  pass  in  the 
 days  of  Ahasuerus.  The  learned  have  found  it  very  diflBcult  to  dilcover  who  this 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrilt 
 
 519. 
 
 Ahafuerus  was,  Ulher  fuppofes  him  to  he  Darius  Hyftafpis  ;  Scaliger  makes 
 him  to  be  Xerxes  j  but  Jofephus  pofitively  ad'eits,  that  the  Anafuerus  of  fenp* 
 
Qiteen  Vashti^s  disobedience. 
 
 ESTHER. 
 
 The  lin<iA  (h'Lrcct 
 
 IJefore 
 
 Clirift 
 
 519. 
 
 I  Ileb. 
 Jouiid. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 viol6t» 
 
 3  In  the  third  year  of  his  reign,  he  made  a  feaft  ! 
 unto  all  his  princes  and  his  Cervants  ;  the.  power  of 
 Perfia  and  Media,  the  nobles  and  princes  of  the  pro¬ 
 vinces  being  before  him. 
 
 4.  When  he  (hewed  the  riches  of  his  glorious  king¬ 
 dom,  and  the  honour  of  his  excellent  majefty,  many  1 
 days,  even  an  hundred  and  fourfeore  days.  ^  j 
 
 5  And  when  thefe  days  were  expired,  the  king  j 
 made  a  feaft  unto  all  the  people  that  were  f  prefent  | 
 in  Shuftian  the  palace,  both  unto  great  and  fmall,  j 
 feven  days,  in  the  court  of  the  garden  of  the  king’s  ' 
 palace ; 
 
 6  Wiere  <were  white,  green,  and  ||  blue  hangings  \ 
 faftened  with  cords  of  fine  linen  and  purple  to  filver 
 rings  and  pillars  of  marble :  the  beds  'were  of  gold 
 
 II  and  filver,  upon  a  pavement  |1  of  red,  and  blue,  and 
 white,  and  black  marble. 
 
 marble,  7  And  they  gave  them  drink  in  veflfels  of  gold, 
 and  ala-  ((he  veflcls  being  diverfe  one  from  another,)  and  t 
 royal  wine  in  abundance,  \  according  to  the  ftate  of 
 biueco-  the  king. 
 
 lour.  8  And  the  drinking  was  according  to  the  law  ; 
 t  none  did  compel ;  for  fo  the  king  had  appointed  to  all 
 kingdom^ officers  of  his  houfe,  that  they  fhould  do  according 
 according  to  cvcry  man’s  pleafure. 
 
 tothehand  9  Vafhti  the  qneen  made  a  feaft  for  the  women 
 ojthekmg  the  royal  houfe  which  belonged  to  king  Ahafuerus. 
 
 10  f  On  the  feventh  day,  when  the  heart  of  the 
 king  was  merry  with  wine,  he  commanded  Mehuman, 
 Biztha,  Harbona,  Bigtha,  and  Abagtha,  Zethar,  and 
 Carcas,  the  feven  I1  chamberlains  that  ferved  in  the 
 prefence  of  Ahafuerus  the  king. 
 
 11  To  bring  Vafhti  the  queen  before  the  king  w'ith 
 <he  crown  royal,  to  (hew  the  people  and  the  princes 
 her  beauty  ;  for  (he  was  f  fair  to  look  on. 
 
 12  But  the  queen  Vafhti  refufed  to  come  at  the 
 king’s  commandment  f  by  his  chamberlains  ;  there¬ 
 fore  was  the  king  very  wroth,  and  his  anger  burned 
 
 w/iic/twasin  him. 
 
 llnd^of  If  Then  the  king  faid  to  the  w'ife  men,  which 
 
 his"  14-  knew  the  times,  (for  fo  teas  the  king’s  manner,  toward 
 nuchs.  all  that  knew  law  and  judgment ; 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 eunuchs. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 good  of 
 cnente- 
 nance. 
 t  Heb 
 
 H-  And  the  next  unto  him  was  Carfhena,  Shetfar, 
 Admatha,  Tarfhifh,  Metes,  Marfena,  and  Memu.  an, 
 the*  feven  princes  of  Perfia  and  Media,  which  law 
 the  king’s  face,  and  which  fat  the  firfl  in  the  k:ng-a  Hzra 
 
 dom  )  °  7. 
 
 15  t  What  fhall  we  do  unto  the  queen  Vaftiti 
 according  to  law,  becaufe  (he  hath  not  performed  the,j,, 
 commandment  of  the  king  Ahafuerus  by  Che  chamber¬ 
 lains  ? 
 
 16  And  Memucan  anfw'ered  before  the  king  and 
 the  princes,  Vafhti  the  queen  hath  not  done  wrong 
 to  the  king  only,  but  alfo  to  all  the  princes,  and  to  all 
 the  people  that  are  in  all  the  provinces  of  the  king 
 Ahafuerus. 
 
 17  For  this  deed  of  the  queen  fnall  came  abroad 
 unto  all  women,  fo  that  they  fnall  defpife  their  huf- 
 bands  in  their  eyes,  w’hen  it  fnall  be  reported,  Tne 
 king  Ahafuerus  commanded  Vafhti  the  queen  to  be 
 brought  in  before  him,  but  (he  came  not. 
 
 18  lAkewise  fhall  the  ladies  of  Perfia  and  Media  fay 
 this  day  unto  all  the  king’s  princes,  which  have  heard 
 of  the  deed  of  the  queen.  Thus  shall  there  arise 
 
 much  contempt  and  wrath.  h  ube 
 
 19  t  R  ic  pleafe  the  king,  let  there  go  a  royal  coiv.- good  with 
 mand.ment  t  from  him,  and  let  it  be  written  among 
 
 the  laws  of  the  Perfians  and  the  Medes,  f  that  it  bey,^J^^_ 
 i  not  altered,  that  Vafhti  come  no  more  before  king/orc  Am. 
 j  Ahafuerus ;  and  let  the  king  give  her  royal  eftatetn^b- 
 ‘  f  unto  another  that  is  better  than  fhe.  ihaiv.p<ss 
 
 20  And  w'hen  the  king’s  decree,  which  he  fhall 
 make,  fhall  be  publifhed  throughout  all  his  empire,  unto  her 
 (for  it  is  great,)  all  the  w'ives  fhall  give  to  their  huf-c°'";’ 
 bands  honour,  both  to  great  and  fmall. 
 
 21  And  the  faying  f  pleafed  the  king  and  the„.a, 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 xvai  ; 
 
 princes  ;  and  the  king  did  according  to  the  word  of  in  theey.'S 
 Memucan;  «/  (  a  e  ing 
 
 22  For  he  fent  letters  into  all  the  king’s  provinces, 
 into  every  province  according  to  the  writing  thereof, 
 and  to  every  people  after  their  language,  that  every  it 
 man  fhould  bear  rule  in  his  own  houfe ;  and  that  it. 
 fhould  be  publifhed  according  to  the  language  of  every  IV, 
 people.*  lis^eoidc. 
 
 ture  ^vas  the  Artaxerxes  Longimanus  of  profane  hiflory,  whofe  reign  was  one  of 
 the  moll  profperous  of  the  kings  of  Perfia.  The  Septuagint  however  throughout 
 the  whole  book  of  Either,  where  Ahafuerus  is  mentioned  in  the  Hebrew  text, 
 tranlUte  it  Artaxerxes.  Ver.  2.  When  the  king  Ahasuerus  sat  on  the  throne  of  his 
 kingdom.  That  is,  when  he  enjoyed  peace  and  tranquility  throughout  his  large 
 dominions.  In  Shushan  the  palace.  Cyrus  and  the  reft  of  the|Perfian  kings,  after 
 they  had  conquered  the  Medes,  whofe  country  lay  at  a  great  didance,  fixed  their 
 royal  feat  at  Shuflian,  that  they  might  not  be  far  from  Babylon,  and  make  it 
 the  capital  of  the  empire.  Ver.  9.  And  kashli  the  queen.  They  who  make  Aha¬ 
 fuerus  to  be  Darius  Hyftafpis,  fuppofe  that  file  was  Atolfa,  the  daughter  of  Cyrus. 
 Others  fuppofe  that  Ihe  was  filler  to  Ahafuerus,  the  Perfians  in  thole  days  making 
 no  fcruple  in  thefe  kind  of  marriages.  But  there  is  fufficient  reafon  to  think 
 that  before  her  marriage,  there  had  been  fuch  a  colleaion  of  virgins  made  for  the  ' 
 >ng,  as  there  was  before  that  of  Ellber,  and  having  the  good  fortune  to  obtain  the  j 
 preference  in  the  king’s  elleem,  fhe  was  created  queen.  And  if  this  be  granted,  it  : 
 may  naturally  be  fuppofed,  that  being  a  woman  of  no  high  defeent,  her  family 
 might  for  that  reafon  be  concealed.  Ver.  1 2.  Therefore  w.is  the  king  very  wroth.  ' 
 «is  anger  was  now  immoderate,  becaufe  his  blood  was  heated  with  wine,  which 
 
 made  his  pafTion  too  ftrong  for  his  reafon  ;  otherwife  he  would  not  have  thour-ht 
 it  decent  for  the  queen,  nor  fafe  for  himfelf,  to  have  her  beauty  (which  was  very 
 great)  expofed  in  this  unufual  manner.  Ver.  13.  Wise  men  w'hich  knew  the  lanes. 
 That  is,  men  well  verfed  in  ancient  hillories,  and  in  the  laws  and  culloms  of  tlieir 
 countries  ;  or  perfons  whole  wifdom  and  prudence  enabled  them  to  judge  what  was 
 fit  to  he  done  on  any  occaCon.  Perhaps  both  fenfes  may  be  included  in  tlie  ex- 
 prclTion.  Ver.  14.  The  seven  princes  of  Persia  and  Media.  The  cullom  in  Per¬ 
 fia  of  having  feven  chief  couufellors  has  given  rife  to  various  coujeclures  refpeefling 
 this  origin.  But  it  may  be  fufficient  to  obferve  here,  that  thefe  princes  were  the 
 chief  judges  and  interpeters  of  the  laws  of  the  empire.  Ver.  22.  Be  puliisheJ  re¬ 
 cording  ta  the  language  of  every  people,  or  fpeak  the  language  of  his  people.  Tlie 
 former  tranllation  feems  a  repetition  of  what  is  Hated  in  the  preceding  part  of  the 
 verfes,  that  the  decree  ihould  be  made  known  in  all  the  provinces  in  the  ditlcreut 
 language  of  the  people;  the  latter  tranllation,  that  every  woman  Ihould  fpeak  the 
 language  of  her  hufband,  is  thought  to  oppofe  a  cullom  in  Perfi.i,  of  the  men  per¬ 
 mitting  the  women  whom  they  married  out  of  other  countries,  to  tiring  into  the 
 family  their  own  languages,  which  cullom  tended  to  we'akea  the  autiioritv  of  huf- 
 bands  and  introduce  coufufion  into  the  family. 
 
 more  1,1 OLSEIIVATIOES — ■  Chap.  I.  j  How  rich  the  gifts  which  God  often  beftows  on  Uiofe  who  know  him  not !  But  let  us  never  think  that  he  is 
 are  hi,  tr  M  Earthly  good  is  a  curie  to  thol'e  who  Iiave  not  a  heart  to  make  a  goon  ufe  of  it.  The  poorell  of  God’s  hih  ren 
 
 ^  3“^  thefe  are  trcaluies  of  more  inoftimahle  value  than  ail  the  polfalions  of  the  mightiefi  monarchs  of  the  world 
 
 ttKtmrrV-  gratification  ;  if  the  rich  are  not  temperate  and  atflive,  they  Vill  he  the  worfe,  ^ot^he  better  of  theu 
 
 man  wh^r  n  T  ^  T'’  ^’ory  of  the  new  Jerufakml  No  motive  ought  to  induce  us  to  violate  the  laws  of  temperance  ‘  The 
 
 Eire  itTnVVrrV  our  fouls,  by  finnmgagainll  God,  is  no  better  than  a  barbarian,  who  would  put  a  fword  into  our  hands,  aTrecuke  uTS 
 
 many  mifehipf  °  exclude  women  wholly  horn  the  lociety  of  men  is  doubtless  grievous  tyranny.  But  everv  thing  may  he  carried  to  exetf.  How 
 
 ::f  cr  ti,!^  to  eaim:::  zs  -<1 
 
 them  alfo  learn  to  reverence  their 
 
 No. 
 
 many  public  divi  rfi.  ns  !  While  women  the  efore 
 
 ««.n  .1.  J  ,  .  and  I'ohriety,  above  gold,  p.arls,  or  collly  array,  become  th.  m.  L.t 
 
 own  hiilbands,  and  obey  every  lawful  mjundion.  And  if  huibands  expcdl  due  obedience  from  tUei' 
 
 30,. G  E  ‘  " 
 
 ■wives,  let  them  be  always 
 
.ItMiur  qiLCcn  to  be  closcfi. 
 
 ESTHER. 
 
 A' 
 
 t  Heb. 
 unto  the 
 hand. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 Jlegai, 
 
 CHAP.  II.  i 
 
 1  Out  oi'  Ini’  choice  of  vir:ins  a  queen  is  to  be  cliofcn>  15  Ejlher  elcSled.  ' 
 21  y.ordtcai  discove/clh  ti  /dot  iigaind  the  king. 
 
 Fl'F.R  thel'e  things,  when  the  wrath  of  king  i 
 Ahafuerus  was  appealed,  he  remembered  j 
 Vaihti,  and  what  (he  had  done,  and  what  was  decreed  : 
 a  gain  It  her.  I 
 
 2  Then  faid  the  king’s  fervants  that  miniftered  unto 
 him,  Let  there  be  fair  young  virgins  fought  for  the 
 king  : 
 
 3  And  let  the  king  appoint  officers  in  all  the  pro¬ 
 vinces  of  his  kingdom,  that  they  may  gather  together 
 all  the  fair  young  virgins  unto  Shulhan  the  palace,  to 
 the  houfe  of  the  w'omen,  f  unto  the  cuftody  of  11  Hege 
 the  king’s  chamberlain,  keeper  of  the  women  ;  and 
 let  their  things  for  purification  be  given  i/te»i : 
 
 4  And  let  the  maiden  which  pleafeth  the  king  be 
 Vetfes.  queen  inftead  of  Vaffiti.  And  the  thing  pleafed  the 
 
 king  ;  and  he  did  fo. 
 
 5  ^  Aote,  in  Shuflian  the  palace  there  was  a  certain 
 Jew’,  whofe  name  vas  Mordecai,  the  Ion  of  Jair,  the 
 Ion  of  Shimei,  the  fon  of  Kiffi,  a  Benjamite  ; 
 
 a  2  Kings  6  *  Who  had  been  earned  away  from  Jerufalero 
 ^^Chron.  captivity,  which  had  been  carried  away  with 
 
 s6.  10.  Jeconiah  king  of  Judea,  whom  Nebuchadnezzar  the 
 Jeremiah  king  of  Babylon  had  carried  away. 
 
 +  H  K  7  And  he  f  brought  up  Hadaffeh,  (that  is,  Efther,) 
 Lurlfted.  bis  uncle’s  daughter;  for  fhe  had  neither  father  nor 
 t  Heb.  mother,  and  the  maid  tiasf  fair  and  beautiful ;  whom 
 jairof  Mordecai  (when  her  father  and  mother  were  dead) 
 {ood  took  for  his  own  daughter. 
 
 8  ^  bo  it  came  to  pais,  when  the  king’s  command¬ 
 ment  and  his  decree  was  heard,  and  when  many 
 m.aidens  were  gathered  together  unto  Shufhan  the 
 palace,  to  the  cuftody  of  Hegai,  that  Efther  was 
 brought  alfo  unto  the  king’s  houfe  to  the  cuftody  of 
 Hegai,  keeper  of  the  w’omen. 
 
 9  And  the  maiden  pleafed  him,  and  ftie  obtained 
 kindnels  of  him  ;  and  he  fpeedily  gave  her  her  things 
 tor  purification,  w’ith-f  fuch  things  as  belonged  to  her, 
 and  feven  maidens,  xvbicfi  votre  meet  to  be  given  her, 
 out  of  the  king’s  houfe  ;  and  f  he  preferred  her  and 
 
 he  c/vang-her  maids  unto  the  belt  place  of  the  houfe  of  the  wo- 
 
 edher.  uien. 
 
 10  Efther  had  not  fhewed  her  people,  nor  her  kin- 
 
 good  of 
 counte~ 
 
 t  Heb. 
 her  poT' 
 tions. 
 t  Heb. 
 
 Eslhey  is  elected  queen, 
 
 dred ;  for  Mordecai  had  charged  her  that  (he  fhould  Uefor, 
 not  Ihew  it.  ciinn 
 
 11  And  Mordecai  walked  every  day  before  the 
 court  of  the  women’s  houfe,  f  to  know  how  Efther 
 did,  and  what  fhould  become  of  her.  to  know 
 
 .  the 
 
 pence. 
 
 515. 
 
 12  ^  Now,  when  every  maid’s  turn  was  come  to  go 
 in  to  king  Ahafuerus,  after  that  (he  had  been  twelve 
 months  according  to  the  manner  of  the  women,  (for 
 lb  were  the  days  of  their  purifications  accomplifhed, 
 to  'ait,  fix  months  with  oil  of  myrrh,  and  fix  months 
 with  fweet  odours,  and  with  ot/ier  things  for  the  puri¬ 
 fying  of  the  women,) 
 
 13  Then  thus  came  ewen/ maiden  unto  the  king; 
 whatfoever  (he  defired  was  given  her  to  go  with  her 
 out  of  the  houfe  of  the  women  unto  the  king’s  houfe. 
 
 14  In  the  evening  (he  w'ent,  and  on  the  morrow  fhe 
 returned  into  the  fecond  houle  of  the  wom.en,  to  the 
 cuftody  of  Shaalhgaz,  the  king’s  chamberlain,  which 
 kept  the  concubines  :  (he  came  in  unto  the  king  no 
 more,  except  the  king  delighted  in  her,  and  that  Ihe 
 were  called  by  name. 
 
 15  II  Now,  when  the  turn  of  Efther,  the  daughter  dr.  515. 
 of  Abihail,  the  uncle  of  Mordecai,  (who  had  taken  her 
 
 for  his  daughter,)  was  come  to  go  in  unto  the  king, 
 
 (he  required  nothing  but  what  Hagai  the  king’s  cham¬ 
 berlain,  the  keeper  of  the  women,  appointed  :  and 
 Efther  obtained  favour  in  the  fight  of  all  them  that 
 looked  upon  her. 
 
 16  So  Efther  was  taken  unto  king  Ahafuerus  into 
 bis  houfe-royal,  in  the  tenth  month,  (which  is  the 
 month  Tebeth,)  in  the  feventh  year  of  his  reign. 
 
 17  And  the  king  loved  Efther  above  all  the  women, 
 
 and  fhe  obtained  grace  and  y  favour  t  in  his  fighr  n  or, 
 more  than  all  the  virgins;  fo  that  he  let  the  royaUi«*ify3. 
 crown  upon  her  head,  and  made  her  queen  inftead  of 
 Vafhti.  w 
 
 18  Then  the  king  made  a  great  feaft  unto  all  h’s  dr.  514. 
 
 princes  and  his  fervants,  even  Efther’s  feaft  ;  and  he 
 made  a  f  releafe  to  the  provinces  and  gave  gifts,  ac-  ^  Heb. 
 cording  to  the  (fate  of  the  king.  reji. 
 
 19  And  when  the  virgins  were  gathered  together 
 the  fecond  time,  then  Mordecai  fat  in  the  king’s 
 gate. 
 
 20  Efther  had  not  yet  fhewed  her  kindred  nor  her 
 peoole,  as  Mordecai  had  charged  her  :  for  Efther  did 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  II.  Ver.  1.  He  remembered  Vashli. 
 Pr  bably  nith  grief  and  lhame,  that  in  his  wine  and  rage  he  had  fo  feverely  pn- 
 nitbed  and  irrevocably  rejedfed  fo  beautiful  and  defirable  a  perfon,  and  that  for  fo 
 fmall  a  provocation,  to  which  fhe  was  eafily  led  by  the  modefty  of  her  fex.  and 
 by  the  laws  and  cufioms  of  Perfia,  where  women  were  excluded  the  fociety  of 
 men  in  public  places.  Ver.  5,  6.  Previous  to  this  period  the  Jews  were  per-  ^ 
 mitted  and  encouraged  to  return  to  Judea,  and  what  could  induce  Mordecai  to  j 
 remain  in  Shufhan?  It  was  doubtlefs  not  from  want  of  love  to  Jerufalem,  the  | 
 holv  city,  but  probably  from  perfuafion  that  his  continuance  in  Shufhan  was  ne-  | 
 ctlfary  to  the  welfare  of  his  people.  Similar  motives  induced  Daniel  and  Ne-  j 
 hemiah  to  remain  in  a  foreign  land  after  the  return  of  many  of  their  brethren  ;  , 
 Love  to  the  habitation  of  the  Lord  fixed  them  at  a  diftance  from  it.  Ver.  7.  i 
 He  brought  up  Hadusseh.  (that  is  EstherJ  his  uncle's  daughter.  She  was  born  in  j 
 Babylon  and  therefore,  in  analogy  to  that  language,  they  gave  her  the  name  of 
 Hadaffeh,  which,  in  Chaldee,  fignifies  a  myrtle ;  but  her  Perfian  name  was  ! 
 Efther,  which  fome  derive  from  the  Greek  word  nscer  a  ftar  ;  and  from  sat  ir,  ' 
 •which  implies  hidden,  becaufe  die  was  concealed  in  Mordecai’s  houfe  ;  or  be- 
 caufe  her  nation  was  concealed,  till  Moadecai’s  merit  and  fervice  to  the  crown 
 cam,  to  be  rewarded.  Efther  is  called  his  daughter,  either  bccaufe  he  adopted 
 
 her  as  his  own  child,  or  becaufe  Ibe  was  nearly  related  to  him,  in  which  latter 
 fenfe  the  term  is  often  ufed.  Ver.  12.  that  she  had  been  Ixoelve  mouths  ac¬ 
 
 cording  to  the  manner  of  women.  They  were  kept  fo  long  partly  for  their  better 
 purification,  as  it  here  follows;  partly  out  of  ftate ;  and  partly  that  of  being  fo 
 long  in  fafe  cuftody,  the  king  might  be  fure  that  the  child  begotten  upon  any 
 of  them  was  his  own.  Ver.  16.  The  conduct  of  Efther  and  Mordecai  in  fub- 
 mitting  to  a  domeftic  relation  with  a  heathen  king,  has  been  thought  fitifui. 
 The  p'eople  of  God  may  err,  and  it  is  certain  that  Ifrael  were  not  to  marry  ido¬ 
 laters.  But  let  us  not  pafs  judgment,  without  mature  examination.  We  ought 
 to  remember  that  Mordecai  and  Efther  were  flaves  to  a  defpotic  prince;  and 
 their  confent  was  not  alked.  She  was  feized  in  common  with  many  other  young 
 women,  by  the  command  of  her  mailer,  who  confidered  her  as  his  property. 
 She  was  not  the  aaor,  but  the  fufferer.  Had  fhe  been  left  to  her  choice  it  n 
 probable  that  (he  would  have  preferred  the  pooreft  Jew,  faithful  to  bis  Goo, 
 for  her  hufband,  before  the  king  of  Perfia.  Ver.  18.  It  was  cuftomary  for  the 
 Perfian  monarch,  to  give  his  queen  at  her  marriage  fuch  a  city  to  buy  her 
 clothes,  another  for  ornaments  to  her  hair,  another  for  necklaces,  and  fo  on 
 for  the  reft  of  her  expcnces.  Ver.  19.  Mordecai  fat  in  the  king’s  gate  ;  or  court 
 as  one  of  the  king’s  guard  or  minifters  ;  being  advanced  to  this  place  by  Efther  s 
 
 .  in  ,b.l,  Nor  let  hi.ft.rd,  ..d  -i...  forgot,  .b.,.’ .re  no  in  ibo  »orld  froro -bon,  ,h.,  o.n  rec.i.o  reor.  d.oin™  .oaimonio.  •( 
 
 £  rntal  .bin  frem  on.  .no.b.r.  Tb.  foolifl.ncf.  of  h.  ricb  ..d  gro.r  i.  c.„rnn,nj.o  folly.  U;";.  ^ 
 
 niultitude  of  wife  counlellors  there  is  fafety  ;  and  to  judge  impartially  it  is  equally  neceiTary  o  e  ( ive  et  .  vtpnt  nf  that^influence  Heathens  have  afltit- 
 
 infl  .ence  which  our  condua  may  have  on  others ;  the  good  or  evil  which  we  do  will  generally  be  m  VroporUou  to  the  extent  of  that  ChriAians  wb« 
 
 ed  that  the  world  is  regulated  by  the  example  of  the  great.  And  it  is  to  be  lamented,  that  this  maxim  bolds  too  much  even  in  the  minds  of  profeffed  Chnflians 
 
 have  an  infinitely  perfeA  example  which  they  are  enjoined  to  imitate. 
 
Ilaman 
 
 11  Or. 
 Cliap. 
 
 6.  a. 
 
 1 1  lei).  Ihe 
 ihresholiU 
 
 510. 
 
 advanced  hy  the  Icingy 
 
 the  commandment  of  Mordecai,  like  as  when  fhe  was 
 
 brought  up  with  him.  , 
 
 21  ^  In  thofe  days,  (while  Mordecai  lat  in  the 
 king’s  gate,)  two  of  the  king’s  chamberlains,  II  Big- 
 than  and  Terefh,  of  thofe  which  kept  t  the  door,  were 
 wroth,  and  fought  to  lay  hand  on  the  king  Ahafue- 
 
 *^^22  And  the  thing  was  known  to  Mordecai,  who 
 told  it  unto  Elfher  the  queen  ;  and  Either  certified  the 
 king  thereof'^  Mordecai’s  name. 
 
 23  And  when  inquifition  was  made  of  the  matter,  it 
 was  found  out ;  therefore  they  were  both  hanged  on 
 a  tree,  and  it  was  written  in  the  book  ot  the  Chro¬ 
 nicles  before  the  king.* 
 
 CHAP.  III. 
 
 Ilaman  advanced  hy  the  king,  yet  despised  by  Mordecai,  seeketh  revenge 
 upon  all  the  Jews, 
 
 AFI’EK  thefe  things  did  king  Ahafuerus  pro¬ 
 mote  Haman  the  fon  of  Ham  nedatha  the 
 Agagite,  and  advanced  him,  and  let  his  leat  above  all 
 the  princes  that  ivere  with  him. 
 
 2  And  all  the  king’s  fervan's,  that  were  in  the- king’s 
 gate,  bowe'>  and  reverenced  Haman ;  for  the  king ' 
 had  lb  commanded  concerning  him  :  but  Mordecai 
 bowed  not,  nor  did  /lini  reverence. 
 
 3  Then  the  king’s  fervants,  which  were  in  the  king’s 
 gate,  faid  unto  Mordecai,  Why  tranlgrelTell  thou  me 
 king’s  commandment  i 
 
 4  Now  it  came  to  pafs,  when  they  fpake  daily  unto 
 him,  and  he  hearkened  not  unto  them,  that  they  told 
 Haman,  to  fee  whether  Mordecai’s  matters  would 
 Hand  ;  for  he  hath  told  them  that  he  was  a  Jew. 
 
 5  And  when  Haman  faw  that  Mordecai  bowed  not, 
 nor  ^id  him  reverence,  then  was  Haman  full  of  wrath. 
 
 6  And  he  thought  I'corn  to  lay  hands  on  Mordeai 
 alone;  for  they  had  fliewed  him  the  people  of  Morde¬ 
 cai  :  wherefore  Haman  fought  to  deftroy  all  the  Jews 
 that  were  throughout  the  whole  kingdom  of  Ahafue¬ 
 rus,  even  the  people  of  Mordecai. 
 
 7  f  In  the  firft  month,  (that  A,  the  month  Nifan,) 
 in  the  twelfth  year  of  king  Ahafuerus,  they  caft  Pur, 
 
 ESTHER. 
 
 scchclh  revenge  upon  the  JewSs  Sjc, 
 
 Before 
 
 Clirift 
 
 510. 
 
 that  is,  the  lot,  before  Haman,  from  day  to  day,  and 
 from  month  to  month,  to  the  twelfth  month,  that  ?s, 
 the  month  Adar. 
 
 8  ^  And  Haman  faid  unto  king  Ahafuerus,  There 
 is  a  certain  people  (battered  abroad,  and  difperfed 
 among  the  people  in  all  the  provinces  of  thy  kingdom  ; 
 and  their  laws  are  diverfe  from  all  people,  neither 
 keep  they  the  king’s  laws:  therefore  it  is  not  f  fort^^*^^* 
 the  king’s  profit  to  fuffer  them.  "tqu  ’u  * 
 
 9  If  it  pleafe  the  king  let  it  be  written  t  that  they  neb. 
 may  be  deftroyed  ;  and  i  will  f  pay  ten  thoufar.d  Vd-‘o  destroy 
 lents  of  filver  to  the  hands  of  thofe  that  have  the  charge 
 
 of  the  bufinels,  to  bring  it  into  the  king’s  treafuries.  ‘ 
 
 10  And  the  king  took  his  ring  from  his  hand,  and 
 
 gave  it  unto  Haman  the  fon  of  Hatnmedatha  the 
 Agagite.  the  Jews’  1|  enemy.  H 
 
 11  And  the  king  faid  unto  Haman,  The  filver 
 given  to  thee,  the  people  alfo,  to  do  with  them  as  it 
 feemerh  g(  od  to  thee. 
 
 12  Then  were  the  king’s  ||  feribes  called  on  the  thir- 
 teenth  day  of  the  firft  month,  and  there  was  written, 
 (according  to  all  that  Haman  nad  coe  manded)  unto 
 the  king’s  lieutenants,  and  to  the  governors  that  were 
 over  every  province,  and  to  the  rulers  of  every  people 
 of  every  province,  according  to  the  writing  thereof, 
 and  to  every  people  after  their  language ;  in  the  name 
 of  king  Ahafuerus  was  it  written,  and  fealed  with  the 
 king’s  ring. 
 
 13  And  the  letters  were  fent  by  pofts  into  all  the 
 king’s  provinces,  to  deftroy,  to  kill,  and  to  caule  to 
 perilh,  all  Jews,  both  young  and  old,  little  children 
 and  women,  in  one  day,  even  upon  the  thirteenth  day 
 of  the  twelfth  month,  (which  ts  the  month  Adar,)  and 
 to  take  the  fpoil  of  them  f  r  a  prey. 
 
 14  The  copy  of  the  writing,  for  a  commandment 
 to  be  given  in  every  province,  was  publilhed  unto  all 
 people,  that  they  fhould  be  ready  agamft  that  day. 
 
 15  The  pofts  w'ent  out,  being  haftened  by  the  king’s 
 commandment;  and  the  decree  was  given  in  Shufhan 
 the  palace.  And  the  king  and  Haman  fat  down  to 
 drink  ;  but  the  city  Shufhan  w’as  perplexed. f 
 
 favour,  though  not  as  yet  known  to  be  a  relation  of  hers  ;  or  perhaps  what  is  more 
 probable,  bis  excellent  charadler  had  attradled  the  notice  of  the  king,  who  had 
 appointed  him  to  fome  office. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  III.  Ver.  1,  Jfter  these  things.  It 
 was  about  five  years  after  the  above  tranfataions,  as  appears  from  ver.  7.  Haman 
 the  fon  of  Hammedntha  the  Agagite.  He  vras  defeended  in  a  diretSl  line  from 
 Agag,  whom  Samuel  hewed  in  pieces  in  Gilgal.  Ver.  2.  But  Mordecai  bowed  not 
 nor  (lid  him  reverence.  Tlie  reafon  of  this  obftinale  refufal  was,  either,  1.  The 
 quality  of  the  perfon  ;  that  he  was  not  only  an  infamoufly  wicked  man,  and  a 
 heathen,  but  of  that  nation  which  God  obliged  the  Ifraelites  to  abhor  and  oppofe 
 from  generation  to  generation  ;  and  therefore  he  durft  net  ffiew  outward  refpetSl 
 to  a  man  whom  be  did,  and  ought  inwardly  to  contemn.  Or  rather,  2.  The  na¬ 
 ture  of  the  thing;  for  the  worlhip  required  was  not  only  civil,  but  divine;  which 
 the  kings  of  Perfia  did  undoubtedly  arrogate  to  themfelves,  and  expetSl  and 
 receive  from  their  fubjedls  and  others  who  came  into  their  prefence,  and  which 
 the  prefent  king  probably  decreed  Ibould  be  fliewn  to  his  favourite.  Ver.  4. 
 For  he  had  told  them  that  he  ivas  a  Jew.  This  (hews  that  he  did  not  deny  this 
 reverence  to  Haman  out  of  pride,  or  any  perfonal  grudge  againft  him,  much 
 
 lefs  out  of  a  rebellious  contempt  of  the  king’s  authority  and  command  ;  but 
 merely  out  of  confcience,  becaufe  he  was  a  Jew,  who  was  obliged  to  give  this 
 honour  to  no  created  being.  Ver.  6.  Wherefore  Hamam  sought  to  destroy  all  the 
 Jews;  Which  ht  attempted,  partly  from  that  implacable  hatred  which,  as  an 
 Amalekite,  he  had  againft  them  ;  partly  from  his  rage  againft  Mordecai ;  and 
 partly,  becaufe  he  rightly  judged,  that  Mordecai’s  reafon  for  Lis  contempt  ex¬ 
 tended  itfelf  to  all  the  Jews,  and  would  equally  engage  them  all  in  the  fame  nc- 
 glea  and  hatred  of  his  perfon.  Ver.  7.  They  cajl  Pur;  that  is,  the  diviners  caft 
 lots  according  to  the  cuftom  of  thofe  ancient  and  eaftern  people,  what  day  and 
 what  month  would  be  moft  lucky,  not  for  his  fuccefs  with  the  king  (of  whofe 
 compliance  with  his  requeft  he  made  no  doubt,)  hut  for  the  moft  ePedlual  and 
 univerfal  extirpation  of  the  Jews.  Ver.  15.  But  the  city  Shushan  was  perjdexed. 
 Not  only  the  Jews,  but  a  great  number  of  the  citizens,  either  becaufe  they  were 
 related  to  them,  or  engaged  with  them  in  worldly  concerns,  and  whofe  innocence 
 or  excellence  merited  a  better  fate.  Indeed  the  citizens  had  reafon  to  be  perplexed 
 on  their  own  account :  for  who  could  proinife  liimfelf  fafety  after  fucb  a  fatal  de¬ 
 cree  had  palfed  ? 
 
 to  If of  our  folly  and  guilt  in  gratifying  our  paffions,  is  frequently  a  fource  of  greater  mifery 
 
 The  kn  Th  we  have  cau fed  others  to  feel.  The  dtfires  of  men  will  be  carried  beyond  all  bounds  where  the  laws  of  God  and  reafon  are  contemned^ 
 
 cerneth  ‘^''ery  man  ought  to  have  his  own  wife,  contribute  equally  to  the  happinefs  of  both  fexes.  “  A  wife  n  an’s  heart  difl 
 
 We  muft  neve  I*"  Though  we  ought  never  to  be  alhamed  of  our  frieuds,  yet  on  fome  occafions  prudence  requires  that  we  fay  nothing  of  them 
 
 Jorv  ot  CnH  t  acknowledged  by  Chrift  :  Yet  there  is  a  time  to  be  filent  as  well  as  to  fpeak  to  the  honour  and 
 
 GodTas  ?n  •  .  avoid,  what  happinefs  might  they  enjoy,  if  they  renounced  their  own  humour  and  wifdom,  and  obeyed  thoTwhom 
 
 fnv  ‘  ""ule  them-  Moderation  m  the  pleafurts  of  fenfe  is  neceffary  to  the  enjoyment  of  them.  But  it  is  pleafant  to  contemnlale  the  exerrifp  nf  Ai  ' 
 
 love,  which  rendered  the  vice  and  weaknefs  of  the  Perfian  king  fubfervient  to  the  interefts  of  the  church.  Truly  “our  help  is  in  the  name  of'^tl'^ 
 
 I  (i  A  remembered  hy  God,  and  he  will  render  to  every  man  according  to  bis  work.  ^  t.  o*  blood. 
 
 -  tlSe  fs  pit  fmf Where  the  word  of  a  kin„ 
 P  ,  but  no  one  tan  controul  the  confcience.  He  who  tears  God  will  obey  him  rather  than  man  ;  and  he  will  not  be  alhamed  of  the  laws  of  his 
 
^lufcicai  and  (he  Jeies  mourn. 
 
 ESTHER. 
 
 Esther  inviteth  the  Icing  io  a  hunquc[ 
 
 t  lleb. 
 sackcloth 
 find  ashes 
 were  laid 
 mider 
 fii  any. 
 f  lleb. 
 euttuchs. 
 
 t  Hcb. 
 whom  he 
 had  set  be¬ 
 fore  her. 
 
 CHAP.  IV. 
 
 '  I  iLc.'.i  c.nd  the  Jews  mourn.  15  JSslher  appoinUdh  a  fast. 
 
 WHEN  Mordecai  perceived  all  that  was  done, 
 Mordecai  rent  his  clothes,  and  put  on  fack- 
 cloth  with  alhes,  and  went  out  into  the  midft  of  the 
 city,  and  cried  with  a  loud  and  a  bitter  cry  ; 
 
 2  And  came  even  before  the  kind’s  gate;  for 
 r.oue  might  enter  into  the  king’s  gate  clothed  with 
 fackcloth. 
 
 3  And  in  every  province,  whitherfoever  the  king’s 
 commandment  and  bis  decree  came,  there  n-as  great 
 mourning  among  the  Jews,  and  fafting,  and  weeping, 
 and  wailing ;  and  t  many  lay  in  fackcloth  and  allies. 
 
 4  ^  So  ETher’s  maids  and  her  t  chamberlains  came 
 and  told  it  her.  'Then  was  the  queen  exceedingly 
 grieved  ;  and  (be  lent  raiment  to  clothe  Mordecai, 
 and  to  take  away  his  fackcloth  from  him  :  but  he  re-' 
 ceived  it  not. 
 
 5  Then  called  Eflher  for  Hatach,  one  of  the  king’s 
 chamberlains,  t  vvho.n  he  had  appointed  to  attend  up-j 
 on  her,  and  gave  him  a  commandment  to  Mordecai  to ! 
 know  what  it  teas,  and  why  it  teas.  I 
 
 6  So  Hatach  went  forth  to  Mordecai  unto  the  {dreetl 
 of  the  city,  which  zcas  before  the  king’s  gate :  j 
 
 7  And  INIordecai  told  him  of  all  that  had  happened 
 unto  him,  and  of  the  fum  of  the  money  that  Haman 
 had  promifed  to  pay  to  the  king’s  treafuries  for  the 
 Jew's,  to  deflroy  him. 
 
 8  Alfo  he  gave  him  the  copy  of  the  writing  of  the 
 decree  that  was  given  at  Shulban  to  deftroy  them,  to 
 Ihew  it  unto  Either,  and  to  declare  it  unto  her,  and 
 to  charge  her  that  fhe  fhould  go  in  unto  the  king,  to 
 make  fupplication  unto  him,  and  to  make  requelt  be¬ 
 fore  him,  for  her  people. 
 
 9  And  Hatach  came  and  told  Either  the  words  of 
 Mordecai. 
 
 10  ^  Again  Eflher  fpake  unto  Hatach,  and  gave  him 
 commandment  unto  Mordecai : 
 
 11  All  the  king’s  fervants,  and  the  people  of  the 
 king’sprovincesdo  know,  that  whofoever,  whether  man 
 or  w'oman,  Hiall  come  unto  the  king  into  the  inner 
 court,  who  is  not  called,  there  is  one  law  of  his  to 
 put  him  to  death,  except  fuch  to  whom  the  king  lhall 
 hold  out  the  golden  feeptre,  that  he  may  live :  but  1 
 
 510. 
 
 explanatory  notes.  CHAf.  IV.  Ver.  11.  IFhatsoever,  whether 
 men  or  woman,  shall  come  unto  the  king  into  the  inner  court,  there  is  one  law  of  his 
 to  put  him  to  death.  This  was  decreed  partly  to  maintain  both  the  majefty  and 
 the  flifety  of  the  king,  and  partly  by  the  contrivance  of  the  greater  officers  of  Hate, 
 that  few  or  none  might  have  accefs  to  the  king  but  themfelves  and  their  friends. 
 
 have  not  been  called  to  come  in  unto  the  king  thefe 
 thirty  days. 
 
 12  And  they  told  to  Mordecai  Elther’s  words. 
 
 13  Then  Mordecai  commanded  to  anfwer  1  flher, 
 
 Think  not  with  thylelf  that  thou  Ibalt  elcape  in  the 
 king’s  houfe  more  than  all  the  Jews. 
 
 1 1  For  if  thou  altogether  holdelt  thy  peace  at  this 
 time,  lhall  there  j  enlargement  and  deliverance tHib.,,. 
 aril'e  to  the  Jews  from  another  Ijflace  ;  but  thou  and  w, 
 thy  father’s  houfe  lhall  be  dtUvoyed  :  and  who  kno\A- 
 eth  whether  thou  art  come  to  the  kingdom  tor  such  a 
 time  as  this  ? 
 
 15  11  Then  Either  bade  Mm  return  to  Mordecai  this 
 atisv-'cr  : 
 
 IG  Go,  gather  together  all  the  Jews  that  are  f  pre-  f  Heb. 
 
 !  lent  in  Shuflian,  and  tall  ye  for  me,  and  neither  eat-^""'"^- 
 j  nor  drink  three  days,  night  or  day  :  I  alio  and  my 
 i  maidens  will  fall  likewife ;  and  fo  will  1  go  in  unto 
 the  king,  which  is  not  according  to  the  law  ;  and  if  I 
 perilh,  1  perilb. 
 
 17  So  Mordecai  f  went  his  w-ay,  and  did  according  t  Ueb. 
 to  all  that  Eflher  had  commanded  him.* 
 
 CFIAP.  V. 
 
 1  Esther  obtaineth  the  king's  favour,  inviteth  the  king  and  Haman  to  a 
 
 banquet.  8  Being  encouraged,  she  nameth  her  suit,  ^c. 
 
 NOW  it  came  to  pafs,  on  the  third  day,  that  Eflher 
 put  on  her  royal  apparel,  and  flood  in  the  inner 
 court  of  the  king’s  houfe,  over  againfl  the  king’s 
 houfe :  and  the  king  fat  upon  his  royal  throne,  in  tne 
 royal  houfe,  over  againfl  the  gate  of  the  houfe. 
 
 2  And  it  was  fo,  W'hen  the  king  faw  Either  the 
 queen  Handing  in  the  court,  that  fhe  obtained  favour 
 in  his  fight :  and  the  king  held  out  to  Eflher  the 
 golden  feeptre  that  was  in  his  hand.  So  Eflher  drew 
 near  and  touched  the  top  of  the  feeptre. 
 
 3  Then  faid  the  king  unto  her,  What  wilt  thou, 
 queen  Eflher.^  and  what  is  thy  requell?  it  lhall  be 
 even  given  thee  to  the  half  of  the  kingdom. 
 
 4  And  Eflher  anfv/ered.  If  it  seem  good  unto  the 
 king,  let  the  king  and  Haman  come  this  day  unto  the 
 banquet  that  I  have  prepared  for  him. 
 
 5  Then  the  king  laid,  Caufe  Haman  to  make  hafte, 
 that  he  may  do  as  Eflher  hath  faid.  So  the  king  and 
 Haman  came  to  the  banquet  that  Eflher  had  prepared, 
 
 Ver.  15 _ 17.  From  this  palTage,  the  influence  of  Mordecai  among  the  Jews  ap¬ 
 
 pears  to  have  been  already  great.  Either  applied  to  him  as  a  perfon  who  would 
 feel  no  difficulty  in  calling  all  his  brethren  together  to  devote  feveral  days  to  fait- 
 
 ing  and  prayer.  , 
 
 1  EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  V.  Ver.  2.  So  Eflher  drew  near  anil 
 
 God  however  they  may  be  condemned  or  oppofed  by  others.  Pride  by  its  nature,  and  infeparable  confequenccs,  involves  its  obje<5ls  in  unfpeakable  mileiy.  / 
 God  preferve  us  from  all  unexpe«5ted  heights  of  profperity,  or  give  us  grace  to  bear,  as  it  becometh  faints,  fucli  dangerous  changes  in  our  condition  .  '/.  "''nL 
 
 are  fnared  in  the  works  of  their  owm  hands.  Little  did  Haman  think  that  the  whole  difpofing  of  lots  belonged  to  the  God  of  Ifrael,  and  that  of  couKque 
 the  feafon  nointed  out  by  the  lot  was  to  be  the  heft  feafon  for  preventing  the  execution  of  his  diabolical  purpofe,  and  for  turning  the  meditated  vengeance  on  jIs 
 bead.  Miferable  is  the  ftate  of  a  nation  when  fyeophants  can  fway  the  fovereign  to  every  thing  horrid  at  their  pleafure.  Haman  thought  by  this  edicT  to  ‘‘•'C'J' 
 total  extirpation  of  t{ie  chofen  people,  but  God  made  it  a  moll  efte(5lual  means  of  exciting  all  nations  to  obferve  the  greatnefs  ot  his  power,  witdom,  and 
 by  counteracting  the  defigns  of  his  people’s  enemies,  and  accomplifliing  their  falvation.  May  we  fpend  our  lives  glorifying  that  God  who  is  ever  near  to  ttioa* 
 
 leai^  um^TicAL  qBSER V.*.TIONS. — *  Chap.  IV.]  Every  good  man  bewails  the  calamities  of  Zion  ;  and  feels  peculiarly  affliaed  when  others 
 fake  Princes  may  banifli  badges  of  forrow  from  tbeir  courts;  but  they  cannot'banifli  ficknefs,  vexation,  or  grief  of  heait  from  themfelves  or  their  fervants.  , 
 
 in  fi’ncerity  with  thufe  that  weep,  it  will  be  our  defire  if  poffible  to  remove  their  forrows.  It  is  necelfary  to  confider  well  the  defigns  of  providence 
 our  nations,  and  to  endeavour  earnellly  to  improve  every  opportunity  of  accomplifliing  them.  And  let  us  encourage  ourfeWes  in  we  -doing  ly  t  e  ^ 
 though  we  be  able  tv)  do  little  by  our  ow  n  power,  yet  we  may  do  much  by  our  influence  with  others.  And  if  we  truft  in  God  he  v.'ill  never  ai  us. 
 
 ..  . . -  _ _ 
 
 unbJiief,  we  deci  ne  ti..-  path  of  duty,  we  may  dread  the  danger  wliich  we  finfully  (hun.  Dangerous  fervices  are  too  often  not  altogether 
 called  to  undertake  them,  and  beft  qualified  to  execute  them.  We  are  unworthy  to  live  if  we  are  unconcerned  about  the  welfare  of  others.  ^  t,,aa 
 
 •  •  -  ■  And  if  we  provoke  God  it  is  in  vain  to  trufl  in  princes  for  fafety  ;  for  their  favour  is  not  tuore  uncei um 
 
 if  we  feck  not  the  good  of  Zion  above  our  chief  joy.  . . -  , - -  „  v.  .  .  ,  '  i  ,  /i  e  •  j 
 
 tbeir  power  is  limited  :  J.  hovah  alone  has  power  to  fave  and  to  deftroy.  The  fafety  of  tlie  church  of  God  depends  not  on  her  be  rien  s  ,  ^  ,ve 
 
 nour  to  perform  eminent  fervices  for  her.  And  if  God  has  done  great  things  for  us,  it  is  probable  that  he  requires  oine  important 
 
 uhlerve  not  the  times  and  oppoitunitics  of  doing  good,  we  walk  contrary  to  God,  and  he  will  walk  contrary  to  us.  A  ay  o  our  i  ^  i  ,;<e-abovt 
 
 duties,  excels  a  thoufand  fpent  in  the  enjoyment  of  the  fervice  of  the  world,  Thofe  who  continue  in  faith  and  prayer  will  furmopnt  eveiy  J* 
 
 ail  their  enemies. 
 
 but  it  is  their  higheft  hi'- 
 
Esther's  request  granted:  Human's  pride,  ESTHER.  Human  commanded  to  hmour  Mr/rde 
 
 ^jor® 
 
 iK'fore  G  f  And  the  kinj;  laid  unto  Efther  at  the  banquet  :  lains,  the  keepers  of  the  f  door,  who  foug'..  '  .  lay  r'la^ 
 
 ciifift  of  wine,  What  is  thy  petition  ?  and  it  (hall  be  granted  .  hand  on  the  king  Ahafueriis. 
 
 thee  :  and  what  7i  thy  requed;  ?  even  to  the  half  oflhe  3  And  the  king  (aid  what  honour  and  dignity  (jath  _  Or, 
 kingdom  it  (hall  be  performed.  i;  been  done  to  Mordecai  for  this  ?  I’hen  laid  the  king’s  t 
 
 7  Then  anfwered  Either,  and  (aid,  My  petition  and  I'ervants  that  miniltered  unto  him,  There  is  nothing 
 
 ray  reqiielt  is.  i  done  for  him. 
 
 8  If  I  have  found  favour  in  the  fight  of  the  king,  il  4  ^1  And  the  king  faid.  Who  is  in  the  court  ^  (Now 
 
 and  if  it  pleafe  the  king  to  grant  my  petition,  and  t  to  i'Haman  w'as  come  into  the  outward  court  of  the 
 
 perform  my  reqaelt,  let  the  king  and  Haman  come  to !  king’s  houfe,  to  (peak  unfo  the  king  to  hang  Morde- 
 
 the  banquet  that  I  (hall  prepare  for  them,  and  I  will  ■;  cai  on  the  gallows  that  he  had  prepared  for  him.) 
 do  to  morrow  as  the_ king  hath  faid.  i  5  And  the  king’s  ' 
 
 f  Heb 
 to  do. 
 
 9  ^  Then  went  Haman  forth  that  day  joyful  and  | 
 with  a  glad  heart :  but  when  Haman  (aw  Mordecai  in 
 the  king’s  gate,  that  he  (food  not  up,  nor  moved  for  ; 
 him,  he  was  full  of  indignation  againlt  Mordecai. 
 
 (ervants  (aid  unto  him,  Behold, 
 the  court.  And  the  king  faid, 
 
 Haman  flandeth  in 
 Let  him  come  in. 
 
 6  So  Haman  came  in.  And  the  king  faid  unto  him. 
 What  (hall  be  done  unto  the  man  f  whom  the  king!  Heb 
 
 .  ^  V  T  r  \  <  t  .  •  ...i. 
 
 ..w  V.  II  vv  UaL  lliail  UC  UUllC  UiJlU  liiC  llld.ll  J  WlJL;ill  II 
 
 10  Nevertnelefs  Haman  refrained  himlelf:  and  when  !  delighteth  to  honour?  (Now  Haman  thought 
 
 m  A  n  A  nAiAMK  ..  ...J  I  _ J  ^  ^  1-!—  I  ^  I  •1>|.  %i>i 
 
 t  Heb.  he  came  home,  he  Cent 
 caused  to  Zerelh  his  wife. 
 
 and  f  called  for  his  friends. 
 
 in 
 
 in  uihote 
 lionuut  the 
 
 come. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 tree. 
 
 fHeb. 
 tke  king's 
 sleep  Jled 
 aiociy. 
 
 I  Or. 
 
 Btgtham, 
 
 Chap. 
 
 4,  21. 
 
 1 1  And  Hainan  told  them  of  the  glory  of  his  riches, 
 and  the  multitude  of  his  children,  and  all  ihe  things 
 wherein  the  king  had  promoted  him,  and  how  he  had 
 advanced  him  above  the  princes  and  (ervants  of  the 
 king. 
 
 12  Haman  faid  moreover.  Yea,  Efther  theqneen  did 
 let  no  man  come  in  with  the  king  unto  the  banquet 
 that  (he  had  prepared  but  myfelf ;  and  to  morrow  am 
 1  invited  unto  her  alfo  with  the  king. 
 
 13  Yet  all  this  availeth  me  nothing,  fo  long  as  I  fee 
 Mordecai  the  Jew  fitting  at  the  king’s  gate. 
 
 14  H  I  hen  (aid  Zere(h  his  wife  and  all  his  friends 
 unto  him,  Let  a  f  gallows  be  made  of  fifty  cubits 
 high,  and  to-morrow  fpeak  thou  unto  the  king  that 
 Mordecai  may  be  hanged  thereon  :  then  go  thou  in 
 merrily  with  the  king  unto  the  banquet, '  And  the 
 thing  pleafed  Haman  ;  and  he  caufed  the  gallows  to 
 be  made.* 
 
 CHAP.  VI. 
 
 1  Ahasuerus  rewardeth  Mordecai;  11  Haman  doelh  him  honour. 
 
 ,N  that  night  f  could  not  the  king  fleep ;  and 
 he  commanded  to  bring  the  book  of  records 
 of  the  Chronicles ;  and  they  were  read  before  the 
 king. 
 
 2  And  it  was  found  written  that  Mordecai  had  told 
 of  II  Bigthana  and  '^refh  two  of  the  king’s  chamber- 
 
 o 
 
 touched  the  top  of  the  sceptre;  In  token  of  her  thankful  acceptance  of  the  king’s 
 pat  favour,  and  of  her  reverence  and  fubmiflion  to  his  majefty.  Ver.  8.  It  I  have 
 /ound  /floour  m  the  sight  of  the  king.  S;ie  did  not  prefent  her  petition  at  this  time 
 cut  of  pohey  perhaps,  that  flie  m.glu  farther  engage  the  king’s  affbaion  to  her  by 
 a  fecond  entertainment;  or  rather,  flie  was  herein  over-iuled  by  divine  provi- 
 dence,  that  |he  might  have  a  better  opportunity,  for  it  tiie  next  time,  by  the'lreat 
 and  favouraule  events  which  happened  in  the  interval.  Ver.  13.  Vet  all  this  avaiU 
 
 «  tply  was,  ihould  not  be  prompted  to  avenge  himfelf  immediately  on  Morde- 
 
 hL  who^'TtT^‘^«  eLugh  about 
 
 it  •  and  h  ““I  fa's  pleafure  herein,  would  readily  have  done 
 
 the  f  a  decree  for 
 
 one  lie  ofatained  a  pardon  for  killing 
 
 did  powerful  providence  of  God 
 
 terera  'r  o{  Haman,  contrary  both  to  his  in. 
 
 _  explanatoky  NOTKS.  C»„.V,.  V.,. 
 
 heart,  To  whom  would  the  kiug  delight  to  do  honour 
 more  than  to  myfelf?)  hghieih. 
 
 7  Then  Haman  anfwered  the  king,  For  the  man 
 f  whom  the  king  delighteth  to  honour,  t  Heb. 
 
 _  8  f  Let  the  royal  apparel  be  brought  f  which  theV* 
 king  useth  to  wear,  and  the  horfe  that  the  king  ridethAtTgae^*' 
 upon,  and  the  crown-royal  which  is  fet  upon  his  head  -.Hghteth. 
 
 9  And  let  this  apparel  and  horfe  be  delivered  to  the  ^ 
 hand  of  one  of  the  king’s  moft  noble  princes,  that  they 
 
 may  array  the  man  whom  the  king  delighteth  ^ 
 to  honour,  and  f  bring  him  on  horfeback  through  fhec/v»rci 
 (ireet  of  the  city,  and  proclaim  before  him,  Thust^^®^ 
 (hall  it  be  done  to  the  man  whom  the  king  delighteth 
 to  honour. 
 
 10  men  the  king  laid  to  Haman,  Make  hafte,  onii  himfelf. 
 take  the  apparel  and  the  horfe,  as  thou  haft  faid,  and  ^ 
 
 do  even  fo  to  Mordecai  the  Jew,  that  fitteth  at  the”"^^*'”* 
 king’s  gate;  t  let  nothing  fail  of  all  that  thou  haftfHe^* 
 
 (poken.  tu^er  not 
 
 1 1  Then  took  Haman  the  apparel,  and  the  horfe,  “ 
 and  arrayed  Mordecai,  and  brought  him  on  horfeback*^ 
 t^hrough  the  ftreet  of  the  city,  and  proclaimed  before 
 him,  Ihus  fhall  it  be  done  unto  the  man,  whom  the 
 king  delighteth  to  honour. 
 
 12  H  And  Mordecai  came  again  to  the  king’s  gate  : 
 
 but  Haman  halted  to  bis  houfe  mourning,  and  having 
 his  head  covered.  ® 
 
 13  And  Haman  told  Zere(h  his  wife  and  all  his 
 
 '^ontn-vances  and  endeavours  of  foolilh  im- 
 potent  man,  againR  the  wtle  and  omnipotent  God,  who  hath  the  .Searts  and  hands 
 of  kings  and  all  men  perfeaiy  at  his  difpofal,  and  by  fuch  trivial  accidents  fas 
 they  are  ^counted)  can  chmige  their  minds,  and  produce  fuch  momentous  and 
 terrible  effedts  !  \  er.  3  Though  the  king  could  not  recollea  of  an,  fumble 
 
 honoi^  conferred  on  Mordecai,  yet  be  feems  not  to  have  fufpeaed  th^at  he  had 
 eg  eded  him.  Hence  this  neglea  appears  to  have  been  the  effea  of  inadver 
 tence,  not  intention.  Similar  was  David’s  condua  to  Jonathan,  whom  he  loved 
 as  his  own  loul  :  from  feme  unaccountable  eaufe  he  overlooked  bis  friend’s  rela 
 
 tions  for  many  years  after  he  afeended  the  throne.  Ver  1-7  And 
 
 not  formerly  overwhelmed  by  Hainan’s  threats  and  malicious  defi^ns  ft,  n  ^ 
 
 was  not  puffed  up  with  all  this  honour.  Bu  HamanhaZZi^ho.  l 
 
 and  having  his  he  ld  covered.  In  token  of  his  Ihame  and  crief  for 
 
 and  great  difappointment  of  his  hope  and  defire,  and  fo^r  the  ereat 
 
 to  his  moll  defpifed  and  abhorred  adverfarv  Ver  1  3  rr  ^  ^  faon^r  done 
 
 L 1^- 
 
 upoo  .h,.  g,oa.  .pd  «r.06.  r.o.  5  „„  It.'S 
 
 16 
 
iuit  to  (he  ling. 
 
 KSrHER. 
 
 fricb  is  every  thing  that  had  befallen  him,  1  hen  laid 
 his  wile  men  and  Zerelh  his  wife  unto  him,  It  Morde- 
 cai  be  of  the  feed  of  the  Jews,  before  whom  thou  halt 
 bepun  to  fail,  thon  (halt  not  prevail  againlt  him,  but 
 (halt  furely  fall  before  him. 
 
 14-  And  while  theyicv/e  yet  talking  with  him.  came 
 the  king’s  chamberlains,  and  halted  to  bring  Haman 
 unto  the  banquet  that  Either  had  prepared.* 
 
 CHAlk  VII. 
 
 ILtman  hanged;  Mordccai  advanced 
 
 t  Ileh. 
 to  drink. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 that  they 
 should  de¬ 
 stroy  and 
 kill,  and 
 cause  to 
 Iterith. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 vjhose 
 heart  hath 
 Kited  him. 
 't  Heb. 
 The  man 
 adversary. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 at  the  pre¬ 
 sence  of. 
 
 1  /’.’Mer  sticth  for  her  own  li/C  and  /or  her  people  s-  7  The  king  caussth 
 Hamm  t..  l>-:  kani^ed  on  his  own  gallon's. 
 
 O  O  the  king  and  Haman  came  f  to  banquet  with 
 Either  the  queen. 
 
 2  And  the  king  laid  again  unto  Either  on  the  fecond 
 day,  at  the  banquet  of  wine,  What  is  thy  petition, 
 queen  Either  ?  and  it  (hall  be  granted  thee  ;  and  what 
 is  thy  requelt  ?  and  it  (hall  be  performed,  even  to  the 
 
 half  of  the  kingdom.  ,  r-j  n 
 
 3  Then  Either  the  queen  anfwered  and  laid.  It 
 I  have  found  favour  in  thy  fight,  O  king,  and  il  it 
 pleale  the  king,  let  ray  life  be  given  me  at  my  petition, 
 and  my  people  at  my  requelt: 
 
 4  For  we  are  fold,  I  and  my  people,  t  to  be  de- 
 Itroyed,  to  be  (lain,  and  to  perilh  i  but  if  we  had  been 
 fold  for  bond-men  and  bond-women,  I  had  held  tny 
 tongue,  although  the  enemy  could  not  countervail  the 
 
 king’s  damage.  j  j  r  -.4 
 
 5  H  Then  the  king  Ahafuerus  anfwered  and  laid 
 
 unto  Either  the  queen.  Who  is  he,  and  where  is  he, 
 4  that  durft  prelume  in  his  heart  to  do  lo? 
 
 6  And  Either  faid,  f  The  adverfary  and  enemy  is 
 
 this  wicked  Haman.  Then  Haman  was  alraid  11  be¬ 
 fore  the  king  and  the  queen.  , 
 
 7  f  And  the  king,  arifing  from  the  banquet  of  wne 
 in  his  wrath,  -juent  into  the  palace-garden  :  and  Ha¬ 
 man  flood  up  to  make  requelt  for  his  life  to  Either 
 
 I  the  queen  ;  for  he  law  that  there  was  evil  determined  Before 
 againft  him  by  the  king. 
 
 8  Then  the  king  returned  out  of  the  palace-garden 
 I  into  the  place  ol  the  banquet  of  wine  ;  and  Haman 
 !  was  fallen  upon  the  bed  whereon  Either  vas.  'Then 
 
 i  faid  the  king,  Will  he  force  the  queen  all'o  f  before  4. 
 
 '  me  in  the  houfe.^  As  the  w'ord  went  out  of  the  king’s  wc. 
 mouth,  they  covered  Hainan’s  face. 
 
 9  And  Harbonah,  one  cf  the  chamberlains,  faid 
 before  the  king,  Behold  alfo,  thef  gallows  fifty  cubits  t  Heb. 
 high,  which  Haman  had  made  for  Mordecai,  who"'«- 
 had  I'poken  good  for  the  king,  liandeth  in  the  houl'e 
 
 of  Haman.  Then  the  king  laid.  Hang  him  thereon. 
 
 10  So  they  hanged  Haman  on  the  gallows  that  he 
 had  prepared  for  Mordecai.  Then  was  the  king’s 
 wrath  pacified. f 
 
 CHAP.  VIII. 
 
 1  Mordecai  is  advanced,  7  Ahasuerus  granlclh  to  the  Jews  to  defend 
 themselves.  11  Mordecai' s  honour  and  the  Jews' joy, 
 
 ON  that  day  did  the  king  Ahafuerus  give  the 
 houfe  of  Haman,  the  Jews’  enemy,  unto  Efther 
 the  queen  :  and  Mordecai  came  before  the  king  j  for 
 Efther  had  told  what  he  xms  unto  her. 
 
 2  And  the  king  took  off  his  ring,  which  he  had  ta¬ 
 ken  from  Haman,  and  gave  it  unto  Mordecai.  And 
 Efther  fet  Mordecai  over  the  houfe  of  Haman. 
 
 3  ^  And  Efther  fpake  yet  again  before  the  king, 
 and  fell  down  at  his  feet,  f  and  befought  him  with  t  Heb. 
 tears  to  put  away  the  milchief  of  Haman  the  Agagite, 
 and  his  device  that  he  had  deviled  againft  the  Jews. 
 
 4  Then  the  king  held  out  the  golden  Iceptre  toward  hm. 
 Efther.  So  Efther  arofe,  and  flood  before  the  king, 
 
 5  And  faid.  If  it  pleafe  the  king,  and  if  I  have  found 
 favour  in  his  fight,  and  the  thing  seem  right  before  the 
 king,  and  I  he  pleafing  in  his  eyes,  let  it  be  written  to  | 
 reverie  f  the  letters  deviled  by  Haman  the  fon  of  Ham-  the  device, 
 
 shall  surely  foil  before  him.  This  they  ccnclude.  either  1ft  ^ 
 
 becaufe  Haraan’s  reputation  and  intereft,  were  hereby  finking.  Or, 
 mer  experience  and  the  obfervation  of  God’s  extraordinary  ^aions  on  the  behalf 
 of  the  Jews,  and  againft  tlicir  enenaies  in  this  very  court  and  kingdom. 
 
 EXPLANAt6i1Y  notes.  Chxp.  VII.  Ver.  4.  For  we  are  sold.  By 
 the  c^aft  and  cruelty  of  that  man  who  offered  a  great  fum  of  money  to  purchafe 
 
 lb  irrirubi„..-r. rf.  .0  te  ”“1 ,71  Li 
 
 expreffiODS  to  make  the  deeper  impreffion  upon  the  king  s  mind.  Bu 
 beL  sold  for  bond-men  and  bond-w.  men,  I  had  held  my  tongue; 
 lamity  would  neither  have  been  irrecoverable  nor  intolerable,  nor  yet  unprofitable 
 Hhe  king,  for  whofe  honour  and  fervice  I  ftiould  willingly  have  fubm.  trd  my  felf 
 Ind  people®  to  any  kind  of  bondage.  Ver.  5.  Then  the  J  ' 
 
 dursf  presume  in  his  heart  to  do  so  ?  That  is,  to  circumvent  me. 
 procure  an  irrevocable  decree.  Ver.  7.  And  the  king  arising  from  the 
 Partly  as  difdaining  the  company  of  fo  audacious  and  ungrateful  a  perfon  ;  part  y 
 r  ;i  and  Sav  hi  foirit  ftruKling  with  fuch  a  variety  of  paffions;  and  partly  , 
 °o  llllb  *  h  n  SSih/  of  c.™..  .od  » pun, m  , 
 
 ment  he  fliould  inflidt  on  fo  vile  a  mifereant.  Ver.  8.  And  Haman  was  fallen  ,j 
 
 upon  the  bed  whereon  Esther  ivas.  It  was  a  cuftom  among  the  Perfians,  as  well 
 as  feveral  other  nations,  to  fit  or  ratlier  lie  upon  beds,  when  they  eat  or  drank; 
 and  therefore  when  Haman  fell  down  as  a  fupplicant  at  the  feet  of  Efther,  and 
 probably  embraced  her  knees,  the  king  might  pretend  he  was  oftering  violence  to 
 the  queen’s  chaftity,  not  perhaps  that  he  really  believed  this  was  his  intention,  but 
 Ills  paffion  prompted  him  to  look  upon  it  in  the  worft  light,  and  to  urge  it  as  aa 
 aggravation  of  Haman’s  crimes.  Covered  Haman  s  face ;  this  W'as  according  to 
 the  ciiftom  of  Perfia,  afigii  that  he  was  condemned  to  die.  Ver.  10.  5o  they  hanged 
 Haman  on  the  gallows  that  he  had  prepared  for  Mordecai.  Here  the  harmony  and 
 juftice  of  divine  providence  is  in  nothing  more  remarkable  than  in  not  only  bring¬ 
 ing  Haman  to  his  deferved  pnnilhment,  but  entrapping  him  likewife  in  the  fame 
 fnare  that  he  had  laid  for  another,  and  turning  a  malicious  invention  upon  the 
 head  of  the  contriver. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  VIII.  Ver.  1.  On  that  day  did  the  kUg 
 Ahasuerus  give  the  house  o/  Haman  the  Jews'  enemy  unto  Esther  the  queen.  Yith 
 all  his  goods  and  eftate,  which  being  jiiftly  forfeited  to  the  king,  he  no  lefs  juftiy 
 beftows  it  upon  the  queen,  to  compenfate  the  danger  to  which  Haman  had 
 expofed  her.  Ver.  5.  To  reverse  the  letters  devised  by  Haman.  She  prudently  takes 
 
 — - —  .  VT  1  How  nrofound  are  the  mvfteries  of  providence.  By  events  the  moft  trivial  in  the  eyes  of  man,  God 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIOi  S.  h  p.  faithful  fervants  •  and  he  will  regulate  all  things,  the  miliuteft  as  well  as  greatell  events,  to  advout® 
 
 accompii.lies  the  moli  important  ends.  thefneratitude  or  foily  of  our  friend  what  may  have  been  the  effe^s  of  inadvertence.  Woe  lo  thofe  wlio  devi  e 
 
 their  happinefs  a  d  honour.  Let  us  P ..  .  xt.e^vaineft  of  men  aflea  modefty  to  obtain  gratification  to  their  vanity.  What  an  empty,  what  a  tranfie 
 
 evil  upon  their  beds— and  when  it  is  .ight  ‘  l.onours  on  earth  confer  '  It  is  the  greatell  infelicity  of  all  worldly  purfuits,  that  there  is  no  proportion  bctwec 
 
 fliadow  of  ftliciiy,  can  the  greatell  wealth  or  necleacd  to  do  good  at  the  proper  feafon,  let  us  double  our  diligence  in  doing  it,  if  time  is  lef 
 
 the  pleafures  ol  fuccefs  and  the  pain  on  many  occafions.  The  humble  man  is  happy;  he  preferves  the  even  tenor  of  his  fold 
 
 to  repair  our  on.iffions.  Every  man  finds  it  °  the  hope  of  the  hypocrite  but  for  a  moment.  Miferable  comforters  were  all  Haman* 
 
 profpority  and  acverfity.  But  the  triump  img  Heathen'  have  been  forced  to  acknowledge,  that  God  takes  Care  of  his  people  ;  and  that  he  leaves  not  his  gr  ■ 
 
 friends ;  their  words  S^Jrethed  hifcondS,:.  w^  muft  go  with  a  heart  full  of  grief  to  a  feast  where  he  must  eat  the  bread  of  fonow,  and 
 
 ciou^"  work  in  tijnir  henali  unnniHitru. 
 
 drink  toe  Winer  of  attliclnm  !  „  VMrl  Timst  not  tlivfelf  of  to-morrew,  for  thou  knowest  not  wliat  a  day  Ihall  bring  forth.  Divine  provide^ 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERV.^TIO^S.-t  CttAV.XlL]  Botut  judgment  and  mercy,  and  fubverted  by  unrighteoufiiefs.  Men  are  oftea 
 
 has  fo  clofely  connected  the  interest  of  princes  P  P  ’  .  j  i„confiderate!v.  they  had  given  their  confent.  How  miferable  is  it  to  feel  the  torments  which  co 
 
 ready  to  ftiudder  at  the  very  mention  ot  that  Ee  foul  !  Haman  was  not  the  first  nor  will  he  bo  the  last,  of  the  enemies  of  the 
 
 fc...uf..i  rs  .ft  guilt  or  fiery  indignation  dusTcn  feet.  Anger  is  temporary  iolanity  ;  and  the  words  of  an  angry  man  are  like  the  Ipee 
 
 pie  of  Go  ’  V.  bo  (hall  mav  im  fllred.  but  they  canLt  be  loved.  They  learn  in  adverfity  what  fentiments  others  enter_ta,.i  t_^ 
 
 ^rn?m "‘tli™. ’the  Wicked  perilh  there  is  fliouting :  but  their  wkkednefs  oi. 
 
 of 
 
 ceriiiii^ 
 
 leward# 
 
 ley  cannot  ne  loved.  ineyiearn  in  auveriiiy  wiiat  icuiuncuia  ^ 
 
 I  may  outlive  them,  and  caufe  mutii  distrefs  when  they  arc  gone  to  receive  their  eteui 
 
Eslhet’s  suit  granted. 
 
 be  able 
 that  I 
 tnay  see. 
 
 B  See 
 Chap. 
 1.  19. 
 
 ,  ESTHER. 
 
 Morihcat  honomeil : 
 
 „for.  roedatha  the  Agagit?,  II  which  he  mote  to  deBroy  the 
 Chrift  Jews,  which  are  in  all  the  king  s  provinces  .  „ 
 
 “'»•  bFor  how  can  1 1  endure  to  lee  the  evil  that  thall 
 come  unto  my  people  ?  or  how  can  I  endure  to  fee  the 
 ,./iowrow. tleftruBion  ot  my  kindred^  irnca.  .t,o 
 
 t  iieu  Y  H  Then  the  king  Ahafuerus  faid  unto  Either  the 
 nueen,  and  to  Mordecai  the  Jew,  Behold,  I  have  given 
 Either  the  houle  of  Haman,  and  him  they  have  hang¬ 
 ed  upon  the  gallows,  becaufe  he  laid  his  hand  upon 
 
 the  Jews.  .  i-i  u 
 
 8  Write  ye  alfo  for  the  Jews,  as  it  liketh  you,  in 
 
 the  king’s  name,  and  leal  it  with  the  king’s  ring  :  ror 
 the  writing  which  is  written  in  the  king  s  name,  and  j 
 lealed  with  the  king’s  ring,  *  may  no  man  reverie. 
 
 9  Thdn  were  the  king’s  fcribes  called  at  that  tune  j 
 in  the  third  month,  (that  is,  the  month  Sivan,)  on  the , 
 three  and  twentieth  day  thereof ;  and  it  was  written 
 (according  to  all  that  Moredecai  commanded)  unto 
 the  Jews,  and  to  the  lieutenants,  and  the  deputies  and 
 rulers  of  the  provinces  which  are  from  India  unto 
 Ethiopia,  an  hundred  twenty  and  feven  provinces, 
 unto  every  province  according  to  the  writing  thereof, 
 and  unto  every  people  after  their  language,  and  to  the 
 Jews  according  to  their  writing,  and  according  to  their 
 
 language.  ,  j 
 
 to  And  he  wrote  in  the  king  Ahafuerus  name,  and 
 fealed  it  with  the  king’s  ring  ;  and  lent  letters  by  port 
 on  horfeback,  and  riders  on  mules,  camels,  and  young 
 dromedaries : 
 
 1 1  Wherein  the  king  granted  the  Jews  which  viere 
 in  every  city  to  gather  themfelves  together,  and  to 
 ftand  for  their  life  to  deftroy,  to  flay  and  to  caule 
 to  perifh,  all  the  power  of  the  people  and  province 
 that  would  affault  them,  both  little  ones  and  women, 
 and  to  take  the  fpoil  of  them  for  a  prey, 
 
 12  Upon  one  day,  in  all  the  provinces  of  king  Aha¬ 
 fuerus,  namely.  Upon  the  thirteenth  day  of  the  twelfth 
 month,  which  is  the  month  Adar. 
 
 13  The  copy  of  the  writing,  for  a  commandment 
 to  be  given  in  every  province,  '■ms  f  publifhed  unto 
 all  people,  and  that  the  Jews  fhould  be  ready  againrt 
 that  day  to  avenge  themfelves  on  their  enemies. 
 
 14  So  the  ports  that  rode  upon  mules  and  camels 
 went  out,  being  haftened  and  prefl'ed  on  by  the  king’s 
 commandment.  And  the  decree  was  given  at  Shu- 
 fhan  the  palace. 
 
 15  H  And  Mordecai  went  out  from  the  prefence 
 
 'rhe  Jeuv  heeve  pomt  over  their  enemu's,  SfC, 
 
 f  HeK 
 revealed^ 
 
 of  the  king  in  royal  apparel  of  !i  blue  and  white,  an  . 
 with  a  great  crown  of  gold,  and  with  a  garmetu  ..me 
 linen  and  purple ;  and  the  city  of  Shufhan  rt-j oict  i ;  ud 
 
 was  glad.  _  .  .  j  ' 
 
 16  The  Jews  had  light,  and  gladnefs,  and  joy,  zna 
 
 honour. 
 
 17  And  in  every  province,  and  in  every  city,  whi- 
 therfoever  the  king’s  commandment  and  h:s  decree 
 came,  the  Jews  had  joy  and  gladnefs,  a  teart  and  a 
 good  day.  And  many  of  the  people  of  the  land  became 
 Jews  y  for  the  fear  of  the  Jews  tell  upon  them.* 
 
 CHAP.  IX. 
 
 1  The  Jews  slay  their  enemies,  with  the  ten  sons  of  Haman.  20  The  two 
 
 days  of  Purim  are  made  festivals,  , 
 
 TkTOW,  in  the  twelfth  month,  (that  ?s,  the  m  nr^  cir.  s«;9. 
 tX  Adar,)  on  the  thirteenth  day  of  the  lame,  wi;  n 
 the  king’s  commandment  and  his  decree  drew  near  to 
 be  put  in  execution,  in  the  day  that  the  enemies  of  the 
 Jews  hoped  to  have  power  over  them,  (though  it  was 
 turned  to  the  contrary,  that  the  Jews  had  rule  over 
 
 them  that  hated  them,)  .  . 
 
 2  The  Jews  gathered  themfelves  together  in  their 
 cities,  throughout  all  the  provinces  of  the  king  Aha¬ 
 fuerus,  to  lay  hand  on  fuch  as  fought  their  hurt ;  and 
 no  man  could  withttand  them ;  for  the  fear  of  them 
 fell  upon  all  people. 
 
 3  And  all  the  rulers  of  the  provinces,  and  the  lieu-  ^  ^ 
 tenants,  and  the  deputies,  and  f  officers  of  the  king.tj-;-- 
 helped  the  Jews  ;  becaufe  the  fear  of  Mordecai  fell 
 upon  them. 
 
 4  For  Mordecai  -ms  great  in  the  king’s  houfe,  and(;  ' 
 his  fame  went  ouc  throughout  all  the  provinces;  for 
 this  man  Mordecai  waxed  greater  and  greater. 
 
 5  Thus  the  Jews  fmote  all  their  enemies  with  the 
 
 ftroke  of  the  fword,  and  (laughter,  and  deftruftion, 
 and  did  f  what  they  would  unto  thofe  that  hated  f 
 tkem.  t,,-. 
 
 6  And  in  Shufhan  the  palace  the  Jews  flew’  and  de-wi//. 
 ftroyed  five  hundred  men. 
 
 7  And  Parrtiandatha,  and  Dalphon,  and  Afpatha, 
 
 8  And  Poratha,  and  Adalia,  and  Aridatha, 
 
 9  And  Parmafhta,  and  Arifai,  and  Aridai,  and  Va- 
 jezatha, 
 
 10  The  ten  fons  of  Haman  the  fon  of  Hammedatha, 
 the  enemy  of  the  Jews,  flew  they  ;  but  on  the 
 laid  they  not  their  hand. 
 
 11  On  that  day  the  number  of  thofe  that  were  flain 
 
 »fF  all  the  odium  of  the  adtion  from  the  king,  and  lays  it  upon  Haman,  which 
 flie  alledgeth  as  a  reafon  why  it  Ihould  be  repealed,  becaufe  it  was  furreptitioully 
 9nd  craftily  procured.  This,  however,  the  king  could  not  do  ;  for,  (as  he  tells 
 her,  ver.  8.)  The  writing  which  is  written  in  the  king’s  name,  and  sealed  with  the 
 king’s  ring  may  no  man  reverse,  according  to  the  law  of  the  Medes  and  Perfians. 
 Therefore  the  fecond  letter  which  he  allows  them  to  write,  doth  not  contain  one 
 word  about  reverfing  of  the  former,  nor  doth  it  take  away  that  power  which  was 
 given  to  all  rulers  to  deftroy  all  the  Jews,  chap.  iii.  19,  13.  but  only  gives  the 
 Jews  power  and  authority  to  ftand  up  in  their  own  defence.  Ver.  9.  Then  were 
 the  king’s  scribes  called  m  the  third  month,  on  the  three  and  twentieth  day  thereof ; 
 which  was  above  two  months  after  the  former  decree  ;  all  which  time  God  fufter- 
 ed  the  Jews  to  lie  under  the  terror  of  this  dreadful  day,  that  they  might  be  more 
 thoroughly  humbled  for,  and  purged  from  thofe  many  and  great  fins  under  which 
 
 according 
 
 they  lay.  Ver.  II.  Both  little  ones  and  women.  When  this  decree  came  to  be 
 put  in  execution,  we  read  nothing  of  the  (laughter  of  women  or  children  ;  nor  is- 
 it  probable,  they  that  were  fo  generous  as  not  to  meddle  with  tlie  fpoil,  w  ould  be 
 Co  cruel  as  to  kill  the  innocent  children.  Ver.  15.  .d/al  the  city  of  Shtishnn  re- 
 \  joiced,  and  was  glad.  Not  only  Jews,  but  the  greateft  number  of  citizens,  who,  by 
 I  the  law  of  nature  written  upon  their  hearts,  had  an  abhorrence  of  bloody  counlels 
 I  and  defigns,  and  a  complacency  in  adls  of  benignity  and  mercy, 
 j  EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  IX.  Ver.  2,  The  fear  of  them  fell 
 1  on  alt  people-  As  having  fuch  potent  friends  at  court,  and  fo  great  a  God  on  tlieir 
 I  fide,  who  hy  fuch  unufual  and  prodigious  methods  (whereof  doubtlcfs  they  had 
 j  been  particularly  informed)  had  brought  about  fuch  a  mighty  and  unexpedled 
 deliverance.  Ver.  10.  But  on  the  spoil  lasd  they  n>t  their  hand.  Eitlier  becaufe 
 J  they  were  defirous  it  fliould  come  into  the  king’s  treafury  ;  or,  becaufe  tliev  would 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  VIII.]  The  we.alth  of  the  finner  is  laid  up  for  the  juft.  Let  us  not  be  folicitous  to  obtain  riches,  for  they  pro¬ 
 fit  not  in  the  day  of  wrath.  Gratitude  to  hcnefadlors  is  cffcntial  to  a  virtuous  charadler.  Ttiofe  are  fitted  for  high  ftations,  w  ho  are  heft  falisGed  w  ilh  any  ftation  ap¬ 
 pointed  them  by  providence.  Happy  are  thofe,  who  are  latisfied  with  their  own  condition,  if  they  but  fee  the  good  of  Ilrael ;  becaufe  Zion  is  nearer  their  heart  than 
 either  grandeur  or  life.  Men  are  never  more  foolifli  than  when  they  afl'eiSl  the  perfetftion  of  wifdom.  The  immutability  of  counfels  affumed  by  the  P.  rfian  Court  in¬ 
 volved  the  counlleliors  in  perplexity  and  the  empire  in  diftrefs.  They  well  deferve  to  perilb  who  are  carelefs  about  their  own  fafety.  And  who  will  bemoan  the  fate 
 of  thofe  who  may  be  fafe  in  the  day  of  evil,  and  defpife  the  things  that  belong  to  their  peace,  till  they  be  bid  from  their  eyes?  God  can  make  good  fpring  up  to  his 
 p^ple  where  it  was  lead  expedled.  From  Siiulhan  came  the  cdidls  for  tl'e  deftriidlion  and  deliverance  of  Ifrael.  The  lieft  of  all  bleliings  came  out  of  Galilee  and 
 Nazareth.  How  fpeedily  does  God  turn  his  people’s  mourning  into  joy  ;  and  how  often  has  he  determined  their  enemies  to  become  their  fteadv  friends  and  religious 
 sffociates.  AflBitSlioni  hive  often  terminated  in  joys  never  I'elt  by  thofe  who  have  not  known  adverfity.  -  •  '  e 
 
Ihe  djr/s  <  /  Purirn  made  festival, 
 
 Shufhan  the  palace  t  was  brought  before  the 
 
 ESTHER. 
 
 f  Ileb. 
 let  men 
 hang. 
 
 12  ^  And  the  king  faid  unto  Efther  the  queen,  The  i 
 Jews  rave  flain  and  deitroyed  five  hundred  men  in 
 Shufhan  the  palace,  and  the  ten  Ions  of  Haman  ; 
 what  have  they  done  iu  the  reft  of  the  king’s  pro-  : 
 vinces?  now,  what  is  thy  petition^  and  it  (hall  be  I 
 granted  thee  ;  or  what  is  thy  requeft  further  ?  and  it  ’ 
 (hall  be  done.  i 
 
 IS  Then  (aid  Efther,  If  it 
 
 granted  to  the  Jews  which  are  in  Shufhan  to  do  to- 
 morrqw  alfo  according  unto  this  day’s  decree,  and 
 
 Esther  and  Mordccai  confirm  the  decree 
 
 enemies,  and  the  month  which  was  turned  unto  them  Befo, 
 from  Ibrrow  to  joy,  and  from  mourning  into  a  good 
 day  ;  that  they  (hould  make  them  days  of  feafting 
 
 509. 
 t  Heb. 
 in  it. 
 
 t  let  Haman’s  ten  fons  be  hanged  upon  the  gallows 
 
 14  And  the  king  commanded  it  fo  to  be  done  :  and 
 the  decree  was  given  at  (hu(han  ;  and  they  hanged 
 Haman’s  ten  fons. 
 
 15  For  the  Jews  that  xvere  in  Shufhan  gathered 
 themfelves  together  on  the  fourteenth  day  ahb  of  the 
 month  Adar,  and  (lew  three  hundred  men  at  Shu(han  : 
 but  on  the  prey  they  laid  not  their  hand. 
 
 16  But  the  other  Jews  that  ioere  in  the  king’s  pro- 
 vinces  gathered  themfelves  together,  and  ftood  for 
 their  lives,  and  had  reft  from  their  enemies,  and  flew^ 
 of  their  foes  leventy  and  five  thoufand  (but  they  laid 
 not  their  hands  on  the  prey.) 
 
 17  On  the  thirteenth  day  of  the  month  Adar:  and 
 on  the  fourteenth  day  f  of  the  fame  refted  they,  and 
 made  it  a  day  of  feafting  and  gladnefs. 
 
 18  But  the  Jews  that  were  at  Shu(han  affembled 
 together  on  the  thirteenth  day  thereof,  and  on  the 
 fourteenth  thereof;  and  on  the  fifteenth  day  of  the 
 fame  they  refted,  and  made  it  a  day  of  feafting  and 
 gladnefs. 
 
 19  Therefore  the  Jews  of  the  villages,  that  dwelt 
 in  the  unwalled  towns,  made  the  fourteenth  day  of 
 the  month  Adar,  a  day  of  gladnefs  and  feafting,  and 
 a  good  day,  and  of  fenaing  portions  one  to  another. 
 
 20  H  And  Mordecai  wrote  thefe  things,  and  fent 
 letters  unto  all  the  Jews  that  were  in  all  the  provinces 
 of  the  king  Ahafuerus,  both  nigh  and  far. 
 
 21  To  ftabli(h  this  among  them,  that  they  (hould 
 keep  the  fourteenth  day  of  the  month  Adar,  and  the 
 fifteenth  day  of  the  fame,  yearly, 
 
 22  As  the  days  wherein  the  Jews  refted  from  their 
 
 and  joy,  and  of  fending  portions  one  to  another,  and 
 gilts  to  the  poor. 
 
 23  And  the  Jew's  undertook  to  do  as  they  had  be- 
 gun,  and  as  Mordecai  had  wiitten  unto  them  ; 
 
 24  Becaufe  Haman  the  fon  of  Hammedatha,  the 
 i.Agagite,  the  enemy  of  all  the  Jews,  had  devifed 
 
 pleafe^he  king  let  it  be||againft  the  Jews  to  deftroy  them,  and  had  caft  Pur, 
 
 the  lor,)  to  t  confuine  them,  and  to  deftroy  t  Heb. 
 
 them ; 
 
 leave  it  to  their  children,  that  it  might  app.ar,  lliat  what  they  did  that  day  was  not 
 cut  of  malice  to  their  perfons  and  families,  or  covetoufnefs  of  their  eRates  :  but 
 out  of  mere  neceflity,  and  by  that  great  and  approved  law  of  felf-prefervation. 
 Ver.  13.  1o  do  to-morrow  also  according  to  this  day's  decree.  That  is,  to  kill  their 
 implacable  enemies.  And  let  Haman's  ten  sons  be  hanged  upon  the  gallows.  We 
 are  already  told,  ver.  11.  that  thefe  ten  fons  were  llain  by  the  fword  ;  but  the 
 reafon  why  £ilber  appears  to  be  fo  folicitous  to  have  their  dead  bodies  hung  upon 
 the  gallows  might  be,  becaufe  they  had  (hewn  more  malice  and  indignation  againA 
 the  Jews,  and  on  the  day  that  the  cruel  edi<5l  came  to  take  place  had  made  more 
 defperate  attacks  upon  them  than  any  ;  though  the  reafon  of  Rate  in  this  feveriiy 
 was  doubtlefs  to  expofe  the  family  of  Haman  to  the  greater  infamy,  and  to  deter 
 other  counfellors  from  abuRng  the  king  by  falfe  mifreprefentations.  Ver.  20,  21. 
 God  alone  has  a  right  to  appoint  religious  inflitutions.  Why  then  did  Mordecai 
 appoint  the  feaR  of  Purim  ?  From  his  general  characSler  have  we  not  reafon  to 
 conclude  that,  if  he  meant  it  to  be  obferved  as  a  religious  ordinance,  he  was  diredl- 
 ed  by  the  Holy  Spirit;  but  perhaps  it  was  only  to  be  viewed  as  a  civil  feflival  in 
 commemoration  of  an  event  which  ought  never  to  be  forgotten.  Ver.  30.  IVith 
 words  oj  peace  and  truth.  Or,  even  words  q/' peace  and  truth.  This  may  refpe(5l 
 the  form  of  their  writing ;  wherein,  after  the  ciiRom,  he  faluted  them  wiith  hearty 
 wilhes  for  their  true  peace  and  profperity.  Ver.  31.  The  matters  of  the  fastings 
 and  their  cry.  upon  account  of  thefe  great  and  overwhelming  calamities  which 
 were  decreed  to  all  the  Jews,  and  for  the  removing  of  which,  not  only  ERher  and 
 
 25  But  +  when  Edhcr  came  before  the  king,  he  f  Heb 
 commanded  by  letters,  that  his  wicked  device,  which  si- 
 he  devifed  againtt  the  Jews,  (hould  return  upon  his‘'“’”"- 
 I  own  head,  and  that  he  and  his  fons  fhould  be  hanged 
 j  on  the  gallows. 
 
 j  26  Wherefore  they  called  thefe  days  Purim,  aftpr 
 ;  the  name  of  ||  Pur  :  therefore  for  all  the  words  of  tnis  II  Thatis, 
 I  letter,  and  of  that  which  they  had  feen  concerning 
 j  matter,  and  which  had  come  unto  them. 
 
 !  27  The  Jews  ordained,  and  took  upon  them,  and 
 
 upon  their  feed,  and  upon  all  fuch  as  joined  themfelves 
 !  unto  them,  fo  as  it  ftiould  not  f  fail,  that  they  would  t  Heb. 
 'keep  thefe  two  days  according  to  their  writing,  and^““* 
 according  to  their  appointed  time  every  year  ; 
 
 28  And  that  thefe  days  should  be  remembered,  and 
 kept  throughout  every  generation,  every  family,  every 
 province,  and  every  city;  and  that  thefe  days  of  Pu- 
 
 rim  fhould  not  f  fail  from  among  the  Jews,  nor  the  t  Heb. 
 memorial  of  them  t  perKh  from  their  feed. 
 
 29  Tnen  Either  the  queen,  the  daughter  of  Abihail,  L  e2ed 
 
 and  Mordecai  the  Jew,  wrote  with  f  all  authority,  tofHeb.a;; 
 confirm  this  (econd  letter  or  Purim.  strength. 
 
 30  And  he  lent  the  letters  unto  all  the  Jews,  to  the 
 hundred  twenty  and  feven  provincr'S  of  the  kingdom 
 of  Ahafuerus,  with  words  of  peace  and  truth. 
 
 31  To  confirm  thefe  days  of  Purim  in  their  times 
 appointed,  according  as  mordecai  the  Jew  and  Efther 
 the  queen  had  enjoined  them,  and  as  they  had  decreed 
 
 f  for  themiielves,  and  for  theirfeed,  the  matters  of  thefHeb. 
 fadings  and  their  cry. 
 
 32  And  the  decree  of  Efther  confirmed  thefe  mat- **’***’ 
 ters  of  Purim  ;  and  it  was  written  in  the  book.* 
 
 the  Jews  in  Shufhan,  but  all  other  Jews  in  all  places,  as  foon  as  they  heard  thofe 
 difmal  tidings,  did  doubtlels,  according  to  the  precepts  of  t  e  feripture,  and  the 
 conRant  pradlice  of  their  ungodly  predeceffors  in  all  ages,  fly  to  that  laR  and  only 
 refuge,  of  feeking  God  by  faRing  and  earneR  prayers;  which  God  was  pleafed 
 gracioufly  to  bear  and  anfwer,  by  giving  them  this  amazing  deliverance.  And  this 
 was  what  they  w'ere  no.v  to  remember,  to  wit,  the  greatnefs  of  their  danger,  and  of 
 their  refeue  from  it.  This  feaR  is  called  Purim,  fro  n  the  Perfian  word  pur, 
 which  fignifies  a  lot  becaufe  of  Haman’s  caRing  lots,  in  order  to  know  the  moR 
 fortunate  day  for  the  execution  of  his  malicious  defigns  ;  and  i  is  to  this  day  cele¬ 
 brated  by  the  Jews  with  feme  very  peculiar  ceremonies,  which  are  reducible  to 
 reading,  reRing,  and  feaRing.  Before  the  reading,  which  is  performed  in  the 
 fynagogue,  and  begins  in  the  evening  as  foon  as  the  Rars  appear,  they  make  ufe 
 of  three  forms  of  prayer  ;  Then  they  read  over  the  whole  hiflory  of  Haman  from 
 the  beginning  to  the  end,  out  of  an  Hebrew  manufeript  written  on  parchment,  it 
 being  accounted  unlawful  for  them  to  read  out  of  any  printed  book.  After  the 
 reading  is  finiflied,  they  return  home  and  have  a  fupper,  not  of  flefh,  but  fpoon 
 meat ;  and  early  next  morning  they  arife  and  return  to  the  fynagogue,  where,  after 
 they  have  read  that  palTage  in  Exodus  which  mentions  the  war  with  Amalek,  they 
 begin  again  to  read  the  book  of  ERher  with  the  fame  ceremonies  as  before,  and  fo 
 conclude  the  fervices  of  the  day  with  curfes  againR  Haman  and  his  wife  Zerefh, 
 with  bleflings  upon  Mordecai  and  ERher  and  with  prailes  to  God  for  having  pre- 
 ferved  his  people. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS, _ *  Chap.  IX.]  The  hope  of  the  righteous  is  joy  and  gladnefs,  but  the  expeaation  of  the  wicked  (hall  periRi.  The  won¬ 
 
 derful  works  of  providence  have  often  Rruck  terror  into  the  hardieR  enemies  of  Zion.  Vain  is  it  to  fight  agaiuR  God,  or  againfl  thofe  whom  be  loves  and  proteas. 
 Sooner  or  later  all  his  enemies  lhall  perifh  !  but  the  righteous  (hall  be  faved  out  of  all  their  troubles.  To  call  often  to  our  remembrance  the  mercies  of  former  days  is 
 •ur  wifdom  and  happinefs.  This  wUl  prove  a  frequent  renewal  ol  former  joys,  and  a  means  of  preferving  alive  that  gratitude  which  we  owe  to  the  God  of  ail  our  mercies. 
 
Job's  holiness^  rkheSy 
 Before  CHAP.  X. 
 
 Clirilt  1  Ahatuerut'  greatnen,  3  Mordecias  advancement. 
 
 A  ND  the  king  Ahafuerns  laid  a  tribute  upon  the 
 j[\^  land,  and  ?(pon  the  ifles  ot  the  Tea. 
 
 2  And  all  the  afts  of  his  power,  and  of  his  might 
 l?/!*’*,„iand  the  declaration  of  the  greatnefs  of  Mordecai, 
 
 advanced  him,  are  they  not 
 
 JOB. 
 
 aticl  religious  care  fur  hit  jjiildrcn. 
 
 ^rMl*'"*whereunto  the  king  f 
 
 ;  written  in  the  book  of  the  Chronicles  of  the  kings  of 
 Media  and  Perfia  ? 
 
 3  For  Mordecai  the  Jew  aas  next  unto  king  Aha-^^ 
 fuerus,  and  great  among  the  Jews,  and  ac(  epted  of 
 the  multitude  of  his  brethren,  feeking  the  wealth  of 
 his  people,  and  fpeaking  peace  to  all  his  feed.* 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  X.  Vcr.  3.  Accepted  of  the  multitude 
 tf  his  brethren.  Who  did  not  envy  liis  greatnefs  as  men  moft  commonly  do  in 
 iuch  cafes;  but  rejoiced  in  it,  and  blelfed  God  for  it,  and  loved  him  for  his  up¬ 
 right  and  mild  management  of  his  vaft  power.  Speaking  peace  to  all  his,  or  rather 
 
 their  seed,  to  wit,  the  Jews,  who  were  of  the  fame  feed  and  rr«)t  from  wbici  he 
 was  defeended.  He  fpoke  and  a<5led  with  great  kiudnefs  and  friendliiiefs  to  then 
 when  they  reforted  to  him  on  any  occafion. 
 
 practical  observations. — *  Chap.  X.]  The  prote<5Iion  which  government  affords  makes  neceffary  tribute  an  act  of  juflice.  If  we  claim  fupi 
 to  our  rights  from  government,  let  us  not  defraud  it  of  its  rights.  Many  inflances  of  vicious  conduiR  are  fet  before  us,  which  we  ought  to  abhor;  niany  eia::  ; 
 of  goodnefs  which  we  ought  to  imitate.  The  generous  foul  of  a  good  man  is  filled  with  kiudnefs  to  the  rifing  race,  and  rejoices  in  the  happinefs  of  fucceeciing  gt 
 tions.  Let  us  be  followers  of  thofe  who  obtained  a  good  report  through  the  faith,  which  animated  them  in  all  their  undertakings.  According  to  tiie  grace  auu  ii.i 
 given  us,  let  us  feek  the  good  of  the  prefent  generation  and  of  poflerity :  Thus  fliall  we  obtain  a  good  name  which  is  better  than  precious  ointment. 
 
 THE  BOOK  OF 
 
 J  o 
 
 THE  ARGUMENT. 
 
 Job,  'solto  ivas  a  man  illustrious  for  his  piety,  and  J  or  his  patience,  lived  about  the  time  that  the  chiUhen  of  Israel 
 were  in  Egypt.  There  are  three  things  contained  in  this  book :  I.  The  history  of  Job’s  afflictions.  II.  The 
 disputes  between  him  and  friends,  upon  this  question ;  Whether  God  afflicts  good  men  in*  this  world  -  and 
 Whether  adversity  is  a  proof  of  his  wrath  and  displeasure.?  III.  The  end  of  Job's  afflictions,  and  the  pro- 
 sperity  which  succeeded.  This  Book  which  is  written  in  a  figurative  style,  contains  several  excellent  instructions; 
 and  we  are  there  to  observe  particularly  what  sentiments  the  men  in  his  age  entertained  concerning  the  principal 
 points,  and  most  impoi'tant  duties  of  religion.  The  testimony  which  God,  by  the  prophet  Ezekiel  bears  to  Job, 
 ranking  him  with  men  of  the  greatest  piety,  such  as  Noah  and  Daniel,  and  zvhat  the  apostle  St  James  says  of 
 
 him,  confirms  the  truth  of  this  history,  and  should  engage  us  to  consider  what  is  cordained  in  it  with  the  nreatcr 
 attention.  " 
 
 ■  1. 1'  the 
 B  iok  of 
 J tb  whilst 
 among 
 the  Mi~ 
 dianities. 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 cir.  1520. 
 
 a  Chap. 
 
 2.  3. 
 
 I  Or, 
 cattle. 
 
 II  Or 
 
 husbandry 
 t  Heb. 
 sons  of  the 
 east. 
 
 CHAP.  I. 
 
 1  The  holiness,  riches,  and  religious  care  of  Job  for  his  children.  6  Satan 
 appearirsg  before  God  by  calumniation  obtained  leave  to  tempt  him. 
 
 There  was  a  man  in  the  land  of  Uz,  whofe 
 name  was  Job  ;  and  that  man  was  “  perfect  and 
 opfisl^b  and  one  that  feared  God,  and  elchewed  evil. 
 
 2  And  there  were  born  unto  him  feven  fons  and 
 three  daughters. 
 
 3  His  II  fubftance  alfo  was  feven  thoufand  ffleep, 
 and  three  thoufand  camels,  and  five  hundred  yoke  of 
 0X00,  and  nve  hundred  (he-afTes,  and  a  very  great 
 II  houfehold  ;  fo  that  this  man  was  the  greateft  of  all 
 the  t  men  of  the  eaft. 
 
 I-  is  fuppofed  to'be  that 
 
 pait  of  Arabia  that  bordered  on  Chaldea  or  the  country  of  Edom  called  Uz  in 
 n  n'  denominated  f.om  one  of  Efau’s  pofterity,  who  was 
 
 called  Uz,  Gen.  xxxvi.  28.  Jer.  xxv.  30.  His  name  Job,  is  by  fome  interpreted, 
 one  hated  as  bis  fuftenngs  feeme.l  to  fpeak.  Others  derive  it  from  a  word  fi<r- 
 mfy.ng  to  destrej  as  if  he  were  the  defire  ot  his  parents  .though  he  lived  to  curfe 
 the  day  of  Ins  birth  Ills  piety  was  remarkable  and  eminent;  he  was  a  ner/cc' 
 ahiblute  fenfe,  hut  one  who,  compared  with  partial  obferves  of 
 
 whofe''‘|"^  r’  "r  the  Saviour,  and 
 
 vvhoR  hea.t  was  f.ncere  and  upright  before  him.  No  allowed  guile  was  enter- 
 
 contiiuIuvTfl  Tr”  in  his  coverfation  ?  one  fhnt  feared  God, 
 
 from  ?vi  to  his  holy  will  ;  andefehewed  evil,  or  departed 
 
 Slmnel’nrev  'r"'v  ‘  from  all  ap- 
 
 flocks  aS  lierdf  fn  houfehold  large,  and  his  fubftance  vaft  in 
 
 each  1  in  their  houses.  At  ftated  times  they  vifited 
 
 *n  urn  ;  invited  their  lifters  to  join  in  their  entertainment;  aud  round 
 
 6  G 
 
 4  And  his  Cons  went  and  feafted  in  their  boufes, 
 every  one  his  day  ;  and  fent  and  called  for  their  three 
 lifters,  to  eat  and  to  drink  wiih  them. 
 
 5  And  it  was  Ib,  when  the  days  of  their  feafting 
 were  gone  about,  that  Job  fent  and  fac(ftified  them, 
 
 rofe  up  early  in  the  morning,  and  offered  burnt- 
 offerings  according  to  the  number  of  them  all :  for 
 Job  laid,  It  may  be  that  my  fons  have  finned,  and 
 curfed  God  in  their  hearts.  Thus  did  Job  f  conti- 
 nually. 
 
 6  %  Now  there  was  a  day  when  the  fons  of  God 
 
 came  to  prelent  themfelves  before  the  Lord  and 
 Satan  came  alfof  among  them.  ’ 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 cir,  1520. 
 
 b  1  Kings 
 20.10,13. 
 t  Heb.  cU 
 the  days, 
 f  Heb. 
 the  advert 
 
 Sary. 
 
 t  Heb.  in 
 ih-.'  midst 
 vj  them. 
 
 the  feftal  board,  rejoiced  in  the  gifts  of  God.  but  avoided  intemperance  or  c 
 cefs.  \er.  5.  Job  sent  and  sanctified  them.  To  fanctify  or  feparate  from  all  i 
 purity  to  ferve  God.  The  ancient  patriarchs  among  whom  Job  niuft  certaii 
 be  reckoned,  aiRed  as  priefts  in  their  families.  Job  feems  to  have  acRed  as  pri 
 
 K  "c  i  I  ‘>'5  immediate  children.  The  manner  by  wbi 
 
 he  faniRified  them  may  perhaps  be  beft  uuderftood  by  the  condua  of  Jacob 
 
 a  particular  occafion  :  Compare  carefully,  Gen.  xxxv.  1 _ 5 
 
 .  evidently  def.gned  by  Job  as  expiatory.'  From  the  earlieft  thf  3;:; 
 
 of  C,od  were  perfuaded  of  the  necelfity  and  efficacy  of  facrifice  to  expiate  Z 
 lee  Notes  on  Gen.  ,v.  3,  6,  7.  Cursed  God  in  their  hearts;  an  expreffion  wh 
 ftrongly  intimates  that  Job  confidered  the  law  of  God  as  extending  to  11^1110 
 
 fays  Stott,  to  bUss.  It  was  a  term  of  compliment  between  friends  Jt  meet, 
 and  parting,  and  feems  in  this  latter  fenfe  to  anfwer  our  phrafe  ia,e  ,  , 
 and  probably  came,  like  it,  to  be  ufed  in  a  bad  fenfe,  rbr  renouLin..  ’  ^ 
 
 Continually,  that  is,  at  the  conclufiou  of  every  feaft.  %e  fanalfied  K  T'a”' 
 He  rose  up  early  to  faniRify  them,  which  fticweft  the*  n  ^  kindre 
 
 16 
 
Sutan  cii>pearifig  be/ort  God^ 
 
 JOB. 
 
 oliaincth  leave  to  tempt 
 
 s.  s. 
 
 ■J-  Htb. 
 hast  thou 
 set  thy 
 heart  on. 
 
 Before  7  the  LoRD  faid  unto  Satan,  Whence  comeft 
 ^  'rhen  Satan  anl'wered  the  Lord,  and  laid, 
 
 V  ^  From  ®  going  to  and  fro  in  the  earth,  and  from  walk- 
 e  1  Petering  Up  and  down  in  it. 
 
 8  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  Satan,  t  Haft  thou  con- 
 fidered  my  fervant  Job,  that  t/tere  is  none  like  him  in 
 the  earth,  a  perfeft  and  an  upright  man,  one  that 
 feareth  God,  and  efchew^eth  evil  ? 
 
 9  Then  Satan  anfw'ered  the  Lord,  and  laid,  Doth 
 Job  fear  God  for  nought  ? 
 
 10  Haft  not  thou  made  an  hedge  about  him,  and 
 about  his  houl'e,  and  about  all  that  he  hath  on  every 
 fide?  thou  haft  blefled  the  work  of  his  hands,  and 
 his  Q  fubftance  is  increafed  in  the  land  : 
 
 u  .  11  But  put  forth  thine  hand  now,  and  touch  all 
 
 l/t'cur^that  he  hath,  t  and  he  will  curie  thee  to  thy  face. 
 thee  not  to  12  And  the  Lord  laid  unto  Satan,  Behold,  all  that 
 thy  face,  is  in  thy  f  powef ;  only  upon  himlelf  put  not 
 
 w?'  forth  thine  hand.  So  Satan  went  forth  from  the  pre¬ 
 fence  of  the  Lord. 
 
 13  ^  And  there  was  a  day  when  his  Ions  and  his 
 daughters  were  eating  and  drinking  wine  in  their 
 eldeft  brother’s  houfe  : 
 
 14  And  there  came  a  raelienger  unto  Job,  and 
 
 B 
 
 cattle. 
 t  Heb. 
 
 were  plowing,  and  the  afles  feeding 
 
 faid.  The  oxen 
 
 befide  them ;  ,  i  u 
 
 15  And  the  Sabeans  fell  upoti  them,  and  took  them 
 away  ;  yea,  they  have  flain  the  fervants  with  the  edge 
 
 of  the  fword  t  and  I  only  am  efcaped  alone  to  tell  hcfor* 
 
 thee.  cir^'‘'‘'‘ 
 
 16  While  he  was  yet  fpeaking,  there  came  alfo  ano-'^^;^* 
 
 ther,  and  faid,  H  The  fire  of  God  is  fallen  from  heaven, 
 and  hath  burnt  up  the  fheep,  and  the  fervants,  andWgreaj 
 confumed  them  ;  and  1  only  am  efcaped  alone  to  tell>‘'- 
 
 thee.  n  ,  ir 
 
 17  While  he  was  yet  fpeaking,  there  came  alio  ano¬ 
 ther,  and  faid,  The  Chaldeans  made  out  three  bands, 
 
 and  ’+  fell  upon  the  camels,  and  have  carried  them  t  Heb, 
 away,  yea,  and  llain  the  fervants  with  the  edge  of  the’'*^''^'^- 
 fword ;  and  1  only  am  efcaped  alone  to  tell  thee. 
 
 18  While  he  was  yet  fpeaking,  there  came  alfo  ano- 
 ther  and  faid,  Thy  fons  and  thy  daughters  were  eat¬ 
 ing,  and  drinking  wine  in  their  eldeft  brother’s  houfe  : 
 
 19  And,  behold,  there  came  a  great  wind  f  from  the  t  Heb. 
 
 wildernefs,  and  fmote  the  tour  corners  ot  the  houle, 
 and  it  fell  upon  the  young  men,  and  they  are  dead  ; 
 and  I  only  am  efcaped  alone  to  tell  thee.  .  „  r, 
 
 20  Then  Job  arofe,  and  rent  his  II  mantle,  and  lha-  II  Or, 
 ved  his  head,  and  tell  down  upon  the  ground,  and 
 
 "'^21^And^faid,  Naked  came  I  out  of  my  mother’s  5. 
 womb,  and  naked  (hall  1  return  thither :  the  Lord  1  xim. 
 gave,  and  the  Lord  hath  taken  away  \  bltfled  be 
 
 name  of  the  Lord.  , 
 
 22  In  all  this  Job  finned  not,  nor  ||  charged  Gody^^^^^^ 
 
 foolithly.’^  
 
 yalue  of  the  friendfliip  of  God,  and  hence  he  greatly  dreaded  his  difpleafure. 
 Ver.  6.  Some  have  fuppofed  the  sons  of  God  to  be  angels,  returning  from  their 
 fervice  on  earth,  to  receive  new  orders  from  the  eternal  Majefty,  and  Satan  as 
 an  intruder  daring  to  appear,  or  as  a  criminal  fummoned  to  auend ;  but  ^ 
 more  probable  that  the  phrafe  means  the  people  of  God,  who  had  tlieir  fokmn 
 feafons  of  devotion  before  the  inftituUonof  the  fabbath  ;  and  even  in  their  affem- 
 blies,  the  devil  who  is  yet  permitted  to  range  about  the  earth,  finds  a  P'^ce,  ^  d  ^ 
 watches,  feeking  whom  he  may  devour.  Ver.  7.  Satan,  whence  contest  thou  ?  , 
 This  enquiry  made  bv  God,  who  knew  bis  walks  or  defigns,  is  exprefllve  of  his 
 difplealTe  with  Satan’s  bold  intrufion  ;  and  excited  him  to  declare  h.s  ma  i-  , 
 cious  purpofe  concerning  Job.  Though  the  way  wherein  fpints  thus  conver.e  be  , 
 myfter^ioul  we  fee  not  therefore  why  the  reality  of  it  Ihould  be  queftioned  nor  any 
 
 SrSpoft  .hi.  .r..f.aio„  m.,.i,  .ll.gorih.1.  S.-"'*  “7"  ov 
 
 Arued  as  the  boaA  of  pride,  as  though  the  earth  was  his  own,  and  he  ftalked  over  ^ 
 
 Sie  vaA  circumference,  as  a  king  in  progrefs  ‘^jough  h.s  dominions ;  or  t  m^y 
 
 refer  to  his  reftlefs  mifery,  that  fuffers  him  no  where  to  find  cafe  , 
 
 tigable  diligence  in  his  work.  Ver.  8.  Hast  thou 
 
 ferved  his  oietv,  or  fet  thine  heart  upon  him,  to  do  him  fome  mifch.ef 
 
 S  God  ca^ls  him  my  servant,  the  moA  honourable  of  all  titles,  and  expreffive 
 
 of  the  high  approbation^of  Job’s  fidelity  in  his  fervice;  that  there  ,s 
 
 B  rr  1  _  ,  k..,  nmlialilv  amone  the  fons  of  men  his 
 
 devil  to  make  Job’s  graces  appear  more  eminent,  and  to  gloniy  the  greatnefs  of 
 his  own  power  and  love  in  his  fupport  and  falvation.  Only  upon  himsdj  put  not 
 forth  thL  hanu.  The  devil’s  power  is  limited  ;  he  who  permits  h.s  w>ckednefs. 
 faith  to  him,  “  Hitherto  raayeA  thou  come,  and  no  farther,  Ver.  IS.  TheSn- 
 beans  were  a  favage  people  of  Arabia,  who  led  a  wandering  life,  and  like  focne 
 who  Aill  inhabit  that  country,  fupported  ihemfelves  by  plunder  and  robbery 
 Ver.  17.  From  heaven,  or  our  atmofphere,  which  is  fo  denominated,  and  of  which 
 Satan  is  called  the  prince,  on  account  of  his  influence  on  this  earth,  Note 
 
 Fnh  ii  2  S  The  Chaldeans  in  very  ancient  times  lived  by  fpoil  like  the  Sa- 
 beaii;,  as  Zenophon  teftifies.  They  afterwards  became  a  powerful  people  and 
 under  the  king  of  Babylon,  gave  laws  to  a  large  empire.  Ver.  [^’/S^eat  wird 
 /  "ot  the  wilderness,  from  which  becaufe  of  its-expofed  fituation  the  fierceA  winds 
 V  *  ,1  Ter  iv  11  xiii.  24.  Ver.  ^0.  Then  Job  arose  and  rent  his  mantle. 
 
 Sold"  ht  aw  htnV^  ft’ort  day  made  ;  the  greateA  man  of  the  eaa 
 
 Aripped  of  evl^y  comfort,  naked  and  deAitute.  He  felt  with  deepeA  fenfibi.hy, 
 foe  afflidliii-  tidings,  and  with  the  moA  exprelnve  figns  of  bitter  angu.lh,  exprefe 
 h  s  ITief  It  was  great,  for  which  there  was  a  caufe  ;  yet  no  indecent  rage ;  no 
 
 ra  fo't  trava-^ance  appears ;  he  felt  as  a  man,  he  mourned  as  a  believer.  The  figns 
 ralh  ^xtrava  ^  ^  ^  cuAom  of  the  eaA  fanaioned,  and 
 
 "o  ;r„.d  ™  e  i  riii  r 
 
 2irjer.  vii.  29?  He  worshipped :  in  which  h.s  piety  and  r^ignation  appear 
 
 to  ciirfe  God,  as  Satan  vaunted  he 
 
 We  have  here  Satan’s  bafe 
 accufe  him  ;  his  charaaer 
 
 eation,  he  would  infinuate  that  liu.  - . ,  enume- 
 
 hvnocritical  Ver.  10.  Hast  not  thou  made  an  hedge  about  him  ?  Satan  enume 
 
 ?ales  with  a  kind  of  envious  grief,  the  many  and  Angular  mercies  which  ; 
 
 would  be  gratified  m  Jub  *  “if  y ■  ^  deAroy,  as  the  word 
 
 puniAiment,  fee  Ifa.  v.  25.  Ezek.  ^  •  >  ,  ,  ^  .u  ::  q  Ver  12  All  that  he 
 
 can  Trlirnothinyrut  o^foe  woTld^'  u-  Go^  therefore  pleafes  to  strip  him  of  all, 
 can  carry  iw  ^  „  i  h£»  mimt  be  when  be  dies.— He  acknowledges  God  S 
 
 '  teXnZltS  aR  pife  »,  M  o„.  of  hi.  uod.fa.od  b.un., 
 
 I  r;  wbi,  bf  pieafo.  bi.  f::  » » 
 
 bo.„  .-w, » 
 
 /LTL%‘'''Hedi"d"norblafpheme,  as  Satan  hoped,  nor  arraign  the  wifdom,  mercy, 
 )  or  goodnefs  of  God,  in  l.is  affl.aive  difpenfation. 
 
 °  -  _ _ _ _ — -  „  f  1  u  «l.nrr.  no  mall  has  appeared  more  distinguiflied  for 
 
 PUACTICAL  observations  -.  God  b.  -  dW 
 
 therefore  is  foe  man  who  in  every  age.  And  to  promote  foe  we, fore  of  their 
 
 influence  of  Saun  in  the  '^°Hd’  7*}  .  ^  -er  whonf  pious  parents  or  masters  prtfide,  who  will  be  more  ‘  ’  P  ;  prefents  peculiar  temptations  to  fin, 
 
 bv  him.  HauPV  are  thofe  families  over  whom  p  o  p  _  there  is  always  need  to  .tlend  the  faints  parUcularly 
 
 >6  more  lOiiciious,  n  ^  ^ 
 
 bT™:- Hipp, ...  .boj  fa— 
 
 rn....  .r  .b...~  .. .....r  c.„»op 
 
 cilioa  to  thofe  who  approve  themfelves  faithful  lervants  to  ooo,  m  y 
 
Satan  again  temptcth  Joh,  hy 
 
 JOB. 
 
 smi>:n'j  him  'nilh  sore  loils» 
 
 CHAP.  If. 
 
 A' 
 
 Before 
 
 Clirilt  j  Satan  appearing  nsaiii  before  God,  obtainclh  further  leave  to  tempt  Job; 
 cir.  1520.  ^  smtlelh  him  luith  sore  boils,  ^c. 
 
 GAIN  there  was  a  day  when  the  Tons  of  God 
 
 _ cane  to  prefent  themfelves  before  the  Lord, 
 
 and  Satan  rame  aU’o  among  them,  to  prefent  himfelf 
 before  the  Lord. 
 
 •2  And  the  Lord  laid  unto  Satan,  From  whence 
 comeft  thou?  and  *  Satan  anfwered  the  Lord,  and 
 faid.  From  going  to  and  fro  in  the  earth,  and  from 
 w.ilKing  up  and  down  in  it. 
 
 3  And  the  Lord  faid  nnto  Satan,  Haft  thou  con- 
 fidered  my  fervant  Job,  that  there  is  none  like  him  in 
 the  earth,  *’  a  perftft  and  an  upright  man,  one  that 
 feareih  God,  and  el'cheweth  evil  ^  and  ftill  he  holdeth 
 faft  his  integrity,  although  thou  movedft  me  againft 
 him,  t  to  deftroy  him  without  caufe. 
 
 4  And  Satan  anfwered  the  Lord,  and  faid.  Skin 
 for  fkin ;  yea,  all  that  a  man  hath  will  he  give  for  his 
 life : 
 
 5  But  put  forth  thine  hand  now,  and  touch  his 
 bone  and  his  flelh,  and  he  will  curfe  thee  to  thv 
 face. 
 
 6  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  Satan,  Behold,  he  is  in 
 thine  hand  ;  ||  but  fave  his  life. 
 
 a  ciiap. 
 
 1.  7. 
 
 b  Chap. 
 
 1.  1,  8. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 to  siuallow 
 him  up- 
 
 P  Or, 
 
 only. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES,  Chap.  II.  Ver.  1,  2.  The  sons  of  God,  See 
 Notes  on  chap.  i.  6,  7,  8.  Another  folemn  afleinbly  takes  place,  and  Satan  with 
 hardened  impudence  appears  among  them  filled  with  the  fame  inveterate  malice 
 againft  the  faithful  fufferer.  Without  a  cause;  that  is,  without  any  caufe,  fuch  as 
 Satan  pretended  to  exift,  and  which  deferved  punifliment.  But  it  muft  never  be 
 forgotten,  that  God  cannot  do -any  thing  without  a  caufe  fuffjcient  to  juftify  all 
 that  be  does.  The  caufe  muft  be  juft  and  good,  and  though  unknown  to  us,  it  is 
 plain  to  infinite  wifdora.  Ver.  3.  Although  thou  movedst  me  against  him.  This 
 like  the  reft  of  this  reprefentation,  is  not  to  be  underftand  properly,  as  if  God 
 could  be  moved  by  any  of  his  cre.atures  to  alter  his  purpofes,  which  are  ail  eternal 
 and  unchangeable,  and  efpecially  by  Satan,  as  if  God  would  gratify  his  defire  by 
 granting  his  requeft  ;  but  the  defign  is  to  fignify  both  tire  devil's  reftlefs  malice  in 
 promoting  man’s  mifery,  and  God’s  permiflion  of  it  for  his  own  wife  and  holy  ends. 
 Ver.  4.  Skin  for  skin  ;  yea,  all  that  <i  man  hath  will  he  give  jor  his  lije-  This  is 
 plainly  a  proverbial  form  of  exprefiion,  taken  from  the  cuftom  in  ancient  times  of 
 carrying  on  bufinefs  by  exchange.  As  one  article  was  willingly  given  for  ano¬ 
 ther,  fo  Satan  infinuated  that  Job  had  cheerfully  parted  with  his  all,  becaufe  bis 
 life  or  perfon  was  fpared.  Ver.  5.  See  Note  on  chap.  i.  II  With  perfevrrino- 
 accufation  this  enemy  dares  fupport  his  plea;  and  though  b..ffled  pretends  that  it 
 was  more  owing  to  the  infufficiency  of  the  teft,  than  the  integrity  of  Job,  that  he 
 had  not  made  good  his  allegation.  Ver.  6.  Behold,  he  is  in  thine  hand.  God 
 confents  that  Satan  lhall  try  the  experiment  with  this  referve,  the  prefervation  of 
 Job  s  life ;  he  is  at  liberty  to  hirn  to  the  uttermoll ;  thus  purpofin^-  ulti- 
 
 mately  to  make  a  more  gloiious  difplay  of  the  power  of  his  grace  ;  to  preferve  to 
 future  ages  an  eminent  monument  of  patience  under  everv  affliaion  ;  with  deeper 
 coufufion  to  cover  this  accufer  of  the  brethren,  and  by  thefe  works  of  wickednWs 
 permit  him  to  fill  up  the  meufure  of  his  iniquities.  Ver.  7.  So  xvenl  Satan  forth 
 from  the  presence  of  the  Lord,  No  fooner  is  the  peraiiffion  granted,  than  the  devil 
 lympatient  to  devour  his  prey.  Job  is  fmitten  from  head  to  foot  with  fore  boils. 
 What  was  his  peculiar  difeaie,  has  occafioned  many  conjeaures.  It  probably  was 
 no  common  cafe,  but  fome  extraordinary  effort  of  him  who  hath  the  power  of 
 death,  to  concentrate  the  force  of  every  difeafe.  in  one,  uniting  the  anguilh,  pain, 
 cknefs,  naufeoufnefs,  re'lleffaefs,  and  every  ill  that  flefii  is  heir  to  ;  whilft  no 
 comforter  was  near,  no  medicine  to  affuage,  no  oil  to  fupple,  no  rags  to  cover, 
 
 If  7  ^  So  went  Satan  f^rth  from  the  prefence  of  the 
 !  Lord,  and  ftnote  Job  witii  fore  boils,  from  tii--  ;ole  of 
 his  foot  unto  his  crown. 
 
 8  And  he  took  him  a  pcifticrd  to  Ctrape  himfelf 
 withal  ;  and  he  fat  down  among  the  aft  es. 
 
 9  I’hcn  faid  his  wife  unto  him,  Doft  thou  ftill 
 retain  thine  integrity  ?  curie  God,  and  die. 
 
 10  But  he  laid  unto  ner,  thou  Ipeakeft  as  one  of 
 the  Ibolilh  women  I'peaketh.  What !  (hall  we  receive 
 good  at  the  hand  of  God,  and  lhall  we  not  receive 
 evil  ?  In  all  this  did  not  Job  lin  with  his  lips. 
 
 11  ^  No  w  when  Job’s  three  friends  heard  of  ail  this 
 evil  that  was  come  upon  him,  they  came  every  one 
 Iroin  his  own  place ;  Eliphaz  the  Temanite,  and  Bil- 
 dad  the  Shuhite,  and  Zophar  the  Naamathite:  lor 
 they  had  made  an  appointment  together  to  come  to 
 mourn  with  him,  and  to  comfort  him. 
 
 12  And  when  they  lifted  up  their  eyes  alar  off,  and 
 knew  him  not,  they  lifted  up  their  voice,  and  wept ; 
 and  they  rent  every  one  his  mantle,  and  Iprinkled  duft 
 upon  their  heads  toward  heaven. 
 
 13  So  they  fat  down  with  him  upon  the  ground 
 feven  days  aud  feven  nights  ;  and  none  fpake  a 
 word  unto  him  :  for  they  law  that  his  grief  was  very 
 great.* 
 
 Hi 
 
 Cl 
 
 tir. 
 
 tilt 
 
 not  even  a  dog  to  lick  his  fores.  Ver.  9.  Then  said  his  wife  unto  him.  Doji  ikou 
 Jlill  retain  thine  integrity  f  The  wife  of  his  bofom  becomes  the  tempter  of  his  (bul, 
 and  no  trials  are  fo  fevere  as  thofe  that  come  through  their  hands  who  are  deareft 
 to  us.  She  cannot  with  patience  fee  her  hufband  retain  ftill  his  bumble  fubmiffion 
 to  God.  Curse  God  and  die.  Blafpbeme  his  name,  and  renounce  all  dependance 
 upon  him  ;  get  out  of  his  reach,  and  by  death  rid  tbyfelf  of  thy  troubles  •  or  as 
 the  words  will  bear  a  milder  fenfe,  Bless  God  and  die;  blefs  him,  pray  to  him’,  to 
 take  thee  away,  as  weary  of  a  life  now  rendered  infupportable.  Ver.  10.  Thou 
 speakest  as  one  of  the  foolish  women  speaketh.  Job  nobly  repels  this  fiery  dart  thrown 
 at  him  from  Satan  s  quiver.  Far  different  language  (hould  fiow  from  thofe  lips, 
 that  l^ave  been  fo  long  taught  a  wifer  leffon.  Such  an  advice  might  have  been  ex- 
 lieathens  and  idolaters,  but  the  «ife  of  Job  had  been  better  Uught. 
 
 rTnl  . if'  /  T'*’"  indignation  he 
 
 repels  the  fuggeftion  ;  many  blefliugs  they  had  received  from  God  ;  if  now  he 
 
 chofe  to  afflia  them,  it  was  with  meeknefs  they  (hould  receive  the  trial,  and 
 under  all  fubrniff,^^  wait  ,n  hope.  Ver.  1 1 .  Kow  when  Job's  three  jriends  heafd. 
 of  all  Me  have  here  an  appointment  made  by  his  friends  to  come  and 
 
 condole  with  bitn;  Eliphaz,  Bildad,  and  Zophar,  generally  fuppofed  deicendants 
 from  Abraham,  by  ‘he  fons  of  Keturah  or  Efau,  men  of  deep  kLwledge  and  ex- 
 
 '’f  hi*  greatnefs,  and  did 
 "i'""  'n  poverty  ;  but  thought  themfelves  then  efpeciaJly  bound  to 
 vff  ^ fyrnpathetic  tears,  to  allieviate  the  forrow^^ of  the^nourner 
 
 il  tl  J  ft  ^  n  ”i  -  ''S’-  'This  language  paints  forth 
 
 in  the  ftrongeft  colou.s,  their  aftomfhment,  grief,  and  anguflh  to  beboW  S 
 
 countemnice  changed,  h.s  body  fo  disfigured,  his  appearance  ft  wretched,  that  they 
 
 U.r.  and  "il.  f  ft"’* 
 
 mbgled  .hd.  drink  «U1,  ...ping,  j.,  “d  Id 
 
 they  fpent  with  him,  however  painful  and  grievous  the^fhene-  and  nonius 
 
 '  r-o.  ft«p..do::vs  ino 
 
 for  Satan  s  iriftrum&nts,  as  wtll  as  himfelf  to  reproach  the  oeonle  nf  ac  r«lfio  j  i,  •  •  i  •  ~  ^ — - — 
 
 PIi»CTICAI,  OBSEKVATIOSS,-.  C„„.  II.l  .  '*™"r .h.ch  h.  nu,. 
 
 »ife  is  he  who  abhors 
 *s  the  mefiTeiigers  of  di 
 work  together  for  his  good. 
 
 . 
 
 Heavy  indeed  is  our 
 But 
 
Ji,b  coinpl.7inclh  if  tne  day  of  hh  hivlli. 
 
 JOB. 
 
 The 
 
 I'l  t'oi-e 
 (.".irill 
 Cir.  15-JO. 
 
 t  Hcb. 
 nns’rcrtd. 
 a  Chap- 
 10. IS, 19 
 Jor. 
 
 £0.  4. 
 
 8  Or, 
 
 challenge 
 
 it. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 let  them 
 
 CHAP.  III. 
 
 l  Jib  curs'l’i  the  nnd  sert'iec  of  his  birth.  13  The  cafe  of  death. 
 
 AFIER  this  opened  Job  his  mouth,  and  curled 
 his  day. 
 
 2  And  Job  t  fpake,  and  laid, 
 
 S  *  Let  the  day  perifli  wherein  I  was  born,  and 
 the  nii;ht  in  •ahick  it  was  laid,  i  r.cre  is  a  man-chiid 
 conceived.  . 
 
 4  Let  that  day  be  darknefs ;  let  not  God  regard  it 
 from  above,  neither  let  the  light  fliine  upon  it. 
 
 5  Let  darknefs  and  the  (nadow  of  death  |1  Itain  it ; 
 let  a  cloud  dwell  upon  it :  |1  let  the  blackuels  of  the 
 dav  terrify  it. 
 
 6  As  for  that  night,  let  darknefs  fieze  upon  it ;  H  let 
 tcrrJy  it  it  not  be  joined  unto  the  days  of  the  year  ;  let  it  not 
 as  thofe  ifito  the  number  of  the  months. 
 
 7  Lo,  let  that  night  by  folitary  ;  let  no  joyful  voice 
 
 day.  come  therein.  „  ,  ,  . 
 
 II  Or,  8  Let  them  curfe  it  that  curfe  the  day,  who  are 
 
 ready  to  raife  up  H  their  mourning. 
 
 9  Let  the  ftars  of  the  twilight  thereof  be  darit :  let 
 days.^  it  look  for  light,  but  have  none  ;  neither  let  it  lee  f  the 
 II  Or,  dawning  of  the  day  :  , 
 
 10  Becaufe  it  fhut  not  up  the  doors  of  my  mother  s 
 t^rieb.  womb,  nor  hid  forrow  from  mine  eyes. 
 the  eyelids  1 1  Why  died  1  not  from  the  womb  ?  "johy  did  1  not 
 give  up  the  ghoft  w'hen  1  came  out  of  the  belly? 
 
 12  W^hy  did  the  knees  prevent  me?  or  why  the 
 breads  that  1  fhould  fuck. 
 
 cose  of  death, 
 
 tl  13  For  now  fliould  I  have  lain  dill  and  been  quiet,  R<fore 
 I  (hould  have  llept  :  then  had  Lbecn  at  red. 
 
 of  the 
 morning. 
 
 iiiuuKi  uavc  ^  - -  - - 
 
 14  With  kings  and  counfellois  of  the  earth,  which 
 built  defolate  places  for  themlelves ; 
 
 1 5  Or  with  princes  that  had  gold,  who  filled  their 
 
 houles  with  filver :  ,  .  .  ,  t  l  j  l 
 
 IG  Or  as  a  hidden  untimely  birth  1  had  not  been ; 
 
 as  infants  tJiich  never  law  light. 
 
 17  There  the  wicked  ceale  froin  troubling;  and 
 there  the  f  weary  be  at  red 
 
 IS  There  the  prilbners  red  together  ;  they  hear  not^J,;^;;'' 
 
 the  voice  of  the  opprelfor.  ,  .  /• 
 
 19  'Fhe  Imall  and  great  are  there  ;  and  the  lervant 
 
 is  free  from  his  mailer.  u  •  • 
 
 20  Wherefore  is  light  given  to  him  that  is  in  mi- 
 
 fery,  and  life  unto  the  bitter  in  foul  ; 
 
 2 1  Which  t  long  for  death,  but  it  cometh  not ;  and  t  Heb. 
 
 dig  for  it  more  than  for  hid  treafures  ;  ,  ,  , 
 
 22  Which  rejoice  exceedingly,  and  are  glad  when 
 
 they  can  find  the  grave?  •  u- 1 
 
 23  JVhy  is  li^ht  i^iven  to  a  man,  whole  way  is  nicl, 
 
 b  and  who.m  God  hath  hedged  in?  ^  Chap. 
 
 24  For  my  fighing  cometh  f  before  I  eat,  and  my 
 
 roarings  are  poured  out  like  the  waters.  _  bejore.  my 
 
 25  For  t  the  thing  which  I  greatly  feared,  is  corae7?iea(. 
 upon  me,  and  that  which  I  was  afraid  of  is  come  unto  t  Heb.^^ 
 
 in&«  a  »  T  **-1-,  feOiTy  Q?ld 
 
 26  I  was  not  in  fafety,  neither  had  I  relt,  neither 
 
 was  I  quiet ;  yet  trouble  came.^  _ 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  III.  Ver.  1.  Opened  Job  his  mouth  : 
 that  k  fp*ake  boldlv,  freely,  according  to  the  import  of  the  pllfafe,  Prov.  xxxi. 
 
 8  9.  Eph.  vi.  19.  ■  This  imports  that  the  objeft  of  his  difcourfe  had  taken  large 
 poffeOion  of  his  foul.  Cursed  hts  day  ;  that  is  the  day  of  his  birth,  Ilof  vin  5. 
 Ld  in  this  he  rsas  imitated  by  Jeremiah  ;  when  the  prophet  was  in  great  afflic¬ 
 tion,  fee  Note  on  Jer.  xx.  14—18.  However  much  the  ftrong  expreffive  manner 
 in  which  the  ancients  tefiified  their  grief,  may  account  for 
 
 language  bv  which  thefe  holy  men  ben  ailed  their  condition,  their  condua  does 
 not^eem  ju'ftifiable  ;  it  certainly  feems  to  indicate  more  than  even  f, 
 
 direa  diffatisfaaion  with  divine  Providence.  The  curfe  '/"L  , 
 
 was  applied  to  an  unreafonable  objea,  which  was  incapable  of  bleffing  and 
 curfn-;  and  it  could  not  poffibly  be  afleaed  by  their  deli  res,  hopes,  or  ftars. 
 Befidk  it  was  part  of  God’s  works,  all  of  which  are  good  in  themfelves,  and  de¬ 
 clared  good  by  their  3Iaker,  and  rendered  by  him  a  bleffing  to  us,  if  ue  do  not 
 by  our^follv  or  wickednefs  turn  them  into  a  curfe.  Job  in  particular  had  abun- 
 Snt  realbn'  to  blels  the  day  of  his  birth,  for  it  introduced  him,  into  a  world, 
 where  he  had  enjoyed  much  good,  as  he  formerly  acknowledges  with  becomm 
 ^,tt[tud^  and  it  was  the  cLmencement  of  a  life  which  had  been  devoted  to 
 fhe  noblell  purfuits,  the  glory  of  God,  and  good  of  mao,  and  which  was  d^ined 
 to  eniov  eternal  fclicitr.  But  while  Job  curfes  his  day,  he  is  preferved  fiom 
 
 Iv  d.fficuit'to  indulge  the  leaft  ferious  reflexion.  Opprefflon  makes  a  wife  man 
 
 B  “‘"Jif  ™  n  Vw'  S,“ob  irf.wofed’b,  fom.  ,o  «ll  tliofc 
 
 “  hired  a.  fun.r.l.,  .0  carf.  or  ber.ail  Id.  b,r.l,  da,  Bor  b. 
 
 Lai.  ihe  l..ialh.b.”  To  (Ur  or  awake  ill.  lenacbao  rs  r.i>ref.nted,  ebap.  .  ■■ 
 
 8-10.  to  be  inevitable  deftrudUon.  It  was  natural  to  mention  fuel,  a  terrible 
 cafualitv  in  the  Rrongea  terms  of  abhorrence;  and  to  ^  ™- 
 
 ferably  periffled,  with  moR  bitter  imprecations  on  the  difalVous  day.  Ver.  11 
 Inter,  oifation  is  a  frequent  mode  of  lamentation  in  facred  poetry,  and  does  not 
 always  fntimate  that  the  fpeaker  either  wifhed  or  expeAed  an  anfwer,  Pfal.  xxi.  1 
 Ixxxix  46—49.  And  therefore  we  may  confider  J ob  bewailing  his  unhappy  birth, 
 becaulfe  of  the  mifery  which  he  now  endured,  but  not  def.ring  or  looking  for 
 the  reafon  which  prevented  his  premature  deftrua.on  in  the  w-omb  of  his  inot  er. 
 
 Tb..,..i.  is  .b.  .^id:ii.  t 
 
 ^urre’did’eo ’uiwr",  Ibrliike  irre  wben  I  was  born,  ^  drsb 
 
 suck  ?  It  had  been  well  if  the  woman’s  breafts,  had  yielded  me  no  milk,  and  that 
 I  had  dill  for  want  of  nourifflment.  Ver.  13,  14.  In  thefe  and  the  folloBMOg 
 Jerfet  he  fpeaks  of  the  future  ftate  of  men  in  reference  merely  to  ‘l>e>r  comp  el^, 
 deliverance  from  worldly  calamities,  fuch  as  he  was  enduring;  his  mind  fee  s 
 too  much  abforbed  in  melancholy  refleaion  on  temporal  affliaion  to  allow  him 
 o  fix  his  attention,  for  the  time,  on  the  righteous  eternal  entence  wh.ch^^G^^^^^ 
 niall  pafs  on  every  man  according  to  h.s  works.  Desolate  places; 
 
 ,  chral  grottos,  or  fuperb  mont.me.Us,  cut  out  ^ 
 
 1  tr to^lriir in-mm'q  cuaoVwdiich  continue. 
 
 !  verffl  n  Ttk"  aTfft'co'rfmrcl  on?^^^  to  the  m’ifky  of  a  man,  funk  ia 
 
 |1  fpirit  under  the  load  of  ^  ;:yrg“enUy‘L‘ry  law'fffl  effort! 
 
 apravate-  if  1'  Ver.  23.  A  man  xohose  way  is  hid,  who 
 
 LoTs  not  wdilt  method  to’ purfue  for  relief ;  lAiom  God  hath 
 ferided  asfflephraferigni^^^^^ 
 
 ffle\«.eans"‘of  prolmiging  a  miferable  life ;  or  becaufe  brought  to  m.nd^(c.ar. 
 iVe^pirrs’Te^^'ruait^^ffl^^  aate  of  his  mind  in  pioj 
 
 fflged  fome  evil  to  his  perfon,  and  every  fucceeding  evil  removed  h.s  mind 
 ther  from  peace 
 
 i.iad  in  their  wifhes,  liberal  of  then  curfes,  cruel  o  their  ,  knowing  our  weaknefs  and  „i,r  grcaH;l 
 
 nds 
 
 And  if  all  our  efforts  fail,  let  us  commit  ‘beir  c.afe  to  die  Lo^ 
 our  at5\jons,  or  our  bad  behaviOei 
 
 dirrgencerto  feV  a  wkch  on  the  door  of  our  left  we  fm  f'lrrafvmfbriiff  ^  Idcb  Gori'efflows,  is  U.  ftn  againft  one  of  our  grcatr> 
 
 futel; 
 
 rii 
 
JOB. 
 
 eir 
 
 |Het. 
 
 a  word. 
 
 f  Hcb. 
 
 who  ctin 
 
 refrain 
 
 from 
 
 words f 
 
 ^  Hsb, 
 
 the  bow- 
 
 •  Prov 
 S2.  8. 
 Hofea 
 
 10.  13. 
 
 riiphaz  rcprovcth  Job;  his  vision. 
 
 CHAP.  IV. 
 
 Chrift-  ,  Elitdioxreproteth  Job  for  hit  fisrjul 
 
 s:::— nr-d 
 
 r-r^HFN  ^Hphaz  the  Temanite  anfwered  and  laid, 
 r^^‘2Vwe  affay  t  to  commune  with  ^ 
 
 thou  be  grieved  ?  but  t  who  can  withhold  himfelt 
 
 haR  inftrufted  many,  and  thou  haft 
 
 ‘‘'r^nrwtd\%"v"olden  him  .ha.  was  falling, 
 and  thou  haft  ftrengthened  t  the  feeble  „  . 
 
 the  bow-  5  But  now  it  is  come  upon  thee,  and  thou  tamt  , 
 
 “  r/fnout"hrf-'Thv"cVnMen«;  .hy  hope,  and 
 
 •'’rSLmte^^’'p^7^hee,  who  perilhed 
 
 being  innocent  ?  or  where  were  the  righteous  cut 
 
 8  Even  as  I  have  feen,  *  they  that  plough  iniquity, 
 
 and  fow  wickednefs,  reap  the  Tame. 
 
 9  By  the  blaft  of  God  they  penlh,  and  11  by  the 
 
 Thftis  breath  of  his  noftrils  are  they  conlumed.  _ 
 
 10  The  roaring  of  .he  lion  and  the  vo.ce  of  .he 
 gii  as  fierce  lion,  and  the  teeth  of  the  young  lions,  are 
 
 Ifaiah  HrolcPD  i  i_ 
 
 30.  33.  ^  ^  perifheth  for  lack  of  prey,  and  the 
 
 ftout  lion’s  whelps  are  fcatrered  abroad, 
 t  Heb.  12  Now  a  thing  was  f  fecretly  brought  to  me,  and 
 iy  stealth,  mine  ear  received  a  little  therr-of.  _ 
 
 t  Heb.  jg  thoughts  from  the  vifions  of  the  night,  when 
 
 TuTb.  deep  fleep  falleth  on  men. 
 
 ihe  multi-  14  Fear  t  came  upon  me,  and  trembling,  which 
 tudeojmy  r  pay  bones  to  fhake.  ,  ,  . 
 
 15  Then  a  fpirit  palled  before  ray  face;  the  hair 
 of  my  flelh  Rood  up: 
 
 still  voice.  Jj  ftood  ftill,  but  I  could  not  difcern  the  form 
 b  Chap,  fhereof:  an  image  %ms  before  mine  eyes  ;  11  there  was 
 
 IVJer  filence,  and  I  heard  a  voice,  sayhig,  ^  ,  n,  u 
 
 2.4.  17  Shall  mortal  man  be  more  juft  than  God  f  mall 
 
 H  a  man  be  more  pure  than  his  maker  ? 
 norm  his  Jg  Behold,  he  I*  put  no  truft  in  his  fervants  ;  H  and 
 
 his  angels  he  charged  with  folly  :  ,  „  .  ,  ^ 
 
 put  light.  19  How  much  lefs  in  them  that  dwell  in  '  houles 
 ®  ^  of  clay,  whole  foundation  is  in  the  duft,  which  are 
 
 The  end  of  ihe 
 
 ■A 
 
 mt'j’  i  V 
 
 cruftied  before  the  moth  ? 
 
 20  They  are  \  deftroyed  fr.m  morning  to  evening  : 
 
 thev  perilh  for  ever,  without  any  reganimg  /•'.  c 
 
 21  Doth  not  their  excellency  which  in  them  go 
 
 away  ?  they  die  even  without  wildoiu.*  MJ' ^ 
 
 _  __  pUi-'J* 
 
 CHAP.  V. 
 
 1  The  harm  of  inconsideralion.  3  The  end  of  the  uM  u  mi.-y.  b 
 God  is  to  be  regarded  m  afflidion,  ^c. 
 
 CALL  now,  if  there  be  any  that  will  anfwer  thee  ; 
 and  to  wnich  of  the  (amts  wilt  thou  11  turn  . 
 
 2  For  wrath  killeth  the  foolilh  man,  and  H  envy  ^  or, 
 
 “Tl  have  !een  “rfoolith  taking  root :  but  fuddenly  1"-" 
 
 ‘  This “rhtorrre  far  from  fafe.y,  and  they  are,.. j;:,. 
 crulhed  in  the  gate,  neither  is  there  any  to  ^  tat  ur. 
 
 5  Whofe  harveft  the  hungry  eateth  up.  ^  ^  Heb. 
 
 it  even  out  of  tne  thorns,  and  the  robber  I  wallow  et  n  .Aejoruo/ 
 
 up  their  fubftance.  cr\.c.  rinft  ingcoai 
 
 6  Although  11  affliflion  cometh  not  forth  of  the  dult,^^^, 
 
 neibi^er  doth  trouble  fpring  out  of  the  ground,  jiy 
 
 7  Yet  man  is  born  unto  H  trouble  as  \  the  fparksa  chap. 
 
 ^VT would  feek  unto  God,  and  unto  God  would  1 
 
 commit  my  caufe  ;  .run 
 
 9  *  Which  doeth  great  things  t  and  unfearchable  ; 
 
 marvellous  things  f  without  number  ■  ,  j  r  J  tend  there 
 10  Who  giveth  rain  upon  the  earth,  and  lendetn  is  no 
 
 waters  upon  the  t  fields :  ,  u  . 
 
 11  To  let  up  on  high  thofe  that  be  low;  thattjieb.^ 
 
 thofe  which  mourn  may  be  exalted  to  fafety.  be  no 
 
 12  ^  He  dirappointed  the  devices  or  the  crarty, 
 that  their  hands  |j  cannot  perform  their  enterprife.  t  Heb. 
 
 18  He  taketh  the  w'ife  in  their  own  craftinefs  :  and 
 the  counfel  of  the  froward  is  carried  headlong.  ^  ^ 
 
 14  ®  They  H  meet  with  darkuefs  in  the  day-time,  pfaim 
 
 and  grope  in  the  noon-day  as  in  the  night. 
 
 15  But  he  faveth  the  poor  from  the  (word,  from^^"^“- 
 their  mouth,  and  from  the  hand  of  the  mighty.  pfaim 
 
 16  f  So  the  poor  hath  hope,  and  iniquity  ftoppethsa.  10. 
 
 her  mouth.  ,  /-x  1  n 
 
 17  £  Behold,  happy  is  the  man  whom  God  correct- 
 
 eth  ;  therefore  delpife  not  thou  the  chaftening  of  the  perjornt 
 /XlmiffVitv  * 
 
 thing,  d  1  Cor.  3.  19.  e  Dent.  28.  29.  1|  Or,  run  into,  f  Pfaim  107.  42. 
 g  pLv.  3.  12.  Heb.  12.  5.  James  1.  12.  Rev.  3.  19. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  IV.  Ver.  6.  After  bearing  teaimony 
 to  the  excellency  and  ufefulnefs  of  Job’s  life  in  promoting  the  comfort  and  edi¬ 
 fication  of  others,  his  friend  Eliphaz  proceeds  to  infinuate  that  all  his  profeffions 
 of  reli<rious  fear,  confidence,  hope,  and  integrity  were  hypocritical.  Ver.  9. 
 Breath  of  his  noflrils,  is  a  phrafe  which  denotes  the  fierce  indignation  of  Jehovah. 
 Ver.  10.  Powerful,  wicked,  and  opprefiive  tyrants  are  frequently,  as  here,  com¬ 
 pared  to  the  lion,  who,  as  king  of  the  foreft,  fubdues  and  cleftroys  indifcrimi- 
 nately  all  other  animals,  Ezek.  xxxii.  2.  xxxviii.  13.  2  Tim.  iv.  17.  But  however 
 improper  fuch  a  figure  was  when  applied  to  Job,  it  is  evident  from  the  confeffion 
 of  the  accufers  and  from  his  own  vindication  of  himfelf,  the  truth  of  which  they 
 called  notin  queftion,  corap.  chap,  xxix,  xxxi.  Ver.  13.  Visions  diS'ered  from 
 dreams  in  this  refpedt,  that  the  former  happened  when  perfons  were  awake,  the 
 latter  during  fleep.  Though  Eliphaz  had  this  vifion  in  the  night,  while  men  llept, 
 which  rendered  it  more  folemn,  yet  it  is  plain  from  this  account  of  it  that  he  was 
 completely  awake.  Ver.  17.  However  jufl  or  pure  man  may  be,  he  owes  a!l  to  his 
 Maker,  who  therefore  mufi  be  infinitely  more  juft  and  holy.  How  prefuinplive 
 therefore  mnft  mortal  man  be  to  prefume  finding  fault  with  his  Maker  or  dictat¬ 
 ing  to  him  1  Ver.  18.  His  servants  or  angels,  who  are  thus  denominated,  be- 
 caufe,  however  exalted  thoy  may  be,  they  are  employed  by  Jehovah  not  to  direa 
 
 but  to  execute  bis  counfels,  which  all  originate  in  his  infinite  wifdom,  and 
 are  carried  into  effea  according  to  his  fovereign  uncontrolable  will.  Ver.  19. 
 Crushed  before  the  moth.  No  creature  is  (o  weak  and  contemptible  but  it  may  at 
 one  time  or  other  have  the  human  body  in  its  power  ;  and  how  foolilh  then  for 
 man  to  contend  with  his  Maker.  Ver.  20.  tVilhout  any  regarding  U.  It  is  fo 
 common  for  all  men  to  moulder  into  duft,  that  death  is  generally  viewed  with 
 indifference,  or  merely  excites  a  temporary  emotion. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  CuAr.  V.  Ver.  1.  Ca«,  ansasr,  are  fuppofed 
 by  fome  of  the  learned  to  be  law  terms  ;  the  former  denoting  the  aClion  of  the 
 complainant,  the  latter  the  part  of  the  defendant,  as  in  chap.  ix.  16.  xiii.  22. 
 Ver.  2.  Foolish  man,  and  siUy  one,  are  phrafes  denoting  the  fame  cliara<5ter.  IV rath 
 
 kills  him;  his  own  impatience  and  indignation  under  humbling  circumftances 
 prey  on  his  fpirit,  wafte  him  inwardly,  and  fo  haften  his  death  ;  Prov.  xiv.  30. 
 xvii.  22.  Ver.  3.  I  cursed  his  habitation  ;  that  is,  I  marked  it  as  devoted  lo  deftruc- 
 I  tion.  Ver.  4.  Far  from  safety,  fignifies  to  be  expofed  to  certain  imminent  dan- 
 I  ger.  Ver.  6 — S.  Although  or  becaufe  ajfiidlion. — -A  reafon  is  here  afligiied  why 
 '  we  (hould  feek  God.  AlHiClions  are  not  by  chance,  nor,  as  the  fruits  for  food, 
 naturally  produced  in  the  earth  ;  but  are  the  coufequence  and  certain  reward  of 
 wickednefs  in  this  word,  infliCIed  by  God  to  teftify  his  hatred  of  the  wicked, 
 
 and  poor,  and  young  and  agedT" ^lappy  are  thofe  alone  who  die  in  the  Lord.  The  more  irkfome  this  life,  we  ought  to  be  the  more  folicilous  to  prepare  for  a 
 better.  And  tLy  only  are  fit  to  die,  who  are  content  to  live  ;  and  who.  fatisfied  under  every  burden  wait  clieerfull,  the  Lord  s  pleafure. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Cuaz.  IV.]  Thofe  who  are  in  great  trouble  ought  to  be  addreffed  and  dealt  with  in  great  tendernefs.  But  atfliCtioo 
 muft  not  hinder,  but  promote  faithfulnefs  in  our  reproofs  aud  admonitions, 
 
 6  H 
 
 IQ 
 
Job's  comi-.luints  vnl 
 
 IS  For 
 
 'axtsdcss,  &c. 
 
 .  De.,  iWen  there 
 
 6  ^7-  ,-•  in  xv  JVtronrrh^  ;  and 
 
 so.  7  o  ,  rt.'.  of  Vhe  fword. 
 
 Hofl';' 
 
 JOB. 
 he !, 
 
 6.  I. 
 
 i  Pfaltn 
 SI.  3. 
 f  Heb. 
 from  the 
 handi. 
 li  Or, 
 v;hcn  the 
 tongue 
 scourgetk. 
 k  Hofea 
 
 a.  18. 
 
 Sl'55'  'or&lat 
 
 peace  Jth  tLe"'’  at 
 
 24  And  tho'j  (Fait  know  il  that  thv  tahemalp  ./  ;; 
 ie  tn  peace  ;  and  thou  (halt  "v.fit  thy \Llitat:™,  td 
 
 Job  repraocth  /ns  , 
 
 10  Then  (hould  I  vet  have  remfr,rf  .  t 
 harden  rnyfeinn  forrow  :  let  him  not’ 
 
 11  What  my  ftrength,  that  1  Ihould  hone'? 
 what  .5  mine  end,  tnat  1  Oiould  prolong  my  mj? 
 
 iVb^a!!;?"^'' or  iatp^ 
 
 t  Ileb. 
 
 Jl  Or  (halt  not  II  fm. 
 
 ^  know  alfo  that  thy  feed  s/iall  be  || 
 
 'ont.  '  Is’Thou  teS™0*  mV  LfelraVun  a“‘^ 
 
 l°l:  of  corn  +  co^^tht'^irhl'LV.f 
 
 Ueh.  we  have  learched^it,  foit/j:  hear  it 
 
 t  Heb.  “  ,  we  nave  learched 
 
 oscendeth.  ^11'^  know  thou  ii  f  for  thy  good  * 
 
 ^  CHaP  VI 
 
 LjLI  Job  anfwered  and  faid, 
 
 +  Heb.  *"  that  my  grief  w’ere  thoroughly  weighed 
 
 iped  up.  I?y  calamity  t  laid  in  the  balances  together  f  ’ 
 
 II  That  is,  r_^.  ^‘7  11  would  be  heavier  than  the  land  of  the 
 
 Jwani  lea  therefore  ||  my  words  are  fwallowed  up. 
 
 "  Iz  'Vni'/LTI?/,.''!!  »ithiu  me, 
 
 - -  ...c.  QHUWJ,  ^Jl  me  .^.imigntv  are  with  n  mp 
 
 r^..„,the  POtfon  tthereof  tJrinke^  up  my  fpirit :  the  terras 
 
 grief. 
 a  Pfaltn 
 S8.  2. 
 
 •f  Heb. 
 at  grass  ? 
 
 h  j  j  ■•--...V..  upuiy  ipirit :  tne 
 
 f.^J^'^felves  in  array  againft  me. 
 
 I  u  u  ^  +  '■'■ken  he  hath  grafs  ?  or 
 
 loweth  the  ox  over  his  fodder  ^ 
 
 IS  unfavoury  be  eaten  without 
 ^  'n  fke  white  of  an  egg  ? 
 
 7  1  he  things  t/iat  my  foul  refufeth  to  touch  are  as 
 my  forrowful  meat. 
 
 *  H  .  ,  ^  1?  ^  “y  requefl; ;  and  that  God 
 
 lyeLc  a^i  gfant  we  f  the  thing  that  I  long  for  ! 
 
 ^aiionf  .  I  fk/f  It  would  pleafe  God  to  deftroy  me; 
 
 that  he  would  let  loofe  his  hand,  and  cut  me  off! 
 
 Ver‘  V-  /ft®"  fignifies  mifery,  but  it  here  chieflv  denotes  ignorant 
 
 Z™  cor.fdoT/fLir'vef  "f -!“r 
 
 g™.  ,xi.  1.  K„.i,  Je.  S;  ;tii.  4. 
 
 tiaiy  ...d  tborougbly  migh.d  !  3.  It  ,ould  b.  fLnd  fo  h Z;  ™  biidZCj 
 
 uncobcefb.d  an-.Idlt'Zr  “profpZZ’  c"  S'.veTf  *' 3”“”  ^ 
 
 ,1-c  r  r  •  t>.  Can  ever  fuch  empty  and  unfavonrv 
 
 dtfeourfe  as  your^  be  either  acceptable  or  edifying  to  one  in  fLh  diftrcf7  7 
 Ihofe  gnevousafH.tatons,  which  I  was  once  afraid  to  touch,  I  muft  now  in 
 anguifli  endure.  8.  O  that  God  would  quickly  fulfil  my  rtqueft.for  death.  10. 
 
 Hefh  f  of  brals  .• 
 
 quite  fto"m  me7  ^  drivehl.,. 
 
 ,xv?xa'Ss,;-2'* 
 
 6  \Vhich  are  blackifh  by  reafon  of  the  irp  i 
 whejein  the  fnow  is  hid  : 
 
 ^key  wax  warm,  f  they  vanifh  •  x  +  u 
 is” The  t°,‘z  fif'''  ^  uut  odheir  place  V'!; 
 
 go  to  notw'ng'LTptr^'  turned  afide;  ,hey»#. 
 
 SheLVaitedr  of 
 
 20  They  were  confounded  becaufe  thev  harl 
 they  came  thither,  and  were  a(hS 
 
 dolVid^VSd''^^'^"*’  calling,  o„ 
 
 22  Did  I  fay  Bring  unto  me  ?  or.  Give  a  reward 
 
 for  me  of  your  fubitance .?  reward  t^then. 
 
 23  Or,  Deliver  me  from  the  enemy’s  hand?  or  fn^"’ 
 
 Redeern  me  from  the  hand  of  the  mighty?  'Jo? 
 
 24  leach  me,  and  I  will  hold  mv  tongue-  anrf 
 cauleme  to  underftand  wherein  I  have^rred®.  ’ 
 
 your  a^gdn^epJove'p 
 
 imagine  to  reprove  words,  and  the 
 ^kat  IS  defperate,  7v/nc/t  are  as  wind  ? 
 
 .  V  for  yVrtri^nd  'athcrlels,  aod  yedig-tma 
 
 28  Now,  therefore  be  content;  look  upon  me*  for>"™ 
 
 It  ts  t  evident  unto  you  if  I  He.  t  Heb. 
 
 29  Return  I  pray  you,  let  it  not  be  iniquity  *  vea  77 
 return  again,  my  righteoufnefa  i,  ||  in  it.  ^ 
 
 30  Is  there  iniquity  in  my  tongue?  cannnr  + 
 
 tafte  difcern  perverle  thinors  maiteu 
 
 “  t  Heb. 
 
 — _ mypalale. 
 
 tle^refpw  ‘iT.  ry*Jr;rL27"’‘‘’ 
 
 j  expea  to  recover.  13.  And  thoLh  I  ca  ^  neither  hold  out  noi 
 
 I  deftitu.e  of  foil'd  reafon  7nd7e  "vltueT sit  r  7'-'-  7  ' 
 
 I  meet  with  pity  and  compaflion  1  ].5_20  My  dell  7/  diftrefs  fiiould 
 
 land  comfort;  but  failed  me  in  a  time  of  Id  Promifed  me  help 
 
 I  make  a  great  noife ;  but  in  the  fummer  are  ouiV  rl  *" 
 
 .travellers,  who  expeaed  to  refrofh  themC  I  ^  y  dried  up  :  and  the  Arabian 
 .  Il..n.efbllr  and  Z' 
 
 I  pointing  me  in  my  adverfity  when  J  ntnft  n  ’  a  "  ye  deceitfully  difap- 
 
 I  never^alked  aught  of  yllr  e^eJ  Z  fuuZ/nr  '^7.- 
 afford  me  a  few,comfortable  words?  24  ^Tf  v„„  p  deliverance,  can  you  not 
 I  fliall  fubmit.  26.  To  what  nnm VA'  7  convince  me  of  my  miftuke, 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS _ *  Chap  V  T  Thp  c  ... - ~ - - - - 
 
 to  fuppofe  that  any  thing  happens  to  us  by  chance  Thi  mnr»  ”  “  ‘3.““''^’^  ^row  confident  in  their  own  miftakes  It  b.-travc  r  ■  ~ 
 
 “s  "f"  "“rS.SiTbrs 
 
 jivxsrb; 
 
 I'RACriC.3L  OliSEBVATibNs  *  'r  '7"'  «“'<■  "  regard 
 
 1  lurv  b.— t  Chaf.  VI.]  How  infupportable  is  inward  trouble,  either  felt  or  feared  •  and  pf  ii  •. 
 
 or  teared ,  and  of  all  evils  none  are  more  intolerable  thai 
 
JOB. 
 
 lU-fore 
 Clirift 
 cir.  1520, 
 
 Job  excuselh  his  desire  of  death,  ^  c. 
 
 CHAP.  VII. 
 
 1  M  »cuseth  his  desire  oj  death  ;  1 2  he  compluinelh  of  his  own  restless¬ 
 ness,  and  God’s  watch/ulness. 
 
 ^  K  i/iere  not  II  an  appointed  time  to  man  upon  earth  . 
 !,“/«.  i  are  not  his  days  alfo like  the  days  ot  an  hirel,n|.  ? 
 
 ^  „  b  2  As  a  fervant  t  earneflly  defireth  the  (hadow,  and 
 t“'/‘V-as  an  hireling  looketh  for  the  reward  his  work  ; 
 
 3  So  am  I  made  to  poflels  months  of  vanity,  and 
 wearil'ome  nights  are  appointed  to  me. 
 
 4  When  I  lie  down  I  lay,  When  lhall  I  anle,  and 
 f  the  night  be  gone  ?  and  1  am  full  of  toflings  to  and 
 
 fro  unto  the  dawning  of  the  day.  ,  ,  ,  „ 
 
 5  My  flefh  is  clothed  with  worms  and  clods  of  dult ; 
 my  fkin  is  broken  and  become  loathfome. 
 
 6  *  My  days  are  fwifter  than  a  weaver’s  fhuttle, 
 
 and  are  fpent  without  hope. 
 
 7  O  remember  that  my  life  is  wind  ;  mine  eyes  f 
 
 fhall  no  more  1|  fee  good. 
 
 8  The  eye  of  him  that  hath  feen  me  (hall  lee  me 
 no  more :  thine  eyes  are  upon  me,  and  ||  I  am  not. 
 
 9  As  the  cloud  is  confumed  and  vanifheth  away  ; 
 fo  he  that  goeth  down  to  the  grave  fhall  come  up  no 
 more. 
 
 10  He  fhall  return  no  more  to  his  houfe,  neither 
 fhall  his  place  know  him  any  rnore. 
 
 return.  11  Therefore  I  will  not  refrain  my  mouth  ;  I  will 
 il  To  see,  fpeak  in  the  anguifti  of  my  fpirit ;  I  will  complain  in 
 that  IS,  to  bitternefs  of  my  foul. 
 
 7Thatis,  12  Am  I  afea,  or  a  whale,  that  thou  fettefta  watch 
 /  can  live  ovcr  me  ? 
 
 13  When  I  fay,  my  bed  fhall  comfort  me,  my 
 couch  fliall  eafe  ray  complaint : 
 
 14  'Ihen  thou  i'carefl  me  with  dreams,  and  terrifieft 
 me  through  vifions ; 
 
 15  So  that  my  foul  choofeth  ftrangling,  and  death 
 rather  t  than  my  life. 
 
 16  I  loathe  it;  I  would  not  live  alway  ;  let  me 
 alone ;  for  my  days  are  vanity. 
 
 17  What  is  man,  that  thou  fhouldeft  magnify 
 him?  and  that  thou  fhouldeft  fet  thine  heart  upon 
 him  ? 
 
 18  And  that  thou  fhouldeft  vifit  him  every  morn¬ 
 ing,  and  try  him  every  moment  ? 
 
 19  How  long  wik  thou  not  depart  from  me,  nor 
 let  me  alone,  till  I  fwallow  down  my  fpittle  ? 
 
 Bit  hid  shewelh  God’s  judicc, 
 
 ter. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 the  even¬ 
 ing  be 
 measured 
 
 a  Chap, 
 16.  22, 
 
 Pfalm 
 90.  6.  & 
 102.  11. 
 &  103. 
 15.  & 
 144.  4. 
 Ifaiali 
 40.  6. 
 James 
 4.  14. 
 t  Heb. 
 shall  not 
 
 HO  longer. 
 
 \  Heb. 
 than  my 
 bones, 
 
 b  Pfalm 
 8.  4.  & 
 144.  3. 
 Heb.  2. 6, 
 
 Ilffore 
 (  iirifl 
 fir.  I  CiO. 
 
 20  I  have  finned  ;  what  fhall  I  do  unto  ()  thou 
 Preferver  of  men  ?  why  haft  thou  fot  me  as  a  mark 
 againft  thee,  (o  that  1  am  a  burden  to  myieif  ? 
 
 21  And  why  doft  thou  not  pardon  my  tiar.fgrel- 
 fion,  and  take  away  mine  iniquity  f  r  now  fhall  I 
 IL'ep  in  the  duft  ;  and  thou  lhalt  leek  me  in  the  morn¬ 
 ing,  but  I  shatl  not  be.* 
 
 CHAP,  VIII. 
 
 1  Bildnd  shewelh  God’s  justice  in  denlini;  with  men  nccording  to  their 
 works  1  8  he  alledgetk  iniquity  to  jnoie  the  certain  diC.rvflun  of  the 
 hypocrites  I  20  he  applieth  God’s  just  dealings  to  Job, 
 
 Then  anlwered  Bildad  the  Shuhite,  and  faid, 
 
 2  How  long  wilt  thou  fpeak  thefe  Hungs?  and 
 hvwlona  shall  the  words  of  thy  meuth  be  likt  a  lircng 
 wind  ? 
 
 3  »  Doth  God  pervert  judgment  ?  or  doth  the  Al-a  Deut. 
 mighty  pervert  juftice  ?  , 
 
 4  If  thy  children  have  finned  againft  him,  and  nCjg 
 have  caft  them  away  f  for  their  tranfgreffion  ;  Daniel 
 
 5  If  thou  wouldeft  feek  unto  God  betimes,  and  9- 
 make' thy  fupplication  to  the  almighty  ;  Liletnd 
 
 6  If  thou  "wert  pure  and  upright,  furely  now 
 would  awake  for  thee,  and  make  the  habitation  ot transgres- 
 thy  righteoufnefs  prolperous. 
 
 7  Though  thy  beginning  was  fmall,  yet  thy  Htter  22.23!*’ 
 end  fliould  greatly  increafe. 
 
 8  =  Pfor  enquire,  I  pray  thee,  of  the  former  age,  and^ 
 prepare  thyfelf  to  the  fearch  of  their  fathers  :  a* Gen. 
 
 9  (For  **  we  are  but  of  yefterday,  and  know  f  no- 47.  9. 
 thing,  becaufe  our  days  upon  earth  are  a  fhadow' ;)  1  Chron. 
 
 10  Shall  not  they  teach  thee,  and  tell  thee,  and 
 ter  words  out  of  their  heart  ?  7. 
 
 11  Can  the  rufh  grow  up  without  mire  ?  can  therfaim 
 flag  grow  without  water  ?  ^ 
 
 12  '  Whilft  it  is  yet  in  his  greenefs,  and  not  cut 
 down,  it  W'ithereth  before  any  other  herb  :  lot.^ 
 
 13  So  are  the  paths  of  all  that  forget  God  ;  and  thee  Pfai. 
 f  hypocrite’s  hope  fhall  perifh  ;  129.6. 
 
 14  Whofe  hope  fhall  be  cut  off,  and  vvhofe  trufT^^*™’ 
 shall  be  f  a  fpider’s  web.  f  cbap. 
 
 15  He  fhall  lean  upon  his  houfe,  but  it  fhall  notii.20.  & 
 ftand  :  he  fhall  hold  it  faft,  but  it  fhall  not  endure.  1^- 
 16  He  is  green  before  the  fun,  and  his  branch  fhoot-  n^’io. 
 eth  forth  in  his  garden.  Proverbs 
 
 10.  28.  -f-  Heb.  a  spider’s  house. 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  VII.  Is  there  not  a  warfare  of 
 trouble  ;  and  the  fet  time  thereof  appointed,  for  w'retched  man  upon  earth  ?  2.  As 
 a  fervant  wearied  with  the  toils  of  the  day  defires  a  place  of  retirement,  and  as  an 
 hireling  looks  for  the  end  and  reward  of  his  work,  fo  long  I  for  death.  3.  For 
 I  have  now  allotted  me  for  my  portion,  months  of  wretchednefs  and  vanity  with¬ 
 out  any  folid  comfort.  4.  I  am  fcarcely  laid  down  on  my  bed  when,  through 
 agony  and  pain,  I  wilh  to  be  up  again.  5.  For  my  body  is  overfpread  with 
 ulcers,  filled  with  worms,  and  crufted  over  with  fcabs.  6  My  happy  days  have 
 quickly  run  over  in  a  moment,  and  there  is  no  hope  that  I  fliall  recover  them. 
 7.  Remember,  O  God,  how  fliort  and  unfubftantial  my  life  is.  8.  My  friends 
 lhall  never  more  fee  me  in  this  mortal  Hate.  11.  Since  there  is  no  hope  that  my  ' 
 condition  will  be  better  in  this  world,  therefore  I  will  give  fome  vent  to  the  extre-  | 
 mity  of  my  forrow,  by  complaining.  12.  Am  I  fo  ftrong  and  unruly  that  nothing 
 but  fuch  llrong  chains  of  afflidlion  can  tame,  rule,  or  reftrain  me?  16.  Either 
 ceafe  from  afflidling  me,  or  from  preferving  me  in  life.  '  17.  What  is  man,  that 
 thou  fhouldeft  honour  him  fo  much  as  to  contend  with  him.  18.  And  that  thou 
 ftiouldeft.  vifit  him  with  new  afflidlions  every  morning,  and  try  him  with  new 
 Ilrokes  every  moment?  19.  If  thou  art  fo  patient  and  kind  to  the  generality  of 
 mankind,  why  wilt  thou  not  turn  away  thy  difpleafure  from  me  ?  20.  I  cannot 
 
 fatisfy  thy  justice  for  my  fins,  O  thou  Obferver  of  men.  21.  Why  wilt  thou  not 
 forgive  me  my  fin,  and  at  least  releafe  me  fo  far  from  its  punifliment,  that  I  may 
 die? 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  VIIL  Not  without  a  mixture  of 
 mistake,  rage,  and  pride,  Bildad  replied,  2.  How  long  wilt  thou  outrageoufly  pour 
 forth  what  is  dilhonourable  to  God  and  unprofitable  to  men;  3.  Can  God  who 
 has  no  reafon  to  fear  the  difpleafure  or  court  the  favour  of  any,  wretchedly  and 
 wickedly  deal  unjustly  with  men  ?  5.  Yet  thy  humble,  fpeedy,  and  penitent  fup¬ 
 plication  to  him  for  mercy,  would  meet  with  due  regard.  6.  And  wert  thou  fin- 
 cere  in  heart  and  upright  in  condu<5I,  he  would  restore  thee  and  thy  family  to  its 
 wonted  peace  and  profperity.  7.  And,  however  low  and  contemptible  thy  condi¬ 
 tion  is  at  prefent,  he  would  render  thy  happinefs  and  glory  more  eminent  than  ever, 
 II,  12.  And  that,  as  ruflies  and  flags,  without  abundant  moisture,  quick'y  wither 
 of  their  own  accord;  13,  14.  So,  without  true  piety,  and  real  enjoyment  of  the 
 divine  favour,  the  highest  profeflions  of  religion,  and  the  greatest  profperity  and 
 most  extenfive  hopes  of  happinefs,  w  ill  quickly  iflue  in  apostacy,  infamy,  difap- 
 pointment,  and  felf-wrought  wretchednefs.  15.  The  wicked  man  may  attempt  to 
 rely  on  his  friends,  family,  or  w  ealth,  but  to  no  purpofe,  16.  The  external  fniiles 
 of  Providence  may  render  his  profperity  remarkable  for  a  little  time  ;  1  7  He  may 
 
 Alas  !  bow  often  dejeaed  fpirits  indulge  defpair,  and  re- 
 
 a  fenfe  of  God’s  wrath.  It  is  difficult  either  to  keep  lips  or  heart  aright  under  fuch  complicated  troubles, 
 fufe  comfort,  forgetting  how  God  can  ftrengthen  or  deliver  for  his  own  glory  ! 
 
 PRAC'I  ICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chaf.  VII. ]  Our  life  is  vanifliing  as  a  cloud  and  pafling  as  a  wind.  How  fweet  mull  the  heavenly  reft  he  to  tliofe 
 who  get  thither  through  much  tribulation.  When  we  have  obtained  a  fenfe  of  the  reconciliation  with  God  through  the  merits  of  Jefus,  w  e  can  comfortably  commit 
 our  bodies  to  the  duft,  and  bid  farewell  to  the  world  wilh  as  much  compofure  and  fatisfaaion,  as  when  we  fay  good  night  to  our  friends  on  retiring  to  our  beds 
 Should  our  fpirit  have  taken  its  flight  before  morning,  let  weeping  friends  be  comforted  that  we  have  fo  eafily  and  fuddenly  efcaped  the  pains  of  death^ 
 
JOB. 
 
 t  Iloh. 
 
 iiifi’'  I 
 
 ti.'i  '/.’y 
 
 bi/  the 
 hnnl. 
 
 ■f  IK'b. 
 
 Jboulitig 
 for  I'-j. 
 
 ,L’i  nc'r;('M\d^rfh  God's  /nsiii'r,  S;c, 
 
 17  His  ror'ts  are  wrapped  about  the  heap,  ami  Teeth 
 the  place  oT  ftones. 
 
 IS  If  he  deftror  him  from  his  place,  then  it  (hall 
 den--  him,  /'lyifi^,  I  have  not  Teen  thee. 
 
 19  Behold,  tnis  is  the  joy  of  his  way,  and  out  of  the 
 earth  (ball  o'hers  grow. 
 
 20  Behold,  God  will  not  rafi  away  a  perfect  man, 
 neither  will  he  f  help  the  evil-doers  ; 
 
 21  Till  he  fill  thy  mouth  with  laughing,  and  thy  lips 
 wiT  r'  joiring. 
 
 +  Heb  --  They  that  hate  thee  fhall  be  clothed  with  Thame  ; 
 s’laii  ,iot  and  the  dwelling-place  of  the  wicked  f  (ball  come  to 
 if-  nought.* 
 
 CHAP.  IX. 
 
 1  Job,  ncbnou’lediin*  Go(l\  Justice,  sheu'cth,  there  is  no  contending  with 
 him.  us  innocence  is  not  to  be  condemned  by  njjlidlions. 
 
 Then  job  anfwered  and  laid, 
 
 2  1  know  it  is  fo  of  a  truth  ;  but  how  Thould 
 »  m:m  be  juft  ||  with  God? 
 
 3  If  he  will  contend  with  him,  he  cannot  anfwer 
 him  one  of  a  thouTand. 
 
 4  He  is  wife  in  heart,  and  mighty  in  ftrength  :  who 
 hath  hardened  7n7??sc//againft  him,  and  hath  prefpered  ? 
 
 5  Which  removeth  the  mountains,  and  they  know 
 not ;  which  overturneth  them  in  his  anger  ; 
 
 6  Which  fhaketh  the  earth  out  of  her  place,  and 
 the  pillars  thereof  tremble ; 
 
 7  Which  commandeth  the  fun,  and  it  rifeth  not, 
 and  lealeth  up  the  ftars ; 
 
 8  ^  Which  alone  Tpreadeth  out  the  heavens,  and 
 treadeth  upon  the  f  waves  of  the  Tea  ; 
 
 9  =  Which  maketh  f  Ar<fturus,  Orion,  and  Pleiades, 
 and  the  chambers  of  the  fouth  ; 
 
 10'*  Which  doeth  great  things  paft  finding  out; 
 yea,  and  wonders  without  number. 
 
 1 1  Lo,  he  goeth  by  me,  and  I  fee  him  not :  he  paTs- 
 eth  on  alfo,  but  I  perceive  him  not. 
 
 12  '  Behold,  he  taketh  away,  t  who  can  hinder 
 him  ?  who  will  fay  unto  him.  What  doeft  thou  ? 
 
 13  JJ  God  v/ill  not  withdraw  his  anger,  the  t  proud 
 helpers  do  ftoop  under  him  : 
 
 14  How  much  ETs  fhall  I  anfwer  him,  and  chooTe 
 out  my  words  to  reafon  with  him  i 
 
 There  is  no  contendinrr  ’with  God, 
 
 a  rfalm 
 143.  2. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 be.'ore 
 God. 
 b  Gen. 
 1.6. 
 t  Heb. 
 heights. 
 c  Chap. 
 38.  81, 
 &c. 
 
 Amos 
 5.  S. 
 t  Heb. 
 Ash  Cecil, 
 and  Ci- 
 fnah. 
 d  Chap. 
 5.  9. 
 e  Ifaiah 
 45.  9. 
 Romans 
 9.  20. 
 t  Heb. 
 who  can 
 turn  him 
 away  ? 
 f  Heb. 
 helpers  of 
 pride  or 
 Strength. 
 
 '  1 ")  Whom,  though  I  were  righteous,  yet  would  I  Uufore 
 
 not  anlwer  ;  tut  1  would  make  lupplication  to  inv 
 judge.  15:^0, 
 
 I:  ifi  If  I  had  called,  and  he  had  anfwered  me; 
 
 '  would  I  not  believe  that  he  had  hearkened  unto  my 
 voice.  ^ 
 
 j,  17  For  he  breaketh  me  with  a  tempeft,  and  multi- 
 !;  plieth  my  wounds  without  cauTe. 
 r  18  He  will  not  Tuffer  me  to  take  my  breath,  but 
 filleth  me  with  bitternefs. 
 
 19  If  I  speak  of  ftrength,  lo,  he  is  ftrong  ;  and  if  of 
 judgment,  who  (hall  let  me  a  time  to  plead  P 
 
 20  If  Ijuftify  myfelf,  mineo^n  mouth  fhall  con¬ 
 demn  me :  Ij  I  say,  I  am  perfe6f,  it  fhall  alfo  prove  me 
 perverCe. 
 
 '21  Though  I  were  perfeft,  yet  would  I  not  know  my 
 foul  ;  I  would  defpife  my  life. 
 
 22  This  is  one  thing,  therefore  I  faid  it,  He  deftroy. 
 
 I  eth  the  perfedt  and  the  wicked. 
 
 !  23  If  the  fcourge  flay  fuddenly,  he  will  laugh  at  the 
 
 trial  of  the  innocent. 
 
 24  The  earth  is  given  into  the  hand  of  the  wicked  : 
 he  covereth  the  faces  of  the  judges  thereof ;  if  nor, 
 where,  and  who  is  he  ? 
 
 25  Now  my  days  are  fwifter  than  a  poft ;  they  flee 
 away,  they  fee  no  good. 
 
 26  They  are  pafled  away  as  the  f  ||  fwift  fhips  ;  ast  Heb. 
 the  eagle  that  hafteth  to  the  prey. 
 
 27  If  I  fay,  I  will  forget  my  complaint,  I  will  leave 
 
 off  my  heavinels,  and  comfort  myself;  ships’oj 
 
 28  I  am  afraid  of  all  my  forrows,  1  knov/  that  thou-^^fi*- 
 wilt  not  hold  me  innocent. 
 
 29  If\  be  wicked,  why  then  labour  I  in  vain  ! 
 
 30  If  I  v/afh  myfelf  with  fnow-water,  and  make  my 
 hands  never  fo  clean  ; 
 
 31  Yet  fhalt  thou  plunge  me  in  the  ditch,  and  mine  ||  Or, 
 
 own  clothes  fhall  ||  abhor  me.  make  me 
 
 32  For  he  is  not  a  man,  as  I  am,  that  \  fhould  anfwer 
 him,  and  we  fhould  come  together  in  judgment.  f  Heb. 
 
 33  Neither  is  there  t  any  y  day’s-man  betwixt  us, 
 that  might  lay  his  hand  upon  us  both. 
 
 34  Let  him  take  his  rod  away  from  me,  and  let  not^'^o'r,* 
 
 his  fear  terrify  me  :  umpire. 
 
 appear  deep-rooted  amidft  outward  enjoyments  ;  but  quickly  thall  his  native  foil 
 fwallow  him  up  into  ruin  ;  and  he.  and  all  that  he  bad,  fllall  quickly  difappear 
 and  be  forgotten.  19.  Such  is  the  mad  and  unfubftantial  joy  of  the  wicked,  and 
 the  ilTue  of  their  flourifhing  profperity.  20.  For — mark,  it  is  a  certain  and  Impor¬ 
 tant  truth— the  mighty  God  will  never  defpife,  or  loathe,  or  refufe  to  help  and 
 comfort  an  upright  faint ;  nor  will  he  ftrengthen,  fupport  or  deliver  evil-doers. 
 21,  22.  Wert  thou  perfeft,  or  thoroughly  penitent,  he  would  blefs  thee,  they  who 
 hate  thee,  and  rejoice  at  thy  present  troubles,  fhould  be  confounded  at  thy  reftora- 
 tion,  while  thev  and  theirs  fhould  irrecoverably  perifh. 
 
 EXFUANATOPcY  NOTES.  Ch-\p.  IX.  Immediately  Job  replied,  2.  I 
 know  indeed  that  God  is  righteous,  and  that  he  ordinarily  puniflies  the  wicked 
 and  favours  the  godly.  But  what  frail  man  can,  in  your  fenfe  be  juft  before 
 God?  4.  .'^nrl  while  God  is  infinitely  righteous,  his  knowledge,  wildom,  and 
 power,  are  fo  unbounded,  that  it  is  impoffible  for  any  to  harden  himfelf  in  rebellion 
 a-ainfi  him  and  peacefully  profper  1 1.  In  his  providential  difpenfations  he  can 
 pafs  before  and  attack  me';  can  quickly  pafs  by  and  rufh  upon  me,  and  continually 
 fet  his  works  before  me  ;  and  vet  I  cannot  perceive  him,  nor  underftand  them.  13. 
 If  he,  theohje-a  of  our  adoration,  continue  the  difplays  of  his  terrible  majefty  and 
 almightv  wrath  in  tiie  infiiaion  of  juft  pun-lhments,  the  moft  proud,  powerful,  and 
 fierce  helpers  and  avengers  muft  yield  to  bis  influence,  and  confefs  their  inability 
 to  relieve  us  14.  How  then  can' I,  a  poor,  weak,  unhefrieeded  wretch,  anfwer 
 him  in  judgment.  1  5.  Though  my  cafe  were  ever  fo  juft,  nothing  would  become 
 me,  liuf  to  make  hunible  fupplicatioiis  to  ray  tremendous  and  omnifeent  judge, 
 who  contends  with  me  16,  And,  if  he  bad  gracioufly  accepted  my  fupplications 
 
 and  even  promifed  to  grant  the  requeft  of  fuch  a  poor  and  wretched  creature  as  I 
 am,  I  could  not  believe  it.  1  9.  Should  I  be  inclined  to  difpute  with  him  by 
 force,  lo  !  he  is  infinitely  more  powerful  than  I.  20.  Though  I  am  guilty  of  no 
 allowed  crime,  yet  his  majefiy  and  holinefs  would  make  me  to  condemn  niyfelf. 
 Though  I  were  ever  fo  perfe<5l,  I  durft  not,  on  my  own  confeioufaefs,  debate  the 
 matter  with  him,  nor  infift  that  my  foul  were  really  fuch  in  his  view.  22.  All  that  I 
 have  affirmed  and  infifted  upon  is  this  important  truth,  that  God,  in  fovereignty, 
 fearfully  affliiSls  the  righteous  as  well  as  the  wicked.  24.  Who  but  he  profpers  the 
 wicked,  and  gives  the  earth  to  be  pofleffed  and  ruled  by  fuch  blind  judges,  by 
 bribery  or  mifin formation,  or  condemn  them  to  death  for  their  righteous  decifions  ? 
 25,  26.  I  myfelf  am  an  inftance  of  his  fovereign  inanagemeiit.  27,  2S.  If  I  at¬ 
 tempt  to  forget  my  calamities,  lay  afide  my  mournful  looks,  my  tormenting  pains 
 and  forrows  terrify  my  mind  ;  and  I  find  by  experience  that  thou,  O  God,  wilt 
 not  remove  my  trouble,  as  if  I  were  innocent.  SO.  Ihough  I  could  wafli  myfelf 
 by  the  most  effedlual  vindications,  and  thoroughly  purge  my  pradlice  with  purity 
 itfelf ;  .31.  Thou,  O  infinitely  holy  God,  would  plunge  me  into  depths  of  noi- 
 fome  affliiftions  and  of  filthy  ulcers.  32.  For  God  is  fo  infinitely  above  me,  that 
 I  cannot,  dare  not,  enter  into  a  debite  or  plea  with  him.  33.  Neither,  indeed, 
 is  any  umpire  or  arbiter  to  be  found  who  could  order  us  to  filence,  or  oblige  us 
 both  to  stand  to  his  award  34,  35.  If  he  would  remove  from  off  me  this  heavy 
 trouble,  and  not  terrify  me  with  the  dread  of  his  power  anrl  majesty,  then 
 would  I  freely  fpeak,  without  any  flavifh  fear  of  him,  in  my  own  vindication  ;  for 
 I  am  not  fuch  an  hypocrite  as  you  allege.  But,  alas !  foriows  and  fears  opprefs 
 my  fpirits.  * 
 
 PP  4CT'CAL  OBSERVATIONS. *  Chap.  VUI.l  In  every  affliaion  it  is  right  to  feek  God’s  help.  Though  men  ftiould  brand  us  with  bypocrify,  if  God 
 
 knon  s  to  the  contrary  we  ought  not  much  to  be  moved.  Should  worldly  profperity  continue  with  fiiiners  even  to  death,  then  at  jaft  will  the  axe  be  laid  at  the  roo  o 
 theT.ee.  and  al  their'  enjoyments  perifli.  Though  here  the  fame  events  happenetli  alike  to  all,  there  is  a  day  coming  when  God  s  juflice  fhall  be  vindicated  in  t. 
 cverlaftiD"  falvation  of  the  righteous,  and  the  eternal  condemnation  of  the  wicked. 
 
JOB. 
 
 GofCs  -cihdom  IS  unsciychahU, 
 
 H  O'"' 
 
 c^aoS 
 
 xji'.'di  I 
 
 live. 
 
 hands : 
 
 Job  exposlulateth  with  God,  ^c. 
 
 55  ncn  wmild  I  fpeak.  and  not  fear  him ;  1  but 
 
 ciirift  j(  is  not  fo  with  me. 
 
 (ir.  15SO.  .  jieb.  but  /  am  not  sn  with  mytclj. 
 
 CHAP.  X. 
 
 1  Jab  lading  liberty  of  complaint,  expofulateth  with  God  about  hxs 
 
 afjtiblions;  IS  he  compluinelh  o/ lije,  ^c. 
 
 My  foul  is  11  weary  of  my  life:  I  will  leave  my 
 complaint  upon  rayfelf ;  1  will  (peak  in  the  bit- 
 ternels  ol  my  loul, 
 
 2  1  will  fay,  unto  God,  do  not  condemn  me  ;  (hew 
 me  wherefore  thou  contendeft  with  me. 
 
 3  Is  it  good  unto  thee  that  thou  fhouldeft  opprefs, 
 r  iieb.  that  thou  (houldelt  defpife  f  the  work  ot  thine  hands, 
 ,/- Mour^nd  fliine  upon  thecounfel  or  the  wicked  . 
 thine  Haft  thou  cyes  of  flefti  ?  or  leeft  thou  as  man 
 
 5  Are  thy  days  as  the  days  of  man  ?  are  thy  years 
 
 as  man’s  days.  ....  , 
 
 6  That  thou  inqulreft  after  mine  iniquity,  and 
 
 fearcheft  after  my  fm  ? 
 
 y  7  t  Thou  knoweft  that  I  am  not  wicked  ;  and  there 
 
 It  is  upon  can  deliver  out  of  thine  hand, 
 
 thy  know-  g  hands  have  made  me,  and  fafhioned  me 
 
 tlfieb.  together  round  about;  yet  thou  daft  deftroy  nae. 
 took  pains  9  Remember,  I  beleech  thee,  that  thou  haft  ^J^de 
 about  me.  me  as  the  clay  ;  and  wilt  thou  bring  me  into  dutt 
 
 o prQ  1  n  5 
 
 aPfaim  10 Haft  thou  not  poured  me  out  as  milk,  and 
 
 139. 14,  curdled  me  like  c.neefe?  ,  ,  n  ru  j 
 
 15, 16.  j  ^  "j^"iyQu  haft  clothed  me  with  Ikin  and  rleih,  and 
 
 haft  t  fenced  me  with  bones  and  finews. 
 
 12  Thou  haft  granted  me  life  and  favour,  and  thy 
 
 vifitation  hath  preferved  my  fpirit.  _  _ 
 
 13  And  thele  things  haft  thou  hid  in  thine  heart : 
 I  know  that  this  is  with  thee. 
 
 1 4  If  I  fin  then  thou  markeft  me ;  and  thou  wilt  not 
 acquit  me  from  mine  iniquity. 
 
 15  If  I  be  wicked,  woe  unto  me ;  and  if  I  be  righ¬ 
 teous,  yet  will  I  not  lift  up  my  head.  I  am  full  of  con- 
 fufion  :  therefore  fee  thou  mine  afflidfion  ; 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 hedsed. 
 
 \<r>  e.M- 
 
 Ci.r! 
 
 16  For  it  increafeth.  Thou  hunteit  me  ns  a  fierce 
 lion;  and  again  thou  fhewell  inyfeft  marvellous  upoQ^|.  , 
 
 Thou  renewed  |1  thy  witnefl  s  againft  me,  and  '  > 
 increafeft  thine  indignation  upon  me;  changes 
 
 war  are  againft  me.  r  u  ^ 
 
 18  Wherefore  then  haft  thou  brought  me  forth 
 
 out  of  the  womb  ?  Oh  that  1  had  given  up  the  gholt, 
 
 and  no  eye  had  feen  me  !  ,  .  l  j  u 
 
 19  I  fhould  have  been  as  though  I  had  not  been  ; 
 
 I  fhould  have  been  carried  fro.ai  the  womb  to  the 
 
 grave. 
 
 OQ  Are  not  my  days  few  ?  ceafe  then,  end  let  me  c  See 
 
 alone  mat  I  may  iake  comfort  a  little,  ^ 
 
 2 1  Before  I  go  whence  I  (hall  not  return,  Cucn  to  the  g 
 land  of  darknefs,  and  the  fhadow  of  death  ; 
 
 A  land  of  darknefs,  as  darknefs  itsdj :  and  ot 
 the  fhadow  of  death,  without  any  order,  and  where 
 the  light  is  as  darknels-t 
 
 CHAP.  XI. 
 
 1  Zophar  reproveth  Job  for  judifying  himself.  5  God's  wisdom  is  un¬ 
 searchable.  13  The  assured  bUssing  oj  repentance. 
 
 THFNanfweredZopharmeNaamathite,  and  laid, 
 
 2  Should  not  the  multitude  of  words  be  an- 
 fwered  ?  and  fhould  t  a  man,  full  of  talk  be  jollified 
 3  Should  thy  11  lies  make  men  hold  their  peace?/,;,,, 
 and  when  thou  mockeft,  ftiall  no  man  make  thee  tl  Or, 
 
 ,,  j  T  devices. 
 
 alhamed? 
 
 4  For  thou  haft  faid,  My  dctftrine  is  pure,  and  1  am 
 clean  in  thine  eyes.  _ 
 
 5  But  On  that  God  would  fpeak,  and  open  his  lips 
 
 againft  thee ;  n  r  -r 
 
 6  And  that  he  would  fhew  thee  the  fecrets  of  wif- 
 
 dom,  that  they  are  double  to  that  which  is !  Know 
 therefore  that  God  exaifteth  of  thee  less  than  thine 
 iniquity  descrvclh. 
 
 7  Canft;  thou  by  fearching  find  out  God  ?  canft  thou 
 find  out  the  Almighty  unto  perfection?  ^ 
 
 8 /Ms  t  as  high  as  heaven;  what  canft  thou  do 
 
 deeper  than  hell ;  what  canft  thou  know 
 
 of  heaven. 
 
 EXPL.\NATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  X.  My  foul  bur.Ts  afunder  with 
 wearlntf,  of  being  detained  in  the  cords  of  natural  life.  1  will  therefore  per¬ 
 mit  niy  complaints  to  vent  themfelves  freely  be  the  iffue  what  it  will.  2.  I  will 
 fay  to  God,  Do  not  condemn  and  punifh  me  as  a  wicked  man,  but  caufe 
 me  to  know  for  what  lin  or  reafon  I  am  fo  peculiarly  affli6ted.  S.  Is  it  either 
 pleafant,  profitable  or  honourable  to  thee,  or  is  it  juft  and  equal,  that  thou 
 Ihou’deft  fpoil  me  of  all  I  had,  and  thus  load  me  with  tormenting  troubles  ?  or 
 that,  by  thy  providential  difpenfations,  thou  fhouldeft  appear  to  confirm  the 
 thoughts,  or  encourage  the  pradfices  of  the  wicked  !  4 — 6.  A.e  thy  views  of 
 
 my  condudi  and  ftate  fhort-fighted,  biaffed  or  malignant?  Are  thy  refearches 
 after  truth  tedious,  that  thou  fhouldeft  thus  by  tortures  attempt  to  force  a 
 canfefTion  of  guilt  from  me?  7.  Thou  canft  not  but  know  that  I  am  no 
 hypocrite,  and  that  if  thou  punifh,  none  can  deliver  me  from  thy  judgments.  8. 
 By  thy  creating  power  I  have  been  curioufly  and  elaborately  bound  together  with 
 finews ;  and  wilt  thou  as  a  raging  lion,  utterly  tear  me  afunder,  and  fwallow  me 
 up?  9.  Remember  that  thou,  as  my  potter,  haft  formed  me  out  of  the  clay  ; 
 11.  Didft  thou  not  cover  my  inward  parts  with  fkin  and  flefh,  and  curioufly 
 fence  and  weave  me  together  with  bones  and  finew's?  12.  Didft  thou  not  grant 
 me  the  entrance  and  continuance  of  life?  and  hath  not  thy  providential  care  and 
 kindnefs  preferved  me  from  dangeisand  death  ?  13.  nd,  notwithftandiiig,  hadft 
 
 thou  a  fecret  purpofe,  thus  to  afflia  me  ?  16.  Shall  my  trouble  dill  increafe  and 
 
 exalt  itfelf  over  me  ?  17.  Wilt  thou  bring  frelh  plagues  upon  me,  as  witneffes  of 
 
 thy  continued  difpleafure  ?  18.  AVliy  then  didft  thou  h  ing  me  out  of  the  womb 
 
 at  all  ?  why  did  not  I  die  in  the  womb,  without  ever  being  feen  on  this  wretched 
 earth?  20  Shall  not  the  momentary  duration  of  my  life  quickly  ceafe?  fliall  I 
 not  then  be  allowed  a  fhort  reprieve  from  trouble,  21,  22.  before  I  go  to  the  dark 
 region  of  the  grave. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XI.  Ver.  1.  It  is  too  much  the 
 praaice  of  difputants  to  pafs  over  in  filence,  fuch  arguments  of  an  adverfary  as 
 they  are  not  able  to  anfwer  :  Inftead  of  defence,  they  fly  into  a  paflion,  and  pour 
 out  illiberal  abufe.  Zophar’s  reply  is  iu  this  caft.  He  feems  to  have  been  more 
 irracible  and  vehement  than  his  brethren.  The  fentiment  which  he  utU*rs  in  ver. 
 5,  6,  difeovers  his  ferocity  ;  He  there  wiftieth  that  the  Almighty  would  indeed 
 appear  to  let  the  unhappy  fuffercr  know,  that  his  fuflerings  w ere  not  the  lialf 
 of  what  he  deferved.  Ver.  3.  Thy  lies,  or  falfe  boafts,  as  the  word  imports,  Jer. 
 xlviii.  29,  30.  Ver.  4.  My  doflrine,  confcicnce,  or  works,  either  of  which  the 
 fenfe  will  bear.  Job  had  faid  nothing  of  the  purity  of  his  dodrine.  Ver.  5. 
 This  feems  a  bitter  refletftion  on  Job’s  prefumptuous  w  ifli  to  debate  his  caufe 
 with  God  himfelf,  chap.  ix.  34,  35.  x.  2.  Ver.  6.  “  Tliis,”  fays  Scott,  “  is  a  vet  y 
 ohfeure  paffage.  I  have  met  with  no  fatisfaiftory  explanation  of  it.  One  thing 
 however  feems  clear,  namely,  that  the  fubjedl  treated  here,  and  to  the  end  of 
 ver.  12.  \s  divine  punijhment.  By  u'i.<do»i,  therefore,  I  underftaud  the  counfels  t  f 
 God,  that  fix  the  kind  and  meafure  of  bis  punifhraents  :  by  the  secrets  of  wisdom. 
 his  punifliments  in  a  future  world,  which  are  a  fecret  to  us  at  prefent.  Thole 
 future  punifliments  are  declared  to  be  doubly  to  that  which  is;  that  is,  they  are  far 
 more  fevere  and  terrible  than  any  fufferings  of  finners  in  the  prefent  date.” 
 Hence  Zophar  would  have  Job  to  learn,  that  what  he  now  fuffered  was  lefs  than 
 his  iniquity  deferved  Ver.  7 — 12.  Job  was  confidered  by  his  friends  quefticning 
 God’s  ways,  and  Zophar  here  proceeds  to  reprove  him  for  his  prefumption. 
 The  judgments  of  God,  he  tells  'them,  are  as  iufcrutable  in  their  reafons  and  the 
 full  extent  of  their  defigns,  as  they  are  rapid  and  irrefiftible  in  their  execution* 
 High  as  heaven — leeper  than  hell,  or  the  inviftble  world.  Comp.  Note  on  Rom.  x. 
 5,  6.  When  we  cannot  comprehend  a  thing,  we  fay  it  is  beyond  ur  reach,  or 
 too  high  or  too  deep  for  us.  But  in  what  a  noble  manner  does  Z  pliar  i-xprefs 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  IX.J  The  knowledge  of  our  fallen  nature  will  prevent  felfdependence,  and  caufe  us  to  feek  a  het'er  righte.-ul- 
 nefs  than  our  own.  The  heavens  arc  an  expanded  volume  where  men  may  read  the  power  and  wifdom  of  the  Creator.  Tliough  the  rigliteous  fiiffer  here  with  the 
 wicked,  their  afllldtions  are  of  a  diftVreut  nature.  To  the  righteous  they  are  me-rciful  corretRions  ;  while  to  the  wicked  they  are  angry  judgments  We  lliould  alwejs 
 have  kind  and  honourable  thoughts  of  God;  hut  above  all  praife  him  that  Jefus  Chrift  is  the  mediator  between  him  and  us. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — j-  Chap.  X.]  How  readily  ralh  fpeeches  burft  from  wounded  fpirlts ;  yet  grace,  where  it  exifts  ctic-cks  the  tide  of  im¬ 
 patience  even  in  the  midft  of  the  mofl  proud  and  peeviftt  expoftulatious  with  God. 
 
 6  I 
 
 16 
 
Job  maintaincth  himself  against  his  frictids* 
 
 cir. 
 
 cunft  ,  thereof /slohger  than  the  earth,  and 
 
 1520.  broader  than  the  iea. 
 
 10  If  he  II  cut  oft,  and  (hut  up,  or  gather  together, 
 then  t  who  can  hinder  him? 
 
 1 1  For  he  kooweth  vain  men  ;  he  feeth  wicked- 
 nets  alio  ;  will  he  not  then  conlider  it  ? 
 
 12  her  f  vain  men  would  be  wile,  though  man  be 
 born  h/ce  a  wild  al's’s  colt. 
 
 to  It  thou  prepare  thine  heart,  and  ftretch  out  thine 
 hands  toward  him  ; 
 
 U  Ir  iniquity  be  in  thine  hand,  put  it  far  aw'ay,  and 
 let  not  wickednels  dwell  in  thy  tabernacles. 
 
 ^  15  h.ir  then  lhalt  thou  lilt  up  thy  face  without 
 ipoi :  vea,  thou  ftialt  be  ftedfaft,  and  lhalt  not  fear : 
 
 16  Becaufe  thou  flialt  forget  t//y  inifery,  and  re¬ 
 member  it  as  waters  t/iat  pal's  away  : 
 
 17  And  //tme  age  f  lhall  be  clearer  than  the  noon¬ 
 day  ;  thou  flialt  Ihine  forth,  thou  lhalt  be  as  the 
 morning. 
 
 IS  And  thou  (halt  be fecure,  becaufe  there  is  hope ; 
 jiighi  shall  ye'd,  thou  llialt  dig  about  thee,  and  “  thou  lhalt  take  thv 
 reft  in  fafety.  ^ 
 
 t  Heb. 
 si:.U  arise 
 aivvc  I  be 
 ti<K’n-U~.y. 
 a  Lev. 
 2S.  5. 
 t  Heb. 
 tn're  t 
 thy  ji.ee. 
 t  Heb. 
 
 Jronilbem. 
 b  Chap. 
 
 3.  14.  & 
 18.  14. 
 
 B  Or, 
 
 "  PHf  «/ 
 
 breath. 
 
 19  Alfo  thou  lhalt  lie  down,  and  none  lhall  make 
 
 1 
 
 7  He 
 
 wif- 
 
 thce  afraid  ;  yea,  many  lhall  f  make  fuit  unto  thee. 
 
 20  But  the  eyes  of  the  wicked  lhall  fail,  and  f  they 
 lhall  not  efcape,  and  ^  their  hope  shall  be  as  f  the  giv¬ 
 ing  up  of  the  gholt.* 
 
 CHAP.  XII. 
 
 Job  viiintainclb  himselj  against  his  jriends  that  reprove  him 
 acknouiedgeth  the  general  doc: rine  oj  God's  omnipotency. 
 
 And  Job  anlwered  and  faid, 
 
 2  No  doubt  but  ye  are  the  people,  and 
 dom  lhall  die  with  you. 
 
 3  But  I  have  f  underftanding  as  well  as  you ;  I 
 ,  „  am  not  interior  'o  you  :  yea,  t  who  knoweth  not  fuch 
 
 you.  4  1  am  fls  one  mocked  of  his  neighbour,  who  call- 
 t  Heb.  eth  upon  God,  and  he  anfw'ereth  him:  the  juft  up- 
 wWare  J^^ghed  to  Icom. 
 
 n6tZ7h^  .5  that  is  ready  to  flip  with  his  feet  is  as  a  lamp 
 Qi  these?  delpiled  in  the  thought  of  him  that  is  at  eal'e. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 tm  tiearl. 
 f  Heb. 
 
 I  jail  tiol 
 
 JOB-  He  ad-nowledgeth  God's  Ominpot,^ 
 
 6  The  tabernacles  of  robbers  profper,  and  they  that  B.r 
 
 provoke  God  arelecure  ;  into  whole  hand  God  brim?.  c& 
 eth  abwtd  mtly ■  “  cir, 
 
 7  But  ailc  now  the  beafts,  and  they  ftiall  teach  thee  • 
 
 I  and  the  fowls  of  the  air,  and  they  thall  tell  thee  •  ’ 
 
 S  Or  I'peak  to  the  earth,  and  it  lhall  teach  thee  • 
 and  the  fifties  of  the  I’ea  lhall  declare  unto  thee.  * 
 
 9  Who  knoweth  not  in  all  thefe  that  the  hand’ of  the 
 Lord  hath  wrought  this? 
 
 10  In  whole  hand  is  the  ||  foul  of  every  living  thine  ii  n 
 
 and  the  breath  of  f  all  mankind.  !  e  ' 
 
 11  *  Doth  not  the  ear  try  words?  and  the  +  mouth f 
 tafte  his  meat  ? 
 
 12  With  the  ancient  is  viildom 
 days  underftanding. 
 
 13  II  With  him  is  wifdom  and  ftrength,  he  hath 
 
 “lljlesk 
 
 and  m  length  of  “  Chap, 
 
 ^4.  3. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 '  ]>ola!e. 
 
 down, 
 up  a 
 
 and  it  cannot 
 
 Thiti^ 
 
 be  G»((, 
 
 man,  and  there  can  ^ 
 
 I  counfel  and  underftanding. 
 i  14  Behold,  he  hreaketh 
 built  again  ;  he  ^  Ihutteth  t 
 be  no  opening. 
 
 15  Behold,  he  withholdeth  the  waters,  and  theytSi^' 
 dry  up;  alfo  he  I'endeth  them  our,  and  they  overturn 
 
 the  earth. 
 
 16  With  him  is  ftrength  and  wifdom ;  the  deceived 
 and  the  deceiver  are  his. 
 
 17  He  leadeth  couni'ellors  away  fpoiled  and  raaketh 
 the  judges  fools. 
 
 18  He  looleth  the  bond  of  kings,  and  girdeth  their 
 loins  wnth  a  girdle. 
 
 19  He  leadeth  princes  away  fpoiled,  and  overthrow- 
 eth  the  mighty. 
 
 20  ‘  He  removeth  away  f  the  fpeech  of  the  trufty,  Chap, 
 and  taketh  away  the  underftanding  of  the  aged.  32. 9. 
 
 21  He  poureih  coiftempt  upon  princes,  and  ||  weak- 
 
 eneth  the  ftrength  of  the  mighty.  'thlZt. 
 
 22  He  dilcovereth  deep  rhings  out  of  darknefs,  dudjvi!'''  ' 
 
 bringeth  out  to  light  the  fhadow  of  death.  H 
 
 23  He  increaleih  the  nation.s,  and  dettroyeth  them 
 
 he  enlargeth  the  naiions,  and  f  ftraiteneth  themLsH. 
 
 again.  f  Heb. 
 
 away  the  heart  of  the  chief  of 
 
 24  He  taketh 
 
 fuel)  an  impoffibility  !  How  much  fuperior  is  the  language  of  poetry  to  that  of 
 profe  Vain  men  ;  that  is,  impollors.  He  glanceth  at  Job,  as  a  perfon,  who 
 notwiihftanding  liis  character  for  piety,  had,  as  he  fuppofed,  lived  in  the  prac¬ 
 tice  of  (ecct  wickednefs,  particularly  injuilice.  Like  a  101111  ass' s  colt ;  that  is, 
 void  of  found  underftanding,  felf-wiiled  and  untraclable.  Zojftiar  thought  that 
 the  intention  of  divine  punifliment  was'  to  recover  depraved  men  to  folid  re- 
 fletftion,  and  to  fuhjecl  his  mind  to  reaibn  and  the  laws  of  God.  Ver.  1.3 — 20. 
 Tliis  paflage  is  the  fame  for  fubftance  with  chap,  v,  viii.  &c.  but  diverfified  by 
 Ills  manner  of  difcribing  true  repentance,  and  by  the  beautiful  imagery  in  which 
 he  expreflVtli  his  glorious  reward.  Tabernacle  or  tent,  the  ancient  dwelling  of 
 roan.  The  term  is  retained,  though  it  is  certain  from  chap  xxix.  7  that  Job 
 lived  in  a  city  Litt  up  thy  face  ;  comp.  chap.  x.  15.  His  face  lhall  be  ere<ft, 
 firm  and  clear,  as  the  poliftied  mirror  :  what  a  contraft  to  his  former  condition  ! 
 As  w  ters  th  t  ji  ss  away  :  that  is,  the  memory  of  his  afili<5lions  would  be  wholly 
 
 efface.d  ;  like  the  w  inter  torrents,  (chap.  vi.  15,  17.)  Thine  ege - That  is  thy 
 
 affli(5tious  lhall  be  lucceeded  by  a  ftale  of  durable  increafing  felicity,  compare  ^ 
 chap.  viii.  7.  Prov.  iv.  18.  Shalt  dig,  probably  refers  to  the  digging  fuccelsful- 
 ly  for  wells  or  fprings,  a  circumftance  fiequently  mentioned  in  the  hiftory  of  the 
 patriarchs,  Gen.  xxvi.  13 — 22.  Because  there  is  hope  of  that  protedlioii  which  God  af¬ 
 fords  to  all  righteous  men.  Make  suit,  feek  thy  friendfhip.  fee  Gen.  xxvi. 
 26 — 29.  G  oing  up  of  the  ghost  ;  that  is,  their  diftrefs  and  defpair  (hall  make 
 them  w  lb  them  to  he  out  of  the  world.  He  evidently  refletSls  on  Job’s  paflionate 
 vrifties  for  ticath,  which  he  reprefeiits  to  he  the  practice  of  wicked  men. 
 
 EXPLANAfUKY  NOTES.  Chap.  XII.  V’er.  1.  Job’s  reply  in  this 
 
 chapter  is  in  a  vein  of  plaintive  argumentation.  He  alledgetb  fa<as  relalive  to 
 I  hinifelf  for  mankind,  which  demonllrate  a  ftrange  inequality  and  feenimg  confu- 
 fion  in  the  diftribution  of  good  and  evil  :  Whence  it  follow  s,  that  a  man’s  world¬ 
 ly  condition  is  no  criterion  of  liis  moral  character  This  reafoning  is  in  point. 
 For  his  three  antagonists  had  concluded  him  wicked,  merely  becaufe  he  was 
 wretched.  Ver,  4.  The  derifion  or  infult  of  his  friends  is  contained  in  the  middle 
 claufe,  the  just  tranflation  of  which  is,  "He  called  to  God,  and  let  him  aiifstr 
 him,”  which  refeis  to  chap.  v.  1.  xi,  5.  Ver.  5.  The  literal  veifion,  fays  Scott,  is 
 "  For  calamity,  contempt  is  ready,  in  the  thoughts  of  him  who  is  at  eale ;  for  them 
 who  flip  with  their  feet,”  that  is,  the  fallen,  which  refers  to  his  own  cafe.  The 
 meaning  of  the  verfe  is,  that  «  Adverfity  finks  a  man  into  contempt  with  the 
 profperous.”  Ver.  6.  He  refers,  perhaps,  to  thole  wlio  had  ruined  him,  chap.  i. 
 1  15,  17.  Ver.  7 — 10.  He  appeals  to  the  animated  creation,  in  proof  that  the 
 great  author  and  difpofer  of  life  had  given  them  into  the  hands  of  the  robber  as 
 well  as  the  man  of  peace.  Ver.  12.  He  allows  that  wifdom  ought  to  distinguilli 
 the  aged;  but  infinuales,  as  is  plain  from  the  conne<5lion,  that  Ids  friends  be¬ 
 trayed  great  ignorance  of  tlie  ways  of  providence.  Ver,  1.3 _ >25.  To  eftablifh 
 
 his  pofuion,  chap  ix.  12.  that  God  dcs  royelk  the  perfect  and  the  wicr.ed,  he  al- 
 ledgeth  tbofe  great  and  general  calamities,  drought,  inundation,  and  theoveithiow 
 of  kingdoms,  which  make  no  distiniftion  belw.en  the  innocent  and  the  guillv,  ii:- 
 j  volviog  all  in  one  common  ruin,  in  confequence  of  the  inlihitely  wife  an^  al- 
 i  mighty  God  decreeing  their  destruction,— i 'Tie  decivrrs,  ligiiifies  thofe  wicked 
 rulers,  who  by  their  mal-administration,  bring  destrudliori  on  themfelves  and  their 
 I  country.  The  deceived,  are  the  people  fo  milguided  and  ruined.  The  terms  in  the 
 
 PRACTICAL  observations. — *  Chap.  XL]  It  is  extremely  finful  to  ufe  ahufive  language  in  religious  controverfy,  and  cruel  to  deal  harlhly  with 
 tbofe  whofe  I'piiils  the  Loid  hath  wounded.  How  little  do  we  know  of  God’s  unbounded  excellence,  or  of  the  mylterics  of  his  wifdom  and  will  !  men  ol'teii  talk  of 
 them  to  ferve  a  had  puipofe.  It  is  lurely  un  eafonable  to  complain  under  troubles,  mixed,  with  much  uodi  firved  meiey,  and  appointed  us  by  God,  whofe  counfels 
 and  perfei^tion  are,  we  knew,  deep  and  unftarcbable.  Men  often  proudly  imagine  that  they  know  much,  when  they  are  amazingly  ig  orant ;  and  the  more  ignorant 
 they  aie,  they  are  the  mo'c  prefumptuuiis  and  ungovernal  le.  The  moft  holy  confidence  u  God,  coropol'ure  of  niir.d,  comfortable  refleJlion  in  trouble,  and  joyful  es- 
 peciatioii  of  deliverance  ami  honour,  attend  fnicere  and  gofpel  repentance. 
 
Job  reprovelh  his  friends  of  jrartiahty. 
 
 Before  people  of  the  earth,  and  caufeth  them  to  wander  in 
 
 Christ  vviidernels  where  there  is  no  way 
 
 he 
 
 I  Heb. 
 wunder* 
 
 L‘ 
 
 maketh  them  to  +  ftapp:er  like  a  drunken  tnan* 
 CHAP.  XIII. 
 
 1  Job  reprcvelh  his  friends  of  parliiility  ;  14  he  professeth  hit  confidence 
 in  God,  20  itnU  enireatelh  to  know  his  oiun  sins,  and  God’s  purpose  in 
 aJJUeiing  him. 
 
 O,  mine  eye  hath  feen  all  this,  mine  ear  hath 
 heard  and  underftood  it. 
 
 •2  What  ye  know,  the  same  do  I  know  alfo  :  I  am 
 not  inferior  unto  >iou. 
 
 3  Surely  I  would  fpeak  to  the  Almighty,  and  I  de¬ 
 fire  to  reafoQ  with  God. 
 
 4  But  ye  are  forgers  of  lies,  ye  ore  all  phyficians  of 
 no  value. 
 
 5  O  that  ye  would  altogether  hold  your  peace ; 
 and  it  fhould  be  your  wifdom. 
 
 6  Hear  now  my  reafoning,  and  hearken  to  the 
 pleadings  of  ray  lips. 
 
 7  Will  ye  fpeak  wickedly  for  God  ?  and  talk  de¬ 
 ceitfully  for  him. 
 
 8  Will  ye  accept  his  perfon  ?  will  ye  contend  for  God  ? 
 
 9  Is  it  good  that  he  fhould  fearch  you  out  ?  or  as 
 
 one  man  raocketh  another,  do  ye  so  mock  him  ?  \ 
 
 10  He  will  furely  reprove  ^ou,  if  ye  do  fecretly  ac- ! 
 
 cept  perfons.  j 
 
 1 1  Shall  not  his  excellency  make  you  afraid  ?  and 
 
 his  dread  fall  upon  you  ?  i 
 
 12  Your  remembrances  are  like  unto  afhes,  your  i 
 bodies  to  bodies  of  clay. 
 
 13  f  Hold  your  peace,  let  me  alone,  that  I  may 
 Be  silent  fpeak,  and  let  come  on  me  w'hat  will. 
 
 from  me.  Wherefore  do  I  take  my  flefh  in  my  teeth,  and 
 
 put  my  life  in  mine  hand  ? 
 
 JOB. 
 
 lie  professeth  his  coDfdcw.r'  in  God. 
 
 but 
 
 C'lirifl 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 original  are  metaphors  taken  from  fheep,  which  through  the  negligence  and  mif. 
 condua  of  their  (liepherds  go  aftray  to  their  deftruaion.  The  idea  is,  that  Cod 
 over-rules  all  this  madnefs  and  mifehief  to  ferve  the  wife  ends  of  his  infcrutahle 
 providence.  He  proceeds  in  ver.  17.  to  (liew  that  no  policy,  eloquence,  heroifm, 
 or  power  can  preferve  a  flate,  which  God  has  decreed  to  overturn  ;  and  excellence 
 «iid  the  nioft  noble  talents  for  public  affairs,  are  overwhelmed  with  ignominy  and 
 ruin.  Maketh  judges  fools ;  by  their  wretched  condition  in  captivity  they  are 
 driven  to  madnefs.  He  looseth  the  bond  of  kings ;  deprives  them  of  the  royal  belt, 
 Ifa.  xlv.  1.  an  Infignia  of  majefty  ;  that  is,  he  dearoys  their  binding  power,  and 
 their  authority,  by  dethroning  them.  He  girdeth  their  loins  ;  that  is,  delivers  them 
 captive  into  the  hands  of  their  favage  conquerors.  Speech  of  the  Irus'y ;  the  pa¬ 
 triotic  orators,  in  the  general  dellruaion  of  their  country,  lofe  poffeffion  of  their 
 mental  powers,  and  are  no  longer  able  to  exert  tlieir  eloquence.  He  lakelh  away 
 their  heart.  The  divine  infatuation  of  governors  is  here  deferibed,  in  forcible  and 
 ftriking  language.  In  their  confufion,  miftakes,  perplexity,  and  didrefs,  they 
 refemble  perfons  who  have  loff  themfelves  in  the  Arabian  folitudes,  without  a 
 way-mark,  without  a  light  to  guide  them  ;  and  tiieir  refolution  and  unftable  coun- 
 lels  are  like  the  reeling  motions  of  a  drunken  man. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XIlI.  Behold,  all  thefe  things  I 
 know  from  my  own  experience  or  obfervation,  or  have  learned  from  others.  3. 
 It  IS  with  God  bimfcif  that  I  wiiTi  to  debate  my  own  integrity,  and  to  anfwer 
 hts  objeaions  againit  it ;  4.  For  ye  are  all  forgers  of  falfe  doarines  and  accufa- 
 tlons  agamft  me.  5,  6.  It  would  be  more  agreeable  to  me,  and  fhew  more  wif. 
 dom  in  you,  if  ye  would  never  fpeak  a  word  more  on  the  I'ulijea.  7.  Doth  God 
 ftand  in  need  of  your  falfe  doariiies,  to  justify  his  proceedings  against  me?  8. 
 Hath  he  fo  little  right  on  his  fide,  that  you  must  Ibew  him  favour,  and  oblige  him 
 y  wronging  me?  9.  Would  it  be  for  your  honour  or  advantage  that  he  Iliould 
 
 ]5  Though  he  flay  me,  yet  will  I  trufl;  in  him 
 1 1  will  t  maintain  mine  own  ways  before  him. 
 
 !  16  He  alfo  shall  be  my  falvation  :  for  an  hypocrite 
 
 fhall  not  come  before  him.  ^ 
 
 17  Hear  diligently  my  fpeech,  and  ray  declaration oo 
 
 with  your  ears.  argue, 
 
 18  Behold  now,  I  have  ordered  my  caufe  ;  I  know 
 that  I  fhall  be  jultified. 
 
 19  Who  is  he  that  will  plead  with  me  ?  for  now,  if 
 I  hold  my  tongue,  1  (hall  give  up  the  ghoft. 
 
 20  Only  do  not  two  things  unto  me ;  then  will  I 
 not  hide  myfelf  from  thee. 
 
 21  Withdraw  thine  hand  far  from  me  ;  and  let  not 
 thy  dread  make  me  afraid  : 
 
 22  Then  call  thou,  and  I  will  anfwer ;  or  let  me 
 fpeak,  and  anfwer  thou  me. 
 
 23  How  many  are  mine  iniquities  and  fins  ?  make 
 me  to  know  my  tranfgreffion  aud  ray  fin. 
 
 24  Wherefore  hidefl  thou  thy  face,  aud  holdefl  me 
 for  thine  enemy? 
 
 25  Wilt  thou  break  a  leaf  driven  to  and  fro.^  and 
 wilt  thou  purfue  the  dry  ftubble? 
 
 26  For  thou  writeft  bTter  things  againft  me,  and 
 *  make-ft  me  to  pi  flel's  the  iniquities  of  my  youth. 
 
 27  Thou  putteft  my  feet  alfo  in  the  flocks,  and 
 
 t  lookeft  narrowly  unto  all  ray  paths  ;  thou  fettelt  af  Heb. 
 print  upon  the  f  heels  of  my  feet.  obsemest. 
 
 28  And  he,  as  a  rotten  thing,  confumeth,  as  a  gar-^ 
 raent  that  is  moth-eaten. f 
 
 CHAP.  XIV. 
 
 1  Job  entreateth  God  for  favour,  by  the  shortness  of  life,  and  certainly  of 
 
 death;  1  though  lije  once  lost  be  irrecoverable,  yet  he  waiteih  for  his 
 
 change.  \6  By  sin  the  creature  is  suhjeft  to  corruption. 
 
 Man  that  is  born  of  a  woman  is  f  of  few  days,  ^f 
 and  full  of  trouble.  days. 
 
 a  Pfalot 
 25.  7. 
 
 narrowly  examine  your  difeourfes,  and  the  fprings  and  motives  of  them  ?  10. 
 
 No;  he  wil)  certainly,  fearfully,  and  openly  chastife  you  for  your  hypocritical 
 attempts  to  gratify  him  by  condemning  me.  12.  Ye  yourfelves  are  but  mean 
 worms,  fprung  out  of  the  dust  before  him  ?  and  your  boasted  remonstrances  and 
 arguments,  are  worthlefs  and  weak  as  heaps  of  dirt  or  clay.  13.  Keep  filence 
 therefore,  and  do  not  interrupt  my  fpeech.  14.  I  am  fo  confeious  of  my  inte¬ 
 grity,  that  I  must  wonder  why  I  fuffer  fuch  enraging  miferies,  and  am  expofed  to 
 fuch  evils.  15.  Lo !  fhould  he  utterly  cut  me  off,  and  not  leave  me  the  least 
 glimmering  of  hope,  I  would,  to  the  last  gafp,  maintain  mine  integrity.  16. 
 Nay,  I  am  confident,  that  he  hinifelf,  with  whom  no  hypocrite  dare  lodge  his 
 appeal,  will  in  due  time  vindicate  me,  ^nd  lave  me  with  an  everlasting  falvation. 
 17,  18.  Hear  me  then  with  care  and  attention  :  I  know  that  in  the  iffue,  I  Jhall 
 be  cleared  from  every  charge  of  hypocrify,  and  manifested  a  righteous  perfon. 
 
 1  9.  vV  hat  impartial  perfon  dare  charge  me  with  hypocrify,  or  can  prove  his  point  ? 
 If  he  could,  I  fhould  be  filent,  die  with  (hame,  and  be  strangled  with  grief.  20 
 — 22.  Do  thou,  great  Judge,  remove  thy  oppreffing  rod  from  off  me,  and  let  not 
 the  overwhelming  awe  of  thy  majesty  terrify  me.  23.  What  and  how  many,  O 
 God,  are  thofe  heinous  fins  which  require  fuch  grievous  punilliments  ?  or,  If  I  am 
 thus  affliaed  for  fume  particular  crime,  caufe  me  to  know  it.  21.  Wny  Ihouldest 
 thou  in  anger  thus  withhold  thy  favours  and  comforts?  why  fliouldest  thou  hold 
 and  treat  me  as  an  enemy  to  ihre?  26.  Thou  paffest  the  most  fevere  fentences 
 against  me;  and  by  affliaing  me  with  the  most  tormenting  troubles,  bringest  to 
 my  mind  and  punilhesi  me  for,  the  crimes  wnidi  were  committed  before  I  well 
 knew  what  I  did.  27.  Thy  fearful  judgments  compafs  me  in  fo  cole  aud  tor¬ 
 menting  a  manner,  that  1  cannot  efcape.  28,  And  under  thefe  my  frail  carcal’e 
 gradually  rots  into  death. 
 
 _ _  _ _ _  EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XIV.  Man  that  is  born  of  a  poor, 
 
 ihftruaive  kffons  cmictning  afforded  ut^'n^hV  vllumesrfc^^^^  ur'^vid'  oe”  Ijoafting  ;  contempt  is  its  jull  reward.  I  be  moft 
 
 criminal  to  pretend  contendiii.r  with  him  who  is  pofleffed  of  all  uoffiblp  oxr  11  ^  I  and  revelation,  well  vouched  to  be  of  heavenlv  origin  How  mad  and 
 
 t^nts  of  the  Lrtl. !  No  king  fo  high  liuT he  can  £glv:^n  no  poliiLn "o Z  ‘  -habi- 
 
 TrIctIc^l  oSsER  ,„d  "" ” 
 
 God  in  a  wi,  ked  or  deceitful  maimer  !  What  men  call  pi^ts  frruraJe^with  Gml  iL^Tiourcbel'ts  coiUrovct ftalifts.  tlow  criminal  to  manage  the  caufe  of 
 
 No  good  intentions,  no  pious  pretence  will  avail  at  liis  bar.  Never  let  us  lb  mean  and  mortal  da’reT  are  but  horrid  profanations  of  his  name, 
 
 under  trouble  to  have  the  tellimony  of  a  good  confcience  '  It  ^010.10 i  s  n  the  ex  rem  v  of  .  ’  n  neighbour.  How  lupportiog  is  it 
 
 thethroneof  grace,  to  alkmercv  and  obtain  grace  to  he  p  in  the  time  of  heed  ItLuSmbZdV  aid  te  come  hoflly  to 
 
 man  even  in  his  best  state,  if  left  but  a  momen't  toMimlelf ! ^fcatcst  Ctiuts  mingling  tueir  paffions  with  their  prayers.  What 
 
Job  ii'ishcib  for  a  jitace  of  shcUety  4r. 
 
 JOB. 
 
 a  Chap. 
 8.  9. 
 Pfalms 
 102.  1 1. 
 &  103, 
 15.  & 
 14-1.  4. 
 f  Heb. 
 Who  wUl 
 
 gilt. 
 
 b  Pfalm 
 51.  5. 
 c  Chap. 
 7.  1. 
 t  Heb. 
 cea$i. 
 
 ^ri'a  ^  comet h  forth  like  a  flower,  and  is  cut  down  : 
 ctT.  1520.  flceth  alto  as  a  fhadow,  aod  continueth  not. 
 
 3  And  doft  thou  open  thine  eyes  upon  fuch  an  one, 
 and  brinueft  me  into  judgment  with  thee? 
 
 -t-  t  Who  can  bring  a  clean  Uiiug  out  of  an  un¬ 
 clean  ^  not  one. 
 
 5  =  Seeing  his  days  are  determined,  the  number  of 
 his  months  are  with  thee ;  thou  haft  appointed  his 
 bounds  that  he  cannot  pafs. 
 
 6  Turn  from  him,  that  he  may  f  reft,  till  he  fhall 
 accomplifti,  as  an  hireling,  his  day. 
 
 7  For  there  is  hope  of  a  tree,  if  it  be  cut  down, 
 that  it  will  fprout  again,  and  that  the  tender  branch 
 thereof  will  not  ceal'e. 
 
 8  Though  the  root  thereof  wax  old  in  the  earth, 
 and  the  ftock  thereof  die  in  the  ground  ; 
 
 9  YeL  through  the  fcent  of  water  it  will  bud,  and 
 biing  forth  houghs  like  a  plant. 
 
 f  Heb.  w  10  But  man  dieth,  and  f  wafteth  away;  yea,  man 
 
 ghoft,  and  where  is  he  ? 
 
 or, cutoj.  waters  fail  from  the  fea,  and  the  flood 
 
 decayeth  and  drieth  up  ; 
 
 12  So  man  lieth  down,  and  rifeth  not:  till  the  hea¬ 
 
 vens  be  no  more,  they  fhall  not  awake,  nor  be  raifed  , 
 out  of  their  deep.  : 
 
 13  O  that  thou  W’culdeft  hide  me  in  the  grave, ; 
 that  thou  w'ouldeft  keep  me  lecret,  until  thy  wrath  be ' 
 paft,  that  thou  w'ouldeft  appoint  me  a  fet  time,  and  ! 
 remember  me ! 
 
 14  If  a  man  die,  fhall  he  live  agai)i  ?  all  ihe  days  of 
 my  appointed  time  w‘i!l  I  wait,  till  my  change  come. 
 
 15  Thou  (halt  call,  and  I  will  anfwer  thee:  thou 
 wilt  have  a  defire  to  the  work  of  thine  hands. 
 
 <1  Pfalm  16  d  Bor  now  thou  numbereft  my  fieps  ;  doft  thou 
 139.  2, 3.  jjQj  watch  over  my  fin  ^ 
 
 17  My  tranfgrefTion  is  fealed  up  in  a  bag,  and  thou 
 feweft  up  mine  iniquity. 
 
 18  And  furely  the  mountain  falling  f  cometh  to 
 nought,  and  the  rock  is  removed  out  of  his  place. 
 
 19  The  waters  w'ear  the  ftones  :  thou  f  wafheft 
 
 ElipJiax  reprcrveth  Job  of  impiefy  ^ 
 
 21  His  fons  come  to  honour,  and  he  knoweth  it  Befo 
 
 not  ;  and  they  are  brought  low,  but  he  perceiveth  it  ChS 
 not  of  them.  «>•. 
 
 22  But  his  flefh  upon  him  fhall  have  pain,  and  his'**^ 
 foul  within  him  fiiall  mourn.* 
 
 t  Heb. 
 padeih. 
 
 •f-  Heb. 
 
 oveifii^w-  away  the  things  which  grow  out  cf  the  duft  of  the 
 
 earth  ;  and  thou  deftroyeft  the  hope  of  man. 
 
 20  Thou  prevaileft  for  ever  againft  him  ;  and  he 
 pafTeth  :  thou  changeft  his  countenance,  and  fendeft 
 him  awav. 
 
 weak,  frail  woman,  is  of  few  days,  and  fo  forfeited  with  troubles,  that  he  needs 
 pity,  rather  than  a  violent  hand  to  cut  him  off.  2.  He  makes  a  fparkling  and 
 fair  fliow,  and  is  cut  down  by  an  untimely  death,  or  gradually,  and  without  fub- 
 Aantial  happinefs,  pods  through  age  into  the  eternal  Hate.  3.  And  wilt  thou,  O 
 God,  debafe  tbyfelf  to  take  notice  of,  frown  on,  or  contend  with  fuch  an  infig- 
 nificant  creature  as  roe?  4.  How  is  it  poflible  for  fuch  as  are  finfully  corrupted 
 themfelves  to  procure  innocent  children?  7 — 12.  And  the  rather,  Unce  there 
 is  no  hope  that  men  once  dead  will  revive  into  life  like  the  flumps  of  old  trees  in 
 a  well-watered  foil,  but  will  lie  crumbled  into  dull,  and  quite  infenfible,  till  the 
 laft  day.  13.  Oh  that  thou  wouldeft  hide  me  iu  the  ftate  of  the  dead,  and  cover 
 me  with  a  veil,  till  this  ftorm  of  thy  wrath  blow  over  !  or  fet  fome  limit  of  time 
 and  degree  to  thy  wrath,  and  in  pity  remember  me  !  14.  Then,  however  inspof- 
 
 fible  it  be  for  men  to  rife  from  the  dead  before  the  laft  day,  I  flioulJ  patiently, 
 all  the  days  of  my  troublefotr.e  warfare,  wait  for  my  dying  hour;  and  no  lefs 
 patiently  wait  for  my  glorious  change  at  the  refurrecSlion.  15.  Then,  in  love  to 
 tby  poor  creature,  thou  (houldeft  by  death  call  me  to  thy  judgment-feat,  and  I 
 fhould  readily  come:  and  at  the  refurredlion,  thou  lhalt,  in  love  to  me,  call  me 
 up  from  the  grave,  and  I  will  gladly  obey.  18,  19.  But  there  is  no  more  hope 
 of  men’s  recovery  from  death,  or  of  me  from  this  calamity,  than  that  fallen 
 mountains  fliould  raife  themfelves  up,  or  removed  rocks  refume  their  place,  or 
 
 CHAP.  XV. 
 
 1  EUphax  reproveth  Job  of  impiHy  in  justifying  himself;  17  he  promh 
 by  traUilion,  the  unquietness  of  wickid  men. 
 
 ^r^HEN  anCwered  Eliphaz  the  Temanite^and  faid, 
 
 J.  2  Should  a  wife  man  utter  t  vain  knowledge’ t  Heb. 
 and  fill  his  belly  with  the  eaft  wind  ? 
 
 3  Should  he  reafbn  with  unprofitable  talk  ;  or  with 
 fpeeches  wherewith  he  can  do  no  good  ? 
 
 4  Yea,  t  thou  cafleft  ofl"  fear,  and  refiiaineft  II  pray-' t  Heb. 
 
 er  before  God.  ■  '  "'oumai. 
 
 5  For  thy  mouth  futtereth  thine  iuiqpity;  and  thou^o""*'. 
 choofeft  the  tongue  of  the  crafty. 
 
 6  Tnine  own  mouth  condemneth  theCy  and  not  I  ;  tHeb. 
 
 yea,  thine  own  lips  tefiify  againft  thee.  ‘‘acheth. 
 
 7  Art  thou  the  firtt  man  (bat  was  born  ;  or  waft" ' 
 thou  made  before  the  hills? 
 
 8  ^  Haft  thou  heard  the  fecret  of  God  ?  and  doft  a  Rom, 
 
 thou  reftrain  wifdom  to  thyfelf?  -  \  ti.si. 
 
 9  What  knoweft  thou,  that  we  know  T\ot^  wbat 
 i  underftandeft  thou,  which  is  not  in  us? 
 
 10  With  us  arc  both  gray-headed  and  very  aged 
 
 men,  much  elder  than  thy  father.  /  , 
 
 U  Are  the  confolations  of  God  fraall  with  thee? 
 is  there  any  fecret  thing  with  thee  ? 
 
 12  Why  doth  thine  heart  carry  thee  away?  and 
 what  do  thy  eyes  wink  at, 
 
 13  That  thou  turueft  thy  fpirlt  againft  God,  and 
 letteft  s7Kh  words  go  cut  of  tby  mouth  ? 
 
 14  ^  What  is  man  that  he  fhould  be  clean?  and  //e'^HKings 
 'wbicb  is  born  of  a  woman,  that  he  fnould  be  righteous 
 
 15  *=  Behold,  he  putteth  no  truft  in  his  faints  ;  yea,  e.  3& 
 
 the  heavens  are  not  clean  in  his  fight :  .  ,,  -  chap. 
 
 16  How  much  more  abominable  and  filthy. rs  man, 
 
 which  drinketh  iniquity  like  water  ?  '  ,4“” 
 
 17  1  will  (hew  thee,  hear  me  ;  and  that  izbich  I  have  PrU’ , 
 
 feen  I  will  declare ;  .  '  £0.9. 
 
 18  Which  wife  men  have  told  from  their  fathers, 
 
 and  have  not  hid  rV ;  c  CNp. 
 
 19  Unto  whom  alone  the  earth  was  given,  and  no  4.  la. 
 ftranger  pafled  among  them. 
 
 worn  ftones  fhould  grow  again  ;  or  that  which  is  carried  away  by  a  flood  Ihould 
 be  brought  back,  and  the  devaftutions  repaired.  22.  But  his  body  after  pains  in 
 death,  fliall  corrupt  in  the  grave  ;  and  his  foul  imbittered  in  death,  often  removed 
 to  an  eternal  anguifli  in  hell. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XV.  Filled  with  indignation  at  the 
 contempt  which  Job  had  difeovered  for  him  and  his  friends,  Eliphaz  replied, 
 2.  Sbouldeft  thou,  who  pretendeft  to  wifdom,  prefume  to  throw  forth  foch  ua- 
 fubftantial  and  hoifterous  nonfenfe  ;  or  to  fatisfy  thy  own  confcience.with  fuch 
 pernicious  fancies?  5.  Tliy  tongue  proclaims  the  wickednefs  of  thy  heart,. even 
 while,  by  pretence  of  repe<5l  to  God,  thou  attempteft  to  c&ver.  thy  impious 
 principles  and  praiftices.  6.  I  need  produce  no  evidence  of  thy  impiety;  thy 
 own  words  fufticiently  mauifeft  and  prove  it.  7  Waft  thoii  formed  before  every 
 other  creature,  that  thou  pretendeft  to  be  wifer  and  better  than  other  men? 
 9.  What  fecret  haft  thou  learned  that  we  do  not  fully  comprehend  ?  12.  Why 
 
 do  thy  inward  lufts  thus  violently  tranfport  thee  into  fuch  pride,  fury,  and  fcorn- 
 ful  contempt;  13.  That  thou  fhou'deft  dare  to  ra"e  againft  the  Moll  High,  aaJ 
 innocently  arraign  the  equity  of  his  providence?  17 — -19  Liften  carefully  while 
 I  clearly  declare  and  demonftrate  unto  thee  what  I  myfelf  have  oliferved,  anj 
 which  the  vvifeft,  moft  powerful,  and  wealthy  princes  of  former  ages  have  .obferv- 
 ed,  profefled,  or  believed,  and  informed  their  children  of.  20  The  wicked  ty- 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — •  Chap.  XTV.]  Pride  ought  affuredly  to  have  no  place  in  the  charadler  of  mortal  man,  whofe  life  is  ^flidrt  and  full  of 
 trouble  It  becomes  him  to  be  principally  occupied  about  the  coming  world,  and  to  look  and  long  for  that  reft  which  remaineth  for  the  people  of  God.  Awful  and 
 awakening,  though  comfortable  and  heart  compofing,  are  believing  views  of  death  and  the  refurredlion  ;  and  cheering  the  thought,  that,  while  our  bodies,  as  pi  ccious 
 duft,  fteep  in  tire  kind  arms  of  the  Lord,  our  fouls  fhall  retire  to  fit  with  him  on  his  throne,  and  there  wait  till  our  great,  our  laft  change  come !  If  grace  has  changed 
 our  fouls  ;  death  has  changed  its  nature  to  us;  and  the  hope  of  a  glorious  refurreiRion  is  furely  enough  to  fupport  us  under  every  trouble. 
 
JOB. 
 
 I  Hel>. 
 0  loun^ 
 tffcurs. 
 
 viinhaz  provclh  the  wic/ced’s  unquietness. 
 
 on  'Fhe  wicked  mau  travelleth  with  pain  all  /u's  days, 
 
 KS  ,„r,,“>umher  of  V-rs  is  hidden  , 
 
 t  A  dreadful  lound  /s  in  his  ears,  m  proiptruy  , 
 
 r,ha,.  ..u. 
 
 .  he  knowe.h  that  the  day  of  darknefs  ,s  ready  . 
 
 2t  frouh'.e  and  anBaifb  (hall  make  him  '■tMd  ;  they  ' 
 fl,a1  prLvad  attainlt  him,  as  a  king  heady  to  the  battle^  , 
 <25  For  he  ftretcheth' out  his  hand  af^ainlt  God,  and  , 
 
 ftrengtbeneth  himlelf  againft  the  .  : 
 
 26  He  runneth  upon  him,  even  upon  uis  neck,  upon 
 
 the  tnick  bolFs  of  his  buckler  ;  fatnefs  ' 
 
 Becaule  he  covereth  his  face  with  his  ratneis,  . 
 
 and  makeih  collops  of  fat  on  ///s  flanks.  j 
 
 28  And  he  dwelleth  in  defolate  cities,  and  1 
 
 which  no  man  inhabiteth,  which  are  r.ady  to  become  j 
 
 (hall  not  be  rich,  neither  (hall  his  (ubftance  |' 
 continue,  neither  fliall  he  prolong  the  perteaion  there- , 
 of  upon  the  earth. 
 
 30  He  (hall  not  depart  out  of  datf^nefs  .  the  tl  i 
 (hall  dry  up  his  branches ;  and  by  the  breath  of  his 
 
 mouth  (hall  he  go  away.  ,  ' 
 
 3 1'  Let  not  him  that  is  deceived  trufl  in  vanity  ,  tor 
 
 vanity  fhall  be  his  recompence.  ^ 
 
 32  It  (hall  be  11  accomplKhed  before  his  time,  and 
 
 his  branch  (hall  not  be  green.  _ 
 
 33  He  (hall  fhake  off  his  unripe  grape  as  the  vine, 
 
 and  (hall  caft  off  his  flower,  as  the  olive. 
 
 34  For  the  congregation  of  hypocrites  shall  oe  delo- 
 late,  and  fire  (hall  confume  the  tabernacles  of  bribery. 
 
 ■  inh's  Jrieiu'r  rrp  rn'^'u 
 
 for  nn'n  yeifnlv' 
 
 Or,  ill' 
 
 35  <*  They  conceive  mifehic  f,  and  bring  f'-rth 
 
 ni.y,  .„d  them  belly^P  pare.n  d,  os..- ^ 
 
 CHAP.  XVI. 
 
 out  of  1  Johrevroveth'd,  IricmUfor  unmereq^nr.: ;  The 
 
 cate;  n  he  inaint  .tne'.h  hisinnocency. 
 
 Then  Job  anCwered  and  laid, 
 
 2  I  have  heard  many  fuch  things ; 
 
 “s  Shin  Vvam  words  have  an  end?  or  whs, 
 
 va- 
 
 f.i.  1  'd.b 
 
 '■■ul 
 
 m: 
 
 .  tv, 
 
 Iroublc- 
 i  jm 
 
 ■  a  Cl  ap. 
 
 1  4. 
 
 I't/m. 
 
 Heb. 
 
 what  goetU 
 from  me. 
 
 8  On 
 
 cul  of. 
 
 boldeneth  thee  that  thou  p  ,  _  t 
 
 4  I  alio  could  (peak  as  ye  do  ;  If  your  ^ 
 
 my  foul’s  (lead,  I  could  heap  up  word^  afaatnff  .  .^u,,, 
 
 Tfid  (hake  mine  head  at  you. 
 
 5  Bid  I  would  Itreng.hen  you  Wit.i  my  mot  an 
 the  moving  of  my  lips  (hould  alTuage  yo"r  ii"ri. 
 
 «  Tboulh  I  (peak,  my  griet  ,s  not  affuaged  ;  and^ 
 
 fC^n^rh-e^aYh'^deTe  weary:  thou  haft; 
 
 ™s'^A'nd'1ic?har  S”  mLi.h  wrinkles,  w/,.;.  rr 
 a  witnefs  agaimt  me :  and  roy  leannels  nfn.g  up  in 
 me  bcareth  uitu^ls  to  my 
 
 9  He  >eareth  me  in  bis  wrath,  who  hateth  me .  he 
 gnalheth  upon  me  with  his  teelh  ;  mine  enemy  Iharp- 
 
 '"i^l  he^have  “gaped  upon  me  with  their  mouth  ; 
 they  have  fmitteo  me  upon  the  cheek  repro.mhful.y  , 
 ithey  have  gathered  themfelv-s  together  againtt  me. 
 
 1  1 1  God  t  hath  delivered  me  to  the  ungodly,  and  t  ^ 
 
 '  turned  me  over  into  the  hands  of  the  wic-ced. 
 
 ,  12  1  was  at  eale,  but  h-e  hath  broken  me  afunder  : 
 
 i  he  hath  alio  taken  me  by  my  neck,  and  (haken  me  to 
 pieces,  and  fet  me  up  for  his  mark. 
 
 hath  shut 
 me  vp. 
 
 raiitisntver  free  from  inward  torment.  21.  Confcioufnefs  of  guilt  keeps  him 
 
 iu  perpetual  terror  of  approaching  mifcliiefs.  22  In  trouble  he  defpairs  of  deli- 
 verLce  •  in  the  night  he  dreads  being  killed  before  morning.  24.  Straitening 
 didrefs  and  anguilh  lhatl  terrify  him  ;  they  fliall  quickly  ru 111  upon  and  prevail 
 againft  him,  as  a  ftrong  and  furious  army  commanded  by  ;  ; 
 
 As  the  punifhment  of  his  daring  impiety,  becaufe  he  dehed  and  fet  h.mfdf  m 
 oppofition  to  the  Almighty.  26.  Daring  to  fin  in  the  moft  infolent  and  p  efump- 
 tuMs  manner,  even  amidft  the  tokens  of  the  divine  indignation,  infliifted  or  irn- 
 pendimr.  27.  Becaufe,  grown  rich,  powerful,  and  fuccefsfuj,  his  only 
 pamper”hlmfelf,  and  wallow  in  eafe  and  luxury  ;  28.  Dwelling  in  cities  and  fta  e- 
 ly  houfes,  from  whence  he  had  driven  or  murdered  the -righteous  proprietors, 
 and  which  by  ihe  curfe  of  God  for  liis  fake  ftirjl  be  quickly  reduced  to  heaps 
 of  ruins,  and  he  be  obliged  to  fhift  for  himfelf  in  the  moft  miferahle  manner. 
 29.  The  riches  and  glory  which  he  hath  gotten  by  violence  and  opprelfion,  Ihall 
 neither  be  lading,  complete,  nor  firmly  rooted.  SO.  Having  once  entered  in  o 
 terrible  and  confounding  troubles,  he  ftiall  never  get  cut  of  theny  The  lightning, 
 like  flames  of  God’s  wrath,  fliall  deftroy  his  flourifliing  family  and  iiibllaiice; 
 and  bo  himfelf  fliall  be  ruined  and  driven  to  hell  by  the  threatened  juagments 
 of  God  amidft  his  proud  boafting.  31.  Let  therefore,  no  one,  who  is  tediiced  to 
 wickedntfs  or  carnal  fecurity,  tiuft  in  the  uncertain  profits,  plcafures,  or  honours 
 of  this  world  ;  for  vexations,  lolfes,  difippointments,  and  troubles,  fhall  he  all 
 he  will  <.ct  by  them.  32,  33.  Thefe  ftiall  come  upon  him  far  fooner  than  he 
 thinks.  °  His  riches,  hopes,  or  children,  fiiall  fcavcely  make  their  appearance, 
 when,  blafted  by  the  vengeance  of  God,  they  ftiall  all  he  reduced  to  ruin-  34. 
 Thus  fuddeiily  and  fearfully  fliall  the  flock  and  numerous  family  of  hypocrites 
 be  utterly  deft’royed  ;  and  fome  terrible  judgment  of  God  fliall  confume  the  hoiife 
 built  up  by,  or  llored  with  ill-gotten  goods.  35.  With  no  fraall  pains  fuch  wicked 
 
 '  men  plot  and  praaife  mifehief  againft  others  ;  but  in  ibe  iffue  it  ufually  brings 
 '"‘ESVirATORY  KOTES.  C„.,.  XV,.  To  ,..i.  Jol.  r.,.li.J,  =  Jbou 
 
 haft  but  repeated  the  fenfelcfs  and  tormenting  jargon  which  1  • 
 
 Inftead  of  corr.forting,  you  plague,  barafs.  and  tempt  me  to  ‘ 
 
 wilt  thou  make  an  cod  of  fuch  idle  and  impertinent  difcour.e  .  hat  h.s  inlli 
 crated  and  emboldened  thee  to  anfwer  me  in  this  cer.forious,  ftoruful,  and 
 peremptorv  manner?  4.  W^ere  your  conditions  and  mine  exchanged,  1  could 
 I  Lfily  iiifu'lt  you  with  a  multitude  of  words,  and  deride  you  iii  a  grave  or 
 fcornful  manner.  5.  1  could  furioufly  bear  you  down  my  “"J 
 
 ;  reftraiii  mv  lips  from  uttering  a  Angle  feiitence  of  confolatioii  ,  ihoug.i 
 hope  I  fliould  rather  attempt  to  encourage,  firengthen,  and  comlort  you.  C. 
 But  now  indeed,  whether  I  boldly  defend  my  iuocence,  and  pour  forth  my 
 complaints,  or  whether  I  forbear,  my  frightful  fores  and  griefs  are  nothing  ealed. 
 7.  This  teriible  trouble  has  quite  tired  me  out,  and  made  my  life  a  burden  to 
 me  Thou,  O  God,  haft  with  thv  thunderbolts  and  fiery  icmpefts  utter.y  uel- 
 ftroyed  my  large  family,  and  all  that  pertained  to  me.  8.  \I  bile  others  murder 
 my  characler,  and  torment  my  fpi.it,  thou  by  plagues  and  griefs  baft  fo  wafted 
 and  disfigured  mv  body,  that  it  tcft.fies  my  great  afiliedion,  and  is  employed 
 againft  me  as  a  w'itncG  of  my  gieat  wickednefs.  9.  Meanwhile,  my  pretenoed 
 f. lends,  who  indeed  implacably  hate  me,  tear  my  reputation,  and  torment  my 
 fpirit  with  their  fpeeckes.  They  reproach  me  in  the  moft  fpiicful  and  outrage¬ 
 ous  m  inner;  and  while  their  eyes  Ijiarklc  with  anger,  they  cruelly  fet  themfelves 
 to  fnv  out  every,  even  the  Kail  occafion  to  calumniate  me.  10.  1  hey  behave 
 like'lviidheai  s.  gaping  to  devour  or  deride  me  ;  they  treat  me  with  the  moll 
 cruel,  and  ahufive  fcorn,  andV'ontempt  ;  they  have  met  together  to  fatisfy  their 
 internal  malice  in  tormenting  me.  il.  And  God  hath  cjuite  abandoned  me. 
 
 mj' XT  T  ' T\ T  1.  *  I  (1  To I Lti  f'llTf'  nrinmiles  whicb  tiiev  bavc  imbibed  i  and  it  is  much  cafier  to  treat  an 
 
 PBACTICAL  OBSEIIV.VITONS.-*  Cu.vp.  XV.]  Men  are  “Pt  ‘o  Lverits  tnrur?  M'ri^^^^  to  give  an  account  for  every  idle  worl,  need  to 
 
 adverfary  with  comempt  than  to  anrwer  rca  on.  reafoners  •  and  their  oppontnts  wiih  what  they  utterly  abhor.  A  od  none 
 
 fet  a  watch  upon  the  door  of  their  lips.  Difputan  s  o  ten  urn  *  ‘  Mfr  iinn  it  in  their  *^neit:hbours.  There  at  e  lecret  things  whicb  belong  to  God. 
 
 are  more  ready  to  indulge  pride  and  felf  conceit  in  ihemfelves  than  t hofe  wdm  to  ftrei.glhen  their  arguments  but  error 
 
 When  we  pretend  to  unfold  ^icm,  we  ra  iCi  proc  aim  our  pn  e  aiu  u  y  guide.  The  d  are  uot  always  the  wiiell ;  whatever  veneration  is  due  to 
 
 Il!em  ou'^tlcou"nT-"tmu‘  ZulTnJor  ffer^ficed  to^Lmur  a..y’defcri,,‘tion  of  nun.  Experience  teacl.es  us  as  w.-ll  as  feripture.  tl.at  man  is  nau.iali^y  difnoK-d 
 tlicm  on  that  accoun  ,  t.uu  '  nraaice  being  both  unclean  in  t!ie  light  of  God,  it  is  folly  and  piefumpuon  to  exptdl  to  he  juU.m  d 
 
 bv  our’ owl,  ZIZ  Iniquity  God  will  ifuredly  pu.iifli,  ...ilefs  the  foul  hecleanfed  in  the  blood  of  Jetus  lu  the  ftudy  of  true  knowledge,  the  experience  and  obUr- 
 vaC  of  others  "as  well  as  our  own  are  a.v  excellent  help.  But  how  unbounded  is  the  patience  of  God,  that  can  bear  w  lU.  wnc.ed  mouUeis  fo  mug  1 
 
 6K 
 
Job  shaveih  his  pitiful  casc^ 
 
 ■  prh  compafs  me  round  about ;  he  cleav- 
 
 cir.  U20.  ins  alunder,  and  doth  not  fpare  ;  he  pour- 
 
 out  my  gall  upon  the  ground. 
 
 hp  breach  upon  breach; 
 
 he  runneih  upon  me  like  a  giant. 
 
 Pri  mi  lackcloth  upon  my  flcin,  and  defil¬ 
 
 ed  my  horn  in  the  dnft. 
 
 ru^j  vveeping,  and  on  my  eye¬ 
 lids  js  the  fhadow  of  death  ;  ^ 
 
 .  17  Not  tor  injultice’ in  mine  hands:  alfo  my’ 
 prayer  is  pure.  ^ 
 
 IS  O  earth,  cover  not  thou  my  blood,  and  let  my 
 t  iieb.  cry  have  no  place.  ^ 
 
 behold,  my  witnefs  is  in  heaven,  and 
 i  H.h  +  on  high. 
 
 20  My  friends  f  Icorn  me  : 
 out  tears  untu  God. 
 
 2-1  Oh  that  one  might  plead  for  a  man  with  God, 
 as  a  man  pAcadeth  for  his  ||  neighbour  ! 
 
 22  When  t  a  few  years  are  come,  then  I  fhall  go 
 the  way  •j:hence  I  fhall  not  return.* 
 
 1  ,  CHAP.  XVII. 
 
 tt  °  unmercip.1  deding  of  men  with 
 
 the  off, fled  r,u,y  os!on,sh  but  not  discourage  the  righteous  ;  11  his  hope 
 «  not  m  It/e  but  in  death.  ‘ 
 
 M\  II  breath  is  corrupt,  my  days  are  extiinff,  the 
 graves  are  ready  for  me. 
 
 2  Are  there  not  mockers  with  me  ?  and  doth  not 
 mine  eje  f  continue  in  their  provocation  ? 
 
 JOB. 
 
 are  my 
 scorners. 
 2  Or, 
 .friend. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 years  of 
 numbe-s. 
 
 H  Or, 
 spirit  is 
 spent. 
 t  Heb. 
 lodge. 
 
 but  mine  eye  poureth 
 
 vickedmen  t  wfi  me  down  into  the  hands  of  thefe  and  other 
 
 icked  men,  to  oc  ahufed  by  them  as  they  pleafe.  12.  Great  was  my  former 
 
 of  H^w  God  has  trodden  and  bruifed  me  in  the  prefs 
 
 of  his  wrath,  and  made  me,  as  it  «ere,  to  boil  over  with  dregs  of  trouble  and 
 
 mis*  ‘“■'■renting  manner  he  has  ruined  my  foul, 
 
 ^y  body,  my  cb.idreu,  and  all  that  I  had  ;  he  has  fet  me  as  a  dillinguilhed  but; 
 of  bis  fearful  indignation.  1  3.  Devils,  wicked  men,  calamities,  and  difeafes  as  the 
 inftruments  of  his  vengeance,  compafs  me  round  about.  W'itliout  mercy  he  tor- 
 «qu>fite  pains  in  my  body,  anguilh  of  mind,  and  terrors 
 breach  ^ s  a  battering  ram  he  breaks  through  me  with  breach  upon 
 
 one  dreadful  plague  to  another;  he  furioufly  rulhes  upon  me 
 with  j^lmighty  force  of  his  wrath,  which  I  can  by  no  means  withftand  or  fup- 
 p  t  lo.  The  fackcloth  I  had  put  on  all  over  my  body,  to  mark  my  deep  mourn- 
 >ng  and  l.umi.iation  under  his  mighty  hand,  Aicks  to  my  ulcers;  and,  exhaufted 
 with  wounds  of  trouble,  I  have  fat  down  on  this  dunghill,  where  all  my  former 
 authority  and  honour  are  changed  into  contempt.  1  6.  Wy  face  is  terribly  burnt, 
 and  tormented  with  trickling  tears  ;  and  the  very  fubftance  of  my  eves  is  almoft 
 conlumed  with  weeping,  fo  that  I  look  like  one  dead  and  rotting.  17.  Althou"h 
 1  was  n^'tr  a  violent  oppreffor  of  men,  or  a  hypocritical  worfhipper  of  God.  18. 
 
 eart  ,  if  j  had  been  guilty  of  bloodfhed  or  oppreflion,  conceal  it  not ;  let  the 
 dogs  ick  my  blood  when  I  am  dead,  and  let  neither  God  nor  men  rcg.ird  my 
 complaints  or  cries  for  pity  while  I  am  alive.  19.  But  what  need  thefe  impreca¬ 
 tions,  which  even  now  the  all-feeing  God,  who  dwells  in  the  lofty  regions  of 
 heaven,  is  the  car  and  the  eye  w  itnefs  of  my  virtue  and  true  piety.  20.  My  com¬ 
 panions  mock  and  feoff  at  me  as  an  hypocrite  ;  but  my  foul,  w  ith  floods  of  tears, 
 earneftly  appeals  to  God,  and  begs.  21.  That  he  would  thoroughly  and  clearly 
 exarniiie  my  caufe,  and  give  a  decifion  between  me  and  my  reproaching  friends; 
 22.  bince,  if  it  be  not  done  quickly,  my  troubles  will  foon  make  an  end  of  me,  and 
 then  it  will  tie  too  late. 
 
 NOTES.  Chap.  XVII.  My  fpirit  is  maimed,  broken, 
 and  confounded  with  trouble:  and  my  breath  Ainks,  as  in  dving  perfons;  the 
 d.-»ys  of  my  life  are  tbunderAruck,  Aiortened,  aqd  debafed  nothing  but  the 
 
 He  appcalelh  from  men  to  God  > 
 
 * 
 
 3  Lay  down  now,  put  me  in  a  Turety  with  thee  •  Ber 
 
 who  is  he  that  will  llrike  hands  with  n:e?  ’  Chrht* 
 
 4  For  thou  hall  hid  their  heart  from  underfiandiog  • 
 
 therefore  lhalt  thou  not  exalt  them.  ° 
 
 5  He  that  (peaketh  flattery  to  his  friends,  even  thp 
 eyes  of  his  children  fhall  fail. 
 
 6  He  hath  made  me  alfo  a  by-word  of  the  people  • 
 
 and  (I  aforetime  I  was  as  a  fabret.  ’  n 
 
 7  Mine  eye  alfo  is  dim  by  reafon  of  forrow,  and  all 
 
 II  my  members  are  as  a  fhadow,  them. 
 
 8  Upright  men  fhail  be  aftonied  at  this,  and  thel^^’ 
 innocent  fhall  ftir  up  himfelf  ag.iinlf  the  hypocrite.  tuLde, 
 
 9  The  righteous  alfo  fhall  hold  on  his  way  ;  and  he 
 that  hath  clean  hands  f  lhall  beflronger  and  flronger  fHeh. 
 
 10  But  as  for  you  all,  do  ye  return,  and  come  now  • 
 
 for  1  cannot  find  one  wife  man  among  you.  *  ^‘‘’engih. 
 
 1 1  My  days  are  paff,  my  purpofes  are  broken  off 
 even  t  the  thoughts  of  my  heart. 
 
 12  They  change  the  night  into  day  :  the  light  ig  the  posset. 
 
 t  fhort  becaule  of  darknels.  5(0  JiS, 
 
 13  If  I  wait,  the  grave  is  mine  houfe:  I  have  madeL!!.®'^ 
 my  bed  in  the  darknefs. 
 
 1 4  I  have  f  laid  to  corruption.  Thou  art  my  father  :  f  Pieb. 
 to  the  worm.  Thou  art  my  mother,  and  my  filter.  crLd,or, 
 
 15  And  where  is  now  my  hope.^  as  for  my  hope 
 who  fhall  fee  it  ? 
 
 16  They  fhall  go  dov/n  to  the  bars  of  the  pit,  when 
 our  reft  together  is  in  the  duft.f 
 
 grave  remains  for  me.  2.  O  God,  do  not  my  friends  biiterly  mock  and  deride 
 me  as  a  wicked  hypocrite  ?  And  does  not  my  mind  fo  dwell  and  pore  on  their 
 proud,  infolent,  and  exafperating  fpeeches,  that  I  cannot  Aeep,  or  mine  eyes 
 refrain  from  tears?  3.  Come  then,  give  me  undoubted  affurance  that  thou  wilt 
 take  my  caufe  in  hand  and  do  mo  juftice,  or  give  me  an  impartial  man  like  mv- 
 felf,  who  in  thy  flead  fhall  debate  the  matter  with  me.  4.  For,  as  for  thefe  my 
 friends,  thou  liaA  withheld  from  them  a  common  capacity  to  underAand  thy  pro. 
 vidential  difpenfations,  therefore  they  can  never  be  honoured  to  judge  my  plea! 
 5.  He  who  flatters  friends  in  their  wickednefs  becaufe  of  their  profperity,  or  who 
 inanifeAly  makes  a  prey  of  them,  his  poAcrity  Aiall  pine  away  in  difappointment 
 and  niifery.  6.  Alas  !  both  God  and  my  friends  now  combine  to  expofe  me  to  the 
 common  contempt  of  the  people,  though  lately  I  was  their  darling  and  the  matter 
 of  their  praife.  7.  My  eyes  are  rendered  dim,  and  my  mind  Aupified  with  grief 
 
 and  rny  body  is  w'aAed  to  a  flceleton.  8.  Upright  faints  in  after-times  fliall  he 
 
 aAoniAied  at  the  fovereign  difpenfations  of  God,  and  the  cruel  abufe  of  my  friends 
 with  refpea  to  me,  and  fliall  be  excited  to  the  utmoA  detestation  of  hypocrites, 
 who  uncharitably  cenfure  the  affli<aed.  9.  And,  notwithstanding  every  fcandal 
 ;and  difeouragement,  perfons  truly  righteous  fliall  perfevere  in  their  courfe  of 
 'piety  and  virtue,  and  become  more  and  more  confirmed  and  aclive  in  it.  10. 
 And  as  for  you,  my  friends,  either  repent  of  your  rafh  cenfures,  or  examine  my 
 jcaule  over  again  ;  for  hitherto  none  of  you  have  fpoken  to  the  point.  11.  What- 
 I  ever  hopes  you  give  me  of  recovering  my  wonted  profperity,  I  find  I  am  a  dyin<r 
 ;man,  and  all  my  defigns,  even  the  most  fixed  and  dear,  are  at  an  end.  12.  My 
 ■  tormenting  pains  and  anxious  thoughts  keep  me  awake  through  the  w  hole  niaht- 
 or,  if  it  get  any  moments  of  eafe,  it  is  but  little  and  foon  over.  13.  I  expe^,  I 
 
 wait  for,  nothing  now  but  an  entrance  into  the  state  of  the  dead ;  and  I  have  pre¬ 
 
 pared  for,  and  expe<5t  fpeedily  to  lie  down  in  the  grave.  14.  In  the  form  of  my 
 trouble,  and  in  the  exercife  of  my  mind,  I  have  contradled  a  relation  to,  and  fami- 
 I  liariy  w  ith  death,  corruption  and  worms.  1,5.  The  future  profperity  with  which 
 you  attempt  to  flatter  me,  and  the  temporal  happinefs  you  would  have  me  exped), 
 are  a  mere  imagination;  16.  Thefe  hopes  fliall  quickly  appear  buried  in  the  nrave 
 along  with  mylelf. 
 
 fill  ,1  M  /■  A7  lOlsS.  •  Chap.  XVI.]  Often  much  is  laid,  and  yet  nothing  to  the  purpofe  :  and  miferable  comforters  to  a  wounded  fpirit  are 
 
 bartV.  **.i.  continue  his  friends  !  NoA.ing  but  Jefus’  blood — Nothing  but  Jcboval.’s  mercy  can  grant  any  folid  relief;  Men  are  often  tr.oA  ciutl  and 
 
 j  ,  ”  ought  to  be  mo  A  tender  and  coropaflionate  ;  and  tbofc  who  riot  in  profperity  and  eale,  leidom  lay  much  to  licart  the  calie  of  their  exticmely  diftriffed 
 
 'fi  I  men  for  fins  w  e  cannot  prove,  and  perfi  A  in  repeating  accufations  which  have  he-n  Confuted  and  anfwered,  is  cruel  and  deferves  a  fliarp  rebuke. 
 
 A  loug  '  'err  h  e  and  complicated  are  the  afllitSlions  of  the  righteous  in  this  world,  unfpeakahly  more  fo  w  ill  he  the  troubles  of  the  wicked  in  hell,  where  curies  and  an 
 inexprt  i  e  tormmt  will  he  their  poition  for  ever.  ilap|)y  will  they  he  who  are  purged  lion,  all  their  drofs  in  God’s  furnace!  'Jlicy  fow  in  tears,  hut  fliall  reap  in 
 diHicult  it  may  he  to  bring  their  mind  to  their  lot,  the  teftimony  of  a  good  confciencc  fpiinkled  with  the  blood  of  Jefus,  will  at  laA  more  than 
 
 luf  eiiDgs.  They  have  a  gracious  God  to  appeal  to  as  thcii  friend  and  their  judge.  Tl  eir  tears  fliall  he  reinemhcrtd,  and  thole  who  unjufliy 
 
 cau  e  1  e  tears  to  flow  will  be  rewarded.  Death  may  be  compaied  to  a  journey  into  a  far  countiy,  from  whence  we  fliall  never  rttuin;  the  moment  we  depart 
 
 loni  ear  ■ ,  our  cterna  state  is  determined  for  heaven  or  hell.  Our  time  here  is  hut  lliort !  Happy  they  who  employ  it  in  making  ready  for  their  departure  that  vVhen 
 
 the  hour  comes  they  have  nothing  to  do  hut  to  die.  “s  s  r  r  hr  1  anure,  uiai  wntn 
 
 PRACTICAL  OLSEHV  A  1  IONS. — +  Chap.  XVII.]  Ilappv  are  thofe  who  have  fpiritual  breath  which  cannot  corrupt;  life  that  can  never  fail  -  who  liavfe 
 Ibeir  portion  in  tternal  h.iflednefs,  atnl  are  ready  for  their  grave.  VMIuctn  is  God’s  gift ;  when  thole  who  poilefs  it  abufe  their  talent,  he  cau  infatuate  and  coB. 
 
Bil  'ad 
 
 Before 
 Clirift 
 cir.  1529 
 
 \  Heb. 
 his  soui. 
 
 I  Or, 
 la  trip- 
 
 Heb, 
 
 iden, 
 
 Heb. 
 
 liter 
 
 m. 
 
 Heb. 
 
 rs. 
 
 Chap. 
 14.  & 
 .  20. 
 falm 
 2.  10. 
 
 repraoeth  Job  of  presumption,  8fC» 
 
 CHAP.  XVIII. 
 
 1  Bildad  reproveth  Job  o/ presumption  and  impatience.  5  The  calamities 
 of  the  wieked. 
 
 Then  anfwered  Bildad  the  Shuhite  and  faid,  | 
 2  How  long  will  it  be  ere  ye  make  an  end  of 
 words?  mark,  and  afterwards  we  will  Ipeak. 
 
 3  Wherefore  are  we  counted  as  beafts,  and  reputed 
 
 vile  in  your  fight  ?  n  . 
 
 4  He  teareth  f  himfelf  in  his  anger  :  lhall  the  earth 
 be  forfiken  for  thee?  and  Ihail  the  rock  be  removed 
 out  of  his  place  ? 
 
 5  Yea,  the  light  of  the  wicked  fhall  be  put  out,  and 
 the  fpark  of  his  fire  fhalt  not  fhine. 
 
 6  The  light  fhall  be  dark  in  his  tabernacle,  and  his 
 11  candle  (hall  be  put  cut  with  him. 
 
 7  The  fteps  of  his  ftrength  fhall  be  ftraitened,  and 
 his  own  counfel  fhall  call  him  down, 
 
 8  For  he  is  caft  into  a  net  by  his  own  feet,  and  he 
 walketh  upon  a  fnare. 
 
 9  The  gin  fhall  take  him  by  the  heel,  and  the  rob¬ 
 ber  fhall  prevail  againft  him. 
 
 10  The  fnare  is  f  laid  for  him  in  the  ground,  and  a 
 trap  for  him  in  the  way. 
 
 1 1  Terror  fhall  make  him  afraid  on  every  fide,  and 
 fhall  t  drive  him  to  his  feet. 
 
 12  His  ftrength  fhall  be  hunger-bitten,  and  deftruc- 
 tion  shall  be  ready  at  his  fide. 
 
 13  It  (hall  devour  the  t  ftrength  of  his  fkin  :  even 
 the  firft-born  of  death  fhall  devour  his  ftrength. 
 
 14  *  His  confidence  lhall  be  rooted  out  of  his 
 
 JOB. 
 
 He  shevoeth  the  calamities  (if  the  widcfd* 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XVIII.  In  no  fmall  heat  of  fpirit 
 Bildad  replied,  2.  How  long  wilt  thou  cart,  forth  fuch  confufed  double  meaning 
 and  unintelligible  words,  as  if  j'ou  want  to  entrap  us  ?  Declare  plainly  what 
 you  intend,  and  after  that  we  fhall  deliver  our  minds  with  the  utmofl  clearnefs, 
 freedom  and  boldnefs.  3.  For  to  what  purpofe  is  it  to  talk  with  one  who  looks 
 upon  us  as  a  company  of  dull  beads,  into  whom  nothing  of  wifdom  can  enter  ? 
 4.  With  impatient  rage  you  tear  and  torment  yourfelf.  Mud  God,  to  humour 
 thee,  fufpeud  or  ceafe  his  government  of  the  world,  and  leave  every  thing  to 
 chance;  or  mud  he  altar  his  immutable  counfels,  or  the  fixed  laws  of  his  provi¬ 
 dence?  5.  But,  fay  what  thou  wilt,  though  the  wicked  man  may  profper  for  a 
 while,  all  his  fplendour  and  apparent  happinefs  fhall  qucikly  come  to  an  end.  6. 
 The  w'ealth  and  honour  of  his  family  lhall  be  turned  into  mifery,  contempt  and 
 forrow,  togetlier  with  himfelf.  7.  His  bold  and  refolute  attempts,  to  increafe  or 
 maintain  his  profperity  (hall  be  unfuccefsful,  and  involve  him  in  infurmountable 
 difficulties ;  and  his  own  devices  (hall  prove  the  means  of  his  overthrow.  8. 
 His  own  wiles  and  works  bring  him  into  inextricable  difficulty  and  diflrefs;  and 
 every  dep  he  takes  in  profecution  of  his  defigns,  or  in  the  way  of  pleafing  him¬ 
 felf,  is  attended  with  perpetual  danger,  and  farther  enfnare  him.  9.  While 
 ruinous  fnares  take  hold  of  and  entangle  him,  t»'ey,  who  third  for  his  blood, 
 wealth,  or  honours,  (hall  prevail  againd  him.  18.  Even  when  he  neither  forefees 
 nor  fears  it,  he  is  always  in  danger  of  fome  fudden  mifehief.  11,  tjnexpeaed 
 and  overturning  terrors  diall  fearfully  affright  him  on  all  band',  and  wade  him 
 away  on  his  feet,  while  they  make  him  to  run  from  place  to  place  for  fafety. 
 12.  Sorrows  (hall  infatiably,  as  with  intenfe  hunger,  feed  upon  him,  till  his 
 ftrength,  wealth,  and  honour,  be  entirely  waded;  and  nothing  but  prepared  and 
 
 tabernacle,  and  it  fhall  bring  him  to  the  king  of  ter- 
 
 rorS.  ^  ^ir.  1520. 
 
 15  It  fhall  dwell  in  his  tabernacle,  becaufe  it  — .j 
 
 none  of  his :  brimltone  fhall  be  fcattered  upon  his 
 habitation. 
 
 16  His  roots  fhall  be  dried  up  beneath,  and  above 
 fhall  his  branch  be  cut  off. 
 
 17  ”  His  remembrance  fhall  perifh  from  the  earth,  b  Pror. 
 and  he  fhall  have  no  name  lu  the  ftreet. 
 
 18  f  He  fhall  be  driven  from  light  into  darknefs,  t  Heb. 
 
 and  chafed  out  of  the  world.  Theyshnu 
 
 19  He  fhall  neither  have  fon  nor  nephew  among 
 his  people,  nor  any  remaining  in  his  dwellings. 
 
 20  They  that  come  after  him  fl:a!l  be  aftonied  f  Heb. 
 
 at  his  day,  as  they  that  f  went  before  t  were  A 
 
 frighted.  . 
 
 21  Surely  fuch  are  the  dwellings  of  the  wicked,  and  hold 
 this  is  the  place  of  him  that  knoweth  not  God.*  on  honor. 
 
 CHAP.  XIX. 
 
 1  Job  compltiining  of  his  friends'  cruelly  sheweth  there  is  misery  enough 
 in  him  to  feed  their  cruelty  :  21,  28  he  craveth pity ;  25  he  beiieveth 
 in  the  resurreeiion. 
 
 Then  job  anfwered  and  faid, 
 
 2  How  long  will  ye  vex  ray  foul,  and  break 
 me  in  pieces  with  words? 
 
 3  T.  hele  ten  times  have  ye  reproached  me  :  ye  are  1  Or, 
 not  afhamed  that  ye  ||  make  yourfelves  ftrange  to  me. 
 
 4  And  be  it  indeed  that  1  have  erred,  mine  error 
 remaineth  with  mylelf. 
 
 terrible  de(lru<5lion  (hall  every  where  attend  him.  13.  llottenefs,  fearful  afflic¬ 
 tion,  and  a  miferable  death,  (hall  confume  his  flefh  and  bones.  14.  Whatever 
 he  relied  upon  for  the  fupport  of  himfelf  and  family,  (hall  utterly  fail  him  and 
 haften  his  unhappy  death  ;  while  terrors,  as  a  mighty  king,  lhall  drive  him  into 
 the  depths  of  hell.  15.  Terrors,  defpair,  and  deftrudlion  (hall  dwell  in  his 
 habitation,  which  he  unjutlly  acquired  ;  and  thunder  and  lightning,  or  fome 
 exemplary  judgment,  like  that  of  Sodom  (hall  deftroy  it.  16.  'llis  whole  eftate, 
 habitation,  and  tamily,  (ball  be  irrecoverably  ruined.  17.  And  the  very  name 
 of  him  (liall  be  buried  in  everlatiing  infamy  and  forgetfulnefs.  18.  He  (hall  be 
 driven  from  bis  profperity  aud  life  into  mifery  and  death,  and  chaffd  out  of  the 
 world,  as  a  iiuifance,  into  eternal  fire.  19.  None  of  bis  defcer.dants  or  kindred 
 (hall  long  furvive  him,  to  keep  up  his  remembrance.  20.  They  on  every  fide, 
 who  behold,  and  they  who  afterward  read  or  hear  of  the  fearful  vengeance  of 
 God  upon  him,  fliall  be  aftonifiied  and  terrified  at  it.  21.  This,  indeed  is  a  jult 
 defeription  of  the  miferable  condition  of  the  wicked  at  laft ;  and  thus  fflall  thole 
 who  clilhonour  God  be  abafed. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XIX.  Job  replied,  will  ve  never 
 ceale  tormenting  my  ioul,  and  bruifing  me  as  in  a  mortar,  with  .\-our'feiifelefs 
 revihngs.  3.  Ye  have  too  often  wounded  me  with  the  vileft  reproaches.  Y"e 
 have  been  (hamefully  obftinate  in  your  rebukes  and  cruel  ufa^e  of  me  4  If 
 I  indeed  have  been  mifiaken  in  my  opinion  or  praaicc,  I  have  fufficientiv  fmarted 
 for  ,t  m  my  own  perfon  and  eftate  ;  and  fo  am  a  fit  objea  of  pity  rather  than 
 of  your  reproach  5.  If  yon  will  ft.ll  infolently  declaim  againft  ml  and  alle-e 
 my  debafing  calair.mes  as  a  proof  of  my  impiety.  6.  Know  that  I  am  Cenfible 
 that  It  IS  God,  who  hath  m  this  fearful  manner  caft  me  down  from  my  profperity 
 
 found  them.  Thofe  who  employ  their  wifdom  to  the  iniurv  of  the  ranfe  r'-.j  t  _ i  i 
 
 iidenceon  men’s  regard ;  for  love  and  loathing,  honour  and  infamy,  are  often  fucceffive  '^GrL^t  men  T'  unpuniftied.  We  (hould  never  place  much  con- 
 bow  deCpicable  do  they  appear.  Vain  is  the  inconftant  applaufe  of  men  though  wfhehnld^  h  T"'’  i  '^hen  reduced  in  circiimftances 
 
 ftagger  through  unbelief.  If  we  are  faithful  to  God,  we  mud  be  zTalo'us  fL  h  f  emC.  1  "h-cb  we  cannot  account  for,  we  mull  not 
 
 generally  formal  and  hypocritical  profttfors.  They  who  are  brought  once  into  the  wavs’  of  Cod  ^  c'*  people  whole  bittereft  enemir-s  are 
 
 and  (Irengthen  them.  Many  great  pretendets  to  wifdom  can  give  no  profitable  inflrnaions  in  a’da'^'^^f  “  •  ^  ’  '*'fficulties  and  oppofliion  quicken 
 
 o  carnal  minds.  Dead,  will  put  a  termination  to  all  our  pun.ofes,  th"refore  wl"af  our  hands  finl^  r„  d ‘ 
 
 tirefome  to  the  fleeplefs  eye,  and  the  day  wearifome  to  the  (orrovvful  •  let  us  praife  God  for  r-freffl'  ’  '“uld  do  it  w  ith  all  our  might.  Night  is  dreary 
 The  righteous  are  too  apt  to  faint  in  adverfity,  and  defpair  of  pofleffnnr  \\L  ,  !  r  I  ^  u  “"1^  cheerful  to  behold  the  mornin^  fun 
 
 .1..  i„  i.  n.p;',':L‘Lr"L 
 
 Jjil'pui.tion  (liouid  atLlLs  itteaii  "‘'''"g  t-'ie  purpofe,  d.far.e  cenfiir.  \n,ry 
 
Jih  comploi'sct/! 
 
 fie  crairth  iiiln. 
 
 JOB. 
 
 lie  professcth  his  faith  in  the  resurrc6){ov, 
 
 r  Or, 
 riJcnce. 
 
 5  If  indeed  ve  will  magnify  ymnsehes  againft  me,  :| 
 and  plead  againfl;  me  mv  reproach  ;  ; 
 
 G  Know  now  that  God  hath  overthrown  me,  and 
 hath  compallVd  me  with  his  net. 
 
 7  Behold,  1  cry  out  of  H  wrong,  but  I  am  not  heard  : 
 i  cry  aloud,  but  there  is  no  judgment. 
 
 S  He  hath  fenced  up  my  wav  that  1  cannot  pafs, 
 and  he  hath  fet  darknefs  in  my  paths. 
 
 9  He  hath  dripped  me  of  my  glory,  and  taken  the 
 crown  from  my  head. 
 
 10  He  hath  deftroyed  me  on  every  fide,  and  I  am 
 gone  ;  and  mine  hope  hath  he  removed  like  a  tree. 
 
 1 1  He  hath  alfo  kindled  his  wrath  againft  me,  and 
 he  counteth  me  unto  him  as  one  o/  his  enemies. 
 
 12  H.s  troops  come  together,  and  raile  up  their 
 way  againft  me,  aud  encamp  round  about  my  taber¬ 
 nacle. 
 
 22  Why  do  ye  perfecute  me  as  God,  and  are  not 
 
 latisfied  with  my  fle(h  ?  _ 
 
 23  t  Oh  that  my  words  were  now  wiitten  1  oh  that 
 
 thev  were  printed  in  a  book  !  ^ 
 
 24  That  they  were  graven  with  an  iron  pen  andH/io,’i„ 
 
 lead  in  the  rock  for  ever  !  e'w,  .jt 
 
 2.5  For  I  know  that  my  Redeemer  liveth,  and  that 
 he  (ball  ttand  at  the  latter  day  upon  the  earth  ; 
 
 2G  11  And  i/ion"h  after  my  fkin  leonns  deftroy 
 bodij,  yet  in  mv  flefh  (hall  1  fee  God  : 
 
 27  Whom  I  lhall  fee  for  mylelf,  and  mine  eyes nu.;ke, 
 (hall  behold,  and  not  f  another  :  though  my  reins  bejjjpti, 
 confumed  f  within  me. 
 
 28  But  ye  (hould  Cay,  Why  perfecute  we  him,  Wj^eiouto/ 
 feeing  the  root  of  the  matter  is  found  in  me  ? 
 
 29  Be  ye  afraid  of  the  fword  ;  for  wrath  biivgetlf’fy^K 
 
 Lic,  I  the  punilhraents  of  the  fword,  that  ye  may  know  there ^  ^ 
 
 13  He  hath  put  mv  brethren  far  from  me,  and  mine .  is  ^  judgment.*  . 
 
 ♦  ^  M  n  I  r  _  +  Heb  inmvbosonu  II  Or s  and  rortt  oj  mailer  i$Jound  \n  me} 
 
 acquaintance  are  venly  eftranged  from  me,  ij  t  mmyoosom.  n  » ^ 
 
 14  My  kinsfolk  have  failed,  and  my  familiar  friends  ;  CHAP.  XX. 
 
 have  forgotten  me,  **  Zophar  sheweth  the  state  aiid  portibfi  of  the  'wicked. ^ 
 
 15  Thev  that  dw'ell  in  mine  houfe,  and  mv  maids,  HEN  anfwered  Zophar  the  Naamathite,  and 
 
 count  me  fer  a  flrangcr :  1  am  an  alien  in  their  fight.  X  .  .  ,  ,  r  .  r 
 
 16  I  called  my  fervant,  and  he  gave  me  no  aniwer  ;  ;  2  Iheretcre  do  my  thoughts  caufe  me  to  antwer, 
 
 I  entreated  him  with  mv  mouth.  ,  and  tor  tins  t  1  inake  hafte.  u  4  ,v,  Lw  i, 
 
 17  My  breath  is  ftrange  to  mv  wife,  though  I  en-  I  3  I  have  heard  the  check  of  my  reproach  and  the 
 
 .  '  •  ’  ’  Ipirit  of  my  underftanding  caufeth  me  to  antwer. 
 
 4  Knoweft  thou  not  this  of  old,  fince  man  w'as  plac¬ 
 ed  upon  earth, 
 
 5  *  That  the  triumphing  of  the  wicked  is  f  fnort,  ® 
 and  the  joy  of  the  hypocrite  hut  for  a  moment  ? 
 
 6  Though  his  excellency  mount  up  to  the  heavens,  from  near. 
 
 and  his  head  reach  unto  the  f  clouds  ;  t  Heb. 
 
 7  Yet  he  firall  perifh  for  ever  like  his  own  dung : 
 they  which  have  feen  him  (hall  fay,  Where  is  he^ 
 
 a  I  iTj.  y  ixt  y  »»  *4  ^ 
 
 f  Heb.  treated  for  the  children’s  safe  of  f  mine  own  body. 
 m^bfiiy.  IS  Yea,  II  young  children  defpifed  me;  1  arofe, 
 S  Or,  U;e  (hgy  fpake  againft  me. 
 
 apl^lirs  ^  tuy  iuward  fricuds  abhorred  me;  and 
 
 4\.  9.  &  they  w’hom  I  loved  arc  turned  againft  me. 
 
 55.13,14.  20  My  bone  cleaveth  to  mv  fkin  1|  and  to  my  flefh, 
 
 f  Heb.  j  efcaped  with  the  fkin  of  my  teeth. 
 
 viVs^clet.  Have  pity  upon  me,  have  pity  upon  me,  O  ye 
 H  Or,  as.  my  friends  ;  for  the  hand  of  God  hath  touched  me. 
 
 and  compafled  me  about  with  unavoidable  miferies.  7.  And  tny  cafe  is  the 
 more  pitiable,  that,  while  friends  abufe  me  with  reproach,  God,  to  whom  I 
 have  repeatedly  committed  my  caufe,  refufes  to  redrefs  my  wrongs,  or  vindi¬ 
 cate  my  innocency.  S.  N.ay,  bis  plagues  fo  furround  me  on  every  fide,  tliat 
 1  can  find  no  way  of  efcape  ;  and  I  am  fo  overwhelmed  with  perplexity  that 
 I  know  not  whither  to  turn  myfelf.  9.  He  has  deprived  me  of  all  my  dignity, 
 authority,  wealth,  and  family.  10.  In  refpedl  of  children,  wealth,  honour, 
 authority,  and  health,  he  has  entirely  deftroyed  m.e  ;  and  all  my  hopes  of 
 future  comfort  in  this  world  he  hath  plucked  up  by  the  roots.  12.  He  has  in 
 the  moft  violent  and  furious  manner  afil’ :ted  me,  as  if  1  had  been  one  of  his 
 princi|)al  enemies.  13.  Whole  armies  of  troubles  have,  by  bis  order  invaded 
 me;  and,  as*witb  raifed  batteries,  fo  ftraitiv  befieged  me  that  not  the  fnialleft 
 comVort  I  had  could  cfcape  their  fury.  14—16.  While  friends  aud  neighbours 
 are  alienated  from  me,  and  refufes  to  do  me  any  office  of  kindnefs,  my  maidens 
 and  men.fervar.ts  treat  me  with  the  utmoft  difobedience  and  contempt.  17. 
 My  wife  regards  my  complaints  and  cries  no  more  than  if  ftie  were  a  mere 
 ftrauger,  though  I  have  brggfcJ  her  fympathy  for  the  fake  of  our  dear  chil¬ 
 dren,  who  have  been  fo  dreadfully  hurried  into  death.  18.  The  very  children 
 and  ignorant  people  about,  following  the  exaniple  of  the  reft,  de.pife  me.  ani 
 treat  me  with  the  moft  abiifive  language.  19.  The  very  men  whom  I  ha 
 Uufted  with  mv  fecrets,  and  who  had  received  the  moft  diftinguiftied  tokens  of 
 mv  aObaion,  abhor  and  bate  me.  20.  I  am  w-ifted  with  affliaions  till  I  am 
 little  more  than  fkin  and  bone;  I  am  bruifed  till  the  teeth  have  fallen  out  of 
 my  head  ;  ard  I  have  fcarcely  left  me  a  moutii  to  complain.  21.  G  my  friends, 
 have  pity  noon  me,  when  God’s  affliaing  hand  h.is  fo  gnevoufly  fmitten  and 
 wounded  mi-!  22.  W’hy  do  ye  perfecute  and  har.als  me,  as  if  ye  were  an  aveng¬ 
 ing  God!  whv,  as  if  unfatisfied  with  my  external  calamities,  do  ye  cruelly 
 to’rraent  my  ff'irit?— 23.  O  that  my  proteftations  of  uprightnefs,  and  appeals 
 to  God,  were  in  the  moft  legible  and  indelible  manner  regiftered  in  a  book 
 
 i  of  public  records  for  my  vindication,  and  for  the  encouragement  of  other  uprigl 
 perfons  under  fore  troubles!  24.  O  that  they  were  regiftered  in  the  moll 
 indelible  manner  in  fome  marble  rock  or  pillar,  to  continue  legible  to  all  genera- 
 tions  I  25.  For,  notwithftanding  thefe  prefent  miferies,  I  by  faith  know,  and 
 am  firmly  perfuaded,  that  Jefus  Chrift,  my  Kinfman-Redeemcr,  liveth,  having 
 '  life  in  hinifelf;  and  (halt  vidlorioufly  ftand  as  the  laft  Adam,  upon  the  dull  of 
 the  earth,  in  his  incarnation,  refurredlion,  and  appearance  to  judgment.  26. 
 
 '  And  ihoinrh  thefe  vermin,  bred,  or  breeding,  in  my  affliaed  body,  fhould  quiet 
 '  Iv  de’vour  die  whole  of  it,  yet  even  in  this  body,  when  fafliioned  like  unto  hii 
 glorious  body,  fhall  I  fee  God  in  my  nature  I  27.  Whom  I  fliall  fee  for  ni, 
 own  particular  comfort,  in  my  own  perfon  when  raifed  from  the  dead— though  at 
 prefent  I  am  at  the  point  of  death  through  fore  trouble,  and  earneftly  longing 
 for  deliverance.  28.  Ye  Ihould  therefore  fay.  Why  do  ye  perfecute  one  m  whom 
 there  is  ftich  foundnefs,  and  ftrength  and  faith,  and  who  hath  the  right  caufe  in 
 the  prefent  debate?  29.  Beware  left  God  punifti  your  inhuman  cruelty  to  me 
 with  fome  terrible  jiulgraents.  Such  rage  as  your’s  deferves,  and  fuch  wrath  as 
 God’s  provoked  by  your  fin,  will  bring  fearful  calamities  upon  you, 
 know,  to  your  coft,  that  God  vindicates  his  own  people,  and  punilhes  then 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XX.  Interrupting  Job,  Zophar « 
 Naamathite,  in  no  fmall  fury,  replied,  2.  My  thoughts  make  me  burn  an 
 fwell  with  matter  of  refutation,  and  oblige  me  to  anfwer ;  therefore,  tngliS 
 provoked  with  thy  fpeech,  I  make  liafte  to  the  difpute,  as  a  perlon  fully 
 oared  3.  1  have  indeed  heard  a  moft  reproachful  anfwer  to  my  own  an^ 
 my  friends’  former  fpeecbes  ;  but  my  heart  enables  me  to  anfwer  in  the  t.io« 
 prudent  and  confiderate  manner.  4,  5.  Knoweft  thou  not,  that  all  along 
 the  creation,  the  profptrity  of  a  wicked  man  and  hypocute.  has  been  v 
 Ihort-lived  and  momentary.  6.  Though  his  high-towermg  excellency  mo  « 
 up  to  heaven,  and  his  temporal  honours  and  happmefs  be  advanced  to  t"' 
 
 PRaCTICAT.  observations.—'  Chap.  XIX.]  ha^'a^^lowr^^^^^^  'iLcquhcs  greaf patience  when  met.  abuft^>|* 
 
 lot  of  mans  :  ood  men.  In  adverfity  falfe  friends  difcover  I  cm  e  ^  difficult  to  difeern  God’s  love  and  endeared  afl'edlion,  amidft  many  and  heavy  luo  ’ 
 
 witli  rcvilings,  and  God  ftiuts  out  our  prayer,  and  loads  us  wi  i  rou  ,  •  ■  rniferv  can  bv  faith  folacc  themfelvcs  with  the  views  of  a  future  judgment ;  an 
 
 of  paternal  wrath.  But  happy  are  thofe  who,  when  ‘he  ean'*  >  Dei.fcrer  their  Lord  !  Though  our  bodies  return  to  the  duft  they  are  not  loll  in  the  grave  1 
 
 being  for  ever  with  Jefus  Cnrlft— thrir  Relation,  their  Hufbind  their  Cod,  confifts  the  glorious  happmefs  of 
 
 every  particle  is  fecured  as  in  a  ftorehoufc,  and  preferved  ‘ 7i,i  Urn  leadiii'r^principles  of  chriftianity,  leftef  diflerences  ftiould  be  overlooked.  All  ptifKli 
 
 redeemed.  If  a  man  have  the  root  of  the  matter  in  hiin,  and  is  louiia  in  till,  leau  ^  H  ‘ 
 
 tion  for  confcience’  lake  is  deftable. 
 
'The  certain  portion  q/  the  mcked.  JOB. 
 
 lu-fcre  8  He  fhall  fly  away  as  a  dream,  and  (hall  not  be 
 found  •  yea,  he  iball  be  chafed  away  as  a  vifion  of  the 
 
 Jod  sheuccth  he  hath  reason  to  he  grieved. 
 
 ^  The  eye  alfo  vihicli  faw  him  fhall  see  him  no  more ; 
 neither  fhall  his  place  any  more  behold  him. 
 j  Or,  10  II  His  children  fhall  feek  to  pleafe  the  poor,  and 
 nepoir  hands  fhall  reftore  their  goods. 
 
 liu  ^  ^  bones  are  full  of  the  sin  of  his  youth,  which 
 IhMrm.  fhall  lie  down  with  him  in  the  du.l. 
 
 12  Though  wickednefs  be  fweet  in  his  mouth, 
 though  he  hide  it  under  his  tongue  ; 
 
 13  Though  he  fpare  it,  and  forfake  it  not,  but  keep 
 t  it  ftill  t  within  his  mouth  ; 
 
 in  the  14.  T-/  his  meat  in  his  bowels  is  turned,  it  is  the 
 
 'SpJate.  gall  of  afps  within  him.  ,  .  a.  „ 
 
 15  He  hath  fwallowed  down  riches,  and  he  fhall 
 vomit  them  up  again  :  God  fhall  caft  them  out  of  his 
 belly. 
 
 16  He  fhall  fuck  the  poifon  of  afps;  the  viper’s 
 tongue  (hall  flay  him. 
 
 II  Or,  17  He  fhall  not  fee  the  rivers,  |1  the  floods,  the 
 streaming  brooks  of  hooey  and  butter. 
 
 tlieb  That  which  he  laboured  for  fhall  he  reflore, 
 
 Icconi'ing  and  fnall  not  fwallow  it  down :  f  according  to  /«'s  Jub- 
 to  the  sub-  fiance  shall  the  reftitution  be,  and  he  fhall  not  rejoice 
 
 stance  of 
 
 change.  Becaufe  he  hath  |1  oppreffed  and  hath  forfaken 
 
 f  Heb.  the  poor ;  because  he  hath  violently  taken  away  an 
 houfe  which  he  builded  not  ; 
 
 20  ”  Surely  he  fhall  not  feel  quietnefs  in  his  belly, 
 he  fhall  not  fave  of  that  which  he  defired. 
 
 21  11  There  fhall  none  of  his  meat  be  left;  there¬ 
 fore  fhall  no  man  look  for  his  goods. 
 
 22  In  the  fulnel’s  of  his  fufficiency  he  fhall  be  in 
 flraits :  every  hand  of  the  H  wicked  fliall  come  upon 
 him. 
 
 23  When  he  is  about  to  fill  his  belly,  God  fhall  caft 
 the  fury  of  his  wrath  upon  him,  and  fhall  rain  it  upon 
 him  while  he  is  eating. 
 
 crushed. 
 b  Eccl. 
 5.  13, 14 
 f  Heb. 
 know. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 Inhere 
 shall  be 
 none  left 
 for  his 
 meal. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 trouble- 
 
 tome. 
 
 24  He  fhall  flee  from  the  iron  weapon,  and  the 
 
 bow  of  fteel  fhall  ftrike  him  through.  1520 
 
 25  It  is  drawn,  and  coraeth  out  of  the  body  ;  yea, 
 the  glittering  (word  cometh  out  of  his  gall ;  terrors 
 are  upon  him. 
 
 26  All  darknefs  shall  he  hid  in  his  fecret  places  :  a 
 fire  not  blown  fhall  confume  him  ;  it  fhall  go  ill  with 
 him  that  is  left  in  his  tabernacle. 
 
 27  The  heaven  fhall  reveal  his  iniquity ;  and  the 
 earth  fhall  rife  up  againft  him. 
 
 28  The  increafe  of  his  houfe  fhall  depart,  and  his 
 
 goods  fliall  flow  away  in  the  day  of  his  wrath.  t 
 
 29  This  is  the  portion  of  a  wicked  man  from  God, 
 and  the  heritage  t  appointed  unto  him  by  Uod. 
 
 CHAP.  XXI. 
 
 1  Job  Jheweth  that,  even  in  the  judgment  of  men  he  hath  reason  to  be 
 grieved.  7  Sometimes  the  wicked  do  so  pros/rer  as  they  despise  God. 
 
 16  Sometimes  their  destruction  is  manifest,  ^c. 
 
 UT  Job  anfwered  and  faid. 
 
 cree  from 
 God. 
 
 B 
 
 _  2  Hear  diligently  my  fpeech  ;  and  let  this  be 
 
 your  confolations. 
 
 3  Suffer  me  that  I  may  fpeak  ;  and  after  that  I 
 have  fpoken,  mock  on. 
 
 4  As  for  me,  is  my  complaint  to  man  ?  and  if  it  veere 
 
 so,  why  Ihould  not  my  Ipirit  be  f  troubled  ?  t 
 
 5  f  Mark  me,  and  be  aftonifhed,  and  lay  your  hand 
 upon  your  mouth. 
 
 6  Even  when  I  remember  I  am  afraid,  and  trem-  unio  me. 
 bling  taketh  hold  on  my  flefh. 
 
 7  “  Wherefore  do  the  wicked  live,  become  old,  yea,  a  Pfaims 
 
 are  mighty  in  power  ?  * 
 
 8  Their  feed  is  eftablifhed  in  their  fight  with  them,  jerem^^* 
 
 and  their  offspring  before  their  eyes.  12.  i. 
 
 9  Their  houfes  f  are  fafe  from  fear,  neither  is  the  Habak. 
 rod  of  God  upon  them. 
 
 JO  Their  bull  gendereth,  and  faileth  not ;  their  cow  Ire  peace 
 calveth,  and  cafteth  not  her  calf.  jrom/ear. 
 
 11  They  fend  forth  their  little  ones  like  a  flock,  and 
 their  children  dance. 
 
 higbeft  pitch,  7 — 9.  He  fliall  quickly  perifli  in  the  niofl  difgraceful  and  con¬ 
 temptible  manner  without  any  hope  of  recovery.  10.  His  children  in  their 
 wretchednefs,  fliail  court  the  favour  of  tiie  meanefl,  or  attempt  to  fatisfy  them 
 for  the  wrongs  done  to  them  by  their  father ;  and  the  works  of  his  hands  fliali 
 Tender  him  forrow  for  his  reward.  11.  His  youthful  and  fccret  wickednefs, 
 fliall  bring  fuch  diflempers  upon  him  as  fliall  haften  him  to  his  grave,  and  fliali 
 attend  him  to  hell.  12 — 14.  If  he  with  great  fondnefs  and  pleafure  indulged 
 hirafelf  in  his  wickednefs,  it  fliall  prove  moll  bitter,  unwholefome,  painful,  and 
 deftrudlive  to  him,  in  the  fearful  miferies  attending  it.  15.  The  riches  which 
 he  has  greedily  and  unjuftiy  got  into  his  pofleflion,  he  fliall  be  forced  to  reftore 
 with  great  fliame  and  torment.  God  fliall  fo  torment  him  with  trouble  and 
 anguifli  of  mind,  that  he  fliall  be  fick  of  them.  16.  That  which  he  has  been 
 fo  eager  in  getting,  fliall  bring  upon  him  the  rroft  terrible,  painful  and  deftruc- 
 tive  judgments.  17.  Never  fliall  he  enjoy  the  leaft  real  comfort  in  all  his 
 plenty  of  outward  things.  18.  He  fliall  be  obliged  to  reftore  the  hire  which 
 he  unjuftiy  withheld  ;  nay,  even  what  he  laboured  for  fliall  be  curfed  to  him, 
 and  quickly  (oft  along  with  his  unjuft  gain;  and  he  fhall  have  no  comfort  in 
 any  thing  he  has.  19.  Becaufe  he  furioufly  oppreffed  the  poor  till  he  rendered 
 them  deftitute,  and  violently  feized  houfes  which  be  built  not.  20.  Therefore 
 fliall  he  have  no  folid  fatisfadfion  in  his  own  mind,  but  be  in  pain,  as  a  travail- 
 iog  woman;  and  fhall  he  deprived  of  all  his  defirable  things.  2J.  He  fliall 
 fcarcely  have  wherewith  to  fuftain  himfelf  in  life,  and  fliall  have  no  goods 
 left  for  any  to  look  after.  22.  In  the  very  height  of  his  profperity  he  fhall  be 
 terribly  diftreffed  ;  and  even  his  fellows  in  impiety  fliall  concur  to  render  him 
 miferahle.  23.  Whenever  he  fhall  attempt  to  fatisfy  himfelf  in  what  he  has, 
 fome  extraordinary  judgment  fhall  of  a  fudden  overtake  him.  24.  When  he 
 fliall  attempt  to  avoid  one  danger,  another  more  dreadful  fliall  overtake  him. 
 25.  And  terribly  fliall  the  judgments  of  God  torment  and  deftroy  him.  Horrors 
 
 of  confcience  fhall  feize  upon  him,  as  one  who  cannot  live,  and  who  dare 
 not  die.  26.  Every  kind  of  fearful  calamities  fhall  be  referved  for  him  as  his 
 treafure,  and  shall  follow  him  wherever  he  thinks  to  hide  himfelf.  Some  awful 
 judgments,  which  comes  none  knows  how,  fhall  confume  him.  His  posterity 
 and  family  shall,  for  his  lake,  be  curfed  of  God,  and  entirely  wasted  and  ruined. 
 27.  God,  by  remarkable  judgments,  of  thunder,  lightning,  orthe  like,  shall  difeover 
 his  notorious  wickednefs;  and  all  creatures  on  earth  shall  exert  themfelves  for  bis 
 ruin.  28.  His  estate,  which  he  had  gotten  by  the  labour  of  his  family,  shall  be 
 quickly  taken  from  him,  or  destroyed  in  the  day  when  God  manifests  his  wrath 
 against  him.  29.  This  is  the  portion  and  reward  which  God  has  allotted  to  im¬ 
 pious  and  infolent  finners. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXI.  Job  immediately  replied,  2. 
 instead  of  pretending  to  comfort  me,  patiently  and  attentively  hear  my  fpeech." 
 3  Permit  me  freely  to  declare  my  mind,  without  interruptiug  me :  and,  when 
 I  have  finiflied  my  pertinent  reafoning,  mock  on  as  long  as  you  pleafe.  4.  I 
 have  made  my  appeal  to  God  ;  and,  had  it  been  to  man,  I  could  not  but  be 
 vexed  to  find  myfelf  thus  interrupted,  reproached,  and  abufed.  5.  To  fee  in 
 me  a  religious  and  upright  man  fo  fearfully  afflicted  might  overwhelm  you 
 with  the  moft  confounding  aftonilhment  at  the  awfully  fovereign  providence 
 of  God,  and  at  leaft,  make  you  willing  to  hold  your  peace  w  hil^  I  fpeak.  6. 
 For  truly,  when  I  think  on  it,  I  am  filled  wiUi  the  moft  terrifying  awe  of  his 
 fovereign  judgments.  7.  But,  if  wicked  men  always  meet  with  fuch  fearful 
 calamities  as  you  hare  pretended,  whence  is  it  that  many  of  them,  for  a  long 
 tune  flourifti  in  uncommon  profperity  and  power  ;  8.  Nay,  live  to  fee  their 
 ciiiidren,  and  children’s  children,  fettled  and  profperous  ?  9.  Their  habitations 
 
 and  families,  live  in  peace  and  fecurity,  and  are  not  loaded  with  any  afiliaions  • 
 10.  While  their  cattle  are  extremely  healthful,  profperous  and  fruitful  1  1  12* 
 
 Their  wives  with  the  greateft  eafe  bring  forth  multitudes  of  diildren"  who’  em' 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS — *  Chap.  XX.]  The  felf-confident  are  injudicious  reafoners.  ThetruthsofGodareoftenexinll.nl  i-  a 
 they  are  miferably  applied  Short  lived  are  the  profperity  of  the  wicked  and  the  profefiion  of  the  hypocrite.  What  terrible  confeqiLnces  have  thl 
 Bitter  are  the  iffues  of  thofe  crimes  which  the  finner  reckons  fweet;  and  inexpreffible  the  lofs  of  tLfe  which  are  accounted  gainful  Dreadful  s>  M 
 wicked  when  all  their  dreams  of  happinefs  shall  be  difappointed,  their  fecret  fins  revealed,  and  the  wrath  of  God  shaU  uke  hold^of  Uiem ' 
 
 6L  16  • 
 
The  hapjvf  and  un'nanpui  adilc  in  deafh. 
 
 JOB. 
 
 Bt'fore 
 r:  rill 
 iJoO. 
 
 Or, 
 
 in  tnirth. 
 b  Chap. 
 22.  17. 
 
 12  1  hey  rake  the  timbrel  and  harp,  and  reicice  at 
 the  loimd  Oi  the  organ. 
 
 13  Ihey  fpend  their  days  i|  in  wealth,  and  in  a  mo¬ 
 ment  go  down  to  the  grave. 
 
 us 
 
 goodness  profilelh  not 
 
 nor, 
 
 lamp. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 stealilh 
 n  irn  V 
 II  That  is. 
 
 H  1  herefore  they  lay  unto  God,  Depart  from 
 ;  for  we  defire  not  the  knowledge  of  thy  ways. 
 
 '5  What  is  the  Almighty,  that  we  fhould  lerve 
 him  ?  and  what  profit  fnould  we  have,  if  we  pray 
 unto  him  ? 
 
 16  Lo,  their  good  is  not  in  their  hand  :  the  counfel 
 of  the  wicked  is  tar  from  me. 
 
 17  How  oft  is  the  ||  candle  of  the  wicked  put  out  ^ 
 and  hoxv  oft  cometh  their  deliruffion  upon  them  ?  God 
 diftributeth  Ibrrous  in  his  anger. 
 
 18  Ihey  are  as  ftubble  before  the  wind,  and  as 
 chalT  that  the  ftorm  f  carrieth  away. 
 
 19  God  layeth  ||  up  his  iniquity  for  his  children  :  , 
 
 he  rewardeth  him,  and  he  fhall  know  it.  \ 
 
 the  pu-  20  His  eyes  fliall  fee  his  deliruiTfion,  and  he  fhall 
 nishment  drink  of  the  wrath  of  the  Alndghty. 
 
 yuni*! ‘  pleafure  /lath  he  in  his  houfe  after  him,  : 
 
 when  the  number  of  his  months  is  cut  off  in  the 
 midli  ?  I 
 
 22  Shall  anjj  teach  God  knowledge  ?  Seeing  he 
 t  Heb.  judgeth  thofe  that  are  high.  ' 
 
 in  his  very  28  One  dieth  t  in  his  full  ftrength,  being  wholly  at , 
 pfrfcc-  eafe  and  quiet.  i 
 
 tions,oTtn  24  His  |1  breafts  are  full  of  milk,  and  his  bones  are 
 s.'re;in<iio/moifiened  with  marrow  :  ! 
 
 hU}>er-  25  And  another  dieth  in  the  bitternefs  of  his  foul, 
 never  eateth  with  pleafure. 
 
 1’^  dowm  alike  in  the  duff,  and  the 
 t  Heb.  worms  fhall  cover  them. 
 
 the  lent  of  27  B-hold,  1  know  your  thoughts,  and  the  devices 
 ‘nicies  of  wrongfully  imagine  againft  me. 
 
 Ihewidc-  28  For  ye  fay,  Where  is  the  houfe  of  the  prince? 
 ed?  and  where  are  f  the  dwelling-places  of  the  wicked  ? 
 
 29  Have  ye  not  a/ked  them  that  go  by  the  way  ?  n.for. 
 
 and  do  ve  not  know  their  tokens.  ‘  Cbin 
 
 30  '  That  the  wicked  is  referved  to  the  day  of  de-'"''' 
 
 ftruaion?  they  fhall  be  brought  forth  f  to  the  dayd^ 
 of  wrath.  jg.  4. 
 
 3 1  Who  fhall  declare  his  way  to  his  face  ?  and  who 
 fhall  repay  him  vchat  he  hath  done  ? 
 
 32  Yet  fhall  he  be  brought  to  the  f  grave,  and  fhall  TS 
 
 t  remain  in  the  tomb.  grove,, 
 
 33  The  clods  of  the  valley  fhall  be  fweet  unto  him  ^ 
 and  every  man  fhall  draw  after  him,  as  there  are 
 
 merable  before  him.  fHeb.’ 
 
 34  How  then  comfort  ye  me  in  vain,  feeing  in  your 
 anfwers  there  remaineth  f  falfehood  ?* 
 
 CHAP.  XXIL 
 
 I  Eltphaz  shewetk  that  man’s  goodness  profiteth  not  God ;  5  he  accvseth 
 Job  of  (livers  sins;  21  he  exhorleth  him  lo  repentance,  with  promise  of 
 
 HEN  Eliphaz  the  Temanire,  anfwered  and  faid, 
 
 —  _  2  Can  a  man  be  profitable  unto  God,  II  as  he  II  Or, 
 
 that  is  wife  may  be  profitable  unto  himfelf he  may 
 
 3  Is  it  any  pleafure  to  the  Almighty,  that  thou 
 
 righteous  ?  or  is  it  gain  to  Mm,  that  thou  makeft  thyhisl-ood 
 waysperfeft?  success 
 
 4  Will  he  reprove  thee  for  fear  of  thee?  will 
 
 enter  with  thee  into  judgment  ?  ihereonf 
 
 5  Is  not  thy  wickednefs  great  ?  and  thine  iniquities! 
 
 infinite  >  stripped 
 
 6  For  thou  haft  taken  a  pledge  from  thy  brother 
 
 for  nought,  and  f  ftripped  the  naked  of  \.\\e\r naked. 
 clothing.  t  Heb. 
 
 7  Tnou  haft  not  given  water  to  the  weary  to  drink, 
 
 I  and  thou  haft  withholden  bread  from  the  hungry.  \  Heb? 
 
 I  8  But  as  for  f  the  mighty  man,  he  had  the  earth  \  eminent, 
 
 \  and  the  t  honourable  man  dwelt  in  it.  or, accept. 
 
 i  9  Thou  haft  fent  widows  away  empty,  and  the  armsfifX, 
 
 '  of  the  fatherlefs  have  been  broken  :  nance. 
 
 T' 
 
 ploy  therafelves  in  nothing  but  carnal  joy  and  mirth.  IS.  Even  unto  old  age 
 they  fpend  their  days  in  earthly  profperity  and  carnal  indulgence,  and  at  laft 
 die  very  eafily,  without  any  fenfe  of  paiii.  14,  15.  Gratified  and  puffed  up 
 with  their  profperity,  they,  in  the  mod  daring  manner,  tcAify  their  diflike  and 
 contempt  of  the  knowledge,  fervice,  and  worfiiip  of  God.  16.  It  is  God,  how¬ 
 ever,  not  tbemfelves,  who  renders  them  wealthy  and  powerful.  Yet  far  be  it 
 from  me,  to  join  with  them  in  their  impiety  :  17.  But  let  fa<5ls  fpeak  for  them- 
 felves.  Hovv  often  are  wicked  men’s  fliining  profperity  and  honour  extin- 
 guiflied  by  fearful  judgments,  and  judly  merited  de(lru(5tion  ?  How  often  does 
 God,  as  by  lot,  dillrihule  to  them  entangling  bonds  of  trouble  and  forrow  in 
 his  anger?  18.  How  often  are  they  of  a  fudden  fearfully  carried  away  before 
 the  fweeping  whirlwinds  of  his  awful  judgments?  19.  How  often  are  either 
 wicked  men’s  children  or  themfelves  rewarded  with  fearful  punifliments  ?  20 
 
 How  often  do  wicked  men  on  earth  experience  the  diftinguilhing  judgments  and 
 hot  burning  wrath  of  the  Almighty?  21.  And,  though  their  children  fhould 
 profper,  what  pain,  care,  or  pleafure,  can  they  have  about  their  houfe  and 
 family,  after  they  are  cut  off  by  an  early  death?  22.  Dare  any  of  you  pre¬ 
 tend  to  teach  God  how  to  govern  the  world,  and  whom  to  profper,  and  whom 
 not  ?  or  to  preferibe  rules  by  which  he  mud  judge  men,  who,  even  the  highed, 
 are  in  death  but  the  food  of  worms?  2.S,  24.  Some  men,  both  good  and  bad, 
 die  in  t  .e  very  prime  of  their  life  and  height  of  their  profperity,  and  in  a  very 
 eafy  manner.  25.  Others  die  ainidd  torments  of  body,  and  anguilh  of  mind, 
 without  ever  partaking  of  earthly  happinefs  or  pleafure  ;  26.  They  lie  down 
 
 together  in  the  fame  condition  in  the  grave,  and  the  vermin  make  an  equal 
 prey  of  both  !  fo  that  none  can  tell  who  is  good  or  who  is  bad  by  any  exter¬ 
 nal  events.  27.  I  can  indeed  eafily  forfee  what  you,  in  your  reproachful 
 fpeeches  and  imaginations,  will  think  and  fay.  28.  Yen  w-ill  afk.  What  is 
 become  of  nry  own  once  princely  family,  and  of  the  dwellings  of  my  children? 
 And  if  Providence  hath  not  plainly  marked  us  out  for  wicked  by  the  fearful 
 
 judgments  which  have  befallen  us?  29,  30.  But  cannot  even  the  mod  common 
 paflenger  tell  you,  that  they  have  obferved  that  even  wicked  men  are  often  pre- 
 ferved,  as  in  a  fecret  place,  nmidd  dedruedive  judgments,  and  are  carried  forth 
 ;  with  pomp  in  the  day  of  overflowing  wrath,  and  the  punidiment  of  their  crimes 
 '  referved  for  the  other  world?  31.  Their  power  is  often  fo  great  on  earth,  that 
 nobody  dare  reprove,  or  can  punilh  them  for  their  crimes.  32.  Nay,  they  are 
 brought  in  pomp  to  the  grave,  and  honourably  and  quietly  red  in  tluir  tombs. 
 3.3.  They  deep  as  quietly  in  their  graves  as  the  bed  ;  and  all  men,  whether  good 
 or  bad,  by  little  and  little,  follow  them  into  the  date  of  the  dead,  without  any 
 vifible  difference  betwixt  them.  34.  Wliy  then  attempt  ye  to  comfort  me  with 
 unfubfiantial  hopes  of  future  happinefs  !  And  why  doth  the  viled  prevarication, 
 inconfident  with  the  caufe  of  God  or  your  duty,  continue  to  be  the  whole  lum 
 !  of  your  difeourfes  ? 
 
 I  EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXII.  Imagining  that  Job  bad  ar- 
 I  cufed  God  of  injufiice,  in  fuffering  the  wicked  to  profper,  and  the  righteous  o 
 ;  be  affliifled,  Eliphaz  in  great  anger,  replied,  2.  Dared  thou  imagine  that  G  d 
 j  is  a  gainer  by  our  virtue,  as  we  ourfelves  are,  and  fo  bound  to  reward  us  for 
 j  it?  3.  Can  it  add  any  tiling  to  his  joy  or  profit  that  thou  art  ever  fo  righteous 
 j  or  perfect  ?  4.  Dod  thou  imagine  that  he  corn  .'Is  thee  out  of  reverence  to 
 
 j  thee,  or  for  fear  thou  ffioulded  hurt  him  ?  Will  he,  for  fear  of  thee,  either 
 !  punifli  thee,  or  give  thee  an  account  of  his  condu<5l?  5.  Are  not  thy  own 
 !  mondrous  and  unnumbered  iniquities  the  true  caufe  of  tliy  fearful  fud’erings  ? 
 
 '  6.  For  witfiout  any  jud  caufe  thou  had  taken  pledges  from  thy  very  brethren, 
 
 !  and  had  in  the  crueled  manner  deprived  Hie  poor  of  their  fmall  remains  of  tie 
 I  prefei  vatives  of  life.  7.  Mod  inhumanly  thou  had  withheld,  from  the  weary 
 and  darving,  the  mod  cheap  and  common  fupporls  of  their  life.  8.  But  the 
 ;  man  who  was  high-born,  wealthy,  and  honoured,  was  thy  favourite,  and  had 
 I  thy  land  and  edate  at  his  fervice,  and  was  fure  to  carry  his  caufe  at  thy  tri¬ 
 bunal.  9.  Thou  had  fpoiled  widows  of  their  jud  property,  and  cruelly  op- 
 
 PII.'VCT1C.\L  OBSERVATIONS.  —  •  Chap.  XXL]  What  a  mercy  is  it  that  the  faints  have  a  gracious  God  to  complain  to  when  men  contemn,  and  when 
 even  their  friends  reful'e  to  hear  them,  or  difregard  their  dill  refs  !  Though  the  pre  fent  difpenfations  of  pr  ividencc  fometimes  dagger  the  faith  and  hope  of  the  bed 
 men,  the  whole  will  he  clearly  unfolded  at  the  final  judgment.  The  profperity  of  the  wicked  often  hardens  them  in  prefumptuous  impiety,  to  their  own  dedrudlion, 
 and  it  frequently  ftumhies  even  the  godly.  But  it  will  never  reconcile  the  faints  to  the  life  of  the  wicked  ;  w  hofe  life  entails  niil'ery  on  th,  mfielves  and  their  families. 
 However  leemingly  happy  their  lot  on  earth,  or  eafy  tlieit  death,  or  pompom  their  burial,  everlading  puiiilhment  awaits  them.  Let  therefore  their  thoughts,  their 
 connfel,  and  their  p.-ailice  be  far  from  us.  And,  while  we  aJote  the  high  I'overeigniy  of  God  in  his  providente,  let  us  never  comfort  ouifelves  with  vain  words. 
 
Eliphaz 
 
 IJefore 
 Ctirid 
 ,ir.  1520. 
 
 t  Ileb. 
 
 the  head 
 of  the 
 ftars. 
 
 II  O'-* 
 
 mint. 
 
 I  Heb.  o 
 jiood  was 
 
 poured 
 
 upon  their 
 
 founda¬ 
 tion. 
 ft  Chap. 
 21.  14. 
 
 II  Or. 
 
 to  them  ? 
 b  Chap. 
 21.  16, 
 e  Pfalm 
 107.  42. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 eflate. 
 
 «  Or, 
 their  ex¬ 
 cellency. 
 
 II  That  is, 
 with  God. 
 d  Chap. 
 
 8.  5,  6. 
 y  Or,  on 
 the  dud. 
 y  Or, 
 gold. 
 f  Heb. 
 tiluer  of 
 drengtk. 
 
 accu^cth  Joh  of  dhers  stns.  JOS* 
 
 IQ  therefore  fnares  are  round  about  thoo,  and 
 
 fudden  fear  troubleth  thee ;  _  .  ,  , 
 
 1 1  Or  darkneCs,  that  thou  canlt  not  fee  ;  and  abun¬ 
 dance  of  waters  cover  thee,  , ,  ,  ,, 
 
 12  Is  not  God  in  the  height  of  heaven  ?  and  behold 
 +  the  height  of  the  ftars,  how  high  they  are  ! 
 
 13  And  thou  fayeft,  1|  How  doth  God  know  !  can 
 he  judge  through  the  dark  cloud  ? 
 
 14  Thick  clouds  area  covering  to  him,  that  he  feeth 
 not ;  and  he  walketh  in  the  circuit  of  heaven. 
 
 15  Haft  thou  marked  the  old  way  which  wicked 
 men  have  trodden  ? 
 
 16  Which  were  cut  down  out  of  time,  f  whofe 
 foundation  was  overflown  with  a  flood. 
 
 17  »  Which  faid  unto  God,  Depart  from  us:  and 
 what  can  the  Almighty  do  ||  for  them  ? 
 
 18  Yet  he  filled  their  houfes  with  good  things:  but 
 ^  the  counfel  of  the  wicked  is  far  from  me. 
 
 19  ®  The  righteous  fee  if,  and  are  glad;  and  the 
 innocent  laugh  them  to  fcorn. 
 
 20  Whereas  our  ||  fubftance  is  not  cut  down  ;  but 
 i;  the  remnant  of  them  the  fire  confumeth. 
 
 21  Acquaint  now  thyfelf  ||  with  him,  and  be  at 
 peace;  thereby  good  (hall  come  unto  thee. 
 
 22  Receive  I  pray  thee,  the  law  from  his  mouth, 
 and  lay  up  his  words  in  thine  heart. 
 
 23  ‘‘  If  thou  return  to  the  Almighty,  thou  (halt  be 
 built  up,  thou  (halt  put  away  iniquity  far  from  thy  ta¬ 
 bernacles. 
 
 24  Then  (halt  thou  lay  up  gold  l|  as  duft,  and  the 
 gold  of  Ophir  as  the  (tones  of  the  brooks. 
 
 25  Yea,  the  Almighty  (hall  be  thy  H  defence,  and 
 thou  (halt  have  f  plenty  of  filver. 
 
 prefled,  broken,  and  crufhed  the  orphans,  depriving  them  of  all  their  fupports 
 'and  comforts.  10.  Therefore  entangling  troubles  and  dangers  are  every  where 
 round  about  thee,  and  fudden  fears  and  terrible  judgments  affright  thee. 
 11.  Fearful  troubles  and  perplexities  fo  overwhelm  thee  tiiat  thou  haft  neither 
 a  comfortable  fenfe  nor  hope  of  relief  left ;  and  multitudes  of  afflitflions  have 
 with  violence  burft  forth  upon  thee.  12.  Is  not  God  higher  in  place  and  dignity 
 than  the  loftieft  ftars  which  thou  obferveft  ?  13,  14.  But,  like  an  Atheift,  you 
 
 feem  to  think  that  God  cannot  know,  or  doth  not  care,  what  is  done  upon  earth, 
 but  merely  amnfes  himfelf,  in  walking  round  the  heavens.  15.  Haft  thou  not 
 eagerly  followed,  rather  than  prudently  obferved,  the  conducSl  or  fate  of  thofe 
 companions  of  vanity  and  wickednefs  who  lived  before  the  flood  ?  16.  To  whofe 
 
 horrid  impieties  God  put  a  flop,  by  deftroying  them  before  their  time,  and  car¬ 
 rying  them  off  the  earth  by  an  overflowing  deluge.  17.  Who  in  the  moft 
 infolent  manner,  wifhed  to  have  nothing  to  do  with  God,  and  imagined  that 
 nothing  he  could  do  for  them,  could  really  profit  them?  18.  Yet  it  was  he  who 
 granted  them  their  whole  profperity.  But  God  forbid  that  1  fltould  ever  Join  in 
 either  principles,  purpofes,  or  pradlices,  with  fuch  abandoned  wretches.  19.  The 
 righteous  (hall  with  pleafure  behold  the  deftrudlion  of  fuch  men  as  a  vindi¬ 
 cation  of  the  honour,  holinefs  and  juftice  of  God  ;  and  (hall  deride  their  folly 
 in  taking  fuch  courf'es  as  iflfue  therein.  20.  While  the  eftates  of  fuch  as  are 
 truly  pious  and  virtuous  remain  unhurt  by  the  providence  of  God,  thofe  who 
 imitate  thefe  ancient  finners,  are  confumed  by  thunder,  lightning,  or  feme 
 other  fearful  judgment.  21.  But  fince  God  hath  not  entirely  confumed  thee, 
 try,  without  a  moment’s  delay,  to  get  the  fpiritual  knowledge  of  God  ;  accuftom 
 thyfelf  to  him  by  repeated  application  ;  receive  peace  from  him  ;  and  quietly 
 fubinit  to  him,  by  an  unfeigned  repentance.  Thus  (hall  all  manner  of  blelTings, 
 temporal  and  eternal,  come  on  thee.  22.  Receive,  and  duly  meditate  on,  the 
 inftiudlive  revelations,  which  he  may  be  pleafed  to  afford  thee.  23.  If  by  a  true 
 faith  and  fincere  repentance,  thou  turn  to  the  Lord,  thou  (halt  be  an-ain  advanced 
 to  thy  former  honours  and  profperity  ;  and  the  punifliments  which  thv  fins  haw 
 brought  upon  thee  (hall  be  removed  far  from  thee,  and  whatever  belongs  to 
 thee.  24.  Then  flialt  thou  lay  up  gold,  and  fine  gold,  in  fuch  amazing  plenty, 
 and  with  fuch  eafe,  as  if  they  were  the  moft  common  things.  25.  For  tlie 
 all-fufficicnt  and  A  'migbty  G.id  (liall  be  thy  portion,  and  the  protea  or  of  thy 
 tre.ifures  ;  and  thou  (halt  have  aftonifliing  heaps  of  filver.  26.  Thou  (halt 
 delight  thyfelf  in  the  enjoyment  of  God’s  love  and  favour  ;  and  (halt  with  confi- 
 
 Jub  longcth  to  appear  btjoic  Got/,  46* 
 
 26  For  then  (halt  thou  have  thy  delight  in  the  Al- 
 
 mighty,  and  (halt  lift  up  thy  face  unto  God.  ^ir.  i  ,20. 
 
 27  Thou  (halt  make  thy  prayer  unto  him,  and  he 
 
 (hall  hear  thee,  and  thou  (halt  pay  thy  vows.  t 
 
 28  Thou  (halt  alfo  decree  a  thing,  and  it  fhali  be 
 
 eftabliflied  unto  thee;  and  the  light  (hall  (hine  upon 
 thy  ways.  t 
 
 29  When  men  arecaftdown,  thenthoulhalt  fay.  There 
 
 is  lifting  up ;  and  he  (hall  fave  t  the  humble  perfon.  Sfr'liic 
 
 30  II  He  (hall  deliver  the  ifland  of  the  innocent  :  iildnd, 
 and  it  is  delivered  by  the  purenefs  of  thine  hands.’* 
 
 CHAP.  XXIII. 
 
 1  Job  longeth  to  appear  before  God  in  confidence  af  hit  mercy.  8  Gorf, 
 who  is  invitible,  observeth  our  ways.  11  Job's  innocency.  13  God’s 
 decree  is  immutable. 
 
 Then  job  anfwered  and  faid, 
 
 2  Even  to-day  K  ray  complaint  bitter:  t  my  t  Heb. 
 ftroke  is  heavier  than  my  groaning. 
 
 3  Oh  that  1  knew  where  I  might  find  him!  that  I 
 might  come  even  to  his  feat ! 
 
 4  I  would  order  my  caufe  before  him,  and  fill  my 
 mouth  w'ith  arguments. 
 
 5  I  would  know  the  words,  '■johkh  he  would  anfwer 
 me,  and  underftand  what  he  would  fay  unto  me. 
 
 6  Will  he  plead  againft  me  with  his  great  power  ? 
 
 No  :  but  he  would  put  strength  in  me. 
 
 7  There  the  righteous  might  difpute  with  him  ;  fo 
 (bou1d  I  be  delivered  for  ever  from  my  judge. 
 
 8  Behold,  I  go  forward,  but  he  is  not  there;  and 
 backward,  but  I  cannot  perceive  him  : 
 
 9  On  the  left  hand,  where  he  doeth  work,  but  I 
 cannot  behold  him he  hideth  himfelf  on  the  right 
 hand,  that  I  cannot  fee  him.  ^ 
 
 dence  and  comfort  prefent  thyfelf  at  his  throne  of  grace,  and  hope  for  his  eternal 
 felicity.  27,  W’ith  fweet  pleafure  (liall  he  hear  thy  prayers;  and  thou  (halt  pay 
 thy  vows  of  gratitude  to  him  with  the  warmed  aiFea’ion.  '  28.  Whatever  thou  halt 
 purpofed  (hall  be  accompli  (bed  ;  and  divine  direaion,  fuccefs,  and  comfort  (hall 
 attend  all  thy  proceedings.  29.  When  wicked  men  around  thee  are  diftrefled  or 
 deftroyed,  thou  (halt  confidently  expetSl  honour  and  felicitv  ;  and  God  (liall  bring 
 to  eminent  and  extenfive  happinels  the  perfon,  who  is  call  down  in  his  own  evef 
 .30.  Nay  atthyrequeft  he  (hall  marveilouflv  deliver,  not  only  many  innocents* 
 but  even  the  guilty  ani  their  country,  by  means  of  thy  piavers,  pietv  and 
 virtue.  >  r  ,» 
 
 ■  NOTES.  Chap.  XXIII.  Job  replied,  2.  Notwiihftand- 
 
 ing  all  your  pretended  advice  and  comforts,  I  have  as  much  reafon  for  bitter 
 complaints  .as  ever  ;  and  my  fufiferings  far  exceed  my  exprefiioiis  of  grief.  3.  O 
 that  I  were  admitted  into  God’s  own  immediate  prefence,  and  allowed  to  ore- 
 fent  mylelf  before  his  judgment  feat !  4.  I  would  in  an  ordeily  manner  let  the 
 
 juft.ee  of  my  caufe  before  him,  and  fully  fupport  it  with  arguments,  vindicating 
 my  felf,  and  confult.ng  your  reproachful  allegations.  5.  1  would  infill  for  his 
 dec.fion  whether  I  be  an  hypocrite,  or  not;  and  that  he  would  fliew  me  plainlv 
 why  he  hath  fo  alfl.aed  me.  6.  Would  he  employ  his  infiaite  powL  anil 
 majefty  to  bear  me  down  ?  No;  but  would  mercifully  ftiengtl.en  and  encour-e 
 me  to  plead  with  him.  And,  fuppofe  he  would  ple.id  againft  me.  in  the  mul- 
 
 t.tude  of  Ills  (  rengtb,  he  certainly  would  lay  no  falfe  charge  againft  me,  nor 
 
 make  any  hoft.le  attack  upon  me.  7.  For  at  his  throne  of  grace  a  rigl.uous 
 
 fliould  fully  and  tor  ever  efcape  damnation,  being  acquited  by  l.im  .as  mv 
 
 h"  ^^1  “  °htain  a  fair  licaring  for  mv  caufe  before 
 
 h.m,  but  have  not  iutberto  been  able  to  procure  it.  10.  But  he  knows  the  inte 
 
 r  "  henever  I  am  tried  at  his  bar,  I  fluH  come  tlT 
 
 (ufficemly  vm.hcated  ;  and  it  is  to  ntidefme  more  holv  and  mire  hat  hTtrlJ 
 ineinthisfurMaceotaffliaion.il.  1  have  alwa\s  in  ib'e  .r,o(l  «  a  he  tries 
 matiner,  followed  h.s  pattern  and  .uida^c!/' Y-^I^^steir  orif:.td1.i: 
 maiidments,  without  ever  fwervinj;  from  them  T  Kavn  coni- 
 
 ■  evelation,  tli,.n  my  necelfirv  food,  or  more  valuable  snd  o. 
 
 purpofes  are  unchangeable,  and  he  immoveabK  peS^' ffl  "f- 
 
 OBSEll^  A  riONS. — *  Chap.  XXII.]  IIow  ahfnrd  to  imagine  th.it  God  can  h-  a  debtor  to  aiiv  of  h'  - - - - - 
 
 •1  their  virtuous  qualiti  s  depend  on  him.  How  trcmei.doiis  are  the  judgments  of  heaven  and  happy  they  who  can  f.f'lv  re^  '  <'‘’’''''8  ‘heir  very  hnug  and 
 
 fanner,  take  warning  fiom  them  !  Through  ighoratice  of  God,  orlmndtj-  againft  him,  and  tl.rrugh  e  and  bo  ITr'r'f ^  '  Ch  dhaa 
 
 oltlluigb,  and  incur  the  greateft  evils,  ®  ®  contempt  of  his  word,  men  lofc  the  greateft 
 
fl'nicd  mat  go  unpunished. 
 
 JOB. 
 
 There  is  a  secret  judgment  fur  the  n-idid  A- 
 
 >  9 
 
 -  --  - 
 
 10  But  he  knovvetb  +  the  way  that  I  fake  :  'ichen  he  rr  11  IJhich  make  oil  within  their  walls,  and  tread  their  Bcf, 
 th  tried  me.  I  (hall  rome  forth  ai?  pnld.  ■  wine-orelles.  and  luffer  thirft.  thr 
 
 “’"‘'^^^hath  tried  me,  I  (hall  come  forth  as  gold. 
 
 11  My  foot  hath  held  his  Iteps ;  his  way  have  I 
 kept,  and  not  declined. 
 
 12  Neither  have  I  gone  back  from  the  command¬ 
 ment  o(  his  lips,  f  I  have  elfeemed  the  words  of  his 
 mouth  more  than  ||  my  neceflary  /ood. 
 
 IS  But  he  is  in  one  mmd,  and  who  can  turn  him  ? 
 
 f  Hcb. 
 the  way 
 that  is 
 vitk  mr. 
 
 Heb. 
 Ihnve  Ail/, 
 
 my  ap- 
 painted 
 portion. 
 a  Ffalm 
 113.  3. 
 
 w 
 
 a  Deut. 
 
 ...  ......  .W... 
 
 a  jjjg  (q^i  defireth,  er>en  that  he  doeth. 
 
 ®  14  For  he  performeth  the  thmg  that  is  appointed  for 
 
 me  :  and  many  fuch  things  are  with  him. 
 
 15  'Fherefore  am  I  troubled  at  his  prefence:  when 
 I  confider,  I  am  afraid  of  him. 
 
 16'  For  God  maketh  my  heart  foft,  and  the  Al¬ 
 mighty  troubleth  me : 
 
 17  Becaufe  I  w-as  not  cut  off  before  the  darknefs, 
 neither  hath  he  covered  the  darknefs  from  my  face.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXIV. 
 
 1  Wkhtdntft  goelh  often  unpunished.  17  There  is  a  secret  judgment  for 
 the  wicked. 
 
 HY,  feeing  times  are  not  hidden  from  the  Al¬ 
 mighty,  dothey  thatknowhim  not  fee  his  days? 
 
 „  _ _  2  S  jme  remove  the  *  land-m;irks ;  they  violently 
 
 19. 14- &  take  away  fl'cks,  and  ||  feed  thereof: 
 
 ”  3  They  drive  away  the  afs  of  the  fatherlefs  :  they 
 
 take  the  widuw’s  ox  for  a  pledge  ; 
 
 4  They  turn  the  needy  out  of  the  way  :  the  poor 
 of  the  earth  hide  themfelves  together. 
 
 5  Behold,  as  wild  affes  in  the  defert,  go  they  forth 
 to  their  work,  rifing  betimes  for  a  prey  :  the  wilder- 
 nefs  yieldeth  food  for  them  and  for  their  children. 
 
 6  'Fhey  reap  every  one  his  f  corn  in  the  field  ;  and 
 f  they  gather  the  vintage  of  the  wicked  : 
 
 7  Tney  caufe  the  naked  to  lodge  without  clothing, 
 that  they  have  no  covering  in  the  cold  ; 
 
 T  8  They  are  wet  with  the  fliowers  of  the  mountains, 
 
 the  wicked  2Xidi  embrace  the  rock  for  want  of  a  fhelter ; 
 gather  the  g  They  pluck  the  fatherlefs  from  the  breaft,  and 
 take  a  pledge  of  the  poor; 
 
 10  They  caufe  him  to  go  naked  without  clothing, 
 and  they  take  away  the  fheaf  from  the  hungry : 
 
 H  Or, 
 feed 
 them. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 mingled 
 corn,  or, 
 dredge. 
 
 •}■  Heb. 
 
 and  does  whatever  he  pleafes,  without  giving  to  any  a  reafon  for  h.s  condua.  14. 
 Whatever  trouble  be  has  intended  for  me  he  will  inflia  ;  and  m  h.s  purpofes  and 
 providential  condua  there  are  many  inftances  of  high  fovereignty,  of  which  Uiough 
 both  wife  and  juft,  we  cannot  fee  the  reafon.  15.  In  confideration  of  his  infinite 
 maiefty,  and  fovereign  and  irrefiftible  power,  I  am  troubled  at  the  tokens  of  his 
 anger:  and.  when  I  leifurely  confider  his  hard  dealing  with  me,  I  am  afraid  of 
 him  1 7  For  he  keeps  me  Hill  alive  under  tbefe  terrible  troubles  and  perplexi¬ 
 ties,’ and  refufes  me  the  favour  of  dying  by  bis  fearful  and  confounding  ftrokes. 
 
 EXPLAN.4TORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXIV.  But  if  God  always  P“^es 
 the  wicked  in  this  world,  as  you  pretend,  why  are  not 
 
 by  him?  and  why  do  not  thofe  who  are  heft  acquainted  with  him,  obferve  thofe 
 days  of  vengeance  on  bis  enemies  ?  2.  Certain  it  is,  thri,  m  tins  world  feme  are 
 noLrioufly  covetous  and  unjuft,  and  even  open  robbers.  3.  They  cruelly  opprefs 
 widows  Jod  fatherlefs  children.  4.  They  liarafs,  terrify,  or  even  imprilon  the 
 meek,  poor,  and  aflliaed.  5.  In  the  moft  unconcerned  manner 
 their  op^flions  ;  and,  by  rapine  and  violence,  maintain  themfelves  and  fan«l>es 
 in  tbe^d^efert.  6.  They  reap  fields,  and  gather  vintages  not  their  own.  7,  8. 
 They  force  from  the  poor  whatever  they  have,  till  they  reduce  them  to  abfolu  e 
 mifeC  in  a  ftate  fimllar  to  that  of  w'lld  beads.  9-11.  While  they  •nhuinan  y 
 
 denrive  infants  of  their  provifion,  that  the  enflaved  mothers  may  work,  and  de¬ 
 prive  their  poor  underlings  of  the  meaneft  neceflaries  of  life,  they  force  ‘hein  to 
 fabour  in  the  hardeft  fervices.  12.  Thofe,  whom  they 
 
 or  unjuftly  condemned,  mightily  cry  to  God  for  vengeance  againft  them  ,  yet  he 
 
 - -  -  -  -  -  -  W  . ‘Off 
 
 wine-prefles,  and  luft'er  thirft. 
 
 12  Men  groan  from  out  of  the  city,  and  the  foul  of  the 
 wounded  crieth  out ;  yet  God  layeth  not  folly  to  them. 
 
 13  They  are  of  thofe  that  rebel  againft  the  light ; 
 they  know'  not  the  ways  thereof,  nor  abide  in  the 
 paths  thereof. 
 
 14  The  murderer,  rifing  with  the  light,  killeth  the 
 poor  and  needy,  and  in  the  night  is  as  a  thief. 
 
 1 5  The  eye  alfo  of  the  adulterer  waiteth  for  the 
 
 twilight,  faying,  No  eye  (hall  fee  me ;  and  t  difguifeth  t  Heb. 
 his  face.  _ 
 
 16  In  the  dark  they  dig  through  houfes  which  they 
 had  marked  for  themfelves  in  the  day-time  :  they 
 know  not  the  light. 
 
 17  For  the  morning  is  to  them  even  as  the  Qiadow 
 of  death  :  if  one  know  them,  they  are  in  the  terrors  of 
 the  (hadow  of  death. 
 
 IsHezs  fwift  as  the  waters;  their  portion  is  curfed  in 
 the  earth  :  he  beholdeth  not  the  way  of  tne  vineyards. 
 
 19  Drought  and  heat  t  confume  the  fnow- waters ;  t  Heb. 
 
 fo  doth  the  grave  thofe  which  have  finned.  vioimt^ 
 
 20  The  womb  fhall  forget  him;  the  worm  fhall'"**' 
 feed  fweetly  on  him  :  he  (hall  be  no  more  remember- 
 
 ed  ;  and  wickednefs  fhall  be  broken  as  a  free. 
 
 21  He  evil-entreateth  the  barren  that  beareth  not ; 
 and  doeth  not  good  to  the  widow. 
 
 22  Hedraweth  alfb  the  mighty  with  his  power;  he 
 
 rifeth  up,  ||  and  no  man  is  fure  of  life  ;  | 
 
 23  '1  hough  \i  be  given  him  to  be  in  lafety,  whereon 
 
 he  refteth  ;  yet  his  eyes  are  upon  their  ways.  own  ufe. 
 
 24  They  are  exalted  for  a  little  while,  but  t  are  t  Heb. 
 gone  and  brought  low  ;  they  are  f  taken  out  of  the  way 
 
 as  all  other,  and  cut  off  as  the  tops  of  the  ears  of  corn,  lusedlf. 
 
 25  And  if  it  be  not  so  now,  who  will  make  me  a 
 liar,  aud  make  my  fpeech  nothing  worth  ?f 
 chap.  XXV. 
 
 BilJftd  sheweth  that  man  cannot  be  justified  before  God. 
 
 Then  anfwered  Bildad  the  Shuhite,  and  faid, 
 
 2  Dominion  and  fear  are  with  him ; 
 maketh  peace  in  his  high  places. 
 
 he 
 
 punifties  them  not,  even  in  the  /lightest  manner.  13.  They  fin  impudently  in 
 the  face  of  the  fun,  and  against  the  light  of  nature,  confcience,  and  revelation ; 
 they  do  not  approve,  delight  in,  or  obferve  God’s  laws  ;  and  if  at  any  time  they 
 stumble  on  a  good  aaion,  they  quickly  give  it  over,  however  eafy  and  reafonable. 
 j4 _ 17.  Hating  the  light,  robbers  and  unclean  perfons,  in  defiance  of  an  all-fee¬ 
 
 ing  God,  earnestly  carry  on  their  murder  and  whoredom  in  the  night  feafon.  18. 
 Lii'hter  than  froth,  they  rufti  on  every  opportunity  of  uncleannefs  or  bloodflied; 
 their  inheritance  is  fpent  in  the  most  accurfed  manner ;  and  they  quite  difregard 
 the  management  of  the  vineyards,  or  otlier  most  profitable  bufinefs.  19.  After 
 all,  the  grave  in  a  quick  and  eafy  manner,  confunies  thefe  notorious  finners.  20. 
 Their  very  mothers  eafily  forget  their  death,  it  is  apparently  fo  pleafant.  Rotten- 
 nefs  fliali  be  fweet  to  them.  They  do  not  become  infamous  in  the  world,  but 
 their  crimes  are  quickly  and  altogetiier  forgotten.  21,  22.  They  abufe  barren 
 women,  injure  widows,  and  with  great  adlivity,  craft,  and  cruelty  opprefs  every 
 '  body  around.  23.  And  though  men  give  them  prefents,  that  they  may  have  their 
 proteaion  aud  friend/hip,  they  still  watch  for  opportunities  to  injure  thefe  depen. 
 dants.  24.  After  being  exalted  a  while,  they  come  to  their  graves,  as  feafouably, 
 i  in  appearance,  and  as  eafily  as  their  neighbours.  25.  But,  if  you  will  infist  that 
 the  wicked  are  always  fearfully  punilhed  in  this  life,  I  dare  challenge  the  whole 
 world  to  find  me  the  perfon  who  can  difprove  the  fadls  here  stated.  N.  B.  Ver. 
 
 jg _ 2r,  24.  may  be  interpreted  as  a  reprefentation  of  the  miferable  state  of 
 
 wicked  men  after  all  their  posterity. 
 
 EXPLAN.ATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXV.  Bildad  replied.  2.  To  God 
 
 - - -  .  r-  VXTTTl  Our  ffroaniiiffs  ftiould  never  be  heavier  than  our  ftrokes.  God  allows  us  to  complain,  but  never  to 
 
 Their  trials  ftiall  ilTue  to  ‘heir  everl^ing  honour  and  advantage.  p^^ereigntv,  ever  wife  and  juft,  hath  fixed  the  time  and  manner  of  punishing  finners.  While 
 
 at  laft  be  difeovered  and  punished  for  ever. 
 
JOB. 
 
 Job  profciseth  /its  iincciil>j> 
 
 nr, n  cannot  he  Justified  bffore  Goil.  i.r,. 
 
 h;«  Iirmie*  •  and  unon  i'  12  He  divideth  the  fea  v^uh  l.is  power,  and,  by  his  ^ 
 3  Is  there  any  nutnber  or  ^  ,  P  |j  yj^j^j-ftanding  he  fraiteth  through  t  the  proud. 
 
 13  By  his  Spirit  he  hath  garnifhed  the  heavens; 
 
 Ptforc  ift  Liicn-  **1^  ‘TT - -r  o 
 
 whom  doth  not  his  light  arilei;  •  u  ^  j 
 
 4  *  How  then  can  man  be  juftified  with  God 
 how  can  he  be  clean  that  ts  born  of  a  w^an  ? 
 
 4. i7,&c.  5  Behold,  even  to  ihe  tnoon,  and  it  Ihineth  not; 
 
 fi.  15.  H,  fhe  ftars  are  not  pure  in  his  fight : 
 
 6  How  much  lefs  man,  that  is  a  worm  ;  and  the 
 fon  of  man,  which  is  a  worm  '/* 
 
 CHAP.  XXVI. 
 
 1  Jo6  reprove tli  the  unchaiitable  spirit  oj  litldad,  5  acknowledgeth  the 
 power  of  God  to  be  ivfuiite  and  unsearchable- 
 
 BU  r  Job  anfwered  and  faid, 
 
 2  How  halt  thou  helped  him  that  is  without 
 power?  how  laveft  thou  the  arm  that  hath  no 
 llrength? 
 
 3  How  haft  thou  counfelled  him  that  hath  no  wil- 
 dom  ?  and  how  haft  thou  plentifully  declared  the  thing 
 as  it  is  ? 
 
 4  To  whom  haft  thou  uttered  words  ?  and  whofe 
 fpirit  came  from  thee  ? 
 
 5  Dead  things  are  formed  from  under  the  waters, 
 11  and  the  inhabitants  thereof. 
 
 6  *  Hell  is  naked  before  him,  and  deftru(ftion  hath 
 no  covering. 
 
 7  He  ftretcheth  out  the  north  over  the  empty  place, 
 and  hangeth  the  earth  upon  nothing.  ^ 
 
 8  He  bindeth  up  the  waters  in  his  thick  clouds ; 
 and  the  cloud  is  not  rent  under  them. 
 
 9  He  holdeth  back  the  face  of  his  throne,  and 
 fpreadeth  his  cloud  upon  it. 
 
 10  He  hath  coinpaflfed  the  waters  with  bonds,  f 
 until  the  day  and  night  come  to  an  end, 
 
 The  pillars  of  heaven  tremble,  and  are  aftonilh- 
 darkness-  ed  at  his  reproof. 
 
 or 
 
 ^c. 
 b  Pfalm 
 •’2.  6. 
 
 e 
 ll 
 
 1 .5  JO. 
 
 a  Or, 
 ^ith  the 
 
 inhabi¬ 
 tants. 
 a  Prov. 
 J5.  11. 
 
 j  Heb. 
 until  the 
 end  of 
 light  with 
 
 belongs  that  fuprenie  authority  over  all  things  in  heaven  and  earth,  and  that  infi¬ 
 nite  tuajeily  which  ftrikes  every  beholder  into  folemn  awe.  In  pcrfe<5l  quietnefs 
 and  order  he  rules  all  the  luminaries  in  the  firmament,  and  all  the  angels  and 
 glorified  faints  above.  Why  then  dareft  thou  pretend  to  find  fault  with  him  ?  3. 
 His  creatures  are  abfolutely  innumerable  to  us,  and  every  one  fhares  of  his  light, 
 his  benefits  of  nature  or  grace; — why  then  contend  with  him  ?  4.  And  how  then 
 can  a  poor  wretched  man  Hand  as  righteous  before  God?  and  he  that  is  born  of  a 
 finful  woman  be  pure  before  him  ?  5.  In  his  view  the  bright  luminaries  of  heaven 
 are  fpotted  and  dark.  6.  How  mean  and  vile  then  muft  the  frail  and  dying  chil¬ 
 dren  of  a  corrupted  progenitor  and  covenant  head  be  in  his  fight. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXVI.  To  this.  Job,  in  a  derifive 
 manner  anfwered,  2,  3.  To  what  purpofe  ferve  thefe  hints,  either  to  fupport  the 
 caufe  of  the  Almighty,  or  to  diredi  him  in  the  government  of  the  world,  or  to 
 comfort  a  difpirited,  and  instruct  an  ignorant  foul  ?  Who  can  be  a  whit  bet¬ 
 tered  by  aught  you  have  fo  confidently  uttered,  that  is  quite  foreign  to  the 
 point  in  band?  4.  Do  you  imagine  that  I  need  to  be  inllrudled  in  thefe  points? 
 or  that  you,  as  one  infpired  of  God,  can  by  fucb  hints  revive  and  refrelh  my 
 fpirit?  .'5.  I  myfelf  can  difcourfe  to  far  better  purpofe  concerning  God.  W'hile 
 terrible  monfters,  minerals,  pearl,  coral,  and  the  like,  are  formed  in  the  bottom 
 of  the  fea,  or  heart  of  the  earth,  and  filhes  and  animals  on  the  furface  of  it, 
 the  departed  ghofls  tremble,  and  travail  in  pain,  in  the  deep  and  dark  regions 
 of  mifery.  6.  The  wliole  (late  of  the  dead,  whether  of  foul  or  body,  is  perferSlIy 
 obvious  to  God’s  all-feeing  eye;  and  all  the  depths  and  miferies  of  hell,  are  per¬ 
 petually  vifible  to  him.  7.  He  fpreads  the  heavens  over  the  apparently  empty 
 regions  of  air  ;  and  fo  balances  the  earth  by  his  power,  that  it  bangs  like  a  ball 
 tn  the  air,  fupported  by  nothing.  8.  He  binds  up  large  culleiSlions  of  water, 
 in  the  clouds  by  which  he  covers  his  glory,  and  on  which  he  rides  in  majefiy 
 as  in  firm  bags,  till  he  pleafes,  to  make  them  diftil  in  dew,  rain,  fnow,  or  hail. 
 9.'  He  conceals  bis  own  glorious  abode  ;  he  firmly  fixes  the  vifible  heavens, 
 and  fpreads  his  vailing  colle<5lion  of  clouds  over  them,  to  conceal  his  glory  and 
 
 his  hand  hath  formed  the  crooked  I'erpent.  t 
 
 14  Lo  thefe  are  parts  ol  his  ways  :  but  how  111116/”^“^ 
 a  portion  is  heard  of  him  ?  but  the  thunder  of  his 
 
 power  who  can  underftand  ?t 
 ^  CHAP.  XXVII. 
 
 1  Job  projesseth  his  sincerity.  8  The  hypocrite  u  without  hope.  11  The 
 blessings  which  the  wicked  hove  ate  turned  into  curses. 
 
 Moreover,  Job  t  continued  his  parable,  andHie^-^ 
 
 laid.  .  take  up. 
 
 2  As  God  liveth,  who  hath  taken  away  my  judg¬ 
 ment  ;  and  the  almighty,  who  hath  f  vexed  my  loul ;  t  Heb. 
 
 3  All  the  while  my  breath  is  in  me,  and  il  the  Spirit 
 of  God  is  in  my  noftrils  ;  ‘  That  is, 
 
 4  My  lips  ftiall  not  fpeak  wickednefs,  nor  my  tongue  the  breath. 
 utter  deceit.  whwhGod 
 
 5  God  forbid  that  I  Ihould  juftify  you  :  till  I  die^“'^*‘'”' 
 
 I  will  not  remove  ray  integrity  from  me. 
 
 6  My  righteoufnefs  1  hold  faft,  and  will  not  let  it . 
 go ;  my  heart  fhall  not  reproach  me  t  fo  long  as  I  live. jrommy 
 7  Let  mine  enemy  be  as  the  wicked,  and  he  that  days. 
 rifeth  up  againft  me  as  the  unrighteous. 
 
 8  *  For  what  is  the  hope  of  the  hypocrite,  though ' 
 he  hath  gained  when  God  taketh  away  his  foul  ?  i.  28.  ’ 
 
 9  *  Will  God  hear  his  cry  when  trouble  cometh  Ezekiel 
 upon  him  ? 
 
 10  Will  he  delight  himfelf  in  the  Almighty?  will^ 
 he  always  call  upon  God  ?  James 
 
 1 1  I  will  teach  you  li  by  the  hand  of  God  ;  that  4-  s. 
 which  is  with  the  Almighty  will  I  not  conceal.  ^ 
 
 22  Behold,  all  ye  yourfelves  have  I'een  it:  why,9^/®,|^^ 
 then  are  ye  thus  altogether  vain?  ^c. 
 
 rellrain  the  fcorching  beams  of  the  fun.  10.  Every  where,  while  the  revolutions 
 of  day  and  night  coiitiue,  he  has  fixed  the  (bores  and  boundaries  of  the  fea,  that 
 rage  as  it  will,  it  cannot  exceed  tliem.  11.  The  lofty  roountaios,  which  feem  the 
 fupporting  pillars  of  heaven,  tremble  and  (hake  when  he  corre(5ls  men  by  earth> 
 quakes,  thunders,  or  tempefts.  12.  By  his  power  he  tolfes  the  fea  into  a  terrible 
 fury,  as  it  were,  divides  it  into  ridges  and  mountainous  billows;  and  by  bis 
 wife  government  he  again  calms  at  pleafure,  and  mortally  wounds  the  crocodiles, 
 and  other  proud  monfters  which  inhabit  it.  13.  By  the  influence  of  his  Holy 
 Spirit  he  at  first  adorned  tbs  heavens  by  his  power  ;  be  formed  the  milky-way,  and 
 all  their  winding  contlellations.  By  his  wind  he  clears  up  the  (ky  ;  and  his  al¬ 
 mighty  power  tlrikc-s  protlrate  the  motl  dire  and  deftructive  montlers  of  fea  or 
 land,  1 4.  Nay,  behold,  thefe  are  but  the  outlines,  and  a  fmall  parcel  of  his  works. 
 It  is  but  very  little  that  we  either  hear  or  know  concerning  him  ;  but  the  thunder- 
 like  declarations  of  his  prevailing,  his  infinite  excellency,  who  can  comprehend. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXVII.  None  ofilring  to  fpeak,  Job 
 continued  bis  fubtlantial  hut  dark  and  myflerious  difeou^'fe,  faying,  2.  I  proted 
 by  the  Almighty  God,  who  refufes  me  an  opportunity  of  clearing  myfelf  before 
 him,  and  who  has  tormented  me  with  all  thefe  fearful  ftrokes  of  his  vengeance, 
 3,  4.  That,  while  I  live,  I  will  never  utter  an  untrutli,  either  to  vindicate  myfelf 
 where  I  am  guilty,  or  to  condemn  myfelf  where  I  am  innocent.  5,  6.  God  for¬ 
 bid  that  ever  I  Ihould  juftify  your  opinions  and  cenfures,  deny  my  own  fin- 
 cerity,  and  confefs  myfelf  to  be  an  hypocrite.  7.  It  is  mine  enemies  and  op- 
 pofers  whom  God  will  codemn  and  punith  as  wicked.  And  indeed  I  could 
 with  nothing  worfe  to  my  greateft  enemy  and  injurer  than  to  be  wicked.  So 
 much  I  deteft  it.  8.  For  what  avails  the  firmed  hope  of  the  hypocrite  in  all  his 
 covetoully  gained  profperity,  or  even  inward  tranquility  of  foul,  when  he  comes 
 to  die?  9.  Will  God  always  hear  his  prayers  in  the  time  of  trouble  and  death? 
 10.  Or  will  he  find  comfort  in  God  when  the  world  affords  none?  or,  will  he  in 
 profperity  as  well  as  in  adverlity  continue  in  the  earneft  wortliip  and  fervice  of 
 God?  11.  Attend  therefore,  while,  by  God’s  affiftance,  I  candidly  inform  you 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XXV.]  Glowing  controverfy  might  often  terminate  in  warm  concord,  were  the  difputants  fufficiently  attentive 
 to  the  fuppofed  or  real  difference  between  them.  Job’s  friends  were  obliged  to  acknowlege  that  the  w  icked  might  prol'per  for  a  time,  and  he  never  denied  that  they 
 would  be  at  last  punithed.  It  were  a  great  mercy  for  religious  controverfialists,  to  have  exalted  thoughts  of  God  and  humble  tboughto  of  themfelves.  How  infinite 
 file  condefcenfion  of  Jehovah,  to  hold  fellowfhip  with  man,  fo  mean  and  vile. 
 
 16 
 
r 
 
 'Jhe  ’Tided'' s  b'cssin^s  tiinicd  to  mrscs. 
 
 JOB. 
 
 God*s  'wisdom  cannot  he  searched  ^len 
 
 Before  13  'I'his  is  the  portion  of  a  wicked  man  with  God,  11  H  As  for  the  earth,  out  of  it  comet h  bread  ;  and  Hefor* 
 ..J  '’/;!'  and  the  ht  ritage  of  oppreffors,  rchich  they  (hall  receive  ,,  under  it  is  turned  up  as  it  were  hre. 
 
 of  the  Almigl'jy.  '1.6  The  (fones  ot  it  «re  the  place  ot  fapphires  ;  and 
 
 14  If  his  children  be  multiplied,  it  is  for  the  fword  ;  !  it  hath  H  duft  of  gold.  i,nr,«,^.rh  a  ''  n'* 
 
 and  his  offspring  (hall  not  be  fatisfied  with  bread.  i;  7  There  is  a  path  which  no  fowl_  knoweth,  and or. 
 
 15  Thole  that  remain  of  him  (liall  be  buried  in  which  the  vuUure  s  eye  hath  not  leen 
 
 c  Pfaim  death;  and  '  his  widows  (hall  not  weep.  1  8  1  he  lion  s  whelps  av  ,  e 
 
 16  Though  he  heap  up  filver  as  the  duft,  and  pre-  fierce  lion  by  it.  .  k  h  n 
 
 pate  raiment  as  the  clay ;  ,  .  0“''"!,'’  ^ 
 
 17  He  may  prepare  /V,  but  the  juft  (ball  put  it  on,  overtiirneth  the  mountai  y  .a"  i.  j 
 
 and  the  innocent  fnall  divide  tne  filver.  ;i  .  ne  cuiieui  uui  °  ’ 
 
 r  J®  ^  'i  "n'Tl/SniCT  fluids  t  -erflo^ng ;  and 
 
 begaS;e?:\rc%^^h  htsc;eT’and“Vel™^^^^  I  '"V'Bi'lere'lbauSon.  be  found?  and  where”-.' 
 20  Terrors  take  hold  on  him  as  waters,  a  temped 
 
 ”8.  64. 
 
 d  Chap. 
 IS.  11. 
 
 dealeth  him  away  in  the  night. 
 
 21  The  eaft  w'ind  carrieth  him  away,  and  he  de- 
 parteth  ;  and,  as  a  dorm  hurleth  him  out  ot  his  place. 
 
 is  the  place  ot  underdanding  ?  ,  r-  • 
 
 13  Man  knoweth  not  the  price  thereof ;  neither  is 
 it  found  in  the  land  ot  the  living. 
 
 14  »  The  deoth  faith,  It  is  not  in  me ;  and  the  feaa  Rom. 
 
 iieiii  ;  duu,  d5  a  iiuim  iiuiicm  imu  uui  vji  mo  pinv-.-.  ^  .  1  1.33  34 
 
 22  For  God  (hall  cad  upon  him,  and  not  (pare;  faith,  It  is  ^ot  with  me.  npifhpr  fViaiUHeh 
 
 t  he  uould  (am  fiee  out  of  his  hand.  .  nrlce  ihereo  ' 
 
 23  d/.,,  lhall  dap  their  hands  at  him.  and  (hall  h.fs  filver  be  weighe  /"r  h  P  ^  . 
 
 t  Heb. 
 in/  ring 
 
 he  would  -  -  -  r 
 
 jiee.  him  out  of  his  place. 
 
 1  There  is  a  knowledge  of  natural  things: 
 gft  of  God, 
 
 CHAP.  XXVIII. 
 
 12  but  wisdom  is  an  exceHcnt 
 
 I  Or, 
 a  mine. 
 
 U  Or, 
 kust. 
 
 SUKl'iLY  there  is  |1  a  vein  for  the  filver,  and  a 
 place  for  gold  ivhere  they  fine  it. 
 
 2  Iron  is  taken  out  of  the  11  earth,  and  brafs  is  mol¬ 
 ten  out  of  the  (lone. 
 
 3  He  (etteth  an  end  to  darknefs,  and  fearcheth  out 
 all  p  rfeftioa  ;  the  dones  of  darknels,  and  the  (hadow 
 
 of  (death. 
 
 4  1  he  flood  breaketh  cut  from  the  inhabitant : 
 even  the  veatrrs  forgotten  of  the  foot ;  they  are  dried 
 up,  they  are  gone  away  from  men. 
 
 16  It  cannot  be  valued  with  the  gold  of  Ophir,£o,„n 
 
 with  the  precious  onyx,  or  the  fapphire.  font. 
 
 17  The  gold  and  the  crydal  cannot  equal  it ; 
 
 the  exchange  of  it  shall  not  he  for  H  jewels  ot  finely  ’jg' 
 gold.  1 1. 19.  & 
 
 18  No  mention  fhall  be  made  of  I1  coral,  or  ofie.ie. 
 pearls :  for  the  price  of  wifdom  is  above  rubies.  _ 
 
 19  The  topaz  of  Ethiopia  (hall  not  equal  it,  Dei./,g„4 
 
 ther  thall  it  be  valued  with  pure  gold.  |i  Or. 
 
 90  Whence  then  cometh  wifdom^  and  whereR<“'>'>'A' 
 
 is  the  place  of  underdanding?  ^ 
 
 21  Seeing  it  is  hid  from  the  eyes  of  all  living,  and 
 I  kept  clofe  from  the  fowls  of  the  ||  air.  | 
 
 '  22  Dedruidion  and  death  lay,  We  have  heard  the“- 
 
 fame  thereof  with  our  ears. 
 
 cf  fonie  of  the  myfteries  of  his  almighty  providence.  12.  Certain  it  is  that  every 
 one  i)f  you  know  from  experience  the  truth  of  what  I  am  to  fay.  hy  then 
 ihould  you  thus  abfurdly  attempt  to  prove  the  contrary  ?  13.  Far  be  it  from  me 
 
 to  imagine  that  God  loves  hypocrites  and  opprefibrs.  No  :  though  for  a  time 
 they  profper,  the  .\lmighty  has  referved  treafures  of  vengeance  for  them  and  their 
 pofterity,  as  the  juft  reward  of  their  wickednefs.  14  Their  numerous  and  once 
 flouriftiing  families  are  condemned  to  deftruiftion  by  the  f«ord  of  juftice  or  war, 
 or  to  be  ftarved  by  famine.  15.  Such  as  efeape  the  fword  and  famine  fhall  he 
 cut  off  by  the  noifome  peftilence.  And,  none  adventuring  to  bury  them,^  they 
 fhall  lie  unburied,  or  be  interred  in  an  ignominious  manner;  and  their  widows 
 fliall  either  want  affe^iion,  or  not  he  in  life,  to  bewail  their  unhappy  end.  16,  17. 
 Though  tbefe  wicked  men  fhould  treafure  up  ever  fo  much  wealth  or  coft  y 
 apparel,  they  fhall  only  have  the  labour  of  procuring  it ;  for  God  fhall  deftroy 
 them,  and  beftow  their  wealth  upon  fucb  as  will  do  more  good  with  it.  18. 
 They  may  build  their  houfes  as  ftrong  as  they  pleafe,  and  fettle  their  eftates  in 
 the  furefl  forms;  but  God  will  quickly  fhake  them  out  of  all,  or  render. thern 
 ufelefs  to  them.  19.  In  the  twinkling  of  an  eye  death  thall  overtake  tbefe  rich 
 linners,  a»d  carry  them  off  as  wretchedly  poor,  into  the  eternal  ftate  ;  an 
 perhaps  without  an  honourable  burial  or  monument  on  earth.  20.  i  ant  o 
 terrors  feize  upon  them  ;  and  fome  furpriftng  calami'.y  often  hurries  them  unex- 
 peaedly  into  the  other  world,  where  the  terrors  of  God  fhall  overwhelm  tnem, 
 as  the  waters  did  the  old  world  ;  and  in  that  eternal  night  fhall  the  fweeptng 
 tempeft  of  infinite  wrath  unexpefledly  feize  on  and  ruin  them.  21.  &me  vio  ent 
 and  peftilential  affliaion,  fome  raging  end  burning  ftorra  of  God  s  juft  vengeance, 
 hurls  them  out  of  tlieir  wonted  felicity,  refidence,  and  life,  and  deprives  them  ot 
 all  the  good  which  they  expecled.  22,  23.  W^bile  God  purfues  them  with  mani- 
 fold  forms  of  uniiiized  and  unavoidable  vengeance,  men,  who  are  t  ere  >y  e  i- 
 vered  from  their  oppreflions,  fhall  deride  them,  rejoice  at  their  fall,  and  deleft  ttieir 
 BQeniorv. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXVIII.  No  wonder  that  I  cannot 
 
 tell  you  the  reafons  why  God  piinifties  fome  wicked  men  in  this  world  and  not 
 all  when,  after  all  our  refearches,  we  have  fo  fcanty  a  knowledge  of  natural 
 thi’nrrs  —There  are  feciet  mines  for  the  filver,  and  a  country  for  gold,  which 
 meifmelt  and  refine.  2.  And  iron  is,  with  ait  and  labour 'dragged  from  the 
 duft  and  ftones  are  melted  into  brafs  ;  3.  The  miners,  m  the  moft  earneft  and 
 darin-  manner,  dig  till  they  have  quite  loft  the  light  of  day,  and  bring  their  ore 
 from  the  dark  caverns  of  the  earth,  where  peftilential  damps,  and  other  dangers 
 often  prove  mortal.  4.  While,  with  infinite  labour,  they  dram  off  the  fpnngs 
 that  difturb  them,  they  break  into  veins  of  metal  about  the  bottom  of  momi- 
 tains-  and,  unheeded  by  the  men  who  walk  above  them,  they  wander  in  the 
 dark  bowels  of  the  earth.  5,  6.  While  the  furface  of  the  ground  produces  herbs 
 and  corn  for  food  to  animals,  lime,  brimftone,  and  fuch  other  combuftibles,  are 
 found  in  its  bowels;  nay,  the  moft  precious  ftones  and  gold,  in  fome  parts  of  it. 
 
 7  8  So  myfterious  are  the  paffages  of  thefe  miners,  that  the  moft  quick-lighted 
 fowls  never  looked  into  them,  and  the  moft  fierce  and  courageous  animals  never 
 dared  to  enter  them.  9.  But  the  miners  artfully  cut  their  way  through  rocks 
 of  flint  and  dig  to  the  bottoms  of  mountains,  to  come  at  the  precious  metals. 
 10  They  make  paffages  for  draining  off  the  water  that  breaks  in  upon  them,  and 
 cleave  a^nder  the  veins  of  ore,  and  earneflly  difeover  the  precious  ftones  and 
 metals  11  They  flop  the  fpiings  from  everflowing  their  mine,  turning  them 
 another  way,  and  bring  up  thefe  precious  gems  or  metals,  which  bad  been  long 
 fealed  up  in  the  heart  of  the  earth.— 12.  But  to  find  out  lolid  wifdom,  or  obta. 
 the  knowledge  of  God’s  reafons  in  his  providential  cor.dua,  is  ftill  more 
 difficult.  13?  God  hath  fo  depofited  it,  that  no  man  knows  the  order,  methml, 
 or  importance  of  his  procedure  ;  and  no  man  on  earth  can  attain  to  it  1 4.  W 
 fearch  into  the  depths  of  the  earth  or  fea  can  procure  .t  15-19.  Not  ah 
 the  precious  metals  or  gems  in  the  world  can  purchafe  it.  20,  21.  No,  not  tlm 
 moft  quick-fighted  creatures  on  earth  can  point  a  method  to  obuin  it.  -  • 
 The  folid  coufideration  of  death  and  hell  are  a  proper  introdua.on  to  tru« 
 wifdom  ;  and  yet  in  death  and  damnation  there  are  manifold  inftances  of  GodJ 
 
 - —  - - - - - ^  Ic  Gnd  ou-ht  to  be  neceffary,  deliberate,  ferious,  .and  in  matters  of  much  importance. 
 
 PRAC  riCAl  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  XXMI.]  7,  the  afferlion  of  direft  falfehood.  Not  our  moft  folemn  vows  or  bell  «yki 
 
 Prevarication  or  concealment  of  truth  neceffary  to  he  known,  is  perjury  vvitn  uoa  .  jhe  efficacy  of  that  blood  to  pardon  and  purify,  to  exercife  ' 
 
 but  Jefus’  blood  muft  chiefly  maintain  a  good  confcience  :  and  while  the  f^  y  hypocrites.  It  is  bell  to  refute  the  calumnies  call  on  us  bf 
 
 ..onw™™  voli  »f  olftnc.  th.,  o.ght  not  lo  b.K...  S’ungSly  “  I"  ' 
 
 living  fo  as  to  pleafe  God.  Miferable  is  the  condition  of  the  hypocrite  and  ungodly  even 
 
JOB. 
 
 f ,rmr.r  pro^pcri');  and 
 
 lob  hemoanelh  himself  of  his  ,  i  >1  {T.-d  m"  • 
 
 '  „  ,  ,  ,  and  hp ,  11  Whenthc  ear  heard  me,  then  it  td  n  a  m.  , 
 
 23  God  uDderftandeth  the  way  thereof,  and  jhe  eye  faw  me,  it  gave  witncf;.  t  ■ -n- :  ^ 
 
 knoweth  the  place  thereof.  ,  r  u  ,u  7  \o  Rpr^ule  I  delivered  the  p 'or  that  cry.  'i,  .ind  ti.e 
 241-0,  he  looke.h  to  the  ends  of  the  earth,  li  u  to  h.-ip  hi™ 
 
 feeth  under  the  whole  heaven .  j  .  ^  * 
 
 25  To  make  the  weight  for  the  winds;  and  he 
 
 weiaheth  the  waters  by  nnealure.  _ 
 
 26  When  he  made  a  decree  for  the  ram,  and  a  way 
 
 for  the  lightning  of  the  thunder ; 
 
 II  27  Then  did  he  fee  it,  and  1|  declare  it ;  he  prepar¬ 
 
 ed  it,  yea,  and  fearched  it  out 
 
 honour- 
 
 Il.-foro 
 f  ;|l 
 -  .  -.20. 
 
 ft  li  mhsfii' 
 
 d  I’fjlm 
 111.  10. 
 Prov. 
 1.7. 
 
 &  9.  10. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 
 nddifi  to 
 take  vp. 
 
 n  Or, 
 
 lamiu 
 
 28  And  unto  man  he  faid.  Behold,  the  fear  of  the 
 Lord,  that  is  wifJom  ;  and  to  depart  from  evil  ' 
 
 uDderftanding.*  .  i 
 
 Job  bemoaneth  himulf  of  his  former  profpertiy  and  honour. 
 
 ORLOVER,  Job  t  continued  his  parable,  and 
 
 2  Oh  that  I  were  as  in  months  pad,  as  in  the  days 
 
 ivhen  God  preferved  me ;  u  j  j 
 
 3  When  his  11  candle  fhined  upon  my  head,  ana 
 •iXilien  by  his  light  I  walked  through  darknefs  ; 
 
 4  As  1  was  in  the  days  of  ray  youth,  when  the  le- 
 cret  cf  God  was  upon  my  tabernacle  ; 
 
 5  When  the  Almighty  was  yet  with  me,  when  my 
 children  vecrc  about  me  ; 
 
 6  W^hen  I  wafhed  my  fteps  with  butter,  and  the 
 
 rock  poured  t  me  out  rivers  of  oil ;  ,  ,  • 
 
 7  When  I  went  out  to  the  gate  through  the  city  ; 
 when  1  prepared  my  feat  in  the  ftreet ! 
 
 8  The  young  men  law  me  and  hid  themlelves  ; 
 
 and  the  aged  arofe,  flood  up.  , 
 
 9  The  princes  refrained  talking,  and  laid  their  hand 
 The  wiccQjj  ^[.jejr  mouth. 
 
 of  the  no.  ^  Doblcs  held  their  peace,  and  their  tongue 
 cleaved  to  the  roof  of  their  mouth. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 xuith  me. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 13  The  blefling  of  him  that  was  r^ady  to  per  !h  c^me 
 UDon  me;  and  I  cauled  the  widow’s  heart  to  fing  for  joy. 
 
 U  I  put  on  rightcoufnefs,  and  it  clothed  me  :  my 
 judgment  was  as  a  robe  and  a  diadem.  ,  ,  ^ 
 
 ^  15  I  was  eyes  to  the  blind,  and  feet  was  I  to  the  lame. 
 
 16  I  was  a  father  to  the  poor:  and  the  cau.e  which 
 
 I  knew  not  I  I'earched  out.  •  i 
 
 17  And  I  brake  f  »he  jiws  of  the  wicked,  and 
 
 t  p’ncked  the  fpod  out  of  his  teeth. 
 
 18  Then  I  faid  1  ftiall  die  in  my  neft,  and  1  fhall 
 
 multiply  my  days  as  the  fand.  , 
 
 19  My  root  was  t  fpread  out  by  the  waters,  and 
 
 the  dew  lay  all  night  upon  my  branch. 
 
 20  My  glory  was  t  frefh  in  me,  and  my  bo 
 
 f  renewed  in  my  hand.  •  , 
 
 21  Unto  me  men  gave  ear,  and  waited  an  p 
 
 filer, ce  at  my  counfel.  • 
 
 22  After  my  words  they  fpake  not  again  ;  and  my 
 
 fpeech  dropped  upon  them.  ^  .  j 
 
 23  And  they  waited  for  me  as  for  the  ram  ;  and 
 they  opened  their  mouth  wide  as  for  the  latter  rain. 
 
 24  If  I  laughed  on  them,  they  believed  it  not :  and 
 the  light  of  my  countenance  they  call  not  down. 
 
 25  I  chofe  out  their  way,  and  fat  chief,  and  dwelt 
 as  a  king  in  the  array,  as  one  that  comforteth  the 
 mourners.t 
 
 CHAP.  XXX. 
 
 1  Job's  honour  turned  into  exlremecontempt ;  I  5  his  pro/j>erityinlocalamtty. 
 
 But  now  they  that  are  f  younger  than  1  have  me 
 in  derifion,  whole  fathers  1  would  have  difdain- 
 ed  to  have  fet  with  the  dogs  of  my  flock. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 thtjiw- 
 t'ei:..  or, 
 ttte  grin¬ 
 ders. 
 f  Heb. 
 coft. 
 f  Heb. 
 opened. 
 t  Heb. 
 new. 
 f  Heb. 
 changed. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 of  fewer 
 days  than 
 
 I. 
 
 wife  procedure,  which  are  not  fufhciently  comprehended  in  the  reafons  of  them. 
 
 23 _ 27.  God  alone;  who  is  infinite  in  wifdom  and  knowledge,  and  who  orders 
 
 and  difpofes  all  things  at  his  pleafure  ;  who  manages  winds  and  waters,  rains  and 
 thunders,  in  all  their  circura fiances,  degree,  time,  place  or  form  ;  properly  under- 
 ftands  the  reafon  of  whatever  he  does,  particularly  his  dealings  with  men.  28. 
 But  what  he  inculcates  and  bellows  upon  men,  as  their  proper  wifdom,  is  fuch  a 
 knowledge  and  filial  awe  of  his  unbounded  excellencies  as  makes  them  to  flee  to 
 him  as  their  only  refuge  and  portion;  and  hating  every  thing  finful,  to  love  him 
 and  keep  his  commandments. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXIX.  After  another  paufe.  Job 
 proceeded  in  his  fpirited  vindication  of  himfelf,  faying,  2.  O  that  God  would 
 re-eflablifh  me  in  my  former  profperity  of  perfon,  family,  and  eflate,  as  in  the 
 days  wherein  he  watched  over  and  protedled  me!  3  When  his  blefling  and  j 
 favour  diredled  and  profpered  me  in  all  my  affairs,  and  made  me  to  pafs  un¬ 
 touched  through  all  the  troubles  and  inconveniencies  of  life,  and  the  various 
 dangers,  difficulties,  and  calamities,  which  befell  others  around  me.  4.  When 
 1  was  in  the  days  of  my  ripe  profperity,  and  had  tiie  authority,  the  oracles,  and 
 fecrets  of  God  with  me;  5  When  God  Almighty  continued  fo  kind  to,  and  fa. 
 miliar  with  me,  and  my  children  and  fervants  were  round  about  me;  6. 
 When  whitherfoever  I  turned  myfclf,  I  abounded  in  all  forts  of  the  choicefl 
 bleflings;  7  When  I  took  my  feat  in  the  places  of  judicature  and  concourfe, 
 8.  The  young  men  flood  in  the  mofl  profound  awe  of  me,  and  the  aged  flood 
 up  in  reverence,  and  ceafed  to  fpeak.  9,  10.  Nay,  from  regard  to  my  fupeiior 
 authority,  princes,  the  naoll  noble  not  accepted,  refrained  from  fpeaking.  11. 
 They  who  heard  me  judge  in  a  caufe  pronounced  me  highly  favoured  of  God, 
 and  richly  endowed  with  his  gifts  and  graces,  and  prayed  for  his  diflinguifhed 
 hleffings  upon  me  ;  and  they  who  obferved  my  juft  proceedure  attefted  my  pious, 
 
 juft,  and  blamelefs  couverfation  :  12.  Becaufe  I  never  failed  to  red  refs  the 
 
 grievances  of  poor,  fatherlefs,  and  deftitute  perfons,  who  complained  to  me. 
 13.  Many  bleffed  me,  as  the  inflrument  of  delivering  them  when  they  were 
 upon  the  point  of  being  ruined  by  falfe  accufations  ;  and  I  caufed  the  widow  s 
 heart  to  fing  with  joy  for  her  great  and  unexpeaed  deliverances,  and  the  favours 
 which  I  granted  her.  14.  In  all  my  fentences  I  fixed  my  attention  on  what  was 
 juft  and  upright;  and  the  decifions  I  gave  were  an  honour  to  me.  15.  I  in- 
 flruaed,  direaed,  and  affifted  fuch  as  could  not  manage  their  own  affairs  ;  ard 
 was  ever  ready  to  help  and  comfort  fuch  as  could  not  help  themfelves.  16.  1 
 was  a  kind  teacher,  provider,  and  proieaor  to  the  poor  ;  and  carefully  enquired 
 into  their  circumftances,  as  well  as  into  their  difficult  and  obfeure  pleas.  17.  By 
 proper  punifliments  and  reftraints  I  rendered  the  wicked  incapable  of  opprtfling 
 and  forced  them  to  reftore  that  which  they  had  violently  extorted.  18.  Then 
 I  vainly  imagined  that,  after  a  long  life  of  amazing  profperity,  I  fhould  die 
 quietly  in  my  own  houfe,  among  my  children  and  friends  ;  19.  I  hat  my  remark¬ 
 able  happinefs  ftlould  certainly  continue,  as  I  had  every  mean  of  preferving  and 
 fecuring  it;  20.  That  the  honour  and  refpeiff  which  1  had  from  oUiers,  and  my 
 abilities and  powers,  fliould  ftill  continue  with  me;  21,22.  That  men  fliould 
 I  ftill  regard  my  advices  and  decifions  with  the  mofl  profound  refpea  ;  23.  That 
 '  they  fliould  always  be  exceedingly  defirous  to  hear  my  opinion  and  judgment 
 Ion  a  point:  24.  That  though  I  carried  myfelf  familiaily  towards  tlum. 
 they  fliould  ftill  ftand  in  awe,  and  carefully  avoid  every  thing  which  might 
 deprive  them  of  ray  favour;  25.  And  that  I  fliould  ftill  be  regarded  as  their 
 principal  direaor  in  their  condua,  and  affeaionate  comforter  under  ibeit 
 troubles. 
 
 N.  B  Ver.  20 — 25.  may  alfo  be  read  in  the  paft  time,  as  in  our  iranflaiion. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXX.  But  now  alas  !  the  youths,  who 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  XXVIII.j  Though  painful  experience  hath  obliged  every  generation  to  exclaim,  Vanity  of  vanities,  all  is 
 vanity  and  vexation  of  fpirit,  yet,  alas  !  how  eagerly  do  men  purfue  deceiiful  riches  !  Why  does  not  experience  teach  them  to  dig  for  heaven  s  hid  trealures,  wlrch 
 anfwer  all  things,  and  endure  for  ever.— How  great  is  that  God  whofe  eye  beholds  all  things,  whofe  power  affeifls  all,  whofe  purpofes  fix  all  things  ;  Let  us  never 
 dare  to  pry  into  his  private  counfels,  by  which  he  regulates  his  condua.  Let  us  leave  the  fecrets  of  men’s  hearts,  and  the  myfleries  of  providence  to  Uie  Lord.  And 
 let  us  all  ftudy  what  he  has  revealed  to  us  as  the  flandard  of  our  faith  and  pradlice. 
 
 I’RACTICAL  OBSERVA  riuNS. — f  Chap.  XXIX.]  Thofe  who  bloffora  in  youth  know  little  what  dark  and  cloudy  days  may  be  in  referve  for  them.  It 
 19  pleafant,  however  to  commemorate  our  early  intimacies  with  God,  and  his  kind  prote61ion  and  mercies  toward  us;  and  it  is  proper  to  pray  for  their  continuance 
 or  leftoration,  Faith  in  God.  and  intimate  fellow  fhip  with  him,  rtmaikably  coiiiiibute  to  render  men  truly  honourable  and  ufrful  in  the  world.  How  happy  for 
 fociety,  when  judges  are  grave,  folemn,  and  impartial,  helpers  of  the  pOi  r,  and  terror-  lo  the  opprtffors  '  and  when  the  people  are  modeft,  fubmiffive,  and  grateful. 
 But  when  men  have  great  wealth  and  are  regarded  as  the  oracle,  the  fupport,  and  glory  of  theit  country,  how  apt  they  aic  to  fuppoi'e  their  felicity  fecured,  and  to 
 forget  the  evil  day  • 
 
JOB. 
 
 i  llcb. 
 huitS, 
 
 Jih^s  honour  r// .  -n'o  confovrot  ■ 
 
 r!  M T  “  ^  mii^ht  the  ftrenpth  of  their  hands  pro- 
 
 .  : .  1 .  0  A’’  v'  hom  old  age  was  perifhed? 
 
 -  — --w'.  I'-^r  want  and  famine //;ny  wrf  ||  folitarv  ;  fleeing 
 
 ,  ir.  into  the  wildernefs  f  in  former  time  defolate  and 
 ••<  watte  : 
 
 tNieb!'^  Who  cut  up  mallows  by  the  bufhes,  and  juniper- 
 -r.'  roots  A'r  their  meat. 
 
 ni^ht.  5  T.  hey  were  driven  forth  from  among  men,  (they 
 cried  after  them  as  after  a  thief,) 
 
 6  lo  dwell  in  the  cliffs  of  the  valleys,  in  f  caves  of 
 the  earth,  and  in  the  rocks. 
 
 7  Among  the  bufhes  they  brayed  ;  under  the  nettles 
 they  were  gathered  together. 
 
 t  iieh.  8  yVv  acre  children  of  fools,  yea,  children  of  f  bafe 
 ""nien  ;  they  were  viler  than  the  earth, 
 a^i^iras  ^  DOW  am  I  their  fong  ;  y^ea  I  am  their  by- 
 
 35.  15.  &  word. 
 
 They  abhor  me,  they  flee  far  from  me,  f  and 
 ^  fpare  not  to  fpit  in  my  face. 
 
 hold  nat  1 1  Becaule  he  hath  loofed  my  cord,  and  afflifted 
 tpiiiie  me,  they  have  alfo  let  loofe  the  bridle  before  me. 
 jrommy  J2  Upon  7mj  right  hand  rife  the  youth;  they  pufh 
 away  my  feet,  and  they  raife  up  againfi  me  the  ways 
 of  their  deftruftion. 
 
 13  They  mar  my  path  ;  they  fet  forward  my  cala¬ 
 mity  ;  they  have  no  helper. 
 
 14  They  came  upon  me  as  a  wide  breaking-in  of 
 xvaters;  in  the  defolation  they  rolled  themfelves  upon 
 me. 
 
 t  Heb.  15  Terrors  are  turned  upon  me  :  they  purfue  f  my 
 ^pJi'onl  wind  ;  and  my  welfare  paffeih  away  as  a 
 
 'cloud. 
 
 16  And  now  my  foul  is  poured  out  upon  me;  the 
 days  of  aftliftion  have  taken  hold  upon  me. 
 
 17  My  bones  are  pierced  in  me  in  the  night  feafon  ; 
 and  my  finews  take  no  reft. 
 
 18  By  the  great  force  of  my  diftafe  is  my  garment 
 changed ;  it  Wndeth  me  about  as  the  collar  of  my 
 coat. 
 
 His  infegrily  in  scvitol  duties, 
 
 19  He  hath  caft  me  into  the  mire,  and  I  am  be-  Before 
 come  like  duft  and  alhes.  Cbriiit 
 
 tiO  1  cry  unto  thee,  and  thou  doft  not  hear  me  ;  l'"^‘ 
 ttand  up,  and  thou  regardeft  me  not. 
 
 ‘21  Thou  art  t  become  cruel  to  me;  with  f  thytHeb. 
 ftrong  hand  thou  oppofeft  thyl'elf  againft  me. 
 
 22  Thou  lifteft  me  up  to  the  wind  ;  thou  caul’eft 
 
 me  to  ride  upon  it,  and  diflblveft  ray  H  fubftance.  [/,e ‘ 
 
 23  For  I  know ///«^  thou  wilt  bring  me  to  death, 
 and  to  the  houfe  appointed  for  all  living. 
 
 24  Howbeit  he  will  not  ftretch  out  his  hand  to  the|[,,j^^’,j 
 
 f  grave,  though  they  cry  in  his  deftruftion.  f  Uob.' 
 
 25  ^  Did  not  I  weep  f  for  him  that  was  in  trouble  ?W- 
 was  Jiot  my  foul  grieved  for  the  poor. 
 
 26  When  I  looked  for  good,  then  evil  came  ttnionom.' 
 me:  and  when  I  waited  for  light,  there  came darknefs,  12. 15. 
 
 27  My  bowels  boiled,  and  refted  not;  the  daysf^^^*"- 
 
 of  affliaion  prevented  me.  'Z;“Z 
 
 28  I  went  m.ourning  without  the  fun ;  I  flood  up,  hard  oj 
 
 and  I  cried  in  the  congregation.  '%• 
 
 29  '  1  am  a  brother  to  dragons,  and  a  companion  c  Pfaim 
 
 to  II  owds.  102.6. 
 
 30  My  fkin  is  black  upon  me,  and  ray  bones  are  ^ 
 
 ostnehes, 
 
 burnt  with  heat. 
 
 31  My  harp  alfo  is  turned  to  mourning,  and  my  or¬ 
 gan  into  the  voice  of  them  that  weep.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXXI. 
 
 Jb6  maketk  a  solemn  protestation  of  his  integrity  in  several  duties, 
 
 I  MADE  a  covenant  with  my  eyes  ;  why  then 
 Ihould  I  think  upon  a  maid  ? 
 
 2  For  what  portion  of  God  is  there  from  above  ?  and  chap. 
 what  inheritance  of  the  Almighty  from  on  high  ?  34. 21. 
 
 3  Is  not  deftrublion  to  the  wicked  ?  and  a  ftrange  ^ 
 punishment  to  the  workers  of  iniquity  ? 
 
 4  ®  Doth  not  he  fee  my  ways  and  count  all  myfteps?|  neb. 
 
 5  If  I  have  walked  with  vanity,  or  if  my  foot  hzxXt  Let  Mm 
 
 hafted  to  deceit ;  ZtaZ 
 
 6  t  Let  me  be  w'eighed  in  an  even  balance,  that 
 God  may  know  mine  integrity'.  justice. 
 
 durft  fcarcely  look  me  in  the  face,  mock  and  deride  me,  even  thofe  whofe  infa¬ 
 mous  parents  I  would  have  difdained  to  have  employed  in  attending  my  dogs, 
 or  iri  other  of  the  vilest  fervices  ;  2.  Being  indeed  fo  lazy,  listlefs,  and  weak, 
 that  it  was  in  vain  to  employ  them  in  any  thing,  after  they  had  lived  fo  long 
 abandoning  themfelves  to  wickednefs  ;  S— 6.  Bafe  and  beggarly  fellows,  w  ho 
 alhamed  of  their  poverty,  and  to  prevent  the  punifhment  of  their  wickednefs 
 has  fled  into  deferts,  and  there,  like  wild  beasts,  lived  upon  roots  and  herbs,  and 
 lodged  in  dens,  caves,  and  bufhes.  9.  But  now  they  triumph  over  me,  and 
 make  my  calamities  the  fubje<5t  of  their  fongs  and  merry  couverfation.  10. 
 Heartily  abhorring  me  they  difdain  to  come  near  me,  unlefs  it  be  contemptu- 
 oufly  to  fpit  in  my  face.  11.  Becaufe  God  has  deprived  me  of  my  authority,  wealth, 
 and  honour,  and  has  grievoufly  afflitSled  me,  they  take  an  unrestrained-  liberty  in 
 their  infolent  behaviour  towards  me.  12.  The  very  boys  place  themfelves  as  my 
 accufers  ;  they  infolently  abufe  me;  and  attempt,  by  different  metliods,  to  destroy 
 me.  1 3.  They  endeavour  to  obstrudl  all  means  of  comfort  and  relief  to  me.  They 
 fo  disturb  my  m:nd,  that  I  know  not  what  to  do.  Without  having  or  needing 
 any  afRstance,  they,  in  the  most  prefumptuous  manner,  increafe  my  calamities. 
 14.  With  most  furious  and  destrutBive  violence  they  affault  me;  and  when  God 
 has  deprived  me  of  my  fuhstance,  family,  and  health,  they  infult  roe  in  the  most 
 noify  forms.  1  5.  Terrors,  direiSled  by  God  againfi  me,  feize  upon  me  in  the  moll 
 violent  and  irrefistible  manner  :  and  my  abundant  profperity  is  quickly,  in  a  mo¬ 
 ment,  over  and  gone.  1 6-  By  reafon  of  my  terrible  afflidlions  my  courage  and 
 refoiution  are  quite  exhausted,  and  the  power  of  my  foul  fo  wasted,  that  I  Can  do 
 nothing  but  melt  into  tears,  and  faint  away  with  grief.  17.  In  the  night,  when 
 ethers  rest,  my  bones  are,  as  it  were  pierced  and  bruifed  with  pain  :  and  the  worms, 
 terrors,  and  agonies  that  torment,  never  take  rest.  18.  By  their  fearful  force  my  j 
 boils  which  cover  me  all  over,  are  like  an  outer  garment  to  me,  and  gird  me  'J 
 
 round  about;  and  their  filthy  matter  ftains  my  clothes,  and  glues  them  faft  to  my 
 fkin,  that  I  can  fcarcely  get  them  changed.  1 9.  I  am  fearfully  plunged  into  filthy 
 troubles.  My  foul  fores  render  me  like  duft  and  alhes,  and  reduce  me  to  the 
 point  of  death.  20.  When  I  prefent  myfelf  before  thee,  O  God,  and  continue 
 inftant  in  the  moft  fervent  fiipplications,  thou  doft  but  contemn  me.  21,  22. 
 Aifting  as  an  implacable  enemy  to  me,  thou  exercifeft  thy  almighty  power  to  de- 
 ftroy  me.  Thou  liftest  me  up  to  the  wind  of  thy  vengeance,  and  makeft  me  to 
 ride  upon  it  as  flubble  driven  to  and  fro.  My  body  is  confumed  by  the  violence 
 of  my  trouble;  and  my  firmeft  things  are  made  to  reel  as  the  waters  of  the  fca 
 toffed  with  a  ftorm.  23.  Truly  by  thy  thus  dealing  with  me  I  fee  that  I  need 
 look  for  nothing  but  death  and  the  grave,  that  common  fanfluary  of  mankind. 
 24.  And  I  hope  God  will  neither  exert  his  almighty  power  to  refeueme  from  the 
 grave,  nor  let  me  in  my  paffage  cry  out  of  pains  ;  let  friends  entreat  for  my  life  as 
 they  will :  nor  ufe  it  to  moleft  me  there,  but  give  me  refrelhing  cafe  in  the  ftate 
 of  the  dead.  25.  Did  not  I  always  fympathize  with  others  in  their  diftrefs  and 
 poverty  ?  And  do  not  I  now  w'cep  as  one  condemned  to  a  period  of  trouble  ?  Dois 
 not  my  foul,  as  a  poor  diftreffed  objefl,  pine  away  with  grief?  26.  For,  when  1 
 firmly  expefled  great  and  lafting  profperity,  terrible  miferies  came  upon  me.  27. 
 How  infupportable  are  the  inward  torments  of  my  body,  and  the  anguifti  of  my 
 foul  ?  Days  of  fearful  affliflion  have  ruflied  upon  me  before  I  was  aware.  23. 
 I  fpend  my  days  without  any  comfort ;  and  fadnefs  makes  me  quite  unconcerned 
 about  light,  or  any  other  agreeable  objefl.  My  trouble  forces  me  to  cry  out,  he 
 as  many  around  me  as  will.  29.  I  can  do  nothing  but  feek  to  be  alone,  and  hifs 
 and  howl  over  my  dreadful  cafe.  30.  The  hot  moifture  of  my  bones  has  rendered 
 my  fkin  black,  and  has  inflamed  all  my  bones.  31.  All  my  joy  and  mirth  are 
 laid  afide  ;  and  nothing  but  weeping  and  wailing  are  come  in  their  ftead. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXXI.  Ver.  6.  Let  me  be  tried  by  an 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  XXX.]  How  tranfient,  even  to  the  best  of  men,  are  all  things  hut  God  and  the  blelTmgs  of  the  eternal  covenant. 
 The  youngest  the  meanest,  the  poorest,  and  most  worthlefs,  are  generally  the  most  ready  to  contemn,  inluU,  and  abufe,  the  ^eatest  an  ^  ^ 
 
 on  then)  Ah  !  how  difficult  for  wounded  fpirits  to  bear  up  under  complicated  troubles,  contempt  of  inferiors,  terrors  of  mmd,  and  loathfome  and  painful  difeafes  of 
 body.  But  happy  are  they  who  can  by  faith  account  the  eternal  enjoyment  of  God  d  full  balance  to  dll  the  trouble  which  they  can  fufler  on  eart  i .  3ppy  ate  t  ey 
 who  h»Te  the  tcitimoDy  of  a  good  confcienct  that  in  fimplicity  and  godly  fincerity  the^  have  had  their  feonverfaiion  tn  die  world . 
 
Pefore 
 
 Clirift 
 
 ■ir.  1520. 
 
 Job's  protcslalion  of  his  integrity. 
 
 7  If  my  ftep  hath  turned  out  of  the  way,  and  mine 
 heart  walked  after  mine  eyes,  and  if  any  blot  hath 
 cleaved  to  mine  hands : 
 
 8  Then  let  me  low,  and  let  another  eat ;  yea,  let  ray 
 offspring  be  rooted  oiif. 
 
 9  If  mine  heart  have  been  deceived  by  a  woman, 
 or  if  I  have  laid  wait  at  my  neighbour’s  door ; 
 
 10  Then  let  my  wife  grind  unto  another,  and  let 
 others  how  down  upon  her. 
 
 11  For  this  is  an  heinous  crime;  yea,  it  is  an  ini¬ 
 quity  to  be pimishj'^  bij  the  judges. 
 
 12  For  it  is  a  fire  thnt  confumeth  to  deftruftion, 
 and  would  root  out  ail  mine  increafe. 
 
 13  It  I  did  defpife  the  caufe  of  my  man-fervant,  or 
 of  my  maid-l'ervant,  when  they  contended  with  me  ; 
 
 14  What  then  lhall  I  do  when  God  rifeth  up?  and 
 when  he  Vifiteth,  w'hat  (hall  I  anfwer  him  ? 
 
 15  Did  not  he  that  made  me  in  the  womb  make 
 
 11  O'’’  him  ?  and  ||  did  not  one  fathion  us  in  the  womb  ? 
 ‘flh^nus  ^  withheld  the  poor  from  their  defire,  or 
 
 In  one  huve  caufcd  the  eyes  of  the  widow  to  fail ; 
 
 viomb?  17  Or  have  eaten  my  morfel  myfelf  alone,  and  the 
 fatherlefs  hath  not  eaten  thereof; 
 
 18  (F  r  from  my  youth  he  was  brought  up  with 
 
 thJwiL^w  ^  father,  and  I  have  guided  ||  her  from  my 
 
 ’mother’s  womb  .) 
 
 19  If  I  havefeen  anv  perilh  for  want  of  clothing,  or 
 any  poor  without  covering  ; 
 
 20  If  his  loins  have  not  bleffed  me,  and  tfhe  were 
 not  warmed  with  the  fleece  of  my  fheep  ; 
 
 21  If  1  have  lifted  up  my  hand  againft  the  father¬ 
 lefs,  when  I  faw'  my  help  in  the  gate ; 
 
 22  Then  let  mine  arm  fall  from  my  fhoulder-blade, 
 1  Or*  and  mine  arm,  be  broken  from  H  the  bone. 
 
 tml.  deftruftion  frotn  God  was  a  terror  to  me, 
 
 and  by  reafon  of  his  highnefs  I  could  not  endure. 
 
 24  If  I  have  made  gold  my  hope,  or  have  faid  to  the 
 fine  gold.  Thou  art  my  confidence  ; 
 
 25  If  1  rejoiced  becaufe  my  wealth  was  great,  and 
 becaufe  mine  hand  had  f  gotten  much  ; 
 
 26  If  I  beheld  f  the  fun,  when  it  fhined,  or  the 
 moon  w'alking  f  m  bright nels ; 
 
 27  And  my  heart  hath  been  fecretly  enticed,  or 
 fmy  mouth  hath  kiffed  my  hand ; 
 
 28  This  alio  were  an  iniquity  to  be  punished  by  the 
 my  hand  judge  :  for  I  Ifiould  have  denied  the  God  that  is  above. 
 mymmih.  If  I  rejoiced  at  the  deftru^fion  of  him  that  hated 
 t  Heb.  rae,  or  lifted  up  mylelf  when  evil  found  him  ; 
 mypaiate.  SO  (Neither  have  I  fuff'ered  f  my  mouth  to  fin,  by 
 
 wifliing  a  curfe  to  his  foul ;) 
 
 31  If  the  men  of  my  tabernacle  faid  not.  Oh  that 
 we  had  of  his  flefh  !  we  cannot  be  fatisfied  ; 
 
 JOB. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 found 
 much. 
 t  Heb. 
 the  light. 
 f  Heb. 
 bright. 
 f  Heb. 
 
 upright  impartial  judge,  that  God  may  acknowledge  and  approve  mine 
 rity.  7,  8.  If  1  have  know-ingly,  willingly,  and  ordinarily  wandered 
 the  way  of  my  duty,  have  indulged  my  heart  in  covetousnefs  or  luft, 
 hands  m  bribery  and  injuaice,  let  all  that  I  have  beftowed  on  othe 
 children,  plants,  and  trees  be  rooted  up.  9,  10.  If  I  have  been  enticed  to 
 clean  luft  by  any  woman,  or  if  I  have  watched  for  opportunities  to  defile  mv 
 neighbour’s  bed,  let  my  own  wife  be  a  Have  and  a  whore  to  others.  26,  27.  It 
 I  have  beheld  the  fun  or  moon  with  any  idolatrous  regard,  or  have  bad  any 
 to  efteem  them  as  deities,  or  have  given  them  any  external 
 worlhip.  24.  Did  ever  fear  of  men  terrify  me  from  candid  confelfion  of  my 
 
 intcg- 
 out  of 
 or  my 
 rs,  and  my 
 un- 
 
 rJihu  reproveth  Job's  friends, 
 but 
 
 J  before 
 C'hrift 
 cir,  I  520. 
 
 G. 
 
 32  (The  ffranger  did  not  lorlge  in  the  flret-t ; 
 opened  my  doors  |i  to  the  rr^tveiler;) 
 
 ^  33  If  I  covered  my  tranfgrt  ffiori'i  ;|  as  Adam,  by 
 
 hiding  mine  iniquity  in  my  b  .fam  : 
 
 34  Did  I  fear  a  great  multitude,  or  did  the  con- "dv* 
 tempt  of  families  terrify  me,  that  1  kept  lilence, 
 
 went  not  out  of  the  door?  nvinneroj 
 
 35  Oh  that  one  would  hear  me!  !;  behold  my  de-»^'‘- 
 fire  IS,  that  the  Almig  ty  wou;d  anfwer  me,  and  that 
 
 mine  adverlary  had  written  a  book  :  «gnisthat 
 
 36  Surely  I  would  take  it  upon  my  (boulder,  andtu  -  At. 
 
 bind  ir  as  a  crown  to  me.  might ^ 
 
 37  I  would  declare  unto  him  the  number  of  tny 
 fteps ;  as  a  prince  would  I  go  near  Ui;to  him  ; 
 
 38  If  my  land  cry  againft  me,  or  tnat  the  furrows  f^*^*’* 
 
 likewife  thereof  f  complain  ;  ^  ijeb. 
 
 39  If  1  have  eaten  t  the  fruits  thereof  without  </ie 
 money,  or  have  caufed  the  owners  thereof  to  loie'tungih 
 their  life 
 
 thereof. 
 f  Heb. 
 
 S' 
 
 40  Let  thiftles  grow  inltead  of  wheat,  and  II  cockle 
 inftead  of  barley.  The  words  ot  J  jb  are  <  nded.*  yiut  o/  the 
 
 owners  thereof,  to  expire,  or,  breai/te  out.  ||  Or,  noisome  weeds, 
 
 CHAP.  XXXII. 
 
 I  Elihu  is  angry  with  Job  and  his  three  friends  ;  11  he  reproveth  them 
 JOT  not  satisfying  Job  ;  16  his  zeal  to  Jpeak. 
 
 O  thefe  three  men  ceafed  f  to  anfwer  Job,  becaufe  t 
 he  a-as  righteous  in  his  own  eyes. 
 
 2  Then  was  kindled  the  wrath  of  EHhu  the  for. 
 
 Barachel  the  Euzite,  of  the  kindred  of  Ram  ;  againft 
 Job  was  bis  wrath  kindled,  becaufe  he  juftified  t  him-'f 
 felf  rather  than  God. 
 
 3  Alfo  againft  his  three  friends  was  his  wrath  kin- . 
 
 died,  becaufe  they  had  found  no  anfwer,  and  yet  had 
 condemned  Job.  ZZ 
 
 4  Now  Elihu  had  f  waited  till  Job  had  fpoken,  be-  words. 
 caufe  they  were  f  elder  than  he. 
 
 5  When  Elihu  faw  that  there  was  no  anfwer  in  the 
 mouth  of  these  three  men,  then  his  wrath  was  kindled,  r  Heb. 
 
 6  And  Elihu  the  fon  of  Barachel  the  Buzite 
 
 fwered  and  faid,  I  am  t  young,  and  ve  are  very  old  ;x“Heb 
 wherefore  I  was  afraid,  and  f  durft  not  (hew  you  feared! 
 mine  opinion.  a  Cbap. 
 
 7  I  laid,  Days  (hould'fpeak,  and  multitude  of  years!,®' 
 (hould  teach  wifdom. 
 
 8  But  there  is  a  Ipirif  in  man  :  »  and  the  infpiration  Ecdef. 
 
 of  the  Almighty  giveth  them  underltanding.  2.  26. 
 
 9  Great  men  are  not  always  w  ile ;  neither  do  the 
 
 aged  underftand  judgment.  * 
 
 10  Iherefore  I  laid.  Hearken  to  me:  I  alfo  will t  Heb. 
 
 (hew  mine  opinion.  under- 
 
 11  Behold,  I  waited  for  your  words;  I  gave 
 
 to  your  t  realbns,  wni:ft  ye  fearched  out  f  what  to  fay.  Lral ' 
 
 fill,  or  from  any  other  duty;  or,  if  I  have  concealed  iny  faults,  let  me  be  over, 
 whelmed  with  the  terror  and  contempt  of  men  till  I  be  afhamed  to  be  feen. 
 35— -37.  O  that  I  had  but  an  impartial  judge,  and  that  my  accufer  w  ould  give  mi 
 a  written  charge  !  I  fiiouW  prize  it  as  an  honour,  fince  every  article  would  then 
 be  proved  falfe;  I  vsould  with  undaunted  courage  and  confidence  of  fuceefs,  give 
 a  candid  account  of  my  paft  condudf,  to  fee  of  what  he  would  aceufe  me 
 
 h  'vas  rifolutely 
 
 bent  tojuftify  hanfelf,  let  them  fay  what  they  would.  2.  He  infifted  too  much 
 upon  his  own  vindication.  Yea,  not  without  refleaing  upon  the  feverity  of 
 7,  8.  Old  men  ought  to  inftrua  their  inferiors  in  age  in  the  matters  of 
 
 (iod. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS—*  Chap. 
 
 ould  keep  our  heart  pure,  our  eye  muft.  be  Angle. 
 
 £rcateft  provoiatioV  willn'lTjiiBfP^rengr"  betray  great  meaanels  and  wrckediell  Thl 
 
 6  N 
 
 XXXI.]  How  dangerous  to  our  fouls  are  flefttly  lufts.  They  call  for  conftant  and  fpecial  waichfulnefs  If  we 
 However  unexceptionable  our  outward  condua  may  be,  God  marks  our  fecret  fins,  and  no  allowed  impurity 
 
 inuil  fuft'er  au  r-s  ^  .  .  r  ^ 
 
 .  grace  to  wean  our  htarls  _  mm 
 
 But  to  rejoice  lu  the  fall  of  aa  enemy,  is  to  betray  great  meannels  and  wickednelk. 
 
 16 
 
rVihu  rrasons  -xith  Job. 
 
 JOB. 
 
 God-  cdlleth  man  io  repenfarice 
 
 ivf.  o  JO  Yt*a,  1  attcni^ed  unto  you  :  and,  b  hold,  ihere 
 ir.''i  v'’G  nono  of  you  that  convinced  Job,  or-  that  anfwered 
 his  words ; 
 
 l:i  Le{+  ye  flvuild  fay,  "We  have  found  out  wildon. ; 
 God  thrufterh  him  down,  not  man. 
 
 1 1  He  pntteth  my  feet  in  the  docks,  he  marketh  Before 
 all  my  paths.  .  .Wiria 
 
 1‘2  Behold,  in  this  thou  art  not  juft  :  I  will  anrwer'.|li-^f^ 
 thee,  that  God  is  greater  than  man.  ^ 
 
 IS  Why  doft  thou  drive  apainft  him  ?  for  f  he  giv- 1  Heb. 
 
 1  Or, 
 
 ori!.  -i'd 
 his  K  ori/s 
 
 14-  Now  he  hath  not  11  directed  bis  words  againft  me :  eth  not  account  of  any  of  his  matters. 
 
 f  Ht-I). 
 th'!,  re- 
 
 f.:  >IV..' 
 
 •V  :\-Hes 
 
 Jrem 
 thevt- 
 it-lves. 
 
 Heb. 
 ujrJs. 
 t  Heb. 
 
 /Ae  spirit 
 of  my 
 bfUy. 
 
 •)■  Heb. 
 is  not 
 on.  ned. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 thatl  mny 
 
 neither  will  I  anlwer  him  with  your  fpeeches. 
 
 15  They  were  amazed  ;  they  anfw'^ered  no  more  ; 
 t  ihev  left  off  fpeaking. 
 
 16  Wuen  1  had  waited,  (for  they  fpake  not,  but 
 flood  dill,  and  anfwered  no  more, 
 
 17  I  said,  1  will  anlwer  alfo  my  part;  I  alfo  w-ill 
 (hew  mine  opinion. 
 
 18  For  1  am  full  of  t  matter  ;  f  the  fpirit  within  me  and  hid^e  pride  from  man. 
 cenftraineth  me. 
 
 19  Behold,  n  y  belly  is  as  wine  -u'liich  f  hath  no 
 vent ;  it  is  ready  to  burd  like  new  bo; ties. 
 
 20  I  will  fpeak,  f  that  I  may  be  refrdhed  :  I  will 
 open  my  lips,  and  anfwer. 
 
 21  Let  me  not,  1  pray  you,  accept  any  man’s  per- 
 fon,  neitner  let  me  give  fla'tering  titles  unto  man. 
 
 22  F  ir  1  know  not  to  give  flattering  titles  :  in  so 
 breathe,  doing  my  JMaker  would  Ibcn  take  me  away.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXXIII. 
 
 1  Etihu  off^erelh  himself  instead  o)  «i'/i  sincerity  and  meeJeness,  to  rea^ 
 
 son  vAih  J.rb ;  God  calleth  man  to  re])entatice  by  visions^  tj-c. 
 
 HEREFORE,  Job,  1  pray  thee,  hear 
 fpeeches,  and  hearken  to  all  my  words. 
 
 2  Behold,  cow,  I  have  opened  my  mouth, 
 t  Heb.  tongue  hath  fpoken  f  in  my  mouth, 
 in  my  pa-  3  vi  ords  shalt  bc  of  the  uprightnefs  of  my  heart ; 
 and  my  Ups  (ball  utter  knowledge  clearly. 
 
 4  The  Spirit  of  God  hath  made  me,  and  the  breath 
 of  the  Almighty  hath  given  me  life. 
 
 5  If  thou  cand  anlwer  me,  let  thy  xsords  lO  order 
 before  me,  ftand  up. 
 
 a  Chap.  g  a  B  hold,  1  am  t  according  to  thy  widi  in  Goo  s 
 13.20.21.  ftead  ;  I  a’lb  am  f  formed  out  of  the  day.  I 
 
 t  Heb.  7  Behold,  my  terror  (ball  not  make  thee  afraid,  ^ 
 occorUing  neither  (ball  my  hand  be  heavy  upon  thee. 
 
 8  Sorely  thru  haft  fpoken  f  in  mine  hearing,  and 
 
 14  For  God  fpeaketh  once,  yea  twice,  yet 
 perceiveth  it  not. 
 
 15  In  a  dream,  in  a  vifion  of  the  nigh%  when  deep 
 deep  falleth  upon  men,  in  (lumberings  upon  tne  bed  ; 
 
 16  Then  t  he  openeth  the  ears  of  men,  and  fealeth 
 their  inftruffion, 
 
 17  That  he  may  withdraw  man  from  his  f  purpofe,  f  iieb. 
 
 be  reveal, 
 etfi,  or  t 
 
 IS  He  keepeth  back  his  fool  from  the  pit,  and 
 life  t  from  perifhing  by  the  (’word. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 19  He  is  chaftened  alfo  with  pain  upon  his  bed,  andwwA. 
 the  mmltitude  of  his  bones  with  (Irong  pain  : 
 
 20  So  that  his  life  abhorreth  bread,  and  his  foul^)””*;,^''’' 
 
 w 
 
 my 
 
 my 
 
 to  thy 
 mouth. 
 
 +  Heb.  I  have  heard  the  voice  of  thy  words,  sarjing, 
 cut  out  of  9  1  am  clean  without  trar  igreflion,  1  am  innocent ; 
 theci'y.  Q(-ither  is  Jure  iniquity  in  me. 
 
 t  HetJ-  ,A  HohAirt  he  findeth  occafions  againft  me,  he 
 
 faith,  Deli- 
 have  found 
 
 child’s :  he 
 
 H  Or, 
 an  alane* 
 ment. 
 
 in  mine 
 ears. 
 
 10  Behold, 
 counteth  me  for  his  enemy  ; 
 
 God.  But  I  find  that,  whatever  advantage  old  age  may  give  for  knowledge  and 
 experience,  it  is  chiefly  men’s  own  rational  foul,  and  the  infpiring  Spirit  of  God, 
 which  qualify  them  to  apprehend  the  myfteries  of  religion  and  providence.  \?,. 
 Left  vou  (hi)uld  think  you  have  faid  all  that  needs  to  be  faid  in  the  caufe,  and 
 that  God’s  immediate  firokes  upon  Job  are  an  evidence  that  he  is  a  liypocrite. 
 
 14.  Job  h  tth  triven  tne  no  provocation  to  fpeak  ;  nor  will  I  ufe  fuch  weak 
 in<r  and  provoking  language  as  you  have  done. — 21.  Do  not  espetft  that  I  ftiould 
 flatt-T  you  in  your  errors  and  miftakes,  out  of  rtfpeA  to  your  age,  gravity,  or  the 
 like  ;  fo.  I  am  r.  folv.-d  to  deal  freely,  plainly,  and  impartially  with  you. 
 
 EXPI..4N.\TO IIY  NOTES  Chap.  XXXIII.  Ver.  3.  I  ftiall  not  fpeak 
 from  palfun  or  prejudice,  as  others  have  done  before  me,  but  from  a  fincere  defire 
 of  doin<T  thee  good,  and  in  fuch  a  clear  manner  that  thou  maytft  he  fully  con¬ 
 vinced  of  the  truth  of  what  I  fay  4—6.  I  am  a  man  like  thyle.f,  fit  to  reafou 
 with  thee  on  tqual  terms,  and  inclined  to  plead  the  caiile  of  God  againft  thee. 
 T  omiiinn-  atiniit  me  fo  terrifv  or  tomjent  thee.  8 — 11.  Nor 
 
 ..  There  is  nothing  about  me  fo  terrify  or  «... 
 
 do  I  intend  to  charge  thee  with  hypocrify,  but  with  uttering  of  felf  Juftitying 
 language,  difhonoural.le  to  God.  as  if  he  had  dealt  more  feverely  than  was  juft 
 with  thee.  12,  13  Let  thy  former  life  be  as  holy  and  uiiblam..able  as  it  will, 
 
 f  d.iintv  meat.  sword, 
 
 21  His  flelb  is  confumed  away,  that  it  cannot 
 feen  ;  and  his  bones  that  were  not  feen  Rick  out. 
 
 22  Yea,  his  foul  draweth  near  unto  the  grave,  and 
 his  life  to  the  deftroyers. 
 
 23  If  there  be  a  melTenger  with  him,  an  interpre¬ 
 ter,  one  among  a  thoufand  to  diew  unto  man  his  up- 
 rightnefs  ; 
 
 24  Then  he  is  gracious  unto  him,  and 
 ver  him  from  going  down  to  the  pit ;  I 
 11  a  ranlbm. 
 
 25  His  fl.rlh  (hall  be  frefher  f  than  a 
 (hall  return  to  the  days  of  his  youth  ; 
 
 26  He  fliall  pray  unto  God,  and  he  will  be  favour- 7 
 
 able  unto  him ;  and  he  ftiall  fee  his  face  with  joy  ;  ^or chudhooi 
 he  will  render  unto  man  his  righteoufhefs.  ,|  Or, 
 
 27  II  He  looketh  upon  men  ;  and  tf  any  fay,  I  have 
 
 finned,  and  perverted  that  vehick  -was  right,  and 
 profited  me  not ;  sny,  I  have 
 
 28  II  lie  will  deliver  his  foul  from  going  into  the  pit,  sin  ned,  ^  c 
 
 and  his  life  fhall  fee  the  light.  ^  Ifhatk 
 
 29  Lo,  all  thefe  things  worketh  God  f  oftentimes 
 
 with  man,  mysovi, 
 
 30  To  bring  back  his  foul  from  the  pit,  to  be  en- 
 
 lightened  with  the  light  of  the  living.  ^Heit 
 
 31  Mark  well,  O  Job;  hearken  unto  me  ;  hold  \.\\y iwice^ni 
 
 peace,  and  I  will  fpeak.  thrke. 
 
 look  upon 
 '■  men,  a-nd 
 
 yet  thou  art  certainly  culpable  in  quarrelling  with  the  difpenfations  of  God, 
 who  is  infinitely  fuperior  to  thee  in  every  refpeiSl,  and  accountable  to  none  for 
 his  condudl.  14 — 18.  Nay,  fo  dull  are  men,  that,  when  God  take,  repeated 
 pains  in  dreams,  vifions,  or  the  like,  to  inftruiSt  them  elfedlually  for  their  humi- 
 iiition,  and  eternal  falvation,  they  do  not  take  notice  of,  or  do  not  underftand 
 his  meaning.  19 — 22.  Hence  for  their  awakening  to  a  proper  attention  be 
 feverely  afllidLS  them,  till  they  are  brought  to  the  very  point  of  death.  23,  21. 
 If  then  by  the  inftrudlion  of  fome  faithful  minifter,  and  efiiecially  by  the  n- 
 ftrutflion  of  Jefus  Chrift,  the  unparall  led  Angel  and  Interpreter  of  the  new 
 covenant,  the  affliifted  man  be  brought,  not  only  to  difeern  the  equity  of  GnrI, 
 in  afflitSling  him,  but  to  difeern,  and  by  faith,  apply  Jr  fus’ imputed  righitouf- 
 nels  to  hinifelf,  God  intimates  to  his  foul  a  full  and  free  redemption  tlirouih 
 that  all  covering  atonement.  25.  26.  In  conAquence  hereof,  not  only  ti  e  ma  ’s 
 body  and  mind  recover  their  wonted  health  and  alacrity,  but  he  is  enabled  w.ih 
 bolcinefs  and  luccefs  to  pour  forth  his  requefts  before  God,  who  allows  linn  the 
 comfortable  fenfe  and  gracious  reward  of  that  rightcoufn  fs  imputed  to,  or 
 implanted  in  liim.  27,  28.  While  God  exa6lly  obfeives,  the  man,  ail  influenced 
 by  cordial  gratitude,  ftiall  publiciv  confefs  his  finfnlnefs  of  heart  and  life,  and 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERV  ^  TIONS._«  Chap.  XXXII. 1  In  very  doubtful  matters  we  ought  to  be  difT;  lent  of  onr  ow  n  judgment,  and  he  more  fwift  to  hear 
 than  w  Wk  Yet  ^tef  iJhave  given  others  a  patient  beamg.  it  is  reafonahle  that  we  alfo  ftiould  be  heard  on  a  fnbjefl  winch  may  as  much,  if  not  more,  interelt 
 than  to  Ipeal.  irt.  alter  e  g  ^  uueftion  is  rin'htlv  ftated  or  impartially  handled  ;  an  I  lieiic-  the  pai'n  s  feldom  come  to  be  agreed.  When 
 
 i,:  t  c.’:.":!.  .».i Viki,..  a„„  g,„i  ... ......a,, 
 
 ed  with  *cal  lor  his  glory  aud  the  good  of  fouls;  aaU  to  he  fo  iroprclfed  with  his  perfeiSIioiis  and  laws,  as  to  icg.ird  neitlier  the  fear,  nor  the  fatour  of  men. 
 
^lihii  cnlrcciteth  Job  s  attention^ 
 lu-fore  32  If  thou  haft  any  thing  to  fay,  anfwer  me  :  fpeak ; 
 
 ciirift  for  I  defire  to  juftify  thee.  .  . 
 
 cir.  1520.  jj.  hearken  unto  me  :  hold  thy  peace,  and 
 ftiall  teach  thee  wifdom.* 
 
 CHAR  XXXIV. 
 
 Elihu  accuseth  Job  for  charging  God  with  injutlice.  10  God  omni¬ 
 potent  cannot  be  unjust.  31  Man  must  humble  himself  unto  God,  ^c. 
 
 URTHERMORE,  Elihu  arifwered  and  laid, 
 
 JOB. 
 
 ^lat’  iTt’isl  humble  hiinsdj  b'J<jyt’  God. 
 
 B  Chap. 
 12.  11* 
 
 I  Heb. 
 palate. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 ftiine  ar¬ 
 row- 
 f  Heb. 
 men  of 
 heart. 
 b  Gen. 
 18.25. 
 Deiiter. 
 32.  4. 
 
 Ch.  8.  .3. 
 
 1 
 
 2  Hear  my  words,  O  ye  wile  men :  and  give 
 
 let  us  know 
 
 and  God 
 
 Pfalm 
 92.  15. 
 Rom. 
 
 9.  14. 
 c  Pfalm 
 62.  12. 
 Proverbs 
 
 24.  12. 
 Je  emiah 
 
 32.  19. 
 Ezekiel 
 
 33.  20. 
 Mattb. 
 16.  27. 
 Romans 
 2.  6. 
 
 2  Cor. 
 
 i.  10. 
 
 1  Peter. 
 1.  17. 
 Revel. 
 22.  12. 
 f  Heb. 
 all  oj  it. 
 f  Heb 
 
 ear  unto  me,  ye  that  have  knowledge  -. 
 
 3  *  For  the  ear  trieih  words,  as  the  f  mouth  tafteih 
 meat. 
 
 4  Let  us  choofe  to  us  judgment ; 
 among  ourfelves  what  is  good. 
 
 5  For  Job  hath  I'a'd,  I  am  righteous; 
 
 hath  taken  away  mv  judgment. 
 
 6  Should  I  lie  againft  my  rignt?  f  my  wound  is  in- 
 curable  without  tranfgreflion. 
 
 7  What  man  is  like  Job,  'joho  drinketh  up  fcorning 
 like  water  ? 
 
 8  Which  goeth  in  company  with  the  workers  of 
 iniquity,  and  w'alkerh  with  wicked  men. 
 
 9  For  he  hath  (aid,  It  profiteth  a  man  nothing  that 
 he  (hould  delight  himfelf  with  God. 
 
 10  Therefore  hearken  unto  me,  ye  t  men  of  un- 
 derftanding  :  Far  be  it  from  God,  that  he  should  do 
 wickednefs ;  and  from  the  Almighty,  that  he  should 
 commit  niquity. 
 
 1 1  <=  For  the  work  of  a  man  (hall  he  render  unto 
 him,  and  caufe  every  mao  to  find  according  to  his  ways. 
 
 12  Yea,  (urely  God  will  not  do  wickedly,  neither 
 will  the  Almighty  pervert  judgment. 
 
 13  Who  hath  given  him  a  charge  over  the  earth  ? 
 or  who  hath  difpoled  f  the  whole  world  ? 
 
 14-  If  he  fet  his  heart  f  upon  man,  7/  he  gather 
 unto  himfelf  his  fpirit  and  his  breath  ; 
 
 15®  All  flefh  (hall  perifti  together,  and  man  (hall 
 turn  again  into  dull. 
 
 16  If  now  thou  hast  underftanding,  hear  this  ;  heark¬ 
 en  to  the  voice  of  ray  words  : 
 
 17  Shall  even  he  that  hateth  right  f  govern?  and 
 wilt  thou  condemn  him  that  is  moft  juft? 
 
 18  Is  it  fit  to  fay  to  a  king,  Thou  art  wicked  ?  and 
 to  princes.  Ye  are  ungodly  ? 
 
 d  Pfahn 
 104.  29, 
 e  Gen. 
 3.  19. 
 Ecclef. 
 12.  7. 
 t  Heb. 
 bind. 
 
 19  How  much  less  to  him  that  '  accepreth  not  the  per-  ^ 
 
 Cons  of  princes,  nor  regardeih  the  rich  more  than  the,|^  ,  . 
 
 poor  ?  for  they  all  are  the  work  of  his  hands. 
 
 20  In  a  moment  (hall  they  die,  and  the  people  fti<ill  r  jicut. 
 b"  troubled  at  midnight,  and  pals  awav  ;  and  t  1'|-  '7. 
 mighty  (hall  be  taken  away  without  hand. 
 
 21  s  For  his  eyes  aie  upon  the  ways  of  man,  and 
 
 he  feeth  all  bis  goings.  ^  w' 
 
 22  There  is  no  darknefs,  nor  ftiadowot  death  where 
 the  workers  of  iniquity  may  hide  themlelves. 
 
 23  For  he  will  not  lay  upon  man  more  than  right,  j,  i,.»,  >. 
 that  he  (hould  t  enter  into  judgment  with  God.  <  oi  ..2,7. 
 
 24  He  (hall  break  in  pieces  mighty  men  t  without  [ 
 
 number,  and  let  others  in  their  (-tead.  ^  h 
 
 25  Therefore  he  knoweth  their  works,  and  he  over- 
 turneth  them  in  the  li  ght,  lb  that  they  are  t  deftroy- y 
 
 ed.  .  ,  ,  1  .  L  mighty. 
 
 26  He  flriketh  them  as  wicked  men  t  m  the  open^  . 
 
 fight  of  others ;  .  R- 3- 
 
 27  Becaule  they  turned  back  f  from  him,  and 
 
 j  would  net  confider  any  of  his  ways  ;  5 '^21!  & 
 
 I  28  So  that  they  caufe  the  cry  of  the  poor  to  come  15.  3. 
 
 :  unto  him,  and  he  heareth  the  cry  of  the  afllicted  ?  Jerern. 
 
 !  29  When  he  giveth  quietnefs,  who  then  can  make ^ 
 
 i  trouble?  and  when  he  hideth  has  face,  who  then  can  j 
 behold  him  ?  whether  it  be  done  againft  a  nation,  or  it  haul 
 agailift  a  man  only  :  searching 
 
 30  That  the  hypocrite  reign  not,  left  the  people 
 
 be  enfnared.  _  crushed. 
 
 31  Surely  it  is  meet  to  be  faid  unto  God,  I  havetH‘--b. 
 j  borne  chastisement,  I  will  not  offend  any  more  : 
 
 1  32  That  which  I  fee  not  teach  tncu  me  ;  If  I  havel’^^L"-^ 
 
 \  done  iniquity,  1  will  do  no  more.  |  HeU 
 
 33  t  Should  it  be  according  to  thy  mind  ?  he  wiilA*''"  a/- 
 
 recompenfe  it,  whether  thou  refufe,  or  whether  thou'^^^""‘- 
 choofe;  and  not  1:  therefore  fpeak  w’hat  thou /t  be;roOT 
 knOWeft.  vuh.L-er 
 
 34  Let  men  t  of  underftancing  tell  me,  and  letf^tij. 
 
 a  wife  man  hearken  unto  me.  ojiuan. 
 
 35  Job  hath  Ipoken  wittiout  knowledge,  and  his 
 words  were  without  w'lfdom. 
 
 36  11  My  defire  is  that  Job  may  be  tried  unto  the  H 
 
 end,  becaufe  of  hts  anfwers  tor  wicked  men.  u 
 
 that  the  due  reward  of  his  deeds  has  never  been  rendered  unto  him  ;  and  (liall 
 profefs  his  full  affurance  of  faith,  that  God  has  redeemed  him  by  the  mighty 
 price  of  his  Son’s  blood,  and  will  beftow  his  fulnefs  of  grace  and  glory  upon 
 him. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXXIV.  Ver.  2.  I  appeal  to  you 
 0  mtn  of  fenfe,  and  I  befeich  you  ferioufly  to  confider  what  I  fay.  3.  For  ihe 
 mind  can  judge  of  the  truth  or  falfehood  of  dotSlrines,  as  well  as  the  mouth  can 
 judge  of  the  tafte  of  food.  4.  Let  us,  without  any  paflion  or  prejudice 
 thoroughly  examine  this  caufe  ;  5,  6.  For  Job  has  uttered  fome  very  dangerous 
 exprtfiions  in  his  own  juftification,  as  if  he  could  not  vindicate  himl'elf,  w  ithout 
 accufing  God  of  unjutt  feverity  towards  him.  7,  8.  Did  ever  a  good  man  deride 
 not  only  his  friends,  but  even  his  God,  with  fuel)  greedinefs  and  delig  l?  Did 
 ever  a  good  man  under  trouble  fpeak  and  adl  fo  like  the  wicked?  10 — 12.  It 
 is  impolfible  that  God  can  deny  juflice  iiiito  any,  or  punirti  without  caufe,  or  for¬ 
 bear  to  reward  men  according  to  their  deeds,  either  in  this  life,  or  in  that  which 
 is  to  come.  1.3 — 17.  Witliout  fuppofing  him  perfedlly  jufl,  he  could  never 
 govern  the  world;  and  men  are  fo  far  fiom  being  able  to  give  him  his  charge 
 or  direction  ,  that  their  exiftence  and  life  depend  wholly  upon  his  mere  good 
 pleafure  and  bounty.  18,  19.  If  it  he  iinproptr  rudely  to  charge  earthly  princes 
 with  wickednefs  and  impiety,  how  daring  is  it  to  accufe  him,  who  form  d  all 
 mankind  equa  ly  fuhjedl  to  his  power  and  pleal'ure,  and  therefore  regards  the 
 
 37  For  he  addeth  rebellion  unto  his  fin;  he  c’ap-twe/. 
 
 greatefl  no  more  than  the  leaft,  and  can  never  do  any  thing  unjuft  to  pain  their 
 !  favours,  or  to  avoid  their  anger.  At  his  pleafure  whole  nations,  in  tiieir 
 midnight  fecurity,  are  in  a  terrible  manner,  by  earthquakes,  or  the  like,  hurried 
 into  eternity:  and  the  mightieft  princes  or  warriors  .are,  by  his  immediate  in¬ 
 fluence,  difplaced  from  their  ftation,  or  deprived  of  their  life.  21.  His  umni- 
 feient  eyes  dilceru  enough  in  men  for  which  he  may  juftiy  punilh  then..  -j,". 
 He  takes  a  full  and  exact  account  of  their  works;  and,  becaule  tiiey  are  waked 
 he  rolls  anight  of  deflrurSlive  vengi-aucc  upon  tln-m  ;  ami  ti.cy  are  hn.i.d 
 as  in  a  mortar,  under  the  weight  of  it.  26.  He  fuddenly.  and  with  flume 
 liiff'.s  away  thofe  eminent  ones  in  the  open  view  of  unnumbered  fpictators. 
 2;.  Becaufe  of  their  manifell  apoliacy  from,  and  obftiiiate  reh.  idui) 
 him:  28.  That  he  may  encourage  mean  perfons  to  apply  to  Imn  for  r'd.  f; 
 and  may  gracioufly  hear  the  plaintive  cries  of  the  poor  and  afHicled  29.  A  d 
 if  he  give  deliverance,  reft  and  comfori,  none  can  make  trouble.  If  he  v.iili- 
 bold  his  favourable  finiles,  none  can  procure  help  from  him.  lO.  He  alfo 
 puni  flies  wicked  cn,  th  it  tluir  iiil.  euce  may  h.  controlled,  and  that  their 
 lobjeds  may  not  be  encouraged  to  iii.itaie  thiir  lUificnes,  or  oe  per,,etu  ■.!/ 
 neld  ill  the  fetters  of  tyranny  and  oppr  fll  uis.  .-"I,  32  Inliead  of  oulr-e  ling 
 with  od’s  afliiclive  provi.iences.  we  llmuld  kindly  I'ubm  t  to  tin  m‘  ai  d  with 
 holy  refolutioii  to  avoid  it,  hefeecli  him  to  dilcover  to  us  the  fitifuj  caufe  f 
 them,  however  fecret  33.  Has  not  God  inflidled  thefe  trouble^  u  ” 
 
 thee. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.— ■*  Chap.  XXXIII.  J  We  ought  feri 
 are  in  great  trouble  ought  to  be  tenderly,  as  well  as  convincingly  dealt  w  itli.  But 
 done  to  God  by  even  tlie'greateft  of  faints.  To  niak'  us  conceive  alight  of  (ioo’ 
 grace  ami  wildoin.  How  l.onourahle  to  God  and  pr.ifitanle  to  men,  are  liiiictilied 
 blood  as  our  ranfoin  ;  to  Jefus  and  his  law  as  our  ways  in  width  we  must  walk, 
 
 oufly  to  endeavour  knowing  a  caufe  before  we  form  a  jungment  cn  it  Thole  who 
 a  aitofiil  lellimony  ought  to  he  borne  aga  nft  the  diflionou.s  wlmi,  „  Ke  o-  heir 
 s  providence,  we  mull  ci  elully  k  ep  in  view  ..i-  ...hnit  gre.m  f-  v.oi.,„tv 
 troubles.  riiey  lead  to  J-fu  nd  is  word,  as  our  inllruiilors  ;  to  Jefus  and  his 
 lu  our  gratelul  returns  tor  his  meities,  ’ 
 
JOB. 
 
 sCTi  to  be  made  xvitf.  GuJ. 
 
 EUhu  shexi'clh  hoxo  aou  is  just  m  his 
 
 ■  t 
 
 fl'.  1.- 
 
 «  Or, 
 by  it 
 
 nort'  than 
 
 h 
 
 sin  * 
 
 •f  Heb. 
 
 1  will 
 return 
 to  thc'c 
 words. 
 
 a  Chap. 
 22.  5. 
 
 Pfalm 
 16.  2 
 
 'ctb  hi<  hands  among  US,  anJ  multiplieth  his  words  i 
 
 igainll  God.*  i 
 
 CHAP.  XXXV.  i 
 
 1  Y  >  r  )'  in  to  be  madr  iciih  Crod  ;  6  our  ftnoil  or  evil  cannot  extend  , 
 
 i<>)/  9  l<\v  many  crj  in  njjlitlion,  but  are  not  heard.  i 
 
 ELIMU  Ipake  moreover,  and  f?.id, 
 
 2  Tr.inktft  thou  this  to  he  right,  that  thou 
 laidlt,  my  righteoiifnels  is  more  than  God’s? 
 
 3  For  thou  laidtl,  what  advantage  will  it  be  unto; 
 thee?  and.  What  profit  fhall  1  have  1|  If  1  he  cleansed 
 from  my  fin  ?  ; 
 
 4  1  wil;  anfwer  thee,  and  thy  companion.^  with  thee.  ’ 
 5  Look  unto  the  heavens,  and  fee  ;  and  behold  the  | 
 clouds.  xUiich  are  higher  than  thou. 
 
 6  If  thou  finnelf,  what  doeff  thou  againft  him  ?  or 
 if  thy  tranfgreflions  be  multiplied,  what  doeft  thou 
 unto  him  ? 
 
 7  “  If  thou  be  righteous,  what  givefl:  thou  him  ?  or 
 what  receiveth  he  of  thine  hand  ? 
 
 8  Xhy  wickednefs  muii  hurt  a  man  as  thou  a?/,  and 
 
 E' 
 
 Romans  righteoufnels  maij  pi ’Jit  the  Ion  of  man. 
 
 11.  35. 
 
 J  t  A  k  V.  VA  ^  -  - - -  -  --  -  - 
 
 9  By  reafon  of  the  multitude  of  oppreflions  they 
 make  the  oppressed  to  cry  ;  they  cry  out  by  rea&n  of 
 the  arm  of  the  mighty  ; 
 
 10  But  none  faith,  Where  is  God  my  maker,  who 
 giveth  fongs  in  the  night ; 
 
 11  Who  teacheth  us  more  than  the  beafts  of  the 
 earth,  and  maketh  us  wifer  than  the  fowls  of  heaven  ? 
 
 12  Therefore  they  erv,  but  none  giveth  anfwer,  be- 
 caufe  of  the  pride  of  evil  men. 
 
 13  ^  Surelv  God  will  not  hear  vanity,  neither  will 
 
 the  Almighty  regard  it.  ,,  ,  r  .• 
 
 14  Although  thou  faveft  thou  fhalt  not  lee  him  yel 
 judgment  is  before  him ;  therefore  trufl.  thou  in 
 
 ji.  ti.  15  But  now,  becaufe  it  is  not  so,  (1  he  nath  vilited  in 
 ji  That  is,  his  anger  i  yet  ||  he  knoweth  it  not  in  great  extremity  . 
 f  That  is  16  Therefore  doth  Job  open  his  mouth  in  vain  :  he 
 Job.  ‘  ’  multiplieth  words  without  knowledge.f 
 
 b  Chap, 
 27.  9. 
 Prov. 
 15.  29. 
 Ilaiah 
 
 I.  15. 
 Jerem. 
 
 II. 11 
 
 a  part  of  tby  due  reward,  becaufe  thou  had  grievoully  murmured  aga.nfl  him  . 
 Since  thou  haft  chofen  what  I  never  would,  declare  plainly  t.iy  reafon  for  it, 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Cuap.  XXXV.  Ver.  9-15  Many  under 
 terrible  troubles  and  inhuman  oppreffions,  cry  to  God  tor  relief,  and  fo^^n- 
 geance  on  their  oppriflbrs;  but.  as  their  prayers  are  mingled  ^  J 
 
 Cod,  or  kind  fenfe  of  his  goodnefs,  but  merely  forced  from  them  by  the  p 
 of  tl.-eir  diftrefs,  and  the  haughty  violence  of  their  opprelfors  God  P^> 
 ca-dtithem.  14,  15.  Therefore,  although  thou  complaineft  that  he  hath  not 
 fnd  defpaireft  that  he  ever  will  appear  for  thy  relief,  yet  be  ftill  attends  to  wis¬ 
 dom  and  equity  in  every  difper.fation  ;  therefore  do  thou  patient  y  "'“‘t 
 earneftly  loo\  for  him  ;  and  remember  that  it  is  becaufe  there  is  nothing  of  this 
 in  thy  cLia-re  that  God  has  thus  feverely  afftiaed  thee;  and  becaule  of  th>  ex- 
 "etTive  pride  he  quite  difregards  thy  former  profperity,  and  over  ooks  tay  pre- 
 fent  extremity  of  trouble.  16.  And  it  is  owing  to  thy  ignorance  or  thoughtlefs- 
 Lfs  of  this,  that  lb  many  foolifti  and  wicked  words  have  proceeded  out  of  thy 
 
 “"SpLANATORY  notes.  Chap.  XXXVI.  Ver.  2.  P^^ently  permit 
 me  to  inform  thee  a  little  further,  for  I  have  yet  fomething  more  to  Ipvak  on 
 God’s  behalf  3-  While  I  treat  ofdiftant  matters,  and  fetch  my  arguments  from 
 S  infpSon  of  God’s  Spirit,  or  from  his  wonderful  works.  I  will  -mtain  t  e 
 iuftice  of  God  ill  all  his  proceedings,  and  give  him  ‘‘'efilo'-y  thereof.  4  And 
 issure  thvfe  f  I  will  not  attempt  to  baffle  thee  with  lophiftical  arguments,  but, 
 as  I  hav4  thoroughly  ftudied  the  point,  I  will  make  ufe  of  no  reafonmg  but 
 
 CHAP.  XXXVI. 
 
 1  flihu  shetvelh  how  God  is  just  in  hit  tvnys ;  16  how  Job's  sins  hinder 
 
 God's  blcssing.<t.  24  God's  works  are  to  be  magnijied,  **''■  lS2o, 
 
 LI  HU  alfo  proceeded,  and  find, 
 
 _  j  2  Sufier  me  a  little,  and  1  will  fhew  thee  f  thatt  Heb. 
 
 I  have  yet  to  fpeak  on  God’s  behalf.  ‘here 
 
 I  3  I  will  fetch  my  know'ledge  from  afar,  and  wil! 
 
 I  al'cribe  righteoufnefs  to  my  Maker.  Cod. ''  ^ 
 
 4  For  truly  my  words  dmll  not  be  falfe :  he  that 
 is  pi  rteifl  in  knowledge  is  with  thee. 
 
 5  Behold,  God  is  mighty,  and  defpifeth  not  any  ,. 
 
 he  is  mighty  in  ftrength  and  f  wilclom.  t  Hcb. 
 
 6  He  preferveth  not  the  life  of  the  wicked  :  but^''"j'’ 
 giveth  right  to  the  H  poor. 
 
 7  *  He  withdraweth  not  his  eyes  from  the  righte-a  Pfai® 
 ous :  but  w'ith  kings  are  they  on  the  throne  ;  yea,  he^'^’'^* 
 doth  eftablilh  them  for  ever,  and  they  are  exalted. 
 
 8  And  if  they  be  hound  in  fetters,  and  be  holden  in 
 cords  of  atlli^fion  , 
 
 9  Then  he  fheweth  them  their  work,  and  their 
 :  tranfgreflions  that  they  have  exceeded. 
 
 I  10  He  openeth  alfo  their  ear  to  difeipline,  and  com- 
 j  mandeth  that  they  return  from  iniquity. 
 i  11  If  they  obey  and  ferve  him,  they  fliall  ”  fpend  |  fieb! 
 their  days  in  proi'perity,  and  their  years  in  pleafures  '.they than 
 ;  12  But  if  they  obey  not,  ||  they  (hail  perifti  by  theP“"«M'“y 
 
 ,  fword,  and  they  (hall  die  without  knowledge. 
 i  13  But  the  hypocrites  in  heart  heap  up  wrath  ;  they  f  Heb. 
 ciy  not  when  he  bindeth  them.  Their  s»n 
 
 14  t  They  die  in  youth,  and  their  life  is  among  the 
 
 II  unclean.  _  Ldolueri 
 
 15  He  delivereth  the  1]  poor  in  his  afiiiction,  and  j|  Or, 
 
 openeth  their  ears  in  opprefljon:  ojiieied, 
 
 16  Even  lb  would  he  have  removed  thee  out  of  the  , 
 
 ilrait  into  a  broad  place,  where  there  is  no  ftraitnei's,  laWcf 
 
 and  t  that  which  fhould  be  fet  on  thy  table  should  he  II  Or, 
 full  of  fatnefs.  judgment 
 
 17  But  thou  haft  fulfilled  the  judgment  of  the  wick- 
 
 ed  :  II  judgment  and  juftice  take  hold  on  thee.  hold  thee. 
 
 what  is  fincere  and  folid.  3.  Behold,  fuel)  is  the  infinite  power  and  wifdom  of 
 God,  that  he  never  defpifes  any,  however  mean  !  6.  He  will  beftow  no  folid 
 
 happinefs  upon  wicked  men,  but  will  do  juftice  to  the  humble,  poor,  and 
 affliifted.  7.  H«  never  ceaf'es  his  fpecial  care  of  the  righteous ;  but  sometimes 
 advances  them,  however  poor,  to  the  higheft  ftations ;  and  continues,  efta- 
 blillies,  and  exalts  them  therein.  8 — 10.  Or,  if  they  be  brought  into  and  fixed 
 
 in  fore  troubles,  he,  by  that  means  makes  them  to  confider  their  ways,  difeern 
 their  finfulnefs,  and  turn  from  it  to  himfelf.  11.  If  their  afflictions  efllcCt  their 
 reformation  to  piety  and  virtue,  great  and  manifold  fhall  be  the  bleffiiigs  and 
 :  comforts  beftowed  upon  them  here  and  hereafter.  12.  But  if,  notwithftaiiding 
 their  troubles,  they  continue  obftinate  in  wickednefs,  they  fliall  be  cut  off  by  Ibme 
 fearful  cal.imity,  and  fliall  perilti  in  them  ignorance,  folly,  and  fin.  13,  14. 
 Thus  hypocrites  heap  up  treafiires  of  wrath  for  tliemlelves  ;  they  negledl  to 
 implore  God’s  help  and  deliv- ranee  in  their  troubles;  therefore  their  life  is 
 early  cut  off,  in  a  fearful  ftorm  of  his  wrath,  by  Ibine  exemplary  judgment  in 
 death  ;  and  through  eternity  he  reckons  with  them,  and  punifhes  them  as  the 
 curfed  and  abominable.  15.  But  be  delivers  the  poor  and  bumble  in  their 
 
 affliblion  and  teaches  them  to  know  and  praiftife  their  duty  in  it.  18.  And 
 hadft  thou  behaved  thyfelf  aright  under  thy  preffurcs,  he  would  even  now  have 
 
 liciUlL  OfcHCAVN-Vi  %L,J  is,t»  ^  -W  r  ...V.v 
 
 delivered  thee  from  tliy  preffir.g  and  tormenting  troubles  into  a  ftate  of  free¬ 
 dom  and  affluence,  in  which  there  ftiould  be  nothing  to  ftraiten  thee:  and  that 
 which  fell  from  heaven  upon  thy  table  ftiould  be  full  of  fatnefs.  17.  But  thou 
 hast  earneiTy  pleaded  the  caufe  of  the  wicked,  and  juftified  their  reproachful 
 
 - - XXXIV.I  Reciprocal  communications  of  knowledge  among  the  wife  and  pious  are  neceffary  in  fearching  out 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.  do  men  in  the  heat  of  their  Ipirit,  fpeak  worfe  than  they  mean,  and  abt  incoiififtently  with  their  real  charaaer, 
 
 truth  or  correaing  error.  But  alas,  how  o  en  ttow  foolifti  then  to  endeavour  hiding  our  fin  !  Humble  confeffions  of  our  ignorance  and  fins,  earnest  fup- 
 
 The  eye  of  God  con  Ran  tly  to  walk  in  I.is  ways,  are  neceffary  in  all  our  dealings  with  God.  It  13  a  diflinguilhed  kindnefs  to  reprove  irans- 
 
 greffors,  and  to  enable  them  to  fee  and  be  affe^ed  l^^Ei^alted  views  of  the  divine  cbaraifter  and  government  are  of  great  ufe  at  all  times,  efpecially  in  the 
 
 PRACT1C.\L  OBSERV  A  flONS.  f  „ah’s  notice-  and  the  worst  that  he  difpenfes  to  us  is  lefs  than  our  iniquities  deferve.  Whatever  trouble  now 
 
 hour  of  adverfity.  The  best  we  do  is  -atiwort  y  o  Gracelefs  groans  under  affliiftion  indicate  greet  wrctchednefs  indeed.  But  when  the  Lord  correifts  his 
 
 attends  his  fervice,  it  wiil  appear  infinitely  pi o  a  e  a  ‘  affliaion,  without  becoming  conl’cious  of  their  fin,  and  humbled  on  its  account,  it  is  adivine  favour 
 
 children,  he  teaches  them  that  fo  long  as  they  oniy  leei  in  y 
 
 to  be  denied  deliverance. 
 
turn 
 
 asiJil- 
 
 God's  laorh  to  le  highly  praised. 
 
 Before  18  liecaulc  there  is  wrath,  beware  left  he  take  thee  ; 
 ciirja^  away  with  his  ftroke ;  then  a  great  ranlom  cann  ^ 
 
 *^19' Win  he  efteem  thy  riches?  no,  not  gold  nor  all 
 
 '^s'l^Take  heed,  regard  not  iniquity :  for  this  hail 
 thou  chofen,  rather  than  afiliftion. 
 
 22  Behold,  God  exalteth  by  his  power  ;  who  teach- 
 
 eth  like  him? 
 
 23  Who  hath  enjoined  him  his  way?  or  who  can 
 fay,  Thou  haft  wrought  iniquity? 
 
 24  Remember  that  thou  magnify  his  work,  which 
 
 men  behold.  _  .  l  n  •  c 
 
 25  Every  man  may  fee  it  j  man  may  behold  tt  arar 
 
 ^^26  Behold,  God  is  great,  and  we  know  him  not, 
 neither  can  the  number  of  his  years  be  fearcbed  out. 
 
 27  R  r  he  maketh  fmall  the  drops  of  water  :  they 
 pour  down  rain  according  to  the  vapour  thereof, 
 
 28  Which  the  clouds  do  drop  and  diftil  upon  man 
 
 abundantly.  „  .  .  r  i-  r  u 
 
 29  Alfo  can  any  underftand  the  fpreadings  ot  the 
 
 clouds,  or  the  noiie  of  hi's  tabernacle? 
 
 30  Behold,  he  fpreadeth  his  light  upon  it,  and  co- 
 
 yereth  f  the  bottom  of  the  fea.  ,  .  •  . 
 
 31  For  by  them  judgeth  he  the  people;  he  giveth 
 meat  in  abundance. 
 
 32  With  clouds  he  covereth  the  light ;  and  com- 
 mandeth  it  not  to  shine,  by  the  cloud  that  cometh  be* 
 
 ,  twixf.  .  .  , 
 
 33  The  noife  thereof  fheweth  concerning  it,  the 
 
 goetu  up.  cattle  alio  concerning  t  the  vapour. 
 
 JOB. 
 
 His  wisdom  in  them  is  unsearchable. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 the  routs. 
 
 tnurmurings  againtl  the  providence  of  God  ;  therefore  his  juft  itidignation  has  . 
 already  feized  thee,  and  holds  thee  fall  in  bonds  of  fearful  affliaion.  18,  19. 
 Since  he  is  itianifelling  his  hot  difpleafure  againft  thee,  take  heed  left  he  cut 
 thee  oft’  without  remedy  ;  and  then  no  ranforo,  however  great,  can  redeem  thy 
 life  a<rain  ;  nor  will  all  the  united  power  and  virtue  in  the  world,  be  able  to  de. 
 liver  "thee,  if  God  refolve  to  deftroy  thee.  20.  Never  wifti  for  a  period  of 
 awful  judgments  in  which  multitudes  of  men  are  often  deftroyed  amidft  all  their 
 comforts  and  enjoyments.  21.  Never  give  way  to  finning,  particularly  to  rafti 
 and  intemperate  fpeeches  concerning  God  s  provi  -ential  procedure,  Xhus 
 ftiait  thou  be  chofen  in,  and  plucked  out  of  the  furnace  of  afflieftion.  But  alas! 
 hitherto  thou  haft  preferred  rafli  cenfuring  of  God’s  ways,  to  a  patient  bearing 
 of  thy  afflidlions.  22.  It  is  God  alone  who  can  effedtually  deliver  and  exalt 
 men  ;  and  none  can  caft  down,  fcourge,  inftrutSl,  or  govern  like  him.  Pretend 
 not  therefore  to  direa  him  23.  None  bath  diredled  him  how  to  govern  the 
 world,  or  can  call  him  to  account  for  his  management,  None  can  charge  him 
 with  any  thing  unjuft  or  imprudent.  Never  therefore  raftily  complain  of  him 
 24.  Inftead  of  cenfuring,  always  admire  and  fpeak  honourably  of  his  works  ol 
 creation  and  providence,  which  men  cheerfully  behold,  and  (hould  Cordially 
 celebrate.  2.':.  There  are  fcarcely  any  fo  ignorant  but  they  muft  obferve  thefe, 
 and  acknowledge  his  greatnefs  and  excellency  in  them.  2B.  Behold,  fuch  is 
 the  unbounded  perfetaion  of  God,  that  we  can  never  comprehend  it;  and  fuch 
 is  his  eternal  duration  that  we  can  never  fearcb  it  out.  How  unfit,  are  we  then 
 to  judge  of  and  cenfure  his  condudl  ?  27,  28.  It  is  he  who  exhales  from  the 
 
 fea,  and  forms  the  drops  of  rain  which  fall  from  the  clouds.  29.  How  incom- 
 prehenfible  are  his  fpreadings  of  the  thick  clouds  all  along  the  face  of  the 
 heavens,  and  the  craftiing  thunder  of  his  cloudy  refidence  !  3D.  How  marvel- 
 
 lonily  he  extends  the  flaftling  lightning  all  over  the  Iky,  makes  it  penetrate  to 
 the  bottom  of,  or  vails  it  with  the  rainy  waters  exhaled  from  the  fea  I  31.  By 
 fuch  rains,  thunder,  and  Jightnings,  he  punilhes  wicked  men  for  their  fins  ;  and, 
 by  rendering  the  earth  fruitful,  makes  liberal  and  magnificent  provilion  for 
 his  creatures  32.  By  his  hollow  clouds  he  conceals  the  thundering  fl.tlh  as 
 well  as  the  bright  and  fcorching  fun  ;  and  reftrains  it  by  their  interpofing  in¬ 
 fluence.  33.  Its  craihing  noife  informs  concerning  it ;  as  a  red  flaming  treafure 
 
 CHU'.xxxvji. 
 
 I  God  is  to  be  fenred  because  of  hit  great  works  ;  1  5  his  wisdom  u  un-  ^  j 
 $gu^  chft^lc  in  them* 
 
 At  this  alfo  my  heart  trembleth,  and  is  moved 
 
 out  of  his  place.  , 
 
 2  t  Hear  attentively  the  noife  of  his  voice,  and  thet  Heb. 
 
 found  thot  poeth  out  of  his  mouth  ../^Tring. 
 
 3  He  diretftetf  it  under  the  whole  heaven,  and  his^ 
 t  lishtning  unto  the  f  ends  of  the  earth.  •  tight. 
 
 4  After  it  a  voice  roarech  :  he  thundereth  with  the  t  Heb. 
 voice  of  his  excellency;  and  he  will  not  ftay 
 
 when  his  voice  is  heard.  „  ^  ^ 
 
 5  God  thundereth  marvelloufly  with  bis  voice  :  great 
 things  doeth  he,  which  we  cannot  comprehend. 
 
 6  For  »  he  faith  to  the  fnow,  Be  thou  on  theearrh  ;a  pfaim 
 t  likewife  to  the  fmall  rain,  and  to  the  great  rain  of 
 
 his  ftrength.  ,  ,  ,  r-  .k  *  .,11  ^ 
 
 7  He  (ealeth  up  the  hand  of  every  man  ;  that  Manutotke 
 
 men  may  know  his  work.  •  •  k  •  tTVid 
 
 8  Then  the  beafts  go  into  dens,  and  remain  in  their 
 
 places.  , .  ,  •  .  j  "Z 
 
 9  f  Out  of  the  fouth  cometh  the  whirlwind  ;  and  ram 
 
 cold  out  of  the  f  north.  •f7iS‘‘ 
 
 10  By  the  breath  of  God  froft  is  given:  and 
 breadth  of  the  waters  is  ftraitened.  chamber. 
 
 11  Alfo  by  watering  he  w'earieth  the  thick  cloud  ;  t  Heb. 
 he  fcattereth  t  his  bright  cloud,  ^  ST”" 
 
 12  And  it  is  turned  round  about  by  his  counfels  ;  ^ 
 that  they  may  do  whatfoever  he  comnaandeth  them  the  cloud 
 upon  the  face  of  the  world  in  the  earth.  ojhiUight. 
 
 13  He  caufeth  it  to  come,  whither  for  f  corre£fion,  t  Heb. 
 or  for  his  land,  or  for  mercy.  “ 
 
 14  Hearken  unto  this,  O  Job:  ftand  ftill,  and  con- 
 fider  the  wondrous  works  of  God. 
 
 of  wrath,  it  hangs  over  the  proud  ;  or  the  noife  of  the  clouds,  as  well  as  Uie 
 motions  of  animals,  portends  the  approach  of  the  raio  formed  of  vapours  exhaled 
 from  the  fea  by  the  I’un. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXXVII.  Juft  now  my  heart  trem¬ 
 bles,  and  is  like  to  ftart  out  of  his  place,  at  the  thought  of  hearing  of  the  terrible 
 thunder.  2.  Hear  attentively  the  roaring  noife  of  Jehovah’s  voice,  and  the 
 breathing  murmur  that  proceeds  from  his  lips.  3.  By  his  providence  he  guides 
 the  forcible  and  ftraight  darting  of  the  thunderbolts  along  the  whole  extent  of 
 the  (ky,  and  makes  the  blaze  of  lightning  to  fly  over  the  confines  of  the  earth- 
 4.  After  the  blazing  flafh  of  lightning  the  noife  roars.  He  thunders  with  llie 
 voice  of  his  Majesty  ;  nor  will  he  restrain  the  storm  and  rain  when  the  roaring 
 of  his  thunder  is  heard.  5.  By  thundering  the  mighty  God  produces  many 
 ma<vellous  eflTedls;  be  does  many  things  in  nature  which  we  cannot  comprehend. 
 6.  At  his  command  the  fnow  falls,  as  alfo  the  gentle  ftiowers  and  the  delugirig 
 rains,  the  impetuous  ftiowers  and  tempestuous  storms.  7.  By  the  winter  storm 
 he  restrains  men  from  labour,  and  keeps  them  within  doors,  that  they  may  have 
 opportunity  to  confider  his  works.  8.  The  very  wild  beasts  are  obliged  to  fliut 
 up  tbemfelves  in  their  thickets  and  dens.  9.  The  whirlwind  is  generated  in 
 the  moist  clouds  of  the  fouth  as  in  a  chamber ;  and  cold  proceeds  from  the 
 fcatlering  north  winds.  10.  By  God’s  will  and  appointment  the  frost  is  pro¬ 
 duced,  and  the  rivers  are  congealed  that  they  cannot  flow.  11.  As  by  pouring 
 down  continual  ftiowers  he  wearieth  the  thick  c'oud.  fo  his  clear  brightnels  dif- 
 pelsit;  and  by  bis  light  he  difperfes  the  tranfparent  dufkinefs  of  the  (ky.  12. 
 While  the  clouds  are  carried  hither  and  thither  at  his  picafure,  he  hinifelf  on 
 every  fide  holds  the  reins  of  their  motions,  that  he  may  accomplifti  his  own 
 purpofes  by  them  all  over  the  world;  13.  Whither  it  be  for  puniftiing  the 
 guilty  by  pestilential  vapours  and  storms,  or  for  rendering  the  earth  fruitful, 
 or  for  gracioufly  rewarding  his  people  with  remarkable  plenty.  14.  Stop 
 therefore  thy  ceiifures  of,  and  murmurings  at  the  difpenfations  of  God’s  pro¬ 
 vidence  ;  ferioully  confider  his  wondrous  works;  and  think  how  little  thou  un- 
 derstandest  of  the  most  obvious  of  them.  15-  Knowtst  thou  bow  God  lays  bis 
 orders  or  impretTes  liis  powerful  influence  upon  them?  or  how  he  makes  the 
 rainbow  light  of  the  tranfparent  cloud  to  (hine  ?  Canst  thou  tell  how,  in  his 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chav.  XXXVI.]  Faithful  perfons  are  always  zealous  to  vindicate  God’s  difpenfations  from  foolifli  and  liiiful  afptrfions.; 
 and  truth  and  fiinplicity  of  fpeech  always  become  the  te.acliers  of  the  true  religion.  it  is  proper  that  we  entertain  exalted  thoughts  of  God  ;  that  he  thinks 
 none  below  his  notice,  however  mean  ;  countenances  none  of  the  w  icked,  however  great ;  is  always  ready  to  redrefs  the  injured  ;  takes  peculiar  pleafure  to  proteft 
 the  righteous;  at'd  brings  fpecial  ruin  on  hypocrites,  as  the  treacherous  enemies  of  mankind.  If  God  exalt  us,  let  us  exert  ourfelves  for  the  good  of  mankitid,  and 
 prepare  to  give  our  account  to  him.  In  the  glory  of  his  works,  let  us  difeern  the  perfcdlions  of  his  nature.  And,  while  we  fojourn  on  earth,  let  us  walk  by  faith 
 and  not  by  flght. 
 
 6  O 
 
 17 
 
Job  convinced  of  ignorance 
 
 Before 
 Clirift 
 cir.  1520. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 CM. 
 
 15  Doft  thou  know  when  GoJ  diTpofed  them,  and 
 Cdufed  the  Wghx  of  his  cloud  to  (kine  ? 
 
 16  Dolt  thou  know  the  balancings  of  the  clouds, 
 the  wondrous  works  of  him  which  is  perfefi  in  know¬ 
 ledge  ? 
 
 17  How  thy  garments  arc  warm,  when  he  quieteth 
 the  earth  by  the  fouth  wind  ? 
 
 18  Halt  thou  uith  him  fpread  out  the  fky,  which  is 
 ftroBg.  and  as  a  molten  looking-glafs  ? 
 
 19  Teach  us  what  we  fliall  lay  unto  him  ;  for  we 
 cannot  order  our  speech  by  reafon  of  daiknefs. 
 
 20  Shall  it  be  told  him  that  Ifpeak  ?  It  a  man  fpeak, 
 iurely  he  (hall  be  fwaliowed  up. 
 
 2 1  And  now  men  fee  not  the  bright  light  which  is  in 
 the  clouds  ;  but  the  wind  pafleth,  and  cleanfeth  them. 
 
 22  t  Fair  weather  cometh  out  of  the  north  :  with 
 God  IS  terrible  majefty, 
 
 JOB.  hj  God*s  mighty  Voorhs, 
 
 \  8  Or  who  fhut  up  the  fea  with  doors,  when  it  brake  Before 
 
 :  forth,  as  if  it  had  iflued  our  ol  the  womb^  Chria 
 
 1  9  When  I  made  the  cloud  the  garment  thereof,  and'"^' 
 
 I  thick  darknefs  a  twaddling  band  for  it, 
 
 :  10  And  II  brake  up  for  it  ray  decreed  place^  and  let  104.  ^ 
 
 bars  and  doors,  II  Or, 
 
 1 1  And  laid.  Hitherto  (halt  thou  come,  but  no  fur- 
 ther  ;  and  here  fhall  f  thy  proud  waves  be  ttayed  ?  uponil!^ 
 
 12  Haft  thou  commanded  the  morning  fince  thy  t  Heb.’ 
 
 !  days  ;  and  caufed  the  day-fpring  to  know  his  place  ;  ‘'‘‘Pdde 
 \  1 3  That  it  might  take  hold  of  the  f  ends  of  the  earth, 
 
 i  that  the  wicked  might  be  lhaken  out  of  it  ?  iHeu 
 
 I  14  It  is  turned  as  clay  to  the  feal ;  and  they  ftand"'*^ 
 
 I  as  a  garment. 
 
 !  15  And  from  the  wicked  their  light  is  withholden, 
 
 '  and  the  high  arm  ftiall  be  broken. 
 
 16  Haft  thou  entered  into  the  fprings  of  the  fea^ 
 
 he 
 
 23  Touching  the  Almight\’,  we  cannot  find  him  out :  i  or  haft  thou  walked  in  the  fearch  ol  the  depth  ? 
 
 and 
 
 in 
 
 t  Heb. 
 make  me 
 know. 
 a  Pfaltn 
 J04.  5. 
 Proverbs 
 SO.  4. 
 f  Heb. 
 //'  thou 
 knowett 
 under¬ 
 standing. 
 +  Heb. 
 sockets. 
 f  Heb. 
 made  to 
 sink. 
 
 IS  excellent  in  power,  and  in  judgment, 
 plenty  ol  juftice  :  he  will  not  aftii^t. 
 
 24  Men  do  therefore  fear  him  :  he  refpe<fteth  not 
 any  that  are  wife  of  heart.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXXVIII. 
 
 1  God  chiiliengeth  Job  to  answer.  4  God  by  his  mighty  works  convinceth 
 Job  oj  ignorance,  SI  and  ej  imbecility. 
 
 'TP'HEN  the  Lord  anfwered  Job  out  of  the  whirl- 
 
 1  wind,  and  faid, 
 
 2  Who  is  this  that  darkeneth  counfel  by  words  with¬ 
 out  knowledge. 
 
 3  Gird  up  now  thy  loins  like  a  man;  for  I  will  de¬ 
 mand  of  thee,  and  f  anfwer  thou  me. 
 
 4  *  Where  waft  thou  when  I  laid  the  foundations 
 of  the  earth  ?  declare,  f  if  thou  haft  underftanding. 
 
 5  Who  hath  laid  the  mealures  thereof,  if  thou  know- 
 eft?  i  r  who  hath  ftretched  the  line  upon  it  ? 
 
 6  Whereupon  are  the  f  foundations  thereof  f  faf- 
 tened  ^  cr  who  laid  the  corner-ftone  thereof, 
 
 7  When  the  morning  ftars  fang  together,  and  all 
 the  fons  of  God  Ihouted  for  joy  f 
 
 17  Have  the  gates  of  death  been  opened  unto 
 thee  ?  or  haft  thou  feen  the  doors  of  the  Ihadow  of 
 death  ? 
 
 18  Haft  thou  perceived  the  breadth  of  the  earth? 
 declare  if  thou  knoweft  it  all. 
 
 19  Where  is  the  way  light  dw'elleth?  and  as 
 for  darknefs,  where  is  the  place  thereof, 
 
 20  That  then  fhouldeft  take  it  l|  to  the  bound  there-  |j 
 of,  and  that  thou  fhouldeft  know  the  paths  to  the  houfe 
 thereof? 
 
 21  Knoweft  thou  it^  becaufe  thou  waft  then  born? 
 or  because  the  number  of  thy  days  is  great  ? 
 
 22  Haft  thou  entered  into  the  treafures  of  the 
 fnow  ;  or  haft  thou  feen  the  treafures  of  the  hail, 
 
 23  Which  I  have  referved  againft  the  time  of  trou¬ 
 ble,  againft  the  day  of  battle  and  war? 
 
 24  By  what  way  is  the  light  parted,  which  fcatter- 
 eth  the  eaft  wind  upon  the  earth? 
 
 25  Who  hath  divided  a  watercourle  for  the  over¬ 
 flowing  of  waters ;  or  a  way  for  the  lightning  of 
 thunder ; 
 
 Or. 
 
 marvellous  wifdom,  be  bangs  the  clouds  in  the  air,  as  if  balanced  by  one  another. 
 17.  Doft  thou  know  how  thy  garments  wax  warm  when  the  earth  is  calmed  by 
 the  fouthern  fun  and  pleafant  gale?  IS.  Haft  thou  afltfted  him  in  clearing 
 the  tky  after  rain ;  and  in  making  it  to  ftand  faft  by  its  own  ftrer.gth,  as  a 
 mirror,  in  which  we  may  behold  his  admirable  wifdom,  power  goodnefs,  and 
 glory?  19.  Teach  us,  if  thou  canft,  how  to  fpeak  to  or  of  God:  for,  by  rea¬ 
 fon  of  his  incomprthenCble  excellencies,  and  our  great  ignorance,  we  cannot 
 fpeak  of  him  to  any  purpofe.  20.  Nothing  which  I  have  faid  is  worthy  of  his 
 notice,  or  anfwerable  to  the  fubjeift.  If  ary  attempt  to  deferibe  his  excellencies, 
 he  will  be  quite  confounded  by  their  dazzling  glory.  21.  And  juft  now  men 
 cannot  look  upon  the  bright  ftiining  of  the  fun  in  the  fky,  when  the  wind 
 has  difpelled  every  cloud  22.  The  godlike  glancing  fun  fhines  clearly  by  the 
 pu  ifying  north  winds:  and  upon  God  is  a  robe  of  terrible  m.ajefty.  23.  We 
 cannot  comprehend  his  effence,  peifedlions,  purpofes,  or  works.  His  power 
 indeed  is  inBnite  :  but  he  will  not  affli(5l  his' people  in  ftridl  judgment,  or 
 feverity  of  juftice.  21.  Men  fliould  therefore  ftand  in  awe  of  him,  and  beware  of 
 quarrelling  w  ith  bis  condudl ;  fur  he  regards  none  who  are  wife  in  their  own 
 conceit,  or  who  dare  contend  with  tbeir  Maker,  or  prefume  to  cenfure  bis  pro 
 ceedings. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES  Chap.  XXXVIII.  Ufhered  in  by  a  terrible 
 ■whirlwind  to  make  Job  mote  humble  and  attentive,  God  bimfelf  next  addrefled 
 him.  faying.  2.  Who  art  thou  that  haft  fought  to  eclipfe,  mTreprefent,  and 
 cenfure  the  wifdom  and  juftice  of  my  p-'^vidence,  by  difeourfes  proceeding 
 from  ignorance,  miftake.  inconfideratenefs  and  paflion  ?  3.  Now  according  to 
 
 thy  proud  cliallenges,  prepare  lliyfelf  to  debate  the  caufe  with  me  ;  nay,  t  i  an¬ 
 fwer  me  a  few  plain  queftions  ;  that  convinced  by  thefe  of  the  weaknefs  of  thy 
 vnderftanding,  thou  mayeft  perceive  how  incapable  thou  art  of  judging  as  to  | 
 my  fecret  counfels  or  myfterious  providences.  4 — 7.  If  thou  art  fo  fkilful  as  j 
 thou  pretendeft,  tell  me  how  1  laid  the  foundations  of  the  earth  :  how  I  planned  j 
 
 and  adjufted  the  whole  frame  and  boundaries  of  it:  how,  without  any  founda¬ 
 tion  to  ftand  on,  I  fettled  it  upon  its  own  centre,  and  firmly  connedled  all  the 
 parts  of  it,  while  angels,  whom  I  had  previoufly  created  to  be  my  honorary 
 guard,  celebrated  the  wifdom,  goodnefs  and  power,  which  I  therein  manii^fted  ! 
 8 — 1 1.  Tell  me  how,  with  banks,  or  even  fund,  I  fet  bounds  to  the  newly  formed 
 ocean,  which  often  rages  as  if  it  would  cover  the  earth,  from  which  its  waters 
 were  feparated  ;  how  I  covered  it  with  thick  mifls  and  fogs,  reftraining  its  fury  ; 
 how  1  made  hollow  places  in  the  earth  for  it;  and  notwithftanding  its  furious 
 raging,  confined  it  in  them  !  12.  Haft  thou,  before  or  fince  thy  birth,  governed 
 
 the  morning-light,  making  it  to  obferve  its  punclual  time,  and  orderly  to  ap¬ 
 pear  in  its  ever  varying  place;  13.  That  it  might  fuddenly  fpread  itfelf  over  the 
 whole  hemifphere,  that  wicked  Oicn,  who  rage  in  the  night,  being  detedled, 
 
 ;  might  by  condign  punifiiment  be  reftrained  or  cut  off;  14.  That  the  earth,  as 
 I  the  wax  beneath  the  feal,  may  put  on  a  new  form,  and  the  things  on  it  appear 
 !  as  its  adorning  garment ;  15.  And  that  by  this  light  the  wicked  may  be  deprived 
 .  of  that  fuccefs  and  comfort  which  they  promil'td  themf'elves  in  their  crimes, 
 land  their  tyrannical  power  maybe  repreffed  ?  16.  Haft  thou  ever  perfonally 
 
 I  furveyed  the  fprings  and  rough  places  in  the  bottom  of  the  ocean,  or  w  alked, 
 
 !  as  in  ftate,  through  the  inmoft  corners  of  the  deep,  to  know  and  direift  every 
 l|  thing  there?  17.  Art  thou  fully  acquainted  with  all  the  dark  caverns  and 
 inmoft  parts  of  the  earth  ;  or  with  the  whola  nature  and  circumftances  of  death 
 and  the  grave,  and  of  the  eternal  ftate?  18.  Are  the  dimenfions  of  the  earth, 
 with  its  whole  fubftance  and  product  perfcrftly  known  to  thee?  19 — 21.  Daft 
 thou  by  thy  great  experience  and  long  obfervation  fully  underftand  the  orderly 
 turns  of  light  and  daiknefs,  day  and  night?  or  canft  thou  dire<5l  their  motions 
 in  a  proper  manner  ?  22,  23.  Art  thou  fully  aeqainted  with  the  collerSlions  of 
 
 fnow  and  hail  in  the  clouds?  and  canft  thou,  like  me,  regularly  bring  them 
 forth  in  the  winter  Csafon,  or  in  the  feafon  of  wrathful  calamities’  24.  How  is 
 the  light  of  the  fun,  moon,  or  ftars,  fo  equally  and  fo  widely  difi'ufed  ?  How  is 
 
 PRACTIC.^L  OBSERVATIONS- — •  Chap.  XXX  VII.  j  How  illuftrioufly  do  the  perfedlions  of  God  ftiine  in  all  the  objedls  of  creative  end  directive  power ! 
 Seeiii"  all  bis  inferior  works  thus  fulfil  his  will,  why  do  men,  the  chief  of  his  works,  rebel  againft  him  ?  It  Is  liighly  neceffary  to  maintain  the  moft  awful,  kind,  and 
 bonou^rah.e  thoughts  of  him.  and  the  moft  cordial  fubmiffion  to  all  that  he  does.  By  what  terrible  harbingers  doth  he  foirielimes  introduce  hinifelf.  If  the  clouds 
 thicken,  thuudvrs  roar,  if  lightnings  flafti,  and  rains  dvfcend,  let  us  rememb.r  tiict  our  God  is  near,  the  God  of  our  fulvatian. 
 
God*s  power  evinced 
 
 Before  26  To  caufc  it  to  rain  on  the  earth,  where  no  man 
 is;  on  the  wiUlcrnels,  wherein  there  is  no  man  ; 
 
 ‘‘21  To  fitisfy  the  deiblate  and  {ground ;  and  to 
 caufe  the  bud  of  the  tender  herb  to  fpring  forth  ? 
 
 28  Hath  the  rain  a  father ;  or  who  hath  begotten 
 the  drops  of  dew  ? 
 
 29  Out  of  whofe  womb  came  the  ice?  and  the 
 hoary  froft  of  heaven,  who  hath  gendered  it  ? 
 
 30  The  waters  are  hid  as  with  a  ftone,  and  the  face 
 of  the  deep  f  is  frozen. 
 
 31  C'.init  thou  bind  the  fweet  influences  of  II  +  Plei¬ 
 ades,  or  lool’e  the  bands  of  f  Orion  ? 
 
 82  Canft’thou  bring  forth  1|  Mazzaroth  in  his  fea- 
 fon  ?  or  canlf  thou  f  guide  Ar£furus  with  his  ions? 
 
 33  Knoweft  thou  the  ordinances  of  heaven  ?  canft 
 thou  let  the  dominion  thereof  in  the  earth  ? 
 
 31-  Canlt  thou  lift  up  thy  voice  to  the  clouds,  that 
 abundance  of  waters  may  cover  thee? 
 
 35  Canlt  thou  fend  lightnings,  that  they  may  go 
 and  fay  unto  thee,  f  Here  we  are? 
 
 36  '  Who  hath  put  wifdom  in  the  inward  parts? 
 causitoiieox  who  hath  given  underftanding  to  the  heart  ? 
 
 down.  ;J7  Who  can  number  the  clouds  in  wifdom  ?  or 
 Vhe'nthe  bottles  of  heaven, 
 
 dust  is  38  II  When  the  duft  f  groweth  into  hardnefs,  and 
 turned  the  clods  clcave  faft  together  ? 
 
 39  Wilt  thou  hunt  the  prey  for  the  lion,  or  fill 
 I  poured,  t  the  appetite  of  the  young  lions, 
 d  Pfaim  40  When  they  couch  in  their  dens,  and  abide  in 
 104.  21.  the  covert  to  lie  in  wait? 
 
 /sf/S.  .  '  Who  provideth  for  the  raven  his  food?  when 
 
 e  Psalm  his  youog  ones  cry  unto  God,  they  wander  for  lack 
 147.  9.  of  meat.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXXIX. 
 
 1  Oe  the  wild  gnats  and  hint's.  5  Oe  the  wild  css,  9  the  unicorni  13  the 
 peacock,  stork,  and  ostrich,  19  The  horse,  26  the  hawk,  27  the  eagle. 
 
 NOWEST  thou  the  time  when  the  wild  goats 
 of  the  rock  bring  forth  ?  or  canft  thou  mark 
 when  ®  the  hinds  do  calve  ? 
 
 2  Canft  thou  number  the  months  that  they  fulfil  ? 
 or  knoweft  thou  the  time  when  they  bring  forth  ? 
 
 3  They  bow  themfelves,  they  bring  forth  their 
 young  ones,  they  caft  out  their  forrows. 
 
 JOB. 
 
 hy  his  Itmcr  vxrks. 
 
 is  taken. 
 
 U  Or. 
 the  seven 
 stars- 
 f  Ileb. 
 Ciniah. 
 
 J  Iteb. 
 Cesil. 
 
 II  Or,  The 
 twelve 
 signs. 
 t  lleb. 
 guide 
 them. 
 t  Heb. 
 jBeholit  U-S. 
 C  Chap. 
 32.  8. 
 Pccles. 
 
 2.  26. 
 t  Ileb. 
 tvho  con 
 
 Matth. 
 6.  26. 
 
 a  Pfaim 
 29.  9. 
 
 K‘ 
 
 the  way  prepared  for  the  overflowing  rains,  or  for  the  lightning  and  thunder? 
 and  how  are  their  motives  fo  regu:arly  diredled  ?  26,  27.  It  is  by  tby  diieaion 
 that  tile  rain  waters  tbofe  places  of  the  earth  where  no  one  lives  to  do  it, 
 
 or  which  without  feafonabie  rains  could  produce  nothing?  28 _ 30.  Canft 
 
 thou  form  drops  of  rain  or  dew  ;  or  produce  ice  or  hoar  froft  ;  or  tell  how  they 
 are  formed;  and  how  the  furface  of  the  waters  is  congealed  into  a  kind  of 
 ■ftone?  31.  Canft  thou  alter  the  feafons  of  the  year,  by  reftraining  the  influ¬ 
 ences  of  the  heat  and  fummer-boding  ftars  ?  or  free  the  earth  ffom  the  tempef- 
 tuous  influence  of  the  winter  and  floth-boding  ftars?  32  Canft  thou  make  to 
 appear,  and  lead  round,  the  luminaries  of  the  middle  region  of  heaven  in  their 
 o*<f  Canft  thou  direift  the  round  whirling  pole  ftars,  and  their  attendants? 
 
 Knoweft  thou  all  the  order  and  laws  of  the  heavenly  bodies?  Couldeft 
 thou  lettl^  the  whole  government  of  them,  and  their  influence  upon  the  earth? 
 
 >  .  Canft  thou  juft  now,  by  a  call,  bring  down  an  abundant  rain  on  the 
 
 place  where  thou  art ;  or  make  the  thunder  to  dart  forth  its  flames  over  thine 
 nead  ;  or  do  whatever  thou  pleafeft  ?  36.  Canft  thou  direa  the  random  darting 
 
 lightning  to  ftrike  as  regularly  as  if  it  had  folid  wifdom  and  difl 
 tell  h  ;  O''  ll'ou  give  ihyfelf  rational  understanding?  Canst  thou 
 
 the  a  '  thought  is  formed?  37,  38  Canst  thou  number  and  govern  ah 
 ed  ?  *  a ,  ‘*>0  ’■O'"  "'hen  the  earth  is  fufficiently  water- 
 
 Particul!rl  f  '“‘J  even  for  the  most  ravenous  creatures  j 
 
 ^  y  I'onels  and  her  whelps,  or  for  old  lions  incapable  of  leaving 
 
 4  Their  young  ones  are  in  good  liking,  they  grow  up 
 with  corn  ;  they  go  forth,  and  return  not  unto  mem. 
 
 5  Wno  hath  fentout  the  wild  als  free?  or  who  hath 
 loofed  the  bands  of  tne  wild  afs  ? 
 
 6  Whofe  houfe  I  have  made  the  wildernels,  and 
 
 the  t  barren  land  his  dwellings.  t  ««*»• 
 
 7  He  fcorneth  the  multitude  of  the  city,  neither 
 regardeth  he  the  crying  f  of  the  driver. 
 
 8  The  range  of  the  mountains  is  his  pafture,  ^^<^°iactor. 
 he  fearcheth  after  every  green  thing. 
 
 9  Will  the  unicorn  be  willing  to  lerve  thee,  or  abide 
 by  thy  crib^ 
 
 10  Canft  thou  bind  the  unicorn  with  his  band  in 
 the  furrow?  or  will  he  harrow  the  valleys  after  thee? 
 
 11  Wilt  thou  truft  him,  becaufe  his  ttrength  is 
 great?  or  wilt  thou  leave  thy  labour  to  him  ? 
 
 12  Wilt  t'nou  believe  him,  that  he  will  bring  home 
 thy  feed,  and  gather  it  into  thy  barn  ? 
 
 13  Gavest  thou  the  goodly  wings  unto  the  peacocks  ? 
 
 or  II  wings  and  feathers  unto  the  oftrich  ?  g  Or,  the 
 
 14  Which  leaveth  her  eggs  in  the  earth,  and  w'arm--^*®'**'* 
 
 eth  them  in  the  duft.  tiolkani 
 
 15  And  forgetteth  that  the  foot  may  crufh  them  s'csiriclu 
 or  that  the  wild  beaft  may  break  them. 
 
 16  Sheis hardened  agdinft;  her  young  ones,  as  though 
 they  were  not  her’s :  her  labour  is  in  vain  without  fear  ; 
 
 17  Becaufe  God  hath  deprived  her  of  wifdom,  nei¬ 
 ther  hath  he  imparted  to  her  underftanding. 
 
 18  What  time  (he  lifteth  up  herl'elf  ou  high,  (he 
 fcorneth  the  horle  and  his  rider. 
 
 19  Haft  thou  given  the  horfe  ftrength  ?  haft  thou 
 clothed  his  neck  with  thunder? 
 
 20  Canft  thou  make  him  afraid  as  a  gralhopper? 
 
 the  glory  of  his  noftrils  f  A  terrible.  t  Heb. 
 
 21  1|  He  paweth  in  the  valley,  and  rejoiceth  iu  his'^’’’''"*' 
 ftrength  :  he  goeth  on  to  meet  t  the  armed  men. 
 
 22  He  mocketh  at  fear,  and  is  not  affrighted  ;  nei-J^. 
 
 ther  turneth  he  back  from  the  fword.  t  Heb. 
 
 23  The  quiver  rattleth  againft  him,  the  glitterine 
 fpear  and  the  Ihield. 
 
 24  He  Iwalloweth  the  ground  with  fiercenefs  and 
 rage  ;  neither  believer h  he  that  it  is  the  found  of  the 
 trumpet. 
 
 moun 
 
 their  dens  ;  or  for  the  young  ravens,  when  by  their  dam  they  are  expelled  from 
 the  nest  ? 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXXIX.  Ver.  1—4.  Is  it  by  thy 
 wifdom,  power,  care,  and  providence  that  the  wild  goats  and  hinds  are  aflisted 
 in  their  painful  births,  or  their  young  ones  fo  well  nourifhed  ?  5—3  Or  that 
 
 while  the  tame  afs  is  dull  and  stupid,  the  wild  afs  is  fo  nimble,  untraaable, 
 regardless  to  mankind,  and  lodged  and  maintained  in  the  defert  mounuitis? 
 
 capable,  by  all  thy  power  and  Ikill,  to  tame  a  wild  bull,  and 
 train  him  to  the  labours  of  the  field  {rerformed  by  the  ox  ?  13_18  Didst  thou 
 
 adorn  with  wings  and  feathers  the  ostrich,  that  is  fo  carelefs  of  her  e<Tgs  and 
 young,  that  the  fun  must  hatch  the  former,  and  Providence  alone  take  care  of 
 
 the  latter;  and  fo  fleet  in  running  with  extended  wings?  19 _ ^25.  Hast  thou 
 
 j  t^ven  strength  and  bravery  to  the  horfe  ?  Dost  thou  produce  the  triumphant 
 Ihaking  of  bis  mane,  or  the  neighing  and  fnorting  of  his  l.iroat,  when  he  is  bent 
 upon  the  battle  ?  Canst  thou  make  him  to  bounce  like  a  grafshopper  ?  The  dif- 
 dainful  and  courageous  fnortings  of  his  nostrils  are  terrible.  When  armies  meet 
 for  battle  Ire  paweth  in  tl.e  valley,  fiercely  priding  bimfelf  in  l.is  strength-  he 
 fprings  forth  to  meet  the  armour  of  war.  rulbmg  into  the  battle  without ’anv 
 fear  of  danger.  Quite  unaflTrighted,  be  laughs  at  the  Urrors  of  the  battle  he 
 turns  not  back  frorn  the  fword.  Over  him  regardlefs,  rattle  and  hifs  the  airows 
 of  the  quiver,  the  flaming  fpear,  and  ruinous  lance.  With  fiercenefs  and  raire 
 he  gallops  over  and  tears  up  the  ground.  For  joy  he  leckons  the  found  of  tL 
 
 efour  best  intentioned  friends  prove  vain,  the  Lord  dei^is  to  expis”  ale  i^th  u  L-  reproofs,  and  correaions, 
 
 kaow  edge  of  the  wifest  is  every  where  non-plufed  by  thfcolmEon  ofTh^^  s  '  ""'1  T  deliverance.  The  boasted 
 
 tW  £  '"I  “r  'vo'-ks  ;  hut  be  extent  with  all  things  as  he  Uft.  esUblfth.^ U  ‘  V  f ’.1  Tn"’  with  thy  maker  ;  Pretend  n^ 
 
 in  !  f  knowest  not.  If  he  takes  fuch  care  in  the  «  orks  of  his  hands^  the  mnsr  '  5  cheerfully  follow  him,  as  one  tliat  is  blind,  in  ail  the  ways 
 
 >n  t^hofe  happinefs  his  foul  delights.  ^  ^  ravenous  not  excepted,  it  is  impoflible  that  he  Ihould  for-^et  bis  peopl^ 
 
Joh  humhieth  himself  before  God. 
 
 Before 
 
 JOB.  Of  God*s  porwer  in  the  leviathatt^ 
 
 25  He  faith  among  the  trumpets,  Ha,  ha !  and  he  |j  '3  Hide  them  in  the  duft  together,  and  bind  their  Rofor* 
 •Jr  Vion  fmelleth  the  battle  afar  off,  the  thunder  of  the  cap- '!  faces  in  lecret.  cjirid 
 
 l2Sn 
 
 t  Heb. 
 by  thy 
 fnouth- 
 
 b  iMatth. 
 24.  28. 
 Luke 
 17.  37. 
 
 ,  11;  Then  will  I  alfo  confefs  unto  thee  that  thine 
 
 j  own  right  hand  can  fave  thee. 
 
 j  15  11  Behold  now  ||  behemoth,  which  I  made  with  ||  Or, 
 i  thee  ;  he  eateth  grals  as  an  cx. 
 
 16  Lo  now,  his  ffrength  ts  in  his  loins,  and  his“hin°^® 
 force  ts  in  the  navel  of  his  belly. 
 
 17  II  He  moveth  his  tail  like  a  cedar :  the  finews  of  II  Or, 
 his  ftones  are  wrapped  together. 
 
 IS  His  bones  ate  as  ftrong  pieces  of  brafs ;  his’"^’' 
 bones  are  like  bars  of  iron. 
 
 19  He  is  the  chief  of  the  ways  of  God  :  he  that 
 made  him  can  make  his  fword  to  approach  un/o  him. 
 
 20  Surely  the  mountains  bring  him  forth  food, 
 
 ess  f>ow'’r  and  it’isdom.  15  Oj  the  behrmc.th.  I  where  all  the  beaffs  of  the  field  play.  ^ 
 
 Moreover,  the  lord  anfwered  Job,  and  ;  2i  He  lieth  under  the  (hady  trees,  in  the  covert  of  fH^b. 
 (aid.  ’!  reed,  and  fens.  .  .  n  j 
 
 2  .'7hall  he  that  contendeth  with  the  Almighty  in- ,  22  The  fbady  trees  cover  him  with  their  lhadow  ;  n  Or, 
 
 firuft  him  ?  he  that  reproveth  God,  let  him  aofwer  it.  the  willows  of  the  brook  compafs  him  about.  ^ 
 
 -  •  '  ‘  »  -L  -  T - __j  n,:  .i  I  23  Behold,  t  he  drinketh  up  a  river,  and  hafteth 
 
 not :  he  trufteth  that  he  can  draw  up  Jordan  into  his‘”,")*„^^ 
 
 moiuh.  ^  .  We  his 
 
 24  II  He  taketh  it  with  his  eyes;  his  nofe  pierceth 
 through  fnares.-j- 
 
 tains,  and  the  (hooting. 
 
 26  Doth  the  hawk  fly  by  thy  wifdom,  and  flretch 
 her  w'ings  toward  the  fouth  ^ 
 
 27  Doth  the  eagle  mount  up  f  ^t  thy  command, 
 and  make  her  nelf  on  high  ? 
 
 28  She  dwelleth  and  abideth  on  the  rock,  upon  the 
 crag  of  the  rock,  and  the  ftrong  place. 
 
 29  From  thence  (he  (eeketh  the  prey,  and  her  eyes 
 behold  afar  off. 
 
 30  Her  young  ones  alfo  fuck  up  blood  :  and  where 
 the  flain  are,  there  is  (he.* 
 
 CHAP.  XL. 
 
 1  Job  hum’le  h  himself  to  God.  6  G(W  stirreth  him  up  to  Jhew  hit  righ¬ 
 teousness.  flower  and  wisdom.  15  Oj  the  behemcth. 
 
 a  Chap. 
 38.  -3. 
 
 b  Pfalm 
 51.  4. 
 Rora. 
 
 3.  4. 
 
 c  Pfalm 
 104.  1. 
 
 .S  Tnen  Job  anlwered  the  Lord,  and  faid, 
 
 4  Behold,  I  am  vile  ;  what  (hall  1  anfwer  thee  ?  I 
 will  lay  mine  hand  upon  my  mouth. 
 
 5  Once  have  I  fpoken,  but  I  will  not  anfwer  ;  yea, 
 twice,  but  I  will  proceed  no  further. 
 
 6  •]  1  hen  anfwered  the  Lord  unto  Job  cut  of  the 
 whirlwind,  and  laid, 
 
 7  *  Gird  up  thy  loins  now  like  a  man  ;  I  will 
 demand  of  thee  and  declare  thou  unto  me. 
 
 8  ^  Wilt  thou  alfo  difanoul  my  judgment  ?  wilt  thou 
 cond-mn  me,  that  thou  mayeft  be  lignteous^ 
 
 9  Half  thou  an  arm  like  God?  or  canft  thou  thun¬ 
 der  with  a  voice  like  him  ? 
 
 10  Deck  thyfelf  now  with  majefty  and  excellency, 
 
 and  array  thyfelf  with  glory  and  beauty. 
 
 1 1  Calf  abroad  the  rage  of  thy  wrath  ;  and  behold 
 every  one  that  is  proud,  and  abale  him. 
 
 12  Look  on  every^  one  that  is  proud,  and  bring  him 
 low  ;  and  tread  down  the  wicked  in  their  place. 
 
 I  any 
 
 C 
 
 trumpet  but  an  encouraging  blart ;  and  at  the  full  blowing  of  the  trumpet  he 
 dances  and  fports  for  jov.  He  fmells  the  battle  afar  oflf,  the  thunder-l.ke  roaring 
 of  the  princes,  and  the  alarm  of  war.  26.  Is  it  by  thy  direaion  that  ha«ks  fly 
 away  fo  ftroogly,  Readily,  fwiftly,  unweariedly,  and  cunningly  to  catch  their  prey ; 
 and  that  they  balk  in  the  fun,  or  remove  to  warmer  climates  in  the  wiatit  i 
 
 27 OQ  Is  it  by  thy  direiSliori  that  eagles  fly  dire<5lly  upward,  or  choofe  their 
 
 rocky  refidence,  or  fpv  out  and  rufli  upon  their  prey? 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XL.  Ver.  2.  Has  (here  not  been  enough 
 faid  to  cbaftiCe  and  convince  thee  of  thy  miftakes,  in  contending  with  and  cen- 
 faring  the  providence  of  God  ?  3.  Job  replied  to  the  Lord,  4.  Behold,  with  grief 
 
 and  Ibame  I  acknowledge  iny  own  meannefs,  folly,  and  filthinefs.  I  ' 
 
 tbinir  to  fay  againft  thee,  or  for  myfelf.  5.  I  have  too  often  def.red  a  d.fpute 
 wth^lhee.  but  I  dare  not  defend  my  condua.  I  dare  not  proceed  further  m 
 fuch  bold  and  prefumptuous  expreflions  and  accufations  of  thy  providence^  . 
 Jacob's  ackn  .wiedgement  of  his  fin.  and  profeffion  of  Ins  repentance, 
 fufficiently  full,  God  fuither  required  him  to  pluck  up  his  fpirits  it  he  cou  , 
 anTanlwer  fome  further  interrogations.  8.  Wilt  thou  in  the 
 men,  arraign  and  attempt  to  overturn  my  fentence  againR  ^  ^ 
 
 ment  of  human  afiairs  ?  W'llt  thou  cenfure  me  as  unjuR  in  aftliaing  ihce,  that 
 Ton  may^R  appear  innocent?  9,  10.  Art  thou  God’s  equal  in  infinite  power. 
 
 CHAP.  XLI. 
 
 0/  God's  great  power  in  the  leviathan. 
 
 ANST  thou  draw  out  ||  leviathan  with  an  hook  ?  il  Tiiatu, 
 _  or  his  tongue  with  a  cord  \  which  thou  letceft 
 
 do'’5n  ?  whirtpod, 
 
 2  Canft  thou  put  an  hook  into  his  nofe?  or  bore t  Heb. 
 
 his  jiw  through  with  a  thorny  _ 
 
 3  Will  he  make  many  lupplicatioos  unto  thee  ^  'S'lH 
 he  (peak  (oft  words  unto  thee^ 
 
 4  Will  he  make  a  covenant  with  thee?  wilt  ihou 
 take  him  for  a  fervanr  for  ever? 
 
 5  Wilt  thou  play  w'ith  him  as  with  a  bird,  or  wilt 
 thou  bind  him  for  thy  maidens  ? 
 
 thee  humbly  to  fubmit  to  my  moR  affliaive  providences  15 — 24.  But  that 
 thou  mayeR  be  further  convinced  of  thy  inability  to  contend  with  me.  behold 
 how  incapable  thou  art  of  contending  with  the  elephant  or  river  horfc,  which 
 I  formed  along  with  thee  as  thy  fellow  creature,  and  not  far  from  thy  .efidence^ 
 He  quietly  feeds  upon  the  herbs  produced  by  the  earth.  Behold  what  Rreiiath 
 is  in  his  loins  ;  what  mighty  force  is  in  the  warped  finews  of  bis  belly  !  His  tail 
 is  large,  Riff,  and  Rrong  as  a  cedar  ;  and  with  it,  or  his  trunk,  he  could  rend 
 cedars.  The  finews  of  his  thighs,  are  interwoven  and  wrapped  together;  ii« 
 fmaller  bones  are  as  pipes  of  brafs,  and  the  larger  ones  as  bars  of  iron,  for 
 Rrengtb.  He  is  a  principal  creature  on  earth.  The  mighty  God,  who  made 
 him,  and  gives  him  his  power,  can  eafily  lubdue  and  deRroy  him.  The  tnoun* 
 tains  aflbrd  him  paRure,  while  the  other  wild  beads  fecurely  fport  themklva 
 around  him.  His  ordinary  refidence  is  under  the  (liadow  cf  trees  and  reel 
 growing  in  fens  or  on  the  b.anks  of  rivers.  Mo  outrageous  overflowing  of  water* 
 affrierhts  him,  or  makes  him  to  run  off  in  haRe.  And,  w  hile  he  dives  into  a  nv.  l 
 or  drinks  excefftvely,  no  terror  can  make  him  leave  off  till  his  thtrR  be  altoge  i 
 
 quenched.  .  ,  .  „ 
 
 ^  EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XLI.  Ver.  1,2.  And,  to  g‘«  >' 
 another  evidence  of  thy  weaknefs  even  to  contend  with  one  of  my  ' 
 
 canR  thou,  bv  a  hook  faRened  in  his  tongue,  nofe,  or  jaw,  draw  the  croco 
 
 rs  rr  !•  ..A  Cnirrsci  hi  m  tA  1 
 
 ment  ot  human  anairs  r  t.  ..v  .  infinite  nower  !  canR  thou,  bv  a  hook  laRened  in  his  tongue,  note,  or  jav>,  u.a™  - -  , 
 
 tbou  mayeR  appear  innocent?  9,  10.  Art  t  ou  o  s  qi  '  tokens  of  il  or  the  teethed Whale,  out  of  the  water?  3 — 5.  CanR  thou  force  him  to  upp 
 
 majefly,  or  glory  ?  1 1-14.  CanR  God  fcatter  f  ^  j;  ,hy  favour  to  l^t  him  go,  or  make  him  enter  into  an  agreement  to  R*  e 
 
 thine  anger:  or  exhibit  thy  frowns  R>''  ‘h®  ®  ^**,1  ,i..e  thou  canR  un-  Whee  ?  or  canst  tbou  make  him  a  mean  of  diverting  thyfelf  ancl  children  .  ’•  _ 
 
 tnoR  powerful  and  infolent  enemies?  It  fo,  Tf  not  it  becomes  I'  thou,  and  thy  partners  in  catching  him,  make  a  feast  upon  his  flefh,  or  par 
 
 bold  thyfelf.  and  baR  fome  pretence  to  contend  with  m.  ;  but  it  not,  it  oecom  _ _ _ 
 
 — - - TT  XXXIXI  How  beautiful  a^^Tfdaurefque  are  the  deferiptions  of  the  feveral  objeas  which  are  here  prefenU 
 
 as  me  uiiivuiu,  peacock, -  '  -i  r  i  j  k  •  i  •  nn 
 
 initely  more  fublime  concerning  the  Lion  of  the  tribe  of  Judah.  ,  .  ,  ,  :  human  nature  even  in  the  faints,  when  left  for  a  moment  to  its  finful  imp 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSEaVATIONS._t  Chap.  Communion  with  God  effeaually  humbles  the  faints;  and  there  is  -W 
 
 fhame  and  forrow  must  ever  follow  difpui.ug  against  ^  ^u„f,ie„ces  llighlly,  or  to  catch  at  comfort  to  be  rid  of  convia.ons. 
 
 fir  rS  hi.  h.n„u,.,  Aod  »»  »  l..»  .l.»  ^ 
 
Of  Go(ts  pffecer  in  the  leviathan. 
 
 6  Shall  thy  companions  made  a  banquet  of  him  ? 
 all  they  part  him  among  the  merchants? 
 
 JOB. 
 
 Jub* $  sitOmiiston  to  God,  c^e. 
 
 cir.  1 5'JO 
 
 Before  _  _ 
 
 fhall  they  part  him  among  ...v  - - 
 
 ■  7  C^n^t  thou  fill  his  Ikin  with  barbed  irons?  or  his 
 
 head  with  filh-fpears  ? 
 
 8  Lay  thine  hand  upon  him,  remember  the  battle, 
 do  no  more. 
 
 9  Behold,  the  hope  of  him  is  in  vain ;  fhall  not  o/ie 
 be  caft  down  even  at  the  fight  of  him  ? 
 
 10  None  is  so  fierce  that  dare  flir  him  up:  who 
 then  is  able  to  ftand  before  me  ? 
 
 1 1  Who  hath  prevented  me,  that  I  fhould  repay 
 him  ?  *  ’whatsoever  is  under  the  whole  heaven  is  mine. 
 
 12  I  will  not  conceal  his  parts,  nor  his  power,  nor 
 his  comely  proportion. 
 
 13  Who  can  difcover  the  face  of  his  garment  or 
 who  can  come  to  hm  ||  with  his  double  bridle  ? 
 
 14  Who  can  open  the  doors  of  his  face  ^  his  teeth 
 are  terrible  round  about. 
 
 15  His  t  fcales  are  his  pride,  fhut  up  together  as 
 •with  a  clofe  feal. 
 
 16  One  is  fo  near  to  another,  that  no  air  can  come 
 between  them 
 
 17  They  are  joined  one  to  another,  they  ftick  to¬ 
 gether,  that  they  cannot  be  fundered. 
 
 18  By  his  neefings  a  fight  doth  fhine,  and  his  eyes 
 are  like  the  eye-lids  of  the  morning. 
 
 19  Out  of  his  mouth  go  burning  lamps,  and  fparks 
 of  fire  leap  out. 
 
 20  Out  of  his  noftrils  goeth  fmoke,  as  out  of  a 
 feething  pot  or  caldron. 
 
 21  His  breath  kindleth  coals,  and  a  flame  goeth  out 
 of  his  mouth. 
 
 22  In  his  neck  remaineth  ftrength,  and  f  forrow  is 
 turned  into  joy  before  him. 
 
 23  f  The  flakes  of  his  flefh  are  joined  together : 
 they  are  firm  in  themfelves  ;  they  cannot  be  moved. 
 
 24  His  heart  is  as  firm  as  a  flone  ;  yea,  as  hard  as 
 a  piece  of  the  nether  millstone. 
 
 •  Pfalm 
 
 S4.  1.  & 
 SO.  12- 
 
 I  Cbr. 
 10.  26. 
 
 II  Or, 
 viUhin. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 strong, 
 pieces  of 
 shields. 
 
 fHeb. 
 sorrow, 
 rgoiceth 
 f  Heb. 
 The  fat- 
 tings. 
 
 (hares  of  him  among  the  merchants  ;  7.  Where  is  the  dart  with  which  thou  canft 
 penetrate  his  (kin,  or  the  fifli  fpear  that  can  wound  his  head?  8.  Touch  him,  if 
 thou  dareft  ;  immediate  deftruaion  will  prevent  thy  remembrance  of  the  con- 
 flidt,  or  repeating  thy  blow.  9.  The  hope  of  taking  him  is  quite  vain.  The 
 very  fight  of  him  is  enough  to  terrify  and  difpirit  one.  10.  No,  not  the 
 fierceft  dare  awake  him  when  fleeping,  or  llir  him  up  when  reding  himfelf.  Who 
 then  IS  able  to  contend  with  me,  who  am  infinitely  more  drong  and  terrible  ' 
 II.  And  fince  every  thing  in  the  world  is  my  foie  property,  who  bath  prevented 
 me  with  favours,  that  I  (hould  repay  him  ?  or  who,  by  fird  attacking  me,  hath 
 forced  me  to  fubm.t  to  his  terras  of  peace?  J2.  But,  to  take  a  particular 
 view  ot  the  drength  and  well  porportioned  parts  of  the  monder  which  I  have 
 
 a  >^"dle  in  his 
 
 terror  -.r  li  ,  I  VuP®"  furrounding  rows  of  his  teeth  are 
 
 Jonnea^?’  i  infeparably 
 
 onneaed  ?  18.  His  neefings,  while  he  lies  gafping  in  the  fun,  makes  a  light  to 
 
 “P  ‘utu  the  air,  refleas  the  fun-beams, 
 rihlv  h  .  !  T'  (hining  light.  19-21.  How  ter- 
 
 In  1^-  *^0®  dream  of  breath  which  proceeds  from  his  mouth  and  nodrils?  22. 
 
 defolnV""''^  amazing  degree.  Before  his  face  forrow  and 
 
 Z  TT  as.  'Without  fear  or  pity,  he  dedroys  every  animal 
 
 eets  with  2,..  The  flakes  of  his  flelh  are,  as  it  were,  foldered  into^a  lump 
 
 aav-iij  ,  aiiu  la  ljuiie  ueiiiiute  oi  every  I 
 
 trai^pH courageous  mariners  are  rendered  almoft  dil- 
 but  or..r'  »'  ftirced  to  their  confeffions  and  prayers,  expeaing  nothing 
 
 his  beVon  n  ™  '^°dy.  30  Without  hurt  or  pain  he  makes 
 
 and  tumh^P^’  V^  he  breathes 
 
 aibles  about  in  the  water,  he  makes  it  to  foam  and  rage,  as  if  it  were  a 
 
 25  When  he  raifeth  up  himfelf,  the  mighty  are  ’^/^re 
 afraid  :  by  reafon  of  breakings  they  purify  themfelves.  ^.,,  ^720 
 
 26  The  fword  of  him  that  layeth  at  him  cannot "  ^ 
 hold  ;  the  fpear,  the  dart,  nor  the  ||  habergeon.  ^  or, 
 
 27  He  efteemeth  iron  as  ftraw,  and  brafs  as  rotten  treari- 
 i  wood. 
 
 j  28  The  arrows  canftot  make  him  flee  ;  fling-ffones 
 '  are  turned  with  him  into  ftubble. 
 j  29  Darts  are  counted  as  .ftubble  :  he  laugheth  at 
 '  the  (baking  of  a  fpear. 
 
 30  t  Sharp  ftones  are  under  him  :  he  fpreadeth  f  Hub. 
 fharp-pointed  things  upon  the  mire. 
 
 31  He  raaketh  the  deep  to  boil  like  a  pot :  he  mak- 
 
 eth  the  fea  like  a  pot  of  ointment.  po»  er . 
 
 32  He  maketh  a  path  to  (bine  after  him  ;  one  wou  Id 
 
 think  the  deep  to  be  hoary.  n  or. 
 
 33  Upon  earth  there  is  not  his  like,  I|  who  is  made 
 without  fear. 
 
 34  He  beholdeth  all  high  things :  he  is  a  king  over 
 dll  ihe  children  of  pride.* 
 
 CHAP.  XI.II. 
 
 1  Job  submit  teth  himself  to  God.  7  God  preferrirsg  Job's  cause,  makelh 
 his  friends  submit  themselves,  and  accepteth  him;  10  he  magnijielh  and 
 hlesseth  Job.  16  Job's  age  and  death. 
 
 Then  job  anCwered  the  Lord,  and  faid, 
 
 2  I  know  that  thou  canft  do  every  thi»g,  and 
 that  11  no  thought  can  be  withholden  from  thee.  11  Or, 
 
 3  *  Who  is  he  that  hideth  counfel  without  know- 
 ledge?  therefore  have  I  uttered  that  I  underftood 
 not ;  things  too  wonderful  for  me,  which  I  knew  not.  Amdfr«d. 
 
 4  Hear,  I  befeech  thee,  and  I  will  fpeak  :  I  will  de-  »  Cbap. 
 mand  of  thee,  and  declare  thou  unto  me. 
 
 5  I  have  heard  of  thee  by  the  hearing  of  the  ear  • 
 but  now  mine  eye  leeth  thee  :  * 
 
 6  W^herefore  I  abhor  myself,  and  repent  in  duft  and 
 a(hes. 
 
 7  11  And  it  was  so,  that,  after  the  Lord  had  fpoken 
 thete  words  unto  Job,  the  Lord  faid  lo  Eliphaz  the 
 
 36.  2. 
 
 I  boiling  pot  full  of  ointment.  32.  When  he  fwims  along,  he  leaves  the  furrows 
 I  behind  him,  all  marked  with  froth  and  foam,  on  the  furface  of  the  fea.  33  No 
 
 i  TheT  terrible.  34  With  contempt  he  beholds 
 
 I  he  highest  animals  or  loftiest  Ih.ps,  and  brings  them  down  with  a  f weep  of  his 
 
 ;  ■" "■'S'  “<* 
 
 EXPLANATORY  \OTES.  Chap  XLIT  V,.r  o  tl 
 thing.  He  fubmits  himfelf  .entirely  to  God  ;  as  thefe  wondrdus  instance  ofThy 
 power  convince  me,  that  it  is  madnefs  to  contend  with  the  Almighty  -  nonl  are 
 fo  high  he  cannot  abale  ;  none  fo  low  he  cannot  exalt  •  nnrf/A  ,  ^  ’  ?  I 
 
 The  of  ,h.  f.„u,'e”Lrf. tilT  o":,!' 
 
 'ir '  ' 
 
 be.  ih  hue, hi.  enfem..,*  ITt  i  "f 
 
 Probably  his  parents  and  teachers  had  triveT  him  j 
 
 the  perfeaions  of  God,  and  he  had  piobahly  receive^d  “  evdldont  fr,;urhh,r“T^t 
 
 of  metal,  which  cannot  be  moved  or  eafily  cut  afunder.  24.  His  heart  confilU  the  fr,v..r«:.,.X.  ''  ’  -T.'"  locn  a  uiicovery  .,ade  to  his  iirnd  nf 
 
 wie'n  --y  of  compaflion.  25.  penfationsT  pe;h3jr"lfo:  gT’  Providential  dif- 
 
 Viledl,,  ,„.d  ^  “  oli 
 
 ’ve  must  not  7  •  "  tame  or  manage  feme  one  of  ti.ele,  ho«  dare  we  prefume  wrestiiihr  the  .mvem.,  .  iffi'  me  majety  .  f  the  Almi./htv  to  com 
 
 out  fcarSLrr:irdS.““^  “t"’ " sov::;;rth“;frrm:rs,“y:i.!:  «■:  wi 
 
 6P 
 
 17 
 
■^ovid  pr/ryelh  /'or  audience  .* 
 
 Before 
 
 PSALMS. 
 
 cir. 
 
 B  Or,  be 
 graciotu 
 unto  me. 
 
 Chria  IJ  ear  me  when  1  call,  O  God  of  my  righteouC- 
 T.  1023.  JL  J.  nels  :  ihou  haft  enlarged  me  idien  I  teas  in 
 diftrels  ;  \\  have  mercy  upon  me  and  hear  my  prayer. 
 ^  2  O  ye  fons  of  men,  how  long  ivill  ye  iwn  my  glory 
 into  fhame  ?  hem  long  will  ve  love  vanity,  and  leek  after 
 leafing?  Selah. 
 
 3  But  know  that  the  Lord  hath  let  apart  him  that 
 is  godly  for  himfelf :  the  Lord  will  hear  when  1  call 
 unto  him. 
 
 4  Stand  in  aw'e,  and  fin  not :  commune  with  your 
 own  heart  upon  your  bed,  and  be  (till.  Selah. 
 
 a  Pfaims  5  Offer  *  the  facrifices  of  righteoufnels,  and  put 
 
 50.  14.  &  your  truft  in  the  Lord. 
 
 51.  19.  g  There  be  many  that  fey.  Who  will  fhew  us  any 
 
 good  ?  Lord,  lift  thou  up  the  light  of  thy  counte¬ 
 nance  upon  us. 
 
 7  Ttiou  haft  put  gladness  in  my  heart,  more  than 
 in  the  time  that  their  corn  and  their  wine  increafed. 
 
 8^1  wall  both  lay  me  down  in  peace,  and  fleep : 
 for  thou.  Lord,  only  makeft  me  dwell  in  faf'ety.* 
 
 PSALM  V. 
 
 I  David  proyeth,  and  professeth  his JJudy  in  prayer,  4  God favoureth 
 not  the  tekkfd.  7  David  profcjjing  his  faith,  prayeth  unto  God  to 
 guide  him.  10  to  dejlroy  his  enemies,  ij-c. 
 
 ^  To  the  chief  mufician  upon  Nehiloth,  A  pfalm 
 of  David. 
 
 Give  ear  to  my  words,  O  Lord  ;  confider  my 
 meditation. 
 
 2  Hearken  unto  the  voice  of  my  cry,  my  King,  and 
 my  God  :  fer  unto  thee  will  I  pray. 
 
 3  *  My  voice  (halt  thou  hear  in  the  morning,  O 
 Lord  ;  in  the  morning  will  I  direft  my  prayer  unto 
 thee,  and  will  look  up. 
 
 t  Heb.  ^  ^  pleafure  in 
 
 before  W’ickedneis  ;  neither  (hall  evil  dwell  with  thee. 
 thine  eyes.  5  The  fcolifti  ftiall  oot  ftaod  f  iu  thy  fight :  thou 
 +  Heb,  hateft  all  workers  of  iniquity. 
 
 ^bio^and  ^  Thou  (halt  deftroy  them  that  (peak  leafing  :  the 
 deceit.  Lord  will  abhor  t  the  bloody  and  deceitful  man. 
 
 b  Pfalm 
 
 2.  5. 
 
 B  Pfalm 
 
 120.  6. 
 
 let  them  allb  that  love  thy  name 
 
 •'  of 
 
 then. 
 
 He  profcsselh  Ms  JaUh^ 
 
 7  But  as  for  me,  I  will  come  into  thy  houfe  in  the  Befofj 
 multitude  of  thy  mercy;  and  in  thy  fear  will  I  wor- 
 
 (hip  toward  t  thy  holy  temple.  *023, 
 
 8  Lead  me,  O  Lord,  in  thy  righteoufnefs  becaufe' 
 of  t  mine  enemies ;  make  thy  way  ftraight  before  mv 
 
 fa  ce.  ojtk’^^^ 
 
 9  For  there  is  no  1|  faithfulnefs  f  in  their  mouth ; 
 their  inward  part  is  f  very  wickedneCs  ;  ^  their  throat  f 
 is  an  open  fepulchre  ;  they  flatter  with  their  tongue, 
 
 10  11  Dettroy  thou  them,  O  God;  let  them  falUr^jJ' 
 II  by  their  own  counCels  ;  caft  them  out  in  the  multi- II Or.  »'fA 
 tude  of  their  tranfgreflions ;  for  they  have  rebelled 
 
 !  againft  thee. 
 
 I  11  But  let  all  thofe  that  put  their  truft  in  thee  re- mouth, 
 jjoice:  let  them  ever  (bout  for  joy,  becanfe  f  thou 
 I  defendeft  them 
 Ijoyf'u!  in  thee. 
 
 12  For  thou.  Lord,  wilt  blefs  the  righteous;  with  f  Hei*. 
 favour  wilt  thou  f  compafs  him  as  with  a  (hield.f  w  cked. 
 
 b  Rom.  3. 1 3.  ||  Or,  Make  them  guilty,  |j  Or,  from  their  counsels, 
 
 coverefl  over,  or,  protedlest  them.  ■)•  Heb.  crown  him. 
 
 PSALM  VI. 
 
 1  David's  complaint  in  hh  sickness :  8  bt/  faith  he  triumpheih  over  his 
 enemies* 
 
 H  To  the  chief  mufician  on  Neginoth  ||  upon  Shemi-  II  Or, 
 nith,  A  pfalm  o*  David.  ■upomhe 
 
 *  LORD,  rebuke  me  not  in  thine  anger,  neither  a 
 _  chaften  me  in  thy  hot  difpleafure.  ss.  i. 
 
 2  Have  mercy  upon  me,  O  Lord  ;  for  I  am  weak  : 
 
 O  Lord,  heal  me  ;  for  my  bones  are  vexed. 
 
 3  My  foul  is  allb  fore  vexed  :  but  thou,  O  Lord, 
 
 bow  long  ?  b  Pfalm 
 
 4  Return,  O  Lord,  deliver  my  foul :  Oh  fave  rae  ^®-  ^  & 
 for  thy  mercies’  lake. 
 
 n'Jfes. 
 t  Heb.  thou 
 
 o 
 
 5  ”  For  in  death  there  is  no  remembrance  of  thee 
 
 115.I7.& 
 119.  17. 
 Ifaiah 
 
 ,  a.,  luc  night 
 
 make  I  my  bed  to  fwim  :  I  water  my  couch  with  uiyf^ 
 tears. 
 
 in  the  grave  who  ftiall  give  thee  thanks.^ 
 
 6  I  am  weary  with  my  groaning  :  |l  all 
 
 the 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  IV.  Ver.  1,  Hear  me  when  I  call,  0 
 God  of  my  righteousness.  That  is,  whojulliBes  me.  Ver.  2.  0  ye  sons  of  men- 
 By  forfaking  or  oppoGng  God,  men  prove  themfelves  fools  ;  for  all  things  com- 
 pared  with  him  are  vanity.  Ver.  3.  Sut  know  that  the  Lord.  Be  ihe  opinions  or 
 the  pradlices  of  men  what  they  will,  the  counfel  of  the  Lord  that  fliall  Hand.  Is 
 David  fet  apart  for  the  kingoom  of  Ifrael  ?  Saul  (halt  not  be  able  to  detain,  nor 
 Abfalom  to  wrell  it  from  him.  Is  Mifliah  ordained  to  be  the  King  of  the  Ifrael 
 of  God?  Death  and  hell  fliall  not  prevent  it.  Are  his  diftiples  appointed  to 
 reign  with  him?  Infallibly  they  fliall.  Our  interceflor  is  already  on  high;  and 
 for  his  fake,  “  the  Lord  will  hear  us  when  we  call  upon  him.”  Ver.  4.  Stand 
 in  awe.  The  above-menti  tied  confideration  of  the  divine  counfel,  and  the  cer¬ 
 tainty  of  its  being  carried  into  execution,  by  the  falvation  of  the  righteous,  and 
 the  confufion  of  their  enemies,  ought  to  make  the  wicked  tremble.  Ver.  5.  Ofer 
 the  sacrifice  of  righteousness.  Returning  finners,  whither  Jews  or  Gentiles,  are  to 
 offer  the  fame  facrifice  of  evangelical  righteousnefs ;  not  putting  their  truft  in 
 them,  but  in  the  Lord  Jefus,  through  whofe  fpirit  they  are  enabled  to  offer,  and 
 through  whofe  blood  their  offerings  are  acceptable  unto  God.  Ver.  6 — 8.  They 
 who  know  and  love  the  Lord  experience  a  joy  in  the  midft  of  tribulation,  far  fu- 
 perior  to  the  joy  with  which  men  rejoice  in  the  time  of  harveft,  or  that  of  vintage; 
 a  joy,  bright  and  pure,  as  the  region  from  which  it  defeends.  Such  is  the  Jifl'er- 
 ence  between  the  bread  of  earth,  and  that  of  heaven  ;  between  the  juice  of  the 
 grape,  and  the  cup  of  falvation. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  V.  Ver.  1— -3.  He  who  is  in  good 
 earnest  for  fpiritual  blellings  will  get  the  ftart  of  the  world,  and  lake  the  advan¬ 
 tage  of  the  fweet  hour  of  prime,  to  difpofe  and  set  himfelf  in  order  for  the  day. 
 Ver.  4,  5.  Becaufe  God  is  holy,  he  will  aufwer  the  prayers  of  all  that  love  him. 
 Ver.  8.  Lead  me,  0  Lord.  A  man’s  enemies,  while  they  oblige  him  to  pray  more 
 fervently,  and  to  watch  more  narrowly  over  his  contlu6l,  are  oftentimes  more  ufe- 
 ful  to  him  than  his  heft  friends.  Ver,  9.  For  there  is  no  faithfulness  in  their 
 mouth.  See  the  application  of  this  verfe,  Rom.  hi.  3.  Ver.  10.  De/hoy  thou 
 them  0  God.  Concerning  paflages  of  this  imprecatory  kind  in  the  book  of 
 Pfaims,  it  is  to  be  obferved,  that  they  are  not  fpoken  of  private  and  perfonal  ene¬ 
 mies,  but  of  the  oppofers  of  God  and  his  Anointed  ;  nor  of  any  among  thefe,  but 
 the  irreclaimable  and  finally  impenitent;  and  this  by  the  way  of  prediction,  rather 
 than  imprecation  ;  which  would  appear,  if  the  original  verbs  were  tranflated  uni¬ 
 formly  in  the  future  tenfe,  as  they  might  be,  and  indeed  cut  off  all  occalion  from 
 them  which  defire  it,  fliould  be  fo  tranflated.  The  verfe  before  us  would  then 
 
 run  thus - “  Thou  wilt  deftroy  them,  O  God  ;  they  fliall  perilh  by  their  own 
 
 counfels;  thou  wilt  caft  them  out  in  the  multitude  of  their  tranfgreflions,  for  they 
 have  rebelled  againft  thee,” 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  VI.  Ver.  1—6.  As  often  as  we  are 
 led  to  exprefs  our  fenfe  of  fin  and  dread  of  punifhment,  let  us  refleCl  on  Him, 
 whofe  righteous  foul,  endued  with  a  fenfibility  peculiar  to  itfelf,  I'uftained  the 
 fins  of  ,  the  world,  and  the  difpleafure  of  the  Path  r.  Ver.  7-  Mine  eye  is  con- 
 
 alted.  The  prayers  cf  his  faints  will  be  fpeedily  anfwered.  Confederacies  of  foes  unnumbered,  fliall  but  enhance  and  fweeten  the  falvation  and  bleffings  of  the 
 
 '^PkTcTICAL  OBSERTATIONS.-t  Psal.  V.]  Fervour  and  f.ncerity  is  the  life  of  prayer;  cold  and  negligent  requefts  manifeft  a  h.art  dead  to  God. 
 
 ,  L  7  1-  a  f  r«l  In  Phrilt  demand  our  finceritv  and  encourage  our  boldnefs,  in  approaching  to  the  throne  of  j/race,  the  wickednefs 
 
 And,  while  the  holinr-fs  juft.ee,  and  mercy  of  God  m  Chnft  r^emand  of  immediate  bleff.ngs,  ftrould  keep  us  firmly  in  the  exercife. 
 
 .i’r  p......  F..«  .h.  p..,„  of  r.iv,  ».  CO, .fid™.,,  eped.  .h.  .nT-. 
 
 of  peace. 
 
 f 
 
 / 
 
Before 
 
 Clirift 
 cir.  1062, 
 
 cir 
 H  Or, 
 |/us^ness 
 
 jam 
 
 O 
 
 /).„,>/  pm/yrfJ  "J  '"■* 
 
 7  IVl'ne  eye  is  conCumed  becaufe  of  grief;  it  wax- 1 
 
 eth  old  becaufe  of  all  mine  enemies.  ; 
 
 8  '  Depart  from  me,  all  ye  workers  of  iniquity  ;  for 
 the  Lord  hath  heard  the  voice  of  ray  weeping.  I 
 
 9  I'he  IjORD  h.ith  heard  my  lupplicatioo  *  the  L-ord  [ 
 
 will  receive  my  prayer.^  j  j  r 
 
 10  Let  all  mine  eneniies  be  afhamed  and  lore  vex¬ 
 ed  •  1st  them  return  ftfid  be  afbamed  luddenly.* 
 
 PSALM  VII. 
 
 1  David  vrnyeth  asninst  the  mttlke  of  Ivs  ene7nics,  professing  his  innocence ; 
 10  bn  /aiih  he  seelh  his  defence,  and  the  desiruclion  oj  his  enemies- 
 
 1062,11  Shiggaion  of  David,  which  he  fang  unto  the 
 Lord,  concerning  the  ||  words  of  Culn  the  Joeu- 
 
 iamitp.  ,  ^  _ 
 
 LORD  my  God,  in  thee  do  I  pat  my  trull; 
 _  lave  me  from  all  them  that  perftcute  me,  and 
 
 deliver  me  ;  .... 
 
 2  Left  he  tear  my  foul  like  a  lion,  rending  it  m 
 pieces,  while  there  f  none  to  deliver. 
 
 3  O  Lord  my  God,  If  I  have  done  this ;  if  there 
 be  iniquity  in  my  hands ; 
 
 4  If  I  have  rewarded  evil  unto  him  that  was  at 
 peace  with  me  ;  (yea,  I  have  delivered  him  that  with¬ 
 out  cauCe  is  mine  enemy  ;) 
 
 5  Let  the  enemy  perfecute  my  foul,  and  take  it ; 
 yea,  let  him  tread  down  my  life  Upon  the  earth,  and 
 lay  mine  honour  in  the  dull.  Selah. 
 
 6  Arife,  O  Lord,  in  thine  anger,  lift  up  thyfelf, 
 becaufe  of  the  rage  of  mine  enemies  ;  and  awake  for 
 me  to  the  judgment  that  thou  haft  commanded. 
 
 7  So  (hall  the  congregation  of  the  people  compafs 
 thee  about :  for  their  fakes  therefore  return  thou  on 
 high. 
 
 •  8  The  Lord  fhall  judge  the  people :  judge  me, 
 O  Lord,  *  according  to  my  righteoufnefs,  and  ac¬ 
 cording  to  mine  integrity  that  is  in  me. 
 
 9  (3  let  the  wickednefs  of  the  wicked  come  to  an 
 
 f  Heb. 
 not  a  de 
 liverer. 
 
 a  Pfalm 
 
 is.  20. 
 
 GotVs  cjonj  h  ma  jut  fil’d  by  his  uorhsf 
 
 end  ;  but  eftafdifh  the  juft  :  •*  for  the  righteous  God 
 trieth  the  hearts  and  reins.  tir.n^s. 
 
 10  t  defence  is  of  God,  which  faveth  the  up- 
 
 right  in  heart.  ,  ^  ^  .  ,  .  r-  ^ 
 
 11  II  Godjudgeth  the  righteous,  and  God  is  angry, 7, 
 
 ■wiih  the  wicked  day.  1  Chron. 
 
 12  if  he  turn  not,  he  will  whet  his  fword  ;  he  hath  vy;  a- 
 
 bent  his  bow,  and  made  it  ready.  j 
 
 13  He  hath  alio  pre  pared  for  him  the  inftruments 
 
 of  death;  he  ordaineth  his  arrows  againft  the  perfe- 1 1.  20.  & 
 »  „  17.  10.  & 
 
 cutors.  .  ,  ,  ,  20  12 
 
 14  =  Behold,  he  travelleth  with  iniquity,  and  hath  ^ 
 
 conceived  milchief,  and  brought  forth  fallehood.  my  buck- 
 
 15  t  He  made  a  pit,  and  digged  it,  and  is  fallen  fcriswHin 
 into  the  ditch  which  he  made. 
 
 16  His  mifchief  fhall  return  upon  his  own  head, 
 
 and  his  violent  dealing  fhall  come  down  upon  his  own  righteous 
 pate. 
 
 17  I  will  praife  the  Lord  according  to  his  righte- 
 
 oufnels  ;  and  will  fing  prajfe  to  the  name  of  the  Lord  ifaiah 
 moft  high.f  59.  4. 
 
 James  i.  15.  J  Ileb.  lie  hath  digged  a  pit.  d  Pfilms  9.  15.  &  10.  2.  Prov.  5.  22, 
 
 PSALM  VII 1. 
 
 God's  glory  is  magnified  by  his  works,  and  by  his  love  to  man. 
 
 11  To  the  cnief  mufician  upon  Gittith,A  pfalm 
 of  David. 
 
 LORD  our  Lord,  how  excellent  is  thy  name 
 in  all  the  earth !  who  hath  fet  thy  glory  above 
 the  heavens. 
 
 2  “  Out  of  the  mouth  of  babes  and  fuckliogs  haft  a  Matih. 
 thou  t  ordained  ftrength  becauie  of  thine  enemies, 
 
 that  thou  mighteft  ftill  the  enemy  and  the  avenger. 
 
 3  When  I  confider  thy  heavens,  the  w'ork  of  thyb  Job 
 
 fingers,  the  moon  and  the  ftars,  which  thou  haft  or- 7.  n. 
 dained ;  Pfalm 
 
 4  What  is  man,  that  thou  art  mindful  of  him  ? 
 
 .and  the  fon  man,  that  thou  vifitell  him  ? 
 
 144.  3. 
 Hebr. 
 2.  6. 
 
 samed  because  of  grief.  Grief  exhaufts  tlie  animal  fpirits,  dims  the  eyes,  and  brings 
 on  old  age  before  its  time.  Thus  it  is  faid,  concerning  the  man  of  Ibrrows.  that 
 “  many  were  allonifhed  at  him,  his  vifage  was  fo  marred  more  than  any  man,  and 
 his  form  more  than  the  fons  of  men,”  Ifa.  lii.  14.  Ver.  8—10.  Many  of  the 
 mournful  Pfalms  end  in  this  manner,  to  inllruil  the  believer,  that  he  is  continu¬ 
 ally  to  look  forward,  and  folacing  himfelf  with  beholding  that  day,  when  his  warfare 
 ftiall  he  accomplilhed  ;  when  fin  and  forrow  IJiall  be  no  more  ;  when  fuddeii  and 
 everlafting  confufion  fhall  cover  the  enemies  of  lighteoufnefs  ;  when  the  fack- 
 clolh  of  the  penitent  fhall  be  exchanged  for  a  robe  of  glory,  and  every  tear  become 
 a  fparkling  gem  in  his  crown  ;  when  no  fighs  and  groans  fiiall  I'ucceed  the  fongs 
 of  heaven,  fet  to  angelic  harps,  and  faith  fliall  be  rel'olved  into  the  vifioa  of  the 
 Almighty. 
 
 EXPLAN.^TORY  NOTES.  Psal.  VII.  Ver.  1,2.  To  a  tender  and  in¬ 
 genious  fpirit,  the  perfecution  of  the  tongue  is  worfe  than  that  of  the  fword,  and 
 with  more  difficulty  fuhmitted  to;  as  indeed  a  good  name  is  more  precious  than 
 bodily  life.  B-iievers  in  every  age  have  been  perfecuted  in  this  way  ;  and  the 
 King  of  faints  often  mentions  it  as  one  of  the  bitterefl  ingredients  in  his  cup 
 of  forrows.  Ver.  3.  0  Lord  my  God  if  I  have  done  this.  David  makes  a  folemn 
 appeal  to  God,  the  fearchcr  of  hearts,  as  judge  of  his  innocence,  with  regard  to 
 the  particular  crin.e  laid  to  his  charge.  Any  perfon  when  flandered,  mav  do 
 the  fame.  But  Chrifl  only  could  call  upon  heaven-  to  attell  his  univerfal  up- 
 rightnefs  In  bis  “bands”  there  was  ‘.  no  iniquity  all  his  works  were  wrought 
 in  perfe<5l  righteoufnefs;  and  when  the  prince  of  this  world  came  to  try  and 
 explore  him,  hS  found  nothing  w  hereof  jullly  to  accufe  him.  The  vefTel  was 
 thoroughly  lhaken,  but  the  liquor  in  it  continued  pure.  Ver.  4.  If  J  h  ive  re¬ 
 worded  evil.  David  probably  alludes  to  the  life  of  Saul,  which  was  twice  pre. 
 
 ferved  by  him,  when  he  had  been  prefTed  by  his  attendants  to  embrace  the  oppor¬ 
 tunity  of  taking  it  away.  See  1  Sun.  xxiv,  xxvi.  Of  the  fon  of  David  St  Paul 
 fays,  “in  this  be  commended  his  love  to  us,  that  when  we  were  tinners,  he  died 
 for  us,”  Horn.  v.  8.  In  fo  exalted  a  fenfe  did  he  deliver  him  that  without  caufa 
 “  was  his  enemy.”  Wretched  they  who  perfecute  ilu-ir  benefadlor  ;  happy  he  who 
 can  refle<51,  that  he  has  been  a  benefactor  to  his  perfecutors.  Ver.  6.  .Arise  O 
 Lord  How  did  God  “awake”  and  “arife,”  and  “lift  up  himfelf  to  judgment” 
 on  the  behalf  of  bis  Anointed,  in  the  day  of  the  refurreCtion  of  Jefps,  and  the  fi  b- 
 fequent  confufion  of  his  enemies?  And  let  injured  innocence  ever  comfort  itfelf 
 with  the  remembrance  of  another  day  to  come,  when  every  earth-born  cloud 
 being  removed,  it  (hall  dazzle  its  oppreffors  with  a  luftre  far  fuperior  to  that  of  tlje 
 noon  day  fun.  Ver.  7.  So  shall  the  congregation.  The  determination  of  the  caufe 
 between  Jefus  and  his  adverfarles,  by  his  refurreaion,  and  ‘  return  on  hi<'b” 
 brought  ‘the  congregation  of  the  nations”  around  him,  and  affeaed  the  conver- 
 fion  of  the  world.  Ver.  II,  12.  Compare  2  Pet.  iii.  9.  10.  Ver.  14,  15.  No 
 one  pities  the  fate  of  a  man  buried  in  that  pit  which  he  had  dug  to  leceive  his 
 neighbour;  or  of  him  who  owes  his  death-wound  to  the  return  of  an  arrow  (hot 
 againfi  heaven.  Saul  was  overthrown  by  thole  Philiftines  whom  he  would  have 
 made  the  infiruments  of  cutting  off  David.  Ilaman  w  as  hanged  on  his  own  gal¬ 
 lows.  The  Jews  who  excited  the  Romans  to  crucify  Chrift,  were  therafrlves  by 
 the  Romans,  crucified  in  crow  ds.  Striking  inftances  thefe  of  the  vengeaiu  e  to  be 
 one  d.ay  ex.cuted  on  all  tempters  and  perfecutors  of  others :  when  men  and  angels 
 fliall  lift  up  their  voices  and  cry  out  together,  “  Righteous  art  thou,  O  Lord,  amd 
 jull  are  thy  judgments  ”  .  ’• 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  Till.  Ver.  1-9.  This  pfalm  treats, 
 appears  from  Matth.  xxi.  16.  I  Cor.  xv.  27.  Heb.  ii.  C,  7.  of  the  wondetful  lo 
 
 as 
 
 love 
 
 FRAC  nCa'^i.L  OBhERV A  f  IONS. — *  Psal.  VI.]  Not  even  k.ngs  and  the  holiefl  of  God’s  f.iints  are  exempted  from  the  comtiion  ndferies  of  life  **  rl  l 
 ficknefs  when  attended  with  an  wounded  fpirit  is  doubly  affliaive.  There  is  no  relief  under  fuch  a  burden,  hut  to  cafi  it  on  the  Lord.  And  when  our  f  ii 
 great  fo  niua  be  our  forow.  The  remo-al  of  the  fenfe  of  God’s  difpleafure  mufi  be  more  edrnellly  dtfired  than  abatement  of,  or  relief  from  our  fuffcrii'"*  "Tr 
 we  in,ay  have  refigned  ourfelves  to  God  in  affliction,  it  is  not  finful  to  pray  to  be  healed.  They  who  fow  in  tears  will  affu-edly  reap  in  iov 
 
 PR.ACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.— f  Psal.  VIE]  Out  of  the  favour  of  God  there  is  no  fafetv,  and  in  it  there  is  no  danger.  If  he  iufiifv  ns  nnn  A 
 
 accufe  or  condemn  us.  And  though  our  uprightnefs  is  not  the  condition  of  our  eternal  happinefs,  dread^l  and  unavoidable  is  the  ruin  of  mali  rnanr  f,  ’  % 
 
 contrivances  and  attempts  againfi  the  godly  fiiall  prove  the  means  of  their  own  dyfiruflion  ;  when  they  who  trufi  in  the  Lord,  and  keeo  his  wav  nZT'Ar,  n® 
 iioUs  of  eudlcfs  prailt*.  wia  v%av  mau  iriaropn  m 
 
 6  O 
 
 17 
 
David  ificiicth  others  to  praise  God, 
 
 PSALMS. 
 
 He  complaincth  to  God  of  the 
 
 Before 
 Clirill 
 cir.  1018. 
 
 c  1  Cor, 
 15.  27. 
 t  Heb. 
 Flocks 
 end  ox:n 
 all  oj 
 them. 
 
 •f-  Hob. 
 thou  hast 
 made  tny 
 judgment. 
 f  Heb. 
 tn  righte¬ 
 ousness. 
 
 P  Or, 
 
 The  de¬ 
 ar  u  61  ions 
 o '  the  ene¬ 
 my  are 
 come  to  a 
 yerpetu-l 
 end;  and 
 their  cities 
 hast  t'iou 
 destro^/ed, 
 ic. 
 
 5  For  thou  haR  made  him  a  little  lower  than  the 
 angels,  and  haR  crowned  him  with  glory  and  ho¬ 
 nour. 
 
 6  '1  hou  m.ideR  him  to  have  dominion  over  the 
 vvorks  of  thy  hands  ;  '  thou  haR  put  all  things  under 
 his  feet. 
 
 7  f  All  fhcep  and  oxen,  vea,  and  the  beaRs  of  the 
 field  ; 
 
 8  The  fowl  of  the  air,  and  the  fiRi  of  the  fea,  and 
 vihatjoever  pafl'eth  through  the  paths  of  the  leas. 
 
 9  O  I.ORD  our  Lord,  bow  excellent  is  thy  name  in 
 all  the  earth !’ 
 
 PSALM  IX. 
 
 1  DiviJ  p-aisilh  God  for  executing  of  Judgment;  II  heinciteth  others  to 
 praise  him  ;  he  prayeth  that  he  tmy  have  cause  to  praise  him. 
 
 ^  To  the  chief  mufician  upon  Muth-labben,  A  pfalm 
 
 of  David. 
 
 I  WILL  praife  thee,  O  Lord,  with  my  whole  heart ; 
 I  will  Ihew  forth  all  thy  marvellous  works. 
 
 2  I  will  be  glad  and  rejoice  in  thee  :  I  will  fing 
 praife  to  thy  name,  O  thou  moR  High. 
 
 3  Wnen  miue  enemies  are  turned  back,  they  fliall 
 fall  and  periRi  at  thv  prelence. 
 
 4  For  f  thou  haR  maintained  my  right  and  my 
 caufe  :  thou  fatcR  in  the  throne  judging  f  right. 
 
 5  Tnou  half  rebuked  the  heathen,  thou  haR  de- 
 Rroyed  the  wicked,  thou  haR  put  out  their  name  for 
 ever  and  ever. 
 
 6  U  O  thou  enemy,  deRrufl'ons  are  come  to  a  per¬ 
 petual  end  ;  and  thou  haR  deRroyed  cities  ;  their 
 memorial  is  periRied  with  them. 
 
 7  But  the  Lord  Rnll  endure  for  ever :  he  hath 
 prepared  his  throne  for  judgment ; 
 
 8  *  And  he  Riall  judge  the  world  in  righteoulnefs, 
 heflrall  n.iniRer  judgment  to  the  people  in  uprightnel's. 
 
 9  The  Lord  alfo  will  be  f  a  refuge  for  the  op- 
 prefled,  a  refuge  in  times  of  trouble. 
 
 10  And  they  that  know  thy  name  will  put  their 
 truRin  thee:  for  thou,  Lord,  haR  not forfaken  them 
 that  leek  thee. 
 
 1 1  Sing  praifes  to  the  Lord,  which  dwelleth  in 
 Zion  :  declare  among  the  people  his  doings. 
 
 12  «  Wnen  he  maker h  inquifition  for  blood,  he  re- 
 membereth  them  :  he  forgetteth  not  the  cry  of  the 
 II  humble. 
 
 13  Have  mercy  upon  me,  O  Lord;  confider  my 
 trouble  which  I  suffer  of  them  that  hate  me,  thou  that 
 lif'teR  me  up  from  the  gates  of  death  ; 
 
 14  That  I  may  fhew  forth  all  thy  praife  in  the 
 gates  of  the  daughter  of  Zion  :  I  will  rejoice  in  thy 
 falvation. 
 
 15  The  heathen  are  funk  down  in  the  pit  that 
 they  made :  in  the  net  which  they  hid  is  their  own 
 foot  taken. 
 
 16  The  Lord  is  known  hy  the  judgment  which  he 
 executeth  :  the  wicked  is  (bared  in  the  work  of  his 
 own  hands.  Higgaion.  Selah. 
 
 17  The  wicked  (hall  be  turned  into  hell,  and  all  the 
 nations  that  forget  God. 
 
 18  For  the  needy  (hall  not  alw’ay  be  forgotten  :  the 
 expedfation  of  the  poor  Riall  not  periRi  for  ever. 
 
 19  Arife,  O  Lord;  let  not  man  prevail;  let  the 
 heathen  be  judged  in  thy  fight. 
 
 20  Put  them  in  fear,  O  Lord  ;  that  the  nations 
 may  know  themfelves  to  be  hut  men.  Selah. f 
 
 Bi’fore 
 Clirift 
 Cir.  1015, 
 
 ■> 
 
 96.  13. 
 
 &  98.  9. 
 1>  I’l'alas 
 S7.  39.  4 
 1.  & 
 91.  y 
 t  Heb. 
 an  high 
 place. 
 c  G«n. 
 
 9.  5. 
 il  Or, 
 
 d  Pfalnj 
 
 7.  15. 
 
 of  God,  fhewn  by  tbe  exaltation  of  our  nature  in  Mefliah  to  the  right  hand  of  ; 
 the  MajeAy  on  high  and  by  the  fubjedlion  cf  all  creatures  to  the  word  of  his 
 power.  Ot  this  exaltation,  the  authority  conferred  on  Adam  over  tbe  vifible  ; 
 creation  was  typical.  ; 
 
 EXPLAN.4TORY  NOTES.  PsaL.  IX  Ver.  3.  When  mine  enemies  are 
 driven  back.  The  church  begins  to  explain  the  fubjea  of  her  joy.  which  is  a  vic¬ 
 tory  over  her  enemies;  a  viacry  not  gained  by  berfelf,  but  by  the  prefence  of 
 God  in  the  midA  of  her.  Ver.  4.  For  thou  hast  maintained  my  right  and  my  cause. 
 Tbe  fame  important  tranfaaion  is  here  deferibed  in  forenfic,  as  before  it  was  in  I 
 military  terms.  SiUn  having  gotten  poffeAlon  of  mankind,  might  have  pleaded  ; 
 his  rio-bt  to  keep  it  fince  by  tranfgrtAion  they  had  left  God,  and  fold  thennfelves  | 
 to  him.  But  ChriA,  as  the  church’s  reprefentat  ve  and  advocate  made  the  fatif- 
 faaion  required,  paid  down  the  price  of  redemption,  “  took  the  prey  from  the  i 
 mightv,  and  delivered  the  lawful  captive,”  Ifa.  xlix.  24.  Ver.  5.  Thsu  hast  re-  , 
 luked'the  heathen.  To  the  viclory  of  ChriA  fucceeded  the  overthrow  cf  Satan’s  < 
 empire  in  tlie  pa^an  world.  The  heathen  were  rebuked,  when,  through  the 
 power  of  the  Spirit,  in  thefe  who  preached  the  gofpel,  men  were  convinced  of  ^ 
 fin,  and  of  righteoufnefs,  and  of  judgment ;  the  wicked  were  deAroyed,  and  | 
 their  name  put  out  for  ever,”  when  the  Roman  power  became  ChriAian,  and  the  | 
 ancient  idolatry  funk,  to  rife  no  more.  A  day  is  co.ming  when  all  iniquity  Aiall  j 
 periAi  and  be  forgotten  in  like  manner.  Ver.  6.  O  thou  enemy,  des  ruClions  are  j 
 Lmeto  a  perpetual  enl.  BiA.op  Lowth  renders  this  verfe  to  the  fame  effoa, 
 
 “  Defolations  have  con  fumed  the- enemy  for  ever  ;  and  as  to  the  cities  which  tliou,  ' 
 O  God  haA  destroyed,  their  memory  is  perifhed  with  them.”  The  Christian 
 church,  when  repeating  thefe  words  may  le  fappofed  to  take  a  retrofpeaive  view 
 of  the  fucceffive  fall  of  thole  empires,  with  their  capiul  cities,  in  which  the  enemy- 
 had  from  time  to  time  6xed  his  refidence,  and  which  bad  vexed  and  perfecuted 
 the  people  of  God  in  different  ages.  Such  were  the  Alfyrian,  or  Baby lotiiati. 
 
 the  Perfian,  and  the  Grecian  monarchies.  All  thefe  vaniihed  away,  and  came  to 
 :  nothing.  Nay,  the  very  memorial  of  the  Aiipendous  Nineveh  and  Babylon  is  fo 
 '  periAied  with  them,  that  the  place  where  they  once  Aood  is  now  no  more  to  be 
 '  found.  The  Roman  empire  was  the  laA  of  the  pagan  perfecuting  powers;  and 
 I  when  the  church  faw  that  under  her  feet,  well  might  Aie  cry  out,  “  The  deAruc- 
 !  tions  of  the  enemy  are  completed  to  the  utmoA.”  Ver.  12  When  he  maketh  in- 
 i  quisiiion  for  bhot.  An  objeiAiori  might  be  Aarted  to  the  fo  much  extolled  loving 
 I  kindnefs  of  God,  namely,  that  in  this  world,  his  faitliful  people  are  often  affiiiAed 
 i  and  perfecuted;  nay,  fometimes  fuffered  to  be  killed  all  the  day  long,  as  flietp 
 I  appointed  to  the  Aaughter.  But  this  is  obviated  by  the  confideration,  that  all  is 
 not  over,  as  wicked  men  may  fuppofe,  at  death  ;  that  a  Aiidl  inquifition  will  be 
 !  appointed  hereafter,  when  tbe  blood  of  martyrs  and  the  fufferings  of  confifibrs 
 j  Aiall  not  be  forgotten.  He  remembereth  “them,  that  is,  thofe  who  feek  him,”' 
 
 I  mentioned,  ver.  10.  fo  that  the  exhortation  to  fing  praifes,  &c.  ver.  11.  feems  pa¬ 
 renthetic.  Ver  1  4.  Idiat  1  may  shew  forth  all  thy  praise  in  the  gates  of  the  dough- 
 ter  of  Z'.on.  There  is  a  beautilul  contraA  between  “  the  gales  of  death,”  in  the 
 preceding  verfe,  and  “  the  gales  of  the  daughter  of  Zion,”  or  the  heavenly  Jeru- 
 falem;  in  this,  the  one  leadetli  down  to  tbe  pit,  the  other  up  to  the  mount  of 
 God  ;  the  one  opens  into  perpetual  darkiiefs,  tbe  other  into  life  eternal  ;  from 
 the  one  proceeds  nothing  but  what  is  evil,  from  the  other  nothing  but  what  is 
 good  ;  infernal  fpirits  watch  at  the  one,  the  other  are  unbarred  by  tbe  hands  of 
 angels.  Ver.  18.  For  the  needy  sh  .11  not  alw  .ys  be  forgot  en.  They  w  ho  remem¬ 
 ber  God  Aiall  infallibly  be  remeiribcred  by  him  ;  and  let  this  be  their  anchor,  in 
 tbe  moA  tempeAuous  feafons.  The  body  of  a  martyr  is  buried  in  the  eaith  ;  and 
 fo  is  the  root  of  the  faireA  flower,  but  neither  of  them  “  periAieth  for  ever.”  Let 
 but  the  winter  pafs  and  the  fpring  return,  and  lo,  the  faded  and  withered  flower 
 blooms  ;  the  body  fown  in  corruption,  diAionour,  and  weaknefs,  rifes  in  incorrup- 
 tion,  glory,  and  power. 
 
 ■nnAn-rirAT  nR-5FRVATIONS  — ♦  Psjvi..  VIII.]  How  glorious  is  the  name  of  our  I.MMANUEL,  and  of  Godin  him!  Quickly  Aiall  his  kingdom 
 .  ue  1  f»rL„.ever  defoicable  its  oracles  ordinances,  and  fubjeas  now  appear  tb  a  carnal  world.  By  the  weakeA  inArumeuts  he  accomplilhes  his 
 
 fill  both  heaven  and  earth  S  treads  and  triumphs  over  Satan  and  his  votaries.  The  glories  of  nature,  but  efpecially  thofe  of  redemption  are  fitted 
 
 greateA  p-trpofts,  difplays  h  s  p  igtiop  ,beir  glorious  Author.  How  aAoniAiing  to  behold  fo  many  creatures  fubjea  to  man  !  But  how  much  more 
 
 to  lead  our  7 1  .'fee  the  vafi  uni^rfe,  and  all  things  animated  or  inanimated,  fubjeaed  to  the  humble  Saviour,  and  brought  into  a  range  of  Ana  and 
 
 wonderful  and  delightful  to  lee  manatrinir  for  his  Father’s  elorv,  and  the  falv.vtion  of  the  Church  which  he  hath  purchafed  with  his  own  blood, 
 
 perfea  fubordination  to  the  grand  work  which  he  is  managin^g  lor  nis  rawer  s  glory,  anu  ^  ^ _ . . r..-..  t  r\  m  n  I/- u  ait  rvi/xrj* 
 
 ^ _ _  t  es  k  T 
 
 abu 
 
 thei . - 
 
 efoecially  in  the  heavenly  Zion  above.  But, 
 bis  boliners,  equity,  and  power,  in  the  rum  of  all  his  enenues. 
 
JJofore 
 Clirill 
 cir.  lOftt 
 
 David  proyclh  Jor  remedy  Jrom  the  xvicked. 
 
 PSALM  X. 
 
 1  Daviu  compMnrih  to  Co  !  of  the  outrages  of  the  wicked  :  1 1  he  prayelh 
 Jor  remedy  t  16  he  process  ah  his  confidence. 
 
 WHY  fiandett  thon  afar  ofF,  O  Lord  ? 
 hideft  thou  thyself  in  times  of  trouble? 
 
 2  i  The  wicked  in  his  pride  doth  perfecute  the  ; 
 poor:  *  let  them  be  taken  in  the  devic.s  that  they 
 
 The  providence  and  just  ice  of 
 
 \  JU\i* 
 
 f  Hob. 
 
 In  the 
 pride  of 
 the  wicked 
 
 he  doth  _ _  _  _ 
 
 persecute,  have  irnagioed. 
 
 a  rialms  —  ~ 
 
 "if  hy 
 
 15 
 
 mafi 
 
 7.  16.  & 
 9.  15. 
 I’rovcrbs 
 5.  512. 
 f  Hob. 
 soul’s. 
 
 Or, 
 
 LOUD. 
 n  Or, 
 
 3  For  the  wicked  boafteth  of  his  f  heart’s  defire,  and 
 blefieth  the  covetous  whom  the  Lord  abhorreth.  j 
 
 4  The  wicked,  through  the  pride  of  his  counte- ' 
 
 nance,  will  not  feek  after  God ;  jj  God  is  not  in  all 
 his  thoughts.  _  - 
 
 II  V/.,  5  His  ways  are  always  grievous;  thy  judgments 
 
 the  covet-  far  above  out  of  his  fight :  as  for  all  his  enemies, 
 Zth'^idm-  he  pufteth  at  them. 
 
 {e\(,he  6  He  hath  faid  in  his  heart,  1  fliall  not  be  moved  :  ' 
 
 abhorreth  for  I  shall  nevof  Ijc  in  adverfitv.  i 
 
 7  His  mouth  is  full  of  curfing,  and  f  deceit,  and 
 fraud  ;  under  his  tongue  is  mifehief  and  11  vanity.  i 
 oi/his  8  He  fi’teth  in  the  lurking  places  of  the  villages  : ' 
 thoughts  in  the  fecret  places  doth  he  murder  the  innocent :  his 
 hn’rt  privily  let  againft  the  poor, 
 
 b  Pfaims  9  He  lieth  in  wait  f  fecretly  as  a  lion  in  his  den  : 
 14. 1.  &  he  lieth  in  wait  to  catch  the  poor ;  he  doth  catch  the 
 tVeb  when  he  draweth  him  into  his  net. 
 
 untol'ene-  10  f  He  croucheth,  and  humbleth  himfelf,  that  the 
 riiiiori  and  pjor  may  fall  t  by  his  ftrong  ones, 
 genera-  n  He  hath  faid  in  his  heart,  God  hath  forgotten  : 
 c^Rom.  ^  hideth  his  face;  he  will  never  fee  il. 
 
 3. 14.  '  12  Arile,  O  Lord  ;  O  God,  lift  up  thine  hand  : 
 
 t  Heb.  forget  not  the  ||  humble. 
 
 deceits.  |{  Or,  iniquity,  f  Heb.  hide  themselves,  f  He!),  iu  the  secret  places,  f  Heb. 
 He  breaketh  himself.  \\  Or,  into  his /Irong  pa<  Is.  d  Pfal,  94.  7.  y  Or,  njfhaed. 
 
 19. 
 Or, 
 
 tstatlis'i. 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Psal.  X.  \er,  3.  Hor  the  xvicked  hoasteth  of 
 
 PSALMS. 
 
 (I  13  Wherefore  do  the  wicked  contemn  God.''  he  I’fOne 
 '  hath  faid  in  his  heart,  Thou  wilt  not  require  it. 
 
 14  'I’nou  had  ieen  tl ;  for  thou  behoideft  mifehief 
 and  (pile,  to  requite  tt  with  thy  hand  :  the  poor 
 t  com  iiitieth  himlelf  unto  thee  :  thou  art  the  helper  t  Heb. 
 
 of  the  fatherlefs.  f  pibim* 
 
 Break  thou  the  arm  of  the  wicked  and  the  evil  29.  10.  & 
 JL  :  leek  out  his  wickednefs  till  thou  find  none.  145.13.& 
 16‘  *  The  Lord  A  King  for  ever  and  ever  :  the  hea-  *‘’®-  lo- 
 then  are  periihed  out  of  his  land.  10.^10“^ 
 
 17  Lord,  thou  haft  heard  the  defire  of  the  hum-Lj^en. 
 
 ble ;  thou  wilt  ||  prepare  their  heart,  thou  wilt  caufe  ' 
 thine  ear  to  hear ;  . 
 
 18  To  judge  the  fatherlel's  and  the  opprefl-^d,  that“Q^| 
 
 the  man  of  the  earth  may  no  more  |;  opprds.*  tem/y. 
 
 PSALM  XI. 
 
 1  David  encourngeth  himself  in  God  againjl  his  enemies,  4  The  jtroti- 
 dence  and  jujltce  of  God. 
 
 ^  To  the  chief  rcufician  a  j'salm  of  David. 
 
 IN  the  Lord  put  I  my  trufl. ;  how  lay  ye  to  my 
 foul.  Flee  as  a  bird  to  your  mountain  ? 
 
 2  For  lo  the  wicked  bend  their  bow,  they  make 
 ready  their  arrow  upon  the  firing,  that  they  may 
 f  privily  fhoot  at  the  upright  in  heart.  t  Hfb 
 
 3  If  the  foundations  be  deftroyed,  what  can 
 righteous  do  ? 
 
 4  ^  The  Lord  Ain  his  holy  temple,  the  Lord’s®  Hab. 
 throne  is  in  heaven  ;  his  eyes  behold,  his  eyelids  try 
 the  children  of  men. 
 
 5  The  Lord  rrieth  the  righteous  :  but  the  wicked, 
 and  him  that  loveth  violence,  his  foul  hateth.  burning 
 
 6  Upon  the  wicked,  he  lhall  rain  |j  inares,  fire  and'^®''^** 
 brimlione,  and  [j  an  horrible  tempeft:  this  shall  be  t.he**  ■ 
 portion  of  their  cap. 
 
 tn 
 
 darkniiu 
 
 his  heart’s  desire.  The  firft  part  of  this  verf^  pomts  out  tl);t  aia“rming"rympt7m  of  ’  fn  S  uneuarde^ 
 
 a  reprobate  mind,  a  d.fpofition  to  exult  and  glory  in  thofe  lufts.  which  are  the  il  3d3froTt!rcrto  thrd^evn^^^^^ 
 
 fliame  and  difgrace  of  human  nature,  whether  the  world  or  the  fleth  be  their  ob-  i  Our  Lord  wlio  is  ftvled  ‘  the  Lion  of  ihi.  '1  humUeth  Uimsil/. 
 
 jea.  The  latter  claufe  is  diiTerenlly  rendered,  as  implyin-^  either  that  •  the  wick-  i  th^falvattn  of  .lank  n  I  h  ,  f  .  e*"  °  ^ 
 
 ed,  bleffelhthe  covetous  whom  God  abhorreth,’  or  th^  «the  wicked  beina  covet  "  “  1  but  when  his  adverfary  at  any  time  humbleth  himfelf, 
 
 ous,  or  oppreffive,  bleff.th  himfelf  and  abhorreth  Got’  Elth  r  way  r  ^o^P  L  Tditulfou"  ‘“a^J °  ‘""‘It 
 
 ing,  griping,  worldly  fpi,  it  is  charadlcrized.  with  its  direa  oppofition  .0  the  j'  “.Senl 
 
 Spirit  of  God,  which  teaches,  that  fin  is  to  be  confeffed  with  Ihame  and  forrow  ;  ^  ^nd  tharhis  LtTrf  L  difLmei  ‘>*3  reach,  they  will  fooD 
 
 ♦L.t  :»  n^A  - \  X  ’  s  es  s  .  .  ’  in&i  nis  nature  is  dilguileci,  but  not  altered  \er.  16— —18.  For  the  fake  of 
 
 ,  the  e.'dt,  and  their  prayers,  the  days  of  perfeculion  and  tribulation  will  be  thoil- 
 ened  ;  the  infolence  of  the  earth  born  oppreffjr,  the  man  of  fin  will  be  chaRifed  • 
 
 I  the  caufe  of  the  church  will  be  heard  at  the  tribunal  of  God ;  and  viaory,  triumpll 
 ;  and  glory,  will  be  given  unto  her.  ^ 
 
 I  ,  explanatory  NOTES.  Psau  XI.  Ver.  3.  Ij  the  fi.xindations  be  de- 
 
 ]^Jlroyed.  Tins  likewile  ftems  to  be  Ipoken  by  the  fame  perfons,  dilcouraging  Da¬ 
 vid  from  making  any  lurther  rtfifiance,  by  the  coufidcration,  that  ali  was  over; 
 the  foundations  of  religion  and  law  were  fubverted  ;  and  what  could  a  man, 
 engaged  in  the  moft  righteous  defigus,  hope  to  do  when  this  was  the  cafe  ? 
 buch  arguments  are  often  ufed  by  the  timid,  in  fimilar  circumfianccs ;  but  U.ey 
 
 ,  -  — . .  ij.s  SO  s,xj  uc  uiMjiciiGu  w  1  Lij  iiiuiue  and  lorrow  ; 
 
 that  in  God  alone  man  is  to  make  his  boaft  ;  and  that  it  is  more  bleir.id  to  give 
 than  to  receive.  Ver.  4.  The  xvicked  through  the  pride  of  his  coun'enauce  will  not 
 seek  after  God.  The  counfels  of  heaven  are  not  known  by  the  wicked,  becaufe  they 
 are  not  fought  after;  and  they  are  not  (ought  after,  becaufe  of  a  diabolical  fclf- 
 fufficiency,  which,  having  taken  poflTeflion  of  the  heart,  difplays  itfelf  in  the 
 countenance,  and  reigns  throughout  the  man.  He  wants  no  Prophet  to  teach 
 him  no  pried  to  atone  for  him,  no  king  to  condua  him  ;  he  needs  neither  a 
 Chrid  to  redeem,  nor  a  fpirit  to  fanaify  him  ;  lie  believes  no  Providence,  adores 
 DO  Creator,  and  fears  no  Judge.  Thus  he  lives  ‘a  dranger  from  the  covenants 
 ot  promife  and  without  God  in  the  world.’  Eph.  ii.  12.  O  that  this  charaaer 
 
 now  exideJ  only  in  the  Pfalmid’s  defeription.  .... 
 
 thoughts  of  the  fiiiner’s  heart,  mentioned  in  the  preceedim’’  verfe  ' 
 JJavid  goes  oil  to  deferibe  the  words  of  his  mouth.  And  here  we  may  ilTudrate  I 
 We  charaaer  of  antichrift,  by  felling  that  of  Cbrid  in  oppofition  to  it.  T.ie 
 mouth  of  one  poureth  forth  a  torrent  of  curfes  and  lies:  from  that  of  the  other 
 oweth  a  clear  and  copious  dream  of  benediaion  and  truth.  Under  the  ferpen- 
 >ne  tongue  of  the  former  is  a  bag  of  mifehief  and  vanity  ;  but  honey  and  milk 
 of  nourilhing  to  the  fpirits 
 
 th^tui  ®  communications.  Ver.  8.  He  silteth  tn  the  Ixirking  places  of 
 
 Ac  ,he  defeription  proceeds  to  aaions.  And  with  regard  to 
 
 fave  meV  r  f  P'^eaching  through  cities  and  villages  to 
 
 e  men  s  lives,  fo  this  child  of  Satan  lies  in  ambudi  to  dedrov  them,  privily 
 
 damnaWeT”  diflufiirg  among  the  people,  pedile'nt  errors,  and 
 
 catch  ^  ^  difciples  of  Jefus,  like  their  bleded  Mader,  are  ever  vigilant  to 
 
 o“d  rz ■“  “»'0  “ 
 
 e  partizans  of  Satan  m  imitation  of  their  leader,  are  employed  in  watch- 
 
 Ver.  7.  His  mouth  is  full  of  cur,  1  T "  f  “-e,-— —  -  wn  uieu  oy  uie  iimm,  in  limilar  circumdanccs ;  but  U.ey 
 
 entioned  in  the  preceeding  verfe.  >  and  berr'wdi’no'nrt:  th':  do^  it  wiU.  ‘LX::  fp"-;; 
 
 may  dop  a  prince  or  fenate,  when  in  full  career,  and  recover  the  day.  But  let 
 us  hear  David  s  farther  reply  to  his  advifers.  Ver.  4.  The  Lori  is  in  hts  holy 
 temple,  the  Lord  s  tar  one  is  in  he.iven.  In  the  fird  verfe  the  Pfalmid  had  declar- 
 ,  ed  his  trod  to  be  in  Jdiovab.  After  reciting  the  reafoiiings  of  h.s friends,  be  now 
 
 ^  feTnTJ  “h  and  propriety  of  luch  trud,  iiotwilhdanding  the 
 
 ,  defperate  fiiuauon  ot  affairs.  -‘Jehovah  is  in  his  holy  leitjple*”  into 
 
 ,  Whicli  therefore  unholy  men,  however  triumphant  in  this  world,  can’  never 
 I  enter.  Jehovah  s  throne  is  in  heaven  ;  and  confequenily  fuperior  to  all  power 
 !  upo„  earth  which  may  be  controlled  and  over-ruled  by  1dm  in  a  moment -T* 
 ejes  behold,  bis  eye-lids  try  the  children  of  men  ;’  fo  that  no  fecret  wickednefs 
 can  efcape  his  knowled^,  who  fcrulinizelh  the  hearts  as  well  as  the  lives  of  all 
 .  he  fons  of  Adam.  V  by  then,  diould  the  man  defpair,  who  Imth  on  his  fide 
 hohnels,  omnipotence,  and  ommfcience  ?  >  Ver.  6.  Upon  the  ui  k-d  !  e  sh  U 
 
 c.  for  their  abominable  fins,  “  (prokentai  deigma)  art  fet  forth  for  an  exa.nphii 
 
 wited  to  holincfs,  fafety,  and  honour,  when  the  wicked  arc  cad  down.  ““““-Us  Ihc  wickednefs  of  his  enemies  he  deals  kindly  with  his  people :  they 
 
David  complahclh  of  delay  in  help^ 
 
 B  Or, 
 upon  the 
 nighth. 
 
 S  Or. 
 Savf. 
 f  lleb. 
 an  heart 
 UH/i  an 
 heart. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 great 
 thingt. 
 t  Het. 
 are  with 
 
 11  ‘'>r, 
 
 e'n 
 
 H 
 
 righteous  Lord  loveth  riphteoufoel's 
 I'ir.  1058.^’^  counteuance  doth  behold  the  upright.* 
 
 PSALM  XII. 
 
 I  David  deitilule  of  human  com'ort,  craveth  hel/t  of  God;  3  he  com- 
 jorteth  himself  with  God's  Judgmeiifs  on  the  u  ickeil,  ij-c. 
 
 ^  To  the  chief  mofician  II  upon  Sheminith, 
 
 A  pfal  u  of  David. 
 
 ELP,  Lord;  for  the  godly  man  ceafeth  ;  for  ! 
 the  taithful  fail  from  among  the  children  of 
 
 men. 
 
 2  They  fpeak  vanity  every  one  with  his  neighbour : 
 -ji'Ufi  flattering  lips,  and  with  f  a  double  heart  do  they 
 fpeak. 
 
 3  The  Lord  fhall  cut  off  all  flattering  lips,  and 
 the  tongue  that  fpeaketn  f  proud  things  ; 
 
 4  Who  have  laid.  With  our  tongue  will  w'e  pre¬ 
 vail  ;  our  lips  f  are  our  own  ;  who  is  lord  over  us  ? 
 
 5  Fi;r  the  opprelTion  of  the  poor,  for  the  fighing 
 
 snarehim  of  the  needy,  now  will  1  arile,  laith  the  Lord  ;  ‘ 
 a  2  Sam.  ^y,]]  Jq  fafety./?offj  him  that  ||  puffeth  at  him.^ 
 
 Pfaims  ^  words  of  tfie  Lord  arc  *  pure  w’ords  :  as  iiU 
 
 18.  30.  &  ver  tried  in  a  furnace  of  earth,  purified  feven  times. 
 119.  HO.  7  Thou  (halt  keep  them,  O  Lord,  thou  (halt  pre- 
 Prov.  ferve  t  them  from  this  generation  for  ever. 
 
 t  ntb.  S  1  he  wicked  w’alk  on  every  fide,  when  f  the  vileft 
 him ;  that  men  are  exa  ted.f 
 
 is,  every  one  of  them,  f  Heb.  the  vilest  of  the  sons  of  men  are  exalted. 
 
 PSALM  XIII. 
 
 1  David  complaincth  of  delay  in  help  :  3  he  prayeth  for  preventing  grace ; 
 5  he  baasteih  of  divine  mercy. 
 
 ^  To  the  11  chief  mufician,  A  pfalm  of  David. 
 
 11  Or, 
 ovsTS^er, 
 
 PSALMS.  The  corruptions  of  the  iviched  dcscril  .} 
 
 HOW  long  wilt  thdu  forget  me,  O  Lord  ?  for  Before 
 ever  ^  how  long  wilt  thou  hide  thy  face  from 
 me  ?  ‘OSS. 
 
 2  How  long  fhall  I  take  counfel  in  my  foul,  havi>i(i 
 '  forrow  in  my  heart  daily  ?  how  long  (hall  mine  ene¬ 
 my  be  exalted  over  me  ? 
 
 3  Confider  and  hear  me,  O  Lord  my  God  :  lighten 
 mine  eyes,  lelf  1  deep  the  sleep  oj  death  ; 
 
 I  4  Left  mine  enemy  fay,  I  have  prevailed  againft 
 1  him  ;  and  thofe  that  trouble  me  rejoice  when  1  am 
 j  moved. 
 
 i  5  But  I  have  trufted  in  thy  mercy ;  my  heart  (hall 
 rejoice  in  thy  falvation. 
 
 6  I  will  fing  unto  the  Lord,  becaufe  he  hath  dealt 
 bountifully  with  me 
 
 PSALM  XIV. 
 
 I  David  describeth  the  corruptions  oJ  a  natural  man ;  he  convinceth  the 
 wicked  by  the  tight  of  their  conscience ;  7  he  ghrieth  in  the  salvation  if 
 God. 
 
 H  To  the  chief  mufician,  A  psalm  of  David. 
 
 The  *  fool  hath  (aid  in  his  heart.  There  is  no  God.  a  Bfiims 
 They  are  corrupt ;  they  have  done  abominable  ^ 
 works  ;  there  is  none  that  doeth  good. 
 
 2  The  Lord  looked  down  from  heaven  upon  the 
 children  of  men,  to  fee  if  there  were  any  that  did  un- 
 derftand,  and  feek  God. 
 
 I  3  They  are  all  gone  afide,  they  are  all  together  t  Rom. 
 become  f  filthy;  there  is  none  that  doeth  good, 
 not  one.  ^ 
 
 I  4  Have  all  the  workers  of  iniquity  no  knowledge^ 
 
 I  who  eat  up  my  people  as  they  eat  bread,  and  call 
 not  upon  the  Lord. 
 
 or  fpecimen,  fuflering  the  vengeance  of  eternal  fire.”  And  here  vve  fee  the  images 
 are  plainly  taken  from  the  dreadful  judgment  inflidled  on  ihofe  cities,  and  tranf- 
 ferred  to  the  vengeance  of  ttie  laft  day. 
 
 EXPLAN.^TOIIY  NOTES.  PsAL.  XII.  Ver.  5.  For  the  oppression  oJ  the 
 poor.  For  the  confolatior.  of  the  afflirRed  and  poor  in  fpirit,  Jehovah  is  here  intro¬ 
 duced  promifing,  out  of  compaflion  to  their  fufferings,  to  “  arife,  and  fet  them  in 
 fefety  ;  or  place  them  in  a  flate  of  falvation.”  Such  all  along  lias  been  his  pro 
 mife  to  the  church,  who  by  looking  back  to  the  deliverance  wrought  of  old  for  the 
 fervants  of  God,  and,  above  all,  to  that  wrought  by  the  Son  of  God,  is  now  en¬ 
 couraged  to  look  forward,  and  expe6I  her  final  redemption  from  the  (corn  and  in- 
 folence  of  infidelity.  Ver.  7.  Thou  shall  keep  them,  0  Lord,  That  is,  as  fame 
 tinderftand  the  verfe,  the  poor  and  needy,  ver,  5.  are  preferved  from  opprelTions^; 
 but  othcTS  confider  divine  revelation,  ver.  6.  referred  to  as  the  objefl  of  Jehovah  s 
 peculiar  care. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  XIIT.  Ver.  1.  How  long  wilt  thou 
 forget  me  0  Lord,  for  ever  ?  W'hile  God  permits  bis  fervants  to  continue  under 
 "afflidlion,  he  is  laid  after  tlie  manner  of  men.  to  have  “forgotten  and  hid  his 
 face  from  them.”  For  the  ufe  therefore  of  perfons  in  fuch  circumftances,  is 
 this  Plalm  intended;  and,  conf. quently,  fuits  the  different  cafes  of  the  church 
 aniverfal,  languilliing  for  the  advent  of  our  Lo  d  to  deliver  her  from  this  evil 
 world  ;  of  f.ny  particular  church,  in  time  of  perfecution  ;  and  of  each  individual, 
 ■when  harafftd  by  temptations,  or  broken  by  ficknefs,  pain,  and  forrow.  lie 
 who  bO'C  our  fins,  and  carried  our  forrows,  may  likewife  be  prefumed  to  have 
 made  it  a  part  of  his  devotions,  in  the  day  of  trouble.  Ver.  3.  Consider  and  hear 
 me  0  Lord  my  God.  On  the  preceding  confidcrations  is  founded  a  prayer  to 
 Jehovah,  that  he  would  no  longer  hide  his  face,  but  “confider,”  or,  more  Irter- 
 allv  “have  refpeft  to,  favourably  behold,”  his  fervant;  that  he  would  “hear, 
 att'end  to,  be  mindful  of,”  his  fupplication  in  diftrefs.  I  he  deliverance  rcquelled 
 is  exprtlTe-i  fiffuralively,  “lighten  my  eyes,  left  I  lleep  the  fleep  of  death.  In 
 time  o'"  ficknefs  and  grief,  the  “  eyes”  are  dull  and  heavy  ;  and  they  grow  mote 
 
 and  more  fo  as  death  approaches,  which  clofes  them  in  darknefs.  On  the  othsf 
 hand  health  and  joy  render  the  organs  of  vifioii  bright  and  fparkling,  feeming,  as 
 \  it  were  to  impart  “  light  to  them  from  within.” 
 
 i  EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  XIV.  Ver.  1.  The  fool  hath  .said  k 
 '  his  heart,  there  is  no  God.  It  does  not  appear  upon  what  occafion  David  com. 
 
 pofed  this  Plalm.  The  revolt  of  Ifrael  in  Abfalom’s  rebellion,  is  by  moft  writers 
 i  pitched  upon  as  tlie  fubjeift  of  it.  But  be  this  as  it  may,  the  expreffions  are 
 I  general,  and  evidently  defigned  to  e.vtend  beyond  a  private  interpretation.  And 
 i  accordingly,  the  apoftle,  Rom.  iii.  10,  &c.  produces  fome  palLges  fiom  it,  to 
 evince  the  apoftacy  of  both  Jews  and  Gentiles  from  their  King  and  their  God, 
 and  to  prove  them  to  be  all  under  fin.  Ver.  2.  The  Lord  looked  down  from 
 heaven,  Ver.  3.  They  are  altogether  become  filthy,  or  putrifled.  Like  a  watchman  on 
 the  top  of  fome  lofty  tower,  God  is  reprefented  as  furveying  from  his  heavenly 
 throne  the  fons  of  Adam,  and  tlieir  proceedings  upon  the  earth  ;  he  ferutiniaes 
 them,  and,  as  it  were,  fearclies  diligently,  to  find  among  them  a  man  of  true 
 wifdom,  one  whofe  heart  was  turned  toward  the  Lord  his  God,  one  who  was 
 inquiring  the  way  to  falvation  and  glory,  that  he  might  walk  therein.  But  as 
 I  tire  refult  of  this  extenfive  and  accurate  furvey,  God  informs  his  prophets,  and 
 I  commifilons  them  to  inform  the  world,  that  all  had  declined  from  the  paths  of 
 j  wifdom  and  righteoufnefs  ;  that  the  mafs  of  human  nature  was  become  putrid, 
 requiring  to  be  clean  fed,  and  the  velfels  made  of  it  to  be  formed  anew.  Such 
 I  is  the  Scripture  account  of  man,  not  having  received  grace,  or  having  fallen  from 
 it ;  of  man  without  Chrift,  or  in  arms  againft  him.  See  Rom.  ill.  II,  12.  Ver.  4. 
 Have  all  the  workers  of  iniquity  no  knowledge?  They  who,  with  an  appetite  keen 
 as  that  for  their  food,  prey  upon  the  poor,  and  devour  the  people  of  God,  wiJ. 
 tliemfelves  be  preyed  upon  and  devoured  by  that  roaring  lion,  wliofe  agents  fet 
 the  preftnt  they  are.  Ver.  5.  There  were  they  in  great  fear.  In  the  parallel  plat* 
 Pfal.  liii.  5.  .after  the  words,  “  There  were  they  in  great  fear,”  are  added  tbefe 
 ■‘where  no  fear  was,”  which  certainly  connedl  better  with  what  follows,  “  F*! 
 God  is  in  the  generation  of  the  righteous.’*  Ver  7.  0  that  the  salvation  oJ  hroi' 
 
 nnSFRVATIONS _ •  PsAt.  XI.l  When  wicked  rulers  have  once  unhinged  the  fundamental  laws  of  equity,  the  greateft  virtue  ofteii  expoks 
 
 While  in  his  affliaing  the  righteous  he  but  tries  them  for  their  purification  and  honour,  the  hohnefs  and  equity  of  his  nature  ana 
 
 men  to  the  greateft  danger, 
 
 Iball  efcape  without  a  due  reward - - - o  ^  i  r 
 
 %TaCTIcTl  oilSEl’vATION^iTp^^^^^  pity  towards  God  and  integrity  towards  men  ceafe;  when  all  men  fiiek 
 
 rrTrAL  oTsERV^^^^  -Tpsa^'^XIH  1  "Hol^fflTaive  to  the  faints  is  the  fenfe  of  the  Lord’s  .abfence  !  An  Imur  is  an  ago  whithout  hh  lo* 
 
 PRACTICAL  J;  .‘j.  new-covenant  relation  to  his  chofeii  c.annot  be  broken,  Let  Satan  and  his  agents  tniurph^i 
 
 -d  certain  hope  of  their  recovery  ;  n. ay  it  is  at  hand.  Faith  and  prayer  will  fpeodily  ilTue  in  fongs  of  Pverlaft.ng  dehvera  ice. 
 
Before 
 Clirid 
 cir.  IOS8. 
 
 give,  4;e- 
 
 JJjvid  describclh  a  cittj  of  Zion. 
 
 5  There  f  were  they  in  great  fear  :  for  God  is  in 
 the  generation  of  the  righteous, 
 
 6  Ye  have  (hamed  the  counfel  of  the  poor,  becaufe 
 |Hei).  ths  Lord  is  his  refuge. 
 
 the^  jear-  7  1  Oh  that  the  falvation  of  Ifrael  were  come  out  of 
 edafiar.  '/ion!  wtieii  the  Lord  bringeth  back  the  captivity  of 
 \notiii  Pt^ople,  Jacob  (hall  rejoice,  a7i(l  Ifrael  (hall  be 
 glad.* 
 
 PSALM  XV. 
 
 T>  ivil  describclh  a  city  of  Zion. 
 
 A  plalm  of  David. 
 
 Lord,  *  who  fhall  f  abide  in  thy  tabernacle? 
 who  fhall  dwell  in  thy  holy  hill  ? 
 
 ^  He  that  walketh  uprightly,  and  worketh  righ- 
 •teoufnefs,  and  fpeaketh  the  truth  in  his  heart, 
 y  dr,'  ’  P  backbiteth  not  with  his  tongue,  nor  doeth 
 
 reeeivHh,  ^vil  fo  his  neighbour,  nor  ||  taketh  up  a  reproach 
 or endur-  againft  his  neignbour. 
 
 4  In  whofe  eyes  a  vile  perfon  is  contemned ;  but 
 he  honoureth  them  that  fear  the  Lord  :  He  that 
 Iweareth  to  his  own  hurt,  and  changeth  not. 
 
 .5  <=  He  that  putteth  not  out  his  money  to  ufury,  nor 
 taketh  reward  againft  the  innocent.  He  that  doeth 
 thefe  things  fhall  never  be  moved.f 
 
 PSALMS. 
 
 He  flerth  to  Go't  Jor  -prrsnx:ali>m. 
 
 a  Pfalm 
 24.  3,  &c. 
 t  Heb. 
 sojourn 
 
 preservation  t  5  he  shewetk  the  h  ype  of  his  cc/iin^ 
 and  lije  evertusting. 
 
 thee 
 
 do  I  put  ii 
 
 A  .olden 
 
 eth. 
 c  Exod. 
 
 22.  25. 
 Levit. 
 25.  26. 
 Deut. 
 
 23.  19. 
 Ezekiel 
 18.  8.  & 
 22.  12. 
 
 PSALM  XVI. 
 
 David,  in  distrust  oj  merils,  and  haired  of  idolatry,  fieeth  to  God  for 
 
 were  out  of  Z.on  !  The  coiifideration  of  the  apoftacy  and  corruption  of  man- 
 
 ""akes  the  prophet  exprefs  a  longing  defire  for  the 
 falvation  of  Ifrael,  which  vvasto  go  forth  out  of  Zion,  and  to  bring  back  the  people 
 
 aL!h  r  ‘^e  captivity  under  fin  and 
 
 in? how  a  fh  h"’  “h  be  glad, 
 
 ii^f  ihv  1  t  at  this  time,  languifii  for  the  confummatiL  of 
 
 her  felicity,  looking,  even  until  her  eyes  fail,  for  that  glorious  day  of  final  rederop- 
 tmn  when  every  believing  heart  fliall  exult,  and  all  the  fons  o/ood  Ihout  abud 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  PsaL.  XV.  Ver  1  T  orp  .a  a-, 
 thy  tabernacle  !  The  prophet  alludes  to  the  bill  of  Zion  in  the*  earthlv^JerufafenT 
 to  the  t^ernacle  of  God  which  was  thereon,  and  the  charaaer  of  the  pried  who 
 
 Spiri,  confcnptd  »  l,i.  im.ge,  ',h,  S-Ti  •,*"?  "" 
 
 with  the  Father,  engaged  to  keep  the  law  and  m  j  covenant 
 
 willingly  and  deadily  through  his  work’  and  furmif 
 
 could  be  thrown  in  his  wav  until  he  d  a  ounted  every  obdacle  which 
 
 “  It  is  finilhed,"  him, 
 
 fo  far  from  defiring  to  amafs  the  eattblv  ^.a,^  Was 
 
 it;  and  received  th!  true  riches  onlv  h  °f 
 
 »bofe  fe„,e„ce,  |„  5,  of  j»d™m  o’ 
 
 partial  and  immutable.  ugraent,  Will  be  equally  im- 
 
 explanatory  NOTES.  Psai..  XVI.  Ver 
 
 if  return^ cm,  J?i  rorf* 
 
 ( ‘iirijf 
 
 f  II  Michtam  of  David. 
 
 PRESERVE  me,  O  God:  for  in 
 ray  iruft. 
 
 2  O  my  smd,  (hou  haft  faid  unto  the  Lord,  Thou  £7/-^ 
 art  my  Lord  :  *  my  goodnefs  extendeth  not  to  thee ;  a  job 
 3  Blit  to  the  faints  that  are  in  the  eartti,  and  to  the  22.  2.  & 
 excellent  in  whom  is  all  my  delight. 
 
 4  Their  forrows  fhall  be  multiplied  that  H  haften 
 a/ter  another  ^or/.-  their  drink-offerings  of  blood  will  Or,‘ 
 
 1  not  offer,  nor  take  up  their  names  into  my  lips.  fii»egifis 
 5  ‘’  The  Lord  is  the  portion  f  of  mine  inheritance 
 of  ray  cup:  thou  maintaineft  my  lot.  32.9!^ 
 
 g  I 
 
 ;  The  lines  are  fallen  unto  mein  pleafant  p/^ces ,•  Eamenu 
 yea,  I  have  a  goodly  heritage. 
 
 7  I  will  bieis  the  Lord,  who  hath  given  me  coun-o/^1^‘ 
 fel ;  tny  reins  alfo  inftruff  me  in  the  nighr-feafons.  pan/ 
 
 8  '  I  have  let  the  Lord  always  before  me  :  becaufe  ^ 
 he  is  at  ray  right  hand,  I  fhall  not  be  moved. 
 
 9  Therefore  my  heart  is  glad,  and  mv  elorv  re-tn’ 
 
 joiceth  :  my  flelh  alfo  (hall  t  reft  in  hope?  *  ^  ffUff 
 
 .}^  t  leave  my  foul  in  hell :  neither  ^ 
 
 wilt  thou  fuffer  thine  Holy  One  to  fee  corruption-  fJlf 
 
 11  Ihou  wilt  fhew  me  the  path  oflife :  in  thy 
 prefence  ts  fnlnels  of  joy  :  at  thy  right  hand  there  are 
 plealures  ror  evermore. J; 
 
 I.  Preserve,  me  0  God. 
 
 How  abfurdly  and  against  confeionrp  m,,  '  ^  xi  Ho"'  defperately  wicked  is 
 
 call  on  him  !  Or  when  they  attempt  to  fname  and  7di“cl£’t7e  "  “’7’ 
 
 Secret  terrors  (hall  fei^e  onr  m„st  Voor  faints  out  of  tli. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONsZ^^MCr~YlVTTT - 77 - — - 
 
 >fe.  How  abfurdly  and  against  confeience,  must  men  aA  ‘be  human  heart! 
 
 The  fpeaker  is  unqueftionably  Christ,  A^s  ii.  25  8<t  ■?<:  v.  o  „  . 
 
 Chaldee  and  Syriac,  the  latter  claufe  nf  tho  f  y*' 
 
 ed-o  My  gooLefs  is  from^hee ’*  a  n  ®  ‘b^^b  two  verfes  is  render- 
 
 bear  this  fenfe,  in  the  elliptical  war  thus-7.«*’\r°*‘*  Hebrew  will 
 
 By  no  means;  it  is  all  to  be  aferibed  to  thee*”’"  ^rbr^idn^?'  f 
 
 med  from  God  and  (hould  be  extended  to  his  brethren'’  “of  MeV'l 
 
 Its  original  to  his  union  with  the  Divinity  x  ‘  Meffiah  owed 
 
 whom  it  was  communicated  tLt  is  In  V  ‘b«  <^lvation  of  thofe  to 
 
 ..d  ibS  .77  i.t;"”  •'’r'’’ 
 
 ed,  and  propitiation  made  by  the  Son  of  Cnd  l  '  “'‘‘^  obedience  was  perform- 
 
 lasting  love,  and  placed  “  all  his  dehVht”  ‘  ^  I**  loved  them  with  an  ever- 
 
 in  .b.7bij.b,.  p^„.  o7b:77b.7';f'':7irbL"7™ 
 
 Prov.  VIII.  31.  Ver.  7.  Iwillblett  th..  T  i  ®  ‘  ®  men.’' 
 
 fon  fpeaking  here  blefles  Jehovah  for  communicating  t7'T  d  counsel.  The  per. 
 lestial  wifdom,  by  which  he  was  incited  and  nn  hi  dit^me  counfel,  that  ce- 
 
 and  refolution.  In  the  latter  pal"  of  the  the  foregoing  choice 
 
 clous  and  fpiritual  communications  Itich  i,1  11,?? “’el'e  gra- 
 conveyed  to  the  inmost  thoughts  and  aff-ainn*  adverCty  were 
 
 to  cojtifort  and  to  strengthen'’ the  fufferer'unt, I  h°  ‘hereby  to  instrua, 
 
 and  (The  morning  of  the  refurreaion  (hould  7  ^is  palTmn  (hould  be  accompliflied 
 hopes  and  confidence  were  placed  i  his 
 
 :  It  was  a  part  of  the  covenant  of  grace  and’nrnmif 
 phet,  that  after  the  death  of  Meflfah  bis  anill  t  of  God’s  pro- 
 
 ;  tinue.  like  thofe  of  other  men.  Irihe  gir  sZlI  ' 
 
 I  permitted  to  feize  on  the  body,  by  whichtll  ntJ.i^^  ^  corruption  be 
 
 ,  and  immortality.  Ver.  1  !  Thoi ‘«  be  raifed  to  incorrupiion 
 cb.i..  r,o™  ,h.7„„ “f 
 
 to  bun  a  “  path  of  life,”  leading  throuirh  the  v,n  r  u  ‘’’‘‘"“’g'  difcovering 
 
 from  that  valley  to  the  ftimmit  of  the  ifiU  of  Zi^^L  ,  ?  “"‘1 
 
 ven.  on  which  he  now  fits  enthroned  Ther?7  T.  7*^®  ‘‘ea- 
 
 Father,  that  human  body,  which  expi;edL  tL  ??ifand‘5"  “>« 
 
 lives  and  reigns,  filled  with  delight,  and  encirc  ed  ?v  7  '’'^P“'‘=bre, 
 
 endlefs.  ^  ’  ““  encircled  Uv  glory  incumprebenCble  and 
 
 .  Atheifin  in  heart  is  the  fource  nf  »ll  « 
 
 bove  all  thines  and  defner-.„i . 7.  7  yob.meir  S.niour. 
 
 w  in 
 
 chIL’el?  ?  ‘elliiwihip  with  the  unfruitful  workro^'darknef'^'??"’'?’''^"  “  confeience  vo,d  ofoflVnce  tonard“s  obedience  to  God’s^la 
 
 an.d.  idoUrj,  the  mod  d.ftant  appearance  of  it  mud  be  avoided  ''Happy^rVLy°?ho  Uv'T'cl'd  '""“f’ 
 
 e  ocd  as  their  portion,  their  v.ealth 
 
t  Heb. 
 Justice. 
 f  Heb. 
 vritheut 
 lips  of 
 deceit. 
 
 H 
 
 Xl.f.<id  craivth  dejmct  o/  God  ag.vnsl  Us  enemies;  PSALMS. 
 SS  •  .  PSALM  XVII. 
 
 cir.  1058,  ^  Diiviil,  in  confidence  of  his  integrity  craveth  defence  of  God  against 
 his  eniTfniej  •  10  he  sheweth  their  pride,  craft,  and  eagerness;  13  he 
 prayeth  against  them  in  confidence  of  kit  hope. 
 
 H  A  prayer  of  David. 
 
 EAR  f  the  right,  O  Lord,  attend  unto  my 
 cry  ;  give  ear  unto  my  prayer,  that  gocih  f  not 
 out  of  feigned  lips. 
 
 2  Let  my  fentence  come  forth  from  thy  prefence ; 
 let  thine  eyes  behold  the  things  that  are  equal. 
 
 3  Thou  haft  proved  mine  heart ;  thou  haft  vifited  vie 
 in  the  night ;  thou  haft  tried  me,  avU  (halt  find  nothing  : 
 
 1  am  purpofed  that  my  mouth  fhall  not  tranfgrefs. 
 
 4  Concerning  the  works  of  men,  by  the  word  of  thy 
 lips  1  have  kept  niefrom  the  paths  of  the  deftroyer. 
 
 5  Hold  up  my  goings  in  thy  paths,  that  my  foot- 
 fteps  t  ft:p  not. 
 
 6  have  called  upon  thee  ;  for  thou  wilt  hear  me, 
 incline  thine  ear  unto  me,  and  hear  my 
 
 jruiM'n  fpeech. 
 
 thee/roOT  7  Shew  thy  marvellous  loving- kindnefs,  O  thou 
 rise"up^‘  II  that  favefl  by  thy  right  hand  them  which  put  their 
 against  truft  in  thee  from  thole  that  rife  up  against  them, 
 thy  right  8  Keep  me  as  the  apple  of  the  eye  ;  hide  me  under 
 +°Heb  fhadow'  of  thy  wings. 
 
 zhatuaste  ^  Frcm  the  wicked  f  that  opprefs  me^from  f  my 
 deadly  enemies,  v:ho  coaipafs  me  about. 
 
 10  They  are  inclofed  in  their  own  fat :  with  their 
 mouth  they  fpeak  proudly. 
 
 1 1  They  have  now  compafTed  us  in  our  fteps  ;  they 
 have  fet  their  eyes  bowing  down  to  the  earth  ; 
 
 ^  Heb. 
 he  not 
 moved. 
 
 U  Or, 
 that  savest 
 
 o  God 
 
 sitting, 
 thin*  hand. 
 
 Tie  praiseth  God  for  manifold  hlcssi,,^^ 
 
 12  t  Like  as  a  lion  that  is  greedy  of  his  prey,  and  Befo 
 as  it  were  a  young  lion  f  lurking  in  fecret  places.  ci.rift 
 
 13  Arife,  O  Lord;  f  dilappoint  him,  caft  him'‘'‘“'2o. 
 
 down:  deliver  my  foul  from  the  wicked,  I1  u'hich 
 thy  fword  :  »  n  ^  ^ 
 
 14  H  From  men  which  ore  thy  hand,  O  Lord,  SIS' 
 
 from  men  ot  the  world,  xchich  have  their  portion  in*i»*(that 
 this  life,  and  whole  belly  thou  filleft  with  thy  hid''“^'wr^ 
 treasure;  ||  they  are  full  of  children,  and  leave  theS,. 
 reft  of  their  substance  to  their  babes.  at 
 
 15  As  for  me,  I  will  behold  thy  face  in  righteouf.‘hai  1/^ 
 nefs :  1  (hall  be  fatisfied,  when  I  awake  with  thv  like-^'"""'' 
 tiff's** 
 
 f  Heb.  prevent  his  face.  |(  Or,  by  thy  sword.  W  Or,  From  mer,\ 
 
 [I  Or,  their  children  are  full.  ^ 
 
 PSALM  XVIII. 
 
 David  praiseth  God  for  manifold  and  marvellous  blessings. 
 
 IT  To  the  chief  mufician,  /I  psalm  of  David,  the  fer- 
 vant  ot  the  Lord,  who  fpake  unto  the  Lord  the 
 words  of  ®  this  fong,  in  the  day  that  the  Lord  de-a  2Sani. 
 livered  him  from  the  hand  of  all  his  enemies,  and 
 from  the  hand  of  Saul :  and  he  faid, 
 
 I  WILL  love  thee,  O  Lord,  ray  ftrength. 
 
 2  The  Lord  is  my  rock,  and  my  fortrefs,  and 
 my  deliverer ;  my  God,  f  my  ftrength,  in  whom  1 1  Heb. 
 will  truft;  my  buckler,  and  the  horn  of  ray  falvatiou, 
 and  my  high  tower. 
 
 3  I  will  call  upon  the  Lord,  who  is  worthy  to  be 
 praifed  :  fo  lhall  I  be  faved  from  mine  enemies.  ** 
 
 4  ^  The  forrows  of  death  compafTed  me,  and  the! 
 floods  of  t  ungodly  men  made  me  afraid.  £eiiai.' 
 
 enemies.  Ver.  13.  Arise,  0  Lord.  The  Pfalmift,  having  charatSlerifed  thofe 
 who  puifued  after  him  to  take  away  his  life,  now  entreats  God  to  arife,  or  ap¬ 
 pear  in  his  caufe,  to  difappoint  or  prevent  the  enemy  in  his  defigns,  and  to  caft 
 him  down,  to  overthrow  and  fubdue  him.  The  next  words  may  be  thu3 
 rendered  r  “  Delivei  my  foul  from  the  wicked  by  the  fword,  from  men  by 
 thy  hand,  O  Lord,  from  the  men  of  the  world;’’’  the  expreflVons,  “fword,  and 
 band  of  Jehovah,”  being  frequently  ufed  to  denote  his  power  and  ven¬ 
 geance. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  XVII I.  Ver.  I.  1  will  love  thee,  0 
 Lord,  my  strength.  Let  us  fuppofe  King  Mefliah,  like  his  iiluftrious  progenitoi 
 of  old,  feated  in  peace  and  triumph  on  the  throne  prepared  and  deligned  for 
 him.  From  thence  let  us  imagine  him  taking  a  retro^e<5live  view  of  the  suSer. 
 ings  he  bad  undergone,  the  battles  be  had  fought,  and  the  vi(5Iories  be  had 
 gained.  With  this  idea  duly  imprefled  on  our  minds,  we  (hall  be  able  in  feme 
 meafure,  to  conceive  the  force  of  the  words,  (adebemid  )  “  With  all  the 
 
 ele«a,  equally  expofed  to  danger,  equally  betel  with  enemies.  Of  his  remedies  I  yearnings  of  affedlion  I  will  love  thee,  O  Jehovah  my  ftrength,  through  my 
 ib  to'do,  he  elfewhere  affureth°us,  under  the  fame  exqui(ite  imagery,  Zeeb.  ii,  8.  j  union  with  whom,  I  have  finifhed  my  work,  and  am  now  exalted  to  praife  Ibee 
 He  that  toucheth  you,  touebeth  the  apple  of  his  eye.”  Matth  xxui.  37.  ►  ="  r^Aoarr,^A  wn.I.I  ••  r,r,„  n.w  U, 
 
 «  O  Jerufalem,  Jerufalem,  how  often  would  I  have  gathered  thy  children  to-  I 
 gether,  even  as  a  hen  galherelh  her  chickens  under  her  wings!”  Ver.  ID. 
 
 ■They  are  inclosed  in  their  own  Jat.  Dr  Hammond  prefers  the  rendering  which  | 
 follows  :  “  They  have  (hut  up  their  mouth  with  fat  ;  they  fpeak  proudly.”  | 
 
 Either  way  the  meaning  plainly  is,  that  pride  is  the  child  of  plenty,  begotten  ■ 
 
 me. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 tny 
 
 enemies 
 against 
 the  soul. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  XVII.  Ver.  1.  Hear  the  right,  O  ] 
 Lord,  or  ‘  Hear,  O  righteous  Lord.’  The  righteoufnefs  of  the  judge,  and  the  im-  ' 
 portunity  and  fincerity  of  the  petitioner,  are  the  arguments  here  urged  for  a  | 
 Jpeedy  and  favourable  determination.  Slander  and  calumny  were  the  portion  j 
 of  David,  and  of  a  greater  than  David,  till  the  righteous  Lord  manifefted  him-  j 
 fell  on  their  behalf.  Ver.  4.  Concerning  the  works  of  men.  The  way  to  hold  faft  i 
 our  integrity  in  time  of  temptation  is  here  pointed  out.  “  I  have  watched,”  j 
 obferved,  that  is,  in  order  to  avoid  “the  paths  of  the  deftroyer.”  This  feems  j 
 
 to  be  the-  literal  conftruiftion,  and  to  convey  the  full  meaning  of  the  verfe,  | 
 
 which  contains  exadlly  the  fame  fentiment  with  that  in  Pfalm  cxix.  11.  “Thy 
 
 word  have  I  hid  in  mine  heart,  that  I  might  not  fin  againft  thee.”  Ver.  8.  [ 
 
 Deep  me  as  the  apple  o*  the  eye.  He  who  has  fo  fenced  and  guarded  that  precious  , 
 and  tender  part,  the  pupil  of  the  eye,  and  who  has  provided  for  the  fecurity  j 
 of  a  young  and  helplefs  brood  under  the  wings  of  their  dam,  is  here  entreated 
 to  extend  the  fame  providential  care  and  parental  love  to  the  fouls  of  his 
 
 in  the  name  of  a  redeemed  world.”  Whenever  we  ling  this  Pfalm,  let  us 
 think  we  a.e  finging  it  in  conjun(5lion  with  our  Saviour,  newly  rilen  fro®  the 
 dead  :  a  confideration  which  furely  will  incite  us  to-  do  it  with  becoming  gra¬ 
 titude  and  devotion.  Ver.  2.  It  is  obfervable,  that  the  words,  “  in  whom  1 
 tiuft,”  eras  the  original  has  it,  “I  will  truft  in  him,”  are  referred  to  in  the 
 margin  of  our  Englifh  Bible,  as  quoted  from  this  verfe  by  St  Paul,  Heb.  ii. 
 Tv  fel'f-inyurgencer  wh^^^^  hardens  the  hearts  of  men  againft  the  fear  0^ God,  ||  13.  If  it  be  fo,  the  reader,  by  turning  to  the  place,  may  furnilh  birafelf  with 
 and  the  love  of  their  neighbours;  rendering  them  infenble  to  the  judgments  |  a  demoftrationj^  ftaat  Jn  the  xviiith^as  well  as  in  the  xyith  Pfalm,  David  fpcaks 
 of  the  former,  and  the  miferies  of  the  latter. 
 
 its  in  our  fieps.  “  They  have  coropaffed  us  in  our  fteps  that  is,  literally, 
 
 •‘They  have  fet,  or  fixed  their  eyes,”  upon  us,  (lenethuth  barang,)  “to  lay 
 us  proftrate  upon  the  earth,”  or  finally  to  make  an  end  of  us.  \  er-  12.  I.:ke  n 
 as  a  lion.  The  fimilitude  of  a  lion  either  roaring  abroad  in  quell  of  bis  prey,  j 
 or  couching  in  fecret,  ready  to  Ijiring  upon  it  the  moment  it  comes  witliin  his 
 reach,  is  often  employed  bv  David,  to  deferibe  the  power  and  malice  of  his 
 
 Ver.  1 1.  They  have  now  compassed  j!  in  the  perfon  of  Cbrift.  Ver.  4.  The  sorrows,  or  cords  of  death  compassed  me. 
 
 St  Peter,  in  his  fermon  on  the  day  of  Pentccoll,  fays,  when  fpeaki  ng  of 
 Chrill — “  Whom  God  hath  raifed  up,  having  loofed  the  pains  of  death,  becaufe 
 it  was  not  polfihle  that  he  (hould  be  holden  of  it,”  A(5ls  ii.  24.  Now  the 
 Hebrew  word,  (hebel)  as  Dr  Hammond  well  obferves  on  that  place,  fignifies 
 two  things,  a  cord  or  band,  and  a  pang,  efpecvally  of  women  in  travail.  Heuct 
 the  LXX  meeting  with  the  word,  Pfal.  xviii.  where  it  certainly  fignifies  (choinia) 
 
 and  comfort  bv  his  gofpel  grant  '  This  fecures  againft  want  as  well  as  againft  ruin.  This  feeures  diredion  in  time,  comfort  in  death,  and  glory  through  eternitf 
 And  O  how  oleafant  death  and  eternity  appear,  when  Cbrift  is  confidered  as  our  way,  as  our  forerunner  and  God  in  him  as  our  eyerlaft.ng  all  IK  all. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS  — •  Psal.  XVII.]  Confeious  of  integrity  in  principle  is  the  mind  s  buckler  againft  the  rnoft.  envenomed  arrows  ot  re 
 nroach.  Haonv  are  they  who  have  put  it  on  :  but  the  faint  even  in  his  heft  armour  is  never  fafe,  unlefs  be  extreife  faith  in  God,  and  have  no  confidence  in  the  fleih- 
 Lppv  are  they  who  in  tLir  trials  improve  God’s  word  as  their  prefervative  from  evil  ;  and  who.  alllfted  by  his  gracious  influence,  watch  over  their  hearts,  cleave  to 
 that  which  is  good,  and  abhor  that  which  is  evil.  Our  w  hole  falvation  is  of  God,  and  is  of  infinite  love  from  hrft  to  laft.  In  vam  Satan  rages  againft  thofe  whom  G  ^ 
 fo  tenderly  and  clofcdy  keeps.  No  luxurious,  proud,  aaive,  crafty,  or  cruel  devourers  (ball  ever  pluck  them  out  of  his  hand  The  moll  violent  perfecutors  are  ofu" 
 by  God  made  inftruments  of  much  good  to  his  people.  But  how  wretched  are  his  enemies  !  they  feek  their  portion  on  earth  and  nothing  is  ref^ved  [o'- 'J 
 ^ture  world,  but  difappoiutment  and  everlafting  ruin.  But  happy  are  they  whofe  tranlient  views  of  God,  and  imperfea  likeoefs  to  bun  now,  ilTue  at  laft  tli  endlew 
 sod  imaiediate  vifion  of  biro,  and  in  perfea  fruition  of  all  his  coveDaD^fulHe^s, 
 
^  lleb 
 hy  his. 
 
 ,  .  PSALMS. 
 
 ilarvcllous  and  mii^hty 
 
 Boror.  5  The  II  rorrows  of  hell  compaffed  me  about ;  the 
 fnares  of  death  II  prevented  me.  ,  .  j 
 
 oir.  1020.  g  dittrels  I  called  upon  the  Lord,  and  cried 
 
 unto  my  God  :  he  heard  my  voice  out  of  his  temple, 
 
 US  and  mv  cry  came  before  him,  into  his  ears. 
 
 II  7  I’hen  the  earth  (hook  and  trembled  ;  the  foun- 
 
 loy  bcroie  tjig  hllls  moved  and  were  lhaken,  be- 
 
 cauie  he  was  wroth.  , 
 
 8  Tnere  went  up  a  (moke  f  out  of  his  noftrils,  and 
 fire  out  of  his  mouth  devoured :  coals  were  kindled 
 
 ^9  He  bowed  the  heavens  alfo,  and  came  down. 
 and  darknefs  was  under  his  feet.  ,  ,  n 
 
 10  And  he  rode  upon  a  cherub,  and  did  ily  ;  yea, 
 he  did  fly  upon  the  wings  of  the  wind. 
 
 1 1  He  made  darknefs  his  fecret  place  his  pavilion 
 round  about  him  were  dark  waters  ajid  thick  clouds  of 
 
 12  At  the  brightnefs  that  was  before  him  his  thick 
 clouds  paffed  ;  hail-s^o«es  and  coals  of  fire. 
 
 13  Tne  Lord  alfo  thundered  in  the  heavens, 
 and  the  Higheft  gave  his  voice ;  hail-s^wnes  and  coals 
 
 of  fire.  , 
 
 14  Yea,  he  fent  out  his  arrows,  and  kattered 
 them ;  and  he  fhot  out  lightnings,  and  difcomfited 
 
 them.  ^  ■  r  j 
 
 15  Then  the  channels  of  waters  were  leen,  and 
 
 the  foundations  of  the  world  were  difcovered  at  thy 
 rebuke,  O  Lord,  at  the  blalt  of  the  breath  of  thy 
 noftrils. 
 
 16  He  fent  from  above,  he  took  me,  he  drew  me 
 out  of  II  many  waters. 
 
 17  He  delivered  me  from  my  ftrong  enemy,  and 
 from  them  which  hated  me  :  for  they  were  too  ftrong 
 for  me. 
 
 18  They  prevented  me  in  the  day  of  ray  calamity  : 
 but  the  Lord  was  my  ftay. 
 
 19  He  brought  me  forth  alfo  into  a  large  place; 
 he  delivered  me,  becaufe  he  delighted  in  me. 
 
 20  The  Lord  rewarded  me  according  to  my  righ- 
 teoufnefs  ;  according  to  the  eleannefs  of  my  hands 
 hath  be  recompenfed  me. 
 
 ti'cliverances,  S^c. 
 
 a  Or, 
 
 great 
 
 waters. 
 
 Cords,  or  bands,  have  yet  rendered  it  (odines)  pangs  i  and  from  their  example 
 here,  St  Luke  hath  ufed  (las  odinas  thanatou)  the  pains  or  pangs  of  death; 
 ■when  both  the  addition  of  the  word  (lufas)  loosings  and  (krateifthai)  being  holden 
 fast,  do  Ihew  the  fenfe  is  bands,  or  cords  ’’  From  the  palTage  in  the  adls,  with 
 this  learned  and  judicious  remark  upon  it,  we  obtain  not  only  the  true  render, 
 ing  of  the  pbrafe  “  (bebeli  mulh)  cords,  or  bonds  of  death  ”  but  alfo  fomething 
 more  than  an  intonation  that,  in  the  verfes  of  the  Pfalm  now  before  us,  David 
 fpeaks  of  Christ,  that  the  ‘‘cords  of  death”  thofe  bauds  due  to  our  fins 
 “compafled  him  about,  and  the  floods  of  Be'iial,”  the  powers  of  darknefs 
 and  ungodlinefs,  like  an  overwhelming  torrent,  breaking  forth  from  the  bottom, 
 lefs  pit,  “made  him  afraid,”  in  the  day  of  his  agony,  when  the  apprehenfions 
 of  the  bitter  cup  cast  his  foul  into  unutterable  amazement,  and  he  beheld  him- 
 felf  environed  by  thofe  fnares,  which  had  captivated  and  detained  all  the  chib, 
 dren  of  Adam.  David,  furrounded  by  Saul  and  hia  blood-thirsty  attendants, 
 Was  a  lively  emblem  of  the  fuffering  Jefus,  and  therefore  the  fame  defcription  is 
 applicable  to  both;  as  the  words  in  the  fecond  Pfalm,  in  like  manner  celebrate 
 the  inauguration  of  the  fon  of  JeflTe  and  that  of  the  Scm  of  God.  Ver.  7.  Then 
 the  earth  shook  and  trembled.  At  this  verfe  the  prophet  begins  to  defcribe  the 
 manifeftations  of  divine  power  in  favour  of  the  Righteous  Sufferer.  The  imagery 
 employed  is  borrowed  from  mount  Smai,  and  thofe  circuinftances  which  attend¬ 
 ed  the  delivery  of  the  law  from  thence.  When  a  monarch  is  angry,  and  pre¬ 
 pares  for  war,  bis  whole  kingdom  is  inftantly  in  commotion.  Univetfal  nature 
 is  here  reprefented  as  feeling  the  efledls  of  its  fovereign’s  difpleafure,  and  all  the 
 Vifibte  elements  ate  difordered.  The  earth  ffiakes  from  its  foundation,  and  all 
 its  rocks  and  mountains  tremble  before  the  majefty  of  their  great  Creator,  when 
 he  arifeth  in  judgment.  This  rtas  really  the  cafe  at  the  refurrediion  of  our 
 Lord  from  the  dead  ;  when,  as  the  evangelift  informs  us,  “  there  was  a  great 
 earthquake,”  and  the  grave  owned  its  inability  any  longer  to  detain  the  bleflvd 
 body,  which  had  been  committed,  for  a  feafon,  to  its  cuftody.  And  what  hap¬ 
 pened  at  the  fefurredlion  of  Jefus,  Ihould  remind  us  of  what  (hall  happen,  when 
 
 21  For  I  have  kept  the  ways  of  the  Lord,  and 
 
 have  not  wickedly  departed  from  my  God.  * 
 
 22  For  all  his  judgments  were  before  me,  and  1  did 
 not  put  away  his  ftatutes  from  me. 
 
 23  I  was  alfo  upright  f  before  him,  and  I  keptMJ'^'- 
 
 myfelf  from  mine  iniquity.  ' 
 
 24  Therefore  hath  the  Lord  reco.mpenfed  me  ac¬ 
 cording  to  my  righteoufneCs,  according  to  the  clean- 
 
 nefs  of  my  hands  t  in  his  eyeTight.  t  Heb. 
 
 25  With  the  merciful  thou  wilt  fhew  thyfelf 
 ciful;  with  an  upright  man  thou  wilt  (hew  thyfelf  up- 
 
 26  With  the  pure  thou  wilt  fhew  thyfelf  pare  ;  and 
 with  thefroward  thou  wilt  II  (hew  thyfelf  froward.  B 
 
 27  For  thou  wilt  fave  the  afilifted  people;  but"’'’'’*"'' 
 wilt  bring  down  high  looks. 
 
 28  For  thou  wilt  light  ray  1|  candle:  the  Lord  my 
 God  will  enlighten  my  darknefs. 
 
 29  For  by  thee  I  have  1|  run  through  a  troop ;  and  II  Or, 
 by  my  God  have  I  leaped  over  a  wall. 
 
 30  As  fur  God,  his  way  is  perfect :  '  the  word  of  c  Pfaims 
 
 the  Lord  is  |1  tried  ;  he  is  a  buckler  to  all  thofe  that  ^ 
 truft  in  him.  ' 
 
 31  **  For  who  is  God,  fave  the  Lord  ?  or  who  rsso.  5. 
 
 a  rock,  fave  our  God  ?  II  Or, 
 
 32  It  is  God  that  girdeth  me  with  ftrength,  and 
 
 maketh  my  way  perfect.  32.  3^, 
 
 33  He  maketh  ray  feet  like  hinds’  feety  and  fetteth  i  s.im. 
 
 me  upon  my  high  places.  2. 2. 
 
 34  He  teacheth  my  hands  to  w’ar,  fo  that  a  bow  of  gg“g™ 
 
 fteel  is  broken  by  mine  arms.  jfaiah 
 
 35  Thou  haft  alfo  given  me  the  ftiield  of  thy  falva-  45.  5. 
 tion  ;  and  thy  right  hand  hath  holden  me  up,  and 
 
 II  thy  gentlenefs  hath  made  me  great.  11  .O'"' 
 
 36  Thou  haft  enlarged  my  fteps  under  me,  that|^“V;^, 
 t  my  feet  did  not  flip. 
 
 37  I  have  purl'ued  mine  enemies,  and  overtaken  niuidpiied 
 them ;  neither  did  I  turn  again  till  they  were  con- 
 
 '““‘■a-  L™;- 
 
 3S  I  have  w'ounded  them,  that  they  were  not  ablectcs. 
 to  rife  :  they  are  fallen  under  my  feet. 
 
 39  For  thou  haft  girded  me  with  ftrength  unto  the 
 
 the  earth  Ihall  tremble,  and  the  dead  (hall  be  raifed  at  the  laft  day.  Ver.  15. 
 Then  the  channels  of  waters  were  seen.  As  the  former  part  of  the  Ptalmift’s  de- 
 fcription  was  taken  from  the  appearance  on  mount  Smai,  fo  this  latter  part 
 feems  evidently  to  allude  to  what  paffed  at  the  Red  fea,  when  by  the  breath  of 
 God  the  waters  were  divided,  the  depths  were  difcovered,  and  Ifrael  was  con¬ 
 duced  fafely  through  them.  By  that  event  was  prefigured  the  falvation  of  the 
 church  univerfal,  through  the  death  and  refurreCion  of  Chrift,  who  defcended 
 into  the  lower  parts  of  the  earth,  and  from  thence  re-afcended  to  light  and  life. 
 The  xivth  chapter  of  Exodus,  which  relates  (he  paffage  of  Ifrael  through  the 
 Red  fea,  is  therefore  appointed  as  one  of  the  proper  leffons  on  Eafier  Day. 
 And  thus  we  obtain  the  ideas  intended  to  be  conveyed  in  this  fublime  but  diflicult 
 verfe,  together  with  their  application  to  the  grand  deliverance  of  Uie  true  Da¬ 
 vid,  in  the  day  of  God  s  power.  Indeed  it  is  not  eafy  to  accommodate  to  any 
 part  of  the  hiftory  of  the  fon  of  Jeffe,  thofe  awful,  majeftic  and  ftupenduous 
 images,  which  are  made  ufe  of  throughout  this  whole  defcription  of  the  divine 
 manifeflation,  from  ver.  7.  But  however  this  be,  moft  cerUinly  every  part  of 
 fo  folemn  a  fcene  of  terrors  forbids  us  to  doubt  but  that  a  ‘  greater  than  Da- 
 vid  is  here  ;”  fmce  creation  fcarce  affords  colours  brighter  and  flrongerthan  thofe 
 here  employed,  wherewith  to  paint  the  appearance  of  Jehovaii,  at  the  dav  of 
 final  redemption.  Ver.  28.  For  thou  wilt,  or  doff  right  vxy  candle.  Remarkable 
 are  the  words  of  the  Chaldee  Pharaphraff  upon  this  verfe,  cited  bv  Dr  HAmmr.nff 
 —  “  Becaufe  thou  flialt  enlighten  the  lamp  of  Ifrael,  which  is  put  out  in  the  can 
 tivity,  for  thou  art  U.e  author  of  the  light  of  Ifrael,  the  Lord  mv  God  lhall  lead 
 
 confolation  of  the 
 
 lathis  d  Tl-  n  r  “'■‘•A  * 
 
 In  this  and  the  following  verfes  are  enuiherated  the  gifts  of  God  to  the  fpiritual 
 
 «;arr.or,  wliereby  he  is  a-med  and  prepared  for  the  battle,  aft  .  the  example  of 
 
 h.s  v.aonous  leade^  Ver.  37.-42.  If  we  fuppofe  D.avid  in  h.s  cm.quefts  to 
 
 have  prefigured  v.aorious  Mvff.ab,  their  have  we,  in  ibefe  autf  t.u 
 
 verfes,  a  fublime  defcription  o.  that  vengeance,  which  Jefu«,  after  his  refufrec- 
 
The  creaitot  n  God’s  glory. 
 
 PSALMS. 
 
 David  prayeth  for  God’s 
 
 Before  battle :  thou  haft  f  fubdued  under  me  thofe  that 
 *'0^'^  Up  againft  me. 
 
 ^ir,  1040.  °  ,  n  IP  .  r*  . 
 
 40  1  nou  n3lt  alio  given  me  the  necks  of  mine  ene- 
 mies,  that  I  might  deftroy  them  that  hate  me. 
 
 41  1  hey  cried,  but  there  teas  none  to  lave  (hem  : 
 even  unto  the  Lord,  but  he  anlwered  them  not. 
 
 42  I'hen  did  I  beat  them  (mall  as  the  duft  before  ! 
 the  wind  ;  1  did  caft  them  out  as  the  dirt  in  the 
 ftreers. 
 
 43  Thou  haft  delivered  me  from  the  ftrivings  of  the 
 people;  and  thou  haft  made  me  the  head  of  the 
 heatheu  :  a  people  •Lchom  1  have  not  known  lhall  ferve 
 me. 
 
 12  David  prayeth 
 
 cr.  lOio^ 
 
 I  r 
 
 t  Hcb. 
 idt  the 
 hearing  of 
 the  ear. 
 t  Hcb. 
 
 ^  obey 
 
 (he  ftrangers  (hall  H  t  fubmit  therafelves  unto; 
 1)  Or,  me.  I 
 
 yield  45  Xhe  ftrangers  (hall  fade  away,  and  be  afraid  out ' 
 of  their  dole  places.  I 
 
 t  iieb!^^  +6  Lhe  Lord  liverh ;  and  bleflfed  be  my  rock  ;  and  j 
 lie.  let  tne  God  of  my  falvation  be  exalted.  i 
 
 t  Heb.  47  //  jg  Qod  that  t  avengeth  me,  and  H  fubdueth  | 
 f '  n*c-  people  under  me. 
 
 °m^TfoT  48  He  delivereth  me  from  mine  enemies ;  yea, 
 rne.^  thou  lifteft  me  up  above  thofe  that  rife  up  againft 
 II  Or,  .  (hou  haft  delivered  me  from  the  f  violent  man. 
 
 49  '  Therefore  will  1  give  thanks  unto  thee,  O 
 wan  of  Lord,  among  the  heathen,  and  ling  prail'es  unto  thy 
 violence,  name. 
 
 15^9™  50  Great  deliverance  giveth  he  to  his  king;  and 
 
 (I  Or,"  fheweth  mercy  to  his  anointed,  to  David  and  to  his 
 cotijess.  feed  for  evermore.* 
 
 PSALM  XIX. 
 
 I  The  creatures  shew  GoU'l  glory  ;  the  word,  his  grace, 
 for  grace. 
 
 II  To  the  chief  mufician,  A  pfalm  of  David. 
 
 ^r^IIE  *  heavens  declare  the  glory  of  God  ;  andaCen 
 X  the  (armament  (heweth  his  handy-work.  i.  g!"* 
 
 2  Day  unto  day  uttireth  fpeech,  and  night  untoH  .Uo 
 night  (heweth  knowledge. 
 
 i  3  There  is  no  fpeech  nor  language  1|  f  w/icre  their 
 !  voice  i.s  not  heard.  is  henrT.^ 
 
 I  4  ”  II  Their  line  is  gone  out  through  all  the  earth  t  Hi-b. 
 j  and  their  words  to  the  end  of  the  world,  in  them 
 1  hath  he  fet  a  tabernacle  for  the  fun ;  heard. 
 
 5  Which  is  as  a  bridegroom  coming  out  of  his'^itom. 
 chamber,  and  rejoiceth  as  a  ftrong  man  to  run 
 
 vtiict 
 
 race. 
 
 Their 
 
 tion  and  afccnfion,  infli(5ted  on  his  hardened  and  impenitent  enemies.  Ver.  44, 
 45.  The  ftrangers  shall  submit  themselves  unto  me;  the  nations  were  ‘  aliens  from 
 the  cojnmonwcaltb  of  Ifrael,  and  ftrangers  to  the  covenants  of  promife,’  either 
 cordially  fubmitted  to  the  feeptre  of  Chrift,  or  at  leaft  diffemble  their  hoftility, 
 and  yielded  a  fe'gned  fubmiftion  (for  fo  the  word  [kehethj  fometimes  lignifies ;) 
 ‘the  ftranger  ftiall  fade  away;’  that  is  fucb  of  them  as  fet  them felves  againft 
 me,  (ball  find  their  ftreng'.h  blafted  and  withered  as  a  leaf  in  autumn,  and  (hall 
 fall  at  the  found  of  my  name  and  my  viiftories,  ‘  They  (hall  be  afraid  out  of 
 their  clofe  places.’  or  rather,  ‘they  (hall  come  trembling  from  their  ftrong 
 holds,’  as  places  not  abl.-  to  protedl  them,  and  therefore  they  will  fue  for  peace. 
 Such  feems  to  be  the  import  of  thefe  two  verfes,  which  therefore  denote  the  con- 
 queft  of  MtlTiah  to  have  been  every  way  complete.  And  accordingly  in  the 
 remaining  part  of  the  pfalm,  the  ciiurch  through  Chrift  her  Head,  bielTeth 
 Jehovah  for  the  fame.  Ver.  4  9.  T/ierefore  will  [give  thanks  unto  thee.  0  Lord. 
 Remarkable  is  the  manner  in  which  St  Paul  cites  this  verle,  Rom.  xv.  9.  This 
 verfe  is  applied  in  Rom.  xv.  2.  to  the  calling  of  the  Gentiles  unto  the  faith  of 
 Chrift,  and  praife  unto  God  therefore.  By  which  we  are  taught,  that  of  Chrift 
 and  his  kingdom  this  pfalm  is  chiefly  intended. 
 
 EXPLANATORY'  NOTES.  Psal.  XIX.  Ver.  4.  Their  line  h  gone  out 
 through  all  the  earth.  The  apoftle’s  conimifTion  was  the  fame  with  that  of  the  hea- 
 vens:  and  St  Paul,  Rom.  x.  18  l  as  applied  the  natural  images  of  this  verfe  to  the 
 manifeftations  of  Uie  Light  of  Life,  by  the  fermons  of  thofe  who  were  fent  forth 
 for  that  purpofe.  He  is  fpeaking  of  thofe  Jews  who  had  not  obeyed  the  gofpel. 
 
 6  His  going  forth  is  from  the  end  of  the  heaven,  ni(e,  or 
 and  his  circuit  unto  the  ends  of  it :  and  there  is  nothing 
 
 hid  from  the  heat  thereof. 
 
 7  The  II  law  of  the  Lord  is  perfe6l,  jl  convening  y  Or,”^’ 
 
 the  foul ;  the  teftimony  of  the  Lord  is  lure,  making 
 wife  the  fimple  ;  _ 
 
 8  The  ftatutes  of  the  Lord  are  right,  rejoicing  the/pj/jjg 
 heart;  the  commandment  ot  the  Lord  fs  pure,  en-72, 127.’ 
 lightening  the  eyes : 
 
 9  The  fear  of  the  Lord  is  clean,  enduring  for  ever ;  ^ 
 
 the  judgments  of  the  Lord  are  f  true  and  righteous  119. 103. 
 ■  altogether.  t 
 
 j  1 0  More  to  be  dehred  arc  they  than  gold,  '  yea,  than 
 much  fine  gold  ;  ^  fweeter  alfo  than  honey  and  f  the/’‘"^  “ 
 honey  comb. 
 
 honey¬ 
 
 combs. 
 
 world  of  the  more  glorious  one  in  the  fpiritua',  their  fun  of  the  ‘  Sun  of  Righ- 
 teoufnefs.’  But  of  this  the  following  verfes  will  lead  us  to  fpeak  more  particu. 
 larly.  Ver.  5.  In  them  hath  he  set  a  tabernacle  for  he  sun.  In  the  centre  of  tlie 
 heavens  there  is  a  tent  pitched  by  the  Creator  for  the  refidence  of  that 
 mod  glorious  of  inanimate  fubftances  the  folar  light ;  from  thence  it  iffues,  with 
 the  beauty  of  a  bridegroom,  and  the  vigour  of  a  champion,  to  run  its  courfe, 
 and  perform  its  operations.  A  tabernacle,  in  like  manner  was  prepared  for 
 him,  who  faith  of  himftlf,  ‘  I  am  the  light  of  the  world,’  John  viii.  12.  And 
 as  the  liglit  of  the  fun  goes  out  in  the  morning  with  inconceivable  adlivity.  new 
 and  youthful  in  itfelf,  and  communicating  life  and  gaiety  to  all  things  around  it, 
 like  a  bridegroom  in  the  marriage  garment,  from  his  chamber  to  his  nuptials; 
 
 \  fo,  at  his  incarnation,  did  the  Light  Divine,  the  promifed  bridegroom,  vifit  his 
 i  church,  being  clad  himfelf,  and  clothing  her  with  that  robe  of  righteoufnefs, 
 which  is  ftyled  in  feripture  the  marriage  garment ;  and  the  joy,  which  his 
 prefence  adminiftered,  was  like  the  benefits  of  it,  univerfal,  and  as  the  material 
 I  light  is  always  ready  to  run  its  heavenly  race,  daily  Ihining  forth  with  renewed 
 i  vigour,  like  an  invincible  champion  dill  frefh  to  labour;  fo  likevvifo  did  he 
 rejoice  to  run  his  glorious  race ;  he  excelled  in  Arength,  and  bis  works  were 
 j  great  and  marvellous  ;  he  triumplied  over  the  powers  of  darknefs  ;  he  (lied 
 1  abroad  on  all  Tides  his  bright  beams  upon  his  church  ;  he  became  her  deliverer, 
 j  her  protedlor  and  fupport ;  and  fliewed  himfelf  able  in  every  refpedt  to  accora- 
 plllh  for  her  the  mighty  talk  he  had  undertaken.  YVhat  a  marvellous  in.ftrument 
 of  the  Mod  High  is  the  fun  at  his  rifing,  confiJertd  in  this  view.  Ver.  6.  HiS 
 
 J^rd'^lhe  ngludiWne?Tik^7b'^Ur\h"^heave^^^  as  i  he  fent  out  his  word  enlightening  and  enlivenmg  all  things  by  the  glory  of  hi? 
 
 the  prophet  David  foretold  in  the  xixth  pfalm.  The  apoftle  cannot  Le  fuppofvd  ij  grace.  His  celellial  rays,  like  thofe  of  the  fun,  took  J 
 
 to  have  made  ufe  of  this  feripture  in  a  fenfe  of  accommodation  only,  becaufe  he  j  earth;  they  went  forth  out  of  Judea  into  all  the  parts  of  the  habitable  wo  d, 
 cites  it  amon-r  other  texis  which  he  produces  merely  as  prophecies.  And  if  fuch  j  there  was  no  corner  of  it  fo  remote  as  to  be  without  the  reach  of  their 
 be  its  meaning,  if  the  heavens  thus  declare  the  glory  of  God,  and  this  is  the  1  and  healing  power.  ihe  Lord  gave  the  word,  gre.it  was  the  company  cf  thof 
 great  lelTon  they  are  inceffantly  teaching ;  what  other  language  do  they  fpeak 
 
 than  that  their  Lord  is  the  repreler.tative  of  ours,  the  bright  ruler  in  the  natural  | 
 
 that  publiftied  it,  Pfal.  Ixxviii.  11  It  was  the  exjirefs  declaration  of  our  Sivioui; 
 himfedf,  ‘  This  gofpel  of  the  kingdom  (liall  be  preached  in  all  the  wot  Id,  for  a 
 
 PR  APTir  AT  ORSKRV  4TIO\S. _ *  P.SAL.  XVIII. 1  How  clofe  and  marvellous  is  the  connexion  between  Chrift  and  his  people,  that  the  fame  relations  of 
 
 gS,  the  Jme  words  and  works  of  o'od,  and  exercifes  towards  God  will  apply  to  both  !  Let  Jefns  then  at  once  be  my  Saviour,  Forerunner,  and 
 
 J  £  I  1  •  i-  J  A  *1  r  Jo  Hiot  fieri  him  Ht*  their  ALL  and  in  ALL.  Sure  is  their  help  m  time  of  need  who  trull  in  him  1  ihou*;!)  he  may  take  me 
 
 motl^Iwful  manner  to  LfwerThe  prayers  of  Ids’  people  in  delivering  them  out  of  their  diftrefs,  and  exalting  them  to  fafety  and  joy.  Tho'e  deliverances,  demand  the 
 xnoft  awful  manner  P  imminent  danger.  Happy  are  they  who.  interefted  in  Jefus’  righteoufnefs,  have  their  corruption 
 
 prL6lionL.vha^t  fuccefs  and  viaory_-vhat  a  high  throne-is  allotted  them  by  the  living,  the  faithful,  the  powerful  the  unparalleled  God  of  their  falvation  .  With 
 firm  faith  may  fuch  expedl  the  Lord’s  perfeifling  of  all  that  grace  and  glory  which  concerns  them. 
 
'fhe  church  hlcsselh  the  hln<:;, 
 
 1 1  Moreover,  by  them  is  thy  fervant  warned  :  arid 
 in  keeping  of  them  there  is  great  reward. 
 
 12  Who  can  underftind  his  errors?  cleanfe  thou 
 me  from  I'ecrei  /atd/s. 
 
 13  Keep  back  thy  fervant  alfo  from  prefumptuous 
 
 K*iTr/^  /^rkminlr^n  riTTf»r  TYIA  •  thCD  {1)3.11 
 
 the  great 
 
 PSALMS. 
 
 Jinvid  corrtpluvieth  in  d’  anewen*  ■ 
 
 Before 
 
 Cliritt 
 ■Ir.  1040. 
 
 B  Or, 
 
 n^uch 
 
 sins !  let  them  not  have  dominion  over  me  : 
 
 I  be  upright,  and  I  (hall  be  innocent  (rom  |1 
 tranfgreffion. 
 
 14  Let  the  words  of  my  mouth,  and  the  meditations 
 I  Heb.  of  my  heart,  be  acceptable  in  thy  fight,  O  Lord,  f  my 
 my  rock,  ftrength,  and  my  Redeemer.” 
 
 PSALM  XX. 
 
 J  The  church  blestelh  the  king  in  his  exploits ;  7  her  conKience  ifi  God's 
 succour, 
 
 II  To  the  chief  mufician,  A  pfalm  of  David. 
 
 The  Lord  hear  thee  in  the  day  of  trouble  ;  the 
 name  of  the  God  of  Jacob  t  defend  thee. 
 tetiheeon  2  Send  t  thee  help  from  the  fanftuary,  and  fftrength- 
 
 an  hish 
 
 3  Remember  all  thy  offerings,  and  f  accept  thy 
 burnt-facrifice.  Selah. 
 
 4  Grant  thee  according  to  thine  own  heart,  and 
 fulfil  all  thy  counfel. 
 
 5  We  will  rejoice  in  thy  falvation,  and  in  the  name 
 of  our  God  we  will  fet  up  uttr  banners :  the  Lord 
 fulfil  all  thy  petitions. 
 
 6  Now  know  I  that  the  Lord  faveth  his  anointed  : 
 he  will  hear  him  t  from  his  holy  heaven  t  with  the 
 faving  ffrength  of  his  right  hand, 
 
 7  Some  trust  in  chariots,  and  fome  in  horfeS  ;  but 
 we  will  remember  the  name  of  the  Lord  our  God 
 8  They  are  brought  down  and  fallen  ;  but  we  are 
 rifen,  and  ftand  upright. 
 
 9  Save,  Lord  :  let  the  king  hear  us  when  we  call.f 
 PSALM  xxr. 
 
 i  Thanksgiving  for  victory .  7  Conjilence  of  further  suCcesi, 
 
 f  To  the  chief  mufician,  A  pfalm  of  David. 
 
 The  king  (hall  joy  in  thy  ftrength,  O  Lord  ;  and 
 in  thy  (alvation  how  greatly  (hall  he  rejoice  I 
 2  Thou  haft  given  him  his  heart’s  defire,  and  haft 
 not  withholden  the  requeft  of  his  lips.  Selah. 
 
 place. 
 t  Heb. 
 thy  help. 
 f  Heb. 
 support 
 thee. 
 fHeb. 
 turn  to 
 ashes,  or 
 tnake  /at. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 from  the 
 heaven  of 
 his  holi¬ 
 ness. 
 fHeb. 
 by  the 
 strenglhof 
 the  salva- 
 tioii  of  hit 
 righihand. 
 
 to 
 
 witnefs  unto  all  nations,  and  then  (ball  the  end  come,*’  Matth.  xxiv.  14.  And 
 St  Paul  affirms  that  the  gofpel  was  “  come  unto  all  the  world,  and  had  been 
 preached  to  every  creature  under  heaven,’*  Col.  i.  6.  and  23.  The  prophet 
 therefore  having  thus  foretold  the  tniffion  of  the  apoftles,  and  the  fuccefs  of  their 
 rainiftry,  proceeds  in  the  next  place  to  describe  their  dodtrine ;  fo  that  what  fol¬ 
 lows  IS  a  fine  encomium  upon  the  gofpel,  written  with  ali  the  fimplicity  peculiar 
 to  the  facred  language,  and  in  a  ftrain  far  furpaffing  the  utmoR  eflTorts  of  human 
 eloquence. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psat..  XX.  Ver.  1—9.  This  may  be  coti- 
 Cdered  as  the  addrefs  of  a  people  to  their  king,  when  he  goeth  forth  to  the 
 battle  againfi  their  enemies.  But  it  is  to  be  regarded  in  a  more  general  and  ufe- 
 W  view  as  the  addrefs  of  the  church  to  Chrift  her  king,  in  the  day  of  his  trouble, 
 ^e  prayeth  for  the  happy  accomplilhment  of  his  warfare,  through  the  name  of 
 the  God  of  Jacob,  dwelling  in  him.  And  his  warfare  is  not  accompliflied  in 
 bis  people,  until  the  laft  enemy  ftiall  be  deftroyed,  and  death  ffiall  be  fwallowed  up 
 
 3  For  thou  prevented  him  with  the  bltHiug,  of 
 goodnefs  :  thou  fettell  a  crown  of  pure  gr  id  on  his 
 head. 
 
 4  He  afked  life  of  thee,  and  thou  gav.  (t  tt  him,  rven 
 length  of  days  for  ever  and  ever. 
 
 5  His  glory  ts  great  in  thy  falvation  :  honour  and 
 majefty  haft  thou  laid  upon  him. 
 
 6  For  thou  halt  f  made  him  mod  blefifed  for  ever  ;  t 
 
 thou  haft  t  made  him  exceeding  glad  with  thy  counte- “j  j"’" 
 nance.  ^  tings. 
 
 7  For  the  king  trufteth  in  the  Lord  ;  and,  through  f  iieb. 
 the  mercy  of  the  moft  High  he  (hall  not  be  moved,  giodded 
 
 8  Thine  hand  (hall  find  out  all  thine  enemies  ;  thy^^“’^'^‘ 
 right  hand  (hall  find  out  thofe  that  hate  thee. 
 
 9  Thou  (halt  make  tnem  as  a  fiery  even  in  the  time 
 ;  of  thine  anger:  the  Lot^d  (hall  (wallow  them  up  in 
 I  his  wrath,  and  the  fire  (hall  devour  them. 
 
 10  Their  fruit  (halt  thou  deftroy  from  the  earth, 
 and  their  feed  from  among  the  children  of  men. 
 
 11  For  they  intended  evil  againft  thee  :  they  ima¬ 
 gined  a  mifehievous  device,  w/iich  they  are  not  able  to 
 perform  i 
 
 12  Therefore  ||  (halt  thou  make  them  turn  their  I  Or, 
 f  back,  wAen  thou  fhalt  make  ready  thine  arrows  upon 
 
 thy  firings  againft  the  face  of  them.  asab^t. 
 
 13  Be  thou  exalted.  Lord,  in  'hine  own  ftrength  :  f  Heb.  * 
 
 so  will  we  fing  and  praife  thy  power.t  shoulder. 
 
 PSALM  XXII. 
 
 1  David  complainelh  in  great  discouragement;  9  he  prayeth  in  great 
 
 distress;  23  he  prniteth  God.  |j  Qr, 
 
 H  To  the  chief  mufician  upon  ||  Aijeloth  Shahar,  The  hinA 
 A  pfalm  of  David.  of  the 
 
 *  IV  God,  my  God,  why  haft  thou  forfaken  me 
 
 JlVJ.  ihon  so  for  f  from  helping  me,  and  from  27.  ae.  ’ 
 
 the  words  of  my  roaring  ?  Mark 
 
 2  O  my  God,  I  cry  in  the  day  time,  but  thou  hear- 
 
 eft  not :  and  in  the  night-feafon,  and  f  am  not  fileuf.  from  my 
 
 3  But  thou  art  holy,  O  iJu  ti  that  inhabitefl  the  prad- laivaiion. 
 
 fes  of  Ifrael.  t  Heb. 
 
 4  Our  fathers  trufted  in  thee :  they  trufted,  and 
 thou  didft  deliver  them. 
 
 in  JiiSlory.  It  is  still  the  day  of  trouble  ;  still  the  name  of  the  God  of  Jacob  must 
 defend  the  body  of  Christ. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  XXL  Ver.  1.  The  king  shnU  joy  in 
 thy  strength,  0  Lord.  This  pfalm  is  a  fong  of  triumph  in  honour  of  Meifiah  The 
 Jews,^ confide, ing  that  the  fubjeiSls  of  ver.  4,  5,  6.  were  too  great  to  be  applied  to 
 David,  have  as  Cell  as  Christians  applied  them  to  the  Meffiah.  Ver.  6.  For  thou 
 hast  made  him  most  blessed,  Heb.  •  fet  him  to  be  bleffings.’  Ver.  12.  There  fore  shaU 
 thou  niaie  them  /urn  their  back,  the  judgments  of  God  are  called  his  arrows. 
 
 eing  (harp,  fwift,  fure.  and  deadly.  What  a  dreadful  fituatien,  to  be  fet  as  a  mark 
 and  butt,  at  which  thefe  arrows  are  directed  !  View  Jerufalem.  encomoalTed  by  the 
 Roman  armies  without,  and  torn  to  pieces  by  the  animofitv  of  defperate  and  bloody 
 taetions  within.  No  further  commentary  is  requifite  upon  this  verfe.  Tremble 
 and  repent,  is  the  inference  to  be  drawn  by  every  Christian  community  under  hea¬ 
 ve,^  m  which  appear  the  fymptoms  of  degeneracy  and  apostaev. 
 
 expl  anatory  notes,  Piau  XXI I.  Ver.  1.  My  God,  my  God,  why 
 
 all  Illuminated  by  Jefus  Chrift  the  fun  of  righteoufnefs,  and  his  oracles  ordinances  an  I  mmift^r  f  heavens,  the  firmament  of  the  gofpel  church, 
 
 humiliation  before  God,  on  account  of  the  number  and  ftrength  of  our  fecret  corruotions  Rui  torriSI  r  ^  blefled^Glafs  the  more  caute  (hall  we  fee  of  deep 
 
 yet  the  beft  need  to  pray  and  watch  againft  them.  Great  thfn  is  the  mercy  that  aUour  fLlvation  from  firand*lll“,r“““^  hn—fins  done  againft  light  and  love  !  and 
 ’  infinitely  valtiab  e  righteoufnefs.  acceptance  Ot  our  holy  fervices,  is  in  Chrift  the 
 
 Aorns.  None  need  our  prayers  more  than  thofe^that^o^cupy  SauSftaLtrrs^^  th" "l  Vt°“f ’  and  temporal  crowns  are  often  lined  with 
 
 eft  as  well  as  the  greateft.  Such  as  make  Chrift  the  objea  of  their  truft  (hall  foon  lifve  rei/n  r  I  ^  the  butt  of  envy.  All  men  have  need  of  prayer,  the  mean- 
 
 Xcair  •“*  Tb...  .bo  oW,  coobuonc,  o.,d  pefo.™ f  nf.M'i'i'fb,.  Wo.tif  ^r’iSd'rbl; 
 
 a,™.  Of  .bo  Rodoomor.  ,f  ho  conno.  b.  „p.od,  „iU,.r  n,.ll  „o.  ’loo„.  «,„or  .Uo  ."J  .f  Z  o^aS 
 
 ^  •  poncicr  aocI 
 
 6  S 
 
 1*- 
 
Dav'J  praycth  fo^  remission  of  sins- 
 
 Before  7  Remember  not  the  fins  of  my  youth,  nor  my 
 tranTgrefli  ms  :  according  to  thy  mercy  remember 
 V  r  ^  '  thou  me  tor  thy  goodnefs’  fake,  O  Lord. 
 
 8  Good  and  upright  is  the  Lord  :  therefore  will 
 he  teach  fioners  in  the  way. 
 
 9  The  meek  will  he  guide  in  judgment ;  and  the 
 meek  will  he  teach  h's  w-ay. 
 
 10  All  the  paths  of  the  Lord  ore  mercy  and  truth 
 unto  fuch  as  keep  his  covenant  and  his  tefiimonies. 
 
 1 1  For  thy  name’s  lake,  O  Lord,  pardon  mine 
 iniquity  ;  for  it  ts  great. 
 
 12  What  man  is  he  that  feareth  the  Lord?  him 
 (ball  he  teach  in  tne  way  f/iai  he  (hall  choole. 
 
 t  HeK  13  His  foul  t  fiiall  dwell  at  eafe  ;  and  his  feed  (hall 
 inherit  the  earth. 
 
 14.  d  Xhe  fecret  of  the  Lord  is  with  them  that  fear 
 him  ;  II  and  he  will  (hew  them  his  covenant. 
 
 15  Mine  eyes  ore  ever  toward  the  Lord;  for  he 
 (hall  t  p'uck  my  feet  out  of  the  net. 
 
 18  Turn  thee  unto  me,  and  have  mercy  upon  me; 
 for  I  am  defolate  and  alhitfled. 
 
 17  The  troubles  of  my  heart  are  enlarged  :  O  bring 
 thou  me  out  of  ray  diftrefl'es 
 
 18  Lock  upon  mine  allliftion  and  my  pain,  and 
 forgive  all  ray  fins. 
 
 19  Confider  mine  enemies,  for  they  are  many ;  and 
 they  hate  me  with  f  crnel  hatred. 
 
 20  O  keep  my  foul,  and  deliver  me:  let  me  not  be 
 afhamed.;  for  I  put  my  trull  in  thee. 
 
 21  Let  integrity  and  uptightnefs  preferve  me;  for 
 I  wait  on  thee. 
 
 22  Redeem  Ifrael,  O  God,  out  of  all  his  troubles.* 
 PSALM  XXVI. 
 
 David  resorleth  unto  God,  in  consfquence  of  hit  integrity. 
 
 H  A  psalm  of  David. 
 
 UDGE  me,  O  Lord;  for  I  have  walked  in  mine 
 ^  integrity  :  I  have  trufted  alfo  in  the  Lord  ; 
 Therefore  I  (hall  not  Aide. 
 
 2  *  Examine  me,  O  Lord,  and  prove  me  ;  try  my 
 reins  and  my  heart. 
 
 in  good¬ 
 ness. 
 d  Pror. 
 5.  32. 
 fl  Or, 
 and  his 
 covenant 
 to  make 
 them 
 know  it. 
 
 ■f  Heb. 
 
 bring 
 
 Jortk, 
 
 t  Heb. 
 haired  of 
 vioUncet 
 
 J 
 
 a  Pfalm 
 
 7.  9. 
 
 PSALMS.  resorleth  unto 
 
 8  For  thy  loving-kindnefs  is  before  mine  eyes  ;  Retore 
 and  1  have  walked  in  thy  truth.  ciirifi 
 
 4  I  have  not  fat  with  vain  perfons,  neither  will  'OK 
 
 go  in  with  dilTemblers.  ^  ^  b  pfai^ 
 
 5  I  have  hated  the  congregation  of  evil  doers  ;  and  *• 
 will  not  fit  with  the  wicked. 
 
 6  I  will  wafh  mine  hands  in  innocency :  fo  will  I 
 compafs  thine  altar,  O  Lord  ; 
 
 7  That  I  may  publilh  with  the  voice  of  thankfgiving, 
 and  tell  of  all  thy  wondrous  works. 
 
 8  Lord,  I  have  loved  the  habitation  of  thy  houfe, 
 
 and  the  place  f  where  thine  honour  dwelleth.  bernacle 
 
 9  II  Gather  net  my  foul  with  finners,  nor  ray  life  4./, 
 
 with  f  bloody  men  ;  J""’’; 
 
 10  In  whofe  hands  is  mifehief,  and  their  right  hand  Takers. 
 
 is  t  fn’.l  of  bribes.  awa^. 
 
 1 1  But  as  for  me,  I  will  walk  in  mine  ihtegrity :  f 
 redeem  me,  and  be  merciful  unto  me.  _ 
 
 12  My  foot  Aandeth  in  an  even  place  :  in  the  con'- ^  Heb. 
 
 gregations  will  I  blefs  the  LoRD.t  Jdkuwuh, 
 
 PSALM  XXVII. 
 
 1  David  susinineth  his  faith  by  the  power  oj  God,  4  by  his  love  to  the  ser¬ 
 vice  of  God  i  9  his  prayer. 
 
 f  A  psalm  of  David. 
 
 HE  Lord  is  *  my  light  and  my  falvation  ;  a  Micai^ 
 whom  (hall  I  fear  ?  ^  the  Lord  is  the  fireegth 
 of  my  life  ;  of  whom  (hall  I  be  afraid  ?  ns.  h. 
 
 2  When  the  wicked,  evtn  mine  enemies  and  my 
 
 foes,  t  came  upon  me,  to  eat  up  my  flefb,  they  ftum- 
 bled  and  fell.  ■  ed  agiiinji 
 
 3  <=  Though  an  hoft  (hould  encamp  againft  me,  my  me. 
 
 heart  Iball  not  fear;  though  war  Ihould  rile  againll  ^  Pfaim 
 me,  in  this  will  I  be  confident.  , 
 
 4  One  thing  have  I  dcfired  of  the  Lord,  that  will 
 
 I  feek  after;  that  I  may  dwell  in  the  houfe  of  the 
 Lord  all  the  days  of  my  life,  to  behold  11  the  beauty 
 of  the  Lord,  and  to  enquire  in  his  teniple.  Ught. 
 
 5  For  in  the  time  of  trouble  he  (hall  hide  me  in  his 
 pavilion :  in  the  fecret  of  his  tabernacle  (hall  he  hide 
 me ;  he  (ball  fet  me  up  upon  a  rock. 
 
 T 
 
 bilUv  of  knowledge,  human  or  divine.  Ver.  13.  His  soul  /hall  dwell  at  ease. 
 Heb  ‘  lod<Te  in  goodnefs.’  It  is  a  priviledge  of  the  man  who  feareth  the  Lord,  that, 
 not  only  in  this  ptefent  life  all  things  work  together  for  his  good,  but  h.s  foul, 
 after  having  perfevered  in  rigl.teoulnefs,  fhall  take  up  its  abode  »n  the  manfions 
 of  felicity.  His  feed  likevrife  fhali  be  bleffed  in  the  fame  manner,  with  fuch  a 
 portion  of  the  temporal  promife  made  to  Abrabanj,  as  God  fetth  heft  for  them, 
 Ld  certaihiv  with  an  abundant  {hare  in  the  fpiritiial  inheritance,  the  new  earth 
 wherein  dwell  rigbteoufnefk,  joy.  and  glory.  »  Bleffed  are  the  meek,  the  feed  of 
 Chrift,  for  they  (hall  inherit  ihe  earth,"  Matth.  v.  5.  Ver.  14.  The  secret.  IJeh. 
 •fixed  countel,  or,  defign’  of  the  Lord,  is  with  them  that  fear  htm  ; 
 them,  his  covenant,  Heb.  «  and  hiS  covenant  to  make  them  know  it.  The  greateft 
 happinefs  of  mah  in  this  world  is,  to  know  the  fixed  and  determinate  coUnfels  of 
 ^concerning  the  human  race,  and  to  underftand  the  covenant  of  redemptmn. 
 VeV  17  The  ioubles  of  my  heart  are  enlarged.  As  life  is  prolonged,  troubles 
 a-e  generally  enlarged,  till  at  length  they  take  up  what  rootn  there  *e  heart. 
 Tne^laft  fceLe  of  the  tragedy  is  the  moft  calamitous.  So  it  was  in  the  life  of  our 
 dear  Maftfr  And  everf  matt  will  fooner  or  later  perceive  that  God  alone  can 
 Wg  biroutef  hisdiflreffes.  Ver  22.  Redeens  Israel,  0  God.  In  the  com¬ 
 mon  felvaiibn  all  have  an  ihtereft ;  and,  for  that  reafon,  al  Ifhould  pray  for  it. 
 earthly  David  petitioned  for  Ifrael:  the  heavenly  David  ever  continues  to 
 
 -merc^e  for  the  church  :  and  every  Chriftian  ought  to  become  fupphant  for 
 
 his  brethren,  (liil  looking  and  longing  for  that  glorious  day,  when  by  joyful  re 
 furredlion  unto  life  eternal,  God  fliall  indeed  redeem  Ifrael  out  of  ali  his  troubles. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psai,.  XXVI.  Ver.  1.  Judge  vie,  0  Lord. 
 We  have  here  an  appeal  to  God,  in  behalf  of  injured  and  calumniated  innocence. 
 This  was  ihe  cafe  of  David,  with  rOgaVd  to  the  accufalions  of  Saul  ;  of  Chrift, 
 with  regard  to  thofe  of  the  Jews  ;  and  it  iS  often  the  cafe  of  the  church,  and  of 
 good  men  in  the  world;  for  whofe  ufe,  this  pfalin  feems  peculiarly  calculated. 
 Ver  4.  /  have  not  sat  with  vain  persons.  David,  driven  by  Saul  into  a  land  of 
 aliens,  yet  preferved  himfelf  from  the  contagion  of  idolatry.  Chrift,  alone,  like 
 his  emblem  the  light,  paffed  through  all  things  undefiled.  Ver.  6.  I  will  wnjh  my 
 hands  in  innocenby.  This  alludes  to  the  Jews  wafhing  their  hands  in  token  of 
 innocency,  Dent.  xXi.  6,  7.  Ver.  12.  My  foot  slnndeth  in  an  even  place.  The  law 
 of  God  is  that  even  place,  that  plain  and  direift  path,  in  which  the  affeiftions,  which 
 are  the  feet  of  the  foul,  muft  be  immoveably  fixed,  (o  that  nothing  may  induce  her 
 to  fwerve  from  the  ftabilitv  of  her  purpofe,  to  the  right  band,  or  to  the  left. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  XXVII.  Ver.  1.  The  Lord  is  m;! 
 lioht.  God  is  our  light,  as  he  (fiewetli  uS  the  ftate  we  are  in,  and  the  enemies  we 
 have  to  encounter ;  he  is  our  ftrength,  as  he  enableth  us.  by  his  grace,  to  cope  with, 
 and  overcome  them  ;  and  he  is  our  falvation,  as  the  author  and  fliiiftier  of  our 
 deliverance  from  fin,  death,  and  Satan.  All  this  be  was  to  the  bleffed  perfon 
 whom  David  reprefdnted  ;  and  all  this  he  Will  be  to  his  faithful  fervants.  “If 
 
 - - - r  Td  x-TV  1  H^That  helievcth  (hall  not  be  afhamed.  God  neVer  fails  them  that  feek  him.  But  the  fliort-hved  tri- 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—  . and  confiifion  The  believer’s  hope  fixes  On  God’s  everlafting  love,  wbifch  remains  the  fame  yefterday, 
 
 umphs  of  obftinate  tranfgrtffors  (hall  iffoe  in  ever  afting  y  remembered  by  us  for  our  humiliation.  True  rrfignatlon  to  afflidllon  is  not  at  all  locoii- 
 
 «,  day,  and  for  ever.  Sins  of  we  muft  love^our  enemies,  ive  muft  pray  againft  their  vvickednefs.  It  is  a  great  comfort,  when  defp.tefully  ufed 
 
 fiftent  with  humble  prayer  tor  Its  removal.  auuu  i. 
 
 of  men,  to  be  confeiods  that  the  injury  is  unproveke^  nnfneakable  comfort  to  poffefs  confeiouS  innocence  when  under  the  bafeft  mifreprefentat.ont. 
 
 practical  OBSERVATIONS.-^  Psal.  VL]  It  ■  an  u^JpeaU^^^^^  and  fmquent  light,  vain,  and  unprofitable  company,  perhaps  deadens  the 
 
 Kotbing  is  more  dangerous  to  fouls  than  fellowftip  the  u  ^  ^  „ot  ftudy  to  avoid  the  company  of  the  wicked.  However  joyous  the  affein- 
 
 Chriftifn  more  than  being^with  gst'iLed  ^Uh  them  in  death  or  in  the  laft  judgment.  The  redemptidd  of  Jhe  foul  is  by  the  blood  oi 
 
 Jefusf  biTffJd  aTd^appy  ar’e  they,  to  whom  by  faith  this  is  applied. 
 
Princes  exhorted  to  '^lory  to  G>cl.- 
 
 Danid  prayclh  against  his  enemies. 
 
 PSALMS. 
 
 B.  forc  G  And  now  ft^all  mine  head  be  lifted  up  abdve  mine 
 enemies  round  about  me  :  therefore  will  I  offer  in  his 
 tabernacle  facrifices  t  of  joy  ;  I  will  fing,  yea,  I  will 
 f  Heb.  o/fing  praifes  unto  the  1-ord. 
 
 shouting-  7  Hear,  ()  Lord,  tchen  I  cry  with  my  voice:  have 
 II  mercy  alfo  upon  me,  and  anfwer  me. 
 
 ZZto  8  men  thou  saidst.  Seek  ye  ray  face;  |1  my  heart 
 thee,  Let  faid  unto  thee,  Thy  face.  Lord,  will  1  (eek. 
 my  face  9  pQ,;  {hy  fucc  far  from  me;  put  not  thy  fer- 
 
 vant  away  in  anger:  thou  haft  been  my  help;  leave 
 |Heb.  me  not,  neither  forfake  me,  O  God  of  my  falva- 
 
 gatherme.  jion. 
 
 dPfaifn  jQ  y^hen  my  father  and  my  mother  forfake  me, 
 86.  n.  th^LoRD  f  will  take  rne  up. 
 
 119.  33. 
 f.  Heb. 
 a  way  of 
 plointtess. 
 
 1 1  ^  Teach  me  thy  way,  O  Lord,  and  lead  me  in 
 f  a  plain  path,  becaufe  of  f  mine  enemies. 
 
 12  Deliver  me  not  over  unto  the  will  of  mine  ene¬ 
 
 mies  ;  for  falfe  witnelles  are  rifen  up  againft  me,  and 
 fuch  as  breathe  out  cruelty.  ! 
 
 13  I  had  fainted,  unlefs  I  had  believed  to  fee  the  i 
 
 goodnefs  of  the  Lord  in  the  land  of  the  living.  j 
 
 14  ^  Wait  on  the  Lord  ;  be  of  good  courage,  and  i 
 
 he  (ball  ffrengthen  thine  heart :  wait,  I  fay,  on  the  | 
 Lord.*  j 
 
 PSALM  XXVIII.  1 
 
 1  David  prayelh  earnestly  against  his  enemies;  6  he  blesselh  God;  9  he 
 prayelh  for  his  people. 
 
 If  A  yfalm  of  David. 
 
 UNTO  thee  will  I  cry,  O  Lord  mv  rock;  be 
 not  filent  f  to  me  :  *  left,  if  thou  be  filent  to 
 me,  I  become  like  them  that  go  down  into  the  pit. 
 
 2  Hear  the  voice  of  my  fupplications  when  I  cry 
 'Iracie  of  unto  thcc,  When  1  lift  up  my  hands  H  toward  thy  holy 
 I'ly  sane-  oracle. 
 
 b*pTaim  ^  Draw  me  not  away  with  the  wicked,  and  wdth 
 19. 2!""  workers  of  iniquity  ;  *>  which  (peak  peace  to  their 
 jer.  9.  8.  neighbours,  but  mii'chief  is  in  their  hearts. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 those 
 which  ob¬ 
 serve  me, 
 c  Pfalm 
 31.  24. 
 Ifaiah 
 
 25.  9. 
 Hab.2.  3. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 from  me, 
 a  Pfalm 
 143.  7. 
 
 «  O'-. 
 
 toward  the 
 
 4  Give  them  according  to  their  deeds,  and  accord- 
 ing  to  the  wickednefs  of  their  endeavour:>:  give  them 
 after  the  work  of  their  hands;  render  to  ttiein  their 
 defert. 
 
 .5  Becaufe  they  regard  not  the  works  of  the  Lord, 
 nor  the  operation  of  bis  hands,  he  fhall  dellroy  them, 
 and  not  build  them  up. 
 
 6  Blefled  be  the  Lord,  becaufe  he  hath  heard  the 
 voice  of  my  fupplications. 
 
 7  The  Lord  is  my  ftrength  and  my  ftiitld  ;  my 
 heart  trnfted  in  him,  and  I  am  helped  ;  therefore  ray 
 heart  greatlv  rejoiceth  ;  and  with  my  long  will  I 
 
 praile  him.  .  ,  ,  ^  r  strength. 
 
 8  The  Lord  is  ||  their  ftrength,  and  he  is  the  f  lav-  j.  ntb. 
 
 ing  ftrength  ot  his  anointed.  toengthof 
 
 9  Save  thy  people,  and  blcfs  thine  inheritance 
 II  feed  them  alfo,  and  lift  them  up  for  ever.f 
 
 PSALM  XXIX. 
 
 I  David  exhortefh  princes  to  give  glory  to  God,  S  by  rtatort  of  his  power 
 1 1  and  protedion  of  his  people. 
 
 H  A  pfalm  of  David. 
 
 ^^^IV£  unto  the  Lord,  O  t  ye  mighty,  give  unto^  iieb.ye 
 
 .  i  i/ion. 
 Or,  rulfm 
 
 the  Lord  glory  and  ftrength. 
 
 God”  therefore,  “  be  for  us,  who  can  be  againft  tis?'’  Rom.  viii.  31.  Ver.  5. 
 Fori,n  the  seertt  of  his  tabernacle  shall  he  hide  me.  That  is.  in  as  fafe  a  place  as 
 the  holy  of  holies,  which  is  called  God’s  fecret,  Ezek.  vi.  22.  where  none  might 
 come  but  the  high-prieft,  and  he  but  one  day  in  a  year.  -Ver.  10.  When  my  fa¬ 
 ther  and  my  mother  forsake  me.  As  there  feems  to  be  feme  difficulty  in  fuppofing 
 the  Plalmift’s  parents  to  have  deferted  him,  they  might  perhaps  be  faid  to  have 
 forfaken  him,  (as  Muis  conjerftures)  that  is,  to  have  left  him  behind  them,  as  being 
 dead.  A  time  will  come,  when  the  deareft  earthly  friends  and  relations  can  no 
 longer  be  of  any  affiftance  to  us.  The  cpfe  of  the  church  and  of  the  foul  is  often¬ 
 times  compared  to  that  of  a  poor,  helplefs,  expofed  orphan.  Where  worldly  com¬ 
 forts  end,  heavenly  ones  begin.  See  Ifa.  slix.  15.  Matth.  xxiii.  37.  John  ix.  35.  | 
 Ver.  13.  I  had  fainted,  unless  I  had  believed.  Faith  in  the  comfortable  promifes  of  i 
 God  is  the  only  fovereign  cordial  for  a  fainting  fpirit.  Earth  is  the  land  of  the  1 
 dying;  we  muft  extend  our  profpea  into  heaven,  which  is  the  land  of  the  living, 
 Where  the  faithful  (hall  fee,  and  experience  evermore,  the  goodnefs  of  the  Lord. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  XXVIII.  Ver.  4,  5.  In  thefe  verfes, 
 #s  indeed  in  moft  of  the  imprecatory  paffages,  the  imperative  and  the  future  are 
 ufed  promifcuoufty  :  “  Give  them — render  them — he  fhall  deftroy  them.”  Ver. 
 
 B  7.  Tlie  feene  now  changes  from  the  humiliation  and  fufTerings,  to  the  glory  and 
 triumph  of  Chrift  out  Head,  who  through  the  power  of  his  divinity,  having  over¬ 
 come  his  enemies,  may  be  fuppbfed  at  his  refurreaion  from  the  dead,  to  have  funo- 
 this  ftram;  a  ftrain,  which  they,  who  have  been  delivered  from  fin  and  forrowT 
 will  liest  understand  by  ufing  it.  Ver.  8.  The  Lord  is  their  .strength.  He  «  ho 
 laved  and  exalted  tlie  head,  will  alfo  fave  and  exalt  the  members  ;  or,  as  .St  Paul 
 exprelfetli  it,  »  If  the  fpirit  of  him  that  raifed  up  Jefus  from  the  dead  dwell  in 
 
 sons  of  tks 
 
 2  Give  unto  the  Lord  f  the  glory  due  unto  his  r'Het 
 name;  worfhip  the  Loaot  in  the  beauty  of  holinefs.  tAcAonour 
 
 3  The  voice  of  the  Lord  is  upon  the  waters :  the  “V 
 
 God  of  glory  thundereth  ;  the  Lord  is  upon  ll  many”“^' 
 WateiS.  ^  m  bis  gftf- 
 
 4  The  voice  of  the  Lord  is  t  po-ft'erful  ;  the  voice 
 
 of  the  Lord  is  (|  full  of  majefty.  saneiuary 
 
 5  The  voice  of  the  Lord  breaketh  the  cedars 
 
 yea,  the  Lord  breaketh  the  cedars  of  Lebanon.  waZ. 
 
 6  He  maketh  them  alfo  to  llcip  like  a  calf;  Leba-  t  Heb. 
 
 non  and  *  Siriou  like  a  young  unicorn.  in  power. 
 
 7  Ine  voice  of  the  Lord  t  divideth  the  flames 
 
 fire.  a  ueut. 
 
 3.  S.  j-  Heb.  cutleth  out. 
 
 you  ;  he  that  raifed  up  Christ  fiom  the  ilead  fliall  alfo  quicken  your  mortal  bodies 
 by  his  Spirit  that  dw-elleth  in  vou  Rom.  viii.  1  1. 
 
 !  explanatory  NOTES.  Psal.  XXIX.  Ver.  4.  The  voice  of  the  Lord 
 \is  pawerjul.  Of  the  power  and  majesty  of  God’s  voice,  when  he  fpeaketh  from 
 I  heaven  in  thunder,  few  hearts  are  infenftble  ;  of  the  power  and  majesty  of  bis 
 I  voice,  when  he  fpoke  from  heaven  by  his  apostbs.  tliofe  Tons  of  the  fpiritual 
 thunder,  the  world  was  once  fully  fenfible.  Ver.  5.  The  voice  of  the  Lord  breaketh. 
 the  cedars.  The  force  of  ligbtuing  is  known  to  rend  in  pieces  the  tallest  and 
 strongest  trees  in  a  moment;  nor  is  the  word  of  God  lefs  effeaual  in  bringine. 
 down  the  lofuest  pride,  and  rending  the  hardest  hearts  of  men.  by  the  Spirit  which 
 aecompanicth  it,  Ver.  6.  He  maketh  them  also  to Jkip  like  a  calf.  Smion  is  a  hicR 
 mountain  beyond  Jordan,  near  to  Lebanon,  and  is  the  fame  with  Ilermon,  Deut , 
 HI.  9.  Thunder  not  only  demoliffieth  the  cedars,  but  fliakelh  the  mounuins  on 
 which  they  grow.  Thus,  by  the  gofpel,  “every  mountain  and  bill  was  fhaken, 
 
 “r  cxaltetb  itfelf  againft  ihe  knowledge 
 
 ot  Chnft,  was  call  down,  and  brought  into  fubjeiflion,  Ifa.  xl.  4  2  Cor  x  5 
 
 Ver.  7.  The  voice  of  the  Lord  divideth  the  fames  off  re.  By  llie  po«  er  of  God,  'the 
 
 flames  of  fire  are  di^vided,  and  font  abroad  from  the  clouds  upon  the  earth,  in  the 
 terrible  form  of  lightning,  that  (harp  and  glittering  fword  of  the  Aimighly.  which 
 no  fubftauce  can  withftand.  Ttie  fame  povier  of  God  goeih  forth  by  bis  word 
 •  quick  and  powerful,  and  ffiarper  than  any  two  edged  fword,”  penetrating'- 
 melting,  eniightiiing,  and  inflaming  the  hearts  of  men,  Aas  ii.  3.  Heb.  iv 
 Ver.  8.  The  voice  of  the  Lord  sir  ketli  ihe  wilderness  The  wildernefs  of  K^lh 
 was  a  part  of  that  wildernefs  through  which  the  Ifraelites  palfed  in  their  way  to  ' 
 - - Canaan.  See  Numb.  xiu.  26.  Thunder  lhakeih  thofe  wide  extended  defend  as 
 
 the  means,  the  matter,  of  all  our  fpiritual  and  elemal^bU-ffin^'s?  Where  faTthin'hI  n  kX"  d"ir''d  Saviour.  He  is  at  once  the  fourcc,  the  price 
 
 To  live  near  him,  and  to  behold  his  glory  in  ordinances  here:  or  in  heaven  is  the  fum  of  th^  Wnt^'darml  ' ’r,enrTr  """t 
 
 SeTttTx;Sati:i?o^f'ffisTl;  -l^ing  for  him.  the  uirnL^ld  t  ^ruU^e ‘:thr  ^ 
 
 oracle,  in  which  d^wdU^M  ffie  riiblS  of  ll^  cldhead^b^d'ly”^  fhroXh  '-xcile  ftrong  cries  to  God.  Not  the  Jewifti  holy  of  holies,  but  Chrift  is  our 
 
 faints  owe  to  thetr  God  for  the  mercies  which  have  been  grauted  in  anfwer  to  their  prayers.  ^  ^  l^«''tful  praife.  which 
 
 6T  J, 
 
David  exhorleth  to  praise  God. 
 
 PSALMS. 
 
 c'hHft  ^  Lord  fbaketh  the  wildernefs  ; 
 
 cir.  102a  Lord  (haketh  the  wildernefs  of  Kadelh. 
 
 «— 9  The  voice  of  the  Lord  maketh  the  hinds  tl  to 
 S  Or, (ot«r calve,  and  difeovereth  the  forefts ;  and  in  his  temple 
 y”  oT"*  ^  every  one  fpeak  of  his  glory. 
 
 y  •  T -  .L  ..  n  , 
 
 I 
 
 *«>ery*»i>Ai/  10  The  LoRD  fitteth  upon  the  flood  ;  yea, 
 
 o/it  ut-  Lord  fitteth  King  for  ever. 
 tenth, ^c.  II  Lord  will  give  ftrength  unto  his  people; 
 the  Lord  will  blefs  his  people  with  peace.* 
 
 PSALM  XXX. 
 
 1  Dnwd  praise'.h  God  For  his  delwernnee  ;  4  he  rghorU'th  others  to  praise 
 him,  by  the  example  of  God's  dealing  with  him. 
 
 ^  A  pfalm  and  long  at  the  dedication  of  the  houle 
 
 of  David.  ! 
 
 WILL  extol  thee,  O  Lord;  for  thou  haft  lifted  j 
 me  up,  and  haft  not  made  my  foes  to  rejoice  over  j 
 me.  I 
 
 2  O  Lord  my  God,  I  cried  unto  thee,  and  thou 
 haft  healed  me. 
 
 3  O  Lord,  thou  haft  brought  up  my  foul  from  the; 
 grave :  thou  haft  kept  me  alive,  that  1  Ihould  not  go 
 down  to  the  pit. 
 
 to^^me  ^  Lord,  O  ye  faints  of  his,  and 
 
 moriar  give  thanks  j]  at  the  remembrance  of  his  holinefs. 
 
 ■f  Heb.  5  For  f  his  anger  endureth  bnl  a  moment ;  in  his 
 there  is  favour  is  life  ;  weeping  may  endure  f  lor  a  night,  but 
 m'tnt  j^y  io  the  morning. 
 
 his  anger.  6  And  in  my  profperity  I  faid,  I  (hall  never  be 
 t  Heb.  moved. 
 
 7  Lord,  by  thy  favour  thou  haft  f  made  my 
 mountain  to  ftand  ftreng  ;  thou  didft  hide  thy  face 
 and  I  was  troubled. 
 
 8  I  cried  to  thee,  O  Lord  ;  and  unto  the  Lord  I 
 made  fupplication. 
 
 ^mv  9  What  profit  is  there  in  my  blood,  when  I  go 
 tain. down  to  the  pit?  *  (hall  the  duft  praife  thee?  (hall  it 
 3  Pfaims  declare  thy  truth  ? 
 s8.^iu&  Hear,  O  Lord,*  and  have 
 115. 17.  Lord,  be  thou  ray  helper. 
 
 flXhatis,  11  Thou  haft  turned  for  me  my  mourning  into 
 ’“y  dancing ;  thou  haft  put  oft  my  fackcloih,  and  girded 
 
 orTy’  me  with  gladnefs ;  r  t  r 
 
 tmi.  12  lo  the  end  that  i|  my  glory  may  fing  praite  to 
 
 in  the 
 evening. 
 f  Heb. 
 singing. 
 
 Heb. 
 setteth 
 strength 
 for  my 
 
 mercy  upon  me 
 
 He  cxtollcth  the  goodness  of 
 
 thee,  and  not  he  filent.  O  Lord  my  God,  1  will  iiefo,, 
 give  thanks  unto  thee  tor  ever.f 
 
 PSALM  XXXI. 
 
 1  I>nvld  shelving  his  conJUence  in  God  ernveth  his  help ;  7  he  rijoketh  ^ 
 in  his  mercy  ;  he  prayeth  m  his  calamity,  ijc. 
 
 f  I'o  the  chief  mufician,  A  ptalm  of  David. 
 
 TN  *  thee,  O  Lord,  do  1  pm  my  truft ;  let  moaPf.i^ 
 never  be  afhamed  :  deliver  me  in  thy  righteouf-  s. 
 
 nefs.  49.23. 
 
 2  Bow  down  fhme  ear  to  me  ;  deliver  me  (peedily  ; 
 be  thou  t  my  ftrong  rock,  for  an  houfe  of  defence  tot  Heb. 
 
 lave  me.  r  .u  r  orncky 
 
 3  For  thou  art  my  reck  and  my  fortrefs :  there! or ey/re„^,^ 
 
 for  thy  name's  fake,  lead  me,  and  guide  me. 
 
 4  Poll  me  out  of  the  net  that  they  have  laid  privily 
 for  me  ;  for  thou  art  my  ftrength. 
 
 5  “  Into  thine  hand  I  commit  my  fpirit  :  thou  haft^Lub 
 redeemed  me,  O  Lord  God  of  truth. 
 
 6  I  have  hated  them  that  regard  lying  vanities: 
 but  I  trult  in  the  Lord. 
 
 7  I  will  be  glad  and  rejoice  in  thy  mercy  :  for  thou 
 haft  confidered  my  trouble:  thou  haft  known  my  foul 
 in  adverfities  ; 
 
 8  And  haft  not  (hut  me  up  into  the  hand  or  the 
 enemy  :  thon  haft  fet  ray  feet  in  'a  large  room. 
 
 9  Have  mercy  upon  me,  O  Lord,  For  1  am  in 
 trouble;  mine  eye  is  confumed  with  grief,  yea^  ray 
 foul  and  my  belly. _ 
 
 10  For  my  life  is  (pent  with  giief,  and  my  years 
 with  fighing:  my  ftrength  faileth  becaufe  of  mine 
 iniquity,  and  my  bones  are  conlumed. 
 
 1 1  I  was  a  reproach  among  all  mine  enemies,  but 
 efpecially  among  my  neighbours,  and  a  fear  to  mine  ac¬ 
 quaintance:  they  that  did  fee  me  without  fled  from  me. 
 
 12  1  am  forgotten  as  a  dead  man  out  of  mind  :  I 
 am  like  f  a  broken  veflTel.  J 
 
 13  For  I  have  heard  the  dander  of  many  ;  fear 
 on  every  fide:  while  they  took  counlel  together pwsAf/i 
 againft  me,  they  devifed  to  take  away  my  life. 
 
 14  But  1  trufted  in  thee,  O  Lord  :  1  (aid,  Thou 
 art  my  God. 
 
 15  My  times  are  in  thy  hand  ;  deliver  me  from  the 
 hand  of  mine  enennies,  and  from  them  that  perfecute 
 me. 
 
 ■Kvell  as  Lebanon  and  Sirion,  mountains  of  Judea.  The  gofpel  was  firft  preaclied 
 in  I’alefline,  but  from  thence  it  went  forth  into  the  Gentile  world,  that  dry, 
 barren,  and  dcfolate  wildernefs.  Ver.  9.  The.  voice  of  the  Lord  makelh  the  hinds 
 to  calve,  or,  the  oaks  to  tremble.  So  bidiop  Lowth  renders  the  claufe  in  his  lec¬ 
 tures :  Ariftotle.  Plutarch,  and  Pliny,  as  cited  by  Mr  Merrich,  mention  the  cafe 
 of  abortion  being  fometimes  caufed  among  the  cattle  by  thunder.  Whatever  ter- 
 rides  to  any  degree,  may  certainly  produce  fuch  an  effedt.  Kut  the  bilhop  s 
 interpretation  is,  in  every  refperft,  the  moil  eligible.  The  evident  connetRion 
 with  the  words  that  follow, — ‘‘difeovereth  the  forefts,” — forbids  us  to  doubt  of  , 
 hs  being  right.  Storms  of  thunder  and  lightning,  attended  often  with  whirl-  , 
 winds,  ftrip  the  trees  of  their  leaves,  and  bark,  and  difclofe  the  rectffes  of  | 
 forefts.  It  is  by  the  word  of  God,  that  the  “hidden  things  of  darknefs  are  j 
 inanifefted,”  and  the  “counfels  of  all  hearts  revealed;”  for  “  aU  things  are; 
 inked  and  open  unto  the  eyes  of  him  with  whom  we  have  to  do,”  1  Cor.  iv.  | 
 5.  Heb.  iv.  1 3.  Ve'.  lO.  The  Lord  sitleth  upon  thejhmd  ;  yea  the  Lord  sitteth  A  ing 
 for  ever.  The  Lord  Jefus  fitteth  on  bis  throne,  having  all  power  in  the  dilpen-  | 
 
 fations  of  nature  and  of  grace,  faying  with  equal  authority,  in  both  cafes,  Peace! 
 
 be  ftill  !  „  .  , 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  XXX.  Ver.  I.  I  w'll  extol  thee,  0  Lori 
 Thefe  words,  if  originally  compofed  and  uttered  by  king  David,  on  occafion  of 
 feme  temporal  mercy,  apply  in  a  far  more  emphatical  and  beautiful  manner,  to 
 the  cafe  of  Mefliah  fuffering  and  rifir.g  again,  as  well  as  to  that  of  his  church  and 
 people,  following  him  both  in  his  fufferings  and  re  furred  ion.  Ver.  3.  0  Lori 
 thou  hast  brought  up  my  soul,  or  animat  frame.  The  latter  claufe  may  be  tendere  > 
 
 _ .<  Thou  hail  quickened  me  from  among  them  that  go  down  to  the  pit:”  which 
 
 rendering  is  moft  agreeable  to  the  former  part  of  the  verfe. 
 
 EXPLANATORYNOTES.  Psai..  XXXI.  Ver.  5  Into  thine  hand  I  comme^ 
 my  spirit.  David,  in  his  diftreffes,  might  by  thefe  words  exprefs  his  refignation  of 
 himfelf  and  his  affairs  into  the  bands  of  God  ;  but  it  is  certain  that  Chrift  aaually 
 did  expire  on  the  crofs,  with  the  former  part  of  this  verfe  in  his  mout  , 
 Luke  xxiii.  46.  Nor  is  there  any  impropriety  in  the  application  of  the  laliet 
 part  to  him ;  fince,  as  man,  the  furety  and  reprefentative  of  our  nature,  he  wai 
 
 PH.rTlCAL  OBSEBVATIOSS _ •  Psai.  XXIX. 1  H.»  oogbt  »•  lo  blofli  »beo  call,  Wwoilhip  Cod  need  lo  b«  repealed!  lofiniiely  great  i,  Jil”'* 
 
 uld.?or  AofJy  I,  no.  more  awfol  ind  .ffeai.e'lb.o  hi,  «id  I.  on  .be  be.,,  in  hi.  gofpel  cbur.l,  There  he  ...k..,  hooible.,  and  » 
 
 verts  fi.nners  and  ftrenglhens  them  againft  every  danger  and  enemy,  and  bleffvs  them  with  that  peace  which  paffes  all  underftanding. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.— f  Psal.  XXX.]  To  what  trials  of  faith  and  patience  are  faints  expofed  m  this  world  !  But  the  prayer  of  faith  , 
 avaTlf  in  elery  tLSe  AnV^here  is  of  praife  and  thankfgiving  in  every  deliverance  granted  by  the  God  of  grace.  How 
 
 God’s  infinite^holinefs'  His  favours  are  greatly  beneficial;  and  ftioit  lived  are  his  frowns  and  his  people  s  griefs.  Fellow  ^ip  with  him  on  earth,  and  chiefly  ^ 
 
 ven  turns  their  mourning  into  jovs  unfpeakable  and  full  of  glory.  Outw  ard  profperity,  or  even  raviftiing  frames  of  fpiritual  joy,  quickly  occafion 
 and' become  through  our  depravity,  the  means  of  cafting  us  down  into  the  depths  of  defertion  and  trouble.  There  is  great  need  ‘'‘6“  ^ 
 
 ^miles  of  D'ovidenL.  and  to  believe  and  pray  amidft  depths  of  diftrefs.  It  is  not  our  own  advantages,  but  the  ferv.ces  which  we  can  render  God,  that  Ihould  ma 
 us  deCre  to  live.  It  is  delightful  when  high  fongs  of  redeeming  love  are  remarkably  begun  on  earth ;  in  heaven  they  will  be  perfea  and  uninterrupt  . 
 
Blessedness  consist eth  in  remission  of  sins.  PSALMS 
 
 16  Make  thy  ^ace  to  fhioe  upon  thy  fervant :  fave  i;  which  thou  fhalt  go 
 
 •  •  I 
 
 li 
 
 God  is  to  be  praised  Jor  his  /^oodnesSf  Jjrc 
 t  I  will  guide  thee  with  mine 
 
 Uefore 
 
 curift  me  for  thy  mercies’ fake.  I d  o  u  u  r  u  i  i.-  . 
 
 cir.  10-15.  ^  albamed,  O  Lord  ;  for  I  have  ;j  9  “  Be  ye  not  as  the  horle,  o;^as  the  mule,  uhich 
 
 '""’''^called  upon  thee . .  -  —  .  -  . 
 
 Before 
 Clirift 
 cir.  1045. 
 
 upon  thee:  let 
 
 H  Or,  II  let  them  be  filent  in  the  grave. 
 letihemhe  jg  Let  the  lying  lips  be  put  to  fi'ence  ;  which  fpeak 
 cutopor^  grievous  things  proudly  and  contemptuoufly  againft 
 the  u'ove-  righteous. 
 
 19  =  Ofi  how  great  is  thy  goodnefs,  which  thou  haft 
 laid  up  tor  them  that  tear  thee ;  which  thou  haft 
 wrought  for  them  that  truft  in  thee  before  the  fons  of 
 I 
 
 named,  U  1„0RD  ;  tor  l  nave  l  y  oe  ye  uui  as  me  nunr,  or  as  me  Uiuir,  -unicn 
 the  wicked  be  aftiamed,  and  '  have  no  underftaoding  ;  whofe  mouth  rouft  be  heldfU'^t*. 
 le  grave.  i  in  with  bit  and  bridle,  left  they  come  near  unto  thee. 
 
 but  he 
 
 mine 
 
 •f  Hel 
 B  hard 
 thin;i, 
 c  Ifaiali 
 64  4. 
 
 1  Cor. 
 12.  9. 
 
 men 
 
 «  Or. 
 fenced 
 cUy- 
 
 d  Pfalm 
 27.  14. 
 
 11  Or, 
 
 A  Pfalm 
 oj  David 
 giving  in- 
 slruclian. 
 a  Roin. 
 
 4.  7. 
 
 b  Prov. 
 28.  1 3. 
 Ifaiali 
 65.  24. 
 
 1  John 
 1.  9. 
 t  Heh. 
 in  a  time 
 ^ffialing. 
 
 c  Pfalm 
 9.  9. 
 
 20  Thou  (halt  iiide  them  in  the  fecret  of  thy  pre- 
 fence  from  the  pride  of  man  :  thou  (halt  keep  them 
 fecretly  in  a  pavilion  from  the  ftrife  ot  tongues. 
 
 21  BltlT'd  be  the  Lord;  for  he  hath  (hewed  me 
 his  marvellous  kindeefs  in  a  |1  (trong  city. 
 
 22  For  I  faid  in  my  hafte,  1  am  cut  off  from  before 
 thine  eyes :  neverthelefs  thou  heardeft  the  voice  of 
 my  (bpplications  when  I  cried  unto  thee. 
 
 23  O  love  the  Lord,  all  ye  his  faints  :  fur  the 
 Lord  prelerveth  the  faithful,  and  plentifully  reward- 
 eth  the  proud  doer. 
 
 24  ^  Be  ye  of  good  courage,  and  he  (hall  ftrengthen 
 your  heart,  all  ye  that  hope  in  the  Lord.* 
 
 PSALM  XXXII. 
 
 1  Blessedness  consisletb  in  remijjion  of  sins.  3  Confession  of  sins  givelk  ease 
 
 to  the  conscience.  9  God^s  promises  bring  joy. 
 
 H  |j  A  Psalm  of  David,  Malchil. 
 
 Blessed  is  he  whose  *  tranfgreflion  is  forgiven, 
 whose  fin  is  covered. 
 
 2  BlefTed  is  the  man  unto  whom  the  Lord  im- 
 puteih  not  iniquity,  and  in  whole  Ipirit  there  is  no 
 guile. 
 
 3  When  I  kept  filence,  my  bones  waxed  old, 
 through  my  roaring  all  the  day  long  : 
 
 4  For  day  and  night  thy  hand  was  heavy  upon  me: 
 my  moifture  is  turned  into  the  drought  of  Summer. 
 Selah. 
 
 5  1  acknowledge  my  fin  unto  thee,  and  mine  ini- 
 quitv  have  I  not  hid.  I  faid,  I  will  confels  my  tranf- 
 greflions  unto  the  Lord  ;  and  thou  forgaveft  the  ini¬ 
 quity  of  my  fin.  Selah. 
 
 6  For  this  (lull  every  one  that  is  godly  pray  unto 
 thee  fin  a  time  when  thou  mayelf  be  found;  furely 
 in  the  floods  of  great  waters  they  (ball  not  come  nigh 
 unto  him. 
 
 7  '  Tnou  art  my  hiding-place;  thou  ftjall  preferve 
 me  from  trouble;  thou  (halt  compafs  me  about  with 
 fongs  of  deliverance.  Selah. 
 
 8  I  will  inifruft  thee,  and  teach  thee  in  the  way 
 
 ft!  UVt 
 
 K 
 
 redeemed  from  the  power  of  the  enemy,  by  the  God  of  truth  accomplifliing  his 
 ^oniifes.  Ver.  20.  T.iou  shall  hide  them  in  the  secret  of  thypiesence  from  the  pride, 
 •neb.  conspiracies  of  men. 
 
 10  Many  forrows  shall  be  \o  the  wicked 
 
 that  trufteth  in  the  Lord,  mercy  (hall  compafs  him<ycftiaii 
 about.  ^ 
 
 11  Be  glad  in  the  Lord,  and  rejoice,  ye  righte- 
 
 ous :  and  (bout  for  joy,  all  ye  that  are  upright  in  26.  3." 
 heart.f 
 
 PSALM  XXXIII. 
 
 l  God  is  to  be  praised  Jor  hit  goodness,  6  for  his  power,  12  and  for  his 
 providence.  ‘JO  C'oi.JiJence  is  to  be  placed  in  God. 
 
 EJOICE  in  the  Lord,  O  ye  righteous  ;  for 
 ^  praife  is  comely  for  the  upright. 
 
 2  Praife  the  Lord  with  harp  ;  ling  unto  him  with 
 the  pfaltery  and  an  inftrument  of  ten  firings. 
 
 3  Sing  unto  him  a  new  long,  play  Ikiltully  with  a 
 loud  noife  : 
 
 4  For  the  w’oid  of  the  Lord  is  right ;  and  all  his 
 works  are  done  in  truth. 
 
 3  He  loveth  righteoufoefs  and  judgment  :  *  the* 
 earth  is^  full  of  the  U  goodncls  of  the  Lord.  y'or^^’ 
 
 6  By  the  word  of  the  Lord  were  the  heavens 
 
 made  ;  and  all  the  hoft  of  them  by  the  breath  of  his  b  Geo. 
 mouth.  1.  6,  7. 
 
 7  He  gathereth  the  waters  of  the  fea  together  as 
 an  heap  ;  he  layeth  up  the  depth  in  ftorehoufes. 
 
 8  Let  all  the  earth  fear  the  Lord  :  let  ail  the  in¬ 
 habitants  of  the  world  ftand  in  awe  of  him  : 
 
 9  For  he  fpake,  and  it  was  done-,  he  commanded, 
 and  it  flood  faft. 
 
 10  '  The  Lord  f  bringeth  the  coonfel  of  the  hea-c  ifaiab 
 then  to  nought :  he  maketh  the  devices  of  the  people 
 
 of  none  efFeft.  ^ 
 
 1 1  ^  The  counfel  of  the  Lord  ftandeth  for  ^v^xj^rustrate. 
 
 the  thoughts  of  his  heart  ■}•  to  ail  generations.  ^  i’rov. 
 
 12  «  BielTed  is  the  nation  whole  God  is  the  Lord  ; 
 
 and  the  people  whom  he  hath  chofen  for  his  own  in-^gt'^io 
 her'tance.  ^  Hej,.  - 
 
 13  The  Lord  looketh  from  heaven  :  he  beholdeth  fos^riera. 
 all  the  Tons  of  men. 
 
 14  From  the  place  of  his  habitation  he  looketh 
 
 upon  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  earth.  ePfaims 
 
 1.5  He  fafhioneth  their  hearts  alike  ;  he  conftdereth  ^ 
 all  their  works. 
 
 16  I'here  is  no  king  faved  by  the  multitude  of  an 
 hoft  :  a  mighty  man  is  not  delivered  by  mucfi  (trengrh. 
 
 17  An  horle;s  a  vain  thing  for  fafety  :  neither  (hall 
 he  deliver  amy  by  his  great  ftrength. 
 
 Ver.  1  — 11.  For  a  juft  in- 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  XXXII. 
 
 terpretation  of  tbis  Pfalm,  fee  Rom.  iv.  5 _ 13 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  XXXIII.  Ver.  3.  Sing  unto  him  a  new 
 
 PRa^CTICAL  observations.—*  PfiAT  v  V  V  T  1  «  *  r  -al  r*  i  ^  ~  ~  .  -  ■  — 
 
 prayer.  When  God  is  our  portion,  we  can  renounce  every  thing  el  fe"^!"  ^Ivin's  va^ntier  Vh  agamft  killing  difapointments,  and  infures  feafonable  anfwers  to 
 And  through  much  conformity  to  Chrift,  in  the  endurinn  of  hatred  renmaJl  ^  A  c  •  ^  faints  though  pardoned,  often  diftrefs  them  much  on  earth, 
 
 themfelves  to  the  moft  falfe  and  virulent  reproLh  aga  nft  Ch  ift  wicked  often  abandon 
 
 rent  proteaion  of  his  people,  and  the  unbounded  hajpinefs  oftaven  are'cl^L  morL  ihl’  ‘"while  God’s  pre. 
 
 great  and  unexpefled  mercies  of  God  fliame  tlieir  unbelief,  and  rebuke  their  carnal  fear  And^O  all  their  troubles  on  earth.  Often  the 
 
 dencies  under  trouble,  and  to  encourage  others  to  avoid  them  !  For.  when  we  confider  ^ur  (^01  aodT  ‘  ‘  ■‘epeated  and  deep  defpor.. 
 
 and  languid  our  hopes!  conlider  our  God  and  his  mercies,  alas  !  how  cold  is  our  love,  how  weak  our  faith 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.— +  Psal  XXXTT  i  ttv  i  ■  au 
 
 indeed,  wbofe  pardon,  procured  by  the  blood  of  fprinklino  and  reedved  bv  fL'lTbT  °f  ^*1’  A  h'  elfe,  renders  men  truly  tniferable.  Happy  is  the  man 
 
 from  dead  works  !  Hopeful  is  the  finners’  cafe  when  hel“once  b3ht  to  hullp  ‘c"  teftimony  of  the  Spirit,  at  the  har  of  the  confc^nce  purgeS 
 
 to  pray  for  ,t  Tliey  who  feek  him  even  in  trouble,  fliall  furely  find  ^n  the  mire  ^rant  pardon  than  we  are 
 
 h  f  e'>couragemeiu  to  their  feeking  God  in  diftfefs,  that  oLws  like  them^e^ves  ‘  ^  magnified  in  their  falvation. 
 
 nd  before  his  warnings,  that  we  may  rejoice  in  his  mercy,  and  liump!,  InS  i“fttua7ons  lud^l^ 
 
Confidence  to  be  placed  in  God. 
 
 PSALMS. 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 pr 
 
 David  prayeth  for  safety, 
 
 IS  ‘  Behold  the  eye  of  the  Lord  is  upon  them  11  evil,  to  cut  off  the  remembrance  of  them  from  the 
 
 .  1053.  him,  upon  them  that  hope  in  his  mercy 
 
 19  lo  deliver  their  foul  from  death,  and  to  keep  i 
 
 f  Job 
 36.  7. 
 ITalm 
 5^.  15. 
 1  Peu 
 S.  12. 
 
 B  Or 
 AekiOi, 
 1  Sam. 
 2 1 .  1 S. 
 
 I 
 
 them  alive  in  famine. 
 
 20  Our  foul  waiteth  for  the  Lord  ;  he  is  our  help 
 and  oer  ftiield. 
 
 21  l  or  our  heart  fhall  r;  juice  in  him  ;  bccaufe  we  I 
 
 have  trufled  in  his  holy  name.  ! 
 
 22  Let  thy  mercy,  O  Lord  be  upon  us,  according ! 
 as  we  hope  in  thee.* 
 
 PSALM  XXXIV.  ! 
 
 1  D'lvid  praisfih  G'vt.  atul  ixiiortetli  others  thereto  by  his  erperience.  8  ' 
 I’bry  are  btested  that  tru/i  is  G*/.  1 1  He  tihorteth  to  the  Jenr  of  God. 
 
 15  The  pririUgri  of  the  righteous. 
 
 ^  A  psalm  of  Dayid,  when  he  changed  his  behaviour  i 
 before  ||  Abimelech  ;  who.drove  him  away,  and  he 
 departed. 
 
 AVILL  hlefs  the  Lord  at  ail  times  ;  his  praife 
 s/ialt  continually  be  in  my  mouth. 
 
 2  My  foul  fhall  make  her  boaft  in  the  Lord  :  the 
 humble  fhall  hear  thereof,  and  be  glad. 
 
 3  O  magnify  the  Lord  with  me,  and  let  us  exalt 
 his  name  together. 
 
 4  I  fought  the  Lord  and  he  heard  me,  and  deli¬ 
 vered  me  from  all  my  fears. 
 
 E  Or,  5  II  'I'hey  looked  niito  him,  and  were  lightened  ; 
 
 and  their  faces  were  not  afhamed. 
 unto  him.  6 '!  his  poor  man  cried  and  the  Lord  heard  him 
 and  faved  him  out  of  all  his  troubles. 
 
 7  I'he  angel  of  the  Lord  encampeth  round  about 
 them  that  iear  him,  and  delivereth  them. 
 
 8  O  tafte  and  fee  that  the  Lord  h  good  :  bleffed 
 is  the  man  that  trufleth  in  him. 
 
 9  O  fear  the  Lord,  ye  his  faints :  for  there  is  no 
 want  to  them  that  fear  him. 
 
 10  The  young  lions  do  lack  and  fuffer  hunger; 
 but  they  that  feek  the  Lord  fhall  not  want  any  good 
 thing. 
 
 1 1  Come,  ye  children  hearken  unto  me  :  I  will 
 teacn  you  the  fear  of  the  Lord. 
 
 12  *  What  man  is  he  that  defireth  life,  and  loveth 
 many  days,  that  he  may  fee  good  ? 
 
 13  Keep  thy  tongue  from  evi>,  and  thy  lips  from 
 fpeaking  guile. 
 
 14  Dr  part  from  evil,  and  do  good  ;  feek  peace,  and 
 purfue  it. 
 
 15  ^  The  eyes  of  the  Lord  are  upon  the  righteous, 
 and  his  ears  ore  open  unto  their  cry. 
 
 16  The  face  of  the  Lord  is  againfl  the  m  that  do 
 
 Chria 
 1056. 
 
 PLI 
 
 Wl 
 
 8  1  Peter 
 3.  10. 
 
 b  Job 
 36.  7. 
 Pfalm 
 S3.  18. 
 1  Peter 
 3.  12. 
 
 tong.  ‘  Old  things  are  psfled  away,’  and  the  ideas  of  a  Cbritlian  are  to  be  tianf-  I 
 ferred  from  the  old  world,  and  the  old  dlfpenfations  to  the  new,  fince  under  the  | 
 ^ofpei,  ‘all  things  are  become  new,*  and  all  men  ought  to  become  fo.  Rev.  ixi.  | 
 1.  5,  Ver  22.  Let  thy  mercy  0  Torti  be  upon  us.  The  hope  of  the  church  was  ^ 
 always  in  Mefliah.  Of  old  (he  prayed  for  the  mercy  of  his  firfl  advent ;  noxv  fne  ' 
 expcrSletb  his  fecond. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  XXXIV.  Ver.  6.  This  poor  man  cried,  i, 
 
 earth. 
 
 17  ’Che  rightecus  cry,  and  the  Lord  heareth  and 
 delivereth  ttiein  out  of  all  their  troubles. 
 
 18  The  Lord  is  nigh  f  unto  them  that  are  of  a  bre-  f  iiet,. 
 ken  heart ;  and  I'aveth  fuch  as  be  tof  a  conirite  fpirit.'® 
 
 19  Many  fiTJT  the  afil.ftions  of  the  righteous;  but^‘^||°-^ 
 
 the  Lord  delivereth  him  out  of  them  all.  rHeb. 
 
 20  fie  keepeth  all  his  bones :  not  one  of  them  iscorKmjyj 
 broken. 
 
 21  Evil  (liall  slay  the  wicked  ;  and  they  that  hate 
 
 the  righteous  1|  fhall  be  defolate  II  Or, 
 
 22  The  Lord  redeemeth  the  foul  of  his  fervants  ^ 
 and  none  of  them  that  truft  in  him  fhall  be 
 
 late.f 
 
 PSALM  XXXV. 
 
 1  Dnvid  prayeth  for  his  own  safety,  and  his  enemies'  contusion:  It  he 
 complaineih  of  their  wrongful  dealing :  22  thereby  he  iucitet’i  God 
 againjt  them, 
 
 H  A  psalm  of  David. 
 
 LEAD  my  cause,  O  Lord,  with  them  that  ftrive 
 ilh  me :  fight  againft  them  that  fight  againft 
 me. 
 
 i  2  Take  hold  of  fhield  and  buckler,  and  ftand  up  for 
 :  mine  help, 
 
 3  Draw  out  alfo  the  fpear,  and  flop  the  wny  againff 
 :  them  that  perfecute  me  :  fay  unto  my  foul,  i  am  thy 
 i  falvation. 
 
 4  »  Let  them  be  confounded  and  put  to  fhame  that  * 
 
 feek  after  my  foul  ;  let  them  be  turned  back  and  gf'  ^ 
 brought  to  confufion  that  devii'e  my  hurt.  b  jo'tj 
 
 5  Let  them  be  as  chaff  before  the  wind  ;  and  let  ‘s- 
 the  angel  of  the  Lord  chale  them. 
 
 6  Let  their  way  be  f  dark  and  slippery  :  and  let  the  I'faiah 
 
 angel  of  the  Lord  perfecute  (hem.  29.5. 
 
 7  For  without  caufe  have  they  hid  for  me  theirnet, 
 in  a  pit,  which  without  caufe  they  have  digged  for  my 
 
 foul.  darknefs 
 
 8  Let  deflruclion  come  upon  him  f  at  unawares 
 
 and  let  his  net  that  he  hath  hid  eaten  himielt ;  into^'^'y^"^''’ 
 that  very  deltro^fion  let  him  fall.  thieVL 
 
 9  And  my  foul  lhall  be  joyful  in  the  Lord  :  it  fliall  Anoirej/i 
 rejoice  in  his  falvation. 
 
 10  All  my  bones  fhall  fay,  Lord,  who  is  like  unto 
 
 thee,  which  delivertfl  the  poor  from  hiln  that  is  toO|.  iicb. 
 lirong  for  him,  yea,  the  poor  and  the  needy  from  him'((^hr,«.sf< 
 that  Ipoileth  him?  t 
 
 11  t  Falfe  witnefles  did  rife  up  ;  t  they  laid  to  my 
 
 charge  things  that  1  knew  not.  me. 
 
 D.ivid  when  he  ercaped  from  his  enemies,  might  be  poor  and  deftitiite. 
 But  He  was  emphatically  ••  the  poor  man,”  who  became  fo  for  our  fakes, 
 Ver.  12 — 15.  Compare  1  Pet.  iii.  10 — 13.  Ver.  19.  Many  are  the  nfflifliotis 
 o!  the  righteous  One.  Ver.  20.  He  keepeth  all  his  bones.  John  xix.  31 — 37. 
 Exod  xii.  46. 
 
 EXPL.aNATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  XXXV.  Ver.  II.  False  wiineffes did  rise 
 up;  they  laid  to  my  charge,  Yleb-  ajked  me  things  that  2  kntw  not.  Ver.  14.  I  behaved 
 
 PR  \CTIC  \L  OBSER  V’ATIONS. _ *  Psal.  XXXIII.]  How  great,  glorious  and  good  is  our  God  !  and  as  extenfive  is  the  matter,  and  reafonable  the  exer- 
 
 eife  of  our  praife.  All  that  God  is  in  hiraleif,  all  that  he  hath  declared  in  his  word  ;  all  that  he  hath  done  in  his  works,  is  the  matter  of  his  gift,  and  the  fubjea  of 
 our  fon»s.  Thrice  happy  are  bis  peculiar  people,  to  whom  he  is  their  portion,  their  kind  obfei  ver,  their  powerful  pioteaor,  their  almighty  deliverer,  their  gracious 
 provider,  and  conrtant  preferver  !  Contemplation  of  his  univerfal  power,  influence  and  operations,  and  the  vanity  of  all  other  things  betide  him  (liould  efftaually 
 engage  us  to  contented  refignation  of  curfelves  and  all  (hat  we  have  into  his  (.and.  .  „  , 
 
 PRACTIC.^L  OBSER  VATION.S. _ f  Psal.  X  S  XIV,]  Great  is  the  fovereignty  of  God  in  fmiling  on  their  people  when  their  folly  richly  deferves  his  frowns. 
 
 He  can  wonderfully  chan-re  their  heavieft  loads  of  diftrefs  in  ftiouts  of  p-aife:  and  certain  and  fpcedy  are  his  gracious  returns  to  the  pr.-iyers  of  faith.  None  wait  on 
 him  none  cry  to  him  in  vain.  What  angelic  guards  protctfl,  what  unfailing  provifion  is  made  for  them  that  fear  him  !  T  ongh  the  moll  ravenous  beafts,  and  covetous 
 men  (hould  be  pinched  and  ftarved,  none  that  fear  him  (hall  ever  want,  either  for  foul  or  body  wliat  is  good  for  them.  J  t  is  a  great  mercy  w  hen  children  are  in(lruct- 
 ed  in  the  word  and  ways  of  God.  Negligent  parents  and  mailers  will  have  a  heavy  charge  to  anfwer  in  the  day  of  judgment,  if  for  lack  of  kr.ovtledge  their  childien 
 f,r  fervanu  peri(h  eternally.  How  RrhAly  are  holinefs  and  happinefs  conneaed  !  but  marvellous  is  God’s  love  to  his  people,  in  dwelling  witli  them,  delighting  m 
 tliem,  bearing  their  requefts,  and  in  delivering  preferving,  and  redeemiug  them;  And  who  can  Cupport  under  (ns  indignation  againll  the  wicked  !  But  let  us  not 
 here  forget  bis  kindnels  to  Jefus  our  Mediator,  and  the  vengeance  he  hath  taken  and  will  take  on  all  his  oppolers. 
 
David  complaineth  of  his  enemies^ 
 
 12  They  rewarded  me  evil  for  good,  io  the  f  fpoil- : 
 
 PSALMS. 
 
 The  cxcelit'iicij  of  Cod’s  meirj/. 
 
 halting. 
 
 •}•  Heb. 
 
 Before 
 
 ing  of  mv  ibul.  i 
 
 cir.  ic^.  jg  jhey  were  fick,  my  cloth- 
 
 ing  rvas  I'ackcloth  ;  I  li  humbled  my  (bul  with  falling  ;  ’ 
 depriving,  and  my  prayer  returneJ  into  mine  own  bofom. 
 
 II  Or,  14  1  t  behaved  myfelf  f  as  though  he  had  been  my 
 friend  or  brother :  I  bowed  down  heavily,  as  one  that 
 \,aiked.  moumethyor  his  mother. 
 
 ^iieb.  oi  15  But  in  mine  f  adverfity  they  rejoiced,  and 
 ajriend,  gathered  themfelves  together  ;  yea,  the  abjefts  gather- 
 ‘theltome.  ^d  theiiifelves  together  againft  me,  and  1  knew  it  not ; 
 f  Ueb.  they  did  tear  me,  and  ceafed  not : 
 
 16  With  hypocritical  mockers  in  feafts,  they  gnafh- 
 ed  upon  me  with  their  teeth. 
 
 17  Lord,  how  long  wilt  thou  look  on  ?  refeue  my 
 foul  from  their  deftruflions,  f  my  darling  from  the 
 
 my  only  HonS, 
 
 rpfaims  18  I  will  give  thee  thanks  in  the  great  congrega¬ 
 te.  9, 10.  tion  ;  I  will  prail'e  thee  among  f  much  people. 
 
 &1I1.  1.  19  Let  not  them  that  are  mine  enemies  t  wrong- 
 
 t  fully  rejoice  over  me  :  7ieither  let  them  wink  with  the 
 eye  that  hate  me  without  a  caufe. 
 
 20  For  they  fpeak  not  peace  ;  but  they  devife  de¬ 
 ceitful  matters  againll  them  that  are  quiet  in  the  land. 
 
 21  Yea,  they  opened  their  mouth  wide  againft  me, 
 and  laid,  Aha,  aha  !  our  eye  hath  feen  it, 
 
 22  This  thou  haft  feen,  O  Lord  :  keep  not  filence ; 
 
 O  Lord,  be  not  far  from  me. 
 
 23  Stir  up  thyfelf,  and  awake  to  my  judgment,  even 
 unto  my  caufe,  my  God  and  mv  Lord. 
 
 _  24  Judge  me,  O  Lord  my  God,  according  to  thy 
 righteoulnefs ;  and  let  them  not  rejoice  over  me. 
 
 25  Let  them  not  lay  in  their  hearts,  t  Ah,  fo  would 
 we  have  it :  let  them  not  fay.  We  have  fwallowed 
 him  up. 
 
 26  Let  them  be  aftiamed  and  brought  to  confufion 
 together,  that  rejoice  at  mine  hurt:  let  them  be 
 clothed  with  fhame  and  difhonour  that  magnify 
 selves  againft  me. 
 
 27  Let  them  fhout  for  joy,  and  be  glad,  that  favour 
 -ynv«e-t";y’''Shteous  caufe:  yea,  let  them  fay  continually, 
 ousaesi.  ^  the  Lord  be  magnified,  which  hath  pleafure  in 
 
 the  prosperity  of  his  fervant. 
 
 28  And  ray  tongue  ftiall  fpeak  of  thy  righteoufnefs, 
 a?id  of  thy  praife,  all  the  day  long.* 
 
 PSALM  XXXVI. 
 
 1  The  grievout  etlnle  oj  the  wicked.  5  The  eJ’celL  ncy  of  G  jd'i  merey. 
 10  iJuvid  prayelhjor  favour  to  God'i  children. 
 
 f  To  the  chief  mufician,  A  jt/alm  of  David,  the  fervant 
 of  the  I.ORD. 
 
 The  tranfgreftion  of  the  wicked  faith  within  my 
 heart,  that  there  is  no  fear  of  God  before  his 
 
 B'-Tore 
 Cbrift 
 cir.  lO 
 
 eyes. 
 
 strong 
 t  Heb 
 falsely. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 Ah,  ah, 
 »UT  soul. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 myself  Heb.  I  walked  as  though  it  had  been  my  friend  or  brother  ;  I  bowed  down 
 heavily  as  one  that  mourneth  for  his  mother,  or,  as  a  mother  that  mourneth.  He 
 who  fo  paffionately  lamented  the  natu-aldeath  of  Saul,  doubtlefs  bewailed  greatly 
 
 fntrn  '“7 ^  comprehenfive  view  of  the  fms  and 
 lorrows  of  Jerufalem,  wept  over  that  wretched  city,  with  the  tender  atfcAion  of  a 
 
 have  ,K  “  O  Jerufalem,  Jerufalem,  how  often  would  I 
 
 her  winls  >■  V  ^  gathereth  her  chickens  under 
 
 me  ir  ^‘“’“ers,  gathered  themselves  together  against 
 
 makers  o/Jn  b  mockers  in  feasts,  or,  among  the  profligates,  the 
 
 the  caf!.?.f  n  However  this  might  he  true  in 
 
 of  the  oh;  “  certainly  had  a  literal  accomplifliment  in  the  fcoHs  and  taunts 
 
 of  the  chief  priefts  and  others,  when  Chria  was  hanging  on  the  crofs  — “  Ah  thou 
 
 ^  '"“e 
 
 fame  in  bis  teet"”^"’  crucified  with  him,  »  caR  the 
 
 explanatory  NOTES.  Psal.  XXXVI.  Ver.  I.  The  tranean 
 >e  wtc.ted  s  iith  lou/ifn  my  heart,  that  there  is  no  fear  o  God  before  his  ey%s.  If  the 
 
 2  For  he  flattereth  himfelf  in  his  own  eyes,  f  until 
 his  iniquity  be  found  to  be  hateful. 
 
 3  I'he  words  of  his  mouth  are  iniquity  and  deceit : 
 he  hath  left  clf  to  be  w-ife,  and  to  do  good. 
 
 4  He  devifeth  ||  mifehief  upon  his  bed :  he  fetteth 
 himfelf  in  a  way  that  is  not  good  ;  he  abhorreth  not 
 evil. 
 
 5  *  Thy  mercy,  O  Lord,  is  in  the  heavens ;  and 
 thy  faithfulnefs  reacheth  unto  the  clouds. 
 
 6  Thy  righteoufnefs  is  like  f  the  great  mountains  ; 
 thy  judgments  are  a  great  deep  :  O  Lord,  thou  pre- 
 ferveft  man  and  beaft. 
 
 7  How  excellent  is  thy  loving-kindnefs,  O  God  !f 
 therefore  the  children  of  men  put  their  truft  under  the 
 fhadow  of  thy  wings. 
 
 8  Ihey  fhall  be  abundantly  f  fatisfi?d  with  the  fat- 
 nefs  of  thy  houfe  ;  and  thou  (halt  make  them  drink 
 of  the  river  of  thy  pleafures. 
 
 9  For  with  thee  is  the  fountain  of  life  ;  io  thv  light 
 fhall  w'e  fee  light. 
 
 10  t  O  continue  thy  loving-kindnefs  unto  them  that 
 know  thee  :  and  thy  righteoufnefs  to  the  upright  in 
 heart. 
 
 1 1  Let  not  the  foot  of  pride  come  againft  me,  and 
 let  not  ^he  hand  of  the  wicked  remove  me. 
 
 12  1  here  are  the  workers  of  iniquity  fallen  :  they 
 are  caft  down,  and  (hail  not  be  able  to  rife.f 
 
 PSALM  XXXVII. 
 
 David  persuadeth  to  patience  and  confilence  in  God,  by  the  different  stalls 
 of  the  godly  and  the  wicked. 
 
 F  _  ^  ^  A  jffulm  of  David. 
 
 I^LT  not  thylelf  becaufe  of  evil-doers,  neither  be 
 thou  envious  againft  the  workers  of  iniquity  ; 
 
 2  bor  they  ftiall  foon  be  cut  down  like  me  grafs, 
 and  wither  as  the  green  herb. 
 
 3  Iruft  in  the  Lord,  and  do  good;  fo  (halt  thou 
 dwell  iQ  the  land,  and  t  verily  thou  fhalt  be  fed. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 toJiidhU 
 iniquity 
 to  hate. 
 
 ]  Or, 
 vanity. 
 
 a  Pfalms 
 57.  10.  Se 
 108.  4. 
 t  Heb. 
 the  moun¬ 
 tains  of 
 God. 
 f  Heb. 
 precious. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 watered. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 draw  out 
 at  length. 
 
 a  IVor. 
 28.  17.  & 
 24.  1,19. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 in  truth 
 or  stable- 
 ness. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS _ *  Ps»i  X  V  Yv  i  v  .  .  ,  ■ 
 
 fe  us  as  they  will,  it  is  o,.r  ,1.,h  r... 
 
 ourfelves. 
 
 frir  ■"  'he  original  be  the  true  one,  the  meaning  miiR  be  this-The 
 
 tranfgreffions  of  a  bad  man  fliew  plainly,  in  the  apprehenfion  of  a  good  one  Uiat 
 
 ■  ion  Lowth,  by  a  flight  aitera 
 
 1  he  w  ickld  '"r  it  to  this  effea-  •  The  wicked  man  according  to 
 
 I  the  wickednefs  in  his  heart,  faith.  There  is  no  fear  of  God  before  min-  eves  ’■ 
 
 Jai  I" P'-ophet  here  declaretb  himfelf  to  he  convinced  of  it 
 
 Ton  \  "’'ckcdnefs  proeeedeth  from  the  abfence  of  «  the  fear  of  God"  in  the  per’ 
 in  tl^^°  committeth  It ;  that  fear  being  a  principle,  which,  while  it  is  predominant 
 the  man,  will  refinain  him  from  tranfgreflion.  Our  laws  fuunofe  iv.  i 
 
 Lc^to  'hey  attribute  the  commXon  of  th^of- 
 
 having  the  fear  of  God  before  his  eyes.” 
 explanatory  NOTES.  Psal.  XXXVII.  Ver  o  For  th.,  .w/ 
 the'fai ''7'?  ^‘h  himfelf  time' m  confided'  h^w  Zu 
 
 'PAr'-rr/'iAT.s. _  °  ^  ’  o 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.-!  Psal.  XXXVn  n  ,  n.  -  '  . . '  . a  biefliog  to 
 
 Jfttcry— what  abominable  thoughts  and  devices— what  falfe  and  mif-r  7°'^^  f "  things  and  defperately  wicked  are  the  hearts  of  men  1 
 
 How  uufearchable  are  the  exceUencies  of  God  '  TT  .k  '  i  T-  "“‘‘•‘'■evous  words— what  ho.  rid  crimes  proceed  from  them  '  j  ^  '  "  hat  felf. 
 
 17 
 
 com* 
 
The  different  stales  of  the  I’odly  and  the  xcicled-  PSALMS. 
 
 Before 
 
 ciirift  thyfelf  alfo  in  the  Lord  ;  and  he  fhall 
 
 ^ir.Toi5.  givet  hee  the  defires  of  thine  heart. 
 
 5  t  Commit  thy  way  unto  the  Lord  ;  truft  alfo 
 f  Hcb.  in  him,  and  he  fhall  bring  it  to  pafs  : 
 rJUhy  5j-',pg  forth  thy  righteoufnefs  as  the 
 
 judgment  as  the  noon-day. 
 
 7  t  Relt  in  the  Lord,  and  wait  patiently  for  him  : 
 fret  not  thyfelf  becaufe  of  him  who  profpereth  in  his 
 
 /'  .l__  _____  l_  *  _  _ _ —  .L. 
 
 David  prayei,u  j  Uod  for  compassion. 
 
 LORD. 
 b  Prov. 
 16.  S. 
 IVIatth. 
 
 C.  25. 
 
 1  Peter 
 5.  7. 
 t  Heb. 
 Be  silent 
 to  the 
 
 LORD. 
 
 29  The  righteous  lhall  inherit  the  land,  and  dwell  Before 
 therein  for  ever. 
 
 I  30  The  mouth  of  the  righteous  fpeaketh  wildom, 
 
 '  and  his  tengue  talketh  of  judgment. 
 
 !  3 1  The  law  of  his  God  is  in  his  heart ;  none  of  his 
 
 i  II  fteps  (hall  Aide.  U 
 
 [  32  The  w’icked  watcheth  the  righteous,  and  feek- 
 
 rret  not  tnyieir  became  or  mm  wno  proiperern  in  ms  '  eih  to  flay  him.  .  •  •  .  •  u  j 
 
 way,  becaufe  of  the  man  who  bringeih  wicked  de-  |  83  Ine  Lord  will  not  leave  him  in  his  hand,  nor 
 vices  to  pals.  i  condemn  him  when  he  is  judged. 
 
 8  Ceafe  from  anger,  and  forfake  wrath :  fret  not 
 thyfelf  in  any  wife  to  do  evil. 
 
 9  For  evil  doers  fhall  be  cut  off;  but  thofe  that 
 wait  upon  the  Lord,  they  fhall  inherit  the  earth. 
 
 10  For  yet  a  little  while,  and  the  w'cked  shall  not 
 he :  yea,  thou  fnalt  diligently  confider  his  place  and 
 it  shall  not  be. 
 
 1 1  '  But  the  meek  (hall  inherit  the  earth  ;  and  (hall  | 
 
 delight  themfelves  in  the  abundance  of  peace.  i 
 
 H  — .  12  The  w’icked  I1  plotteth  againft  the  juft,  and 
 
 gnafheih  upon  him  with  his  teeth, 
 d  Pfaim  1 3  <1  The  Lord  (hall  laugh  at  him  ;  for  he  feeth 
 that  his  day  is  coming. 
 
 l-i  The  wicked  have  drawn  out  the  fword,  and  have 
 
 c  Matt 
 5.  5. 
 
 11  Or. 
 
 2.  4. 
 
 34  Wait  on  the  Lord,  and  keep  his  way,  and  he 
 fhall  exalt  thee  to  inherit  the  land  :  when  the  wicked 
 are  cut  oft,  thou  (halt  (ee  it. 
 
 35  I  have  feen  the  wicked  in  great  power,  and 
 
 fpreading  himfelf  like  |1  a  green  bay  tree  ;  J 
 
 36  Yet  he  pafTed  away,  and  lo,  he.wjs  not;  yea, 
 
 I  (ought  him,  but  he  could  not  be  found.  groweUtij^ 
 
 ,  37  Mark  the  perfeft  man,  and  behold  the  Upright : 
 
 i  for  the  end  of  that  man  is  peace. 
 
 38  But  the  tranfgreflTors  lhall  be  deftroyed  together  ; 
 the  end  of  the  wicked  fhall  be  cut  oS. 
 
 39  But  the  falvation  of  the  righteous  is  of  the 
 Lord  ;  he  is  their  ftrength  in  the  time  of  trouble. 
 
 40  And  the  Lord  fhall  help  them,  and  deliver 
 
 14  inewiCKea  naveorawnoui  lueiwuiu,  auu  nave  .  -rv/  r  .  •  i,  j 
 
 bent  their  bow,  to  caft  down  the  poor  and  needy,  and  .  them  :  he  fliall  deliver  them  from  the  wicked,  and 
 
 ...  ^  ^  *  r-  r__: _  i'  •  Kc /'•jimm  ffnlT  ifi  him. 
 
 I  Tieb.  JO  flay  t  f^uch  as  be  of  upright  converfation 
 theu, , right  15  '1  heir  fword  (hall  enter  into  their  owm  heart, 
 
 *  and  their  bows  (hall  be  broken. 
 
 t  Ileb. 
 the  pre- 
 efousness 
 of  lambs. 
 
 16  A  little  that  a  righteous  man  hath  is  better  than 
 
 the  riches  of  many  wicked. 
 
 1 7  For  the  arms  of  the  wicked  (hall  be  broken  :  but 
 the  Lord  upholdeth  the  righteous. 
 
 18  The  Lord  kooweth  the  days  of  the  upright, 
 and  their  inheritance  (hall  be  for  ever. 
 
 19  They  fhall  not  be  afhamed  in  the  evil  time ;  and 
 in  the  days  of  famine  they  (hall  be  fatisfied. 
 
 20  But  the  wicked  fhall  perifh,  and  the  enemies  of 
 the  Lord  shall  be  as  t  the  fat  of  lambs :  they  fhall 
 confume  ;  into  fmoke  (hall  they  conlume  away’ 
 
 21  The  wicked  borroweth,  and  payeth  not  again  : 
 but  the  righteous  fheweth  mercy  and  giveth.  _ 
 
 22  For  such  as  be  bleffed  cf  him  (hall  inherit  tl^ 
 
 Cave  them  ;  becaufe  they  truft  in  him.* 
 
 ;  PSALM  XXXVIII. 
 
 David  moveth  God  to  take  compassion  on  his  pili/iil  case. 
 
 H  A  pfalm  of  David,  to  bring  to  remembrance. 
 
 OLORD,  rebuke  me  not  in  thy  wrath :  neither 
 chaften  me  in  thy  hot  difpleafure. 
 
 2  For  thine  arrows  ftick  faft  in  me,  and  thy  hand 
 ;  prefleth  me  fore. 
 
 i  3  There  is  no  foundnefs  in  my  flefh  becaufe  of  thme 
 1  angel  ;  neither  is  there  any  t  reft  in  my  bones  becaufe 
 
 ;  of  my  fin.  ^  •  u  j 
 
 j  4  Fcr  mine  iniquities  are  gone  over  mine  head  ; 
 
 as  an  heavy  burden  they  are  too  heavy  for  me. 
 
 ;  5  My  wounds  (link,  and  are  corrupt  becaule  of  my 
 
 I  foolifhnefs.  ,  ,  +  H<ib. 
 
 I  6  I  am  t  troubled ;  1  am  bowed  down  greatly  ;  1  wearied. 
 I  go  mourning  all  the  day  long. 
 
 U  Or. 
 
 established 
 
 earth  •  and  tL  that  be  c-mfed  of  him  fhall  be  cut  off.  |  7  For  my  loins  are  filled  with  a  loathlome  disease 
 
 23  The  fteps  of  a  good  are  H  ordered  by  the!  and  there  • 
 
 Lord  ;  and  he  delighteth  in  his  way 
 
 24  Tnough  he  fall,  he  fhall  not  be  utterly  caft  down  ; 
 for  the  Lord  upholdeth  him  with  his  hand. 
 
 25  I  have  been  young,  and  now  am  old  ;  yet  have 
 I  not  feen  the  righteous  forfaken,  ncr  his  feed  beg-  ^ 
 
 I  Heb.  26  He  IS  f  ever  merciful,  and  lendeth  ;  and  his  feed 
 
 all  the  day.  bleflpd. 
 
 27  Depart  from  evil,  and  do  good  ;  and  dwell  for 
 
 ^'^^S^Fo^the  Lord  loveth  judgment,  and  forfaketh 
 not  his  faints ;  they  are  prelerved  for  ever ;  but  the 
 feed  of  the  wicked  (hall  be  cut  oft. 
 
 Shalt  thou  dwell  in  the  land,  and  verUy  thou  shall  be  fed  t  ‘  ' 
 
 "^XPLANATO^rNO-S'  'r.irrxXVIII.  VV.  ,  «,  / 
 
 fny  riend,  stand  aloe/  ,rom  my  sorr,  or  plague,  or  ajha^on.  Let  us  not  be  fur- 
 
 8  1  am  feeble  and  fore  broken  :  I  have  roared  by 
 reafon  of  the  difquietnefs  of  my  heart. 
 
 9  Lord,  all  my  dtfire  is  before  thee  ;  and  my 
 groaning  is  not  hid  from  thee. 
 
 10  My  heart  panteth,  ray  ftrength  faileth  me  ;  as 
 
 for  the  light  of  mine  eyes,  it  alfo  f  is  gone  from  me.  J  Heb. 
 
 11  My  lovers  and  my  friends  (land  aloof  from  my 
 
 f  fore  ;  and  1|  my  kinimen  ftand  afar  o(F.  ■)■  iieb. 
 
 12  They  alfo  that  leek  after  my  life  lay  {'nzres  Jor  stroke, 
 me;  and  they  that  feek  my  hurt  Ipeak  mifehievous 
 things,  and  imagine  deceits  all  the  day  h  ng. 
 
 13  But  I,  as  a  deaf  man,  heard  not ;  and  I  was  as  a 
 dumb  man  that  openeth  not  his  mouth. 
 
 prifed,  or  offended,  though  the  godly  have  few  friends  to  ^'nider  to  them  ,  fo 
 we  fee  the  righteous  Jefus,  at  his  paffion,  deftitute  and  forfaken  by  all  ;  as  it 
 written.  »  Then  all  the  difeiples  forfook  him,  and  fled,”  Matt  xxv.  56.  “and  all 
 bis  acquaintance,  and  the  women  that  followed  hitn  from  Galilee,  flood  afar  oft, 
 beholding  thefe  things,”  Luke  xxiii.  49.  Ver  I  9.  But  m,ne  er,em,es  ore  Iwely. 
 Thefe  words,  joined  with  the  preceding,  are  applicable  to  the  diflrefs  of  David,  aii^ 
 
 - - -  i  .  r  ■  or.r  fret  at  the  orofoerity  of  the  wicked,  yet  how  little  reafon  ts 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.--  »iR  R-  '“'f'  •><  0'>‘‘  >  “  s!™'  •!;«»  " 
 
 :X'  to  .u-  ...r  g....,  b..."g  ^  pro».to  »f  .b-  bi. 
 
 god  thAt  tshich  is  to  cotne. 
 
David  shevoelh  the  b'revff}/  '^T  human  hje. 
 
 Thus  I  was  as  a  nnan  that  heareth  not,  and  in 
 
 PSALMS. 
 
 Obedience  the  mu'^t  acceptable  sacrifice* 
 
 llefore 
 
 cinia 
 
 cir.  10-M. 
 
 H 
 
 whole  mouth  are  no  reproofs.  .. 
 
 15  For  II  in  thee,  ()  Lord,  do  I  hope  :  thou  wilt  ' 
 hear,  O  Lord  my  God. 
 
 16  For  I  laid, 
 rejoice  over  me  , 
 
 Hear  mc^  led  uthcrtxUe  they  fhonld 
 _  ,  when  my  foot  Ilippeih,  they  mag¬ 
 nify  thrmselvcs  againfl  me. 
 
 ^  For  I  am  ready  t  to  halt,  and  my  Ibrrow  is  con- 
 
 And  now.  Lord,  what  wait  I  for?  mv  hope  is  Before 
 
 Clirie 
 
 cir.  IWl. 
 
 17 
 
 tinuallv  before  me. 
 
 18  For  1  will  declare  mine  iniquity  ;  I  will  be  forry 
 
 t 
 
 Ijeing  /iu- 
 i/i"  are 
 (irons. 
 
 7 
 
 in  thee.  , 
 
 8  Deliver  me  from  all  my  iranigreffions  ;  make  me 
 
 not  the  reproach  of  the  fooliffi.  ^  Heb. 
 
 9  I  was  dumb,  I  opened  not  my  mouth  ;  becaule 
 
 thou  didd  it.  a 
 
 10  Remove  thy  droke  away  from  me  ;  lam  con- •, 
 
 fumed  by  the  f  blow  of  thine  hand.  M>ed  m 
 
 11  When  thou  with  rebukes  dod  correft  man 
 iniquity,  thou  maked  f  bis  beauty  to  conl'ume  away 
 
 like  a  moth  :  furely  every  man  is  vanity.  Selah.  35.  23. 
 
 12  Hear  my  prayer,  O  Lord,  and  give  ear  untoi  Cbron. 
 
 my  cry  ;  hold  not  thy  peace  at  my  tears:  <=  for  I  am 
 
 29.  15. 
 
 for  my  fin. 
 
 19  But  mine  enemies  f  are  lively,  and  they  are 
 
 drong  ;  and  they  that  hate  me  wrongfully  are  multi-  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  .  . 
 
 plied.  I  a  dranger  with  thee,  and  3.  fojourner,  as  ail  nny  fa-,,g™3^ 
 
 20  They  alfo  that  render  evil  for  good  are  mine  !|  thers  were.  iiebr. 
 
 adverdries ;  becaule  I  follow  the  thing  that  good  is.  j  13  O  (pare  me,  that  I  may  recover  drength,  before 
 
 21  Forfake  me  not,  O  Lord  :  O  my  God,  be  not  i  1  go  hence,  and  be  no  more.f  I 
 
 r _  I  PQ  a  T  M  V  T  2.  I  Ir 
 
 f  Heb. 
 for  my 
 help. 
 
 far  from  me. 
 
 22  Make  hade  f  to  help  me,  O  Lord  my  falvation.* 
 PSALM  XXXIX. 
 
 1  D  ivid’s  care  of  his  thoughts.  The  conasiderntion  of  the  brevity  and 
 vanity  of  life.  7  The  reverence  of  God's  judgments,  iO  and  prayers  are 
 his  bridles  of  impatience. 
 
 ai  Chro.  ^  To  the  chief  raufician,  even  to  »  Jeduthun,  A  pfalm 
 25. 1.  of  David. 
 
 IS  AID,  I  will  take  heed  to  my  ways,  that  I  fin 
 not  with  ray  tongue ;  I  will  keep  f  my  mouth 
 with  5t  bridle,  while  the  wicked  is  before  me. 
 tnuzae  2  1  was  dumb  with  filence  ;  I  held  ray  peace,  even 
 for  my  gooJ  ;  aud  my  forrow  was  t  dirred. 
 
 3  My  heart  was  hot  within  me  ;  while  I  was  mufing 
 the  fire  burned  :  then  fpake  I  with  my  tongue. 
 
 4  Lord,  make  me  to  know  mine  end,  and  the 
 [l  Or,  meafure  of  my  days,  what  it  is that  1  may  know 
 what  lime  |1  how  frail  I  am, 
 
 I  have  5  B?hold,  thou  had  made  my  days  as  an  hand- 
 bTiaims  breadth,  and  mine  age  is  as  nothing  before  thee : 
 62. 9.  &  verily  every  man  f  at  his  bed  date  is  altogether 
 144. 4.  vanity.  Selah. 
 
 f  Heb.  g  Surely  every  man  walketh  in  f  a  vain  (bew ;  Cure- 
 
 tnouth, 
 j-  Heb. 
 troubled* 
 
 settled. 
 
 I  Heb.  ly  they  are  difquieted  in  vain  ;  he  heapeth  up  riches, 
 ■  Qn  image*  and  knoweth  not  who  diall  gather  them. 
 
 PSALM  XL. 
 
 The  benefit  of  eonjilence  in  God.  6  Obedience  it  the  bt  st  tacrijice. 
 The  sense  of  David’s  evils  injlameth  hit  p'oyer. 
 
 H  To  tne  chief  mufician,  A  Pfa’m  of  David. 
 
 II 
 
 tl  X  \J  ll/X-  CIliWi  XA  X  Id. Ill  A^CL  V  J  Li « 
 
 t  T  AVAITED  patiently  for  the  Lord,  and  he  in-  f 
 
 I  dined  unto  me,  and  heard  my  cry.  tnwaturis 
 
 O  U..  K _ u. _ _ ir _ _  t  wasted. 
 
 2  He  brought  me  up  alfo  out  oft  an  horrible  pit,  f  iieb. 
 out  of  the  miry  clay,  and  fet  my  feet  upon  a  rcck,“P"°/ 
 and  edablifhed  my  goings. 
 
 3  And  he  hath  put  a  new  forg  in  my  mruth,  evm 
 praife  unto  our  God  :  many  (hall  fee  it  and  fear,  and 
 (ball  trud  in  the  Lord. 
 
 4  BlelTed  is  that  man  that  maketh  the  Lord  his  ** 
 
 trud,  and  refpeaeth  not  the  proud,  nor  fuch  as  turorj^*''"* 
 to  lies*  them  unto 
 
 5  Many,  O  Lord  my  God,  are  thy  wonJerfuH'"'^ 
 
 woiks  tc/i/c/i  thou  had  done,  and  thy  thoughts  tcAicA^, 
 are  to  US  ward  ;  ||  they  cannot  be  reckoned  up  in  or-  ifiia^ 
 der  unto  thee :  ?/  I  would  declare  and  (peak  oj  them,  ^  & 
 
 they  are  more  than  can  be  numbered.  ’ 
 
 6  *  Sacrifice  and  offering  thou  didd  not  deCre  ;  Mau^' 
 
 mine  ears  halt  thou  t  opened  :  burnt-offering  and  fin- 12.  7. 
 odering  had  thou  not  required.  Hebr. 
 
 7  Then  faid  1,  Lo,  I  come 
 book  it  is  written  of  me, 
 
 in  the  volu.me  of 
 
 the  profperity  of  his  adverfaries  ;  to  the  fufferings  of  Ctiria,  and  the  triutrph  of  the 
 Jews ;  10  the  affli<Stions  of  the  church,  and  the  gaiety  of  the  world 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  XXXIX.  Ver.  2.  I  was  dumb  with 
 silence.  There  is  a  time  to  keep  filence,  becaule  there  are  men  who  will  not  hear  • 
 there  are  tempers,  favage  and  fenfual  as  thofe  of  fwine,  before  whom  evangelical 
 pearls,  or  the  treafures  of  heavenly  wifdotn,  are  not  to  be  caR.  This  confidera- 
 tion  ftirreth  up  fredi  grief  and  trouble,  in  a  pious  and  charitable  heart  How 
 much  more  mua  it  have  done  fo,  in  the  foul  of  him,  who  lived  and  who  died  only 
 for  the  falvation  of  finners  !  Ver,  6-  6\re/y  every  man  w.dheth  in  a  vain  shew,  or 
 in  a  shadowy  image.  The  mortal  Rate  of  man  is  compounded  of  light  and  dark- 
 nefs;  feeming  to  be  fomething,  when  really  it  is  nothing;  always'altering,  and 
 ending  on  a  fudden  ;  neared  to  difappearing  when  at  full  length;  fure  to  con¬ 
 tinue  no  longer  than  when  the  fun  is  above  the  horizon  ;  but  liable  lo  vanilh  at 
 the  interpofition  of  a  cloud  :  and  when  it  is  gone,  leaving  no  track  behind  it. 
 
 '  rebukes  d,  St  correamanfor  iniquity,  thou  m  Uetl  h  s  be  ,utv  1 
 
 or  all  that  is  delightful  or  delirable  in  him  to  consume  away  like  n  molh.  The  body  ' 
 of  man  is  a  gnrmeni  to  the  fool  ;  in  this  garment  fin  hath  lodged  a  moth  which  I 
 by  degrees  frelteth  and  weareth  away,  6rd  the  beauty,  then  the  drength  and 
 finally,  the  contexture  of  his  parts.  Whoever  has  watched  the  pro.rrefs  of  a  con  ' 
 tumption,  or  any  other  lingering  didemper,  nay,  the  dow  and  11  lent  devadations  ' 
 ot  time  alone  in  the  human  frame,  will  need  no  further  illudratioii  of  this  jud 
 
 digged. 
 
 andaffeaing  fimilitude  ;  but  will  difcern  at  once,  the  propriety  of  the  refleaiotl 
 which  follows  upon  it - “  Surely  every  man  is  vaiiitv  •” 
 
 !  explanatory  NOTES.  Psal  XL  vL  o  %r,  i.  e 
 
 ;  out  of  an  horrible  pit,  Heb.  pitof  confufed  rumultuous  njife.'  Xhe’fuffeTin  Jfrom 
 which  our  Redeemer  was  delivered,  are  here  deferibed  under  the  image  of  a  dl^- 
 fubterraneous  cavern,  from  vt  litch  there  was  no  emerging,  and  where  roarin^aU 
 raas  of  water  broke  in  upon  him  ;  overwhelming  him  on  every  fide  •  till  TCt 
 js  exprelTed  in  the  xviiith  pfalm,  «  God  fent  from  above,  and  '^k  him  and  drew 
 
 ^  Hr“  .°5.Te'VotTby  clTd  o?„'';e':Lt’  h  f 
 
 '  oH^erf  *’">  ihe  divine*’ dT^pVXtion 
 
 of  luch  facrifices,  when  re  bed  on  for  that  Durm.fp  TI„  c  .  r  . 
 
 i  .o  do,  .„d  .o  rod-,,  .d.  f  X  rJ: 
 
 — ‘Mine  ears  had  thou  opened;  but  more  ulainlv  evnr,  iTA  •  .  ‘“e  words 
 
 citation  by  the  paraphrafe,  «  A  body  had  thou  prepared^me  ”  For  .h  '  * 
 fion,  ••  Mine  ears  had  thou  opened  ;”  feems  equivalent  lo-J-w  Th^ 
 me  obedient.”  Thus  Ifa.  1.  5  ••  The  Lord  i  .  mads 
 
 ,.na...d  ;r '57; 
 
 body,  that  IS,  to  be  obedient,  and  to  do  ll.y  will.”  Ver  12  pT 
 _ _ _  •'  mr.  Jr  or  intiurnerabU 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Psal.  XXXVIIT  1  Sin  n,  i-„  <•  r  i  i  - . 
 
 often  do  our  worldly  friends,  who  flutter  round  us  in  profperity  treacheroudv  f*^“k '»  »  mofe  fatal  flgn  than  infei  flbilit 
 God  to  trust  in,  who  knows,  and  can  cute  our  maladies  !  ‘^"“‘^heroudy  fo.lake  us  in  our  adverf.ty.  But  what  comfort  is  it  that  ‘'’‘<^-f“^‘l-ty 
 
 p.  How 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSEfivIlTONr-Mxirxxx  IX  «  •  ‘  coiupaffiona.e 
 
 b.  ...».d  f,o„  u,.„  i.  ou,  ..d  .h.  n,ouu 
 
David  complaineth  his  enetr.its'  treachery. 
 
 Before 
 Chrill 
 cjr.  lOiO. 
 
 f  Het>. 
 in  the 
 mirtst  of 
 nybonxU, 
 
 PSALMS.  He  eticouragfth  his  heart  to  trust  in  r> 
 
 '.'0(7, 
 
 8  I  delight  to  do  thy  will,  O  ray  God  ;  yea,  thy  ii  7  All  that  hate  me  whifper  together  againft  me:  Hof„ 
 
 law  is  t  within  my  heart.  i  againlt  me  do  they  devile  f  my  hurt.  ’  eJi'i* 
 
 9  I  have  preached  righteoufnefs  in  the  great  congre-  '  8  An  evil  difeate,  /ay  they,  cleaveih  fad  unto  him  • 
 
 gation  :  lo,  1  have  not  refrained  my  lips,  O  Lord,  and  now  that  he  lieth,  he  (hall  rile  up  no  more.  ’ 
 thoia  knoweft.  _  19  Yea,  f  mine  owo  familiar  friend,  in  whom 
 
 10  I  have  not  hid  thy  righteoufnefs  within  my  trufled,  *  which  did  eat  of  my  bread,  hath  f  lifted  up  ^ 
 
 "If. 
 
 t  lleb. 
 Jonaketb. 
 
 b  Pfalms 
 35.  4.  & 
 71.  13. 
 
 heart ;  I  have  declared  thy  faithfulnefs  and  thy  falva 
 lion :  1  have  not  concealed  thy  loving-kindnefs  and 
 thy  truth  from  the  great  congregation. 
 
 1 1  Withhold  not  thou  thy  tender  mercies  from 
 me,  O  Lord:  let  thy  loving-kindnefs  and  thy  trutn 
 continually  preferve  me. 
 
 12  For  innumerable  evils  have  compadVd  me  about ;  ‘ 
 
 mine  iniquities  have  taken  hold  upon  me,  fo  that  1  am  !l 
 not  able  to  look  up  :  they  are  more  than  the  hairs  of  i 
 mine  head  ;  therefore  my  heart  t  faileth  me.  i 
 
 13  Be  pleafed,  O  Lord,  to  deliver  me:  O  Lord,  |' 
 
 make  hafle  to  help  me.  ; 
 
 14  Let  them  be  afhamed  and  ccunfounded  toge¬ 
 ther  that  leek  after  my  foul  to  deftroy  it ;  let  them  be 
 driven  backward,  and  put  to  fhame,  that  wi(h  me  evil. 
 
 15  Let  them  be  defolate  for  a  rew-ard  of  their  (hame 
 that  lay  unto  me.  Aha,  aha ! 
 
 16  Let  all  thofe  that  feek  thee  rejoice  and  be  glad 
 in  thee  ;  let  fuch  as  love  thy  falvacion  fay  continually, 
 'I'he  Lord  be  magnified. 
 
 17  But  1  am  poor  and  needy  :  yet  the  Lord  think- 
 eth  upon  me:  thou  art  ray  help  and  my  deliverer; 
 make  no  tarrying,  O  ray  God  * 
 
 PSALM  XLT. 
 
 Belie  f 
 
 10  But  thou,  O  Lord,  be  merciful  unto  me,  andtiUb. 
 raife  me  up,  that  1  may  requite  them. 
 
 1 1  By  this  I  know  that  thou  favoureft  me,  becaufe^ V’‘^ 
 
 mine  enemy  doth  not  triumph  over  me.  jg  “/g' 
 
 12  And  as  for  me,  thou- uphold: ft  me  in  mine  inte- 1  iRb! 
 
 grity,  and  fetteft  me  before  thy  face  for  ever.  ''‘“s-jCwi 
 
 13  Eltfli:d  be  the  Lord  God  of  Ifrael  from  ever- 
 lafting,  and  to  everlaftiog.  Amen,  and  amen.f 
 
 PSALM  XLII. 
 
 1  David's  zeal  lo  serve  God  in  the  temple 5  he  encourageth  his  soul  (o 
 trust  in  God. 
 
 H  To  the  chief  mufician,  ||  Mafchil,  for  the  fons  of  II  Or, 
 
 Korah.  Apfaim 
 
 S  the  hart  t  panteth  after  the  water-brooks,  fol>^"|J”' 
 panteth  my  foul  after  thee,  O  God.  <)/(/,/'* 
 
 2  My  foul  thirfteth  for  God,  for  the  living  God  ;  sons  ^c. 
 when  (hall  1  come  and  appear  before  God  ? 
 
 3  *  My  tears  have  been  my  meat  day  and  night,  aTibili, 
 while  they  continually  fay  unto  me.  Where  is  thybo.  s. 
 God  ? 
 
 4  When  I  remember  thefe  things,  I  pour  out  my 
 foul  in  me :  for  I  had  gone  with  the  multitude  ;  I 
 went  with  them  to  the  houfeof  God,  with  the  voice  of 
 
 8  Or, 
 the  weak, 
 or,  ack. 
 
 1  God's  core  oC  the  poor.  4  David  comidaineth  of  his  enemies'  Ireacheri/.  j'joy  and  prailc,  with  a  multitude  that  kept  holy*day« 
 iO  He Jieelh  to  God  for  succour. 
 
 ^  To  the  chief  mufician,  A  pfalra  of  David. 
 
 BLESSED  is  he  that  confidereih  |i  the  poor:  the 
 Lord  will  deliver  him  f  in  time  of  trouble. 
 
 2  Tne  Lord  will  preferve  him,  and  keep  him  alive  ; 
 
 \r^i^'doya7tdhe  (hall  be  blefled  upon  the  earth  :  and  H  thou  wilt 
 of  evil.  £jQt  deliver  him  unto  the  will  of  his  enemies.  ii 
 
 B  Or,  2  Lord  will  ftrengthen  him  upon  the  bed  of  I; 
 
 ih^u^de-  languifhing:  thou  wdlt  f  make  all  his  bed  in  his  fick-  jj  fpouis  ;  all  thy  waves  and  thy  billows  are  gone  over  II 
 
 5  Why  art  thou  t  caft  down,  O  my  foul  ?  and  vDhy\iieh. 
 art  thou  difquieted  in  me?  hope  thou  in  God  ;  for*''""''^ 
 
 I  fhall  yet  |1  praile  him  |1  for  the  help  of  his  counte-y“or| 
 
 D3QC6*  give 
 
 6  O  my  Cod,  my  foul  is  caft  down  within 
 therefore  will  1  remember  thee  from  the  land  of 
 dan,  and  of  the  Hermonites,  from  |1  the  hill  Mizar. 
 
 7  Deep  calleih  unto  deep,  at  the  noife  of  thy  water-  salvalioii. 
 
 liver. 
 f  lleb. 
 turn. 
 
 nefs. 
 
 4  I  faid.  Lord,  be  merciful  unto  me:  heal  my 
 foul ;  for  1  have  finned  againft  thee. 
 
 5  Mine  enemies  (peak  evil  of  me ;  When  (hall  he 
 die,  and  his  name  perifh  ? 
 
 6  And  if  he  come  to  fee  me,  he  fpeaketh  vanity  ; 
 his  heart  gathereth  iniquity  to  iifelf ;  luhen  he  goeth 
 abroad,  he  telleth  it. 
 
 evils  have  compassed  me  about.  All  puniQiments,  properly  fpeaking,  prefuppofe 
 fin  •  and  efpecially,  "hen  they  are  reprefented,  as  here,  to  overtake  and  leiae  a 
 perfbn.  Therefore,  to  undernand  this  of  Chrill,  it  mult  be  interpreted  of  imputed 
 
 fins,  or  punifliments  for  tb€m.  ▼  ^  ♦  v.^T 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  XLI.  Ver.  5.  Compare  John  xi.  47. 
 aii.  19.  Ver.  6.  And  if  he  come  to  see  me,  he  speukelh  vanity.  Thus  the  enemies 
 of  Chrill  ‘  fet  out  fpies,  who  Ihould  feign  tliemfeives  juft  men,  that  they  might 
 take  hold  of  his  w  ords,  that  lo  they  might  deliver  him  into  the  power  and  authori¬ 
 ty  of  tl.e  governor,”  Luke  icx.  20.  Ver.  9.  Yea,  m  ne  own 
 whom  I  trusted.  “  I  fpeak  not  of  you  all,”  faith  our  Lord  to  h.s  difciples:  »  1 
 know  whom  I  have  chol'en  ;  but  that  the  Icriplure  may  be  fulBlled,  He  that  eateth 
 
 theluds 
 
 u*c. 
 
 8  Yet  the  Lord  will  command  his  loving-kindnefs 
 in  the  day-time,  and  in  the  night  his  long  shall  be  vviih 
 me,  and  my  prayer  unto  the  God  of  mv  life. 
 
 9  I  will  lay  unto  God  my  rock,  Why  haft  thou 
 
 forgotten  me  ?  wny  go  I  mourning  becaufe  of  the  op- 
 preflion  of  the  enemy  \  ,  .  .  II  Or, 
 
 10  As  with  a  II  fword  in  my  bones,  mine  enemies  killing. 
 
 bread  with  me,  hath  lifted  up  his  heel  againft  me,”  John  xiii.  18.  This  quotation 
 proves  that  the  fpeaker  in  this  pfalra  is  Melfiab. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  XLII.  Ver.  1.  As  the  hart  panteth  af¬ 
 ter  the  water  brooks.  The  thirft  which  the  hart  experiences,  when  chafed  in  fuluy 
 weather,  over  the  dully  plains,  is  here  fet  before  us  as  a  reprefentation  of  that 
 ardent  defire  after  the  waters  of  eternal  comfort,  which  the  temptations,  the 
 cares,  and  the  troubles  of  the  world  produce  in  the  believing  foul.  Ver.  7.  Deep 
 calleih  unto  deep  at  the  noise  of  thy  water  spouts.  This  idea  feems  lo  be  borrowed 
 from  tlie  general  deluge,  or  from  a  ftorm  at  fea,  when,  at  the  found  of  del'cend- 
 ing  water  fpouts,  or  torrents  of  rain,  the  deeps  are  ftirred  up,  and  put  into 
 horrible  commotion  ;  the  clouds  above  calling,  as  it  were,  to  the  wateis  below, 
 
 VI?  APTirAI  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Psal.  XL.]  Alas  !  what  fearful  and  long  continued  fulTerings  of  body  and  mind  have  Jel'us  and  his  people  allotted 
 R.t  how  triu-nnlunt  was  the  refurreaion  of  Mefliah  !  And  glorious  alfo  lhall  be  the  refeue  of  all  bis  members  from  their  beds  of  corruption  in  the  morning 
 o^the  refurreaion.  lS  us  embrace  every  proraife,  as  ratified  in  his  blood  ;  and  in  the  faith  of  his  being  made  lin  for  us,  that  we  might  be  niade  the  righlecuinels 
 of  God  in  him.  let  us  cheerfully  and  carefully  devote  ourfelvts  to  his  fervice. 
 and  the  moment  of  fulfilment  haftens  forward 
 
 No  griefs,  no  poverty,  can  make  thofe  miferable  who  fear  liiin.  His  promifes  aie  fure  ; 
 
 ereafe  our  dependence  on  God,  and  tune  our  hearts  to  h;s  praile  j 
 
Divid  cncouragcth  his  soul  to  trust  in  God. 
 
 IpsalmS. 
 
 The  church  rcmjdaxntih  of  her  present  evils. 
 
 Uofore  reproach  me ; 
 
 God? 
 
 cir.  lOisl .  •' - 
 
 while  they  fay  daily  unto  me,  Where 
 
 iti  y  'y.9  wvj  . 
 
 1 1  Why  art  thou  cafl.  down,  O  my  foul  ?  and  why 
 art  thou  difquieted  within  me  ?  hope  thou  in  God  ; 
 for  I  lhall  yet  praife  him,  who  is  the  health  of  ray 
 countenance,  and  my  God.* 
 
 PSALM  XLIII. 
 
 1  JOavid  praying  to  be  retlored  to  the  temple,  promiieth  to  terxte  God  joy¬ 
 fully.  5  He  encourageth  hit  foul  to  truit  in  God. 
 
 JUDGE  me,  O  God,  and  plead  my  caufe  againft 
 an  II  ungodly  nation :  O  deliver  me  f  from  the 
 unmerci-  jfceitful  and  unjutt  man. 
 
 tlieb.  ^  ftrength  :  why  doft 
 
 from  a  <hou  c^ft  me  off?  why  go  1  mourning  becaufe  of  the 
 man  of  oppreffioo  of  the  enemy  ? 
 
 3  O  fend  out  thy  light  and  thy  truth  ;  let  them  lead 
 
 tabernacles. 
 
 4  Then  will  I  go  unto  the  altar  of  God,  unto  God 
 |Heb.  t  exceeding  joy:  yea,  upon  the  harp  will  I  praife 
 the  glad-  thee,  O  God,  my  God. 
 
 ««joy  my  5  a  \;yhy  ^rt  thou  call  down,  O  my  foul  ?  and  why 
 i^pfaitn  art-  thou  dilquieted  within  me  ?  hope  in  God  ;  for  i 
 42.5, 11.  (hall  yet  praile  him,  xo/io  is  the  health  of  my  counte¬ 
 nance,  and  my  God.f 
 
 PSALM  XLIV. 
 
 1  The  church,  in  memory  of  former  favours,  7  complaineth  of  her  present 
 evils,-  17  professing  her  integrity,  24  she  fervently  pray elh  for  succour. 
 
 H  To  the  chief  mufician  for  the  fons  of  Korah, 
 Mafchil. 
 
 'E  have  heard  with  our  ears,  O  God,  our  fa- 
 .  .  thers  have  told  us,  what  work  thou  didft  in 
 their  days,  in  the  times  of  old. 
 
 2  How  thou  didft  drive  out  the  heathen  with  thy 
 hand,  and  plantedft  them ;  how  thou  didft  affiiift  the 
 people,  and  caft  them  our. 
 
 3  For  they  got  not  the  land  in  poffeffion  by  their 
 own  (word,  neither  did  their  own  arm  Cave  them  • 
 but  thy  right  hand,  and  thine  arm,  and  the  light  of  thy 
 countenance,  becaule  thou  hadft  a  favour  unto  them, 
 
 4  Thou  art  my  King,  O  God  :  command  deliver- 
 ances  for  Jacob. 
 
 5  Through  thee  will  we  pu(h  down  our  enemies  • 
 through  thy  name  will  we  tread  them  under  that  rife 
 op  againft  us. 
 
 w 
 
 and  one  wave  encouraging  and  exciting  another,  to  join  their  forces  and  over 
 
 wh^rh“r  h  and  ftnlciog  image  of  the  nature  and  number  of  thofe  calamfties 
 which  fin  hath  brought  upon  the  children  of  Adam. 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Psal.  XLIII.  Ver.  1.  fud^e  me  0  God 
 SLen’.'l"  apP'^aleth  to  God.  againn  aVople  who^had 
 
 driven  their  fovereign  from  his  capital  to  wander  like  a  fugitive  and  vagabond  in 
 
 6  For  I  will  not  truft  in  my  bow,  neither  (hall  my 
 
 fword  fave  me.  cir^'loss 
 
 7  But  thou  haft  faved  us  from  our  enemies,  and 
 haft  put  them  to  (hame  that  hated  us. 
 
 8  In  God  we  boa(t  all  the  day  long,  and  praile  thy 
 name  for  ever.  Selah. 
 
 9  But  thou  haft  caft  oft,  and  put  us  to  (hame  ;  and 
 goeft  not  forth  with  our  armies. 
 
 10  Thou  makeft  us  to  turn  back  from  the  enemy ; 
 and  they  which  hate  us  ('poll  for  themfelves. 
 
 1 1  Thou  haft  given  us  f  like  (heep  appointed  for  f  Heb. 
 meat ;  and  haft  (battered  us  among  the  heathen.  at  sheep 
 
 12  Thou  fellett  thy  people  f  for  nought,  and 
 
 not  increafe  th^  wealth  by  their  price.  w«A<ni< 
 
 13  *  Thou  makeft  us  a  reproach  to  our  neigh- 
 hours,  a  (corn  and  a  derifion  to  them  that  are  round  I 
 about  us. 
 
 14  Thou  makeft  us  a  by-word  among  the  hea-b  Jer, 
 
 then,  a  (baking  of  the  head  among  the  people.  ^4.  9. 
 
 15  My  confufion  is  continually  before  me,  and  the 
 (hame  of  my  face  hath  covered  me. 
 
 16  for  the  voice  of  him  that  reproacheth  and  blaf- 
 phemeth  ;  by  reafon  of  the  enemy  and  avenger. 
 
 17  All  this  is  come  upon  us  ;  yet  have  we  not  for¬ 
 gotten  thee,  neither  have  we  dealt  falfely  in  thy  co¬ 
 venant. 
 
 18  Our  heart  is  not  turned  back,  neither  have  our 
 
 II  fteps  declined  from  thy  way  ;  g  Or, 
 
 19  Though  thou  haft  fore  broken  us  in  the  place 
 of  dragons,  and  covered  us  with  the  (hadow  of 
 death. 
 
 20  If  we  have  forgotten  the  name  of  our  God,  or 
 liretched  out  our  hands  to  a  ftrange  God  ; 
 
 21  Shall  not  God  fearch  this  out?  for  he  knoweth 
 the  lecrets  of  the  heart. 
 
 22  '  Yea,  for  thy  fake  are  we  killed  all  the  dayc  Rom. 
 long  ;  we  are  counted  as  (heep  for  the  (laughter.  8.  se. 
 
 23  Awake,  whyfleepeft  thou,  O  Lord?  arife,  caft 
 us  not  oft  for  ever. 
 
 hideft  thou  thy  face,  and  forgetteft 
 our  afflibfion  and  our  oppreflion  ? 
 
 25  For  our  foul  is  bowed  down  to  the  duft ;  our 
 belly  cleaveth  unto  the  earth. 
 
 redeem  us,  for  thv^^f^'i> 
 
 mercies  fake.f  ^  ® 
 
 delivered  m  language  fuited  to  the  Old  Teftament.  Ver.  22.  Comp.  Horn,  viii  36.' 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS _ ♦  Psai  Xr  Ti  i  xr  .u-  T  - - - - - — - '  _ 
 
 name,  and  the  more  we  live  by  faith  in  him,  we  (hall  fee  he  ’  ‘’V’’.!®?'*  Infmate  fellow(hip  with  God  never  fails  to  tune  our  h.  ••’■ght  but  when  we  have 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS  ™i  7sai!  XLI V  1  T  defpondency.  “"d  tongues  to  praife  hi. 
 
 inp  allotted  them  for  his  fake.  It  is  highMionZable  t  “’ougb  not  cSled  to^e  themfelves  ut! 
 
 .. ..  .0  ..  U  i  ~ 
 
The  majesty  and  grace  of  Christ's  kingdom. 
 
 PSALMS. 
 
 The  church's  confidence  in 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 cir.  1055. 
 
 (  K- 
 
 M 
 
 a  Or, 
 
 /ion. 
 
 t  Hcb.  - 
 
 boiU'lh, or, 
 bubbU'th 
 
 up. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 prcspir 
 thou,  ride 
 thou. 
 
 llebr. 
 
 .  8, 
 
 PSALM  XI. V. 
 
 I  The  mnj.  Up  and  grace  oj  Christ's  kingdom.  1 0  The  duly  o/Ihe  church,  ' 
 and  the  benfjits  thereof.  , 
 
 1!  To  the  chief  muficlan  upon  Shofhannim,  for  the, 
 Ions  of  Korah,  j]  MaCchil,  A  long  of  loves. 
 
 Y  heart  t  is  inditing  a  good  matter  :  1  fpeak 
 of  the  things  which  I  have  made  touching  the 
 my  tongue  ts  the  pen  of  a  ready  writer.  ; 
 
 2  Thou  art  fairer  than  the  children  of  men  ;  grace 
 is  poured  into  thy  lips :  therefore  God  hath  bleffed 
 thee  for  ever. 
 
 3  Gird  thy  fvvord  upon  f*?/ thigh,  O  Mighty, 
 with  thy  glory  and  thy  majehy. 
 
 i  And  in  thv  majefty  t  ride  profperoufly,  becaufe 
 of  truth,  and  meeknels,  and  righteoulnels ;  and  thy  , 
 right  hand  lhall  teach  thee  tenible  things.  j 
 
 5  Thine  arrows  ara  (harp  in  the  heart  of  the  King’s 
 enemies  ;  xchereby  the  people  fall  under  thee. 
 
 6  *  Tny  throne,  O  Gkid,  is  for  ever  and  ever:  the 
 feeptre  of  thy  kingdom  is  a  right  feeptre. 
 
 7  Thou  loveli  righteoufoefs,  and  hateft  wicked  net's 
 therefore  God,  thy  God,  hath  anointed  thee  with  the 
 oil  of  gladnefs  above  thy  fellows. 
 
 8  All  thy  garments  smell  of  myrrh,  and  aloes,  mid 
 caflia,  out  of  the  ivory  palaces,  whereby  they  have 
 made  thee  glad. 
 
 9  King’s  daughters  -jeere  among  thy  honourable 
 women  ;  upon  thy  right  hand  did  tiand  the  queen  in 
 geld  of  Ophir. 
 
 10  Hearken,  O  daughter,  and  confider,  and  incline 
 thine  ear ;  forget  allb  thine  own  people,  and  thy 
 father's  houfe ; 
 
 1 1  So  fnall  the  King  greatly  defire  thy  beauty  :  for 
 he  is  thy  Lord  ;  and  worihip  thou  him. 
 
 he  fore 
 
 Cliriit 
 cir.  1048^ 
 
 12  And  the  daughter  of  Tyre  s/inll  be  there  with  a 
 gift :  even  the  rich  among  the  people  lhall  entreat 
 f  thy  favour. 
 
 13  The  King’s  daughter  is  all  glorious  within  ;  herfn^ 
 
 clothing  is  of  wrought  gold.  ‘hyjaie. 
 
 1  t  She  lhall  be  brought  unto  the  King  in  raiment 
 of  needle-work  ;  the  virgins  her  companions  that  fol¬ 
 low  her  lhall  be  brought  unto  thee. 
 
 15  With  gladnefs  and  rejoicing  shall  they  be 
 brought :  they  lhall  enter  into  the  King’s  palace. 
 
 16  Inftead  of  thy  fathers  lhall  be  thy  children, 
 whom  thou  raaveft  make  princes  in  all  the  earth. 
 
 17  I  will  make  thy  name  to  be  remembered  in  all 
 generations :  therefore  fhall  the  people  praife  thee 
 for  ever  and  ever.* 
 
 PSALM  XLVI. 
 
 The  conjidence  which  the  church  hath  in  God :  8  an  exhortation  to 
 contemplate  the  works  of  his  providence. 
 
 f  To  the  chief  raufician  ||  for  the  fons  of  Korah, 
 
 A  long  upon  Alafnoth. 
 
 OD  is  our  refuge  and  Itrength,  a  very  prefent 
 _  help  in  trouble  : 
 
 2  Therefore  will  not  we  fear,  though  the  earth  be 
 removed,  and  though  the  mountains  be  carried  into 
 
 f  the  midfl  of  the  lea  ;  fUeb. 
 
 3  Though  the  waters  thereof  roar  and  be  troubled, 
 though  the  mountains  Ihake  with  the  fwelling  thereof. 
 
 Selah. 
 
 4  There  is  a  river,  the  flreams  whereof  fliall  make 
 glad  the  city  of  God,  the  holy  jo/aceof  the  tabernacles 
 
 of  the  Mold  High.  f  Heb. 
 
 5  God  is  in  the  midli  of  her;  file  fhall  not 
 
 moved  :  Gcd  fhall  help  her,  f  and  that  right  early.  appeareth. 
 
 Or,  of. 
 
 EXPL  ANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  XLV.  Ver.  1.  My  heart  is  indiiing,  \ 
 Heb.  ‘  boiletb,  pr  bubbleth  up.  a  good  matter,  or  the  good  word.’  The  Spiritof 
 the  Lord,”  faith  David  elfewhere,  2  Sam.  xxii.  2.  “  fpake  by  me,  and  his  word  was  j 
 in  my  tongue.”  In  like  manner,  we  are  to  conceive  the  prophet  here  to  be  full  | 
 of  the  divine  Spirit,  which  infpired  him  with  the  good  word,  or  the  glad  i 
 tidings  of  falvation.  The  facred  fire,  inclofed  in  bis  heart  expanded  itfelf  1 
 ■within,  till  at  length  it  brake  forth  with  impetuofity,  to  enlighten  and  to  revive  j 
 mankind  with  this  glorious  prediftion,  “touching  the  King”  MelTiah  ;  and  this  j 
 was  uttered  by  his  tongue,  under  the  guidance  of  the  Spirit;  as,  in  writing,  the 
 pen  is  diretfted  by  the  hand  thatholdsit.  V’er.  3.  Gird  thy  sword  upon  thy  thigh,  j 
 0  must  high.  The  prophet  having  deferibed  the  beauty  an  1  the  eloquence 
 of  the  king,  proceedeth  new  to  fet  forth  his  power,  and  to  arm  him,  as  a  war-  j 
 Tier  for  the  battle.  The  fword  of  rMslfiali  is  his  word,  which,  in  the  language  j 
 of  St  Paul,  is  faid  to  be  “  quick,  and  powerful,  and  (harper  than  any  two-  i 
 edged  fword  and  is  reprefented  by  St  John,  as  “a  (harp  two  edged  fword  [ 
 coming  out  of  the  mouth  of  Chrift,  Hcb.  iv.  12.  Rev.  i.  16.  Ver.  4.  .dnd  tn  thy  i 
 majesty  ride  prosjrerously,  becaufe  or  for  the  sake  of  truth,  and  me'  finess  and  righ-  | 
 teousness ;  and  thy  right  hand  shfdl  leach  thee  ferrikle  or  wonderful  things.  The! 
 fenfe  perhaps  may  be  this  ;  Thy  right  hand,  by  its  prompfntfs  to  encounter  dan-  j 
 per,  fiiall  bring  thee  acquainted  with  terrible  things  ;  thy  right  hand  lhall  know 
 its  office  ;  by  habitual  exercife  (hall  render  thee  expert  in  war,  and  lead  thee  on 
 from  conqucii  to  conqueft.  MelTiah  is  in  thefe  words  magnificently  deferibed, 
 as  making  his  progrefs  among  the  nations,  feated  in  his  triumphal  chariot, 
 adorned  with  all  the  regal  virtues,  achieving  the  moft  aftonifhing  vicSlories,  and, 
 by  the  irrefiftible  might  of  his  power,  fubduing  idolatry  and  iniquity  to  the  faith 
 and  texnper  of  the  gofpel.  Ver.  5.  Thine  arrows  are  sharp  in  the  he-irt  of  the 
 Kino's  enemies.  The  prophet  goes  on  to  reprefent  Melfiah  as  a  warrior  complete¬ 
 ly  armed,  and  (kilful  in  the  ufe  of  every  weapon.  Thus  a  prince  is  pourtrayed, 
 Rev.  vi.  2.  “  I  faw,  and  behold  a  while  horfc,  and  he  that  fat  on  him  had  a 
 bow,  and  a  crown  was  given  unto  him;  and  he  went  forth  conquering  and  to 
 cor.ejuer.”  Ver.  6.  thy  throne,  0  God.  Meffiah’s  throne  is  diftinguilhed  from 
 
 the  thrones  of  this  world  by  its  endlefs  duration  ;  his  feeptre  from  the  feeptres 
 of  earthly  potentates,  by  the  unerring  reflitude  of  its  adminiftration.  .  See  Heb. 
 i.  8.  Ver.  8.  All  ihtj  garments  smell  of  myrrh.  Ivory  palaces,  or,  palaces 
 adorned,  or  inlaid  with  ivory.  Ver.  9.  King's  daughters  were  among  thy  honour¬ 
 able  women,  or  the  splendour  of  thy  train.  At  the  right  hand  of  the  King  follow¬ 
 ed  by  this  magnificent  proeeffion,  appears  the  church,  the  fpoufe  of  the  Lamb, 
 arrayed  in  the  garments  of  righteoufnefs  and  falvation,  filly  compared,  for  their 
 inefiimable  value,  and  radiant  brigbtiiefs,  to  the  gold  of  Ophir.  Ver.  10,  11. 
 Comp.  Gen.  ii.  24.  Mark  x.  29,  30  Ver.  12.  And  the  daughter  uj  Tyre  shall  be 
 there  wifh  a  gift.  The  acceffion  of  the  Gentiles,  with  their  offerings  and  dona¬ 
 tions  to  the  church,  is  here  predi<5ted,  under  the  name  of  Tyre,  a  city  in  the 
 neighbourhood  of  Paleftine,  formerly  the  glory  of  the  nations,  and  mart  of  the 
 world.  See  Ifa.  Iv.  Rev.  xxi.  Ver,  13,  14.  Comp.  Eph.  v.  25 — 27.  Ver. 
 
 I  4.  She  shall  be  brought  unto  the  King  in  raiment  of  needle-work ;  or,  embroidery. 
 The  virgins  are  either  the  (ingle  churches,  or  holy  fouls,  that  accede  to,  and 
 accompany  the  fpoufe;  unlefs  we  fuppofe,  as  fome  do,  that  the  bride  is  tba 
 Ifraelitifh  church,  and  then  the  attendants  will  rcprefent  the  Gentiles.  Ver.  16. 
 Comp.  Rev.  i.  6- 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  XLVI.  Ver.  3.  The  church  declares 
 her  full  and  firm  confidence  in  God,  as  her  refuge  and  flrength,  araidfl  all  the 
 tumults  and  confufions  of  the  world,  the  raging  of  nations,  and  the  fall  of  em¬ 
 pires.  Nay,  at  that  laft  great  and  terrible  day,  when  fea  and  land  are  to  be 
 confounded,  and  every  mountain  and  hill  removed  for  ever ;  when  there  is  to  be  a 
 “diftrefs  of  nations,  with  perplexity,  the  fea,  and  the  waves  roaring  ;”  even  then 
 the  righteous  (hall  have  no  caufe  to  fear,  but  rather  to  “lift  up  their  heads”  with 
 joy  and  triumph,  becaufe  then  it  is,  that  their  redemption  draweth  nigh.  Ver.  5. 
 God  shall  help  her,  and  that  right  eat  ly ;  Heb,  ‘  when  the  morning  appeareth.’ 
 Ver.  6.  The  heathen  rnged.  How  concife,  how  energetic,  hovv  truly  and  aflonifti* 
 ingly  fublime?  The  kingdom  of  Chrift  being  two-fold,  thefe  w  ords  may  be  applied 
 either  to  the  overthrow  of  heathenHln,  and  the  eftablifhment  of  the  gofpel ;  or  to 
 the  deftru(5tion  of  the  world,  and  the  ereiftion  of  Melfiah’s  triumphal  throne. 
 
 PR  ^CTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Psal.  XLV.]  When  Jefus  manifeftshis  glory,  his  difciples  not  only  believe  on  hint,  but  allb  admire  his  excellencies,. 
 O  how  admirable  is  the  conflilution  of  his  perfon  as  God  man,  and  how  amiable  are  his  mediatorial  relations,  offices,  and  qualifications,  which  conflilute  hint  the  per- 
 fieaion  of  beauty.  Ills  people,  adorned  with  gifts  and  graces,  are  raifed  up  together,  and  made  to  fit  together  wiih  him  in  his  heavenly  kingdom.  His  chofen  ones, 
 Lth  Jews  and  Gentiles,  are  made  in  the  day  of  bis  power,  to  hear  his  voice  in  the  gofpel,  to  renounce  all  other  lords,  and  to  devote  themfelves  entirely  to  him  and 
 hTs  fervice,  os  the  objects  of  Itis  gracious  and  everlafting  delight.  In  (hining  robes  of  righteoufnefs,  grace,  and  holy  converfation^they  are  all  adorned  ;  and  after 
 fervineUeir  generation  by  the  will  of  God,  they  fliall  be  brought  and  admitted  info  bis  heavenly  palace  with  exceeding  joy.  Inftead  of  the  fathers,  whom  the  Lord 
 takes  to  himfelf,  he  will  choofe  the  children  and  exalt  them  in  his  kingdom.  Thus,  by  the  fpread  and  influence  of  the  gofpel,  (Itall  Jefus  renown  and  honour  bo 
 perpetuated  oa  earth,  while  thofe  in  heaven  (haU  praife  him  for  ever  and  ever. 
 
^  Jn  exhortation  to  the  nations- 
 
 PSALMS. 
 
 The  church's  ornaments  and  priiilrpeif 
 
 Defoi'o 
 
 Clirift 
 
 cir.  10^8. 
 
 r'O 
 f  Ilfb. 
 cn  hi^^h 
 
 flncc 
 
 for 
 
 [  Or,  of. 
 
 G  The  heathen  ragetJ,  the  kingdoms  were  moved  :  | 
 he  uttered  his  voice,  the  earth  melted.  | 
 
 7  The  I.ORD  of  hofls  is  v\ith  us ;  the  God  of  Jacob 
 is  t  oiir  refuge.  Selah. 
 
 8  Come,  behold  the  works  of  the  Lord,  what  de- 
 folations  he  hath  made  in  the  earth. 
 
 9  He  maketh  wars  to  ceale  unto  the  end  of  the 
 earth  ;  he  breaketh  the  bow,  and  cutteth  the  fpear  in  ; 
 Ibnder ;  he  btirneth  the  chariot  in  the  fire. 
 
 10  Be  Itill,  and  know  that  I  am  God  ;  I  will  be 
 exalted  among  the  heathen,  I  will  be  exalted  in  the 
 earth. 
 
 1 1  The  Lord  of  hofls  is  w'ith  us ;  the  God  of  Ja¬ 
 cob  is  cur  refuge.  Selah.* 
 
 PSALM  XLVH. 
 
 Tie  nations  are  exported  cheerfully  to  entertain  the  kingdom  of  Chris'. 
 
 H  To  the  chief  mufician,  A  pfalm  II  for  the  Ions  of 
 
 Korah. 
 
 CLAP  your  hands,  all  ye  people  ;  (hout  unto 
 God  with  the  voice  of  triumph  : 
 
 _  2  For  the  Lord  raoft  High  is  terrible  ;  he  is  a  great 
 King  over  all  the  earth. 
 
 ;>  He  (hall  fubdue  the  people  under  us,  and  the  na¬ 
 tions  under  our  feet. 
 
 4  He  (hall  choofe  our  inheritance  for  us,  the  excel¬ 
 lency  of  Jacob  whom  he  loved.  Selah. 
 
 5  God  is  gene  up  with  a  (hout,  the  I.ord  with  the 
 found  of  a  trumpet. 
 
 6  Sing  praifes  to  God,  fing  praifes ;  fing  praifes 
 unto  nur  King,  fing  praifes, 
 
 7  For  God  is  the  King  of  all  the  earth  ;  fing  ye 
 j/ie  praifes  11  with  underftanding. 
 
 S/ffre  ®  Clod  reignefh  over  the  heathen  :  God  fitteth  upon 
 gathered  the  throne  ot  his  hoiinefs. 
 
 unto  the  9  II  The  princes  of  the  people  are  gathered  toge- 
 reorieof  pen  the  people  of  the  God  of  Abraham:  for 
 the  fhields  of  the  earth  belong  unto  God  :  he  is  greatly 
 
 o 
 
 I  Or, 
 every 
 one  that 
 hath  un¬ 
 derstand¬ 
 ing. 
 
 Or, 
 
 the  God 
 of  A  bra 
 
 flam.  exalted.t 
 
 PSALM  XLVIir. 
 
 The  ornaments  and  privileges  oj  the  church. 
 
 ^  A  fong  and  pfalm  ||  for  the  Cons  of  Korah.  n-fore 
 
 GHF.A']’  is  the  Lord,  and  greatly  to  be 
 
 in  the  city  of  our  God,  in  the  mountain  ot  ^ 
 
 hoiinefs.  J  Or,  of. 
 
 2  Beautiful  for  fitHation,  the  joy  of  the  whole  earth, 
 is  mount  Zion  ;  on  the  fides  of  the  north,  the  city  of 
 the  great  King. 
 
 3  God  is  known  in  her  palaces  for  a  refuge, 
 
 4  For,  lo,  the  kings  were  alTembled,  they  pafled  by 
 together. 
 
 5  They  faw  it,  and  fo  they  marvelled  ;  they  were 
 troubled,  and  hafled  away. 
 
 6  Fear  took  hold  upon  them  there,  and  pain,  as  of 
 a  woman  in  travail. 
 
 7  Thou  breakeft  the  (hips  of  Tarfhifh  with  an  eaft 
 wind. 
 
 8  As  we  have  heard,  fo  have  we  feen  in  the  city  of 
 the  Lord  of  hods,  in  the  city  of  our  God  :  God  will 
 eftablifh  it  for  ever.  Selah. 
 
 9  We  have  thought  of  thy  loving-kindnefs,  O  God, 
 in  the  midft  of  thy  temple. 
 
 10  According  to  thy  name,  O  God,  fo  is  thy  praife 
 unto  the  ends  of  the  earth  :  thy  right  hand  is  full  of 
 righteoufnels. 
 
 11  Let  mount  Zion  rejoice,  let  the  daughters  of 
 Judah  be  glad,  becaufe  of  thy  judgments. 
 
 12  Walk  about  Zion,  and  go  round  about  her  : 
 tell  the  tow^ers  thereof. 
 
 13  t  Mark  ye  well  her  bulwarks,  11  confider  her  ^ 
 palaces;  that  ye  may  tell  7^  to  the  generation  fol-f''^"“’" 
 ^owing^,  Lbul 
 
 14  ror  this  God  is  our  God  for  ever  and  ever, 
 will  be  our  guide  even  unto  death.!  K 
 
 PSALM  X LI X. 
 
 1  An  earnest  persuasion  to  build  the  faith  of  Ike  resurreaion  net  on  world¬ 
 ly  poiver,  but  on  God.  5  Worldly  prcsperily  is  not  to  be  admired. 
 
 If  To  the  chief  mufician,  A  pfalm  H  for  the  fons  of  * 
 
 Kcrah. 
 
 Hear  this,  all  xp  p°ople  ;  give  ear,  all  ye  inha¬ 
 bitants  of  the  world  ; 
 
 ,  Ver.  8,  9.  The  church  in  thefe  verfes  propofes  to  us  the  nobleft  objedts  for  con¬ 
 templation;  namely  the  glorious  vidtories  of  our  Lord,  partly  gained  already,  and 
 partly  to  be  gained  hereafter,  in  order  to  the  final  eftablilhment  of  univerfal  peace, 
 righteoufnefs,  and  blifs,  in  his  heavenly  kingdom.  Then  the  mighty  fiiall  be  faL 
 ien,  and  the  weapons  of  war  perifhed  for  ever.  Ver.  10.  Be  stilL  In  this  verfe 
 there  IS  a  change  of  perfon,  and  Jehovah  liimfelf  is  introduced,  as  coramandln<T 
 tiie  world  to  ceale  its  oppofition,  lo  own  his  power,  and  to  acknowledo-e  his  fovet 
 reignty  over  all  the  kingdoms  of  the  nations.  ° 
 
 EXPL.VNATORY  notes.  PsAt.  XLVII.  Ver.  1-4.  The  prophet  in- 
 vites  all  nations  to  celebrate  the  feRival  of  Mefiiah’s  exaltation,  becaufe  all  na¬ 
 tions  had  a  fiiare  m  the  benefits  and  bleflings  of  that  glorious  day.  Ver.  5.  God 
 ^gone  up  with  a  fiout.  Literally,  if  applied  to  the  ark  «  God  is  gone  up  by  the 
 pecial  token  of  his  prefence,  into  that  holy  place,  with  Hiouts  of  joy  and  praife  • 
 
 aiT  'a  “P  pc'"?,  "'til  the  found  of  the  trumpet,  and 
 
 ^  other  inftruments  of  mufic,”  See  2  Sim.  vi.  5,  15.  2  Chron.  v.  2,  % 
 
 theafeen?"’  ri  ’*PP>''«<‘  "ow  by  the  Chriftian  church,  to 
 
 tieafcenfion  of  Chrift  into  heaven,  prefigured  by  that  of  the  ark  into  the  tem- 
 
 ple.  God  incornafe  is  gone  up  into  that  holy  place,  not  made  with  hands  •  the 
 everlafting  doors  of  heaven  are  opened,  for  the  King  of  glory  to  enter,  and  repof- 
 fefs  his  ancient  throne;  there  he  is  received  by  the  united  acclamation  of  the 
 «leftial  armies,  by  that  (hout,  that  voice  of  the  archangel,  -and  that  trump  of 
 Crod,  which  are  to  found  again,  in  the  day  when  he  fliall  «  fo  come,  in  like  man- 
 ner,  as  he  went  into  heaven.** 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  XLVlir.  Ver.  4-6.  The  potentate, 
 of  the  world  faw  the  miracles  of  the  apofik-s,  the  courage  and  conftancy  of  the 
 martyrs,  and  the  daily  increafe  of  the  church,  notwithAanding  all  their  perfecu 
 tions;  they  beheld  with  aftoninimei.t  the  rapid  progrefs  of  the  faith  through  the 
 Roman  empire  ;  they  called  upon  their  gods,  but  their  gods  could  not  help  them- 
 felves  ;  Idolatry  expired  at  the  foot  of  the  viaorious  crofs,  and  U.e  power  which 
 -upported  It  became  Christian.  Ver.  7.  Thou  breakejl  the  ships  of  Tarshish.  la 
 the  foregoing  verfe,  the  confternation  amongft  the  enemies  of  the  church  was  com- 
 
 of  a  travailing  woman  ;  here  it  is  likened  to  the  apprehenfiona 
 ot  defpairiDg  manners. 
 
 explanatory  NOTES.  Psal.  XLIX.  Ver.  5.  Wherefore  should  I  fear 
 
 dence  in  him.  we  may  triumph  ever  every  trouble  and  dancrer.  The'j^L  *  greateft  our  faith  in  God  fhould  be  Arongeft.  And  when  we  have  Arong  confi. 
 
 •w  10  have  God  for  their  refuge  and  Arengih  need  not  fear.^an'd  they  Aiall  never  fa'il'.  ^**NomdthAl^  have  their  afiVaions  placed  on  things  above.  Thei 
 
 hav'eT  ih'-’  '*  his  infinite  perfeaions,  difplayed  in  all  his  conaueAs  of  church  obtains  in  him  joy,  eAabliAiment  anc 
 
 niACTIc"'*  deliverer,  and  Arength.  ^  ^  queAs  of  vengeance  or  grace;  that  in  every  age,  in  every  cafe  we  reaj 
 
Tkt  vahify  of  trusliftg  in  worldhj  iccahh. 
 
 i 
 
 not  in 
 
 underftandeth  not, 
 
 '  Chrif^ 
 
 '■f-  0000. 
 
 Before  2  Both  low  aod  high,  rich  and  poor,  together. 
 cir^cHJoa  ^  mouth  (hall  fpeak  of  wildom :  and  the  me 
 ditation  of  mv  heart  shall  be  ot  underftanding. 
 
 4*1  will  incline  mine  ear  to  a  parable  ;  I  will  open 
 ray  dark  laying  upon  the  harp  • 
 
 5  Wherefore  Ihould  I  fear  in  the  days  of  evil,  ‘s.'hcn 
 the  iniquity  of  my  heels  fliall  compals  me  about  ? 
 
 6  They  that  trull  in  their  wealth,  apd  boaft  them- 
 felves  in  the  multitude  of  their  riches  ; 
 
 7  None  of  them  can  by  any  means  redeem  his 
 brother,  nor  give  to  God  a  ranfom  ter  him  ; 
 
 8  (For  the  redemption  of  their  foul  is  precious, 
 
 and  it  ceafeth  for  ever  ;)  jj 
 
 9  That  he  (hould  ftill  live  for  ever,  and  not  lee . 
 
 corruption. 
 
 10  For  he  feeth  that  wife  men  die,  hkewile  the  tool :  ^  x..  ...c.  ..... - -  -  - - -- 
 
 and  the  brutilh  perfon  perifh,  and  leave  their  wealth  the  earth,  that  he  may  judge  his  people, 
 to  others  v  *  i  5  my  faints  together  unto  me ;  thofe 
 
 1 1  Their  inward  thought  is,  that  their  houfes  shall ''  have  made  a  covenant  with  me  by  factifice. 
 
 continue  for  ever,  and  their  dwelling-places  f  to  all  ii  6  And  the  heavens  Iball  declare  his  righteoufnefs ; 
 
 generations:  they  call  lands  after  their  own  tor  God  ts  jjadge  hi mlelt.  ^elah.  r»  tr  i 
 
 ^  !!  7  Hear,  O  my  people,  and  I  will  Ipeak ;  O  Ifrael, 
 
 12  Neverthelefs,  man  being  in  honour  abideth  not ; ;!  and  I  will  teitify  againft  thee  :  I  am  God,  tven  thy 
 
 he  is  like  the  beafts  that  perifh.  _  n  •  i' 
 
 13  This  their  way  is  their  tolly  ;  yet  their  pouefity  Ii  8  1 
 
 t  approve  their  faying.  Selah.  i 
 
 14  Like  fheep  they  are  laid  in  the  grave ;  death  , 
 
 (hall  teed  on  them;  and  the  upright  (hall  have  | 
 
 over  them  in  the  morning ;  and  their  > 
 
 PSALMS.  God’s  df 
 
 20  Man  that  is  inj^  ,  ^ 
 is  like  the  beafts  (fm  perifti. 
 
 M  L. 
 
 I  The  mnjemy  of  God  i^he  church  ;  5  his  order  to  gather  his  saints.  7 
 7'he  pJeasure  of  God  it  not  in  ceremonies,  14  iul  in  sincerity  oj  obedience. 
 
 %  A  pfalm  il  of  Afaph.  ||  OT,f„ 
 
 ^  I  ^HF.  mighty  God,  even  the  Lord  hath  fpoken, 
 
 JL  and  called  the  earth,  from  the  rifing  of  the  fun 
 unto  the  going  down  thereof. 
 
 2  Out  of  Zion,  the  perfection  of  beauty,  God  hath 
 (hined. 
 
 3  Our  God  (ball  come,  and  (hall  not  keep  filence: 
 a  fire  (hall  devour  before  him,  and  it  (hall  be  very 
 tempeftuous  round  about  him. 
 
 4  He  (hall  call  to  the  heavens  from  above,  and  to 
 
 that 
 
 tHeb. 
 to  genera- 
 Sion  and 
 genera¬ 
 tion. 
 t  Heb. 
 delight  in 
 their 
 mouth. 
 
 U  Or, 
 
 strength. 
 
 I  Or, 
 
 the  grave 
 being  an  dominion 
 
 habitation 
 to  every 
 one  oJ 
 them. 
 f  Heb. 
 from  the 
 hand  of 
 
 grave 
 
 from  their 
 
 11  beauty  (hall  confume  H  iu  the 
 
 dwelling.  r  u 
 
 15  But  God  will  redeem  ray  foul  t  from  the  power 
 
 of  11  the  grave ;  for  he  (hall  receive  me.  Selah. 
 handoj  thou  afraid  when  one  is  made  rich,  when 
 
 the  grave,  the  glory  of  his  hou(e  is  inefealed  : 
 
 II  Or,  17  Lor  **  when  he  dieth  he  (hall  carry  nothing 
 heii.  aTOav  '  his  glory  (hall  not  defeend  after  him  . 
 
 18  Thoulh  t  while  he  lived  he  bleffed  his  foul, 
 t  H*-'  (and  men  will  ptaife  thee,  when  thou  doeft  well  to 
 
 in  hitlijco  £*  •  r  u 
 
 ^  19  +  He  (hall  go  to  the  generation  of  his  .athers, 
 
 they  (hall  never  lee  light.  _ _ _ 
 
 so  X  w'ill  not  reprove  thee  for  thy  faerifices,  or 
 thy  burnt-oiferings,  to  have  been  continually  before 
 1  rae. 
 
 !  9  I  will  take  no  bullock  out  of  thy  houfe,  nor  he- 
 
 I  goats  out  of  thy  folds :  .  _ 
 
 1 0  For  every  beaft  of  the  foreft  is  mine,  and  the 
 ^  cattle  upon  a  thoufand  hills. 
 
 !  Ill  know  all  the  fowls  of  the  mountains  ;  and  the 
 wild  beafts  of  the  field  are  f  mine.  t 
 
 ,  12  If  I  were  hungry,  I  would  not  tell  thee:  »  for^g^"'; 
 
 '  the  world  ?s  mine,  and  the  fulnels  thereof.  19. 5. 
 
 i  13  Will  I  eat  the  flefh  of  bulls,  or  drink  the  blood  Deut. 
 
 ;  of  goats?  JqIj 
 
 I  1 4  Offer  onto  God  thankfgiving  ;  and  pay  thy  vows  4,  , 
 unto  the  moft  High  :  '  Piaim 
 
 15  And  call  upon  me  in  the  day  of  trouble  ;  I  will  24.  i. 
 deliver  thee,  and  thou  (halt  glorify  me. 
 
 16  But  unto  the  wicked  God  faith.  What  haft  thou 
 
 ■  .1.  J  •*  TbTi^iquity  of  my  heels,”  fays  Biftiop  Lowth,  is  hardly 
 
 sn  the  ^  be,  lot  a  noun;  but  the  prefent  paruciple  of  the  rerb  ; 
 
 ufen'b":  “  Th '2ick5;els  of  thofe  that  lie  in  vrait  for  nte.”  on  endea- 
 it  will  wen  .  Duroort  of  the  queftion  is  plainly  this— Why  Ihould 
 
 r"  “  rfs;  f«r  d  .h.  t.™.  of  ft.  -i.k.d- 
 
 nSJot  nfy  wealthy  and  ^werful  adverfaries  compafies  me  about,  to  fupplant 
 
 Vpr  14  Like  sheep  ihAt,  OT,  they  are  laid  in  the  grnvCa  The 
 
 and  wL  cLfe  people  to  fear,  and  nations  to 
 
 high  and  tnigh  y  grave;  in  multitude  and  impo 
 
 -t' d^s:  r 
 
 faded  DMu  y,  confidence  which  is  not  placed  in  God.  Ver,  20. 
 
 ngels  the  vanity  ^bat  it  can  profit  a  man 
 
 Man  that  is  in  honour. 
 
 nothing  to  gain  the  whole  world ;  tb  become  poffefled  of  all  its  wealth,  and  all  its 
 power  :  if  after  all,  he  lofe  bis  own  foul,  and  be  caa  away,  for  want  of  that  holy 
 and  heavenly  wifdom,  which  diaioguiOies  him  from  the  brute.s,  and  lets  him  above 
 
 them  in  his  life,  and  at  his  death.  « 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  PsaL.  L.  Ver.  1.  The  mighty  God.  The  beft 
 ChriRian  expofitors  and  JewiRi  Rabbies,  apply  this  pfalm  to  the  days  of  Meffiah. 
 The  everlaRing  gofpel  hath  made  its  glorious  progrefs  from  the  eallern  to  th< 
 weAern  world  ;  and  the  nations  havd  been  thereby  called  to  repentance.  Ver, 
 2—7.  The  judgments  of  God  on  the  Jewifli  nation,  are  defetibed  by  an  allu- 
 fion  to  his  defeent  on  mount  Sinai.  Ver.  8.  /  wi/l  not  reprove  thee  for  thy  sacrifices, 
 Ifrael  was  not  punifiied  for  having  negleaed  to  offer  the  faerifices  of  the  law; 
 their  oblations  Were  on  the  altar,  idorning  and  evening,  continually,  infomucli 
 that  God,  by  the  prophet  Ifaiab,  declares  hio.felf  weary  of  them,  as  not  having 
 been  accompanied  wiih  faith  and  holinefs  in  the  offerer.  Ver.  1 4.  Offer  unto 
 thanksgiving.  The  carnal  and  bloody  faerifices  of  the  law  being  aboliflied  by  the 
 coinine  of  iMefliah,  the  fpiritual  and  unbloody  oblations  of  the  gofpel  fuccced  lO 
 their  Read,  Rom.  xii.  1.  Phil.  iv.  18.  Heb.  xiii  15,  16.  Ver.  16—20.  Compare 
 Rom.  ii.  17—25.  Ver.  21,22.  Compare  Rom.  11.  4 — 5.  Ver.  25.  niiosoofier. 
 
 - o  .  r,  -V  T  T  V  1  AUs  '  how  the  hearts  of  all  men  cleave  to  earthly  enjoyments !  The  iroor  need  to  he  warned  againft 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  A  confidence  The  truths  of  God  ought  to  be  inculcated  with  the  greateR  ferioufnefs  both  by  word 
 
 envyfand  difeonteot,  as  much  as  the  »chj.ga.na  pride  and  not  tolbandon  themfelves  to  unbelieving  fears  of  God’s  all-fufricency 
 
 and  example.  The  faints  in  particular,  when  ^h  Line°fs.  Thext  a  fenft  of  God’s  love  and  a  profpea  of  glory  are  feen  to  be  infinitely  more  precm 
 
 and  love— The  day  of  death  is  a  trying  time  Tilprlv  nurfoe  and  ardently  love,  and  conRantly  depend  on  the  world,  as  if  it  were  their  God,  ihetf 
 
 than  thoufandsof  filver  and  gold.  O  the  ^  life,  or  prefL;  from  hell  !  To  form  a  right  eRimate  of  things,  we  muR  weigh  time  with  eterng 
 
 .11  in  all!  and  yet  how  unavailable  to  ranfom  the  foul  perpetuate  ,  p  refoeaed  of  God,  or  really  happy  in  tune  and  eternity.  Redemption  througn 
 
 It  is  neither  wealUi  nor  poverty,  ".^‘’‘^^’“^"/.mtTorfhrworld’s  admiration,  but  the  word  of  God  that  adjuRS  men’s  real  ebaraaers.  It  is  not  what  we  have 
 
 XfJXXXSftrft.  .r«:  riche..  The,  P.  cd,  .ife  who  .enf.d.,  ftei-  tec  end,  .»d  .d!  under  .  due  iurpref... 
 
 of  eternity  and  the  judgment. 
 
PSALMS. 
 
 B.ivid^s  prai/cr  for  jtardon  and  purity. 
 
 Before  (q  do  to  declare  my  ftatutes,  or  that  thou  ftiouldeft 
 take  my  covenant  in  thy  mouth  ^ 
 
 17  '’feeing  thou  hateft  inftruftion,  and  callelt  my 
 b  Horn,  words  behind  thee. 
 
 2.21,22.  18  When  thou  fawefl  a  thief,  then  thou  confent- 
 
 t  edit  with  him,  and  f  haft  been  partaker  with  adulter- 
 
 M  VOX- 
 
 he  prophc^ieth  of  D<.' ■  dc:ti  n-'ton. 
 
 cir 
 
 thy  por 
 tion  was 
 
 ers. 
 
 wiihadui-  19  t  Thou  giveft  thy  mouth  to  evil,  and  thy  tongue 
 terers.  frameth  deceit. 
 
 +  20  Thou  fitteft  and  fpeakeft  againft  thy  brother  : 
 
 Hndest.  thou  flaiidereft  thine  own  mother’s  fon. 
 
 21  Thefe  ihmgs  haft  thou  done,  and  I  kept  ftlence  : 
 thou  thoughteft  that  I  was  altogether  suck  an  one  as 
 thyfelf ;  but  I  will  reprove  thee,  and  fet  them  in  order 
 before  thine  eyes. 
 
 22  Now  confider  this,  ye  that  forget  God,  left  I 
 tear  i/ou  in  pieces,  and  there  be  none  to  deliver. 
 
 23  Whol’o  offereth  praife  glorifieth  me :  and  to 
 f  him  t  that  ordereth  his  converfaiion  aright  will  I  fhew 
 l“,fbl,thefalvationofGod.* 
 
 way-  PSALM  LI. 
 
 1  David  prayeth  for  remhsion  of  sins,  whereof  he  rnnhelh  a  deep  confes¬ 
 sion;  6  he  prayeth  for  san£!ification.  16  God  delightelh  not  in  sacri¬ 
 fice  but  in  sincerity,  18  He  prayeth  for  the  church. 
 
 a  2  Sam.  f  Xo  tfic  chief  mufician,  A  pfalm  of  David,  “  when 
 Nathan  the  prophet  came  unto  him,  after  he  had 
 gone  in  to  Bath-fheba. 
 
 Have  mercy  upon  me,  O  God,  according  to  thy 
 loving-kindnefs ;  according  unto  the  multitude 
 of  thy  tender  mercies  blot  out  ray  tranfgreflions. 
 
 2  Wafti  me  thoroughly  from  mine  iniquity,  and 
 cleanfe  me  from  my  fin. 
 
 3  For  I  acknowledge  my  tranfgreflions :  and  my 
 fia  is  ever  before  me. 
 
 4  Againft  thee,  thee  only,  have  I  finned,  and 
 bRom.  done  this  evil  in  thy  fight;  ^  that  thou  mighteft  be 
 3-  4.  juftified  when  thou  fpeakeft,  and  be  clear  w’hen  thou 
 judgeft. 
 
 and  in  fin  did 
 
 cir.  lO.)?. 
 
 by  the  whole  pfalm,  concerning  the  Jewifh  and  the  Chridian  worfhip;  and 
 St  Paul,  in  the  place  above  cited,  affords  us  a  complete  comment  upon  it.  “  He 
 is  not  a  Jew,  which  is  one  outwardly ;  nor  is  that  circumcifion,  which  is  outward 
 ID  the  flefh  :  but  he  is  a  Jew,  which  is  one  inwardly  ;  and  circumcifion  is  that  of 
 the  heart,  in  the  fpirit,  and  not  in  the  letter,  whofe  praife  is  not  of  men  but  of 
 God. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  LI.  Ver.  I.  Have  mercy  upon  me,  0 
 God.  In  this  pfalm,  compofed  upon  a  fad  occafion,  but  too  well  known,  we  have 
 a  perfea  model  of  penitential  devotion.  Ver.  7.  Purge  me  with  hy/Top,  This  re- 
 lers  to  the  ceremony  of  fprinkling  the  unclean  perfon  with  a  bunch  of  hyffop,  dip- 
 in  the  water  of  reparation.  This  rite  is  deferibed.  Numb.  xix.  and  explained 
 
 Sr  r*'-  Ir  ^^‘i,  “  and  of  goats,  and  the  allies  of  an  | 
 
 heifer  fprink  ing  the  unclean  fanaifieth  to  the  purifying  of  the  flefh  :  how  much  ' 
 
 fT.Jbi  .’I'  ?'rr1  Spirit, 
 
 livinr  Sv”'’  V  confeience  from  dead  works  to  ferve  the 
 
 ^ving  God  ?  From  the  latter  part  of  the  verfe  we  learn,  that  by  grace  and 
 mercy,  the  pardoned  penitent  as  arrayed  in  garments  no  lefs  pure  Ind^fplendid 
 
 I  5  Behold,  I  was  ftiapcu  io  iniquity 
 [  my  mother  +  conceive  me. 
 
 1  6  Behold,  thou  defireft  truth  in  the  inward  parts ; 
 
 and  in  the  hidden  part  thou  ftialt  make  me  to  know  f 
 
 I  wifdom. 
 
 7  '  Purge  me  with  hyflTop,  and  I  fhall  be  clean  ;  <  Lerit. 
 wafh  me  and  I  fhall  be  whiter  than  fnow. 
 
 8  Make  me  to  hear  joy  and  gladnefs ;  that  the 
 bones  zchich  thou  haft  broken  may  rejoice. 
 
 9  Hide  thy  face  from  my  fins,  and  blot  out  all  mine 
 iniquities. 
 
 10  Create  in  me  a  clean  heart,  O  God  ;  and  renew 
 
 II  a  right  fpirit  within  me.  :i  Or, 
 
 11  Caft  me  not  away  from  thy  prefence  ;  and  take  “ 
 not  thy  Holy  Spirit  from  me. 
 
 12  Reftore  unto  me  the  joy  of  thy  falvation  ;  and 
 uphold  me  with  thy  free  Spirit. 
 
 13  rhen  will  1  teach  tranfgreflors  thy  w’ays ;  and 
 finners  fhall  be  converted  unto  thee. 
 
 J4;  Deliver  me  from  f  blood-guiltinefs,  O  God,  fUeb. 
 thou  God  of  my  falvation  ;  and  my  tongue  fhall  fing*too^fr. 
 aloud  of  thy  righteoulnefs. 
 
 15  O  Lord,  open  thou  my  lips:  and  my  mouth 
 fhall  fhow  forth  thy  praife. 
 
 16  For  thou  defireft  not  facrifice,  ||  elfe  would  III  Or, 
 give  it ;  thou  delighteft  not  in  burnt-offering. 
 
 17  1  he  facrifices  of  God  are  a  broken  fpirit :  a  bro- 
 
 ken  and  a  contrite  heart,  O  God,  thou  wilt  not  delpife.  d  if»iaii 
 
 18  Do  good  in  thy  good  plealure  unto  Zion  :  build  *= 
 thou  the  walls  of  Jerulalem. 
 
 19  Ihen  ffialt  thou  be  pleafed  with  the  facrifices 
 of  righteoufnefs,  with  burnt-offering,  and  whole 
 burnt-offering:  then  fhall  they  offer  bullocks  upon 
 thine  altar. t 
 
 PSALM  LII. 
 
 1  DavLl  condemning  the  spitefulness  of  Doeg,prophesxeth  bis  destruBion. 
 
 6  The  righteous  shall  rejoice  at  it.  8  David,  upon  his  confidence  in 
 Goa  s  mercyt  giveth  thanks. 
 
 S?  ‘hf"  ^  transgrejors  thy  ways. 
 
 He  that  would  employ  his  abilities,  his  influence,  and  authority,  in  the  refon^a- 
 
 1  WK ^  °  I’efore  he  enters  upon  the  work. 
 
 ‘‘When  thou  art  converted”  faid  Chrift  to  Peter,  “  ftrengthen  t^  bretliren  ” 
 Luke  xxii.  3-.  The  hi.lory  of  David  has  taught  us  many  ufeful  lelTons  ;  fuch  ’as 
 t^  frailty  of  man,  the  danger  of  temptation,  the  torment  of  fin,  the  nature  and 
 efficacy  of  repentance,  the  mercy  and  the  judgmenU  of  God,  &c  &c.  by  which 
 
 ITJ/Tr  V"  f  m^re  wil7be  con. 
 
 verted,  fo  long  as  the  fcriptures  ffiall  be  read,  and  the  Jlst  pfalm  recited  in  the 
 
 church  Ver.  16.  17.  David  in  this  pfalm  is  fo  evangelical,  Ld  has  hijThoucrh  J 
 
 aLiilSd’ffir  L^vitical  facrifice  as  alre^adv 
 
 aboliflied,  for  their  infufficiency  to  uke  away  fin;  affirming  them  to  be  fas  indeed 
 
 PRACTICAL  observations —•  Psal  L  1  <?i  .i  •  .  - - - - - -  - 
 
 alem  s  deflruaion,  Jewiffi  ceremonies  are  not  only  vain  but  huitful  Notwii'l  7''  always  preferable  to  burnt-oflerings.  Since  Jefus’  deat’b  and  Te* 
 
 tance  difeovers  itfelf  bv  confeffion  not  nnl  r  f,  7’-^’“?  l>.v  public  ackiv 
 
 feeKS  exculpation,  but  defires  to  take  all  lhame  and  conful  on  H  pungent  grief  of  it,  in  the  heart  of  a  faint.  And  a  heart  tr.,?  ^ 
 
 c.n  .o,k  ,ti„  0.  H.  ol.„  „,„l  ,7:oorboon,  ..rooTbir^  7'"‘  8-....  .bo,  God  oWoflV  "q,  i, 
 
 felves  as  Achans  in  the  .t _ _  ’  *  “  hpirit,  reilore  our  lovs,  and  irrant  ns  lik  ^  ^  “7“  “  1’®  alone  that 
 
 18 
 
I)avU  coniiirdh  the  Kici  ol, 
 
 rSALlMS. 
 
 He  comphineth  oj  the  Ziphim^^  ,5.^ 
 
 ^  Before  r  To  the  chief  raufician.  IMarchil,  A  psahn  of  David,  11  drvn  of  men,  to  fee  if  there  were  amj  that  did  under-  iWore 
 Chnit  a  wiu  n  Doe^  the  Edomite  came  and  told  Saul, '!  Hand,  that  die)  fe<  k  Ciod.  .(ima 
 
 ir.  io>>.  j  David  is  come  to  the  houle  of  j  **  fhpi 
 
 Ahimelech. 
 
 WHY  boaflefl  thou  thyfelf  in  mifehief,  O  mightv 
 man  ?  the  goodnel’s  of  God  cnaurcLh  con¬ 
 tinually. 
 
 2  Thy  tongue  devifeth  mifehiefs  ;  like  a  fharp  ra¬ 
 zor,  working  deceitfully. 
 
 3  I’nou  lovelt  evil  more  than  good,  aud  lying  rather 
 than  to  ipeak  rightcoufnels.  Selah. 
 
 4  i'hou  loveR  all  devouring  words,  11  OMwr  deceit¬ 
 ful  tongue. 
 
 IIIVJ^  tllUl  IV 
 
 3  Every  one  of  them  is  gone  back  ;  they  are  alto- 
 gether  become  filthy;  there  is  none  that  doeth  good, 
 no,  not  one. 
 
 4  Have  the  workers  of  iniquity  no  knowledge? 
 who  eat  up  my  people  m  they  eat  bread  :  they  have 
 not  called  upon  God. 
 
 5  There  f  were  they  in  great  fear,  vAure  no  fear^Hcb. 
 was;  for  God  hath  fcattered  the  bones  of  him  that<%;Mr. 
 encampeth  against  thee  ;  th'ou  haft  put  them  to  fhame,®'^ « /«r. 
 becaule  God  Hath  del'piled  them. 
 
 6  +  Oh  that  the  I’alvation  of  llrael  ticre  come  out  oft  Hub. 
 
 .  1  •  .1.  v__t_  .L- _ _!•  /KAn 
 
 U 
 
 „nd  ti  tontue  1!  ^  t  tnat  tne  laivaiion  01  nraei  uere  come  uui  ui  1 
 
 5  God  ihall  likc«ife  t  deBroy  thee  for  ever :  he  j  Zion  !  When  God  bringeth  back  the  capciv-ily  ot  his '«• ;« 
 t  S-  fhali  take  thee  away,  and  p'uck  thee  out  of  (4t/ dwell  .  people,  Jacob  Ihall  rejoice,  ami  llrael  Ihall  be  glad.t 
 bent  thee  jpg  place,  and  root  thee  out  of  the  land  of  the  living,  i  EM  LIV. 
 
 Jown.  '  ■ 
 
 11  Or 
 tv^jlnnce. 
 
 Selah.  J  ru  n 
 
 G  The  righteous  alio  (hall  lee,  and  fear,  and  ihall 
 
 laugh  at  him  :  .  u 
 
 7  Lo,  this  is  the  man  that  made  not  God  his  ftrength  ; 
 but  ti  ufled  in  the  abundance  of  his  riches,  and  ftrength- 
 ened  hirafelf  in  his  |1  wickednefs. 
 
 8  But  I  am  like  a  green  olive-tree  io  the  houfe  of 
 -  God  ;  I  truft  in  the  mercy  of  God  for  ever  and  ever. 
 
 9  1  will  prail’e  thee  for  ever,  becaufe  thou  haft  done 
 it :  and  1  will  wait  on  thy  name  ;  for  it  is  good  be- 
 fore  thy  faints.* 
 
 PSALM  LlII. 
 
 1  David  describeth  the  corruption  q;  a  natural  man ;  4  he  convinceth  the 
 u-teked  by  the  light  oj  their  own  con/cience  ;  6  he  glorieth  in  the  salva¬ 
 tion  oJ  God.  T\/r  -  u'l 
 
 ^  'I'o  me  chief  mufician  upon  Mahalath,  Malchn, 
 A  psalm  of  David. 
 
 a  Pfaims  rT^HE  »  fool  hath  laid  in  his  heart,  There  is  no  God. 
 10.  4.  &  1^  Corrupt  are  they,  and  have  done  abominable 
 
 ?  iniquity  :  ^  there  is  none  that  doeth  good. 
 
 3.  1^'  2  God  looked  down  from  heaven  upon  the  chil- 
 
 1  David,  complaining  of  the  Ziphims,  prayeth  for  falvation  ;  4  upon  his 
 confidence  in  God's  help,  he  promisctli  sacrifice  and  praise. 
 
 ^  To  the  chief  mufician  on  Neginoth,  Mafchil,  Ajisalm 
 of  David,  “  when  tne  Ziphims  came  and  laid  toassam. 
 Saul,  Doth  not  David  hieJe  himfelf  with  us  ?  ^ 
 
 SAVE  me,  O  God,  by  thy  name,  and  judge  me“  '  ’ 
 by  thy  ftrength. 
 
 2  Hear  my  prayer,  O  God  ;  give  ear  to  the  words 
 i  of  my  mouth. 
 
 j  3  For  Itrangers  are  rifen  up  againft  me,  and  op- 
 ;  prtffors  leek  after  my  foul ;  they  have  not  fet  God 
 j  before  them.  Selah. 
 
 4  Behold,  God  is  mine  helper  :  the  Lord  is  with 
 them  that  uphold  my  foul.  +  «  » 
 
 5  He  fhall  reward  evil  unto  t  mine  enemies  :  cut  J 
 them  off  in  thy  truth.  observe 
 
 6  1  will  freely  facrifice  unto  thee  ;  I  will  praiie  thy  me. 
 name,  O  Lord,  for  it  is  good. 
 
 For  he  hath  delivered  me  out  of  all  trouble  ;  and 
 mine  eye  hath  feen  his  desire  upon  mine  enemies.^ 
 
 FXPD4NAT0RY  NOTES.  Psai..  LII.  Ver.  \.  Why  bonflefl  thou  thy - 
 scUGx  mischief,  0  mighty  m  n.  The  pfalmift  thought  it  ftrange  that  any  tnan 
 Ihould  value  himlelf  for  being  able  to  do  tnifchief,  when  God  efteeined  it  his  glory 
 10  do  good.  In  vain  did  Doeg  the  Edomite  boaft  htinfe  f  in  the  mifcbief  be  had 
 done  bv  maffacring  the  innocent  priefts  and  their  families  ;  fince  the  goodnefs 
 o'-  God,  sshich  is  unchangeable,  bad  decreed  the  prefervation  of  David.  As 
 vainly  did  Herod  the  Idumean,  or  Edomite,  glory  in  the  (laughter  of  the  Bab- 
 lehemitilb  infants,  fince  heaven  had  determined  that  the  child  Jelus 
 
 I  mWar  A  nttrfeculion  iTiav  proiiuc©  inartN  rs  :  ljut  the  gates  ot 
 helUre^nev  er  m  prevail  againft  the  church.  Ver.  5.  God  /hall  likewife  destroy  thee 
 c  Wonderful  is  the  force  of  the  verbs  in  the  original,  winch  convev 
 
 iC /.d  i  .rick«l.  fn  ...™  .ppliodle  like. if.  .0  1...  8'“*  “"f 
 
 fl™,g.ten.d,  f  »“">'■*- mSuZiti:  i,.d 
 
 down,  broken,  fwep  God  ■  they  ill  the  abundance  of  their  riches.  V\e 
 Smiles' were' hTa'ccL  of  the  wild  oli.e,  hot  are  now  grafted  into  the  good 
 
 one  Lord,  make  us  to  flourifh  and  bear  fruit,  in  thy  immortal  courts  world 
 
 "^'explanatory  NOTES.  Psal,  LIIL  This  pfalm  is  in  a  manner  the 
 fame" with  pfalm  xiv.  except  that  there  is  fome  difference  in  verfe  5.  for  which, 
 as  well  as  for  the  explanation  of  the  whole,  the  reader  is  referred  to  the  notes  on 
 
 ^^EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  LIV.  Ver.  S.  For flrnngers  are  risen 
 vn  aaamst  me.  The  Ziphites,  though  David’s  countrymen,  aefted  the  part  of 
 ftrangers,  or  aliens,  in  leeking  to  deliver  him  up  to  his  unji.ft  and  cruel  enemy. 
 Such  a  part  did  the  whole  Jewifti  nation  aa  towards  their  anointed  Prince  .and 
 Saviour,  when  they  aaually  delivered  him  over  to  the  Roman  pow^.  Ver. 
 6  7  Saul  under  the  direaion  of  the  Ziphites,  having  encoiiipafled  David  on 
 eUr’v  fide  was  fuddeiily  called  off  to  defend  his  country  from  an  invafion  ot  the 
 Philiftines  ■  by  which  means  David  efcaped,  and  beheld  his  enemies  retreating, 
 
 1  Sam  xxHi  27.  For  this  event  he  oilers  the  facrifice  of  a  heart  treed  from  fear, 
 
 and  pr’aifes  the  name  of  his  great  Deliverer.  Beautiful  and  eniphatical  will  thefe 
 two  concluding  verfes  appear,  when  conceived,  as  proceeding  from  the  mouth  ot 
 our  I  ord  upon  his  refurre-aion.  And  we  hope  one  day  to  repeat  them,  on  a 
 Tke  orafion^ach  one  faying,  “I  will  freely  facrifice  unto  thee;  I  will  praife 
 thy  name,  O  Lord,  for  it  is  good.  For  be  hath  delivered  me  out  of  all  my  trou¬ 
 ble,  and  mine  eye  hath  looked  upon  mine  enemies.” 
 
 _ _ _  .  „  ,  .  v,  I  „  ..hr,  mrtiriiiatinff  every  moment  of  divine  goodnefs,  dares  to  boaft  of 
 
 PR  AC^ICAL  observations.—’  Psal.  LII.J  Abandoned  muft  ftriking  judgments  of  God  on  the  wicked  ought  to  be  care- 
 
 y  moieties  Quitkiy  thall  thole  who  truft  in  worldly  wealth  experience  in  e  cri  a  ^  means  of  our  deliverance.  God  marvelioully 
 
 M,;  o';*...,!  .S,  .wpLeed  ..  weeing^  whll.  we  J*"™’  ,„a  in  hi,  me..,°  fli.li  he  diCp,»i.,ed.  hn.  ....  Heu.ilh  in  gr.ee.  .nd  ..,e.»pl. 
 
 founds  the  profper.iy  and  honours  of  IS  peop  .  p  .  T  ■  '  ur  hearts '  What  folly-wlmt  fiith-wbat  evil  is  in  every  fin !  and 
 
 Pr\'cTIC\L  OBSER'  ATIONS.— t  Psal.  LIIL]  What  a  fountain  of  at  ™  °  j  ^  ‘  A, all  at  laft  overtake  tranlgreffors,  particularly  thoCe  who 
 
 .efw“w?n' .S  -nd  fe.rfni  f.nu.  nf  i.  . . . . . 
 
 vvery  where  abound  in  the  “[,rou«h  Chrift  Ihall  contribute  to  the  everlalling  deftruaion  of  obflinately 
 
 '  Jice..''.n  Uie  Ittend,"hut  add  to  all  falvation  is  of  God  who  never  fail* 
 
iji-forc 
 
 C'lrift 
 /■r.  U)58. 
 
 G’ 
 
 I  Ueb. 
 covered 
 
 Pie. 
 
 Toroid  cowplaineth  of  hk  fcnrfal  case. 
 
 PSALM  LV.  ,  .  , 
 
 foV.ZZn,el/inOod’epreso.vati.no^ 
 
 11  To  tne  chief  mufrian  on  Negmotn,  Malchil, 
 
 A  psalm  of  David.  ,  ,  •  j 
 
 IVE  ear  to  n  v  praver,  O  God;  and  hide  not 
 T  thvfeif  from  mv  lupplicaiion. 
 
 “^Attend  unto  me,  and  hear  me ;  I  mourn  m  my 
 
 coinDlaitit,  and  make  a  nolle, 
 
 3  Becaufe  of  the  voice  of  the  enemy,  becaufe  of  the 
 oppreffinii  of  the  uicked  :  for  they  call  iniquity  upon 
 
 me.  and  in  wrath  they  hate  me.  ,  ^ 
 
 4.  My  heart  is  lore  pained  within  me ;  and  the  ter¬ 
 rors  of  death  are  fallen  upon  me. 
 
 5  Fearfulnefs  and  trembling  are  come  upon  me, 
 
 and  horror  hath  t  overwhelmed  me.  ,  ,  . 
 
 6  And  1  laid,  O  that  1  had  wings  like  a  dove  !  for 
 
 then  would  1  flee  away,  and  be  at  refl.  ,  . 
 
 7  Lo,  then  would  1  wander  far  off,  and  remain  in 
 
 the  wildernefs.  Selah.  ,  .  1  n. 
 
 8  I  would  hallen  my  efcape  from  the  windy  Itorm 
 
 and  tempeft.  v  ^ 
 
 9  Deftroy,  O  Lord,  and  divide  their  tongues  :  for 
 
 I  have  feen  violence  and  ftrife  in  the  city. 
 
 10  Day  and  night  they  go  about  it  upon  the  walls 
 thereof ;  mifchief  alfo  and  I'orrow  are  in  the  midlt 
 
 ^  Ti  Wickednefs  is  in  the  midft  thereof;  deceit  and 
 guile  depart  not  from  her  ftreets. 
 
 12  For  it  ssoas  not  an  enemy  that  reproached  me; 
 then  I  could  have  borne  it :  neither  was  it  he  that 
 hated  me  that  did  magnify  himself  againft  me ;  then 
 I  would  have  hid  myfelf  from  hiin  : 
 
 fHeb.  13  But  it  was  thou,  f  a  man  mine  equal,  my  guide 
 a  man  nc- and  mine  acquaintance. 
 
 14  f  We  took  fweet  council  together,  and  walked 
 unto  the  houfe  of  God  in  company, 
 
 15  Let  death  feize  upon  them,  and  let  them  go  down 
 quick  into  H  hell:  for  wickednefs  is  in  their  dwellings, 
 and  among  them. 
 
 16  As  for  me,  I  will  call  upon  God  ;  and  the  Lord 
 fhall  fave  me. 
 
 17  Evening,  and  morning,  and  at  noon,  will  1  pray, 
 and  cry  aloud  ;  and  he  fhall  hear  my  voice. 
 
 13  He  hath  delivered  my  foul  in  peace  from  the 
 
 PSALMS. 
 
 If  is  confidence  in  God's  'xord. 
 
 battle  lhat  leas  againfl  me  ;  for  there  were  many  with 
 
 me.  cir.  iot;«. 
 
 19  God  fhall  hear,  and  afllitfV  them,  even  he  that  ^ 
 abideth  of  old.  Selah.  \\  Becaufe  they  have  no  or, 
 changes,  therefore  they  fear  not  God. 
 
 20  He  hath  put  forth  his  hands  againft  fuch  as 
 at  peace  with  him  ;  f  he  hath  broken  his  covenant. 
 
 21  Tne  words,  of  his  mouth  were  fmooth<  r  than 
 butter,  but  war  was  in  bis  heart ;  his  words 
 lofter  than  oil,  yet  were  they  drawn  (words. 
 
 22  *  Caft  thy  II  burden  upon  rhe  Lord,  and  hcf  n  -b. 
 fhall  fuflain  thee  :  he  (hall  never  futfer  the  righteous  ft* 
 
 j  jrr0,'-iiiea. 
 
 to  be  moved.  .a  rfaim 
 
 23  But  thou,  O  God,  fhalt  bring  them  down  into  37.  5. 
 
 the  pit  of  deftrutflion  :  f  bloody  and  deceitful  men  Matib. 
 t  fhall  not  live  cut  half  their  days  ;  but  I  will  truft 
 thee.*  12. 22. 
 
 1  Peter  v.  7.  ||  Or,  gifts,  f  IleL.  men  oj  bloods  and  deceit,  f  Het*-  shall  not 
 
 half  their  days. 
 
 PSALM  LVI. 
 
 1  David,  praying  to  God  in  confidence  of  his  word,  comjdainelh  of  his 
 enemies  ;  7  he  projeffelh  his  co  njidence  in  God's  word,  ^-c. 
 
 To  the  chief  mufician  upon  Jonath-elem-reckokim, 
 
 II  Mich  tarn  of  David,  when  the  *  Phihftines  golden 
 
 him  in  Gath.  pfaim  of 
 
 Be  merciful  unto  me,  O  God  ;  for  man  w^ould  David. 
 fwallow  me  up  :  he  fighting  daily  opprtflTeth  me. »  i  Sam. 
 2  f  Mine  enemies  would  daily  fwallow  me  up  :  for^'Q^.  * 
 
 cording  to 
 my  rank. 
 t  Hcb. 
 Who 
 
 swetened 
 
 counsel. 
 
 U  Or, 
 the  grave. 
 
 theij  he  many  that  fight  againfl  me,  O  thou  moft  High.  ^line  ob. 
 
 3  What  time  I  am  afraid,  I  will  trufl  in  thee.  servers. 
 
 4  In  God  I  will  praife  his  w.  rd  :  in  God  I  have  put 
 my  trufl ;  I  will  not  fear  what  flefh  can  do  unto  me. 
 
 5  Every  day  they  wrefl  ray  words :  all  their  thoughts 
 are  againfl  me  for  evil. 
 
 6  They  gather  themfelves  together,  they  hide  them- 
 felves,  they  mark  my  fleps,  when  they  wait  for  my  foul. 
 
 7  Shall  they  elcape  by  iniquity?  in  thine  anger  cafl 
 down  the  people,  O  God. 
 
 8  Thou  telleft  my  wanderings :  put  thou  my  tears 
 into  thy  bottle  ;  are  they  not  in  thy  book  ? 
 
 9  When  I  cry  unto  thee,  then  fhall  mine  enemies 
 turn  back  :  this  I  know  ;  for  God  is  for  me. 
 
 10  In  God  will  I  praife  his  word  ;  in  the  Lord  will 
 I  praife  his  word. 
 
 1 1  In  God  have  I  put  my  truft  :  I  will  not  be  afraid 
 what  man  can  do  unto  me. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  PsAL.  LV.  Vex. 2.  Attend  untome,  and  hear  me, 
 I  mourn  in  my  complaint.  Heb.  am  dcfCled  in  my  meditation,  and  make  a  noise ; 
 Heb.  am  in  a  t  ialent  tumultuous  agitation,  as  the  waves  oJ  the  sea.  In  the  perfon  of 
 David,  driven  from  his  throne,  and  put  in  fear  of  his  life,  by  Abfaloin  and  Ahitbo- 
 ptiei,  we  here  behold  our  bleffed  Redeemer,  or.  the  day  of  his  fufferings  praying 
 earneflly,  and  repeating  his  fupplications,  as  in  the  garden  of  Gethferaane,  at  the 
 profpedl  of  that  fea  of  forrows,  w  hich  was  then  about  to  overwhelm  his  agonizing 
 fouly  In  allouraffliaions  he  was  afflicLed;  in  all  his  afflihlions  let  usbefo.  Ver.  4. 
 il/y  heart  is  sore  pained  within  me.  Thefe  w'ords  deferibe  the  ftate  of  David  s 
 mind,  when  he  went  over  the  brook  Cedron,  and  up  mount  Olivet,  weeping  as 
 he  went,  and  expedfing  fpeedily  to  be  cut  oft’ ;  2  Sam.  xv.  23,  .30.  they  deferibe 
 the  agony  of  the  I'on  of  David,  when  he  likewife  went  over  the  fame  brook 
 Cedron,  John  xviii.  1.  at  the  time  of  bis  palfton,  when  his  foul  vvas  “fore 
 amazed  and  very  heavy,  and  exceeding  forrowful,  even  unto  death.”  Ver.  9. 
 Des  Toy,  0  Lord,  and  diviile  their  tongues,  2  Sam.  xv.  31.  The  royal  prayer  was 
 heard  ;  the  counlel  of  Ahithophel  was  overthrown  by  Huftiai,  and  the  difap- 
 pointed  traitor  became  bis  own  executioner.  The  tieafon  of  Judas,  againll  the 
 
 Son  of  David,  brought  him  likewife  to  the  fame  end.  Ver.  13.  But  it  was  lh..u, 
 a  man,  mine  equal,  my  guide ;  Heb.  my  disciple  and  mine  acquaintance.  The  mar,  v 
 aggravating  circumftauces  of  Aliitbophel’s  treafon  againfl  David,  and  that  of 
 Judas  againft  Chrift,  are  here  llrongly  marked.  The  treachery  of  pretended 
 friends  is  generally  to  the  church,  as  it  was  to  her  Lord,  the  beginuing  of  I’or- 
 rows.  Ver.  15.  Let  death  seize  upon  them.  The  fudden  deflrur^iou  of  Korab, 
 Dathan,  and  Abiram,  who,  for  ftirring  up  a  rebellion  againfl  Mofes  and  Aaron, 
 '•  went  down  alive  unto  the  pit,”  feems  here  alluded  to,  as  the  grand  repre- 
 feutation  of  the  manner  in  which  the  buttomlefs  pit  fhall  one  day  ftiut  her  mouth 
 for  ever  upon  all  the  impenitent  enemies  of  the  true  King  of  Ifrael,  and  great 
 High-priefl  of  cur  profeftion.  Ver.  16,  17.  Morning,  evening,  and  noon,  were 
 tliree  of  the  hours  of  prayer  in  the  Jewith  church.  See  Dan.  vi.  10,  22.  A^s  ili, 
 1.  X.  3,  9.  Ver.  19.  Jlecfluse  'heyh  veno  changes,  therefore  they  fear  not  God, 
 “becaufe  they  will  not  be  converted,  and  fear  God,” 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Psai..  LVI.  \  er.  8.  Thou  lellesi  my  wanderings. 
 Known  unto  God  arc  nil  the  aftliclions  of  his  I'ervants,  while  batjifhed,  like 
 David,  from  their  abiding  city  and  country,  they  wander  here  below,  in  the 
 
 P,;  AC  !  tO.'>L  OBSERVATIONS  — *  Chap.  LV.]  As  the  divine  Head  of  the  church  was,  while  on  earth,  betrayed  by  his  pretended  friends,  none  of  bis 
 followers  need  be  fiuprilLd  at  a  fimilar  treatment,  nor  need  it  deprefs  their  fpirits  much,  for  they  have  an  afylum  in  his  bolbin  now-,  and  a  prepared  place  in 
 heaven  when  they  can  no  longer  enjoy  a  place  on  earth.  Carnal  policy,  and  felfith  cuds,  may  carry  men  far  and  long  in  a  religious  profeflion,  even  where  thcie  is  no 
 finc.iity  of  heait.  Earneft  pre.yef^  of  faith  are  iftlhlual  to  bring  falvation  from  God;  and  confidence  in  him  raifes  us  above  fear  from  our  adverfaries.  Too  often 
 uninterrupted  profperity  hardens  nun  in  impiety.  But  impenitence  and  peidition  are  infeparably  linked  together.  Falfehood  and  perfidy  will  quickly  find  an 
 avenging  Go  ).  But  Lappy,  happy  for  ever,  are  they  who  trufl  in  the  Lord,  and  by  prayer  caft  all  their  burdens,  troubles,  works,  and  cares  on  God  as  their  own  God 
 and  Paiuer  in  Chrift,  ’ 
 
David  encnraf^eth  himself'  to  praise  God. 
 
 12  Thy  vows  are  upon  me,  O  God 
 
 PSALMS. 
 I  will  render 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift  , 
 
 oir  1059.  unto  thee. 
 
 13  tor  thou  haft  delivered  my  foul  from  death; 
 «’///  not  f/iou  delnvr  mv  feet  from  falling,  that  1  may 
 walk  before  God  in  the  light  of  the  living.* 
 
 PSALM  LVII. 
 
 1  Dn'iJ,  in  prayer,  Jiceinz  unto  Gad,  complaineth  of  his  dangerous  case  ; 
 7  Ke  encouragelh  himset/  to  praise  God. 
 
 |Or, lo  the  chief  mufician,  ||  Al-tafchith,  Michtam  of 
 D.ivid,  *  when  he  fled  from  Saul  in  the  cave. 
 
 E  merciful  unto  me,  O  God,  be  merciful  unto 
 me;  for  my  foul  trufteth  in  thee:  yea,  in  the 
 ihidow  of  thy  wngs  will  I  make  my  refuge,  until 
 these  calamities  be  overpaft. 
 
 2  I  will  cry  unto  God  moft  high  ;  unto  God  that 
 performeth  all  things  for  me. 
 
 3  He  fhall  fend  from  heaven,  and  fave  me  H  from  the 
 reproach  of  him  that  would  fwallow  me  up.  Selah. 
 
 thatn^uid^^^  forth  his  mercy  and  his  truth. 
 
 swaiiow  My  foul  is  among  lions  ;  and  1  lie  even  among  them 
 that  are  let  on  fire,  tven  the  fons  of  men,  whofe  teeth 
 are  fpears  and  arrows,  and  their  tongue  a  (harp  fword. 
 
 5  Be  thou  exalted,  O  God,  above  the  heavens ;  let 
 thy  glory  be  above  all  the  earth. 
 
 6  They  have  prepared  a  net  for  my  fteps ;  my 
 foul  is  bowed  down  :  they  have  digged  a  pit  before 
 n.e,  into  the  midft  whereof  they  are  fallen  themselves. 
 Selah. 
 
 7  My  heart  is  I|  fixed,  O  God,  my  heart  is  fixed  ; 
 I  will  fing  and  give  praife. 
 
 8  Awake  up,  my  glory  ;  awake,  pfaltery  and  harp  ; 
 I  myself  will  awake  early. 
 
 9  I  will  praife  thee,  O  Lord,  among  the  people ; 
 I  will  fing  unto  thee  among  the  nations  ; 
 
 10  For  thy  mercy  rs  great  unto  the  heavens,  and 
 thy  truth  unto  the  clouds. 
 
 1 1  Be  thou  exalted,  O  God,  above  the  heavens ; 
 let  thy  glory  be  above  all  the  earth.f 
 
 PSALM  LVIII. 
 
 1  David  reproveth  wicked  judges,  3  describeth  the  nature  of  the  wicked,  6 
 devoteth  them  to  God's  judgmenlst  16  whereat  the  righteous  shall  rejoice. 
 
 nc  nature  oj  the  rricM 
 
 H  To  the  chief  mufician,  \\  Al-tafchith,  Michtam  of 
 
 David.  ‘ 
 
 stray  not, 
 A  golden 
 PfaliD. 
 a  2  Sam. 
 22.  1. 
 
 J  Or,  he 
 
 me  up. 
 
 b  Pfalms 
 7.  16.  & 
 9.  15. 
 
 c  Pfalm 
 108.  1, 
 &c. 
 
 II  Or, 
 prepared 
 
 d  Pfalm 
 S6.  5.  & 
 103.  4. 
 
 the  violence  of  your  hands  in  the  earth.  ’ 
 
 3  The  wicked  are  eftranged  from  the  womb  ■  f 
 
 lie7  ^ 
 
 4.  Their  poifon  is  f  like  the  poifon  of  a  ferpent  - 
 they  are  like  the  deaf  ||  adder  that  ftoppeth  her  ear  •  ’  ^ 
 
 5  Which  will  not  hearken  to  the  voice  of  charmers 
 II  charming  never  fo  wifely. 
 
 !  6  Break  their  teeth,  O  God,  in  their  mouth  •  H 
 
 break  out  the  great  teeth  of  the  young  lions 
 
 Lord.  ’ 
 
 I  7  Let  them  melt  away  as  waters  'which  run  conti-”^'"^''J3 
 ;  nually :  when  he  bendeth  his  bow  to  shoot  his  arrows  let 
 .them  be  as  cut  in  pieces.  ’ 
 
 I  8  As  a  fnail  which  melteth,  let  every  one  of  them  pafs 
 away :  like  the  untimely  birth  of  a  woman,  that  thev 
 may  not  fee  the  fun.  ^ 
 
 9  Before  your  pots  can  feel  the  thorns,  he  fhall 
 take  them  away  as  with  a  whirlwind,  f  both  livine  tReb 
 and  in /«s  wrath.  osfevig 
 
 •10  The  righteous  shall  rejoice  when  he  feeth  the  '■'s  wraih, 
 vengeance  ;  he  fhall  wafh  his  feet  in  the  blood  of  the 
 wicked. 
 
 I  11  So  that  a  man  fhall  fay,  Verily  there  is  f  a  re-f  Heb 
 ward  for  the  righteous :  verilv  he  is  a  God  that  judg-A^'^/ 
 eth  in  the  earth.J  ihe,^c. 
 
 PSALM  LIX. 
 
 1  David  prayeth  lo  he  delivered  from  his  enemies;  6  he  complaineth  of 
 their  cruelty ;  8  he  trus'eth  in  God,  cjfC.  |j  Or, 
 
 H  To  the  chief  mufician,  |i  Al-tafchith,  Michtam  of  strop  not, 
 David;  *  when  Saul  fent  and  they  watched 
 houfe  to  kill  him. 
 
 Deliver  me  from  mine  enemies,  O  my  God  ;a  i  Sa<n. 
 t  defend  me  from  them  that  rife  up  againft  me, 
 
 2  Deliver  me  from  the  workers  of  iniquity,  and'*',^®’'' 
 fave  me  from  bloody  men. 
 
 land  of  their  pilgrimage.  How  dear  then  in  the  fight  of  God,  were  the  wander¬ 
 ings  and  the  tears  of  the  holy  Jefus,  fubmitting  to  fuffer  for  thofe  fins  which  he 
 never  committed. 
 
 EXPLAXATORI  XOTES.  Psal.  LVIT,  Ver,  I.  ^e  merciful  unto  me, 
 O  God.  David  encompaffed  by  his  enemies  at  Engedi,  putteth  up  his  prayer  to 
 God  ;  the  fame  prayer  we  may  fuppofe  to  have  been  ufed  by  our  blefied  Lord, 
 when  drawing  near  to  the  grave  and  gate  of  death  ;  and  the  church  ever  continu- 
 eth  in  the  ufe  of  it,  until  Ihe  be  delivered  from  the  bondage  of  corruption.  Ver.  4. 
 My  soul  is  among  lions.  The  fierceft  of  beads,  the  mod  devouring  of  elements, 
 and  the  diarpedof  military  weapons,  are  fele(51ed  to  reprefent  the  power  and  fury 
 of  David’s  enemies.  How  much  dronger,  and  more  furious,  were  the  enemies  of 
 Chrid,  who  in  the  day  of  his  paflion,  refembled  Daniel  in  the  lions’ den,  the  three 
 children  in  the  fiery  furnace,  and  who  dood  alone,  expofed  to  the  aifaults  of  men 
 and  evil  fpirits. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  LVIII.  Ver.  1 — 7.  The  proceedings 
 
 of  Doeg,  and  other  affbeiates  of  Saul,  again d  David  ;  thofe  of  Judas  and  the  fan- 
 I  hedrim,  againd  our  Lord  ;  and  thofe  of  wicked  princes,  and  court  fycophants,  in 
 I  different  ages,  againd  the  faith  and  the  church  ;  as  they  fpring  from  the  fame  prin- 
 I  ciples,  fo  they  flow  pretty  much  in  the  fame  channel.  Such  men  may  here  fee 
 I  their  charaaers  drawn,  and  their  end  foretold.  Ver.  8.  As  a  snail  which  melteth 
 I  let  every  one  of  them  pass  aioay,  like  the  untimely  birth  of  a  woman,  that  they  may 
 not  see  the  sun.  Or,  As  a  melting  snail  he  shall  pass  away  as  an  abortion,  they  see 
 not  the  sum  A  fnail,  wh  ch  coming  forth  of  his  diell,  marks  the  path  with  (lime, 
 
 '  continually  lofes  fome  part  of  his  fubdance  in  his  progrefs  ;  and  an  abortion  con- 
 fumes  away  in  the  like  manner.  Ver.  9,  Before  your  pots  can  Jeel  the  thorns,  he 
 [/hall  lake  them  away  as  with  a  whirlwind,  both  living,  and  in  his  wrath  ;  or,  hefliali 
 take  them  away  alive,  as  with  a  whirlwind  in  liis  wrath. 
 
 I  EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  LIX.  Ver,  .3,  4.  The  mighty  men  of 
 I  Saul  were  gathered  againd  David,  who  bad  been  guilty  of  no  offonce  againd 
 I  the  king,  and  therefore  was,  fo  far  innocent.  The  Jews  and  Ronians°were 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATION.S. — •  Psal.  LVI.]  How  condant  and  cruel  is  the  ferpent’s  enmity  !  But  the  unchangeable  promife  of  God  is  not  only  a 
 fufficient  ground  of  trud,  but  of  cordial  praife.  No  enemies  that  we  can  have  are  too  great  for  God  to  humble,  or  too  fecure,  drong,  or  daring,  to  withdand  his  blow. 
 They  who  have  him  for  their  friend  need  not  fear  the  impotent  threats  or  drokes  of  human  worms.  Saints  may,  nay  mud  weep  in  prayer  for  a  time,  but  God  regards 
 every  word,  every  tear,  and  will  foon  make  them  iffue  in  praife  to  the  mourners,  and  in  lading  ruin  to  their  enemies.  It  is  therefore  reafonable  that  purpofes  made, 
 as  well  as  mercies  received,  diould  animate  us  to  trud  in  him,  praife  and  ferve  him,  while  we  live  in  the  enjoyment  of  the  light  of  his  countenance. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OB.SERV.MTONS. — f  Psal.  LVIL]  While  the  faints  remain  on  eartli,  the  cruelty  of  their  enemies  will  not  fuffer  them  to  ceafe  their  fuppli- 
 cptions  to  thi  God  of  heaven.  And  often  for  the  glory  of  God  thefe  enemies  peridi  by  the  fnares,  which  they  have  laid  for  otliers.  No  thanks  to  our  ill-defigned  foes, 
 but  ever  grateful  praife  to  hitft  who  glorifies  himfelf  and  faves  his  people  by  the  very  malice  of  their  inveterate  enemies.  With  our  whole  fouls  it  becomes  us  to  gLril'y 
 God,  for  the  rrerev  that  made  and  fulfils,  and  the  faithfulnefs  which  edablidies,  every  new  covenant  promife.  And  with  great  fervour  ought  we  to  defireour  almighty 
 Lord  to  honour  himfelf  in  heaven  !>bove,  and  in  all  the  earth  below, 
 
 PRACTIC.^L  observations. — j  Psal.  LVIII.]  How  tremendous  a  judgment  on  a  nation  is  oppreffion  faniffioned  bylaw.  But  it  is  a  great  mercy  for 
 the  faints  that  God  cares  for  and  prote<9s  them  amidd  barbarous,  brutidi,  and  deceitful  men,  who  have  power  on  their  fide  ;  and  that  he  redrains  their  enemies  at 
 r.leafure,  and  makes  them  even  to  wade  themfelves.  How  often  are  they  in  a  fudden  and  tremendous  manner  dedroyed!  And  at  lad  God  will  make  the  mod 
 haughty  and  brutidi  know  that  be  governs  the  world ;  and  that  it  is  only  in  the  way  of  faith  and  holinefs  that  true  happiuefs  is  found.  ^ 
 
David's  complaint  oj  his  etn'nnW  cmcltp 
 Jlefore  3  For,  lo,  they  lie  in  wait  for  my  foul :  the  mighty  |  tarn  of  David,  to  teach  ; 
 
 '  I  1  _  -t-fj. _ _ _  I  A  ••om-r»ohor'jim  u/irh 
 
 r 
 
 thpmfelves  without  my 
 
 Jlefore  ;j  I'or,  lO,  llicy  iii  wan  iwi  tity  iwui  .  m..  1.1.;^...^ 
 
 are  gathered  againlt  me;  not  for  my  tranlgreffion,  nor 
 my  fin,  ()  Lord. 
 
 4  I'hey  run  and  prepare  .  - 
 
 f  iiei).  <0  fault :  awake  f  to  help  me,  and  behold. 
 meet  me.  (j  'Tnou  therefore,  O  LbRD  God  of  hofts,  the  God 
 of  Ifrael,  awake  to  vifit  all  the  heathen  :  be  not  mer¬ 
 ciful  to  any  wicked  tranfigreflors.  Selah. 
 
 G  "J’hey  return  at  evening  :  they  make  a  noife  like 
 a  dog,  and  go  round  about  the  city. 
 
 7  Behold,  they  belch  out  with  their  mouth  :  fwords 
 b  rfaims  are  in  their  lips ;  for  who  (say  they)  doth  hear  ? 
 
 10. 11.&  8  But  thou,  O  Lord,  (halt  laugh  at  them;  thou 
 
 (halt  have  all  the  heathen  in  derifion. 
 
 9  Because  of  his  ftrength  will  I  wait  upon  thee :  for 
 
 God  ?s  t  my  defence.  j 
 
 10  The  God  of  my  mercy  fhall  prevent  me  ;  God  I 
 
 (hall  let  me  fee  mij  desire  upon  t  mine  enemies.  I 
 
 11  Slay  them  not,  left  my  people  forget:  feat  ter  j 
 
 them  by  thy  power ;  and  bring  them  down,  O  Lord  | 
 our  (hield.  i 
 
 12  For  the  fin  of  their  mouth,  and  the  words  of 
 their  lips,  let  them  even  be  taken  in  their  pride  ;  and 
 for  corfing  and  lying  xohich  they  (peak. 
 
 13  Confume  them  in  wrath,  conlume  them,  that  they 
 may  not  be ;  and  let  them  know  that  God  ruleth  in 
 Jacob  unto  the  ends  of  the  earth.  Selah. 
 
 14  And  at  evening  let  them  return  ;  and  let  them 
 make  a  noife  like  a  dog,  and  go  round  about  the  city. 
 
 15  Let  them  wander  up  and  down  f  for  meat,  and 
 II  grudge  if  they  be  not  fatisfied 
 
 t  Heb. 
 my  high 
 place. 
 f  Heb. 
 mine  06- 
 tervers. 
 
 PSALMS.  //t’  complaineth  to  God  (f  former  judj^ments. 
 
 tarn  or  uaviu,  lu  iratii ;  when  he  (Ircve  with 
 Aram-naharaim  and  with  Aram-zobah,  when  Joab^ir.  'iqm. 
 returned,  and  linote  of  Edom  in  the  valley  of  Salt, 
 twelve  thoufand.  a  i  Sam. 
 
 OGOD,  *’  thou  haftcaft  us  off,  thou  haff  f  fcattered  p  *■“ 
 us,  thou  halt  been  difplealed  ;  O  turn  thyfelf 
 to  us  again.  dr.  1040. 
 
 2  Thou  haft  made  the  earth  to  tremble ;  thou  b  Pfaiw 
 halt  broken  it:  heal  the  breaches  thereof'  for  it 
 
 Ihakelh.  ,  ,  ,  ,  I”:.: 
 
 3  Thou  haft  Ihewed  thy  people  hard  things  :  thou 
 haft  fTiade  us  to  drink  the  wine  of  altonilhment. 
 
 4  Thou  haft  given  a  banner  to  them  that  fear 
 thee,  that  it  may  be  difplayed  becaufe  of  the  truth. 
 
 Selah. 
 
 5  '  That  thy  beloved  may  be  delivered,  fave  uith  ^  t’faim 
 thy  right  hand,  and  hear  me. 
 
 6  God  hath  fpoken  in  his  holinefs ;  I  will  rejoice : 
 
 I  will  divide  Shechem,  and  mete  out  the  valley  of 
 Succoth. 
 
 7  Gilead  is  mine,  and  ManalTeh  is  mine ;  Ephraim 
 alfo  is  the  ftrength  of  mine  head  ;  Judah  is  my  law- 
 
 t  Heb. 
 to  eat. 
 
 II  Or,  if 
 they  be  not 
 
 •satined  aloud 
 
 16  But  I  will  ling  of  thy  power  ;  yea,  I  will  fing  help  of  man. 
 
 inrl  _ _ _ I _ _  L' _ _  L  nl 
 
 then  they 
 will  stay 
 «/Z  night. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 ^  golden 
 pfalra. 
 
 of  thy  mercy  in  the  morning  :  for  thou  haft 
 been  my  defence  and  refuge  in  the  day  of  my 
 trouble.  ; 
 
 17  Unto  thee,  O  my  ftrength,  will  I  fing:  for  God  : 
 is  my  defence,  and  the  God  of  my  mercy.*  j 
 
 PSALM  LX.  I 
 
 1  David  complaining  to  God  of  former  judgments,  4  now,  upon  better  I 
 hope,  prayetk  for  deliverance.  j 
 
 U  To  the  chief  mufician  upon  Shulhan-cduth,  \\  Mich- 1 
 
 giver ; 
 
 ,  8  Moab  is  my  wafh-pot ;  over  Edom  will  1  caft  out 
 
 !  my  Iboe  :  Philiftia,  j|  triumph  thou  becaufe  o‘  me.  uiumph 
 i  9  Who  will  bring  me  iuio  the  f  ftrong  city  ?  who  thou  over 
 '  will  lead  me  into  Edom  ?  me  (by  au 
 
 j  10  fVilt  not  thou,  O  God,  xchich  **  hadft  caft  us 
 \znd  thou,  O  God,  vehich  didft  not  go  out  with  our  of 
 J  armies  ^  strength. 
 
 1 1  Give  us  help  from  trouble ;  for  vain  is  the 
 
 44.  9.  & 
 
 12  Through  God  we  (hall  do  valiantly  ;  for  he  it  /s|*neb.*’ 
 
 that  (hall  tread  down  our  enemies,  f  salvation. 
 
 PSALM  LXl. 
 
 1  David  jteeth  to  God  upon  his  former  experience;  4  he  vovoeth  jwrjie- 
 tu-il/ervice  unto  him,  because  of  his  promises, 
 
 f  To  the  chief  mufician  upon  Neginah,  A  psalm  of 
 
 David. 
 
 Hear  my  cry,  O  God ;  attend  unto  my  prayer. 
 
 2  From  the  end  of  the  earth  will  I  cry  unto 
 
 pthered  againft  Jefus  Chrift,  who  had  committed  no  fin  at  all,  and  was  perfedtiy 
 innocent.  Ver.  8.  But  thou,  0  Lord,  flialt  laugh  at  them.  Thefe  very  exprelTions 
 are  ufed  in  the  4th  verfe  of  the  2d  pfalm,  to  denote  the  futility  of  all  the  coun- 
 le.s  entered  into,  by  Jew  and  Gentile,  againR  Melliah  and  his  church.  The 
 pU^  before  us  feems  evidently  to  relate  to  the  fame  coiinfels  againft  the  fame 
 WelTed  perfon  whatever  part  of  king  David’s  hiftory  might  be  the  occafion  of  its 
 
 being  compofed.  Ver.  10.  God  shall  let  me  see  my  desire,  Heb.  look  upon  mine 
 enenne.^.  * 
 
 7-  Gilead  is  mine.  Gl- 
 
 Jead  aianafTeh,  Ephraim,  and  the  other  tribes  of  Ifrael,  upon  the  death  of  Iftibo- 
 heth  the  fon  of  Saul,  whom  Abner  had  fet  over  them,  joined  the  royal  tribe  of 
 Judah,  and  came  in,  with  one  accord  to  the  honfe  of  David,  fee  2  Sam.  ii.  8.  and 
 a  “■‘be  abounding  in  valiant  men  is  ftyled  by  its  prince,  The 
 ftren  th  ot  his  head  ;•  or  the  fupport  of  his  life  and  kingdom  ;  and  Judah,  as  the 
 
 toaffiiZT’  of  wifiJom  and  underftanding,  qualified 
 
 irlef  "i'l'  ‘he  title  of  Law- 
 
 g  ver  Thus  are  the  tribes  of  the  fpiiltual  Ifrael  fubjea  to  Mefliah,  and  ft-rve 
 
 o.m  in  various  capacities,  as  the  Spirit  furnifties  different  men  with  diflerent 
 
 power.  Ver.  8.  Fhilisiia  triumph  thou  because  of  me  ;  Heb.  Over  Philis'ia  give  d 
 shout  of  triumph.  The  parallel  paffage,  Pfal.  cxviii.  9.  has  it — Over  Philis'in  I  wiU 
 give  a  shout  of  triumph.  After  having  mentioned  the  fubiniflion  of  the  Ifraelilifh 
 tribe  to  his  feeptre,  David  predi^s  the  extenfion  of  bis  kingdom  over  the  neigh¬ 
 bouring  nations.  "Ihe  abfoiute  reduaion  of  thefe  nations,  under  his  dominion,  fs 
 expreffed  metaphorically,  by  the  phrafes  of  “  making  them  his  wafh-pot,  and  ex¬ 
 tending  his  fhoe,  that  is,  felting  his  foot  upon  them.”  The  Son  of  David  alfo 
 muft  “  reign,  till  he  hath  put  all  enemies  under  his  feet.”  Ver.  9.  Who  will  bring 
 me  into  the  strong  city.  Bozrali,  the  capital  of  ••  Idumea,  or  Edom,”  was  a  fortit 
 fled  town,  fituated  on  a  rock,  deemed  impregnable  :  fee  Obad.  ver.  3.  It  is  very 
 remarkable,  that  Chrifl’s  viaory  over  his  enemies  is  fet  forth,  by  tlie  prophet  [faiah, 
 under  the  ftriking  image  of  a  king  of  Ifrael,  returning  in  triumph,  from  the  re- 
 duaion  of  Idumea  :  “  fVho  is  this  that  cometli  from  Edom,  with  dyed  garments 
 from  Bozrah,”  Ac,  Ifa.  Ixiii.  I. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Ps.vl.  I.XI.  Ver.  1.  For  thou,  O  God,  hast 
 heard  my  vows.  The  vows  of  David,  made  during  his  baniftiment,  were  heard,  :  n  I 
 he  was  reftored  to  llie  poireflion  of  his  kingdom,  in  that  land  which  God  had 
 given  to  bis  people,  for  an  t.erit.ige.  The  vows  of  Meinah,  made  in  the  days 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS —»  Ps*T  T  rv  1  ti,  k  c-  •  - - 
 
 righteous  God  for  redrefs.  It  is  common  for  (inners  to  tAik^that  God°m‘erWkril’r'’‘'^-  "7°‘ apr'«>R  to  the 
 gious  error.  IJow  dreadful  is  their  danger  lainrwhomX  of  it  will  convince  them  of  their  egrb- 
 
 curfing,  .and  falfehood,  will  quickly  burn  in  endlefs  fire  if  i  nf^MlTreiLn  1  the  throne  of  Jehovah  !  The  tongue  defiled  with  tlandcr, 
 
 he  ungodly,  correfpondent  to  their  fins,  will  co:i  pe  ftienV  o  T  Pt-nifbtnent  which  God  ftmll  iuHia  cn 
 
 being  judges.  The  fufferings  of  Chrift  and  Ids  prople  7a  \t  aft^^  e  i^  .government;  and  that  the  faints’  Rock  is  not  as  their  rock,  they  themfeivfs 
 
 practical  OBSERVATIONS._t  Psal  I  X  1  \V‘  at  te  r^bL  c„n  f  ^  ^  honours,  and  in  tnunrphant  praifb  to  the  God  of  .all  mercies.  ' 
 
 prom.fe,  but  Jefus  exalted  to  the  right  hand  of  divine  Maiefty  h  o  .  1  In.  er  d7  1  "i  by  fin  !  Not  David  raifed  to  a  throne,  according  to 
 
 fovere.gn  grace  of  Jehovah  can  repair  them.  Havin.  loC..  /  ell  7  deadly  breaches  "the 
 
 onr  warmeft  friends.  At  his  plelfure  he  can  unite  naS  and  chor;ht  vV  7er  o  "  P'-*--*.  be  «n  make  ourbiuereft  cnemms 
 
 caft  ofl  let  us  cleave  faft  to  the  promife,  and  truft  and  «aU  fir  the  7  ation  cf  Zw  T.’'  'Pbough  we  can 
 
 taatch  forward  to  viiSIory  and  honour.  “  ■>»  buman  power,  but  in  God’s  name  and  ftrength 
 
 cZ 
 
 18 
 
Diud  ficeth  to  GmI  upon  Jormer  cxpoience. 
 
 rSALMS. 
 
 llh  thirst  for  God 
 
 Before 
 Quirt 
 eir.  1037. 
 
 t 
 
 muke 
 rei'tige. 
 f  {iclx 
 
 shall  add 
 days  iJ. 
 liiitg, 
 
 t  Hob. 
 vs  gene¬ 
 ration 
 and  g.-nc- 
 ralijn. 
 
 10-13. 
 I)  Or, 
 Only. 
 f  Hcb. 
 is  s  lent. 
 t  Hob. 
 ki^h 
 2  dace. 
 
 t  Ileb. 
 I  t  their 
 ikj.ard. 
 pans. 
 
 II  O'-. 
 
 alike. 
 
 thee,  when  rr.y  heart  is  overwhelmed  ;  lead  me  to  the  ' 
 Rock //laf  is  higher  than  I.  ' 
 
 3  I'cr  thou  haft  been  a  ihelter  for  me,  and  a  ftrong 
 tower  from  the  enemy. 
 
 4-  1  Will  abide  in  thy  tabernacle  for  ever  ;  I  will 
 11  truft  in  the  covert  of  tby  wings.  Sdah.  ' 
 
 5  For  thou,  ()  God,  haft  hoard  my  vow's  ;  thou 
 haft  given  me  the  heritage  of  thofe  that  fear  thy  name. 
 
 (3  t  "A  bou  wilt  prolong  ihe  king’s  life ;  and  his 
 years  f  as  many  generations. 
 
 7  He  (hall  abide  before  tiod  for  ever  ;  O  prejiare, 
 merev  and  truth  loluch  may  preforve  him. 
 
 8  So  will  I  flug  praife  unto  thy  name  for  ever,  that 
 i  may  daily  perform  my  vows.* 
 
 PSALM  LXII. 
 
 I  David,  firo/cssiug  his  canji-tence  in  Gou,  discouragetb  his  enemies ;  Sin 
 
 the  s  ime  co’ifidcncc  he  encjurage.th  the  giily,  cj-c. 
 
 •i  To  the  chief  muiician,  to  Jeduthun,  a  nfalm  of 
 
 David. 
 
 II  ^  j  ■'RULY  my  foul  t  waiteth  upon  God:  from 
 
 I  him  Cometh  my  falvation. 
 
 2  He  only  is  my  rock  and  my  falvation  ;  he  is  my 
 f  defence  ;  I  (hall  not  be  greatly  moved. 
 
 3  How  long  will  ye  imagine  raifehief  againft  a  man  ? 
 ye  (hall  be  11  iin  all  of  you  :  as  a  bowing  wall  shaii  ye 
 he,  and  as  a  tottering  fence. 
 
 4  They  only  confult  to  caft  him  down  from  his  ex¬ 
 cellency  ;  they  delight  in  lies:  they  blefs  with  their 
 mourn,  but  they  curie  t  inwardly.  Selah. 
 
 5  My  foul,  wait  thou  only  upon  God  ;  for  ray  ex- 
 peftHtioD  is  from  him. 
 
 6  He  only  is  my  rock  and  my  falvation  :  he  is  my 
 defence:  I  ftiall  nor  be  moved. 
 
 7  In  God  is  my  falvation  and  ray  glory  :  the  rock 
 of  mv  ftrength,  and  ray  refuge,  ?sin  God. 
 
 8  'i'ruft  in  him  at  all  times;  ye  people,  pour  out 
 your  heart  before  him :  God  ts  a  refuge  for  us. 
 Selah. 
 
 9  Surely  men  of  low  degree  are  vanity,  and  men  of. 
 high  degree  are  a  lie :  to  be  laid  in  the  balance,  they 
 are  ||  altogether  lighter  than  vanity. 
 
 10  Truft  not  in  opp.-effion,  and  become  not  vain  in 
 robbery  :  if  riches  increafe,  fet  not  your  heart  upon 
 them. 
 
 1 1 
 that 
 12 
 
 God  hath  fpoken  once  :  twice  have  I  heard  this,  nt-foro 
 I  power  behngeth  unto  God.  *  ciirni 
 
 Alfo  unto  thee,  O  Lord,  befongeth  mercy  :  for'^'^ 
 
 ^  thou  rendereft  to  every  man  accoording  to  his  work.f 
 
 strength.  aJob.  34.  II.  TrirT.  .34.  li>.  Jurciri.  3'2.  19.  Ezc'k.  7.  27  TVt 
 '  16.  ‘27.  Koni.  2.  6.  2  Cor.  5-  10.  Kph.  6.  8.  Cul.  3.  25.  ‘ 
 
 I  PSALM  LXllI. 
 
 '  1  David’s  Ihirjt  for  God;  4  his  manner  oj  blessing  God,  ^c. 
 
 ,  H  A  pfalm  of  David,  when  he  was  in  the  wiidtrntfs 
 I  of  Judah. 
 
 OGOD,  thou  art  my  God ;  early  will  I  feek 
 thee:  my  I'oul  thirfteth  for  thee,  my  flefh  long- 
 eth  for  thee  in  a  dry  and  t  thirliy  land,  f  where  not  Heb. 
 
 I  water  is  ;  wearf 
 
 2  To  fee  thy  power  and  thv  glory,  lb  as  I  have  feeii  ^ 
 
 ;  thee  in  the  fanauary.  ' 
 
 I  3  Becaule  thy  loving-kindnefs  is  better  than  life, 
 
 I  my  lips  ftiall  praife  thee. 
 
 4  Thus  will  I  blefs  thee  while  I  live  :  I  will  lift  up 
 my  hands  in  thy  name. 
 
 5  My  foul  fhall  be  fatisfied  as  with  f  marrow  f  iitu 
 and  fatnel’s ;  and  my  mouth  fhall  praife  with 
 ful  lips ; 
 
 G  When  I  remember  thee  upon  my  bed,  and  medi¬ 
 tate  on  thee  in  the  night-watches. 
 
 7  Becaufe  thou  hall  been  my  help,  therefore  in  the 
 fhadow  of  thy  wings  will  I  rejoice, 
 
 8  My  foul  followeth  hard  after  thee:  thy  right 
 hand  upholdeth  me. 
 
 9  But  thofe  that  feek  ray  foul  to  deftroy  it  fhall  go 
 into  the  lower  parts  of  the  earth. 
 
 10  t  They  ftiall  fall  by  the  (word  ;  they  fhall  be 
 portion  for  foxes.  run  ovt 
 
 11  But  the  king  fhall  rejoice  in  God;  every  one 
 that  fweareth  by  him  fhall  glory;  but  the  mouth  of hiULf 
 them  that  fpeak  lies  fhall  be  ftopped.f  the  sword, 
 
 PSALM  LX IV. 
 
 1  David  jirayeth  for  deliverance,  complaining  of  his  enemies;  8  he  pro- 
 mifelh  himself  to  fee  fuch  an  evident  deJlruSiion  of  his  enemies  as  the 
 righteous  shall  rejoice  at  it, 
 
 H  To  the  chief  mufician,  a  pfalm  of  David. 
 
 Hear  my  voice,  O  God,  in  my  prayer:  pre- 
 ferve  my  life  from  fear  of  the  enemy. 
 
 2  Hide  me  from  the  fecret  counfel  of  the  wicked  ; 
 from  the  inrurre6f:ion  of  the  workers  of  iniquity  : 
 
 •of  his  pilgrimage,  were  heard,  and  he  bath  re-aflTumed  his  ancient  throne  in  the 
 .heavenly  Jerulalem.  The  prayers  of  the  faithful,  made  in  the  land  where  they 
 arc-  i.i  exile,  are  heard,  and  their  fpirits  lliall  return  to  God,  who  will  give  them 
 “  tlie  licritage  of  thofe  that  fear  his  name.” 
 
 EX PL.4 N A  rOIlV  NOTES.  Psal.  I. XII.  Ver.  I.  Truly  my  soul  wnit- 
 elh,  or  reftclh  upon  God.  Ver.  2,  5 — 3.  David  in  the  midft  of  trouble,  and  per¬ 
 haps  tempted  to  have  recourfe  to  finful  expedients  for  his  prefervation,  determines 
 flill  to  repofe  all  his  confidence  on  the  promifed  mercy  of  him,  who  is  the  falva¬ 
 tion,  the  rock,  and  the  high  place,  or  fortrefs  of  men.  Chrift  wcuid  not  be  deli-  j 
 vered  from  his  fufferings,  by  any  other  means,  than  thofe  which  the  Father  had  I 
 .-rdained.  The  church,  in  like  manner,  rtiould  patiently  wait  for  the  fahation  of  | 
 God,  and  not  attempt  through  dirtrurt  of  the  divine  mercy,  to  lave  herfelf  by  un-  I 
 vvarra.ntable  methods,  of  her  own  devifing.  | 
 
 EXPLAX'.\TORY  NOTE.S.  Psal.  LXIII.  Ver.  1,2.  After  the  example  [ 
 
 I  of  the  perfecuted  David  in  the  wildernefs  of  Judah,  and  that  of  the  affli(5led  .lefui 
 I  upon  earth,  the  true  Chriftian  dedicates  to  God  “the  fwcet  hour  of  prime;”  he 
 opens  the  eyes  of  his  underftandipg,  together  with  thofe  of  his  body,  and  awakes 
 each  morning  of  righteoufnefs.  He  arifes  with  an  inextinguilhable  tliirrt  after 
 thofe  comforts,  which  the  world  cannot  give  ;  and  has  immediate  recourfe,  by 
 prayer,  to  the  fountain  of  the  water  of  life  ;  ever  longing  to  behold  the  divine 
 pow’er  and  glory,  in  the  famSluary  above,  of  which  he  has  been  favoured  with 
 feme  giimpfe,  in  the  fervices  of  the  cliurch  below. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal  LXIV.  Ver.  2.  Hide  me  from  the 
 secret  counsel  of  the  wicked.  The  couiifels  and  infurredlions  of  the  Ifraelites 
 againft  David;  of  the  fame  people,  afterwards  againft  the  Son  of  David;  of 
 worldly  and  wicked  men  againft  the  church  ;  and  of  the  powers  of  darknefs  againft 
 us  all,  are  here  rffpeedively  underftood  to  be  deprecated. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Psal.  LXI.]  Former  mercy  ought  to  encourage  our  flight  to  God  as  our  refuge  in  time  of  trouble.  Since  Jefus  for 
 ever  lives,  for  ever  fits  entliruned,  we  may  cunfideiilly  expebt  to  live  and  reign  with  liim  in  eternal  felicity  and  praife.  Let  then  the  grateful  vows  which  we  have 
 made  be  confeientioufly  performed  ;  and  let  a  deep  fenfe  of  his  abundant  mercy  animate  our  fongs  while  we  live. 
 
 PRACTICAL  observations. — t  Psal.  LXII. J  Reflgnation  to  God  and  confidence  in  him,  ilTue  in  deliverance  cf  all  our  troubles.  -While  liars  and 
 traitors  meet  with  deftrutftion  from  God,  they  who  truft  in  him  may  defy  hell  or  earth  to  hurt  them.  In  liim  they  are  faved,  fecured  ftrengthened,  and  piotetfted  ; 
 an-  in  him  do  they  glory.  The  more  their  faith  is  exercifed  in  him,  the  flronger  does  it  become.  The  mercy  and  power  of  the  Lord  ftiall  be  employed  to  punilh) 
 protebf.  a.id  gratuitoully  reward  his  people. 
 
 PR.ACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — ^  Psal.  LXIII.]  What  a  dry  and  barren  wildernefs  is  this  world,  with  nothing  in  it  that  fatisfieth  the  longing  of  the 
 f  -ul  !  The  more  we  find  the  emptinefs  of  created  enjoyments,  the  more  we  fhould  fly  to  the  fuinefs  of  God  as  our  God,  and  all-fafficient  portion.  Tiiey  who  h.v'e 
 exnerinced  feilowlhip  with  him,  and  enjoyed  the  difeoveries  of  hi«  glory  in  public  ordinances,  will  feelingly  regret  the  want  of  them,  and  ardently  defire  the  renewal^ 
 of  them.  Great  is  the  mercy,  that  God  himfelf  the  fountain  of  happinefs,  and  bis  throne  of  grace,  are  accefible.  And  if  our  hearts  be  rcfreftied  with  the  tokens  ol 
 Lis  favour,  they  ought  to  be  enlarged  in  his  praife.  Happy  and  delightful  is  it  to  meditate  on  his  loving-kinducfs,  and  in  bis  ftrength  to  follow  him  clofeTy  in  the 
 means  of  grace  and  path  of  duty.  '  , 
 
fhe  blessedness  of  God's  chosen,  S^c, 
 
 PSALMS. 
 
 Divid  (xhorteth  to  praise  Got. 
 
 3  ‘  Who  wh«  .heir  tongue  like  a  fword  l>end 
 . . .  then-  d,0„t  .ne,r  urrowr,  «“bu.er  words 
 
 fir. 
 
 4  That  tney  tiny  ihoot  in  (ecret  at  the  perfea : 
 luddenly  do  they  (hoot  at  him,  and  iiot. 
 
 They  enS;,e  themlelves  an  evil  |1  matter 
 
 ^  .  i.  1 _ 1  —  _  rvfllflll/  *  fh(^V  liiV 
 
 ,hev  coirue  t^  lryug  toes  pr.rily  i  .hey  lay, 
 
 They'fearc^out  iniqui.ies ;  II  they  acouipUlli  II 
 a  d'.liitent  (earch  :  both  the  inward  thought  ot  ever) 
 one  of  them,  and  the  heart  is  deep. 
 
 7  idnt  God  (hall  (hoot  at  them  mth  an  arrow  ;  fud- 
 
 denly  t  (hall  they  be  wounded. 
 
 8  bo  they  (hall  make  their  own  tongue  to  fall  upon 
 
 ^  »  p  _ _  Ha.*!!  Jii  n  xx;i  IF 
 
 Vidr<>vti,hly 
 
 theml'elves :  all  that  fee  them  (jiak  flee  away. 
 
 searched, 
 .j-  iIl-I). 
 
 (1  s  arch 
 searched 
 
 f  lleb. 
 
 their 
 wound 
 shall  be. 
 
 t  Hel). 
 
 if  silent. 
 
 ♦  TIeb. 
 
 9  And  ali  men  mall  fear,  and  Ihalldeclare  the  work 
 of  God  ;  for  they  (hall  wifely  conflder  of  his  doing. 
 
 }0  The  righteous  (hall  be  glad  in  the  Lord,  and 
 (liall  trufl  in  him :  and  all  the  upright  in  heart  (hall 
 
 PSALM  LXV. 
 
 1  D.vid  prauelh  Gad  for  his  grace.  4  The  blessedness  of  God's  chosen 
 by  reason  of  bentjiis.  „  p  t'v  •  J 
 
 f  To  the  chief  mufician,  A  pfalm  fong  of  David 
 I^RAISE  t  waiteth  for  chee,  O  God,  in  Zion  :  and 
 Jr  unto  thee  (hall  the  vow  be  performed. 
 
 2  O  thou  that  heareft  prayer*  unto  thee  (had  all 
 
 fl  (h  come.  ,  p 
 
 T  lien.  3  .|.  Iniquities  prevail  againft  me;  «s  for  our  trani- 
 
 fff’  ‘^".greflfi'ons,  thou  (halt  purge  them  away. 
 iniquities.  Bleflfed  is  the  man  "whom  thou  choofeft,  and  caufefl 
 to  approach  unto  thee,  that  he  may  dwell  in  thy  courts  . 
 we  (hall  be  fatisfied  with  the  goodnefs  of  thy  houle, 
 even  of  thy  holy  temple. 
 
 5  Btj  terrible  things  in  righteoufnefs  wilt  thou  an- 
 fwer  us,  O  God  of  our  falvation  ;  tsho  art  the  confi¬ 
 dence  of  all  the  ends  of  the  earth,  and  of  them  tnar 
 are  afar  o(F  upon  the  lea  : 
 
 6  Which  by  his  ftrength  fetteth  fad  the  mountains  ; 
 being  girded  with  power : 
 
 7  Which  ftilleth  the  noife  of  the  feas,  the  noife  of 
 their  waves,  and  the  tumult  of  the  people. 
 
 8  I'hey  alfo  that  dwell  in  the  uttermoft  parts  are 
 
 EXPLAN.a.TORY  NOTES.  Psal.  LXV^  Ver.  5.  By  terrible,  or  won- 
 fter;ul  things  in  righteousness  wilt  Ihou  answer  its,  0  God  of  our  salvation.^  The 
 ancient  church  foretelleth,  that  God  would  anfwer  her  prayers,  for  the  coming  of 
 Mefliah,  by  “wonderful  things  in  righteoufnefs;  which  was  brought  to  pafs, 
 by  the  death  and  refurredlion  of  Chrift,  the  overthrow  of  idolatry,  and  the 
 converfion  of  the  nations.  Then  the  God  of  falvation  became  the  confidence 
 of  ali  the  ends  of  the  earth,  and  the  inhabitants  of  the  moft  diftant  ifland  believed 
 in  Jefus.  By  “  wonderful  tilings  in  righteoufnefs,”  will  the  prayers  of  the 
 church,  which  now  is,  be  anfwered  at  ftie  fecond  niauifeftation  of  the  Son  of 
 God,  in  the  glory  of  his  P'ather.  Ver.  8.  I'hey  also  that  dxveU  in  the  uttermost 
 parts  are  alraid  at  thy  tokens.  The  “tokens,  or  figns,”  mentioned  in  this  veiTe, 
 are  the  exertions  of  divine  power  and  mercy,  called  above,  “  wonderful  things  in 
 righteoufnefs;”  which  at  the  publication  of  the  gofpel,  produce  a  faving  fear  of 
 God  among  the  nations,  “  dwelling  in  the  utler.moll  parts  of  the  earth.  The 
 illes,  faith  Ifaiah  on  the  fame  occafion,  “ faw  it,  and  feared;  the  ends  ot  the 
 earth  were  afraid  :  they  drew  near,  and  came,”  Ifa.  xii.  5.  And  then  it  was, 
 that  the  outgoings  of  the  morning  and  evening,  all  the  inhabitants  of  earth. 
 
 afraid  at  thy  tokens ;  thou  makefl  the  outgoings  of 
 
 the  morning  and  the  evening  to  rejoice.  cir.  kov. 
 
 9  l^on  vifitelt  the  earth,  and  waterefl  it :  thou 
 irreatly  eiinctielt  it  with  the  nv.  r  ot  God,  shtch  is  ,  o,. 
 full  of  water  ;  thou  prepared  them  corn  ;  when  thou  to 
 
 halt  (b  provided  tor  it.  r  .  j  .1  o/vc*  thou 
 
 10  Tnou  waterelt  the  ridges  thereof  abundantly  ; 
 
 II  fhou  lettb'fl  tha  turows  rhereot;  f  thou  makelt  it 
 
 forwUh  niowers  i  .houblvirdt  .he  Iprin.ing  'Xl 
 
 11  Tnou  crownetl  t  tne  year  wuh  thy  goodnels , 
 
 and  thy  paths  drop  fatuefs.  causeu 
 
 12  They  drop  upon  the  paflures  ot  the  wildernefs ;  Tzmtode- 
 
 and  the  little  hilis  f  rejoxe  on  everv  fide. 
 
 1 3  I'he  pafln'res  are  clothed  u  ith  flocks ;  the  valleys 
 
 alfo  are  covered  over  with  corn  ;  they  incut  tor  }0) ,  ti,^reo/. 
 
 Ileb.  Iheyearof  thy  gooduess.  |  Uch.  girded^i  hjay. 
 
 PSALM  LX  VI.  ,  „  ,  „ 
 
 1  navU  czhorlelh  to  praise  God,  5  <o  oloseroe  his  great  work,.  B  io  bU^ 
 him  for  his  gracious  benefits.  13  He  voweta  for  hims^lj  religious  seriwe 
 
 the  chief  mufician,'  A  fong  or  pfalm. 
 
 Make  a  Joytul  noUe  unto  God,  t  all  ye  lands  . 
 
 2  Sing  forth  the  honour  ot  his  name; 
 
 his  praife  glorious.  . 
 
 3  Say  unto  God,  How  ternbic  art  thou  jm  thy 
 works !  through  the  greatnefs  ot  thy  power  tha.l  tnme 
 enemies  H  f  fubmit  themfelves  uuto  thee. 
 
 4  All  the  earth  (hall  worthip  tnee,  and  tnail 
 unto  thee  ;  they  (hall  fing  to  thy  name.  Selah.  obedience, 
 5  Come  and  lee  the  works  of  God  :  he  ts  tcrnbltfUeb. 
 in  his  doing  toward  the  children  ot  men. 
 
 6  He  turned  the  fea  into  dry  land;  they  went 
 through  the  flood  on  foot ;  there  did  we  rejoice  in 
 
 "Tide  ruleth  by  his  power  for  ever  ;  his  eyes  behold 
 the  nations  ;  let  not  the  rebellious  exalt  themielves. 
 
 Selah.  ,  ,  .  • 
 
 8  O  b'efs  our  God,  ye  people,  and  maxe  the  voice 
 
 of  his  prail'e  to  be  heard  ;  ,  r  iv  u 
 
 9  Which  t  holdeth  our  foul  in  life,  and  luErreth 
 
 not  our  feet  to  be  moved. 
 
 as  many  as  experienced  the  fweet  viciffitudes  of  day  and  night,  of  morning  and 
 evening,  were  made  to  rejoice  in  God  their  Saviour  :  whofe  name  was  praileti, 
 from  the  rifing  to  the  fetting  fun.  Ver.  9—13.  Under  the  beautiful  image  of 
 a  once  barren,  and  dry  land,  rendered  fruitful  by  kindly  (liowcrs  of  rain,  turning 
 dearth  into  pleuleoufiiefs,  are  reprefented  litre,  (as  in  Ifa.  iixv.  and  nuuiberleik 
 other  places,)  the  gracious  vifitation  of  the  church  by  the  Spirit  ;  the  riches  of 
 grace  and  mercy,  poured  upon  the  hearts  of  men,  from  the  exhauiUefs  river  of 
 God  ;  and  the  bountiful  provifion  made  thereby,  for  the  relief  of  that  fpiritual 
 famine,  which  had  been  fore  in  all  lands,  fee  lla.  Iv.  10.  Rev.  jxii.  1.  AinoS 
 
 viii.  11.  „ 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  LXVI.  Ver.  5,  6.  The  prophet, 
 after  inviting  men  to  contemplate  the  works  of  God,  f.  ts  before  them,  for  tliut 
 purpofe  two'great  miracles  wrought  for  Ifr,.el ;  namely,  tl.e  divifion  of  the  Red 
 S.a,  and  that  of  the  river  Jordan;  by  the  former  they  efcaped  Egypt,  by  the 
 latter  they  entered  Canaan  Under  t.'.eft  two  figurative  traufacRions,  the 
 Chriftian  church  beholds,  and  in  the  words  which  deferihe  tlirm,  fhe  ceiehiates 
 two  coirtfponding  works  of  mercy  wrought  for  her;  viz.  tlie  deliveiai  c_‘ 
 
 PIIACTICAT,  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Psal.  LX!  V.]  In  every  age  and  place  the  bitterest  words,  reproach,  and  infamy,  are  liberally  lliot  againR  the  mofl 
 faithful  I'aints.  Daring  in  wickednefs,  the  ungodly  often  neither  fear  God  nor  regard  man,  but  God  will  affuretily  avenge  on  them  the  injuries  which  they  have  done 
 his  people.  It  is  our  wifdoiu  to  profit  by  the  judgments  which  are  executed  on  others.  Too  often  warnings  are  lofl  Uirough  inconfidcration.  1  erfecutors  ought  to 
 fear  and  tremble  while  the  door  of  mercy  is  open,  while  the  faints  flrould  rejoice  in  God’s  inaniteliations  of  his  power  and  jullice.  ... 
 
 PRAC  ITCAL  OBSERVATIONS.  — t  Psal  LXV.]  Patient expe'aations  from  God  flrould  be  fucccedod  with  joyful  praiL'^  of  him  in  his  church.  Vows  of 
 thank l;;iving  mull  be  followed  with  coiifcientious  fulfilment.  God’s  readinefs  to  hear  prayer  llinll  encourage  every  one  in  every  cafe  to  addreis  hiir  ,  1-  ellow  fliip  with 
 him  IS  our  greatell  happinefs.  How  ever  terrible  the  aufwer  mtiy  fometimes  he,  God  never  dilappoints  the  prayers  of  his  people.  ^\  hater  tr  be  Ihi  ir  ciroumllances  in 
 the  world,  they  have  i  qual  accefs  to  him  as  their  trull  ami  falvation.  Every  where  in  the  works  of  nature  we  may  difcerii  the  power,  wiflom,  goodnefs  and  greati  eis 
 of  God  —But  while  we  fee  his  works  of  providence,  let  us  contemplate  as  in  a  figure  how  he  ellahlilhes  bis  church,  his  ordinances,  arid  his  people.  lie  limits,  re- 
 flraitrs,  ;intl  directs  their  raging  troubles.  He  enlightens  them  by  his  word  and  the  influence  of  his  Spirit.  .And,  while  Jefus  the  Son  of  iltglueoufnefs  rites  wuh 
 healing  under  his  wings,  his  fliow  ers  of  gofpel  declarations  and  i'piritual  infliieuces  drop  down  abundaully,  for  the  nourilhuieni,  latisiadlion,  and  joy  of  I  is  heritage. 
 
Vrai,n-  for  the  nrlargcmrnt  of  God*s 
 
 rsAi 
 
 thou  haft 
 
 t  Heb 
 moist. 
 
 t  Heh. 
 opened. 
 
 ■f  Heb. 
 marrow^ 
 
 ^  proved  US 
 
 cir.  1048.  US,  as  filver  is  tried.  i 
 
 broughreft  us  into  the  net ;  thou  laideft  I 
 amietion  upon  our  loins.  ' 
 
 ^  haft  caul'ed  men  to  ride  over  our  heads :  ^ 
 K  fire  and  through  water :  but  thou 
 
 broughteft  us  out  into  a  t  wealthv  /dace.  : 
 
 13  1  will  go  into  thy  houCe  with  burnt-offerings  ;  ’ 
 1  will  pay  thee  mv  vows, 
 
 I  t  Which  my  lips  have  f  uttered,  and  my  mouth  ; 
 have  Ipoken,  when  I  was  in  trouble.  i 
 
 15  I  will  offer  unto  thee  burnt-lacrifices  of  1|  fat-, 
 
 lings,  with  the  incenfe  ot  rams :  1  will  offer  bullocks  ’ 
 with  goats.  Selah.  ' 
 
 16  Come  and  hear,  all  ye  that  fear  God,  and  l! 
 
 will^declare  what  he  hath  done  for  my  foul.  i 
 
 ^ 'll  my  mouth,  and  he  was 
 
 extolled  with  my  tongue.  I 
 
 18  It  I  regard  iniquity  in  my  heart,  the  Lord  will 
 
 not  hear  w.-  I 
 
 19  verily  God  hath  heard  me;  he  hath  attend-  i 
 ed  to  the  voice  of  my  prayer. 
 
 20  Blefled  de  God,  who  hath  not  turned  away  my 
 prayer,  nor  his  mercy  from  me.* 
 
 PSALM  LXVII. 
 
 1  ^  prayer  for  the  enlargement  of  God's  kingdom  ;  3  to  the  joy  of  the 
 people,  6  and  the  increase  of  God’s  blessings. 
 
 *  Po  the  chief  mufician  on  Neginoth,  A  pfalm 
 or  fong. 
 
 God  be  merciful  unto  us,  and  blefs  us;  and 
 ^  caule  his  face  to  fhiue  t  upon  us.  Selah. 
 
 2  1  hat  thy  way  may  be  known  upon  earth,  thy 
 laving  health  among  all  nations. 
 
 3  Let  the  people  praife  thee,  O  God  ;  let  all  the 
 people  praife  thee. 
 
 4  O  let  the  nations  be  glad,  and  fing  for  joy;  for 
 thou  ihalt  judge  the  people  righteoufly,  and  f  govern 
 the  nations  upon  earth.  Selah. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 wuh  us. 
 
 f  Heb 
 lead. 
 
 of  her  children  from  the  dominion  of  fin  by  faith  in  Chrift  Jefus  ;  and  their  admif- 
 fion  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  through  die  grave  and  gate  of  death 
 
 NOTES.  PsAL.  LX  VII.  Ver.  1.  be  merciful  unto 
 vs.  The  Ifr.aeliti(h  church  by  the  mouth  of  the  prophet,  expreffed  her  ardent  de- 
 fire  after  Meffiah’s  advent,  and  appearance  in  the  fle(b.  Ver.  2.  That  thy  way 
 may  be  known  vpon  the  earth.  Nor  was  file  ftudious,  as  her  degenerate  cliildren 
 have  fince  been,  to  confine  the  favour  of  heaven  within  her  own  pale.  If  (he  had 
 a  good  wifii  for  herfelf,  (he  bad  one  likewife  for  others,  and  therefore  prayed 
 that  the  way  to  eternal  life  might  be  known,  not  in  Jewry  alone,  but  over  all  the 
 earth  ;  and  that  the  virtues  of  tb.at  falutary  medicine,  which  was  able  to  reftore 
 health  and  vigour  to  the  difeafed  and  languilhing  fpirits  of  men,  might  he  pub- 
 lifhed  among  all  nations. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  LXVIII.  Ver.  1.  Let  God  arise, 
 Thefe  words  were  ufed  by  Moles,  whenever  the  ark  let  forw'ard  before  the  armies 
 of  Ifrael,  in  their  progrels  toward  Canaan,  Numb.  x.  35.  David,  in  like  manner, 
 ufes  them  'n  bis  triumphal  hymn,  on  the  removal  of  the  ark  to  the  city  of  Zion, 
 1  Chron.  xiii.  and  xv.  Dr  Chandler  fuppofes  this  part  of  the  pfaim,  from  ver.  1. 
 to  ver.  C.  inclufive,  to  have  been  fung  when  the  ark  was  taken  up  on  the 
 (hoiililers  of  the  Lcvitcs.  The  church  now  celebrates  in  the  fame  terms,  the 
 fiihflance  of  the  foregoing  (hadows;  (he  fings  the  pralfes  of  her  Red  eemer, 
 riling  from  the  dead,  and  preceding  the  Ifrael  of  God,  to  the  true  land  of  pro- 
 mife  ;  when  his  enemies,  the  powers  of  darknefs,  fin  and  death,  **  were  fcattered, 
 and  they  that  hated  him  fled  before  him.”  Ver.  2.  M  smoke  is  driven  away,  so 
 
 dcclareih  Goa's  goodtieis  to 
 
 5  Let  the  people  praife  thee,  O  God  ;  let  all  the  iw«r  ' 
 
 people  praile  thee.  ci,ria 
 
 6  Tfien  (hall  the  earth  vield  her  increafe ;  and  God 
 even  our  own  God,  (hall  blefs  us. 
 
 7  God  (hall  blefs  us  ;  and  all  the  ends  of  the  earth 
 mall  tear  hira-f 
 
 PSALM  LXVin. 
 
 I  j1  prayer  at  the  removing  at  the  ark.  4  sin  exhortation  to  praise  God 
 
 for  his  mercies,  7  for  his  care  of  the  church,  1 9  and  Jor  his  "real 
 
 works.  32  exhortatio7i  to  praise  God,  * 
 
 f  To  the  chief  mufician,  A  pfalm  or  fong  of  David. 
 
 *  T  ET  God  arife.'let  his  enemies  be  fcattered  :  let  a  Numb. 
 
 J-  j  them  alfo  that  hate  him  flee  f  before  him. 
 
 2  As  fmoke  is  driven  away,  so  drive  them  away ;  t 
 as  wax  melteth  before  the  (ire,  so  let  the  wicked 
 perifh  at  the  prefence  cf  God. 
 
 3  But  let  the  righteous  be  glad  :  let  them  rejoice 
 before  God  ;  yea,  let  them  f  exceedingly  rejoice.  t  mb. 
 
 4  Sing  unto  God,  Sing  praifes  to  his  name:  extol 
 
 him  that  rideth  upon  the  heavens  by  his  name  JAH 
 and  rejoice  before  him.  ’""*** 
 
 5  A  father  of  the  fatherlefs,  and  a  judge  of  the 
 widow,  is  God  in  his  holy  habitation. 
 
 6  God  fetteth  the  folitary  f  in  families  :  he  bring-  f  Heh. 
 eth  out  thofe  which  are  bound  with  chains;  but  the 
 rebellious  dwell  in  a  dry  land. 
 
 7  O  God,  when  thou  wenteft  forth  before  thy 
 people,  when  thou  didfl;  march  through  the  wilder- 
 nefs  ;  Selah  : 
 
 8  The  earth  (hook,  the  heavens  alfo  dropped  at  the 
 prefence  of  God  ;  even  Sinai  itfelf  teas  moved  at  the 
 prefence  of  God,  the  God  of  Ifrael. 
 
 9  1  hou,  O  God,  didft  f  fend  a  plentiful  rain,  t  Heb. 
 
 whereby  thou  didft  f  confirm  thine  inheritance,  when  shake  out, 
 it  was  weary.  t 
 
 10  Thy  congregation  hath  dwelt  therein  :  Thou, 
 
 God,  haft  prepared  of  thy  goodnefs  for  the  pocr. 
 
 drive  them  away.  The  fudden  and  utter  deftruaion  of  the  enemies  of  God  and 
 of  his  people,  is  refemblcd,  firfi,  to  the  difllpation  of  fmoke,  which,  though  it 
 rifes  from  the  earth  in  black  and  tremendous  clouds,  is,  by  the  wind  prefentiy 
 brought  to  nothing  ;  fecondly,  to  the  melting  of  wax,  which,  though  to  appear¬ 
 ance,  of  a  firm  and  folid  confidence,  yet,  when  held  to  the  fire  for  a  few 
 minutes,  difolves,  and  makes  no  more  refidance.  Ver.  7,  8.  This  part  of  the 
 pfalm,  from  ver.  T  to  verfe  14,  is  the  fecond,  in  Dr  Chandler’s  divifion.  It  is 
 fuppofed  to  have  been  fuiig  when  the  procefilon  heg.m,  and  to  have  laded  till 
 Mount  Zion  was 'in  view.  The  prophet  goes  back  to  commemorate  the  wonders 
 wrought  for  Ifrael,  when  Jehovah,  by  his  prefence  in  the  cloudy  pillar,  con¬ 
 ducted  them  through  the  wildernefs;  when  defeending  to  deliver  the  law,  he 
 bowed  the  heavens,  and  diook  the  earth,  and  caufed  Sinai  to  quake  from  its 
 foundations.  The  Chridian  church  commemorates,  under  thefe  terms  and 
 figures,  her  redemption  from  the  fpiritual  Egypt,  by  the  reliirrecdion  of  Jefus, 
 with  mighty  figns  and  wonders,  and  the  fucceeding  delivery  of  the  new’  law 
 _  from  Mount  Zion,  after  the  defeent  of  the  Holy  Spirit;  by  which  the  old  Jewilh 
 I  difpenfation  was  lhaken  and  removed,  to  make  way  for  one  that  diould  lad  for 
 ^  ever,  fee  Heb.  xii.  18 — 28.  Ver.  10.  Thy  congregation  hath  dwelt  therein.  In 
 j  thefe  words,  Dr  Chandler  apprehends,  that  the  pfalmid  fpeaks  of  the  manner, 
 
 as  well  as  abundance  of  the  food  thus  given  them  ;  and  renders  the  verfe  thus _ 
 
 (hihed)  “  Tby  food,  or,  As  to  thy  food,”  the  food  which  thou  gaved  them, 
 “  (ifehu  be)  They  dwelt  in  the  midd  of  it;  Thou  didd  prepare,  O  God,  by  thy 
 goodnefs  for  the  poor.”  Thus  the  hidory  informs  us,  tiiat  the  manna  covered 
 
 I  LACriCAL  OBSERVAI  ION.S. — *  Psal.  LXVL]  With  what  harmony  and  joy  ought  all  men  to  celebrate  the  praiLs  of  that  God,  who  is  fo  great,  and 
 lo  good  to  all.  If  our  father  s  fins  awaken  our  forrows,  their  mercies  fiiould  lirengthen  our  confidence  and  inflame  olir  praife.  To  tedify  our  gralitude  to  God,  and 
 
 ‘o  communicate  our  mod  noted  experience  of  his  goodnefs  and  grace.  No  duty  performed  amidd  indulged 
 wick^nels  c.an  he  acceptable  to  God.  But  fuch  as  in  faith  pour  out  their  hearts  unto  God  without  any  allowed  guile,  may  be  confident  that  their  requeds  are  ac¬ 
 cepted,  and  diall  in  due  lime  he  anfwered  ;  they  may  now  begin  their  grateful  fong  which  diall  ilfiie  in  eternal  tranfport. 
 
 R A C'Tl CAL  OBSE R V A  1 1 ONS.  f  Psal.  LX  VTI.]  Divine  mercy  is  the  ever-flowing  fpring  of  all  our  bleflings,  which,  when  duly  received  enlarges  the 
 heart,  and  dil^fes  to  live  wholly  for  God,  whofe  love  manifeded  in  our  redemption  produces  the  mod  luhlime  and  felicitating  emotions.  It  is  an  iinfpeakahle  mercy 
 to  )e  goceriic  and  judged  according  fo  the  gofpel  of  God  our  Saviour.  The  lervice  of  Chrid  is  the  freedom  and  happinefs  of  liis  people,  and  his  government  intro- 
 uers  t  .t^mo  inc*nin>al>ie  benefits  and  exalted  praife.  What  a  harveft  of  converted  fouls  the  world  yields  when  he  pours  forth  his  infiuence.s.  And  blelTings 
 nierahle  how  from  a  new  covenant  relation  to  God  as  our  God;  while  reverential  love  and  holy  obedience  always  attend  firm  faith  in  the  revelation  of  hi.s  grace. 
 
cir.  1045. 
 
 I  lU-b. 
 arm’/ 
 
 f  IKl). 
 dvijUc, 
 did  flee. 
 
 II 
 
 jor  her 
 the  W-'S. 
 
 Div'd  cxhortclh  to  praise  God.  PSALMS. 
 
 neforo  1 1  The  Lord  gave  the  word  ;  great  xeas  the  f  com- 
 ciirid  pany  ot  thole  that  publiHied 
 
 12  Kings  of  armies  t  did  flee  apace  ;  and  fhe  ihat 
 tarried  at  home  divided  the  (poil. 
 
 13  Though  ye  have  lien  among  the  pots,  shall 
 ye  be  as  the  wings  of  a  dove  covered  with  filver,  and 
 
 her  feathers  with  yellow  gold.  , 
 
 14  When  the  Almighty  fcattcred  kings  U  in  it, 
 
 was  -xhite  as  fnow  in  Salmon. 
 
 1 5  The  hill  of  God  is  as  the  hill  of  Balhan  ;  an 
 
 hill,  as  the  hill  of  Baflian.  .  .  ,  , -i,  , .  ,  . 
 
 16  Why  leap  ye,  ye  high  hills  ^  this  is  the  hill  ’ixhich  : 
 
 God  defireth  to  dwell  in  ;  yea,  the  Lord  will  dwell 
 
 in  it  for  ever.  ■  r  ,  ' 
 
 17  The  chariots  of  God  are  twenty  thoufand,  |1  even  . 
 thousands  of  angels;  the  Lord  is  among  them  as  in 
 
 ThouLnds  Sinai,  in  the  holy  place. 
 
 bEph.  18  ''  Thou  haft  afcended  on  high,  thou  haft  led 
 4.  8.  captivity  captive  :  thou  haft  received  gifts  f  5 
 
 yez,  for  the  rebellious  alfo,  that  the  Lord  God  might 
 di'^Q\\amon^  them. 
 
 19  Blefed  be  the  Lord  who  daily  loadeth  us  with 
 benefits,  even  the  God  of  our  falvation.  Selah. 
 
 20  He  that  is  our  God  is  the  God  ot  falvation  ;  and 
 
 f<>r  his 
 
 1/A  1,1 
 
 (J  i/,(  fln/ih,  ^c. 
 
 21  But  God  ftiall  wound  the  head  of  his  cncmi-  s, 
 
 (’hrist 
 
 I  and  the  hairy  fcalp  of  fucli  an  one  as  gocth  on  Itill  in^;^ 
 
 his  trefpafles.  . 
 
 '  22  'The  Lord  faid,  I  will  brmg  again  from  Balhan  ; 
 
 1  will  bring  my  proj/lr  i^-eixi  from  the  depths  of  the  f  a  : 
 
 23  '1  bat  thy  foot  may  be  dipped  in  tne  blood  of 
 !  thine  enemies,  and  the  tongue  of  thy  dogs  in  the  fame. 
 
 24-  They  have  lecn  f -y  gomgs,  O  God  ;  event  he 
 
 Or,reJ. 
 
 t  it .  24-  Ihey  nave  leeu  i  y  v.. 
 
 ’  1'  goings  of  my  God,  my  K:ng,  in  the  Lnctnary. 
 
 high  '  25'  The  fingers  v\ent  before,  the  players  on  luflr 
 
 ,  ments  followed  after;  among  them  w  te  the  daint; 
 
 ru- 
 
 fels 
 
 n 
 
 even 
 
 t  Heb 
 in  the 
 man. 
 
 Or, 
 e  tbut 
 
 unto  God  the  Lord,  belong  the  iflues  from  death. 
 
 followed 
 
 playing'  with  timbrels. 
 
 26  B'efs  ye  God  in  the  congregations,  even  the 
 Lord,  II  from  the  fountain  ct  Lrael.  . 
 
 27  There  is  little  Benjamin  wUh  their  ruler, 
 
 princes  of  Judah  ||  and  their  council,  the  princes  ofy^„,„„j 
 ZebuluD,  and  the  princes  of  Naphtali.  oj  hmei. 
 
 I  28  Tnytiod  hath  commanded  thy  ftrengthtftrcngih-  ,or 
 
 ;  en,  O  God,  that  which  thou  haft  wrought  for  us. 
 
 29  Becaufe  of  thy  temple  at  Jerufalera  fhail  kings 
 j  bring  prefents  unto  thee. 
 
 !  30  Rebuke  1|  the  company  of  fpearmen,  the  mul'i- Oo  the 
 
 tude  of  the  bulls,  with  the  calves  of  the  people, 
 i  every  one  fubmit  himl'elf  with  pieces  of  filver  :  fcutter  j  or,  he 
 '<  thou  the  people  that  delight  in  war.  -attereih. 
 
 the  hoft  ;  and  that  the  quails  were  “let  fall  by  the  i  Ifrael ;  the  fountain  of  Ifrael  is  the  fame  with  the  “  n..c5t,  or  family  of  Ifrael.” 
 on  one  fide,  and  a  day’s  journey  on  the  other,  round  ;!  See  Ifa.  xlviii.  1.  The  fenfe  of  this  latter  claufe  therefore  is,  “  Blefs  tlie  Lord,  ye 
 i.  13.  Numb.  xi.  31*.  This  was  literally  dwelling  ji  who  are  fprung  from  the  flock  of  Ifrael  thus  is  the  duty  cfbleffing  and  thankf- 
 
 ;  giving  enforced  on  the  congregation  of  the  faithful  in  all  ages.  Ver.  27.  Tnere 
 .1  it  little  Benjamin  with  their  ruder.  The  literal  rendering  of  this  verfe  is — “  There 
 Lying  among  thefe  denotes  the  mofl  ahjetSl  flavery  ;  for  this  was  the  place  of  i!  is  little  Benjamin  their  ruler,  the  princes  of  Judah  their  council,  the  princes  of 
 
 by  the  dew,  lay  round  about 
 camp  about  a  day’s  journey  on 
 about  the  camp,”  Exod.  xvi 
 in  the  midft  of  the  food  God  had  provided  for  them.  Ver.  13.  Though  ye  have 
 lien  among  the  pots,  or,  rows  of  flones  on  which  the  caldron,  or  pots  were  placed 
 
 reft  allotted  to  the  Haves.  So  our  tranflators  render  the  word  in  the  margin  of 
 Ezek.  xl.  43.  Ver.  14.  IThen  the  Almighty  scattered  kings  in  it.  The  purport  of 
 this  difficult  verfe  feems  to  he,  that  all  was  white  as  fnow,  that  is,  all  was  bright- 
 iiefs,  joy,  and  feftivity,  about  Mount  Salmon,  (Thclefen  holemun)  when  the 
 .Almighty,  fighting  for  his  people  Ifrael,  vanquilhing  their  enemies,  (be)  in,  or 
 about  that  part  of  the  country.  Ver.  16.  Why  leap  ye,  or  why  look  ye  gikance 
 with  envy  ye  high  kilts.  ?  The  pfalmift  in  commemorating  God’s  former  mercies 
 and  loving-kindnelfes,  having  been  led  to  mention  the  towering  hills  of  Salmon 
 and  Baflian,  by  a  mafterly  tranfition,  fuddenly  refumes  his  original  fuhje<Sl  with 
 a  beautiful  apoftrophe  to  thofe  mountains,  letting  them  know,  that  however 
 proudly  they  might  lift  up  their  heads  above  the  reft,  or  in  the  language  of 
 
 Zebulun,  and  the  princes  of  Naphtali.”  In  this  enumeration  of  the  tribes  of 
 Ifrael,  that  were  p  re  fen  t  at  the  removal  of  the  ark,  four  oniy  are  mentioned; 
 Benjamin  and  Judah  who  dwelt  neareft  to  the  city  of  David  ;  Z«bulun  and 
 Naphtali,  who  are  the  fartheft  diftant  from  it ;  to  Ihew  the  unanimity  of  the 
 whole  nation  of  all  the  tribes  far  and  near,  in  attending  this  folemniiy,  to 
 teftify  tlieir  willing  acknowledgement  cf  David  for  their  king,  and  the  city  of 
 David  for  their  capital,  where  all  the  great  foiemnili.  s  of  religion  ftiouid  be 
 performed,  and  their  annual  feftivals  continually  celebrated.  Benjamin  though 
 the  youngeft  tribe,  is  named  6rft,  and  called  the  “  Ruler  becaufc  from  that 
 tribe  fprung  Saul,  the  firft  king  of  Ifrael.  The  atteodance  of  this  tribe  (hewed, 
 that  all  envy  and  oppofition  to  David  from  Saul’s  party,  was  at  an  end.  Upon 
 
 poetry,  “look  alkance  wiih  envy  on  Mount  Sion,  yet  this  was  the  mount  |j  David’s  acceifion  to  the  crown,  Judah  became  the  roval  tribe,  and  fupported 
 
 his  fpecial  prefence;  thither  l|  the  throne  hv  its  coui 
 
 which  Jehovah  had  determined  to  honour  with 
 he  was  now  afeending,  with  the  ark  of  his  ftrength  ;  and  there,  between  the 
 cherubims,  in  the  place  prepared  for  him,  he  would  dwell  for  ever  ;  till  the 
 
 counfels.  Zebulun  and  Naphtali  were  tribes  of  eminent  learn- 
 ng  and  knowledge.  See  Gen.  xlix.  21.  Judg.  v.  14.  Thii' after  the  publica¬ 
 tion  of  the  gofpel,  the  nations  flocked  into  the  church,  l>oth  thofe  that  w  ere  near 
 
 whole  difpenfation  would  be  at  an  end,  till  the  glory  of  the  Lord  Ihould  be  ,  and  thofe  that  were  far  off;  power,  wifJom,  and  learning,  fuhraitted  ihemfelves 
 
 revealed  in  human  nature ;  till  God  fhould  bo  manifefted  in  the  flefh  ;  and,  the 
 true  tabernacle  and  temple  fhould  fucceed  the  typical.  After  th.at,  the  privileges 
 of  Sion  were  transferred  to  the  Chriflian  church  :  flie  became,  and  while  the 
 world  lafts,  will  continue  to  be  the  “  hill  in  which  God  delightelh  to  dwell  ;” 
 file  will  therefore  be  juftly  entitled  to  the  pre-eminence  over  all  that  may  seem 
 to  be  great  and  glorious  in  the  world.  Ver,  18.  Compare  Eph.  iv.  8.  Tb? 
 pfalmift  mentions  thefe  gifts  as  received  ;  “  Thou  haft  received  gifts  for  men  ;” 
 the  apoftle  in  his  citation,  fhew'eth  us  the  end  for  which  they  were  received  ; 
 “  He  gave  gifts  unto  men,”  Or  rather,  as  the  heft  critics  have  obferved,  in 
 the  Hebrew  idiom,  to  “  take  gifts  for  another,”  is  the  fame,  as  to  “  give  them  to 
 another.”  Thus  we  read,  1  Kings  iii.  24.  “  Take  me  a  fword,”  that  is 
 
 give  or  bring  it  me.  Geii.  xviii.  5.  “  I  will  take  a  hit  of  thread  ;”  that  is,  for 
 you,  or  to  give  it  you,— “  and  comfort  ye  your  hearts,”  The  preceeding  furvey 
 of  God’s  dilpenfations,  conftraineth  the  church  to  break  out  into  an  aa  of 
 praife,  and  to  blefs  the  preferver  of  men,  the  author  of  eternal  falvation  •  iu 
 
 to  the  kingdom,  and  coiifpired  to  fet  forth  tiie  glory  of  M  Ifiah.  Ver.  29.  Be¬ 
 cause  of  thy  temple  at  Jerusalem.  T!ie  tabernacle  is  called  riiil.el,  temple.]  1  Sam. 
 iii.  2.  This  might,  olherwife,  feem  inconfjfteiit  wiili  the  fuppofed  occafion  of  the 
 pfalm,  and  the  times  of  David,  when  there  was  yet  uo  temple  there.  David 
 foretells  that  on  the  eftahliftiment  of  the  then  church  and  worlbip  in  Jerufalem, 
 the  kings  of  tlie  Gentiles  fliould  come,  and  m.-ike  their  oblations  at  the  temple  of 
 God  ;  which  happened  in  his  days,  and  thofe  of  his  fon  Salomon,  as  an  earned 
 and  figure  of  that  plenary  acetflion  of  the  kings  of  the  earth  to  the  church  <  f 
 Chrill  which  was  to  take  place  in  the  latter  days,  under  the  gofpel,  See  2  .Sim. 
 viii.  9—11.  1  Kings  V.  1.  x.  1,  24.  2  Chron.  ix.  24.  Ifa.  lx.  .3,  6.  Matth.  ii.  11. 
 Rev.  xxL  24.  ^  er.  30.  Rebuke  the  company  of  tjsearmen.  V>’e  have  hear  a  pro¬ 
 
 phetical  prayer  again  ft  the  enemies  of  the  Ifraelitilli  church.  The  whole  verfe 
 when  literally  tranflated,  runs  thus, — “  Rebuke  the  wild  beads  of  the  reeds,  the 
 
 to  releafe  ;  to  kill  and  to  make  alive, 
 his  enemies.  This  vetfe  be 
 who  was  afcended  on  high 
 mies,  and  which  was  (hado 
 by  David,  after  that  the  ark 
 2  Sani.  viii.  Tlie  expreflions, 
 cipal  part,  the  (Irength,  the 
 
 to  be  cruflied  according  to  the  original  fcntence  ;  “  He  (hall  bruilh  thy  head  ” 
 Gen.  111.  15.  “  Blefs  ye  God  in  the  congregations  ;”  in  this  form  of  words,  the  I 
 
 llraehtes  are  fuppofed,  when  accompanying  the  a.k,  to  have  reciprocally  ex-' 
 honed  and  encouraged  each  other  to  exert  their  utmoft  powers  in  the  llicred  ' 
 employment  of  blcfling  and  thanking  God  ;  even  the  Lord  from  the  fountain  of  ' 
 
 7  A 
 
 j  congregation  of  the  mighty  among  the  calves  of  the  nations,  (kipping  or  exulting, 
 with  pieces  of  Giver;  Icatter  the  people  that  delight  in  war.”  By  the  wild  heafts 
 I  of  the  reeds,”  is  to  be  underdood  the  Egyptian  power,  deferihed  by  its  emblem, 
 the  crocodile,  or  river  horfe,  creatures  living  among  the  reed-  of  the  Nile.  The 
 
 the  prophet  to  this  effea,  that  it  woul  pleafe  God  to  bring  dow  n  and" o'^veahrot- 
 the  fl.ength  the  pride,  and  the  idolatry  of  Egypt,  that  ancient  adverfary  and 
 opprtfforof  Ifrael,— Inc  Chriftian  church  in  like  manner,  through  f.dh  in  the 
 power  of  her  Lord,  rifeii  from  the  dead  and  afcended  into  heaven,  prayeih  for 
 the  coafufioa  of  her  implacable  enemies,  who  del  ght  iu  oppofing  the  kingdom 
 
 18 
 
)U''iire 
 
 +  Htb. 
 
 i;  Or, 
 .jvens. 
 
 t  Hfb. 
 t/ie  mire 
 oj  (le/itli, 
 t  Heb. 
 deptU  of 
 ti'a:ers. 
 
 I  Ileb. 
 
 •  uiltiness 
 
 a  John 
 2.  17. 
 b  Ron'. 
 15.  3. 
 
 (J  '.-.'j  PSALMS.  ‘  07iil  prmjelh  for  deliverance 
 
 10  When  I  wept,  aful  chastened  my  Ibul  with  fait-  iRforc 
 ing,  that  was  to  my  reproach. 
 
 11  1  made  I'ackcloih  alfo  my  garment ;  and  I 
 1  came  a  proverb  to  them. 
 
 I  12  They  that  fit  in  the  gate  [peak  againfi.  me  ;  and 
 I  tioas  the  long  of  the  t  drunkards.  1 
 
 13  But  as  for  me,  my  prayer  is  unto  thee,  ()  Lord,  Jj'liroL 
 in  an  acceptable  time  :  O  God,  in  the  multitude  oLtwR-.  “ 
 thy  mercy  hear  me,  in  the  truth  of  thy  falvation. 
 
 I  t  Deliver  me  out  of  the  mire,  and  let  me  not  fink  : 
 let  me  be  delivered  from  them  that  hate  me,  and  out 
 of  the  deep  waters. 
 
 15  Let  not  the  water  flood  overflow  me,  neither  let 
 the  deep  fwallow  me  up,  and  let  not  the  pit  fhut  her 
 mouth  upon  me. 
 
 16  Hear  me,  O  Lord;  for  thy  loving-kindncfs  is 
 good  :  turn  unto  me  according  to  the  multitude  of 
 
 SAVE  me,  O  God  ;  fcr  the  waters  are  come  in  thy  tender  mercies. 
 
 unto  mj  foul.  ,  M  And  hide  not  thy  face  from  thy  lervant ;  for  I 
 
 am  in  trouble  :  f  hear  me  fpeedi'y.  _  _ 
 
 18  Draw  nigh  unto  my  foul,  and  redeem  it :  deliver  ,o 
 me,  becaufe  of  mine  enemies.  hear  me, 
 
 19  Thou  haft  known  my  reproach,  and  my  fharae, 
 and  my  dilhonour :  mine  adverfaries  are  all  before 
 4  iney  tnat  nate  me  witnout  a  cauie  are  more  ;j  thee, 
 
 than  the  hairs  of  mine  head  :  they  that  would  deftroy  a  20  Reproach  hath  broken  my  heart,  and  l  am  full 
 
 me,  bein"  naine  enemies  wrongfully,  are  mighty  ;  then  j  of  heavinefs :  and  I  looked  fo'  some  t  to  take  pity,  but 
 I  rtftere"^  that  which  1  took  not  aw'ay.  |!  thete  voas  none  ;  and  for  comforters,  but  I  found  none, 
 
 5  O  God,  thou  knoweft  my  foolilhnefs ;  and  my|j  21  They  gave  me  alfo  gall  for  my  meat ;  <=  and  incMatth. 
 
 t  fins  are  not  hid  from  thee.  |i  my  thirft  they  gave  me  vinegar  to  drink.  •  27^- 
 
 6  Let  not  them  that  wait  on  thee,  O  Lord  God  of  !  22  Let  their  table  become  a  fnare  before  them  ■ 
 
 hofts,  be  afhamed  for  my  fake  ;  let  not  thofe  that 
 feek  thee  be  confounded  for  my  fake,  O  God  of  Ifrael. 
 
 7  Becaufe  for  thy  fake  I  have  borne  reproach  ; 
 fname  hath  covered  my  face. 
 
 slam  become  a  ftranger  unto  my  brethren,  and 
 an  alien  unto  my  mother’s  children. 
 
 9  *  For  the  zeal  of  thine  hcufe  hath  eaten  me  up ; 
 
 ^  and  the  reproaches  of  them  that  reproached  thee  are 
 fallen  upon  me. 
 
 31  Princes  (hall  come  out  of  Egypt ;  Ethiopia  fliall 
 foon  llretch  out  her  hands  unto  God. 
 
 32  S.ng  unto  God,  ye  kingdoms  of  the  earth  ; 
 O  fing  praifes  unto  the  Lord  ;  Selah  ; 
 
 33  To  him  that  rideth  upon  the  heavens  of  heavens, 
 
 xebich  xecre  of  old  ;  lo,  he  doth  f  fend  out  his  voice, , 
 and  that  a  mighty  voice.  ; 
 
 3  fAlcribe  ye  ftrength  unto  God  :  his  excellency  is , 
 over  Ifrael,  and  his  ftrength  is  in  the  H  clouds. 
 
 35  O  God,  then  art  terrible  cut  of  thy  holy  places  : ' 
 the  God  of  Ifrael  is  he  that  giveth  ftrength  and  power , 
 
 unto  his  people.  liltlTed  be  God.*"  i 
 
 PSALM  LXIX.  I 
 
 1  David  compIainL-i!)  of  his  affiieiion  ;  1:1  he  prayelh  for  deliverance ;  22 
 hedevjtethhisenemiestodestruClion ;  SOhe prniscch  God  withthanksgivin'r. 
 
 ^  I'o  the  chief  mufician  upon  Sholhannim,  A  j>salni  \ 
 
 of  David.  | 
 
 AVE  me,  O  God  ;  fcr  the  waters  are  come  in 
 j  unto  my  foul. 
 
 2  I  link  in  f  deep  mire,  where  there  is  no  (landing  ; 
 
 I  am  come  into  f  deep  waters,  where  the  floods  over- 1 
 flow  me.  _  _  I 
 
 3  I  am  w’cary  of  my  crying  ;  my  throat  is  dried  : ' 
 
 mine  eyes  fail  while  1  wait  for  my  God.  i 
 
 4  Tney  that  hate  me  without  a  caufe  are  more 
 
 of  Mcfliah.  Ver.  31.  Princes,  or  ambnJfaJors,  fltall  come  out  of  Egypt.  The  hof. 
 tile  p'iwers  being  overlbrown.  and  the  church  of  Ifrael  fully  cflablilhed,  tiie  na¬ 
 tions  around  hef,  even  thofe  which  had  been  mod  given  to  idolatry  fued  ^or  her  j 
 friendfbip,  and  came  t(.  Jerufalem  with  their  gifts  and  oblations;  as,  in  like  man-  , 
 ner,  after  the  deieat  of  ilatenlius  and  Masimi:'',  the  Roman  empire,  with  all  its 
 tnrutfirv  provincfs,  was  added  to  the  church  of  Chr'.ft.  „  ,  . 
 
 EXPL.ANATORY  XOTES.  Psal.  LXIX.  Ver.  1—3.  The  gofpels  in¬ 
 form  us  concerning  ilie  confiancy  and  patience  of  Chrilt  under  his  lutferings  ; 
 the  iuffeiings  th.  mfelves,  (thofe  in  particular  of  bis  foul)  are  largely  dc-fcribed  in 
 the  Pfidms  ;  many  of  which,  and  this  among  the  reft,  feem  to  have  been  indited 
 beforehand  by  the  .Spirit,  for  ms  nfe  in  rhe  day  of  Iron*  le.  At  the  head  of  the 
 church,  he  here  befeecheth  the  Father  to  lave,  through  him,  his  myftical  body. 
 He  compares  ine  lad  fitualion  into  which  he  was  brought,  to  that  of  a  drown- 
 in"  man.  The  divine  difpleafurc,  like  a  ftormy  tempeft,  was  let  loofe  upon 
 him  ■  the  fins  of  the  world,  as  deep  mire,  enclofed  and  detained  him  ;  ivliilft. 
 all  the  water.s  of  affliclicn  went  over  his  head,  and  penetrated  to  his  vitals. 
 Ver.  5  OGod.  thou  knim-st  my  foolishness.  Thcfe  words  in  the  mouth  of  David, 
 or  any  other  fiiiful  fon  of  Adam,  are  plain  enough.  They  may  neverthelefs  be 
 fpoken  as  the  reft  of  the  pfalm  is,  in  the  perfon  of  Chrift.  concerning  the  ini¬ 
 quities’ committed  by  us,  but  “laid  on  him  which  he  therefore  rrientions,  as 
 if  they  bad  been  Lis  own  ;  the  head  complaining  of  difeafes  incident  only  to 
 the  mernbeis  Ver.  6.  Comp  John  xvi.  1 .  Ver.  9.  ^mp-  in  1  7.  Rom  xv 
 S.  V-r.  20  21.  The  argument  urged  by  Clinft  in  thefe  moft  afleamg  words,  is 
 that  in  the  extremity  of  his  pafiion,  he  was  left  alone,  without  a  comlorter,  a  friend, 
 
 1  AJW*.  mvil  V*  - - - -  ’15.  23* 
 
 !  and  that  xvbich  should  have  been  for  their  welfare,  let  it  joim 
 !  become  a  trap.  ^2.  2. 
 
 1  23  Let  their  eyes  be  darkened,  that  they  fee  not » ‘  j  g 
 
 '  and  make  their  loins  continually  to  (hake.  ^  ’ 
 
 j  24  Pour  out  thine  indignation  upon  them,  and  let  their  pa- 
 '  thy  wrathful  anger  take  hold  of  them. 
 
 \  25  Let  -j-  their  habitation  be  delolate,  and  f  let  t ^ 
 
 1  none  dwell  in  their  tents.  not  be  (I 
 
 26  For  they  perfecute  him  whom  thou  haft  fmitteu  \  dweller. 
 
 ■  or  an  attendant ;  while  all  that  were  round  about  him  ftudied  to  infufe  every  bitter 
 I  and  acrimonious  ingredient  into  his  cup  of  foirows.  This  was  literally  as  well 
 1  as  metaphorically  true,  when  they  gave  him  vinegar  to  drink  mingled  with 
 i  gall,  fee  Matth.  xxvii.  34.  John  xix.  28.  Ver.  22.  Let  their  table  become  a  snare 
 i  before  them ;  and  that  which  (hould  have  been  jor  their  welfare,  Ileb.  their  peace- 
 i  offerinos,  let  it  become  a  trap.  At  this  verfe  beginneth  a  prediaion  T  thofe 
 i  dre.adfbl  judgments,  which  heaven  has  fince  infliaed  upon  the  crucifiers  of 
 the  Lord  of  glory.  By  their  “table  becoming  a  fiiare,  and  their  peace-offerings 
 a  trap,”  is  pointed  out  the  confequences  of  the  Jews  adhering  to  the  legel  fervices 
 l’  in  oppofition  to  him,  who  is  “the  end  of  the  law,  for  righteoufnefe.”  After 
 I  his  fulferings  and  exaltation,  to  continue  under  the  law',  became  not  only  un- 
 1  profitable,  but  deftruaive,  in  as  much  as  it  implied  a  denial  of  MefTiali’s  advent, 
 and  a  renunciation  of  every  evangelical  benefit  and  blefling,  Rom  ix.  9.  Ver.  23. 
 Comp.  Rom.  xi.  10.  2  Cor  iii.  15.  Ver.  24.  Thou  will  pour  out  thine  indigna¬ 
 tion  upon  them.  Never  was  indignation  fo  poured  out,  never  did  wrath  fo 
 take  hold  on  any  nation,  as  on  that,  which  once  was,  beyond  every  other,  be¬ 
 loved  and  favoured.  “  The  wrath,”  fays  St  Paul,  1  ThefT.  ii.  16.  “  is  come 
 upon  them  to  the  uttermoft,  (eiftelos)  to  the  end,”,  to  the  very  laft  dregs  of  the 
 cup  of  fury.  Ver.  2.3.  Their  habitation  shall  be  desolate.  Our  Lord  feems  to  have 
 had  this  paflage  in  his  view,  when  he  faid  to  the  Jews,  “  Behold,  youi;  houfe  is 
 left  unto  you  delolate,”  Matth.  xxiii.  36.  Jerufalem  was  by  the  Roman  armies 
 deftroyed  from  the  foundations.  It  hath  been  fince  indeed  rebuilt,  and  inhabited 
 by  Gentiles,  by  Chriftians  and  by  Saracens,  but  no  more  by  the  Jewilh  people. 
 It  is  remarkable,  that  this  verfe  is  applied,  A<5Is  i.  20.  to  Judas,  confidered  as 
 
 "  PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.-.  P^.  LXVIIL] 
 
 tidings  of  falvation.  He  eftabbfhed  his  church  as  a  mountain  firm  and  ,,,  g,„,y  Never  is  he  weary  of  ftiewing  mercy.  No 
 
 «„»« .... ..  Lf.....  L.,d.  d...u  ...un.  dif.„..d .. ..... .i.. ..... ..  - 
 
 tereft  in  Liin  and  bis  falvation. 
 
■ 
 
 David 
 
 •pcfore 
 
 (thrift 
 
 I  Or, 
 meek- 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 creepetli. 
 
 prahelh  God  •wll/t  titauhghhig. 
 
 and  they  talk  to  the  grief  of  f  thofe  whom  thou  haft 
 
 II  iniquity  unto  their  iniquity;  and  let  them 
 
 not  come  into  thy  righteoiisnels.  r  .l  i- 
 
 28  Let  them  be  blotted  out  ol  the  book  of  the  liv¬ 
 ing,  and  not  be  written  with  the  righteous. 
 
 29  Bur  I  am  poor  and  forrovvful :  let  tny  falvation, 
 
 O  God,  let  me  up  on  high.  „  , 
 
 3U  I  will  praif?  ihc  name  of  God  with  a  long,  and 
 vvi'l  magnify  him  with  thanksgiving. 
 
 31  /VmalCo  (ball  pleafe  the  Lord  better  than  an 
 ox  or  bullock  that  hath  horns  and  hoo.s. 
 
 32  rhe  II  humble  ftiall  fee  this,  and  be  glad  ;  and 
 
 your  heart  ftiall  live  that  feek  God.  ,  ,  ,•  t 
 
 33  For  the  Lord  heareth  the  poor,  and  deipileth 
 
 not  his  priloners. 
 
 34  Let  the  heaven  and  earth  praue  him,  the  leas, 
 and  every  thing  that  f  moveth  therein  : 
 
 ,MS. 
 
 He  prayelh  for  himseif,  <$c. 
 
 5  But  1  a?n  poor  and  needy  ;  make  hafte  unto  me, 
 God:  thou  art  my  help  and  my  deliverer; 
 
 For  God  will  five  Zion,  and  will  build  the  cities 
 
 that  they  may  dwell  there,  and  have  it  in 
 
 and 
 
 Pfahn 
 .  13. 
 llcb. 
 
 I’falm 
 .  4.  & 
 .  12. 
 
 of  Judah  ; 
 pofleflion. 
 
 36  Tne  feed  alfo  of  his  fervants  dial!  inherit  it ; 
 they  that  love  his  name  (hall  dwell  therein.* 
 
 PSALM  LXX. 
 
 David  soliciteih  God  to  the  speedy  deJlru£lion  of  the  wicked,  and  pre/er- 
 vation  of  the  godly- 
 
 11  To  the  chief  muftcian  A  psalm  of  David,  to  bring 
 to  remembrance. 
 
 AKE  /taste  ^  O  God,  to  deliver  me :  make 
 ^  a.  tiafte  f  to  help  me,  O  Lord. 
 
 2  °  l.et  them  be  afhamed  and  confounded  that  feek 
 after  my  foul :  let  them  be  turned  backward,  and  put 
 to  confufion,  that  defire  my  hurt. 
 
 3  Let  them  be  turned  (lack  for  a  reward  of  their 
 (hame  that  fay.  Aha,  aha  ! 
 
 4  Let  all  thofe  that  feek  thee  rejoice  and  be  glad  in 
 thee  :  and  let  fuch  as  love  thy  falvation  fay  continual¬ 
 ly,  let  God  be  magnified. 
 
 the  bead  and  reprefentative  of  that  apoftate  nation,  which  rejeiSed  and  delivered 
 up  its  Pi-ince  and  .Saviour  to  be  crucified.  “  He  was  guide  to  tliem  that  took 
 Jefus,”  A<Sts  i.  16.  The  punifhment  thereof  as  well  as  the  fin  of  Ifrael  is 
 pourtrayed  in  his  perfon,  and  the  fame  prophecy  is  applicable  to  him,  and  to  his 
 countrymen.  Ver.  28.  They  shall  be  blotted  out  of  the  hook  o^  the  living  and  not  be 
 writleti  among  the  righteous.  By  “  the  book  of  the  living,”  in  which  the  names  of 
 the  “righteous  are  written,”  is  to  be  underftood  the  regifter  of  the  true  fervants 
 and  worfliippers  of  God,  or  thofe  who  are  jullified,  or  made  righteous,  through 
 faith.  In  this  regifter  the  names  of  Abraham,  Ifaac,  and  Jacob,  the  ancient 
 fathers  of  the  Ifraelitifti  race,  with  their  true  children  ftand  recorded  ;  but  the  de¬ 
 generate  and  apoftate  Jews  have  been  long  fince  blotted  out;  they  are  no  long¬ 
 er  tlie  peculium  of  heaven,  nor  have  they  any  part  or  portion  in  the  inheritance 
 of  tiie  funs  of  God  Thus  Ez.kiel,  “  They  ftiall  not  be  in  the  aflembly  of 
 my  people,  nor  ftiall  they  be  written  in  the  writing  of  the  houfe  of  Ifrael,” 
 xiii.  9,  And  our  Lord  iii  his  converfations  with  the  Jews  took  every  opportunity 
 to  tell  them,  that  they,  for  their  unbelief,  ftiould  be  “caft  out,”  and  that  the  Gen¬ 
 tiles,  obeying  the  call  of  the  gofpel,  ftiould  come  from  all  quarters  of  the  world, 
 and  “fit  down  with  Abraham,  and  Ifaac,  and  Jacob,  in  the  kingdom  of  God.” 
 Acr,  31.  Tills  dso' /hall  please  the  Lord  belter  than  an  ox-  A  bullock  was  in  its 
 prime  for  fticrifice,  under  the  law,  when  it  began  to  put  forth  its  “horns  and  hoofs.” 
 Tlie  infinite  diftance  therefore  in  point  of  value,  between  the  heft  legal  facrifices, 
 and  thofe  of  obedience,  love  and  praife,  as  offered  by  Chrift,  and  through  him  by 
 his  church,  under  tlie  gofpel,  is  pointed  out  in  this  verfe.  See  Pfal.  xl.  6,  8.  1.  23'. 
 Ver.  36.  The  feed  also  oj  his  servants  shall  hiherit  it.  The  continuation  of  the 
 
 o  ,  . 
 
 Lord  make  no  tarrying.l 
 
 PSALM  LX  XL 
 
 1  Dnvhl  in  conjulence  of  faith,  and  experience  of  G,el't  favour,  pray'th 
 both  for  himself  and  against  the  enemies  -/  Au/eo/;  14  he  prormselh 
 constancy  :  I  7  he  prayeth  for  fterseveratue. 
 
 *  TN  thee,  O  Lord,  do  I  put  my  truft  ;  let  me  nc-^ 
 
 1  never  be  put  to  confufion.  31.  1. 
 
 2  Deliver  me  in  thy  ri^htt-  urnefs,  and  cauie  me 
 to  elcapf* :  incline  thine  ear  unto  me,  and  faveme. 
 
 3t  Be  thou  my  ftrong  habitation,  '^hereunto 
 may  continually  re  fort :  thou  haft  given  command- ^ 
 ment  to  fave  me;  for  thou  art  my  rock  and  my  lox-rock  of 
 
 trefs  habila- 
 
 ^Vbeliver  me,  O  my  God,  out  of  the  hand  of  the«'^- 
 wicked,  out  of  the  hand  of  the  unrighteous  and  cruel 
 
 5  For  thou  art  my  hope,  O  Lord  God  :  thou  art 
 
 my  truft  from  my  youth.  .  .  .  l 
 
 6  By  thee  have  I  been  holden  up  fro.m  the  womb: 
 thou  art  he  that  took  me  out  of  my  mother’s  bowels  : 
 my  praife  sha/t  be  continually  of  thee. 
 
 7  I  am  as  a  w'onder  unto  many  :  but  thou  art  my 
 ftrong  refuge. 
 
 8  Let  my  mouth  be  filled  -xith  thy  praile,  and  ’jfilk 
 thy  honour  all  the  day. 
 
 9  Caft  me  not  oft*  in  the  time  of  old  age ;  forfake 
 me  not  w'hen  my  ftrength  faileth. 
 
 10  For  mine  enemies  fpeak  againft  me  ;  and  they 
 that  f  lay  wait  for  my  foul  take  counfel  together. 
 
 1 1  Saying.,  God  hath  forfaken  him  :  perfecute  and  '^fcr^T 
 take  him  ;  for  there  is  none  to  deliver  him. 
 
 12  O  God  be  not  far  from  me  :  O  my  God,  make 
 '  hafte  for  my  help. 
 
 13  Let  them  be  confounded  and  confumed  that  are 
 adverfaries  to  my  foul :  let  them  be  covered  -jmth  re¬ 
 proach  and  difhonour  that  feek  my  hurt. 
 
 church  in  the  pofterity  of  the  faithful  is  here  predicted.  Accordingly,  the  def- 
 cendaiits  of  the  profelyted  Gentiles  have  been  in  pofleflion  of  the  gofpel  privileges, 
 for  above  1800  years.  And  thus  it  will  be,  while  they  abide  in  the  faith,  and 
 love  the  name  of  Jefus.  Should  the  Gentiles  apoftatife  as  the  Jews  did,  and 
 ,  the  Jews  be  converted  as  the  Gentiles  were,  then  the  gofpel  would  go  from 
 the  Gentiles  to  tlie  Jews,  as  liefore  it  went  from  the  Jews  to  the  Gentiles;  then 
 would  there  “come  out  of  Sion  the  deliverer  to  turn  away  ungodliuefs  from  Ja¬ 
 cob,”  Ram.  xi.  26. 
 
 I  EXPLAN,\TORY  NOTES.  Psat..  LXX.  The  words  of  this  pfalm  occur 
 1  without  any  material  variations,  in  Pfalm  xl.  ver.  13.  to  the  end.  The  reader  is 
 I  therefore  referred  thither  for  the  expofition  ;  as  before  in  the  cafe  of  the  liii.  and 
 I  xiv.  Pfalms. 
 
 {  EXPLANATORY  NOTE.S.  Psai..  LXXT.  Ver.  4.  Delii^r  me,  0  my  God, 
 j  out  of  the  hand  of  the  wicked.  The  divine  afliftance  is  implored  by  the  pfalniill,  on 
 1  the  footing  of  the  goodnefs  of  his  caufe,  and  the  iniquities  of  his  enemies.  Such 
 j  were  Abfaloni,  Ahithophel,  &c.  to  David  ;  Judas- and  the  Jews  to  Chrift  ;.  and 
 fuch  are  the  world,  the  flelh,  and  the  devil  to  the  Chriftian.  Ver.  7.  I  am  as  a 
 ‘  wonderunto  many.  David,  baniftied  from  his  kingdom,  was  regarded  as  a  wonder, 
 or  a  prodigy  of  wretchednefs  ;  Chrift  in  his  ftate  of  humiliation  upon  earth,  was 
 a  fm  everywhere  “  fpoken  againft,”  as  Simeon  foretold  he  would  be,  Luke 
 i.  34.  The  Chriftian,  who  lives  by  faith,  who  quits  poftTeflion  for  reverfion,  and 
 who  choofes  to  fuffer  witli  his  Saviour  here,  that  he  may  reign  with  him  here¬ 
 after,  appears  to  the  men  of  the  world,  as  a  motifter  of  folly  and  enthufiafm. 
 But  God  is  the  ftrong  refuge  of  all  fuch.  Ver.  9.  Cajl  pie  not  off  in  the  lime  of 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Psal.  LX IX.]  Contemplating  in  this  prophetic  pfalm  the  fufferings  of  the  once  humble,  but  now  exalted  Mefliah,  let 
 us  with  ecitacy  behold  the  love  of  God,  who  fpared  not  his  own  Son  when  inflexible  juftice  made  it  n.-ccfl'..ythat  he  Ihould  die  for  the  expiation  of  crimes  not  his  own, 
 ut  ours,  and  thus  redeem  us  from  the  tremendous  eQ'eifts  of  our  tranfgreftion.  Let  us  learn  with  i.itieace  to  run  the  race  of  holy  obedience,  and  neceflarv  trials  fet 
 before  us  looking  to  Jelus  as  our  p.ittcrn,  and  as  the  author  and  finiftier  of  our  faith.  While' we  behold  the  awful  feverity  of  God’s  judgments  on  his  ancient  people, 
 tc.i"fe  of  their  rijeaion  of  Ins  Son,  let  us  not  be  high  minded,  but  fe.ar.  O  th  -  our  ey  s  may  be  ever  fixed  on  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jefus  Chrift,  who  thoutrh  ho 
 
 blonft^’nri  1  I'is  poverty  might  he  made  rich.  And  may  we  all  be  living  members  of  that  church,  which  is  founded  Tn  his 
 
 blood,  and  hlefrcd  m  him  with  all  fpiritual  hicflings. 
 
 poo^l^m^th^  '^^ite  ardent  prayers.  How  condofeending  is  God  to  admit  his 
 
 people  to  the  ueareft  intimacy  «it  i  him,  to  Ipeak  to  him  as  a  man  doth  to  his  friend.  When,  nke  frighted  doves  flying  to  their  windows  in  the  moment  of  dan-er 
 cy  111  lafte  fly  to  God  and  fay,  “  Make  hafte  to  deliver,  their  bolduefs  does  not  exceed  their  warrant  and  welcome.  ” 
 
D^vid  prai/f/h  for  jwsnvra^icc. 
 
 PSALMS. 
 
 Hi  fore 
 I'lOlll 
 cir.  lO-'l, 
 
 t  Hub. 
 n/ltii  old 
 «rt’  ond 
 grt  If  hairs 
 t  Hcb. 
 thiiieai'tn. 
 
 1+  But  I  will  hope  continually,  and  will  yet  praife  fi 
 thee  more  and  rrore.  ' 
 
 1.)  My  mouth  fhall  fhcw  forth  thy  rightecufnefs  om/ 
 th^  lalvation  all  the  day  ;  tor  1  know  not  the  numbers  ' 
 thncof. 
 
 •n^  ^  ihe  Lord  God  :  I 
 
 will  make  mention  ot  thy  righteoufnels,  even  of  thine  i 
 only.  ■ 
 
 1  <  P  God,  thou  haft  taught  me  from  my  youth  : 
 and  hitherto  have  1  declared  thy  wondrous  works. 
 
 18^  Now  f  alfo,  when  I  am  old  and  grey-headed, 
 O  God,  torfake  me  not,  until  I  have  (hewed  t  thy 
 (trength  unto  this  generation,  and  thy  power  to  every 
 one  that  is  to  come. 
 
 19  1  hy'  righteoufnefs  alfo,  O  God,  is  very  high, 
 who  haft  done  great  things:  O  God,  who  is  like 
 unto  thee  ? 
 
 20  Thou,  w^hich  haft  (hewed  me  great  and  fore  trou¬ 
 bles  (halt  quicken  me  again,  and  fliall  bring  me  up 
 again  from  the  depths  of  the  earth. 
 
 The  glory  of  Chrm\ 
 
 4.  lie  (hall  judge  the  poor  of  the  people,  he  ftmi  f 
 (ave  the  children  of  the  needy,  and  (hull  break  i 
 pieces  the  opprellor.  ”c:r.  io  , 
 
 5  They  (hall  fear  thee  as  long  as  the  fun  and  meon  ^ 
 endure,  throughout  all  generations. 
 
 6  He  ftiall  come  down  like 
 
 f  Heb. 
 with  the 
 
 ins'ru- 
 ment  of 
 jisul:ery. 
 
 n  On  0/. 
 
 21  Thou  (halt  increaie  my  greatnefs,  and  comfort  , 
 meon  every  fide. 
 
 22  I  will  alfo  praife  thee  f  with  the  pfaltery,  even 
 thy  truth,  O  my  God  :  unto  thee  will  I  (log  w'ith  the 
 harp,  O  thou  Holy  One  of  Ifrael. 
 
 28  My  lips  (hall  greatly  rejoice,  when  I  fing  unto 
 thee ;  and  ray  foul,  which  thou  haft  redeemed. 
 
 2‘1-  My  tongue  alfo  fhall  talk  of  thy  righteoufnels 
 all  the  day  long :  for  they  are  confounded,  for  they 
 are  brought  unto  (hame,  that  feek  my  hurt.* 
 
 PSALM  LXXII. 
 
 1  Davidy  for  Solomon^  sheweth  the  goodness  and  glory  oj  his 
 
 reign  in  type,  and  in  truth  oJ  Christ's  kmgdom ;  18  he  blesseik  God. 
 
 .  U  A  pfalm  II  for  Solomon. 
 
 C"1  1V£  the  king  thy  judgments,  O  God,  and  thy 
 jr  righteoufnels  unto  the  king’s  Ibn. 
 
 2  He  lhall  judge  thy  people  with  righteoufnefs,  and 
 thy  poor  with  judgment. 
 
 3  The  mountains  (hall  bring  peace  to  the  people, 
 and  the  little  hills,  by  righteoufnefs. 
 
 (•  n  . .  rain  upon  the  mown 
 
 grals ;  as  Ihowers  that  water  the  earth.  ” 
 
 7  In  his  days  (hall  the  righteous  flourifti ;  and  abun. 
 dance  of  peace  f  lo  long  as  the  moon  endureth  tin 
 
 8  He  (hall  have  dominion  alfo  from  fea  to  fea  and''"'i 
 from  the  river  unto  the  ends  of  the  earth.  ’ 
 
 9  They  that  dwell  in  the  wilderncfs  ftiall  bow  be-”'"""' 
 fore  him  ;  and  his  enemies  fhall  lick  the  duft. 
 
 10  The  kings  of  Tarfhifli  and  of  the  ifles  (hall  brin^ 
 
 prefents :  the  kings  of  Sheba  and  Seba  (hall  oflir 
 gifts.  ‘ 
 
 _  1 1  Yea,  all  kings  ftiall  fall  down  before  him  ;  all  n?. 
 tions  (hall  ferve  him. 
 
 12  For  he  fhall  deliver  the  needy  when  he  crieth* 
 
 the  poor  alfo,  and  him  that  hath  no  helper.  ’ 
 
 13  He  (hall  Ipare  the  poor  and  needy,  and  (hall 
 lave  the  fouls  of  the  needy. 
 
 H  He  (hall  redeem  their  foul  from  deceit  and  via- 
 lence:  and  precious  /liall  their  blood  be  in  his  fight. 
 
 And  he  (hall  live,  and  to  him  (hall  be  given  tUtib. 
 ot  the  gold  of  Sheba  :  prayer  allb  (hall  be  made  for  one  shall 
 him  continually  ;  and  daily  fhall  he  be  praifed. 
 
 16  There  (hall  be  an  handful  of  corn  in  the  earth 
 upon  the  top  of  the  mountains ;  the  fruit  thereof 
 (hall  (hake  like  Lebanon:  and  they  efi  the  city  (hall 
 flourifti  like  grafs  of  the  earth. 
 
 17  His  name  f  (hall  endure  for  ever:  his  namet-Ueb, 
 t  (hall  be  continued  as  long  as  the  fun  ;  and  men  fhalL'"'''"?. 
 be  bleflTed  in  him  :  all  nations  (hall  call  him  blefled. 
 
 18  Blell'ed  be  the  Lord  God,  the  God  of  ifrael, 
 
 who  only  doeth  wondrous  things.  ewemw 
 
 19  And  bleflTed  he  his  glorious  name  for  ever :  and'‘‘*-^“‘ 
 
 let  the  whole  earth 
 and  Amen 
 
 be  filled  twM  his  glory.  Amen 
 
 thn' 
 
 2011  The  prayers  of  David  the  fon  of  Jefle  areended.f 
 
 5  name  far 
 ever. 
 
 old  oge,  David,  rnindful  of  the  noble  adlions,  which,  through  God’s  affiflance,  i 
 he  bad  achieved  in  his  youth,  befeeches  him  not  to  defert  his  fervant,  when  per-  ! 
 fecuted  by  a  rrbellicus  fon  in  bis  old  age.  The  church  findeth  but  too  much  ' 
 occafion  to  make  the  fame,  now  that  the  is  funk  in  years ;  when  faith  languiflieth, 
 charity  waxeih  cold,  and  the  infirmities  of  a  fpiritual  old  age  are  coming  fail 
 upon  her. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  LXXII.  Ver.  1,  2.  In  this  prophe¬ 
 tical  prayer,  the  aged  monarch  of  Ifrael,  about  to  refign  the  kingdom  into  the 
 hands  of  his  fon  Solomon,  makes  unto  God  the  requefl.  of  a  wife  father  for  him. 
 He  afks  fuch  a  portion  of  wifdom  and  integrity  from  above  as  might  enable  the 
 young  prince  to  govern  aright  the  people  of  God,  and  to  exhibit  to  the  world 
 a  fair  rtfemhlance  of  that  king  of  Ifrael,  who  was,  in  the  fulnefs  of  time,  to  fit 
 upon  “  the  throne  of  his  father  David  Luke  i.  32.  “  to  reign  in  righteoufnefs 
 Ifa.  xxx’.i.  I.  “and  to  have  all  judgment  committed  unto  him;”  Jolm  v  22. 
 Ver.  6.  lie  shall  come  dcwri  like  rain  vpon  the  moiun  grass.  In  the  laft  words 
 of  David,  (2  Sam.  sxiii.  4.)  the  reign  of  'Jeffiah  is  deferibed  under  this  figure  ; 
 “  He  fliall  be  as  the  tender  grafs  fpringiiig  out  of  the  earth  by  clear  (liining 
 after  rain.”  There  cannot  be  a  more  lively  image  of  a  flourifhing  condition  than 
 what  is  conveyed  to  us  in  thefe  words.  The  grafs  which  is  forced  by  the  heat  of  the 
 fun,  before  the  ground  is  well  prepared  by  rains,  is  weak  and  languid,  and  of  a 
 faint  complexion  :  but  when  clear  fhining  fucceeds  the  gentle  thowers  of  fpring, 
 tlie  field  puts  forth  it«  firengtb,  and  is  more  beautifully  arrayed,  than  even 
 Solomon  in  all  his  glory.  Ver.  8.  He  shall  have  dominion  from  sea  to  sea.  As 
 
 applicable  to  the  kingdom  of  Solomon,  this  verfe  deferibes  the  extent  and  limits  of 
 the  promifed  land  ;  if  it  he  interpreted  of  the  wide  c. tended  empire  of  Chrifl, 
 
 I  that  empire  knows  no  bounds,  but  thole  of  the  earth  itfelf.  'fhe  Hebrew  word 
 [arits"!  is  often  ufed  for  both,  and  as  the  dominion  of  Solomon  reprefented  that  of 
 a  greater  than  Solomon,  both  are  comprehended  in  the  fame  words.  And  it  is 
 obfervable,  that  when  the  prophet  Zechariah  foretels-lhe  advent  of  “the  Kiii"  of 
 Zion,  in  great  humility,  “  meek,  and  riding  on  an  afs,”  he  deferibes  the  extent 
 of  his  kingdom  in  thefe  words — “  Ilis  dominion  lhall  he  even  from  fea  to  fo, 
 
 :  and  from  the  river  to  the  ends  of  the  earth,”  Zech.  ix.  9,  10.  Ver.  10.  The  kings 
 I  of  Tarshish.  Tarfliifli,  Sheba,  and  Seba,  reprefent  the  Gentile  nations.  This 
 verfe  fuggefieth  to  our  meditation  feveral  curious  .and  interefiing  particulars,  all 
 I  tending  to  one.  Ver.  II.  leer,  all  kings  shall  fall  doiun  before  him.  It  is  laid, 
 1  Chron.  ix.  that  “all  the  kings  of  the  earth  fought  the  prefence  of  Solomon,  to 
 hear  his  wifdom;  that  he  reigned  over  all  the  kings,  from  the  river  even  untolhi; 
 land  of  the  Philiflines,  and  to  the  border  of  Egypt  ;  and  that  they  brought  iinlo 
 him  horfes  out  of  Egypt,  and  out  of  all  lands.”  The  dominion  of  Chrill  is  uni- 
 verfal  ;  and  it  will  appear  to  be  fo,  at  the  lafl  day  ;  when  before  men  and  angels, 
 he  fhall  prove  Iris  claim  to  the  title,  King  of  kings,  and  Lord  of  lords.  Ver.  l‘i 
 — 14.  Thefe  three  verfes  confidered  as  deferibing  the  jufl  and  merciful  adminij 
 firation  of  Solomon,  but  efpecially  of  Mefilah,  need  no  expofition.  Ver.  16. 
 Comp.  John  xii-  24.  Ver.  17.  His  name  shall  remain  for  ever  f  his  name  shall  l>t 
 continued,  Ileb.  propagated  as  long  as  the  sun. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Psai,.  LXXL]  The  more  we  refleci  on  what  God  hath  dona  for  us,  it  will  the  more  engage  our  trull  and  animate 
 our  praife.  In  old  age  vs'e  mull  expet^  infirmities:  but  God  can  give  an  increafe  of  faith  and  patience  to  bear  them.  Happy  they  wliofe  grand  fuppt)rters  are  the 
 pow  er  and  promife  of  God,  and  wbofe  early  and  long  continued  experience  of  his  favours  encourage  them  to  maintain  their  hopes,  and  increafe  their  holiuefs.  And. 
 if  we  hope  for  eternal  happinefs,  let  us  do  what  we  can  fo  fpread  the  honour  and  good  favour  of  Chrifl  on  earth.  For  how  hecoining  it  is  for  aged  faints  to  he  re- 
 xnarkable  in  cheerfully  expelling  good  at  the  band  of  God  ;  and  to  have  heart,  and  li])s,  and  life,  till  filled  with  his  praife  !  Happy  they  whofe  traufition  into  thiir 
 Father’s  houfe  fcarcely  admits  of  change  either  of  their  works  or  their  fame  ! 
 
 PRACTICAL  observations. — f  Psal.  LXXII.]  Contemplate  here  the  divine  adminiflrator  of  tiie  covenant  condutfling  his  trufl  will)  infinite  equity 
 and  confumuaa'.e  wifdom  !  By  bis  righteoufnefs  and  interceflion  he  procured,  and  by  his  word,  ordinances,  and  Spirit,  he  coiiftrs  on  men  peace  with  God,  peace 
 
The  prophet  prcvjileth  over  temptation. 
 
 Ikfore  PSALM  LXXIII. 
 
 Oirift  j  The  prophet  prevailelh  in  a  temptation,  i  theweth  the  occasion  there. 
 cir.  1020.  prosperity  o''  the  loicked  i  13  the  wound  eiven  therehy  to  d'JJi- 
 
 ‘  dence ;  15  the  viilory  over  it,  <^c. 
 
 II  II  A  pfal.T  of  Afaph. 
 
 I)  ^I^RULY  God  is  good  to  Ifrael,  even  to  fuch  as 
 X  are  t  of  a  dean  heart. 
 
 2  But  as  for  me,  my  feet  were  almoil  gone ;  my 
 fteps  had  well  nigh  flipped. 
 
 3  For  I  was  envious  at  the  foolifh,  when  I  faw  the 
 profperity  of  the  wicked. 
 
 4  For  there  are  no  bands  f  in  their  death  ;  but  their 
 flrength  is  t  firm. 
 
 PSALMS. 
 
 He  complauuth  of  tie  desolation  oj 
 
 II  Or,  A 
 psolin  Jor 
 Aioph, 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 Yet. 
 
 •j-  Ifeb. 
 clean  of 
 heart. 
 a  Job 
 21.  7. 
 rfalm 
 37.  1. 
 Jerein. 
 
 12.  1. 
 f  Heb. 
 till. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 fat. 
 
 Heb. 
 in  the 
 trouble  of 
 other 
 men. 
 t  Heb. 
 with. 
 
 ■j-  Heb. 
 they  pass 
 the 
 
 thoughts 
 of  the 
 heart. 
 
 [I  18'Surely  thou  didfl  fet  them  in  flippery  places  ; 
 
 :  thou  calledlt  them  down  into  deflruft  on.  dr  who. 
 
 ;  19  How  are  they  broupui  into  dei’olation,  as  in  a 
 
 I  moment !  they  are  utterly  cor.fumed  with  terrors, 
 i  20  As  a  dream  when  one  awaketh  ;  w,  O  Lord, 
 
 !  when  thou  awakeft,  thou  (halt  dt-fpile  their  image. 
 
 21  Thus  my  heart  was  grieved,  and  I  was  pricked 
 
 in  my  reins 
 
 22  So  foolifh  was  I,  and  f  ignorant :  I  was  as  a  t  Heb. 
 
 bead  f  before  thee.  i  knew 
 
 23  Neverthelefs  I  am  continually  with  thee;  thoui  ^eb, 
 
 v.iftii.  .0  I  I,.  HI.  I  holden  me  by  my  right  hand.  with  thee. 
 
 5  They  are  not  t  in  trouble  as  other  men,  neither  ^4  'I  hou  (halt  guide  me  with  thy  counfel,  and 
 
 are  rney  plagued  f  like  other  men.  !i  afterward  receive  me  to  glory. 
 
 6  Therefore  pride  compafl  'tn  them  about  as  a  Whom  have  I  in  heav  n  hMithee?  and  there  is 
 
 chain  ;  vioFnee  covereth  them  as  a  garment.  i!  oone  upon  earth  that  I  defire  befides  thee. 
 
 7  Their  eyes  ttand  out  with  fatuefs :  f  they  have  I  flefh  and  my  h:art  faileth  :  but  God  is  the 
 
 more  than  heart  could  wifh.  j  'f'  Arength  of  my  heart,  and  my  portion  for  ever.  t 
 
 "  -  ■  . .  '27  For,  lo,  they  that  are  far  from  thee  fhall  perifh  : 
 
 thou  haft  deltroyed  all  them  that  go  a  whoring  from 
 thee. 
 
 28  But  it  is  good  for  me  to  draw  near  to  God  :  I 
 have  put  my  truft  in  the  Lord  God,  that  1  may  de- 
 
 oil  * 
 
 8  They  are  corrupt  and  fpeak  wickedly  concerning 
 
 oppreffi'-n  :  they  fpeak  loftdy.  ;! 
 
 9  They  fet  their  mouth  againft  the  heavens  ;  and  j 
 
 their  tongue  walketh  through  the  earth.  :i  - r,--; 
 
 1 0  Therefore  his  people  return  hither;  and  waters  }  ^^ve  put  my  truft  i 
 
 of  a  full  Clip  are  wrung  out  to  them  :  I  dare  all  thy  work^. 
 
 11  And  tney  lav.  How  doth  God  know?  and  is 
 there  knowledge  in  the  moft  High.^ 
 
 12  Behold,  thefe  the  ungodly,  who  profper  in 
 the  world  ;  they  increafe  in  riches. 
 
 13  Verily  I  have  deanfed  my  heart  in  vain,  and 
 wafhed  my  hands  in  innocency. 
 
 14  For  all  the  day  long  have  I  been  plagued,  and  ' 
 t  chattened  every  morning. 
 
 1.5  If  I  fay,  I  will  fpeak  thus;  behold,  I  fhould 
 olfend  apainst  the  generation  of  thy  children. 
 
 '  f  Wnen  I  thought  to  know  this,  f  it  «;as  too  pain- 
 a/!  was  ;a-  tul  tor  me, 
 
 mZeZes.  ^  fanduary  of  God  ;  then 
 
 ^  underftood  I  their  end. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 my  chas¬ 
 tisement 
 was. 
 f  Heb. 
 
 notes.  Psal.  LXXIII.  Ver.  l_s.  The  profperity 
 of  the  wicked  Has  been  a  common  temptation  to  the  faints.  The  pfa^mift  was 
 tagpred  at  it,  and  inufing  on  the  myfterious  providence  breaks  forth  • 
 Tr.l,,  „r  .,o.w„hn.„dl.^  God  i.  good  J  If,..,  ^  ""Vo.rf  „£  IS.i 
 
 all  his  perplexities,  and  holding  fast  this  truth,  rides  out  the  storm.  Ver.  5  Com 
 
 -  Pride  comnirth''  F'-  '^’^^':f?^^Pridecompasseth  them  abou>  as  a  chaTn. 
 
 tneir  necks,  as  gold  chains,  collars,  or  neckhaces  were  worn  •  fee  Cant  iv  Q  dIT 
 covering  It  by  their  stately  carriage.  Seelfa  iii  ifi  ?.  vLT  u 
 
 as  a  garment;”  it  appeareth  outwardly  iu  all  they  fav  or 
 
 fuccefs  in  the  world  ^  occafioned  by  great  and  unexpeaea 
 
 PSALM  LXXIV. 
 
 1  The  prophet  complaineth  of  the  desolation  of  the  saneiuary  ;  10  he 
 moveth  God  to  help,  in  consideration  oj  his  power;  18  of  kis  reproach¬ 
 ful  enemies,  10  of  his  children,  and  of  his  covenant. 
 
 H  II  Mdlchil  of  Afdph.  |  Or, 
 
 OGOD,  why  haft  thou  caft  us  off  for  ever  ?  why  ^  ptaioo 
 doth  thine  anger  fmoke  againft  the  fheep  oF*" 
 thy  pafture  ?  ^ 
 
 2  Remember  thy  congregation,  which  thou  haxT 
 purchaf^  of  old  ;  the  ||  rod  of  thine  inherirance,  which  I  Or, 
 
 ,  ffiou  haft  redeemed  ;  this  mount  Zion,  wherein  thou"^'^'- 
 hart  dwelt. 
 
 3  Lift  up  thy  feet  unto  the  perpetual  defolations, 
 
 ^n  all  that  the  enemy  hath  done  wickedly  in  the 
 lanctuary. 
 
 «n  the  confcienct,  and  peace  with  one  another. 
 
 dl^e  grieved,  and  forced  to  fhed  tears  in  abun- 
 
 dance  Mr  Mudge  trantlates  the  verfe  thus—-  Therefore  let  his  (God’sl  peonle 
 
 Th^t  t  Sh  r"  ^  "rung  out  from^Lm  ” 
 
 the  full,  they  would  wring  out  all  the  juice  in  their  bodies.  He  ukes  waters  in 
 full  meafure,  to  have  been  a  proverbial  expreOion.  Ver.  23.  Never thel  .,  l 
 continually  with  Ihee.  I  am  continually  with  thee,  as  a  child  under  the  tender  care 
 
 =v.;r;„r  ■  “'p-r" 
 
 EXPLANATOR'i  NOTES.  Psai.  LXXIV  Ver  I  nr.,!  si.  l 
 
 gr< gallon,  which  thou  has' jntrehased  o'  old-  ,he  rod  or  tribe  ^  r 
 
 tnhen  -ance,  which  tAou  /inst  redeemed,  this  mount  Sion,  wherein  thou  hZl'wJu.  ''Z 
 
 death  nn  . .  r.  Clouds  to  glorify  himfelff  and  i.;..k  c _  ..  ..  ..  “  lervice.  isarueft  are  their  prayers  for  his  pre. 
 
 him  the  corn  of  wheat,  fown  in  hij 
 -Eebanon,  and  numerous  as  the  piles  ol 
 
 fence  in  his  ordinances,  -d  Zr  his  comiC  in  L;  d  t  ^  ‘hemfelves  and  ^TrldTro  his  fTrlle  " 
 
 .  OP  Cl..,,,  .„a  .p.  Zn'p/^i'id  Svli"  Qrof/LTSlVi'^H’  _ _ 
 
 1  ‘‘‘^'^TICAL  OBSERVATIONS _ •Ps.ilxxmn  ,  |  ■  '  *'  “““OI-OP...  the  pita 
 
 «ie  blood  and  Spirit  of  Melfiah.  Often  are  the  m’olf  emi  ^nd  profitable  to  remember  God’s  kindnefs  to  thoC  u 
 
 in  honour  nnd  wealth.  Let  us  however  never  for-ret  T  t  ir’'  '’"'“'’‘b  tempud  and  dragged  to  the  verge  of  death  iL  t  cleanfed  from  fin 
 
 proht.  Wiiat  need  then  have  we  to  attend  clolelvio  li  s  .  ungodly  is  their  ruin,  but  all  whom  Uie  Lord  lov  ^1*  «’nem'es  triuir 
 
 of  God  and  eternal  things  are  fometime.  uli,e!.d  in  h  .  perplexing  providences  to  w’ait  tin  r  fcourges  for  th 
 
The  psalmist  protjclh  for  God's  help. 
 
 aid”  ^  Thine  enemies  roar  in  the  midft  of  thy  congrega- 
 cir.  lo'ji.  ;  they  let  up  their  enligns  for  figns. 
 
 5  A  man  was  famous  according  as  he  had  lifted  up 
 axes  upon  the  thick  trees. 
 
 6  But  now  they  break  down  the  carved  work 
 thereof  at  once  with  axes  and  hammers. 
 
 t  iieb.  7  -j-  'I'hey  have  calf  fire  into  thy  fan(fl:uary ;  they 
 have  defiled  hp  casting  doxen  the  dwelling-place  of  thy 
 name  to  the  ground. 
 
 into  the  8  They  faid  in  their  hearts,  Let  us  f  defiroy  them 
 together;  they  have  burnt  up  all  the  fynagogues  of 
 God  in  the  land. 
 
 9  We  lee  not  our  figns  :  there  is  no  more  any  pro¬ 
 phet  :  neither  is  there  among  us  any  that  knoweth 
 how  long. 
 
 10  O  God  how  long  (hall  the  adverfary  reproach  ? 
 (hall  the  enemy  blalpherae  thy  name  for  ever  ? 
 
 11  Why  withdraweft  thou  thy  hand,  even  thy  right 
 hand  ?  pluck  it  out  of  thy  bofom. 
 
 12  For  Gcd  is  my  King  of  old,  working  falvation 
 in  the  midft  of  the  earth. 
 
 ^4^2^"  13  *  I'hou  didft  t  divide  the  fea  by  thy  ftrength  ; 
 
 t  Heb!  breakeft  the  heads  of  the  !1  dragons  in  the  waters. 
 
 break.  14  Thou  breakeft  the  heads  of  leviathan  in  pieces. 
 
 PSALMS.  He  praiseth  God, 
 
 19  O  deliver  not  the  foul  of  thy  turtle-dove  unto  neiWe 
 
 t  Heb. 
 break. 
 
 and  gaveft  him  to  be  meat  to  the  people  inhabiting 
 the  wildernefs. 
 
 b 
 
 11  Or, 
 whales. 
 
 15  Thou  didft  cleave  the  fountain  and  the  flood  : 
 Numb.  «  thou  driedft  up  f  mighty  rivers. 
 
 20. 11.  15  Xhe  day  is  thine,  the  night  alfo  is  thine  ;  thou 
 
 haft  prepared  the  light  and  the  fun. 
 t  Heb.  17  Thou  haft  fet  all  the  borders  of  the  earth  :  thou 
 rivers  of  haft  f  made  furaraer  and  winter. 
 
 **Hel!^  18  Remember  this,  that  the  enemy  hath  reproach- 
 
 tiorfe  ’  Lord,  and  that  the  foolilh  people  have  blaf- 
 
 them.  phemed  thy  name. 
 
 c  Jolh 
 S.  12. 
 
 the  multitude  f  the  "jLicIccd:  forget  not  the  congrega- 
 tion  of  thy  poor  for  ever. 
 
 20  Have  refpefl;  unto  the  covenant ;  for  the  dark 
 places  of  the  earth  are  full  ot  the  habitations  of 
 cruelty. 
 
 21  O  let  not  the  oppreflfed  return  afhamed :  let  the 
 poor  and  needy  praife  thy  name. 
 
 22  Arife,  O  God,  plead  thine  own  caufe :  remem¬ 
 ber  how  the  foolilh  man  reproacheth  thee  daily. 
 
 23  Forget  not  the  voice  of  thine  enemies:  the 
 
 tumult  of  thofe  that  rife  up  againft  thee  t  increafeiht  Heb. 
 continuallv.*  osctmieu,. 
 
 PSALM  LXXV. 
 
 1  The  prophet  praiseth  God  ,•  2  he  promiseth  to  judge  uprightly ;  4  he 
 
 rebuketh  the  proud  by  consideration  of  God's  providence,  ijc. 
 
 H  To  the  chief  muficiao,  II  Al-tafchith,  A  pfalm  or  ll  Or,/),.. 
 
 long  II  of  Afaph.  str^/no/. 
 
 UNTO  thee,  O  God,  do  we  give  thanks,  laito 
 thee  do  we  give  thanks :  for  that  thy  name  is 
 near  thy  wondrous  works  declare. 
 
 2  11  When  I  (hall  receive  the  congregation  I  will  II 
 
 judge  uprightly.  _  _  Vaiiude 
 
 3  The  earth  and  all  the  inhabitants  thereof  zreascitime. 
 dilTolved  :  I  bear  up  the  pillars  of  it.  Selah. 
 
 4  I  faid  unto  the  fools,  Deal  not  foolilLly  ;  and  to 
 the  wicked,  Lift  not  up  the  horn  : 
 
 5  Lift  not  up  your  horn  on  high  :  fpeak  not  with 
 a  ftiff  neck. 
 
 6  For  promotion  cometh  neither  from  the  eaft,  nor 
 from  the  weft,  nor  from  the  f  fouth.  t  Keb. 
 
 7  But  God  is  the  judge:  he  putteth  dowm 
 and  fetteth  up  another. 
 
 8  For  in  the  hand  of  the  Lord  there  is  a  cup,  and 
 the  wine  is  red  ;  it  is  full  of  mixture  ;  and  he  poureth 
 
 IfraeliliOi  church  pleads  for  mercy,  upon  thefe  confiJerations  that  God  had 
 formerly  vouchfafed  to  redeem  her  from  the  Egyptian  bondage,  and  to  fix  his 
 refidence  on  mount  Zion,  all  which  would  prove  to  have  been  done  in  vain, 
 Ihould  he  leave  her  at  laft  in  the  hands  of  her  enemies.  The  redemption  by 
 Jefus  Chrift,  and  bis  habitation  in  the  church  Cbriftian,  by  his  Spirit,  are  the 
 correfponding  arguments  to  be  urged,  on  fimilar  occafions,  by  her,  and  by  the 
 believing  foul.  Ver.  3.  Lift  up  thy  feet  unto  the  perpetual  desolations ;  even  all 
 that  the  enemy  hath  done  wickedly  in  the  sanctuary.  Ver.  5,  6.  The  difficulty  of 
 thefe  verfes  lie  altogether  in  the  firft  word,  (Judo)  without  which  their  literal 
 couftruction  is  as  follows ; — As  be  who  lifted  up  axes  in  the  thick  wood,  fo  now 
 they  the  enemies  above  mentioned,  break  down  the  carved  work  thereof,  of  the 
 fantifuarv,  with  hatchets  and  hammers.  Some  interpreters  render  (Judo)  imper- 
 fouallv  ;  not.  He  was  famous,  but  it  is  well  known,  it  is  manifeft,  O  God,  to  all 
 the  noild,  that  as  he  who  lifteth  axes,  fo  now,  &c.  Or,  may  not  the  fenfe 
 be— “as  (Judo)  a  knowing  Ikilful  perfon,  one  who  underflands  his  bufinefs, 
 lifted  up  the  axe  in  the  thick  wood,  fo  now  men  fet  themfelves  to  work  to  de- 
 moliffi  the  ornan.ents  and  timbers  of  the  fanfluary.”  Ver.  7.  Comp.  2  Kings 
 XXV.  9.  The  gates  of  the  fecond  temple  were  fet  on  fire  by  Antiochus;  fee 
 1  Mac.  iv.  38  but  the  whole  fabric  of  the  firft  was  burnt  by  Nebuchadnezzar. 
 Ver.  1  3.  Thou  didst  divide  the  sea  by  thy  strength.  The  firft  part  of  this  verfe  al¬ 
 ludes  to  that  marvellous  afl  of  omnipotence,  which  divided  the  Red  Sea  for  If- 
 real  to  pafs  over  ;  the  fecond  part,  to  return  to  its  waves  upon  the  heads  of  the 
 Egyptians,  who  like  fo  many  fea-monfters,  opened  their  mouths  to  devour 
 the  people  of  God,  were  overxvbelmed,  and  periftied  in  the  mighty  waters. 
 Parallel  to  this  palfage  in  our  pfalm  is  that  fublime  one,  Ifa.  li.  9,  10,  1  1. 
 Ver.  14.  Thou  brenkest  the  heads  of  the  Leviathan  in  pieces.  Leviathan  ftands  for 
 Pharaoh,  or  the  Egyptian  power,  reprefc-nted  by  the  Egyptian  animal,  the  cro¬ 
 codile  of  the  Nile,  the  Egyptian  river.  The  beads  of  leviathan  are  the  princes  of 
 Egypt,  the  leaders  of  the  Egyptian  armies.  And  the  people,  or  inhabitants  of 
 the  wildernefs,  to  whom  they  were  given  for  a  prey,  are  not  men,  but  a  fpecies 
 
 of  wild  hearts,  hunting  the  deferts,  for  which  the  word  (tzilm)  is  ufed,  Ifa.  xiii. 
 21.  and  xxxlv.  14.  The  fenfe  therefore  is,  that  the  bodies  of  Pharaoh  and  bis 
 captains  were  thrown  on  (hore  by  the  fea,  and  fo  became  food  for  the  wild  beads 
 of  the  neighbouring  deferts.  The  final  deftruflion  of  the  adverfaries  of  Meffiali’s 
 kingdom,  is  deferibed  at  large  under  a  like  image.  Rev.  xix.  17,  18.  Ver.  IS, 
 19.  This  turtle-dove,  Ample,  defencelefs,  folitary,  meek,  timid,  and  mournful, 
 was  in  danger  of  being  fpeedily  devoured  by  her  inveterate  and  implacable  ene¬ 
 mies  ;  who,  like  birds  of  prey,  hefet  her  on  all  Tides,  thirfting  impatiently  for  her 
 blood.  Ver.  20.  Have  respedl  unto  the  covenant.  The  main  anchor  of  the  holy 
 ark  in  ftorms  and  tempefts,  is  faith  in  the  covenant  of  grace  made  from  the  be¬ 
 ginning  in  Meffiah ;  communicated  to  Noah,  Abraham,  David,  &c.  as  his  illuf- 
 trious  reprefentatives,  and  in  them  to  the  houfe  of  Ifrael ;  accomplilhed  (as  Za- 
 charias  beareth  witnefs  by  his  fong,  Luke  i.  72,  &c.)  at  the  birth  of  Chrift,  and 
 then  extended  to  the  Gentiles. 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Psal.  LXXV.  Ver.  2.  When  I  shall  receive 
 -the  congregation.  It  is  probable  that  David  is  fpeaking  in  this  verfe  of  his  ad¬ 
 vancement  to  the  throne  of  Ifrael,  and  the  intended  refl,itude  of  his  adminiftra- 
 tion,  when  he  (hould  be  fettled  thereon.  What  David  did  in  Ifrael,  was  done  in 
 the  church  univerfal,  by  him  who  fat  upon  the  throne  of  David,  when  be  re¬ 
 ceived  for  his  inheritance  the  great  congregation  of  the  Gentiles,  and  the  earth 
 was  full  of  the  righteoufnefs  of  Jehovah.  Ver.  3.  The  earth,  or  the  land,  and  all 
 the  inhabitants  thereof  are,  or  were  dissolved.  Civil  diftraflions,  and  the  continual 
 irruptions  of  foreign  enemies,  had  thrown  the  Ifraelitiffi  afiTairs  into  confufion, 
 and  diflblved  the  frame  of  government ;  until,  by  the  re-eftah.liftiment  of  royal 
 authority,  countenance  and  I'upport  were  again  given  to  all  the  fubordinate  ma- 
 giftrates  ;  who  are  in  their  refpeflive  ftations,  the  pillars  of  a  community.  Such 
 was  the  univerfal  corruption  and  diffolution  of  matters  botii  among  Jews  and 
 Gentiles,  when  Meffias,  entering  upon  his  regal  office,  reformed  the  world, 
 raifed  the  glorious  fabric  of  the  church,  and  made  his  apoftles  and  their  fuccef- 
 1  fors  the  pillars  of  his  fpiritual  kingdom.  Ver.  8.  For  in  the  hand  of  the  Loul  there 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. _ *  Psal.  LXXIV.]  How  prone  is  unbelief  to  mifinterpret  divine  providence  !  How  often  docs  it  make  the  faints  fear 
 
 that  the  rod  of  their  Father’s  correflion  is  the  fword  of  his  vengeance  !  But  though  he  caft  them  down,  he  will  never  utterly  caft  them  off.  They,  who  are  redeemed 
 bv  Jefus’  blood,  (hall  never  perifti  under  the  bondage  of  corruption.  The  favours  w^ich  they  have  received  are  a  prefage,  and  ought  to  a  plea  for  greater.  V  hilo 
 wwldiv  minds  feel  only  wrldly  cretfes,  the  intereft  of  religion  and  the  welfare  of  the  church  are  incomparably  deareft  to  the  children  of  God.  And,  however  certain 
 the  ruin,  which  will  fall  on  the  deft  rovers  of  his  church  at  laft,  it  is  extremely  affofling  to  behold  them  making  havockof  God’s  truth  and  people,  while  there  is  none  to 
 comfort  us.  or  explain  the  dark  providences.  But  under  fore  troubles  it  is  proper  to  commemorate  and  plead  upon  God’s  former  and  dillinguiChed  mwcies.  He  who 
 enab’ed  Ifrael  to  furmount  every  difficulty  and  danger,  arid  fnpplied  all  their  wants,  is  the  Sovereign  of  nature,  and  can  at  hts  plealure  command  ths  ddivcianccof  fas 
 people.  Importunate  wreftliugs  with  God  for  the  relief  of  his  church  will  foon  be  elfeflual. 
 
I  Or, 
 
 /'»•  . 
 
 Asaph 
 
 jl  decUration  of  God*s  majesty  in  the  church. 
 
 Before  Qut  of  the  Ikme  ;  but  the  dregs  thereof,  ah  the  wicked 
 Cb»‘i  of  the  earth  (hall  wring  them  out,  and  drink  thein.  | 
 cir.1048.  ^  j  declare  (or  ever  ;  1  will  fing  prailes  to  , 
 
 the  God  of  Jacob.  .  .  ,  •„  t  .a- 
 
 10  All  the  horns  of  the  wicked  alfo  will  1  cut  oil ; 
 
 hut  the  horns  of  the  righteous  (hall  be  exalted.*  | 
 
 PSALM  LXXVI.  I 
 
 1  A  declaration  of  God's  majesty  in  the  church.  1 1  An  exhortation  to  , 
 serve  him  reverently.  .  ,  *  r>r  i 
 
 H  To  the  chief  mufician  on  Neginoth,  A  I  (aim  or  j 
 Cong  II  of  Afaph.  i 
 
 N  Judah  is  God  known  ;  his  name  is  great  in  Krael.  [ 
 _  2  In  Salem  alfo  is  his  tabernacle,  and  his  dwell-  | 
 
 ing  place  in  Zion.  ' 
 
 3  There  brake  he  the  arrows  of  the  bow,  the 
 (hield  and  the  (word,  and  the  battle.  Selah. 
 
 4  Thou  art  more  glorious  and  excellent  than  the 
 mountains  of  prey. 
 
 5  The  (lout  hearted  are  fpoiled,  they  haveflept  their 
 (leep  ;  and  none  of  the  men  of  might  have  found  their 
 hands. 
 
 6  At  thy  rebuke,  O  God  of  Jacob,  both  the  chariot 
 and  horfe  are  caft  into  a  dead  (leep. 
 
 7  Thou  even  thou,  art  to  be  feared  ;  and  who  may 
 Hand  in  thy  fight  when  once  thou  art  angry  ? 
 
 8  Thou  didtt  caufe  judgment  to  be  heard  from 
 heaven  ;  the  earth  feared,  and  w'as  (till, 
 
 9  When  God  arofe  to  judgment,  to  fave  all  the 
 meek  of  the  earth.  Selah. . 
 
 10  Surely  the  wrath  of  man  (hall  praife  thee:  the 
 remainder  of  wrath  (halt  thou  reltrain. 
 
 1 1  Vow  and  pay  unto  the  Lord  your  God  :  let  all 
 that  be  round  about  him  bring  prel'eius  f  unto  him 
 that  ought  to  be  feared. 
 
 12  He  (hall  cut  off  the  fpirit  of  princes  :  he  is  ter¬ 
 rible  to  the  kings  of  the  earth.f 
 
 PSALMS. 
 
 The  psalmist's  fierce  combat  with  difj'ulence. 
 
 PSALM  LXXVIf. 
 
 1  The  psalmist  shewelh  what  fierce  comhat  he  /n  'f  'ri;h  d'jfidc 
 vitlory  which  he  had  by  consideration  of  God's  great  'nd  nr. 
 
 1  Tothechiefmurician,toJeduthun,  Apfalm  „  of  Aiapn 
 CRlEIJunto  God  with  my  voice,  even  unto  God 
 
 'TIOUl  WiAf 
 
 liefore 
 
 lO  the 
 
 cir.  l<-'i ... 
 
 I 
 
 Or, 
 
 for 
 
 with  my  voice  ;  and  he  gave  ear  unto  rne.  Anph, 
 
 2  In  the  day  of  my  trouble  I  fought  the  Lord  ; 
 
 +  mv  fore  ran  in  the  night,  and  ceafed  not :  my  foul  ^  Heb. 
 
 refufed  to  be  comforted.  , ,  .  t  "  • 
 
 3  I  remembered  God,  and  was  troubled  :  1  com¬ 
 plained  and  my  fpirit  was  overwhelmed.  Selah. 
 
 4.  Thou  holdeft  mine  eyes  waking ;  I  am  lb  troub¬ 
 led  that  I  cannot  fpeak.  ^  .  r 
 
 5  I  have  cocfidered  the  days  cf  old,  the  years  of 
 
 ancient  times.  .  .  •  u  i 
 
 6  I  call  to  remembrance  my  (ong  in  the  night :  1 
 commune  with  mine  own  heart ;  and  my  Ipirit  made 
 
 diligent  fearch.  ,  u  u 
 
 7  Wi  1  tne  Lord  caft  oft  for  ever  ?  and  will  he  be 
 
 favourable  no  more  ? 
 
 8  Is  his  mercy  clean  gone  for  ever  ?  doth  his  pro-  ^ 
 
 mife  fail  t  for  evermore  ?  _  ^  k  u  •  ^togilwra. 
 
 9  Hath  God  forgotten  to  be  gracious?  Hath  he 
 
 o - .  ._4 - C.,1oV,  genera. 
 
 tHeb. 
 to  fear. 
 
 anger  (hut  up  his  ten ier  mercies  ?  Selah.  „ 
 
 10  And  1  faid,  Tnis  is  my  inlirmity  :  but  I  will 
 remember  the  years  of  the  right  hand  of  the  molt  High. 
 
 1 1  I  will  remember  the  works  of  the  Lord  ;  furely 
 I  will  remember  thy  wonders  of  old. 
 
 12  I  will  meditate  alfo  of  all  thy  work,  and  talk  of 
 thy  doings. 
 
 13  Thy  w'ay,  O  God,  is  in  the  fanftuary :  who  is 
 so  great  a  God  as  our  God  ? 
 
 14  Thou  art  the  God  that  doeft  wonders:  thou 
 haft  declared  thy  ftrength  among  the  people. 
 
 15  Thou  haft  with  thine  arm  reeJeemed  thy  people, 
 the  Cons  of  Jacob  and  Joleph.  Selah. 
 
 is  a  cup.  As  the  cbiocefl  of  heavenly  bleffirigs  are  frequently  in  feripture  repre- 
 fented  by  the  falutary  effedls  of  wine,  a  cup  of  which  the  mafter  of  the  family  is 
 fuppofed  to  hold  in  his  hand  ready  to  diftribute  due  portions  of  it  to  thofe  around 
 him;  fo  from  the  noxious  and  intoxicating  qualities  of  that  liquor,  when  drank 
 ftrong,  and  in  too  large  a  quantity,  is  borrowed  a  moft  tremendous  image  of  the 
 wrath  and  indignation  of  Almighty  God. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  LXXVI,  Ver.  4.  Thou  art  more  glo. 
 nous  and  excellent  than  the  mountain  of  prey.  This  may  be  a  beautiful  apoftropho 
 to  mount  Sion,  (mentioned  ver.  2.)  as  appearing  infinitely  more  glorious  and  ex¬ 
 cellent  through  the  favour  and  proteaion  of  her  God,  than  the  arm  of  flefli  and 
 the  inaruments  of  war  could  render  the  kingdoms  of  the  earth,  which  fet  them- 
 felves  againa  her ;  and  which  for  their  tyranny  and  cruelty,  and  the  ravages  com¬ 
 mitted  by  them,  are  likened  to  thofe  mountains  where  beads  of  prey,  with  fimilar 
 difpofitions,  rove,  toar,  and  devour.  The  pow'ers  of  the  world  “  make  war  with 
 the  Lamb,  whofe  aation  is  upon  mount  Sion  ;  but  “  the  Lamb  fiiall  overcome 
 them,  for  he  is  Lord  of  lords,  and  King  of  kings  ;  and  they  that  are  with  him  are 
 called,  andchofen,  and  faithful,”  Rev.  xiv.  1.  xvii.  14.  Ver.  5 — 10.  Thefe  verfes 
 are  thought  to  allude  to  Hexekiah’s  viaory  over  the  Affyiians  ;  the  ideas,  how¬ 
 ever,  may  be  applied  to  the  falvation  of  the  church  univerfal.  Let  us  carry  our 
 thoughts  on  the  fenfations  which  will  be  felt  in  the  hearts  of  men,  at  that  hour, 
 when  the  lad  trumpet  diall  found  in  the  heavens,  and  the  earth  fliall  lhake  from  her 
 foundations;  when  God  fliall  arife  to  execute  judgment  on  the  adverfaries  of  his 
 church  ;  and  to  fave,  with  an  everlading  falvation,  all  the  meek  and  affli6led  of  the 
 earth. 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Psai,.  LXXVII.  Ver.  3.  /  rememhered 
 
 God  and  was  troubled;  T  complained,  and  my  spirit  was  overwhelmed.  Or,  I  re- 
 mernbered  God,  and  made  a  noife,  that  is,  in  prayer  to  him  ;  I  meditated,  and  mv 
 Ipint  was  ohfeured,  or  darkened,  through  grief  and  afflidlion.  This  is  a  fine 
 
 defeription  of  what  palTes  in  an  sffli(5led  and  deje<3ed  mind.  Between  the  re* 
 membrance  of  God,  and  bis  former  mercies,  and  the  meditation  on  a  feeming 
 defertion  under  prefent  calamities,  the  aflTedlions  are  varioufly  agitated,  and  the 
 prayers  diflurbed,  like  the  tumultuous  waves  of  a  troubled  fca  ;  while  the  fair 
 light  from  above  is  intercepted,  and  the  face  of  heaven  overwhelmed  with  clouds 
 and  darknefs.  Ver.  4.  Thou  boldest  mine  eyes  loaAing.  Through  grief  and  anxiety 
 it  is,  that  the  eyes  are  made  to  keep  all  the  watches  of  the  night,  and  w  ait  in  vain 
 for  fleep  to  relieve  them  from  duly,  until  tlie  dawning  of  the  morning.  Ver.  5. 
 I  have  considered  the  days  of  old.  Recolleiflion  of  former  mercies  is  the  proper 
 antidote  againfl  a  temptation  to  delpair,  in  the  day  of  calamity  ;  and,  as  in  the 
 divine  difpenfations,  which  are  always  uniform  and  like  themfelves,  vrhatever 
 has  happened,  happens  again  when  the  circumftances  arc  fimilar;  the  expe¬ 
 rience  of  ancient  times  is  to  be  called  in  to  our  aid,  and  duljk  confulted.  Ver. 
 7 — 9.  The  pfalmifl  now  relates  the  procefs  of  his  meditations,  and  of  that  con- 
 troverfy  which  arofe  in  his  heart  between  faith  and  diflnifl  ;  or,  perhaps,  t  x- 
 prefles  his  deep  diftrefs  under  the  abfence  of  divine  favours,  and  his  ardent  de- 
 firethat  God  might  return  to  him  in  mercy.  If  this  lali  idea  be  tbe  meaning  of 
 thefe  verfes  they  are  parallel  to  Pfalm  xxii.  1.  compare  Mallh.  xxvii.  46.  Ver. 
 10.  And  I  said.  This  is  my  irjirmity.  Infirmity  is  applied  to  our  moral  evils;  but 
 more  generally  to  our  afflictions.  If  it  means  the  former  in  this  verfe,  the  pfiil- 
 mift  may  be  viewed  confefling  his  fin  ;  if  the  latter,  his  meaning  may  be  ;  “  To 
 fuffer  the  difpleafure  of  God  is  my  affluflioii  ;  1  will  not  repine,  but  fupport  mv- 
 fclf  by  remembering  the  love,  power,  and  grace  of  God  in  faving  Ifiael,  a 
 token  of  niy  deliverance.”  See  lllatth.  ii.  15,  26,  39.  Ver.  16.  The  waters  saw 
 thee  0  God.  The  waters  of  Uie  Red  Sea  are  here  beautifully  reprefeutud  as 
 endued  with  fenfibility,  as  feeing,  feeling,  and  being  confounded,  even  to  ilia 
 lowelt  depths,  at  the  prefence  and  power  of  their  great  Creator,  when  he 
 commanded  them  to  open  a  way,  and  to  form  a  wall  on  each  fide  of  it,  until  l.ia 
 
 ATIONS.  »  Psal.  LXXV.'J  Contemplate  with  admiration  and  gratitude  how  every  age,  and  every  new  tvue  inanifpni..t  it... 
 
 them  aVn"  ”  ^  lah  s  advent.  Important  and  iifeful  is  the  charge  committed  to  magittrates  ;  and  great  activity,  care,  and  fidelity,  in  their  adtniniffration  b 
 
 Traptipat  while  ohffinate  finiurs  ffiall  reap  the  fruit  of  their  contempt  of  moral  and  political  order, 
 
 teds  them  p  RV  A  fl  O  N  S.  — f  PsAL.  LX  X  V  I.T  Happy  thofe  nations  who  are  enriched  with  tlie  knowledge  and  prefence  of  God  '  G'orinnfle  I  e  p, 
 
 •land  His  their  enemies,  however  numerous  or  mighty.  Their  tyraniiic.al  oppri  flbrs,  though  like  mountains  of  prev  tliail  be  deftrovJd  *i  ^l*"* 
 
 brigh’ten  their  graceranrrudruld  tTi^glo^y^^^^  “  his  people  luff'e'r  'lhail  but 
 
A  ,  fj  Icani  and  preach  God's  la'j;. 
 
 Before 
 
 Clirift 
 
 PSAI.MS. 
 
 ,hip®  O  God,  the  waters  faw 
 
 cir.  i49j.  “jee  ,  they  were  afraid;  the  depths  all'o  were  troii- 
 
 ou!  poured  out  water  ;  the  Ikies  fent 
 
 ^  B  thunder  was  in  the  heaven  : 
 
 wait/. 
 
 hafd  of  Ss^nd ‘iarc'lt'’-''’'’'" 
 
 a  Exod. 
 14.  19. 
 
 9  The 
 
 »  PSALM  LX XVIII. 
 
 An  exhortation  both  to  learn  and  to  preach  the  law  of  God. 
 
 Jlory  of  God  s  wrath  against  the  incredulous  and  disobedient. 
 
 Gtati?  ^  If  Malchil  of  Afaph. 
 
 l\  H  ear,  O  my  people,  to  my  law  :  incline  your 
 
 A0t*0  f  1-4  r*  wrri>-w*w^n.  ^ 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 A  pfalm 
 
 49.  4. 
 Matt. 
 13.  35. 
 
 to  give  in-  ears  to  the  w'ords  of  my  mouth 
 
 jis-  dafk‘fI,:;;gs‘’o7oid  r ^ 
 
 thers'havftold  J’s!’"  *'"■ 
 
 _  4  We  will  not  hide  them  from  their  children,  fhew- 
 to  the  generation  to  come  the  praifes  of  the  Lord 
 
 and  his  ffrength,  and  his  wonderful  works  that  he 
 bath  done. 
 
 5  For  he  eftablifhed  a  teftimony  in  Jacob,  and  ap 
 pointed  a  law  in  Ilrael,  which  he  commanded  our  fa- 
 
 thers,  that  they  fbould  make  them  known  to  their 
 children  ; 
 
 6  That  the  generation  to  come  might  know  Mm, 
 the  children  which  fhould  be  born,  who  fhould 
 
 arile  and  declare  them  fo  their  children  ; 
 
 7  That  they  might  fet  their  hope  in  God,  and  not 
 forget  the  works  of  God,  but  keep  his  command¬ 
 ments  : 
 
 j  ^ot  be  as  their  fathers,  a  ftubborn 
 
 and  rebellious  generation  :  a  generation  f  that  let  not 
 their  he“art  aright,  and  whole  fpirit  was  not  ftedfaft 
 with  God. 
 
 b  Deue 
 4.  9.  & 
 6.  7. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 that  pre- 
 2>ared  not 
 their 
 heart. 
 
 la  redeemed.  Ver.  1 7,  1 8.  It  is  faid,  Exod. 
 
 th  h  ft  of  the  Egyptians  through  the  pillar  of  fire,  and  the  cloud,  and  troubled 
 the  hoft  of  the  Egyptians,  and  took  off  their  chariot  wheels,  and  made  them  to  go 
 heavily  ;  fo  that  the  Egyptians  faid,  Let  us  flee  from  the  face  of  Ifrael ;  for  the 
 Lord  fighteth  for  them  againft  the  Egyptians.  ”  The  verfes  now  before  us,  feem  i 
 to  fipla'n  more  particularly  the  manner  in  which  the  Lord  »  looked  upon,  and 
 troubled,  and  fought  againft  the  Egyptians,”  upon  that  occafion ;  namely,  bv 
 thunders  and  lightnings,  ftorms  and  tenipefts,  rain,  bail  and  earthquake,  the  ufual  ' 
 tokens  and  inftruments  of  Almighty  difpleafure.  Jofepbus  in  like  manner,  re-' 
 lates,  that  the  deftruaion  of  the  Egyptians  was  .accompanied  by  ftorms  of  rain  ! 
 rom  heaven;  by  dreadful  thunders  and  lightnings  ;  and  in  fliort  by  every  poffi- 
 bl^e  circumllance  of  terror,  which  could  teftify  and  inflia  upon  man  the  vengeance 
 of  an  met n fed  God.  From  feenes  like  thele  we  learn  to  form  an  idea  of  tliat 
 power  which  difcomfited  the  infernal  hoft;  raifed  Chrift  from  the  dead  • 
 vanquiffed  oppofition  and  perlecution  ;  fubdued  the  world  to  the  obedience  of 
 faiui;  fupports  and  proteas  the  church;  will  overthrow  antichrift  ;  raife  the 
 dead,  call  the  wicked  with  death  and  Satan,  into  the  lake  of  fire;  and  exalt  the 
 righteous  to  fing  with  angels  in  heaven,  “  the  fong  of  Mofes  and  of  the  Lamb.” 
 Set  Kev.  xv.  4. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  LXXVIII.  Ver.  2.  I  will  open  my 
 mouth  in  a  parable.  The  pfalm,  being  in  itfelf  a  plain  narrative  of  faas  can  con-  ' 
 nmhing  parabolical  or  enigmatical  in  it.  unlefs  thofe  faas  were  what  St 
 au  affirms  them  to  have  been,  enfamples,  types,  or  reprefentations  of  other  fa6ls 
 relative  to  the  Chriftian  church.  As  faa>.,  they  were  heard  and  known  and 
 hand.-<l  down  from  father  to  fon  ;  but  with  refpea  to  the  inllruaions  and  admo-  | 
 
 G»A  ■mrath  againtt  tie  incredukmt,  a 
 a,}  aririfd,  mid  f  ca,. 
 
 rying  bows  turned  back  in  the  day  of  battif"  ^  'a";- 
 
 fufedto  :iik?„'h'iX!  “"-i  'e-ii;!:;. 
 
 hayn.teiZm.''"  heiS, 
 
 12  Marvellous  things  did  he  in  the  fight  of  their 
 
 ^  field  of  Zoan 
 
 13  '  He  divided  the  fea,  and  caufed  them  to  mfe  r, 
 
 through  ;  and  he  made  the  waters  to  Hand  as  aj  hea^  n  S"' 
 
 i  n  *1!  3'!°  led  them  with  a  cloud'  '* 
 
 and  all  the  night  with  a  light  ot  fire.  ’  ^3. 21.4 
 
 15  •  He  clave  the  rocks  in  the  wildernefs,  and  gavel 
 
 drink  as  0/ the  great  depths.  ^  17 
 
 16  He  brought  ftreams  alfo  out  of  the  rock  anH 
 
 cauled  waters  to  run  down  like  rivers.  * 
 
 17  And  they  finned  yer  more  againft  him  by  pro- Si 
 
 voking  the  moft  High  in  the  wildernefs.  ^  1  Cor 
 
 18  And  they  tempted  God  in  their  heart,  by  afleinv  ‘‘■ 
 meat  for  their  luft. 
 
 Ipake  againft  God:  they  faid,  CanfNumK 
 God  t  furnifh  a  table  in  the  wildernefs  ?  n.  4. 
 
 20  s  Behold  he  fmote  the  rock,  that  the  waters  ^ 
 gufhed  our,  and  the  ftreams  overflowed  ;  can  he 
 brf^ad  alfo?  can  he  provide  fltfh  tor  his  people  ?  ^ 
 
 21  Therefore  the  Lord  heard  this,  and  was  wroth  • 
 lo  a  fire  was  kindled  againft  Jacob,  and  anger  alfo^°' 
 came  up  againft  Ifrael ; 
 
 22  Beciufe  they  believed  not  in  God,  and  trnftedh  Exod 
 
 not  in  his  (alvanon  ;  jg  4 
 
 23  Though  he  had  commanded  the  clouds  from''®''" 
 above,  and  opened  the  doors  of  heaven. 
 
 24  h  And  had  rained  down  manna  upon  them  toL?ryo« 
 eat,  and  had  given  them  of  the  corn  of  heaven.  duienuhe 
 
 25  f|  Man  did  eat  angels’  food  ;  he  fent  them  raea'*''“‘''’^ 
 to  the  full. 
 
 26  He  caufed  an  eafl  wind  fto  blow  in  the  heaven  •/neb. 
 and  by  his  power  he  brought  in  the  fouth  wind  '  tono. 
 
 27  He  rained  flefh  alfo  upon  them  as  duft,  ’+  and  ^ 
 feathered  fowls  hke  as  the  hand  of  the  fta  ; 
 
 *  fowl  of 
 wins. 
 
 nitions  comprehended  in  them,  and  to  be  extraaed  by  an  application  to  parallel 
 times  and  circumftances,  they  had  the  nature  of  a  parable,  r,  quiring  wililom  and 
 attention,  fo  to  underftand  and  apply  them.  It  is  obftrvable,  that  our  Lord  is  by 
 St  Matthew,  faid  to  liave  fpoken  Ui  tiie  multitude  altogether  in  parables,  “that it 
 might  be  fulfilled  which  was  fpoken  by  the  prophet,  faying,  I  will  open  my  muulb 
 in  parables,  &c.  citing  the  iccond  verfe  of  the  pfiilm,  now  before  us,  Matt,  xiii, 
 35.  It  doth  not  follow  from  this  citation,  that  the  prophet  adlually  fpeaks  the 
 pfalm  in  the  perfoii  of  Cbrft,  yet  tiius  much  at  leaft  is  evident  from  it  that  the 
 biftory  of  old  Ifrael  fomewhat  refembles  the  latter  of  the  gofpel  parables,  and  con- 
 tains,  lhadowed  out  under  it,  the  hiflory  of  a  correfnondent  ftate  of  tbin-rs  in  the 
 new  Ifrael  or  church  Chriftian.  And  altliough  the  pfalm,  like  a  large  and  ea  a- 
 cious  paiace,  be  laid  out  into  a  multitude  of  different  apartments  ;  yet,  perhaps  we 
 may  find  that  the  Icriptures  of  the  New  Teftament  will  furnifh  us  with  a  key, 
 which  will  gain  us  admiffion  into  every  one  of  them,  and  put  us  in  poffelTion  of 
 the  treafures  of  divine  wifdom  therein  depofited.  Ver.  5.  For  he  established  a  tes¬ 
 timony  in  Jacob.  The  law  was  a  Ihadow  of  good  things  to  come,  but  the  body  is 
 of  Chrift,  Col.  li.  17.  Ver.  8,  9.  Comp.  I  Cor.  x.  5—12.  Ver.  9.  Thechitdren 
 
 of  Ephraim.  As  the  context  treats  concerning  the  behaviour  of  Ifrael  in  general, 
 
 upon  their  coming  out  of  Egypt,  and  as  the  cowardice  of  the  tribe  of  Eph'raini  lu 
 particular,  at  that  time,  is  no  viliere  mentioned,  it  is  therefore  moft  probable  ttiat 
 one  tribe  is  here  put  for  all  the  relf  ;  and  that  tinder  the  figure  of  men,  when  pre¬ 
 pared  for  battle,  turning  their  hacks  at  the  fight  of  an  enemy,  is  pointed  out  that 
 difpofitioii  of  the  Ifraelites,  after  alt  their  proinifcs;  refolutions,  and  vows  of  ferving 
 and  obeying  God,  to  fall  away  and  relapfe  into  iin,  upon  the  firft  temptation.  Ver. 
 25.  Men  did  eat  angels'  food.  Manna  is  called  fpiritiial  meat,  becaufe  typical  of  Jelus 
 as  the  breadof  life  who  by  hisdeatli  givethlife  to  the  world,  1  Cor.  x.  3.  John  vi.  31,33. 
 
 the^ctm^affiinate^ofom^cf  of  trouble  pals  over  God’s  beloved  people  !  But  in  diftrefs,  we  muft  flee  to 
 
 tion.  If  we  but  flelnnlro  Is  r  d  7  T  “'"^'.'7  ""‘ft  '>«  *^0111  importunate  .-md  unwearied  in  our  applica- 
 
 juft.  \nd  however  aw  tl  ev  ^  j  and  inyflenous  the  difpenlations  of  his  providence  are,  they  are  all  holv’  and 
 
 great  Leadc-r  and  Priell  to  \h7Lrven)l  Snaaf  bondage,  and  iu  their  guidance  by  Jefus  theit 
 
I5i-fore 
 
 Chrift 
 
 cir.  1  “lOl 
 
 God's  wralh  against  the  disotjedicnt 
 
 28  And  he  let  it  ^iill  in  the  tnidft  of  their  cump, 
 
 round  about  their  habitations.  cm  j  r  u 
 
 29  So  they  did  eat  and  were  well  nlled  :  ror  he 
 
 gave  them  their  own  defire ;  .  •  ,  n  u 
 
 30  They  were  not  eltranged  from  their  lult ;  but 
 '  while  their  meat  wax  yet  in  their  mouths, 
 
 31  The  wrath  of  Ood  came  upon  them,  and  flew 
 the  fatteft  of  them,  and  f  fmote  down  the  ||  chofen 
 
 men  of  Ifrael.  ^  , 
 
 32  For  all  this  they  finned  flill,  and  believed  not 
 for  his  wondrous  works 
 
 PSALMS. 
 
 T''n‘  rrjtxllon  of  the  Isro' 
 
 15e‘''>re 
 Clirill 
 cir.  Ill  :> 
 
 iL-ilh- 
 
 j  Numb- 
 
 11.  33. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 tiiadc  to 
 bow. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 fficn* 
 
 33  Therefore  their  days  did  he  confurae  in  vanity, ;  purchafed. 
 
 50  t  He  made  a  way  to  his  anger ;  he  fpared  not 
 their  foul  from  death,  but  gave  II  their  life  over  to  tne 
 peltilence ; 
 
 51  p  And  fmote  all  the  firfl-born  in  Jlgvpr  ;  the  ^  hcl. 
 chief  of  their  ft.'^ength  in  the  tabernacles  of  Ham  : 
 
 52  Hut  made  his  own  people  to  go  forth  like  fheep, 
 
 and  guided  them  in  the  wildernel’s  like  a  flock.  , 
 
 53  And  he  led  them  on  fafely,  fo  that  they  feared 6tq/t*  <» 
 not ;  but  the  lea  f  overwhelmed  their  enemies. 
 
 54  And  he  brought  them  to  the  border  of  his  fane- 
 tuary,  even  to  this  mountain,  which  his  right  hand  had  9"  3,  0, 
 
 and  their  years  in  trouble.  ^ 
 
 34  When  he  flew  them,  then  they  fought  him  ;  and  ^ 
 
 they  returned  and  enquired  early  after  God  ;  1 
 
 35  And  they  remembered  that  God  was  their  Rock, 
 
 and  the  high  God  their  Redeemer.  J 
 
 36  Neverthelefs  they  did  flatter  him  with  their 
 mouth,  and  they  lied  unto  them  with  their  tongues,  i 
 
 37  For  their  heart  was  not  right  with  him,  neither  j 
 were  they  ftedfaft  in  his  covenant 
 
 p  Exod. 
 
 55  He  call  out  the  heathen  alfo.  before  them,  and  *2.  2^ 
 
 ■■  divided  them  an  inheritance  by  line,  and  made  the^^^gg 
 tribes  of  Ifrael  to  dwell  in  their  tents.  15!  10. 
 
 56  Yet  they  tempted  and  provoked  the  mofl.  high  t  Heb. 
 God,  and  kept  not  his  tefli monies  ; 
 
 57  But  turned  back,  and  dealt  unfaithfully  like  13 “7/ 
 their  fathers :  they  were  turned  afide  like  a  deceitful 
 bow. 
 
 58  *  For  they  provoked  him  to  anger  with  their* 
 
 38  But  he  being  fuil  of  compafflon,  forgave  their  ii  h-gh  places,  and  moved  him  to  jealoufy  with  their 
 
 32.  21. 
 
 iniquity,  and  deftroyed  them  not  ;  yea  many  a  time  , 
 turned  he  his  auger  away,  and  did  not  ftir  up  all  his  ' 
 wrath. 
 
 39  For  he  remembered  that  they  were  but  flefh  ; 
 a  wind  that  pafTeth  away,  and  c  meth  not  again. 
 
 40  How  oft  did  they  1|  provoke  him  in  the  wilder- 
 nefs,  and  grieve  them  in  the  delert ! 
 
 41  Yea,  they  turned  back,  and  tempted  God, 
 limited  the  Holy  One  of  Ifrael. 
 
 42  They  remembered  not  his  hand,  nor  the 
 when  he  delivered  them  ||  from  the  enemy  ; 
 
 43  How  he  had  wrought  his  figns  in  Egypt, 
 his  wonders  in  the  field  of  Zoan  : 
 
 44'  And  had  turned  their  rivers  into  blood, 
 their  floods,  that  they  could  not  drink. 
 
 45  *  He  lent  divers  forts  of  flies  among  them,  which 
 devoured  them  :  and  frogs  which  delfroyed  them. 
 
 46  "  He  gave  alfo  their  increafe  unto  the  caterpillar, 
 
 A  _ _  1 _ /I 
 
 and 
 
 day 
 
 and 
 
 and 
 
 n  Or, 
 
 rebel 
 againji 
 him. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 from 
 affliclion. 
 f  Heb. 
 set. 
 
 k  Exod. 
 
 7.  20. 
 
 1  Exod. 
 
 8.  24. 
 m  Exod. 
 
 8.  6. 
 n  Exod. 
 
 10.  13. 
 o  Exod. 
 
 9.  23. 
 
 t  Heb.  and  their  labour  unto  the  locuft. 
 hiM.  4,7  0  .j.  deftroyed  their  vines  W'ith  hail,  and  their 
 
 greJt’haii.  fycamore-trees  with  |1  froft. 
 
 dones.  48  t  He  gave  up  their  cattle  alfo  to  the  hail,  and 
 fHeb.  their  flocks  to  hot  thunder-bolts. 
 
 Jie  shut  4.9  fiercenefs  of  his  anger, 
 
 Or,  wrath,  and  indignation,  and  trouble,  by  fending  evil 
 lightnings  angels  among  them. 
 
 up, 
 
 graven  images. 
 
 59  When  God  heard  thisy  he  was  wroth,  and  great- 
 I  ly  abhorred  Ifrael : 
 
 :  60  ‘  So  that  he  forfook  the  tabernacle  of  Shiloh,  ‘  ^ 
 
 I  the  tent  which  he  placed  among  men  ;  4.  1 1. 
 
 j  61  And  delivered  his  ftrength  into  captivity,  and 
 j  his  glory  into  the  enemy’s  hand. 
 
 62  He  gave  his  people  over  alfo  unto  the  fword  ; 
 j  and  was  wroth  w’ith  his  inheritance. 
 
 I  63  The  fire  conlumed  their  young  men ;  and  their 
 maidens  were  not  f  given  to  marriage.  f  Heb. 
 
 64  Their  priefts  fell  by  the  fword,  and  their  wi- 
 dows  made  no  lamentation. 
 
 j  65  Then  the  Lord  aw’aked  as  one  our  of  fleep, 
 
 ^  and  like  a  mighty  mao  that  fhouteth  by  reafon  of 
 ;  wine. 
 
 66  And  he  fmete  his  enemies  in  the  hinder  parts ; 
 
 '  he  put  them  to  a  perpetual  reproach. 
 
 67  Moreover,  he  refufed  the  tabernacle  of  Jofeph 
 ,  and  chofe  not  the  tribe  of  Ephraim  ; 
 
 68  But  chofe  the  tribe  of  Judah,  the  mount  Zion 
 which  he  loved. 
 
 69  And  h^e  built  hl.s  fanftuary  like  high  palaces,  like  founded. 
 
 the  earth  which  he  hath  ■f  eltablifhed  for  ever.  ^  ^  Sam. 
 
 70  “  He  chofe  David  alio  his  fervant,  and  took  him 
 frem  the  Iheep-folds  : 
 
 u 
 
 16.  11. 
 
 Sam. 
 7.  8. 
 
 It  IS  with  propriety  called  angels’  food,  from  the  fatisfaaion  they  find  in  him 
 Whom  it  prefigured,  1  Pet  i.  12,  Ver.  34.  IVhen  he  slew  them  then  they  sought 
 him.  Several  inftances  of  this  behaviour  occur  in  the  hillory  of  Korah’s  rebeliron 
 and  puuilhment  of  the  fiery  ferpents,  and  of  Ifrael  and  Moab.  See  Numb,  xvi, 
 XX,  xxi,  XXV.  The  Ifraeiites  in  this  particular  refembled  their  great  perfecutor 
 Pharaoh  ;  their  repentance  which  came  with  the  divine  judgments,  went  alfo 
 away  with  him  and  appeared  no  more.  By  night  the  dew  faileth  from  heaven, 
 and  refreflieth  the  weary  ground,  and  c.xufeth  the  green  herb,  and  the  flower  of 
 ttie  held  to  revive  and  fpring;  but  in  the  morning  the  fun  arifeth  with  a  burning 
 neat,  and  prefently  the  dew  is  evaporated,  the  grafs  withereth  Uie  flower  fadetliT 
 and  the  ground  again  becometh  parched  and  dry  as  before.  Thus  it  is  with 
 wan  s  goodnef^  Ilof.  vi.  4.  Ver.  38.  But  he,  being  full  of  compojion,  forgave  their 
 tniquuy  Had  God  ftirred  up  all  Ins  wrath,  the  Ifraeiites  mull  have  been  exter¬ 
 minated  in  the  wildernefs.  But  then  the  promifes  made  to  Abraham,  of  inercv 
 and  compalfion  to  them,  and  by  them  to  all  mankind  had  failed.  Therefore 
 ey  were  forgiven  and  not  dt-flroyed  ;  judgment  was  executed  from  time  to  time 
 until  offenders;  but  ffill  a  remnant  was  left,  the  nation  I'ubfiflcd 
 
 the  leed  came,  to  whom  the  promife  w.as  inaoe.  Ver.  62 — G  I  Theff;  verff  s 
 re  er  to  the  flaughter  of  Ifr.tel  by  the  Philifliues,  which  was  an  clleeT  of  divine 
 
 ti  e  “  confumii.g  fire  ;  liiey  refer  likewife  to 
 
 ‘U  death  of  old  Eh,  of  Hophni.  and  Phinehas.  Ver.  66.  And  he  smote  hi,  enc- 
 
 7  C 
 
 hrrVpulfed^or  dTovriis  enTmi^ back  Pfa!'’‘ix'y^''  wLn^  "‘inhered,  '■  And 
 turned  back  ;  the  word  (ahud)  being  the  fame  in  Imth’  places  Z 
 of  the  acred  htflory  is  here  alluded  to,  in  which  the  Pl.iliftines  are  laid  to  b^lve 
 bemi  plagued  w.th  emerods,  or  hemorrhoids,  while  the  atk  was  amon-Mt  thl  the 
 pafl^age  ts  generally  rendered,  as  m  our  tranllation,  and  fuppofed  to”  intenTthat 
 particular  plague.  \  er.  67,  63.  But  chofe  the  tribe  of  jZJ,  The  r  ^ 
 return  from  the  Philiffines.  went  no  more  to  Shiloli  u  i.; -s  H*e  ark,  after  its 
 Ephraim,  the  fon  of  Jofeph,  but  was  brouglit  tirff  to’Kirinblim  ’l"  s*”" 
 a  city  of  tbe  tribe  of  Judah,  aud  from  thence  aftet  ^  .to  o  ’  '''•  -*• 
 
 Obed-tdoin,  to  mount  Sion’:  T  ChZ.  ‘xiv!'lnfrv  wHcb  ft 
 highly  favoured  mount :  where  was  afterwards  eref.ed  b'v  S<  I  cholen  and 
 
 and  permanent  habitation  for  the  God  of  Jacob  durir.n.’  “  magnificent 
 
 difpenfalion  ;  a  refemblance  of  that  eternal  tcmnle  in  whf-l  “11'".““"/*: 
 
 Godhead  hatli  fince  dwelt  bodily.  The  divine  nrefen  '  **  ^  fulneff,  of  Uie 
 
 .nbc  or  J..,.,,.  b„oor.  oo.’or.iSVt:  s  "1“ 
 
 great  reptofentative,  as  well  as  progenitor  of  Kin»  AI,  V  x-  *  “ 
 
 David  alfo  h.  fervant.  Jefus  wZ^aZf^  anfrZZ^  V" 
 by  God  to  fit  oil  the  throne  of  his  father  David  an  1  ^  ^  ciioll.i 
 
 B  ffiop  of  fouls.  Of  him  David  king  of  Ifrael  w«Tel1nZZpe.'^‘‘’"‘^ 
 
 18 
 
A  cor'plaint  of  Jernsakins  desolation. 
 
 PSALMS. 
 
 II  Or, /or 
 Aiaph. 
 
 o 
 
 Chi-ta  ^  ^  From  following  the  ewes  great  with  young,  he 
 •cir.  sU.  1-^rought  him  ^  to  feed  Jacob  his  people,  and  llrael  his 
 '  inheritance. 
 
 72  So  he  fed  them  according  to  the  integrity  of 
 his  heart ;  and  guided  them  by  the  IkilfulneCs  of  his 
 hands.’ 
 
 PSALM  LXXIX. 
 
 1  The  psalmist  comjylaineth  of  the  desolation  oj  Jerusalem;  8  he  prayeth 
 for  deliveiance,  1 3  and  proniiseth  thankfulness. 
 
 ^  A  pfolm  II  of  Afaph. 
 
 GOD,  the  heathen  are  come  into  thine  inheri- 
 tance  ;  thy  holy  temple  have  they  defiled  ;  they 
 have  laid  Jerufalem  on  heaps. 
 
 2  The  dead  bodies  of  thy  fervants  have  they  given 
 to  be  meat  unto  the  fowls  of  the  heaven,  the  flefh  of 
 thy  faints  unto  the  beads  of  the  earth. 
 
 3  Their  blood  have  they  fhed  like  water  round 
 about  Jerufalem  ;  and  there  was  none  to  bury  them. 
 
 4  *  We  are  become  a  reproach  to  our  neighbours,  a 
 feern  and  derifion  to  them  that  are  round  about  us. 
 
 5  H  w  long,  Lord  ;  wilt  thou  be  angry  for  ever  ? 
 fhall  thy  jealoufy  burn  like  fire  ? 
 
 6  Pour  out  thy  wrath  upon  the  heathen  that  have 
 not  known  thee,  and  upon  the  kingdoms  that  have 
 not  called  upon  thy  name: 
 
 7  For  they  have  devoured  Jacob,  and  laid  wafle  his 
 dwelling-place. 
 
 8  O  remember  not  againft  us  |i  former  iniquities  : 
 let  thy  tender  mercies  fpeedily  prevent  us ;  for  w  t 
 are  brought  very  low'. 
 
 9  Help  us,  O  God  of  our  falvation,  for  the  glorv 
 
 that  were  of  thy  name ;  and  deliver  us,  and  purge  away  cur 
 before  us.  name’s  fake. 
 
 10  Wherefore  Ihould  the  heathen  fay.  Where  ?s 
 their  God  ?  let  him  be  known  among  the  heathen  in 
 
 a  Pfalm 
 44.  13. 
 
 b  Pfalm 
 89.  46. 
 
 c  Jerem. 
 10.  25. 
 
 d  Ifaiab 
 64.  9. 
 
 P  Or,  the 
 iniquities 
 of  them 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  LXXIX.  Ver.  1.  0  God,  the  heathen 
 are  come  into  thine  inheritance.  Three  deplorable  calamities  are  here  enumerated 
 by  the  faithful ;  the  attention  of  God’s  inheritance,  the  profanation  of  the  ianc- 
 tuary,  and  the  defolation  of  the  beloved  city.  When  we  reprefent  in  our  prayers, 
 the  fufferings  and  humiliation  of  the  church,  we  take  an  effecSlual  method  of  awa¬ 
 kening  the  compaflion,  and  recalling  the  favour  of  heaven  j  for  God  loveth  Zion, 
 Ver.  2.  The  dead  bodies  of  thy  servants  have  they  given  to  he  meal  unto  the  fowls  of 
 heaven.  That  horrible  carnage  which  attends  tlie  fiege  and  capture  of  a  city,  is 
 the  fourth  of  thofe  calamities  bewailed  in  our  pfalm.  Ver.  4.  We  are  become  a 
 reproach  to  our  neighbours.  A  fifth  calamity  incident  to  an  afflidled  church  is  to 
 become  like  captive  Ifrael,  the  Ccorn  and  derifion  of  Infidels,  who  fail  not  at  fuch 
 jVafons,  to  reproach  her  and  blafpheine  her  God.  Ver.  5.  How  lonq  Lord  ? 
 Parched  and  eihaufted  amidft  the  flames  of  perfecution,  we  behold  Sion  panting 
 for  the  comforts  of  redemption.  The  extent  and  continuance  of  her  troubles  caufe 
 her  to  fear  a  total  extermination  ;  and  by  the  queftions  here  alked,  flic  tacitly  re¬ 
 minds  God  of  his  promife  not  to  give  her  up,  and  dearoy  her  for  ever,  on  account 
 of  Meffias,  whom  flie  was  in  the  fulnefs  of  time,  to  bring  foith.  Ver.  6.  Pour  out 
 thy  wrath  vjton  the  heathen.  This,  though  uttered  in  the  form  of  a  wifii  or  prayer, 
 is  to  be  confidered,  like  many  other  palTages  of  the  fame  nature,  as  a  prediaion 
 of  what  would  afterwards  come  to  pafs. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES,  Psal.  LXXX.  Ver.  2.  Before  Ephraim, 
 Benjamin  and  Manaffeh.  God  is  intreated  to  go  forth  in  his  flrengtb  and  his 
 I'alvation,  before  the  tribes  of  Ifratl,  as  formerly  in  the  wildernefs,  Ephraim,  Ben- 
 
 Ihe  psalmist  prai/etli  for  her  deliver artet 
 
 our  fight,  hij  the  |1  revenging  of  the  blood  of  thy  fer-  Before 
 vants  which  is  fhed.  Chrift 
 
 1 1  Let  the  fighing  of  the  prifoner  come  before  thee ; 
 
 according  to  the  greatnefs  of  t  thy  power  f  preferve -TuX^ 
 thou  thole  that  are  appointed  to  die  ;  *'f"4'ennce 
 
 12  And  render  unto  our  neighbours  feven  fold 
 
 their  bofom  their  reproach,  wherewith  they  have  re- 
 preached  thee,  O  Lord.  reserveth 
 
 13  So  we  thy  people,  and  (heep  of  thy  paftnre, 
 will  give  thee  thanks  for  ever;  we  Will  Ihew  forth 
 
 thy  praife  t  to  all  generations.f  'J” 
 I'SALM  LXXX. 
 
 1  The  psalmist  in  his  prayer,  complainelh  of  the  miseries  of  the  church,  ^‘“ion. 
 
 8  God's  former  favours  ate  turned  into  judgments ;  14  he  prayeth  for 
 deliverance. 
 
 H  To  the  chief  mufician  upon  Shofhannim-eduth. 
 
 A  pfalm  II  of  Afaph.  II  Or,/^ 
 
 Give  ear,  O  (hepherd  of  Ifrael,  thou  that  leaded: 
 
 ■  Jofeph  like  a  flock  ;  thou  that  dw'ellett  between 
 the  cherubims,  (bine  forth. 
 
 2  Before  Ephraim,  and  Benjamin,  and  Manafleh, 
 ftir  up  thy  ftrength,  and  f  come  and  fave  us.  t  Heb. 
 
 3  Turn  us  again,  O  God,  and  caufe  thy  face 
 fhine  :  and  we  lhall  be  laved. 
 
 4  O  Lord  God  of  hofts,  how  long  f  wilt  thou  bet 
 augry  againfl.  the  prayer  of  toy  people?  thou 
 
 5  Thou  fetdell  them  with  the  bread  of  tears ; 
 
 .'(Veil  tiiem  tears  to  drink  in  great  me-ifure 
 6  Thou  makeft  us  a  ftrife  unto  our  nei^jhbours; 
 ind  our  enemies  laugh  among  ihemfelv.  s. 
 
 7  Turn  us  again,  O  God  of  hefts,  and  caufe  thy 
 face  to  (bine  ;  and  we  fhail  be  faved. 
 
 8  Thou  haft  brought  a  vine  out  of  Egypt ;  thou 
 aft  caft  out  the  heathen,  and  planted  it. 
 
 9  Tnou  preparedft  room  before  it,  and  didft  caufe  it 
 >  take  deep  root,  and  ir  filled  the  land. 
 
 VR  AO'TTr  AT  OPSFR  VATIONS— •  Psal  LXXVIILl  The  great  things  of  God’s  law,  and  oureternal  falvation,  are  infinitely  important,  and  demand  our 
 moa  furious  auention  w^tl  Xat  cle,  after  t^e  ext^^de  of  tbe^ Jewifh  church,  ou^ht  parents  to  impart  to  their  children  the  knowledge  o  divine  revelation  !  Negka 
 o*  Sis  i  evY  aSed  with  the  moR  fatLl  confequcncesi  No  miracles,  however  gracious  and  ftrikmg,  can  melt  an  ignorant  or  hardened  heart,  or  induce  it  to  gra- 
 o*  tnis  IS  e\er  aitenaea  wluj  ii  uiw  i  r  •  ^  r«,v..m..e;nn*c  ocrainft  God.  How  amazinjr  his  patience  and  kindnefs  to  his  perverfe  people  ! 
 
 t  tude.  No  favours  will  fatisfy  a  difeontented  fpint,  or  reftra.n  >.ts  mal.c.ou  S  excefs  ;  releaioi.  is  baniihed,  and  men  hurry  headlong  into 
 
 While  he  gratifies  finnersin  their  requeRs  his  gifts  become  the, r  th^Svvh^^  be  bowed  by  mercies  or  ;arnings,  muR  be  broken  by 
 
 ruin.  They  who  make  a  god  of  their  belly  will  find  heir  end  to  he  “^rtorefiRSeYaR^^^  am^ry  God.  Troubles  ofte.fcompel  men  to  conftf- 
 
 judgments.  If  fin -be  indulged,  forrow  muR  follow.  Nor  (hall  the  RouteR  dancer  is  fcarcely  blown  Ler  when  all  their  conviaions  and  promifes  are 
 
 L“^?J:rr;r  -<0.  -  --  ch...  z.,  ..  «... 
 
 '*  pTaC  UC 'I rOBSuVATION?-/ps.L.'‘LXxVxy^^^^  church  of  God  fom.time.  brouehl,  »hile  forced  10  be.,  .1  one,  ihc cruell,  oJ 
 
 .lid  u;k™fofS^^  Humhl.  pr.,i.  tor  p.rdoo  ,»u,ed  fclh  i»  fish.  .«d  gro.he,  ...coded  »,.h  deep  conce.n  for  God  .  d.rhcocur,  ..d 
 
 Hot  be  long  unanfwered. 
 
 jamin  and  Manaffeh,  are  particularly  mentioned,  perhaps,  becaufe,  according  to 
 the  e/labliRied  order,  thofe  three  tribes  immediately  followed  the  aik,  and  cheru- 
 t/ira,  the  fymbols  of  the  divine  prefeiice.  See  Numb.  ii.  18.  Ver.  5.  Thou  jeed- 
 e/l  them  with  Ike  bread  of  tears,  or  of  weeping.  There  cannot  be  a  more  Rriking 
 piaure  of  Zion  in  captivity  !  Her  bread  is  dipped  in  tears,  and  h^r  cup  is  filled 
 lo  the  brim,  with  them  ;  no  time  is  free  from  grief  and  lamentations.  Ver.  8. 
 Thou  hast  brought  a  vine  out  oj  Egypt.  God  is  reminded  of  the  favour  once  (hewn 
 by  him  to  the  church  of  Ifrael,  and  of  that  profperity,  which  (he  once  enjoyed. 
 She  is  compared  to  a  vine,  removed  from  the  unkindly  foil  of  Egypt,  to  the 
 happier  r  gions  of  Canaan,  and  there  planted  by  Jehovah,  in  the  place  of  na¬ 
 tions  extirpated  for  their  unfruitfulnefs.  The  vine  is  a  plant  weak  .mid  lowly,  f 
 and  needing  fupport ;  when  fupported,  wild  and  luxuriant,  unlefs  reRrained  by 
 the  pruning  knife;  capable  of  producing  the  moR  valuable  fruit ;  but  if  barren, 
 the  nioR  unprofitable  among  trees,  and  fit  only  for  the  flames.  In  all  thtfe 
 refpe£ls  it  is  a  lively  emblem  of  the  church,  and  ufed  as  fuch  in  Ifaiah  v,  7.  by 
 Ezekiel  XV,  xvii,  xix.  and  by  our  Lord  himfelf,  Matth.  xxi.  33.  The  Chriftian 
 church,  after  her  redemption,  by  the  death  and  refurreclion  of  Jefus,  was 
 planted  in  the  heathen  world,  as  Ifrael  had  been  in  Canaan  ;  and  the  defeription 
 fuits  one  as  well  as  the  other.  Ver.  9.  Thou  preparedsj  room  before  it.  As  the 
 vine  Rriketh  its  roots  deep  into  the  foil  prepared  for  it,  and  then  diffufeth  its  nu¬ 
 merous  branches  all  around,  covering  the  fertile  hills,  by  the  fide  of  which  it  is 
 planted,  or  running  up  the  lofty  cedars,  to  the  bodies  of  which  it  is  joined; 
 fuch  was  the  growth  and  fruitfulnefs  of  the  Ifraelitifli  church ;  but  much 
 
exhortation  to  praise  God. 
 
 'l  u  h’liio  wPTf^  covered  with  the  fhadow  of  if, 
 ao'l  the  boughs’ thereof  ««  M.  t  the  goodly 
 
 cedars^^e  her  boughs  unto  the  lea,  and  her 
 
 '"'T^W^rhafi'lho^/tot  broken  down  her  hedges  fo 
 that  all  they  which  ptis  by  the  way  do  pluck  her 
 13  I'he  bo.ir  out  ot  the  wood  doth  watte  it,  and 
 fhe  wil  l  beaft  of  the  field  doth  devour  it. 
 
 )4  Return,  we  befeech  thee,  O  Godot  hofts ;  look 
 d.wn  from  heaven,  and  behold,  and  vifit  this  vine  ; 
 
 15  And  the  vineyard  which  thy  right  hand  hath 
 planted,  and  the  branch  that  thou  madelt  ttrong  tor 
 
 is  burnt  with  fire;  it  is  cut  down:  they 
 nerilh  at  the  rebuke  of  thy  countenance. 
 
 17  Let  thy  hand  be  upon  the  man  of  thy  right 
 hand,  upon  the  fon  ol  man  iihoin  thou  madett  Itrong 
 
 for  ihvtelt.  ^  , 
 
 18  So  will  not  we  go  back  from  thee  :  quicken  us, 
 
 and  we  will  call  upon  thy  name.  _  r  u 
 
 19  rurn  us  again,  Ci)  I-.ORD  God  ot  hofts,  caule  thy 
 face  to  Ihine ,  acd  we  (hall  be  faved.* 
 
 PSaLM  lx XXI. 
 
 1  An  exhortation  to  a  solemn  praising  of  Go  i.  4  Goil  challengelh  that  duty 
 by  reason  of  his  ben, fits.  8  God,  exhoriing,  his  people,  complumeth  oj 
 their  disobedience,  which  proveth  their  own  hurl- 
 
 I  Or,  for  Xo  the  chief  mufician,  upon  Gittith,  A  psalm  \  ot 
 
 Asoph.  ‘  ’ 
 
 PSALMS. 
 
 lie  com  'luineth  'f  his  people^ 
 
 SING  aloud  unto  God  our  ftrength  ;  make  a  joy¬ 
 ful  nolle  unto  the  God  ot  Jacob. 
 
 2  T..ke  a  pfalm,  and  bring  hither  the  timbrel,  the 
 plealant  harp  wdfh  tne  plaltery. 
 
 3  Blow  np  the  trumpet  in  the  n'-*w.,aoon,  in  the 
 
 time  appointed,  on  our  lolemn  ft-day.  ,ir  i  • 
 
 4  For  this  Teas  a  ftatute  for  llrael,  and  a  law  ot  the 
 
 God  of  Jacob. 
 
 5  Tuis  he  ordained  in  Jofeph^ra  t'^Itimony,  when 
 he  went  out  1|  througn  the  land  of  Egypt ;  -where  1  1 
 heard  a  language  that  I  und-rltood  not. 
 
 G  I  removed  his  (houlder  from  the  burden:  his 
 hands  +  were  delivered  from  the  POts. 
 
 7  Thou  calledit  in  trouble,  aod  1  d^-livered  thee  •  away 
 I  anfw'  red  thee  iu  the  fecret  place  of  thunder ;  I 
 ‘  proved  thee  at  the  waters  of  I|  Menbah.  Selah. 
 
 !  8  Hear,  O  my  people,  and  I  will  teftify  unto  thee  :  , 
 
 '  O  Ifrael,  if  thou  wilt  hearken  unto  me ;  stri/c. 
 
 9  Tnere  (hall  no  ftrange  God  be  in  thee  ;  neither 
 (halt  tnou  worlhip  any  ftrange  god. 
 
 I  10  I  am  the  Lord  thy  God,  which  brought  thee 
 'nuf  of  the  land  of  Egypt:  open  thy  mouth  wide,  and 
 
 I  will  fill  it.  . 
 
 1 1  But  ray  people  would  not  hearken  to  my  voice  ;  ^ 
 
 jind  I(rc!i'l  would  none  ot  me.  to  the 
 
 12  So  I  gave  them  up  f  unto  their  own  hearts’ Aa'-a«e« 
 
 luft  ;  and  they  walked  in  their  own  counfels.  fe!X'or, 
 
 13  Uh  mat  my  people  had  hearkened  unto  me,  arid-^^,i^,' 
 
 Ifrael  had  walked  in  my  ways!  _  _  tions. 
 
 14  1  Ihould  foon  have  fubdued  their  enemies,  and  ,i  Or, 
 turned  my  nand  againft  their  adverfaries. 
 
 I  15  The  haters  of  The  Lord  fhould  have  r,  t  fub--;^^,,,,^.^. 
 mitted  themfelves  unto  tiim  :  but  their  time  Ihould  fiieb. 
 have  endured  for  ever. 
 
 16  He  Ihould  have  fed  them  alfo  t  with  the  fineftt 
 of  the  wheat ;  and  with  honey  out  of  the  rock,  Ihould 
 I  have  fatisfied  thee.f  wheat. 
 
 creater  was  that  of  the  church  Chriftian  Ver.  1 1 .  She  sent  out  her  b,mghs  un‘o  , 
 the  sea.  This  relates  to  the  extent  of  Paleftine,  which  was  occupied  by  the  tribes  , 
 of  Ifrael  even  Uom  the  Mediterranean  tea,  weftward,  to  the  river  Euphrates,  j 
 eaRward’.  This  was  promifed,  Deut.  xi.  24.  “  From  the  river  Euphrates,  to  the 
 uttermoft  fea  (liall  your  coaft  be  and  fulfilled  in  the  days  of  Solomon.  S->e 
 1  Kings  iv  21.  Pfal.  lixii.  8.  Ver.  13.  The  boar  out  of  the  wood  doth  waste 
 it.  Fierce,  and  unrelenting,  her  heathen  perfecutor  ifiTued  at  different  times,  from  , 
 his  abode,  like  a  wild  hoar  out  of  the  foreft,  refolved  not  only  to  fpoil  and  plun-  ; 
 der,  but  to  eradicate  and  extirpate  her  for  ever.  Nor  let  the  church  Chriftian  j 
 imagine,  that  thefe  things  relate  only  to  her  elder  fifter.  Greater  mercies,  and  , 
 more  excellent  gifts,  fhould  excite  in  her  greater  thankfulnefs,  and  call  forth  , 
 more  excellent  virtues;  otherwife  they  will  ferve  only  to  enhance  her  account, 
 and  multiply  her  forrows,  Rom.  ii.  20,  21.  Ver.  15.  And  the  branch  that  thou 
 modest  so  strong  to  thine  own  self.  The  church  thus  diflreffed  and  defolated,  of- 
 fereth  a  prayer  for  the  return  of  the  divine  favour,  and  for  a  gracious  vifitation 
 from  on  high  ;  file  befeecheth  God  to  look  down  with  an  eye  of  pity,  from  hea¬ 
 ven,  on  the  vinevard,  which  his  own  hands  had  planted,  and  on  that  royal  branch, 
 tlie  family  of  David,  in  particular,  which  he  had  raifed  and  eflabliflied  for  himfelf, 
 to  accomplifh  his  eternal  purpofe  for  faving  mankind  by  IMeffiah,  who  was  one 
 day  to  I'pring  from  the  root  of  Jeffe.  The  Chaldee  Paraphraft  expounds  the 
 branch  of  Melfiali  himfelf,  [ol  melcha  MelTiba]  “  On  King  MefTiah  whom  thou 
 haft  eflahlifhed,”  &c.  lb  do  the  Rabbles,  Aben  Ezra,  and  Obadiah,  cited  by  Dr. 
 Hammond.  And  the  LXX,  inflead  of  fuppofing  the  word  [ben]  a  fon,  to  refer 
 to  vine,  and  fo  fignify  a  branch,  which  in  the  Hebrew  ftyle,  is  the  fon  of  the  vine, 
 have  rendered  the  paffage,  (epihuion  anthropou)  “  on  the  fon  of  man  an  ex- 
 preffion  udlually  ufed  by  the  pfalmift,  two  verfes  below.  To  the  advent  of  this 
 fon  of  man,  Ifrael  was  ever  accuftomed  to  look  forward,  in  time  of  afdidlion  ; 
 on  his  fecond  and  glorious  advent  the  Chriftian  church  muft  fix  her  eye,  in  die 
 day  of  her  calamities. 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Psal.  LXXXI.  Ver.  3.  lilow  up  the  trumpet 
 in  the  new  moon.  In  the  .Tewifh  church,  notice  was  given  of  feafts,  jubilees,  &c. 
 by  found  of  trumpet.  All  the  new  moons,  or  beginning  of  months,  were  ob- 
 ferved  in  this  manner ;  fee  Numb.  x.  1.  but  on  the  September  new  moon,  or 
 firft  day  of  the  feventh  month,  was  kept  a  great  fellival,  called  “  the  feaft  of 
 trumpets;”  Lev.  xxiii.  24.  Numb.  xxix.  I.  which,  probably,  is  here  intended. 
 
 This  September  new  moon  had  a  particular  regard  paid  to  it,  becaufe,  accord¬ 
 ing  to  the  old  calculation,  before  Ifrael  came  out  of  Egypt  it  was  the  firft  new 
 moon  in  the  year,  which  began  upron  this  day,  the  firft  of  die  (afterwards)  feventh 
 month  The  tenth  of  the  fame  month  was  the  great  day  of  atonement  ;  and  oa 
 I  the  fifteenth  was  celebrated  the  feaft  of  tabernacles  See.  Levit.  xxiii.  27,  34. 
 Our  pfalm  therefore  feems  po  have  been  defigned  for  the  purpofe  of  awakening  and 
 j  ftirring  up  the  devotion  of  the  people  upon  the  folemn  entrance  of  a  mondi,  in 
 1  which  they  were  to  commemorate  fo  many  part  hlelllngs,  prefigurative  of  much 
 ;  greater  bleffings  to  come,  of  liberty',  of  joy  and  rejoicing;  of  vicftory  over  death, 
 j  of  liberty  from  fin,  of  joy  and  rejoicing  in  Cbrift  Jefus  our  Saviour  Ver.  5  2’«/* 
 
 j  he  ordained  in  Jofeph,  jor  a  lestimony,  where  I  heard  a  iangu'>ge  that  I  under  si  oc  I 
 not.  Concerning  the  words,  “  I  heard  a  language  that  I  underftood  not,”  it  is 
 diflicult  to  account  for  the  change  of  perfon  ;  but  the  fenfe  feems  to  be,  that  die 
 children  of  Ifrael  received  the  law,  when  they  bad  been  in  bondage  under  a  peo¬ 
 ple  of  ftrange  and  barbarous  language  or  diaieift.  The  paffage  is  exadlly  parallel 
 to  that  in  Pfal.  cxiv.  I.  “  When  Ifrael  went  out  of  Egypt,  and  the  boufe  of  Ja- 
 ;  cob  from  a  people  of  ftrange  language  ;”  &c.  Ver.  6.  His  hands  uvre  delivered  'rom 
 j  the  pots.  Mofes  deferibetb  the  Ifraelites’  ftate  of  fervitude,  by  faying,  “  Ihe  Flgy|j- 
 tians  made  ibeir  lives  bitter  with  hard  bondage,  in  mortar,  and  in  brick,  and  in  all 
 I  manner  of  fervice  in  die  field,”  Exod.  i.  14.  that  is,  probably,  in  making  veflels  of 
 clay,  as  this  verfe  feems  to  imply.  Ver.  7.  7  answered  thee  in  the  secret  place  o  'hun- 
 der.  God  declares  his  readinefs  at  all  times,  to  hear  the  prayers,  and  relieve  the  dif- 
 treffes  of  his  people  as  be  did  when  they  cried  unto  him  in  Egypt  and  in  the  wil- 
 1  dernefs,  and  received  anfwers  from  the  cloudy  pillar.  In  the  cloudy  pillar  God 
 I  had  fixed  his  awful  throne,  and  from  thence,'  on  proper  occafions,  be  manifefted 
 ■  I  his  powerand  glory,  protcifting  Ifrael,  and  confounding  their  adverfaries.  In  Plal. 
 
 I  xxix.  6.  it  is  laid  of  Mofes,  Aaron,  &c.  they  called  upon  the  Lord,  and  he  an- 
 fwered  tliem  ;  he  fpake  unto  them  in  the  cloudy  pillar;  which  paffage  feems  ex- 
 
 li  aiftly  parallel  to  that  in  the  verfe  under  confideration — Thou  callcdft,  and _ I  an¬ 
 
 il  fwered  thee  in  the  fecret  place  of  thunder.  He  who  fpake  unto  Ifrael  in  the 
 
 I I  cloudy  pillar,  hath  fince  fpoken  to  us  by  his  Son  :  be  who  “  proved  them  at  the 
 1 1  waters  of  Meribah,”  Exod.  xvii.  6,  7.  now  proves  us,  by  various  trials  in  the  w  orld. 
 
 I  Ver.  1 3.  0  that  my  peoide  had  hearkened  unto  me.  One  cannot  help  obferving  the 
 j  fimilitude  between  tlie  complaint  here  uttered,  and  one  which  bath  been  fince 
 1  breathed  forth  over  the  fame  people;  “  O  Jerufalcra,  Jerufaiem,”  &c. 
 
 PllAC  lTCAL  OBSERV.4TIONS. — *  Psal.  LXXX.]  Happy  beyond  defeription  is  that  fociety,  whofe  Shepherd,  Leader,  and  ProteiRor,  is  Cbrift.  But 
 alas,  the  mifery  and  ruin  that  fin  draws  down  on  the  beft  conftitution,  churches,  and  nations! 
 
 PR.4C TICAL  ORSERV  ATIONS. — t  Psal.  LXXXI.]  How  llrong  is  theobligation  to  worfhip  God,  arifing  from  his  mercy  in  our  deliverances,  as  well  as 
 from  his  authority  in  his  ;  rejcpt  I  Part  favours  are  fufficient  to  engage  our  hearts,  even  though  we  had  no  future  mercies  in  view.  They  only  who  have  him  for 
 their  portion,  have  all  that  their  heart  can  wilh. 
 
T'hc  I'sahnist  cxhorteth  the  judges,  c5t. 
 
 PSALMS. 
 
 Or,  Jor 
 uifspH. 
 
 a  Dcut 
 1.  IT. 
 
 t  Ileb. 
 Judge. 
 
 b  I’rov. 
 ii  }.  U. 
 
 f  TIeh. 
 moved, 
 c  John 
 10.  34. 
 
 The  church  comjdakelh  of  her 
 
 PSALM  LXXXll. 
 
 iL/iT  5  and  reproved  their  negli, 
 
 b  pTayeth  Ctod  to 
 
 II  of  Afapli. 
 
 UiJ  (tandotti  in  the  conpregatiou  of  the  mighty; 
 hejudgeth  among  the  gods. 
 
 2  How  long  will  ye  judge  unjuftly,  and  *  accept 
 the  perlons  of  the  w-icked  ^  Selah. 
 
 .  ^  ^od  fatherlefs ;  do  juQice  to 
 
 the  aH.hfted  and  needy. 
 
 4  Deliver  the  poor  and  needy:  rid  them  out  of 
 the  hand  of  the  wicked. 
 
 5  1  hey  know  not,  neither  will  they  unde: ff and  ; 
 they  walk  on  in  darknefs :  all  the  foundations  of  the 
 earth  are  t  out  of  courl’e. 
 
 6  '  1  have  faid,  are  gods  ;  and  all  of  you  are 
 
 children  of  the  moff  High :  'i  lo  ‘  j  i 
 
 l'n±'  “f  '>>=  ll  ftubbi?bSe  the’vS  ^  "’<= 
 
 .5  For  they  have  confulted  together  with  one  +  rn. 
 lent :  they  are  confederate  againlt  thee  *  ^ 
 
 of  Edom,  and  the  Ifhmaelites  • 
 of  Moab,  and  the  Hagarenes  ;  ’ 
 
 7  Gebal,  and  Ammon,  and  Amalek  ;  the  Philir 
 tines,  with  the  inhabitants  of  Tyre  ; 
 
 8  Alfur  alfo  is  joined  with  them  :  f  they  have  hoi 
 
 pen  the  children  of  Lot.  Selah.  ^ 
 
 9  Do  unto  them  as  unto  the  »  Midianites 
 Sifera,  as  to  Jabin,  at  the  brook  of  Kifon  ; 
 
 10  IVhich  perifhed  at  En-dor :  they  become 
 !  dung  for  the  earth. 
 
 1 1  Make  their  nobles  like  <=  Oreb,  and  like  Zetb  • 
 yea,  all  their  princes  as  “  Zebah  and  as  Zalmunna  •  ’ 
 
 12  mo  laid.  Let  us  take  to  ourfelves  the  houfes 
 or  God  in  polieliion. 
 
 lipfort 
 Clirifl 
 'if-  10,15 
 
 as  to 
 
 as 
 
 for  thou  (halt 
 
 9  .et  prayer  against 
 
 II  Or,  for 
 Asaph. 
 
 princes 
 
 8  A  rife,  O  God,  judge  the  earth 
 inherit  all  nations.* 
 
 PSALM  LXXXIII. 
 
 1  A  complaint  to  God  of  the  enemies'  conspiracies, 
 them  that  oppress  the  church. 
 
 H  A  long  or  pfalm  1|  of  Afaph. 
 
 Keep  not  thou  Hlence,  O  God  ;  hold  not  thy 
 peace,  and  be  not  ftill,  O  God. 
 
 2  For,  lo,  thine  enemies  make  a  tumult;  and  they 
 that  hate  thee  have  lifted  up  the  head. 
 
 3  1  hey  have  taken  crafty  counfel  againft  thy  people, 
 and  conlulted  againft  thy  hidden  ones. 
 
 4  They  have  faid.  Come,  and  let  us  cut  them  off 
 from  beinsr  a  nation  ;  that  the  name  of  Iftael  may  be 
 CO  more  in  remembrance. 
 
 f  Ilcl,. 
 
 Hi 
 
 chit<lre,i 
 
 lot. 
 
 a  Judgoj 
 
 7.  22. 
 t)  Judges 
 4.  15,21. 
 c  Judges 
 7-  25. 
 a  J ud<,e5 
 
 a.  12.“ 
 
 14  As  the  fire  burneth  a  weed,  and  as  the  flame 
 letteth  the  mountains  on  fire; 
 
 15  So  perfecute  them  with  thy  tempeft,  and  make 
 them  afraid  with  thy  ftorm  : 
 
 16  Fill  their  faces  with  lhame  ;  that  they  may  feek 
 thy  name,  O  Lord. 
 
 17  Let  them  be  confounded  and  troubled  for  ever- 
 
 yea,  let  them  be  put  to  lhame  and  perilh  :  ^ 
 
 J  8  That  men  may  know  that  thou,  whofe  name  alcne 
 «  JEHOVAH,  art  the  tr.oft  high  over  all  the 
 earth. f 
 
 PSALM  LXXXIV. 
 
 1  The  prophet,  longing  Jor  the  communion  of  the  snn£luary,  4  sheweth  how 
 bleJJ'ed  they  are  that  dwell  therein  8  he  prayelh  ta  be  restored  unto  it. 
 
 H  I'o  the  chief  mufician  upon  Gittith,  a  pfalm  11  for  11 
 the  fons  of  Korah. 
 
 Or,  of. 
 
 explanatory  notes.  PsAt.  LXXXII.  Ver.  I.  God  standeth  in  < 
 
 the  congregation  of  the  mighty.  Earthly  judicatories  are  the  appointment  of  God.  1 
 All  magiftrates  a<5l  in  his  name,  and  by  virtue  cf  his  commiffion.  He  is  invifibly 
 prefent  in  their  affcinblies,  and  fuperintends  their  proceedings.  Unjufi  judges 
 muft  either  ditbelieve,  or  forget  all  this.  Ver.  2 — 4.  A  charge  is  here  given, Ity  ' 
 the  Spirit  of  God,  to  all  magiftrates,  much  like  that  which  king  Jehoftiaphat  gave 
 to  his  judges;  2  Chron.  xix.  6,  7.  It  is  the  glory  of  Jehovah  and  his  Chrift  to  j 
 accept  no  man’s  perfon  in  judgment;  to  regard  neither  the  quality,  nor  the  ftation  I 
 of  the  offender  ;  but  to  give  to  every  man,  of  whatever  rank  or  degree  in  the  world,  I 
 according  to  bis  works.  Every  oppreflbr  of  the  poor  is  a  likenefs  of  that  wicked 
 one,  and  every  upright  judge  will  endeavour  to  referable  the  Redeemer.  Ver.  5. 
 All  the  f  lundatiuns  of  the  earth.  Or  the  land,  are  out  of  course  ;  or  nod,  or  shake. 
 If  once  the  pillars  and  foundations  are  moved  from  their  integrity,  and  fliaken  to 
 and  fro  by  every  blaft  of  fear  and  favour,  what  ftiall  become  of  the  political  fabric 
 eredled  upon  them  ?  Verily  it  muft  fall,  and  great  and  terrible  will  be  the  fall 
 thereof.  W  hen  the  fait  hath  loft  its  favour,  the  mafs  muft  putrify  ;  when  the 
 light  becometh  darknefs,  how  great  muft  be  that  darknefs.  Ver.  6.  /  have  said. 
 Ye  are  gods.  John  x.  35.  Compare  2  Chron.  xix.  6.  The  judges  of  Ifrael  were 
 reprefeotatives  of  IMeffiab,  to  him  they  w’ere  refponfible,  and  at  his  coming  they 
 became  unncceflary  ;  their  offices  and  dignity  periftied.  He  alone  judgeth  his 
 church,  and  (hall  inherit  the  e.arth. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES  Psal.  LXXXIII.  Ver,  3.  They  have  taken 
 crafty  counsel  against  thy  people.  The  combination,  fo  much  dreaded,  is  deferibed 
 as  having  been  formed  on  the  bed  principles  of  fecular  policy,  with  much  fub- 
 tilit)',  and  the  moft  determinate  malice  againft  the  people  of  God,  and  his 
 bidden  ones,  that  is,  his  peculiar  nation,  feparated  from  the  world,  and  taken 
 under  the  cover  and  protedlion  of  his  wings.  To  root  up  the  plantations  of 
 paradife,  to  extirpate  the  holy  feed,  to  eitinguifli  the  very  name  of  Ifrael,  was 
 the  fcheme  intended  by  thefe  affociated  adverfaries  of  Sion.  Ver.  5.  For  they  have 
 consulted  together  with  one  consent.  W’hen  Chrift  was  about  lo  be  crucified,  it  is 
 obferved  by  St  Luke,  that  “the  fame  day  Pilate  and  Herod  were  made  friends 
 together;  for  before  they  were  at  enmity  lietween  themfelves.”  Luke  xxiii.  12. 
 And  however  the  enemies  of  the  church  may  quarrel  with  one  another,  when 
 
 they  have  nothing  elfe  to  do,  yet  if  a  favourable  opportunity  offer  itfelf  for  makiixr 
 an  attack  upon  her,  they  lay  afide  their  differences,  and  unite  as  one  man  •  by  no 
 means  refufing  the  friendly  aid  even  of  infidels  and  aiheifts,  who  are  always  ready 
 
 to  join  in  carrying  on  the  war  againft  the  common  adverfary,  Ver.  6 _ 8  The  ll 
 
 bernacles  of  Edom.  Thefe  are  the  names  of  the  confederates.  The  Edomites 
 were  defeended  from  Efau,  that  old  original  enemy  of  Jacob  ;  tbe  Khmaeliies 
 from  Iftiinael,  the  fon  of  tbe  bond-woman,  and  fworn  foe  to  Ifaac,  heir  of  tbe  pro- 
 mifes  :  tbe  Moabites  fprang  from  Moab,  one  of  the  inceftuous  children  of  Lot- 
 the  Hagarenes  were  other  defeendants  of  Hagar ;  who  the  Gebalites  were,  is  un! 
 certain  ;  the  Ammonites  came  from  Ammon,  the  fon  of  Lot,  and  inceftuous  bro- 
 ther  of  Moab ;  the  Amalekites  were  the  progeny  of  Amalek,  the  grandfon  of  Efau, 
 Gen.  xxxvi.  16.  the  Philiftines  and  Tyrians  are  well  known  ;  and  to  complete  all’, 
 Affur,  or  the  power  of  Affyria,  was  called  in  by  the  children  of  Lot,  the  Moabiter’ 
 and  Ammonites,  to  affill  in  the  great  work  of  exterminating  Ifrael  from  the  face 
 of  the  earth.  Thefe  were  the  ten  nations  banded  together,  by  a  folenin  league  and 
 covenant,  againft  the  people  of  God.  And  as  Ifrael  was  the  grand  figure  of  the 
 Chrirtiao  church,  «hich  is  now  the  Ifrael  of  God,  fo  her  enemies  are  o°ften  repte- 
 Tented  by  the  above  recited  nations,  and  in  prophetical  language  are  called  by  their 
 names.  Every  age  has  its  Edomites,  and  its  Klimaelites,  &c,  &c.  The  aflors 
 are  changed,  and  the  feenes  are  ftiiftcd  ;  but  the  fiage  and  the  drama  continue 
 the  fame,  Ver.  9  12.  llo  unto  them  as  unto  the  hlidianiles.  The  church, 
 
 having  recounted  the  enemies  which  compaffed  them  about  on  every  fide,  looks 
 up  for  fuecour  to  that  Almighty  power  which  bad  of  old  lo  gracioully  inter- 
 pofed  on  her  behalf,  and  refeued  her  from  her  perfecutors,  in  tlie  (fays  of  Deborah, 
 Barak  and  Gideon.  See  Judges  iv— viii.  Ver.  13— 1.5.  0  my  God  make  them 
 like  a  wheel i  or,  like  thistle  down.  The  fate  of  thefe  is  here  prediacd,  who  invade 
 the  inheritance  of  Jehovah,  and  fay,  “Let  us  take  to  ourfelves  the  houfes  of 
 God  in  poffcfiion.”  The  inconftancy  and  mutability  of  their  foi  tunes  is  re- 
 femhled  to  tliiftle-down,  or  fome  fuch  light  revolving  body,  and  to  (bubble  or 
 ebaff,  whirled  about  and  difiipated  by  the  wind  :  the  (iiddennefs,  horror,  and 
 univerfality  of  their  deftruaion  are  fet  forth  by  the  fimiliiude  of  a  fire  confuming 
 the  dry  trees  in  the  foreft,  or  fome  combuftible  matter  on  the  mountains. 
 
 ^  Pit  .VC  TICaL  OBSERVATIONS, — ♦  Psal.  LXXXII.]  What  honour  docs  God  confer  on  mortals,  when  he  invefts  them  with  authority  to  govern  as  his 
 vicegerents  !  Let  unjuft  magiftrates  do  their  worft,  God  will  at  laft  redrefs  the  grievances  of  his  poor  people,  for  he  is  their  guardian. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — j-  Psal.  LXXXIII.]  No  enemy  can  hurt  the  faints,  for  their  life  is  liid  with  Chrift  in  God.  Though  craft  beemploy- 
 ed  to  feduce,  threatening  to  intimidate,  and  fury  to  extirpate  the  righteous,  the  foundation  of  God  ftandeth  fure;  the  Lord  knowelh  them  that  are  his,  and  they  Ih-df 
 never  he  moved.  All  who  oppofe  Chrift  aud  his  church  rulh  headlong  to  ruin,  except  they  repent. 
 
PSALMS.  The  psalmist  prayelh  for  ihe  continuance  <f  m^rcio. 
 
 Before 
 Cbrift 
 cir.  892. 
 
 ORD,  thou  haft  been  [J  favourab'..-  I'n'o  thy 
 
 Before 
 
 Oirift 
 
 1 02 . . 
 
 thou  hatt 
 turned 
 thine 
 anjer 
 
 Those  blessed  who  dweU  in  God's  sanctuary 
 
 T  T  O W  amiable  are  thy  tabernacles,  O  Lord  of 
 
 “2  My^foiil  longeth,  yea,  even  fainteth  for  the 
 courts  of  the  Lord  ;  ray  heart  and  my  flefti  cneth 
 
 out  for  the  living  God.  u  r  i 
 
 3  Yea  the  fparrow  hath  found  an  houfe,  and  the 
 
 fwallov.  a  neft  for  herfelf,  where  (he  may  lay  her 
 young,  even  thine  altars,  O  Lord  of  holts,  my  ivmg, 
 
 and  ray  God.  .  ,  .  r  l 
 
 4  BlelTed  are  they  that  dwell  in  thy  houle :  they 
 
 "'5  Blefled »  in  thee;  in  ;“‘6WU; 'i'houpt^revive  us  again,  .ha.  .hy  peopled- 
 
 I'’'’,.  "’’/r^rpaffi^grtrougrtfeltueyofllBacama  O  Lord,  and  gran,  us  .by''"' 
 
 SS’"  TTL^Ro'l^fVom^^reng.h^"oTe^^^^  ;  ev.-’y  one  rf'Sl  hear  wha.  God  .be  Lord  i  f°!: 
 
 oweii.^c. of  ihem  in  Zion  appeareth  before  God.  _  he  will  (peak  peace  uuto  his  P^^  e,  and  to  bis  faints, 
 
 *'  !  8  0  Lord  God  of  hofts,  hear  my  prayer:  give  but  let  them  not  turn  again  to  folly, 
 
 ror  ear  O  God  of  Jacob.  Selab.  9  Surely  his  (alvatmn  »  nigh  them  that  fear  him  ; 
 
 fromcom-  q  Behold.  O  God,  our  Ihield,  and  look  upon  the  that  glory  may  dwell  in  our  land.  .  .  r 
 
 face  of  thine  anointed.  10  Mercy  and  truth  are  met  together  ;  nghteouf- 
 
 10  For  a  day  in  thy  courts  is  better  than  a  thou-  nefs  and  peace  have  killed  each  other. 
 
 I  would  fand  •  1 1  had  rather  be  a  door-keeper  in  the  houfe  of  ,  11  Truth  (hall  Ipring  out  of  the  earth  ;  and  righte- 
 
 X  J  land:  thou  haft  brought  back  the  captivity  of^.;^ 
 
 Jacob.  _  . 
 
 2 *  *  Thou  haft  forgiven  the  iniqu.ty  of  thy  people;  i  Or, 
 
 thou  baft  covert  d  all  their  fin.  Selah.  y'' 
 
 3  Thou  haft  taken  away  all  thy  wrath  :  li  thou  haft^^ 
 
 turned  thyself  irom  the  fiercenefs  of  thine  anger.  32.  1. 
 
 4  Turn  us,  O  God  of  our  falvation,  and  caufe  thine  ii  <>, 
 anger  toward  us  to  ceal’e. 
 
 5  Wilt  thou  be  angry  with  us  for  ever?  w'llt  thou 
 :  draw  out  thine  anger  to  all  generations  ? 
 
 again, 
 
 choose  ra-  God,  than  to  dwell  in  the  tents  of  wickednefs. 
 
 ,h.rtn.nt  ^  LoRD  GoJ  IS  2L  (uQ  and  (hield,  the 
 
 ther  to  sit 
 at  the 
 threshold. 
 a  Pfalm 
 S4.  9, 10, 
 b  Pfalm 
 2.  12. 
 
 Or,  of. 
 
 oufnefs  (hall  look  down  from  heaven. 
 
 12  Yea,  the  Lord  (hall  give  that  which  is  good  ; 
 
 .....  '-  —  7  —  O 
 
 Lord  will  give  grace  and  glory  :  *  no  good  thing  and  our  land  (hall  yield  her  increaCe. 
 will  he  withhold  from  them  that  walk  uprightly.  '  13  Rightecufnefs  (hall  go  before  him,  and  (hail  fet 
 
 12  O  Lord  of  hofts,  bleffed  h  the  man  that  truft-  ^  us  in  the  way  of  his  fteps.f 
 eth  in  thee.*  ^  ^  ^  ^  . 
 
 PSALM  IjXXX\  .  ^  ,  (  1  DiviH  strengthenelh  his  prayer,  by  the  conscience  of  his  religion, 
 
 1  The  psalmist,  out  of  the  experience  of  former  mercies,  proyelh  for  the  j  goodnefs  and  power  of  God,  &c.  0  Or, 
 
 continuance  thereof :  S  he  jtrayelh  to  wait  thereon,  out  oj  confidence  of  ■'  *tii  a  f  ‘.4  A  tn-auer 
 
 God’s  goodnefs.  ’>  H  ^  prayer  Ot  UaVlO.  being  a  ' 
 
 H  To  the  chief  mufician,  a  pfalm  !1  for  the  fons  of  ^  X^OW  down  thine  ear,  O  Lord,  hear  me:  for 
 
 dJurt'j 
 
 PSALM  LXXXVI, 
 
 5  by 
 
 Korah. 
 
 jjXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  LXXXIV.  Ver.  1.  How  amiable  are 
 thy  tabernacles,  0  Lord  of  hosts.  Thus  ardently  doth  a  banifhed  Ifraelite  ex- 
 prefs  his  love  for  Sion,  his  admiration  of  the  beauty  of  holinefs.  Nay,  Balaam 
 hitnfelf,  when  from  the  top  of  Peor  he  faw  the  children  of  Ifiael,  abiding  in  their 
 tent?,  with  the  glory  in  the  midft  of  them,  could  not  help  exclaiming,  “  How 
 goodiy  are  thy  tents,  O  Jacob,  and  thy  tabernacles,  O  Ifrael Numb.  xxiv.  5. 
 Ver.  3.  Yea  the  sparrow  hath  found  an  house,  and  the  swallow,  or  ring-dove  a  nest 
 for  herself,  where  she  may  lay  her  young,  even,  thine  altars,  0  Lord  of  hosts,  my 
 King,  and  my  Gad.  The  fupplement  eocn,  obfeures  the  pfalmifl’s  meaning, 
 which  is,  that  be  was  almoft  tempted  to  envy  the  feathered  tribe.  They  fought  a 
 neft  and  were  not  difappointed  ;  but  from  the  objedl  of  his  defire  he  was  ex¬ 
 cluded  ;  thine  altars,  O  Lord  of  hofts  I — from  them  I  am  haniflied.  Ver.  6,  7. 
 After  numberlefs  uncertain  conjedlurcs  offered  by  commentators  upon  the  con- 
 flrudlion  of  thefe  two  verfes,  it  feemeth  impoffible  for  us  to  attain  to  any  other  than 
 a  general  idea  of  their  true  import ;  which  is  this,  that  the  Ifraelites,  or  fome  of 
 them,  paffed,  in  their  way  to  Jerufalem,  through  a  valley  that  had  the  name  of 
 Baca,  a  noun  derived  from  a  verb  which  fignifies  to  weep;  that  in  this  valley 
 they  were  refrefiied  by  plenty  of  water  ;  that  with  renewed  vigour  they  pro¬ 
 ceeded  from  ftate  to  ftate,  until  they  prefented  themfelves  before  God  in  Zion. 
 The  prefent  world  is  to  us  this  valley  of  weeping  ;  in  our  paffage  through  it 
 we  are  refrelhed  by  the  ftrearas  of  divine  grace,  flowing  down  from  the  great 
 fountain  of  confolation  ;  and  thus  we  are  enabled  to  proceed  from  one  degree 
 of  holinefs  to  another,  until  we  come  to  the  glorified  vifion  of  God,  in  heaven 
 itfelf. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psai,.  LXXXV.  Ver.  1—3  Thefe  throe 
 verfes  fpeak  of  the  deliverance  from  captivity,  as  already  brought  about  :  where¬ 
 as,  in  the  lubfequcnt  parts  of  the  pfalm,  it  is  prayed  for  and  predi£led,  as  a 
 thing  future.  To  account  for  this,  fome  fuppofe  that  the  pfalmift  firft  returns 
 thanks  for  a  temporal  redemption,  and  then  prophecies  of  the  fpiritual  falvation 
 by  Mcffiah.  Others  are  of  opinion,  that  the  fame  eternal  redemption  is  fpoken 
 of  throughout,  but  reprefented  in  the  beginning  of  the  pfalm,  as  already  ac- 
 complilhed  in  the  divine  decree,  though  the  eventual  completion  was  vet  to 
 come.  The  difficulty,  perhaps,  may  be  removed,  by  rendering  thefe  firft  three 
 
 am  poor  and  needy. 
 
 of 
 
 verfes  in  the  prefent  time  ;  “  Lord,  thou  art  favourable  to  thy  land,  thou 
 bringeft  back  the  captivity  of  thy  people,”  &c.  that  is,  Tliou  art  the  God  whofe 
 property  it  is  to  do  this,  and  to  fltew  fuch  mercy  to  thy  people,  who  there¬ 
 fore  call  upon  thee  for  the  fame.  Ver.  8.  I  will  hear  what  God  the  Lord  wiU 
 speak.  The  prophet  having  prayed,  in  the  name  of  the  church,  that  Jehovah 
 would  “  fliew  them  his  mercy,  and  grant  them  bis  falvation,”  declares  himfelf 
 rcfolved,  concerning  this  “  falvation  to  inquire  and  fesrcli  diligently,  what,  or 
 what  manner  of  time  the  Spirit  of  Chrift  which  was  in  him  did  fignify,  when 
 it  teftified  beforehand  the  fufferings  of  Chrift,  and  the  glorv  that  fliould  fol¬ 
 low;”  See  1  Pet.  i.  10.  he  would  attend  to  “what  God  the  Lord  fhould  fay,” 
 and  report  it  to  the  world.  Now,  what  was  the  mtffjge,  which  the  prophets 
 had  commiffion  to  deliver  from  God,  but  that  he  would  fpeak  peace,  or  reconci¬ 
 liation  through  a  Saviour,  to  his  people  and  to  his  faints?  Vtr.  9.  Surdy  hie 
 saloation  is  nigh  them  that  fear  him.  St  John  himfelf  hardly  ufvth  plainer  lan¬ 
 guage  than  that  adopted  in  this  verfe,  when  he  faith,  “  The  Word  was  made 
 flefti,  and  dwelt,  or  tabernacled  among  us  :  and  we  beheld  his  glory,  the  glory 
 as  of  the  only  begotten  of  the  Father,  full  t>f  grace  and  t.-utli,”  John  i.  14. 
 Ver.  10.  Mercy  and  truth  are  met  together;  righteousness  and  peace  haoe  kisssrl 
 each  other.  Thefe  four  divine  attributes  parted  at  tlie  fall  of  .3dam,  and  nut 
 again  at  the  birth  of  Chrift.  Mercy  was  ever  inclined  to  fave  men,  and  Peace 
 I  could  not  he  his  enemy  :  but  Truth  exaiRcd  the  performance  of  Gou’s  threat, 
 
 •  “The  foul  that  fiiineth  it  fliall  die;”  and  Righleoufnefs  could  not  hut  give  to 
 :  every  one  his  due.  Jehovah  muft  be  true  in  all  his  ways,  and  righteous  in  all  his 
 works.  God  incarnate  reconciled  all  things  in  heaven  and  earth.  When  Chrift. 
 appeared  in  our  nature,  the  promife  was  fiillilied,  and  “  Truth  fprang  out  of  the 
 earth.”  And  now,  Kighteoufnefs  “looking  down  from  bsaven,”  beheld  in  him 
 ev.iy  thing  that  Ihe  required;  an  undefiled  birth,  an  holy  life,  an  innocent 
 dea-h  ;  a  fpirit  and  a  luouui  without  guile,  a  loul  and  body  witliout  fin.  She  faw 
 an.l  was  fati^lied,  and  leturned  to  earth.  Thus  all  the  four  parties  imt  again,  in 
 pcrlecl  harmony  :  Trulii  ran  to  mercy,  and  embraced  her ;  Righleoufnefs  to 
 Peace,  .and  kiffeil  her. 
 
 j  EXPLAN.ATOUY  NOTES.  Psal.  LXXXVI.  Ver.  2.  Preserve  thou  m,', 
 
 souljor  I  am  h  dy.  I  he  woi  J  here  tranllated  holy,  is  [hefir]  the  fame  which  is  ufed 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSER\  ATIONS.-— »  Psal.  LXXXIV.]  Communion  with  God  is  ihe  l-.ighcft  delight,  and  the  fupreme  defire  of  the  fain-s  while  they  fo 
 journ  on  earth  ;  they  prefer  the  meaneft  abode  with  his  prefence  and  ordinances  to  a  palace  without  them.  However  troublefome  the  wav  to  heav  n  1  ,  ’  ^  f 
 
 *  C  I  IC.rL  OBSERVA  1  IONS,  f  Isai-  I.XXXV.]  I  refent  calamities  (hoiild  i  ever  caufe  us  to  forget  former  mercies.  Though  our  nnfaiti  f  C 
 have  plunged  us  into  diftrefs,  God  is  rich  in  mercy,  and  ready  to  turn  us  to  himfelf.  How  fure  was  the  promile  how  near  Uie  falfihr  ent  “  ,4  1 
 ry  of  Jefus’  mcarnation,  office,  and  works !  Herein  the  perfe^igns  of  D.ity  appear  hartnoaioufly  and  brightly  difplayed.  '  “ 
 
 ^  ^  18 
 
i)avid  s  prayer  for  ildiw'rancc.  Sec, 
 
 PSALMS. 
 
 ll.-'r* 
 cir.  lO'-M. 
 
 11^. 
 o'lf  whom 
 thou  fti~ 
 vourett. 
 y  Or,  uU 
 the  day, 
 a  Joel 
 2.  13. 
 
 b  Deut. 
 
 3.  2-1. 
 c  Deut. 
 
 <J.  4.  & 
 32.  39. 
 
 1  faiab 
 37.  1 6.  & 
 44.  6. 
 Mark 
 12.  29. 
 
 I  Cor. 
 
 8.  4. 
 Eplief. 
 
 4.  6. 
 
 d  Pfalms 
 25.  4.  &c 
 119.  33. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 grave. 
 
 •J-  Heb. 
 terrible. 
 e  Exod. 
 34.  6. 
 Numb. 
 14.  18. 
 
 Pi  alms 
 103.  8.  & 
 ISO.  4.  & 
 145.  8. 
 
 ‘J  Preferve  ray  foul,  for  I  am  ||  holy  :  O  thou  my 
 God,  fave  thy  fervinr  that  trutteth  in  thee. 
 
 3  Ba  nierdtul  unto  me,  O  Lord  :  for  1  cry  unto 
 thee  II  daily. 
 
 4  Rejoice  the  foul  of  thy  fervant :  for  unto  thee, 
 O  Lord,  do  I  lift  up  my  foul. 
 
 5  *  For  thou,  Lord,  art  good,  and  ready  to  forgive  ; 
 and  plenteous  in  mercy  unto  all  them  that  call  upon 
 thee. 
 
 6  Give  ear,  O  Lord,  unto  my  prayer ;  and  attend 
 to  the  voice  of  my  fuppfcations. 
 
 7  In  the  day  of  my  trouble  I  will  call  upon  thee: 
 for  thou  wilt  anfwer  me. 
 
 8  a-\mong  the  gods  i/nre  is  none  like  unto  thee,  O 
 Lord  ;  ”  neither  are  there  amj  icorks  like  unto  thy 
 works. 
 
 9  All  nations  whom  thou  haft  made  (hall  come  and 
 wotfhip  before  thee,  O  Lord  ;  and  ftiall  glorify  thy 
 name. 
 
 10  For  thou  art  great,  and  doeft  wondrous  things : 
 thou  art  God  alone. 
 
 J I  Teach  me  thy  way,  O  Lord  ;  I  will  walk  in 
 thy  truth;  unite  my  heart  to  tear  thy  name. 
 
 12  I  will  praife  thee,  O  Lord  my  God,  with  all 
 ray  heart ;  and  I  will  glorify  thy  name  for  evermore. 
 
 13  For  great  is  thy  mercy  toward  me;  and  thou 
 haft  delivered  my  foul  from  the  loweft  1|  hell. 
 
 14  O  God,  the  proud  are  riftn  againlt  me,  and  the 
 aflemblies  of  f  violent  men  have  fought  after  my  foul, 
 and  have  not  fet  thee  before  them. 
 
 15  e  But  thou,  O  Lord,  art  a  God  full  of  cora- 
 paflion,  and  gracious  ;  long-fuffering,  and  plenteous*  in 
 mercy  and  'ruth. 
 
 16  O  turn  untome,  and  have  mercy  upon  me ; 
 give  thy  ftrength  unto  thy  lervant,  and  fave  the  fon  of 
 thine  handmaid. 
 
 17  Shew  me  a  token  for  good  ;  that  they  which 
 
 T/ie  seat  and  glory  of  the  church 
 
 hate  fee  it,  and  be  aftiamed  ;  becaufe  thou,  before 
 
 Lord,  haft  holpen  me,  and  comforted  me.*  ciiria 
 
 PSALM  LXXXVII. 
 
 1  The  seat  and  glory  0}  the  church  :  4  the  increase,  honour,  and  comfort 
 of  the  members  thereof.  •' 
 
 f  A  pfalm  or  fong  |1  for  the  fons  of  Korah.  ,,  q 
 IS  foundation  is  in  the  holy  mountains.  !/. 
 
 —  2  The  Lord  loveth  the  gates  of  Zion  more 
 
 than  all  the  dwellings  of  Jacob. 
 
 3  Glorious  things  are  Ipoken  of  thee,  O  city  of 
 God.  Selah. 
 
 4  I  w'ill  make  mention  of  Rahab  and  Babylon  to 
 
 them  that  know‘rae  :  behold  Philiftia,  and  Tyre,  with 
 Ethiopia  ;  this  man  w'as  born  there.  ’ 
 
 5  And  of  Zion  it  (hall  be  laid,  this  and  that  man 
 was  born  in  her ;  and  the  Higheft  himfelf  fhall  efta- 
 blifh  her. 
 
 6  The  Lord  (hall  count,  when  he  w'riteth  up  the 
 people,  that  this  rnan  was  born  there.  Selah. 
 
 7  As  well  the  fingers  as  the  pl.iyers  on  inftruments 
 shall  he  there  :  all  my  fprings  are  in  thce.f 
 
 PSALM  LXXXVHI. 
 
 A  jnayer  containing  a  grievous  complaint. 
 
 H  A  Jong  or  pfalm  ||  for  the  fons  of  Korah,  to  the||  Or, 
 chief  mufician  upon  Mahalath  Leannoth,  ||  Mafchil”'- 
 of  Heman  the  Ezrahite.  II 
 
 LORD  God  of  my  falvation,  I  have  cried  day>^^t“ 
 _  and  night  before  thee.  ^  L  eZ 
 
 2  L  t  my  prayer  come  before  thee:  incline  thine 
 
 ear  unto  mv  cry  ;  mstruc- 
 
 3  For  my  foul  is  full  of  troubles  :  and-my  life  draw-^*'’”’ 
 eth  nigh  unto  the  grave. 
 
 _  4  I  am  counted  with  them  that  go  down  into  the 
 pit ;  I  am  as  a  man  that  hath  no  ftrength. 
 
 5  Free  among  the  dead,  like  the  flain  that  lie  in  the 
 grave,  whom  thou  remembereit  no  more ;  and  they  |  ?/’ 
 are  cut  off  |1  from  thy  hand.  ZZ 
 
 in  tlie  xvith  pfalm  ;  “  Tliou  flialt  not  fuffer  thine  holy  one  to  fee  corruption.” 
 iVnd  indeed,  if  we  underltand  bolinefs  in  its  ftritft  fenfe,  no  one  but  he  whom  the 
 E'athcr,  fanclified,  and  fent  into  the  world,  to  redeem  loft  man,  could  fay  to  him, 
 “  Preferx’e  my  foul,  for  I  am  holy.”  But  the  word  properly  fignifies,  “  good,  tner- 
 cilui,  pious,  devoted  to  the  fervice  of  God,”  &c.  So  that  this  firft  part  of  the  verfe, 
 “  Preferve  roy  foul,  for  1  am  holy,”  when  repeated  by  irs  is  equivalent  to  another 
 patTage  in  the  Pfalms,  “  I  am  thine,  O  fave  me,”  Pfal.  cxix.  94.  Ver,  7.  “  Shew 
 me  a  token  for  good.”  Many  outward  figns  and  tokens  of  the  divine  favour  were 
 in  old  time  vouchfifed  to  patriarchs,  prophets,  and  kings  of  Ifrael.  The  law  it- 
 felf  was  a  colleflicii  of  external  and  facramental  figures  of  grace  and  mercy.  All 
 thefa  centered  and  had  their  accomplifliment  in  that  grand  and  everlafting  fign  and 
 token  of  Ge>«3’s  love  to  man,  the  incarnation  of  Chrift,  which  all  faithful  people 
 from  the  beginning  wdfliedand  prayed  for.  On  this  fign  the  Chriftian  looks  «ith 
 joy,  as  the  great  proof  that  God  has  helped  him  and  comforted  him  ;  while  his 
 faith  in  it  doth  not  fail,  he  hath  the  witnefs  in  himfelf,  and  his  aaions  declare  as 
 much  to  all  around  him  ;  that  they  which  hate  him  may  be  aftiamed  and  convert¬ 
 ed,  before  that  day  coxic,  when  lhame  ftiall  be  fruitlefs,  and  converfion  impof- 
 fible 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  PSAL.  LXXXVII.  Ver.  1.  His  foundation 
 is  in  the  holy  mountains.  Ti  e  pfalmift,  after  having  meditated  on  the  ftrength, 
 the  beauty,  and  the  glorv  of  Jerufalem,  being  fmitten  with  love  of  the  holy  city, 
 r.nd  ima-ri’ning  the  tlioughts  of  his  hearers,  or  readers,  to  have  been  employed 
 «.n  the  fa'lne  ful.jca,  breaks  forth  at  once  in  tliis  abrupt  manner  :  “  It  is  ms 
 foundation  on  tl.e  holy  mountains.”  By  the  holy  mountains  are  meant  thofe 
 bills  of  .ludah,  « l.ich  Jehovah  had  cliolt-n,  and  feparated  to  himlelf  from  all 
 others  u hereon  to  conftrua  the  highly  favoured  city  and  temple.  Jerufalem 
 was  exalted  and  fortified  by  its  filuution  ;  but  much  more  fo  by  the  proteaion 
 of  the  Almiehtv.  What  Jerufalem  was,  the  chriftian  church  is:  built  by  God 
 .‘Oil  the  foundations  of  the  apoflles  and  prophets.  Jefus  Ghrift  himfelf  being  the 
 chief  comer  ftone  ;  in  whom  all  the  building  fitly  framed  together  groweth, 
 
 unto  an  holy  temple  in  the  Lord,”  Ephef.  ii.  20.  “  It  is  his  foundation  ui  the 
 holy  mountains;”  ftie  is  beloved  of  God  above  the  kingdoms  and  empires  of 
 the  earth  which  rife  and  fall  only  to  fulfil  the  divine  counfels  concernin'^  her. 
 Ver.  3.  Compare  1  Cor.  ii.  6— -10  Eph.  iii.  8—11.  Ver.  5.  And  oj  Zion  U  shall 
 be  said  This  and  that  man  was  bom  in  her.  Dr.  Durell  renders  (aifli  vaifli)  the 
 man,  even  the  man,  that  is  the  man  of  men  ;  or  the  greateft  of  all  men.  The 
 reduplication,  he  thinks,  according  to  the  oriental  phral'eoiogy,  mull  mean  the 
 fuperlative,  or  higheft  degree.  He  adds — According  to  this  interpretation, 
 every  one  will  fee  who  tliis  eminent  perfonage  was  to  he,  from  whofe  birth 
 Zion  (ufed  by  a  fynedoche  for  Judea)  was  to  acquire  fo  much  glory.  The 
 
 latter  Hemiftic — And  the  higheft  himfelf  ftiall  eftablifti  her _ feems  to  me  to 
 
 have  reference,  not  to  God  the  Father,  but  to  his  Son  ;  it  appearin'^  to  be 
 exegetical  of  the  preceding  one,  and  to  deferibe  his  Divine,  as  the  other  does 
 his  human  nature.  Ver.  6.  The  Lord  sludl  count.  Dr.  Durell  thinks  the  verfe 
 relates  to  the  pedigree  of  our  Lord,  recorded  among  the  Jews,  and  o’ivcu 
 us  by  the  evangelifts — The  Lord  will  have  this  recorded  in  regiftering  the 
 people,  that  He,  the  (Eifh  Vcaifti)  mentioned  above,  “was  born  there.” 
 Ver.  7.  As  well  the  singers  as  the  players  on  inslrumenls  shall  be  there.  The  literal 
 verfion  of  the  words,  as  Dr.  Chandler  obftrves,  seems  to  be — Cantantes  erunt, 
 ficut  choream  diicentcs  ;  omties  funtes  mei  in  to.”  “They  ftiall  fing  like  thofe 
 that  lead  up  the  dance,”  that  is,  moll  joyfully;  finging  and  dancing  frequently 
 accompanying  one  another.  And  the  burthen  of  the  fong  thus  joyfully 
 fung  in  praife  of  Sion,  was  to  be  ibis  :  “All  my  fprings,”  or  fountains,  “are  in 
 thee.” 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  LXXXVIII.  Ver.  l—g.  We  have 
 in  Ihefe  words  the  voice  of  our  fuffeiing  Redeemer.  As  man,  he  addreli'eth  him¬ 
 felf  to  his  Father,  “the  Lord  God  of  his  falvation,”  from  whom  he  expected 
 according  to  the  promifes,  a  joyfid  and  triumphant  refurrc6lion  :  he  plcadelh 
 I  tiie  fervency  and  importunity  of  his  prajeis  offered  up  continually,  day  and 
 j  night,  during  the  time  of  his  humiliation  and  fufferings ;  and  he  entreatelh  to 
 
 .j  tins  prayer  01  xaaviu,  ii.wuld  excite  and  encourage  thofe  in  afflidlion  to  call  on  God  for  help  with 
 rnHfiTm’con'fidcnce  in  his  mercy  and  power;  b.  feeching  him,  not  only  to  deliver  them  from  the  evils  which  prefs  fore  on  them,  but  above  all,  to 
 profjunr.  MeduatiL  on  the  infinite  goodiiefs,  love  and  compaffion  of  God,  is  adniiiahly  fitted  to  fupport  us  under  all  our  trials,  fill 
 
 gjr  t-icin  ^  1  zr  -.1 _  ov. fU/A  rwt/D')’  nf  mir  trniihlp.  rt*afon  to  bltjTs  and  praU©  him. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Psai..  LXXXVL]  This  prayer  of  David,  flu 
 
 J.  ikXiv.  ix  -  . . 1  Lim  r»nlv  fO 
 
 -Tir  tMCin  trrace  to  uleale  ana  out-y  nim.  ^ - -  --  * 
 
 S'  .  ,  .  ^  and  afford  u«,  even  in  the  midft  of  our  trouble,  reafon  to  blefs  and  praile  him. 
 
 U9  w  lib  ‘  Y  7j’j,c  VaTIONS  — t  Psal  LXXXVII.  J  Let  us  here  with  rapture  contemplate  the  perpetuity  of  the  church  arifing  from  the 
 
 of  heJ  fo uida^n,"  and  the^  pleafure  nbiefa  God  has  in  communion  with  his  faints  in  the  public  and  private  ordinances  of  his  grace. 
 
 immutability 
 
A 
 
 Ilcfore 
 Clirist 
 cir.  1021, 
 
 ijr  containing  a  f^ricx'ous  comjilaiut. 
 
 rS^VLMS. 
 
 God  to  be  praised  Jjr  his  inrcics. 
 
 6  Thou  haft  laid  me  in  ihe  loweft  pit,  in  darkneCs,  |!  Lord  ;  thy  faithfulneCs  alfo  in  the  congregation  of 
 'i’"  '  the  faints. 
 
 in  the  depths. 
 
 7  Thy  wrath  lieth  hard  upon  m 
 flicted  7ne  with  all  thy  waves.  Selah. 
 
 8  Thou  haft  put  away  mine  acq  laintance  far  from 
 me;  thou  haft  made  me  an  abomination  unto  them  : 
 1  am  ftmt  up,  and  I  cannot  come  forth. 
 
 9  Mine  eye  mourneth  by  realbn 
 Lord,  I  have  called  daily  upon  thee;  1 
 ed  out  my  hands  unto  thee. 
 
 and  thou  haft  af- 
 
 of  afil  ^bon  : 
 have  ftretch- 
 
 IliJ  IJOliVJO  CllilW  1  Lit 
 
 10  Wilt  thou  fhew  wonders  to  the  dead?  ftiall  the  !  thee? 
 ad  arife  axid  praife  thee  ?  Selah.  Ij  9  Tl 
 
 !  •  !•  I  1  1.1 _ 
 
 6  for  who  in  the  heaven  can  be  compared  unto 
 the  Lord  ?  tr/ze  among  the  lbn„  of  the  in.ghty  can  be 
 likened  unto  the  Lord  ? 
 
 7  God  is  greatly  to  be  feared  in  the  aff-mbly  of 
 the  (aints,  and  to  be  had  in  rev'  rence  of  all  litem  taut 
 are  about  him, 
 
 8  O  Lord  (iod  of  hofts,  who  is  a  ftrong  lajRD 
 like  unto  thee?  or  to  thy  faithfulnels  round  about 
 
 Jjtfore 
 Clirift 
 cir.  1021. 
 
 dead 
 1 1 
 grave 
 
 y  -  .  .  ,  -  ,  ,  ,  .  .  u  the  raging  of  the  fea :  when  the 
 
 Shall  thy  lovmg-kmdness  be  declared  in  the  waves  thereof  arife  thou  Itilleft  them. 
 
 JG  Ihou  haft  broken  ||  Kahab  in  pieces,  as  one  that  I  Or, 
 
 I  is  flain  :  thou  haft  fcattered  thine  enemies  t  with  thy 
 '  ftrong  arm.  ^  t  Heb. 
 
 11*’  The  heavens  are  thine,  the  earth  alfo  is  thine  :  IVw 
 as /or  the  w'orld,  and  the  fulnefs  thereof,  thou  haft  % 
 
 ,  founded  them.  strength. 
 
 or  thy  faithfulness  in  deftru£tion? 
 
 12  Shall  thy  wonders  be  known  in  the  dark?  and 
 thy  righteonlnefs  in  the  land  of  forget  fulnefs. 
 
 13  But  unto  thee  have  I  cried,  O  Lord  ; 
 the  morning  (hall  my  prayer  prevent  thee. 
 
 14  Lord,  why  cafteft  thou  off  my  foul  ?  hideft 
 thou  thy  face  from  me  ? 
 
 and 
 
 in 
 
 15 
 
 *'  .  ^  Miju  LiJw  •WLAiii  1 1 1  LA  AJaAL  ^  i  Cd  t  Cl 
 
 I  affixed  and  ready  to  die  from  m?/  youth  Tabor  and  Hermon  fhall  rojoice  in  thv  name 
 
 I  Or,  all 
 the  day. 
 
 up  :  xahile  I  i'uffer  thy  terrors  I  am  diltraffed. 
 
 16  Thy  fierce  wrath  goeth  over  me  ;  thy  terrors 
 have  cur  me  off. 
 
 17  They  came  round  about  me  [j  daily  like  w’ater ; 
 they  compafled  me  about  together. 
 
 IS  Lover  and  friend  haft  thou  put  far  from  me,  arid 
 mine  acquaintance  unto  darknefs.* 
 
 .  .  PSALM  LXXXIX. 
 
 J^jlhan  the  ^  psalmist  praiseth  God  Jor  his  coveiiantf  5  for  his  wotidei^Jul  j;£)uvr, 
 Ezrahite  the  care  of  his  church,  ^  c. 
 
 to  g.ive  f  II  Mafchil  of  Ethan  the  Ezrahite. 
 
 visiTuc-  y  WILL  fing  of  the  mercies  of  the  Lord  for  ever  : 
 
 oV  -H-  mouth  will  I  make  known  thy  faithfulnefs 
 
 le genera- 1  to  all  generations. 
 
 lion  and  2  For  I  have  faid,  Mercy  ftiall  be  built  up  for 
 genera-  ever;  thy  faithfulnefs  flialt  thou  eftablifti  in  the  very 
 a2"sam.  heaveos. 
 
 7. 11, &c.  3  1  have  made  a  covenant  with  my  chofen,  I  have“ 
 
 fHeb.  (worn  unto  David  my  fervant. 
 
 10 genera-  ^  j  eftablifti  for  ever,  and  build  up 
 
 thy  throne  f  to  all  generations.  Selah. 
 tion.  5  And  the  heavens  ftiall  praife  thy  wonders,  O 
 
 12  Ihe  north  and  the  fouth  thou  haft  created  them  : 
 
 Gen. 
 I. 
 
 lion  and 
 genera- 
 
 lo  W’u  u  /i  ■  .  •' . . — .  p/alms 
 
 13  Ihou  haft  t  a  mighty  arm  :  ftrong  is  thy  hand  24.  1.  & 
 
 and  high  is  thy  right  hand.  ’  5o.  12. 
 
 14  Juftice  and  judgment  are  the  0  habitation  of  thy  I 
 throne  :  m^ercy  and  truth  ftiall  go  before  thy  face.  mtght. 
 
 lo  Bltlled  ts  the  people  that  know  the  =  joyful  J 
 found  :  they  (hail  walk,  O  Lord,  in  the  light  of  thv'*'“""^" 
 countenance. 
 
 16  In  thy  name  fhall  they  rejoice  all  the  day  :  and  io. '10.'"' 
 m  thy  righteonlnefs  ftiall  they  be  exalted. 
 
 17  For  thou  art  the  glory  of  their  ftrength  ;  and 
 in  thy  favour  our  horn  fhall  be  exalted. 
 
 18  For  II  the  Lord  is  our  defence  ;  and  the  Holy  I  Or, 
 
 One  of  lirael  is  our  King.  ^  our  shield 
 
 fpakeft  in  vifion  to  thy  Holv  One 
 laid  help  upon  one  that  h  mighty  \andZl 
 I  have  exafted  owe  chofen  out  of  the  people.  ^  is  of 
 
 20  1  have  found  David  ray  fervent ;  with  my  holv'^ 
 oil  have  I  anointed  him  •  ^  ^  One  of 
 
 ™  be  eftablithed  ;  mmdTL. 
 
 arm  alio  fliall  ftrengthen  him  le.  12. 
 
 22  Ine  enemy  fliall  not  exaff  upon  him  ;  nor  the 
 Ion  of  wickednefs  afil-ft  Mm. 
 
 be  heard  m  thefe  his  fupplications  for  his  body  ir.yftical,  as  well  as  l.is  body 
 natural;  for  himfelf,  and  for  us  all.  Ver.  10—12.  It  hath  been  fometimes 
 thought,  that  thefe  verfes  imply  a  denial,  or  at  leafl  a  doubt,  of  the  refurrcaion 
 from  the  dead  ;  whereas  they  contain  in  reality,  the  moft  powerful  plea  that  Chrill 
 himfelf,  mins  prayers  to  the  Father,  could  urge  for  it ;  namely,  that  otherwife 
 man  would  ,he  deprived  of  his  falv.tion  and  G^d  of  the  glory  Whence  SZg 
 m  l^ondets  to  the  dead,”  while  they  continue  in  that  ftate;  or  if 
 
 thou  fhouldeft,  will  they  be  fenfible  of  thofe  wonders,  and  make  thee  due  returns 
 
 fo^s  of  Adi  ^  !r  Tu  to  the 
 
 ^  ns  of  Adam,  in  me  their  Redeemer,  be  declared,  lliall  the  gofpel  he  preached 
 
 I  ^  ^‘^coinplHhing  Ihe  promiles  concern  1 
 
 S.  un  k'ndnefs.  fhall  it  be  manifefted  in  that  deRruaion  wrought  by  I 
 
 ■..dTrlllL  L'SOl’Sr  ■"  ‘i- 
 
 explanatory  NOTES.  Tsai..  LXXXIX.  Ver  <t  r  / 
 
 cwenaal  with  my  choictt.  The  covenant  relates  to  David’s  feed^  and^t^the 'eRa" 
 
 ■ -St 
 
 does,  in  the  letter  reluo  tr,  _ '  >  .  *  set,  that  the  whole  palfage 
 
 I  and  immediate  fucceffor  of  David  °an’d*^^e  doubt,  he  being  the  feed 
 
 for  God’s  name  ”  Her!  th  ’  ^  “PP°‘"‘ed  to  “  build  an  houfe 
 
 with  David  had  MeRiah  for  TtsTbma"“tl  ■™‘''^‘'’le  proof,  that  the  covenant 
 
 ■  that  the  feripture  h^tittime^  ^dti.  e 
 
 that  the  covenants  made  with  Abraham  D^vid  I  . 
 
 foundation  in  the  covenant  made  with  Melhlh^  t  ^  d 
 
 faiihful,  the  Beloved  and  Chofen  of  ToA  .  Tn  •*'«  ‘tue  Father  of  the 
 
 the  only  perfon  qualified  to  be  a  Sponfor  ’and^t^en 
 '  Either,  for  mankind  His  ^  m  a  covenant  with  the 
 
 ■  becaufe  he  fuffered  in  the  fleRi,  as  » the  (bn  of  Dav.T’^*  R  “V  ?  “"d. 
 
 for  ever,  and  “  his  throne  bu  It  un  lo  ^  ^  therefore  is  he  cRahl.lhed 
 
 1  M  ords  of  the  angel  to  Mary  "I  tL^  Lorf are  the 
 his  father  David  •  and  he  (hall  rJl.  ^  ^  f  ^  of 
 
 kingdom  there  «;a.rbt  t 
 
 the  habitation,  Heb.  the  eRabliRiment  ofthnihmll'  judgment  are 
 
 Me  thy  Me.  Although  the  powerof  Gr^l  he  in7ni,r'?“ 
 under  the  direction  of  his  other  attriLte^  AV^eri,?  “.7  but 
 
 tribunal,  “mercy  and  truth  go  before  his  face-”  th  ^  judge  to  his 
 
 oo,i.„e  1.,..,  IP  gi..  ...u..  of  ,,i.  .„a  „  p;- 
 
VI.)  I  s  cart 
 
 of  his  chnch. 
 
 Het'oro 
 ('hrill 
 cir.  10  >1. 
 
 PSALMS, 
 his  face, ' 
 
 0/  the  fraillt)  and  brevily  oj  human  Vf,. 
 
 05  And  Uvill  beat  down  his  foes  before  his  face,'"'  46  How  long,  Lord?  wilt  thou  hide  thylelf  for 
 
 and  plague  them  that  hate  him.  !.  ever  ?  (hall  thy  wrath  burn  hke  fire  ?  _ 
 
 24  But  my  faithfulnels  and  my  mercy  shnlllbe  with  ;1  47  Remember  how  fimrt  my  time  is  :  wherefore 
 
 him  ;  and  in  my  name  (hall  his  horn  be  exalted.  |j  half  thou  made  all  men  in  y^'P?  j  rv  n 
 
 25  I  will  fet  his  hand  alio  in  the  fea,  and  his  right  48  Wh^t  man  |.s  he  ^jat  liveth,  and  (hall  not  fee 
 
 hand  in  the  rivers.  i  ^  deliver  his  (oul  from  the  hand  of  the 
 
 26  He  (hall  cry  unto  me,  Thou  art  my  Father,  my  ^  grave  ?  Selah.  ,  •  ,  ^ 
 
 -  -  —  ^  r ,  I  49  Lord,  where  are  thv  former  lovmg-kindnefTts, 
 
 •which  thou  ^  fwarefi:  unto  David  in  thy  truth?  .  csi 
 50  Remember,  Lord  the  reproach  of  thy  fervants  * 
 w  1  do  bear  in  my  bofom  the  reproach  of  all  the 
 
 I  Heb. 
 
 prqjani 
 
 fnjf  »l»- 
 
 tutes. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 God,  and  the  Rock  of  my  falvation. 
 
 27  AUb  1  will  make  him  my  fird-born,  higher  than 
 the  kings  of  the  earth. 
 
 28  My  mercy  will  I  keep  for  him  tor  evermore, 
 and  my  covenant  fhall  ftand  fafl  with  him. 
 
 29  Bis  feed  alfo  will  I  make  to  endure  tor  ever,  and 
 his  throne  as  the  days  ot  heaven. 
 
 SO  If  his  children  forfake  ray  law,  and  walk  not  in 
 my  judgments ; 
 
 31  If  they  t  break  ray  ftatutes,  and  keep  not  my 
 
 commandments ;  n'  •  .  v  j 
 
 32  Then  will  I  vifit  their  tranfgretlion  witn  the  rod, 
 
 and  their  iniquity  with  ttripes. 
 
 y  »»cu.  33  Neverthelefs  my  loving-kindnets  t  will  1  not  ut* 
 
 /  urn  not  jpj..  jgjie  from  him,  nor  fuffer  my  taithfulnefs  t  to  fail. 
 
 34  My  covenant  will  I  not  break,  nor  alter  the 
 
 t  Heb.  thing  that  is  gone  out  of  my  lips.  ^ 
 
 35  Once  have  1  fworn  by  my  hohnets,  t  that  1  will 
 
 not  lie  unto  David. 
 
 36  '  His  feed  fhall  endure  for  ever,  and  his  throne 
 as  the  fun  before  me. 
 
 37  It  (hall  be  eftablifbed  for  ever,  as  the  moon,  and 
 as  a  faithful  witnels  in  heaven.  Selah. 
 
 38  But  thou  had  caft  off  and  abhorred,  thou  halt 
 been  wroth  with  thine  anointed, 
 
 39  Thou  haft  made  void  the  covenant  of  thy  ler- 
 vant ;  thou  haft  profaned  his  crown,  by  casting  it  to 
 
 the  ground.  , .  ,  .  v 
 
 40  Thou  haft  broken  down  all  his  hedges ;  thou 
 
 haft  brought  his  ftrong  holds  to  ruin. 
 
 41  All  that  pafs  by  the  way  fpoil  him  :  he  is  a  re¬ 
 proach  to  his  neighbours.  ,  r  1  •  J 
 
 42  Thou  haft  let  up  the  right  hand  of  his  adver- 
 faries ;  thou  haft  made  all  his  enemies  to  rejoice. 
 
 43  Thou  haft  alfo  turned  the  edge  of  his  fword, 
 and  haft  not  made  him  to  ftand  in  the  battle. 
 
 .  — -  44  Thou  haft  made  his  t  glory  to  ceafe,  and  caft 
 
 his  throne  down  to  the  ground.  . 
 
 45  The  days  of  bis  youth  haft  thou  fhortened  :  thou 
 haft  covered  him  with  lhame.  Selah. 
 
 ‘'Sain. 
 
 3. 
 
 to  lif. 
 t  Heb. 
 if  I  He. 
 
 e  2  Sam. 
 7.  16. 
 Luke  , 
 1.  33. 
 John 
 12.  34. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 ourdifpenfations  of  the  Lord,  as  it  is  elfewhere  obft  rved,  “ 
 
 Pfal  x^v  10.  ther  are  the  fubRance  of  all  his  revelations  which  either  prom'fe 
 falvation,  or  relate  the  performance  of  fuch  proraifes.  \  er.  19.  1  hen  Uwu 
 
 ■  ■  f  ih„  fTnlu  One  Ver.  20.  I  have  found  David  my  fervant.  David  was 
 
 t by  propbe.  s™»l,  *i.b  bih  b.  .... 
 
 ftrenethened  and  eRablitbed  in  his  kingdom,  by  the  hand  and  arm  of  Je>>ovalv 
 
 D..  ""•'■■“.f ';«!•”  rib°  sSs.. 
 
 “  The  fe^rnt°and  elea  of  Jehovah,  in  whom  his  foul  delighted,  and  on 
 i,  K  Snirit  •”  Ifa.  xHi.  1.  whom  he  anointed  with  his  holy  oil,  with 
 
 pf&nefct  W  H.1  Obod,  ..d  »i.h  pp„„”  PM..  .L-  ^  A^. 
 
 “  3,  b,  «U.g.b»«i  ..d  .<..bHlh.d  i.  1».  fP™”'  Vfo 
 
 b.nd  .bd  *7., biJ  b.™  ,ii;  J  .b. 
 
 ,ben  d..  .burcb  „f  Ifr.el  «...  in  lucb  » 
 
 how 
 
 mighty  people ; 
 
 51  Wherewith  thine  enemies  have  reproached,  O 
 Lord  ;  wherewith  they  have  reproached  the  footfteps 
 of  thine  anointed. 
 
 52  Blefl'ed  be  the  Lord  for  evermore.  Amen,  and 
 
 amen. 
 
 PSALM  XC. 
 
 I  J/osM,  eetling  forth  God’s  providence,  3  complainelh  of  human  frailly, 
 7  divine  chnfisements,  10  mid  brevity  of  life ;  11  he  prayclh  for  the 
 knowledge  and  sensible  experience  of  God  s  providence^ 
 
 H  11  A  prayer  of  Moles  the  man  of  God. 
 
 T  ORD,  thou  haft  been  onr  dwelling-place  f  in  all  bein,.; 
 
 J _ ^  generations.  of 
 
 2  Before  the  mountains  were  brought  forth,  or""’, 
 
 ever  thou  hadft  formed  the  earth,  and  the  world,  even 
 from  everlafting  to  everlafting,  then  art  God.  tion  and 
 
 3  Thou  turneft  man  to  deftruftion ;  and  fayeft,  fioma- 
 
 Return,  ye  children  of  men.  aTpd 
 
 4  »  For  a  thoufand  years  in  thy  fight  are  but  as  3.8. 
 vefterday  H  when  it  is  paft,  and  as  a  watch  in  the  i  Or, 
 night. 
 
 5  Thou  carrieft  them  away  as  with  a  flood  ;  they 
 
 sed  them. 
 
 are  as  a  fleep  :  in  the  morning  they  are  like  grafs  •which 
 II  groweth  up. 
 
 6  In  the  morning  it  flourifheth,  and  groweth  up 
 
 in  the  evening  it  is  cut  down,  and  withereth. 
 
 7  For  we  are  confumed  by  thine  anger,  and 
 
 thy  wrath  are  we  troubled._  awnu. 
 
 8  Thou  haft  fet  our  iniquities  before  thee,  our  ii  Or, 
 fecret  sins  in  the  light  of  thy  countenance. 
 
 9  For  all  our  days  are  f  palled  away  in  thy  wrath  ;  ^  jjeb. 
 
 we  fpend  our  years  |j  as  a  tale  that  is  told.  Mhtik 
 
 10  t  The  t^3ys  of  our  years  are  threefcore  years 
 
 and  ten  ;  and  if  by  reafon  of  ftrength  thep  be  fourftore 
 years,  yet  is  their  ftrength  labour  and  I'orrow  :  for  it  are  ifven- 
 is  foon  cat  off,  and  we  fly  away.  '*/ 
 
 and  fervant,  that  is,  David,  or  rather  the  prince  of  his  family,  who  was  upon  lie 
 throne,  when  this  captivity  and  defolation  happened  ;  the  covenant  feemed  to  be 
 overturned  and  made  void,  when  the  crown  of  Ifrael  was  defiled  in  the  dull;  a 
 faint  reprefentation  of  the  power  of  antichrift,  which  has  obfeured  too  long  tin 
 orlory  of  Meffiah’s  reign.  Ver.  52.  BL-ssed  be  the  Lord.  Whatever  be  »t  any  tiir.e 
 our  diftrefs  either  as  a  community,  or  as  individuals.  Rill  are  we  to  believe,  lu.nf 
 hope,  Rill  to  blefs  and  praife  Jehovah,  whofe  word  is  true,  whofe  works  aretoitimn, 
 wbofe  chaRifements  are  mercies,  and  all  wliole  promifes  are  in  ChriR  Jelus,  jea 
 
 and  amen,  for  evermore.  „  re 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  PsaL.  XC.  Ver.  %  6.  The  Riortnefs  of  1  k, 
 
 and  the  fuddennefs  of  our  departure  hence,  are  illuRrated  by  three  fimRitude> 
 The  firR  is  that  of  a  flood,  a  torrent  pouring  unexpetSledly  and  impet-ioully  J 
 the  mountains,  and  fweeping  all  before  it  in  an  inRant.  The  fecond  is  th^  » 
 fleep,  from  which  when  a  man  awaketh,  he  thinkelh  the  time  palTed  m  d  t 
 have  been  nothing.  In  the  third  f.militnde,  man  is  compared  to  the  grals  o  w 
 field.  In  the  morning  of  youtli,  fair  and  beautiful,  he  groweth  up  and  flouriio 
 eth;  in  the  evening  of  old  age,  (and  how  often  before  that  evening!  he  is  cm 
 down  by  the  Rroke  of  death;  all  his  juices  to  the  circulation  of  winch  he  Itoo 
 
 eir  —  _  _  1 
 
 - - - - — ~  7Z  T  X  X  X  1 X  I  Well  ordered  in  all  things  and  fure  i«  the  evcrlaRing  eovonant  of  grace,  which  Jehovah  ^  " 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.— f  Psai..  ^^^^y  and  faithfulnefs  of  God  are  therein  for  ever  clearly  and  comfortably  ’ 
 
 with  Jefus  ChriR.  as  the  Head  and  "^'^Sey  who  experimentally  know  the  joyful  found  of  the  gofiiel  proclaiming  Jefus  viaonesover  fin,  SiU 
 
 and  f..r  ever  adored  both  in  heaven  and  fiappir^fs,  tiirough  his  blood  to  fmful  men.  They  walk  in  the  ligi.t  of  Jehovah  s  favour,  and  cu.i 
 
 SLLt -Tit’  5.TibS  .bd  bo..«..d  b,  cb,i«  I 
 
The  security  and  happiness  of  the  godly. 
 
 11  Who  knoweth  the  power  of  thine  anger 
 
 PSALMS. 
 
 The  excellency  of  friug  praise  to  God. 
 
 lU-fore 
 Cl  I  ri  ft 
 cir.  104?. 
 
 Before  n  Who  knoweth  the  power  ot  thine  anger  even  'i  9  Becaufe  thou  haft  made  the  Lopd,  shich  is  my 
 according  to  thy  fear,  so  is  thy  wrath.  li  refuge,  even  the  molt  Hi-h,  thy  habitation  ; 
 
 12  So  teach  us  to  number  our  days,  that  we  may  ■  10  'J  here  fli  ill  no  evil  befal  thee,  neither  fhall  any 
 
 t  apply  our  hearts  unto  wifdom.  ‘  plague  come  nigh  thy  dwelling. 
 
 ”  O  Lord,  how  long?  and  let  it  repent  j  1 1  *  For  he  (hall  give  his  angels  charge  ever  thee,*  Matih. 
 
 to  keep  thee  in  all  thy  ways. 
 
 12  They  fhall  bear  thee  up  in  their  hands,  left  thou 
 
 1  Heb. 
 
 lodge. 
 
 13  Return  _ _ , 
 
 thee  concerning  thy  fervants. 
 
 14  O  fatisfy  us  early  with  thy  mercy  ;  that  we  may  ,  - ,  - - - ^ 
 
 rejoice  and  be  glad  all  our  days.  dafh  thy  foot  againft  a  ftone. 
 
 15  Make  us  glad  according  to  the  days  vcherein-^  13  Thou  (halt  tread  upon  the  lion  and  H  adder;  the|  Or, 
 thou  haft  afiiiffed  us,  and  the  years  'wherein  we  have  i  young  lion  and  the  dragon  (halt  thou  trample  under"/*- 
 feen  evil. 
 
 16  Let  thy  work  appear  unto  thy  fervants,  and  thy  ;i  14  Becaufe  he  hath  fet  his  love  upon  me,  therefore 
 
 glory  unto  their  children.  i!  will  I  deliver  him  :  I  will  fet  him  on  high,  becaufe  he 
 
 17  And  let  the  beauty  of  the  Lord  our  God  be  j  hath  known  my  name. 
 
 —  •  and  eftablifh  thou  the  work  of  our  hands  15  He  (hall  call  upon  me,  and  I  will  anfwer  him  : 
 
 hands  eftablifh  thou  it.*  I  will  be  with  him  in  trouble  ;  I  will  deliver  him,  and 
 "  '  honour  him. 
 
 16  With  t  long  life  will  I  fatisfy  him,  and  fhew  him  t  rieb. 
 
 r  1 - ;  .  length  of 
 
 upon  us 
 
 upon  us :  yea,  the  work  of  our 
 
 PSALM  XCI. 
 
 The  security  and  happiness  of  the  godly  under  divine proteSlion.  t'j  »vnn  |  i 
 
 He  that  dwelleth  in  the  fecret  place  of  the  moft  ray  falvation.f 
 High,  fhall  t  abide  under  the  fhadow  of  the 
 Almighty.  '  ■  •  ■ 
 
 2  I  will  fay  of  the  Lord,  He  is  my  refuge  and  my 
 fortrefs  :  my  God  ;  in  him  will  I  truft. 
 
 3  Surely  he  fhall  deliver  thee  from  the  fnare  of  the 
 fowler,  and  from  the  noifome  peftilence. 
 
 4  He  fhall  cover  thee  with  his  feathers  and  under 
 his  wings  fhalt  thou  truft  :  his  truth  shall  be  thy  fhield 
 and  buckler. 
 
 5  Thou  fhalt  not  be  afraid  for  the  terror  by  night ; 
 nor  for  the  arrow  that  flieth  by  day  ; 
 
 6  Nor  for  the  peftilence  that  walketh  in  darknefs  ; 
 nor  for  the  deftruftion  that  wafteth  at  noon-day. 
 
 •  7  A  thoufand  fhall  fall  at  thy  fide,  and  ten  thou- 
 fand  at  thy  right  hand  ;  buth  (hall  not  come  nigh  thee. 
 
 8  Only  with  thine  eyes  (halt  thou  behold  and  fee 
 the  reward  of  the  wicked. 
 
 days. 
 
 indebted  for  life,  b^lth,  and  ftrength,  are  dried  up  ;  he  withereth,  and  turneth 
 again  to  his  earth  ;  like  them  we  fall  and  perifh.  To  the  age  of  feventy  years 
 few  of  us  can  hope  to  attain  ;  labour  and  forrow  are  our  portion  in  the  world  • 
 we  are  mown  down,  as  this  year’s  grafs  of  the  field  ;  we  fly  away  and  are  no 
 more  feen  in  the  land  of  the  living.  Ver.  11.  Ulio  knoweth  the  power  of  thine 
 anger  ?  Even  according  to  thy /ear,  fo  is  thy  wrath.  Houbigant  renders  the  verfe 
 
 thus;  “  Quis  novit  vim  irae  tuaa;  et,  prout,  terribilis  es,  furorem  tuum  ? _ “Who 
 
 knoweth,”  or  confidereth,  “the  power  of  thine  anger;  and  thy  wrath,  in  propor- 
 bon  as  thou  art  terrible  ?”  Ver.  1 4—17.  In  thefe  verfes  Mofes  in  confidered  bv 
 mrne  perfons  praying  for  the  young  generation  in  the  wildernefs,  whom  God  bad 
 fpared  while  their  fathers  all  died.  And  unqueftionably  his  prayer  was  anfwer-  . 
 
 ,  e  race  that  entered  Canaan,  experienced  joy  proportionable  to  the  grievous  l 
 trials  which  they  had  witnefled,  and  their  fathers  felt  in  the  wildernefs  ^  1 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Psal.  XCI.  Ver.  1-3.  In  thefe  verfes  as  thev  I 
 obfeurity  and  confufion.  Bifliop  Lowth,  in  his  xxvith  ’ 
 
 PSALM  XCII. 
 
 1  The  prophet  exhorteth  to  praise  God,  4  For  hit  great  works,  6  For  his 
 Judgments  on  the  wicked,  10  Andjor  his  goodnefs  to  the  godly. 
 
 H  A  Pfalm  or  fong  for  the  fabbath-day. 
 
 JT  is  a  good  thing  to  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord, 
 
 *  audio  fing  praifes  unto  thy  name,  O  moft  high  ; 
 
 2  To  fhew  forth  thy  loving-kindnefs  in  the  morn¬ 
 ing,  and  thy  faithfulnefs  t  every  n^ghr.  ^  neb. 
 
 3  Upon  an  inftruraent  of  ten  ftrings,  and  upon  the*** 
 pfaltery  ;  ||  upon  the  harp  with  a  folemn  found. 
 
 4  For  thou  Lord,  haft  made  me  glad  through  thy  * 
 work;  I  will  triumph  in  the  works  of  thy  hands.  sd-mn 
 
 5  O  Lord,  how  great  are  thy  works!  and  thy*®"**^ 
 thoughts  are  very  deep. 
 
 6  A  brutifh  man  knoweth  not  ;  neither  doth  a  foolMTeb 
 
 underftand  this.  n,, 
 
 7  When  the  wicked  fpring  as  the  grafs,  and  when 
 
 aioru 
 
 A  thousand  shall  fall  at  thy  side.  This  promife  has  oftentimes  in  a  wonderful 
 manner  beer,  verified  to  thofe  faithful  fervants  of  God,  whom  the  peftilence  itfelf 
 hath  not  ^deterred  from  doing  the  duties  of  their  ftation.  Recollecl  the  lot  of 
 Caleb  and  Joihua  in  the  wildernefs.  The  bifliop  and  fome  of  the  attendants  at 
 I  Marfe.ll.es,  who  continued  to  perform  their  refpeaive  offices  durin-  the  whole 
 ‘  V'"®  there,  in  1 720,  are  Cgnal  and  well  known  inflances.  Ver.  1 1 
 
 12.  Matt.  IV.  6,  7.  Ver.  13.  Thou /haU  tread  upon  the  Imn  and  adder.  The  fur v 
 and  the  venom  of  our  fp.r.tual  enemies  arc  often  in  feripture  [KiurUayed  bv  the 
 natural  qualities  of  lions  and  ferpents.  Meffiah’s  complete  vihory  over  'thole 
 enemies  leemetb  here  to  be  prediaed.  Through  grace  he  maketh  us  more  ti.aii 
 conquerors  in  our  confl.as  «ith  the  fame  adverlarics.  “The  God  of  peace  ”  faith 
 
 *'  ^  <hortiy,”  l;  •  in.  xiv.  20.  .4nd  it  is 
 
 obfervable,  that  when  the  feventy  difciples  return  to  Chrift  with  jov,  layin-r  .if  ord 
 even  the  devils  are  fubjea  unto  us  through  thy  name  ”  he  anfwers  in  ffie  mVa’ 
 
 ii  ““•»  >«'■  pi—  ■"  -'-j  «"  r™.. 
 
 the  fecret  place  of  the  moft  High  ;  who  abideth  under  theffiadL  of  U.e  H  '  n  ferpents,  and  over  all  the  power  of  the  enemy,  and  nothing  (hail  hv  anv 
 
 1  /s  .  .  ,  ».  iju  auiuciii  uiiucr  iHC  inaaow  or  tiie  AI- 
 
 tvhomV  w'il  ''f fortrefs,  my  God,  in 
 
 nom  1  will  truft;  —leaving  the  fentence  thus  imperfea,  the  pfalmift  maketh 
 
 ffialf'd “Pof^rophe  to  that  perfon  whom  he  has  been  deferibing— “  Surely  he 
 
 Tl  e  ""d  from  the  noifLe  peftSce 
 
 fen^H  ^  ?  n  '®  eminently  applicable  to  the  man  Chrift  Jefus.  He  is  repre’ 
 
 dow  lT  “'®  ''°'y  “"Jer  the  immediate  ilia- 
 
 thp  n  ^  ProteAion  of  the  Almighty,  who  was  his  refuge  and  fortrefs  acainft 
 
 flom^tbe*'^'^^*  f.  ®"®™‘®®  ’  ''■*  P'-eferver  from  the  fnares  of  the  devilf  and 
 whnhe? f  of  fin,  that  fpirit.ial  peftilence.  In  all  dangers 
 
 flea  id*""  c  1“'®  members  of  Cl.rift’s  myft.cal  body  may^re 
 
 <5^  Mill,  comfort,  that  they  are  under  the  fame  Almighty  proteaor^  vjr  7 
 
 unto  you,”  &c.  Luke  x.  17  Giy-e  us  O  Lord,  courageTo  'refiliTh:’ 
 
 and  wifdom  to  elude  the  wiles  of  the  ferpent.  ’ 
 
 I  EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  LI  II.  Ver.  1.  H  is  a  , 
 
 j  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord.  This  pfalm  is  entitled  a  fong  for  the  fabhath  ;  praife 
 being  the  moft  becoming  work  on  that  facred  day.  Ver.  4.  /  «,,// 
 the  wo,ks  of  thy  hands.  A  prolpea  of  creauon  in  the  vernal  fcafon,  fallen' as  it 
 Ills,  mlp.res  the  mind  with  a  joy  which  no  words  can  txnrefs.  I  '  . 
 
 fton^'irir  r  “'T  ‘*®“‘'’  '‘“'•®  their  Tabita* 
 
 tion  :  fliall  «e  not  much  rather  admire  thofe  other  heavens,  and  .h»f  tiabita- 
 
 d.dl  ,igb.couf„di  .„d  W.J  Who,  »“ink  of  ”i."'r  ' 
 
 fitice  even  the  prifoii  is  not  without  its  charms.  Ver  7  8  Tr  ’  P 
 
 VI.  4,0.  It  IS  not  impro- 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Psal.  XC 
 yoP  reconciled  in  Chrift  their  eternal  d 
 they  are  fwiftly  carried  on  the  wings  of 
 
 riounpplicItlL.^'""'  read'ylw  deatlL 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.— f  Ps\L  XCT  1  -u-i -i 
 
 7  E  >  o  to  loeu  deUre,  be  beilovvs  on  them  his  uuuiterabie  bleflTedncfs  abovi 
 
 18 
 
 to  avokorLi  c'°”l . ‘S  Jehovah’s  dominion  over  mankind,  and  endlefs  his  duratio^n,^  t  wear' ild^ft ".•'“'a 
 
 1  o  ponder  aright  what  is  to  become  of  us  in  eternity  is  vv  ifdom  indeed  and  d^erves  the  moft  1 
 
 their  defire,  he  bellows  on  them  his  uuuuerr.l ,  1 
 
Tiic  :>ujfs(:j,  /wxtr,  cSr.  of  Citrisfs  kingdom, 
 
 Pefore  all  the  workers  of  iniquity  do  flourifli ;  it  is  that  they 
 cir  lols,  dedroyed  for  ^er. 
 
 PSALMS. 
 
 a  llofea 
 
 t  Hd). 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 /roni 
 
 Ihein. 
 
 Heb. 
 to  length 
 of  d-jys. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 God  of 
 Tcv'nges. 
 I  Heb. 
 thine 
 Jotih. 
 
 8  But  thou,  Lord,  art  most  high  for  evermore. 
 
 9  For,  lo,  thine  enemies,  O  Lord,  for,  lo,  thine 
 enemies  (hall  perith  ;  all  the  workers  of  iniquity  fliall 
 be  fcattered. 
 
 10  But  my  horn  (halt  thou  exalt  like  the  horn  o/'an 
 unicorn  :  1  (hall  be  anointed  with  fre(h  oil. 
 
 11  Mine  eye  alfo  Oiall  see  mtj  desire  on  mine  ene¬ 
 mies,  and  mine  ears  (hall  hear  mj/  desire  of  the  wick¬ 
 ed  that  rise  up  againl^  me. 
 
 12  »  The  righteous  (hall  flourifh  like  the  palm-tree  ; 
 he  (hall  prow  like  a  cedar  in  Lebanon. 
 
 13  'i'hol’e  that  be  planted  in  the  houfe  of  the  Lord 
 (hall  tiourhh  in  the  courts  of  cur  God. 
 
 l-t  They  (hall  (till  bring  forth  fruit  in  old  age  ;  they 
 (hall  be  fat  and  f  fiourilhing. 
 
 15  To  (hew  that  the  Lord  is  upright ;  he  is  my  rock 
 and  there  is  no  unrighteoulhtfs  in  him.* 
 
 PSALM  XCIII. 
 
 The  mc'jesty,  potcer,  and  holiness,  of  Chrisi's  kingdom. 
 
 The  Lord  reigneth  ;  he  is  clothed  with  majefty ; 
 
 the  Lord  is  clothed  with  ftrength,  he 
 
 hath  girded  himfelf:  the  world  alfo  is  eftablifhed,  that 
 it  cannot  be  moved. 
 
 2  Thy  throne  is  eflablilhed  t  of  old  :  thou  art  from 
 everlafting. 
 
 3  The  floods  have  lifted  up,  O  Lord,  the  floods 
 have  lifted  up  their  voice ;  the  floods  lift  up  their 
 waves 
 
 4  The  Lord  on  high  is  mightier  than  the  noife 
 of  many  waters,  yea  than  the  mighty  waves  of  the 
 
 5  Thy  teftiraonies  are  very  fure  :  holinefs  becometh 
 thine  noufe,  O  Lord,  f  for  ever.f 
 PSALM  XCIV. 
 
 1  The  prophet,  calling  for  justice,  complainelh  of  tyranny  and  impiety  : 
 8  he  sbeweth  God's  providence  ;  12  he  tencheth  the  blessedness  oj  njjlic- 
 tion.  16  God  is  the  defender  of  the  affheied. 
 
 LORD  t  God,  to  whom  vengeance  belongeth  ; 
 
 o 
 
 O  God,  to  whom  vengeance  belongeth,  f  (hew 
 
 thvielf. 
 
 babte,  that  tl:e  verfe  Ihould  be  conneaed  with  that  preceding,  thus— “  A  bru- 
 tilh  man  knowetb  not  ;  neither  doth  a  fool  underftand  this  namely,  that  “  When 
 the  wicked  fpring  as  grafs,  and  when  all  the  workers  of  iniquity  do  flourifh  ;  it  is 
 that  they  (hall  be  deflroyed  for  ever they  are  only  nourilhing  themfelves  like 
 fe.  fetfcfs  cattle  in  plentiful  paftures,  for  the  approaching  day  of  (laughter.  Ver.  10. 
 Ba  my  horn  shalt  thou  exai  like  the  horn  of  an  unicorn.  An  unicorn,  Heb. 
 f  \’.m)  an  eafttrn  animal  of  the  flag  or  deer  kind,  remarkable  for  its  heiglit, 
 Itrength  and  fiercenefs.  My  horn,  faith  the  Pfalmifl,  (it  is  likely  in  the  perfon  of 
 MtfTiah,')  my  horn,  that  is,  the  (Irength  and  power  ot  my  kingdom,  “(halt  thou 
 exalt  like  the  horn  of  the  unicorn,”  like  the  power  of  the  ftrongeft  creatures,  to 
 which  that  of  dates  and  empires  are  often  compared  ;  I  fliall  be,  or  lam  anointed 
 w  ith  frefli  oil  ;  1  am  appointed  and  confecratcd  king  by  the  holy  unaion.  Ver^ 
 12.  The  righteous  shall  flourish  like  the  palm-tree.  The  momentary  profperity  of 
 the  wicked  was  compared  above  to  the  tranfient  verdure  of  grais.  The  durable 
 felicity  of  the  righteous  is  here  likened  to  the  lading  irength,  and  beauty  of 
 palms  and  cedarf  But  chiefly  is  that  comparifon  applicable  to  that  Jud  One,  the 
 King  of  rigbteoufnefs,  and  Tree  of  Life;  eminent  and 
 and  fragrant ;  under  the  greated  prelTure  and  weight 
 toward  heaven  ;  affording  both  fruit  and  proteaion.  “  I 
 
 church,  “  under  bis  diadow  with  great  delight,  and  bis  fruit  was  fweet  to  my  tade. 
 So-  ii.  3. 
 
 The  blessedness  of  affliction, 
 
 2  Lift  up  ihyfelf,  thou  Judge  of  the  earth :  render  iWore 
 
 a  reward  to  the  proud-  Chriq 
 
 3  Lord,  how  long  (hall  the  wicked,  how  long  (lialiri 
 the  wicked  triumph  ? 
 
 4  How  long  (hall  they  utter  and  fpeak  hard  things? 
 and  all  the  workers  of  iniquity  boaft  themfelves  ? 
 
 5  They  break  in  pieces  thy  people,  O  Lord,  and 
 afilift  thine  heritage  : 
 
 6  They  flay  the  widow  and  the  flranger,  and  mur¬ 
 der  the  fatherlefs. 
 
 7  “  Yet  they  fay,  The  Lord  (hall  not  fee,  neither®  lYain, 
 
 (hall  the  God  of  Jacob  regard  it.  11,13, 
 
 8  Under(hand,  ye  bruti(h  among  the  people :  and 
 ye  tools  when  will  ye  be  wile? 
 
 9  He  that  planted  the  ear,  (hall  he  not  hear?  hebExod. 
 that  formed  the  eye,  (hall  he  not  fee  ? 
 
 10  He  that  chaftifeth  the  heathen,  (hall  not  he  cor- 00°'; 
 redf?  he  that  teacheth  man  knowledge,  sha/l  not  he"  '  " 
 know  ? 
 
 1 1  =  The  Lord  knoweth  the  thoughts  of  man,  that  2  Cat, 
 they  are  vanity. 
 
 12  Bleflfed  is  the  man  whom  thou  chalieneft,  O 
 Lord,  and  teachefl:  him  out  of  thy  law  ; 
 
 13  That  thou  raayefl;  give  him  reft  from  the  days  of 
 adverfity,  until  th^  pit  be  digged  for  the  wicked. 
 
 14  For  the  Lord  will  not  caft  oft  his  people,  neither 
 will  he  forl'ake  his  inheritance  : 
 
 15  But  judgment  (hall  return  unto  righteoufnefs ; 
 
 and  all  the  upright  in  heart  f  (hall  follow  it.  t  Heb. 
 
 16  Who  will  rife  up  for  me  againft  the  evil-doers  ?^haii  be 
 or  who  will  (tand  up  for  me  againft  the  workers 
 iniquity  ? 
 
 17  Unlefs  the  Lord  had  been  my  help,  my  (bul  had 
 
 1)  almoft  dwelt  in  filence.  0  Or, 
 
 18  When  I  laid,  my  foot  (lippeth  ;  thy  mercy, 
 
 Lord,  held  me  up. 
 
 19  In  ihe  multitude  of  my  thoughts  within  me  thy 
 comforts  delight  my  foul. 
 
 20  Shall  the  throne  of  iniquity  have  fellowlhip  with 
 thee,  which  frameth  mifchief  by  a  law  ? 
 
 21  They  gather  themfelves  together  againft  the  foul 
 of  the  righteous,  and  condemn  the  innocent  blood, 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  XCIII.  Ver.  1.  The  Lord  reigneth 
 The  Jews  acknowledge  that  the  kingdom  of  Meffiah  is  the  fiibje<51  of  this  pfalm, 
 and  all  thofe  which  follow  to  the  hundredth.  Rifen  from  the  dead,  and 
 afcended  into  heaven,  the  Lord  Jefus  reigneth  and  (liall  reign,  “till  he  bath 
 put  all  enemies  under  his  feet,”  1  Cor.  xv.  25.  By  the  gioriiication  of  his 
 human  nature,  be  is  “clothed  with  majefty;  All  power  is  given  unto  him  in 
 heaven  and  in  earth;”  Matth.  xxviii.  18.  fo  that  he  is  girded  with  ftrength; 
 and  through  that  ftrength,  he  bath  eflablilhed  the  new  world,  that  is  to  fay, 
 his  church,  that  it  cannot  be  moved,  or  fubverted,  by  all  the  powers  of  earth 
 and  hell.  '  er.  3,  4.  In  the  firft  of  thefe  verfes,  the  church  appears  like  s 
 (hip  in  a  ftormy  fea,  to  which  fhe  is  often  compared.  Perfecutions  and  afflic- 
 tions  are  thofe  floods,  thofe  waves  of  this  troublefome  world,  which  threaten  every 
 moment  to  overwhelm  and  fink  her.  With  a  fearful  and  defponding  tone  of  voice, 
 therefore,  (he  crieth  out,  “  The  floods  have  lifted  up,  O  Lord,  the  floods  havt 
 lifted  up  their  voice:  the  floods  lift  up  their  waves!”  But  immediately  (lie 
 ftrengtheneth  and  comfoi  teth  herfelf  in  the  Lord  her  God  :  “  The  Lord  on  liigl> 
 is  mightier  than  the  noife  of  many  waters,  yea,  than  the  mighty  waves  of  the 
 fea.” 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  XCIV.  Ver.  1.  Rom.  xii.  19.  Ver.  10. 
 He  that  chastiselh  the  heathen,  shall  not  he  correSl  ?  He  that  teacheth  man  knowledge ; 
 shall  not  he  know?  Or,  he  that  inftruiSleth  the  nations,  (hall  not  he  rebuke? 
 
 .T  /-.ucL’RVATinVS  — *  Psal.  XCII.1  Whatever  our  engagements  be,  gratitude  binds  us  at  lead  to  begin  and  end  every  day  with  prailb  and 
 PRACIIlAL  OBSLRVA  i.  -  ,  .  f.  1  1  imnortant  And  they  who  have  lively  experience  of  God’s  love  and  faithfulnefs,  will  delight  in  daily  (he''" 
 
 pray  ers,  duties  not  more  juft,  t  an  t  ey  me  ^ and  dreadful  the  mifery  in  w  hich  it  ilfues  ;  and  yet  how  is  God  glorified,  and  the  faints  profited  by 
 
 mg  forth  Uis^falvatio^^^  pf^afant  and  profita^ble  to  themfelves  and  others,  and  honourable  to  God,  lhall  be  the  fpiritual  growth  of  thofe  who  are  planted  in  Chrift,  aod 
 
 their  deftrudlion. 
 
 live  in  tile  continual  enjoyment  of  him.  ^  believing  views  of  Jefus  Chrift  are  excellest  means  to  fubdue  the  pride,  and  remove  tin 
 
 afS  m^n  ^^Tlley  who  have  btJfSu.eir  King  and  Keeper,  have  no  reafon  to  be  moved  from  their  lledfaflnefs.  No  earthly  honours  need  difquiet  thofe  who  b®' 
 C^ift  me  Lord  of  all,  to  be  their  Saviour  and  portion. 
 
cir.  101.). 
 
 yfn  cxhorfalion  lo  praise  God,  PSALIVIS. 
 
 lufore  22  But  the  Lord  is  iny  defence ;  and  my  God  is 
 
 the  rock  of  my  rt-fn^e.  ,  ... 
 
 '  '  23  And  he  (liall  bring  upon  them  their  own  iniquity,  ; 
 
 and  (hall  cut  them  off  in  (heir  own  wickednefs ;  yea, 
 the  Lord  our  God  (hall  cut  them  oft.* 
 
 P8ALM  XCV. 
 
 I  An  exhortation  lo  praise  Cod,  3  Jor  his  grealnns,  6  and  for  hit  good- 
 j,  8  and  not  lo  tempt  him. 
 
 j.  COME,  let  us  fing  unto  the  Lord  ;  let  us  make 
 *  a  joyful  noife  to  the  Rock  of  our  lalvation. 
 
 2  Let  ns  f  come  before  his  prefence  with  thanklgiv- 
 ing,  and  make  a  joyful  noile  unto  him  with  pfalms. 
 
 3  For  the  Lord  is  a  great  God,  and  a  great  King 
 above  all  gods. 
 
 4  t  In  his  hand  are  the  deep  places  of  the  earth  ; 
 
 II  the  ftrength  of  the  hills  is  his  .alio. 
 
 5  t  The  lea  is  his,  and  he  made  it ;  and  his  hands 
 
 O*  SING  unto  the  Lord 
 the  Lord  all  th-  '-ar'T 
 
 2  Sing  unto  the  I.ord,  blefs  his  name  ;  (hew  forth 
 his  C.ilvation  from  day  to  dav, 
 
 3  Declare  his  gf  ry  among  the  heathen,  his  won- 
 ;  ders  among  all  people. 
 
 l'  4  For  the  Lord  is  great,  and  greatly  to  be  praifed  : 
 j  he  IS  to  be  feared  above  all  gods. 
 
 5  For  all  the  gods  of  the  nations  are  idols ;  but  the 
 \  Lord  made  the  heaven?. 
 
 1  fj  Honour  and  majefty  are  before  him  ;  ftrength 
 j  and  beauty  aie  in  his  (an^uary. 
 
 ,  7  Give  unto  the  Lord,  O  ye  kindreds  of  the 
 
 people,  give  unto  the  Lord  glory  and  ftiength. 
 
 8  Give  unto  the  Lord  the  glory  f  du.’  unto 
 
 Jur  his  jfrralni‘\ ,,  ami  /.  i'  jdom, 
 a  new  Cong  ;  ftng  unto 
 
 mss, 
 
 I  Ileb. 
 prevent 
 hisjace 
 
 () 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 in  whose. 
 
 II  Or,  the 
 heights  of 
 
 the  hills  formed  the  dry  land, 
 are  his.  g  Q  come,  let  US  worftiip  and  bow  down  ;  let  us 
 kneel  before  the  Lord  our  maker. 
 
 7  For  he  is  our  God  ;  and  we  are  the  people  of  his 
 pafiure,  and  the  (hetp  of  his  hand,  *  To-day,  if  ye 
 will  hear  his  voice, 
 
 8  Harden  not  your  heart,  as  in  the  f  provocation, 
 and  as  in  the  day  of  temptation  in  the  wildernefs  : 
 
 9  When  your  fathers  tempted  me,  proved  me,  and 
 faw  if'V  work 
 
 10  Forty  years  long  was  I  grieved  with  this  gene- 
 fion,  and  faid.  It  is  a  people  that  do  err  in  their 
 
 heart,  and  they  have  not  known  my  ways  ; 
 
 1 1  Unto  whom  1  fware  in  my  wrath,  f  that  they 
 fhculd  not  enter  into  mv  reft.+ 
 
 PSALM  XCVI. 
 
 1  An  exhortation  to  praise  God,  4  for  his  greatness,  8  Jor  his  kingdom, 
 1 1  Jor  his  general  judgment. 
 
 Iltfore 
 C’brift 
 c;r.  I04j. 
 
 a  I  Chro. 
 
 .  1C.  va. 
 
 sea  is. 
 a  Ileb. 
 
 3.  7.  & 
 
 4.  7. 
 b  Exod. 
 
 12.  2,  7. 
 
 Numb. 
 
 14.  22, 
 
 &c. 
 
 ■}•  Ileb. 
 contention  raf  iOD, 
 t  Heb. 
 if  iheij  en¬ 
 ter  into 
 my  rest. 
 
 _  -  _  _  .  - . -  his  f 
 
 name  :  bring  an  offering,  and  come  into  his  courts. 
 
 9  O  worfhip  the  Lord  IJ  in  the  beauty  of  holinefs  : 
 fear  before  him  all  the  earth.  inhUgia. 
 
 ,  10  Say  among  the  heathen,  that  the  Lord  reign- 
 
 i  eth  :  the  world  alfo  fhall  be  eftablifhed  that  it  fhall  not 
 '  be  moved  :  he  fhall  judge  the  people  righteoufly.  93.  1*  & 
 
 !  11  Let  the  heavens  rejoice,  and  let  the  earth  bes".  1. 
 
 i  glad  ;  let  the  fea  roar,  and  the  fulnefs  thereof. 
 
 I  12  Let  the  field  be  joyful,  and  all  that  is  therein  : 
 then  fhall  all  the  trees  of  the  wood  rejoice, 
 j  13  Before  the  Lord  ;  for  he  cometh,  for  he  cometh 
 .  to  judge  the  earth  :  he  (hall  judge  the  world  with  righ- 
 teoulhefs,  and  the  people  with  his  trutb.-t: 
 
 1  PSALM  XCVII. 
 
 1  The  majesty  of  God's  kingdom.  7  The  church  rtjoiceth  at  God's  jud<r- 
 ments  upon  idolaters.  10  An  exhorta:ion  to  godlinefs  and  gladrufs^ 
 
 j  Lord  reigneth  ;  let  the  earth  rejoice:  let 
 
 X  the  t  multitude  of  iftes  be  glad  thereof.  ^ 
 
 I  2  Clouds  and  darknefs  are  round  about  himr^JixS' 
 
 even  he  that  teachelb  man  knowledge?  Ver.  12.  Blessed  is  the  man  whom  thou  and  by  your  aaions  •  and  whil..  il  [  I - 
 
 chaslenesi,  or  iiiBru<?left,  O  Lord.  i  trnnfmif  tho  i  *  >  “  le  God  allows  you  breath  and  life,  let  one  day 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  PsAt.  XCV.  Ver.  4.  5.  The  treafures,  which  -  in  heaven  L  alTrrU^  continued 
 
 he  hid  m  the  deep  places  of  the  earth  beneath  ;  the  majeflic  pride  and  ftrength  ii  In  other  ’worHs_AT,t„  „  7’  heathen  that  ,he  Lord  reisnelk. 
 
 of  the  hills,  which  tower  above,  and  lift  up  their  heads  to  heaven  ;  the  unHumlK’r-  i\  of  the  e-ofnel  th»I  »  "i’  ®  apoftl?*  and  preachers, 
 
 ed  waves  of  the  great  and  wide  fea,  which  roll  in  perpetual  motion  round  the  of  Satan  is  overthrown  an7th  ;  the  ufurped  empire 
 
 world;  the  rich  and  variegated  produce  of  the  dry  land  crowned  with  verdure  and  ■'  in  the  hearts  of  hU  ’  ol  7  redeemed  mankind,  reigneth 
 
 beauty  ;  together  with  every  thing  that  liveth,  in  the  waters,  or  on  the  earth  ;  all  H  plan  of  fecular  nollo.  h‘’V  '  ‘*'7  ’  7  «  formed  not  upon  the 
 
 are  under  the  government  of  our  God  ;  by  him  were  all  things  created  ;  by  him  i  eftablifhed  on  immol/Vl  c  principle  of  heavenly  love  ;  it  i 
 
 have  all  things  been  redeemed.  Ver.  8,  9.  The  firft  claufeTf  thefe  two  verfes 
 may  be  joi.  ed  to  the  preceeding  verfe,  thus,  •<  He  is  cur  God.  we  are  the  people 
 of  his  pafture,  and  the  ftieep  of  his  hand,  if  ye  will  hear  his  voice  to-day  that 
 is,  ft  ye  will  be  his  obedient  people,  he  will  continue  to  be  your  God.  Or  elfe 
 the  word  (am)  tranflated  “if,”  may  be  rendered  in  the  optative  form.  “  O  that 
 you  would  hear  his  voice  to-day,”  faying  unto  you,  “  Harden  not,”  &c.  How¬ 
 ever  this  be,  what  follows  to  the  end  of  the  pfalm  is  undoubtedly  fpoken  in  the 
 perfon  of  God  liimfelf,  who  may  be  confidered  as  addrefling  us,  in  thefe  latter  days 
 ^  the  gofpel  of  his  Son  ;  for  fo  the  apoftle  teaches  us  to  apply  the  whole  palTage’ 
 
 Mm  ‘''i'  ‘he  place  called 
 
 Matfah  and  Merihah,  from  the  people  there  tempting,  and  ftriving  with  their  God,  i 
 
 notwithftanding  all  the  mighty  works  which  he  had  wrought  for  them,  before  their  ' 
 vyes,  iiixocl.  xvii.  7.  -  ■ 
 
 he  latter  claufe  of  the  verfe  is  very  exprelfive  in  the  original,  fheffedu)  Preach 
 
 Tour  dif  he  tht  conftant  theme  of  aU 
 
 your  ciftourfes;  puhlifli  it  to  the  world  in  every  poflible  way,  by  your  words  | 
 
 eftablifhed  on  immoveable  foundations,  nor  fhall  he  gaterofheTl^  7’  “  7 
 it;  righteoufnefs  fhall  dwell  in  it,  fince  He.  ^  is  the  "T'f 
 
 .t.r  1  """'ned  «'tb  a  produce  of  an  hundred-fohl 
 
 difplayeth  an  emblem  of  the  fruit  yielded  by  tlie  feed  of  the  Wnr  I  '  .i  ’ 
 church;  the  trees  of  the  wood,  lofty!  verdant,\nd  dlffufe.  apt  reX  ati 
 of  holy  perfons,  thofe  “  trees  of  righteoufnefs,  the  planting  of  Jehovah  "  Ifl  lx! 
 3.  whofe  examples  are  eminent,  fair,  and  exienCve  all  thefe  7,7 L  .i  7 
 
 ,a  ,„i„  i„  .  .h.„kfsi.i.g  i,.k„  .„a 
 
 NOTES.  PSAL.  XCVIT  Ver  i  r  .  .r. 
 the  isles  be  glad  thereof.  The  Hebrews  called  by  tbTi  nam'etf 
 only  countries  furrounded  by  the  fea  but  .11  .ho  ^  7  I  ’ 
 
 practical  OBSERVATIONS —*  PsAi  XCIV  n  Tho  h  .c  c-  « - - - - ^ _ 
 
 P«iT.  V  P\7  T  13 _ :/»-  < _  .  o  -  ® 
 
The 
 
 ■Hi-fore 
 C’lirill 
 cir.  1045 
 
 (h  at  the  judgments  of  God, 
 
 and  judgment  arc  the  1|  habitation  of 
 
 a  Plalm 
 89.  14. 
 
 H 
 
 estnblisk- 
 
 tiien;. 
 
 b  Exod. 
 20  4. 
 Levit. 
 26.  1. 
 Ueuter. 
 5.  8. 
 c  lli'b. 
 1.  6. 
 
 »  righteoufuefs 
 his  throne. 
 
 3  A  lire  goeth  before  him,  and  burneth  up  his  ene¬ 
 mies  round  about. 
 
 4  His  lightning.4  enlightened  the  world  :  the  earth 
 faw  and  trembled. 
 
 5  'I'ne  hills  melted  like  wax  at  the  prefence  of  the 
 Lord,  at  the  prefence  of  the  Lord  of  the  whole 
 earth. 
 
 6  rhe  heavens  declare  his  rightecufnefs,  and  all 
 the  p^'ople  fee  his  glory. 
 
 "  **  Confounded  be  all  they  that  ferve  graven  images, 
 
 that  boaft  themfelves  of  idols  :  =  worfhip  him,  all  t/e  j' joyful  together. 
 
 PSALMS.  The  kingdom  of  God  in  Zion, 
 
 S  He  hath  remembered  his  mercy  and  his  truth  to-  Before 
 ward  the  houfe  of  li’rael :  all  the  ends  of  the  earth 
 have  feen  the  falvation  of  our  God. 
 
 4  Make  a  joyful  noife  unto  the  Lord,  all  the  earth  : 
 make  a  loud  noife,  and  rejoice,  and  fing  praife. 
 
 5  Sing  unto  the  Lord  with  the  harp ;  with  the 
 harp,  and  the  voice  of  a  pfalm. 
 
 6  With  trumpets,  and  found  of  cornet,  make  a  joy¬ 
 ful  noife  before  the  Lord  the  King. 
 
 .7  Let  the  fea  roar,  and  the  fulnefs  thereof ;  the 
 world,  and  they  that  dwell  therein. 
 
 8  Let  the  floods  clap  their  hands :  let  the  hills  be 
 
 d  Pfalm 
 .S4.  14. 
 Amos 
 .5.  15. 
 Romans 
 12.  9. 
 
 II  Oo 
 
 to  the  me 
 moriuL 
 
 a  Ifaiah 
 52.  1 9. 
 
 «  Or. 
 revealed. 
 
 gods. 
 
 8  Zion  heard,  and  was  glad ;  and  the  daughters  of 
 Judah  rejoiced,  becaufe  of  thy  judgments  O  Lord. 
 
 9  For  thou.  Lord,  art  high  above  all  the  earth: 
 thou  art  exalted  far  above  all  gods. 
 
 10  Ye  that  love  the  Lord,  ‘‘hate  evil:  he  pre- 
 ferveth  the  fouls  of  his  faints  he  delivereth  them  out 
 of  the  hand  of  the  wicked. 
 
 11  L’ght  is  fown  for  the  righteous,  and  gladnefs  for 
 the  upright  in  heart. 
 
 12  Rejoice  in  the  Lord,  ye  righteous ;  and  give 
 'thanks  I1  at  the  remembrance  of  his  holinefs.*  ^ 
 
 PSALM  XCVIII. 
 
 1  The  psalmiit  exhorleth  the  Jews,  4  the  Gentiles,  ?  and  all  the  creatures 
 to  praise  God. 
 
 H  A  pfalm. 
 
 OSING  unto  the  Lord  a  new  fong  ;  for  he  hath 
 done  marvellous  things ;  his  right  hand  and  his 
 holy  arm  hath  gotten  him  the  victory. 
 
 2  »  The  Lord  hath  made  known  his  falvation  :  his 
 righteoufnefs,  hath  he  11  openly  Ibewed  in  the  fight  of 
 the  heathen. 
 
 21.  is  expounded  as  follows,  »  In  him  fliall  the  Gentiles  trull.”  Ver.  2.  Clouds 
 and  darkness  are  round  about  him.  When  the  mercy  and  grace  of  our  heavenly 
 King  are  to  be  deferibed,  be  is  likened  to  the  fun  fuining  in  a  clear  farmament, 
 and  gladdening  univerfal  nature  with  his  beneOcent  rays.  But  when  we  are  to 
 conceive  an  idea  of  him  as  going  forth  in  juaice  and  judgment,  to  difromfit  and 
 punidi  his  adverfaries,  the  imagery  in  then  borrowed  from  a  trouWed  Iky  ;  he  is 
 piaured  as  furrounded  by  ><  clouds  and  darknefs;”  from  whence  iffue  lightnings, 
 lad  thunders,  aorms  and  tempeas,  affrighting  and  confounding  the  wicked  and 
 impenitent.  Ver.  3-6.  Compare  Pfal.  xviii.  7-13.  1.  3.  Ixvm  8.  with  notes. 
 Ver.  7.  Confounded  be,  or  Oiall  be,  all  they  that  serve  graven  images.  V  hen  Jelus 
 was  exalted,  his  gofpel  publiihed,  and  his  power  and  glory  inade  known  in  the 
 heathen  world,  men  grew  aOiamed  of  their  images,  and  boaaed  themfelves  in  their 
 idols  no  more.  The  kfl  claufe  of  this  verfe,  »  WorOiip  him,  all  ye  gods,  declares 
 the  fupremacy  of  Chria,  over  all  that  are  called  gods,  (alehim,)  in  heaven  and  in 
 earth,  who  are  enjoined  to  pay  adoration  unto  him,  inaead  of  claiming  it  for  them¬ 
 felves.  Ver.  8,  9.  The  inhabitants  of  the  new  Zion,  or  the  peopie  of  God,  heard 
 the  tidings,  that  idols  and  idolatry  were  fallen,  and  the  Lord  Jefus  reigned  trr 
 
 lue  naings,  uiai  luuis  atau  ----  — - ?  - «  r  i  » 
 
 U..,  h..,d.  ..d,  l!l.d  l  d.ught.,.  of  jud.^^ 
 
 umpoant :  uiey  nearu,  auu  - »  ,  .1  .  /»  a.  •. 
 
 churches,  rejoiced  in  the  Holy  Ghoft,  with  joy  unfpeakable  becaufe  of  thefe  judg¬ 
 ments  of  their  God  upon  his  enemies,  whereby  he  evinced  k 
 
 powers  of  the  earth,  and  the  gods  of  the  nations.  Thus,  at  the  fall  of  Baby  o  , 
 is  faid.  Rev.  xviii.  20.  “  Rejoice  over  her  thou  heaven.  J®" 
 
 prophets,  for  God  hath  avenged  you  on  her.  And  Euiebius  fpwks  in  the  fo  - 
 fowfng  terms,  of  the  times  under  Conftantine.  which  fucceeded  the  overthrow  of 
 Maxemius  and  Maximin  :  »  A  bright  and  glorious  uay,  no  cloud  overlhadow  ng 
 it,  did  enlighten  it,  with  rays  of  heavenly  light,  the  churches  of  Chnft  over  all  the 
 earth  ;— and  among  all  Chriftians  there  was  an  ineipreflible  joy,  and  a  kind  of 
 
 ccleRial  sladners,”  Ecclcfiast.  Hist.  B.  x.  .  tt  7  si 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Psxl.  XCVIII.  Ver.  3.  He  hath  remem- 
 
 \JU 
 
 T’ 
 
 9  Before  the  Lord  :  for  he  cometh  to  judge  the^^  Bfnim 
 earth  :  with  righteoufnefs  fhall  he  judge  the  world, 
 and  the  people  with  equity.f 
 
 PSALM  XCIX. 
 
 1  The  prophet,  settelh  forth  the  kingdom  of  God  in  Zion,  5  he  exhorteth 
 by  the  forefathers'  example,  to  wor/hip  God  at  his  holy  hill. 
 
 HE  Lord  reigneth ;  let  the  people  tremble: 
 he  fitteth  between  the  cherubiras ;  let  the  earth 
 f  be  moved.  f 
 
 2  The  Lord  is  great  in  Zion  ;  and  he  is  high  above 
 all  people. 
 
 3  Let  them  praife  thy  great  and  terrible  name ;  for 
 it  is  holy. 
 
 4  The  king’s  ftrength  alfo  loveth  judgment:  thou 
 doft  eftablifli  equity,  thou  executefl;  judgment  and 
 righteoufnefs  in  Jacob. 
 
 5  Exalt  ye  the  Lord  our  God,  and  worfhip  at  his 
 footftool :  for  ||  he  is  holy. 
 
 6  Mofes  and  Aaron  among  his  priefts,  and  Samuel 
 among  them  that  call  upon  his  name;  they  called 
 upon  the  Lord,  and  he  anfwered  them.  . 
 
 7  He  fpake  unto  them  in  the  cloudy  pillar :  they  kept 
 
 \\  Or, 
 it  is  Italy, 
 
 bered  his  mercy  and  truth  towards  the  house  of  Israel.  In  fending  the  Meffiah 
 God  Ihewed  himfelf  mindful  of  the  promifes  which  mercy  prompted  him  to  make, 
 and  truth  required  him  to  perform.  Thefe  promifes  were  made  to  the  houfe  ct 
 Ifrael  ;  to  the  lok  fheep  of  that  houfe  Chrik  declared  himfelf  font ;  and  the 
 apoftles  offered  falvation  firft  to  the  Jews;  but  to  them  it  was  never  intended  that 
 evangelical  bleffings  (hould  he  confined.  Ver.  7 — 9.  The  inanimate  parts  of  cref. 
 tion  are  called  upon  to  bear  their  part  in  the  new  fong,  and  to  fill  up  the  univer¬ 
 fal  chorus  of  praife  and  thankfgiving,  in  honour  of  him  that  fitteth  on  the  throue. 
 Or,  perhaps,  the  converted  heathen  nations  are  intended  under  the  figures  of  the 
 fea,  the  rivers,  and  the  hills,  and  their  exultations  expreffed  by  the  noife  of  many 
 waters,  their  beauty  and  faitbfulnefs  by  thofe  of  tlie  hills,  when  crowned  with 
 plenty,  they,  as  it  were,  laugh,  and  fing  at  the  approach  of  harveft.  The  fubjed 
 of  this  general  joy  is,  as  before  in  Pfal.  xevi,  15.  the  advent  of  Meffiah  to  reform 
 the  world,  to  execute  judgment  upon  the  wicked,  and  to  eftabliHi  a  kingdom  of 
 righteoufnefs  upon  the  earth.  We  expea  his  fecond  advent  to  reftore  all  things, 
 to  judge  the  world,  to  condemn  his  enemies,  and  to  begin  his  glorious  reign.  Then 
 fliall  heaven  and  earth  rejoice,  and  the  joy  of  the  redeemed  fliall  be  full. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  XCIX.  Ver.  1.  The  Lord  reigneth, 
 let  the  people  tremble.  Jehovah  reigneth  in  the  Cliriftian  church,  as  he  did  of  old 
 in  the  Jewifli  temple;  when  he  appeared  between  the  cherubims  in  the  holy  of 
 holies,  in  the  form  and  likenefs  of  a  man,  encompaffed  with  glory,  Ezek.  i.  26. 
 Numb.  vii.  39.  he  fubdued  the  enemies  of  Ifrael  when  they  raged  mod  furioudy 
 againft  his  people;  he  will  alfo  bring  into  fubjeaion  the  adverfaries  of  ibe 
 gofpel,  and  finally  render  us  viaorious  over  the  powers  of  darknefs.  Ver.  6,  7. 
 To  encourai'e  the  faithful  in  the  worfliip  of  God,  examples  of  Mole', 
 Aaron,  and  Samuel,  are  adduced,  men  of  like  infirmities  with  ourfelves,  whole 
 prayers  were  heard  both  for  themfelves  and  others,  and  anfwers  were  re¬ 
 turned  to  them  from  the  inyflic  cloud,  the  fymbol  of  the  divine  prefence. 
 Ver  8  Thou  answerest  them,  0  Lord  our  God.  The  conftruaion  of  the  verle 
 
 - 13  V  P  VII  1  However  mysterious  Divine  Providence  may  be,  it  is  always  just.  The  nations  are  fl.aken,  thaltbe 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Psal.  XCMI.]  Ho  >  nor  fixed  customs  of  wickednefs,  fliall  be  able  to  withstand  his  conquering  influeiic  • 
 
 kingdom  of  Christ  may  be  establiflied.  bis  gracious  prefervation  and  deliverance  of  his  people. 
 
 Let  the  faints  then  rejoice  in  the  dignity  of  his  perfon  office  and  sU  ,  g  P  ,  e^ja^ine  what  are  our  thoughts  of  Jehovah  Jefus  .  w  ha‘ 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS-t  Tsal.  10  While  we^li^^^^^^^^  ^  death  ;  an  of 
 
 are  our  fentiments  of  his  marve  lous  incarnation,  mirac.  ’  ’nming  in  poiUr  to  convert  the  nations,  and  of  bis  coming  m  glory  to  judge  all  intelligent  ben  j, 
 
 ip.™, ....  u, 
 
Jn  exhortation  to  praise  God  cheerftiUy,  <$'ۥ 
 
 PSALMS. 
 
 The  prophet  makdh  n 
 
 lint. 
 
 before 
 Clirift 
 1045, 
 
 cir 
 
 |]  Or, 
 
 thanks¬ 
 giving- 
 I  Heb. 
 oU  the 
 earth- 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 and  his 
 xve  are. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 to  genera¬ 
 tion  and 
 genera¬ 
 tion. 
 
 M' 
 
 his  teftimonies,  and  the  ordinance  that  he  gave  | 
 
 s^rhou  anfweredft  them,  O  Lord  our  God  :  thou 
 wait  a  God  that  forgavell  them,  though  thou  tookeli 
 vengeance  of  their  inventions.  ,  •  .  , 
 
 9  Exalt  the  Lord  our  God,  and  worlhip  at  his  holy 
 hill  :  for  the  Lord  our  God  is  holy.* 
 
 PSALM  C. 
 
 1  An  exhortation  to  praise  God  cheerfully,  3  for  his  greatnefs,  4  and  for 
 
 his  power. 
 
 5[  A  pfalm  of  II  praife. 
 
 AKE  a  joyful  noife  unto  the  Lop.d,  t  all  ye 
 lands. 
 
 2  Serve  the  Lord  with  gladnefs  ;  come  before  his 
 prefence  with  finging. 
 
 3  Know  ye  that  the  Lord  he  is  God  :  it  is  he  that 
 hath  made  us,  ll  and  not  we  ourfelves :  vcc  are  his 
 people,  and  the  (beep  of  his  pafture. 
 
 4  Enter  into  his  gates  with  thankfgiving,  and  into 
 his  courts  with  praife :  be  thankful  unto  him,  and 
 blefs  his  name. 
 
 5  For  the  Lord  is  good  ;  his  mercy  is  everlafting ; 
 and  his  truth  endurelh  f  to  all  generations.f 
 
 PSALM  Cl. 
 
 David  maketh  vow  and  profession  of  godliness. 
 
 A  plalm  of  David. 
 
 WILL  fing  of  mercy  and  judgment :  unto  thee, 
 O  Lord,  will  1  fing. 
 
 2  I  will  behave  myfelf  wifely  in  a  perfeft  way.  O 
 when  wilt  thou  come  unto  me  i  I  will  walk  within 
 my  houfe  with  a  perfect  heart. 
 
 eyes 
 
 ‘-■fore 
 
 v-Jirift. 
 
 3  I  will  fet  no  t  wicked  thing  before  mm 
 I  hate  the  work  of  them  that  turn  afide  ;  it  (hall  notpi^ 
 cleave  to  me.  ^ 
 
 4-  A  froward  heart  (hall  depart  from  me;  I  wiilt^<^^^- 
 not  know  a  wicked  person.  ^ud^L 
 
 5  Whofo  privily  (landereth  his  neighbour,  him  will 
 I  cut  off:  him  that  hath  an  high  lock  and  a  proud 
 heart  will  not  I  luffer. 
 
 6  Mine  eyes  shall  be  upon  the  faithful  of  the  land, 
 that  they  may  dwell  with  me :  he  that  walketh  \\  in  a  I  <>'•. 
 perfeft  way,  he  (hall  (erve  me. 
 
 7  He  that  w'orketh  deceit  (liall  not  dwell  within  my 
 
 j!  houfe  :  he  that  telleth  lies  f  (liall  not  tarry  in  my  fight,  f  iieb. 
 
 8  I  will  early  de(troy  all  the  wicked  of  the  land 
 
 that  I  may  cut  oft  all  wicked  doers  from  the  city  oi‘'*^“  ^ 
 
 the  LoRD.f 
 
 I  PSALM  CII. 
 
 I  I  The  pro]>het,  in  his  prayer  maketh  a  grievous  comi>laint ;  12  he  laheth 
 |i  comfort  in  the  eternity  and  mercy  of  God,  ^c. 
 
 ^  A  prayer  H  of  the  alflifled,  when  he  is  overwhelmed,  I  Or, /or. 
 !  and  poureth  out  his  complaint  before  the  Lord. 
 
 Hear  my  prayer,  O  Lord,  and  let  my  cry 
 come  unto  thee; 
 
 2  Hide  not  thy  face  from  me  in  the  day  v:hen  I  am 
 in  trouble  ;  incline  thine  ear  unto  me  :  in  the  day  -jchm 
 I  call,  anfwer  me  fpeedily. 
 
 3  For  my  days  are  confumed  1|  like  fmoke,  and  ray  f  Or, 
 bones  are  burnt  as  an  hearth.  (a»  fome 
 
 4  My  heart  is  fraitten,  and  withered  like  grafs ; 
 
 I  fo  that  I  foreet  to  eat  mv  bread. 
 
 feems  to  be  this  :  “  O  Lord  our  God,  thou  didfl  hear,  or  anfwer  them  that  is, 
 the  afore-mentioned  typical  mediators,  Mofes,  Aaron,  and  Samuel ;  thou  becameft 
 a  forbearing  God  for  them,  or,  at  their  interceffion  ;  and  that,  even  when  punifh- 
 ing,  or  when  thou  hadft  begun  to  punilh,  the  wicked  deeds  of  them,  that  is,  not 
 of  Mofes,  Aaron,  and  Samuel,  but  of  the  people,  who  had  tranfgrefled,  and  for 
 whom  they  interceded.  This  was  the  cafe  when  Mofes  interceded  for  the  idola¬ 
 ters,  Exod.  xxxii.  32.  Aaron  for  the  fchifmalics,  Numb.  xvi.  47.  and  Samuel  for 
 the  whole  nation,  1  Sam.  vii.  9.  Pray  one  for  another,  faith  an  apoflle  to  Chrif- 
 tians,  that  ye  may  be  healed ;  the  effe(5lual  fervent  prayer  of  a  righteous  man 
 availeth  much,  Jam.  v.  16. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  C.  Ver.  3.  Know  ye  that  the  Lord  he 
 is  God,  it  is  he  that  hath  made  us,  and  not  we  ourselves ;  we  are  his  people  and  the 
 Jheep  of  his  pasture.  Or,  He  who  made  us,  and  we  are  his,  his  people,  and  the 
 sheqi  of  his  pasture.  I  am  perfuaded  that  the  Maforetical  corre<5lion  (ulu)  (and 
 we  are  his)  is  right :  the  conftruaion  and  parallelifm  both  favour  it.”  Bilhop 
 Lowth.  Might  not  however  the  elaufe  be  rendered  interrogatively — Are  not  we 
 his  people,  and  the  fheep  of  his  pafture  ? 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  CI.  Ver.  1.  /  will  sing  of  mercy  and 
 judgment.  In  the  perfon  of  David,  advanced  to  the  throne  of  Ifrael,  we  hear 
 King  Mefliah  declaring  how  he  intended  to  walk,  and  to  govern  his  houfchold 
 the  church,  and  alfo  deferibing  the  qualifications  which  he  Ihould  require  in 
 his  minifters  and  fervants.  The  righteous  adminiftration  of  mercy  and  judgment 
 in  the  kingdom  of  Mefliah  is  a  topic  on  which  his  fubje^s  always  expatiate  with 
 pleafure  and  profit.  His  mercy  encourageth  the  greateft  of  finners  to  hope  ; 
 his  judgments  forbid  the  heft  of  men  to  prefume.  Ver.  4.  A  froward  heart  shall 
 depart  from  me.  As  is  the  king,  fo  will  he  the  court;  as  is  the  maftcr  of  the 
 houfe,  fucli  will  be  thofe  of  his  houfehold.  David,  having  refolved  to  walk  with- 
 in  his  houfe  with  a  perfea,  a  fincere,  and  upright  heart,  determines  at  the  fame 
 time  to  expel  from  thence  all  whofe  hearts  were  perverted  and  depraved  :  as 
 he  would  fet  no  wicked  thing  before  his  eyes,  fo  neither  would  he  form  anv 
 
 conneaions  with  wicked  perfons ;  they  ftiould  not  be  of  his  acquaintance, 
 much  lefs  ftiould  they  be  his  favourites.  In  the  fame  manner  fpeaketh  our 
 heavenly  King,  with  regard  to  the  appointment  of  his  minifters  and  fervants— 
 I  know  you  not,  whence  you  are ;  depart  from  me,  all  ye  workers  of  ini¬ 
 quity,  Luke  xiii.  27.  Ver.  7.  He  that  worketh  deceit  shall  not  du'cU  within  my 
 house.  To  purge  a  court  of  deceit  and  falfchood,  was  a  refolution  worthy  king 
 David,  worthy  the  reprefentative  of  him,  who  ftyleih  bimfelf  the  tecth,  from 
 whofe  heavenly  palace  and  city  will  be  for  ever  excluded,  as  St  John  informeth 
 us,  “  wbofoever  loveth  and  maketh  a  lie,”  Rev.  xxii.  15.  Ver.  8.  I  wtll  early 
 destroy  all  the  wicked  of  the  land.  Every  earthly  prince  ftiould  confider  bimfelf 
 as  railed  to  a  throne,  and  inverted  with  power  for  the  puniftiment  of  wickednefs 
 and  vice,  and  the  maintenance  of  G^’s  true  religion  and  virtue.  Early 
 therefore,  in  the  morning  of  his  reign,  he  ftiould  fet  about  the  work  of  re¬ 
 formation,  that  fo  tile  bleffings  of  heaven  may  defeend  upon  bimfelf  and  his 
 people,  according  to  the  infallible  promifes  of  the  moft  High.  And  let  each 
 individual,  in  like  manner,  and  for  the  fame  reafon,  be  zealous  and  diligent  to 
 reform  his  own  heart  and  ways,  ever  mindful  of  that  future  moft  awful°moru- 
 ing,  when  the  King  of  Righteoufnefs  fliall  cut  off  with  tiie  fword  of  eternal 
 judgment,  all  wicked  doers  from  that  city  of  Jehovah,  the  new  and  heavenly 
 Jerufalem.  ^ 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  CII.  Ver.  3.  For  my  days  are  can- 
 sumed  away  like,  or,  m  smoke.  The  etfeas  of  extreme  grief  on  the  human  f  ame 
 are  compared  to  Uiofe  which  fire  producetti  upon  fuel.  It  exhaufts  the  radical 
 moifture,  and  by  fo  doing,  foon  confumes  the  fubftance.  A  man’s  time  and  his 
 ftrength  evaporate  in  melancholy,  and  his  hones,  thofe  pillars  and  fupports  of 
 his  body,  become  like  wood,  on  wliicii  the  fire  hath  done  its  work,  and  left  it 
 without  fap,  and  without  eohefion.  Ver.  4.  My  heart  is  smitten  and  withered,  like 
 grass.  The  metaphor  is  continued,  and  the  heart  itfjlf,  out  of  which  flow  the 
 ftreams  of  life,  is  reprefented  as  fullering  that  from  grief,  which  the  grafs  of  the 
 held  fuflers  from  the  burning  heat  of  the  fun  ;  it  is  fmilten  and  withered.  And 
 
 his  faints.  In  wH’dom,^fghtI^ufnVfsfaml  meKT^he^x^redfel  h^bMi G"d 'l*  Tl'’  :  but  comfortable  and  falutary  to 
 
 to  prayer ;  and  cffeaull  afe  their  int^rceffions  foV  the  prefervat^on  oHiaftot  a!.d  churctorT:  I  ‘I"’’  remarkably  given 
 
 this  hfe,  notwithftanding  that  they  are  fixed  in  a  pardoned  ftate.  Great  praife  is  due  to  him  for  I  T  R*verely  for  their  fin  in 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS  —4  Pc,  r  1  voT . ,  .T,  1  rocrcies,  which  are  innumerable. 
 
 who  formed  us  both  in  nature  and  gr.ace  !— To  him  who  is  our  tfigh  Prop'’r'icto'r  and"  'Tt^  infinite  All-ToIiI.t, 
 
 good  111  himfelf,  and  whofe  mercy  and  truth  are  for  ever  exci  ted  in  the  fuifilnienl  of  his  ctmTo  ’  ^  ’^I’b^’rJ,  Leader,  Provider,  and  provifion  !— To  him  who  is 
 
 nous  godhnefs  IS  the_nioft  fubftaiitial  wifdom  ;  and  to  ail  for  God  in  the  religiourmmiagement  M  kinSIms^f  T  to  the  heft  ends.  S:  - 
 
 it.  With  the  utmoft  care  ought  men,  by  whatever  power  tliev  have,  to  dRcoura-»e  efery  ihin-r  wicked  ’  relative  fituations,  is  a  noted  branch 
 
 ■lui  to  attempt  mftruaing  or  reforming  others,  if  we  do  not  fet  an  example  in  our  own  p^ra^xc  encourage  every  thing  iirtuous  and  holy.  But  it  is 
 
 7  F 
 
T,!c  prc^ket  t.^Jcclh  amjort  in  the  mcmj  of  Gjd,  c5r.  PSALMS. 
 
 o*hri*(i  ^  reafon  of  the  voice  of  my  groaning  my  bones 
 cir.‘io5b\Cl«*''ve  to  my  |l  Ikin. 
 
 — v-^  G  I  am  like  a  pelican  of  the  wildernefs ;  I  am  like 
 i'  an  owl  of  the  del'ert. 
 
 "7  1  watch,  and  am  as  a  fparrow  alone  upon  the 
 houfe  top. 
 
 8  Mine  enemies  reproach  me  all  the  day  ;  and  they 
 that  are  mad  againft  me  are  fworn  againft  me. 
 
 9  For  I  have  eaten  alhes  like  bread,  and  mingled 
 my  drink  with  weeping, 
 
 10  Becaufe  of  thine  indignation  and  thy  wrath  : 
 for  thou  hafl  lifted  me  up,  and  calf  me  down. 
 
 1 1  My  days  are  like  a  (hadow  that  declineth  ;  and 
 a  ifaiah  »  I  am  withered  like  grafs. 
 
 Janies  thou,  O  LoRD,  (halt  endure  for  ever,  and 
 
 1.10.  remembrance  unto  all  generations. 
 
 13  Thou  fhalt  arife,  a7id  have  mercy  upon  Zion; 
 for  the  time  to  favour  her,  yea,  the  let  time,  is  come. 
 
 14  For  thy  ftrvants  take  pleal’ure  in  her  ftones,  and 
 favour  the  duff  thereof. 
 
 15  So  the  heathen  (hall  fear  the  name  of  the  Lord, 
 and  all  the  kings  of  the  earth  thy  glory. 
 
 16  AVhen  the  Lord  (hall  build  up  Zion,  he  (hall 
 appear  in  his  glory. 
 
 17  He  will  regard  the  prayer  of  the  deffitute,  and 
 not  defpife  their  prayer. 
 
 18  This  (liall  be  written  for  the  generation  to 
 come :  and  the  people  which  (hall  be  created  (hall 
 praife  the  Lord. 
 
 19  For  he  hath  looked  down  from  the  height  of  his 
 fandtuary;  from  heaven  did  theLoRDbeholdtheearth  ; 
 
 29  To  hear  the  groaning  of  the  prifoner  ;  to  loofe 
 liJ  cw  ^  thofe  that  are  appointed  to  death  ; 
 drcn  of  21  To  declare  the  name  of  the  Lord  in  Zion. 
 deat/t.  and  his  praife  in  Jerufalem  ; 
 
 An  exhortation  to  bless  Gorf 
 
 22  When  the  people  are  gathered  together,  and  Riture 
 
 the  kingdoms  to  I'erve  the  Lord.  timst 
 
 23  He  t  weakened  my  (frength  in  the  way;  he‘^‘'^‘ 
 (hortened  my  days. 
 
 24  1  (liid,  O  my  God,  take  me  not  away  in  the/y7w<^j, 
 midlf  of  my  days :  thy  years  are  throughout  all  gene¬ 
 rations. 
 
 25  ^  Of  old  haft  thou  laid  the  foundations  of  thebiieb. 
 earth  ;  and  the  heavens  are  the  work  of  thy  hands.  *•  lo. 
 
 26  They  (hall  perifb,  but  thou  ftialt  f  endure ;  t  Hfb. 
 yea,  all  of  them  (hall  wax  old  li.ke  a  garment;  as 
 vefture  (halt  thou  change  them,  and  they  (hall  be 
 changed  : 
 
 27  But  thou  art  the  fame,  and  thy  years  (hall  have 
 no  end. 
 
 28  The  children  of  thy  fervants  (hall  continue,  and 
 their  feed  (hall  be  eftablifhed  before  thee.* 
 
 PSALM  cm. 
 
 1  An  exhortation  to  bless  God  for  his  nsercy,  15  and  for  the  constancy 
 
 thereof, 
 
 H  A  pfalm  of  David. 
 
 Bless  the  lord,  O  my  foul ;  and  all  that  is 
 within  me,  blefs  his  holy  name. 
 
 2  Blefs  the  Lord,  O  my  foul,  and  forget  not  all 
 his  benefits ; 
 
 3  Who  forgiveth  all  thine  iniquities  ;  who  healeth 
 all  thy  difeafes ; 
 
 4  Who  redeemeth  thy  life  from  deftru<ftion  ;  who 
 crowneth  thee  with  loving-kindnefsand  tender  mercies  j 
 5  Who  fatisfieth  thy  mouth  with  good  things;  fo 
 that  thy  youth  is  renewed  like  the  eagle’s. 
 
 6  The  Lord  executeth  righteoufnefs  and  judgment 
 for  all  that  are  opprefled. 
 
 7  He  made  known  his  ways  unto  Mofes,  his  a^s 
 unto  the  children  of  Ifrael. 
 
 ■when  grief  has  thus  dejetfted  the  fpirits,  the  man  has  no  appetite  for  that  food 
 which  is  to  recruit  and  elevate  them.  Ahab,  fmitten  with  one  kind  of  grief. 
 David  with  another,  and  Daniel  with  a  third,  all  forgot,  or  “  refufed  to  eat  their 
 bread,”  1  Kings  xti.  4.  2  Sana.  xii.  16.  Dan.  x.  2.  Such  natural  companions  are 
 mourning  and  falling.  Ver.  5.  By  reason  of  the  voice  of  my  groaning.  Extremity 
 of  forrow  caufeth  the  flelh  to  wafte,  and  the  bones  to  prefs  upon  the  (kin, 
 through  which  they  are  ready  to  force  their  way.  Ver.  6,  7.  The  forrowful 
 man  is  naturally  defirous  of  retiring  from  the  world,  to  vent  bis  complaints  in 
 folitude,  and  to  pafs  tl-.e  night  in  watcbfulnefs  and  prayer.  V^er.  9.  Bor,  or. 
 Therefore,  /  have  eaten  ashes  like  bread.  By  eating  alhes  and  drinking  tears,  we 
 may  underlland  the  fame  as  if  it  had  been  faid,  “  I  have  eaten  the  bread  of 
 humiliation,  and  drank  the  water  of  affliction  alhes  being  the  emblem  of  one, 
 and  tears  the  confequence  of  the  other  ;  while  the  adlions  of  eating  and  drink¬ 
 ing  intimate  to  us  Uie  fulnefs  and  I’atiety  which  the  fufferer  had  experienced  of 
 both  from  the  wrath  and  indignation  of  God.  Ver.  11,  12.  A  lliadow  never 
 continueth  in  one  llay,  hut  is  Hill  gliding  imperceptibly  on,  lengthening  as  it 
 goes,  and  at  length  vanifheth  into  darknels.  The  period  of  its  exillence  is 
 limited  to  a  day  at  farthell.  The  rifing  fun  gives  it  birth,  and  in  that  moment 
 when  the  fun  fets,  it  is  no  more.  The  grafs  of  the  field,  in  like  manner,  hath  . 
 a  being  of  the  fame  duration.  Such  is  tlie  life  of  man,  fojourning  in  the  land  of  1 
 his  captivity,  and  doing  penance  for  his  fins.  But  the  eternity  of  Jehovah,  the 
 infallibility  of  his  promii’es,  and  the  remembrance  of  his  former  works  and  ■ 
 mercies  comfort  our  hearts,  and  encourage  us  to  hope,  nay  even  to  rejoice  in  ; 
 the  midft  of  Ibrrow  and  tribulation.  Ver.  13 — 17.  The  objefts  to  which  the  i 
 prophets  of  old  bad  chiefly  refpedl,  was  not  only  the  deliverance  of  Ifrael  ' 
 from  Babylon,  and  the  rebuilding  of  the  material  temple,  but  the  falvation  of  | 
 finners,  and  the  ere(5Iion  of  the  Chrillian  church,  in  the  days  of  Mefliah’s  king-  j 
 dom.  When  the  Lord  Jefus  thus  built  up  S'on,  he  appeared  in  his  glory.  Ver.  i 
 
 to  his  mournful  complaints,  as  at  ver.  11.  Ifrael  doubteth  not  of  God’s  veracity, 
 but  feareth  left  his  heavy  hand  Ihould  crufh  the  generation  then  in  being, 
 before  they  fhould  behold  the  expiration  of  their  troubles.  They  were  in  the 
 way,  but  their  ftrength  was  fo  weakened,  and  their  days  fhorteued,  that  they 
 almoft  defpaired  of  holding  out  to  their  journey’s  end.  Ver.  24.  And  I  said,  0 
 my  God,  take  me  not  away  in  the  midst  of  my  days.  Ifrael  prayeth  that  the  holy 
 feed  might  not  be  extirpated,  and  perifh  by  a  kind  of  untimely  death,  ere  yet 
 the  promife  had  Ijeen  made  good,  and  Sion  had  feen  the  falvation  of  her  God. 
 Meffiah  has  prayed  for  the  church  ;  and  the  power  of  death,  or  the  deftruc- 
 tion  of  the  grave,  (hall  not  triumph  over  her.  Her  enemies  may  deflroy,  but 
 God  lhail  build,  Blatth.  xvi.  18.  Rom.  viii.  31.  Ver.  25,  27.  Compare  Heb. 
 i.  10—12. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTESt  Psal.  CHI.  Ver.  3.  mo  forgiveth  all  thine 
 iniquities.  Next  to  the  pardon  of  fin,  confidered  as  a  crime,  we  are  to  com¬ 
 memorate  the  cure  of  it,  confidered  as  a  dif'eafe,  or  indeed  as  a  complication  of 
 difeafes. — “Who  healeth  all  thine  infirmities.”  The  body  experienceth  the 
 melancholy  confequences  of  Adam’s  offence,  and  is  fubjedi  to  many  infirmities; 
 but  the  foul  is  fubjedl  to  as  many.  What  is  pride,  but  lunacy  ;  what  is  anger, 
 but  a  fever;  what  is  avarice,  hut  a  dropfy  ;  what  is  lull,  but  a  leprofy ;  what  is 
 lloth,  but  a  dead  palfy  ?  Perhaps  there  are  fpiritual  maladies  fimilar  to  all  cor¬ 
 poreal  ones.  When  , Jefus  Chrift  was  upon  earth,  he  proved  himfelf  the  phy- 
 fician  of  men’s  fouls,  by  the  cures  which  he  wrought  upon  their  bodies.  ^  R  is 
 he  alone  who  “  forgiveth  all  our  iniquities  it  is  he  alone  who  “  healeth  ad  our 
 infirmities.”  And  the  perfon  who  rindeth  his  fin  cured,  hath  a  well  grou'ided 
 affurance  that  it  is  forgiven.  Ver.  4.  fVho  redeemeth  thy  liie  from  destrtiblion, 
 iVJan  hath  two  lives  ;  he  is  therefore  fubjedl  to  a  double  deftrudlion  ;  and  conff- 
 quently  capable  of  a  two-fold  redemption.  He  who  is  recovered  from  ficknefs, 
 and  thereby  redeemed  from  that  dellrudlion  which  natural  death  bringetli  upon 
 the  body,  will  undoubtedly  fing  his  ftrain  in  tranfports  of  gratitude;  and 
 fo  to  do.  What  will  be  the  fenfations  of  him,  who  celebrates  in 
 
 ^3.  He  tveaketud  my  ttreniilh  in  the  way.  The  prophet  havin'^  from  verfe  13.  to  i 
 verfe  22.  expreffed  Lis  faith  and  hope  in  the  promifed  redemption,  now  returns  tl  he  ought 
 
 PRACTICAL  OB.SERVATIONS. — •  Psal.  CII.]  To  what  a  low  condition  does  Providence  reduce  the  people  of  God,  for  the  exercife  and  trial 
 grace,  and  for  exciting  their  more  importunate  prayers!  In  darknefs,  vexation,  and  trouble,  their  days  often  poll  toward  an  end.  But  great  is  the  ^  ^ 
 
 have  notwithftanding,  a  God,  a  hearer  of  prayer,  to  whom  they  may  complain  ;  and  a  heart  to  pour  out  before  him.  Be  the  aftitcLons  of  the  ^ 
 
 as  they  will,  the  eternal  Saviour  has,  and  does,  and  will  deliver  them  out  of  them  all.  He  has  fixed  the  pern  d  of  his  church  s  deliverance,  and  iffued  forth  P 
 alcertaining  tiie  fame.  While  with  deep  concern  his  fervants  are  affeaed  with  her  ruinous  ilatc,  and  pour  forth  their  importunate  prayers  he  will  fly  ^ 
 
 the  converfion  of  multitudes,  and  the  terror  of  obftinate  oppofers.  And,  what  ver  diftreffes  befal  the  redeemed  tn  their  way  to  the  heavenly  manfions,  the  y 
 
 Jefus  ft'cuies  the  perfeverante  and  ftabiiity  of  his  church,  and  of  every  true  member  of  it. 
 
An  exhortation  to  bless  GuJ,  4'C- 
 
 PSALMS. 
 
 0/  Cod’s  mqjtily,  po"xer,  and  providence* 
 
 Hefore 
 Clirift 
 cir.  1042. 
 
 a  Exod. 
 34.  6,  7. 
 Kumb. 
 14.  18. 
 Deut. 
 
 5.  10. 
 Neliem. 
 9-.  17. 
 Efaltn 
 86.  15. 
 Jerem. 
 32.  18. 
 t  Heb. 
 
 greal  of 
 mercy. 
 f  Heb. 
 according 
 to  the 
 height  of 
 the  hea¬ 
 ven. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 it  is  not. 
 b  Deut 
 7.  9. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 mighty  in 
 strength. 
 
 8  *  The  Lord  is  merciful  and  gracious,  flow  to 
 anger,  and  f  plenteous  in  mercy. 
 
 y  lie  will  not  always  chide;  neither  will  he  keep 
 his  anger  for  ever. 
 
 10  He  hath  not  dealt  with  us  after  our  fins,  nor 
 rewarded  us  according  to  our  iniquities. 
 
 1 1  For  t  as  the  heaven  is  high  above  the  earth,  so 
 great  is  his  mercy  toward  them  that  fear  him. 
 
 12  As  far  as  the  eafl:  is  from  the  welt,  so  far  hath  he 
 removed  our  tranlgrelTions  from  us. 
 
 13  Like  as  a  father  pitieth  his  children,  so  the  Lord 
 piiieth  them  that  fear  him. 
 
 14  For  he  knoweth  our  frame;  he  remembereth 
 that  we  are  du(t. 
 
 15  As  /or  man,  his  days  areas  grafs ;  as  a  flower  of 
 the  field  fo  he  flounfherh  : 
 
 16  For  the  wind  paflTeth  over  it,  and  t  it  is  gone ; 
 and  the  place  thereof  fhall  know  it  no  more. 
 
 17  But  the  mercy  of  the  Lord  is  from  everlafling 
 to  everlafling  upon  them  that  fear  him,  and  his  righ- 
 teoulbefs  unto  children’s  children  ; 
 
 18  ‘’To  fuch  as  keep  his  covenant,  and  to  thofe 
 that  remember  his  commandments  to  do  them, 
 
 19  Tne  Lord  hath  prepared  his  throne  in  the  hea¬ 
 vens  ;  and  his  kingdom  ruleth  over  all, 
 
 20  Blefs  the  Lord,  ye  his  angels  that  f  excel  in 
 flrength,  that  do  his  comraandraents,  hearkening  unto 
 the  voice  of  his  word. 
 
 21  Blefs  ye  the  Lord,  all  ye  his  hofts,  yc  miniflers 
 
 t  .  I  l: _ I-.  r  ^  t.'hriU 
 
 JlHbrc 
 
 J  / 
 
 of  nis,  that  do  his  pleafure. 
 
 22  Blefs  the  Lord,  a'l  his  works,  in  all  places  of 
 his  dominion  :  blefs  the  Lord,  ()  my  foul.* 
 
 PoALM  CIV. 
 
 1  A  meditation  upon  the  mighty  power,  7  and  w  nderful  provi/lence  •/ 
 
 God.  81  God’ t  glory  is  eternal.  33  The  jtrophel  vuwelh  perpetually 
 to  praise  God. 
 
 BLFSS  the  Lord,  O  my  foul.  O  Lord  my  God 
 thou  art  very  great :  thou  art  clothed  with  ho¬ 
 nour  and  raajefly  ; 
 
 2  Whocovereft  thyself  w'ith  light  as  ixilh  a  garment ; 
 who  flretchefl  out  the  heavens  like  a  curtain  ; 
 
 3  VVno  layeth  the  beams  of  his  chambers  in  the 
 waters  ;  who  maketh  tne  clouds  his  chariot ;  who 
 walkerh  upon  the  wings  of  the  wind  : 
 
 4  *  Who  maketh  his  angels  fpirits  ;  his  miniflers  a  »  Hcbr- 
 flaming  fire  ; 
 
 5  t  Who  laid  the  foundations  of  the  earth,  that  itr  Heb. 
 fhould  not  be  removed  for  ever. 
 
 6  Thou  coveredfl  it  with  the  deep  as  zeith  a 
 ment :  the  waters  flood  above  the  mountains.  upon  her 
 
 7  At  thy  rebuke  they  fled;  at  the  voice  of  thy^'iA*- 
 thunder  they  hafled  away. 
 
 8  II  They  go  up  by  the  mountains ;  they  go  dowm  j|  or,  The 
 by  the  valleys  unto  the  place  whicn  thou  halt  founded  vsoun- 
 for  them.  ‘“"u  ot- 
 
 9  Thou  haft  fet  a  bound  that  they  may  not  pafs 
 over  ;  that  they  turn  not  again  to  cover  the  earth.  7esc7*id. 
 
 tie  fame  words,  the  fpiritual  redemption  of  his  foul  from  death  and  deftruaion 
 cverlafting.  Ver.  8.  The  Lord  is  merciful.  How  full  of  confolation  to  the  peni¬ 
 tent  foul  are  all  the  words  of  this  verle  !  «  The  Lord  is  merciful,”  (deum,)  the 
 
 bowels  of  bts  tender  compaffion  turn  over  us,  as  thofe  of  a  mother  yearn  over 
 the  child  of  her  womb  ;  “  yea,  a  woman  may  forget  her  fucking  child,  yet  can  he  not 
 forget  us,  Ifa.  xlix.  15.  He  is  gracious,  (henum)  ready  to  give  us  freely  all 
 tilings  that  are  needful  for  our  falvation.  He  is  flow  to  anger,  bearin<r  with  the 
 frowardiiefs  of  his  children  with  their  provocations  and  relapfes,  for  40  50  60 
 70  years  together,  before  he  flrikes  the  blow  :  giving  them,  by  this  his  long-fuf- 
 fering,  time  for  repentance.  And  he  is  “plenteous  in  mercy,”  (rebbefed)  great 
 
 mighty  in  mercy,  placing  his  chief  glory  in  this  attribute,  and  hereby  tparhino- 1, Li  :  i  c  .u  •  j  “•“*  vmpiuyeui  uie  eie- 
 
 how  to  eflimate  true  greatnefs.  Ver.  11 — 13.  We  are  here  orefi^ntL  with  thraa  ■  r  \  J  fire,  the  winds,  (rueuth)  and  the  lightnings,  as  hi»  mLlfengers. 
 
 of  the  moll  beautiful,  appofite,  and  comforting  fimilitudes  in^tlie  world  \vi,en  '!  luome  Heb"?  m'^’fiers  to  execute  his  commands  upon  the  earth.  But  the 
 we  lift  up  our  eyes,  and  behold  around  the  lofty  and  llupendous  vault  of  heaven  'i  ’  V  ‘  “  further  reference  to  iraraate- 
 
 encirchng,  proteaing,  enlightniiig,  refrefliing,  Ld  cherifliin»  the  einh^  tnd  all  '  cauVe  thS  ‘‘•‘«nels,  or  he- 
 
 ♦hintrc  that  arc  - - .  .  .  .  =  >  alljcaufc  theyjx  ere  ^endued  with  tlie  properties  of  wind  and  flame.  Intellectual 
 
 word 
 h’ko  laid  tne 
 
 clouds  and  darknefs,  attended  by  Uie  lightnings,  Uiofe  ready  executioners  of  bta 
 vengeance,  and  caufing  the  worid  to  refound  and  tremble  at  the  thunder  of 
 his  power,  and  the  noife  of  the  chariot  wheels  !  By  thefe  enfigns  of  rojalty 
 thefe  emblems  of  omnipotence,  and  inftrumenU  of  his  difpleafure,  doth  Jehovah 
 mamfeft  •  is  prefence,  when  he  vifitetb  rebellious  men,  to  make  him  own  and 
 adore  his  neglerted  and  infulted  Lord.  Sec  and  compare  PfaL  xviii.  10.  and 
 the  context.  Ver.  4.  Who  nuiketh  his  angtU  spirUs ;  his  ministers  a  flamiae  fire, 
 or,  “  who  maketh  the  winds  his  angels,  the  flaming  fire  his  miuillers.”  Fiom 
 the  manner  in  which  thefe  words  are  introduced,  and  the  place  where  they  fland 
 one  (hould  conceive  the  meaning  of  them  to  be,  that  God  empluyeUi  Uie  ele- 
 
 things  that  are  therein,  we  are  bidden  to  contemplate  in  this“o-lafs  the  iLmeafu  i'  “'ey  were  ‘•■ndued  with  Uie  properties  of  wind  and  flame.  Intell 
 
 ruble  height,  the  boundlefs  extent,  and  the  fakitary  influeiKes  of  1^^^  realms  above,  are  as  ready  to  fulfil  Uie 
 
 which,  as  it  were  erabraceth  the  creation,  and  is  the  elements  of  this  lower  world.  Ver.  5.  Who  la 
 
 -  - - -  Aoiucttiy  iniJUfijceB  01  mat  rncrev 
 
 wh  ch,  as  It  were  erabraceth  the  creation,  and  is  now  over  all  the  works  of  God. 
 Often  as  we  v.esv  the  fun  ar.fing  m  the  call,  and  darknefs  flying  away  from  before 
 coojnef  heavens,  we  may  fet  an  iLage  of  that 
 
 L  fin^  al  -Sionsof  illumination,  and 
 
 may  at  all  times  have  confidence  towards  God,  he  i^ prefrrLdrbrinT^ 
 
 is  ftill  in  th  “'•^■ved  at  the  formation  of  the  earth  but 
 
 this  particuH?‘’‘riuuf‘rt-  t  f  ' 
 
 writiL«?  -rl _ anticipated.^which  is  no  uncommon  cafe  in  Uie  facred 
 
 foundations  of  the  earth.  In  the  original  it  is,  “  Who  liath  founded  the  eftn 
 upon  Its  bafes.  The  formation  of  this  globe,  on  which  we  tread  is  a  wou- 
 ^  derful  inftauce  of  divine  wifdom  and  power,  whether  we  confider  the  manner 
 
 cL"  iu  fufpenfion  in  the 
 
 our  fins  are  removed  and  put  far  away  out  of  his  fie-ht  An4"th'?^  which  ^e  parts  of  it  are  put  and  kept  together,  or  iu  fufpenfion  in  the 
 
 may  at  all  times,  have  confidence  towards  God  he  is  reiireferted  circumambient  fluids,  which  as  fome  philofophers  fuppofe,  by  prefling  unoti 
 
 wards  ns  the  fnnri  en,)  '^eprefented  as  bearing  to-  it  on  every  fide,  form  fo  manv  mb.nL.  ^  preiling  upon 
 
 it  on  every  fide,  form  fo  many  columns,  as  it  were  *;rfupport,"  a„nee“;"; 
 balanced.  The  words  that  it  fliould  not  be  removed  for  do  bv  no  means 
 
 imply  that  the  earth  is  ftationary,  or  that  it  is  eu-rnal ;  but  onW'thus  much 
 that  It  IS  fo  conft.uaed,  as  to  anfwer  the  end,  and  to  laft  the  time,  for  which 
 i  was  created  and  intended.  It  fliall  continue  the  fame  itfelf,  and  with 
 relation  to  other  b^.es,  neiUier  altering  its  fliape,  nor  chanaing  iu  courfe  till 
 the  day  appointed  for  lU  d.lTolulior.  ;  after  which  as  there  are  to  be  new 
 heavens,  fo  will  there  alio  be  a  new  earth.  Ver.  6—9.  MoR  interpreters  fup- 
 pofe  this  to  be  a  defcriptioii  of  the  lituation  of  things  and  of  what^was  eflia 
 ed  by  the  power  of  God;  on  the  third  day  of  th"e  creatL  v?L„ 
 
 Let  the  waters  ^  pUiered  together  into  one  place,  and  let  the  dry  land  ao’ 
 pear  ;  and  it  was  fo.  Indeed  Uie  procefs  at  Uie  creation  was  fo  exactly  fimiUr 
 
 to  that  of  the  deluge,  with  regard  to  the  circumftances  here  mentioniod  that  it 
 matters  not  to  uhir  i  up  a.Arsi„  x _ :r  \  .  .  ,  .  cuvionioa,  uiai  it 
 
 0  .V . ^ la  iju  uncommon  cale  in  tiie  farrpH  i 
 
 “dark^wat^r  Senerality  of  cxpofitors,  however,  interpret,  the  paflage  of  thofe  '! 
 
 “who  maketh  the  1*^1  and  immediately  conneaed  with  what  follows; 
 
 How  afionifttdv  ma.  il"*  '^ind ; 
 
 convey  to  us  oVtbe  tfelf  k"  and  tremendous  is  the  idea  which  the  words 
 ’ _ ^  tiding  upon  the  heavens,  encorapaffed  with 
 
 in  every  part  ;  in  both  cafes,  they  fled' aTthe‘*Lmigi;7wLd,  Hk"  Uie'Zu^ 
 great  deep,  that  lieth  beneath.  Bounds  were  Cer  u 
 
 I’RAPTirAT  - - - - - — - _  ^uuuus  were  let  UK.-in  beyond  which  they 
 
 4  itAkllCAL  OBSERVATIONS _ *  Ps*,  oftt  i  11  k  1  .  - - - - - ^ 
 
 in,  ure  y  wt  above  all,  whom  Chrill  hath  redeemed  by  his  blood,  (hould  never  be  filent,  tever'be  iVtbful! 
 
OJ  xamderjid  proi’iderice. 
 
 PSALMS 
 
 Hofort 
 
 Chrill 
 
 'Oi-2. 
 
 I  llcb. 
 tno 
 scniielh., 
 t  lleb. 
 vxiU'. 
 
 I  lleb. 
 break. 
 t  Heb. 
 "iiv  a 
 
 10  t  He  fendeth  the  fprings  into  the  valleys,  xvhich 
 f  lun  among  the  hills. 
 
 1 1  d'hey  give  drink  to  every  bead  of  the  fit-id  :  the 
 wild  afles  f  quench  their  third. 
 
 12  By  them  (hall  the  fowls  of  the  heaven  have  their 
 habitation,  xiifiich  -|  fing  among  the  branches. 
 
 13  He  watereth  the  hills  from  his  chambers:  the 
 earth  is  fatisfied  with  the  fruit  of  thy  works. 
 
 R  He  caul'eth  the  grafs  to  grow  tor  the  cattle,  and  ' 
 herb  for  the  fervice  of  man,  that  he  may  bring  forth 
 food  out  of  the  earth  ; 
 
 15  And  wine  t/iat  maketh  glad  the  heart  of  man, 
 and  t  oil  to  make  /lis  face  to  diine,  and  bread  xvhic/i 
 drengtheneth  man’s  heart. 
 
 16  The  trees  of  the  Lord  are  full  of  sap:  the  ce- 
 sAme  u'i/A  of  Lebanon,  which  he  hath  planted  ; 
 or/,  or,  j,-  ’^Yhgj-e  the  birds  make  their  neds 
 
 more  thin 
 
 roic€, 
 b  Judges 
 
 9.  13. 
 f  Ileb. 
 to  m  ike 
 bis  face 
 
 /faltn 
 H5.  15. 
 
 as  for  the 
 
 oiL 
 
 dork,  the  fir-trees  are  her  houfe. 
 
 1 8  The  high  hills  are  a  refuge  for  the  wild  goats, 
 and  the  rocks  for  the  conies. 
 
 19  He  appointeth  the  moon  for  feafons ;  the  fun 
 knoweth  his  going  down. 
 
 20  Thou  maked  darknefs,  and  it  is  night : 
 in  t  all  the  beads  of  the  fored  do  creep  furt'i. 
 
 2 1  The  young  lions  roar  alter  their  prey,  and  feek 
 thereof  do  meat  from  God. 
 
 The  fun  arifeth,  they  gather  themfelves  together, 
 ioreji.  and  lay  them  dowm  in  their  dens. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 all  the 
 beajls 
 
 where- 
 
 The  cterniiy  of  God\  /j^ony. 
 
 23  Man  goeth  forth  unto  his  work,  and  to  his  la-  before 
 
 bcur,  until  the  evening.  /''fin 
 
 24  O  Lord  how  manifold  are  thy  works!  in  wil'.^]_[;,^^ 
 dom  thou  had  made  them  all :  the  earth  is  full  of  thy 
 riches : 
 
 25  So  is  this  great  and  wide  fea,  wherein  are  things 
 creeping  innumerable,  both  fmall  and  great  beads. 
 
 26  There  go  the  fhips ;  i/icrt  is  that  leviathan, 
 
 xvfiom  thou  had  t  made  to  play  therein.  t  Oeb. 
 
 27  ‘  Thefe  wait  all  upon  thee,  that  thou  mayed 
 give  ihein  their  meat  in  due  feafon. 
 
 28  That  thou  gived  them  they  gather  :  thou  open¬ 
 ed  thine  hand,  they  are  filled  with  good. 
 
 29  Thou  hided  thy  face,  they  are  troubled :  thou  tak- 
 edaway  their  breath,  they  die,  and  return  to  theirdud. 
 
 so  Thou  fended  forth  thy  Spirit,  they  are  created ; 
 and  thou  renewed' the  face  of  the  earth. 
 
 31  The  glory  of  the  Lord  f  fhall  endure  for  ever :  t  Oeb. 
 the  Lord  (hall  rejoice  in  his  works. 
 
 32  He  looketh  on  the  earth,  and  it  trerableth  , 
 toucheth  the  hills,  and  they  fmoke. 
 
 33  I  will  fing  unto  the  Lord  as  long  as  I  live 
 will  fing  praife  to  my  God  while  I  have  my  being. 
 
 34  My  meditation  of  him  fhall  be  fweet :  I  will 
 glad  in  the  Lord. 
 
 35  Let  the  finners  be  confumed  out  of  the  earth, 
 and  let  the  wicked  be  no  more.  Blefs  thou  the 
 Lord,  O  ray  foul.  Praife  ye  the  Lord.* 
 
 shall  be. 
 
 he 
 
 I 
 
 be 
 
 lliould  never  pafs,  to  overwhelm  us  any  more  for  ever.  And  the  experience  of 
 4000  years  has  taught  us,  that  where  the  Creator  hath  laid  his  commands,  plain 
 fand  is  a  fufficient  barrier.  Ver.  10,  11.  The  waters  of  the  fea  are  not  only  pre- 
 vented  from  deftroying  the  earth,  but  by  a  wonderful  machinery  are  rendered  the 
 means  of  preferring  every  living  thing  which  moveth  thereon.  Partly  afeending 
 from  the  great  deep  through  the  ftrata  of  the  earth,  partly  exhaling  in  vapour  from 
 the  furface  of  the  ocean  into  the  air  and  from  thence  falling  into  rain,  efpecially  on 
 the  tops  and  by  the  fides  of  mountains,  they  break  forth  in  frefh  fprings,  having 
 left  their  falls  behind  them  ;  they  trickle  through  the  valleys,  between  the  hills, 
 receivirig  new  fupplies  as  they  go :  they  become  large  rivers,  and  after  watering, 
 bv  their  innumerable  turnings  and  windings,  immenfe  tradls  of  country,  they  re¬ 
 turn  to  the  place  from  whence  they  came.  Thus  every  animal  hath  an  opportu¬ 
 nity  of  quenching  that  third  which  mud  otherwife  foon  put  a  period  to  its  exif- 
 tence.  The  wild  affes  are  particularly  mentioned,  becaufe  they  live  in  remote  and 
 fandy  deferts ;  yet  even  fucb  creatures  in  fuch  places,  are  by  the  God  of  nature 
 taught  the  way  to  the  waters.  In  the  fpiritual  fydem,  or  new  creation  there  are 
 •wells  of  falvation,  living  fprings,  waters  of  comfort,  of  which  all  nations  even  the 
 mod  favage  and  barbarous,  are  invited  to  come  and  drink  freely.  They  flow 
 among  the  churches  ;  they  defeend  into  the  hearts  of  the  lowly  ;  and  they  refrefli 
 us  in  our  paffage  through  the  w  ildernefs ;  for  even  there  »  do  waters  break  out, 
 
 and  dreams  in'the  defect,”  Ifa.  XXXV.  6.  Ver.  12.  “  By  them  fltall  the  fowls  of 
 
 the  air  have  their  habitation,  which  fing  among  the  branches.”  By  them,  that  is, 
 bv  fprings  of  water,  in  the  valleys,  the  birds  delight  to  have  their  habitations,  and 
 to  fing  amidd  the  verdant  branches,  which  conceal  them  from  our  fight.  He  that 
 at  midnight  when  the  labourers  deep  fecurely,  ftiould  hear  the  clear  airs,  the  fweet 
 defconts,  the  natural  rifing  and  falling,  the  doubling  and  redoubling  of  the  night¬ 
 ingale’s  voice,  might  well  be  lifted  above  earth  and  fay.  Lord  what  mufic  had  thou 
 provided  for  the  faints  in  heaven,  when  thou  afforded  bad  men  fuch  mufic  upon 
 
 earth  !  Ver.  1 3 _ 15.  The  fertility  of  the  earth  is  owing  to  God,  who  for  that  pur- 
 
 pofe,  watereth  (moiiuthiu)  from  bis  chambers,  whether  the  word  hath  a  reference 
 to  the  clouds  above  or  the  depths  below,  for  both  are  concerned  in  the  operation. 
 Hence  ad  the  glory  and  beauty  of  the  vegetable  world  ;  hence  the  grafs,  which 
 nourifh  the  catile  that  they  may  nourifh  the  human  race  ;  hence  the  green 
 herb,  for  food  and  for  medicine ;  hence  fields  covered  with  corn,  for  the  fupport 
 of  life-  hence  vines  and  olive  trees  laden  with  fruit;  whofe  juices  exhilirate  the 
 heart  and  brighten  the  countenance.  Nor  let  us  forget  the  fpiritu.-il  benedidlions 
 correfponding  to  thefe  external  ones :  the  fruilfulnefs  of  the  church  through  grace, 
 the  brLd  of  everlading  life,  the  cup  of  falvation,  and  the  oil  of  gladnefs.  Ver.  1 6. 
 The  trees  of  the  Lord  are  Jull  of  sap.  The  whole  earth  is  a  garden  planted  by  the 
 hand,  and  watered  by  the  care  of  Jehovah.  But  in  a  more  efpecial  manner  is  his 
 gloiy  fc-t  forth  bv  the  lofty  and  magnificent  cedars,  which  growing  wild  on  the 
 mountain  and  in  'the  forefi,  owe  nothing  to  the  fkill  and  indufiry  of  man.  The 
 moiflure  of  the  earth,  ratified  by  the  heat  of  the  fun,  enters  their  roots,  afeends 
 
 in  their  tubes,  and  by  due  degrees  expands  and  increafes  them,  till  they  arrive  at 
 their  growth.  God  bath  alfo  another  garden,  in  which  there  are  other  trees  of 
 his  pfanting  called  b.y  Ifaiah,  chap.  Ixi.  3.  “trees  of  righteousnefs.”  Ver.  17. 
 JHiere  the  birds  make  their  nejls ;  as  lor  thejlork,  the  fir-trees  are  her  house.  Mod 
 admirable  is  that  wifdom  and  underftanding  which  the  Creator  hath  imparted  to 
 the  birds  of  the  air,  whereby  they  diftinguifli  times  and  feafons,  choofe  the  pro. 
 pereft  places,  conftrutfl  their  nefts  with  an  art  and  exadlnefs  unattainable  by  man, 
 and  fecure  and  provide  for  their  young.  Ver.  18.  The  high  hills  are  a  refuse  for 
 the  wild  goats  and  the  rocks  for  the  conies.  The  fame  force  of  what  we  call  in- 
 aindf,  prevails  in  terreftrial  animals,  and  diredls  them  to  places  of  refuge  where 
 they  may  be  fafe  from  their  enemies.  Thus  the  wild  goats  climb  with  eafe  to  toe 
 tops  and  crags  of  mountains,  where  they  depofit  their  young.  And  thus  animals 
 of  another  kind,  which  are  more  defencelefs  than  the  goats,  and  not  able  to  climb 
 like  them,  have  yet  a  way  of  intrenching  themfelves  in  a  fituation  perfedlly  im- 
 prer^nable,  among  the  rocks;  we  find  them,  on  that  account,  numbered  by  Solo¬ 
 mon  among  the  four  kinds  of  animals,  which,  though  “little  upon  the  earth,  are 
 exceeding  wife.  The  (Shephenim)  are  but  a  feeble  folk,  yet  make  they  their 
 houfes  in  the  rocks,”  Prov.  xxx.  26.  They  who  in  themfelves  are  feeble  and 
 helplefs  fhould  look  out  betimes  for  a  mountain  of  refuge  and  a  rock  of  fafety. 
 Ver.  20,  21.  Night  and  darknefs  invite  the  wild  beads  of  the  foreft  and  defert 
 from  t^heir  dens  and  recefles,  to  feek  the  prey  allotted  to  them  by  the  providence  of 
 that  God,  who  feedeth  the  young  lions,  as  well  as  the  young  ravens,  when  hunger 
 enforceth  them  as  it  were  to  call  upon  him.  Ver.  22,  23.  At  the  return  of  the 
 day,  the  fons  of  ravage  retire  and  iculk  away  to  their  feveral  hiding  places,  that 
 mail  the  lord  of  the  creation  may  rife,  and  perform  unmolefted,  the  taff,  which 
 bis  Maker  hath  appointed  him.  Ver.  25,  26.  There  is  not  in  all  nature  a  more 
 aucruft  and  firiking  objea  than  the  ocean.  Its  inhabitants  are  as  numerous  as 
 thofe  upon  the  land,  nor  is  the  wifdom  and  power  of  the  Creator  lefs  difplaycd 
 perhaps,  in  their  formation  and  prefervation,  from  the  fmalleft  filli  that  fwums,  to 
 the  enormous  tyrant  of  the  deep,  the  leviathan  himftlf.  By  means  of  navigaUon, 
 Providence  hath  opened  a  communication  between  the  moft  dillant  parts  of  t.ie 
 globe-  the  largeft  folid  bodies  are  wafted  with  incredible  fwiftnefs,  upon  onetloia 
 by  the’impulfe  of  another,  and  feas  join  the  countries  which  they  appear  to  divide. 
 In  the  ocean  we  behold  an  emblem  of  the  world  ;  under  a  fmooth  deceitful  lut- 
 face  it  conceals  dangerous  rocks,  and  devouring  montlers  ;  its  waves  are  ever  re.t- 
 lefs,  and  oftentimes  it  is  all  over  ftorm  and  tempeft,  threatening  to  overwhelm  the 
 helplefs  defpairing  mariner,  in  a  moment ;  fuch  is  the  voy.age  we  have  all  to  mak 
 ere  we  can  reach  the  defired  haven,  and  attain  that  happy  clime,  where  as  we  are 
 told,  there  is  “no  more  fea,”  Rev.  xxi.  1.  Ver.  27,  28.  How  pleafing  a  Ipecu- 
 lation  is  it,  to  conCder  the  whole  family  of  air,  earth  and  fea,  as  waiting  upon  !  e 
 Father  and  Lord  of  all  things,  expeaing  when  he  ftiould  open  his  hand,  and  d 
 tribute  to  each  member  his  proportion  of  meat  in  due  feafon. 
 
 lefi-n  of  this  pfalm  is  to  teach  us  to  praife  God  for  his  marvellous  works  ;  and,  to  this  end  ^ 
 
 ^  .  *  .  1 .  • _  .'i. _ o  «t'/1  tfltJ/'L  ir 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Psal.  CIV.]  Tlie  . 
 
 tT!?rrupon'lhf  UirrtgllllrTnd^  ^  rvigns  among  them;  the  manner  in  which  God  prcleives  and  governs  them 
 
 and  vvliich  we  fee  in  the  heavens, 
 
 I'r 
 
I 
 
 Jn  exhortation  to  praise  God. 
 
 PSALM  CV. 
 
 PSALMS. 
 
 tfod*'  prcrjida^'-t  or 
 
 Ui-fore 
 
 r  hir  out  pie* 
 
 iCvb  lU- 
 
 Ifaiah 
 12.  4. 
 
 _  _  -  II  23  •>  Ifrael  alfo  came  into  Egypt ;  and  J.icob  .u- 
 
 *  ./tn  er’iortalion  to  praise  Gj'!,  and  to  seek  out  fits  works.  8  The  rtory  journcd  in  the  land  ot  Ham.  t  rift 
 
 of  God's  providence  ouer  Abraham,  16  over  Joseph,  ^3  over  Jacob  in  24-  And  he  iocreafed  his  pcople  creutlv.  acd  made ' 
 ’  rf  » A  Itronger  than  their  enemies.  »•  Oen. 
 
 •  1  Chro.  *  GIVE  thanks  unto  the  Lord;  call  upon  his :  25  ^  He  turned  their  heart  to  hate  hi^  people,  lo^^^'. 
 
 16. 3.  name:  make  known  his  deeds  among  the  people.  ^  deal  lubtiJely  with  his  fervants.  Y  4; 
 
 2  Sing  unto  him,  fing  pfalms  unto  him  :  talk  ye  ot'  26  “  He  fent  Mofes  his  fervant,  and  Aaron  whom  k’txod.' 
 
 all  his  wondrous  works.  j  he  had  chofen.  s.  to. 
 
 3  Glory  ye  in  his  holy  name :  let  the  heart  of  them  '  27  *  d’hey  fhewed  f  his  figns  among  them,  and  won-'^*°l* 
 
 .u... .u_  T  ___  '  ders  in  the  land  of  Ham.  t  hS, 
 
 28  “  He  lent  darknefs,  and  made  it  dark,  and  they  >rds(f 
 rebelled  not  againlt  his  word. 
 
 '  29  ‘  fie  turned  their  waters  into  blood,  and  flew 
 
 their  fifh.  n  Exod. 
 
 30  °  I'heir  land  brought  forth  frogs  in  abundance  20. 
 
 in  the  chambers  ot  their  kings.  ^ 
 
 31  p  He  Ipake  and  there  came  divers  forts  of  flies,  p’Exod. 
 
 and  lice  in  all  their  coalts.  s.  17,  24. 
 
 32  1  f  He  gave  them  hail  for  rain,  and  flaming  fire  3  ^xod. 
 
 in  their  land.  + 
 
 33  He  fmote  their  vines  alfo,  and  their  fig-trees, 
 
 and  brake  the  trees  of  their  coafts.  rain 
 
 rejoice  that  feek  the  Lord. 
 
 4  Seek  the  Lord,  and  his  ftrength  ;  feek  his  face 
 evermore. 
 
 5  Remember  his  marvellous  works  that  he  hath 
 done  ;  his  wonders  and  the  judgments  of  his  mouth  ; 
 
 6  ()  ye  feed  ot  Abraham  his  fervant,  ye  children  of 
 Jacob  his  chofen. 
 
 7  He  is  the  Lord  our  God  ;  his  judgments  are  in 
 all  the  earth. 
 
 8  He  hath  remembered  his  covenant  for  ever,  the 
 word  which  he  commanded  to  a  thoufand  generations  : 
 
 _  9  ’’  Which  covenant  he  made  with  Abraham  and 
 his  oath  unto  Ifaac  ; 
 
 10  And  confirmed  the  fame  unto  Jacob  for  a  law. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 the  cord. 
 
 b  Gen. 
 
 1 7.  2.  & 
 
 22. 16,&c. 
 
 &  26.  3.  . . . . ..._  ......v. 
 
 &  35  Ifrael  for  an  everlafting  covenant ; 
 
 Luke’  ’  Saying,  <=  Unto  thee  will  I  give  the  land  of  Ca- 
 1. 73.  naan,  f  the  lot  of  your  inheritance : 
 
 Heb.  \2  When  they  were  5?^/  a  few  men  in  number; 
 ^Gen.  ftrangers  in  it. 
 
 13. 15.  &  13  When  they  went  from  one  nation  to  another, 
 
 15. 18.  from  one  kingdom  to  another  people, 
 
 14  He  lulFered  no  man  to  do  them  wrong  ;  yea,  he 
 reproved  kings  for  their  fakes  ; 
 
 15  Saying,  Touch  not  mine  anointed,  and  do  my 
 prophets  no  harm. 
 
 16  Moreover,  he  called  for  a  famine  upon  the  land  : 
 he  brake  the  whole  ftaff  of  bread. 
 
 U  He  fent  a  man  before  them,  even  Jofeph,  who 
 was  (old  for  a  fervant. 
 
 18  '  Whole  feet  they  hurt  with  fetters  :  f  he  was 
 laid  ID  iron  : 
 
 (heiyaD'tri'lid'hTm.''’"'  °f 
 
 f Gen.  1  he  king  fent  and  loofed  him;  even  the  ruler 
 
 41. 14.  of  the  people,  and  let  him  go  free. 
 
 '  all  Vis'/tab"” 
 
 fen^oTf  S™! 
 
 d  Gen. 
 37.  28. 
 
 e  Gen. 
 89.  20. 
 f  rieb. 
 
 his  soul 
 
 41.  40. 
 t  Heb. 
 possession. 
 
 34  He  fpake  and  the  Iccults  came,  and  caterpil- 
 
 lars,  and  that  without  number.  10^4^ 
 
 35  And  did  eat  up  all  the  herbs  in  their  land,  and  13, 14. 
 devoured  the  fruit  of  their  ground. 
 
 36  *  He  fmote  alfo  all  the  firfl-born  in  their  land,  *  Exod. 
 
 the  chief  of  all  their  ftrength.  ^2.  29. 
 
 37  '  He  brought  them  forth  alfo  with  filver  and  ‘  Exod. 
 igold;  and  there  was  not  one  feeble  person  among 
 
 '  their  tribes. 
 
 38  “Egypt  was  glad  when  they  departed  :  for  theVo^g^* 
 
 fear  of  them  fell  upon  them.  ,  Exod. 
 
 39  *  He  fpread  a  cloud  for  a  covering,  and  fire  to  is-  21. 
 
 give  light  in  the  night.  r  Exod. 
 
 pie  people  afleed,  and  he  brought  quails,  andic! 
 j  latisfied  them  with  the  bread  of  heaven.  x  Exod. 
 
 41  2  He  opened  the  rock,  and  the  waters  gulhed'^-®* 
 out ;  they  ran  in  the  dry  places  like  a  river. 
 
 42  For  he  remembered  his  holy  promife,  and  Abra-  f  cor!’ 
 
 his  i6rv3Dt«  20,  4, 
 
 I  43  And  he  brought  forth  his  people  with  joy,  and^. 
 
 :  his  cholen  with  f  gladnefs  ;  - 
 
 ,  44  a  And  gave  them  the  lands  of  the  heathen  ;  and  lTo'!n. 
 
 they  inherited  the  labour  of  the  people  ;  Jufliua. 
 
 ;  45  That  they  might  obferve  his  ftatutes,  and  keep 
 
 his  laws,  t  Praife  ye  the  Lord.* 
 
 JiaUdu^ 
 
 jah. 
 
 means  of  Jofeph’s  enlargement  and  jufti6cation  ;  fince  a  perfon,  guiltv  of  tbe 
 evenu'^“»  Can  . 
 
 fb  «  •  ■  V  1  ‘’araoh,  «  fuch  an  one  as  this  is,  a  man  in  whom 
 
 '  H  “.?•  I"-  ""«•  «>= 
 
 there’r  “t  ‘he  Lord  tried  him,  in  the  furnace  of  affluftion 
 
 e  ning  and  preparing  him  for  bis  approaching  exaltation  to  clorv  and 
 
 '  .tr;  j,r.s  f 
 
 «»mu„  of  lioo.  .11  r.„.  „  .k, . 
 
 has 
 
 mad 
 
 tnay 
 
 PRACT7aS“7Etl7Tl7“s''C''.”p  %v  “  . . ■■■'  ■“  “J”''"*  "“J  Rloniog.,  U... 
 
 “;™o“  ‘ts'  7  »■>•-  ••  -onsip.  c...  ..a 
 
 ''I'ile  they  live  fo  as  to  lafl  God  'Jr  Let  the  faints  have  confidence  in  liTm  at  all  his  word,  and, 
 
 ro.«..o  foiioi,,.  -  of  loog  oooa,. 00.00,  r";  r 
 
 19 
 
The  psalmist  cxhortelh  to  praise  God,  e^-c. 
 
 PSALMS. 
 
 The  history  of  the  people  s  rcbelliovf 
 
 > 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 cir.  H91 
 
 t  Ileb. 
 HalUlu 
 Jah. 
 
 a  Pfalms 
 107.  1.  .'t 
 
 b  Exod. 
 14.11,12. 
 
 PSALM  C.VI. 
 
 1  The  psalmist  exhorteth  to  praise  God ;  4  he  praycth  for  pardon  of  liris 
 ns  God  did  with  ihi  fathers.  7  2'he  story  of  the  I'eoplr's  rtbcUioiis,  and 
 God's  mercy.  47  He  concludeth  with  prayer  and  praise. 
 
 t  ye  the  I.ord.  O  *  give  thanks  unto 
 
 X  the  Lord  ;  for  he  is  good  :  tor  his  mercy  eii- 
 dweth  for  ever. 
 
 2  Who  can  utter  the  mighty  afts  of  the  Lord  ? 
 
 116. 1.  &  y^fjo  can  (hew  forth  all  his  praife? 
 
 136. 1.  ^  Bleffed  are  they  that  keep  judgment,  and  he  that 
 doeth  righteoufntfs  at  all  times. 
 
 4  Remember  me,  O  Lord,  with  the  favour  that  thou 
 hearest  Mr//othy  people;  O  vlfit  me  with  thy  falvation ; 
 
 5  That  I  may  lee  the  good  of  thy  chofen,  that  1  may 
 rejoice  in  thegladnels  of  thy  nation,  that  1  may  glory 
 with  thine  inheritance. 
 
 6  We  have  finned  with  our  fathers,  we  have  com¬ 
 mitted  iniquity,  we  have  done  wickedly. 
 
 7  Our  fathers  underftood  not  thy  wonders  in  Egypt ; 
 they  remembered  not  the  multitude  of  thy  mercies  ; 
 
 but  provoked  him  at  the  lea,  even  at  the  Red  fea. 
 
 8  Neverthelefs  he  faved  them  for  his  name’s  fake, 
 that  he  might  make  his  mighty  power  to  be  known. 
 
 9  He  rebuked  the  Red  fea  alfo,  and  it  was  dried 
 up ;  lb  he  led  them  through  the  depths,  as  through 
 the  wildernels. 
 
 10  And  he  faved  them  from  the  hand  of  him  that 
 hated  them,  and  redeemed  them  from  the  hand  ot  the 
 
 c  Exod.  epemy. 
 
 15’  ^  ^  waters  covered  their  enemies  ;  there 
 
 d  Eiod.  was  not  one  of  them  left.  _  r  .  • 
 
 14.51.  &  12  Then  believed  they  his  words  ;  they  fang  his 
 
 praile.  *  . 
 
 15  24.&  13  '  t  They  foon  forgat  his  works;  they  waited 
 
 16.’ 2.'  not  for  his  counfel  ; 
 
 f  Heb.  14  f  gut  .j-  luffed  exceedingly  in  the  wildernels,  and 
 they  made  [gj^pted  God  in  the  deferr. 
 
 eu  ^  gavc  thcm  thoir  requefl ;  but  fent 
 
 leannefs  into  their  foul. 
 
 16  *'  They  envied  Mofes  alfo  in  the  camp,  and, 
 Aaron  the  faint  of  the  Lord. 
 
 17  ‘  The  earth  opened  and  fwallowed  up  Dathan, 
 and  covered  the  company  of  Abiram. 
 
 18  And  a  fire  was  kindled  in  their  company  ;  the 
 
 flame  burnt  up  the  wicked.  n.-  j 
 
 19  ^  They  made  a  calf  in  Horeb,  and  worlnipped 
 
 16.  i,&c.  the  molten  image.  ,  ,  r  -r 
 
 iNumb.  2^  (l^gy  changed  their  glory  into  the  limili- 
 
 tude  of  an  ox  that  eateth  grafs.  _  ^  , 
 
 11.  6.  21  They  forgat  God  their  Saviour,  which  had  done 
 
 great  things  in  Egypt ;  .  ,  ,  .  tt 
 
 16.55,46.  22  Wondrous  works  in  the  land  of  Ham,  and  ter- 
 
 L.  4!  '  rible  things  by  the  Red  fea.  _ 
 
 had 
 
 23  "'Therefore  hefaid  that  he  would  deffroy  them,  Reru,, 
 not  Mofes  his  chofen  flood  before  him  in  the 
 
 ‘5  c. 
 
 breach,  to  turn  away  his  wrath,  left  he  fliould  deftroy^^'*®'- 
 them.  _ 
 
 24  Yea,  they  defpifed  t  the  pleafant  land  ;  they  be-^'-^-  ‘o. 
 lieved  not  his  word  •  ^ 
 
 But  murmured  in  their  tents,  and  hearkened 
 not  unto  the  voice  of  the  Lord. 
 
 haste,  they 
 forgat. 
 
 {  Numb. 
 
 1 1.  4. 
 
 1  Cor. 
 
 10.  6. 
 t  Heb. 
 lusted  a 
 lust. 
 
 e  Numb. 
 11.  31. 
 h  Numb. 
 
 desire, 
 
 Numb. 
 
 26  Therefore  he  lifted  up  his  hand  againft  them,^‘*-~ 
 to  overthrow  them  in  the  wildernefs. 
 
 27  f  To  overthrow  their  feed  alfo  among  the  na-tiieb. 
 
 tions,  and  to  fcatter  them  in  the  lands.  To  make 
 
 28  °  They  joined  themfelves  alfo  unto  Baal-peor, 
 
 and  ate  the  facrifices  of  the  dead.  25. 2, "3.’ 
 
 29  Thus  they  provoked  him  to  anger  with  their 
 inventions  ;  and  the  plague  brake  in  upon  them. 
 
 30  p  Then  flood  up  Phinehas,  and  executed  judg-pNumb. 
 
 ment :  and  so  the  plague  was  stayed.  ’• 
 
 .3!  And  that  was  counted  unto  him  for  righteouf- 
 nefs  unto  all  generations  for  evermore. 
 
 32  ^  They  angered  him  alfo  at  the  waters  of  ftrife,  q  Numb, 
 
 fo  that  it  w  ent  ill  with  Mofes  for  their  fakes :  2°- 
 
 33  Becaufe  they  provoked  his  fpirit,  fo  that  hefpake 
 unadvifedly  with  his  lips. 
 
 34  They  did  not  deftroy  the  nations,  '  concerning r  Dem. 
 
 whom  the  Lord  commanded  them  :  2. 
 
 35  ®  But  were  mingled  among  the  heathen,  and  s  Judges 
 learned  their  works. 
 
 36  And  they  ferved  their  idols  :  which  were  a  fnare 
 unto  them. 
 
 37  Yea,  they  facrificed  their  fons  and  their  daugh¬ 
 ters  unto  devils. 
 
 38  And  (bed  innocent  blood,  even  the  blood  of  their 
 Tons  and  of  their  daughters,  whom  they  facrificed  un- 
 tq  the  idols  of  Canaan :  and  the  land  was  polluted 
 with  blood. 
 
 .  39  Thus  were  they  defiled  with  their  own  works, 
 
 and  went  a  whoring  with  their  own  inventions : 
 i  40  Therefore  was  the  wrath  of  the  Lord  kindled 
 I  againft  his  people,  infomuch  that  he  abhorred  his  own 
 I  inheritance. 
 
 41  And  he  gave  them  into  the  hand  of  the  heathen  ; 
 and  they  that  hated  them  ruled  over  them. 
 
 42  Their  enemies  alfo  opprefTed  them,  and  they 
 1  were  brought  into  fubje£fion  under  their  hand. 
 
 43  '  Many  times  did  he  deliver  them;  but  they t  Judges 
 provoked  him  with  their  counfel,  and  were  |l  brought 
 
 low  for  their  iniquity.  impove* 
 
 44  Neverthelefs  he  regarded  their  aftliffion,  whenws/ied.or, 
 
 he  heard  their  cry :  _  weakened. 
 
 45  “  And  he  remembered  for  them  his  covenant,  u  Levit. 
 and  repented  according  to  the  multitude  of  his  mer- 26.41, «. 
 cies. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  CVI.  Ver.  23.  Therefore  he  said  that 
 h.v^uld  destrou  them.  When  we  bear  Jehovah  faying,  to  Mofes,  on  account  of 
 his  people’s  monftrous  ingratitude,  and  atrocious  wickednefs,  “  Let  me  alone,  that 
 wra*^h  mav  wax  hot  againU  them,  and  that  I  may  confume  them,  and  I  will 
 mLe  of  thee  a  great  nation;”  when  we  hear  Mofes,  notwithdanding  this,  inter¬ 
 ceding  for  bis  countrymen,  with  the  offended  Majefty  of  heaven  ;  urging  to  God 
 the  gfory  of  his  name,  the  relation  in  which  he  ftood  to  Ifrae'.  the  covenan  he 
 
 had  made  with  their  fathers;  and  if  they  J'" IW  m^I  nrav 
 
 nerifb  with  them  ;  “  If  thou  wilt  forgive  their  fin,  and  if  not,  blot  me  I  pray 
 fbee  out  of  thy  book  which  thou  baR  written;"  how  are  we  aftonifhed  at  an 
 ioRance  of  fuch  invincible  fortitude,  fervent  piety,  unadulterated 
 umohant  failb,  and  unbounded  charity  !  Once,  and  but  once,  was  this  indance 
 excLded,  by  Him  in  whofe  name  the  interceflion  of  Mofes  """  J 
 
 ceSted  '  who  really  raking  upon  himfelf  the  fins  of  bis  people,  fuffered  the  ven¬ 
 geance  due  to  them  ;  and  who  is  now  at  the  right  hand  of  God,  interceding  fo 
 
 us  all.  See  Exod.  xxiii.  10—14.  and  32.  Ver.  24—27.  The  biRory  here  alluded 
 to  is  contained  in  Numb.  xiii.  and  xiv.  Ver.  28—31.  By  Balaam’s  advice,  Numb, 
 xxxi  16.  the  Moabites  and  Midianites  fent  their  daughters  among  the  people  of 
 Ifrael,  who  foon  yielded  to  the  temptation  and  fornication  ended  in  idolatry ; 
 nay,  perhaps  it  might  be  a  part  of  the  Bloabitifli  ritual ;  as  we  know  it  was 
 among  the  religious  ferviccs  paid  by  the  latter  heathens  to  fome  of  their  deities. 
 By  the  “  facrifices  of  the  dead,”  may  be  meant  facrifices  which  were  oflTered  either 
 to  dead  idols,  or  to  men  deified  after  death.  To  punifli  this  apoRacy,  the  wrath 
 of  Jehovah  went  forth,  and  24,000  perifhed  by  the  plague,  which  at  length 
 ceated  when  Phinehas  had  executed  judgment  upon  Zimti  and  Coftn,  "ho 
 feemed  indeed  to  call  aloud  for  it,  by  indulging  their  lawlefs  paffions  in  tM 
 midR  of  fo  grievous  a  calamity,  at  a  time  when  the  whole  congregation  were 
 humblino-  themfelves  before  God,  at  the  door  of  the  tabernacle.  Numb.  xxv.  12. 
 It  is  moR  probable,  as  Dr.  Hammond  obferves,  that  Phinehas  being  the  fon  or 
 Eleazar  the  fon  of  Aaron,  was  one  of  the  judges  of  Ifrael  i  and  if  lo,  be  bad  a 
 
fir. 
 
 pefor# 
 
 Chrifl 
 
 1045. 
 
 a  Pfulms 
 106.  1*  & 
 118.  1.  & 
 136.  I. 
 
 fHeb. 
 ^rom  the 
 tea. 
 
 QocCs  providctice  over  travellers, 
 
 46  He  made  them  alio  to  be  pitied  of  all  thofe  that 
 
 carried  them  captives.  ,  .  .  r 
 
 •  47  Save  us,  O  Lord  our  God.  and  gather  us  from 
 among  the  heathen,  to  give  thanks  uuto  thy  holy 
 name,  and  to  triumph  in  thy  praife. 
 
 48  Blefled  be  the  Lord  God  of  Krael  from  ever- 
 laRing  to  everlafting ;  and  let  all  the  people  lay,  Amen. 
 Praife  ye  the  Lord.* 
 
 PSALM  evil. 
 
 1  The  psalmist  eihorleth  the  redeemed,  in  jyraising  God  to  observe  his 
 manifold  provUlence,  4  over  travellers,  1 0  over  captives,  1 7  over  sick 
 men,  22  over  seamen,  tj-c. 
 
 GIVE  thanks  unto  the  Lord,  for  he  is  good  ; 
 for  his  mercy  endureth  for  ever. 
 
 2  Let  the  redeemed  of  the  Lord  lay  so,  whom  he 
 hath  redeemed  from  the  hand  of  the  enemy  ; 
 
 3  And  gathered  them  out  of  the  lands,  from  the  eaft, 
 and  from  the  weft,  from  the  north,  and  t  from  the  Couth. 
 
 4  They  wandered  in  the  wildernefs  in  a  folitary 
 way  ;  they  found  no  city  to  dwell  in. 
 
 5  Hungry  and  thirfty,  their  foul  fainted  in  them. 
 
 6  Then  they  cried  unto  the  Lord  in  their  trouble, 
 
 and  he  delivered  them  out  of  their  diftreffes.  I 
 
 7  And  he  led  them  forth  by  the  right  way,  that  [ 
 
 they  might  go  to  a  city  of  habitation.  _  j 
 
 8  Oh  that  ?}ten  would  praife  the  I.ord  /or  his  i 
 goodnefs,  and  Jbr  his  wonderful  works  to  the  children 
 of  men  ! 
 
 9  For  he  fatisfieth  the  longing  foul,  and  filleth  the  ; 
 hungry  foul  with  goodnefs. 
 
 10  Such  as  fit  in  darknefs,  and  in  the  lhadow  of 
 
 death,  bang  bound  in  af[li£fion  and  iron  ;  i 
 
 1 1  Becaule  they  rebelled  againft  the  words  of  God 
 and  contemned  the  counfel  of  the  moft  High  ; 
 
 12  Tnerefore  he  brought  down  their  heart  with 
 labour  :  they  fell  down,  and  there  teas  none  to  help. 
 
 13  Tnen  they  cried  unto  the  Lord  in  their  trouble, 
 and  he  Caved  them  out  of  their  diftrelTes. 
 
 14  He  brought  them  out  of  darknefs  and  the  (ha- 
 dow  of  death,  and  brake  their  bands  in  funder.  | 
 
 clear  commiflion  for  what  he  did,  from  Mofes,  who  had  faid  to  the  judges  of  ! 
 Ifrael,  “Slay  ye  every  one  his  man,  tliat  were  joined  to  Baal-peor,”  Numb.  | 
 XXV.  5.  The  cafe  of  Phinehas,  therefore,  is  no  precedent  for  uncommiflioned  ' 
 xealots.  In  general  we  learn  from  this  part  of  the  facred  hiftory,  how  acceptable  i 
 to  God  is  a  well-timed  zeal  for  his  fervice  ;  as  alfo,  how  dangerous  it  is  to  con-  | 
 verffc  too  freely  with  thofe  of  the  other  fex,  efpecially  when  they  have  been  edu-  j 
 cated  in  a  falfe  religion,  or  in  no  religion  at  all.  Ver.  39 — 46.  This  is  .an  epi-  1 
 tome  of  the  hiftory  of  the  Ifraelites,  from  the  time  when  Uiey  took  pofleflion  of 
 .Canaan,  downwards.  Tranfgreffions  brought  on  chaftifements ;  chaflifeinents 
 produced  repentance  ;  and  repentance  obtained  mercy. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  CVII.  Ver.  1_3.  Luke  xiii.  29.  Ver. 
 4—3.3.  The  fpiritual  bleffings  of  redemption  are  reprefented  by  the  pfalmift. 
 under  four  exquifitively  beautiful  and  expreflive  images  ;  which  images  are 
 themfelves  four  fpecial  a<5ls  of  God’s  providential  care  and  love,  fliewn  toward 
 the  bodies  of  men  in  the  world  ;  correfponding  with  as  many  works  of  grace, 
 wrought  on  the  fouls  of  believers,  in  the  church.  The  firft  of  thefe  piaurts  ex¬ 
 hibits  to  our  view  a  fet  of  travellers  loft  in  a  pathlefs  defert,  and  well  nigh 
 faimftied,  through  want  of  neceffary  provifions.  They  make  their  diftreffes 
 known  by  prayer  to  Jehovah,  and  lo,  he  appears,  as  their  guard,  and  thiir  guide; 
 
 8  (upplies  all  their  neceffnies  upon  the  journey,  and  condu^s  them  in  fafety  to 
 I  Tn  shode,  ver.  4 — 7.  In  this  ftcond  piece  of  divine  feenery,  we  be¬ 
 
 hold  a  people  groaning  under  .all  the  miferies  of  captivity,  deprived  of  light  and 
 
 PSALMS. 
 
 sich-  men,  and  seamrn. 
 
 ]  15  Oh  that  men  would  praife  the  Lord  fur  his 
 
 !  goodnefs,  and/or  his  wonderful  works  to  the  children  '\  'o45. 
 
 I  of  men  ! 
 
 16  For  he  hath  broken  the  gates  of  brafs,  and  cut 
 the  bars  of  iron  in  funder. 
 
 17  Fools,  becaufeof  their  tranfgreffion,  and  becaufe 
 of  their  iniquities,  are  afilifted  : 
 
 18  ^  Ttieir  foul  abhorreth  all  manner  of  meat ;  and^* 
 they  draw  near  unto  the  gates  of  death. 
 
 I  19  Then  they  cry  unto  the  Lord  in  their  trouble, 
 j  and  he  faveth  them"  out  of  their  diftreffes. 
 i  20  He  f  nt  his  word,  and  healed  them,  and  deliver- 
 !  ed  than  from  their  deftruftions, 
 
 I  21  Oh  that  men  would  praife  the  Lord  for  his 
 I  goodnefs,  and/or  his  uonderful  works  to  the  children 
 j  of  men  ! 
 
 '  22  And  let  them  ficrifice  the  facrifices  of  thankf- 
 
 giving,  and  declare  his  works  with  f  rejoicing.  f. 
 
 :  23  They  that  go  down  to  the  fea  in  Ihips,  that  do**"^**’ 
 
 I  bufiotfs  in  great  waters. 
 
 I  24  I’hefe  fee  the  works  of  the  Lord,  and  his  w'cn- 
 '  ders  in  the  deep. 
 
 j  25  F^or  he  commandeth,  and  f  raifeth  the  ftormy 
 wind,  which  lifteth  up  the  waves  thereof.  H^uand. 
 
 26  They  mount  up  to  the  heaven,  they  go  down 
 again  to  the  depths  ;  their  foul  is  melted  becaufe  of 
 trouble. 
 
 27  They  reel  to  and  fro,  and  flagger  like  a  drunk¬ 
 en  man,  and  t  are  at  their  wit’s  end.  t  Hei*. 
 
 28  Then  they  cry  unto  the  Lord  in  their  trouble, 
 
 and  he  bringeth  them  out  of  their  diftreffes.  svoaiunved 
 
 29  He  raaketh  the  ftorm  a  calm,  fo  that  the  waves  »*;>. 
 thereof  are  ftill. 
 
 30  Then  are  they  glad,  becaufe  they  be  quiet ;  fo 
 he  bringeth  them  unto  their  defired  haven. 
 
 31  Oh  that  mtn  would  praife  the  Lord  for  his 
 goodnefs,  and/or  his  wonderful  works  to  the  children 
 of  men  ! 
 
 32  Let  them  exalt  him  alfo  in  the  congregation  of 
 the  people,  and  praife  him  in  the  afferably  of  the  elders. 
 
 liberty,  chained  down  in  horrid  dungeons,  and  there  expecting  the  day  of  exeou. 
 tion.  Thefe  calamities  they  are  reprefented  as  having  brought  upKxi  themfelves, 
 by  their  rebellion  againft  God,  who  takes  this  method  of  bumbling  them.  It 
 fucceeds,  and  brings  them  upon  their  knees  to  him,  who  alone  is  able  to  deliver 
 them,  ver.  10 — 16.  The  recovery  of  men  from  ficknefs  affords  a  third  image  of 
 the  l)enefits  conferred  on  our  nature,  by  the  Redeemer ;  ficknefs  as  we  are  liere 
 informed,  is  the  puniftiraent  of  human  "folly  and  iniquity.  When  it  is  extreme, 
 it  deprives  man  of  alt  relifli  and  appetite  for  his  food  ;  nay,  it  makes  him  loathe 
 and  deleft  the  very  fight  and  fmell  of  that  which  fliould  nourilh  and  fupport 
 him  ;  in  which  cafe,  he  muft  wafte  away,  and  foon  “  draw  near  to  the  gates  of 
 death.”  But  from  thofe  dreadful  gates  the  power  of  God  can  fnateb  us,  when 
 we  are  juft  about  to  enter  them.  To  an  infirm  and  emaciated  body  be  can  re- 
 ftore  health,  ftrength,  and  beauty  ;  fo*  difeafes  are  bis  roinifters  and  meffengers ; 
 they  vifit  us  at  his  command,  and  at  his  command  they  retire,  and  we  recover 
 again,  vet.  17 — 22.  Tfie  fourth  fimilitude  chofen  to  pourtray  the  dangers  of  our 
 j  prelent  Hate,  and  the  goodnefs  of  God  difplayed  in  our  falvation,  is  taken  from 
 '  that  fignal  inftance  of  the  Divine  power  and  providence,  the  prefervation  of  ma¬ 
 riners  in  a  ftorm  at  fea.  The  defeription  which  the  pfalmift  bath  given  us  of 
 fuch  an  event  admitteth  of  no  comment.  Experience  alone  can  illuftrate  its 
 beauty,  evince  its  truth,  and  point  out  the  propriety  of  the  circumftances  which 
 are  feleaed  to  furnilh  us  with  a  full  and  complete  idea  of  the  whole.  Few  of 
 us  indeed,  are  ever  likely  to  ba  in  that  terrible  fituation.  But  then,  we  cannot 
 
 — *  Psal.  eVL]  Infinitely  worthy  to  be  recorded  with  thankfgiving  and  praife  are  all  the  deeds  the  wnnH  i-f  l  .r 
 
 whirh  f  righteoufnefs  of  .Meffiah  the  ground  of  their  acceptance  How'^h  f 
 
 therf  ‘P  him  and  his  benefits  under  foot !  And  awful  is  the  rellcaion  tliat  chiUreu  Qiould  walk  In  the  wicked  and  deftruaiv^nml^ 
 
 ceed  V  mercies  and  judgments,  how  ftupidly  infenfible,  how  ftrangely  forgetful,  does  fin  make  God’s  profeffed  oeonle  ^ 
 
 ceed  from  evil  to  worfe,  till  his  indignation  break  forth  againft  them  without  Jemedy.  But  great  is  the  merev  wh^rfin^ul  na.Lns 
 
 y  their  prayers  and  their  labours,  (land  in  the  gap,  and  avert  the  indignation  of  the  Lord  With  uleafnrc  hn  lnr>l .  r  v.  j  k-  ui  u  them  thofe  who. 
 
 How  .ho  g„a„.r.  or  goJ,  wi..,  „  .aa  on.Cr.o  »"  •i'.-  «=o.n,; 
 
 m  for  our  relief,  and  to  rebuke  or  even  turn  the  hearts  of  them  that  deftroyed  us.  Never  is  a  penitent  pmver  ^^d  out  intrhl  ^r  . 
 
 “ll  ““  -  »  >1..  -too.,  of  gr.0. ;  .„i  .11  ou,  b.aow.a  o,  Fomi 
 
The  manifold  2frovide}icc  qf  God. 
 
 33  He  turneth 
 
 PSALMS. 
 
 wildernefs,  and  the 
 
 cir 
 
 t  Heb. 
 taltncfs. 
 c  ll'aiah 
 
 41.  18. 
 
 ftanding- 
 
 a.'rirt  ne  turnetn  rivers  into  a 
 
 ir.  1045.  into  dry  ground  ; 
 
 34  A  truittul  land  into  f  barrennefs,  for  the  wicked- 
 nels  of  them  that  dwell  therein. 
 
 35  '  He  turneth  the  wildernefs  into  a 
 water,  and  dry  jyound  into  water-fprings. 
 
 36  And  there  jie  maketh  the  hungry  to  dwell,  that 
 they  may  prepar;e  a  city  for  habitation  ; 
 
 37  And  fow  the  fields,  and  plant  vineyards,  which 
 may  yield  fruits  of  increafe. 
 
 38  He  bleffeth  them  alfo,  fo  that  they  are  mul¬ 
 tiplied  greatly,  and  fuffereth  not  their  cattle  to  de¬ 
 er  eafe. 
 
 39  Again,  they  are  minifhed,  and  brought  low 
 through  oppreffion,  allli£fion,  and  forrow. 
 
 40  He  poureth  contempt  upon  princes,  and  cauf- 
 
 wander  in  the  \\  wildernefs,  ’where  there  is 
 
 1  Sam.  no  tvav. 
 
 David  complaineth  of  his  slanderous 
 
 7 
 
 (’xctnici, 
 
 d  Job 
 12.  21, 
 i  Or. 
 
 2.  8, 
 Pfalm 
 1 15.  7, 
 y  Or, 
 after, 
 f  Job 
 22.  19. 
 g  Jer. 
 9.  12. 
 
 «  Or, 
 
 tk-ies. 
 
 41  «  Yet  fetteth  he  the  poor  on  high  |l  from  afflic- 
 ^  tion,  and  maketh  him  families  like  a  flock. 
 
 42_  f  The  righteous  fhall  fee  it,  and  rejoice  ;  and 
 all  iniquity  fhall  flop  her  mouth. 
 
 43  s  Whofo  is  wife,  and  will  obferve  thefe  things, 
 even  they  fhall  underftand  the  loving-kindnefs  of  the 
 Lord.* 
 
 PSALM  CVIII. 
 
 1  David  encottrageth  himself  to  praise  God  ;  5  he  prayeth  for  God’s  as¬ 
 sistance  according  to  his  promise ;  1  1  his  confdence  in  God’s  help. 
 
 ^  A  long  or  pfalm  of  David. 
 
 OGOD,  my  heart  is  fixed  ;  I  will  ling  and  give 
 praife,  even  with  my  glory. 
 
 2  Aw^ake,  pfaltery  and  harp ;  I  myself  will  awake 
 early. 
 
 3  I  w’ill  praife  thee,  O  Lord,  among  the  people : 
 and  I  will  ling  praifes  unto  thee  among  the  nations. 
 
 4  For  thy  mercy  is  great  above  the  heavens,  and 
 thy  truth  reacheth  unto  the  H  clouds. 
 
 5  Be  thou  exalted,  O  God,  above  the  heavens  ;  and 
 thy  glory  above  all  the  earth  ; 
 
 help  reflecting,  that  there  is  a  fliip,  in  which  we  are  all  embarked  ;  there  is  a 
 troubled  fea,  on  which  we  all  fail ;  there  are  ftorms,  by  which  we  are  all  fre¬ 
 quently  overtaken  ;  and  there  is  a  haven,  which  we  all  defire  to  behold,  and  to 
 enter.  For  the  church  is  a  (hip  ;  the  World  is  a  fea  ;  temptations,  perfecutions, 
 and  a(Hi(51ions  are  the  waves  of  it ;  the  prince  of  the  power  of  the  air  is  the  ftormy 
 wind  which  raifes  them  ;  and  heaven  is  the  only  port  of  reft  and  fecurity.  Often 
 during  the  voyage,  for  our  punifhment,  or  our  trial,  God  permitteth  us  to  be 
 thus  alTaulted.  The  fucceflion  and  the  violence  of  our  trouble,  the  elevations 
 and  depreflions  of  mind  and  fortune,  the  uncertainty  of  our  counfels,  and  our 
 utter  inability  to  help  ourftlves,  are  finely  reprefented  by  the  multitude  and 
 impetuofity  of  the  waves,  the  toflings  and  agitations  of  the  velfel,  the  confufion, 
 terror,  and  diftrefs  among  the  failors.  In  both  cafes,  prayer  is  the  proper  etfeift, 
 and  the  only  remedy  left,  ver.  23 — 52.  Ver.  33 — 38.  In  this  latter  part  of  the 
 pfalm,  the  prophet  further  exeraplifieth  the  power,  the  juftice,  and  the  goodnefs  of 
 God;  his  power,  in  being  able  to  change  the  very  nature  of  things  ;  his  jufiice,  | 
 and  his  goodnefs,  in  fo  doing,  either  to  punifh  the  rebellious,  or  to  reward  the  ■ 
 ol>edient. 
 
 EXPL.\K.\TORY  NOTES.  Psal.  CVIII.  This  pfalm  is  compofed  of  j 
 parts  taken  without  any  material  alteration  from  two  others.  The  firft  five  verfes 
 occur  in  Pfal.  Ivii.  7 — 1 1.  the  laft  eight  are  found  in  Pfal.  lx.  5 — 12.  The  reader  > 
 is  therefore  referred  to  the  expofition  already  given  of  thofe  pfalms.  | 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  CIX.  Ver.  6,7.  A  tranfitiou  is  here  i 
 
 6  *  That  thy  beloved  may  be  delivered  :  fave  'with  n„f 
 
 thy  right  hand  and  anCwer  me.  Chlj 
 
 7  God  hath  (poken  in  his  holinels ;  I  will  rejoice,  ‘osc. 
 will  divideShechem,  and meteout thevalleyofSuccoth. 
 
 8  Gilead  is  mine ;  Manaff.  h  is  mine  ;  Ephraim  airo®^. 
 
 A  the  flrength  of  mine  head  ;  Judah  is  my  lawgiver; 
 
 9  Moab  is  my  wafh-pot  ;  over  Edom  will  I  caft  out 
 my  fhoe;  over  Philillia  will  1  triumph. 
 
 10  Who  will  bring  me  into  the  ftrong  city?  who 
 will  lead  me  into  Edom  ? 
 
 11  IVili  not  thov,  O  God,  who  haft  caft  us  off?  and 
 wilt  not  thou,  O  God,  go  forth  with  our  hefts  ? 
 
 12  Give  us  help  from  trouble  :  for  vain  is  the  help 
 of  man. 
 
 13  Through  God  we  fhall  do  valiantly:  for  he  it 
 is  that  fhall  tread  down  our  enemies  f 
 
 PSALM  CIX. 
 
 1  David  complaineth  of  his  slanderous  enem  ies,  under  the  person  of  Judas, 
 
 devoteth  them;  16  he  sheweth  their  sins;  21  complaining  of  his  own 
 
 misery,  he  prayeth  for  help,  c^c. 
 
 ^  To  the  chief  mufician,  A  pfalm  of  David. 
 
 OLD  not  thy  peace,  O  God  of  my  praife. 
 
 2  For  the  mouth  of  the  wicked,  and  the  ft  Heb, 
 uiouth  of  the  deceitful,  t  are  opened  agaioft  me :  they 
 have  fpoken  againft  me  with  a  lying  tongue. 
 
 3  They  compafTed  me  about  alfo  w'ith  words  ofAase 
 hatred  ;  and  fought  agaieft  me  without  a  caufe. 
 
 4  For  my  love  they  are  my  adverfaries :  but  I 
 
 myself  unto  prayer. 
 
 5  And  they  have  rewarded  me  evil  for  good,  and 
 
 hatred  for  my  love.  n  or, 
 
 6  Set  thou  a  wicked  man  over  him  ;  and  let  II  Sa-  an  adver. 
 tan  ftand  at  his  right  hand. 
 
 7  When  he  fhall  be  judged,  let  him  t  be  condemn- 
 
 ed  ;  and  let  his  prayer  become  fin.  guilty,  ot 
 
 8  Let  his  days  be  few ;  and  »  let  another  take  his  wkhd. 
 
 II  office.  * 
 
 9  Let  his  children  be  fatherlefs,  and  his  wife  ayori 
 
 widow.  charm, 
 
 1 
 
 made  to  the  adverfaries  of  Melfiab  ;  primarily  to  Judas,  “  who  was  guide  to 
 them  that  took  Jefus  A6ls  i.  16.  fecondarily  to  the  fynagogue,  of  whom  Juilai 
 may  be  confidered  as  an  epitome  and  reprefentative.  It  is  foretold,  that  by  be¬ 
 traying  and  murdering  the  heft  of  mafters,  they  Ihould  subje<5l  themfelves  to  the 
 tyranny  of  the  worft  :  that  they  Ihould  become  (laves  to  the  wicked  one,  he  juftlf 
 being  fet  over  them,  when  they  had  delivered  themfelves  into  his  hands;  that  Sa-  , 
 tan,  who  had  ftood  by  them  to  tempt  them,  (hould  ftand  at  their  light  hand  to  ac- 
 cufe  them,  at  the  tribunal  of  God  ;  that  when  tried,  they  would  be  convicSled  and 
 condemned,  and  even  their  prayer  would  be  abomination  in  the  fight  of  the  Lord, 
 as  being  oflered  without  true  contrition  and  repentance,  without  faith,  hope,  or 
 charity.  Such  is  the-wretebed  (late  of  the  Jews,  eftranged  from  God,  and  in 
 bondage  to  the  devil;  fuch  .the  prayers,  which  from  hardened  and  malignant 
 hearts,  they  continually  utter,  for  the  excifion  of  all  Chriftians,  and  for  the  ex¬ 
 tirpation  of  that  blelFed  Nanne,  on  which  Chriftians  call.  Thefe  prayers,  inflead 
 of  lightening  the  burden  of  their  fins,  certainly  add  to  its  weight.  Enable  us,  0 
 Lord  Jefus,  to  refift  Satan  as  a  tempter,  that  he  may  not  be  our  accufer;  and 
 grant  us  always,  fo  to  pray,  that  our  prayers  may  be  heard.  Ver.  8.  His  day 
 shall  be  few,  and  another  shall  take  Ms  office.  This  is  the  verfe  which  St  Peter  haiti 
 cited  and  applied,  in  his  elifcourle  to  the  difciples,  at  the  eledlion  of  JIattbia 
 into  the  place  of  Judas.  For  it  is  written  in  the  book  of  pfalms,  Let  his  habita 
 tion  be  defolate,  and  let  no  man  dwell  therein  ;  and  his  bilhoprick  let  another 
 take,  Adis  i.  20.  The  former  of  thefe  two  citations  is  made  from  Pfal.  Ixix.  25. 
 
 I 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. _ •  Psal.  CVII.]  Contemplate  here  the  unnumbered  and  wretched  confequences  of  fin!  and  behold  the  power  of  in- 
 
 wrought  and  fervent  prayer  which  brings  fpeedv  and  efi'eaual  relief  in  every  cafe.  The  holinefs  and  equity,  the  goodnefs  and  mercy,  the  wifdom  and  fovereignty 
 of  Jehovah,  are  conneaedly  difplayed  in  his  pro'vidence  to  men.  With  exaa  and  humble  care  ought  we  then  to  confidtr  the  doing  of  the  Lord,  and  to  compare 
 with  his  word  and  with  our  prayers,  and  one  part  of  it  with  another  ;  fo  fl.all  we  underftand  the  loving-kindnefs  of  the  Lord.  And  were  we  accurate  obfervers  i 
 divine  providence,  conftanlly  would  our  hearts,  our  lips,  and  life,  be  filled  with  the  high  praife  of  the  Lord’s  kindnefs,  and  of  his  wonderful  works  towards  the  cdii- 
 
 "^^RACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS _ f  Psal.  CVIII.]  Behold  how  quickly  God  can  change  the  lot,  the  frames,  and  the  fongs  of  his  people;  and  give  the® 
 
 peace  inftead  of  trouble,  honour  inftead  of  difgrace,  and  high  praifes  in  the  room  of  bitter  wailings.  How  confidently  may  the  faints  expeft  to  fee  the  falvation  " 
 God  •  for  he  is  faithful  and  almighty  to  perform  his  promifes?j  What  he  hath  promifed  faith  can  rejoice  in,  as  if  it  were  already  performed;  and  whatever  diHicui 
 may  be  in  the  way,  notliing  is  too  bard  for  the  Lord.  However  ftrong  their  enemies,  and  weak  their  fouls,  his  people  (hall.affuredly  prove  more  than  conquer 
 through  him  that  loveth  tJiem.  Let  them  therefore  derive  all  their  ftrengtb  and  happinefs  from  God  alone.  Human  affiftance  is  but  vanity,  and  human  depeiiaau 
 ^  but°confummate  folly;  but  they  who  hope  in  the  Lord  (hall  never  be  put  to  (hame. 
 
David  ihe'xcth  his  enemies'  tins 
 
 lioforu  10  Lft  his  children  be  continually  vagabonds,  and 
 
 1  OAI.AIO. 
 
 Lansl 
 
 * . .  ivy  k  IMO  vyw  i « i  lj  u  j  *  M^(iLyvyij\JO|  aui 
 
 beK  :  let  them  leek  their  bread  alfo  out  of  their  delo 
 
 Cir.  105H.  ,  o 
 
 places. 
 
 1 1  Let  the  extortioner  catch  all  that  he  hath  ;  and 
 let  the  flranger  I'poil  his  labour. 
 
 12  Let  there  be  none  to  extend  mercy  unto  him  ; 
 neither  let  there  be  any  to  favour  his  fatherlels  chil¬ 
 dren. 
 
 13  Let  his  pofterity  be  cut  off;  and  in  the  genera 
 tion  following  let  their  name  be  blotted  out. 
 
 H  Let  the  iniquity  of  his  fathers  be  remembered 
 with  the  Lord  ;  and  let  not  the  fin  of  his  mother  be 
 blotted  out. 
 
 15  Let  them  be  before  the  Lord  continually,  that 
 he  may  cut  off  the  memory  of  them  from  the  earth. 
 
 16  Becaufe  that  he  remembered  not  to  fhew  mercy, 
 
 i.tn.’d-m  and 
 
 u  are  weak  through  faffing;  and  my 
 
 neln  failcth  of  fatnefs.  ( i.-iii 
 
 reproach  unto  them  ;  Uicn  they 
 
 cir. 
 
 I 
 
 .!i 
 
 t  Hcb. 
 
 ii'i'Ai'i 
 
 •him. 
 
 even  flay  the  broken  in  heart. 
 
 17  As  he  loved  curfing,  fo  let  it  come  unto  him  ;  as 
 he  delighted  not  in  bitfling,  lo  let  it  be  far  from  him. 
 
 IS  As  he  clothed  himfelf  with  curfing  like  as  with 
 his  garment,  fo  let  it  come  f  into  his  bowels  like  wa 
 ter,  and  like  oil  into  his  bones. 
 
 19  Let  it  be  unto  him  as  the  garment  ■xhich  cover- 
 
 looked  upon  me  they  ffiaked  their  head-,. 
 
 26  rielp  me,  O  Lord  my  God  :  O  fave  me  ac¬ 
 cording  to  thy  mercy  ; 
 
 27  That  they  may  know  that  this  h  thy  hand  ;  that 
 thou.  Lord,  haft  done  it. 
 
 28  Let  them  curfe,  but  blefs  thou  :  when  thf  y  arife 
 let  them  be  afhamed  ;  but  let  thy  lervant  rejoice.  ’ 
 
 29  Let  mine  adverlaries  be  clothed  with  fhame  ;’and 
 
 let  tnem  cover  themfelves  with  their  own  confufion 
 as  with  a  mantle.  ’ 
 
 30  1  will  greatly  praife  the  Lord  with  my  mouth  • 
 
 yea,  1  will  praife  him  among  the  multitude.  ’  ‘ 
 
 31  For  he  fhall  ttand  at  the  right  hand  of  the  poor 
 
 e  him  4-  from  f  h/->r<.  »K..f  _ i_;_  r  i  —  *2*^  ’tf 
 
 ^  Heb. 
 
 /iti  ml. 
 
 PSALM  CX. 
 
 1  The  kingdom,  3  the prietlhood,  4  the  contjucsi,  7  and  the petsion  ■/Chriit. 
 
 ^  ^  ^  A  pfalm  of  David. 
 
 HE  *  Lord  faid  unto  ray  Lord,  Sit  thou  at  mv“ 
 
 right  hand,  until  I  make  thine  enemies  thy  foot-^j^,^^' 
 
 1C.  II  uc  uutu  mill  us  uie  garment  cover- 11  o 'Ph.,.  t  ^  ru  n  r  j  l  ,  ^  '2- so. 
 
 eth  him,  and  for  a  girdle  wherewith  he  is  girded  con-,  rV-  lend  the  red  of  thy  ftrength  out  Luke 
 
 tinually.  ^  |,  ?  ''ule  tnou  in  the  midft  of  thine  enemies.  4: 
 
 tinually. 
 
 20  Let  this  he  the  reward  of  mine  adverfaries  from 
 
 20.  42. 
 
 aas 
 
 _ _ _ _ _  willing  in  the  day  of ’thy  of/ 
 
 the  Lord,  and  of  them  that  Ipeak  evil  againft  my  foul.  ,  a  the  womb  of  i  cJr. 
 
 21  But  do  thou  for  me,  O  God  the  Lord,  for  thy  i  dew  of  thy  youth.  25. 
 
 name’s  fake;  becaufe  thy  mercy  zs  good,  deliver  thou  t-i,  -Lord  hath  Iworn,  and  will  not  repent 
 
 zedek.  ^  ^  of  Melchi!  ' 
 
 5  The  Lord  at  thy  right  hand  (ball  ftrike  through 
 
 kings  in  the  day  of  his  wrath.  mrougn 
 
 6  He  fliall  judge  among  the  heathen,  he  fhall  fil 
 
 - -  *“««’>  i-c-  b  Hebr.  5.  6.  &  7.  17 
 
 >  r  1 —  —  ‘  ^  nxiw  lui  iiiy 
 
 name  s  lake  ;  becaufe  thy  mercy  is  good,  deliver  thou 
 me. 
 
 22  For  lam  poor  and  need5',  and  my  heart  is  wound¬ 
 ed  within  me. 
 
 2.3  I  am  gone  like  the  (hadow  when  it  decliueth  :  I 
 am  tclTed  up  and  down  as  the  locuft. 
 
 the  latter  is  a  part  of  the  verfe  now  before  us.  If  Judas,  therefore  be  the  uerfon 
 whole  deftrua.on  the  fufferer  fortelleth,  the  perfon  fpeaking  in  this  propLtical 
 pfalm  muft  of  neceffity  be  our  Lord  lumfelf.  who  fuffered  by  the  treachery  of 
 Judas.  In  Ifal.  Ix'x.  2o.  Theprediaion  is  in  the  plural  number,  “  Their  baWta 
 tion  lha  l  be  void  -  yet  St  Peter  applies  it.  in  the  fingular  number  to  Jnd  ' 
 pe  paflage  m  our_  Pfalm  is  fingula-,  yet  applicable  not  to  Judas  only,  but  to 
 
 tr.orrttng 
 
 the  tliju  ^alt 
 
 the  whole  nation  of  the  Jews;  whofe  days,  tl7y  had  crucified  tl^Lord  of 
 
 glory,  were  few  ;  who  were  dlfpolfclfed  of  the  place  and  office  which  they  heffi  '  T  ’ 
 
 as  the  church  of  God,  and  to  which,  with  all  it,  they  held  ,  bones.  Ver.  28,  21 
 
 trayed  and  murdered  the  lowlv  and  t  n  !  I  - - 
 
 forrow  for  their  fins,  and  with  a  fenfe  of  rh ^token  with 
 1  7-20.  The  cu.fe  that  on  ffie  Jeljffi  ‘o  titem.  Ver. 
 
 verfality  and  adhefion,  to  a  garment  whirh  “ ‘°h>  '*  fclembied,  for  iu  uni- 
 girded  clofe  about  his  loins,  for  iu  diffufive  ^ 
 
 r  t  -  *  uinuiive  ar 
 
 .,1.  c.,u„hV„„..d.d  I. 
 
 abohlhed,  and  that  of  the  true  Melchizedek  establiffied  for  ever^  Ver  9  10*  ' 
 If,  by  the  wretched  death  of  Judas,  his  wife  became  a  widow,  and  his  chL  en 
 orphans,  yagahonds  and  beggars,  their  fate  was  but  a  prelude  to  that  o7 
 fands  and  ten  thoufands  of  the  fame  nation  whofi^  hnfil>an  ic-  a  c  \ 
 
 afterwards  to  a  miferable  end,  at  the  desTuaion  ot Jerusalem 
 
 and  children’s  children,  haye  f.ncc  been  contMy  v7lh  nds  uuon't^T  7’ 
 in  the  state  of  Cain,  when  he  had  murdered  his  ri^teous  bro  liTL  .  ,  7 
 but  marvelioufly  preferved  for  puniffiment  and  wot  Having  nothino-  of 
 o«n,  they  roam  through  all  parts  of  the  world  civilized  or  I  7  o  of  their 
 
 Sp.  r„  r  S,r‘?  •"'‘r" 
 
 the  known  world,  noneappearing,  as  in  other  cafes  to  f  7,  . 
 
 that  iic  remembered  not  to  shew  mercy.  The  crime  which  lloLhr  '■  I 
 
 S,;  ^ 
 
 poor,  and  wh/‘Ladeffiended  !o\Vof Ids  »eat7es"’water''  to'Triifrthey  *bT  ' 
 
 as  die  amtht^  Sr/ Cu^^iS^yS  !' 
 
 r  A--ical  priesthood  wa's  i'  of  heaven’s  difplc/fure7,. ‘VI.:.""  7- 
 
 .  ,  ^  - >  njtfy  nave  he 
 
 ■tj"  |i 
 
 ftomS...i,  but.te  gofpel  f.,’!,,  “  f '  al  .  1^^^'  !•»  —  p-.p  ,o  ir,„| 
 tiODs.  beginning  at  Jerufalem.”  Luke  xxiv  47  vL 
 
 in  the  day  of  ,hy  power.  Biffiop  Lowil.,‘ffi  Lisldm  red 
 
 clauffiof  this  has  obferved 
 
 and  provedT  tha't  the  laR  claufe  of  this' vprfii  "  “'T'’'!.  i'^'^tires,  has  obfe 
 effea  ;  — “  More  than  the  dew  from  the  womb  of  7  ^  to  this 
 
 progeny:”  that  is.  Thy  children,  begotten  to  11,0^777 “f  thy 
 Bbir.  as  well  ,,  "‘tough  the  gofoel.  fl„H  e. 
 
 ceed  m  number,  as  well  as  brightnef,  and  be  utr  7"^ 
 
 whicn  the  morning  dildofeih  to  fbe  delighted  /ye  I  the  I 
 
 The  pfa Imift,  who  has  hitherto  nddrcflkd  himfelf  ,o  !heVr  rr  !^°'‘'"-  6 
 
 uppofed  now  to  make  a  fudden  apoltropbe  to  Teh  or  the  Son  n  ull  b,. 
 
 had  faid  “This  my  Lord  Meffiah,  v!ho  fiueth  at  tlw  rf  h  I  father;  as  if  he 
 Imite  through  kings  in  the  day  of  his  wrath  "  the^l ^  -^'hovah,  ffiail 
 vour  todeflroy  his  religion,  and  put  an  end  to  f 
 
 mitiaiis,  the  Dioclef.pnc  .h.,  .  ^  kingdom  :  the  Vem, 
 
 niitiaiis.  the  DioclefansTthe’  Mle.Ii/ffi/’ffie'M-  Do- 
 
 afrainitt  h  «  .  t...  princes. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS _ I\,..  nv  i  t  7  .  .  - 
 
 “^t«rity  ;  and  tb.at  ev.l  which  they  have  dnne.  ne  ...  protedion  of  the  righteous,  but  bis  curffi  7 
 
 emfplcoc  T4/X...  _ •  puriu 
 
 and  strew  the  ground  with  iheir  carcafes  As  A  i  l^a’tlev 
 
 v-t.  ^  er.  JL,  drink  of  the  trook.  or  torrent  S;:  jj  7 
 
 llie  Hebrew  word  [nehel] 
 
 posterity  ;  and  tb.at  evd  which  they  have  done  I' win,  4  protedion  of  ib 
 
 19 
 
 I  and  faved  us. 
 
 It  becomes 
 
^he  psalmist  incitcth  others  to  praise  God. 
 
 PSALMS. 
 
 Godliness  hath  the  promise  of  this  life,  S;e 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrill 
 
 oooa 
 
 6  Or, 
 great. 
 
 pi  with  the  dead  bodies ;  he  fhall  wound  the  heads 
 over  II  many  countries. 
 
 j  7  He  iball  drink  of'  the  brook  in  the  way  :  there¬ 
 fore  Ihall  he  lift  up  the  head.* 
 
 PSALM  CXI. 
 
 1  THf  psalmis',  hy  his  eratiiple,  inciteth  others  to  praise  God por  hit  glorious, 
 6  and  gracious  works.  10  Thefear  o/"  God  is  the  source  (p true  xcisdom 
 
 f  HeK 
 
 JJaUelu- 
 
 jah. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 prey, 
 f  Heb. 
 «re  esta~ 
 blis'ieU. 
 a  Job 
 28.  28. 
 Prov. 
 
 1.  7.  & 
 
 9.  10. 
 Ecclus. 
 1.  16. 
 
 II  Or, 
 good  suc¬ 
 cess. 
 t  Heb. 
 that  do 
 them. 
 
 t  "O^-AISE  ye  the  Lord.  1  will  praife  the  Lord 
 with  my  whole  heart,  in  the  aflerably  of  the  up¬ 
 right,  and  in  the  congregation. 
 
 2  i'he  works  of  the  I..0RD  are  great,  fought  out  of 
 all  them  that  have  pleafure  therein. 
 
 3  His  work  is  honourable  and  glorious :  and  his 
 righteoufnefs  endureth  for  ever. 
 
 4  He  hath  made  his  wonderful  works  to  be  remem- 
 bvred  :  the  Lord  is  gracious,  and  full  of  compafliop. 
 
 5  He  hath  given  i  meat  unto  them  that  fear  him : 
 he  will  ever  be  mindful  of  his  covenant. 
 
 6  He  hath  (hewed  his  people  the  power  of  his  works, 
 that  he  may  give  them  the  heritage  of  the  heathen. 
 
 7  The  works  of  his  hands  are  verity  and  judgment: 
 all  his  commandments  are  fure. 
 
 8  They  f  liand  faft  for  ever  and  ever,  and  are  done 
 in  truth  and  uprightnefs. 
 
 9  He  lent  redemption  unto  his  people ;  he  hath 
 commanded  his  covenant  for  ever ;  holy  and  reverend 
 is  his  name. 
 
 10  *  The  fear  of  the  Lord  is  the  beginning  of  wil- 
 dom:  II  a  good  underftanding  have  all  they  t  that  do 
 his  commandments:  his  praife  endureth  for  ever.f 
 
 PSALM  CXIl. 
 
 3  Wealth  and  riches  shall  he  in  his  houfe;  and  his  i^cror® 
 righteoufnefs  endureth  for  ever. 
 
 4  Unto  the  upright  there  arifeth  light  in  the  t^^rk- 
 nefs ;  he  is  gracious  and  full  of  corapaflion,  and  righ¬ 
 teous. 
 
 5  A  good  man  (heweth  favour  and  lendeth  :  he  will 
 
 guide  his  affairs  with  f  diferetion.  _  t  Heh. 
 
 6  Surely  he  (hall  not  be  moved  for  ever :  the  righ-.t^”^. 
 i  teous  (hall  be  in  everlalling  remembrance. 
 
 I  7  He  (hall  not  be  afraid  of  evil  tidings ;  his  hearf 
 i  is  fixed  truliing  in  the  Lord. 
 
 8  His  heart  is  eftablilhed,  he  (hall  not  be  afraid, 
 
 !  until  he  lee  his  desire  upon  his  enemies, 
 j  9  *  He  hath  difperfed,  he  hath  given  to  the  poor;a2Cor. 
 his  righteournefs  endureth  for  ever;  his  hoin  ffiall®'^- 
 !  be  exalted  with  honour. 
 
 10  The  wicked  fhall  fee  it  and  be  grieved  ;  he  (hall 
 gna!h  with  his  teeth,  and  melt  away  :  the  defire  of 
 the  wicked  (hall  perilh.f 
 
 PSALM  CXIIl. 
 
 1  An  exhortation  to  praise  God  for  his  excellency,  6  and/or  his  mercy. 
 
 f  13 RAISE  ye  the  Lord.  Praife,  O  ye  fervantst  Od. 
 of  the  Lord,  praife  the  name  of  the  Lord,  ifoiidu- 
 2  »  Blefl'ed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord  from  this-^J'jlj 
 
 10 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 HaUAu- 
 
 jah. 
 
 1  Goiliness  hath  the  promises  of  this  life,  4  and  of  the  life  to  come 
 The  prositerity  of  the  godly  shall  be  an  eyesore  to  the  wicked. 
 
 +  13  RAISE  ye  the  Lord.  Bleffed  is  the  man  that 
 X  feareth  the  Lord,  that  dehghteth  greatly  in  his 
 commandments. 
 
 2  His  feed  (hall  be  mighty  upon  earth  :  the  genera¬ 
 tion  of  the  upright  (hall  be  bleffed. 
 
 fi^nlfies  in  general  a  current  of  water,  which  may  either  be  a  turbid,  overwhelmi  g 
 torrent  or  f  clear  and  gentle  ftream.  In  Pfalm  jvin.  5.  it  denotes  the  floods  of 
 iineod.inefs:”  in  Pfatm  sxxvi.  h.  it  is  ufed  to  fignify  the  “river  of  divine  ^ea- 
 ”  Hence  arifes  an  ambiguity  in  the  interpretation  of  the  words,  “He  ftall 
 ^  •  1  f  *h  Lrnnl:  in  the  wav  ”  which  may  he  expounded  either  of  the  fufFerings 
 
 Soft*of  affliflion.  or  ibofe  of  comfort.  Either  ».y  the  fenfo  te  good  and  true,  as 
 1  tec  in  Mtffiab  Torrents,  or  the  overflowing  of  rivers,  in  the  fcripture  lan- 
 it  relates  to  •  obferves  do  often  denote  afflidlions,  as  in  Pfalms 
 
 guage,  certainly,  D  U  oppreffed  by  them  is  alfo  defcribed  by 
 
 iviii.  4.  cxxiv.  4  5.  exhv  7,  J  ^PP  ^  brook  in  the 
 
 the  aaionof  drinking,  -  ^  |bis  expofition.  But  the  author  advances  it  as 
 
 Smi  io  "th  grot  ““ 
 
 ^^eSlANATORY^NOTE^^^^  CXI.  Ver.  3.  His  work  h  honourable 
 
 f  Tne  work  of  all  others,  in  which  the  honour  and  glorious  majefty 
 
 and  glorious.  Hie  w  or  .•  e  ,bp  Phrillian  church  celebrates  with  this  pfalm, 
 
 of  Jehovah  appeared,  and  which  the  Ch^'lian  churen  c 
 
 is  the  falvation  and  exaltation  o  our  n a  u  ,  gccomplifliment  of  the  ancient 
 
 from  the  dea'i;  an  event  which  conta.^^^^^  eLlafling  truth,  fidelity 
 
 rd7!('huruf.‘.f"oM,lm  .1,0  mod.  .h.m,  Vcr.  4.  Ue  /roll,  mo*  U.  ..«*r/ol 
 
 time  forth  and  for  evermore. 
 
 ’  a  Dan. 
 
 2.  20. 
 
 3  °  From  the  rifing  of  the  fun  to  the  going  down  of  b  Mai. 
 
 of  the  lame  the  Lord’s  name  is  to  be  prailed.  '*• 
 
 4  The  Lord  is  high  above  all  nations,  and  his 
 glory  above  the  heavens. 
 
 5  Who  is  like  unto  the  Lord  our  God,  who  jUeb. 
 f  dwelleth  on  high  ? 
 
 6  Who  humbleih  to  behold  ^he  things 
 
 arc  in  heaven,  and  in  the  earth  !  .  c  i  s'm. 
 
 7  <=  He  r.difeth  up  the  poor  out  of  the  duff,  and  lift-  2  s. 
 
 eth  the  needy  out  of  the  dunghill ;  _ 
 
 8  That  he  may  fet  him  with  princes,  even  with  the^  - 
 
 princes  of  his  people.  todueiim 
 
 9  He  maketh  the  barren  woman  f  to  keep  houfe,  an  h<mt. 
 
 works  to  be  remem''ered.  Jewifh  feafls  were  memorials  of  the  wonders  wroujlit 
 for  Ifrael  of  old  ;  Chriftian  feftivals  are  memorials  of  the  wonders  wrought  la 
 Chrifl  for  all  mankind,  to  whom  no  lefs  than  to  Ifrael,  God  hath  bow  ihewed 
 him'elf  “gracious  and  full  of  compafllon.” 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES,  Psal.  CXIL  Ver.  Blessed  is  the  man  tht 
 feareth  the  Lord.  Mefliah  feems  to  be  the  ptrfon  fpoken  of  in  this  pfalin  ;  fa 
 2  Cor.  ix.  9.  But,  '“if  any  man  have  not  the  Spirit  of  Chrifl,  he  is  none  of  Ins. 
 Ver.  5.  A  good  man  shewetk  favour  and  lendeth.  The  former  part  of  this  veife  may 
 be  rendered  with  liiile  variation,  “  It  is  well  with  the  man  who  is  gracious  and 
 communicative;”  ill  nature  and  avarice  are  their  own  tormentors,  but  love  and 
 liberality  do  good  to  themfelves  by  doing  it  to  others,  and  enjoy  all  the  happincls 
 which  they  caufe.  It  is  not  God’s  intention,  that  any  of  the  talents  wh'.cb  lie 
 befloweth  upon  us  fhould  lie  dead,  but  that  our  brethren  fliould  have  the  ufe  of 
 them  •  even  as  Chrifl  received  the  fpirit  to  communicate  it  to  us,  and  our  lalva- 
 tion  is  his  glory  and  joy.  The  latter  part  of  this  verfe  is  likewife  capable  of  a 
 different,  and,  indeed,  a  more  literal  translation  ;  “  He  will  fupport  or  maintain  us 
 words,  or  his  traofaaions  in  judgment;”  that  is,  he  who  thus  employed  his  a- 
 lents  for  the  benefit  of  mankind,  will  be  able  to  render  a  good  account  to  w 
 
 Lord  who  entiufled  them  with  him.  ,  .  ,  ,,, 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  CXIIL  Ver.  7,  8.  What  rs  the  exalu- 
 tion  of  the  meanefl  beggar  from  a  dunghili  to  an  earthly  diadem,  when  cotupano 
 
 la  nsnieuuiuc*^  . .  . . . . . . — -  .  i  i  rrn 
 
 Iv  theloTeme  sLry.  to  which  God  hath  exalted  him.  by  fett.ng  h.m  at  h.s  f  ‘  enemls  are  made  to  bow  under  his  feet.  The  eveilaftu-^i 
 
 hT.'* gnia-d  i. o-  1  IS  1‘ Sl" SSd d.fgi..  ./  no^d  i.  .a.  CH„.. iff.,. - 
 
 eofpel  font  forth  into  the  world  becomes  eff  .  confirmed  by  two  immutuable  things— the  word  and  oath  of  that  G 
 
 x-tLAw  i  r  f  mindand,  fervour  of  affeaion.  How  ftrong  the  realons  wtuen  enimev  .. .  - - -  g  o 
 
 p,.ak.  of  pi..,.  'V„..  f  »aug.  of  g.^.  «d  g.„,ou„c.  .o  .ii  «oo.  ho«  a.pp, ...  .a.,  »i.o  a..,.  ■« 
 
 ftL7r  .ick.d,  »b«f.  win...  lib.  <h.n 
 
Chrift 
 
 0000. 
 
 a  Ezod. 
 13.  3. 
 
 b  Exod. 
 14.  21. 
 c  Jofhua 
 3.  13. 
 
 d  Exod. 
 17.  6. 
 Numb. 
 20.  11. 
 
 jin  ex'iortation  to  fear  God,  ^c. 
 
 Before  and  to  he  a  joyful  mo' her  of  children.  Praife  ye  the 
 
 PSALM  CXIV. 
 
 An  exhortation  by  the  example  of  the  dumb  creatures,  to  fear  God  in  his 
 church. 
 
 WHEN  *  Ifrael  went  out  of  Egypt,  the  houfe 
 of  Jacob  from  a  people  of  ftrange  Ian- 
 
 2  Judah  was  his  fan^laary,  and  Ifrael  his  dominion. 
 3  “  The  fea  law  it,  and  fled  ;  '  Jordan  was  driven 
 bsek* 
 
 4  The  mountains  Ikipped  like  rams,  and  the  little 
 
 hills  like  lambs.  n  , ,  n  o 
 
 5  What  ailed  thee,  O  thou  fea,  that  thou  fleddefti' 
 thou  Jordan,  that  thou  waft  driven  back  ? 
 
 6  Ye  mountains,  that  ye  fkipped  like  rams  :  and  ye 
 little  hills,  like  lambs? 
 
 7  Tremble,  thou  earth,  at  the  prefence  of  the  Lord, 
 at  the  prefence  of  the  God  of  Jacob  ; 
 
 8  Wnich  turned  the  rock  into  a  ftanding  water, 
 the  flint  into  a  fountain  of  waters.f 
 PSALM  CXV. 
 
 1  l3eco.use  God  is  truly  ^orious^  4  and  idols  are  vanity,  9  he  exhorteth  to 
 confidence  in  God.  12  God  is  to  be  blessed  for  his  blessings, 
 
 Nor  unto  us,  O  I.ORD,  not  unto  us,  but  unto 
 thy  name  give  glory,  for  thy  mercy,  and  tor 
 thy  truth’s  fake. 
 
 2  Wherefore  ftiould  the  heathen  fay,  *  Where  is 
 their  God  ? 
 
 3  Bat  our  God  is  in  the  heavens ;  he  hath  done 
 wha'foever  he  hath  pleafed. 
 
 4  ■=  Their  idols  are  fi'.ver  and  gold,  the  work  of 
 men’s  hands. 
 
 5  They  have  mouths,  but  they  fpeak  not ;  eyes 
 have  they,  but  they  fee  not  ; 
 
 6  They  have  ears,  but  they  hear  not ;  nofes  have 
 they,  but  they  fmell  not ; 
 
 7  They  have  hands,  but  they  handle  nor ;  feet  have 
 they,  but  they  walk  not ;  neither  fpeak  they  through 
 their  throat. 
 
 8  They  that  make  them  are  like  unto  them;  so  is 
 every  one  that  trutteth  in  them. 
 
 9  O  Ifrael,  truft  thou  in  the  Lord  ;  he  is  their 
 help  and  their  fhield. 
 
 B  Pfalms 
 42.  2,  10. 
 &  79.  10, 
 b  Pfalm 
 1 35.  6. 
 c  Pfalm 
 135.  15. 
 
 10  O  houfe  of  Aaron, 
 their  help  and  their  fhield. 
 
 truft  in  the  Lord  ;  he  is 
 
 vith  tliat  of  human  nature  from  the  grave  to  the  throne  of  God  ?  Here  is  ho¬ 
 nour  worthy  our  ambition;  honour  after  which  all  are  alike  invited  to  afpire; 
 which  all  may  obtain,  who  drive  worthily  and  lawfully;  and  of  which,  when 
 once  obtained,  nothing  can  ever  deprive  the  pofleflbrs.  Ver.  9.  He  maketh  the 
 barren  woman  to  keep  house.  In  the  facred  hidory  of  the  O  d  Testament,  we  meet 
 with  frequent  instances  of  barren  women,  who  are  miraculoudy  made  to  bear 
 children;  Ifaic,  Jolepb,  Samfon,  and  Samuel,  were  thus  born  of  Sarah,  Rachel, 
 tne  Rife  of  Manoah,  and  Hannah.  To  tbefe  may  be  added,  from  the  history 
 of  the  New  Testament,  the  instance  of  Elizabeth,  the  wife  of  Z.icliarias,  and 
 mother  of  St  John  the  Baptist.  Thefe  examples  may  be  confidered  as  preludes 
 to  that  marvellous  exertion  of  divine  power,  whereby  the  Gentile  church,  after  fo 
 
 The  psalmist  prqfesseth  his  love  to  God, 
 
 he 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrid 
 
 0000. 
 
 PSALMS. 
 
 1 1  Ye  that  fear  the  I.,ord,  truft  in  the  Lord  ; 
 is  their  help  and  their  fhield. 
 
 12  The  Lord  hath  been  mindful  of  us;  he  will 
 blefs  us :  he  will  blef's  the  houfe  of  Ifrael ;  he  will  blefs 
 the  houfe  of  Aaron  : 
 
 13  He  will  blefs  them  that  fear  the  Lord,  both  fmall 
 
 t  and  great.  J 
 
 14  The  Lord  fball  increafe  you  more  and  more,“’“''- 
 
 you  and  your  children. 
 
 timeti  Dan. 
 
 2.  20. 
 
 15 -Ye  are  bleffed  of  the  Lord,  which  made  hea¬ 
 ven  and  earth.  ^ 
 
 16  The  heaven,  evm  the  heavens,  are  the  Lord  s  ; 
 but  the  earth  hath  he  given  to  the  children  of  men. 
 
 17  The  dead  praife  not  the  Lord,  neither  any  that 
 go  down  into  filence. 
 
 18  ^  But  we  will  blefs  the  Lord  from  this 
 forth  and  for  evermore.  Praife  the  Lord.J 
 
 PSALM  CXVf. 
 
 1  The  psalmist  ])rqfessetk  his  love  and  duty  to  God  for  his  deliverance: 
 
 12  he  studieth  to  be  thankful. 
 
 LOVE  the  l.oRD,  becaufe  he  hath  heard  my 
 voice,  and  ray  fopplications. 
 
 2  Becaufe  he  hath  inclined  his  ear  unto  me,  there¬ 
 fore  will  I  call  upon  him  t  as  long  as  I  live.  f 
 
 3  »  The  forrows  of  death  c^mpaflTed  me,  and  the[^^^ 
 
 pains  of  hell  gat  f  hold  upon  me  :  I  found  trouble  and  a  pfaim 
 forrow.  10.5,6. 
 
 4  Then  called  I  upon  the  name  of  the  Lord  :  O 
 Lord,  I  befeech  thee,  deliver  my  foul. 
 
 5  Gracious  is  the  Lord,  and  righteous  ;  yea,  our 
 God  is  merciful. 
 
 6  The  Lord  preferveth  the  Ample  :  I  was  brought 
 low,  and  he  helped  me. 
 
 7  Return  unto  thy  reft,  O  my  foul ;  for  the  Lord 
 hath  dealt  bountifully  with  thee. 
 
 8  For  thou  haft  delivered  my  foul  from  death,  mine 
 eyes  from  tears,  and  ray  feet  from  falling. 
 
 9  I  will  walk  before  the  Lord  in  the  land  of  the 
 living. 
 
 10  ^  I  believed,  therefore  have  I  fpoktn  :  I  was  Cor, 
 greatly  aftli6fed. 
 
 J I  I  faid  in  mv  hafle,  All  men  are  liars. 
 
 12  What  fhall  I  render  unto  the  Lord  for  all  his 
 benefits  toward  me ''' 
 
 13  I  will  take  the  cup  of  falvation,  and  call  upon  the 
 name  of  the  Lord. 
 
 f-  Heb. 
 found  me. 
 
 4.  13. 
 
 Rom. 
 
 .  4. 
 
 many  years  of  barrenefs,  became  in  her  old  age  “a  fruitful  parent  of  children, 
 and  the  mother  of  us  all,”  Ifa.  liv.  1.  Gal.  iv.  27. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  CXIV.  Ver.  1—8,  This  pfalm  cele¬ 
 brates  the  Exodus  of  Ifrael  from  Egypt,  which  prefigured  the  redemption  of  fin- 
 ners  by  .lel'us  Ciiris*. 
 
 EXPEANAJORA  notes.  Psal.  CXV,  Ver.  16—18.  He  who  himfelf 
 dwelleth  in  the  highest  heavens,  where  he  is  praifed  and  glorified  by  angels, 
 hath  “given  the  earth”  for  an  habitation,  at  prefent,  ‘-to  the  Cons' of  men, 
 whofe  duty  it  is  to  praife  and  glorify  him  here  below,  as  the  astgels  do  above. 
 Now  “as  the  dead  cannot  prai  e  liim,”  as  they  who  fleep  in  the  filent  grave 
 cannot  celebrate  him,  we  may  be  ce  tain,  that  be  will  net  fuffer  his  people  to  bo 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Psal.  CXIII.]  How  gnat  his  condefcenfion,  how  rich  the  grace,  how  extenfive  the  benevolence  of  our  God?  I.et 
 our  knowledge  of  his  blefled  name  be  manifefted  in  all  his  works;  in  his  government  of  the  church  and  the  world,  engage  us  to  fear  him  continually,  to  truft  in 
 bim,  and  cheerfully  fubmit  to  all  bis  will.  O  what  a  flate  of  eternal  feraphic  arSlivity  will  it  require  for  the  redeemed  fervants  of  the  Lord  f.ifficieutly  to  praife 
 their  glorious,  their  unparalleled,  their  condefeending  Redeemer,  who,  by  his  own  debafement,  railed  multitudes  of  the  human  race  from  the  pit  of  corruption  to  the 
 loftleft  thrones  of  blifs. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — f  Psal.  CXIV.]  Behold  and  adore  the  wifdom.  riches,  and  power  of  Jehovah’s  fovereignty,  who  clio&fes  whom  of  man¬ 
 kind  he  pleafes  to  be  his  peculiar  people,  and  to  be  blefled  with  his  oracles,  ordinances,  and  gracious  influences.  Let  us  rejoice  that  nothing  can  detain  bis  p  -opls 
 tn  fpiritual  bondage,  or  in  temporal  trouble,  when  he  determines  in  his  mercy  deliver  them.  r'  P 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — ]  Psal.  CXV.]  It  becomes  the  faints  daily  to  acknow-ledge  with  grateful  hearts,  that  they  owe  all  that  they  eniov  and 
 ^1  that  they  are  warranted  to  expea  in  the  world  or  in  heaven,  to  the  pure  grace,  the  unmerited  mercy  of  their  God.  Idolatry  difgraces  human  nature  as  well  as 
 oirtionours  Jehovah.  An  idol  is  nothing,  and  can  be  of  no  advantage  to  its  votaries.  Idolaters  betray  the  groffell  ignorance  and  confummate  follv  •  and  fuoner  ^ 
 
 later  tliey  (hall  be  afhamed  and  confounded.  But  let  thofe  who  worfliip  Jehovah  make  their  boaft  in  him.  He  is  all-fufficient  to  render  his  worfliipuers  nerfe/^W 
 and  eternally  bleffed,  penecny 
 
The  Gcntihs  called  to  praise  God. 
 
 ofwft  ^  will  pay  my  vows  unto  the  Lord  now  in  the 
 cir.  1020,  P^S'Cnce  of  all  his  people, 
 
 i  15  Precious  in  the  fight  of  the  Lord  is  the  death  of 
 his  lamts. 
 
 a  Rom. 
 IS.  11. 
 
 16  O  Lord,  truly  I  am  fhy  fervant ;  I  am  thy  fer- 
 vant,  and  thefonof  thine  handmaid  ;  thou  haft  looled 
 my  bonds. 
 
 1  i  I  will  offer  to  thee  the  facrifice  of  thankfgiving, 
 
 and  will  call  upon  the  name  of  the  Lord.  j 
 
 IS  I  will  pay  mv  vows  uoto  the  Lord  now  in  the  ^ 
 prefence  of  all  his  people,  | 
 
 19  In  the  courts  of  the  Lord’s  houfe,  in  the  midft 
 of  thee,  O  Jerufalem.  Praife  ye  the  Lord.*  i 
 
 PSALM  CXVII.  j 
 
 An.  exhortation  to  praise  God  for  his  mercy  and  truth.  ■ 
 
 .  ®  PRAISE  the  Lord,  all  ye  nations  :  praife 
 /  him,  all  ye  people. 
 
 2  For  his  merciful  kindnefs  is  great  toward  us  :  and 
 the  truth  of  the  Lord  cndureth  for  ever.  Praife  ye 
 the  LoRD.f 
 
 PSALM  CXVIII. 
 
 a  1  Chro. 
 
 16.  8. 
 
 Pfalms 
 106.  1.  & 
 
 107.  i.&ever 
 
 1  A  ri  exhortation  to  praise  God  for  his  mercy,  5  The  psolmht  by  his  expe~ 
 ricnce  skeiceth  him  how  good  a  thing  it  is  to  trust  in  Cod.  I  9  Under  the 
 type  of  the  psalmist  the  coming  tf  Christ  in  his  kingdom  is  expressed. 
 
 GIVE  thanks  unto  the  Lord  ;  for  he  is  good  : of  the  Lord. 
 
 PSALiMS*  CJiri'sde  • 
 
 Uinsts  coming 
 
 me :  therefore  Ihall  I  fee  mg  desire  upon  them  that  Cefo,,. 
 hate  me.  ch,-;* 
 
 8  It  IS  better  to  truft  in  the  Lord  than  to  put  con-"'' 
 
 fidence  in  man.  ' — 
 
 9  =  is  better  to  truft  in  the  Lord  than  to  put  con-c  Pfau 
 
 fidence  in  princes.  lae.  3. 
 
 10  All  nations  compaffed  me  about:  but  in  the 
 j  name  of  the  I.ord  will  I  f  deftroy  them. 
 
 1 1  They  compaffed  me  about ;  yea,  they  compaffed 
 me  about :  but  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  I  will  de-"^' 
 
 I  ftroy  them. 
 
 I  12  They  compaffed  me  about  like  bees :  they  are 
 quencaed  as  the  fire  of  thorns ;  for  in  the  name  of  the  ' 
 
 ;  Lord  I  will  f  deftroy  them.  j-Heb. 
 
 13  Thou  haft  thruft  fore  at  me,  that  I  might  fall  ‘f^tdown. 
 but  the  Lord  helped  me. 
 
 1  The  Lord  is  my  ftrength  and  fong,  and  isdEsod 
 
 become  my  falvation.  15.2.  ‘ 
 
 I  15  The  voice  of  rejoicing  and  falvation  is  in  theJJ^''*'' 
 tabernacles  of  the  righteous  :  the  right  hand  of  the 
 1  Lord  doeth  valiantly, 
 
 I  ^  16  The  right  hand  of  the  Lord  is  exalted;  the 
 right  hand  of  the  Lord  doeth  valiantly. 
 
 17  I  Ihall  not  die,  but  live,  and  declare  the  works 
 
 _  becaufe  his  mercy  endnreth  for  ever. 
 
 2  Let  Ilrael  now  fay,  that  his  mercy  endnreth  for 
 
 136.  1, 
 
 3  Let  the  houfe  of  Aaron  now  fay,  that  his  mercy 
 endnreth  for  ever. 
 
 4  Let  ttiem  now  that  fear  the  Lord  fay,  that  his 
 mercy  endnreth  for  ever. 
 
 _  5  I  called  upon  the  Lord  f  in  diftrefs :  the  Lord 
 
 56.  -1,11.  anfwered  me,  and  set  me  in  a  large  place. 
 
 Hebr.  g  b  LoRD  is  f  on  my  fide  ;  I  will  not  fear  : 
 what  can  man  do  unto  me? 
 
 7  The  Lord  taketh  my  part  with  them  that  help 
 
 f  Heb. 
 ortl  of 
 distress. 
 b  Plaim 
 
 15.  6. 
 f  Heb. 
 for  me. 
 
 18  The  Lord  hath  chaftened  me  fore :  but  he  hath 
 I  not  given  me  over  unto  death.  e  Maif, 
 
 ‘  19  Open  to  me  the  gates  of  righteoufoefs :  I  will^{-f- 
 
 go  inm  them,  and  I  will  praife  the  Lord  : 
 i  20  1  his  gate  of  the  Lor.d,  iatowhich  the  righteous  Luke 
 fhall  enter.  20.17. 
 
 21  I  will  praife  thee ;  for  thou  haft  heard  me,  andf'J' 
 art  become  my  ialvation, 
 
 j  22  ®  The  ftone  which  the  builders  refufed  is  becomes. 4. 
 the  he'dd-stone  of  the  corner.  t 
 
 23  f  This  is  the  Lord’s  doing;  it  is  marvellous  inlo'*",^ 
 :  our  eyes.  ToitP. 
 
 de(lro}’ed  and  extirpated,  but  will  always  preferve  a  cliurch  to  l  lefs  him  in  all 
 ages,  till  the  end  of  the*  world  ;  when  the  dead  Ihall  he  raifed,  and  the  choirs  of 
 heaven  and  earth  fhall  be  ur.ited,  to  praife  and  glorify  him  together  before  his 
 throne,  for  evermore. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  CXVI.  Ver.  1.  I  love  the  Lord.  In 
 the  original  it  is,  “I  love  becaufe  Jehovah  hath  heard,  &c.”  Some  critics 
 prefer  our  old  verfion — “  I  am  well  pleafed.”  Ver.  5.  2'he  sorrows  (f  death  com¬ 
 passed  me.  David  was  often  in  deep  diftrefs,  but  the  expreffive  language  of  this 
 verfe  is  more  applicable  to  the  fuffetings  of  Ids  Lord.  Ver.  10.  I  believed  there¬ 
 fore  have  I  spoken,  2  Cor.  iv.  13,  14.  Ver.  If.  Comp.  Pfal.  Ixii.  9.  Ver.  15. 
 Precious  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord.  The  notion  of  the  original  word  (iker)  in  this 
 place,  for  “rare  or  precious,”  muft  be  fo  laken,  as  not  to  fignify  that  which 
 is  fpoken  of  to  be  “  defirable  to,  or  in  the  prefence  of  the  Lord  for  it  is  the 
 Jife  not  Use  deatli  of  his  fervants,  which  is  precious  in  that  fenfe,  to  God,  the 
 jircferver  of  their  lives.  But  when  it  is  faid  that  their  death  is  precious,  it 
 means  in  effedl  no  more,  tlian  that  it  is,  fo  conliclered,  it  is  rated  at  fo  high  a  price 
 bv  God,  as  that  be  wiil  not  eafily  grant  it  to  any  one  who  moft  defires  it  of  him. — 
 W  e  may  add,  that  much  lei’s  will  God  be  eafily  prevailed  on  to  give  up  his  people 
 to  death  eternal.  Rather  will  he  work  wonders  of  mercy  and  loving-kindnefs  to 
 fave  them  ;  as  the  penitent  happily  experienceth  in  himfelf. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  CXVII.  This  Pfalm  like  the  exth, 
 feems  to  be  altogether  prophetical  of  the  joy  that  all  the  world  lliould  conceive 
 at  the  coming  of  the  Meftiah  to  give  falvation,  6rft  to  the  Jews,  and  then  to  all 
 other  nations,  according  to  his  faithful  promife.  See  Rom.  xv.  11. 
 
 EXPLANATORY’  NOTES.  Psal.  CXVIII.  The  repeated  application 
 
 made  of  the  22d  verfe  in  the  New  Teftament,  leads  to  conlider  the  whole  of  this 
 Pfalm  as  a  triumphant  Hyrnn,  fung  by  King  MelTiah  at  the  head  of  the  Ifrael 
 I  of  God,  on  occafion  of  his  refurreflion  and  exaltation.  Ver.  10 — 12.  The  tenor 
 of  the  Pfalm,  being  one  of  thankfgiving  for  a  dtliverance  already  experienced, 
 feemeth  to  require  that  the  verb,  at  the  clofe  of  each  of  thefe  verfes,  lliould  be 
 rendered  in  the  paft  time  ;  not  “  I  will  deftroy  them,”  but,  “  1  did  deftroy  them 
 efpecially  as  it  is  faid,  “they  compalTed  me  about,”  and,  “they  are  quenched." 
 As  David  and  Ifrael  were  encompalTed  by  hofiile  nations,  over  whom,  through 
 God’s  aftiftance,  they  often  triumphed  ;  fo  the  Son  of  David  in  the  day  of  his 
 paftion  was  furrounded  by  the  furious  multitudes  of  Jews  and  Gentiles, 
 feeking  his  life  ;  and,  after  the  fame  example,  his  myftical  body  the  church, 
 hath  frequently  been,  on  all  fides  vexed  and  perl’ecuted  in  the  world.  But 
 through  the  power  of  Jehovah,  Chrift  overcame  and  is  fet  down  at  the  right 
 hand  of  the  majefty  on  high,  and  through  him  all  his  followers  lliall  overcome. 
 Ver.  20.  Ifa.  xxvi.  2.  Ver.  22,  23.  That  the  verfes  belong  in  a  full  and  pruptr 
 fenfe  to  Melliah,  is  confelTed  by  the  rabbies,  and  acknowledged  by  all.  No  text 
 in  the  Old  Teftament  is  quoted  by  the  writers  of  the  New  fo  often  as  this,  which 
 we  meet  with  in  fix  different  places;  namely,  Matth.  xxi.  42.  Mark  xii.  10. 
 Luke  XX.  17.  A<5Is  iv.  II.  Epli.  ii.  20.  1  Pet.  ii.  4.  The  I'um  and  fubfiance  of 
 the  Nl*w  Teftament  applications  and  expofitions  is  that  Jefus  Clirift  is  the  llone 
 hire  mentioned  ;  that  he  was  rejedled  and  I'tt  at  nought  by  the  chief  priells  and 
 Pliarifees,  the  then  builders  of  the  church  ;  but  that,  bt-ing  chofen  of  God,  and 
 precious  to  him,  the  moft  valuable  Hone,  thus  defpifed  and  rejedlcd  of  men, 
 thus  thrown  among  the  ruhbilh,  and  buried  in  it,  was  at  length,  from  fuch  a 
 ftate,  exaited  to  be  the  chief  corner  ftone  in  the  building,  the  main  fupport  of 
 
 PRACTIC.YL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Psal.  CXVI."]  Mercies  are  peculiarly  fweet  when  received  in  anfwer  to  prayer.  Truly  that  man  is  hleffed  to  whom 
 God  is  the  hearer  of  prayer,  and  this  bleffednefs  have  all  the  faints.  The  mercies  of  our.gliding  moments  as  they  are  proofs  of  the  love  of  God  to  us,  fo  they  fhould 
 excite  us  to  give  frefh  and  greater  proofs  of  our  love  to  him.  Abundant  confolations  followed  the  bittereft  fufferings  of  Chrift,  and  fimilar  is  the  lot  appointed  all  his 
 followers.  “  If  we  fuffer  with  him  we  fhall  reign  with  him.”  How  liable  are  the  ftrongeft  believers  to  be  overwhelmed  in  the  hour  of  fevere  afflidlion  ;  yet  the 
 Lord  raifes  up  the  bowed  down,  and  gives  joy  for  mourning,  and  the  garments  of  praife  for  the  fpirit  of  heavinefs.  O  how  plcafant  is  it  to  be  so  filled  with  a  feofe  , 
 of  God’s  love,  that  we  fcarcely  know  what  praife,  what  vows,  what  fervice  of  gratitude  to  return  him. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — f  Psal.  GXVII.]  Happy  are  the  multitudes  among  the  Gentiles  who  have  obtained  falvation  in  Chrift  Jefus;  and 
 have  been  inftrumental  in  promoting  the  felicity  of  the  world.  But  how  much  more  happy  ftiail  the  ftate  of  the  world  be,  when  both  Jews  and  Gentiles  fliall  (otta 
 one  vaft  fociety,  the  members  of  which  fhall  all  llrive  to  glorify  their  common  Lord  and  Saviour. 
 
Chri!>t  s 
 
 Jjefore 
 Ciirift 
 cir.  I0i7- 
 
 f  Matth. 
 
 21.  9. 
 
 typified. 
 
 PSALMS. 
 
 Sundry  prayers,  praises,  4  c. 
 
 5  Or, 
 fiafect,  or, 
 sincere. 
 
 24-  This  is  the  day  which  the  Lord  hath  made  ;  we 
 
 will  rejoice  and  be  gl  id  in  it. 
 
 25  Save  now,  i  beleech  thee,  O  Lord  :  O  Lord, 
 I  befeech  thee,  fend  now  profperity. 
 
 26  f  Bleffed  be  he  that  cometh  in  the  name  of  the 
 Lord  :  we  have  bleffed  you  out  of  the  houfe  of  the 
 
 ^  27°God  is  the  Lord,  which  hath  (hewed  us  light : 
 bind  the  facrifice  with  cords,  even  unto  the  horns  of 
 the  altar. 
 
 28  Thou  art  my  God,  and  I  will  praife  thee ;  thou 
 
 art  my  God,  I  will  exalt  thee,  ^ 
 
 29  O  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord  ;  for  he  is  good 
 for  his  mercy  endureth  for  ever.* 
 
 PSALM  CXIX. 
 
 This  malm  containeth  sundry  prayers,  praises,  and  professions  of  obedience. 
 
 aleph. 
 
 LESSED  are  the  1|  undefiled  in  the  way,  who 
 ^  walk  in  the  law  of  the  Lord.  _  | 
 
 2  Bleded  are  they  that  keep  his  ceftimonies,  and  that  | 
 
 feek  him  with  the  whole  heart.  | 
 
 3  They  alfo  do  no  iniquity  :  they  walk  in  his  ways. ; 
 
 4  Thou  haft  commanded  us  to  keep  thy  precepts  j 
 
 diligently.  .  .  n 
 
 5  O  that  my  ways  were  direefted  to  keep  thy  fta-. 
 
 tutes !  r  n  ' 
 
 6  Then  (hall  I  not  be  afhamed,  when  I  have  relpedt 
 
 unto  all  thy  commandments. 
 
 the  edifice,  and  a  centre  of  union  for  Jew  and  Gentile,  tlie  two  parts  of  which 
 it  confided  ;  that  this  was  the  woik  of  God,  and  the  admiration  of  man.  And 
 what  can  be  more  truly  marvellous,  tlian  that  a  perfon,  pat  to  death  as  a 
 malefaftor,  and  laid  in  the  grave,  fhould  from  thence  arife  immortal,  and  be¬ 
 come  the  head  of  an  immortal  fociety  ;  diouid  afeend  into  heaven,  be  inveded 
 with  power,  and  crowned  with  glory  ;  and  fhould  prepare  a  way  for  the  fons  of  i 
 Adam  to  follow  him  into  thofe  manfions  of  eternal  blifs  !  Ver  24.  This  is  the 
 day  which  the  Lord  hulk  made.  Of  the  day  on  which  Chrift  arofe  from  the 
 dead,  it  may  with  more  propriety  than  of  "any  other  day,  be  affirmed,  “  That  is 
 the  day  which  Jehovah  hath  made.”  Then  it  was,  that  the  rejefled  done  be¬ 
 came  the  bead  of  the  corner.  A  morning  then  davimed,  which  is  to  be  followed 
 ■by  no  evening  ;  a  brighter  fun  arofe  upon  the  world,  which  is  to  fet  no  more ;  a 
 day  began,  which  will  never  end ;  and  night  and  darknefs  departed,  to  return 
 Dot  again.  For  thus  faith  the  Lord  to  his  church  by  the  prophet  Ifaiah,  “  Thy 
 fun  diall  no  more  go  down,  neither  diall  thy  moon  withdraw'  itfelf,  for  the  Lord 
 fiiall  be  thine  everlading  bght,  and  the  days  of  thy  mourning  fhall  be  ended.” 
 Ifa.  xl.  20.  Ver.  25,  26.  Save  now  I  beseech  ihee.  As  a  prelude  to  the  triumphant 
 manner  in  which  Jefus  Chrid,  after  his  refurreeSlion  fhould  afeend  to  the  heaven¬ 
 ly  Jerufalem,  he  entered  the  earthly  city  before  his  paffion,  amidd  the  acclama¬ 
 tions  of  the  multitude,  wlio  hailed  him  as  king  of  Sion,  and  with  palm  branches, 
 the  emblems  of  vidlory,  in  their  hands,  fung  before  him  thefe  words,  partly  taken 
 from  our  Pfalm,  “  Hofanna  to  the  Son  of  David  ;  bleffed  is  he  that  cometh  in 
 the  name  of  the  Lord  ;  Hofanna  in  the  highed.”  The  word  Hofanna,  is  in 
 the  original  [euficenna]  Save  now  !  The  form  of  words  ufed  by  the  people  was 
 both  a  petition  and  a  congratulation  ;  as  if  they  had  faid,  Let  us  befeech  Jehovah, 
 in  the  language  of  the  cxviiith  Pfalm,  to  grant  falvation  to  the  fon  of  David,  and 
 to  fend  us  now-  profperity  under  him. 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Psal.  CXIX.  This  Pfalm  is  divided  (mod 
 probahlv  for  the  advantages  of  inetncry)  according  to  the  number  of  letters  which 
 compnie  the  Hebrew  alphabet,  into  twenty-two  portions,  of  eight  verfes  each  ; 
 and  not  only  every  portion,  but  every  verfe  of  that  portion,  begins  with  the 
 letter  appropriated  to  it.  David  iriiift  undoubtedly  have  been  the  author.  He 
 deferibeth  in  a  feries  of  devotional  meditations,  the  indrudlion  and  the  comfort, 
 which,  through  all  the  viciditudes  of  mind  and  fortune,  he  had  ever  found  in  the 
 word  of  God.  The  many  drong  expreffions  of  love  towards  the  law,  and  the 
 repeated  refolutions  and  vows  to  obferve  it,  will  often  force  us  to  turn  our 
 thoughts  to  the  true  David,  whofe  “  meat  and  drink  it  w.as,  to  do  the  will  of  him 
 that  feiit  him.”  Between  the  verfes  of  each  portion,  a  connedlion  is  frequently 
 to  be  traced,  but  it  doth  not  often  feera  to  extend  from  one  portion  to  another. 
 
 7  .1  will  pr.iife  thee  with  uprlghtnefs  o(  heart,  when 
 I  ftiall  have  learned  f  thy  righteous  judgmenti 
 
 8  I  will  keep  thy  (tatutes :  O  (brfake  me  not  utterly.  ■ — , — > 
 
 BI-TH.  t  f , 
 
 9  Wherewithal  fhall  a  young  man  cleanfe  his  way 
 
 by  taking  heed  thereto  according  to  thy  word.  righteous. 
 
 10  With  my  whole  heart  have  I  (ought  thee  :  O  let7i^».». 
 me  not  wander  from  thy  commpdments. 
 
 1 1  Thy  word  have  I  hid  in  mine  heart,  that  I  might 
 not  fin  againft  thee. 
 
 12  B'elTed  art  thou,  O  Lord  ;  teach  me  thy  llatutes. 
 
 13  With  my  lips  have  I  declared  all  the  judgments 
 
 of  thy  mouth.  .  . 
 
 14  I  have  rejoiced  in  the  way  of  thy  teftimomes  as 
 
 much  as  in  all  riches.  r  n 
 
 15  I  will  meditate  in  thy  precepts,  and  have  reipedt 
 
 unto  thy  ways.  _  r  -n 
 
 16  I  will  delight  myfeif  in  thy  ftatues  ;  I  will  not 
 
 forget  thy  word. 
 
 GIMEL. 
 
 17  Deal  bountifully  w'ith  thy  fervant,  that  I  mayfUeb. 
 
 live,  and  iceep  thy  word,  ,  .  u  ^ 
 
 18  f  Open  thou  mine  eyes,  that  I  may  beho.d  won- 47.  9, 
 
 drous  things  out  of  thy  law.  _  1  Chron. 
 
 19  ^  I  am  a  ftrangcr  in  the  earth;  hide  not  tny29^^‘^. 
 
 commandments  from  me.  39. 12. 
 
 20  My  foul  breaketh  for  the  longing  that  it  hath  Hcbr. 
 
 unco  thy  judgments  at  all  times.  i'- 1®- 
 
 The  many  words  employed  to  exprefs  the  revelation  of  God’s  will,  have  diftinA 
 fignifications,  denoting  different  parts  or  portions  of  the  Scriptures,  which  it  hath 
 fometimes  been  found  of  great  ufe  to  take  into  confideration,  while  in  others  the 
 terms  appear  to  be  ufed  proraifeuofly,  in  a  general  fenfe,  and  for  the  fake  of 
 variety.  ALEPH.  Part  I.  Ver.  1.  Blessed  are  the  laidejiled,  Heb.  pcrfecfl,  or, 
 fincere  in  the  way.  Ver.  5.  0  that  my  wayf  were  directed,  or,  prepared  and  efla- 
 bliflied.  BETH.  Part  II.  Ver.  9.  I’Therewiihal shall  a  young  man  cleanse  his 
 way  ?  Youth  enters  upon  the  journey  of  life,  headftrong  and  unexperienced,  with 
 a  bias  of  original  corruption,  and  all  the  paflions  awake.  In' fuch  circumftance”, 
 how  fliall  a  young  man  diredt  his  fteps,  fo  as  to  “efcape  the  pollution  that  is  in  the 
 world  through  lull  ?”  2  Pet,  i.  4.  He  muff  for  this  purpofe,  take  with  him  the 
 diredlions  to  be  found  in  the  Scriptures  of  trutli.  “  I  have  written  unto  you, 
 young  men,”  fays  the  beloved  difciple,  “becaufe  ye  are  flrong,  and  the  word  of 
 God  abideth  in  you,  and  ye  have  overcome  the  wicked  one.”  He  who  became 
 man  for  our  falvation,  paffed  through  this  flare  of  youth,  undefiled,  that  be 
 might  as  it  were,  reclaim  and  confecrate  it  anew  to  God.  Let  every  young 
 man  often  meditate  on  this  circumftance.  GIMEL.  Part  III.  A  er.  18. 
 Open  thou  mine  eyes.  So  far  are  we  naturaMy  from  being  able  to  keep  the  w  ord, 
 that  vve  are  not  able  to  underftand  it.  The  law  of  C-od  is  full  of  divitre  and  qi- 
 ritual  truths,  concealed  under  literal  liiftories,  vifible  figns  and  external  ceremo¬ 
 nies.  To  difeern  thefe  (chephelauth)  wondrous  becaufe  hidden,  myfterious 
 things,  our  eyes,  the  eyes  of  our  underftatrdi’ig,  muft  be  unveiled;  that  veil  muft 
 be  taken  off,  wliich  St-  Paul  affirmeth  to  be  upon  the  hearts  of  the  Jews,  in  read¬ 
 ing  the  Old  Teftament,  and  whxb  vvill  continue  there,  until  they  turn  to  the 
 Lord  Jefus  Chrift.  Then  the  veil  will  be  taken  away,  and  they  v<ill  behold  iiitr, 
 and  the  redemption  by  him,  as  prefigured  in  their  law,  and  foretold  by  therr 
 prophets.  Pride,  prejudice,  and  intereft  will  compofe  aval,  through  which  a 
 Chriftian  fliall  fee  as  little  of  the  New  Teftament,  as  a  Jew  doth  of  the  01  . 
 Lord  convince  us  of  our  bliitdnefs,  and  reftore  us  to  our  fight.  Ver.  19.  I  am  a 
 stranger  in  the  earth.  The  above  requeftfor  divine  illumination  is  enforced  by  this 
 argument,  that  the  petitioner  is  a  ftranger,  and  fnjourner  upon  the  caetb  ;  he 
 is  travelling,  through  a  foreign  country,  to  his  native  city,  where  are  his  kindred, 
 his  tr,  afure,  and  his  heart;  as  a  fojourner,  he  hath  renounced  the  world  which 
 is  therefore  become  his  enemy;  as  a  ftranger  he  is  fearful  of  lofing  Iris  way  ;  on 
 thefe  accounts  lie  requefteth  that  God  would  compenfate  the  lofs  of  earthly  com¬ 
 forts,  by  affording  the  light  of  heaven  ;  tiiat  he  would  not  hide  his  command¬ 
 ments,  but  fhew  and  teach  him  thefe  Heps  by  which  he  may  afeend  towards  hea¬ 
 ven,  rejoicing  in  hope  of  future  glory.  Ver.  20.  My  soul  breaketh.  Another 
 gument  here  urged,  is  that  longing  defire,  which  the  foul  hath  during  her  iialt 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — •  Psal.  CXVIIL]  How  exalted  and  delightful  the  wotfliip  of  the  church  when  excited  by  flrong  faith  and  hope  in  the 
 rich  mercy  of  God  their  Saviour  !  No  wonder  that  fuch  invite  all  around  them  to  fing  of  everlafting  mercy  and  grace.  They  know  the  bUHednels  of  having  God 
 for  their  friend  and  protedlor,  and  therefore  it  is  no  wonder  that  they  pour  contempt  on  all  created  confidence,  and  difregard  all  oppofition  from  earth  and  bell ! 
 Xet  us  rejoice  that  God  hath  fulfilled  the  promifts  made  to  the  fathers  by  raifing  his  Son  Jefus  Chrift  our  Lord  from  the  dead.  Now  the  way  into  the  holieft  of  all 
 IS  manifeft,  and  a  good  foundation  is  laid  for  the  hope  of  the  guilty  before  God.  And  knowing  that  he  is  exalted  at  God’s  right  hand  in  the  heavens,  let  us  feek 
 earneftly  and  conftantly  his  honour  and  glory  in  the  earth.  And  let  gratitude  to  the  Father  and  the  Son  influence  us  to  devote  ourfelvcs  and  our  all  to  bis  fervice, 
 ^^or  divine  mercy  endureth  for  ever. 
 
 7I 
 
 19 
 
Sttndry  praym,  praises,  ^c. 
 
 PSALMS. 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 cir.  1015. 
 
 David’s 
 
 t  Heb. 
 men  of 
 coumel. 
 
 b  Pfalms 
 25.  4.  & 
 27.  11.  & 
 86.  II. 
 t  Heb. 
 droppcth- 
 
 t  Heb. 
 Mike  (0 
 past. 
 
 fi  Or, 
 
 So  shall  / 
 a  ns  wer 
 him  that 
 reproach- 
 eth  me  in 
 a  thing. 
 
 21  Thou  haft  rebuked  the  proud  that  are  curfed, 
 which  do  err  from  thy  commandments. 
 
 22  Remove  from  me  reproach  and  contempt ;  for  I 
 have  kept  thy  teftimonies. 
 
 23  Princes  alfo  did  fit  and  fpeak  againft  me;  but 
 thy  fervant  did  meditate  in  thy  ftatutes. 
 
 24  Thy  teftimonies  alfo  are  my  delight,  and  f  my 
 counfellors. 
 
 DALETH. 
 
 25  My  foul  cleaveth  unto  the  duft :  quicken  thou 
 me  according  to  thy  word. 
 
 26  I  have  declared  my  ways,  and  thou  heardeft 
 me  :  ^  teach  me  thy  ftatutes. 
 
 27  Make  me  to  underftand  the  way  of  thy  precepts  : 
 fo  (hall  I  talk  of  thy  wondrous  works. 
 
 28  My  foul  f  melteth  for  heavinefs:  ftrengthen 
 thou  me  according  unto  thy  word. 
 
 29  Remove  from  me  the  way  of  lying;  and  grant 
 me  thy  law  gracioufly. 
 
 30  I  have  chofen  the  way  of  truth  ;  thy  judgments 
 have  I  laid  before  me. 
 
 31  I  have  ftuck  unto  thy  teftimonies :  O  Lord, 
 put  me  not  to  (hame. 
 
 32  I  will  run  the  way  of  thy  commandments,  when 
 thou  fhalt  enlarge  ray  heart. 
 
 HE. 
 
 33  Teach  me,  O  Lord,  the  way  of  thy  ftatutes, 
 and  I  (hall  keep  it  unto  the  end. 
 
 34  Give  me  underftanding,  and  I  (hall  keep  thy 
 law  ;  yea,  I  fhall  obferve  it  with  my  whole  heart. 
 
 35  Make  me  to  go  in  the  path  of  thy  command¬ 
 ments  ;  for  therein  do  I  delight. 
 
 36  Incline  my  heart  unto  thy  teftimonies,  and  not 
 to  covetoufnefs. 
 
 37  +  Turn  away  mine  eyes  from  beholding  vanity  ; 
 and  quicken  thou  me  in  thy  way, 
 
 38  Stablifh  thy  word  unto  thy  fervant,  who  is  de¬ 
 voted  to  thy  fear. 
 
 39  Turn  away  my  reproach  which  1  fear :  for  thy 
 judgments  are  good. 
 
 40  Behold,  I  have  longed  after  thy  precepts;  quick¬ 
 en  me  in  thy  righteoufnefs. 
 
 VAU. 
 
 41  Let  thy  mercies  come  alfo  unto  me,  O  Lord, 
 even  thy  falvation,  according  to  thy  word. 
 
 42  11  So  (hall  I  have  wherewith  to  anfwer  him  that 
 reproacheth  me :  for  I  truft  in  thy  word. 
 
 43  And  take  not  the  word  of  truth  utterly  out  of 
 my  mouth  ;  for  I  have  hoped  in  thy  judgments. 
 
 upon 
 
 comfort  in 
 
 44  So  fhall  I  keep  thy  law  continually  for  ever  and  Befo, 
 
 ever.  Q  , 
 
 45  And  I  will  walk  t  at  liberty:  for  I  feek  thv"''^ 
 
 precepts.  ^ 
 
 46  I  w'ill  fpeak  of  thy  teftimonies  alfo  before  kines 
 
 and  will  not  be  afhamed.  ^ 
 
 47  And  I  will  delight  myfelf  in  thy  commandments 
 
 which  I  have  loved.  ’ 
 
 48  My  hands  alfo  will  I  lift  up  unto  thy  command- 
 ments,  which  I  have  loved  ;  and  I  will  meditate  in 
 thy  ftatutes. 
 
 ZAIN. 
 
 49  Remember  the  word  unto  thy  fervant, 
 which  thou  haft  caufed  me  to  hope. 
 
 50  This  is  my  comfort  in  my  afll:£lIon :  for  thy 
 
 word  hath  quickened  me.  ^ 
 
 51  The  proud  have  had  me  greatly  in  derifion  ;  yet 
 have  I  not  declined  from  thy  law. 
 
 52  I  remembered  thy  judgments  of  old,  O  Lord- 
 
 and  have  comforted  myfelf.  ’ 
 
 53  Horror  hath  taken  hold  upon  me,  becaufe  of 
 the  wicked  that  forfake  thy  law. 
 
 54  Thy  ftatutes  have  been  my  fongs  in  the  houfe 
 of  my  pilgrimage. 
 
 55  I  have  remembered  thy  name,  O  Lord,  in  the 
 night,  and  have  kept  thy  law. 
 
 56  This  I  had,  becaufe  I  kept  thy  precepts. 
 
 CHETH. 
 
 57  J'hou  art  my  portion,  O  Lord  ;  I  have  faid  that 
 I  would  keep  thy  words. 
 
 58  I  entreated  thy  f  favour  with  mij  whole  heart:! Heb. 
 be  merciful  unto  me  according  to  thy  word. 
 
 59  I  thought  on  my  ways,  and  turned  my  feet  unto 
 thy  teftimonies. 
 
 60  I  made  hafte,  and  delayed  not  to  keep  thy  com¬ 
 mandments. 
 
 61  The  II  bands  of  the  wicked  have  robbed  me :  J  Or, 
 but  I  have  not  forgotten  thy  law. 
 
 62  At  midnight  I  will  rife  to  give  thanks  unto  thee,^“”'"'' 
 becaufe  of  thy  righteous  judgments. 
 
 63  I  am  a  companion  of  all  them  that  fear  thee,  and 
 of  them  that  keep  thy  precepts. 
 
 64  T.  he  earth,  O  Lord,  is  full  of  thy  mercy :  teach 
 me  thy  ftatutes. 
 
 TETH. 
 
 65  Thou  hast  dealt  well  with  thy  fervant,  O  Lord, 
 according  unto  thy  word. 
 
 66  Teach  me  good  judgment  and  knowledge :  for 
 I  have  believed  thy  commandments. 
 
 of  pilgrinpage  below,  unto  the  revelation  of  God’s  will.  Ver.  21.  Thou  hast  re¬ 
 buked  the  proud  that  are  cursed.  The  conCderation  of  the  wretched  condition  of 
 impenitent  finners,  is  another  reafon  why  we  entreat  God  to  fet  and  to  keep  us 
 in  the  way  of  his  commandments.  Ver.  23.  Princes  also  did  sit  and  speak  against 
 me.  Princes  and  rulers  have  often  fat  in  council^pon  the  fervants  of  God,  and 
 fpoken  in  judgment,  falfe  things  againft  them,  as  they  did  againft  their  bleffed 
 Master,  in  the  days  of  his  flefh.  David  hath  taught  us  how  to  aft,  in  fuch  cir¬ 
 cumstances.  We  are  not  to  renounce  the  creed,  or  the  commandments,  ftiould  it 
 fo  happen  that  the  rulers  and  the  Pharifees  neither  believe  the  former  nor  obferve 
 the  latter ;  but  rather,  we  ftiould  meditate,  more  than  ever,  in  the  Scriptures  ; 
 that  we  may  draw  from  thence  comfort  in  the  troubles,  and  direflion  in  the  dif¬ 
 ficulties,  which  perfecution  bringetb  upon  us;  always  bearing  in  mind,  when 
 princes  command  any  thing  contrary  to  the  word  of  God,  that  our  fervice  is  due 
 to  a  higher  Master;  thy  serva«t  did  meditate  in  thy  statutes.”  DALETH. 
 Paet  IV.  Ver.  27.  Make  me  to  understand  the  way  of  thy  precepts  i  so  shall  I  talk, 
 or  meditate <f  thy  wondrous  works,  or  thy  mysteries.  VAU.  1  art  VI.  Ver.  46.  I 
 will  speak  of  thy  testimonies  also  before  kings.  A  prophet  may  be  called  before 
 kings,  either  in  the  courfe  of  his  office,  to  instrutft  them,  or  elfe,  in  a  Judiciary  way 
 to  give  an  account  of  his  faith.  In  either  cafe,  if  he  walketh  at  liberty,  be  will 
 fpeak  of  God’s  te.timonies,  with  due  reverence  to  the  perfon  and  authority  of  his 
 prince,  but  as  one  who  is  neither  afraid  nor  aftianaed  to  declare  the  •  hole  counfel 
 
 of  heaven  to  any  being  upon  earth.  ZAIN.  Part  VII.  Ver.  53.  Horror  hd\ 
 taken  hold  upon  me.  The  confequence  of  a  due  meditation  on  God’s  judgments  will 
 be  a  compaffion  for  the  wicked,  on  whom  thofe  judgments,  in  the  end  fall ;  fo  thil 
 inftead  of  feeling  for  ourfelves,  on  account  of  the  injuries  they  do  us,  we  lliall  fed 
 for  them,  who  are  thereby  drawing  down  vengeance  and  deflrudlion  on  their  owl 
 heads.  Daughters  of  Jerufalem,  faid  the  blefled  Jefus,  when  led  to  be  crueiliei, 
 “  weep  not  for  me,  but  weep  foryourfelves,  and  for  your  children,”  Luke  xriii.  -i 
 CHETH.  Part  VIII.  Ver.  61.  The  bands,  or  troops  of  the  ungodly  have  robbed  me 
 To  be  robbed,  or  plundered  of  his  pofteffions  in  this  world,  was  by  no  means  a  caff 
 peculiar  to  David.  The  primitive  Cbriftians  were  continually  fo  treated  ;  and  out 
 Lord  gives  all  his  difciples  warning  to  ftand  prepared  for  fuch  events,  ready  in  dif- 
 pofition,  in  heart  and  mind,  to  quit  all,  as  they  who  firft  followed  him  literally  did. 
 Ver.  62.  At  midnight  I  will  rise  to  give  thanks  unto  thee.  So  far  were  temporal  \oSes 
 from  caufing  the  l-Talmift  to  forfake  God,  that  be  foughthim  the  more  earneftly  a”! 
 fervently  on  that  account,  rifing  at  midnight  to  give  thanks  for  all  his  righteous 
 judgments  and  dirpenfations  towards  his  fervants.  Ver. "63.  I  am  a  conipanion  of  oM 
 them  that  fear  thee.  As  no  fufferings  (hould  make  us  negletSt  our  intercourfe  with 
 God,  fo  neither  (hould  they  tempt  us  to  forfake  the  communion  of  faints  or  fellow* 
 (hip  of  them  who  fear  God,  and  work  righteoufnefs.  TETH.  Part  IV.  Ver.  66 
 Teach  me  good  judgment  The  word  [tom]  which  is  here  tranflated  judgment  figot 
 fies  bodily  tafte,  and  that  faculty  in  the  mind  w  hich  anfwers  to  it,  the  faculty  of  di' 
 
PSALMS. 
 
 cir 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 1015. 
 
 David* s  love  to  God*s  lain. 
 
 67  Before  I  was  afflifted  I  went  aflray ;  but  now . 
 
 have  1  kept  thy  word.  f 
 
 68  Thou  art  good,  and  doeft  good  :  teach  me  thy  j 
 
 69  The  proud  have  forged  a  fie  againft  me  \  but  \ 
 will  keep  thy  precepts  with  my  whole  heart. 
 
 70  Their  heart  is  as  fat  as  greafe  :  but  I  delight  in 
 thy  law. 
 
 li  It  is  good  for  me  that  I  have  been  affli£ted ;  that 
 I  might  learn  thy  ftatutes. 
 
 72  The  law  of  thy  mouth  is  belter  unto  me  than 
 thoufands  of  gold  and  liiver. 
 
 JOD. 
 
 73  Thy  hands  have  made  me  and  fafhioned  me ;  give 
 me  underftanding,  that  I  may  learn  thy  commandments. 
 
 74  They  that  f^ar  thee  will  be  glad  when  they  fee 
 me  ;  becaufe  1  have  hoped  in  thy  word. 
 
 75  I  know,  O  Lord,  that  thy  judgments  are  f  right, 
 'ighteou&~  and  that  thou  in  faithfulnefs  haft  aftlifted  me. 
 
 ^  76  Let,  I  pray  thee,  thy  merciful  kindnefs  be  f  for 
 
 \fort  my  comfort,  according  to  thy  word  unto  thy  fervant. 
 
 77  Let  thy  tender  mercies  come  unto  me,  that  1 
 may  live :  for  thy  law  is  ray  delight. 
 
 78  Let  the  proud  be  alhamed  ;  for  they  dealt  per- 
 verfely  with  me  without  a  caufe  :  but  I  will  meditate 
 in  thy  precepts. 
 
 79  Let  thofe  that  fear  thee  turn  unto  me,  and  thofe 
 that  have  known  thy  teftimonies. 
 
 80  Let  my  heart  be  found  in  thy  ftatutes,  that  I  be 
 not  afhamed. 
 
 CAPH. 
 
 81  My  foul  fainteth  for  thy  falvation  ;  but  I  hope  in 
 thy  word. 
 
 82  Mine  eyes  fail  for  thy  word,  faying.  When  wilt 
 thou  comfort  me  > 
 
 83  For  1  am  become  like  a  bottle  in  the  fmoke; 
 yet  do  I  not  forget  thy  ftatutes. 
 
 84  How  many  are  the  days  of  thy  fervant  ?  when 
 wilt  thou  execute  judgment  on  them  that  perfecuteme? 
 
 85  The  proud  have  digged  pits  for  me,  which  are 
 not  after  thy  law. 
 
 c  Pfalm 
 
 19.  10. 
 Prov.  8. 
 10,  II. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 ness. 
 f  Heb. 
 Jo  com, 
 me 
 
 ttandeth. 
 
 The  stability  of  God's  vvord. 
 
 86  All  thy  commandments  f  are  faithful :  they  per- 
 
 fecute  me  wrongfully  ;  help  thou  me.  cin  mi5. 
 
 87  They  had  almoft  confumed  me  upon  earth  :  but 
 
 I  forfook  not  thy  precepts.  t-  Heb. 
 
 88  Quicken  me  after  thy  loving-kindnefs ;  fo  ftiall 
 keep  the  teftimony  of  thy  mouth. 
 
 LAMED. 
 
 89  For  ever,  O  Lord,  thy  word  is  fettled  in  heaven. 
 
 90  Thy  faithfulnefs  is  f  unto  all  generations :  thou  f  Heb. 
 haft  eftablilhed  the  earth,  and  it  t  abideth. 
 
 91  They  continue  this  day  according  to  thine  ordi-^^a. 
 
 nances  :  for  all  are  thy  fervants.  tum. 
 
 92  Unlefs  thy  law  had  been  my  delights,  I  fhould  t  He^. 
 then  have  perifhed  in  mine  aftlidbon. 
 
 93  I  will  never  forget  thy  precepts  :  for  with  them 
 thou  haft  quickened  me. 
 
 94  I  am  thine,  fave  me  :  for  I  have  fought  thy  pre¬ 
 cepts. 
 
 95  The  wicked  have  waited  for  me  to  deftroy  me  ; 
 but  I  will  confider  thy  teftimonies. 
 
 96  I  have  feen  an  end  of  all  perfeftion  ibutihy  com¬ 
 mandment  is  exceeding  broad. 
 
 MEM. 
 
 97  Ohowlovelthylaw!  it  is  my  meditation  all  the  day. 
 
 98  Thou,  through  thy  commandments,  haft  made  me 
 wifer  than  mine  enemies  ;  for  f  they  are  ever  with  me.  f 
 
 99  1  have  more  underftanding  than  all  my  teachers 
 for  thy  teftimonies  are  my  meditation. 
 
 100  I  underftand  more  than  the  ancients ;  becade 
 Tkeep  thy  precepts. 
 
 101  I  have  refrained  my  feet  from  every  evil  way, 
 that  I  might  keep  thy  word. 
 
 102  I  have  not  departed  from  thy  judgments:  for 
 thou  haft  taught  me. 
 
 103  How  fweet  are  thy  words  unto  my  f  tafte 
 
 yea,  sweeter  than  honey  to  my  mouth  !  +Veb’ 
 
 104  Through  thy  precepts  I  get  underftanding  :  palat0. 
 therefore  1  hate  every  falfe  way. 
 
 NUN. 
 
 105  Thy  word  is  a  II  lamp  unto  ray  feet,  and  a  light 
 unto  my  path. 
 
 ii  IS  ever 
 with  me. 
 
 cerning,  diftinguifhing,  and  judging  rightly  of  things  moral  and  fpirilua',  as  the 
 palate  doth  of  meats,  their  different  flavours  and  qualities.  Without  this  tafte  or 
 difcretion,  we  miftake  falfehood  for  truth  in  our  ftudies,  and  wrong  for  right  in 
 our  pra<5lice ;  fuperflition  and  enthufiafm  may  pafs  with  us  for  religion,  or  elfe 
 licentioufnefs  may  intrude  itfelf  upon  us,  under  the  name  and  notion  of  liberty  ;  in 
 a  word,  our  learning  and  knowledge  prove  ufelefs,  if  not  prejudicial  to  us.  Ver. 
 70.  Their  heart  is  as  fat  as  grease.  The  fatnefs  of  the  heart  implieth  in  this  place, 
 two  things  in  thofe  of  whom  it  is  affirmed  ;  luxury,  and  its  confequences,  infenfi- 
 bidty  to  thofe  fpiritual  and  divine  truths,  which  are  not  only  the  fludy,  but  the  de¬ 
 light  of  temperate  and  holy  perfons,  who  gladly  fly  from  large  companies,  full 
 tables,  collly  meats,  and  rich  wines,  to  enjoy  in  private,  the  more  exalted  pleafures 
 of  abftineuce,  meditation  and  prayer.  JOD.  Part  X.  Ver.  73.  Thy  hands  have 
 made  me.  The  confideration  that  Giod  made  us,  is  here  urged  as  an  argument  why 
 he  Ihould  not  forfake  and  rejeiil;  us,  fince  every  artift  hath  a  value  for  his  own  work 
 proportioned  to  its  excellence.  It  is,  at  the  fame  time,  an  acknowledgment  of  the 
 fervice  we  owe  him,  founded  on  the  relation  which  a  creature  beareth  to  his  Crea¬ 
 tor.  And  the  petition  implieth  in  it  a  confeflion  of  our  prefent  inability  to  know 
 his  will  without  his  revelation,  and  to  do  it  w  ithout  his  grace,  CAPH.  Part  XI. 
 Ver.  83.  For  I  am  become  like  a  bottle  in  the  smoke.  Bottles  among  the  Jews  were 
 made  of  fldns.  One  of  thefe,  if  expofed  to  heat  and  fmoke,  would  become  Ihrivell- 
 ed  and  ufelefs.  Such  a  change  will  labour  and  forrow  caufe  in  the  human  frame  ; 
 and  the  Pfalmift.  here  complaineth,  that  bis  beauty  and  his  ftrength  were  gone; 
 the  natural  moiffure  was  dried  up,  in  confequence  of  which  the  (kin  fhrivelled, 
 and  both  colour  and  vigour  departed  from  him.  Difeafe  and  old  age  will  produce 
 the  fume  fad  eflfedls  in  us  all ;  but  the  body’s  weaknefs  is  the  foul’s  ftrength  ;  as 
 the  outward  man  decayeth,  the  inward  man  is  renewed  ;  “  I  do  not  forget  thy 
 ftatutes.”  Ver.  84.  When  wUt  thou  execute  judgment  on  them  that  persecute  me  f 
 The  well  beloved  John  heard  a  queftion  of  the  fame  import  with  this,  alked  by  the 
 fpiriis  of  the  martyrs,  that  had  left  their  bodies,  and  were  waiting  in  the  feparate 
 ftate,  for  the  day  of  retribution.  The  anfwer  which  was  made  to  them,  may  like- 
 tvife  fatisfy  our  impatience,  when  lufftring  afflirftion  and  perfecution.  Hev.  vi. 
 
 9 — 1  >  •  Ver.  85.  The  proud  have  digged  pits  for  me.  The  manner  of  taking  wild 
 beafts  was  by  digging  pits,  and  covering  them  over  with  green  turf,  upon  which 
 when  the  beaft  trod,  he  fell  into  the  pit,  and  was  there  confined  and  taken.  But 
 there  was  a  law,  that  if  a  pit  were  left  open,  and  a  tame  beaft,  an  ox  or  an  afs,  fell 
 into  it,  the  owners  of  the  pit  fhould  make  good  the  damage,  Exod  xxi.  31. 
 Much  more  fhall  men  be  called  to  a  fevere  account,  who  purpofely  lay  fnares  and 
 flumbling-blocks  before  the  feet  of  their  innocent  brethren,  to  caufe  them  to  fall 
 ,  and  perifti.  LAMED.  Part  XII.  Ver.  96.  I  have  seen  an  end  of  all  perfection. 
 
 \  Of  all  perfeaion  in  this  world,  whether  of  beauty,  wit,  learning,  pleafure,  honour, 
 
 ;  or  riches,  expeiience  will  foon  fhew  us  the  end.  But  where  is  the  end  or  boundary 
 :  of  the  word  of  God  ?  Who  can  afcend  to  the  height  of  its  excellency  ;  who  can 
 ■  fathom  the  depths  of  its  myfteries  ;  who  can  find  out  the  comprehension  of  its 
 precepts,  or  conceive  the  extent  of  its  promifes  j  who  can  take  the  dimenfions  of 
 that  love  of  God  to  mao  which  it  defcribeth,  or  that  love  of  man  to  God  which 
 It  teacheth  !  The  knowledge  of  one  thing  leadeth  us  forward  to  that  of  another, 
 and  ftill,  as  we  travel  on  the  profpeiR  opens  before  us  into  eternity,  like  the 
 pleafant  and  fruitful  mountains  of  Canaan,  rifing  on  the  other  fide  of  Jordan,  when 
 viewed  by  Mofes,  from  the  top  of  Pifgah.  O  happy  region  of  celeftial  wifdom 
 permanent  felicity,  true  riches,  and  unfading  glory  ;  while  we  contemplate  thee’, 
 how  doth  the  world  leffen,  and  Ihrink  to  nothing  in  our  eyes!  Thy  bleffings 
 Jl’  Ctjafity  which  fhall  hereafter  poflefs  and  enjoy  them. 
 
 MEM.  Part  XIII.  Ver.  98— 100.  The  commandmenu  of  God  were  ever  with 
 
 David  ;  the  teftimonies  of  God  were  his  meditation  ;  and  the  precepts  of  God  it 
 was  his  care  to  obferve ;  therefore  his  wifdom  exceeded  the  policy  of  his  enemies 
 the  learning  of  his  teachers,  and  the  experience  of  the  ancients.  Thus,  by  the 
 wifdom  of  the  fcriptures  did  the  Holy  Jefus  in  tbw  days  of  his  flefti,  confLnd 
 his  adversaries,  aftonifh  the  teachers  of  the  law,  and  inftrua  the  a-^ed  And  it  is 
 the  high  prerogative  of  the  Scriptures,  at  all  times  to  render  yo“uth  and  fimph- 
 city  fupenor  to  the  inveterate  malice  and  fubtlety  of  the  grand  Deceiver,  mid  bis 
 affbciates.  N  U  N.  Part  X I V.  Ver.  1 05.  Thy  word  is  a  lamp  unto  my  feet.  M  an 
 IS  a  traveller,  his  hfe  is  a  journey,  heaven  is  his  end,  bis  road  lies  througu  a  wil- 
 
The  safety  of  the  godly,  PSALMS. 
 
 aSii  ^  hath  long  dwelt  with  him  that  hateth 
 
 cir.  1058.  P^^Ce. 
 
 7  I  0771  Ij  for  peace ;  but  when  I  fpeak,  they  are  for 
 
 D  Or, 
 a  maa 
 <f  peace. 
 
 I  Or, 
 
 ShaU  I  lift 
 up  mine 
 tyes  to  the 
 hills  ? 
 nhence 
 should 
 tny  help 
 came  ? 
 
 B  Pfalm 
 124.  8. 
 
 war.’ 
 
 PSALM  CXXI. 
 
 The  great  safety  of  the  godly,  who  put  their  trust  in.  God's  protection, 
 
 ^  A  long  of  degrees. 
 
 WILL  lift  up  mine  eyes  unto  the  hills  from 
 whence  cometh  my  help. 
 
 ‘2  «  My  help  cometh  Irom  the  Lord,  which  made 
 heaven  and  earth. 
 
 3  He  will  not  fulfer  thy  foot  to  be  moved  :  he  that 
 keepeth  thee  will  not  flumber. 
 
 4  Behold,  he  that  keepeth  Ifrael  (hall  neither  flum¬ 
 ber  nor  fleep. 
 
 5  The  Lord  is  thy  keeper  ;  the  Lord  is  thy  (hade  ^ 
 
 upon  thy  right  hand.  I 
 
 6  The  lun  fhall  not  fmite  thee  by  day,  nor  the  moon 
 by  nieht. 
 
 7  The  Lord  fhall  preferve  thee  from  all  evil ;  he, 
 fhall  preferve  thy  foul. 
 
 8  The  Lord  (hall  preferve  thy  going  out,  and  thy* * 
 comiog  in,  from  this  time  forth,  and  even  forevermore.f 
 
 PSALM  CXXII. 
 
 1  David  prqfesseth  his  joy  for  the  church,  6  and  iirayeth  for  the  peace 
 thereof. 
 
 If  A  fong  of  degrees  of  David. 
 
 WAS  glad  when  they  faid  unto  me.  Let  us  go 
 
 I 
 
 f  Heb. 
 do  sit. 
 
 into  the  houfe  of  the  Lord. 
 
 2  Our  feet  fhall  Hand  within  thy  gates  O  Jerufalem. 
 
 3  Jerufalem  is  builded  as  a  city,  that  is  compaft  to¬ 
 gether. 
 
 4  Whither  the  tribes  go  up,  the  tribes  of  the  Lord, 
 unto  the  teftimony  of  Ifrael,  to  give  thanks  unto  the 
 name  of  the  Lord. 
 
 5  For  there  f  are  fet  thrones  of  judgment,  the 
 thrones  of  the  houfe  David. 
 
 6  Pray  for  the  peace  of  Jerufalem  ;  they  fhall  prof- 
 per  that  love  thee. 
 
 The  godly  yirofcss  their  confidence  in  Cod. 
 
 7  Peace  be  within  thy  walls,  and  profperity  within  Before 
 
 thy  palaces.  .  Cbria 
 
 8  For  my  brethren  and  companions*  fakes,  1  willi^’* 
 now  fay.  Peace  he  within  thee. 
 
 9  Becaufe  of  the  houfe  of  the  Lord  our  God  I 
 will  feek  thy  good.f 
 
 PSALM  CXXIII. 
 
 1  The  godly  profess  their  confidence  in  God,  3  and  pray  to  be  delivered 
 from  coHtem2>t. 
 
 If  A  fong  of  Degrees. 
 
 UNTO  thee  lift  I  up  mine  eyes,  O  thou  that 
 dwellefl;  in  the  heavens. 
 
 2  Behold,  as  the  eyes  of  fervants  /oo/^unto  the  hand 
 of  their  matters,  and  as  the  eyes  of  a  maiden  unto  the 
 hand  ^f  her  raiftrefs  ;  fo  our  eyes  wait  upon  the  Lord 
 our  God,  until  that  he  have  mercy  upon  us. 
 
 3  Have  mercy  upon  us,  O  Lord,  have  mercy  upon 
 us  :  for  we  are  exceedingly  filled  with  contempt. 
 
 4  Our  foul  is  exceedingly  filled  with  the  fcorning 
 of  thofe  that  are  at  eafe,  ana  with  the  contempt  of  the 
 proud.§ 
 
 PSALM  CXXIV. 
 
 The  church  blcsseth  God  for  a  miraculous  deliverance. 
 
 H  A  fong  of  degrees  of  David. 
 
 F  it  had  not  been  the  Lord  who  was  on  our  fide, 
 now  may  Ifrael  fay  ; 
 
 2  If  it  had  not  been  the  Lord  who  was  on  our  fide, 
 when  men  role  up  againft  us. 
 
 3  Then  they  hadfwallowed  us  up  quick,  when  their 
 wrath  was  kindled  againft  us; 
 
 4  Then  the  waters  had  overwhelmed  us,  the  ftream 
 had  gone  over  our  foul : 
 
 5  1  hen  the  proud  waters  had  gone  over  our 
 foul. 
 
 6  Blefled  he  the  Lord,  who  hath  not  given  us  as  a 
 prey  to  their  teeth. 
 
 7  Our  foul  is  efcaped  as  a  bird  out  of  the  fnare 
 of  the  fowlers :  the  fnare  is  broken,  and  we  are  ef¬ 
 caped. 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Psal.  CXXI.  Ver.  1,  2.  Birtiop  Lowth 
 
 fuppofes  thefe  two  firil  verfes  to  be  fpoken  by  David  when  going  out  to  war,  and 
 the  anfwer  of  encouragement  to  be  made  by  the  high  prieft  from  the  holy  place. 
 In  this  cafe  the  idea  of  warfare  is  added  to  that  of  pilgrims,  and  the  pfalm  ren¬ 
 dered  ftill  more  applicable  to  us,  as  well  as  to  the  true  David  our  King.  Ver. 
 &,  6.  The  meaning  is,  that  the  good  man  during  his  journey  through  life,  lhall  be 
 under  God’s  protedlion  at  all  feafons;  as  Ifrael  in  the  wildernefs  was  defended 
 from  the  burning  beat  of  the  fun,  by  the  moid  and  refreihing  fhadow  of  the  cloud  : 
 and  fecured  againft  the  inclement  influences  of  the  norfturnal  heavens,  by  the 
 kindly  warmth  and  fplendour  diflFufed  from  the  pillar  of  fire. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  CXXII.  Ver.  1—9.  The  author  of 
 this  pfalm  as  we  are  informed  by  its  title  was  David.  The  fubje<51  of  it  is  that  joy 
 which  the  people  were  wont  to  exprefs,  upon  their  going  up  in  companies  to  keep 
 e  feaft  at  Jerufalem,  when  the  divine  fervices  were  regulated,  and  that  city  was  ap¬ 
 pointed  to  be  the  place  of  public  worftiip.  Every  thing  which  can  be  faid  upon 
 this  topic  muft  naturally  hold  good  in  its  application  to  the  Chriftian  church,  and 
 the  celebration  of  her  feafts  ;  at  which  feafons  the  believer  will  as  naturally  extend 
 his  thoughts  to  the  Jerufalem  above,  and  to  that  feftival  which  (hall  one  day  be 
 there  kept  by  all  the  people  of  God.  Great  was  the  joy  of  an  Ifraelite,  when  his 
 brethren  called  upon  him  to  accompany  them  on  fome  feftive  occafion,  to  the  ta¬ 
 bernacle,  or  temple  at  Jerufalem  ;  great  is  the  joy  of  a  Chriftian,  when  he  is  in¬ 
 vited  in  like  manner,  to  celebrate  the  feafts  of  the  church,  to  commemorate  the 
 
 nativity,  or  the  refurre(5lion,  and  to  eat  and  drink  at  the  table  of  the  Lord.  Such 
 in  kind,  but  far  greater  in  degree,  is  that  gladnefs  which  the  pious  foul  experiences 
 when  fhe  is  called  hence  ;  when  defeending  angels  fay  unto  her,  thy  labour  and 
 forrow  are  at  an  end,  and  the  hour  of  thy  enlargement  is  come  :  put  off  mortality 
 and  mifery  at  once  ;  quit  thy  houfe  of  bondage,  and  the  land  of  thy  captivity  ;  fly 
 forth,  and  “  let  us  go  together  into  the  houfe  of  the  Lord,  not  made  with  hands, 
 eternal  in  the  heavens.” 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  CXXIII.  Ver.  2.  Dehold,  as  the  eyes 
 (f  servants,  look  unto  the  hand  of  their  masters.  The  fervants  of  God,  like  other 
 lervants,  if  they  are  injured  and  fufter  violence,  expe<5l  redrefs  and  protedlion  from 
 the  Mafter,  whofe  they  are,  and  whom  they  ferve.  Under  the  law  of  Mofes, 
 a  mafter  was  to  demand  fatisfaclion,  and  to  have  it  made  for  him,  for  any  hurt 
 done  to  his  fervant.  And  lhall  not  the  heft  of  mafters  avenge  the  wrongs 
 done  to  thofe  who  ferve  him  ;  and  done,  perhaps,  becaufe  they  ferve  him  ? 
 Without  doubt,  he  will  avenge  them  fpeedily,  and  reward  their  fufferings  glori- 
 oully. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  CXXIV.  Ver.  1.  If  it  had  not  been 
 the  Lord  who  teas  on  our  side.  In  this  pfalm,  which  we  are  informed  by  the  title 
 hath  David  for  its  author,  the  church  deferibeth  the  danger  in  which  (lie  bad 
 been,  and  giveth  to  God  alone  the  glory  of  her  deliverance  out  of  it.  Ver.  6,  7. 
 The  marvellous  deliverance  of  Ifrael  is  illuftrated  by  two  other  images.  It  it 
 compared  to  the  efcape  of  a  lamb  from  the  jaws  of  a  wolf,  or  a  lion  ;  and  to  that 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. _ *  Psal.  CXX.]  Inveterate  malice  againft  the  faints  never  refufes  the  bafeft  means  of  venting  itfelf,  and  it  is  the  faint's 
 
 ordinary  lot  to  be  virulently  reproached  by  the  wicked.  But  dreadful,  penetrating,  deftruaive,  furious,  and  lafting,  is  the  ruin  of  their  reproachers  at  laft.  It  is 
 t-rievous  for  the  lovers  of  God  to  be  long  removed  from  public  ordinances  or  to  be  forced  by  neceflity  into  continued  conneaions  with  the  wicked. 
 
 *  PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. _ f  Psal.  CXXI.]  God  is  a  fure  refuge  to  thofe  who  fly  to  him.  When  human  help  is  defpaired  of,  with  God  nothing 
 
 is  impoffible,  ^ 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—!  Psal.  CXXII.]  We  are  bound  to  pray  for  our  nation,  for  in  the  peace  thereof  we  lhall  enjoy  peace.  The  profpenty 
 
 and  peace  of  God’s  church  will  be  the  firft  concern  and  prayer  of  all  the  friends  of  David’s  Son.  To  pray  one  way  and  aa  another  manifefts  us  hypocrites. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.  — §  Psal.  CXXIII.]  To  the  place  of  God’s  glorious  abode,  Ihould  our  prayers  be  direaed,  who  is  ready  to  hear  and  an- 
 farer  us.  The  common  lot  of  God’s  people  is  to  be  defpifed  as  poor,  ignorant  and  deluded. 
 
pefor* 
 
 Clirift 
 
 Cir.  1021 
 
 T' 
 
 pe  sdT^y  of  ^‘^■ 
 
 8  *  Oor  help  is  in  the  nsnie  of  the  Lord,  who 
 made  heaven  and  earth.* 
 
 PSALM  CXXV.  ,  ,  „  , 
 
 ,  The  safety  of  such  as  trust  in  God.  3  A  prayer  for  tlie  godly,  and 
 Against  the  wicked. 
 
 ^  HA  fong  of  degrees. 
 
 HEY  that  truft  in  the  Lord  shall  he  as  niount 
 _  Zion,  vohick  cannot  be  removed,  but  abideth 
 
 ^  As  the  mountains  are  round  about  Jerufalem,  fo 
 the  Lord  is  round  about  his  people  from  henceforth, 
 
 ^'^^For  th^rod  of  f  the  wicked  (hall  not  reft  upon 
 the  lot  of  the  righteous ;  left  the  righteous  put  forth 
 their  hands  unto  iniquity. 
 
 4  Do  good,  O  Lord,  unto  those  that  be  good,  and 
 to  them  that  are  upright  in  their  hearts. 
 
 5  As  for  fuch  as  torn  afide  unto  their  crooked  ways, 
 the  Lord  ftiall  lead  them  forth  with  the  workers  of 
 iniquity :  but  peace  shall  be  upon  Krael.t 
 
 PSALM  CXXVI. 
 
 1  The  church,  celebrating  her  incredible  return  out  of  captwUy,  4  prayeth 
 for,  and  prophesieth  the  good  success  thereof. 
 
 H  A  long  of  degrees. 
 
 PSALMS. 
 
 w 
 
 Heb. 
 
 tiicke(h- 
 
 vets. 
 
 Children  the  good  gift  of  God. 
 
 hen  the  Lord  t  turned  again  the  captivity 
 of  Zion,  we  were  like  them  that  dream.  cir.  1015. 
 
 2  Then  was  our  mouth  filled  with  laughter,  andv-.-.^v^ 
 our  tongue  with  finging :  then  laid  they  araeng  the 
 heathen.  The  Lord  f  hath  done  great  things  for  them. 
 
 3  The  Lord  hath  done  great  things  for  us,  isihereof  tumhg  of 
 
 4  Turn  again  our  captivity,  O  Lord,  as  the  ftrearas^^^^^ 
 
 in  the  fouth.  „  „  ....  nifiedtodtt 
 
 5  They  that  fow  in  tears  (hall  reap  in  II  joy.  wuhthem. 
 
 6  He  that  goeth  forth  and  weepeth,  bpring  1|  pre- ll.‘^ 
 
 cious  feed,  ftiall  doubtlefs  come  again  with  rejoicing, 
 brineing  his  ftieaves  with  him.X  seediasket. 
 
 PSALM  CXXVII. 
 
 1  The  viHue  of  God's  blessing.  3  Good  chMren  are  his  gift. 
 
 H  A  long  of  degrees  ||  for  Solomon.  soioLrk. 
 
 Except  the  lord  buiW  the  houle,  they  la- 
 
 hour  in  vain  f  that  build  it :  except  the  LoRDtj^^^*^^^ 
 keep  the  city,  the  watchman  waketh  but  in  vain.  luUders  of 
 2  It  is  vain  for  you  to  rife  up  early,  to  lit  up  late,  a  in  if. 
 to  eat  the  bread  of  forrows :  for  fo  he  giveth  his  be¬ 
 loved  fleep.  .  r  T  .1 
 
 3  Lo,  children  are  an  heritage  of  the  Lord  .  a?ia 
 
 the  fruit  of  the  womb  is  his  reward. 
 
 Drofperity,  and  behold  in  Zion  the  beauty  of  holinefs.  This  proinife  is  conveyed 
 Lder  imarres,  borrowed  from  the  inftruaive  fcenes  of  agriculture.  In  the  fweat 
 of  his  brow,  the  hufbandman  tills  bis  land,  and  calls  his  feed  into  the  ground, 
 where  for  a  time,  it  lies  dead  and  buried.  A  dark  and  dreary  winter  fucceeds, 
 and  all  feeins  to  be  loft.  Rut  at  the  return  of  fpring,  univerfal  nature  revives,  and 
 the  once  defolate  fields  are  covered  with  corn,  which  when  matured  by  the  fun  s 
 heat,  the  cheerful  reapers  cut  down,  and  it  is  brought  home  with  triumphant  ftiouts 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  CXXVII.  Ver.  1.  Excqit  the  Lord 
 build  the  house.— It  this  pfalm  were  uttered  by  Solomon,  or  by  David  for  Solomon, 
 as  the  title  importetb,  it  was  probably  ufed  again  at  the  time  of  rebuilding  the 
 city  and  temple,  after  the  return  from  Babylon.  But,  indeed,  it  is  a  pfalm, 
 which  can  never  be  out  of  feafon,  the  defign  of  its  author  being  to  teach  us  the 
 neceflitv  of  a  dependence  upon  God  and  his  blelTing,  in  every  work  to  which 
 we  fet'  our  bands.  What  is  faid  with  regard  to  an  earthly  houfe,  city, 
 and  family,  extendeth  alfo  to  the  fpiritual  houfe,  city  and  family  of  Chrift, 
 which  are  now,  what  Jerufalem,  the  temple,  and  the  people  of  Ifrae], 
 were  in  old  time.  Ver.  2.  It  is  vain  for  you  to  rise  up  early.  An  obfcunty 
 had  been  occafioned  in  the  traaflatioo,  by  rendering  the  adverb  (ken)  fo ; 
 
 “  fo  he  giveth  his  beloved  lleep in  which  form  the  laft  part  of  the  verfe 
 will  not  connedl  with  what  goes  before.  But  if  (ken)  be  Iranflated,  like  its 
 kindred  particle  (aken)  furely  he  giveth  bis  beloved  fleep  ;  or,  as  Dr  Ham¬ 
 mond  renders  it;  “  fince  he  giveth  his  beloved  fleep;”  the  difficulty  will 
 vanirti,  and  the  fenfe  appear  to  be,  if  we  do  the  will  of  God  we  need  not 
 diftrafl  our  minds  as  to  the  confequences  ;  for  he  will  not  fail  to  hlefs  us. 
 Can  we  eafily  find  a  more  profitable  piece  of  inftruaion  with  regard  to  the  ma¬ 
 nagement  of  all  our  concerns,  temporal  and  fpiritual.  Ver.  4.  As  arrows  are 
 incite  hand  of  a  mighty  man.— Children,  wjien  well  educated,  are  like  fo  many 
 “  arrows  in  the  hand  of  a  ftrong  man  ;”  ready  winged  with  duty  and  love  to 
 fly  to  the  mark;  polilhed  and  keen,  to  grace  and  maintain  the  caufe  of  their 
 parents,  to  defend  them  from  hoftile  invafions,  and  inftantly  to  repel  every 
 alfailaut.  Ver.  5.  Happy  is  the  man  who  hath  his  quiver  full  of  them.  In  a  houfe 
 full  of  dutiful  children  confifteth  the  happinefs  of  their  parents,  who  then 
 can  never  want  friends,  that  will  at  no  time  be  alhamed,  but  will  at  all  times 
 rejoice  to  appear  for  them,  to  meet  their  enemies  and  accufers  in  the  gate,  or 
 place  of  judgment ;  there  to  anfwer  any  charge  againft  them,  to  vindicate  theta 
 in  their  perfons,  their  good  name,  or  their  property.  It  is  a  glorious  fight  to 
 behold  children  thus  ftanding  forth  in  defence  of  their  parents.  Mr  Merrick 
 obferves,  that  the  gate  was  fometimes  the  feat  of  war,  as  well  as  the  place  of  ju- 
 
 PllACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Psal.  CXXIV.]  Power  and  policy  in  vain  unite  to  deftroy  the  foul  which  God  will  fave.  ^Vhen  we  are  neareft  in, 
 
 annearance  to  be  overcome  and  perilh,  then  we  (hall  be  made  more  eminently  to  experience  the  falvation  ot  God.  r  a 
 
 PRArTICAL  OBSERVATION  Psal.  CXXV.]  This  pfalm  furniflies  us  with  ftrong  motives  to  contentment  and  patience,  to  «>i^eferved  confidence 
 
 in  Godt  and  conftlnt  adherence  to  the  path  of  duty.  Happy  are  all  who  ttuft  in  the  Lord  :  their  new  covenant  ftate  is  immoveable  They  are  eftabliflied,  parded 
 and  proteaed  by  God ;  and,  in  performance  of  his  promife,  he  will  fupply  them  with  every  good.  But  dreadful  and  lading  is  the  mifery  of  thofe,  who  apoftatue  from 
 
 ‘'‘practical  oSeRVATIONS.-]  Psal.  CXXVI.]  Wonderful  things  hath  God  done  for  his  people  in  all  times,  by  delivering  them  contrary  to  all  a^ 
 paaran^  from  the  power  of  their  enemies.  God  always  does  good  to  the  righteous  ;  he  gives  them  to  rejoice  even  in  affliaion  and  tears  ;  and  caufes  days  of  unfpeak- 
 Lle  joy  (Succeed  days  of  forrow.  Deliverance  is  in  vain  expeaed  from  any  but  God,  and  from  him  only  in  the  proper  feafon.  Noted  dehve^nces  make  obfervers  m 
 wonder,  and  faints  to  rejoice.  But  the  more  the  people  of  God  are  in  this  world  exercifed  in  fpiritual  mourning,  the  more  remarkable  (hall  be  their  fruits  of  holinefs 
 and  j.oy. 
 
 oTI  bird,  by  the  breaking  of  the  fnare,  in  which  it  had  been  entangled,  before  the 
 fowler  came  to  feize  and  to  kill  it.  .  t  r 
 
 ^  explanatory  notes.  Psal.  CXXV.  Ver.  1—5.  In  pfalm 
 
 the  church  is  comforted  with  the  promifes,  1,2.  of  God’s  proteaion,  and  3.  of  h.s 
 removing,  in  due  time,  from  his  inheritance,  the  rod  of  the  oppreffor  ;  when  4. 
 the  faithful  will  be  rewarded,  and  5.  apoftates  puniftied  with  other  workers  o 
 iniquity.  Aben  Ezra,  as  cited  by  Dr  Hammond,  applieth  the  pfalm  to  the  days 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Psal.  CXXVI.  Ver.  1.  m.en  the  Lord  turned 
 again  the  captivity  of  Zion.  That  Cyrus  (hould  iffue  a  decree  for  the  Jews  to  re- 
 turn  to  their  own  country,  and  to  rebuild  their  city  and  temple  ;  that  be  fhould 
 difmifs  fuch  a  number  of  captives,  not  only  without  money  and  without  price,  but 
 Ihould  fend  them  home  laden  with  prefents ;  Ezra  i.  1  —4.  Ais  was  the  work  of 
 Jehovah,  who  only  could  thus  turn  the  captivity  of  Zion.  The  return  of  Ifrael 
 from  Babylon  holds  forth  a  figure  of  the  fame  import  with  the  Exodus  of  that 
 people  from  Egypt.  And  this  pfalm,  like  the  prophecies  of  Ifaiah,  repre.entetii 
 the  blelled  effetfts  of  a  fpiritual  redemption,  in  words  primarily  alluding  to  that 
 temporal  releafe.  Ver.  4.  Turn  again  our  captivity,  0  Lord.  The  joy  occafioned 
 ■by  Cyrus*  proclamation  having  been  deferibed  in  the  former  part  of  the  pfalm, 
 we  may  now  fuppofe  fome  of  the  Jews  ready  to  fet  out  on  their  return  home  ; 
 at  which  time,  and  during  their  journey,  they  prefer  this  petition  to  (3od,  that 
 he  would  be  pleafed  to  bring  back  the  reft  of  their  countrymen,  who  like  floods 
 Tolling  dow  n  upon  the  thirfly  regions  of  the  fouth,  might  people  the  land,  and 
 by  their  labours  put  an  end  to  the  defolations  of  Judah.  I  think  the  image  is 
 taken  from  the  torrents  in  the  deferts  to  the  fouth  of  Judea  ;  in  Idumea,  Arabia 
 Petrae,  &c.,  a  mountainous  country.  Thefe  torrents  were  conftantly  dried  up 
 in  the  fummer,  fee  Job  vi.  17,  18.  and  as  conftantly  returned  after  the  rainy 
 feafons,  and  filled  again  their  deferted  channels.  The  point  of  the  comparifon 
 feems  to  be  the  return  and  renewal  of  thefe  (not  rivers  but)  torrents  ;  which  yearly 
 leave  their  beds  dry,  but  fill  them  again;  as  the  Jews  had  left  their  country 
 defolate,  but  now  flowed  again  into  it.  Dr  Durell  renders  this  verfe  as  follows  : 
 
 The  turning  of  our  captivity,  O  Lord,  is  as  ftreams  in  the  fouth,  Ver.  5,  6. 
 the  fatigue  of  travelling  from  Babylon  to  Judea;  the  melancholy  profpe<5l  of 
 a  long  depopulated  country,  and  ruined  city,  the  toil  neceftary  to  be  undergone, 
 before  the  former  could  be  again  brought  into  order,  and  the  latter  rebuilt ;  all 
 thefe  confiderations  could  not  but  allay  the  joy  of  the  releafed  captives,  and 
 even  draw  many  tears  from  their  eyes.  They  are  therefore  comforted  with 
 a  gracious  promife,  that  God  would  give  a  blefling  to  the  labours  of  their  hands 
 and  Cl  own  them  with  fuccefs,  fo  that  they  (liould  once  more  fee  Jerufalem  in 
 
rr»> 
 
 pffT'mttrti  la  l\f  PSAI 
 
 *  *”  ®  mighty  man  ;  fo 
 
 '  ch»l.‘rr-n  (.t  the  routh. 
 
 •;  Hm'pv  m  the  mjD  that  f  hath  his  quiver  full  of 
 them:  -Wy  fhall  n<M  ^  aOumevl.  but  they  0  Hull 
 ■  p^ak  wtth  tbtf  ctu'mirt  in  the  gate.* 
 
 l^AI.M  CXWIII. 
 
 TW  tum.’y  Uftu-4  .  ,4,^  ,4^ y;,,  ^ 
 
 Bt  ^ 
 
 l.c.^C5l'.l)  IS  everyone  that  tcareth  the  Lord; 
 t^hai  walkcth  in  his  wavs. 
 
 ^  I'or  thou  lhali  eat  the  labour  of  thine  hands : 
 happy  v,rt,V  thou  Ae,  and  it  shall  6r  well  with  thee. 
 
 3  I  hy  wife  skull  as  a  truitlul  vine  by  the  liJes 
 of  thine  heute ;  thy  children  like  olive  plants  round 
 abf  ut  thy  table. 
 
 4  Behold,  that  thus  ftiall  the  man  be  bleflld  that  ■ 
 L^reth  the  Lord.  | 
 
 5  I'he  I.oRD  (hall  blefs  thee  out  of  Zion;  anti  ■ 
 thou  (halt  fee  the  good  of  Jerufaleiu  all  the  days  of 
 thv  life. 
 
 t»  Yea,  thou  (halt  fee  thy  children’s  children,  and  ' 
 peace  upon  Ifrael.t 
 
 PSALM  CXXIX. 
 
 1  J»  fxh»r<a'ij>t  lo  praitf  C«a/i>r  la^ng  I.rael  ut  their  great  njjlidiom. 
 
 S  Tkd  kiJtzT$  t>J‘  tid  cKurvk  artf  cufs:d»  '  | 
 
 U  A  long  of  degrees.  , 
 
 .MS. 
 
 ••  Then  WM  w>r  in  the  Judges  v.  8.  He  mentions  a  remarkable 
 
 CMaer*  prOTcrh  ;  ••  when  a  fon  is  born  into  a  family,  a  bow  and  arrow  are  hunjr 
 before  the  file." 
 
 L.XFL  AXATORY  N-OTER  Ps*l.  CXXVIII.  Ver.  3.  Thy  vifi  .hall  be 
 A  rr^aifkU  rime  si(l^  if  house,  Marrb^e  was  ordaintd  by  God  lo 
 
 ewpiele  the  felicity  of  man  in  a  flate  of  innocence;  and  the  benediaipn  of 
 bwen  will  ever  defeend  uj^  it,  when  undertaken  in  ti  e  fear  of  the  Lord.  , 
 7^  '*"*•  •  plant,  raifed  with  tender  care,  becoming  by  its  luxuriancy, 
 
 its  hMuiy.  Its  fragrance,  and  its  clufters,  the  ornament  and  glory  of  the  houfc  to  1 
 whicb  It  ia  )Mned,  and  by  which  it  is  fupported,  forms  the  fineft  imaginable  em¬ 
 blem  of  a  f»ir,  s  rtuous,  and  fruitful  wife.  Ti;e  olive  trets  planted  hy  the  inhabi-  ! 
 lania  of  the  caflrrn  countries  around  their  tables,  or  banqueting  places  in  their 
 garden,  to  cheer  t.he  eye  by  their  verdure,  and  to  refreth  the  body  hy  their  cooling 
 (bade,  do  no  lefs  aptly  and  Cgnificantly  fet  forth  the  pleafure  which  parents  feel 
 at  ■  nutneroos  and  tlauridiing  cfi'ipring.  As  marriage  was  from  the 
 
 betrinning  intended  toreprefent  the  mydical  union  between  Chrill  and  his  church, 
 which  union  is  fpoken  of  in  matrimonial  language,  through  the  Icriplures  both 
 DM  and  New  Teftament.  we  need  not  extend  our  view,  to  behold,  under 
 Ibe  imagery  of  the  vine  and  t  le  olive  plant',  the  prolific  Spoufe  of  rUefliali,  and 
 children  of  peace  aflembied  round  the  table  of  their  heavenly  Father.  See 
 Plat.  Iixx.  8.  Ilom.  xi.  17. 
 
 EXPLAKATORY  NOTES.  Pssl.  CXXIX.  Ver.  1.  2.  Aflliaion  is 
 Bothing  r.ew  to  the  people  of  Goil.  Msny  a  time  have  the  righteous  been  undur 
 perf.-cution,  from  the  btmr  when  Cain  rofe  up  tgainll  his  brother  Abel  to  this  day. 
 
 L  ke  the  hoOi  wbiclr  violet  beheld  in  the  defert,  the  church  hath  burned  with 
 ire,  but  is  not  yet  cont'umed,  and  h  r  the  fame  reafon  hecaufe  God  is  in  the 
 m  dA  of  her.  lie  took  our  nature  upon  him,  was  alfo  “  alHiiSled  from  his  youth,” 
 bsit  b's  enemies  “prevailed  not  finally  agaiiiR  him.”  And  it  is  obfcrva'hle  (hat 
 wl»l  God  fpake  hy  his  prophet  Ilok-a  concerning  Ifrael,  “When  Ifrael  was  a  || 
 ch'ld  loeo  I  loved  him,  and  called  my  fon  out  of  Egypt,”  is  by  St  Matthew  np-  j! 
 plied  to  Chrill  ;  “  Jofeph  took  the  young  child  and  his  mother,  by  night,  andde- 
 ptr:ed  into  Egypt,  and  w«s  there  until  the  death  of  Hetod  ;  that  it  might  be-| 
 fulalied  which  was  f{>nkcn  by  the  prophet.  Out  of  Egypt  have  I  called  my  fun,”  : 
 Mattn.  ii.  M.  H  if.  xi.  1.  The  truth  is,  that  there  fubfided  between  Chrill  and 
 Use  church  a  onion  like  t!  at  between  the  head  and  the  memliers  of  the  lame  body  ; 
 toej  are  Iheeefare  called  bj  the  lame  name,  Ifrael,  und  what  is  faid  concerning 
 
 exiartation  to 
 
 “  TVl  '■""'•hwe  they  jliluflcd  n,c  , 
 
 JLVl  youth,  inav  Ifru-l  now  Lv: 
 
 •J  iNUny  u  time  have  they  ullii^lr,)  rre  from  ,,, 
 youth;  yet  they  have  not  pn vaile (  aKumll  n,c..  ^  - 
 
 3  The  plowers  plowed  upon  my  back  :  tliev  in  .d 
 
 louK  their  furrows.  ^ 
 
 4  The  Lord  is  righteous  ;  he  hath  cut  afundep 
 cords  ot  the  wickt-d. 
 
 5  Let  them  all  be  confounded  and  turned  back  th-r 
 hate  'Zion : 
 
 6  Let  them  be  as  the  grafg  uj>on  the  houfe-ton* 
 
 which  withereth  afore  it  ^roweth  np  ;  ^  * 
 
 7  Wherewith  the  mower  fillet h  not  his  hand,  nor 
 he  that  bindeih  (heaves  his  boloni. 
 
 8  Neither  do  they  which  by  lay,  'I  he  bU  lIimr  of 
 the  Lord  be  upon  you :  we  bids  you  in  the  name  of 
 the  LoRD.t 
 
 PSALM  eXXX. 
 
 1  The  ptolmiH  profeueth  hU  ho/te  in  prayer,  5  and  hi.  patience  in  here . 
 
 7  ke  eihurtelh  l.racl  to  hpjte  in  God.  '  ' 
 
 H  A  fong  of  degrees. 
 
 OUT  of  the  depths  have  I  cried  unto  thee,  O 
 Lord. 
 
 'I  2  Lord,  hear  my  voice  ;  let  thine  ears  be  attec- 
 I  tive  to  the  voice  of  my  fupplications. 
 
 one,  frequently  admitlelb  of  an  application  to  tlie  othrr.  He  becam  1 1" 
 us  by  taking  our  naliire,  and  we  became  like  him  by  receiving  his  cracr  *  (1  ' 
 lufTerings  are  accounted  as  his  ;  and  his  righteoufuefs  fpoken  of  as  ourt  ’  V  ' 
 3,  4.  The  former  of  thefe  two  verfes  exprelTeth  a  fiate  of  great  allllaion  a' 
 latter,  a  deliverance  from  that  Rate.  The  word  (heden.)  which  Cgnifies  to  dii. 
 or  cut  the  ground,  and  fo  to  plow,  is  alfo  ufed  fimply  for  cutting,  cirvinr  li 
 ;  graving  ;  fee  P.xod.  xxxv.  3J.  Jer.  xvii.  I.  Being  here  applied  lo  the  back  I 
 captives,  and  cords  having  been  the  inftrumcnis  of  it,  in  all  reafon  it  is  to  U 
 uiidcrnood  of  fcoiirging  witli^cords  and,  as  it  were,  digs,  and  plows,  and  mtkei 
 furrows  in  the  (left)  ;  and  the  longer  the  cords  of  the  Ccourges  arc,  theljn\r 
 are  the  wounds  and  furrows.  For  our  fak.s  he  who  knew  no  fin,  “  gav,  \ , 
 hack  to  the  Imiters,”  Ifa.  1.  6.  and  permitted  thefe  ploviCrs  lo  make  Iji,. 
 :  Uieir  furrows  upon  it.  But  the  righteous  Lord  cut  afunder  the  cords  of  the  »i  k. 
 ed  ;  vengeance  overtook  the  wretched  inllrumenls  of  his  fuftf  rings  ;  and  the  pei.' 
 ,  fecutors  of  his  fervants  ftiall  perifti  in  like  manner,  as  the  IMalroift  proceedeth  to 
 alTure  us  iii  the  verfes  following.  Ver.  6-8,  The  iranfient  profperiiy  J 
 I  mortal  man  is  often  in  facred  writ  compareiJ  to  grafs,  the  hiftory  of  which  11 
 [  contained  in  thefe  few  words.  It  cometh  up,  and  is  cut  down.  But  here  tie 
 j  com)  arifon  is  carried  ftill  farther.  Not  llie  common  grafs  in  the  fulJ,  but  grafi 
 I  growing  on  the  houfe  tops  is  fele<5led  to  convey  the  idea  of  bad  men;  grafs 
 which  having  no  depth  of  earth,  into  which  it  may  ftrike  its  rcots,  doth  l  ot 
 the  l  and  of  the  gatherer,  but  withereth  even  before  it  is  plucked  up.  And  thyn, 
 fo  linn,  fo  wretched,  and  fo  unprofitable  is  the  crop,  that  none  are  employed  ui 
 colledt  and  carry  it  in  ;  none  to  whom  paireiigers  might  addrefs  thofc  accUn  a. 
 tions  and  falutations.  cufiomary  at  fuch  times,  as  “  The  Lord  be  with  v, 
 Ihe  Lord  blefs  you,”  &c,  Ruth  ii.  4.  Thus,  while  the  felicity  of  Zion’'.  c!..i. 
 dren  is  rooted  and  grounded  in  Cbiift,  that  of  her  enemies  hath  no  fouedauen 
 at  all. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  CXXX,  Ver.  1.  Out  ,f  the  dtp-.  , 
 have  I  criid  unto  t/irr,  0  Lord.  From  the  depthsof  fin,  and  the  niikry  occafior  ' 
 hy  fin,  the  penitent  like  another  Jonas,  entombed  in  Ihe  whale's  belly,  and  furrour.J- 
 ed  by  all  the  waves  of  the  oce.in,  crieth  unto  God  for  hi  Ip  and  falvalion.  V. 
 
 5,  6.  The  repetitions  here  do  beautifully  exprefs  tliat  aident  defire  which  the  con¬ 
 trite  foul  hath  for  the  falvation  of  God.  Dr.  Hammond  feemetb  to  have  givtn 
 the  true  confiruiSlion  of  ver.  6.  (Nephefi  ladeni)  My  foul  to  the  Lord,  that  is,  r  u 
 til),  cometh,  or  hafteneth  to  the  Lord,  (Mefcineiim  lebeker)  from  the  morn:  ’ 
 
 PR.kCTIC.AL  OB.SERV.ATIONS. —  •  Psal.  CXXVIL]  The  blcfting  of  God  can  alone  impart  fafety  and  profperity.  The  lefs  we  depend  on  our  own  fehen 
 wif  Iran  to  oot  underftanuinf.  ami  the  more  we  lo.k  up  to  God  for  help  and  protedtion,  the  belter  ftiall  we  profper.  The  moft  prudent  objeas  and  plans,  the  in  il 
 aoxiot*  c»r««  and  toiifome  labours,  are  to  no  purpofe,  if  difcoutitcnanced  by  God.  But  happy  in  every  enjoyment,  and  i.i  every  relation  are  they  on  whom  his  bhli.d 
 
 CO  wtewaiice  fmilev. 
 
 PR.*.CTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — f  PsAr..  CXXVIIL]  How  excellent  and  profitable  is  real  and  experimental  godlinefs  accompanied  by  a  holy  praAicc 
 It  is  coeoeAed  with  lb*  bleiTing  of  God  on  our  labours,  our  familie  s,  on  the  church  or  God,  and  on  our  pollerity.  Let  us  therefore  perfevere  in  feeking  chiefly  Uie 
 g :.wy  of  God,  the  advancement  of  righlcoofnefi,  the  honour  of  Chrift,  and  the  extent  and  glory  of  his  king  lorn.  Thus  living  we  (hall  be  approved  of  God  •  be  wii 
 n*-rrr  l“vve  os  n/ir  forfike  us;  we  ftiall  profper  in  our  fouls,  fee  the  peace  and  profptrity  of  Zion,  and  he  made  glad  with  the  chofeii  of  God. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.— f  Psal.  CXXIX.]  In  every  age  the  feed  of  the  ferpent  have  raged  in  enmity  agvinft  Jefus  Chrift  and  bis  church.  Tse 
 
 aoaUgviity  of  hell  keeps  pace  with  the  benignity  of  heaven  to  the  faints  in  their  way  to  it.  There  is  no  going  honourably  to  hea'en  but  through  great  tribuhtirit. 
 Bwt,  let  Uft  sricked  lay  ihevr  plot*,  and  execute  them  as  they  may,  God  will  deliver  his  people  at  his  pleafure  ;  and  his  enemies  ftiall  plunge  thcaufilies  at  lad  into  ilv 
 uo!\  dreadful  difitppoiounent  and  ruin.  The  curfe  of  God  (hall  blaft  them,  with  all  thtir  febemes  and  attempts. 
 
David  professelh  his  numihtij : 
 
 PSALMS. 
 
 His  prayer  at  the  removing  (/  the  arJc, 
 
 oir, 
 
 Before 
 Clirift 
 1034. 
 
 0  Or. 
 
 which 
 watch 
 unto  the 
 morning. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 
 walk, 
 t  Heb. 
 wonder- 
 fid. 
 f  Heb. 
 my  sold 
 t  Heb. 
 from  now 
 
 3  If  thou,  Lord,  Oiouldeft  mark  iniquities,  O  | 
 
 Lord,  who  (hall  ftand  ?  .  ,  ,  i 
 
 4  But  there  is  forgivenefs  with  thee,  that  thou  may- 
 
 eft  be  feared.  ^  ,  •  j  • 
 
 5  I  wait  for  the  Lord,  my  foul  doth  wait,  and  in 
 
 his  word  do  1  hope.  u  .u 
 
 6  My  foul  waiteth  for  the  Lord  more  than  ^h^Y 
 
 that  watch  for  the  morning  ;  11  I  say,  more  than  they 
 that  watch  for  the  morning.  .  ,  ,  , 
 
 7  Let  Ifrael  hope  in  the  Lord  :  for  with  the  Lord 
 there  is  mercy,  and  with  him  is  plenteous  redemption. 
 
 8  And  he  (hall  redeem  Ifrael  from  all  his  iniquities. 
 
 PSALM  CXXXI. 
 
 1  David,  professing  his  humdiUj,  3  exhorlelh  Israel  to  hope  in  God. 
 
 H  A  fong  of  degrees  of  David. 
 
 Lord,  my  heart  is  not  haughty,  nor  mine  eyes 
 lofty  ;  neither  do  I  f  exercile  myfelf  in  great 
 matters,  or  in  things  too  f  high  for  me. 
 
 2  Surely  I  have  behaved  and  quieted  f  m.ylelf,  as 
 a  child  that  is  weaned  of  his  mother :  my  foul  is  even 
 as  a  weaned  child. 
 
 3  Let  Ifrael  hope  in  the  Lord  t  from  henceforth 
 ,  and  for  ever.f 
 
 PSALM  CXXXII. 
 
 1  David  in  his  prayer  commendeth  unto  God  the  religious  care  he  had  for 
 the  ark  ;  8  his  prayer  at  the  removing  of  the  ark,  11  with  a  repetition 
 of  God’s^promises. 
 
 ^  A  fong  of  degrees. 
 
 Lord,  remember  David,  and  all  his  aflliftions :  ^ 
 2  How  he  (ware  unto  the  Lord,  and  vowed  j 
 unto  the  mighty  God  of  Jacob.  ! 
 
 3  Surely  1  will  not  come  into  the  tabernacle  of  my 
 houfe,  nor  go  up  into  my  bed  ; 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 c’lr.  1045. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 habita¬ 
 tions. 
 
 a  Numb, 
 10.  35. 
 
 2  Chron. 
 6.  41. 
 
 •watches,  that  is.  from  the  time  when  tliey  haften  to  their  watches  ;  in  other  words 
 the  guards,  every  morning  that  haften  to  their  watches,  are  not  earlier  than  I  am  in 
 eny  daily  addreffes  to  God.  Who  thefe  watchers  or  guards  of  the  morning  are, 
 the  Chaldee  hath  heft  exprelTed  :  they  that  obferve  the  morning  watches,  that  they 
 may  offer  their  morning  oblation,  that  is,  the  priefts  who  in  their  turns  officiated ; 
 or  rather,  fome  officers  of  theirs,  who  were  peculiarly  appointed  from  a  tower  to 
 cxpecfl  the  firft  appearances  of  break  of  day. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  CXXXI.  Ver.  1 — 5.  This  pfalm  con-  i 
 taineth,  1,  2.  a  defeription  of  true  humility  and  refignation  to  the  will  of  God, 
 with  3.  an  exhortation  to  the  pradlice  thereof.  It  is,  moft  probably,  a  pfalna  of 
 David,  and  is  eminently  applicable  to  Meffiah,  in  bis  ftate  of  humiliation  on  earth. 
 Happy  would  it  bo  for  the  v^orld,  if  all  his  difciples  could  imbibe  the  fpirit  of  this 
 Ihort  but  lovely  pfalm,  and  copy  after  the  example  which  it  setteth  before  them. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  CXXXII,  Vcr.  2 — 5.  In  all  circum- 
 ftances  and  fitualions,  David  was  folicitous  for  the  tabernacle  and  fervice  of  God. 
 Of  the  oath  and  vow  here  mentioned,  we  have,  indeed  no  account  in  the  facred 
 hiftory  ;  but  we  read,  2  Sam.  vii.  2.  of  the  uneafinefs  which  he  exprelfed  to  Na¬ 
 than  the  prophet  at  the  thought  of  his  dwelling  in  a  palace  of  cedar,  while  the 
 ark  of  God  dwelt  only  within  the  curtains  of  a  tent.  Nay,  we  find  by  1  Chron. 
 xvi.  43.  that  he  did  not  blefs,  and  confequently,  did  not  inhabit  his  own  houfe, 
 vmlil  he  had  brought  the  ark  to  Zion,  where  the  temple  was  afterwards  eredled. 
 Ver.  6.  Lo  we  heard  of  it  at  Ephratah.  In  other  words,  as  bifhop  Patrick  hath 
 paraphrafed  this  vcrl'e,  “  And  now  behold  the  Lord  hirafelf,  to  our  great  joy, 
 bath  told  us  the  very  place  where  he  will  fix  his  habitation,  1  Chron.  xxi.  18,  26. 
 
 4  I  will  not  give  fleep  to  mine  eyes,  or  dumber  to 
 
 mine  eyelids,  u  i  • 
 
 5  Until  I  find  out  a  place  for  the  Lord,  f  an  habi¬ 
 tation  for  the  mighty  God  of  Jacob. 
 
 6  Lo,  we  heard  of  it  at  Ephratah  ;  we  found  it  in  the 
 
 fields  of  the  wood. 
 
 7  We  will  go  into  his  tabernacles:  we  will  worlnip 
 
 at  his  footftool.  _  ,  n  ,  a 
 
 8  ^  Arife,  O  Lord,  into  thy  reft ;  thou,  and  the 
 
 ark  of  thy  ftrength.  ,  ^  j  •  u  •  t,.  r  to 
 
 9  Let  thy  priefts  be  clothed  with  righteoulnels ; 
 
 and  let  thy  faints  ftiout  for  joy. 
 
 10  For  thy  fervant  David’s  fake  turn  not  away  the 
 
 face  of  thine  anointed. 
 
 1 1  The  Lord  hath  fworn  in  truth  unto  David  ; 
 he  will  not  turn  from  it  ;  Of  the  fruit  of  f  thy  body 
 
 will  I  fet  upon  thy  throne. 
 
 12  If  thy  children  will  keep  my  covenant,  and  my 
 teftimony  that  I  fhall  teach  them,  their  children  (hall 
 
 allb  fir  upon  ihy  throne  for  evermore.  ^  ,  ,  , 
 
 13  For  the  Lord  hath  chofen  Zion  :  he  hath  de- 
 fired  it  for  his  habitation, 
 
 14  This  is  my  reft  for  ever  ;  here  will  I  dwell ;  tor 
 
 I  have  defired  it.  •/-  t  -n 
 
 15  I  will  II  abundantly  blefs  her  provifion  :  1  will 
 
 fatisfy  her  poor  with  bread.  _ 
 
 16  I  will  alfo  clothe  her  piiefts  with  falvation  ;  and 
 her  faints  fhall  fhout  aloud  for  joy. 
 
 17  There  will  I  make  the  horu  of  David  to  bud  : 
 
 1  have  ordained  a  11  lamp  for  mine  anointed. 
 
 18  His  enemies  will  I  clothe  with  fhame  ;  but  upon 
 himfelf  fhall  his  crown  flouri(h.$ 
 
 in  the  territory  of  Bethlehem  Ephratah,”  Gen.  xxxv.  18,  19.  in  the  fields  of  that 
 foreft  where  the  angel  ftood  and  dirdled  David  to  build  an  altar  to  the  Lord, 
 
 1  Chron.  xxi.  18.  xxii.  1.  Bethlehem  Ephratah  was  the  city  of  David;  it  was 
 likewife  the  city  vvherein  the  Son  of  David  was  born,  as  the  prophet  Micah  had 
 foretold  ;  ^  And  thou  Bethlehem  in  the  land  of  Judah,  thou  art  not  the  lean  among 
 the  cities  of  Judah,  for  out  of  thee  fhall  come  a  Governor,  that  fhall  rule  my  people 
 Ifrael,’  Micah  v.  2.  cited  by  the  chief  priefts  and  feribes  to  Herod,  Matth.  ii.  6. 
 Ver.  7.  JFe  will  go  into  his  tabernacle.  If  this  were  the  refolution  of  Ifraehtes, 
 who  faw  the  incarnation  only  in  type  and  figure,  how  much  more  ought  it  to  bo 
 ours,  who  live  fince  the  accomplifliment  of  that  which  was  forefhewn  ;  fince  the 
 Word,  made  fiefli,  hath  dwelt  upon  the  earth,  and  the  church  hath  been  eteaed 
 amonc  the  nations  ?  Ver.  1  1.  The  Lord  hath  sworn  in  truth  unto  David.  I  hat 
 this  is“a  prophecy  of  Meffiah,  we  have  the  authority  of  St  Peter  to  fay,  Aifts  n.  30. 
 “  David,  being  a  prophet,  and  knowing  that  God  had  fworn  with  an  oath  to  him, 
 that  of  the  fruit  of  his  loins,  according  to  the  flefli,  he  would  raife  up  Chrift  to  “t 
 on  bis  throne,”  &c.  This  promife  to  David  occurs,  2  Sam.  yii._  12.  and  hath  a 
 twofold  fenfe,  relating  to  Solomon  in  type  and  fliadow,  to  Chrift  in  truth  and  fub- 
 ftance.  See  Note  on  Pfal.  Ixxxix.  3,  4,  Ver.  17.  There  wUl  I  make  the  horn  of 
 David  to  bud.  Bifliop  Patrick  hath  well  paraphrafed  this  verfe  :  “  There,  name¬ 
 ly,  in  Jerufalem,  will  I  make  the  regal  power  and  majefty  of  David  to  put  forth 
 itfelf  afrefh  in  his  royal  fuccelTors  ;  no  fooner  fliall  one  be  extinguifhed,  but  ano- 
 ther  fhall  thine  forth  in  fuch  fplendour,  as  fhall  give  a  luftre  to  the  name  of  that 
 anointed  fervant  of  mine  till  the  great  prince,  the  Meffiah  appear.” 
 
 h  2  Sam. 
 
 7.  12. 
 
 1  Kings 
 
 8.  2. 
 
 2  Chron. 
 G.  16. 
 Luke 
 
 1.  69. 
 Adis 
 
 2.  30. 
 f  Heb. 
 thy  belly. 
 11  Or, 
 surely. 
 
 c  Luke 
 1.  69. 
 
 11  Or, 
 
 candle. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Psal.  CXXX.]  God  often  feverely  corrcdls  his  people  in  their  way  to  his  kingdom.  But  while  there  is  a  praying 
 heart  within,  and  a  prayer  hearing  God  above  them,  there  is  no  ground  of  defpair.  Senfe  of  guilt  is  the  firfl  thing  that  ftrikes  the  mind  of  a  convinced  finner, 
 did  not  God  manifeft  his  furgiving  mercy,  it  would  drive  him  to  defpair.  But  the  faith  of  God*s  forgiving  our  fins  for  Chrift.  s  fake,  begets  a  holy  awe  of  regard  to, 
 and  earned  waiting  for  him.  And  the  more  we  tafte  of  God’s  forgiving  and  redeeming  goodnefs,  the  more  ftiall  we  encourage  others  to  tiee  to  him,  and  hope  m  him, 
 in  the  time  of  great  guilt  and  trouble.  And  not  only  is  God  ready  to,  but  he  certainly  will  accomplifti  the  perfedl  redemption  of  his  people  from  fin  and  its  con- 
 fequences, 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.— f  Psal.  CXXXI.]  Humility  is  the  ornament  of  every  ftation,  and  to  cultivate  this  temper  becomes  every  intelligent 
 created  being,  efpecially  every  finner  faved  by  grace.  A  child-like  fpirit,  meek  and  weaned  from  the  things  of  this  world,  is  a  good  fympton  of  a  gracious  heart.  But 
 to  vvade  out  of  our  depth,  either  in  religion,  learning,  or  power,  is  dangerous.  And  proud  looks  fhew  a  proud  heart.  If  we  are  in  trouble,  let  us  patiently  hope  and 
 wait  till  God  bring  us  out  of  it.  They  who  hope  in  Jefus  Chrift  and  wait  for  his  falvation,  fliall  partake  of  it  in  time  and  eternity. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — ]  Psal.  CXXXII.]  Great  is  the  mercy  to  have  fervent  prayers  of  our  own,  or  of  our  anceftors,  lying  before  the  throne 
 of  grace.  They  (hall  all  receive  a  gracious  atifwcr  at  laft.  Lively  and  zealous  faints  can  never  be  at  eafe  till  the  ordinances  of  God  be  regularly  and  honourably 
 fettled,  and  his  prefence  vouchfafed,  to  the  comfort  and  edification  of  both  roinifters  and  people.  However  meanly  the  ark  of  God,  and  even  Jefus  Chrift  himfelf,  re- 
 fide  for  a  lime,  their  dwelling  fliall  at  laft  and  for  ever  be  glorious.  Multitudes  fhall  flock  to  it;  and  great  fellowfhip  with  God  fliall  there  be  enjoyed.  Happy  was 
 David’s  family  and  kingdom  on  Chrift’s  account;  but  infinitely  happier  is  the  church  of  God.  In  the  virtue  of  Jehovah’s  new  covenant  with  him,  bis  people  are 
 hlefled  with  his  prefence,  and  v/ith  fpiritual  dignity,  provifion,  falvation,  and  joy ; — while  Jefus  himfelf  triumphs  in  everlafling  honours,  and  his  enemies  are  reduced 
 to  difappointment,  mifery,  and  fhame. 
 
 7  L 
 
 19 
 
PSALMS.' 
 
 An  exhortation  to  praise  God, 
 
 Before 
 CJhrift 
 dr.  1016 
 
 PSALM  CXXXIII. 
 
 T/ie  ben^  o/"  the  communion  of  saints. 
 
 degrees  of  David. 
 
 -LliULD,  how  good  and  how  pleafant  it  is  for 
 
 brethren  ro  dwell  t  together  in  unity. 
 
 '  ,u  ^  like  the  precious  ointment  upon  the  head, 
 that  ran  down  upon  the  beard,  even  Aaron’s  beard  ; 
 that  went  down  to  the  fkirts  of  his  garments  ; 
 
 3  As  the  dew  of  Herraon,  and  as  the  dew  that  de- 
 Jcended  upon  the  mountains  of  Zion  :  for  there  the 
 
 ORD  commanded  the  bleffing,  even  life  for  ever¬ 
 more.* 
 
 PSALM  CXX XIV. 
 
 An  exhortation  to  bless  God. 
 
 II  A  long  of  degrees. 
 
 Behold,  blels  ye  the  Lord,  all  tje  fervants  of 
 the  Lord,  which  by  night  Hand  in  the  houfe  of 
 the  Lord. 
 
 2  Lift  up  your  hands  H  in  the  fanifluary,  and  blefs 
 the  Lord. 
 
 3  Ihe  Lord,  that  made  heaven  and  earth,  blefs 
 
 thee  out  of  Zion. t 
 
 PSALM  CXXXV. 
 
 1  An  exhortation  to  praise  God  for  his  mercy,  5  for  his  power,  8  for  his 
 
 P judgments.  1  5  The  vaniiy  of  idols.  1 9  An  exhortation  to  bless  God. 
 
 Raise  ye  the  Lord.  Praife  ye  the  name  of  the 
 Lord  ;  praife  him,  O  ye  fervants  of  the  Lord. 
 2  Ye  that  ftand  in  the  houfe  of  the  Lord,  in  the 
 courts  of  the  houle  of  our  God, 
 
 3  Praife  the  Lord  ,  for  the  Lord  is  good  t  fing 
 praifes  unto  his  name  :  for  it  is  pleafant. 
 
 y  Or,  in 
 holiness. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  CXXXIII.  Ver.  1—3.  Many  things 
 are  good  which  are  not  pleafant;  and  many  pleafant  which  are  not  good.  But 
 unity  among  brethren,  whether  civil  or  religious,  is  produflive  both  of  profit 
 and  pleafure.  »  Unity,  beginning  in  the  prince,  and  diffufed  through  the  people, 
 is  here  illuftrated,  faith  doiSlor  Delany,  “  by  two  images  the  moll  apt  and 
 beautiful  that  ever  were  imagined.  Kingdoms  are  confidered  as  bodies  politic, 
 of  which  the  king  is  the  head,  and  the  people  in  their  feveral  ranks  and  orders, 
 t  ie  parts  and  members.  A  fpirit  of  union  beginning  upon  the  prince,  whofe 
 perfon  is  facred,  is  like  oil  poured  upon  the  head  of  Aaron,  which  naturally  de- 
 fcends  and  fpreads  itfelf  over  all  the  parts  of  the  body,  and  diffufes  beauty  and 
 fragrance  over  the  whole,  reaching  even  to  the  fkirts  of  his  garments.  Oil  is 
 without  queftion,  the  finefl  emblem  of  union  that  ever  was  conceived.  It  is  a 
 fubftance  confifting  of  very,  fmall  parts,  which  yet,  by  their  mutual  adhefion, 
 conftitute  one  uniform,  well  united,  and  ufeful  body.  The  facred  oil  carries 
 the  idea  and  the  advantage  of  union  flill  farther ;  which,  being  extraciled  from 
 various  fpices  yet  made  up  of  one  well  cohering  and  more  valuable  compound. 
 The  next  image  carries  the  exhortation  to  union,  and  the  advantages  of  it  ftill 
 higher.  .  Plermon  was  the  general  name  of  one  mountain,  comprehending  many 
 lefler  and  lower  bills,  under  the  furround  of  a  greater.  Union  in  any  nation 
 is  the  gift  of  God  ;  and  therefore,  unity  among  brethren,  beginning  from  the 
 king,  is  like  the  dew  of  heaven,  which  falling  firft  upon  the  higher  fummit  of 
 Hermon,  (enriching  and  refrelliing  wherever  it  falls,)  naturally  defcends  to  Zion 
 a  lower;  and  thence  even  to  the  humble  valleys.  Zion  was  the  centre  of  union 
 to  all  the  tribes  ;  there  God  himfelf  had  promifed  his  people  reft,  and  peace  from 
 their  enemies  ;  which,  however,  were  of  little  value  without  union  and  harmony 
 among  tbemfelves. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  CXXXIV.  Ver.  1—3.  With  this 
 pfalm,  Cbriftians  in  the  church,  like  the  Leviles  of  old  in  the  temple,  1,  2.  call 
 upon  each  other  to  blefs  God,  and  3.  upon  God  to  blefs  them  all. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  CXXXV.  Ver.  7.  lie  causelh  the  va¬ 
 pours  to  ascend.  They  who  in  old  time  paid  their  devotions  to  the  elements  ima¬ 
 gined  thofe  elements  to  be  capable  of  giving  or  withholding  rain  at  pleafure. 
 Therefore  we  find  the  prophet  Jeremiah  reclaiming  that  power  to  Jehovah,  as  the 
 God  who  made  and  governed  the  world.  “  Are  there  any  among  the  vanities  of 
 
 The  v::nity  of 
 
 ^3^  chofen  Jacob  unto  himfelf.  Before 
 and  llrael  for  his  peculiar  treafure.  Chriti 
 
 5  For  I  know  that  the  Lord  is  great,  and  that  ourjl’®'®- 
 Lord  is  above  all  gods. 
 
 6  Whatfoever  the  Lord  plealed,  that  did  he  in 
 heaven,  and  in  earth,  in  the  feas,  and  all  deep  places. 
 
 7  “  He  caufeth  the  vapours  to  afeend  from  the  ends  a  Jerem 
 of  the  earth  :  he  maketh  lightnings  for  the  rain  :  he  ^3-  * 
 bringeth  the  wind  out  of  his  treafuries. 
 
 8  Who  fmote  the  firft-born  of  Egypt,  f  both  of  b  Exod 
 
 man  and  beaft.  12.29.* 
 
 9  Who  lent  tokens  and  wonders  into  the  midft 
 
 thee,  O  Egypt,  upon  Pharaoh,  and  upon  all  his  kr-un2b7a7 
 vants. 
 
 10  c  Who  fmote  great  cations,  and  flew  mighty  c  Numb, 
 
 kings;  21.24, 
 
 11  Sibon  king  of  the  Amorites,  and  Og  king  of 
 
 Bafhan,  and  all  the  kingdoms  of  Canaan  :  ’  ’ 
 
 12  And  gave  their  landyor  an  heritage,  an  heri-d  jonma 
 
 tage  unto  Ifrael  his  people.  12. 7. 
 
 13  Thy  name,  O  Lord,  endvreth  for  ever,  and 
 
 thy  memorial,  O  Lord,  f  throughout  all  genera-f  Ueb.  ’ 
 
 tlOnS.  to  genera- 
 
 14  For  the  Lord  will  judge  his  people,  and  he  wilP“” 
 
 repent  himfelf  concerning  his  fervants.  tioT‘‘‘ 
 
 15  ^  Ihe  idols  of  the  heathen  are  filver  and  gold,e  Pfaim 
 
 the  work  of  men’s  hands,  115.  4— 
 
 16  They  have  mouths,  but  they  fpeak  not;  eyes®’ 
 have  they,  but  they  fee  not ; 
 
 17  They  have  ears,  but  they  hear  not ;  neither  is 
 there  anp  breath  in  their  mouths. 
 
 the  Gentiles  that  can  caufe  rain?  or  can  the  heavens  give  ftiowers  ?  art  not  thou 
 he,  O  Jehovah  our  God?  Therefore  we  will  wait  upon  thee;  for  thou  haft 
 made  all  thefe  things,  Jer.  xiv,  22,  Among  the  Greeks  and  Romans  we  meet 
 with  a  Jupiter  poffeffed  of  the  thunder  and  the  lightning,  and  an  ADulus 
 ruling  over  the  winds.  The  pfalmift  teachetb  us  to  reftore  the  celeftial  artillery 
 to  its  rightful  owner.  Jehovah,  the  God  of  Ifrael,  and  the  Creator  of  the  uni- 
 verfe,  contrived  the  wonderful  machinery  of  light  and  air,  by  which  vapours 
 are  raifed  from  the  earth,  compaifted  into  clouds,  and  diftilled  in  rain.  At  his 
 command,  the  winds  are  fuddenly  in  motion,  and  as  fuddenly  at  reft  again  ;  we 
 bear  the  found,  but  cannot  tell  whence  they  come,  or  whither  they  go,  as  if 
 they  were  taken  from  fecret  ftorehoufes  of  the  Almighty,  and  then  laid  up,  till 
 their  fervice  was  required  again.  The  fame  idea  God  himfelf  is  pleafed  to  give 
 us  in  the  book  of  Job,  where  he  deferibeth  the  inftruments  of  his  power,  as  fo 
 many  weapons  of  war  in  the  arfenal  of  a  mighty  prince,  Job  xxviii.  22 — 26. 
 It  is  a  great  inftance  of  the  divine  wifdom  and  goodnefs,  that  lightning  ftiould 
 be  accompanied  by  rain,  to  foften  its  rage,  and  prevent  its  mifehievous  effedls. 
 Thus,  in  the  midft  of  judgment  does  God  remember  mercy.  The  throatenings 
 in  bis  word  againft  finners,  are  like  lightning;  they  would  blaft  and  fcorch  us 
 up,  were  it  not  for  his  promifes  made  in  the  fame  word  to  penitents,  which,  as 
 a  gracious  rain,  turn  afide  their  fury,  refreftiing  and  comforting  our  affrighted 
 fpirits,  Ver.  8,  9.  Egypt  was  the  theatre  of  the  grand  conteft  between  the 
 God  of  Ifrael,  and  the  gods  of  the  heathen.  The  fuperiority  of  the  former 
 over  the  latter  was  ffiewn  in  every  poiTible  way  by  the  miracles  of  Mofes,  which 
 demonftrated  all  the  powers  of  nature  to  be  under  the  dominion  of  Jehovah, 
 and  to  a(5l  at  his  command,  fo  that,  inftead  of  being  able  to  protetft,  they  were 
 made  to  torment  and  deftroy  their  deluded  votaries.  See  more  on  Pfalm  licxviii. 
 44,  &c.  The  objefls  of  a  man’s  fin,  frequently  become  in  the  end,  the  inftru- 
 raents  of  his  puniffiment.  Ver.  13,  14.  By  the  deffru6\ion  of  Pharaoh,  with 
 bis  Egyptians,  and  by  the  battles  and  viiSlories  of  Jofhua  ;  much  more,  by  the 
 overthrow  of  the  fpiritual  Pharaoh,  with  his  infernal  hoft,  and  by  the  battles 
 and  viiftories  of  the  true  Jofhua,  Jehovah  hath  begotten  him  glory,  and  his  name 
 is  magnified  in  the  church  from  age  to  age.  The  people  whom  he  bath  re¬ 
 deemed,  may,  indeed,  for  the  chaftifement  of  their  iniquities,  be  fometiraes  de¬ 
 livered  into  the  bands  of  their  enemies,  and  oppreffed  by  them.  But  it  is  only 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Psal.  CXXXIII.']  Scarcely  any  thing  more  ruinous  hath  befallen  the  church  of  God  than  the  manifold  divifionsand 
 _  animofities  of  her  members.  Since  God’s  children  have  one  Father,  one  Lord,  one  faith,  one  hope,  one  baptifm,  they  ought  to  have  one  heart  and  mind  ;  to  be  united 
 in  the  fame  worfhip,  and  affectionate  in  their  regards  to,  bearing  with,  forbearing,  and  forgiving  one  another;  and  only  jealous  who  fhall  (hew  the  moft  abundant 
 meeknefs,  charity,  and  kindnefs  to  each  other ;  this  would  mark  them  as  animated  by  the  fpirit  of  Chrift,  would  be  refrefhing  and  fructifying  to  their  hearts  and 
 lives,  and  prepare  them  for  the  eternal  bleflednefs  above. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — f  Psal.  CXXXIV.]  Confidering  the  importance  and  refponfibility  of  their  office,  how  conftant  and  active  ought  the 
 rpiniflers  of  God  to  be  in  iheir  fervice  fo  Chrift  and  his  church!  and  how  remarkably  given  to  prayer  and  praife  !  The  more  men  wait  on  God,  the  more  fhall  they 
 find  blefTednefs  in  bis  fervice.  It  is  only  as  enthroned  in  Zion,  in  his  temple,  in  Chrift,  and  bis  church,  that  God  beftows  bis  favours. 
 
ahortalion  to  give  tJianh  to  God,  ^-c. 
 pefore  18  They  that  makejhem  ar^  like  unto  them  :  so  is 
 
 PSALMS. 
 
 The  JeVL's*  consfanerj  in  captivity. 
 
 But  t  overthrew  Pharaoh  and  his  hoft  in  the 
 
 118.  I. 
 
 riS^.-r/BSs'tSe'Ltt  o'Se  of  Ifrae, :  blef.  the 
 
 2o‘BlS’thfLoRD“o"houfe  of  Levi :  ye  that  fear 
 
 ‘'’|^BIeffed  be  t'hl  Lord  out  of  Zion,  which  dwell- 
 eth  at  Jerufalem.  Praife  ye  the  Lord. 
 
 PSALM  CXXXVI. 
 
 An  exhortation  to  give  thanks  to  God  for  particular  mercies.  ^ 
 
 a  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord  ;  tor  he  is  good  . 
 J  ^or  \\\s  vaercY  endur eth  for  ever.  ^ 
 
 107. 1.  &  2  O  give  thanks  unto  the  God  of  gods :  for  his 
 
 mercv  endureth  for  ever.  c  i 
 
 3  O  give  thanks  to  the  Lord  of  lords  .  for  his 
 
 mercy  endureth  for  ever.  , 
 
 4,  To  him  who  alone  doeth  great  wonders  :  for  his 
 
 mercy  endureth  for  ever.  ,11.  „ .  fu- 
 
 5  To  him  that  by  wifdom  made  the  heavens  .  for 
 
 his  mercy  endureth  tor  ever. 
 
 6  «  To  him  that  ftretched  out  the  earth  above  the 
 
 waters :  for  his  mercy  endureth  for  ever. 
 
 7  To  him  that  made  great  lights :  for  his  mercy 
 
 8  The  fan  f  to  rule  by  day  :  for  his  mercy  endureth 
 
 9  The  moon  and  ffars  to  rule  by  night :  for  his 
 
 mercy  endureth  for  ever.  _  ,  .  r  n  l 
 
 10  'To  him  that  fmote  Egypt  in  their  hrft-born ; 
 
 for  his  mercy  endureth  for  ever  : 
 fDxod.  11  ^  And  brought  out  Ifrael  fromatnong  them  :  tor 
 
 X3. 3, 17.  his  mercy  endureth  for  ever :  .  j  . 
 
 12  With  a  ftrong  hand,  and  with  a  ftretched-out 
 
 arm  :  for  his  mercy  endureth  for  e^r.  _ 
 gExod.  13  s  To  him  which  divided  the  Red  fea  into  parts: 
 14.  21,  for  his  mercy  endureth  for  ever  :  .  m.  c 
 
 14  And  made  Ifrael  to  pafs  through  the  midft  of 
 it :  for  his  mercy  endureth  for  ever  : 
 
 cir 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 1015. 
 
 b  Gen 
 
 1.  1. 
 
 C  Gen. 
 
 I.  9. 
 
 Jerem. 
 
 10.  12. 
 
 d  Gen, 
 
 1.  14. 
 fHeb. 
 for  the 
 rulings  bp 
 isih 
 
 e  Exod. 
 
 12.  29. 
 
 15  . - 
 
 Red  fea  :  for  his  mercy  endureth  for  ever.  , 
 
 16  ‘  To  him  which  led  his  people  through  the  wil-> 
 
 dernefs  :  for  his  mercy  endureth  for  ever.  J 
 
 17  To  him  which  fmote  great  kings :  for  his  mercy  ^ 
 
 endureth  for  ever  : 
 
 18  And  flew  famous  kings :  for  his  mercy  endureth .  Ex^od. 
 
 for  ever :  .  .  r  v  ^ 
 
 19  I  Sihon  king  of  the  Amorites :  for  his  mercy  en-  29,  7. 
 
 T  ,7  puer  •  Bfal.  135. 
 
 20  ®  And  Og  the  king  of  Bafhan :  for  his 
 
 endureth  for  ever’.  .  ^  .  21. 21. 
 
 21  “  And  eave  their  land  for  an  heritage:  tor  his  ^  Numb. 
 
 ^  j  r  21  S3 
 
 unto  Ifrael  his  fervaut :  for  his; 
 
 mercy  endureth  for  ever.  , . 
 
 23  Who  remembered  us  in  our  low  eftate :  tor  his 
 
 mercv  endureth  for  ever ^ 
 
 24  And  hath  redeemed  us  from  our  enemies .  tor 
 
 his  mercv  endureth  for  ever. 
 
 25  Who  giveth  food  to  all  flefh :  for  his  mercy 
 
 endureth  for  ever.  ,  r  u 
 
 26  O  give  thanks  unto  the  God  ot  heaven 
 
 mercy  endureth  for  ever-f 
 
 for  his 
 
 PSALM  CXXXVII. 
 
 7  The  prophet  curseth  Edom 
 
 The  constancy  of  the  Jews  in  captivity, 
 and  Babel. 
 
 22. 
 
 to  (hew  them  their  tranfgrelT.ons,  and  lead  them  to  repentance  Ver.  16-18 
 In  thefe  verfes  is  fet  forth  the  difference  between  the  God  of  Ifrael,  and  the 
 idols  of  (he  nations,  as  alfo  between  the  worfliippers  of  each  ;  all  tending  to  con- 
 firm  the  truth  of  what  was  afferted.  Ver.  5.  Comp.  cxv.  4— 8.  ^  .  .  .  , 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  CXXXVI.  Ver.  7,  8.  Light  is  the 
 life  and  foul  of  the  univerfe,  the  nobleft  emblena  of  the  power  and  glory  of 
 God,  who  in  the  night  feafon  leaves  not  himfelf  without  a  wutnefs,  but  pves  us 
 fome  portion  of  that  light  refleaed,  which  by  day  we  behold  flowing  from  its 
 great  fountain  in  the  heart  of  heaven.  Thy  church  and  thy  faints,  O  Lord, 
 “  are  the  moon  and  the  ftars,”  which,  by  the  communication  of  doanne,  and 
 the  fplendour  of  example,  guide  our  feet,  while  we  travel  on  in  the  night  that 
 hath  overtaken  us.  waiting  for  the  dawn  of  everlafting  day.  Then  we  (hall 
 behold  thy  glory,  and  fee  thee  as  thou  art.  Ver.  10—24.  Froni  the  works  of  crea¬ 
 tion  the  pfalmift  proceeds  to  thofe  of  providence  and  grace.  He  celebrates  that 
 mercy  which  refeued  Ifrael  from  oppreffion,  brought  them  out  of  the  houfe  of  bon- 
 dage,  divided  the  fea  to  make  a  way  for  them,  fupported  and  conduaed^  them 
 through  a  wafte  bowling  wildernefs,  cruflied  the  might  and  power  of  thoie  who 
 oppofed  them,  and  at  length  fettled  them  in  the  inheritance  promifed  to  their  fa¬ 
 thers.  Eternal  mercy  hath  in  Chrift  Jefus  realized  all  thefe  figures,  accom- 
 pliflied  the  great  redemption  thus  forfliadowed  of  old,  Ver,  25,  26.  The  fame 
 bounty,  which  in  the  natural  world,  provideth  proper  nutriment  for  every  creature, 
 hath  alfo  provided,  for  the  fpirits  of  all  flefli,  the  bread  of  eternal  life.  I"  either 
 Lnfe,  Jehovah  ‘‘openetb  his  hand,  and  filleth  all  things  living  with  plenteoufnels. 
 
 Y  the  rivers  of  Babylon,  there  we  fat  down  ;  yea, 
 we  wept  when  we  remembered  Zion. 
 
 2  We  hanged  our  harps  upon  the  willows  in  the  ^ 
 
 midft  thereof.  .  the  words 
 
 3  For  there  they  that  carried  us  away  captive  re-  f  a  song. 
 quired  of  us  f  a  fong ;  and  they  that  t  wafted  us  re-  f  Heb. 
 quired  oj  us  mirth,  saying,  Sing  us  one  of  the  fongs  ofi^^dns^n 
 
 Zion.  ,  .  n  t  Heb. 
 
 4  How  fhall  we  fing  the  Lord  s  long  m  a  f  Itrange  land  of  a 
 
 land  ? 
 
 Be  therefore  his  praife  as  univerfal  and  laffing  as  his  mercy,  which,  (faith  the 
 
 Pfalmifl)  endureth  for  ever.  „  ,  .  . 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  CXXXVII.  Ver.  1.  By  the  nvers  of 
 Babylon— an  inexpreffible  pathos  is  there  in  thefe  few  words  !  How  do 
 thev  at  once  tranfport  us  to  Babylon,  and  place  before  o,ur  eyes  the  mournlul 
 fituation  of  the  Ifi  aelitilh  captives  !  Driven  from  their  native  country,  ftripped  of 
 every  comfort  and  convenience,  in  a  ftrange  land,  among  idolaters,  wearied  and 
 broken  hearted,  they  fit  in  filence  by  thofe  hoftile  waters.  Then  the  pleafant  banks 
 of  Jordan  prefent  themfelves  to  their  imaginations;  the  towers  of  Salem  rile  to 
 view  ;  and  the  fad  remembrance  of  much-loved  Zion  caufes  tears  to  run  down  their 
 cheeks.  Ver.  3,  4.  Many  fingers  were  carried  captives,  Ezraii.  41.  Thefe  would 
 of  courfe  take  their  inftruments  with  them,  and  be  infulted  as  here.  Them  longs 
 were  facred,  and  unfit  to  be  fung  before  idolaters.  But  the  wouds,  How  (hall  we 
 fing,  &c.  are  not  an  anfwer  given  to  them,  but  the  free  utterance  afterwards  of  the 
 feelings  of  the  Jews  among  themfelves.  Ver.  8,  9.  The  fubjea  of  thefe  two 
 verfes  is  the  fame  with  that  of  many  chapters  iu  Ifaiah  and  Jeremiah  ;  namely, 
 the  vengeance  of  heaven  executed  upon  Babylon  by  Cyrus,  raifed  up  to  the  king 
 of  the  Medes  and  Perfians,  united  under  him  for  that  purpofe.  The  meaning  of 
 the  words,  “  Happy  fliall  he  be,”  is,  He  (liall  go  on  and  profper,  for  the  Lord  of 
 hofts  (hall  go  with  him,  and  fight  his  battles  againft  the  enemy  and  oppreffor  of 
 his  people,  impowering  him  to  recompene'e  upon  the  Chaldeans  the  works  of  their 
 hands,  and  to  reward  them  as  they  ferved  KVael. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  CXXXVIII.  Ver.  3,  4.  From  this  part 
 
 It  is  therefore  meet  that  this 
 
 PRAPTTr  AT  ORSFRVATIONS.- *  Psal.  CXXXV.]  Great  and  marvellous,  good  and  gracious,  are  all  the  works  of  God  ..  ....... — 
 
 at  ro°r'e  ..'.‘re'tef.t'ed  toijiii,  or  tiua’in  bim,  ibe  more  we  ougbi  lo  .bomd  in  bis  praife.  Our  conien.pt  of  the  bale  and  infigniHeant  idols  of  other.,  llioiild  ftir  ns 
 
 '*‘’pRr(^T\r%‘T“  ORSRR  V  ATIOnT— rPsS'^cS  iTat'^how  averfe  are  mankind  to  the  infinite,  reafonahle,  and  delightful  duty  of  praife  and  thankf- 
 
 Ubasbei  .tended 
 
 of  grateful  praife. 
 
David’s  confidence  in  God. 
 
 PSALMS. 
 
 He  praiscth  God  Jor  his 
 
 t  Heb. 
 tfie  hcaU 
 
 10,  &  c. 
 f  Heb. 
 maiebare 
 f  Heb. 
 wasted, 
 f  Heb, 
 that  re- 
 ctynpem- 
 eth  vjUn 
 
 5  If  I  forget  thee,  O  Jerufalem,  let  my  right  hand 
 forget  her  cunning, 
 
 6  If  I  do  not  remember  thee,  let  my  tongue  cleave 
 to  the  roof  of  my  mouth;  if  I  prefer  not  Jerufalem 
 
 chief 
 
 a  O'bad.  '  Remember  O  Lord,  *  the  children  of  Edom  in 
 the  day  of  Jerufalem  ;  who  faid,  f  Rafe  rafe  it, 
 even  to  the  foundation  thereof. 
 
 8  O  daughter  of  Babylon,  who  art  to  be  f  deftroy- 
 ed ;  happy  shall  he  he  that  rewardeth  thee  as  thou 
 halt  i'erved  us. 
 
 9  Happy  shall  he  he  f  that  taketh  and  dafheth  thy 
 little  ones  againil  f  the  liones,* 
 
 thee  thy  deed  which  thou  didst  to  us.  b  Ifaiah  15.  6.  f  Heb.  the  rock, 
 
 PSALM  CXXXVIII. 
 
 1  David  praiseth  God  for  the  truth  of  ki%  word  ;  4  he  prophesieth  that  the 
 kings  of  the  earth  shall  praise  God  :  7  he  pircfejfeth  his  confidence  in  God. 
 
 If  A  psalm  of  David. 
 
 I  WILL  praife  thee  with  my  whole  heart ;  ®  before 
 the  gods  will  I  fing  praife  unto  thee. 
 
 2  I  will  worfhip  toward  thy  holy  temple,  and  praife 
 thy  name  for  thy  lovingdtindnefs,  and  for  thy  truth  : 
 for  thou  haft  magnified  thy  word  above  all  thy  j 
 name.  !l 
 
 8  In  the  day  when  I  cried  thou  anfweredft  me,  and 
 ftrerigthenedft  me  voith  ftrength  in  my  foul. 
 
 4  All  the  kings  of  the  earth  fhall  praife  thee,  O 
 Lord,  when  they  hear  the  words  of  thy  mouth. 
 
 5  Yea,  they  (hall  fing  in  the  ways  of  the  Lord  : 
 for  great  is  the  glory  of  the  Lord. 
 
 6  Ttiough  the  Lord  he  high,  yet  hath  he  refoeft 
 pnto  the  lowly :  but  the  proud  he  knoweth  afar  off. 
 
 7  Though  i  walk  in  the  midft  of  trouble,  thou  wilt 
 revive  me ;  thou  fhalt  ftretch  forth  thine  hand  againft 
 the  wrath  of  mine  enemies,  and  thy  right  hand  (ball ! 
 fave  me. 
 
 «  pfalm 
 119.  -16. 
 
 forlake  not 
 
 of  the  pfalm  it  appears  to  be  a  prophetical  one.  The  deliverance  whicli  it  cele¬ 
 brates  is  of  fuch  a  nature,  and  when  the  glad  tidings  of  it  fhould  be  publiflied  to 
 the  world,  we  are  told,  it  fhould  induce  the  nations,  with  their  princes  to  adore  .Je¬ 
 hovah,  to  walk  in  his  ways,  and  to  chant  forth  his  praifes.  The  call  of  the  Gentiles 
 to  the  gofpel  is  here  foretold  in  words  which  cannot  be  miitaken,  and  the  redenap- 
 tion  of  the  church,  in  Cbrifl  her  head,  is  fpoken  of  as  the  fubjedl  of  thankfgiving 
 among  the  kings  of  the  earth.  In  the  day  when  I  cried,  thou  anfvvcrcdft  me,  and 
 Orengthenedft  me  with  ftrength  in  my  foul.  For  this  reafon,  all  the  kings  of 
 the  earth  ftiall  praife  thee,  O  Lord,  &c. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  CXXXIX.  Ver.  1—6.  The  pfalmift 
 employeth  a  beautiful  variety  of  e-tpreflions,  to  denote  his  faith  in  the  otnnipre- 
 lence  and  omnifcience  of  Jehovah,  to  whom,  in  the  latter  part  of  the  pfalm  he 
 appealetb,  as  the  proper  judge  between  him  and  his  implacable  enemies.  Ver. 
 7 — 12.  We  can  never  fin  with  fecurity,  but  in  a  place  where  the  eye  of  God  can- 
 rot  behold  us.  'And  where  is  that  place?  Had  we  a  mind  to  efcape  his  infpec- 
 tioc,  whither  ftiould  w'C  go  ?"  Heaven  is  the  feat  of  his  glory,  creation  the 
 feene  of  his  providence,  and  the  grave  itfelf  will  be  the  theatre  of  his  power  ;  fo 
 that  our  efforts  will  be  equally  vain,  whether  we  afeend  or  defeend,  or  fly  abroad 
 upon  the  wings  of  the  morning  light,  which  diffufeth  itfelf  with  fuch  velocity  over 
 
 8  1  he  Lord  will  perfeft  that  vohich  concern eth 
 thy  mercy,  O  Lord,  endureik  for  ever : 
 the  works  of  thine  own  hands.! 
 
 PSALM  CXXXIX. 
 
 1  David  praiseth  God  for  his  all-seeing  proiridence,  1 7  and  for  his  infinii 
 
 mercies;  IS)  he  defeth  the  wicked ;  he  praycth  for  sincerity, 
 
 ^  To  the  chief  raufician,  A  pfalm  of  David, 
 
 LORD,  thou  haft  fearched  me,  and  known  me 
 2  Thou  knoweft  my  down  fitting,  and  mine* 
 up-rifing  ;  thou  underltandeff  my  thought  afar  off. 
 
 3  Thou  II  compafleft  my  path,  and  my  lying  down,  j  Or 
 and  art  acquainted  voith  all  ray  ways. 
 
 4  For  there  is  not  a  word  in  my  tongue,  hut,  lo 
 O  Lord,  thou  knoweft  it  altogether, 
 
 5  Thou  haft  befet  me  behind  and  before,  and  laid 
 thine  hand  upon  me. 
 
 6  Such  knowledge  is  too  wonderful  for  me;  it  is 
 high,  I  cannot  attain  unto  it. 
 
 7  Whither  fhall  I  go  from  thy  Spirit?  or  whither 
 fhall  I  flee  from  thy  prefence  ? 
 
 8  Mf  I  afeend  up  into  heaven,  thou  art  there ;  if «  Ama 
 I  make  my  bed  in  hell,  behold,  thou  art  there. 
 
 9  If  I  take  the  wings  of  the  morning,  and  dw'ell  in 
 the  utterraoft  parts  of  the  lea  ; 
 
 10  Even  there  fhall  thy  hand  lead  me,  and  thy  right 
 
 hand  fhall  hold  me.  ffV;. 
 
 11  If  I  fay,  furely  the  darknefs  fhall  cover  me ; is. 
 
 even  the  night  fhall  be  light  about  me.  ♦ 
 
 12  Yea,  the  darknefs  t  hideth  not  from  thee  ; 
 
 the  night  fnineth  as  the  day  ;  f  the  darknefs  and  thet  Heb. 
 light  are  both  .dike  to  thec.^  's  tk 
 
 13  For  thou  haft  poiTeffed  ray  reins;  thou  haft 
 covered  me  in  my  mother  s  womb. 
 
 14  I  will  praife  thee:  for  I  am  fearfully  and  won- 1 Heb. 
 derfally  made:  marvellous  are  thy  works;  and  that^f^^H' 
 my  foul  knoweth  f  right  well. 
 
 15  My  II  fubftance  was  not  hid  from  thee,  wheooriorfy' 
 
 the  globe  from  eaft  to  weft.  Ver,  13.  For  thou  hast  possessed,  or  formed  my  reins, 
 Ver.  15,  16.  By  the  lower  part  of  the  earth  is  undoubtedly  to  be  underftood  iht 
 womb,  where  the  fetus  is  gradually  formed  and  matured  for  the  birth,  like  planti 
 and  flowers  under  ground.  The  procefs  is  compared  to  that  in  a  piece  of  work 
 wrought  with  a  needle,  or  fafliioned  in  the  loom;  which,  with  all  its  beautiful  si. 
 riety  of  colour  and  proportion  of  figure,  arifeth  by  degrees  to  perfedfion  undit 
 the  hand  of  the  artift,  framed  according  to  a  pattern  lying  before  him,  from  aruci 
 mafs  of  filk  or  ether  materials.  Thus  by  the  wifdom  and  power  of  God,  andaftc 
 a  plan  delineated  in  his  book,  is  a  fnapelefs  mafs  wrought  up  into  the  moftcurioui 
 texture  of  nerves,  veins,  arteries,  bones,  mul'cles,  membranes,  and  Ikin,  moft  fkil 
 fully  interwoven  and  connefted  with  each  other,  until  it  becometh  a  body  bar 
 monioully  diverfified  with  all  the  limbs  and  lineaments  of  a  man,  not  one  of  whicl 
 at  firft  appeared,  any  more  than  the  figures  were  to  be  feen  in  the  ball  of  filk 
 But  then  (which  is  the  chief  thing  here  ir.fifted  on  by  the  Pfalmifl,)  where  tlie' 
 human  artificer,  muft  have  the  cleared  light  whereby  to  accomplifh  his  talk,  tbe 
 divine  work-mafter  feetli  in  fecret,  and  effedfeth  all  his  wonders  in  the  dark 
 and  narrow  confines  of  the  womb.  The  reformation  of  our  corrupt  and  diCfubtil 
 bodies,  which  is  to  be  wrought  at  the  laft  day,  in  the  womb  of  tbe  earth,  in  ordei 
 to  their  new  birth,  will  crown  all  the  works  of  tbe  almighty. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Psal.  CXXXVIL]  Sin  and'mifery  are  infeparable  ;  even  tbe  fins  of  God’s  people  often  reduce  them  to  great  mifeiT 
 on  earth.  They  are  often  taught  the  worth  of  God’s  ordinances  by  the  w  ant  of  them  ;  and  their  temple  fongs  are  turned  into  bowlings  and  grief.  But  cruel  aretb 
 tender  mercies  of  tbe  wicked  to  God’s  fuffering  faints.  It  is  bafe  and  blafphemous  to  infult  them  with  their  worlhipping  of  God.  Sacred  fongs  ill  fuit  the  call,  « 
 company  of  profane  fwearers  ;  For  that  which  is  holy  ought  not  to  be  given  to  dogs,  nor  perils  call  before  fwine.  The  interest  of  the  kingdom  of  Christ  must  eve 
 be  dearer  to  us  than  our  life.  Without  this  temper  of  mind  we  have  no  evidence  of.  being  the  children  of  Gud.  If  once  our  duty  be  clear,  nothing  can  deter  us  fron 
 it  if  we  regard  the  favour  of  God  more  than  that  of  men.  Not  felfifli  revenge,  but  holy  zeal,  must  dilate  our  requeft  for  the  overthrow  of  the  enemies  of  the  churcli 
 Jrlalicious  are  the  wicked,  and  tremendous  the  punifliment  that  awaits  them. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — -}•  Psal.  CXXXVIII,]  The  greatest  on  earth  need  not  be  afhamed  of  the  public  and  regular  worfliip  of  God.  And  tiie 
 more  he  manifests  his  loving  kindnefs  and  faithfulnefs  to  us,  in  the  fulfilment  of  his  word,  the  more  high  and  hearty  ought  to  be  our  notes  of  praife.  If  we  trust  to  his 
 truth,  he  will  difplay  every  perfedlion.  and  make  every  creature  work  together  for  the  glorious  accon.plifliment  of  his  word.  If  we  flee  to  God  in  prayer,  he  "i 
 not  leave  us  destitute  of  his  mercy  and  truth.  And  if  he,  by  our  afllicftions,  strengthen  us  inwaidly  in  our  fouls,  we  are  great  gainers.  The  cheerful  behaviour  o 
 faints,  in  the  wavs  of  God,  engages  their  neighbours  to  join  with  them  in  it.  The  more  humble  men  are,  the  more  God  regards  and  exalts  them.  But  nothing  is 
 more  detested  by  him  than  indulged  pride.  God  will  protea  and  preferve  his  people  in  all  the  troubles  to  which  he  appoints  them  ;  and  in  due  time  will  gra" 
 ©omplete  deliverance.  And  the  good  works,  or  the  falvation  which  he  begins,  be  will  perfea  at  last.  He  will  never  leave  nor  forfake  his  own.  Let  us  then  trust 
 ki  him  at  all  times  and  pour  out  our  hearts  before  him,  and  we  fliill  enjoy  uninterrupted  and  lasting  peace. 
 
/ 
 
 Divid  frayeth  to  he  delivered  from  Saul,  PSALMS. 
 
 Before  I  was  made  in  fecret,  and  curioufly  wrought  in  the 
 
 Chnft  loweft  parts  of  the  earth. 
 
 r.  1058.  jg  Xhine  eyes  did  lee  my  fubftance,  yet  being  un- 
 nerfea;  and  in  thy  book  f  all  my  members  were  writ¬ 
 ten,  11  which  in  continuance  were  falhioned,  when  as 
 
 vet  there  was  none  ot  them. 
 
 U  /  17  c  How  precious  allb  are  thy  thoughts  unto  me, 
 
 *  O  God  !  how  great  is  the  fum  of  them  ! 
 
 18  //'  I  Ihould  count  them,  they  are  inore  in  num¬ 
 ber  than  the  fand :  when  I  awake,  I  am  (till  with  thee. 
 
 19  Surely  thou  wilt  flay  the  wicked,  O  God  :  de¬ 
 part  from  me  therefore,  ye  bloody  men. 
 
 20  For  they  fpeak  againft  thee  wickedly,  and  thine 
 
 enemies  take  thy  name  in  vain.  ,  n 
 
 21  Do  not  I  hate  them,  O  Lord,  that  hate  thee  . 
 and  am  not  I  grieved  with  thofe  that  rife  up  agaiclt 
 
 thee.  ,  ,  T  u 
 
 22  I  hate  them  with  perfe^  hatred  ;  1  count  them 
 
 mine  enemies. 
 
 23  Search  me,  O  God,  and  know  ray  heart ;  try 
 me,  and  know  my  thoughts ; 
 
 24  And  fee  if  there  he  any  f  wicked  way  in  me,  and 
 lead  me  in  the  way  everlatting.* 
 
 PSALM  CXL. 
 
 1  David  prayeth  to  he  delivered  from  Saul  and  Doeg  ;  8  he  prayeth 
 against  them  1 3  he  comforteth  himself  by  confidence  in  God. 
 
 f  To  the  chief  mufician,  A  pfalm  of  David. 
 ELIVER  me,  O  Lord,  from  the  evil  man  : 
 preferve  me  from  the  f  violent  man  : 
 
 2  Which  imagine  mifehiefs  in  their  heart :  conti¬ 
 nually  are  they  gathered  together/or  war. 
 
 3  They  have  fharpened  their  tongues  like  a  fer- 
 pent :  ^  adders’  poifon  is  under  their  lips.  Selah.^ 
 
 4  Keep  me,  O  Lord,  from  the  hands  of  the  wick¬ 
 ed  :  preferve  me  from  the  violent  man,  who  hath  pur- 
 pofe(5  to  overthrow  ray  goings. 
 
 5  The  proud  have  hid  a  Inare  for  me,  and  cords : 
 they  have  fpread  a  net  by  the  way-fide :  they  have 
 fet  gins  for  me.  Selah. 
 
 and  that  his  conscience  might  be  sincere* 
 
 they 
 
 ihould 
 
 be  fa¬ 
 shioned. 
 c  Pfalm 
 40.  5. 
 
 f  Heh. 
 troy  of 
 pain,  or, 
 grUf. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 man  of 
 xiolences. 
 
 a  Pfalm 
 58. 
 
 Romans 
 S.  13. 
 
 6  I  faid  unto  the  Lord,  Thou  art  my  God  :  hear  ® 
 
 the  voice  of  my  fupplicutions,  O  Lord.  cir.  loss. 
 
 7  O  God  the  Lord,  the  ttrength  of  my  falvation  -, 
 thou  haft  covered  my  head  in  the  day  of  battle. 
 
 8  Grant  not,  O  Lord,  the  defires  of  the  wicked  , 
 further  not  his  wicked  device,  H  test  they  exalt  them-  aiied. 
 
 r  1  Q  ]  h  .  ^  Heb. 
 
 9Js  for  the  head  of  thofe  that  compafs  me  about, 
 let  the  mifehief  of  their  own  lips  cover  them.  ,|  or, 
 
 10  Let  burning  coals  fall  upon  them  i  let  them  toQanevii 
 caft  into  the  fire ;  into  deep  pits,  that  they  rife  not 
 
 ^11  Let  not  t  II  an  evil-fpeaker  be  eftablifhed  in 
 earth:  evil  fhall  hunt  the  violent  man  to  overthrow 
 
 him.  ^  _ the  earth 
 
 12  I  know  that  the  Lord  will  maintain  the  cauit 
 
 of  the  afili^fed,  and  the  right  of  the  poor.  hunted  to 
 
 13  Surely  the  righteous  fhall  give  thanks  unto 
 name  ;  the  upright  fhall  dwell  in  thy  prelence.t 
 
 PSALM  CXLI. 
 
 1  David  prayeth  that  his  suit  may  be  acceptable,  3  his  conscwnce  sincere, 
 
 7  and  his  life  safe  from  snares. 
 
 II  A  pfalm  of  David. 
 
 Lord,  I  cry  unto  thee:  make  hafte  unto  me; 
 give  ear  unto  my  voice,  when  1  cry  unto  thee. 
 
 2  Let  my  prayer  be  t  let  forth  before  thee  as  .'O-f  ^ 
 
 cenfe  ;  and  the  lifting  up  of  my  hands  as  the  evening 
 
 facrifice.  ^  ,  , 
 
 3  Set  a  watch;  O  Lord,  before  my  mouth  ;  keep 
 
 the  door  of  my  lips.  y  or, 
 
 4  Incline  not  my  heart  to  any  evil  thing,  to  practuexe<  the 
 wicked  works  with  men  that  work  iniquity  ;  and  letr^z-feou* 
 me  not  eat  ot  their  dainties.  .  "" 
 
 5  11  Let  the  righteous  fmite  me,  it  shall  he  a 
 nefs  ;  and  let  him  reprove  me,  it  shall  he  an  excellent^jroije  wie,- 
 oil,  xdiich  (had  not  break  my  head  *,  for  yet  my  prayer  w 
 alfo  shall  he  in  their  calamities.  _  doiZu 
 
 6  When  their  judges  are  overthrown  in  (tony  places,  break  my 
 they  (hall  hear  ray  words  ;  for  they  are  (weet.  head,  4;c. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psai.  CXL.  Vcr.  3.  They  have  sharpened 
 their  tongues  like  a  serpent.  Slander  and  calumny  muft  always  precede  and  ac¬ 
 company  perfecution,  becaufe  malice  itfelf  cannot  excite  people  againft  a  good 
 man,  as  fuch  ;  to  do  this,  he  muft  firft  be  reprefented  as  a  bad  man.  Thus  David 
 was  hunted  as  a  rebel,  Chrift  was  crucified  as  a  blafphemer,  and  the  primitive 
 Cliriftians  were  tortured  as  guilty  of  inceft  and  murder.  Ver.  9 — 11.  The 
 prophet,  in  thefe  three  verfes,  prediaed  thofe  juft  judgments,  which  heaven  will 
 inflia  on  the  ftanderers  and  pcrfecutors  of  the  righteous.  Their  lips,  which  ut¬ 
 tered  mifehief  againft  others,  ftiall  be  the  means  of  covering  themfelves  with  con- 
 fufion  when  out  of  their  mouths  they  (hall  be  judged.  Thofe  tongues,  which  have 
 contributed  to  fet  the  world  on  fire,  fhall  be  tormented  with  the  hot  burning  coals 
 of  eternal  vengeance  ;  and  they  who,  with  fo  much  eagernefs  and  diligence,  have 
 prepared  pits  for  the  deftruaion  of  their  brethren,  ftiall  be  caft  into  a  deep  and 
 bottomlefs  pit,  out  of  which  they  ftiall  not  rife  up  again  any  more  for  ever.  Evil 
 fpcakers  and  falfe  accufers  ftiall  gain  no  lading  eftabliftiment,  but  puuiftiment  (hall 
 hunt  fill  through  all  its  doubles,  and  feize  it  at  laft  as  its  legal  prey.  Let  thefe 
 great  truths  he  firmly  rooted  in  our  hearts,  and  they  will  keep  us  fteady  in  the  word 
 of  times. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  CXLI.  Ver.  5.  Let  the  righteous  smite 
 
 me.  David  continueth  his  prayer,  and  beggeth  of  heaven,  as  one  of  its  bed  and 
 choiceft  blefliings,  that  if  at  any  time  through  the  frailty  of  nature,  he  (hould 
 be  inclined  to  yield  to  the  above  mentioned  temptations,  he  might  find  among 
 his  attendants,  fome  righteous  and  faithful  fiiend,  who  might,  with  a  kind  fe- 
 verity,  check  and  reprove  him.  Such  reproof,  he  fays,  would,  at  that  feafon, 
 be  to  him  as  the  [feten  ras]  the  chief,  or  mod  precious  and  excellent  oil.  See 
 Exod.  XXX.  23.  it  would  not  deprefs  his  head  (ol  ini  risi)  or  caufe  him  to  hang 
 it  down,  as  people  in  forrow  do,  but  it  would  be  the  oil  of  gladnefs,  refrefliing, 
 enlivening,  flrengthening,  and  enabling  him  to  lift  up  his  head  above  the  temp¬ 
 tation,  againft  which  he  had  been  praying,  and,  with  renewed  vigou-,  would 
 ftill  continue  to  pray  ;  for  yet  my  prayer  (hall  be  (beroth  iem)  againft  their 
 wickednefTos.  The  bleffed  efi'edls  of  reproof,  when  given  and  taken  as  it  ought 
 to  be,  never,  furely,  were  more  exadlly,  or  more  beautifully  deferibed,  Ver. 
 6.  Of  this  verfe,  as  it  (lands  in  our  tranflation,  I  know  not  what  can  be  made. 
 When  literally  rendered  from  the  Hebrew,  it  run%  thus — “  Their  judges  have 
 been  difmKTed  in  the  (ides  of  the  rock,  and  have  heard  my  words  that  they 
 were  fweet.”  David,  refle6ling  on  Saul’s  cruelty,  in  driving  them  out  of  his 
 country,  to  wander  amongft  aliens  and  idolaters,  very  naturally  calls  to  mind 
 and  mentions  bis  own  different  behaviour  towards  that  implacable  enemy,  whofe 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Psal.  CXXXIX.]  Jehovah  is  the  great  and  dreadful  God  ;  and  his  knowledge  is  equal  to  bis  power.  By  him  were 
 all  things  made,  and  to  him  are  all  things  manifeft.  In  the  practical  and  fteady  faith  of  thefe  things  let  us  always  live,  and  always  ai5I,  whether  in  religious  or  ia 
 civil  aflbirs,  under  the  deeped  impreffion  of  God’s  eyes  on  us,  his  perfe<51:  knowledge  of  our  hearts,  our  thoughts,  tempers,  and  deeds  ;  of  his  all-filling  prefence,  ever 
 with  us,  to  witnefs,  fupport  or  comfort  us;  of  his  marvellous  formation  of  us  in  nature  and  grace;  of  his  covenant  marriage  to  us,  and  his  everlafting  redemption  of 
 our  whole  perfons,  foul,  body  and  fpiiit.  Let  our  whole  lives,  night  and  day,  be  filled  up  with  precious,  fixed,  and  delightful  thoughts  concerning  thefe  things,  and 
 with  holy  improvement  of  them.  Let  us  never  choofe  the  Lord’s  enemies  for  our  companions  and  friends  ;  for  they  who  hate  God  hate  his  name  and  image  wherever 
 it  appears.  Let  us  therefore  hate  the  ways  of  finners  wdiile  we  love  and  pity  their  fouls.  And  let  a  thorough  cleanfing  from  fin,  and  progiefs  in  holinefs,  be  the  ear- 
 neft  defire  and  ineffable  delight  of  our  fouls. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — f  Psal.  CXL.]  The  Lord  is  the  help  of  his  affliiSIed  people,  and  he  (hall  execute  vengeance  on  all  who  bate  them.  Be¬ 
 hold,  as  in  a  glafs,  how  malicioully  Jefus  Chrift  was  perfecuted,  how  he  gave  himfelf  to  prayer  on  account  of  it,  and  how  the  vengeance  of  God  overtook  his  Jewifli 
 murderers!  Let  us  alfo  obferve  the  direful  influence  of  fin,  in  the  deceit,  malice,  adlive  wickednefs,  and  inveterate  oppofition  to  righteoufnefs,  which  diftinguilb  un¬ 
 godly  men.  But  the  faints  maintain,  even  amidft  their  troubles,  peace  and  joy  in  God,  who  will  terribly  refent  the  injuries  done  them,  and  will  kindly  main’aia 
 their  caufe  ;  and  afford  them  protection  in  his  prefence. 
 
 7  M 
 
 19 
 
David  prnyeth  for  grace,  and 
 
 PSALMS. 
 
 praiseth  God  jor  his  deliver 
 
 ChHft  "  bones  are  fcattered  at  the  grave’s  mouth,  as 
 cir.  1058.  when  one  cutteth  and  cleaveth  -wood  upon  the  earth. 
 
 ante. 
 
 Heb. 
 make  not 
 my  soul 
 bar^ 
 
 f 
 
 pass  over. 
 
 H  Or, 
 
 A  pfalm 
 of  Davul, 
 giving  in- 
 slruHion. 
 
 S  But  mine  eyes  are  unto  thee,  O  God  the  Lord  : 
 in  thee  is  my  truft ;  f  leave  not  my  foul  deftitute. 
 
 9  Keep  me  from  the  fnares  which  they  have  laid  for 
 me,  and  the  gins  of  the  workers  of  iniquity. 
 
 .  to  Let  the  wicked  fall  into  their  own  nets,  whilft 
 that  I  withal  f  efcape.* 
 
 PSALM  CXLIl. 
 
 David  sheweth  that  in  his  trouble  all  his  comfort  was  in  prayer  unto  God, 
 
 II  11  Mafchil  of  David  ;  A  prayer  when  he  was  in 
 the  cave. 
 
 CRIED  unto  the  Lord  with  my  voice  ;  with  my 
 voice  unto  the  Lord  did  I  make  my  fupplication. 
 
 2  I  poured  out  my  complaint  before  him  ;  1  (liewed 
 before  him  ray  trouble. 
 
 3  When  my  fpirit  was  overwhelmed  within  me, 
 then  thou  kneweft  my  path  :  in  the  way  wherein  I 
 walked  have  they  privily  laid  a  (bare  for  roe. 
 
 j2l'on  ^  looked  on  mij  right  hand,  and  beheld,  but 
 
 th7ri°Z  ^bat  would  know  me:  refuge  t  fail- 
 
 hand^anded  me;  t  no  man  cared  for  my  foul. 
 
 5  I  cried  unto  thee,  O  Lord  :  I  faid,  Thou  art  my 
 refuge,  and  my  portion  in  the  land  of  the  living. 
 
 6  Attend  unto  my  cry  ;  for  I  am  brought  very 
 low :  deliver  me  from  my  perfecutors ;  for  they  are 
 llronger  than  I. 
 
 7  Bring  my  foul  out  of  prifon,  that  I  may  praife 
 thy  name  :  the  righteous  fhall  compafs  me  about ;  for 
 thou  (halt  deal  bountifully  with  me.f 
 
 PSALM  CXLIII. 
 
 1  David  prayeth  for  favour  in  judgment ;  he  complaineth  of  his  grief : 
 5  he  strengtheneth  his  faith  by  meditation  and  prayer ;  7  he  prayeth 
 for  grace,  9 for  deliverance,  iO for  sanctification,  12  and  for  destruc¬ 
 tion  of  his  enemies. 
 
 If  A  pfalm  of  David. 
 
 Hear  my  prayer,  O  Lord;  give  ear  to  my 
 fupplications :  in  thy  faithfulnefs  anfwer  me, 
 and  IQ  thy  righteoufnefs. 
 
 see. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 perished 
 from  me, 
 f  Heb. 
 no  man 
 sought 
 after  my 
 soul. 
 
 life  he  had  fpared  at  two  feveral  times,  when  he  had  it  in  his  power  to  deftroy  him 
 as  he'pieafed.  Their  judges,  or  princes,  leadets,  generals,  &c.  according  to  the 
 frequent  ufage  of  the  word  in  feripture,  (meferaeten)  have  been  difmiffed,  the  com¬ 
 mon  fignification  of  the  verb  (femet)  in  the  Tides  of  the  rock,  when  I  had  them  at 
 an  advantage  there.  1  Sam.  xxiv.  3.  and  have  heard  my  words,  that  they  were 
 fweet ;  they  only  heard  me  expoftulate  with  them  in  a  manner  fo  mild  and 
 humble,  that  even  Saul  himfelf  was  overcome,  and  “lift  up  his  voice  and  wept, 
 faying.  My  fon  David,  tl.j|(j  #rt  more  righteous  than  I. — The  Lord  reward 
 thee  good  for  that  thou  haft  ..done  unto  me  this  day,”  1  Sam.  xxiv.  16.  Such 
 hath  been  my  condadl  towards  the  fervant  of  Saul.  Yet  how  have  my  people, 
 alas,  been  by  them  m  miferably  butchered.  Ver.  7.  Our  bones  are  scattered 
 at  the  grave's  mouth.  This  probably  alludes  to  the  bloody  maffacre  of  Abime- 
 lech  and  the  priefts  that  were  in  Nob,  who  to  the  number  of  eighty-five  per- 
 fons,  all  of  a  facred  charaa^r,  and  all  innocent,  were  inhumanly  flaughtered 
 together  by  Doeg  the  Edomite.  Such  havock  as  this  might  well  be  compared 
 to  the  cutting  and  cleaving  of  wood,  like  the  fragments  of  which  the  bodies  of  the 
 fufferers  lay  fcattered  here  and  -^here  upon  the  ground,  as  many  of  the  bones 
 might  be  devoured,  before  pits  were  prepared,  near  the  field  of  llaughter,  for  their 
 
 interment.  . 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  P^al,  CXLIL  Ver.  1,2.  The  ftate  of  David 
 
 2  And  enter  not  into  judgment  with  thy  fervant:  Before 
 for  *  in  thy  fight  (hall  no  man  living  be  juftified.  "  .Chr.^ 
 
 3  For  the  enemy  hath  perfecuted  my  foul ;  he  hath 
 fmitten  my  life  down  to  the  ground  ;  he  hath  made 
 
 to  dwell  in  darknefs,  as  thofe  that  have  been  long  dead 
 
 4  Therefore  is  my  fpirit  overwhelmed  within  me  ; 
 
 my  heart  within  me  is  defolate.  ’ 
 
 5  I  remember  the  days  of  old;  I  meditate  on  all^.  ik 
 thy  works ;  I  mufe  on  the  work  of  thy  hands. 
 
 6  I  ftretch  forth  ray  hands  unto  thee :  my  foul 
 thirsteth  after  thee,  as  a  thirfly  land.  Selah. 
 
 7  Hear  me  fpeedily,  O  Lord  :  my  Spirit  faileth  ; 
 
 hide  not  thy  face  from  me,  y  left  1  be  like  unto  them  ll  Or, 
 that  go  down  into  the  pit.  fir  i  am 
 
 8  Caufe  me  to  hear  thy  loving-kindnefs  in  the^^^""' 
 morning;  for  in  thee  do  I  truft  :  caufe  me  to  know"^*^’ 
 the  way  wherein  I  (hould  walk  ;  for  I  lift  up  ray  foul 
 unto  thee. 
 
 9  Deliver  me,  O  Lord,  from  mine  enemies :  I 
 
 f  flee  unto  thee  to  hide  me.  t  Heb. 
 
 10  Teach  me  to  do  thy  will ;  for  thou  art  my  God 
 
 thy  Spirit.25  good  ;  lead  me  into  the  land  of  uprightners.^”^^*'^'**' 
 
 1 1  Quicken  me,  O  Lord,  for  thy  name’s  fake ;  for 
 thy  righteoufnefs*  fake  bring  ray  foul  out  of  trouble. 
 
 12  And  of  thy  mercy  cut  oft  mine  enemies,  and  de¬ 
 ftroy  all  them  that  aftliftray  foul ;  fori  am  thy  fervant.l 
 
 PSALM  CXLIV. 
 
 1  David  blesseth  God  for  his  mercy  both  to  him  and  to  man ;  5  he  prayeth 
 that  God  would  powerfully  deliver  him  from  his  enemeis. 
 
 ^  A  psalm  of  David. 
 
 Blessed  be  the  lord  t  my  ftrength,  ®  which  t  Heb. 
 teacheth  my  hands  f  to  war,  and  my  fingers  to  fight, 
 
 2  11  My  goodntfs,  and  my  fortrefs ;  my  high  tower, 
 
 and  my  deliverer  ;  my  fhield,  and  he  in  whom  I  truft  ;  |  Heb. 
 who  fubdueth  my  people  under  me.  tothewnr, 
 
 3  Lord,  what  is  man,  that  thou  takeft  knowledge  gam 
 of  him  !  or  the  fon  of  man,  that  thou  makeft  account  22. 2^3 
 of  him  !  '40, 4k  ’ 
 
 IJ  Or,  my  mercy,  c  Job  7.  17.  Pfalm  8.4.  Heb.  2.  6. 
 
 in  the  cave  of  Adullam  was  a  flate  of  utter  defiitution.  Ptrfecuted  by  his  OAn 
 countrymen,  difmifled  by  Achifti,  and  not  yet  joined  by  his  own  relations,  or  anv 
 other  attendants,  he  took  refuge  in  the  cave,  and  was  there  alone.  But  in  that 
 difconfolate,  and  feemingly  defperate  fituation,  he  defponded  not.  He  bad  a  friend 
 in  heaven,  into  whofe  bofom  he  poured  forth  bis  complaint,  and  told  him  the  Cad 
 ftory  of  his  trouble  and  diftrei’s.  Ver.  4,  5.  David  befeecheth  God  to  confider 
 his  deftitute  condition,  to  look  on  his  right  hand,  the  place  where  the  advocate 
 ufed  to  ftand,  and  to  fee  that  there  was  no  man  that  would  know,  acknowledge 
 him,  and  lake  his  part ;  refuge  failed  him ;  there  was  on  earth  no  patron  to  whom 
 he  could  commit  himfelf  and  his  caufe;  no  one  (dureflr,)  that  would  leek,  require, 
 or  avenge  his  foul. 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Psal.  CXLIII.  Ver.  5.  I  remember  the 
 days  of  old.  When  fin  has  thus  laid  us  low,  and  as  it  were  flain,  and  entombed 
 us,  we  begin  to  revive,  and  to  arife  from  the  dead,  through  hope  of  forgivenefs  and 
 restoration  to  the  divine  favour,  by  renieinbeiing  the  days  of  old,  and  meditating 
 on  all  the  works  of  love  and  mercy,  which  Jeiiovah  then  wrought  towards  tbofe 
 who  were  finners  like  ourfelves. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.’ Psal.  CXLIV.  Ver.  3,  4,  After  a  thankf- 
 giving  for  the  works  which  Jehovah  had  wrought,  followeth  a  refledtion  on  tin 
 creature  man,  for  whom  they  were  wrought.  Such  a  refledlion,  introduced  in 
 
 T>M  A  TTir  AT  OBSERVATIONS  — *  Psal,  CXLI  1  A  deep  fenfe  of  our  wants  will  make  us  importunate  in  prayer  for  fpeedy  help,  gracious  acceptance,  u- 
 feSion  and  fafety.  Faithful  and  meek  reproof  is  a  neceflary  office  of  Chriftian  friendlhip.  And  to  efteem  and  gratefully  accept  reproof  one  of  the  fureft  fignsof  a 
 Eeart  Lt  that  reproof  will  be  moft  effeaual  which  comes  from  thofe  whofe  unfufpeaed  piety  gives  weight  to  their  words,  and  whofe  tender,  peculiarly 
 
 di- 
 
 gracious  heart,  p  For  men  to  pray  to  be  put  right,  and  yet  to  refent  rebuke,  is  bafe  diffimulation.  Let  the  cafe  of  the 
 
 -peful.  If  ou/eyes  bJ fixelon  God,  our  feet  Ihall  not  Hip.  But  the  deftruaion  of  the  wicked  i. 
 
 determined  and  their  devices  to  hurt  others  ftiall  but  baftenen  their  own  condemnation  and  mifery.  u  e(U 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.— t  Psal.  CXLIL]  Sore  troubles  ought  to  produce  lervent  prayers.  They  who  have  the  God  of  grace  tofleeto,  may  fafily 
 Jeafe  Shan^  all  ffieir  troubles.  And  when  our  enlightened  confciences  condemn  us  not  then  have  we  confidence  before  him.  We  can  never  be  brought  fo  o«, 
 but  Ce^d  can  hX  and  fave  us.  If  men  forfake  or  difregard  us,  God,  as  our  refuge  and  portion,  will  more  than  balance  our  lofs.  If  we  are  even  fettered  m  the  band, 
 but  uoa  can  ne.p  anu  laye  „„  The  mercies  which  our  brethren  enjoy  ffiould  excite  our  praifes,  as  members  of  the  fame  body. 
 
 ‘’'^rirACTICAVoBSERVATIONS.— I  Psal.  CXLIII.]  The  moft  righteous  cannot  b^ar  the  feverity  of  God’s  juftice.  Thev  who  heft  know  themfolves  wil 
 be  the  firft  to  acknowledee  the  juftice  of  their  condemnation,  and  to  implore  divine  mercy, 
 
 _ _  _  ^  They  who  heft  know  themfelves  wi 
 
 They  who  plead  guilty  before  God,  and  flee  to  the  grace  of  the  gofpel, 
 
David  praisetJi  God  Jor  his  deliverance. 
 
 PSALMS. 
 
 He  exlolleth  God^s  migh'y  povjer,  dfc. 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 1048. 
 
 4  d  Man  is  like  to  vanity  :  his  days  are  as  a  (hadow 
 that  pafl'eth  away. 
 
 5  Bow  thy  heavens,  O  Lord,  and  come  down  ; 
 touch  the  mountains,  and  they  (ball  Imoke. 
 
 6  '  Caft  forth  lightning,  and  Latter  them  ;  fhoot 
 out  thine  arrows,  and  deftroy  them. 
 
 e  r.ai...  7  Send  thine  f  hand  from  above  ;  rid  me  and  de¬ 
 
 ls,  i.s.i  4.  Uver  me  out  of  great  waters,  from  the  hand  of  Itrange 
 
 f  Heb. 
 hands. 
 
 I  Or, 
 
 ineiory. 
 
 f  lleb. 
 cut. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 children ,  ,  ,  ,  ■  •  u. 
 
 8  Whofe  mouth  fpeaketh  vanity ;  and  their  right 
 
 hand  is  a  right  hand  of  falfehood. 
 
 9  I  will  fing  a  new  fong  unto  thee,  O  God  :  upon  a 
 pfaltery,  and  an  inftrument  of  ten  ftrings,  will  1  fing 
 praifes  unto  thee. 
 
 10  It  is  he  that  giveth  I1  falvation  unto  kings  ;  who 
 delivereth  David  his  fervant  from  the  hurtful  (word. 
 
 1 1  Rid  me,  and  deliver  me  from  the  hand  of  ftrange 
 children,  whole  mouth  fpeaketh  vanity,  and  their  right 
 hand  is  a  right  hand  of  falfehood ; 
 
 12  That  our  fons  may  be  as  plants  grown  up  in  their 
 youth ;  that  our  daughters  may  he  as  corner-ftones 
 
 fromUni\  poli(hed  after  the  fimilitude  of  a  palace ; 
 to  kind.  13  That  our  garners  7nay  be  full,  atlording  t  all  man- 
 t  Heb.  ner  of  Lore  ;  that  our  (heep  may  bring  forth  thoufands 
 able  to  thoufands  in  our  ftreets  ; 
 
 or’  That  our  oxen  maij  be  f  (Long  to  labour  ;  that 
 
 iadea'fiiih  there  be  no  breaking  in,  nor  going  out;  that  there  be 
 no  complaining  in  our  ftreets. 
 
 15  “■  Happy  is  that  people  that  is  in  fuch  a  cafe  ;  yea, 
 65*.  4”  happy  is  that  people  whole  God  is  the  Lord.* 
 
 PSALM  CXLV. 
 
 1  David  extolleth  God's  mighti/  j>ower,  7  his  goodness,  1 1  the  glory  of  his 
 kingdom,  1 4  his  providence,  1 7  and  his  saving  mercy. 
 
 %  David’s  psalm  of  praife. 
 
 WILL  extol  thee,  my  God,  O  king  ;  and  I  will 
 blefs  thy  name  for  ever  and  ever. 
 
 2  Every  day  will  I  blefs  thee ;  and  I  will  praife  thy  . 
 name  for  ever  and  ever. 
 
 3  Great  is  the  Lord,  and  greatly  to  be  praifed  ;  [J;;';;;;' 
 
 f  and  his  greatnefs  is  unlearchabe.  cir.  1015. 
 
 4  One  generation  (hall  praife  thy  works  to  another,  > — , — 
 and  (hall  declare  thy  ir.ighty  afts. 
 
 5  I  will  (peak  of  the  glorious  honour  of  thy  raajefty,^,^^„4„ 
 
 and  of  thy  wondrous  t  works.  u.ere  is 
 
 6  And  men  (hall  (peak  of  the  might  of  thy  terrible 
 
 aifts  ;  and  1  will  f  declare  thy  greatnefs.  L>^‘or 
 
 7  They  (hall  abundantly  utter  the  memory  of  thy  ^^rds. 
 great  goodnefs,  and  (hall  fing  of  thy  righteoufneft.  t  Heb. 
 
 8  *  The  Lord  is  gracious,  and  full  of  compaflion 
 
 flow  to  anger  and  f  of  great  mercy.  j  ,  34.  6,  7. 
 
 9  The  Lord  is  good  to  all ;  and  his  tender  mercies  Numb. 
 
 are  over  all  his  works.  .r  r  a  Pfaims 
 
 10  All  thy  works  (hall  praife  thee,  O  Lord; 
 
 thy  faints  (hall  blefs  thee.  r  ,  .  •  j  ^ 
 
 1 1  They  fhall  (peak  of  the  glory  of  thy  kingdom,  t  Heb. 
 
 and  talk  of  thy  power.  ,  . 
 
 12  To  make  known  to  the  fons  of  men  his  mighty  ^ 
 
 !  afts,  and  the  glorious  raajefty  of  his  kingdom. 
 
 13  Thy  kingdom  A  +  an  everlafting  kingdom,  a  kingdom 
 
 thy  dominion  endureth  throughout  all  generations.  uf  all  ages. 
 
 14  The  Lord  upholdeth  all  that  fall,  and  raileth 
 up  all  those  that  be  bowed  down. 
 
 15  The  eyes  of  all  H  wait  upon  thee;  and 
 
 giveft  them  their  meat  in  due  feafon.  thee. 
 
 16  Thou  opened  thine  hand,  and  fatisneft;  the  deure 
 of  every  living  thing. 
 
 I 
 
 the  fame  manner,  and  almoft  in  the  fame  words,  we  meet  with  in  Pfalm  viii.  4, 
 which  paflage  being  cited  by  the  apoftle,  Ileb.  ii.  6.  and  applied  to  Chrift,  affords 
 an  argument  as  Dr  Hammond  hath  juftly  obfeived,  for  alike  application  of  the 
 verfes  now  before  us,  in  their  more  eminent,  prophetic,  my ftical  fenfe.  Ver.  5 — 8. 
 David,  having  celebrated  his  vitftories  over  fome  of  his  enemies,  and  extolled  the 
 mercy  and  goodnefs  of  God,  to  whom  he  afcribeth  the  achievement  of  them,  now 
 proceedeth  to  requeft  a  farther  manifeftation  of  the  omnipotent  arm  in  his  favour, 
 againft  other  hoftile  forces,  which  ftill  threatened  his  country,  upon  his  acceffion  to 
 the  throne;  fuch  as  the  Philiftines,  Moabites,  Ammonites,  &c.  See  2  Sam.  v. 
 and  viii.  Thefeare  called,  metaphorically,  great  waters,  threatening  to  overwhelm 
 and  deftroy  every  thing  ;  and  in  plainer  terms,  ftrange  children,  or  aliens  from  the 
 covenant  of  Jehovah,  and  the  commonwealth  of  Ifrael ;  children  who  fpeak  lies, 
 and  work  wickednefs;  or,  as  Dr  Hammond  inlerpreteth  the  eighth  verfe,  “whofe 
 mouth  fpeaketh  or  maketh  profeffion  of  vanity,  (fua)  that  is  idolatry  ;  and  their 
 right  band  that  on  which  they  depend  for  fupport,  the  ohjedl  of  their  confidence, 
 is  a  right  hand  of  falfehood,”  (feher)  and  one  that  will  fail  all  who  rely  upon  it 
 for  help. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psai„CXLV,  Ver.  1—7.  Hitherto,  in  this 
 divine  book,  we  have  been  prefented  with  checkered  fcenes  of  danger  and  delive¬ 
 rance,  diftrefs  and  mercy.  The  voice  of  complaint  hath  fometimes  been  fuc- 
 ceeded  by  that  of  thankfgiving  ;  and  praife  at  other  times  hath  terminated  in  pray¬ 
 er,  But  now,  as  if  the  days  of  mourning  in  Zion  were  ended,  we  hear  no 
 
 17  The  Lord  is  righteous  in  all  his  ways,  and  ^ 
 
 11  holy  in  all  his  works.  lu^dfui, 
 
 18  The  Lord  is  nigh  unto  all  them  that  call  upon^ 
 
 him,  to  all  that  call  upon  him  in  truth.  ti/w. 
 
 19  He  will  fulfil  the  defire  of  them  that  fear  him  ; 
 he  alfo  will  hear  their  cry  and  will  fave  them. 
 
 20  The  Lord  preferveth  -  all  them  that  love  him: 
 but  all  the  wicked  will  he  deftroy. 
 
 21  My  mouth  fhall  fpeak  the  praife  of  the  Lord  : 
 and  let  all  flefti  bids  his  holy  name  for  ever  and  ever.f  - 
 
 more  of  Meffjah,  as  a  man  of  forrows ;  or  of  the  church,  as  defpifed  and  atBiaed 
 after  the  fame  example  in  the  world.  Henceforth  we  teem  not  to  be  upon  earth 
 but  in  heaven  mingling  with  celellial  fpirits  around  the  throne,  and  finging,  as  in 
 the  following  pfalm,  1,  2.  the  praifes  of  our  God  and  King  ;  extolling,  3.  Itts  groat- 
 nefs,  4.  his  might,  5.  his  glory,  6,  7.  bis  juftice,  8,  9.  his  mercy  ;  10—13.  the  nia- 
 jefty  of  his  kingdom,  and  14 — 21,  all  his  adorable  perfeaions,  and  wondrous  w  orks. 
 Biiliop  Patrick  mentions  a  faying  of  the  ancient  Hebrews,  taken  notice  of  by  Va¬ 
 lentine  Schindler,  that  *•  He  could  not  fail  to  be  a  chiW  of  the  world  to  come,  w  ho 
 would  fay  this  pfalm  three  times  every  day.”  Perhaps  they  who  enter  thoroughly 
 into  the  fpirit  of  it,  do  experience  as  lively  a  foretmle  of  the  next  world  as  can  be 
 experienced  in  this.  Ver.  8.  'The  Lord  ts  grticious.  Mercy  hath  mifery  tor  its 
 objedl,  and  is  that  attribute  towards  which  the  eyes  of  a  faflen  world  mull  naturally 
 be  turned.  The  pfalmift  hath  accordingly  introducc'a-'tjer  laft,  with  great  pomp 
 and  fplendour  feated  in  her  triumphal  chariot,  and  inverted  with  a  fupremacy  over 
 all  the  works  of  God.  She  is  above  the  heavens,  and  over  all  the  earth,  fo  that  the 
 whole  creation  findeth  that  refuge  under  the  fhadow  of  her  wings,  of  which,  by 
 reafon  of  man’s  tranfgreffion,  it  ftandeth  In  need.  The  original  word,  for  “  his- 
 tender  mercies.”  is  (rehemin)  the  fingular  which  (rehem)  figniSes  the  womb. 
 The  mercies  of  God  towards  men  are,  therefore  .reprefentei^y  this  word,  to  be 
 like  thofe  of  a  mother  towards  the  child  of  her  womb.  AnJrlhis  is  the  very  fimi- 
 lilude  which  he  hunfelf  hath  made  ufe  of,  in  that  moft  affetfting  and  comforting 
 paffage  of  the  prophecy  of  Ifaiah  ;  chap.  xlix.  15. 
 
 fhall  be  juftified  from  all  things.  When  our  diftrefs  is  greateft,  God’s  power  and  grace  lliall  be  the  more  magnified  in  our  deliverance.  Though  it  be  hard  to  exercife 
 faith  in  great  trouble,  yet  remembrance  of  God’s  kindnefs  to  ourfelves  and  others  in  former  times,  is  very  encouraging.  And  they  who  thirft  tor  the  prefence  of  God, 
 his  favour  and  grace,  ftiall  never  be  fent  away  empty  from  his  throne  of  mercy. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Psal.  CXLIV.]  Behold,  the  Lord  Jefus  thebeloved  of  lieaven,  advanced  by  his  father  to  his  right  hand,  and  inverted 
 with  all  power  in  heaven  and  earth  !  There  he  rejoices  in  God,  and  his  glorious  vidlories  of  falvation,  and  makes  ioterceffron  for  the  conqueft  and  ruin  of  his  enemiea 
 and  the  complete  and  eternal  happinefs  of  his  people. —  Great  and  bleffed  is  the  believer’s  fecurity  in  the  divine  relations  and  perfe<5tions  j  and  infinite  is  the  condelceii- 
 fton  and  kindnefs  of  God  towards  man,  fo  mean,  fo  unfubftantial,  fo  tranfitory  !  Certainly  then  there  will  come  a  day,  in  which  God  will  redeem  bis  people  out  of  all 
 their  deep  waters  of  affliiftion,  and  take  vengeance  on  his,  and  their  enemies.  O  what  mercy  it  is  to  receive  out  of  the  bands  of  a  reconciled  God,  children  endowed 
 with  every  corporealjand  mental  accomplilliment ;  garners  repleuiflted  with  ufeful  ftores ;  thriving  flocks  and  herds;  and  a  fafe  and  quiet  commonwealth  !  Let  it  is 
 cot  in  earthly  enioyments,  but  in  God  himfelf,  as  our  God  and  our  ALL  in  ALL,  that  folid  and  permanent  happinefs  confifts. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.— t-  Psai,.  CXLV.]  O  the  infinite  greatnefs,  the  unbounded  goodnefs  and  the  eveilafting  precioufnefs  of  God  in  ChrUL 
 
All  creatures  exhorted  to  praise  Gcd. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrill 
 
 1451. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 ITaUehi- 
 
 Jali. 
 
 a  Pfalm 
 1 18.  8,  9. 
 II  Or, 
 salvation. 
 
 An  exhortation 
 
 b  Exod. 
 15.  IS, 
 
 f  Heb. 
 Hallelu¬ 
 jah. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 griefs. 
 t  Heb. 
 
 (f  his  un- 
 
 PSALM  CXLVI. 
 
 1  The  psalmist  vowelh  perpetual  praises  to  God;  3  he  exhorteth  not  to  trust 
 in  man,  ^c. 
 
 ye  the  Lord.  Praife  the  Lord,  O 
 
 X  tny  Toul. 
 
 2  While  1  live  will  I  praife  the  Lord  ;  I  will  fing 
 prailes  unto  my  God  while  I  have  any  being. 
 
 3  “  Put  not  your  truft  in  princes,  nor  in  the  fon  of 
 man,  in  whom  there  is  no  y  help. 
 
 4  His  breath  goeth  forth,  he  returneth  to  his  earth  ; 
 in  that  very  day  his  thoughts  perifh. 
 
 5  Happy  is  he  that  hath  the  God  of  Jacob  for  his 
 help,  whofe  hope  is  in  the  Lord  his  God. 
 
 6  Which  made  heaven  and  earth,  the  fea,  and  all 
 that  therein  is ;  which  keepeth  truth  for  ever ; 
 
 7  Which  executeth  judgment  for  the  oppreffed  ? 
 v.’hich  giveth  food  to  the  hungry.  The  Lord  lool'eth 
 the  prifoners  : 
 
 8  1  he  Lord  openeth  the  eyes  of  (he  blind:  the 
 Lord  raifeth  them  that  are  bowed  down  :  the  Lord 
 loveth  the  righteous  : 
 
 9  The  Lord  preferveth  the  ftrangers  ;  herelieveth 
 the  fatherlefs  and  widow  ;  but  the  way  of  the  wicked 
 he  turneth  upfide  down. 
 
 10  “  The ]  jORD  fhall  reign  for  ever,  even  thy  God, 
 O  Zion,  unto  all  generations.  Praife  ye  the  Lord.* 
 
 PSALM  CXLVil. 
 
 1  The  prophet  exhorteth  to  praise  Gad  for  the  care  <f  his  church  ;  4  for  his 
 infnile  power  ;  6  for  his  mercy  to  the  meek,  ^-c.  7  for  his  providence 
 over  the  creatures,  l^c. 
 
 for  it  is  good  to 
 for  it  is 
 
 fing 
 
 plealant ;  and 
 
 t  ye  the  Lord:  i 
 
 X  praifes  unto  our  God  ; 
 praife  is  comely. 
 
 2  The  Lord  doth  build  up  Jerufalera  :  be  gather- 
 eth  together  the  outcafts  of  Ifrael. 
 
 3  He  healeth  the  broken  in  heart,  and  bindeth  up 
 their  t  wounds. 
 
 4  He  telleth  the  number  of  the  ftars :  he  calleth 
 
 derstand-  gH  names. 
 
 i,  no  5  Great  is  our  Lord, 
 number,  undcrftanding  is  infinite. 
 
 and  of  great  power  :  f  his 
 
 PSALMS. 
 
 '0  praise  God. 
 
 6  The  Lord  lifteth  up  the  meek:  he  ca.fieth  the  Bor 
 wicked  down  to  the  ground.  _ 
 
 7  Sing  unto  the  Lord  with  thankfgiving  •  finc^  ’^'^7. 
 
 praiie  upon  the  harp  unto  our  God  ; 
 
 8  Who  covereth  the  heaven  with  clouds,  w'ho  pre- 
 
 pareth  rain  for  the  earth,  who  raaketh  grafs  to  grow 
 upon  the  mountains.  ° 
 
 9  »  He  giveth  to  the  beafl  his  food,  and  to  theajob 
 
 young  ravens  which  cry.  ss.  41, 
 
 10  He  deiighteth  not  in  the  ftrength  of  the  horfe  >  ^‘’"'•‘01. 
 
 he  taketh  not  pleafure  in  the  legs  of  a  man.  ’ 
 
 11  The  Lord  taketh  pleafure  in  them  that  fear 
 him,  in  thofe  that  hope  in  his  mercy. 
 
 12  Praife  the  Lord,  O  Jerufalem  :  praife  thy  God 
 
 O  Zion  :  ’ 
 
 13  For  he  hath  ftrengthened  the  bars  of  thy  gates  • 
 
 he  hath  bleffed  thy  children  within  thee.  ’ 
 
 14  t  Hemaketh  peaces  thy  borders,  and  filleth  + 
 
 thee  with  the  fineft  of  t;the  wheat.  momok. 
 
 15  He  fendeth  forth  his  commandment  upon  earth 
 
 his  word  runneth  very  Iwiftly.  -a...... 
 
 16  He  giveth  fnow  like  wcol :  he  fcattereth 
 hoar-frott  like  afhes. 
 
 17  He  catteth  forth  his  ice  like  morfeis :  who 
 ftand  before  his  cold  ? 
 
 18  He  fendeth  out  his  word,  and  melteth  them 
 caufeth  his  wind  to  blow,  and  the  waters  flow. 
 
 19  He  t  fheweth  his  word  unto  Jacob,  his  fiatutes  +  Heb 
 
 and  his  judgments  unto  Ifrael.  his  words. 
 
 20  He  hath  not  dealt  fo  with  any  nation  ;  and  as 
 for  /nA  judgments,  they  have  not  known  them.  Praife 
 ye  the  LoRD.f 
 
 PSALM  CXLVin. 
 
 1  The  psalmist  exhorteth  the  celestial,  7  Uiejerresirial,  1 1  and  the  rational 
 creniures  to  praise  God. 
 
 t  ye  the  Lord.  Praife  ye  the  I.oRDfHeb. 
 
 |_  from  the  heavens:  praife  him  in  the  heights. 
 
 bortler 
 pence. 
 the  f  Heb. 
 
 fat  of 
 f.^^tvheat. 
 
 he 
 
 2  Praife  ye  him,  all  his  angels:  praife  ye  him.  alF^‘ 
 his  hofts. 
 
 3  Praife  ye  him,  fun  and  moon  :  praife  him,  all  ye 
 Ptars  of  light. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  CXLVI.  Ver.  1  —  10.  In  this  pfalm 
 the  church  is  taught,  1,2.  to  prolong  the  praifes  of  Jehovah,  as  her  God  and 
 King;  3 — 7.  to  beware  of  trulling  in  the  powers  of  the  world,  and  to  rely  on  the 
 world’s  Creator  and  Redeemer;  whofe  miracles  of  love  and  mercy,  wrought  for 
 the  children  of  men,  7 — 9.  are  enumerated  ;  and  the  eternity  of  whofe  kingdom, 
 iO.  is  proclaimed. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  CXLVH.  Ver.  2.  The  Lord  doth  build 
 up  Jerusalem.  If  tin's  pfalm  were  written  on  occafion  of  the  return  from  Babylon 
 and  the  rebuilding  of  the  earthly  city,  the  ideas  are  to  be  transferred,  as  in  other 
 pfalms  of  the  fame  kind,  to  a  more  important  reftoration  from  a  much  worfe 
 captivity,  and  to  the  building  up  of  the  church  under  the  gofpel,  when  Chrift 
 “  gathered  together  in  one  the  children  of  God  that  were  feattered  abroad  ;” 
 John  xi.  52.  that  is,  in  the  words  of  our  pfalm,  he  “  gathered  together  his  out¬ 
 cafts  of  Ifrael.”  So  (iTall  he  again  at  the  refurredlion,  “  gather  together  the  ele<?t 
 from  the  four  winds,”  Matth.  xxiv.  31.  and  build  up  a  Jerufalem  in  which  they 
 fhall  ferve  and  praife  him  for  ever.  Ver.  5.  Great  is  our  Lord  and  of  great  power  ; 
 his  understanding  is  ipfitiite.  Heb.  of  his  understanding  there  is  no  number,  or 
 computation  ;  (ain  mefephtr)  This  is  a  proper  conclufion  drawn  from  the  former 
 part  of  the  pfalm,  and  efpecially  from  the  preceding  verfe.  The  greatnefs  of 
 
 God’s  power,  which  overcometh  ail  difficulties  to  effea  the  falvation  of  his  people, 
 is  not  to  be  grafped  by  the  human  mind;  and  that  wifdom  which  numbers  the 
 ftars  of  heaven,  and  the  fand  of  the  fea,  and  the  generations  of  the  fons  of  Abra¬ 
 ham,  can  itfelf  be  fubjefft.  to  the  rules  of  no  arithmetic.  Ver.  15 _ 18.  The  won. 
 
 ders  of  nature  reprefent  to  us  the  miracles  of  grace,  and  the  change  of  ftafons 
 produceth  not  greater  alterations  in  the  world,  than  thofe  which  take  place  in  the 
 church,  when  her  God  hideth  from  her,  or  reftorclh  to  her,  the  light  of  his  coun¬ 
 tenance,  which  like  its  emblem,  the  bright  ruler  in  the  heavens,  at  its  departure 
 leaves  winter  behind  it;  and  brings  the  fpring  with  it  at  its  return.  “  The  fun  is 
 the  great  light  of  the  woild,  in  the  light  of  which  all  things  are  made  to  rejoice; 
 perpetual  fpring  attends  his  courfe ;  all  things  revive  at  his  approach,  and  put  on  a 
 new  face  of  youth  and  beauty  ;  winter  and  froft  Lag  behind  him  ;  nature  grows 
 deformed,  and  fickens  at  his  departure.”  lyhat  the  fun  is  to  the  world,  the  fan  e 
 is  Chrift  to  the  church. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  CXLVIII.  Ver.  1.  Praise  ye  the  Lord. 
 When  St  John  faw  in  vifion  the  king  of  glory  feated  on  his  throne,  he  tells 
 us  that  he  heard  all  the  angels  which  ftood  around  the  throne,  with  the  elJtr^, 
 and  every  creature  in  heaven,  earth,  and  fea.  lifting  up  their  voices,  and  fin<’ing 
 together  a  hymn  of  thankfgiving  in  honour  of  him.  Such  a  choir  we  find  here 
 
 Happy  are  they  who  fpend  their  time  and  their  eternity  in  the  enjoyment  and  praifes  of  him  !  How  delightful  to  tell  our  neighbours,  to  tell  our  pofterity,  that  which 
 our  eyes  have  feen,  our  ears  have  heard,  and  our  hearts  have  believed  concerning  this  God,  who  is  LOVE;  and  to  declare  with  well  grounded  confidence  that  this 
 God  (hall  be  oar  God  for  ever  and  ever! 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Psal.  CXLVI. "]  Happy  are  thofe  whofe  God  is  Jehovah,  and  whofe  hearts  are  attuned  to  never  ending  praife  !  Nothintr 
 
 on  earth  is  properly  a  man’s  property  but  his  grave.  May  our  fouls  therefore  be  ftirred  up  to  depend  on  him  who  is  our  A'mighty  Maker,  our  faithful  andpromift;- 
 perforraing  friend,  our  kind  and  righteous  protedlor,  our  bountiful  provider,  our  omnipotent  deliverer,  our  gracious  enlightner,  our  feafonable  reftorer,  our  perpetual 
 preferver,  and  the  juft  punifher  of  our  enemies; — our  King,  our  God,  and  our  all. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — f-  PsaL.  CXLVH.]  How  great  and  good  muft  God  be  in  himfelf  when  h’s  greatnefs,  wifdom,  power,  and  (roodnefs  arc 
 fo  manifefted  in  all  his  works.  And,  when  he  fo  obferves  and  provides  for  all  his  creatures,  bow  impoffible  that  his  ranfomed  children  ftiould  be  overlooked  or  ftarved  ! 
 Much  of  God  is  to  be  feen  in  all  around  us — in  luminaries,  in  animals,  in  crops,  in  feafons,  in  human  perfons,  or  focieties  ;  but  above  all  in  his  church  and  in  his 
 word.  If  thefe  be  abufed  by  any  people,  it  will  be  more  tolerable  for  Sodom  and  Gomorrah  in  the  day  of  judgment  than  for  them. 
 
4„  cxhorlalion  to  pnisc  God 
 „.f„c  4  Praife  him,  ye  heavens  of  heavens,  and  ye  waters 
 
 p™rrname  of  the  Lord  :  for  he 
 
 aSo  'e&XdSt  ever  and  ever : 
 
 ‘’Vprarthe  LoRD  from  the  earth,  ye  dragons,  and 
 
 fnow  and  vapour  ;  Itormy  wind 
 
 I  Heb. 
 iirtls  of 
 
 |-  Heb. 
 txalted. 
 
 \  Heb. 
 Hallelu¬ 
 jah, 
 
 all  deeps : 
 
 8  Fire  and  hail ; 
 
 9  MountVr'and  all  hills ;  fruitful  trees,  and  all 
 ^^lo^^Beafts,  and  all  cattle ;  creeping  things,  and 
 ^  ^u'^Kngs  of  the  earth,  and  all  people  ;  princes,  and 
 
 i2^Both°  young  men  and  maidens ;  old  men  and 
 
 ^^'i?Let  them  praife  the  name  of  the  Lord  :  for 
 his  name  alone  is  f  excellent ;  his  glory  ts  above  the 
 
 earth  and  heaven.  r-  >  •  i 
 
 14.  He  alfo  exalteth  the  horn  of  hi^s  people,  the 
 
 praife  of  all  his  faints ;  even  of  the  children  of  Jfrae  , 
 a  people  near  unto  him.  Praife  ye  the  Lord. 
 
 PSALM  CXLIX. 
 
 1  The  prophet  exhorleth  to  praise  God  for  hi,  love  to  the  church,  5  and 
 for  that  power  which  he  hath  giveth  to  the  church, 
 
 +  T^RAISE  ye  the  Lord.  Sing  unto  the  Lord 
 a  new  long,  and  his  praife  in  the  congregation 
 
 of  faints.  _ 
 
 PSALMS.  /"ft  hh  love  to  the  rfrf- 
 
 2  Let  Ifrael  rejoice  In  him  that  made  him  •  let  the 
 
 rhildren  of  Zion  be  joyful  in  their  King.  dr.  1047. 
 
 3  Let  them  praife  his  name  H  in  the  dance  :  let  them 
 n„g  prailes  unio  him,  with  the  timbrel  and  harp.  1,0 
 
 4  For  the  Lord  taketh  plealure  m  his  people.  he^-„ 
 will  beautify  the  meek  with  lalvation. 
 
 5  Let  the  faints  be  joyful  in  glory  :  let  them  fing 
 
 ’‘““lrh"etgh  pr'j;«  of  God  ie  y  in  their  mouth. 
 
 ?J-rLeStngeaocfupon1h^  heathen,  uud-' 
 
 Dunifhments  upon  the  people  .  nnKlp<j 
 
 ^  8  To  bind  their  kings  with  chains,  and  their  nob 
 
 with  fetters  of  iron ;  ,  •  a  Deut. 
 
 9  •  'I'o  execute  upon  them  the  “  1 1. 1,2. 
 
 this  honour  have  all 
 
 1  An  Mali.;  U  C,d,  3  wik  .UUnAs  rf 
 
 tpRAiSE  ve  the  Lord.  Praife  God  in 
 
 his 
 
 KAibll.  ve  the  LiORD.  Iidu^  •-  ..  HaUelu- 
 
 fanfluary  :  praife  him  in  the  firmament  of  his^.^,,^ 
 
 ^°2  Praife  him  for  his  mighty  afls :  praife  him  ac 
 
 cording  to  his  excellent  greatnels.  tmmnef  y  Or, 
 
 3  Praife  him  with  the  found  of  the  H  tru  p  cornet. 
 
 praife  him  with  the  pfaltery  and  harp.  nraifeU  On 
 
 4  Praife  him  with  the  timbrel  and  d  dance .  p  liipe, 
 him  with  aringed  infiruments  and  organs. 
 
 5  Praife  him  upon  the  loud  cymbals  .  praife  him 
 
 upon  the  high-founding  cymbals.  ,v,raTnpn 
 
 6  Let  every  thing  that  hath  breath  praife  the  Lord. 
 
 Praife  ye  the  LoRD.f  _ 
 
 SS2pr|HfHS|iHii 
 
 (nre  thev  ar6i  and  were  createclj  Ivev.  v,  i?.  ^  r\£  fVipir 
 
 *  .tornhlp  hdirhts  where  hoRs  of  immortal  fpints,  admitted  to  a  fight  of  their 
 
 creatLes  of  this  lower  world,  animate  and  inanimate  which  have  all  their  fev 
 
 to  thore  who 
 
 are  faints  indeed  and  who  are  acquainted  with  the  genuine  fpirit  of 
 
 is  one  that  cannot  take  place  till  after  the  refurrea.on,  becaufe  the 
 the  Lamb  have  certainly  nothing  to  do  with  vengeance  ^rld,  though 
 
 thev  are  to  iudme,  not  only  men,  but  angels  in  the  next;  1  Cor.  vi.  -,  J.  wncn 
 tbev  (hall  hi  called  up  to  fit  on  thrones  as  aiTeffors  at  the  condemnation  of  their 
 Soc'Sim^perfecutors,  who  will  be  cut  afunder  wdth  the  ‘wo-edged  fwor  , 
 and  bound  with  indiflToluble  chains.  Thus  will  be  executed  upon  the  ete  - 
 
 nal  judgment  written  and  announced  againft  the  enemies  of  Meffiah,  in  the  Icrip 
 tures  of  truth.  This  honour  will  all  his  faints  then  have. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Psal.  CL.  \er.  1.  Praise  ye  the  Lord. 
 Praise  God  in  his  sanGuary,  or,  for  his  holinefs;  p-atse  lam  in,  or  for 
 ment  or  expanfion  of  his  power.  If  our  tranfiation  be  retained,  the  memi  ^  ^ 
 
 that  God  fhould  be  praifed  in  the  fanauary,  or  temple  and  likewiie  in 
 
 heaven  above  :  the  former  being  planned  and  conftruaed  as  a 
 
 latter.  But  the  context  rather  perhaps  requires  us  to  fuppofe  the  pfalm  S  S 
 the  reafons  why  God  fiiould  be  praifed  ;  namely  on  account  of  his  holinefs  and  ot 
 
 his  power ;  which  power  is  more  efpecially  difplayed  in  the  fmmation  of  e  t- 
 
 mament,  or  expanfion  of  the  material  heavens,  and  their  iiictlfant  operations,  by 
 means  of  the  light  and  the  air,  of  which  they  are  compofed,  upon  the  earth,  and 
 all  things  therein.  Thefe  are  the  appointed  inllruments  of  life  and  motion  in  the 
 
 of  facred  mufic  before  the  law,  in  the  inflance  of  Miriam  the  Eg„piian. 
 
 of  Aaron,  who  to  celebrate  the  deliverance  from  Pharaoh  .  ®^P\jrels 
 
 ‘•took  a  timbrel  in  her  hand,  and  the  woman  went  out  after  h 
 
 and  dances”  Exod.  xv.  20.  Well  regulated  mufic,  if  ever  it  had  the  p 
 
 calming  the  paffions,  if  ever  it  enlivened  and  exalted  the  affeaions  o 
 
 worfhip  of  God  (purpofes  for  which  it  was  formerly  employed,) 
 
 the  fame  power,  and  can  ftill  afford  the  fame  aids  to  devotion. 
 
 difcRlTwasin  fpirit.  admitted  into  the  celeRial  choir,  he  not  heard  thern 
 
 finging  hymns  of  praife,  but  he  heard  hkewife  ”  the  voice  of  h^pers^arpmg  up 
 thetr  harps  ”  Rev.  xiv.  2.  Sacred  mufic  under  proper  regulations,  removes  t 
 hindrancL  of  our  devotion,  cures  the  diftraaions  of  otiYtho“ghU> 
 wearinefs  from  our  minds.  It  adds  folemn.ty  to  our  public  fe^vtce  ra  (es 
 devout  paffions  in  the  foul,  and  caufes  our  duty  to  become  ^Of  the 
 
 pleafures  of  heaven,  fays  the  eloquent  and  elegant  Bffiiop 
 
 ffirther  is  revealed  to  us  than  that  they  confitl  in  the  praaice  of  ““b  Muhc,  a 
 Holy  Love  the  joint  enjoyment  of  which,  we  are  told,  is  to  be  ‘he  happy  lot  of 
 all  pious  fouls  to  endlefs  ages.”  It  may  he  added,  that  ® 
 
 of  combating  the  mifchievous  effeas  flowing  from  the  abufe  of  mufic  ^orL 
 
 plying  it  tolls  true  and  proper  ufe.  If  the  T 
 
 i  L  celebrate  the  praifes  of  their  idol,  the  fervants  ot  Jehovah  fhould  drown  it,  by 
 onrffiatt  arontr  and  more  powerful,  in  praife  of  him  who 
 1  earth.  If  the  men  of  the  world  rejoice  in  the  objea  of  their  adoration,  let 
 
 children  of  Zion  be  joyful  in  their  King. 
 
 ed  by  it  as  to^be  impelled  to  call  on  created  things  in  heaven  and  earth,  to  praife  the  Lord  our  Go.  ...  .  ,  . 
 
 _ _ _  L  r'YTTV  1  T^phnlfi  here  the  kinsdom  ot  vjoa  a 
 
 Hq _ 
 
 of  faTvation'to'them  ;  and,  whife  he  goes  forth  in  his  chariots  of  ^Aad  when  uireffeaed.lieaven  and  earth  will  join  in 
 
 Heathen  and  Antichriflian  enemies,  by  their  prayers  and  influence,  they  unite  in  teeking  the  lame  objects. 
 
 afcribing  eternal  falvation  and  praife  to  God  and  the  Lamb.  without  ceafine  the  maieffy  of  God,  his  infinite  power,  and  his  adorable  perfec- 
 
 in  Chrift,  and  which  is  not  accompanied  with  a  life  devoted  to  his  fervice  and  glory.  ^ 
 
 7  N 
 
THE 
 
 PROVERBS. 
 
 THE  ARGUMENT. 
 
 Ths  book  of  Proverbs,  ^hich  has  king  Solomon  for  its  author,  consists  oj  txm  parts.  1.  The  nine  frst  chapters 
 which  is  the  frst  part,  contain  the  exhortations,  instructions,  and  advices,  which  wisdom  dictates  to  mankind 
 2.  The  other  part,  which  begins  the  tenth  chapter,  is  a  collection  of  proverbs  and  moral  sentences  upon  all  man- 
 nei'  of  subjects.  It  appears  that  Solomon  wrote  the  frst  twenty  Jour  chapters  :  the  sentences  of  that  prince,  con¬ 
 tained  in  the  succeeding  chapters,  were  collected  together  about  280  years  after,  in  the  time  oJ  king  Hezekiah 
 The  two  last  chapters  seem  to  have  some  other  author. —  The  sentences  oJ  this  book  are  short,  their  style  figurative 
 after  the  manner  of  the  eastern  writers  :  but  their  meaning  is  of  the  greatest  importance,  as  they  Jurnish  us  unth 
 excellent  instructions  upon  every  kind  of  duty,  and  suited  to  all  persons  and  conditions.  They  are  also  so  plain 
 and  practical  in  themselves  as  to  need  little  comment. 
 
 CHAP.  I. 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 cir.  1000. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 equities. 
 
 B  Or, 
 
 advise¬ 
 
 ment. 
 
 B  Or,  an 
 
 eloquent 
 speech. 
 a  Job 
 28.  28. 
 Pfalm 
 111.  10. 
 Chap. 
 
 9.  10. 
 fl  Or, 
 the  princi¬ 
 pal  part. 
 f  Heb. 
 an  add¬ 
 ing. 
 
 ^  1*he  use  of  the  proverbs.  7  jdn  exhortatioji  to  pear  God  and  believe  his 
 word;  \0  to  avoid  the  enticings  oJ  s-nners-  20  Wisdom  complaiiietk 
 of  her  contempt  ;  24  she  threateneth  her  contemners. 
 
 The  Proverbs  of  Solomon  the  fon  of  David, 
 ^  king  of  Ifrael ; 
 
 2  To  know  wifdom  and  inftrudlion  ;  to  perceive 
 the  words  of  underftanding  ; 
 
 3  To  receive  the  inftruftion  of  wifdom,  juftice,  and 
 judgment,  and  f  equity  ; 
 
 4  To  give  (ubtility  to  the  Ample,  to  the  young  man 
 knowledge  and  H  difcretion. 
 
 5  A  wife  man  will  hear,  and  will  increafe  learning  ; 
 and  a  man  of  underftanding  (hall  attain  unto  wife 
 counfels : 
 
 6  To  underftand  a  proverb,  and  1|  the  interpreta¬ 
 tion  ;  the  words  of  the  wife,  and  their  dark  layings. 
 
 7  H  ®  The  fear  of  the  Lord  is  |I  the  beginning  of 
 knowledge :  but  fools  defpife  wifdom  and  inflrudtion. 
 
 8  My  fon,  hear  the  inftruftion  of  thy  father,  and 
 forfake  not  the  law  of  thy  mother: 
 
 9  For  they  shall  be  f  an  ornament  of  grace  unto  thy 
 head,  and  chains  about  thy  neck. 
 
 10  f  My  fon,  if  tinners  entice  thee,  confent  thou  not. 
 1 1  If  they  fay,  come  with  us,  let  us  lay  wait  for 
 blood,  let  us  lurk  privily  for  the  innocent  without 
 caufe  ; 
 
 12  Let  us  fwallow  them  up  alive  as  the  grave;  and 
 whole,  as  thofe  that  go  down  into  the  pit : 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  I.  Ver.  1.  The  choice,  divine,  fub- 
 Aantial,  inflrudlive,  and  governing,  but  fometimes  darkly  exprefled  fentences 
 of  the  incomparably  wife  and  infpired  Solomon.  2.  Framed  by  the  Spirit  of 
 God  to  teach  man  true  and  folid  wifdom  in  things  pertaining  to  God  and  their 
 neighbour,  to  enable  them  tO  difcern  fin  and  duty,  and  to  receive  and  profit 
 by  whatever  good  inftrudtions  or  advices  are  given  them;, 5.  To  incline  and 
 perfuade  them  readily  to  hearken  to  fuch  inftrudtions  as  diredl  them  to  live 
 in  a  wife,  candid,  upright  and  virtuous  manner;  4.  That  thofe  who  are  un- 
 ikilful,  rafli,  and  incautious,  may  become  circumfpedl,  prudent,  and  difcreet 
 iu  their  condudl  ;  5.  And  thofe  who  are  wife  in  the  matters  of  time  and  eter¬ 
 nity  may  become  ftill  more  wife  and  prudent ;  and  be  able  with  gnat  ad¬ 
 vantage,  to  govern  themfelves  and  others;  6.  And  be  capable  of  finding  out 
 the  meaning  of  the  wife  though  dark  fayings  of  God  or  men,  and  profitably 
 to  apply  them  to  themfelves,  or  explain  them  to  others.  7.  It  is  neceflary 
 that  every  one  who  defircs  true  wifdom,  fhould  begin  with,  and  chiefly  fludy 
 the  faving  knowledge  of  God,  and  live  under  a  holy  awe  in  the  love,  wor- 
 fhip,  and  fervice  of  him  ;  as  without  this,  all  other  knowledge  is  vain  and  nfe- 
 lefs  ;  and,  for  want  of  it  wicked  men  who  prefer  trifles  to  things  of  infinite 
 importance,  pour  contempt  on  the  wifeft  instru(5tions  that  can  be  given  them. 
 8,  9.  And  next  to  the  fear  of  God,  it  is  neceflTary,  my  dear  young  men,  that  you 
 reverence,  honour,  and  obey  your  parents,  and  gladly  receive,  and  earnestly 
 pra(5tife  their  instru(5lions,  as  things  of  inestimable  value,  which  will  reader 
 
 13  We  fhall  find  all  precious  fubftance,  we  fhall 
 fill  our  houfes  with  fpoil : 
 
 14  Call;  in  thy  lot  among  us;  let  us  all  have  one 
 purfe. 
 
 Before 
 Chrilf 
 cir.  1000. 
 
 15  My  fon  walk  not  thou  in  the  way  with  them  ; 
 refrain  thy  foot  from  their  path  : 
 
 16  For  their  feet  run  to  evil,  and  make  halle  tob  ifaiab 
 
 (bed  blood.  59.7. 
 
 17  (Surely  in  vain  the  net  is  fpread  f  in  the  fight  offT/"* 
 
 any  bird:)  ^  ^ 
 
 18  And  they  lay  wait  for  their  ottin  bIo6d ;  theyw  the  ei/es 
 
 lurk  privily  for  their  oxnn  lives.  ‘i-tTy 
 
 19  So  are  the  ways  of  every  one  that  is  greedy  oi 
 gain  ;  which  taketh  away  the  life  of  the  owners  thereof,  whp. 
 
 20  ^  t  =  Wifdcm  crieth  wiihout ;  fhe  uitereth  hert  ^eb. 
 voice  in  the  flreets  ; 
 
 -  21  She  crieth  in  the  chief  place  of  concourfe,  inLwten 
 the  openings  of  the  gates  ;  in  the  city  fhe  uttereth  her  wUdom. 
 words,  saying,  ' «  Chap, 
 
 22  How  long,  ye  firaple  ones,  will  ye  love  firnpli-^’^’ 
 city  ;  and  the  fcorners  delight  in  their  fcorning,  and 
 fools  hate  knowledge? 
 
 23  Turn  you  at  my  reproof:  behold,  I  will  prur 
 
 out  ray  fpirit  unto  you,  I  will  make  known  my  words  ^ 
 unto  you.  55,  12. 
 
 24  H  '*  Becaufe  I  have  called  and  ye  refufed  ;  1  have  &  ee.  •). 
 ftretched  out  my  band,  and  no  man  regarded  ; 
 
 25  But  ye  have  fet  at  nought  all  my  counfel,  and  ^ech.' 
 
 would  none  of  my  reproof ;  7.11. 
 
 you  more  amiable  and  honourable  than  all  the  gay  adorning  on  earth.  10. 
 And  iu  order  to  promote  the  fear  of  God,  and  regard  to  parental  Instrudlions, 
 fee,  that  with  the  utmost  circunrifpe<5lion  and  earnes'tnefs,  you  avoid  all  un- 
 neflary  fellowfliip  with  wicked  perfons,  and  all  hearkening  to  their  flattering 
 enticements.  11 — 15.  If  in  the  most  courteous  manner,  and  by  every  argument 
 drawn  from  profound  fecrecy,  fure  fuccefs,  iinmenfe  profit  and  good  fellow- 
 fhip,  they  would  feduce  you  to  robbery,  or  any  other  witkednefs,  abhor  tbeir 
 counfels,  and  flee  from  their  company!  16.  For  being  fet  on  mifchief  ihetn-' 
 felves,  if  they  once  entangle  you,  they  will  perpetually  hurry  you  from  one 
 horrid  crime  to  another.  17.  And,  while  they  lay  fnares  for  others,  whom  they 
 rackon  rafli  and  inconfiderate,  themfelves,  like  filthy  birds,  rufli  into  courfes,  of 
 which  the  dangerous  iffue  might  be  eafily  perceived:  18.  And  in  the  end,, 
 all  their  paths  and  cunning  to  undo  others  bring  ruin  upon  themfelves  from  the 
 hand  of  God  and  men  :  19.  And  all  unrighteous  methods  of  procuring  wealth 
 but  iflue  in  the  destrudlion  of  the  procurers.  20 — 23.  While  you  fhun  and  ab¬ 
 hor  the  enticements  of  the  wicked,  listen  to  the  voice  of  Jefus  Christ,  the  wifdoo 
 of  God,  who,  in  his  word  and  ordinances  of  the  gofpel,  in  the  most  publifi 
 affe<5lionate,  earnest  and  importunate  manner,  call  you,  however  Ample,  >goc- 
 rant,  foolifli,  or  even  fcornful,  to  forfake  your  wicked  courfes,  and  turn  to  him 
 by  faith  and  repentance,  to  receive  his  Spirit,  freely  given,  and  believe  hi» 
 words,  divinely  manifested  unto  you.  24—29.  But  in  the  most  folemn  manner 
 he  warns  you,  that,  if  you  perfist  in  delpifing  his  gracious  calls,  instrudlionf,  and 
 
}Yisdom 
 
 PROVERBS. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 1000. 
 
 C  Job 
 
 27.  9* 
 
 Ifaiah 
 
 I.  15. 
 
 Jereni 
 
 II.  11.& 
 14.  12. 
 Micab 
 
 3.  4. 
 
 1  Or. 
 
 case  of  the 
 simple- 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 givest  thy 
 twee. 
 a  Matth. 
 12.  41. 
 
 b  1  Kings 
 3.  9. 
 James 
 
 1.  5. 
 
 prmMh  godliness  to  her  children, 
 
 26  I  alfo  will  la»«l'  5'°“^  calamity ;  I  will  mock 
 
 ""s" ^Sen  yourTarcometh 
 
 dearuaion  cometh  as  a  whirlwind  ;  when  diRrels  an 
 
 ^“l^e^hSi^alaKey  call  upon  me,  but  I 
 fwer  •  they  fliall  leek  me  early,  but  tney  Qiall  not  6nd  me . 
 29’ For  that  they  hated  knowledge,  and  did  not 
 
 ^'’°3oVl!’e"^  none  of  my  connfel ;  they  derpiled 
 
 ^"s^ThLelbre  (hall  they  eat  of  the  fruit  of  their 
 own  way,  and  be  filled  with  their  own  devices. 
 
 a2  For  the  II  turning  away  ot  the  fimple  (hah  (lay 
 them,  anVthe  'Up-ty  of  fools  detooy  ‘  ' 
 
 33  But  wholb  hearkeneth  unto  me  ihall  dwell  late 
 ly,  and  Ihall  be  quiet  from  fear  of  evil. 
 
 CHAP  11 
 
 company,  90  and  direaion  in  good  ways. 
 
 Y  fon,  if  thou  wilt  receive  my  woriJs,  ana  mue 
 a  my  commandments  with  thee  ; 
 
 2  So  that  thou  incline  thine  ezr  unto  wifdom,  and 
 apply  thine  heart  to  underlfanding  ; 
 
 ^3  Yea,  if  thou  crieft  after  knowledge,  and  f  hftelt 
 
 UD  thv  voice  for  underftandinz  ; 
 
 4  .  If  thou  feekeft  her  as  filver,  and  learchell  for 
 
 her  as  foi'  hid  treafurest  cut 
 
 5  Then  (halt  thou  undertland  the  fear  of  the  Lord, 
 
 and  find  the  knowledge  of  God. 
 
 6  b  For  the  Lord  giveth  wildonn  ;  out  of  his  mouth 
 
 cometh  knowledge  and  underftanding. 
 
 and  sajefy  from  evil  company. 
 
 Befora 
 
 Chrift. 
 
 1000. 
 
 7  He  layeth  up  found  wifdom  for  the  righteous . 
 he.  ,c  a  buckler  to  them  that  walk  uprightly. 
 
 8  He  keepeth  the  paths  of  judgment,  and  prelerv- 
 
 ^'VThrn’'ftafi'?l'OP  righleonfuefs.  and 
 
 S  eCerXfnri^e'hearr.  and 
 
 r?r  Dfeefion  M  "prefeVe  ‘°.hee.  nnderftanding 
 To'’delivJr  thee  from  the  way  of  the  evil 
 
 "rwh^rtoiefto  do  evil,  rrnd  delight  in  the  for- 
 ml' ways'nrc  eVooked.  and  they  froward  in 
 CdeViver  thee  from  the  /s 
 
 from  the  Rranger  tsehich  flattereth  with  her  words  >  7,5, 
 
 Which  tbrfiketh  the  guide  of  her  youth,  and 
 
 '“TrVt;  tYSe  Wn\Th‘'nmi  death,  and  her 
 
 '’Yn  None'YaYgo’  onto  her  return  again,  neither 
 lake  they  hold  of  the  paths  ot  life. 
 
 Up  fhev  hold  or  me  pdius  ui  niu.  39.29. 
 
 Vo  That  thou  raayeft  walk  in  the  way  of  good  men, 
 
 e  Job 
 
 “^2.Y’fSY'’e“tl^h^areYin.he  land.  andW-^.. 
 
 Y^Eut  die  wfeked' (hall  be  cut  eft'  from  the  earth,  J, 
 and  the  tranfgreirors  (ball  be  1|  rooted  out  ot  tt.f  n,. 
 
 r'V'tr.  TbT.tnn.vaion;,  .„d  on  lit.  n.me.  Ili.ll  b,  his  w.id.t.l 
 
 of  Jefus  Chnft,  and  of  all  true  ireafures  on  earth, 
 
 and  be  enablea  ana  airtcLcu  q  Vnr  as  w  fdom  and  every 
 
 in  .  p,.p.,  .nd  ..nly  ““P""' ,1"“""^  ,,  “’.rd 7  .h  .....kd,  .nd  b,  b,t 
 
 o.h.,  bl.ir.ng  I.  iho  r,so  gd.  of  Go  W.e  «d  in.  toowlodgo  of 
 
 b7;:;:ifYn°d;u'u;r:^H,  --j*  -jt » -ra^rd 
 
 dn.a“  be  'b"b“i.’  .toi’gidy  p™«'”*'"“'  ‘'“iVgors 
 
 j  d  in  it  And  in  feekinf  wifdom  from  him,  you  fliall  come  to  under- 
 
 imitate  him  in  every  tnin  y  y  praaical  goodnefs, 
 
 cSSl  drs.ing  ib.m  .fido,  .od  enf. ogling  ib.m  b.  '““f'’  f 
 
 I  tlwir  aSion’s  and  perfons  from  their  own  hufbands.  and  difregardmg  the  f^ 
 their  alleuio  at  marria-te  '  18.  And  who  really  love  no  one,  but 
 
 1  '""'ITuie’d^ath  and  eternal  damnadon  of  all  fuch  as  cultivate  any  familiarity 
 
 '  thpm  19  Very  few,  who  are  at  once  enfnared  into  their  impure  emltraces, 
 
 i  "  r  T;  the  erac7of  God,  recovered  to  a  penitent,  chafte,  and  virtuous  life  on 
 are  ev.  r,  by  the  ^  20-22.  And,  moreover,  while  you  are 
 
 i  ^"VT^from  tJrfuilouViiS^^^^^  of  thefe  wicked  feducers,  you  (hall  be 
 PivbYed  to  follow  the  example  of  the  holy  patriarchs  and  prophets;  and  in 
 ^ufnee  oT  Sr^aU  happll^y  dwell  in  this  pronnfed  land 
 be  (pirltual  -‘j  he 
 
 Ju^il^fl/rr^ven  IVom  adl  ll’nd  and  earth,  and  call  into  the  flames  and  depths  of 
 hell. 
 
 in  lin  1  But  with  wnat  iniatuation  ao  many, 
 
 what  amazing  earned  nefs  and  craft  do  finners  leduce  oiners,  Fowever'  fecrecy  or  power’ protea  tranfgreirms  from  human  punifliment,  the  ven- 
 
 more  (lupid  ?han  the  meanell  animals,  rufli  into  danger  when  fairly  ,heip  companions  into  lafting  mifery.  But  great  is  the  compaffion  of  Jel^ns 
 
 geance  of  God  overtakes  them.  Their  cruelty,  avarice,  or  love  of  ^dlh  tl  em  in  the  ordinances  of  his  grace,  and'  in  J.is  providence.  Condefeend.ng  are  bis 
 
 to  fuch  rebellious  finners  :  in  the  mod  earned;  and  open  nd'nrecious  and  necedfary  are  his  blelFings.  But  inexculable  their  guilt,  and  dreadful  tlieir  ruin, 
 
 invitations  of  mercy  pointed  to  the  mod  unworthy  an  vvic  e  ,  ao  pr  c  hear  his  voice  and  obey  him.  _ 
 
 who  obdinately  refufe  them.  But  bUffed  above  all  with  we  attend  to  the  exerciles  of  religion,  the  poflTeflion  of  which  can  alone  regulate 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSEUVATIONS—l  Chap.  II.  1  With  Men  of  corrupt  principles,  and  women  of  depraved,  inclinations  are  general!, 
 
 our  hearts  and  condua  in  a  wo, Id  full  of  corrupt  pnnc.pUs  and  dangerous  and  ruinous  their  eonueaions  f  and  few,  alas  !  once  entangleed  it 
 
PROVERBS. 
 
 An  exhortation  to  faith,  mortif cation,  ^c. 
 
 CHAP.  III. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift  ,  .  , 
 
 cir.  1000.  ^  exhortation  to  obedience,  5  to  faith,  7  to  mortification,  9  to  deration 
 i.  I  to  patience.  The  happt/ gain  f  wisdom, 
 
 Y  fon,  forget  not  ray  law  ;  »  but  let  thine  heart 
 
 _ keep  my  commandments : 
 
 2  For  length  of  days,  and  f  long  life,  and  peace, 
 Inall  they  add  to  thee. 
 
 ^  ^  Let  not  mercy  and  truth  forfake  thee :  ^  bind 
 
 13  9°  *  about  thy  neck ;  write  them  upon  the  table  of 
 thine  heart : 
 
 6-8.  „  ^  So  fhalt  thou  find  favour  and  ||  good  under- 
 
 in^lo  in  the  fight  of  God  and  man. 
 
 B  Or,  *  ,  ^  ^  Truft  in  the  Lord  with  al!  thine  heart ;  and 
 good  sue-  not  unto  thine  own  underftanding. 
 cess.  6  In  all  thy  ways  acknowledge  him,  and  he  (hall 
 d^i  Chro.  direft  thy  paths.  '  ? 
 
 e  Rom.  *7 11  ®  Be  not  wife  in  thine  own  eyes  :  fear  the  Lord, 
 12.  16.*  and  depart  from  evil. 
 
 t  Heb.  8  It  fhall  be  f  health  to  thy  navel,  and  f  marrow  to 
 bones. 
 
 uiatering,  ^  ^  Honour  the  LoRD  with  thy  fubftance,  and 
 or,  mois-  with  the  firft-fruits  of  all  thine  increafe  ; 
 
 JO  s  So  fhall  thy  barns  be  filled  with  plenty,  and 
 23.  preffes  fhall  burfl.  out  with  new  wine. 
 
 S4.  26.  1 1  H  **  My  fon,  defpife  not  the  chaftening  of  the 
 
 Deut.  Lord  ;  neither  be  weary  of  his  corre6lion  : 
 
 M  whom  the  Lord  loveth  he  corre£leth,  even 
 
 s.iOjVc.  ^  father  the  fon  in  whom  be  delighteth. 
 
 L-uke  1  ^  ^  t^ar\r\,r  .V  r K c  r........  ...t 
 
 14.  13. 
 g  Deut. 
 
 28.  8. 
 h  Job 
 5.  17. 
 
 Heb. 
 
 12.  5. 
 
 Revel. 
 
 8.  19. 
 
 •f-  Heb. 
 
 the  man  that  drawelh  out  understanding 
 
 The  happy  gain  and  power  of  whdom  ' 
 
 her 
 
 8  II,  19.  &  16.  16. 
 
 13  H  Happy  is  the  man  that  fiodeth  wifdom,  and 
 f  the  man  that  getteth  underftanding: 
 
 14>  For  the  merchandife  of  it  is  better  than  the  mer- 
 chandife  of  filver,  and  the  gain  thereof  than  fine  gold. 
 
 15  She  is  more  precious  than  rubies  :  and  all  the 
 things  thou  canft  defire  are  not  to  be  compared  unto 
 her. 
 
 16  Length  of  days  is  in  her  right  hand  ;  and  in  her 
 left  hand  riches  and  honour. 
 
 i  Job  28.  18,  &c.  Pfalm  19.  10.  Chap. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  III.  Ver.  ),  2.  Let  me  therefore  again 
 entreat  you,  my  dear  children,  to  receive,  and  rivet  in  your  judgment,  memory, 
 will,  and  affedlions,  the  counfels  and  commands  which  I  now  give,  that  you  may 
 pradlife  them  in  your  lives;  thus  fhall  your  temporal  life  be  long,  healthful,  and 
 profperous ;  be  attended  with  a  pleafant  life  of  grace  here,  and  followed  by  an 
 eternal  life  of  glory  hereafter.  3,  4.  .^nd  while  you  live  by  a  cordial,  con- 
 (lant,  and  affured  faith  in  the  mercy  and  failhfulnefs  of  God,  pledged  in  his 
 word,  fludy  always,  as  your  great  honour,  to  imitate  him  in  kindnefs,  com- 
 paflion,  and  uprightnefs ;  thus  fhall  you  be  highly  refpedled  and  honoured, 
 and  fltall  prudently  order  your  affairs  both  before  God  and  men.  5,  6.  Al¬ 
 ways  by  faith  in  bis  new  covenant  promifes  and  relations,  depend  w'holly  on 
 God  for  flrength,  direcifion,  and  fuccefs  in  your  undertakings,  and  never  upon 
 your  own  knowledge  or  carnal  prudence.  In  every  undertaking  believe  and 
 depend  on  his  over-ruling  power,  obferve  his  diredlions,  and  implore  and  wait 
 for  his  favour  and  bleffing,  and  he  fhall  guide  you  in  all  your  proceedings,  and 
 bring  them  to  a  happy  iffue.  7,  8.  Never  indulge  a  conceit  of  your  own 
 knowledge  or  wifdom,  as  if  it  were  fufBcient  to  diredl  you  in  the  eafiefl  matters; 
 but,  under  the  influence  of  a  holy  and  filial  awe  of,  and  regard  to  God, 
 avoid  with  care  w'hatever  he  has  forbidden  in  the  law;  as  that  is  the  way  to 
 promote  the  health,  flrength,  and  comfort  of  both  foul  and  body  in  time  and 
 eternity.  9,  10.  In  juft  gratitude  to  God,  who  has  beflowed  all  that  you  have 
 upon  you,  make  corifcience  of  employing  your  eftates  in  works  of  piety  for  the 
 maintenance  of  his  worfhip,  and  of  charity  to  his  poor,  and  of  juftice  to  all 
 men  ;  fo  fliall  his  bleffing  abundantly  increafe  them  in  every  thing  ufeful  and 
 comfortable.  11,  12.  Never  overlook  or  contemn  the  afflidlions  which  you 
 'meet  with,  as  if  they  were  trifles,  or  happened  by  chance  ;  and  never  grow 
 weary  of  them  as  an  intolerable  burden,  to  take  any  unlawful  courfe  to  remove 
 them  ;  but  kindly  receive  and  fubmit  to  them  as  the  corredlions  of  a  kind  and 
 gracious  Faiher  in  which  he  manifefls  his  diftinguiflied  love  to,  and  care  for 
 your  fouls.  13 — 18.  Thrice  happy  is  the  man  who  through  much  tribulation, 
 
 and  with  much  care  and  pains,  obtains  the  enjoyment  of  Jefus  Chrifl,  and  the 
 fpiritual  wifdom  and  knowledge  that  is  in  and  by  him.  This  is  infinitely  pre¬ 
 ferable  to  every  thing  gainful,  comely,  precious,  or  profitable  on  earth.  By  this 
 
 17  Her  ways  are  ways  of  pleafantnefs,  and  all  her  Ber 
 
 paths  are  peace.  chrlft 
 
 18  She  is  a  tree  of  life  to  them  that  lay  hold  upon'*''' 
 her  ;  and  happy  is  every  one  that  retaineth  her. 
 
 19  H  The  Lord  by  wifdom  hath  founded  the 
 prth  ;  by  underftanding  hath  |1  he  eftablifhed  the  Or 
 keavens ;  _ 
 
 20  By  his  knowledge  the  depths  are  broken  up 
 
 and  the  clouds  drop  down  the  dew.  ’ 
 
 21  f  My  fon,  let  not  them  depart  from  thine  eyes: 
 keep  found  wifdom  and  diferetion  ; 
 
 22  So  ftiall  they  be  life  unto  thy  foul,  and  grace  to 
 thy  neck. 
 
 23  k  Then  {halt  thou  walk  in  thy  way  fafely,  andt  Pfaim, 
 
 thy  foot  fhall  not  fturable.  37. 24.  & 
 
 24  When  thou  lieft  down  thou  {halt  not  be  afraid  • 
 yea,  thou  {halt  lie 'down,  and  thy  fleep  (hall  be 
 fweet. 
 
 25  Be  not  afraid  of  fudden  fear,  neither  of  the  de- 
 folation  of  the  wicked,  when  it  cometh. 
 
 26  For  the  Lord  fhall  be  thy  confidence,  and  fliall 
 keep  thv  foot  from  being  taken. 
 
 27  H  Withhold  not  good  from  f  them  to  whom  it  t  Heb. 
 is  due,  when  it  is  in  the  power  of  thine  hand  to  do  it.  the  omicrs 
 
 28  Say  not  unro  thy  neighbour.  Go,  and  come^^'"''“-^' 
 again,  and  to-morrow  I  will  give  ;  when  thou  haft  it 
 
 by  thee. 
 
 29  H  II  Devife  not  evil  againft  thy  neighbour,  feeing  Jw- 
 he  dwelleth  fecurely  by  thee. 
 
 30  Strive  not  with  a  man  without  caufe,  if  he  have! 
 done  thee  no  harm. 
 
 31  H  <  Envy  thou  not  f  the  opprefTor,  and  choofelmaVo/ 
 
 none  of  his  ways.  viuitmce. 
 
 32  For  the  froward  is  abomination  to  the  Lord;™^,^®'™ 
 
 but  his  fecret  is  with  the  righteous.  uMai.' 
 
 S3  H  “  The  curfe  of  the  Lord  is  in  the  houfe  of  the  2. 2.  ’ 
 
 wicked  :  but  he  bleffeih  the  habitation  of  thej'uft.  »  James 
 
 34  °  Surely  he  Icorneth  the  {corners  :  but  he  givethf 
 grace  unto  the  lowly.  5.  5!" 
 
 we  are  fecured  in  all  the  real  bleffings  of  this  prefent  life,  and  of  that  which  is 
 to  come.  In  cleaving  to  Jefus  and  walking  in  his  ordinances  and  laws,  the 
 moft  delightful  comforts  and  pleafures,  the  moft  bleffed  tranquillity  of  mind 
 and  confcience,  the  moft  happy  fuccefs  of  affairs,  and  eternal  reft  with  God  in 
 glory  are  to  be  enjoyed.  Immortal,  quickening,  and  invigorating,  is  the  fatlf- 
 fatftion  enjoyed  by  every  one  who  earneftly  embraces  his  perfon,  receives  his 
 inftruiftions,  and  ftedfaftly  walks  in  his  ways.  19,  20.  And  no  wonder  that 
 Jefus  Chrift,  and  the  fpiritual  wifdom  and  knowledge  that  are  hid  in  him  fliould 
 be  fo  profitable,  plealant,  and  comfortable,  when  by  him,  and  in  the  exercife 
 of  his  infinite  wifdom,  God  formed,  founded,  and  fettled  the  heavens,  and  earth,  | 
 and  feas,  and  all  that  is  therein,  and  makes  the  fountains  to  pour  forth  ftreams 
 for  the  nouriftiment  of  animals,  and  the  clouds  to  drop  down  dews  and  rains 
 for  the  Bouriihment  of  plants,  corn,  and  grafs.  21 — 26.  Be  it  therefore  your 
 earneft  care  to  fix  thefe  my  inftrutflions  in  your  heart,  and  to  keep  them  always 
 before  your  eyes,  as  the  nieans  of  obtaining  true  and  profitable  knowledge  and 
 prudence.  Y’'ou  will  find  them  infallible  promoters  of  true  life,  and  honour 
 and  comfort,  temporal,  fpiritual,  and  eternal.  By  means  hereof,  you  by  the 
 bleffing  of  God,  fhall  profper  in  your  labours,  and  be  kept  from  falling  into 
 fin  or  danger;  and  under  his  protedlion,  you  fhall  enjoy  the  moft  fafe  and 
 pleafant  reft,  and  refrefliment.  No  reports  of  fudden  and  approaching  danger, 
 or  of  defolating  judgments,  appointed  for,  or  effedled  by  the  wicked,  need  in 
 the  leaf!  terrify  you  ;  for  the  Almighty  Jehovah,  in  whom  you  have  placed  all 
 your  truft  and  confidence,  fhall  fupport,  prote<5l,  and  preferve  you  from  danger. 
 
 27,  28.  Never  delay  the  payment  of  juft  debts,  or  the  giving  to  the  Lord,  or 
 to  the  poor,  beyond  the  firft  opportunity  afforded  you,  as  you  know  not  if 
 ever  Providence  will  give  you  another.  29.  Never  contrive  mifehief  againft 
 any  ;  efpecially  againft  fuch  as  depend  on  your  equity  and  kindnefs.  39.  Never 
 be  quarrelfonse  and  contentious ;  and  efpecially  with  fuch  as  have  done  you 
 no  injury  31,  32.  Never  let  the  profperity  and  wealth  of  oppreffors  tempt 
 you  to  wifli  yourfelves  in  their  condition,  or  to  imitate  them  in  their  injurious 
 condueft  ;  for  wilful  and  obllinate  oppreffors  are  infinitely  detefted  and  bated 
 of  God  ;  but  bis  fecret  counfels  and  comforts  are  vouchfafed  to  fuch  as  walk 
 uprightly  and  honeftly.  33.  Evil  doers,  however  great,  and  all  that  they  have 
 
£xhoilation  io  study  msdom, 
 
 B.>f<.re  35  The  wife  (hall  inherit  glorj' 
 CJiria  Ug  jj^g  promotion  of  fools.* 
 
 e'lr,  1000.  ^ 
 
 PROVERBS. 
 
 and  to  shun  the  “path  of  the  mclced,  ^c- 
 
 but  (liame  t  lhall 
 
 I  Heb 
 
 eialUth 
 
 the  fools, 
 
 CHAP.  IV. 
 
 1  Solomon,  to  jiersuadc  obedience,  3  sheweth  lohat  instruction  he  had  of  his 
 parerils,  5  to  study  wisdo?H,  1  4  a>id  to  shun  the  path  of  the  wicked  ;  20 
 he  exhorteth  to  faith,  23  and  sanctijicalion. 
 
 EAR,  ye  children,  the  inftru^iion  of  a  father, 
 and  attend  to  know  underftanding. 
 
 2  For  1  give  you  good  dodfrine,  forfake  ye  not  my 
 law. 
 
 a  1  Chro.  3  Foi'  I  was  my  father’s  fon,  “  tender  and  only  be- 
 ’•  loved  in  the  fight  of  my  mothen 
 b  I  Chro.  4 He  taught  me  alio,  and  faid  unto  me.  Let  thine 
 28.  9.  heart  retain  my  words  :  keep  my  commandments,  and 
 live. 
 
 5  ^  Get  wifdora,  get  underftanding  ;  forget  it  not : 
 neither  decline  from  the  wwds  ot  my  mouth. 
 
 6  Forfake  her  not,  and  fhe  ftiall  preferve  thee  :  Idve 
 her,  and  (he  (hall  keep  thee. 
 
 7  Wifdom  is  the  principal  thing  ;  therefore  get  wif- 
 dom  :  and  with  all  thy  getting  get  underftanding. 
 
 8  Exalt  her,  and  (he  fhall  promote  thee;  (he- (hall 
 bring  thee  to  honour,  when  thou  do(t  embrace  her.  .- 
 
 9  She  (hall  give  to  thine  head  an  ornament  of 
 grace  ;  l]  a  crown  of  glory  (hall  (he  deliver  to  thee. 
 
 -  10  Hear,  O  my  (bn,  and  receive  my  fayings  ;  and 
 the  years  of  thy  life  (hall  be  many. 
 
 1 1  I  have  taught  thee  in  the  way  of  wifdom  ;  I  have 
 led  thee  in  right  paths. 
 
 12  When  thou  goeft,  thy  fteps  (hall  not  be  ftrait- 
 ened  ;  ^  and  when  thou  runneft,  thou  (l:>alt  not  (tum¬ 
 ble, 
 
 13  Take  faft  hold  of  inftru^lion ;  let  her  net  go: 
 keep  her  ;  for  (he  is  thy  life. 
 
 c  Chap. 
 
 I.  9. 
 
 [|  Or. 
 
 shall 
 compass 
 thee  vnth 
 a  croiuJc 
 of  glory. 
 
 d  Pfaltn 
 
 II.  12. 
 
 14  11  ®  Errfer  not  into  the  path  of  the  wicked,  and 
 
 go  not  in  the  way  of  evil  men.  ^  dr *1000. 
 
 15  Avoid  if,  pafs  not  by  it,  turn  from  it,  and  pafs 
 
 away.  ®  Pfaim 
 
 16  For  they  deep  not,  except  they  have  done  raif- 
 chief;  and  their  deep  is  taken  away,  unlefs  they  caufe  io.T,’5i. 
 some  to  fall. 
 
 17  For  they  eat  the  bread  of  wickednefs,  and  drink 
 the  wine  of  violence. 
 
 18  But  the  path  of  the  juft  is  as  the  (hining  light, 
 that  (hineth  more  and  more  unto  the  perfect  day. 
 
 19  The  way  of  the  w'icked  is  as  darknefs :  they 
 know  not  at  what  they  (tumble. 
 
 20  U  My  fon,  attend  to  my  words ;  incline  thine  ear 
 
 unto  my  layings.  medicine 
 
 21  Let  them  not  depart  from  thine  eyes;  keep ^  Heb.  ‘ 
 
 them  in  the  midft  of  thine  heart  :  above  au 
 
 22  -For  they  are  life  unto  thofe  that  find  them,  and^^^^^^* 
 
 t  health  to  all  their  fte(h.  frowafd- 
 
 23  H  Keep  thy  heart  f  with  all  diligence;  for  ouines,o/ 
 
 of  it  are  the  ilTues  of  life.  mouth, 
 
 24  Put  away  from  thee  f  a  froward  mouth, 
 
 perverfe  lips  put  far  from  thee.  _  ofiijys. 
 
 25  Let  thine  eyes  look  right  on,  and  let  thine  eje-  ||  Or,  aU 
 lids  look  ftraight  before  thee. 
 
 26  Ponder  the  path  of  thy  feet,  and  U  let  all  thy 
 
 ways  be  eftablifhed.  aright. 
 
 27  ^  Turn  not  to  the  right  hand  nor  to  the  left :  re-  f  Ueut. 
 
 move  thy  foot  from  evil.f  5.  32. 
 
 CHAP.  V. 
 
 1  Solomon  exhorteth  to  the  study  of  wisdom  ;  3  he  sheweth  the  mischief  if 
 whoredom  and  riot ;  15  he  exhorteth  to  contentedness,  liberality,  and 
 chastity.  22  The  wicked  overtaken  with  their  own  tins. 
 
 Y  fon,  attend  unto  my  wifdom,  and  bow  thine 
 ear  to  my  underftanding  ; 
 
 are  under  the  deftrudiive  influence  of  God’s  curfe  ;  but  good  men,  being  under 
 the  influence  of  his  favour  and  blefling,  may  be  bappy  in  the  meaneft  condition 
 upon  earth.  34.  God  will  certainly  at  laft  expofe  proud  mockers  of  religion  and 
 virtue  to  fcorn  and  contempt ;  but  will  render  fuch  as  are  meek  and  humble  high¬ 
 ly  refpefled  and  honoured.  35.  And  though  perfons  truly  wife  unto  falvation  may 
 far  a  time  be  abufively  reproached  and  contemned,  yet  they  fhall,  in  the  mofl  free 
 and  fixed  manner,  enjoy  honour  from  God  and  men  at  laft  ;  avliereas  contempt 
 and  mifery  are  all  the  promotion  that  wicked  men,  ignorant  of  God  and  regardlefs 
 of  their  true  intereft  fhall  ever  attain. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  IV.  Ver.  1,  2.  My  dear  young  friends, 
 attend  to  and  receive  thefe  affedlionate,  wholefome,  and  profitable  inftrucilions, 
 which  I  give  you  ;  and  while  you  live,  earneftly  pradtife  the  fame.  S.  They  are 
 the  very  fame  which  I  rayfelf,  as  a  darling  fon,  and  intended  fucceffor  on  the 
 throne,  received  from  my  pious  and  affedlionate  father  David.  4 — 9.  He,  in  the 
 mod  careful  and  earneft  manner,  inftrudled  me  in  my  childhood,  and  begged  me 
 to  fix  his  inftrudlions  and  diredlions  in  my  heart,  and  pradlife  them  in  my  life,  as 
 the  means  of  attaining  to  true  and  lading  felicity.  He  earneftly  recommended  to 
 me  the  getting  of  Jefus  Chrift,  and  the  true  knowledge  and  fear  of  God  in  him,  and 
 cle,iving  thereto,  as  the  grand  and  efledlual  means  of  prefervalion  from  fin  and 
 danger;  and  of  obtaining  happinefs  and  honour  both  in  time  and  eternity.  10 — 1 3, 
 As  you  with  to  live  long  and  profperoufly,  receive,  and  obftrve  in  your  pracSlice 
 thefe  my  inftru(5\ions.  I  do  not  diredt  you  into  paths  of  folly,  fraud,  or  perverfe- 
 nefi,  but  into  a  courfe  of  wifdom,  integrity,  and  virtue  :  in  which  you  may  profe- 
 cute  bufinefs  without  any  entangling  difficultie.',  and  with  eafe,  difpatcb,  and  cer¬ 
 tain  fuccefs.  Carefully  fix  thefe  inflrudtions  in  your  mind  and  heart,  and  perfe- 
 
 vere  in  pradlice  of  them,  as  on  this  your  happinefs  in  time  and  eternity  depends. 
 14 — 19.  With  the  utmoft  care  and  abhorrence  avoid  the  company  and  courfe  of 
 wicked  men,  and  every  temptation  thereto  ;  and,  with  the  greateft  fpeed  and 
 earneftnefs,  flee  from  it  if  you  have  been  entangled  ;  for  fuch  is  the  malignity  of 
 their  difpofitioDS,  that  they  can  take  no  reft  till  they  execute  tbeir  villainous  inten¬ 
 tions,  and  are  perpetually  difturbing  themfelves  in  order  to  ruin  others.  They 
 neither  have,  nor  defire,  any  other  provifion  to  live  on  than  what  tbev  get  by  un¬ 
 juft  and  violent  courfes.  And,  while  good  men  grow  daily  in  knowledge,  grace 
 and  bolinefs  of  converfation,  till  they  arrive  at  perfedlion,  wicked  men,  amidft  grofs 
 ignorance,  error,  confufion,  crimes,  and  wretebednefs,  rufli  on  heedlefsly  till  they 
 are  plunged  into  everlafting  mifery.  20 — 27.  And,  in  order  to  retain  in  heart,  and 
 pradtife  in  life,  thefe  my  excellent  infirudlions,  which  are  a  fource  of  lafting,  and 
 complete  happinefs  to  all  who  improve  them  aright,  watch  over  your  heart,  and 
 keep  your  mind,  confcience,  will,  affetSlions,  thoughts,  and  defire  with  uncommon 
 earneftnefs,  as  from  thefe  do  originally  ilTue  the  eternal  happinefs  or  mifery  of 
 mankind.  Refolutely  fhun  all  impure  or  wicked  difeourfe;  and  never  let  any 
 corrupt,  falfe,  filthy,  idle,  pafiionate,  or  fcornful  communication  proceed  from  your 
 lips.  Let  your  mind  and  thoughts  be  fixed  only  upon  the  right  paths  of  bolinefs 
 and  virtue,  that  you  may  walk  in  them  without  ever  turning  from  them  ;  and  never 
 let  your  eyes,  by  fixing  on  improper  objedls,  feduce  you  into  fin  or  danger.  Be¬ 
 fore  you  fix  upon  any  adlion,  carefully  examine  whether  it  is  agreeable  to  God’s 
 law,  and  anfwerable  to  the  end  for  which  you  intend  it ;  and  let  cver.y  ftep  you 
 take  in  life  be  rightly  ordered,  according  to  the  rule  of  his  word.  And,  by  (liun- 
 ning  extremes  on  every  hand,  labour  to  avoid  every  thing  oflTenfive,  or  injurious 
 either  to  God  or  men. 
 
 PRACiTCAI.  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  HI.]  Real  religion  has  a  happy  and  effedlual  tendency  to  render  men  happy  in  themfelves  and  blelTings  to  all 
 around.  Iho'e  who  defpife  it  are  generally  mean  fpirited,  foolifli,  and  feif-ruining  wretches,  diflionourers  of  God,  and  plagues  to  mankind.  But  great  is  tlie  ftiame 
 that  the  profeffors  of  the  true  religion  fo  little  conform  their  lives  to  its  excellent  rules.  And  comely  would  the  church  of  God  appear,  if  that  regard  for  his  law  faith 
 in  him,  devotion,  refignation  to  his  will,  diligence  in  his  work,  and  that  truth,  mercy,  equity,  peacefulnefs,  meeknefs,  humility,  prudence  to  war  ds'^men,  required 'in  his 
 word,  were  duly  oxercifed.  ^ 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — f  Chap.  IV.]  It  is  the  greateft  honour,  as  well  as  duty  of  parents,  carefully  to  inftrudi  their  children  ‘  and  it  may  be 
 infinitely  ufeful  after  inftruaors  and  inftruaed  are  laid  in  the  drift.  Unfpeakably  excellent  is  Jefus  Chrift,  his  grace  and  holy  religion.  Multitudes  of  powerful  rea 
 Ions  engage  us  to  remember  and  cleave  to  them  ;  and  to  love,  delight  in,  and  exalt  them.  Yet  how  apt  are  our  corrupt  hearts  to  enfnare  us  into  fellowftiip  with  wicked 
 perfons,  or  praaices,  or  even  render  us  intent  on,  and  delighted  in,  the  moft  cruel  and  barbarous  conduai  But  wide  is  the  difference  in  time,  and  efnecially  in  eternity 
 between  the  way  of  bolinefs  and  that  of  iniquity.  While  the  faints  gradually  grow  in  grace  here,  and  live  in  endlefs  felicity  hereafter,  the  wicked  blindly  rufh  forward 
 into  everlafting  mifery.  Great  circurnfpeaion,  diligence,  and  watchfulnefs,  are  therefore  neceffary  in  denying  ungodlinefs  and  worldly  lufts,  and  in  liviug  foberly 
 
 righteoully,  and  godly  in  this  evil  world. 
 
 7  O 
 
 19 
 
The  pleasurei  oj  chaste  marriage. 
 
 PROVERBS. 
 
 Before 
 thrift 
 cir.  1000. 
 
 ■  a  -Cbap. 
 %  16.  & 
 
 6.  24. 
 t  Heb. 
 palate. 
 
 b  Chap. 
 
 7.  3. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 thy 
 
 $trength. 
 
 2  That  thou  mayeft  regard  difcretion,  and  that  thy 
 lips  may  keep  knowledge. 
 
 S  II *  *  For  the  lips  of  a  ttrange  woman  drop  as  an 
 honey  comb,  and  her  f  mouth  is  fmoother  than  oil : 
 
 4  But  iier  end  is  bitter  as  wormwood,  (harp  as  a 
 two-edged  fword. 
 
 5  Her  feet  go  down  to  death  ;  her  fleps  take  hold 
 on  hell. 
 
 6  Left  thou  fhouldft  ponder  the  path  of  life,  her 
 ways  are  moveable,  that  thou  canft  not  know  them. 
 
 7  Hear  me  now  therefore,  O  ye  children,  and  de¬ 
 part  not  from  the  words  of  my  mouth. 
 
 8  Remove  thy  way  far  from  her,  and  come  not 
 nigh  the  door  of  her  houfe  ; 
 
 9  Left  thou  give  thine  honour  unto  others,  and  thy 
 years  unto  the  cruel ; 
 
 10  Left  ftrangers  be  filled  with  thy  f  wealth,  and 
 thy  labours  he  in  the  houfe  of  a  ftranger ; 
 
 11  And  thou  mourn  at  the  laft,  when  thy  flefh  and 
 thy  body  are  confumed. 
 
 12  And  fay,  How  have  I  hated  inftruftion,  and  my 
 heart  defpifed  reproof : 
 
 13  And  have  not  obeyed  the  voice  of  my  teachers, 
 nor  inclined  mine  ear  to  them  that  inftru(fted  me! 
 
 14  1  was  almoft  in  all  evil  in  the  midft  of  the  con¬ 
 gregation  and  aflembly. 
 
 15  If  Drink  waters  out  of  thine  own  ciftern,  and 
 running  waters  out  of  thine  own  well. 
 
 16  Let  thy  fountains  be  difperfed  abroad,  and  rivers 
 of  waters  in  the  ftreets. 
 
 17  Let  them  be  only  thine  own,  and  not  ftrangers 
 with  thee. 
 
 18  Let  thy  fountain  be  blelTed  :  and  rejoice  with 
 waterthee.  the  wife  of  t  hy  youth. 
 
 loving  hind  and  pleafant  roe; 
 ^way^in  ^er  breafts  t  I’atisfy  thee  at  all  times;  and  f  be 
 her  love.  thou  ravifhed  always  with  her  love. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 «n. 
 
 Against  stir eti ship  and  idleness. 
 
 20  And  why  wilt  thou,  my  fon,  be  ravifhed  with  a  Befor  * 
 ftrange  woman,  and  embrace  the  bofom  of  a  ftranger 
 
 2 1  For  the  ways  of  man  are  before  the  eyes  of  the''*^’ 
 Lord,  and  he  pondereth  all  his  goings. 
 
 22  His  own  iniquities  (hall  take  the  wicked  him- sk  4.  & 
 lelf,  and  he  (hall  be  holden  with  the  cords  of  his  f  fins.  21,* 
 
 23  He  (hall  die  without  inftrudfion  ;  and  in  the^‘’*P’ 
 greatnefs  of  his  felly  he  (hall  go  aftray.* 
 
 16.  13.  32.  19.  f  Heb'”" 
 
 CHAP.  VI.  ^  ■ 
 
 1  .^gainst  suretiship,  6  idleness,  1 2  and  mischievousness.  22  The  bles¬ 
 sings  of  obedience.  25  The  mischiefs  of  whoredom. 
 
 Y  (bn,  if  thou  be  lurety  for  thy  friend,  r/thou 
 ^  haft  ftricken  thy  hand  with  a  ftranger. 
 
 Thou  art  (hared  with  the  words  of  thy  mouth, 
 thou  art  taken  with  the  words  of  thy  mouth. 
 
 3  Do  this  now,  my  fon,  and  deliver  thyfelf,  when 
 
 thou  art  come  into  the  hand  of  thy  friend  ;  go,  humble 
 thyfelf,  II  and  make  fure  thy  friend.  n  Or,  ,9 
 
 4  Give  not  deep  to  thine  eyes,  nor  dumber  to  thine 
 
 eyelids,  prevail 
 
 5  Deliver  thyfelf  as  a  roe  from  the  hand  of  the  hun-friJ,^f 
 ter.,  and  as  a  bird  from  the  hand  of  the  fowler. 
 
 6  H  Go  to  the  ant,  thou  duggard  ;  confider  her 
 ways,  and  be  wife  ; 
 
 7  Which  having  no  guide,  overfeer,  or  ruler, 
 
 8  Provideth  her  meat  in  the  Cummer,  and  gathereth 
 her  food  in  the  harveft. 
 
 9  ®  How  long  wilt  thou  deep,  O  duggard  ?  when  *  Chap, 
 
 wilt  thou  arife  out  cf  thy  deep  ?  24,33. 
 
 10  Yet  a  little  deep,  a  little  dumber,  a  little  folding 
 of  the  hands  to  deep: 
 
 11  So  fhall  thy  poverty  come  as  one  that  travel- b  Chap. 
 
 13.  4.  & 
 
 walketh^°‘^ 
 
 man, 
 
 leth,  and  thy  want  as  an  armed  man 
 
 12  ^  A  naughty  perfon,  a  wicked 
 with  a  froward  mouth. 
 
 13  He  winketh  with  his  eyes,  he  fpeakeih  with  his 
 feet,  he  teacheth  with  his  fingers  ; 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  V.  Ver.  1,  2.  And  my  children  what 
 I  am  juft  going  to  fay  requires  your  particular  and  moft  ferioUs  confideration,  that 
 you  may  be  able  to  preferve  yourfelves  from  the  moft  fubtle  and  dangerous  deceits, 
 and  by  your  pious  and  prudent  difeourfes  and  admonitions,  prevent  the  enfnare- 
 xnent  of  others.  3 — 6  For  aftonifhing  are  the  arts,  and  inconceivable  the  enchant¬ 
 ing  flatteries  of  whorifli  vyomen,  as  if  nothing  but  the  moft  pure  and  exquifite  plea- 
 fures  were  to  be  enjoyed  in  fellowfhip  with  them,  but  dreadful  is  the  real  ilTue 
 
 *thereof,  in  the  impairing  of  men’s  health,  ftrenglh,  eftates,  and  reputation  ;  and 
 in  remorfe  of  confcience,  wretched  death,  and  endlefs  damnation. — And,  to  pre¬ 
 vent  your  repentance  and  efcape  from  their  Ihames,  they  will  turn  themfelves  into 
 ten  thoufand  forms,  that  they  may  work  on  your  feveral  humours.  7 — 14.  Let 
 
 me  therefore,  with  the  utirioft  affetftion,  earneftnefs  and  folemnity,  befeech  you  to 
 avoid  fuch  women,  and  all,  even  the  moft  diftant  approaches  to  familiarity  with 
 them,  as  a  dangerous,  an  infernal  plague  ;  left  you  forfeit  your  credit,  and  faeri- 
 fice  your  vigour  of  life  to  bafe  and  cruel  wretches,  who  labour  to  ruin  you  to  every 
 intent  and  for  ever;  and  left  your  wealth  and  the  fruit  of  your  care  and  labour 
 ihouid  by  their  means  be  transferred  from  you  to  others  ;  and  when  your  fub- 
 ftance  is  gone,  and  your  body  pining  to  death  under  horrible  difeafes,  you  fltould 
 have  nothing  left  you  but  inexprelTible  torment  of  confcience,  refledling  upon  the 
 faithful  admonitions  of  parents  and  teachers,  which  you  have  contemned,  and  the 
 miferies  you  do  and  muft  for  ever  undergo.  15 — 19.  And  to  prevent  your  having 
 the  fmalleft  inclination  to  the  bafe  and  polluting  pleafures  of  whoredom,  marry  ; 
 and  in  a  wife  wholly  your  own,  enjoy  and  reft  contented  with  the  pure,  ebafte, 
 and  honourable  pleafures  of  the  marriage  ftate.  Take  pleafure  in  having  children 
 by  her,  fporting  in  the  ftreets,  or  difperfed  into  families.  Have  children  by  her 
 alone,  and  which  you  are  fufficiently  certain  are  really  your  own.  Make  your 
 wife  happy  by  an  affeaionate  cleaving  to  her  only  ;  and  take  pleafure  in  her  in¬ 
 nocent  and  delightful  company.  While  you  live  together,  let  her  always  be  amia¬ 
 
 ble  in  your  eyes  ;  cherifli  her  with  the  moft  tender  affeflion  t  and  in  her  enibracn 
 and  tender  regard,  always  take  fuch  fatisfatSlion  as  to  prevent  your  afi'e61ions  in 
 the  leaf!  fixing  upon  another  in  his  ftead.  20,  21.  And  when  you  can  fo  fully, 
 pleafantly,  fecureiy,  conftantly,  innocently  and  honourably,  enjoy  fuch  pleafure 
 in  a  pious  and  affecSlionate  wife,  why  rilk  every  thing  dear  to  enjoy  tlie  bafe,  dif- 
 honourable,  deftrudlive,  and  damning  pleafures  of  whoredom — elpecially  when  the 
 all-feeing  God  witneffes  your  moft  fecret  condudl,  and  will  quickly  reward  or 
 punilh  you  according  to  the  nature  of  it?  22,  23.  Nor  fhall  whoremongers  and 
 adulterers  long  efcape  his  infupportable  vengeance  ; — their  own  guilt  and  loft  fliali 
 for  ever  bind  and  bold  them  fall,  under  the  power  of  his  wrath.  To  punilh  their 
 contempt  of  former  inftrudlions  and  warnings,  God  fliall  abandon  them  to  impeni¬ 
 tence,  and  permits  them  madly  to  rufli  forward  through  increafing  crimes  into 
 endlefs  damnation . 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  VI,  Ver,  1— 5.  And  that  no  occafion 
 may  be  given  for  family  contentions  or  ruin,  let  me  admonifli  you  to  beware  of 
 all  rafh  engagements  in  furetifliip,  efpccially  for  fuch  whofe  honefty  or  ability 
 you  know  not;  but  if  you  have  ralhly  entangled  and  enflaved  yourfelf  by  fuch 
 obligations,  endeavour  as  quickly  as  polTihle,  by  every  humble  and  perfuafive 
 method  you  can  think  of;  nay  ftruggle  as  for  life,  to  difengage  yourfelf  by 
 preffing  the  debtor  to  pay  you  what  he  owes,  or  if  the  creditor  acquit  you  of  your 
 bond.'  6 — 11.  Meanwhile  never  indulge  yourfelf  in  floth,  and  want  of  pro¬ 
 vident  care ;  but  learn  from  thefe  puny  infetSls,  the  ants,  to  labour  diligently 
 in  your  calling,  and  carefully  improve  every  opportunity  of  honeflly  providing 
 for  yourfelf  and  your  family  ;  and  remember  that  if  that  inclination  to  idlenefs 
 and  sloth  fo  common  to  mankind  be  indulged  by  you,  whether  in  greater  or  ftnal- 
 ler  degrees,  unexpedled  and  at  laft  extreme  poverty  (halt  irrefiftibly  come  upon 
 you. - 12 — 15,  Remember  too  that  it  is  the  property  of  perfons  vile  and  wick¬ 
 
 ed  to  accuftom  themfelves  to  profane,  blafphemous,  proud,  pafllonate,  lewd,  or  re- 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. _ *  Chap.  V.]  It  is  ftiameful  and  Ihocking  that  mankind  fhould  be  inclined,  nay  fo  much  inclined,  to  a  fin  fo  bafe,  fo 
 
 beaftly  and  ruinous  as  whoredom. — That,  even  in  the  fex  in  whom  modefty  ought  to  fliine  with  diftinguiflied  luftre,  wretches  ftould  be  found,  who  impudently 
 entice  to  it '  Surely  it  muft  be  abfurd  to  prefer  its  pleafures,  attended  with  miferies  innumerable,  to  the  innocent,  the  fanaified  joys  and  honours  of  the  marriage 
 ftate!  But  no  wonder  that  they  who  atheiftically  diferedit  the  omnifcience  and  juftice  of  God,  and  live  thoughtlefs  of  their  future  account  fliould  proceed  to 
 the  moft  infamous  lengths  in  wickednefs.  Yet  let  them  remember  that  in  the  moft  miferable  manner,  correfpondent  to  their  fins,  they  lhall  at  laft  be  hurried  mW 
 
 endlefs  fire. 
 
I  Heb. 
 
 cnsteth 
 
 forth, 
 
 *1  Heb. 
 cf  his  soul 
 ^Heb. 
 Hougiiiy 
 eyes, 
 c  Rom. 
 S.  15. 
 
 d  Chap. 
 
 1.8. 
 
 s^jig  mischiejs  '^f  'whoredon. 
 
 sew  1  i  Frowardnefs  h  in  his  heart,  he  devifeth  milchief 
 Christ  continually  ;  he  t  foweth  diicord. 
 jooo.  Therefore  fhall.his  calamity  come  luddenly  \ 
 
 fuddenly  fbail  he  be  broken  without  remedy. 
 
 16  H  Thefe  fix doth  the  Lord  hate;  yea, 
 feven  are  an  abomination  t  unto  him  :  .  ,  .  , 
 
 27  ^j.  A  proud  look,  a  lying  tongue,  and  hands  that 
 
 fhed  innocent  blood,  .  ,  j  .  • 
 
 18  An  heart  that  devifeth  wicked  imaginations, 
 
 c  feet  that  be  fwift  in  running  to  milchief, 
 
 19  A  falfe  witnefs  (hat  fpeaketh  lies,  and  him  that 
 
 foweth  difcord  among  brethren. 
 
 20  H  My  (on,  keep  thy  father  s  commandment, 
 and  forfake  not  the  law  of  thy  mother  ; 
 
 21  Bind  them  continually  upon  thine  heart,  and  tie 
 
 them  about  thy  neck.  „  „  .  ,  ,  . 
 
 22  When  thou  goeft,  it  lhall  lead  thee  ;  when  thou 
 fleepeft  it  (hall  keep  thee ;  and  when  thou  awakelt, 
 
 it  lhall  talk  with  thee.  i  .  , 
 
 23  ®  For  the  commandment  z.9  a  ||  lamp  ;  and  the  law 
 
 19. 8.  &  .  and  reproofs  of  inftrii£tion  are  the  way  of  life  : 
 
 24  ^  To  keep  thee  from  the  evil  woman,  from  the 
 laJk.  flattery  H  of  the  tongue  of  a  ftrange  woman. 
 
 f  Chap.  25  f  s  Lull  not  after  her  beauty  in  thine  heart ; 
 
 *  neither  let  her  take  thee  with  her  eyelids ; 
 
 '  ’  26  For  by  means  of  a  whorilh  woman  a  man  is 
 
 brought  to  a  piece  of  bread  ;  and  f  the  adulterefs  will 
 hunr  for  the  precious  life.  _  , , .  ,  v 
 
 27  Can  a  man  take  fire  in  his  bofom,  and  his  clothes 
 
 gMruh,  not  be  burnt?  ,  , .  r'  u 
 
 28  Can  one  go  upon  hot  coals,  and  his  feet  not  be 
 
 burnt? 
 
 man,  a  29  So  he  that  goeth  in  to  his  neighbours  wife; 
 r»nn,or,a  wholbever  toucheth  her  fliall  not  be  innocent,  _ 
 man's  gQ  Men  do  not  defpife  a  thief,  if  he  fteal  to  latisfy 
 
 his  foul  when  he  is  hungry  ;  r  r-  ,  j 
 
 31  But  if  he  be  found,  he  lhall  reflore  feven  fold  ; 
 
 he  lhall  give  all  the  fubftance  of  his  houfe. 
 
 PROVERBS. 
 
 The 
 
 cunning 
 
 of  a  whorish  woman. 
 
 c  Pfalms 
 
 5.  3.  & 
 
 7.  5. 
 
 B  Or, 
 of  the 
 strange 
 tongue 
 g  Mai 
 5.28. 
 t  Heb. 
 the  wo¬ 
 man  of  a 
 
 wife 
 
 Before 
 Clirift/ 
 cir.  ICOO.* 
 
 32  But  whofo  committeth  adultery  with  a  woman 
 
 lacketh  f  underltanding  :  he  that  doeth  it  deftroyeth 
 his  own  foul.  _  . 
 
 33  A  wound  and  difhonour  fhall  he  get ;  and  hisi^ti®i>' 
 
 reproach  lhall  not  be  wiped  away,  ^ 
 
 34  For  jealoufy  is  the  rage  of  a  man  ;  therefore  he  j/e 
 
 will  not  (pare  in  the  day  of  vengeance.  _  not  accept 
 
 35  t  He  will  not  regard  any  ranfom  ;  neither  w'ill 
 he  reft  content,  though  thou  giveft  many  gifts.* 
 
 CHAP.  VII. 
 
 1  Solomon  persuadeth  to  a  sincere  and  kind  familiarity  with  wisdom.  6 
 
 In  an  example  of  his  own  ex]}erience,  he  sheweth,  10  the  cunning  of  a 
 
 whore,  22  and  the  desperate  simplicity  of  a  young  wanton. 
 
 Y  fon,  keep  my  words,  and  lay  up  my  com- 
 mandments  with  thee. 
 
 2  Keep  my  commandments,  and  live  ;  and  my  law 
 as  the  apple  of  thine  eye. 
 
 3  *  Bind  them  upon  thy  fingers,  write  them  upon  a  Deut. 
 
 the  table  of  thine  heart.  * 
 
 4  Say  unto  wifdom.  Thou  art  ray  fifter  ;  and  call  3%. 
 underftanding  ihy  kinfwoman  : 
 
 5  b  That  they  may  keep  thee  from  the  ftrange  wo-b  Chap, 
 man,  from  the  ftranger  which  flattereth  with  her  words. 
 
 6  H  For  at  the  window  of  my  houfe  I  looked  through 
 my  cafement. 
 
 7  And  beheld  among  the  fimple  ones,  I  difcerned 
 among  f  the  youths,  a  young  man  void  of  under- f  Heb. 
 handing. 
 
 8  PafiTing  through  the  ftreet  near  her  corner  ;  and 
 he  went  the  way  to  her  houfe. 
 
 9  lu  the  twilight,  f  in  the  evening,  in  the  black  and  f  Heb.  m 
 dark  night ; 
 
 10  And,  behold,  there  met  him  a  woman  with  the’J^"^'^ 
 attire  of  an  harlot,  and  fubtle  of  heart. 
 
 11  (<=  She  is  loud  and  liubborn  ;  her  feet  abide  note  Chap, 
 in  her  houfe  : 
 
 12  Now  is  she  without,  now  in  the  ftreets,  and  lieth 
 in  wait  at  every  corner.) 
 
 proachful  difeourfe,  or  by  flgns  made  with  their  eyes,  feet  or  fingers,  to  flir  up 
 others  to  mifebief.  The  heart  of  fuch  being  filled  with  perverfe  inclinations, 
 they  are  perpetually  contriving  mifebief,  and  fiirring  up  hatred  and  contention 
 among  their  neighbours  ;  but  fuddenly  lhall  their  villany  and  wickednefs  ilTue  in 
 their  irretrievable  infamy  and  ruin.  16 — 19.  And  indeed  proud  looks,  lying 
 tongues,  murderous  hands,  hearts  given  to  mifehievous  contrivances,  feet  given 
 to  a  fpcedy  execution  of  injurious  defigns,  perjured  perfons,  and  fowers  of  dif¬ 
 cord  among  friends  or  neighbours,  are  diflinguifhed  objedls  of  God  s  indigna¬ 
 tion.  20 _ 22.  Let  me  therefore  again  prefs  you  to  attend  to,  highly  efieem, 
 
 and  carefully  practice  thofe  divine  inftrudlions  which  have  been  tendered  to  you 
 by  your  parents.  This  will  he  of  great  ufe  to  diredl,  preferve  and  comfort  you 
 in  your  whole  labours  of  life.  23,  24.' For  the  law  of  God,  as  a  lamp,  guides  in 
 adverfity,  and,  as  the  light  of  the  fun,  direAs  and  comforts  in  profperity  ;  and 
 the  reproofs  of  bis  word  are  excellent  means  of  preferving  from  ruin  £md  leading 
 to  true  happinefs;  and  are  particularly  ufeful  to  preferve  from  being  deluded  by 
 the  flattering  fpeeches  and  enticements  of  lewd  women,  thofe  finks  of  wickednefs, 
 and  plagues  of  mankind.  25 — 29.  As  you  regard  your  temporal  or  eternal 
 welfare,  never  gaze  on  the  beauty  or  fine  attire  of  fuch  ;  never  let  their  wanton 
 and  enticing  looks  engage  you  to  the  mod  diftant  defire  after  their  dangerous 
 embraces;  for  if  once  they  enfnare  you  they  will  never  quit  their  hold  till  they 
 have  reduced  you  to  extreme  beggary,  or  to  a  miferable  or  ignominious  death. 
 You  may  more  fafeiy  take  fire  into  your  bofom,  or  Walk  upon  burning  coals, 
 than  intermeddle,  however  privately  or  tranfiently,  with  a  whorifli  woman, 
 particularly  if  either  party  he  married.  30 — 35.  If  one  merely  deal  to  fill  his 
 hungry  belly,  he  is  not  expofed  to  (hame  or  punilhment ;  and  if  it  be  found  that 
 he  has  dolen  more,  it  is  only  required  that  he  fhould  make  complete  reditution 
 
 according  to  the  law,  which  may  perhaps  amount  to  all  that  he  is  worth.  But  he 
 who  commits  adultery  with  a  woman  can  have  no  neceffily  fer  it,  but  a(51s  through 
 mere  folly  and  wickednefs,  and  fo  expofes  himfelf  to  the  lofs  of  his  life,  by  thp  ma- 
 gidrates,  as  well  as  to  eternal  damnation  from  the  hand  of  God.  He  expofes 
 himfelf  to  bloody  quarrels,  and  renders  himfelf  irrecoverably  infamous.  And, 
 though  the  civil  magidrate  fhould  wickedly  fparc  his  life,  yet  it  is  expofed  to  tha 
 fury  of  a  judly  enraged  hufband,  who  will  regard  no  penitential  fubmidions  or 
 entreaties,  and  accept  no  gifts  as  the  ranfom  of  it. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  Vll.  Ver.  1—5.  My  dear  young 
 friends,  let  me  again  prefs  upon  your  coufciences  to  lay  up  my  advices  and  indruc- 
 tions  in  your  judgment,  heart  and  memory;  and  carefully,  tenderly,  and  readily, 
 to  obferve  and  pradlife.them.  Make  yourfelves  familiar  with  Jefus  Chrid,  and 
 his  fpiritual  indrudlions,  as  the  mod  powerful  means  of  prefervation  from  the 
 enfnaring  arts  and  flatteries  of  wborifh  women,  which  is  a  privilege  of  infinite 
 importance.  6 — 9.  For,  from  my  own  window,  I  obferved  a  thoughtlefs  young 
 fop  fauntering  under  night  in  the  dreets,  and  in  a  dately  manner  walking  to¬ 
 wards  a  corner  which  thefe  infamous  flrumpets  ufed  to  haunt ;  10 — 20.  There, 
 one  dreffed  in  a  light  and  whorifli  manner,  and  extremely  fkillcd  in  the  arts  of 
 enticement,  one  extremely  talkative,  ready  to  brawl  with  her  hufband,  given 
 
 to  idle  vifuing,  and  gadding  about  to  places  of  diffipation  or  concourfe _ met 
 
 him,  caught  him  in  her  arms  and  kiffed  him,  and  in  an  impudent  manner  told 
 him  that,  being  a  devout  lady,  fhe  bad  that  very  day  been  ottering  thank-offer¬ 
 ings  to  God  ;  and,  being  to  fead  upon  her  fhare  of  the  flefli  thereof,  (he  had 
 folicitoufly  fought  him  to  take  part  of  it,  and  had  happily  found  him  and 
 
 that  fhe  had  decked  and  perfumed  her  bed  in  the  mod  engaging  manner _ in 
 
 which  they  might  riot  all  night  in  cxquifite  pleafures,  without  any  danger,  as 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  VI.]  On  this  chapter  we  are  to  confider,  1.  That  the  advice  Solomon  gives,  not  to  become  furety  for  another, 
 does  not  mean,  that  we  fhould  never  be  bound  for  any  perfon  whatever  ;  but  this  prudent  maxim  means  only,  that  no  one  fhould  ralhly  engage  for  another  ;  and  that 
 the  Ifraelites,  in  particular,  were  to  beware  of  being  bound  for  others  with  drangers.  This  was  founded  upon  God’s  command,  that  the  Ifraelites  fliould  not  hav« 
 particular  dealings  with  the  neighbouring  nations,  and  bccaufe  fuch  furetidiip  occafioned  feveral  inconveniencies.  2.  We  ought  to  remember  well  what  the  wife  maa 
 faith  of  idlenefs,  and  of  the  great  mifehiefs  that  attend  it ;  and  above  all,  we  ought  to  avoid  it,  becaufe  it  corrupts  the  mind,  and  leads  us  into  fin.  The  curfes  de¬ 
 nounced  in  this  and  the  following  chapter  againd  unclean  perfons,  prove  that  the  divine  vengeance  purfues  them  in  a  particular  manner  ;  and  experience  confirms  theft 
 tbwaienings  j  but  what  the  gofpel  fays  of  thefe  odious  fins  fhould  affedl  us  dill  more,  as  it  leaves  no  room  to  doubt  but  God  will  punifh  thoft  who  give  way  to  them. 
 
1.  he  excellency  and  nature  of  'tsciidom : 
 
 PROVERBS. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chriit 
 
 ■LOGO. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 the 
 
 strength¬ 
 ened  her 
 face,  and 
 said. 
 t  Heb. 
 Peace- 
 pfferings 
 are  upon 
 me. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 it  his 
 hand. 
 
 B  Or, 
 the  neiw 
 moon- 
 f  Heb. 
 suddenly. 
 
 d  Cbap. 
 2.  13.  & 
 5.  5. 
 
 13  So  fhe  caught  him,  and  kiffed  him,  and  f  with 
 an  ’mpudent  face  faid  unto  him, 
 
 14  t  I  have  peace-offerings  with  me;  this  day  have 
 1  paid  my  vows  ; 
 
 J  5  Therefore  came  I  forth  to  meet  thee,  diligently 
 to  leek  thy  face,  and  I  have  found  thee. 
 
 16  I  have  decked  my  bed  with  coverings  of  tapeffry, 
 with  carved  works,  with  fine  linen  of  Egypt. 
 
 17  I  have  perfumed  my  bed  with  myrrh,  aloes,  and 
 cinnamon. 
 
 _  18  Come,  let  us  take  our  fill  of  love  until  the  morn* 
 mg  ;  let  us  folace  ourfelves  W’ith  loves. 
 
 19  For  the  goodman  is  not  at  home,  he  is  gone  a 
 long  journey  : 
 
 20  He  hath  taken  a  bag  of  money  f  with  him,  a?id 
 Vv'ill  come  home  at  ||  the  day  appointed. 
 
 21  With  her  much  fair  fpeech  fhe  caufed  him  to 
 yield,  with  the  flattering  of  her  lips  fliedorced  him. 
 
 22  He  goeth  after  her  f  flraightway,  as  an  ox  goeth 
 to  the  flaughter,  or  as  a  fool  to  the  correftion  of  the 
 nocks  ; 
 
 23  Till  a  dart  ftrike  through  his  liver ;  as  a  bird 
 hafteth  to  the  fnare,  and  knoweth  not  that  it  is  for 
 his  life. 
 
 24  ^  Hearken  unto  me  now  therefore,  O  ye  chi!- 
 dren,  and  attend  to  the  words  of  my  mouth  ; 
 
 25  Let  not  thine  heart  decline  to  her  ways,  go  not 
 affray  in  her  paths  : 
 
 26  For  (lie  hath  caff  down  many  wounded  ;  yea, 
 many  ffrong  men  have  been  llain  by  her. 
 
 27  Her  boufe  is  the  way  to  hell,  going  down  to 
 the  chambers  of  death.* 
 
 Her  power,  riches,  and 
 
 a  Chap. 
 1,  20. 
 
 CHAP.  VIII. 
 
 The  fame,  6  the  evidence,  10  the  excellency,  12  the  nature,  15  the 
 power,  18  the  riches,  22  and  the  eternity  of  wisdom. 
 
 ^OTH  not  wifdom  “  cry  ?  and  underftanding  put 
 .  forth  her  voice 
 
 2  She  ftandeth  on  the  top  of  high  places,  by  the 
 way  in  the  places  of  the  paths  ; 
 
 SiShe  crieth  at  the  gates,  at  the  entry  of  the  city, 
 at  the  coming  in  at  the  doors : 
 
 4  Unto  you,  O  men,  I  call  j  and  my  voice  is  to  the 
 fons  of  man. 
 
 5  O  ye  fimple,  nnderftand  wifdDra  ;  and,  ye  fools, 
 be  ye  of  an  undeiffanding  heart. 
 
 6  f  Hear  ;  for  I  will  fpeak  of  excellent  things  ;  and 
 the  opening  of  my  lips  shall  he  right  things. 
 
 the  filly  ftltow  called  her  hufband  was  gone  a  long  journey,  had  a  great  deal  of 
 bufinefsto  tianfadl,  and  would  not  return  till  the  full  moon.  21 — 24.  Notwith- 
 flanding  his  fiiewing  fome  averfion  at  firfl;,  Ihe  by  her  fair  pretences  and  flatter¬ 
 ing  fpeeehes,  quickly  compelled  him  to  follow  her,  as  willingly,  and  no  lefs  (lu- 
 pidly,  than  an  ox  goeth  to  the  flaughter,  or  a  madman  to  the  flocks, — never  think¬ 
 ing  of  any  thing  but  pleafure,  till  the  enraged  hufband  fheath  his  fword  in  his 
 bowels,  or  the  judgments  of  God  accomplifn  his  irretrievable  ruin  !  24 — 27.  Let 
 me  therefore  befeech  you  my  dear  young  men,  whom  I  unfeignedly  regard,  dili¬ 
 gently  to  obferve  and  praiSUfe  thefe  warnings  wliicli  I  have  repeatedly  given  you, 
 Never  indulge  Uie  fmallefl  inclination  towards  fuch  women  never  liflen  to  their 
 enticements ;  never  indulge  the  fmalleft  fellowfhip  or  familiarity  with  fuch  ;  never 
 hope  to  be  fate  in,  or  return  from  fuch  courfes;  for  many,  even  of  thofe  noted  in 
 valour  and  wifdom,  have  been  totally  ruined  in  reputation,  eftate,  body,  and  foul, 
 by  fuch  women,  and  fellowfhip  with  them  is  the  certain  road  toamiferable  death, 
 and  eternal  damnation. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  VIII.  Ver.  1 — 11,  And  why,  to  your 
 
 7  For  ray  mouth  (hall  fpeak  truth  ;  and  wickedneff  Bef 
 
 IS  t  an  abomination  to  my  lips.  ^  ci,rhv 
 
 8  All  the  words  of  my  mouth  are  in  righteoufnefs  .'‘’'•‘ooo. 
 there  is  nothing  \  froward  or  perverfe  in  them 
 
 _  9  They  are  all  plain  to  him  that  underftandeth, 
 right  to  them  that  find  knowledge. 
 
 JO  II  Receive  ray  inffriiffion  and  not  filver;  and^Ht*- 
 knowledge  rather  than  choice  gold. 
 
 11 
 
 ,For  wifdom  is  better  than  rubies;  and  all  the'^'^"'' 
 
 things  that  may  be  defined  are  not  to  be  compared 
 
 to  It. 
 
 12  f  I  wirdom,  dwell  with  |l  prudence,  and  find  out 
 
 knowledge  of  witty  inventions.  s,  15,  ^ 
 
 13  The  fear  of  the  Lord  is  to  hate  evil :  pride  and 
 
 arrogancy,  and  the  evil  way,  and  the  froward  mouth  “uidi, 
 do  I  hate.  ’ 
 
 14  Couufel  is  mine,  and  found  wifdom  :  I  am  under, 
 ffanding  ;  I  have  ftrength. 
 
 15  f  By  me  kings  reign,  and  princes  decree  juftice 
 
 16  By  me  princes  rule,  and  nobles,  even  all  the 
 jjudges  of  the  earth, 
 
 17  I  love  them  that  love  me ;  and  thofe  that  feek 
 me  early  fhall. find  me. 
 
 18  '  Riches  and  honour  are  W'ith  me  ;  yea,  durablecChan 
 
 riches  and  righteoulhefs.  3.  k,. 
 
 19  My  fruit  is  better  than  gold,  yea.  than  fined  al. 
 
 gold  ;  and  my  revenue  than  choice  filver.  3.  u. 
 
 20  I  11  lead  in  the  way  of  righteoulhefs,  in  the  midftn  or, 
 
 of  the  paths  of  judgment ;  walk. 
 
 21  That  I  may  caufe  thofe  that  love  me  to  inherit 
 fubffance  ;  and  I  will  fill  their  treafures. 
 
 22  ^  The  Lord  poliefied  me  in  the  beginning  of 
 his  way,  before  his  works  of  old. 
 
 _  23  I  was  let  up  from  everlafting,  from  the  begin- 
 I  ning,  or  ever  the  earth  was. 
 
 I  24  When  there  were  no  depths,  I  was  brought  forth  ; 
 j  when  there  were  no  fountains  abounding  with  water.  I!  Or, 
 j  25  Before  the  mountains  were  fettled  ;  before 
 i  hills  was  I  brought  forth  ; 
 
 26  While  as  yet  he  had  not  made  the  earth,  nor  the  the  chief 
 
 II  fields,  nor  H  the  higheft  part  of  the  duff  of  ther“^»- 
 world.  II  9’’ 
 
 27  When  he  prepared  the  heavens,  I  was  there  ;  “  cTn? 
 when  he  fet  j]  a  compafs  upon  the  face  of  the  depth  ;  i.  9. 10. 
 
 28  When  he  effablifhed  the  clouds  above ;  when  he"^®’’ 
 ffrengthened  the  fountains  of  the  deep. 
 
 29  ^  When  he  gave  to  the  fea  his  decree,  that  the  lol  0. 
 
 ruin,  fiiould  you  lifteu  to  the  flattering  enticenients  of  whorifb  women,  when 
 Jefus  Clirifl,  the  wifdom  of  God,  by  himfelf  and  his  meffvngers,  in  the  moft  opeii 
 and  earneft  manner,  calls  you,  and  every  one  of  mankind,  even  the  moft  fimpla 
 and  fooliili,  to  the  ftudy  of  pure  and  fpiritual  wifdom  ;  to  lifteo,  to  confider,  and 
 believe  the  excellent,  pure,  holy,  fuhftautial,  faithful,  precious,  and  infinitely  ufe- 
 ful  oracles  of  his  word.  12 — 31.  And  in  order  to  enforce  his  call,  and  recom¬ 
 mend  liis  inflrudlions,  reprefents  himfelf  as  ibe  infinitely  wife  God,  the  fourec  of 
 I  all  wifdom  and  prudence;  the  infinitely  Holy  One,  who  detefts  every  thing 
 proud,  polluted,  or  perverfe  ; — and  the  Almighty  God,  able  to  execute  all  hi* 
 purpofes,  and  by  whofe  deputed  authority  all  the  magiftrates  on  earth  govern 
 their  fubjedls  ; — the  infinite  lover,  and  rich  rewarder,  of  all  that  feek  him,  par¬ 
 ticularly  in  youth  ; — tire  unexhauftible  portion,  and  unerring  guide,  of  all  thofe 
 who  receive  him  by  faith  ; — the  eternal  and  only  begotten  Ion  of  Jehovah,  ap¬ 
 pointed  to  be  our  mediator; — the  Almighty  maker  of  ail  things  in  heaven  and 
 earth  ; — and  who  from  his  infinite  and  peculiar  love  to  mankind,  took  a  diftin- 
 guiflied  pleafure  in  forming  the  earth  as  a  theatre,  wherein  he  flrould  appear,  fave 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — •  Chap.  VII. ]  The  frequent  warnings  of  the  wife  man,  from  the  beginning  of  this  book  to  guard  men  againft  impurity, 
 fltews  that  this  fin  is  utterly  inconfiftent  with  wifdom  and  the  fear  of  God.  Solomon  here  flrews,  that  we  cannot  too  ftudioufly  avoid  perfons  of  a  dilfolute  chara61er, 
 and  that  thofe  who  are  drawn  away  by  the  lufts  of  the  flelli  are  like  brute  beafts  which  have  no  underftanding,  and  haften  to  their  own  deftrutftion.  Thefe  warnings 
 will  have  ftill  greater  force,  if  we  confider  that,  befides  the  miferies  which  uncleannefs  expofes  men  to  in  tliis  life,  it  hurries  them  into  a  ftate  moft  fatal  to  the  foul  and 
 to  their  eternal  welfare ;  and  we  Ihould  furely  attentively  weigh  the  declarations  of  the  gofpel  on  this  head,  which  are  ftill  more  exprefs  than  thofe  of  Solomon. 
 
The  discipline  and  doctrine  of  'wisdom. 
 
 PROVERBS. 
 
 Of  sundry  moral  virtues,  S'C- 
 
 cir 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 1000. 
 
 f  Pfalras 
 116.  1.2. 
 &  128.  1. 
 Luke 
 11.  28. 
 t  Heb. 
 bring 
 forth. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 her 
 
 killing. 
 
 a  Matth. 
 
 7.  6. 
 
 W3t6rs  fhould  not  psfs  his  corrmsndiiiCDt .  when  he 
 appointed  the  fecundations  of  the  earth  : 
 
 SO  Then  I  was  by  him,  as  one  brought  up  •with  him : 
 and  I  was  daily  his  delight,  rejoicing  always  before 
 
 him ;  ^ .  l  j 
 
 31  Rejoicing  in  the  habitable  part  of  his  earth  ;  and 
 
 my  delights  were  with  the  fons  of  men. 
 
 32  Now  therefore  hearken  unto  me,  O  ye  chil-' 
 dren  :  for  ^  blefTed  are  they  that  keep  my  ways. 
 
 33  Hear  inttrufiion,  and  be  wife,  and  refufe  it  not. 
 
 34  Bleffed  is  the  man  that  heareth  me,  watching 
 daily  at  my  gates,  waiting  at  the  pofts  of  ray  doors.  | 
 
 35  For  whofo  findeth  me  findeth  life,  and  fhall  f  ob- ! 
 
 tain  favour  of  the  Lord.  I 
 
 36  But  he  that  finneth  againft  me  wrongeth  his  own  i 
 
 foul :  all  they  that  hate  me  love  death.*  j 
 
 CHAP.  IX. 
 
 1  The  discipline,  4  and  do&rine  of  •‘joisdom,  13  The  cujlom,  16  and  error 
 of  folly, 
 
 WISDOM  hath  builded  her  houfe,  fhe  hath 
 hewn  out  her  feven  pillars ; 
 
 2  She  hath  killed  f  her  beads ;  fhe  hath  mingled  her 
 wine  ;  fhe  hath  alfo  furnifl'ied  her  table  : 
 
 3  She  hath  fent  forth  her  maidens :  fhe  crieth  upon 
 the  highefl  places  of  the  city, 
 
 4  Whofo  fs  fimple,  let  him  turn  in  hither:  as  for 
 him  that  wanteth  underftanding,  fhe  faith  to  him, 
 
 5  Come,  eat  of  my  bread,  and  drink  of  the  wine 
 which  I  have  mingled. 
 
 6  Forfake  the  foolifh,  and  live  ;  and  go  in  the  way 
 of  underftanding. 
 
 7  He  that  reproveth  a  fcorner  getteth  to  himfelf 
 fhame ;  and  he  that  rebuketh  a  wicked  man  getteth 
 himfelf  a  blot. 
 
 8  ®  Reprove  not  a  fcorner,  left;  he  hate  thee ;  rebuke 
 a  wife  man  and  he  will  love  thee. 
 
 9  Give  instruction  to  a  wife  man,  and  he  will  be 
 
 yet  wiser;  teach  a  juft  man,  and  he  will  increafe  in 
 
 learning.  ,  ,  .  •  •  c  jooo, 
 
 10  The  fear  of  the  Lord  is  the  beginning  of  wil 
 dom  ;  and  the  knowledge  of  the  holy  is  uuderftandin,. 
 
 1 1  '  For  by  me  thy  days  fhall  be  multiplied,  and  the 
 
 years  of  thy  life  fl^all  be  increafed.  .  r 
 
 12  If  thou  be  wife,  thou  fhalt  be  wife  for  thyfelf .  Chap. 
 
 but  if  thou  fcorneft,  thou  alone  fhalt  bear  c  cLp, 
 
 13  ^  A  foolifh  woman  is  clamorous ;  she  is  limpie, 
 
 and  knoweth  nothing.  ,  u  r  t 
 
 14  For  fhe  fitteth  at  the  door  of  her  houfe,  on  av.  ii. 
 
 feat  in  the  high  places  of  the  city,  . 
 
 15  To  call  paflengers  who  go  right  on  their  ways  : 
 
 16  Whofo  is  fimple,  let  him  turn  in  hither ;  and  as 
 
 for  him  that  wanteth  underftanding,  ftie  faith  to  , 
 
 17  Stolen  w'aters  are  Iweet,  and  bread  t  eaten  ttt 
 fecret  is  pleafant. 
 
 18  But  he  knoweth  not  that  the  dead  are  there; 
 and  that  her  guefts  are  in  the  depths  of  hell.f 
 
 CHAP.  X. 
 
 From  this  chapter  to  the  Jive  and  twentieth,  are  sundry  observations  of 
 moral  virtues,  and  their  contrary  vices. 
 
 The  Proverbs  of  Solomon.  »  A  wife  Ton  maketh 
 a  glad  father  :  but  a  foolifh  foo  is  the  heavinefs 
 of  his  mother. 
 
 2  Treafures  of  wickednefs  profit  nothing  ;  but 
 righteoufnefs  delivereth  from  death. 
 
 3  =  The  Lord  will  not  fuller  the  foul  of  the  righ¬ 
 teous  to  famifh  :  but  he  cafteth  away  H  the  fubftance 
 of  the  wicked. 
 
 4  ^  He  becoraeth  poor  that  dealeth  with  a  flack 
 hand  :  but  the  hand  of  the  diligent  maketh  rich. 
 
 5  He  that  gathereth  in  Cummer  is  a  wife  fon  ;  hut  he 
 that  fleepeth  in  harveft  is  a  fon  that  caufeth  fhame.  _ 
 
 6  Bleffings  are  upon  the  head  of  the  juft  :  but '  vio¬ 
 lence  covereth  the  mouth  of  the  wicked. 
 
 and  hold  intimate  fellowfhip  with  the  fons  and  daughters  of  Adam.  32 — 36.  On 
 
 account  of  all  which  excellencies  and  kindnefs,  he,  in  the  moft  earneft  and  conde- 
 I'cending  manner,  entreats  and  charges  you  to  hear,  receive,  and  pradlically  ob- 
 ferve  his  inftrudlions,  attend  bis  ordinances,  and  receive  himfelf  in  them,  as  the 
 free  gift  of  God,  and  as  the  only  means  of  true  and  everlafting  happinefs ; — and  ! 
 warns  you,  that  if  you  refufe  and  hate  him,  you  will  infallibly  and  eternally  ruin 
 yourfelves. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  IX.  Ver.  1—5.  And  why  enter  the 
 ruinous  houfe,  or  covet  the  enfnaring  entertainment  of  an  harlot,  when  the  in¬ 
 finitely  wife  Jefus  Chrifl,  who  is  made  of  God  unto  us  wifdom,  hath  framed, 
 for  his  fellowfliip  with  men,  a  glorious  church  on  earth,  and  in  heaven,  fully 
 fupported  by  divine  perfedlioiis,  purpofes,  oracles,  and  officies  ;  and  hath  pre¬ 
 pared  for  his  own  crucified  felf,  his  word,  ordinances,  and  eternal  felicities,  for  the 
 nourifhment  and  fatisfadlion  of  finful  men  ;  and  in  the  gofpel,  by  his  faithful 
 prophets,  apoftles,  and  minifters,  earneftly  invites  and  befeeches  even  the  moft 
 weak,  wicked,  and  befotted  finners  of  mankind  to  come  by  faith,  and  freely 
 partake  of  his  nourifhing,  ftrengthening,  delightful,  and  fatisfadlory  fiilnefs  and 
 blefiTings  ?  6 — 12.  Earneftly  he  admooifhes  you  to  avoid  all  unneceflary  inti¬ 
 
 macy  with  wicked  perfons,  as  you  regard  your  temporal  or  eternal  happinefs  ; 
 as  by  it  you  cannot,  even  in  attempting  their  reformation,  juftly  expedl  to  profit 
 them,  but  may  be  furc  of  procuring  hatred  and  infamy  to  yourfelves; — and  to 
 cultivate  familiarity  with  wife  and  ferious  perfons,  whom  you  may  both  profit 
 and  be  profited  by ; — and  to  ftudy  true  and  experimental  godlinefs,  as  the 
 proper  means  to  render  you  truly  happy  in  this  world,  and  in  that  %vhich  is  to 
 come;— and  folemnly  warns  you  that  you  yourfelves  muft  reap  the  inexpreffibly 
 important  fruits  of  your  attention  to,  or  fcornful  rejetftion  of  his  inftrudtions. — 
 13 — 18.  And  remember,  as  before  God,  that  nothing  more  effedlually  renders 
 
 a  Chap. 
 
 15.  20. 
 
 b  Chap. 
 
 11.  4. 
 
 c  Pfalna 
 37.  25. 
 j|  Or,  the 
 wicked  for 
 thtir  uic-, 
 kedness. 
 d  Chap. 
 
 12.  24. 
 
 e  Ver.  1 1. 
 
 men  defpifers  of  Chrift  and  his  bleflings,  than  fellowfliip  with  light  and  lewd 
 women,  or  falfe  teachers;  who,  ignorant  of  every  thing  fpiritually  good,  and  ex¬ 
 tremely  talkative,  artfully  and  imprudently  feduce  fimple  perfons,  who  intend  no 
 fuch  thing,  to  imagine  that  forbidden  pleafures  are  peculiarly  delightful.  And 
 alas,  few  of  thofe  tempted  by  them  ferioufly  confider  that  by  fuch  pleafures  mul¬ 
 titudes  have  already  loft  their  lives,  and  are  entered  into  the  everlafting  torments 
 of  bell. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  CqAP.  X.  Ver:  1.  It  is  a  great  comfort  to 
 parents  to  fee  their  children  profiting  by  their  inftrucStions  and  examples,  and 
 growing  \ip  irv  wifdom,  piety  and  virtue.  But  it  is  a  grief  and  burden  to 
 them  when  they  are  foolilh,  ftubborn,  and  profligate.  2.  Ill-gotten  riches 
 afford  no  folid  comfort  in  life,  but  draw  on  a  wafting  or  poiloniog  curfe  ;  but 
 Jefus’  righteoufnefs  imputed,  and  a  holy,  juft,  and  merciful  condutft,  procure 
 fafety  and  deliverance  from  the  greateft  dangers.  3.  The  Lord,  who  has  all 
 fulnefs  in  his  hand,  will  always  grant  neceffary  fupplies  for  both  foul  and  body 
 to  them  who  are  juftified  in  Chrift,  and  live  in  a  juft  and  merciful  manner.  But 
 he  will  deprive  the  wicked  of  their  ill-gotten  poffeffions  by  fome  ftroke  of  his 
 providence,  or  remove  them  from  it  by  death.  4.  Negligence  and  lloth,  and 
 even  fraudulent  methods  of  gain,  bring  men  to  poverty  ;  but  a<5live  diligence 
 tends  to  enrich  men  both  in  temporals  and  fpirituals.  5.  To  feize  upon,  and 
 ,  improve,  opportunities  of  obtaining  fpiritual  or  temporal  things,  particularly  in 
 I  the  time  of  youth,  is  a  mark  of  true  wifdom  :  but  he  that  flothfully  negle6ls 
 !  them,  brings  mifery  and  (hame  upon  himfelf  and  his  parents.  6.  The  juftified 
 in  Chrift  are,  to  their  everlafting  honour  and  fafety,  bleffed  in  him  with  all 
 the  bleffings  of  time  and  eternity  :  and  outward  bleffings  often  attend  the  juft; 
 and  merciful  on  earth.  But  their  own  iniquity  fliall  violently  overwhelm  and 
 confound  thofe  who  wickedly  defraud  and  opprefs  their  neighbours.  7.  The 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  VIII.]  How  public,  earneft,  and  extenfive,  are  the  calls  of  the  gofpel  !  Infinitely  excellent  is  Jefns  Chrift  and 
 his  falvation,  and  happy  are  all  in  whom  the  knowledge  of  Chrift  prevails  and  reigns.  They  are  enriched  with  all  the  fruits  of  his  mediation,  and  filled  with  all  the 
 fulnefs  of  God.  It  is  infinitely  amazing  that  God’s  beloved  and  only  begotten  Son,  the  Creator  and  Preferver  of  all  things,  fliould  have  from  eternity  delighted  to 
 fave  the  fons  of  men.  Surely  he  deferves  our  flri<5left.  attention,  our  earlieft  and  ftrbngeft  afteeftion.  And  righteous  is  the  foreft  puniftiment  which  can  be  inflidled 
 on  thofe  felf-ruiners,  who  refufe  him,  neglecft  and  defpife  the  ordinances  of  his  grace.  Let  us  love  him,  who  firfc  loved  us,  with  our  whole  hearts.  Let  us  delight 
 and  rejoice  in  him  as  all  our  confolation.  ° 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — f  Ch.\p,  IX.]  What  great  and  marvellous  work  Jefus  has  done,  and  does  for  our  falvation  !  How  unwilling  is  he  th.at 
 any  fhonld  perilh  !  Well  ordered  is  his  covenant  of  mercy  :  it  is  free  and  full  to  ad  the  fons  of  men.  Plow  foolifli  and  guilty  are  ail  the  fcornful  refufers  of  it  !  It 
 »s  impoflihle  to  have  fellowfliip  with  Chrift  and  love  intimacy  with  wicked  men.  None  are  too  wife  to  learn,  nor  too  good  to  amend. 
 
 7  P 
 
 20 
 
Of  sundry  moral  virtues, 
 
 PROVERBS. 
 
 Chria  J  bleffed :  but  the  name 
 
 cir.  1000.  or  the  wicked  fhall  rot. 
 
 8  The  wife  in  heart  will  receive  commandments : 
 but  t  a  prating  tool  H  (hall  fall. 
 
 9  s  He  that  walketh  uprightly  walketh  furely :  but 
 he  that  perverteth  his  ways  ftiall  be  known. 
 
 10  He  that  winketh  with  the  eye  caufeth  forrow: 
 but  a  prating  fool  H  (hall  fall. 
 
 n  *  Phe  mouth  of  a  righteous  man  is  a  well  of  life  : 
 but  violence  covereth  the  mouth  of  the  wicked. 
 
 12  Hatred  liirreth  up  ftrites :  but  ^  love  covereth 
 all  fins. 
 
 13  In  the  lips  of  him  that  hath  underftanding  wif- 
 dom  is  found  :  but  a  rod  is  for  the  back  of  him  that 
 is  void  of  t  underftanding. 
 
 14  Wife  men  lay  up  knowledge  :  but  the  mouth  of 
 the  foolifh  is  near  deftruftion. 
 
 15  ‘  Phe  rich  mao’s  wealth  is  his  ftrong  city:  the 
 deftruiftion  of  the  poor  is  their  poverty. 
 
 16  The  labour  ot  the  righteous  to  life:  the 
 
 fruit  of  the  wicked  to  fin. 
 
 17  He  is  in  the  way  of  life  that  keepeth  inftruftion : 
 but  he  that  refufeth  reproof  II  erreth. 
 
 18  He  that  hideth  hatred  with  lying  lips,  and  he 
 that  uttereth  a  flander  is  a  fool. 
 
 19  In  the  multitude  of  words  there  wanteth  not 
 fin :  but  he  that  refraineih  his  lips  is  wife. 
 
 20  The  tongue  of  the  juft  is  as  choice  filver ;  the 
 heart  of  the  wicked  is  little  worth. 
 
 21  The  lips  of  the  righteous  feed  raaay  :  but  fools 
 die  for  want  f  of  wildora, 
 
 22  The  blefliag  of  the  Lord,  it  raaketh  rich,  and  he 
 addeth  no  forrow  with  it. 
 
 more  : 
 26 
 eyes, 
 27 
 
 err, 
 
 f  Heb. 
 0/  heart. 
 
 and.  their  contrary  >okes, 
 
 23  ®  It  is  as  fport  to  a  fool  to  do  mifchief ;  but  a  Before 
 
 man  of  underftanding  hath  wifdora.  Chria 
 
 24  The  fear  of  the  wicked,  it  (hall  come  upon  him  : 
 but  the  defire  of  the  righteous  (hall  be  granted. 
 
 25  As  the  whirlwind  pafleth,  fo  is  the  wicked  no^^-s- 
 but  the  righteous  is  an  everlafting  foundation. 
 
 As  vinegar  to  the  teeth,  and  as  (moke  to  the 
 fo  is  the  fluggard  to  them  that  fend  him. 
 
 "  The  fear  ot  the  Lord  f  prolongeth  days:  butn  cbap. 
 
 the  years  of  the  wicked  (hall  be  ftiortened.  9-  u.  ‘ 
 
 28  The  hope  of  the  righteous  shall  be  gladnefs 
 
 but  the  °  expeftation  of  the  wicked  (hall  peri(h.  oj2' 
 
 29  Phe  way  of  the  Lord  is  ftrength  to  the  upright :  s.  is.  & 
 but  deftru(ftion  shall  be  to  the  workers  of  iniquity.  20. 
 
 30  P  The  righteous  (hall  never  be  removed :  but 
 
 the  wicked  (hall  not  inhabit  the  earth.  p  pfai”‘ 
 
 31  The  mouth  of  the  juft  bringeth  forth  wifdom  22,  & 
 
 but  the  froward  tongue  fhall  be  cut  out.  '• 
 
 32  The  lips  of  t  he  righteous  know  what  is  acceptable :  Jo.  ,1,^. 
 but  the  mouth  of  the  wicked  fpeaketh  f  frowardnefs.  nesses. 
 
 CHAP.  XI. 
 
 A®  t  FALSE  balance  is  abomination  to  the®’^^''- 
 Lord  ;  but  a  juft  weight  is  his  delight.  Deue^®* 
 
 2  p  When  pride  coraeth,  then  coraeth  (hame :  but  2,5 13,15. 
 with  the  lowly  is  wifdom.  Chap. 
 
 3  '  The  integrity  of  the  upright  (hall  guide  them  '.go  losf 
 but  the  perverfenefs  of  tranigreffurs  (hall  deftroy  them,  f  Heb.  ’ 
 4  ^  Riches  profit  not  in  the  day  of  wrath ;  but  righ-  balances 
 teoufnefs  delivereth  from  death. 
 
 5  The  righteoufoefs  of  the  perfeft  (hallf  direft  hisJJ^^J;^j 
 way:  but  the  wicked  (hall  fall  by  his  own  wickednefs.siojie. 
 
 b  Chap.  15.  33.  &  16.  18.  &  18.  12.  c  Chap.  13.  6.  d  Chap.  10.  2  Ezek.  7.  19. 
 Zeph.  1.  18.  f  Heb.  rectify. 
 
 pious  and  virtuous  fhall,  at  lead  after  death,  be  remembered  with  honour  and 
 Praife,  men  blefling  God  for  their  good  example  and  ufeful  converfation  ;  but 
 wicked  livers  fhall  either  be  forgotten  or  remembered  with  abhorrence.  8.  They 
 who  are  truly  wife  will  thankfully  receive  and  pradlife  laws  from  God,  or  good 
 advices  from  men  :  but  felf-conceited  perfons,  who  will  not  learn  of  others,  but 
 love  to  hear  themfelves  talk,  fhall  bring  themfelves  into  contempt,  fin,  and  mifery 
 nay,  into  hell.  9,  10.  He,  who  is  dealing  with  God  and  men,  walks  in  candour, 
 fimphcity,  and  godly  fincerity,  is  fafe  under  the  divine  protedlion  in  his  way  to 
 eternal  life,  and  avoids  manifold  miferies  and  fnares  in  this  world  :  but  he  who 
 indulges  himfelf  in  hypocrify  towards  God.  and  in  inconflancy  and  deceit  towards 
 men,  fhall  be  detedled  and  made  a  public  reproach.  11.  Good  difcourfe  tends  to 
 profit,  comfort,  and  refrefh  thofe  that  receive  it;  but  wicked  men,  to  their  own 
 ruin,  pour  forth  virulent  and  mifchievous  language ;  or,  if  their  language  be  fair, 
 it  but  conceals  the  mifchief  which  they  intend  to  efifedl;  w’hen  opportunity  ferves. 
 12.  Where  there  is  hatred  in  the  heart,  almofl  every  thing,  however  innocent,  will  I 
 be  ufed  to  raife  quarrels  or  diflurbances  :  but  love  overlooks  affronts  and  injuries,  I 
 pacifies  the  mind  of  the  injured,  and  compofes  contentions,  for  which  too  much 
 ground  had  been  given.  13.  Where  esifdom  abounds  in  the  heart,  the  difcourfe 
 of  the  lips  will  be  fenfible  and  edifying  ;  but  nothing  but  fore  afflidlions  here  or 
 the  torments  of  hell  hereafter,  can  bring  obflinate  fools  to  any  ferious  refle<5tion. 
 14.  They  who  know  the  value  of  true  wifdoir,  labour  toenlarge  their  knowledge, 
 and  to  keep  it  up  till  they  have  proper  opportunities  of  ufing  it;  but  fools  raflily 
 blab  out  what  tends  to  their  own  or  other’s  ruin.  15  Riches  make  men  confi¬ 
 dent  and  fecure  and  even  piotedl  them  againfl  manifold  injuries  in  this  world; 
 whereas  poveity  depreffeth  men’s  fpirits,  and  expofes  them  to  injury  and  abufe. 
 16.  The  induflry  of  the  righteous  in  outward  things  iffues  in  the  comfortable 
 maintenance  of  himfelf  and  others  ;  and  bis  car.  for  his  foul  iffues  in  life  fpiritual 
 and  eternal  ;  but  whatever  a  wicked  man  has  by  inheritance,  or  by  his  own  ac 
 quire  r  ents,  hardens  him  in  (in,  and  is  abufed  to  gratify  his  finful  lulls.  17.  He 
 is  in  the  way  to  eternal  life,  who  receives,  lays  up  m  his  In  art,  and  pra<5lifes  tire 
 inftru(5lions  of  God’s  word,  and  readily  legards  advices,  and  even  repr  ofs  given 
 him  by  others;  but  be,  who  negledls  to  give  reproof,  encourages  men  in  their 
 miftakes;  and  he,  who  refufes  to  take  and  improve  inftrurSlions  and  reproofs  ob- 
 llinately  rufhes  upon  his  own  deflruOtion  18.  He,  who  conceals  his  hatred  by 
 great  profeflions  of  friendfhip  before  one’s  face,  and  he  who  artfully  vents  flander 
 behind  one’s  back  is,  with  all  his  cunning,  an  impious  fool  in  God  s  reckoning, 
 and  bis  wickednefs  fhall  be  publicly  exjiofed  19.  Even  in  much  Ipeaking  there 
 are  ordinariir  ;o  be  found  wo  ds,  idle  or  wicked..  It  is  prudent  therefore  to  be 
 fparing  in  our  words,  and  to  confider  w'ell,  both  when  and  ^here,  and  what  and 
 how.  we  fpeak.  2Qj  21.  Prud- nt  and  pious  difcourfe  is  pure  and  lubflantial ;  it 
 edifies,  inItruOls,  and  nourifhes  the  hearers;  but  the  heart  of  the  wicked,  being 
 only  evil  and  that  continually,  is  deceitful  above  all  things  and  defperately  wicked, 
 
 nothing  good  can  proceed  from  it;  but  they  perfifl  and  perifh  in  the  devices  of 
 their  own  foolifhnefs,  neither  knowing  or  caring  to  know,  the  way  of  life  and 
 peace.  22  It  is  not  men’s  anxious  labour  and  care  that  make  them  rich,  either 
 in  temporal  or  fpiritual  things ;  but  the  blefling  of  God  upon  their  lawful  endea¬ 
 vours  confers  riches,  and  enables  to  enjoy  them  comfortably,  without  preflure  of 
 guilt,  tormenting  fear,  or  perplexing  care.  23,  Seufelefs  finners  take  pleafure  in, 
 and  make  a  jeft  of  the  mofl  horrid  impieties  they  can  commit :  but  they  that  are 
 wife,  carefully  avoid  mifchief.  24,  The  miferies  which  wicked  men  fear  under  the 
 awakenings  of  confcience  fliall  be  granted  them  :  and  whatever  bleflings  the  righ¬ 
 teous  defire  and  pray  for  fhall  come  upon  them.  25.  However  the  wicked  may 
 bluflcr  for  a  while,  and  threaten  to  overthrow  every  thing  that  (lands  in  their  way, 
 and  quickly  and  terribly  ruin  themfelves  :  but  the  righteous,  being  built  on  Chrill 
 the  Rock  of  ages,  stand  fast  for  ever.  26.  As  vinegar  fets  the  teeth  on  edge,  and 
 fmoke  is  vexatious  to  the  eyes,  fo  fluggifh  perfons  vex  and  provoke  them  who  fend 
 or  employ  them  in  any  important  bufinefs.  27.  A  religious  obfervance  of  God’s 
 laws,  tend  to  prolong  our  life  :  but  wickednefs  of  itself,  brings  on  difeafes,  and 
 hastens  the  (inner  to  the  grave  and  to  hell.  28  The  hope  of  the  godly  iffues  in 
 everlafiing  felicity  ;  but  the  hope  of  the  wicked  fhall  iffue  in  eternal  mifery.  29. 
 U  .right  walking  in  Chrift,  increafes  a  perfon’s  flrcngth  for  duty  and  coiimge  in 
 it;  but  the  workers  of  iniquity  fhall  be  overwhelmed  in  mifery.  30.  Nothing 
 fo  eftablifhes  perfons  or  families,  as  a  relation  to  Chrift  as  their  righteoufoefs;  but 
 the  wicked  fhall  never  he  able  to  fix  themfelves  in  their  profperity.  31.  The  god¬ 
 ly,  out  of  the  good  treafures  of  his  heart,  brings  forth  good  difcourfe  ;  but  he  that 
 ufes  bis  tongue  to  abufe  cozen,  or  raife  diflention,  or  to  blafpheme  God,  fhall  have 
 it  ftlenced  in  hell.  32.  The  righteous  accuflom  themfelves  to  fpeak  things  truly 
 ufeful  and  edifying  :  but  the  wicked  abandon  their  lips  to  falfebood,  and  calumny. 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  XI.  Ver.  1.  All  manner. of  injufiice 
 and  fraud  is  extremely  hateful  and  deteflable  to  God ;  but  ftridl  equity  in  our 
 commerce,  is  highly  pleafing  to  him.  2.  Haughty  conceit  of  ourfelves,  anii 
 infulting  of  others,  draws  along  with  it  the  utmoft  contempt  and  difgrace  ;  but 
 Cuch  as  live  under  a  deep  fenfe  of  their  own  weaknefs  and  unworthinefs,  find  fa¬ 
 vour  with  God  and  man.  3.  When  men  fincerely  pratSlife  what  God  has  revealed 
 to  them,  they  may  expeiSl  his  fpirit  to  diredl  them  in  their  duty  ;  but  the  obfti-^ 
 nate  adherence  of  finners  to  their  own  luft  and  imaginations,  fhall  hurry  them 
 into  certain  and  everlafting  destrutSlion.  4  Riches,  heaped  up  by  extortion  or 
 covetoufnefs,  are  of  no  avail  to  deliver  us  from  the  wrath  of  God,  when  the 
 time  of  puniflunent  is  come  ;  but  righteoufnefs  bath  a  promife  of  life  annexed 
 to  it ;  it  fecures  against  the  sting  of  temporal  and  prevents  eternal  death.  5) 
 6.  Being  made  righteous  in  Christ,  and  lliniSlified  by  his  grace,  are  effedlual 
 means  to  fecure  deliverance  from  evil;  but  the  wicked  (hall  perifh  by  tbofe 
 very  impious  and  evil  courfes  by  which  they  hoped  to  fecure  or  exalt  them¬ 
 felves.  7.  In  death  wicked  men  find  all  their  projetils  and  hopes  utterly  de- 
 
Qf  sundry  moral  virtueSf 
 
 PROVERBS. 
 
 and  their  contrary  victim 
 
 Before 
 Clirift 
 cir.  1000- 
 
 g  Job 
 8. 13. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 
 dejlituie 
 ej  heart, 
 
 I  Heb. 
 fie  that 
 
 tealki'th 
 
 being  a 
 tale¬ 
 bearer. 
 b  1  Kings 
 12.  l,&c. 
 I  rieb. 
 thall  be 
 tore  bro¬ 
 ken.  ' 
 f  Heb. 
 those  that 
 Jlrike 
 bands. 
 
 6  The  righteournefs  of  the  upright  (hall  deliver 
 them :  but  '  tranfgreflors  (hall  be  taken  in  their  own 
 
 "^^T^When  a  wicked  man  dieth,  his  expectation  (hall 
 nerilh  ;  and  the  hope  of  unjuft  men  perifheth. 
 
 ^  8  ^  The  righteous  is  delivered  out  or  trouble,  and 
 
 the  wicked  Cometh  in  his  ftead.  . 
 
 9  s  An  hypocrite  wi^h  his  mouth  deftroveth  bis  neigh¬ 
 bour:  but  through  knowledge  (hall  the  juft  bedelivered. 
 
 10  When  it  goeth  well  with  the  righteous,  the  city 
 rejoiceth;  and  when  the  wicked  perilh,  there  ts 
 
 (houting.  .  .  .  •  •  u 
 
 1 1  By  the  bl  fling  of  the  upright  the  city  is  exalt¬ 
 ed  :  but  it  is  overthrown  by  the  mouth  or  the  wicked. 
 
 1*2  He  that  is  t  void  of  vvifdom  defpifeth  his  neigh¬ 
 bour  :  but  a  man  of  underftanding  holdeth  his 
 
 ^  13  f  A  tale-bearer  revealeth  fecrets :  but  he  that  is 
 of  a  faithful  fpirit  concealeth  the  matter.  . 
 
 14  b  Where  no  counfel  is,  the  people  tall :  but  in 
 the  multitude  of  counfellors  tfiere  ts  fafety. 
 
 15  He  that  is  furety  for  a  ftranger  f  mall  (mart /or 
 it  ■  and  he  that  hateth  furetiftup  is  lure. 
 
 *16  A  gracious  woman  retaineth  honour ;  andltrong 
 
 men  regain  riches.  „  , 
 
 17  I'he  merciful  man  doeth  good  to  ms  own  loul . 
 but  he  that  is  cruel  troubleth  his  own  flt (n. 
 
 18  The  wicked  worketh  a  deceitful  work:  but  to 
 him  thnt  foweth  righteouluels  shall  be  a  lure  reward. 
 
 19  As  righteoulnefs  lendeth  to  life ;  fo  he  that  pur- 
 fueth  evil,  pursueth  it  to  his  own  death, 
 
 20  They  that  are  of  a  froward  heart  are  abomina¬ 
 tion  to  the  Lord  :  but  such  as  are  upright  in  their  way 
 
 are  his  delight.  •  ,  .  n,  n 
 
 2 1  Though  hand  join  in  hand,  the  wicked  Inall  not 
 
 be  unpunilbed  :  but  the  feed  of  the  righteous  (hall  be 
 delivered* 
 
 22  As  a  jewel  of  gold  in  a  fwines’  fnout,  so  is  a 
 
 fair  woman  which  f  is  without  difcretion  ^ 
 
 23  Tne  defire  of  the  righteous  is  only  good  . 
 the  exptftation  of  the  wicked  is  wrath. 
 
 24  1  here  is  that  fcatteretn  and  yet  ipcrealeth  ;  and 
 there  is  that  withholdeth  more  than  is  meet,  but  it 
 
 ^^”25 ‘"fT^  liberal  foul  (hall  be  ^  i 
 
 that  watererh  (hall  be  watered  alio  himfelf. 
 
 26  He  that  withholdeth  corn,  the  people  inall  curie 
 him  ;  but  bltffiug  shall  be  upon  the  head  ot  him  thai  p/ 
 
 27  He  that  diligently  feeketh  good  procureth  favour.  ^  ^ 
 
 fe  but  he  that  feeketh  milc'def,  it  lhall  f  6. 
 
 28  He  that  trufteth  in  his  riches  (hall  fall;  but  theipuims 
 
 •  r.ghteous  (hall  flouri(h  as  a  branch.  ^  „  92.  12, 
 
 29  He  that  troubleth  his  own  hou(e  (hall  inherit  t 
 wind  ;  and  the  fool  shallbe fi rvant  to  the  wi(e  of  heart,  jer. 
 
 30  The  fruit  of  the  righteous  is  a  tree  ot  life  ;  and 
 
 ne  that  t  winneth  fouls  2s  wite^ 
 
 31  “  Behold,  the  righ, ecus  (hall  be  recompenled  in^^  j  ppt, 
 the  earth  ;  much  more  the  wicked  and  the  finuer.  4. 18. 
 
 CHAP.  Xll. 
 
 WHOSO  loveth  inftruCfion  loveth  knowledge : 
 but  he  that  hateth  reproof  is  brutfth. 
 
 2  A  good  man  obtaineth  favour  ot  the  Lord  .  but 
 a  man  of  wicked  devices  will  he  condemn. 
 
 3  A  man  (hall  not  be  eftabli(hed  by  his  wickednels ;  ^ 
 but  the  *  root  of  the  righteous  (hall  not  be  moved. 
 
 4  A  virtuous  woman  2s  a  crown  toher  hulband:  but  1,1  Cor. 
 (he  that  maketh  afhamed  is  as  rottennefs  in  his  bones.  11.  7. 
 
 5  The  thoughts  of  the  righteous  are  right :  but  the 
 couofels  of  the  wicked  are  deceit. 
 
 ftroyed  8.  The  righteous  are  frequently  in  an  unexpeaed  manner  delivered  from 
 their  Duplexing  troubles;  and  the  wicked,  who  perhaps  brought  them  into  them, 
 are  plunged  into  thofe  very  miferics  themfelves.  9.  By  flatteries,  falfe  docinnes, 
 and  artful  feduaions,  hypocrites  draw  their  neighbours  into  fin.  But  through 
 Itnowiedge  of  Chrift  and  his  word  (hall  the  righteous  be  guarded  againa  their 
 wiles.  10.  It  is  matter  of  general  gladnefs  when  wife  and  godly  men  profper,  and 
 are  advanced  ;  and  great  is  the  joy  when  wicked  men,  who,  as  plagues  and  curfes 
 where  they  dwell,  are  cut  off.  11.  By  God’s  bleflings  upon  the  upright  all  around 
 them  are  profited  ;  but  the  wicked  corrupt  men’s  manners,  and  ruin  their  welfare, 
 12.  It  is  common  for  felf-conceited  fools  to  defpife  their  neighbours  ;  but  a  pru¬ 
 dent  mail,  whatever  be  thinks,  avoids  fpeaking  to  the  reproach  of  others.  13.  I  hey 
 who  make  a  trade  of  carrying  tales  from  one  to  another,  never  (lick  at  treache- 
 roufly  difeovering  the  fecrets  which  have  been  entrufted  to  them;  but  a  faithful 
 friend  conceals  every  thing  that  would  tend  to  his  neighbour’s  prejudice.  14. 
 “Where  prudent  counfel  is  wanting,  nations  and  private  affairs  go  to  wreck  -.  but, 
 where  many  wife  counfeilors  unite  in  their  deliberations,  every  precaution  will 
 betaken  and  the  moft  proper  methods  ufed  to  enfuro  fuccefs.  15.  He  who 
 (lands  bound  for  the  debts  of  another  man,  is  in  great  danger  to  be  ruined  in  his 
 ellate  and  the  way  to  be  fecure  in  that  point  is  to  avoid  and  hate  all  fuch  en¬ 
 gagements.  16.  Remarkable  and  increafing  grace  and  virtue  in  a  woman  will 
 engage  aft’edlion  and  refpedl  !  and  ftrong  men  hold  faff  the  wealth  which  they 
 have  acquired.  17.  He  who  is  kind  and  bountiful  to  others,  (ecures  to  himfelf  a 
 gracious  reward  from  God  ;  but  he  who  is  cruel,  brings  trouble  on  himfelf  and 
 his  relations.  1 8.  Whatever  wicked  men  do  to  render  themfelves  rich,  eafy  or 
 honoured  will  difappoint  their  exptdlation  ;  but  they  who  exercKe  piety  and 
 virtue,  (hall  infallibly  obtain  the  bleffed  reward  of  their  works.  19  As  holinefs 
 and  virtue  promote  true  happinefs  here  and  hereafter,  fo  the  more  eagerly  a  man 
 .  purities  an  evil  courfe,  the  more  he  is  bent  upon  his  own  deftruiliori.  20. 
 Hypocrites,  who  live  in  enmity  and  oppofiiion  to  God  and  his  law,  while  they 
 pretend  much  piety,  are  of  all  men  the  mod  odious  to  him  ;  but  they  who  being 
 renewed  by  his  gsace  walk  before  him  in  ruth,  are,  and  (hall  for  ever  be, 
 the  oi.jeas  of  his  fpecial  favour  and  delight.  21  Though  wicked  men  (hould 
 llreiigthen  themfelves  by  leagues  and  affociates,  they  (hall  never  be  capable  ol 
 prot.aing  themfelves  fro;r.  the  jull  punilhment  of  their  fin  ;  . but  the  righteous, 
 1  and  often  their  children,  for  their  fakes  (hall  be  delivered  by  God  himfelf  from 
 every  thing  ruinous.  22.  As  a  golden  jewel  is  very  ill  placed  in  the  fnout  ol 
 a  fwirie,  fo  beauty  is  ill  bellowed  upon  a  woman,  who,  void  of  good  feiiie,  em¬ 
 ploys  berfelf  in  perpetual  talkutivenefs,  and  wallows  in  filthy  lulls  and  whorifii 
 pleafures,  23.  The  righteous  habitually  defire  folid  and  fubffantial  bleflings 
 
 to  themfelves  and  others;  but  wicked  men  wilh  for  mifchief  on  others  ;  whiiA 
 in  the  end  will  bring  more  fearful  and  lading  ruin  upon  themfelves.  24,  25. 
 They  who  from  a  right  principle  are  remarkably  liberal  to  the  poor  and  to  pious 
 inftitutions,  (ball  find  their  flock  proportionably  increafed  for  their  real  advantage  : 
 God  (hall  reward  them  with  profperity  of  foul,  in  grace  or  cointort.  or  even  with 
 the  enjoyments  of  this  prefent  world  ;  but  the  pinching  hand  of  avariw  brings 
 down  the  curfe  of  God  upon  our  fubftance.  26  He  who,  in  a  time  of  fcarcity 
 hoards  up  corn,  (hall  be  hated  and  ourfed  by  mankind  ;  but  commendations  from 
 men,  and  bleflings  from  God,  (hall  attend  hi.-n  who  fells  it  at  a  modwate  price. 
 27.  He  who  earneflly  fets  himfelf  to  do  good  to  others,  (hall  obtain  favour  witfc 
 God  and  men:  but  he  who  makes  mifchief  his  hufinefs  (hall  draw  upon  himlelf 
 the  evil  which  he  defignsagainfl  bis  neighbour.  28.  He  that  anx.oufly  g-afps 
 for,  and  trufts  in  riches,  (hall  find  them  a  broken  reed,  and  fliall  fall  to  decay  as 
 a  withered  leaf;  but  the  righteous  who  are  united  to  Chrift  by  faitb,  lhall  receive 
 out  of  his  fulnefs,  abundant  lupplies  of  quickening  and  fanaifying  grace,  and 
 (liall  profper  in  their  concerns.  29.  He  who  by  bis  pafiion,  prodigality,  covet- 
 oufnefs,  and  ambition,  troubles  his  family,  will  experience  diffappointment.  dif- 
 arace,  and  poverty  ;  and  the  fool  who  knows  not  how  to  manage,  (hall  be  reduced 
 to  want,  and  forced  to  ferve  a  wifer  neighbour.  30.  A  good  man  s  Players, 
 inftruaions,  and  examples  are  a  mean  of  quickening  others  around  ;  and  he  that 
 by  inflruaion  prayer.  &C.  draws  men  from  Satan  to  the  knowledge  and  obedi¬ 
 ence  of  Chrift,  (hews  forth  true  and  heavenly  wifdom.  31.  If  God  will  not  paft 
 his  own  favourites  without  proper  corre6liou  for  their  fins  who  can  jviftly  expect 
 that  the  obftinate  and  contemptuous  breakers  of  his  law  (liall  elcape  the  juft  pu- 
 nifliment  of  their  many  crimes?  „  ■  ,  e 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  XII.  Ver.  1.  He  who  loves  reproofs, 
 advices  and  inftruaions,  will  become  wife  ;  but  he  who  declines,  hates,  ana  is- 
 enraged  at  rebukes  for  bis  faults,  there  is  little  hope  that  he  will  ever 
 know  or  aa  like  a  man.  2.  The  man  who  being  united  to  Chrift  and  deala 
 kindly  and  bountifully  with  others,  fliall  be  favoured  and  bUfftd  of  God  ;  but 
 he  whofe  thoughts  are  bent  on  wickednefs,  (hall  he  condemned  to  (ufR  r  the 
 juft  puniftiment  of  his  iniquitv.  3.  No  naan,  however  fubtile  or  powerful,  (hall 
 Ue  able  to  eftablilh  his  greatnefs  by  wicked  methods  ;  but  the  righteous  being 
 grounded  in  Chrift,  though  (haken  by  manifold  dorms  of  trouble,  (hall  remain 
 immoveable  in  a  flourifliing  (late,  4.  A  pious,  prudent,  aaive,  ebafte,  and 
 affeclionate  wife,  is  a  finguiar  ornament  and  honour  to  her  hulband  ;  but  one 
 mat  is  graceiefs,  lazv.  looiiih,  prodigel,  peevilh,  loifteioiis,  and  wanton;  and 
 :  ke  an  incurable  dife.ffe,  vexes  his  heati.  nallen  him  to  Ins  grave,  wades  his 
 fubftance,  and  ruins  his  family.  5.  The  thoughts  of  good  men  are  managed 
 
Of  sundry  moral  virtues^ 
 
 PROVERBS. 
 
 37.  27. 
 Chap. 
 11.  21. 
 fHeb. 
 perverse 
 «f  heart. 
 
 11  Or, 
 
 boxueh. 
 e  Chap. 
 28.  19. 
 
 cLiir  u  ^  ^  words  ot  the  wicked  are  to  lie  in  wait  for 
 cir.  1000.  olood  *.  but  tne  mouth  of  the  upright  (ball  deliver  them. 
 
 7  1  he  wicked  are  overthrown,  and  are  not ;  but 
 
 c  Chap,  the  houfe  of  the  righteous  (hall  ftand. 
 
 1.1!,  18.  8  A  mao  (hall  be  commended  according  to  his 
 
 d  Piaim  wirdom  :  but  he  that  f  is  of  a  perverfe  heart  (hall  be 
 defpifed. 
 
 9  He  that  is  defpifed,  and  hath  a  fervant,  is  better 
 than  he  that  honoureth  himlelt,  and  lacketh  bread. 
 
 10  A  righteous  ma7i  regardeth  the  life  of  his  beaft  ; 
 but  the  11  tender  mercies  of  the  wicked  are  cruel. 
 
 11®  He  that  tilleth  his  land  (hall  be  fatisfied  with 
 bread  :  but  he  that  followeth  vain  per  fans  is  void  of 
 underftanding. 
 
 11  Or,  the  12  The  wicked  defireth  ||  the  net  of  evil  men:  but 
 t*Her  righteous  yieldeth  fruit, 
 
 The^snare  f  ^  The  wicked  is  fnared  by  the  tranfgreffion  of 
 orihewic-his  lips:  but  the  juft  (hall  come  out  of  trouble. 
 heel  is  in  14  5  A  man  (hall  be  fatis(ied  with  good  by  the  fruit 
 mouth  ;  and  the  recorapence  of  a  man’s  hands 
 ^  (hall  he  rendered  unto  him.  / 
 
 15  The  way  of  a  fool  is  right  in  his  own  eyes :  but 
 he  that  hearkeneth  unto  couiJel  is  wife. 
 
 16  A  fool’s  wrath  is  f  prefently  known  :  but  a  pru¬ 
 dent  man  covereth  (hame. 
 
 ^  He  that  (peaketh  truth  (heweth  forth  righteouf- 
 but  a  falfe  witnefs  deceit. 
 
 18  “  There  is  that  fpeaketh  like  the  piercings  of  a 
 14.5.  fword  :  but  the  tongue  of  the  wife  is  health. 
 kPfaims  19  The  lip  of  truth  (hall  be  eftablilhed  forever: 
 57. 4,  &  ^  lying  tongue  is  but  for  a  moment. 
 
 20  Deceit  is  in  the  heart  of  them  that  imagine  evil ; 
 but  to  the  counfellors  of  peace  zs  joy. 
 
 lips. 
 f  Chap. 
 
 18.  7, 
 g  Chap. 
 
 13.  2. 
 b  Chap. 
 
 3.  7. 
 t  Heb.  in  uefs 
 that  day. 
 i  Chap. 
 
 with  piety,  equity,  and  truth  ;  but  the  contrivances  of  the  wicked  are  carried  on 
 with  fraud,  diffimulation,  and  falfehood.  6.  Wicked  men,  by  their  confultations, 
 ftudy  to  undo  their  oppofers,  but  they  who  are  good,  will  labour  by  their  ad¬ 
 vice,  teftimony,  recommendation  or  requeft,  to  deliver  fuch  innocent  perfons 
 from  their  fnares.  7.  God  himfelf  not  only  defeats  the  ruinous  projetSls  of  the 
 wicked,  but  deftroys  them  and  their  families  ;  whereas  be  continues  and  ellablilhes 
 the  perfons  and  families  of  the  juft.  8.  Spiritual  wifdom  and  a  prudent  ma¬ 
 nagement  of  his  affairs,  by  fair  and  honeft  means,  will  tender  a  man  highly  ho¬ 
 noured  and  commended  of  God  and  all  good  men  ;  but  he  who  indulges  his 
 obftinate  corruptions,  hates  and  oppofes  his  duty,  (hall  bring  himfelf  into  prefent 
 and  everlafting  contempt.  9.  Far  happier  is  he  who  lives  within  the  bounds  of  his 
 income,  though  it  (hould  hardly  afford  him  a  fingle  fervant,  than  he  who  fhows 
 away  with  a  great  deal  of  elegance  when  he  can  hardly  get  neceffiry  fubfiftence. 
 10.  Good  men  have  implanted  in  their  hearts  a  tender  concern  for  their  welfare  and 
 life  of  the  brute  animals  ;  but  the  nature  of  the  wicked  is  fo  cruel,  that  the  very 
 kindneffes  which  they  affeiSl  to  fhow  are  malicioufly  defigned  and  ruinous.  11. 
 Diligent  induftry  lhall,  through  the  blefiing  of  God,  afford  men  a  competent 
 portion  of  temporal  things;  but  idlenefs  and  bad  company  mark  a  man  foolifh. 
 12.  Wicked  men  defire,  approve,  and  pradlife  deceitful  arts  for  ruining  others; 
 but  the  piety  and  juftice  from  whence  righteous  men’s  adlions  proceed,  bring  forth 
 glory  to  God,  maintenance  to  themfelves,  and  much  benefit  to  others  around,  I  3. 
 Wicked  men  are  often  brought  into  trouble  by  their  own  rafh  fpeeches,  treafons, 
 perjuries,  lies,  and  calumnies;  but  the  righteous  by  their  prudent  difeourfes, 
 avoid  and  efcape  from  many  difficulties,  iu  which  otherwife  they  had  been  en 
 tangled.  14.  A  man  lhall  receive  abundant  bleflings  from  God,  as  the  reward  of 
 that  good  which  he  has  done  by  his  pious  and  profitable  difeourfes  or  works.  15. 
 Fools  are  fo  felf-conceited,  that  they  hold  right  whatever  they  think  or  do  them¬ 
 felves;  but  wife  men  wifely  alk  and  take  the  advice  or  inftrudlion  of  others.  16. 
 Fools,  having  no  command  of  their  paffions,  rage  and  fury  appear  in  their  coun¬ 
 tenance,  words  and  adlions;  but  prudent  perfons  conceal  their  difpleafure,  rather 
 than  dilhonour  themfelves  by  refenting  it.  17.  He  who  boldly  and  freely  fpeaks 
 the  truth,  fliews  himfelf  an  honeft  man,  atid  does  juftice  to  his  neighbours  ;  but 
 he  who  conceais  truth,  fliews  himfelf  a  deceitful  and  mifehievous  villain.  1 8.  Some 
 by  falfe  accufations,  calumnies,  and  bitter  reproaches,  wound  their  neighbours, 
 and  make  difeords  and  divifions  among  them  :  but  good  men,  by  their  prudent 
 fpeeches,  heal  men’s  reputations,  and  comfort  and  edify  their  fouls,  19.  Con- 
 ftant  adherence  to  ftridt  truth  in  his  fpeeches  eftablifhes  a  man’s  credit;  but  a 
 liar,  though  he  may  be  at  firft  believed,  is  foon  after  found  out  and  confuted. 
 20.  They  who  plot  mifehief  lhall  be  difappointed  in  their  expeitations,  and  even 
 fall  into  that  evil  which  they  intended  for  others;  but  they  who  by  their  counfels 
 labour  to  promote  the  piety,  peace,  and  happinefs  of  others,  fliall  have  joy  and 
 eotnfort  for  their  reward,  21,  Let  the  wicked  plot  as  they  will,  nothing  tliall 
 
 and  their  contrary 
 
 21  There  (hall  no  evil  happen  to  the  juft  :  but  the  Before 
 
 wicked  (hall  be  filled  with  niidchief.  Chria 
 
 22  Lying  lips  are  abomination  to  the  Lord  :  but'^"^''®'”'- 
 they  that  deal  truly  are  his  delight. 
 
 23  •  A  prudent  man  concealeth  knowledge;  but i  Chap, 
 
 the  heart  of  fools  proclaimeth  foolithnefs.  is.  i6,\ 
 
 24  The  hand  of  the  diligent  (hall  bear  rule  :  but 
 the  II  llothful  (hall  be  under  tribute, 
 
 25  “  Heavinefs  in  the  heart  of  man  maketh  it  ftoop ;  ||  Or’ 
 but  a  good  word  maketh  it  glad. 
 
 26  The  righteous  is  more  excellent  than  his  neigh- 
 hour  :  but  the  way  of  the  wicked  fedneeth  them.  u  Oq’ 
 
 -  27  The  (lothful  man  roafteth  not  that  which  he  took 
 
 in  hunting :  but  the  fubitance  of  a  diligent  man  is 
 precious. 
 
 28  In  the  way  of  righteoulhefs  is  life;  and  in  the 
 pathway  thereof  there  is  no  death. 
 
 CHAP.  XIII. 
 
 A  WISE  fon  hearelh  his  father’s  inftru(ftion :  but 
 a  fcorner  heareth  not  rebuke. 
 
 2  *  A  man  (hall  eat  good  by  the  fruit  of  his  mouth  :  ®  Chap, 
 but  the  foul  of  the  tranfgreflors  shall  eat  violence.  *''■ 
 3  He  that  keepeth  his  mouth  keepeth  his  life :  but 
 he  that  openeth  wide  his  lips  (ball  have  deftruftion. 
 
 4  The  foul  of  the  lluggard  defireth,  and  hath  no¬ 
 thing  :  but  the  foul  of  the  diligent  ftiall  be  made  fat. 
 
 5  A  righteous  man  hateth  lying  :  but  a  wicked  man 
 is  loathfome,  and  cometh  to  (hame. 
 
 6  Righteoulhefs  keepeth  him  that  is  upright  in  thei^  Chap, 
 way:  but  wickednefs  overthroweth  t  the  finner. 
 
 7  There  is  that  maketh  himfelf  rich,  yet  halk\if' 
 nothing :  there  is  that  maketh  himfelf  poor,  yet  hath 
 great  riches. 
 
 befal  the  righteous  ;  but  the  wicked  lhall  be  quite  overwhelmed  with  inwatl 
 plagues  and  outward  calamities.  22.  Lies  and  liars  are  remarkably  hated  anl 
 abhorred  of  God  ;  but  they  who  in  their  fpeeches  and  whole  condu<5t  a<ft  in  triithi 
 fidelity,  and  candour  fliall  be  blelTed  by  him.  23.  A  prudent  man  conceals  tie 
 knowledge  he  has,  except  when  called  by  providence  to  ufe  it  for  the  benefit  of 
 others;  but  a  fool,  throu.jh  thoughtleffnefs,  rafhnefs,  or  ambition,  proclaims kis 
 own  weaknefs.  24.  Diligent  and  prudent  atSiivity  is  the  way  to  obtain  ricbes, 
 honour  and  authority  ;  but  lazinefs  and  villany  render  men  poor  and  enflaved, 
 25.  Anxious  care  about  the  things  of  this  world,  convi6tions  of  fin,  and  fears ol 
 hell,  deprefs  the  moft  magnanimous  fpirit,  and  makes  it  to  pore  difconfolate  ovet 
 its  wretchednefs  :  but  good  inftrurflions  from  friends,  and  efpecially  the  proraifes 
 of  God  revive  and  make  it  glad.  26.  In  his  ftate  of  union  with  Chrifi,  jufiifica. 
 tion  and  adoption,  a  righteous  man  is  more  excellent  than  his  neighbour;  buttke 
 way  that  the  wicked  takes  to  render  hinifelf  greet  or  happy  only  deceives  and 
 dil'appoints  him,  and  ifiues  in  roifery.  27.  Lazy  wretches  cannot  endure  to  pro* 
 fecute  their  own  fchemes  for  obtaining  earthly  enjoyments ;  or  it  is  taken  from 
 them  ;  but  the  wealth  or  honour,  which  is  obtained  by  an  honeft  diligence  is  cs 
 tremely  valuable  and  lafting.  28.  In  receiving  Chrift  as  our  wifdom,  righteouf. 
 nefs,  fantflification,  and  redemption,  there  is  a  real  pofleflion  of  life,  fpiritual  and 
 eternal. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XIII.  Ver.  1.  Wife  children  will  reve. 
 rently  receive,  obey,  and  fubmit  to  their  parents’  inftru<5lions  ;  but  there  is  n( 
 hope  of  him  that  laughs  and  feoffs  when  he  is  admoniflied  for  his  faults. 
 
 He  who  lays  out  himfelf  in  inftruefting,  advifing  and  comforting  others, 
 be  regarded  by  men,  and  rewarded  by  God  ;  but  evil  fpeakers  fhall  be  forced 
 to  endure  thole  miferies  which  they  hi  ought  upon  others.  3.  He  that  carefully 
 bridles  his  tongue,  preferves  himfelf  from  much  trouble  and  danger ;  but  kt 
 who  is  extremely  talkative,  is  in  the  ready  way  to  be  ruined,  both  by  God  and 
 by  man.  4.  Neither  riches,  learning,  labour,  nor  happinefs  is  to  be  gotten 
 by  mere  fluggifh  defires,  without  endeavours  ;  but  they  who,  in  a  dependance 
 upon  God,  induftrioully  ufe  proper  means,  fhall  have  fnfficiency  of  outward 
 things,  and  abundant  comforts  in  Chrift.  5.  A  righteous  man  not  only  careful 
 avoids,  but  hates  all  manner  of  falfehood  ;  but  a  wicked  man  continues  t( 
 inipofe  upon  others,  till  his  deteefled  falfehoods  and  villanies  render  him  eu- 
 dently  odious  to  God  and  detefted  by  men.  6.  They  who  have  Jefus’  righteouf- 
 nefs  imputed  to  them,  and  his  grace  implanted  in  them,  and  who  fludy  uprigkl- 
 nefs  and  equity  in  their  whole  condudi,  fhall  be  pref'erved  found  in  tlie  faitk 
 unmoved  by  Satan’s  temptations,  or  the  world’s  frowns  or  fmiles  ;  but  wickei 
 men  fliall  be  overthrown  by  their  own  iniquity.  7.  Some,  in  their  pride  and 
 vanity,  make  a  great  fhow  of  wealth,  when  they  are  worth  nothing ;  while 
 others,  by  their  garb  of  their  fpeeches,  conceal  their  abundant  ricbes,  know 
 ledge,  or  grace.  8.  Riches  are  fo  far  from  rendering  men  truly  happy,  ihf 
 
,  7  PROVERBS. 
 
 Of  sundri/  moral  vmues, 
 
 8  The  ranfom  of  a  man’s  life  are  his  riches :  but 
 
 and  their  contrary  vicef. 
 
 but  with  the 
 
 Before  „  - ^ 
 
 chrift  jjjg  poor  heareth  not  rebuke.  .  .  ,  u  u 
 
 cir.  1000.  g  light  of  the  righteous  rejoiceth  :  <=  but  the 
 
 '-jX^  11  latTiP  wicked  (hall  be  put  out. 
 
 U.  6.  &  10  Only  by  pride  comeih  contention 
 
 21-  >7-  well  adviCed  is  wifdom.  _  j-  •  -a,  j 
 
 II  11  a  Wealth  gotten  by  vanity  (hall  be  ditniDuned. 
 
 d'ctp.  but  he  that  gathereth  t  by  labour  (hall  increafe. 
 
 10. 2.  &  12  Hope  deterred  makelh  the  heart  (ick  :  but  when 
 
 20- the  defire  cometh,  it  is  a  tree  o(  hjje. 
 
 13  Whofo  delpifeth  the  word  (hall  be  deftroyed  : 
 w.‘  but  he  that  feareth  the  commandment  11  (hall  be  re- 
 
 11  .  warded.  c  •  c  rr  . 
 
 (hall  be  in  ^  of  [he  Wife  ts  a  fountain  or  lite,  to 
 
 f  Chap,  depart  from  the  fnares  of  death.  .  , 
 
 14.27.  15  Good  under(tanding  giveth  favour:  but  the 
 
 way  of  trail fgreffors  is  hard. 
 
 f  Chap.  i6  ^  Every  prudent  man  dealeth  with  knowledge: 
 12. 23.  &  JqqJ  I  layeth  open  his  tolly.  i 
 
 f'^Hei).  t7  A  wicked  melTenger  falleth  luto  mifchiet :  but 
 
 [mead'etk.  a  faithful  ambaiTador  ts  health.  _  r  r  u 
 
 18  Poverty  and  (hame  shaU  be  to  him  that  retuleth 
 
 /  inffruftion ;  but  he  that  regardeth  reproof  (hall  be 
 
 honoured.  .  r  u  r  i  . 
 
 19  The  defire  accomplifhed  is  fweet  to  the  loul . 
 
 but  it  is  abomination  to  tools  to  depart  from  evil. 
 
 20  He  that  walketh  with  wife  men  thall  be  wile  : 
 but  a  companion  of  fools  f  (hall  be  deftroyed. 
 
 21  Evil  purfuethfinners:  but  to  the  righteous  good 
 
 (hall  be  repaid  ,  * 
 
 22  A  good  man  leaveth  an  inheritance  to  his  chil¬ 
 dren’s  children  ;  and  the  s  wealth  of  the  (inner  is  laid 
 up  for  the  ju(t. 
 
 I  lleb. 
 
 shall  be 
 broken. 
 
 e  Job 
 27.  17. 
 
 h  Chap. 
 12.  11. 
 
 23  Much  food  is  in  the  tillage  of  the  poor :  but 
 there  is  that  ts  deftroyed  tor  want  of  judgment. 
 
 24  '  He  that  fpareth  his  rod  batrth  bis  fon  :  but  he 
 
 that  loveth  him  chafteneth  him  betimes.  cir.  looo. 
 
 25  I*  The  righteous  cateth  to  the  (atisfyiug  ot  his 
 foul ;  but  the  belly  of  the  wicked  (hall  want. 
 
 23.  13.  k  Ffaltn*  34.  10.  &  37.  3. 
 
 CHAP.  XIV. 
 
 Every  wife  womau  buildeth  her  houfe;  but 
 the  foolKh  plueketh  it  down  with  her  hands. 
 
 2  Hethatwalkethinhis  uprighinefsteareih  the  Lord: 
 
 »  but  he  that  is  perverle  in  his  ways  delpileth  him  • 
 
 3  Id  the  mouth  ot  the  toolilh  is  a  rod  ot  pride . 
 but  the  lips  ot  the  wife  (hall  prelerve  them. 
 
 4  Where  no  oxen  are,  the  crib  ts  clean :  but  much 
 
 increafe  is  by  the  (treogth  of  the  ox.  . 
 
 5  A  faithful  witnefs  will  not  he  :  but  a  falfe  wit-  ^ 
 
 nefs  will  utter  lies.  .  23.  i. 
 
 6  A  (corner  feeketh  wifdom,  zr^afindeth  it  not :  out  chap. 
 
 ‘  knowledge  is  ealy  unto  him  that  underftandeth.  6. 19.  & 
 
 7  Go  from  the  prefence  ot  a  toolilh  man,  when^^  • 
 thou  perceived  not  in  him  the  lips  ot  knowledge. 
 
 8  The  wifdom  of  the  prudent  is  to  underltand  his 
 
 way  :  but  the  tolly  ot  tools  is  deceit.  •  u  j  r'K 
 
 9  <»  Fools  make  a  mock  at  fin  :  but  among  the  righ- 
 
 teous  there  is  favour.  j  ,  tt  t. 
 
 10  The  heart  knoweth  his  own  bitternels ; 
 
 a  ftranger  doth  not  intermeddle  with  his  joy.  La  o/ to 
 
 1 1  The  houfe  of  the  wicked  (hall  be  overthrown  'youi. 
 but  the  tabernacle  of  the  upright  (hall  flourifh. 
 
 12  e  There  is  a  way  which  feemeih  right  unto  a^^cba^p- 
 man;  but  the  end  thereof  are  the  ways  ot  death. 
 
 13  Even  in  laughter  the  heart  is  forrowtul ;  aud 
 the  end  ot  that  mirth  is  heavinefs.  .  ,  rr-K 
 
 14  Tne  backflider  in  heart  (hall  be  ^  filled  with  his^ 
 own  ways ;  and  a  good  man  shall  be  satisfied  trom 
 himfelf. 
 
 they  tempt  others  to  rob  or  to  accufe  them,  that  their  lives  may  be  faved  by 
 huge  fums  of  money;  whereas  the  poor  is  reckoned  fo  inconfiderable,  that  no¬ 
 body  thinks  it  worth  while  to  rob,  accufe,  or  even  rebuke,  him.  9.  The  holi- 
 nefs,  comfort,  and  profperity  of  the  righteous  continues  in  its  brightoefs  and 
 glor*y  ;  but  the  fmall  appe.arance  of  comfort  and  bappinefs,  which  the  wicked 
 enjoy  ’in  this  world,  will  quickly  be  extinguilhed  in  endlefs  mifery.  10.  Pride 
 is  the  principal,  and  often  the  foie  caufe  of  quarrels  and  contentions ;  but  they 
 who  pioudy  confult  their  God  and  their  Bible,  tranfaft  things  in  quietnefs  and 
 peace.  11.  Wealth  gotten  by  fraud,  theft,  or  oppreffion,  having  the  curfe  of 
 God  upon  it,  (hall  quickly  be  walled,  but  that  which  is  gotten  by  honeft  in- 
 dullry  and  diligence  Hiall  continue  and  increafe.  12.  The  delay  ot  that  which 
 a  mail  eagerly  expeiSls  renders  his  mind  very  uneafy;  but  when  he  enjoys  what 
 he  long  defiled  and  looked  for,  it  is  fweet,  fatisfadlory  and  reviving.  13.  He 
 who  defpites  God’s  word,  or  the  advices  of  his  faithful  friends,  thall  quickly 
 be  ruined;  but  he  who  reverently  fubmits  himftlf  to,  and  obeys  God’s  com¬ 
 mandments  (liall  be  rewarded.  14.  The  inftruaions  of  a  good  man,  and  much 
 more  the  doilrines  of  God’s  word,  preferve  from  thofe  prenicious  principles, 
 and  deftruaive  praaices,  by  which  many  are  enfiiared.  15.  A  prudent,  pious 
 and  regular  behaviour,  is  acceptable  to  all  men  ;  but  the  behaviour  of  lawLfs 
 and  wicked  perfons,  is  very  ruinous  to  themfelves,  and  offenfive  to  God  and 
 good  men.  16.  Prudent  perfons  undertake  nothing  but  with  due  deliberation, 
 and  what  they  underftand  ;  hut  fools  difcover  their  weaknefs,  by  rathly  med¬ 
 dling  with  matters  out  of  their  reach.  17  Uiifaithfulnefs  in  difcharging  his 
 trull,  will  bring  a  wicked  fe-vant  into  lhame,  condemnation,  and  mifery ; 
 but  he  who  adls  faithfully  procures  fafety  and  advantage  both  to  his  mafter 
 and  himfelf.  19.  It  is  a  high  fatisfaiflion  to  enjoy  what  we  defire  ;  but  foolilli 
 fmners  hate  to  forfake  their  liifts  and  finful  praaices,  even  as  means  of  receiving 
 the  chpicea  benefits.  23.  By  gaining  his  eftate  in  a  jua  and  upright  manner, 
 and  by  doing  good  witli  it  while  he  lives,  a  good  man  takes  the  furea  course 
 to  fix  his  efiate  upon  them  for  many  generations  ;  but  the  finner  leaves  a  curfe 
 entailed  upon  his  w'ealth ;  and,  by  the  righteous  providence  of  God,  it  is  quickly 
 transferred  from  his  family  to  one  tliat  is  truly  pious  and  virtuous.  23.  Poor 
 men,  by  their  diligent  labour  and  induary,  many  times  abundantly  provide  for 
 themfelves  and  family ;  while  others  who  are  rich,  are  reduced  to  poverty, 
 through  their  ignorance,  ralhiiefs,  injuflice,  &c,  24.  That  fond  aflfeiSlion  which 
 tedrains  parents  from  duly  corre6ling  their  children,  is  a  finful  withholding 
 from  them  a  mean  appointed  by  God;  but  parents  who  truly  love  their  children 
 will  fiudy,  by  early  and  Chriaian  correeSlions,  to  prevent  their  fixing  in  evil 
 habits  or  cudoms.  25,  A  righteous  man  never  wants  fatisfaiSlion,  becaufe  he 
 
 7  Q 
 
 lives  in  a  temperate  ufe  of  God’s  bleffmgs;  but  wicked  men,  infatiable  in  their 
 defire,  and  extravagant  in  the  abufe  of  their  plenty,  fhall  be  reduced  to  the  dif- 
 
 trefles  of  poverty.  .  .,  . 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XIV.  Ver.  1.  A  virtuous  wife  by 
 her  piety,  prudence,  and  good  economy,  fupports  and  advances  her  family  in 
 honour,  bappinefs  and  wealth  :  but  a  wicked  imprudent  wife,  by  her  pride, 
 prodigality,  &c.  will  quickly  reduce  a  happy  family  to  poverty,  difgrace,  and 
 ruin.  2  By  an  univerfal  regard  to  piety  and  virtue,  men  manifeft  the  fear  and 
 holy  revererice  of  God  implanted  in  their  heart ;  but,  by  an  obllinate  rebellion 
 againfi.  bis  laws,  they  difcover  their  profane  contempt  of  his  Majefty.  3.  The 
 infolent.  calumniating,  and  contemptuous  fpeeches  of  proud  men  are  very  in¬ 
 jurious  and  wounding  to  others,  and  often  at  lall  prove  a  fcourge  to  themfelves  , 
 but  the  prudent,  peaceable,  and  pleafing  words  of  wife  men,  fecure  them  in 
 fafety.  4.  They  who  would  have  plenty  mull  be  content  with  the  drofs  that 
 labour  makes,  or,  if  the  tillage  of  the  fields  be  negleaed,  famine  mull  follow; 
 but  laborious  tillage  will  ilTue  in  great  plenty.  6.  Proud,  felf-conceited 
 
 feoffers  are  never  like  to  profit  by  their  ftudies;  whereas  they  who  humbly 
 and  dependently  apply  themfelves  to  fearch  out  truth,  quickly  attain  to  the 
 knowledge  of  whatever  is  necefiTary  and  ufeful.  7.  It  is  proper  to  flee  from 
 the  company  of  fuch  perfons  as  difcover  the  corruption  of  their  heart  in  the 
 vanity  or  wickeduefs  of  their  words.  8.  Prudent  men  chiefly  fiudy  to  know 
 how  to  aa  in  their  own  calling  and  religious  courfe;  but  wicked  men  employ 
 their  knowledge  and  wit  to  deceive  others.  9.  Infenfihle  of  the  evil,  malignity 
 and  danger  of  fin,  wicked  men  harden  themfelves  in  it;  but  they,  who  are 
 afraid  of,  hate,  and  avoid  fin,  truly  love  and  regard  their  neighbours,  and  obuin 
 favour  with  God  and  man.  10.  No  man  can  know  what  another  inwardly  fuffers 
 ill  worldly  griefs  and  vexations ;  neither  can  they  lhare  with  him  in  his  in¬ 
 ward  joys.  11  The  (lately  houfes,  wealthy  and  honoured  families,  of  the 
 wicked,  fliall  in  providence  be  reduced  to  ruin  and  mifery  ;  whereas  the  poor 
 and  unfeltled  family  of  the  truly  pious  Ihall  flourifti  and  become  illufirious.  12» 
 There  is  need  ftridlly  and  impartially  to  try  courfes  and  cuftoms  ;  or  prejudice, 
 felf  flattery,  affedled  ignorance,  and  the  like,  make  many  things  feem  lawful  and 
 good  which  are  really  finful  and  ruinous.  13.  Immoderate  joys  and  pleafure  or¬ 
 dinarily  illue  ill  inward  vexation  and  anguilh  ;  and  the  diverting  of  inward  eonvie- 
 tioiis  and  impoiti^t  duties  by  carnal  mirth  will  quickly  iffae  in  the  weepings  and 
 wailings  of  eternal  defpair.  14.  He  who  even  in  heart  revolts  from  God  and 
 his  ways,  fhall  be  fearfully  overwhelmed  with  the  punifhment  of  his  fins;  but  a 
 good  man  fhall  enjoy  great  comfort  in  the  teftimony  of  a  good  confcience,  and 
 in  keeping  God’s  commands.  15.  Weak  perfons  believe  every  idle  story,  and 
 
 20 
 
Of  sundry  moral  virtues^ 
 
 PROVERBS. 
 
 Chrift  j  fimple  believeth  every  word  :  but  the  pru- 
 
 cir.iooo.  looketh  well  to  his  going. 
 
 16  A  wile  man  teareth,  and  departeth  from  evil : 
 but  the  fool  rageth,  and  is  confident. 
 
 17  He  that  is  loon  angry  dealeth  foolilhly  ;  and  a 
 man  of  wicked  devices  is  hated. 
 
 J8  The  fimple  inherit  tolly ;  but  the  prudent  are 
 crowned  with  knowledge. 
 
 19  1  he  evil  bow  before  the  good  ;  and  the  wicked 
 at  the  gates  of  the  righteous. 
 
 20  s  The  poor  is  hated  even  of  his  own  neighbour : 
 bur  f  the  rich  hath  many  friends. 
 
 21  He  that  defpileth  his  neighbour  linneth 
 
 g  Chap. 
 
 19,  7. 
 t  Heb. 
 many  are 
 
 the  lovers  he  that  hath  mercy  on  the  poor,  happy  is  he. 
 h  Pfaira "  Do  they  not  err  that  devife  evil?  but 
 
 112.  9. 
 
 but 
 
 mercy 
 
 i  Ver.  5. 
 
 k  Chap. 
 13.  14. 
 
 •}•  Heb, 
 short  of 
 spirit, 
 
 1  Chap. 
 17.  5, 
 Matth. 
 25.  40, 
 45, 
 
 and  truth  shall  be  to  them  that  devife  good. 
 
 23  In  all  labour  there  is  profit:  but  the  talk  of  the 
 lips  tendeth  only  to  penury. 
 
 24-  The  crown  of  the  wife  is  their  riches :  hut  the 
 foolilhnefs  of  fools  is  folly. 
 
 25  *  A  true  witnefs  delivereth  fouls  :  but  a  deceit¬ 
 ful  voitness  fpeaketh  lies. 
 
 26  In  the  fear  of  the  Lord  is  flrong  confidence  ; 
 and  his  children  (hall  have  a  place  of  refuge. 
 
 27  The  fear  of  the  Lord  is  a  fountain  of  life,  to 
 depart  from  the  fnares  of  death. 
 
 28 'In  the  multitude  of  people  is  the  king’s  honour  : 
 but  in  the  want  of  people  is  the  delfruftion  of  the 
 prince. 
 
 29  He  that  is  flow  to  wrath  is  of  great  underftand- 
 ing  :  but  he  that  is  t  hafty  of  fpirit  exalteth  folly. 
 
 30  A  found  heart  is  the  life  of  the  flelh  :  but  envy 
 the  rotrennefs  of  the  bones. 
 
 31  '  He  that  oppreflTeth  the  poor  reproacheth  his 
 Maker:  but  he  that  honoureih  him  hath  mercy  on 
 the  poor. 
 
 a  re- 
 
 t  Heb.  ij 
 
 ;  but 
 
 ®  SOFT  anfwer  turneth  away  wrath  :  but  griev-a  Chap. 
 
 '  "  ■  25.  15.' 
 
 bVer.SS, 
 Chap. 
 
 and  their  contrary 
 
 32  The  wicked  is  driven  away  in  his  wickednefs  :  Before 
 but  the  righteous  hath  hope  in  his  death. 
 
 33  Wildom  retteth  in  the  heart  of  him  that  hath 
 underftanding  ;  but  that  which  is  in  the  midft  of  fools 
 is  made  known. 
 
 34  Righteoufnefs  exalteth  a  nation  :  but  fin  is 
 proach  f  to  any  people. 
 
 35  The  king’s  favour  is  toward  a  wife  fervant 
 his  v/rath  is  against  him  that  caufeth  Ihame. 
 
 CHAP.  XV. 
 
 A  ous  words  flir  up  anger. 
 
 2  The  tongue  of  the  wife  ufeth  knowledge  aright 
 
 but  the  mouth  of  fools  f  poureth  out  fooliflinefs. 
 
 3  =  The  eyes  of  the  Lord  are  in  every  place,  be- j!' jg 
 
 holding  the  evil  and  the  good.  t^iieb. 
 
 4  t  A  wholefcme  tongue  is  a  tree  of  life  :  but  per-  McImh, 
 
 verfenefs  therein  is  a  breach  in  the  fpirit.  or  bub. 
 
 5^  A  fool  defpifeth  his  father’s  inftruftion:  but  he  c  job 
 that  regardeth  reproof  is  prudent.  34. 21. 
 
 6  In  the  houfe  of  fhe  righteous  is  much  treafure  : 
 but  in  the  revenues  of  the  wicked  is  trouble. 
 
 7  The  lips  of  the  wife  dilperfe  knowledge  :  but  the  le.  i7,& 
 
 heart  of  the  foolilh  doeih  not  fo,  32. 19. 
 
 8  «  The  facrifice  of  the  wicked  is  an  abomination  to 
 the  Lord  :  but  the  prayer  of  the  upright  is  nis  delight. 
 
 9  The  v.^ay  of  the  wicked  is  an  abommation  \xu\o  The  hmi. 
 
 the  Lord  :  but  he  loveth  him  that  followeth  after  “"s  “Mfe 
 righteoufnefs.  a’chT 
 
 10  II  Correftion  is  grievous  unto  him  that  forfaketh  10. 
 
 the  way  ;  and  he  that  hateth  reproof  (hall  die.  e  cbap. 
 
 11  ^  Hell  and  deftru^fion  are  before  the  Lord;^'-^^- 
 how  much  more  then  the  hearts  of  the  children  of 
 men  ? 
 
 Jer.  6.  20.  &  7.  22.  Amos  5.  22 
 
 Ifaiah 
 
 Or,  In/lruBion, 
 
 1.  11. 
 
 &  66.  3. 
 
 f  Job  26.  6. 
 
 thereby  are  drawn  into  evil ;  but  prudent  men  examine  things  before  they  truft 
 to  them  or  pradlife  them.  16.  A  wife  man  when  warned  of  his  error  or  danger, 
 immediately  ftarts  back  from  the  fin  to  wh'ch  be  was  tempted,  or  in  which  he  had 
 involved  hjmfelf;  but  a  fool  rages  againfl,  thofe  that  reprove,  warn,  or  threaten 
 him,  and  goes  on  fearlefs  of  any  danger.  17.  He,  who  is  foon  angry  involves 
 himfelf  in  raih  and  imprudent  w’ords  and  a<5lious ;  but  a  man  who  conceals  his 
 wrath  and  deliberately  contrives  how  to  take  a  cruel  revenge  deferves  to  be  hated. 
 18.  Inconfiderate  finners  hold  fafl,  their  wickednefs,  and  delight  in  it  till  they  feel 
 the  woeful  effedls  of  it;  but  the  prudent  to  their  remarkable  honour  and  influence 
 increafe  in  fpiritual  underftanding.  19.  Even  in  this  world  the  wicked  are  often 
 ol.liged  to  floop  and  fiibmit  to  the  righteous,  and  implore  their  favour  and  relief; 
 and  at  the  laft  day  the  deb.ifement  of  the  wicked  and  exaltation  of  the  righteous 
 fhall  be  complete.  20.  If  a  man  fall  into  poverty,  his  neighbours  will  forfake 
 and  difregard  him  ;  but  if  a  mau  grow  rich,  many  will  pretend  great  aflfedlion  to 
 him,  and  offer  him  their  favour.  21.  He  who  overlooks  and  contemns  his  po^r 
 neighbour  provokes  God  to  punifh  and  render  him  miferable ;  but  he  wl'.o  com- 
 pallionately  relieves  the  poor  (hall  he  bleffed  by  God  on  that  account.  22  Toey 
 who  contrive  mifehief  againfl'  their  innocent  neighbours  mifs  their  end,  and  ruin 
 themfelves  ;  hut  they  who  fludy  to  do  men  real  good  fliall  be  gracioufly  and  faitli- 
 fully  rewarded  by  God.  23.  Induflrious  labour  in  any  lawful  calling  will  bring 
 in  fome  gain  ;  but  talkativenefs  and  proud  boafling  tend  only  to  make  men  beg¬ 
 gars.  24,  Riches  are  a  Angular  ornament  and  advantage  to  wife  men,  becaufe 
 thereby  they  have  the  greater  opportunities  of  doing  good  ;  but  riches  only  render 
 foolifh  men’s  folly  the  more  notorious.  25.  An  upright  witnefs  will  at  all  ha¬ 
 zards  avow  the  truth  ;  but  deceitful  men  will  boldly  pour  forth  lies  and  calumnies 
 to  defiroy  the  innocent.  26,  They  that  fear  God.  may  be  conlident  of  his  pro- 
 tedlion  to  them  and  their  poflerity.  27.  An  holy  regard  to  God,  and  obedience 
 to  his  law,  will  preferve  men  from  thofe  fintul  courfes  in  wiiich  many  are  enfiiar- 
 ed  to  their  own  deflrutflion.  28.  Kings  ought  to  cherifli  their  fubjeiSls  ;  for  on 
 their  number,  wealtft,  and  power,  their  own  honour  depends  ;  and  if  they  be 
 wafted  by  unneceffary  wars,  it  will  prove  the  ruin  of  the  kingdom.  29,  He,  who 
 under  great  provocations,  can  maintain  a  caimnefs  of  temper,  difeovers  much  wif- 
 dom  and  grace  ;  but  he  who  is  haftily  inflamed  by  reproaches  ill-ufage,  ex- 
 pofes  his  corruption  and  folly.  Nothing  more  conduces  to  Tiealtb  and  happi- 
 nefs  than  a  mind  renewed  by  God’s  Spirit;  but  envy,  and  fuch  hke  fretful  paf- 
 fions,  torment  men’s  fpirits,  and  wafte  their  bodies.  31.  He  that  defrauds  or  op- 
 preflss  the  popr,  forgets,  and  even  pra<5lLcalIy  biafphemes  God,  who  engages  hi.n- 
 
 felf  to  defend  and  relieve  them;  but  he  who  hath  any  due  refpedl  to  God  will 
 fhewpity  to  the  poor.  .52.  In  death  the  wicked  is  fuddenly  and  irrefiftibly  driven 
 away  from  all  his  beloved  hopes  and  enjoyments,  in  tills  finful  (late  ;  but  the  rigli- 
 teous,  being  united  to  Chrift,  has  even  in  trouble  and  death,  well  grounded  hopes 
 of  eternal  felicity.  33.  Prudent  men  fludy  to  grow  in  grace,  and  in  the  knowledge 
 of  Chrift  ;  but  foolifh  men  expof'e  themfelves  by  their  eager  defire  to  vent  their 
 minds  in  every  company.  34.  Religion  and  virtue,  equity  and  kindnefs,  through 
 the  blefling  of  God,  increafe  the  glory,  power,  and  wealth  of  a  nation  ;  but  rebel¬ 
 lion  againfl  God,  or  injuring  of  mankind,  difgraces  and  ruins  fbcieties.  35.  A 
 prudent,  aiflive,  and  faithful  minifter  of  (late  cannot  but  be  dear  to  a  wife  king; 
 and  one  who  by  his  ill-management  difgraces  his  government,  cannot  but  he  the 
 ohjecSt  of  his  wrath. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  X'V.  Ver.  1.  Mild,  fubmifllve,  and  , 
 yielding  anfwers  pacify  anger:  but  fharp,  contemptuous  and  impertinent  Ian 
 guage  incrcafcs  paffion.  2.  A  wife  man  gives  profitable  inftrudlions;  whereas 
 fools  by  the  worthlefs  fluff  they  utter,  only  manifeft  their  own  folly.  3.  The 
 infinite  knowledge  and  obfervance  of  God  extends  every  where.  4.  Wholefome 
 and  profitable  difeourfes  iuftrudl  the  ignorant,  comfort  the  grieved,  and  foften  the 
 exafperated  :  but  corrupt,  proud,  palfionate,  and  erroneous  difeourfe  difturbs 
 the  peace,  and  corrupts  the  tempers  and  manners.  5.  Inattention  to  the  iii- 
 ftrudlions,  advices,  and  reproofs  of  fnperiors,  manifefts  and  iffu.s  in  the  greateft 
 folly;  hut  he  who  willingly  receives  rebukes  and  carefully  obferves  them,  fiiews 
 himfelf  wife  and  prudent.  6.  A  truly  pious,  juft,  and  merciful  man,  is  really  very 
 rich  ;  but  vexation  and  trouble  imbitter  the  revenues  of  the  wicked.  7.  Wife 
 men  tender  good  inftrudlions,  &c.  to  all  around  them  ;  but  foolilh  men,  having 
 their  heart  filled  wiih  ignorance  and  lull,  impart  nothing  valuable.  8.  All  the 
 external  devotions,  and  moft  liberal  alms-givings  of  wicked  men  are  fo  far  from 
 recommending  them  to  God’s  favour  that  they  are  abhorred  by  him  :  but  the 
 moft  humble  prayers  and  meaneft  fervices  of  thofe  united  to  Chrift  are  exceed¬ 
 ingly  acceptable  to  him,  and  ilfue  in  much  comfort  to  themfelves.  9.  The  whole 
 I  defigns,  contrivances,  thoughts,  words,  and  hdlions  of  wicked  men  are  abominable 
 to  th^e  Lord  :  but  he  loves  fuch  as  having  Jefus’  righteousnefs  imputed  to  iheir 
 fouls,  do  in  their  thoughts,  affecnions,  and  endeavours,  earneftly  ftudy  to  perfedl 
 holinefs  in  his  fear.  10.  Such  as  diflike  faithful  reproof  for  their  apoftacy  from 
 the  ways  of  the  Lord  fliall  be  f'everely  punifhed,  and  fliall  certainly  be  damned. 
 1 1.  The  (late  of  the  dead  and  damned,  and  every  other  thing  unknown  to  us,  are 
 perfedlly  known  to  God,  How  osadl  then  muft  be  his  knowledge  and  ohfer- 
 
Before 
 Christ 
 ,  1000. 
 
 Of  sundry  moral  virtues, 
 
 12  A  fcorner  loveth  not  one  that  reproveth  him; 
 neither,  will  he  go  unto  the  wife. 
 
 13  g  A  merry  heart  maketh  a  cheerful  countenance  ; 
 but  by  forrow  of  the  heart  the  fpirit  is  broken. 
 
 14  The  heart  of  him  that  hath  underftanTing  feek- 
 eth  knowledge :  but  the  mouth  of  fools  feedeth  on 
 
 fooliflinefs.  > 
 
 15  All  the  days  of  the  afflifted  ay-e  evil;  but  he 
 that  is  of  a  merry  heart  hath  a  continual  leaft. 
 
 16  Better  little  with  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  than 
 great  treafure  and  trouble  therewith. 
 
 1  Cbap.  17  ‘  Better  is  a  dinner  of  herbs  where  love  is,  than 
 17.  1.  a  flailed  ox,  and  hatred  therewith, 
 k  Cbap-^  18  A  wrathful  man  ftirreth  up  ftrife  :  but  he  that 
 
 29.22!  is  flow  to  anger  appeafeth  ftrife. 
 fHeb.  is  19  The  way  of  the  flothful  man  is  as  an  hedge  of 
 raised  up  thoms;  but  the  way  of  the  righteous  t  is  made 
 plain*  „ 
 
 20  ‘  A  wife  fon  maketh  a  glad  father  :  but  a  foolifh 
 man  defpifeth  his  mother. 
 
 21'”  Folly  is  joy  to  kun  that  is  f  deftitute  of  wifdom  : 
 but  a  man  of  underftanding  walketh  uprightly. 
 
 22  Without  counfel  purpofes  are  difappointed  :  but 
 in  the  multitude  of  counfellors  they  are  eftablilhed. 
 
 23  A  man  hath  joy  by  the  anfwer  of  his  mouth 
 
 PROVERBS. 
 
 as  a  cause 
 
 wap. 
 
 1  Chap. 
 10.  1. 
 m  Chap. 
 
 10.  23. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 foid  of 
 heart. 
 
 n  Chap. 
 
 11.  14. 
 
 j.  Heb.  i/iand  a  word  fpokers  in  due  feafon,  how  good  is  it ! 
 
 >  i 
 
 ids  season 
 o  Philip. 
 3.  20. 
 Coloff. 
 
 5.  1,  2. 
 p  Chap. 
 12.  7.  & 
 14.  11. 
 q  Chap. 
 «.  IS. 
 f  Heb. 
 words  of 
 pleasant, 
 mss. 
 
 24  °  The  way  of  life  is  above  to  the  wife,  that  he 
 may  depart  from  hell  beneath. 
 
 25  P  The  Lord  will  deftroy  the  houfe  of  the  proud ; 
 bur.  he  will  eftablilh  the  border  of  the  widow. 
 
 26  ‘i  The  thoughts  of  the  wicked  are  an  abomina¬ 
 tion  to  the  Lord  :  but  the  -words  of  the  pure  are  f 
 pleafant  words. 
 
 27  He  that  is  greedy  of  gain  troubleth  his  own 
 houfe  ;  but  he  that  hateth  gifts  fhall  live. 
 
 28  The  heart  of  the  righteous  ftudieth  to  anfwer  : 
 but  the  mouth  of  the  wicked  poureth  out  evil  things. 
 
 and  their  contrary  vices, 
 but  ’  he 
 
 Uel'ore 
 Chrift 
 cir.  1000. 
 
 29  ■■  The  Lord  is  far  from  the  wicked  ; 
 heareth  the  prayer  of  the  righteous. 
 
 30  The  light  of  the  eyes  rejoiceth  the  heart;  and  . 
 
 a  good  report  maketh  the  bones  fat.  ' 
 
 31  The  ear  that  heareth  the  reprcof  of  life  abideth  ' 
 
 among  the  wife.  ,  r  -r  u  u- 
 
 32  He  that  refufeth  H  mftruclion  defpifeth  his  own  h  or, 
 foul:  but  he  that  \\  heareth  reproof  t  getteth  under- 
 
 Handing.  ^  ,  •  n  n-  c  -r 
 
 33  The  fear  of  the  Lord  ts  the  mftruftion  of  wil-^  n.b. 
 
 dom  :  and  '  before  honour  is  humility.  T  wf 
 
 CHAP.  XVI.  t  Chap. 
 
 The  ®  11  preparations  of  the  heart  in  man,  and  the  is.  12. 
 anfwer  of  the  tongue  is  from  the  Lord.  ^ 
 
 2  All  the  ways  of  a  man  are  clean  in  his  own  eyes  :  jg  21.  & 
 but  the  Lord  weigheth  the  fpirits.  j  u  t°' 
 
 3  <=  t  Commit  thy  works  unto  the  Lord,  and  thy 
 
 thoughts  fhall  be  eftablifhed.  . .  r  ir  h  II  O'"* 
 
 4  The  Lord  hath  made  all  things  for  him.elt :  disposings 
 
 even  the  wicked  for  the  day  of  evil.  , 
 
 5  '  Every  one  that  is  proud  in  heart  is  an  aborama  ppgjjj,, 
 tion  to  the  I.ord  ;  though  hand;o/?i  in  hand,  he  Inallj,  ^ 
 not  be  f  unpunithed.  55. 22. 
 
 6  By  mercy  and  truth  iniquity  is  purged  ;  and  by  Matth. 
 the  fear  of  the  Lord  men  depart  from  evil. 
 
 7  When  a  man’s  ways  pleafe  the  Lord,  he  maketh  22. 
 even  his  enemies  to  be  at  peace  with  him.  1  Peter 
 
 8  f  Better  is  a  little  with  righteoufnefs,  than  great  5.^-^^ 
 revenues  without  right.  ‘ 
 
 9  s  A  man’s  heart  devifeth  his  way  :  but  the  Lord  ^ 
 dire£leth  his  fteps.  _  21.30. 
 
 10  f  A  divine  fentence  is  in  the  lips  of  the  king;e  Ch^ap^ 
 his  mouth  tranfgrefleth  not  in  judgment.  ^  g‘  jg' 
 
 11  A  juft  weight  and  balance  are  the  Lord’s  ;  ff  Heb. 
 all  the  weights  of  the  bag  are  his  work.  held  inno¬ 
 
 cent.  f  Pfalm  37.  16.  Chap.  15.  16.  gVer.  1.  f  Heb.  Z>iwna/ion.  h  Lev. 
 19.  36.  Cbap.  11.  1.  +  Heb.  all  the  stones- 
 
 varree  of  the  difpofitions,  purpofes,  and  thoughts  of  men  !  12.  Mockers  of  God  I 
 
 and  religion  fhun  the  admonitions  of  their  confcience,  and  hate  fuch  as  reprove  ! 
 them  ;  and  even  avoid  the  company  of  wife,  religious,  or  virtuous  perfons.  13. 
 When  the  confcience  is  gracioufly  purged  and  quieted,  it  ilTues  in  outward  health 
 and  cheerfulnefs ;  but  grief  and  forrow  feizing  on  the  heart,  makes  a  man  a  bur-  j 
 den  to  himfelf  and  to  all  around.  14.  Such  as  are  inftruiSled  by  the  Spirit  of  | 
 God,  earneftly  ftudy  to  obtain  more  folid  knowledge  :  but  perfons  void  of  true 
 underftanding  gape  after,  and  relilh  nothing  but  frivolous,  vain,  and  unprofita¬ 
 ble  things.  15.  All  the  days  of  perfons  difcontented  under  their  affli<5lions  are 
 grievous  and  miferable;  but  they  who  have  their  confcience  gracioufly  quieted, 
 their  heart  joyful  in  God,  have  true  and  perpetual  comfort.  I  6.  A  very  fmall 
 fiiate  of  earthly  enjoyments,  attended  with  real  grace  and  true  holinefs  is  better 
 than  the  larged  abundance  of  wealth  without  it.  17.  The  meaneft  fare  attended 
 by  the  mutual  love  of  friends,  is  far  preferable  to  the  mod  fumptuous  entertain¬ 
 ment  attended  with  hatred  and  contention.  18.  Hafty,  paflaonate,  and  furious 
 perfons,  are  apt  to  quarrel  for  very  trifles  ;  but  thofe  who  are  humble,  meek,  and 
 patient,  will  labour  to  compofe  ftrife  when  it  has  been  raifed  by  others.  19.  A 
 flothful  man  is  apt  to  fancy  a  great  many  unconquerable  difficulties  In  the  way  of 
 bis  duty  ;  but  a  good  and  adlive  perfon  looks  on  his  way  as  eafy  and  plain.  20. 
 Nothing  fo  much  rejoices  the  heart  of  pious  parents,  as  to  fee  their  children  grow 
 up  in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord  ;  but  foolifli  children  requite  their 
 mother’s  fond  indulgence  by  irreverent  carriage  towards  them  ;  thereby  making 
 them  contemptible.  21.  They,  who  are  void  of  grace  and  confideration,  take 
 pleafiire  in  doing  the  moft  empty,  abfurd,  and  wicked  things;  but  fuch  as  are 
 truly  knowing  and  wife,  ftudy  to  coududl  their  thoughts,  words,  and  adlions  in 
 a  regular,  fincere,  and  holy  manner.  22.  Without  prudent  counfellors  the  moft 
 important  defigns  and  projedls  often  mifcarry;  but  where,  by  prudent  conful- 
 tation,  men’s  purpofes  fucceed  to  their  with.  23.  Ready,  pertinent,  and  feafon- 
 able  advice  is  an  honour  and  comfort  to  him  who  gives  it,  and  it  is  very  profitable 
 to  him  who  receives  it.  24.  Holy  and  gracious  perfons,  in  the  purfuit  of  ever- 
 lafting  life,  fet  their  afTetftions  and  hopes  on  tilings  above,  that  they  may  efeape 
 finful  pollutions,  horrid  dangers,  and  everlafting  deftrtiilioii.  25.  God  takes 
 pleafure  to  debafe  the  proud,  ruining  their  honour  and  wealth  ;  but  he  will 
 preferve  poor  widows  againft  every  infoleiit  or  covetous  invader.  26.  The 
 Lord  abhors  the  thoughts  of  wicked  men,  &c.  but  the  hearts  of  the  godly,  being 
 purged  by  his  blood  and  Spirit,  are  pleafant  to  him.  27.  They  wha  haften  to 
 
 be  rich,  and  with  anxious  care  labour  for  worldly  enjoyments,  plague  their  fami¬ 
 lies,  and  bring  the  curfe  of  God  on  what  they  have  ;  but  he  who  hates  bribes,  and 
 other  unlawful  methods  of  gain,  (iiall  have  a  competent  portion  of  the  good  things 
 of  this  world.  28.  A  good  man  avoids  anfwering  before  he  is  afked,  and  ftudies  to 
 fay  nothing  but  what  is  pure,  &c.  ;  but  a  wicked  man  is  apt,  in  a  ra(h  and  froward 
 manner,  to  fpeak  what  is  unfuitable,  finful,  and  hurtful.  29.  The  Lord  utterly 
 diflikes  wicked  perfons  ;  but  he  is  ever  willing  and  ready  to  hear  the  prayers  of  the 
 godly,  and  is  their  prefent  help  in  time  of  diftrefs.  30,  It  isa  remarkable  pleafure 
 to  behold  the  manifold  works  of  God,  and  the  good  report  of  a  given  and  offered 
 Saviour,  or  even  a  good  report  of  ourfelves  or  neighbours,  affords  inward  comfort. 
 
 31.  They  who  with  pleafure  liflen  to  and  improve  wholcfome  inftru<51ions, 
 increafe  in  wifdom,  and  fliall  be  qualified  to  give  good  inftruiSlions  to  others. 
 
 32,  Such  as  refufe  or  condemn  proper  inftru6lions,  or  reproofs,  undervalue  their 
 own  foul  :  but  lie  who  delights  to  be  taught  and  admoniflied,  increafes  in  faving 
 knowledge,  wifdom,  and  prudence.  33.  An  holy  awe  of  God,  and  real  regard  to 
 his  way,  difpofes  us  to  the  ftudy  of  true  wifdom  and  knowledge  ;  and  humility, 
 and  patient  fubmilfion  in  a  low  condition,  is  the  heft  preparation  for  honour  and 
 preferment. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XVI.  Ver.  I.  Every  right  inclina¬ 
 tion,  thought,  or  purpofe  in  the  heart,  are  entirely  the  free  gift  and  work  of  God. 
 2.  Ignorance  and  I’elf-conceit  make  men  often  to  think  thcmfelves  faultlefs  and 
 holy  in  their  condiuft,  when  the  Lord,  who  fearches  and  judges  the  intentions 
 of  the  heart,  finds  it  quite  otherwife.  3.  Commit  whatever  works  you  under¬ 
 take  to  the  direction  and  management  of  God,  and  implore  his  blefiing  therein, 
 fo  ftiall  your  honeft  defires  be  accompliflied.  4.  God  made  and  manages  all 
 creatures  for  his  own  fervice ;  yea,  even  the  wicked  to  be  inftruments  of  his 
 juft  vengeance.  5.  When  men  are  inwardly  proud,  on  account  of  their  gifts, 
 honours,  or  wealth,  God  hates  them.  6.  By  God’s  exercife  of  his  mercy  and 
 faithfulnefs  in  giving  his  Son,  men’s  iniquity  is  expiated,  pardoned,  and  fub- 
 dued.  And  by  the  fear  of  God  implanted  in  the  heart,  men  hate,  watch 
 againft,  and  avoid  fin  ;  and  fo  efeape  the  fearful  confequences  of  ik  7.  When 
 a  man  makes  it  his  habitual  and  earneft  endeavour  to  receive  Chrift,  and  walk 
 in  him,  the  Lord  inclines  even  thofe  that  were  hi^foes  to  become  his  friends. 
 8.  A  fmall  eftate  honeftly  gotten,  and  clieerfully  enjoyed,  is  preferable  to  vaft 
 incomes  heaped  up  by  oppreifion,  and  kept  without  hofpitality.  9.  A  man’s 
 miad  fixes  its  ends,  and  contrives  the  means;  but  the  Lord  determines  the  event. 
 
Of  sundry  moral  virtues. 
 
 PROVERBS. 
 
 chrift  abomination  to  kings  to  commit  wick- 
 
 cir.  1000.  ^ooeis  :  tor  the  throne  is  eftablithed  by  righteoutnefs. 
 
 13  Righteous  lips  are  the  delight  of  kings ;  and  they 
 1  Chap,  love  him  that  fpeaketh  right. 
 
 k^Chap.  ,  "1  *1^  wrath  ot  a  king  is  as  raeflengers  of  death  ; 
 
 but  a  wile  man  will  pacify  it. 
 
 15  In  the  light  of  the  king’s  countenance  ?s  life; 
 and  his  favour  is  as  a  cloud  of  the  latter  rain. 
 
 16  How  much  better  is  it  to  get  wildom  than 
 gold  ?  and  to  get  underftanding  rather  to  be  chofen 
 than  filver  i* 
 
 17  1  he  highway  of  the  upright  is  to  depart  from 
 evil :  he  that  keepeth  his  way  preferveth  his  Ibul. 
 
 18  '  Pride  goeih  before  deflruftion  ;  and  an  haughty 
 34.  8,  &  fpirit  before  a  fail. 
 
 19  Better  it  is  to  be  of  an  humble  fpirit  with  the 
 lowly,  than  to  divide  the  fpoil  with  the  proud. 
 
 20  II  He  that  handleth  a  matter  wifely  fhall  find 
 good  ;  and  whofo®  trufteth  in  the  Lord,  happy  is  he. 
 
 21  The  wife  in  heart  fhall  be  called  prudent ;  and 
 the  fweetnefs  of  the  lips  increafeth  learning. 
 
 22  “  TJnderftanding  is  a  well-fpring  of  life  urito 
 him  that  bath  it ;  but  the  inftruftion  of  fools  is  folly. 
 
 23  The  heart  of  the  wife  t  teacheth  his  mouth,  and 
 addeth  learning  to  his  lips. 
 
 24  Pieafant  words  are  as  an  honey-comb,  fweet  to 
 foul,^  and  health  to  the  bones. 
 
 t  Heb.  *  25  °  There  is  a  way  that  feemeth  right  unto  a  mao  ; 
 
 bowet/i  but  the  end  thereof  are  the  ways  of  death. 
 tinio  him.  26  t  He  that  laboureth,  laboureth  for  himfelf ;  for 
 mVi  nafiuth  t  era  vet  h  it  of  him. 
 
 Belial.  27  t  An  ungodly  man  diggeth  up  evil ;  and  in  his 
 pCbap.  lips  there  is  as  a  burning  fire. 
 
 &  is’ 18  28  p  A  froward  man  f  foweth  flrife;  and  a  whif- 
 
 &  26*  2U  feparateth  chief  friends. 
 
 &  29.  22.  j.  Heb,  sendelh  forth. 
 
 8.  11 
 
 I  Chap. 
 11.  2.  & 
 18.  12. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 He  that 
 uvider- 
 standeth  a 
 matter. 
 m  Pfal. 
 
 2.  12.  & 
 
 125.  1. 
 Ifaiab 
 30.  18. 
 Jerem. 
 17,  7. 
 n  Chap. 
 
 13.  14. 
 f  Heb. 
 makelk 
 wise. 
 
 o  Chap. 
 
 14.  12. 
 f  Heb. 
 The  soul 
 
 10.  The  edicts  and  decidons  of  kings  ought  alwaj's  to  be  direiSled  by  the  un¬ 
 erring  law  of  God.  11.  The  Lord  requires,  that  even  in  our  private  dealings, 
 every  thing  ftiould  be  managed  with  the  moll  fcrupulous  integrity  and  equity. 
 
 12—15.  Kings  being  in  the  moll  exal'cd  llation,  ought  to  be  dillinguilhed  pat¬ 
 terns  of  piety  and  virtue,  and  to  countenance  it  in  others,  as  the  only  fecurity  of 
 their  throne.  They  ought  highly  to  value  and  love  fincere  and  faithful  advifers. 
 
 Their  wrath  is  almoU  as  terrifying  as  a  meffage  of  death;  but  virtuous  and  pru¬ 
 dent  courtiers  will  make  a  reconciliation.  His  fmiles  are  extremely  reviving  and 
 comfortable,  and  fruitful  of  expedled  happinefs,  efpecially  to  fuch  as  he  had  been 
 fornaerly  incenferl  againfl.  16.  But  real  religion,  and  a  folid  underftanding,  are 
 preferable  to  all  the  wealth  that  kings  can  bellow  or  induftry  procure.  17.  It  is 
 the  conftant  aim  of  upright  men  to  decline  every  thing  that  is  evil,  and  to  fnllow 
 that  which  is  good;  by  which  they  are  preferved  from  dellru<5lion.  18.  I’ride 
 and  haughtinefs  are  the  ordinary  forerunners  of  dobafement  and  mifery.  19.  It 
 is  better,  in  imitation  of  Cbrift,  to  fubmit  to  the  meaneft  condition,  than  to  partake 
 of  vidlories,  fpoil,  and  wealth,  along  with  the  proud.  20.  They  who  underftand 
 bufinefs  thoroughly,  and  manage  it  prudently,  bid  fair  to  have  good  fuceefs;  but 
 It  is  only  by  trufling  in  God,  that  true  and  everlafting  happinefs  can  be  obtained, 
 
 21,  22,  They  whofe  hearts  are  well  furnilhed  with  experimental  knowledge  of 
 God’s  word;  and,  if  they  can  with  eloquence  and  clearnefs  communicate  their  in- 
 flrudlions,  it  will  greatly  tend  to  the  edification  of  themfelves  and  othe  s;  but  the 
 learning  of  fools  is  frivolous  and  vain  :  and  even  their  inftrutftions  do  but  render 
 men  foolilh.  25,  24.  The  enlightened  mind  of  a  wife  maninftrudls  him  to  fpeak 
 judicioufly  and  pertirtently,  and  renders  it  pieafant  to  the  hearer,  as  an  honeycomb 
 is  to  the  tnouth,  and  nourilhing  and  ftrengthening  as  marrow  is  to  the  bones.  25 
 Many  are  highly  pleafed  with  their  own  ways,  even  when  they  are  loch  as  tend  to 
 their  ruin,  temporal,  fpiritual  and  eternal.  26.  He  that,  prompted  by  bis  wants, 
 labours  in  worldly  employment,  procures  his  own  prefervation  in  life.  27.  Wicked  and  more  v 
 men  with  great  pains  contrive  and  labour  to  do  inifchief;  and  their  lying,  flander- 
 
 and  their  contrary  <vices 
 
 29  A  violent  men  enticeth  his  neighbour,  and  lead-  Befo„ 
 eth  him  into  the  way  that  is  not  good. 
 
 30  He  fhutteth  his  eyes  to  devife  froward  things 
 moving  his  lips  he  bringeth  evil  to  pal's. 
 
 31  The  hoary  heard  is  a  crown  of  glory,  if  it  be 
 found  in  the  way  of  righteoufnefs. 
 
 32  He  that  is  fl  'W  to  anger  is  better  than  the  mighty  ; 
 and  he  that  ruleth  his  fpirit  than  he  that  taketh  a  city. 
 
 33  The  lot  is  caft  into  the  lap  ;  but  the  whole  dif- 
 pofing  thereof  is  of  the  Lord.* 
 
 CHAP.  XVII. 
 
 Better  »  *  a  dry  morfel,  and  quietnefs  there- 
 
 with,  than  an  houfe  full  of  H  facrifices  with  ftrife.  ||  or,~’ 
 
 2  A  wife  fervant  fhall  have  rule  over  a  I'on  that  s«o*i,eer. 
 caufeth  fhame,  and  (hall  have  part  of  the  inheritance 
 among  the  brethren.  cbap!’ 
 
 3  8  The  fining  pot  is  for  filver,  and  the  furnace  for  27. 21. 
 gold  :  but  the  Lord  trieth  the  hearts. 
 
 4  A  wicked  doer  giveth  heed  to  falfe  lips  ;  and  a 
 liar  giveth  ear  to  a  naughty  tongue.  3.  3. 
 
 5  Whofo  mocketh  the  poor  r-eproacheth  his  Maker ;  <=  Chap. 
 and  he  that  is  glad  at  calamities  fhall  not  be  f 
 
 6  4  Children’s  children  are  the  crown  of  old  men;cen(. 
 and  the  glory  of  children  are  their  fathers. 
 
 7  f  Excellent  fpeech  becometh  not  a  fool;  muchjgg'^;* 
 lefs  do  t  lying  lips  a  prince.  _  |Heb! 
 
 8  ®  A  gift  7s  as  t  a  precious  ttone  in  the  eyes  of  bin)  a  Upaf 
 that  hath  it ;  whitherlbever  it  turneth,  it  profpereth. 
 
 9  ^  He  that  covereth  a  tranTgreflion  I1  I'eeketh  jove  ; 
 but  he  that  repeateth  a  matter  leparateth  vety  friends  lymg. 
 
 10  11  A  reproof  entereth  more  into  a  wife  man  than^  Chap. 
 an  hundred  ftripes  into  a  fool. 
 
 11  An  evil  man  feeketh  only  rebellion;  therefore  2iAaoneoj 
 cruel  meffenger  fhall  be  feni  againft  him.  g-nce. 
 
 f  Chap.  10.  12.  II  Or,  procureth.  1|  Ot,  A  reproof  aweth  more  a  wise  man,  tha 
 to  strike  a  fool  an  hundred  times. 
 
 ous,  and  infolent  fpeeches  are  very  injurious,  painful,  and  deftruftive.  28.  Per. 
 fons  of  a  perverfe,  palllooate,  and  contentious  fpirit,  raife  dilTenfions  ;  and  they 
 who  fecretly  defame,  backbite,  and  detract,  make  breeches  between  the  kindeft 
 neighbours  and  deareft  relations.  29,  30.  Such  as  are  eager  to  do  mifehief,  or 
 live  by  violence  and  rapine,  not  content  to  do  wrong  themfe.ves,  entice  others  to 
 become  their  companions,  and  then  lead  them  into  the  moll  pernicious  courfes. 
 33.  Events  to  us  are  fortuitous  as  the  lot  which  is  caft  into  the  lap  of  a  garment; 
 but  to  God  all  things  are  known  ;  and  nothing,  no  not  the  drawing  of  the  lot, 
 happens  but  according  to  his  eternal  counftls. 
 
 EXPLANATOKY  NOTES.  Chap.  XVII.  Ver.  I.  The  meanell  fare, 
 enjoyed  in  peace  with  God  and  our  neighbour,  is  better  than  the  moll  fumptuouo 
 cheer,  attended  with  brawling,  contention,  and  ftrife  2  A  pious  and  pruden 
 fervant  ought  to  be  preferred  to  a  foolifti  and  wicked  child,  and  deferves  a 
 (hare  of  the  inheritance  in  a  family.  3.  As  gold  and  filver  are  tried  and  pnn- 
 fied  in  the  fire,  fo  the  Lord,  who  fearcherthe  hearts  of  all  men,  proves  and  re- 
 fines  his  own  people  from  their  finful  drofs  in  the  furnace  of  affliaion.  6.  It 
 Is  an  honour  to  parents  to  have  a  numerous  pofterity  walking  in  hohnels  ana 
 virtue  ;  and  it  is  the  honour  of  children  to  have  pious  and  prudent 
 8.  Prefents  and  bribes  appear  fo  lovely  and  templing,  that  few  can  refu  e  t  e 
 or  ded*ne  gratifying  the  defire  of  the  giver.  3.  Overlooking  of  injuries,  ana 
 mutual  forbearance,  is  the  bell  way -to  preferve  and  increafe  friendlhip  i 
 love  ;  but  repeating  old  faults  breaks  the  ftriaeft  bonds  of  friendftiip,  and  tnaK 
 an  irreconcileable  reparation.  1 1.  Some  men  are  fo  wilful  and  ory, 
 
 they  are  wholly  and  irreclaimably  bent  on  mifehief;  they  mull  « 
 
 cut  off  by  fome  exemplary  punilhment.  12.  It  is  lefs  dangerous  to  .nee  a 
 in  the  height  of  her  rage,  than  a  furious  fool  in  the  purfuit  of  his  unru  y  P 
 fions  and  dellres.  14.  When  men  begin  a  quarrel,  it  ® 
 
 iolent  and  estenfive  ;  it  is  heft,  therefore,  to  check  and  ftifle  all  c  • 
 tentions  in  the  beginning.  16.  In  his  myfterious  providence,  God  gives  to  m  j 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.— *  Chap.  XVI.]  Jehovah  knows  our  wants,  and  gives  a  .he  <miltv 
 
 are  intcrefted  in  the  favour  of  God,  for  as  he  is  the  fovereign  diCpofer  of  all  things  their  prelent  and  eternal  feliaty  is  fecure. 
 
 heart  to  defire  them  fupplied,  and  is  therefore  the  proper 
 
 He  delights  in  mercy,  and  non 
 
 and  atn* 
 felloiV' 
 
of  sundry  moral  virtues, 
 
 12  Let  a  bear  robbed  of  her  whelps  meet  a  man, 
 rather  than  a  fool  in  his  folly. 
 
 13  Whofo  s  rewarcleth  evil  for  good,  evil  fhall  not 
 
 depart  from  his  houfe. 
 
 14  The  beginning  of  ftrife  is  os  when  one  letteth 
 out  water ;  therefore  leave  off  contention,  before  it 
 be  meddled  with. 
 
 15  >*  He  that  julblieth  the  wicked,  and  he  that  con- 
 h  Exoci.  (jemneth  the  julf,  even  they  both  are  abomination  to 
 
 the  Lord. 
 
 16  Wherefore  is  there  a  price  in  the  hand  of  a  fool 
 to  get  wiCdom,  feeing  he  hath  no  heart  to  it  P 
 
 17  ■'  A  friend  loveth  at  all  times,  and  a  brother  is 
 born  for  adverfity. 
 
 18  A  man  void  of  f  underftanding  ftriketh  hands, 
 and  becometh  furety  in  the  prefence  of  his  friend. 
 
 19  He  loveth  tranfgreffion  that  loveth  ftrife  ;  and 
 he  that  exalteth  his  gate  feeketh  deftru£fion. 
 
 20  t  He  that  hath  a  froward  heart  findeth  no 
 good  ;  and  he  that  hath  a  perverle  tongue  falleth  into 
 mifehief, 
 
 21  *  He  that  begetteth  a  fool  doeth  it  to  his  forrow  ; 
 and  the  father  of  a  fool  hath  no  joy. 
 
 22  A  merry  heart  doeth  good  ||  like  a  medicine: 
 but  a  broken  fpirit  drieth  the  bones. 
 
 UOr.ioa  23  A  wicked  man  taketh  a  gift  out  of  the  bofom 
 medicino.^  to  pervert  the  ways  of  judgment. 
 
 2  Tr'&  "  Wifdom  is  before  him  that  hath  under ftand- 
 
 8.1.  iog  :  but  the  eyes  of  a  fool  are  in  the  ends  of  the 
 earth. 
 
 o  Chap.  25  “  Afoolifh  fon  is  a  grief  to  his  father,  and  bitter- 
 
 10. 1.  &  rjgfg  tQ  her  that  bare  him. 
 
 26  Alfo  to  punifh  the  juft  is  not  good,  nor  to  ftrike 
 princes  for  equity. 
 
 27  P  He  that  hath  knowledge  fpareth  bis  wmrds  ;  and 
 a  man  of  underftanding  is  of  ||  an  excellent  fpirit. 
 
 28  Even  a  fool,  when  he  holdeth  his  peace,  is 
 counted  wife  ;  and  he  that  (hutteth  his  lips  is  esteemed 
 a  man  of  underftanding. 
 
 CHAP.  xvin. 
 
 II  Or, //d  j|  fH^HROUGH  defire  a  man,  having  feparated 
 J,  himlelf,  feeketh intermeddleth  with  all 
 hiinsel/  wifdcm. 
 
 tsekelh  according  to  bis  detire,  and  intermeddleth  in  every  buiiness. 
 
 PROVERBS. 
 
 and  their  contrary  vices. 
 
 IJefm-e 
 Child 
 cir.  1000, 
 
 (T  Rom. 
 12.  17- 
 1  Thtir. 
 5.  5. 
 r  I’et. 
 
 5,  d 
 
 23.  7. 
 Chap. 
 
 24.  24. 
 Ifaiah 
 
 5.  23. 
 
 i  Chap. 
 
 18  24. 
 k  Chap. 
 
 6.  1.  & 
 
 11.  15. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 heart. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 The  fro- 
 '•ward  of 
 heart. 
 
 1  Chap. 
 10.  1. 
 
 Di  Chap. 
 
 12.  25.  & 
 15.  15. 
 
 15.  20.  & 
 19.  13. 
 p  James 
 1.  19. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 cool 
 spirit. 
 q  Job 
 13.  5, 
 
 foolith  perfons  natural  abilitie':,  woildly  fubftance,  and  opportunities  of  learning 
 wifdom  ;  and  yet  gives  them  no  fenfe  or  inclination  to  defire  it.  17.  A  true  friend 
 continues  conllant  in  liis  afFe<5lion  and  ufefiilnefs  ;  and  a  brotiier,  who  defeives 
 the  name,  is  efptcially  kind  and  helpful  in  a  time  of  advcifity.  18.  He  is  extreme-- 
 ly  foolifh  wbofe  kindnefs  hurries  him  into  rath  furetithip  for  the  debts  of  others. 
 19.  He  certainly  loves  wickediiefs  who  acculloms  bimfelf  to  brawling  and  con¬ 
 tention  ;  and  he  who  lives  above  bis  income  hurries  bimfelf  into  ruin;  and 
 breakers  of  the  public  peace  open  wide  the  flood-gates  to  all  impiety.  20.  A  man 
 of  wicked  devices,  (ball  find  bimfelf  deceived  in  his  expectations  of  good  ;  and  a 
 falfe,  deceitful,  and  felf-inconfiftent  tongue,  will  rirove  the  ruin  of  its  owijer.  22. 
 Nothing  more  conduces  to  Iiealth  than  {ylid  quiettiefs  of  confcience,  and  a  mode¬ 
 rate  cheerfulnefs  of  fpiiit;  but  excefive  fadnefs  and  grief  vvafte  the  body,  and  dry 
 It  up  to  a  mere  fkeleton.  2.5.  Many  wicked  perfons,  who  would  refufe  an  open 
 bribe,  will  willingly  enough  take  bribes  or  prefents  flcretly,  in  older  to  influence 
 them  to  give  counfel  or  judgment  contrary  to  law  and  equity.  24.  A  pious  and 
 prudent  man  has  his  mind  fixed  upon  the  unerring  oracles  of  God,  for  to  guide 
 and  govern  him  ;  but  a  foulifli  one  has  bis  tliougiits  always  wandering  and  roving 
 about  impertinences.  27,  28.  The  more  wife  and  knowing  a  man  is,  he  is  the 
 lefs  apt  to  be  talkative;  and  his  vvifdom  renders  his  mind  and  temper  bumlile, 
 Calm,  temperate,  and  difpaflionate.  If  even  a  foolifli  perfon  reftrain  his  lipsfron) 
 raih  and  impertinent  talk,  he  is  for  the  time  reckoned  a  wife  and  intelli«ent 
 perfon.  ° 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  XVIII.  Ver.  1.  While  felf  conceit- 
 ed  perfons  Lek  to  dlflinguifh  tliemfelves  by  their  high  pretences  to  wifdom,  and 
 feek,  but  never  find  fatistaflion  ;  they,  wiio  have  a  true  defire  of  knowledge, 
 difengage  theuifelves  from  all  avocations  in  order  to  Rudy  true  wifdom.  3. 
 
 7  R 
 
 2  A  fool  hath  no  delight  in  underftanding,  but  that 
 
 his  heart  may  difeover  itl’elf.  cir^^i'ooo 
 
 3  When  the  wicked  cofneth  then  cometh  alfo  con-  > 
 (empf,  and  W'ith  ignominy  repyoach. 
 
 4  “  The  words  of  a  man’s  mouth  are  as  deep  waters, »  Chap. 
 and  the  well-fpring  of  wifdom  as  a  flowing  brook. 
 
 5^  It  is  nor  good  to  accept  the  perlon  of  the  wick- 19. 
 ed,  to  overthrow  the  righteous  in  judgment.  Deut. 
 
 6  A  fool’s  lips  enter  into  contention,  and  his  mouth  ••  & 
 
 calleth  for  ftrokes.  cha*^* 
 
 7  =  A  fool’s  mouth  is  his  deftrutftion,  and  his  lips 24^23. 
 
 are  the  fnare  of  his  foul.  c  Chap. 
 
 8  Tne  words  of  a  tale-bearer  are  11  as  wounds,  and  * 
 they  go  down  into  the  f  innermoft  parts  of  the  belly,  j,'  3/ 
 
 9  He  alfo  that  is  flothful  in  his  vfork  is  brother  to  a  Chap, 
 
 him  that  is  a  great  wafter.  12.  is.  & 
 
 10  <=  The  name  of  the  Lord  is  a  ftrong  tower  : 
 
 righteous  runneth  into  it,  and  f  is  fafe.  whis^rer. 
 
 11  ‘  The  rich  man’s  wealth  is  his  ftrong  city,  and  |  Or, 
 as  an  high  wall  in  his  own  conceit. 
 
 1 2  s  Before  deftruftion  the  heart  of  mao  is  haughty ; 
 
 and  before  honour  is  humility.  ■wounded. 
 
 13  He  that  t  anfwereth  a  matter  before  he  heareth  r 
 
 it,  it  is  folly  and  fhame  unto  him.  ch^ben. 
 
 14  The  fpirit  of  a  man  will  fuftain  his  infirmity :  jg 
 
 but  a  wounded  (pirit  who  can  bear?  .27. 1.  & 
 
 15  The  heart  of  the  prudent  getteth  knowledge  ;  144.  2. 
 
 and  the  ear  of  the  wile  feeketh  knowledge.  t 
 
 16  A  man’s  gift  maketh  room  for  him,  and  bring-'/ 
 
 eth  him  before  great  men.  10. 15.’ 
 
 Xl  He  that  is  firft  in  his  own  caufe  seemelh  juft  ;  but  g  Cbap. 
 his  neighbour  cometh  and  fearcheth  him.  15* 
 
 18  The  lot  caufeth  contentions  to  ceafe,  and  part-ie,%. 
 
 eth  between  the  mighty.  f  Heb. 
 
 19  A  brother  offended  is  harder  to  he  won  than  a 
 ftrong  citv  ;  and  their  contentious  are  like  the  bars  of  / 
 
 d  LdlLltr.  y 
 
 20  ‘  A  man’s  belly  fhall  be  fatisfied  with  the  fruit  >  Chap, 
 of  his  mouth 
 he  be  filled. 
 
 21  Death  and  life  ore  in  the  power  of  the  tongue ; 
 j  and  they  that  love  it  fhall  eat  the  fruit  thereof. 
 
 j  22  Whoso  findeth  a  wife  findeth  a  good  thing,  and 
 obtaineth  favour  of  the  Lord. 
 
 ,  and  with  the  increale  of  his  lips  fhalH^- * 
 
 ^  13.  2. 
 
 19.  14. 
 
 Wherever  wicked  men  come,  they  bring  their  contempt  of  God  and  religion 
 along  with  them,  which  will  at  laft  iffue  in  contempt  and  mifery  to  themfelvcs, 
 4.  A  wife  man’s  words,  as  deep  waters  flow  calmly,  and  contain  the  deip 
 myrteries  of  God  ;  and  his  heart  being  full  of  wifdom,  is  ever  fending  forih 
 ftreams  of  inftruflive,  rcfrefhing,  quickening,  and  frudtifring  influences  to  all 
 around  him.  6,  7.  Fools  by  meddling  in  other  men’s  quarrels,  or  by  fpecchts 
 irritairng  others  againft  them,  procure  mifehief,  and  even  lifting  and  eternal 
 ruin  to  tliemfelves.  9.  Idlenefs  and  prodigality  are  nearly  allied,  and  both  ilTue 
 in  the  ruin  of  the  perfons  guilty  of  them.  10.  Jefus  Ciirifl,  and  ail  the  per- 
 fetlions,  promifes,  and  providence  of  God  in  him,  are  an  impregnable  defence 
 and  fatisfailion  to  all  fuch  as  by  faith  flee  to  hirri  :  no  enemy  or  danger  can  ever 
 hurt  them.  11.  It  is  only  in  his  own  conceit  that  the  rich  man’s  wealth  appears 
 a  mean  of  remarkable  fafety  either  here  or  hereafter.  13.  He  who,  to  fhevv  his 
 quick  parts,  or  through  a  forwardnels  of  temper,  anfwers  to  a  matter  before  he 
 bears  it  fully  and  underftands  it,  fliames  bimlVlf  and  mar.ifefts  his  folly.  14,  A 
 maniy  fpiiit,  efpecially  if  encouraged  and  fupported  by  the  influences  of  liie  Holy 
 Ghoft,  will  bear  up  under  manifold  and  fore  calamities  of  an  external  kind  ;  but, 
 if  the  fpirit  be  wounded  with  melancholy  dejeiSlion,  and  a  fenfe  of  God’s  wrath 
 how  infupportable  is  the  cafe,  till  Jtfus,  by  his  blood  and  grace,  give  relief.  17, 
 18.  They,  who  are  firft  in  reprefenting  their  cafe,  ordinarily  make  it  to  appear 
 right,  and  even  prcpolTefs  the  judge  in  their  favour  ;  but,  by  di.igcnt  Larch  into 
 their  allegations,  their  neighbours  often  find  iunumerable  mhiakes  in  their  repre. 
 fentations.  In  fome  cafes,  where  the  reafoi'.s  are  ftrong  on  Imtb  Tides,  the  referring 
 of  the  determination  to  God  by  the  lot  is  the  proper  method.  I  D.  No  contentions 
 are  fo  lharp  and  obftinate  as  thole  between  near  relations  and  Ibng-continued 
 friends.  It  is  eafler  to  take  ftrong  cities,  or  to  bew  or  break  the  ftrongeft  iroa 
 
 20 
 
Of  simdry  moral  virtueSt 
 
 JJefore 
 Chria 
 cir.  1000, 
 
 a  Chap. 
 28, .6. 
 b  Ciiap. 
 14.  20. 
 c  Exod. 
 23.  1. 
 Deut. 
 19-  16. 
 Chap. 
 
 23  The  poor  ufeth  entreaties  ;  but  the  rich  anfwer- 
 eth  *  roughly. 
 
 24  A  man  that  hath  friends  muft  fhew  himfelf 
 1  James  friendly ;  ^  and  there  is  a  friend  that  fticketh  cloier 
 2. 3.  than  a  brother, 
 
 m  Chap.  17.  17. 
 
 CHAP.  XIX. 
 
 Better  *  is  the  poor  that  walketh  in  his  integrity, 
 than  he  that  is  perverfe  in  his  lips,  and  is  a  fool. 
 2  Alfo,  that  the  foul  be  without  knowledge,  it  is  not 
 good  •,  and  he  that  hafteth  with  his  feet  finneth. 
 
 3  Tne  f'coUfhneis  of  man  perverteth  his  way ;  and 
 his  heart  fretteth  againft  the  Lord. 
 
 4  ^  Wealth  maketh  many  friends:  but  the  poor  is 
 6.  19  &  feparated  from  his  neighbour. 
 
 5  A  falfe  witnefs  fball  nor  be  f  unpunifhed  ;  and 
 he  that  fpeaketh  lies  (hall  not  efcape, 
 
 6  Many  will  entreat  the  favour  of  the  prince  ;  and 
 every  man  is  a  friend  to  t  him  that  giveth  gifts. 
 
 7  ^  All  the  brethren  of  the  poor  do  hate  him  ;  how 
 much  more  do  his  friends  go  far  from  him  ?  he  pur- 
 fueth  them  with  words,  they  are  wanting  to  him. 
 
 8  He  that  getteth  f  wifdom  loveth  his  own  foul : 
 he  that  keepeth  underftanding  (hall  find  good. 
 
 9  ®  A  falfe  witnefs  (hall  not  be  unpunifhed  ;  and  he 
 that  fpeaketh  lies  fhall  perifh. 
 
 10  Delight  is  not  feemly  for  a  fool ;  much  lefs  f  for 
 a  fervant  to  have  rule  over  p'inces. 
 
 1 1  s  The  II  difcretion  of  a  man  deferreth  his  anger  ; 
 and  it  is  his  glory  to  pafs  over  a  tranfgreffion. 
 
 12  ^  The  king’s  wrath  is  as  the  roaring  of  a  lion; 
 but  his  favour  is  as  dew  upon  the  grafs. 
 
 13  '  A  foolifh  foil  is  the  calamity  of  his  father  ;  •'and 
 
 PROVERBS. 
 
 the  Lord 
 
 21.  18. 
 t  Aeb. 
 held  in¬ 
 nocent. 
 f  Heb. 
 
 o  7nan  of 
 gifts. 
 d  t.'hap. 
 14-  20. 
 f  Heb. 
 ai/,  heart. 
 e  Ver.  5. 
 f  Chip. 
 30..  22. 
 Eccles. 
 10.  6,  7. 
 g  Chap. 
 14.  29. 
 
 II  Or, 
 prudence. 
 b  Chap. 
 1^6.14,15. 
 ■  &  20.  2 
 
 &  28. 15.  the  contentions  of  a  wife  are  a  continual  dropping, 
 i  Chap^  ]  4  Houles  and  riches  are  the  inheritance  of  fathers  : 
 15'  20.  &  ‘  a  prudent  wife  is  ‘rom  the  Lord. 
 
 17.21,25.  15  Slothfulnefs  cafteth  into  a  deep  fleep  ;  and  an 
 
 k  Chap,  idle  foul  fhall  ™  fufFer  hunger. 
 
 16  “  He  that  keepeth  the  commandment  keepeth 
 his  own  foul :  but  he  that  defpifeth  his  ways  fhall  die. 
 
 17  °  that  oath  pity  upon  the  poor  lendeth  unto 
 
 m  Chap.  10.  4.  &  20.  13.  n  Luke  11.  28.  o  Mat.  10.  42.  &  24.  40.  2  Cor.  9.  6,  7. 
 
 21.  9.  & 
 27.  15. 
 
 1  Chap. 
 
 18.  22. 
 
 bars,  than  to  make  a  reconciliation.  20,  21.  Great  care  ought  to  be  taken  about 
 our  words.  Much  evil  or  much  good  neceflarily  iffues  from  the  right  or  wrong 
 life  of  our  tongues;  and  as  men  love  or  accuftom  themfelves  to  good  or  bad  dif- 
 courfe  fliall  be  their  reward  or  punifliment.  22.  To  he  provided  with  a  pious, 
 prudent,  and  adlive  wife  is  a  great  bleffiug,  and  a  Angular  inftance  of  God’s  fa¬ 
 vour.  24.  Such  as  have  friends  muft  ftudy  to  behave  towards  them  in  a  friendly 
 manner  ;  and  fometimes  friends  are  found  that  will  be  more  conftant  and  faithful 
 in  helping  us  in  a  day  of  afflidlion  than  our  neareft  relations. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XIX..  Ver.  1.  A  poor,  honeft,  and 
 upright  man  is  much  more  happy  and  honourable  than  a  rich  wicked  man  that 
 makes  no  confcieuce  either  of  fpeaking  or  atSling  in  a  wile  or  gracious  manner. 
 2.  When  a  man  is  ignorant,  not  knowing  what  to  follow  or  what  to  avoid,  he 
 cannot  Income  holy  or  happy  ;  and  cannot  fail  to  commit  many  finful  blunders. 
 6,  7.  Multitudes  will  court  the  favour  of  the  great  and  liberal  who  can  enrich  or 
 advance  them  ;  but  every  body  is  apt  to  del'ert  and  contemn  the  poor  who  need 
 and  beg  their  affiftance.  8  He  that  receives  Chrift  lea: ns  the  true  knowledge  of 
 God  ;  and  he  who  ftrii5lly  pradlifes  the  dire<aion  of  his  word,  (hews  a  real  re¬ 
 gard  to  his  own  foul,  and  fliall  obtain  the  fpiritual  and  etermil  bleffiiigs  which  he 
 needs.  II.  It  is  an  evidence  of  great  wifdom  to  be  flow  to  anger:  and  it  is  a 
 great  honour  kindly  to  pafs  over  injuries,  and  return  good  for  evil.  12.  The 
 frowns  and  wrath  of  a  king  are  very  terrible  to  his  fubjedls  ;  but  the  tokens  of  his 
 favour  greatly  refrefii  and  invigorate  their  fpirits.  l-a.  Au  ignorant,  headftrong, 
 and  impious  fon,  is  a  plague  and  grief  to  his  parents;  and  a  contentious  wife  is 
 a  gradual  ruin  to  her  family,  fo  perpetually  vexing  her  bufband  that  he  can  fcarce 
 ly  live  with  her.  H.  Perfons  may  have  boufes  and  riches  left  them  by  parents; 
 but  a  prudent  wife  is  not  obtained,  even  by  diligent  care,  without  the  peculiar  di- 
 redtion  and  blefling  of  the  Lord.  1 7.  He  who  compafTjonately  relieves  the  necef- 
 fllies  of  the  poor,  really  enriches  himfelf;  as  what  he  gives  is  but  lent  to  the  Lord, 
 and  fliaii  be  repaid,  with  large  intereft  and  increafe  of  bleffings,  upon  him  and 
 
 and  their  contrary  >o;ces 
 
 and  II  that  which  he  hath  given  will  he  pay  Before 
 him  again.  Chria 
 
 18  p  Chaften  thy  fon  while  there  is  hope,  and 
 not  thy  foul  I'pare  |j  tor  his  crying. 
 
 19  A  man  ot  great  wrath  (hall  fufFer  punifhment :  fos 
 tor  it  thou  deliver  him,  yet  thou  muft  f  do  it  again,  p  Chap. 
 
 20  Elear  counfel,  and  receive  inftruftion,  that  thou  ^ 
 raayett  be  wife  in  thy  latter  end. 
 
 21  1  There  are  many  devices  in  a  man’s  heart ;  ne-“'- 'o’/dj 
 verthelefs  the  ccunfel  of  the  Lord,  that  fhall  ftand. 
 
 22  The  defire  of  a  man  is  his  kindnefs  ;  and  a  poor 
 
 man  is  better  than  a  liar.  to 
 
 23  The  fear  of  the  Lord  tendeth  to  life :  and  he  that  t  Heb.  ■ 
 
 hath  it  (hall  abide  fatisfied  ;  he  fliall  not  be  vifited  "‘'f , 
 with  evil.  _ 
 
 24  A  flothful  man  hideth  his  hand  in  his  bofom,  Pfaim’ 
 and  will  not  fo  much  as  bring  jt  to  his  mouth  again. 
 
 25  ®  Smite  a  (corner,  and  the  fimple  f  will  beware  ; 
 
 and  reprove  one  that  hath  underftanding,  and  he  w'ili  ifaiah  ' 
 underftand  knowledge.  10. 
 
 26  He  that  wafteth  his  father,  and  chafeth  away 
 
 his  mother,  is  a  fon  that  caufeth  fhame  and  bringeth  26.13^1^ 
 reproach.  s  chap.' 
 
 27  Ceafe,  my  fon,  to  hear  the  inftru^bon  that  caus-^'^- 1'- 
 
 eih  to  err  from  the  words  of  knowledge.  le' 
 
 28  An  ungodly  witnefs  fcorneth  judgment;  andcioming. 
 
 the  mouth  of  the  wicked  devoureth  iniquity.  t  Heb. 
 
 29  Judgments  are  prepared  for  fcorners,  and  ftripes " 
 for  the  back  of  fools. 
 
 CHAP.  XX. 
 
 a  mocker,  ftrong  drink  is  raging  ;  and 
 'hofoever  is  deceived  thereby  is  not  wife. 
 
 The  fear  of  a  king  is  as  the  roaring  of  a  lion  :  a  ciiap. 
 
 16.  14. 
 19. 12. 
 
 TTTTINE  is 
 V  whofo 
 
 whoso  provoketh  him  to  anger  finneth  against  hb  own 
 
 foul. 
 
 but 
 
 3  It  is  an  honour  for  a  man  to  ceafe  from  firife 
 every  fool  will  he  me.idling. 
 
 4  The  flugsard  will  not  plow  by  reafon  of  the  1| 
 cold  ;  therefore  fhall  he  beg  in  harveli,  and  have  nothing. 
 
 5  <=  Counlel  in  the  heart  ot  man  is  like  deep  water :  ^  chip, 
 
 but  a  man  of  underfianding  will  draw  it  our.  is.  4. 
 
 b  Chap. 
 10.  4. 
 y  Or, 
 
 his  pofterity.  18.  Children  ought  to  be  faithfully  corrected  before  they  are  fixed 
 in  evil  habits  and  cuftoins  ;  nor  ought  their  crying  or  entreaties  to  make  parents 
 abate  the  nectlfary  feverity  towards  them.  19.  Men  given  to  paflion  and  lury 
 bring  themfelves  into  great  mifchiefs  ;  and  if  we  extricate  them  out  of  one  dan¬ 
 ger  they  will  quickly  involve  themfelves  in  another.  22.  A  defiie  to  do  good  10 
 others  is  a  real  kindnefs  to  them,  though  it  may  not  be  in  our  poner  to  efl'edl  it. 
 And  a  poor  man  who  would  fain  do  us  good  is  better  that  one  who  promifes 
 much  and  does  little.  2  5.  True  godlinefs,  and  a  religious  care  to  pleafe  the  Lord 
 in  all  things  increafe  a  fpiritual  life,  and  iffue  in  life  eternal  ;  and  are  an  excel¬ 
 lent  prefervative  both  from  fin  and  from  fufl'ering.  25-  Incorrigible  finners,  and 
 particularly  feoffors  at  religion,  and  defpifeis  of  reproof,  ought  to  be  feverely  pu- 
 niliied,  as  a  warning  to  fuch  as  are  incanfiderate  ;  hut  fuch  as  are  wife  and  pru¬ 
 dent  will  need  no  more  but  a  gentle  reproof  to  make  them  learn  their  duty,  and 
 praeSlife  accordingly.  26.  Children,  who  by  their  debaucheries  wafte  their  fa¬ 
 ther’s  fubftance,  and  deal  unkindly  with  their  mother,  difgrace  their  parenh, 
 and  at  laft  render  themfelves  infamous  and  miferahle.  28,  29.  An  impious  wit¬ 
 nefs  whofe  confcience  is  fo  hardened  that  he  can  fwear  to  any  thing  ;  and  utters 
 the  moft  falfe,  finful,  and  mifehievous  fpeeches  with  greedinefs.  Terrible^ 
 ments  fhall  certainly  be  inflidled  upon  him  ;  and  indelible  marks  of  Gods  dif* 
 pleafure. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XX.  Ver.  1.  Immoderate  drinking 
 of  wine  or  other  intoxicating  liquors,  expofes  men  to  the  jeft  and  deteftation  0 
 others ;  and  deceitfully  drowns  both  real'on  and  confcience,  and  tends  to  the 
 ruin  of  both  foul  and  body.  5.  Some  men,  through  their  refervednefs  ol 
 temper,  and  others  through  deep  defign,  conceal  their  intentions;  but  perions 
 of  great  fagacity  will  difeover  them,  or  even  by  tlieir  artful  infinuations,  make 
 themfelves  to  declare  them.  6.  Moft  men  will  boaft  how  friendly,  humane, 
 charitable  and  generous  they  are;  but  it  is  hard  to  find  one  anlwerable  m 
 deeds,  to  his  trull,  his  relation,  his  promifes,  or  pretences.  7,  8.  A  king, 
 
 who 
 
Before 
 Chrift 
 1000. 
 
 cir. 
 
 H  Or, 
 
 bounty. 
 d  PI'alm 
 112.  2, 
 e  1  Kings 
 8.  46. 
 
 2  Chron. 
 
 6.^6. 
 
 Job  14.  4. 
 Pf.  .51.  5. 
 Ecclef. 
 
 7.  20. 
 
 1  John 
 1.  8. 
 f  Dsut. 
 
 Of  sundry  moral  virtues,  PROVKRBS. 
 
 6  Moft  men  will  proclaim  every  one  his  own  1|  good- 
 nefs ;  but  a  faithful  m  m  who  can  find  ? 
 
 7  The  juft  man  wa'keth  in  his  integrity  \  his  chil- 
 
 dren  are  blrlTed  after  him.  _ 
 
 8  A  king  that  fitteth  in  the  throne  of  judgment 
 fcdttereth  away  all  evil  with  his  eyes. 
 
 9  Who  can  fay,  e  I  have  made  my  heart  clean,  I  am 
 
 pure  from  my  fin  ? 
 
 10  ^  t  Divers  weights  and  t  divers  meafures,  both 
 of  them  are  alike  abomination  to  the  Lord. 
 
 11  Even  a  child  is  known  by  his  doings,  whether 
 his  work  be  pure,  and  whether  it  he  right. 
 
 12  «  The  hearing  ear,  and  the  feeing  eye,  the  Lord 
 hath  made  even  both  of  them. 
 
 1 3  '•  Love  not  fleep,  left  thou  come  to  poverty ;  open 
 25. 1.3, &c.  thine  eyes,  and  thou  fhalt  be  fatisfied  with  bread. 
 
 Ch.ii.i.  14 /f  is  naught,  A  naught,  faith  the  buyer;  but 
 +  Htb^!4when  he  is  gone  his  way,  then  he  boafteth. 
 
 Itoneand  IS  There  is  gold,  and  a  multitude  of  rubies  ;  but 
 astone.  the  lips  of  knowledge  are  a  precious  jewel. 
 
 1 16  '  Take  his  garment  that  is  furety./or  a  ftranger  ; 
 
 and  take  a  pledge  of  him  for  a  ftrange  woman. 
 epimh.  17  I' t  Bread  of  deceit  is  fweet  to  a  man  ;  but  after- 
 g  Exod.  wards  his  mouth  fliall  be  filled  with  gravel, 
 png’a  9  ‘  purpofe  is  eflablifhed  by  counfe! ;  and 
 
 b  Chap,  with  good  advice  make  war. 
 
 12. 11.  &  19  “  He  that  goeth  about  as  a  tale-bearer  revealeth 
 
 19  15.  fecrets;  therefore  meddle  not  with  him  that  H  flatter- 
 
 with  his  lips. 
 
 k  Chap.  20  "  Whoib  curfeth  his  father  or  his  mother,  his 
 9.17.  |j  lamp  (hall  be  put  out  in  obfcure  darknefs. 
 f  Heb.  21  An  inheritance  may  be  gotten  haftily  at  the  be- 
 fyZg,  Zr,  ginning  ;  but  the  end  thereof  fhall  not  be  blefled 
 falsehood.  22  °  Sav  not  thou,  I  will  recompence  evil ;  but  wait 
 ichap.  on  the  Lord,  and  he  (hallfave  thee. 
 
 23  p  Divers  weights  are  an  abomination  unto  the 
 n.  1.3^  Lord  ;  and  t  a  falfe  balance  is  not  good. 
 
 I  Or,  24  9  Man’s  goings  are  of  the  Lord  ;  how  can  a 
 enticeih.  underttand  his  own  way  f 
 
 21.  n.  ^  fnare  to  the  man  who  devoureth  that  which 
 
 Levit.'  is  holy,  and  after  vows  to  make  enquiry. 
 
 20  9.  Matt.  15.  4.  ||  Or,  candles,  o  Deut.  32.  25.  Chap.  17,  13.  &  24.  29. 
 
 and  their  contrary  vices. 
 
 I5-.-fi)re 
 Ciirift 
 cir.  1000. 
 
 r  Pfalins 
 101. 5, &c. 
 Ver.  3. 
 Or, 
 
 26  ■■  A  wife  king  fcattereth  the  wicked,  and  bringeth 
 the  wheel  over  them. 
 
 27  The  fpirit  of  man  is  the  1|  candle  of  the  Lord, 
 fearching  all  the  inward  parts  of  the  belly. 
 
 28  ®  Mercy  and  truth  preferve  the  king ;  and  h;s 
 
 throne  is  upholden  by  mercy.  . "  ■ 
 
 99  The  elorv  of  young  men  is  their  ftrength  ;  and  lamp. 
 the  beau'y^of  old  Jen  t/.he  gray  head, 
 
 30  The  bluenefs  of  a  wound  f  cleanleth  away  evil ;  ’ 
 
 fo  do  ftripes  the  inward  parts  of  the  belly.  29. 14. 
 
 t  Chap  16.  31.  t  H®*’-  "  pttrging  medicine  against  evil. 
 
 CHAP.  XXL 
 
 The  king’s  heart  is  in  the  hand  of  the  Lord,  osi  chap. 
 
 the  rivers  of  water  :  he  turneth  it  wnitherloever 
 he  will.  ...  .•  15.22. 
 
 Every  way  of  a  man  is  right  in  his  own  ej'es  ;  chap. 
 
 way  of  a 
 
 but  the  Lord  pondereth  the  hearts. 
 
 3  To  do  juflice  and  judgment  is 
 to  the  Lord  than  facrifice. 
 
 4  9  f  An  high  look,  and  a  proud  heart,  and 
 
 plowing 
 
 15.  8. 
 
 more  acceptable  iiaiah 
 1.  II. 
 Hofea 
 
 •j-  Heb.  balances  of  deceit. 
 
 the  6.  6. 
 
 tuw.i.g,  of  the  wicked  is  fin.  ^ticah 
 
 5  The  thoughts  of  the  diligent  tend  only  to  piente- »• 
 oufnefs ;  but  of  every  one  that  is  hafty,  only  to  want.g  j.^ 
 
 6  ^  The  getting  of  treafures  by  a  lying  tongue  is  a  iieb. 
 vanity  toffed  to  and  fro  of  them  that  feek  death.  HaughtU 
 
 7  The  robbery  of  the  wicked  (hall  f  deftroy  them  ;  9^ 
 
 becaufe  they  refufe  to  do  judgment.  y  oV, 
 
 8  Tne  w'ay  of  man  froward  and  ftrange;  astheUghtof 
 for  the  pure,  his  work  is  right. 
 
 9  ^  It  is  better  to  dwell  in  a  corner  of  the  houfe-top, 
 
 than  with  f  a  brawling  woman  in  t  a  w'ide  houfe.  _  13.  n. 
 
 10  ^  The  foul  of  the  wicked  defireth  evil :  his  neigh- 1  Heb. 
 
 hour  t  findeth  no  favour  in  his  eyes.  _  ZTdwM 
 
 11  g  When  the  fcorner  is  punilhed,  the  fimple 
 
 made  wile ;  and  when  the  wife  is  inftrufled,  he  re-  e  Chap. 
 ceiveth  knowledge. 
 
 12  The  righteous  man  wifely  confidereth  the  houfe  * 
 
 of  the  wicked  :  but  God  overthroweth  the  wicked  for  .j,  fjeb.  a 
 their  vvickednefs.  woman  of 
 
 13  Whofo  ftoppeth  his  ears  at  the  cry  of  the  poor, 
 he  aUo  fhall  cry  himfelf,  bur  fhall  not  be  heard-  +°Heb. 
 
 A  gi't  in  fccret  pacifieth  anger,  and  a  reward  an  house 
 
 14 
 
 in  the  bofom 
 
 f  James  4.  5.  f 
 i  Cbap.  17.  8.  & 
 
 ftrong  wrath. 
 
 Heb.  is  not  favoured. 
 18.  16. 
 
 g  Chap.  19.  25.  b  Mattb 
 
 of  society. 
 18.  30,  &c. 
 
 makes  it  his  bufinefs  to  execute  judgment  and  jullice  faithfully,  effe<5lually  fup- 
 prelfes  crimes  and  impieties  by  bis  (IricSt  infpedlion  of  affairs.  10.  To  buy 
 with  larger  weights  or  meafures,  and  fell  with  leffer  ones,  is  extremely  detellable 
 to  God.  1'2.  All  our  natural  faculties  and  fenfes,  and  the  right  ufe  of  them, 
 are  from  God,  and  therefore  ought  to  be  employed  for  his  glory.  14.  Some, 
 while  they  buy  goods,  will  diflioneftly  and  falfely  cry  them  down,  and  yet  after¬ 
 wards  boall  of  their  good  bargain  and  cheating  the  feller.  16.  Never  truft 
 him  without  a  proper  pledge  who  raflily  becomes  furety  for  every  body, 
 llrangets  and  har  lots  not  excepted ;  for  he  will  quickly  be  reduced  to  beggary, 
 17.  Gains,  honours,  and  pleafures,  acquired  by  unrighteous  courfes,  may  at  firll 
 be  extremely  agreeable  to  men  ;  but  they  will  at  lall  produce  anguifh  of  con- 
 fcience,  pangs  of  repentance,  or  torments  of  defpair.  18.  Deliberation  with 
 ourl'elves,  and  confulting  with  others  who  are  prudent,  is  the  way  to  obtain 
 fuccefs  in  our  undertakings,  efpccially  in  matters  of  importance  and  danger. 
 19.  It  IS  always  necelTiry  to  fufpedl  flatterers,  and  to  turn  a  deaf  ear  to  tale¬ 
 bearers.  21.  Many,  by  unrighteous  courfes,  quickly  become  rich;  but  the 
 foundation  being  laid  in  rapine,  extortion,  or  fraud,  it  fliall  quickly  walle  away, 
 or  prove  a  curfe  to  fuch  as  enjoy  it.  22.  Never  revenge  injuries  received  ;  but 
 commit  thy  eaufe  to  God,  who  judges  righteoully.  23.  Injuflice,  even  in  the 
 fitialleft  things,  is  fo  extremely  abominable  to  God,  that  it  cannot  be  too  much 
 hated  or  avoided.  25.  A  facrilegious  converting  of  what  pertains  to  God  to 
 otir  own  private  ufe,  and  ftudying  how  to  be  loofed  from  the  obligations  of  fo- 
 lemn  vows,  terribly  enfnare  men's  fouls,  and  bring  certain  ruin  upon  them.  27. 
 The  rational  foul  and  confcience,  efpecially  when  renewed  by  the  Spirit  of  God, 
 adl  as  his  deputies;  accufing  or  approving,  according  as  it  is  contrary  or  con- 
 j  forraable  to  God’s  revealed  will  29.  Strength,  vigour,  and  courage,  render 
 .  young  men  refpedled  ;  but  gravity,  wifdom,  and  experience,  are  the  peculiar  or¬ 
 
 naments  of  the  aged.  30.  Severe  corrediions  are  neceffary  to  reftrain  or  reclaim 
 fome  ftubborn  and  oblliuate  tempers,  and  to  purge  out  thofe  corrupt  affections 
 which  are  lodged  in  the  heart. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXI.  Ver.  1.  The  wills,  inclinations, 
 and  purpofes  of  kings  and  others  are  entirely  under  the  direction  and  govern¬ 
 ment  of  God  ;  and  be  can  turn  them  whitherfoever  he  pleafes,  as  eafily  as  the 
 gardener  or  hufbandman  can  turn  his  canals  of  water.  4.  Not  only  tlie  info- 
 lence,  pride,  and  ambition  of  wicked  men  are  criminal  before  God,  but  all  their 
 natural,  moral,  and  civil  aCtions.  5.  Prudent  contrivances  and  laborious  in- 
 duftry  are  the  proper  means  of  plenty  and  affluence;  but  hafty  refolutious, 
 precipitant  meafures,  and  unjull  methods,  involve  men  in  trouble  and  lofs.  6. 
 The  getting  of  wealth  by  lying,  flattery,  calumny,  or  perjury,  is  a  beguiling  and 
 unprofitable  courfe  ;  and  the  wealth  thus  obtained  is  as  unfubflantial  and  tran- 
 fient  as  heaps  of  chaff  or  clouds  of  fmoke  before  the  wind.  8.  The  whole 
 temper  and  courfe  of  a  wicked  man  are  contrary  to  the  law  and  nature  of  God, 
 and  odiotis  to  him  ;  but  they  whofe  consciences  are  waflted  in  Jefus’  blood, 
 and  their  hearts  renewed  by  his  grace,  walk  in  good  works,  acceptable  to  God, 
 and  profitable  to  men.  9.  Better  is  it  to  live  poor  and  folitary  in  the  open 
 air,  or  (o  be  thrufl  into  fome  little  corner,  than  to  have  a  fpacious  houfe,  and 
 numerous  family  governed  by  a  contentious  wife,  whofe  perpetual  fcolding  and 
 brawling  on  the  fmalleft,  occafion,  is  more  intolerable  than  thunder,  lightning, 
 or  bluflering  winds.  11.  When  obllinate  fcoffers  at  the  laws  of  God  and  man 
 are  puniflied  in  providence,  or  by  the  magiftrate,  others,  particularly  fuch  as 
 they  have  feduced,  will  bethink  tbemfelves  what  they  are  doing  ;  and  wife  men 
 will  improve  inllrudlions  and  admonitions  to  render  themfelves  wifer  and 
 better.  14.  Prefents,  efpecially  if  fecretlj  and  prudently  given,  have' a  power¬ 
 ful  influence  to  Cppeafe  angry  and  Wratb'ul  men.  16.  He  that  will  not  live 
 
Of  sundry  moral  vhiucsy 
 
 PROVERBS; 
 
 Before 
 Clirift 
 cir.  1000. 
 
 15  It  is  joy  to  the  }nft  to  do  judgment :  but  deftruc- 
 tion  shall  be  to  the  workers  of  iniquity. 
 
 16  The  man  that  wandereth  out  of  the  way  of  un- 
 derftanding  (hall  remain  in  the  congregation  of  the 
 dead. 
 
 17  He  that  loveth  11  pleafure  shall  be  a  poor  man ; 
 he  that  loveth  wine  and  oil  fliall  not  be  rich. 
 
 IS  The  wicked  shall  be  a  ranfom  for  the  righteous, 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 spni-t. 
 
 k  Chap, 
 
 11.  8, 
 
 1  Ver.  9. 
 
 Heb.  in 
 
 tke^‘iese^f the  tranfgreflbr  for  the  upright. 
 n/jEcckf.  ^  It  is  better  to  dwell  in  the  f  wildernefs,  than 
 9. 14,  &c.  with  a  contentious  and  an  angry  woman, 
 n  Chap,  20  I'here  is  treafcre  to  be  defired,  and  oil  in  the 
 18  ^  dwelling  of  the  wife  ;  but  a  foolilh  man  I'penderh  it  up. 
 
 fiieb.'w  21  He  thar  followeth  after  righteoufnefs  and  mercy 
 the  wrath  findeth  life,  righteoufnefs,  and  honour, 
 of  pride.  22  ®  A  wife  man  fcaleth  the  city  of  the  mighty,  and 
 
 o  Chap,  down  the  Ifrength  of  the  confidence  thereof. 
 
 23  “  Whofo  keepeth  his  mouth  and  his  tongue, 
 keepeth  his  foul  from  troubles. 
 
 24  Proud  and  haughty  fcorner  is  his  name  who 
 dealeth  t  in  proud  wrath. 
 
 25  °  The  defire  of  the  flothful  killeth  him  ;  for  his 
 hands  refufe  to  labour. 
 
 26  He  coveteth  greedily  all  the  day  long  :  but  the 
 p  righteous  giveth,  and  fpareth  not. 
 
 27  ‘i  The  facrifices  of  the  wii^ced  is  abomination ; 
 how  much  more  when  he  bringeth  it  f  with  a  wicked 
 mind  ? 
 
 28  t  A  falfe  witnefs  (hall  perilb  :  but  the  man 
 that  heareth  fpeaketh  conffantly. 
 
 29  A  wicked  man  hardeneth  his  face :  but  as  for 
 the  upright  he  11  dire£feth  his  way. 
 
 oj  lies  ® 
 
 13.  4 
 
 p  Pfalm 
 112  9. 
 q  Pfalm 
 50.  9. 
 Chap. 
 
 15.  8. 
 Iftiiah 
 66.  3. 
 Jerem. 
 
 6.  20. 
 Amos 
 5.  22. 
 
 •Jv  Heb. 
 in  wiclud- 
 ness, 
 r  Chap. 
 19.  5. 
 
 T*"’ 
 
 consider- 
 
 eUi. 
 
 f  Jerem. 
 
 30  =  r/icre  is  no  wifdom,  nor  underftanding,  nor 
 counfe),  againff  the  Lord. 
 
 31  The  horfe  is  prepared  againft  the  day  of  battle  : 
 but  “  !|  I’afety  is  of  the  Lord. 
 
 9.  23.  t  Pfalm  33.  17. 
 
 a  Eccles. 
 7.  1. 
 
 II  O'-.  , 
 
 favour  is 
 better 
 than,  ^c. 
 b  Chap. 
 29.  13. 
 c  Chap. 
 27.  12. 
 d  Pfalm 
 1 12.  3. 
 
 u  Pfalm  3.  8.  ||  Or,  victory. 
 
 CHAP,  XXll. 
 
 “  GOOD  name  is  rather  lo  be  cbofen  than  great 
 X  riches,  and  H  loving  favour  rather  than  filver 
 and  gold. 
 
 2  The  rich  and  poor  meet  together;  the  Lord  is 
 the  n.aker  of  them  all. 
 
 3  A  pi'udcnt  man  forefteth  the  evil,  3nd  hideth 
 himfelf :  but  the  fimple  pafs  on,  and  are  punifhed. 
 
 4  II  By  humility,  and  the  fear  of  the  Lord  are 
 
 riches,  and  honour,  and  life.  _  _ 
 
 5  Thorns  and  lhares  are  in  the  way  of  the  iro- 
 
 Or,  The  reward  oJ  humiliiy,  ^-c. 
 
 accordin.r  to  the  dheaion  of  God’s  word,  but  follows  the  conduft  of  his  own 
 lads  and”  paffions,  (hall,  after  all  bis  extravagancies,  be  for  ever  fixed  in  hell.  1 8. 
 ■W'icked  men  often  fall  into  the  very  miferies  which  they  had  prepared  for  the  god¬ 
 ly  •  and,  in  times  of  common  calamity,  are  often  feverely  pumOied  that  the  righ- 
 tcous  may  he  delivered.  22.  Wife  men,  by  their  prudence,  kindnefs,  and  perfe- 
 vei-ance,  can  effea  the  moft  difficult  enteri  rizrs,  and  do  more  than  others  wffio 
 have  much  more  ftrength.  25,  26.  The  flothful  man  is  killed  by  an 
 defire  after  that  which  he  has  not  and  will  not  labour  for;  but  pious  and  diligent 
 perffins  have  enough  for  themfelves,  and  alfo  wherewith  to  relieve  others.  27. 
 AU  the  appearances  of  devotion  and  piety  about  renewed  perfons  being  hypo¬ 
 critical,  proceeding  from  a  wicked  principle,  done  in  a  wicked  manner,  and  to  a 
 wiclted  end,  are  abominable  to  God.  29.  Impenitent  finners  refufe  to  blufh  a 
 
 theii  abominations,  and  o'oftinately  refolve  to  go  on  in  them  ;  but  fincere  flnnts 
 
 carefully  condtia  their  thoughts,  words,  and  aaitms,  by  the  rule  of  God  s  wo  d. 
 21,  Keitber  horfes,  chariots,  or  powerful  armies,  can  obtain  yi^^^s,  or  even 
 pretea  their  owners;  but  all  fafety  and  falvation  aie  of,  and  efieaed  by  the 
 
 ^ExTcANATOPeY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXII.  Ver.  1.  A  good  ebaraaer 
 nual  fvinir  men  to  be  ufefol  for  God  in  their  generation,  and  the  noted  refpea 
 mid  friendfliip  of  tliofe  among  whom  vie  live,  are  more  honourable  and  com- 
 than  all  the  riches  of  the  world.  2.  The  rich  by  the.r  wealth,  and  the 
 
 and  their  contrary  'oices, 
 
 ward  ;  he  that  doth  keep  his  foul  (hall  be  far  from  Before 
 them.  Chrift 
 
 6  11  Train  up  a  child  f  in  the  way  he  fiiould  go  :  and 
 
 when  he  is  old  he  will  not  depart  from  it.  iToT^ 
 
 7  The  rich  ruleth  over  the  poor  ;  and  theborrower  CoiecUe. 
 
 is  fervant  to  the  lender.  t  Heb.  ’ 
 
 8  *  He  that  foweth  iniquity  fhall  reap  vanity  ;  Ij  andi”H*r^' 
 the  rod  of  his  anger  (hall  fail. 
 
 9  f  t  He  that  hath  a  bountiful  eye  fhall  be  blefifed  •  that  IcTitin 
 for  he  giveth  of  his  bread  to  the  poor. 
 
 10  s  Caft  out  the  fcorntr,  and  contention  fhall  gol 
 
 out  ;  yea,  ftrife  and  reproach  fhall  ceafe.  Hofea 
 
 1 1  He  that  loveth  purenefs  of  heart,  ll/or  the  grace  ‘3. 
 of  his  lips  the  king  shall  be  his  friend. 
 
 1 2  The  eyes  of  the  Lord  preferve  knowledge  ;  and  Todojli^ 
 he  oyerthroweth  H  the  words  of  the  tranfgrelTor. 
 
 13  The  flothful  man  faith.  There  is  a  lion  without, 
 
 I  fhall  be  flain  in  the  flreets,  fTcor'* 
 
 14  ‘  The  mouth  of  ftrange  women  is  a  deep  pit :  he  9.  e. 
 
 that  is  abhorred  of  the  Lord  fliall  fall  therein.  t  Heb. 
 
 15  Foolifl-inefs  is  bound  in  the  heart  of  a  child  : 
 
 the  rod  of  correction  fhall  drive  it  far  from  him.  g^Pfaim 
 
 16  He  that  oppreflfeth  the  poor  to  increafe  his  riches,  no.  5. 
 and  he  that  giveth  to  the  rich,  shall  I'urely  come  to  II 
 want. 
 
 17  Bow  down  thine  ear,  and  hear  the  words  of  the  his  lijis. 
 wife,  and  apply  thine  heart  unto  ray  knowledge;  II  Or,  un 
 
 18  For  it  fsa  pleafant  thing  if  thou  keep  them  t 
 
 in  thee  ;  they  fhall  withal  be  fitted  in  thy  lips.  26.  iT 
 
 19  That  thy  truR  may  be  in  the  Lord,  I  have*  Chap, 
 
 made  known  to  thee  this  day,  1|  even  to  thee.  2.  le.  & 
 
 20  Have  not  I  written  to  thee  excellent  things  in  5' ^ 
 
 counfels  and  knowlcge _  25.27^ 
 
 21  That  1  might  make  thee  know  the  certainly  ofk  Chap, 
 the  words  of  truth;  that  thou  mighteft  anfwer 
 
 words  of  truth  |1  to  them  that  fend  unto  thee  ?  _  23!  13.  & 
 
 22  Rob  not  the  pocr,  becaufe  he  is  poor  ;  '  neither  29,15,17. 
 
 opprels  the  affliCled  in  the  gate:  t  Heb. in 
 
 23  For  the  Lord  will  plead  their  caufe,  and  fpoil 
 
 the  foul  of  thofe  that  fpoiled  them.  uun’tim 
 
 24  Make  no  friendfhip  with  an  angry  man,  andfJso- 
 
 with  a  furious  man  thou  fhalt  not  go  ;  fhMe’iht 
 
 25  Lest  thou  learn  his  ways,  and  get  a  fnare  to  thy 
 
 foul.  1  Zeeb. 
 
 26  “  Be  not  thru  cne  of  them  that  ftrike  hands,  or^-  >o- 
 
 of  them  that  are  fureties  for  debts.  ^9^5!^ 
 
 27  If  thou  haft  nothing  to  pay,  why  fliould  he  take  chap.’ 
 
 away  thy  bed  from  under  thee  ?  2.3.  11. 
 
 n  Chap.  6.  1.  &  1 1.  15. 
 
 poor  by  their  labour,  and  mutual  fupports  of  each  other,  ought  to  live  tr* 
 getber  in  harmony  and  kindnefs,  as  the  fame  Dord  that  made  them  botli,  and 
 appointed  them  their  refpeaive  conditions.  5.  Wicked  men  meet  with  much 
 trouble  and  danger  in  their  finful  ways  :  but  he  that  takes  proper  care  of  his 
 foul  fliall  be  preferved  therefrom,  and  enjoy  manifold  bieffings.  6.  Let  chil¬ 
 dren  he  carefully  in/lruaed  in  the  truths,  and  accuftomed  to  the  ways  of  Cud 
 as  early  and  earneflly  as  poffible,  and  they  will  retain  the  impreffinn.  and  prac- 
 tife  the  fame  as  long  as  they  live.  Rich  men  domineer  over  the  king  ;  and  they 
 who  borrow  are  ohlged  to  depend  on  the  will  and  pleafure  of  the  lender.  H. 
 He  that  lives  and  praHifes  fincerity  and  plain  heartednefs  will  recommend  limi- 
 felf  even  to  princes,  by  the  piety,  pleafantnefs,  and  candour  of  his  difeourfe.  D* 
 Nothing  isfo  dangerous,  fo  eternally  dangerous,  as  the  enfnaring  flaiteries  of  whor- 
 ifli  women  and  the  enflaving  influence  of  flefhly  lull.  And  feldoni  are  any  "h" 
 have  not  provoked  the  Lord  by  former  wickednefs,  permitted  to  fall  into  thole 
 fnarcs.  15.  Falfe  opinions  and  bad  inclinations  adhere  fo  clofely  to  llie  minds  ot 
 children,  that  not  only  inflrudlions  and  reproofs,  but  even  feafonable  and  duly  ft' 
 vere  chaflifements,  mull  remove  their  obflinate  folly.  17.  Attend  diligently,  and 
 conliderferioufly,  the  counfels  and  precepts  of  wife  men,  and  particularly  thrle 
 given  in  this  book,  18.  For  it  will  afford  thee  great  fatisfactlon  heartily  to  em¬ 
 brace,  thoroughly  to  digeft,  and  fuithfuly  to  preferve  them  in  thy  niiml  :  an 
 by  thefe  means  thou  wilt  be  qualified  to  inllrudl  others  in  them  ’ 
 
 1 9.  Wen  wild 
 
Qj  sundry  moral  virlites, 
 
 Before  28  °  Rcinove  not'thc  ancieot  H  land-mark,  which 
 
 thv  fathers  have  let.  _  .  u-  i  r  r  o  u 
 
 fir.  1000.  5ee{t  thou  a  man  diligent  in  his  buunels.  he 
 
 {hall  ftand  before  kings ;  he  (ball  not  ftand  before  f 
 
 iQ  14.  &  mean  men 
 
 07  17  Chap.  23.  10.  11  Or,  lowid.  f  H^b.  obscure  men. 
 
 ■  CHAP.  XXIII. 
 
 HEN  thou  fitteft  to  eat  with  a  ruler,  coolider 
 diligently  what  is  before  thee ; 
 
 2  And  put  a  knife  to  thy  throat,  if  thou  ie  a  man 
 
 given  to  appetite.  ,  c  .  j 
 
 3  Be  not  defirons  of  his  dainties ;  for  they  are  de¬ 
 ceitful  meat.  ^  . 
 
 4  “  Labour  not  to  be  rich ;  ceafe  from  thine  own 
 
 wildom.  ,  ,  •  ,  ■  0 
 
 5  f  Wilt  thou  fet  thine  eyes  upon  that  which  is  not . 
 
 for  riches  certainly  make  themlelves  wings ;  they  ny 
 
 PROVERBS. 
 
 aud  their  cotUrary  vices. 
 
 w 
 
 a  1  Tim. 
 6.  9.  10. 
 f  Heb. 
 ]Vilt  thou 
 cause 
 thine 
 iofiy 
 uyont 
 
 eyes  awav  as  an  eagle  toward  heaven. 
 
 6  Eat  thou  not  the  bread  of  him  that  hath  an  evil 
 eye,  neither  defire  thou  his  dainty  meats ; 
 
 7  For  as  he  thinketh  in  his  heart,  fo  is  he:  Eat 
 and  drink,  faith  he  to  thee ;  but  his  heart  is  not  with 
 
 thee.  ^  rL  1  u 
 
 8  The  morfel  which  thou  haft  eaten  Ibalt  thou  vo- 
 
 b  Deut.  mit  up,  and  lofe  thy  fweet  words.  . 
 
 19. 14.  &  9  Speak  not  in  the  ears  of  a  fool ;  for  he  will  de- 
 
 fpife  the  wildom  of  thy  words. 
 
 27.  17. 
 Chap. 
 
 22.  28. 
 
 11  Or, 
 bound. 
 c  Job 
 31.21. 
 Chap. 
 
 22.  23. 
 d  Chap. 
 13.  24.  & 
 
 10  ^  Remove  not  the  old  ||  land-mark  ;  and  enter 
 
 not  into  the  fields  of  the  fatherlefs  :  „  .  i  j 
 
 1 1  For  their  Redeemer  is  mighty  ;  he  thall  plead 
 their  caufe  with  thee. 
 
 12  Apply  thine  heart  unto  inftruftion,  and  thine 
 ears  to  the  words  of  knowledge. 
 
 13  Withhold  not  corre6fion  from  the  child  ;  tor 
 
 18  18  &  «/thcu  beateft  him  with  the  rod,  he  (ball  not  die. 
 22.15.  14  Thou  (bait  beat  him  with  the  rod,  and  (bait  de¬ 
 
 ll  Or,  liyer  his  foul  fromi  hell. 
 
 evenimii  {jgart  ^g  vpife,  my  heart 
 
 e  pfaims  rejoice,  11  even  mine  •  ,  ,  u  v  r  i 
 
 57.  i.  &  16  Yea,  ray  reins  fhall  rejoice  when  thy  bps  (peak 
 
 73.  5.  right  things. 
 
 3  3?"  &  ®  finners :  but  he  tluni 
 
 2’4.'i,’&c.  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord  all  the  day  long. 
 
 (ball 
 
 18  ^  For  furely  there  is  an  tl  end  ;  and  thine  expec- 
 
 tation  fhall  not  be  cut  off.  ,  .j  -•  looo. 
 
 19  Hear  thou,  my  Con,  and  be  w'ile  ;  and  guide  thine 
 
 hean  in  the  way.  [ 
 
 20  8  Be  not  among  wine-bibbers among  riotous  24^1 
 
 eaters  f  of  flefh  t  .  ,  ,  ,  a.  n  reward. 
 
 21  For  the  drunkard  and  the  glutton  (hall  come^jj^p^ 
 
 tODOverty;  and  drowfinefs  (hall  clothe  a  with  13. 13. 
 
 ^2  •*  Hearken  unto  thy  father  that  begat  thee,  and  ^ 
 defiaifi?  tiot  thy  mother  when  (he  is  old.  of  their 
 
 23  Buy  the  truth,  and  fell  it  not ;  alfo  wildom,  and>^^ 
 
 inftruiftion,  and  underftanding.  j  g  P' 
 
 24  ‘  The  father  of  the  righteous  (ball  greatly  re-  j 
 joice  ;  and  he  that  begeiteth  a  wife  child  (ball  have  10.  1.  & 
 
 lov  or  nim.  ^  ,  i  i  j 
 
 23  Tny  father  and  thy  mother  (hall  be  glad,  and 
 
 (be  that  bare  thee  (hall  rejoice.  ,  ,  ,  • 
 
 26  My  fon,  give  me  thine  heart,  and  let  thine  eyes 
 
 obferve  ray  ways,  ,  n  , 
 
 27  ^  For  a  whore  is  a  deep  ditch ;  and  a  nrangek^  ^ap. 
 
 woman  ts  a  narrow  pit.  .  1  chap. 
 
 28  ‘  She  alto  lieth  in  wait  II  as  for  a  prey,  and  in-  7, 12. 
 
 creafeth  the  tranfgreffors  among  men.  ||  Or, 
 
 29  “  Who  hath  woe  ?  who  hath  forrow  ?  who  hath  ^ob- 
 
 contentions?  who  hath  babbling  ?  who  hath  wounds 
 without  cauie  ?  who  hath  rednefs  of  eyes  ?  5. 11. 
 
 30  They  that  tarry  long  at  the  wine;  they  that  go 
 
 to  leek  mixed  wine.  ^  , 
 
 31  Look  not  thou  upon  the  wine  when  it  is  red, 
 when  it  giveth  his  colour  in  the  cup,  when  it  raoveth 
 
 itfelf  aright :  ,  n  •  u 
 
 32  At  the  laft  it  biteth  like  a  ferpent,  and  ftingeth 
 
 like  11  an  adder.  j  u  cocka» 
 
 33  Thine  eyes  fhall  behold  ftrange  women,  and  trice. 
 thine  heart  (hall  utter  perverfe  things : 
 
 34  Yea„  thou  (bait  be  as  he  that  lieth  down  f  m  thef^ 
 mid  ft  of  the  fea,  or  as  he  that  lieth  upon  the  top  of  a^^^^  0/ 
 
 maft.  ^ 
 
 35  They  have  ftricken  me,  shall  thou  fay.,  and  I  was  t  Heb. 
 not  fick  ;  they  have  beaten  me,  and  t  1  felt  it  not 
 when  (ball  1  awake?  I  will  feek  it  yet  again  ? 
 
 mote  the  happinefs  and  comfort  of  both.  17,  18.  Never  envy  the  profpe^rity  of 
 finners  but  ftudy  to  live  in  favour  and  in  humble  fellowfoip  with  God.  Thus- 
 foall  thy  troubles  quickly  have  an  end,  and  the  expedled  bleflings  of  eternity  be 
 enjoyed  by  thee,  while  the  profperily  of  finners  foall  be  turned  into  everlafting 
 
 mifery.  19 _ 21.  Carefully  ftudy  true  wifdora,  and  let  thine  heart  be  exercifed 
 
 in  faith  and  holinefs.  Avoid  all  intimacy  with  intemperate  perfons  j  for  they  and 
 their  flothful  brethren,  will  quickly  reduce  themfelves  to  outward,  and  even  eter¬ 
 nal  mifery.  22 _ 25.  Pay  the  utmoft  regard  to  the  inftruiSlions,  reproofs  and 
 
 good  example  of  parents  ;  fpare  no  pains  or  coft  to  know,  embrace,  and  hold  faft 
 the  truths  of  God  ;  to  find  out  and  walk  in  the  true  way  of  falvation,  and  to  grow 
 in  the  knowledge  of  Ciirift,  and  never  part  with  it  upon  any  account.  Thus  (halt 
 thou  be  a  remarkable  bltfong  and  comfort  to  ihy  parents.  26—28  Rect-ive  nay 
 counfels  with  tby  whole  heart,  that  it  may  be  filled  with,  and  fixed  on.  a  God  in 
 Chrift  ;  and  carefully  obferve  and  follow  iiiy  diredlion  and  example.  Thus  flialt 
 thou  be  delivered  from  whorlfo  women,  by  whofe  enticements  multitudes  are  fe- 
 duced  into  manifold  wickednels  and  irrecoverable  ruin.  29 — 35.  Carefully  avoid 
 all  drunkennefs,  and  every  occafion  of,  or  temptation  to  it ;  as  it  occafiops  bloody 
 quarrels,  inflames  flellily  lufts,  and  animates  to  whoredom  ;  it  fills  tbe  mouth  with 
 obfeene,  rude,  profane,  or  feiifelefs  difeourfe ;  it  renders  the  head  ftupid  and  gid¬ 
 dy  ;  it  hardens  men  in  wickednefs;  and  in  fine  ilTues  in  mifery  both  here  and 
 hereafter. 
 
 are  quick  and  dexterous,  but  prudent,  in  difpatching  whatever  hufinefs  is  commit¬ 
 ted  to  them,  are  in  a  fair  way  to  be  preferred  to  fo;ne  honourable  employment  in 
 the  fervice  of  their  prince. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXIII.  Ver.  1.  When  you  are 
 honoured  with  a  feat  at  the  table  of  a  great  man,  remember  that  you  are  in  dan¬ 
 ger,  if  you  take  not  heed  to  your  behaviour,  confidering  what  and  how  you  eat, 
 
 W'hal  and  how  you  fpeak,  and  to  whom.  2.  And  avoid,  as  you  would  avoid  death, 
 every  approach  to  intemperance  and  folly  in  language,  as  well  as  excefs  in  eating 
 and  dritiking  ;  and  fo  much  the  move  if  thou  art  given  to  fuch  weaknefs.  5.  Ne¬ 
 ver  fet  thy  mind  or  affedlions  upon  riches,  nor  purfue  with  eagernefs  what  per¬ 
 haps  thou  cauft  never  attain  ;  for,  if  thou  doft,  they  may  fuddenly  and  irrecovera¬ 
 bly  be  taken  from  thee,  and  become  witneffes  againft  thee  before  God,  with  re- 
 fpea  to  thy  guilt  in  purfuing  or  abufing  them.  6.  Never  receive  an  obligation 
 from  a  fordid,  covetous,  and  churlifo  wretch  ;  and  never  let  the  bell  cheer  tempt 
 thee  to  accept  of  his  invitation  to  a  feaft.  8.  When  thou  feeft  his  fordid  carriage, 
 it  will  make  thee  repent  thy  tailing  his  dainty  meats,  or  paying  any  regard  to 
 his  kind  but  deceitful  compliments.  10,  11.  Never  encroach  upon  the  property 
 of  the  fatterlefs,  or  others  who  have  no  help  in  man  :  for  the  Almighty  God  will 
 take  their  part,  redrefs  their  grievances,  and  revenge  the  injuries  done  to  them. 
 
 12 — 16.  If  parents  carefully  inftrudl  and  corredl,  and  children  ferioufly  regard 
 and  receive  their  inllrudtions,  and  fubmit  to  their  correftions,  it  will  greatly  pro- 
 
 ~~PRACTICAL  observations.*  —Chap.  XXIII.]  All  earthly  good  is  tranfitory  and  perifoing,  and  is  therefore  altogether  inadequate  to  the  wants  of  a 
 rational  and  immortal  fpirit.  Let  us  then  ftudy  to  ufe  the  world  as  not  abufing  it,  feeing  the  fafoion  thereof  pafletb  away.  How  foolifo  and  unprohtable  is  a  lile  of 
 intemperance.  Covetoufnefs  debafes  our  nature,  and  renders  a  man  unfit  for  friendfhip  and  unworthy  of  our  confidence.  protestor  o  t  le  poor,  an  lo  e 
 
 who  are  deftitute  of  benevolence  and  compaffion  towards  them,  fubjedl  themfelves  to  the  wrath  of  heaven.  Great  is  the  refpoufibihty  ot  parents,  and  it  ecoines  em 
 to  difebarge  with  care  and  fidelity  the  duties  of  their  importaDt  ftatioD.  Children  are  under  the  ftrongeft  obligations  to  their  parents,  whom  they  ought  to  obey  i 
 
 7  S  2e 
 
Of  sundry  moral  virtues. 
 
 Before 
 Chrill 
 1000. 
 
 CHAP.  XXIV. 
 
 Be  not  thou  “  envious  againll  evil  men,  neither  de- 
 fire  to  be  with  them  ; 
 
 ^  2  For  their  heart  ftudieth  deftruftion,  and  their 
 lips  talk  of  mifchief. 
 
 3  Through  wifdom  is  an  houfe  builded,  and  by  un- 
 derftanding  it  is  eftahlilhed  ; 
 
 4  And  by  knowledge  (ball  the  chambers  be  filled 
 with  all  precious  and  plealant  riches. 
 
 5  A  wife  man  f  is  ftrong ;  yea,  a  man  of  know¬ 
 ledge  t  increafeth  ftrength. 
 
 6  For  by  wife  counfel  thou  (halt  make  thy  war  ; 
 and  in  multitude  of  counfellors  there  is  fafety. 
 
 7  Wifdom  is  too  high  for  a  fool ;  he  openeth  not 
 his  mouth  in  the  gate. 
 
 8  He  that  devileth  to  do  evil  (hall  be  called  a  mif- 
 15  22  ^  chievous  perfon. 
 
 20. 18.  9  The  thought  of  foolilhnefs  is  fin  ;  and  the  fcorner 
 
 fHeb.  w  an  abomination  to  men. 
 
 10  IJ  thou  faint  in  the  day  of  adverfity,  thy  ftrength 
 is  f  fmall. 
 
 11  ‘‘If  thou  forbear  to  deliver  them  that  are  drawn 
 unto  death,  and  those  that  are  ready  to  be  flain  ; 
 
 12  If  thou  fayeft,  Behold,  we  knew  it  not;  doth 
 not  he  that  pondereth  the  heart  confider  it  P  and  he 
 that  keepeth  thy  foul,  doth  not  he  know  it  P  and 
 fhall  not  he  render  to  every  man  '  according  to  his 
 works  ? 
 
 13  My  fon  eat  thou  honey,  becaufe  it  is  good ;  and 
 the  honey-comb,  'which  is  fweet  t  to  thy  tafte  : 
 
 14  f  So  shall  the  knowledge  of  wifdom  be  unto  thy 
 I  jTiairas  found  it,  E  then  there  (hall  be 
 
 i9.Ta&a  reward,  and  thy  expectation  (hall  not  be  cut  off. 
 
 119.  103.  15  Lay  not  wait,  O  wicked  man,  againft  the  dwel- 
 
 g  Chap,  ijjjg  of  righteous  ;  fpoil  not  his  refting-place  : 
 
 16  For  a  ju(t /wa«  falleth  (even  times,  and  rifeth 
 up  again  :  but  the  wicked  (hall  fall  into  mifchief. 
 
 17  ‘  Rejoice  not  when  thine  enemy  falleth  ;  and  let 
 34. 19.  &  (jot  thine  heart  be  glad  when  he  ftumbleth  : 
 f  18  Left  the  Lord  fee  if  and  f  it  difpleafe  him,  and 
 
 51.  29.  he  turn  away  his  wrath  from  him. 
 
 Pfalm  35.  1 5.  Chap.  1 7.  5.  f  Heb.  it  be  evil  in  his  eyes. 
 
 cir. 
 
 a  Pfalm 
 37.  l.&c. 
 &  73.  3. 
 Chap. 
 
 23.  17. 
 Ver.  19. 
 b  Pfalm 
 10.  7. 
 t  Heb. 
 is  in 
 
 strength, 
 f  Heb. 
 strength- 
 eneth 
 might, 
 c  Chap. 
 
 narrow. 
 d  Pfalm 
 82.  4. 
 e  Job 
 34.  11. 
 Pfalm 
 62.  12. 
 Jerem. 
 32,  19. 
 Romans 
 2,  6. 
 Revel. 
 22.  12. 
 f  Heb. 
 upon  thy 
 palate. 
 f  Pfalms 
 
 23.  18. 
 h  Job 
 5.  19. 
 Pfalms 
 
 PROVERBS.  and  their  contrary  vices, 
 
 19  I'  II  Fret  not  thyfelf  becaufe  of  evil  men,  neither  Before 
 
 be  thou  envious  at  the  wicked  :  ciuia 
 
 20  For  there  (hall  be  no  reward  to  the  evil  man  •  ' 
 the  II  candle  of  the  wicked  fhall  be  put  out.  *  iTpn^ 
 
 fear  thou  the  Lord  and  the  king  ;  and^~- 1."^ 
 meddle  not  with  f  them  that  are  given  to  change : 
 
 22  For  their  calamity  (hall  rife  fuddenly  ;  and  who 
 knoweth  the  ruin  of  them  both  ? 
 
 23  Ihefe  things  alfo  belong  to  the  wife.  "*  It  is  noi‘^‘‘’»p’’ny 
 good  to  have  relpeCl  of  perfons  in  judgment. 
 
 24  "  He  that  faith  unto  the  wicked,  Thou  art  righte-rjo? 
 ous ;  him  (hall  the  people  curfe,  nations  (hall  abhor  him.  21. 17 
 
 25  But  ■  •  ■  ■  -  ■ 
 
 and  t  a 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chat.  XXIV.  Ver.  1.  Never  envy  the 
 profperily  of  wicked  men,  nor  delire  any  intimacy  or  conuedlion  with  them.  3  — 
 6.  TriiC  godline fs,  attended  with  prudence  and  diligence,  is  the  proper  method  to 
 procure  eftates,  raife  families,  get  wealth,  drength  or  vidlory.  7.  Solid  knoA'- 
 Jedge,  and  ferious  and  fenfible  difeourfe,  are  above  the  reach  of  foolilh,  inconfider- 
 ate  perfons  ;  nor  can  they  judge  or  advife  to  any  purpofe  in  public  concerns.  13, 
 14,  As  the  moft  delightful  fatisfadlion  and  nourilhment  are  found  in  eating  of 
 honey,  fo  lhall  folid  and  fpiritual  wifdom  and  knowledge  be  pleafant  and  profit¬ 
 able  to  thy  foul,  iffuing  in  abundant,  prefent  and  eternal  happinefs,  even  far  ex¬ 
 ceeding  the  moft  enlarged  expe<5Iations.  15,  16.  To  attempt  by  craft  or  violence 
 to  ruin  the  fighteous,  even  under  their  afflidlions,  is  as  vain  as  it  is  malicious;  for, 
 tbou<^h  they  may  fall  into  fin  or  trouble  for  a  time,  the  Lord  again  raifes  them  up  ; 
 but  wicked  men  are  finally  left  in  their  fins,  and  plunged  into  irretrievable  rum, 
 17  18.  Never  rejoice,  no  not  in  heart,  whert  any  private  enemy  of  thine  falls  into 
 fin’ or  trouble,  left  the  Lord  be  thereby  provoked  to  deliver  him,  and  plunge  thee 
 into  the  miferable  condition  from  which  he  is  recovered.  21,  22.  Always  reve¬ 
 rence  worftiip  and  obey  God  as  thy  own  God  in  Chrift  ;  and  be  humbly  obedient 
 to  magiftrates,  as  his  deputies  on  earth.  Never  have  any  thing  to  do  with  tiiofe 
 
 gers, 
 
 uaiiv-fijd  mill dUliur iiHij,  ^1.  17, 
 
 )Ut  to  them  tliat  rebuke  him  (hall  be  delight, 
 good  bleffing  (hall  come  upon  them.  ’ 
 
 26  Every  man  (hall  kifs  his  lips  f  that  giveth  a  right  iam,? 
 
 anlwer.  ^  hU 
 
 27  Prepare  thy  work  without,  and  make  it  fit  for‘'^“”" 
 thyfelf  in  the  field  ;  and  afterwards  build  thine  houfe. 
 
 28  Be  not  a  witnefs  againft  thy  neighbour  without  Remer. 
 
 caufe  ;  and  deceive  not  with  thy  lips.  t-  n.  & 
 
 29  Say  not,  1  will  do  fo  to  him  as  he  hath  done  to’ch^'^’ 
 me ;  I  will  render  to  the  man  according  to  his  work,  is.^s  & 
 
 30  I  went  by  the  field  of  the  (lothful,  and  by  thess.  21. 
 vineyard  of  the  man  void  of  underftanding ; 
 
 31  And,  lo,  it  was  all  grown  over  with  thorns,  and'^^llL 
 
 nettles  had  covered  the  face  thereof,  and  the  ftone-17. 15:’ 
 wall  thereof  was  broken  down.  Haiah 
 
 32  Then  I  faw,  and  t  confidered  it  well ;  I  looked 
 
 upon  it,  and  received  inftruftion.  „ 
 
 33  p  Yet  a  little  deep,  a  little  (lumber,  a  little  folding  of  good, 
 
 of  the  hands  to  deep :  t  Heb. 
 
 34  So  (hall  thy  poverty  come  one  that  travelleth : 
 
 and  thy  want  as  an  armed  man.*  rigid 
 
 words,  o  Cliap.  20.  22.  f  Heb.  set  my  heart,  p  Chap.  6.9,  cj-c.  t°H  eb.  a 
 man  of  shield, 
 
 CHAP.  XXV. 
 
 1  Observations  about  kings,  8  and  about  avoiding  of  quarrels,  and  sundry 
 causes  thereof. 
 
 These  are  alfo  proverbs  of  Solomon,  which  the 
 men  of  Hezekiah  king  of  Judah  copied  out. 
 
 2  It  is  the  glory  of  God  to  conceal  a  thing  :  but  the 
 honour  of  kings  is  to  fearch  out  a  matter. 
 
 who  appear  fond  of  novelties,  either  in  religion  or  in  civil  government ;  for  tin* 
 expedled  and  inconceivably  dreadful  calamities  lhall  unavoidably  and  violently 
 feize  upon  fuch,  and  Upon  their  affociates.  24.  Whoever,  contrary  to  evidence, 
 pronounces  a  wicked  man  innocent,  or  a  had  caufe  to  be  good,  expofes  himfelfto 
 the  curfes  and  deteftation  of  men,'and  the  fearful  vengeance  of  God.  26.  Every 
 perfon  will  highly  honour  and  dearly  love  him  who  fpeaks  the  plain,  naked,  edi¬ 
 fying,  and  feafonable  truth,  whether  as  a  judge,  a  witnefs,  or  private  perfon.  30. 
 — 34.  And,  from  the  mifery  and  want  which  others  have  brought  upon  themfclves, 
 by  their  negligence,  floth,  or  mifpending  of  time,  learn  earnellly  to  avoid  thefe 
 things,  as  ruinous  to  thy  outward  eftate,  as  well  as  to  the  fpiritual  and  eternal  liap- 
 pinefs  of  thy  foul. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXV.  Ver.  2.  It  is  the  glory  of 
 God  that  his  counfels  are  unfathomable,  and  his  works,  even  of  creation  and  pro¬ 
 vidence,  fp  myfterious  that  the  wifefl  on  earth  cannot  comprehend  their  nature, 
 reafon  or  ends,  hut  it  is  the  honour  of  kings  diligently  to  fearch  the  feriptures, 
 thoroughly  to  exannine  intricate  cafes,  and  dive  into  plots  and  confpiracies,  or 
 fully  to  difplay  the  reafons  of  their  arftions.  3.  But  vulgar  minds  can  no  more 
 judge  of  the  fecret  reafons  of  fiatesmen  than  they  can  perfetStiy  fearch  and 
 
 reverence  and  fupport.  Above  all,  let  us  duly  eftimate  divine  truth  which  is  infinitely  more  precious  than  all  the  world  can  prefent.  We  cannot  labour  too  much  to 
 obtain  it;  we  cannot  make  too  great  facrifices  to  preferve  it.  And  let  it  be  Our  conllant  care  to  avoid  the  corruptions  of  the  world,  which  fubjea  men  to  the  dif- 
 
 ^'pt^A^CTI^Al"  OBSERVATIONS.— *  Chap.  XXIV.  If  we  would  enjoy  the  approbation  of  God  and  a  good  confcience,  let  us  habitually  fhun  the  focicty 
 
 which' 
 is  diii^Hht  in 
 
 fdl  not  concern  -  -  r  n 
 
 bufiatfs  that  he  may  provide  things  decent  and  praife- worthy  in  the  iignt  o.  all  men. 
 
Of  sundry  moral  virtue 
 
 PROVERBS. 
 
 a7id  (heir  contrary  vices. 
 
 Before  3  Tnc  heaven  for  height,  and  the  earth  for  depth, 
 Chrift  heart  of  kings  is  f  unfearchable. 
 
 eir.  1000.  ^  from  the  filver,  and  there 
 
 {hall  come  forth  a  vefTel  tor  the  finer, 
 ibereis  5  *  Take  away  the  wicked /rom  before  the  king, 
 fio  search-  and  his  throne  (hall  be  eftablifhed  in  righteoufnels. 
 ine-  6  t  Put  not  forth  thyfelf  in  the  prefence  ot  the 
 
 king,  and  ftand  not  in  the  place  of  great  men  ; 
 
 I  Heb.  7  >>  For  better  it  is  that  it  be  laid  unto  thee,  Come 
 5'tftn<><nu<r,p  hither,  than  that  thou  fhouldeft  be  put  lower  in 
 thy  sion/.  prefence  of  the  prince  whom  thine  eyes  have  feen. 
 14  “0.  8  Go  not  forth  halfily  to  ftrive,  lefi  t/wu  know  not 
 
 c  Matth.  vvhat  to  do  in  the  end  thereof,  when  thy  neighbour 
 5. 26.  &  j^j^rh  put  thee  to  fhame. 
 
 9  c  Debate  thy  caufe  with  thy  neighbour  him/el/, 
 and  II  dilcover  not  a  fecret  to  another; 
 
 10  Left  he  that  heareth  it  put  thee  to  fhame,  and 
 thine  infamy  turn  not  away. 
 
 1 1  A  word  t  filly  fpoken  is  like  apples  of  gold  in 
 pi£tures  of  filver. 
 
 12  an  ear-ring  of  gold,  and  an  ornament  of  fine 
 gold,_y^:>  is  a  wife  reprover  upon  an  obedient  ear. 
 
 _ _  13  As  the  cold  of  fnow  in  the  time  of  harveft, 
 
 I  Heb.  in jg  a  faithful  meffenger  to  them  that  fend  him  ;  for 
 a  gi/t  of  refrefheth  the  foul  of  his  mailers. 
 
 ■f  oen  14  Whofo  boafleth  himfelf  f  of  a  falfe  gift,  is  like 
 32. 4,  &c.  clouds  and  wind  without  rain. 
 
 1  Sara.  15  e  By  long  forbearing  is  a  prince  perfuaded,  and 
 a  fofc  tongue  breaketh  the  bone. 
 
 Cbap.  16  Haft  thou  found  honey?  eat  fo  much  as  is  fuf- 
 15. 1,  &  ficient  for  thee,  left  thou  be  filled  therewith,  and 
 vomit  it.  .  ,  , 
 
 thyrsi  be  17  II  Withdraw  thy  foot  from  thy  neighbours 
 seldom  in  houfe  left  he  be  t  weary  of  thee,  and  fo  hate  thee. 
 thy  neigh-  18  ^  A  man  that  beareth  falfe  witnefs  againft  his 
 iTuse  neighbour  is  a  maul,  and  a  fword  and  a  fharp  arrow. 
 t^Heb.  19  Confidence  in  an  unfaithful  man  in  time  of 
 fuitouhee.  (rouble  is  like  a  broken  tooth,  and  a  foot  out  of  joint. 
 
 iio  As  he  that  taketh  away  a  garment  in  cold  wea- 
 
 Cbap. 
 
 12.  18. 
 
 18.  15. 
 
 II  O''’ 
 
 discover 
 not  the 
 secret  af 
 another, 
 
 I  Heb. 
 spoken 
 ttpon  his 
 wheels, 
 d  Chap. 
 13.  17. 
 
 ther,  and  as  vinegar  upon  nitre,  fo  is  he  that  fingeth 
 foDgs  to  an  heavy  heart. 
 
 21  *■  If  thine  enemy  be  hungry,  give  him  bread  to 
 
 eat :  and  if  he  be  thirfty,  give  him  v’ater  to  drink  ;  j^oo. 
 
 22  For  thou  fhalt  heap  coals  of  fire  upon  his  head, 
 
 and  the  Lord  fhall  reward  thee.  g  Eiod. 
 
 23  The  north  wind  driveth  away  rain  ;  fo  doth  an  25^^- 
 
 angry  countenance  a  backbiting  tongue.  is!™^. 
 
 24 ''  It  is  better  to  dwell  in  a  corner  of  the  houfe-top,  y  or, 
 than  with  a  brawling  woman,  and  in  a  wide  houfe.  The  north 
 
 25  As  cold  waters  to  a  thirfty  foul,  fo  is  good 
 
 from  a  far  country.  jorthrain; 
 
 26  A  righteous  man  falling  down  before  the  wicked  so  doth  a 
 
 is  as  a  troubled  fountain,  and  a  corrupt  fpring.  backbitinz 
 
 "21" It' is  not  good  to  eat  much  honey:  Ko  for 
 to  fearch  their  own  glory  is  not  glory.  counte- 
 
 28  •  He  that  hath  no  rule  over  his  own  fpirit  is  like  nance. 
 a  city  that  is  broken  down,  and  without  walls.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXVI.  .  21:9.' 
 
 1  Observations  about  fools,  13  about  sluggards,  17  and  about  busy-bodies,  i  Chap. 
 
 AS  fnow  in  fumraer,  and  as  rain  in  harveft; 
 
 honour  is  not  feemly  for  a  fool.  32,  9. 
 
 2  As  the  bird  by  wandering,  as  the  fwallow  by  fly-  chap. 
 ing  ;  fo  the  curfe  caufelefs  fhall  not  come. 
 
 3  *  a  whip  for  the  horfe,  a  bridle  for  the  afs,  and  a 
 rod  for  the  fool’s  back.  eyes. 
 
 4  Anfwer  not  a  fool  according  to  his  folly,  left  thou  n  Or, 
 alfo  be  like  unto  him.  _  whence. 
 
 5  Anfwer  a  fool  according  to  his  folly,  left  he  n^ted  up.^ 
 wife  in  t  his  own  conceit.  y  Or, 
 
 6  He  that  fendeth  a  meffage  by  the  hand  of  a  fool  .4*  he  that 
 cutteth  off  the  feet,  and  drinketh  H  damage.  puiteiha. 
 
 7  The  legs  of  the  lame  t  are  not  equal ;  fo  is  a  pa-  , 
 
 rable  in  the  mouth  of  fools.  an  heap 
 
 8  II  As  he  that  bindeth  a  ftone  in.  a  fling  ;  fo  is  he  of /tones. 
 that  giveth  honour  to  a  fool.  \i^great 
 
 9  Asa  thorn  goeth  up  into  the  hand  of  a  drunkard  ;  ^,30 
 fo  is  a  parable  in  the  mouth  of  fools.  grUveth 
 
 10  II  Tne  great  Goc/,  that  formed  all  things^  hoih  oil,  and  he 
 rewardeth  the  fool  and  rewardeth  tranfgrellors.  ^ooil^he^ 
 
 1 1  As  a  dog  returneth  to  his  vomit ;  fo  a  fool  hfeih  also 
 \  returneth  to  his  folly.  iransgres-, 
 
 sors.  b  2  Pet.  2.  22.  t  Heb.  iteralelh  his  foUy, 
 
 meafure  the  heavens  and  earth.  6,  7.  Never  ambitioufly  aflfeeft,  or  tbrufl  tby- 
 felf  into  -courts,  or  any  places  or  ftations  that  belong  not  to  thee  ;  for  it  will  be 
 more  honourable  and  fatisfying  to  be  invited  to  them,  than  to  be  dii^racefully 
 tbriift  from  the  honours  which  thou  haft  arrogated  to  thyfelf,  and  that  in  the 
 prefence  of  the  prince  unto  whom  thou  haft  approached  too  near.  11,  12.  A 
 wife  inftrurftion,  advice,  reproof  or  word  of  comfort,  feafonahly  and  properly 
 given,  is  comely,  valuable,  and  ornamental ;  and  fcarcely  can  any  thing  be  more 
 ornamental  in  life  than  a  ready  and  humble  hearkening  and  fuhmitting  to  wife 
 and  feal'onable  reproof.  13.  Cold  drink  or  air  in  harveft  is  not  more  grateful 
 and  refrelhing  to  the  reapers  than  good  fervants  or  ambalfadors  are  to  their 
 mafters,  by  their  fpcedy  difpatch  of  the  important  bufmefs  committed  to  them, 
 and  faithful  report  of  their  fuccefs.  It  is  extremely  empty  and  deceiving  to 
 boaft  of  grace,  virtues,  or  abilities  which  we  have  not,  or  to  promife  what  we 
 cannot  or  care  not  to  perform.  15.  By  patient  fubmilTion  and  expe(51ation 
 princes  are  moft  readily  pacified  and  perfuaded  ;  and  humble,  foft,  and  affec¬ 
 tionate  language  bows  the  moft  ftiff  and  hardened  tempers,  and  overcomes  even 
 ftubborn  refolutions  to  the  contrary.  18.  Slander  and  a  bearing  falfe  witnefs 
 are  moft  dangerous  and  murderous  means  of  deftroying  our  neighbour.  20.  As 
 taking  away  clothes  in  winter  increafes  our  fenle  of  cold,  and  vinegar  irritates 
 nitre,  fo  unfeafonable  mirth  renders  a  fad  heart  dill  more  forrowful.  21,  22. 
 
 In  time  of  need  always  render  good  for  evil  5  and  kindly  beftow  neceffary  fup- 
 plies  on  fuch  as  have  injured  thee;  thus  (halt  thou  foften  thy  rage,  flay  their  ha¬ 
 tred,  and  gain  their  affeeftions  ;  and  the  Lord  (hall  reward  thee  with  bleffings 
 while  he  fearfully  punifhes  them  if  they  continue  obftinate.  25.  Good  and 
 certain  news  from  a  far  country,  where  our  friends  and  fortunes  are,  is  expecled 
 with  impatience,  heard  with  delight,  and  believed  and  thought  on  with  refrefliing 
 pleafure ;  but  efpecially  the  gofpel,  which  brings  from  God  the  bleffed  tidings  of 
 pardon,  peace,  grace  and  falvation.  26.  When  righteous  men  are  decoyed  into 
 fcandalous  fins  or  are  degraded  from  their  influence  and  authority,  opprefled  and 
 perfecuted,  it  is  as  hurtful  to  a  church  or  nation,  as  if  the  public  fountains  were 
 corrupted  and  poifoned.  28.  And  to  the  furious  and  palTionate  renders  us  ufe- 
 lefs  and  miferable. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXVI.  Ver.  2.  Caufelefs  curfes  and 
 imprecations  can  hurt  the  innocent  no  more  than  the  birds  that  fly  over 
 their  heads.  3.  Obftinate,  ftupid,  and  refradlory  Cnners,  like  beads,  muft  by 
 (harp  punifliments  be  reftrained  from  evil,  and  excited  to  good.  5.  Anfwer  a 
 proud  conceited  fool  with  fuch  ftrength  and  evidence  of  reafon  as  may  render 
 him  fenfihle  of  the  folly,  and  check  his  pride.  7.  As  dancing  or  walking  by  a 
 lame  man  would  but  manifeft  bis  lamenefs,  fo  the  pretences  of  fools  to  wifdom, 
 do  but  render  them  the  more  ridiculous.  10.  God,  and  even  wife  princes 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERV'ATIONS. — *  Chap.  XXV.]  Thofe  whom  God  exalts  to  eminent  ftations  claim  our  refpea  ;  but  if  they  would  be  happy  they  muft 
 remove  from  them  all  evil  companions  and  counfellors.  Humility  adorns  the  moft  diftinguilhed  charailers,  but  vain  glory  debales  them.  While  we  are  courteous 
 to  all,  let  us  carefully  maintain  fidelity  to  our  friends.  By  meeknefs,  condefcenfion,  and  gentlenefs,  let  us  endeavour  to  gain  the  afte<5lionate  efteem^  of  all  with  whona 
 we  afiTociate,  and  appeafe  the  wrath  of  our  enemies.  Let  us  daily  avoid  conformity  to  the  world,  and  endeavour  to  walk  w'ith  God  and  f^ek  the  happinels  of  our  fellow 
 men,  particularly  that  of  the  poor  and  affli6Ied.  And  remembering  the  mercy  and  love  of  God  toward  us,  let  us  cultivate  a  forgiving  fpirit,  and  feek  to  gain  our  ene¬ 
 mies  by  feizing  every  opportunity  of  doing  them  good.  If  we  love  peace,  and  feek  the  good  of  mankind,  let  us  filence  llanderers,  by  giving  them  no  countenance  or 
 by  diteaing  their  hypocrify  and  falfehood  It  becomes  the  righteous  to  walk  circumfpeaiy,  for  their  fall  or  inconfiftency  may  be  followed  by  the  worft  confequences 
 to  theinfelves  and  others.  Inftead  of  aferibing  their  falls  to  their  frailty  and  depravity,  the  wicked  often  conclude  from  their  example  that  all  religious  profeflion  is 
 hypocrify,  and  thus  encourage  themfelves  in  lin,  till  ruin  and  mifery  overtake  them.  It  is  of  the  greateft  importance  to  poffefs  felf-government,  for  the  want  of  it 
 tiot  only  betrays  great  weaknefs,  but  often  alfo  involves  us  in  the  mod  ferious  evils. 
 
Of  sundry  moral  virtues^ 
 
 PROVERBS. 
 
 Before  Seeft  tho«  a. man  wife  in  his  own  conceit  ?  there 
 cir  looo  hope  ot  a  fool  than  of  him. 
 
 13  The  flothtnl  nnm  faith,  There  is  a  lion  in  the 
 way ;  a  lion  is  in  the  ftreets. 
 
 14  As  the  door  turneth  upon  his  hinges  ;  fo  doth  the 
 flothful  upon  his  bed, 
 
 15  ^  I’he  flothful  hideth  his  hand  in  his  bofom  ;  11  it 
 
 ^  M  t  M  •  »  n  «  v-t  r  •  r*  /~vt  1  ^  n 
 
 C  Chap. 
 22.  12. 
 d  Chap 
 19.  24. 
 
 II  Or,  he 
 
 conceit  than 
 
 V-V.S..  .-.w  X-. 
 
 is  weurt/.  grieveth  him  to  bring  it  again  to  his  mouth, 
 
 II  Or,  |g  fluggard  is  wifer  in  his  own  coi 
 leven  men  that  can  render  a  realon. 
 
 17  He  that  paffeth  by,  and  |1  meddleth  with  ftrife  he- 
 
 and  their  contrary  tkes, 
 
 2  Let  another  man  praife  thee,  and  not  thine  own  Before 
 
 mouth  ;  a  tlranger,  and  not  thine  own  lips.  Cbia 
 
 3  A  ftone  is  t  heavy,  and  the  land  weighty  ;  but 
 fool’.s  wrath  is  heavier  than  them  both. 
 
 4  t  Wrath  is  cruel,  and  anger  is  outrageous;  butLj,,.' 
 
 t  Hcb. 
 Jiames,  or 
 
 sparks 
 ■f  Heb. 
 Without 
 wood. 
 e  Chap. 
 22.  iO. 
 11  Or 
 
 -  .  J  7  - -  •'  - 
 
 Ihnging  not  to  him,  is  like  one  that  taketh  a  deg  by 
 the  ears. 
 
 18  As  a  mad  man,  who  cafleth  t  firebrands,  arrows, 
 and  death, 
 
 19  So  is  the  man  that  deceiveth  his  neighbour,  and 
 
 iul/,erer.  Am  DOt  I  in  fport  i 
 
 fHeb.  20  f  Where  no  wood  is,  there  the  fire  goeth  out ; 
 is  silent,  fo  e  where  there  is  no  H  tale-bearer,  the  ffrite  f  ceafeth. 
 15^''iT&  21  As  coals  are  to  burning  coals,  and  wood  to  fire ; 
 
 29.  22.  io  is  a  contentious  man  to  kindle  (frife. 
 g  ctiap.  22  s  The  words  of  a  tale-bearer  are  as  wounds,  and 
 18.  8.  they  go  down  into  the  f  innermofl;  parts  of  the  belly. 
 
 23  Burning  lips,  and  a  wicked  heart,  arc  like  a  pot- 
 c  covered  with  filver  drofs. 
 
 known.  24  He  that  hateth  |1  diflembleth  with  his  lips,  and 
 t  layeth  up  deceit  within  him  : 
 
 makethhis  When  he  f  Ipeaketh  fair,  believe  him  not ;  for 
 Clous.  there  are  (even  abominations  in  his  heart. 
 
 II  Or,  26  11  Whose  hatred  is  covered  by  deceit,  his  wicked- 
 Hotredis  jjgjg  (hjjn  he  fhewed  before  the  whale  congregation. 
 *i7cZf  27  ’’  W^lOfo  diggeth  a  pit  fhall  fall  therein  ;  and  he 
 h  pfa'ms  that  rolleth  a  ftone,  it  will  return  upon  him. 
 
 7. 15,16.  28  A  lying  tongue  hateth  those  that  are  aflli£ted  by 
 
 it ;  and  a  flattering  mouth  worketh  ruin.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXVIl. 
 
 &  9.  15. 
 Ecclef. 
 10.  8. 
 a  James 
 
 "‘®  1  Observations  of  self-love,  5  of  true  love,  1 1  of  care  to  avoid  offences, 
 
 4.  13.  &c.  23  and  of  the  household  care. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 to-  mor¬ 
 row  day. 
 
 OAST  not  thyfelf  of  t  to-morrow  ;  for 
 knoweft  not  what  a  day  may  bring  forth. 
 
 thou 
 
 punith  fins  of  ignorance  and  wilful  wickednefs  in  a  wife,  juft,  and  fuitable  man- 
 ner.  12.  There  is  more  hope  of  the  amendment  of  a  fottifh  man  than  of  one 
 who  is  fo  wife  and  virtuous  in  his  own  conceit,  that  he  thinks  himfelf  above  in- 
 ftruaion.  14.  It  is  almoft  a  toil  for  fucb  to  turn  themfelves  on  their  bed  ;  and 
 though  they  feem  bufy,  they  do  nothing  to  the  purpofe.  Though  they  move 
 in  the  formal  round  of  external  duties,  they  are  never  a  whit  nearer  to  heaven. 
 17  It  is  extremely  dangerous  to  engage  in  other  men’s  quarrels  and  dilputes, 
 which  do  not  belong  to  us.  18,  19.  To  wrong  our  neighbours  by  either  word  or 
 deed,  and  then  pretend  it  was  in  jeft,  difeover  us  to  be  ftup.dly  infolent  and 
 diabolically  mad.  22.  The  wounds  given  to  men’s  charaaer,  bufinefs,  and  Ipi- 
 rits,  by  calumnies  llyly  and  fecretiy  fpread,  are  extremely  painful  and  hurtful, 
 and  fometimes  will  fcarcely  admit  of  a  cure.  23.  Malicious  and  angry  language 
 corresponds  very  well  with  an  envious  and  wicked  heart ;  and,  notwithftanding 
 their  fine  fliew,  fcarcely  any  thing  is  more  deteftable  than  aff^ionate  words 
 ■when  ufed  to  cover  hatred  and  enmity  of  heart ;  nor  will  the  diflimulation  pafs 
 lone-  undeteaed.  27.  They  who  labour  to  deftroy  their  neighbours,  whether 
 ly  fraud  or  vTolence,  involve" themfelves  in  the  very  mifehiefs  which  they  had  m- 
 
 ‘"eXP^ANATORY  notes.  Chap.  XXVII.  Ver.  1.  Never  boaft  what 
 thou  wilt  be  or  do  in  any  future  period  ;  for  ‘^ou  knoweft  not  what  changes 
 
 i^virnce  may  make  Tn^a  very  ftiort  time.  3,  4.  The  anger,  cruelty,  and 
 
 but 
 
 who  is  able  to  ftand  before  ll  envy  ? 
 
 .5  Onen  rebuke  is  better  than  fecret  love. 
 
 6  ^  Faithful  are  the  wounds  of  a  friend 
 kifles  of  an  enemy  are  [j  deceitful. 
 
 7  The  full  foul  f  loatheth  an  honey-comb  ;  but 
 the  hungry  foul  every  better  thing  is  fweer. 
 
 '<S. 
 
 tHeb. 
 
 If  rutU  it 
 
 the"”** 
 
 and  UTig^ 
 on 
 
 tQffnoing, 
 
 "  Or. 
 
 8  As  a  bird  that  wanderer h  from  her  neft ;  fo  is 
 
 -  _  ,  —  Bfa'm 
 
 man  that  wandereth  from  his  place.  141.5. 
 
 9  Ointment  and  perfume  rejoice  the  heart ;  fo  doth  U 
 the  Iweetnefs  of  a  man’s  friend  f  by  hearty  counfel. 
 
 10  Thine  own  friend,  and  thy  father’s  friend,  forfake  r  Peb.  ’ 
 oof,  neither  go  into  thy  brother’s  houfe  in  the  day 
 
 of  thy  calamity  :  Jor  ^  better  is  a  neighbour  that 
 near,  than  a  brother  far  off.  |  Heb.  ' 
 
 1 1  ®  My  fon,  be  wife,  and  n.ake  my  heart  glad,  ihathomae 
 
 I  may  anfwer  him  that  reproacheth  me.  counsel c/ 
 
 12  f  A  prudent  man  foreleeth  the  evil,  and  hideth 
 himfelf;  but  the  Ample  pafs  on,  and  are  punifhed.  17.17.& 
 
 13  s  Take  his  garments  that  is  lurety  for  a  ftranger,  24. 
 and  take  a  pledge  of  him  for  a  ftrange  woman.  _ 
 
 14  He  that  bleffeth  his  friend  with  a  loud  voice,  23!  24. 
 rifing  early  in  the  morning,  it  (hall  be  counted  a  curfef  Chap, 
 to  him. 
 
 111  11)  •  <T  Pl 
 
 15  A  continual  dropping  in  a  very  rainy  diy,  and|o 
 
 a  contentious  woman  are  alike.  h  Cbap. 
 
 16  Whofoever  hideth  her  hideth  the  wdnd,  and  is- 1* 
 the  ointment  of  his  right  hand,  which  bewrayeth 
 itself. 
 
 17  Iron  (harpeueth  iron;  fo  a  man  (harpeneth  the 
 countenance  of  his  friend. 
 
 18  Whofo  keepeth  the  fig-tree  fhall  eat  the  fruit 
 thereof;  fb  he  that  waiteth  on  his  mafter  fhall  be 
 honoured. 
 
 19  As  in  water  face  answereth  to  face,  fo  the  heart 
 of  man  to  man. 
 
 rage  of  a  foolifti  man  are  very  intolerable,  cruftiing  and  hard  to  be  appeafed; 
 but  an  envious  defire  of  revenge  is  ftill  more  dangerous,  as  it  lies  hid,  increafes 
 daily,  and  is  more  and  more  exafperated,  till  it  find  opportunity  to  vent  itfelf 
 in  the  intended  mifehief.  6.  Juft  and  feafonable  reproofs,  however  fevere,  ought 
 to  be  cheerfully  received  when  they  proceed  from  true  love  and  faithful  regard; 
 but  the  mod  tender,  abundant  expreffions  of  kindnefs  from  an  enemy  ought  to 
 be  fufpeaed  as  falfe  and  treacherous.  8.  When  men,  by  levity  or  difcoiiteni, 
 change  their  country,  trade,  or  office,  in  which  Brovidence  had  placed  them, 
 they  ordinarilv  expofe  themfelves  to  manifold  dangers  and  inconveniences,  but 
 rarely  mend  their  condition.  9,  10.  The  kind  converfation  and  prudent  cuun- 
 fels  of  affe6lionale  friends  are  often  more  to  be  depended  on  in  the  time  of  diluels 
 than  our  neareft  relations.  11.  My  fon,  improve  tbefe  inftruaions  to  make  tbee 
 truly  wife  and  good;  which  will  at  once  comfoit  my  heart,  and  enable  me  to 
 refute  fuch  as  charge  me  with  want  of  due  care  about  my  children.  14.  Ex¬ 
 travagant  and  flattering  commendation  of  a  friend  or  benefaaor  are  lather  a 
 difparagement  than  an  honour,  as  it  is  a  (hame  to  have  a  conneaion  willi  lucli 
 filly  fycophants.  17.  By  mutual  converfation,  friends  quicken  the  wit,  enliven 
 the  affeaion,  ftrengthen  the  judgment,  and  animate  the  aaivily  of  one  another. 
 19  There  is  a  furprifing  likenefs  in  the  tempers  and  difpofuions  of  men,  hotn 
 among  faints  and  finners ;  and  moft  are  inclined  to  carry  themfelves  lowaids 
 others,  as  they  do  towards  them.  20.  It  is  impoffible  to  fatisfy  the  coirupt 
 
 ■OR  4  f-T'tr  A  T  nnSFRVATIONS  — *  Chap.  XXVI.]  It  is  moft  unreafonable,  and  even  ridiculous,  however  common,  to  confer  honour  and  “1 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVA  1  indicates  no  creat  wifdom  to  be  provoked  by  the  wrath  of  thofe  whom  we  have  not  injured,  for  their  curfes  canno 
 
 tbofe  who  art*  deftituie  of  real  virtue  and  ment.  ...  r?  j  t  -  Jnfprrmife  with  the  nroflieate  and  profane,  we  have  need  of  great  prudence,  that  we  may 
 
 efiea  us,  but  fulqea  themfelves  to  the  righteous  indignation  of  God.  J"  £  wfth  a  fenfe  of  their  guilt.  Too  high  an  opinion  of  one’s 
 
 prevent  the  mifehievous  effea  of  their  condua,  if  we  cannot  convince  them  of  ‘Be  ;  g  /^^ntempt  An  indolent  perfon  h  generally  felf-willed  ;  and  though 
 
 Lf,  is  an  evil  feldom  cured,  though  it  betrays  confummate  ignorance  and  interferes  in  the  quarrels  of  others,  may  expeiS 
 
 no  one  is  more  infignfficant,  he  is  feldoin  bearers  arVcTa'^arr*^  juft  ly  held  in  general  abhorrence  ;  for  they  are  the  authors  of  innumerable  and 
 
 his  imprudence  rewarded  by  mucb  uiieafinefs.  J  ^  .  •  .  ,  influenced  by  hatred  and  malice,  is  unworthy  of  a  place  in 
 
 countenanced  and  fiiunned. 
 
General  ohservalions  of 
 
 PROVERBS. 
 
 impiety  and  religious  integrity^ 
 
 the 
 
 cir#  1000* 
 
 k  Chap. 
 
 3  7.  3. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 se(  Ihy 
 heart. 
 Heb. 
 
 strength, 
 
 I  Heb. 
 to  genera¬ 
 tion  and 
 genera¬ 
 tion  ? 
 f  Heb. 
 lije. 
 
 a  Levit. 
 26.  .‘Je. 
 
 11  Or, 
 hy  men  of 
 tinder- 
 standing 
 and  wis¬ 
 dom  piall 
 they  like¬ 
 wise  be 
 prolonged 
 f  Heb. 
 without 
 food. 
 b  Chap. 
 19.  1. 
 c 
 
 29 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 Jeedeth 
 gluttons. 
 d  Chap. 
 13.  22, 
 Ecclef. 
 
 2.  26. 
 
 ^  Heb.  by 
 .increase, 
 e  Chay. 
 26.  27. 
 
 Before  20  Hell  and  deftruftion  are  f  never  full ;  fo 
 Christ  g  gg  Qj.  man  are  never  latisfied.  j 
 
 21  Js  the  fining  pot  for  filver,  and  the  furnace 
 
 .e  ttpi.  fcr  gold  ;  fo  is  a  man  to  his  praile. 
 
 Jj.  22  Though  thou  (houldeft  bray  a  fool  in  a  morfar 
 
 r Ecclef.  among  wheat  with  a  pelile,  yet  will  not  his  foolilh- 
 nefs  depart  from  him.  ,  „  v  <  n  ,  > 
 
 23  Be  thou  diligent  to  know  the  itate  or  thy  Hocks,  ; 
 
 and  t  look  well  to  thy  herds  :  i 
 
 24  For  t  riches  are  not  for  ever  :  and  doth  the 
 crown  endure  f  to  every  generation. 
 
 .25  The  hay  appearetb,  and  the  tender  grafs  fbew- 1 
 eth  itfelf,  and’  herbs  of  the  mountains  are  gathered  ; 
 
 26  The  lambs  are  for  thy  clothing,  and  the  goats 
 
 rtr6  the  price  of  the  field.  I 
 
 27  And  thou  shalL  have  milk  enough  for  thy 
 
 food,  for  the  food  of  thy  houfehold,  and  for  the  fj 
 maintenance  for  thy  maidens.*  i 
 
 CH  AP.  XXVIII.  I 
 
 General  observations  of  impiety  and  religious  integrity. 
 
 wicked  flee  when  no  man  purfueth :  but ' 
 |_  the  righteous  are  bold  as  a  lion. 
 
 2  For  the  tranfgrefTion  of  a  land  many  are  the 
 
 princes  thereof:  but  by  a  man  of  underftanding  and  j 
 knowledge  the  Ifate  thereof  fliall  be  prolonged.  j 
 
 3  A  poor  man  that  oppreflfeth  the  poor  is  like  a 
 fweeping  rain,  f  which  leaveth  no  food. 
 
 4  They  that  forlake  the  law  praife  the  wicked  ; 
 but  fuch  as  keep  the  law  contend  with  them. 
 
 5  Evil  men  underfland  not  judgment ;  but  they 
 that  leek  the  Lord  underfland  ail  things. 
 
 7.  -  6  b  Better  is  the  poor  that  walketh  in  his  uprightnefs. 
 
 Chap,  jjg  perverfe  in  his  ways,  though  he  be  rich. 
 
 7  c  Whofo  keepeth  the  law  is  a  wife  Ion  ;  but  he  i 
 that  11  is  a  companion  of  riotous  men  fhameth  his  j 
 father. 
 
 8  He  that  by  ufury  and  t  unjuft  gain  increafeth 
 his  fubftance,  he  fhall  gather  it  for  him  that  will  pity 
 the  poor. 
 
 9  He  that  turneth  away  his  ear  from  hearing  the 
 law,  even  his  prayer  shall  abomination. 
 
 10  ®  Whofo  caufeth  the  righteous  to  go  aftray  in 
 
 defires  of  men  ;  the  more  they  are  indulged,  the  more  they  crave ;  and  nothing 
 but  the  fulnefs  of  God  can  fatisfy  tlie  defires  of  an  immortal  foul.  21.  Nothing 
 more'clfetflually  tries  a  nian  than  high  commendations.  If  he  be  light,  vain, 
 frotliy.  and  e.dily  putFed  up  by  them,  it  difcovers  his  emptinefs  ;  but  if  under 
 them  he  be  humble,  modeft,  and  fenfible  of  his  own  defeats,  it  manifeds  him 
 truly  valuable.  22;  Some  are  fo  hardened  and  flupified  in  their  finfu!  courfes, 
 that  no  reproofs  or  correilions  can  make  them  a  whit  better.  23 — 27.  Mailers 
 Ihould  look  after  the  management  of  their  worldly  affairs  themfelves,  and  not 
 leave  all  to  fervants  ;  for  without ^ue  care  and  diligence,  the  riclieft  ellates  will 
 foon  come  to  nought ;  whereas,  hy  a  proper  care  of  the  hay,  grafs,  herbs,  and 
 flocks,  which  Providence  bellows,  they  may  enjoy  a  moll  comfortable  livelihood 
 for  themfelves  and  families.  . 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXVIII.  Ver,  1.  Guilt  makes  men 
 cowards;  hut  confcious  integrity  makes  men  courageous,  and  to  proceed  with 
 undaunted  refolution  in  the  moll  liazardous  undertakings.'  2.  To  punilli  the 
 wickednefs  of  nations,  God  permits  tliem  to  fall  into  fatlions,  or  murder  their 
 fovereigns ;  but  a  prince  of  remarkable  piety  and  prudence  is  extremely  ufeful 
 for  fettling  or  preferving  a  Hate.  4.  Apollates  from  the  ways  of  God  are  the 
 mod  forward  in  encouraging  men  in  wickednefs  and  commending  them  for 
 it :  but  tliey  who  refolutely  ohferve  God’s  law  do  what  they  can  to  reform  or 
 punilh  them.  5.  L^nregenerate  men  have  no  folid  or  experimental  knowledge 
 of  what  is  light  or  wrong  ;  hut  they  who  diidy  God’s  word,  and  depend  on 
 his  indrudlious,  underdand  whatever  is  necclTary  to  falvation.  8.  God  often 
 trandates  the  wealth  gotten  by  covetoufnefs  and  oppreffion  from  the  gatherers 
 «  into  the  hands  of  fuch  as  are  merciful  and  benevolent.  9,  The  very  prayers. 
 
 an  evil  way,  he  fliall  fall  himfelf  into  his  own  pit :  but 
 
 the  upright  (hall  have  good  things  in  pofTHTion.  cir.  looo. 
 
 1 1  The  rich  m'an  is  wile  +  in  his  own  conceit ;  but 
 
 the  poor  that  hath  underltanding  (earcneih  hifr  •j' Heb. 
 
 out.  .  . 
 
 12  ^  When  righteous  men  do  rejoice,  there  is^  great 
 glory  :  but  v/hen  the  wicked  rife,  a  man  is  11  hidden.  1 1.  lo. 
 
 13  g  He  that  covereth  his  fins  (hall  not  profper  :  ''ur  EccR^ 
 whofo  confefleth  and  forfaketh  them  (hall  have  merev.  ^  q'’ 
 
 14^  Happy  A  the  man  that  feareth  alw’ay  *’ but  h& s<>uj:hi/or. 
 that  hardeneth  his  heart  fhall  fall  into  mifehief.  ^  ^1“’® 
 
 15  Js  H  roaring  lion,  and  a  ranging  bear;  so  is  a 
 
 wicked  ruler  over  the  poor  people.  i  -  9,  lo. 
 
 16  Ttie  prince  that  wanteih  underftanding  A  alfoh  iiom, 
 a  great  opprefllor  :  but  he  that  bateth  covf  to  dhefs 
 
 (hall  prolong /lA  days.  _  ,  . ,  .  r 
 
 17  '  A  man  that  doeth  violence  to  the  blood  or  any  Exodus 
 perfon  (hall  flee  to  the  pit :  let  no  man  ftay  him.  si.  i4. 
 
 18  Whofo  walketh  uprightly  (hall  be  faved  :  bat 
 
 he  that  is  perverfe  in  his  ways  fhall  (all  at  once.  j 
 
 19  ‘He  that  tilleth  his  land  (hall  have  plenty  or  12.  ii. 
 
 bread  :  but  he  that  (blloweth  after  vain  persons  (halim  Cbap^ 
 have  poverty  enough.  03’ 4.' 
 
 20  A  faithful  man  (hall  abound  with  blelTiogs :  1  Em. 
 
 ”  but  he  that  maketh  ha(te  to  be  rich  (hall  not  be  e.  9. 
 
 11  innocent. 
 
 21  "To  have  refpe£l  of  perfons  A  not  good  ;  foLn“chap.’ 
 
 for  a  piece  of  bread  that  man  will  tranfgrefs.  js.  5.  & 
 
 22  11  He  that  hafteih  to  be  rich  hath  an  evil  eye,  and  24. 23. 
 confldereth  not  that  poverty  (hall  come  upon  him. 
 
 23  °  He  that  rebuketh  a  man,  afterw'ards  (hall  find 
 more  favour  than  he  that  flartereth  with  the  tongue.  evU  eye 
 
 2  4  Whofo  robbeth  his  father  or  his  mother,  zndhastethto 
 faith.  It  is  no  tranfgrefiion  ;  the  Came  A  the  companion  y 
 of  t  a  deftroyer.  _  „  chsp.' 
 
 25  p  He  that  is  of  a  proud  heart  ftirreth  up  ftrife:  27.  26. 
 but  he  that  putteth  his  truft  in  the  Lord  (hall  be  (Heb. 
 
 J  a  man  de* 
 
 made  rat. 
 
 26  He  that  trufteth  in  his  own  heart  is  a  fool :  but  p  cnap.' 
 
 who(o  walketh  wife^^,  he  (hall  be  delivered.  13. 10. 
 
 27  9  He  that  giveth  unto  the  poor  (hall  not  lack  :q  Deut. 
 but  he  that  hideth  his  eyes  (liall  have  many  a  curie.  ^^’^2.29. 
 
 and  other  religious  fervices,  of  them  who  ohllinately  live  in  their  fins,  are,  in 
 God’s  views,  an  abominable  and  hypocritical  prollitution  of  his  ordinances  11. 
 Rich  men,  being  courted  and  complimented  by  every  one,  are  apt  to  imagine 
 themfelves  extremely  wife ;  but  fenfible  and  religious  perfons,  however  poor, 
 quickly  difeern  their  emptinefs  and  ignorance.  12.  It  is  an  honour  and  happi- 
 nefs  for  a  nation  when  pious  and  prudent  men  are  advanced  to  places  of 
 power  and  trull  ;  but  when  the  wicked  are  exalted,  the  perfons,  lives,  and 
 ellates,  efpecially  of  good  men,  are  in  danger,  and  they  are  obliged  to  conceal 
 them.  13.  He  liiat  conceals,,  extenuates,  or  defends  his  fins,  expofes  himfelf 
 to  I'evero  punifliment:  but  he,  who  through  faith  in  Chrill,  confelTes  and  for- 
 fakes  them,  lliall  be  gracioully  blelTed  by  God,  and  honoured  by  men.  14, 
 Happy  is  he  who  lives  under  the  conllant  awe  of  God’s  perfeilions,  and  under 
 a  jealoul’y  of  bis  own  evil  heart,  and  a  fear  to  do  evil ;  but  he  that  ohllinately 
 and  prefumptuoully  goes  on  in  his  finful  courfes  lliall  irrecoverably  and  eter¬ 
 nally  perilli.  18,  Real  godlincfs,  llriil  honelly  and  integrity,  are  the  fure  road 
 to  fafety,  honour,  and  happinefs;  but  fraudulent  finners,  obllinate  in  their 
 wickednefs,  lhall  quickly  involve  themfelves  in  the  depths  of  mifeiy.  19,  20. 
 They  who  believe  in  Chrill,  and  adl  with  diligence,  fidelity,  and  candour  in 
 their  dealings,  fliall  have  abundant  bleffings  from  God,  and  honours  from  men  : 
 hut  they  who  hallen  to  be  rich  render  themfelves  execrable  by  th.ir  bafe  and 
 fraudulent  methods.  24.  They  who  fiiatch  all  that  they  can  fiom  their  parents, 
 are  as  bad  as  common  robbers,  and  are  in  a  fair  way  to  affociate  themfelves 
 i|  with  fuch.  25.  A  man  of  a  proud,  infolent,  and  ambitious  fpirit,  involves  him- 
 i  felf  ill  pt-rpelual  quarrels;  nay,  many  times  wafles  his  ellates  in  contentions: 
 Ii  but  he,  who,  truliing  in  the  Lord  to  redrels  liis  grievances,  patiently  bears  in- 
 
 PR.YCTICAL  OESER'VATIONS  — *  Chap.  XX  VII. ]  To  trufl  to  futurity  betrays  much  ignorance  of  the  vanity  of  life  and  the  uncertainty  of  a!'  earthly 
 things  It  indicates  true  wifdoin  to  improve  the  prel'ent  moment  and  to  keep  eternity  in  view  in  all  our  sdlions.  Indullry  is  not  only  profitahle  for  our  temporal 
 intereli,  but  dih  tends  to  preferve  us  from  innumerable  evils  which  accompany  idleuefs.  Competency,  if  not  wealth,  is  generally  the  lot  of  the  diligent  sud  prudent  j 
 hut  the  flothful  man  conieth  to  poverty. 
 
 7T 
 
 20 
 
Of  public  and  private  government. 
 
 PROVERBS. 
 
 Chrift  1  wicked  rife,  men  hide  therafelves 
 
 cir.  1000.  but  when  they  perifh,  the  righteous  increafe.* 
 
 Augur  s  confession  of  his  faith, 
 
 r  Ver.  12. 
 
 29.  2,  ^  Observations  of  public  government,  15  and  of  private,  22  of  anger,  pride, 
 
 thofr  _ •  ‘  -f  o  '  I 
 
 II  Or,  in¬ 
 creased. 
 b  Chap. 
 lO.  1.  & 
 1.5.  20. 
 
 &  27.  11 
 c  Chap. 
 5.  9.  & 
 28.  7. 
 Liuke 
 15.  15. 
 f  Heb 
 
 CHAP.  XXIX 
 
 overnment 
 
 theft,  cowardice,  and  corruption. 
 
 .t  T  T E  that,  being  often  reproved,  hardeneth  his 
 reproo%°^  iTl  ueck,  (hall  luddenly  be  dettroyed,  and  that 
 a  Chap!  without  remedy. 
 
 11.  10  &  2  ®  When  the  righteous  are  H  in  authority,  the 
 
 28.  28.  people  rejoice :  but  when  the  wicked  beareth  rule,  the 
 people  mourn. 
 
 3  Whofo  loveth  wifdom  rejoiceth  his  father  : 
 but  he  that  keepeih  company  with  harlots  1‘pendeth 
 his  lubftance. 
 
 4  The  king  by  judgment  eftablifheth  the  land :  but 
 f  he  that  receiveth  gifts  overthroweth  it. 
 
 5  A.  man  that  flattereth  bis  neighbour  fpreadeth  a 
 net  for  his  feet. 
 
 6  In  the  tranfgreflion  of  an  evil  man  there  is  a 
 a  man  of  (hare  :  but  the  righteous  doth  fing  and  rejoice. 
 oblations.  7  d  fhc  righteous  coofidereth  the  caufe  of  the  poor : 
 
 wicked  regardetn  not  to  know  it. 
 
 II  Or,  8  Scornful  men  y  bring  a  city  into  a  fnare :  but  wife 
 set  a  city  mcrt  tum  away  Wrath. 
 
 an  fire.  9  7/'  a  wife  man  contendeth  with  a  foolifh  man, 
 whether  he  rage  or  laugh,  there  is  no  reft. 
 
 10  f  The  blood  thirfty  hate  the  upright  :  but  the 
 juft  feek  his  foul. 
 
 1 1  A  foci  uttereth  all  his  mind ;  but  a  wife  man 
 keepeth  it  in  till  afterwards. 
 
 12  If  a  ruler  hearken  to  lies,  all  his  fervants  are 
 wicked.. 
 
 13  e  The  poor  and  11  the  deceitful  man  meet  toge- 
 f  Chap.  ther  ;  the  Lord  lighteneth  both  their  eyes. 
 
 20.  28.  J4  f  Xhe  king  that  faithfully  judgeth  the  poor,  his 
 -  throne  (hall  be  eftablifbed  for  ever. 
 
 10.  i! &  15  s  The  rod  and  reproof  give  wifdom:  but  a 
 
 17-21,25.  child  left  to  himself  bringeth  his  mother  to  (hame. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 2ifen  of 
 blood. 
 
 e  Chap. 
 22,  2. 
 jl'  Or,  the 
 •usurer. 
 
 16  When  the  wicked  are  multiplied,  tranfgreflion  Before 
 increafeth  ;  :  ‘  but  the  righteous  (hall  fee  their  fall.  .ciiria 
 
 17  ^  Correift  thy  fon,  and  he  (hall  give  ihee  reft ; 
 yea,  he  (hall  give  delight  unto  thy  foul. 
 
 18  Where  there  is  no  vifion,  the  people  11  perifh  ;  37.  ae.  & 
 
 but  he  that  keepeth  the  law,  happy  is  he.  g®'  & 
 
 19  A  fervant  will  not  be  correifted  by  words  ;  forkchL 
 
 though  he  underftand  he  will  not  anfwer.  is.  24  & 
 
 20  Seelf  thou  a  man  that  is  bafty  H  in  his  words?^^-  *3.  & 
 there  is  more  hope  of  a  fool  than  of  him. 
 
 21  He  that  delicately  bringeth  up  his  fervant  from  la* 
 a  child,  (hall  have  him  become  his  (on  at  the  length, 
 
 22  ‘  An  angry  man  ftirreth  up  ftrife,  and  a  furious  P 
 
 man  aboundeth  in  tranfgreflion.  maiters.s 
 
 23  ■“  A  man’s  pride  (hall  bring  him  low:  but  ho-i  Chap.' 
 
 nour  (hall  uphold  the  humble  in  fpirit.  ‘3. 10.  & 
 
 24  Whofo  is  partner  with  a  thief  hateth  his 
 
 foul :  he  heareth  curfing,  and  bewrayeth  it  nor.  22. 29. 
 
 25  The  fear  of  man  bringeth  a  fnare;  but  whofo  Chap, 
 
 putteth  his  truft  in  the  Lord  f  (hall  be  fafe.  ^3.  Sf 
 
 26  ®  Many  feek  f  the  ruler’s  favour :  but  everp 
 
 man’s  judgment  eometh  from  the  Lord.  32. 12. 
 
 27  An  unjuft  man  is  an  abomination  to  the  juft;Buke 
 and  he  that  is  upright  in  the- way  is  abomination 
 
 the  wicked. %hall  be  set  on  high,  n  Chap.  19.  6.  |  Heb.  the  face  of  a  ruler. 
 
 CHAP.  XXX. 
 
 1  Augur's  confejjion  of  his  faith  ;  7  the  two  points  of  his  prayer.  10  The 
 meanest  not  to  be  wronged.  11  Four  wicked  generations.  15  Four 
 things  insatiable.  17  Parents  are  not  to  be  despised.  18  Four  things 
 hard  to  be  known.  21  Four  things  intolerable.  25  Four  things  ex¬ 
 ceeding  wise.  29  Four  things  Jlately,  ^c. 
 
 The  words  of  *Augur  the  fon  of  Jakeh,  evetz  the|  HeR 
 prophecy  :  the  mao  fpake  unto  Ithiel,  even  un-  know. 
 to  Ithiel  and  Ucal, 
 
 2  Surely  I  am  more  brutifti  than  anp  man,  and" have 
 not  the  underftanding  of  a  man.  ss.  4,Sic. 
 
 3  I  neither  learned  wifdom,  nor  f  have  the  know-  Pfaina 
 ledge  of  the  holy. 
 
 4  ^  Who  hath  afcended  up  into  heaven,  or  defcend-ipa.  40. 
 ed  ?  '’  who  hath  gathered  the  wind  in  his  (his?  whoi2, &c. 
 
 juries,  lives  comfortable  and  happy.  28.  When  wicked  men  are  increafed  in 
 rrumber,  and  advanced  in  authority,  good  men  are  obliged  to  bide  themfelves 
 from  their  tyranny  and  perfecution  j  but  when  God  cafts  down  the  wicked  the 
 righteous  take  courage,  and  openly  ihew  themfelves ;  and  their  numbers  are  in¬ 
 creafed  under  pious  and  prudent  governors.  _ 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXIX.  Ver.  2,  4.  Where  juftice  is 
 rmpartially  executed,  and  liberty  and  property  fecurcd,  the  nation  grows  great 
 and  happy  ;  but  bribery  and  oppreflive  taxes  ruin  a  Hate,  5.  Flatterers  artfully 
 draw  men  into  wickednefs  and  ruin  6.  In  the  wicked  courfe  of  finners,  one  fin 
 draws  on  another  and  its  attendant  plagues  ;  but  the  godly,  by  walking  in  Chrilt, 
 obtain  folid  and  lading  joy  and  comfort,  3.  Obftinate  finners  and  fcornful 
 men,  throw  nations  and  cities  into  the  mod  ruinous  diforder ;  but  pmus  and 
 prudent  ru’ers  avert  the  deferved  vengeance  of  God,  and  by  their  wife  con- 
 dua,  divert  the  fury  of  men.  9.  It  is  to  n©  purpofe  to  fpend  reafoning  or  re- 
 proofs  upon  incorrigible  fools;  for  in  whatever  manner  they  appear  to  take 
 them,  they  will  dill  perfid  ii>  their  folly  and  wickednefs.  10.  Blood  thirdy  men  ^ 
 direa  their  murderous  malice  efpecially  againd  godly  niagidrates,  or  other 
 valuable  perfons  ;  but.fucli  as  are  truly  virtuous  labour  to  defend  and  promote 
 the  welfare  of  luch.  11.  Fools  inconfiderately  fpeak  out  whatever  comes 
 into  their  head ;  but  wife  men  think  well  before  they  fpeak,  and  only  utter 
 what  they  know,  and  as  .he  opportunity  requires.  12  If  a  rudr  hearken  to 
 lies,  flattlies,  or  faife  accufations,  his  whole  court  will  probably  become  fo 
 wicked,  that  it  will  be  bard  to  find  an  honed  man  in  office,  Boo*-  men  who 
 
 want  edates,  and  rich  men  who  get  or  increafe  their  by  fraud,  are  eon- 
 
 neaed  together  in  this  world,  and  the  Lprd.  without  did.naion,  alloves  to  both 
 bis  light  of  nature,  or  revelation  and  bleffings  of  providence,  as  is  good  in 
 
 ~  ^  V  Y  VTTT  1  Ponfrlniis  inteirritv  knows  no  difinay,  and  in  the  way  of  duty  dartles  at  no  menaces.  Seivile  dar 
 
 PttACTICAI.  0Bi5ERVATlONS.-t  O-M-  XMX.]  Tb'or.d  i"  b.  ^  f„,„.  fo  tl.e  fool  .l.on  lb.  ft.r  of  man.  Ligbl  wd 
 
 .is ...  ..<> ....... ...... 
 
 his  fight.  17.  Children,  carefully  brought  up  in  the  nature  and  admonition 
 of  the  Lord,  bid  fair  to  be  a  help  and  comfort  to  their  parents.  18.  When 
 men  want  the  oracles  of  God,  and  ordinances  of  the  gofpel,  they  cannot  but 
 live  wickedly  on  earth,  and  be  miferable  in  eternity  ;  but  great  is  the  prefent  and 
 future  happinefs  of  fuch  as,  renewed  by  his  grace,  ftriaiy  obferve  his  laws.  19. 
 No  perfuafion,  reproofs,  or  tbreatenings,  will  avail  with  fome  refra^ory  and  fla- 
 vilh.minded  fervants.  21.  If  fervants  who  continue  long  in  a  family,  be  too  much 
 indulged  or.  favoured,  they  are  apt  to  behave  with  as  much  boldnefs  and  freedom 
 as  if  they  were  children  g  or  even  to  domineer  over  them,  and  labour  to  difinberit 
 them.  24.  Partneilhip  with  thieves  or  fraudulent  perfons  endangers  both  foul 
 and  body,  and  is  apt  to  involve  men  in  perjury.  25.  An  immoderate  fear  of  men 
 enfnares  us  into  much  guilt  and  mifchief ;  but  he  that  puts  his  whole  confidence 
 in  God  fiiail  be  preferved  from  them.  26.  Multitudes  court  the  favour  of  prin¬ 
 ces  and  other  great  men;  but  it  is  God  alone  who  determines  the  lots  of  men 
 here  and  hereafter. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXX.  Ver.  1.  The  words  of  Augurihe 
 son  of  Jckeh.  It  is  of  little  moment  to  endeavour  to  trace  the  pncalogy  of  this 
 perfon,  it  is  Efficient  to  know  that  he  wrote  under  prophetic  infpiration.  Ihe 
 man,  spoke  unto — Ithiel  and  Ucal.  Probably  either  his  children  or  his  difciples,  to 
 whom  he  diredled  his  difeourfe ;  or  fpeaking  concerning  Ithiel  and  Ucal ;  the  names 
 applicable  to  Mefliah,  God  with  me,  and  the  mighty  One.  Ver.  2.  Surely  lorn  mors 
 brutish  than  any  man.  He  humbly  confelTes  bis  fin  and  ignorance,  when  compared 
 with  Adam  in  innocence,  or  with  men  in  general.  Ver.  4.  HOiai  is  his  name.  ID 
 begins  to  exalt  the  glory  of  Ithiel  and  Ucal,  the  great  Creator  and  Redeemer  ot 
 m^n  ;  and  having  delcribed  his  power  in  heaven  and  earth,  inquires  concerning 
 his  generation.  But  here  we  muR  own  our  infufficiency,  for  who  by  fe.arcliing 
 
r 
 
 parents  are  not  to  he  despised. 
 
 hath  bound  .he. a..sin^a 
 
 ciirift  Kiiihed  all  the  ends  of  the  earth  ?  ^ 
 
 »'■  'T\  Ld  .hat  is  his  Ibn’s  naine,  >*  \ 
 
 5  Every  word  or  God  is  t 
 
 (hield 
 
 119.  HO- 
 I  Ileb. 
 
 d  Deut. 
 
 4.  2.  & 
 
 12.  32. 
 
 Revet. 
 
 22.18,19. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 withhold 
 not  J^om 
 0^' 
 
 e.  11- 
 
 j  Heb. 
 o>  my  al- 
 
 loiutiTice. 
 fDsut. 
 
 82.  15. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 lelie  thee.  eyCS  ’ 
 t  Heb. 
 
 tongue, 
 g  Chap. 
 6.  17. 
 h  Job 
 29.  17. 
 Pfaltns 
 52.  2.  & 
 57.  4. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 Wealth, 
 Or, 
 
 _  pure: 
 
 r2^f  &  unto^'them  thlt  put  their  truft  in  him. 
 
 18. 30.  &  g  d  Add  thou  not  unto  his  words  lelt  he  p 
 
 'YV'r«:il?hrfreSl;edof.hee;  tdenyme 
 
 ***R°move  far  from  me  vanity  and  ’‘^*.’.69'®?'® 
 neither  poverty  nor  riches;  «  teed  me  with  food  f 
 
 convenienr^fm  m^li^  and  deny  t/iee,  and  fay,  Who  js 
 the  Lord  ?  or  left  I  be  poor,  and  fteal,  and  take  the 
 name  of  my  God  in  vain. 
 
 10  t  Accufe  not  a  lervant  unto  his  mafter,  left  he 
 curfe  thee,  and  thou  be  found  guilty. 
 
 1 1  Thete  is  a  generation  that  curleth  their  father, 
 
 and  doth  not  blefs  their  mother.  ,  . 
 
 12  There  is  a  generation  that  are  pure  m  their  own 
 eyes,  and  ijet  is  not  walked  from  their  filthmels.  _ 
 
 13  There  is  a  generation,  O  how  s  lolty  are  their 
 
 and  their  eyelids  are  lifted  up.  r  .4 
 
 14  h  There  is  a  generation  whofe  teeth  are  as  Iwords 
 and  their  j  iw-teeth  as  knives,  to  devonr  the  poor  from 
 off  the  earth,  and  the  needy  from  among  men, 
 
 15.  The  horfe-leech  hath  two  daughters,  crying. 
 Give,  give.  There  are  three  things  that  are  never 
 fatisfied,  yea,  four  thine^s  fay  not,  t  It  is  enough  . 
 
 16  The  grave;  and  the  barren  womb;  the  ear tn 
 that  is  not  filled  with  water ;  and  the  fire  that  laith 
 
 not,  is  enough.  n  , 
 
 •'17  The  eye  that  niocketh  at  nis  father,,  and 
 II  wr,  defpifeth  to  obey  his  mother,  the  ravens  of  Ij  the 
 the  brook,  (haii  pick  it  out  and  the  young  eagles  lhall  eat 
 
 18  There  be  three  things  which  are  too  wonderful 
 for  me,  yea  four  which  I  know  not :  _ 
 
 19  The  way  of  an  eagle  in  the  air,  the  way  of  a 
 ferpent  upon  a  rock,  the  way  of  a  Ihip  in  the  f  midft 
 of  the  fea,  and  the  way  of  a  man  with  a  maid, 
 
 '20  Such  is  the  way  of  an  adulterous  woman  ;  fne 
 
 and  R' 
 
 fool  i  Chap. 
 19. 
 
 1  Heb. 
 heart. 
 
 PROVERBS.  Ler,a.l’.  lesson  of  ckauUy. 
 
 eateth  and  wipeth  her  mouth,  and  faith  I  have  done 
 
 "YT  FoMYree  things  the  earth  is  difqnieted,  and  for"'’ 
 
 fervaYXn  he  reigneth. 
 
 '"'vTFor'an'odio'ns  when  ihe  is  married,  and 
 
 an^handmaid  that  is  heir  to  her  m'ftrels. 
 
 24  There  be  four  things  which  are  little  up  ^ 
 
 earth,  but  they  are  f  exceeding  wile  ; 
 
 25  >^The  ants  are  a  people  not  ftrong,  yet  ^ 
 
 prepare  their  m'-at  in  the  .  make  thev^-®* 
 
 26  The  conies  are  but  a  feeble  folk,  yet  make  tney 
 
 Thf  locuftslir^^^^^^  yet  go  they  forth  all^ 
 
 °^28^The  fp^der^taketh  hold  with  her  hands,  and  is  xu^geiher. 
 *^'2^  il'^There  be  three  things  which  go  well,  yea,  four 
 SO^A^'lIon  wj/iicf  ’is  ftroDged:  among  beafts,  and 
 
 '*^?rA  11 grey-hound  ;^an  he-goat  alfo  ;  and  a  king|^^Or, 
 
 aeainft  whom  there  is  no  rdmg  ep.  ,  .u  r  if  t  h®*’* 
 
 32  If  thou  haft  done  foolifbly  in  lifting  up  thyielf,  in  the 
 
 or  if  thou  haft  thought  evil,  ‘  lay  thine  hand  upon  thy 
 
 ""Ts'^Surelv  the  churning  of  milk  biingeth  forth  * 
 butter,  and'the  wringing  of  the  nole  brmgeth  forth 
 blood;  fo  the  forcing  of  wrath  brmgeth  forth 
 ftrife.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXXI. 
 
 1  Lemuel's  lesson  of  chaflity  and  temperance.  6  The  cffliaeil  are  to  be 
 comforted  and  defended.  10  The  praise  and  properties  of  a  ^ood  wUe. 
 
 The  words  of  king  Lemuel,  the  prophecy  that 
 his  mother  taught  him.  ^  «  ,  o 
 
 2  What,  my  fon  ?  and  what,  the  fon  of  my  womb  . 
 
 and  what,  the  (on  of  my  vows? 
 
 3  Give  not  thy  ftrength  unto  women,  nor  thy  ways 
 to  that  which  deftroyeth  kings.  r  ,  • 
 
 4  It  is  not  for  kings,  O  Lemuel :  it  is^  not  for  kings 
 to  drink  wine,  nor  for  princes  ftrong  drink  ;  _ 
 
 can  find  out  God,  in  his  nature,  perfeaions,  the  divine  paternity,  or  nliation,  and 
 all  the  myfteries  hid  in  the  triune  God.  Ver.  5,  6.  He  commends  the  excellency 
 of  God’s  word,  and  deferibes  it  as  pure,  without  adulteration,  and  tending  to  pu¬ 
 rify  the  heart— it  is  faithful,  none  ever  trufled  in  his  promifts  and  declarations 
 and  were  difappointed— it  is  perfeA,  incapable  of  improvement ;  and  points  out 
 the  dan<ver  of  thofe  who  prelumptuouny  attempt  to  add  to  it  by  their  traditions  or 
 natural “reafon.  Ver.  7—9.  We  have  here  Augur’s  prayer,  which  contains  two 
 fliort  requells,  viz.  1.  For  fpiritual  mercies.  Remove  Jar  jrom  me  vani'y  and  lies. 
 Deliver  me  from  fin  ;  its  guilt  and  power  ;  corrupt  principles  and  praflices  ;  error 
 and  dclufion  ;  love  of  the  world  and  its  vanities;  in  fhort  from  whatever  would 
 be  difpleafing  to  God  and  hurtful  to  the  foul.  2.  For  temporal  mercies.  A  mo¬ 
 derate  competence,  not  affluence,  fuch  as  nature  needs  and  a  family  may  crave; 
 afraid  lefi  in  affluence  he  fhould  be  uplifted,  and  forget  God  and  his  precepts ; 
 or  through  pinching  poverty  he  lliould  be  tempted  to  Ileal  ;  or  filled  with  difcon- 
 tentment  at  bis  lot,  repine.  Ver.  11—14.  We  have  here  four  different  kinds  of 
 perfons,  viz.  unnatural  and  difobedient ;  pharif'aical  and  felf-riglitcous  proftffors  ; 
 
 .  the  purfe-proiid  and  fcornful  ;  the  crutl  and  covetous;  charaaers  detefted  by 
 God  and  hurtful  to  men.  Ver.  15,  16  Similar  to  the  horfe-leech  are  the  oppref- 
 forsofthe  poor,  infatiable  in  cruelty  and  covetoufnefs,  the  two  daughters  that 
 ever  cry.  Give,  give  ;  and  herein  they  refenible  four  things  ;  the  grave  that  is  ne¬ 
 ver  full ;  the  barren  womb,  impatient  like  Rachel  ;  the  earth  which  fucks  up  the 
 rain;  and  the  fire  which  confumes  all  the  fuel,  and  never  faith,  It  is  enough. 
 Ver.  18 — 23.  Here  are  four  things  unfearchable  ;  the  eagle,  which  leaves  no 
 .  traa  of  her  paffage  through  the  air;  the  ferpent  that  moves  without  feet  on  the 
 rock,  and  no  traces  remain  ;  the  way  of  a  fllip,  which  clofes,  no  path  being  left 
 
 behind  ;  the  way  of  a  maid  who  has  been  feduced  by  a  man,  and  robbed  of  her 
 virginity  ;  and  like  unto  thefe  is  an  adulterous  woman,  whofe  guilt  is  concealed 
 from  her  hufband.  Other  four  things  are  intolerable  ;  a  fervant  proud  and  arro¬ 
 gant ;  a  fool  furfeited,  drunken  and  clamorous;  an  odious  woman  paffiouate 
 and  I’icentious  ;  and  an  handmaid  who  is  heir  to  her  miftrefs  by  flattery,  &c.  who 
 becomes  thereby  haughty  and  imperious.  Ver.  24- — 28.  Four  things  are  herein- 
 flanced  as  defpicable  in  the  eyes  of  men,  but  from  which  important  leffons  may  be 
 learned,  viz.  the  ant’s  induftry  compared  with  the  ffuggard’s  neglefl  ;  the  conies’ 
 
 I  wifdora  in  providing  flielter  where  no  enemy  can  a^iproach  ;  the  locufts’  order 
 and  union  ;  and  the  fpider’s  diligence  and  aaivity.  Ver.  29,  SO.  Here  are  four  ■ 
 '  things  that  have  flatelinefs  and  majefly,  the  lion  mighty  in  ftrength  ;  a  grey¬ 
 hound,  or  a  horfe;  an  he-goat,  who  leads  the  flock;  and  a  king.whofe  majefly 
 confounds,  and  power  crufhes  all  that  dare  rebel. 
 
 expl  anatory  NOTES.  Chap.  XXXI.  Ver.  1 — 0.  Various  are  tha 
 opinions  concerning  the  perfon  of  king  Lemuel  ;  but  the  two  mod  probable 
 are,  dlher  that  he  was  the  kmg  of  fome  country  bOi dering  on  Judah,  whofe  mo¬ 
 ther  was  an  Ifraelite,  wlio  taught  him  thefe  leffons  ;  or,  that  it  was  another  name 
 given  to  king  Solomon  by  his  affedtionate  mother;  intimating  his  being  devoted  to 
 God,  as  the  word  fignifies.  And  what,  by  the  infpiralion  of  God,  this  gracious 
 woman  delivered  to  him,  he  took  care  to  tranfmit  in  writing  for  future  ages.  She 
 addreffes  him  and  calls  him  by  the  mod  endearing  names,  her  fon,  the  fon  of  her 
 womb,  the  fon  of  her.  vows,  which  intimates  her  tender  concern,  or  to  awaken  his 
 attention  to  what  fhe  was  about  to  deliver,  or  perhaps  as  an  expodulation,  having 
 obferved  in  him  thofe  evils  which  fhe  intended  to  advife  him  againd.  She  warns 
 him  againd  committing  lewdnefs,  in  the  indulgence  of  which  his  natural  drength 
 
 practical  observations. _ *  Chap.  XXX.]  Behold  here  the  true  charadler  of  a  faint !  Like  Chrid  he  is  meek  and  lowly.  He  afpires  after  the 
 
 inod  exalted  ideas  of  his  God  and  Saviour.  And  the  word  ot  God  is  all  his  fnlvation  and  all  his  defire.  Having  chofen  God  for  his  portion  and  defence,  he  is  not 
 »nxious  about  any  tranfient  oljeas.  Content  with  his  own  lot,  he  hates  a  bufy  interference  with  that  of  others.  In  line  be  is  a  maa  of  prudence  and  peace. 
 
The  praise  and 
 
 IScforc 
 
 Chrift  ^  ^^nnk,  and  forget  the  law,  and  t  per- 
 
 cn^o.  vert  the  ji^gment  |  of  any  of  the  afflifted. 
 
 to  oeHfh  that  is  ready 
 
 hearts  ^  t  of  heavy 
 
 mpmK^^  forget  his  poverty,  and  re- 
 
 rucniotr  his  koiTcry  no  more. 
 
 311^4  month  for  the  duenb  in  the  caufe  of 
 
 all  t  Inch  as  are  appointed  to  deftru£fion. 
 
 fhp  rW-f"  mouth,  judge  righteoufly,  and  plead 
 the  caufe  of  the  poor  and  needy. 
 
 10  c  Who  can  find  a  virtuous  woman  ?  for  her 
 
 ECCLESIASTES. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 altar. 
 f  Heb. 
 oj  all  the 
 sons  of 
 •'fflteiion. 
 a  Pfabn 
 10  i.  fo. 
 f  Heb. 
 hitter  oF 
 soul. 
 
 r  Heb.  .  .  - - 
 
 the  sons  o/Ptice  zs  tar  above  rubies. 
 
 destruc-  ~  ^ 
 
 lion. 
 b  Levit. 
 
 19.  15. 
 
 Deut. 
 
 1.  16. 
 c  Chap. 
 
 12.  4. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 taketh. 
 
 tl  The  heart  of  her  hufband  doth  fafelv  truft  in 
 her,  lo  that  he  fhal!  have  no  need  of  fpoil.  ' 
 
 12  Stie  will  do  him  good,  and  not  evil,  all  the  days 
 of  her  life.  ^ 
 
 IS  She  feeketh  wool  and  flax,  and  worketh  wil¬ 
 lingly  tvith  her  hands. 
 
 14  She  is  like  the  merchants’  fhips  fhe  bringeth  her 
 food  from  afar. 
 
 15  She  rifeth  alfo  while  it  is  y^et  night,  and  giveth 
 
 meat  to  her  houfehold,  and  a  portion  to  her  mai¬ 
 dens. 
 
 16  She  confidereth  a  field  and  f  buyeth  it ;  with 
 the  fruit  of  her  hands  fhe  planteth  a  vineyard. 
 
 17  She  girdeth  her  loins  with  lirength,  and  ftrength- 
 eneth  her  arms. 
 
 •  properties  of  a  good 
 
 18  fShe  perceiveth  that  her  merchandife  is  good-  Ref  J 
 
 her  candle  goeth  not  out  by  night.  '  Chnlr 
 
 19  She  layeth  her  hands  to  the  fpiudle,  and  her 'ooo 
 Hands  hold  the  diftafl. 
 
 20  t  She  ftretcheth  out  her  hand  to  the  poor ;  yea 
 fhe  reacheth  forth  her  hands  to  the  needy.  ^  ‘ eiu. 
 
 21  She  is  not  afraid  of  the  fnow  for  her  honfe- f 
 hold  :  for  all  her  houfehold  are  clothed  with  ||  fca'det 
 
 22_She  maketh  herfelf  coverings  of  tapeflry  : ‘her  if  of" 
 clothing  is  filk  and  purple.  iifs 
 
 23  Her  hufband  is  known  in  the  gates,  when 
 futeth  among  the  elders  of  the  land. 
 
 24  She  maketh  fiae  linen,  and  felleth  it;  and  de- 
 livereth  girdles  unto  the  merchant. 
 
 25  Strength  and  honour  are  her  clothing  ;  and  fhe 
 (hall  rejoice  in  time  to  come. 
 
 26  She  openeth  her  mouth  v./ith  wifdom  ;  and  in 
 her  tongue  is  the  law  of  kindnefs. 
 
 27  She  looketh  well  to  the  ways  of  her  houfehold 
 
 and  eateth  not  the  bread  of  idlenefs.  ’ 
 
 28  Her  children  arife  up  and  call  her  blelTed  ;  her 
 hufband  also,  and  he  praileth  her. 
 
 29  Many  daughters  |1  have  done  virtuoufly,  but  ii  Or 
 thou  excelleft  them  all. 
 
 so  Favour  is  deceitful,  and  beauty  is  vain  :  ha  ^^^nnehes, 
 woman  that  feareth  the  Lord,  fhe  fhall  be  praifed. 
 
 3 1  Give  her  of  the  fruit  of  her  hands ;  and  let  her 
 own  works  praife  her  in  the  gates.* 
 
 would  be  impaired,  and  the  faculties  of  tbe  mind  debilitated.  Sbe  alfo  advifes 
 him  to  be  liberal,  compaffionate,  the  advocate  of  the  poor  and  oppreffed,  and  to 
 adminifter  juftice  impartially.  Ver.  10—31.  This  is  a  defeription  of  what  good 
 wives  lliould  be  ;  it  is  a  copy  which  they  fhould  endeavour  to  imitate  ■,  and  fljould 
 they  not  be  able  to  arrive  at  fuch  amiable  qualifications,  they  fliould  be  defirous  of 
 advancing  towards  them.  Her  behaviour  is  fuch,  that  he  can  place  the  utmoft 
 TOnfidence  in  her  ;  aftive  and  induftrious,  file  looks  well  into  her  houfehold  af¬ 
 fairs:  having  wifdom  fhe  knows  how  to  turn  every  thing  to  the  heft  advantage; 
 charitable,  fhe  relieves  the  poor  and  neceffitated  ;  the  indigent  find  in  her  a  boun¬ 
 tiful  fiiend,  which  file  is  enabled- to  do  from  her  diligence  aud  economy.  Her 
 family  appears  in  the  greatefl  credit;  the  hufband’s  reputation  is  iiicreafed  by  her 
 prudent  condudl;  his  w-ealth  is  enlarged  by  her  management;  even  his  very  d  refs 
 befpeak  her  care  and  attention  towards  him  and  their  family.  His  houfe  is  order¬ 
 
 ly  and  comfortable ;  and  what  enhances  her  charaaer  and  his  happinef",  fiie  fj 
 never  haughty,  affuming,  fullen,  peevilh,  contentious;  blither  language  is  tendir 
 endearment,  and  dutiful  fubmiflion  ,  How  to  fpeak,  but  fwift  to  hear;  when  lie 
 offers  him  her  advice  fits  not  to  diaate,  but  wifely  yields  to  his  Ibpenor  juuw 
 ment;  and  above  all  other  qualifications,  flic  is  pious.  All  her  condua  is 
 regulated  by  the  facred  oracles,  and  this  adds  a  double  lufire  to  all  her  exuelleii. 
 cies.  She  knows,  if  beautiful,  it  is  a  tranfient,  fading  good,  compared  with  the 
 more  fubamitial  beauty  of  the  mind  ;  difeafe  may  foon  crop,  and  age  quickly  wi. 
 ther  this  fair  flower :  hut  time  fliall  more  improve  the  graces  of  the  foul,  and  ren¬ 
 der  the  union  of  kindred  fpirits  heirs  together  of  the  grace  of  life.  The  bleffednefs 
 of  fuch  a  condubt  will  meet  with  approbation  from  every  good  man,  and  mere 
 efpecially  from  the  righteous  Judge  of  the  univerfe. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSER\  ATIONS  — *  Chap.  XXXI.]  What  an  unfpeakable  blrffing  might  mothers  be  to  their  families,  churches,  and  nations  would  they 
 but  caiefully  educate  thmr  children  .  How  unnatural  aud  irreligious  it  is  when  they  do  otherwife  !  When  princes  are  given  to  drunkennefs  and  whoredom  and  are 
 
 regardlefs  of  the  exact  adminiflration  of  juftice.  they  are  but  a  plague  to  the  nation  which  they  govern - With  what  care  and  circumfpeaion  ought  all,  efpecially 
 
 thole  who  bear  rule  in  the  church  or  Hate,  to  make  choice  of  their  yoke  fellows  in  marriage.  It  is  a  great  bleffing  to  themfelves  and  conneCIions,  if  providence  direft 
 pm  aright.  What  a  fcandal  to  liuman  nature  is  it  when  wives  become  the  plague  and  reproach  of  their  hufbands,  or  when 
 by  hufbands  unfaithful  and  foolilli  !  Though  fo  few  women  correfpond  with  the  latter  of  this  defeription,  yet  it  is  an  irifioi 
 
 them  aright, 
 abufed 
 
 by  bis  almighty  grace  prepared  a  fpoufe  for  his  Son  from  among  the  fons  and  daughters  of  fallen  man. 
 
 fuch  as  are  prudent  and  virtous  are 
 ite  mercy,  that  in  every  age  God  hath 
 
 ECCLESIASTES;  OR  THE  PREACHER. 
 
 THE  ARGUMENT. 
 
 The  design  of  king  Solomon  in  this  book  is  to  expose  the  vanity  oJ  the  VDOtld,  and  oJ  human  life  ;  and  to  shevo,  that 
 the  only  rxay  to  be  happy  is  to  fear  God,  and  keep  his  commandments. 
 
 CHAP.  I. 
 
 1  The  preacher  shewelh  that  all  human  courses  are  vain;  ‘I  because  the 
 creatures  are  restless  in  their  courses;  9  They  bring  forth  nothing  new, 
 Before  and  <.ll  old  ihings  are  jorgolten,  t^c. 
 
 cE.^977.  ^1  ’’HE  words  of  the  Preacher,  the  Ion  of  David, 
 king  of  Jerifi’alem. 
 
 2  *  Vanity  of  vanities,  faith  the  Preacher,  vanity  of 
 
 vanities;  all  A  vanity.  cir. 977. 
 
 3  What  profit  hath  a  man  of  all  his  labour  which 
 
 he  taketh  under  the  fun  ?  a  Psalms  , 
 
 4  11  O/te  generation  pafleth  away,  and  another '3%  5,  h. 
 
 &  144.  12.  Chap.  12.  8.  b  Chap.  2  22.  &  3.  9, 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  I.  Ver.  I  — 11.  Solomon  here  flyles 
 liimfelf  the  preacher  or  kokaletlt,  which  fbrne  render  gutheied,  and  fupplying  the 
 
 1  word  soul,  make  it  a  defeription  of  his  own  ftate,  recovered  from  his  grievous 
 j  backflidings  ;  or  the  gatherer,  to  whom  the  people  reforted  to  hear  his  inftru(5lioiisi 
 
■^othing  new  under  the  sun. 
 
 ECCLESIASTES, 
 but  'the  earth  abideth  for 
 
 One  event  to  the  wise  and  foolish. 
 
 go. 
 
 e  Chap 
 5.  15. 
 
 Before  generation  corneth  : 
 ciiria  ever 
 
 cir.  977.  ^  Cjjq  alfo  rifeth,  and  the  fun  goeth  down, 
 
 "■‘""^and  t  hafteth  to  his  place  where  he  arofe. 
 
 ‘04  5"’&  6  The  wind  gneth  toward  the  fouth,  and  turneth 
 
 119. 90.  about  unto  the  north  :  it  whirleth  about  continually  ; 
 
 1 and  the  wind  relurneth  again  according  to  his  circuits. 
 panted  ^  ^  ^un  ioto  the  fea ;  yet  the  lea  is 
 
 is  10.  not  full :  unto  the  place  from  whence  the  rivers  come, 
 Pfaim  thither  they  f  return  again. 
 
 104.8,9.  g  ^jj  things  are  full  of  labour!  man  cannot  utter 
 Lum’io  it ;  the  eye  is  not  fatisfied  with  feeing,  nor  the  ear 
 
 filled  with  hearing.  ,  u  a,  n 
 
 9  f  ®  The  thing  that  hath  been,  it  is  which  Inall 
 be ;  and  that  which  is  done,  zs  that  which  (hall  be 
 done  ;  and  there  is  no  new  thing  under  the  fun. 
 
 10  Is  there  any  thing  whereof  it  rnay  be  faid.  See, 
 this  is  new  ?  it  hath  been  already  of  old  time,  which 
 was  before  us. 
 
 1 1  Tnere  is  no  remembrance  of  former  things :  nei¬ 
 ther  fhall  there  be  any  remembrance  of  thzrzgs  that  are 
 to  come  with  those  that  fhall  come  after. 
 
 12^1  the  preacher  was  king  over  Ifrael  in  Jerufalem: 
 
 13  And  I  gave  my  heart  to  feek  and  fearch  out  by 
 wifdom  concerning  all  things  that  are  done  under 
 heaven ;  this  fore  travail  hath  God  given  to  the  fons 
 of  man,  y  to  be  exerciied  therewith. 
 
 14  1  have  feen  all  the  works  that  are  done  under  the 
 fun  ;  and,  behold,  all  is  vanity  and  vexation  of  fpirit. 
 
 15  f  I  hat  -which  is  crooked  cannot  be  made  firaight ; 
 and  t  that  which  is  wanting  cannot  be  numbered. 
 
 uc/.,..  16  I  communed  with  mine  own  heart,  faying,  Lo, 
 
 g  1  Kings  I  aru  conae  to  great  eftate,  and  have  gotten  s  more 
 fc,  wifdom  than  all  they  that  have  been  before  me  in  Jeru- 
 t  Heb.  falem  ;  yea,  my  heart  f  had  great  experience  of  wifdom 
 had  seen  and  knowledge. 
 
 much.  j7  h  \  gave  my  heart  to  know  wifdom,  and  to 
 2.^2!  &  know  madnefs  and  folly  :  I  perceived  that  this  alfo  is 
 7. 25.  vexation  of  fpirit. 
 
 II  o*-- 
 
 to  nJJiiSl 
 
 the  III- 
 
 f  Cliap. 
 7.  31. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 
 defc&. 
 
 I 
 
 18  For  in  much  wifdom  is  much  grief ;  and  he  that 
 increaleth  knowledge  increafeth  forrow.*  ch-.  977. 
 
 CHAP.  II. 
 
 1  The  vanity  of  human  courses  in  the  uiorks  a)  pleasure.  1 2  Though  the 
 wise  be  belter  than  the  foal,  yet  both  have  one  event.  18  The  vanity  of 
 human  labour  in  leaving  it  they  know  not  to  whom,  ^c. 
 
 SAID  in  mine  heart.  Goto  now,  1  will  prove  thee 
 ^  with  mirth ;  therefore  enjoy  pleal'ure :  and  be- 
 
 h"old,  this  alfo  is  vanity.  .  r  •  u  -ittu  * 
 
 2  I  faid  of  laughter.  It  is  mad  ;  and  of  mirth,  vVhat 
 
 doeth  it  ?  .  I  ic  .  r.u 
 
 3  »  I  fought  in  mine  heart  t  to  give  myle  f  unto  a  Chap. 
 
 wine,  (yet  acquainting  mine  heart  with  wifdom,)  and 
 lay  hold  on  folly,  till  I  might  fee  what  was  that  good  lodraw 
 or  the  fons  of  men,  which  they  fhould  do  under  x\iQmyjiesh 
 
 heaven  t  all  the  days  of  their  life.  fHebX 
 
 4  I  made  me  great  works  ;  I  budded  me  houies  ; 
 
 I  planted  me  vineyards ;  ,  t  ,  j 
 
 5  I  made  me  gardens  and  orchards,  and  I  planted  oj  their 
 
 trees  in  them  of  all  kind  of  fruits ;  •  u  u  * 
 
 6  I  made  me  pools  of  water,  to  water  therewith  the 
 wood  that  bringeth  forth  trees; 
 
 7  I  got  me  fervants  and  maidens,  and  had  t  fervants  t 
 born  inmy  houfe;  alfolhadgreatpoffeffionsofgreatand  house. 
 I'mall  cattle  above  all  that  were  in  Jerufalem  before  me ;  b  i  Kings 
 
 8  I  gathered  me  alfo  fiiver  and  gold,  and  the  pe  9-  ss.  & 
 culiar  treafure  o’  kings  and  of  the  provinces:  I 
 
 me  men-fingers  and  women-fingers,  and  the  delights  ^  ^eb. 
 of  the  (ons  of  men,  as  f  mufical  inflruments,  and  that  musical 
 of  all  forts  inslru- 
 
 9  So  1  was  great,  and  increafed  more  than  all  that 
 were  before  me  in  Jerufalem  :  alfo  my  wildcm  re  ■  merits. 
 mained  with  me. 
 
 10  And  whatfoever  mine  eyes  defired  I  kept  not 
 from  them  ;  I  withheld  not  my  heart  from  any  joy  : 
 for  my  heart  rejoiced  in  all  my  labour  ;  and  this  was 
 my  portion  of  all  my  labour. 
 
 11  Then  I  looked  on  all  the  works  that  my  hands 
 had  wrought,  and  on  the  labour  that  1  had  laboured 
 
 He  begins  his  difeourfe  with  fliewing  the  fleeting  or  tranfitory  nature  of  all 
 earthly  enjoyments,  Vanity  of  vanities,  all  is  vanity ;  This  is  redoubled  to  fliew 
 his  own  deep  convi<51ion  of  the  truth,  and  afledl  his  hearers  with  a  fenfe  of  it. 
 None  bad  ever  greater  abilities,  means,  and  opportunities  to  gratify  their 
 defires  than  Solomon,  and  perhaps  none  ever  fought  earthly  enjoyments  and 
 worldly  pleafnres  more  than  he,  and  after  long  trial  this  is  his  deliberate  con- 
 clufion.  He  appeals  to  univerfal  experience  for  the  confirmation  of  the  truth 
 of  it.  He  inftances  in  the  (hortnefs  and  brevity  of  human  life  :  fuppofing  men 
 fliould  acquire  the  riches,  honours,  &c.  of  this  world,  how  foon  he  would  be 
 deprived  of  them  ;  and  fliews  that  he  can  carry  nothing  hence  ;  but  the  world 
 fhould  remain  until  the  appointed  period  arrives,  when  it  tliall  be  deftroyed 
 and  all  the  works  therein.  He  alfo  (hews  the  (late  of  revolution  that  the  woiks 
 of  nature  undergo  ;  the  fun  rifes  and  fets  ;  the  winds  veer  round  the  compafs  ; 
 the  rivers  ceafelefs  roll;  emblems  of  man’s  fluiSluatiDg  (late,  feeking  reft,  and 
 finding  none.  Ver.  12 — 18,  Having  afferted  in  general  the  van  ty  of  all 
 fultlunary  good,  he  pafles  on  to  the  grand  particulars  that  engage  men  s  purfuits, 
 in  order  to  confirm  the  truths  he  had  advanced  ;  he  commences  with  wifdom, 
 and  proves  the  vanity  of  it  by  experience  and  argument.  He  was  a  preacher 
 pofleflVd  of  the  mod  Angular  gifts;  a  king,  who  had  power  by  which  he  could 
 furnifh  himftlf  with  every  affiftance  to  profecute  his  ftudies;  he  was  over  Ifrael, 
 a  wife  and  underftanding  nation,  and  in  .lerulalem,  the  very  feat  cf  wifdom, 
 where  he  had  an  opportunity  of  converfing  with  prophets,  priefts,  and  the 
 wifeft  of  men,  not  only  of  his  own  nation,  but  from  all  tlie  earth,  who  reforted  to 
 him  ;  atid  his  application  was  as  indefatigable  as  his  advantages  were  Angular  ; 
 he  not  only  employed  liimfelf  to  fearch  out  the  depths  of  philofophy  ;  the  fecrcts 
 of  nature  ;  the  qualities  of  animals,  vegetables,  foflils,  &c.  ;  the  myfteiis  of  poli¬ 
 
 tics,  trade,  manufactures  ;  the  hiftory  of  nations,  ancient  and  modern  ;  their  man¬ 
 ners,  cuftoms,  &c.  :  but  even  fet  his  heart  to  know  madnefs  and  folly  ;  that  by 
 contraries  he  might  the  better  know  the  value  of  wifdom.  The  fatisfaction  he 
 derived  did  not  fully  anfwer  the  labour  :  the  more  he  knew  of  men  and  things 
 the  more  he  was  grieved  and  vexed ;  whilft  he  felt  his  own  inability  to  rectify  the 
 wretchednefs  and  wants  of  this  difordered  world ;  and  the  more  man  knows  the 
 more  is  he  convinced  of  ignorance  and  defeefts  in  his  acquirements  and  attain* 
 raents.  He  that  increaselh  in  knowledge,  only  increaseth  sorrow  ;  hut  there  is  a 
 wifdom  that  will  not  difappoint  the  humble  enquirer,  viz  the  know-ledge  of  Jvfus, 
 the  myftery  of  godlinefs,  the  way  of  falvatlon  ;  the  more  we  are  acquainted  with 
 it  the  more  fatisfacStion  will  it  yield  to  our  fouls ;  the  lead,  attainment  of  which 
 on  earth  is  a  pledge  of  its  perfeeSlion  and  completion  in  heaven  to  every  one  who 
 poffefles  it. 
 
 EXPL.\NATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  11.  Ver.  1 — 1 1.  The  purfuits  of  wif. 
 dom  having  difappointed  all  his  hopes,  he  now  feeks  happiuefs  in  the  indulgent 
 ces  of  ft-nfe,  expecting  in  pleafure,  what  the  regions  of  Icience  could  not  yield. 
 He  paffes  his  time  in  jocund  hours  of  mirth  ;  withholds  no  joy,  forgets  no 
 amufemenls,  and  with  poignancy  of  wit,  and  flights  of  humour  keeps  the  gay 
 circle  filled  with  burfts  of  laughter;  in  dance  and  fong  the  live  long  day  is 
 fpent  ;  wldle  mUfic’s  enchanting  found,  with  vaft  variety  of  inflruments  pourS 
 forth  a  flood  of  harmony  ;  hut  this  is  not  man’s  proper  good  ;  the  event  declares 
 It  poor  and  unfatisfaeftory  ;  ‘  Behold,  this  is  alfo  vanity,’  He  tried  to  fiod  the 
 joy  from  wine  which  pleal'ure  had  denied  ;  the  hoard  is  filled  ;  the  fparkling  glafs 
 geies  round  ;  and  though  he  relu6lantly  defeended  from  the  intellecSlual  pkafures 
 of  a  man  to  the  enjoyments  of  a  beall,  he  refolved  to  make  the  experiment ; 
 yet  even  when  he  made  the  attempt,  he  could  not  but  foherly  condemn  ii,  and 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS  — *  Chap.  I.]  How  feelingly  a  true  pentient  from  his  own  exitericnce,  preaches  the  vanity  and  vexation  which  attend  all 
 created  enjoyments  !  .411  things  indeed  in  nature  con  ur  to  inanifeft  this  humlding  truth,  though  it  is  hard  to  convince  moft  men  of  it ;  for  notwitliftanding  the  perpe¬ 
 tual  flux,  returns,  and  oblivion,  with  which  created  things  are  marked,  we  are  too  apt  to  he  refting  in  them.  Neither  the  inftru<5lion  and  example  of  othets,  our  own 
 obfervation  and  experience,  nor  the  diilates  of  the  Spirit  of  God,  are  credited  by  us.  O  that  our  fouls  may  never  more  elleem  them  cs  a  God,  never  more  depend 
 or  deiight  in  them  as  our  God.  If,  by  all  our  labours  for  human  knowe.lge,  we  can  neither  Catisfy  our  minds,  redlify  our  nalu  p  and  l..t,  nor  amend  the  wOrld,  let 
 us  ftiuly  to  know  Chrift  and  him  crucified;  thus  fliall  we  be  changed  into  the  fame  image  from  glory  to  glory.  And  let  this  knowledge  which  it  eternal  life,  he 
 
 the  chief  cbje<5l  of  our  purfuit. 
 
 7  U 
 
 20 
 
The  vanity  of  human  lahour^  8fC. 
 
 ECCLESIASTES. 
 
 The  excellency  oj  God's  icorhs. 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 dr  977. 
 
 to  do  ;  and,  behold,  all  teas  '=■  vanity  and  vexation  of 
 I'pirit,  and  there  was  no  profit  under  the  fun. 
 
 12  f  And  I  turned  myfelf  to  behold  wifdom,  ‘‘  and 
 madnel's,  and  tolly  :  for  what  can  the  man  do  that 
 cometh  after  the  king  ?  1]  even  that  which  hath  been 
 i.'i7!''&  already  done. 
 
 ?!  25*.  13  Tnen  I  faw  f  that  wifdom  excelleth  tolly,  as  far 
 
 II  as  light  excelleth  darknefs. 
 
 jn  tAw  2^  e  '][’f2e  Wife  man’s  eyes  are  in  his  head  ;  but  the 
 u'aTcA*  fool  walketh  in  darknefs  :  and  1  myfelt  perceived  alio  ; 
 /lave  been  that  one  event  happeneth  to  them  all.  i 
 
 aireuiti/  25  Then  faid  I  in  my  heart.  As  it  happeneth  to  the 
 
 done.  «  .  .  .  -  —  j  — u—  T 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 that  there  in6n 
 
 .  it  f  happeneth  even  to  me ;  and  why  was  1 
 more  wile  ?  Then  I  faid  in  my  heart,  that  this 
 isunexcei- alio  zs  vanity. 
 
 lencyin  26  Fcr  there  is  no  remembrance  of  the  wife  more 
 „than  of  the  fool  fcr  ever  ;  feeing  that  which  now  zs,in 
 7nJoUy‘!  the  days  to  come  (hall  all  be  forgotten :  and  how 
 dieth  the  wife  man  P  as  the  fool, 
 e  Pro-.  27  Therefore  I  hated  life ;  becaufe  the  work  that  is 
 wrought  under  the  fun  ts  grievous  unto  me;  for  all 
 is  vanity  and  vexation  of  fpirit. 
 
 1 8  «11  Yea,  1  hated  all  my  labour  which  I  had  t  taken 
 
 Ihould  leave  it  unto  the 
 
 «/  •  o 
 
 T 
 
 Cbap. 
 8.  I. 
 t  Heb. 
 
 laboureth. 
 f  Pfalm 
 49.  10. 
 
 happeneth  ^uder  the  fun  ;  becaufe  ^  I 
 tome,  man  that  fhall  be  after  me. 
 
 f  Heb.  19  And  who  knoweth  whether  he  fhall  be  a  wife  ma7i 
 or  a  fool  ?  yet  lhall  he  have  rule  over  all  my  labour 
 wherein  I  have  laboured,  and  wherein  I  have  fhewed 
 myfelf  wife  under  the  fun.  This  is  alfo  vanity. 
 
 20  Therefore  I  went  about  to  caufe  my  heart  to 
 defpair  of  all  the  labour  which  I  took  under  the  fun. 
 
 21  For  there  is  a  man  whofe  labour  is  in  wifdom, 
 and  in  knowledge,  and  in  equity  ;  yet  to  a  man  that 
 hath  not  laboured  therein  fhall  he  t  leave  it  for  his 
 portion.  This  alfo  is  vanity,  and  a  great  evil. 
 
 22  ®  For  what  hath  man  of  all  his  labour,  and  of 
 
 the  vexation  of  his  heart,  wherein  he  hath  laboured 
 
 under  the  fun  ?  ,  , .  -i 
 
 his  travail 
 
 the  night. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 give. 
 
 g  Chap. 
 1.  3.  &. 
 3.  9. 
 
 h  Job 
 14.  1. 
 
 23  For  all  his  days  are  ’’  forrows,  and 
 
 grief;  yea,  his  heart  taketh  not  reft  in 
 
 i  Chap.  3.  This  is  alfo  vanity.  _  7  .u  . 
 
 12,13  22.  24  H  II  *  [’here  is  nothing  better  for  a  man,  than  tnat 
 
 18.  he  (hould  eat  and  drink,  and  that  he  H  fhould  make 
 his  foul  enjoy  good  in  his  labour.  This  alio  I  law, 
 delight  2he  hand  of  God. 
 
 25  For  who  can  eat,  or  who  elfe  can  haften  here- 
 
 more  than  I  ?  ....  cir.e*?? 
 
 ,  26  For  God  giveth  to  a  man  that  zs  good  f  in  his 
 
 'fight  wifdom,  and  knowledge,  and  joy;  but  to  the  t  Heb. 
 'finner  he  giveth  travail,  to  gather,  and  to  heap  upjyore. 
 that  he  may  give  to  him  that  is  good  before  God. 
 
 This  alfo  is  vanity  and  vexation  of  fpirit.*  is,  17.  ’ 
 
 CHAP.  III. 
 
 1  By  the  necessary  change  of  times  vanity  is  added  to  human  travail.  11 
 There  is  an  excellency  in  God's  works  :  17  but  as  for  man,  God  shall 
 judge  his  works  there,  and  here  he  shall  be  like  a  beast. 
 
 O  every  thini^  there  is  a  feafon,  and  a  time  to 
 every  purpofe  under  the  heaven  ; 
 
 2  A  time  f  to  be  born,  and  a  time  to  die;  a  time ^ Heb. 
 to  plant,  and  a  time  to  pluck  up  that  which  is  to  bear. 
 planted : 
 
 3  A  time  to  kill,  and  a  time  to  heal :  a  time  to 
 break  down,  and  a  time  to  build  up  : 
 
 4  A  time  to  weep,  and  a  time  to  laugh  ;  a  time  to 
 mourn,  and  a  time  to  dance  : 
 
 5  A  time  to  call  away  ftones,  and  a  time  to  gather 
 
 ftones  together  :  a  time  to  embrace,  and  a  time  t  to  t  Heb. 
 refrain  from  embracing :  ,  r  - 
 
 6  A  time  to  11  get,  and  a  time  to  lofe :  a  time  to^^ 
 
 keep,  and  time  to  caft  away  ;  seek. 
 
 7  A  time  to  rend,  and  a  time  to  few  ;  a  time  to  keep 
 filence,  and  a  time  to  fpeak  : 
 
 8  A  time  to  love,  and  a  time  to  hate  :  a  time  ot 
 
 war,  and  a  time  of  peace.  ,  ,  .  ,  , 
 
 9  “  What  profit  hath  he  that  worketh  in  that  where-  a  chap. 
 
 in  he  laboureth  ?  , .  ,  .  u  •  ^ 
 
 10  I  have  feen  the  travail  which  God  hath  given  to 
 the  fons  of  men  to  be  exercifed  in  it. 
 
 1 1  He  hath  made  every  thing  beautiful  in  his  time  : 
 alfo  he  hath  let  the  world  in  their  heart ;  fo  that  no 
 man  can  find  out  the  work  that  God  maketh  from 
 
 the  beginning  to  the  end.  ...  .  r 
 
 12  I  know  that  there  is  no  good  in  them,  but  tor 
 a  wan  to  rejoice,  and  to  do  good  in  his  life. 
 
 13  And  alfo  that  every  man  Ihould  eat  and  drink, 
 and  enjoy  the  good  of  all  his  labour,  it  is  the  gift  of  God, 
 
 14  1  know  that  whatfoever  God  doeth,  it  fhall  be 
 for  ever  ;  nothing  can  be  put  to  it,  nor  any  thing  ta¬ 
 ken  from  it ;  and  God  doeth  it  that  men  Ihould  fear 
 before  him. 
 
 tenses* 
 
 purpofed  to  abftain  from  groffer  excelTes,  and  keep  felly  as  .t  were  at  bay.  The 
 board  of  feftivity  is  drawn  ;  the  fongs  of  mirth  filenced  ;  another  fcheme  of  hap- 
 Ss  purfned  ;  the  materials  are  ready  ;  the  magn.ficent  pa  ace  r.fes  mto  view; 
 The  vineyards  planted;  gardens  laid  out  with  tafte;  waters  colleaed;  a  'arge  re¬ 
 tinue  of  fervants  ;  treafu res  filled  ;  a  cabinet  flored  with  jewels  ;  and  from  diftant 
 ^ovlnces  and  courts  the  ricbeft  prefents  courted  his  acceptance.  On  the  review 
 of  ooffeffing  all  tbefe,  be  foleranly  declares  all  to  be  vanity  and  vexation  of  fpirit , 
 aL^  thlt  no  employment  or  enjoyment  under  the  fun  could  give  real  and  perma- 
 *  •  r.A  fatisfaaion.  Ver.  12 — 26.  He  again  reaffumes  the  purfuit  of 
 
 ”dfdom^findin.7  the  vafi  fuperiority  of  the  pleafure  it  aflforded  over  that  of  fenfe  ; 
 buf  find’s  U  even  defeaive.  and  again  makes  bis  former  conclufion,  as  one  event 
 
 f.nefh  to  all  •  tbeir  bodies  being  liable  to  the  fame  difeafes,  the  fame  difaft^s, 
 happeneth  to  all  tbeir^  He  expreffes 
 
 fometb^S  of  impatience  as  well  as  diffatisfaction  ;  he  not  only  hated  labour, 
 hut  life^itfelf  becaufe  of  the  troubles  and  vexations  with  which  it  was 
 embittered.  He  declares  the  proper  ufe  of  creature  comforts,  viz.  to  enjoy 
 
 them  in  moderation,  poffefs  them  with  thankfulnefs,  and  improve  them  ts 
 God’s  glory.  He  concludes  with  obferving  the  mifery  of  the  wicked; 
 who  do  not  incline  to  ufe  aright  the  bleffings  God  bellows  upon  them; 
 thev  are  curfed  with  anxiety  and  toil  ;  and  God  at  laft  cuts  them  off,  or  takes  it 
 from  them  and  gives  it  to  others,  who  w  ill  employ  their  abundance  to  better  pur- 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  III.  Ver.  I— 11.  However  dif- 
 ioinmd,  ufelefs,  and  affliaive,  the  events  of  Providence  may  appear  to  us,  God  has 
 connedled  them  together  in  the  moll  amazing  beauty  and  harmony,  and  orders 
 the  feafons  of  each  as  tends  moft  to  advance  his  glory  and  the  good  of  bis  people. 
 And  whatever  worldly  wifdom  men  may  have,  they  will  never  be  capable  of 
 comprehending  the  aftonifliing  extent  of  the  myfieries  which  God  exhibits  to 
 their  view  in  his  works  of  creation  and  Providence.  12,  IS.  It  is  therefore 
 belt  in  itfelf,  and  a  benefit  from  God,  to  ufe  worldly  enjoyments  moderately, 
 and  to  improve  them  for  the  advantage  of  others.  14.  God  in  bis  purpofe  and 
 providence,  fo  fixes  men’s  lot,  that  none  can  make  it  olherwife  ;  and  therefore 
 
 honours,  and  of  all  that  men  puifue  on  earth,  and  remarks  on  the  folly  of  thofe  perfons  who  weary  ihemfelves  in  the  heaping  up  riches, 
 
 Jhich  is  confined  to  the  things  of  this  life,  deferves  to  J®  «  g  >  ^  ^  j,  of  earthly  good,  to  improve  our  advantages,  guard  againll  undue  attachment 
 
 claims  equal  attention  Let  us  hence  earn  to  feek^tri^e  eternal  felicity.  How  numerous  are  the  contrivances  of  men  to  find  that  in 
 
 to  the  world,  which  renders  a  roan  roiferable  in  this  '"‘J®  ^  Ru®  j.o'^'vain  and  vexing  are  their  diversified,  their  unnumbered,  tl.eir  utmoft  attempts  !  Till 
 
 creatures,  -hich  tbey  flmuld  feek  and  can  only  find  ,n  God  h  mR  l  But  tP.eir  nefts.  Thrice  happy  are  they  to  whom  God  gives  grace 
 
 °.U  '■■«*  -  •"  >  ““  “  ®  “  ' 
 
 his  ways. 
 
yanihj  in  oppression,  envy,  idleness. 
 
 ECCLESIASTES. 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 cir.  977. 
 
 b  Chap. 
 
 1.  9. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 that  which 
 is  driven 
 
 away- 
 c  Ver.  1. 
 
 II  Of' 
 
 that  they 
 might 
 clear  God, 
 and  see, 
 
 d  Pfalm 
 49.  20. 
 Chap. 
 
 2.  16* 
 
 I  Heb.  of 
 the  sons 
 of  man. 
 
 I  Heb.  is 
 afeending. 
 e  Chap. 
 
 2.  24.  & 
 6. 18. 
 
 a  Chap. 
 5.8. 
 
 tHeb. 
 
 hand. 
 
 b  Job 
 3.17,&c 
 
 15  That  which  hath  been  is  now;  and  that  which 
 is  to  be  hath  already  been  ;  and  God  requireth  f  that 
 
 which  is  paft.  ,  u  r  u  i 
 
 16  f  And,  moreover,  I  law  under  the  lun  the  place 
 
 of  judgment,  that  wickednefs  was  there ;  and  the  place 
 of  righteoufnefs,  that  iniquity  was  there. 
 
 17  I  faid  in  mine  heart,  God  lhall  judge  the  righ¬ 
 teous  and  the  wicked  :  for  there  is  ®  a  time  there  for 
 every  purpofe,  and  for  every  work. 
 
 18  I  faid  in  mine  heart  concerning  the  eftate  of  the 
 fons  of  men,  H  that  God  might  manifeft  them,  and 
 that  they  might  fee  that  they  themfelves  are  beafts. 
 
 19  <1  For  that  which  befalleth  the  Ions  of  men  be- 
 falleth  beafts  ;  even  one  thing  befalleth  them  :  as  the 
 one  dieth,  fo  dieth  the  other  ;  yea,  they  have  all  one 
 breath  :  fo  that  a  man  hath  no  pre-eminence  above  a 
 beaft :  for  all  is  vanity. 
 
 20  All  go  unto  one  place ;  all  are  of  the  duft,  and 
 all  turn  to  duft  again. 
 
 21  U  Whokuoweth  the  fpirit  f  of  man  that  f  goeth 
 upward,  and  the  fpirit  of  the,  beaft  that  goeth  down¬ 
 ward  to  the  earth  ? 
 
 22  11  Wherefore  I  perceive  that  there  is  nothing 
 better,  than  that  a  man  (hould  rejoice  in  his  own 
 works :  for  that  is  his  portion :  for  who  fhall  bring 
 him  to  fee  what  (hall  be  after  him  ?* 
 
 CHAP.  IV. 
 
 1  Vanity  is  increased  unto  men  by  oppression,  4  by  envy,  5  by  idleness,  7 
 
 by  covetousness,  9  by  solitariness,  IS  by  wilfulness. 
 
 SO  I  returned,  and  confidered  all  the  ®  oppreffions 
 that  are  done  under  the  fun :  and,  behold  the 
 tears  of  fuch  as  were  oppreffed,  and  they  had  no  com¬ 
 forter  ;  and  on  the  f  fide  of  their  oppreflbrs  there  was 
 power  ;  but  they  had  no  comforter. 
 
 2  ^  Wherefore  I  praifed  the  dead  which  are  already 
 dead,  more  than  the  living  which  are  yet  alive. 
 
 covetousness,  solitariness,  Gnd  wilfulness* 
 
 3  Yea,  better  is  he  than  both  they  which  hath 
 
 not  yet  been,  who  hath  not  feen  the  evil  work  that  is  g;,,  977. 
 
 done  under  the  fun.  _  ^ 
 
 4  II  Again,  I  confidered  all  travail,  and  t  every  right  c  Job  5. 
 work,  that  t  fof  a  man  is  envied  of  his.  neigh- 
 hour.  This  is  alfo  vanity  and  vexation  of  (pirit. 
 
 5  <*  f  The  fool  foldeth  his  hands  together,  and  edX- rightness 
 eth  his  own  flefh. 
 
 6  e  Better  is  an  handful  with  quietnels,  than  both 
 
 the  hands  full  with  travail  and  vexation  of  fpirit.  envy  of  a 
 
 7  H  Then  I  returned,  and  I  law  vanity  under  the  fun.  rnan/rom 
 
 8  There  is  one  alone,  and  there  is  not  a  fecond  ;  yea,  a«  ne.gk- 
 he  hath  neither  child  nor  brother  ;  yet  is  Mere  no  end 
 
 of  all  his  labour;  neither  is  his  eye  fatisfied  with^  jq  ^ 
 riches  ;  neither  saith  he.  For  whom  do  I  labour,  and  24.  33. 
 bereave  my  foul  of  good  ?  This  is  alfo  vanity,  yea, 
 a  fore  travail.  &  le.’s.* 
 
 9  H  Two  are  better  than  one ;  becaufe  they  have  a 
 good  reward  for  their  labour. 
 
 10  For  if  they  fall  the  one  will  lift  up  his  fellow: 
 but  woe  to  him  that  is  alone  when  he  falleth  ;  for  he 
 hath  not  another  to  help  him  up. 
 
 1 1  Again,  if  two  lie  together,  then  they  have  heat : 
 but  how  can  one  be  warm  alone  ?  _ 
 
 12  And  if  one  prevail  againft  him,  two  fhall  with- 
 ftand  him  ;  and  a  threefold  cord  is  not  quickly  broken. 
 
 13  H  Better  is  a  poor  and  a  wife  child,  than  an  old 
 
 and  foolifh  king,  f  who  will  no  more  be  admonifhed.t  Heb. 
 
 14  For  out  of  prifon  he  cometh  to  reign  ;  whereas 
 
 alfo  he  that  is  born  in  his  kingdom  becoraeth  poor.  be  admortf 
 
 15  I  confidered  all  the  living  which  walk  under  theisAerf. 
 fun,  with  the  fecond  child  that  fhall  ftand  up  in  his  ftead. 
 
 16  There  is  no  end  of  all  the  people,  even  of  all  that 
 have  been  before  them:  they  allb  that  come  after 
 fhall  not  rejoice  in  him.  Surely  this  alfo  is  vanity  and 
 vexation  of  fDirit.+ 
 
 -we  ought  not  to  quarrel  with,  but  kindly  fubmit  to  his  pleafure.  15.  In  every 
 age,  God  by  new  returns  of  things,  governs  tbe  world  with  great  uniformity  of 
 appearance.  16,  17.  The  very  power  which  he  has  bellowed  on  men  as  a 
 I  remedy  for  grievances,  is  often  ufed  to  opprefs  and  injure  the  innocent;  and 
 I  therefore  there  mull  be  a  future  general  judgment  by  God  himfelf,  in  which 
 all  things  fhall  be  redlified,  by  clearing  the  innocent,  rewarding  the  righteous, 
 and  condemning  the  wicked.  IS — 21.  Affedled  with  thefe  views,  I  wilhed 
 that  God  would  make  men,  particularly  thofe  who  haughtily  opprefs  others,  to 
 confidcrliow  mean  and  brutilli  they  are,  and  to  ponder  the  nature  of  that  immor¬ 
 tal  foul  which  chiefly  dillinguilhes  them  from  bealls,  whofe  life  entirely  vanilhes 
 in  death. 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  IV.  Ver.  1—6.  He  had  before  con¬ 
 fidered  the  case  of  proud  oppreflbrs,  and  foreseen  their  judgments ;  here  he  turns 
 I  his  eyes  to  the  opprefled,  and  bewails  their  mifery ;  he  lliew's  their  condition  is 
 
 ^  deplorable  and  often  helplefs.  The  tears  of  the  poor,  the  widow,  and  orphan 
 
 I  cry  out  againft  tyrannical  governors,  guardians,  magillrates,  mailers,  &c.  ;  and 
 
 few  there  are  to  redrefs  their  w'rongs,  efpecially  where  the  power  in  the  hand  of 
 eppreflbrs  makes  it  dangerous  to  oppofe  their  iniquitous  proceedings.  The  judg¬ 
 ment  he  forms  concerning  tbe  llate  of  thofe  who  are  opprefled  is,  that  death  itfelf 
 .  18  preferable  to  fuch  a  continued  feene  of  mifery  ;  and  never  to  have  exifled,  more 
 
 r  defirable  than  merely  to  come  into  this  world  to  behold  the  evil,  and  fuffer  ;  this 
 
 Wnclufion  is  according  to  fenfe,  without  refpedl  to  a  future  flate.  To  have  a 
 being,  however  miferable  on  earth,  fhould  not  make  tbe  Chrillian  wifli  he  had 
 never  been  born,  ft  nee  God  is  glorified  in  his  fufferings,  and  an  eternal  reward 
 awaits  him.  Neither  Ihould  any  man  quarrel  with  his  being  becaufe  of  the  evil 
 he  beholds  ;  it  is  his  own  fault  if  the  ilfue  be  not  for  bis  good.  The  more  llu- 
 
 dioully  he  inquires,  the  more  fully  is  he  convinced,  that  all  to  be  enjoyed  in  this 
 world  is  vanity  and  vexation  of  fpirit.  If  a  man  is  indullrious,  ingenious,  and 
 fuccefsful,  he  immediately  becomes  the  butt  of  envy.  The  oppofite  condudl  of 
 the  fluggavd  is  no  lefs  vexatious  and  unfatisfadlory.  Ver.  6.  May  perhaps  exprefs 
 his  judgment  diredling  us  to  the  medium  between  reproachful  indolence  and  rell- 
 lefs  labour, and  anxiety;  for  the  moderate  gains  of  honell  indullry  enjoyed  with 
 contentment,  are  infinitely  more  fatisfadlory  than  exhorbitant  wealth  gotten  by  fore 
 travail  and  anxiety.  Ver.  7 — 16.  He  that  attentively  furveys  what  this  world 
 contains,  will  ever  be  obferving  more  and  more  of  tbe  vanity  of  the  creature,  of 
 which  freih  inftances  are  produced.  We  have  here  the  charadler  of  the  mifer  ; 
 though  deftitute  of  all  near  relations,  and  has  none  to  provide  for  but  himfelf,  yet 
 is  indefatigable  in  his  labour;  infatiable  in  bis  defires  of  wealth  ;  fears  to  increafe 
 his  family  ;  fhuns  fociety  ;  nay,  grudges  the  necelTaries  his  own  body  craves ;  and 
 I  amafles  wealth  for  no  purpofe;  neither  having  the  glory  of  God  in  view,  his  own 
 '  comfort,  or  others’  good  ;  and  leaves  his  abundance  to  thofe  who  will  never  thank, 
 •j  him,  but  fpend  it  in  extravagance  and  thoughtlefs  diflipation.  He  (hews  how  much 
 preferable  fociety  and  the  enjoyment  of  our  labours  is  to  this  unnatural  folitude 
 !  and  niggardliuefs  ;  the  comforts  and  advantages  arifing  from  the  matrimonial 
 flate,  which  more  than  overbalances  the  cares  and  cofts  which  attend  it.  He 
 alfo  takes  notice  of  crowns  ;  although  fubflantial  goods  are  held  by  a  precarious 
 tenure,  and  cumbered  with  much  vanity  and  vexation  of  fpirit,  efpecially  Ihould 
 they  be  placed  on  the  heads  of  thofe  who  have  little  penetration  and  judgment, 
 and  will  not  be  advifed  by  wife  counfellors ;  by  which  they  become  poor  ;  either 
 dethroned  by  their  fubjecls,  or  conquered  by  invaders.  Solomon  likewife  found 
 I  in  his  refearches,  that  the  rifing  fun  was  generally  adored,  and  the  fucceflbr  more 
 ,  carefled  than  the  reigning  monarch. 
 
 furrl  «i  .  u  /■  - *  Chap.  III.]  We  live  in  a  world  of  changes,  but  all  of  them  are  fixed  by  the  unchangeable  purpofe  of  God.  It  is  ab- 
 
 0Qrfi.lt!o”  ^  °°  A  our  portion,  or  to  fake  up  our  reft  in  it.  It  beconies  us  to  believe  readily  that  whatever  God  has  given  us  is  heft  for  us  to  accommodate 
 
 as  wait  with  patience  to  the  full  unravelling  of  what  feems  intricate  and  perplexed;  yea,  to  be  entirely  fatisfied  with  God’s  providential  difpofals 
 
 all  the  eh  T  ''s  altered.  And  let  us  ftudy  to  anfwer  the  end  of  bis  providence,  whicli  is  to  make  us  truly  righteous.  Amidll 
 
 ail  the  changes  which  we  either  feel  or  fear,  let  us  believe  and  .ackr  •  ’  •  . . -  ■  -  u  uiu 
 
 ture  judgment  of  this  world,  that 
 de  "  ‘ 
 
 nowledge  the  inviolable  ftedfaftnefs  of  his  government  Let  us  conftantly  live  in  the  faith  of  his  fu- 
 deen  fenfe  of  o..r  o  may  fink  our  fpirits,  and  no  power  nor  honour  render  Us  proud,  mifehievous  or  impious.  Let  us  always  maintain  a 
 
 practic  al  ORSFR  V  ATfA'^r  ore  God  ;  and  ftudy  to  ufe  whatever  God  gives  us  for  our  own  comfort,  and  for  tbe  real  benefit  of  others. 
 
 Ar  tormentine  their  brethren  rh  transforming  themfelves  into  devils 
 
 tormenting  their  brethren.  Often,  through  want  of  help  or  comfort,  a  man’s  life  is  made  worfe  than  death  or  non-exiftence.  Defperately  wicked  are 
 
Caul  ions  against  abuses  in  divine  service. 
 
 ECCLESIASTES. 
 
 The  vanity  of  riches  voithout  use 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 cir.  977 
 
 a  l  Sam. 
 
 1 5.  22. 
 Pfalm 
 SO.  8. 
 Prov. 
 
 15.  8.  & 
 21.  27. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 word, 
 b  Prov. 
 10.  19. 
 Matth. 
 
 6.  7. 
 c  Deut. 
 23.  21. 
 d  Pfalm 
 €6.13,14. 
 
 riches. 
 
 K’ 
 
 CHAP.  V. 
 
 1  J  anity  in  divine  service,  8  in  murmuring  against  op2>ression,  9  and  in 
 18  Joy  in  riches  is  the  gift  of  God. 
 
 EEP  thy  foot  when  thou  goeft  to  the  houfe  of 
 God,  and  be  more  ready  to  hear  “  than  to  give 
 the  facritice  of  fools  :  for  they  confider  not  that  they 
 do  evil. 
 
 2  Be  not  rafh  with  thy  mouth,  and  let  not  thine 
 heart  be  hafty  to  utter  atiy  11  thing  before  God  ;  for 
 God  is  in  heaven,  and  thou  upon  earth  ;  therefore 
 let  thy  words  be  few. 
 
 3  For  a  dream  cometh  through  the  multitude  of 
 bufinefs  ;  and  a  fool’s  voice  is  knoitn  by  multitude  of 
 words. 
 
 4  When  thou  voweft  a  vow  unto  God,  defer  not 
 to  pay  if ;  for  he  hath  no  pleafure  in  fools :  pay  that 
 which  thou  haff  vowed  : 
 
 5  Better  is  it  that  thou  fhouldeft  not  vow,  than  that 
 thou  fhouldeft  vow  and  not  pay. 
 
 6  Suffer  not  thy  mouth  to  caufe  thy  flefli  to  fin  ; 
 neither  fay  thou  before  the  angel,  that  it  veas  an  error  ; 
 wherefore  fhould  God  be  angry  at  thy  voice,  and 
 deftroy  the  work  of  thine  hands  ? 
 
 7  For  in  the  multitude  of  dreams  and  many  words 
 there  are  alfo  divers  vanities  ;  but  fear  thou  God. 
 
 8  %  If  thou  feeft  the  oppreffion  of  the  poor,  and 
 violent  perverting  of  judgment  and  juftice  in  a  pro- 
 
 f  Heb.  vince,  marvel  not  t  at  the  matter ;  for  he  that  is  higher 
 at  the  ludi  the  higheft  regardeth  ;  and  there  be  higher  than 
 they. 
 
 9  If  Moreover,  the  profit  of  the  earth  is  for  all ; 
 the  king  himself \s  ferved  by  the  field. 
 
 10  He  that  loveth  filver  fhall  not  be  fatisfied  with 
 filver ;  nor  he  that  loveth  abundance  with  increafe. 
 This  is  alfo  vanity. 
 
 11  When  goods  increafe,  they  are  increafed  that 
 eat  them :  and  what  good  is  there  to  the  owners  there¬ 
 of,  faving  the  beholding  of  them  with  their  eyes  ? 
 
 12  The  fleep  of  a  labouring  man  is  fweet,  whether 
 
 or  pur¬ 
 pose. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  V.  Ver.  1—8.  Since  all  in  this 
 world  is  vanity,  the  only  fubflantial  good  that  ihould  be  fought,  can  alone  be 
 found  in  the  worlhip  and  fervice  of  God  ;  but  even  here  we  muft  take  care  of 
 vanity  in  our  approach  to  him  left  our  prayer  be  turned  into  fiii.  tie  diredls  us 
 therefore  whither  to  go,  and  how  to  behave  fo  as  to  profit  thereby.  1.  We  muft 
 draw  near  with  reverence  and  godly  fear,  jealous  over  our  hearts,  and  our 
 thoughts  folemn  and  recolleaed.  2.  W>  muft  beware  that  we  offer  not  the 
 sacrifice  of  tools  The  prayers  of  the  wicked  are  an  abomination  to  the  Lord, 
 and  iheir  mod  e.xpenfive  facrifices  defpifed  by  him.  From  the  fervice  of  prayer 
 he  pafles  on  to  vows,  which  he  charges  fhould  be  confcientioully  fulfilled; 
 vow  fuppofes  that  we  are  under  no  antecedent  obligations 
 
 every 
 
 but 
 
 ■when  once  made,  it  is  highly  criminal  not  to  fulfil  it.  He  exhorts  us  alfo  to 
 be  cautious  in  making  vows.  They  were  frequent  under  the  law,  but  they 
 feem  lefs  fuited  to  the  gofpel-difpen’fation,  and  tend  to  enfnare  and  bring  the 
 foul  into  bondage.  The  fear  of  God  will  prevent  hafty  words,  and  vain  te.'rors 
 from  our  dreams.  "We  ought  not  to  queftion  the  equity  of  divine  Providence 
 becaufe  of  the  injuftice  too  commonly  pra<51i!'ed  among  men.  At  this  we  are 
 not  to  marvel  or  think  it  ftrange,  for  it  is  the  will  of  God  to  permit  it.  The 
 
 be  eat  little  or  much  :  but  the  abundance  of  the  rich  Before 
 will  not  lufFer  him  to  fleep. 
 
 13  There  is  a  fore  evil  which  I  have  feen  under  the^^®^^* 
 fun,  namely,  riches  kept  for  the  owners  thereof  to  their 
 hurt. 
 
 14  But  thofe  riches  perifh  by  evil  travail:  and  he 
 begeteth  a  Ton,  and  there  is  nothing  in  his  hand.  ® 
 
 15  «  As  he  came  forth  of  his  mother’s  womb, 
 naked  ftiall  he  return  to  go  as  he  came,  and  fhall  take  49. 1. 
 nothing  of  his  labour,  which  he  may  carry  away  in  1  Tim. 
 his  hand. 
 
 16  And  this  alfo  is  a  fore  evil,  that  in  all  points  as  1.3,^^' 
 
 he  came,  (b  fhall  he  go:  and  ^  what  profit  hath  he  g  Chap, 
 that  hath  laboured  for  the  wind  ?  & 
 
 17  All  his  days  alfo  he  eateth  in  darknefs,  and 
 
 hath  much  forrow  and  wrath  with  his  ficknel's.  there  b 
 
 18  H  Behold  that  which  I  have  feen  :  ^  f  if  is  good  "good 
 and  comely  , /or  one  to  eat  and  to  drink,  and  to  enjoy 
 
 the  good  of  all  his  labour  that  he  laketh  under  the 
 fun  t  all  the  days  of  his  life,  which  God  giveth  him  ;  t  Hcb. 
 for  it  ?s  his  portion.  ihenum, 
 
 19  Every  man  alfo  to  whom  God  hath  given  riches*" 
 
 and  wealth,  and  hath  given  him  power  to  eat  thereof,  n  or, 
 and  to  take  his  portion,  and  to  rejoice  in  his  labour ;  Though 
 this  the  gift  of  God.  he  give 
 
 20  II  For  he  fhall  not  much  remember  the  days 
 
 his  life;  becaufe  God  anl'wereth  him  in  the  joy  of  his  member- 
 heart.* 
 
 CHAP.  VI. 
 
 1  The  vanity  of  riches  without  use,  3  of  children,  6  and  old  age  without 
 riches.  9  The  vanity  of  sight  and  wandering  desires.  10  The  2>ast  is 
 known,  the  future  is  unknown. 
 
 There  is  an  evil  which  I  have  feen  under  the 
 fun,  and  it  is  common  among  men  : 
 
 2  A  man  to  whom  God  hath  given  riches,  wealth, 
 and  honour,  fo  that  he  wanteth  nothing  for  his  foul 
 of  all  that  he  defireth,  yet  God  giveth  him  not  power 
 to  eat  thereof,  but  a  ftranger  eateth  it :  this  is  vanity, 
 and  it  is  an  evil  difeafe. 
 
 omnipotent  and  eternal  Judge  obferves  the  wickednefs  of  the  proud  and  the  op- 
 preflbr,  and  will  reckon  with  them  flioitly,  when  every  caufe  Ihall  be  revifedat  bis 
 bar.  Ver.  9 — 20.  Abundance  of  wealth,  however  in  general  coveted,  will  be  found 
 3  great  vanity.  The  earth  affords  enough  for  all;  and  agriculture  is  a  noble  and 
 necefl’ary  employment ;  but  inordinate  love  of  money  is  criminal,  and  attended 
 with  much  mifery:  it  creates  infatiable  defires;  occafions  great  expences;  as 
 wealth  increafe?,  fo  doth  the  family,  equipage,  and  retinue  :  and  the  owner  bath 
 no  other  fatisfaiftion  in  his  affluence,  than  the  seeing  it  with  his  eyes.  The  fervant 
 in  feveral  inftances  hath  the  advantage  over  the  mafter :  the  one  enjoys  refrefhing 
 fleep  from  his  labour,  and  an  eafy  mind  ;  while  the  other  is  difturbed  with  anxiety 
 and  care,  which  caufe  broken  flumbers.  Riches  are  exceeding  hurtful  to  their 
 owners;  they  tempt  to  robbery  and  murder,  and  are  attended  with  other  inniitner- 
 able  evils.  Solomon  here  makes  the  fame  conclufion  as  formerly,  chap  hi.  22. 
 that  the  heft  ufe  of  them  is  the  moderate  enjoyment  of  them.  Poffefllons  are 
 God’s  gift,  and  therefore  in  gratitude  to  the  giver,  a  right  application  fiiuuld  be 
 made  of  them. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  VI.  Ver.  7,  8.  Whatever  wealth  men 
 gain  by  their  labour  is  only  valuable  for  meat,  drink,  or  the  like  ;  but  cad 
 
 men  when  even  .ight  and  ufeful  works  do  but  roufe  their  envy.  But  great  is  the  mercy  that  God,  with  whom  every  right  work  is  accepted,  wUl  be  our  final  judge 
 Let  us  then  be  dili<-ent  in  bufinefs,  and  work  the  work  of  God  while  it  is  called  to-day.  Sloth  of  any  kind  makes  men  poor  and  miferable.  But  unhappy  are  y 
 who  aie  felfifti  and'eovetous  ;  and  who,  without  any  temptation  deny  themfclves  the  comforts  of  life,  and  make  themfelvcs  llaves  to  bufmefs.  It  is  ab  ur  “ 
 to  themfelves,  when  friendlhip  and  focial  conneflions  are  much  more  calculated  to  their  help,  comfort  and  improvement.  Kings  are  often  but  a  plague  to  themlel 
 
 and  their  reftlefs  peole  ;  and  tottering  honours  are  rather  burdens  than  advantages.  ,  .  ,  .  .  i  .r  i  .  ic  tom  tlieir 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  V.l  Fearfully  are  men  fubjeaed  to  vanity,  it  enters  not  only  into  their  outward  poffefllons,  but  alfo  ‘ 
 worftiip  '  Great  need  have  we  to  take  heed  to  our  hearts,  to  our  lips,  and  to  our  whole  behaviour,  in  our  religious  perfflrmancds,  that  we  may  not  become  means  o  - 
 honouring  God  and  deftroying  ourfelves.  But  alas !  often  are  they  performed  in  a  fooliffl  and  mconfidcrate  manner,  our  minds  being  no  more  ferious  in  them 
 \  ows  are  often  rafttly  made,  and  no  lefs  readily  broken  in  the  view  of  Jefus  his  angels  and  (ervants.  Very  neceffary  is  the  ® 
 
 -  ■  *  ;  ferious  and  circunifpedl  in  our  worihip,  and  for  the  enabling  US  to  behold,  or  uca  f 
 
 he  who  receives  whatever  he  has  as  God’s  free  gift,  and  ufes  it  to  his  glory, 
 iblid  comfort. 
 
.  ,  .  .  ECCLESIASTES. 
 
 jti’inedies  agatriil  vamly. 
 
 Before  3  If  It  3  man  beget  an  hundred  c/z/Wrew,  and  live 
 SSa  ’  years,  lb  th?t  the  days  of  h.s  years  be  many, 
 and  his  foul  be  not  filled  with  good,  and  aTo  that  he 
 have  no  burial ;  I  fay  that  an  untimely  birth  is  better 
 
 he  cometh  in  with  vanity,  and  dparteth  in 
 darknefs,  and  his  name  (hall  be  covered  with  darknels. 
 
 5  Moreover,  he  hath  not  feen  the  lun  nor  known 
 any  thing :  this  hath  more  reft  than  the  other. 
 
 6  Yea,  though  he  live  a  thouland  years  twice 
 yet  hath  he  feen  no  good  ;  do  not  all  go  to  one  place  . 
 
 7  <11  All  the  labour  of  man  is  for  his  mouth,  and 
 
 yet  the  t  appetite  is  not  filled.  ,  r  t  n  u  . 
 
 8  For  what  hath  the  wife  more  than  the  tool  ?  what 
 hath  the  poor,  that  knoweth  to  walk  before  the  liv- 
 
 The  difficuUij  of  getting  -xisdom, 
 i,  fo 
 
 I  Heb. 
 soul- 
 
 ing 
 
 9  If  Better  is  the  fight  of  the  eyes  f  than  the  wan¬ 
 dering  of  the  defire.  This  is  alfo  vanity  and  vexation 
 
 I  Heb. 
 than  the 
 
 ■  wolkingoj  -"jj. 
 
 tte/oui.  o  already,  and  it 
 
 is  known  that  it  is  man  :  neither  may  he  contend  with 
 
 him  that  is  mightier  than  he.  .  r 
 
 t  Heb-  j  I  ^  Seeing  there  be  many  things  that  increale  va- 
 ‘/TTAe  nity  what  2s  man  the  better  ?  . 
 
 Zjsofihe  J2  For  who  knoweth  whaj:  is  good  for  man  in  this 
 
 life,  t  all  the  days  of  his  vain*  life  which  he  fpendeth  as 
 a  ®  thadow  ?  for  who  can  tell  a  mao  what  fhall  be  af¬ 
 ter  hi  m  under  the  fun  ?* 
 
 CHAP.  VIL 
 
 1  Remedies  again/}  vanity  are  a  good  name,  2  mortifications,  T  patience, 
 
 1 1  wisdom.  23  The  difficulty  oj  getting  tuisdom. 
 
 A»  GOOD  name  is  better  than  precious  ointment 
 and  the  day  of  death  than  the  day  of  one  s 
 
 birth. 
 
 2  If  7/t  is  better  to  go  to  the  houfe  of  mourning 
 than  to  go  to  the  houle  of  feafting :  for  that  is  the 
 end  of  all  men  ;  and  the  living  will  lay  it  to  his  heart. 
 
 3  11  Sorrow  is  better  than  laughter :  for  by  the  iad- 
 nefs  of  the  countenance  the  heart  is  made  better. 
 
 4  The  heart  of  the  wife  is  in  the  houfe  of  mourning 
 but  the  heart  of  fools  is  in  the  houfe  of  mirth. 
 
 13!^7I’  &  dt  is  better  to  bear  the  rebuke  of  the  wife,  than 
 15.31,32.  for  a  man  to  hear  the  fong  of  fools. 
 
 life  of  his 
 vanity. 
 
 %  Pfalm 
 144.  4. 
 
 a  Ptov. 
 16.  SO.  & 
 22.  1. 
 
 I  Or, 
 
 anner. 
 
 6  For  as  the  t  crackling  of  thorns  under  a  pot,  fo 
 
 is  the  laughter  of  the  fool.  This  alfo  is  vanity.  cir.  977. 
 
 7  U  Surely  opprefTion  maketh  a  wile  man  mad  ; 
 
 =  and  a  gift  deftroyeih  the  heart.  .  . 
 
 8  Better  is  the  end  of  a  thing  than  the  beginning  c  Deut. 
 thereof:  owrf  the  patient  in  fpirit  is  better  than  tne^g 
 
 Be  not  hafty  in  thy  fpirit  to  be  angry  :  for  anger  J  Prov.  ^ 
 
 redeth  in  the  bofom  of  fools.  le.  32. 
 
 10  Say  not  thou.  What  is  the  cause  that  the  former 
 days  were  better  than  thefe  ?  for  thou  dolt  not  en-  ^ 
 
 quire  t  wifely  concerning  this.  _  ,  ,ou(o/ 
 
 11  ^  Wifdom  11  is  good  with  an  inheritance  j  wisdom, 
 
 by  it  there  is  profit  to  them  that  fee  the  fun.  i|  Or, 
 
 12  For  wifdom  is  a  t  defence,  and  money  is  a 
 
 fence :  but  the  excellency  of  knowledge  is,  that  wii-  tance,  yea 
 dom  giveth  life  to  them  that  have  it.  better  too. 
 
 13  Confider  the  work  of  God  :  for  *  who  can  make 
 that  ftraight  which  he  hath  made  crooked  ?  _ 
 
 14  In  the  day  of  profperity  be  joyful,  but  in  the  day 
 
 of  adverfity  confider :  God  alfo  hath  f  let  the  one  over  f  Heb. 
 againft  the  other,  to  the  end  that  man  Ihould  find  no-«v“^^ 
 thing  after  him. 
 
 15  All  things  have  1  feen  in  the  days  of  my  vanity ; 
 there  is  a  juft  man  that  perifheth  in  his  righteoufnels, 
 and  there  is  a  wicked  man  that  prolongeth  his  life  in 
 his  wickednefs. 
 
 16  Be  not  righteous  over-much;  neither  make ^  Heb. 
 thylelf  over-wife:  why  Ihouldeft  thou  deftroy  f  [hy-desoiau? 
 
 felf  ?  ^ 
 
 17  Be  not  over  much  wicked,  neither  be  thou  fool-^i„jg  ?  ^ 
 
 ilh  :  why  fhouldeft  thou  die  t  before  thy  time  f  Prov. 
 
 18  It  is  good  that  thou  Ihouldeft  take  hold  of  this  ;2i-  22.  & 
 
 yea,  alfo  from  this  withdraw  not  thine  hand  :  for  he^jj^p* 
 that  feareth  God  (hall  come  forth  of  them  all.  9.  le. 
 
 19  ^  Wifdom  ftrengtheneth  the  wife  more  than  ten  g  1  Kings 
 mighty  men  which  are  in  the  city. 
 
 20  g  For  there  is  not  a  juft  man  upon  earth,  that  oq.  9. 
 
 doeth  good,  and  finneth  nor.  1  John 
 
 21  Alfo  -f  take  no  heed  unto  all  words  that  are  fpo- 1- s. 
 
 ken  ;  left  thou  hear  thy  fervant  curfe  thee  :  t  ®  • 
 
 22  For  oftentimes  alfo  thine  own  heart  knoweth 
 that  thou  thyfelf  likewife  haft  curfed  others. 
 
 give  not 
 
 thine 
 
 heart. 
 
 never  fatisfy  their  foul,  or  even  their  avarice.  And  in  refpedt  of  fenfual  gratifl- 
 cation,  fools  may  be  as  happy  as  the  wifeft  ;  and  even  a  poor  man,  who  has  com¬ 
 mon  fenfe  and  prudence,  may,  by  his  induftry,  render  himfelf  and  family  as  happy 
 as  the  richeft.  9,  10.  A  comfortable  enjoyment  ef  that  which  we  have  is  far  pre¬ 
 ferable  to  an  infatiable  defire  and  reftlefs  purfuit  after  that  which  we  have  not. — 
 And  let  our  condition  be  what  it  will  on  earth,  we  (hall  ftill  remain  poor  frail 
 creatures,  fubjedt  to  manifold  miferies  ;  and  it  will  be  the  utmoft  wickednefs  and 
 madnefs  to  complain  of  our  lot,  or  flrive  with  God  to  get  it  redlified. 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  VII.  Ver.  1.  A  good  reputation  is  of 
 more  advantage  for  rendering  us  ufeful  and  happy  than  all  the  riches,  pleafures, 
 and  honours  of  this  world  ;  and  the  day  of  death,  which  frees  men  from  ilie  mife¬ 
 ries  of  this  world,  is  preferable  to  the  day  of  birth,  which  introduces  into  a  life  in 
 which  the  enjoyments  do  not  fufliciently  balance  the  evils  of  it.  2—6.  It  is  far 
 fafer  and  more  profitable,  to  attend  occafions  of  mourning  and  faithful  reproof, 
 which  conduce  to  make  men  thoughtful  of  death  and  eternity,  and  render  them 
 wife  unto  falvation,  than  of  revelling  mirth  and  folly,  which  feduce  men  into 
 heedlefs  diflipation.  7.  Grievous  oppreffion  will  provoke  even  wife  men  to  un- 
 feeraly  rage  and  liehaviour  ;  and  bribes  received  will  corrupt  the  judgment  and 
 pervert  the  affedlions  of  the  beft.  8.  We  ought  more  to  regard  how  a  thing  turns 
 out  at  laft,  than  what  promiftng  appearances  it  has  at  flrft.  10.  In  bewailing  the 
 evils  of  our  time,  we  ought  carefully  to  avoid  all  murmuring  at  the  difpenfations 
 of  Providence,  as  if  they  were  not  equal.  1 1.  When  rich  men  are  truly  wife  they 
 
 may  do  much  good  to  others  with  their  wealth  in  this  world  ;  12.  For  both  wif. 
 dom  and  wealth  may  be  laid  out  for  our  protedlion  and  fafety ;  but  it  is  true  piety 
 and  prudence  that  promote  fpiritual  comfort  and  eternal  happinefs.  13,  14.  To 
 prevent  murmuring,  we  ought  carefully  to  obferve  how  wife,  juft,  and  powerful 
 God’s  operations  are,  and  confider  ourfelves  incapable  of  changing  even  the  moft 
 afilidlive  events  of  Providence  to  our  liking.  In  the  time  of  profperity  we  fhould 
 therefore  acknowledge  God’s  goodnefs,  and  enjoy  the  benefit  of  it :  and  in  the 
 day  of  adverfity  we  ought  to  confider  the  nature,  author,  and  end  of  our  afflidlions, 
 fo  as  to  make  a  good  ufe  of  them  ;  for  God  has  difpofed  them  in  fuch  variety, 
 that  none  might  be  able  to  forefee  future  events  in  his  particular  lot.  15.  I  have 
 often  obferved  the  moft  pious  men  forely  afflidled,  and  apparently  miferable, 
 in  this  world  ;  and  the  moft  wicked  long  enjoy  an  outward  profperity.  16 — 18. 
 It  is  therefore  neceffary  that  men  fhould  avoid  all  needlefs  fcrupulofity,  and 
 rafh  zeal  not  warranted  by  God’s  word,  left,  it  bring  them  into  unneceffary 
 troubles ; — and  efpecially  fhould  we  avoid  with  the  utmoft,  care  prefumptuous 
 finning,  left  however  he  bear  with  others,  it  fliould  provoke  God  quickly  to 
 cut  us  off,  and  fend  us  to  hell  in  our  wickednefs. — It  is  of  great  ufe  to  receive 
 heartily  and  pradfife  carefully,  this  advice;  for  it  is  the  true  fearer  of  God 
 who  by  a  circumfpedf  regard  to  his  law,  fhall  efcape  both  the  extremes  and  their 
 evil  confequences.  19,  20,  True  piety  and  prudence  tend  more  to  diredl,  help, 
 and  protedt  men,  than  all  human  helps;  even  though  the  beft  are  liable  to 
 manifold  failings. — 24.  Human  wifdom  may  judge  of  things  prefent  and  ob- 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  VI.]  Men’s  riches  are  often  a  remarkable  curfe  to  them,  and  render  them  really  more  unhappy  than  the  pooreft. 
 It  is  wretched  to  have  wealth  and  yet  no  heart  to  ufe  it  for  our  neceffary  accommodation  in  life.  Empiy  are  all  earthly  enjoyments  for  they  can  afford  no  fatisfadlion 
 to  the  foul.  How  unhappy  do  fome  men  make  themfelves  by  the  infatiable  nature  of  their  own  lufis !  and  yet  it  is  very  hard  to  draw  them  from  a  finful  attachment 
 to  earthly  things,  or  to  perfuade  them  to  ufe  them  aright ;  and  efpecially  to  bring  them  to  receive  the  Almighty  Saviour,  and  his  unfearchable  riches,  for  their  ever- 
 Ufting  treafure  and  portion, 
 
 7  X 
 
 20 
 
Kings  great  I  tj  to  be  respected. 
 23  All  this 
 
 Before 
 
 cS'S:.  I  be  wife 
 
 have  I  proved  by  wifdom 
 but  it  "uoas  tar  from  me. 
 
 24  That  which  is  far  off,  and  exceeding  deep,  who 
 can  find  it  out  ? 
 t  Heb.  25  H  1 1  applied  mine  heart  to  know,  and  to  fearch, 
 wt  wifdom,  and  the  reafon  of'  thmgs.  and 
 
 compas-  to  know  the  wickednefs  of  folly,  even  of  foolifhnefs 
 sed.  and  madnefs : 
 
 52^14  **  ^  more  bitter  than  death  the  woman 
 
 t  Heb.'  ''^’hofe  heart  is  fnares  and  nets,  and  her  hands  as  bands : 
 he  that  ist  whofo  pleafeth  God  iball  efcape  from  her;  but  the 
 good  be-  finner  fhall  be  taken  by  her. 
 
 /or^God.  27  Betiold,  this  I  have  found,  (faith  the  Preacher,) 
 Meigbin<r  11  ccAinting  one  by  one,  to  find  out  the  account : 
 onethi,^  28  Wnich  yet  my  foul  feeketh,  but  I  find  not :  one 
 after  ano-  man  atnong  a  thoufand  have  1  found  ;  but  a  woman 
 ^oiong  all  thofe  have  1  not  found. 
 thercason.  29  Lo,  this  ooly  have  I  found,  ‘  that  God  hath 
 i  GeiieCs  made  man  upright  ;  but  they  have  fought  out  many 
 
 ECCLESIASTES. 
 :  I  faid,  ' 
 
 The  mys  of  God  unsearchable. 
 
 1.  27. 
 
 inventions. 
 
 CHAP.  Vill. 
 
 a  Prov. 
 17.  24. 
 f  Heb. 
 the 
 
 strength. 
 
 w 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 shi.U 
 
 know. 
 
 1  Kings  are  greritltj  to  be  respeSed.  6  The  divine  providence  is  to  be 
 
 observed.  12  It  is  belter  with  the  godly  in  adversity  than  with  the  wicked 
 in  prosperity.  16  The  work  of  God  is  unsearchable. 
 
 ’HO  is  as  the  wife  man  ?  and  who  knoweth  the 
 interpretation  of  a  thing?  *  A  man’s  wifdom 
 maketh  his  face  to  fhine,  and  the  boldnefs  of  his 
 face  fhall  be  changed. 
 
 2^1  counsel  thee  to  keep  the  king’s  commandment, 
 and  that  in  regard  of  the  oath  of  God. 
 
 3  Be  not  hafty  to  go  out  of  his  fight :  fland  not  in 
 an  evil  thing;  for  be  doeth  whatfoever  pleafeth 
 him. 
 
 4  Where  the  word  of  a  king  is,  there  is  power  ;  and 
 W’ho  may  fay  unto  him,  What  doeft  thou? 
 
 5  Whofo  keepeth  the  commandment  t  fhall  feel 
 DO  evil  thing  :  and  a  wife  man’s  heart  difeerneth  both 
 time  and  judgment. 
 
 6  ^  B.caufe  to  every  purpofe  there  is  time  and 
 
 judgment ;  therefore  the  mifery  of  man  is  great  upon  Before 
 him.  ciiria 
 
 7  For  he  knoweth  not  that  which  fhall  be :  for  who 
 can  tell  him  ||  when  it  fhall  be? 
 
 8  There  is  no  msn  thst  hsth  power  ^over  the  Tpirit 
 to  retain  the  Ipirit  ;  neither  V/a^A  he  power  in  the  day 
 of  death  :  and  Mere  is  no||  difeharge  in  Mai  war ;  neither 
 fhall  wickednefs  deliver  thofe  that  are  given  to  it.  l|  Or‘ 
 
 9  All  this  have  I  feen,  and  applied  my  heart 
 every  work  that  is  done  under  the  fqn,  there  is  a 
 wherein  one  man  ruleth  over  another  to  his  own  hurt. 
 
 10  And  fo  I  faw  the  wicked  buried,  who  had  come 
 and  gone  from  the  place  of  the  holy,  and  they  were 
 forgotten  in  the  city  where  they  had  fo  done.  This 
 is  alfo  vanity. 
 
 11  Becaufe  fentence  againft  an  evil  work  is  not 
 executed  fpeedily,  therefore  the  heart  of  the  Tons  of 
 men  is  fully  fet  in  them  to  do  evil. 
 
 12  ^1  Though  a  finner  do  evil  an  hundred  times, 
 
 and  bis  days  be  prolonged,  yet  furely  I  know  that  <=  itcPfai.sT, 
 fhall  be  well  with  them  that  fear  God,  which  fear^his.ig. 
 before  him  : 
 
 13  But  it  fhall  not  be  well  with  the  wicked,  neither 
 fhall  he  prolong  hts  days,  wi/zM  are  as  a  fhadow  ;  be- 
 caufe  he  f'eareth  not  before  God. 
 
 14  There  is  a  vanity  which  is  done  upon  the  earth  ; 
 
 that  there  be  juft  men,  unto  whom  it  happeneth  ac-d  Pfaiia 
 cording  to  the  w'ork  of  the  wicked  :  again,  there  be'^^' 
 wicked  men,  to  whom  it  happeneth  according  to  the 
 work  of  the  righteous.  I  faid,  that  this  alfo  ?s  vanity, 
 
 15  H  ®  Then  I  commended  mirth,  becaufe  a  mane  Chapter 
 hath  no  better  thing  under  the  fun,  than  to  ear,  and  to®- 
 drink,  and  to  be  merry  ;  for  that  fliali  abide  with  him 
 of  his  labour  the  days  of  his  life,  which  God  giveth 
 him  under  the  fun. 
 
 16  51  When  I  applied  mine  heart  to  know  wifdom, 
 and  to  fee  the  bufinefs  that  is  done  upon  the  earth  r 
 Tor  alfo  there  is  that  neither  day  nor  night  feeth  fleep 
 with  his  eyes  :) 
 
 Tious,  but  not  of  things  future  and  inyftnious.  25.  I  attempted  a  molt  careful 
 and  compichenfive  fearch  into  God’s  providences,  and  men’s  counfels,  condudt, 
 and  finftilncfs,  26.  And,  with  grief  and  (liaroe,  I  find  tiiat  nothing  more  effec- 
 tuaiiy  entices  and  fix.s  men  in  guilt  and  ruin  than  a  whorifn  woman.  It  is  only 
 by  the  remarkable  mercy  of  God,  and  the  moll  earneft  and  watchful  piety,  that 
 one  can  either  avoid  or  efcape  from  her  temptations ;  and  often  God  permits  thofe 
 who  have  otherwife  offended  liim,  to  be  ruined  by  her  influence.  27,  28  Here 
 and  there  a  truly  honeft  man  may  be  found  among  my  courtiers  :  but  a  modefi, 
 plain  liearted,  humble,  and  fincere  woman  have  I  not  found  among  all  my  thou¬ 
 fand  wives  a  d  concubines. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  VIII  Ver.  1.  How  few  are  truly 
 wife,  and  can  rightly  take  up  or  expound  the  words  or  works  of  God  ?  And  yet 
 it  is  wifdoni  that  rei.ders  a  man  truly  honourable,  mild,  and  majellic.  2.  file 
 laws  of  a  ki  g  ought  to  be  obeyed,  not  only  from  fear  of  the  penalty,  but  from 
 te(rard  to  God,  wbofe  deputy  he  is,  and  to  the  oath  of  allegiance  fworn  to  him 
 by  the  name  and  in  the  pie'fence  of  God,  as  witnefs  and  guardian  of  it.  3. 
 We  mu  ft  behave  ourfelv.s  fubmifltvely  ;  and  never,  through  pafiipn  or  difeon- 
 fenl,  withdraw  from  his  fervice,  or  call  off  our  allegiance  ;  for  bis  power 
 beintr  fo  gieat,  it  is  very  dangerous  to  contend  with  him.  4.  A  king  has  power 
 to  enforce  l)is  commands  ;  and  none  can  oppofe  him  without  apparent  danger. 
 5.  He  who  prudently  complies  with  the  king’s  pleafure  in  lawful  things,  fhall 
 avoid  tile  trouble  and  danger  which  be  would  otherwife  incur.  And  it  will 
 retjnire  wifdom  to  dirc<5l  in  what  time  and  manner  we  may  deal  with  him  to- 
 
 the  beft  advantage.  6.  For,  through  inattention  to  the  proper  time,  and  fo 
 proper  diredlion  in  managing  matters,  men  bring  much  trouble  upon  themfelves, 
 7.  For  they  are  generally  ignorant  what  things  are  to  happen,  and  of  the  time 
 in  which  what  they  expetft  will  come  to  pafs.  8.  None,  neither  by  force  nor 
 entreaty,  nor  by  wickednefs,  are  capable  of  preventing  the  removal  of  their 
 foul  from  tills  world  in  God’s  appointed  time,  aud  by  bis  appointed  means.  9, 
 I  have  obferved  that  rulers,  by  their  management,  often  bring  guilt  anti  ruin 
 upon  themfelves.  fO.  I  have  obferved  wicked  rulers,  notwitbftanding  the 
 greateft  funeral  pomp,  quickly  forgotten  in  the  very  city  in  which  they  liad  often 
 in  God’s  name  adminiflered  judgtnent.  >So  Vidu  atid  perifhing  are  all  the  pomp 
 and  power  of  the  greateft.  11.  Becaufe  , God  and  mercy  fometimes  del.sys  to 
 puniftj  open  tranfgreflbrs  of  his  law,  hardened  finners,  in  a  mod  prefumptu- 
 ous  manner,  abandon  themfelves  to  all  manner  of  mifebief  and  wickednefs.  12. 
 But  tliough  the  finner’s  days  of  reprieve,  or  even  of  profperity,  ftiould  be 
 prolonged  for  a  time,  yet  it  is  only  they  who  truly  fear  God,  and  walk  in  his 
 ways,  that  will  be  happy  at  laft.  13.  Wicked  defpifers  of  God  ftiall  not  enjoy 
 the  true  comforts  of  life,  and  fhall  be  quickly  hurried  into  mifery  here  or 
 liereafter.  14,  It  is,  however,  afflidling  that  fome  eminent  faints  are  reproached, 
 perfecuted,  and  diftrefled  in  this  world,  while  feme  ringleaders  in  wickednefs 
 meet  with  ^iod  ufage  and  remarkable  profperity.  15.  This  makes  it  evident 
 that  nothing  is  more  proper  than  foberly  and  thankfully  to  enjoy  what  God  in 
 his  providence  beftows  upon  us  in  this  world,  as  all  the  reward  that  we  can  gain 
 '  by  our  labour.  16,  17.  Ills  heft  to  refrain  from  curious  enquiries  into  the  feafons 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  VII.  A  truly  good  eharadler  is  of  ineflimable  value  ;  and  it  is  praife-woithy  to  ftrive  earneftly  to  obtain  it. 
 Tranfcendanlly  blelTcd  is  the  day  of  one’s  deatii  who  dies  in  the  Lord.  Let  us  then  live  in  the  ferious  confideration  of  our  latter  end,  and  labour  that  whether  prefiml 
 or  abfent  we  may  be  accented  of  God.  Chriftian  reproofs  are  highly  requifite  to  make  or  keep  us  grave  or  ferious  amidrt  fo  much  folly  and  fo  many  flafhes  of  vain 
 mirth  as  takes  place  in  the  world.  The  very  worft  of  things  effe^ually  work  for  the  good  of  the  faint.  And  an  humble  and  patient  refignation  to  the  will  of  God 
 makes  us  eafv  under  the  moft  grievous  adverfity  and  oppreffion.  Ctiriflian  wifdom  and  prudence  tend  greatly  to  our  direrSlion,  fafety,  happinefs  and'ftrengtb.  They  teach 
 us  to  view  7od’s  hand  in  all  that  befals  us ;  to  accommodate  ourf'elves  to  every  providence  as  it  comes  :  and  neither  to  be  ofiended  with  the  profperity  of  the  wicked,  nof 
 the  adverfity  of  the  godly,  in  this  life  ;  to  guard  againft  all  extremes  ;  and  under  the  deep  fenfe  of  our  own  faults,  to  carry  ourfeives  mildly  towards  others  who  are 
 overtaken  iii  a  fault.  How  Ihort  lighted  are  the  wifeft  of  mortals  with  refpefl  to  the  moft  impoitant  ohjedls !  But  great  is  the  mercy  if  they  are  brought  to  fi  e  their 
 own  leadin<r  fijUics  and  crimes,  and,  by  the  fight  thereof  are  led  to  repentance,  to  a  deep  fenfe  of  the  riches  of  God’s  grace,  and  to  fearch  out  the  finfulnefs  of  their 
 natures,  tilf  they  apprehend  themfelves  uttery  vile  before  GoA 
 
Jjicre  is  a  necessity  qf  death  unto  men, 
 
 17  Then  I  beheld  all  the  work  of  God,  that  a  man 
 rannot  find  out  the  work  that  is  done  under  the  fun, 
 Scaule  though  a  man  labour  t<?  leek  rV  put,  yet  he 
 Lll  not  find  // ;  yea,  farther  though  a  ^ife  man  think 
 to  know  it,  yet  (hall  he  not  be  able  to  find  tt* 
 
 CHAP.  IX. 
 
 ,  Tik.  ihines  happen  to  good  and  bad.  4  There  is  a  necejity  of  death 
 unto  men.  7  Comjort  w  all  their  portion  in  this  lije.  11  God  s  pro¬ 
 vidence  ruleth  over  all.  13  Wisdom  is  belter  than  strength. 
 
 T  u  -r^OR  all  this  f  I  confidered  in  my  heart,  even  to 
 r  declare  all  this,  that  the  righteous,  and  the  wife 
 se'o'^t'  -and  their  works,  are  in  the  hand  of  God  .  no  man 
 heart.  [juoweth  either  love  or  hatred  by  all  that  is  beiore  them. 
 Of.  im  2  *  All  things  come  alike  to  ail :  there  is  one  event  to 
 ri  ltTs.  the  righteous  and  to  the  wicked  ;  to  the  good  and 
 Maiachi  jQ  jhe  clean,  and  to  the  unclean  ;  to  him  that  lacri- 
 ficeth,  and  to  him  that  facrificeth  not :  as  2s  the  good, 
 fo  is  the  finner ;  and  he  that  Iweareth,  as  he  that  lear- 
 
 eth  an  oath.  , 
 
 3  This  is  an  evil  among  all  things,  that  are  done 
 
 under  the  fun,  that  there  is  one  event  unto  all:  yea 
 alio,  the  heart  of  the  fons  ot  men  is  full  of  evil,  and 
 madnel's  is  in  their  heart,  while  they  live,  and  after 
 
 that  theij  go  to  the  dead.  _  „  u  r  •  e-u 
 
 4  H  For  to  him  that  is  joined  to  all  the  living  there 
 is  hope  :  for  a  living  dog  is  better  than  a  dead  lion. 
 
 5  For  the  living  know  that  they  fhall  die :  but  the 
 dead  know  not  anything,  neither  have  they  any  more 
 a  reward  :  for  the  memory  of  them  is  forgotten. 
 
 6  Alio  their  love,  and  their  hatred,  and  their  envy, 
 is  now  periftied  ;  neither  have  tney  any  more  a  por¬ 
 tion  for  ever  in  any  thing  that  is  done  under  the  mn. 
 
 7  H  Go  thv  way,  eat  thy  bread  with  joy,  and  drink 
 thy  wine  with  a  merry  heart :  for  God  now  accepteth 
 thy  works. 
 
 ECCLESIASTES. 
 
 God’s  prmderhcc  ruleth  over  all. 
 
 6.  15. 
 
 8  Let  thy  garments  be  always  white ;  and  let  thy 
 
 head  lack  no  ointment,  ,  ,  „  f'a.  977. 
 
 9  +  Live  joyfully  with  the  wife  whom  thou  iovelt 
 
 all  the  days  of  the  life  of  thy  vanity,  which  he 
 given  thee  under  the  fun,  all  the  days  ot  thy  vanity  ; 
 b  for  that  is  thy  portion  in  this  life,  and  in  thy  labour  b  ci)<ip. 
 
 which  thou  takeft  under  the  fun.  ,  ,  .  •  u  I  fi' t 
 
 10  Whatfoever  thy  hand  findeth  to  do,  do  it  J 
 thy  might :  for  there  is  no  work,  nor  device,  nor  know¬ 
 ledge,  nor  wifdom,  in  the  grave,  whither  thou  goeft. 
 
 1 1  I  returned,  and  faw  under  the  iun, 
 
 race  is  not  to  the  Iwifr,  nor  the  battle  to  the  Ltrong, 
 neither  yet  bread  to  the  wife,  nor  yet  riches  to  men 
 of  underltanding,  nor  yet  favour  to  men  of  ikill ;  but  ^ 
 time  and  H  chance  happeneth  to  them  all.  rn  change. 
 
 12  For  man  alfo  knoweth  not  his  time  :  as  the  nines 
 that  are  taken  in  an  evil  net,  and  as  the  birds  that  are 
 caught  in  the  fnare ;  fo  are  the  fons  of  nnen  inared^^  r^  . 
 in  an  evil  time,  when  it  falleth  fuddenly  upon 
 
 13  H  This  wifdom  have  I  feen  alfo  under  the  fun, 
 
 and  it  seemed  great  unto  roe  :  •  i  • 
 
 14  There  was  a  little  city,  and  few  men  within  it; 
 and  there  came  a  great  king  againft  it,  and  belieged 
 it,  and  built  great  bulwarks  againft  it. 
 
 15  Now  there  was  found  in  it  a  poor  wile  man, 
 and  he  by  his  wifdom  delivered  the  city ;  yet  do  man 
 
 remembered  that  fame  poor  man.  ,  „  .4  Pfov 
 
 16  ^  Then  faid  I,  Wifdom  is  better  than  ftrength  22.' 
 
 neverthelefs  the  poor  man’s  wifdom  is  defpifed,  and  cbap. 
 his  w'ords  are  not  heard.  7. 19. 
 
 17  The  words  of  wife  men  are  heard  in  quiet,  more 
 than  the  cry  of  him  that  ruleth  among  fools. 
 
 18  Wifdom  is  better  than  weapons  of  war :  but  one 
 finner  deftroyeth  much  good.f 
 
 ends  and  meaning  of  God’s  difpenfations  ;  for  after  the  moft  diligent,  curious 
 and  Lrfevering  ftarch,  I  6nd  they  will  ftill  remain  unfearchahle  to  men. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  IX  Ver.  1—10.  Solomon  had,  with 
 -real  diligence,  been  applying  his  mind  to  the  ftudy  of  wifdom  ;  he  had  deliber- 
 aleiv  weighed  and  confidered  the  particulars  of  the  foregoing  chapters,  and  the  end 
 propofed  was  to  declare  all  this  for  the  edification  of  others.  He  obferved  one  dif- 
 Lulty  which  he  could  not  eafily  folve,  namely,  the  method  of  divine  procedure 
 refpefting  the  diaribution  of  affliaions  and  profperity  to  the  righteous  and  the 
 wicked:  they  who  deferve  leaa,  often  poffeffing  the  greateft  alBuence;  and  the 
 excellent  of  the  earth  pining  under  ficknefs,  difirefs,  and  poverty.  The  folloi^ng 
 obfervations  m.ay  render  Come  fatisfaaion  to  the  faithful,  although  the  ways  of  God 
 in  this  refpea  c.innot  be  fully  deferibed  or  accounted  for.  The  righteous  and  their 
 works  are.all  in  the  hand  of  God,  and  he  hath  a  peculiar  regard  to  them  and  a  1 
 their  affairs;  and  however  much  tliey  may  be  oppreffed  and  fuffer,  none  can  pluck 
 them  out  of  his  hands,  for  he  that  made  them  righteous  and  wife  will  preferve  and 
 keep  them  from  evil,  and  bring  them  fafe  to  his  eternal  kingdom.  They  ought 
 alfo  to  recollea  that  the  different  outward  circumftances  of  men  are  no  proof 
 either  of  love  or  hatred  ;  although  one  event  often  happens  to  the  righteous  and 
 the  wicked  ;  yet  are  their  cliaradlers  widely  different ;  the  righteous  are  renewed 
 by  divine  grace;  waflied  in  the  blood  of  fprinkling  ;  devout  iu  their  fervice  and 
 facrifice  ;  while  the  wicked  are  impure  in  their  nature  ;  unclean,  not  being  walh- 
 ed  in  the  blood  of  atonement ;  profane,  not  obferving  the  ordinances  of  God  ; 
 they  are  alfo  miferahle  in  their  life  and  death,  nolwithaanding  any  profperity 
 they  may  enjoy.  We  have  here  alfo  the  advantages  of  life  fet  forth.  While  a 
 man  exills  there  is  hofK',  whatever  be  his  condition,  temporal  or  fpirituaU  He 
 is  warned  of  approaching  death,  and  fliould  prepare  for  it.  And  after  death 
 this  world  is  no  more  to  him  ;  nothing  tranfaaed  in  it  can  create  joy,  or  render 
 diffatisfaaion,  as  the  dead  know  not  any  thing;  neither  have  they  any  more  a  re¬ 
 
 ward  ■  but  their  names  and  circumftances  Ihail  be  buried  in  oblivion.  Thesnfe- 
 rence’he  draws  from  hence  is,  to  make  ufe  of  their  moments  which  are  allotted  to 
 us;  to  enjoy  the  bleffmgs  which  God  beftows  with  thankfuinefs :  and  give  all  di- 
 li-rence  to  glorify  God,  and  make  our  calling  and  eleaion  fare,  Ver.  11 — 18. 
 Though  aaivity  and  diligence  is  our  duty,  yet  the  iffue  of  all  events  is  God’s,  and 
 things  often  turn  out  contrary  to  appearances.  This  the  preacher  obferved,  and 
 warns  us  not  to  be  too  contiJent  and  fanguine  in  our  expea ations.  He  fhews  alfo 
 that  man  is  unable  to  guard  againft  bis  deftiny.  We  ought  to  be  ready  for  every 
 event,  prepare  for  changes,  expeefE  cifappointmetits,  that  the  day  of  evil  may  not 
 furprife  us,  or  overtake  us  unawares;  and  although  the  wife  are  not  always  fuc- 
 cefsful,  they  are  generally  fo.  He  (hews  wifdom  is  neceffary  in  order  to  a  right 
 management  of  our  affairs,  and  gives  an  inftance  of  its  advantages.  It  perhaps 
 was  a°real  matter  of  faft,  which  fell  under  bis  obfervation  ;  or  it  is  a  parable,  in¬ 
 tended  to  throw  light  upon  the  fubjea  he  treated  of.  There  teas  a  Utile  city,  and 
 few  men  within  it,  confequently  lefs  able  to  fuftain  the  attacks  of  a  befieger.  It 
 was  attacked  by  a  powerful  king,  and  its  ruin  appeared  inevitable,  and  rcfiftance 
 vain.  In  it  there  was  a  poor  wife  man  ;  who,  though  formerly  negleaed,  yet 
 like  a  true  patriot,  ftepped  forth  a  volunteer  iu  the  fcrvice  of  his  ungrateful  country¬ 
 men,  and  be  by  his  wifdom  delivered  the  city  ;  yet,  highly  as  he  had  merited  it,  he 
 received  no  remuneration  for  his  important  fervices.  Tiie  inferences  Solomon 
 draws  from  hence  are,  that  wifdom  is  better  than  ftrength,  and  able  to  extricate  u9 
 from  difficulties  that  would  baffle  fuperior  force  ;  and  that  the  poor’s  wifdom  is 
 defpifed,  and  their  words  not  attended  to,  w'hich  caufes  many  a  bright  genius  to 
 l.ve  and  die  unknown.  The  evil  that  one  hardened  finner  commits  is  equal  to  the 
 good  produced  by  one  poor  wife  man.  As  ill  example  is  contagious,  and  Iiis  ftudy 
 is  to  counteratSt  the  influence  of  good  laws,  or  good  advice,  and  often  his  endea¬ 
 vours  are  too  fuccefaful  owdng  to  tlie  corruption  of  the  human  heart. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  X.  Ver.  1.— .A  little  imprudence  or 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  VIIL]  What  excellency  in  himfelf—ufefulnefs  among  neighbours— honour  among  friends— courage  among 
 cnemiet-  he  tfue  knowledge  and  fear  of  God  gives  a  man  l'  But  it  is  fooliffi  and  finful  to  difregard  the  laws  of  our  rulers  :  to  be  forward  m  finding  fault  with  the.r 
 a^miniLations  ;  to  peifift  fn  inults  pointed  out  to  us  or  to  negica  proper  methods  of  obiaining  redrefs  of  our  grievances.  Subjea.on  to  magiftraUs  is  highly  ne- 
 
 ing  by  . 
 
 prehend,  and  manage  his  own  inyftenoiis  works.  ,  .  •  ,  •  .e  i  '  i  j  •  n 
 
 PRACTIC  AL  OBSERVATIONS  — +  Chap.  IX  1  li  is  -rreat  confolation  to  the  faints  that  they  and  all  fheir  works  are  in  the  hanos  and  under  the  influence 
 
 of  God,  their  n-conciled  Falliei.  Yet  how  often  does  he  feern  xo  deal  with  them  with  as  much  feverily  in  this  world  as  if  they  were  the  nu.ft  proiTg^e  fiiiners  ! 
 Great  is  the  mercy  that  there  is  an  eternity  at  hand,  fince  Providence  fd  little  diftingtiiflies  the  riglitcous  here,  either  in  life  or  death.  Quick  y  fna  1  we  wtr^ 
 
Observalions  on  'wisdom,  ^-c. 
 
 CHAP.  X. 
 
 Before 
 
 Clirift  - - 
 
 cir.  1000.  ^  foUj,.  16  on  no,,  18  shlhjulnes,,  19  and 
 
 m^y,  20  Men  $  Ihoughls  of  kings  ought  to  be  reverent. 
 t  Heb.  ^  ~ 
 
 J^iies  of 
 death. 
 
 ECCLESIASTES. 
 
 Directions  for 
 
 '  1  caufe  the  ointment  of  the  apothecary 
 
 fr.Ti^  to  fend  forth  a  ftinking  favour:  so  a  little 
 folly  him  that  is  m  reputation  for  wifdom  and  honour. 
 n  ®  at  his  right  hand;  but  a 
 
 fool  s  heart  at  his  left. 
 
 3  Yea  aUb  when  he  that  is  a  fool  walketh  by  the 
 
 his  heart.  j  wifdom  failcth  him,  and  he  faith  to  every 
 one  that  he  is  a  fool. 
 
 4  If  the  fpirit  of  the  ruler  rife  npagalnfl  thee,  leave 
 not  thy  place  ;  for  yielding  pacifieth  great  offences. 
 
 5  1  here  IS  an  evil  •which  I  have  feen  under  the  fun 
 as  an  error  which  proceedeth  f  from  the  ruler ; 
 
 6  Folly  is  let  f  in  great  dignity,  and  the  rich  fit  in 
 low  place. 
 
 7  I  have  feen  fervants  upon  horfes,  and  princes 
 walkmg  as  fervants  upon  the  earth. 
 
 8  ^  He  that  diggeth  a  pit  fhall  fall  into  it ;  and 
 wholo  breaketh  an  hedge,  a  ferpent  fhall  bite  him. 
 
 9  VVhofo  removeth  fiones  fhall  be  hurt  therewith  • 
 
 tH.b.«„'i;ereby, 
 
 thetongue.  blunt,  and  he  do  not  whet  the 
 
 c  Prov.  edge,  then  muft  he  put  to  moreftrength  :  but  wifdom 
 10.  32.  &rs  profitable  to  dired. 
 
 fHeb.  Sureiy  the  ferpent  will  bite  without  enchant- 
 
 grace,  ment ;  and  f  a  babbler  is  no  better, 
 t  Heb.  12  '  The  words  of  a  wife  man’s  mouth  are  t  -raci- 
 s„»»,4.ous  ;  but  the  lips  of  a  fool  will  fwallow  up  himfdf. 
 
 t  beginning  of  the  words  of  his  mouth  is 
 
 oolifhnefs  ;  and  the  ond  of  f  his  talk  is  mifehievous 
 madnels. 
 
 14  A  fool  alfo  t  is  full  of  words :  a  man  cannot 
 
 fHeb. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 Jrqrts  be¬ 
 fore. 
 f  Heb. 
 in  great 
 heights. 
 a  Prov. 
 30.  22. 
 b  Pfalm 
 7.  15. 
 Proverbs 
 26.  27. 
 
 15.  2. 
 f  Heb. 
 mullipti- 
 eth  words. 
 
 •v.ckednefs  much  hurts  the  ebaraaer  of  one  who  has  been  reckoned  uncommonly 
 wile.  2.  A  wife  man  s  underftanding  and  inward  abilities,  are  always  in  readi- 
 nefs  to  direa  him  in  his  work;  but  a  fool  is  unready  in  all  he  does,  and  knows 
 not  how  to  manage  his  affairs.  3.  Nay,  even  in  the  moft  ordinary  bufinefs,  his 
 weaknefs  appears,  and  be  plainly  difeovers  his  folly  to  every  one.  4.  If  the  ma- 
 giftrate  takes  offence  at  thee,  never  defert  thy  ftation  or  employment,  or  withdraw 
 y  lubjePtion  ;  but,  by  fubmiffive  and  patient  carriage,  endeavour  to  pacify  him. 
 5—7  Very  often,  to  the  great  hurt  of  the  fubjea,  magillrates  employ,  as  their 
 deputies  or  agents,  perfons  of  a  iveak  or  mercenary  fpirit,  while  perfons  of  ability 
 and  true  dignity  are  overlooked  and  contemned.  8,  Both  prince  and  people  have 
 "u  1°.,  '"novations;  for  he  that  endeavours  to  enfuare  and  ruin  ano¬ 
 
 ther  lhall  thereby  perifh  himfelf;  and  be  that  paffes  his  due  hounds  to  wrong 
 otbera  brings  unexpeaed  mifehief  upon  himfelf.  9.  He  that  radily  attempts 
 things  too  high  and  hard  for  him  fliali  be  hurt  by  it;  and  he  that  deals  with  men 
 of  ftubborn  tempers  endangers  himfelf,  10.  If  a  man  do  not  ufe  proper  means 
 <)r  his  work,  it  will  coft  him  fo  much  more  labour  and  pains.  Wifdom  is  there¬ 
 fore  r.eceffary  and  profitable  to  direa  in  the  choice  and  ufe  of  means.  11.  As 
 unenchanted  ferpents  are  difpofed  to  bite,  fo  ralb  and  talkative  perfons  are  fure  to 
 do  mifcbief  with  their  words,  unlefs  they  be  wifely  prevented.  12.  Wife  men’s 
 words  being  pious,  friendly,  and  profitable,  procure  them  favour;  but  foolifii, 
 llanderous  and  iinful  fpeeches,  fuddenly  and  irrecoverably  ruin  a  man.  13.  A 
 fool  at  the  firft  talks  in  an  ufelefs  and  impertinent  manner;  and,  at  length  he 
 grows  infolent  and  abufive,  flicking  at  nothing  wicked  or  malicious.  1  4.  A  fool 
 pours  forth  bis  incoherent  babblings,  and  pretends  to  know  every  thing  fecret 
 or  future;  and  no  one  can  tell  what  he  will  fay  nest,  or  what  mifehief  his 
 foolifh  fpeeches  may  produce.  15.  Fools  find  their  work  tedious  and  wearifome 
 
 tell  what  fhall  be ;  and  '  what  fhall  be  after  him,  who  Bef 
 can  tell  him  i  *  ^  “hp 
 
 15  The  labour  of  the  foolifh  wearieth  everyone  of 
 them,  becaule  he  knoweth  not  how  to  go  to  the  citv 
 
 , .!«  H  'Woe  ,0  ihee,  O  Und,  when  ,hy  king 
 child,  and  thy  princes  eat  in  the  morning  !  e.  lo.  ^ 
 
 17  Blefled  art  thou,  O  land,  when  thy  king  is 
 Ion  or  nobles,  and  thy  princes  eat  in  due  feafon,  for^’ 
 Itrength,  and  not  for  drunkennefs ! 
 
 16  H  By  much  flothfulnels  the  building  decayeth  •  i,  pr, 
 
 and  through  idlenefs  of  the  hands  the  houfe  droppeth  104  k 
 through.  f  ffeb 
 
 19  f  A  feaft  is  made  for  laughter,  and  g  uinefT'""' 
 maketh  merry  :  but  money  anfwereth  all  thiners. 
 
 20  f  h  Cu.j.[-e  jjof  11  thought  ;  1'  Chap, 
 
 and  curie  not  the  rich  in  thy  bed  chamber  :  for  a  bird  -®’ 
 of  the  air  (hall  prry  the  voice,  and  that  which  hath  i®'’ 
 wings  fhall  tell  the  matter.* 
 
 CHAP.  XI. 
 
 1  BireBions  for  charity.  7  Death  in  life,  9  and  the  day  of  judgment  in 
 the  days  of  youth  are  to  be  thought  on, 
 
 CAST  thy  bread  t  upon  the  waters  ;  "  for  thou  t Heb. ° 
 Inalt  find  it  after  many  days.  upon  the 
 
 2  Give  a  portion  to  (even  and  alfo  to  eight* 
 thou  knoweft  not  what  evil  fhall  be  upon  the  earth.  TS. 
 
 3  1.  the  clouds  be  full  of  rain,  they  empty  them/elves  <5.  lo.' 
 upon  the  earth  :  and  if  the  tree  fall  toward  the  Ibutb 
 or  toward  the  north,  in  the  place  where  the  tree  fall- 
 eth,  there  it  fhall  be.  j™ 
 
 4  He  that  obferveth  the  wind  fhall  not  fow;  and 
 he  that  regardeth  the  clouds  fhall  not  reap. 
 
 5  As  thou  knoweft  not  what  is  the  way  of  the  fpirit, 
 nor  how  the  bones  do  grow  in  the  womb  of  her  that 
 IS  with  child  ;  even  fo  thou  knoweft  not  the  works  of 
 God  who  maketh  all. 
 
 becaule  they  want  fenfe  and  prudence  to  manage  the  moft  ordinary  bufinefs  even 
 where  the  rules  are  ever  fo  plain.  16.  It  is  a  great  mifery  to  a  nation  when  their 
 magi^ftrates  are  Ignorant,  wilful,  and  unexperienced,  and  minding  their  fenfual 
 plealurcs  when  they  ftiould  he  employed  about  the  bufinefs  of  their  office  17 
 But  happy  IS  that  nation  whofe  magillrates  are  of  truly  excellent  difpoVitions 
 and  endowments,  and  who  ufe  the  enjoyments  of  life,  not  to  fatisfy  inordinate 
 lull  but  to  fit  them  for  their  bufinefs.  18.  Through  floth  and  indolence,  eftates, 
 families  and  nafons,  are  gradually  reduced  to  wretebednefs  and  ruin,  19.  Even 
 feafting  affords  but  a  very  flight  and  tranfient  pleafure ;  but  a  plentiful  eftate 
 procures  every  outward  advantage  ;  we  fliould  therefore  beware  of  fpending  it 
 in  luxury.  20.  It  is  neither  lawful  nor  fa.'e  to  contemn,  reproach,  or  wifh  evil 
 to  magiftrates,  however  fecrelly,  as  it  may  be  very  quickly  and  furprifinfflv  dif- 
 covered  to  them.  ° 
 
 ,  NOTES.  Chap.  XI.  Ver.  1,  2.  Cheerfully  lay  out 
 
 thyfelf  to  bellow  the  neceffaries  of  life  upon  the  poor,  who  are  entirely  unable  lo 
 requite  thee  ;  and  fo  God  fhall  plentifully  reward  thee  for  it  in  this  life,  or  in 
 that  which  is  to  come.  And,  however  great  the  number  of  needy  obieias  be, 
 bellow  that  which  is  neceffary  upon  them  all,  according  to  thine  utmoft  ability  • 
 for  the ‘opportunity  of  libeiality  may  foon  be  loft  to  thee,  and  an  evil  time 
 may  quickly  come  ;  in  which  thou  wilt  infinitely  need  God  to  be  the  fupplier 
 of  thy  own  wants.  3,  4.  He  bellows  plenty  upon  men,  in  order  that  with  it 
 they  may  do  good  to  others.  And,  however  undeferving  the  obje<5ls  be  on 
 whom  they  leligioufly  bellow  their  charity,  they  fiiall  not  lofe  their  reward  — * 
 They  that  withhold  it  till  every  objeaion  be  anfwered  will  never  bellow  it. 
 5,  6.  As  thou  knoweft  not  how  the  human  foul  is  created  or  united  to  the 
 body,  or  operates  in  and  on  it,  nay,  nor  even  how  the  child  is  formed  in  the 
 
 pvp  Salvation  with  fear  and  trembling,  whilft  we  have  opportunity,  as  we  know  not  how  foon  our  fou’s  may  be  required  of  us.  And  jet  us  diligentlv  imorove 
 
 on  ;  f"*'  'Jeath  fpeedily  approaches  to  deprive  of  all  fuch  means.  Carefully  Ihould  we  acknowledge  G^od  Ind  de^pend 
 
 ^  '"'"^hout  his  alEftance  we  can  obtain  nothing  good,  but  muft  fall  into  mifery  and  ruin.  Yet  how  ftupid  are  moll  men  ^wbo 
 
 Sciole^rffo  et  °r  ff’  '"ho  thereby  do  them  the  greateft  fervice  !  It  is  neceffary  that  we  (hould  always  from  regard  to  divine  authority,^and  from  a 
 
 principle  of  love  to  God,  for  men  may  perhaps  difregard  the  bell  works  which  we  can  do  for  them.  ^ 
 
 - eharaaer  require  to  be  careful  and  prudent,  left  they  Ihould  inadvertently  ruin  if  Many  are  ex- 
 
 tremdy  ill  qualified  for  the  bufinefs  which  they  take  in  hand  ;  and  imprudently  expofe  their  own  folly  and  wickednefs.  ^  But  it  is  very  dangerous  when  either^rulers  or 
 fubjeas  leave  their  proper  llations,  and  tempt  violent  changes  of  the  public  fettlement.  Vain  and  imprudent  talking  is  alwajs  Iinful,  and  is  often  attended  with  the 
 moll  pernicious  confequences.  Let  us  therefore  always  endeavour  to  have  our  converfation  with  grace  feafoned  with  fait.  An  imprudent  management  of  their  bufi- 
 nefs  fr  quently  robs  men  of  bo. I.  the  comfort  and  benefit  which  ought  to  accomp.vny  it.  But  it  is  a  great  mercy  for  nations  when  rulers  and  LS  do  all  dhigen^ 
 attend  to  their  proper  work,  and  according  to  their  llatioa  neither  fpeaking  nor  doing  evil,  but  provoking  one  another  to  love  and  to  good  works.  ^  ^ 
 
j<]ig  Creator  to  he  rememhered  in  due  time. 
 
 ECCLESIASTES. 
 
 The  preacher's  care  to  edify. 
 
 Before  6  In  the  morning  fow  thy  feed,  and  in  the  evening  r 
 ciirift  withhold  not  thine  hand ;  for  thou  knowelt  not : 
 cir|_^  whether  t  (hall  profper,  either  this  or  that,  or  whether 
 +  Heb.  they  both  s/ia// alike  good. 
 
 7  f  Truly  the  light  is  fweer,  and  a  pleafant  thing  it 
 is  for  the  eyes  to  behold  the  fun  : 
 
 8  But  if  a  man  live  many  years,  and  rejoice  in  them 
 all,  yet  let  him  remember  the  days  of  darknefs ;  for 
 they  (hall  be  many.  All  that  cometh  is  vanity. 
 
 9  51  Rejoice,  O  young  man,  in  thy  youth,  and  let 
 
 thy  heart  cheer  thee  in  the  days  of  thy  youth,  and 
 walk  in  the  ways  of  thine  heart,  and  in  the  fight  of 
 thine  eyes :  but  know  thou,  that  for  all  thefe  things 
 God  will  bring  thee  into  judgment.  j 
 
 j  Or,  10  Therefore  remove  ||  forrowfrom  thy  heart,  and  | 
 
 tinker,  a  Way  evil  from  thy  flelh  ;  for  childhood  and  youth 
 are  vanity.* 
 
 CHAP.  XII. 
 
 1  The  Creator  is  to  be  remembered  in  due  time.  8  The  preacher’s  care 
 
 to  edify.  1 3  The  fear  of  God  is  the  chief  antidote  of  vanity.  |l 
 
 aProv.  Tfj  EMEMBER  ^  now  thy  Creator  in  the  days  of  | 
 22.  6.  tliy  youth,  while  the  evil  days  come  nor,  nor  [ 
 
 the  years  draw  nigh,  when  thou  (halt  fay,  I  have  no  ; 
 
 pleafure  in  them  ; 
 
 2  While  the  fun,  or  the  light,  or  the  moon,  or  the 
 
 ftars  be  not  darkened,  or  the  clouds  return  after  the 
 rain :  j 
 
 3  In  the  day  when  the  keepers  of  the  houfe  (hall  j 
 I  Or,  tremble,  and  the  ftrong  men  fhall  bow  themfelves,  ' 
 lAe  grmJ-and  1|  the  grinders  ceale,  becaufe  they  are  few,  and 
 trsfaii  thofe  that  look  out  of  the  windows  be  darkened  ; 
 
 vwy  grind  ^  And  the  doors  (hall  be  (hut  in  the  ftreets,  when 
 liuL  the  found  of  the  grinding  is  low  ;  and  he  (hall  rife  up 
 
 womb,  even  fo  thou  knoweft  not  how  God  may  deal  with  thee,  or  thy  eftate  ;  and  ' 
 
 therefore  negledl  no  opportunity  of  doing  or  receiving  good  ;  and,  without  any 
 curious  prying  into  eternity,  leave  it  entirely  to  God  to  recompence  thee.  7,  8. 
 Life,  and  its  camforts,  are  defirable ;  but  let  men  enjoy  created  comforts  as  long 
 as  they  may,  the  lading  period  of  troubles,  death,  and  eternity,  will  infallibly  fuc- 
 ceed,  and  manifeft  the  emptinefs  and  infuffieiency  of  all  outward  enjoyments. 
 
 9,  10.  Whatever  temptations  young  perfons  may  have  to  indulge  their  own  foolilh 
 and  wicked  inclinations  and  fancies,  let  them  remember,  with  the  deepeft  concern,  t 
 that  God  will,  in  his  awful  judgement,  call  them  to  account  for  every  part  of  their 
 conduit.  Let  thert  then  take  care  to  prevent  thofe  perplexities  and  miferies 
 which  finful  indulgence  will  at  lad  bring  upon  them  ;  for  all  the  empty  and  diort- 
 lived  pleafures  of  youth  can  never  in  the  lead  balance  the  dangers  of  inexpredible 
 and  everlading  mifery.  j 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XII.  Ver.  1.  Now  in  youth  ferioufly  i 
 tliink  of,  believe  in,  and  ferve  the  divine  perfons,  who  made,  preferve,  and  redeem  [ 
 men,  before  the  difquietings  and  difqualifying  inlirmities  of  old  age  come  upon 
 you:  2.  Before  the  comforts  of  life,  which  render  it  agreeable,  be  withdrawn,  and  j 
 the  powers  of  your  mind,  and  fenfes  of  your  body  be  rendered  almod  ufelefs,  and 
 the  calamities  of  old  age  arife  fucceOively  one  after  another;  3.  When  your  head, 
 arms,  and  hands  (hall  drake,  through  weaknefs  or  palfy ;  your  once  drong  (boul¬ 
 ders  doop,  and  your  legs  and  thighs  bow  under  their  weight;  your  teeth  be  ge¬ 
 nerally  lod,  and  your  eyes  funk  in  their  fockets  and  become  dim  :  4.  Before  your 
 
 at  the  voice  of  the  biriJ  ;  and  all  the  daughters  ol  mu- 
 fic  (hall  be  brought  low  : 
 
 5  Alfo  when  they  (hall  be  afraid  of  that  which  is  high, 
 and  fears  shall  be  in  the  way,  and  the  almond-tree  (hall 
 flourifh,  and  the  grafshopper  fhall  be  a  burden,  and 
 defire  fhall  fail ;  becaufe  mangoeth  to  his  long  home, 
 and  the  mourners  go  about  the  (treets  : 
 
 6  Or  ever  the  filver  cord  be  loofed,  or  the  golden 
 bowl  be  broken,  or  the  pitcher  be  broken  at  the  foun¬ 
 tain,  or  the  wheel  broken  at  the  ciftern  : 
 
 7  ^  Then  (hall  the  dull  return  to  the  earth  as  it 
 was  ;  and  the  fpirit  (hall  return  unto  God  who  gave  it. 
 
 8  ^  =  Vanity  of  vanities,  faith  the  preacher ;  all  is 
 vanity. 
 
 9  And  II  moreover,  becaufe  the  preacher  was  wife 
 be  (fill  taught  the  people  knowledge ;  yea,  he  gave 
 good  heed,  and  fought  out,  and  fet  in  order  many 
 proverbs. 
 
 10  The  Preacher  fought  to  find  out  f  acceptable 
 words ;  and  that  which  was  written  was  upright,  even 
 words  of  truth. 
 
 1 1  The  words  of  the  wife  are  as  goads,  and  as  nails 
 faftened  bi/  the  maflers  of  aflemblies,  which  are  given 
 from  one  Ihepherd. 
 
 12  And  further,  by  thefe,  my  fon,  beadmonifhed  : 
 of  making  many  books  there  is  no  end  ;  and  much 
 II  fludy  is  a  wearinefs  of  the  flefh. 
 
 13  «  Let  us  hear  the  conclufion  of  the  whole  mat- 
 ter;  Fear  God  and  keep  his  commandments ;  for  this 
 is  the  whole  duty  of  man. 
 
 14>  For  '  God  fhall  bring  every  work  into  judg¬ 
 ment,  with  every  fecret  thing,  whether  it  be  good,  or 
 whether  it  be  evil  f 
 
 Before 
 Clirift 
 cir.  977. 
 
 b  Genefis 
 
 3.  19. 
 
 c  Chap. 
 
 1.  2. 
 
 y  Or. 
 
 the  more 
 wise  the 
 preacher 
 was,  S^c. 
 d  1  Kings 
 
 4.  32. 
 
 1  Heb. 
 words  of 
 delight. 
 
 il  Or, 
 reading* 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 The  end. 
 of  the 
 matter 
 even  all 
 that  hath 
 been 
 
 heard,  is. 
 e  Rom. 
 
 2.  16.  & 
 14.  10. 
 
 2  Cor. 
 
 5.  10. 
 
 lips  be  but  a  little  opened  to  eat  or  talk,  becaufe  of  the  lofs  or  loosenefs  of  teeth  ; 
 before  you  be  incapable  to  walk  in  tbe  ftreels ;  your  reft  broken,  and  every  little 
 noife  awaken  you  :  your  lungs  fail,  your  voice  becomes  inharmonious  and  harlh, 
 and  your  ears  dull  and  regardlefs  of  mufic  :  5.  Before  you,  unable  to  climb,  be¬ 
 come  afraid  to  move  or  mount  on  high,  nay,  are  afraid  of  falling  in  tbe  common 
 way  ;  before  your  hair  become  white  ;  the  lead  noife  or  weight  become  burden- 
 fome,  and  the  lighted  food  load  your  ftomach  ;  and  there  be  no  inclination  to  or 
 delight  in  former  pleafures,  becaufe  you  draw  nigh  to  the  grave  and  the  other 
 world,  when  your  friends  ftiall  lament  their  lofs,  and  the  hired  mourners  publicly 
 pour  forth  their  pretended  forrows  ! — 6.  Remember  your  Creatoi  before  tbe  union 
 between  your  foul  and  body  be  loofed,  or  the  pith  of  your  back  and  nerves  be 
 weakened;  the  vefTel  in  which  your  brain  and  animal’ fpirits  are  contained,  be 
 rendered  unfit  for  ufe ;  your  veins  and  arteries,  which  convey  the  blood  and  vital 
 f,.irits,  be  rendered  unfit  to  convey  them  any  more  from  the  right  or  left  ventri¬ 
 cles  of  your  heart :  7.  And  your  body  be  laid  in  the  grave,  to  moulder  into  duft, 
 and  your  foul  appear  to  be  judged  before  God  who  formed  it. — 11.  The  words  of 
 the  pfophets,  and  other  holy  men  of  God,  are  fitted  to  excite  men’s  attention,  awa- 
 ken  their  confcience,  and  quicken  their  affetSlions  :  and  to  make  a  powerful  and 
 
 lading  impreffion  on  their  hearts,  and  fo  fettle  and  eftablifli  them  in  the  truth  ; _ 
 
 being  inculcated  by  zealous  teachers  of  the  church,  fent  and  qualified  by  Jefus 
 Chrift,  the  alone  Head  of  bis  church. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  XL]  W'hat  a  plain,  profitable,  pleafant  and  important  duty  is  that  of  miniftering  to  the  poor  !  Notbin(r  is  a 
 more  certain  mean  of  making  one  rich  and  happy.  No  cbjedlions  drawn  from  our  right  to  what  we  have  from  the  narrownefs  of  our  circumftances  from  the  dTfeou- 
 mgements  which  we  have  already  met  with  in  it,  or  from  our  not  knowing  how  it  can  be  made  up  to  us,  ought  to  make  us  not  negleft  fo  much  as  one  opportunity  of 
 chanty.  But  above  all,  it  is  mod  finful  and  foolKh  for  either  young  or  old  to  indulge  their  lufts,  and  live  unconcerned  about  Jefus  Chrift  and  his  falvation  fince 
 heavy  trouble,  an  important  death,  an  awful  judgment  and  an  endlefs  eternity  are  before  them,  and  they  know  rot  how  near  or  how  foon  it  may  be  !  ’ 
 
 PIlACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — f  Chap.  XII.]  Neceffary,  pleafant,  and  profitable  is  an  early  acquaintance  with  Jefus  Chrift  and  his  ways  But  very 
 ablurd  and  dangerous  are  delays  of  Ipiritual  concerns  till  old  age,  which  may  never  be  feen,  and  is  a  very  improper  feafon  for  commencing  fuch  care  Thrice  haoDV 
 are  they  who  encounter  the  unnumbered  infirmities  and  troubles  of  old  age,  and  the  fears  and  pangs  of  death,  in  the  full  alTurance  that  Jefus  loved  them  and  save 
 mlelf  for  them  !  But  alas  !  bow  difficult  it  is  to  perfuade  us  of  the  etc  plinefs  of  all  created  things  !  This  truth  needs  to  be  inculcated  a  thoufand  limes  over  Nor 
 will  that  avail,  unlefs  the  Holy  Spirit  inscribe  it  on  our  hearts.  It  is  neceflary  then  that  all  preachers  ftiould  be  fent  and  qualified  by  Chrift  and  his  fpirit  •  and  that 
 y  every  poffible  mean,  they  ftiould  labour  to  fix  tbe  truths  of  God  in  the  confciences,  underftaudings,  ali'edlions,  and  memories  of  the  hearers.  And  let  us  in  oi 
 religious  courfe,  attend  chiefly  to  the  principle  points  :  and  always  aa  under  the  awe,  and  in  tbe  hope  of  the  laft  judgment.  ' 
 
 *7  Y  20 
 
THE  SONG  OF  SOLOMON 
 
 THE  ARGUMENT. 
 
 my,t,cal  sense,  and  so  mdeed  have  all  the  aneient  doetors,  both  Jews  a'acSims^  S', 
 
 pneseuted  in  jiguratwe  and  allegoric  expressions,  the  mutual  Ime  of  Christ  and  his  church  whi  'l  '  ” 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 cir.  1014 
 
 a  Chap. 
 4.  10. 
 t  Heb. 
 ihy  loves. 
 b  Jobs 
 6.  44. 
 
 II  Or, 
 they  love 
 thee  up¬ 
 rightly. 
 
 must  consider  ’iv/iat  is  contained  in  this  hook. 
 
 CHAP.  r. 
 
 1  The  church's  love  unto  Christ;  5  Jhe  conresseth  her  deformity,  7  and 
 prayeth  to  be  directed  to  his  flock.  8  Christ  direaeth  her  to  the  shepherd's 
 
 /o  ^  ^  giveth  her  gracious  promises. 
 
 I  -  2 he  church  and  Christ  congratulate  one  another* 
 
 The  fong  of  fongs,  which  is  Solomon’s. 
 
 L  ?  1  ^  kifles  of  his  mouth : 
 
 ■  for  t  thy  love  is  better  than  wine. 
 
 3  Becaufe  of  the  favour  of  thy  good  ointments, 
 thy  name  is  as  ointment  poured  forth,  therefore  do 
 the  virgins  love  thee. 
 
 V,  ^hee.  The  King- 
 
 hath  brought  me  into  his  chambers :  we  will  be  glad 
 and  rejoice  in  thee  ;  we  will  remember  thy  love  more 
 than  wine  :  [|  the  upright  jove  thee. 
 
 T  ^  black,  but  comely,  O  ye  daughters  of 
 
 Jeruia^em,  as  the  tents  of  Kedar,  as  the  curtains  of 
 Solomon. 
 
 6  Look  not  upon  me,  becaufe  I  am  black,  becaufe 
 the  lull  hath  looked  upon  me:  my  mother’s  children 
 vvere  angry  with  me ;  they  made  me  the  keeper  of 
 the  vineyards ,  but  mine  own  vineyard  have  I  not 
 kept. 
 
 1  notes.  Chap.  I.  Ver.  2.  Bleffed  Jefus,  upon  whom 
 
 I  have  been  meditating,  by  thy  word  and  Spirit,  give  me  intimate  fellowfhip 
 with  thee  in  thy  ordinances,  and  full  affurances  of  thy  friendfhip  :  for  the  mani- 
 reflations  of  thy  redeeming  love  are  more  pleafant,  reviving,  and  ftrengthenin- 
 to  my  foul  than  any  created  enjoyments.  3.  Such  is  the  pleafant  and  power! 
 ful  influence  of  thy  mediatorial  excellencies,  offices,  relations,  and  fuliiefs  of 
 ipmt  and  grace,  that  fincere  and  holy  fouls  cannot  but  love  tkiee  with  their 
 whole  heart.  4.  By  thy  almighty  influence  dire<5l  and  bring  me  into  the  neareft 
 etijoyment  of  thylelf,  that  I,  and  others  excited  by  me,  may  pleafantly  comply 
 with  thy  alluring  power,  and  follow  hard  after  thee  in  the  paths  of  du^ 
 Jefus,  the  Xing  of  his  church,  has  already  brought  me  into  the  mod  ravitbin^ 
 nearnefs  to,  and  fpirituai  intimacy  with  himfelf;  therefore  will  we  reioice  in 
 him  as  our  ALL  and  IN  all;  we  will  think  of,  believe,  and  extol  his  love  above 
 all  created  delights;  for  every  candid  and  fincere  profeflbr  heartily  efteems, 
 Ws,  and  delights  in  thee.  5.  In  myfelf,  and  in  refpea  of  manifold  infirmities, 
 toandals,  reproaches,  and  perfecutions  I  am  deformed  ;  but  in  my  Head 
 Chrifl,  and  as  clothed  with  his  righteoufnefs,  and  endured  by  his  Spirits  gifts 
 and  graces,  I  am  truly  comely,  O  ye  nominal  piofeflbrs,  and  weak  believers.— 
 J  am  outwardly  mean,  but  inwardly  rich  and  glorious.  6.  Look  not  therefore 
 upon  me  with  difdain,  difafleaion,  or  delight  in  my  diflrcflTes,  nor  flumhle  at 
 religion  on  account  of  them  ;  for  fore  perfecutions,  tribulations,  and  tempta-  i 
 uons  have  befallen  me :  hypocritical  profeffors,  falfe  teachers,  and  my  own  i 
 inward  corruptions,  enraged  at  my  conneaion  with  Chrift,  and  my  cleavino-  to  i 
 him,  have  oppreifed  me  with  the  bafeft  drudgery,  and  entangled  me  in  ca!nal  ! 
 cares  and  fecular  afibirs,  which  have  hindered  me  from,  or  retarded  me  in  the 
 due  unprovement  of  my  own  office,  opportunities,  gifts,  and  graces.  7.  But  ^ 
 O  all-compaffionate  Redeemer,  whom  I  love  with  my  whole  heart,  and  above  ' 
 every  thing  elfe,  difeover  to  me,  by  my  word  and  Spirit,  which  is  thy  true  ' 
 church,  and  which  are  thofe  aflemblies  wherein  tliou  art  remarkably  prefent 
 and  to  whom  thou  affordeft  fpirituai  fupport  and  confolation  amidft  all  their 
 fcorching  perfecutions  and  troubles;  for  why  flrould  I,  whom  tiiou  haft 
 redeemed,  and  who  have  fincerely  devoted  my  whole  felf  to  thee,  be  left  to 
 afibciate  myielf  with  empty  profeflbrs,  falfe  teachers,  and  inward  idols,  who 
 »otwith(|anding  their  pretences  of  friendfhip,  are  thy  enemies  and  rivals  on 
 earth !  Cueist,— Ver.  8.  O  ye  excellent  ones  of  the  earth,  beautified  with  my 
 
 ,  ^  O  thou  whom  my  foul  loveth,  where 
 
 thou  feedett,  where  thou  makelt  thy  flock  to  reft  at 
 noon :  for  why  ftould  I  be  |1  as  one  that  turneth  afide 
 by  the  nocks  of  (hy  companions? 
 
 8  If  thou  know  not,  O  thou  faireft  among  wo- 
 men,  go.  thy  way  forth  by  the  footfteps  of  the  flock 
 and  feed  thy  kids  befide  the  fhepherd’s  tents,  * 
 
 9  I  have  compared  thee,  O  ray  love,  to  a  com¬ 
 pany  of  horfes  in  Pharaoh’s  chariots. 
 
 ]  0  T  hy  cheeks  afe  comely  with  rows  of  jevccls,  thy 
 neck  with  chains  of  gold. 
 
 11  H  We  will  make  thee  borders  of  gold,  with  ftuds 
 of  nlver. 
 
 12  ^  While  the  King  sitteth  at  his  table,  my  fpike- 
 nard  iendeth  forth  the  fmtll  thereof. 
 
 u  ^  bundle  of  myrrh  is  my  well-beloved  unto  me  • 
 he  lhall  lie  all  night  betwixt  my  breafts.  * 
 
 _  14  My  beloved  is  unto  me  as  aclufter  of  I|  camohire 
 m  the  vineyards  of  Engedi. 
 
 15  <=  Behold,  thou  art  fair  I|  my  love  ;  behold,  thou 
 art  fair  ;  thou  hast  doves* eyes. 
 
 16  Behold,  thou  ar/  fair,  my  beloved,  yea,  plea- 
 fant :  alfo  our  bed  is  green. 
 
 Bbforg 
 
 Chrift 
 cir.  1014, 
 
 II  Or,  as 
 one  that  ft 
 vailed. 
 
 11  Or, 
 cypress, 
 c  Chap. 
 
 4.  1.  & 
 
 5.  12. 
 
 II  Or, 
 my  com¬ 
 panion. 
 
 IrdTpir  and  whofe  church  ftate  is  adorned  wilh  m, 
 
 ordinances,  if  your  knowledge  of  duty  be  ftill  iiidiftina,  enquire  after,  obferv/ 
 and  follow  the  example  of  the  faints  in  former  and  prefent  Les  ;  and  iTZi 
 believers,  and  young  converts,  with  their  weak  and  languiffiing  graces,  carefullj 
 attend  my  public  ordinances  difpenfed  by  my  faithful  paftL®  9  And  be 
 encouraged  in  my  love  ;  for  notwithftanding  the  weaknefs\  Inch  you  feel,  and 
 
 Ind  w  i  r?T“"  "  -d  Hulbmd  have 
 
 and  will  render  you  comely  and  aftive,  and  will  give  you  Efficient  ftrength 
 
 and  courage  to  witliftand  and  conquer  your  fpirituai  eLmies,  atid  to  glofifj 
 
 rdori^d^-'^hv  d-^-  '0-  Whilft  your  church  ftate  is  beaudfull 
 
 adorned  by  divine  oracles,  ordinances,  gifts  and  graces,  profelTcrs  and 
 
 miniftys,  your  particular  converfation  before  the  world  appears  beautifulh 
 
 Tu  are  old  I""''  by  which 
 
 you  are  united  to  my  perfon  as  your  Head,  is  precious  and  glorious  in  itfelf 
 
 the  b'effed  Spirit,  will  forever  continue  and  increafe,  and  at  laft  perfea  theft 
 your  fpirituai  ornaments.  Belkvxrs.-I  2.  O  that  we  may  enjoy  thefe  effec- 
 tual  and  ornamenting  operations  of  thy  grace!  For,  whilft  thou  Jefus,  doft 
 
 3"  trmhJr us  m  thine  ordinances,  how  pleafant  are  thy  promifes 
 and  truths  to  our  hearts,  and  how  vigorous  and  adive,  and  acceptable^ to  thee 
 
 how^^derhlrn or  time, 
 how  dell  htfully  art  thou,  our  beloved  Hulband,  found  in  the  public  and 
 
 grace,  and  art  entertained  by  the  moft  exordial  ein- 
 h.acements  of  our  faith  and  love  !  14.  O  what  an  inexpreffibly  deh^htful  and 
 
 precious  fyftem  of  excellencies,  fountain  of  graces,  fource  of  bleffings,  repofitoiy 
 
 comforting,  nouriftiing';  quickening 
 
 and  refreftimg  influence,  art  thou  to  our  heart !  Christ _ II.  How  comely 
 
 and  glonousis  my  church,  as  endowed  with  ordinances,  and  reformed  by  my 
 word  and  Spirit,  and  how  adorned  with  intelligent,  fincere,  peaceful  pLce- 
 proclaiming,  and  faithful  pallors,  who  fearch  into  gofpel  truths,  and  watcl/over, 
 direa,  and  go  before  every  individual  member  of  it.  And  how  certainly, 
 and  eminently  comely,  ,s  every  believing  foul  clothed  with  my  righteoufnefs 
 ftaidinlT  ^  difcerniiig  their  fpirituai  under- 
 
 Jani  ffT-r  I affeaions,  without  the  leaft 
 glance  of  fpirituai  whoredom  !  Believer. -1 6,  But,  Blefled,  and  divine  Huf- 
 
fke  mutual  love  of  Christ  and  his  church.  SOLOMON’S  SONG 
 
 of  our  houfe  are  cedar,  and  our 
 
 CHAP,  II. 
 
 Before 
 Clirift 
 cir.  1014. 
 
 I 
 
 17  The  beams 
 rafters  of  fir.* 
 
 The  mutual  love  of  Chrijl  and  his  church.  8  The  hope,  10  and  calling 
 of  the  church.  14  ChrUl's  care  uf  the  church.  16  The  projejffloii  of 
 the  church,  her  faith  and  love. 
 
 am  the  rofe  of  Sharon,  and  the  lily  of  the  valleys. 
 B  2  As  the  lily  among  thorns,  fo  is  my  love  among 
 
 ]denghudi\\e  daughters.  r  j 
 
 and  sat  3  As  the  apple  tree  among  the  trees  or  the  wood, 
 fo  is  my  beloved  among  the  fons.  1 1  fat  down  under 
 his  lhadow  with  great  delight  and  his  fruit  was  Ivveet 
 
 to  mv  II  tafte.  .  ,  j 
 
 4  He  brought  me  to  the  f  banqaeting-houle,  and 
 his  banner  over  me  was  love. 
 
 5  Stay  me  with  flagons,  f  comfort  me  with  apples ; 
 for  1  am  fick  of  love. 
 
 6  *  His  left  hand  is  under  my  head,  and  his  right 
 hand  doth  embrace  me. 
 
 7  f  1  charge  you,  O  ye  daughters  of  Jerufalem, 
 by  the  roes  and  by  the  hinds  of  the  field,  that  ye 
 ftir  not  up  nor  awake  my  love  til!  he  pleafe. 
 
 8  H  The  voice  of  my  beloved  1  behold,  he  cometh 
 leaping  upon  the  mountains,  fkipfiing  upon  the  hills. 
 
 9  ‘  My  beloved  is,  like  a  roe,  or  a  young  hart :  be- 
 
 dowii  ? 
 j-  lleb. 
 palate, 
 
 I  Heb. 
 houji  of 
 mine. 
 j  Heb. 
 slraui  me 
 ti'iih 
 
 u/iples. 
 a  Cliap. 
 g.  3. 
 j-  Heb. 
 
 /  adjure 
 you. 
 b  Chap 
 3.  5.  & 
 
 8.  4. 
 
 cVer.  17.  ^  _ _ _ _ _ _ ^  _  _ 
 
 Liws/i-  ftandeth  behind  our  wall,  he  looketh  forth  at 
 
 fng!"***'  the  w'indows,  f  (hewing  himfelf  through  the  lattice. 
 
 Ihe  churdis  fight  and  victory. 
 
 10  My  beloved  fpake,  and  (aid  unto  me,  Rife  up, 
 
 ray  love,  my  fair  one  and  come  av/ay :  ioi4. 
 
 11  For,  lo,  the  winter  is  pa(i,  the  rain  is  over  and  — j 
 
 gone ;  ■  •  r 
 
 12  The  flowers  appear  on  the  earth  ;  the  time  of 
 
 the  Tinging  of  birds  is  come,  and  the  voice  of  the  turtle 
 is  heard  in  our  land, 
 
 13  The  fig-tree  putteth  forth  her  green  figs,  and 
 the  vines  with  the  tender  grape  give  a  good  fmell. 
 
 Arile,  my  love,  my  fair  one,  and  come  away. 
 
 14  <![  O  my  dove,  that  art  in  the  clefts  of  the  rock, 
 in  the  (ecret  places  of  the  hairs,  let  me  (ee  thy  coun¬ 
 tenance,  let  me  hear  thy  voice  ;  for  fweet  is  thy  voice, 
 and  thy  countenance  is  comely. 
 
 15  Take  us  the  foxes,  the  little  foxes,  that  fpoil  the^  Chap, 
 vines ;  for  cur  vines  have  tender  grapes. 
 
 16  II  My  beloved  is  mine,  and  1  am  his ;  he  feed-g  cuap. 
 eth  among  the  lilies. 
 
 17  '  Until  the  day  break,  and  the  fhadows  flee  away,  ^  Cb^®P- 
 
 turn  ray  beloved,  and  be  thou  ^  like  a  roe,  or  a  young  h’q^' 
 hart,  upon  the  mountains  H  of  Bether.j  ordmsion. 
 
 CHAP.  III. 
 
 1  The  church' s  Jight  and  viSlory  in  temptation.  6  The  church  glorielh 
 in  Christ. 
 
 Y  night  on  my  bed  I  fought  him  whom  my  foul 
 loveth ;  I  fought  him,  but  I  found  him  nor. 
 
 2  I  will  rife  now,  and  go  about  the  city  in  the 
 
 band,  what  is  all  tny  derived  comelinefs  in  refpedl  of  thine,  in  thy  perfon,  offices, 
 relalions,  and  grace;  How, delightful  are  all  thefe  to  my  heart  !  How  pleaf'antly 
 effeiilual  is  thy  covenant,  and  the  ordinances  of  thy  gofpel  for  the  converfion  and 
 confolation  of  fouls,  and  for  rendering  them  fruitful  in  good  works!  17.  And 
 lirong,  durable,  and  lading  is  thy  church,  in  which  I  am  honoured  to  dwell,  and 
 confifts  of  fueh  parts  and  members,  as  fliall  never  decay,  and  permanent  are  all 
 her  oracles,  ordinances,  and  offices. 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  II.  Christ.  —  Ver.  1.  I  am  indeed 
 glorious  in  my  perfon  as  God-man,  and  in  my  mediatorial  relations,  edates,  and 
 works;  and  am  infinitely  comely,  refrediing,  and  medicinal,  to  every  believing 
 foul.  2.  And  partaking  of  my  comelinefs,  righteoufnefs,  and  grace,  thou,  my 
 church,  art  inco.mparably  more  excellent  and  ufeful  than  all  the  focielies  ;  and 
 ye  my  people,  than  all  the  perfons  on  earth.  Believers  — 3.  But  infinitely 
 tbore  my  beloved  Jefus  excels  angels  and  men  in  every  thing  gracious,  glorious, 
 and  operative.  Often  have  I,  under  the  covert  of  his  righteoufnefs,  love,  power, 
 and  providence,  fearlefs  of  danger  from  heaven,  earth,  or  hell,  helievingly 
 viewed,  admired,  and  applied  to  my  foul,  bis  perfon,  offices,  and  relations, 
 with  ail  the  pardon,  peace,  acceptance,  adoption,  faniSlification,  comfort,  and 
 endlefs  glory  which  flow  therefrom.  4.  Powerfully  has  he  admitted  me  to 
 partake  of  his  fulnefs,  in  the  mofl  ravifliing  manner  in  his  word  and  ordinances. 
 And  the  manifeftations  of  his  love  have  effedtually  protedled  me  from  enemies, 
 and  encouraged  and  animated  me  to  my  fpiritual  work  and  warfare.  5.  But 
 Bfiinifters  and  fellow  profeffors,  often  have  I  needed  your  fympathy,  diredlion, 
 and  comfort  under  my  fad  perplexity  and  defertion.  But  oh,  if  you  could  now 
 help  me  to  bear  up  under  thefe  ravifliing  difcoveries  and  communications  of 
 Jefus’  love  !  Oil  for  further  and  uiifpeakably  more  enlarged  enjoyments  of  him. 
 to  ftrengthen  me  for  fupporting  under,  and  improving  what  1  "have.  6.  But 
 why  do  I  afk  your  affifiance  ?  While  I  enjoy  the  fafe,  the  delightful,  and  in¬ 
 timate  embraces  of  an  incarnate  God,  and  have  the  fecrets  of  his  covenant  im¬ 
 parted  to  my  foul,  liis  promife,  power,  and  grace  marvelloufly  uphold,  delight, 
 and  invigorate  my  heart.  7.  I  therefore  charge  you  my  fellow  profeffors,  by 
 every  thing  kind,  pleafant  or  delightful,  tliat  ye  difturb  not  my  fellowfhip  with 
 him  or  do  nor  caufe  me  to  do  any  thing  which  may  provoke  him  to  with¬ 
 draw  this  fenfible  vifit  of  his  love.  8.  Lo  !  though  he  had  withdrawn,  ytt  I 
 now  hear  his  voice,  in  the  miniftry  of  his  word  and  motions  of  his  Spirit.  Behold 
 
 he  comes,  removing  and  triumphing  over  every  hindrance  of  my  fellowfhip  with 
 him.  9.  Behold  in  the  moll  lively,  lovely,  and  affedlionate  manner,  he  comes 
 forward  in  the  influences  of  his  grace,  and  unto  an  a(5lual  affumption  of  our 
 nature.  Behold  he  the  fubftance  of  all  our  ceremonies,  manifefls  his  glorious 
 and  gracious  excellencies  through  them,  and  vouchfafes  fume  ohfcure  and  tran- 
 fient  glimpfes  of  himfelf  in  every  ordinance.  10.  In  what  a  heart  melting  man¬ 
 ner  he  faid  to  my  foul,  Roufe  up  tbyfelf  from  thy  partial  deadnefs,  floth,  and  fecu- 
 rity,  and  difentangle  thyfelf  more  fully  from  the  fnares  of  the  world  and  thy  owa 
 luffs.  Exercife  thy  faith  in  the  moft  adlive,  bold,  and  affured  degree,  in  par¬ 
 taking  of  the  moil  delightful  fellowfhip  with  me:  11.  For  all  impediments, 
 arifing  from  the  wrath  of  God,  the  guilt  or  dominion  of  fin,  or  from  terrible 
 troubles  are  now  removed,  12 — 14.  Now  are  come  the  days  of  power  and 
 times  of  love,  in  which  the  difpenfations  of  the  gofpel  are  attended  with  al¬ 
 mighty  influence,  and  multitudes  are,  to  their  everlafling  joy  and  comfort,  con¬ 
 verted  to  me,  and  rendered  fruitful  in  good  works.  Arife  therefore,  my  poor, 
 meek,  chaff e,  but  often  perfecuted  bride;  let  no  defpondency,  no  fenfe  of  thy 
 unworthinefs.  deter  thee  from  approaching  my  prefence  in  prayer  and  other 
 holy  duties  j  for  both  thy  perfon  and  ferviees  are  accepted  by  me,  and  are 
 inexpreflihly  amiable  in  my  fight.  15.  And  while  ecdefiatlical  rulers  take  pains, 
 both  by  dodlrine  and  difcipline,  to  free  my  churcii  from  falfe  teachers,  even  thofe 
 who  have  hut  begun  to  vent  their  errors  and  irregularities,  as  they  greatly  mar 
 her  purity,  peace,  order,  and  beauty,  and  are  efpecially  apt  to  miflead  weak 
 believers,  let  every  one  be  careful  to  fearch  out  and  mortify  his  own  inward 
 luffs,  as  thefe,  if  indulged,  exceedingly  mar  the  work  of  grace  in  their  hearts.— 
 16.  This  kind  inviter,  is  my  glorious  Hufband  and  Mediator,  given  of  God  to, 
 and  accepted  by  me  ;  and  1  am  his  by  the  Father’s  donation,  his  own  purchafe 
 and  co.'.queff,  and  by  my  furrender  of  myfelf  to  him.  .And  O  the  infinite  de¬ 
 light  he  takes  in  his  people,  and  lo  converfe  with  them  In  his  ordinances  !  17. 
 
 Till  the  gofpel  day,  in  its  pleafant,  light  and  powerful  influence,  break,  and  the 
 ffiadows  of  Jewifh  ceremonies  flee  away;  nay,  till  the  day  of  perfedl  glory  dawn, 
 and  all  the  ffiadows  of  defertion,  temptation,  and  trouble,  are  fled  ;  do  thou  blef- 
 fed  Jefus,  often  furprife  me  with  the  difcoveries  of  thy  glory  and  communications 
 of  thy  grace,  notwitbflanding  whatever  hindrances,  guilt,  and  wickednefs  ate 
 found  with  me. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  HI.  Ver.  1.  In  time  of  defertion  ancf 
 
 All  their  life,  llrength,  comfort,  an  i  happinefs  comes 
 And,  through  familiar  fellowfhip  with  him,  they  receive  and  enjoy  hi 
 
 comforting, 
 
 .  OBSERV.ATIONS. — *  Chap.  I.]  How  precious  and  pleafant  Chrift  is  to  believing  fouls!  Ardently  do  they  pant  after  further  communica- 
 
 fioiis  of  his  grace  ;  fenfible  they  can  do  nothing  ot  themfelves  Jefus  takes  the  fweeteff  delight  in  fpeedily  anfwering  their  prayers,  and  fatisfying  their  fouls  with  his 
 loving  kindnefs  ;■  thougli  often  amidfl  his  kind  vifits  their  outward  Hate  is  fuch  as  fpeiilators  are  apt  to  ftumble  at.  With  what  pain  and  grief,  do  lively  faints  lament 
 the  want  of  frequent  and  intimate  fellovyfhip  with  him  and  his  people  in  the  ordinances  !  But  he  is  ready  to  diredl  and  comfoit  them  in  this  condition.  He  has 
 done,  and  will  do  for  them  the  mofl  amazing  things,  in  furniffiing  them  with  his  righteoufnefs,  grace,  and  glory, 
 from  him.  His  heart  is  full  of  high  efleem  and  unbounded  afifeaion  for  them, 
 fanaffying,  and  preferving  influence. 
 
 ..  5*^.^  ®  unbounded  glory,  and  infinite  worth  of  Jefus  Chrift,  and  the  glory  and  ufefiilnefs  of  his  people  as 
 
 o  ne  e  vvu  h  •*>“>  •  V' hat  mull  be  the  immediate  enjoyment  of  God  and  the  Lamb,  when  the  imperfecT  and  mediate  enjoyment  on  earth  is  fometimes  fo  tranf- 
 .L  "hich  woulil  change  one  hour’s  fellowfhip  with  Chrift  for  all  the  pleafures,  honours,  and  riches  on  earth.  Stron-r  as  death 
 
 and  of  our  Redeemer,  which  makes  him  come  to  his  people  over  every  mountain  of  diflance,  darknefs,  wrath,  provocation,  and  pollution.  How  earnefl 
 
 m  f  '  R  his  invitations  o  familiar  intercourfe  with  himfelf.  And  what  a  change  in  the  world  is  made  by  his  oracles,  ordinances,  and  influence.  But  wicked 
 
The  graces  of  the  church. 
 
 SOLOMON’S  SONG. 
 
 cir, 
 
 a  Chap. 
 2.  7.  & 
 8.  4. 
 
 b  Chap. 
 
 8.  5. 
 
 ?hr?ft  and  in  the  broad  ways  I  will  feek  him  whom 
 
 •- 1014.  loveth  :  I  fought  him,  but  I  found  him  nor. 
 
 3  A  he  watchmen  that  go  about  the  city  found  me  : 
 to  'Whom  I  said,  Saw  ye  him  whom  ray  foul  loveth  ^ 
 
 4  ^  ti,as  but  a  little  that  I  paffed  from  them,  but  I 
 found  him  whom  my  foul  loveth  ;  I  held  him,  and 
 W'ould  not  let  him  go,  until  I  had  brought  him  into 
 my  mother  s  houle,  and  into  the  chamber  of  her  that 
 conceived  me. 
 
 5*1  charge  you,  O  ye  daughters  of  Jerufalem,  by 
 the  roes,  and  by  the  hinds  of  the  field,  that  ye  ftir  not 
 up,  nor  awake  luj/  love,  till  he  pleafe. 
 
 6  ^  Who  is  this  that  cometh  out  of  the  wilder- 
 nels  like  pillars  of  fmoke,  perfumed  with  nnyrrh,  and 
 frankincenle,  vvith  all  powders  of  the  merchant  ? 
 
 7  Behold  his  bed,  which  is  Solomon’s  ;  threefcore 
 valiant  men  are  about  it,  of  the  valiant  of  Ifrael. 
 
 8  They  all  hold  fwords,  being  expert  in  war :  every 
 man  hath  his  fword  upon  his  thigh,  becaufe  of  fear  in 
 the  night. 
 
 9  King  Solomon  made  hirafelf  l|  a  chariot  of  the 
 w^ood  of  Lebanon. 
 
 10  He  made  the  pillars  thereof  ^  filver,  the  bot¬ 
 tom  thereof  of  gold,  the  covering  of  it  o/  purple  ;  the 
 midft  thereof  being  paved  with  love,  for  the  daughters 
 of  Jerufalem. 
 
 11  Go  forth,  O  ye  daughters  of  Zion,  and  behold 
 
 II  Or 
 
 a  bed 
 
 troublfi^  and  of  a  fecure  and  flotbful  framo,  in  prayer  and  other  private  ordinances 
 I  endeavoured  to  regain  the  fenfihle  communications  of  Jefus’  love :  I  perfevered 
 therein,  but  without  any  difcernable  fuecefs.  2.  Stirring  up  myfelf  therefore  to  a 
 more  atftive  and  lively  frame  of  fpirit,  I  attended  the  public  ordinances  of  his  wor- 
 Ibip,  in  order  to  obtain  communion  with  himfelf.  I  often  repeated  my  endeavours, 
 but  met  with  nothing  but  difappointments  and  difeouragements.  3.  Faithful  mi- 
 nifters,  who,  with  care  and  labour,  infpedl  the  fouls  of  men,  were  often  diredled  to 
 fpeak  pointedly  to  my  cafe,  which  encouraged  me  to  open  it  to  them  in  familiar 
 converfation,  and  beg  their  atTiftaoce  in  furthering  my  fellowfliip  with  him.  4. 
 Not  refting  in  duties  and  ordinances,  by  faith  1  eifayed  ftill  more  earned  and  im¬ 
 mediate  application  to  Jefus  hirafelf.  He  gracioufly  vouehfafed  me  his  fenfible 
 prefence.  Then  my  heart  clave  to  him  by  a  lively  exercife  of  faith,  and  by  the 
 mod  ardent  and  affetdionate  refolution.  I  carefully  avoided  every  thing  which 
 tended  to  didurb  our  fellowfhip  or  provoke  h's  withdrawment ;  and  not  only  la¬ 
 boured  to  get  intimate  enjoyment  and  full  alTurance  of  bis  love  to  myfelf,  but  to 
 have  his  promifed  prefence  in  the  church  and  the  public  ordinances  thereof.  5.  I 
 therefore  again  charge  you,  my  fellow’-profelTors  or  faints,  to  avoid  every  thing 
 which  may  in  the  lead  tend  to  mar  my  intercourfe  with  him.— OAUGHfERS  ot-  je- 
 KUSALEM.  6.  What  amazing  perfons  are  thofe,  who  feparated  from  the  world  in 
 affetdion,  and  delivered  from  former  troubles,  mount  up  heavenwards  in  faith,  in 
 love,  in  fpiritual  mindednefs,  and  in  holy  defires  and  converfation  all  acceptable 
 to  God  through  Jefus’  merits  and  intercefllon,  and  endowed  with  the  manifold  and 
 precious  graces  of  his  Holy  Spirit! — believers.  7,8.  Nay,  admire  not  us,  nor  the 
 
 glories  which  we  have  freely  received  from  Chrid  :  but  behold  that  new  covenant 
 of  grace  and  that  familiar  fellowfhip  with  him,  which  are  the  caufes  of  every 
 thing  amiable  in  us,  and  in  which  we  are  watched  over  and  prote(ded,  amidd  all 
 our  dangers,  by  almighty  perfections,  attendant  angels,  and  vigilant  miniders. 
 9,  10.  Behold  now,  according  to  his  mere  good  pleafure,  and  for  his  own  glory, 
 he  has  not  only  affumed  our  nature  in  the  mod  precious  and  ufeful  form,  but  has 
 formed  a  new  covenant,  and  a  gofpel  difpenfation,— reared  on  dable,  precious, 
 and  fupporling  promifes,— founded  in  the  unchangeable  and  eVerlading  love 
 and  purpofe  of  God,  in  which  men  are  protected  by  his  righteoufnefs  and  royal 
 power;  hnd  his  unbounded  love  makes  every  thing  proper,  refrelhing,  and 
 fupportrngi  for  the  members  of  his  church,  in  order  to  tranfport  them  in  fel¬ 
 lowfhip  with  him,  through  this  world  into  the  heavenly  date  !  1  1.  Go  forth 
 
 then,  my  feiloW  profeflTors  from  your  ubfegeneracy,  yoUr  felf-righteoufnefs, 
 your  filthy  luds,  your  carnal  cares,  your  fluggifh  frames;  and  with  earnednefs, 
 faith,  love,  and  wonder,  obferve  Jefus,  our  Prince  of  peace,  not  only  crowned 
 by  his  Father  with  the  highed  glory  and  honour;  but  even  by  all  the  true 
 members  of  bis  church,  in  their  acceptance  of  him  and  fubmiflion  to  him  as 
 their  Hufband,  Saviour,  and  Lord  ;  particularly  in  that  day  of  power  and 
 
 Christ's  love  to  her 
 
 king  Solotpon  with  the  crown  wherewith  his  mother  Befor 
 crowned  him  in  the  day  of  his  efpouCals,  and  in  the 
 day  ot  the  gladnefs  of  his  heart.*  1014, 
 
 CHAP.  IV. 
 
 1  Christ  scttelh  forth  the  graces  of  the  church  ,■  8  he  shewelh  his  love  to  her. 
 
 16  The  church  prayeth  to  be  made  Jit  Jor  his  presence. 
 
 LHOLD,  »  thou  art  fair,  my  love  ^  behold,  thou 
 art  fair ;  thou  hast  doves’  eyes  within  thy 
 locks  :  thy  hair  is  as  ^  a  flock  of  goats,  1]  that  aoD^ar 
 from  mount  Gilead. 
 
 2  I'hy  teeth  are  like  a  flock  of  sheep  that  are  even 
 fhorn,  which  came  up  from  the  waffling  ;  whereof 
 every  one  bear  twins,  and  none  is  barren  among  them. 
 
 3  Thy  lips  are  like  a  thread  of  fcarlet,  and  thy 
 fpeech  IS  comely  :  thy  temples  are  like  a  piece  of  a 
 pomegranate  within  thy  locks. 
 
 4  Thy  neck  is  like  the  tower  of  David,  builded  for 
 an  armoury,  whereon  there  hang  a  thouland  buck- 
 lers,  all  fflields  of  mighty  men. 
 
 5  T  hy  two  breafts  are  like  two  young  roes  that 
 are  twins,  which  feed  among  the  lilies. 
 
 6  ^  Until  the  day  t  break,  and  the  ffladews  flee 
 away,  I  will  get  me  to  the  mountain  of  myrrh,  and  to 
 the  hill  of  frankincenfe. 
 
 7  e  Thou  art  all  fair,  my  love ;  there  is  co  fpot  in 
 thee. 
 
 8  If  Come  with  me  from  Lebanon,  tmj  fpoufe,  with 
 
 ®  Chap, 
 *•  15.4 
 5.  12, 
 
 ^  Chap. 
 6  5. 
 
 II  Or, 
 that  eat 
 
 oft  I'C. 
 
 c  Chap. 
 7.  3. 
 d  Chap. 
 2.  17. 
 t  Heb. 
 breathe. 
 c  Eph. 
 5.  27. 
 
 time  of  love  in  which,  to  his  inexprcflible  fatisfaeSUon,  they  are  united  to  him  by 
 faith.  ' 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  TV.  Ver.  I— ,5,  7.  Behold  how  glo- 
 rious  is  the  date  of  my  church,  decked  with  ordinances,  officers,  and  faints  !  llow 
 comely  is  (he  when  miniders,  her  lights  or  eyes,  are  intelligent,  moded,  humble,  and 
 holy,  walking  in  all  godly  fimplicity ;— when  converts  footed  in  me  as  their  Head, 
 grow  up  in  grace  and  perfeA  holinefs  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord— feeding  on  the  rich 
 
 padures  of  my  word,  and  furrendering  Ihemfelves  acceptable  facrifices  to  God _ 
 
 How  comely  is  die  when  miniders,  who  prepare  fpiritual  nourifiiment  for  others, 
 are  found  in  their  dodfrine,  holy  in  their  converfation,  harmonious  and  meek  in  their 
 behaviour,  and  adtive  and  fuccefsful  in  winning  fouls  to  me! — when  their  tninif- 
 trationS  mark  the  foundnefs  of  their  hearts  ; — when  their  dwelling  on  redemption 
 through  my  blood,  as  their  principal  theme,  render  tbemfelves  and  their  miniftra- 
 lions  lively  and  pleafant ;  .and  when,  with  modedy,  finglenefs,  prudence,  and  order, 
 they,  and  other  rulers,  govern  the  flocks  committed  to  their  care! — when  they,  as 
 fuperior  to  others  in  daiion,  and  as  means  of  connetSling  them  with  Chrid,  and  of 
 conveying  their  fpiritual  nourifiiment,  are  upright,  deady,  and  drong,  and  do  watch 
 over  the  church  and  adlively  improve  the  whole  armour  of  God  for  her  defence  and 
 honour! — arid  when  her  various  oracles,  otdinances,  and  officers,  are  remarkably 
 ufeful  for  fupplying  the  fouls  of  men  with  the  nourifiiiiig  milk  of  God’s  word  ! — 
 But  efpecinlly  how  fair  and  comely  are  believers,  with  refpedl  to  their  perfonal 
 capacity,  when  jiidified  in  my  righteoufnefs  and  adorned  with  every  fpiritual 
 grace! — when  their  fpiritual  knowledge:  faith,  and  affedfion,  are  fincere, 
 Angle,  bumble,  atid  feafonably  difeovered  ;  —  when  their  ronveifation  in  tltought, 
 vt'ord,  and  deed,  notwitlldanding  many  imperfedlions,  is  orderly  and  pure, 
 manifeding  a  heart  nourifiied  in  thh  padures  of  the  gofpel  ! — when,  by  repeated 
 adfs  of  faith  and  meditation,  they  improve  their  fpiiitual  provifion  ;  in  their 
 zeal  for  God  is  uniform;  pure,  and  moderate,  animating  them  to  a  fruitfulnefs  in 
 good  works,  and  in  winning  others  to  me! — when  their  prayers  and  convetfe 
 are  profitable  and  pleafant,  difeovering  the  foundnefs  of  their  heart,  animated, 
 and  furnifiied  by,  and  accepted  through  my  blood  ! — when  there  is  much  fecrct 
 and  holy  blufiling  on  account  of  remaining  defedls ! — when  their  faith,  which 
 unites  them  to  me,  furnifiies  with,  and  effedfually  improves  the  whole  armour 
 of  God  for  their  defence  from  fpiritual  enemies,  as  the  worthies  of  God  formerly 
 experienced  ! — when,  feeding  upon  the  dotdrine  of  the  prophets  and  apoftles, 
 they,  to  my  inexprefiihle  pleafure,  abound  in  faith  and  love  towards  me,  and 
 in  care  to  inftrut'l  and  edify  others  ! — How  completely  perfedi  are  they  in  their 
 juflification,  in  the  extent  of  their  fandf ification,  and  in  my  purpofe  and  fa¬ 
 vourable  acceptation  !  6,  8.  Till  not  only  the  gofpel  diffienfation,  but  even 
 
 the  glorious  millennium,  and  the  refurreclion  to  everlafting  life  come,  I,  ac¬ 
 cording  to  thy  requefi,  (chap.  2.  17  )  will  Continue  to  beflow  my  efpecial 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  ChAt.  HI.]  In  this  World  the  cleaved  days  of  ihtimdte  fellowfhip  with  Chrid  are  fuddenly  turned  into  nights  of  defer- 
 tion,  trouble,  ignorance  and  flotb.  He  is  loth  to  contend  along  with  bis  people,  led  their  fpirits  fhould  fail  before  him.  And  an  hour,  a  minute  of  his  prefence,  richly 
 rewards  all  their  pains  and  forrows  in  feeking  for  it.  Promifing  is  the  apjjearance  when  the  word  preached  pointedly  reaches  the  heart  and  confciences  of  hearers,  and 
 leads  them  to  careful  inquiries  concerning  Chrid.  And  remarkable  fellowfhip  with  him  effedlually  animates  to  an  earned  wredling  in  behalf  of  the  church  and  public 
 intereds  of  religion.  \Vbat  extenfive  honour  believers  procure  tothemfelves  from  all  around  them,  by  an  earned  care  to  maintain  fellowfliip  with  him,  and  to  follow 
 him  in  a  gracious,  upright,  and  heavenly  converfation.  But  if  didingnifbed  faints  be  fo  admirable  and  lovely,  how  rriuch  more  is  Chrid  himfelf  and  his  covenanf* 
 
Christ  avcalcelh  the  church, 
 
 Before  me  frooi  Lebanon  :  look  from  the  top  of  Amana,  from 
 Chrift  (op  of  Shenir  ^  and  Hermon,  from  the  lions’  dens, 
 £ir.  1014.  ^-ro^  the  mountains  of  the  leopards. 
 
 9  Thou  halt  11  ravilhed  my  heart,  my  filter,  my 
 s.  9-  fpoufe  ;  thou  halt  ravilhed  my  heart  with  one  of  thine 
 6  eyes,  with  one  chain  of  thy  neck. 
 
 10  How  fair  is  thy  love,  my  filler,  my  fpoufe! 
 heart.  g  how  much  better  is  thy  love  than  wine !  and  the 
 g  Chap,  of  thine  ointmen’s  than  all  fpices  ! 
 
 11  Thy  lips,  O  my  fpoufe,  drop  as  the  honey-comb  ; 
 honey  and  milk  are  under  thy  tongue  ;  and  the  fmell 
 of  thy  garments  is  like  the  fmell  of  Lebanon. 
 
 |iies.  12  A  garden  t  inclofed  t's  my  filter,  fpoufe  ;  a 
 hatred*  fpring  Ihut  up,  a  fountain  fealed. 
 
 13  Thy  plants  are  an  orchard  of  pomegranates, 
 
 II  Or,  with  pleafant  fruits ;  ||  camphire  with  fpikenard  ; 
 pjiwess.  Spikenard  and  faffron  ;  calamus  and  cinnamon, 
 
 with  all  trees  of  frankincenfe ;  mjrrh  and  aloes,  with 
 all  the  chief  fpices : 
 
 15  A  fountain  of  gardens,  a  well  of  living  waters, 
 and  Itreams  from  Lebanon. 
 
 16  <11  Awake,  O  north  wind  :  and  come,  thou  fouth  ; 
 blow  upon  my  garden,  that  the  fpices  thereof  may 
 flow  our.  Let  my  beloved  come  into  his  garden,  and 
 eat  his  pleafant  fruits.* 
 
 CHAP.  V. 
 
 1  Christ  aivaheth  the  church  with  his  calling.  2  The  church,  having  a 
 
 taste  of  Christ’s  love,  is  sick  of  love.  9  /I  description  of  Christ  hij  his 
 
 graces. 
 
 preftnee  and  influence  in  my  church,  wliich  is  rendered  lb  delightful  by  my 
 ordinances,  and  by  the  precious  graces,  prayers,  and  praifes  of  my  people— 
 Let  therefore  every  one,  fpiritually  efpoufed  to  me,  there  attend,  and  hold  in¬ 
 timate  fellowlhip  with  me,  fetting  their  affeiSlions  on  things  above  ;  forfaking 
 the  moll  excellent  creature-fatisfaiSlions  for  my  fake,  fiiunnmg  the  intimacy  of 
 carnal,  covetous,  and  violent  men,  and  even  the  fellowfliip  of  fuperftitious,  er¬ 
 roneous,  and  perfecuting  churches.  9,  10.  O  redeemed  foul,  partaker  of  the 
 fame  human  nature  with  me,  begotten  and  adopted  of  my  Father,  and  fpiritually 
 betrothed  to  ray  perfon,  how  even  with  the  weakeft  adls  of  my  faith,  and  the 
 fmalleft  degree  of  fincere  grace  and  holy  obedience,  haft  thou  claimed,  attradl- 
 ed,  encouraged,  and  coupled  my  heart  to  thee  !  How  incomparably  acceptable 
 and  delightful  is  thy  love,  and  that  fweet  fragrancy  flowing  from  thy  manifold 
 graces!  11.  How  delightful  thy  prayers  and  praife !  Thy  in(lru<5fing,  re¬ 
 proving,  and  comforting  difeourfe,  marks  what  fweet  and  nourifliing  truths 
 and  experience  are  logded  in  thy  heart,  and  how  delightful  and  attradlive  is 
 thy  holy  and  benevolent  converfation  !  12— .14.  My  church  is  a  delightful 
 
 garden  feparated  from  the  world,  fet  apart  to  the  fervice  of  God,  digged  by 
 gofpel  minillrations  and  influences,  and  efpecially  proieiSled  by  my  providence, 
 biv  the  rules  of  order  contained  in  my  word,  and  a  medicinal  fpring  of  gofpel 
 truth  hid  from  the  view  of  a  carnal  w'orld  !  And,  when  purged  of  fcandalous 
 perfons,  her  converts  planted  in  the  new  covenant,  do  flourifli  more  fragrant, 
 delightful,  precious,  and  ufeful,  more  numerous  and  different  in  circumftances, 
 tlian  all  the  fruit  bearing  trees  and  fpices  of  an  orchard  ! — Yea,  every  particular 
 believer  is  a  garden  fet  apart  in  beautiful  order,  and  with  infinite  care  and 
 labour,  to  the  fervice  of  God,  and  has  in  him  the  Holy  Ghoft,  and  a  principle  of 
 grace  as  a  well  of  water  fpringing  up  into  everlafting  life  !  and  in  the  moll 
 pleafant  manner  are  their  various  gifts  and  graces  exercifed  to  my  honour,  their 
 own  advantage  and  the  edification  of  others.  Bblievxes.— 15.  Bleffed  Jefus  ! 
 groat  fource  and  beftower  all  life  here  or  hereafter,  it  is  to  thy  influences  alone 
 tliat  we  owe  all  our  comelinefs,  fragrancy,  and  fruitfulnefs  !  let  them  run  more 
 abundantly  into  our  hearts,  that  by  the  exercife  of  thy  grace,  we  may  be  rendered 
 more  ufeful  to  water  and  refrefh  others  around.  16.  And  fince  we  are  thine,  as 
 well  as  under  our  own  care,  prevent  every  thing  tending  to  mar  our  fruitfulnefs ; 
 and  let  the  Holy  Ghoft,  in  his  convincing  and  fiu-mortifying,  as  well  as  in  his 
 comforting  influences,  ftir  up  and  quicken  our  hearts  to  a  lively  exercife  of  tbofe 
 gifts  and  graces  with  which  we  are  endowed.  And  do  thou  O  Jefu's,  manifeft 
 iliy  prefence  in  thine  ordinances,  and  accept  of  and  delight  in  thofe  graces  and 
 good  works  which  are  wrought  in  us  by  thyfelf. 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  V.  Ciiaisr. — Ver.  I.  At  thy  requeft, 
 believing  foul,  I  vouchfafe  my  fpecial  prefence  in  my  church  and  ordinances. 
 I  have  with  pleafure  obferved  the  lively  preaching  and  cordial  applica* 
 
 7'he  church  is  side  (J  I'rcc. 
 
 I  am  come  into  my  garden,  my  After,  my  fpoufe  : 
 
 1  have  gathered  my  myrrh  with  myfpice;  1  have^.j^ 
 eaten  my  honey  comb  with  mv  honey  ;  I  have  drunk  > — , — ^ 
 my  wine  with  my  milk  ;  eat,  O  friends;  drink,  jj 
 drink  abundantly,  O  beloved.  .  drunken 
 
 2  H  I  fleep,  but  my  heart  wakefh  :  it  is  the  voice  wiihLc«. 
 of  my  beloved  that  knocketh,  saying,.  Open  to  me,  my 
 After,  my  love,  my  dove,  my  undefiled  ;  for  my  head  is 
 !  filled  withdew,  my  lockswith  thedropsot  the  night, 
 i  3  I  have  put  oft  ray  coat ;  how  (hall  i  put  it  on  ? 
 
 I  have  walked  my  feet ;  how  (hall  1  defile  them  ? 
 
 4  My  beloved  put  in  his  hand  by  the  hole  <)f  the 
 door,  and  my  bowels  were  moved  |l  for  him.  U  Or, 
 
 5  I  rofe  up  to  open  to  my  beloved  :  and  my 
 dropped  ’with  myrrh,  and  my  fingers  'with  +  iweet 
 fmelling  myrrh,  upon  the  handles  ot  the  lock.  t 
 
 6  I  opened  to  my  beloved  ;  but  my  beloved  passing  ot 
 withdrawn  himfelF,  andv>'Z5  gone  ;  my  foul  failed  when 
 he  fpake  ;  1  fought  him  but  I  could  not  find  him  ;  i 
 called  him,  but  he  gave  me  no  anlwer. 
 
 7  The  watchmen  that  went  about  the  city’  found 
 me,  they  fmote  me,  they  wounded  me ;  the  keepers 
 of  the  walls  took  away  my  vail  from  me. 
 
 8  I  charge  you,  O  daughters  of  Jerufalem,  If  ye  find 
 my  beloved,  f  that  ye  tell  him,  that  1  am  fick  of  love. 
 
 9  ^  What  is  thy  beloved  more  than  another  be-*““’ 
 loved,  O  thou  faireft  among  women?  what  A  thy  be¬ 
 loved  more  than  another  beloved,  that  thou  doft  fo 
 charge  us  ? 
 
 tion  of  my  precious  and  foul  nouriihing  truths.  I  have  particularly  obferved 
 and  accepted  the  graces  and  fervices  of  my  people.  Let  them  alfo  feaft  abun- 
 dantly  on  my  gofpel  provifion,  and  take  the  comfort  of  their  grace  and  works, 
 as  evidences  of  their  eleftion  and  eternal  falvation.  Believers. — 2.  Alas!  the 
 dull  and  lukewarm  frame  in  which  Jefus  often  finds  his  churches,  when  lie  comes 
 to  blefs  them  !  And  how  llothful  and  fecure  my  inward  corruption  had  made 
 me,  even  while  my  renewed  heart  endeavoured  to  hear  and  entertain  liim ! 
 Amidft  much  deadnefs  and  unconcern,  I  felt  fome  imprvfTions  made  upon  my 
 heart  by  his  word.  Spirit,  and  rod  ;  while  he  in  the  kindest  manner,  befougbt  me 
 to  exercife  my  faith  and  love,  and  to  remove  whatever  hindered  his  moft  in¬ 
 timate  approaches,  as  he  was  clofely  related  to  me,  and  fufifered  much  for 
 me  and  from  me,  had  waited  long  for  my  opening  to  him,  and  was  much 
 grieved  with  my  negleiR  of  him?  3.  In  the  moft  piiitul  manner  I  evaded  com- 
 piiance  with  liis  kind  invitations,  as  a  thing  I  was  not  at  prefent  fitted  for,  and 
 which  I  could  not  do  without  crofllng  my  corrupt  inclinations,  and  troubling 
 I  my  flefli.  4.  By  the  immediate  power  of  his  Spirit,  Jefus  touched  my  heart 
 through  his  word,  and  kindly  ftirred  up  my  allciSlions  to  a  concern  for  my 
 former  flighting  of  him,  and  to  an  earneft  defire  after  his  prefence.  5.  Repent¬ 
 ing  of  my  former  ftupidity  and  indifference,  and  adluated  by  his  influence,  I 
 prepared  myfelf  to  entertain  his  vifit;  my  faith  and  other  graces,  put  them- 
 felves  into  adlual  and  vigorous  motion,  for  the  removal  of  every  thing  that 
 tended  to  hinder  his  accefs  to  my  foul.  6.  Notwithftanding  my  vigorous  a<5\- 
 ings  of  faith  upon  his  felf-giving  promifes,  and  panting  defires  after  him,  I 
 did  not  obtain  any  fenfible  manifeftations  of  his  prefence.  My  heart  was  thea 
 fi  led  with  pain,  grief,  and  fhame,  at  the  remembrance  of  his  llightest  invitation. 
 
 I  carefully  attended  his  ordinances,  public  and  private,  in  order  to  feck  and 
 find  him;  but  met  with  nothing  but  frowns  and  difappointments.  7.  W’hea 
 minifters  touched  my  cafe  in  their  difcourles,  they  hut  raifed  my  hopes  and 
 increafed  my  anguifli ;  by  their  barfh  reproofs,  calumnies,  and  perfecution% 
 they  wounded  and  diftreifed  my  foul.  They  whofe  duty  it  is  to  prevent  every 
 thing  tending  to  difturb  the  peace  and  edification  of  the  church,  queftioned  the 
 truth  of  my  profefTion,  and  charged  tne  with  the  vileft  hypocrify.  8.  O  iny 
 fellow  profeffors,  1  beg  and  charge  you,  that  if  this  my  Lord  Jefus  allow  you 
 any  fenfible  intimacy  with  himfelf,  you  will  reprefent  to  him  the  diftrtffed  cafe 
 of  my  foul,  and  intreat  him  fpeedily  to  vifit  me,  who  earneftly  defires  him, 
 and  am  at  the  point  of  death  for  want  of  his  fenfible  prefence.  Daughters. — 
 9.  Diftreifed,  but  precious  and  lovely  faint,  what  mean,  this  fo  folemn  cnarge? 
 what  lingular  and  tranfeendant  excellency  is  in  this  Jefus,  the  beloved  of  thy 
 heart?  Bslievers. — 10.  Boundlefs  and  incomparable  is  his  excellency  !  A  glo¬ 
 rious  Godhead  and  a  fuS’ering  manhood,  a  holinefs  of  heart  and  life  and  a  bloody 
 fufferiiig,  a  glorious  exaltation  and  a  bumble  debafement,  mercy  towards  his 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  IV.]  What  infinite  love  Jefus  bears  to  bis  people  !  He  puls  upon  them  his  own  comelinefs,  and  withes  them 
 to  take  the  comfort  of  it.  Earneft  is  his  defire  of  their  company  ;  and  foon  fliall  they  be  with  him  where  lie  is,  to  lhare  his  happinefs  and  honour  !  Never  but  when 
 he  went  to  futfer,  did  he  fay,  Let  thefe  go  their  way.  They  are  a  good  favour  of  Christ  to  all  around  or  above  them.  And,  when  they  rightly  behold  their  own 
 comelinefs  in  him,  it  tfie(5lually  humbles  them,  and  makes  them  aferibe  all  their  glory  to  him,  and  to  cry  for  more  abundant  fupplies  of  hi*  fundlifying  influences. 
 
 7  Z  21 
 
 SOLOMON’S  SONG 
 
The  calling  of  the  Geniiles. 
 
 SOLOMON’S  SONG. 
 
 Before 
 
 Ohrift 
 
 waters  cannot  qnench  love,  neither  can  the 
 cir.  1014.  Woods  drown  It;  it  a  man  would  give  all  the  fub- 
 
 temned°^  houle  for  love,  it  would  utterly  be  con- 
 
 if  little  filler,  and  (he  hath  no  breads : 
 
 what  ftall  vve  do  for  our  fider  in  the  day  when  she 
 lhall  be  fpoken  for  ? 
 
 9  If  (he  ie  a  wall,  we  will  build  upon  her  a  palace 
 
 K  “  ^  will  inclod  her  with 
 
 boards  of  cedar. 
 
 10  I  am  a  wall,  and  my  breads  like  towers:  then 
 was  1  m  his  eyes  as  one  that  found  f  favour. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 l^eace. 
 
 cHhers  m  whofe  hearts  thou  art  formed  by  faith,  have  alfo  done.  6,  7,  O  let 
 thy  moa  endeared  eaeetn,  remembrance,  and  love  of  my  foul,  appear  remarkably 
 in  all  thy  difpenfations  towards  me  ;  for  fo  vehement  and  irrefiftible  is  mv  defire 
 after  intimate  fellow fliip  with  thee,  that  nothing  elfe  can  afford  me  fatisfadlion  ■ 
 no,  not  death  and  the  grave  are  fo  dreadful  to  me  as  the  fears  of  thy  withdrawl 
 inent .  Kindled  by  thy  love  flied  abroad  in  ray  heart,  my  love  to  thee  melts  all 
 iny  inward  powers,  and  burns  up  my  corruptions.  No  affliaions,  temptation,  de- 
 lertion  perfecution,  can  extinguilh  or  abate  it.  Would  the  richeff  on  earth 
 tempt  me  from  thee,  with  all  his  wealth,  nay  with  ten  thoufand  worlds,  I  would 
 utterly  contemn  and  abhor  the  propofal.  8.  But,  Lord,  we  have  many  fellow- 
 linners,  cbofen  in  and  redeemed  by  thee ;  particularlv  among  the  Gentiles  who 
 enjoy  no  ordinances,  and  are  yet  unripe  for  their  fpir'itual  marriage,  bein<r  defti- 
 .  tute  of  faith  and  love  j  what  fhall  we  do  to  promote  their  converffon,  when  the 
 oflTers  of  thy  grace  fliall  be  made  to  them  ?  Cueist-9.  When  according  to  my 
 unchangeable  purpofe,  they  (hall  be  united  to  me  as  tlieir  foundation,  I  and  my 
 Bather  and  hlelTed  fpirit  will  endow  them  with  manifold  gifts  and  graces  and 
 render  them  in  their  hearts  and  church  Hate,  a  firm  tower  and  beautiful  temple 
 and  palace  for  God.  When  the  door  of  aceefs  to  me  lhall  be  opened  to  them  in 
 the  gofpel,  and  the  door  of  their  heart  opened  to  receive  me,  we  notwithftandincr 
 their  infignificancy,  weaknefs,  trouble,  and  temptations,  will  thoroughly  beautify^” 
 llrengthen  and  profea  them.  Believers— 10.  Indeed,  blefled  Redeemer  by 
 tby  infinite  favour,  I  have  been  united  to  thee,  and  Hand  firm  on  thee  as  my  foun- 
 
 The  chircli  •praydli  for  Chrhfs  com 
 
 1 1  Solomon  had  a  vineyard,  at  Baal-haraon  :  he  let  iiefor* 
 our  ttie  vineyard  unto  keepers :  every  one  for  the  fruit 
 thfreo..  was  to  bring  a  thoufand  pieces  of  filver. 
 
 12  My  vineyard  which  is  mine  is  before  me:  thou 
 
 U  Solomon,  must  have  a  thoufand,  and  thofe  that  keen 
 tne  (ruit  thereof  two  hundred.  ^ 
 
 _  13  Ihou  that  dwelled  in  the  gardens,  the  compan¬ 
 ions  hearken  to  thy  voice :  caufe  me  to  hear  it. 
 
 14  *!1  f  Make  hade,  my  beloved,  and  be  thou  like*'  n®!** 
 to  a  roe,  or  to  a  young  heart  Upon  the  mountains 
 ipices.* 
 
 dation,  and  am  come  to  fome  maturity  and  perfeaion  ip  grace.  ]  I.  Thou  T  , 
 Jefus  the  infinitely  wife  and  wealthy  Prince  of  peace,  haft  purchafed  by  thy  UmH 
 planted  and  purified  by  thy  grace,  fown  with  tby  word,  and  proteiffed  and  man’ 
 aged  by  thy  providence,  the  large  vineyard  of  thy  church,  This  thou  haft  com' 
 muted  to  the  care  of  thy  gofpel  minifters,  that  they  by  inftrua'ons,  warninffs' 
 reproofs,  and  cenfures,  might  endeavour  to  their  utmoft  to  render  the  members 
 ruitful  in  the  works  of  rigbteoufnefs,  to  thy  praife  and  glory.  12.  And  while 
 the  whole  concerns  of  it  are  under  thy  fpecial  care,  I  have  the  charge  of  the 
 yard  of  my  own  heart,  to  watch  over,  defend,  purge,  and  render  it  fruitful  in  holv 
 habits  and  exercifes.  Thou,  Jefus,  muft  have  the  principal  honour  of  all  that  I  am 
 have  or  can  attain  to,  and  thy  faithful  minifters,  their  fubordinate  fliare  of  mv 
 love  and  regard.  Christ.— 1 3.  Believing  fon,  who  loveft  and  frequented  the  af 
 lemblies  of  my  people,  and  ordinances  there  difpenfed,  Uie  fellow  members  re. 
 gard  and  liften  to  thy  inftruaions  and  warnings  for  their  edification.  Let  me 
 when  withdrawn  from  thee,  particularly  in  my  bodily  prefence,  often  hear  thv 
 prayers  and  praifes  and  the  publication  of  thy  gofpel  in  the  world.  Believbes. 
 
 14.  And,  O  blelfed  Hufband  and  Saviour,  not  only  maintain  frequent  and 
 i  familiar  lutercourfe  with  my  foul,  and  with  my  church  on  earth,  in  the  inftituted 
 ordinances  of  thy  worfhip,  but  baften,  baften  thy  glorious  appearance  without  fm 
 unto  our  falvation  ; — when  we  fhall  be  caught  up  to  meet  thee  in  the  air,  and 
 in  one  complete  body,  enter  that  happy,  that  eternal  date,  in  which  God 
 lhall  be  all  in  all. 
 
 Of  the  Gentiles  hath  and  fliall  be  !  It  is  pleafknt  to  remembir  naft  exoeriercL  nf  M  m  •-  ‘^e  gathering 
 
 frame,  ardent  the  defires,  and  fervent  the  prayers,  wbertTe  foufis  overwhellfw  ih  2 
 
 of  others,  often  produces  remarkable  fellowfhip  with  him.  Extenfive  revenues  of  holv  tbouirhts*^  wT  ^4  4^  4  interceffion  for  the  fpiritual  welfar® 
 
 fus  Chrift.  And  they  who  give  him  his  due  will  give  hi;  minSerLtbeirr  But  Lw  n  4  ^  A  T  “^‘"ber  of  the  church  to  Jc 
 
 not  live  but  a*?  it  were  in  mutual  intercourfe.  Soon  will  he  come  ra  take  fLpm  tn  hi  r  if  \  ^  ®  ^  !  They  can- 
 
 fo  come,  Lord  Jefus.’*  believing  view  of  it,  their  waiting  fpirits  cry,  ..  Even 
 
THE  BOOK  OF  THE  PROPHET 
 
 AI  AH. 
 
 THE  ARGUMENT. 
 
 Tke  prophet  Ifaiah  lived  about  800  year,  before  the  coming  Kts  ^Memngs. 
 
 dim  of  Judah.  There  n  great  Hrenglh  and  majesty  tn  hn  :  and  it  ts  to  be  obsi  rv 
 
 in  tins  book  there  are  several  j^redictions  relating  to  the  Jews  J  .  j  sufferings,  oj  his  kingdom,  and 
 
 ed,  that  of  alt  the  prophets,  llaiah  has  spoken  the  most  cleatly  of  the  Messiah,  <f  fns  sujfen  g,  j 
 
 of  the  calling  of  the  Gentiles. 
 
 Etfore 
 Cliria 
 tir.  TOO. 
 
 ji  Deut. 
 32,  1. 
 
 b  Jereiii, 
 g.  7. 
 
 CHAP.  I. 
 
 1  Isaiah's  complaint  of  Judah  ;  10  he  upbraideth  their  services  18  he  ex- 
 horteth  to  repentance  with  promises  and  tkrealenings. 
 
 The  vifion  of  llaiah  the  Ibu  of  Amoz,  which  he 
 faw  concerning  Judah  and  Jerufalem,  in  the 
 days  of  Uzziab,  Jotham,  Ahaz,  and  Hezekiah,  kings 
 
 of  Judah.  ^  .u  f 
 
 2  "  Hear  O  heavens ;  and  give  ear,  O  earth  :  for 
 
 the  Lord  hath  fpoken,  1  have  nourKhed  and  brought 
 up  children,  and  they  have  rebelled  againll  me. 
 
 3  The  ox  knoweth  his  ov/ner,  and  the  als  his 
 mafter’serib:  but  Ifrael  doth  not  know,  my  people 
 doth  not  confider. 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 cir.  760. 
 
 4  Ah  finful  nation,  a  people  f  laden  with  quiH.  a 
 feed  of  evil-doers,  children  that  are  corrupters  they 
 have  forlaken  the  Lord,  they  have  provoked  the  holy 
 One  of  Krael  unto  anger,- they  are  f  gone  away  back-  heaviness, 
 
 \V2irde  'll  i* 
 
 5  f  Why  (hould  ye  be  ftricken  any  more  ?  ye  will  alienated, 
 t  revolt  more  and  more.  The  whole  head  is  fick,  and ^sepa- 
 
 the  whole  heart  faint.  ,  |  He'b. 
 
 6  From  the  foie  of  the  foot  even  unto  the 
 
 there  is  no  foundnefs  in  it ;  but  wounds,  and  bruiles,  revolt. 
 and  putrifying  fores ;  they  have  nor  been  doled,  nei-  ^ 
 ther  bound  up,  neither  mollified  with  y  ointment.  c  Deui. 
 
 7  c  Your  country  is  defolate,  your  cities  are  burnt  28.51,62. 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  I.  Vcr.  1.  The  vision  of  Isaiah. 
 This  prophet  exercifed  his  office  daring  a  long  period  of  time,  if  he  lived  to  the 
 reicn  of  Manaffeh,  as  the  Jews  fuppofed;  for  the  loweft  computation,  beginning 
 f'om  the  year  in  which  Uzziah  died,  when  fome  fuppofe  him  to  have  received  his 
 (irll  appointment  to  his  office  brings  it  to  6 1  years.  It  is,  however,  certain,  that 
 he  lived  at  leaa  to  the  15th  or  16th  year  of  Hezekiah  ;  this  makes  the  lea^  poffi- 
 ble  term  olf  the  deviation  of  his  prophetical  office  about  43  years.  The  time  when 
 fome  of  his  prophecies  were  delivered,  is  neither  exprefsly  marked,  or  fufficiently 
 clear  from  the  hidory,  to  which  they  refer  ;  that  of  a  few  others  may  with  home 
 probability  be  deduced  from  internal  marks  ;  from  expreffions,  defcriptions,  and 
 circumftaiices  interwoven.  It  may  therefore  be  of  fome  ufe  in  this  refpea,  and 
 for  the  better  underftanding  of  his  prophecies  in  general,  to  give  a  fummary  view 
 of  the  hiftory  of  his  time.  The  kingdom  of  Judah  feems  to  have  been  in  a  more 
 flouridiing  condition  during  the  reign  of  Uzziah  and  Jotham,  than  at  any  other 
 lime  after° the  revolt  of  the  ten  tribes.  The  former  was  perfevering  and  fuccefsful 
 in  his  wars,  and  equally  diligent  and  profperous  in  promoting  the  arts  of  peace. 
 He  commanded  the  refpedt  of  the  neighbouring  nations,  and  fludied  the  good  of 
 his  fuhjedls.  The  latter  enlarged  and  maintained  the  eflablifhments  and  improve¬ 
 ments  made  by  his  father,  though  at  the  latter  end  of  his  reign,  the  league  between 
 Pekah  king  of  Ifrael  and  Rezin  king  of  Syria,  was  formed  againft  Judah,  who 
 alfo  began  to  carry  their  defigns  into  executions.  But  in  the  reign  of  Ahaz,  Jo- 
 tham’s  fun,  not  only  thefe  advantages  were  loft,  but  the  kingdom  of  Judah,  was 
 brought  to  the  brink  of  deftrudlion.  Hezekiah  ills  fon,  at  his  acceffion  to  the 
 throne,  immediately  reftored  the  legal  worfhip  of  God,  which  his  father  had  great- 
 Iv  corrupted,  in  Jerufalem  and  through  Judea.  He  improved  the  city,  repaired 
 tile  fortifications,  eredled  magazines  of  all  /brts,  built  a  new  aquedudl,  and  fought 
 to  advance  the  general  good  of  his  country.  In  the  fourth  year  of  his  reign, 
 Sbalmanefer  king  of  Aflyria  invaded,  conquered,  and  completely  annihilated  the 
 kisgdom  of  Ifrael,  carried  the  people  into  captivity,  and  replaced  them  by  dif¬ 
 ferent  people  fent  from  his  own  country.  Hezekiah  was  not  deterred  by  this 
 alarming  example  from  refufing  to  pay  the  tribute  to  that  haughty  conqueror, 
 which  he  had  impofed  on  Ahaz  this  brought  on  the  invafion  of  Sennacherib  in 
 the  Hth  year  of  his  reign  ;  an  account  of  which  is  inferted  among  the  prophe¬ 
 cies  of  Ifaiah.  After  a  great  and  miraculous  deliverance  from  fo  powerful  an 
 enemy,  Hezekiah  continued  his  reign  in  peace  ‘  he  profpered  in  all  his  works,  and 
 left  his  kingdom  in  a  flouriftiing  ftate  to  his  fon  Manaffeh,  a  fon  in  every  refpedt 
 Unworthy  of  fuch  a  father. — It  is  fuppofed  that  the  former  part  of  the  title 
 was  originally  prefixed  to  the  prophecy  contained  in  this  chapter,  and  that  the 
 latter  part,  the  enumeration  of  the  kings  of  Judah,nunder  whom  Ifaiah  exercifed 
 tis  miniftry  was  added,  when  the  colleflion  of  all  his  prophecies  were  made  to 
 make  the  title  at  the  fame  time  proper  for  the  whole  book.  As  fuch  it  is 
 plainly  taken  in,  2  Chron.  xxxii.  32.  where  the  book  of  Ifaiah  is  cited  by  this 
 
 8  A 
 
 title  ;  The  vifion  of  Ifaiah  the  prophet  the  fon  of  Amoz,”  Jhe  prophecy  con¬ 
 tained  in  this  firft  chapter  ftands  Angle  and  unconneaed,  making  an  entire  piece 
 of  itfelf.  It  contains  a  fevere  remonftrance  againft  the  corruptions 
 amon<T  the  Jews  of  that  time  ;  powerful  exhortations  to  repentance  ,  g 
 threatenings  to  the  impenitent;  and  gracious  promifes  of  better  Jr 
 
 nations  fliall  have  been  reformed  by  the  judgments  of  God. 
 adapted  to  reprove,  warn  and  inftrua  any  people  diftinguiffied  f  ^ 
 
 religion.  The  expreffion  on  the  whole  is  clear ;  the  conneaion  of  the  a 
 parfs  eafy  ;  and  in  regard  to  the  images,  fentiraents  and  ftile,  it  gives  ^  beautifu 
 example  of  the  prophet’s  elegant  manner  of  writing;  though  perhaps 
 be  equal  in  thefe  refpeas  to  many  of  the  following  prophecies,  He^ 
 
 0  hedvens.  God  is  introduced  as  entering  upon  a  folemn  and  public  « 
 
 pleading  before  the  whole  world,  againft  bis  difobedient  people.  The  htophet  as 
 herald  or  officer  to  proclaim  the  fummonsto  the  court,  calls  upon  all  created  bs'ogG 
 celeftial  and  terreftrial,  to  attend,  and  bear  witnefs  to  the  truth  of  his  plea,  and  the 
 iuftice  of  the  caufe.  Theffame  feeneis  more  fully  difplayed  in  the  noble  exor- 
 
 dium  of  PM.  1.  1 _ 4,  Where  God  fummons  all  mankind  from  eaft  to  welt,  to 
 
 be  prefent  to  hear  his  appeal ;  and  the  folemnity  is  held  on  Zion,  where  he  is  at- 
 tended  with  the  fame  terrible  pomp  that  accompanied  him  on  mount  binai  :  Uy 
 the  fame  bold  figure,  Micah  calls  upon  the  mountains,  that  is  the  whole  country 
 of  Judea  to  attend  to  him,  Mic.  vi.  1,  2.  ;  with  the  like  invocation,  Mofes  intro¬ 
 duces  his  fublime  fong,  Deut.  xxxii.  1.  and  in  his  fimple  yet  ftrong  oratorial  ftUe, 
 calls  heaven  and  earth  to  witnefs  againft  the  Ifraelites,  Deut.  xxx.  19.  '  3* 
 
 The  ox  knoweth  his  owner.  An  amplification  of  the  grofs  infenfibihty  of  the  dilo- 
 bedient  Jews,  by  comparing  them  with  the  moft  ftupid  of  animals,  yet  not  fo  in- 
 fenfible  as  they.  Thefe  animals  acknowledge  their  mafter ;  they  know  the  man¬ 
 ger  of  their  lord  ;  by  whom  they  are  fed,  not  for  their  own,  but  for  his  good  ; 
 neither  are  they  looked  upon  as  children,  but  as  beafts  of  burden  ;  neither  are  they 
 advanced  to  honours,  but  oppreffed  with  daily  labours.  While  the  Ifraelites, 
 chofen  by  mere  favour,  adopted  as  fons  of  God,  promoted  to  the  highcll  dignity^ 
 yet  acknowledged  not  their  Lord  ;  but  defpifed  his  moft  equitable  and  juft  com¬ 
 mandments,  Jer.  viii.  7.  Hof.  xi.  4.  Ver.  5.  Whp  should pe  be  stricken  any  more  ? 
 ye  will  revolt  more  and  more ;  or  according  to  biftiop  Lowth,  On  what  part  will 
 ye  fmite  againft?  will  ye  add  corre6lion!  This  is  addreffed  to  the  inftruments  of 
 God’s  vengeance;  thofe  who  inflidt  the  puniftiment  on  Ifrael,  who,  or  whatfo- 
 ever  they  were.  Ver.  6.  Theu  have  not 'been  closed ,  or,  it  bath  not  been  preffed. 
 The  art  of  medicine  in  the  eaft  confifts  chiefly  in  external  applications  ;  according¬ 
 ly  the  prophet’s  images  in  this  place  are  all  taken  from  forgery,  PiO'  «  iii.  8,  Luke 
 X.  44.  Ver.  7.  Your  country  is  desolate.  The  defcriptioti  of  the  ruined  and  defolate 
 ftate  of  the  country,  in  this,  and  the  following  verfe,  well  agrees  with  the  time  of 
 Ahaz  when  Judea  was  ravaged  by  the  joint  invafion  of  the  Ifraelites  aad  Syrians, 
 and  by  the  iacurfions  of  the  Philiftines  and  Edomites.  The  date  of  the  prophecy 
 
 SI 
 
Isaiah  uphraiddh  the  service  of  Judah, 
 
 ISAIAH. 
 
 oSft  lancJ,  ftrangers  devour  it  in  your 
 
 eir.  769.  pr^i^uce,  and  it  is  defolate,  f  as  overthrown  bv 
 _ _ _  itrangers.  ^ 
 
 ^  j  daughter  of  Zion  is  left  as  a  cottage  in 
 throw  of  ^  '^neyard.  as  a  lodge  in  a  garden  of  cucumbers,  as  a 
 
 9tratigers,  belieged  city. 
 
 d  Lam.  9  Except  the  Lord  of  hofts  had  left  unto  us  a 
 Rom."  very  Imml  remnant,  we  (bould  have  been  as  Sodom, 
 9.  29.  Ihould  have  been  like  unto  Gomorrah. 
 
 10  H  Hear  the  word  of  the  Lord,  ye  rulers  of  So- 
 
 ^3r  unto  the  law  of  our  God,  ye  people 
 of  Gomorrah  : 
 
 11  "lo  what  purpofe  is  the  multitude  of  your  ^  fa- 
 cnfices  unto  me?  faith  the  Lord:  I  am  full  of  the 
 burnt-offerings  of  rams,  and  the  fat  of  fed  beafts ; 
 and  I  delight  not  in  the  blood  of  bullocks,  or  of  lambs, 
 or  of  f  he-goats. 
 
 12  When  ye  come  t  to  appear  before  me,  who  hath 
 required  this  at  your  hand,  to  tread  my  courts  ^ 
 
 13  Bring  no  more  vain  oblations  :  incenfe  is  an 
 
 He  exliorleth  to 
 
 e  Gen. 
 19.  24. 
 
 f  Prov. 
 15.  8.  & 
 21.  27. 
 Chap, 
 66.  3. 
 Jerem. 
 
 6.  20. 
 Amos  5. 
 2 1, '22. 
 t  Heb, 
 
 ^^OfD’nation  unto  me  ;  the  new-moons  and  fabbaths, 
 
 goats, 
 f  Heb. 
 
 the  calling  of  affemblies,  I  cannot  away  with  ;  it  is 
 
 1  **’-‘^*  ...  r' - f 
 
 io  be  seen,  iniquitv,  even  the  folemn  meeting. 
 
 H  Or, 
 grief. 
 g  Pro7. 
 1.  28. 
 Jerem. 
 M.  12. 
 Micah 
 5.  4. 
 t  Heb. 
 multiply 
 jt^rayer. 
 h  Chap. 
 59.  3. 
 t  Heb. 
 bloods, 
 i  1  Pet. 
 
 3,  n. 
 
 B  Or, 
 Tighten. 
 
 14  Your  new-moons  and  your  appointed  fealfs  my 
 foul  hateth  :  they  are  a  trouble  unto  me;  I  am  weary 
 to  bear  them. 
 
 15  s  And  when  ye  fpread  forth  your  hands,  I  will 
 hide  mine  eyes  from  you  ;  yea,  when  ye  f  make 
 many  prayers,  I  w'ill  not  hear:  your  hands  are  full  of 
 ^  t  blood. 
 
 16  II  Wafh  you,  make  you  clean;  put  away  the 
 evil  of  your  doings  from  before  mine  eyes  :  ‘  ceafe  to 
 do  evil ; 
 
 17  Learn  to  do  well;  feek  judgment ;  1|  relieve 
 the  oppreffed  ;  judge  the  fatherlefs ;  plead  for  the 
 widow. 
 
 18  Come  now,  and  let  us  reafon  together,  faith  the 
 Lord  :  though  your  fins  be  as  fcarlet,  they  fhall  be 
 
 ^'^Venta^^ce 
 
 as  white  as  fnow  ;  though  they  be  red  like  crimfon  B.r 
 
 fhp\7  fVtoll  Ko  no  \T7/n/nl  >  ' 
 
 they  fhall  be  as  wool.  '  — ueior^ 
 
 19  If  ye  be  willing  and  obedient,  ye  fhall  eat  thp 
 good  of  the  land  ; 
 
 20  But  if  ye  refufe  and  rebel,  ye  fhall  be  devoured 
 with  the  fword  :  for  the  mouth  of  the  Lord  hath 
 fpoken  it. 
 
 21  H  How  is  the  faithful  city  become  an  harlot  !  it 
 was  full  of  judgment ;  righteoufnefs  lodged  in  it ;  but 
 now  murderers ! 
 
 22  Ihy  filver  is  become  drofs,  thy  wine  mixed  with 
 water  : 
 
 23  Thy  princes  are  rebellious,  and  companions  of 
 
 thieves  :  every  one  loveth  gifts,  and  followeth  after 
 rewards  :  they  ‘‘judge  not  the  fatherlefs,  neither  doth*' 
 the  caufe  of  the  widow  come  unto  them.  f  -‘‘• 
 
 24  Therefore,  faith  the  Lord,  the  Lord  of  hoks,  f  jo 
 the  mighty  One  of  Ifrael,  Ah,  I  will  eafe  me  of  mine 
 adverlaries,  and  avenge  me  of  mine  enemies : 
 
 25  And  I  will  turn  my  hand  upon  thee,  and  f  purely  t  Hei,. 
 
 purge  away  thy  drofs,  and  take  away  all  thy  tin  ;  “ccur*,,, 
 
 26  And  I  will  reftore  thy  judges  as  at  the  firft,’ and 
 thy  counfellors  as  at  the  beginning:  afterward  thou"^*'" 
 fhalt  be  called.  The  city  of  righteoufnefs,  The  faith¬ 
 ful  city. 
 
 27  Zion  fhall  be  redeemed  with  judgment,  and 
 
 11  her  converts  with  righteoufnefs.  rcVnxlf 
 
 28  ^  And  the  '  f  deftru^fion  of  the  tranfgrefTors  and 
 of  the  Tinners  shall  he  together,  and  they  that  forfake* 
 the  Lord  fhall  be  confumed. 
 
 29  For  they  fhall  be  afhamed  of  the  oaks  which  ye 
 
 have  defired,  and  ye  fhall  be  confounded  for  the^-^'* 
 gardens  that  ye  have  chofen.  73.27.4 
 
 30  For  ye  fhall  be  as  an  oak  wbofe  leaf  fadeth,  and 
 
 as  a  garden  that  hath  no  water.  t  Heb." 
 
 31  And  theftrong  (hall  be  as  tow,  !l  and  the  maker 
 
 of  it  as  a  fpark,  and  they  fhall  both  burn  together, ''  ??■ 
 and  none  fhall  quench  Mm.*  “2“ 
 
 is  generally  fixed  to  the  time  of  Ahaz.  Ver.  8.  The  daughter  of  Zion  is  left  as  a 
 cottage,  or  (bed  in  a  vineyard.  This  was  a  little  temporary  but  covered  with  boughs, 
 flraw,  turf,  or  the  like  materials  ;  for  a  (hclter  from  the  heat  by  day  and  the  cold 
 and  dew  by  night,  for  the  watchmen  of  the  vineyard,  during  the  (hort  feafon  while 
 the  fruit  was  ripening;  (Job  xxvii.  1  8.)  and  prefently  removed  when  it  ferved  that 
 purpofe.  Sol.  Songii.  15.  Ver.  9.  ExcejU  the  Lord,  or  Jehovah  of  hosts.  This 
 title  imports  that  the  God  of  Ifrael  is  Jehovah  the  Lord  of  hofts  or  armies;  as  he 
 ii  the  Creator  and  fupreme  governor  of  all  beings  in  heaven  and  earth,  and  dif- 
 pofeth  and  ruleth  them  all  in  their  feveral  orders  and  ftations  ;  the  almighty  uni- 
 verfal  Lord.  So  to  the  fovereign  grace  and  power  of  God  is  to  be  aferibed  the 
 prefervation  and  bleffednefs  of  a  remnant  of  Ifrael  devoted  to  his  fervice  in  every 
 age.  Ver.  10.  Ye  rulers  of  Sodom.  This  incident  at  the  mention  of  Sodom  and  Go¬ 
 morrah  in  the  preceding  verfe,  fuggefted  to  the  prophet  this  fpiritual  addrefs  to  the 
 rulers  and  inhabilants  of  Jerufalem,  under  the  charadlcr  of  the  princes  of  Sodom 
 and  people  of  Gomorrah.  Tw-o  examples  of  this  fort  of  elegant  turns  of  a  like 
 kind  are  to  be  obferved  in  Paul’s  epiflle  to  the  Romans,  xv.  4,  5,  1 2,  I  3.  Ver.  1 1 , 
 From  this  verfe  to  the  I  6th,  Ifaiah  teflifies  God’s  abhorrence  of  formal  worflrip. 
 Amos  exprefles  the  fame  truth  with  great  elegance  and  energy;  v.  21 — 24.  The 
 fat  and  blood  of  fed  beafts  are  particularly  mentioned,  becaufe  thefe  were  in  all  fa- 
 criftces  fet  apart  to  God.  The  fat  w'as  always  burnt  upon  the  altar ;  and  the  blood 
 vas  partl3'  fprinkled,  differently  on  different  occafions,  and  partly  poured  out  at 
 the  bottom  of  the  altar,  Lev.  iv.  Ver.  16.  Wash  you.  This  refers  to  the  preced¬ 
 ing  verfe,  “  Your  hands  are  full  of  blood  and  alludes  to  the  legal  wafhings 
 commanded  on  feveral  occafions.  Lev.  xiv.  8,  9,  47.  Ver.  18.  Though  your  sins 
 be  as  scarlet.  This  is  a  flrong  colour  produced  from  a  worm  or  inlietS,  which 
 grows  in  a  cocrus,  or  excrefcence,  of  a  fhrub  of  the  ilex  kind,  like  the  cochineal 
 worm  in  the  Opmitia  of  America.  To  difeharge  fuch  a  colour  is  impoflible  to 
 human  art  or  power;  but  to  the  giace  and  power  of  God,  all  things  even  much 
 
 more  difficult,  are  poffibie  and  eafy.  Ver.  1  9.  Ye  shall  eat  the  good  of  the  land.\ 
 This  refers  to  verfe  7.  “  Your  land,  ftrangers  devour  it.”  Ver.  21.  Huw  islhe]' 
 faithful  city  become  an  harlot.  Ifrael  were  married  by  covenant  to  the  Lord  •  ai.d 
 therefore  when  their  affedlions  were  transferred  to  another  objedf  than  God,  they 
 were  chargeable  with  fpiritual  fornication.  Ver.  22.  Wine  mixed  with  water.  An 
 image  ufed  for  the  adulteiation  of  wine.  V‘:r.  24.  Ah  !  I  will  ease  me  of  mine 
 adversaries.  Anger,  arifing  from  a  fenfe  of  injury  and  affront,  efpecialiy  from 
 thofe,  who,  from  every  confideration  of  duty  and  gratitude,  ought  to  have  hehaied 
 far  otherwife,  is  an  uneafy  and  painful  fenfation  :  and  revenge,  executed  to  the  full 
 on  the  offenders,  removes  that  uneafinefs.  This  is  applied  to  God  after  the  man- 
 ner  of  men  ;  he  uniformly  expreffes  his  difpleafure  according  to  juftice.  Ver.  27. 
 Zion  shall  be  redeemed  with  judgment.  By  the  exercife  of  God’s  ftridl  juftice  in  de. 
 ftroying  the  obdurate,  ver.  28.  and  delivering  the  penitent;  “in  righleournefs ; " 
 by  the  truth  and  faithfulnefs  of  God  in  performing  his  promifes.  Ver.  29,  SO. 
 Tbefe  verfes  refer  to  the  facred  groves  which  were  a  very  ancient  and  favourite 
 appendage  of  idolatry.  They  made  a  principal  part  of  the  Canaanites’  religion  ; 
 and  the  Ifraelites  were  commanded  to  deflroy  them,  with  every  othir  monunnenl 
 of  falfe  worfliip.  The  Ifraelites,  hotyever,  became  afterwards  ranch  addidled  to 
 this  fpecies  of  idolatry,  Ezek.  xx.  28.  Hof.  iv.  15.  A  garden  that  hath  no  waler, 
 expreffes  the  greateft  degree  of  barrennefs;  for  in  the  hot  countries  of  the  call, 
 by  a  few  days  without  a  fupply  of  water,  every  thing  in  a  garden  w'ould  be  totally 
 burnt  up  and  deftroyed.  Each  garden  in  thefe  countries  has  a  conftant  fupply 
 either  from  fome  ntighbouring  river,  or  from  a  refervoir  of  water  collecfted  f  om 
 fprings,  or  filled  with  water  in  the  proper  feafon,  in  fiifficient  quantity  to  afford  . 
 ample  provifion  for  the  reft;  of  the  year.  Keeping  this  circumftanee  in  view,  we 
 perceive  peculiar  beauty  and  impreffive  inftrudlion,  in  fome  paffages  of  facred 
 writ,  Gen.  ii.  10,  13,  20.  Prov.  xxi.  1.  Pfal.  i.  3.  Jer.  xvii.  8.  Eccl.  ii.  5,  9. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  I  ]  In  the  moft  awful  manner  both  heaven  and  earth  atteft  the  importance  of  what  God  fpeaks,  and  the  equity 
 of  what  he  inflitSls.  How  horrid  is  ingratitude,  how  /hocking  are  the  ignorance  and  tboughtleffnefs  which  are  fomelimes  found  among  profeffors  of  the  truth. 
 When  heinous  corruptions  become  univerfal,  inveterate,  and  highly  aggravated,  what  can  be  expedled  but  ruinous  judgments.  It  is  a  great  mercy  for  a  ration 
 UHiverfally  ripe  for  ruin,  to  have  but  a  fmall  remnant  of  eminent  faints.  Thrice  happy  are  they  who  are  of  the  number,  and  are  by  grace  preferred  from 
 deftfuAion  with  the  multitude.  The  greateft  enemies  to  the  power  of  godlinefs  are  often  the  ftriAeft  obfervers  of  the  form  ;  but  nothing  is  more  abominable  to 
 
Before 
 Chrift 
 cir.  760. 
 
 a  Micah 
 4.  li 
 
 I  Or. 
 
 prepared. 
 
 I  Or, 
 
 scythes^ 
 
 A  pyophecy  of  Christ  s  kingdom, 
 
 CHAP.  II. 
 
 1  Isaiah  prophesieth  the  comin"  of  Christ’s  kingdom.  8  Wickenncsf  is  the 
 cause  of  Goi'sforsaHag.  10  He  exhorleth  to  fear,  because  of  the  power¬ 
 ful  effects  of  God's  majesty. 
 
 The  word  that  Ifaiah  the  Con  of  Amoz  faw  con¬ 
 cerning  Judah  and  Jerufalem. 
 
 2  »  And  it  (hall  come  to  pafs  in  the  laft  days,  (hat 
 the  mountain  of  the  Lord’s  houfe  (hall  be  H  eftablifh- 
 ed  in  the  top  of  the  mountains,  and  (hall  be  exalted 
 above  the  hills;  and  all  nations  (hall  flow  unto  it : 
 
 3  And  many  people  (hall  go  and  fay,  Come  ye, 
 and  let  us  go  up  to  the  mountain  of  the  Lord,  to  the 
 houfe  of  the  God  of  Jacob  ;  and  he  will  teach  us  of 
 his  ways,  and  we  will  walk  in  his  paths:  for  out  of 
 Zion  fhall  go  forth  the  law,  and  the  word  of  the  Lord 
 from  Jerulalem. 
 
 4  And  he  fhall  judge  among  the  nations,  and  (hall 
 rebuke  many  people  ;  and  they  (hall  beat  their  (words 
 into  plough-fhares,  and  their  (pears  into  |1  pruning- 
 hooks :  nation  (hall  not  lift  up  (word  againfl  nation, 
 neither  (hall  they  learn  war  any  more. 
 
 5  O  houfe  of  Jacob,  come  ye,  and  let  us  walk  in 
 the  light  of  the  Lord. 
 
 6  11  Therefore  thou  haft  forfaken  thy  people  the 
 houfe  of  Jacob,  becaufe  they  be  replenifhed  |l  from 
 snore  than  eaft,  and  are  foothfayers  like  the  Philiftines,  and 
 II  pl^^fe  themfelves  in  the  children  of  ftrangers. 
 
 7  Their  land  alfo  is  full  of  filver  and  gold,  neither 
 is  there  any  end  of  their  treafures ;  their  land  is  alfo 
 full  of  horfes,  neither  is  there  any  end  of  their  cha¬ 
 riots  : 
 
 8  Their  land  alfo  is  full  of  idols  :  they  worfhip  the 
 work  of  their  own  hands,  that  which  their  own  fin¬ 
 gers  have  made. 
 
 9  And  the  mean  man  boweth  down,  and  the  great 
 man  humbleth  himfelf :  therefore  forgive  them  not. 
 
 10  H  Enter  into  the  rock  and  hide  thee  in  the 
 dulf,  for  fear  of  the  Lord,  and  for  the  glory  of  his 
 roajefty. 
 
 11  ^  The  lofty  looks  of  man  (hall  be  humbled,  and 
 the  haughtinefs  of  men  (hall  be  bowed  down ;  and 
 the  Lord  alone  (hall  be  exalted  in  that  day. 
 
 12  For  the  day  of  the  Lord  of  hofts  shall  he  upon 
 every  one  that  is  proud  and  lofty,  and  upon  every  one 
 that  is  lifted  up,  and  he  (hall  be  brought  low  : 
 
 Or, 
 
 abound 
 with  the 
 children, 
 jc. 
 
 b  Chap. 
 5.  15. 
 
 ISAIAJI.  The  po'wcrful  effects  of  Gods  majesty, 
 
 13  And  upon  all  the  cedars  cf  Lebanon,  that  are 
 high  and  lifted  up,  and  upon  all  the  oaks  of  Bafhan, 
 
 14  And  upon  all  the  high  mountains,  and  upon  allv^, — > 
 the  hills  that  are  lifted  up, 
 
 15  And  upon  every  high  tower,  and  upon  every 
 
 fenced  wall,  n  ,  +  Heb 
 
 IG  And  upon  all  the  (hips  of  Tarfhiih,  and  upon 
 
 all  t  pleafant  piftures.  desire. 
 
 17  And  the  loftinefs  of  man  fhall  be  bowed  down,  a 
 
 and  the  haughtinefs  of  men  (hall  be  made  low  ;  aod|"y/^* 
 the  Lord  alone  fliall  be  exalted  in  that  day.  terly  past 
 
 18  And  II  the  idols  he  (hall  utterly  abolifli.  awny. 
 
 19  And  they  fhall  go  into  the  <=  holes  of  the  rocks,  ^  Hof. 
 
 and  into  the  caves  of  f  the  earth,  for  fear  of  the  j 
 Lord,  and  for  the  glory  of  his  majefty,  when  be  21. 30. 
 arifeth  to  (hake  terribly  the  earth.  Revel. 
 
 20  In  that  day  a  man  (hall  caft  t  his  idols  of  filver,  ^6-  & 
 and  his  idols  of  gold,  |1  which  they  made  each  one  for 
 himfelf  to  worfhip,  to  the  moles  and  to  the  bats  ;  the  dust. 
 
 21  To  go  into  the  clefts  of  the  rocks,  and  into  thet 
 
 tops  of  the  ragged  rocks,  for  fear  of  the  Lord, 
 for  the  glory  of  his  majefty,  when  he  arifeth  to  (hake^^, 
 terribly  the  earth.  ^  u  Or, 
 
 22  Ceafe  ye  from  man,  whofe  breath  is  in  his  nof- 
 trils ;  for  wherein  is  he  to  be  accounted  of?" 
 
 CHAP.  III. 
 
 I  The  great  confusion  which  cometh  by  sin.  9  The  impudence  of  the 
 people  ;  1  2  The  oppression  and  covetousness  f  the  rulers.  1  6  The  judg¬ 
 ments  which  shall  be  for  the  pride  of  the  women. 
 
 OR,  behold,  the  Lord,  the  Lord  of  hofts,  doth 
 
 made  for 
 him. 
 
 F- 
 
 _  take  away  from  Jerufalem,  and  from  Judah,  the 
 
 ftay  and  the  ftaft',  the  whole  ftay  of  bread,  and  the 
 whole  ftay  of  water, 
 
 2  The  mighty  man,  and  the  man  of  war,  the  judge, 
 and  the  prophet,  and  the  prudent,  and  the  ancient. 
 
 3  The  captain  of  fifty,  and  t  the  honourable  man,  f  Heb. 
 and  the  counfellor,  and  the  cunning  artificer,  and  the“ 
 
 II  eloquent  orator.  _  _  _  counte- 
 
 4  And  1  will  give  *  children  to  be  their  princes,  and  nance* 
 
 babes  fhall  rule  over  them.  H  Oo 
 
 5  And  the  people  fhall  be  opprefTed,  every  one 
 another,  and  every  one  by  his  neighbour  :  the  child  a  Exod. 
 (liall  behave  himfelf  proudly  againlf  the  ancient,  and  to.  le. 
 the  bale  againlt  the  honourable. 
 
 6  When  a  man  fhall  take  hold  of  his  brother,  of. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  11.  Ver.  1.  The  word  that  Isaiah 
 saw.  The  prophecy  contained  in  ibis  and  the  two  following  chapters  makes  one 
 continued  difcourfe.  Ver.  2.  From  this  verfe  to  the  fifth  the  prophet  foretels  the 
 efiabliihraent  of  Meffiah’s  kingdom,  and  the  enlargement,  by  the  converfion  of 
 the  Gentiles  ;  comp.  Micah  iv.  1 — 4.  Wherever  the  latter  limes  are  mentioned 
 by  the  prophets,  the  days  of  Mefiiah  are  always  meant ;  and  in  regard  to  this 
 place  nothing  is  more  clear  and  certain.  Ver.  6.  Therefore  thou  hast  forsaken  thy 
 people.  From  this  verfe  to  the  end  of  the  chapter  is  foretold  the  punifhment  of 
 the  unbelieving  Jews,  and  the  dellru<5Uon  of  idolatry  in  confequence  of  the  pro- 
 grefs  of  Meffiah’s  dominion.  The  iniquities  of  the  Jews  are  defcribed  in  lan¬ 
 guage  applicable  to  the  prophet’s  time.  Ver.  7.  Their  land  is  full  of  horses.  This 
 was  a  diretSl  contradidlion  of  the  law  of  God,  Deut.  xvii.  16,  17.  Ver.  9.  And  the 
 mean  man  boweth  down,  and  the  great  man  humbleth  himsef;  thcrfore  forgive 
 them  not ;  or,  “  Therefore  ffiall  the  mean  man  be  bowed  down,  and  the  mighty 
 man  fhall  be  humbled,  and  thou  wilt  not  forgive  them.”  They  bowed  themfelves 
 down  to  their  idols;  therefore  ffiall  they  bow  down,  and  be  brought  low  under 
 the  avenging  hand  of  God.  Ver.  1 3 — 1 6.  W^e  find  in  many  other  places  of  ferip- 
 ture,  befides  this,  that  cedars  of  Lebanon  and  oaks  of  Baffian  are  ufed  in  the  way 
 
 of  metaphor  and  allegory,  for  kings,  princes,  potentates  of  the  highefl  rank,  high 
 mountains  and  lofty  hills;  for  kingdoms,  republics,  ftates,  cities,  towns,  and  for- 
 treffes  ;  for  defenders  and  protedlors,  either  by  counfel  or  flrength,  in  peace  or 
 war — (hips  of  Tarfliiffi,  and  works  of  art,  and  invention  employed  in  adorning 
 them;  for  merchants,  men  enriched  by  commerce,  and  abounding  in  the  elegan¬ 
 cies  and  luxuries  of  life,  fuch  as  thofe  of  Tyre  and  Sidon  ;  for  it  appears  from  lh« 
 courfe  of  the  whole  pafTage,  and  from  the  train  of  ideas,  that  the  fortreffes  and  the 
 fliips  are  to  be  taken  metaphorically,  as  well  as  tire  high  trees  and  the  lofty  moun¬ 
 tains.  Ver.  20.  To  the  moles.  They  fhall  carry  their  idols  with  them  into  the 
 dark  caverns,  old  ruins,  or  defolate  places,  to  which  they  (hall  flee  for  refuge  f  and 
 fo  fhall  relinquifh  them  to  the  filthy  animals  that  have  taken  polTeffiun  of  fuch 
 places  as  their  proper  habitadon. 
 
 EXPLANATORY'  NOTES.  Chap.  III.  Ver.  1.  The  stay  and  the  staff. 
 Heb.  “  The  fupport  mafeuline,  and  the  fupport  feminine  !”  that  is,  every  kind  of 
 fupport,  whether  great  or  fmall,  (Irong  or  weak.  Ver.  2,  3.  Are  clearly  explained, 
 2  Kings  xxiv.  1 4.  Ver.  4.  C/a'Wren  pririces,  means  weak  and  wicked  rulers.  Ver. 
 7.  For  in  my  house  is  neither  bread  nor  clothing.  Princes  and  great  men  in  the  eaft 
 are  obliged  to  have  a  great  (lock  of  furniture  and  clothes  ready  for  prefents  at  all 
 
 God  than  indulged  hypocrify  in  our  devotion.  What  an  extenfive  work  is  the  real  exercife  of  godlinefs  !  God  by  the  mod  gracious  pardons  encourages  us  to  it ;  and 
 gracioufly  he  warns  men  before  he  ftrikes  them  with  judgments.  But,  alas!  nothing  is  too  wicked  for  apoflate  profeffors  of  true  religion  to  commit.  Injufiice  id 
 men,  efpecially  to  the  poor,  marks  thofe  who  pra<51ife  it  the  detefled  enemies  of  God,  whom  he  can  eafily  deftroy. 
 
 PRACTICAL  observations. — *  Chap.  II.]  Fellowfliip  with  Chrift  and  his  people  can  only  be  expedled  in  the  obfervanee  of  his  ordinances.  It  it 
 comfortable  that  amidft  numerous  corruptions  and  contentions  in  the  Chriftian  church,  we  can  look  back  to  wonderful  things  done  by  the  Lord  ;  and  can  look  for- 
 ward  to  dill  greater  things  How  delightful  will  it  be  when  every  one  will  provoke  his  neighbour  to  learn  the  truths  cf  Jefus,  embrace  his  perlbn  and  ferve  him  in 
 the  beauties  of  holinefs  !  It  is  impoffible,  either  by  flight  or  refiftance,  for  idolaters  to  fave  themfelves  or  tlieir  idols,  whofe  deftrudlion  is  decreed. 
 
’I'  c  rulers  opjircssion  and  covi'tcHsiicss» 
 
 thou  on^r°^i  I'hou  haft  clothing,  be 
 
 cir.  760.  thou  our  ruler,  and  this  rum  under  thy  hand  : 
 
 t  Heb.  an '+  he^lel^Y  t  jwear,  (ki ing,  I  uill  not  be 
 
 ]  -•  rn’i  houle  is  neither  bread  nor 
 
 hand.  hing  .  make  me  not  a  ruler  of  the  people. 
 
 1  K  r  Jerufalem  is  ruined,  and  Judah  is  fallen  • 
 .....„,.b^cau(e  t^he|^r  tongue  and  their  doings  againft  the 
 n^^rk°  provoke  the  eyes  of  his  glory. 
 
 b  Gen.  a^ainfi  .Lm countenance  doth  witnefs 
 i>.  13.  ’  ^tid  they  declare  their  fin  as  ^  Sodom 
 
 18.  11. &  they  hide  it  not :  woe  un-o  their  foul!  for  they  have 
 
 19.  5.  rewarded  evil  unto  themfelves. 
 
 10  n  Say  ye  to  the  righteous,  that  it  shall  be  well 
 ,1  ^t-uit  of  their  doings, 
 
 for  t  h  fhe  wicked  !  it  ihall  be  ill  vcit/i  him  ; 
 
 for  the  reward  of  his  hands  (hall  be  f  given  him. 
 
 ^  As  Jor  my  people,  children  arc  their  oppref- 
 H  Or,  the  tors,  and  women  rule  over  them.  O  ray  people  ii 
 
 thee  to  err,  and  f  deftr’oy 
 
 t  P  Lord  ftandeth  up  to  plead,  and  ftandeth  ! 
 to  j  jdge  the  people. 
 
 14  1  he  Lord  will  enter  into  judgment  with  the 
 
 ancients  of  his  people,  and  the  princes  thereof:  for  ye 
 have  II  eaten  up  the  vineyard;  the  fpoil  of  the  poor 
 ts  in  your  houles.  ^ 
 
 15  What  mean  ye  that  ye  beat  my  people  to  pieces, 
 of  hSs°^  ^2ces  of  the  poor faith  the  Lord  God 
 
 16  ^  Moreover,  the  Lord  faid,  Becaufe  the  dauph- 
 
 nr  /.mn  at-a  Konr^Kr,,  _ M_  VI  ri  »  ^  . 
 
 ISAIAH. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 done  10 
 him 
 
 t  Heb. 
 Siva. 'low 
 
 tij>. 
 
 It  Or. 
 
 burnt. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 haughty,  and  walk  with  ftretched- 
 forth  necks,  and  f  wanton  eyes,  walking  and  (i  min- 
 
 cinir  a.'?  rhpTr  ot>  ,  ••  •  ' 
 
 II  Or, 
 trip/hng 
 nicflt/. 
 f  Heb. 
 made 
 naked. 
 
 S  Or, 
 
 net-works. 
 
 .  ,  ■  -  _  auu  I  lUUi- 
 
 cing  as  they  go,  and  making  a  tinkling  with  their 
 feet : 
 
 17  Therefore  the  Lord  will  fmite  with  a  fcab  the 
 crown  of  the  head  of  the  daughters  of  Zion,  and  the 
 Lord  will  t  difcover  their  fecret  parts, 
 no  day  the  Lord  will  take  away  the  bra- 
 
 sweeikaiis.^^^y  „  tinkling  ornaments  about  their  feet,  and 
 
 U  Or.  M  cauls,  and  their  round  tires  like  the  moon, 
 
 spangled  19  The  ||  chaios,  and  the  bracelets,  and  the  II  muf- 
 
 mna-  fleis, 
 
 t  nib.  ,  Lhe  bonnets,  and  the  ornaments  of  the  legs,  and 
 houses  of  llic  hea^d-bands,  and  the  t  tablets,  and  the  ear-rings 
 thesoui.  21  The  rings,  and  nofe-jewels,  ’ 
 
 occafions  ;  for  the  fahiions  never  alter.  Great  quantity  of  provifion  for  the  table 
 ■was  equally  neceffary  ;  1  Kings  iv.  22,  a 4.  NeH.  v.  17,  IS.  One  deflitute  of 
 thefe  things  was  nrifit  to  undeitake  the  government.  Ver.  15.  And  grind  the 
 faces  of  the  poor.  The  expreffion  and  image  is  hrong  to  denote  grievous  opprtf. 
 fjons;  but  IS  exceeded  by  the  prophet  Micab,  iii.  1—3,  Ver.  16.  The  daughters 
 of  Zion  contributed  to  fwell  the  national  guilt,  and  mud  therefore  Ihare  iiT their 
 plagues.  \fcr.  17.  It  was  the  cuftom  of  the  conquerors  of  thofe  times  to  ftrip 
 their  captives  naked,  and  make  them  travel  in  that  condition,  expofed  to  the 
 inclemency  of  the  weather,  and  word  of  all,  to  the  intolerable  heat  of  the  fun. 
 This  to  women,  and  efpecially  to  the  charaaers  here  defcribed,  was  the  height  of 
 cruelty  and  indignity.  Ver.  21.  Nose  jewels.  This  falhion  is  dill  common  in  the 
 ^d,  Gen,  xxiv.  47.  Prov.  xi.  22.  Kzek.  xvi.  11,  12.  Ver.  24.  Sweet  smell. 
 Rich  ornaments  were  common  among  the  ladies  of  the  ead,  Sol,  Song  iv.  10,  1  i. 
 Edh.  ii.  12.  Ver.  26.  Sitting  on  the  ground  was  a  podure  that  denoted  mourn¬ 
 ing  and  deep  didrefs,  Lam.  ii.  s.  Pfal.  cxxxvii.  1.  «  W'e  find  Judea,  ’  fays  Mr 
 Addifon,  “  on  feveral  coins  of  Vefpafian  and  Titus  in  a  podure  (fitting)  that  de¬ 
 notes  forrow  and  captivity.”  ° 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  IV.  Ver.  1.  The  divifion  of  the  chap- 
 
 Christ^s  bingdom  a  sanctuary, 
 
 tipo^  I  changeable  fuits  of  apparel,  and  the  man-  Before 
 ^  o’  the  cnfping-pins,  Chria 
 
 linen,  and  the  hoods 
 
 and  the  vails.  ’  — 
 
 24  And  it  fhall  come  to  pafs,  that  inftead  of  fweet 
 Iraell^  there  fhall  be  Itink  ;  and  inftead  of  a  girdle  a 
 rent;  anu  inftead  of  well-fet  hair  baldnefs ;  and  in- 
 Ifead  of  a  ftomacher  a  girding  of  fackcloth  ;  and  burn- 
 mg  inftead  of  beauty. 
 
 25  Thy  men  fhall  fall  by  the  fword,  and  thy  ft  Heb 
 
 mighty  in  the  war.  ^ 
 
 26  And  her  gates  fhall  lament  and  mourn  ;  and  fhe  " 
 being  II  f  defolate,  fhali  fit  upon  the  ground.* 
 
 CHAP.  IV.  L,,i 
 
 AlnUie  eilremitp  of  evUs,  Christ's  Idngdom  shall  he  a  sanctuaru. 
 
 INU  in  ttiat  day  leven  women  fhall  take  hold  of 
 one  man,  faying,  We  will  eat  our  own  bread 
 and  wear  our  own  apparel ;  only  f  let  us  be  called  by  t  Heb. 
 tny  name,  ||  to  take  away  our  reproach.  * 
 
 2  f  InihatdayfhallthebraDchof  theLoRD  bef  beau.r^r/^ 
 tiful  and  glorious  and  the  ffuit  of  the  earth  shall  be  ex-  upoLs 
 cellent  and  ccmelj  f  for  them  that  are  efcaped  of  Ifrael.  II  Or, 
 
 3  And  It  fhall  come  to  pafs,  that  he  that  is  left 
 
 remaineth  in  Jerufalem,  fhall  beTHeb 
 called  holy,  even  every  one  that  is  written  I1  among  beauty 
 the  living  in  Jerufalem  :  ^andgiry. 
 
 4  When  the  Lord  fhall  have  wafhed  away  the  filth  t 
 
 niall  have  purged 
 
 blood  of  Jerufalem  from  the  midft  thereof,  by  the  if  ts.ak 
 Ipirit  of  judgment,  and  by  the  fpirit  of  burning.  «  Or, 
 
 5  And  the  Lord  will  create  upon  every  dwelling- 
 place  of  mount  Zion,  and  upon  her  affemblies,  a  ®  ® 
 cloud  and  fmoke  by  day,  and  the  fhinlng  of  a  flaming 
 fire  by  night  :  for  upon  alhhe  glory  5^  jjf  a  defence.  |)  Or, 
 
 I  6  And  there  ihall  be  a  tabernacle  for  a  (hadow 
 ;  the  day-time  from  the  heat,  and  for  a  place  of  refuge  ^  " 
 
 and  for  a  covert  from  florm  and  from  rain  +  >  cover, ng. 
 
 CHAP.  V. 
 
 1  Under  the  parable  of  a  vineyard,  5  Godjuslfeth  his  severe  judgments  ; 
 ti  his  judgments  upon  covetousness,  11  upon  lasciviousness,  13  upon  im- 
 piety,  20  and  vjion  injustice,  <^c.  ^  Jerem 
 
 NOW  will  1  fing  to  my  well-beloved  a  long  ofs.  2l‘”‘ 
 my  beloved  touching  “  his  vineyard.  My  well 
 beloved  hath  a  vineyard  in  f  a  very  fruitful  hill :  li' 
 
 2  And  he  ll  fenced  it,  and  gathered  out  the  ftones  12.  1. 
 
 Luke  20.  9.  t  Heb.  The  horn  cf  the  sons  of  oil.  (|  Or,  made  a  wall  about  it. 
 
 eL  broken  it  off  almoft  in  the  midft  of  the  ft-n- 
 
 tence.  The  numbers  flam  in  battle  fliall  be  fo  great,  that  feven  women  fhall  he 
 
 £  fruft  ofTe"'!  A  '  ‘‘PP'-oP^ated  title  to  Meffiah  :  and 
 
 the  fruit  of  the  land  means  the  great  Perfon  to  fpring  from  the  houfe  of  Judah, 
 
 or  perhaps  the  bleflings  confequent  upon  the  redemption  procured  by  him.  Ver, 
 .  li  ritten  among  the  Iwmg  in  Jerusalem,  refers  to  thofe  names  that  flood  in  the 
 regifter  of  the  people,  Ezek.  xiii.  9.  Exod.  xxxii.  32.  Ver.  4.  Spirit  ofburniwr 
 j  means  the  tire  of  God’s  wrath  by  which  he  will  prove  and  purify  his  people  Ezif 
 
 Th  a-  ^  ‘^“36  is  an  allufion  m  th’e  gi;!; 
 
 that  relied  on  the  tabernacle,  Exod.  xiii.  21.  Zech.  ii.  5.  Ver.  6.  In  count, ies 
 
 fubjea  to  violent  tempefts,  or  intolerable  heat,  a  portable  tent  is  a  neceffarv  part 
 of  a  traveller  s  baggage  for  defence  and  fhelter.  '  ^ 
 
 Thiscliapterisunconnera- 
 
 fh^r  nf  ;  ""‘i  ‘be  fubjea  of  it  is  nearly  fhe  fame  with 
 
 vvf  L “a  ‘be  application  of  thefe  verfes,  Matth. 
 
 ■  '''  'Y-  Poifunous  berries,  are  not  only  ufelefs,  but  perni- 
 
 cious.  Ibey  are  fuppofed  to  mean  the  hoary  nightfliade;  a  plant  the  very  op- 
 pofite  of  the  vine.  It  grows  much  in  vineyards,  is  very  hurtful  to  them,  and 
 
 Nations  are  evidently  near  to  the  moft  fearful  deftruaion,  when  alU^nU  at^Rxes'^^^randMed  trfinning  •  ^or  wh^^Tl"  ^"d  f"'”  unrepented  fins, 
 
 irient;  when  popular  tumults  dare  to  interrupt  the  adminiftration  of  juftice,  and  when  thofe  who  Ousrht  to  be’diftin^  ‘be  helm  of  govern- 
 
 -ho  c.„  elodo  .he  ....ge.oee  of  he„.„  ofdlrf  S’"’ 
 
 »otUl,  difopp<.i»l«eii.i  delemioe  us  lo  eboofe  .od  «Ihm  .0  die  hlew"je”dS  hs  "ihe  oSV'f.'^ig^p'oIS ^nheXol’^^  5“  “  “‘‘“'"I"'  “W 
 
I'fgmcnts 
 
 upon 
 
 coveioasness, 
 
 and 
 
 (jod  s  jti 
 
 Refore  rhercof,  and  planted  it  with  the  choiceft  vine, 
 
 built  a  tower  in  the  midft  of  it,  and  alfo  f  made  a  wine- ; 
 ’^prei's  therein  :  and  he  looked  that  it  Ihould  bring  forth 
 
 I  Heb. 
 iteviiii’ 
 
 ISAIAH. 
 
 lasciviousness,  impiety ^  injustice,  ^e. 
 
 grapes,  and  it  brought  forth  wild  grapes. 
 
 3  And  now,  O  inhabitants  of  Jerufalem,  and  men 
 of  Judah,  judge,  I  pray  you,  betwixt  me  and  my  vine¬ 
 yard. 
 
 4  What  could  have  been  done  more  to  my  vine¬ 
 yard,  that  I  have  not  done  in  it  ?  wherefore,  when  I 
 looked  that  it  fhould  bring  forth  grapes,  brought  it 
 forth  wild  grapes  ? 
 
 5  And  now  go  to ;  I  will  tell  you  what  I  will  do  to 
 my  vineyards  1  will  take  away  the  hedge  thereof, 
 and  it  fhall  be  eaten  up ;  and  break  down  the  wall 
 thereof,  and  it  fhall  be  f  trodden  down: 
 
 6  And  1  will  lay  it  wafte:  it  fhall  not  be  pruned 
 nor  digged  :  but  there  fhall  come  up  briars  and  thorns : 
 I  will  alfo  command  the  clouds  that  they  rain  no  rain 
 upon  it. 
 
 7  For  the  vineyard  of  the  Lord  of  hofts  is  the 
 houfe  of  Ifrael,  and  the  men  of  Judah  f  his  pleafant 
 plant :  and  he  looked  for  judgment,  but  behold  f  op- 
 preflion  ;  for  righteoufnels,  but  behold  a  cry. 
 
 8  f  Woe  unto  them  that  join  houfe  to  houfe,  that 
 lay  field  to  field,  till  there  be  no  place,  that  f  they  may 
 be  placed  alone  in  the  midft  of  the  earth ! 
 
 9  il  In  mine  e^xs^/aid  the  Lord  of  hofts,  t  Of  a 
 truth  many  houfes  fhall  be  defolate,  even  great  and 
 fair,  without  inhabitant. 
 
 10  Yea,  ten  acres  of  vineyard  fhall  yield  one  bath, 
 (“7’and  the  feed  of  an  homer  fhall  yield  an  ephah. 
 
 11  H  '  Woe  unto  them  that  rife  up  early  in  the 
 morning,  that  they  may  follow  ftrong  drink  ;  that 
 continue  until  night,  till  wine  H  inflame  them  ! 
 
 12  And  the  harp  and  the  viol,  the  tabret  and  pipe, 
 and  wine,  are  in  their  feafls :  but  they  regard  not  the 
 
 23^9,30.  ^Qrk  of  the  Lord,  neither  confider  the  operation  of 
 
 lursue  his  hands.  ... 
 
 them?  13  Iherefore  my  people  are  gone  into  captivity, 
 t  Heb.  becaufe  they  have  no  knowledge  ;  and  f  their  honour- 
 famlfhed,  and  their  multitude  dried  up 
 
 femhw.  With  thirft. 
 
 14  Therefore  hell  hath  enlarged  herfelf,  and  opened 
 her  mouth  without  meafure  :  and  their  glory,  and 
 their  multitude,  and  their  pomp,  and  he  that  re- 
 joiceth,  fhall  defcend  into  it. 
 
 15  And  '•  the  mean  man  fhall  be  brought  down, 
 and  the  mighty  man  fhall  be  humbled,  and  the  eyes 
 
 II  Or,  the  of  the  lofty  fhall  be  humbled  : 
 t  Heb"'^  16  But  the  Lord  of  hofts  fhall  be  exalted  in  judg- 
 the  gU  ment,  and  ||  t  God,  that  is  holy  fhall  be  fanftified  in 
 the  holy,  righteoufnefs. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 for  a 
 
 treading 
 
 I  Heb. 
 pant  rf 
 his  idea’ 
 sures. 
 f  Heb. 
 n  scab. 
 b  Micah 
 2.2. 
 f  Heb. 
 ye. 
 
 «  Or, 
 That  is  in 
 
 LORD, 
 
 Ac- 
 
 f  Heb. 
 Jf  not, 
 .Jc 
 
 c  Prov. 
 
 d  Chap.? 
 9,  11,  17, 
 
 refembles  a  vine  by  its  (brubby  ftalk  ;  it  is  therefore  rooted  out.  Ver.  11,  12. 
 Amos  vi.  3 — 6.  Strong  drink  was  mixed  wine.  It  is  remarkable  that  whereas 
 the  Greeks  and  Latins  by  mixing  wine  always  underftand  wine  diluted  and  lower¬ 
 ed  with  water  ■  the  Hebrews  meant  by  it  wines  made  ftronger  and  more  inebriat- 
 ipg,  by  the  addition  of  higher  and  more  powerful  ingredients,  fuch  as  honey,  fpices, 
 myrrh,  opiates,  and  other  ftrong  drugs,  Prov.  xxiii.  30.  Ver.  18.  As  cords  of  va- 
 tiity,  or  a  thick  cable.  An  evil  inclination  is  at  the  beginning  like  a  fine  hair 
 firing,  hut  at  the  tinifhing  like  a  thick  cart  rope.  By  a  long  progrelRon  of  iniquity 
 and  accumulation  of  fin,  men  arrive  at  length  to  the  higheft  degree  of  wickednefs. 
 Ver.  26.  And  he  wilt  hiss.  The  metaphor  is  taken  from  thepradlice  of  thofe  that 
 keep  bees;  who  draw  them  out  of  their  hives  into  the  fields,  and  lead  them  back 
 again  by  a  hifs  or  whiftle.  Thus  Jehovah  has  at  his  command  the  armies  of  the 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 eir.  760. 
 
 17  Then  fhall  the  lambs  feed  after  their  manner,  and 
 the  wafte  places  of  the  fat  ones  fhall  ftrangers  eat. 
 
 18  H  Woe  unto  them  that  draw  iniquity  with  cords 
 of  vanity,  and  fin  as  it  were  with  a  cart-rope  : 
 
 19  That  fay,  Let  him  make  I'peed,  and  haften  his 
 work,  that  we  may  fee  it :  and  let  the  counfel  of  the 
 Holy  One  of  Ifrael  draw  nigh  and  come,  that  we  may- 
 know  it ! 
 
 20  If  Woe  unto  them  t  that  call  evil  good,  and  good  t  Heb. 
 evil ;  that  put  darknefs  for  light,  and  light  for  dark- 
 
 nefs ;  that  put  bitter  for  fweet,  and  fweet  for  bitter  ! 
 
 21  W^oe  unto  them  that  are  ®  wife  in  their  own  eyes,  it  is  goo*.', 
 
 and  prudent  f  in  their  own  fight !  _  _  f  prov. 
 
 22  Woe  unto  them  that  are  mighty  to  drink  wine,  3 
 
 and  men  of  ftrength  to  mingle  ftrong  drink  :  Romans 
 
 23  Which  f  juftify  the  wicked  for  reward,  and  take  le. 
 away  the  righteoufhefs  of  the  righteous  from  him  !  f  ®  • 
 
 24  Therefore  as  f  the  fire  devoureth  the  ftubble,  and 
 
 the  flame  confumeth  the  chaft,  so  their  root  fhall  be  ^.s/acey 
 rottennefs,  and  their  bloftbm  fhall  go  up  as  duft  ;  t)e- 
 caufe  they  have  caft  away  the  law  of  the  Lord 
 hofts,  and  defpif’ed  the  word  of  the  Holy  One  of  Ifrael.  the  tongue 
 
 25  Therefore  is  the  anger  of  the  Lord  kindled  o/jire. 
 againft  his  people,  and  he  hath  ftretched  forth  his 
 hand  againft  them,  and  hath  fmitten  them :  and  the 
 hills  did  tremble,  and  their  carcafes  voere  H  torn  in  the  H  Or, 
 midft  of  the  ftreets.  s  For  all  this  his  anger  is  not“^^“"^' 
 turned  away,  but  his  hand  is  ftretched  out  ftill.  |  12,^'iV, 
 
 26  If  And  he  will  lift  up  an  enfign  to  the  nations  21.  & 
 from  far,  and  will  hil's  unto  them  from  the  end  of  the  lo- 
 earth  :  and,  behold,  they  fhall  come  with  fpeed  fwiftly. 
 
 27Nonefhallbewearynorftumblearaongthem ;  none 
 fhall  {lumber  nor  fleep  ;  neither  fhall  the  girdle  of  their 
 loins  be  loofed,  nor  the  latchet  of  their  fhoes  be  broken. 
 
 28  Whole  arrows  are  fharp,  and  all  their  bows 
 bent,  their  horfes’  hoofs  fhall  be  counted  like  flint, 
 and  their  wheels  like  a  whirlwind. 
 
 29  Their  roarings  shall  be  like  a  lion,  they  fhall  foar  ^ 
 like  young  lions ;  yea,  they  fhall  roar  and  lay  hold  1  or,  ’ 
 of  the  prey,  and  fhall  carry  it  away  fafe,  and  none  when  n  it 
 fhall  deliver  it. 
 
 SO  And  in  that  day  they  fhall  roar  againft  them 
 like  the  roaring  of  the  fea  ;  and  if  one  look  unto  the  desimc- 
 land,  behold  darknefs  and  ||  forrow ;  H  and  the  light  istions 
 darkened  in  the  heavens  thereof.*  thereof. 
 
 CHAP.  VI. 
 
 1  Isaiah's  vision.  2  The  obstinacy  if  the  people  unto  their  detolation,  1 3 
 A  remnant  shall  be  saved, 
 
 N  the  year  that  king  Uzziah  died  I  *  faw  alfo  thecir.  758. 
 Lord  fitting  upon  a  throne,  high  and  lifted  up, 
 and  II  his  train  filled  the  temple.  ^  br,  ’ 
 
 the  skirts  theref. 
 
 r 
 
 nations.  Ver.  27,  The  girdle  is  fo  efleutial  a  part  of  a  foldier’s  accoutrements, 
 being  the  laft  that  he  puts  on  to  make  bimfelf  ready  for  8<5Iion,  that  to  be  girded, 
 with  the  Greeks,  means  to  be  completely  armed,  and  ready,  for  battle.  Ver.  28. 
 Shoeing  of  horfes  with  iron  plates  nailed  to  the  hoof  is  quite  a  modern  pradHce  ; 
 and  for  this  reafon  the  ftrength,  firmnefs  and  folidity  of  a  horfe’s  hoof  was  of  much 
 greater  importance  to  the  ancients  than  to  us,  and  was  efteemed  one  of  the  firft 
 praifes  of  a  fine  horfe.  Thus  Ifrael’s  enemies  were  to  be  fully  prepared  to  over¬ 
 whelm  them.  Ver.  30.  The  land  of  Judea  ftiall  be  ravaged  and  funk  under  dif- 
 trefs,  as  if  the  luminaries  of  heaven  were  extinguifhed,  (Matth.  xxiv.  29.)  the 
 whole  policy,  civil  and  ecclefiaftical,  utterly  diffoved ;  priefts,  princes,  and  people 
 ftiall  fink  into  one  promifcuous  ruiu. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  VI.  Ver.  1.  The  ineffable  prefence  of  God 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.^ — *  Chap.  V;]  Happy  are  the  people  who  are  vifibly  the  fubje<5ls  of  Chrift  ;  but  dreadful  in  proportion  is  their  cafe,  when 
 they  abandon  themfelves  to  the  moft  abominable  errors  and  corruptions.  While  God  glorifies  himfclf  and  protects  his  people,  the  difdainful  imprecators  of  bis  judg¬ 
 ments  are  often  anfwered  by  the  rapid,  terrible,  and  rUinous  execution  thereof.  Let  nations  favoured  with  gofpel  privileges,  tremble,  left  the  chapter,  which  fo  plainly 
 exhibits  their  mercies,  and  their  fins,  Ihould  have  its  thrcatenings  verified  in  Iheiv  utter  deflrudlion  I 
 
 8B 
 
 21 
 
The  ohstinaaj  of  the  people. 
 
 ISAIAH. 
 
 Before 
 
 Clirift 
 
 758. 
 
 t  Hcb, 
 
 u  Terapbims :  each  one  had  fix 
 
 g  »  With  twain  he  covered  his  face,  and  with 
 twain  he  covered  his  feet,  and  with  twain  he  did  fly. 
 
 I  u  ,  another,  and  faid,  ^  Holy, 
 
 thucned  ho.y  holy  »  the  Lord  of  hoRs ;  f  the  whole  earth 
 b  iiev.  Of  his  glory. 
 
 4.  8.  ^  pofts  of  the  f  door  moved  at  the  voice  of 
 
 t  Heb.  him  that  cried,  and  the  houfe  was  filled  with  fmoke. 
 
 of  the  ^  man  of  unclean  lips,  and  I  dwell  in  the 
 
 whole  inidit  or  a  people  of  unclean  lips :  for  mine  eyes  have 
 earth.  feen  the  King,  the  Lord  of  hofts. 
 
 e  jhen  flew  oneof  theferaphims  unfome,  f  having 
 t  Heb.  ^  to  his  hand,  ’vchick  he  had  taken  with  the 
 
 cutoff,  tongs  from  off  the  altar  : 
 
 ^  ^  opon  my  mouth,  and  faid,  Lo, 
 
 tmidh  touched  thy  lips ;  and  thine  iniquity  is  taken 
 
 live  coal,  away,  and  thy  fin  purged. 
 
 ■t  Heb.  8  H  Alfo  I  heard  the  voice  of  the  Lord,  faying, 
 caused  it  Whom  (hall  I  fend,  and  who  will  go  for  <=  us?  Then 
 cGen.  ‘  'i'  H^t-e  om  I ;  fend  me. 
 
 1.  26.  9  And  he  faid,  Go  and  tell  this  people,  Hear  ye 
 
 t  Heb.  11  f  indeed,  bqt  underttand  not ;  and  fee  ye  f  indeed, 
 but  perceive  nor. 
 
 10  Make  the  heart  of  this  people  fat,  and  make 
 their  ears  heavy,  and  fhut  their  eyes ;  left  they  fee 
 with  their  eyes,  and  hear  with  their  ears,  and  under- 
 ftand  with  their  heart,  and  convert,  and  be  healed. 
 
 II  Then  laid  I,  Lord,  how  long.^  And  he  anfwer- 
 ed.  Until  the  cities  be  wafted  without  inhabitant,  and 
 the  houfes  without  man,  and  the  land  be  f  utterly 
 defolate. 
 
 12  And  the  Lord  have  removed  men  far  away,  and 
 there  be  a  great  forfaking  in  the  midft  of  the  land. 
 
 13  H  But  yet  in  it  shall  he  a  tenth,  ||  and  it  (hall  re¬ 
 turn,  and  (hall  be  eaten  :  as  a  teil-tree,  and  as  an  oak 
 W’hofe  11  fubftance  is  in  them,  when  they  caft  their 
 leaves,  so  the  holy  feed  shall  he  the  fubftance  thereof.* 
 
 hear  ye  in  kcariug,  (^c.  f  Heb.  in  seeing,  f  Heb.  desolate  tvith  desolation.  |J  Or, 
 tvhen  it  is  retumed,  and  hath  been  bruised.  ||  Or,  stock  or  stem. 
 
 CHAP.  VII. 
 
 1  Ahaz  is  comforted  by  Isaiah.  10  Christ  is  promised. 
 
 A  ND  it  came  to  pafs,  ia  the  days  of*  Ahaz  the  fon 
 8  iRgs  of  Jotham,  the  fon  of  Uzziah,  king  of  Judah, 
 
 JSehold 
 me 
 d  Matth. 
 J3.  14. 
 Mark 
 4.  12. 
 Liuke 
 8.  10. 
 John 
 1 2.  40. 
 Aifts 
 28.  26. 
 Homans 
 3  1.  8. 
 
 «  Or, 
 
 wUholU 
 
 cedsingt 
 
 4:. 
 
 leb. 
 
 1^. 
 
 36.  5. 
 
 Chist  promised  for  a  sign. 
 
 ^  2  And  it  was  told  the  houfe  of  David,  faying,  Sy-  Before 
 ria  t  IS  confederate  with  Ephraim  :  and  his  heart  was 
 moved,  and  the  heart  of  his  people,  as  the  trees  of  thev_J^ 
 wood  are  moved  with  the  wind.  fHe^ 
 
 3  Then  laid  the  Lord  unto  Ifaiah.  Go  forth  now, ov* 
 to  meet  Ahaz,  thou,  and  H  Shear-jafhub  thy  fon, 
 
 the  end  of  the  “  conduit  of  the  upper-pool,  in  thcMerou**' 
 highway  of  the  fuller’s  field  ;  r>antshau 
 
 4  And  fay  unto  him,  Take  heed,  and  be  quiet ;  T'’"'”- 
 
 fear  nor,  f  neither  be  faint-hearted  for  the  two  tails  il. 
 of  the  fmoking  fire-brands,  for  the  fierce  anger  of II  Or,  ’ 
 Rezin  with  Syria,  and  of  the  fon  of  Remaliah.  causeviaij, 
 
 5  Becaufe  Syria,  Ephraim,  and  the  fon  of  Rema-//’^'’' 
 Hall,  have  taken  evil  counfel  againft  thee,  faying,  Lin? 
 
 6  Let  us  go  up  againft  Judah,  and  1|  vex  it,  and  let^*^’'*?-.^ 
 us  make  a  breach  therein  for  us,  and  let  a  king  in  the^* 
 midft  of  it,  even  the  fon  of  Tabeal : 
 
 7  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  It  fhall  not  ftand,  nei¬ 
 ther  lhall  it  come  to  pafs. 
 
 8  For  the  head  of  Syria  is  Damafeus,  and  the  head 
 
 of  Damafeus  is  Rezin  ;  and  within  threefcore  and  five 
 years  fhall  Ephraim  be  broken,  f  that  it  be  not  a  f  Heb. 
 people.  from  a 
 
 9  And  the  head  of  Ephraim  is  Samaria,  and 
 
 head  of  Samaria  is  Remaliah’s  fon.  |j  If  ye  will  not  II  Or, 
 believe,  furely  ye  fhall  not  be  eftablilhed.  Hoyenat 
 
 10  ^  f  Moreover,  the  Lord  fpake  again  unto  ffr’^ 
 
 Ahaz.  liyiog,  "fZZ 
 
 1 1  Aflc  thee  a  fign  of  the  Lord  thy  God ;  [|  aflc  it  stable, 
 
 either  in  the  depth,  or  in  the  height  above.  + 
 
 12  But  Ahaz  faid,  I  will  not  afk,  neither  will  \toRD 
 
 tempt  the  Lord.  added  to 
 
 13  And  he  faid,  Hear  ye  now,  O  houfe  of  David 
 
 Is  it  a  (mail  thing  for  you  to  weary  men,  but  will  ye|| 
 weary  my  God  alfo  ? 
 
 14  Therefore  the  Lord  himfelf  fhall  give  you  zdeep. 
 i  fign  ;  ‘  Behold,  a  virgin  fhall  conceive,  and  bear  a  fon,  j 
 
 I  and  il  fhall  call  his  name  Immanuel. 
 
 I  15  Butter  and  honey  fhall  he  eat,  that  he  may  i.  si. 
 j  know  to  refufe  the  evil,  and  choofe  the  good.  U  Or, 
 
 I  16  For  before  the  child  (hall  know  to  refufe 
 ;  evil,  and  choofe  the  good,  the  land  that  thou  abhorred 
 fhall  be  forfaken  of  both  her  kings. 
 
 17  ^  The  Lord  fhall  bring  upon  thee,  and  upon 
 
 I  _  I  .  1  ,  I  *  I  f  1 
 
 iviug  ui  juudu,  j  it  me  i^oRD  mail  DHttg  upon  tnee,  ana  upon 
 that  Rezin  the  king  of  Syria,  and  Pekah  the  fon  of  !  thy  people,  and  upon  thy  father’s  houle,  days  that 
 
 Iv  lion  L^inrr  /or  I  fi-o  ol  tirv  f  yotT70  *»/H  T  to  1  io  on  *  ^  ^  a.  ....  J ...1 T7  _L._! J_  i 
 
 Remaliah,  king  of  Ifrael,  went  up  toward  Jerufalem, 
 to  war  againft  it,  but  could  not  prevail  againft  it. 
 
 is  reprfifented  here  by  ideas  taken  from  royal  majeft5',  as  difplayed  by  the  mo- 
 narchs  of  the  eafl.  The  Lord  upon  the  throne  was  Chrifl,  as  John  aflerts  :  John 
 xii.  41.  Sitting  in  this  verfe  is  evidently  a  pofture  of  dignity  :  Pfai.  cx.  1.  Ver. 
 9,  1 0.  The  prophets  are  in  many  places  faid  to  perform  (he  things  which  they  only 
 fbretel  ;  of  this,  tbefe  verfes  are  an  example:  See  alfo,  Jer.  i.  10.  Ezek.  xliii.  3. 
 Ifaiah,  may  perhaps  refer  primarily  to  bis  own  time,  but  it  is  obvious  that  he  alfo 
 foretels  the  blindnefs  of  the  Jews,  to  the  gofpel,  in  after  ages  :  Matth.  xiii.  14. 
 John  xii.  40.  ArSts  xxviii.  26.  Horn.  xi.  8.  Ver.  13.  Tliis  refers  to  the  remnant 
 of  the  Jews,  which  were  not  deftroyed  by  Nebuchadnezzar,  nor  by  the  Romans. 
 From  this  Rock  God  will  caufe  his  people,  according  to  his  promife,  to  (hoot  forth 
 again  and  fiourilh. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  VII.  Ver.  1—3.  Ahaz  had  no  foon- 
 er  begun  to  reign,  than  bis  kingdom  was  invaded  by  a  powerful  army,  the  joint 
 forces  of  Syria  and  Ifrael,  who  threatened  to  deftroy  or  dethrone  his  houfe, 
 
 J  t - J - »  — , -  - J  - - -  „  ...ui 
 
 I  have  not  come,  from  the  day  that  Ephraim  departed 
 from  Judah,  even  the  king  of  Aflyria. 
 
 j  This  filled  him  and  his  family  with  the  utmoft  confiernation  ;  they  are  comfort- 
 I  ed  by  Ifaiah,  in  the  following  part  of  the  difeourfe,  by  aifurances,  that  God 
 I  would  not  forfake  the  houfe  of  David  his  fervant.  V'er.  8.  And  vdlhin  threescore 
 and  five  years  shall  Ephraim  be  broken  that  it  be  not  a  people.  This  is  the  precife 
 period  of  lime,  after  Ahaz  began  to  reign,  to  the  total  depopulation  of  the 
 kingdom  of  Ifrael  by  Efarhaddon,  who  carried  away  the  remains  of  the  ten 
 tribes,  which  had  been  left  by  Tiglath-pilefer  and  Shalroanezer,  who  planted 
 the  country  with  new  inhabhants.  Ver.  9.  If  ye  ivill  not  believe.  Similar  is  thp 
 inftrudlion  of  Jehofliaphat  to  the  fame  people,  2  Chron.  xx.  20.  The  tribe  of 
 Judah  had  no  reafon  any  more  than  Ifrael,  to  expe(51  prefervation  as  a  kingdom, 
 if  they  diftrufted  God.  Ver.  14.  Compare  Matth.  i.  23.  The  aflurance  that 
 MelRah  was  to  defeend  from  the  tribe  of  Judah,  was  an  abundant  fource  of 
 encourgement  to  the  people.  Ver.  15,  16.  Butter  and  honey  fiiall  he  eat,  that, 
 
 '  or  more  properly,  udien. — A  reafon  is  fubjoined  (ver.  16.)  why  the  child  (hould 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  VI.]  How  awful,  yet  bow  amiable  the  glories  of  our  Immanuel !  Thrice  happy  his  fervants,  who  Hand  in  his 
 
 prefence  and  triumph  in  his  praife  !  And  blefled  be  God  that  his  glory  fhall  fpeedily,  as  it  ought,  fill  the  whole  earth - Clear  views  of  Jehovah’s  perfections  effectually 
 
 humble  the  beft  of  men,  and  triake  them  look  on  themfelves  and  all  around  them,  as  inexpreffibly  mean,  loathfome,  and  guilty.  And  God  by  fuch  deep  humiliation 
 prepares  bis  fervants  for  important  lervices  and  great  honours.  Thrice  happy  are  thofe  minifters  whom  God  has  prepared  for  their  work  by  the  moft  humbling  views 
 of  bis  glory,,  and  the  mod  powerful  applications  of  his  procnifes  to  their  hearts,  which  at  once  cleanfe  and  quiet  the  confcience  !  Great  is  the  importance  of  a  call  to 
 the  minifiry  of  the  church ;  but,  alas  !  infinite  is  the,  hazard  of  fuch  as  without  this,  for  the  sake  of  honour  or  gain,  treacheroufly  pretend  to  be  the  fervants  of  Chrift. 
 How  dreadful  is  it  when  the  cleareft  call,  and  the  moft  faithful  execution  of  it,  do  but  iffue  in  the  aggravated  wickednefs  and  ruin  of  the  hearers,  through  their  un- 
 belief!  But  bleffed  be  Jehovah  that,  for  his  own  honour  and  the  prefervation  of  his  church  and  the  world,  he  flill  preferves  a  remnant  of  real  faints,  who,  though 
 ta  winters  of  adverfity  seem  dead,  yet  pesive  again  as  the  corn,  grow  as  the  lily,  and  bring  forth  abundant  fruit  to  the  praise  and  honour  of  his  glory. 
 
uttermoft 
 that  is  in 
 
 11  Or, 
 
 commend¬ 
 able  trees. 
 d  2  Kings 
 
 16.  V,  8. 
 
 jl  propltecij  against  Syria  and  Israel. 
 
 18  And  it  (liall  come  to  pafs  on  that  day,  that  the 
 Lord  (hall  hits  for  the  fly  that  A  in  the 
 part  of  the  rivers  of  Egypt,  and  tor  the  bee 
 
 the  land  of  AtTyria :  .  n.  n  n  r  u 
 
 19  And  they  (hall  come,  and  lhall  reft  all  of  them 
 
 in  the  defolate  valleys,  and  in  the  holes  of  the  rocks, 
 and  upon  all  thorns,  and  upon  all  H  bufhes. 
 
 20  In  the  fame  day  fhall  the  Lord  (have  with  a 
 razor  that  is  hired,  ndmely,  by  them  beyond  the 
 
 river,  by  the  king  of  AtTyria,  the  head,  and  the  hair 
 of  the  feet :  and  it  (hall  alfo  confume  the  beard. 
 
 21  And  it  (hall  come  to  pafs  in  that  day,  thafd.  man 
 (hall  nourilh  a  young  cow  and  two  fheep  : 
 
 22  And  it  (hall  come  to  pafs,  for  the  abundance  of 
 milk  that  they  lhall  give,  that  he  (hall  eat  butter  :  for 
 
 t  iiei).  m  butter  and  honey  (hall  every  one  eat  that  is  left  f  in 
 the  midst  land. 
 
 23  And  it  (hall  come  to  pafs  in  that  day,  that  every 
 place  (hall  be,  where  there  were  a  thoufand  vines  at 
 a  thoufand  Tilverlings,  it  (hall  even  be  for  briers  and 
 thorns. 
 
 2+  With  arrows  and  with  bows  fhall  men  come  thi¬ 
 ther  ;  becaufe  all  the  land  lhall  become  briars  and 
 thorns. 
 
 25  And  on  all  hills  that  fhall  be  digged  with  the 
 mattock,  there  (hall  not  come  thither  the  fear  of  briers 
 and  thorns ;  but  it  (hall  be  for  the  fending  forth  of 
 oxen,  and  for  the  treading  of  lefler  cattle.* 
 
 CHAP.  VIII. 
 
 1  A  prophecy  against  Syria,  Israel,  and  Judah.  9  God's  judgments  irresist- 
 1 1  Comfort  to  them  that  fear  God  ;  but  great  afflictions  to  idolaters. 
 
 Comfort  to  them  that  fear  G  >d. 
 
 li'-fore 
 
 Clirift 
 
 7.11. 
 
 of  the 
 land. 
 
 he 
 
 all 
 
 I  Heb. 
 Inmakiti" 
 
 ible. 
 
 Sj>sedtothe 
 spoil  he 
 hasteneth 
 
 M' 
 
 OREOVER  the  Lord  (aid  unto  me,  Take 
 thee  a  great  roll,  and  write  in  it  with  a  man’s 
 theprey,  pen  concemiog  H  Maher-Ihalal-hafh  baz. 
 
 Of.,  make  2  And  I  took  uiito  me  faithful  witnefTes  to  record, 
 Uriah  the  priedt,  and  Zechariah  the  fon  of  Jeberechiah. 
 
 3  And  1  t  went  unto  the  prophetefs  ;  and  (he  con¬ 
 ceived,  and  bare  a  fon  :  then  faid  the  Lord  to  me. 
 Call  his  name  Maher-(halal-ha(h-baz  : 
 
 4  For  before  the  child  (hall  have  knowledge  to 
 cry,  My  father,  and  my  mother,  ||  the  riches  of  Da- 
 raafeus,  and  the  fpoil  of  Samaria,  (hall  be  taken  away 
 before  the  king  of  AfTyria. 
 
 5  *5  The  Lord  fpake  alfo  unto  me  again,  faying 
 
 approach¬ 
 ed  unto. 
 
 I  Or,  he 
 that  is 
 before  the 
 king  of 
 Assyria 
 shall  lake 
 away  the 
 riches,  (.^c. 
 
 ISAIAH. 
 
 6  Forasmuch  as"  this  people  refufeth  the  waters  of 
 Shiloah  that  go  fottly,  and  rejoice  in  Rezin  and  Re- 
 
 maliah’s  fon ;  .  ' 
 
 7  Now,  therefore,  behold,  the  Lord  bringeth  up 
 upon  them  the  waters  of  the  river,  ftroog  and  many, 
 even  the  king  of  Aflyria,  and  all  his  glory  ;  and 
 (hall  come  up  over  all  his  channels,  and  go  over 
 his  bsoks* 
 
 8  And  he  (hall  pafs  through  Judah  :  he  fhall  over¬ 
 flow  and  go  over  :  he  (hall  reach  even  to  the  neck  : 
 and  t  the  ((retching  our  of  his  wings  (hall  fill  thef  Heb. 
 breadth  of  thy  land,  O  Immanuel. 
 
 9  ^  AfTociate  yoarldves,  O  ye  people,  ||  and  breadth  of 
 
 (hall  be  broken  in  pieces ;  and  give  ear,  all  ye  of  far  thy  land 
 countries :  gird  yourfelves,  and  ye  (hall  be  broken 
 pieces ;  gird  yourlelves,  and  ye  (hall  be  broken  in  out  (fins 
 pieces.  „  ,,  wings. 
 
 10  Take  couofel  together,  and  it  fhall  come  toLOr,t^<. 
 nought ;  (peak  the  w'ord  and  it  (hall  not  ((and  :  for 
 
 God  is  with  us.  ^  .  tt  u  ■ 
 
 11  II  For  the  Lord  fpake  thus  to  me  t  with 
 ftrong  hand,  and  inftrufted  me,  that  1  (hould  not 
 in  the  way  of  this  people,  faying, 
 
 12  Say  ye  not,  A  confederacy,  to  all  them  to  whom 
 this  people  (hall  fay,  A  confederacy  ;  neither  fear  ye 
 their  fear,  nor  be  afraid. 
 
 13  Sanctify  the  Lord  of  hofts  himfelt ;  and  let  him 
 be  your  fear,  and  let  him  he  your  dread. 
 
 14  And  he  (hall  be  fora  fanftuary  ;  but  for* 
 
 done  of  ftumbling,  and  for  a  rock  of  offence,  to  both  ' 
 the  houfes  of  Ifrael,  for  a  gin  and  for  a  fnare  to.  the  2.  34. 
 inhabitants  of  Jerufalem.  Roman* 
 
 15  And  many  among  them  (hall  ”  ftumble, 
 fall,  and  be  broken,  and  be  fnared,  and  be  taken.  2.  s. 
 
 16  Bind  up  the  teftimony,  feal  the  law  among  rayb  Mattb. 
 
 difciples.  _  _  ^  ,  Luke^’ 
 
 17  And  I  will  wait  upon  the  Lord,  that  hideth  hiSg^^ 
 
 face  from  the  houfe  of  Jacob,  and  I  will  look  for  him. 
 
 18  '  Behold,  I,  and  the  children  whom  the  I^ord^ 
 hath  given  me,  are  for  figns  and  for  wonders  in  Ilrael 
 from  the  Lord  of  holts,  which  dwelleth  in  mount 
 Zion. 
 
 19  And  when  they  fhall  fay  unto  you,  Seek  unto 
 them  that  have  familiar  fpirits,  and  unto  wizards  that 
 
 eat  butter  and  honey,  the  food  of  a  plentiful  time,  when  he  came  to  a  diftinguifittng 
 ai'e  ;  becauf.-,  before  that  time,  the  country  of  the  two  kings  who  now  diftrefled  ■ 
 Judah,  Ihould  be  defolated  ;  and  fo  Judah  fliould  recover  that  plenty  which  attends 
 peace.  Ver.  20.  The  Lord  shall  shave  with  a  razor,  that  is  hired.  This  is  an  ex- 
 preffion,  highly  parabolical,  denoting  the  utter  devastation  of  the  country,  from 
 one  end  to  the  other,  and  the  plundering  of  the  people,  from  the  highest  to  the 
 lowest  by  the  Affyrians;  whom  God  employed  as  bis  instrument  to  punifli  the 
 Jews.  Ahaz  himfelf  in  the  first  place,  hired  the  king  of  Aflyria  to  help  him 
 against  the  Syrians,  by  a  prefent  made  to  him  of  all  the  treafures  of  the  temple,  as 
 well  as  of  his  own  ;  and  God  himfelf  confidered  the  great  nation  whom  he  thus 
 employed  as  his  mercenaries,  and  paid  them  their  wages,  fee  Ezek.  xxix.  18 — 20. 
 
 Ver.  21 _ 25.  Tliefe  verfes  contain  an  elegant,  and  very  expreflive  defeription,  of  a 
 
 country  depopulated,  and  left  to  run  wild,  from  its  adjunAs  and  circumstances 
 for  the  iniquity  of  its  inhabitants. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  VIII.  Ver.  I.  Take  thee  a  great  roll, 
 and  write  in  it  with  a  man's  pen,  concerning  Maher-shalal-hash-baz  ;  or,  Take  thee  ti 
 large  mirror,  and  write  07i  it  with  a  workman's  graving  toot,  to  hasten  to  the  spoil,  to 
 
 take  (fuickty  the  prey.  The  mirrors  of  the  ancients  were  made  of  brafs,  finely  po- 
 lilhed,  Exod.  xxxviii.  8.  Ver.  2.  To  preclude  all  doubt  of  the  delivery  of  the 
 prophecy  before  the  event,  he  calls  witneffes  to  attefl  the  recording  of  it.  Ver,  4. 
 This  prophecy  was  accordingly  accompliflied  within  the  three  years,  2  Kings  xvi.  9, 
 XV.  29.  1  Chron.  v.  26.  Ver.  6 — 8.  Seem  to  take  in  both  the  kingdoms 
 
 of  Ifrael  and  Judah.  The  gentle  waters  of  Shiloah,  a  fmall  fountain  and 
 I  r.jok,  juft  without  Jerufalem,  an  apt  emblem  of  the  kingdom  and  houfe  of 
 David,  much  reduced  in  its  apparent  ftrength,  yet  fupported  by  the  blcfling 
 of  God,  is  finely  contrafted  with  the  waters  of  the  Euphrates,  great,  rapid,  and 
 impetuous  ;  the  image  of  the  Babylonifli  empire,  which  God  threatens  to  bring 
 down  like  a  mighty  flood,  upon  all  Che  apoftates  of  both  kingdoms  as  a  punifli- 
 nrent  for  their  manifold  iniquities,  and  their  contemptuous  difregarJ  of  his 
 promifes.  Ver.  8.  Jerufalem  is  compared  to  the  head  of  the  human  body  j  as 
 when  the  waters  come  up  to  a  man's  neck,  he  is  very  near  drowning  for  a 
 little  increafe  of  them  would  go  over  his  head  !  fo  the  king  of  Aflyria  coming 
 up  to  Jerufalem  like  a  flood  reaching  to  the  neck ;  the  whole  country  was 
 overflowed,  and  the  capital  was  in  imminent  danger.  Ver.  9. — 15.  God  plainly 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS..—*  Chap.  VII. j  To  what  murderous  and  deftrudlive  invafions  and  wars,  does  fin  expofe  men  T  While  judgnvents  generally 
 begin  at  God's  houfe,  one  guilty  natron  is  made  the  fcourge  of  another,  and  then  quickly  perifhes  itfelf.  Often  unalked  are  God's  interpofals  for  the  comfort  and 
 relief  of  men.  No  attempt  or  plot  to  fruftrate  the  purpofes  and  promifes  of  God,  can  fail  to  ilTue  in  the  fudden  ruin  of  its  authors.  The  tnoft  proud  and  boaftful  are 
 generally  the  leaft  fuccefsful  in  their  enterpriaes.  But  faith  in  the  divine  protedlion  and  promifes  is  neceflary  to  the  eftahliftunent  of  our  hearts  while  they  rage,  and 
 feign.  Whait  kindnefs  God  fhews  to  feme  wicked  men  for  the  tike  of  their  anceftor?,  though  with  fpecious  pretexts  of  regard  they  often  refufe  the  condefcenfions  of 
 God,  and  they  depend  on  an  arm  of  ftefti !  But  with  what  earneftnefs  and  boldnefs  ought  we  to  avouch  the  Lord  for  our  God,  when  others  sefufe  tlieir  clai-n.  Amidft 
 the.deepeft  diftrefs,  infallible  are  the  fecurities,  and  ftrong  the  confolations,  which  are  derived  from  Jefus  Christ,  and  his  connexions  with  us.  God  eafily  finds  inftru- 
 ments  fitted  to  execute  his  vengeance  on  obftinate  finners.  And  none  are  more  readily  chofen  by  him  than  thofe  whom  we  have  idolized  and  confided  on  in  his  stead. 
 How  terrible  is  the  vengeance  that  falls  at  last  on  corrupt  profeffors.  Tlteir  barrennefs  under  the  means  of  grace  and  fcuitfulnefs  iu  wickednefs,  curie,  blaft,  and  de¬ 
 flate  the  very  earth  on  which  we  live  ! 
 
The  bulk  and  kingdom  of  Christ, 
 
 Before  npp-,  „  ISAIAH.  Judgments  upon  Israel  for  hmoerW 
 
 t'u  their’ Gof/  for  th'e"i[vinMo?hrdead  i  j^igmert  a„d  with  joaice,  from  henceforth  even  for  I 
 
 20 T.0  the  law  tr\  f-Krt  _  -r-  .  I  he 'zealot  the  Lord  of  hnfts  umT 
 
 rnp^k"  the  law  and  to  the  teftimony  if  they 
 Ipeak  not  according  to  this  wnrH  ,7  •  k  !,  V 
 t  no  light  in  them 
 
 through  it  hardly  befted 
 
 heVfoaifli  h'’^  ‘Y'  -0  that  when 
 
 curfp  fhi  ri  ^>et  themfelves.  and 
 
 22  knd  upward. 
 
 hr^l^  they  (hall  look  upon  the  earth  :  and  be- 
 old  trouble  and  darknefs,  dimnel's  of  anguifb  and 
 M«/  sbali  be  driven  to  darknefs.  ’ 
 
 7-10. 
 cir.  771. 
 
 H  Or, 
 
 1  nn  ■  r  CHAP.  IX. 
 
 fn  •"‘a'*"  of  affliaiom,  by  the  birth  and  kingdom 
 
 Nevertheless,  the  dimnefs  shaii  not  he  foch 
 
 vexation,  when  at  the  firft  he  ' 
 jyojmlotts.  ?•  fflifted  the  land  of  Zebulun,  and  the  land  of 
 
 a  Matt,  ^aphtali,  and  afterward  did  more  grievously  afflict, 
 
 J^rffheL^ns?'  ^“'dan.  in’oaiiiee 
 
 cir.  740.  ^  f^he  people  that  walked  in  darknefs  have  feen  a 
 
 a  Or,  great  light ;  they  that  dwell  in  the  land  of  the  fhadow 
 to^im.  Of  death,  upon  them  hath  the  light  fhined. 
 
 multiplied  the  nation,  and  H  not  in- 
 brakest.  frea.td  the  joy  ;  they  joy  before  thee  according  to  the 
 b  Judges  joy  jP^harvelt,  and  as  nten  rejoice  when  they  divide 
 
 lo.Te.  j  j*  ^  f^ou  haft  broken  the  yoke  of  his  burden, 
 
 ,1  Or,  and  the  ftaff  of  his  fhoulder.  the  rod  of  his  oppreffor 
 men  the  as  10  the  day  of  Midian. 
 
 the  warrior /s  with  confu- 
 garraen's  rolled  in  blood  ;  ||  but  this 
 ftiall  be  with  burning  and  f  fuel  of  fire. 
 
 ^  6  For  unto  us  a  child  is  born,  unto  us  a  '  fon  is 
 given;  and  the  government  fnall  be  upon  his  fhoulder: 
 and  his  name  (hall  be  called  Wonderful,  Counfellor, 
 
 1  he  mighty  God,  The  everiafting  Father,  The  Prince 
 of  Peace. 
 
 7  Of  the  increafe  of  his  government  and  peace 
 there  shall  be  no  end,  upon  the  throne  of  David,  and 
 
 'gs 
 
 tvurrior 
 vmsy  ^'c, 
 
 II  Or, 
 find  it 
 vxis,  <S  c. 
 t  Heb. 
 meat, 
 c  John 
 3.  16, 
 
 d  Luke 
 
 1.32  S3  •  •  1  •  j  u^wu  me  unuue  UI  l^aviCJ,  300 
 
 *  -upon  nis  kingdom  to  order  it,  and  to  eftablifh  it  with 
 
 declares  to  the  confederates  and  advocates  of  Judah,  and  bids  then,  attend  to 
 
 ■"  improvements  to  be 
 
 Ver.  16-18.  Ifaiah  was  evidently  a 
 type  of  Chnfc  j  fee  ver,  18.  applied  to  the  latter ;  Heb.  ii.  13.  Ver.  20.  To  the 
 law,  or  command,  and  to  the  testimony;  if  they,  speak  not  according  to  the  word,  it 
 ts  because  there  ,s  no  light  in  them,  or,  in  which  there  is  no  obfeurity. 
 
 explanatory  NOTES  C„„.  IX.  V„.  1.  m„Ua,i,  u„. 
 
 nasseh ,  that  is  the  country  of  Galdee,  ail  around  the  fea  of  Gennefaretb,  were  the 
 parts  that  pnnc  pally  fufFered  in  the  firft  invafion,  under  Tiglath-pilefer,  2  Kin<rs 
 ^f‘pif'-.p  'vere  alfo  the  firft  that  enjoyed  the  bleflin'g  j 
 
 ?u  ®  ‘he  gofpel,  and  exhibiting  his  miraculous  works  among! 
 
 them,  Matth.  ‘J;  16-  Ver.  2.  The  former  chapter  concluded  with  a  difmal  ! 
 
 feene;  this  exhibits  blelfings  through  Meffiah  the  moft  important  and  unfpeak- | 
 able  that  were  ever  granted  the  human  race.  Ver.  .3.  Thou  hast  multiplied  the 
 nation,  and  not  increased  their  joy,  or  rather,  thou  hast  increased  their  jou.  The  tid- 
 ings  of  Mefliah  give  joy  to  all  who  receive  them,  Luke  ii.  10,  II.  Ver.  6  And 
 the  government  shall  be  upon  hit  shoulder.  That  is  the  enfign  of  government  • 
 feeptre,  the  fword,  or  (he  key,  which  were  borne  upon  or  hung  from  the 
 Iho^r,  chap.  xxii.  22.  Ver.  8.  This  verfe  begins  a  new,  diftincl  prophecy, 
 
 this.  Lord  of  hofts  will  perform 
 
 lisLLTlpoo  I  “ef  ““  =‘”‘'  “  ‘'^>1'  ^ 
 
 9  And  all  the  people  ftiall  know  even  Ephraim 
 
 and  ftomS  ofhe'an.  ®™'"'’ 
 
 ,  7^1?  bricks  are  fallen  down,  but  we  will  build 
 with  hewn  ftones ;  the  (ycamores  are  cut  down  but 
 we  will  change  /hem  into  cedars.  * 
 
 11  Therefore  the  Lord  fhall  fet  up  the  adverfaries 
 of  Rezin  againft  him,  and  f  join  his  enemies  together  •  t  h  i 
 and  thTv'fh.^fT'  Pniliftines  behind 
 
 ftre  e  dom^S." 
 
 turneth  not  unto  him  that  frait-r^>’ 
 the  Lord  of  hofts :  m  J’  ^ 
 Therefore  the  Lord  will  cut  off  from  Ifrael 
 head  ^d  tail,  branch  and  rufh  in  one  day 
 
 15  Ihe  ancient  and  honourable,  he  the  head  • 
 and  the  prophet  that  teacheth  lies,  he  is  the  tail.  ’ 
 
 and  !  tZMi  i  ^his  people  caufe to  err  ;II  Or, 
 
 led  of  them  are  f  deftroyed. 
 
 17  Iherefore  the  Lord  fhall  have  no  joy  in  their 
 young  men  neither  fhall  have  mercy  on  their  father- 5  of 
 lefs  and  widows  :  for  every  one  is  an  hypocrite,  and  they  that 
 an  evil-doer,  and  every  mouth  Ipeaketh  ||  folly  For 
 
 Ked  omffll 
 
 18  ^  Lor  wickednefs  burneth  as  the  fire:  it  fhall 
 devour  the  briers  and  thorns,  and  fhall  kindle  in  th^'^" 
 
 -- '^P 
 
 the  wrath  of  the  Lord  of  hofts  is  the 
 land  darkened,  and  the  people  fhall  be  as  the  f  fuel  off  Heb, 
 tne  tire  :  no  man  fhall  fpare  his  brother.  »iea/. 
 
 20  And  he  fhall  f  fnatch  on  the  right  band,  and  bef  Heb. 
 hunpy;  and  he  fhall  eat  on  the  left  hand,  and  they““'* 
 
 fifth  ^^atisfied:  they  fhall  eat  every  man  the 
 
 lieln  of  his  own  arm.  ^ 
 
 21  Manaffeh,  Ephraim ;  and  Ephraim,  Manaffeh  ; 
 
 TCtn.,„”hri  1™*'  ■f-i”  ■»  •  ■”«'»  co,di,io.  r.. 
 
 ftrn«r  bf't'ks,  It  IS  faid,  are  only  well  moiftened  clay  mixed  with 
 
 ftraw,  and  dried  in  the  fun  j  walls  built  with  which  are  commonh  no  better 
 
 lithpr  /  ""t^qupntly  they  were  not  to  be  compared  with  hewn  Lf, 
 
 either  for  beauty  or  durability.  Sycamores  are  timber  of  little  valuer^d  are 
 therefore  wi  h  equal  propriety,  oppofed  to  cedars.  Ver.  18.  “vlckedneft 
 
 mf  5  and  laying  wafte  the  nations;  but  it  Ihall  be  its 
 
 own  deftrutft.on,  by  bringing  down  the  fire  of  God’s  wrath,  on  the  briers  and 
 
 thorns,  that  is  the  wicked  themfelves  Brier-  pnH  _ T  ■ 
 
 i.^j  ■  ,  .  .  urierp  and  thorns  are  an  image  of  the 
 
 wicked  as  violent,  yet  impotent  in  mifehief;  P!al  cxviii.  12.  and  at  ufelefs, 
 
 i^profi  able,  devoted  to  deftruaion  ;  Ifa.  xxxiii.  12.  Pfal.  Iviii.  9.  Ver  <^0 
 
 iT  neighbour;  that 
 
 ts.  they  fhall  barals  and  dellroy  one  another,  Manaffeh,  Ephraim  ;  and  Ephraim, 
 
 fur.  God-,  tomfo,,”  buuh“juk'/°p’'5lb  rub™rpjgiyi„a«d^f',h™''“-?h^  "““tedltl  dT'  f"  ‘‘T  °h"’ 
 
 help  of  men,  depending  only  on  Chrift  !  Safety,  holineft  and  honour  a^re  Lllv  found  in  hfm  f  T"  ^i®  ^  f^^^liionable  evils,  and  difregard  the  fear  and 
 
 .„d  .,0  offended  in  bi„_G,e..  i.  .b.  ,1’.,  i,  on™..":  it  d  .  otl..”  „  "  ^  To",  dt’’  "  r.' 
 
 who  have  experienced  the  power  thereof,  wait  for  him  notwithftandimr  the  tnnft  tprrll.lp  fTPohli  j  j  ^  ®  "“h  pleafure  may  thofe 
 
 and  afflia  his  chuxch,  he  will  never  leav^  Z.  "kZ^ZrelZ  ihe  tnZandZl'Z  IZTeZZZ  ^  Though  God  hide  himfelf 
 
 Wicked  men  inftead  of  Jefus,  and  his  word  confirmed  "y  hfs  oatbi  and  ratiLdlawf  blood  J  " 
 
ISAIAH. 
 
 A  remnant  shall  he  saved. 
 
 cir.  71^. 
 
 I  Or, 
 to  the 
 
 writers 
 
 that  w’i'e 
 
 grievous- 
 
 iiess. 
 
 u'oe  (jf  Itjranls, 
 
 Before  and  they  together  shall  he  againd  Judah.  For  all  this 
 his  anger  is  not  turned  away,  but  his  hand  is  ftretched 
 out'ltill.* 
 
 CHAP.  X. 
 
 1  The  me  of  tyrants,  5  Assyria,  the  rod  of  hypocrites,  for  hisjnride,  shall 
 he  broken.  10  A  remnant  of  Israel  shall  be  saved. 
 
 OE  unto  them  that  decree  unrighteous  de¬ 
 crees,  and  II  that  write  grievoulnefs  which 
 they  have  prelcribed  ; 
 
 2  To  turn  afide  the  needy  from  judgment,  and  to 
 take  away  the  right  from  the  poor  of  my  people,  that 
 widows  may  be  their  prey,  and  that  they  may  rob  the 
 fatherlefs  ! 
 
 3  And  what  will  ye  do  in  the  day  of  vifitation,  and 
 in  the  deColation  -which  (hall  come  from  far?  to  whom 
 will  ye  flee  for  help  ?  and  where  will  ye  leave  your 
 glory  ? 
 
 4  Without  me  they  (hall  bow  down  under  the  pri- 
 ,ciiap.  foners,  and  they  fliall  fall  under  the  flain.  ®  For  all 
 5A5.&  this  his  anger  is  not  turned  away,  but  his  hand  is 
 
 flretched  out  flill. 
 
 II  Or,  5  H  II  O  t  Affyrian,  the  rod  of  mine  anger,  I1  and 
 n'ocioihe  ftaffin  their  hand  is  mine  indignation. 
 
 6  I  will  fend  him  againft  an  hypocritical  nation, 
 and  againft  the  people  of  my  wrath  will  I  give  him  a 
 charge,  to  take  the  fpoil,  and  to  take  the  prey,  and 
 f  to  tread  them  down  like  the  mire  of  the  ftreets. 
 
 7  Howbeit  he  meaneth  not  lb,  neither  doth  his 
 heart  think  fo  ;  but  it  is  in  his  heart  to  deftroy  and 
 
 treading,  cut  off  oations  not  a  few. 
 
 b  12  Kings 
 18.  24, 
 
 3.8.  Sr.  1 9. 
 
 Jssv'io  n, 
 I  Heb. 
 Ashar, 
 
 I  Or, 
 
 though. 
 f  Heb. 
 to  toy 
 them  a 
 
 8  ^  For  hefaith,  Are  not  my  princes  altogether  kings  ? 
 
 9  /5  not  Calno  as  Carchemifh  ?  is  not  Hamath  as 
 10  &c.  Arpad  ?  is  not  Samaria  as  Damafeus  ? 
 
 10  As  my  hand  hath  found  the  kingdoms  of  the 
 idols,  and  whofe  graven  images  did  excel  them  of  Je- 
 rufalem  and  of  Samaria  ; 
 
 11  Shall  I  not,  as  I  have  done  unto  Samaria  and 
 her  idols,  fo  do  to  Jerulalem  and  her  idols  ? 
 
 12  Wherefore  it  (hall  come  to  pafs,  thaif  when  the 
 Lord  hath  performed  his  whole  work  •=  upon  mount 
 Zion,  and  on  Jerufalem,  I  will  f  punilh  the  fruit  f  of 
 the  ftout  heart  of  the  king  of  AlTyria,  and  the  glory  of 
 his  high  looks. 
 
 13  For  he  faith.  By  the  ftrength  of  ray  hand  I  have 
 done  it,  and  by  my  wifdora  ;  for  I  am  prudent :  and 
 I  have  removed  the  bonds  of  the  people,  and  have 
 robbed  their  treafures,  and  I  have  put  down  the  in- 
 
 1 2  Kings 
 19.  31. 
 f  Heb. 
 mitupon. 
 f  Heb. 
 f  the 
 greatness 
 of  the 
 
 like 
 
 many 
 
 people,  habitants  H  like  a  valiant  man 
 
 llanafleh  ;  (which  two  tribes  were  mofl  clofely  connedled  in  blood  and  fituation, 
 an  brothers  and  neighbours  ;)  and  both  of  them  in  the  midft  of  their  own  diflenfions 
 fhall  agree  in  preying  upon  Judah. 
 
 I'^PLANATORY  notes.  Chap.  X.  Ver,  4.  jfithout  me,  that  is,  with¬ 
 out  my  aid,  they  fhall  be  taken  captive  even  by  the  captives,  and  fubdued  by 
 •he  vanquiflied.  And  notwitbftanding  of  their  wretched  flate,  the  wrath  of 
 God  remained  on  the  ten  tribes.  It  is  a  fearful  thing  to  fall  into  the  hands  of 
 •lie  living  God.  Ver.  5.  0  Assyrian,  Here  begins  another  prophecy,  which 
 Js  continued  to  the  12th  chapter.  It  was,  aS  it  appears  from  ver.  9 — 1 1.  delivered 
 after  the  taking  of  Samaria  by  Shalmanefer  ;  which  was  in  the  fixth  year  of 
 Hezekiah’s  reign  :  and  as  the  former  part  of  it  foretels  the  invafion  of 
 Sennacherib,  and  the  deflruAion  of  his  army,  it  mu  ft  have  been  before  the 
 ourteenth  of  the  fame  reign.  Ver.  16.  And  under  his  glory,  that  is,  all  that 
 he  could  boaft  of  as  a  great  and  ftrong  army,  fhall  Jehovah  kindle  a  burn- 
 
 14  And  my  ha  id  hath  found,  as  a  neft,  the  riches 
 of  the  people  :  and  as  one  gathereth  eggs  that  are 
 left,  have  I  gathered  all  the  earth :  and  there  was 
 none  that  moved  the  wiug,  or  opened  the  mouth,  or 
 peeped. 
 
 15  Shall  the  axe  boaft  itfelf  againft  him  that  heweth 
 therewith  ?  or  fbail  the  faw  magnify  itlelf  againft  him 
 that  fhaketh  it  ?  ||  as  if  the  rod  ftiould  (hake  itself  \\  Or, 
 againft  them  that  lift  it  up,  or  as  if  the  ftalf  ftiould  lift  if“' 
 up  II  itself  as  if  it  were  no  wood. 
 
 16  Therefore  (hall  the  Lord,  the  Lord  of  hofts, 
 fend  among  his  fat  ones  leannefs  ;  and  under  his  glory 
 
 he  (hall  kindle  a  burning  like  the  burning  of  a  fire.  5?'’’ ‘I*®* 
 
 17  And  the  light  of  Ifrael  (hall  be  for  a  fire,  and  his))o/^J^^ 
 Holy  One  for  a  flame  :  and  it  (hall  burn  and  devour 
 
 his  thorns  and  his  briars  in  one  day; 
 
 18  And  (hall  confume  the  glory  of  his  foreft,  and 
 of  his  fruitful  field,  f  both  foul  and  body  :  and  they 
 (hall  be  as  when  a  ftandard-bearer  fainteth. 
 
 19  And  the  reft  of  the  trees  of  his  foreft  fhall  be  f  f  Heb. 
 
 few,  that  a  child  may  write  them.  from  the 
 
 20  H  A.nd  it  (hall  come  to  pafs  in  that  day,  that 
 remnant  of  Ifrael,  and  fuch  as  are  efcaped  of  the  houfe^!’^),‘.  “  ^ 
 of  Jacob,  (hall  no  more  again  (fay  upon  him  that  fmote  t  Heb. 
 tliem  ;  but  (hall  (fay  upon  the  Lord,  the  Holy 
 
 of  Ifrael,  in  truth. 
 
 21  The  remnant  fhall  return,  even  the  remnant  of 
 Jacob,  unto  the  mighty  God. 
 
 22  For  though  thy  people  Ifrael  be  as  the  fand  of*^ 
 the  fea,  yet  a  remnant  f  of  them  (hall  return  :  =  the  con- 
 fumption  decreed  (hall  overflow  ||  with  righteoufnefs.  L,  or  ’ 
 
 23  For  the  Lord  God  of  hofts  (hall  make  a  con-  among. 
 fumption,  even  determined,  in  the  rnidil  of  all  the  land.  ® 
 
 24  H  Therefore  thus  faith  the  Lord  God  of  hofts, 
 
 O  ray  people  that  dwellelf  in  Zion,  be  not  afraid  of 
 
 the  Affyrian ;  he  (hall  (mite  thee  with  a  rod,  ||  andllOG^ue 
 fhall  lift  up  his  ftaff  againft  thee,  after  the  manner  off.V'‘“" 
 
 '  -Esyp'-  ‘ffif 
 
 25  For  yet  a  very  little  while,  and  the  indignation  iheef 
 (hall  ceafe,  and  mine  anger,  in  their  deftrudfion. 
 
 26  And  the  Lord  of  hofts  (hall  (fir  up  a  fcourge 
 for  him,  according  to  the  (laughter  of  s  Midian  at  the  g  judges 
 rock  of  Oreb :  and  as  his  rod  toas  upon  the  fea,  fo?.  25. 
 (hall  he  lift  it  up  after  the  manner  of  Egypt. 
 
 27  And  it  (hall  come  to  pafs  in  that  day,  that  his®'^' 
 burden  f  (hall  be  taken  away  from  off  thy  (houlder,  f  Heb. 
 and  his  yoke  from  off  thy  neck,  and  the  yoke  (hall 
 deftroyed  becaufe  of  the  anointing. 
 
 f  Exod. 
 14. 
 
 move. 
 
 mg  as  the  burning  of  a  fire.  Ver.  17,  18.  The  briars  and  the  thorns  are  the 
 common  people  ;  the  glory  of  his  foreft  are  the  nobles,  chap.  ix.  17.  Ezek.  xx.  47. 
 The  fire  of  God’s  wrath  fiiall  deftroy  them  soul  and  body  ;  a  proverbial  ex'prelTion’ 
 meaning,  fliall  confume  them  entirely  and  altogether.  And  the  few  that  efcape 
 fliall  be  looked  upon  as  having  efcaped  from  the  moft  imminent  danger  •  *•  as  a 
 hre-brand  plucked  out  of  the  fire.”  Amos  iv.  11.  1  Cor.  iii.  15.  as  a  man,  whea 
 hi^s  houfe  IS  burning,  is  forced  to  make  bis  efcape  by  running  through  the  midft; 
 of  the  fire.  Ver.  20 — 23.  When  God  executes  vengeance  on  his  enemies,  he 
 referves  mercy  in  ftore  for  his  chofen  people.  Amidft  the  general  defolations 
 a  remnant  is  preferred  to  return  to  their  old  habitations,  after  Sennacherib 
 railed  the  fiege  of  Jerufalem,  or  from  the  Babylonian  captivity  .  but  this  pro¬ 
 phecy  had  Its  fulleft  accomplifhment  in  the  times  of  Mefliah,  Rom.  ix  27 
 Ver.  24^26.  Sennacherib  is  reprefented  by  the  prophet  as  lifting  up  his  rod 
 in  his  march  from  Egypt,  and  threatening  the  people  of  God;  as  Pharaoh  and 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS — *  Chap.  IX.]  It  bodes  well  to  a  place  when  God  fends  to  it  the  li<rht  of  the  eofoel  No  load  nf  /  u 
 
 Sov  r^uch  ‘f'  ‘f-  Thrice  happy  are  thofe  ignorant  fimiers,  whom  he  enlighteL  fn  ihe  knowledge  of  himfelf  4^^' 
 
 enjoy  much  folid  and  fpiritual  joy,  freedom  and  viaory,  even  when  they  weep  and  lament.  Unbounded  are  the  excellencies  hi<rh  the  Hifni.  They  may 
 
 andfavoury  the  names  of  Immanuel,  whom  God  hath  freely  given  to  us  finful  men  !  O  the  infinite  zeal  of  Jehovah  to  honour  his  Son  and  to  ’  ‘i!’®  relations, 
 
 os  church!  May  our  fouls  always  rejoice  in  thefe  things. -Thofe  ripen  faft  for  ruin  who  continue  proud  and  ileniten 
 
 i-^wfckednlr  '’“"  drive  to  their  duty.  Hypocrify  towards  God,  and  villany  towards  men,  ordinarily  mee^t  together  Gen 
 
Christas  peaceable  Ichirtdom* 
 
 Hcfore 
 Christ 
 cir.  715. 
 
 •f  Heb. 
 Cry  ihritl 
 luith  thy 
 voice. 
 
 M  Or, 
 mightily. 
 
 a  A(5ls 
 13,  23. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 scent,  or 
 smell. 
 
 H  Or, 
 argue. 
 b  Job 
 4.  9. 
 
 2  Their. 
 
 2.  8. 
 
 c  Chap. 
 65.  25. 
 
 28^  He  is  come  to  Aiath,  he  is  paffed  to  Migron  ; 
 at  IVlichmarh  he  bath  laid  up  his  carriages  j 
 
 29  1  hey  are  gone  over  the  pafl'age ;  they  have 
 taken  up  their  lodging  at  Geba  ;  Raraah  is  afraid  ; 
 Gibeah  of  Saul  is  fled. 
 
 30  f  Lift  up  thy  voice,  O  daughter  of  Gallim  ; 
 caule  it  to  be  heard  unto  Laifh,  O  poor  Anathoth. 
 
 31  Madmenah  is  removed ;  the  inhabitants  of  Ge- 
 bim  gather  themfelves  to  flee. 
 
 32  As  yet  (hall  he  remain  at  Nob  that  day  :  he 
 (hall  fhake  his  hand  against  the  mount  of  the  daugh¬ 
 ter  of  Zion,  the  hill  of  Jerufalem. 
 
 33  Behold,  the  Lord,  the  Lord  of  hofts,  fhall  lop 
 the  bough  v  ith  terror  ;  and  the  high  ones  of  ftature 
 shall  be  hewn  down,  and  the  haughty  (hall  be  hum¬ 
 bled. 
 
 34  And  he  (hall  cut  down  the  thickets  of  the  forefl: 
 with  iron,  and  Lebanon  (hall  fall  11  by  a  mighty 
 one.* 
 
 CHAP.  xr. 
 
 1  The  peaceable  kingdom  of  the  Branch  out  of  the  root  of  Jesse,  10  The 
 restoration  of  Israel,  and  vocation  of  the  Gentiles. 
 
 And  there  lhall  come  forth  a  rod  out  of  the 
 ftem  of  ®  JelTe,  and  a  branch  fhall  grow  out  of 
 his  roots  : 
 
 2  And  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  (hall  reft  upon  him, 
 the  fpirit  ofwifdom  and  underftanding,  the  fpirit  of 
 counfel  and  might,  the  fpirit  of  knowledge  and  of  the 
 fear  of  the  Lord  ; 
 
 3  And  (hall  make  him  of  f  quick  underftanding  in 
 the  fear  of  the  Lord  ;  and  he  fhall  not  judge  after 
 the  fight  of  his  eyes,  neither  reprove  after  the  hearing 
 of  his  ears : 
 
 4  But  with  righteoufnefs  (hall  he  judge  the  poor, 
 and  11  reprove  with  equity  for  the  meek  of  the  earth  : 
 and  he  (hall  ^  (mite  the  earth  with  the  rod  of  his 
 mouth,  and  with  the  breath  of  his  lips  fhall  he  slay 
 the  wicked. 
 
 5  And  righteoufnefs  (hall  be  the  girdle  of  his  loins, 
 and  faithfulnefs  the  girdle  of  his  reins. 
 
 6  '  The  wolf  alfo  (hall  dwell  with  the  lamb,  and  the 
 
 B  Or, 
 
 ISAIAH.  The  calling  of  the  Gentiles, 
 
 leopard  (hall  lie  down  with  the  kid  ;  and  the  calf,  and 
 the  young  lion,  and  the  Catling  together ;  and  a  little 
 child  fhall  lead  them. 
 
 7  And  the  cow  and  the  bear  (hall  feed  ;  their  young 
 ones  (hall  lie  down  together  :  and  the  lion  (hall  eat 
 draw  like  the  ox. 
 
 8  And  the  lucking  child  (hall  play  on  the  hole  of  the 
 afp,  and  the  weaned  child  (hall  put  his  hand  on  the 
 II  cockatrice’  den. 
 
 9  They  (hall  not  hurt  nor  deftroy  in  all  my  holy 
 mountain  :  for  the  earth  (hall  be  full  of  the  know¬ 
 ledge  of  the  Lord,  as  the  waters  cover  the  fea. 
 
 10  ^  And  in  that  day  there  (hall  be  a  root  of 
 
 JelTe,  which  fhall  ftand  for  an  enfign  of  the  people ; 
 fo  it  (hall  the  Gentiles  feek :  and  his  reft  (hall  bed  Unm. 
 t  glorious.  15. 10, 
 
 1 1  And  it  (hall  come  to  pafs  in  that  day,  that  theLr,'''’ 
 Lord  fhall  let  his  hand  again  the  fecond  time  to  re-^'”^^’ 
 cover  the  remnant  of  his  people,  which  (iTall  be  left, 
 from  Allyria,  and  from  Egypt,  and  from  Pathros, 
 and  from  Cu(h,  and  from  Elam,  and  from  Shinar, 
 and  from  Hamath,  and  from  the  islands  of  the  fea. 
 
 12  And  he  fhall  fet  up  an  enfign- for  the  nations, 
 
 and  fhall  alTerable  the  outcafts  of  llfaei,  and  gather  to-t  ,^deb. 
 gether  the  difperfed  of  Judah  from  the  four  f  corners  Trf; 
 of  the  earth.  '  ’  .V;* 
 
 13  The  envy  alfo  of  Ephraim  fhall  depart,  and  thedfcnn/ 
 adverfaries  of  Judah  (hall  be  cut  off;  Ephraim  (hall'^"''- 
 not  envy  Judah,  and  Judah  fhall  not  vex  Ephraim, 
 
 14  But  they  (hall  fly  upon  the  (houlders  of  the  Moab 
 
 Philiftines  towards  the  welt ;  they  (hall  fpoil  tthem^haiibe 
 of  the  eaft  together  :  f  they  (hall  lay  their  hand  upon'^‘®  ‘f'”’ 
 Edom,  and  Moab;  f  and  the  children  of  Ammon 
 (hall  obey  them.  t  Heb, 
 
 15  And  the  Lord  (hall  utterly  deftroy  the  tongue'^'®'**'; 
 
 of  the  Egyptian  fea  :  and  with  his  mighty  wind  (hall 
 he  (hake  his  hand  over  the  river,  and  (hall  (mite  it  their  ak¬ 
 in  the  (even  dreams,  and  make  men  go  over  tdry-^/w^ce. 
 (hod.  fH''- 
 
 16  And  there  (hall  bean  highway  for  the  remnant 
 of  his  people,  which  (hall  be  left,  from  Affyria  :  *  like  h.  29. 
 
 the  Egyptians  bad  done,  when  they  purfued  them  to  the  Red  fea.  But  God  will 
 lift  up  his  rod  as  he  did  at  that  time,  iu  the  way,  or  after  the  manner  of  Egypt,  and 
 overthrow  the  enemies  of  his  people,  who  therefore  had  no  reafon  to  fear.  Ver. 
 28—32.  A  defcription  of  the  afiyrian’s  army  marching  to  invefl;  Jerufalem,  and 
 of  the  terror  and  confufion  fpreading  and  increafing  through  the  feveral  places,  as 
 it  advanced  ;  expreifed  with  great  brevity,  but  finely  diverfified.  The  places  men¬ 
 tioned  are  all  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Jerufalem  ;  from  Ai,  northward  to  Nob 
 weftward  of  it :  from  which  lad  place  Sennacherib  might  probably  have  a  prof- 
 peft  of  mount  Zion.  Ver.  32.  Anathoth  was  within  three  Roman  miles  of  Jeru¬ 
 falem  ;  Nob  dill  nearer  ;  Michmaflt  a  very  narrow  paffage  between  two  iharp 
 hills  or  rocks,  1  Sam.  xiv.  4,  5.  where  a  great  army  might  have  been  oppofed  with 
 advantage  by  a  very  inferior  force.  The  enemies  having  paffed  this  drait  with¬ 
 out  oppofition,  fhews  that  all  thoughts  of  making  a  dand  iu  the  open  country  were 
 given  up,  and  that  their  own  refource  was  the  drength  of  the  aiiy.  Ver.  33,  34. 
 The  dedrurftion  of  the  Affyrian  army  is  exhibited  under  the  image  of  a  mighty 
 fored,  cut  down  and  laid  level  with  the  ground,  by  the  axe,  wielded  by  the  hand 
 of  fome  powerful  and  illudrious  agent. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XI.  Ver.  1 — 6.  In  oppofition  to  the 
 image  in  the  conclufion  of  the  preceding  chapter,  the  prophet  reprefents  the  great 
 perfon,  who  is  the  fubjedl  of  the  following  prophecy  as  a  slender  twig  (hooting 
 out  from  the  trunk  of  an  old  tree,  cut  down,  lopped  to  the  very  root,  and  decayed, 
 which  tender  plant,  fo  weak  in  appearance,  (hould  neverthelefs  become  fruitful 
 and  profper.  Vfe  have  a  remarkable  indance  of  that  method  fo  common 
 with  the  prophets,  and  particularly  with  Ifaiah,  of  taking  occafion  from  the 
 
 mention  of  fome  great  temporal  deliverance,  to  launch  out  into  the  difplay  of  the 
 fpiritual  deliverance  of  God’s  people  by  the  Melfiah;  for  that  this  prophecy  re¬ 
 lates  to  MeflTiah,  we  have  the  exprefs  authority  of  Paul,  Rom.  xv.  12.  His  quali¬ 
 fications  to  indrutd,  govern,  and  prote<5l  his  people  are  clearly  dated.  Ver.  6 — 3. 
 The  bleffednefs  of  Meffiah’s  kingdom  is  finely  exprcffed  in  parabolical  language. 
 The  fpirits  of  men  naturally  fierce,  unlraflable,  and  perfecuting,  by  his  grace  be¬ 
 come  meek  lowly  and  gentle  as  the  lamb;  all  atiimofities  fubfide,  and  no 
 more  venom  remain  in  the  human  hofom.  The  wolf  and  leopard  not  only  for¬ 
 bear  to  dedroy  the  lamb  and  the  kid,  hut  even  take  their  abode  and  lie  down 
 together  with  them.  The  calf,  and  the  young  lion,  and  the  falling,  not  only 
 come  together,  but  are  led  quietly  by  the  fame  hand,  and  that  by  a  little  child. 
 The  heifer  and  the  Ihe-bear  not  only  feed  together,  but  even  lodge  their  young 
 ones,  for  which  they  ufed  to  be  mod  jealously  fearful  in  the  fame  place.  All 
 the  I'erpent  kind  is  fo  perfedlly  harmlefs,  that  the  fucking  infant  and  the  newly' 
 weaned  child,  puts  his  hand  on  the  cockatrice  or  bafiliflc’s  den,  and  plays  upon 
 the  hole  of  the  afp  or  afpic.  The  lion  not  only  ahdains  from  preying  on  the 
 weaker  animals  but  becomes  tame  and  domedic,  and  feeds  on  draw  like  an 
 ox.  Ver.  11 — 16.  Toefe  verfes  contain  a  prophecy  which  certainly  remains 
 to  be  accomplifhed,  when  the  Jews  (liall  be  converted  to  Jefus  Chrid  with 
 the  fulnefs  of  the  Gentiles.  There  is  a  plain  allufion,  ver.  15.  to  the  paf¬ 
 fage  of  the  Red  fea,  Exod.  xiv.  21.  The  longue  is  a  very  appofite  and  ex- 
 prelTive  word  for  a  bay,  fuch  as  jhat  of  the  Red  fea  ;  it  is  ufed  in  the  fame  fend, 
 Jo(h.  XV,  2,  3,  18,  I9I 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  X.]  Dreadful  punidiments,  both  in  time  and  eternity,  may  thofe  rulers  expe<5l,  who  make  unrighteous  laws,  and 
 who  enrich  themfelves  at  the  expenfe  of  the  poor,  the  fatherlefs,  and  the  widows,  whom  God  has  taken  into  his  peculiar  protedlion  !  In  a  marvellous  manner  God 
 makes  the  mod  infolent  and  atheidical  tyrants  the  tools  of  his  providence  ;  and  even  over-rules  their  luds,  aud  their  mifehievous  purpofes  and  condutd,  in  fubfervience 
 to  the  glory  of  his  perfeiflions,  and  the  welfare  of  his  church  !  Alas,  of  what  bafe  robbery  and  bloody  murder  do  conquerors  of  this  world  make  their  bond  !  Ibo''’ 
 fuccefs  makes  them  dupid,  proud,  and  atheidical.  But  w'hen  God  has  finifhed  his  work  by  them,  eafily  he  brings  them  down,  and  makes  their  vanity  and  boaftiog 
 iffue  in  (hame  and  disappointment.  Let  us  therefore  greatly  fear  tliat  God  with  whom  is  terrible  majedy ;  who  after  he  has  killed  the  body,  can  cad  both  foul  and 
 body  into  hell  fire,  and  who,  in  a  moment,  can  hurl  the  migbtied  criminals  into  endlefs  ruin  ! 
 
Ajotjftil  iJianlc'ghing  for  the  meixics  qf  God. 
 
 as  it  W3S  to  lirael  in  the  day  that  he  came  up 
 
 of.helandofEgyp^-^^p^^j^ 
 
 /I  joyful  thansgioing  if  the  faithful  for  the  merdes  of  God. 
 
 And  in  that  day,  thou  fhalt  fay,  O  Lord,  I 
 
 praife  thee  :  though  thou  watt  angry  with  me, 
 ■  turned  away,  and  thou  comfortedtt 
 
 ISAIAH. 
 
 God  threaleneth  to  destroy  Bibylvn. 
 
 cir 
 
 Before 
 
 Cfarift 
 713. 
 
 out 
 
 will 
 
 thine  anger  is 
 
 IXIw* 
 
 2  Behold,  God  h  my  falvation  ;  I  will  truft,  and 
 not  be  afraid  ;  for  the  Lord  JEHOVAH  is  ray 
 *  ftrength  and  my  fong  ;  he  alfo  is  become  my  falvation. 
 
 3  Therefore  with  joy  lhall  ye  draw  water  out  of  the 
 
 a  Exod. 
 
 15.  3. 
 
 Pfalm 
 
 b'l  ciir'o.  wells  of  falvation. 
 16  .  3. 
 
 Pfalm 
 
 105.  1. 
 
 II  Or. 
 
 jyroclaun 
 his  name. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 tnhabi- 
 tress. 
 
 4  And  in  that  day  fhall  ye  fay,  Praife  the  Lord, 
 II  call  upon  his  name,  declare  his  doings  among  the 
 people,  make  mention  that  his  name  is  exalted. 
 
 5  Sing  unto  the  Lord  ;  for  he  hath  done  excellent 
 things:  this  zs  known  in  all  the  earth. 
 
 6  Cry  out  and  (hour,  thou  f  inhabitant  of  Zion  :  for 
 great  is  the  Holy  One  of  Ifrael  in  the  raidft  of  thee.f 
 
 CHAP.  XIII. 
 
 1  God  muslereth  the  armies  of  his  ivrath  s  6  he  threateneth  to  destroiy  Ba¬ 
 bylon  by  the  Modes.  1  9  The  destruction  f  Babylon. 
 
 cir.  712.  r^HE  burden  of  Babylon,  which  Ifaiah  the  fon  of 
 
 1  Amoz  did  fee. 
 
 2  Lift  ye  up  a  banner  upon  the  high  mountain, 
 exalt  the  voice  unto  them,  fhake  the  hand,  that  they 
 may  go  into  the  gates  of  the  nobles. 
 
 3  I  have  commanded  my  fandtified  ones,  I  have  alfo 
 called  my  mighty  ones  for  mine  anger,  even  them  that 
 rejoice  in  my  highnefs. 
 
 f  Heb.  4  The  noife  of  a  multitude  in  the  mountains,  f  like 
 theiike-  gg  qJ-  g  people  ;  a  tumultuous  noife  of  the  king- 
 doms  of  nations  gathered  together;  the  Lord  of 
 hotts  muttereth  the  hott  of  the  battle. 
 
 5  They  come  from  a  far  country,  from  the  end  of 
 heaven,  even  the  Lord,  and  the  weapons  of  his  indig¬ 
 nation,  to  dettroy  the  whole  land. 
 
 6  Howl  ye  ;  for  the  day  of  the  Lord  is  at  hand  ; 
 it  fhall  come  as  a  deftru(ttion  from  the  Almighty. 
 
 7  Therefore  fhall  all  hands  II  be  faint,  and  every 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 fall  down 
 t  Heb.' 
 wonder. 
 
 man’s  heart  fhall  melt : 
 at  his  8  And  they  fhall  be 
 taije  hold  of  them 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 faces  of  I  •  I ' 
 
 th fames,  at  another ;  their  faces  shall  be  as 
 
 afraid :  pangs  and  forrows 
 ;  they  fhall  be  in  pain,  as  a 
 
 woman  that  travaileth  :  they  fhall  f  be  amazed  f  one 
 
 t  flames. 
 
 Before 
 Ciirill 
 ir.  7 1 2. 
 
 9  Behold  the  day  of  the  Lord  cometh,  cruel  both 
 with  wrath  and  fierce  anger,  to  lay  the  land  delblate; 
 and  he  fhall  dettroy  the  fiuners  thereof  out  of  it. 
 
 10  For  the  ttars  of  heaven,  and  the  conttellations 
 thereof,  fhall  not  give  their  light :  the  fun  fhall  be 
 
 *  darkened  in  his  going  forth,  and  the  moon  fhall  not  a  Ezek.- 
 caufe  her  light  to  fhine. 
 
 1 1  And  I  will  punifh  the  world  for  their  evil,  and  2.  31.  & 
 the  wicked  for  their  iniquity;  and  I  will  caule  the  3.  15. 
 arrogancy  of  the  proud  to  ceal'e,  and  will  lay  low  the 
 haughtinefs  of  the  terrible. 
 
 12  I  will  make  a  man  more  precious  than  fine  gold  ;  21.  25. 
 even  a  man  than  the  golden  wedge  of  Ophir. 
 
 13  Therefore,  I  wall  fhake  the  heavens,  and  the 
 earth  fhall  remove  out  of  her  place,  in  the  wrath  of 
 the  Lord  of  hotts,  and  in  the  day  of  his  fierce  an¬ 
 ger. 
 
 14  And  it  fhall  be  as  the  chafed  roe,  and  as  a  fheep 
 that  no  man  taketh  up ;  they  fhall  every  man  turn 
 to  his  own  people,  and  flee  every  one  into  his  own 
 land. 
 
 1 5  Every  one  that  is  found  fhall  be  thruft  through  ; 
 and  every  one  that  is  joined  unto  them  (hall  fall  by  the 
 fword. 
 
 16  Their  children  alfo  fhall  be  ^  dafhed  to  pieces 
 
 b  Ptalm 
 137.  9. 
 
 before  their  eyes  ;  their  houfes  fhall  be  fpoiled ,  and 
 their  wives  ravifhed. 
 
 17  Behold,  I  w'ill  ftir  up  the  Medes  againtt  them, 
 which  fhall  not  regard  fllver ;  and  as  for  gold,  they 
 fhall  not  delight  in  ir. 
 
 1 8  Their  bows  alfo  fnall  dafh  the  young  men  to  f  t  Heb. 
 pieces ;  and  they  fhall  have  no  pity  on  the  fruit  of 
 
 womb  ;  their  eye  fhall  not  fpare  children.  ^  Gen”°* 
 
 19  ^  And  Babylon,  the  glory  of  kingdoms, 
 
 beauty  of  the  Chaldees'  excellency,  fhall  be  t  as  when  jerem. 
 God  overthrew  Sodom  and  Gomorrah.  ^o. 
 
 20  It  fhall  never  be  inhabited,  neither  fhall  it 
 
 dwelt  in  from  generation  to  generation  ;  neither  fhall  iHej,. 
 the  Arabian  pitch  tent  there  ;  neither  fhall  the  fhep-  o.-Om. 
 herds  make  their  fold  there  :  1 
 
 21  But  t  v.zild  bcatts  of  the  defert  fhall  lie  there ; 
 
 and  their  houfes  fhall  be  full  of  t  doleful  creatures  fdaulhiert 
 and  11  t  owls  fhall  dwell  there,  and  fatyrs  fhall  dance  o/’"ieou;z. 
 there,.,.  f  Heb. 
 
 Urn. 
 
 22  And  f  the  wild  beatts  of  the  iflaods  fhall  cry  in 
 their  |1  defolatc  houfes,  and  dragons  in  their  pleafant 
 
 Or, 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chaf.  XII.  Ver.  1—3.  This  fong  is  more 
 adapted  to  the  Chriftian  than.  to  the  Jewifti  church.  If  Ifrael,  when  they  were 
 faved  from  the  Egyptians,  fang  praifes  to  God,  much  more  reafon  have  the  i 
 redeemed  from  all  the  nations,  to  give  thanks  for  their  falvation  by  Chrift. 
 Ver.  4 — 6.  Thofe  who  fee  abundant  caufe  to  praife  God,  and  know  the  blef- 
 fednefs  of  the  employment,  will  be  folicitous  that  others  join  them  in  the  grateful 
 feivice. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XIII.  Ver,  1.  This  chapter  and  the 
 following  one,  the  five  lad  verfes  excepted,  contain  one  entire  prophecy, 
 foretelling  the  deftrudlion  of  Babylon  by  the  Medes  and  Perfians  ;  delivered  pro¬ 
 bably  in  the  reign  of  Ahaz,  about  200  years  before  its  completion.  Ver.  2,  3. 
 God  calls  together  the  forces,  dellined,  fanrdified  or  feparated  to  his  fervice, 
 Ver.  4,  5.  The  prophet  hears  the  noife  of  different  nations  crowding  together 
 to  the  flandard  ;  he  fees  them  advancing,  prepared  to  execute  the  divine  wrath  ; 
 
 Compare  Jer.  I.  9,  27,  28.  Ver.  6 — 9.  He  proceeds  to  deferibe  the  dreadful 
 confequences  of  this  vifitation,  and  the  confternation  which  will  feize  thofe  that 
 i  are  its  objedls.  Ver.  10.  The  overthrow  of  kingdoms  and  potentates  as  repre. 
 fented  by  the  liars  obfeured,  the  moon  and  fun  ceafing  to  give  liglit ;  the  earth 
 quaking,  and  the  heavens  trembling;  and  all  things  feeniingly  returning  to  their 
 original  chaos,  Joel  ii.  10.  Matth.  xxiv.  29.  Ver.  11.  ^nd  I  will  punish  the 
 world,  that  is,  the  Babylonifh  empire;  [as  he  oikoumene]  the  ivorld,  for  the  Roman 
 empire,  or  for  Judea,  Luke  ii.  1.  Arils  xi.  28.  Ver.  14.  The  forces  of  Babylon, 
 dellitute  of  a  leader,  difperfed,  return  to  their  refpedlive  homes.  Ver.  15,  16. 
 The  llaughter  is  univerfai,  affedling  equally  thofe  who  flee  fingly,  and  thofe 
 who  endeavoured  to  retreat  in  comparSl  bodies.  Humanity  finds  no  place  in  the 
 enemies’ bofom.  Ver.  17,18.  The  Medes  (liall  not  be  induced,  by  large  offers 
 of  gold  or  fllver  for  ranfom,  to  fpare  the  lives  of  thofe  whom  they  have  fubdued 
 in  battle,  Ver.  19 — 22.  The  great  city  of  Babylon  was  at  this  time  rifing 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XI.]  Contemplate  here  the  Lamb  of  God  !  Behold  how  he  affumes  our  nature  ;  is  conceived  and  born  of  the 
 virgin,  in  the  likenefs  of  finful  flefh,  and  laid  in  the  manger  !  B-.hold  him  filled  with  the  Holy  Spirit  above  meafure,  and  qualified  to  fave  his  people  to  the  utter- 
 moft,  and  avenge  bimfelf  of  his  enemies!  Behold  how  his  almighty  grace  transfo  ms  the  mod  outrageous  finners  into  the  mod  amiable  faints  i  See  his  gofnel 
 rapidly  fpreading  in  the  earth,  and  his  power  and  glory  revealed  in  the  hearts  of  men.  See  him  in  prophecy  conquering  all  oppofition,  removin.r  every  impediment 
 Haying  the  enmity,  and  making  of  Jews  and  Gentiles  one  new  man,  fo  making  peace!  *’  J  r  -  » 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — f  Chap.  XII  ]  How  tranfcendantly  do  the  glory  and  comfort  of  the  New  Tellament  church  exceed  thofe  of  the  Old 
 The  great  forgivenefs  through  Jefus’  blood,  inflames  the  heart  and  tunes  the  lips  to  praife.  Nor  ought  Jehovah’s  frowns  to  untune  our  fouls.  For  weepintr  n'av 
 endure  for  a  night,  but  joy  cometh  in  the  moriTiig.  O  the  inexpreflible  pleafure  of  enjoying  a  reconciled  God  as  our  all  and  iit  all.  If  he  be  ours  we  mav^fafelv 
 truft  him  with  all  our  happinefs,  all  our  work,  all  our  care.  If  he  be  our  ftrength,  no  foe  can  hurt  us,  If-he  be  our  falvation,  eternity  is  too  fliort  to  fpeak  bis  praiie. 
 
Israel's  merciful  rcstoralion. 
 
 ISAIAH, 
 and  her  days 
 
 F' 
 
 t  Heb. 
 tiiat  /md 
 
 palaces ;  and  her  time  is  near  to  come 
 lhall  not  be  prolonged. ’ 
 
 ^  ^  CHAP.  XIV. 
 
 ^d's  merciful  reslorati  n  of  Israel :  Z  their  triumphant  insuUation  over 
 Babel,  God  s  purpose  against  .dssprk.  29  Palestine  is  threatened. 
 
 OR  the  Lord  will  have  mercy  on  Jacob,  and  will 
 —  yet  choole  llrael,  and  fet  them  in  their  own  land  : 
 and  the  itrangers  lhall  be  joined  with  them,  and  they 
 lhall  cleave  to  the  houfe  of  Jacob. 
 
 2  And  the  people  lhall  take  them,  and  bring  them- 
 to  their  place;  and  the  honfe  of  Ifrael  lhall  poffefs  * 
 them  in  the  land  of  the  Lord  for  lervants  and  hand- 1 
 
 mat  rnia  they  lhall  take  them  captives  f  whofe 
 
 were;  and  they  lhall  rule  over  their  I 
 wptwjs.  opprellors.  ! 
 
 3  ^  And  it  lhall  come  to  pafs,  in  the  day  that  the  | 
 Lord  lhall  give  thee  reft  from  thy  Ibrrow,  and  from 
 thy  fear,  and  from  the  hard  bondage  wherein  thou 
 waft  made  to  feive, 
 
 4  That  thou  lhalt  take  up  this  H  proverb  againft 
 the  king  of  Babylon,  and  fay,  How  hath  the  opprelTor 
 ceafed  !  the  H  golden  city  ceafed  ! 
 
 5  The  Lord  hath  broken  the  ftalF  of  the  wicked, 
 and  the  feeptre  of  the  rulers. 
 
 6  He  who  fraote  the  people  in  wrath  with  f  a  con¬ 
 tinual  ftroke,  he  that  ruleth  the  nations  in  anger,  is 
 perfecuted,  atid  none  hindereth. 
 
 7  Ihe  whole  earth  is  at  reft,  and  is  quiet;  they 
 break  forth  into  Tinging. 
 
 8  Yea,  the  fir-trees  rejoice  at  thee,  and  the  cedars 
 of  Lebanon,  saying.  Since  thou  art  laid  down,  no  fel¬ 
 ler  is  come  up  againft  us. 
 
 9  [|  Hell  from  beneath  is  moved  for  thee  to  meet 
 
 W  Or, 
 
 taunting 
 speech. 
 li  Or, 
 etcacttiess 
 (/gold. 
 
 ^  Heb. 
 a  stroke 
 without 
 removing. 
 
 U  Or,  Tlte 
 
 grave. 
 
 T  Heb. 
 leaders. 
 I!  Or, 
 great 
 goats. 
 
 II  Or. 
 day-star. 
 
 thee  at  thy  coming:  it  ftirreth  up  the  dead  for  thee, 
 even  all  the  f  li  chief  ones  of  the  earth  ;  it  hath 
 raifed  up  from  their  thrones  all  the  kings  of  the 
 nations. 
 
 10  All  they  lhall  fpeak  and  fay  unto  thee,  Art  thou 
 alfo  become  weak  as  we  J  art  thou  become  like  unto 
 us  ? 
 
 H  Thy  pomp  is  brought  down  to  the  grave,  and 
 the  noil'e  of  thy  viols :  the  worm  is  Ipread  under  thee, 
 and  the  worms  cover  thee. 
 
 12  How  art  thou  fallen  from  heaven,  O  ||  Lucifer, 
 
 Their  triumph  aoer  BahyJofj^ 
 to  the 
 
 Befbre 
 
 Chria 
 cir.  7 1 2. 
 
 Ion  of  the  morning  !  hoys  art  thou  cut  down 
 ground,  which  didft  weaken  the  nations  ! 
 
 ^  13  For  thou  haft  laid  in  thine  heart,  I  will  afeend 
 exalt  my  throne  above  the  ftars 
 of  God  ;  I  will  fit  alfo  upon  the  mount  of  the  congre¬ 
 gation,  in  the  fides  of  the  north  : 
 
 14  I  will  afeend  above  the  heights  of  the  clouds ; 
 
 1  will  be  like  the  moft  High. 
 
 15  Yet  thou  lhalt  be  brought  down  to  hell,  to  the 
 lides  of  the  pit. 
 
 16  They  that  fee  thee  lhall  narrowly  look  upon 
 thee,  and  confider  thee,  saying.  Is  this  the  man  that 
 made  the  earth  to  tremble,  that  did  lhake  kingdoms  : 
 
 17  That  made  the  world  as  a  wildernefs,  and  de- 
 
 ftroyed  the  cities  thereof ;  that  1|  opened  not  the  houfe  i  Or, 
 of  his  prifoners  ?  did  not  ki 
 
 18  All  the  kings  of  the  nations,  even  ail  of  them 
 
 he  in  glory,  every  one  in  his  own  houfe ;  w 
 
 19  But  thou  art  caft  out  of  thy  grave  like  an  abo-  uw*. 
 minable  branch,  and  rjs  the  remnant  of  thofe  that  are 
 llain,  ihruft  through  with  a  fword,  that  go  down  to 
 
 the  ftones  of  the  pit ;  as  a  carcale  trodden  under  feet. 
 
 20  1  hou  lhalt  not  be  joined  with  them  in  burial,  be- 
 caufe^thou  haft  deftroyed  ihy  land,  and  llain  thy  peo¬ 
 ple  :  “  the  feed  of  evil  doers  lhall  never  be  renowned,  a  Job 
 
 21  Prepare  llaughter  for  his  children  ^  for  the  ini- 
 quity  of  their  fathers;  that  they  do  not  rife,  nor™^„ 
 pollefs  the  land,  nor  fill  the  lace  of  the  world, with  cities.  37'.  23!  & 
 
 22  For  I  will  rife  up  againft  them,  faith  the  Lord  is. 
 of  hofts,  and  cut  off  from  Babylon  the  name,  and 
 remnant,  and  Ion,  and  nephew,  faith  the  Lord.  Matih. 
 
 23  1  will  alfo  make  it  a  poffeffion  for  the  bittern,  23. 35. 
 and  pools  of  water ;  and  I  will  fweep  it  with  the 
 befom  of  deftru ion,  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts. 
 
 24  51  Ihe  Lord  of  hofts  hath  fworn,  faying,  Surely 
 as  I  have  thought,  fo  lhall  it  come  to  pafs ;  and  as  I 
 have  purpofed,  so  lhall  it  ftand ; 
 
 25  lhat  I  will  break  the  Alfyrian  in  my  land,  and 
 upon  my  mountains  tread  him  under  foot :  then  fhall 
 his  yoke  depart  from  off  them,  and  his  burden  depart 
 from  off  their  Ihoulders. 
 
 26  Ihis  IS  the  purpofe  that  is  purpofed  upon  the 
 whole  earth  ;  and  this  is  the  hand  that  is  ftretched 
 out  upoD  all  the  nations. 
 
 to  its  height  of  glory,  while  Ifaiah  W'as  lepeatedly  denouncing  its  utter  de- 
 Arudlion. 
 
 explanatory,  notes.  Chap.  XIV.  Ver.  1—3.  The  deliverance  of 
 the  Jews  from  captivity,  was  the  ia, mediate  confcquence  of  Cyrus'  eonqueft  of 
 Edliylon  ;  for  he  fent  them  back  to  their  own  land.  Plowever  God  may  feem 
 to  defert  the  defeendants  of  Jacob,  he  will  regard  them  as  his  chofen  people. 
 Ver.  4.  This  verfe  introduces  a  triumphant  fong,  on  the  deflrudtion  of 
 Babylon,  Uiat  is  continued  to  ver.  28.  concerning  wliich  Bifhop  Lowth  remarks, 
 
 There  is  no  poem  of  its  kind  extant  in  any  language  in  which  the  fubjedt  is 
 lb  well  laid  out,  and  fo  happily  conduced,  with  fuch  riebnefs  of  invention  ; 
 with  fuch  variety  of  images,  perfons,  ai;d  diftincl  adlions ;  with  fuch  rapidity 
 and  eafe  of  tranfition,  in  fo  fmall  a  compafs,  as  in  this  Ode  of  Ifaiah ;  for 
 beauty  of  defetiption  ;  ftrength  of  colouring  j  greatnefs  of  fentiment ;  brevity, 
 perfpicuity,  and  force  of  exprellion,  it  stands  among  all  the  monuments  of 
 antiquity  unrivalled.”  Ver.  4 — 8.  The  Jews  are  introduced  expreffing  their  j 
 astonilhment  at  the  fudden  downfall  of  Babylon,  and  the  great  reverfe  of  I 
 fortune  that  had  befallen  the  tyrant,  who,  like  his  predecelTors,  had  oppfefled 
 his  own,  and  haralTVd  the  neighbouring  kingdom.s.  Thefe  kingdoms  or  their 
 rulers  are  reprefented  under  the  image  of  the  fir-trees  and  the  cedars  of  mount 
 Libanus,  frequently  ufed  to  exprefs  any  thing  in  the  political  or  religious 
 world,  that  is  fupcreminently  great  and  majellic  :  the  whole  earth  Ihouteth  for 
 
 ;  the  cedars  of  Libanus  utter  a  fevere  taunt  over  the  fallen  tyrant,  and  j 
 
 boast  their  fecurity  now  that  he  is  no  more.  Ver.  9—12.  In  a  bold  figure  the 
 regions  of  the  dead  are  laid  open,  and  hell  or  hades,  is  reprefented  as  roufing 
 up  the  lhades  of  the  departed  monarchs ;  thefe  illustrious  fiiades  rife  at  once 
 as  from  their  thrones  to  meet  the  king  of  Babylon  at  his  coming,  and  infult 
 him  on  being  reduced  to  the  fame  low  state  of  impotence  and  dilTolution  with 
 themfelves.  Ver.  13 — 15.  The  Jews  addrefs  the  king  of  Babylon  as  the 
 morning  star  fallen  from  heaven ;  as  the  first  in  fplendour  and  dignity  in  tlie 
 political  world,  fallen  from  his  highest  state;  the  extravagant  vaunts  of  his 
 power  and  ambitious  defigns,  are  strongly  contrasted  with  his  prefent  low  and 
 abjedl  condition.  Ver.  16—20.  Certain  perfons  are  introduced,  who  light  on 
 the  corpfe  of  the  king  of  Babylon,  cast  out  and  lying  naked  on  the  bare  ground, 
 among  the  common  llain,  just  after  the  taking  of  the  city  ;  covetad  with 
 wounds,  and  fo  disfigured,  that  it  is  fometime  before  they  know  him.  They 
 accost  him  with  the  feverest  taunts,  and  bitterly  reproach  him  with  his 
 dcstrudlive  ambition,  and  cruel  ufage  of  the  conquered  ;  which  have  defervedly 
 brought  on  him  this  ignominious  treatment,  fo  different  from  that  which  tbola 
 of  l)is  rank  ufually  meet  w'ith,  and  which  fhall  cover  his  posterity  with  difgrace ; 
 “  As  a  tree  abominated,”  fuch  as  a  tree  is,  on  which  a  malefadlor,  among  tha 
 Jews,  had  been  hanged,  Deut.  xxi.  25.  Gal.  ill.  13.  Ver.  21—27.  To  complete 
 the  whole,  God  is  here  introduced,  declaring  the  fate  of  Babylon,  the  utter 
 extirpation  of  the  royal  family;  and  the  total  defolation  of  the  city :  the 
 deliverance  of  his  peoplcj  and  the  destrudlion  of  their  enemies ;  confirming 
 
 PRACTICAL  observations. — *  Chap.  XIIL]  Alas,  how  destru(5live  are  the  judgments  of  God  on  guilty  nations  ;  nor  is  there  any  defl,ru<5Iion,  on  earth 
 but  the  Lord  is  the  manager  of  it.  He  can  raife  mighty  armies  by  his  call  or  by  his  nod  ;  and  with  alacrity  they  march,  under  his  encouraging  diredlion,  to  execute 
 his  judgments.  He  has  exhibited  the  most  terrible  marks  of  his  indignation  against  fin,  on  perfons,  cities,  and  nationsi  And  the  ruin  of  places,  once  famous  and 
 •wicked,  attest  his  infinite  holinefs,  equity,  foreknowledge,  faithfulnefs,  and  divine  authenticity  of  his  word. 
 
fhc  lamentable  state  of  Moah. 
 
 ISAIAH. 
 
 Moah  exhorted  and  threatened. 
 
 JJffore 
 (;hrill 
 cir.  71'2- 
 
 27  For  the  Lord  of  hofis  hath  '  pnrpofed,  and  who 
 fhall  difannul  itr’  and  his  hand  ts  (iretched  our,  and 
 who  fhall  fhall  turn  it  back? 
 
 28  In  the  year  that  king  Ahaz  died  was  this  burden. 
 
 29  ^  Rejoice  not  thou,  whole  Paleftina,  becaufe  the 
 
 job9. 12.  fmote  thee  is  broken  ;  for  out  of  the 
 
 »i°3o.  ierpent’s  root  fhall  come  forth  a  ||  cockatrice,  and  his 
 ibaniei  fruit  sha/l  he  a  fiery  flying  ferpent. 
 
 30  And  the  firft-born  of  the  poor  fhall  feed,  and 
 the  needy  (hall  lie  down  in  fafety  ;  and  I  will  kill  thy 
 
 ^^'or,'  he  root  with  famine,  and  he  fhall  slay  thy  remnant, 
 (iiaii/ioi  31  Howl,  O  gate;  cry,  O  city  ;  thou  whole  Palef- 
 be^bne.  diflolved  \  for  there  fhall  come  from  the  north 
 
 Isembiies.  a  fmokc,  and  H  none  shall  be  alone  in  his  |i  appointed 
 d  riaims  times. 
 
 S7. 1,5-ii  32  What  fhall  one  then  anfwer  the  raefTengers  of 
 
 nation  ?  That  the  Lord  hath  founded  Zion, 
 Itnke  and  the  poor  of  his  people  fhall  n  trufl;  in  it.* 
 v,e,nsfhes  CHAP.  XV. 
 
 The  lamentable  stale  nf  Moab. 
 
 The  burden  of  Moab.  Becaule  in  the  night  Ar 
 of  Moab  is  laid  wafle,  and  ||  brought  to  filence  ; 
 becaufe  in  the  night  Kir  of  Moab  is  laid  wafte,  and 
 brought  to  filence : 
 
 2  He  is  gone  up  to  Bajath,  and  to  Dibon,  the  high 
 48.37,38.  places  to  W'eep ;  Moab  fhall  howl  over  Nebo,  and 
 Ezekiel  jyfedeba  :  “  on  ail  their  heads  shall  be  baldnefs, 
 
 and  every  beard  cut  off. 
 
 3  In  their  ftreets  they  fhall  gird  themfelves  with 
 fackcloth  ;  on  the  tops  of  their  houfes,  and  in  their 
 
 _ ^ftreets,  every  one  fltall  howl,  f  weeping  abundantly. 
 
 down  ivitk  4  And  Hefhbon  fhall  cry,  and  Elealeh  ;  their 
 Keeping,  voicc  fhall  be  heard,  even  unto  Jahaz  :  therefore  the 
 armed  foldiers  of  Moab  fhall  cry  out ;  his  life  fhall 
 Llthere-^^  grievous  unto  him. 
 
 of,  even  as  5  My  heart  fhall  cry  out  for  Moab  ;  11  his  fugitives 
 mheifer.  shall  fee  uhto  Zoar,  an  ^  heifer  of  three  vears  old  :  for 
 48.^34?'  by  the  mounting  up  of  Luhith  with  weeping  fhall  they 
 t  Heb.’  go  it  up :  for  in  the  way  of  Horonaim  they  fhall  raife 
 breaking.  Up  a  cry  of  f  deflruftion. 
 
 unto  it. 
 
 cir.  726. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 cut  off. 
 a  Jerem. 
 
 7.  18. 
 f  Hel). 
 descend¬ 
 ing  into 
 iceejnii'i, 
 or  comin. 
 
 the  irreverfible  decree,  with  the  awful  fanaion  of  an  oath.  The  Afljrians  and 
 Babylonians  were  the  fame  people.  Their  defeat  under  Sennacherib,  in  Heze- 
 kiah  s  reign,  was  a  prelude  of  their  total  deflrtuflion,  becaufe  they  oppofed  the 
 people  of  God.  Ver.  20— .30.  Uzziah  had  fubdued  the  Philiftines,  2  Chron.  xxiv. 
 6,  7.  ;  but  taking  advantage  of  the  weak  reign  of  wicked  Ahaz,  they  invaded  Ju¬ 
 dea,  and  took  and  held  in  poffenion  fome  cities  in  the  fouthern  part  of  the  king¬ 
 dom.  On  the  death  of  Ahaz,  Ifaiah  delivers  this  prophecy,  w'hich  was  aecompliflied 
 by  Hezekiah,  2  Kings  xviii.  8.  Uzziah  mud  tlierefore  be  meant  by  the  rod  that 
 imote  them,  and  the  ferpent  from  whom  fhould  fpring  the  fiery  flying  ferpent; 
 that  is,  Hezekiah,  his  great  grandfon,  and  much  more  terrible  enemy  than  even 
 Lzziali  had  been.  Ver.  31.  From  the  north  cometh  a  smoke.  That  is.  a  cloud  of 
 lilt,  raifed  by  the  march  of  tiezekiali’s  army  againft  Philillia  ;  which  lay  to  the 
 ouib-weft  from  Jerufalem.  JS’one  shall  be  alone  in  his  appointed  limes;  or  there 
 Jball  not  be  a  ftraggler  in  his  levies.  Ver.  32.  mat  then  shall  one  ansiver  the 
 fiKssengers^  of  the  nations  F  or  what  anfwers  fliall  be  given  to  the  ambalfadors  of  the 
 nations?  The  ambalfadors  of  the  neighbouring  nations,  that  fend  to  congratulate 
 fzekiah  on  bis  fuccefs  ;  which  in  his  anfwer  be  will  aferibe  to  the  proteiSlion  of 
 2  Chron.  xxxii.  23. 
 
 ,  ^^^^•^NATOR'i  NOTES.  Chap.  XV’.  Ver,  1.  This  prophecy  is  either 
 *wli  quickly  aecompliflied,  within  three  years, 
 
 en  Shalmanefer  ravaged  the  country  ;  or  as  fome  think,  relates  to  the  final 
 
 Before 
 
 Christ 
 
 6  For  the  waters  of  Nimrim  fhall  be  f  defolate:  for 
 I  the  hay  is  withered  away;  the  grafs  faileth  ;  there  is 
 
 no  green  thing. 
 
 7  Therefore  the  abundance  they  have  gotten,  and  t  Heb.t/e- 
 that  which  they  have  laid  up,  fhall  they  carry  away 
 
 to  the  11  brook  of  the  willows.  II  Or, 
 
 8  For  the  cry  is  gone  round  about  the  borders 
 Moab;  the  howling  thereof  unto  Eglaim,  and  the6ia«/''' 
 howling  thereof  unto  Beer-elim. 
 
 9  For  the  waters  of  Dimon  fhall  be  full  of  blood  : 
 
 for  1  will  bring  t  more  upon  Dimon,  lions  upon  himt  Hcb. 
 that  efcapeth  of  Moab,  and  upon  the  remnant  of 
 land.f 
 
 CHAP.  XVI. 
 
 1  Moab  is  exhorted  to  yield  obedience  to  Christ's  kingdom.  6  Moah  is 
 threatened  fur  her  pride  :  9  the  prophet  hewadeth  her.  1 2  The  judg¬ 
 ment  of  Moab, 
 
 SEND  ye  the  lamb  to  the  ruler  of  the  land  from 
 II  t  Sela  to  the  wildernefs,  unto  the  mount  of  the  U  Or, 
 daughter  of  Sion, 
 
 2  For  it  fhall  be,  that  as  a  wandering  bird  || 
 out  of  the  neft,  so  the  daughters  of  Moab  fhall  be  at  n  Or,* 
 the  fords  of  Arnon.  a  nest  for- 
 
 3  f  Take  counfel,  execute  judgment ;  make  thy^'^”’ 
 fhadow  as  the  night  in  the  midft  of  the  noon-day, 
 hide  the  outcafis  ;  bewray  not  him  that  wandereth.  t  Heb. 
 
 4  Let  mine  outcafis  dwell  with  thee,  Moab;  be®'^”^^* 
 thou  a  covert  to  them  from  the  face  of  the  (poiler :  J, 
 for  the  t  extortioner  is  at  an  end,  the  fpoiler  ceafeth, 
 t  the  oppreflors  are  confumed  out  of  the  land.  a  Dan. 
 
 5  And  in  mercy  » fhall  the  throne  be  11  eftablilhed  ;  7- 14.27. 
 and  he  (hall  fit  upon  it  in  truth  in  the  tabernacle  of  4^7**^ 
 David,  judging,  and  feeking  judgment,  and  halting  Luke 
 nghteoufnefs.  1. 33. 
 
 6  f  We  have  heard  of  the  ^  pride  of  Moab,  (he  is  I* 
 very  proud,)  even  of  his  haughtinefs,  and  his  pride,  b7rrrm‘ 
 and  his  wrath  :  but  his  lies  shall  not  be  fo.  48.  29.  ’ 
 
 t  T.  herefore  fhall  Moab  ^  howl  for  Moab,  every  one  Jerem. 
 fhall  howl:  for  the  foundations  of  Kir-harefeth  fhall 
 ye  II  mourn  ;  furely  theij  are  ftricken. 
 
 mutter. 
 
 deftruaion  of  Moab  by  Nebuchadnezzar,  Jer.  xlviii,  Ver.  2—4.  It  was  a  o-eneral 
 praa.ee  it  is  faid  among  the  ancients,  except  the  Egyptians,  to ‘cut  off  their  hair 
 as  a  token  of  mourning,  Jer.  vii.  29.  Vv’e  have  here  a  piaure  of  the  moR  afiea 
 mg  I  all  fhould  fad  ;  the  mighty  warriors  fhould  faint  under  their  fear 
 
 and  their  life  become  a  burden  to  them.  Ver,  5.  The  Voice  of  the  heifer  is 
 thought  to  he  deeper  than  the  bullock ;  her  lowing  is  therefore  chofen  as  the  more 
 proper  image  to  exprefs  the  mourning  of  Moab.  Ver.  7,  The  brook  or  valley  of 
 willows,  refers  to  Babylon,  Pfal,  cxxxii,  2.  ^ 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XVL  Verl  BHhon  T  j 
 
 this  verfe,  “I  will  fend  forth  the  fon  of  the  ruler  of  the  iknd,  from  SfaelecrS 
 the  defert  to  the  mount  of  the  daughter  of  Sion.”  This,  and  the  follow, 'no- 
 verfe  deferibes  the  diftrefs  of  IMoab  on  the  AfTyrian  invafion  ;  in  which  even  the 
 fon  of  the  prince  of  the  count. y  is  reprefented  as  forced  to  flee  for  his  life 
 through  the  defert,  tnat  he  may  efcape  to  Judea;  and  the  young  women  are 
 driven  forth  like  young  birds  call  out  of  the  neft,  and  endeavoiinrrwade 
 through  the  fords  of  the  river  Arnon.  Ver.  4,  The  Biflion  marls  r 
 
 “Let  the  outcaft  of  Moab  fojourn  with  thee,  (O  Sion  I— for  the  rv  ^ 
 no  .,d  .dd.,  .f,do“.ho  piii",  m.ft 
 
 Z  d°f  f  Z  '7  to  tho  conZf 
 
 and  the  defign  of  the  prophet.  He  exhorts  Sion,  (Ver.  3^5  )  delicproH  f.  * 
 
 her  former  diftrefs,  fecure  and  properous  under  Hezekiah,  to’ pity  and  proteS 
 
 wh  Both  God  and  man  take  plcafure  to  humble  and  debafe  the  proud.^  But  if  hauirhtv  fvranis  fink  tr,  rtafi  "or  wealth  profit 
 
 «'hat  fearful  forms  fliall  evil  fpirits  welcome  to  hell  the  proud  defpifers  of  Tfus  Chrift  i  But  2  ,■  '"•tl>/uch  cruel  derifion,  in 
 
 members  i  Jehovah  is  her  founder,  foundation,  proteift  L'ltd  refuso!  commotions  on  earth,  fixed  is  his  Church,  Tndfofe 
 
 '^hich  men  pa  1  ® f  Chap.  XV.]  Deftrudlion  in  tremendous  triumph,  follows  fin  throu-'h  imnenitent  ri.ip  a 
 
 him.  Tnd  if  haSd  r  endangers  the  owner.  It  increafes  the  owner’s  cale  and  S  v^bi  e  i  affift 
 
 And,  It  hardened  finuers  efcape  one  judgment,  they  are  referved  for  another.  ®  his  enemy  to  deftroy 
 
 21 
 
Syria  and  Israel  threatened. 
 
 ISAIAH. 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 cir.  726. 
 
 H  Or, 
 
 ])hicked 
 
 up. 
 
 B  Or, 
 
 8  For  the  fields  of  Hefhbon  languifh,  and  the  vine 
 of  Sibmah  ;  the  lords  of  the  heathen  have  broken 
 dovt'n  the  principal  plants  thereof ;  they  are  come  ei'en 
 unto  Jazer,  they  wandered  through  the  wilderoels ; 
 her  branches  are  H  ftretched  out,  they  are  gone  over 
 the  fea : 
 
 9  Tnere^orel  will  bewail  with  the  weeping  of  Jazer 
 the  vine  of  Sibmah  :  I  w'ill  w'ater  thee  with  my  tears, 
 O  Hefhbon,  and  Elealeh ;  for  |1  the  {homing  for  thy 
 
 ^isfaUen  and  for  thy  harveft,  is  fallen. 
 
 upon,  lJc.  10  And  ^  gladnefs  is  taken  away,  and  joy  out  of 
 d  Jerera.  the  plentiful  field  ;  and  in  the  vineyards  there  fhall 
 4s.  33.  jjg  pQ  finging,  neither  (hall  there  be  fhouting  ;  the 
 treaders  fhall  tread  out  no  wine  in  their  preftes ;  I 
 have  made  their  wn/o'^t-fhouting  to  ceafe. 
 
 11  Wherefore  ray  bowels  (hall  found  like  an  harp 
 for  Moab,  and  mine  inward  parts  for  Kir-hare(h. 
 
 12  And  it  (hall  come  to  pafs,  when  it  is  feeu  that 
 Moab  is  weary  on  the  high  place,  that  he  lhall  come 
 to  his  fanctuary  to  pray  ;  but  he  fhall  not  prevail. 
 
 13  This  zs  the  word  that  the  Lord  hath  fpoken 
 concerning  Moab  fince  that  time. 
 
 14  But  now  the  Lord  hath  fpoken,  faying,  Within 
 three  years,  as  the  years  of  an  hireling,  and  the  glory 
 of  Moab  fhall  be  contemned,  with  all  that  great 
 multitude ;  and  the  remnant  shall  be  very  (mall  a7id 
 11  feeble.* 
 
 CHAP.  XVII. 
 
 1  Syria  and  Israel  threatened.  7  A  remnant  shall  forsahe  idolatry;  9 
 
 the  rest  shall  be  plagued  J'ur  their  impiety.  1 2  The  woe  of  Israel's  enemies. 
 
 cir.  714.  r- 1  'iHE  burden  of  Damafeus.  Behold,  Damafeus 
 
 i.  is  taken  away  from  being  a  city,  and  it  (fjall  be 
 a  ruinous  heap. 
 
 2  The  cities  of  Aroer  ore  forfaken  ;  they  fhall  be 
 for  flocks,  which  (hall  lie  down,  and  none  (hall  make 
 them  afraid. 
 
 3  The  fortrefs  alfo  (hall  ceafe  from  Ephraim,  and 
 the  kingdom  from  Damafeus,  and  the  remnant  of 
 Syria :  they  (hall  be  as  the  glory  of  the  children  of 
 Krael,  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts. 
 
 4  And  in  that  day  it  fhall  come  to  pafs,  that  the 
 glorv  of  Jacob  (hall  be  made  thin,  and  the  fatnefs  of 
 his  flefh  (hall  wax  lean. 
 
 5  And  it  (hall  be  as  when  the  harveft-man  gathereih 
 the  corn,  and  reapeth  the  ears  with^  his  arm ;  and 
 it  fhall  be  as  he  that  gathereth  ears  in  the  valley  of 
 Rephaim. 
 
 HOr, 
 
 not  many, 
 
 The  xvoe  of  Israel’s  enemies  i 
 
 6  %  Yet  gleaning  grapes  fhall  be  left  in  it,  as  the  Before 
 (baking  of  an  olive-tree,  two  or  three  berries  in  the 
 
 top  of  the  uppermoft  bough,  four  or  five  in  the  out-,^^‘^- 
 mo(t  fruitful  branches  thereof,  faith  the  Lord  God^*'^ 
 of  Ifrael. 
 
 7  At  that  day  (hall  a  man  look  to  his  Maker,  and 
 his  eyes  (hall  have  refpeft  to  the  Holy  One  of  Ifrael. 
 
 8  And  he  fhall  not  look  to  the  altars,  the  work  of 
 
 his  hands,  neither  (hall  refpedl  that  which  his  fingers 
 have  made,  either  the  groves  or  the  II  images.  llOfis?,,). 
 
 9  ^  In  that  day  (hall  his  ftrong  cities  be  as  a  for.’"'“fi‘'‘'' 
 faken  bough,  and  an  uppermort  branch,  which  they 
 left,  becaufe  of  the  children  of  Ifrael :  and  there  (hall 
 
 be  defolation. 
 
 10  Becaufe  thou  haft  forgotten  the  God  of  thy 
 falvation,  and  haft  not  been  miodful  of  the  Rock  of 
 thy  ftrength,  therefore  (halt  thou  plant  pleafant  plants, 
 and  (halt  fet  it  with  ftrange  flips : 
 
 1 1  In  the  day  (halt  thou  make  thy  plant  to  grow, 
 
 and  in  the  morning  (halt  thou  make  thy  feed  to  flou- 
 rifh  :  but  the  harveft  shall  be  11  a  heap  in  the  day  of  0  Or, 
 grief  and  of  defperate  forrow.  removed 
 
 the  fu<ritive  Moabites.  Ver.  6—14.  Moab  on  account  of  her  pride  and  infolent 
 behaviour  towards  the  Jews,  was  to  fuller  the  moll  fevere  judgments,  Zeph.  ii. 
 8  —  1 0 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XVII.  Ver.  1.  The  bu-den  of  Da- 
 mtscus.  This  prophecj  by  its  title  fliould  relate  only  to  Damafeus  ;  but  it  fully 
 as  much  concerns,  and  more  largely  treats  of  the  kingdom  of  Samaria  and  the 
 Ifraelites,  confederated  with  Damafeus  and  the  Syrians,  agamll  the  kingdom  of 
 Judah.  It  was  fulfilled  by  Tiglath-pilefer’s  taking  Damafeus  and  carrying  the 
 people  captive  to  Kir,  (2  Kings  xvi.  9.)  and  overrunning  great  part  of  the  king¬ 
 dom  of  Ifrael,  and  carrying  a  great  number  of  the  Ifraelites  alfo  captives  to  Alfyria  : 
 and  Hill  more  fully  in  regard  to  Ifrael,  by  the  conquefl.  of  the  kingdom^  and  the 
 captivity  of  the  people,  effeaed  a  few  years  after  by  Shalmanefer.  Thus  the 
 strongest  confederates  in  fin  will  fall.  Ver.  5.  The  king  of  Al^yria  lhall  fweep 
 away  the  whole  body  of  the  people,  as  the  reaper  strippeth  off  the  whole  crop  of 
 
 J2  ^  Woe  to  the  H  multitudeof  many  people,  'which'^‘’“^f‘'!t 
 
 '  of  inker, 
 
 make  a  noife  like  the  noiCe  of  the  feas ;  and  to  thehiMf.Qni 
 rufhing  of  nations,  that  make  a  rufhing  like  the  rufhing  thtrefliaii 
 of  II  mighty  waters !  bedeadti) 
 
 13  The  nations  (hall  rufh  like  the  rufhing  of  many 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 waters  :  but  God  (hall  rebuke  them,  and  they  (hall  fleei 
 far  off,  and  fhall  be  chafed  as  the  chad'  of  the  raoun-  H  Oh 
 tains  before  the  wind,  and  like  H  a  rolling  thing  be- 
 fore  the  whirlwind.  ihistk. 
 
 14  And  behold  at  evening  tide  trouble;  and  before  duun. 
 the  morning  he  is  not.  Tnis  is  the  portion  of  them 
 that  I'poll  us,  and  the  lot  of  them  that  rob  us.f 
 
 CHAP.  XVIII. 
 
 7  An  access 
 
 God  in  care  rf  his  people,  will  destroy  the  Ethiopians, 
 thereby  uill  grow  unto  the  church. 
 
 'OE  to  the  land  lhadowing  with  wings,  which  |  Or, 
 is  beyond  the  rivers  of  Ethiopia  :  ouispmd 
 
 2  That  fendeth  ambalTadors  by  the  fea,  even 
 
 :  veflfels  of  bulrufhes  upon  the  waters,  sayingy  Go,  ye  y  Or, 
 
 I  fwift  mefEngers,  to  a  nation  ||  fcattered  and  peeled,  to « 
 
 I  a  people  terrible  from  their  beginning  hitherto  ; 
 
 I  nation  meted  out  and  trodden  down, 
 
 I  the  rivers  have  fpoiled  !  eikdom, 
 
 '  I  Heb.  a  nation  of  lime,  and  treading  under  foot.  0  Or,  whose  land  the  rieers 
 I  despise  ! 
 
 I  2  Ihed  met' 
 1  /*  ,  j  cth  out, 
 
 whole  land 
 
 !  corn  ;  and  the  remnant  (hall  be  no  more  in  proportion,  than  the  fcattered  ears  left 
 ^  to  the  gleaner.  The  valley  of  Rephaim  near  Jerufalem,  was  celebrated  for  its 
 plentiful  harveft;  it  is  here  ufed  poetically  for  any  fruitful  country.  Ver.  10,  11. 
 The  pleafant  plants  and  (lioots  from  a  foreign  foil,  are  allegorical  expreffions  for 
 strange  and  idolatrous  worfhip  ;  vicious  and  abominable  pradlices  connedled  with 
 
 it ;  reliance  on  human  aid. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XVIII.  Ver,  1.  Bifhop  Lowlh  tranf- 
 lates  this  verfe ;  “Woe  to  the  land  of  the  winged  cymbal,  which  borders  on  the 
 rivers  of  Cu(h  adding,  “If  the  words  are  rightly  interpreted,  the  wingtd 
 cymbal,  meaning  the  Egyptian  fistrum,  Egypt  must  be  the  country  to  which 
 the  prophecy  is  addrelfed. ’’  Ver.  2.  Vessel  of  bulrushes,  or  papyrus.  It  is  well 
 known  that  the  Egyptians  commonly  ufed  on  the  Nile,  a  light  fort  of  fliiph 
 or  boats,  made  of  the  reed  papyrus.  I'hey  had,  by  means  of  their  numerous 
 canals,  a  most  expeditious  way  of  communicating  new's  through  the  whole 
 
 TxrxAr'TTPAT  nPSFRVATIONS  — *  Chap.  XVI.]  Never  do  any  protea  or  cherifti  the  people  of  God  in  their  distrefs  but  he  remarkably  rewards  th^em- 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVA  1 1  thouirh  tliev  fall  they  (hall  quickly  rife  :  though  they  now  wither,  foon  (liall  they  flounfli  in  honour  and  glory.  They 
 
 I4or  is  it  overwife  to  stand  aloof  from  .[“J bis  love,  “and  none  fiiall  be  able  to  ruin  them. 
 
 A°rT\^'AT  ^OBSERVATIONS  —1  Chap.  X  VIL]  Woe  to  the  man  who  walketh  in  the  way  of  finners;  for  companions  in  wickednefs  (liall  foon  be  made 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVA  .  T  temnoral  destruaion  of  many  is  made  instrumental  of  the  eternal  falvation  of  even  a  few  ;  and  when  the  iol 
 
 partners  in  punifhment.  Thrice  appy  is  eniovments  to  God  bimfelf.  Puny  and  empty  nothings  before  God  are  the  mightiest  armies  of  his  adverfaiies- 
 
 geTi:i?oSerrotin^s1udgm'rs,  w  An^hlefted  h^e  his  name  that  (horulived  are  the  terrors  or  the  troubles, 
 
 S  his  chofen.  Happy  are  all  his  faithful  fervanu  ;  for  though  they  may  experience  weeping  for  a  mght,  joy  cometh  m  the  morning. 
 
ajlcr  min. 
 
 The  confusion  qf  TjgW^' 
 
 before  3  All  VC  inhabitants  of  the  world,  and  dwellers  on 
 ciiriit  »ug  earth,  fee  ye,  when  he  litteth  up  an  enfign  on  the 
 mountains;  and  when  he  bloweth  a  trumpet,  hear  ye. 
 
 4  For  Co  the  Lord  faid  unto  me,  1  will  take  my 
 
 «  Or  reft,  and  I  will  H  confiier  in  my  dwelling-place  like  a 
 Jsgariwy  clear  heat  j]  upon  herbs,  and  like  a  cloud  ot  dew  in 
 tel  imi-  heat  of  harveft.  ,  ,  ,  .  r  n. 
 
 5  For  afore  the  harveft,  when  the  bud  is  permcr, 
 
 and  the  four  grape  is  ripening  in  the  flower,  he  fhall 
 both  cut  off  the  (prigs  with  pruning  hooks,  and  take ; 
 away  and  cut  down  the  branches.  /•  ,  r-  i.  ! 
 
 6  They  fhall  be  left  together  unto  the  fowls  of  the ; 
 
 mountains,  and  to  the  beafts  of  the  earth  :  and  the  j 
 fowls  ftiall  fummer  upon  them,  and  all  the  beafts  of ; 
 the  earth  fhall  winter  upon  them.  i 
 
 7  f  In  that  time  fhall  the  prelent  be  brought  unto  i 
 
 „  w.,  the  Lord  of  hofts  of  a  people  H  (battered  and  peeled,  , 
 outspread  from  a  people  terrible  from  their  beginning  hi-  j 
 and  pa-  .  a  nation  meted  out,  and  trodden  under  foot, ! 
 
 whofe  land  the  rivers  have  fpoiled,  to  the  place  of  the  | 
 name  of  the  Lord  of  hofts,  the  mount  Zion.* 
 
 ISAIAH. 
 
 The  calling  of  Lgijpt  to  the  churchy 
 
 Or, 
 
 lished. 
 
 CHAP.  XIX. 
 
 1  The  confusion  of  E?ypl ;  1 1  the  foolishness  of  their  princes, 
 callinff  of  E^y pi  to  the  church, 
 with  Israel  and  Assyria. 
 
 18  The 
 
 24  God's  blessing  upon  Egypt  in  union 
 
 10  And  they  fhall  be  broken  in  the  f  purpofes 
 thereof,  all  that  make  fluices  a?id  ponds  f  for  fifh.  cir.714. 
 
 11  ^  Surely  the  princes  of  Zoan  are  fools,  the 
 
 counCel  of  the  wife  counfellors  of  Pnaraoh  is  become  t  Htb. 
 bruiifh  :  how  fay  ye  unto  Pnaraoh,  1  am  the  (on  of-^^:^“^“" 
 the  wife,  the  Con  of  ancient  kings  'I  _  |  iffb. 
 
 12  Where  are  they  ?  where  are  thy  wife  mcii  ?  and  0/ living 
 let  them  tell  thee  now,  and  let  them  know  what  the'^‘*'*e*- 
 Lord  of  hofts  hath  purpofed  upon  Egypt. 
 
 13  The  princes  of  Zoan  are  become  fools,  the 
 princes  of  Noph  are  deceived  ;  they  have  alio  feduced 
 Egypt,  even  H  t  they  that  ate  the  flay  of  the  tribes  ||  Or, 
 
 ,  '  ^  governors^ 
 
 th0r6Ot.  r  n  t  Ilfcb. 
 
 14  The  Lord  hath  mingled  +  a  perverfe  fpirit  m 
 
 the  midft  thereof;  and  they  havecauled  Egypt  to  errf  iieb. 
 in  every  work  thereof,  as  a  drunken  man  ftaggereth  viru  o/- 
 in  his  vomit: 
 
 15  Neither  fhall  there  be  any  work  for  Egypt, 
 which  the  head  or  tail,  branch  or  rufh,  may  do. 
 
 16  In  that  day  fhall  Egypt  be  like  unto  women  : 
 and  it  fhall  be  afraid  and  fear,  becaufe  of  the  fhaking 
 of  the  hand  of  the  Lord  of  hofts,  which  he  fhaketh 
 over  it. 
 
 17  A.nd  the  land  of  Judah  fhall  be  a  terror  unto 
 Egypt  ;  every  one  that  maketh  mention  thereof  fhall 
 
 t  Ileb. 
 mingle. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 shall  be 
 
 The  burden  of  Egypt.  Behold,  the  Lord  rideth  !!  be  afraid  in  himfelf,  becaufe  of  the  counfel  of  the 
 upon  a  fwift  cloud,  and  (hall  come  into  Egypt ;  jl  Lord  of  hofts,  which  he  hath  determined  againft 
 and  the  idols  of  Egypt  fhall  be  moved  at  his  prefence, 
 and  the  heart  of  Egypt  fhall  melt  in  the  midft  of  it. 
 
 2  And  I  will  t  let  the  Egyptians  againft  the  Egyp¬ 
 tians  ;  and  they  fhall  fight  every  one  againft  his  bro¬ 
 ther,  and  every  one  againft  his  ^  neighbour  ;  city 
 againft  city,  and.  kingdom  againft  kingdorn. 
 
 3  And  the  fpirit  of  Egypt  f  fhall  fail  in  the  midft 
 thereof;  and  Iwill  fdeftroy  the  counfel  thereof ;  and 
 
 emptied,  they  (hall  feek  to  the  idols,  and  to  the  charmers, 
 t  hotrp  fnirits.  and  to  the  vviz 
 
 and 
 
 S'joallow 
 
 up. 
 
 11  Or, 
 shut  up. 
 
 j  It. 
 
 I  18  U  In  that  day  fhall  five  cities  in  the  land  of 
 '  Egypt  fpeak  f  the  language  of  Canaan,  and  fwear  tof 
 j  the  Lord  of  hofts  :  one  fhall  be  called  The  city  H  of 
 j  deftrubfion.  ofUeres, 
 
 \  19  In  that  day  fhall  there  be  an  altar  to  the  Lord  or,  of  the 
 
 j  in  the  midft  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  and  a  pillar  at  the*“'*- 
 1  border  thereof  to  the  Lord. 
 
 !  20  And  it  fhall  be  for  a  fign  and  for  a  witnefs  unto 
 
 the  Lord  of  hofts  in  the  land  of  Egypt :  for  they  fhall 
 
 to  them  that  have  familiar  fpirits,  and  to  the  wizards.  ,■  c  n-  'ju 
 
 4  And  the  Egyptians  will  I  |1  give  over  into  the cry  unto  the  Lord  becaule  of  the  opprellors,  and  he 
 
 hand  of  a  cruel  lord  ;  and  a  fierce  king  fhall  rule  over  fttall  fend  them  a  faviour,  and  a  great  one,  and  he 
 
 them,  faith  the  Lord,  the  Lord  of  hofts.  fhall  deliver  them.  „  „  .  , 
 
 5  And  the  waters  fhall  fail  from  the  fea,  and  the  ij  21  And  the  Lord  fhall  be  known  to  Egypt,  and 
 
 river  fhall  be  wafted  and  dried  up.  i  the  Egyptians  flaall  know  the  Lord  in  that  day,  and 
 
 t  Heb. 
 and  shall 
 ml  be, 
 
 II  Or. 
 
 while 
 
 works. 
 
 6  And  they  (hall  turn  the  rivers  far  away  ;  and  the 
 brooks  of  defence  fhall  be  emptied  and  dried  up  ;  the 
 reeds  and  flags  (hall  wither. 
 
 7  The  paper  reeds  by  the  brooks,  by  the  mouth  of 
 
 the  brooks,  and  everything  Town  by  the  brooks,  fhall  j 
 wither,  be  driven  aw'ay,  t  and  be  no  more.  j 
 
 8  The  filhers  alio  (hall  mourn,  and  all  they  that  j 
 calf  angle  into  the  brooks  fhall  lament,  and  they  that 
 Ipread  nets  upon  the  water  flaall  languilh. 
 
 9  Moreover,  they  that  work  in  fine  flax,  and  they 
 that  weave  |1  net-w’orks,  (hall  be  confounded. 
 
 fhall  do  I'acrifice  and  oblation  ;  yea,  they  fhall  vow  a 
 vow  unto  the  Lord,  and  perform  it. 
 
 22  And  the  Lord  fhall  finite  Egypt :  he  fhall 
 fmite  and  heal/V.-  and  they  fhall  return  cw// to  the 
 Lord,  and  he  lhall  be  entreated  of  them,  and  (hall 
 heal  them. 
 
 23  11  In  that  day  fhall  there  be  a  highway  out  of 
 Egypt  to  Affyria  :  and  the  Affyrian  fhall  come  into 
 
 I  Egypt,  and  the  Egyptian  into  Affyria  ;  and  theEgyp- 
 I  tians  fliall  I'erve  with  the  Affyrians. 
 j  24  In  that  day  fhall  Ifrael  be  the  third  with  Egypt 
 
 country.  Ver.  8 — 6.  The  fubjea  of  thefe  verfes  is,  that  God  would  comfort  his 
 people,  though  threatened  with  immediate  deilru6tion  by  the  AlTyriansj  that  Sen¬ 
 nacherib’s  great  defigns  and  mighty  efforts  would  be  fruftrated,  and  his  expedla- 
 tions  rendered  abortive,  when  he  thought  them  mature,  and  ready  to  be  crowned 
 with  fuccefs ;  that  the  chief  part  of  his  army  fliould  be  made  a  prey  for  the  beafts 
 of  the  field,  and  the  fowls  of  the  air.  Ver.  7,  This  intimates  that  Egypt  delivered 
 from  Sennacherib’s  oppreflion,  and  avenged  by  the  hand  of  God  of  the  wrongs 
 which  file  fuffered,  ftiould  return  thanks  for  the  wonderful  deliverance,  2  Chron. 
 sxxii.  23, 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XIX.  Ver.  1—3.  Not  many  years 
 
 after  the  Egyptians  were  freed  from  Sennacherib’s  yoke  tbeir  affairs  were  again 
 thrown  into  confufion,  by  inteftine  broils  among  themfelves;  which  erided  in 
 a  perfedl  anarchy,  thatlafted  for  a  few  years  ;  this  was  followed  by  an  ariftocracy, 
 or  rather  tyranny  of  twelve  princes,  who  divided  the  counli-y  among  them,  and 
 at  laft  by  the  foie  dominion  of  Pfammitichus,  which  he  held  for  fifty  four 
 years.  Ver.  4 — 17.  Tlie  above  events  were  followed  by  the  invafton  and  con- 
 queft  of  Egypt  by  Nebuchadnezzar  ;  and  then  by  the  Perfians,  under  Cam- 
 byfes,  the  fon  of  Cyrus,  who  were  hard  mafters  or  lords,  and  grievoufty  op- 
 preffed  the  country.  Ver.  18 — 25.  Thefe  verfes  contain  a  general  intimation  of 
 the  future  propagation  of  the  knowledge  of  the  true  God  in  Egypt,  and  Syria, 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XVIII. ]  Fearful  is  the  ftate  of  all  who  provoke  their  Maker  ;  no  place  nor  power  can  proteiSl  fmners  from  the 
 vengeance  of  an  angry  God.  No  furious  rage  which  may  render  them  a  terror  to  their  neighbours,  can  hinder  him  from  debafing  them.  And  no  rage  of  bis  enemies 
 can  difturb  his  repofe.  Often  he  may  feem  to  have  forgotten  his  people,  when  he  is  ready  to  work  their  deliverance.  Let  them  therefore  trull  in  him  and  not  fear. 
 And,  while  he  is  all-fufficieiu  for  the  protedlion  of  his  people,  he  can  reduce  the  caightieft  nations  to  ruin,  or  convert  them  to  Chrift,  as  he  pleafes. 
 
A  ti/pe  of  the  cijythifp  of  Epppt,  c5c.  ISAIAH. 
 
 bleffing  in  the  midft  of  the 
 
 Before 
 Clirill 
 cir.  7 1 4. 
 
 and  with  Affyria,  even  a 
 land  ; 
 
 25  Whom  the  Lord 
 
 +  Heb. 
 ^y  the 
 hand  of 
 Isaiah. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 the  capti- 
 vitp  of 
 Egypt. 
 f  Heb, 
 'nakedness, 
 
 II  Or. 
 
 country. 
 
 ^  - of  hofts  fhall  bleCs,  faying, 
 
 Bleued  be  Egy’pt  ray  people,  and  Alfyria  the  work  of 
 ray  hands,  and  Ifrael  mine  inheritance.* 
 
 CHAP.  XX. 
 
 A  type  prefiguring  the  shameful  capt'ivity  of  Egypt  and  Ethiopia. 
 
 N  tne  year  that  Tartan  came  unto  Alhdod,  (when 
 
 _  Sargon  the  king  of  Affvria  fent  him,  and  tought 
 
 againft  Alhdod,  and  took  it’; 
 
 2  At  the  fame  time  fpake  the  Lord  f  by  Ifaiah  the 
 fon  of  Amoz,  faying.  Go,  and  loofe  the  fackcloth 
 from  off  thy  loins,  and  put  off  thy  fnoe  from  thy  foot : 
 and  he  did  fo,  walking  naked  and  barefoot. 
 
 3  And  the  Lord  laid.  Like  as  my  I'ervant  Ifaiah 
 hath  walked  naked  and  barefoot  three  years, /or  a 
 flgn  and  wonder  upon  Egypt  and  upon  Ethiopia  ; 
 
 4  So  (hall  the  king  of  Affyria  lead  away  f  the 
 Egyptians  prifoners,  and  the  Ethiopians  captives, 
 young  and  old,  naked  and  barefoot,  even  with  their 
 buttocks  uncovered,  to  the  f  (harae  of  Egypt. 
 
 5  And  they  fnall  be  afraid  and  afhamed  of  Ethiopia 
 their  expeffation,  and  of  Egypt  their  glory. 
 
 6  And  the  inhabitant  of  this  |I  ille  fliall  fay  in  that 
 day.  Behold,  fuch  is  our  expeftation,  whither  we  flee 
 for  help  to  be  delivered  from  the  king  of  Affyria ;  and 
 how  fhall  we  efcape  ?t 
 
 CHAP.  XXL 
 
 I  The  prophet  bewailing  the  captivity  of  his  people,  seeth  in  a  vision  the  fall 
 of  Babylon  by  the  Medes  and  l^n-sians.  1 1  Edom,  scorning  the  pro¬ 
 phet,  is  moved  to  repentance.  IS  The  set  time  if  Arabia's  calatnity. 
 
 The  burden  of  the  defert  of  the  fea.  As  whirl¬ 
 winds  in  the  fouth  pafs  through  :  so  it  cometh 
 from  the  defert,  from  a  terrible  land. 
 
 The  fall  of  Babylon  by  the  Medes, 
 
 2  A  t  grievous  vifion  is  declared  unto  me ;  The  Before 
 treacherous  dealer  deaieth  treacheroufly,  and  the 
 fpoiler  fpoileth.  Go  up,  O  Elam  ;  befiege,  O  Media : 
 
 all  the  fighing  thereof  have  I  made  to  ceafe. 
 
 3  Therefore  are  my  loins  filled  with  pain:  pangs ' 
 have  taken  hold  upon  me,  as  the  pangs  of  a  woman 
 that  travaileth  :  I  was  bowed  dowm  at  the  hearing  of 
 
 it :  I  was  difmayed  at  the  feeing  of  it. 
 
 4  II  My  heart  panted,  fearfulnefs  affrighted  me :  II  Or, 
 the  night  of  my  pleafure  hath  he  f  turned  into  fear 
 
 unto  me.  t^a^red, 
 
 5  Prepare  the  table,  watch  in  the  watch-tower,  eat,Iu^ 
 drink  ;  arife,  ye  princes,  and  anoint  the  fhield. 
 
 6  For  thus  hath  the  Lord  laid  unto  me.  Go,  fet  a 
 watchman,  let  him  declare  what  he  feeth. 
 
 7  And  he  faw  a  chariot  with  a  couple  of  horfiimen, 
 a  chariot  of  afles,  and  a  chariot  of  camels ;  and  he 
 hearkened  diligently  with  much  heed. 
 
 8  And  y  he  cried,  a  lion :  My  lord,  I  ftand  conti-  H  Or, 
 nually  upon  the  watch-tower  in  the  day-time,  and 
 
 am  fet  in  my  ward  H  whole  nights  ;  Jo”’ 
 
 9  And,  behold,  here  cometh  a  chariot  of  raen,<?W 
 with  a  couple  of  horfemen.  And  he  anfwered  and 
 
 faid,  a  Babylon  is  fallen,  is  fallen  ;  and  all  the  graven  5/7'"' 
 images  of  her  gods,  he  hath  broken  unto  the  ground.  Rcv.‘ 
 
 10  O  my  thrafhing,  and  the  f  corn  of  ray  floor  ;  ’4. 8.  & 
 lat  which  I  have  heard  of  the  Lord  of  hofts,  the!^;A 
 lod  of  Ifrael,  have  I  declared  unto  you. 
 
 that 
 God 
 
 11  H  The  burden  of  Dumah.  He  calleth  to  me 
 out  of  Seir,  Watchman,  what  of  the  night  ?  Watch¬ 
 man,  what  of  the  night  ? 
 
 12  The  watchman  faid.  The  morning  cometh,  and 
 alfo  the  night.  If  ye  will  enquire,  enquire  ye;  re¬ 
 turn,  come. 
 
 under  the  fucceffors  of  Alexander;  and,  in  confequence  of  this  propagation,  of 
 the  early  reception  of  the  gofpel,  in  the  fame  countries,  when  it  Ihould  be  pub- 
 liflied  to  the  world. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XX.  Ver.  I.  Tartan  befieged  A(b- 
 dod,  or  Azotus,  which,  probably  belonged  at  this  time  to  Hezeziah’s  dominions; 
 2  Kings  xviii.  8.  The  citizens  expedted  to  be  relieved  by  the  Culhites  of  Arabia, 
 and  by  the  Egyptians.  Tartan,  or  Thartan,  was  one  of  Sennacherib’s  generals, 
 2  Kings  xviii.  17.  and  Tirhakah  king  of  the  Cufliites  was  in  alliance  with  the 
 king  of  Egj'pt  againll  Sennacherib.  Thefe  circumftances  make  it  probable 
 that  by  Sargon  is  meant  Sennacherib.  It  might  be  one  of  the  feven  names  by 
 which  Jerom,  on  this  place,  fays  he  was  called.  Azotus  was  a  ftrong  place  ;  it 
 afterwards  held  out  twenty-nine  years  againft  Pfammiticus  king  of  Egypt. 
 Ver.  2- — 5.  Ifaiah  was  ordered  to  go  uncovered,  that  is,  without  his  upper  gar- 
 nieiit,  the  rough  mantle  commonly  worn  by  the  prophets7  (Zech.  xiii.  4.)  three 
 years,  to  fhew  that  within  that  period  the  town  fliould  be  taken,  after  the  de¬ 
 feat  of  the  Cuftiites  and  Egyptians  by  the  king  of  Affyria,  which  event  w’ould 
 render  the  caufe  of  the  befieged  defperate,  and  induce  them  to  furrender.  It  is 
 nioft  probable,  that  the  order  given  the  prophet,  to  walk  uncovered  three 
 years,  means  fimply  three  days,  a  day  for  an  year,  according  to  the  prophetic 
 rule,  Numb.  xiv.  34.  Ezek.  iv.  6.  Ver.  6.  It  is  the  Jews  who  fpeak  in  this 
 verfe  ;  the  inhabitants  of  the  isle,  or  rather,  this  country.  The  taking  of  the 
 city  muft  have  happened  before  Sennacherib’s  attempt  on  Jerufalem  ;  when  he 
 boafted  of  his  late  conquefts  ;  chap,  xxxvii.  25.  The  warning  of  the  prophet 
 had  a  principal  refpetfl  to  the  Jews,  who  were  too  much  inclined  to  depend 
 on  the  alliftance  of  Egypt.  Miferabie  is  the  man,  who  makes  not  God  his  re-  | 
 fuge. 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  XXI.  Ver.  1,  2.  The  defert  of  the! 
 fea  plainly  means  Babylon,  which  is  the  fubjerSl  of  the  prophecy  contained  in  | 
 the  firft  ten  verfes  of  this  chapter.  The  country  about  Babylou,  and  efpecially  1 
 
 below  it  toward  the  fea,  was  a  great  flat  morafs,  often  overflowed  by  the 
 Euphrates  and  Tigris.  It  became  habitable  by  being  drained  by  the  many 
 canals  that  were  made  in  it.  Whirlwinds  in  the  fouth  refer  to  Cyrus  march¬ 
 ing  his  troops  through  the  defert,  from  Media,  a  terrible  land,  producing 
 fierce,  unconquerable  warriors.  The  moft  vehement  ftorms,  to  which  Judea 
 was  fubjetft.  came  from  the  great  defert  country  to  the  fouth  of  it.  Job  xxxvii. 
 6,  7,  10.  Zech.  ix.  14.  Ver.  3,  4.  The  prophet  in  the  perfon  of  Babylon, 
 exprelfes  in  the  ftrongeft  terms  the  aftonifhmewt  and  horror  that  feizes  her  on 
 the  fudden  furprife  of  the  city,  at  the  very  feafon  dedicated  to  pleafure.  Ver.  3. 
 This  briefly  deferibes  the  fecurily  of  the  Babylonians,  and  in  the  midft  of  feafl- 
 ing  the  alarm  of  war.  Ver.  6 — 9.  God  orders  the  prophet  to  fet  a  watch, 
 n.an,  to  look  out,  and  to  report  what  be  fees:  he  fees  two  companies  marchin'' 
 onward,  reprefeuting  by  their  appearance,  the  two  nations  that  were  to  exe” 
 cute  God’s  orders;  who  declare  that  Babylon  is  fallen.  Ver,  10.  Here  is  the 
 application,  (he  end,  and  defign,  of  the  prophecy  ;  »  O  my  people,  whom  for 
 your  punilhment,  I  fliall  make  fubjea  to  Babylon,  to  try  and  to  prove  you,  to 
 fepaiate  the  chaff  from  the  corn,  the  bad  from  the  good  among  vou,  hear  this 
 for  your  confolation  i  your  punilhment,  your  flavery,  and  oppreffion,  will 
 have  an  end  in  the  deftrudlion  of  your  oppreffors.”  Ver.  11,  12.  This  pro. 
 phecy,  from  the  uncertainty  of  the  occafion  on  which  it  Was  uttered,  and  from 
 the  brevity  of  the  exprellion,  is  extremely  ohfeure.  The  Edomites  as  well  as 
 Jews  were  fubdued  by  the  Babylonians.  They  enquire  of  the  prophet,  how 
 long  their  fubjedlion  was  to  laft  s  he  intimates,  that  the  Jews  were  to  be  de¬ 
 livered  from  captivity  ;  not  fo  the  Edomites.  But  if  they  were  feriqus  in  their 
 inquiry,  not  as  ufually  difpofed  to  ridicule,  he  further  advifes  them  to 
 return,  return,  and  come;  that  is,  perhaps,  Return  from  your  infidelity  and 
 apoftacy,  and  form  one  fociety  with  the  fons  of  Jacob.  Then  you  will  fearch 
 diligently,  and  underftand  fully,  the  ground  of  our  affured  hopes  of  deliverance  ; 
 and  enjoy  cordially  and  abundantly  in  our  return  of  happinefs.  “  Come  thou 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XIX. J  God  pours  the  greateft  contempt  on  idols,  and  determines  the  utter  coiifufion  and  ruin  of  ali  their  ohfli- 
 tiate  votaries.  V^onderful,  and  often  unaccountable  to  us,  are  his  providential  difpenfations.  He  often  deals  moft  fharply  with  thofe  for  whom  he  has  the  greateft 
 mercies  in  referve.  Deeply  he  wounds,  in  order  that  he  may  gracioully  heal.  He  bereaves  men  of  all  that  they  have  in  this  world,  that  he  may  give  them  his  gofpel, 
 his  covenant,  and  his  ordinances.  He  can  form  the  moft  glorious,  intelligent,  devout;  and  harmonioufly  bold,  focieties  of  believers,  out  of  thofe  whom  Satan  had  fin- 
 gularly  befotted,  fin  had  corrupted,  and  miferies  had  deprelfed.  And  it  is  comely  when  the  fervants  of  the  fame  God,  purchafed  by  the  fame  blood  of  his  Son,  and  be¬ 
 gotten  by  the  fame  Spirit,  lay  afide  all  their  animoflties,  as  it  becomes  them,  and  with  one  heart,  one  mind,  and  one  mouth,  glorify  God. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — f  Chap.  XX]  How  great  need  have  the  fervants  of  God  of  felfdenial,  humility  and  patience  !  They  know  not  to  what 
 apparently  debafed  or  trying  fervices  he  may  call  them.  But  no  fervice  which  he  requires  of  them  can  in  reality  ever  debafe  their  perfons,  or  tarnilh  their  charadlers, 
 in  the  eyes  of  God,  angels,  or  good  men. 
 
Before 
 
 Clirift 
 
 „  Or, 
 
 far  fear. 
 
 fror>\  the 
 face. 
 
 t  Heb 
 bows. 
 
 The  invasion  of  Jemrij  ISAIAH. 
 
 13  U  The  burden  up'^n  Arabia.  In  the  forefh  in 
 .  Arabia  fhall  ye  lodge,  O  ye  travelling  companies  of 
 'l^lv^Dedanim.  _ 
 
 14  The  inhabitants  of  the  land  of  Tema  [J  brought 
 water  to  him  that  was  thirfty,  they  prevented  with 
 their  bread  him  that  fled. 
 
 15  For  they  fled  [j  f  from  the  fwords ;  from  the 
 drawn  fword,  and  from  the  bent  bow,  and  from  the 
 grievoufnefs  of  war. 
 
 16  For  thus  hath  the  Lord  faid  unto  me,  Within 
 a  year,  according  to  the  years  of  a  hireling,  and  all 
 the  glory  of  Kedar  fhall  fail  ; 
 
 17  And  the  refidue  of  the  number  of  f  archers,  the 
 mighty  men  of  the  children  of  Kedar,  fhall  be  dimi- 
 nifhed:  for  the  Lord  God  of  Ifraei  hath  fpoken 
 
 cir.  712. 
 
 It.* 
 
 CHAP.  xxir. 
 
 The  invasioyi  of  Jewry  by  the  Persians* 
 
 The  burden  of  the  valley  of  vifion.  What  aileth 
 thee  now,  that  thou  art  wholly  gone  up  to  the 
 houfe-tops  ? 
 
 2  Thou  that  art  full  of  ftirs,  a  tumultuous  city,  a 
 joyous  city  :  thy  llain  men  me  not  flain  with  the  fword, 
 nor  dead  in  battle. 
 
 3  All  thy  rulers  are  fled  together,  they  are  bound 
 fUeb.  o/t  by  the  archers:  all  that  are  found  in  thee  are  bound 
 ^jerTm  "which  have  fled  from  far. 
 
 X  iT  &’  ^  Therefore  faid  I,  Look  away  from  me  ;  “  f  I  will 
 
 9. 1.  weep  bitterly,  labour  not  to  comfort  me  ;  becaufe  of 
 the  (polling  of  the  daughter  of  my  people. 
 
 5  For  it  is  a  day  of  trouble  and  of  treading  down, 
 and  of  perplexity  by  the  Lord  God  of  holts  in  the 
 yalley  of  vifion,  breaking  down  the  walls,  and  of  cry. 
 ing  to  the  mountains. 
 
 6  And  Elam  bare  the  quiver  with  chariots  of  men 
 and  horfemen,  and  Kir  f  uncovered  the  fhield. 
 
 7  And  it  fhall  come  to  pals,  that  f  thy  choiceft  val¬ 
 leys  fhall  be  full  of  chariots,  and  the  horleraen  fhall 
 (kc/,oice  let  themfelves  in  array  l|  at  the  gate. 
 
 ^  difeovered  the  covering  of  Judah,  and 
 
 I  Or,  thou  didft  look  in  that  day  to  the  armour  of  the  houle 
 tavmrd.  of  the  foreft. 
 
 9  Ye  have  feen  alfo  the  breaches  of  the  city  of 
 
 f  Heb. 
 /  wilt  be 
 bitter  in 
 weeping. 
 
 t  Heb, 
 made 
 naked. 
 fHeb, 
 
 with  usj  and  we  will  do  you  good ;  for  the  Lord  hath  fpoken  good  concerning 
 llrad.  Ver.  15.  In  Sennacherib’s  firft  march  into  Judea,  or  in  his  return  from 
 the  Egyptian  expedition  he  might  perhaps  overrun  the  feveral  clans  of  Arabians 
 mentioned  in  this  prophecy;  their  diflrefs  on  fome  fuch  occafion  is  the  fubjea. 
 
 '"ftance  of  common  humanity  in 
 tales  of  diftrefs;  efpecially  in  thofe  defert  countries,  in  which  the  common  necef- 
 mies  of  life  more  particularly,  are  not  eafily  to  be  met  with  or  procured,  Deut. 
 
 of  vision, 
 
 ‘‘  the  feat  of  prophecy,  where  God 
 UDon  in  the  holy  place.  It  was  built  according  to  Jofephus 
 
 P  two  oppofite  hills,  Sion  and  Aora,  feparated  by  a  valley  in  the  midft.  The 
 
 the  f?,,!"  T  g<^"'^rally,  built  in  one  and 
 
 Sh  ro.  1  a  ‘°P  flat,  covered 
 
 low  rt’'  “  ^  every  fide  with  a 
 
 ffives^^a  Hvelv'^*  *  People’s  running  all  to  the  tops  of  the  houfes 
 
 ff  ,  '“age  of  a  fudden  general  alarm.  Ver.  2—5.  Thefe  verfes  aceord- 
 
 b/tie  ?hri7“’  diftrefles  felt  by  the  Jews  on  the  invafion  of  Jerufalem 
 
 the  .a  2  Kings  xxv.  4,  5.  Ver.  6.  This  and  the  following  verfes  to 
 
 H.  according  to  the  above  author  refpea  the  invafion  of  the  AlTvrians  Kir 
 
 EgVir  tiff ’■  f  "7  ■«  r  .ice . 
 
 gs  xvi.  9,  xvii.  6.  and  fo  perhaps  might  Elam  (the  Perfians)  likewife  be ;  or 
 
 07/  me  t'erstans. 
 
 David,  that  they  are  many  ;  and  ye  gathered  together  Before 
 the  waters  of  the  lower  pool.  Chrift 
 
 10  And  ye  have  numbered  the  houfes  of  Jerufalem, 
 and  the  houfes  have  ye  broken  down  to  fortifv  the 
 wall. 
 
 11  Ye  made  alfo  a  ditch  between  the  two  walls  for 
 the  water  of  the  old  pool  :  but  ye  have  not  looked 
 unto  rhe  maker  thereof,  neither  had  refpeft  unto  him 
 that  fafhioned  it  long  ago. 
 
 12  Aud  in  that  day  did  the  Lord  God  of  hofts 
 call  to  weeping,  and  to  mourning,  and  to  baldnel’s, 
 and  to  girding  with  fackcloth  : 
 
 13  And  behold  joy  and  gladnefs,  flaying  oxen,  and 
 
 killing  (beep,  eating  flefh,  and  drinking  wine:  ^  let b  Chap, 
 us  ear  and  drink,  for  to-morrow  we  fhall  die.  wifd^* 
 
 14  And  it  was  revealed  in  mine  ears  by  the  Lord  2,  L 
 
 of  hofts.  Surely  this  iniquity  fhall  not  be  purged  from  1  Cor. 
 you  till  ye  die,  faith  the  Lord  God  of  hefts.  ^2. 
 
 15  U  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God  of  hofts.  Go,  get 
 thee  unto  this  treafurer,  even  unto  Shebna,  which  is 
 over  the  houfe,  and  say, 
 
 16  What  haft  thou  here,  and  whom  haft  thou  here, 
 that  thou  haft  hewed  thee  out  a  fepulchre  here,  ||  as  !■  '-"f 
 he  that  hew'eth  him  out  a  fepulchre  on  high,  and  that  ^ 
 graveth  an  habitation  for  himfelf  in  a  rock? 
 
 17  Behold,  [|  the  Lord  will  carry  thee  away  with  II Or,  The 
 t  a  mighty  captivity,  and  will  I'urely  cover  thee. 
 
 18  He  will  furely  violently  turn  and  tofs  thee 
 
 a  ball  into  a  f  large  country  :  there  fhalt  thou  die  :  and  fjTn 
 theie  the  chariots  of  thy  glory  shall  be  the  fhame  of^^ceiient 
 thy  lord’s  houfe.  covering 
 
 u  ^  ftation,  and  from  efthlf' 
 
 thy  ftate  fhall  he  pull  thee  down.  _  iVXlsty 
 
 20  51  And  it  fhall  come  to  pafs  in  that  day,  that  I  sure- 
 wili  call  my  fervant  Eliakira,  the  fon  of  Hilkiah  : 
 
 21  And  I  will  clothe  him  with  thy  robe,  and  ftreDgth4Heb!L 
 en  mm  with  thy  girdle,  and  I  will  commit  thy  govern- ca/mJ/y 
 ment  into  his  hand  ;  and  he  fhall  be  a  father  to  the  2^“ 
 inhabitants  of  Jerufalem,  and  to  the  houfe  of  Judah. 
 
 22  And  the  key  of  the  houfe  of  David  will  I  hy  s^Teif 
 
 ^on  his  fhoulder  :  fo  he  fhall  ^  open,  and  none  lhalD  Job 
 fhut ;  and  he  (hall  fhut  and  none  fliall  open.  '4* 
 
 23  And  1  will  faften  him  as  a  nail  iu  a  fure  place ; 
 
 Or. 
 
 ‘be  preparation 
 
 Hezekiah  made  for  the  defence  of  the  city,  2  Gliron.  xxxii.  2—5.  Ver.  15.  The 
 
 everi‘?h  Pf°P'’.®7  concerning  Miebna  has  very  little  relation  to  the  foregoing, 
 except  that  it  might  have  been  delivered  about  the  fame  time,  and  Shebna  might 
 be  a  principal  perfon  among  thofe,  whofe  luxury  and  profanenefs  is  feverely  repfe- 
 hended  by  the  prophet  in  the  conclufion  of  that  prophecy,  ver.  1 1—14.  Shebna 
 the  fcribe  mentioned  in  the  hiftory  of  Hezekiah,  chap,  xxxvi.  appears  to  have  been 
 
 IhomT  Sbebna,  the  treafurer  or  Reward  of  the  houfehold  to 
 
 whom  the  prophecy  relates.  Ver.  1 6.  Perfons  of  high  rank  in  Judea,  were 
 ally  buried  in  large  fepulchral  vaults,  hewn  out  in  the  rock  for  themfelves  and  fa 
 ha  e  his  JbY-uy  of  Shebna  is  fet  forth  by  his  being  fo  Rudions  and  caretlt 
 have  his  fepulchre  on  high  ;  m  a  lofty  vault,  and  that  probably  in  a  high  fituation 
 that  t  might  be  more  confpicuous.  Ver.  1 7.  ,  J  surei/cover  Je.  t“ 
 
 peculiarly  expreffive  of  his  wretchednefs  in  captivity.  To  cover  the  face  was  the 
 condition  of  S^Yr'k  perfons,  ERh. 
 
 e  .  '  ’ J^be  Eliakim  here  mentioned,  was  probably  the  fame  ner 
 
 Hilkilh°  “  Sennacherib’s  invafion,  was  a^ually  treaf/rer,  the  fon  of 
 
 diflS'is  .4'*  dignity,  as  deferibed  in  the  followincr  verfes^ 
 
 S'  eta. "  ‘“‘'I  '‘“f’"  He.i 
 
 etas,,  of  po»„  et'l'.  ""if.", Ss: 
 
 enCgn  of  po»CT,  .h,  uel.mit.d  e.t.nt  of  tfiat  po.er  i,  ..preJed  »i.h  g.e®  , 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS _ *  Chap  XXTT  m  e  Ti  ^  ^  ^ - - - - 
 
 n.ioia.,.1  Ho.  of.fol  God’.  f.id.f„. 
 
 ...tairAita:-  “  “  0.0  p.o,.„.  bo'o,  „  God. 
 
 8  E 
 
 2J 
 
The  aoerthroisa  oj  Tyre,  ISAIAH. 
 
 be  for  a  glorious  throne  to  his  father’s 
 
 Before 
 Chrifl 
 cir.  712. 
 
 struments 
 viols. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 silent. 
 
 and  he  (hall 
 houfe. 
 
 24  And  they  (hall  hang  upon  him  all  the  glory  of 
 his  father’s  houfe,  the  offspring  and  the  iffue,  all  vef- 
 lels  of  fmall  quantity,  from  the  veffels  of  cups,  even 
 
 U  Or,  „t.  jQ  jj  ygflfgjg  flagons. 
 
 25  In  that  day,  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts,.  fhall  the 
 nail  that  is  taftened  in  the  fure  place  be  remove'd,  and 
 be  cut  down,  and  fall ;  and  the  burden  that  was  upon 
 it  fhall  be  cut  oft :  for  the  Lord  hath  fpoken  it.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXIII. 
 
 The  miserable  overthrow  of  Tyre. 
 
 cir.  715.  T  I  'iHE  burden  of  Tyre.  Howl,  ye  fliips  of  Tar- 
 ■  fhifh  ;  for  it  is  laid  wafte,  fo  that  there  is  no 
 houfe,  no  entering  in  :  from  the  land  of  Chictim  it  is 
 revealed  to  them. 
 
 2  Be  t  ftill,  ye  inhabitants  of  the  ifle  ;  thou  whom 
 the  merchants  of  Zidon,  that  pafs  over  the  fea,  have 
 replenifhed. 
 
 3  And  by  great  waters  the  feed  of  Sihor,  the  har- 
 veft  of  the  river,  is  her  revenue  ;  and  fhe  is  a  mart  of 
 nations. 
 
 4  Be  thou  afhamed,  O  Sidon  ;  for  the  fea  hath 
 fpoken,  even  the  ttrength  of  the  fea,  faying,  I  travail 
 not,  nor  bring  forth  children,  neither  do  1  nourifh  up 
 young  men,  nor  bring  up  virgins. 
 
 5  As  at  the  report  concerning  Egypt,  so  fhall  they 
 be  forely  pained  at  the  report  of  Tyre. 
 
 6  Pafs  ye  over  to  Tarfhifh ;  howl,  ye  inhabitants 
 of  the  ifle. 
 
 7  Is  this  your  joyous  city,  whofe  iniquity  is  of  an¬ 
 cient  days  ?  her  own  feet  fhall  carry  her  f  afar  off  to 
 
 .^ptafar  fojoum. 
 
 8  Who  hath  taken  this  counfel  againfl  Tyre,  the 
 crowning  city,  whofe  merchants  are  princes,  v/hofe 
 traffickers  are  the  honourable  of  the  earth  ^ 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 eJearnefs  and  force,  by  the  foie  and  exclufive  authority  to  open  and  lliut.  Our 
 Saviour  therefore  has  upon  a  fimilar  occafion,  made  ufe  of  a  like  manner  of  ex- 
 preffion,  Malth.  xvi.  19.  and  in  Rev.  iii.  7.  has  applied  to  himfelf  the  very  words 
 of  the  prophet.  Ver.  23.  It  was  convenient,  neceffary,  and  even  effential  in  build¬ 
 ing  a  houfe  in  the  eaft,  to  furnilh  the  infide  of  the  feveral  apartments  with  a  fet 
 of  fpikes,  or  nails,  upon  which  to  difpofe  and  bang  up  the  feveral  moveables  and 
 utenfils  in  common  ufe,  and  proper  to  the  apartment.  Thefe  fpikes  were  worked  j 
 into  the  walls  at  the  firft  erethion  of  them  ;  the  walls  being  of  fuch  materials,  that 
 they  could  not  bear  their  being  driven  in  afterwards;  and  they  were  fo  eonfiru<5Ied 
 as  to  ftrengtben  the  walls  by  binding  the  parts  together,  as  well  as  to  ferve  for 
 convenience;  Ezek.  xv.  3.  Ezra  ix.  8.  Zech.  x.  4.  Ver.  24.  One  confiderable  part 
 of  the  magnificence  of  the  eaftern  princes  confisted  in  a  great  quantity  of  gold  and 
 liiver  veffels,  which  they  bad  for  various  ufes  ;  1  Kings  x.  16,  17,  21.  Eliakim 
 is  confidered  the  principal  stake  immoveably  faftened  in  the  wall,  for  the  fupport 
 of  all  veffels,  destined  for  common  or  facred  ufes  ;  that  is,  as  the  principal  fupport 
 of  the  whole  civil  and  ecclefiaftical  polity.  And  the  confequence  of  his  continued 
 power  will  be  the  promotion  and  flourifliing  condition  of  his  family  and  depen¬ 
 dents  from  the  higheft  to  the  lowest.  Ver.  25.  This  muff  be  understood  of  Sheb- 
 na,  as  a  repetition  and  confirmation  of  the  fentence  above  denounced.  And  we 
 may  learn  from  it,  that  every  dominion  oppofed  to  that  of  Meffiah  lhall  affuredly 
 be  overthrown,  and  totally  destroyed. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXIII.  Ver.  1.  This  prophecy  de- 
 nouncces  the  destrudlfon  of  Tyre  by  Nebuchadnezzar.  It  opens  with  an  addrefs 
 to  the  Tyrian  negotiators  and  failors  at  Tarlhifl),  (Tarteffus  in  Spain,)  a  place 
 
 G(^d"s  judgments  Jor 
 
 9  The  Lord  of  hofts  hath  purpofed. 
 
 Sin, 
 
 -  -  t  to  ftain  Before 
 
 the  pride  of  all  glory,  and  to  bring  into  contempt  all  .t'l'nq 
 the  honourable  of  the  earth.  '^15. 
 
 10  Pafs  through  thy  land  as  a  river,  O  daughter 
 Tarfhilh  :  there  is  no  more  f  ftrength. 
 
 11  He  ftretched  out  his  hand  over  the  fea; 
 
 (hook  the  kingdoms :  the  Lord  hath  given  a  com-'i'or^’ 
 mandment  |1  againft  f  the  merchant-6/(y,  to  deftroy 
 the  II  ftrong  holds  thereof. 
 
 12  And  he  faid,  Thou  fhalt  no  more  rejoice, 
 
 thou  oppreffed  virgin,  daughter  of  Zidon  :  arife,  pafsLJal 
 over  to  Chittira  ;  there  alio  (halt  thou  have  no  reft.  II  Or,  ‘ 
 
 13  Behold  the  land  of  the  Chaldeans:  this  people 
 was  not,  till  the  Afl'yrian  founded  it  for  them  that 
 dwell  in  the  wildernefs  :  they  fet  up  the  towers  there- 
 of,  they  raifed  up  the  palaces  thereof;  and  he  brought 
 it  to  ruin. 
 
 14  Howl,  ye  fhips  of  Tarfhifti :  for  your  ftrength  is 
 laid  wafte. 
 
 15  H  And  it  (hall  come  to  pafs  in  that  day,  that 
 Tyre  fhall  be  forgotten  feventy  years,  according  to 
 the  days  of  one  king  :  after  the  end  of  feventy  years 
 
 f  fhall  Tyre  fing  as  an  harlot.  f  Heb. 
 
 16  Take  an  harp,  go  about  the  city,  thou  harlot 
 that  haft  been  forgotten;  make  fweet  melody,  fing 
 many  fongs,  that  thou  mayeft  be  remembered. 
 
 17  ^  And  it  (hall  come  to  pafs,  after  the  end  ofWut. 
 feventy  years,  that  the  Lord  will  vilit  Tyre,  and  fhe 
 fhall  turn  to  her  hire,  and  fhall  commit  fornication 
 with  all  the  kingdoms  of  the  world  upon  the  face  of 
 the  earth. 
 
 18  And  her  merchandife  and  her  hire  fhall  be  ho- 
 
 linefs  to  the  Lord  :  it  fhall  not  be  treafured  nor  laid 
 up  ;  for  her  merchandife  (hall  be  for  them  that  dwell 
 before  the  Lord,  to  eat  fufficiently,  and  for  f  durable 
 clothing.f  old. 
 
 f  Heb, 
 
 which  in  the  courfe  of  their  trade,  they  generally  frequented.  The  news  of  the 
 destrudtion  of  Tyre  reaches  them  from  Chittim,  the  iflands  and  the  coasts  of  the 
 Mediterranean.  Ver.  2.  He  still,  or  filent.  Silence  is  a  m.ark  of  grief  and  con¬ 
 sternation  ;  chap,  xlvii.  5.  Lam.  ii.  10.  Ver.  3.  The  Nile  is  here  called  Sichor, 
 as  it  is,  Jer.  ii.  18.  1  Chron.  xiii.  5.  Egypt,  by  its  extraordinary  fertility, 
 caufed  by  the  overflowing  of  the  Nile,  fupplied  the  neighbouiing  nations  with 
 corn  ;  by  which  branch  of  trade  the  I’yrians  gained  great  wealth.  Ver.  4, 
 The  Sidonians,  when  their  city  was  taken  by  the  king  of  Afcalon,  betock  them- 
 felves  to  their  Ihips,  and  landed  and  built  Tyre,  which  was  therefore  called  the 
 daughter  of  Sidon,  as  the  mother  city  is  fuppofed  to  be  deeply  afledted  with 
 the  calamity  of  her  daughter.  Ver.  7.  Tyre,  though  not  fo  old  as  Sidon,  yet 
 was  of  great  antiquity  ;  it  was  a  strong  city  even  in  the  time  of  Jofliua:  Jufh. 
 xix.  29,  2  Sam.  xxiv.  7.  Ver.  13.  This  people  was  not;  that  is,  they  were  of 
 no  account;  (Deut.  xxxii.  21.)  they  were  rude,  barbarous,  wandering  in  a  wide 
 defert  country,  addidlcd  to  rapine,  like  the  wild  Arabs,  (Jofh.  i.  17.)  till  Alfur 
 florae  powerful  king  of  Affyria,  gathered  them  together  and  fettled  them  in 
 Babylon  and  the  neighbouring  country.  Ver.  14.  Compare  Ezek.  xxvi.  15—18. 
 Ver.  15.  According  to  the  days  of  one  king;  that  is,  one  kingdom,  Dan.  vii.  17. 
 viii.  20.  Seventy  years  limit  the  Babylonilh  monarchy;  at  the  end  of  which 
 period  all  the  conquered  nations  were  to  be  restored  to  liberty;  Jer.  xxv.  II. 
 Ver.  17,  IS.  Tyre  after  its  destrurftion  by  Nebuchadnezzar  recovered,  as  is  here 
 foretold,  its  former  wealth  and  grandeur  ;  as  it  did  likewife  after  a  fecond  destruc¬ 
 tion  by  Alexander.  It  became  Christian  early  with  the  rest  of  the  neighbouring 
 countries,  Adis  xxi.  4. 
 
 PR  APTTCAT.  ORSERVATTONS.— *  Chap.  XXII.l  How  unbounded  is  the  knowledge  of  God  !  How  fevere  are  God’s  correaions  of  his  profeffed  people 
 
 flubjeas.  JL-UAUijr  .caua  ...  ........... .j .  - - -  — -  -  -  ,  .  -  /.  •  11  flPF 
 
 great  humiliation  for  fin  !  It  is  a  great  mercy  for  churches  or  nations  to  have  prudent,  aaive,  and  faithful  men,  in  the  principal  places  of  government,  efpecially  alter 
 
 almost  every  thing  has  been  mifmanaged  by  others.  ,  ,  /-i  „»nrl 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS _ b  Chap.  XXIII.  1  The  wealthiest  on  earth  are  often  quickly  reduced  to  poverty,  and  the  most  noify  traders  to  filencean 
 
 inaaivity.  When  God  purfues  men  in  wrath,  there  is  no  fleeing  from  mifery  ;  and  the  more  they  live  fecurely,  the  more  grievous  will  be  their  fall.  There  is  no 
 fixed,  no  folid  rest,  but  in  Jefus  Chrisl,  and  in  fellowlhip  with  him.  What  a  mercy  is  it  if  an  affliaing  God  do  not  draw  out  his  wrath  to  all  generations,  to  eternity  _ 
 And  if  he  turn  back  our  captivity,  he  can  draw  back  our  lost  profperity.  But  earthly  wealth  often  feduces  men  s  fouls  into  fp.ritual  whoredom.  Hapy  thereiorn 
 ore  they  whofe  troubles  lead  them  to  a  knowledge  of  God,  and  whofe  trade  regained  is  devoted  to  the  fervice  of  Jefus  Christ  our  everlasting  Head. 
 
T'he  judgments  of  God  for  sm. 
 
 ISAIAH. 
 
 Isaiah  praiseth  God  for  his  judgments* 
 
 Before 
 Clirift 
 712. 
 
 cir 
 
 CHAP.  XXIV. 
 
 God's  deplorable  judgments  upon  the  land. 
 
 Behold,  the  Lord  maketh  the  earth  empty, 
 and  maketh  it  wafte,  and  rurneth  it  upfide  down, 
 ptrvertetii  fcattercth  abroad  the  inhabitants  thereof. 
 tueface  ^  gg  the  people,  lb  with  the 
 
 T'ot  II  *  Prieft  ;  3S  with  the  fervant,  lb  with  his  matter ;  as 
 prince,  with  the  maid,  fo  with  her  mittrcfs  ;  as  with  the 
 a  Hofea  jjjjyer,  fo  with  the  feller  ;  as  with  the  lender,  fo  with 
 the  borrower  ;  as  with  the  taker  of  ulbry,  fo  with  the 
 giver  of  ulbry  to  him. 
 
 3  The  land  lhall  be  utterly  emptied,  and  utterly 
 fpoiled  :  for  the  Lord  hath  fpoken  this  word. 
 
 4  The  earth  mourneth,  atid  fadeth  away  ;  the 
 |Heb.  world  languifheth,  and  fadeth  away  ;  f  the  haughty 
 the  height  people  of  the  earth  do  languifh. 
 
 oj"  the 
 people 
 
 b  Jercm. 
 
 7.  54.  & 
 1  6.  9.  & 
 
 25.  10. 
 Ezekiel 
 
 26.  13. 
 Hofea 
 2.  11. 
 
 5  The  earth  alfo  is  defiled  under  the  inhabitants 
 thereof;  becaufe  they  have  tranfgreffed  the  laws, 
 changed  the  ordinance,  broken  the  everlatting  cove- 
 nant. 
 
 6  Therefore  hath  the  curfe  devoured  the  earth, 
 and  they  that  dwell  therein  are  defolate ;  therefore 
 the  inhabitants  of  the  earth  are  burned,  and  few  men 
 left. 
 
 7  The  new  wine  mourneth,  the  vine  languilheth,  all 
 the  merry  hearted  do  figh. 
 
 8  The  mirth  of  tabrets  ceafeth,  the  noife  of  them 
 that  rejoice  endeth,  the  joy  of  the  harp  ceafeth. 
 
 9  They  fhall  not  drink  wine  with  a  fong  ;  ttrong 
 drink  fhall  be  bitter  to  them  that  drink  if. 
 
 10  The  city  of  confufion  is  broken  down  ;  every 
 houfe  is  fibut  up,  that  no  man  may  come  in. 
 
 1 1  There  is  a  crying  for  wine  in  the  ftreets  ;  all  joy 
 is  darkened,  the  mirth  of  the  land  is  gone. 
 
 12  In  the  city  is  left  defolation,  and  the  gate  is 
 fmitten  with  dettruffion. 
 
 13  H  When  thus  it  fhall  be  in  the  midft  of  the  land 
 among  the  people,  there  shall  be  as  the  fhaking  of  an 
 olive-tree,  and  as  the  gleaning  grapes  when  the  vin- 
 tage  is  done. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 14  They  fhall  lift  up  their  voice,  they  fhall  fing 
 
 forthemajettyof  the  Lord,  they  lhall  cry  aloud  from  7,5,. 
 the  fea.  .  ^ 
 
 15  Wherefore  glorify  ye  the  Lord  in  the  ||  fires,  I 
 even  the  name  of  the  Lord  God  of  Ifrael  in  the  ifles^ 
 of  the  fea. 
 
 16  %  From  the  t  uttermoft  part  of  the  earth  havet^|^i«o- 
 we  heard  longs,  even  glory  to  the  righteous:  But  H  ° 
 faid,  t  My  leannefs,  my  leannefs,  woe  unto  me  !  thef^^^ 
 treacherous  dealers  have  dealt  treacheroufly  ;  yea  the^^ 
 treacherous  dealers  have  dealt  very  treacheroufly.  Mp  secret 
 
 17  Fear,  and  the  pit,  and  the  fnare,  are  upon  thee,<" 
 
 O  inhabitant  of  the  earth. 
 
 18  And  it  fhall  come  to  pafs,  that  he  who  neeth44. 
 from  the  noife  of  the  fear  lhall  fall  into  the  pit ;  and  t  Heb. 
 he  that  cometh  up  out  of  the  midft  of  the  pit  fhall  be 
 taken  in  the  fnare  :  for  the  windows  from  on  high  ^^^.u.'Uhtij 
 open,  and  the  foundations  of  the  earth  do  fhake.  ^  gathering 
 
 19  The  earth  is  utterly  broken  down  :  the  earth  \s  of  prison-. 
 clean  dilfolved,  the  earth  is  moved  exceedingly. 
 
 20  The  earth  ttiall  reel  to  and  fro  like  a  drunkard, 
 
 and  fhall  be  removed  like  a  cottage ;  and  the  tranf-  j|  Or, 
 grefiion  thereof  fhall  be  heavy  upon  it ;  and  it  fhall/«“”'f 
 fall  and  not  rife  again.  _  ^ 
 
 21  And  it  fhall  come  to  pafs  in  that  day,  that  thejg.  £o. 
 Lord  fhall  f  punifh  the  hott  of  the  high  ones  that  are  Ezekiel 
 on  high,  and  the  kings  of  the  earth  upon  the  earth. 
 
 22  And  they  fhall  be  gathered  together  f  as  prifoners  ^ 
 are  gathered  in  the  ||  pit,  and  fhall  be  fhut  up  in  the  3. 15. 
 prifon,  and  after  many  days,  fhall  they  be  ||  vifited.  ||  Or, 
 
 23  Then  the  moon  fhall  be  confounded,  and 
 
 fun  afhamed,  when  the  Lord  of  hofts  fhall  reign  in^;^,,®_ 
 mount  Zion,  and  in  Jerufalera,  and  before  H  his  anci-ybre /;« 
 entS  glorioully.*  ancients* 
 
 CHAP.  XXV. 
 
 The  imophct  praiseth  God  for  his  past  judgments, 
 
 OLORD,  thou  art  my  God  ;  I  will  exalt  thee,  dr.  712. 
 
 1  will  praife  thy  name  :  for  thou  hatt  done  won¬ 
 derful  things ;  thy  counfels  of  old  are  faithfulnefs  arid 
 truth. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXIV.  Ver.  1—12.  Concerning  the 
 particular  fubjedl  of  this  chapter,  interpreters  are  not  all  agreed  ;  fome  refer  it  to 
 the  defolation  caufed  by  the  invafion  of  Shalmanefer;  others  to  the  invafion  of' 
 Nebuchadnezzar  ;  and  others  to  the  deftrudlion  of  the  city  and  nation  by  the  Ro¬ 
 mans.  Perhaps  it  may  have  a  view  to  all  thefe  three  events  ;  efpccially  the  la/l, 
 to  which  fome  parts  of  it  may  feem  to  be  more  peculiarly  applicable.  However, 
 the  pyophet  chiefly  employs  general  images ;  fuch  as  fet  forth  the  greatnefs  and 
 univerfality  of  their  ruin  and  defolation,  that  is  to  be  brought  upon  the  country  by 
 thefe  great  revolutions,  involving  all  orders  and  degrees  of  men,  changing  entirely 
 the  face  of  things,  and  deftroying  the  whole  policy,  both  religious  and  civil ;  with- 
 out  entering  into  minute  circumflances,  neceflarily  reftraining  it  by  particular 
 marks  to  one  great  event,  exclufive  of  all  others  of  the  fame  kind.  Ver.  4.  The 
 world  languisheth.  The  world  is  the  fame  with  the  land  ;  that  is,  the  kingdoms  of 
 Judah  and  Ifrael;  chap.  xiii.  II.  Ver.  9.  All  enjoyment  lhall  ceafe ;  the  fweet-  | 
 eft  wine  lhall  become  bitter  to  the  tafte.  Ver.  14 — 16.  The  great  diftrefles  j 
 brought  on  Ifrael  and  Judah  drove  the  people  away  and  difperfed  them  in  great 
 numbers  all  over  the  neighbouring  countries  ;  they  fled  to  Egypt,  to  Afia  Minor, 
 to  the  illands  and  thecoaftsof  Greece.  They  had  fynagogues  for  their  worlhip  in 
 many  places,  and  were  greatly  inllrumental  in  propagating  the  knowledge  of  the 
 true  God  among  thefe  heathen  nations,  and  preparing  them  for  the  reception  of 
 Ohriftianity.  This  is  what  the  prophet  feems  to  mean  by  the  celebration  of  the 
 name  of  Jehovah  in  the  waters,  in  the  diftant  coaft,  and  in  the  uttermoft  parts  of 
 the  land.  Ver.  17,  1,8.  The  fear,  and  the  pit,  and  the  snare,  are  images  taken 
 from  the  diflferent  methods  of  hunting  and  taking  wild  beads  which  were  ancient¬ 
 ly  in  ufe.  The  fear,  or  the  terror,  was  a  line  ftrung  with  feathers  of  all  colours, 
 which  fluttering  in  the  air,  feared  and  frightened  the  beafts  into  the  toils,  or  into 
 
 the  pit,  which  was  prepared  for  them.  The  pit,  or  pit-fall,  digged  deep  in  the 
 ground,  and  covered  over  with  green  boughs,  turfs,  &c.  in  order  to  deceive  them 
 that  they  might  fall  into  it  unawares.  The  fnare,  or  toils,  a  feries  of  nets  inclof- 
 ing  at  firft  a  great  fpace  of  ground,  in  which  the  wild  healls  were  known  to  be  ; 
 and  then  drawn  in  by  degrees  into  a  narrower  compafs,  till  they  were  at  laft  cloft- 
 ly  Hint  up,  and  entangled  in  them.  The  meaning  of  the  whole  is,  that  thofe  who 
 remained  in  the  country  would  be  expofed  to  continual  judgments  ;  if  they 
 efcaped  one  calamity,  another  fhould  overtaken  them.  Compare  Amos  v.  19. 
 Ver.  19 — 23.  This  paffage  foretels  the  deftrueftion  of  the  ecclefiaftical  and  civil 
 polity  of  the  Jews.  The  nation  (hall  continue  in  a  ftate  of  deprefiion  and  dere- 
 lidliou  for  a  long  time.  The  image  feems  to  be  taken  from  the  practice  of  the 
 great  monarchs  of  that  time  ;  who,  when  they  had  thrown  their  wretched  captives 
 into  a  dungeon,  never  gave  themfelves  the  trouble  of  enquiring  about  them,  but  let 
 them,  lie  a  long  time  in  that  miferable  condition,  wholly  deftitute  of  relief  and  dif- 
 regarded.  God  lhall  at  length  revifit  and  reftore  his  people  in  the  laft  age;  and 
 then  the  kingdom  of  God  (hall  be  eftahliflied  in  I'uch  perfecSIions,  as  wholly  to  ob- 
 feure  and  eclipfe  the  glory  of  the  temporary,  typical,  preparative  kingdom  now 
 fubfifting. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXV.  Ver.  I.  Taking  the  whole 
 courfeof  prophecies,  from  the  xii.  to  the  xxiv.  chapter  inclufive,  in  which  the  pro¬ 
 phet  foretels  the  deftrudlion  of  feveral  cities  and  nations,  enemies  to  the  Jews,  and 
 of  the  land  of  Judah  itfelf,  w  ith  intimation  of  a  remnant  to  be  faved,  and  a  refto- 
 ration  to  be  at  length  eftedled  by  a  glorious  eftablithinent  of  the  kingdom  of  God  • 
 with  a  view  to  this  extenfive  feene  of  God’s  providence  in  all  its  parts,  and  all 
 its  confequences,  the  prophet  breaks  out  into  a  fong  of  praife  ;  in  which  his  mind 
 feems  to  be  more  polfeflfed  with  the  profpedl  of  future  mercies  than  with 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XXIV.]  In  what  a  world  of  fin  and  fullering  do  we  live  !  What  a  theatre  of  difapointmenls,  confufioiis  fur¬ 
 rows  and  deaths  !  No  rank,  no  place,  no  perfon,  efcapes  the  fearful  effedls  of  God’s  curfe.  Neverthelefs  in  the  word  times  God  referves  a  remnant  for  himfeif  and 
 often  makes  the  mod  Urrihle  calamities  an  introdudlion  to  the  moll  remarkable  difplays  of  bis  mercy  and  grace.  In  tranfeendant  fovereignty  did  God  bring  in  the 
 idolatrous  Gentiles  to  his.church,  when  he  rejedled  the  feed  of  Abraham  his  friend.  And  in  high  fovereignty  will  jefus  hereafter,  to  the  amazement  of  all  beholders 
 convert  both  Jews  and  Gentiles  to  himfeif;  and  at  laft,  for  the  eternal  manifeftation  of  his  glorious  perfehlions,  tranllate  his  whole  kingdom  to  the  manfions  above. 
 
SO)lg 
 
 inciting  to  trust  in  God. 
 
 IJcfun; 
 Chrift 
 cir  712. 
 
 ISAIAH. 
 
 t  Heh. 
 
 suxillow 
 
 up. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 covered. 
 8  1  Cor, 
 15.  54. 
 b  Rev. 
 7.  17.  & 
 21. 4. 
 
 B  Or, 
 thrashed. 
 H  Or, 
 thrashed 
 in  Mad- 
 nenah. 
 
 2  For  thou  haft  made  of  a  city  an  heap  :  of  a  de-  f 
 
 ruin ;  a  palace  ot  ftrangers  to  be  no 
 cuy  ;  It  (hall  never  be  built. 
 
 ftiall  theftrong  people  glorify  thee,  the 
 cuy  of  the  terrible  nations  fhall  fear  thee. 
 
 4  tor  thou  haft  been  a  ftrength  to  the  poor,  a 
 Ilrength  to  the  needy  in  his  diftrefs,  a  refuge  from 
 the  Itorm,  a  fhadow  from  the  hear,  when  the  blaft  of 
 ^  ®  terrible  ones  is  as  a  fterm  ognhist  the  wall. 
 
 5  i  hou  (halt  bring  down  the  noile  of  ftrangers,  as 
 the  heat  in  a  dry  place ;  even  the  heat  with  the  fhadow 
 ot  a  cloud  :  the  branch  of  the  terrible  ones  (hall  be 
 brought  low. 
 
 6  H  And  in  this  mountain  (hall  the  Lord  of  hofts 
 
 make  unto  all  people  a  feaft  ot  tat  things,  a  feaft  of 
 vrines  on  the  lees ;  of  fat  things  full  of  marrow,  of 
 Wines  on  the  lees  well  refined.  j 
 
 7  And  he  will  f  deftroy  in  this  mountain  the  face 
 of  the  covering  f  caft  over  all  people,  and  the  vail 
 that  IS  fpread  over  all  nations. 
 
 8  He  will  ^  fwallow  up  death  in  v.^tcry ;  and  the 
 Lord  God  wall  wipe  away  tears  from  off  all  faces ;  i 
 and  the  rebuke  of  his  people  (hall  he  take  away  from  ' 
 off  all  the  earth  :  for  the  Lord  hath  fpoken  it.  | 
 
 ^  ^  fhall  be  faid  in  that  day,  Lo,  this  is  our 
 
 God  ;  W'e  have  waited  fer  him,  and  he  will  fave  us : ' 
 this  ts  the  Lord  ;  we  have  waited  for  him,  we  will 
 be  glad  and  rejoice  in  his  falvation. 
 
 1 0  For  in  this  mountain  fhall  the  hand  of  the  Lord 
 reft  j  and  Moab  fhall  be  ||  trodden  down  under  him, 
 even  as  ftraw  is  ||  trodden  down  for  the  dunghill. 
 
 11  And  he  (hall  fpread  forth  his  hands  in  the  midft 
 of  them,  as  he  that  Cwimmeth  fpreadeth  forth  his  hands 
 to  (wim ;  and  he  (hall  bring  dowm  their  pride  toge¬ 
 ther  with  the  fpoils  of  their  hands. 
 
 12  And  the  fortrefs  of  the  high  fort  of  thy  walls 
 fhall  he  bring  down,  lay  low,  a/jof  bring  to  the  ground, 
 even  to  the  duff;.* 
 
 God-s  care  over  his  idnnjard 
 
 Before 
 Clirin 
 
 +  Heb. 
 truths. 
 t  Heb. 
 peace, 
 peace. 
 fl  Or, 
 thought, 
 or,  imagi 
 nation. 
 
 CHAP.  XXVI. 
 
 1  ^  song  inciting  to  covjilencein  God.  20  Jn  exhortation  lo  wait  God’s 
 coming  to  judgment. 
 
 N  that  day  (hall  this  fong  be  fung  in  the  land  of 
 __  Judah  ;  We  have  a  ftrong  city  ;  falvation  will  God 
 appointor  walls  and  bulwarks. 
 
 2  Open  ye  the  gates,  that  the  righteous  nation 
 which  keepeth  the  f  truth  may  enter  in. 
 
 3  Thou  wilt  keep  him  in  t  perfect  peace,  whose  1| 
 mind  is  flayed  on  thee  ;  becaufe  he  trufteth  in  thee. 
 
 the  recolle<5lion  of  the  part.  Ver.  2.  The  city  referred  to,  may  be  Nineveh, 
 Babylon,  or  any  (Irong  fortrefs  poffeffed  by  the  fenemies  of  G^d’s  people. 
 Ver.  5.  As  a  thick  cloud  interpofing,  tempers  the  heat  of  the  fun  on  the  burnt 
 foil  ;  fo  (halt  thou,  by  the  interpofition  of  thy  power,  bring  low  and  abafe  the 
 tumult  of  tlie  proud,  and  the  triumph  of  the  formidable.  Ver,  6 — S.  The  word 
 ufed  to  exprefs  the  lees  in  the  original,  fignifies  the  “  pfefervers  becaufe  they 
 preferve  the  ftrength  and  flavour  of  the  wine.  A  feaft  is  the  proper  exprefllon 
 of  joy  in  confequence  of  victory,  or  any  other  great  fuccel’s.  The  feaft  here 
 fpoken  of  is  to  be  celebrated  on  mount  Zion,  and  all  the  people  without  diftin<5lion 
 are  to  be  invited  to  it.  This  can  be  no  other  than  the  celebration  of  the  eftablifti- 
 ment  of  Chrift’s  kingdom,  which  is  frequently  reprefeiited  under  this  image, 
 Matth.  viii,  1  1,  Luke  xiv.  6.  xxii.  29,  SO.  This  fcnfe  is  fully  confirmed  by  the 
 concomitants  of  this  feaft  ;  removing  the  vail  from  the  nations,  and  the  abolition 
 of  death  ;  the  firft  of  which  is  clearly  explained  of  the  pfeaching  of  the  gofpel; 
 and  the  fecond  muft  mein  the  bleffing  of  immortality  procured  for  us  by  Chrift, 
 who  hath  aboliftied  death,  and  through  death  bath  deftroyed  him  that  had  the 
 power  of  death.  Ver.  9i  Compare  Luke  ii,  28 — 32,  38.  Ver.  10 — 12.  In 
 
 U  the  Lord 
 
 JEHOVAH,  js  t  everlatting  ftrength.  - . . 
 
 5  H  For  he  bringeth  down  them  that  dwell  cn  high  • 
 
 the  lofty  city  he  layeth  it  low  :  he  layeth  it  low,  evenf^et^ 
 to  the  ground  ;  he  bringeth  it  even  to  the  duft,  floe* 
 
 6  The  foot  fhall  tread  it  down,  even  the  feet  of  the^°***’ 
 poor,  and  the  fteps  of  the  needy. 
 
 7  1  he  way  of  the  juft  is  upnghtnefs :  thou,  meft 
 upright,  doft  weigh  the  path  of  the  juft. 
 
 8  Yea,  in  the^  way  of  thy  judgments,  O  Lord, 
 have  we  waited  for  thee  ;  the  defire  of  our  foul  is  to 
 thy  name,  and  to  the  remembrance  of  thee. 
 
 9  With  my  foul  have  I  defired  thee  in  the  night  • 
 yea,  with  my  fpirit  within  me  W'ill  I  leek  thee  early  • 
 for  when  thy  judgments  are  in  the  earth,  the  inhabF 
 tcints  or  tho  world  will  Icrirn  rightcoufnGfj* 
 
 10  Let  favour  be  (hewed  to  the  wicked,  ?yet  will  he 
 not  learn  righteouCnefs :  in  the  land  of  uprightnels 
 will  he  deal  unjuftly,  and  will  not  behold  the  raajefty 
 of  the  Lord. 
 
 11  Lord,  when  thy  hand  is  lifted  up  they  will  not 
 fee  :  but  they  fhall  fee,  and  be  afhamed  for  their  envy 
 
 il  at  the  people ;  yea,  the  fire  of  thine  enemies  (hall  n  Or 
 devour  them. 
 
 12  f  Lord,  thou  wilt  ordain  peace  for  us :  for  thou 
 
 alfo  haft  wrought  all  our  works  ||  in  us.  j  Or, 
 
 13  0  Lord  our  God,  other  lords  belides  thee  have-f"’’ *'*• 
 had  dominion  over  us  ;  but  by  thee  only  will  we  make 
 mention  of  thy  name. 
 
 14  They  are  dead,  they  (hall  not  live;  they  are  de- 
 ceajed,  they  (hall  not  rife  :  therefore  haft  thou  vifited 
 
 made  all  their  memory  to 
 
 penlh. 
 
 15  Thou  haft  increafed  the  nation,  O  Lord,  thou 
 haft  increafed  the  nation  ;  thou  art  glorified  c  thou 
 baft  removed  it  far  unto  all  the  ends  of  the  earth. 
 
 16  Lord,  in  trouble  have  they  vifited  thee  ;  they 
 poured  out  a  t  prayer  when  thy  chaftening  was  upont  Heb. 
 
 them.  secret 
 
 17  Like  as  a  woman  with  child  that  draweth  near 
 the  time  of  her  delivery,  is  in  pain,  and  crieth  out  in 
 her  pangs  ;  fo  have  we  been  in  thy  fight,  O  Lord. 
 
 18  We  have  been  with  child,  we  have  been  in  pain, 
 we  have  as  it  were  brought  forth  wind  ;  we  have  not 
 wrought  any  deliverance  in  the  earth;  neither  have 
 the  inhabitants  of  the  world  fallen. 
 
 19  T.  hy  dead  men  fhall  live,  together  with  my  dead 
 body  fhall  theyarife.  Awake  and  fing,  ye  that  dwell 
 
 the  mountain  of  the  Lord,  or  the  church,  fliall  Jehovah  reft;  her  fafety  is  therci* 
 fore  certain  Moab,  reprefenting  her  enemies,  fliall  be  utterly  deftroyed  in  the 
 midft,  expofed  to  the  view  of  the  nations,  he  fliall  be  feen  ftruggling  a^ainft  ine¬ 
 vitable  deftruaion,  as  a  man  in  the  midft  of  deep  waters  exerts  all^bis  efforts 
 by  fwimming,  to  fave  liimfelf  from  drowning. 
 
 notes.  Chap.  XX VI.  Ver.  1.  The  church  is  here 
 called  a  ftrong  city,  in  oppofition  to  the  city  of  the  enemy,  which  God  hath 
 deftroyed,  chap.  xxv.  2.  Ver.  5,  6.  The  lofty  city  refers  to  Babylon,  trode  on 
 hy  thofe  whom  Ihe  had  oppreffed,  or  fpiritual  Babylon,  on  which  the  poCr 
 perfecuted  faints  fliall  trample  at  the  latter  day.  Ver.  7.  The  way  of  the 
 righteous  is  pcrfeaiy  flraight;  they  perfevBre  in  obedience  to  the  fighteous 
 laws  of  God;  and  he  moft  exa^ly  levelleth  their  path;  flrengthening  them, 
 and  removing  every  obflacle  in  their  courfe.  Ver.  14,  15.  The  enemies  of  If- 
 ^el  are  no  more,  and  the  period  haflens,  when  all  the  enemies  of  the  church 
 (hall  be  utterly  deftroyed  ;  but  flie  fliall  remain,  be  enlarged  and  glorified.  Ver. 
 16__I  8.  The  Jews  experienced  great  troubles  previous  to  their  reftoration  from 
 captivity;  and  fimilar  may  be  the  lot  of  the  church  under  the  perilous  times 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  XXV.]  Moft  bleffed  are  the  people  whofe  God  is  Jehovah  ;  and  who  have  all  his  perfeaions  purpofes  nromifes 
 threatenings,  and  works,  engaged  iti  their  behalf!  Why  then  fhould  not  their  lips  be  filled  all  the  day  with  the  praife  and  honour  of  God  who  is  fo  much VT them 
 who  has  done,  does,  can  and  will  do  fo  much,  for  their  falvation  in  time  and  throughout  eternity  !  What  a  ground  of  grateful  praife  is  it  that  in  Judah’s  1  nd  C  T 
 Tary’s  mount,  Jefus  prepared  himfelf,  and  all  the  fulnefs  of  God  in  him,  to  be  our  abundant  provifion  !  He  made  an  end  Of  fin,  by  the  (bedding  of  his  blood  *  * 
 
God's  care  aver  his  vineyard. 
 
 ISAIAH. 
 
 Ephraim  threatened  for  pride. 
 
 ].  3. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 
 Itoods, 
 
 5  Or, 
 
 crossing 
 like  a  bar, 
 
 P  Or, 
 
 tnarcb 
 
 against, 
 
 (t  Heb. 
 
 according 
 to  the 
 stroke  of 
 those, 
 
 P  Or, 
 K'len  thou 
 'ismdest  it 
 Vorth. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 vhen  he 
 retnoveih 
 it. 
 
 in  dull :  for  fhy  dew  is  as  the  dew  of  herbs,  and  the 
 earth  fhall  call  out  the  dead. 
 
 20  ^  Come,  my  people,  enter  thou  info  thy  cham¬ 
 bers,  and  (but  thy  doors  about  thee  :  hide  thyftlf  as 
 it  were  for  a  little  moment,  until  the  indignation  be 
 overpaft. 
 
 21  For  behold  the  Lord  ®  cometh  out  of  his  place 
 to  panilh  the  inhabitants  of  the  earth  for  their  iniqui- 
 quity  :  the  earth  alfo  (hall  difclofe  her  f  blood,  and 
 (hall  no  more  cover  her  slain.* 
 
 CHAP,  xxvir. 
 
 1  The  care  op  God  over  his  vineyard.  10  Desolation  threatened  for  want 
 of  knowledge.  12  The  church  of  Jews  and  Ge,  tiles. 
 
 IN  that  day,  the  Lord,  with  his  fore  and  great, 
 and  ftrong  (’word,  (hail  punifn  leviathan  the  ||  pierc¬ 
 ing  ferpent,  even  leviathan  that  crooked  ferpent  ;  and 
 he  (hall  slay  the  dragon  that  is  in  the  fea. 
 
 2  In  that  day  fing  ye  unto  her,  A  vineyard  of  red 
 wine.  _  _  i 
 
 3  I  the  Lord  do  keep  it ;  I  will  water  it  every  mo- 1 
 raent :  left  atp  hurt  it,  1  will  keep  it  night  and  day.  ; 
 
 4  Fury  is  not  in  me  :  who  would  let  the  briers  and 
 thorns  again(t  me  in  battle?  I  would  ||  go  through 
 them,  I  would  burn  them  together. 
 
 5  Or  let  him  take  hold  of  my  flrength,  that  he  may 
 make  peace  with  me;  and  he  (hall  make  peace  with  me. 
 
 6  He  (hall  caufe  them  that  come  of  Jacob  to  take 
 root:  Ifrael  (hall  blolTom  and  bud,  and  fill  the  face  of 
 the  world  with  fruit. 
 
 7  %  Hath  he  fmitten  him,  f  as  he  fraote  thofe  that 
 fmote  him  ?  or  is  he  slain  according  to  the  slaughter  of 
 them  that  are  slain  by  him  ? 
 
 8  In  meafure,  []  when  it  (hooteth  forth,  thou  wilt 
 debate  with  it :  H  he  ftayeth  his  rough  wind  io  the 
 day  of  the  eaft  wind. 
 
 9  By  this  therefore  (hall  the  iniquity  of  Jacob  be  i 
 purged  ;  and  this  is  all  the  fruit  to  take  away  his  | 
 fin ;  when  he  maketh  all  the  ftones  of  the  altar  as  i 
 
 I  chalk-fiones  that  are  beaten  in  funder,  the  groves  and  Heforc 
 II  images  (hall  not  (tand  up  Christ 
 
 JO  Yet  the  delenced  city  shall  he  de(blate,  and  the^^ilhJI^ 
 habitation  forfaken,  and  left  like  a  wildtrnefs  ;  there  II  Or, 
 (hall  the  calf  feed,  and  there  (hall  he  lie  down,  and*""' 
 confume  the  branches  thereof.  mages. 
 
 1 1  When  the  boughs  thereof  are  withered,  they 
 (hall  be  broken  off :  the  women  come  and  fet  them  on 
 fire;  for  it  A  a  people  of  no  undeiftanding  ;  there¬ 
 fore  he  that  made  them  will  not  have  mercy  on  them, 
 and  he  that  formed  them  w'ill  (hew  them  no  favour. 
 
 12  ^  And  it  (hall  come  to  pals  in  that  day  that  the 
 Lord  (hall  beat  off  from  the  channel  of  the  river  un¬ 
 to  the  (iream  of  Egypt,  and  ye  (hall  be  gathered  one 
 by  one,  O  ye  children  of  Ifrael. 
 
 13  And  it  (hall  come  to  pafs  in  that  da3'’,  that  the 
 great  trumpet  (hall  be  blown,  and  they  (hall  come 
 which  were  ready  to  perilh  in  the  land  of  Afl'yria, 
 and  the  outcafts  in  the  land  of  Egypt,  and  (hall  wor- 
 (hip  the  Lord  in  the  holy  mount  at  Jerufalem.f 
 
 CHAP.  XXVIII. 
 
 1  Ephraim  threatened.  1 6  Christ  premised. 
 
 OE  to  the  crown  of  pride,  to  the  drunkards  '^25. 
 of  Ephraim,  whofe  glorious  beauty  is  a  fad¬ 
 ing  flower,  which  arc  on  the  head  of  the  fat  valleys 
 of  them  that  are  f  overcome  with  wine  !  t  Heb. 
 
 2  Behold,  the  Lord  hath  a  mighty  and  ftrong  one, 
 
 ‘vhichy  as  a  tempelt  of  hail,  and  a  deliroying  (form,  as 
 a  flood  of  mighty  waters  overflowing  (hall  caft  down 
 to  the  earth  with  the  hand. 
 
 3  The  crown  of  pride,  the  drunkards  of  Ephraim, 
 
 (hall  be  trodden  f  under  feet :  t  Heb. 
 
 4  And  the  glorious  beauty  which  is  on  the  head 
 of  the  fat  valley,  fliall  be  a  fading  flower,  arid  as  the 
 hafty  fruit  before  the  fummer  ;  which,  v:hen  he  that 
 looketh  upon  it  feeth,  while  it  is  vet  in  his  hand  he 
 
 t  eateth  it  up.  '  t  Hfb. 
 
 5  H  In  that  day  flrall  the  Lord  of  hods  be  for  a. 
 
 eth. 
 
 that  precede  the  deftrudlion  of  Antichrift.  Vcr.  19.  The  deliverance  of  the 
 righteous  from  a  ftate  of  the  lowed  deprefl'ton,  is  explained  by  images  plainly 
 taken  from  the  refurredtion  of  the  dead  ;  compare  Ezek.  xxxvii.  11 _ 14.  It  ap¬ 
 
 pears  from  hence,  that  this  dodlrine  was  in  Ifaiali’s  time  popular  and  common  ; 
 for  an  image  which  is  alTumed  in  order  to  e;.prefs  or  reprefent  any  thing  in  the 
 way  of  allegory  or  metaphor,  mud  be  an  image  commonly  known  :  otherwife  it 
 will  not  anfwer  the  purpofe  for  which  it  is  alfumed,  Ver.  20.  An  exhortation  to 
 patience  and  refignation  under  oppredion,  with  a  confident  expedlation  of  deliver¬ 
 ance,  by  the  power  of  God  manifedly  exerted  in  the  dedrudlion  of  the  oppreflbr. 
 It  feims  to  be  in  allufion  to  the  command  of  Mofesto  Ifrael,  when  the  dedroyiug 
 angel  was  to  go  through  the  land  of  Egypt,  Exod  xii.  22. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXVII.  Ver.  1.  This  verfe  feems 
 connedled  with  the  two  lad  verfes  of  the  preceding  chapter.  The  animals  here 
 mentioned  are  probably  ibe  crocodile,  rigid  by  the  diffuefs  of  his  bones  !  the  fer. 
 pent,  or  dragon,  flexible  and  winding  ;  and  fea  monder  or  whale.  Thefeare  ufed 
 allegorically,  without  doubt,  for  great  potentates,  the  enemies  of  God  and  his  peo¬ 
 
 ple.  \er.  2.  This  as  well  as  the  four  following  verfes,  expreffes  Jehovah’s  Cen¬ 
 dant  care  and  proteaion  of  his  vineyard,  in  the  form  of  a  dialo-^ue.  Ver  4  5 
 Jehovah  counfels  his  vineyard  to  betake  herfelf  to  him  fur  protetdion  ;  for  human 
 drength  was  vain,  as  briers  and  thorns  before  the  flame.  Ver.  7,  8.  The  judg¬ 
 ments  of  God  experienced  by  Ins  people  were  mixed  with  nnercy.  Ver.  9 _ IS 
 
 The  end  and  defign  of  them  were  to  recover  the  people  from  iniquity,  and  on  their 
 repentance  to  recall  them  from  their  feveral  difpeifions. 
 
 explanatory  NOTES.  Chap.  XXVIII.  Ver.  1.  Samaria  was  fitu- 
 ated  on  a  ong  mount  of  an  oval  figure  ;  having  fird  a  fruitful  valley,  and  then  a 
 ring  of  hills  running  about  it.  This  fituation  fuggeded  the  idea  of  a  chaplet, 
 or  wreath  of  flowers,  worn  on  the  head  on  occafion  of  fedivity  exprefled  bv 
 the  proud  crown  and  fading  flower  of  the  drunkards  of  Ephraim.  Ver,  4.  He 
 cato/i,  or  fwallowelh  it.  This  image  expreffes  tlie  great  eafe  with  which  the 
 Affynans  d^ll  take  the  rich  city  and  whole  kingdom,  and  the  avidity  with 
 which  they  ftall  fieze  the  rich  prey  without  rcfidance.  This  was  awfully  veri¬ 
 fied  in  the  dedruaion  of  Ifrael  by  Sbalmaiiefer.  \^er.  5.  Here  the  prophecy 
 
 cliurch  of  humble  believers  be  removed,  and  that  finners  may  be  encourao-ed  to  min  themf  l  .v,  ^r  "i'  •  hinderance  to  the  edabiifhment  in  the 
 
 be  deems  himfelf  bound  in  honour  to  anfwer  the  expeauZs  oLTthoR  who  H  his  people.  Bleffed  are  all  who  trud  in  the  Lord  ; 
 
 bath  much  trouble,  which  puts  vigour  into  his  prayers,  and  reeps  him  a  Cendant  a"' Vc" 
 
 lag  graces,  and  dedroy  his  dronged  enemies,  and  give  him  viaory  over  death  and  the  srrave  The  C  m  power  of  God  will  revive  his  droop- 
 
 lulfil  every  remaining  promife  and  prophecy  till  death  is  fwallowed  up  in  viaorv  Let  us  keen  clofe^tn  'ci  fulfilled  the  promifes  made  to  the  fathers,  will 
 
 bom  our  indignant  foes  and  may  cheerfull/  expea  the  promifes  of  ou^Gof  Thus  even  death  and  hf Ivr  ’in"f 
 
 a:d":^’r:ntrt  l^e^or  L^^rL^o^"  I^ord  il  atVaXVa.rtL^L?^^^^^ 
 
 be  redrained,  and  his^eSfftletlu^off^ihc  peopk  flfudlh  Ind  ^atan  fball 
 
 of  the  precious  plants  wnih  which  he  has  dond  it,  and  the  precious  fruit  which  it  producL  to  his^Xr  aV  r  i  true  church  on  account 
 
 21 
 
Ch  isl  promised. 
 
 ISAIAH. 
 
 Lathbeen. . 
 
 Before  crowD  of  glory,  and  for  a  diadem  of  beauty,  unto  the 
 ciJ:  72I  of  his  people  ; 
 
 G  And  for  a  ipirit  of  judgment  to  him  that  fitteth 
 in  judgment,  and  for  ttrength  to  them  that  turn  the 
 battle  to  the  gate, 
 
 7  ^  But  they  alfo  have  erred  through  wine,  and 
 through  ftrong  drink  are  out  of  the  way  :  the  priefl 
 and  the  prophet  have  erred  through  ftrong  drink,  they 
 
 -  are  Ivvallowed  up  of  wine,  they  are  cut  of  the  way 
 through  ftrong  drink  ;  they  err  in  vifion,  they  ftumble 
 in  judgment. 
 
 8  For  all  tables  are  full  of  vomit  and  filthinefs,  so 
 that  there  is  no  plade  deayi. 
 
 9  II  Wnom  (ball  he  teach  knowledge?  and  whom 
 fball  he  make  to  underftand  f  do^frine  ?  them  that  ate 
 
 drawn  from  the  breafts. 
 
 H  Or,  IQ  For  precept  |l  must  be  upon  precept,  precept  upon 
 precept ;  line  upon  line,  line  upon  line  ;  here  a  little, 
 and  there  a  little. 
 
 1 1  For  with  f  ®  ftammering  lips,  and  another  tongue, 
 II  will  he  fpeak  to  this  people. 
 
 12  T.0  W'hom  he  faid,  Ihis  is  the  reft  'wheremth  ye 
 pay  caufe  the  weary  to  reft  :  and  this  is  the  refrefh- 
 ing  :  yet  they  would  not  hear. 
 
 13  But  the  word  of  the  Lord  was  unto  them  pre¬ 
 cept  upon  precept,  precept  upOh  precept ;  line  upon 
 line,  line  upon  line  ;  here  a  little,  and  there  a  little  : 
 that  they  might  go,  and  fall  backward,  and  be  bro- 
 ken,  and  fnared,  and  taken. 
 
 14  H  Wherefore  hear  the  word  of  the  Lord,  ye 
 fcoruful  men,  that  role  this  people  which  is  in  Jerufa- 
 lem  : 
 
 15  Becaufe  ye  have  faid.  We  have  made  a  covenant 
 with  death,  and  with  hell  are  we  at  agreement ;  when 
 the  overflowing  fcourge  fhall  pafs  through,  it  fhall 
 not  come  unto  us ;  for  we  have  made  lies  our  refuge, 
 and  under  falfehood  have  we  hid  ourfelves. 
 
 16  ^  Therefore  thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  behold, 
 I  lay  in  Zion  for  a  foundation  ^  a  ftone,  a  tried  ftone, 
 a  precious  corner  stone,  a  (bre  foundation  :  he  that  be- 
 lieveth  fhall  not  make  hafte. 
 
 17  H  judgment  alfo  will  1  lay  to  the  line,  andrighte- 
 
 t  Heb. 
 stammer- 
 ingof  lips. 
 a  I  Cor. 
 14.  21. 
 
 II  Or, 
 he  hath 
 tpjken. 
 
 b  Pfalm 
 1 1 S.  32. 
 Mattb. 
 21.  42. 
 AcSs 
 4.  II. 
 Homans 
 
 9.  33.  & 
 
 10.  11. 
 Ephef. 
 
 2.  20. 
 
 1  Pet.  2. 
 6,  7,  8. 
 
 God' s  judgments  on  Jerusalem'. 
 
 oufnefs  to  the  plummet ;  and  the  hail  fhall  fweep  away  Befor 
 the  refuge  of  lies,  and  the  waters  fhall  overflow  the  cinia 
 hiding-place.  ^'r.  725. 
 
 18  And  your  covenant  with  death  fhall  be  difan- 
 nulled,  and  your  agreement  with  hell  fhall  not  (land  ; 
 when  the  overflowing  fcourge  fhall  pafs  through,  then 
 
 ye  fhall  be  f  trodden  down  by  it.  j.  He,, 
 
 19  From  the  time  that  it  goeth  forth  it  fhall  take“''-«i. 
 you:  for  morning  by  morning  fhall  it  pafs  over,  by 
 
 day  and  by  night ;  and  it  fhall  be  a  vexation  only  ||  to\\  Or 
 underftand  the  report.  "hi-n’/ie 
 
 20  For  the  bed  is  fhorter  than  that  a  man  can  ftretch®''""’""^ 
 
 himfelf  and  the  covering  narrower  than  that 
 
 can  wrap  himfelf  in  it.  _ 
 
 21  For  the  Lord  (hall  rife  up  as  in  mount  '  Pera- -  Saij. 
 
 zim,  he  fhall  be  wroth  as  in  the  valley  of  Gibeon 
 
 *  i_  .  .  I  i  •  •  .  ,  ^  J  .  ?  1  Chr 
 
 on. 
 
 that  he  may  do  his  work,  his  ftrange  work  ;  and  bring  14.  i, 
 to  pafs  his  a(ft,  his  ftrange  a<ft.  d  io(i,ua 
 
 22  Now,  therefore,  be  ye  not  mockers,  left  your 
 
 bands  be  made  ftrong :  for  I  have  heard  from  the  Lord  ^ 
 
 God  of  holts  a  confumption,  even  determined,  uponi  Ch'ron. 
 the  whole  earth.  h.  ic.  ’ 
 
 23  %  Give  ye  ear,  and  hear  my  voice ;  hearken, 
 and  hear  my  fpeech, 
 
 24  Doth  the  plowman  plow  all  day  to  fow?  doth 
 he  open  and  break  the  clods  of  his  ground 
 
 25  When  he  hath  made  plain  the  face  thereof,  doth 
 
 he  not  caft  abroad  the  fitches,  and  fcatter  the  cum- 1|  Or, 
 min,  and  caft  in  ||  the  principal  wheat,  and  the  ap- 
 pointed  barley,  and  the  |1  rye,  in  their  f  place?  thejmm. 
 
 26  II  For  his  God  doth  inftruft  him  to  difcretion,^/^*/ 
 
 and  doth  teach  him.  in  the  nii- 
 
 27  For  the  fitches  are  not  thrafhed  with  a  thrafh--?'®'^ 
 
 ing-inlirument,  neither  is  a  cart  wheel  turned  about  por,' 
 upon  the  cummin  ;  but  the  fitches  are  beaten  out  with  y>cn.’ 
 a  ftafi,  and  the  cummin  with  a  rod.  t  Heb. 
 
 28  Bread-corn  is  bruifed  :  becaufe  he  will  not  ever 
 
 border. 
 
 y  iiV.  win  uut  CVCi  n 
 
 be  thrafhing  it,  nor  break  it  with  the  wheel  of  his  cart,  jndk 
 nor  bruife  it  with  his  hoifemen.  bind,  tk  it 
 
 29  This  alfo  cometh  forth  from  the  Lord  of  hofts, , 
 which  is  wonderful  in  counfel,  and  excellent  in  work-  'ZTltk 
 
 *0g.  teaihlii/ih 
 
 t-irns  to  the  two  tribes  of  Judah  and  Benjamin,  the  remnant  of  God’s  people, 
 who  were  to  continue  a  kingdom  after  the  final  captivity  of  the  ten  tribes.  It 
 begins  witli  a  favourable  prognoftication  of  the  affairs  under  Hezekiab  ;  but 
 foon  changes  to  reproofs  and  ihreatenings,  for  tbeir  intemperance,  difobedience, 
 and  priifanenefs.  Ver.  6.  7'-urn  the  battle  to  the  gate ;  that  is,  who  purfue  the 
 fleeing  enemy  even  to  the  gates  of  tbeir  own  city  :  2  Sam.  xi.  23.  Ver.  9 — 13. 
 The  fcoffVrs  mentioned  below,  ver.  14.  are  here  introduced  as  uttering  tbeir 
 ll-ntentious  fpeeches  ;  they  treat  God’s  method  of  dealing  with  thene,  and  warn¬ 
 ing  them  by  his  prophets  with  contempt  and  derifion.  What  fay  they,  doth 
 he  treat  us  as  mere  infants  just  weaned?  doth  he  teach  us  as  little  children, 
 perpetually  inculcating  the  fame  elementary  Itffjns,  the  mere  rudiments  of  know¬ 
 ledge  ;  precept  after  precept,  line  after  line,  here  and  there,  by  little  and  little  ? 
 imitating  at  the  fame  time,  and  ridiculing  in  ver.  10.  the  concife  prophetical 
 manner,  God  by  his  prophet  retorts  upon  them  with  great  feverity  their  own 
 contemptuous  mockery  ;  turning  it  to  a  fenfe  quite  different  from  what  they 
 intended.  Yes,  faith  he,  it  fhall  be  in  fadl  as  you  fay  ;  ye  ffiall  be  taught  by  a 
 ftrange  tongue,  and  a  ftammering  lip,  in  a  ftrange  country;  ye  ftiall  be  carried 
 into  captivity  by  a  people  whofe  language  ftiall  be  unintelligible  to  you,  and  which 
 you  fhall  be  forced  to  learn  like  children  :  and  my  dealing  with  you  fhall  be 
 according  to  your  words;  it  fliarjASe  line  upon  line,  flretched  over  you,  to  mark 
 your  deftruaiou  ;  (compare  2  Kings  xxi.  13.  )  it  fhall  come  upon  you  at  different 
 times,  and  by  different  degrees;  till  the  judgments,  with  which  from  time  to  time 
 1  have  threatened  you,  fhall  have  their  full  accomplifhment.  Ver.  15.  To  be  in 
 
 covenant  with,  is  a  kind  of  proverbial  expreffion,  to  denote  perfe6l  fecurity  from 
 evil  and  mitchief  of  any  fort  ;  Job  v.  33.  Ilof,  ii.  18.  Ver.  20.  Bed  is  shorter, 
 covering  narrower,  a  proverbial  faying  dettoting  that  all  their  means  of  defence  and 
 protedlion  were  infufficient  to  fecure  and  cover  them  from  evil  coming  on  them. 
 Their  beds  were  only  raat.eff  s  laid  on  the  floor;  and  the  coverlet  a  fheet,  or  ia 
 
 the  winter  a  carpet  laid  over  if,  in  which  the  perfon  wrapt  himfelf.  Ver.  23 _ 29. 
 
 The  prophet  concludes  his  difeourfe,  with  an  explanation  and  defence  of  God’s 
 method  of  dealing  with  his  people  in  an  elegant  parable;  in  which  lie  employs 
 a  variety  of  images,  all  taken  from  the  fcience  of  agriculture.  As  thehufbind- 
 man  ufes  various  methods  in  preparing  his  laud,  and  as  various  in  feparating  the 
 corn  and  flraw  and  chaff,  according  to  the  nature  of  the  different  f  ns  of  gra'n  ; 
 fo  God  with  unerring  wifdom.  and  with  ftiitfl  justice,  instrudls,  admoniflics,  and 
 correfls  his  people  ;  chastilies  and  puuiflies  them  in  various  ways,  as  the  exigencies 
 require. — Ail  nations  have  agreed  in  attributing  agriculture,  the  most  ufeful  and 
 lucelfary  of  all  fciences,  to  the  invention  and  fuggestions  of  their  deities.  Four 
 methods  of  thralliing  are  here  mentioned  ;  the  flail  was  ufed  for  the  grain  that  was 
 too  tender  to  be  treated  in  any  other  method  ;  the  drag  confisted  of  a  fort  of  strong 
 planks  made  rough  at  the  bottom  with  hard  stones  or  iron  ;  it  was  drawn  by  horfes 
 or  oxen  over  the  corn-ffieaves  fpread  on  the  floor,  the  driver  fitting  on  it.  Tne 
 wain  was  much  like  the  former,  but  had  wheels  with  iron  teeth,  or  edges  like  a 
 faw.  This  not  only  forced  out  the  grain,  but  cut  the  straw  in  pieces  for  fodder 
 for  the  cattle  ;  for  in  the  eastern  countries  they  have  no  hay.  The  last  method  is 
 well  known  f  om  the  law  of  Mofes,  Deut.  xxv.  4. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — •  Chap.  XXVIII.]  All  earthly  glory  is  as  a  fading  flower,  and  will  grievoufly  difappoint  thofe  who  trust  in  it.  The 
 fcnfualist  and  the  proud  render  therafelves  peculiarly  contemptible,  and  fubjedl  themfelves  to  the  wrath  of  God.  Happy  are  they  alone,  who  glory  in  the  Lord,  who 
 grants  his  people  wifdom  and  strength  for  every  fervice  and  for  every  conflidl.  Amidst  thy  most  effedlual  means  of  grace,  multitudes  have  continued  ungodly,  and 
 treated  contemptuoufly  God’s  most  gracious  dealings  with  them.  But  vain  are  all  their  boastings  :  for  if  they  build  not  on  the  one  Foundation,  Christ  Jefus,  their  miferf 
 k  certain.  Let  finners  then  fear  becoming  mockers,  lest  they  be  bound  in  the  strong  cords  of  their  own  iniquity;  for  the  Lord  hath  decreed  the  destrudlion  of  the 
 ungodly  throughout  all  the  earth. 
 
fjie  hypocns;ij. 
 
 .ISAIAH. 
 
 The  people  threatened* 
 
 Before 
 Clirift 
 712. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 or, 
 
 chirp. 
 
 CHAP.  XXIX. 
 
 I  God’s  judgment  vpon  Jerusalem,  9  The  Jews'  senselessness,  13  and 
 cir.  7 1  iiypocris;/.  1 3  A  promise  of  sanctijkalion. 
 
 Yo^  II  'I  w':ere  David 
 
 0  Arie’,  VV  dwelt !  add  ye  year  to  year ;  let  them  f  kill 
 
 that  iS)  f'iJCri  fl C^S* 
 
 2  Yet*I  will  diftrels  Ariel,  and  there  fhall  be  heavi- 
 II  Or,  of  nel's  and  (brrow  ;  and  it  (ball  be  unto  me  as  Ariel. 
 the  city,  3  ^nd  1  Will  Camp  agaiofl  thee  round  about,  and 
 ^“"^■,;.will  lay  fiege  againft  thee  with  a  mount,  and  1  will 
 
 helf  ‘  raife  forts  againft  thee.  ^  a  i  r  i 
 
 4  And  thou  (halt  be  brought  down,  and  (halt  ipeak 
 
 out  of  ihe  ground,  and  thy  fpeech  (hall  be  low  out  of  | 
 the  dufl,  and  thy  voice  (hall  be,  as  of  one  that  hath  a  . 
 familiar  fpirit,  cut  of  the  ground,  and  thy  fpeech  (hall  | 
 f  whifper  out  of  the  duft.  j 
 
 5  Moreover,  the  multitude  of  thy  ftrangers  (hall  be  j 
 like  fmall  duft,  and  the  multitude  of  the  terrible  ones 
 shall  be  as  chaff  that  paffeth  away  ;  yea,  it  (hall  be  at 
 an  inftant  fuddenly. 
 
 6  Thou  (halt  be  vlfited  of  the  Lord  of  hofts  with 
 thunder,  and  with  earthquake,  and  great  noife,  with 
 (form  and  tcmpeft,  and  the  flame  of  devouring  fire. 
 
 7  And  the  multitude  of  all  the  nations  that  fight 
 againft  Ariel,  even  all  that  fight  againft  her  and  her 
 munition,  and  that  diltrefs  her,  (hall  be  as  a  dream  of 
 a  night-vifion. 
 
 8  It  (hall  even  be  as  when  an  hungry  man  drearaeth, 
 and,  behold,  he  eateth  ;  but  he  awaketh,  and  his  foul 
 is  empty  :  or  as  when  a  thirfty  man  dreameth,  and,  be¬ 
 hold,  he  drinketh  ;  but  he  awaketh,  and,  behold,  he 
 ii  faint,  and  his  foul  hath  appetite ;  fo  (hall  the  mul¬ 
 titude  of  all  the  nations  be  that  fight  againft  mount 
 Zion. 
 
 9  f  Stay  yourfelves,  and  wonder ;  II  cry  ye  out, 
 and  cry  :  they  are  drunken,  but  not  with  wine  ;  they 
 flagger,  but  not  with  ftrong  drink. 
 
 10  For  the  Lord  hath  poured  out  upon  you  the 
 fpirit  of  deep  deep,  and  hath  doled  your  eyes  :  the  I 
 prophets  and  your  f  rulers,  the  feers,  hath  he  covered. 
 
 11  And  the  vifion  of  all  is  become  unto  you  as  the 
 words  of  a  11  book  that  is  fealed,  w’hich  men  deliver 
 to  one  that  is  learned,  faying.  Read  this,  I  pray  thee  : 
 and  he  faith,  1  cannot ;  for  it  is  fealed  : 
 
 12  And  the  book  is  delivered  to  him  that  is  not 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 take  your 
 ptedhure 
 and  riot. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 heads. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 letter. 
 
 ’  will  add. 
 
 of  their  wife  t>  J^rem. 
 of  their  pru-Sad.  a. 
 
 1  Cor. 
 
 to  hide  their  1. 19. 
 
 learned,  faying.  Read  this,  I  pray  thee :  and  he  faith, 
 
 I  am  not  learned.  _  dr.  712. 
 
 13  f  Wherefore  the  Lord  faid,  “  Fcrafmuch  as  this  . 
 people  draw  near  me  with  their  mouth,  and  with  their  aMatib. 
 lips  do  honour  me,  but  have  removed  their  heart  far^j^^^: 
 from  me,  and  their  fear  toward  me  is  taught  by  the  7.6. 
 precept  of  men  ; 
 
 14.  Therefore,  behold,  1 1  will  proceed  to  do  a  mar-T 
 vellous  work  among  this  people,  even  a  marvellous 
 work  and  a  wonder ;  for  the  wifdcm 
 men  (hall  perifti,  and  the  uuderftanding 
 dent  men  (hall  be  hid. 
 
 15  Woe  unto  them  that  feek  deep 
 
 counfel  from  the  Lord,  and  their  works  are  in  the  dark, 
 
 and  they  fay,  <=  Who  feeth  us?  and  who  knoweth  us  ?23  iV* 
 
 16  Surely  your  turning  of  things  upfide  down  (hall 
 
 be  efteemed  as  the  potter’s  clay  :  for  (hall  the  “  workd^Cbap. 
 fay  of  him  that  made  it.  He  made  me  not  ?  or  (hall 
 the  thing  framed  fay  of  him  that  framed  it.  He  had 
 no  underftanding  ? 
 
 17  f  7s  it  not  yet  a  very  little  while,  and  Lebanon 
 (hall  be  turned  into  a  fruitful  field,  and  the  fruitful 
 field  (hall  be  efteemed  as  a  forefl  ? 
 
 18  And  in  that  day  (hall  the  deaf  hear  the  words 
 of  the  book,  and  the  eyes  of  the  blind  (hall  fee  out  of 
 obfcurity,  and  out  of  darknefs. 
 
 19  The  meek  alfo  t  (hall  increafe  their^  joy  in 
 Lord,  and  the  poor  among  men  (hall  rejoice  in 
 Holy  One  of  Ifrael. 
 
 20  For  the  terrible  one  is  brought  to  nought, 
 the  (corner  is  confumed,  and  all  that  watch  for 
 quity  are  cut  off : 
 
 2 1  That  make  a  man  an  offender  for  a  word, 
 lay  a  fnare  for  him  that  reproveth  in  the  gate, 
 turn  afide  the  juft  for  a  thing  of  nought. 
 
 22  Therefore  thus  faith  the  Lord,  who  redeemed 
 Abraham,  concerning  the  houfe  of  Jacob,  Jacob  (hall 
 not  nowbea(haraed,  neither  (hall  hisface  nowwax  pale, 
 
 23  But  when  he  feeth  his  children,  the  work  of 
 mine  hands,  in  the  midft  of  him,  they  (hall  fanff  fy 
 my  name,  and  (ariftify  the  Holy  One  of  Jacob,  and 
 (hall  fear  the  God  of  Ifrael. 
 
 24 'i'hey  alfo  that  erred  in  fpirit  t  (hall  come  fof^®^ 
 underftanding, 
 doftrine.* 
 
 the  f  Heb. 
 the 
 
 and 
 
 inl¬ 
 
 and 
 
 and 
 
 and  they  that  murmured  (hall  learn 
 
 shcdl  know 
 
 under- 
 
 standing. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXIX.  Ver.  1.  Jerufaletn  is  called 
 Ariel,  the  fire  of  God,  fay  fome,  bccaufe  in  it  was  the  great  altar  of  burnt-offering  ; 
 while  others  fay,  that  Ariel  means  the  Lion  of  God,  and  fuppofe  it  fignifies  the 
 ftrengtb  of  the  plaos,  by  which  it  was  enabled  to  red  ft  and  overcome  all  its  ene¬ 
 mies.  Ver.  2.  As  Anel,  that  is,  it  (hall  be  the  feat  of  the  fire  of  God  ;  which  fliall 
 ilTue  thence  to  coiifume  all  his  enemies.  The  fubje<Sl  of  this  and  the  following 
 four  chapters  is  the  invafion  of  Sennacherib.  V'er.  4.  The  Jews  (hall  be  reduced 
 to  the  mod  abje6l  condition,  that  their  voices  tlirough  weaknefs  ftiali  fcareely  be 
 heard,  like  the  necromancers,  who  fpoke  as  if  the  found  came  from  beneath  the 
 ground,  Ver.  5 — 7.  The  e.xpreffive  images  in  thefe  verfes,  are  perhaps  more 
 adapted  to  (liew  the  greatnefs,  fuddennefs,  and  the  horror  of  the  event,  than  the 
 means  and  manner  by  which  it  was  effedled  ;  chap.  xxx.  30 — 33.  Ver.  8.  Sen¬ 
 nacherib  and  bis  army  are  compared  to  a  dream,  becaufe  of  their  difappointment ; 
 their  eager  hopes  were  like  a  hungry  or  thirfty  man,  who  awakes  from  his  dream, 
 and  fancies  meat  and  drink  had  been  prefented  to  him  in  abundance,  but  finds  it 
 
 all  a  vain  illuCon.  Such  are  the  hopes  of  the  (inner.  Ver.  9  — 16.  This  paffage, 
 like  many  paffages,  by  this  prophet,  refers  not  merely  to  the  men  of  his  own  gene¬ 
 ration,  hut  is  alfo  applied  to  the  Jews  in  the  latter  days,  Rom.  xi.  7,  8.  He  calls 
 them  to  confider  their  ways.  They  were  drunken  not  merely  with  wine,  but  with 
 corrupt  principles  and  vicious  inclinations,  which  difpofed  tlrem  to  rejedl  the 
 truth,  give  heed  to  falfehood,  and  indulge  hypocrify ;  oii  which  account  confufiou 
 and  mifery  awaited  them.  Ver.  1  7.  This  principally  refpedis  the  rejediioa  of  the 
 Jews,  and  the  calling  of  the  Gentiles.  The  firft  were  the  vineyard  of  God,  given 
 up  by  him,  to  become  a  wildernefs  ;  the  lad,  hitherto  barren,  were  by  him  render¬ 
 ed  fruitful,  Chap  v,  1 — 7.  ]\Iatt.  xxi.  43.  Rom.  xi.  SO,  31.  V'er.  18 — 24.  The 
 principal  Cubjedt  here  is  the  bleffednefs  of  the  church  after  the  calling  of  the  Gen¬ 
 tiles.  Her  members  with  attention,  underftanding,  and  meeknefs,  fhall  receive 
 the  word  of  truth  ;  their  joy  (hall  continue,  and  their  enemies  (hall  be  confounded  ; 
 while  tliey  (hall  increafe  in  number  and  in  knowledge. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XXIX.]  External  privileges  and  diftindlions  will  not  exempt  any  from  woe,  that  are  dellitute  of  godlinefs. 
 Diftrefs  and  heavinefs  mud  be  their  portion,  who  rebel  againft  God  either  by  the  indulgence  of  hypocrify  or  profane  wickednefs.  No  perfons  are  more  aljedl  in 
 adverfity,  than  thofe  who  are  infolent  and  fcornful  in  profperity.  The  Lord  employs  wicked  men  to  chaftife  his  people  and  to  avenge  hitnfelf  on  hypocrites  ;  and 
 numbers  are  ready  enough  for  fuch  fervices.  But  all  who  involve  themfelves  in  the  guilt  of  perfecution,  lay  the  axe  to  the  root  of  their  own  profperity  and  peace. 
 The  wickednefs  of  profeffed  Chriftians,  and  the  myfterious  difpenfation  of  providence,  may  well  excite  our  attention,  aftonifiiment,  and  lamentation.  Headlong 
 paffions  and  erroneous  principles  in  the  fundamentals  of  religion  alike  produce  perfedi  intoxication  of  the  foul  ;  and  hence  originate  the  mod  inconfiderate  and  infa¬ 
 tuated  condudi,  which  iffues  in  ruin  and  mifery.  As  fiitners  grow  hardened  in  hypocrify  and  impiety,  or  infidelity,  their  prefumption  gathers  (Irength.  And  falfe 
 profeffors  efpecially  cannot  be  convinced,  that  God  intends  to  do  fo  marvellous  a  work,  as  to  punilh  them  for  their  wickednefs.  Thus  the  w  ife  and  prudent  who  re- 
 jedl  heavenly  wifdom,  are  infatuated.  O  may  they,  who  now  err  in  fpirit,  come  to  an  underftanding  of  the  true  dodlrine,  till  the  whole  earth  be  filled  with  the  glory 
 of  our  Cod  and  Saviour, 
 
The  people  threatened. 
 
 ISAIAH. 
 
 Before 
 Chrid 
 'cir.  7I!5. 
 
 CHAP.  XXX. 
 
 '  S  anrf  contcmrl  of 
 
 t.oU  sword.  God  s  mercies  toward  his  church. 
 
 WOE  to  the  rebellious  children,  faith  the  Lord, 
 that  take  counfel,  but  not  of  me  ;  and  that 
 cover  with  a  covering,  but  not  of  my  fpirit,  that  they 
 may  add  fin  to  fin ;  i  ^  y  y 
 
 i  .  down  into  Egypt,  and  have 
 
 not  alked  at  mv  mouth  ;  to  ftrengthen  theml'elves  in 
 e  lirength  ot  Pharaoh,  and  to  truft  in  thelhadow  of 
 Egypt. 
 
 3  1  herefore  fhall  the  ftrength  of  Pharaoh  be  your 
 lhame,  and  the  trurt  in  the  fhadow  of  Egypt  7/o//r 
 confiifion.  bjt-  .y 
 
 4  For  his  princes  were  at  Zoan,  and  his  ambaffa- 
 dors  came  to  Hanes. 
 
 5  They  were  all  afhamed  of  a  people  could  not 
 profit  them,  nor  be  an  help  nor  prohr,  but  a  (hame, 
 and  ailo  a  reproach. 
 
 6  The  burden  of  the  beafts  of  the  fouth  :  Into  the 
 land  of  trouble  and  anguifh,  from  whence  come  the 
 young  and  old  lion,  the  viper,  and  fiery  flying  lerpent, 
 tl^Y  will  carry  their  riches  upon  the  (boulders  of  young 
 lilies,  and  their  frealurcs  upon  the  bunches  of  camels 
 to  a  people  that  (liall  not  profit  them.  ’ 
 
 7  For  the  Egyptians  fnall  help  in  vain,  and  to  no 
 purpole:  therefore  have  I  cried  fj  concerning  this, 
 Iheir  ftrength  »  to  fit  ftill. 
 
 S  ^  Now  go,  write  it  before  them  in  a  table,  and 
 note  it  in  a  book,  that  it  may  be  for  f  the  time  to  come 
 for  ever  and  ever ; 
 
 9  lhat  this  zs  a  rebellious  people,  Iving  children, 
 children  that  will  not  hear  the  law  of  the  Lord. 
 
 10  Which  fay  to  the  feers.  See  not;  and  to  the 
 prophets.  Prophecy  not  unto  us  right  things,  (peak 
 unto  us  Imooth  things,  prophecy  deceits  ; 
 
 II  Get  ye  out  of  the  wav,  turn  afide  out  of  the 
 path,  caufe  the  Holy  One  of  Ifrael  to  ceafe  from  be- 
 fore  us. 
 
 12  Wherefore  thus  faith  the  Holy  One  of  Ifrael, 
 Becaufe  ye  defpife  this  word,  and  trufi  in  ||  oppreflion 
 and  perverfenels,  and  flay  thereon  ; 
 
 13  Therefore  this  iniquity  fhall  be  to  you  as  a 
 breach  ready  to  fall,  fwelling  out  in  a  high  wall,  whofe 
 breaking  comeih  fuddenly  at  an  inftant. 
 
 14  And  he  fhall  break  it  as  the  breaking  of  f  the 
 potter’s  veffel  that  is  broken  in  pieces  ;  he  fhall  not 
 
 rf  potters.  jp^j.g  .  bufftlng 
 
 of  it  a  (herd  to  take  fire  from  the  hearth,  or  to  take 
 water  rctthal  out  of  the  pit. 
 
 15  For  thus  (aith  the  Lord  God,  the  Holy  One  of 
 Ifrael,  In  returning  and  reft  fitali  ye  be  laved  ’;  in  qui- 
 ernefs  and  in  confidence  lhall  be  your  ftrength  ;  and 
 ye  would  not. 
 
 16  Bur  ye  faid.  No ;  for  we  will  flee  upon  horfes  ; 
 therefore  fhall  ye  flee  ;  and,  We  will  ride  upon  the 
 
 GeJ’s  m-rcies  t o'Ward  his  chuich 
 they  that  purfue  you  be 
 
 «  Or, 
 to  her. 
 
 -J-  Heb. 
 the  latter 
 day. 
 
 8  Or. 
 fraud. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 the  bottle 
 
 fwift;  therefore  fhall  mey  mac  puriue  you  be  Before 
 
 „  Cbrift 
 
 1 .  One  thenfand  shall  flee  at  the  rebuke  of  one  :  at  ''3. 
 the  rebuke  of  five  ye  fhall  flee,  till  je  be  left  I|  as  ifoT^ 
 a  beacon  upon  the  top  of  a  mountain,  and  as  an  enfl^n  «  tree 
 on  an  hill.  ^  ber,f„j 
 
 18  J1  And  therefore  will  the  Lord  wait,  that  hetZT, 
 may  be  gracious  unto  you  ;  and  therefore  will  he  be  ora  2" 
 exaltea,  that  he  may  have  mercy  upon  you ;  for  the 
 
 Lord  is  a  God  of  judgment  :  »  bleffed  are  all  they® 
 that  wail  for  him.  '  2-  12.  zi 
 
 19  For  the  people  fhall  dwell  in  Zion  at  Jerufalem  ;  Pronrbs 
 thou  lhalt  weep  no  more:  he  will  be  very  gracious  20. 
 unto  thee  at  the  voice  of  thy  cry  ;  when  he  fhall  hear 
 It,  he  will  anfwer  thee. 
 
 20  And  though  the  Lord  give  you  the  bread  of 
 adverfity,  and  the  water  of  ||  afiliftion,  yet  fhall  not  11  Or 
 thy  teachers  be  removed  into  a  corner  any  more,  butwr.U, 
 thine  eyes  fhall  lee  thy  teachers: 
 
 21  And  thine  ears  fhall  hear  a  word  behind  thee, 
 laying.  This  is  the  way,  walk  ye  in  it,  when  ye  turn 
 to  the  right  hand,  and  when  ye  turn  to  the  left, 
 
 22  Ye  fhall  defile  alfb  the  covering  off  thy  graven  i-Heb 
 
 images  of  filver,  and  the  ornament  of  thy  mohen  the grarm 
 iHiHgcs  Or  gold  I  thou  {halt  f  call  them  away  as 
 menftruous  cloth;  thou  (halt  fay  unto  it,  Get  thee IV"'"- 
 hence.  ' 
 
 23  Then  fhall  he  give  the  rain  of  thy  feed,  that  thou 
 fhalt  low  the  ground  withal :  and  bread  of  the  increale 
 of  the  earth,  and  it  (hall  be  fat  and  plenteous  1  in  that 
 day  fhall  thy  cattle  feed  in  large  paftures. 
 
 24  1  he  oxen  likewife,  and  the  young  affes,  that  ear 
 t^he  ground,  fhall  eat  (|  f  clean  provender,  which  hath  n  Or 
 been  winnowed  with  the  fhovel  and  with  the  fan.  savoury, 
 
 25  And  there  (hall  be  upon  every  high  mountain 
 
 and  upon  every  f  high  hill,  rivers  and  ftreams  of  waters  iT/eV 
 in  the  day  of  the  great  flaughter,  when  the  towers! fed  up. 
 
 T'dlu 
 
 26  Moreover,  the  light  of  the  moon  fliall  be  as  the 
 light  of  the  fun,  and  the  light  of  the  fun  fhall  be 
 feven-fold,  as  the  light  of  feven  days,  in  the  day  that 
 the  Lord  bindeth  up  the  breach  of  his  people,  and 
 healeth  the  ftroke  of  their  wound. 
 
 27  H  Behold,  the  name  of  the  Lord  cometh  from 
 
 far,  burning  w/tii  his  anger,  ||  and  the  burden  thereof  i  Or,  ami 
 
 zsf  heavy:  his  lips  are  full  of  indignation,  and 
 
 tongue  as  a  devouring  fire  :  ‘‘ 
 
 28  And  his  breath  as  an  overflowing  fiream,  thall  t  Heb. 
 reach  to  the  midtt  of  the  neck,  to  fift  the  nations  with  heaviness. 
 jhe  fieye  of  vanity :  and  there  shall  be  a  bridle  in  the 
 
 jaws  of  the  people,  caufing  them  to  err. 
 
 29  Ye  (ball  have  a  long,  as  in  the  night  when  a  holy  +  Heb. 
 folemnuy  ts  kept ;  and  gladnefs  of  heart,  as  when  one  -lioch. ' 
 goeth  with  a  pipe  to  come  into  the  mountain  of  thef 
 Lord,  to  the  t  mighty  One  of  Ifrael. 
 
 30  And  the  Lord  (hall  caufe  f  his  glorious  voice 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXX.  Ver.  1  —  7.  Who  cove?- 
 with  a  covering,  or  pour  out  a  libation.  Sacrifice  and  libation  were  ceremonies 
 eoaftanllf  ufed  in  ancient  times,  by  moft  nations,  in  the  ratifying  of  covenants. 
 A  woe  is  pronounced  on  the  Jews,  hecaufe  they  entered  into  covenants  with 
 Egypt,  without  aiking  counfel  of  their  God.  They  preCerred  a  broken  reed  to 
 the  Rock  of  ages ;  human  ftrength  to  the  Almighty.  What  could  they  expetft 
 but  difappointment  and  perpetual  fhame  !  Ver.  8 — 11.  For  a  teftimony  againft 
 t’lem,  for  a  warning  to  others,  and  to  vindicate  God’s  juftice  in  their  punifti- 
 inent,  the  prophet  is  commanded  to  write  their  fins  on  a  table,  that  it  might 
 be  hung  up  in  a  confpicuous  place,  and  to  note  them  in  a  book  for  future 
 times,  V’er.  15.  It  has  been  obferved  before,  in  thefe  notes  on  Ifaiab,  that  the 
 buildings  in  .Alia  generally  confift  of  little  better  than  what  we  call  mud  walls. 
 
 Thefe  cannot  withftand  a  flood  of  rain.  This  image  exprelTes  forcibly  the 
 fudden  and  utter  deftruaion  of  the  Jews.  Ver.  17.  Compare  Deut.  xxxii.  ;<0. 
 Ver.  IS— 26.  Ihe  Ideflings  here  mentioned  were  not  fully  enjoyed  l)y  Ifrael  iii 
 Hezekiah’s  reign,  they  douhtlefs  ultimately  refpea  the  rtign  of  Mefli’ah.  Ver. 
 27.  This  and  the^  following  verfes  deferibe  the  deftruaion  of  the  enemies  of 
 God  s  people.  Ver.  28.  The  sieve,  or  van  of  vanity,  or  perdition.  The  v.an 
 was  a  large  inftrument,  fomewhat  like  a  ftiovel,  with  a  large  handle,  with  which 
 the  torn  mixed  with  the  chaff  and  dropped  ftraw  was  tofled  in  the  air  that  the 
 wind  might  feparate  them  :  but  the  van  which  fhall  winnow  the  Aflyriaii 
 nation,  will  be  the  van  of  emptinefs  or  perdition  ;  for  nothing  ufeftil  ftiall  be 
 left  behind  ;  all  fhall  come  to  nought  and  perifli.  Ver.  32.  With  labrets  and  harps. 
 That  is,  with  every  demonftration  of  joy  for  the  deftrutlion  of  the  vnemv  in 
 
The  folhj  of  Irmiing  in  Egypt. 
 
 ISAIAH. 
 
 The  blessingt  of  Christas  kingdom* 
 
 pofore  to  be  heard,  and  (hew  the  lighting  down  of  his 
 ■  "  with  the  indigna'tion  of  hi%  anger,  and  'with,  the 
 
 Ciii-ift 
 
 arm, 
 
 flame  of  a  devouring  fire,  mlh  Icattering,  and  tempeft, 
 and  hailftones. 
 
 coery  v<^^-  31  For  through  the  voice  of  the  Lord  fhall  the 
 
 ,  sing  of 
 the  rod 
 founded. 
 
 r  Hob. 
 cause  to 
 rest  upon 
 him- 
 
 II 
 
 doainst 
 them 
 
 t  Heb. 
 remooe. 
 
 Aflyrian  be  beaten  down  xv/iich  fmotew'ith  a  rod 
 
 32  And  t  in  every  place  w'here  the  grounded  ftafF 
 (hall  pafs,  which  the  Lord  (hall  f  lay  upon  him,  U 
 (hall  be  with  tabreis  and  harps ;  and  in  battles  of 
 (flaking  will  he  fight  n  with  it. 
 
 33  For  Tophet  is  ordained  t  of  old  ;  yea,  for  the 
 king  it  is  prepared  ;  he  hath  made  it  deep  and  large  ; 
 the  pile  thereof  is  fire,  and  much  wood  ;  the  breath  of 
 
 }romyes-  the  LoRD,  like  a  flream  of  brimftone,  doth  kindle  it.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXXI. 
 
 1  The  prophet  sheiveth  the  cursed  folly  in  trusting  to  Egypt,  and  forsaking 
 God.  8  The  fall  of  Assyria. 
 
 OE  to  them  that  go  down  to  Egypt  for  help, 
 and  (fay  on  horles,  and  truft  in  chariots,  be- 
 caufe  they  are  many ;  and  in  horfemen,  becaufe  they 
 are  very  (frong  ;  but  they  look  not  unto  the  Holy 
 One  of  Ifrael,  neith'^r  feek  the  Lord  ! 
 
 2  Yet  he  alfo  is  wife,  and  will  bring  evil,  and  will 
 not  t  call  back  his  words  :  but  w'ill  arife,  againft  the 
 houfe  of  the  evil-doers,  and  againff  the  help  of  them 
 that  work  iniquity. 
 
 3  Now  the  Egyptians  are  men,  and  not  God  ;  and 
 their  horfes  fle(b,  and  not  fpirit.  When  the  Lord 
 (hall  ftretch  out  his  hand,  both  he  that  helpeth  (hall 
 fall,  and  he  that  is  holpen  (hall  fall  down,  and  they 
 all  (hall  fail  together. 
 
 4.  For  thus  hath  the  Lord  fpoken  unto  me,  Like  as 
 the  lion  and  the  young  lion  roaring  on  his  prey,  when 
 a  multitude  of  (hepherds  is  called  forth  againft;  him,  he 
 rchapf”  afraid  of  their  voice,  nor  abafe  hirofelf  for 
 
 B.  2o/"  the  II  noife  of  them  :  lb  (hall  the  Lord  of  hofts  come 
 tHeb.ffedown  to  fight  for  mount  Zion,  and  for  the  hill  thereof. 
 
 5  As  birds  flying,  fo  w'ill  the  Lord  of  hofts  defend 
 I^Or,  *  Jerufalera  ;  defending  alfo  he  will  deliver  and  pafs- 
 forfear  o/ing  ovcr  he  will  preferve  it. 
 
 the  sword.  Q  ^  Tum  ye  unto  him  from  whom  the  children  of 
 Mutan  have  deeply  revolted. 
 
 l”Heb.^"r  7  For  io  that  day  every  man  (hall  *  caft  away  his 
 meiiing,  idols  of  filver,  and  f  his  idols  of  gold,  which  your 
 or,  tri-  hands  have  made  unto  you  for  a  fin. 
 
 t^Heb.  ^  Then  ftiall  the  AlTyrian  fall  with  the  fword, 
 not  of  a  mighty  man ;  and  the  fword,  not  of  a  mean 
 man,  (hall  devour  him :  but  he  (hall  flee  I1  from  the 
 fword,  and  his  young  men  (hall  be  !|  t  difeomfited. 
 
 9  And  f  he  (hall  pafs  over  to  II  his  ftrong  hold  for 
 fear,  and  his  princes  (hall  be  afraid  of  the  enfign,  faith 
 
 Or, 
 
 his  rock 
 shall  pass 
 away  for 
 fear. 
 
 II  Or,  his 
 strength. 
 
 fo  wonderful  a  manner ;  with  hymns  of  praife  accompanied  with  inflruments  of 
 mufic  :  ver.  29.  Ver.  S3.  Tophet  is  a  valley  near  Jerufalem,  to  the  fouth-eaft, 
 called  the  valley  of  Himmon  or  Gehenna  ;  where  the  Canaanites,  and  afterwards 
 the  Ifraelites,  facrificed  their  children,  by  making  them  pafs  through  the  fire,  that 
 is,  by  burning  them,  to  Moloch.  It  is  therefore  ufed  as  a  place  of  punifiiment,  an 
 emblem  of  hell-fire. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXXI.  Ver,  1 _ 9.  God  warns  his 
 
 people  again  to  truft  in  him  alone,  and  they  fltould  find  certain  and  complete  deli¬ 
 verance.  As  the  mother  bird  (ver.  5.)  fpreads  her  wings  to  cover  her  young, 
 throws  herfelf  before  them,  and  oppofes  the  rapacious  bird  that  aifaults  them  •  fo 
 ftiall  Jehovah  protedl,  as  with  a  fliield,  Jerufalem  from  the  enemy.  ' 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXXII.  Ver.  l—S.  Under  Heze- 
 
 Bfcfore 
 Chrift 
 cir.  715. 
 
 the  Lord,  whofe  fire  is  in  Zion,  aud  his  furnace  in 
 Jerufaleir.f 
 
 CHAP.  XXXII. 
 
 1  The  blessings  (f  Christ' s  kingdom.  9  Desolation  is foreshexun.  15  Re- 
 
 storalioJi  is  proxnised  to  succeed. 
 
 EHOLD,  a  king  (hall  reign  in  righteoufnefs, 
 
 _  and  princes  (hall  rule  in  judgment. 
 
 2  And  a  man  (hall  be  as  an  hiding-place  from  the 
 
 wind,  and  a  covert  from  the  tempeft;  as  rivers  of 
 water  in  a  dry  place  ;  as  the  (hadow  of  a  t  great  rock  t  ^cb. 
 in  a  weary  land.  _ 
 
 3  zAnd  the  eyes  of  them  that  fee  (hall  not  be  dim  ; 
 and  the  ears  of  them  that  hear  (hall  hearken. 
 
 4.  The  heart  alfo  of  the  f  ra(h  (hall  underftand  t  ^eb. 
 kuovriedge,  and  the  tongue  of  the  ftammerers  (hall 
 be  ready  to  I’peak  \\  plainly. 
 
 5  The  vile  perfon  fhall  be  no  more  called  liberal, 
 nor  the  churl  faid  io  be  bountiful. 
 
 6  For  the  vile  perfon  will  fpeak  villany,  and  his 
 heart  will  work  iniquity,  to  pradlife  hypocrify,  and 
 to  utter  errer  againit  the  Lord,  to  make  empty  the 
 foul  of  the  hungry  ;  and  he  will  caufe  the  drink  of  the 
 thirfty  to  fail. 
 
 7  The  inflruments  alfo  of  the  churl  are  evil ;  he 
 devifeth  wicked  devices  to  deftroy  the  poor  with  ly- 
 iog  words,  even  |[  when  the  needy  fpeaketh  right. 
 
 8  But  the  liberal  devifeth  liberal  things;  and  ’Ssy'^faketk 
 
 liberal  things  (hall  he  II  (land.  against 
 
 9  ^  Rife  up,  ye  women  that  are  at  eafe ;  hear 
 
 voice,  ye  carelefs  daughters ;  give  ear  unto  my  fpeech.-^"*^”*^^' 
 
 10  t  Many  days  and  years  fhall  ye  be  troubled,  '^elsiabiish£d 
 
 carelefs  women  ;  for  the  vintage  (hall  fail,  the  gather- 1  Heb. 
 ing  (hall  not  come.  ^“5'* 
 
 11  Tremble,  ye  women  that  are  at  eafe  ;  be  trou-“ 
 bled,  ye  carelefs  ones :  ftrip  you,  and  make  you  bare,^ 
 and  gird  sackcloth  upon  your  loins, 
 
 ]  2  They  (hall  lament  for  the  teats,  for  f  the  plea-  f 
 fant  fields,  for  the  fruitful  vine. 
 
 13  Upon  the  land  of  my  people  (hall  come  up^ 
 thorns  and  briers ;  |1  yea,  upon  all  the  boufes  of  joy  H  Or, 
 in  the  joyous  city  :  burning 
 
 14'  Becaufe  the  palaces  (hall  be  forfaken  ;  the  mul-“^’°”’ 
 titude  of  the  city  (hall  be  left ;  the  I1  forts  and  towers  H 
 (hall  be  for  dens  for  ever,  a  joy  of  wild  aflfes,  a  pa- 
 Iture  of  Hocks ;  _ 
 
 15  II  Until  the  Spirit  be  poured  upon  us  from  on 
 high,  and'®  the  wildernefs  be  a  fruitful  field,  and  the®g‘^’j^'’' 
 fruitful  field  be  counted  for  a  foreft. 
 
 16  Then  judgment  (hall  dwell  in  the  wildernefs, 
 and  righteoufnel's  remain  in  the  fruitful  field. 
 
 17  And  the  work  of  righteoufnefs  (hall  be  peace ; 
 
 kiab,  the  people  enjoyed  great  bleffings  :  he  was  a  righteous  governor,  and  his 
 princes  imitated  him  ;  by  them  the  opprefled  were  protedled,  the  ignorant  in- 
 ftru(5led,  the  law  of  God  underftood  and  taught ;  the  conftquence  of  this  would 
 be  a  juft  eftimation  of  men’s  charadlers.  So  far  Hezekiah  was  an  obfeure  type  of 
 MelTiah,  whofe  charadler  and  that  of  his  fubjefts,  is  the  fubjeeft  of  this  paffage. 
 He,  in  particular,  is  called  as  the  shadow  <f  a  great  Rock,  affording  fafety  and 
 comfort  to  thofe  who  confide  in  him.  The  (liadow  of  a  great  projedling  rock 
 is  the  moft  refrefhing  that  is  poffible  in  a  hot  country,  not  only  as  moft  per- 
 feaiy  excluding  the  rays  of  the  fun  :  but  alfo  having  in  itfelf  a  natural  coolnefs, 
 
 which  it  refleas  and  communicates  to  every  thing  about  it.  Ver.  13 _ 18.  This 
 
 defenption  of  impending  diftrefs  on  the  land  of  Judah,  belongs  to  other  times 
 than  that  of  Sennacherib’s  iuvafion,  from  which  it  was  foon  delivered.  It  rauft 
 
 ODDF^ffor^Tw^Jl'^  againft  their  Creator,  and  who  alk  not,  or  follow  his  counfel.  Every 
 
 fll^au'be  filled  wift^reV  hath  correaed  h^is  church,  will  per.fh  like  the  Affyrian  monarch  :  and  every  place,  that  hath  groaned  beneath  the  rod  of  perfecution, 
 
 ”  PRACTICAL  o'BSERVAT"mNr^'^+  ^  v  vV  ^'“*!^„,''®'I'e®her,  that,  perfifting  in  their  iniquity,  they  cannot  efcape  tbe  wrath  of  God. 
 
 from  Corl  Ml  ®  XXXI.]  riiofe  poffeffions,  conneaions,  or  dependencies,  which  take  men  off  from  feeking  help  and  haPDinefs 
 
 they  will  all  follmge.Lr  bTforehi  oS^^^  'Irm.  the  help  of  thofe,  that  work  iniquity  ;  and 
 
 8  G 
 
 21 
 
God^s  jluigments  agamst  the  enemies  oj  the  clmrciu  ISAIAH. 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 ‘‘ir.  713. 
 
 H  Or, 
 
 and  the 
 city  shall 
 
 OJ  me  g 
 
 W 
 
 11  Or, 
 
 Tnessen 
 
 gers. 
 
 11  Or, 
 
 withered 
 
 away. 
 
 at  lea/l  extend  to  the  defolalion  by  the  Chaldeans,  if  not  by  the  Romans.  The 
 promife  of  bleflings  that  follows,  was  not  fulfilled  under  the  Mofaic  difpen- 
 iation,  they  belong  to  the  kingdom  of  Meffiah.  Compare  ver.  15!  chap.  xxix. 
 3  7.-  Ver.  19.  The  city  in  a  low  place  may  denote  the  defirudlion  of  the  ene¬ 
 mies  of  the  church,  as  Nineveh  or  Babylon  were  deflroycd.  Ver.  20.  This 
 alludes  to  the  manner  of  planting  rice,  which  is  fown  on  watery  ground;  w'hich 
 produces  an  abundant  crop.  Before  fowing  while  the  earth  is  covered  with  wa¬ 
 ter,  the  oxen,  horfes,  or  affes,  are  fent  forth  to  tread  it  down;  this  is  the  way 
 of  preparing  the  ground  to  receive  the  feed.  Rice  is  the  food  of  two-thirds  of 
 mankind  ;  it  is  cultivated  in  moll  of  the  eaftern  countries.  It  is  good  for  all  at 
 all  times.  Happy  is  that  fervant  of  God  who  labours  among  a  people  difpofed 
 to  receive  fpiritual  advantage  ! 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXXIII.  Ver.  1—6.  Sennacherib 
 is  charged  with  the  injuftice  of  his  ambitious  defigns,  and  is  warned  of  fudden  dif- 
 appointment.  The  Jews  make  their  prayer  to  God,  and  are  allured  that  though 
 their  enemy  might  fill  many  with  terror,  he  fhould  become  an  eafy  prey  to 
 thofe  whom  he  intended  to  fubdue.  Jehovah  lhall  be  exalted  in  his  overthrow. 
 
 and  the  effe^I  of  righteoufoefs,  quietnefs  and  aflurance  ' 
 ror  ever. 
 
 _  18  And  mv  people  fhall  dwell  in  a  peaceable  habita¬ 
 tion,  and  in  fure  dwellings,  and  in  quiet  refting  places, 
 19  When  it  fhall  hail,  coming  down  on  the  foreft ; 
 
 [|  and  the  city  fhall  be  low  in  a  low  place. 
 cicysaau  „  ^0  Bleffcd  or<?  ye  that  fow  befide  all  waters,  that 
 he  utterly  ivnd  forth  thither  the  feet  of  the  ox  and  the  afs. 
 
 .  .  CHAP.  XXXIII. 
 
 1  God's  judgments  against  the  enemies  of  the  church.  13  The  priveleses 
 of  the  godly. 
 
 OE  to  thee  that  fpoileft,  and  thou  'wast  not 
 _  .  fpoiled  ;  and  dealefl  treacherously,  and  they 
 dealt  not  treacherously  with  thee!  when  thou  fhalt 
 ceale  to  fpoil,  thou  fhalt  be  fpoiled  ;  and  when  thou 
 fhalt  make  an  end  to  deal  treacherously,  they  fhall 
 -  deal  treacherously  with  thee. 
 
 2  O  Lord,  be  gracious  unto  us  ;  we  have  waited 
 for  thee:  be  thou  their  arm  every  morning,  our  fal- 
 vation  alfo  in  the  time  of  trouble. 
 
 3  At  the  noife  of  the  tumult  the  people  fled  ;  at  the 
 lifting  up  of  thyfelf  the  nations  were  fcattered. 
 
 4  And  your  fpoil  fhall  be  gathered  like  the  gather¬ 
 ing  of  the  caterpillar:  as  the  running  to  and  fro  of 
 locufts  fhall  he  run  upon  them. 
 
 5  The  Lord  is  exalted  ;  for  he  dwelleth  on  high  : 
 he  hath  filled  Zion  with  judgment  and  righteoufnels. 
 
 6  And  wifdom  and  knowledge  fhall  be  the  liability 
 f  iieb.  of  thy  times,  and  ftrength  off  falvation  :  the  fear  of 
 salvations,  the  LoRD  is  his  treafure. 
 
 7  Behold  their  l|  valiant  ones  fhall  cry  without ;  the 
 ambafifadors  of  peace  .fhall  weep  bitterly. 
 
 8  The  high  ways  lie  wafte,  the  way  faring  man 
 ceafeth  ;  he  hath  broken  the  covenant,  he  hath  def- 
 pifed  the  cities,  he  "regardeth  no  man. 
 
 9  The  earth  mourneth  and  languifheth ;  Lebanon 
 is  afhamed  and  ||  hewn  down  ;  Sharon  is  like  a  wilder- 
 nefs ;  and  Bafhan  and  Carmel  fhake  off  their  fruits. 
 
 10  Now  will  I  rife,  faith  the  Lord  ;  now  will  I  be 
 exalted  ;  now  will  I  lift  up  myfelf. 
 
 11  Ye  fhall  conceive  chaff;  ye  fhall  bring  forth 
 flubble;  your  breath,  as  fire,  (hall  devour  you. 
 
 12  And  the  people  fhall  be  as  the  burnings  of  lime ; 
 as  thorns  cut  up,  fhall  they  be  burnt  in  the  fire. 
 
 The  privclegbs  of  the 
 
 •  Pf'nlnis 
 
 5.  2.4 
 
 Sodhj 
 
 13  %  Hear,  ye  that  are  far  off,  what  I  have  done  •  iioro 
 
 and  yej/iat  are  near,  acknowledge  my  might.  ’  ’ 
 
 14  The  finners  in  Zion  are  afraid  ;  fearfulnefs  hath 
 furprifed  the  hypocrires  ;  who  among  us  (hall  dwell 
 with  the  devouring  fire?  who  among  us  (hall  dwell 
 with  everlafting  burnings  ? 
 
 15  He  that  »  walketh  j-  righteously,  and  fpeaketh 
 t  uprightly  ;  he  that  defpiieth  the  gain  of  ||  opprel- 
 fions,  that  (haketh  his  hands  from  holding  of  bribes 
 that  ftoppeth  his  ears  from  hearing  of  f  blood,  andrvvf' 
 (hutteth  his  eyes  from  feeing  evil ; 
 
 16  He  (hall  dwell  on  f  high  ;  his  place  of  defence  f 
 shall  be  the  munitions  of  rocks ;  bread  (hall  be  given 
 him,  his  waters  shall  he  fure. 
 
 17  Thine  eyes  (hall  fee  the  king  in  his  beauty ; 
 they  fliall  behold  f  the  land  that  is  very  far  off.  ’  tHtb. 
 
 18  Thine  heart  fhall  meditate  terror.  ^  Where  w  +  ^Heb 
 
 the  fcribe?  where  is  the  t  receiver?  where  is  he  that  Li;/*.' or 
 counted  the  towers  ?  hf 
 
 19  Thou  (halt  not  fee  a  fierce  people,  a  people  of  a 
 
 deeper  fpeech  than  thou  canft  perceive  ;  of  a 
 meriug  tongue  that  thou  canst  not  underttand. 
 20  Look  upon  Zion,  the  city  of  our 
 
 ftam-  the  landaj 
 .  /«'•  f/is- 
 
 ,  -- -  --  folemnities : 
 
 thine  eyes  (hall  fee  Jerufalem,  a  quiet  habitation,  a  j  ^ 
 tabernacle  that  (hall  not  be  taken  down 
 
 .  20. 
 
 —  - ;  not  one  o(  t  Heb. 
 
 the  (takes  thereof  fhall  ever  be  removed,  neither  fhall 
 any  of  the  cords  thereof  be  broken  : 
 
 21  Bur  there  the  glorious  Lord  'icillbe  onto  us  -aZIT' 
 place  t  of  broad  rivers,  and  ftreams,  wherein  (hall  go  no  t 
 galley  with  oars,  neither  (hall  gallant  (hips  pafs  thereby. 
 
 22  For  the  Lord  is  our  judge,  the  Lord  is 
 f  lawgiver,  the  Lord  is  our  king  ;  he  will  lave  us.  fuJb. 
 
 23  II  Thy  tacklings  are  loofed  ;  they  could  not  well 
 
 ftrengthen  their  malt ;  they  could  not  fpread  the  fail ; 
 then  is  the  prey  of  a  great  fpoil  divided;  the  lame|/‘\„« 
 take  the  prey.  forsaken 
 
 24  And  the  inhabitants  (hall  not  fay,  I  am  fick  ;  the  thy  tack- 
 people  that  dwell  therein  shall  be  forgiven  their  ini-'’"'^'"' 
 quity.f 
 
 CHAP.  XXXIV. 
 
 1  The  judgments  wherewith  God  rev.ngelU  his  church.  1 1  The  dcsJa- 
 tion  of  her  enemies. 
 
 COME  near,  ye  nations,  to  hear  ;  and  hearken 
 
 people;  let  the  earth  hear,  and  tall  that  is  l  he  re'll f 
 
 and  Ifrael  fliall  receive  fpiritual  as  well  as  temporal  advantages.  Ver.  7 — 9. 
 This  is  a  deferiptiou  of  the  diftrefs  and  defpair  of  the  Jews,  upon  the  king  of 
 Affyria’s  marching  againft,  Jerufalem,  and  fending  liis  fummons  to  them  to  fijr. 
 render  after  the  treaty  he  had  made  with  king  Hezekiab,  2  Kings  xviii.  14 — 16. 
 Ver.  10 — 13.  God  declares  that  he  would  difeomfit  and  utterly  confume  his  peo¬ 
 ple’s  enemies;  as  the  burning  of  thorns  or  of  Hones  into  lime.  Ver.  13 — 22. 
 Here  we  have  a  moll  llriking  defc'iption  of  the  dreadful  apprehenfions  of  the 
 wicked  in  thofe  times  of  dillrefs  and  imminent  danger,  finely  contrafted  with  the 
 confidence  and  fecurity  of  the  righteous,  and  their  trufl  in  the  proinifes  of  God 
 that  he  will  be  their  never-failing  flrength  and  protedlion.  Ver.  23.  The  ene¬ 
 mies  of  the  people  of  God  fhall  be  feen  like  a  vefRl  overtaken  in  a  ftortn,  ond 
 given  up  by  the  mariners  in  the  anguiflt  of  their  fouls  to  the  mercy  of  the  raging 
 waves  expofed  to  inevitable  deflrudlion.  Ver.  24.  Sicknefs  being  confidered  a 
 punifhment  of  fin,  forgivenefs  is  equivalent  to  the  removal  of  a  difeafe,  Pfal.  chi. 
 3.  Mic.  ii.  9. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXXIV.  Ver.  1—17.  This  chapter 
 contains  a  denunciation  of  divine  vengeance  againft  the  enemies  of  the  church 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XXXII.]  Bleffed  are  all  the  fubjedls  of  king  Meffiah  !  He  alone  can  afford  us  protetftion  and  refrefhment 
 amongft  the  unavoidable  evils  of  life,  and  in  tbe  approaching  hours  of  death.  We  ought  to  judge  of  ourfelves  by  the  rule  of  his  word  ;  to  avoid  flattery  as  well  as 
 slander,  and  not  to  call  evil  good,  and  good  evil.  And  let  us  feek  to  have  our  hearts  more  divefted  of  felfiflinefs,  that  we  may  be  more  pure,  affedlionate,  fincere, 
 end  pious.  Mifery  is  before  all  who  are  at  eafe  in  Zion,  except  their  laughter  be  turned  into  godly  forrow.  We  are  in  the  land  of  mercy;  and  when  tlie  Spirit  is 
 poured  out  on  any  individual  or  company,  a  glorious  change  takes  place. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — 1  Chap.  XXXIII.]  The  fcourges  of  the  world  caufe  great  conflernation  by  their  tumult  and  prowefs  ;  but  at  length 
 tliey  fhall  become  an  eafy  prey  to  their  enemies.  For  it  is  the  glory  of  Jehovah  to  abafe  the  proud,  and  to  take  care  of  Zion.  Sinners  and  hypocrites  in  the  church 
 have  more  caufe  to  fear  tremendous  vengeance,  tlian  even  avowed  enemies.  It  behoves  all  to  enquire  who  they  are,  that  fhall  dwell  with  everlafting  burnings?  Aid 
 vvbether  we  have  that  genuine  godlinefs,  which  evidences  that  Jefus  hath  delivered  us  from  the  wrath  to  come.  The  believer  is  placed  in  an  honourable  and  fecure 
 ftation,  and  he  need  not  fear  the  craft  or  power  of  bis  ettemies,  Though  the  church  is  bumble  in  appearance ;  yet  all  her  genuine  members  are  redeemed  and  prd* 
 te(5led  by  Immanuel, 
 
The  desolation  of  the  church's  enemies. 
 
 therein ;  the  world,  and  all  things  that  come  forth 
 
 ISAIAH. 
 
 The  joyfid  flourishing  rf  Christ’s  hin^dom^ 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 rir.Tin 
 
 of  if. 
 
 a  Rere). 
 6.  14. 
 
 b  Revel. 
 6.  13. 
 
 2  For  the  indignation  of  the  Lord  is  upon  all  nations, 
 and  his  fnry  upon  all  their  armies :  he  hath  utterly  de. 
 ftroyed  them,  he  hath  delivered  them  to  the  daughter. 
 
 3  Their  flain  alio  (Fall  be  catt  out,  and  their  flink 
 (hall  come  up  out  of  their  carcales,  and  the  moun¬ 
 tains  (hall  be  melted  with  their  blood. 
 
 4  And  all  the  hoft  of  heaven  (hall  be  didolved,  and 
 the  heaven  (hall  ^  be  rolled  together  as  a  (croll :  and 
 all  their  hoft  (hall  fall  down,  as  the  leaf  falleth  off  from 
 the  vine,  and  as  a  ’’  falling  fig  from  the  fig-tree. 
 
 5  For  my  fword  (hall  be  bathed  in  heaven  :  be¬ 
 hold,  it  (hall  come  down  upon  Idumea,  and  upon  the 
 people  of  ray  curfe,  to  judgment. 
 
 6  The  fword  of  the  Lord  is  filled  with  blood  ;  it 
 is  made  fat  with  fatnefs,  and  with  the  blood  of  lambs 
 and  goats,  with  the  fat  of  the  kidneys  of  rams ;  for  the 
 Lord  hath  a  facrifice  in  Bozrah,  and  a  great  (laughter 
 in  the  land  of  Idumea. 
 
 7  And  the  II  unicorns  (hall  come  down  with  them, 
 'hinoceros  the  bullocks  with  the  bulls;  and  their  land  (hall 
 
 be  i|  foaked  with  blood,  and  their  duft  made  fat  with 
 fatnefs. 
 
 8  For  it  is  the  day  of  the  Lord’s  "  vengeance,  and 
 the  year  of  recompences  for  the  controverfy  of  Zion. 
 
 9  And  the  ftreams  thereof  fhall  be  turned  into 
 pitch,  and  the  duft  thereof  into  brimftone,  and  the 
 land  thereof  (hall  become  burning  pitch. 
 
 10  It  (hall  not  be  quenched  night  nor  day;  the 
 Jg'  3®'  ^  fmoke  thereof  (hall  go  up  for  ever  :  from  generation 
 
 to  generation  it  (hall  lie  wafte ;  none  (hall  pafs  through 
 it  for  ever  and  ever ; 
 
 11  ®  But  the  It  cormorant  and  the  bittern  fhall 
 poffefs  it ;  the  owl  alfo  and  the  raven  fhall  dwell  in 
 it ;  and  he  (hall  ftretch  out  upon  it  the  line  of  con- 
 fufion,  and  the  ftones  of  emptinefs. 
 
 12  They  (hall  call  the  nobles  thereof  to  the  king¬ 
 dom,  but  none  shall  be  there,  and  all  her  princes  (hall 
 be  nothing. 
 
 13  And  thorns  (hall  come  up  in  her  palaces,  nettles 
 
 daughters  gnd  brambles  in  the  fortreffes  thereof;  and  it  fhall  be 
 ^Hob."^'  habitation  of  dragons,  a?id  a  court  for  H  t  owls. 
 zim.  '  14  f.  The  wild  beafts  of  the  defert  (hall  alfo  meet 
 
 t  Heb.  with  t  the  wild  beafts  of  the  ifland,  and  the  fatyr  (hall 
 ijm.^  cry  to  his  fellow  ;  the  ||  fcreech  owl  alfo  (hall  reft 
 ni-ia-  there,  and  find  for  herfelt  a  place  of  reft. 
 
 monster,  15  There  (hall  the  great  owl  make  her  neft,  and  lay, 
 
 Or, 
 
 II  O'-’ 
 
 drunken: 
 
 c  Chap, 
 63.  4, 
 
 d  Revel. 
 
 e  Zech. 
 2.  14. 
 Revel. 
 18.  2. 
 
 11  Or, 
 jtelicau, 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 ostriches. 
 j-  Heb. 
 
 of  God,  The  event  foretold  is  of  the  highest  importance,  and  univerfal  concern  : 
 all  nations  are  called  to  attend  ;  and  the  wrath  of  God  is  denounced  againft  thofe 
 nations  that  had  provoked  to  anger  the  defender  of  Zion.  By  a  figure  very  com¬ 
 mon  in  the  prophetical  writings,  any  city  or  people  remarkably  diflinguithed  as 
 enemies  of  the  church,  is  put  for  thofe  enemies  in  general.  This  feems  here  to  be 
 the  cafe  with  Edom  and  Bozrah.  The  Edomites  were,  together  with  the  reft  of 
 the  neighbouring  nations,  ravaged  and  laid  waste  by  Nebuchadnezzar,  Jer.  xxv. 
 15—26.  Mai,  i.  3,  4.  This  event  the  prophet  Ifaiah  may  have  had  primarily  in 
 view,  but  any  account  of  it  in  biftory,  feems  by  no  means  to  come  up  to  the  terms 
 of  the  prophecy,  though  it  may  have  been  typical  of  that  chiefly  intended.  The 
 prophecy  refpedls  fome  great  revolutions  to  be  effected  in  latter  times,  antecedent 
 to  that  more  perfedl  ftate  of  the  church  of  God,  on  earth,  which  the  holy  Scriptures 
 warrants  us  to  expedl,  Ezek.  xxxiv.  17 — 22.  Rev.  xix.  11 — 21. 
 
 and  hatch,  and  gather  under  her  (hadow  :  there  (hall 
 the  vultures  alio  be  gathered,  every  one  with  her^,;^ 
 
 mate.  _ _ — j 
 
 J6  If  Seek  ye  out  of  the  book  of  the  Lord,  and 
 read  ;  no  one  of  thtfe  (hall  fail,  none  (liall  want  her 
 mate:  for  my  mouth  it  hath  commanded,  and  his 
 fpirit  it  hath  gathered  them. 
 
 17  And  he  hath  ca(t  the  lot  for  them,  and  his  hand 
 hath  divided  it  unto  them  by  line:  they  (hall  poffefs 
 it  for  ever,  from  generation  to  generation  (hall  they 
 dwell  therein.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXXV. 
 
 1  The  joyful  jlnurishing  of  Chust's  kingdom.  Z  The  weak  are  encourag¬ 
 ed  by  the  virtues  and  privikges  of  the  gospel, 
 
 ^  I  ^HE  wildernefs,  and  the  folitary  place  fhall  be 
 X  glad  for  them  ;  and  the  defert  (hall  rejoice,  and 
 blodom  as  the  rofe. 
 
 2  It  (hall  bloffom  abundantly,  and  rejoice  even  with  |  Heff 
 
 joy  and  finging;  the  glory  of  Lebanon  (hall  be  given  hasty. 
 unto  it,  the  excellency  of  Carmel  and  Sharon  ;  they  ^  -Matth. 
 (hall  fee  the  glory  of  the  Lord,  and  the  excellency  of^"  jj’  f' 
 our  God.  &  12.  22. 
 
 3  ^  ®  Strengthen  ye  the  weak  bands,  and  confirm  &  20.  so. 
 the  feeble  knees. 
 
 4  Say  to  them  that  are  of  at  fearful  heart, 
 
 ftrong,  fear  not ;  behold,  your  God  will  come  m-ith  c  Mauii. 
 vengeance,  even  God  with  a  recompence  ;  he  will  come  '  '•  5- 
 and  Cave  you. 
 
 5  Then  the  eyes  of  the  blind  (hall  be  opened,  dTiatth. 
 
 and  =  the  ears  of  the  deaf  fliall  be  unftopped  :  11.5.  & 
 
 6  Then  (hall  the  ^  lame  man  leap  as  a  hart, 
 
 the  '  tongue  of  the  dumb  ling  :  for  in  the  wildernefs 
 (hall  ^  waters  break  out,  and  ftreams  in  the  defert.  5.  b,  9. 
 
 7  And  the  parched  ground  (hall  become  a  pool,Aas3. 
 and  the  thirfty  laud  Iprings  of  water  :  in  the  habita- 
 
 tion  of  dragons,  where  each  lay,  shall  he  11  grafs,  with  jij, 
 reeds  and  ru(hes.  e  Matth.* 
 
 8  And  an  highway  (hall  be  there,  and  a  way,  and  2.  3?,  53. 
 it  fhall  be  called,  The  way  of  holinefs :  the  unclean^’ 
 
 fhall  not  pafs  over  it ;  Jl  but  it  shall  be  for  thole:  the f  John 
 way-faring  men,  though  fools,  (hall  not  err  therein.  ss,  39. 
 
 9  No  lion  (hall  be  there,  nor  any  ravenous  beaft  N 
 (hall  go  up  thereon,  it  (hall  not  be  found  there;  but 
 
 the  redeemed  (hall  walk  there  ••  7^Dr,/or 
 
 10  And  the  e  ranfomed  of  the  Lord  (liall  return, /le ftiaii 
 and  come  to  Zion  with  longs,  and  everlafting  joy  upon 
 
 their  heads:  they  (hall  obtain  joy  and  gladnels,  andg^bap.  ' 
 forrow  and  fighing  (hall  flee  away.f  51.  11.’ 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXXV.  Ver.  1— 10.  This  chapter 
 deicribes  the  flourifhing  ftate  of  the  church,  confequent  upon  the  judgments  de¬ 
 nounced  in  chap,  xxxiv.  and  may  therefore  refpedl  ultimately  the  converfion  of  the 
 Jews,  and  their  reflitution  to  their  own  land,  of  which  their  deliverance  from  the 
 Babylonian  captivity  might  be  typical ;  the  extenflon  and  purification  of  the  Chrif- 
 tian  faith  j  events  preditSled  in  the  holy  Scriptures  as  preparatory  to  it.  It  is  how¬ 
 ever  certain,  that  it  foretells  the  coming  of  Mefliah  in  the  flcfli,  and  the  bleflings 
 which  would  attend  his  appearance.  Compare  ver.  5,  6.  Matth.  xi.  4,  5.  The 
 Gentiles  are  called  to  rejoice  in  tlie  glory  of  God  manifefted  for  their  falvation. 
 We  are  informed  of  the  pouring  out  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  the  bltffed  confe- 
 quences  attending  it.  The  Gentile  world,  unprofitable  as  the  barren  defert  to  the 
 hufbandman,  fhall  bring  forth  the  fruits  of  righteoufnefs,  which  are  by'Jefus  Chrift 
 to  the  praife  and  glory  of  God  ;  and  experience  peace  and  perpetual  joy. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XXXIV.]  All  nations  are  concerned  to  draw  near  and  attend  to  the  word  of  God  ;  as  they  muft  all  be  judged 
 by  it.  The  day  of  the  Lord’s  vengeance,  and  the  year  of  the  recompences  of  Zion  will  fiiortly  come  -  and  the  imagination  cannot  reach  the  hoi  rors  of  that  awful  I'ea- 
 fon  to  thofe,  who  fliall  be  founiyn  oppofition  to  the  church  of  Chrift.  Let  us  devoutly  regard  the  word  of  God,  for  what  he  hath  Ipoken  he  will  perform. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — f  Chap.  XXXV.]  The  bleflings  of  the  gofpel  preached,  with  the  Holy  Spirit  fent  down  from  heaven,  are  of  all  others 
 the  moft  valuable,  and  conduce  the  moft  to  our  unmingled  confolation  ;  whilft  bloffoms  of  heavenly  fragrancy  are  produced  in  this  defert  land.  Let  genuine  Chrif- 
 lians  encourage  themfelves  in  their  work  and  trials,  for  tlie  joy  of  the  Lord  is  their  ftrength.  And  may  the  Lord  make  bare  his  holy  arm,  as  in  the  days  of  his  apoftles  • 
 that  all  defert  lands  may  be  repleniflicd  with  wells  of  falvation,  and  with  fruits  of  holinefs,  without  wWch  no  naan  can  eater  the  heavenly  Canaan  however  iu<renious” 
 learned,  or  wife  he  naay  be  in  this  world,  ^  ’  of 
 
li a  hihakeh  's  hi asphemy. 
 
 ISAIAH. 
 
 n  Or, 
 t^crelary. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 %vord  of 
 lips. 
 
 II  Or, 
 but  court 
 sei  and 
 strcnsth 
 ere  for 
 the  war, 
 b  Eztk. 
 29.  6,  7. 
 
 S  Or, 
 
 hostages. 
 
 CHAP.  XXX VI. 
 
 S'nycherib  invaJeth  Judah.  4  Rabshakelt's  blasphemous  persuasions 
 to  tue  people ;  22  his  words  are  told  to  Hezekiah. 
 
 NOW  *  it  came  to  pal's,  in  the  fourteenth  year  of 
 king  Hezekiah,  that  Sennacherib  king  of  Affy- 
 ria  came  up  againft  all  the  defenced  cities  of  Judah, 
 and  took  them. 
 
 2  11  And  the  king  of  Aflyria  fent  Rabfhakeh  from 
 Lachiln  to  Jerulalem,  unto  king  Hezekiah  with  a  great 
 army:  and  he  Hood  by  the  conduit  of  the  upper 
 pool,  in  the  highway  of  the  fuller’s  field. 
 
 3  "I  hen  came  forth  unto  him  Eliakira,  Hilkiah’s 
 fon,  which  xvas  over  the  houfe,  and  Shebna  the 
 11  feribe,  and  Joah,  Afaph’s  fon,  the  recorder. 
 
 4  And  Rabfhakeh  laid  unto  them.  Say  ye  now  to 
 Hezekiah,  Ihus  faith  the  great  king,  the  king  of 
 AfiTyria,  ’^Vhat-  confidence  is  this  wherein  thou 
 trulleft  ? 
 
 5  I  ‘i'Ay.Juijpjl  than,  (but  they  are  hut  f  vain  words,) 
 11  I  have  counlel  and  flrength  for  war  :  now,  on  whom 
 dolt  thou  truft,  that  thou  rebelleft  again!!  me? 
 
 6  Lo,  thou  trullel!  in  the  Itali  of  this  broken 
 reed,  on  Egypt;  whereon  if  a  man  lean,  it  will  go 
 into  his  hand,  and  pierce  it :  lo  is  Pharaoh  king  of 
 Egypt  to  all  that  trul!  in  him. 
 
 7  But  if  thou  fay  to  me.  We  truft  in  the  Lord  our 
 God  :  is  it  not  he  whofe  high  places  and  whofe  altars 
 Hezekiah  hath  taken  aw-ay,  and  laid  to  Judah  and  to 
 Jerufalem,  Yq  (hall  worlhip  before  this  altar? 
 
 8  Now,  therefore  give  ||  pledges,  I  pray  thee,  to 
 my  mafter  the  king  of  AlTyria,  and  I  wi  1  give  thee 
 two  thoufand  horfes,  if  thou  be  able  on  thy  part  to 
 fet  riders  upon  them. 
 
 9  How  then  wilt  thou  turn  away  the  face  of  one 
 captain  of  the  leaft  of  my  mafter’s  fervants,  and  put 
 thy  truft  on  Egypt  for  chariots  and  for  horfemen  ? 
 
 10  And  am  I  now  come  up  without  the  Lord 
 againft  this  land  to  deftroy  it  ?  the  Lord  faid  unto 
 me.  Go  up  againft  this  land,  and  deftroy  it. 
 
 11  Then  faid  Eliakim,  and  Shebna,  and  Joah,  unto 
 Rabf^keh,  §peak,  I  pray  thee,  unto  thy  fervants  in 
 the  Syrian  language  ;  for  we  underftand  zt and  l^peak 
 not  to^us  in  the  Jews’  language,  in  the  ears  of  the 
 people  tiflt  are  on  the  wall. 
 
 12  But  Rablbakeh  fiid.  Hath  my  mafter  fent  me 
 to  thy  mafter  and  to  thee,  to  I'peak  thefe  words  ?  hath 
 he  nor  fent  me  to  the  men  that  fit  upon  the  wall,  that 
 they  may  eat  their  own  dung,  and  drink  their  own 
 pifs  with  you  ? 
 
 13  ^  Then  Rabfhakeh  flood,  and  cried  with  a  loud 
 voice  in  the  Jews*  language,  and  faid,  Hear  ye  the 
 words  of  the  great  king,  the  king  of  Affyria. 
 
 14  Thus  faifh  the  king,  I.,et  not  Hezekiah  deceive 
 you  ;  for  he  fiiall  not  be  able  to  deliver  you. 
 
 15  Neither  let  Hezekiah  make  you  truft  in  the 
 Lord,  faying,  The  Lord  vrill  furely  deliver  us  :  this 
 city  fhall  not  be  delivered  into  the  hand  of  the  king  of 
 Aflyria. 
 
 16  Hearken  not  to  Hezekiah  :  for  thus  faith  the 
 
 Hezeldah  mourncth^  SiX 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXXVI.  Ver.  1—92.  The  hiftory 
 of  tlie  invafion  of  Sennachei'ib,  and  the  miraculous  dellru(5Uon  of  his  army,  which 
 makes  the  fuhject  of  fo  many  of  Ifaiah’s  prophecies,  is  very  properly  inferted 
 here,  as  affording  the  heft  light  to  many  of  thofe  prophecies,  and  as  alinofl  necel- 
 fary  to  introduce  the  prophecy  in  the  xxxviitb  chapter,  being  the  anfvver  of  God 
 to  Hezekiah’s  prayer,  which  could  not  be  properly  underftood  without  it.  "We 
 find  the  fame  narrative,  2  Kings  chap,  xviii,  xix,  xx.  How'  oppofite  are 
 {lie  characters  of  Sennacherib  and  Hezekiah.  The  one  boafts  and  threatens 
 
 king  of  AlTyna,  H  t  Make  an  agreement  with  me  hy  a  Before 
 prelenr,  and  come  out  to  me  :  and  eat  ye  every  one  Chna 
 of  his  vine,  and  every  one  of  his  fig-tree,  and  drink 
 ye  every  one  the  waters  of  his  own  ciftern  ;  i'oi^ 
 
 17  Until  I  come  and  take  you  away  to  a  land  like'^^'^wrr 
 your  own  land,  a  land  of  corn  and  wine,  a  land 
 
 bread  and  vineyards.  “  ipesent, 
 
 18  Beware  left  Hezekiah  perfuade  you,  faying,  The  Wf' 
 
 Lord  will  deliver  us.  Hath  any  of  the  gods  of  the"'"' 
 nations  delivered  his  land  out  of  the  hand  of  thekine^^^"'"®- 
 of  AfiTyria?  ^ 
 
 19  Where  are  the  gods  of  Hamath  and  Arphad  ? 
 where  are  the  gods  of  Sepharvaim  ?  and  have  they 
 delivered  Samaria  out  of  my  hand  ? 
 
 20  Who  are  they  among  all  the  gods  of  thefe  lands, 
 that  have  delivered  their  land  out  of  my  hand,  that 
 the  Lord  fhould  deliver  Jerufalem  out  of  my  hand  ? 
 
 21  But  they  held  their  peace,  andanfwered  him  not 
 a  word  :  for  the  king’s  commandment  was,  I'avine, 
 Anlwer  him  not. 
 
 22  If  Then  came  Eliakim  the  Ton  of  Hilkiah,  that 
 was  over  the  houfehold,  and  Shebna  the  feribe,  and 
 Joah,  the  fon  of  Al'aph,  the  recorder,  to  Hezekiah 
 with  their  clothes  rent,  and  told  him  the  words  of 
 Rabfhakeh. 
 
 CHAP.  XXXVII. 
 
 I  Hezekiah  mourning,  sendeth  lo  Isaiah  to  pray  for  them;  6  Isaiah  com. 
 
 forlelh  them.  36  An  angel  slayeth  the  Assyrians,  37  Sennacherib  is 
 
 slain  at  Nineveh  by  his  own  sons. 
 
 ND  3  it  came  to  pal's,  when  king  Hezekiah  heard  a  2  Kings 
 he  rent  his  clothes,  and  covered  him-^^-h&e- 
 left'  with  I'ackcloth,  and  went  into  the  houfe  of  the 
 Lord. 
 
 2  And  he  fent  Eliakim,  who  was  over  the  houfe¬ 
 hold,  and  Shebna  the  feribe,  and  the  elders  of  the 
 priefts,  covered  with  fackclotb,  unto  Ifaiah  the  pro¬ 
 phet,  the  I'on  of  Amoz. 
 
 3  And  they  faid  unto  him,  Thus  faith  Hezekiah, 
 
 This  day  is  a  day  of  trouble,  and  of  rebuke,  and  of 
 
 II  blalphemy  :  for  the  children  are  come  to  the  birth,  If  Or,  wo- 
 
 and  there  is  not  ftrength  to  bring  forth.  vocation. 
 
 4  It  may  be  the  Lord  thy  God  will  hear  the  words 
 of  Rabftiakeh,  whom  the  king  of  AfiTyria  his  mafter 
 hath  fent  to  reproach  the  living  God,  and  will  reprove 
 the  words  which  the  Lord  thy  God  hath  heard  : 
 wherefore  lift  up  thy  prayer  for  the  remnant  that  is 
 
 t  left.  t  WeE 
 
 5  So  the  fervants  of  king  Hezekiah  came  to  Ifaiah.'^"""^' 
 
 6  ^  And  Ifaiah  faid  unto  them.  Thus  fhall  ye  fay 
 unto  your  matter,  Thus  faith  the  Lord,  Be  not  afraid 
 of  the  words  that  thou  haft  heard,  wherewith  the  fer¬ 
 vants  of  the  king  of  Afl'yria  have  blafphemed  me. 
 
 7  Behold,  I  will  ||  fend  a  blaft  upon  him,  and  he  D 
 fhall  hear  a  rumour,  and  return  to  his  own  land  ;  and“’f/|„, 
 
 I  will  caufe  him  fo  fall  by  the  fword  in  his  own  Iand.''“ 
 
 8  *lf  So  Rabfhakeh  returned,  and  found  the  king  of 
 Afl'yria  warring  againft  Libnah  :  for  he  had  heard  that 
 he  was  departed  from  Lachifh. 
 
 9  And  he  heard  fay  concerning  Tirhakah  king  of 
 
 without  con fi derstion  j  is  infolGtit  without  undctilsuding  j  the  other  rc'iercuccs 
 Jehovah,  and  is  unmoved  by  all  the  objedls  of  terror  prefented  him.  The  fer¬ 
 vants  chara<5icis  differ  as  much  as  their  mailers  •  Infblent  languarreand  deceitful 
 proraifes,  are  anfwered  by  filence  and  grief  arftng  from  rever'ence  for  God, 
 rather  than  dread  of  prefeut  or  future  calamity.  And  their  latter  end  was  accord¬ 
 ing  to  their  works;  the  Affyrians  were  abafed  and  confounded;  Ifrael  vtere 
 exalted  and  bleffed. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXXVII.  Ver.  25.  I  dried  up  all  the 
 
JJezekiah's  prayer. 
 
 Etiiiopia,  He  is  come  forth  to  make  war  with  thee : 
 
 ISAIAH. 
 
 SenmcJieriVs  destruction  prophesied. 
 
 Before 
 
 Christ 
 
 710. 
 
 he  sent 
 
 messengers 
 
 to  He- 
 
 t  m 
 
 ianns, 
 
 i  Heb. 
 givey,’ 
 
 And  when  he  heard  it, 
 
 zekiah,  saying,  ,  •  i  ,  •  r  t  i  u 
 
 10  Thus  shall  yesjieak  to  Hezekiah  king  ot  Judah, 
 
 saying,  Let  not  thy  God  in  whom  thou  trustest  de¬ 
 ceive  thee,  sayiijg,  Jerusalem  shall  not  be  given  into 
 the  hand  of  the  king  of  Assyria. 
 
 11  Behold,  thou  hast  heard  what  the  kings  of  Assy¬ 
 ria  have  done  to  all  lands,  by  destroying  them  utterly, 
 and  shalt  thou  be  delivered? 
 
 12  Have  the  gods  of  the  nations  delivered  them 
 which  my  fathers  have  destroyed,  as  Gozan,  and  Ha- 
 ran,  and  Rezeph,  and  the  children  of  Eden,  which 
 <were  in  Telassar  ? 
 
 13  Where  is  the  king  of  Hamath,  and  the  king  of 
 Arphad,  and  the  king  of  the  city  of  Sepharvaim,  Hena, 
 and  Ivah? 
 
 14  f  And  Hezekiah  received  the  letter  from  the 
 hand  of  the, messengers,  and  read  it:  and  Hezekiah 
 went  up  into-  the  house  of  the  Lord,  and  spread  it 
 before  the  Lord. 
 
 15  And  Hezekiah  prayed  unto  the  Lord,  saying, 
 
 16  O  Lord  of  hosts,  God  of  Israel,  that  dwellest 
 between  the  cherubims,  thou  art  the  God,  even  thou 
 alone,  of  all  the  kingdoms  of  the  earth;  thou  hast 
 made  heaven  and  earth. 
 
 17  Incline  thine  ear,  O  Lord,  and  hear;  open 
 thine  eyes,  O  Lord,  and  see ;  and  hear  all  the  words 
 of  Sennacherib,  which  hath  sent  to  reproach  the  liv- 
 
 God. 
 
 18  Of  a  trutK  Lord,  the  kings  «f  Assyria  have 
 ^  laid  waste  all  tne  f  nations,  and  their  countries, 
 
 1 9  And  have  f  cast  their  gods  into  the  fire;  for  they 
 were  no  gods,  but  the  work  of  men’s  hands,  wood  and 
 stone;  therefore  they  have  destroyed  them, 
 
 20  Now  therefore,  O  Lord  our  God,  save  us  from 
 his  hand,  that  all  the  kingdoms  of  the  earth  may  know 
 that  thou  art  the  Lord,  even  thou  only. 
 
 21  if  Then  Isaiah  the  son  of  Amoz  sent  unto  He¬ 
 zekiah,  saying,  I'hus  saith  the  Lord  God  of  Isi'ael, 
 Whereas  tho’fl'hast  prayed  to  me  against  Sennacherib 
 king  of  Assyria: 
 
 22  This  is  the  word  which  the  Lord  hath  spoken 
 concerning  him,  The  virgin,  the  daughter  of  Zion, 
 hath  despised  thee,  and  laughed  thee  to  scorn ;  the 
 daughter  of  Jerusalem  hath  shaken  her  head  at  thee. 
 
 23  Whom  hast  thou  reproached  and  blasphemed; 
 
 Before 
 
 Christ 
 
 710. 
 
 mg 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 By  the 
 lumd  of 
 thy  ser¬ 
 vants. 
 
 t  Heb.  the  and  against  whom 
 
 hast  thou  exalted  thy  voice,  and 
 
 ^Uness  of  yp  thine  eyes  on  high  ?  even  against  the  Holy 
 One  or  Israel. 
 
 24  f  By  thy  servants  hast  thou  reproached  the  Lord, 
 and  hast  said.  By  the  multitude  of  my  chariots  am  I 
 come  up  to  the  height  of  the  mountains,  to  the  sides 
 of  Lebanon ;  and  1  will  cut  down  f  the  tall  cedars 
 thereof,  and  the  choice  fir-trees  thereof:  and  I  will 
 enter  into  the  height  of  his  border,  and  ff  the  forest 
 of  his  Carmel. 
 
 25  I  have  digged,  and  drunk  w^ater;  and  with  the 
 sole  of  my  feet  have  I  dried  up  all  the  rivers  of  the 
 II  besieged  places. 
 
 the  cedars 
 thereof, 
 and  the 
 choice  of 
 the  fr- 
 trees 
 thereof. 
 
 II  o;, 
 
 the  forest 
 and  his 
 fruitful 
 field. 
 i  Or, 
 ^enced,  ^ 
 enclosed. 
 
 26  II  Hast  thou  not  heard  long  ago,  how  I  have  done 
 
 it;  and  of  ancient  times,  that  I  have  formed  it?  now 
 have  I  brought  it  to  pass,  that  thou  shouldest  be  to 
 lay  waste  defenced  cities  into  ruinous  heaps.  ||  Or, 
 
 27  Therefore  their  inhabitants  were  f  of  small  pow-  Hast  thou. 
 er,  they  were  dismayed  and  confounded:  they  were 
 
 as  the  grass  of  the  field,  and  as  the  green  herb;  as  have  made 
 
 o^rass  on  the  house-tops,  and  as  corn  blasted  before  it  it  ion;’  ago 
 P  and  farrm- 
 
 be  grown  up.  .  r 
 
 28  But  I  know  thy  |i  abode,  and  thy  going  out, 
 
 and  thy  coming  in,  and  thy  rage  against  me.  times? 
 
 29  Because  thy  rage  against  me,  and  thy  tumult,  is^Aou^  / 
 come  up  into  mine  ears;  therefore  will  1  put  my  hook”;;^ 
 
 in  thy  nose,  and  my  bridle  in  thy  lips,  and  I  will  tuin  laui  waste 
 thee  back  by  the  way  by  which  thou  earnest.  and  de- 
 
 30  And  this  shall  be  a  sign  unto  thee.  Ye  shall  ^ 
 
 this  year  such  as  groweth  of  itself;  and  the  second 
 
 year  that  which  springeth  of  the  same;  and  in  the/i(?o;;s? 
 third  year  sow  ye,  and  reap,  and  plant  vineyards,  and  t  Heb. 
 
 eat  the  fruit  thereof.  hmllf 
 
 31  And  f  the  remnant  that  is  escaped  of  the  house  ||  Or, 
 
 of  Judah  shall  again  take  root  downward,  and  hestv  sitting, 
 c  A  f  Heb. 
 
 fruit  upward:  ,  ,  „  .  u  .  theescap- 
 
 32  For  out  of  Jerusalem  shall  go  forth  a  remnant, 
 
 and  -j-  they  that  escape  out  of  mount  Zion:  the  ^zeaX  house  of 
 of  the  Lord  of  hosts  shall  do  this.  Judah  th^ 
 
 33  Therefore  thus  saith  the  Lord  concerning 
 
 king  of  Assyria,  he  shall  not  come  into  this  city,  nor  escaping. 
 shoot  an, afiw  there,  nor  come  before  it  with  shields,  b  2  Kings 
 
 nor  cast  a  bank  against  it.  chap.*' 
 
 34«B’y  the  way  that  he  came,  by  the  same  shall  he  9,  7/ 
 return,  and  shall  not  come  into  this  city,  saith  the 
 Lord. 
 
 35  For  1  will  ®  defend  this  city  to  save  it,  for  mine  c  2  Kings 
 ownjisake,  and  for.miy  servant  David’s  sake. 
 
 .3«^Then  tire  Rangel  of  the  Lord  went  forth,  and  d  2  Kings 
 smote;  M  thW.  cahrp' of  the  Assyrians  an  hundred  and  19-  35. 
 fourscore  and  five  thousand :  and  when  they  arose  ear¬ 
 ly  in  the  morning,  behold,  they  were  all  dead  corpses. 
 
 37  f  So  Sennacherib  king  of  Assyria  departed  and 
 went  and  returned,  and  dwelt  at  Nineveh. 
 
 38  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  he  was  worshipping  in 
 the  house  of  Nisroch  his  god,  that  Adramrnelech  and 
 Sharezer  nis  sons  smote  him  with  the  sword ;  and 
 they  escaped  into  the  land  of  f  Armenia:  and  Esai'- 
 haddon  his  son  reigned  in  his  stead. 
 
 CHAP.  XXXVIll. 
 
 1  Hezekiah  hath  his  life  lengthened.  8  The  sun  goeth  ten  degrees  back¬ 
 ward  for  a  sign  of  that  promise.  9  Hezekiah’ s  thanksgiving. 
 
 SN  those  days  was  Hezekiah  sick  unto  death.  And  713. 
 Isaiah  the  prophet,  the  son  of  Amoz,  came  unto  a  2  Kings 
 him,  and  said  unto  him.  Thus  saith  the  Lord, 
 f  Set  thine  house  in  order;  for  thou  shalt  die,  and 32.  94.  ’ 
 not  live.  t  Heb. 
 
 2  Then  Hezekiah  turned  his  face  toward  the  wall, 
 and  prayed  unto  the  Lord,  0^,;- 
 
 3  And  said,  Remember  now,  O  Lord,  I  beseech  ing  thy 
 thee,  hoiv  I  have  walked  before  thee  in  truth,  and^*®"^'^- 
 with  a  perfect  heart,  and  have  done  that  which  is  good  ^ 
 
 .  1  ^  •  1  1  T  T  1  *  1  ®  frr, 
 
 m  thy  sight:  and  Hezekiah  wept  f  sore. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 Ararat. 
 
 ^rhiers  (fthe  besieged  places,  or,  “  all  the  canals  of  fenced  places.”  The  principal 
 cities  of  Egypt,  the  scene  of  his  late  exploits,  were  chiefly  defended  by  deep  moats, 
 canals  or  large  lakes,  made  by  labour  and  art,  with  which  they  were  surrounded. 
 Ver.  29.  I  will  put  my  hook  in  thy  nose.  Just  as  at  this  day  a  hook  is  put  into  the 
 nose  of  the  bear,  the  buffalo,  and  other  wild  beasts  to  lead  them,  and  to  govern 
 them  w-hen  they  are  unruly.  Ver.  36.  This  awful  event  came  to  pass  in  the  night 
 •eason,  '2  Kings  xix.  35.  which  must  have  rendered  it,  if  possible,  increasing- 
 
 8  H 
 
 tuith  great 
 weeping. 
 
 ly  dreadful  to  the  Assyrians.  Hosea  has  given  a  plain  prediction  of  this  deliv¬ 
 erance  of  the  kingdom  of  Judah,  Chap.  i.  7 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap  XXXVIII.  Ver.  2.  The  corner  of 
 the  house  in  the  east  is  the  jjlace  of  honour.  We  are  to  suppose  Hezekiah’s  couch, 
 on  which  he  slept,  placed  in  this  situation  ;  in  which,  turning  on  either  side  he 
 must  turn  his ’face  to  the  wall ;  by  which  he  would  withdr.'v  himself  from 
 those  who  were  attending  on  him  in  his  apartment  in  order  to  address  his  pri- 
 
 22 
 
HezeJciaJi*s  tJianksgivwg. 
 
 ISAIAH. 
 
 Before 
 
 Christ 
 
 713. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 the  sun. 
 
 4  If  Then  came  the  word  of  the  Lord  to  Isaiah, 
 saying, 
 
 5  Go  and  say  to  Hezekiah,  Thus  saith  the  Lord, 
 the  God  of  David  thy  father,  1  have  lieard  thy  prayer, 
 1  have  seen  thy  tears:  behold,  1  will  add  unto  thy 
 days  fifteen  years. 
 
 6  And  I  will  deliver  thee  and  this  city  out  of  the 
 hand  of  the  king  of  Assyria:  and  1  will  defend  this  city. 
 
 7  And  this  s/iall  be  a  sign  unto  thee  troni  the 
 Lord,  that  the  Lord  will  do  this  thing  that  he  hath 
 spoken; 
 
 8  Behold,  I  will  bring  again  the  shadow  of  the  de¬ 
 grees,  which  is  gone  down  in  the  f  sun-dial  of  Ahaz, 
 
 degrees  b>j,  degrees  backward.  So  the  sun  returned  ten  de- 
 or,  with  \vhich  degrees  it  was  gone  down. 
 
 9  t  The  writing  of  Hezekiah,  king  of  Judah,  when 
 he  had  been  sick,  and  was  I'ecovered  of  his  sickness: 
 
 10  I  said,  in  the  cutting  off’ of  iny  days,  1  shall  go 
 to  the  'rales  of  the  frrave :  1  am  deprived  ot  the  resi- 
 due  of  my  years. 
 
 Ill  said,  I  shall  not  see  the  Lord,  even  the  Lord, 
 in  the  land  of  the  living;  I  shall  behold  man  no  more 
 with  the  inhabitants  of  the  world. 
 
 12  Mine  age  is  departed,  and  is  removed  from  me 
 as  a  shepherd’s  tent:  I  have  cut  off  like  a  weaver  my 
 life;  he  will  cut  me  off'  H  with  pining  sicknps;  from 
 day  even  to  night  wilt  thou  make  an  end  ot  me. 
 
 *13  1  reckoned  till  morning,  that  as  a  lion,  so  will 
 he  break  all  my  bones:  from  day  even  to  night  wilt 
 thou  make  an  end  of  me. 
 
 14  Like  a  crane,  or  a  swallow,  so  did  I  chatter; 
 I  did  mourn  as  a  dove:  mine  eyes  fail  voith  looking 
 upward:  O  Lord,  I  am  oppressed;  |1  undertake  tor 
 me. 
 
 15  What  shall  I  say  ?  he  hath  both  spoken  unto 
 me,  and  himself  hath  done  it :  I  shall  go  softly  all  n:y 
 years  in  the  bitterness  of  my  soul. 
 
 16  O  Lord,  by  these  things  men  live,  and  in  all 
 these  things  is  the  life  of  my  spirit:  so  wilt  thou  le- 
 cover  me,  s.^d  make  me  to  live. 
 
 17  Behold,  II  for  peace  I  had  great  bitterness ;  but 
 f  thou  hast  in  love  to  my  soul  delivered  it  from  the  pit 
 of  corruption :  for  thou  hast  cast  all  my  sins  behind 
 thy  back. 
 
 *18  For  the  grave  cannot  praise  thee;  death  can  not 
 celebrate  thee:  they  that  go  down  into  the  pit  cannot 
 thou  hast  hope  for  thy  truth. 
 
 loved  mtj  jg  living,  the  living,  he  shall  praise  thee,  as  1 
 
 do  this  day;  the  father  to  the  children  shall  make 
 known  thy  truth. 
 
 B  Or. 
 
 Jroin  the 
 tbrum. 
 
 B  Or, 
 ease  fne> 
 
 S  Or, 
 
 on  my 
 peace 
 came 
 great  hit^ 
 temess, 
 t  Heb. 
 
 The  Babylonian  cajHivity  forefol^ 
 
 20  The  Lord  was  ready  to  save  me:  therefore  we  Before 
 will  sing  my  songs  to  the  stringed  instruments  all  the  Ohriat 
 days  of  our  life  in  the  house  of  the  Lord. 
 
 21  For  Isaiah  had  said.  Let  them  take  a  lump  of 
 figs,  and  lay  it  for  a  plaister  upon  the  boil,  and  he 
 shall  recover. 
 
 22  Hezekiah  also  had  said,  What  fsthe  sign  that  I 
 shall  go  up  to  the  house  of  the  Lord  ? 
 
 CHAP.  XXXIX. 
 
 1  Merodach-baladan,  sending  to  visit  Hezekiah,  hath  notice  of  his  trea¬ 
 sures.  3  Isaiah foretelleth  the  Babylonian  Captivity. 
 
 T  “  that  time  Merodach-baladan,  the  son  of  Ba-a  2  King, 
 ladan,  king  of  Babylon,  sent  letters  and  a  pre-20.  2i, 
 sent  to  Hezekiah:  for  he  had  heard  that  he^'^’ 
 had  been  sick  and  was  recovered. 
 
 2  And  Hezekiah  was  glad  of  them,  and  shewed 
 them  the  house  of  his  ||  precious  things,  the  silver,  and  \]  Or, 
 the  gold,  and  the  spices,  and  the  precious  ointment,  ywm/. 
 and  all  the  house  of  his  |1  f  armour,  and  all  that  was  P 
 
 Tate  prayer  to  God.  Ver.  8,  In  the  history  of  this  miracle  in  2  Kings  9-1 1, 
 there  is  no  mention  of  the  sun,  but  only  of  the  going 
 
 which  might  be  effected  by  a  supernatural  refraction  Ver.  9—12.  This  so  g  o 
 Hezekiah’s  is  not  in  the  second  book  of  Kings.  He  composed  it  on  his  recovery; 
 a  striking  m.emorial  of  his  gratitude,  well  fitted  to  excite  others  to  trust  in  God  in 
 ell  times^  His  case  seemed  hopeless ;  his  mind  was  filled  with  anxious  thoughts, 
 and  bis  body  with  acute  pain  and  sickness  In  his  deep  distress  he  called  on  God; 
 confessed  that  afflictions  were  the  means  of  teaching  men  to  live,  and  >mploied 
 mercy  in  restoration  to  health.  He  expresses  his  purpose  to  walk  humbly  in  his 
 future  life,  and  beseeches  God  to  support  him.  For  the  promise  of  dehveiance, 
 fulfilled  in  his  bapiiy  experience,  in  vain  he  sought  language  to  declai^  tns  gra¬ 
 titude  :  but  he  knew  that  while  he  lived,  God  M'ould  be  praised  for  his  mercy 
 and  truth  shewed  his  servants.  Ver.  21.  God,  in  effecting  this  miraculous  cure, 
 was  pleased  to  older  the  use  of  means  not  improper  for  the  end 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXXIX.  Ver  1—8  How  humbling 
 is  this  account  of  Hezekiah,  considering  the  sentiments  which  are  contained  in 
 his  song.  Certainly,  he  who  trusteth  in  himself  is  a  fool.  It  is,  however  pleas- 
 
 found  in  bis  treasures:  there  was  nothing  in  his 
 
 jewels. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 house,  nor  in  all  his  dominion,  that  Hezekiah  shewed  eesse/s,  or, 
 
 them  not.  ^mem 
 
 3  t  Then  came  Isaiah  the  prophet  unto  king  Heze-™^"*' 
 kiah,  and  said  to  him.  What  said  these  men  ?  and 
 from  whence  came  they  unto  thee?  And  Hezekiah 
 said,  They  are  come  from  a  far  country  unto  me, 
 even  from  Babylon. 
 
 4  Then  said  he.  What  have  they  seen  in  thine 
 house?  .'\nd  Hezekiah  answered,  All  that  is  in  mine 
 house  ha^  they  seen :  there  is  nothing  among  my 
 treasures  that  I  have  not  shewed  them. 
 
 5  Then  said  Isaiah  to  Hezekiah,  Hear  the  word 
 of  the  Lord  of  hosts; 
 
 6  Behold,  the  days  come,  that  all  that  is  in  thine 
 house,  and  that  which  thy  fathers  have  laid  up  in  store 
 until  this  day,  shall  be  carried  into  Babylon:  nothing 
 shall  be  left,  saith  the  Lord. 
 
 7  And  of  thy  sons  that  shall  issue  from  thee,  which 
 thou  shall  beget,  shall  they  take  away;  and  they  shall 
 be  eunuchs  in  the  palace  of  the  king  of  Babylon. 
 
 8  Then  said  Hezekiah  to  Isaiah,  Good  is  the  word 
 of  the  Lord  which  thou  hast  spoken:  he  said,  more¬ 
 over,  For  there  shall  be  peace  and  truth  in  my  days.* 
 
 CHAP.  XL. 
 
 1  The  prnmnlgatwn  of  the  Gospel.  3  The  preaching  of  John  Baptist. 
 
 9  The  preaching  of  the  Bpostles. 
 
 CNOMFOUT  ye,  comfort  ye  my  people,  saith .f.  Heb. 
 y  vour  God. 
 
 ,  2  Speak  ye  t  comfortably  to  Jerusalem,  and  cry 
 
 !  unto  her,  that  her  ||  warfare  is  accomplished,  that  her 
 
 ing  to  observe,  that  while  the  king  of  Judah  had  too  often  reason  to  confess  sin 
 and  condemn  himself;  he  was  uniformly  disposed  to  ju.stify  and  acquiesce  m  the 
 divine  will.  The  nature  of  his  crime  and  his  humiliation  on  the  message  ot 
 God  to  him  by  the  prophet,  is  more  fully  stated,  2  Chron.  xxxii.  25 — 31. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES  Chap.  XL.  Ver.  1,  The  course  of  prophe¬ 
 cies,  which  follow  from  hence  to  the  end  of  this  book,  and  which,  taken  together, 
 constitute  the  most  elegant  part  of  the  sacred  writings  of  the  Old  Testam^ent; 
 interspersed  also  with  many  passages  of  the  highest  sublimity ;  was  probably 
 delivered  in  the  latter  part  of  Hezekiah's  reign.  The  prophet  had  in  the  tore- 
 going  chapter  delivered  a  very  explicit  declaration  of  the  impending  dissolution 
 of  the  kingdom,  and  of  the  captivity  of  the  royal  house  of  David,  and  ot  tne 
 people  under  the  kings  of  Babylon.  As  the  subject  of  his  subsequent  prophecie 
 was  to  be  chiefly  of  the  consolatory  kind  ;  he  opens  them  with  giving  a  prorois 
 of  the  restoration  of  the  kingdom,  and  the  return  of  the  people  from  tna 
 captivity,  by  the  merciful  interposition  of  God  in  their  favour.  But  the  view 
 of  the  prophet  extend  far  beyond  this  event;  as  the  restoration  of  the  roy 
 family  and  of  the  tribe  of  Judah,  which  would  otherwise  have  become  so^ 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.-.  Ck.p.  XXXVI,  XXXVIl,  XXXraiTxXXIX.)  Sec  Practical  Observations  on  2  Ki„p  xviii.  rax. 
 
The  promulgation  of  the  Gospel. 
 
 ISAIAH. 
 
 God’s  infinite  power  and  wisdom. 
 
 tne 
 
 Before  iniquity  is  pardoned  :  for  she  hath  received  of 
 Christ  Lord’s  hand  double  for  all  her  sins, 
 cir.  712.  3  <|f  “  The  voice  of  him  that  crieth  in  the  wilderness, 
 
 '  Prepare  ye  the  way  of  the  Loud,  make  straight  in  the 
 
 desert  a  highway  for  our  God. 
 
 4  Every  valley  shall  be  exalted  anci  every  mountain 
 and  hill  shall  be  made  low ;  and  the  crooked  shall  be 
 made  H  straight,  and  the  rough  places  H  plain . 
 
 5  And  the  glory  of  the  Lord  shall  be  revealed,  and 
 all  flesh  shall  see  it  together:  for  the  mouth  of  the 
 
 Loud  hath  spoken  it.  .  , 
 
 6  The  voice  said.  Cry.  And  he  said,  What  snail 
 I  cry  ?  All  flesh  is  grass,  and  all  the  goodliness  there¬ 
 of  is  as  the  flower  of  the  field: 
 
 7  The  grass  withereth,  the  flower  fadeth ;  because 
 the  Spirit  of  the  Loud  blowcth  upon  it:  suiely  the 
 
 people  is  grass. 
 
 the 
 
 Zion. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 0  thou 
 that  tellest 
 good  tid- 
 
 8  The  grass  withereth,  the  flower  fadeth  ;  but 
 word  of  our  God  shall  stand  for  ever.  ^ 
 
 9  f  II  O  Zion,  that  bringest  good  tidings,  get  thee 
 up  into  the  high  mountain  ;  ||  O  Jerusalem,  that  bring¬ 
 est  good  tidings,  lift  up  thy  voice  with  strength  :  lift 
 it  up,  be  not  afraid;  say  unto  the  cities  of  Judah,  Be¬ 
 hold  your  God  ! 
 
 10  Behold,  the  Loud  God  will  come  1|  with  strong 
 liand^  and  his  arm  shall  rule  for  him  :  behold,  his  re¬ 
 ward  is  with  him,  and  ||  his  work  before  him. 
 
 11  He  shall  *=  feed  his  flock  like  a  shepherd;  he 
 shall  gather  the  lambs  with  his  arm,  and  ctxtty  them 
 in  his^  bosom,  and  shall  gently  lead  those  ||  that  are 
 
 with  young.  .  ,  , 
 
 12  If  Who  hath  measured  the  waters  in  the  hollow 
 of  his  hand,  and  meted  out  heaven  with  the  span,  and 
 
 io  Je- comprehended  the  dust  of  the  earth  in  f  a  measui  e, 
 rusalem.  and  weighed  the  mountains  in  scales,  and  the  eaith  in 
 U  9^’  ,  a  balance 
 
 against  the  jg  f  directed  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord,  or, 
 
 dChap.  being  f  his  counsellor,  hath  taught  him  : 
 
 62.  11.  14  With  whom  took  he  counsel,  and  who  f  instrucl- 
 
 y  Or,  re-^^  taught  him  in  the  path  of  judgment,  and 
 
 taught  him  knowledge,  and  shewed  to  him  the  way  of 
 work.  -j-  understanding  ? 
 e  Ezek. 
 
 34.  23.  John  10.  11.  ||  Or,  that  give  suck,  f  Heb.  a  tierce,  f  Wisdom  9.  13. 
 Rom.  11.  34.  1  Cor.  2  16.  f  Heb.  man  of  his  counsel,  f  Heb.  made  him  un¬ 
 derstand.  f  Heb.  understandings  ? 
 
 Before 
 Christ 
 cir.  712 
 
 15  Behold,  the  nations  arg  as  a  drop  of  a  bucket, 
 and  are  counted  as  the  small  dust  of  the  balance  :  be¬ 
 hold,  he  taketh  up  the  isles  as  a  very  little  thing. 
 
 16  And  Lebanon  is  not  suflicient  to  burn,  nor  the 
 beasts  thereof  sufficient  for  a  burnl-ofl'ering. 
 
 17  All  nations  before  him  are  as®  nothing;  and  | 
 they  are  counted  to  him  less  than  nothing,  and  va- 
 nity. 
 
 18  If  To  whom  then  will  ye  **  liken  God?  or  what h  Acts 
 likeness  will  ye  compare  unto  him  r 
 
 19  The  workman  melteth  a  graven  image,  and  the 
 goldsmith  spreadeth  it  over  with  gold,  and  casteth 
 
 silver  chains.  +  H  b 
 
 20  He  that  f  is  so  impoverished  that  he  hath 
 oblation  chooseth  a  tree  that  will  not  rot:  he  seek  ■  oblation. 
 eth  unto  him  a  cunning  workman  to  prepare  a  gra¬ 
 ven  image,  that  shall  not  be  moved. 
 
 21  Have  ye  not  known  ?  have  ye  not  heard  ?  hath 
 it  not  been  told  you  from  the  beginning  ^  have  ye  not 
 understood  from  the  foundations  of  the  earth  ? 
 
 22  II  It  is  he  that  sitteth  on  the  circle  .of  the  earth, 
 and  the  inhabitants  thereof  are  as  grashoppers  ; 
 
 ‘  stretcheth  out  the  heavens  as  a  curtain,  and  spread-  i  Psalm 
 eth  them  out  as  a  tent  to  dwell  in  ; 
 
 23  That  bringeth  the  ^  princes  to  nothing: 
 
 maketh  the  judges  of  the  earth  as  vanity.  Psaim 
 
 24  Yea,  they  shall  not  be  planted  ;  yea,  they  shall  107.  40. 
 not  be  sown;  yea,  their  stock  shall  not  take  root  in 
 
 the  earth:  and  he  shall  also  blow  upon  them,  and 
 they  shall  wither,  and  the  whirlwind  shall  take  them 
 awa}'  as  stubble. 
 
 25  To  whom  then  will  ye  liken  me,  or  shall  I  be 
 equal  ?  saith  the  Holy  One. 
 
 26  Lift  up  your  eyes  on  high,  and  behold  who 
 hath  created  these  things,  that  bringeth  out  their  host 
 by  number:  he  calleth  them  all  by  names,  by  the 
 o-reatness  of  his  might,  for  that  he  is  strong  in  power; 
 not  one  fadeth. 
 
 27  Why  sayest  thou,  O  Jacob,  and  speakest,  O  Is¬ 
 rael,  My  way  is  hid  from  the  Lord,  and  my  judg¬ 
 ment  is  passed  over  from  my  God? 
 
 28  Hast  thou  not  known,  hast  thou  not  heard,  that 
 
 the  everlasting  God,  the  Lord,  the  Creator  of  the 
 ends  of  the  earth,  fainteth  not,  neither  is  weary  ?  *  ^ 
 
 there  is  no  searching  of  his  understanding. 
 
 undistinguished,  and  have  been  irrecoverably  lost,  was  necessary,  in  the  design  and 
 order  of  Providence,  for  the  fidfillingof  God’s  promises,  of  establishing  a  more  glo¬ 
 rious  and  an  everlasting  kingdom,  under  the  Messiah,  to  be  born  of  the  tribe  of 
 Judah,  and  family  of  David  ;  the  prophet  connects  these  two  events  together,  and 
 hardly  ever  treats  of  the  former  without  throwing  in  some  intimations  ol  the  latter; 
 and  sometimes  is  so  fully  possessed  with  the  glory  of  the  future  more  remote  king¬ 
 dom,  that  he  seems  to  leave  the  more  immediate  subject  of  his  commission  almost 
 out  of  the  question.  The  language  used,  and  images  adopted,  plainly  shew  that  the 
 captivity  from  Babylon  is  the  first,  though  not  the  principal  thing  in  the  prophet’s 
 view.  Vcr.  2.  Double  for  all  her  sins,  means  double  blessings  to  the^mnishment. 
 It  does  not  seem  reconcileable  to  our  notions  of  the  Divine  justice,  which  always 
 punishes  less  than  our  iniquities  deserve,  to  suppose,  that  God  had  punished  the 
 sins  of  his  people  in  double  proprotion  :  and  it  is  more  agreeable  to  thisconsola- 
 tary  message  to  understand  it  as  a  promise  of  ample  recompense  for  the  effects  of 
 past  diispleasure,  on  the  reconciliation  of  God  to  his  returning  people  :  chap  l.xi  7 
 Zech.ixl2  Job  xlii  10.  This  is  peculiarly  evident  in  the  redemption  by  Christ 
 Jesus :  Rom.  v.  20.  21.  Phil,  ii  7 — 11.  Ver.  3 — 5.  This  respects  John  the  Bap¬ 
 tist,  forerunner  of  Messiah.  Matth.  iii  3  The  Jewish  nation  to  which  John  was 
 sent  to  announce  the  coming  of  Messiah,  was  at  that  time  in  a  barren  and  desert 
 condition,  unfit,  without  reformation,  for  the  reception  of  her  king.  John  was 
 bom  and  educated  in  the  wilderness  of  Judea,  and  passed  his  whole  life  in  it,  till 
 the  time  of  his  manifestation  to  Israel.  He  preached  in  the  same  desert :  it 
 was  a  mountainous  country  ;  however,  not  entirely  and  properly  a  desert ;  for 
 though  less  cultivated  than  other  parts  of  Judea,  yet  it  was  not  uninhabited ; 
 Joshua  (chap.  xv.  61,  62)  reckons  ten  cities  in  it.  We  are  apt  to  consider 
 John’s  preaching  in  the  desert  as  a  very  important  and  essential  part  of  history ; 
 
 it  is  probable  however,  of  no  other  importance,  than  as  giving  us  a  strongidea  of 
 thorough  character  of  the  man,  which  was  answerable  to  the  place  of  his  educa¬ 
 tion  ;  and  as  affording  a  proper  emblem  of  the  rude  state  of  the  Jewish  nation  at 
 that  time ;  which  was  the  true  wilderness  meant  by  the  prophet,  in  which  John 
 was  to  prepare  the  way  for  the  Messiah,  Ver.  6 — 8.  See  this  proclamation  ex¬ 
 plained,  1  Pet.  i.  24,  25.  The  Jews  boasted  of  their  e.xcellencies;  they  considered 
 themselves  the  favourites  of  God;  but  soon  were  they  taught  their  folly ;  they  fad- 
 i  ed  as  the  flower  of  the  field  before  the  storm  of  divine  indignation  ;  and  their  op- 
 '  position  to  Christ  had  no  other  effect  than  the  shaking  of  the  flower  before  the 
 I  tempest,  working  its  own  destruction  ;  the  Gospel,  which  proclaimed  his  glory 
 triumphed  in  all  lands,  and  communicated  blessings  to  all  people.  Ver.  10.  His  re- 
 !  ward  is  with  him,  and  his  work,  or  the  recompense  of  his  work,  bfre  him.  That  is, 
 the  reward  and  recompense  which  he  bestows,  and  which  he  will  pay  to  his 
 faithful  servants  ;  this  he  has  ready  at  hand  with  him,  and  holds  it  before  him,  to 
 encourage  those  who  trust  him,  and  wait  for  him.  Ver.  11.  Gently  lead  those 
 that  are  ivith  young;  or  the  nursing  ewes  shall  he  gently  lead.  A  beautiful  imap, 
 e.xpressing  with  the  utmost  propriety,  as  well  as  elegance,  the  tender  attention 
 of  the  shepherd  to  his  flock ;  of  Messiah  to  his  followers.  That  the  greatest  care 
 in  driving  the  cattle  in  regard  to  the  dams,  and  their  young  was  necessary,  appears 
 !  clearly  from  Jacob’s  apology  to  his  brother  Easu,  Gen.  xxxiii.  13.  The  flocks  of 
 ,  those  who  now  live  in  the  east,  in  the  patriarchal  manner,  feed  down  the  places 
 i  of  their  encampments  so  quickly,  by  their  great  numbers,  that  they  are  obliged  to  / 
 be  removed  too  often ;  which  is  very  destructive  on  account  of  their  young  ones  . 
 
 ;  that  have  not  strength  to  follow.  Ver.  12 — 17.  Nothing  can  exceed  in  sublimityiii 
 1  the  description  here  given  of  the  Shepherd  of  Israel.  The  gi-eatness  of  his  con— .  t 
 1  descension  to  man,  is  the  only  suitable  contrast  to  his  own  inconceivable  e.-  .*eU 
 
GocPs  providence  in  regard  of  his  church. 
 
 ISAIAH. 
 
 Before 
 Christ 
 dr.  712. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 change. 
 
 +  Heb. 
 righteous¬ 
 ness. 
 f  Heb. 
 in  peace. 
 a  Chap, 
 
 43.  10.  & 
 
 44.  6.  & 
 48.  12. 
 Revel. 
 
 1.  17.  & 
 22.  13. 
 t  Heb. 
 
 Be  strong. 
 D  Or, 
 founder. 
 il  Or,  the 
 smiting. 
 
 y  Or, 
 
 saying  of 
 the  soder. 
 
 K 
 
 29  He  giveth  power  to  the  faint;  and  to  them  that 
 have  no  might  he  increaseth  strength. 
 
 30  Even  the  youths  shall  faint  and  be  weary,  and 
 the  young  men  shall  utterly  fall ; 
 
 31  But  they  that  wait  upon  the  Lord  shall  f  re¬ 
 new  their  strength  ;  they  shall  mount  up  with  wings 
 as  eagles;  they  shall  run,  and  not  be  weary,  and  they 
 shall  walk,  and  not  faint.* 
 
 CHAP.  XLI. 
 
 1  God  expostvlateth  with  his  people  about  his  mercies  to  the  church.  10 
 about  his  promises.  2 1  a7id  about  the  vanity  of  idols. 
 
 EEP  silence  before  me,  O  islands;  and  let  the 
 people  renew  their  strength :  let  them  come 
 near,  then  let  them  speak :  let  us  come  near 
 together  to  judgment. 
 
 2  Who  raised  up  f  the  righteous  man  from  the  east, 
 called  him  to  his  foot,  gave  the  nations  before  him, 
 and  made  him  rule  over  kings  ?  he  gave  them  as  the 
 dust  to  his  sword,  and  as  driven  stubble  to  his  bow. 
 
 3  He  pursued  them,  and  passed  f  safely;  even  by 
 the  way  that  he  had  not  gone  with  his  feet. 
 
 4  Who  hath  wn’ought  and  done  it,  calling  the  gen¬ 
 erations  from  the  beginning?  I  the  Lord,  the  “first, 
 and  with  the  last;  I  am  he. 
 
 5  The  isles  saw  it,  and  feared;  the  ends  of  the 
 earth  w’ere  afraid,  drew  near,  and  came. 
 
 6  They  helped  every  one  his  neighbour;  and  every 
 one  said  to  his  brother,  f  Be  of  good  courage. 
 
 7  So  the  carpenter  encouraged  the  I1  goldsmith,  and 
 
 It  is  good,  he  that  sinootheth  voith  the  hammer  |]  him  that  smote 
 b  Deut.  the  anvil,  ||  saying,  It  is  ready  for  the  sodering:  and 
 10^15^  ^he  fastened  it  with  nails,  that  it  should  not  be  moved. 
 14.  2.  8  But  thou,  Israel,  art  my  servants  Jacob  whom 
 
 Psalm  I  have  chosen,  the  seed  of  Abraham  my  “  friend. 
 133.  4.  •  Q  whom  I  have  taken  from  the  ends  of  the 
 
 43.  1.  &  earth,  and  called  thee  from  the  chief  men  thereof,  and 
 44. 1.  said  unto  thee.  Thou  art  my  servant;  I  have  chosen 
 c  2  Chro.  thee,  and  not  cast  thee  away. 
 
 10  H  Fear  thou  not;  for  I  am  with  thee:  be  not  dis¬ 
 mayed;  for  I  am  thy  God;  I  will  strengthen  thee; 
 
 20.  7. 
 James 
 2.  23. 
 
 He  shevoeth  the  vafdty  of 
 I  will  uphold  thee  with 
 
 yea,  I  will  help  thee;  yea,  1  will  uphold  thee  with  Before 
 the  right  hand  of  my  righteousness.  Christ 
 
 11  Behold,  all  they  that  were  incensed  against  thee 
 
 shall  be  ^  ashamed  and  confounded :  they  shall  be  as  dEx^ 
 nothing ;  and  f  they  that  strive  with  thee  shall  perish.  ^3. 22. 
 
 12  Thou  shalt  seek  them,  and  shalt  not  find  them, 
 
 even  f  them  that  contended  with  thee:  f  they  that Zechar 
 war  against  thee  shall  be  as  nothing,  and  as  a  thing  12. 3. 
 of  nought.  t  Heb. 
 
 13  For  I  the  Lord  thy  God  will  hold  thy 
 
 hand,  saying  unto  thee.  Fear  not;  1  will  help  thee,  f  HeT 
 
 14  Fear  not,  thou  worm  Jacob,  and  ye  j]  men 
 Israel :  I  will  help  thee,  saith  the  Lord,  and  thy  Re- 
 deemer,  the  Holy  One  of  Israel. 
 
 15  Behold,  I  will  make  thee  a  new  sharp  thrashing  'menf 
 
 instrument  having  f  teeth;  thou  shalt  thrash  the 
 mountains,  and  beat  them  small,  and  shalt  make  the^g^^ 
 hills  as  chaff.  f  Heb. 
 
 16  Thou  shalt  fan  them,  and  the  wind  shall  carry 
 them  away,  and  the  whirlwind  shall  scatter  them  : 
 and  thou  shalt  rejoice  in  the  Lord,  and  shalt  glory 
 in  the  Holy  One  of  Israel. 
 
 17  When  the  poor  and  needy  seek  water,  and 
 there  is  none,  and  their  tongue  faileth  for  thirst,  I  the 
 Lord  will  hear  them,  /,  the  God  of  Israel,  will  not 
 forsake  them, 
 
 18  I  will  open  ®  rivers  in  high  places,  and  fountains  e  Chap, 
 in  the  midst  of  the  valleys :  I  will  make  the  ^  wilder-  g’  ^ 
 ness  a  pool  of  water,  and  the  dry  land  springs  of  water,  f  Psalm 
 
 19  I  will  plant  in  the  wilderness  the  cedar,  the  107.  35. 
 shittah-tree,  and  the  myrtle,  and  the  oil-tree ;  I  will 
 set  in  the  desert  the  fir-tree,  and  the  pine,  and  the 
 
 box-tree  together ; 
 
 20  That  they  may  see, 
 and  understand  together, 
 hath  done  this,  and  the 
 created  it. 
 
 21  5f  t  Produce  your  cause,  saith  the  Lord;  bring!  Heb. 
 
 forth  your  strong  reasons,  saith  the  King  of  Jacob.  ^ 
 
 22  Let  them  bring  them  forth,  and  shew  us  what 
 
 and  know,  and  consider, 
 that  the  hand  of  the  Lord 
 Holy  One  of  Israel  hath 
 
 lence  and  transceiidant  glory.  “  The  good  Shepherd  giveth  his  life  for  the  sheep; 
 I  have  power  to  lay  down  my  life,  and  I  have  power  to  take  it  up  again,”  John 
 X.  11,  17.  Ver.  I8 — 26.  It  is  impossible  to  express  the  ignorance  and  folly  of 
 the  idolater.  He  admires  human  art,  and  contemns  the  infinite  wisdom  of  the 
 universal  Creator ;  he  puts  confidence  in  perishable  substances,  and  forsakes 
 the  All-sufficient  God,  the  supreme  Judge,  and  eternal  supporter  of  the  uni¬ 
 verse.  Ver.  27 — 29.  Despondency  and  distrust  in  God,  under  trials,  are  here 
 guarded  against  by  powerful  arguments ;  the  wdsdom,  power,  and  unchangeable¬ 
 ness  of  Deity.  Ver.  30,  31.  Jehovah  will  support  all  his  servants,  who  put 
 their  trust  in  him ;  he  will  compassionate  their  miseries,  supply  their  wants, 
 and  preserve  them  from  every  danger.  As  the  eagle,  they  shall  receive  strength 
 in  proportion  to  their  day.  It  has  been  a  common  opinion,  that  the  eagle  lives 
 and  retains  his  vigour  to  a  great  age ;  and  that,  beyond  the  common  lot  of  other 
 birds,  he  moults  in  his  old  age,  and  renews  his  feathers,  and  with  them  his 
 youth.  Psalm  ciii.  5.  Whether  this  notion  is  well  founded  or  not,  it  is  of  little 
 importance  to  enquire ;  it  is  enough  for  a  poet,  whether  profane  or  sacred,  to 
 have  the  authority  of  popular  opinion  to  support  an  image  introduced  for  illus¬ 
 tration  or  ornament. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XLI.  Ver.  1—16.  The  nations  are 
 exhorted  to  yield  submission  to  the  supreme  God,  to  renew  their  strength;  that 
 is,  their  strength  of  mind,  their  powers  of  reason ;  that  they  may  overcome 
 those  prejudices,  by  which  they  had  been  enslaved  to  idolatry.  The  exhorta¬ 
 tion  is  enforced  by  an  account  of  God’s  purpose  in  raising  up  Abraham  and 
 his  race  to  destroy  idol-worship,  and  to  extend  the  dominion  of  righteousness 
 in  the  earth.  Some  think  that  the  righteous  man  spoken  of  was  Cyrus,  others, 
 Abraham.  The  character  of  the  righteous  man,  or  righteousness,  agrees,  how¬ 
 
 ever,  better  with  Abraham  than  Cyrus.  Abraham  was  called  from  the  east; 
 and  his  posterity  were  introduced  into  the  land  of  Canaan,  in  order  to  destroy 
 the  idolaters  of  that  country ;  and  they  were  established  there  on  purpose  to 
 stand  as  a  barrier  against  idolatry,  then  prevailing,  and  threatening  to  overrun 
 the  whole  face  of  the  earth.  Cyrus,  though  not  properly  an  idolater,  or  wor¬ 
 shipper  of  images,  yet  had  nothing  in  his  character  to  cause  such  alarm  among 
 the  idolaters,  ver.  5 — 7.  Further,  after  having  just  touched  upon  that  circum¬ 
 stance,  the  prophet  assures  Abraham  and  his  race,  that  as  God  had  called  them 
 and  chosen  them  for  this  purpose,  he  would  support  them  to  the  utmost,  and 
 at  length  give  them  victory  over  the  heathen  nations,  their  enemies.  And  it 
 ought  to  be  taken  into  the  account,  that  from  Abraham  descended  Messiah,  the 
 righteous  One,  whose  kingdom  is  an  everlasting  kingdom,  and  all  nations  shall 
 obey  him.  Ver.  17 — 20.  These  verses  are  designed  to  comfort  the  people  of 
 God  in  the  prospect  of  returning  from  captivity.  Babylon  was  separated  from 
 Judea  by  an  immense  tract  of  country,  which  w'as  a  continued  desert;  that 
 large  part  of  Arabia,  called  very  properly  Deserta.  God’s  mercy  to  his  people 
 was  to  be  shetvn,  in  their  passage  through  this  desert,  in  supplying  them  with 
 abundant  water,  and  affording  them  relief,  fainting  with  heat  in  their  journey 
 through  that  hot  country,  destitute  of  shelter,  by  causing  shady  trees,  and  those 
 of  the  tallest  and  most  beautiful  kinds,  to  spring  up  for  their  defence.  Then 
 were  they  to  confess  to  the  glory  of  God,  that  all  their  mercies  were  granted 
 them  by  the  Holy  One  of  Israel.  This  passage  may  be  considered  a  promise, 
 figuratively  expressed,  of  the  pouring  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  in  the  days  of 
 Messiah,  and  of  the  blessed  effects  on  the  hearts  and  lives  of  men,  accompany¬ 
 ing  it,  chap.  XXXV.  Ver.  21 — 24.  The  false  gods  are  commanded  to  appear 
 in  person,  to  give  demonstration  of  their  foreknowledge  and  power,  by  fore- 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  XL.]  As  those  who  walk  with  God  are  often  depressed,  so  God  delights  to  comfort  them,  especially  when 
 iniquity  abounds  and  outward  troubles  increase.  All  our  deliverances  are  consequent  upon  the  pardon  of  our  sin;  which  is  obtained  through  faith  in  the  grea 
 atonement  of  Christ.  Blessed  be  Immanuel  who  came  to  bless  us,  by  turning  every  one  of  us  from  our  iniquities.  O  that  his  power  may  remove  all  hindrances 
 to  the  establishment  of  his  kingdom  in  the  earth,  and  that  his  glory  may  be  so  revealed,  that  all  flesh  may  see  it  together !  May  w’e  ever  abase  ourselves  before 
 the  sovereign  majesty  of  heaven  and  earth,  deeply  sensible  of  our  meanness  as  creatures,  and  our  vileness  as  sinners.  Let  us  watch  against  unbelief,  pride,  ai' 
 self-confidence;  for  if  we  depend  on  our  own  strength  we  shall  utterly  fail :  But  if  W'e  wait  on  the  Lord,  out  of  weakness  we  shall  be  made  strong. 
 
Before 
 Christ 
 cir.  712 
 
 I  Heb. 
 xt  our 
 
 1  Or, 
 worse 
 than  no 
 thing- 
 U  Or, 
 
 worse 
 than  of 
 vipa- 
 
 The  mission  of  Christ  to  the  Gentiles.  ISAIAH. 
 
 shall  happen;  let  them  shew  the  former  things,  what 
 they  be,  that  we  may  f  consider  them,  and  know  the 
 latter  end  of  them ;  or  declare  us  things  for  to  come. 
 
 23  Shew  the  things  that  are  to  come  hereafter, 
 that  we  may  know  that  ye  are  gods;  yea,  do  good, 
 
 we  may  be  dismayed,  and  behold  it 
 
 together.  i  n  r 
 
 24  Behold,  ye  are  1|  of  nothing,  and  your  work  H  ot 
 
 nought;  an  abomination  is  he  that  chooseth  you. 
 
 25  I  have  raised  up  one  from  the  north,  and  he  shall 
 come;  from  the  rising  of  the  sun  shall  he  call  upon 
 my  name;  and  he  shall  come  upon  princes  as  tipon 
 mortar,  and  as  the  potter  treadeth  clay. 
 
 26  Who  hath  declared  from  the  beginning,  that 
 we  may  know  ?  and  before  time,  that  we  may  say, 
 
 He  is  righteous  ?  yea,  there  is  none  that  sheweth;  yea, 
 there  is  none  that  declareth;  yea,  there  is  none  that 
 heareth  your  words. 
 
 27  The  first  shall  say  to  Zion,  Behold,  behold 
 them ;  and  I  will  give  to  Jerusalem  one  that  bringeth 
 good  tidings. 
 
 28  For  I  beheld,  and  there  was  no  man;  even 
 among  them,  and  there  was  no  counsellor,  that,  when 
 I  asked  of  them,  could  f  answer  a  word. 
 
 29  Behold,  they  are  all  vanity;  their  works  are 
 nothing;  their  molten  images  are  wind  and  con¬ 
 fusion.* 
 
 CHAP.  XLII. 
 
 1  The  office  of  Christ.  5  God' s  promise  to  him.  \0  An  exhortdhm 
 to  2>raise  God.  13  God  mill  no  longer  forbear,  ^c. 
 
 EHOLD  ®  my  servant,  whom  I  uphold;  mine 
 elect,  in  whom  my  soul  delighteth;  I  have  put 
 my  Spirit  upon  him;  he  shall  bring  forth  judg¬ 
 ment  to  the  Gentiles. 
 
 2  He  shall  not  cry,  nor  lift  up,  nor  cause  his  voice 
 
 Israel  punished  for  their  incredulity. 
 
 t  Heb 
 
 return. 
 
 a  Matth. 
 12,  18. 
 b  Matth. 
 3.  17.  & 
 17.  5. 
 Eph.  1.  6. 
 
 J  Or, 
 
 dimly 
 burning. 
 t  Heb. 
 quench  it. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 brohen. 
 
 to  be  heard  in  the  street. 
 
 3  A  bruised  reed  shall  he  not  break,  and  the  \\ 
 smoking  flax  shall  he  not  f  quench :  he  shall  bring 
 forth  judgment  unto  truth. 
 
 4  He  shall  not  fail  nor  be  f  discouraged,  till  he 
 have  set  judgment  in  the  earth;  'and  the  isles  shall 
 wait  for  his  law. 
 
 5  f  Thus  saith  God  the  Lord,  he  that  created  the 
 heavens,  and  stretched  them  out;  he  that  spread  forth 
 the  earth,  and  that  which  cometh  out  of  it;  he  that 
 giveth  breath  unto  the  people  upon  it,  and  spirit  to 
 them  that  walk  therein  : 
 
 telling  future  events,  and  exerting  their  power  in  doing  good  or  evil.  Ver.  25 — 
 29.  Jehovah  exemplifies  his  infinite  knowledge,  by  pointing  out  the  very  instra- 
 ment  by  whom  he  would  redeem  his  people  from  captivity,  namely,  Cyrus,  a  great 
 conqueror,  whom  he  would  call  from  the  north  and  the  east,  to  execute  his  orders. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XLII.  Ver.  I — 4.  This  chapter  ex¬ 
 hibits  the  great  salvation ;  brings  forth  into  full  view,  without  throwing  any  veil 
 of  allegory  over  the  subject,  the  Messiah,  Mat.  xii.  18 — 21.  He  shall  bting  forth 
 judgment;  that  is,  shall  publish  the  law  or  the  institution  of  the  Gospel,  to  the 
 Gentiles.  He  would  neither  court  the  applause  of  the  multitude,  nor  exercise  se¬ 
 verity  toward  his  followers ;  but  distinguish  himself,  as  the  heavenly  Teacher,  by 
 disinterested  zeal,  tender  love,  and  compassionate  condescension.  Trials  would 
 not  cool  his  ardour,  nor  difficulties  damp  his  courage,  till  he  had  accomplished 
 the  work  of  salvation,  which  was  given  him  to  do.  Ver.  7.  This  verse  sets  forth 
 the  spiritual  redemption,  under  images  borrowed  from  the  temporal  deliverance. 
 The  latter  was  performed  by  Christ  as  a  sign  of  the  former;  he  healed  the  diseases 
 of  the  body,  to  shew  his  power  and  grace  to  save  the  soul.  Ver.  9.  Jehovah  fore- 
 
 6  I  the  L''#id  have  called  thee  in  righteousness,  before 
 and  will  hold  thine  hand,  and  will  keep  thee,  and 
 
 give  thee  for  a  covenant  of  the  people,  for  '  a  light 
 of  the  Gentiles ;  c  Chap. 
 
 7  To  open  the  blind  eyes,  to  ^  bring  out  the  P'’*' 
 
 soners  from  the  prison,  and  them  that  sit  in  ®  2.  32. 
 
 ness  out  of  the  prison-house.  Acts 
 
 8  I  am  the  Lord  :  that  is  my  name:  and  my  ^glory  ^3.  47. 
 
 will  I  not  give  to  another,  neither  my  praise  to  graven 
 images.  Luke 
 
 9  Behold,  the  former  things  are  come  to  pass,  and  4.  18. 
 
 new  things  do  I  declare;  before  they  spring  forth  I  g  ' 
 
 tell  you  of  them.  e  Chap. 
 
 10  *[[  Sing  unto  the  Lord  a  new  song,  and  his  9.  2. 
 praise  from  the  end  of  the  earth,  ye  that  go  down 
 the  sea,  and  f  all  that  is  therein  ;  the  isles  and  the  in-^ 
 habitants  thereof.  the  fulness 
 
 11  Let  the  wilderness  and  the  cities  thereof  lift  thereof, 
 their  voice,  the  villages  that^  Kedar  doth  inhabit:  let 
 
 the  inhabitants  of  the  rock  sing ;  let  them  shout  from 
 the  top  of  the  mountains. 
 
 12  Let  them  give  glory  unto  the  Lord,  and  de¬ 
 clare  his  praise  in  the  islands. 
 
 13  The  Lord  shall  go  forth  as  a  mighty  man,  he 
 shall  stir  up  jealousy  like  a  man  of  war  :  he  shall  cry, 
 yea,  roar;  he  shall  ||  prevail  against  his  enemies.  n  Or, 
 
 14  I  have  long  time  holden  my  peace;  I  have  been  behave 
 still,  and  refrained  myself:  now  will  I  cry  like  a  tra-^'^^f^ 
 
 ...  T  -11  1  1  1  1  mightily. 
 
 vailing  woman;  1  will  destroy  and  f  devour  at  once.  ^  Heb. 
 
 15  I  will  make  waste  mountains  and  hills,  and  dry  smai/oui, 
 up  all  their  herbs;  and  I  will  make  the  rivers  islands, 
 
 and  I  will  dry  up  the  pools. 
 
 16  And  I  will  bring  the  blind  by  a  way  that  they 
 knew  not;  I  will  lead  them  in  paths  that  they  have 
 not  known :  I  will  make  darkness  light  before  them, 
 
 and  crooked  things  f  straight.  These  things  will  I  do.|.  Heb. 
 unto  them,  and  not  forsake  them.  iruo 
 
 17  They  shall  be  ®  turned  back,  they  shall  be  great- 
 
 ly  ashamed,  that  trust  in  graven  images,  that  say  to^p^^j^jj 
 the  molten  images,  Ye  are  our  gods.  97.  7. 
 
 18  ^  Hear,  ye  deaf;  and  look,  ye  blind,  that  ye  Chap, 
 
 may  see.  ^ 
 
 19  Who  is  blind,  but  my  servant  ?  or  deaf,  as  my  45.  10’ 
 messenger  that  1  sent  ?  who  is  blind  as  he  that  is  per¬ 
 fect,  and  blind  as  the  Lord’s  servant? 
 
 20  Seeing  many  things,  but  thou  observest  not;^  g®”*' 
 opening  the  ears,  but  he  heareth  not. 
 
 tels  the  creation  of  the  new  world,  the  church,  of  which  Christ  is  the  head.  Ver. 
 11.  The  most  uncultivated  countries,  and  the  most  rude  and  uncivilized  people, 
 shall  confess  and  celebrate  with  thanksgiving  the  blessing  of  the  knowledge  of 
 God  imparted  to  them.  These  are  represented  by  the  countries  mentioned.  By 
 the  desert  is  meant  Arabia  Deserta;  by  the  rocky  countiy,  Arabia  Petraea;  by 
 the  mountains,  probably  those  celebrated  ones,  Para,  Horeb,  Sinai,  in  the  same 
 country ;  to  which  also  belonged  Kedar,  a  clan  of  Arabians,  dwelling  for  the  most 
 part,  in  tents;  but  there  were  others  of  them,  who  inhabited  or  frequented  cities 
 or  villages,  as  may  be  collected  from  this  place  of  the  prophet.  The  modem  ac¬ 
 counts  of  the  Arabs  relate  the  same  thing.  Ver.  13 — 17.  'The  Lord  expresses  his 
 determination  to  triumph  over  all  his  enemies;  they  who  submit  not  to  his  mercy, 
 must  perish  under  his  judgments.  His  power  or  grace  shall  be  felt  equally  by 
 every  rank  among  them ;  the  lofty  mountains  and  the  tender  herbs ;  opposition 
 shall  be  vain  as  in  the  passage  of  Israel  through  the  Red  Sea.  And  many  shall 
 experience  his  marvellous  loving-kindness  and  tender  mercy,  while  those  who 
 disregard  him  shall  be  utterly  confounded.  Ver.  18 — 25.  This  seems  to  be  a 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — ’Chap.  XLI.]  Christianity,  reverently  and  carefully  investigated,  is  always  found  to  have  undoubted  reason  and  argu¬ 
 ment  on  its  side.  And  every  work  of  God,  in  performing  the  prophecies  and  promises  of  his  word,  irrefragably  proves  his  right  to  our  confidence  and  obedience.. 
 Well  may  determined  infidels  and  idolaters  be  dismayed,  at  seeing  or  hearing  the  ancient  predictions  fulfille,d:  for  all  their  efforts  to  uphold  their  tottering  cause” 
 will  be  in  vain :  it  will  shortly  be  utterly  ruined,  and  the  cause  of  truth  and  righteousness  shally  finally  and  universally  triumph.  Let  us  not  then  hesitate  to 
 pass  through  scenes  of  tribulation,  persecution,  or  the  gloomy  shadow  of  death,  in  the  service  of  Christ,  who  is  Lord  of  all. 
 
 8  I 
 
 22 
 
Ihc  Lord  comjorteth  the  church. 
 
 ISAIAH. 
 
 Before 
 Christ 
 cir.  712. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 person. 
 
 a  Chap 
 4.4.  2. 
 •Terem. 
 .30.  10. 
 49.  27. 
 
 b  Chap, 
 41.  21. 
 
 21  The  Lord  is  well-pleased  for  his  Vi<rhteousness’ 
 sake;  he  will  magnify  the  law,  and  make  H  honour¬ 
 able. 
 
 22  But  this  is  a  people  robbed  and  spoiled;  H  they 
 are  all  ot  them  snared  in  holes,  and  they  are  hid  in 
 prison-houses:  they  are  for  a  prey,  and  none  deliver- 
 eth  ;  for  f  a  spoil,  and  none  saith.  Restore. 
 
 23  Who  amonji:  you  will  mve  ear  to  this  t  who  will 
 hearken,  and  hear  f  for  the  lime  to  come  ? 
 
 24  Wdio  gave  Jacob  for  a  spoil,  and  Israel  to  the 
 robbers  ?  did  not  the  Lord,  he  against  whom  we  h.ave 
 sinned  ?  for  they  would  not  walk  in  his  ways,  neither 
 were  they  obedient  unto  his  law. 
 
 25  Therefore  lie  hath  poured  upon  him  the  fury  of 
 his  anger,  and  the  strength  of  battle:  and  it  hath  set 
 him  on  fire  roundabout,  yet  he  knew  not:  and  it 
 burned  him,  yet  he  laid  it  not  to  heart.* 
 
 CHAP.  XLIIL 
 
 1  The  Lord  comforte.th  the  church  with  his  jiromises.  \ii  Jbretelleth 
 Babylon's  destruction,  18  and  his  people's  deliverance. 
 
 UT  now,  thus  saith  the  Lord,  that  created  thee, 
 O  Jacob,  and  he  that  formed  thee,  O  Israel, 
 Fear  not:  for  I  have  redeemed  thee,  I  have 
 called  thee  by  thy  name;  thou  art  mine. 
 
 2  Wh  en  thou  passe, st  through  the  waters,  I  will  be 
 with  thee;  and  through  the  rivers,  they  shall  not  over¬ 
 flow  thee :  wdien  thou  walkest  through  the  fire,  thou 
 shall  not  be  burnt;  neither  shall  the  flame  kindle  up¬ 
 on  thee. 
 
 3  For  I  am  the  Lord  thy  God,  the  Holy  One  of 
 Israel,  thy  Saviour:  I  gave  Egypt /or  thy  ransom, 
 Ethiopia  and  Seba  for  thee. 
 
 4  Since  thou  wast  precious  in  my  sight,  thou  hast 
 been  honourable,  and  I  have  loved  thee:  therefore 
 will  I  give  men  for  thee,  and  people  for  thy  1|  life. 
 
 5  “  Fear  not;  fori  am  with  thee:  I  will  bring  thy 
 seed  from  the  east,  and  gather  thee  from  the  west; 
 
 6  I  will  s.ay  to  the  north.  Give  up;  and  to  the  south, 
 &  Keep  not  back :  bring  my  sons  from  far,  and  my 
 
 daughters  from  the  ends  ot  the  earth; 
 
 7  Even  every  one  that  is  called  by  my  name:  for  I 
 have  created  him  for  my  glory,  I  have  formed  him; 
 yea,  I  have  made  him. 
 
 8  51  Bring  forth  the  blind  people  that  have  eyes, 
 and  the  deaf  that  have  ears. 
 
 9  Let  all  the  nations  be  gathered  together,  and  let 
 the  people  be  assembled  :  ^  who  among  them  can  de¬ 
 clare  this,  and  shew  us  former  things?  let  them  bring 
 forth  their  witnesses,  that  they  may  be  justified ;  or 
 let  them  hear,  and  say.  It  is  truth. 
 
 prophetical  description  of  the  Jewish  people,  at  the  Lord’s  appearance,  and  of  the 
 punishment  inflicted  on  them  because  of  iheir  unbelief.  The  full  evidence  which 
 he  gave  of  his  mission,  they  despised,  and  the  words  of  grace  that  he  spoke,  and 
 works  of  mercy  which  he  performed,  they  abhorred;  for  they  Were  filled  with  the 
 pride  of  human  wisdom  and  self-righteousness.  But  with  him  and  his  work  God 
 was  pleased:  exalted  him  to  the  highest  honour,  and  brought  wrath  on  his  enemies 
 to  the  uttermost.  Let  us  therefore  beware  of  rejecting  the  anoii^ed  of  God. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XLIII.  Ver.  1,  2  God  often,  as 
 here,  engaged  to  support  and  deliver  his  people  in  every  trial.  Ver.  3.  Ibis 
 means,  that  God  often  saves  his  people  at  the  expence  of  other  nations,  whom  he, 
 as  it  vvere  in  their  stead,  gives  up  to  destruction.  Sennacherib,  when  he  was  just 
 ready  to  fall  on  Jerusalem,  was  providentially  diverted  from  that  de.sign,  and  turn¬ 
 ed  his  arms  against  the  Egyptians,  and  their  allies,  the  Cyshean  Arabians,  who 
 probably  were  joined  by  their  neighbours,  the  Sabeans,  under  Tirhakah:  chap.  xx. 
 
 Babylon's  destruction  foretold^  Spe 
 
 10  Ye  are  my  witnesses,  saith  the  Lord,  and  my  Beforp 
 servant  whom  I  have  chosen:  that  ye  may  know  and  phrist 
 believe  me,  and  understand  that  1  am  he:  '  before  me  ^*2. 
 there  was  no 
 after  me. 
 
 God  formed,  neither  shall  there  be< 
 
 ®  tlliap, 
 
 41  4.8, 
 
 111,  even  I,  am  the  Lord  ;  and  besides  me  thereT'J’' 
 is  no  saviour.  lioMiy 
 
 12  I  have  declared,  and  have  saved,  and  I  have/»rwe<i 
 shewed,  when  there  voas  no  strange  Pod  amonw  vou  • 
 therelore  ye  are  my  witnesses,  saith  the  Lord,  that4/9f'’' 
 
 I  am  God.  Hosea 
 
 13  Yea,  before  the  day  was  I  am  he;  and  there  A' ^3  4. 
 none  that  can  deliver  out  of  my  hand  :  I  will  work, 
 
 and  who  shall  f  ®  let  it  t  +  Heb. 
 
 14  51  Thus  saith  the  Lord,  your  Redeemer,  thej"”'“ 
 Holy  One  of  Israel,  For  your  sake  I  have  sent  to  e  Job 
 Babylon,  and  have  brought  down  all  their  f  nobles,  9-  12. 
 and  the  Chaldeans,  whose  cry  is  in  the  ships. 
 
 15  I  am  the  Loro,  your  Holy  One,  the  Creator  t  ’Heb 
 
 of  Israel,  your  King.  bars, 
 
 16  Thus  saith  the  Lord,  which  maketh  a  way  in  ^ 
 
 the  sea,  and  a  ®  path  in  the  mighty  waters ;  ^  jlshuf 
 
 17  Which  bringeth  forth  the  chariot  and  horse,  3.  13, 16, 
 the  army,  and  the  power;  they  shall  lie  down  togeth¬ 
 er,  they  shall  not  rise:  they  are  extinct,  they  are 
 quenched  as  tow. 
 
 18  51  Remember  ye  not  the  former  things,  neither 
 consider  the  things  of  old. 
 
 19  Behold,  I  will  do  a  new**  thing;  now  it  shalH  2  Cor, 
 spring  forth;  shall  ye  not  know  it?  1  will  even  make^g^gi 
 
 a  way  in  the  wilderness,  and  rivers  in  the  desert.  21.  5. 
 
 20  The  beast  of  the  field  shall  honour  me,  the  dra¬ 
 gons  and  the  ||  f  owls:  because  I  give  waters  in  the  ||  Or, 
 wilderness,  and  rivers  in  the  desert,  to  give  drink  to 
 
 my  peo|fle,  my  chosen. 
 
 21  *  This  people  have  I  formed  for  myself ;  they  ofr/,eoi«/. 
 
 shall  shew  forth  my  praise.  i  Luke 
 
 22  51  But  thou  hast  not  called  upon  me,  O  Jacob;  ^ 
 but  thou  hast  been  weary  of  me,  O  Israel. 
 
 23  Thou  hast  not  brought  me  the  f  small  cattle  oft  Heb. 
 thy  burnt-offerings,  neither  hast  thou  honoured  nie 
 with  thy  sacrifices:  1  have  not  caused  thee  to  serve 
 with  an  offering,  nor  wearied  thee  with  incense. 
 
 24  Thou  hast  brought  me  no  sweet  cane  with  t  Heb. 
 money,  neither  hast  thou  f  filled  me  with  the  fat 
 
 thy  .sacrifices;  but  thou  hast  made  me  to  serve  with„jj^„.’ 
 thy  sins,  thou  hast  wearied  me  with  thine  iniquities,  dantly 
 
 25  1,  even  I,  am  he  that  blotteth  out  thy  transgres- 
 ^  for  mine  own  sake,  and  will  not  remember  thy  3^^  22, 
 
 sions 
 
 sins. 
 
 &c 
 
 and  xxxvii.  9.  Did  not  Cyrus  also  overcome  these  nations  ?  and  might  they  not 
 be  given  him  for  releasing  the  Jews?  It  seems  to  have  been  so  from  chap.  xlv.  13, 
 14.  Ver.  8 — 13.  The  natural  faculties  of  the  Gentiles,  if  they  had  made  a  pro¬ 
 per  use  of  them,  must  have  led  them  to  the  knowledge  of  the  being  and  attributes 
 of  God,  Rom.  i.  2Q.  and  would  have  preserved  them  from  the  folly  and  absurdly 
 of  idol-worship.  They  are  all  here  challenged  to  produce  the  evidence  of  the 
 power  and  foreknowledge  of  their  idol  gods;  and  the  Jews  are  appealed  to  as 
 witnesses  for  God  in  this  cause.  Ver.  14 — 21.  Babylon  was  very  advantageously 
 situated  in  Isaiah’s  time,  both  in  respect  to  commerce,  and  as  a  imval  power,  n 
 was  opened  to  the  Persian  Giilph  by  the  Euphrates,  which  was  navigable 
 vessels ;  and  being  joined  to  the  Tigris  above  Babylon,  by  the  canal,  called  Nahar- 
 malca,  or  the  Royal  River,  supplied  the  city  with  the  produce  of  the  whole  coun¬ 
 try  to  the  north  of  it,  as  far  as  the  Euxine  and  Ca.spian  seas.  The  Chaldeans  are 
 represented  glorying  in  their  naval  power,  while  Israel  are  called  to  expect  then 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. _ *  Chap.  XLII.]  All  the  deliverances  of  God’s  people,  and  many  of  his  servants,  have  been  types  of  his 
 
 >ve  faint  not. 
 
God  afuiin  comforteth  his  church. 
 
 Before 
 Christ 
 cir.  712. 
 
 a  Chap. 
 41.  8.  & 
 4.3.  1. 
 
 Jeremiah 
 30.  10.  & 
 40.  27. 
 
 b  Chap. 
 35  7 
 Joel  2. 28, 
 John 
 7.  38. 
 Acts 
 2.  18. 
 
 c  Chap. 
 
 41.  4.  & 
 .48.  12. 
 Revel. 
 
 1.  8,  17. 
 
 &  22.  13. 
 d  Deuter, 
 4,  35,  39. 
 &  32.  39. 
 1  Sam. 
 
 2.  2. 
 
 Chap. 
 
 45.  5. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 rode. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 desirable 
 e  Psalm 
 115.  4. 
 &c. 
 
 f  Psalm 
 97.  7. 
 Chapter 
 1.20  & 
 
 42.  17.  & 
 45.16. 
 
 26  Put  me  in  remembrance;  let  us  plead  together: 
 declare  thou,  that  thou  mayest  be  justified. 
 
 27  Thy  first  father  hath  sinned,  and  thy  f  teachers 
 
 have  transgressed  against  me. 
 
 28  Therefore  I  have  profaned  the  ||  princes  of  the 
 sanctuary,  and  have  given  Jacob  to  the  curse,  and 
 Israel  to  reproaches.* 
 
 CHAP.  XLIV. 
 
 l  God  asain  comfortelh  his  churdi  luith  gradous  promises.  9  The  folhj 
 
 of  idol-makers.  21  God  exhorteth  Israel  to  trust  in  his  mercy;  and 
 
 promiseth  restoration  by  Cyrus. 
 
 EX  now  hear,  ®  O  Jacob,  my  servant;  and  Israel, 
 whom  I  have  chosen: 
 
 2  Thus  saith  the  Lord  that  made  thee,  and 
 formed  thee  from  the  womb,  'which  will  help  thee; 
 Fear  not,  O  Jacob,  my  servant;  and  thou  Jeshurun, 
 whom  I  have  chosen. 
 
 3  For  I  will  pour  water  upon  him  that  is  thirsty, 
 and  floods  upon  the  dry  ground  :  I  will  pour  my  Spirit 
 upon  thy  seed,  and  my  blessing  upon  thine  offspring  : 
 
 4  And  they  shall  spring  up  as  among  the  grass,  as 
 willows  by  the  water-courses. 
 
 5  One  shall  say  I  am  the  Lord’s;  and  another  shall  | 
 call  himself  by  the  name  of  Jacob  ;  and  another  shall  i 
 subscribe  WM  his  hand  unto  the  Lord,  and  surname 
 himself  by  the  name  of  Israel. 
 
 6  Thus  saith  the  Lord  the  King  of  Israel,  and  his 
 Redeemer  the  Lord  of  hosts;  I  am  the  first,  and  I 
 am  the  last;  and  besides  me  there  is  no  God. 
 
 7  And  who,  as  1,  shall  call,  and  .shall  declare  it,  and 
 set  it  in  order  for  me,  since  I  appointed  the  ancient 
 people?  and  the  things  that  are  coming,  and  shall 
 come,  let  them  shew  unto  them. 
 
 8  Fear  ye  not,  neither  be  afraid ;  have  not  I  told 
 thee  from  that  time,  and  have  declared  it  ?  ye  are 
 even  my  witnesses.  Is  there  a  God  besides  me.'*  yea, 
 
 there  is  no  -j-  God  ;  I  know  not  any. 
 
 9  H  They  that  make  a  graven  image  are  all  of  them 
 vanity;  and  their  f  delectable  things  shall  not  profit; 
 and  they  are  their  own  witnesses;  ®  they  see  not,  nor 
 know;  that  they  may  be  ashamed. 
 
 10  Who  hath  farmed  a  god,  or  molten  a  graven 
 image,  that  is  profitable  for  nothing? 
 
 11  Behold,  all  his  fellows  shall  be  ‘'ashamed  ;  and 
 the  workmen,  they  are  of  men  :  let  them  all  be  gath¬ 
 ered  together,  let  them  stand  up;  yet  they  shall  fear, 
 and  they  shall  be  ashamed  together. 
 
 ISAI'VH.  folly  of  idol-makers. 
 
 12  *  The  smith  |1  with  the  tongs  both  worketh  in 
 
 the  coals,  and  fashioneth  it  with  hammers,  and  work-  "jg. 
 
 eth  it  with  the  strength  of  his  arms:  yea,  he  is  hun- - - — ; 
 
 gry  and  his  strength  failcth ;  he  drinketh  no  water,  g  Jerern. 
 
 and  is  faint.  \v’  a 
 
 13  The  carpenter  stretcheth  out  rule,  he  mark- 
 eth  it  out  with  a  line,  he  fitteth  it  with  plains,  and  he  y  Or,’ 
 marketh  it  out  with  the  compass,  and  maketh  it  after  u-i/Zi  an 
 the  figure  of  a  man,  according  to  the  beauty  of  a  man ; 
 that  it  may  remain  in  the  house. 
 
 14  He  heweth  him  down  cedai’s,  and  taketh  the 
 cypress  and  the  oak,  which  he  H  stiengtheneth  foi  1)  Or, 
 himself  among  the  trees  of  the  forest:  he  planteth  an 
 ash,  and  the  rain  doth  nourish  it. 
 
 15  Then  shall  it  be  for  a  man  to  burn  :  for  he  will 
 take  thereof,  and  warm  himself;  yea,  he  kindleth  it, 
 and  baketh  bread ;  yea,  he  maketh  a  god,  and  wor- 
 shippeth  it :  he  maketh  it  a  graven  image,  and  falleth 
 down  thereto. 
 
 16  He  burneth  pari  thereof  in  the  fire;  with  part 
 thereof  he  eateth  flesh ;  he  roasteth  roast,  and  is  satis¬ 
 fied  ;  yea,  he  warmeth  himsetj,  and  saith.  Aha,  I  am 
 warm,  1  have  seen  the  fire: 
 
 17  And  the  residue  thereof  he  maketh  a  god,  even 
 his  graven  image :  he  lalleth  down  unto  it,  and  wor- 
 shippeth  it,  and  prayeth  unto  it,  and  saith.  Deliver 
 me ;  for  thou  art  my  God. 
 
 18  They  have  not  known  nor  understood :  for  he 
 hath  j-  shut  their  eyes,  that  they  cannot  see 
 hearts,  that  they  cannot  understand. 
 
 19  And  none  f  considereth  in  his  heart,  neither  fsf  Heb. 
 
 there  knowledge  nor  understanding  to  say,  I 
 burned  part  of  it  in  the  fire  ;  yea,  also  I  have  baked  " 
 
 bread  upon  the  coals  thereof:  I  have  roasted  flesh,  and 
 eaten  it;  and  shall  1  make  the  residue  thereof  an  abom¬ 
 ination  ?  shall  1  fall  down  to  f  the  stock  of  a  tree  ?  +  Heb. 
 
 20  He  feedeth  on  ashes:  a  deceived  heart 
 turned  him  aside,  that  he  cannot  deliver  his  soul,  nor"”*;^^''  ^ 
 say.  Is  there  not  a  lie  in  my  right  hand? 
 
 I  21  Remember  these,  O  Jacob,  and  Israel;  for  thou 
 art  my  servant:  I  have  formed  thee;  thou  art  my 
 servant:  O  Israel,  thou  shall  not  be  forgotten  of  me. 
 
 I  22  I  have  blotted  out,  as  a  thick  cloud,  thy  trans- 
 igressions,  and,  as  a  cloud,  thy  sins:  return  unto  me; 
 for  I  have  redeemed  thee. 
 
 23  Sing,  O  ye  heavens  j  for  the  Lord  hath  done 
 it :  shout,  ye  lower  parts  of  the  earth  ;  break  forth 
 
 and\ 
 
 dauoetli- 
 
 total  destruction,  and  in  consequence  deliverance  from  captivity.  This  Israel  wit¬ 
 nessed  with  joy,  as  a  figure  of  a  greater  deliverance  by  Christ  Jesus.  Ver.  22 — 
 24.  But  thou  hast  not  called  on  me.  The  connection  is  ;  But  thou  Israel,  tvhom 
 1  have  chosen,  whom  I  have  formed  for  myself,  to  be  my  witness  against  the  false 
 gods  of  the  nations-;  even  thou  hast  revolted  from  me,  hast  neglected  my  wor¬ 
 ship,  and  hast  been  perpetually  running  after  strange  gods.  The  emphasis  of 
 this,  and  the  following  parts  of  the  sentence,  on  which  the  sense  depends,  seem 
 to  lie  on  the  words  me,  weary  of  me.  See.  The  Jews  were  dilligent  in  the  per¬ 
 formance  of  external  services,  but  in  heart  they  departed  from  the  living  God. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES  Chap.  XLIV.  Ver.  1 — 4  Jeshurun  means 
 Israel,  a  name  given  to  that  people  by  Moses,  Deut.  xxxii.  15.  xxxiii.  5,  26. 
 The  most  probable  account  of  it  seems  to  be,  that  it  is  derived  from  isher,  and 
 signifies  upright.  Jn  the  same  manner,  Israel  as  a  people,  are  called  per  ect,  chap, 
 xlii.  9.  They  were  taught  of  God,  and  abundantly  furnished  with  the  means 
 of  rectitude  and  perfection  in  his  service  and  worship.  In  other  respects,  this 
 passage  is  parallel  to  chap.  xl.  17,  20.  Ver.  5.  And  another  shall  subscribe  with, 
 
 or  inscribe  in  his  hand  to  the  Lord.  Tins  is  in  allusion  to  the  marks  which  \t  ere 
 made  by  punctures  rendered  indellible  by  the  fire,  or  by  staining  upon  the  hand  or 
 some  other  part  of  the  body,  signifying  the  state  or  character  ot  the  person,  and 
 to  whom  he  belonged ;  the  slave  was  marked  with  the  name  of  his  master ;  the 
 soldier,  of  his  commander;  the  idolater,  with  the  name  or  ensign  of  his  god; 
 Rev.  XX.  4.  Ver.  12. — 20.  The  sacred  writers  are  generally  large  and  eloquent 
 upon  the  subject  of  idolatry;  they  treat  it  with  great  severity,  and  set  lOrth 
 the  absurdity  of  it  in  the  strongest  light.  But  this  passage  far  exceeds  any¬ 
 thing  that  ever  was  written  on  the  subject,  in  force  of  argument,  energy  of  ex¬ 
 pression,  and  elegance  of  composition.  He  who  worships  God  has  every  thing 
 good  to  expect ;  for  he  adores  the  sovereign  of  the  universe,  the  Redeemer  of 
 the  human  race,  the  eternal  Jehovah;  but  the  expectations  of  the  idol-worshipper 
 are  vain,  and  his  labours  unprofitable,  except  to  the  artist,  whom  be  employs 
 to  make  his  images.  He  feedeth  on  ashes,  on  that  which  can  afford  him  no 
 nourishment ;  an  expression  for  using  ineffectual  means,  and  bestowing  laboiu' 
 to  no  purpose.  Ver  21.  The  subject  continued  from  this  verse  to  the  end  of 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  XLIIL]  If  we  are  not  only  called  by  the  name  of  Jehovah,  but  are  also  partakers  of  his  grace,  and  aim  to  live 
 to  his  gloi'y,  we  have  no  just  cause  to  fear  any  thing  that  can  befal  ourselves,  or  the  church,  or  the  world.  The  most  powerful  princes  and  empires  are  as  nothing 
 to  the  Lord,  compared  to  his  Church.  For  all  believers  are  the  seed  of  Israel,  and  the  sons  and  daughters  of  the  Almighty ;  and  when  he  calls  they  must  be 
 given  up,  and  cannot  be  withheld  by  the  powers  of  darkness  ;  and  he  will  create  them  to  his  glory  to  all  eternity.  None  will  be  more  justly  brought  to  punish¬ 
 ment,  than  those  who  are  advocates  of  false  religion  in  preference  to  Divine  revelations.  As  none  can  deliver  Jehovah’s  enemies  out  of  his  hand;  so  none  can 
 hinder  him  from  effecting  the  deliverance  of  his  friends.  Let  us  bless  God  for  the  waters  of  life  in  this  wretched  world ;  and  let  us  endeavour  to  answer  the 
 end  of  our  creation,  by  shewing  forth  his  praise ! 
 
Ood  challengeth  obedience. 
 
 ISAIAH. 
 
 Before 
 Christ 
 712. 
 
 cir. 
 
 into  singing,  ye  mountains,  O  forest,  and  every  tree 
 theiein  :  tor  the  Lord  hath  redeemed  Jacob, 
 glorified  himself  in 
 
 and 
 
 t  Hell. 
 U'asles. 
 
 h  2  Chr. 
 36.22,23, 
 Ezra 
 1.  1,  &c. 
 Chap. 
 i5.  13. 
 
 ii.ijiicii  111  Israel. 
 
 24  Thussaith  the  Lord,  thy  Redeemer,  and  he  that 
 formed  thee  from  the  womb,  1  om  the  Lord  that 
 maketh  all  things ;  that  stretcheth  forth  the  heavens 
 alone ;  that  spreadeth  abroad  the  earth  by  myself ; 
 
 25  That  frustrateth  the  tokens  of  the  liars,  and 
 maketh  diviners  mad  ;  that  turneth  wise  ?nen  back¬ 
 ward,  and  maketh  their  knowledge  foolish ; 
 
 26  That  confirmeth  the  word  of  his  servant,  and 
 performeth  the  counsel  of  his  messengers:  that  sailh 
 to  Jerusalem,  Thou  shalt  be  inhabited;  and  to  the 
 cities  of  Judah,  Ye  shall  be  built;  and  I  will  raise  up 
 the  f  decayed  places  thereof: 
 
 27  That  saith  to  the  deep.  Be  dry;  and  I  will  dry 
 up  thy  rivers; 
 
 28  That  saith  of  Cyrus,  He  is  my  shepherd,  and 
 shall  perform  all  my  pleasure;  even  saying  to  Jerusa¬ 
 lem,  ”  Thou  shalt  be  built;  and  to  the  temple,  Thy 
 foundation  shall  be  laid.* 
 
 CHAP.  XLV. 
 
 1  God  calleth  Cyrus  for  his  Church's  sake :  he  challengeth  obedience. 
 20  The  vanity  of  Idols. 
 
 HUS  saith  the  Lord  to  his  anointed,  to  Cyrus, 
 whose  right  hand  I  |1  have  holden,  to  subdue 
 nations  before  him;  and  I  will  loose  the  loins  of 
 to  open  before  him  the  two  leaved  gates;  and 
 the  gates  shall  not  be  shut; 
 
 .2  I  will  go  before  thee,  and  make  the  crooked 
 places  straight:  1  will  break  in  pieces  the  gates  of 
 brass,  and  cut  in  sunder  the  bars  of  iron  ; 
 
 3  And  I  will  give  thee  the  treasures  of  darkness, 
 and  hidden  riches  of  secret  places,  that  thou  mayest 
 know  that  I  the  Lord,  which  call  thee  by  thy  name, 
 am  the  God  of  Israel. 
 
 4  For  Jacob  my  servant’s  sake,  and  Israel  mine 
 4.  35,  39,  gleet,  I  have  even  called  thee  by  thy  name:  I  have 
 Chapter  surnamed  thee,  though  thou  hast  not  known  me. 
 
 44.  8.  5  f  I  “  am  the  Lord,  and  there  is  none  else;  there 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 strength¬ 
 
 ened. 
 
 kings. 
 
 a  Deut. 
 
 girded 
 
 thee. 
 
 The  vanity  of  i^ols. 
 thou 
 
 though 
 
 before 
 Christ 
 cir.  712. 
 
 is  no  God  besides  me;  I 
 hast  not  known  me : 
 
 6  That  they  may  know  from  the  rising  of  the  sun, 
 and  from  the  west,  that  there  is  none  besides  me: 
 
 I  am  the  Lord,  and  there  is  none  else. 
 
 7  I  form  the  light,  and  create  darkness;  I  make 
 peace,  and  create  evil.  I  the  Lord  do  all  these  things. 
 
 8  Drop  down,  ye  heavens,  from  above,  and  let  the 
 skies  pour  down  righteousne.ss;  let  the  earth  open,  and 
 let  them  bring  forth  salvation,  and  let  righteousness 
 spring  up  together  :  I  the  Lord  have  created  it. 
 
 9  Woe  unto  him  that  striveth  with  his  Maker  !  Let 
 the  potsherd  strive  with  the  potsherds  of  the  earth. 
 ‘’Shall  the  clay  say  to  him  that  fashioned  it.  What 
 makest  thou.?  or  thy  work,  he  hath  no  hands  .? 
 
 10  Woe  unto  him  that  saith  unto  his  father.  What  9.  2o! 
 begettest  thou  .?  or  to  the  woman,  What  hast  thou 
 brought  forth  ? 
 
 11  Thus  saith  the  Lord,  the  Holy  One  of  Israel, 
 and  his  Maker,  Ask  me  of  things  to  come  concerning 
 my  sons;  and  concerning  the  work  of  my  hands, 
 command  ye  me. 
 
 12  I  have  made  the  earth,  and  created  man  upon 
 it:  I,  even  my  hands,  have  stretched  out  the  heavens, 
 and  all  their  host  have  I  commanded. 
 
 13  I  have  raised  him  up  in  righteousness,  and  I  will 
 
 II  direct  all  his  ways:  he  shall  '  build  my  city,  and  he 
 
 shall  let  go  my  captives,  not  for  price,  nor  reward. 
 
 Or, 
 
 make 
 
 saith  the  Lord  of  hosts. 
 
 14  Thus  saith  the  Lord,  The  labour  of  Egypt,  and  36.22,23, 
 merchandise  of  Ethiopia,  and  of  the  Sabeans,  men 
 stature,  shall  come  over  unto  thee,  and  they  shall  be  cha’p. 
 thine :  they  shall  come  after  thee ;  in  chains  they  shall  44.  28. 
 come  over,  and  they  shall  fall  down  unto  thee;  they 
 
 shall  make  supplication  unto  thee:  sayings  Surely 
 God  fs  in  thee;  and  there  is  none  else;  there  is  no 
 God. 
 
 15  Verily  thou  art  a  God,  that  hidest  thyself,  O 
 God  of  Israel,  the  Saviour. 
 
 1 6  They  shall  be  ashamed,  and  also  confounded,  all 
 
 the  chapter,  consists  of  the  most  endearing  promises  to  the  fearers  of  God,  par¬ 
 ticularly  the  forgiveness  of  their  sins,  deliverance  from  captivity,  rebuilding  of  the 
 cities  of  Judea,  of  the  temple,  and  the  restoration  of  its  worship.  Ver.  27. 
 That  saith  to  the  deep,  Be  dry.  Cyrus  took  Babylon,  by  laying  the  bed  of  the 
 Euphrates  diy,  and  leading  his  army  into  the  city  by  night  through  the  empty- 
 channel  of  the  river,  Jer.  1.  38.  li.  36. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap  KLV.  Ver.  1.  Chap.  v.  27.  Ezra 
 i.  2.  The  gates  of  Babylon  within  the  city,  leading  from  the  streets  to  the  river, 
 were  providentially  left  open,  when  Cyrus’  forces  entered  the  city  in  the  night 
 through  the  channel  of  the  river,  in  the  general  disorder  occasioned  by  the  great 
 feast  which  was  then  celebrated.  And  the  gates  of  the  palace  were  opened  im¬ 
 prudently  by  the  king’s  orders,  to  enquire  what  was  the  cause  of  the  tumult 
 without;  when  the  two  parties  under  Gobrias  and  Godatus  rushed  in,  got  pos¬ 
 session  of  the  palace  and  slew  the  king.  Ver.  2.  The  Divine  protection  that  at¬ 
 tended  Cyrus,  and  rendered  his  expedition  against  Babylon  easy  and  prosperous, 
 is  finely  expressed  by  God’s  going  before  him,  and  making  the  mountains  level; 
 and  breaking  the  gates  of  brass  and  iron.  In  the  wall  surrounding  Babylon,  it 
 is  said,  there  were  an  hundred  gates  all  of  brass,  and  so  were  in  like  manner 
 the  sides  and  lintels.  The  gates  likewise  within  the  city  were  of  brass,  as 
 werethosealsoof  the  temple  of  Bulus.  Ver.  3.  Sardes  and  Babylon,  \yhen  taken 
 by  Cyrus,  were  the  wealthiest  cities  in  the  world.  The  gold  and  silver  taken 
 by  CjTus  in  Asia,  amounted  to  =£126,224,000.  Ver.  7.  It  was  the  great  prin¬ 
 ciple  of  the  magician  religion,  which  prevailed  in  Persia,^  in  the  time  of  Cyrus, 
 and  in  which  probably  he  was  educated,  that  there  are  tvvo  supreme  co-etenial, 
 and  independent  causes,  always  acting  in  opposition  one  to  another;  one  the 
 
 author  of  all  good,  the  other,  of  all  evil ;  the  good  being  they  call  light,  the 
 evil  being  darkness.  With  reference  to  this  absurd  opinion,  held  by  the  per¬ 
 son  to  whom  this  prophecy  is  addressed,  God,  in  the  most  significant  terms,  as¬ 
 serts  his  omnipotence  and  absolute  supremacy ;  declaring,  that  those  powers 
 whom  the  Persians  held  to  be  the  original  authors  of  good  and  evil  to  mankind, 
 are  no  others  than  creatures  of  God,  the  instruments  which  he  employs  in  his 
 government  of  the  world,  and  that  there  is  no  power,  either  good  or  evil,  inde¬ 
 pendant  of  the  one  Supreme  God,  infinite  in  power  and  goodness.  Ver., 8.  These 
 images  of  the  dew  and  rain  descending  from  heaven,  and  making  the  earth 
 fruitful,  may  perhaps  be  primarily  designed  to  set  forth  the  happy  state  of  God’s 
 people  restored  to  their  country,  flourishing  in  plenty,  piety,  and  p^ce ;  but 
 doubtless,  they  chiefly  respected  the  blessings  of  the  great  redemption  by  Mes¬ 
 siah,  Psal.  Ixxxv.  10-— 14.  Ver.  9.  Shall  the  clay  say. — The  prophet  answers  or 
 prevents  the  objection  and  cavils  of  the  unbelieving  Jews,  disposed  to  murmur 
 against  God,  and  to  arraign  the  wisdom  and  justice  of  his  dispensations  in  re¬ 
 gard  to  them ;  in  permitting  them  to  be  oppressed  by  their  enemies,  and  in 
 promising  them  deliverance  instead  of  preventing  their  captivity,  Paul  has 
 borrowed  the  image,  and  has  applied  it  to  the  like  purpose,  with  equal  force 
 and  elegance,  Rom.  ix  20,  21.  Ver.  14.  This  seems  to  relate  to  the  future 
 admission  of  the  Gentiles  into  the  Church  of  God.  Compare  Psal.  bcviii.  32. 
 Ixxii.  10  chap.  lx.  6 — 9.  And  perhaps  these  particular  nations  may  be  named, 
 by  a  metonomy  common  in  poetry,  for  powerful  and  wealthy  nations  in  general. 
 Ver.  16.  17.  The  reader  cannot  but  observe  the  sudden  transition  from  the 
 solemn  adoration  of  the  secret  and  mysterious  natui'e  of  God’s  counsels,  in  re¬ 
 gard  to  his  people,  to  the  spirited  denunciation  of  the  confusion  of  idolaters, 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XLIV]  However  the  Lord  may  deal  with  atrocious  offenders,  or  with  any  part  of  his  visible  church;  he  wiU 
 always  have  a  company  of  chosen  servants  that  will  hear  his  call,  and  obey  his  voice.  And  whither  soever  his  providence  may  lead  them,  his  grace  shall  refresh 
 their  thirsty  souls,  and  cause  them  to  flourish  as  a  watered  garden.  It  behoves  those,  who  have  learned  to  hope  in  the  Lord’s  mercy,  and  to  love  his  pleasant 
 ways,  to  avow  their  regard  for  him,  and  devote  themselves  to  his  seiwice.  The  earnestness,  assiduity,  perseverance,  and  self-denial  of  worldly,  and  superstitious 
 men,’  may  put  believers  to  shame  ;  when  they  consider  how  far  they  are  surpassed  by  those,  who  act  from  inferior  motives,  and  for  such  worthless  acquisitiont. 
 Alas'  how  many  cling  to  error  in  religion  most  closely  when  most  alarmed,  and  grasp  it  fast  in  the  hour  of  death,  and  go  into  eternity’  with  it  in  their  right  han 
 
Before 
 Christ 
 cir.  712 
 
 d  Chap. 
 44.  11. 
 
 e  Deut. 
 
 30.  11. 
 
 'I'lic  vanity  of  idols. 
 
 of  them:  they  shall  go  to  confusion  together  that  are 
 
 makers  ol  idols.  .  ,  t  •  t 
 
 17  But  Israel  shall  be  saved  in  the  Lord  w’lth  an 
 everlasting  salvation :  ye  shall  not  be  ashamed  nor 
 confounded  world  without  end. 
 
 18  For  thus  saith  the  Lord  that  created  the  hea¬ 
 vens,  God  himself  that  formed  the  earth,  and  made 
 it;  he  hath  established  it,  he  created  it  not  in  vain,  he 
 formed  it  to  be  inhabited ;  I  am  the  Lord,  and  there 
 is  none  else. 
 
 19  I  have  not  spoken  in  ®  secret,  in  a  dark  place  ot 
 the  earth:  I  said  not  unto  the  seed  of  Jacob,  Seek  ye 
 me  in  vain :  I  the  Lord  speak  righteousness,  I  de¬ 
 clare  things  that  are  right. 
 
 20  H  Assemble  yourselves  and  come;  di’aw  near 
 together,  ye  that  are  escaped  of  the  nations:  they 
 have  no  knowledge  that  set  up  the  wood  of  their  gra¬ 
 ven  image,  and  pray  unto  a  god  that  cannot  save. 
 
 21  Tell  ye,  and  bring  them  near;  yea,  let  them 
 take  counsel  together:  who  hath  declared  this  from 
 ancient  time?  Wzo  hath  told  it  from  that  time.'*  have 
 not  1  the  Lord?  and  there  is  no  God  else  besides  me; 
 a  just  God,  and  a  Saviour:  there  is  none  besides  me. 
 
 22  Look  unto  me,  and  be  ye  saved,  all  the  ends 
 of  the  earth ;  for  1  am  God,  and  there  is  none  else. 
 
 23  I  have  sworn  by  myself,  the  word  is  gone  out  of 
 my  mouth  in  righteousness,  and  shall  not  return,  That 
 unto  me  every  ^  knee  shall  bow,  every  tongue  shall 
 
 jAatt  soy  lys  wear. 
 
 Surely,  shall  one  say.  In  the  Lord  have  f  I  righ- 
 aii  righte-  teousness  and  strength  :  even  to  him  shall  men  come ; 
 and  all  that  are  incensed  against  him  shall  be  ashamed. 
 
 25  In  the  Lord  shall  all  the  seed  of  Israel  be  jus¬ 
 tified,  and  shall  glory.* 
 
 CHAP.  XLVI. 
 
 1  The  idols  oj"  SuhyloTi  could  not  save  iheTtiselves*  3  God  saveth  his  j)eo~ 
 jde  to  the  end.  6  Idols  are  noi  comparable  to  God. 
 
 EL  boweth  down,  Nebo  stoopeth ;  their  idols 
 were  upon  the  beasts,  and  upon  the  cattle; 
 your  carriages  tsiere  heavy  loaden :  they  are  a 
 burden  to  the  weary  heast. 
 
 2  They  stoop;  they  bow  down  together;  they 
 could  not  deliver  the  burden,  but  f  themselves  are 
 leir  souls,  gone  into  captivity. 
 
 ISAIAH. 
 
 Idols  not  to  he  compared  vcith  God. 
 
 f  Rom. 
 14.  11. 
 Pliilip. 
 
 2.  10. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 Surely  he 
 
 ousness 
 
 and 
 
 strength. 
 t  Heb. 
 righteous¬ 
 nesses. 
 
 Heb. 
 
 Before 
 Christ 
 cir.  712. 
 
 3  f  Hearken  unto  me,  O  house  of  Jacob,  and  all 
 the  remnant  of  the  house  of  Israel,  which  are  borne 
 by  me  from  the  belly,  ii'hich  are  carried  from  the 
 womb: 
 
 4  And  even  to  your  o\d  age  I  am  he;  and  even  to 
 
 hoar  hairs  will  I  carry  I  have  made,  and  I  will 
 
 bear;  even  I  will  carry,  and  will  deliver 3/0M. 
 
 5  ^  “  To  whom  will  ye  liken  me,  and  make  we  equal,  a  Chap, 
 
 and  compare  me,  that  we  may  be  like?  40.16,25. 
 
 6  They  lavish  gold  out  of  the  bag,  and  weigh  silver 
 in  the  balance,  and.  hire  a  goldsmith;  and  he  maketh 
 it  a  god:  they  fall  down;  yea,  they  worship. 
 
 7  They  bear  him  upon  the  shoulder,  they  carry 
 him,  and  set  him  in  his  place,  and  hestandeth;  from 
 his  place  shall  he  not  remove:  yea,  one  shall  cry  unto 
 him,  yet  can  he  not  answer,  nor  save  him  out  of  his 
 trouble. 
 
 8  Remember  this,  and  shew  yourselves  men ;  bring 
 it  again  to  mind,  O  ye  transgressors. 
 
 9  Remember  the  former  things  of  old:  for  I  am 
 God,  and  there  is  none  else;  I  am  God,  and  there  is 
 none  like  me; 
 
 10  Declaring  the  end  from  the  beginning,  and  from 
 ancient  times,  the  things  that  are  not  yet  done,  saying,  psaim 
 
 My  counsel  shall  stand,  and  1  will  do  all  my  pleasure:  33. 11. 
 
 11  Calling  a  ravenous  bird  from  the  east,  f  the  man  Prov.^  ^ 
 that  executeth  my  counsel  from  a  far  country :  yea,  gj’  3^ 
 
 1  have  spoken  it,  I  will  also  bring  it  to  pass;  1  have  Hebrews 
 purposed  it,  I  will  also  do  it.  6.  17. 
 
 12  f  Hearken  unto  me,  ye  stout-hearted,  that  are+  , 
 
 tar  from  righteousness:  ^g^n- 
 
 13  I  bring  near  my  righteousness;  it  shall  not  bciei. 
 far  off,  and  my  salvation  shall  not  tarry :  and  I  will 
 place  salvation  in  Zion  for  Israel  ray  glory,  f 
 
 CHAP.  XLVII. 
 
 1  God’s  judgments  upon  Babylon  for  her  unmercifulness  and  pride. 
 
 12  .All  her  sorceries  will  not  avail  her. 
 
 COME  down,  and  sit  in  the  dust,  O  virgin  daugh¬ 
 ter  of  Babylon  ;  sit  on  the  ground  :  there  is  no 
 throne,  O  daughter  of  the  Chaldeans;  for  thou 
 shalt  no  more  be  called  tender  and  delicate. 
 
 2  Take  the  milstones,  and  grind  meal:  uncover  thy 
 locks,  make  bare  the  leg,  uncover  the  thigh,  pass  over 
 the  rivers. 
 
 and  final  destruction  of  idolatry ;  contrasted  with  the  salvation  of  Israel,  not 
 from  temporal  captivity,  but  the  eternal  salvation  by  Messiah,  strongly  marked 
 by  the  repetition  and  argumentation  of  the  phrase,  \vorld  without  end,  or  the  ages 
 f  eternity,  chap.  xlii.  17.  Ver.  19.  7  have  not  spoken  in  secret. — This  is  in  opposi¬ 
 tion  to  the  manner  in  which  the  heathen  oracles  gave  their  answers;  which  were 
 generally  delivered  from  some  deep  and  obscure  cavern ;  and  to  the  nature  of  these 
 answers,  that  were  false  and  ambiguous.  Jehovah  in  communicating  his  revelation 
 hath  studied  plainness  and  publicity,  and  has  given  abundant  evidence  of  its  truth, 
 that  all  men  might  know  assuredly  what  they  have  to  expect  or  fear  from  him. 
 Ver.20 — 25.  The  escaped,  or  the  remnant  chosen  of  God,  among  all  nations,  are 
 guarded  against  idolatry,  taught  clearly  and  fully  the  character  of  the  true  God, 
 and  entreated  to  confide  and  glory  in  him,  Rom.  iii.  25,  26,  29.  1  John  v.  20,  21. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap  XLVI.  Ver.  1—7.  The  prophet 
 ingeniously,  and  with  great  force,  contrasts  the  power  of  God,  and  his  tender  good¬ 
 ness  effectually  exerted  towards  his  people,  with  the  inability  of  the  false  gods 
 of  the  heathen:  He,  like  an  indulgent  father,  had  carried  his  people  in  his  arms, 
 “  as  a  man  carrieth  his  son,”  Deut.  i.  31.  he  had  protected  them,  and  deliver¬ 
 
 ed  them  from  their  distresses;  whereas  the  idols  of  the  heathen  are  forced  to  be 
 carried  about  themselves,  and  removed  from  place  to  place,  with  great  labour 
 and  fatigue,  by  their  worshippers  ;  nor  can  they  answer,  or  deliver  their  votaries, 
 when  they  cry  unto  them.  Numb.  xi.  12.  Jer.  x.  3 — 5.  Ver.  11.  Cyrus  is  cal¬ 
 led  a  ravenous  beast,  or  an  eagle.  This  is  a  very  proper  emblem  of  Cyrus,  as 
 in  other  respects,  so  particularly,  because  the  ensign  of  Cyrus  was  a  golden  eagle. 
 Ver.  12,  13.  God  requires  (ver.  8 — 10.)  his  enemies  to  submit  to  him  from  the 
 consideration  of  his  supremacy,  fore-knowledge,  self-independence,  and  un¬ 
 changeableness;  but  here,  he  adds  another  argument,  drawn  from  his  mercy 
 and  power,  delivering  those  who  put  their  trust  in  him. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XLVII  \'er.  1,  2.  From  the  seat 
 of  felicity  and  honour,  Babylon  is  brought  down  to  the  seat  of  sorrow  and  con¬ 
 tempt.  Formerly,  she  governed  over  a  mighty  empire,  now  she  is  destined  to 
 the  meanest  and  most  laborious  work.  It  was  the  work  of  slaves  to  gp'ind  the 
 corn.  They  used  hand-mills:  water-mills  were  not  invented  till  a  little  after  the 
 time  of  Augustus  :  wind-mills,  long  after.  It  was  not  only  the  work  of  slaves, 
 but  the  hardest  work ;  and  often  inflicted  on  them  as  a  punishment  In  the  east, 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — ^  Chap.  XLV.]  The  Lord  disposes  of  the  things  of  this  world,  as  seemeth  good  in  his  sight;  and  assigneth  according 
 to  infinite  wisdom,  to  every  man  his  part  in  the  execution  of  his  vast,  his  universal  plan.  The  Lord  does  all  things  for  the  benefit  of  bis  elect,  and  we  should  im¬ 
 prove  our  talents  for  the  same  purposes.  Our  wisdom  is  to  reverence  the  depths  of  Divine  providence,  that  we  cannot  fathom,  and  to  silence  our  presumption 
 by  considering  our  own  ignorance  and  weakness,  and  God’s  infinite  perfections,  resting  satisfied  that  the  judge  of  all  the  earth  will  do  right.  He  that  once  was 
 lifted  up  on  the  cross,  now  calls  from  his  glorious  throne,  and  bids  all  the  ends  of  the  earth  to  look  and  depend  on  him  for  salvation:  and  those  who  now  submit 
 not  to  his  government,  must  bow  before  his  throne  of  judgment,  and  perish  before  his  presence. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — t  Chap.  XLVI.]  The  things  from  which  ungodly  men  expect  safety  and  happiness,  will  soon  be  tom  from  them  and 
 be  found  incapable  of  saving  them  from  death  and  hell;  and  even  now  they  give  them  more  trouble  than  comfort.  But  happy  are  those,  who  trust  in  the  Lord 
 and  expect  felicity  from  him  !  Notwithstanding  all  their  rebellions  and  ingratitude,  they  experience  numberless  instances  of  Jehovah’s  tender  care  of  them. 
 
 8  K  22 
 
God' s  jtidgment  on  Babylon. 
 
 Before 
 Christ 
 712, 
 
 cir 
 
 ISAIyVH. 
 
 3  Thy  nakedness  shall  be  uncovered,  yea,  thy 
 shame  shall  be  seen ;  I  will  take  venjieance,  and  I 
 »  will  not  meet  thee  as  a  man. 
 
 4  As  for  our  Redeemer,  The  Lord  of  hosts  is  his 
 
 name,  the  Holy  One  of  Israel. 
 
 get  thee  into  darkness. 
 
 O 
 
 Hear  ye  this,  O  house  of  Jacob,  which  are  called 
 by  the  name  of  Israel,  and  are  come  forth  out 
 
 cir.  712, 
 
 no  more 
 
 a  Rev. 
 18.  7. 
 
 b  Chap 
 
 31.  19. 
 
 D  Sit  thou  silent,  and 
 daufrhter  of  the  Chaldeans:  for  thou  shall 
 
 O  _ 
 
 be  called.  The  lady  of  kingdoms. 
 
 6  I  was  wroth  with  my  people;  I  have  polluted 
 mine  inheritance,  and  given  them  into  thine  hand  : 
 thou  didst  shew  them  no  mercy;  upon  the  ancient 
 hast  thou  very  heavily  laid  thy  yoke. 
 
 7  And  thou  saidst,  I  shall  be  ®  a  lady  for  ever  :  so 
 that  thou  didst  not  lay  these  things  to  thy  heart,  nei¬ 
 ther  didst  remember  the  latter  end  of  it. 
 
 8  Therefore  hear  now  this,  thou  that  art  given  to 
 pleasures,  that  dwellest  carelessly;  that  sayest  in  thine 
 heart,  I  am,  and  none  else  besides  me;  I  shall  not  sit 
 as  a  widow,  neither  shall  I  know  the  loss  of  children: 
 
 9  But  these  two  things  shall  come  to  thee  in  a 
 moment  in  one  day,  the  loss  of  children,  and  widow¬ 
 hood  :  they  shall  come  upon  thee  in  their  perfection, 
 for  the  multitude  of  thy  sorceries,  and  for  the  great 
 abundance  of  thine  enchantments. 
 
 10  For  thou  hast  trusted  in  thy  wdekedness:  thou 
 hast  said,  None  seeth  me.  Thy  wisdom  and  thy 
 knowledge,  it  hath  11  perverted  thee;  and  thou  hast 
 
 to  turn  said  in  thine  heart,  I  am,  and  none  else  besides  me. 
 away.  H  Therefore  shall  evil  come  upon  thee;  thou  shalt 
 
 t  Heb.  y/ie  j^now  f  from  whence  it  riseth:  and  mischief  shall 
 fall  upon  thee;  thou  shalt  not  be  able  to  f  put  it  off: 
 and  desolation  shall  come  upon  thee  suddenly,  vohich 
 thou  shalt  not  know. 
 
 12  ^  Stand  now  with  thine  enchantments,  and  with 
 the  multitude  of  thy  sorceries,  wherein  thou  hast  la¬ 
 boured  from  thy  youth  ;  if  so  be  thou  shalt  be  able 
 to  profit,  if  so  be  thou  mayest  prevail. 
 
 13  Thou  art  wearied  in  the  multitude  of  thy  coun- 
 f  ......  sels.  Let  now  the  f  astrologers,  the  stargazers,  f  the 
 
 vkw^s  of  jjjoj^thly  prognosticators,  stand  up,  and  save  thee  from 
 
 these  tlntigs  that  shall  come  upon  thee. 
 
 14  Behold,  they  shall  be  as  stubble;  the  fire  shall 
 burn  them  ;  they  shall  not  deliver  f  themselves  from 
 the  power  of  the  flame :  there  shall  not  be  a  coal  to 
 warm  at,  nor  fire  to  sit  before  it. 
 
 15  Thus  shall  they  be  unto  thee  with  whom  thou 
 hast  laboured,  even  thy  merchants,  from  thy  youth : 
 
 /  leir  souls.  wander  every  one  to  his  quarter ;  none  shall 
 
 save  thee.* 
 
 CHAP.  XLVIII. 
 
 vieming 
 thereof. 
 t  Heb. 
 expiate. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 vens. 
 t  Heb. 
 that  give 
 knowledge 
 concern¬ 
 ing  the 
 months 
 
 1 
 
 God,  to  convince  the  people  of  their  obstinacy,  revealeth  himself  by  pro¬ 
 phecy:  12  he  exhorteth  them  to  rqient.  _ 
 
 God  revealeth  himself  by  prophecy 
 
 Before 
 
 ^  _  phrist 
 
 of  the  waters  of  Judah;  which  swear  by  the 
 name  of  the  Lord,  and  make  mention  of  the  God  of 
 Israel,  but  not  in  truth,  nor  in  righteousness. 
 
 2  For  they  call  themselves  of  the  holy  city,  and 
 stay  themselves  upon  the  God  of  Isi'ael :  The  Lord 
 of  hosts  is  his  name. 
 
 3  I  have  declared  the  former  things  from  the  begin¬ 
 ning;  and  they  went  forth  out  of  my  mouth,  and  I  shew¬ 
 ed  them;  I  did  them  suddenly,  and  they  came  to  pass. 
 
 4  Because  I  knew  that  thou  art  f  obstinate,  and  f  Heb, 
 
 thy  neck  is  an  iron  sinew,  and  thy  brow  brass;  ^‘<‘'•<1. 
 
 5  I  have  even  from  the  beginning  declared  it  to 
 thee;  before  it  came  to  pass  I  shewed  it  thee :  lest 
 thou  shouldest  say.  Mine  idol  hath  done  them  ;  and 
 my  graven  image,  and  my  molten  image,  hath  com¬ 
 manded  them. 
 
 6  Thou  hast  heard,  see  all  this;  and  will  not  ye  declare 
 it?  I  have  shewed  thee  new  things  from  this  time, 
 even  hidden  things,  and  thou  didst  not  know  them. 
 
 7  They  are  created  now,  and  not  from  the  begin¬ 
 ning;  even  before  the  day  when  thou  heardst  them 
 not;  lest  thou  shouldest  say.  Behold,  1  knew  them. 
 
 8  Yea,  thou  heardest  not;  yea,  thou  knewest  not; 
 yea,  from  that  time  that  thine  ear  was  not  opened : 
 for  I  knew  that  thou  wouldest  deal  very  treacherously, 
 and  wast  called  a  transgressor  from  the  womb. 
 
 9  H  For  my  name’s  sake  will  I  defer  mine  anger, 
 and  for  my  praise  will  I  refrain  for  thee,  that  I  cut 
 thee  not  off. 
 
 10  Behold,  I  have  refined  thee,  but  not  H  with  sil-  ||  Or, 
 ver  ;  I  have  chosen  thee  in  the  furnace  of  affliction. 
 
 11  For  mine  own  sake,  even  for  mine  own  sake, 
 
 will  I  do  it:  for  how  should  my  name  be  polluted  ? 
 and  ‘‘  I  will  not  give  my  glory  unto  another.  a  Chap, 
 
 12  H  Hearken  unto  me,  O  Jacob  and  Israel, 
 called ;  I  he:  I  am  the  ^  first,  I  also  am  the  last.  4^  4 
 
 13  Mine  hand  also  hath  laid  the  foundation  of  the  44.  6. 
 
 earth,  and  H  my  right  hand  hath  spanned  the  heavens: 
 when  I  call  unto  them,  they  stand  up  together.  ^2.  1*3. 
 
 14  All  ye,  assemble  yourselves,  and  hear ;  which  n  Or,  tk 
 among  them  hath  declared  these  things?  The  Lord;w^mo/ 
 hath  loved  him:  he  will  do  his  pleasure  on  Babylon, 
 
 and  his  arm  shall,  be  on  the  Chaldeans.  spread  out. 
 
 15  I,  even  I,  have  spoken;  yea,  I  have  called  him: 
 
 I  have  brought  him,  and  he  shall  make  his  way  pros¬ 
 perous. 
 
 16  f  Come  ye  near  unto  me,  hear  ye  this;  I  have 
 
 not  spoken  in  secret  from  the  beginning;  from  the 
 time  that  it  was,  there  am  I :  and  now  the  Lord 
 God,  and  his  Spirit,  hath  sent  me^^ _ 
 
 it  is  the  work  of  females,  Exod.  x.  5.  Matth.  xxiv.  41.  Yei.  3.  IwUl  not  meet 
 thee  as  a  man,  or  more  properly,  neither  will  I  suffer  man  to  intercede  with  me 
 Ver.  6.  God  charges  the  Babylonians,  though  employed  by  him  to  chastise  his 
 people,  with  cruelty  in  regard  to  them.  They  exceeded  the  bounds  of  justice  and 
 humanity  in  oppressing  and  destroying  them ;  and  though  they  were  really  execut- 
 insr  the  righteous  decree  of  God,  yet,  as  far  as  it  regarded  then^elyes,  they  were 
 only  indulging  their  own  ambition  and  violence,  Zech.  i.  15.  God,  in  the  course 
 of  his  providence,  makes  use  of  great  conquerors  and  tyrants-,  as  his  instruments 
 to  execute  his  judgments  in  the  earth;  he  employs  one  wicked  nation  to  scourge 
 another.  The  inflictor  of  the  punishment,  may  perhaps  be  as  culpable  as  the  suf¬ 
 ferer;  and  may  add  to  his  guilt,  by  indulging  his  cruelty  in  executing  God  s  jus¬ 
 tice.  When  he  has  fulfilled  the  work  to  which  Divine  vengeance  had  ordained 
 him,  he  will  become  himself  subject  to  it,  chap.  x.  5 — 12. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XLVHI.  Ver.  1—15.  Israel  are 
 charged  with  hypocrisy  and  vain-boastiiig.  To  humble  them  they  are  informed 
 that  God  dealt  with  them  hitherto,  on  the  principle  of  their  utter  depravity  ot 
 mind,  and  proneness  to  forget  him,  of  which  he  had  foreknowledge.  He  liaa 
 foretold  and  accomplished  those  marvellous  works,  which  they  had  witnessed, 
 that  they  might  be  inexcusable,  when  they  sought  after  strange  gods,  or  became 
 disobedient  to  his  voice  by  the  prophets.  Bup  though  they  deserved  utter 
 destruction,  for  his  own  sake,  that  his  glory  might  not  be  sullied  among 
 heathen,  he  would  exercise  towards  them,  the  people  of  his  choice,  kindness, 
 long-suffering,  and  mercy;  and  deliver  them  from  all  their  enemies ;  particu¬ 
 larly,  he  would  uphold  and  prosper  Cyms,  by  whom  they  would  be  redeemed 
 from  the  Babylonish  captivity.  Ver.  16-22  As  Messiah  seems  to  be  Hie 
 speaker  in  this  passage,  in  which  he  invites  all  to  submit  to  him  as  the  propne^ 
 
 "practical  observations.-*  Chap.  XLVIL]  It  is  an  rule  in  the  Lord^^  SoS'cSbuinc^kiS? 
 
 they  exalt  themselves.  Those  distinctions  in  society,  by  which  those  that  rebel  against  them.  ^But  when  the  most  honourable  of  the  wicked 
 
 nobles  will  not  be  such  for  ever;  nor  will  God  any  more  regard  sex  than  rank,  in  those  that  rehei  against  umm  p„mnleted. 
 
 shall  be  silent  in  darkness,  or  only  vent  their  anguish  in  wailing  and  gnashing  of  teeth ;  the  believer  s  p 
 
ISAIAH. 
 
 GocTs  love  to  his  church. 
 
 Christ's  unsuccessful  mission  to  the  Jews. 
 
 Rpfore  17  Thus  saith  the  Loud,  thy  Redeemer,  the  Holy  I  whom  the  nation  abhorreth,  to  a  servant  of  rulers, 
 
 SS  One  of  Israel;  1  am  the  Lord  thy  God  which  teach-  kings  shall  see  and  ar.se,  princes  also  'hall  worsi  p,  j,,,. 
 
 eth  thee  to  profit,  which  leadeth  thee  by  the  way  that  ' - —  'l'“  I  o'"'  'hat  is  faithful,  and  the  Ho  v  ^ — 
 
 thou  shouldest  go. 
 
 c  Exod. 
 
 19.  4, 
 
 5,  6. 
 
 d  Exod. 
 17.  6. 
 Numb. 
 
 20.  11. 
 e  Chap. 
 57.  21. 
 
 18  O  that  thou  hadst  hearkened  to  my  command¬ 
 ments  !  then  had  thy  peace  been  as  a  river,  and  thy 
 riiThteousness  as  the  waves  of  the  sea  : 
 
 °19  Thy  seed  also  had  been  as  the  sand,  and  the 
 offspring  of  thy  bowels  like  the  gravel  thereof;  his 
 name  sh'ould  not  have  been  cut  off  nor  destroyed  from 
 before  me. 
 
 20  f  Go  ye  forth  of  Babylon,  flee  ye  from  the 
 Chaldeans,  with  a  voice  of  singing  declare  ye,  tell  this, 
 utter  it  even  to  the  end  of  the  earth ;  say  ye,  The 
 Lord  hath  *=  redeemed  his  servant  Jacob. 
 
 21  And  they  thirsted  not  when  he  led  them  through 
 the  deserts:  he  caused  the  waters  to  flow  out  of  the 
 rock  for  them;  he  clave  the  rock  also,  and  the  waters 
 gushed  out. 
 
 22  ®  There  is  no  peace,  saith  the  Lord,  unto  the 
 wicked.* 
 
 CHAP.  XLIX. 
 
 1  Christ  coniplaineth  of  his  unsuccesfid  mission  to  the  Jews;  5  he  is  sent 
 
 to  the  Gentiles.  13  God’s  love  to  his  church. 
 
 ISTEN,  O  Isles,  unto  me;  and  hearken,  ye 
 people,  from  far;  The  Lord  hath  called  me 
 from  the  womb;  from  the  bowels  of  my  mother 
 hath  he  made  mention  of  my  name. 
 
 2  And  he  hath  made  my  mouth  like  a  sharp  sword  : 
 in  the  shadow  of  his  band  hath  he  hid  me,  and  made 
 me  a  polished  shaft;  in  his  quiver  hath  he  hid  me; 
 
 3  And  said  unto  me,  Thou  art  my  servant,  O  Is- 
 
 ..  Or, 
 
 Art  thou 
 lighter 
 than  that 
 thou 
 
 shouldest 
 
 ic. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 desolations. 
 a  Chap. 
 42.  6.  & 
 60.  3. 
 
 11  Or, 
 
 to  him 
 that  is 
 despised  in 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 re¬ 
 ward* 
 
 n  Or, 
 
 That  Is¬ 
 rael  may 
 
 %fo'him  whom  1  will  be  glorified.  _ 
 
 ‘andf  '  4  Then  I  said,  I  have  laboured  in  vain,  I  have  spent 
 
 may,  &c.  my  Strength for  nought,  and  in  vain;^^f  surely  my  judg- 
 
 "  ment  is  with  the  Lord,  and  |1  my  work  with  my  God. 
 
 5  f  And  now,  saith  the  Lord  that  formed  me  from 
 the  womb  to  be  his  servant,  to  bring  Jacob  again  to 
 him,  11  Though  Israel  be  not  gathered,  yet  shall  I  be 
 glorious  in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord,  and  my  God  shall 
 be  my  strength. 
 
 6  And  he  said,  H  It  is  a  light  thing  that  thou  should¬ 
 est  be  my  servant,  to  raise  up  the  tribes  of  Jacob,  and 
 to  restore  the  H  preserved  of  Israel ;  I  will  also  give 
 thee  for  a  “  light  to  the  Gentiles,  that  thou  mayest  be 
 my  salvation  unto  the  end  of  the  earth. 
 
 aespised  m  Thus  saith  the  Lord,  the  Redeemer  of  Israel,  and 
 soul.  his  Holy  One,  H  to  him  whom  man  despiseth,  to  him 
 
 sent  of  God ;  we  may  justly  conclude,  that  the  prosperity,  and  deliverance  of 
 Israel  from  the  Chaldeans,  are  to  be  considered  typical  of  the  blessings  of  his 
 kingdom,  and  the  eternal  salvation  of  his  followers. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XLIX.  Ver.  1—7.  Messiah  is  here 
 introduced  in  person,  declaring  the  full  extent  of  his  commission;  which  is  not 
 only  to  restore  the  Israelites,  and  reconcile  them  to  their  Lord  and  Father, 
 from  whom  they  had  so  often  revolted ;  but  to  be  a  light  to  lighten  the  Gentiles, 
 to  call  them  to  the  knowledge  and  obedience  of  the  true  God,  and  to  bring 
 them  to  be  one  church  together  with  the  Israelites,  and  to  partake  with  them 
 of  the  common  salvation.  He  is  the  chosen  agent  and  instrument  of  God, 
 “  long  laid  up  in  store  with  him,  and  sealed  up  among  his  treasures,”  but  at 
 last  revealed,  and  produced  by  his  power,  and  under  his  protection,  to  execute 
 his  great  and  holy  purposes :  he  is  compared  to  a  polished  shaft  stored  up  in 
 his  quiver  for  use  in  his  due  time.  The  polished  shaft  denotes  the  eihcacious 
 word,  which  is  also  represented  by  the  shai-p^  sword.  The  doctrine  of  the 
 Gospel  pierces  the  hearts  of  its  hearers,  “  bringing  into  captivity  every  thought 
 
 because  of  the  Lord  that  is  faithful,  and  tlie  Holy 
 One  of  Israel,  and  he  shall  choose  thee. 
 
 8  Thus  saith  the  Lord,  ‘’In  an  acceptable  time  b  2  Cor. 
 have  I  heard  thee,  and  in  a  day  of  salvation  have  1 
 helped  thee:  and  I  will  preserve  thee,  and  give  thee 
 
 for  a  covenant  of  the  people,  to  H  establish  the  earth,  ||  Heb. 
 to  cause  to  inherit  the  desolate  heritages :  raise  up. 
 
 9  That  thou  mayest  say  '  to  the  prisoners.  Go  forth ;  c^ap. 
 to  them  that  in  darkness,  Shew  yourselves:  they  42.  7. 
 shall  feed  in  the  ways,  and  their  pastures  shall  be  in  ^echar. 
 all  high  places. 
 
 10  They  shall  not  ^  hunger  nor  thirst;  neither  shall  d  Revel, 
 the  heat  nor  sun  smite  them :  for  he  that  hath  mercy  ^ 
 
 on  them  shall  lead  them,  even  by  the  springs  of  water 
 shall  he  guide  them. 
 
 11  And  I  will  make  all  my  mountains  a  way,  and 
 my  highways  shall  be  exalted. 
 
 12  Behold,  these  shall  come  from  far;  and,  lo, 
 these  from  the  north  and  from  the  w'est ;  and  these 
 from  the  land  of  Sinim. 
 
 13  ^*Sing,  O  heavens;  and  be  joyful.  Dearth; 
 and  break  forth  into  singing,  O  mountains;  for  the 
 Lord  hath  comforted  his  people,  and  will  have  mercy 
 upon  his  afflicted. 
 
 14  But  Zion  said,  the  Lord  hath  forsaken  me,  and 
 my  Lord  hath  forgotten  me. 
 
 15  Can  a  woman  forget  her  sucking  child,  f  that  she  f  Heb. 
 should  not  have  compassion  on  the  son  of  her  womb  Ifrom  hav- 
 yea,  they  may  forget,  yet  will  I  not  forget  thee. 
 
 I  16  Behold,  I  have  graven  thee  upon  the  palms  of 
 m?/  hands;  thy  walls  are  continually  before  me. 
 
 17  Thy  children  shall  make  haste ;  thy  destroyers, 
 and  they  that  made  thee  waste  shall  go  forth  of  thee. 
 
 18  H  ®  Lift  up  thine  eyes  round  about,  and  behold  :  ^  chapter 
 all  these  gather  themselves  together,  and  come  to  thee.  60.  4. 
 
 As  I  live,  saith  the  Lord,  thou  shalt  surely  clothe  thee 
 
 with  them  all,  as  with  an  ornament,  and  bind  them 
 on  thee,  as  a  bride  doeth. 
 
 19  For  thy  waste  and  thy  desolate  places,  and  the 
 land  of  thy  destruction,  shall  even  now  be  too  narrow 
 by  reason  of  the  inhabitants,  and  they  that  swallowed 
 thee  up  shall  be  far  away. 
 
 20  The  children  which  thou  shalt  have,  after  thou 
 hast  lost  the  other,  shall  say  again  in  thine  ears.  The 
 place  is  too  strait  for  me:  give  place  to  me  that  I  may 
 dwell. 
 
 to  the  obedience  of  Christ it  convinces  and  converts  the  sinner:  it  reproves 
 and  punishes  the  impenitent.  Ver.  8.  Part  of  this  verse  is  quoted,  2  Cor.  vi.  2. 
 to  enforce  continuance  in  the  faith  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ;  and,  therefoie, 
 we  are  warranted  to  believe,  that  the  following  great  and  precious  promises 
 contained  in  this  chapter,  respect  the  enlargement,  blessedness,  andpermanencj , 
 of  his  kingdom,  the  subjects  of  which  consist  of  sinners  out  of  all  nations. 
 Ver.  16.  This  is  certainly  in  allusion  to  some  practice  common  among  the  Jews 
 at  that  time,  of  making  marks  on  their  hands  or  arms  by  punctures  on  the 
 skin,  with  some  sort  of  sign  or  representation  of  the  city  or  temple,  to  shew 
 their  affection  and  zeal  for  it.  The  chm-ch  is  the  constant  object  of  Jehovah’s 
 care  and  delight;  and  we  know  that  his  members  are  devoted  to  his  service; 
 chap.  xliv.  5.  Ver.  17.  Bishop  Lowth  reads  this  verse:  “  They  that  destroyed 
 thee,  shall  soon  become  thy  builders  ;  and  they  that  laid  thee  waste,  shall  be¬ 
 come  thine  offspring.”  The  most  violent  enemies  of  the  people  of  God,  have  in 
 many  instances  become  their  most  unfeigned,  and  active  friends.  Ver.  21.  22. 
 The  accession  of  the  converted  Gentiles  to  the  church  of  God,  is  considered  as 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  XL VIII.]  Men  may  have  strong  confidence  in  the  Lord,  when  they  are  entirely  deceived  by  Satan,  and  their 
 own  hearts,  and  have  no  more  than  a  worthless  form  of  godliness.  May  the  Lord  then  search  and  prove  us,  and  render  us  doers  of  the  word,  and  not  hearers 
 only,  deceiving  our  ownselves.  Jehovah  had  formed  a  plan,  in  which,  for  his  own  sake,  and  for  the  glory  of  his  grace,  he  saveth  all  that  come  to  him  for  sal¬ 
 vation.  The  same  power  which  upholds  the  world,  supports  the  cause  of  truth,  and  its  advocates;  and  it  is  a  peculiar  honour -to  be  employed  as  ms  instruments, 
 in  this  good  work.  Let  us  seek  our  Holy  Redeemer,  to  teach  us  to  profit  by  all  the  means  of  instruction  that  we  enjoy,  and  to  lead  us  by  the  w 
 should  go ;  for  blessed  ai'e  they  that  hear  his  word,  and  do  it. 
 
 instruments, 
 ay  that  we 
 
God's  love  to  his  church,  ^c. 
 
 ISAIAH. 
 
 Before 
 Christ 
 cir.  712. 
 
 21  Then  shalt  thou  say  in  thine  heart,  Who  hath 
 begotten  me  these,  seeing  I  have  lost  my  children, 
 and  am  desolate,  a  captive,  and  removing  to  and  fro? 
 and  who  hath  brought  up  these  ?  Behold,  I  was  left 
 alone;  these,  where  had  they  been? 
 
 22  Thus  saith  the  Lord  God,  Behold,  I  will  lift  up 
 mine  hand  to  the  Gentiles,  and  set  up  my  standard 
 to  the  people:  and  they  shall  bring  thy  sons  in  their 
 f  arms,  and  thy  daughters  shall  be  carried  upon  their 
 shoulders. 
 
 23  And  kings  shall  be  thy  f  nursing-fathers,  and 
 their  j-  queens  thy  nursing-mothers:  they  shall  bow 
 down  to  thee  with  their  face  toward  the  earth,  and 
 ^  lick  up  the  dust  of  thy  feet;  and  thou  shalt  know 
 that  I  am  the  Lord:  for  they  shall  not  be  ashamed 
 that  wait  for  me. 
 
 24  11  Shall  the  prey  be  taken  from  the  mighty,  or 
 f  the  lawful  captive  delivered  ? 
 
 25  But  thus  saith  the  Lord,  Even  the  f  captives 
 of  the  mighty  shall  be  taken  away,  and  the  prey  of 
 the  terrible  shall  be  delivered :  for  I  will  contend 
 with  him  that  contendeth  with  thee,  and  I  will  save 
 thy  children. 
 
 26  And  1  will  feed  them  that  oppress  thee  with 
 their  own  flesh  ;  and  they  shall  be  drunken  with  their 
 
 20  &own  ®  blood,  as  with  ||  sweet  wine:  and  all  flesh  shall 
 know  that  I  the  Lord  am  thy  Saviour,  and  thy  Re¬ 
 deemer,  the  mighty  One  of  Jacob.* 
 
 CHAP.  L. 
 
 1  Christ  skeweth  the  cause  the  Jews'  dereliction,  10  An  exhortation 
 to  trust  in  God,  and  not  in  ourselves. 
 
 Thus  saith  the  Lord,  Where  is  the  bill  of  your 
 mother’s  divorcement,  whom  I  have  put  away  ? 
 or  which  of  my  creditors  is  it  to  whom  I  have 
 sold  you  ?  Behold,  for  your  iniquities  have  ye  sold 
 yourselves,  and  for  your  transgressions  is  your  mother 
 put  away. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 bosom . 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 no)i- 
 
 rishers 
 t  Heb. 
 princesses. 
 f  Psalm 
 72.  9. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 the  capti- 
 tiip  of  the 
 just. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 captimty. 
 
 g  Revel 
 
 14. 
 
 16  6. 
 
 U  Or. 
 
 new  wine. 
 
 an  addition  made  to  the  number  of  the  family  and  children  of  Sion,  comp,  ver- 
 17.  chap.  lx.  4.  Ver.  23.  They  shall  bow  down  to  thee  with  their  faces  toward  the 
 earth.  It  is  well  known,  that  expressions  of  submission,  homage,  and  reverence, 
 ahvays  have  been,  and  are  still  carried  to  a  great  degi-ee  of  extravagance  in  the 
 eastern  countries.  When  Joseph’s  brethren  -were  introduced  to  him,  “  They 
 bowed  down  themselves  before  him,  with  their  faces  to  the  earth,”  Gen.  xlii. 
 6.  The  kings  of  Persia  never  admitted  any  one  to  their  presence  without  en¬ 
 acting  this  act  of  adoration ;  for  that  was  the  proper  term  for  it.  These  ex- 
 j.ressions,  therefore,  of  the  prophet  are  only  general  poetic  images,  taken  from 
 the  manners  of  the  country,  to  denote  great  respect  and  reverence;  not  by  any 
 means  to  be  literally  fulfilled. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES  Chap.  L.  Ver.  1—3  Husbands,  through 
 moroseness  or  levity  of  temper,  often  sent  bills  of  divorcement  to  their  wives  on 
 slight  occasions,  as  they  were  permitted  to  do  by  the  law  of  Moses,  Deut.  xxiv 
 1.  And  fathers,  being  oppressed  with  debt,  often  sold  their  children;  which 
 they  might  do  for  a  time,  till  the  time  of  release,  Exod.  xxi.  7.  2  Kings  i.  3. 
 Matth.  xviii.  25.  But  this  saith  God  cannot  be  my  case:  I  am  not  governed 
 bv  .such  motives ;  neither  am  1,  the  Almighty,  the  governor  of  the  world,  urged 
 by  any  such  necessity:  your  captivity,  therefore,  and  your  afflictions  are  to  be 
 imputed  to  yourselvss,  and  to  your  own  folly  and  wickedness. 
 
 To  the  same 
 
 Christ  sheweth  the  cause  of  the  Jeivs'  dereliction 
 
 2  Wherefore,  when  I  came,  voas  there  no  man  ?  Before 
 when  I  called,  voas  there  none  to  answer  ?  “  Is  my  hand 
 shortened  at  all,  that  it  cannot  redeem  ?  or  have  I  ^'^13. 
 no  power  to  deliver  ?  behold,  at  my  rebuke  I  dry  a^Nu^ 
 up  the  sea;  I  make  ®  the  rivers  a  wilderness:  their  ^1-23.  ' 
 fish  stinketh  because  there  is  no  water,  and  dieth  for 
 thirst. 
 
 3  I  clothe  the  heavens  with  blackness,  and  I  make  14.  21. 
 
 sackcloth  their  covering.  «  Joshua 
 
 4  ^  The  Lord  God  hath  given  me  the  tongue  of 
 the  learned,  that  I  -should  know  how  to  speak  a  word 
 in  season  to  him  that  is  ^  weary:  he  wakeneth  morn 
 ing  by 
 learned 
 
 morning ; 
 
 weary:  ..v.  ^ 
 
 he  wakeneth  mine  ear  to  hear  as  the 
 
 Matth. 
 
 28. 
 
 e  John 
 
 5  ^  The  Lord  God  hath  opened  mine  ear,  and  I 
 was  not  ®  rebellious,  neither  turned  away  back. 
 
 6  *^1  gave  my  back  to  the  smiters,  and  my  cheeks 
 to  them  that  plucked  off*  the  hair:  I  hid  not  my  face  Philip, 
 from  shame  and  spitting. 
 
 7  f  For  the  Lord  God  will  help  me;  therefore  shall  10^. 
 
 I  not  be  confounded:  therefore  have  I  set  my  face f Matth. 
 like  a  flint,  and  1  know  that  I  shall  not  be  ashamed.  26.  27.  & 
 
 8  ®  He  is  near  that  justifieth  me:  who  will  contend ^ 
 
 with  me?  let  us  stand  together:  who  zs  f  mine  ad- 32*  33. 
 
 versary?  let  him  come  near  to  me. 
 
 9  Behold,  the  Lord  God  will  help  me; 
 
 +  Heb. 
 
 who  is  he 
 
 that  shall  condemn  me?  lo,  they  all  shall  wax  old  as^,JJf 
 a  garment;  the  moth  shall  eat  them  up. 
 
 10  ^  Who  is  among  you  that  feareth  the  Lord, 
 that  obeyelh  the  voice  of  his  servant,  that  walketh  in 
 darkness,  and  hath  no  light?  let  him  trust  in  the  name 
 of  the  Lord,  and  stay  upon  his  God. 
 
 11  Behold,  all  ye  that  kindle  a  fire,  that  compass 
 yourselves  about  with  sparks:  walk  in  the  light  of 
 your  fire,  and  in  the  sparks  that  ye  have  kindled. 
 
 *’  This  shall  ye  have  of  mine  hand,  ye  shall  lie  down 
 
 in  sorrow.f  9.  37. 
 
 cause  is  to  be  imputed,  the  present  and  long  continued  dispersion  of  the  Jew¬ 
 ish  people ;  they  are  rejected  by  God  because  of  their  unbelief  and  disobedience, 
 Rom.  xi.  20.  Ver.  4,  5.  In  these,  and  the  following  verses,  Messiah  is  evident¬ 
 ly  the  speaker.  He  was  endued  with  perfect  wisdom  and  knowledge  to  instruct 
 the  ignorant,  to  comfort  the  miserable,  to  uphold  the  tempted,  and  to  strengthen 
 the  weak.  He  was  completely  submissive  to  the  will  of  his  Heavenly  Father, 
 and  exercised  patience  towards  all  men.  Ver.  6.  To  pluck  the  hair  off  the 
 cheeks,  was  an  act  of  the  greatest  indignity.  Chap.  vii.  20.  2  Sam.  x  4,  b. 
 Spitting  on  the  face  is  another  instance  of  the  utmost  contempt  and  detestation. 
 It  was  ordered  by  the  law  of  Moses,  as  a  severe  punishment,  carrying  with  it  a 
 lasting  disgrace,  Deut.  xxv.  9.  Numb.  xii.  14.  All  this  was  verified  in  Christ 
 Jesus,  Mark  xiv.  65.  xv.  19.  Ver.  10,  11.  These  verses  are  seemingly  adffles- 
 sed  to  our  Lord’s  followers  and  his  enemies.  In  the  season  of  his  sufferings, 
 the  former  were  filled  with  despondency ;  they  walked  in  darkness,  and  had  no 
 light;  (Luke  xxiv.  17,  21.)  the  latter  exulted,  as  if  their  counsels  and  plans  had 
 finally  succeeded  in  the  destruction  of  Jesus  of  Nazareth ;  they  walked  in  sparks 
 of  their  own  kindling.  But  the  cause  of  righteousness  at  length  triumphed: 
 Jesus’  followers  were  filled  with  joy  by  his  resurrection  from  the  dead,  and  the 
 glory  that  followed;  and  his  enemies  were  put  to  shame;  wrath  came  on  them 
 to  the  uttermost ;  they  had  a  bed  in  sorrow  appointed  them. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.— ’Chap.  XLIX.]  The  dignity  of  the  Saviour’s  person,  the  depth  of  his  humiliation,  the  immensity  of  his  love,  the  ex- 
 tremitv  of  his  agonies,  the  unsearchable  riches  of  his  grace,  and  the  suitableness  of  his  whole  character,  offices,  and  salvation,  to  our  necessities,  wn'^e  in  warning 
 us  not  to  refuse  his  instructions.  And  they  equally  encourage  the  poor  trembling  sinner  to  draw  near,  and  venture  his  soul  into  his  gracious  hand.  He  was, 
 and  still  is  de,snised  and  abhorred,  by  the  nations,  to  whom  he  is  sent:  but  he  is  glorious  and  shall  be  glorified:  All  judgment  is  administered  by  hiin,  as  the  non 
 of  man:  and  all  power  is  in  his  hand,  .to  fulfil  his  great  designs  of  mercy  or  judgment  to  the  world.  And  while  some  are  broken  in  pieces  w’lth  his  iron  roc, 
 others  even  kings  and  princes,  shall  arise,  and  behold  him,  and  fall  down  to  worship  him,  as  given  for  a  covenant  to  the  people,  and  to  establish  salvation  in 
 earth."  We  should  not  despond  in  trials,  for  since  Jesus  suffered,  it  ill  becomes  us  to  complain.  If  we  seem  to  labour  and  spend  our  strength  lor  nothing:  we 
 should  remember  that  comparatively  our  labours  are  of  small  value,  and  easily  overpaid:  that  they  may  prove  more  useful  than  we  suppose  :  and  that  our  ju  g- 
 rnenl  is  with  the  Lord,  and  our  work  with  our  God.  In  the  persevering  means  and  use  of  every  proper  service  to  advance  Christ  s  kingdom,  let  us  be  encourag 
 bv  the  assurance  that  our  prayers  shall  be  answered,  and  our  labours  blessed.  As  far  as  we  have  scriptural  evidence,  that  w'e  belong  to  Jesus  Christ,  we  may 
 be  as  sure  that  he  will  never  forsake  us  as  that  he  will  never  forget  Zion.  Let  us  then  give  diligence  to  make  our  calling  ancl  election  sure,  and  rejoice 
 of  the  glory  ofGod.  And  let  us  wait,  and  pray  for  the  performance  of  all  the  glorious  things  prophesied  of  Zion.  And  let  us  seek  for  ourselves  complet  redemp 
 from  the  power  of  Satan,  and  then  we  may  rejoice  both  in  the  hope  of  our  own  final  salvation,  and  also  of  the  final  victory  on  Mrth  of  that  cause,  vvhich  w-e  ta  • 
 -  - - -  ""''ERVATIONS.— -f  Chap.  L.'J  What  Isaiah  says  to  the  Jew  sin  this  chapter,  leads  us  to  observe,  1.  That  God  never  forsakes  men  till  they 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERV. 
 
Before 
 Christ 
 cir.  712. 
 
 trust  in  the 
 
 H] 
 
 as 
 
 An  exhortation  to  trust  in  Christ. 
 
 CHAP.  LI.  . 
 
 The  righteous  exhorted ,  by  the  example  of  Abraham,  to 
 Lord*  9  A  call  upon  God's  arm  in  defending  his  church,  ^c, 
 
 EARKEN  to  me,  ye  that  follow  after  righ¬ 
 teousness,  ye  that  seek  the  Lord  :  look  unto 
 the  rock  whence  ye  are  hewn,  anti  to  the  hole 
 of  the  pit,  ye  are  digged. 
 
 2  Look  unto  Abraham  your  father,  and  unto  fearah 
 that  bare  you:  for  I  called  him  alone,  and  blessed 
 him,  and  increased  him. 
 
 3  For  the  Lord  shall  comfort  Zion:  he  will  com¬ 
 fort  all  her  waste  places;  and  he  will  make  her  wil¬ 
 derness  like  Eden,  and  her  desert  like  the  garden  of 
 the  Lord;  joy  and  gladness  shall  be  found  therein, 
 thanksgiving,  and  the  voice  of  melody. 
 
 4  H  Hearken  unto  me,  my  people ;  and  give  ear 
 unto  me,  O  my  nation:  for  a  law  shall  proceed  from 
 me,  and  I  will  make  my  judgment  to  rest  for  a  light 
 of  the  people. 
 
 5  My  righteousness  is  near ;  my  salvation  is  gone  have 
 forth,  and  mine  arm  shall  judge  the  people:  the  isles 
 shall  wait  upon  me,  and  on  mine  arm  shall  they  trust. 
 
 6  Lift  up  your  eyes  to  the  heavens,  and  look  upon 
 the  earth  beneath;  for  ^  the  heavens  shall  vanish  away 
 like  smoke,  and  the  earth  shall  wax  old  like  a  gar¬ 
 ment,  and  they  that  dwell  therein  shall  die  in  like 
 manner:  but  my  salvation  shall  be  for  ever,  and  my 
 righteousness  shall  not  be  abolished. 
 
 7  If  Hearken  unto  me,  ye  that  know  righteousness, 
 the  people  in  whose  heart  is  my  law;  “  fear  ye  not 
 the  reproach  of  men,  neither  be  ye  afraid  of  their  re- 
 vilings. 
 
 8  For  the  moth  shall  eat  them  up  like  a  garment, 
 and  the  worm  shall  eat  them  like  wool :  but  my  righ¬ 
 teousness  shall  be  for  ever,  and  my  salvation  from 
 generation  to  generation. 
 
 9  If  Awake,  awake,  put  on  strength,  O  arm  of  the 
 Lord  ;  awake,  as  in  the  ancient  days,  in  the  genera¬ 
 tions  of  old.  Art  thou  not  it  that  hath  cut  Rahab, 
 atid  wounded  the  dragon  ? 
 
 10  Art  thou  not  it  which  hath  ®  dried  the  sea,  the 
 waters  of  the  great  deep :  that  hath  made  the  depths 
 
 e  Exodus  of  the  sea  a  way  for  the  ransomed  to  pass  over? 
 f^Cha^)  11  Therefore  ^  the  redeemed  of  the  Lord  shall 
 35  la  return,  and  come  with  singing  unto  Zion ;  and  ever¬ 
 lasting  joy  shall  he  upon  their  head:  they  shall  obtain 
 
 ISAL\H.  The  prophet  hewaileth  Jerusalem. 
 
 gladness  and  joy;  and  sorrow  and  mourning  shall  flee 
 
 a  Psalm 
 102.  26. 
 Matthew 
 24.  35. 
 
 t)  Psalm 
 37.  31. 
 c  Matth 
 10.  28. 
 
 d  Psalm 
 74. 13, 14. 
 Ezekiel 
 29.  3. 
 
 away. 
 
 12  If  I,  even  I,  am  he  that  comforteth  you:  whocr/ 
 thou,  that  thou  shouldest  be  afraid  *  of  a  man  that  g 
 shall  die,  and  of  the  son  of  man  which  shall  be  made 
 
 712. 
 
 Psalm 
 118.  6. 
 
 grass ;  h  Chap. 
 
 13  And  forgettest  the  Lord  thy  Maker,  that  hath  44)  6. 
 
 _  .  _  .1  Z* _ ..1_  .1 - .,..,.1  loir)  flio  Coll  orlofiorio  1  PetCF 
 
 24. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  LI.  Ver.  1 — 3.  The  righteous  among 
 the  Jews  are  exhorted  to  remember  the  state  of  their  father  Abraham’s  family, 
 when  God  called  him,  and  blessed  him,  and  increased  him,  made  his  race  nu¬ 
 merous  as  the  sand  on  the  sea-shore.  The  design  of  this  exhortation  was  to  com¬ 
 fort  the  righteous,  by  confirming  their  confidence  in.the  faithfulness  of  God, 
 respecting  the  following  promises  concerning  the  prosperity  of  the  church  in 
 the  latter  days.  If  we  keep  in  remembrance  the  grace,  mercy,  power,  and 
 faithfulness  of  God  exemplified  in  the  case  of  Abraham,  in  making  that  solitary 
 patriarch  the  father  of  an  innumerable  race,  it  must  appear  unreasonable  to 
 doubt  the  truth  of  the  promises  of  God,  however  great  nr  numerous,  or  how¬ 
 ever  many  obstacles  may  seem  to  be  in  the  way  of  their  fulfilment.  Ver.  4 — 8. 
 The  people  of  God  are  here  called  to  expect  the  conversion  of  the  Gentiles, 
 and  to  endure  without  dismay  the  reproach  and  revilings  of  men,  from  the 
 consideration  that  the  salvation  of  God  was  eternal ;  while  they  trusted  in  it 
 they  should  never  be  confounded.  Ver.  9 — 11.  The  church  prays  for  the 
 manifestation  of  Divine  power  and  mercy,  in  her  deliverance  and  everlasting 
 blessedness  j  and  expresses  confident  expectation  of  an  answer,  from  past  ex- 
 
 stretched  forth  the  heavens,  and  laid  the  foundations  j 
 of  the  earth  ;  and  hast  feared  continually  every  day, 
 because  of  the  fury  of  the  oppressor,  as  if  he  |1  were  y 
 i-eady  to  destroy  ?  and  where  is  the  fury  of  the  op-  made  hiin- 
 pressor.^  selfm/dy. 
 
 14  The  captive  exile  hasteneth  that  he  may  be 
 loosed,  and  that  he  should  not  die  in  the  pit,  nor  that 
 his  bread  should  fail. 
 
 15  But  I  am  the  Lord  thy  God,  that  divided  the 
 
 sea,  whose  waves  roared:  ‘  The  Lord  of  hosts  is  his*  lermn. 
 
 ’  31  3o. 
 
 name. 
 
 16  And  I  have  put  my  words  in  thy  mouth,  and 
 covered  thee  in  the  shadow  of  mine  hand,  k  Chap. 
 
 that  I  may  plant  the  heavens,  and  lay  the  founda- 4'9.  2. 
 tions  of  the  earth,  and  say  unto  Zion,  Thou  art  my 
 people. 
 
 17  U  *  Awake,  awake,  stand  up,  O  Jerusalem,  which  l  Chap, 
 hast  drunk  at  the  hand  of  the  Lord  the  cup  of  his'1'2.  L 
 fury:  thou  hast  drunken  the  dregs  of  the  cup  of  trem¬ 
 bling,  and  wrung  them  out. 
 
 18  There  is  none  to  guide  her  among  all  the  sons 
 whom  she  hath  brought  forth ;  neither  is  there  any  that 
 taketh  her  by  the  hand  of  all  the  sons  that  she  hath 
 brought  up. 
 
 19  These  two  things  f  are  come  unto  thee;  whom  Chap, 
 shall  be  sorry  for  thee?  desolation,  and  f  destruction, 
 
 and  the  famine  and  the  sword  :  by  whom  shall  1  com- 
 fort  thee  ?  t  Heb. 
 
 20  Thy  sons  have  fainted,  they  lie  at  the  head  oibreakin^. 
 all  the  streets,  as  a  wild  bull  in  a  net :  they  are  full  of 
 
 the  fury  of  the  Lord,  the  rebuke  of  thy  God. 
 
 21  f  Therefore  hear  now  this,  thou  afflicted,  and 
 drunken,  but  not  with  wine; 
 
 22  Thus  saith  thy  Lord  the  Lord,  and  thy  God 
 that  pleadeth  the  cause  of  his  people.  Behold,  I  have 
 taken  out  of  thine  hand  the  cup  of  trembling,  even  the 
 dregs  of  the  cup  of  my  fury;  thou  shalt  no  more  drink 
 it  again : 
 
 23  But  I  will  put  into  the  hand  of  them  that 
 
 periences  of  the  loving-kindness  oT  God,  particularly  in  delivering  her  from  her 
 wretched  condition  in  Egyjst.  Ver.  12,  13.  We  are  too  ready  to  be  deterred 
 from  acknowledging  God,  by  the  fear  of  man ;  but  these  verses  check  such  fear 
 hy  the  most  seasonable  and  forcible  arguments.  It  is  shewn  to  originate  in  no¬ 
 thing  less  than  forgetfulness  of  God  as  the  Creator  of  all,  and  in  multiplying  to 
 ourselves  imaginary  enemies,  whose  power  and  influence  are  not  only  limited, 
 but  shall  never  be  exerted.  Ver.  14.  Bishop  Lowth  reads  this  verse  thus:  “  He 
 marcheth  on  with  speed,  who  cometh  to  set  free  the  captive ;  that  he  may  not 
 die  in  the  dungeon,  and  that  his  bread  may  not  fail.”  This  refers  to  Cyrus,  if 
 the  temporal  redemption  from  the  Babylonian  captivity  is  meant,  but  if  the 
 spiritual,  to  Messiah.  How  great  is  the  love  of  our  God :  He  not  only  delights 
 in  mercy;  hut  he  preserves  the  objects  of  his  mercy  from  utterly  perishing  tiU 
 the  time  of  their  deliverance  arrives.  Ver.  17 — 23.  Jerusalem  is  represented  in 
 the  most  deplorable  state,  weak  and  feeble  as  one  intoxicated  with  wine,  an  easy 
 prey  to  every  foe.  None  of  her  sons  werfe  able  to  save  her ;  their  ignorance  or 
 wickedness,  exposed  her  to  misery.  Desolation  by  famine,  and  destruction  by 
 the  sword,  had  laid  her  waste.  God  calls  aloud,  Atuake,  axuake !  and  his  voice 
 
 have  first  forsaken  him;  and  that  their  sins  interrupt  the  flow  of  his  mercies  towards  them.  2.  That  if  the  Jews  were  justly  rejected  for  not  hearkening  to  the 
 voice  ol  God  and  his  prophets,  our  condemnation  ivill  be  much  more  severe  if  we  hearken  not  to  the  voice  of  Jesus  Christ.  3.  The  ministers  of  the  Lord  may 
 earn  trom  what  happened  to  Isaiah,  that  they  may  expect  to  meet  with  much  opposition  in  the  discharge  of  their  olfice ;  but  that,  how'ever,  they  are  not  to  leave 
 tneir  calling;  for  God  will  support  them,  and  all  who  labour  and  sufier  for  his  sake.  Lastly,  W’e  see,  in  the  second  part  of  this  chapter,  a  representation  of  the 
 contradictions  Jesus  Christ  was  exposed  to,  of  the  insults  he  received  from  his  crucifiers,  and  the  glorious  and  happy  issue  of  all  his  labours,  when  God  raised  him 
 trom  the  dead,  and  established  his  kingdom,  in  spite  of  all  opposition  from  the  world. 
 
 8  L 
 
 22 
 
The  church  exhorted  to  rejoice,  Sfc- 
 
 ISAIAH. 
 
 Before 
 Clirist 
 cir.  712. 
 
 afflict  thee;  which  have  said  to  thy  soul,  Bow  down, 
 that  we  may  go  over :  and  thou  hast  laid  thy  body 
 as  the  ground,  and  as  the  street,  to  them  that  went 
 
 over,’ 
 
 a  Chap. 
 51.  17. 
 
 CHAP.  LII. 
 
 1  Christ  persuadeth  the  church  to  believe  his  free  redemption,  7  to  receive 
 the  ministers,  9  and  to  joy  in  the  power  thereof. 
 
 Awake,  awake;  put  on  thy  strength,  O  Zion: 
 put  on  thy  beautiful  garments,  O  Jerusalem, 
 the  holy  city;  for  henceforth  there  shall  no  more 
 come  unto  thee  the  un-circumcised  and  the  unclean. 
 
 2  Shake  thyself  from  the  dust;  arise,  and  sit  down, 
 O  Jerusalem  :  loose  thyself  from  the  bands  of  thy 
 neck,  O  captive  daughter  of  Zion. 
 
 3  For  thus  saith  the  Lord,  ye  have  sold  yourselves 
 for  nought;  and  ye  shall  be  redeemed  without 
 money. 
 
 4  For  thus  saith  the  Lord  God,  My  people  went 
 down  aforetime  into  Egypt  to  sojourn  there;  and 
 the  Assyrian  oppressed  them  without  cause. 
 
 5  Now  therefore,  what  have  I  here,  saith  the 
 Lord,  that  my  people  is  taken  away  for  nought  i 
 they  that  rule  over  them  make  them  to  howl,  saith 
 the  Lord;  and  my  name  continually  every  day  is 
 c  Ezekiel  ®  blasphemed. 
 
 36.20,23.  6  Therefore  my  people  shall  know  my  name: 
 
 2  therefore  they  shall  know  in  that  day  that  I  am  he  that 
 
 doth  speak ;  behold,  it  is  1. 
 
 d  Nahum  7  f  ^  How  beautiful  upon  the  mountains  are  the 
 Romans  bringeth  good  tidings,  that  publish- 
 
 10,  13,  eth  peace;  that  bringeth  good  tidings  of  good,  that 
 
 b  Genesis 
 46.  6. 
 
 can  raise  the  dead,  and  rouse  the  soul  from  the  depths  of  despair.  His  compas¬ 
 sion  and  faithfulness  never  fail ;  and  therefore,  he  will  deliver  his  people  out  of 
 all  their  afflictions,  and  execute  just  punishment  on  their  enemies. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap  LII.  Ver.  1—6.  The  church  is  here 
 called  to  leave  the  seat  of  mourning,  and  ascend  the  seat  of  honour,  chap.  iii. 
 26.  vi.  1,  2.  Jehovah  promises  to  preserve  her  from  the  future  power  of  her 
 enemies,  and  to  ransom  her  freely  from  her  present  misery  to  which,  by  her  ini¬ 
 quity,  she  had  become  subject;  in  order  that  his  name  might  be  for  ever  uni¬ 
 versally  honoured.  Ver.  7—12.  The  watchmen  discover  afar  off,  on  the  moun¬ 
 tains,  the  messenger  bringing  the  expected  and  much  wished  for  news  of  the 
 deliverance  from  Babylon,  which,  w'e  are  ever  to  remember,  was  but  a  type  of 
 the  eternal  and  complete  salvation  by  Christ.  They  immediately  spread  the  joyful 
 tidings,  and  loudly  proclaim,  that  Jehovah  is  returning  to  Zion,  to  resume  his 
 residence  on  the  holy  mountain,  which  for  some  time  he  seemed  to  have  deserted. 
 The  tidings  are,  “  Thy  God,  O  Zion,  reigneth,”  which  is  of  the  same  import 
 with  what  John  the  Baptist,  Christ  and  his  Apostles,  published,  “The  kingdom 
 of  God  is  at  hand.”  Rom.  x.  15.  “  How  beautiful  upon  the  mountains  are  the 
 feet  of  him  that  bringeth  good  tidings!”  The  beauty  and  energy  of  the  allusion 
 in  this  passage,  deserve  attention.  The  feet  of  those  who  had  travelled  tar  in  a 
 hot  country,  through  rough  and  dusty  roads,  present  a  spectacle  naturally  of¬ 
 fensive  to  the  beholder;  but,  the  consideration,  that  the  persons  themselves  are 
 the  messengers  of  peace  and  felicity;  and  that  it  is  in  bringing  these  welcome 
 
 A  complaint  of  the  want  (f  faith 
 
 publisheth  salvation  ;  that  saith  unto  Zion,  Thy  God  Before 
 reigneth  !  Christ 
 
 8  Thy  watchmen  shall  lift  up  the  voice;  with  the 
 voice  together  shall  they  sing:  for  they  shall  see  eye 
 to  eye,  when  the  Lord  shall  bring  again  Zion. 
 
 9  f  Break  forth  unto  joy,  sing  togethei-,  ye  waste 
 places  of  Jerusalem:  for  the  Lord  hath  comforted 
 his  people,  he  hath  redeemed  Jerusalem. 
 
 10  ®  The  Lord  hath  made  bare  his  holy  arm  in  the  p 
 
 eyes  of  all  the  nations ;  and  all  the  ends  of  the  earth  98.  2*'" 
 shall  see  the  salvation  of  our  God.  Luke 
 
 11  H  ^  Depart  ye,  depart  ye,  go  ye  out  from  thence, 
 touch  no  unclean  thing;  go  ye  out  of  the  midst  of  her ;  g 
 
 be  ye  clean  that  bear  the  vessels  of  the  Lord.  Revel. 
 
 12  For  ye  shall  not  go  out  with  haste,  nor  go  by 
 flight:  for  the  Lord  will  go  before  you;  and  the  God 
 
 of  Israel  f  will  be  your  rere-ward.  \  Heb. 
 
 13  Behold,  my  servant  shall  jj  deal  prudently,  heg“<Aei  you 
 shall  be  exalted  and  extolled,  and  be  very  high. 
 
 14  As  many  were  astonished  at  thee;  (his  ®  visagep^j^,!,’,, 
 was  so  marred  more  than  any  man,  and  his  form  moreg  Chap, 
 than  the  sons  of  men  ;) 
 
 15  So  shall  he  sprinkle  many  nations;  the  kings 
 shall  shut  their  mouths  at  him  :  for  that  **  which  had  h  Rom. 
 not  been  told  them  shall  they  see,  and  that  which  they  15.  21. 
 had  not  heard  shall  they  consider.f 
 
 CHAP.  LIII. 
 
 1  A  complaint  of  the  want  of  faith ;  Christ's  humiliation  described ;  4  his 
 sufferings,  ^c.  10  and  the  good  success  thereff. 
 
 HO  hath  believed  our  [j  f  report?  and  to^^ 
 whom  is  the  arm  of  the  Lord  revealed  ?  12.  38 
 
 10.  16.  II  Or,  doctrine.  t  Heh.  hearing. 
 
 tidings,  they  have  contracted  that  sordid  appearance,  can  in  an  instant  convert 
 their  deformity  into  beauty.  The  sufferings  of  the  first  ministers  of  the  Gospel, 
 instead  of  occasioning  disgust,  excite  our  admiration,  gratitude,  and  love.  Nor 
 is  it  any  w'onder,  for  the  consequences  of  their  ministrations  were  most  benefi¬ 
 cial  ;  multitudes  became  joyfully  the  servants  of  righteousness,  and  cheerfully 
 followed  Jesus,  through  good  and  evil  report.  Ver.  13 — 13.  The  restoration  of 
 the  Jews  from  captivity,  the  call  of  the  Gentiles,  the  redemption  by  Messiah, 
 have  hitherto  been  handled,  especially  from  the  fortieth  chapter  inclusive,  inter¬ 
 changeably  and  alternately ;  Babylon  has  hitherto  been  kept  pretty  much  in 
 sight;  at  the  same  time,  that  strong  intimations  of  something  much  greater  have 
 frequently  been  thrown  in.  But  here  Babylon  iaat  once  dropped;  and  scarcely 
 ever  comes  in  sight  again,  throughout  this  book,  unless  perhaps  in  chap.  Iv.  12. 
 and  Ivii.  14.  The  prophet’s  views  are  almost  wholly  engrossed  by  the  superior 
 part  of  his  subject,  which  he  describes  more  like  a  historian  than  a  prophet; 
 and  hence,  he  has  been  with  peculiar  propriety,  denominated  the  evangelical 
 prophet.  He  introduces  Messiah,  as  Jehovah’s  servant,  possessed  of  consum¬ 
 mate  wdsdom  and  prudence,  and  destined  to  the  highest  honours.  Though  he 
 appeared  for  a  w'hile  a  spectacle  of  woe,  the  Divine  purpose  respecting  him  is, 
 that  many  nations  and  kings  shall  acknowledge  cheerful  subjection  to  him,  when 
 they  shall  see  and  consider  the  glory  to  which  he  is  raised,  by  his  resurrection 
 from  the  dead,  and  ascension  to  the  throne  of  the  Most  High. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap  LIII.  Ver.  I.  The  report  concerning 
 
 PR  APTTCAT  OBSERVATIONS _ ’  Chap.  LI.l  The  consolations  of  the  Gospel  are  proposed  to  men,  not  by  name,  but  by  character;  and  from  the  first 
 
 dawm  of  the  Divine  hfe  in  the  soul,  until  its  completion  in  glory,  the  true  believer  follows  after  righteousness  and  seeks  the  Lord.  As  it  is  very  to 
 
 consider  from  what  small,  and  unpromising  appearances,  the  blessing  of  God  hath  increased  and  enlarged  the  church;  so  it  is  very  u.seful  for  beheveis  to  cons 
 er  their  characters  as  sinners  vile  and  unworthy  before  God.  Then  shall  we  be  taught  to  renew  our  repentance,  our  joyful  praises  for  Divine  mercy,  and  earn¬ 
 est  sunnlications  •  that  our  souls  may  become  like  the  garden  of  the  Lord,  filled  with  the  fruits  of  righteousness.  And  let  us  rely  on  the  Saviour,  and  receive 
 the  law  from  his  hands-  and  we  shall  be  safe  and  happy,  when  the  earth,  and  all  its  works,  shall  be  burnt  up.  The  cause  of  Chri.st  survives  one  generation 
 onnosers  afp'r  another -"and  the  believer  will  survive  all  the  prosperity  of  his  revilers,  and  enjoy  his  portion,  when  they  “’e’n  utter  darkness.  Let  us  thei 
 to  our  fea^  and  gNe^^  and  let  us  t^ke  courage  in  reviewing  the  wonders  which  God  performed  for  h.s  church  of  old.  And  let  the  e 
 
 powerful  tyrants,  who  etoave  the  bodies  of  men,  or  usurp  authority  over  their  consciences,  rmuember,  that  the  Lord  will  plead  the  cause  of  the  oppresse  , 
 
 from  them,  may  they  delight  to  honour  and  obey  him,  and  to  celebrate  the  riches  of  his  glorious  salvation . 
 
b  Psalm 
 22.  6. 
 Mark 
 9.  12- 
 II  0.^ 
 he  hid  as 
 
 8fc. 
 
 Christ's  sufferings  described. 
 
 Before  2  For  he  shall  grow  up  before  him  as  a  tender 
 Christ  ]ant,  and  as  a  root  out  of  a  dry  ground;  he  hath  no 
 
 form  nor  comeliness:  and  when  we  shall  see  him, 
 is  no  beauty  that  we  should  desire  him. 
 
 3  ’’  He  is  despised  and  rejected  of  men ;  a  man  of 
 sorrows,  and  acquainted  with  grief;  and  H  f  we  hid 
 as  it  were  our  faces  from  him  :  he  was  despised,  and 
 we  esteemed  him  not. 
 
 4  f  Surely  '  he  hath  borne  our  griefs,  and  carried 
 
 it  were  his  gur  sorrows:  yet  we  did  esteem  him  stricken,  smitten 
 face  from  and  afflicted. 
 
 Heb  5  II  ^  wounded  for  our  transgressions, 
 
 1  an  hid- he  was  bruised  for  our  iniquities;  the  chastisement  of 
 in.?  f  our  peace  was  upon  him;  and  with  his  ®  f  stripes  we 
 
 faces  from  healed. 
 
 6  All  we,  like  sheep,  have  gone  astray;  we  have 
 turned  every  one  to  his  own  way;  and  the  Lord 
 f  hath  laid  on  him  the  iniquity  of  us  all. 
 
 7  He  was  oppressed,  and  he  was  afflicted;  yet  ^  he 
 opened  not  his  mouth  :  he  is  brought  as  a  lamb  to  the 
 slaughter,  and  as  a  sheep  before  her  shearers  is  dumb, 
 so  he  openeth  not  his  mouth. 
 
 8  II  He  was  taken  from  prison,  and  from  judg¬ 
 ment;  and  who  shall  declare  his  generation?  for  he 
 was  cut  off  out  of  the  land  of  the  living :  for  the  trans¬ 
 gression  of  my  people  f  was  he  stricken. 
 
 9  And  he  made  his  grave  with  the  wicked,  and 
 
 the  the  rich  in  his  f  death;  ||  because  he  had  done 
 
 ‘all to  meet  violence,  neither  was  any  ®  deceit  in  his  mouth. 
 
 on  him.  10  H  Yet  it  pleased  the  Lord  to  bruise  him ;  he 
 fMatth.  put  him  to  grief:  1|  when  thou  shalt  make  his 
 
 27'  12  soul  an  offering  for  sin,  he  shall  see  his  seed,  he  shall 
 Mark  14.  prolong  his  days,  and  the  pleasure  of  the  Lord  shall 
 61,  &  13.  prosper  in  his  hand. 
 
 3.  ^cts  jj  shall  see  of  the  travail  of  his  soul,  and  shall 
 D  Or,  be  satisfied :  by  his  knowledge  shall  my  righteous  ser- 
 
 He  was  taken  away  by  distress  and  judgment ;  but,  ^c.  f  Heb.  was  the  stroke  upon 
 him.  f  Heb.  deaths.  i|  Or,  Though,  &c.  mouth.  Yet,  &c.  g  1  Peter  2.  22. 
 1  John  3.  3.  II  Or,  When  his  soul  shall  make  an  offering. 
 
 ISAIAH. 
 
 The  Gentiles  encouraged. 
 
 him,  or, 
 from  us. 
 c  Matth. 
 
 8.  17. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 tormented. 
 
 d  Rom. 
 
 4.  23. 
 
 1  Corin. 
 13.  3. 
 t  Heb. 
 bruise, 
 e  1  Peter 
 2.  14. 
 t  Heb. 
 hath  made 
 
 vant  justify  many;  for  he  shall  bear  their  iniqui¬ 
 ties. 
 
 Heforc 
 Christ 
 f:ir.  712. 
 
 12  Therefore  will  I  divide  him  a  forlion  with  the  _  . 
 great,  and  he  shall  divide  the  spoil  with  the  strong;  h  Mark 
 because  he  hath  poured  out  his  soul  unto  death :  and  15  2B. 
 he  was  ^  numbered  with  the  transgressors :  and  he 
 bare  the  sin  of  many,  and  '  made  intercession  for  the ;  Cukt? 
 transffressors.*  23. 31. 
 
 “  CHAP.  LIV. 
 
 1  The  jtrophet,  for  the  comfort  of  the  GerUiles,  jn-ophesieth  the  erdarge- 
 ment  of  the  church.  4  Their  safety,  ^c. 
 
 ING,  O  barren,  thou  that  didst  not  bear;  break  ^ 
 forth  into  singing,  and  cry  aloud,  thou  that  didst  4.  27. 
 not  travail  with  child :  for  more  are  the  children 
 of  the  desolate  than  the  children  of  the  married  wife, 
 saith  the  Lord. 
 
 2  Enlarge  the  place  of  thy  tent,  and  let  them  stretch 
 forth  the  curtains  of  thine  habitation:  spare  not, 
 lenathen  thy  cords,  and  strengthen  thy  stakes: 
 
 3"  For  thou  shalt  break  forth  on  the  right  hand  and 
 on  the  left;  and  thy  seed  shall  inherit  the  Gentiles, 
 and  make  the  desolate  cities  to  be  inhabited. 
 
 4  f  Fear  not;  for  thou  shalt  not  be  ashamed:  nei¬ 
 ther  be  thou  confounded;  for  thou  shalt  not  be  put 
 to  shame:  for  thou  shalt  forget  the  shame  of  thy 
 youth,  and  shalt  not  remember  the  reproach  of  thy 
 widowhood  any  more. 
 
 5  For  thy  Maker  is  thine  husband;  The  LoRob  Luke 
 of  hosts  is  his  name ;  and  thy  Redeemer  the  Holy 
 One  of  Israel;  the  God  of  the  whole  earth  shall  he 
 be  called. 
 
 6  For  the  Lord  hath  called  thee  as  a  woman  for¬ 
 saken,  and  grieved  in  spirit,  and  a  wife  of  youth  when 
 thou  wast  refused,  saith  thy  God. 
 
 7  For  a  small  moment  have  1  forsaken  thee;  but 
 with  great  mercies  will  I  gather  thee. 
 
 8  In  a  little  wrath  I  hid  my  face  from  thee  for  a 
 moment;  but  with  everlasting  kindness  will  I  have 
 merev  on  thee,  saith  the  Lord  thy  Redeemer. 
 
 32. 
 
 Christ  or  the  Gospel,  is  called  “  the  arm  of  the  Lord  revealed,”  because  itis  the 
 means  appointed  and  employed  by  God,  to  save  mankind  from  sin  and  misery; 
 “the  power  of  God  to  salvation  to  every  one  that  believeth,”  Rom.  i.  16.  Ver. 
 2.  Worldly  ambitious  men  perceived  no  excellency  in  Messiah;  the  meanness  of 
 his  parentage,  birth,  and  associates;  the  poverty  of  his  life,  and  his  unassuming 
 conduct,  were  a  vail  through  which  their  perverted  minds  could  not  behold  the 
 grace  and  majesty  conspicuous  in  his  doctrine,  miracles,  and  spotless  life.  Ver.  3. 
 “And  we  hid  as  it  were  our  faces  from  him”  as  a  loathsome  object;  or,  accord¬ 
 ing  to  another  reading,  “As  one  that  hideth  his  face.”  He  appeared  to  the  Jews 
 as  a  mourner,  who  covered  the  lower  part  of  his  face  or  head ;  (2  Sam.  v.  30. 
 Ezek.  xxiv.  17.)  or  as  a  leper,  who  was  to  cover  his  upper  lip,  Lev.  xiii.  45. 
 Ver.  4 — 12.  The  compassion  of  Christ  was  infinite;  “  Surely  he  hath  borne  our 
 griefs  and  carried  our  sorrows.”  This  was  strikingly  manifested  by  his  constant 
 overflowing  sympathy  with  the  afflicted,  and  his  incessant  exertions  in  miracles 
 of  mercy,  to  relieve  the  miserable,  Matth.  viii.  17.  The  objects  of  his  mercy 
 were  insensible  and  ungrateful.  They  ascribed  his  sufferings  to  the  righteous 
 judgment  of  God  against  him  for  his  sins,  though  they  could  not  prove  him 
 guilty.  But  the  proper  cause  of  all  his  afflictions  from  men,  evil  spirits,  or  di¬ 
 vine  displeasure,  was  the  sins  of  others.  He  was  the  substitute  of  the  guilty 
 sons  of  men ;  he  suffered  the  punishment  which  they  merited,  as  if  he  were  a 
 transgressor.  He  was,  however,  the  object  of  Jehovah’s  eternal  delight;  in 
 whom  was  no  sin;  nor  was  guilt  found  in  him.  Accordingly,  after  he  had  laid 
 down  his  life  for  sinners,  an  atonement  for  their  guilt,  God  declared  his  entire 
 
 and  unchangeable  approbation  of  him  and  his  work,  by  raising  hina  from  the 
 dead.  “  He  made  his  grave  with  the  wicked,  and  with  the  rich  in  his  death; 
 or,  “  And  his  grave  was  appointed  with  the  wicked ;  but  with  the  rich  man  was 
 I  his  tomb.”  He  died,  and  doubtless  had  been  buried  with  malefactors,  but  God 
 I  ordained  it  otherwise ;  though  his  death  was  with  the  wicked,  his  grave  was  with 
 '  the  rich.  See  the  exact  completion  of  this  jirophecy,  Matth.  xxvii.  57 — 60. 
 Great  was  the  glory  w'hich  followed  Jesus’  sufferings.  His  days  were  prolong¬ 
 ed,  he  was  appointed  a  priest  for  ever  after  the  order  of  Melchisedec;  multi¬ 
 tudes,  according  to  the  promises  given,  believed  in  him,  confessed  and  glorified 
 his  name  in  the  world;  and  dominion  over  all  nations  was  given  him:  these, 
 therefore,  are  his  own  by  right  of  conquest,  as  the  spoil  of  a  subdued  army  be- 
 ■  comes  the  prooerty  of  the  conqueror. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  LIV.  Ver.  1—3.  The  church  of  God 
 ,  under  the  old  covenant,  confined  almost  within  the  narrow  bounds  of  the  Jewish 
 I  nation,  and  still  more  so  in  respect  ot  the  very  small  number  of  true  believers, 
 and  W'hich  sometimes  seem  to  be  deserted  of  God  her  husband ;  is  the  barren 
 w'orr.an,  that  did  not  bear  and  was  desolate  She  is  exhorted  to  use  every  effort 
 for  her  increase,  with  assurance  of  a  great  addition  to  her  family  from  the  Gen¬ 
 tiles;  (chap.  xlix.  20,  21.)  on  which  account,  she  w'ould  forget  the  shame  of  her 
 youth,  that  is,  her  bondage  in  Egypt ;  and  not  remember  the  reproach  of  her 
 widowhood,  that  is,  her  captivity  in  Babylon ;  for  her  Maker,  Husband,  and 
 Redeemer,  would  no  more  be  called,  the  God  of  the  Jews  only,  but  of  the  Gen¬ 
 tiles  also:  the  God  of  the  whole  earth  shall  he  be  called.  \  er.  6 — 10.  This  pas- 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — 'Chap.  LIIL]  How  great  the  depravity,  folly,  and  guilt  of  the  human  race !  Whilst  every  vague,  unimportant,  and 
 improbable  report,  is  greedily  drunk  in  by  the  absurd  credulity  of  mankind ;  the  most  interesting  and  authenticated  report  of  salvation  for  sinners,  through  the 
 incarnate  Son  of  God,  is  almost  universally  rejected,  or  disregarded.  Many  see  no  excellency  in  Christ,  wherefore  they  should  desire  him,  either  as  his  charac¬ 
 ter  is  delineated  in  Scripture,  or  as  it  is  exemplified  in  his  genuine  disciples.  We  may  w'ell  endure  our  lighter  sufferings;  if  he  has  taught  us  to  esteem  all 
 things  but  loss  to  him,  and  to  love  him,  who  hath  so  loved  us.  He  w'illingly  bare  our  griefs,  when  we  w'ere  his  enemies;  and  shall  we  repine  at  bearing  our 
 cross,  for  the  sake  of  such  a  generous  friend?  Let  us  prove  that  we  rely  only  on  his  atonement,  by  copying  his  example  of  meekness,  and  submission,  however 
 we  may  be  chastised  or  oppressed  by  men.  And  let  us  bless  God  for  the  knowledge  of  his  Son,  by  w’hich  numbers  in  every  age  are  justified  :  let  us  pray  and 
 endeavour,  that  it  may  be  extended  to  all  our  fellow-sinnerg:  and  let  us  think  no  labour,  hardship,  or  expense  too  great,  by  which  we  may- promote  that  cause, 
 for  which  the  Redeemer  shed  his  blood.  Thus  shall  we  prove  ourselves  partakers  of  his  grace,  and  make  an  acceptable  return  of  gratitude  for  his  unspeakable  love 
 
A  call  to  faith  and  repentance. 
 
 ISAIAH. 
 
 Before 
 Christ 
 cir.  712 
 
 c  Genesi 
 9.  11. 
 
 d  1  Chr, 
 29.  2. 
 
 e  John 
 6.  45. 
 
 a  John 
 7.  .37. 
 
 9  For  this  is  as  the  waters  of'  Noah  unto  me:  for 
 as  I  have  sworn  that  the  waters  of  Noah  should  no 
 more  go  over  the  earth;  so  have  I  sworn  that  I  would 
 
 is  not  be  wroth  with  thee,  nor  rebuke  thee. 
 
 10  For  the  mountains  shall  depart,  and  the  hills 
 be  removed;  but  my  kindness  shall  not  depart  from 
 thee,  neither  shall  the  covenant  of  my  peace  be  re¬ 
 moved,  saith  the  Lord  that  hath  mercy  on  thee. 
 
 lino  thou  afflicted,  tossed  with  tempest,  and  not 
 comforted  !  behold,  I  will  lay  thy  stones  with  fair 
 colours,  and  lay  thy  foundations  with  sapphires. 
 
 12  And  I  will  make  thy  windows  of  agates,  and 
 tby  gates  of  carbuncles,  and  all  thy  borders  of  plea¬ 
 sant  stones. 
 
 13  And  all  thy  children  shall  be  '  taught  of  the 
 Lord;  and  great  shall  be  the  peace  of  thy  children. 
 
 14  In  righteousness  shalt  thou  be  established:  thou 
 shalt  be  far  from  oppression;  for  thou  shalt  not  fear: 
 and  from  terror;  for  it  shall  not  come  near  thee. 
 
 15  n  Behold,  they  shall  surely  gather  together,  but 
 not  by  me :  whosoever  shall  gather  together  against 
 thee  shall  fall  for  thy  sake. 
 
 16  Behold,  I  have  created  the  smith  that  bloweth 
 the  coals  in  the  fire,  and  that  bringeth  forth  an  instru¬ 
 ment  for  his  work;  and  I  have  created  the  waster  to 
 destroy. 
 
 17  H  No  weapon  that  is  formed  against  thee  shall 
 prosper ;  and  every  tongue  that  shall  rise  against  thee 
 in  judgment  thou  shalt  condemn.  This  is  the  heritage 
 of  the  servants  of  the  Lord;  and  their  righteousness 
 is  of  me,  saith  the  Lord.* 
 
 CHAP.  LV. 
 
 1  The  prophet,  wkh  the  promises  of  Christ,  calleth  to  faith,  5  and  to  re¬ 
 pentance.  8  The  ha]>pp  success  of  them  that  believe. 
 
 HO,  ®  every  one  that  thirsteth,  come  ye  to  the 
 waters,  and  he  that  hath  no  money:  come  ye, 
 buy  and  eat ;  yea,  come,  buy  wine  and  milk, 
 without  motley,  and  without  price. 
 
 The  happy  success  of  them  that  heli 
 
 -  Wherefore  do  ye  f  spend  money,  for  that  ^hich 
 IS  not  bread  }  and  your  labour  for  that  'which  satisfieth 
 not .  hearken  diligently  unto  me,  and  eat  ye  that  which 
 ts  good,  and  let  your  soul  delight  itself  in  fatness 
 
 3  Incline  your  ear,  and  come  unto  me :  hear,  'and 
 your  soul  shall  live;  and  I  will  make  an  everlastino- 
 coveiiant  with  you,  even  the  sure  mercies  of  David 
 
 4  Behold,  I  have  given  him /or  a  witness  to  the 
 people,  a  leader  and  commander  to  the  people. 
 
 5  Behold,  thou  shalt  call  a  nation  that  thou  kiiowest 
 not;  and  nations  that  knew  not  thee  shall  run  unto 
 thee,  because  of  the  Lord  thy  God,  and  for  the  Holy 
 One  of  Israel ;  for  he  hath  glorified  thee. 
 
 6  ^  Seek  ye  the  Lord  while  he  may  be  found 
 
 call  ye  upon  him  while  he  is  near:  ’ 
 
 7  Let  the  wicked  forsake  his  way,  and  f  the  un¬ 
 righteous  man  his  thoughts:  and  let  him  return  unto 
 the  Lord,  and  he  will  have  mercy  upon  him  ;  and  to 
 our  God,  for  f  he  will  abundantly  pardon. 
 
 8  ^  For  my  thoughts  are  not  your  thoughts,  neither 
 are  your  ways  my  ways,  saith  the  Lord. 
 
 9  For  as  the  heavens  are  higher  than  the  earth,  so 
 are  my  ways  higher  than  your  ways,  and  my  thoughts 
 than  your  thoughts. 
 
 10  Foi  as  the  rain  cometh  down,  and  the  snow 
 from  heaven,  and  returneth  not  thither,  but  watereth 
 the  earth,  and  maketh  it  bring  forth  and  bud,  that  it 
 may  give  seed  to  the  sower,  and  bread  to  the  eater; 
 
 11  So  shall  my  word  be  that  goetli  forth  out  of  my 
 mouth  :  it  shall  not  return  unto  me  void ;  but  it  shall 
 accomplish  that  which  1  please,  and  it  shall  prosper 
 in  the  thing  whereto  I  sent  it. 
 
 12  For  ye  shall  go  out  with  joy,  and  be  led  forth 
 with  peace:  the  mountains  and  the  lulls  shall  '  break 
 forth  before  you  into  singing,  and  all  the  trees  of  the 
 field  shall  clap  their  hands. 
 
 13  Instead  of  the  thorn  shall  come  up  the  fir-tree, 
 and  instead  of  the  brier  shall  come  up  the  myrtle-tree ; 
 
 teve. 
 
 Before 
 Christ 
 cir.  719 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 •Weigh. 
 
 h  Acts 
 13.  34. 
 
 +  Heb. 
 
 man  of 
 Iniquity, 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 he  will 
 multiply 
 to  pardon. 
 
 c  Chap, 
 35.  1. 
 3.32, 
 
 sage  expresses  strongly,  as  a  reason  for  the  church  to  rejoice,  the  reconciliation 
 of  God  to  her  as  her  husband.  Many  times  did  he  seem  to  have  deserted  her, 
 aiid  partici'.larly  in  the  judgment  of  her  few  children,  when  Christ  was  put  to 
 death,  which  is  perhaps  the  period  referred  to  in  this  prophecy.  Then,  how¬ 
 ever,  his  love  was  most  fully  illustrated,  and  its  unchangeableness  decisively 
 ])roved,  by  the  Son  of  God  giving  his  life  for  her,  and  ascending  to  heaven  to 
 prepare  mansions  for  her  offspring,  Eph.  v.  25 — 27.  John  xiv.  2,  3.  As  Jeho¬ 
 vah  sware  to  Noah  that  the  waters  should  no  more  go  over  the  earth,  so  he  en¬ 
 gages  never  to  rebuke,  henceforth,  his  church  inwath;  and  sooner  than  his 
 mercy  cease  to  be  enjoyed  by  her,  shall  the  lofty  mountains  be  removed,  and  all 
 the  mighty  ])owers  on  earth  be  overthrown!.  Ver.  11,  12.  “  Behold,  I  will  lay 
 thy  stones  ”  These  seem  to  be  general  images  to  express  beauty,  magnificence, 
 purity,  strength,  and  solidity,  agreeably  to  the  ideas  of  the  eastern  nations;  and 
 to  have  never  been  intended  to  be  strictly  scrutinized,  or  minutely  and  particu¬ 
 larly  e.xplained,  as  if  they  had  each  of  them  some  precise  moral  or  spiritual 
 meaning.  Rev.  xxi.  18 — 21.  Ver.  13 — 17.  The  children  of  God  shall  be  all 
 taught  to  know  his  character  as  the  just  God  and  Saviour,  and  enjoy  peace  in 
 him.  In  his  faithfulness  shall  they  have  confidence,  and  remain  tranquil  in  the 
 midst  of  alarms.  Their  enemies  may  be  numerous,  but  they  are  under  the  con- 
 troul  of  Jehovah,  who.  having  accomplished  by  them  his  purposes  of  good  to 
 his  children,  shall  condemn  and  utterly  destroy  them.  Such  is  the  determina¬ 
 tion  of  Jehovah,  that  his  servants  may  prosper,  and  the  vindication  of  their 
 cause  shall  assuredly  proceed  from  him. 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.lv.  Ver.  1 — 11.  This  is  a  beautiful. 
 
 large,  and  encouraging  illustration  of  the  Gospel  of  Christ.  Its  blessings  are  set 
 forth  by  figures  most  expressive  of  their  excellence:  water,  which,  to  the  thirsty 
 in  a  sultry,  barren,  solitary  desert,  is  preferable  to  all  worldly  wealth ;  wine 
 and  milk,  that  are  adapted  to  do  essential  benefit  to  the  healthy,  delicate,  or 
 I  diseased.  These  blessings  are  free  to  all  meri ;  life,  eternal  life,  is  promised  to 
 j  eveiy  one  who  receives  in  love  the  proclamation  concerning  Christ.  Nothing, 
 therefore,  indicates  the  folly  of  mankind  more  than  persevering  to  seek  hap¬ 
 piness  from  earthly  enjoyments,  wealth,  honour,  or  the  pleasures  of  sin.  Ex¬ 
 perience  sufficiently  proves  that  these  things  imbitter  life,  distract  and  torture 
 the  mind ;  and  we  all  know,  that  they  are  unprofitable  in  the  day  when  God 
 shall  call  us  to  judgment.  Let  us  then  cheerfully  become  Christ’s  disciples. 
 He  is  the  witness,  who  shall  declare  to  us  the  truth ;  he  is  the  leader  and  com¬ 
 mander,  whose  instructions  and  authority  regarded,  infallibly  conduct  to  glory, 
 and  to  these  offices  he  is  appointed  for  the  benefit  of  all  nations,  for  his  own 
 and  his  father’s  honour.  In  him  God  delights  in  mercy;  the  most  ungodly  and 
 unrighteous  are  intreated  to  return  to  God,  that  their  sins  may  be  forgiven; 
 forsaking  with  abhorrence  every  false  sentiment  respecting  God  and  holiness, 
 every  sinful  inclination  and  practice,  they  are  assured  of  full,  free,  and  eternal 
 pardon  of  all  their  iniquities.  And  the  Gospel  of  Christ  shall  as  certainly  com¬ 
 municate  blessedness  to  those  who  receive  it,  as  the  rain  and  snow  from  hea¬ 
 ven  water  the  earth,  that  it  may  bring  forth  seed  to  the  sower,  and  bread  to  the 
 eater.  Ver.  12,  13.  Mountains  and  hills,  are  here  highly  poetical  images,  ex¬ 
 pressing  the  happy  state  attended  with  joy  and  exultation,  effected  by  the  word 
 of  God.  “  And  instead  of  the  thorn,  shall  come  up  the  fir  tree,”  are  likewise 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  LIV.]  All  \vho  love  God  and  man  will  rejoice  and  be  thankful  when  sinners  are  converted;  for  then  their 
 prayers  are  ansxvered,  and  the  sufferings  of  Christ  are  made  effectual  to  his  glory  in  the  salvation  of  the  wretched.  The  Lord  hath  often  the  greatest  number  of 
 children  in  places  which  seem  barren  compared  to  other  places;  and  the  Gospel  is  commonly  most  successful  where  it  hath  been  newly  sent.  Although  vast  ] 
 numbers  have  received  the  Gospel,  there  is  yet  room  for  more  in  the  kingdom  of  Christ,  who  shall  soon  extend  his  righteous  and  blessed  dominion  over  all  the 
 earth.  Let  us  walk  in  simplicity  of  heart  with  our  Lord,  centring  all  our  affections  in  him,  and  expecting  all  our  happiness  from  him.  To’ all  who  really  love  and 
 trust  in  him,  his  absence  and  frown  are  momentary ;  but  his  mercies  and  love  are  infinite  and  everlasting.  The  genuine  children  of  the  church  desire,  feel,  and 
 enjoy  Divine  teaching,  and  shall  find  peace  to  their  souls.  And  the  more  assured  they  are  that  their  labour  will  not  be  in  vain,  let  them  be  the  more  stedfast 
 and  unmovcable  in  the  love  of  the  Lord.  Many  may  attempt  to  injure  them,  but  God  is  their  protector;  many  may  reproach  them,  but  God  is  their  justifier. 
 They  are  his  .servants,  and  his  children ;  and  he  not  only  their  Lord,  and  their  Father,  but  their  Husband;  and  xvho  then  can  rise  up  against  them  with  impunity- 
 
Bofore 
 Christ 
 eir.  712. 
 
 I  Or. 
 
 iquity. 
 
 Exhortation  to  sanctification. 
 
 and  it  shall  be  to  the  Lord  for  a  name,  for  an  ever- 
 lastin'r  siiin  that  shall  not  be  cut  off. 
 
 ”  CHAP.  LVI. 
 
 1  The  prophet  etxhorielh  to  sanclijiaition:  3  he  promises  it  shall  be  gene- 
 ral:  9  he  inveighelh  against  blind  watchmen, 
 
 \HUS  saith  the  Loud,  Keep  ye  !|  judgment,  and 
 do  justice:  for  my  salvation  is  near  to  come, 
 and  my  righteousness  to  be  revealed. 
 
 2  Blessed  is  the  man  that  doeth  this,  and  the  son  of 
 man  /‘/m/layeth  hold  on  it;  that  kcepeth  the  sabbath  trom 
 polluting  it,  and  keepeth  his  hand  from  doing  any  evil. 
 
 3  ^  Neither  let  the  son  of  the  stranger,  that  hath 
 joined  himself  to  the  Loud,  speak,  saying,  The  Lord 
 hath  utterly  separated  me  from  his  people:  neither 
 let  the  eunuch  say.  Behold,  I  am  a  dry  tree. 
 
 4  For  thus  saith  the  Lord  unto  the  eunuchs  that 
 keep  my  sabbaths,  and  choose  the  things  that  please 
 me,  and  take  hold  of  my  covenant: 
 
 5  Even  unto  them  will  I  give  in  mine  house,  and 
 within  my  walls,  a  place  and  a  name  better  than  ot 
 sons  and  of  daurjliters:  I  will  give  them  an  everlast- 
 ing  name  that  shall  not  be  cut  off. 
 
 6  Also  the  sons  of  the  stranger,  that  join  themselves 
 to  the  Lord  to  serve  him,  and  to  love  the  name  ot  the 
 Lord,  tube  his  servants,  every  one  that  keepeth  the  sab¬ 
 bath  from  polluting  it,  and  taketh  hold  of  my  covenant; 
 
 7  Even  them  will  I  ^  bring  to  my  holy  mountain, 
 and  make  them  joyful  in  my  house  of  prayer:  their 
 burnt-offerings  and  their  sacrifices  sha/t  he  accepted 
 upon  mine  altar;  for  mine  house  shall  be  called  an 
 house  of  prayer  for  all  people. 
 
 8  The  Loud  God,  which  gathereth  the  outcasts  of 
 Israel,  saith.  Yet  will  I  gather  others  to  him,  f  besides 
 those  that  are  gathered  unto  him. 
 
 9  If  All  ye  beasts  of  the  field  come  to  devour;  yea, 
 all  ye  beasts  in  the  forest. 
 
 10  His  watchmen  are  blind  ;  they  are  all  ignorant. 
 
 ISAIAH. 
 
 The  Jews  reproved  for  idolatry. 
 
 a  Chap. 
 
 2.  2. 
 
 b  Matth. 
 21.  13. 
 Mark 
 11.  17. 
 Luke 
 19.  46. 
 t  Heb. 
 to  his 
 gathered. 
 
 general  images,  designed  to  express  a  great  and  happy  change  for  the  better.  The 
 wilderness  turned  into  a  paradise,  Lebanon  into  Carmel,  the  desert  of  the  Gentiles 
 watered  with  the  heavenly  snow  and  rain,  which  fail  not  to  have  their  due  effect, 
 and  becoming  fruitful  in  piety  and  righteousness;  or,  laying  aside  the  emblems, 
 instead  of  the  wicked,  shall  arise  the  just,  and  instead  of  sinners,  such  as  fear 
 to  sin.  Comp.  Chap.  xxxv.  1.  xl.  19. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  LVI.  Ver.  1—8.  Religious  obedience 
 is  here  enforced  by  the  most  gentle  and  powerful  motives,  drawn  from  the  great 
 and  advantageous  change  to  be  pji  oduced  in  the  church,  by  the  Messiah.  Under 
 the  Mosaic  dispensation,  the  Gentdes  were  called  for  necessary  purposes  to  suffer 
 some  peculiar  disadvantages,  especially  ctertain  characters  among  them,  such  as  the 
 eunuchs,  n  ho  were  excluded  from  the  congregation  of  the  Lord,  compare  Deut. 
 xxiii.  1 — 4.  But  Christ  by  his  death  abolished  every  distinction  between  believing 
 Jews  and  Gentiles,  in  respect  of  cither  title,  privilege,  laws,  or  customs,  incorpo¬ 
 rating  both  into  one  church,  of  which  he  became  the  glorious  head,  Eph.  ii.  13 — 
 22.  Ver.  9 — 12.  Here  manifestly  begins  anew  section,  contained  in  the  next  chap¬ 
 ter.  The  prophet,  in  the  foregoing  chapters,  having  comforted  the  people  of  God 
 with  many  great  promises  of  God’s  favour  to  be  extended  to  them,  and  of  the  en¬ 
 largement  of  his  church  by  the  admission  of  the  Gentiles,  as  join4;-heirs  with  the 
 Jews ;  here,  on  a  sudden,  makes  a  transition  to  the  more  disagreeable  part  of  the 
 prospect;  and  to  sharp  reproof  of  the  wicked  and  unbelievers,  and  especially  of  the 
 negligent  and  faithless  governors  and  teachers:  of  the  idolaters  and  hypocrites, 
 who  would  still  draw  down  his  judgments  on  the  nation.  God  summons  some 
 savage  warriors,  the  Chaldeans,  or  other  enemies  of  Israel,  as  his  agents  to  execute 
 his  judginents  on  his  hypocritical  peojile,  compare  Jer.  xii.  7,  9.  The  civil  and 
 ecclesiastical  rulers  of  the  Jews  are  described  as  ignorant,  useless,  covetous,  sen¬ 
 sual,  and  profane ;  and,  therefore,  justly  meriting  the  displeasure  of  Jehovah. 
 
 Before 
 Christ 
 cir  098. 
 
 Or, 
 
 every 
 
 or,  lalk- 
 
 tliey  are  all  dumb  dogs,  they  cannot  bark  ;  ||  sleeping, 
 lying  down,  loving  to  slumber. 
 
 11  Yea,  they  are greedy  dogs,  which  never 
 have  enough,  and  they  are  shepherds  that  cannot  un 
 derstand  :  they  all  look  to  their  own  way, 
 for  In's  gain,  from  his  quarter. 
 
 12  Come  ye,  say  they,  I  will  fetch  wine,  and  we  will 
 
 fill  ourselves  with  strong  drink;  and  to-morrow  shalWeep. 
 be  as  this  day,  and  mucli  more  abundant.f 
 
 f  Heb.  strong  of  njipetite.  f  Heb.  know  nut  to  be  saliyicd, 
 
 CHAP.  LVII. 
 
 1  The  blessed  death  of  the  righteous.  3  The  Jews  reproved  for  their 
 whorish  idolatry.  23  Evangelical  promises  to  the  penitent. 
 
 HE  Mghleous  perisheih,  and  no  man  laycth  it  tOj.jj.  ggg_ 
 heart;  and  f  ^  merciful  men  are  taken  away,  t  Heb. 
 none  considering  that  the  righteous  is  taken  “y 
 aw’ay  |1  from  the  evil  to  come.  _ 
 
 2' He  shall  II  enter  into  peace:  they  shall  rest  in„^s,. 
 their  beds,  each  one  walking  1|  in  bis  uprightness.  a  Psalm 
 
 3  H  But  draw  near  hither,  ye  sons  of  the  sorceress, 
 
 the  seed  of  the  adulterer  and  the  whore.  7,  -2. 
 
 4  Against  whom  do  ye  sport  yourselves.?  against  ||  Or, 
 
 whom  make  ye  a  wide  mouth,  and  draw  out  the/'"®"'- 
 tongue  .?  are  ye  not  children  of  transgression,  a  seed^*^^*  ^ 
 of  falsehood  ;  [)  Or,  go 
 
 5  Euflaming  yourselves  |1  with  idols  ‘’under  every bt  peace. 
 green  tree,  slaying  the  children  in  the  valleys  under 
 
 the  clefts  of  the  rocks?  > 
 
 G  Among  the  smooth  stones  of  the  stream  is  thy  n  Or 
 portion;  they,  they  are  thy  lot:  even  to  them 
 thou  poured  a  drink-offering,  thou  hast  offered  a  *^‘'cat- 
 offering.  tShould  I  receive  comfort  in  these  ?  .  iq.  4. 
 
 7  Upon  a  lofty  and  high  mountain  hast  thou  set  thy 
 bed:  even  thither  wentest  thou  up  to  off'er  sacrifice. 
 
 8  Behind  llie  doors  also  and  the  posts  hast  thou  set 
 up  thy  reniembraiice;  for  thou  hast  discovered  thyself 
 to  another  than  nse,  and  art  gone  up:  thou  hast  en- 
 
 EXPLANATORY  notes.  Chap.  LVII.  Ver.  1.  2\^une  considering  that 
 the  righteous  is  taken  away  from  the  evil  to  come ;  or,  and  no  one  under.^tandeth, 
 that  the  righteous  man  is  taken  away,  because  of  the  evil  to  come.  \Vh;le  moral 
 virtues  that  are  necessary  to  the  good  order  of  society  are  at  all  generally  regarded, 
 (he  death  of  a  righteous  man  must  excite  general  concern  and  regret  It  is  there¬ 
 fore  a  decisive  proof  of  universal  degeneracy,  and  of  the  prevalence  of  wickedness, 
 when  few  lament  the  death  of  such  a  character;  or  seem  disposed,  especially  if  it 
 be  premature,  to  ascertain  the  real  cause.  This  remark  is  illustrated  and  con¬ 
 firmed  in  this  chapter.  The  prophet  charges  the  Jews  of  his  age  with  total  un¬ 
 concern  on  account  of  the  death  of  the  righteous  man,  and  that  the  same  char- 
 actere  against  whom  he  brings  the  charge  were  most  ungodly  anc.  ])rofane,  requires 
 no  other  proof  than  the  description  which  he  gives  of  them.  Compare  Mic.  vii. 
 1 — 6.  Ver.  6.  Among  the  smooth  stones  f  the  stream,  or  vaMoy.  The  Jews  were 
 extremely  addicted  to  the  practice  of  many  superstitious  and  idolatrous  rites  which 
 the  prophet  here  inveighs  against  with  great  vehemence.  Of  the  woivhip  of  rude 
 stones  consecrated,  there  are  many  testimonies  of  the  ancients.  The  practice  had 
 perhaps  its  origin  in  the  abuse  of  a  patriarchal  custom  of  setting  up  and  conse¬ 
 crating  by  the  anointing  of  oil,  pillars,  as  memorials  of  Divine  favours,  and  pro¬ 
 bably,  types  of  him,  who  is  the  foundation  of  the  church,  and  the  most  distin¬ 
 guished  token  of  the  love  and  mercy  of  God.  Ver.  8  Behind  the  doors  also,  and 
 the  posts,  hast  thou  set  up  thy  remembrance,  or  memorial.  That  is,  the  image  of 
 the  tutelary  gods  or  something  dedicated  to  them,  in  direct  opiiosition  to  the  law 
 of  God,  that  commanded  them  to  write  on  the  door-jiosts  of  their  house,  and 
 on  their  gates,  the  words  of  God’s  law  :  Deut.  vi.  9.  xi.  20.  If  such  a  situation 
 was  chosen  as  more  private,  it  was  in  defiance  of  a  particular  curse  denounced 
 in  the  law  against  the  man,  who  should  make  a  graven  or  a  molten  image,  and 
 put  it  in  a  secret  place,  Deut.  xxvii.  15.  Ver.  9.  And  thou  wentest  to  the  king  with 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—'  Chap.  LV.] 
 are  invited,  and  great  is  their  guilt  who  refuse  the  gri 
 will  become  our  Guide  and  Ruler.  Those  who  rcturi 
 
 of  no  sinners  who  are  too  hardened  to  he  converted,  or  too  vile  to  be’forgiven  ;  for  the  mercy  of'  God  is  infinite. 
 
 desperate  offenders,  and  do  good  to  all  as  we  have  opportunity,  our  enemies  not  excepted, 
 thp  OVATION S.—-*-  Chap.  LVI.]  Though  we  cannot  be  justified  by  our  owm  works;  yet  we  cannot  be  saved  inonr  .sins- 
 
 tncTetore  who,  through  the  Spirit,  wait  for  the  hope  of  righteou.siiess  by  faith,  will  be  found  walking  in  the  ways  of  holy  obedience.  There  c  m  he  nn 
 without  honesty,  or  acceptable  honesty  without  piety.  He  then  is  the  haiipy  man,  who  layeth  hold  of  the  precepts,  as  well  as  the  promises. 
 
 8  M  22 
 
 refore  use  every  possible  means  to 
 
 they 
 
 piety 
 
Christ 
 cir.  698 
 
 The  pen  itent  comforted.  ISAIAH 
 
 I>i.fore  laigetl  thy  bed,  and  [|  made  thee  a  covenant  with  them ; 
 thou  lovedst  their  bed  [|  where  thou  sawest  it. 
 
 9  And  I]  thou  wentest  to  the  king  with  ointment,  and 
 didst  increase  thy  perfumes,  and  didst  send  thy  messen¬ 
 gers  far  off,  and  ditlst  debase  thyself  even  unto  hell. 
 
 10  Thou  ait  wearied  in  the  greatness  of  thy  way; 
 yet  saidst  thou  not.  There  is  no  hope:  thou  hast 
 found  the  I1  life  of  thine  hand ;  therefore  thou  wast 
 
 n  Or, 
 
 hewed  it 
 for  thyself 
 larger 
 than 
 theirs. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 thou  pro- 
 
 vidcst 
 
 roo?>t. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 thou  re- 
 spectedst 
 the  king. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 living. 
 
 c  Chap, 
 ‘to.  3  & 
 62.  10, 
 
 t  Heb. 
 turning 
 away. 
 
 not  grieved. 
 
 And  of  whom  hast  thou  been  afraid  or  feared, 
 tliat  thou  hast  lied,  and  hast  not  remembered  me,  nor 
 laid  it  to  thy  heart?  have  not  I  held  my  peace  even 
 ot  old,  and  thou  fearest  me  not? 
 
 12  I  will  declare  thy  righteousness,  and  thy  works; 
 for  they  shall  not  profit  thee. 
 
 13  ^  \Vhen  thou  criest,  let  thy  companies  delivei 
 thee,  but  the  wind  shall  carry  them  all  away:  vanity 
 shall  take  them;  but  he  that  putteth  his  trust  in  me 
 shall  possess  the  land,  and  shall  inherit  my  holy  moun¬ 
 tain  : 
 
 14  And  shall  say,  Cast  ye  up,  cast  ye  up,  prepare 
 the  way,  take  up  the  stumbling-block  out  of  the  way 
 of  my  people. 
 
 15  For  thus  saith  the  High  and  lofty  One  that  in- 
 habiteth  eternity,  whose  name  is  Floly;  I  dwell  in  the 
 high  and  holy  place^  with  him  also  that  is  of  a  contrite 
 and  humble  spirit,  to  revive  the  spirit  of  the  humble, 
 and  to  revive  the  heart  of  the  contrite  ones. 
 
 16  For  I  will  not  contend  for  ever,  neither  will  1 
 be  always  wroth :  for  the  spirit  should  fail  before  me, 
 and  the  souls  which  I  have  made. 
 
 17  For  the  iniquity  ol  his  covetousness  was  I  wroth, 
 and  smote  him:  I  hid  me,  and  was  wroth,  and  he 
 went  on  f  frowardly  in  the  way  of  his  heart. 
 
 18  I  have  seen  his  ways,  and  will  heal  him;  I  will 
 lead  him  also,  and  restore  comforts  unto  hirn,  and  to 
 his  mnurners. 
 
 19  1  create  the  fruit  of  the  lips;  Peace,  peace  to 
 him  that  is  far  and  to  him  that  is  near,  saith  the 
 Lord;  and  I  will  heal  him. 
 
 ointment,  or,  thou  hast  visited  the  king  with  a  present  of  oil;  That  is,  the  kin"- 
 of  Assyria,  or  Egypt.  Hosea  reproacheth  the  Israelites  with  the  same  practice” 
 chap.  XU.  1.  It  is  wed  knowm,  that  in  all  parts  of  the  east,  whoever  visits  a 
 great  person,  must  carry  him  a  present.  Israel  are  often  reproved  for  seeking 
 alliances  with  powCiful  kingdoms,  the  reason  of  which  is,  that  such  a  conduct 
 wTis  not  only  opposed  to  the  law  of  God,  but  it  betrayed  distrust  in  God  their 
 protector,  and  a  disposition  to  conform  to  the  customs  and  manners  of  idolaters. 
 Ver.  10.  Saidst  thou  not.  There  is  no  hope.  This  expresses  a  desperate  resolution 
 hazards  in  their  idolatrous  practices,  compare  Jer  ii.  25.  and 
 xviii.  12.  Ver.  19.  The  sacrifices  of  praise,  according  to  Paul,  (Ileb.  xiii.  15.) 
 is  the  fruit  of  the  bps.  God  creates  this  fruit  of  the  lips,  by  giving  new  subject 
 and  cause  of  thanksgiving,  by  his  mercies  conferred  on  those  among  his  peo])le, 
 who  acknowdedge  and  bewail  their  transgressions,  and  return  to  him.  The 
 great  subject  of  thanksgiving  is  peace,  reconciliation  and  pardon,  proclaimed  to 
 them  that  are  afar  off)  as  well  as  to  them  that  are  nigh;  not  only  to  the  Jew, 
 but  also  the  Gentile,  as  Paul  more  than  once  applies  those  terms;  Ephes.  ii. 
 13,  17.  Acts  ii.  39.  Ver.  21.  This  verse  has  a  reference  to  the  19th,  The 
 vyicked  and  impenitent  are  excluded  from  all  share  in  that  peace  above-men¬ 
 tioned,  that  reconcilement  and  pardon  which  is  promised  to  the  returning  sin¬ 
 ner,  chap.  Iv.  6,  7.  The  .xlviii.  chapter  ends  with  the  same  declaration;  t°o  ex¬ 
 press  the  exclusion  of  the  unbeliever  and  impenitent  from  the  benefit  of  the  fore¬ 
 going  promises. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  LVIII.  Ver.  1—7.  The  w'atches  in 
 the  east,  even  to  this  day,  are  performed  by  a  loud  cry  from  time  to  time  of 
 the  watchmen,  to  mark  the  time,  and  that  very  frequently,  and  in  order  to 
 shew,  that  they  themselves  are  attentive  to  their  duly.  In  allusion  to  this  cus- 
 
 Hypocrisy  repro-oed, 
 20  But  the  wicked  are  like  the  troubled  sea,  whon  r  r 
 
 r-nnnr.r  voce  _ _ _ _ •  ,  P<'>0re 
 
 ri 
 
 Lliri.st 
 
 It  cannot  vest,  whose  waters  cast  up  mire  and  dirt. 
 
 21  There  is  no  peace,  saith  my  God,  to  the  wicked  * 
 
 CHAP.  LVIII.  * 
 
 l  Hypocrisy  is  rejiroved.  8  The  promises  due  to  godliness,  13  and  to  the 
 keeping  of  the  sabbath. 
 
 CRY  f  aloud,  spare  not;  lift  up  thy  voice  like  ax  » 
 trumpet,  and  shew  my  people  their  transgression,  li/A 
 and  the  house  of  Jacob  their  sins.  *  throat. 
 
 2  Yet  they  seek  me  daily,  and  delight  to  know  my 
 ways,  as  a  nation  that  did  righteousness,  and  forsook 
 not  the  ordinance  of  their  God  :  they  ask  of  me  the 
 ordinances  of  justice;  they  take  delight  in  approach¬ 
 ing  to  God. 
 
 3  Wherefore  have  we  fasted,  say  they,  and  thou 
 seest  not?  wherefore  have  we  afflicted  our  soul,  and 
 thou  takest  no  knowledge  }  Behold,  in  the  day  of  your  II  Or, 
 fast  ye  find  pleasure,  and  exact  all  your  1|  f  labours. 
 
 4  Behold,  ye  fast  for  strife  and  debate,  and  to  smite 
 with  the  fist  of  wickedness:  [|  ye  shall  not  fast  as  yeotZT 
 do  this  day,  to  make  your  voice  to  be  heard  on  hio-fi.  t  Heb. 
 
 5  Is  it  “such  a  last  that  I  have  chosen?  ||  a  day^'‘'^‘ 
 for  a  man  to  afflict  his  soul?  is  it  to  bow  down  hisjlsf„;/', 
 head  as  a  bulrush,  and  to  spread  sackcloth  and  ashes 
 under  him?  wilt  thou  call  this  a  fast,  and  an  accep- ^ 
 table  day  to  the  Lord  ?  b  Levit 
 
 6  Is  not  this  the  fast  that  I  have  chosen  ?  to  loose  16.  29. 
 the  bands  of  wickedness,  to  undof  the  heavy  burdens,  II  ^r, 
 and  to  let  the  f  oppressed  go  free,  and  that  ye  break 
 every  yoke? 
 
 7  Is  it  not  ®  to  deal  thy  bread  to  the  hungry,  and  t  Heb.Ms 
 that  thou  bring  the  poor  that  are  ||  cast  out  "to  thy 
 house  ?  when  thou  seest  the  naked,  that  thou  cover  f  ^Heb! 
 him  ;  and  that  thou  hide  not  thyself  from  thine  own  broken. 
 flesh  ?  c  Ezekiel 
 
 8  H  Then  shall  thy  light  break  forth  as  the  morn- 
 ing,  and  thine  health  shall  spring  forth  speedily;  and  afflicted. 
 thy  righteousness  shall  go  before  thee;  the  glory  oft  Heb. 
 the  Lord  f  shall  be  thy  rere-ward.  shall  ga- 
 
 9  Then  shalt  thou  call,  and  the  Lord  shall 
 
 tom,  the  piophet  is  commanded  to  cry  aloud,  and  not  to  spare;  to  warn 
 plainly,  boldly,  and  in  the  most  public  manner,  his  countrymen  of  their  sin, 
 guilt,  and  danger,  that  if  they  perished,  tlieir  blood  might  be  on  their  own  head. 
 Had  he  been  silent,  when  the  salvation  of  millions  was  at  stake,  he  would  not 
 only  have  brought  on  himself  the  greatest  reproach,  but  would  have  deservedly 
 been  classed  among  those  teachers,  who,  on  account  of  their  indolence,  igno¬ 
 rance  and  wickedness,  aro  denominated  dumb  dogs,  that  cannot  bark,  dream¬ 
 ers,  sluggards,  loving  to  slumber,  chap.  Ivi.  10.  The  danger  of  the  Jews  arose 
 from  the  opposition  of  their  sentiments,  respecting  religious  service,  to  the  mind 
 of  God.  1  hey  not  only  attended  punctually  Divine  ordinances,  but  also  ex¬ 
 pressed  great  delight  in  them;  the  deficiency  of  their  devotion  chiefly  consisted 
 in  the  motives  by  which  they  were  influenced.  They  conceived  that,  on  account 
 of  theii  .stiict  observance  of  religious  ordinances,  they  had  a  strong  claim  to  the 
 favour  of  God;  and  hence,  they  became  weary  of  his  service,  when  they  im¬ 
 agined  that  he  rewarded  them  not  suitalily  to  their  great  merit.  Indeed  the 
 love  of  the  wot  Id  luled  their  hearts,  and  they  endeavoured  to  make  religion  en- 
 tiieiy  suli.serv'ient  to  gratify  this  pernicious  temper:  with  them  godliness  was  a 
 cloak  of  covetousness,  injustice,  and  oppression.  God  declares,  in  e.xplicit  and 
 forcible  language,  his  abhorrence  of  such  a  conduct,  while  he  informs  them, 
 that  religious  worship  was  only  acceptable  in  his  sight,  when,  originating  in  su¬ 
 preme  love  to  him,  it  was  accompanied  by  the  exercise  of  every  benevolent 
 temper,  and  the  practice  of  every  gracious  action.  Ver.  8 — 14.  Here  God 
 engages  to  bless  his  acceptable  worshippers  individually,  with  his  presence  to 
 protect  them  from  every  evil,  direct  them  in  the  paths  of  righteousness,  answer 
 their  prayers,  satisfy  their  souls,  and  to  make  them  prosperous  in  all  their  ways; 
 and  as  a  church,  he  engages  to  increase  their  number,  maintain  their  peace, 
 
 anif^trche^  mVd  -'^i  righteous  often  exempts  them  from  the  evils  that  are  impending  over  guilty  i^n 
 
 and  churches  and  portends,  and  makes  way  for  Divine  judgments:  but  alas!  this  is  seldom  attended  to,  and  scarcely  ever  laid  to  hear  .  In  all  rv^nts  pright  he 
 hevers  are  safe  and  happy ;  even  their  graves  are  quiet  bed.s,  in  which  they  sleep  in  Jesus,  and  from  which  he  will  shortly  awaken  them  to  eveXstir 
 Tlie  enormous  wickedness  of  those,  who  are  favoured  with  spiritual  privileges,  forms  a  lamentable  proof  of  human  depravity.  Men  naturally  love  a  ••eligion  th 
 enflames  and  authorises  their  unholy  passions.  It  is  vain  to  dissemble  in  religion:  they  who  really  remember  God  vvill  co^nscien  .o2y  erl  him  'b  fsuch  a 
 allow  themselves  m  known  sm,  act  from  sinister  motives,  which  the  Lord  will  detect,  and  then  he  will  reward  them  according  to  their  unrighte^’ works. 
 
ISAIAH. 
 
 Before 
 Christ 
 cir.  698. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 drougfttSt 
 
 I  Heb. 
 lie,  or  de¬ 
 ceive, 
 
 d  Chap. 
 Cl.  4, 
 
 j'/ie  damnable  nature  of  sin. 
 
 answer;  thou  shalt  cry,  and  he  shall  say,  Here  I  am.  U 
 thou  take  away  from  the  midst  of  thee  the  yoke,  the 
 Duttin^  forth  of  the  finger,  and  speaking  vanity; 
 
 10  And  if  thou  draw  out  thy  soul  to  the  hungry, 
 and  satisfy  the  afflicted  soul;  then  shall  thy  light  rise 
 in  obscurity,  and  thy  darkness  he  as  the  noon-day: 
 
 11  And  the  Lord  shall  guide  thee  continually,  and 
 satisfy  thy  soul  in  f  drought,  and  make  fat  thy  bones: 
 and  thou'  shalt  be  like  a  watered  garden,  and, like  a 
 sprinof  of  water,  whose  waters  f  fail  not. 
 
 12'’And  they  that  shall  he  of  thee ‘‘shall  build  the 
 old  waste  places:  thou  shalt  raise  up  the  foundations 
 of  many  generations;  and  thou  shalt  be  called,  T.he 
 Repairer  of  the  breach,  The  Restorer  of  paths  to 
 
 dwell  in.  ^  i 
 
 13  H  If  thou  turn  away  thy  foot  from  the  sabbath, 
 from  doing  thy  pleasure  on  my  holy  day:  and  call  the 
 sabbath  a  delight,  the  Holy  of  the  Lord,  Honour¬ 
 able;  and  shalt  honour  him,  not  doing  thine  own 
 ways,  nor  finding  thine  own  pleasure,  nor  speaking 
 thine  own  words: 
 
 14  Then  shalt  thou  delight  thyself  in  the  Lord, 
 and  I  will  cause  thee  to  ®  ride  upon  the  high  places  of 
 the  earth,  and  feed  thee  with  the  heritage  of  Jacob 
 thy  father:  for  the  mouth  of  the  Lord  hath  spoken  it.* 
 
 CHAP.  LIX. 
 
 I  The  damnable  nature  of  sin,  9  Calamity  for  siiu  10  Salvation  is 
 only  of  God*  20  The  covenant  of  the  Redeemer.  4 
 
 EHOLD,  the  Lord’s  hand  is  not  *  shortened, 
 that  it  cannot  save ;  neither  his  ear  heavy,  that 
 it  cannot  hear ; 
 
 2  But  your  iniquities  have  separated  between  you 
 
 have  made  and  your  Ood,  and  your  sins  |I  have  hid  his  face  from 
 him  We. 
 
 3  For  ”  your  hands  are  defiled  with  blood,  and  your 
 fingers  with  iniquity;  your  lips  have  spoken  lies,  your 
 tongue  hath  muttered  perverseness. 
 
 4  None  calleth  for  justice,  nor  any  pleadeth  for 
 truth:  they  trust  in  vanity,  and  speak  lies;  they  con¬ 
 ceive  mischief,  and  bring  forth  iniquity; 
 
 5  They  hatch  ||  cockatrice’  eggs,  and  weave  the 
 spider’s  web:  he  that  eateth  of  their  eggs  dieth,  and 
 
 II  that  which  is  crushed  breaketh  out  into  a  viper. 
 
 6  Their  webs  shall  not  become  garments,  neither 
 shall  they  cover  themselves  with  their  works:  their 
 works  are  works  of  iniquity,  and  the  act  of  violence 
 is  in  their  hands. 
 
 7  ®  Their  feet  run  to  evil,  and  they  make  haste  to 
 shed  innocent  blood :  their  thoughts  are  thoughts  of 
 
 Salvation  is  only  of  God 
 destruction  are  in  their 
 
 Before 
 Christ 
 cir.  698. 
 
 e  Deut. 
 22.  13. 
 
 1.  15. 
 c  Job 
 15.  35 
 Psalm 
 7.  14. 
 
 U  Or,_ 
 adders', 
 
 U  Or,  that 
 which  is 
 
 sprinkled 
 is  as  if 
 there  broke 
 out  a  viper, 
 
 d  Job 
 8.  14, 15. 
 e  Prov. 
 
 1.  16. 
 Romans 
 3.  15. 
 
 iniquity;  wasting  and  f 
 
 paths.  1  r  • 
 
 8  The  way  of  peace  they  know  not;  and  there  ts  _  ^  ^ 
 
 no  II  judgment  in  their  goings:  they  have  made  them  f  Heb. 
 crooked '’paths;  whosoever  goeth  therein  shall  not^^^”»- 
 
 know  peace.  •  ,  ,  , 
 
 9  f  Therefore  is  judgment  far  from  us,  neitlier  doth 
 
 justice  overtake  us:  we  wait  for  light,  but  behold 
 obscurity;  for  brightness,  but  we  walk  in  darkness. 
 
 10  We  grope  for  the  wall  like  the  blind,  and  we 
 rrrope  as  if  ^  had  no  eyes :  we  stumble  at  noon-day 
 as  in  the  night;  voe  are  in  desolate  places  as  dead  men. 
 
 11  We  roar  all  like  bears,  and  mourn  sore  like 
 
 doves:  we  look  for  judgment,  hxxi  there  is  for 
 
 salvation,  hut  it  is  far  off  from  us. 
 
 12  For  our  transgressions  are  multiplied  before  thee, 
 and  our  sins  testify  against  us:  for  our  transgressions 
 are  with  us;  and  as  for  our  iniquities,  we  know  them; 
 
 13  In  transgressing  and  lying  against  the  Lord, 
 and  departing  away  from  our  God,  speaking  oppres¬ 
 sion  and  revolt,  conceiving  and  uttering  from  the 
 heart  words  of  falsehood. 
 
 14  And  judgment  is  turned  away  backward,  and 
 justice  slandeth  afar  off:  for  truth  is  fallen  in  the 
 street,  and  equity  cannot  enter. 
 
 15  Yea,  truth  faileth:  and  he  that  departeth  from 
 evil  II  maketh  himself  a  prey:  and  the  Lord  saw  zV,  j| 
 
 and  t  it  displeased  him  that  there  was  no  judgment.  accowUed 
 
 16  H  And  he  saw  that  there  was  no  man,  and  won-™“^^^^ 
 dered  that  there  was  no  intercessor :  ^  therefore  his 
 arm  brought  salvation  unto  him;  and  his  righteous- f,i 
 
 ness,  it  sustained  him.  63"5^^* 
 
 17  s  For  he  put  on  righteousness  as  a  breastplate,  ^ 
 
 and  an  helmet  of  salvation  upon  his  head;  and  he  putg.  14^  n. 
 on  the  garments  of  vengeance  for  clothing,  and  was  1  Thes. 
 clad  with  zeal  as  a  cloak. 
 
 18  “  According  to  their  f  deeds,  accordingly  he  will  ^  chap, 
 repay,  fury  to  his  adversaries,  recompence  to  his  ene-C3.  6. 
 mies':  to  the  islands  he  will  repay  recompence. 
 
 19  So  shall  they  fear  the  name  of  the  Lord  from 
 the  west,  and  his  glory  from  the  rising  of  the  sun ; 
 when  the  enemy  shall  come  in  ‘ like  a  flood,  the  Spirits  Re^f. 
 of  the  Lord  shall  H  lilt  up  a  standard  against  him. 
 
 20  U  And  ^  the  Redeemer  shall  come  to  Zion,  a_nd"„(,J,„ 
 
 unto  them  that  turn  from  transgression  in  Jacob,  saitb  V/gA/. 
 
 .  T  Rom. 
 
 the  Lord.  li  26 
 
 21  As  forme,  this  zs  my  covenant  with  them,  saith 
 
 the  Lord;  My  Spirit  that  is  upon  thee,  and  my  words 
 which  I  have  put  in  thy  mouth,  shall  not  depart  out 
 
 their  sufferings,  they  acknowledge  all  the  charges  brought  against  them  by  God. 
 to  be  altogether  righteous  aud  true.  This  perhaps  respects  the^  repentance  of 
 the  Jews  in  the  latter  days,  when  they  shall  be  made  sensible  oi  their  guilt  in 
 rejecting  the  Messiah.  The  following  verses  seem  to  countenance  this  opinion. 
 
 Ver.  16 _ 21.  God  promises,  in  his  mercy  and  his  zeal,  to  rescue  his  people 
 
 from  their  miserable  condition  \vhich  they  bewailed.  He  intimates^  the  gieat- 
 ness  of  their  redemption  by  the  important  consequences  that  follow  it ;  behold¬ 
 ing  the  glorious  revelation  of  his  almighty  power,  abundant  mercy,  eternal  faith¬ 
 fulness,  and  inflexible  justice,  the  nations  from  the  east  to  the  west  would 
 worship  him.  At  the  period  alluded  to,  the  enemy  of  the  church,  it  would  ap¬ 
 pear,  shall  make  great  exertions  against  her;  but  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  shall  by 
 his  usual  means,  the  Scriptures,  raise  up  a  standard  against  him  the  Redeem¬ 
 er  shall  come  for  her  deliverance,  to  convert  the  Jewish  people,  with  the  fulness 
 of  the  Gentiles;  Jew  and  Gentile  shall  receive  the  Spirit,  aud  regard  the  word 
 1  of  God,  henceforth,  even  for  ever.  To  such  a  time  we  are  called  to  look  with 
 
 raise  them  superior  to  all  their  enemies,  and  finally  to  delight  in  conferring  on 
 them  the  highest  honour,  and  greatest  blessedness. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  LIX.  Ver.  1 — 8.  This  chapter  is 
 remarkable  for  the  beauty,  strength,  and  variety  of  its  images.  It  contains  a 
 more  general  reproof  than  the  former  chapter,  of  the  wickedness  of  the  Jews; 
 their  bloodshed,  violence,  falsehood  and  injustice.  The  continuance  of  their 
 afflictions  proceeded  not  from  want  of  mercy  or  power  in  God  to  deliver 
 them,  but  from  their  determined  perseverance  in  wickedness.  Ver.  9 — 15. 
 
 Here  they  are  introduced  making  an  ample  confession  of  their  sins,  and  deplor¬ 
 ing  their  wretched  condition.  Great  was  their  misery,  under  the  power  of  their 
 oppressors:  and  while  no  justice  could  be  obtained  from  man,  God  in  righteous 
 judgment  refused  to  vindicate  their  quarrel,  or  execute  his  vengeance  on  their 
 enemies.  They  sunk  into  the  deepest  despondency  under  the  pressure  of  their 
 calamities;  the  anguish  of  which  was  greatly  increased  by  the  consciousness 
 
 that  the  chief  cause  of  them  all  was  their  own  iniquities.  Lamenting  deeply  _ 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—’  Chap.  LVHI.]  The  nihiist^ of  God  require  intrepidity  and  firmness,  as  well  as  tenderness,  that  they  may  be  quali¬ 
 fied  to  reprove  and  rebuke  with  all  authority,  those  who  act  inconsistent  with  their  profession.  M  e  all  need  Divine  grace  to  assist  us  in  examining  ourselves  ; 
 seeing  men  may  go  so  far  in  appearance  in  true  religion,  with  an  unsound  heart.  Without  repentance,  and  works  meet  for  repentance,  knowledge ^puffeth  up,  faith 
 is  dead,  hope  presumption,  joy  carnal,  and  profession  of  true  religion  vile  hypocrisy.  Many,  who  are  very  demure,  and  seem  very  humble  in  God  s  house,  are 
 most  contentious  aud  tyrannical  in  their  own  families. 
 
The 
 
 glorious 
 
 access  of  the  Gentiles. 
 
 ISAIAH. 
 
 Before 
 Christ 
 698. 
 
 cir. 
 
 1  Or, 
 
 be  enlight 
 cned;  for 
 thi/  light 
 Cometh. 
 
 a  Revel. 
 21.  24s 
 1)  Chap. 
 49.  18. 
 
 of  thy  mouth,  uor  out  of  the  mouth  of  thy  seed,  nor 
 out  of  the  mouth  of  thy  seed’s  seed,  saitli  the  Lord, 
 from  henceforth  and  for  ever.* 
 
 CHAP.  LX. 
 
 1  The  glory  of  the  church  in  the  abundant  access  of  the  Gentiles,  15  and 
 the  great  blessings  after  a  short  affliction. 
 
 RISE,  II  shine;  for  ihy  light  is  come,  and  the 
 glory  ot  the  Lord  is  risen  upon  thee. 
 
 2  For,  behold,  the  darkness  shall  cover  the  earth, 
 and  gross  darkness  the  people  ;  but  the  Lord  shall 
 arise  upon  thee,  and  his  glory  shall  be  seen  upon  thee. 
 
 3  And  the  ®  Gentiles  shall  come  to  thy  light,  and 
 kings  to  the  brightness  of  thy  rising. 
 
 4*^  Lift  up  thine  eyes  round  about,  and  see;  all  they 
 gather  themselves  together,  they  come  to  thee:  thy 
 sons  shall  come  from  far,  and  thy  daughters  shall  be 
 nursed  at  thy  side. 
 
 5  Then  thou  shalt  see,  and  flow  together,  and  thine 
 H  Or,  heart  shall  fear,  and  be  enlarged;  because  the  ||  abun- 
 ’thTsef  ‘I>'^nce  of  the  sea  shall  be  converted  unto  thee,  the  || 
 shall  be  forces  of  the  Gentiles  shall  come  unto  thee. 
 turned  to-  6  The  multitude  of  camels  shall  cover  thee,  the 
 jroniedaries  of  Midian  and  Ephah;  all  they  from 
 Sheba  shall  come;  they  shall  bring  gold  and  incense, 
 and  they  shall  shew  forth  the  praises  of  the  Lord. 
 
 7  All  the  flocks  of  Kedar  shall  be  gathered  together 
 unto  thee,  the  rams  of  Nebaioth  shall  minister  unto 
 thee:  they  shall  come  up  with  acceptance  on  mine 
 altar,  and  I  will  glorify  the  house  of  my  glory. 
 
 8  Who  are  these  that  fly  as  a  cloud,  and  as  the 
 doves  to  their  windows 
 
 9  Surely  the  isles  shall  wait  for  me,  and  the  ships 
 of  Tarshish  first,  ^  to  bring  thy  sons  from  far,  their 
 silver  and  their  gold  with  them,  unto  the  name  of 
 the  Lord  thy  God,  and  to  the  Holy  One  of  Israel, 
 because  he  hath  glorified  thee. 
 
 10  And  the  sons  of  strangers  shall  build  up  thy 
 walls,  and  their  kings  shall  minister  unto  thee;  for  in 
 my  wrath  I  smote  thee,  but  in  my  favour  have  1  had 
 mercy  on  thee. 
 
 11  Therefore  thy  gates  ®  shall  be  open  continually; 
 they  shall  not  be  shut  day  nor  night;  that  men  may 
 
 Or, 
 wealth. 
 c  Chap. 
 61.  6. 
 
 d  Galat. 
 4.  26. 
 
 e  Revel. 
 21.  25. 
 
 confident  hope ;  let  us  wait  for  it  in  earne.st  e.xpectation  and  prayer,  compare 
 Rom.  xi.  26,  27. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  LX.  Ver.  1—6.  It  is,  says  the  very 
 learned  and  judicious  Lowman,  a  mark  of  right  understanding,  in  the  language 
 of  prophecy,  and  in  the  design  of  the  prophecy  too,  to  keep  to  what  appears  the 
 design  and  meaning  of  the  prophecy  in  general,  and  what  the  whole  of  it  laid  to¬ 
 gether,  points  out  to  us;  and  not  to  suffer  a  warm  imagination  to  mislead  us  from 
 the  real  intention  of  the  Spirit  of  prophecy,  by  following  uncertain  applications 
 of  part  of  it.  The  subject  of  this  chapter,  is  the  great  increase  and  flourishing 
 state  of  the  church  of  God,  by  the  conversion  and  accession  of  the  heathen  na¬ 
 tions  to  it ;  which  is  set  forth  in  such  ample  and  exalted  terms,  as  plainly  shew, 
 that  the  full  completion  of  this  prophecy  is  reserved  for  future  times,  for  the  same 
 period  with  the  latter  part  of  the  preceding  chapter.  This  subject  is  di.splayed 
 in  the  most  splendid  colours,  under  a  great  variety  of  images,  highly  poetical, 
 designed  to  give  a  general  idea  of  the  glories  of  that  perfect  state  of  the  church, 
 which  we  are  taught  to  expect  in  the  latter  times ;  when  the  fulness  of  the  Gen¬ 
 tiles  shall  come  in,  and  the  Jews  shall  be  converted  and  gathered  from  their  dis¬ 
 persions  and  the  kingdoms  of  this  world  shall  become  the  kingdoms  of  our  Lord 
 and  of  his  Christ.  In  the  prospect  of  this  glorious,  eventful  period,  the  people 
 of  God  are  e.xhorted  to  diligence  in  making  the  Gospel  universally  known,  the 
 Sun  of  righteousness  to  shine  on  all  nations.  For  though  ignorance  and  misery 
 covered  the  earth,  God  determined  to  abolish  them  utterly  by  the  universal  pre¬ 
 valence  of  Divine  knowledge  and  felicity.  With  the  most  cordial  affection  shall 
 
 The  great  blessings  after  short  afjlictiQ^^ 
 
 bring  mao  tbee  the  ||  forces  of  the  Gentiles,  and  that  Be  J 
 tlieir  kuigs  may  he  brought.  phril^ 
 
 12  For  the  nation  and  kingdom  that  will  not  serve 
 thee  shall  perish  :  yea,  those  nations  shall  be  utterlv 
 
 ^'Lui 
 
 13  The  glory  of  Lebanon  shall  come  unto  thee 
 the  fii-tree,  the  pine-tree,  and  the  box  together,  to 
 beautify  the  place  of  my  sanctuary;  and  1  will  make 
 the  place  of  my  feet  glorious. 
 
 14  The  sons  also  of  them  that  afflicted  thee  shall 
 come  bending  unto  thee;  and  all  they  that  despised 
 thee  shall  bow  themselves  down  at  the  soles  of  thvf  Rp^i 
 reet:  and  they  shall  call  thee.  The  city  of  the  Lord,  3.  9. 
 the  Zion  of  the  Holy  One  of  Israel. 
 
 15  ^  Whereas  thou  hast  been  forsaken  and  hated, 
 so  that  no  man  went  through  thee,  I  will  make  thee 
 an  eternal  excellency,  a  joy  of  many  generations. 
 
 16  Thou  shalt  also  suck  the  milk  of  the  Gentiles, 
 and  shalt  suck  the  breast  of  kings :  and  thou  shalt 
 know  that  1  the  Lord  am  thy  Saviour  and  thy  Re¬ 
 deemer,  the  mighty  One  of  Jacob. 
 
 17  for  brass  I  will  bring  gold,  and  for  iron  I  will 
 bring  silver,  and  for  wood  brass,  and  for  stones  iron ; 
 
 I  vvdl  also  make  thy  officers  peace,  and  thine  exactors 
 righteousness. 
 
 18  Violence  shall  no  more  be  heard  in  thy  land, 
 wasting  nor  destruction  W'ithin  thy  borders:  but  thou 
 shalt  call  thy  walls  Salvation,  and  thy  gates  Praise. 
 
 19  ®  The  sun  shall  be  no  more  thy  light  by  day;g  Revel, 
 neither  for  brightness  shall  the  moon  give  light  unto  21.  23.  & 
 thee:  but  the  Lord  shall  be  unto  thee  an  everlasting^^’ 
 light,  and  thy  God  thy  glory. 
 
 20  Fhy  sun  shall  no  more  go  down  ;  neither  shall 
 thy  moon  withdraw  itself :  for  the  Lord  shall  be  thine 
 everlasting  light,  and  the  days  of  thy  mourniim  shall 
 be  ended. 
 
 21  Thy  people  also  shall  he  all  righteous:  they  shall 
 inherit  the  land  for  ever,  the  branch  of  my  planting, 
 the  w’ork  of  my  hands,  that  I  may  be  glorified. 
 
 22  A  little  one  shall  become  a  thousand,  and  a  small 
 one  a  strong  nation :  1  the  Lord  will  hasten  it  in  his 
 time.f 
 
 innumerable  muhitude.s,  in  every  part  of  the  world,  embrace  each  other,  and  join 
 the  church,  to  devote  themselves  and  their  all,  with  disinterested  zeal,  to  the  ser¬ 
 vice  and  glory  of  God  through  Christ  Jesus.  Ver.  7.  The  rams  of  Nebaioth  shall 
 rninister  to  thee. — Vitringa  understands  their  ministering,  and  ascending,  or  go- 
 ing  up,  on  the  altar,  as  offering  themselves  voluntarily.  It  was  a  general  notion 
 that  prevailed  with  sacrificers  among  the  heathen,  that  the  victims  being  brought 
 without  reluctance  to  the  altar  was  a  good  omen;  and  the  contrary  a  bad  one. 
 It  is  certain  that  God’s  service  requires  the  heart;  without  this,  the  most  splen¬ 
 did  profession  is  unavailable  in  his  sight.  Ver.  8.  As  a  cloud  before  the  wind, 
 and  as  doves  flying  for  protection  from  the  storm,  so  unanimously,  openly,  and 
 eagerly  shall  the  Gentiles  hasten  into  the  church,  while  the  faithful  with  delight 
 and  wonder,  welcome  them  to  their  rest.  Ver.  1.3.  Place  of  my  feet  glorious. 
 The  temple  of  Jerusalem  was  called  the  house  of  God,  and  the  place  of  his  rest 
 or  residence :  the  visible  symbolical  appearance  of  God,  called  by  the  Jews  the 
 Shechinah,  was  in  the  most  Holy  Place,  between  the  wings  of  the  cherubims 
 above  the  ark.  This  temple  was  typical  of  the  church  in  which  God  delights  to 
 dwell,  and  where  he  makes  all  the  glories  of  his  grace  and  mercy  known.  Ver. 
 15 — 22.  Eternal  is  the  stability  and  excellency  of  the  church,  justice  and  integ¬ 
 rity  shidl  distinguish  her  rulers ;  peace,  prosperity,  and  holiness,  shall  be  the 
 portion  of  her  subjects,  who  shall  continue  to  increase  abundantly  in  number 
 and  in  power.  Great  as  the  blessedness  is,  which  God  hath  promised  to  the 
 church,  the  full  enjoyment  of  it  is  certain;  Jehovah  will  not  delay  a  moment  to 
 accomplish  it  at  the  time  appointed,  Luke  xviii.  7;  8. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  LIX.]  When  our  troubles  continue,  notwithstanding  our  prayers  for  deliverance,  and  expectations  of  it,  vre 
 should  seriously  examine  into  the  cause.  The  Lord  is  able  and  ready  to  save;  but  iniquities  unrepented  will  separate  between  us  and  our  God,  and  nothing  but 
 true  repentance,  and  faith  in  Christ,  can  remove  separation,  and  make  way  for  returning  peace.  Alas,  what  crimes  have  in  every  age  filled  and  defiled  the  earth. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — f  Chap.  LX.]  The  whole  earth  w'ould  have  remained  covered  with  ignorance,  error,  wickedness,  and  misery,  if  the 
 •^oa  of  God  had  not  come  a  light  into  the  world.  Let  us  remember  that  the  mercy  of  Divine  revelation  and  illumination,  is  vouchsafed  us,  in  order,  that 
 
Before 
 Christ 
 cir.  698- 
 
 The  Rf  Christ. 
 
 CHAP.  LXI. 
 
 1  The  office  of  Christ.  4  The  restoration ;  7  and  blessings  of  the  faith¬ 
 ful.  10  Their  joy  for  their  deliverance. 
 
 ^HE  “  Spirit  of  the  Lord  God  is  upon  me;  be¬ 
 cause  the  Lord  hath  anointed  me  to  preach 
 good  tidings  unto  the  meek;  he  hath  sent  me 
 to  bind  up  the  broken-hearted,  to  proclaim  liberty  to 
 the  captives,  and  the  opening  of  the  prison  to  them 
 that  are  bound ; 
 
 2  To  proclaim  the  acceptable  year  of  the  Lord, 
 and  the  day  of  vengeance  of  our  God:  to  comfort  all 
 that  mourn ; 
 
 3  To  appoint  unto  them  that  mourn  in  Zion,  to 
 give  unto  them  beauty  for  ashes,  the  oil  of  joy  for 
 mourning,  the  garment  of  praise  for  the  spirit  ot  heavi¬ 
 ness:  that  they  might  be  called  Trees  of  righteousness, 
 The  planting  of  the  Lord,  that  he  might  be  glorified. 
 
 4  H  And  they  shall build  the  old  wastes,  they  shall 
 raise  up  the  former  desolations,  and  they  shall  repair 
 the  waste  cities,  the  desolations  of  many  generations. 
 
 5  And  strangers  shall  stand  and  feed  your  flocks, 
 and  the  sons  of  the  alien  shall  he  your  ploughmen, 
 and  your  vine-dressers. 
 
 6  But  ye  shall  be  named  the  Priests  of  the  Lord: 
 men  shall  call  you  the  Ministers  of  our  God:  “^ye  shall 
 eat  the  riches  of  the  Gentiles,  and  in  their  glory  shall 
 ye  boast  yourselves. 
 
 7  For  your  shame  ye  shall  have  double :  and  for 
 confusion  they  shall  rejoice  in  their  portion:  there¬ 
 fore  in  their  land  they  shall  possess  the  double:  ever¬ 
 lasting  joy  shall  be  unto  them. 
 
 8  For  I  the  Lord  love  judgment,  I  hate  robbery 
 
 ISAIAH. 
 
 The  office  of  ministers. 
 
 b  Chap 
 58.  12. 
 
 c  Chap. 
 60.  5. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  LXI.  Ver.  1,  2.  The  proclamation 
 of  good  tidings,  and  the  acceptable  year  of  the  Lord,  is  a  manifest  allusion  to  the 
 proclaiming  of  the  year  of  jubilee  by  the  sound  of  trumpet;  see  Lev.  xxv.  9,  &c. 
 This  was  a  year  of  general  release,  of  debts  and  obligations ;  of  bond  men 
 and  women ;  of  lands  and  possessions  :  which  had  been  sold  from  the  families 
 and  tribes,  to  which  they  belonged.  Our  Saviour,  by  applying  this  text  to 
 himself,  Luke  iv.  18,  19.  a  text  so  manifestly  relating  to  the  above-mentioned 
 institution,  plainly  declares  the  typical  design  of  that  institution.  Ver.  3.  Beauty 
 for  ashes,  or  a  beautiful  crown  instead  of  ashes.  In  times  of  mourning,  the  Jews 
 put  on  sackcloth,  or  coarse  and  sordid  raiment;  and  spread  dust  and  ashes  on 
 their  heads ;  on  the  contrary,  splendid  clothing,  and  ointment  poured  on  the 
 heads,  were  the  signs  of  joy,  2  Sam.  xiv.  2.  They  who  hear  with  approbation 
 the  glad  tidings  concerning  Messiah,  the  anointed  of  God,  to  redeem  sinners, 
 obtain  the  forgiveness  of  all  their  sins,  and  rejoice  in  hope  of  the  glory  of  God. 
 They  shall  be  called  trees,  or  oaks,  (f  righteousness,  or  truth :  their  flourishing  con¬ 
 dition  should  shew  that  they  were  the  cion  of  God’s  planting;  (chap.  ix.  21.) 
 commendable  for  the  strength  of  their  faith,  their  durability  and  firmness. 
 Ver.  4 — 9.  Compare  Acts  xv.  14 — 19.  The  church  is  built  up  when  back¬ 
 sliders  are  restored,  and  converted  sinners  added  to  her  society.  The  Gentiles 
 were  not  only  to  enter  into  her  fellowship,  but  to  become  also  her  most  dili¬ 
 gent  and  useful  ministers.  All  her  members  are  priests  to  God  and  to  the 
 Lamb  ;  and  many  shall  acknowledge  their  devotedness  to  the  service  of  God, 
 and  bless  them  on  their  behalf,  for  his  grace  enabling  them  to  confess  his  name 
 in  the  world.  According  to  the  seasons  of  sorrow  experienced  by  the  church 
 in  past  ages,  so  shall  be  her  happiness  in  the  latter  days ;  for  the  wicked  and 
 the  hypocritical,  who  have  been  the  chief  instruments  of  her  misery  shall  be 
 punished;  but  her  children  shall  be  acknowledged  the  objects  of  Jehovah’s  pe- 
 
 Before 
 Christ 
 cir.  698. 
 
 for  burnt-offering;  and  I  will  direct  their  work  in  truth; 
 and  I  will  make  an  everlasting  covenant  with  them. 
 
 9  And  their  seed  shall  be  known  among  the  Gen¬ 
 tiles,  and  their  offspring  among  the  people:  all  that 
 see  them  shall  acknowledge  them,  that  they  are  the 
 seed  which  the  Lord  hath  blessed. 
 
 10  I  will  greatly  rejoice  in  the  Lord,  my  soul  shall 
 be  jovful  in  my  God;  for  he  hath  clothed  me  with  the 
 garments  of  salvation,  he  hath  covered  me  with  the 
 robe  of  righteousness,  as  a  bridegroom  fdecketh 
 
 self  with  ornaments,  and  as  a  bride  adorneth  herself  a  priest. 
 with  her  jewels. 
 
 11  For  as  the  earth  bringeth  forth  her  bud,  and  as 
 the  garden  causeth  the  things  that  are  sown  in  it  to 
 spring  forth;  so  the  Lord  God  will  cause  righteous¬ 
 ness  and  praise  to  spring  forth  before  all  the  nations.* 
 
 CHAP.  LXII. 
 
 1  The  prophet’ s  fervent  desire  to  confrm  the  church  in  God  s  promises. 
 
 5  The  office  of  ministers. 
 
 OR  Zion’s  sake  will  I  not  hold  my  peace,  and 
 for  Jerusalem’s  sake  I  will  not  rest,  until  the 
 righteousness  thereof  go  forth  as  brightness, 
 and  the  salvation  thereof  as  a  lamp  that  burneth. 
 
 2  And  the  Gentiles  shall  see  thy  righteousness,  and 
 all  kings  thy  glory:  and  thou  shalt  be  called  by  a  new 
 name,  which  the  mouth  of  the  Lord  shall  name.  ^  Hosea 
 
 3  Thou  shalt  also  be  a  crown  of  glory  in  the  hand  of  x.  lo. 
 the  Lord,  and  a  royal  diadem  in  the  hand  of  thy  God.  l  Peter 
 
 4  “  Thou  shalt  no  more  be  termed  Forsaken; 
 their  shall  thy  land  anymore  be  termed  Desolate: 
 
 but  thou  shalt  be  called  U  Hephzi-bah,  and  thy  land  is  in  her. 
 
 culiar  regard,  on  whom  he  visibly  confers  his  special  favours.  \'er.  10.  Bs  the 
 bridegroom  decketh  himsef  with  ornaments,  or  with  a  priestly  crown.  ^  This  is  an 
 allusion  to  the  magnificent  dress  of  the  high  priest,  when  performing  his  func¬ 
 tions  ;  and  particularly,  to  the  mitre  and  crown,  or  plate  of  gold,  on  the  front 
 of  it,  Exod.  xxix.  6.  The  bonnet  or  mitre  of  the  priests  also  was  made,  as 
 Moses  expresses  it,  “  for  glory  and  beauty,”  Exod.  xxviii.  40.  The  church 
 is  destined  to  complete  conformity  to  her  great  High  Priest,  who  has  passed 
 through  the  heavens ;  and  therefore,  it  is  certainly  her  wisdom  to  glory  in  him, 
 who  shall  present  her  to  himself  as  his  bride,  “  a  glorious  church,  not  haWng 
 spot  or  wrinkle,  or  any  such  thing;”  but  she  shall  be  holy  and  without  blemish. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  LXII.  Ver.  1—4.  The  prophet 
 evidently,  as  a  type  of  Messiah,  expresses  his  determination  to  perforin  the  du¬ 
 ties  of  his  office  unceasingly,  for  the  benefit  of  the  church,  till  the  justice  of  her 
 cause  break  forth  as  a  strong  light,  and  her  salvation  as  a  blazing  torch.  Nor 
 shall  his  labours  be  in  vain:  the  nations  shall  gladly  join  issue  in  her  cause,  and 
 rejoice  in  her  exaltation;  and  she  shall  be  called  by  a  new  name,  which  the 
 mouth  of  Jehovah  shall  name;  that  is,  distinguished  plainly  as  his  property,  and 
 the  object  of  his  incessant  care  and  protection.  As  a  beautiful  crown  shall  she 
 be  in  the  hand  of  Jehovah,  and  as  a  royal  diadem  in  the  grasp  of  her  God; 
 never  shall  he  forsake  her,  nor  shall  she  become  any  more  contemned  in  the 
 eyes  of  those  who  hate  her ;  but  shall  be  called  the  object  of  his  delight ;  and 
 her  land  the  wedded  matron.  Jehovah-Jesus  shall  delight  in  her;  to  him  shall 
 she  be  married;  with  joy  shall  he  receive  her  as  a  chaste  virgin  to  himself;  as 
 a  young  man  weddeth  a  virgin,  and  as  the  bridegroom  rejoiceth  over  his  bride. 
 Ver.  5.  Alludes  to  the  custom  in  the  east,  for  youths  that  were  not  married 
 always  to  marry  virgins;  and  widowers,  however  young,  to  marry  widows. 
 
 we  may  arise  from  the  dust,  and  debasement  of  our  carnal  pursuits,  and  let  our  light  shine  before  men,  in  our  holy  profession  and  conversation ;  that  we  may 
 leflect  the  bright  beams,  with  which  the  Lord  hath  risen  upon  us,  that  his  glory  may  be  seen  upon  us,  and  that  men  may  see  our  good  works,  and  glorify  his 
 name.  Happy  will  it  be  for  themselves,  and  multitudes,  when  all  ranks  shall  walk  in  the  light  of  heaven,  and  shall  consider  the  conveyance  of  the  light  of  God’s 
 word  to  the  rnost  distant  lands,  and  newly  discovered  islands,  as  a  primary  object  of  their  attention.  Blessed  be  his  name,  the  gates  of  Zion  are  ever  open  to 
 receive  returning  sinners,  who  come  with  the  desire  of  their  hearts  to  be  enrolled  as  her  citizens;  and  the  prayer  of  humble  faith  to  Zion’s  God  and  King,  can 
 never  be  unseasonable,  night  or  day;  and  every  true  convert  is  an  accession  to  the  strength,  beauty,  and  honour  of  our  holy  city,  at  which  angels  in  heaven  re- 
 joice.  The  believer  is  often,  fora  long  time,  afflicted,  hated,  and  apparently  deserted;  yet  the  Lord  will  at  length  make  him  eternally  excellent,  and  happy; 
 thus  ne  also  deal  with  his  church  as  a  collective  body.  Let  the  hope  of  the  triumph  of  our  King,  and  the  universal  glory  of  his  kingdom,  cheer  us  under  our 
 pr^Mt  diffiralties,  and  animate  us  to  diligence,  that  we  may  have  an  abundant  entrance  into  the  heavenly  Jerusalem,  and  be  admitted  as  citizens  ! 
 
 l^liALilLAL  OBSERVATIONS. —  »  Chap.  LXI.]  Neither  the  mercy  of  God,  the  atonement  of  Christ,  nor  the  Gospel  of  plenteous  grace,  can  profit 
 ose  who  continue  proud,  self-sufficient,  and  stout  hearted.  Let  none  delay  submitting  to  Christ;  for  the  limited  time  of  the  Lord’s  mercy  may  soon  expire, 
 as  o  them  ;  let  none  despond,  who  mourn  before  God  in  deep  debasement ;  for  the  gracious  Saviour  will  surely  comfort  them  in  due  time,  and  render  them  both 
 joy  u  and  holy.  Let  us  first  seek  the  blessings  of  salvation,  and  rejoice  in  them,  and  aim  to  walk  worthy  of  them  :  and  let  us  gladly  anticipate  the  time,  when 
 righteousness  and  praise  shall  spring  forth  before  all  the  nations  of  the  earth. 
 
 8  N 
 
 22 
 
The  Church  professeth  her  faith. 
 
 Before 
 Christ 
 cir.  698. 
 
 ISAIAH. 
 
 II  Beulah:  for  the  Lord  delighteth  in  thee,  and  thy 
 land  shall  be  married. 
 
 TV,  ■  I  ^  ^  marrieth  a  virgin,  so  shall 
 
 V  niarry  thee:  and  fas  the  bridegroom  rejoic- 
 eth  over  the  bride,  so  shall  thy  God  rejoice  over  thee. 
 
 6^1  have  set  watchmen  upon  thy  walls,  O  Jeru- 
 salenij  ^whicJi  shall  never  hold  their  peace,  day  nor 
 
 night .  II  ye  that  make  mention  of  the  Lord,  keep  not 
 silence. 
 
 7  And  give  him  no  f  rest,  till  he  establish,  and  till 
 he  make  Jerusalem  a  praise  in  the  earth. 
 
 8  The  Lord  hath  sworn  by  his  right  hand,  and 
 by  the  arm  of  his  strength,  f  Sui’ely  I  will  no  more 
 give  thy  corn  to  be  meat  for  thine  enemies;  and  the 
 sons  of  the  stranger  shall  not  drink  thy  wine,  for  the 
 which  thou  hast  laboured : 
 
 9  But  they  that  have  gathered  it  shall  eat  it,  and 
 praise  the  Lord;  and  they  that  have  brought  it  to¬ 
 gether  shall  drink  it  in  the  courts  of  my  holiness. 
 
 10  %  Go  through,  go  through  the  gates;  ‘’prepare 
 ye  the  way  of  the  people;  cast  up,  cast  up  the  highway; 
 gathei  out  the  stones;  lift  up  a  standard  for  the  people, 
 
 1 1  Behold,  the  Lord  hath  proclaimed  unto  the 
 end  of  the  world,  Say  ye  to  the  daughter  of  Zion, 
 Behold,  diy  salvation  cometh ;  behold,  his  ^  reward 
 is  with  him,  and  his  |1  work  before  him. 
 
 12  And  they  shall  call  them,  'I’he  holy  people,  The 
 redeemed  of  the  Lord;  and  thou  shalt  be  called. 
 Sought  out,  A  city  not  forsaken.* 
 
 CHAP.  LXIII. 
 
 1  Christ  sheweth  who  he  is;  2  his  victory  over  his  enemies;  7  and  his 
 mercy  towards  his  church. 
 
 WHO  is  this  that  cometh  from  Edom,  with  dyed 
 garments  from  Bozrah?  this  that  is  f  glorious 
 in  his  apparel,  travelling  in  the  greatness  of  his 
 strength?  I  that  speak  in  righteousness,  mighty  to  save 
 2  Wherefore  ®  art  thou  red  in  thine  apparel,  and 
 thy  garments  like  him  that  treadeth  in  the  wine-fat  ? 
 
 •  3  I  have  trodden  the  wine-press  alone,  and  of  the 
 people  there  •tzas  none  with  me :  for  I  will  tread  them 
 in  mine  anger,  and  trample  them  in  my  fury;  and 
 their  blood  shall  be  sprinkled  upon  my  garments,  and 
 I  will  stain  all  my  raiment. 
 
 4  For  the  *’  day  of  vengeance  is  in  mine  heart,  and 
 the  year  of  my  redeemed  is  come. 
 
 5  And  I  looked,  and  there  teas  none  to  help;  and 
 I  wondered  that  there  'was  none  to  uphold:  therefore 
 
 Married. 
 t  Heb. 
 with  the 
 joy  of  the 
 bride¬ 
 groom. 
 
 a  O)-, 
 
 ye  that 
 are  the 
 
 lord's 
 
 retnem- 
 brancers. 
 t  Heb. 
 silence. 
 t  Heb. 
 if  I  give, 
 •iic- 
 
 b  Chap. 
 40.  3.  & 
 57.  14. 
 c  Zech. 
 9.  9. 
 Matth. 
 21.  5. 
 John 
 12.  15. 
 cl  Chap. 
 40.  10. 
 
 II  Or, 
 recom- 
 pence. 
 
 Jeut. 
 
 7,8. 
 
 ‘  e  Exod. 
 
 t  Heb, 
 decked. 
 
 a  Revel. 
 19.  13. 
 
 b  Chap 
 34.  8. 
 
 Ver.  6.  The  faithful,  and  in  particular  the  priests  and  Levites,  are  exhorted  by 
 the  prophet  to  follow  his  example,  to  beseech  God  with  unremitted  importunity 
 to  hasten  the  redemption  of  Zion.  And  the  followers  of  Messiah  are  to  imitate 
 him,  in  seeking,  constantly  and  zealously,  that  his  dominion  may  extend  over 
 all  the  earth.  The  image  in  this  place  is  taken  from  the  temple  service;  in  which 
 there  was  appointed  a  constant  watch,  day  and  night,  by  the  Levites ;  and  among 
 them  this  seems  to  have  belonged  particularly  to  the  singers :  1  Chron.  ix.  33, 
 Ver.  8,  9,  The  church,  blessed  by  God,  shall  enjoy  abundance,  and  cheerfully 
 serve  him.  Compare  Lev.  xi^s.  23—25.  Deut.  xii.  17,  18.  Ver.  10.  Compare 
 chap.  xl.  3.  Ver.  11.  Compare  chap.  xl.  10. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  LXIII.  Ver.  1—6.  There  is  no  event 
 in  history  to  which  this  passage  from  its  importance  and  circumstances  can  be 
 applied;  unless  perhaps  to  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem  and  the  Jewish  policy: 
 which  in  the  Gospel,  is  called  the  coming  of  Chi-ist,  and  the  days  of  vengeance: 
 Matt,  xvi,  28.  Luke  xxi.  22.  But  though  this  prophecy  must  have  its  accom- 
 jllishment,  there  is  no  necessity  of  supposing  that  it  has  been  already  accom¬ 
 plished.  There  are  prophecie.s,  which  intimate  a  great  slaughter  of  the  ene¬ 
 mies  of  God  and  his  people,  that  remain  to  be  fulfilled ;  these  in  Ezekiel,  chap, 
 xxxviii.  and  in  the  revelation  of  John,  (chap,  xx.)  are  called  Gog  and  Magog. 
 
 Chrises  mercy  towards  his  Church 
 
 mine  own  'arm  brought  salvation  unto  me:  and  mv  R.t 
 fury.  It  upheld  me.  ^ 
 
 6  And  I  will  tread  down  the  people  in  mine  ancrer  Sb 
 
 and  make  them  drunk  in  my  fury,  and  I  will  bnneo'T^ 
 down  their  strength  to  the  earth.  “59  jgl’- 
 
 7  II  I  will  mention  the  loving-kindnesses  of  the 
 Lord,  and  the  praises  of  the  Lord,  accordimr  to  all 
 that  the  Lord  hath  bestowed  on  us,  and  the  great 
 goodness  toward  the  house  of  Israel,  which  he  hath 
 bestowed  on  them,  according  to  his  mercies,  and 
 according  to  the  multitude  of  his  loving-kindnesses. 
 
 8  For  he  said,  Surely  they  are  my  people,  children 
 that  will  not  lie:  so  he  was  their  Saviour. 
 
 9  H  In  all  their  afflictions  he  was  afflicted,  and  the 
 angel  of  his  presence  saved  them:  “  in  his  love  anda  D 
 in  his  pity  he  redeemed  them;  and  he  bare  them,  and  7. 
 carried  them  all  the  days  of  old. 
 
 10  But  they  '  rebelled,  and  vexed  his  Holy  Spirit: 
 
 therefore  he  was  turned  to  be  their  enemy,  and  he  15.  24 
 fought  against  them.  Niimb. 
 
 11  Then  he  remembered  the  days  of  old,  Moses  *1- 
 and  his  people,  sayi/ig,  Where  is  he  that  ^  brought 
 them  up  out  of  the  sea  with  the  |1  shepherd  of  his  95!  9.’^ 
 flock  ?  where  is  he  that  put  his  Holy  Spirit  within  him?  ^ 
 
 12  That  led  them  by  the  right  hand  of  Moses  with 
 
 his  glorious  arm,  e  dividing  the  water  before  them,  to  LphU, 
 make  himself  an  everlasting  name  i  as  Psalm 
 
 13  That  led  them  through  the  deep,  as  an  horse  in 
 
 the  wilderness,  that  they  should  not  stumble  ?  f4  2^*^ 
 
 14  As  a  beast  goeth  down  into  the  valley,  the  Spirit  Joshua 
 of  the  Lord  caused  him  to  rest:  so  didst  thou  lead^- 
 thy  people,  to  make  thyself  a  glorious  name. 
 
 15  f  •’Look  down  from  heaven,  and  behold  fromh  Deut. 
 the  habitation  of  thy  holiness  and  of  thy  glory:  where  26.  15. 
 is  thy  zeal  and  thy  strength,  ||  the  sounding  of  thy  ||  Or,  tk 
 bowels  and  of  thy  mercies  toward  me  ?  are  they  re-  multitude. 
 strained  ? 
 
 16  Doubtless  thou  art  our  Father,  though  Abraham 
 be  ignorant  of  us,  and  Israel  acknowledge  us  not: 
 thou,  O  Lord,  art  our  Father,  ||  our  Redeemer;  thy 
 name  /s  from  everlasting. 
 
 17^0  Lord,  why  hast  thou  made  us  to  err  from  thy  from  ever- 
 ways,  and  hardened  our  heart  from  thy  fear  ?  Return  Ousting  is 
 for  thy  servants’  sake,  the  tribes  of  thine  inheritance. 
 
 18  The  people  of  thy  holiness  have  possessed  it  but 
 a  little  while;  our  adversaries  have  trodden  down  thy 
 sanctuary. 
 
 This  prophecy  of  Isaiah  may  possibly  refer  to  the  same  event.  We  need  not 
 be  at  a  loss  to  determine  the  person  ^vho  is  here  introduced,  as  stained  with 
 treading  the  wine-press,  if  vve  consider  how  John  has  applied  this  image,  Rev. 
 xix.  13,  15,  16.  Compare  chap,  xxxiv.  Ver.  7 — 14.  The  remaining  part  of  this 
 chapter,  with  the  whole  chapter  following,  contains  a  penitential  confession  and 
 supplication  of  the  Israelites  in  their  present  state  of  dispersion,  in  which  they 
 have  so  long  rnarvellously  subsisted,  and  still  continue  to  subsist,  as  a  people, 
 cast  out  of  their  country;  without  any  proper  form  of  civil  policy,  or  religious 
 worship ;  their  temple  destroyed,  their  city  desolated,  and  lost  to  them ;  and 
 their  whole  nation  scattered  over  the  face  of  the  earth;  apparently  deserted  and 
 cast  off  by  the  God  of  their  fathers,  as  no  longer  his  peculiar  people.  0  that 
 they  may  speedily,  with  understanding  and  feeling,  adopt  as  their  own,  this 
 passage  of  sacred  writ !  They  begin  with  acknowledging  God’s  great  mercies 
 and  favoiu-s  to  their  nation ;  and  the  ungrateful  returns  made  to  him  on  their 
 part:  that  by  their  disobedience  they  had  forfeited  the  protection  of  God, 
 and  had  caused  him  to  become  their  enemy.  And  now  the  prophet  represents 
 them,  induced  by  the  memory  of  the  great  things  that  God  had  done  for  them, 
 as  addressing  their  humble  supplication  for  the  renewal  of  his  mercies :  they 
 beseech  him  to  regard  them  in  consideration  of  his  former  loving-kindness ; 
 
 XX  , 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. —  *  Chap.  LXII.]  Whilst  we  are  encouraged  by  firmly  believing  the  unchangeable  love,  and  care,  and  uninterruptec 
 intercession  ot  Christ  for  his  church ;  let  us  endeavour  in  our  several  stations  to  imitate  his  example.  The  interests  of  true  religion  should  be  near  our  hearts 
 and  we  should  be  willing  to  spend,  and  be  spent,  in  promoting  them,  without  seeking  our  own  credit  or  emolument;  and  be  encouraged  to  expect  the  Divin< 
 blessing  here,  and  rest  in  heaven. 
 
Before 
 Christ 
 cir.  698. 
 
 P 
 
 o 
 
 ji  ‘pTCiysT  of  the  chiiTcJi. 
 
 19  We  are  thme;  thou  never  bearest  rule  ovei 
 them;  II  they  were  not  called  by  thy  name.* 
 
 Or  thy  name  was  not  called  upon  them. 
 
 ’  CHAP.  LXIV. 
 
 1  The  church  praycth  for  the  illustration  of  God  s  jwwer :  9  a7id  com- 
 plaineth  of  eviction.  t  i  i  i  i 
 
 that  thou  wouldest  rend  the  heavens,  that  thou 
 wouldest  come  down,  that  the  mountains  might 
 flow  down  at  thy  presence; 
 j.  Heb.  2  As  when  f  the  melting  fire  burneth,  the  fire  caus- 
 thefire  of  the  waters  to  boil ;  to  make  thy  name  known  to 
 meltings.  adversaries,  that  the  nations  may  tremble  at 
 
 thy  presence ! 
 
 3  When  thou  didst  terrible  things  which  we  looked 
 not  for,  thou  earnest  down,  the  mountains  flowed  down 
 at  thy  presence. 
 
 4  %  For  since  the  beginning  of  the  world  ®  men  have 
 not  heard,  nor  perceived  by  the  ear,  neither  hath  the 
 eye  |1  seen,  O  God,  besides  thee,  what  he  hath  pre¬ 
 pared  for  him  that  waiteth  for  him. 
 
 5  Thou  meetest  him  that  rejoiceth  and  worketh 
 fcMdes</ieej.;c,}jt.gousne3s:  those  that  remember  thee  in  thy  ways: 
 
 behold,  thou  art  wroth;  for  we  have  sinned;  in  those 
 
 ISAIAH. 
 
 The  Gentiles  called^  cfc. 
 
 a  Psalm 
 
 31.  19. 
 
 I  Cor. 
 
 2.  9. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 $een  Or  tiod 
 
 him,  ^c. 
 
 b  Psalm 
 90.  5,  6, 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 melted. 
 
 c  Psalm 
 79,  8, 
 
 Christ 
 cir.  698. 
 
 I 
 
 is  continuance,  and  we  shall  be  saved. 
 
 6  But  we  are  all  as  an  unclean  thingf  and  all  oiir 
 righteousnesses  are  as  filthy  rags;  and  we  all  do  ^  fade 
 as  a  leaf ;  and  our  iniquities,  like  the  wind,  have  tak¬ 
 en  us  away. 
 
 7  And  there  is  none  that  calleth  upon  thy  name, 
 that  stirreth  up  himself  to  take  hold  of  thee:  for  thou 
 hast  hid  thy  face  from  us,  and  hast  f  consumed  us, 
 because  of  our  iniquities. 
 
 8  But  now,  O  Lord,  thou  art  our  Father:  we  are 
 the  clay,  and  thou  our  potter  j  and  we  all  are  the 
 work  of  thy  hand. 
 
 9  f  Be  not  ®  wroth  very  sore,  O  Lord,  neither  re¬ 
 member  iniquity  for  ever:  behold,  see,  we  beseech 
 thee,  we  are  all  thy  people 
 
 10  Thy  holy  cities  are  a  wilderness,  Zion  is  a  wil-  before 
 derness,  Jerusalem  a  desolation. 
 
 1 1  Our  holy  and  our  beautiful  house,  where  our 
 fathers  praised  thee,  is  burnt  up  with  fire :  and  all 
 our  pleasant  things  are  laid  waste. 
 
 12  Wilt  thou  refrain  thyself  for  these  things^  OLord? 
 wilt  thou  hold  thy  peace,  and  afflict  us  very  sore  j’t 
 
 CHAP.  LXV. 
 
 1  The  Gentiles  called.  2  The  Jews  rejected.  19  The  blessed  state  ^ 
 
 the  new  Jerusalem.  ,  ^  r  t  r> 
 
 *  am  sought  of  them  that  asked  not  for  me;  1  am  a  Rum.  9. 
 found  of  them  that  sought  me  not :  I  said.  Behold 
 me,  behold  me,  unto  a  nation  that  was  not  called  Ephes. 
 
 by  my  name.  ,  ,  , 
 
 2  I  have  spread  out  my  hands  all  the  day  unto  a 
 rebellious  people,  which  walketh  in  a  way  that  was 
 not  good,  after  their  own  thoughts; 
 
 3  A  people  that  provoketh  me  to  anger  continually 
 
 to  my  face,  that  sacrificeth  in  gardens,  and  burneth 
 incense  f  upon  altars  of  brick  ;  ,  ,  ,  • 
 
 4  Which  remain  among  the  graves,  and  lodge  in 
 the  monuments;  which  eat  swine’s  flesh,  and  ||  broth  p 
 
 of  abominable  things  is  in  their  vessels ;  pieces. 
 
 5  Which  say,  Stand  by  thyself,  come  not  near  to 
 me  ;  for  I  am  holier  than  thou.  These  are  a  smoke 
 in  my  H  nose,  a  fire  that  burneth  all  the  day. 
 
 6  Behold,  it  is  written  before  me ;  I  will  not  keep 
 silence,  but  will  recompense,  even  recompense  into 
 their  bosom. 
 
 7  Your  iniquities,  and  the  iniquities  of  your  fathers 
 together,  saith  the  Lord,  which  have  burnt  incense 
 upon  the  mountains,  and  blasphemed  me  upon  the 
 hills :  therefore  will  I  measure  their  former  work  into 
 their  bosom. 
 
 8  H  Thus  saith  the  Lord,  As  the  new  wine  is  found 
 in  the  cluster,  and  one  saith.  Destroy  it  not;  for  a  bless¬ 
 ing  is  in  it :  so  will  I  do  for  my  servants’  sakes,  that  I 
 mav  not  destroy  them  all. 
 
 they  acknowledge  him  for  their  Father  and  Creator;  they  confess  their  wicked¬ 
 ness  and  hardness  of  heart ;  they  entreat  his  forgiveness;  and  deplore  their  pre¬ 
 sent  miserable  condition,  under  which  they  have  so  long  suffered. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  LXIV.  Ver.  1—3.  This  is  a  contin¬ 
 uation  of  the  subject  of  the  latter  part  of  the  preceding  chapter.  The  Israelites 
 pray  that  God  would  manifest  his  power  on  their  behalf,  as  he  had  done  in  the 
 days  of  their  fathers,  that  the  nations  might  again  tremble  before  the  presence  of 
 the  Lord  of  hosts.  Ver.  4.  Paul  is  considered  applying  this  verse  to  the  gos¬ 
 pel  revelation,  (ICor.  ii.  9.)  the  knowledge  of  which  was  given  the  apostles,  and 
 through  them  to  all  who  were  taught  of  God  to  understand  and  believe  their 
 testimony  concerning  Christ.  The  prophets  delivered  many  promises  and  prophe¬ 
 cies  respecting  Messiah  and  his  kingdom ;  but  as  they  themselves  did  not  under¬ 
 stand  fully,  so  they  searched  diligently  into  the  import  of  what  they  declared  by 
 inspiration  to  others,  1  Pet.  i.  10 — 12.  But  clear  and  full  views  of  these  things 
 were  given  to  those  in  the  apostolic  age,  who  were  waiting  for  the  consolation  of 
 Israel,  Mat.  xiii.  16, 17.  John  i.  49 — 51.  Ver.  5.  Thou  meetest  him  that  rejoiceth 
 and  worketh  righteousness,  or,  thou  meetest  with  joy,  those  that  work  righteous¬ 
 ness.  No  good  thing  \vill  Jehovah  withhold  from  such  as  walk  uprightly. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  LXV.  Ver.  1,  2.  Rom.  x.  20,  21. 
 This  chapter  contains  a  defence  of  God’s  conduct  in  regard  to  the  Jews,  \vith  ref¬ 
 erence  to  their  complaint  in  the  preceding  chapter.  God  is  introduced  deciaring 
 that  he  had  called  the  Gentiles,  though  they  had  not  sought  him;  and  had  refused 
 
 his  own  people,  for  their  refusal  to  attend  to  his  repeated  calls,  for  their  obstinate 
 disobedience,  their  idolatrous  practices,  and  detestable  hypocrisy.  Though  the 
 Jews  in  Messiah’s  day  were  not  idolaters,  in  other  respects  they  exceeded  their 
 fathers  in  wickedness,  and  therefore  they  were  justly  exjrosed  to  the  righteous 
 displeasure  of  God.  The  prophets  spake  not  only  for  the  instruction  of  their  own, 
 but  for  that  of  every  future  age.  Ver.  3, 4.  These  are  instances  of  heathen  su¬ 
 perstition,  and  idolatrous  practices,  to  which  the  Jews  were  exceedingly  addicted 
 before  the  Babylonish  captivity.  The  heathen  worshipped  idols  in  groves :  where¬ 
 as,  God,  in  opposition  to  this  species  of  idolatry,  commanded  his  people  to  de¬ 
 stroy  them,  Deut.  i.  2,  3.  The  apostate  Jews  sacrificed  on  altars  built  of  brick :  in 
 opposition  to  the  command  of  God,  in  regard  to  his  altar,  which  was  to  be  built 
 of  unhewn  stone,  Exod.  xx.  25.  Like  the  heathens  also,  they  dwelt  in  sepulchres, 
 and  lodged  in  monuments  or  caverns,  for  the  purposes  of  necromancy  and  divi¬ 
 nation;  to  obtain  dreams  and  revelations.  They  eat  ssvine’s  flesh,  which  was  in 
 principal  request  among  heathens  in  their  sacrifices  and  feasts,  but  expressly  for¬ 
 bidden  by  the  law  of  Moses,  Lev.  xi.  7.  “  And  broth  of  abominable  meats  was 
 in  their  vessels,”  for  lustrations,  magical  arts,  and  other  superstitious  and  abom¬ 
 inable  practices.  The  superstition  of  their  descendants  was  of  another  kind;  they 
 abhorred  idolatry,  but  they  made  void  the  law  by  the  traditions  of  the  elders, 
 which  were,  to  a,  hypocritical  people,  proper  substitutes  of  heathen  ceremonies. 
 Ver.  8 — 10.  While  God  rejected  the  Jevvish  people,  he  presen’ed  a  remnant,  t& 
 whom  he  made  good  his  ancient  promises.  These  he  blessed  with  spiritual  pros- 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  LXIIL]  Though  our  Lord  will  not  deign  to  answer  the  arrogant  cavilling  questions  of  proud  infidels;  he  will 
 fully  satisfy  humble  believers  of  the  propriety  and  equity  of  his  most  awful  judgments.  Once  he  appeared  on  earth  in  apparent  weakness,  to  pour  out  his  precious 
 blood,  as  the  atonement  for  our  sins ;  but  he  will  in  due  time  appear  “  travelling  in  the  greatness  of  his  strength,”  and  covered  with  the  bloc^  of  his  enemies. 
 How  great  is  his  mercy  towards  those  that  really  fear  and  trust  in  him!  But  alas,  in  many  instances,  they  are  rebellious,  and  grieve  his  Holy  Spirit,  and  lose  their 
 comforts,  and  expose  themselves  to  sharp  rebukes  and  corrections,  by  which  they  are  brought  to  renewed  repentance,  and  deeper  humiliation.  It  is  a  delig^tfid 
 consideration,  that  the  Lord  will  never  utterly  forsake  his  orvn  people,  and  that  he  rvill  have  mercy  on  the  descendants  of  Abraham  his  friend. 
 
 _  PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — f  Chap.  LXIV.]  The  difficulties  that  occur  in  our  work  should  excite  us  to  more  vigorous  exercises  of  faith  in  the  om¬ 
 nipotence  of  God,  and  to  more  fervent  prayers  for  his  interposition ;  for  when  he  manifests  his  favour  the  most  insuperable  obstacle  to  our  desire  will  remove  in 
 an  instant.  The  deliverances  which  the  Lord  works  for  his  people  are  sometimes  as  unexpected  in  the  manner  and  season  of  them,  as  his  terrible  judgments  on 
 his  enemies ;  and  they  are  intimately  connected  together.  The  sacred  records  of  the  ancient  church  have  been  transmitted  to  us,  to  encourage  our  hopes,  and 
 prayers  for  personal  and  public  mercies  from  the  Lord,  according  to  his  promises,  and  the  nature  of  our  dispensation. 
 
The  blessed  state  of  the  7iew  Jenisalejn. 
 
 Before 
 Christ 
 698. 
 
 cir. 
 
 y  t)r, 
 Gad. 
 fl  Or, 
 Meni. 
 b  Prov. 
 1.  24. 
 Chapter 
 66.  4. 
 Jeremiah 
 8.  13. 
 
 +  Heb. 
 
 breaking. 
 
 c  Chap. 
 
 66  22. 
 
 2  Peter 
 3.  13. 
 Revel. 
 
 21.  1. 
 t  Heb, 
 cntne  upon 
 the  heart. 
 
 <1  Revel. 
 21.  4. 
 
 9  And  I  will  brin^  forth  a  seed  out  of  Jacob,  and 
 out  of  Judah  an  inheritor  of  my  mountains:  and  mine 
 elect  shall  Inherit  it,  and  my  servants  shall  dwell  there. 
 
 10  And  Sharon  shall  be  a  fold  of  flocks,  and  the 
 galley  of  Achor  a  place  for  the  herds  to  lie  down  in, 
 for  my  people  that  have  sought  me* 
 
 HU  But  ye  are  they  that  forsake  the  Lord,  that 
 forget  my  holy  mountain,  that  prepare  a  table  for 
 that  II  troop,  and  that  furnish  the  drink-offering  unto 
 that  H  number. 
 
 12  Therefore  will  I  number  you  to  the  sword,  and 
 ye  shall  all  bow  down  to  the  slaughter:  because 
 when  1  called,  ye  did  not  answer ;  when  I  spake,  ye 
 did  not  hear;  but  did  evil  before  mine  eyes,  and  did 
 choose  that  wherein  I  delighted  not. 
 
 13  Therefore  thus  saith  the  Lord  God,  behold,  my 
 servants  shall  eat,  but  ye  shall  be  hungry:  behold,  my 
 servants  shall  drink,  but  ye  shall  be  thirsty :  behold, 
 my  servants  shall  rejoice,  but  ye  shall  be  ashamed: 
 
 14  Behold,  my  servants  shall  sing  for  joy  of  heart, 
 but  ye  shall  cry  for  sorrow  of  heart,  and  shall  howl 
 for  f  vexation  of  spirit. 
 
 15  And  ye  shall  leave  your  name  for  a  curse  unto 
 my  chosen ;  for  the  Lord  God  shall  slay  thee,  and 
 call  his  servants  by  another  name: 
 
 16  That  he  who  blesseth  himself  in  the  earth,  shall 
 bless  himself  in  the  God  of  truth ;  and  he  that  swear- 
 eth  in  the  earth,  shall  swear  by  the  God  of  truth;  be¬ 
 cause  the  former  troubles  are  forgotten,  and  because 
 they  are  hid  from  mine  eyes. 
 
 17  ^  For,  behold,  1  create  ®  new  heavens,  and  a  new 
 earth  :  and  the  former  shall  not  be  remembered,  nor 
 t  come  into  mind. 
 
 18  But  be  ye  glad  and  rejoice  for  ever  in  that 
 which  I  create:  for,  behold,  I  create  Jerusalem  a  re¬ 
 joicing,  and  her  people  a  joy. 
 
 19  And  1  will  rejoice  in  Jerusalem,  and  joy  in  my 
 
 :iore 
 Christ 
 cir.  698. 
 
 served  in  humble  sincerit  * 
 
 child  shaH  die  aii  hundred  years  old;  but  the  sinner  R 
 being  an  hundred  years  old,  shall  be  accursed.  ’  ^ 
 
 houses,  and  inhabit  them- 
 them^^^^  ^  vineyards,  and  eat  the  fruit  of 
 
 22  They  shall  not  build,  and  another  inhabit;  thev 
 
 shall  not  plant,  and  another  eat:  for  as  the  days  of  a 
 tree  are  the  days  of  my  people,  and  mine  elect  f  shall  t  Heb 
 long  enjoy  the  work  of  their  hands.  ^ 
 
 23  I  hey  shall  not  labour  in  vain,  nor  brine  forth 
 for  trouble;  for  they  ere  the  seed  of  the  blessed  ofoTVy 
 the  Loud  and  Iheit-  offspring  with  them. 
 
 24  And  It  shall  come  to  pass,  that  ^  before  they  call,  e 
 
 heir  yet  speaking,  I  will  32-  5. 
 
 25  The  ^  wolf  and  the  lamb  shall  feed  together,  and  f  Chap, 
 the  hon  shall  eat  straw  like  the  bullock;  and  dust  shall  <5. 
 be  the  serpent’s  meat.  They  shall  not  hurt  nor  de- 
 stroy  m  all  my  holy  mountain,  saith  the  Lord.* 
 
 CHAP.  LXVL 
 
 I  God  IVl/.l  hp  fiPhri'spd  •7*J  h'nvtthJo  e  rr?»  ^  in  «  . 
 
 o  1  he  humble  comforted. 
 
 God  will  be  served  in  humble  sincerity. 
 God's  judgments  against  the  wicked. 
 
 13 
 
 THtJfe  saith  the  Lord,  ^  The  heaven  is  my  throne: 
 and  the  earth  is  my  footstool :  where  is  th( 
 
 a  1  Kim 
 
 igs 
 
 the®- 
 
 2Chron. 
 
 people:  and  the  **  voice  of  weeping  shall  be  no  more 
 heard  in  her,  nor  the  voice  of  crying, 
 
 20  There  shall  be  no  more  thence  an  infant  of  days, 
 nor  an  old  man  that  hath  not  filled  his  days  :  for  the 
 
 house  that  ye  build  unto  me  ?  and  where  is  the  I 
 place  of  my  rest  ?  ^cts 
 
 2  For  all  those  things  hath  mine  hands  made,  and  28.  & 
 all  those  things  have  been,  saith  the  Lord  :  but  to 
 
 this  man  will  I  look,  even  to  him  that  is  poor,  and  of 
 a  contrite  spirit,  and  that  trembleth  at  my  word. 
 
 3  He  that  killeth  an  ox,  is  as  if  he  slew  a  man;  he  ([  Or, 
 
 that  sacrificeth  a  ||  lamb,  as^he  cut  off  a  dog’s  neck :  ’ 
 
 he  that  offereth  an  oblation,  as  if  he  offered  swine’s  + 
 blood;  he  that  f  burneth  incense,  as  ij  he  blessed  an  Zfm!^i 
 idol ;  yea,  they  have  chosen  their  own  ways,  and  their  of. 
 soul  delighteth  in  their  abominations.  II  Cr, 
 
 4  I  also  will  choose  their  1|  delusions,  and  will  brings”; 
 their  fears  upon  them ;  because  when  1  called,  none  1.  24. 
 did  answer;  when  I  spake,  they  did  not  hear:  but  Chapter 
 
 they  did  evil  before  mine  eyes,  and  chose  that 
 
 63.  12. 
 
 which  I  delighted  not. 
 
 Jerem. 
 7.  13. 
 
 perity;  their  happy  condition  is  represented  by  the  state  of  the  most  productive 
 countries.  Sharon,  and  the  valley  of  Achor,  were  two  most  fertile  parts  of  Ju¬ 
 dea;  famous  for  their  rich  pastures:  the  former  to  the  west,  not  far  from  Joppa; 
 the  latter,  north  of  Jericho,  near  Gilgal.  Ver.  11.  That  prepare  a  table  for  that 
 troop,  or  Gad;  aiid  that  furnish  a  drink-offering  for  that  number,  or  Meni.  These 
 are  names  of  idols,  objects  worshipped  by  the  apostate  Israelites.  It  is  suppos¬ 
 ed  that  Gad  means  Good  Fortune,  and  Meni,  the  moon ;  the  truth  of  this  is  of 
 little  importance.  It  appears  sufficiently,  from  the  circumstances,  that  they  were 
 false  gods,  either  stars,  or  some  other  natural  object;  or  a  mere  fiction.  The 
 Holy  Scriptures  did  not  design  to  explain  more  clearly  what  these  objects  of 
 idolatrous  worship  were ;  but  choose  rather  that  the  memory  of  the  knowledge 
 of  them  should  be  utterly  abolished.  And  God  be  praised  that  they  are  so  to¬ 
 tally  abolished,  that  we  are  now  quite  at  a  loss  to  know,  who  and  what  sort  of 
 things  they  were.  Ver.  12 — 13.  Severe  punishments  are  threatened  against  the 
 ungodly  among  the  Jews,  which  were  awfully  verified,  when  utter  destruction 
 and  desolation  came  on  their  city  and  nation;  since  which  period  God  has  call- 
 ed  his  servants  by  another  name:  “  There  is  neither  Jew  nor  Greek,  Barbarian, 
 Scythian,  bond  or  free,  but  Christ  is  all  and  in  all.”  Ver.  16.  This  to  the  end  of 
 the  chapter,  contains  great  rew-ards  promised  to  the  obedient  in  a  future  flour¬ 
 ishing  state  of  the  church.  Completely  reformed  from  all  error  and  iniquity, 
 Jehovah  shall  behold  her,  and,  as  in  the  creation,  declare  all  things  very  good. 
 Her  subjects  shall  enjoy  peace,  gladness,  health,  and  prosperity.  They  shall  re¬ 
 ceive  themselves  the  reward  of  their  labours ;  they  shall  not,  like  the  disobe¬ 
 dient  Israelites,  build,  and  another  inhabit ;  plant,  and  another  eat.  Compare 
 
 Deut.  xxviii.  30.  Their  life  shall  be  prolonged  to  participate  of  the  good  con¬ 
 ferred  on  them  :  as  the  days  of  a  tree,  so  shall  the  days  of  my  people  be,  saith 
 prophet’s  idea  seems  to  be,  that  they  shall  live  to  the  age  of 
 the  Antediluvians;  which  seems  to  be  very  justly  expressed  by  the  days  of  a  tree, 
 according  to  our  notions.  It  is  commonly  supposed  that  the  oak,  one  of  the 
 most  long-lived  of  the  trees,  lasts  about  a  thousand  years;  being  five  hundred 
 years  in  growing  to  full  perfection,  and  as  many  in  decaying ;  which  seems  to 
 be  a  moderate  and  probable  computation. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Ch.vp.  LXVI.  Ver.  1 — 4.  The  Jews  valued 
 themselves  much  on  their  temple,  and  the  pompous  system  of  services  per¬ 
 formed  in  it,  which  they  supposed  were  of  perpetual  duration  :  and  they 
 assumed  great  confidence  and  merit  to  themselves  for  their  strict  observance  of 
 all  the  externals  of  their  religion.  And  at  the  very  time  when  the  judgments 
 denoupced  in  verse  6,  and  12,  of  the  preceding  chapter  were  hanging  over 
 their  heads,  they  were  rebuilding,  by  Herod’s  munificence,  the  temple  in  a 
 most  magnificent  manner.  God  admonishes  them,  that  the  Most  High  dwelleth 
 not  in  temples  made  with  hands ;  and  that  a  mere  external  worship,  how 
 diligently  soever  attended,  when  accompanied  by  wicked,  idolatrous,  and 
 superstitious  practices  in  the  worshippers,  would  never  be  accepted  by  him. 
 Thus  their  hypocrisy  is  set  forth  in  strong  coloms ;  while  they  affected  great 
 strictness  in  the  performance  of  all  the  externals  of  their  religion,  they  indulged 
 in  the  most  flagitious  crimes.  He  that  slew  an  ox  for  sacrifice,  hesitated  not  to 
 kill  a  man ;  he  that  offered  an  oblation  according  to  the  law,  added  swdne’s  blood, 
 contrary  to  the  law ;  he  that  sacrificed  a  lamb,  beheaded  also  a  dog  to  make 
 
 PRACTICAL  OB.SERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  LXV.]  The  Lord  may  W'ell  say  of  all  his  people,  “He  w'as  found  of  them  who  sought  him  not.”  He  first 
 suggested  the  thought  and  created  the  disposition,  of  seeking  his  mercy,  and  he  graciously  delivered  us  for  his  name’s  sake.  When  the  power  of  godliness  is  de¬ 
 cayed,  men  grow  proud  of  the  worthless  form,  and  provoke  the  indignation  of  God  whom  they  hypocritically  serve.  The  Lord  .spares  ungodly  men,  because  “a 
 blessing  is  in  them.”  He  purposes  to  bring  forth  a  seed  out  of  them,  to  inherit  his  holy  mountain.  Sometimes  he  makes  an  evident  discrimination  on  earth, 
 betwixt  his  servants,  and  his  enemies;  but  this  will  be  uniformly  visible  hereafter.  How'  glorious  the  change,  when  the  earth  shall  be  filled  with  spiritual  religion, 
 and  exact  righteousness! 
 
he  gracious  hen^ts  of  the  Church, 
 
 ISAIAH. 
 
 God's  judgments  against  the  kicked. 
 
 Before 
 Christ 
 cir.  698. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 hcMt. 
 
 5  ^  Hear  tlie  word  of  the  Lord,  ye  that  tremble 
 at  his  word;  Your  brethren  that  hated  you,  that  cast 
 you  out  for  my  name’s  sake,  said,  ®  Let  the  Lord  be 
 glorified:  but  he  shall  appear  to  your  joy,  and  they 
 shall  be  ashamed. 
 
 6  A  voice  of  noise  from  the  city,  a  voice  from  the 
 temple,  a  voice  of  the  Lord  that  rendereth  recom¬ 
 pense  to  his  enemies. 
 
 7  Before  she  travailed,  she  brought  forth ;  before 
 her  pain  came,  she  was  delivered  of  a  man-child. 
 
 8  Who  hath  heard  such  a  thing  ?  who  hath  seen 
 such  things.^  Shall  the  earth  be  made  to  bring  forth 
 in  one  day?  or  shall  a  nation  be  born  at  once?  for  as 
 soon  as  Zion  travailed,  she  brought  forth  her  children. 
 
 9  Shall  I  bring  to  the  birth,  and  not  ||  cause  to 
 bring  forth  ?  saith  the  Lord  :  shall  I  cause  to  bring 
 forth,  and  shut  the  ’womh  ?  saith  thy  God. 
 
 10  Rejoice  ye  with  Jerusalem,  and  be  glad  with 
 her,  all  ye  that  love  her:  rejoice  for  joy  with  her,  all 
 ye  that  mourn  for  her; 
 
 11  That  ye  may  suck,  and  be  satisfied  with  the 
 breasts  of  her  consolations;  that  ye  may  milk  out,  and 
 be  delighted  with  the  ||  abundance  of  her  glory. 
 
 12  For  thus  saith  the  Lord,  Behold,  I  will  extend 
 peace  to  her  like  a  river,  and  the  glory  of  the  Gentiles 
 like  a  flowing  stream:  then  shall  ye  suck,  ye  shall  be 
 
 49^2^  borne  upon  sides,  and  be  dandled  upon  knees, 
 go’  4. '  13  As  one  whom  his  mother  comfortetb,  so  will  I 
 
 comfort  you;  and  ye  shall  be  comforted  in  Jerusalem. 
 
 14  And  when  ye  see  this^  your  heart  shall  rejoice, 
 and  your  bones  shall  flourish  like  an  herb ;  and  the 
 hand  of  the  Lord  shall  be  known  toward  his  servants, 
 and  his  indignation  toward  his  enemies. 
 
 15  f  For,  Behold,  the  Lord  will  come  with  fire, 
 and  with  his  chariots  like  a  whirlwind,  to  render  his 
 anger  with  fury,  and  his  rebuke  with  flames  of  fire. 
 
 II  Or, 
 brightness. 
 
 an  atonement  for  his  sins  ;  and  he  that  burnt  incense  to  Jehovah,  blessed  also 
 an  idol.  Of  the  same  kind  was  the  hypocrisy  of  the  Jews,  in  the  time  of  our 
 Saviour  and  his  apostles.  Matt.  xv.  4—9.  xxxiii.  14.  Rom.  ii,  22—24.  As  they 
 chose  their  own  ways,  and  would  not  listen  to  the  Divine  counsels,  Jehovah 
 chose  their  calamities ;  he  brought  on  them  the  power  and  vengeance  of  the  Ro¬ 
 mans  which  they  dreaded,  John  xi.  48.  Ver.  5 — 14.  The  prophet  returns  to 
 the  subject  of  the  former  chapter,  and  pursues  it  in  a  different  manner,  with 
 more  express  declaration  of  the  new  economy,  and  of  the  flourishing  state  of  the 
 church  under  it.  God  intimates  that  he  would  appear  to  vindicate  his  faithful 
 people  by  punishing  their  enemies,  the  apostate  Jews,  who  in  persecuting  them, 
 believed  that  they  were  doing  God  a  good  service.  This  intimation  was  awfully 
 verifaed  m  those  dreadful  miseries  which  befel  the  rejectors  of  Christ,  and  his 
 foflowers,  in  their  war  with  the  Romans,  miseries  without  a  parallel  in  history. 
 1  he  destruction  of  Jerusalem  was  succeeded  by  a  sudden  and  an  astonishing  in¬ 
 crease  of  the  church;  and  as  the  power  and  influence  of  her  early  and  most  vio- 
 lent  persecutors  were  weakened  or  destroyed,  she  had  rest,  was  built  up,  and 
 abounded  m  joy  and  peace;  the  hand  of  the  Lord  was  known  towards  his  ser¬ 
 vants,  and  his  indignation  towards  his  enemies.  Ver.  15—23.  While  God  made 
 known  his  tremendous  and  inflexible  justice  in  his  judgments  on  the  apostate 
 Tr  n  remnant  who  became  converts  to  the  Christian  faith,  to 
 
 pubiish  the  Gospel  among  all  nations.  These  converts,  wherever  they  went,  set 
 ^the  ensign  of  Christ’s  kingdom,  and  acted  as  priests,  presenting  the  Gentiles  i 
 
 16  For  by  fire,  and  by  his  sword,  will  the  Lord 
 plead  with  all  flesh:  and  the  slain  of  the  Lord  shall 
 be  many. 
 
 17  d'heythat  sanctify  themselves,  and  purify  them¬ 
 selves  in  the  gardens,  ||  behind  one  tree  in  the  midst,  ^ 
 eating  swine’s  flesh,  and  the  abomination,  and  the«^</^r 
 mouse,  shall  be  consumed  together,  saith  the  Lord. 
 
 18  il  For  I  know  their  works,  and  their  thoughts:  it 
 shall  come,  that  I  will  gather  all  nations  and  tongues; 
 and  they  shall  come,  and  see  my  glory. 
 
 19  And  I  will  set  a  sign  among  them,  and  I  will 
 send  those  that  escape  of  them  unto  the  nations,  to 
 Tai  slush.  Pul,  and  Lud,  that  draw  the  bow,  to  Tubal 
 and  Javan,  to  the  isles  afar  offj  that  have  not  heard 
 my  fame,  neither  have  seen  my  glory;  and  they  shall 
 declare  my  glory  among  the  Gentiles. 
 
 20  And  they  shall  bring  all  your  brethren  for  an  H 
 offering  unto  the  Lord,  out  of  all  nations,  upon  horses,  g  Exod. 
 and  in  chariots,  and  in  |1  .litters,  and  upon  mules,  and  19.  6. 
 upon  swift  beasts,  to  my  holy  mountain  Jerusalem,  Chapter 
 saith  the  Lord,  as  the  children  of  Israel  bring  an 
 offering  in  a  clean  vessel  into  the  house  of  the  Lord.  2.  9. 
 
 21  And  I  will  also  take  of  them  for  ®  priests,  tznt/Revel. 
 
 for  Levites,  saith  the  Lord.  f 
 
 22  For  as  ^  the  new  heavens,  and  the  new  earth,  55  17^' 
 which  I  will  make,  shall  remain  before  me,  saith  the  2  Peter 
 Lord,  so  shall  your  seed  and  your  name  remain. 
 
 23  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  f  from  one  new-  ' 
 moon  to  another,  and  from  one  sabbath  to  another,  f  Heb. 
 shall  all  flesh  come  to  worship  before  me,  saith  the /com  ncu-- 
 Lord. 
 
 24  And  they  shall  go  forth,  and  look  upon  the  car- 
 
 cases  of  the  men  that  have  transgressed  against  mei/rum  sab- 
 for  their  s  worm  shall  not  die,  neither  shall  their  fire*"'^' 
 be  quenched;  and  they  shall  be  an  abhorring  unto 
 all  flesh.*  1.44'*^ 
 
 as  an  offering  to  God,  see  Rom.  xv.  16.  Ver.  24.  Jews  and  Gentiles,  who  be¬ 
 lieved  and  were  collected  in  one  body,  witnessed  the  final  perdition  of  the  obsti¬ 
 nate  and  irreclaimable.  This  is  set  forth  in  language  which  our  blessed  Lord 
 afterwards  applied  to  express  the  everlasting  punishment  of  the  wicked  in  Ge¬ 
 henna,  or  in  hell;  from  which  we  may  learn  that  the  fate  of  the  unbelieving  Jews 
 is  an  example  of  what  awaits  all  who  walk  in  their  steps.  Gehenna,  or  the  valley 
 of  Hinnom,  was  very  near  Jerusalem  to  the  south-east:  it  was  the  place  where 
 the  idolatrous  Jews  celebrated  that  horrible  rite  of  milking  their  children  pass 
 through  the  fire,  that  is,  of  burning  them  in  sacrifice  to  Moloch.  To  put  a  stop 
 to  this  abominable  practice,  Josiah  defiled,  or  desecrated  the  place,  by  filling  it 
 with  human  bones,  2  Kings  xxiii.  10,  14,  and  probably  it  was  the  custom  after¬ 
 wards,  to  throw  out  the  cai'cases  of  animals  there ;  and  it  became  the  common 
 burying-place  for  the  poorer  peojile  of  Jerusalem.  As  we  cannot  form  any  con- 
 .ception  of  spiritual  objects,  but  by  analogy  from  worldly  ones,  the  scriptures  re¬ 
 present  w'ith  propriety,  the  future  place  of  torment  under  the  image  of  Gehenna ; 
 and  the  punishment  of  the  wicked,  by  the  worm  which  there  preyed  on  the  car¬ 
 cases,  and  the  fire  that  consumed  the  wretched  victims.  The  difference  betw'een 
 Gehenna  and  the  place  of  invisible  torment  is  however  marked  in  the  strongest 
 manner,  namely,  that  the  suffering  in  the  former  is  transient :  the  worm  itself,  that 
 preys  on  the  body,  dies ;  and  the  fire  which  totally  consumes  it,  is  soon  quenched ; 
 W'hereas  in  hell  the  instruments  of  punishment  shall  be  everlasting,  and  the  suf¬ 
 fering  without  end;  for  there  the  worm  dieth  not,  and  the  fire  is  not  quenched. 
 
 and  upright 
 they  were  of 
 
 people,  and  refused  to  ask  counsei  at  his  wnrdTmr  smrmeu,  vvuem  m  prouu  seil-contiaence,  and  obstinate  rage,  he  persecuted  the  Lord’s 
 
 thren  who  Tirpo„mT,f  1  i  .  .v,  .  .v  and  k,pint.  But  they  who  tremble  at  his  vv'ord,  need  not  be  alarmed  even  at  the  hatred  of  their  professed  bre- 
 
 profeLors,  we  need^not^fear  bTt^re  will  suotK  ^  church  of  God.  When  the  Lord  lessens  the  numbers  of  his  visible  church,  by  cutting  off  false 
 
 The  time  of  Zion’s  dor  n  ^  places  by  more  valuable  persons.  He  can  add  converts  in  multitudes,  as  though  a  nation  w'ere  born  in  a  dav 
 
 and  sympathii  wi  h  bo  •  r®  ^  and  he  that  bnngeth  to  the  birth  will  give  strength  to  bring  forth.  Let  us  not  fail  to  shew  our  lo4  to  [he  church 
 
 solations.  Nothing  tendl^m  T^*tb^  V  ^  b  continually  for  her  joyful  deliverance.  Then  shall  w’e  assuredly  rejoice  in  her  joy,  and  partake  of  her  con' 
 
 the  report  of  salvatfon  by  Ch?Lt '  mL  thVLorrsendT^  b'rd P^  ‘hose  who  have  heard  and  believed 
 
 ters  of  the  globe !  ^  ™  ^  ^  ™  ^  multitudes  of  faithful  ministers  into  all  lands,  and  by  them  gather  in  his  eleet  from  the  four 
 
 quar- 
 
 8  o 
 
 22 
 
^  THE  BOOK  OF  THE  PROPHET 
 
 JEREMIAH. 
 
 THE  ARGUMENT. 
 
 Jeremiah,  tcho  icas  a  priest  and  a  prophet,  prophesied  from  the  iSth  year  of  kinn  Tn<tinh  till  nfto^-  tl>„  t  r  t 
 
 lem,  yMel^mas  about  the  spaee\/forUj%LjeatJ  This  booh  isCitVZ^^^^^ 
 
 same  time  with  great  strength  and  enerp.  It  is  partly  historical,  and  partly  prophetical.  JFe  meet  with  several 
 prophemes  in  it  concerning  the  ruin  of  the  Jews;  their  return  from  the  captivity-  the  destruction  of  the  Jinhiiln'r,; 
 blflL^^n  the  calling  of  the  Gentiles;  and  the  new  covenant  that  God  would  Lake  witl/rtidnhind 
 
 in  „lf,  orfafur  the  taking  of  Jerusalem,  as  also  an  accouj if  what  passed  during  til 
 
 jZsII  g  TdallllZ  0“  •*'«  »  Jt-Ien.  and  wlu,  retired  inta  Egijpt  Ifier 
 
 Before 
 Christ 
 eir.  629. 
 
 a  Isaiah 
 49.  1,  5. 
 b  Gal. 
 
 1.  15,  16, 
 t  Heb. 
 
 gave. 
 c  Exod. 
 4.  10. 
 d  Ezek. 
 3.  9. 
 e  Exod. 
 3.  12. 
 Deut. 
 
 31.  6,  8. 
 Joshua 
 1.  5. 
 Hebrews 
 13.  6. 
 f  Isa.  6. 7, 
 
 CHAP.  I. 
 
 1  The  calling  of  Jeremiah;  11  His  visions;  15  His  message  against 
 Judah;  17  God  promiseth  to  assist  him. 
 
 The  words  of  Jeremiah  the  son  of  Hilkiah,  of 
 the  priests  that  xvere  in  Anathoth,  in  the  land 
 of  Benjamin : 
 
 2  To  whom  the  word  of  the  Lord,  came,  in  the 
 days  of  Josiah  the  son  of  Amon  king  of  Judah,  in  the 
 thirteenth  year  of  his  reign. 
 
 3  It  came  also  in  the  days  of  Jehoiakim  the  son  of 
 Josiah  king  of  Judah,  unto  the  end  of  the  eleventh 
 year  of  Zedekiah  the  son  of  Josiah  king  of  Judah, 
 unto  the  carrying  away  of  Jerusalem  captive  in  the 
 fifth  month. 
 
 4  Then  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  me, 
 saying, 
 
 5  Before  I  ^  formed  thee  in  the  belly  I  knew  thee; 
 and  before  thou  earnest  forth  out  of  the  womb  P  sanc¬ 
 tified  thee,  and  I  f  ordained  thee  a  prophet  unto  the 
 nations. 
 
 6  Then  said  I,  ®Ah,  Lord  God!  behold,  I  can¬ 
 not  speak;  for  I  am  a  child. 
 
 7  But  the  Lord  said  unto  me.  Say  not,  I  am  a 
 child;  for  thou  shalt  go  to  all  that  I  shall  send  thee, 
 and  whatsoever  1  command  thee  thou  shalt  speak. 
 
 8  Be  not  afraid  of  their  faces:  for®  I  am  with 
 thee  to  deliver  thee,  saith  the  Lord. 
 
 9  Then  the  Lord  put  forth  his  hand,  and touched 
 
 Before 
 Christ 
 cir.  629. 
 
 tny  mouth:  and  the  Lord  said  unto  me.  Behold,  I 
 have  8  put  my  words  in  thy  mouth. 
 
 10  See,  I  have  this  day  set  thee  over  the  nations, 
 and  over  the  kingdoms,  to  root  out,  and  to  pull  g  Ch^ 
 down,  and  to  destroy,  and  to  throw  down,  to  build, 
 
 and  to  plant.  h^Chap. 
 
 1 1  H  Moreover,  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  2  Cor. 
 me,  saying,  Jeremiah,  what  seest  thou  ?  And  I  said,  10.  4,  5. 
 I  see  a  rod  of  an  almond-tree. 
 
 12  Then  said  the  Lord  unto  me.  Thou  hast  well 
 seen;  for  I  will  hasten  my  word  to  perform  it. 
 
 13  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  me  the 
 second  time,  saying.  What  seest  thou  ?  And  I  said, 
 
 I  see  a  seething-pot;  and  the  face  thereof  is  f  toward  +  ij„v, 
 the  north.  _ 
 
 14  Then  the  Lord  said  unto  me.  Out  of  the  ‘  north 
 an  evil  f  shall  break  forth  upon  all  the  inhabitants  of 
 the  land. 
 
 15  For,  lo,  I  wilPcall  all  the  families  of  the  king-t  Heb. 
 doms  of  the  north,  saith  the  Lord;  and  they  shalP*“^^ 
 come,  and  they  shall  set  every  one  his  throne  at  the  k  chip, 
 entering  of  the  gates  of  Jerusalem,  and  against  all  the  5.  15.  & 
 walls  thereof  round  about,  and  against  all  the  cities®-. 
 of  Judah. 
 
 16  And  I  will  utter  my  judgments  against  them, 
 touching  all  their  wickedness,  who  have  forsaken  me, 
 and  have  burnt  incense  unto  other  gods,  and  worship¬ 
 ped  the  works  of  their  own  hands. 
 
 22,  & 
 '  10.  22. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  I.  Ver.  1 — IQ.  Jeremiah  was  of  the 
 sacred  order  of  the  priests,  the  son  of  Hilkiah;  he  probably  descended  from 
 Ithamar,  of  whose  line  Abiathar  was  the  last  high  priest,  and  to  whom  be¬ 
 longed  Anathoth,  a  city  near  Jerusalem,  in  the  inheritance  of  the  tribe  of 
 Benjamin,  (1  Kings  ii.  26,  27.)  He  began  when  very  young  to  exercise  his 
 prophetical  office,  in  the  thirteenth  year  of  Josiah’s  reign,  and  continued  at 
 least  till  the  eleventh  year  of  king  Zedekiah,  under  whom  Jerusalem  was  laid 
 waste,  and  the  inhabitants  of  Judea  enslaved.  The  priests,  levites,  kings,  and 
 some  prophets  were  usually  sanctified,  or  devoted  to  their  respective  offices  by 
 a  peculiar  ceremony;  but  Jeremiah  was  sanctified  or  consecrated  by  God  from 
 the  womb,  ordained  a  prophet  to  the  nations.  He  seems  to  have  been  extreme¬ 
 ly  intimidated  by  the  prospect  of  exercising  his  important  and  difficult  office, 
 on  account  of  his  youth,  and  perhaps  deficiency  of  oratorial  powers.  His 
 humility  and  diffidence  were  becoming,  but  doubtless  his  apprehensions  were 
 unreasonable,  and  betrayed  partial  ignorance  and  distrust  of  God,  who  calls 
 none  to  a  work,  which  he  fits  them  not  to  perform ;  sends  none  a  warfare  on 
 their  own  charges.  The  Lord  is  compassionate;  gentle  and  merciful  are  his 
 rebukes;  he  encourages  his  servant,  and  dispels  his  fears,  by  assuring  him  of 
 his  presence  and  assistance,  of  the  certainty  of  which  he  condescended  to  give 
 him  a  most  expressive  token:  he  anointed  him,  not  with  oil,  but  put  forth  his 
 hand,  says  Jeremiah,  and  touched  my  mouth,  and  said  unto  him,  Behold,  I  have 
 put  my  words  in  thy  mouth.  Comp.  Isa.  vi.  7.  Rev.  i.  17.  The  Lord  called  him 
 
 to  decide  the  fate  of  kingdoms ;  he  is  represented  performing  the  thing  which 
 I  he  only  foretels;  the  infallibly  prophetic  word  is  as  certain  as  the  event  accom- 
 ,  plished.  Comp.  Isa.  vi.  10.  Ver.  11 — 16.  This  passage  contains  a  Summary 
 j  view  of  the  chief  subject  of  the  following  prophecies,  the  desolating  judgments 
 of  God  on  the  Jewish  people  for  their  iniquities.  The  prophet  sees  in  vision 
 two  signs  of  the  speedy  and  awful  ruin  awaiting  them :  their  destruction  shall  be 
 hastened  and  prolonged,  as  the  almond-tree  is  the  first  in  spring  to  send  forth 
 her  blossoms,  and  the  last  in  harvest  to  fade.  Jerusalem  is  likened  to  a  seething- 
 pot,  whose  fire  faced  the  north ;  it  was  besieged  and  burnt  by  the  Chaldeans 
 who  marched  from  the  north,  and  by  them  rvere  its  inhabitants  tortured,  and 
 consumed  as  in  boiling  water.  These  enemies  of  the  Jews  were  employed  by 
 God  to  execute  his  righteous  displeasure,  though  they  knew  it  not :  though 
 they  were  indulging  their  oum  ambitious,  cruel,  and  blood-thirsty  tempers. 
 They  set  up  not  merely  their  tents,  as  a  besieging  army,  but  their  thrones,  as 
 triumphant  conquerors,  in  the  gates  of  Jerusalem.  They  might  boast  of  their 
 conquests,  but  these  were  not  in  consequence  of  their  valour  or  good  fortune ; 
 the  first  and  proper  reason  was,  God  had  uttered  his  judgments  on  the  Jews, 
 because  of  their  wickedness  and  idolatry,  and  the  Most  High  cannot  want  in¬ 
 struments  to  execute  his  pleasure;  and  he  may  choose  whom  he  will.  Ver.  17 
 — 19.  The  prophet  is  exhorted,  in  figurative  language,  to  be  fully  prepared  for 
 his  work;  Gird  up  thy  loins  and  arise;  alluding  to  the  long  robes  worn  in  the  east, 
 tvhich  required  to  be  tucked  up  by  a  girdle,  either  to  fit  one  for  a  journey  or 
 
JEREMIAH. 
 
 Before 
 Christ 
 cir.  629. 
 
 I 
 
 Sreak  to 
 
 pieces- 
 1  Isaiah 
 
 7. 
 
 50 
 Chapter 
 6.  27,  & 
 15.  20. 
 
 mcu  j 
 
 M' 
 
 God  expostuUteth  with  the  Jews. 
 
 17  f  Thou  therefore  gird  up  thy  loins,  and  arise, 
 and  speak  unto  them  all  that  I  command  thee  ;  be 
 not  dismayed  at  their  faces,  lest  I  1|  confound  thee 
 
 before  them.  ,  .  ,  ,  , 
 
 18  For,  behold,  I  have  made  thee  this  day  a  de- 
 fenced  city,  and  an  iron  pillar,  and  brasen  walls, 
 against  the  whole  land;  against  the  kings  of  Judah, 
 a<rainst  the  princes  thereof,  against  the  priests  there¬ 
 of,  and  against  the  people  of  the  land. 
 
 19  And  they  shall  fight  against  thee,  but  they  shall 
 not  prevail  against  thee;  for  I  am  with  thee,  saith  the 
 Lokd,  to  deliver  thee."*' 
 
 CHAP.  II. 
 
 1  God’s  expostulatio7i  with  the  Jem  touching  their  causeless  revolt;  14 
 they  are  the  causes  of  their  own  calamities, 
 
 OREOVER,  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  to 
 me,  saying, 
 
 2  Go  and  cry  in  the  ears  of  Jerusalem,  saying, 
 Thus  saith  the  Lord,  I  remember  |1  thee,  the  kind¬ 
 ness  of  thy  ®  youth,  the  love  of  thine  espousals,  when 
 thou  wentest  after  me  in  the  wilderness,  in  a  land  that 
 lisas  not  sown. 
 
 3  Israel  was  holiness  unto  the  Lord,  and  the  first- 
 fruits  of  his  increase:  all  that  devour  him  shall  of¬ 
 fend;  evil  shall  come  upon  them,  saith  the  Lord. 
 
 4  ^  Hear  ye  the  word  of  the  Lord,  O  house  of  Ja¬ 
 cob,  and  all  the  families  of  the  house  of  Israel: 
 
 5  Thus  saith  the  Lord,  What  iniquity  have  your 
 fathers  found  in  me,  that  they  are  gone  far  from  me, 
 and  have  walked  after  vanity,  and  are  become  vain  ? 
 
 6  Neither  said  they,  Whei'e  is  the  Lord  that 
 brought  us  up  out  of  the^and  of  Egypt,  that  led  us 
 
 9,  11,  13. through  the  w'ilderness;  through  a-land  of  deserts, 
 Hosea  qJ-  pits;  through  a  land  of  drought,  and  of  the 
 
 shadow  of  death;  through  a  land  that  no  man  passed 
 through,  and  where  no  man  dwelt  ? 
 
 7  And  1  brought  you  into  a  plentiful  country,  to 
 j  p  eat  the  fruit  thereof,  and  the  goodness  thereof :  but 
 78.  ?8!”&'when  ye  entered,  ye  ^defiled  my  land,  and  made  mine 
 106.  38.  heritage  an  abomination. 
 
 Rom  2  ®  priests  said  not.  Where  is  the  Lord  ?  and 
 
 20,  ’they  thathandle  the®lawknewme  not:  the  pastors  also 
 
 The  sins  oj  Judah^  Sjc. 
 
 It  O-’; 
 
 jar  thy 
 sake. 
 a  Ezek. 
 16.  8. 
 
 & 
 
 b  Chap, 
 12.  14. 
 
 c  Isa.  63. 
 
 transgressed  against  me,  and  the  prophets  prop.i^ied 
 by  Baal,  and  walked  after  things  that  do  not  profit, 
 
 9  ^  Wherefore  I  will  yet  plead  with  you,  saith  the 
 Lord,  and  with  your  children’s  children  will  I  plead. 
 
 10  For  pass  ||  over  the  isles  of  Chittim,  and 
 and  send  unto  Kedar,  and  consider  diligently,  and 
 
 see  if  there  be  such  a  thing:  r  <■  rn, 
 
 11  Hath  a  nation  changed  gods,  which  are 
 yet  no  gods?  but  my  people  have  changed  their  glory 
 
 for  that  which  doth  not  profit. 
 
 1‘4  Be  astonished,  O  ye  heavens,  at  this,  and  be 
 horribly  afraid,  be  ye  very  desolate,  saith  the  Lord. 
 
 13  For  my  people  have  committed  two  evils;  they  ^ 
 have  forsaken  me,  the  ®  fountain  of  living  waters,  atidse  9. 
 hewed  them  out  cisterns,  broken  cisterns,  that  can 
 
 hold  no  water.  ,18.  14. 
 
 14  f  Is  Israel  a  servant?  is  he  a  home-born  slave.  |  Ueb. 
 
 why  is  he  f  spoiled  ?  ^  _  ,  n  i 
 
 15  The  young  lions  roared  upon  him,  and\ 
 
 and  they  made  his  land  waste:  his  cities  aie  hurnt^^^^ 
 without  inhabitant. 
 
 16  Also  the  children  of  Noph  and  Tahapanes  I1 
 
 broken  the  crown  of  thy  hand.  .  thy  croum. 
 
 17  Hast  thou  not  procured  this  unto  thyself,  in  Deut. 
 that  thou  hast  forsaken  the  Lord  thy  God,  w’hen 
 
 led  thee  by  the  way?  .h Isa. 3. 9. 
 
 18  And  now  what  hast  thou  to  do  in  the  w'ay  ot  ^ 
 Ewypt,  to  drmk  the  waters  of  Sihor  ?  or  w'hat  hast  n  Or, 
 thou  to  do  in  the  w'ay  of  Assyria,  to  drink  the 
 
 of  the  river  ?  57.  5,  7. 
 
 19  Thine  own  **  wickedness  shall  correct  thee,  and  chapter 
 thy  backslidings  shall  reprove  thee:  know  therefore 3.  6. 
 and  see,  that  it  is  an  evil  thing  and  bitter,  that  thou 
 
 hast  forsaken  the  Lord  thy  God,  and  that  my  fear  is  Psaims 
 not  in  thee,  saith  the  Lord  God  of  hosts.  44.  2.  & 
 
 20  For  of  old  time  I  have  broken  thy  yoke, 
 burst  thy  bands;  and  thou  saidst,  I  will  not  ||  trans- - 
 gress;  when  ’upon  every  high  hill,  and  under  every  ]\iatth. 
 green  tree,  thou  wanderest,  playing  the  harlot. 
 
 21  Yet  I  had  ’‘planted  thee  a  noble  vine,  wholly ^ 
 a  right  seed  :  how  then  art  thou  turned  into  the  de-  Luke 
 
 o-enerate  plant  of  a  strange  vine  unto  me  r 
 
 20.  9. 
 
 any  work.  He  is  solemnly  w'arned  against  fear  in  declaring  the  mind  of  God  ; 
 JSe  not  dismayed  at  their  faces,  lest  I  confound  thee;  he  is  called  to  be  courageous 
 by  the  most  powerful  arguments;  Jehovah  promises  to  raise  him  superior  to  all 
 his  enemies;  to  preserve  him  in  safety  as  adefenced  city;  to  give  him  strength, 
 firmness,  and  durability  in  the  service  to  which  he  was  called,  as  an  iron  pillar, 
 or  as  walls  of  brass.  The  presence  of  God  to  deliver  him,  rendered  ineffectual 
 all  the  opposition  against  him,  from  men  of  power  or  influence. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  II.  Ver.  2,-3.  Kindness  of  thy  youth, 
 love  of  thine  esjwusals,  may  mean  professed  love  and  zeal  of  Israel,  when  they  first 
 followed  the  Lord  and  his  servant  Moses  in  the  wilderness.  Or,  more  probably 
 the  expressions  may  refer  to  the  love  and  kindness  which  God  shewed  them, 
 when  he  chose  them  to  be  his  peculiar  people  above  all  the  earth,  and  became 
 their  own  God :  “  so  that  considering  the  nation,  as  immediately  dedicated  to 
 him,  even  as  the  first-fruits  of  every  increase  were  holy  to  him,  he  was  offended 
 with  all  who  attempted  to  injure  them,  and  brought  evil  on  all  their  enemies.” 
 For  it  should  be  rendered  “  did  offend;  evil  did  come  upon  them.”  Ver.  6. 
 Shadow  of  death;  This  expression  is  remarkably  applicable  to  the  solitary  waste 
 
 through  which  they  travelled,  which  continually  reminded  them  of  death,  or 
 threatened  them  with  it;  through  this  hitherto  untrodden  desert,  the  Lora  naa 
 safely  led  their  nation.  Ver.  10-12.  Civilized  or  savage  idolaters  have  been  always 
 distinguished  for  tenacious  adherence  to  their  idols,  and  the  religion  o  eir  a- 
 thers.  Ver.  14,  15.  This  alludes  to  the  reduction  of  the  ten  tribes  to  their  miser- 
 able  bondage  by  Assyria,  whose  princes  are  compared  to  young  lions  on  account 
 of  their  rapacious  cruelty.  \Vhy  was  Israel  thus  spoiled?  Was  it  berause  oni 
 slaves  in  the  family  of  some  idolaters,  and  therefore  unworthy  at  ^  ®  ivine 
 protection?  Far  from  it;  they  were  chosen  God’s  servants,  but  by  departing 
 from  him,  and  serving  idols,  they  provoked  him  to  cast  them  off,  an  e  iver 
 them  to  the  will  of  their  enemies.  Ver.  16.  This  seems  a  proplmcy  of  the  death 
 of  Josiah,  and  the  dethronement  of  Jehoahaz,  by  the  king  of  Egypt,  m  wnich 
 country  were  the  cities  of  Noph  and  Tahapanes.  Ver.  18.  The  tribe  of  o  a 
 often  shewed  a  propensity  to  form  alliances  with  Egypt  and  Assyria,  w  ic 
 conduct  was  not  more  opposed  to  the  will  of  God  than  it  was  almost  unaccount¬ 
 able,  since  these  kingdoms  had  been  so  often  the  greatest  enemies  of  Israel. 
 Ver.  22.  The  labours  of  the  best  princes,  and  faithful  prophets,  were  ineffectual 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. —  *  Chap.  I.]  The  Lord  raises  up  proper  instruments  for  his  work,  in  every  age  and  circurastMce  of  his  chiwch;  aiM 
 though  their  labours  fail  to  reform  degenerate  nations,  they  prove  useful  to  some  individuals,  and  leave  others  without  excus^  He  who  formed  us  m  the  womb, 
 knows  beforehand  for  what  serviees  or  purposes  he  intended  us;  and  he  will  qualify  us  for  all  that  he  hath  for  us  to  do,  or  suffer  m  this  world.  In  general  young 
 persons  are  not  the  most  proper  to  hold  offices  of  importance  in  the  church.  Yet  the  Lord  may  be  pleased  to  call  those  who  are  young  m  years  and  expenenre, 
 and  apparently  of  inferior  endowments,  and  assuredly  he  will  enable  them  to  be  faithful.  M  hatever  the  wise  men  and  politicians  of  this  w  orld  may  think,  the 
 safety  of  kingdoms  is  decided  according  to  the  purpose  and  word  of  God;  and  much  depends  on  the  reception  that  is  given  to  his  faithful  ministers.  If  ive  ^ould 
 speak  properly  in  the  name  of  God  to  others,  we  must  observe  attentively  his  word  and  works,  and  study  his  providences,  as  ivell  as  his  precepts,  ^od  though 
 all  our  services  are  imperfect  and  defiled ;  yet  the  Lord  will  graciously  shew  his  approbation  of  all  that  we  do  well,  according  to  our  measure  :  and  we  should 
 thus  candidly  accept  of  the  well-meant  services  of  each  other.  The  destruction  of  the  wicked,  and  the  salvation  of  the  just,  are  ripening  apare;  in  both  respects 
 the  Lord  will  hasten  his  word  to  perform  it.  This  the  ministers  of  God  must  boldly  declare,  according  to  all  that  God  commands  them.  The  Lord  will  pro¬ 
 tect  such  as  simply  follow,  and  trust  in  him,  against  every  assault  of  the  wicked,  as  far  as  is  good  for  them  :  he  can  make  the  feeblest  and  most  timid,  firm  ana 
 immoveable  as  an  iron  pillar,  and  secure  as  a  well  fortified  city,  though  whole  nations  should  combine  against  them. 
 
Judah's  confidence  rejected. 
 
 JEREMIAH. 
 
 Before 
 Christ 
 cir 
 
 v^nrist  though  thou  '  wash  thee  with  nitre,  and 
 
 ■ir.  629.  thee  mucli  soap,  yet  thine  iniquity  is  marked  be- 
 - tore  me,  saith  the  Lord  God. 
 
 23  How  canst  thou  say,  I  am  not  polluted,  I  have 
 not  gone  after  Baalim  ?  See  thy  way  in  the  valley, 
 know  what  thou  hast  done :  ||  thou  art  a  swift  drome* 
 dary  traversing  her  ways ; 
 
 24  II  A  wild  ass  f  used  to  the  vrilderness,  that  snuff- 
 eth  up  the  wind  at  f  her  pleasure:  in  her  occasion  who 
 can  II  turn  her  away  ?  all  they  that  seek  her  will  not 
 weary  themselves;  in  her  month  they  shall  find 
 
 I  Job 
 9.  30. 
 il  Or,  O 
 sicift  dro- 
 7nedaru, 
 
 [)  Or, 
 
 0  wild 
 nss,  <^-c. 
 
 +  Heb. 
 taught. 
 
 f  Heb.  the  i.  „ 
 desire  of 
 her  heart. 
 
 II  Or, 
 reverse  it. 
 
 II  Or,  Is 
 the  case 
 desperate? 
 
 !|  Or,  he- 
 gotten  me. 
 t  Heb. 
 the  hinder 
 
 23  Withhold  thy  foot  from  being  unshod,  and  thy 
 throat  from  thirst;  but  thou  saidst,  ||  There  is  no 
 hope:  no;  for  I  have  loved  strangers,  and  after  them 
 will  I  go. 
 
 26  As  the  thief  is  ashamed  when  he  is  found,  so  is 
 the  house  of  Israel  ashamed;  they,  their  kiners,  their 
 princes,  and  their  priests,  and  their  prophets^ 
 
 27  Saying  to  a  stock.  Thou  art  my  father;  and  to 
 a  stone.  Thou  hast  ||  brought  me  forth:  for  they 
 have  turned  f  their  back  unto  me,  and  not  their  face ; 
 but  in  the  time  of  their  “  trouble  they  will  say,  Arise, 
 
 part  of  the  save  us. 
 
 tieck*  ^ 
 
 28  But  where 
 
 m  Isaiah 
 26  16. 
 n  Isaiah 
 45.  20. 
 t  Heb. 
 evil. 
 
 o  Chap. 
 11.  13. 
 p  Isaiah 
 9.  13. 
 Chapter 
 5.  3. 
 q  Matth. 
 23.  29. 
 &c. 
 
 r  Ver.  5. 
 +  Heb. 
 
 U'e  have 
 dominion. 
 
 gods  that  thou  hast  made 
 "can  save  thee  in  the 
 
 are  thy  ^ 
 
 thee?  let  them  arise,  if  they 
 
 time  of  thy  f  trouble  :  for  °  according  to  the  number 
 of  thy  cities  are  thy  gods,  O  Judah. 
 
 29  Wherefore  will  ye  plead  with  me?  ye  all  have 
 transgressed  against  me,  saith  the  Lord. 
 
 30  In  vain  have  I  p  smitten  your  children;  they  re¬ 
 ceived  no  correction  :  your  own  sword  hath  *1  devour¬ 
 ed  your  prophets,  like  a  destroying  lion. 
 
 31  H  O  generation,  see  ye  the  word  of  the  Lord. 
 
 God's  great  mercy  in  her  vile  >whoredon 
 
 therefore  hast  thou  also  taught  the  wicked  ones  thv  n 
 ways.  •''v  "wore 
 
 34  Also  in  thy  skirts  is  found  the  blood  of  the  souls  ''''■•  S. 
 ol  the  poor  innocents  :  I  have  not  found  it  by  +  secr^r 
 
 search,  but  upon  all  these. 
 
 35  Yet  thou  sayest,  because  I  am  innocent,  surelv 
 his  anger  shall  turn  from  me:  behold,  I  will  plead  with 
 thee,  because  thou  sayest,  I  have  not  sinned. 
 
 36  Why  gaddest  thou  about  so  much  to  change  thy 
 way  ?  thou  also  shalt  be  ashamed  of  Egypt,  as  thou 
 wast  ashamed  of  Assyria. 
 
 37  Yea,  thou  shalt  go  forth  from  him,  and  thine 
 hancs  upon  thine  head:  for  the  Lord  hath  rejected 
 thy  confidences,  and  thou  shalt  not  prosper  in  them  * 
 
 CHAP.  III. 
 
 13  The  promises  of  the 
 
 I  God's  great  mercy  in  Judah's  vile  -whoredom. 
 
 Gospel  to  the  penitent. 
 
 ^  ^  and  f  Heb 
 
 she  go  from  him,  and  become  another  man’s, 
 
 *’shall  he  return  unto  her  again  ?  shall  not  ^ 
 
 1  K  .1  1.  .  ,  .  .  .o  24. 4. 
 
 Have  I  been  a  wilderness  unto  Israel  ?  a  land  of 
 
 darkness?  wherefore  say  my  people,  ■f  We  are  lords; 
 we  will  come  no  more  unto  thee  ? 
 
 32  Can  a  maid  forget  her  ornaments,  or  a  bride 
 her  attire  ?  yet  my  people  have  forgotten  me  days 
 without  number. 
 
 33  Why  trimmest  thou  thy  way  to  seek  love? 
 
 TO  Reform  the  people,  their  sins  so  deeply  polluted  them  before  God,  that  out- 
 '.rard  means  could  not  wa.sh  them  out.  Ver.  23,  24.  The  valley,  probably  that 
 ot  the  son  of  Hmnom,  where  they  caused  their  children  to  pass  through  the  fire 
 to  the  idol  Moloch;  by  which  detestable  practice  they  discovered  the  strongest 
 inclination  to  live  like  their  idolatrous  neighbours.  Ver.  25.  The  Lord  often 
 \\arnea  his  people  not  to  run  after  idols,  or  form  connections  with  heathens 
 the  certain  consequence  of  which  would  be  misery.  But  they  considered  all 
 hope  or  safety  from  the  Lord  vain,  and  therefore  persevered  in  rejecting  his 
 .  counsel.  4  er.  26.  All  Israel  were  conscious  of  guilt,  and  shunned  detection 
 like  a  thief;  and  yet  they  would  certainly  be  detected,  and  put  to  shame;  for  the 
 Ijord  will  prove  against  them,  that  they  had  ascribed  divine  honours  to  their 
 senseless  idols,  and  rejected  him,  the  only  true  God.  Ver.  35.  Apostates  from 
 jod  are  generally  more  abandoned  to  iniquity  than  the  most  ignorant  and  pro- 
 V  ^'®covered  any  regard  to  true  religion.  Idolatrous  Israel  imitat¬ 
 
 ed  the  harlot  who  used  every  artifice  to  allure,  and  turned  every  way  to  meet 
 the  companions  of  her  shameful  amours ;  thus  they  assiduously  employed  them¬ 
 selves  in  desiring,  and  embracing  new  idolatries;  And  they  not  only  were  ac¬ 
 quainted  with  the  worst  practices  of  the  heathen,  but  refined  on  them,  and  be- 
 ^^‘'’‘^I’crs  of  professed  idolatries  in  their  infamous  mysteries. 
 -j^^7*LANATOR\  NOTES.  Chap.  III.  Ver.  1.  Compare  Dent.  xxiv. 
 
 that  land  be  greatly  polluted  ?  but  thou  hast  played' 
 the  harlot  with  many  lovers;  yet  return  again  to 
 me,  saith  the  Lord. 
 
 2  Lift  up  thine  eyes  unto  the  high  places,  and  see 
 where  thou  hast  not  been  lien  with :  in  the  ways  hast 
 thou  sat  for  them,  as  the  Arabian  in  the  wilderness; 
 and  thou  hast  polluted  the  land  with  thy  whoredoms, 
 and  with  thy  wickedness. 
 
 3  Therefore  the  showers  have  been  withholden,  b  Deut. 
 and  there  hath  been  no  latter  rain ;  and  thou  hadst  a  28.  24. 
 
 ®  whore’s  forehead,  thou  refusedst  to  be  ashamed.  Chapter 
 
 4  Wilt  thou  not  from  this  time  cry  unto  me,  MyfcL 
 
 father,  thou  art  the  guide  of  my  youth?  6.  15. 
 
 3  Will  he  reserve  his  anger  for  ever  ?  will  he  keep 
 it  to  the  end  ?  Behold,  thou  hast  spoken  and  done 
 evil  things  as  thou  couldest. 
 
 fin  The  Lord  said  also  unto  me  in  the  days  of cir.  612. 
 Josiah  the  king,  Hast  thou  seen  ^^<2^  which  backsliding 
 Israel  hath  done  ?  she  is  **  gone  up  upon  every  hiffh  d  Chap, 
 mountain,  and  under  every  green  tree,  and  there  ha“h 
 played  the  harlot. 
 
 1—4.  The  law  of  Moses,  and  the  sentiments  of  the  people,  were  repugnant  to 
 the  practice  of  a  man  receiving  back  a  divorced  wife,  after  she  had  been  married 
 to  another ;  _Yet  the  Lord  invited  his  backsliding  people  to  return  to  him,  after  all 
 their  idolatries  which  had  defiled  the  land,  dishonoured  him,  and  proved  their 
 unfaithfulness  to  the  covenant  of  their  espousals  to  him.  Ver.  2.  As  the  pros¬ 
 titute  was  seen  in  every  public  place,  and  the  plundering  Arab  in  the  desert 
 through  which  the  traveller  passed,  so  Israel  were  seen  in  every  high  place  devoted 
 to  idols ;  thus  they  practised  idolatry  with  the  greatest  zeal,  and  the  most  shame¬ 
 less  effrontery.  Ver.  4,  5.  This  passage  is  by  some  interpreted  as  a  reproof  of 
 the  hypocrisy  and  presumption  of  the  Jews.  Though  abandoned  to  iniquity, 
 they  pretended  to  call  God  their  Father.  Nor  would  they  believe  that  he  would 
 so  reserve  his  anger  as  to  bring  his  threatenings  on  them.  But  the  common 
 mtei-pretation  conveys  a  contrary  sense.  “  Would  not  the  people  from  this 
 time,  (when  they  were  warned,  corrected,  and  invited  to  repentance;  and 
 favoured  with  such  a  pious  reforming  king,)  come,  and  seek  God,  who  had  al¬ 
 ways  been  the  Father  and  Guide  of  Israel?  Would  they  not  crave  him  again  to 
 take  them  under  his  fatherly  guidance?  And  would  they  not  do  it  immediate¬ 
 ly,  without  further  delay  ?  And  would  the  Lord,  in  that  case,  reserve  his  anger 
 for  ever,  and  punish  them  to  the  end?  By  no  means:  though  they  had  done 
 all  in  their  power  to  provoke  him,  he  w’as  yet  disposed  to  be  merciful  to  them 
 
 though  dfiidrary^vHdfrn^sfto^hf  promised  re^st^havealreldv^^^  holiness  to  the  Lord,  and  the  first-fruits  of  his  new  creation,  and  who  follow  him 
 
 all  that  they  can  lose,  leave  or  suffer  for  his  sake  •  and  he  will  to  experience  such  love  from  him,  as  richly  to  compensate  for 
 
 good  reason  for  de^  ting  Lm  he  Lord  no  le  c^n  plLVd  backslider,  can  give  a 
 
 as  well  as  the  ingratitude,  of  leaving  such^  tried  Xowe^^^^^  onkmdness  in  him;  and  he  may  justly  reproach  them  with  the  folly, 
 
 these  odious  crimes;  even  true  believers  are  often  constrained  to  nlpad’e-nilHl  N  become  vain.  But  not  only  are  mere  professors  chargeable  with 
 
 ral  and  spiritual  advantages,  expose  themselves  to  the  severest  iiid^mpriTf  A  A'  °  wickedness,  notwithstanding  the  most  distinguished  tempo- 
 
 his  total  depravity.  Sometimes  de^pWmerev^  A  disposi  ion  to  self-justification  ,s  as  strongly  marked  as  a  feature  of  man’s  character,  as 
 
 do  Norirp-  indeed  can  save  men  ^  ‘domineering  lusts,  leads  men  to  as  unrestrained  indulgence,  as  the  most  presumptuous  infidelity  can 
 
 do.  xNoJi.n,  iiiceed  can  save  men  from  the  dominion  of  sin  and  enmity  against  God,  except  the  abundant  mercy  anil  almighty  assistance  propS  L^hrOospel 
 
Before 
 Christ 
 fir.  612. 
 
 II  Of> 
 
 fame. 
 
 .(•  Heb. 
 
 in  fnlss- 
 hood’ 
 
 fhe  promises  of  the  Gospel 
 
 7  And  I  said,  after  she  had  done  all  these  thirigs, 
 Turn  thou  unto  me:  but  she  returned  not.  And  her 
 
 treacherous  sister  Judah  saw  i 
 
 8  And  I  saw,  when  for  all  the  causes  whereby  back- 
 slidino"  Israel  committed  adultery,  I  had  put  her  away, 
 ^nd  <nven  her  a  bill  of  divorce;  yet  her  treacherous 
 sister”judah  feared  not,  but  went  and  played  the  hai- 
 
 lot^al^^d  throurrh  the  H  lightness  of 
 
 her  w'horedom,  that  she  defiled  the  land,  and  com¬ 
 mitted  adultery  with  stones  and  with  stocks. 
 
 10  And  yet  for  all  this  her  treacherous  sister  Judah 
 hath  not  turned  unto  me  with  her  whole  heart,  but  f 
 
 feigned ly,  saith  the  Lord.  ,  v  r 
 
 11  And  the  Lord  said  unto  me.  The  backsliding 
 Israel  hath  justified  herself  more  than  treacherous 
 
 Judah.  ,  , 
 
 12  H  Go  and  proclaim  these  words  toward  the 
 north  and  say.  Return,  thou  backsliding  Israel,  saith 
 the  Lord,  and  I  will  not  cause  mine  anger  to  tall 
 upon  you:  for  I  am  ^  merciful,  saith  the  Lord,  and 
 
 86^  Ts.  &  I  will  not  keep  anger  for  ever. 
 
 103.8,9.  j3  Only  acknowledge  thine  iniquity,  that  thou  hast 
 
 transgressed  against  the  Lord  thy  God,  and  hast 
 scattered  thy  ways  to  the  strangers  under  every  p'een 
 tree,  and  ye  have  not  obeyed  my  voice,  saith  the 
 
 Lord.  ,  ..it 
 
 14  Turn,  O  backsliding  children,  saith  the  L-ord; 
 
 for  I  am  married  unto  you:  and  I  will  pke  you  one 
 of  a  city,  and  two  of  a  family,  and  1  will  bring  you 
 to  Zion: 
 
 15  And  I  will  give  ^  you  pastors  according  to  mine 
 
 heart,  which  shall  feed  you  with  knowledge  and  un¬ 
 derstanding.  ■-  1  •  r  j 
 
 16  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  when  ye  be  multiplied 
 
 and  increased  in  the  land,  in  those  days,  saith  the 
 Lord,  they  shall  say  no  more.  The  ark  ot  the  cove¬ 
 nant  of  the  Lord;  neither  shall  it  f  come  to  mind. 
 
 JEREMIAH. 
 
 dren,  and  give  thee  a  fpleasant  land,  a  goodly  Srilt 
 
 «  •  1  .  f* _ An/I  I  I  lion  Cell*  G 1 
 
 .  Psalm 
 
 f  Chap. 
 23.  4. 
 
 of  tile  hos4  of  nations?  And  I  said,  Ihou  shall  ca 
 me,  My  father,  and  shall  not  turn  away  f  frorn  me 
 
 20  f  Surely  as  a  wife  treacherously  departeth  from  f  1  Lb 
 her  t  husband,  so  have  ye  dealt  treacherously  with  desire, 
 me  O  house  of  Israel  saith  the  Lord.  an  iteri- 
 
 91  A  voice  was  heard  upon  the  high  places,  weep- tage  of 
 ing  and  supplications  of  the  children  of  Israel:  lors^^« 
 they  have  perverted  their  way,  and  they  have  forgot-  ^ 
 
 ten  the  Lord  their  God.  fro, a  after 
 
 22  «  Return,  ve  backsliding  children,  and  1  will  w 
 
 heal  your  backslidings.  Behold,  we  come  unto  thee ; 
 for  thou  art  the  Lord  our  God.  f 
 
 23  Truly  in  vain 
 
 and  from  the  multitude  of  mountains ;  truly  in  the 
 Lord  our  God  is  the  salvation  of  Israel.  - 
 
 24  For  shame  hath  devoured  the  labour  of  our  fa¬ 
 thers  from  our  youth;  their  flocks,  and  their  heids, 
 
 their  sons  and  their  daughters. 
 
 25  We  lie  down  in  our  shame,  and  our  contusion 
 covereth  us:  for  we  have  sinned  again  the  Lord 
 our  God,  we  and  our  fathers,  from  our  youth  even 
 unto  this  day,  and  have  not  obeyed  the  voice  of  the 
 Lord  our  God.* 
 
 CHAP.  IV. 
 
 1  Israel  is  excited  to  repentance  hy  promkes,  3  And  Judah  by  threats  of 
 
 hostile  invasion,  ^c.  19  The  proptiet  lanienteth  bUterly  for  the  afflic¬ 
 tions  of  his  country.  ,  .  ,  ,  t  »  t  . 
 
 F  thou  wilt  return,  O  Israel,  saith  the  Lord,  re- a  Joel 
 turn  unto  me;  and  if  thou  wilt  put  away  thine 
 abominations  out  of  my  sight,  then  shall  thou 
 not  remove. 
 
 2  And  thou  shall  sw'ear,  the  Lord  liveth,  in  trpn, 
 in  judgment,  and  in  righteousness;  and  the  nations 
 shall  bless  themselves  in  him,  and  in  him  shall  they 
 
 1)  v./nEp» 
 
 glory.  £•  T  j  V.  9.  -26. 
 
 3  %  For  thus  saith  the  Lord  to  the  men  of  Judah  ^ 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 came  upon  g^jill  they  remember  it,  neither  shall  they  visit 
 
 nified. 
 
 I  Or,  it,  neither  shall  H  that  be  done  any  more, 
 it  be  mag-  17  At  that  time  they  shall  call  Jerusalem  the  throne 
 of  the  Lord;  and  all  the  nations  shall  be  gathered 
 unto  it,  to  the  name  of  the  Lord,  to  Jerusalem  ;  nei¬ 
 ther  shall  they  walk  any  more  after  the  H  imagination 
 of  their  evil  heart. 
 
 18  In  those  days  the  house  of  Judah  shall  walk  \\ 
 with  the  house  of  Israel,  and  they  shall  come  together 
 out  of  the  land  of  the  north  to  the  land  that  I  have 
 II  criven  for  an  inheritance  unto  your  fathers. 
 
 *19  But  I  said  how  shall  I  put  thee  among  the  chil¬ 
 
 li  Or, 
 
 stubborn¬ 
 
 ness. 
 
 II  Or,  to. 
 II  Or, 
 
 caused 
 your  fa¬ 
 thers  to 
 possess. 
 
 and  Jerusalem,  Break  up  your  fallow  ground,  and  sow  i,  31. 
 not  among  thorns. 
 
 4  Circumcise  yourselves  to  the  Lord,  and  take 
 away  the  foreskins  of  your  heart,  ye  men  of  Judah 
 and  inhabitants  of  Jerusalem  ;  lest  my  fury  come  forth 
 like  fire,  and  burn  that  none  can  quench  it,  because 
 of  the  evil  of  your  doings. 
 
 5  Declare  ye  in  Judah,  and  publish  in  Jerusalem;  ^ 
 and  say,  Blow  ye  the  trumpet  in  the  land:  cry,  ga- 
 ther  together,  and  say,  Assemble  yourselves,  and  letc  chap.^ 
 us  go  into  the  defenced  cities. 
 
 6  Set  up  the  standard  toward  Zion:  |1  retire,  stay 
 not:  for  I  will  bring  evil  from  the  '  north,  and 
 
 i  o-reat  +  destruction.  breaking. 
 
 1  2 _ ! - - - - - 
 
 i  Divine  exhortation  to  them,  »  if  ye  will  return,  return  unto  nne,  saith  the  Lord.” 
 
 '  Their  unfeigned  faith,  and  upright  obedience,  are  foretold  m  connection  with 
 the  calling  of  the  Gentiles  to  have  fellowship  with  them  in  the  blepings  of 
 Messiah.  °  Nor  can  these  blessings  be  enjoyed  by  either  Jew  or  Gentile,  who 
 is  uncircumcised  in  heart  to  love  the  Lord;  for  nothing  awaits  those  who  are 
 alienated  from  God,  and  enemies  in  their  hearts,  but  his  wrath  and  indignation, 
 Rom.  ii.  28,  29.  Ver.  5 — 18. .  Repentance  is  enforced  on  the  Jews  by  the 
 terrors  of  the  Lord  ;  the  judgment  of  which  he  forewarns  them.  He  calls  the 
 I  army  of  Nebuchadnezzar  to  march  against  Judea  and  Jerusalem  ;  the  devasta- 
 I  tion  and  destruction  produced  by  that  army,  are  described  by  most  expressive 
 I  images.  As  a  hungi-y  lion  rushing  from  his  thicket  destroys  every  animal  in 
 1  his  course,  sparing  neither  young  nor  old,  weak  nor  strong ;  so  would  Nebu- 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. _ *  Chap.  III.l  All  God’s  mercy  to  his  professed  people  in  every  age,  may  suggest  encouragement  to  the  humble  in¬ 
 
 quirer  after  him:  and  what  can  be  so  desirable  for  the  young  and  inexperienced,  in  this  ensnaring,  perilous  world,  as  to  have  the  Lwd  for  their  father^^ 
 guide  of  their  youth?  But  it  will  not  avail  the  obstinate,  and  hypocritical,  to  presume  on  their  e.xtemal  prwileges,  and  relation  to  God,  or  even  on  his  niercy, 
 as  if  he  would  Lt  execute  his  threatened  vengeance  on  the  impenitent  transgressor.  If  we  care hilly  mark  the  crimes  of  those  who  renounce  all  religious  pi  ofes- 
 sions;  and  despise  warnings,  and  convictions,  and  note  the  consequences;  we  shall  then  generally  see  abundant  reason  to  shun 
 
 that  his  word  has  reached  us,  and  that  he  calls  for  the  chief  of  sinners  to  return  to  him.  May  his  goodness  lead  us  to  repentance,  and  humble  confession  of  our 
 sins !  0  that  we  may  be  found  among  the  small  remnant,  who  have  been  called  into  the  true  church  ot  God . 
 
 8  P 
 
 Ver.  11.  The  sins  of  the  ten  tribes,  who  had  been  long  ruined  or  in  a  misera¬ 
 ble  captivity,  were  far  less  aggravated  than  those  of  Judah,  being  committed 
 against  fewer  -warnings,  mercies,  judgments,  vows,  &c.  Ver.  12—23.  Ihese 
 predictions  began  to  be  accomplished  in  and  after  the  deliverance  from  Bayblon; 
 but  will  be  much  more  fully  accomplished  in  the  future  return  of  the  pvelve 
 tribes  to  Canaan,  and  in  the  glories  of  the  Christian  church;  especially  in  the 
 millennium,  when  converts  shall  be  numerous,  ministers  and  magistiates  faith¬ 
 ful,  ceremonies  laid  aside,  and  peace,  harmony,  faith,  and  godly  sorrow  pi'syai  . 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  IV.  Ver.  1—4.  Many  a  time  did  Is¬ 
 rael  profess  to  return  to  God,  and  as  often  did  he  deign  to  encourage  them,  and 
 teach  them  the  nature  of  genuine  repentance.  But  generally  their  confessions 
 were  feigned,  and  their  reformation  partial ;  and  hence  the  propriety  of  the 
 
 22 
 
A  lafnenfaiion  for  the  miseries  of  Judah. 
 7 
 
 d  Chap 
 6.  26. 
 
 Christ  The  lion  is  come  up  from  his  thicket,  and  the  de- 
 cir.  612.  ofthe  Gentiles  is  on  his  way ;  he  is  gone  forth 
 
 lom  his  place  to  make  thy  land  desolate:  ajid  thy 
 cities  shall  be  laid  waste,  without  an  inhabitant. 
 
 8  for  this  gird  you  with  sackcloth,  lament  and 
 howl;  for  the  fierce  anger  of  the  Lord  is  not  turned 
 back  from  us. 
 
 9  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  at  that  day,  saith  the 
 Lord,  that  the  heart  of  the  king  shall  perish,  and  the 
 leait  of  the  princes;  and  the  priests  shall  be  astonish¬ 
 ed,  and  the  prophets  wonder. 
 
 10  Then  said  I,  Ah,  Lord  God  !  surely  thou  hast 
 gieatly  deceived  this  people  and  Jerusalem,  saying, 
 le  shall  have  peace;  whereas  the  sword  reacheth  un¬ 
 to  the  soul. 
 
 1 1  At  that  time  shall  it  be  said  to  this  people  and  to 
 Jerusalem,  A  dry  wind  of  the  high  places  in  the  wil¬ 
 derness  toward  the  daughter  of  my  people,  not  to  fan, 
 
 ^  nor  to  cleanse. 
 
 a  fuller  Eveu  ||  a  full  wind  from  i\\o%e  places  shall  come 
 
 wind  than  unto  me :  now  also  will  I  -j-  give  sentence  against  them. 
 
 13  Behold,  he  shall  come  up  as  clouds,  and  his  cha- 
 uuerjiidg-  shall  he  as^  a  whirlwind;  his  horses  are  swifter 
 ments.  °  than  eagles.  W  oe  unto  us  1  for  we  are  spoiled. 
 
 14  O  Jerusalem,  ®  wash  thine  heart  from  wicked¬ 
 ness,  that  thou  mayest  be  saved:  how  long  shall  thy 
 vain  thoughts  lodge  within  thee? 
 
 15  For  a  voice  declareth  ^  from  Dan,  and  publish- 
 eth  affliction  trom  mount  Ephraim. 
 
 16  Make  ye  mention  to  the  nations  :  behold,  pub¬ 
 lish  against  Jerusalem,  that  watchers  come  from  a  far 
 country,  and  give  out  their  voice  against  the  cities  of 
 Judah. 
 
 17  As  keepers  of  a  field,  are  they  against  her  round 
 about;  because  she  hath  been  rebellious  against  me, 
 saith  the  Lord. 
 
 18  ®  Thy  way  and  thy  doings  have  procured  these 
 things  unto  thee;  this  is  thy  wickedness,  because  it  is 
 bitter,  because  it  reacheth  unto  thine  heart. 
 
 19  ^  My  **  bowels,  my  bowels !  I  am  pained  at  f  my 
 very  heart;  my  heSrt  maketh  a  noise  in  me;  I  cannot 
 hold  my  peace,  because  thou  hast  heard,  O  my  soul, 
 the  sound  of  the  trumpet,  the  alarm  of  war. 
 
 20  Destruction  upon  destruction  is  cried ;  for  the 
 whole  land  is  spoiled :  suddenly  are  my  tents  spoiled, 
 and  my  curtains  in  a  moment. 
 
 21  How  long  shall  I  see  the  standard,  and  hear  the 
 sound  of  the  trumpet  ? 
 
 22  For  my  people  is  foolish,  they  have  not  known 
 me :  they  are  sottish  children,  and  they  have  none  un- 
 
 JEREMIAH. 
 
 e  Isaiah 
 
 I.  16. 
 
 f  Chap. 
 3.  16. 
 
 g  Psalm 
 107.  17. 
 Isaiah 
 50.  1. 
 h  Isaiah 
 22.  4. 
 Chapter 
 9.  1. 
 t  Heb. 
 the  walls 
 of  my 
 heart. 
 
 Before 
 Christ 
 
 Chap. 
 
 5-  10, 18, 
 
 chadnezzar  the  destroyer  of  the  nations,  spread  ^miversal  destruction  among  the 
 Jews  j  and  as  a  tempestuous  wind,  would  he  sweep  with  resistles  vengeance  all 
 before  him ;  his  army  as  clouds  would  cast  a  universal  gloom  over  the  country, 
 and  quickly  as  a  whirlwind,  more  than  justify  every  fear  excited  by  the  report 
 of  their  approach ;  and  as  their  horses  are  swifter  than  eagles,  to  flee  would  be 
 as  impossible  as  opposition  was  vain;  they  would  surround  Jerusalem  that  none 
 might  escape,  as  all  entrance  into  a  vineyard  is  prevented  by  it  keepers.  Ver. 
 19 — 31.  Here  the  subject  takes  such  powerful  hold  of  the  prophet’s  soul,  as 
 completely  to  exclude  every  other  thought,  and  to  compel  him  to  speak  in  lan¬ 
 guage  of  the  deepest  lamentation;  its  tenderness  is  equalled  only  by  its  strength. 
 The  noise  of  warriors  against  his  country,  fills  his  soul  with  alarm  ;  in  a  mo¬ 
 ment  are  felt  the  direful  effects  of  war ;  messengers  proclaim  from  tribe  to  tribe, 
 city  to  city,  destruction  upon  destruction,  calamities  in  rapid  succession.  Nor  is 
 the  anguish  of  the  spirit  in  the  least  alleviated  by  reflecting  on  the  sufferers  as 
 
 God's  judgments  on  the 
 
 derstanding:  they  aremse  to  do  evil,  but  to  do  good 
 they  have  no  knowledge.  ° 
 
 23  I  beheld  the  earth,  and,  lo,  it ’was  without  form 
 
 1  keavens,  and  they  had  no  light.  ^ 
 
 24  I  beheld  the  mountains,  and,  lo,  they  trembled, 
 and  all  the  lulls  moved  lightly. 
 
 •  I  keheld,  and,  lo,  there  iscas  no  man,  and  all  the 
 birds  or  the  heavens  were  fled. 
 
 26  I  beheld,  and,  lo,  the  fruitful  place  was  a  wilder¬ 
 ness,  and  all  the  cities  thereof  were  broken  down  at 
 the  presence  of  the  Lord,  and  by  his  fierce  anger. 
 
 27  For  thus  hath  the  Lord  said.  The  whole  land 
 shall  be  desolate;  ‘  yet  will  1  not  make  a  full  end. 
 
 28  For  this  shall  the  earth  mourn,  and  the  heavens  a- 
 bove  be  black:  becausel  have  spoken  it,  I  have  purposed 
 It,  and  will  not  repent,  neither  will  I  turn  back  from  it. 
 
 29  The  whole  city  shall  flee  for  the  noise  of  the 
 hor.semen  and  bowmen ;  they  shall  go  into  thickets, 
 and  climb  up  upon  the  rocks;  every  c\tj  shall  be  for¬ 
 saken,  and  not  a  man  dwell  therein. 
 
 30  And  when  thou  art  spoiled,  what  wilt  thou  do? 
 Ihough  thou  clothest  thyself  with  crimson,  though 
 thou  deckest  thee  with  ornaments  of  gold,  though 
 thou  rendest  thy  f  face  with  painting,  in  vain  shaltt  Heb. 
 thou  make  thyself  fair;  lovers  will  despise  thee, 
 they  will  seek  thy  life. 
 
 31  For  I  have  heard  a  voice  as  of  a  woman  in  travail, 
 and  the  anguish  as  of  her  that  bringeth  forth  her  first 
 child,  the  voice  of  the  daughter  of  Zion,  that  bewail- 
 eth  herself,  that  spreadeth  her  hands,  saying.  Woe  is 
 me  now !  for  my  soul  is  wearied  because  of  murderers.’*^ 
 
 CHAP.  V. 
 
 I  The  judgments  of  God  upon  the  Jews  for  their  universal  depravity;  7 
 their  adultery;  10  their  impiety;  12  their  worship  of  strange  gods; 
 
 20  their  injustice  and  ojrpression,  ^c. 
 
 UN  ye  to  and  fro  through  the  streets  of  Jeru¬ 
 salem,  and  see  now,  and  know,  and  seek  in  the 
 broad  places  thereof,  if  ye  can  find  a  man,  if 
 there  be  any  that  executeth  judgment,  that  seeketh 
 the  truth;  and  I  will  pardon  it. 
 
 2  And  though  they  say.  The  Lord  liveth ;  surely 
 they  swear  falsely. 
 
 3  O  Lord,  are  not  thine  eyes  upon  the  truth  ? 
 thou  hast  ®  stricken  them,  but  they  have  not  grieved; a  Isaiah 
 thou  hast  consumed  them,  but  they  have  refused  to  9-  13. 
 receive  correction;  they  have  made  their  faces  harder 
 than  a  rock :  they  have  refused  to  return. 
 
 4  Therefore  I  said.  Surely  these  are  poor;  they 
 are  foolish:  for  they  know  not  the  way  of  the  Lord, 
 nor  the  judgment  of  their  God. 
 
 innocent;  for  he  hears  Jehovah  testifying  against  them  as  foolish,  stupid,  with¬ 
 out  understanding,  wise  only  to  do  evil.  He  witnesses  the  land  reduced  to  total 
 confusion  and  darkness,  as  the  earth  in  its  original  chaos;  the  whole  body  po¬ 
 litic,  civil,  and  ecclesiastical  constitution  dissolved,  the  country  depopulated, 
 cities  laid  waste,  the  few  inhabitants  that  remain  forsaken  and  despised  by  all, 
 by  those  whom  they  had  honoured  more  than  Hod,  and  left  to  bemoan  with  the 
 anguish  of  a  woman  bringing  forth  her  first  child;  “  Woe  is  me  now,  for  my  soul 
 is  wearied  because  of  murderers.” 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  V.  Ver.  1,  2.  The  nation  of  the 
 Jews,  notwithstanding  all  their  natural  and  religious  advantages,  were  frequent¬ 
 ly  so  corrupt,  that  few  upright  men  could  be  found  among  them ;  comp.  Isa.  Ivii- 
 1 — 4.  Mic.  vii.  I — 16.  Ver.  3 — 5.  Jehovah  loves  integrity;  his  judgments  on 
 his  ancient  people  were  designed  to  correct  their  hypocrisy ;  but  poor  and  rich, 
 high  and  low,  remained  altogether  unconcerned  to  ascertain  whether  their  af- 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS — •  Chap.  IV.]  Returning  sinners,  if  they  would  be  received  by  the  Lord,  must  evince  the  sincerity  of  their  repentance, 
 by  putting  away  their  abominations,  not  only  from  the  sight  of  men,  but  also  from  the  presence  of  God,  who  searcheth  the  hearts.  When  the  professors  of  the 
 Gospel  join  integrity,  truth,  and  righteousness  with  their  apparent  godliness,  they  recommend  their  holy  religion.  When  lesser  calamities  are  not  effectual  to 
 fan  and  cleanse  worshipping  congregations  or  nations  professing  the  true  religion,  God  will  give  sentence  against  them,  and  the  storm  of  Divine  vengeance  will 
 be  commissioned  against  them,  and  then  it  will  be  unavailing  to  say,  “  Woe  unto  us,  for  we  are  undone.” 
 
JEREMIAH. 
 
 Before 
 Christ 
 cir.  612. 
 
 yarious  sins  of  the  Jews. 
 
 I  will  ffet  me  unto  the  great  men,  and  will  speak 
 Jr.  them  •  for  they  have  known  the  way  ot  the 
 Lord,  and  the  judgment  of  their  God:  but  these  have 
 altocrether  broken  the  yoke,  ant/ burst  the  bonds. 
 
 e^Wherefore  a  lion  out  of  the  forest  shall  slay  them, 
 nnd  a  wolf  of  the  H  evenings  shall  spoil  them,  a  leo- 
 nard  shall  watch  over  their  cities:  every  one  that  go- 
 eth  out  thence  shall  be  torn  in  pieces;  because  their 
 Sansgressions  are  many,  and  their  backshdings  f  are 
 
 The  enemies  sent  against  Judah^ 
 
 8  Or, 
 
 deserts 
 
 i.  Heb.  <->  , 
 
 strong,  increased. 
 
 Before 
 Christ 
 cir.  612. 
 
 Isaiah 
 
 are 
 
 b  Ezek 
 
 22.  11. 
 
 c  Isaiah 
 23.  16. 
 
 7  f  How  shall  I  pardon  thee  for  this?  thy  children 
 have  forsaken  me,  and  sworn  by  them  that  are  no  gods  : 
 when  1  had  fed  them  to  the  full,  they  then  committed 
 adultery,  and  assembled  themselves  by  troops  in  the 
 harlots’  houses. 
 
 8  ^They  were  as  fed  horses  in  the  morning:  every 
 
 one  neighed  after  his  neighbour’s  wife. 
 
 9  Shall  I  not  visit  for  these  things?  saith  the  Lord: 
 and  shall  not  my  soul  be  avenged  on  such  a  nation  as 
 
 I  •  p 
 
 ^  t  Go  ye  up  upon  her  walls,  and  destroy;  but 
 make  not  a  full  end:  take  away  her  battlements;  for 
 
 they  ore  not  the  Lord’s.  .  ,  ,  r  t  j  i. 
 
 11  For  the  house  of  Israel  and  the  house  of  Judah 
 
 have  dealt  very  treacherously  against  me,  saith  the 
 
 ^^12  They  have  belied  the  Lord,  and  said,  *'//  zs  not 
 he;  neither  shall  evil  come  upon  us;  neither  shall  we 
 
 see  sword  nor  famine :  ,  „  ,  .  . 
 
 13  And  the  prophets  shall  become  wind,  and  the 
 word  is  not  in  them  :  thus  shall  it  be  done  unto  them. 
 
 14  Wherefore  thus  saith  the  Lord  God  of  hosts, 
 
 d  Chapter  Because  ye  speak  this  wovii,  “  Behold,  I  "“'j® 
 
 •  “  my  words  in  thy  mouth  five,  and  this  people  wood, 
 
 and  it  shall  devour  them. 
 
 15  Lo,  I  will  bring  ^  a  nation  upon  you  from  tar, 
 O  house  of  Israel,  saith  the  Lord  ;  it  is  a  mighty  na¬ 
 tion,  it  is  an  ancient  nation,  a  nation  whose  language 
 thou  knowest  not,  neither  understandest  what  they  say. 
 
 16  Their  quiver  is  as  an  open  sepulchre,  they  aie 
 
 all  mighty  men.  ,  , 
 
 17  And  they  shall  eat  up  thine  ^  harvest,  and  thy 
 
 bread,  which  thy  sons  and  thy  daughters  should  eat; 
 they  shall  eat  up  thy  flocks  and  thine  herds;  they 
 shall  eat  up  thy  vines  and  thy  fig-trees;  they  shall 
 impoverish  thy  fenced  cities,  wherein  thou  trustedst, 
 
 with  the  sword.  •  ,  t  i 
 
 g  Chapter  18  Nevertheless,  in  those  days,  saith  the  Lord,  1 
 
 4.  27.  Swill  not  make  a  full  end  with  you. 
 h  Chapter  gl^all  come  to  pass,  when  ye  shall  say, 
 
 16.  10.’  ^  ^  Wherefore  doeth  the  Lord  our  God  all  these  things 
 
 unto  us?  then  shalt  thou  answer  them,  Like  as  ye  have 
 forsaken  me,  and  served  strango  gods  in  your  land, 
 so  shall  ye  serve  strangers  in  a  land  that  is  not  yours. 
 
 20  H  Declare  this  in  the  house  of  Jacob,  and  pub¬ 
 lish  it  in  Judah,  saying, 
 
 21  Hear  now  this,  O  ‘  foolish  people,  and  without  ^ 
 
 t  understanding;  which  have  eyes,  and  see  not,  which 
 have  cars,  and  hear  not:  ,  , 
 
 22  Fear  ye  not  me?  saith  the  Lord  :  ^  {JV 
 
 tremble  at  my  presence,  which  have  placed  the  sa  d 
 
 for  the  “  bound  of  the  sea  by  a  perpetual  decree,  that  26. 
 it  cannot  pass  it;  and  though  the  waves  ^ 
 
 themselves,  yet  can  they  not  prevail ;  though  thej  ^ 
 
 roar,  vet  can  they  not  pass  over  it .  heart. 
 
 23  But  this  people  hath  a  revolting  and  a  rebellious  k^Job  38. 
 
 heart;  they  are  revolted  and  gone.  r  p^im 
 
 24  Neither  say  they  in  their  heart,  Let  us  now  fear  ^ 
 the  Lord  our  God,  that  giveth  ram,  both  the  former 
 
 and  the  latter,  in  his  season:  he  reserveth  unto  us  11.  14. 
 
 the  appointed  weeks  of  the  harvest. 
 
 25  i  Your  iniquities  have  turned  away  these  things,  II 
 
 and  your  sins  have  withholden  good  things  as  fouders 
 
 26  For  among  my  people  are  found  wicked  men;  in  -waU. 
 11  they  lay  wait,  as  he  that  settelh  snares;  they  set  a 
 
 trap,  they  catch  men.  ,  •  ,  m  Deut. 
 
 27  As  a  II  cage  is  full  of  birds,  so  are  their  houses  39.  15. 
 (full  of  deceit;  therefore  they  are  become  great,  and  n  Isaiah 
 
 waxen  rich.  ,  ,  .  .1  Zech. 
 
 28  They  are  waxen  “"fat,  they  shine;  yea,  they  ^  jq 
 
 overpass  the  deeds  of  the  wicked;  they  judge  not, Or, 
 
 "the cause,  the  cause  of  the  fatherless,  they  pro- 
 
 1.  9. 
 
 e  Deut. 
 28.  49. 
 Chapter 
 1.  15.  & 
 6.  22. 
 
 me  cause,  tuc  w.  ...w  •  1  ‘  ment  am 
 
 sper;  and  the  right  of  the  needy  do  they  not  judge. 
 
 29  Shall  1  not  visit  for  these  things?  saith  ihCo  Q^ap. 
 
 f  Lev. 
 
 26.  16. 
 Deut.  28. 
 31,  33. 
 
 ksnaii  i  iiuh  viaii.  tv/.  - -  •  -  o-  sV  p 
 
 Lord:  shall  not  my  soul  be  avenge.d  on  such  a  nation 
 
 as  this  ?  iffrsvi  Ezek. 
 
 30 II  11  A  wonderful  and  horrible  thing  is  committed  jg  g 
 
 in  the  land  * 
 
 31  The  prophets  prophesy  °  falsely,  and  the  priests  laX-yVtZo 
 II  bear  rule  by  their  means;  and  my  people  to 
 
 have  it  so:  and  what  will  ye  do  in  the  end  thereof? 
 
 CHAP.  VI. 
 
 l  The  enemies  sent  against  Judah  are  eager  to  fall  upon  her.  6  God  dt- 
 recteth  the  siege  because  of  her  sins.  The  imophet  lamenteih  the  evds 
 that  would  follow  from  her  depravity, 
 
 YE  children  of  Benjamin,  gather  yourselves  to 
 flee  out  of  the  midst  of  Jerusalem,  and  blow 
 the  trumpet  in  Tekoa,  and  set  up  a  sign  o 
 fire  in  Beth-haccerem :  for  evil  appeareth  out  ot  the 
 
 north,  and  great  destruction.  ^  rr-  .  a  1  11 
 2  1  have  likened  the  daughter  of  Zioh  to  a  ||  come  y 
 
 and  delicate  woman. 
 
 o 
 
 flictions  werTTokens  of  Divine  displeasure  or  love ;  they  to  hard 
 
 tbpir  hearts  and  refused  to  return  from  their  sms  and  live.  Ver.  b.  ine  non, 
 wolf  and  leopard,  are  mentioned  for  the  same  purpose  as  the  first  of  these  ani- 
 Tnal«  in  ehan^iv  7  Ver.  12—14.  The  Jews  contradicted  the  faithful  messages 
 S  G.d  fyt,  proph.rp.«»<led  that  d.e,  spoke  without  diviue  ."thonty. 
 foretelling  calaLties  ;  and  that  their  words  were  but  a  mere  puff  of  "'"f’ 
 which  would  neither  profit  nor  hurt  any  body,  unless  they  should  be  fulhlled  n 
 themselves.  Therefore,  God’s  w^ords  by  Jeremiah  shdl  „ 
 
 fearful  destruction  of  them  and  their  country.  Ver.  24.  The  former  ram  m 
 Judea  was  in  part  of  October  and  November,  after  the  sowing  ;  and  the  latter 
 rain,  in  part  of  March  and  April ;  the  regular  fall  of  ram  in  these  seasons  was 
 absolutely  necessary  to  the  produce  of  that  country,  owing  to  its  natural  heat  .md 
 
 j  u.  The  false  prophets  fitted  their  predictions  to  the 
 
 ed  with  promises  of  prosperity ;  and  what  could  be  the  end  of  these  things  but 
 
 '“explanatory  notes.  Chap.  VI.  Ver.  1.  The  subject  of  the  pre- 
 ceding  chapter  seems  to  be  continued  in  this  one;  the  increased  wickedness  of 
 S  pLple  until  the  captivity,  and  the  desolations  which  even  then  were  to  uVe 
 Sacf  are  fo-etold.  Ver.  2,  3.  Jerusalem  is  compared  to  a  beautiful  and  deli- 
 caS  wLan;  who  would  be  soon  e.vposed  to  brutal  violence ;  or  rather  to  a 
 verdant  and  luxuiiant  pasture,  (as  the  words  may  be  interpreted,)  which  only 
 Inures  the  shepherds  to  bring  their  flocks  to  eat  it  up.  Thus  the  invaders  we  e 
 allured  by  the  riches  of  Jerusalem  to  encamp  against  her ,  and  meeting  with 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVA^NS.-  «  Chap.  V.]  frienToT'dlvinnS  for  t  SesTi^fn ^n'swer^ to  their  prayers,  and  by  his 
 
 every  rank,  who  are  both  conscientious  in  their  whole  conduct,  and  s  y  attachment  to  the  most  sacred  institutions  made  subser- 
 
 blessing  on  their  endeavours,  we  may  hope  the  Lorf  will  spa-te  us.  ’  ,  enmity  of  the  great,  to  the  truths  and  precepts  of  the  Gospel,  which  run 
 
 vient  to  secular  designs  !  The  faithful  minister  of  Christ  las  0  nul-tnelp  to  his  success  than  the  ignorant  profligacy  of  the  unprincipled  poor, 
 
 counter  to  all  their  maxims,  habits  and  pursuits,  is  a  more  insurmountable  obstacle  to  his  success,  tnan  g 
 
The  enemies  sent  against  Judah,  ^x. 
 
 JEREMIAH. 
 
 Before 
 Christ 
 eir.  612. 
 
 II  Or,: 
 
 pour  out 
 the  engine 
 of  shot. 
 a  Isaiah 
 57.  20. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 be  loosed 
 or  dis¬ 
 jointed. 
 
 b  Chap. 
 7.  26. 
 
 3  The  shepherds  with  their  flocks  shall  come  unto 
 her;  they  shall  pitch  their  tents  against  her  round 
 about;  they  shall  feed  every  one  in  his  place. 
 
 4  Picpaie  ye  war  against  her;  arise  and  let  us  go 
 up  at  noon.  Woe  unto  us  !  for  the  day  goeth  away, 
 toi^the  shadows  of  the  evening  are  stretched  out, 
 
 5  Aiise,  and  let  us  go  by  night,  and  let  us  destroy 
 her  palaces. 
 
 6  ^  Foi  thus  hath  the  Lord  of  hosts  said.  Hew  ye 
 down  trees,  and  [[  cast  a  mount  against  Jerusalem: 
 this  the  city^to  be  visited;  she  is  wholly  oppression 
 in  the  midst  of  her. 
 
 7  As  a  fountain  casteth  out  her  waters,  so  she 
 casteth  out  her  wickedness:  violence  and  spoil  is  heard 
 in  her:  before  me  continually  is  grief  and  wounds. 
 
 8  Be  thou  instructed,  O  Jerusalem,  lest  my  soul 
 t  depart  from  thee;  lest  I  make  thee  desolate,  a  land 
 not  inhabited.  ^ 
 
 9  H  Thus  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts,  They  shall 
 thoroughly’  glean  the  remnant  of  Israel  as  a  vine:  turn 
 back  thine  hand  as  a  grape-gatherer  into  the  baskets. 
 
 10  To  whom  shall  I  speak,  and  give  warning,  that 
 they  may  hear?  Behold,  their  ‘’  ear  is  uncircumcised, 
 and  they  cannot  hearken;  behold,  the  word  of  the 
 Lord  is  unto  them  a  reproach ;  they  have  no  de¬ 
 light  in  it. 
 
 1 1  Therefore  I  am  full  of  the  fury  of  the  Lord  ; 
 I  am  weary  with  holding  in:  I  will  pour  it  out  upon 
 the  children  abroad,  and  upon  the  assembly  of  youno- 
 men  together:  for  even  the  husband  with  the  wile 
 shall  be  taken,  the  aged  with  him  that  is  full  of 
 days. 
 
 12  And  their  houses  shall  be  turned^  unto  others. 
 
 Isaiah 
 
 11.  & 
 
 ndth  their  fields  and  wives  together:  for  I  will  stretch 
 
 c  Isaiah 
 56.  II. 
 Chapter 
 8.  10. 
 d  Chap. 
 8.  11. 
 Ezekiel 
 13.  10. 
 f  Heb. 
 bruise  or 
 break. 
 e  Chap. 
 
 3.  3.  & 
 8.  12. 
 
 f  Isaiah 
 8.  20. 
 Malachi 
 
 4.  4. 
 Luke 
 16.  29. 
 
 out  my  hand  upon  the  inhabitants  of  the  land,  saith 
 the  Lord. 
 
 13  For  from  the  least  of  them  even  unto  the  great¬ 
 est  of  them,  every  one  is  given  to  ^  covetousnesss ;  and 
 from  the  prophet  even  unto  the  priest,  every  one 
 dealeth  falsely'. 
 
 14  They  have  “  healed  also  the  f  hurt  of  the  daughter 
 of  my  people  slightly,  saying.  Peace,  peace:  when 
 there  is  no  peace. 
 
 15  Were  they  ®  ashamed  when  they  had  committed 
 abomination  ^  nay,  they  were  not  at  all  ashamed,  nei¬ 
 ther  could  they  blush;  therefore  they  shall  fall  among 
 them  that  fall:  at  the  time  that  I  visit  them  they  shall 
 be  cast  down,  saith  the  Lord. 
 
 16  Ihus  saith  theLoRD,  Stand  ye  in  the  ways,  and 
 
 see,  and  ask  for  the  ^  old  paths, 
 
 where  is  the  good 
 
 O 
 
 feeble  resistance,  they  soon  devoured  her,  and  shared  the  spoil.  Ver.  9.  The 
 Chaldeans,  summoned  in  the  preceding  verses  to' war  against  Jerusalem,  because 
 of  their  wickedness  would  not  only  carry  away  captive  the  principal  people 
 of  the  land ;  but  they  would  return  repeatedly  to  gather  the  poor  remains,  till 
 all  were  gone:  as  the  gleanings  of  the  vine  were  gathered  after  the  vintage. 
 Ver.  11.  I  am  weary  of  holding  in-  The  prophet,  perceiving  the  people  set 
 against  his  testimony,  seems  to  have  been  tempted  to  decline  his  work;  but  he 
 was  inwardly  constrained  to  speak,  being  full  of  the  furious  indignation  of  the 
 Lord  against  their  sins,  and  not  being  able  to  withhold  himself  from  declaring  it. 
 He  would  therefore  pour  it  before  the  first  persons  that  he  met  with;  though 
 they  should  be  the  children  playing  in  the  streets,  or  the  young  men  .assembled 
 for  their  pleasure  or  diversion,  see  chap.  xx.  9.  Ezek.  iii.  14 — 27.  Acts  xvii.  16, 
 17.  X.  18.  Ver.  21.  I  will  lay  stumbling-blocks, — That  is,  the  Lord  would  so 
 arrange  his  dispensations,  as,  should  the  desperate  wickedness  of  the  people  lead 
 
 Jeremuih  is  sent  to  call  the  Jews  to  repenta7icey  in  order  to  prevent  their  ^ff'o-st 
 captivity;  8  Their  vain  confidence  rejected  by  the  example  of  Shiloh. 
 
 1 7  God  threateneth  them  for  their  idolatry,  cj-c. 
 
 them  into  those  measiu-es,  they  would  issue  in  their  destruction.  Ver.  24 _ 26. 
 
 The  prophet  here  represents  the  people,  discoursing  together  on  the  report  of 
 the  Chaldean  invasion;  being  filled  with  anguish  and  dismay,  they  exhort  one 
 another  to  keep  close  within  the  walls  of  Jerusalem;  as  all  other  places  were 
 exposed  to  the  ravages  of  the  enemy.  Upon  which  Jerusalem  is  warned  to 
 shew  every  token  of  sorrow  and  distress,  as  ready  to  be  plundered  by  her  vic¬ 
 torious  assailants.  Ver.  28^30.  As  the  refiner  receives  no  advantage  from 
 subjecting  base  metal  which  contains  no  precious  ore  to  the  fire,  so  all  the  la¬ 
 bours  of  the  prophets  with  Judah  were  vain;  for  the  people  persisted  in  their 
 iniquity,  and  corrupted  one  another  more  and  more.  Neither  the  mercies  nor 
 judgments  of  God  separated  udekedness  from  the  nation.  The  whole  mass  of 
 the  people  were  proved  to  be  refuse  metal,  and  not  silver  or  gold,  wickedness 
 without  any  real  e.xcellence;  and  men  would- treat  them  with  contempt  because 
 God  no  longer  regarded  them -as  his  chosen  people. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — ’Chap,  VI.]  The  more  admired,  indulged,  or  delicati^hfe  wicked  are,  the  more  dreadful  will  they  find  Divine  jiadg- 
 ments.  It  is  far  more  desirable  and  profitable,  in  the  humblest  station,  willingly  to  promote  the  good  of  mankind  than  to  be  rendered  subservient  withoutour 
 r  inclination,  in  accomplishinar  the  most  important  purposes  of  the  Most  Hisrh.  Whil.st  .sinners  ere  nclinmefl  nf 
 
 ments.  it  is  lar  more  desirable  and  prohtable,  in  the  humblest  station,  willingly  to  promote  the  good  of  mankind  than  to  be  rendered  subservient  without  dm 
 design  or  inclination,  in  accomplishing  the  most  important  purposes  of  the  Most  High.  Whilst  sinners  are  ashamed  of  their  abominations,  their  case  is  hopeful; 
 but  when  they  are  incapable  of  blushing,  and  can  glory  in  their  shame,  it  is  very  dreadful.  '  ' 
 
 Jeremiah  proclaimeth  God's  fidgment  I 
 
 way,  and  walk  therein,  and  ye  shall  find  rest  «  Tor  Bcfn 
 your  souls.  But  ti.ey  sai.l,  We  will  not  walk  therein.  CkSt 
 
 IT  Also  I  set  watchmen  over  you,  saijing.  Hearken 
 to  the  sound  of  the  trumpet.  But  they  said,  We  wiluX^  - 
 not  hearken.  II.  29 
 
 18  II  Therefore  hear,  ye  nations,  and  know,  O 
 congregation,  what  is  among  them. 
 
 _1^  Elctii'j  O  earth:  behold,  I  will  bring  evil  upon 
 this  people,  even  the  fruit  of  their  thoughts;  because 
 they  have  not  hearkened  unto  my  words,  nor  to  my 
 law,  but  rejected  it. 
 
 20  ‘’  To  what  purpose  cometh  there  to  me  incense  h 
 fiom  Sheba,  and  the  sweet  carre  from  a  far  country?! 
 your  burnt-offerings  are  not  acceptable,  nor  your  ^6.  3. 
 sacrifices  sweet  unto  me. 
 
 21  Therefore  thus  saith  the  Lord,  Behold,  I  will 
 
 lay  stumbling-blocks  before  this  people,  and  the  fiithers  6.  6-  &c. 
 and  the  sons  together  shall  fall  upon  them:  the  neigh¬ 
 bour  and  his  friend  shall  perish. 
 
 22  Thus  saith  the  Lord,  Behold,  a  people  cometh 
 
 from  the  ‘  north  country,  and  a  great  nation  shall  be  i  Chap 
 raised  from  the  sides  of  the  earth.  1. 15.  & 
 
 23  They  shall  lay  hold  on  bow  and  spear;  they  ^ 
 
 cruel  and  have  no  mercy:  their  voice  roareth  like 
 the  sea;  and  they  ride  upon  horses,  set  in  array  as 
 men  for  war  against  thee,  O  daughter  of  Zion. 
 
 24  We  have  heard  the  fame  thereof;  our  hands 
 wax  feeble:  anguish  hath  taken  hold  of  us,  and  pain, 
 as  of  a  woman  in  travail. 
 
 25  Go  not  forth  into  the  field,  nor  walk  by  the 
 
 5  foi’  the  sword  of  the  enemy  and  fear  is  on  every 
 
 side.  ,  ■ 
 
 26  ^  O  daughter  of  my  people,  gird  thee  with 
 
 ‘^sackcloth,  and  wallow  thyself  in  ashes;  make  thee ^  Chap, 
 mourning,  as  for  an  only  son,  most  bitter  lamentation: 
 for  the  spoiler  shall  suddenly  come  upon  us.  ’ 
 
 27  I  have  set  thee  yor  a  tower  and  ‘  a  fortress  1  Chap, 
 among  my  people,  that  thou  mayest  know  and  try 
 their  way. 
 
 28  They  are  all  grievous  revolters,  walking  with 
 
 slanders  :  they  are  “  brass  and  iron ;  they  are  all  cor-  m  Ezek. 
 rupters.  .  22.  18. 
 
 29  The  bellows  are  burnt,  the  lead  is  consumed  of 
 the  fire,  the  founder  melteth  in  vain;  for  the  wicked 
 are  not  plucked  away. 
 
 30  "  II  Reprobate  silver  shall  men  call  them,  be-n  isaiah 
 
 cause  the  Lord  hath  rejected  them.  *  1. 22. 
 
 CHAP.  VII.  II  Or, 
 
 •1  JcTGTiVlClh  IS  sent  to  call  tllP.  .Tpidr  in  TPiiPtytri'fino.  tw  fn  Ht^XLSC 
 
a  Chap 
 1 
 
 26. 13 
 
 Jeremiah  callelh  the  Jews  to  repentance, 
 
 Before  Jeremiah  from  the  Lord, 
 
 chrift  |j  faying,  ^  .  t  >  u  r  j  ^ 
 
 2  Stand  in  the  gate  of  the  Lord’s  houle,  and  pro- 
 claim  there  this  word,  and  fay,  Hear  the  word  of  the 
 Lord,  all  ye  o/Judah,  that  enter  in  at  thefe  gates  to 
 
 worfhip  the  Lord :  r.  n  ^  ^  err  i 
 
 3  Thus  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts,  the  God  of  llrael, 
 
 a  Amend  your  ways  and  your  doings,  and  I  will  caule 
 
 8^  you  to  dwell  in  this  place.  .  ^  ,  , 
 
 ^4  Truft  ye  not  in  lying  words,  faying,  Ihe  temp  e 
 of  the  Lord,  The  temple  of  the  Lord,  The  temple 
 of  the  Lord,  are  thefe. 
 
 5  For  if  ye  thoroughly  amend  your  ways  and  your 
 doings ;  if  ye  thoroughly  execute  judgment  between  a 
 
 man  and  his  neighbour ;  ,  r  i 
 
 6  ^  ye  opprefs  not  the  ftranger,  the  fatherlefs,  and 
 
 the  widow,  and  fhed  not  innocent  blood  in  this  place, 
 neither  walk  after  other  gods  to  your  hurt ;  _ 
 
 7  Then  will  I  caufe  you  to  dwell  in  this  place,  in  the 
 land  that  I  gave  to  your  fathers,  for  ever  and  ever. 
 
 8  H  Behold,  ye  truft  in  lying  words,  that  cannot 
 
 ^^^Will  ye  fteal,  murder,  and  commit  adultery,  and 
 fwear  falfely,  and  burn  incenfe  unto  Baal,  and  walk 
 
 after  other  gods  whom  ye  know  not ;  _ 
 
 10  And  come  and  ftand  before  me  in  this  houle,  t 
 which  is  called  by  my  name,  and  fay.  We  are  deliver- 
 upon  my  ^  abominatious  ? 
 
 nnme  ts  ~  ....  <• 
 
 called, 
 b  Ifaiah 
 56.  7. 
 c  Matth. 
 
 21.  13. 
 
 Mark 
 11.  17. 
 
 Luke 
 19.  46. 
 
 JEREMIAH. 
 
 God  threateneth  them  for  their  idolatry, 
 
 fHeb. 
 
 wltere- 
 
 1 1  Is  this  houfe,  which  is  called  by  my  name,  be¬ 
 come  a  den  of  robbers  in  your  eyes  ?  Behold,  even 
 
 1  have  feen  it,  laith  the  Lord.  . 
 
 12  But  go  ye  now  unto  my  place  which  was  in 
 loh,  where  I  fet  ray  name  at  the  firft,  and  fee  <1  what  1 
 did  to  it  for  the  wickednefs  of  ray  people  llrael. 
 
 13  And  now,  becaufe  ye  have  done  all  thele  works, 
 
 S  i‘  Sam.  faith  the  Lord,  and  1  fpake  unto  you,  rifing  up  early, 
 
 4. 10, 11.  and  fpeaking,  but  ye  heard  not ;  and  I  ®  called  you, 
 
 but  ye  anfwered  not ;  . .  u  • 
 
 rhan?er  1 4-  Thcreforc  will  I  do  unto  this  houfe,  which  is 
 L'T  called  by  my  name,  wherein  ye  truft,  and  unto  the 
 place  which  I  gave  to  you  and  to  your  fathers,  as  1 
 have  done  to  ^  Shiloh. 
 
 15  And  I  will  caft  you  out  of  my  fight,  as  1  have 
 66.4.  caft  out  all  your  brethren,  even  the  whole  leed  of 
 
 f  1  Sam.  £ppraim.  „  ‘  .  , 
 
 vf 16  Therefore  s  pray  not  thou  for  this  people,  nei- 
 73! 60.  ther  lift  up  cry  nor  prayer  for  them,  neither  make  in- 
 terceffion  to  me  ;  for  1  will  not  hear  thee.  ^  _ 
 
 17  11  Seeft  thou  not  what  they  do  in  the  cities  of 
 Judah,  and  in  the  ftreets  of  Jerufalem  ? 
 v^uanier  18  ’’  The  children  gather  wood,  and  the  fathers 
 11. 14.  &  kindle  the  fire,  and  the  women  knead  their  dough,  to 
 i  make  cakes  to  the  H  queen  of  heaven,  and  to  pour  out 
 44.  Is!'  drink-offerings  unto  other  gbds,  that  they  may  pro- 
 
 11  Or,  yoke  me  to  anger.  .>  r  •  u  u  t 
 
 frame,  or,  jg  £)q  (hey  provokc  me  to  anger  c  laith  the  L,ord  : 
 
 do  they  not  provoke  themfelves  to  the  confufion  of  their 
 
 heaven.  OWn  faCeS  ? 
 
 e  Prov. 
 
 1.  24. 
 Ifaiah 
 65.  12.  & 
 
 Chapter 
 26.  6. 
 g  Exod. 
 32.  10. 
 Chapter 
 
 20  Therefore  thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  EehoH, 
 
 mine  anger  and  my  fury  lhall  be  poured  out  upon  this  coo. 
 place,  upon  man,  and  upon  beaft,  and  upon  the  trees. — 
 of  the  field,  and  upon  the  fruit  of  the  ground  ;  and  it 
 (hall  burn,  and  (hall  not  be  quenched.  ^ 
 
 21  Thus  faith  the  Lord  of  hefts,  the  God  of  If- 
 
 rael ;  '  Put  your  burnt-offerings  unto  your  .acnfices,  1 
 
 and  eat  fiefh.  chapter 
 
 '72  For  1  fp'ike  not  unto  your  fathers,  nor  com- c  20. 
 
 ma'nded  them  in  the  day  that  I  brought  them  out  ot  Amo. 
 
 Ihe  land  of  Egypt,  t  concerning  burnt.offer.ugs  crs.et. 
 
 (scriflC^S  •  r  •  k  concern-' 
 
 23  But  this  thing  commanded  I  them,  faying,  ‘he 
 
 mv  voice,  and  ‘  1  will  be  your  God,  and  ye  fhall  t)err«.«^ef. 
 my  people ;  and  walk  ye  in  all  the  ways  that  1  h  ve^  ^ 
 commanded  you,  that  it  may  be  well  unto  you.  , 
 
 24  But  they  hearkened  not,  nor  inclined  their  ear,  19.  5. 
 
 but  walked  in  the  counfels  an^in  the  11  ° 
 
 their  evil  heart,  and  t  went  backward,  and  not  for- 
 
 ward  stubborn^- 
 
 25' Since  the  day  that  your  fathers  came  forth  oau„, 
 
 of  the  land  of  Egypt  unto  this  day,  I  •'“f  L"! 
 
 unto  you  all  my  fervants  the  prophets,  daily  riling  up^^chro. 
 early,  and  fending  them ;  ,  ss- 15. 
 
 26  Yet  they  hearkened  not  unto  me,  nor  inclined 
 their  ear,  but  “  hardened  their  neck  ;  they  did  worle 
 
 than  their  fathers.  .  r  j 
 
 27  Therefore  thou  (halt  fpeak  all  thefe  words  ^to 
 them  ;  but  they  will  not  hearken  to  thee  :  thou  lhalt 
 alfo  call  unto  them ;  but  they  will  not  anfwer  thee. 
 
 28  But  thou  fhalt  fay  unto  them,  This  ts  a  nation 
 
 that  obeyeth  not  the  voice  of  the  Lord  their  God, 
 nor  receiveth  H  correaton  ;  truth  is  perifhed,  and  is 
 cut  off  from  their  mouth.  . 
 
 2911  Cut  off  thine  hair,  0  Jerusalem,  and  caft  away, 
 and  take  up  a  lamentation  on  high  places ;  for  the 
 Lord  hath  rejeaed  and  forfaken  the  generation  of 
 
 his  wrath.  ,  ,  ,  ... 
 
 30  For  the  children  of  Judah  have  done  evil  in  my 
 fight,  faith  the  Lord;  they  have  fet  their  abomma- o 2 Kmgs 
 tions  in  the  houfe  which  is  called  by  my  name,  to  po  -  Chapter 
 
 lUtG  f-f-i  1 9*  5* 
 
 3 1  And  they  have  built  the  “  high  places  of  Tophet,  +  iieb. 
 which  IS  in  the  valley  of  the  fon  of  Hinnom,  to  burn  ‘t 
 their  fons  and  their  daughters  in  the  fire;  which 
 commanded  them,  not,  neither  f  came  it  into  roy  p  chap. 
 
 Therefore,  behold,  p  the  days  come,  faith 
 Lord,  that  it  fhall  no  more  be  called  Tophet,  nor  the  4^ 
 vallev  of  the  fon  of  Hinnom,  but  the  valley  ot  s,  34.  20. 
 Slaughter:  for  they  fhall  bury  in  Tophet,  till  there ^faiah 
 
 be  no  place.  „  ,  n  n  u  Chapter 
 
 33  And  the  ^  carcafes  of  this  people  fhall  be  meat  ig_  9  ^ 
 for  the  fowls  of  the  heaven,  and  for  the  beafts  of  the  25. 10.  & 
 
 earth  ;  and  none  fhall  tray  them  away.  ,  .  rBzJkiei 
 
 34  Then  will  I  caufe  to  ''  ceafe  from  the  cities  of  26. 13. 
 Judah,  and  from  the  ftreets  of  Jerufalem,  the  voice  ot  Hofea 
 mirth,  and  the  voice  of  gladnefs,  the  voice  ot  thee.  11. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  VII.  Ver.  12—15.  See  1  Sam. 
 1— iv.  In  confequence  of  the  impiety  of  Eli’s  fons,  the  tabernacle  and  ark  were 
 removed  from  Shiloh,  which  was  afterwards  defolaled.  In  like  manner  Ood 
 threatens  to  defolate  Jcrufalemi  deflroy  his  temple  and  all  the  fymbols  of  bis  pre¬ 
 fence,  becaufe  of  the  wickednefs  of  the  inhabitants.  And  as  be  had  caft  oft  the 
 ten  tribes,  and  driven  them  into  captivity,  fo  he  would  reje6l  Judah  and  Benja- 
 min,  and  caufe  them  to  be  carried  away  captive.  Ver.  16.  The  prophet  >a 
 hitherto  interceded  for  the  people,  that  they  might  not  be  fubdued  by  their 
 enemies.  But  now  he  is  commanded  to  ceafe  deprecating  the  threatening  deuruc- 
 
 8Q 
 
 tion,  which  was  declared  abfolulely  certain,  becaufe  of  the  people  s  irnpemtence. 
 His  prayers,  which  he  was  not  to  continue,  refpeaed  their  ternporal  fafety  from 
 the  power  of  Babylon,  not  their  fpiritual  falvation,  or  their  prefervation  in 
 captivity,  for  which  bleflings  he  never  ceafed  to  pray.  A  er.  1 8.  By  the  ^leen  of 
 heaven,  may  be  underftood  the  moon,  or  the  whole  frame  of  the  vifible  heavens, 
 of  which  they  had  fome  image  which  they  worftiipped.  Ver.  ID.  ihey  eommii- 
 ted  their  wickednefs,  as  if  they  meant  it  on  purpofe  to  aflront  the  Lord  ;  but  did 
 they  think  that  they  could  do  him  any  real  harm  ?  Or  could  they  expe«  any 
 Other,  than  to  expofe  themfelves  by  it  to  confufion  and  mifery  .  Ver.  Ane 
 
 23 
 
T/ic  pnqihet  upbraideth  the  Jrji's. 
 
 Before 
 Cn  ri  it 
 cir.  600 
 
 JEREMIAH. 
 
 bridegroom  and  the  voice  of  the  bride  ;  for  the  land 
 lhall  be  deiolate.* 
 
 CHAP.  VIII.  . 
 
 1  The  cala  vutu’s  of  the  Jens,  both  of  the  dead  and  the  Hving.  4  The  pro- 
 phet  upbraideth  their  stubborn  and  shameless  impenitence  ;  13  he  shew- 
 eth  Gods  severe  judgments  against  them, 
 
 dme,  iaith  the  Lord,  they  (hall  bring  out 
 the  bones  of  the  kings  of  Judah,  and  the  bones 
 or  tiis  princes,  and  the  bones  of  the  priefts,  and  the 
 Dones  of  the  prophets,  and  the  bones  of  the  inhabi¬ 
 tants  of  Jernlalem,  out  of  their  graves  : 
 
 2  And  they  (hall  fpread  them  before  the  fun,  and  the 
 moon,  and  all  the  hoft  of  heaven,  whom  they  have 
 loved,  and  whom  they  have  ferved,  and  after  whom 
 they  have  walked,  and  whom  they  have  fought,  and 
 vLom  they  have  wcraApped  ;  they  flrall  not  be  gather- 
 od,  nor  be  buried ;  they  fhall  be  for  dung  upon  the 
 race  of  the  earth. 
 
 3  And  death  fhall  be  chofen  rather  than  life  by  all 
 the  refidue  of  them  that  remain  of  this  evil  family, 
 which  remain  in  all  the  places  whither  I  have  driven 
 them,  faith  the  Lord  of  hofls. 
 
 4  ^  Moreover,  thou  fhalt  fay  unto  them,  Thus  faith 
 the  Lord;  bhall  they  fall,  and  not  arife?  (hall  he  turn 
 away,  and  not  return  ? 
 
 5  Why  thhi  is  this  people  of  Jerufalem  Hidden 
 back  by  a  perpetual  backfliding  ?  they  hold  fall  deceit, 
 they  refufe  to  return. 
 
 6  I  hearkened  and  heard,  but  they  fpake  not  aright : 
 no  man  repented  him  of  his  wickednefs,  faying.  What 
 have  I  done?  every  one  turned  to  his  courfe,  as  the 
 horfe  rufheth  into  the  battle. 
 
 7  Yea,  »  the  (fork  in  the  heaven  knoweth  her  ap- 
 
 ZZheth  times;  and  the  turtle,  and  the  crane,  and  the 
 
 for  false-  iwallow,  obferve  the  time  of  their  coming;  but  my 
 hood.  people  know  not  the  judgment  of  the  Lord. 
 
 b  Chap.  8  How  do  ye  fay,  We  ire  wife,  and  the  law  of  the 
 ll'or,'  Lord  is  with  us  ?  Lo,  certainly  II  m  vain  made  heit; 
 Havsthey^'^^  the  fcribes  is  in  vain. 
 
 beenasha-  9  ^  1|  The  wile  men  are  afhamed,  they  are  difmayed 
 .yc  and  taken:  lo,  they  have  rejefted  the  word  of  the 
 t  wifdora  is  in  them  ? 
 
 o/what  10  Therefore  will  I  give  their  wives  unto  others, 
 thing  ?  and  their  fields  to  them  that  fhall  inherit  them ;  for 
 
 a  Ifaiah 
 1.  3. 
 
 «  Or, 
 the  false 
 pen  if  the 
 
 Hebrew  idiom  excludes  with  a  general  negative,  in  a  comparative  view,  one  or 
 two  objects  oppofed  to  one  another ;  thus,  I  ivid  lave  mercy,  mid  not  sacrifice, 
 
 Hof.  vi.  6.  Ceremonial  duties  were  never  required  or  regarded  by  God,  feparate 
 
 from  judgment,  faith,  and  the  love  of  God.  Ver.  29.  Cutting  off  the  hair  was 
 a  token  of  grievous  diftrefs  :  Job  i.  20.  Ifa.  vii.  20.  Ver.  31,  32.  Compare 
 Ha.  XXX.  33.  Ixvi.  24. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  Till.  Ver.  1—6.  No  man  choofes 
 to  remain  in  a  p;t  into  which  be  has  fallen;  nor  does  any  traveller  perfifl  in  wan¬ 
 dering  after  be  perceives  he  has  miffed  his  road  ;  will  any  one  continue  expofed  to 
 danger  which  he  has  been  taught  to  avoid  ?  How  unreafonable  then  the  condudt  of 
 God’s  people  to  continue  in  apofiacyfrom  him,  which  they  were  affured  by  his  faithful 
 prophets,  and  their  fathers’  experience,  would  bring  on  them  inevitable  mifery  ? 
 Ver.  7.  The  birds  of  paffage  know  the  times  appointed,  for  the  removal  from 
 one  climate  to  another  ;  but  the  Jew's  perceived  not  the  figns  of  their  times  ;  they 
 knew  neither  the  duty,  nor  the  rules  of  God’s  dealings  with  them.  Ver.  8,  9. 
 
 The  Jews  giievous 
 
 every  one  from  the  leall  even  unto  the  greateft  is  Before 
 given  to  coveioulbtfs ;  from  the  prophet  even  unto 
 the  priefl,  every  one  dealeth  falfely. 
 
 1 1  For  they  have  ^  healed  the  hurt  of  the  daughter 
 
 of  my  people  nightly,  faying,  'Peace,  peace;  when'^®’*- 
 ihcre  is  no  peace.  ciiap^f 
 
 12  Were  they  f  afhamed  when  they  had  committed  J  Chap 
 abomination  ?  nay,  they  were  not  at  all  afhamed 
 neither  could  they  blufh  :  therefore  fhall  they  fall ! 
 
 :  among  them  that  fall ;  in  the  time  of  their  vilitation  f  a,a!‘ 
 they  mail  be  calt  down,  iaith  the  Lord.  s  3. 1' 
 
 13^  li  I  will  fnrely  confume  them,  faith  the  Lord  :  ’'5- 
 
 there  shall  be  no  grapes  s  on  the  vine,  nor  figs  on  the  f 
 J  fig-tree,  and  the  leaf  fliall  fade;  and  the  things  ihaii^i‘t 
 i  have  given  them  fhall  pals  away  from  them.  cojisniiH, 
 
 14  "Why  do  we  fit  flill?  afferable  yourfelves,  and^^'‘“^^ 
 let  us  enter  into  the  defenced  cities,  and  let  us  be  filent  h’i’au' 
 there;  for  the  Lord  our  God  hath  put  us  to  filence.si.  19 ’’ 
 and  given  us  ^  water  of  I|  gall  to  drink,  becaufe  we^^i^'’ 
 have  finned  againft  the  Lord. 
 
 15  We  looked  for  peace,  but  no  good  came;  and 
 
 for  a  tune  of  health,  and  behold  trouble !  23. 15. 
 
 16  The  fnorting  of  his  horfes  was  heard  from  1  Dan  •  H  o*’- ' 
 
 the  whole  land  trembled  at  the  found  of  the  neighing r'er' 
 of  his  ftrong  ones  :  for  they  are  come,  and  have  de- 14.  iT 
 voured  the  land,  and  t  all  that  is  in  it ;  the  city  and' 
 thofe  that  dwell  therein.  ^5. 
 
 17  For,  behold,  I  will  fend  ferpents,  cockatrices, 
 
 ^ong  you,  which  will  not  be  “  charmed,  and  they  '* 
 fhall  bite  you,  Iaith  the  Lord.  BGim 
 
 IS  H  tvhen  l  would  comfort  rayfelf  againfi;  forrow, 
 my  heart  is  faint  f  in  me.  t  Heb. 
 
 19  Behold  the  voxe  of  the  cry  of  the  daughter 
 
 I  ray  people,  f  becaufe  of  them  that  dwell  in  a  far  coun- 1  Heb. 
 try.  Is  not  the  Lord  in  Zion?  is  not  her  King  in 
 her?  Why  have  they  provoked  me  to  anger  with 7'“ 
 their  ^aven  images,  and  with  ttrange  vanities  ?  t7e/tfa,i 
 
 20  The  harveft  is  paft,  the  furamer  is  ended,  and  \y0  are  cfar 
 
 are  not  laved.  oj. 
 
 21  for  the  hurt  of  the  daughter  of  my  people  am  T 
 hurt ;  I  am  black,  aflonifhment  hath  taken  hold  on  me. 
 
 22  Is  there  no  °  balm  in  Gilead  ?  is  there  no  phyfi-"  Chap, 
 
 clan  there?  why  then  is  not  the  health  of  the  daugh-i^^J' 
 ter  of  my  people  f  recovered  ?f  up. 
 
 See  Rom  ii.  17—23.  The  Jews  valued  therafelves  on  their  fuperior  knowledge 
 of  divine  things.  But  what  reafon  had  they  for  fuch  boalls,  they  were  iqually 
 guilty  with  the  heathen,  if  not  more  guilty,  of  the  moft  atrocious  idolatry  and  ini¬ 
 quity  ?  What  wifdom  could  be  in  fuch  men,  as  rejefted  the  truths,  precepts,  and 
 warnings  of  God’s  word?  The  counfels  of  their  priefts  and  politicians  would  af- 
 furedly  be  fruftrated,  and  they  would  be  put  to  ftiame,  difmayed,  and  made  cap- 
 lives.  Ver.  10—12.  Compare  chap.  12—15.  Ver.  14—16.  Compare  chap.  vi. 
 24—26.  The  people  are  here  again  introduced,  conferring  together  on  the  report 
 of  the  Chaldean  invafion.  Ver.  17.  The  Chaldeans  are  compared  to  ferpents  be¬ 
 caufe  they  were  fo  fuhtle,  cruel,  and  malicious,  and  fo  intent  on  the  fpoil,  that  tbev 
 were  deaf  to  all  arguments,  or  entreaties  ;  nothing  could  molify  them,  or  interrupt 
 or  efcape  their  ravages.  Ver.  20.  The  people  feem  here  to  fpeak  ;  when  clofelv 
 preffed  by  the  fiege,  they  had  waited  in  vain  for  deliverance.  They  expeifted  the 
 Egyptians  to  come  to  their  relief ;  but  the  feafon  when  their  prefence  and  aid 
 might  have  been  of  ufe  was  paft ;  and  deftrudtion  ftared  ihem  in  the  face. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  VII.]  Divine  truth  fecks  publicity  :  its  advocates,  having  confidence  in  God,  are  not  to  fear  man.  No  creed, 
 forms,  atfea.ons,  experiences  or  fuppoied  divine  revelations  in  which  men  glory,  and  confide,  will  profit  them;  if  they  do  not  amend  their  ways,  and  their  dL- 
 without  par  lality  and  hypocrify.  The  Lord  gracioiilly  pardons  and  faves  the  moft  atrocious  criminals,  who  embrace  his  gofpel  ;  but  none  can  hkve  anV<rroiind7 
 deem  himfelt  interefted  in  it,  who  allows  bimfelf  in  the  praaiceof  any  know  fin,  or  the  habitual  neglea  of  any  known  duty  But  many  fin,  that  grace  may  IbouJd  : 
 and  yet  hope  to  efcape  the  wrath  of  God.  Surely  they  muft  perceive  their  folly,  if  they  duly  confldered  God’s  dealings  with  his  ancient  people.  Nothing  c7n  avert 
 the  rtiin  ol  thofe  who  perfifl  in  difobedience,  ^  ^  V 
 
 rrin  ^^TTT  T  T  _ _ 3  J...  _  — _ 3 _  st-  ....... 
 
 I  his  own 
 they  peril  ft 
 
 who  rejea  revelation  ;  they  will  foon  be  ailiaraed  of  thofe  fyftems  and  devices,  which  they  now  adopt  7and'ftalVfin7'ihemfeh7rca7ght7rrLL’'‘rf°which1to 
 have  now  nO  conception.  ®  nmvu  s 
 
JEREMIAH. 
 
 Before 
 
 Clirilt 
 
 I  Heb. 
 
 jr/io 
 gice  nty 
 hawU  'S'* 
 
 a  liaiiib 
 22.  4. 
 Chap. 
 
 4.  19. 
 
 b  Chap. 
 12.  6. 
 Jlieah 
 7.  5,  6. 
 H  Or, 
 friend, 
 
 II 
 
 mick. 
 
 The  prophet  he-mileth  their  manifold  s' ns, 
 
 CHAP.  IX.  I 
 
 1  The  prophet  bewaiUth  the  man  fold  sins  of  his  people,  f>  and  the  jwlg- 
 cir.  600.  Clients  coming  upon  them;  12  he  shcwelh  that  disobedience  is  the  cause  , 
 gf  calamity,  i 
 
 4-  *  that  my  head  were  waters,  and  mine  eyes 
 
 ^  a  fountain  of  tears,  that  I  might  weep  day  and 
 night  for  the  flain  of  the  daughter  of  my  people  ! 
 
 2  O  that  I  had  in  the  wildernefs  a  lodging-place 
 of  way-faring  men,  that  I  might  leave  my  people, 
 and  go  from  them  !  for  they  be  all  adulterers,  an  al- 
 fembly  of  treacherous  men. 
 
 3  And  they  bend  their  tongues  like  their  bow, 
 lies ;  but  they  are  not  valiant  for  the  truth  upon  the 
 earth  ;  for  they  proceed  from  evil  to  evil,  and  they 
 know  not  me,  faith  the  Lord. 
 
 4  Take  ye  heed  every  one  of  his  1|  neighbour, 
 and  truft  ye  not  in  any  brother :  for  every  brother 
 will  utterly  fupplant,  and  every  neighbour  will  walk 
 with  Handers. 
 
 5  And  they  will  ||  deceive  every  one  his  neighbour, 
 and  will  not  Ipeak  the  truth  :  they  have  taught  their 
 tongue  to  fpeak  lies,  and  weary  therafelves  to  commit 
 
 iniquity.  ,  ,  .  .  , 
 
 6  Thine  habitation  is  in  the  midft  of  deceit ;  through 
 deceit  they  refofe  to  know  me  faith  the  Lord. 
 
 7  Therefore,  thus  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts.  Behold, 
 
 I  will  melt  them,  and  try  them  :  for  how  fliall  I  do 
 for  the  daughter  of  my  people  ? 
 
 8  Their  tongue  is  as  an  arrow  (hot  out ;  it  fpeaketh 
 c  Pfaims  =  deceit :  one  Ipeaketh  peaceably  to  his  neighbour 
 12.2.  &  ^jth  his  mouth,  but  in  t  heart  he  layeth  11  Lis  wait. 
 120.  s.  g  ^  e  Shall  I  not  vifit  them  for  thefe  things?  faith 
 23^3!'"  the  Lord  :  Hiall  not  my  foul  be  avenged  on  fuch  a 
 .)■  Heb.  w  nation  as  this  ? 
 
 10  For  the  mountains  will  I  take  up  a  weeping  and 
 wailing,  and  for  the  H  habitations  of  the  wildernefs  a 
 lamentation,  becaufe  they  are  H-burnt  up,  io  that  none 
 can  pals  through  them  ;  neither  can  inen  hear  the 
 voice  of  the  cattle :  f  both  the  fowl  of  the  heavens 
 and  the  bead  are  fled  ;  they  are  gone. 
 
 1 1  And  I  will  make  Jerufalem  heaps,  and  ^  a  den  of 
 dragons;  and  I  will  make  the  cities  of  Judah  f  defo¬ 
 late,  without  an  inhabitant. 
 
 jromcne  12  H  Who  is  the  wife  man,  that  may  underfland 
 fowl  even  this  ?  and  "who  is  he  to  whom  the  mouth  of  the  Lord 
 f*"-  hath  fpoken,  that  he  may  declare  it,  for  what  the  land 
 10^  2T  perifheth  and  is  burnt  up  like  a  wildernefs,  that  none 
 t  Heb.  pafleth  through  ? 
 
 13  And  the  Lord  faith,  becaufe  they  have  forfaken 
 my  law  which  I  fet  before  them,  and  have  not  obeyed 
 my  voice,  neither  walked  therein  ; 
 
 and  exhorteth  them  to  mourn. 
 
 the  midst 
 of  kinu 
 i) 
 
 wait  for 
 him. 
 e  Chap. 
 5.  9,  29. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 pastures, 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 desolate, 
 t  Heb. 
 from  the 
 
 desolation. 
 
 14  But  have  walked  after  the  II  imagination  of  their 
 own  heart,  and  after  Baalim,  whicn  their  fathers 
 
 taug^hMhem^^re,  the  Lord  of  hofts,  II  Or.^_ 
 
 God  of  Ifrael;  Behold,  I  will  feed  them,  this^ 
 people,  s  with  wormwood,  and  give  them  water  otgChai% 
 
 gafljOidrmk.^  fcatter  them  alfo  among  the  beathen.s^^^^- 
 whom  neither  they  nor  their  fathers  have  known  ;  2c.  33. 
 and  1  will  fend  a  fword  after  them,  till  1  have  con- 
 
 17  «([  Thus  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts,  Confider  ye, 
 and  call  for  the  mourning  women,  that  they  may 
 come ;  and  fend  for  cunning  ixomen,  that  they  may 
 
 And  let  them  make  hafte,  and  take  up  a  wail¬ 
 ing  for  us,  that  our  eyes, may  run  down  with  tears, 
 and  our  eyelids  gufh  out  with  waters.  .  r  v 
 
 19  For'  a  voice  of  wailing  is  heard  out  of  Aicn, 
 
 How  are  we  fpoiled  !  we  are  greatly  confounded, 
 becaufe  we  have  forfaken  the  land,  becaufe  our 
 
 dwellings  have  caft  us  out. 
 
 20  Yet  hear  the  word  of  the  Lord,  O  yc  \^men, 
 and  let  your  ear  receive  the  word  of  his  mouth,  and 
 teach  your  daughters  wailing,  and  every  one  her 
 neighbour  lamentation  ; 
 
 21  For  death  is  come  up  into  our  windows,  and  is 
 entered  into  our  palaces,  to  cut  off  the  children  from 
 without,  and  the  young  men  from  the  ftreets. 
 
 22  Speak,  Thus  faith  the  Lord,  even  the  carcales 
 of  men  fhall  fall  as  dung  upon  the  open  field,  and 
 as  the  handful  after  the  harveft-man,  and  none  Inall 
 
 gather  them.  ^  ,  -r 
 
 23  H  Thus  faith  the  Lord,  Let  not  the  wife  man 
 glory  in  his  wifdom,  neither  let  the  mighty  mail  glory 
 in  his  might,  let  not  the  rich  man  glory  in  his 
 
 riches :  .  ,  ,  •  u-  ‘  ^ 
 
 24  But  ^  let  him  that  gloneth,  glory  in  this,  that  he  1. 31. 
 
 underftandeth  and  knoweth  me,  that  I  am  the  Lord 
 which  exercife  loving-kindnels,  judgment,  and  ngh- ^ 
 teoufnefs  in  the  earth:  for  in  thefe  things  1  delight, 
 
 faith  the  Lord.  r.,  ,  t 
 
 25  II  Behold,  the  days  come,  faith  the  Lord,  that 
 
 I  wall  t  punifh  all  them  ■xhich  are  circuraciled  with 
 uncircumcifed :  ,  ,  ....  coma-soi 
 
 26  Egypt,  and  Judah,  and  Edom,  and  the  children  their  ha.r 
 
 of  Amon,  and  Moab,  and  all  that  are  fm  the 
 
 moft  corners,  that  dwell  in  the  wildernefs :  tor  alw«ese  g.;.  23. 
 
 nations  are  uncircumcifed,  and  all  the  houfe  of  llrael  1  Romans 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  IX.  Ver.  I,  2.  Compare  chap.  iv.  19. 
 The  prophet,  opprelTed  and  overwhelmed  with  forrow  on  account  of  his  people’s 
 miferies,  earneftly  wifhes  that  his  head  were  a  fountain  of  waters,  to  flow  inceflantly 
 in  tears  of  compaflion,  for  their  inftruflion  and  his  own  relief.  Weary  of  dwelling 
 .among  fuch  an  ungodly  race,  he  ardently  longs  for  a  place  of  folitude,  where  no¬ 
 thing  might  interrupt  his  lamentation  ;  he  prefers  the  gloomy,  inhofpitahle  defert 
 to  the  goodly  land  of  Canaan,  perfuaded  that  barbarians  were  more  defirable  com¬ 
 panions  than  his  countrymen,  and  the  wild  beafts  of  the  wildetnefs  lefs  dangerous 
 enemies.  Ver.  17,  18.  That  the  Jews  ufed  melancholy  mufic,  fometimes  inftru- 
 mental,  fometimes  vocal,  at  funerals,  and  on  other  calamitous  occafions,  appears 
 
 are 
 
 uncircumcifed  in  the  heart.* 
 
 2.  28,  29. 
 
 from  feveral  paffages  of  feripture,  Matt.  ix.  23.  They  had  women  whofe  occu¬ 
 pation  it  was  to  flng  mournful  foBgs.  Thefe  are  here  called  by  God  to  bewail  the 
 miferies  brought  on  his  people  by  their  iniquities.  In  the  animated  language  of 
 the  prophets,  their  prediaions  are  often  announced  under  the  form  of  commands  ; 
 fometimes  even  the  brute  animals  are  ordered  to  do  what  the  prophets  mean  only 
 to  foretel  us  they  will  do  ;  Ifa.  xiv.  21.  Ezek.  xxxix.  17—19.  Rev.  xix.  17,  18. 
 
 Ver.  23 _ 36.  Confidence  in  God  is  the  only  fure  proteaion  from  prefentor  future 
 
 danger  ;  without  this  all  diainaions  among  men  are  unavailable  ;  wife  and  un- 
 wife,  rich  and  poor,  weak  and  flrong,  Jew  and  Gentile,  fland  equally  expofed  to 
 dearuaion,  1  Cor.  i.  30,  31. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  IX.]  While  we  cannot  be  enough  affeaed  with  the  miferies  which  finners  bring  on  tliemfelves  it  becomes  us  to 
 
 adore  divine  iuaice,  and  acquiefee  in  the  divine  will,  manifeaed  in  all  its  difpenfations.  The  more  holy  any  man  is,  the  more  painful  mua  it  be  to  witnefs  the  impiety 
 of  others.  Nothing  is  more  prolific  than  lies,  it  is  therefore  needful  for  every  one  to  take  heed  to  his  neighbour,  lea  he  (hould  be  fupplanted,  and  circumvented. 
 However  corrupt  any  part  of  the  vifible  church  may  become,  or  however  God  may  vifit,  and  avenge  himfelf  on  guilty  nations,  who  are  called  by  his  name,  he  wil  a  • 
 ways  have  a  people  on  earth,  to  fiiew  forth  his  praifes.  Happy  is  he  who  knoweth  the  true  God,  and  who  imitateth  him  in  his  loving-kindnefs,  judgments,  an 
 righ teoufnefs,  and  who  delights  in  thofe  things  wherein  God  delighteth  !  But  the  uncircumcised  in  heart,  who  are  void  of  underRanding,  whatever  external  ad¬ 
 vantages  may  now  diftinguifc  them,  will  be  punilhed  with  everlafting  dellruiRion  from  the  prefence  of  the  Loid. 
 
Tlie  vanity  of  idols- 
 
 JEREMIAH. 
 
 God*s  covenant  proclaimed 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 «r.  600. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 statutes, 
 or  oriti- 
 nances 
 are  va¬ 
 nity. 
 
 a  Pfalm 
 115.  5. 
 b  Ifaiah 
 46.  1,  7. 
 c  Ifaiah 
 41.  23. 
 d  Pfalm 
 86.  8,  10. 
 
 e  Rev. 
 
 15.  4. 
 
 H  Or, 
 it  liketh 
 thee. 
 t  Heb. 
 in  one  or 
 at  once 
 f  Ifaiah 
 41. 29. 
 Habak. 
 
 2.  18. 
 Zech. 
 
 10.  2. 
 
 •J"  Heb. 
 God  of 
 truth. 
 
 Heb. 
 A'ing  of 
 eternity. 
 
 g  Gen. 
 
 1.  1,6. 
 Chap. 
 
 51.  15. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 noise, 
 
 W  Or, 
 for  ram, 
 h  Chap. 
 51.17,18. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 is  more 
 brutish 
 than  to 
 know. 
 
 CHAP.  X. 
 
 1  The  great  disparity  between  God  and  idols.  7  The  prophet  warned  to 
 jrreparefor  a  removal  out  of  the  land,  cj-c. 
 
 Hear  ye  the  word  which  the  Lord  fpeaketh 
 unto  you,  O  houfe  of  llrael ! 
 
 2  Thus  faith  the  Lord,  Learn  not  the  way  of  the 
 heathen,  and  be  not  difmayed  at  the  (igns  of  heaven ; 
 for  the  heathen  are  difmayed  at  them. 
 
 3  For  the  f  cuftoms  of  the  people  are  vain :  for 
 one  cutteth  a  tree  out  of  the  foreft  (the  work  of  the 
 hands  of  the  workmen)  with  the  axe  : 
 
 4  They  deck  it  with  filver  and  with  gold ;  they 
 fallen  it  with  nails  and  with  hammers,  that  it  move 
 not. 
 
 5  They  are  upright  as  the  palm-tree,  “  but  fpeak 
 not ;  they  rauft  needs  be  borne,  becaufe  they  can¬ 
 not  go.  Be  not  afraid  of  them  ;  *  for  they  cannot  do 
 evil,  neither  al(b  is  it  in  them  to  do  good. 
 
 6  Forasmuch  as  there  is  none  ^  like  unto  thee,  O 
 Lord  ;  thou  art  great,  and  thy  name  is  great  in 
 might. 
 
 7  *  Who  would  not  fear  thee,  O  king  of  nations  ? 
 for  11  to  thee  doth  it  appertain :  forasmuch  as  among 
 all  the  wife  men  of  the  nations,  and  in  all  their  king¬ 
 doms,  there  is  none  like  unto  thee. 
 
 8  But  they  are  f  altogether  ‘  brutifh  and  foolilh  ; 
 the  flock  is  a  do6lrine  of  vanities. 
 
 9  Silver  fpread  into  plates  is  brought  from  Tarfhifh, 
 and  gold  from  Uphaz,  the  work  of  the  workmen,  and 
 of  the  hands  of  the  founder  :  blue  and  purple  is  their 
 clothing  ;  they  are  all  the  work  of  cunning  men.  _ 
 
 10  But  the  Lord  is  the  f  true  God,  he  is  the  living 
 God,  and  an  f  everlafling  King:  at  his  wrath  the 
 earth  fhall  tremble,  and  the  nations  fhall  not  be  able 
 to  abide  his  indignation. 
 
 1 1  Thus  fhall  ye  fay  unto  them.  The  gods  that  have 
 not  made  the  heavens  and  the  earth,  even  they  fhall 
 perilh  from  the  earth,  and  from  under  thefe  heavens. 
 
 12  He  s  hath  made  the  earth  by  his  power,  he 
 hath  eflablifhed  the  world  by  his  wifdom,  and  hath 
 flretched  out  the  heavens  by  his  difcretion. 
 
 13  When  he  uttereth  his  voice,  there  is  H  a  multi¬ 
 tude  of  waters  in  the  heavens,  and  he  caufeth  the  va¬ 
 pours  to  afcend  from  the  ends  of  the  earth  ;  he  maketh 
 lightnings  |i  with  rain,  and  brlngeth  forth  the  wind 
 out  of  his  treafures. 
 
 1 4  h  Every  man  H  is  brutifh  in  his  knowledge ;  every 
 founder  is  confounded  by  the  graven  image  :  for  his 
 molten  image  is  falfehood,  and  there  is  no  breath  in 
 them. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  X.  Ver.  2.  The  Ifraelites  were  ba- 
 nlfhed  from  their  land  to  cure  them  of  idolatry  ;  and  to  guard  them  againft  this 
 crime,  during  their  capacity,  this  meffage  feems  to  have  been  delivered  j  the 
 heathen  regulated  their  conducSt  by  the  ideas  which  they  attached  to  the  a^ 
 pearancGs  of  the  heavens.  Ifrael  was-  by  no  means  to  imitate  fuch  a  foolilh 
 cuftom.  Whatever  might  be  portended  by  the  ligns  ef  the  heavens,  they  would 
 toe  fafe  in  the  path  of  duty,  and  Jjy  trufting  in  the  Lord :  and  nothing  could 
 truly  prefage  profperity  to  them  in  the  way  of  difobedience.  Ver.  3—5.  This 
 refembles  very  much  a  beautiful  paflage  of  Ifaiah,  defigned  to  teach  Ifrael  the 
 extreme  folly  and  guilt  of  idolatry,  chap.  xlvi.  3-7.  Ver.  9.  Compare  Ha.  ii. 
 13 _ 19.  Ezek.  xxvii.  12.  Ver.  II.  In  the  original  this  verfe  is  in  the  Chaldee, 
 
 15  They  are  vanity,  and  the  work  of  errors  :  in  the  before 
 time  of  their  vifitation  they  fhall  perilh. 
 
 16  ‘  The  portion  of  Jacob  is  not  like  them  :  for 
 
 is  the  former  of  all  thmgs ;  and  Ifrael  is  the  rod  of  his^Chlj))^ 
 inheritance  :  The  Lord  of  hofls  is  his  name.  ^i.  19. 
 
 17  f  Gather  up  thy  wares  out  of  the  land,  O  t  in-t  Heb. 
 habitant  of  the  fortrefs : 
 
 18  For  thus  faith  the  Lord,  behold,  I  will  fling 
 out  the  inhabitants  of  the  land  at  this  once,  and  will 
 diflrefs  them,  that  they  may  find  it  so. 
 
 1 9  f  Woe  is  me  for  my  hurt!  my  wound  is  grievous  j 
 but  I  laid,  Truly  this  is  a  grief,  and  I  rauft  bear  it. 
 
 20  My  tabernacle  is  fpoiled  and  all  my  cords  are 
 broken  ;  my  children  are  gone  forth  of  me,  and  they 
 are  not :  there  is  none  to  ftretch  forth  my  tent  any 
 more,  and  to  fet  up  my  curtains. 
 
 21  For  the  pallors  are  become  brutifh,  and  have 
 
 not  fought  the  Lord  ;  therefore  they  fhall  not  profile  Chap, 
 per,  and  all  their  flocks  fhall  be  fcattered.  ^ 
 
 22  Behold,  the  noife  of  the  bruit  is  come,  and  aglat  ^ 
 great  commotion  out  of  the  “  ncft-th  country,  to  makei  Chap. 
 the  cities  of  Judah  delblate,  and  a  *  den  of  dragons.  h. 
 
 23  ^  O  Lord,  I  know  that  the  ®  way  of  man 
 
 not  in  himfeif :  it  is  not  in  man  that  walketh  to  dire^lao.  ’24. 
 his  fleps.  n  Pfalms 
 
 24  ^  O  Lord,  "  correfl  me,  but  with  judgment;  '•  ^ 
 not  in  thine  anger,  left  thou  f  bring  me  to  nothing, 
 
 25  °  Pour  out  thy  fury  upon  the  heathen  that  know  so.  i! 
 thee  not,  and  upon  the  families  that  call  noton  thy  t  Heb. 
 name:  for  they  have  eaten  up  Jacob,  and  devoured 
 
 him,  and  confumed  him,  and  have  made  his  habitation  o  pfaim 
 defolate.*  79. 6. 
 
 CHAP.  XI. 
 
 1  The  prophet  proclaimeth  God's  covenant,  and  rehuheth  the  Jews  ftr 
 disobeying  it  ;  11  he  denouncelh  evil  against  them  for  their  idolalryi 
 18  and  upon  the  men  of  Anatholh,  ^c, 
 
 HE  word  that  came  to  Jeremiah  from  the  eos. 
 _  Lord,  laying, 
 
 2  Hear  ye  the  words  of  this  covenant,  and  fpeak 
 unto  the  men  of  Judah,  and  to  the  inhabitants  of  Je- 
 rufalem  ; 
 
 3  And  fay  thou  unto  them.  Thus  faith  the  Lord 
 God  of  Ifrael,  ®  Curled  be  the  man  that  obeyeth  notf 
 the  words  of  this  covenant. 
 
 4  Which  I  commanded  your  fathers  in  the  day  that  3, 10.’ 
 
 I  brought  them  forth  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  from 
 
 the  iron  furnace,  faying,  ‘’Obey  my  voice,  and  dob  Lev. 
 them,  according  to  all  which  I  command  you;  lb  fhall 
 ye  be  ray  people,  and  I  will  be  your  God  ;  ^  pgu,, 
 
 5  That  I  may  perform  the  <=  oath  which  I  have?.  12. 
 
 T 
 
 not  the  Hebrew  language  ;  probably  for  this  reafon,  that  the  captive  Jews  might 
 have  an  anfwer  ready  for  the  idolaters,  in  their  own  language,  when  they  tempted 
 them  to  join  in  their  worfhip.  It  is  a  prediiSlion  of  total  extirpation  of  idolatry, 
 which  fhall  take  place,  when  that  ambitious  fpirit,  whom  all  idolaters  obey,  lhall 
 be  confined  in  the  bottomlefs  pit.  Ver.  17,  18.  Thefe  verfes  predidt  the  fiege  and 
 deftrudtion  of  Jerufalem.  Ver.  1 9.  From  this  to  the  end  of  the  chapter  the  pro¬ 
 phet  laments  over  the  miferies  of  his  people,  or  rather  perfonates  the  nation.  Ver. 
 23—25.  See  Pfalm  Ixxix.  9,  10.  This  may  be  confidered  a  prayer  for  God’s 
 chofen  people  in  their  diflrefs,  efpecially  for  fuch  of  them,  as  would  thereby  be 
 brought  to  repentance. 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  XI,  Ver.  1 — 14.  Ifrael  was  always 
 
 UR  Arxir  AT  ntr^JirTiVATTONS— *  Chap.  X.l  Man’s  apoftacy  from  God,  hath  made  way  for  his  being  deluded  and  enslaved  by  Satan,  as  to  be  capable  of 
 practic  al  OBSER  c  -elieion  They  who  do  not  fear  God  are  always  liable  to  be  difmayed  without  caufe;  but  thofe  who  choofe  him  as  their 
 
 t^e  greateft  abfurdities,  und  ^  ^  of ’the  uniLrfe.  and  he  hath  a  right  to  the  devoted  fervice  of  all  intelligent  beings,  for  they  are  his  abfolute  property. 
 
 God  need  fear  ®  •  P  g  ^o^kers  of  iniquity  ;  and  they,  who  will  not  believe  the  truth  of  Jehovah  s  threatenings,  will  find  it  fo,  when  their 
 
 No  place  IS  fo  facred,  or  o  or  i  ,  rnnceive  Pallors  of  God’s  church,  who  are  given  up  to  thepurfuits  of  carnal  interefls  and  pleafures,  cannot  prOf- 
 
 wounds  will  be  more  grievous,  t  an  ey  can  their  flocks  but  brings  down  divine  judgments  on  guilty  nations.  It  is  the  Lord  alone  who  can  direa  our  fteps 
 
r^'hc  Jey-'S  threatened. 
 
 Before  fwom  unto  your  fathers,  to  gWe  them  a  land  flowing 
 Ciirift  ^ith  milk  and  honey,  z$  it  h  this  day.  ihen  anlwer- 
 
 I,  and  faid,  f  So  be  it,  O  Lord.  i,  u  r 
 
 6  Then  the  Lord  laid  unto  me.  Proclaim  all  thele 
 W  words  in  the  cities  of  Judah,  and  in  the  flreets  of  Jeru- 
 
 falem,  faying,  Hear  ye  the  words  ot  this  covenant, 
 and  do  them. 
 
 7  For  I  earneftly  protefted  unto  your  fathers,  in  the 
 day  that  I  brought  them  up  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt, 
 evm  unto  this  day,  rifing  early  and  protefting,  laying, 
 
 Obey  my  voice.  u 
 
 8  Yet  they  obeyed  not,  nor  inclined  their  ear,  but 
 Or  walked  every  one  in  the  11  imagination  of  their  ev'il 
 
 ItviUom-  heart :  therefore  I  will  bring  upon  them  all  the  words 
 of  this  covenant,  which  I  commanded  them  to  do ;  but 
 they  did  if/im  not. 
 
 9  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  me,  A  conlpiracy  is 
 
 found  among  the  men  of  Judah,  and  among  the  inha¬ 
 bitants  of  Jerufalem.  ^  u  • 
 
 10  They  are  turned  back  to  the  iniquities  or  their 
 forefathers,  which  refufed  to  hear  my  words ;  and  they 
 went  after  other  gods  to  ferve  them :  the  houfe  of 
 Erael  and  the  houfe  of  Judah  have  broken  my  cove- 
 
 logo/irM  nant,  which  I  made  with  their  farthers. 
 
 »/• 
 
 d  Prov, 
 
 1.23. 
 
 Ifaiah 
 
 1. 15. 
 
 Chap. 
 
 14.  12. 
 
 Eiekiel 
 
 .  8.  18. 
 
 Micah 
 S.  4. 
 fHeb. 
 eeil. 
 
 e  Chap. 
 
 2.  28. 
 f  Heb. 
 lihame, 
 f  Chap. 
 
 7. 16.  & 
 
 14.  11. 
 f  Heb. 
 evil. 
 
 JEREMIAH. 
 
 A  complaint  of  the  wkJeed^s  prosperity. 
 
 Before 
 Chrill 
 cir.  608. 
 
 11  ^  Therefore  thus  faith, the  Lord,  Behold,  I  will 
 bring  evil  upon  them,  which  they  lhall  not  be  able  t 
 to  elcape ;  and  though  they  lhall  cry  unto  me,  I  will 
 not  hearken  unto  them. 
 
 12  Then  lhall  the  cities  of  Judah,  and  inhabitants  of 
 Jerufalem,  go  and  cry  unto  the  gods  unto  whom  they 
 offer  incenfe :  but  they  lhall  not  fave  them  at  all  in 
 the  time  of  their  f  trouble. 
 
 13  For  according  to  the  number  of  thy  ®  cities,  were 
 thy  gods,  O  Judah  ;  and  according  to  the  number  of 
 the  ftreets  of  Jerufalem  have  ye  fet  up  altars  to  that  t 
 Uiameful  thing,  even  altars  to  burn  incenfe  unto  Baal. 
 
 14;  Therefore  ^  pray  not  thou  for  this  people,  nei¬ 
 ther  lift  up  a  cry  or  prayer  for  them  :  for  I  will  not 
 hear  them  in  the  time  that  they  cry  unto  me  tor  their  f 
 
 trouble.  .  .  ,  r 
 
 15  g  .j.  What  hath  my  beloved  to  do  in  mine  houfe, 
 g  Ifaiah  seeing  (he  hath  wrought  lewdnefs  with  many,  and  the 
 i.ii.&c-holy  flelh  is  paired  from  thee?  I1  when  thou  doeft  evil, 
 
 then  thou  rejoiceft. 
 
 16  The  Lord  called  thy  name,  A  green  olive-tree, 
 fair,  and  of  goodly  fruit :  with  the  noife  of  a  great 
 tumult  he  hath  kindled  fire  upon  it,  and  the  branches 
 of  it  are  broken. 
 
 17  For  the  Lord  of  holls,  that  planted  thee,  hath 
 
 wy  belov¬ 
 ed  in  my 
 4owe  f 
 II  Or, 
 v>hm  thy 
 evil  is. 
 
 taught,  that  they  received  Canaan  for  a  poffeflion  entirely  according  to  fovereign 
 grace,  and  that  they  obtained  and  held  it  only  while  they  regarded  the  covenant  of 
 God  with  their  fathers,  and  continued  to  ferve  him  with  their  whole  heart ;  Deut. 
 
 ix.  4,  5.  X.  12 _ 17.  xxviii.  1,2,15.  Heb.  xiii.  14 — 19.  Ver.  15.  God  had  efpouf- 
 
 fid  Ifrael  by  their  peculiar  covenant.  But  what  had  the  fpoufe  to  do  in  the  houfe 
 of  her  hulband  after  all  her  lhamelefs  adulteries  ?  She  was  now  to  be  divorced 
 sud  turned  out  of  doors.  Ifrael  were  to  be  driven  from  their  city,  and  from  the 
 :«mple  of  God ;  for  he  abhorred  their  oblations,  feeing  they  rejoiced  in  their  ini- 
 juities.  Ver.  16.  Compare  Rom.  xi.  16—24.  The  Lord  had  planted  Ifrael  in 
 Canaan  as  a  good  olive  tree  in  a  fruitful  foil  ^  and  he  had  made  the  nation  very 
 irofperous,  and  afforded  them  every  advantage  for  fruitfulnefs,  and  once  they  were 
 ■fuitful,  and  he  called  the  nation  a  green  olive  tree. — But  they  were  now  fo  dege- 
 letated,  that  he  was  determined  to  confume  them  as  with  fire,  by  means  of  the 
 -haldean  invaders. 
 
 pronounced  evil  againfi  thee,  for  the  evil  of  the  houfe 
 of  Ifrael,  and  of  the  houfe  of  Judah,  which  they  have 
 done  againll  themfelves,  to  provoke  me  to  anger,  iu 
 '  offering  incenfe  unto  Baal. 
 
 1 8  f  And  the  I.ord  hath  given  me  knowledge  of  it, 
 and  I  know  it :  then  thou  Ihewedff  me  their  doings. 
 
 19  But  I  veas  like  a  lamb  or  an  ox  that  is  brought  to 
 the  (laughter;  and  I  knew  not  that  they  had  devifed 
 devices  againft  me,  saying,  Let  us  deftroy  t  the  treet 
 with  the  fruit  thereof,  and  let  us  cut  him  off  from  the“^«“^* 
 land  of  the  living,  that  his  name  may  be  no  more  xe-iread. 
 
 membered.  ...  r, 
 
 20  But,  O  Lord  of  hofts,  that  judgeth  righteoufly, 
 
 that  “  trieft  the  reins  and  the  heart,  let  me  fee  thy  ven-h  i  w 
 geance  on  them ;  for  unto  thee  have  I  revealed  my  1  Chron. 
 C3ufc» 
 
 21  Therefore  thus  faith  the  Lord  of  the  men  of  chap. 
 Anathoth,  that  feek  thy  life,  laying.  Prophecy  not  in ’J;  Jo-  & 
 the  name  of  the  Lord,  that  thou  die  not  by  our  hand  :  Revel. 
 
 22  Therefore  thus  faith  the  Lord  of  holts.  Behold,  2.  25. 
 
 I  will  t  punilh  them  ;  the  young  men  lhall  die  by  thet  i^b. 
 fword,  their  Tons  and  their  daughters  lhall  die 
 
 famine :  c  .  r  t 
 
 23  And  there  lhall  be  no  remnant  of  them  :  for  1 
 
 will  bring  evil  upon  the  men  of  Anathoth,  even  the  year 
 of  their  vilitation.* 
 
 CHAP.  XII. 
 
 1  Jeremiah,  complaining  of  the  wicked's  prosperity,  jrrayeth  against  them. 
 
 7  God  lamenteth  his  heritage;  14  he  threate7ieth  evil  to  the  wicked,  but 
 promiseth  restoration  and  grace  to  the  pe7iUent. 
 
 Righteous  art  thou,  O  lord,  when  I  plead 
 with  thee  :  yet  11  let  me  talk  with  thee  of  thy 
 judgments  :  "  wherefore  doth  the  way  of  the  wicked 
 prolper  ?  wherefore  are  all  they  happy  that  deal  very  case  with 
 
 treacheroully  ?  ,  ,  , 
 
 2  Thou  hall  planted  them;  yez,  they  have  taken 
 root :  t  they  grow  ;  yea,  they  bring  forth  fruit :  thou 
 art  near  in  their  mouth,  and  far  from  their  reins.  37. 1.  & 
 3  But  thou,  O  Lord  knoweft  me :  thou  hall  feen  g-  s. 
 me,  and  tried  mine  heart  t  toward  thee:  pull  themj 
 out  like  Iheep  for  the  flaughter,  and  prepare  them  for|’Heb. 
 the  day  of  flaughter. 
 
 4  How  long  lhall  the  land  mourn,  and  the  herbs  of 
 every  field  wither,  ^  for  the  wickednefs  of  them  that  |  jjeb. 
 dwell  therein  ?  the  beafts  are  confuraed,  and  the  birds ;  udth  thee, 
 becaufe  they  faid,  He  lhall  not  fee  our  laft  end. 
 
 5  *11  If  thou  hall  run  with  the  footmen,  and  they 
 have  wearied  thee,  then  how  canft  thou  contend  with 
 horfes  ?  and  if  in  the  land  of  peace,  wherein  thou 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  XII.  Ver.  1—4.  The  prophet’s 
 difeomfiture,  on  account  of  the  confpiracy  formed  againft  him,  led  him  into  a 
 perplexity  about  the  profperity  of  the  confpirators.  He  thought  that  perfonal 
 judgments  on  them  might  prevent  the  ruin  of  the  nation  ;  and  he  refolves  to  pour 
 out  his  heart  before  God  about  this  matter.  Having  confeffed  that  the  Lord  was 
 righteous  in  his  moft  myfterious  judgments,  he  entreats  him  to  ftiew  the  reafons  of 
 his  condua  in  permitting  fuch  ungodly  men  to  live  and  profper.  Ver.  5,  6.  The 
 Lord  here  gently  reproves  the  prophet’s  impatience.  The  oppofitiou  which  he 
 had  felt  was  not  fo  formidable  as  what  he  mull  expea  from  the  kings  and  rulers  of 
 Judah,  nor  bis  trials  fo  fevere  as  what  awaited  him  when  that  land  would  be  in¬ 
 vaded  and  conquered  by  the  enemies.  If  he  were  fo  wearied  with  running  with 
 footmen,  or  contending  with  his  equals  j  how  could  he  run  with  horfemen,  or 
 execute  his  office  in  defiance  of  them  in  authority.  If  he  would  fcarcely  endure, 
 when  the  land  remained  in  peace  ;  what  mull  be  do,  when  hoftile  invafions  would 
 
 when  perfifting  in  wilful  difobedience.  But, 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XI.]  God  never  covenanted  bleffings  to  his  rational  creatures,  ,  r  r  v,  .u  •  r  .r 
 
 bow  man^y  cry.  Lord,  Lord,  who  do  not  the  things  vthich  he  commands.  Alas,  the  laws  of  God  are  not  written  in  the  hearts  of  fuch  men.  their  fins  are  not  for- 
 given,  and  theLrfes  of  Jehovah  belong  to  them,  and  Lthing  elfe ;  unlefs,  or  until,  they  repent  and  obey  the  holy  gofpel  They  who  rebuke  and  warn  prefumptuous 
 ProfelTors,  muft  expe^  their  hatred  for  their  faithfulnefs  and  companion.  But  the  Lord  knoweth  and  can  protea  Ins  fervants  againft  al  their  dev  ces  :  and  he  will 
 «rtainly  plead  their  caufe,  and  execute  vengeance  on  their  perfecutors.  Let  us  all  look  well  to  ourfelves,  that  we  be  not  overcome  of  evil ;  but,  that,  by  patient  con- 
 linuance  in  kiodnefs  to  our  enemies,  and  praying  for  them,  we  may,  if  pollible,  overcome  evil  viith  good. 
 
 8  R 
 
 23 
 
Cod  s  promises  to  the  penitcnU 
 
 JEREMIAH. 
 
 cir.  603. 
 
 ciir*ia  ///?(?,  then  how  wilt  thou  do  in 
 
 -•  — -  the  Iwelling  ot  Jordan  ? 
 
 6  For  even  ^  thy  brethren,  and  the  houfe  of  thy 
 rather,  even  they  have  dealt  treacheroufly  with  thee  : 
 yea,  ||  they  have  called  a  multitude  after  thee:  be¬ 
 lieve  them  not,  though  they  fpeak  f  fair  words  unto 
 thee. 
 
 7^1  have  forfaken  mine  houfe,  I  have  left  mine  he¬ 
 ritage  :  I  have  given  f  the  dearly  beloved  of  my  foul 
 into  the  hand  cf  her  enemies. 
 
 ^  8  Mine  heritage  is  unto  me  as  a  lion  in  the  foreft  ; 
 It  11  t  crieth  out  againft  me  :  therefore  have  I  hated  it. 
 
 9  Mine  heritage  /s  unto  me  «s  a  ||  fpeckled  bird; 
 the  birds  round  about  are  againft  her :  come  ye,  af- 
 lemble  all  the  beafts  of  the  field,  [j  come  to  devour. 
 
 J  Or,  Many  paftors  have  deftroyed  my  vineyard,  they 
 
 taioned*  htivG  troddeu  roy  portion  under  foot,  they  have  made 
 li  Or,  my  t  pleafant  portion  a  defolate  wildernefs. 
 
 ^  ^  defolate,  and  being  defolate 
 
 fHeb.  mourneth  unto  me;  the  whole  land  is  made  defo- 
 roKiion  cf  hte  bccaufe  no  man  layeth  it  to  heart. 
 
 desire. 
 
 e  Lev. 
 26.  16. 
 Deut. 
 28.  38. 
 Micah 
 6.  15. 
 Haggai 
 1.  6. 
 
 12  The  fpoilers  are  come  upon  all  high  places 
 through  the  wildernefs:  for  the  fword  of  the  Lord 
 fhall  devour  from  the  one  end  of  the  land  even  to  the 
 other  end  of  the  land  ;  no  flefh  (hall  have  peace. 
 
 13  ^  Ihey  have  fown  wheat,  but  fhall  reap  thorns  ; 
 they  have  put  themfelves  to  pain,  kit  fhall  not  profit ; 
 and  11  they  fhall  be  afhamed  of  your  revenues,  becaufe 
 of  the  fierce  anger  of  the  Lord. 
 
 14  H.Thus  faith  the  Lo'rd  againft  all  mine  evil  neigh¬ 
 bours,  that  touch  the  inheritance  which  I  have  caufed 
 
 11  Or,  ye.  my  people  Ifrael  to  inherit ;  Behold,  I  will  f  pluck 
 f  Deut.  them  out  of  their  land,  and  pluck  out  the  houfe  of  Ju¬ 
 dah  from  among  them. 
 
 15  And  it  fhall  come  to  pafs,  after  that  I  have  pluck¬ 
 ed  them  our,  I  will  return  and  have  compafTion  on 
 them,  and  will  bring  them  again,  every  man  to  his 
 heritage,  and  every  man  to  his  land. 
 
 16  And  it  (hall  come  to  pafs,  it  they  will  diligently 
 learn  the  ways  of  my  people,  to  fwear  by  my  name, 
 the  Lord  liveth  ;  (as  they  taught  my  people  to  fwear 
 by  Baal ;)  then  fhall  they  be  built  in  the  midft  of  my 
 people. 
 
 17  But  if  they  will  not  ^  obey,  I  will  utterly  pluck 
 up  and  deftroy  that  nation,  faith  the  Lord.* 
 
 30.  3. 
 Chap. 
 62.  37. 
 
 g  Ifaiah 
 
 60.  12. 
 
 CHAP.  XIII. 
 
 1  By  the  type  of  a  linen  girdle,  God  prefgurelh  the  destruction  of  his  peo- 
 })le  .V  12  Under  the  parable  of  bottles  filed  with  wine  he  foreteUelh  their 
 excess  if  misery,  ^c. 
 
 bear  down  all  before  them,  like  the  overflowing  waters  of  the  Jordan  ?  Ver.  7 _ 9* 
 
 The  Lord  next  condefeended  to  explain  his  intentions,  and  the  reafons  of  his  con- 
 du(5l  to  his  difeouraged  fervant.  He  was  determined  to  forfake  his  temple,  the 
 objeiSl  of  his  delight,  and  his  heritage  that  he  had  chofen  ;  for  bis  people  had  be¬ 
 come  abandoned  to  iniquity  and  idolatry.  Therefore  the  nations  fhall  be  let 
 loofe  againft  them,  to  punifh  them  for  borrowing  his  idolatries  and  as  wild 
 beafts  to  devour  them.  Ver.  10 — 13.  The  kings  of  the  nations,  or  the  captains 
 of  Nebuchadnezzar’s  army  were  the  many  paftors  or  fliepherds,  who  came  with 
 flocks  or  armies  to  devour,  and  to  tread  down  Judah  and  Jerufalcm,  as  the  Lord’s 
 vineyard,  whofe  hedges  he  bad  broken  down,  becaufe  it  bad  become  wholly  un¬ 
 fruitful.  Ver.  14 — 17.  The  Jews  bad  deferved  their  calamities  from  God;  not 
 from  the  nations  that  injurioufly  fpoiled  them,  out  of  hatred  to  the  Lord  and  his 
 worlhip,  and  becaufe  of  the  land  which  he  had  chofen.  Judgments  are  therefore 
 threatened  them,  while  mercy  is  promifed  to  the  Jews,  who  would  afluredly  be 
 reinftated  in  their  own  land.  Neverthelefs  God  would  afterwards  fliew  mercy 
 alfo  to  thofe  nations,  and  give  them  the  quiet  polTeflion  of  the  countries  afllgned 
 
 JudaJds  destiuction  is  prefix  ^1 
 
 Thus  faith  the  Lord  unto  me,  Go  and  get  thee  Uer 
 a  linen  girdle,  and  put  it  upon  thy  loins,  and  out  Chri« 
 
 It  not  in  water.  ^  cir.co?, 
 
 2  So  I  got  a  girdle,  according  to  the  word  of  the'^^ 
 i  Lord,  and  put  it  on  my  loins. 
 
 3  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  me  the 
 lecond  time,  faying, 
 
 4  Take  the  girdle  that  thou  haft  got,  which  is  upon 
 thy  loins,  and  arife,  go  to  Euphrates,  and  hide  it  there 
 ID  a  hole  of  the  rock. 
 
 5  So  I  went,  and  hid  it  by  Euphrates,  as  the  Lord 
 commanded  me. 
 
 6  And  it  came  to  pafs,  after  many  days,  that  the 
 Lord  laid  unto  me,  Arife,  go  to  Euphrates,  and  take 
 the  girdle  from  thence,  which  I  commanded  thee  to 
 hide  there. 
 
 7  Then  I  went  to  Euphrates,  and  digged,  and  took 
 t^he  girdle  from  the  place  where  I  had  hid  it ;  and, 
 behold  the  girdle  was  marred,  it  was  profitable  for 
 nothing. 
 
 8  Ihen  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  me, 
 laying, 
 
 9  Thus  faith  the  Lord,  After  this  manner  will  I 
 mar  the  pride  of  Judah,  and  the  great  pride  of  Jeru- 
 lalem. 
 
 10  This  evil  people,  which  refufe  to  hear  my  words, 
 which  walk  in  the  y  imagination  of  their  heart,  and  II  Or, 
 walk  after  other  gods,  to  ferve  them,  and  to  worftiip^'’'*^'"'’*' 
 them,  fhall  even  be  as  this  girdle,  which  is  good 
 nothing. 
 
 11  For  as  the  girdle  cleaveth  to  the  loins  of  a  man, 
 fo  have  I  caufed  to  cleave  unto  me  the  whole  houfe  of 
 Ifrael,  and  the  whole  houfe  of  Judah,  faith  the  Lord  ; 
 that  they  might  be  unto  me  for  a  people,  and  for  a 
 name,  and  for  a  praife,  and  for  a  glory :  but  they 
 would  not  hear. 
 
 12  H  Therefore  thou  (halt  fpeak  unto  them  this 
 word.  Thus  Jaith  the  Lord  God  of  Ifrael,  Every  bot¬ 
 tle  fhall  be  filled  with  wine;  and  they  (hall  fay  unto 
 thee,  Do  we  not  certainly  know  that  every  bottle  fhall 
 be  filled  with  wine  ? 
 
 13  Then  (halt  thou  fay  unto  them.  Thus  faith  the 
 Lord,  Behold,  I  will  fill  all  the  inhabitants  of  this 
 land,  even  the  kings  that  fit  upon  David’s  throne,  and 
 the  priefts,  and  the  prophets,  and  all  the  inhabitants  ^ 
 of  Jerulalem,  with  drunkennefs.  IgaZiUi 
 
 14  And  I  will  dafh  them  f  one  againft  another, 
 even  the  fathers  and  the  fons  together,  faith  the  Lord  :  t 
 
 I  will  not  pity,  nor  fpare,  nor  have  mercy,  f  but 
 
 ftroy  them. 
 
 deslroyitii 
 
 them. 
 
 them  ;  nay  he  meant  to  admit  them  into  his  church,  and  to  all  the  privileges  of  hi 
 people;  when  they  were  difpofed  to  learn  tlie  true  religion,  as  they  bad  formerl; 
 taught  Ifrael  their  idolatries.  This  is  doubtlefs  a  preditftion  of  the  incorpora 
 tion  of  Jews  and  Gentiles  into  one  church  under  Mefliah,  the  Savkurof  tb 
 world. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XIII.  Ver.  I— 11.  A  girdle  de 
 notes  ftrength  and  adlion  ;  and  to  unloofe  the  girdle  is  to  deprive  of  flrengtbi  aai 
 to  render  unfit  for  adlion.  See  Ifa.  v.  27.  What  therefore  Jeremiah  was  call 
 ed  to  do,  (moft  probably  in  vifion)  was  admirably  adapted  to  exprefs  the  Diviri 
 condudl  to  Ifrael.  They  were  a  ufoful  and  happy  people  while  they  made  Oo 
 their  Uuft,  and  none  have  been  more  wretched,  or  of  lefs  feeming  important 
 or  eftimation  in  fociety  than  they,  fince  their  departure  from  him.  Ver.  12— P 
 When  God  fpake  to  his  people  in  figurative  language,  drawn  from  fatnilb 
 objetfts,  they  treated  his  fervants  contenaptuoufly,  as  if  they  were  guilty  of  in 
 fulting  them,  whereas  they  ought  thankfully  to  have  received  inftrudlicn.  ^ 
 they  thus  boafted  of  a  ready  underftanding,  and  ridiculed  God’s  method  of  com 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS — *  Chap.  XII.]  The  Lord  allows  his  people  to  lay  all  their  perplexities  before  him,  and  humbly  to  plead  with  him  t 
 
 his  judgments.  If  judgments  begin  at  the  houfe  of  God,  let  not  the  evil  neighbours  and  perfecutors  of  his  church  expert  impunity.  In  wrath  the  Lord  rememberct 
 mercy  j  he  will  affuredly  return  and  compaffionate  his  church ;  but  inevitable  ruin  awaits  all  that  perfevere  in  difobedience,  ^ 
 
JEREMIAH. 
 
 f,,e  misery  of  the  Jests. 
 
 B  for.  1 5  t  Hear  ye,  and  give  ear ;  be  not  proud  ;  for  the 
 
 ieoB.  the  Lotto  your  God.  before  he 
 
 t » riarknefs  and  before  your  feet  ttumble  upon 
 fhe  dark “ins,  and.  while  ye  look  for  light,  he 
 f  SB.  turn  it  into  the  lhadow  ol  death,  and  make  u  grofs 
 
 if  ye  will  not  hear  it,  my  foul  (hall  weep  in 
 
 &  '•  flock  is  carried  away  captive. 
 
 ”  18  Say  unto  the  king,  and  to  the  queen,  Hui^le 
 .  0,  yourfelvK,  fit  down ;  for  your  ||  principalities  (hall 
 I  w/iVrs.  rnme  dowD,  even  the  crown  of  your  glory. 
 
 “To  Thl  cities  of  the  fouth  fliall  be  Ihut  up,  and 
 none  S  open  them  Judah  (hall  be  carried  away 
 Motive,  all  of  it  (hall  be  wholly  carried  away  captive. 
 
 20  Lift  up  your  eyes,  and  behold  them  that  come 
 from  the  north  :  where  ts  the  flock  that  was  given 
 
 thee,  thv  beautiful  flock  ?  .n  g 
 
 t  Heb.  2 1  What  wilt  thou  fay  when  he  fliall  f  punifli  thee . 
 (for  thou  hafl:  taught  them  to  he  captains,  cvid  ^  ch i ^ 
 over  thee  ;)  fliall  not  lorrows  take  thee,  as  a  woman 
 
 ,  Chip.  “  if  thou  fay  in  thine  heart,  <  Wherefore 
 
 A  gT'icvou%  fomine^ 
 
 Vse  ^Ihrfe  tWng;:“upoi,  me  f  E.  the 
 
 16.  10. 
 
 «  Or, 
 
 ahall  be 
 
 violently 
 
 taken 
 
 away. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 taught. 
 
 t  Heb, 
 after  when 
 yet. 
 
 Se  iSuityrare  th7fcirts  difeovered.  and  thy  heels 
 
 "  Ts'can^the  Ethiopian  change  his  (kin,  or  the  leo- 
 pard  his  fpots  ?  then  may  ye  alfo  do  good,  that  are 
 
 +  accuftomed  to  do  evil.  , 
 
 ^  24  Therefore  will  I  fcatter  them  as  the  flubble  that 
 
 naflfeth  awav  by  the  wind  of  the  wildernels. 
 
 ^  25  This  is  thy  lot,  the  portion  of  thv  rneafures  from 
 me,  faith  the  Lord  ;  becaufe  thou  haft  forgotten  me, 
 
 cinfl  trnfted  in  fallehood.  .  , 
 
 26  Therefore  will  I  difeover  thy  fkirts  upon  thy 
 
 face,  that  thy  (hame  may  appear.  . 
 
 1  have  feen  thy  adulteries,  and  thy  neighings, 
 the  lewdnefs  of  thy  whoredom,  and  thine  aborning 
 tions  on  the  hills  in  the  fields.  Woe  unto  ^h^e,  O 
 Jerufaleml  wilt  thou  not  be  made  clean,  f  wnen 
 
 shall  it  once  be  P* 
 
 CHAP.  XIV. 
 
 *  ant  2  people  who 
 
 believe  them,  shall  perish,  ijc.  _ _ 
 
 The  word  of  the  Lord  that  came  to  Jeremiah 
 
 concerning  t  the  dearth.  cir.  eoi. 
 
 2  Judah  mourneth,  and  the  gates  thereof  languun  ; 
 they  are  black  unto  the  ground ;  and  the  ay  of  Je- 
 
 rufalem  is  gone  up.  ,  . 
 
 3  And  their  nobles  have  fent  their  little  ones  to  ine  Earths, or 
 waters  •  they  came  to  the  pits,  and  found  no  water  restraints. 
 they  returned  with  their  vefTels  empty ;  they  were 
 afliamed,  and  confounded  and  covered  their  heads. 
 
 4  Becaufe  the  ground  is  chapt,  for  there  was  no 
 rain  in  the  earth,  the  plowmen  were  aftiamed,  they 
 
 covered  their  heads.  _ 
 
 5  Yea,  the  hind  alfo  calved  in  the  field,  and  for- 
 
 fook  it,  becaufe  there  was  no  grafs.  ,  , .  ,  , 
 
 6  And  the  wild  afles  did  (land  in  the  high  place  , 
 they  fnuffed  up  the  wind  like  dragons  ;  their  eyes  did 
 
 fail,  becaufe  ere  Tt'ffs  no  grafs.  _  _ 
 
 7  O  Lord,  though  our  iniquities  teftify 
 us,  do  thou  it  for  thy  name’s  fake  for  our  backslid- 
 ings  are  many  ;  we  have  finned  againft  tnee. 
 
 8  O  the  Hope  of  Ifrael,  the  Saviour  thereof  in  time 
 of  trouble,  why  fhouldeft  thou  be  as  a  ftranger  in  the 
 land,  and  as  a  way-faring  man  that  turneth  alide  to 
 
 tarry  for  a  night  ?  n.  -a,  j 
 
 9  Why  fhouldeft  thou  be  as  a  man  aftonilhed,  as 
 a  mighty  man  that  cannot  fave  ?  yet  thou,  O  Lord, 
 art  in  the  midlt  of  us,  and  f  we  are  called  by  thyf 
 
 name  ;  leave  us  not.  « called 
 
 10  f  Thus  faith  the  Lord  unto  this  people,  ihus  v]X)n  t7. 
 have  they  loved  to  wander,  they  have  not  refrained  ^  Exod. 
 their  feet ;  therefore  the  Lord  doth  not  accept  them ; 
 he  will  now  remember  their  iniquity, and  vifit  their  lins.  7^  jg,  ^ 
 
 11  Thenfaid  the  Lord  unto  me,  »  pray  not  forii.n^ 
 
 this  people  for  their  good.  .  ,  uS’’ 
 
 •  12  When  they  faft,  1  will  not  hear  their  cry  ;  and 
 when  they  offer  burnt  offering  and  an  oblation,  1  will  1.  ,5. 
 not  accept  them :  bat  1  will  confume  them  by  the  Chap.  . 
 fword,  and  by  the  famine,  and  by  the  peftilence. 
 
 13  ^  Then  faid  1,  Ah,  Lord  God  !  behold  the  pro-  g  jg_ 
 phets  fay  unto  them.  Ye  (hall  not  fee  the  fword,  nei-  Micah 
 ther  fhall  ye  have  famine;  but  I  will  give  you 
 
 affured  peace  in  this  place.  jseare  of 
 
 14  Then  the  Lord  faid  unto  me,  The  prophets 
 prophefy  lies  in  my  name;  '  I  fent  them  not,  neither  c  Chap. 
 
 1  have  I  commanded  them,  neither  fpake  unto  them  ;23-  21.  & 
 they  prophefy  unto  you  a  falle  vifion,  and  divination, 
 and  a  thing  of  nought,  and  the  deceit  of  their  heart. 
 
 1  iori,ra  Lp  (TavG  them  ovcf  to  their  own  imaginations  ; 
 municating  to  them  knowledge,  g  thofe  of  a 
 
 the  confequence  of  which  was,  t  .Upmf,  Ives  and  as  defpicable  in  the 
 
 them  to  glorify  God  by  the  r  fins, ^a^ek^ow^e^„_^ 
 
 returning  to  P^ord'"”  Ver.’  18-21.  The  melfage  was  probably  fent 
 
 tng  the  ^3  the  prophet  was  ordered  to  deliver  it  to  him,  and 
 
 ordin.ry  ,»ean,  d.pi.vii,  of  ll.eir 
 
 li.ird.il  i..li»ti"’..  '>”• 
 
 they  would  not  be  made  clean,  for  they  cleaved  with  ftrong  affeaions  to  their 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chat>.  XIV.  Ver.  1—12.  Tins  contains  a 
 mod  diftrefling  prophecy  of  the  wretchednefs  of  Judah,  called  to  experience  the 
 ,  want  of  the  neceffaries  of  life,  which  blefiings  were  equally  out  of  the  reach  of 
 1  the  nobles  as  the  people,  the  rich  as  the  poor  ;  the  heavens  ceafed  to  water  their 
 *  land,  the  fprings  to  fupply  them  with  water  to  drink,  their  fields  and  pallures 
 to  produce  food  for  them,  their  children  and  cattle;  they  had  departed  from 
 God,  and  he  bad  forfaken  them.  And  as  they  perfifted  in  tlieir  iniquities,  he 
 refufed  to  hear  their  cry  or  have  compaffion  on  them  ;  he  even  forbids  his  pro¬ 
 phet  to  pray  that  they  might  efcape  ihel'e  judgments.  The  command  given 
 him  not  to  pray  for  his  people,  fimply  intimated,  that  he  was  not  to  afk  of  God 
 to  avert  thefe  calamities  denounced  in  the  prophecy,  for  they  were  abfolutely 
 certain  ■  he  did  not  confider  themfelves  prohibited  to  pray  for  them  in  other 
 refpeas’,  as  is  obvious  from  this  praaice;  comp.  ver.  19—32.  This  remark 
 i  is  alfo  applicable  to  chapter  vii.  16.  xi.  14.  Ver.  13.  Compare  chapter  iv.  10. 
 
 - -  „„„  mTnxTc:  *  CssKP  XTII  1  It  is  necefliary  that  thofe  who  are  employed  in  the  more  important  fervices  of  God.  be  reconciled  to 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.  C  .  .  of  fitted  for  deftruaion  :  but  pride  and  impenitence  continue  men  in  that  ftate,  and  make 
 
 much  felf.denial  and  hardftiip.  Almighty  God.  Though  the  humiliation  of  individuals  may  not  prevent  national  judgnients,  it  will  preferve  th.m  from 
 
 way  for  Uieir  being  filled  with  \et  us  Le^  on  our  own  and  other’s  account,  lift  up  our  hearts  to  him,  who  can  fay  with  effea  to  the  vileft,  « 1  will,  be 
 
 the  darknefs  and  "  J  proerdUnste,  and  will  not  ule  the  appointed  means  of  cleanCng,  mifery  and  woe  will  be  meafured  out  to  them  as  their  por. 
 
 lion  for 'Ling  forgotten  the  Lord,  trufted  in  falfehood,  and  multiplied  their  crimes  agamft  him. 
 
The  rejeclioji  of  the  Jc’ji's. 
 
 JEREMIAH. 
 
 d  Chap 
 13.  17. 
 Laraen. 
 
 li  Or 
 irmkemer- 
 
 tuirift  -J-herefore  thus  faith  the  Lord  concerning  the 
 
 cw.  601.  prophets  that  prophdy  in  my  name,  and  1  fent  them 
 'Oot,  yet  they  fay,  Sword  and  famine  fhall  not  be  in 
 this  land ;  By  fword  and  famine  fhall  thofe  prophets 
 be  conlumed. 
 
 16  And  the  people  to  whom  they  prophecy  fhall 
 be  call  out  in  the  ftreets  of  Jerufalem,  becaufe  of  the 
 famine  and  the  Iword ;  and  they  (hall  have  none  to 
 bury  them ;  them,  their  wives,  nor  their  fons,  nor 
 their  daughters;  for  I  will  pour  their  wickednefs  up¬ 
 on  them. 
 
 17  H  1  herefore  thou  fhalt  fay  this  word  unto  them, 
 ^  Let  mine  eyes  run  down  with  tears  night  and  day, 
 
 lucu.  them  not  ceafe :  for  the  virgin  daughter  of 
 
 1.  16.  &  my  people  is  broken  with  a  great  breach,  with  a  very 
 
 2.  la  grievous  blow. 
 
 18  If  I  go  forth  into  the  field,  then  behold  the  flain 
 with  the  fword  !  and  if  I  enter  into  the  city  then  be¬ 
 hold  them  that  are  fick  with  famine  !  yea,  both  the 
 
 ^nakemer  ^nd  the  prieft  11  go  about  into  a  land  that 
 
 chandise  '  ^^ey  kuOW  DOt. 
 
 against  a  19  Haft  thou  Utterly  rejefled  Judah  ?  hath  thy  foul 
 land,  and  loathed  Zion  ?  why  haft  thou  fmitten  us,  and  there  is 
 tnMre healing  for  us  ?  ^  we  look  for  peace,  and  there  is 
 °  no  good ;  and  for  the  time  of  healing,  and  behold 
 trouble  ! 
 
 20  We  acknowledge,  O  Lord,  our  wickednefs, 
 and  the  iniquity  of  our  fathers  ;  for  ^  w^e  have  finned 
 againft  thee. 
 
 2 1  Do  not  abhor  ns ;  for  thy  name’s  fake,  do  not 
 difgrace  the  throne  of  thy  glory :  remember,  break 
 not  thy  covenant  with  us. 
 
 22  Are  there  among  the  vanities  of  the  Gentiles 
 that  can  caufe  rain  .?  or  can  the  heavens  give  fhowers  ? 
 on  thou  not  he,  O  Lord  our  God  ?  therefore  we  will 
 wait  upon  thee ;  for  thou  haft  made  all  thefe  things* 
 
 CHAP.  XV. 
 
 1  The  determined  rejection  and  manifold  judgments  oj  the  Jews,  15  Jg. 
 remiah  prayeth,  1 9  and  receivelk  a  gracious  answer. 
 
 T^HEN  faid  the  Lord  unto  me,  ®  Though  Mofes 
 ;2.H°i2.  -I  Samuel  ftood  before  me,  yet  my  mind 
 
 coutd  not  be  toward  this  people  :  caft  them  out  of  my 
 fight,  and  let  them  go  forth. 
 
 2  And  it  fhall  come  to  pafs,  if  they  fay  unto  thee, 
 Zech.  ’  Whither  fhall  we  go  forth  ?  Then  thou  fhalt  tell  them, 
 11.9.  Thus  faith  the  Lord,  Such  as  are  for  death,  to 
 
 death  ;  and  fuch  as  are  for  the  fword,  to  the  fword  ; 
 and  fuch  as  are  for  the  famine,  to  the  famine;  and 
 fuch  as  are  for  the  captivity,  to  the  captivity. 
 
 3  And  I  will  ®  appoint  over  them  four  f  kinds,  faith 
 
 it  not. 
 Ctiap. 
 5.  13. 
 a  Chap, 
 a  15. 
 f  Praia) 
 106.  6. 
 Dan. 
 
 ».  8. 
 
 a  Ezekiel 
 14.  14. 
 b  Exod 
 32 
 c  1  Sam 
 7.  9. 
 d  Chap. 
 
 e  Lev. 
 26.  16, 
 &c. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 farnUies 
 
 Ver.  17,  18.  This  is  if  pofible  more  tender  and  pathetic  than  even  chap.  ix.  1,  12. 
 The  prophet’s  heart,  big  V.-ith  forrow  on  account  of  the  grievous  afflidlions  await¬ 
 ing  his  beloved  Zion,  feeks  relief  from  weeping  day  and  night.  W'herever  his 
 eyes  looked,  on  whomfoever  they  were  fixed,  nothing  but  mifery  unfpeakable  pre- 
 fented  itfelf.  The  flain  by  the  fword  of  the  Chaldeans  covered  the  plains  of  the 
 country  ;  famine  with  all  its  direful  attendants  raged  in  the  city  ;  prophet  and 
 prieft  were  alike  involved  in  the  calamities  which  they  had  called  the  people  not 
 to  fear. 
 
 Explanatory  notes.  Chap.  XV.  Ver.  l.  To  reconcile  Jere¬ 
 miah  to  his  prayers  for  the  temporal  good  of  his  people  not  being  anfwered,  be  is 
 aifured  that  Mofes  and  Samuel  would  have  in  the  prefent  cafe  pleaded  In  vain. 
 They  have  feparately  prevailed  with  him,  to  pardon  an  offending  people,  when 
 they  lived  on  earth,  and  were  moft  eminent  among  his  fervants;  but  if  both  of 
 them  fhould  unite  to  intercede  for  Ifrael  now,  the  Lord’s  mind  would  not  be 
 towards  them ;  their  crimes  were  fo  enormous,  and  their  habits  of  rebellion  fo 
 inveterate ;  he  had  therefore  given  orders  to  caft  them  out  of  the  land  ;  for  he 
 
 Jeremiah  'prayeth, 
 
 ^the  LoRD;  the  (word  to  flay,  and  the  dogs  to  tear.  Before 
 and  the  fowls  of  the  heaven,  and  the  beafts  of  the 
 earth,  to  devour  and  deftroy.  ^oi. 
 
 4  And  1 1  will  caufe  them  to  be  ^  removed  into  all  fH^ 
 
 kingdoms  of  the  earth,  becaufe  of  s  ManafTeh  the  fon^^  will 
 of  Hezekiah  king  of  Judah,  for  that  which  he  did 
 Jerufalem.  f^euu^'* 
 
 5  For  who  fhall  have  pity  upon  thee,  O  Jerufalem  ? 
 or  who  fhall  bemoan  thee  ;  or  who  fhall  go  afide  +  to 
 afle  how  thou  doeft. 
 
 6  Thou  haft  forfaken  me,  faith  the  Lord,  thou^f. 
 art  gone  backward  :  therefore  will  I  ftretch  out  mytHeb.* 
 hand  againft  thee,  and  deftroy  thee  ;  I  am  weary  with 8^ 
 repenting. 
 
 7  And  I  will  fan  them  with  a  fan  in  the  gates  of 
 the  land:  I  will  bereave  them  of  II  children,  1  will  II  Or, 
 deftroy  my  people,  since  they  return  not  from  their 
 
 cteris 
 
 8  Their  widows  are  increafed  tome  above  thefand 
 
 of  the  feas :  I  have  brought  upon  them,  |i  againft  the  ll  Or, 
 mother  of  the  young  men,  a  fpoiler  at  noon-day:  I  against  the. 
 have  caufed  him  to  fall  upon  it  fuddenly,  and  terrors  ”^5"^ 
 upon  the  city. 
 
 9  She  that  hath  born  feven  laoguifbeth :  (he  hath  man  spoil., 
 given  up  the  ghoft  ;  her  fun  is  gone  down  while  it'^'^Sf^c. 
 was  yet  day  ;  fhe  hath  been  alhamed  and  confounded 
 
 and  the  refidue  of  them  will  I  deliver  to  the  fword  be-and  the^ 
 fore  their  enemies,  faith  the  Lord.  young 
 
 10  %  i  Woe  is  me,  my  mother,  that  thou  haft  bornl^T 
 
 me  a  man  of  ftrife,  and  a  man  of  contention  to  theS.  9““^ 
 whole  earth !  I  have  neither  lent  on  ufury,  nor  men » Job 
 have  lent  to  me  on  ufury ;  yet  every  one  of  them 
 doth  curfe  me.  *  * 
 
 1 1  Ihe  Lord  faid,  Verift*  it  fhall  be  well  with  thy^°’ 
 
 remnant;  verily  I1  I  will  caufe  the  enemy  to  entreat  i|Or, 
 thee  yccll  in  the  time  of  evil,  and  in  the  time  of luiiien- 
 afflidion.  treat  the 
 
 12  Shall  iron  break  the  northern  iron  and  the  Reel 
 
 13  Thy  fubftance  and  thy  treafures  will  I  give  to 
 
 the  fpoil  without  price,  and  that  for  all  thy  fins,  even  k  Chap, 
 in  all  thy  borders.  17.  3. 
 
 14  And  1  will  make  thee  to  pafs  with  thine  enemies 
 
 into  a  land  ’which  thou  knoweft  not:  for  a  *  fire  isiDeut. 
 kindled  in  mine  anger,  which  fhall  burn  upon  you. 
 
 15  *11  O  Lord,  thou  knoweft:  remember  me,  and 
 vifit  me,  and  revenge  me  of  my  perfecutors  ;  take  me 
 not  away  in  thy  long-fuft'ering :  know  that  for  thy 
 lake  I  have  fuftered  rebuke. 
 
 16  Thy  words  were  found,  and  I  did  eat  them  ;  fieJ; 
 and  thy  word  was  unto  me  the  joy  and  rejoicing  of  10.  9, 
 
 m  Ezek. 
 
 3. 
 
 could  no  longer  endure  them  in  his  fight.  Veri  2—4.  The  fame  law  that  con- 
 dems  the  inalefadlor,  determines  the  pupifliment.  So  the  condemned  Jews 
 were  appointed  to  different  kinds  of  mil'ery  by  the  righteous  judgment  of  God} 
 and  this  decifion  was  notified  to  them,  that  they  might  fee  to  what  ftraits  their 
 fins  had  reduced  them,  Ver.  8,  9.  The  vaft  fl'aughter  made  by  the  viaorious 
 enemy,  and  by  other  judgments,  would  leave  great  numbers  of  widows,  who  would 
 have  none  but  the  Lord  to  take  care  of  them.  The  Lord  was  about  to  bring  on 
 Jerufalem,  (the  mother  city,  or  metropolis  of  Judah,)  a  young  man,  a  fpoiler  at 
 noon-day,  who  would  plunder  openly  by  force,  and  not  fecretly  by  fraud, 
 Nebuchadnezzer  was  the  fpoiler  intended,  he  was  a  young  man  when  he  took 
 Jerufalem  ;  and  he  fuddenly  fell  on  the  city,  and  filled  it  with  terror,  and 
 miferies.  Ver.  II.  To  calm  the  ruffled  fpirit  of  his  fervant,  the  Lord  gracioully 
 engaged  that  it  fltould  be  “  well  with  his  remnant”  either  with  him,  for  the 
 remnant  of  his  days;  or  with  the  remuant  of  his  people,  who  attended  his  word 
 and  joined  in  his  prayers  ;  chap.  xl.  1—6.  Ver.  12.  As  ordinary  iron  is  unfit 
 to  break  that  which  is  more  ftrongly  tempered,  fo  the  Jews  could  not  prevail 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS — *  Chap.  XIV.]  Let  us  learn  entire  dependance  on  God,  for  it  is  raanifeft  we  owe  all  things  to  him.  Men  often  lament 
 the  judgments  which  their  iniquity  has  provoked  the  Lord  to  inflirft,  while  they  have  no  due  regard  to  him,  iior  any  humiliation  for  their  fins.  But  they  who  make 
 the  Hope  of  Ifrael  their  confidence,  will  find  hina  a  prefent  Saviour  in  every  time  of  trouble,  in  the  hour  of  dead),  and  in  the  day  of  judgment; 
 
JEREMIAH. 
 
 is  call'  ll' 
 
 fip'jn 
 
 n  Ciiap- 
 flO.  15- 
 )•  Heb. 
 be  not 
 Hire 
 
 c  Cbap- 
 1.  !«• 
 
 6.  27. 
 p  C^'3'P* 
 20.11,12- 
 
 J,ws'  tiller  rtiln  foresJiew 
 
 jufore  mine  heart :  for  f  I  am  called  by  thy  name,  O  Lord 
 
 S'bSi.  ‘iVat'^not  in  the  affcmbly  of  the  mockers  nor  re- 
 Viced  :  1  fat  alone,  becaufe  of  thy  hand ;  tor  thou  hall 
 
 L  ha-ne  "kned  me  with  indignation. 
 
 '  18  Why  is  my  ^  pain  perpetual,  and  my  wound  m- 
 
 curable,  w/tich  refufeth  to  be  healed?  wilt  thou  be 
 altogether  unto  me  as  a  liar,  and  as  waters  t  fail . 
 
 19  II  Therefore  thus  faith  the  Lord,  It  'hou  return, 
 then  will  I  bring  thee  again,  and  thou  (halt  Itand  be- ; 
 fore  me ;  and  if  thou  take  forth  the  precious  from  the  ^ 
 vile,  thou  (halt  be  as  my  mouth  :  let  them  return  unto  i 
 thee;  but  return  not  thou  to  them.  ! 
 
 W  And  I  will  make  thee  unto  this  people  a  fenced  | 
 brazen  wall ;  and  they  (hall  fight  againft  thee,  but  p  - 
 they  (hall  not  prevail  againlf  thee  ;  for  I  am  with  thee  | 
 to  fave  thee,  and  to  deliver  thee,  faith  the  Lord.  j 
 21  And  I  will  deliver  thee  out  of  the  hand  ot  the  j 
 wicked,  and  I  will  redeem  thee  out  of  the  hand  ot  the 
 
 CHAP.  XVI. 
 
 Their  strange  return  from  ciptivilij^ 
 
 mourning,  to  comfort  them  for  the  dead  ;  neither  (hall 
 mm  give  them  the  cup  of  confolation  to  drink  tor  their  ^ir.  goi. 
 father  or  for  their  mother.  ^  _  — » — ’ 
 
 S  Thou  fhalt  not  alfo  go  into  the  houfe  of  teafting, 
 to  fit  with  them  to  eat  and  to  drink.  ^ 
 
 9  For  thus  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts,  the  God  of 
 Ifrael ;  Behold,  '  I  will  caule  to  ceafe  out  of  this  P>ce 
 in  your  eyes,  and  in  your  days,  the  voice  ot  mirth, 
 
 and  the  voice  ofgladnefs,  the  voice  of  the  bridegroom,  7.  34.  & 
 
 andthe  voice  of  the  bride.  a,  uFtk°' 
 
 10  H  And  it  (hall  come  to  pafs,  when  thou  (bah^"^ 
 
 (hew  this  people  all  thele  words,  and  they  (hall  t^V  ’ 
 unto  thee,  f  wherefore  hath  the  Lord  pronounced  all  f  cbap^ 
 this  great  evil  against  us  ?  or  what  is  our  iniquity  ?  or 
 what  is  our  fin  that  we  have  committed  againlt  the 
 Lord  our  God? 
 
 1 1  Then  (halt  thou  fay  unto  them,  Becaule  your 
 fathers  have  for(aken  me,  (aith  the  Lord,  and  have 
 walked  after  other  gods,  and  have  (erved  them,  and 
 have  worlhipped  them,  and  have  forfaken  me,  and 
 
 have  not  kept  my  law ;  r  l  ou 
 
 12  And  ye  have  done  s  worfe  than  your  fathers ;  s  cnap- 
 
 ^  I  19  Ann  ve  nave  uouc  *  wuric  iiidii  y^uL  ^ 
 
 '  \  (for.  behold,  ye  walk  every  one  after  the  li  imagination 
 
 captwitv  Shalt  be  more  memora  _ hf  bio  o.nl  hpcrt  that  thpv  mav  not  hearken  UnlO  me  ) 
 
 7.  26. 
 Or, 
 
 9  Chap. 
 15.  2. 
 h  Chap. 
 25.  3:1. 
 
 The  word  of  the  Lord  came  alfo  unto  me,  laying,  | 
 2  Thou  (halt  not  take  thee  a  wife,  neither  j 
 (half  thou  have  fons  or  daughters  in  this  place.  j 
 
 3  For  thus  faith  the  Lord  concerning  the  Ions  and  1 
 concerning  the  daughters  that  are  born  in  this  place,  1 
 and  concerning  their  mothers  that  bare  them,  arid  | 
 concerning  their  fathers  that  begat  them  in  this  L^d  .  j 
 4  They  (hall  die  of  grievous  deaths ;  they  lhall ; 
 25. 3:,.  not  be  lamented,  neither  (hall  they  be  buried  ;  but 
 c  pwm  they  (hall  be  as  dung  upon  the  face  of  the  earth :  and 
 '•  they  (ball  be  confumed  by  the  fword,  and  by  famine  ; 
 ?.33‘.  &  and  their  carcafes  (hall  be  meat  tor  the  fowls  of 
 .74. 20.  heaven,  and  tor  the  beatls  ot  the  earth.  ^ 
 
 II 0^'  5  For  thus  faith  the  Lord,  Enter  not  into  the 
 
 houfe  of  II  mourning,  neither  go  to  lament  nor  be- 
 moan  them  ;  for  I  have  taken  away  rav  peace  tronn 
 this  people,  faith  the  Lord,  even  loving  kindnels  and 
 
 mcrci  • 
 
 6  Both  the  great  and  the  fmall  (hall  die  in  this  land  . 
 they  (hall  not  be  buried,  neither  (hall  men  lament  for 
 
 (1  Levit 
 19.  28. 
 Deut. 
 
 14.  I. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 break 
 bread  f  r 
 them, 
 as  Ezek. 
 14.  17. 
 
 uciiwiu,  .......  ......  J  - -  ..  II 
 
 of  his  evil  heart,  that  they  may  not  hearken  unto  1) siubbom- 
 
 13  h  Therefore  will  I  caft  you  out  of  this  land  intone«. 
 a  land  that  ye  know  not,  neither  ye  nor  your  fathers ;  ^ 
 
 and  there  thall  ye  ferve  other  gods  day  and  nigtit,  2g  54,65. 
 where  I  will  not  thew  you  favour. 
 
 14  H  Therefore,  behold,  the'  days  come,  faith 
 Lord,  that  it  fhall  no  more  be  faid,  The  Lord 
 liveth,  that  brought  up  the  children  of  Ifrael  out  of 
 the  land  of  Egypt ; 
 
 15  But,  the  Lord  liveth,  that  brought  up  the 
 children  of  Ifrael  from  the  laud  of  the  north,  and 
 from  all  the  lands  whither  he  had  driven  them  ;  and 
 I  will  bring  them  again  into  their  land  that  I  gave  un¬ 
 to  their  fathers. 
 
 16  ^  Behold,  I  will  fend  for  many  fifhers,  faith  the 
 
 Lord,  and  they  fhall  fiih  them ;  and  after  will  1  fend 
 for  many  hunters,  and  they  (hall  hunt  them  from 
 every  mountain,  and  from  every  hill,  and  out  of  the 
 holes  of  the  rocks.  k  job 
 
 thev  fhall  not  be  buried,  neither  lhall  men  lameiu  lur  17  For  mine  “  eyes  are  upon  all  their  ways  :  p  • 
 
 hem  no  ”  cnuhemlelvcs,  nor  make  themfelves  bald  j  are  not  h,d  trom  my  face,  neither  is  their  miqu.ly  hid^ 
 ulcii),  uu  eyes.  Cbap. 
 
 for  them :  '  k 
 
 I  liciii  .  r  1  • 
 
 Neither  fhall  men  11  tear  themselves  for  them  in 
 
 aghina  their  northern  invaders,  or  thofe  judgments,  l  almut  iS 
 
 inflidt.  Ver.  19-21.  The  prophet  was  out  ot  temper,  f 
 work,  and  in  a  frame  of  mind,  which  may  he  bea 
 
 have  been  tried  a  little  in  the  fame  way.  But  the  Lord  called  him  to  repent  of 
 his  impatience,  and  return  to  his  work.  In  this  cafe,  he  would  again  employ 
 and  honour  him;  he  would  bring  him  out  of  his  difficulties,  and  caule  him  to 
 aand  with  acceptance  before  him.  If  he  attended  to  the  .njun<5tions  given  him 
 he  mi.ht  be  affured  that  the  Lord  would  perform  h.s  former  prom.fes,  and 
 deliver  him  from  the  moa  powerful  and  malicious  of  his  enemies  :  chapter  i. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XVL  Ver.  1—13.  A  great  part  of 
 J^remiah’s  prophecies  confist  of  merciful  warning  to  bis  people  refpeain^  the 
 grievous  troubles  aw.ailing  them  from  the  invafion  and  corquea  of  their  land 
 hv  Nebuchadnezzar,  and  which  was  to  be  followed  ^5-  ^heir  long  captmty  m 
 Babylon.  Here  the  prophet  is  commanded  to  exemplify  before  them  his  own 
 arm  perfuafion  of  the  truth  of  what  he  delivered.  He  was  to  deny  himfelt  of 
 three  lawful  enjoyments  of  life,  of  which  thofe  are  generally  deprived  who  live 
 in  feafons  of  great  diflrefs,  fuch  as  he  foretold  ;  domestic  comforts,  fympathy 
 with  friends  in  affliaion,  and  focial  enjoyments  :  he  must  not  marry,  vifit  the 
 houfe  of  mourning,  or  that  of  feasting.  How  complicated  and  overwhelming 
 
 L/UJ  llltiiv..  vjvo* 
 
 18  And  fird  I  will  recompenfe  their  iniquity  and 32.1 9. 
 
 must  one’s  affliaion  be,  when  they  make  him  forget  or  overlook  tliofe  things 
 which  are  the  chief  fource  of  pleafure  in  refpea  of  the  prefent  world.  But  the 
 prophet’s  example  was  to  have  no  grea'er  effea  than  his  words  on  tbefe  hardened 
 people.  They  are  reprefented  as  expreffiag  furprife  that  he  fliould  pronounce 
 [I  fuch  oreat  evil  against  them,  a  people  who  had  committed  no  iniquity  against  the 
 h  Lord."  He  direas  them  to  what  in  their  condua  they  could  not  be  ignorant  was 
 !'  fin  of  the  deepest  dye,  were  they  not  utterly  depraved  ;  on  which  account  it  was 
 '  evident  that  they  were  worfe  than  their  fathers,  who  frequently  allowed  the 
 cliaro-es  brought  against  them  of  guilt  in  worlhipping  idols,  though  they  too  often 
 perfevered  in  their  fin.  As  the  Jews  were  thus  blindly  devoted  to  idols,  judg¬ 
 ment  is  pronounced  on  them,  that  they  fhould  be  led  captive  into  a  strange  land, 
 where  they  lliould  wcrfiiip  idols  day  and  night,  destitute  of  the  favour  of  the 
 Most  Hio-h  Ver.  14 — 21.  Though  God  often  puniffies  his  chofen  people,  be 
 never  utterly  confumed  them  •  they  were  never  left  abfolutely  destitute  of  his 
 mercy  and  his  grace.  This  is  plain  from  the  palTage  before  us,  among  many 
 others.  They  went  into  captivity,  but  fo  great  was  their  redemption  from  Baby¬ 
 lon,  that  they  were  henceforth  distingniffied  among  the  nations  by  it  rather  than 
 their  deliverance  from  Egypt.  As  fiffiers  seize  the  fidies  Caught  in  their  nets,  and 
 the  hunters  the  beasts  fastened  in  the  fnarts,  fo  did  the  enemies  of  Ifrael  feize 
 them,  to  confunte  and  destroy  them  ;  but  as  loon  as  God  had  by  this  means  cor- 
 
 -^^XSISir^BSERVylOSS.-.  C„..  XV.] 
 
 8  3 
 
The  captivity  of  Judah  Jor  her  tin. 
 
 JEREMIAH. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrill 
 
 dr.  601. 
 
 1  Chap. 
 
 i.  11. 
 
 their  fin  double,  becaufe  they  have  defiled  my  land, 
 they  have  filled  mine  inheritance  with  the  carcales  of 
 their  deteftable  and  abominable  things. 
 
 19  0  Lord,  my  ftrength,  and  my  tbrirefs,  and  my 
 refuge  in  the  day  of  affliftioii,  the  Gentiles  (hall  come 
 unto  thee  from  the  ends  of  the  earth,  and  (hall  fay, 
 Surely  our  fathers  have  inherited  lies,  vanity,  and 
 tilings  wherein  there  is  no  profit. 
 
 20  Shall  a  man  [uake  gods  unto  himfelf,  and  *  they 
 are  no  gods  ? 
 
 21  Therefore,  behold,  I  will  this  once  caufe  them 
 to  know,  I  will  caule  them  to  know  mine  hand  and  my 
 ni’ght ;  and  they  (hall  know,  that  my  name  is  The 
 Lord.* 
 
 CHAP.  XVII. 
 
 The  sure  salvation  of 
 
 >  Job 
 *9.  24 
 t  lleb 
 nail. 
 
 in  li 
 
 T 
 
 b  Judges 
 3.  7. 
 c  Chap. 
 15.  13. 
 
 1  The  captivity  of  Judah  for  her  sin,  5  Trust  in  man  is  cursed,  7  in 
 God  is  blessed.  9  The  deceiful  heart  cannot  impose  upoti  God.  1 2 
 In  God  alone  is  scluvlion. 
 
 HE  fin  of  Judah  is  written  with  a  *  pen  of  iron, 
 ___  and  with  the  f  point  of  a  diamond  :  it  is  graven 
 upon  the  table  of  their  heart,  and  upon  the  horns  of 
 your  altars ; 
 
 2  Whilft  their  children  remember  their  altars  and 
 their  groves  by  the  green  trees  upon  the  high  hills. 
 
 3  O  my  mountain  in  the  field,  '  I  will  give  thy  fub- 
 ftance  a?id  all  thy  treafures  to  the  fpoil,  and  thy  high 
 places  for  fin,  throughout  all  thy  borders. 
 
 J  ,4'  And  thou,  even  f  thyfelf,  (hall  difcontinue  from 
 
 -f'  thine  heritage  that  I  gave  thee ;  and  I  will  caufe  thee 
 to  (erve  thine  enemies  in  the  land  which  thou  knowefl 
 not :  for  ye  have  kindled  a  fire  in  mine  anger,  -which 
 fhall  burn  for  ever. 
 
 5  f  Thus  faith  the  Lord,  Curfed  he  the  man  that 
 trufteth  in  man,  and  maketh  fltfh  his  arm,  and  whofe 
 heart  departeth  from  the  Lord  : 
 
 6  For  he  (hall  be  like  the  heath  in  the  defert,  and 
 fhall  not  fee  when  good  cometh  ;  but  fhall  inhabit  the 
 parched  places  in  the  wildernels,  in  a  fait  land,  and 
 not  inhabited. 
 
 7  ^  BlefTed  is  the  man  that  trufteth  in  the  Lord, 
 and  whofe  hope  the  Lord  is : 
 
 8  For,  he  (hall  be  'as  a  tree  planted  by  the  waters, 
 and  that  fpreadeth  out  her  roots  by  the  river,  and 
 fhall  not  fee  when  hear  cometh,  but  her  leaf  fhall  be 
 green  ;  and  (hall  not  be  careful  in  the  year  of  1| 
 drought,  neither  fhall  ceafe  from  yielding  fruit. 
 
 9  f  The  heart  is  deceitful  above  all  things,  and  def- 
 perately  wicked  :  who  can  know  it.^ 
 
 10  I  the  Lord  ^  fearch  the  heart,  /try  the  reins, 
 even  to  give  every  man  according  to  his  ways,  and 
 according  to  the  fruit  of  his  doings. 
 
 11  As  the  partridge  ||  fitteth  on  eggs  and  hatcheth 
 them  not ;  so  he  that  getteth  riches,  and  not  by  right, 
 (hall  leave  them  in  the  midft  of  his  days,  and  at  his 
 end  fhall  be  a  fool. 
 
 d  Pfdlms 
 2.  12.  & 
 34.  8.  & 
 7  25.  1. 
 Prov. 
 
 16.  20. 
 Ifaiah 
 30.  18. 
 e  Pfalui 
 
 I.  3. 
 
 a  Or, 
 restraint, 
 f  1  Sana. 
 16.  7. 
 Pfalin 
 7.  9. 
 Chap. 
 
 II.  20.  & 
 JO.  12. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 gatheretk 
 
 young 
 
 which  she 
 
 hath  not 
 
 brought 
 
 forth. 
 
 j-ecSled  his  people,  their  enemies  had  no  power  over  them  ;  he  became  their  re¬ 
 fuge  ;  and  fuel)  we  truft  fhall  he  become  to  them  in  the  latter  days;  he  will  ga¬ 
 ther  them  from  all  nations,  increafed  and  joined  by  the  Gentiles,  he  will  blefs 
 them,  and  then  fhall  Jews  and  Gentiles  know  and  acknowledge  the  power,  grace, 
 inetcy  and  faithfulnefs  of  God. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XVII.  Ver.  5—8.  A  good  foil 
 and  lituation,  in  refpedt  of  water  as  well  as  heat,  are  not  more  neceffary  to  a  tree 
 in  order  to  its  growth,  and  produce  of  abundance  of  good  fruit  than  confidence 
 in  God  is  to  the  blelTcdnefs  of  man  :  diflrufl  in  God,  and  expofure  to  bis  wrath 
 
 12  H  A  glorious  high  throne  from  the  beginning  is  Bc.r„, 
 
 the  plcice  or  our  fanftuary.  Chri,* 
 
 13  O  Lord,  the  hope  of  Ifrael,  e  all  that  forfake  ell®'”- 
 thee  fhall  be  afhamed,  and  they  that  depart  from 
 
 fhall  be  wmitten  iu  the  earth,  becaufe  they  have  for- 
 I'aken  the  Lord,  the  '’Jountain  of  living  waters. 
 
 iwuuiam  iiviug  waters. 
 
 14  Heal  me,  O  Lord,  and  I  fhall  be  healed  ;  fave 
 
 Iliiiali 
 >•  28. 
 
 h  Ci 
 
 iiap, 
 
 me,  and  1  fhall  be  laved  ;  (or  thou  art  my  praife.  2. 13/ 
 
 15  11  Behold,  they  fay  unto  me,  '  Where  is  the'^'^ 
 word  of  the  Lord  ?  let  it  come  now'. 
 
 16  As  tor  me,  I  have  not  haftened,  from  being  Chap 
 paftor  f  to  follow  thee;  neither  have  1  defired 
 woeful  day  ;  thou  knoweft  :  that  which  came  out 
 
 my  lips  was  right  before  thee.  “Jerthet, 
 
 17  Be  not  a  terror  unto  me  :  thou  art  my  hope  in 
 the  day  of  evil. 
 
 18  >  Let  them  be  confounded  that  perfeente  me,  but  1  Pfai„, 
 let  not  me  be  confounded  ;  let  them  be  dilmayed,  but 
 
 let  not  me  be  difmayed  ;  bring  upon  them  the  day  of 
 evil,  and  t  “  deftroy  them  with  double  dtftruaion. 
 
 19  H  Thus  faith  the  Lord  unto  me,  Go  and  ftand  ^,4 
 in  the  gate  of  the  children  of  the  people,  wherebj'  the" 
 
 —  of  Judah  ('•''■rnp  in  onrl  Ktt  .V.^ — breach. 
 
 '  m  Cha 
 
 in  20. 
 
 kings  of  Judah  come  in,  and  by  the  which  they  go 
 out,  and  in  all  the  gates  of  Jerufalem  ; 
 
 20  And  (ay  unto  them.  Hear  ye  the  word  of  the 
 Lord,  ye  kings  of  Judah,  and  all  Judah,  and  all  the 
 inhabitants  of  Jerufalem,  that  enter  in  by  thefe gates  ; 
 
 21  T.  hus  faith  the  Lord,  "  Take  heed  to  yourlelves,  n  Neh. 
 and  bear  no  burden  on  the  (abbath-day,  nor  bring 
 
 in  by  the  gates  of  Jerufalem  ; 
 
 22  Neither  carry  forth  a  burden  out  of  your  houfes 
 on  the  (abbath-day,  neither  do  ye  ;{ny  work;  but  hal¬ 
 low  ye  the  fabbath-day,  as  I  “commanded  your  fathers.®  Eiod. 
 
 23  But  they  obeyed  not,  neither  inclined  their  ear, 
 
 but  made  their  neck  ftilf,  that  they  might  not  hear,^?' 
 nor  receive  ir>((rn6fion.  Ezcl’ 
 
 t24  And  it  fhall  come  to  pafs,  if  ye  diligently  hearken  *-• 
 unto  me,  faith  the  Lord,  to  bring  in  no  burden 
 through  the  gates  of  this  city  on  the  (abbath-day,  but 
 hallow  the  fabbath-day,  to  do  no  work  therein  ; 
 
 25  P  'I'hen  (hall  there  enter  into  the  gates  of  thisP 
 city,  kings  and  princes  fitting  upon  the  throne  o( 
 David,  riding  in  chariots  and  on  horfes,  they,  and  them 
 princes,  the  men  of  Judah,  and  the  inhabitants  of  Je- 
 rufalem  :  and  this  city  (hall  remain  for  ever. 
 
 26  And  they  (hall  come  from  the  cities  of  Judah, 
 and  from  the  places  about  Jerufalem,  and  from  the 
 land  of  Benjamin,  and  from  the  plain,  and  from  the 
 mountains,  and  froiii  the  fouth  bringing  bu.'‘nf-ofter. 
 ings,  and  (acrifices  and  meat-offerings  and  incenfe,  and  ' 
 bringing  facrificesof  praife,  untothe  houfeof  the  Lord. 
 
 27  But  if  ye  will  not  hearken  unto  me  to  hallow 
 the  fabbath-day,  and  not  to  bear  a  burden,  even  en¬ 
 tering  in  at  the  gates  of  jerufalem  on  the  fabbath-day  ; 
 then  will  I  kindle  a  fire  in  the  gates  thereof,  and  it 
 
 are  infeparable.  See  Note  on  Ifaiah  i.  29,  SO.  for  the  propriety,  hcauty,  and 
 energy  of  the  fi;:ure  in  thefe  verfes.  Ver.  12.  Comp.  Ifa.  vi.  1.  The  prefence 
 of  God  cannot  he  reprefented  to  us  hy  any  other  than  fenfible  or  earthly  images. 
 The  image  ufed  here  is  taken  from  the  temple.  God  is  reprefented  as  feated  on 
 his  throne  above  the  ark  in  the  moft  holy  place,  where  the  glory  appeared  above 
 the  cherubim,  furrounded  by  his  attendant  minifters.  This  is  called  “the 
 place  of  his  throne,  Eztk.  xliii,  7.  whence  he  difpenfes  blefiings  on  his  people, 
 and  pronounces  judgment  on  his  enemies.  It  is  as  foolifli  as  it  is  finful  to  for- 
 fake  fuch  a  great  and  gracious  Being.  \er.  19—27.  The  prophet  is  commanded 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — •  Chap.  XVI.]  No  darknefs  can  hide  the  finner  from  God’s  fight— when  he  purfues  ;  no  cave,  prifon,  or  mountain,  can 
 then  ponceaJ  the  guilty  from  his  judgment.  They  who  make  God  their  refuge  (hall  find  fupport  under  the  beavieft  affli<Slions.  When  the  finner,  convinced  and 
 ftfhamed  of  his  folly,  begins  bitterly  to  refledl  upon  himfelf,  then  God  will  again  reftore  him  to  his  favour,  and  make  him  know  once  more  the  wonders  of  <»race. 
 
Of  God's  absolute  po'xer. 
 
 JEREMIAH 
 
 Jeremiah's  prayer^  S^c. 
 
 eir.  60j< 
 
 685. 
 
 5  Or, 
 
 frames 
 
 or,  seals 
 
 S  O'-; 
 
 that  he 
 
 tnade 
 
 Iiefore  (hall  dcvour  the  palaces  of  Jerufalero,  and  it  Ihall  not 
 
 Chrift  bequenened.*  chaP.  XVIII. 
 
 .  rr  ,I.r,he  tvve  of  a  potter  is  shewed  Cod's  absolvle  power  in  disposing 
 ^/Zhns  njudgntents  Ihrealened  to  Judah  for  their  unexampled 
 
 r-’pHE  word  which  came  to  Jeremiah  from  the 
 
 1  Lord,  faying,  ,  ,  r  j 
 
 2  Arife,  and  go  down  to  the  potter  s  houfe ;  and 
 
 there  I  will  caufe  thee  to  hear  my  words.  ^ 
 
 3  Then  1  went  down  to  the  porter  s  houfe ,  and, 
 behold,  he  wrought  a  work  on  the  11  wheels. 
 
 i  kid  the  veffel  1|  that  he  made  ot  day  was  marred 
 in  the  hand  of  the  potter ;  lo  he  f  made  it  asa'ti  another 
 ciaywi’^^  veffdl,  as  teemed  good  to  the  potter  to  make  it.  _ 
 hand  of  Then  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  to  me,  laying, 
 
 poller.  ^  ^  yOU  aS  thlS 
 
 potter?  faith  the  Lord.  Behold,  as  the  clav  rs  in  the 
 potter’s  hand,  fo  are  ye  in  mine  hand,  O  houie  of 
 
 '''flit  w/Mt  thflant  I  Hiall  fpeak  concerning  a  nation 
 and  concerning  a  kingdom,  to  pluck  up,  and  to  pu 
 
 down,  and  to  deliroy  it  ••  , 
 
 8  If  that  nation,  againft  w'hora  1  have  pronounced 
 
 turn  from  their  evil,  1  will  repent  ot  the  evil  that  1 
 
 thought  to  do  unto  them.  r.  ,  •  „ 
 
 find  er  inftant  I  (hall  fpeak  concerning  a 
 
 Before 
 
 be 
 
 cir.  605. 
 
 I  Heb 
 
 fclurned 
 and  made. 
 g  litiiih 
 
 A  5.  9. 
 
 W'lftiom 
 15.7. 
 Jlomans 
 9.  20. 
 b  Cliap. 
 
 1.  10. 
 c  Jonah 
 S.  10. 
 d  2  Kings 
 
 17.  13. 
 Chap. 
 
 7.  3.  & 
 25.  5.  & 
 S5.  15. 
 c  Chap. 
 2.  25. 
 f  Chap. 
 2.  10. 
 Or, 
 
 shall  Hie 
 running 
 waters  he 
 forsaken 
 for  the 
 strange 
 cold 
 
 waters  ? 
 
 concerning  a  kingdom,  to  build  and  to 
 
 nation,  and 
 
 ‘’'To  If'it  do  evil  in  my  fight,  that  it  obey  not  my 
 voice,  then  I  will  repent  ot  the  good  wherewith  1  laid 
 
 1  would  benefit  them.  ,• 
 
 1 1  Now  therefore  go  to,  fpeak  to  the  men  ot 
 Tudah  and  to  the  inhabitants  ot  Jerufalem,  laving, 
 
 «  ur,  Thus  fa^  the  Lord.  Behold,  I  frame  evil  againtt 
 lyfeids  y  and  devife  a  device  againtt  you  ; 
 
 every  one  from  his  evil  way,  and  make  your  ways 
 
 -There  is  no  hope  t  but  we  will 
 walk  after  our  owm  devices,  and  we  will  every  one  do 
 the  imagination  ot  his  evil  heart.  ,  ,  n 
 
 13  Tnerefore  thus  faith  the  Lord,  Afi^  ye  ncaw 
 among  the  heathen,  who  hath  heard  Inch  things  .  1 
 virgin  of  Ifrael  hath  done  a  very  horrible  t^hing. 
 
 14  Will  a  man  leave  !1  the  inow  of  Lebanon  Mt 
 
 ranks  might  learn  1  S  I  p  _ 22.}  the  divine  bielTing  tliall 
 
 which  is  a  great  proof  ot  f  whi  e  divine  punifomenl  thall 
 
 reft  on  thofe  who  regard  them,  (lla  Ivm.  13,  wntie  u  k 
 
 overtake  the  difobedient.  .».,rrTr  i  If)  There  is  not 
 
 FXPIANATORY  notes.  Chaf.  XVUI.  Ver.  1— 10.  mere  is  non 
 
 preferred  fo  me  the  mod  filthy  and  V  ’  •  K  V  SVv  he  Dint  of 
 rotaries,  feduced  them  into  abominable  courfes,  neither  ufed  by  the  famts 
 
 romrn,  from  the  rock  of  the  field  ?  or  (hall  the  cold 
 (lowing  waters  tliat  come  (roin  another  place 
 
 i'“!'fBe«ufe  mv  people  hath  forgotten  s  me,  theyg  Cb.,. 
 have  burnt  incenf;  to  vanity,  and  they  have  cauLdj,^ 
 them  to  (tumble  in  their  ways  /kwt  the  '■  ancient  paths,  h  Chap, 
 rn  walk  in  paths,  21  way  not  call  up  \ 
 
 IG  To  make  their  land  ‘defolate.  a«f/  a  perpetual 
 .  in-„„  .  every  one  that  pafleth  thereby  (ball  be  alto- 49.  ,3,  ^ 
 
 n  Ihel*  and  wag  his  head.  a  •  k  f 
 
 17  1  will  fcatter  them  as  with  an  eafl  wind  before 
 
 the  enemy  ;  I  will  fhew  them  the  back,  and  not  the 
 
 face  in  the  day  of  their  calamity.  ..ns. 
 
 18  H  Then  (aid  they.  Come,  and  let  us  devife  devices 
 againft  Jeremiah ;  «  for  the  law  (ha  riot  perilb  (romk  M.1. 
 ?hrnti(ft,  norcounfel  (rom  the  wile,  nor  the  word^-’- 
 from  the  prophet:  come,  and  let  us  f  1“  " 'T /.rJi 
 thetongoe,  and  let  ns  not  give  heed  to  any  o(  his  words 
 
 19  Give  heed  to  me,  O  Lord,  and  hearken  to  the 
 voice  of  them  that  contend  wuh  me. 
 
 20  Shall  evil  be  recompenfed  tor  good  .  for  they 
 have  digged  a  pit  for  my  foul.  Remember  that  I  ftood 
 before  thee  to  fpeak  good  tor  them,  and  to  turn  away 
 
 rhv  vvrsth  trovn  ttiC’m*  .  *  *i  i  l  x*  i  pt 
 
 2]  Therefore  •  deliver  up  their  children  to  the  fa- 
 mine,  and  f  pour  out  their  blood  by  the  torce  of  the  ^ 
 fwond  '  an(j  let  their  wives  be  bereaved  ot  tneir  cnii-^our  i/iew 
 dren,  and  be  widows;  and  let  their  men  be  put 
 death  ;  let  their  young  men  be  Ham  by  the  (word  in 
 
 22  Let  a  cry  be  heard  from  their  heufes,  when  thoa 
 fhalt  bring  a  troop  faddenly  upon  them  ;  tor  they  have 
 digged  a  pit  to  take  me,  and  hid  tnares  tor  my  teet. 
 
 23  Yet.  Lord,  thou  knoweH  all  their  counlel 
 
 againfi  me  f  to  flay  v 
 
 neither  blot  out  their  fin  from  thy  fight ;  but  let  them, 
 be  overthrown  before  thee  ;  deal  thus  with  them  in 
 the  time  of  thine  anger.f 
 
 CHAP,  XIX. 
 
 1 
 
 Under  the  tijpe  rf  breaking  a  potters  vessel,  isforeshewn  the  desolation  of 
 the  Jews  for  their  sins. 
 
 ^S^HUS  faith  the  Lord,  Go  and  get  a  potter’s. 
 
 X  earthen  bottle,  and  take  of  the  ancients  ot  the 
 p^ple,  and  of  the  ancients  of  the  priffts ; 
 
 nor  fit  for  them  ;  and  which  will  certainly  ilTue  in  the  dreadful  defolation  of  their 
 country,  and  the  difperfion  and  rejeoftion  of  their  nation.  Y.t,  when  Jeremiad 
 delivers  thefe  meffages  of  wrath,  they  contrive  how  to  Clence,  ra;proacb,  dlf- 
 re-rard,  and  murder  him  ;  and  boaft  that  in  defiance  of  all  his  threatenings,. 
 they  fliall  profper,  fince  they  have  the  priefts,  ftatefmen,  and  prophets,  all  on 
 their  fide.  Ver.  22,  23.  This,  according  to  prophetical  language,  does  not  ex- 
 prefs  the*  prophet’s  wiftr,  but  the  divine  determination  with  relpecT  only  to  the 
 
 ^^EXPL°ANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XIX.  Ver.  1 — 15.  Various  methods 
 did  God  employ  to  bring  Ifrael  ta  repentance.  One  of  which  he  called  Jeremiah, 
 more  than  perhaps  any  other  of  his  prophets  to  adopt,  was  to  teach  them  by 
 fimilitudes  taken  from  (enfible,  expreflive  figns  :  fee  chap.  xiii.  1—9.  xviii.  1  — 
 10.  xxxii.  6 _ 15.  'DJ's  method  was  admirably  caleuDted  to  awaken  the  atten¬ 
 
 tion  of  a  people  whofe  hearts  were  perverfe,  prejudiced,  and  wholly  engrolled 
 
 av-w,  -  --  •  _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 
 
 , - - - - - — - - - -  . '  ,  ~  ^  rnnfpfl  fn  men’s  hearts,  and  fixed  in  their  pratflice,  though  fin  eflferfluaTIy 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.-*  Chap.  XVII.]  Sinfu  deceiving  and  defperate  wickednefs  is  an  utirenewed  heart!  But  all  is  naked  and 
 
 ob  us  of  every  thing  valuable.  Alas  .  Vs  hat  an  unfearchable  curfe  annexed  to  ill-gotten  riches,  as  well  as  to  refting  on  felf-righteoufners. 
 
 open  before  the  righteous  Judge  of  all,  and  pum( her  ot  tne  wiciteo.  healer,  and  the  Saviour  of  hfs  peo- 
 
 Great  is  the  efteem  which  faints  have  for  the  ternple,  the  ordinances  debafement,  terror,  and  ruin,  fiiall  earthly  men, and  apoftates  from  God,  receiv. 
 
 pie,  he  is  the  awful,  but  juft  puniftier  of  hts  and  their  enemies.  A  P  wickednefs  of  nations  and  individuals,  in  difregarding  God’s  fab- 
 
 at  the  laft.  When  they  become  incorrigible,  tbeir  damnation  Cum  ere^  -  careful  fanaification,  and  fucb  fearful  miferies  attend  the  profanation  of  it. 
 baths,  when  fuch  important  bleffings  to  courts,  kingdoms  and  ebu  c  -,  mavbe  traced  from  oar  fins,  whether  poblic  or  private.  It  is  proper  that  God  (boiild 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERV  ATIONS.— f  Chap  XV  III.]  All  complain  of  his  providence.  Yet  notwithftanding  he  is  careful  to  lliew  them  tb# 
 
 exercife  an  abfolute  fovereignty  over  men  :  and  highly  prel^umptuou  .  aooftaev  from  God  to  idols.  The  wicked  malirioufly  peifecute,  Hander,  and 
 
 S]  Si  1““  “> 
 
 that  hates  and  defpifes  him  that  fent  him. 
 
 coa<^ 
 as  one 
 
'I  he  Jews'  desolation. 
 
 JEREMIAH. 
 
 Hcfore 
 Chiift 
 rir.  fi05. 
 
 a  1  Sam. 
 3.  11. 
 
 •2  Kinffs 
 21.  12. 
 
 t)  Chap. 
 
 2  And  Ro  forth  unto  the  valley  of  the  Ton  of  Hin- 
 nrm  which  is  by  the  entry  of  +  the  eaft  gate,  and 
 proclaim  there  the  words  that  1  fhal!  tell  thee  ; 
 
 3  And  lay,  Hear  ve  the  word  of  the  Lord,  O  kings 
 or  Judah,  and  inhabitants  of  Jerul’alem  ;  Thus  faith 
 t^ne  Lord  of  holds,  the  God  of  Ifrael,  Behold,  I  will 
 bring  evil  upon  this  place,  the  which  whofoever  hear- 
 eth,  his  ears  (hall  *  tingle. 
 
 4  Becaufe  they  have  forfaken  me,  and  have  eidrang- 
 ed  this  place,  and  have  burnt  incenfe  in  it  unto  other 
 gods,  whom  neither  they  nor  their  fathers  have 
 known, _  nor  the  kings  of  Judah,  and  have  filled  this 
 place  with  the  blood  of  innocents  ; 
 
 5  b  They  have  built  allb  the  high  places  of  Baal,  to 
 
 burn  their  fons  with  fire /or  burnt-offerings  unto  Baal, 
 which  I  commanded  not,  nor  I'pake  neither  came  it 
 into  my  mind  ;  j 
 
 6  Therefore,  behold,  the  days  come,  faith  the  ^ 
 l.ORD,  that  this  place  fhall  no  more  be  called  Tophet, 
 nor  the  valley  of  the  fon  of  Hinnom,  but  The  valley 
 of  Slaughter. 
 
 Pashur  rccekcth  a  new  name 
 
 have  burnt  incenfe  unto  all  the  hold  of  heaven,  and 
 have  poured  out  drink-olTerings  unto  other  gods.  cimit 
 
 14  Then  pime  Jeremiah  from  Tephet,  whither  the 
 Lord  had  lent  him  to  prophecy;  and  he  (dood  in  the^  ^ 
 court  of  the  Lord’s  houfe,  and  laid  to  all  the  people 
 
 15  Thus  fiith  the  Lord  of  hods,  the  God  of  Ifrael’ 
 Behold,  I  will  bring  upon  this  city,  and  upon  all  her 
 towns,  all  the  evil  that  1  have  pronounced  againid  it ; 
 becaufe  they  have  hardened  their  necks,  that  they 
 might  not  hear  my  words.” 
 
 CHAP.  XX. 
 
 1  Fashur/or  smiting  Jeremiah  receireth  a  new  name,  and  fearful  doom. 
 
 7  Jeremiah  compfaineth  if  the  persecutions  he  nut  with,'  14  and  curselh 
 the  day  f  his  birth. 
 
 NOW  P.afhur_the  fon  of  »  Immer  the  prieft,  whoa  i  Chro 
 was  a!(o  chief  governor  in  the  houfe  of  the^^-"'- 
 Lord,  heard  that  Jeremiah  prophefied  thefe  things. 
 
 2  Jhen  Pafhur  finote  Jeremiah  the  prophet,  and 
 put  him  in  the  fdocks  that  rewe  in  the  high  gate  of 
 Benjamin,  which  wns  by  the  houfe  of  the  I.ord. 
 
 3  And  it  came  to  pals  on  the  morrow,  that  Pafhur 
 
 ^A^JT'11  !  -JL  ii  Gallic  Lu  Gij  uie  morrow,  tnat  i  alnur 
 
 ‘  And  I  wiH  make  void  the  counfel  of  Judah  and  |  brought  forth  J-remiah  out  of  the  fdocks.  Then  faid 
 
 Jeremiah  unto  him,  I  he  Lord  hath  not  called  thy 
 
 c  Chap. 
 
 7.  .33.  & 
 16.  4, 
 
 d  Chap. 
 18.  16.  & 
 
 49.  13.  & 
 
 50.  1  3. 
 e  Levit. 
 26.  29. 
 Deut. 
 
 28.  53. 
 Damen. 
 
 4.  10. 
 
 Jerufalem  in  this  place  ;  and  I  will  caufe  them  to  fall 
 by  the  fword  before  their  enemies,  and  by  the  hands 
 of  them  that  feek  their  lives  ;  and  their  =  carcafes  will 
 I  give  to  be  meat  for  the  fowls  of  the  heaven,  and  for 
 the  bealds  of  the  earth. 
 
 8  And  I  will  make  this  citv'^  delblate,  and  an  \  iffing  : 
 everyone  that  palTeth  thereby  fJiall  be  aldonifhed  and 
 hifs,  becaufe  of  all  the  plagues  thereof. 
 
 9  And  1  will  cauls  them  to  eat  the  ®  flefli  of  their 
 Tons,  and  the  flefh  of  their  daughters,  and  they  Idiall 
 eat  every  one  the  flefJi  of  his  friend,  in  the  fiege  and 
 Idraitnefs,  wherewith  their  enemies,  and  they  that  leek 
 their  lives,  fhall  ftraiten  them. 
 
 10  Tnen  (halt  thou  break  the  bottle  in  the  fight  of 
 the  men  that  go  with  thee, 
 
 1 1  And  fhalt  fay  unto  them.  Thus  faith  the  .Lord 
 of  hofts.  Even  fo  will  I  break  this  people,  and  this 
 city,  as  one  breaketh  a  potter’s  vefLl,  that  f  cannot  be 
 made  whole  again  :  and  they  fhall  ^  bury  them  in 
 Tophet,  till  there  he  no  place  to  bury. 
 
 12  Thus  will  I  do  unto  this  place,  faith  the  Lord, 
 and  to  the  inhabitants  thereof,  and  even  make  this  city 
 as  Tophet : 
 
 13  And  the  houfes  of  Jerufalem,  and  the  houfes  of 
 ^  tbe  kings  of  Judah,  fhall  be  defiled  as  the  place  of  To- 
 32.. 29'.  phet,  becaufe  of  ail  the  houfes  upon  w'hofe  e  roofs  they 
 
 That  i 
 
 t  Heb. 
 he  healed, 
 f  Chap. 
 7.  32. 
 
 Chao. 
 
 by  fenfible  earthly  objefls.  This  charafler  is  peculiarly  applicable  to  the  Jews 
 of  Jeremiah’s  ago,  and  that  of  our  Lord,  who  generally  t,aught  the  multitude  by 
 parables.  In  this  chapter  the  prophet  informs  us,  that  the  Lord  commanded 
 liiin  to  get  an  earthen  veflel,  and  with  a  few  of  the  ancients  among  the  people, 
 and  a  few  of  the  ancients  among  the  prietls,  to  proceed  to  the  v  illey  of  Hinnom  ; 
 and  then  to  deliver  his  meffage.  He  obeyed  ;  his  fubjedl  correfponded  well  with 
 the  place  where  it  was  fpoken  :  the  latter  increafed  the  folemnity  of  the  former. 
 As  the  feene  of  Ifrael’s  idolatrous  lites  had  been  prefented  at  Hinnom,  there  alfo 
 were  to  be  feen  to  the  aftonilhment  of  all,  the  divine  judgments  againft  them. 
 Tiie  bodies  of  the  flain  by  the  Chaldeans,  or  thofe  deprived  of  life  by  famine, 
 would  be  thrown  in  fuch  numbers  to  Tephet,  that  it  would  no  more  be  denomi¬ 
 nated  the  valley  of  Hinnom,  but  the  valley  of  Slaughter.  The  certainty  of  the  pro¬ 
 phecy,  and  the  completenef's  of  the  deftrudlion  whicli  it  foretold,  were  (Irikingly 
 expreff'.d  by  the  prophet  breaking  the  vclfe!  in  the  prefence  of  the  witnefies.  This 
 done,  he  reiurned  and  declared  the  whole  in  the  court  of  the  temple,  to  all  (he 
 jaeople,  that  being  warned  folly,  they  might  be  iuexcufable.  How  merciful,  as 
 well  as  juh,  is  the  divine  condudl  to  man  ! 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XX.  Ver.  1—6.  The  prophet  had 
 
 I  name  Pafhur,  but  ||  Magor-Miflabib. 
 j  4  For  thus  faith  the  I.ord,  Behold,  I  will  makc/'’“'- 
 ;  thee  a  terror  to  thyfelf,  and  to  all  thy  friends  ;  andT^f 
 
 they  fnall  fall  bythelvvord  of  their  enemies,  and  thine 
 eyes  (hall  behold  it ;  and  I  will  give  all  Judah  into  the 
 ,  hand  of  the  king  of  Babylon,  and  he  fliall  carry  them 
 captive  into  Babylon,  and  fhall  flay  them  with  the 
 (word. 
 
 5  Moreover,  Iwill  deliver  all  the  ftrengthof  this  city,  b  2  Kings 
 ,  and  a'l  the  labours  thereof,  and  all  the  precious  things 
 
 ;  thereof,  and  all  the  treafures  of  the  kings  of  Judah  will 
 
 I I  give  into  the  hand  of  their  enemies,  which  fhall  fpoil 
 them,  and  take  them,  and  carry  them  to  Babylon. 
 
 6  And  thou,  Pafhur,  and  all  that  dwell  in  thine 
 houfe,  fhall  gointo  capiiviiy  ;  and  thou  fhalt  come  to 
 Babylon,  and  there  thou  flialt  die,  and  fhalt  be  buried 
 there,  thou,  and  all  thy  friends,  to  whom  thou  haft 
 prophefied  lies. 
 
 7  H  O  Lord  thou  haft  deceived  me,  and  I  was 
 
 11  deceived  ;  thou  art  ftronger  than  I,  and  haft  prevail-  II  Or, 
 ed  :  I  am  in  derifion  daily,  every  one  mocketh  me. 
 
 8  For  fince  I  fpake,  I  cried  out,  I  cried  violence 
 and  fpoil ;  becaufe  the  word  of  the  Lord  was  made 
 a  reproach  unto  me,  and  a  derifion,  daily. 
 
 9  Then  I  faid,  I  will  not  make  mention  of  him,  nor 
 
 hitherto  fuffered  much  in  his  charaaer,  traduced  by  the  enemies  of  righteouf- 
 nefs;  now  he  is  called  to  endure  not  only  fevere  affliaion' in  his  perfon,  but 
 the  higheft  exprelHon  of  contempt  and  ignominy.  He  who  was  his  perfecutor, 
 ought  according  to  all  the  rules  of  jullicc  and  propriety,  to  have  been  bis  pro- 
 teaor  from  all  infult  or  injury.  It  is  however  a  lamentable  faa,  that  thofe  at 
 the  he.ad  of  ecclefiallical  alLirs,  who  are  bound  in  duty  to  plead  and  defend  the 
 caufe  of  truth,  have  in  innumerable  inflances  difeovered  themfelves  the  chief 
 inftruments  in  perfecuting  faithful  men,  and  in  preventing  the  progrefs  of 
 righteoufnefs.  The  fate  of  fuch  charaaers  is  indelibly  inferibed  on  tholb  jud  - 
 ments  pronounced  againft  Paftiur,  the  fon  of  Immer  the  prieft,  and  the-  chief 
 governor  in  the  houfe  of  the  Lord.  Ver.  7—9.  The  Lord  had  engaged  the 
 prophet  by  promifes,  threatenings,  and  urgent  entreaties,  to  execute  his  ofTice 
 with  fidelity  ;  and  he  had  been  difappointed  in  the  comforts  and  refpea  which 
 be  had  expedled.  Diit  however  many  ill-founded  hopes  of  his  had  been  blafted, 
 God  had  realized  all  the  hopes  which  be  called  him  to  entertain.  The  Lord  Ind 
 told  him  plainly  that  the  rukfs  and  people  would  fight  againft  him,  hut  would 
 not  prevail.  And  he  had  found  the  truths  of  the  divine  warning  and  promife 
 fufficiently  verified.  If  he  therefore  meant  to  fay  that  the  Lord  had  deceived  him, 
 
 PR.4CT1CAL  OBSERVATIONR — *  Chap.  XIX.]  By  methods  unnumbered  the  Lord  tries  to  awaken  ignorant,  ftupified,  and  felf-hardened  finners  to  re¬ 
 pentance,  that  their  ruin  may  be  prevented,  or  at  lead  appear  wholly  owing  to  themfelves.  And  it  is  pioper  that  rulers  in  church  and  date  fliould  be  warned  with 
 pecultir  faithfulnefs  and  folemnity  ;  and  warnings  had  need  to  be  again  and  again  repeated. 
 
Jcrcmu 
 
 Fefore 
 
 cir.  605‘ 
 
 c  I’falm 
 39.  3. 
 
 <1  Joh 
 
 3-2.  18- 
 I  Ileb. 
 
 Every 
 man  of 
 my  peocC' 
 
 e  Chap. 
 16.  20  & 
 17.  18. 
 f  Cliap. 
 2.5.  “10. 
 
 g  Chap- 
 1  1.  20.  & 
 17.  10. 
 
 :Ji,  curscili  the  d  ty  of  his  birth. 
 
 JEREMIAH. 
 
 Exhortations  to  the  hinges  house* 
 
 li  Ji>b 
 S  3 
 Chap. 
 15.  10. 
 
 i  Gen. 
 19.  25. 
 
 k  Job 
 3.  20. 
 
 cir,  .589 
 
 f  eak  any  more  in  his  name  ;  bnt  his  Kord  was  in  mine 
 heart  as  a  ^  burnins  fire  fiint  up  in  my  bones,  and  I 
 was  weary  with  forbearing,  and  I  could  not  stay. 
 
 10  H  For  I  heard  the  defaming  of  many,  tear  on  every 
 fide  Report,  saij  they,  and  we  will  report  it.  f  All 
 mv*  familiars  watched  for  my  halting,  saying.  Per- 
 adventure  he  will  be  enticed,  and  we  (hall  prevail 
 aeainU  him,  and  we  (hall  take  our  revenge  on  him. 
 
 11  But  the  Lord  is  with  me  as  a  mighty  terrible 
 one  •  therefore  ray  perfecutors  fnall  [tumble,  and 
 they' (hall  not  '  prevail :  they  (hall  be  greatly  afhamed  ; 
 for  they  (ball  not  prolper  :  their  ^  everlafting  confufion 
 
 (hall  never  be  forgotten. '  •  n  u  •  u 
 
 12  But,  O  Lord  ot  hofts,  that  e  tried  the  righteous, 
 
 and  feed  the  reins  and  the  heart,  let  me  (ee  thy  ven¬ 
 geance  on  them:  for  unto  thee  have  I  opened  my 
 
 13  Sing  unto  the  Lord,  praife  ye  the  Lord  ;  for 
 he  hath  delivered  the  foul  of  the  poor  from  the  hand 
 of  evil-doers. 
 
 H  H  Curfed  be  the  day  wherein  I  was  born  :  let 
 not  the  day  wherein  my  mother  bare  me  be  blelTed. 
 
 15  Curfed  be  the  man  who  brought  tidings  to  ray 
 father,  faying,  A  man  child  is  born  unto  thee,  making 
 
 him  very  glad.  .  .  . .  . 
 
 16  And  let  that  man  be  as  the  cities  which  the 
 Lord  ‘  overthrew,  and  repented  not ;  and  let  him 
 hear  the  cry  in  the  morning,  and  the  fhouting  at 
 
 noon-tide;  ^  u  .u  . 
 
 17  Becaufe  he  flew  me  not  from  the  womb  ;  or  that 
 
 my  mother  might  have  been  my  grave,  and  her  womb 
 
 to  be  always  great  mth  me. 
 
 18  Wherefore  came  I  forth  out  ot  the  womb  to 
 fee  labour  and  forrow,  that  my  days  fhould  be  con- 
 fumed  w’ith  fhame  ?* 
 
 CHAP.  XXL 
 
 1  Zedehiah  sending  to  Jeremiah  to  enquire  the  event  of  Nebuchadnezzar  s 
 war,  3  the  yrophetforetelleth  a  calamitous  siege,  miserable  captivity,  ^c. 
 
 ^I^HE  word  which  came  unto  Jeremiah  from  the 
 
 1  Lord,  when  king  Zedekiah  lent  unto  him  Pa- 
 fhur  the  Ion  of  Melchiah,  and  Zephaniah  the  fon  ot 
 
 Maaleiah  the  prieft,  faying,  ^  ^ 
 
 2  Enquire,  I  pray  thee,  of  the  Lord  tor  us,  (tor 
 Nebuchadrezzar  king  of  Babylon  maketh  war  agaraft 
 us,)  if  (o  be  that  the  Lord  will  deal  with  us  according 
 to’all  his  wondrous  works,  that  he  may  go  up  from 
 US* 
 
 *3  n  Then  (iiid  Jeremiah  unto  them,  Thus  thall  ye 
 fay  to  Zedekiah  ; 
 
 IJefore 
 Cbrill 
 cir.  589. 
 
 4  Thus  faith  the  Lord  Cod  of  Ifrael,  Behold,  I 
 will  turn  back  the  weapons  of  war  that  are  in  vour 
 hands,  wherewith  ye  fight  againti  the  king  of  BabV' 
 
 Ion,  and  against  the  Chaldeans,  which  befiege  jou 
 without  the  walls,  and  I  will  alTemble  them  into  the 
 midft  of  this  city. 
 
 5  And  I  myfelf  will  fight  againfl  you  with  an  out-a 
 ftretched  hand,  and  with  a  ftrong  arm,  even  in  anger,  • 
 and  in  fury,  and  in  great  wrath. 
 
 6  And  1  will  fmite  the  inhabitants  of  this  city, 
 both  man  and  beatt :  they  fhall  die  of  a  great  pefli- 
 
 lence.  .  . 
 
 7  And  afterward,  faith  the  Lord,  I  will  deliver 
 Zedekiah  king  of  Judah,  and  his  fervants,  and  the 
 people,  and  such  as  are  left  in  this  city  from  t.he  pefli- 
 lence,  from  the  fword,  and  from  the  famine,  into  the 
 hand  of  Nebuchadrezzar  king  of  Babylon,  and  into 
 ihe  hand  of  their  enemies,  and  into  the  baud  of  thofe 
 that  feek  their  life  ;  and  he  fhall  fmite  them  with  the 
 edge  of  the  fword  ;  he  fhall  not  (pare  them,  neither 
 have  pity,  nor  have  mercy. 
 
 8  ^  And  unto  this  people  thou  fhalt  fay.  Thus  faith 
 the  Lord,  Behold,  1  let  before  you  the  way  of  life, 
 and  the  way  of  death. 
 
 9  He  that  ^  abideth  in  this  city  fhall  die  by  the  b  Chap.’ 
 fword,  and  by  the  famine,  and  by  the  peflilence  : 
 
 but  he  that  goeth  our,  and  falleth  to  the  Chaldeans 
 that  befiege  you,  he  lhall  live,  and  his  life  fhall  bee  Chap. 
 
 unto  him  for  a  prey.  _  _  Tsis!  ^ 
 
 10  For  1  have  fet  my  face  againfl  this  city  for  evil, 
 and  not  for  good,  faith  the  Lord  ;  it  (hall  be  given 
 into  the  hand  of  the  king  of  Babylon,  and  he  fhall 
 burn  it  with  fire. 
 
 11  ^  And  touching  the  houfe  of  the  king  of  Judah, 
 say.  Hear  ye  the  word  of  the  Lord; 
 
 12  O  houfe  of  David,  thus  faith  the  Lord,  ^  t  Exe-  g®?’ 
 cute  judgment  in  the  morning,  and  deliver  him  that  A|'Heb. 
 fpoiled  out  of  the  hand  of  the  opprtlTor,  left  ray  i ury  Judge. 
 go  out  like  fire,  and  burn  that  none  can  quench  it, 
 becaufe  of  the  evil  of  your  doings. 
 
 13  Behold,  I  am  againft  thee.  O  f  inhabitant  of+J^^- 
 the  valley,  and  rock  of  the  plain,  faith  the  Lord:|"^j“_ 
 which  fay.  Who  fhall  come  down  agaioft  us?  or  who 
 (hall  enter  into  our  habitations  ? 
 
 U  Bat  I  will  t  punilh  you  according  to  the  fruit  f  Heb. 
 of  your  doings,  faith  the  Lord  ;  and  I  will  kindle  a 
 fire  in  the  forell  thereof,  and  i^  (hall  devour  alh  things  i.  31. ' 
 
 he  was  not  only  criminal,  but  very  forgetful.  It  was  however  bis  mercy,  that  the 
 conviaions  of  his  confcience,  the  fear  of  God,  zeal  of  the  divine  glory,  indignation 
 against  fin,  and  compafTion  for  the  fouls  of  his  people,  impelled  to  rife  uperior  to 
 all  defp  mdency,  and  to  perfevere  in  the  path  of  duty.  Ver.  14—18.  Whether  the 
 strength  of  thole  expreffions  may  not  in  part  have  proceeded  from  the  mode  ot  the 
 ancients  in  pouring  out  their  lamentations,  rather  than  wholly  from  the  impatience 
 of  the  prophet,  is  perhaps  not  eafy  to  be  determined,  2  Sam.  i.  21.  Job  iii.  It  is 
 however  certain,  that  while  be  informs  us  in  the  preceeding  verfes  of  his  great  af- 
 flidlions,  he  declares  bis  uttreferved  confidence  and  joy  iu  God  as  his  proteaor  and 
 deliverer. 
 
 round  about  it.f 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXL  Ver.  1  — 14.  Jehovah  had  de¬ 
 termined  to  lay  wade  Jerufalem,  and  to  deliver  all  the  inhabitants  of  Judea  into 
 the  hand  of  their  enemies  the  Babylonians  ;  and  of  this  he  had  given  Ifrael  timely 
 warning,  which  however  bad  no  other  effeA  on  them  than  to  excite  their  refent- 
 ment  againd  the  fervants  of  God,  employed  to  declare  his  mind.  But  when  Ne- 
 buchadnizzar  approaches  with  his  army,  the  mod  iufenfible  are  alarmed,  and  the 
 mod  hardened  confult  the  prophet ;  who  pronounces  the  divine  judgments  againft 
 them  inevitable.  The  only  profpea  that  prefented  the  king,  rulers,  or  fubjeas  of 
 mitigating  their  mifery,  was  immediate  and  voluntary  fubmiinon  to  the  Chaldeans 
 :  — a  dreadful  alternative  !  an  ignominious  davery,  or  a  miferable  death. 
 
 P11.4CTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. _ *  Chap.  XX.]  Falfe  prophets  and  ungodly  prieds  have  ever  been  the  bittered  perfecutors  of  God's  faithful  miniders. 
 
 They  who  boldlv  remondrate  againd  the  wickednefs  of  an  abandoned  generation,  mud  fcarcely  expea  the  common  formalities  of  judice.  But  God  can  foon  make 
 tliofe,  who  would  frighten  his  miniders,  a  terror  to  tbemfelves.  Ridicule  and  contempt  are  the  comnnon  weapons  of  the  ungodly  against  the  preachers  of  truth.  It  is 
 grievous  to  a  faithful  foul  to  bear  the  word  of  God  treated  with  levity  and  derlfion.  The  fairest  profrfiions  often  cloak  the  foulest  defigns.  To  faint  in  the  Lord  s 
 way,  or  to  widi  that  we  had  never  entered  into  it  becaufe  we  meet  with  difficulties,  is  extremely  weak  and  cowardly.  Alas  what  vanity  and  vexation  of  fpirit  fill  up 
 hum’an  life  !  But  abfurd  is  finful  paffioa  when  allowed  to  ramble.  And  it  is  dangerous  to  have  an  unbridled  tongue  while  our  paffions  are  strong. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — j-  Chap.  XXL]  God  often  honours  his  ministers  when  they  think  their  days  are  confumed  in  (hame.  The  gracious 
 int-rpofitions  of  God  in  behalf  of  the  penitent  and  faithful,  are  precedents  to  embolden  the  hope  of  the  unhumbled.  An  ignominious  flavery,  or  a  miferable  death 
 is  but  a  dreadful  alternative.  They  who  are  trusted  with  the  adminigtration  of  justice,  ffiould  be  fpeedy  as  well  as  impartial  in  their  decifions  ;  the  delays  of  justice 
 
 ^  8  T  23  . 
 
J^xJioy  tdtions  to  the  housCf  8^'c, 
 
 JEREMIAH. 
 
 Before 
 Christ 
 cir.  609. 
 
 CHAP.  XXII. 
 
 '  <0  J'^slice,  cjc.  enforced  with 
 
 iO  The  Judgment  of  Shallum,  18  fJehoiakim, 
 
 The  jtidgmcnt  of  Jchaiuh 
 
 promises  and  threats, 
 20  and  of  Coniah. 
 
 T' 
 
 Chap. 
 
 .  12. 
 
 b  Chap. 
 17.  25. 
 f  Heb. 
 
 upon  his 
 throne. 
 
 c  Deut. 
 29.  24. 
 
 1  Kings 
 
 9.  8. 
 
 d  Levit. 
 19.  13. 
 Dput.  24. 
 14,  15. 
 1-Iabak. 
 
 2,  9.' 
 f  Heb. 
 thorough- 
 aired, 
 
 II  Or,  my 
 windows. 
 
 HUo  (aith  the  Lord,  go  down  to  the  houfe  of 
 
 o  /■  and  fpeak  there  this  word. 
 
 1  u  Lord,  O  king 
 
 of  Judah,  that  fitteft  upon  the  throne  of  Divid,  thou, 
 
 and  thy  lervants,  and  thy  people  tnat  enter  in  by  thele 
 
 3  Th^us  faith  the  Lord,  *  Execute  ve  judgment 
 and  righteoufnefs,  and  deliver  the  (polled  out  of  the 
 hand  ot  the  oppreffor :  and  do  no  wrong,  do  no  vio- 
 lence  to  the  Uranger,  the  fatherlefs,  nor  the  widow, 
 neither  Ihed  innocent  blood  in  this  place. 
 
 4.  For  if  ye  do  this  thing  indeed,  ^  then  Oiall  there 
 leo.  by  the  gares  of  this  houfe  kings  fitting  f  upon 
 
 David  throne  of  David,  riding  in  chariots  and  on  horfes 
 '  he,  and  his  fervanrs,  and  his  people.  ’ 
 
 words,  I  fwear  by 
 mylelf,  faith  the  Lord,  that  this  houfe  (hall  become 
 a  delolaiicn. 
 
 6  For  thus  faith  the  Lord  unto  the  king’s  houfe  of 
 
 Judah,  Ihou  art  Gilead  unto  me,  and  the  head  of 
 Lebanon  :  j/et  (urely  I  will  make  thee  a  wildernefs 
 and  cities  which  are  not  inhabited.  ’ 
 
 7  And  I  will  prepare  deftroyers  againft  thee,  every 
 one  with  his  weapons ;  and  they  (hall  cut  down  thy 
 cncice  cedars,  and  ca(t  th(?n  into  the  fire. 
 
 8  And  many  nations  fiiall  pafs  by  this  citv,  and  they 
 (hall  (ay  every  man  to  his  neighbour,  '  Wherefore 
 hath  the  Lord  done  thus  unto  this  great  city.? 
 
 ^  Then  they  (hall  anlwer,  Becaufe  they  have  for- 
 laken  the  covenant  of  the  Lord  their  God,  and  wor- 
 Ihipped  other  gods,  and  ferved  them. 
 
 10  II  Weep  ye  not  for  the  dead,  neither  bemoan 
 him  ;  did  weep  fore  for  him  that  goeth  away  ;  for  he 
 (hall  return  no  more,  nor  (ee  his  native  country, 
 n  For  thus  faith  the  Lord  touching  Shallum  the 
 
 T  r  reigned  inftead  of 
 
 Jofiah  his  father,  which  went  forth  out  of  this  place, 
 he  (hall  not  return  thither  any  more  : 
 
 12  But  he  (hall  die  in  the  place  whither  they  have 
 led  him  captive,  and  (hall  fee  this  land  no  more. 
 
 13  H  Woe  unto  him  that  buildeth  his  houfe  by  un- 
 righteoufnefs,  and  his  chambers  by  wrong  ;  <1  that 
 u(eth  his  neighbour’s  fervice  without  wages,  and 
 giveth  him  not  for  his  work  ; 
 
 14  i  hat  faith,  I  will  build  me  a  wide  houfe,  and 
 t  large  chambers,  and  cutteth  him  out  1|  windows : 
 and  it  is  ceiled  with  cedar,  and  painted  with  vermillion ! 
 
 --am, 
 
 15  Shalt  thou  reign  bccau.^e  thou  clofefi  thusc/f  fri  Bern 
 
 hlf?  DiH  tbxr  .an, .  „  „  J  J.  •  _  1  ,  d  fore 
 
 Chrifi 
 cir.  593_ 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXII.  Ver.:?l— 19.  Jehoiakim  the 
 king  is  reminded  of  the  duties  of  his  office  ;  he  is  warned  that  if  he  continue  to 
 defpife  divine  authority,  nothing  could  prevent  deftruaion  to  his  country,  fo  great  , 
 and  unparallelled  as  to  force  exclamations  of  aftonifhment  from  every  traveller, 
 who  bad  witnefled  its  former  profperity.  The  people  are  called  to  bewail  the  lot 
 of  Shallum  or  Jehoahaz,  the  immediate  fuccelTor  of  Jofiah  ;  be  was,  after  reigning 
 Only  three  months,  carried  captive  to  Egypt,  never  to  behold  again  bis  native  wunt 
 try.  The  condition  of  his  fucceflbr  Jehoiakim,  who  was  unjuft,  haughty,  covetous, 
 
 cedar?  Did  not  thy  father  eat  and  driuk,  and  do  iudtr^ 
 ment  and  judice,  and  then  it  tras  well  with  him  ? 
 
 16  He  judged  the  caufe  of  the  poor  and  needy 
 then  If  was  well  with  him  :  was  not  this  to  know  me  ? 
 faith  the  Lord. 
 
 17  But  thine  eyes  and  thine  heart  are  not  but  for 
 
 thy  covetoufnefs,  and  for  to  (bed  innocent  blood,  and 
 tor  opprefiion,  and  for  ||  violence,  to  do  it.  ii  Or 
 
 .18  1  herefore  thus  faith  the  Lord  concerning  Je-  ‘ncuriiu,, 
 hoiakim  the  Ton  of  Jofiah  king  of  Judah,  They  fhall 
 not  lament  for  h;m,  safng,  Ah  my  brother  !  or.  Ah 
 (ifier  .  they  fhall  not  lament  for  him,  sailing.  Ah  lord  ’ 
 or.  Ah  his  glory !  /  . 
 
 19  He  (hall  be  buried  with  the  burial  of  an  aCs,  Puifiiiea 
 drawn  and  caft  forth  beyond  the  gates  of  Jerufalem. 
 
 20  ^  Go  up  to  Lebanon  and  cry  ;  and  lift  up  thv  599 
 voice  in  Bafhan,  and  cry  from  the  pafiTages  :  for  all  * 
 thy  lovers  are  deftroyed. 
 
 r  •  ja  profperity  ;  but  thou  t  Hei,. 
 
 laidlt,  1  will  not  hear ;  this  hath  been  thy  manner  from  prosperi- 
 thy  youth,  that  thou  obeyedfi  not  my  voice 
 
 22  The  wind  (hall  |l  eat  up  all  thy  paftors,  and  thy||  Or 
 lovers  (hall  go  into  captivity:  furely  then  (halt  thou 
 
 be  afhamed  and  confounded  for  all  thy  wickednefs. 
 
 23  O  f  inhabitant  of  Lebanon,  that  makeft  thy  neft  t  Heb. 
 in  th6  C6c]3rs,  how  grscious  Qialt  thou  be  when  pangs 
 come  upon  thee,  the  pain  as  of  a  woman  in  travail ! 
 
 24  1  live,  (aith  the  Lord,  though  Coniah  the  fon 
 of  Jehoiakim  king  of  Judah  were  the  fignet  upon  mv 
 right  hand,  yet  would  I  pluck  thee  thence ; 
 
 25  And  1  will  give  thee  into  the  hand  of  them  that 
 leek  thy  life,  and  into  the  hand  of  them  whofe  face  thou 
 feaieft,  even  into  the  hand  of  Nebuchadrezzar  kin*'’ 
 of  Babylon,  and  into  the  hand  of  the  Chaldeans. 
 
 26  And  I  will  caft  thee  out,  and  thy  mother  that 
 bare  thee,  into  another  country,  where  ye  were  not 
 born  ;  and  there  (hall  ye  die. 
 
 27  But  to  the  land  whereunto  they  f  defire  to*  re-  +  iicb 
 
 turn,  thither  (hall  they  not  return.  if  vp 
 
 28  Is  this  man  Coniah  a  defpifed  broken  idol? 
 he  a  vefTel  wherein  is  no  pleafure  ?  wherefore  are  they 
 caff  out,  he  and  his  feed,  and  are  caft  into  a  land 
 which  they  know  not  ? 
 
 29  O  earth,  earth,  earth,  hear  the  word  of  the 
 Lord: 
 
 30  Thus  faith  the  Lord,  Write  ye  this  mao  child- 
 lels,  a  man  that  (hall  not  profper  in  his  days  :  for  ro 
 
 j'®  profper,  li  ting  upon  the  throne 
 
 of  David,  and  ruling  any  more  in  Judah.* 
 
 bloody,  and  oppreffive,  is  denominated  ftill  more  wretched  ;  having  finiffied  a  mf- 
 ferable  exiftence,  his  body  (hall  be  caft  without  the  gates  of  Jerufalem,  difgraced 
 without  a  burial,  expofed  as  the  carcafe  of  an  afs  for  meat  to  every  ravenous  bird 
 or  animal.  Subjeas  in  Judea,  chofe  this  method  of  ftiewing  their  abhorrence  and 
 contempt  of  fuch  kings  as  had  been  diftinguiftied  by  their  wickednefs.  Ver.  23. 
 How  gractous  Shalt  thou  be  ?  may  be  rendered,  what  favour  wilt  thou  find  ;  which 
 forcibly  expreffes  their  hopelefs  and  deplorable  condition,  and  agrees  bell  with  the 
 context,  Ver.  29,  30.  Compare  Ifa.  i.  2. 
 
 Faithful  prophets 
 
 „on  Of  mm  s  ..ck.dn.f.  tl,.t  „  „  ,o  .h.,r  pi.,,.,  edocion.  Proud  .nd  mifcbU.ou.  r.b.dlion  .g.ioll  God  upon  mul.i’iofc  .rm  “d  T.L.  S. 
 
 and  difgrace  ;  nay,  diftinguifhed  pride  is  generally  followed  by  diftinguiftied  diftionour  and  mifery,  either  in  life  or  death  None  are  f  .  ^  ®  p 
 
 to  pretend  piety  udder  adverlity,  than  thofe  who  boaft  highly  amidft  profperity.  It  were  well  if  /bat  we  fuficr  fhoiild  bring  us  to  a  ferS/s  re^entancr^' 
 
Before 
 Chrift 
 fir.  599. 
 
 a  Erek. 
 
 34.  2' 
 
 b  Chap. 
 S.  1'5. 
 Ezek. 
 35.  1  It 
 &0. 
 
 c  Ifaiah 
 
 4.  2.  & 
 40.  11. 
 
 Daniel 
 9.  24. 
 John 
 1.  45. 
 d  Dent. 
 33.  28. 
 
 .j.  Heb. 
 
 Jehovah 
 tsiilkenu- 
 e  Chap. 
 
 ,  ,  JEREMIAH. 
 
 Jaainst  false 
 
 , ,  CHAP.  XXIII. 
 
 •  .nnhecielh  iud«me>it  upon  the  evU  imtora,  and  a  restoration  I 
 ^  ‘^fTelcauJed  Jlockf  5  Christ  the  righteous  Branch  is  promtseJ.  9 
 °Gad's  fearful  ju'lgments  against  false  prophets,  ^c. 
 
 WOE  “  be  unto  the  paRors  that  deftroy  and  feat- 
 ter  the  (heep  of  my  pafture  !  laith  the  Lord. 
 o  Therefore  thus  faith  the  Lord  God  of  llrael 
 arrainlf  the  palfors  that  feed  my  people,  Ye  have  feat¬ 
 her  ed  my  flock,  and  driven  them  away,  ^^d  have  not 
 vifited  tLm  behold.  I  will  vifit  upon  you  the  evil  of 
 
 vniir  doinss,  laith  the  Lord.  n  i  *  i- 
 
 ^  3  And  1  will  gather  the  remnant  of  my  flock  out  of 
 all  countries  whither  I  have  driven  them,  and  will 
 bring  them  again  to  their  folds ;  and  they  (hall  be 
 
 fefip  “  Ihepherds  over  .hea,,  whkh 
 fhall  feed  them  ;  and  they  (hall  fear  do_  more,  nor  be 
 difmayed,  neither  (ball  they  be  lacking,  laith  the 
 
 Behold,  ‘  the  days  come,  faUh  the  Lord,  that 
 “  I  will  raife  unto  David  a  righteous  Branch,  and  a  king 
 cb  's3  (h"n  rdgn  and  profper.  and  (hall  execute  judgment 
 
 it  his' d*:  Judah  (hail  be  faved,  and  Ifrael  (hall 
 
 dwell  fafelv  :  and  'Waia  h's  name  whereby  he 
 
 called  +THE  LORD  OUR  RlGHlEOUbWbbb. 
 
 7  Therefore,  behold,  'the  days  come,  (aith  the 
 Lord  that  they  (hall  no  more  lay,  the  Lord  liveth, 
 which  brought  up  the  children  of  llrael  out  of  the 
 
 eChap.  ^‘‘^8  But^forLoRD  liveth,  ^ j ^ 
 
 16.14,15.  hich  led  the  feed  of  the  houle  of  llrael  out  of  the 
 north  country,  and  from  all  countries  whither  had 
 driven  them  :  and  they  (hall  dwell  in  their  own  hnd. 
 
 9  H  Mine  heart  within  me  is  broken  becaule  of  the 
 nroDhets:  all  my  bones  (hake:  I  am  like  a  drunken 
 man  and  like  a  man  whom  wine  hath  overcome,  be- 
 caufe  of  the  Eord,  and  becaule  of  the  words  of  his 
 
 ‘“’iSfot  *6  130'  isfullof  adukerers  ;  for  becaufe  of 
 II  fwearing  the  land  mourneth  ;  the  pleafant  P^oe^  o 
 the  wildernefs  are  dried  up,  and  their  H  courle  is  evil, 
 and  their  force  is  not  right.  c 
 
 11  For  both  prophet  and  P.r‘^^.^^V'^?!^"faiih^the 
 in  ray  houfe  have  1  found  their  wickednels,  laith  the 
 
 2°Wherefore  their  way  (hall  be  unto  them  as  flip- 
 peiy  in  the  darknefs :  they  (hall  be  driven  on 
 Ld^fall'foerein  :  for  1  will  bring  evil^upon  them,  eoen 
 
 H  Or. 
 
 cursing* 
 
 11  Or, 
 violence. 
 
 II  Or. 
 
 an  absurd 
 thing. 
 f  Heb. 
 nnsa- 
 vourij. 
 
 II  Or, 
 filthiness. 
 
 anu  laii  uicicuj  .  x  .....  -o  t  •  „ 
 the  year  of  their  vifitation,  laith  the  Tord. 
 
 13  And  1  have  feen  lU/olly  m  the  prophets  of  Sa- 
 maria ;  they  prophtfled  in  Baal,  and  caufed  my  p  P 
 
 I  “have  feen  alfo  in  the  prophets  of  Jetufalem 
 II  an  horrible  thing  ;  they  commit  adultery,  and  walk 
 
 A^  tinst  meders  of  Ittu:  prople's, 
 
 & 
 
 in  lies :  they  flrengthen  alfo  the  hands  of  evihdoers, 
 that  none  doth  return  from  ms  wickednels :  they  are 
 all  of  them  unto  me,  as  ‘  bodom,  and  the  inhabitants 
 
 thereof  as  Gomorrah.  c  .  n  i.  9. 
 
 1  T  Therefore  thus  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts  cen- 
 cernine  the  prophets.  Behold,  1  will  feed  them  with 
 fwormwood.  and  make  them  drink  the  water  ot  Ball ;  e 
 for  from  the  prophets  of  Jerulalem  is  d  profanenels  y  ,5^ 
 trnnp  forth  into  all  the  land.  ,,  ,,  ,  U  Or, 
 
 ?6  Thus  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts.  Hearken  not 
 unto  the  words  of  the  prophets  that  prophely  unto 
 you;  they  make  you  vain  ;  they  Ipeak  a  vifion  ot  their 
 own  hearf,  and  not  out  oj' the  mouth  of  the  Lord 
 
 17  They  fay  ftill  unto  them  that  delpife  me, 
 
 T  rTn  h'^th  faid,  *'  Ye  fhall  have  peace  ;  and  they  lay  b  Chap 
 unto  every  one  that  walketh  after  the  H  imagination  ^ 
 
 nf  his  own  heart.  No  evil  (fiall  come  upon  you.  Ezek, 
 
 18  Fcr  who  hath  flood  in  the  li  counlel  of  the  Lord,  lo. 
 
 and  toS  perceived  and  heard  his  word  ?  wboha,hZ.ch. 
 
 marked  his  word  and  heard  it  ?  _  r-  .u  11 
 
 19  Behold,  ‘  a  whirlwind  of  the  Lord  is  gone  forth  stubborn- 
 
 in  fury,  even  a  grievous  whirlwind  it  lhall  fall  gne...^^_ 
 voufly  upon  the  head  ot  the  wicked.  secret. 
 
 9Q  The  ^  anger  of  the  Lord  fhail  not  return,  u  -  j 
 til  he  have  executed,  and  till  he  have  performed  the  50^2.3. 
 thoughts  of  his  heart :  in  the  latter  days  ye  (had  con-  k^chap- 
 
 ^'^^V^fhave^not  fent  thefe  prophets,  yet  they  ran  ;  icbap.  ^ 
 
 I  have  not  fpoken  to  them,  yet  they  prophelied.  ‘ 
 
 22  But  if  thev  had  flood  in  my  counlel,  and  had 
 caufed  my'people  to  hear  my  words,  men  they  (hould 
 have  turned  them  from  ttieir  evil  way,  and  from  the 
 
 ^'^23°^//i!iTa^God  at  hand,  faith  the  Lord,  and  not 
 
 ^?4^Can^a5y  “>  hide  himfelf  us  A^cret  places  that 
 I  fhall  not  fee  him  ?  laith  the  Lord  :  do  not  1  fill 
 heaven  and  earth  ?  faith  the  Lord.  Amos 
 
 25  I  have  heard  what  the  prophets  faid,  that  pro- 9. 2, 3. 
 phefy  lies  in  my  name,  faying,  1  have  dreamed,  I  have 
 
 ^^26’^How  long  (hall  this  be  in  the  heart  of  the  pro- 
 phets  that  prophefy  lies  ?  yea,  tfieij  are  prophets  ot 
 
 the  deceit  ot  their  own  heart ; 
 
 27  Which  think  to  caufe  my  people  to  .orget  my 
 name  by  their  dreams,  which  they  tell  every  tnao  to 
 his  neighbour,  “  as  their  fathers  have  forgotten  myj;’”''^ 
 
 28  The  prophet  t  that  hath  a  dream,  let  him  te  lt  Heb. 
 
 a  dream  ;  and  he  that  hath  my  word,  i*. 
 
 my  word  faithfully  :  what  is  the  chaft  to  the  wheat . 
 
 faith  the  Lord.  or-u.uT^ror^.o  0®“^- 
 
 29  Is  not  my  wo|rf  like  as  a  fire  ?  laith  the  Lord  , 
 
 and  like  a  hammer  breaketh  the  rock  in  pieces,  chap.  14. 
 
 30  Therefore,  behold,  ®  1  am  againfl  the  prophets,  h,  is. 
 
 ^NATO^NOTES.  Chap,  XXIII.  Ver.  3,  4.  This  prophecy 
 .  “rllfX.™  »  "aoratiov  of  Ifr..!  froo.  0,.  o.p.i.aj, 
 
 .henGodrJfed  up  for  them  rulers,  whom  h' f  PP7®‘^4 
 flelT^d;  but  moreUhau  probable 
 
 Jleirednefs  of  the  Jews,  3  ^  ^^ear  aud  animating 
 
 lollowing  vertes.  Ver.  5,  6.  1  tieie  verits>  cuut  i  *ha  ^p^rpnerale 
 
 :y  or  promife  of  Meffiah.  The  time  has  come,  when  in aead  ^ 
 
 branches  from  the  aock  of  David,  who  brought  Judah  to  ru  n  “ 
 basfprungfrom  him  to  blefs  the  world,  Jews  and  G'ntjles  wr^h  r  ghtcoufne^ 
 
 !oy,  and  peace.  Ver.  7.  8.  See  Chap.  xvi.  14  15  ‘JX  dfvs  of 
 
 fonnedlion  with  the  preceding  verfes,  which  evi  en  y  re^ 
 
 Meffiah,  it  feems  probable,  that  it  foretels  the  rellorat.ou  of  ‘X'o  ®  blSed 
 »wn  land  after  they  have  believed  in  Chrift,  and  become  fubjeft  to  h.s  bleffed 
 
 irovernment.  Ver.  18.  This  is  confidered  by  fome  as  the  words  of  Jeremiah, 
 dlandmg  of  the  falfe  prophets,  which  of  them  bad  received  any  reve'ation 
 from  God”or  indeed  underftood  any  thing  of  bis  word  ?  By  o^rs  this  is  fup- 
 pofed  to  be  the  language  of  the  falfe  prophets,  deriding  the  preienfions^t 
 Jeremiah  and  the  few  true  prophets  of  the  Lord,  and  enquiring  fcornfnlly  which 
 of  them  was  of  the  Lord’s  privy  counfel  and  made  acquainted  with  his  fecrei.  . 
 They  thought  it  not  likely,  that  two  or  three  luch  inconfiderahle  perfons  Ihould 
 know  more  of  the  Lord’s  will,  than  the  numbers  of  refpeaahle  perfons.  among 
 the  priefts  and  prophets,  who  prophefied  peace  and  profperity.  \er  20.  In 
 theLter  dans;  that  is,  during  the  captivity  the  execution  of  the  predia.on  of 
 iudements  would  effeaually  convince  the  people,  that  the  prophet  fpoke  by  the 
 authority  of  Jehovah.  Or  perhaps  this  may  ultimately  refer  to  the  latter  age  o» 
 Meffiah,  when  the  Jews  (hall  fee  all  the  prophecies  of  the  true  prophets  lull/ 
 
The  fjjpc  of  good  and  bad  fgs. 
 
 Before 
 Clirift 
 cir.  599. 
 
 that 
 
 smooth 
 
 their 
 
 iongttes. 
 
 • f  lleb. 
 visit  upon. 
 
 p  Chap, 
 
 20.  11. 
 
 JEREMIAH. 
 
 faita  the  Lord,  that  (leal  my  words  every  one  from 
 his  neiKhbuur. 
 
 31  Behold,  I  am  agalnfl  the  prophets,  fiith  the 
 Lo^rd,  II  that  life  their  tongues,  and  fay,  be  faith. 
 
 t>2  Behold,  1  am  againft  them  that  prophecy  falfe 
 aream>,  laith  the  Lord,  and  do  tell  them,  and  caufe 
 my  people  to  err  by  their  lies,  and  by  their  lightnefs: 
 yet  I  IPBt  them  not,  nor  commanded  them  ;  therefore 
 they  (hall  not  profit  this  people  at  all,  faith  the  Lord. 
 
 when  this  people,  or  the  prophet,  or  a 
 pneiT,  (hall  allc  thee,  faying,  What  is  the  burden  of 
 the  Lord  ?  thou  (halt  then  fay  unto  them.  What 
 burden  ?  I  will  even  forfake  you,  faith  the  Lord. 
 
 34.  And  as. for  the  prophet,  and  the  pried,  and  the 
 people,  that  (hall  lay,  1  he  burden  of  the  Lord,  I  will 
 even  f  pnnifh  that  man  and  his  houfe. 
 
 35  Tnus  (hall  ye  fay  every  one  to  his  neighbour, 
 and  every  one  to  his  brother,'  What  hath  the  Lord 
 anfvvered  ?  and,  what  hath  the  Lord  fpoken  ? 
 
 36  And  the  burden  of  the  Lord  (hall  ye  mention 
 
 no  more ;  for  every  man’s  word  (hall  be  his  burden  :  ;  them,  and  not  pull  them  down  :  and  I  will  plant  them 
 W  ^ave  perverted  the  words  of  the  living  God,  :  and  not  pluck  them  up.  ’ 
 
 of  the  Lord  of  hofts  our  God.  '  ^ 
 
 37  Ihus  (halt  thou  fay  to  the  prophet.  What  bath 
 the  Lord  anfwered  thee?  and,  what  hath  the  Lord 
 (poken  ? 
 
 38  But  fince  ye  fay,  the  burden  of  the  Lord  ;  there¬ 
 fore  thus  faith  the  Lord,  Becaufe  ye  fay  this  word, 
 
 T.he  burden  of  the  Lord,  And  I  have  lent  unto  you, 
 fayiug  ye  (hall  not  fay,  the  burden  of  the  Lord  ; 
 
 39  Therefore,  behold.  I,  even  I,  will  utterly  for¬ 
 get  you,  and  1  will  forfdke  you,  and  the  city  that  I 
 gave  you  and  y'our  fathers,  and  cast  you  out  of  my 
 prefence : 
 
 40  Aod  I  will  bring  p  an  everlafting  reproach  upon 
 you,  and  a  perpetual  (haane,  which  (hall  not  be  (or- 
 gotten.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXIV. 
 
 she-xeth  the  restoration  from  capii^u^^ 
 
 of  Judah,  and  the  princes  of  Judah,  with  the  carpenters 
 and  fmifhs,  from  Jerufalem,  and  had  brought  them  to 
 Ba'bvlon.  ,  -  cir.  sqs. 
 
 2  One  bailcet  had'very  good  figs,  even  like  the  figs^"^ 
 that  are  firft  ripe  ;  ahd  the  other  baiket  had  very 
 naughty  figs  which  could  not  be  eaten,  f  they  weretHeb. 
 fo  bad.  ^ 
 
 3  Then  fiiid  the  Lord  unto  me.  What  feeft  thou 
 Jeremiah  ?  and  I  (aid,  figs  ;  the  good  figs,  very  good  ; 
 and  the  evil,  very  evil,  that  cannot  be  eaten,  they  are 
 fo  evil. 
 
 4  u  Again  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  me 
 
 ^  faying,  ’ 
 
 I  5  Thus  faith  the  Lord,  the  God  of  Ifrael,  Like 
 thefe  good  figs,  fo  will  I  acknowledge  them  f  that  arefHeb. 
 carried  away  captive  of  Judah,  whom  I  have  fent  out 
 
 I  of  this  place  into  the  laud  of  the  Chaldeans  for  t/.eir“''‘^' 
 good. 
 
 i  6  For  I  will  fet  mine  eyes  upon  them  for  good,  and 
 I  will  bring  them  again  to  this  land  :  and  I  will  build 
 
 XJivler  the  type  of  good  and  bad  Jigs,  5  the  projdicts  foresheweth  the  resto¬ 
 ration  of  them  that  were  in  captivity  8  the  desolation  of  Zedekiah  and 
 the  residue  of  Jerusalem. 
 
 2Kingsr-|-^HE  Lord  fhewed  me,  and,  behold,  two  ba/kets 
 ^  of  figs  u'ere  fet  before  the  temple  of  the  Lord, 
 2  Cbron.  after  that  Nebuchadrezzar  ^  king  of  Babylon  had  car- 
 36. 10.  ried  away  captive  Jeconiah  the  fon  of  Jehoiakim  king 
 
 cir.  598. 
 a 
 
 24 
 &c 
 
 7  And  I  will  give  them  an  ^  heart  to  know  me,  thatb  Dem 
 I  am  the  Lord;  and  they  (hall  be  my  people,  and^o. e.  ’ 
 
 I  will  be  their  God  :  for  they  fhall  return  unto  me 
 W'ith  their  whole  heart. 
 
 8  f  And  as  the  evil  figs  which  cannot  be  eaten, 
 
 they  are  fo  evil ;  furely  thus  faith  the  Lord,  So  will  38.26,27, 
 I  give  Zedekiah  the  king  of  Judah,  and  his  princes, 
 and  the  refidue  of  Jerufalem,  that  remain  in  this  land, 
 and  them  that  dwell  in  the  land  of  Egypt ;  ■  22.3s. 
 
 9  And  I  will  deliver  them  f  to  be  ^  removed  into  all ^ 
 
 the  kingdoms  of  the  earth  for  thetr  hurt,  to  be  a  re-xn^i' 
 proach  and  a  proverb,  a  taunt,  and  acurfe,  in  all  places>  rLw. 
 whither  I  fhall  drive  them.  ing,o!, 
 
 10  And  I  will  Lnd  the  fword,  the  famine,  and 
 
 peftilence,  among  them  till  they  be  conlumed  fromH.s"^!' 
 off  the  land  that  I  gave  unto  them  and  to  their  Chap.’ 
 fat  hers,  t  15.4. 
 
 CHAP.  XXV. 
 
 1  Jeremiah  reproving  the  Jews'  disobedience  to  God's  messages  by  the  pro¬ 
 phet,  %  forelellelh  the  seventy  years'  captivity,  12  and  after  that  Me  807 
 destruction  of  Babylon.  ending. 
 
 The  word  that  came  to  Jeremiah  concerning  all  beL. 
 the  people  of  Judah,  in  the  fourth  year  of  Je-ning.' 
 
 accomplifhed  in  the  univerfal  eftabiiHiment  of  his  kingdom,  Ver.  21,  22.  The 
 miniftry  of  the  falfe  prophets  was  evidently  difapprovtd  of  by  God,  for  its  ten¬ 
 dency  was  the  reverfe  of  the  law  of  Mofes  and  of  the  writings  of  preceding  pro¬ 
 phets  who  were  confeffed  comniiffioned  by  God  ;  compare  b?ut.  xii.  3,  Ver. 
 50.  Steal  my  words  ;  the  falfe  prophets,  it  feems  catclied  up  fome  of  the  phrafes 
 of  the  true  prophets,  and  fuel)  things  as  fuited  their  purpole  ;  and  this  ferved  to 
 give  plaufibility  to  the  lying  predirilions  which  they  intenningied  with  them. 
 Ver.  33 — 40.  The  prophets  frequently  called  their  prophecies  “  burdens,”  efpe- 
 cFally  when  they  related  to  divine  judgment;  this  te.~th  their  oppofers  ridiculed, 
 by  faying,  “  What  is  the  burden  of  the  Lord  1"  To  this  Jeremiah  replied,  That 
 the  Lord  would  forfake  them,  and  then  their  miferies  would  indeed  be  a  heavy 
 burden.  And  if  any  of  them  dared  to  ufe  that  expreffion  of  derifion  any  more,  , 
 the  Lord  declared  that  he  would  feverely  punifh  that  man  and  his  houfe.  j 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES,  Chap,  XXIV.  Ver.  i— 10,  Another  exam-  I 
 
 pie  of  God’s  method  of  inftrudlion  by  fin.ilitude.  See  Chap.  xiii.  I _ Il.xviii.  10. 
 
 The  Lord  (liewed  the  prophet  in  vifion,  before  the  temple,  two  bafltets  of  figs,  aftir 
 the  events  recorded,  2  Kings  xxiv.  10—20.  The  one  baiket  contained  good  figs, 
 reprefenting  thofe  w  hom  Nebuchadnezxar  carried  away  into  captivity  ;  their  adver- 
 fities  proved  bleilings  to  them  ;  for  confeious  of  their  guilt,  they  cheerfully  fub- 
 mitted  to  the  juil  judgments  of  God,  who  according  to  his  tender  mercy  proniifes 
 to  do  them  good.  The  bad  figs  reprefent  thofe  w  ho  were  permitted  to  remain  flill 
 in  their  own  land  :  they  learned  not  the  evil  of  fin  by  all  the  fulFerings  which  they 
 had  experienced  or  witneifed  ;  and  as  they  peififted  in  their  evil  courfes  till  the 
 raeafure  of  their  iniquity  was  full,  wrath  came  upon  them  unmixed  with  mercy. 
 Thus  in  God’s  condudl  to  his  people,  he  illurtrated  Solomon’s  declaration,  “  lie 
 that  covereth  his  fins  fhall  not  profper;  but  wbofo  confefTeth  and  forfakelh  them 
 fiiall  find  mercy.” 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXV.  Ver.  I— 10.  Jeremiah  had  been 
 
 PR.VCl  1  CAL  OBSERVATI ONS. — *  Chap.  XX III.]  At  their  owi.  infinite  hazard,  rulers  negledl  to  execute  their  office  to  the  Itonour  of  God  and  the  wel¬ 
 fare  of  his  people.  But  though  they  fliould  not,  he  will  at  lafi,  lee  to  tfjefe  ends.  And  often  he  mercifully  gathers  his  people,  after  he  has  wrathfully  cut  off  their 
 rulers.  The  church  s  peace,  happinefs  and  honour,  are  not  founded  in  the  external  pomp  of  her  ruUrs,  but  in  having  Jefus  Chrifl  as  her  Prophet,  Prieft,  and  King. 
 And  l.is  fpiritual  deliverances  are  more  remarkable  than  the  temporal  ones  granted  to  the  Jewifh  natiou.  That  finners  dilhonour  God,  and  ruin  themClvef,  are  vtuy 
 grievous  confiderations  to  gracious  fouls.  But  no  guilt  is  fo  aggravated  as  that  of  profane  clergymen.  And  nothing  fo  emboldens  and  hardens  finners,  as  when 
 teachers  by  their  example  or  dotflrine,  encourage  them  in  wickednefs.  It  has  been  the  common  effort  of  the  wicked  in  all  agesj  to  make  God’s  word  the  butt  of  their 
 wit:  but  be  will  honour  and  magnify  his  gofpel  in  the  defi  ru<51ion  of  the  mockers  and  perverters  of  it. 
 
 I'll ACriCAL  OBSERVATIONS. — f  Chap.  XXIV.]  The  ways  of  providence  are  myfierious  ;  what  feemed  the  greatell  afflidlion  proves  often  in  its  iffve 
 the  mofl  fubflantial  blt-ffing.  The  fame  difpenf'ation  is  to  fome  a  hlefiing,  and  to  others  a  ruinous  plague.  Exatfl  is  his  know  ledge  of,  and  care  for,  his  people  in  tlie 
 worfl  of  times-  It  is  he,  who  by  lis  almighty  grace,  mud  renew-  our  heart,  and  draw  us  to  himl'elf,  as  well  as  receive  us  with  open  arms  to  his  favour,  and  to  the 
 enjoytaent  of  all  the  privileges  of  his  people.  But  alas,  what  vengeance  in  time  and  eternity,  mufl  await  impenitent  tranfgreflb'is  1 
 
'J'he  tf'Vi'tt'y  cctphvilij,  ^c. 
 
 JEREMIAH. 
 
 The  destruclion  of  Buhylon,  c^c* 
 
 cir 
 
 lic'fore 
 606. 
 
 a  Chap. 
 29.  19- 
 
 1)2  Ivi'igs 
 
 17.  It^. 
 
 18.  I  I-  & 
 S5.  13- 
 Jonah 
 
 5.  8. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 /  will 
 tause  to 
 pe'isli 
 Jrovxlhem, 
 c  Chap. 
 
 7.  34.  & 
 16.  9. 
 Ezek. 
 
 26,  13. 
 Hofea 
 2,  I  1. 
 Begin¬ 
 ning 
 cir.  600. 
 ending 
 cir,  596. 
 d  2  Chro 
 36.21,22, 
 Ezra  1.1 
 Chapter 
 29.  10. 
 Daniel 
 9.  2. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 visit  upon 
 e  Chap. 
 
 27.  7. 
 f  Job 
 21.  20. 
 Vfalm 
 75.8. 
 Ifaiah 
 15.  17. 
 
 hoidkim  the  fon  of  Jofiah  kinp;  of  Judah,  that  voas  the 
 fird  year  of  Nebuchadrezzar  kioy;  of  Babylon  ; 
 
 2  The  which  Jeremiah  t ha.  prophet  I'pake  unto  all 
 the  people  of  Judah,  and  to  aljthe  inhabitants  of  Jc- 
 
 rufalem,  faying,  t  r  u  u  r  c 
 
 3  From  the  thirteenth  year  of  Jonah  the  ton  of 
 
 Amon  king  of  Judah,  even  unto  this  day,  (that  is  the 
 three  and  twentieth  year,)  the  word  of  the  Lord  hath 
 come  unto  me,  and  I  have  fpoken  unto  you,  nfing 
 early  and  fpeaking ;  but  ye  have  not  hearkened. 
 
 4  And  the  Lord  hath  fent  unto  you  all  his  fervants 
 the  prophets,  *  rifing  early  and  tending  them but  ye 
 have  not  hearkened,  nor  inclined  your  ear  to  hear. 
 
 5  They  laid,  Turn  ye  again  now  every  one  from 
 his  evil  way,  and  from  the  evil  of  your  doings,  and 
 dwell  in  the  land  that  the  Lord  hath  given  unto  you 
 and  to  your  fathers  for  ever  and  ever : 
 
 6  And  go  not  after  other  gods  to  lerve  them,  and 
 to  worfhip  them,  and  provoke  me  not  to  anger  with  i 
 the  works  of  your  hands,  and  I  will  do  you  no  hurt. 
 
 7  Yet  ye  have  not  hearkened  unto  me  taith  the  i 
 Lord:  that  ye  might  provoke  me  to  anger  with  the 
 works  of  your  hands  to  your  own  hurt. 
 
 8  f  Therefore  thus  faith  the  I.ord  of  hofls.  Be- 
 caufe  ve  have  not  heard  my  words, 
 
 9  Behold,  I  will  fend  and  take  all  the  families  of  the 
 north,  faith  the  Lord,  and  Nebuchadrezzar  the  kintt 
 of  Babylon,  my  fervant,  and  w'ill  bring  them  againfl 
 this  land,  and  againfl  the  inhabitants  thereof,  and 
 againfl  all  thefe  nations  round  about,  and  will  utterly 
 di’ftroy  them,  and  make  them  an  aflonifhmenr,  and  an 
 hifling,  and  perpetual  defolations. 
 
 10  Moreover,  f  I  will  take  from  them  the  =  voice 
 of  mirth,  and  the  voice  of  gladnefs,  the  voice  of  the 
 bridegroom,  and  the  voice  of  the  bride,  the  found  of 
 the  mill-ftones,  and  the  light  of  the  candle. 
 
 1 1  And  this  whole  land  fhall  be  a  defolation,  and 
 an  aflonifhment ;  and  thefe  nations  fhall  ferve  the 
 king  of  Babylon  feventy  years. 
 
 12  1  And  it  fhall  come  to  pafs,  ‘’  when  feventy 
 years  are  accomplifhed,  that  I  will  f  punifh  the  king  of 
 Babylon,  and  that  nation,  faith  the  Lord,  for  their 
 iniquity,  and  the  land  of  the  Chaldeans,  and  will  make 
 it  perpetual  defolations. 
 
 13  And  I  will  bring  upon  that  land  all  my  words 
 which  I  have  pronounced  againfl  it,  even  all  that  is 
 written  in  this  book,  which  Jeremiah  hath  prophefied 
 againft  all  the  nations. 
 
 14  For  many  nations  and  great  kings  fhalb®  ferve 
 themfelves  of  them  alfo:  and  1  will  recompenfe  them 
 according  to  their  deeds,  and  according  to  the  works 
 of  their  own  hands. 
 
 15  f  For  thus  faith  the  Lord  God  of  Ifrael  unto 
 me.  Take  the  ^  wine-cup  of  this  fury  at  my  hand,  and 
 caufe  all  the  nations,  to  whom  I  fend  thee,  to  drink  it. 
 
 16  And  they  fhall  drink,  and  be  moved,  and  be  mad, 
 becaufe  of  the  fword  that  I  will  fend  among  them. 
 
 17  Then  took  I  the  cup  at  the  Lord’s  hand,  and 
 made  all  the  nations  to  drink,  unto  whom  the  Lord 
 had  fent  me  ; 
 
 Before 
 
 Clirift 
 cir.  606. 
 
 IS  To  xi-it,  Jerufalem,  and  the  cities  of  Judah,  and 
 the  kings  thereof,  and  the  princes  thereof,  to  make 
 'hem  a  defolation,  an  aflonifhment,  an  hifling,  and  a 
 curfe  ;  (as  it  is  this  day  ; 
 
 19  Pnaraoh  king  of  Egypt,  and  his  fervants,  and 
 his  princes,  and  all  his  people ; 
 
 20  And  all  the  mingled  people,  and  all  the  kings 
 of  the  land  of  Uz,  and  all  the  kings  of  the  land  of  the 
 Philifiines,  and  Afhkelon,  and  Azzah,  and  Ekron, 
 and  the  re.mnant  of  Afhdod, 
 
 21  s  Edom,  and  h  Moab,  and  the  children  of 
 
 '  Ammon,  .  ^  ^^“p- 
 
 22  And  all  the  kings  of  “  Tyrus,  and  all  the  kings  48.  i. 
 of  Zidon,  and  the  kings  of  the  H  ifles  which  are  be-.|^Cbap. 
 
 yond  the  ‘  fea,  k^bap« 
 
 23  ”  Dedan,  and  Tema,  and  Buz,  and  all  f  that  are  4-:.  4.  ^ 
 
 in  the  utmoft  corners,  _  H  9''> 
 
 24  And  all  the  kings  of  Arabia,  and  all  the  Lings 
 
 of  the  mingled  people  that  dwell  in  the  deferr,  ,  ^hap. 
 
 25  And  all  the  kings  of  Zimri,  and  all  the  kings  of  49.  23. 
 
 °  Elam,  and  all  the  kings  of  the  Medes, 
 
 26  And  all  the  kings  of  the  north,  far  and  near, 
 
 one  with  another,  and  all  the  kingdoms  of  the  world,  cu'.offin'.o 
 which  crc  upon  the  face  of  the  earth  :  and  the  king  comer*, or 
 of  Shtfhach  fhall  drink  after  them.  _  having  the 
 
 27  Therefore  thou  (halt  fay  unto  them.  Thus  ILith 
 
 the  Lord  of  hofls,  the  God  of  Ifrael,  Drink  ye,  and^o^^Y. 
 be  drunken,  and  fpue,  and  fall,  and  rife  no  more,  be-  Chapter 
 caufe  of  the  fword  which  I  will  fend  among  you. 
 
 28  And  it-fnall  be,  if  they  refufe  to  take  the  cup  at 
 thine  hand  to  drink,  then  thak  thou  fay  unto  them,oCbap. 
 Thus  faith  the  Lord  of  hofls,  Ye  (ball  certainly  49- 54- 
 drink. 
 
 29  For,  lo,  P  I  begin  to  bring  evil  on  the  city  p  ’ 
 t  which  is  called  by  my  name,  and  fhould  ve  be'’* 
 
 -f-  Heb. 
 upon 
 
 utterly  unpunifhed?  Yefhallnot  be unpunifhed  :  for„^,„„ 
 
 I  will  call  for  a  fword  upon  all  the  inhabitants  of  ihtwhkhmy 
 earth,  faith  the  Lord  of  hofls.  _  . 
 
 30  Therefore  prophecy  thou  againfl;  them  all  thefe 
 words,  and  fay  unto  them.  The  Lord  fhall  ^  roar  from  q 
 
 I  on  high,  and  utter  his  voice  from  his  holy  habitation ; 
 i  he  fhall  mightily  roar  upon  his  habitation  ;  he  fhall  1.  2. 
 give  a  fhout,  as  they  that  tread  the  grapes,  againft  all 
 the  inhabitants  of  the  earth. 
 
 31  A  noife  fhall  come  even  to  the  end-s  of  the  earth  : 
 for  the  Lord  hath  a  controverfy  with  the  nations ; 
 he  will  plead  with  all  flefh  ;  he  will  give  them  that 
 are  wicked  to  the  fword,  faith  the  Lord. 
 
 32  Thus  faith  the  Lord  of  hofls,  Behold,  evil  (hall 
 go  forth  from  nation  to  nation,  and  a  great  whirlwind 
 fhall  be  railed  up  from  the  coafls  of  the  earth. 
 
 33  And  the  (lain  of  the  Lord  fhall  be  at  that  day  le.  4.  ' 
 from  one  end  of  the  earth  even  unto  the  other  end  of®  Chap, 
 the  earth  ;  they  fhall  not  be  lamented,  neither  gather-  ^* 
 
 ed,  nor  buried  ;  they  fhall  be  dung  upon  the  ground.  ^ 
 
 34  f  ®  Howl,  ye  fhepherds,  and  cry :  and  wallow  your  days 
 yourfelves  in  the  ashes,  ye  principal  of  the  flock :  for>»* 
 
 t  the  days  of  your  flaughter  and  of  your  difperfions*^'’"^^^'^’'* 
 are  accomplifhed  ;  and  ye  (hall  fall  like  f  a  pleafant  „  ^ 
 
 veflel.  desire. 
 
 preceded  by  feveral  faithful  prophets,  who  like  him  had  called  Ifrael  to  repentance 
 without  fuccefs  ;  three  and  twenty  years  he  had  already  laboured,  opprefled  with 
 grief,  amidll  much  oppofition.  But  now  God  employs  fervants  of  another  charac¬ 
 ter,  as  fuccefsful  in  their  labours,  as  the  conft  quences  of  thefe  would  he  calamitous 
 to  Ifrael.  Ver.  II.  Nebuchadnezzar  began  his  conqueds  in  the  firft  year  of  his 
 ‘■eign  ;  from  IhenCj  to  the  taking  of  Babvlon  by  Cyrus  are  feventy  years  ;  at  which 
 
 8U 
 
 time  the  nations  conquered  by  Nebuchadnezzar  were  redored  to  liberty.  Some  of 
 them  were  conquered  fooner,  fome  later  ;  but  the  end  of  this  period  was  the  com¬ 
 mon  term  for  the  deliverance  of  them  all,  compare  Ifa.  xziii.  15.  Ver.  12 — 14. 
 The  deftrudlionof  Babylon  is  here  briefly  foretold,  which  was  to  be  accompliflied 
 by  the  combined  power  of  many  nations,  the  Medes  and  Perfians,  with  their 
 numerous  allies;  The  fubjedl  is  more  fully  illudrated,  chap.  xlvi.  and  li. 
 
 23 
 
Jeremiah  cxhorleth  to  repentanccy  ^c. 
 
 JEREMIAH. 
 
 Cnr?ft^  35  And  t  the  fhepherds  (ball  have  no  way  to  flee, 
 cir.  609.  ttor  the  principal  of  the  fleck  to  efcape. 
 
 ^  of  the  cry  of  the  fhepherds,  and  an 
 
 s/;a«f the  principal  of  the  flock,  shall  be  heard: 
 ]>erish  LoRD  hath  fpoiled  their  paflure. 
 
 from  the  37  And  the  peaceable  habitations  are  cut  down, 
 shepherds,  becaufe  of  the  fierce  anger  of  the  Lord. 
 
 caping  ,  He  hath  forlaken  his  covert,  as  the  lion:  for 
 from,,.^-c.  land  IS  t  defolate,  becaule  of  the  fiercenefs  of 
 f  Heb.  a  the  oppreflTor,  and  becaufe  of  his  fierce  anger.* 
 
 desolation.  ° 
 
 CHAP.  XXVI. 
 
 1  Jeremiah  exhorleth  the  people  to  repentance,  8  is  apprehended,  and  ar¬ 
 raigned  before  the  princes ;  1 2  his  apology,  c. 
 
 N  the  beginning  of  the  reign  of  Jehoiakim  the  fon 
 
 He  is  quit  in  judgment. 
 
 10  H  When  the  princes  of  Judah  heard  thefe  things.  Before 
 then  they  came  up  from  the  king’s  houfe  ijnto  ihe  ^*'^''1 
 
 in  the  entry  of 
 
 610 
 ending, 
 609  be¬ 
 ginning 
 
 houfe  of  the  Lord,  and  fat  down 
 
 the  new  gate  of  the  Lord’s  house.  u  Or,  „7 
 
 1 1  Then  Ipake  the  priefts  and  the  prophets  unto 
 
 the  princes,  and  to  all  the  people,  faying,  f  This  man 
 fs  worthy  to  die;  for  he  hath  prophefied  againft  ih]& 
 city,  as  ye^have  heard  with  your  ears.  death  u 
 
 12  %  Then  fpake  Jeremiah  unto  all  the  princes, 
 and  to  all  the  people,  faying,  the  Lord  lent  me  to"'“"‘ 
 prophefy  againft  this  houfe,  and  againft  this  city,  all 
 the  words  that  ye  have  heard. 
 
 13  Therefore  now amend  your  wavs  and  your  Chap, 
 doings,  and  obey  the  voice  of  the  Lord  your  God  ; 
 
 ^L'  T^/:,U  1  •  4'  T  J  l_  »  •  .  /'  I  aiiU  KJUS^y  liic  VUICC  Ul  UJC  i^UKJj  your  OOU  • 
 
 or  joluh  king  of  Judah,  came  this  wo^rd  from  the  |j  and  the  I.ord  will  <=  repent  him  of  the  evil  that  he^^’er.  19. 
 
 a  .\cts 
 20.  27. 
 
 b  Chap. 
 
 18.  8. 
 
 Lord,  faying, 
 
 2  T.  hus  faith  the  Lord,  Stand  in  the  court  of  the 
 Lord  s  houfe,  and  fpeak  unto  all  the  cities  of  Judah, 
 which  come  to  worfhip  in  the  Lord’s  houfe,  all  the 
 words  that  I  command  thee  to  fpeak  unto  them  ;  “  di- 
 minifti  not  a  w'ord  ; 
 
 3  If  (o  be  they  will  hearken,  and  turn  every  man 
 from  his  evil  way,  that  I  may  repent  me  of  the  evil 
 which  1  purpofe  to  do  unto  them,  becaufe  of  the  evil 
 of  their  doings. 
 
 4  And  thou  ftialt  fay  unto  them.  Thus  faith  the 
 Lord,  If  ye  will  not  hearken  to  me,  to  walk  in  my 
 law  which  I  have  fet  before  you, 
 
 5  io  hearken  to  the  words  of  my  fervants  the  pro¬ 
 phets,  whom  I  lent  unto  you,  both  rifing  up  early, 
 and  lending  Mcot,  but  ye  have  not  hearkened  ; 
 
 6  Then  will  1  make  this  houfe  like  Shiloh,  and  will 
 
 nations  of  the  earth. 
 
 78.60.  So  the  priefts,  and  the  prophets,  and  all  the 
 
 Chap.  people,  heard  Jeremiah  fpeaking  thefe  words  in  the 
 7.  12, 14.  houfe  of  the  Lord. 
 
 8  If  Now  it  came  to  pafs,  when  Jeremiah  had  made 
 
 an  end  of  fpeaking  all  that  the  Lord  had  command¬ 
 ed  him  to  fpeak  unto  all  the  people,  that  the  priefts, 
 and  the  prophets,  and  all  the  people,  took  him,  laying, ' 
 Thou  fhalt  lurely  die.  ! 
 
 9  Why  haft  thou  prophefied  in  the  name  of  the  , 
 Lord,  laying.  This  houfe  fnall  be  like  Shiloh,  and 
 this  city  lhall  be  delblate  without  an  inhabitant  ?  And 
 all  the  people  w'ere  gathered  againft  Jeremiah  in  the 
 houfe  of  the  Lord. 
 
 c  1  Sam. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXVI.  Ver.  1—15.  The  prophet 
 fpecifies  the  period  of  his  delivering  the  prophetic  warning  contained  in  this 
 paflage  :  it  was  in  the  beginning  of  Jehoiakim’s  reign,  at  the  feafoii  of  one  of 
 the  great  feftivals,  when  all  the  males  of  Judea  were  commanded  to  appear 
 before  the  Lord  in  Jerufalem.  The  univerfal  oppofition  lliewed  him  difeovered 
 moft  /Irikingly  the  general  degeneracy  of  the  people;  but  his  moll  bitter 
 enemies  ftill  were  the  falfe  prophets  and  ungodly  priefts,  who  lived  by  the 
 influence  which  their  deceit  and  falfehood  obtained  them  over  a  licentious 
 people.  Their  reafoning  againft  him  difeovered  as  much  the  bafenefs  of  their 
 charadlers  as  the  injuftice  of  their  caufe  ;  they  alk  not  whether  he  fpoke  the  truth, 
 but  condemn  him  for  declaring  that  Jerufalem  would  be  laid  defolate,  becaufe 
 of  their  iniquities  :  they  endeavour  not  to  prove  his  charge  falfe,  but  rejetil  it 
 as  militating  againft  them.  Ver.  17 — 24.  Thefe  refpe<51able  elders  of  Ifrael 
 
 hath  pronounced  againft  you. 
 
 14  As  for  me,  behold,  I  am  in  your  hand  ;  do  with 
 
 me  t  as  feemeth  good  and  meet  unto  you  :  t  Hei,. 
 
 15  But  know  ye  for  certain,  that,  if  ye  put  me 
 
 death,  ye  lhall  furely  bring  innocent  blood  upon  yo^^r-tnlour^ 
 felves,  and  upon  this  city,  and  upon  the  inhabitants 
 thereof :  for  of  a  truth  the  Lord  hath  lent  me  unto 
 you,  to  fpeak  all  thefe  words  in  your  ears. 
 
 16  f  Tnen  faid  the  princes  and  all  the  people  unto 
 the  priefts,  and  to  the  prophets.  This  man  ?s  not  wor¬ 
 thy  to  die ;  for  he  hath  fpoken  to  us  in  the  name  of 
 the  Lord  our  God. 
 
 17  Then  rofe  up  certain  of  the  elders  of  the  land, 
 and  fpake  to  all  the  alTembly  of  the  people,  faying, 
 
 ^18  Micah  the  Morafthite  prophefied  in  the  daysi'Wieab 
 of  Hezekiah  king  of  Judah,  and  fpake  to  all  the  peo-'-.^- 
 pie  of  Judah,  laying.  Thus  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts, 
 s  Zion  lhall  be  plowed  It/ce  a  field,  and  Jerufalem  lhall  ^ 
 become  heaps,  and  the  mountain  of  the  houfe  as  the"’ 
 high-places  of  a  foreft. 
 
 _  19  Did  Hezekiah  king  of  Judah  and  all  Judah  put 
 him  at  all  to  death  ?  did  he  not  fear  the  Lord,  and 
 befought  f  the  Lord,  and  the  Lord  repented  himfn®’’- 
 of  the  evil  which  he  had  pronounced  againft  them 
 Thus  might  we  procure  great  evil  againft  our  fouls,  loei). 
 
 20  And  there  was  alfo  a  man  that  prophefied  in  the 
 narne  of  the  Lord,  Urijah  the  fon  of  Shemaiah  of 
 Kmjath-jearim,  who  prophefied  againft  this  city,  and 
 againft  this  land,  according  to  all  the  words  of  Jere¬ 
 miah  ; 
 
 21  And  when  Jehoiakim  the  king,  with  all  his 
 
 reafoned  according  to  the  principles  of  truth,  integrity  and  moderation,  than  which 
 nothing  ^as  a  greater  tendency  to  promote  the  welfare  of  any  people.  The  ex¬ 
 amples  referred  to  juflify  the  principles  enforced.  Hezekiah  and  all  Judea, 
 moved  with  fear  by  the  fafthful  warnings  of  Micah  the  Blorafthile,  turned  to  the 
 Lord  their  God,  who  mercifully  regarded  them,  and  turned  away  the  fiercenefs 
 of  his  wrath.  Jehoiakim,  his  warriors,  and  counfellors,  perfecuted  Urijah,  another 
 upright  prophet;  the  power  and  malice  of  his  enemies  reached  him  in  Egypt 
 whither  he  had  fled  ;  he  was  brought  back  as  a  wretched  captive,  put  to  death, 
 arid  his  dead  body  treated  moft  contemptuoufly  by  the  commandment  of  his  king 
 and  by  fuch  condurfl  had  only  indulged  a  revengeful  temper,  or  exhibited  bis  folly 
 to  all  men.  Among  the  elders  who  befriended  Jeremiah,  and  pleaded  the  caule 
 of  righteoufnefs,  Ahikam  the  fon  of  Shaphan,  was  moft  diftinguilhed  ;  and  his 
 influence  and  efforts  were  moft  fuccefsful.  The  names  of  fuch  men  deferve  to 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  XXV.J 
 
 They  who  declare  God’s  meflages  ought  to  be  earneft  and  diligent  in  delivering  them,  that  they  may 
 at  leaft  be  freed  from  the  blood  of  all  men.  He  does  not  ufually  ftrike  without  warning;  but  if  we  will  not  hear,  we  muft  perifli.  God  will  remember  agamft 
 the  Cnner  all  the  means  of  grace  he  hath  abufed,  as  his  greateft  condemnation  in  the  day  of  judgment.  They  who  will  not  be  ruled  by  God’s  word  muft  be  ruined. 
 When  judgment  begins  at  the  houfe  of  God,  it  ordinarily'  makes  fiarful  and  overturning  work  among  all,  even  the  migbtieft  nations  around,  before  it  ceafe.  That 
 God,  to  whom  all  nations  are  accountable,  can  eafiiy,  by  a  fmall  lip  of  his  unbounded  wrath,  by  a  ftroke  of  his  fword,  or  the  roaring  of  his  voice,  terrify,  perplex, 
 and  deftroy  them,  however  numerous,  powerful,  or  fecure.  And  they  who  have  plagued  their  neighbours,  and  efpecially  the  people  of  God,  fhall  have  their  fill  of 
 ▼eration  and  mifery  at  laft.  —  Men  who  are  ambitious  of  power,  generally  become  troublers  and  deftroyers  to  the  world  around.  But  great  earthly  pomp  and  power 
 are  very  uncertain,  and  often  of  very  fhort  continuance.  But,  if  the  ravages  of  war  be  fo  tremendous,  what  infinitely  more  fearful  work  muft  the  unieftrained  fuiy 
 of  the  Almighty  God  make  in  hell  for  ever  and  ever  !  Let  then  wars  and  troubles,  however  diftant,  make  me  to  bear  and  fear,  and  embrace  his  new  covenant  of 
 peace  offered  in  the  gofpel,  that  I  may  at  laft  enter  into  that  peaceable  habitation,  into  which  no  fire  or  fword,  no  violence  or  deftrutftion,  can  ever  enter. 
 
fhe  type  and  bond  of  pokes. 
 
 JEREMIAH. 
 
 J'/ie  king,  priests,  and  people  advised. 
 
 pe^p 
 
 cir, 
 
 598. 
 
 Before  m'ghty  men,  and  all  the  princes  heard  his  words,  the 
 ciirift  Ibught  to  pul  him  to  death ;  but  when  Urijah 
 
 fir.  606-.  ^g^rd  it,  he  was  afraid  and  fled,  and  went  into  Egypt  ; 
 
 22  And  Jehoiakim  the  king  lent  men  into  Egypt, 
 namely,  E'nathan  the  fon  of  Achbor,  and  certain  men 
 with  him,  into  Egypt : 
 
 23  And  they  fetched  forth  Urijah  out  of  Egypt,  and 
 brought  him  unto  Jehoiakim  the  king,  who  flew  him 
 with  the  I'word,  and  cart  his  dead  body  into  the  graves 
 
 |Heb.  of  the  t  common  people. 
 
 soiisoftiie  24-  Nevertheless,  the  hand  of  Ahikam  the  Ton  of 
 Shaphan  was  with  Jeremiah,  that  they  Ihould  not  give 
 him  into  the  hand  of  the  people  to  put  him  to  death.* 
 
 CH  AP.  XXVII. 
 
 1  Jeremiah  prythesieth  the  suhjectmi  nf  the  neighbouring  Icings  imto  Nebu¬ 
 chadnezzar  ;  8  he  exhorteth  them  to  submit  quietlp.  1 1  Zedekiah  ad- 
 V  sed.  1  5  The  priests  and  people  advised. 
 
 T  N  the  beginning  of  the  reign  of  Jehoiakim  the  fon 
 of  Jofiah  king  of  Judah,  came  this  word  unto 
 Jeremiah  from  the  Lord,  faying, 
 
 2  Thus  laith  the  Lord  to  me.  Make  thee  bonds 
 and  yokes,  and  put  them  upon  thy  neck, 
 
 3  And  fend  them  to  the  king  of  Edom,  and  to  the 
 king  of  Moab,  and  to  the  king  of  the  Ammonites, 
 and  to  the  king  of  Tyrus,  and  to  the  king  of  Zidon, 
 by  the  hand  of  the  raefTengers  which  come  to  Jerufa- 
 lem  unto  Zedekiah  king  of  Judah  ; 
 
 4  And  command  them  ||  to  fay  unto  their  mafters. 
 Thus  faith  the  Lord  of  holds,  the  God  of  Ifrael,  Thus 
 lhall  ye  fay  unto  your  matters ; 
 
 5  1  have  made  the  earth,  the  man  and  the  beatt 
 that  are  upon  the  ground,  by  my  great  power  and  by 
 
 a  Daniel  niy  outttretched  arm,  and  ^  have  given  it  unto  whom 
 8. 17,25.  ^  feemed  meet  unto  me. 
 
 6  And  now  have  I  given  all  thefe  lands  into  the 
 hand  of  Nebuchadnezzar  the  king  of  Babylon,  ^  my 
 fervant :  and  the  beatts  of  the  field  have  1  given  him 
 alfo  to  ferve  him. 
 
 7  And  all  nations  fhall  ferve  him,  and  his  fon,  and 
 his  Con’s  fon,  until  the  very  time  of  his  land  come  ; 
 and  then  many  nations  and  great  kings  fliall  ferve 
 themfelves  of  him. 
 
 8  And  it  lhall  come  to  pal's,  that  the  nation  and 
 kingdom  which  will  not  ferve  the  fame  Nebuchad- 
 
 lipf're 
 
 iOr. 
 
 emcern- 
 ing  their 
 masters 
 saying. 
 
 b  Chap. 
 ib.  9.  & 
 43.  10. 
 
 to  your  diviners,  nor  to  your  f  dreamers,  nor  to  your 
 enchanters,  nor  to  your  forcerers,  which  fpeak  unto 
 you,  laving.  Ye  lhall  not  ferve  the  king  of  Babylon  :  — ; 
 
 10  For  they  prophefy  a  lie  unto  you,  to  remove  t 
 you  far  from  your  land  :  and  that  1  Ihould  drive  you 
 out,  and  ye  Ihculd  perilh. 
 
 1 1  But  the  nations  that  bring  their  neck  under  the 
 yoke  of  the  king  of  Babylon,  and  ferve  liim,  thofe 
 will  1  let  remain  ttill  in  their  own  land,  faith  the  Lord  ; 
 
 !  and  they  fhall  till  it,  and  dwell  therein. 
 
 12  H  I  Ipake  alfo  to  Zedekiah  king  of  Judah  ac- 
 cording  to  all  thefe  words,  faying.  Bring  your  necks 
 under  the  yoke  of  the  king  of  Babylon,  and  ferve 
 him  and  his  people,  and  live. 
 
 13  Why  will  ye  die,  thou  and  thy  people,  by  the 
 fword,  by  the  famine,  and  by  the  Pettilence,  as  the 
 Lord  hath  fpoken  againtt  the  nation,  that  will  not 
 ferve  the  king  of  Babylon  ? 
 
 14  Therefore  hearken  not  unto  the  words  of  the 
 prophets  that  fpeak  unto  you,  faying,  ye  lhall  not 
 ferve  the  king  of  Babylon  ;  for  they  prophecy  '  a 
 unto  you. 
 
 15  For  I  have  not  Cent  them,  faith  the  Lord,  yet  29,  s. 
 
 they  prophefy  f  a  lie  in  rriy  name ;  that  I  might  drive  f  Htb. 
 you  out,  and  that  ye  might  perilh,  ye  and  the  pro- 
 phets  that  prophely  unto  you.  _  ^ 
 
 16  Alfo  I  fpake  to  the  prietts,  and  to  all  this  peo¬ 
 ple,  faying,  thus  fdth  the  Lord,  Hearken  not  to  the 
 words  of  your  prophets  that  prophely  unto  you,  lay¬ 
 ing,  Behold,  the  vefifels  of  the  Lord’s  houfe  fhall 
 now  Ihortly  be  brought  again  from  Babylon :  for 
 they  prophefy  a  lie  unto  you. 
 
 n  Hearken  not  unto  them ;  ferve  the  king  of  Ba¬ 
 bylon,  and  live :  wherefore  Ihould  this  city  be  laid 
 watte  ? 
 
 18  But  if  they  be  prophets,  and  if  the  word  of  the 
 Lord  be  with  them,  let  them  now  make  interceflaon 
 to  the  Lord  of  hotts,  that  the  veflTels  which  are  left 
 in  the  houfe  of  the  Lord,  and  in  the  houfe  of  the 
 king  of  Judah,  and  at  Jerufalem,  go  not  to  Babylon. 
 
 19  ^  For  thus  faith  the  Lord  of  hotts  concerning 
 the  pillars,  and  concerning  the  lea,  and  concerning  the 
 bales,  and  concerning  the  refldue  of  the  vefifels  that 
 remain  in  this  city, 
 
 20  Which  Nebuchadnezzar  king  of  Babylon  took 
 not,  when  he  carried  aw'ay  captive  Jeconiah  the  fon^-K'"?* 
 nf  Tphniakim  kmcr  nf  Tnrlah  frnm  Ipriifalem  tO  Babv- 
 
 nezzar  the  king  of  Babylon,  and  that  will  not  put 
 their  neck  under  the  yoke  of  the  king  of  Babylon, 
 that  nation  will  I  punifh,  faith  the  Lord,  with  the  Ij  of  Jehoiakim  king  of  Judah  from  Jerufalem  to  Baby 
 fword,  and  with  the  famine,  and  with  the  pettilence,  jl  Ion,  and  all  the  nobles  of  Judah  and  Jerufalem  ; 
 until  1  have  confumed  them  by  his  hand.  ’  j!  21  Yea,  thus  faith  the  I.ord  of  hotts,  the  God  of 
 
 9  Therefore  hearken  not  ye  to  your  prophets,  nor 
 
 be  held  in  eveilalling  remembrance  by  every  benevolent  mind  ;  and  to  be  recorded 
 with  approbation  and  honour  to  the  lateft  pofterity  ;  for  their  worth  is  as  invaluable 
 as  their  number  is  fmall  in  this  unjufl  and  wicked  world.  Comp.  Adis  v.  33 — 
 40.  xix.  35—41.  2  Their,  iii.  I,  2. 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  XXVII.  Ver.  1—22.  Comp.  chap. 
 
 xxiv.  1  —  10.  The  prophets  of  the  Lord  frequently  addrefl'ed  thofe  nations  whole 
 fuuation  or  (late  of  affairs  aftVdled  tlie  intereft  of  Ifrael.  Jeremiah  is  command¬ 
 ed  to  call  the  ambaffadors  from  fome  of  thefe  nations  to  intimate  to  their  mailers 
 the  neccffity  of  fubinilting  to  the  king  of  Babylon,  as  God  had  delivered  them 
 Into  his  hand.  As  a  fign  of  their  complete  fubjedlion  to  that  monarch,  the 
 prophet  was  to  deliver  his  meffage  in  the  attire  of  a  captive,  deftined  to  flavery. 
 
 Ifrael,  concerning  the  veflels  that  remain  in  the  houle 
 
 They  were  to  ferve  Nebuchadnezzar,  and  Evil-merodach  his  fon,  and  Belfliazzar 
 his  grandfon  :  and  then  came  the  time  fi.xed  by  God  for  the  ovrrlhrow  of  the 
 Chaldean  monarchy,  when  the  Medes,  Perlians,  and  their  allies  reduced  it 
 and  rendered  the  Chaldeans  tributaries  and  Haves.  The  prophet  folemnly 
 warns  thofe  whom  he  addreffed  that  more  dreadful  calamities  than  the  power 
 of  Babylon  could  inflicl,  would  come  upon  them  immediately  from  God,  if  they 
 fubmitted  not  readily  to  his  determination  refpedling  them  ;  he  entreats  tlwm 
 not  to  llllen  to  thefe  fubtle,  fuperftilious  guides,  who,  fupported  by  their 
 bounty,  lludied  to  gratify  their  inclinations  and  flatter  their  unbounded  experSla- 
 lions,  while  they  were  deftitute  of  unfeigned  regard  for  their  bell  interells. 
 Similar  inllrudlions  and  warnings  he  imparted  to  bis  own  fovereign  and  fePow- 
 
 PRACTICAL  observations. — *  Chap  XXVI.]  There  is  nothing  in  the  moll  terrible  denunciations  of  wrath  to  quarrel  with,  when  the  only  end  of 
 thefe  terrors  of  the  Lord  is  to  lead  us  to  pardon  and  evcrlalling  peace.  If  men  will  not  be  warned  they  must  be  condemned.  They  who  are  zealous  for  God,  will 
 fometimes  be  fubjecSled  to  the  moll  imminent  danger.  How  often  has  it  happened  finee  this  period  that  the  faithful  ministers  of  the  gofpel  have  been  in  great  peril 
 from  mobs  and  tumults,  instigated  by  apostate  and  wicked  priests.  To  preach  courageoufly,  and  fuller  patiently  for  well  doing,  is  the  true  fpirit  of  the  min  sters  of 
 Christ.  We  fliould  decidedly  abide  by  the  Scripture  of  truth,  not  receding  one  step,  though  we  fliould  fustain  thereby  the  greatest  lofs  or  damage,  even  Ihould  death 
 ilfelf  threaten  us  for  our  faithfulnefs.  There  are  a  number  who  own  the  truth  of  the  word  of  God,  wl  o.  notwithstanding,  continue  unhumbled  in  their  fins.  If 
 trust  in  God  who  hath  the  hearts  of  all  men  in  his  hands,  he  will  raife  up  friends  to  us  in  the  day  of  trial  where  we  least  expedled  them. 
 
i la  naniah's  Jahc  proi>h cqj.  JE  R E  M I A ! I . 
 
 c^irHi  Lord,  and  the  houfe  of  the  king  of  Judah 
 
 cir.  59S.  Ot  Jerulalem  ; 
 
 — '  '  a,‘^u  !hall  be  'carried  to  Babylon,  and  there 
 
 e2KiDgs  _“^*‘  they  be  until  the  day  that  I  vifit  them,  faith  the 
 
 25.  la. 
 2  Chro 
 36.  18. 
 
 cir.  596. 
 
 t  Het). 
 
 i-ORp:  then  will  1  bring  them  up,  and  rettore  them 
 to  this  place.* 
 
 f  2  Chron.  36.  21.  Chap.  29.  10. 
 
 CHAP.  XXVIII. 
 
 1  IJananiah  s  false  propheq/  of  the  return  of  the  vessels,  ^'c  within  two 
 pears.  5  Jerem  ah  tvishing  ti  be  true  appcaleth  to  the  event.  10 
 Hanan  ah  br.aketh  Jeremiah's  poke,  i^c. 
 
 ND  it  came  to  pals  the  fame  year,  in  thebegin- 
 __  ning  of  the  reign  of  Zedekiah  king  of  Judah,  in 
 the  fourth  year,  and  in  the  fifth  month,  t/iat  Hananiah 
 the  fon  of  Azur  the  prophet,  which  ivas  of  Gibeon, 
 Ipake  unto  me  in  the  houfe  of  the  Lord,  in  the  pre- 
 lence  of  the  priefts  and  of  all  the  people,  faying, 
 
 2  Thus  fpeaketh  the  Lord  of  holis,  the  God  of 
 Ifrael,  faying,  1  have  broken  the  yoke  of  the  king  of 
 Babylon. 
 
 3  Within  f  two  full  years  will  I  bring  again  into 
 o/dal^l^  place  all  the  veffels  of  the  Lord’s  houfe  that  Ne¬ 
 buchadnezzar  king  of  Babylon  took  away  from  this 
 place,  and  carried  them  to  Babylon  ; 
 
 4  And  I  will  bring  again  to  this  place  Jeconiah  the 
 t  Heb.  fon  of  Jehoiakim  king  of  Judah,  with  all  the  f  captives 
 capiwuy.  of  Judah,  that  went  into  Babylon,  faith  the  Lord  : 
 
 for  I  will  break  the  yoke  of  the  king  of  Babylon. 
 
 5  ^  Then  the  prophet  Jeremiah  laid  unto  the  pro¬ 
 phet  Hananiah,  in  the  prefence  of  the  priefts,  and  in 
 the  prefence  of  all  the  people  that  flood  in  the  houfe 
 of  the  Lord, 
 
 6  Even  the  prophet  Jeremiah  faid.  Amen :  the 
 Lord  do  fo :  the  Lord  perform  thy  words  which 
 thou  haft  prophefied,  to  bring  again  the  veffels  of  the 
 Lord’s  houfe,  and  all  that  is  carried  away  captive, 
 from  Babylon  into  this  place. 
 
 7  Neverthelefs,  hear  thou  now  this  w^ord  that  I 
 fpeak  in  thme  ears,  and  in  the  ears  of  all  the  people  r. 
 
 8  The  prophets  that  have  been  before  me  and 
 before  thee  of  old,  prophefied  both  againft  many 
 countries,  and  againft  great  kingdoms,  of  war,  and  of 
 evil,  and  of  peftilence. 
 
 fubje<5ls  ;  they  were  condemned  to  captivity;  the  temple  in  which  they  tru  tied 
 robbed  ot'all  its  glory,  its  veffels  carried  to  Babylon;  there  however  God  promif- 
 eth  to  vifit  and  reftore  them  to  their  own  land. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXVIII.  Ver.  1  —  17.  The  argu¬ 
 ments  with  which  Jeremiah  oppofes  Hananiah,  who  prophefied  falfely,  are  well 
 worthy  of  ferious  attention.  Ifrael  had  hitherto  been  a  rebellious  people ;  and 
 hence  tbofe  prophets  whom  God  had  fent  were  generally  known  by  calling  them 
 to  repentance,  and  warning  them  of  approaching  judgments.  Now  as  it  is  evident, 
 that  in  the  age  of  Jeremiah  the  people  exceeded  tlieir  fathers  in  wickednefs,  it 
 was  moft  improbable  that  Hananiah  was  cominiffioned  by  God  to  fpeak  peace, 
 while  he  did  not  fo  much  as  bint  the  necefllty  of  repentance.  Some  prophets  in¬ 
 deed  bad  appeared  in  Judea,  whofe  example  he  might  plead  ;  but  their  prophecies 
 never  having  been  fulfilled,  proved  decifively  that  they  were  deceivers.  There  is 
 however  no  need  of  daring,  that  thofe  who  hypocritically  pretend  to  be  the  fer- 
 vants  of  the  Moft  High,  will  not  perform,  in  order  to  accomplifli  their  own  ends 
 
 Jeremiah  foretellcth  Ilafianiah's  death 
 
 9  1  he  prophet  which  prophefieth  of  peace,  when  Bvr 
 the  word  of  the  prophet  fhall  come  to  pal's,  then  (hall  tii.rift 
 (he  prophet  be  known,  that  the  Lord  hath  truly  fent 
 him.  ^ 
 
 ,.  Hananiah  the  prophet  took  the  »  yoke  a  ci.a 
 
 from  oft  the  prophet  Jeremiah’s  neck,  and  brake  it.  27.2?" 
 
 1 1  And  Hananiah  fpake  in  the  prefence  of  all  the 
 people,  faying,  thus  faith  the  Lord  even  fo  will  I 
 break  the  yoke  of  Nebuchadnezzar  king  of  Babylon 
 from  the  neck  of  all  nations  within  the  fpace  of  two 
 full  years.  And  the  prophet  Jeremiah  went  his  way. 
 
 12  ^  1  hen  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  Jere¬ 
 miah  the  prophet,  (after  that  Hananiah  the  prophet 
 had  broken  tneyoke  from  off  the  neck  of  the  prophet 
 Jeremiah,)  fayin-j, 
 
 13  Go  and  tell  Hananiah,  faying,  Thus  faith  the 
 Lord,  thou  haft  broken  the  yokes  of  wood ;  but 
 thou  (halt  make  for  them  yokes  of  iron, 
 
 14  For  thus  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts,  the  God  of 
 Ifrael,  1  have  put  a  yoke  of  iron  upon  the  neck  of  all 
 thefe  nations,  that  they  may  ferve  Nebuchadnezzar 
 king  of  Babylon;  and  they  fhall  ferve  him;  and  I 
 have  given  hjm  the  beafts  of  the  field  a'fia. 
 
 15  Then  faid  the  prophet  Jeremiah  unto  Hananiah  . 
 the  prophet.  Hear  now,  Hananiah  ;  the  Lord  hath 
 not  fent  thee;  but  thou  makelt  this  people  to  truft  in 
 
 a  lie. 
 
 16  Therefore  thus  faith  the  Lord,  Behold,  I  willbD^^^, 
 call  thee  from  oft'  the  face  of  the  earth:  this  year  le.  s. ' 
 thou  fhalt  die,  becaule  thou  haft  taught  f  rebellion 
 againft  the  Lord. 
 
 j7  So  Hananiah  the  prophet  died  the  fame  vear  inLo/f‘ 
 the  feventh  raonth.f  ‘  dr.  595, 
 
 CHAP.  XXIX. 
 
 1  Jeremiah  bp  a  letter,  adviseth  the  captives  hi  Babylon  to  live  quietly 
 there,  and  not  to  believe  the  illusions  of  their  false  prophets,  10  and 
 assureth  them  of  a  gracious  return,  ^'C. 
 
 NOW  thefe  are  the  words  of  the  letter  that  Jere¬ 
 miah  the  prophet  fent  from  Jerulalem  unto  the 
 refidue  of  the  elders  which  were  carried  away  cap¬ 
 tives,  and  to  the  priefts  and  to  the  prophets,  and  to 
 all  the  people  w'hom  Nebuchadnezzar  had  carried 
 away  captive  from  Jerulalem  to  Babylon, 
 
 in  defiance  of  tru  h,  and  their  own  and  others’  heft  interefts.  Hananiah  prefuinp- 
 tuousiy  feizes  the  fymbols  of  ful)je<ftion  to  a  haughty  coitqueror,  wore  by  Jerctri- 
 ah,  and  with  all  the  holdaefs  of  a  true  prophet,  attefts  to  fhe  truth  of  his  prophefy, 
 that  Babylon’s  power  over  the  nations  would  ceafe  within  two  full  years  ;  in  token 
 of  which  he  broke  the  yoke,  in  prefence  of  all  the  people,  whofe  favour  he  fouglit 
 by  teaching  them  lies.  They  and  he  might  exult;  and  to  endeavour  faftening 
 convitlion  of  guilt  or  danger  on  his  confeience  or  theirs  was  perhaps  hopelefij 
 however  the  triumphing  of  the  wicked  is  fliort.  He  had  broken  yokes  of  wood, 
 j  hut  liad  made  to  the  people  yokes  of  iron  ;  for  the  rtfilling  tbrougii  his  influence 
 i  of  the  dominion  of  Babylon,  fiiall  only  iffue  in  their  feeling  more  terribly  its  ven¬ 
 geance,  and  as  for  himl'tlf,  his  future  fate  lhall  as  fully  teftify  to  the  truth  of  wbat 
 he  denied,  as  it  ftiall  exemplify  the  righteous  judgment  of  God.  Compare 
 Adis  xiii.  8 —  1 1 . 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXIX.  Ver.  1—32.  Jeconiah  the  king, 
 the  principal  perfons  in  the  government,  and  the  moft  diftinguiftied  warriors  in 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XXVII.]  The  earth  is  the  Lord’s  and  the  fulnefs  thereof,  and  he  may  do  as  he  pleafes  with  it  without  giving 
 any  a  juft  caufe  for  murmuring  at  his  difpofal.  Generally  the  wicked  enjoy  the  greateft  fhare  of  the  word’s  riches.  To  fight  againft  the  providence  of  God  is  to 
 kick  againft  the  pricks;  for  when  he  judges  he  will  overcome.  Patience  will  alleviate  the  burthens  which  perverfenefs  but  aggravates.  They  who  embolden  fin- 
 iiers  in  their  evil  ways  (hall  perifii  w'ith  them;  the  deceived  and  the  deceiver  together.  True  prophets  will  be  advocates  before  God  in  prayer  for  tbofe  to  whom  they 
 preach.  They  who  maintain  no  communion  with  God  can  have  no  commifiton  from  him.  The  general  ruin  of  finners  arifes  from  falfe  hopes,  with  which  their  lying 
 and  lazy  teachers  flatter  them,  who  cry  peace,  when  there  is  no  peace.  In  wrath  God  dill  remembers  mercy.  Even  fhould  the  church’s  diftrefs  be  long  and  heavy 
 we  ought  not  to  defpair  as  God  has  affured  us  that  her  deliverance  lhall  come  ;  “  the  vifion  being  for  an  appointed  time  at  the  end  it  fliall  fpeak  t  bleffed  are  all 
 they  that  wait  for  it” 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — f  Chap.  XXVIII.]  The  fmooth  tongues  of  unfaithful  minifters  never  fpeak  reproof  hut  flattery.  By  this,  ye  fliall  know 
 them.  Falfehood  advanced  with  (olemnity  and  confidence  often  paffes  for  truth.  Many  dare  affirm  that  to  be  God’s  truth,  which  will  fhortly  be  found  a  lie  to  their 
 own  condemnation.  God  will  not  fuffer  his  prophets  or  minifters  to  he  infulted  with  impunity.  None  may  look  for  feverer  judgments,  than  thofe  who  endeavour  to 
 hinder  the  wotd  of  God  from  affedling  men’s  conl'ciences.  Sudden  death  is  terrible  indeed  when  viewed  as  God’s  judgment  for  traufgreffmg  his  commandroenis. 
 
Idler  to  the  captives,  c^c. 
 
 JEREMIAH. 
 
 Shemaiah  •wrileth  a  Idler  against  Jercnuah. 
 
 chamber 
 
 luiiis- 
 
 fore  2  (After  that  »  Jeconiah  the  king,  and  the  queen, 
 CuHft  and  the  t  eunuchs,  the  princes  of  Judah  and  Jerulalem, 
 and  the  carpenters,  and  the  fiiiiihs,  were  departed 
 
 from  Jerufalem,)  r  u  r  couk  a 
 
 24  12-  3  By  the  hand  of  Elafah  the  fon  of  Shaphan,  and 
 
 fHeb.  Q^^niariah  the  fon  of  Hilkiah,  (whom  Zedekiah  king 
 of  Judah  fent  unto  Babylon  to  Nebuchadnezzar  king 
 
 of  Babylon,  faying,  .  ^  ,  r  to  , 
 
 4  Thus  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts,  the  God  of  Ifrael, 
 
 unto  all  that  are  carried  away  captives,  whom  I  have 
 caufed  to  be  carried  away  from  Jerufalem  unto  Ba¬ 
 bylon  ;  .11 
 
 5  Build  ye  houfes,  and  dwell  in  them  :  and  plant 
 
 gardens,  and  eat  the  fruit  of  them  :  I 
 
 G  Take  ye  wives,  and  beget  Tons,  and  daughters ;  and  | 
 take  wives  for  your  Cons,  and  give  your  daughters  to  j 
 
 huibands  that  they  may  bear  fons  and  daughters ;  that  j 
 
 ye  may  be  increafed  there,  and  not  dirainilhed. 
 
 7  And  feek  the  peace  of  the  city  whether  I  have 
 caufed  you  to  be  carred  away  captives,  and  pray 
 unto  the  Lord  for  it :  for  in  the  peace  thereof  (hall 
 
 ye  have  peace.  .r-,  , 
 
 8  ”  For  thus  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts,  the  God  or 
 Ifrael',  Let  not  your  prophets  and  your  diviners,  that 
 
 D  unap.  be  in  the  midft  of  you,  deceive  you,  neither  hearken 
 14. 14- &  to  your  dreams,  which  ye  caule  to  be  dreamed. 
 
 23. 21.  &  g  Pqj.  they  prophely  f  fallely  unto  you  in  ray  name  ‘ 
 fneb'  T  have  not  fent  them,  faith  the  Lord. 
 
 inaiie.  1 0  ^  For  thus  faith  the  Lord.  Tnat  after  =  feventy 
 cir.  606.  years  be  accomplifhed  at  Babylon  1  will  vifit  you, 
 and  perform  my  good  word  toward  you,  in  caufing 
 Wii.  1.  you  to  return  to  this  place. 
 
 c.hap.  1 1  ^  For  I  know  the  thoughts  that  I  think  toward 
 
 2.5. 21.  &  the  Lord  ;  thoughts  of  peace,  and  not  of 
 
 evil,  to  give  you  an  t  expected  end. 
 
 12  Then  fhall  ye  call  upon  me,  and  ye  (hall  go 
 and  pray  unto  me,  and  I  will  hearken  unto  you. 
 
 13  And  ye  fhall  feek  me,  and  find /ne,  when  ye 
 (hall  fearch  for  me  with  all  your  heart. 
 
 14  And  1  will  be  found  of  you,  laith  the  Lord  ; 
 
 that  cannot  be 
 
 c  r.  006. 
 
 b  Cliap. 
 
 27.  22. 
 
 Daniel 
 9.  2. 
 f  Heb. 
 end  and 
 cx/iecla- 
 lion. 
 
 d  Daniel  xkuei  x  wm  uv-  .x.....  - - . 
 
 9, 3,  &c.  J  ^jj]  away  your  captivity,  and  I  will  gather 
 you  from  all  the  nations,  and  from  all  the  places 
 whither  I  have  driven  you,  laith  the  Lord  ;  and  I 
 will  bring  you  again  into  the  place  whence  I  caufed 
 you  to  be  carried  away  captive. 
 
 15  11  Becaufe  ye  have  faid.  The  Lord  hath  raifed 
 us  up  prophets  in  Babylon  ; 
 
 16  Know  that  thus  faith  the  Lord  of  the  king  that 
 fitteth  upon  the  throne  of  David,  and  of  all  the  people 
 that  dwelleth  in  this  city,  and  of  your  brethren  that 
 are  not  gone  forth  with  you  into  captivity  ; 
 
 17  Thus  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts.  Behold,  I  will  fend 
 upon  them  the  ‘  fword,  the  famine,  and  the  peftilence. 
 
 e  Chap. 
 24.  10. 
 
 and  will  make  them  like  ^  vile  figs, 
 
 eaten  they  are  fo' evil. 
 
 18  And  1  will  periecute  them  with  the  fword,  with 
 the  famiue,  and  with  the  peftilence,  and  v;ill  deliver 
 them  to  be  removed  to  all  the  kingdoms  of  the  earth, 
 
 t  to  be  a  curfe,  and  an  aftonifhment,  and  an  hiding,  tj*^'*^* 
 and  a  reproach,  among  all  the  nations  whether  1  havt-^^^^“ 
 driven  them  : 
 
 19  Becaufe  they  have  not  hearkened  to  my  words, 
 faith  the  Lord,  which  s  1  fent  unto  them  by  my  fer-|-_ 
 vants  the  prophets,  rifing  up  early,  and  lending  them ;  32.  33, 
 but  ve  would  not  hear,  laith  the  Lord. 
 
 20  H  Hear  ye  therefore  the  word  of  the  I.,ord,  all 
 ye  of  the  captivity,  whom  I  have  fent  from  Jerufalem 
 to  Babylon  ; 
 
 21  Thus  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts,  the  God  of  Ifrael, 
 of  Ahab  the  fon  of  Kolaiah,  and  of  Zedekiah  the  Ion 
 of  Maafeiah,  which  prophecy  a  lie  unto  you  in  my 
 name.  Behold,  1  will  deliver  them  into  the  hand  of 
 Nebuchadrezzar  king  of  Babylon,  and  he  (ball  day 
 them  before  your  eyes  : 
 
 22  And  of  them  fhall  be  taken  up  a  curfe  by  all 
 the  captivity  of  Judah  which  are  in  Babylon,  faying, 
 
 The  Lord  make  thee  like  Zedekiah,  and  like  Ahab, 
 whom  the  king  of  Babylon  roalfed  in  the  fire  ; 
 
 23  Becaufe  they  have  committed  villany  in  Ifrael, 
 and  have  committed  adultery  with  their  neighbours’ 
 wives,  and  have  fpoken  lying  words  in  my  name, 
 
 i  which  1  have  not  commanded  them ;  even  1  know, 
 and  am  a  wltnefs  faith  the  Lord. 
 
 24  H  Thus  (halt  thou  alio  (peak  to  Shemaiah  the  598. 
 
 11  Nehelamite,  faying,  .  -  .  IZmer. 
 
 25  Thus  fpeaketh  the  Lord  of  hofts,  the  God  01 
 Ifrael,  faying,  Becaufe  thou  haft  fent  letters  in  thy 
 name  unto  all  the  people  that  are  at  Jerulalem,  and 
 to  Zephaniah  the  Ion  of  Maafeiah  the  prieft,  and  to 
 
 ‘  all  the  priefts,  faying,  .  u  n  j 
 
 26  The  Lord  hath  made  thee  prieft  m  the  dead 
 of  Jehoiada  the  prieft,  that  ye  (hould  be  officers  in 
 the  houfe  of  the  Lord,  for  every  man  that  is  mad, 
 and  maketh  himfelf  a  prophet,  that  thou  fhouldeft 
 
 put  him  in  prifon,  and  in  the  docks :  20.  24. 
 
 1  27  Now,  therefore.  Why  haft  thou  not  reproved 
 
 !  Jeremiah  of  Anathoih,  which  maketh  himlelf  a  pro- 
 I  phet  to  you  ? 
 
 28  For  therefore  he  fent  unto  us  in  Babylon,  laying. 
 
 This  captiviii)  is  long ;  build  ye  houfes,  and  dwell 
 in  them ;  and  plant  gardens,  and  eat  the  fruit  of 
 
 them.  .  ^  ,  -  u 
 
 29  And  Zephaniah  the  prieft  read  this  letter  in  the 
 
 ears  of  Jeremiah  the  prophet. 
 
 30  H  Then  came  the  word  of  the  Lord  unto  Jere* 
 miah,  faying, 
 
 4he  array,  to  the  number  of  ten  thoufand,  with  the  moft  ufeful  men  in  the  nation, 
 had  according  to  the  will  of  God,  furrendered  themfelves  to  Nebuchadnezzar, 
 who  carried  them  captive  to  Babylon.  Po  thefe  Jeremiah  fent  the  letter  before 
 us,  for  their  inftrudlion,  comfort  and  encouragement.  Separated  from  their 
 country  which  they  loved,  and  the  temple  fervice,  fincertly  and  ardently  ellecmed 
 by  every  pious  individual  among  them,  they  were  doubtlefs  opprelfed  with  grief, 
 perhaps' tempted  to  envy  their  brethren,  permitted  to  remain  in  Judea  through 
 the  influence  of  the  deceitful  Zedekiah,  who  had  infinuated  hipifelf  into  the  Ba- 
 bylonilh  king’s  favour,  at  the  expense  of  his  brethren’s  welfare  ;  and  di(lra<5led 
 ia  mind  by  faife  expedlations  of  fpeedy  deliverance  from  captivity,  excited  by 
 the  prophecies  of  men  like  Hananiah.  That  their  minds  might  be  fet  at  eafe, 
 they  are  diredted  to  obferve  the  duties  of  domeflic  life,  and  particularly  to  pray 
 for  the  profperity  (in  which  they  themfelves  would  fliare)  of  the  country  in  which 
 God  had  appointed  them  for  a  long  time  to  fojourn.  They  are  warned  againft 
 
 8  X 
 
 paying  any  attention  to  thofe  prophets,  who  confulted  only  to  ftrengthen  their 
 foolifli  wifhes  and  unfounded  hopes  j  while  they  are  alTured  of  restoration  at 
 the  end  of  feventy  years  ;  for  they  were  the  objeas  of  Jehovah’s  love,  and  for 
 them  he  has  abundance  of  good  in  referve,  which  they  would  in  due  time  receive. 
 There  were  however,  fome  among  the  captives  who  were  indifpofed  to  listen  to 
 Jeremiah,  as  they  put  great  confidence  in  prophets  of  another  defcription,  who 
 appeared  among  themfelves.  He  folemnly  alTures  thefe  that  their  condua  was 
 altogether  wrong,  for  the  Lord  had  determined  to  verify  all  his  denunciations  on 
 the  houfe  of  Judah,  efpecially  on  thofe  who  were  not  yet  carried  captive  to 
 Babylon.  And  as  for  thofe  faife  prophets  among  the  captives,  who  fought  to 
 deceive  the  people,  the  Lord  had  appointed  them  viaitns  of  Nebuchadnezzar’s 
 venoeance,  becaufe  of  their  great  wickednefs ;  and  would  thus  (hew  to  the  peo- 
 I  plefthat  his  word  by  Jeremiah  was  truth.  Nor  would  Shemaiah  efcape  the 
 1  righteous  judgment  of  God,  whofe  fervants  he  had  denominated  mad,  and  then 
 
 23 
 
The  rclurn  Jorcsheacn. 
 
 2 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 cir.  589. 
 
 i  Chap. 
 28.  16. 
 f  Heb. 
 revolt. 
 
 31  Send  to  all  them  of  the  captivity,  faying,  Thus 
 laith  the  Lord  concerning  Sheraaiah  the  Nehelamite, 
 Bfcauie  that  Shemaiah  hath  prophtfied  unto  you,  and 
 I  fent  him  not,  and  he  cauled  you  to  tn  ft  in  a  lie ; 
 
 32  1  herefore  thus  faith  the  Lord,  Behold,  1  will 
 punifb  Shemaiah  the  Nehelamite,  and  his  feed  :  he 
 ihall  not  have  a  man  to  dwell  among  this  people; 
 neither  (hall  he  behold  the  good  that  I  will  do  for  ray 
 people,  (ait h  the  I.ord  ;  *  hecaule  he  hath  taught 
 t  rebellion  againft  the  Lord.* 
 
 cir.  606. 
 
 CHAP.  XXX. 
 
 1  God  sheweth  Jeremiah  the  return  of  the  Jervs,  4  and  their  deliverance 
 out  of  trouble ;  10  he  com  forteth  Jacob,  18  and  promiselU  the  Jews  a 
 gracious  rc-esti.hlishnient,  &c. 
 
 *^3  '’HE  word  that  came  to  Jeremiah  from  the  Lord, 
 jL  ^  Hying, 
 
 2  Thus  fpeaketh  the  Lord  God  of  Ilrael,  faying. 
 Write  thee  all  the  words  that  I  have  fpoken  unto 
 thee  in  a  book. 
 
 S  For,  lo,  the  days  come,  faith  thel.oRD,  that  I  will 
 bring  again  the  captivity  of  my  people  I!rae!  and  Judah, 
 faith  the  Lord  ;  and  I  will  caui’e  them  to  return  to  the 
 land  that  Igave  to  their  fathers,  and  theyfhallpoffefsit. 
 
 4  II  And  thele  are  the  words  that  the  Lord  fpake 
 corxerning  Ifrael,  and  concerning  Judah. 
 
 5  For  thus  faith  the  Lord,  We  have  heard  a  voice 
 of  trembling,  ||  of  fear,  and  not  of  peace. 
 
 6  A(k  ye  now,  and  fee  whether  f  a  man  doth 
 travail  with  child  ?  Wherefore  do  I  fee  every  man 
 with  his  hands  on  his  loins,  as  a  woman  in  travail, 
 and  all  faces  are  turned  into  palenefs  ? 
 
 7  *  Alas!  for  that  day  is  great,  fo  that  none  is  like 
 it :  it  is  even  the  time  of  Jacob’s  trouble ;  but  he 
 (liall  be  faved  out  of  it. 
 
 8  For  it  (hall  come  to  pafs  in  that  day,  faith  the 
 1.  i4,&c.  Lord  of  hofts,  that  I  will  break  his  yoke  from  off  thy 
 
 neck,  and  will  burft  thy  bonds,  and  (trangers  (hall  no 
 more  ferve  themfelves  of  him  : 
 
 9  But  they  (hall  ferve  the  Lord  their  God,  and 
 b  Ezek.  b  David  their  king,  whom  I  will  raile  up  unto  them. 
 
 57  2 4  *  ^  ^  ^  Therefore  fear  thou  nor,  O  my  fervant  Jacob, 
 
 Hofea'  Hith  the  Lord  ;  neither  be  difmayed,  O  Ifraei ;  for, 
 5.  5.  lo,  I  w'ill  lave  thee  from  afar,  and  thy  feed  from  the 
 c  ifaiah  land  of  their  captivity ;  and  Jacob  (liall  return,  and 
 41.  13  &  (pigj]  j^g  jjj  ^g  qniet  and  none  (hall  make  him 
 
 4^.  5»  &  r  .  t 
 
 ^4,  2. 
 
 Chap.  11  For  I  am  with  thee,  faith  the  Lord,  to  fave 
 46.  28.  tPee  ;  though  I  make  a  full  end  of  all  nations  whither 
 I  have  fcattered  thee,  yet  will  I  not  make  a  full  end 
 
 B  Or. 
 there  is 
 fear  and 
 not  peace. 
 r  Heb. 
 a  male. 
 
 a  Joel 
 2.  II. 
 Amos 
 5.  18. 
 Zeph. 
 
 JEREMIAH.  Goti’s  gracious  promises  to  the 
 
 of  thee  ;  but  I  will  correct  thee  ''  in  meafure,  and  will  Beto.e 
 not  leave  thee  altogether  unpunilhed.  Chriit 
 
 12  For  thus  faith  the  Lord,  thy  bruife  is  incurable, 
 and  thy  wound  is  grievous. 
 
 13  There  is  none  to  plead  thy  caufe,  f  that  thou^-'- 
 maytft  be  bound  up:  thou  ha(l  no  healing  medi-f 
 tines. 
 
 14  All  thy  lovers  have  forgotten  thee;  they  feek  *■ 
 thee  not :  for  I  have  wounded  thee  with  the  w'ounc-^‘"’^'^' 
 of  an  enemy,  with  the  chaftifement  of  a  cruel  one,  for 
 the  multitude  of  thine  in’quity  ;  because  thy  (ins  were 
 increafed. 
 
 1.5  Why  «  cried  thou  for  thine  affliftion  ?  thy  for  «  Chap, 
 row  is  incurable  for  the  multitude  of  thine  iniquity  ;  is. 
 because  thy  fins  were  increaled,  I  have  done  thefe  ttiings 
 unto  thee. 
 
 16  Therefore  all  they  that  devour  thee  *' (hall  be’^E^d, 
 devoured  ;  and  all  thine  adver(aries,  every  one  of 
 them,  (hall  go  into  captivity  ;  and  they  that  fpoil  thee^r.'j'j 
 (hall  be  a  fpoil,  and  ail  that  prey  upon  thee  will  I  give 
 for  a  prey. 
 
 17  For  I  will  reflore  health  unto  thee,  and  I  will 
 heal  thee  of  thy  wounds,  faith  the  Lord;  becaule 
 they  called  thee  an  outcaft,  saying,  This  is  Z'on, 
 whom  no  man  feeketh  after. 
 
 1_8  ^  Thus  faith  the  Lord,  Behold,  I  will  bring 
 again  the  captivity  of  Jacob’s  tents,  and  have  mercy  on 
 his  dwelling-places  ;  and  the  city  (hall  be  builded  upon 
 her  own  ||  heap,  and  the  palace  (hall  remain  after  the  n  or, 
 manner  thereof.  lutiehm, 
 
 19  And  out  of  them  (hall  proceed  thankfgiving,  and 
 the  voice  of  them  that  make  merry  :  and  i  will  mul¬ 
 tiply  them,  and  they  fnall  not  be  few ;  1  will  alfo  glo¬ 
 rify  them,  and  they  (hall  not  he  (mail. 
 
 20  Their  children  alfo  (hall  be  as  aforetime,  and 
 their  congregation  (hall  be  eflabliihed  before  me,  and 
 
 I  will  puni(h  all  that  opprefs  them. 
 
 21  And  their  nobles  (hall  be  of  themfelves,  and  their 
 governor  (hall  proceed  from  the  midft  of  them  ;  and 
 
 j  I  will  caufe  him  to  draw  near,  and  he  (hall  approach 
 unto  me  :  for  who  is  this  that  engaged  his  heart  to 
 approach  unto  me  ?  faith  the  I.ord. 
 
 22  And  ye  (hall  be  s  my  people,  and  I  will  be  yours 
 God. 
 
 23  ^  Behold,  the  whirlwind  of  the  Lord  goetb  h  Chap, 
 forth  with  fury,  a  t  continuing  whirlwind  ;  it  (hall 
 
 II  fall  with  pain  upon  the  head  of  the  wicked. 
 
 24  The  fierce  anger  of  the  Lord  (hall  not  return 
 until  he  have  done  it,  and  until  he  have  performed  remain. 
 
 perfecuted  them,  while  he  ftrengthened  the  hands  of  the  falfe  prophets,  not  only  at 
 home,  but  alfo  among  the  captives,  by  fending  them  prophetic  letters  of  falfehood 
 to  deceive  the  people. 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  XXX.  Ver,  1 — 7.  The  prophet  is  com¬ 
 manded  to  write  in  a  book  God’s  gracious  purpofe  of  reftoring  his  people  ;  a 
 fubje<5l  which  was  formerly  adverted  to,  but  is  Rated  largely  in  this  and  the  fol¬ 
 lowing  chapter.  The  Jews  had  in  general  felt  inexprelTible  terror  and  mifery 
 from  the  invafion  by  the  Chaldeans,  and  the  dreadful  effedl  that  followed  ;  it 
 was  even  the  time  of  Jacob’s  trouble,  but  he  (liall  be  delivered  out  of  it.  Ver. 
 8,  9.  They  had  worn  the  cruel  yoke  of  Babylon,  alluding  to  chap,  xxvii.  2.  but 
 Melliah  fhall  he  raifed  up,  who  (hall  rule  them  with  compafTion,  being  bone  of 
 
 their  bone,  and  fled)  of  their  fledi  ;  defeending  from  one  of  their  bed  kinj;":, 
 Ezek.  xxxiv.  23.  xxxvii.  24.  Ver.  17.  Their  captivity  was  incural  le,  that  is,  it 
 was  inevitable  from  God’s  fixed  determination,  which  rendered  all  human  efforts U) 
 prevent  it,  of  none  efifedt.  He  had,  as  if  he  were  their  enemy,  delivered  them 
 up  to  the  indignation,  or  contempt  of  all  nations  ;  thofe  who  had  courted  their 
 favour  in  profperity,  deferted  them  in  the  day  of  their  diftrefs,  regarding  them 
 as  abandoned  to  deftrudlion.  The  caufe  of  their  miferies  was  the  mu'titude  of 
 their  iniquities,  which  God  promifts  graciouffy  to  forgive;  by  which  he  wfuH 
 heal  their  difeafes,  confidered  incurable  by  all  men  ;  Ifa,  i.  6,  18.  xxxiii.  24.  Ver. 
 18 — 24.  This  paflage  in  the  true  fpirit  of  prophecy,  obvioufly  refpedls  more 
 periods  of  fulfilment  than  one;  the  redoration  of  the  Jews  from  Babylon,  and 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — •  Chap.  XXIX.]  Though  God  vifits  the  iniquities  of  bis  people  with  a  rod,  and  their  fin  with  fcoiirges,  he  is  dill  tliek 
 God,  and  will  not  take  his  loving-kindnefs  from  them.  The  confideration  from  w  hofe  hand  all  our  fufferings  come  diould  filence  every  murmuring  thouglit.  \Vbert'> 
 •  ever  we  are  cad  by  God’s  Providence,  or  into  whatever  date  of  affliidion,  it  is  our  wifdom  not  only  to  fuhmit,  hut  make  the  bed  of  our  fituation,  and  live  in  hopes  of 
 better  days.  If  we  mudl  fuhmit  to  the  power  of  opprelTors,  and  pray  for  the  peace  of  the  land  of  our  captivity,  how  much  more  are  we  bound  to  be  loyal  fubjeids  when 
 under  a  mild  government,  and  in  a  land  of  liberty  to  feek  and  pray  for  the  happinefs  and  peace  thereof.  They  who  irud  in  the  promifts  of  God  fliali  rever  be  dif- 
 appointed.  As  nothing  can  haden  any  event  for  a  moment  fooner  than  the  divine  decree  hath  fixed  it,  neither  can  any  difficulties  retard  the  execution  of  it  when  the 
 appointed  feafon  arrives.  God’s  promifes  fiiould  excite,  not  fupercede  our  prayers,  f  ecret  as  men’s  fins  may  he  in  the  coinmiflion,  the  day  is  luar  when  no  darkntfs 
 Ihall  hide  the  workers  of  iniquity  ;  there  is  a  fi  e  kindled  for  them  where  they  mud  burn  eternally,  and  none  tliall  quench  it. 
 
JEREMIAH. 
 
 Jlachd  fncurnins  is  com fo)  ted,  ^c. 
 
 rpie  restoration  of  Israel. 
 
 the  Intents  of  his  heart ;  in  the  latter  days  ye  (hall  fatnefs,  and  mv  people  (ball  be  latisfied  with  my  good- 
 ronfider  it.*  nei's  (i<itb  the  Lord.  _  ,  eoe. 
 
 Before 
 (jliriR 
 cir,  606 
 
 confider 
 
 CHAP.  XXXT. 
 
 1  T/ie  restoration  of  Israel.  15  Rachel  mourning  is  comforted. 
 
 18 
 
 22  The  miracle  of  Christ's 
 
 Ephraim  repenting  is  nceived  into  favour, 
 birth  promised. 
 
 T  the  fame  time,  faith  the  Lord,  will  I  be  the 
 
 _ God  of  all  the  families  of  Ifrael,  and  they  (hall 
 
 be  rnv  people. 
 
 2  Thus  faith  the  Lord,  The  people  xchich  -were 
 left  of  the  (word  found  grace  in  the  wildernel's  ;  even 
 Ifrael,  when  I  went  to  caufe  him  to  reft. 
 
 3  The  Lord  hath  appeared  f  of  eld  unto  me,  say- 
 froniofar.  Yea,  I  have  loved  thee  with  an  everlafting  love  ; 
 il  therefore  ||  with  loving-kindnefs  have  I  draw'n  thee. 
 '^"xieruied  4'  Again  I  will  build  thee,  and  thou  (halt  be  built, 
 Moving-  O  virgin  of  Ifrael :  thou  (halt  again  be  adorned  with 
 Mndness  a  y  tabrets,  and  (lialt  go  forth  in  the  dances  of 
 
 them  that  make  merry. 
 
 I  TIeb. 
 
 a  Exod. 
 15.  20. 
 Judges 
 11.  31. 
 
 I  Or, 
 timbrels* 
 j  Heb. 
 profane 
 tliem. 
 
 II  On 
 
 favours. 
 
 I)  Exod. 
 4.  22. 
 
 5  Thou  (halt  yet  plant  vines  upon  the  mountains 
 of  Samaria  :  the  planters  (hall  plant,  and  fhall  f  eat 
 them  as  common  things. 
 
 6  For  there  (hall  be  a  day,  that  the  watchmen  upon, 
 the  mount  Ephraim  (hiall  cry,  Arife  ye,  and  let  us  go 
 up  to  Zion  unto  the  Lord  our  God. 
 
 7  For  thus  faith  the  Lord,  fing  with  gladnei^s  for 
 Jacob,  and  (hout  among  the  chief  of  the  nations  : 
 publilh  ye,  praife  ye,  and  fay,  O  Lord,  fave  thy 
 p-’ople,  the  remnant  of  Ifrael. 
 
 8  Behold,  I  will  bring  them  from  the  north  coun¬ 
 try,  and  gather  them  from  the  coafts  ot  the  earth, 
 and  with  them  the  blind  and  the  lame,  the  woman 
 with  child  and  her  that  travaileth  with  child  together  ; 
 a  great  company  fhall  return  thither. 
 
 9  Tney  fhall  come  with  weeping,  and  with  H  fup- 
 plications  will  1  lead  them  ;  I  will  caule  them  to  walk 
 by  the  rivers  of  waters  in  a  ftrait  way,  wherein 
 they  (hall  not  (fumble  ;  for  I  am  a  father  to  llrael, 
 and  Ephraim  Amy  ^  fiift-born. 
 
 10  ^  Hear  the  word  of  the  Lord,  O  ye  nations. 
 
 c  Ifaiah 
 5S.  II. 
 
 15  ^  'J'bus  faith  the  Lord,  A  voice  was  heard  in 
 Ramab,  lamentation,  and  bitter  weeping;  RacheH 
 weeping  for  her  c:  ildren,  refufed  to  be  comforted  for 
 her  children,  becaufe  they  were  not. 
 
 At  the  lame  time,  laith  the  I.ord,  win  i  oe  tne  16  Thus  faith  the  Lord,  Refrain  thy  voice  rom 
 
 God  of  all  the  families  of  Ifrael,  and  they  (hall  weeping,  and  thine  eyes  .rom  tears;  fer  t  .y  ^ 
 
 .  fhall  be  rewarded,  faith  the  Lord  ;  and  they  lha.l 
 
 come  again  from  the  land  of  the  enemy. 
 
 17  And  there  is  hope  in  thine  end,  faith  the  Lord, 
 that  //zy  children  (hall  come  apin  to  their  own  border. 
 
 18  II  I  have  furely  heard  Ephraim  bemoaning  him- 
 felf  thus  :  Thou  haft  chaftifed  me,  and  1  was  chaftifed, 
 as  a  bullock  unaccuftomed  to  the  yoke:  turn  thou  me, 
 and  I  (hall  be  turned  ;  for  thou  ail  the  Lord  my 
 
 1 9  Surely  '  after  that  I  was  turned,  I  repented  ;  and 
 after  that  1  was  inftrufted,  I  fmote  upon  my  thigh ;_  L'  ‘ 
 was  afhamed,  yea,  even  confounded,  becaufe  I  did 
 bear  the  reproach  of  my  yruth. 
 
 20  Is  Ephraim  roy  dear  fon  ?  is  he  a  pleafant  child  ? 
 for  fince  I  fpake  againft  him  I  do  earneftly  remem¬ 
 ber  him  (fill :  therefore  my  bowels  f  are  troubled  for  |  HpU. 
 him:  1  will  furely  have  mercy  upon  him,  faith  the*own'^- 
 Lord. 
 
 21  Set  thee  up  w^ay- marks,  make  thee  high  heaps  ; 
 fet  thine  heart  toward  the  high-way,  even  the  way 
 which  thou  wenteft :  turn  again,  O  virgin  of  Ifrael, 
 turn  again  to  thefe  thy  cities. 
 
 22  51  How  long  wilt  thou  go  about,  O  thou  back¬ 
 sliding  daughter?  for  the  Lord  hath  created  a  new 
 thing  in  the  earth,  A  weman  (ball  corapafs  a  man. 
 
 23  Thus  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts,  the  God  of  If-_ 
 rael,  As  yet  they  (ball  ufe  this  fpeech  in  the  land  of 
 Judah,  and  in  the  cities  thereof,  when  I  (hall  bring 
 again  their  captivity,  The  Lord  blefs  thee,  O  habita- 
 l'  tion  of  juftice,  and  mountain  of  holinefs. 
 ji  24  And  there  (hall  dwell  in  Judah  iifelf,  and  in  all 
 _ _ _ _  _  . the  cities  thereof  together  hulb  indraen,  and  they 
 
 and  declare  it  in  the  isles  afar  off,  and  (ay,  He  that  .'fhat  go  forth  with  flocks.  it. 
 
 icattered  ifrael  wli  p^ather  hinij  and  keep  him,  as  a  ij  25  For  I  have  iatiated  the  weary  roul,  <inJ  i  have 
 fhepherd  doth  his  flock.  replenUhed  every  ferrowful  foul. 
 
 1 1  F(  r  the  Lord  hath  redeemed  Jacob,  and  ran-  Ij  26  Upon  this  I  awaked,  and  beheld  ;  and  my  sleep 
 
 fomed  him  from  the  hand  of  him  that  was  ftronger  than  i  was  Iweet  unto  me.  r  ■  .  l  t  u 
 
 27  51  Behold,  the  days  come,  faith  the  Lord,  that 
 I  will  low  the  houfe  of  Ifrael,  and  the  houfe  ot  Judah, 
 with  the  feed  of  man,  and  with  the  feed  of  beaft. 
 
 28  And  it  fhall  come  to  pals,  that  like  as  I  have 
 watched  over  them,  to  pluck  up,  and  to  break  down, 
 and  to  throw  dowu,  and  to  deitroy,  and  to  afli'ft  ;  lo 
 will  I  watch  over  them,  to  build,  and  to  plant,  laith 
 the  Lord. 
 
 29  51  ^  In  thofe  days  they  (hall  fay  no  more.  The  f 
 fathers  have  eaten  a  four  grape,  and  the  children’s  " 
 teeth  are  fet  on  edge. 
 
 30  But  every  one  (hail  die  for  his  own  in'quity  : 
 
 he.  _  _  I 
 
 12  Therefore  they  fhall  come  and  flng  in  the  height ' 
 of  Zion,  and  (hall  flow  together  to  the  goodnels  of  i 
 the  Lord,  for  wheat,  and  for  wine,  and  for  oil,  and 
 for  the  young  of  the  flock  and  of  the  herd  ;  and  their 
 fouls  fhall  be  as  a  watered  garden  ;  and  they  fhall 
 not  forrow  any  more  at  all. 
 
 13  Then  fhall  the  virgin  rejoice  in  the  dance,  both 
 young  men  and  old  together  :  for  I  will  turn  their 
 mourning  into  joy,  and  will  comfort  them,  and  make 
 them  rejoice  from  their  forrow. 
 
 14  And  I  will  fatiate  the  foul  of  the  priefts  with 
 
 their  recovery  from  their  p-efent  difperfion  ;  its  full  import  therefore  (hall  be  feen  ! 
 in  the  latter  days.  Profperity,  gladnefs,  inereafe,  and  liberty,  under  rulers  from 
 among  themfelves,  exercifing  their  office  by  the  authority  of  Meffiah,  the  objefl  of 
 Jehovah’s  love,  awaits  them.  Then  they  (hall  enjoy  the  friendihip  and  delight  in  the  , 
 I'ervice  of  the  God  of  th.ir  fathers,  and  the  wicked  (hall  fee  and  feel  his  indignation,  j 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXXI.  Ver.  1_5.  The  favour  of  i 
 
 God  to  the  Jews  in  delivering  them  frona  Egypt,  and  hleffing  them  in  Canaan,  is 
 fet  before  them  as  a  pledge  of  redemption  from  their  prefent  Rate,  Compare  Ifa. 
 
 1.  j _ 9 _ 1 't.  Ver.  9 — 14.  This  exprt  flTes  their  repentance  in  the  latter  days, 
 
 (Zech.  xii.  10.)  to  which  the  attention  of  all  nstions  is  called  as  an  event  peculiar¬ 
 ly  interefting  ;  sn  event  which  as  ftrikingly  iilullrates  the  power  of  the  gofpel,  and 
 the  liberality  of  God,  as  it  will  alteft  to  the  trutn  of  divine  revelation.  Ver.  15 — 1  T  . 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XXX.]  They  who  take  ChriR  for  thiir  king,  are  hound  to  prove  their  profeffions  by  their  fidelity.  Loyalty 
 confifls  not  in  works  bet  deeds.  If  God’s  people  fin,  they  may  not  hope  for  impunity;  the  fcourge  (hall  overtake  them  as  well  as  others.  In  our  futl'erings  we  are 
 too  apt  to  conceive  God  unmerciful.  Sin  bath  an  awful  Ring;  none  but  God  can  heal  the  guilty  fouk 
 
God  s  care  for  his  church, 
 
 JEREMIAH. 
 
 Defore 
 Chrift 
 <ir.  606. 
 
 four  grape,  his  teeth  fhall 
 
 li  Chap. 
 24.  7.  & 
 SO.  ‘22. 
 
 i  Ifaiah 
 54.  18. 
 John 
 
 6.  4  6. 
 
 k  Chap. 
 35.  8. 
 Mica!) 
 
 7.  18. 
 
 A  els 
 la  43. 
 
 I  Gen. 
 
 1.  16. 
 in  Ifaiah 
 51.  15. 
 
 II  Ifaiah 
 54.  9. 
 Chap. 
 53.  ‘20. 
 o  Chap. 
 33.  22. 
 
 The  terrible  mourning  occafioned  by  the  captivity  In  Babylon,  the  llaughter  of  the 
 infants  at  Bethlehem,  or  rejetSlion  of  the  Jewifh  nation,  rtiall  be  turned  into  joy, 
 by  the  reltoration  of  the  Benjamites  and  other  Jews,  and  by  the  accelfion  of  mul¬ 
 titudes  to  the  gofpel  church.  Ver.  18 — 20.  Deeply  penitent  for  their  fins,  and 
 earneftly  defirous  for  fpiritual  bhffings,  fhall  the  Jews  return  fro.n  Babylon,  and 
 efpecially  from  theif  prefent  difperfion  ;  and  gracioufly  will  I  receive  them  into 
 favour,  and  abundantly  blefs  them.  Ver.  21 — 26.  Return  with  the  utmod  care 
 and  difpatch  to  your  country,  and  eredt  marks  by  the  way  to  dire<5l  fuch  as  may 
 follow  you  ;  yea,  though  for  your  finful  apoflacies  ye  have  been  long  toflTed  to  and 
 fro,  prepare  for  a  return  to  your  country,  where  the  Melfiah  (hall  be  born  ;  and  j 
 
 every  man  that  eateth  the 
 be  let  on  edge. 
 
 T  '^-11^  Behold,  the  e  days  come  faith  the  Lord,  that 
 1  will  make  a  new  covenant  with  the  houfe  of  K'rael, 
 and  with  the  houfe  of  Judah  : 
 
 32  Not  according  to  the  covenant  that  I  made  with  i 
 their  fathers  in  the  day  that  I  took  them  by  the  hand, 
 to  bring  them  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt ;  (which  my  i 
 
 IkotM  T  they  break,  I|  although  L  was  an  hufband  i 
 
 iZe  l.  them,  laith  the  Lord  ;)  I 
 
 Unueiia/i  33  But  this  shall  be  the  covenant  that  I  will  make  * 
 husband  with  the  houfe  of  Ifrael ;  After  thofe  days,  faith  the 
 untotiem.  LoRD,  1  will  put  my  law  in  their  inward  parts,  and 
 write  it  in  their  hearts  ;  ^  and  will  be  their  God,  and 
 they  fhall  be  my  people. 
 
 34  And  they  fhall  teach  no  more  every  man  his 
 neighbour,  and  every  man  his  brother,  faying,  Kn  )W 
 the  Lord  :  for  >  they  lhall  all  know  me,  from  the 
 leaft  of  them  unto  the  greateft  of  them,  faith  the 
 Lord  :  for  I  will  forgive  their  iniquity,  and  1  will 
 remember  their  fin  no  more. 
 
 35  II  Ihus  faith  the  Lord,  '  which  giveth  the  fun 
 for  a  light  by  day,  and  the  ordinances  of  the  moon 
 and  of  the  flars  for  a  light  by  night,  which  divideth 
 “  the  fea  when  the  waves  thereof  rear  ;  I’he  Lord  i 
 of  hofts  is  his  name  ; 
 
 36  “  If  thofe  ordinances  depart  from  before  me, 
 faith  the  Lord,  thcii  the  feed  of  Ifrael  alfo  fhall  ceafe 
 from  being  a  nation  before  me  for  ever. 
 
 37  T.  hus  faith  the  Lord,  °  If  heaven  above  can  be 
 mealured,  and  the  foundations  of  the  earth  fearched 
 out  beneath,  I  will  alfo  caft  off  all  the  feed  of  Ifrael, 
 for  all  that  they  have  dene,  faith  the  Lord. 
 
 38  ^  Behold,  the  days  come,  faith  the  Lord,  that 
 the  city  fhall  be  built  to  the  Lord,,  from  the  tower 
 of  Hananeel  unto  the  gate  of  the  corner. 
 
 39  And  the  meafuring  line  fhall  yet  go  forth  over 
 againft  it  upon  the  hill  Gareb,  and  (hall  compafs 
 about  to  Goath. 
 
 40  And  the  v.^hole  valley  of  the  dead  bodies,  and 
 of  the  afhes,  and  all  the  fields,  unto  the  brook  of  Ki- 
 dron,  unto  the  corner  of  the  horfe-gate  toward  the 
 eaft,  shall  be  holy  unto  the  Lord  ;  It  fhall  not  be 
 plucked  up,  nor  thrown  down  any  more  for  ever.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXXII. 
 
 1  Jeremiah  imprisoned  by  Zedekiah  for  his  prophecy  against  Jerusalem, 
 
 6  by  God's  direction  he  buyetk  Hanameel's  field,  16  Jeremiah  in  his 
 prayer  exposlulatelh  with  God. 
 
 The  word  that  came  to  Jeremiah  from  the  Lord, 
 in  the  tenth  year  of  Zedekiah  king  6f  Judah, 
 wnich  teas  (he  eighteenth  year  of  Nebuchadrezzar. 
 
 2  For  then  the  king  of  Babylon’s  army  befieged 
 Jerufalem  :  and  Jeremiah  the  prophet  was  (hut  up  in 
 
 Jeremiah  imprisoned  hy  %cdel- 
 
 the  court  of  the  prifon,  which  teas  in  the  king  of  Ju-  Btr 
 dah’s  houfe.  ^ 
 
 3  For  Zedekiah  king  of  Judah  had  (hut  him  un 
 laying.  Wherefore  doft  thou  prophecy,  and  fav 
 Inns  faith  the  Lord,  “Behold,  I  will  give  this  city  a  Cha„ 
 into  the  hand  of  the  king  of  Babvlon,  and  he  (halH'*- 2.^' 
 take  It ; 
 
 4  And  Zedekiah  king  of  Judah  fliall  not  efcapebchap 
 out  of  the  hand  of  the  Chaldeans,  but  (hall  furely  be^'i'S. 
 delivered  into  the  hand  of  the  king  cf  Babylon,  and 
 
 Ina  1  (peak  with  him  mouth  to  mouth,  and  his  eyes 
 lhall  behold  his  eyes  ; 
 
 5  And  he  (hall  lead  Zedekiah  to  Babylon,  and  there 
 (hall  he  be  until  I  vifit  him,  faith  the  Lord  :  though 
 ye  fight  with  the  Chaldeans,  ye  (hall  not  profper? 
 
 6  H  And  Jeremiah  (kid,  The  word  of  the  Lord 
 came  unto  me,  laying, 
 
 7  Behold,  Hanameel,  the  fon  of  Shallum,  thine 
 uncle,  fiiall  come  unto  thee,  faying.  Buy  thee  my  field 
 that  is  in  Anathoth  ;  for  the  '  right  of  redemption  is^  L'^v. 
 
 j  thine  to  buy  it.  25.24,25. 
 
 8  So  HaDameel,  mine  uncle’s  fon  came  to  me  in  the  f ‘‘4“' 
 court  of  the  prilbn,  according  to  the  word  of  the 
 Lord,  and  (kid  unto  me.  Buy  my  field,  I  pray  thee, 
 that  7s  in  Anathoth,  which  is  in  the  country  of  Ben- 
 
 'jamin  ;  for  the  right  of  inheritance  is  thine;  and  the 
 redemption  is  thine  ;  buy  it  for  thyfelf.  Then  I 
 knew  that  this  isoas  the  word  of  the  Lord. 
 
 9  And  I  bought  the  field  of  Hanameel,  my  uncle’s 
 
 fon,  that  was  in  Anathoth,  and  weighed  him  the 
 money,  even  0  feventeen  fhekels  of  filver.  ||  Or, 
 
 10  And  I  f  fubferibed  the  evidence,  and  fealed  it 
 
 and  took  witnelfes,  and  weighed  him  the  money  inSSes 
 the  balances. 
 
 11  So  1  took  the  evidence  of- the  purchafe,  both  thattHeb- 
 which  was  fealed  according  to  the  law  and  cultom,  andT^l^"? 
 that  which  was  open  : 
 
 12  And  I  gave  the  evidence  of  the  purchafe  unto 
 Baruch  the  fon  of  Neriah,  the  fon  of  Maafeiah,  in  the 
 fight  of  Hanameel,  mine  uncle’s  son,  and  in  the  pre- 
 lence  of  the  witnelTes  that  fubferibed  the  book  of 
 the  purchafe,  before  all  the  Jews  that  fat  in  the  court 
 of  the  prifon. 
 
 13  H  And  I  charged  Baruch  before  them,  faying, 
 
 ^  14  1  hus  (kith  the  Lord  of  holis,  the  God  of  Ifrael, 
 
 Take  thefe  evidences,  this  evidence  of  the  purchafe, 
 
 (both  which  is  fealed,)  and  this  evidence  which  is 
 open,  and  put  them  in  an  earthen  veflel,  that  they 
 may  continue  many  days  : 
 
 15  For  thus  faith  the  Lord  of  hods,  the  God  of 
 Ifrael,  houfes,  and  fields,  and  vineyards,  (hall  be 
 poITelTed  again  in  this  land. 
 
 16  H  Now,  when  I  had  delivered  the  evidence  of 
 
 after  you  return,  great  (hall  be  your  reformation  in  righteoufnefs  and  holinefs ; 
 numerous  (hall  be  your  flocks  of  cattle,  and  as  numerous  your  worftiippers  of  God  ; 
 for  I  will  refre(h  and  fupply  you  with  every  good  thing. — Upon  this  Jereniiali 
 awaked  and  was  delighted  with  the  comfortable  revelations  which  had  been  made 
 to  him  in  his  dream  or  vifion. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXXII.  Ver.  1—44.  Jehovah’s  juf- 
 tice,  faithfulnefs,  abl'olute  knowledge,  almighty  power,  and  unchangeable  grace, 
 with  the  prophet’s  fidelity,  and  compalfion  towards  the  Jews  are  iiludrated  i» 
 this  chapter.  Jerufalem  is  at  length  befieged  by  the  enemy  ;  the  inhabitanis 
 are  warned  of  its  certain  deftruiSlion,  the  king  of  his  future  fate;  he  continues 
 
 PR.ACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XXXI.]  Long  affliflions  are  ready  to  can fe  defpondency  ;  but  we  (hould  remember  the  pad  experience  cf 
 God’s  people,  and  comfort  our  fouls  in  hope.  It  is  the  abiding  ground  of  confolation  that  God’s  love  is  everlading.  W’hen  we  follow  a  divine  call  wo  are  fure  of 
 divine  protetftion.  They  who  have  God  for  their  father  cannot  want  any  thing  that  is  neceflary  for  their  welfare.  If  we  have  hope  in  our  death  we  ought  to  h« 
 comforted  under  the  trials  of  our  pilgrituige.  The  incarnatiou  of  Jefus  is  the  foundation  of  every  blefliog  to  God’s  Ifraeli 
 
Jeremiah  exposluUteth  with  God. 
 
 JEREMIAH. 
 
 Ihe  captivity  conjirmed. 
 
 -  *  •  R  f 
 
 Refore  the  purchafe  unto  Baruch  the  fon  of  Neriah,  I  prayed  I  3 1  For  this  city  hath  been  to  me  os  +  a  provocation 
 
 Before  tnepu.^.^  I  of  mine  anger  and  of  my  fury,  Irom  the  day  that  thi^V 
 
 unto  the  Lord, 
 17  Ah  Lord 
 
 faying, 
 
 God  !  behold, 
 
 thou  haft  made  the 
 
 11  O'"’ 
 
 liidfrom 
 
 thee. 
 
 (]  Exod. 
 20.  6.  & 
 .^4.  7. 
 Dent. 
 
 5.  9,  10- 
 I^Heh. 
 drdnz- 
 e  Job 
 .°,4.  21. 
 Brov. 
 
 5.  21. 
 Ciiap. 
 
 IG.  17. 
 
 f  Exod. 
 6-  6- 
 2  Sim. 
 
 7.  21. 
 
 ]  Chron. 
 J7.2I. 
 
 1/  /XU  V..--  . . _  _  _ ^  built  it  even  unto  this  day,  chat  I  ftiould  remove  it 
 
 hpavpn  and  the  earth  by  thy  great  power  and  liretch  '  from  before  my  face  ;  err  i 
 
 ed-out  arm,  and  there  is  nothing  h  too  hard  for  thee  ;  32  Becaufe  of  all  the  evd  of  jhe  children  oMfraej^ 
 
 Clirift 
 ir.  590. 
 
 18  Thou  Iheweft  loving-kindnefs  unto  thoulands, 
 and  recompenceft  the  iniquity  of  the  fathers  into  the 
 bofora  of  their  children  after  them  :  The  Great,  Ihe 
 Mighty  God,  The  Lord  of  hofts  is  his  name  ; 
 
 19  Great  in  counfel,  and  mighty  in  f  work:  for 
 thine  ®  eyes  are  open  upon  all  the  ways  of  the  fons  of 
 men  ;  to  give  every  one  according  to  his  ways,  and 
 according  to  the  fruit  of  his  doings : 
 
 20  Which  haft  fet  figns  and  wonders  in  the  land  of 
 
 and  of  the  children  of  Judah,  which  they  have  done  to 
 provoke  me  to  anger,  they,  their  kings,  their  princes, 
 their  priefts,  and  their  prophets,  and  the  men  of  Ju¬ 
 dah,  and  the  inhabitants  of  Jerufalem. 
 
 33  And  they  have  turned  untome  the f' back,  and 1 
 
 not  the  face ;  though  1  taught  them,  rifing  up  early 
 and  fpachine  f/>em.  vet  they  have  not  hearkened  to  2.  27. 
 
 and  teaching  them,  yet  they 
 
 receive  inftruffion.  . .  .  r  k  Cbao 
 
 34  But  they  let  their  abominations  in  the  houle^^^ 
 
 20  wnicn  nan  let  iigiis  auu  wuuueic  lu  ,ut.  ,ai,u  v,  3  l  -  d 
 
 Eeypt,  ««  imto  this  day,  and  in  Ifrael,  and  antoog  :  .s  ea  led  by  my  name  to 
 
 and  haft  made  thee  a  name,  as  at  this 
 
 Or 
 
 other  men 
 
 And  f  haft  brought  forth  thy  people  Ifrael  out 
 of  the  land  of  Egypt  with  figns,  and  with  wonders, 
 and  w'ith  a  ftrong  hand,  and  with  a  ftretched-out  arm, 
 
 and  with  great  terror ;  _  u  j-jn 
 
 22  And  haft  given  them  this  land,  which  thM  didlt 
 
 Iwear  to  their  fathers 
 
 with  milk  and  honey rr-  rr  i  •  l  l  ' 
 
 23  And  they  came  in,  and  pofteiTed  it ;  but  they  . 
 obeyed  not  thy  voice,  neither  walked  in  thy  law  :  j 
 they  have  done  nothing  of  all  that  thou  commandedft 
 them  to  do  ;  .therefore  thou  haft  caufed  all  this  evil 
 to  come  upon  them. 
 
 24.  Behold  the  H  mounts,  they  are  come  unto  the 
 
 35  And  they  built  the  high  places  of  Baal,  which 
 are  in  the  valley  of  the  fon  of  Hinnom,  to  ‘  caufe  their  ^  ^ 
 Tons  and  their  daughters  to  pals  through  the  fire  unto  j'-.  g; 
 
 Molech,  which  I  commanded  them  not,  neither  m  Lev, 
 came  it  into  my  mind,  that  they  fhould  do  this  abo-ts.  21. 
 
 Sc 
 
 mination,  to  caule  judah  to  fin. 
 
 y  \  / 1  f  ^  T  S-- 1  i  w  *wj  w»jv-  II  »  j  }  1  /' 
 
 engines  t'f  city  to  take  it ;  and  the  city  is  given  into  the  hand  of 
 the  Chaldeans  that  fight  againft  it,  becaufe  of  the 
 
 XI.  lux.u  xuxutj  36  H  And  now  therefore  thus  faith  the  Lord,  the 
 to  give  them,  a  land  flowing  i  God  of  Ifrael,  concerning  this  city,  whereof  ye 
 
 '  It  (hall  be  delivered  into  the  hand  of  the  king  of  Ba¬ 
 bylon,  by  the  fword,  and  by  the  famine,  and  by  the 
 
 peftilence.  „ 
 
 37  Behold,  I  will  “  gather  them  out  of  all  countries  3^™ 
 whither  I  have  driven  them  in  mine  anger,  and  in  my  1 
 fury,  and  in  great  wTath  ;  and  I  will  bring  them  again 
 unto  this  place,  and  I  w’ill  caufe  them  to  dwell  fafely  ; 
 
 g  Nurcb. 
 16.  22. 
 
 h  Chap. 
 
 10.  13. 
 
 .tiVv  V-i  li  t*  I  V-  t*  VJ  X*  -  • 
 
 .'word,  and  of  the  famine,  and  of  the  peftilence  :  and 
 what  thou  haft  fpoken  is  come  to  pafs,  and,  behold, 
 
 thou  feeft  it.  t  .-v  j 
 
 25  And  thou  haft  faid  unto  me,  O  Lord  God, 
 Buy  thee  the  field  for  money,  and  take  witneffes : 
 for  the  city  is  given  into  the  hand  of  the  Chaldeans. 
 
 26  f  Then  came  the  word  of  the  Lord  unto  Jere¬ 
 miah,  faying, 
 
 27  Behold,  I  am  the  Lord,  the  e  God  of  all  flefh  : 
 is  there  any  thing  too  hard  for  me? 
 
 28  Therefore  thus  faith  the  Lord,  Behold,  I  will 
 give  this  city  into  the  hand  of  the  Chaldeans,  and 
 into  the  hand  of  Nebuchadrezzar  king  of  Babylon, 
 and  he  fnall  take  it. 
 
 29  And  the  Chaldeans,  that  fight  againft  this  city, 
 (hall  come  and  fet  fire  on  this  city,  and  burn  it  with 
 the  houfes  ^  upon  whofe  roofs  they  have  offered  in- 
 cenfe  unto  Baal,  and  poured  out  drink-offerings  unto 
 other  gods,  to  provoke  me  to  anger. 
 
 30  For  the  children  of  Ifrael,  and  the  children  of 
 Judah,  have  only  done  evil  before  me  from  their  youth  :,j 
 for  the  children  of  Ifrael  have  only  provoked  me  to  i 
 anger  with  the  work  of  their  hands,  faith  the  Lord,  j 
 
 38  And 
 their  God. 
 
 theV  {ball  be  °  my  people,  and  I  will  be  °  5:0*?. 
 
 -  •  24.  /.  & 
 
 Lii  30,  22.  & 
 
 39  And  I  will  p  give  them  one  heart,  and  one  way,  31.  33.. 
 
 that  they  may  fear  me  f  for  ever,  for  the  good  of?  E*ek. 
 them,  and  of  their  children  after  them  ;  _ 
 
 40  And  I  will  make  an  everlafting  covenant  with;^^„^;_ 
 them,  that  I  will  not  turn  aw'ay  t  from  them,  to  dofUeb. 
 
 ,  them  good  ;  but  1  will  put  my  fear  in  their  hearts, 
 i  that  they  (hall  not  depart  from  me. 
 
 41  Yea,  I  will  rejoice  over  them  to  do  them  good, 
 
 and  I  will  plant  them  in  this  land  f  affuredly  with  niy 
 whole  heart,  and  w'ith  my  whole  I'oul.  'or,'Zibi- 
 
 42  For  thus  faith  the  Lord,  Like  as  I  have  brought 
 all  this  great  evil  upon  this  people,  fo  will  I  bring  upon 
 
 i  them  all  the  good  that  I  have  promifed  them. 
 
 I  43  And  fields  fhall  be  bought  in  this  land,  whqreof 
 \ye  fay,  It  is  defolate  without  man  or  beaft  ;  it  is  given 
 j  into  the  hand  of  the  Chaldeans. 
 
 I  44  Men  fhall  buy  fields  for  money,  and  fubferibe 
 I  evidences,  and  leal  ihem>  and  take  witneffes  in  the 
 I  land  of  Benjamin,  and  in  the  places  about  Jerufalem, 
 and  in  the  cities  of  Judah,  and  in  the  cities  of  the 
 mountains,  and  in  the  cities  of  the  valley,  and  in  the 
 cities  of  the  fouth,  for  I  will  caufe  their  captivity  to 
 return,  faith  the  Lord.* 
 
 hardened  in  iniquity,  and  Riuts  up  his  admoiiiflier  in  prifon  ;  who  is  there 
 connnanded  to  purchafe  a  field  belonging  to  his  native  city,  and  particularly  to 
 ohferve  all  the  ufual  forms  necelfary  to  fecure  the  property  for  himfelf,  as  a  token 
 of  the  future  reftoralion  of  the  Jews  to  their  own  land.  He  obeys  while  grief  op- 
 prelTes  bis  foul  on  account  of  the  calamities  of  his  country,  the  deliverance  of 
 
 which  feemed  fo  like  an  impoffibility  ;  and  the  only  gleam  of  hope  that  infpired 
 his  bofom  arofe  from  refiedfions  on  God’s  gracious  condudl  to  his  fathers,  which 
 he  makes  matter  of  prayer  before  the  Lord.  The  anfwer  given  him  was  cal- 
 eulated  to  filence  every  murmur,  and  excite  the  largeft  expedfations  ;  his  people 
 fuffered,  and  mud  fuffer  for  the  multitude  of  their  iranfgreflions. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. _ *  Chap.  XXXII.]  They  who  go  on  God’s  meflage  mufl  not  be  fhocked  at  a  prifon.  How  obftinately  men  perfift  in 
 
 perfecutioB,  and  other  wickednefs,  even  when  the  Lord  is  punifiiing  them  for  it.  No  affliaions  can  diag  men  from  tlieir  luds.  By  what  ftrange  tokens  God  con¬ 
 firms  his  own  oracles  '  An  exaft  honefty,  prudent  diferetion,  and  a  firm  dependence  on  the  promife  and  providence  of  God,  ought  to  meet  together  in  all  our  civil 
 tranfaaions.  Tlie  more  honourable  views  we  have  of  God  and  his  mercies,  the  more  humble  and  penitent  will  he  our  views  of  our  own  and  others’  rebellion  againft 
 him.  When  we  have  God’s  orders,  we  have  nothing  to  do  but  obey,  and  trull  him  with  the  iffue.  And,  if  we  are  in  the  dark  concerning  his  difpenfations,  we  may 
 humbly  beg  his  indruamns.  No  crimes  are  too  horrid  for  apodate  profeffofs  to  commit;  and  no  judgments  too  fevere  to  punifh  them.  If  the  final  perfeverance  of 
 the  faints  depeoded  on  themCelves,  iheir  dability  would  red  ou  a  precarious  foundation  ;  the  failhfulnefs  i>f  God’s  protaifes  fecures  the  certaiuty  of  the  event. 
 
 8  Y  23 
 
A  gracious  return  piomised. 
 
 JEREMIAH. 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 cir.  590. 
 
 a  Chap. 
 23.  2,  8. 
 b  Ifaiali 
 37.  26. 
 
 II  Or. 
 JEHO¬ 
 VAH. 
 
 11  Or, 
 hidden. 
 
 c  Chap, 
 3 1.  34, 
 Micah 
 7.  18. 
 
 J  Chap. 
 7.  34.  & 
 16.  9. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXXIII.  Ver.  1—13.  The  Lord 
 a  fecond  time  appeared  to  his  fervant  in  prifon,  which  unqueftionably  rendered 
 the  place  more  defirable  to  him  than  the  palace  of  his  enemy.  The  Iubje<5t  of 
 the  preceding  chapter  is  continued  but  enlarged;  for  the  reftoration  of  the  Jews 
 here  promifed,  is  accompanied  with  the  addition  of  all  nations,  which  obvioully 
 reffeJls  their  f^uture  Hate  under  Mefliah,  when  Jew  and  Gentile  lliall  form  one 
 
 CHAP.  xxxm. 
 
 I  Ood  rmexL-elh  his  promise  to  the  captive  Je^vs  of  a  gracious  return.  1 0  A 
 Jotful  stale,  12  and  settled  2>eace.  13  Christ  the  Branch  of  Righteous¬ 
 ness  IS  promised,  ^  c. 
 
 Moreover,  the  word  of  the  Lord  came 
 UDto  Jeremiah  the  (econd  time,  (while  he  was 
 yet  =>  (Eut  up  in  the  court  of  the  prifon,)  faying, 
 
 2  Ihuslaith  the  Lord,  the  ^  maker  thereof,  the 
 Lord  that  formed  it,  to  eflablifh  it :  ll  The  Lord  is 
 his  name ; 
 
 3  Call  unto  me  and  I  will  anfwer  thee,  and  fhew 
 thee  great  and  j]  mighty  things  which  thou  knoweft  not. 
 
 4  For  thus  faith  the  Lord,  the  God  of  Ifrael,  con¬ 
 cerning  the  houfes  of  this  city,  and  concerning  the ' 
 houfes  of  the  kings  of  Judah,  which  are  thrown  down 
 by  the  mounts,  and  by  the  fword  :  i 
 
 5  They  come  to  fight  with  the  Chaldeans ;  but  it  is 
 to  fill  them  with  the  dead  bodies  of  men,  whom  I  have ! 
 flain  in  mine  anger,  and  in  my  fury,  and  for  all  whole 
 wickednefs  I  have  hid  my  face  from  this  city. 
 
 6  Behold,  I  will_ bring  it  health  and  cure,  and  I  will 
 cure  them,  and  will  reveal  unto  them  the  abundance 
 of  peace  and  truth. 
 
 7  And  I  will  caufe  the  captivity  cf  Judah,  and  the 
 captivity  of  Ifrael,  to  return,  and  will  build  them,  as 
 at  the  firft. 
 
 8  And  I  will  cleanfe  them  from  all  their  iniquity, 
 whereby  they  have  finned  againft  me;  and  I  will  <= 
 pardon  all  their  iniquities,  whereby  they  have  finned, 
 and  wTereby  they  have  tranfgreffed  againft  me. 
 
 9  And  it  fhall  be  to  me  a  name  of  joy,  a  praife 
 and  an  honour  before  all  the  nations  of  the  earth, 
 which  (hall  hear  all  the  good  that  I  do  unto  them  : 
 and  they  fhall  fear  and  tremble  for  all  the  goodnefs, 
 and  for  all  the  profperity,  that  I  procure  unto  it. 
 
 10  ^  Thus  faiththeLoRD,  Againthere  fhall  be  heard 
 in  this  place,  (which  ye  fay,  shall  be  defolate,  without 
 man  and  w  ithout  beaft,  even  in  the  cities  of  Judah,  and 
 in  the  flreets  of  Jerufalem,  that  are  defolate,  without 
 man,  and  without  inhabitant,  and  without  bead,) 
 
 1 1  The  voice  of  joy,  and  the  voice  of  gladnefs ;  ^ 
 the  voice  of  the  bridegroom,  and  the  voice  of  the  i 
 bride ;  the  voice  of  them  that  fhall  fay,  Praife  the 
 Lord  of  hofts :  for  the  Lord  is  good  ;  for  his  mercy 
 endnreth  for  ever  :  and  of  them  that  (hall  bring  the  fa- 
 crifice  of  praife  into  the  houfe  of  the  Lord.  For 
 1  will  caufe  to  return  the  captivity  of  the  land,  as  at 
 the  firft,  faith  the  Lord. 
 
 12  11  Thus  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts.  Again  in  this 
 place,  which  is  defolate,  without  man  and  without 
 beaft,  and  in  all  the  cities  thereof,  fhall  be  an  habita¬ 
 tion  of  Shepherds  caufing  their  flocks  to  lie  down. 
 
 13  In  the  cities  of  the  mountains,  in  the  cities  of 
 the  vale,  and  in  the  cities  of  the  foutb,  and  in  the 
 
 Christ  the  Branch  of  right e, 
 
 land  of  Benjamin,  and  in  the  places  about  Jerufalem  K,f, 
 and  m  the  cities  cf  Judah,  fhall  the  flocks  pals  again 
 under  the  hands  of  him  that  telleth  them,  faith  the 
 Lord.  '' — ^ 
 
 14.  Behold,  the  days  come,  faith  the  Lord,  that  I 
 will  perform  that  good  thing  which  I  have  promifed 
 unto  the  houfe  of  Ifrael  and  to  the  houfe  of  Ju- 
 dab. 
 
 15  ^  In  thofe  days,  and  at  that  time,  will  I  caufe 
 
 the  =  Branch  of  righteoufnefs  to  grow  up  unto  David  ;  e  irgf 
 and  he  fhall  execute  judgment  and  righteoufnefs  io’-^-s.'! 
 the  land.  n.i. 
 
 16  In  thofe  days  fhall  Judah  be  faved,  and  Jerufa-a^T'^ 
 lem  fhall  dwell  lafely  :  and  this  is  the  name  wherewith 
 
 (he  fhall  be  called,  f  the  Lord  cur  Righteoufnefs.  t  ii,.|, 
 
 17  51  For  thus  faith  the  Lord,  f  David  fhall  never  'te'ioixih 
 ^  want  a  man  to  fit  upon  the  throne  of  the  houfe  of 
 
 ’  nie' 
 
 18  Neither  fhall  the  priefls  the  Levites  want  a  mans*X„( 
 
 before  me  to  offer  burnt-offerings,  and  to  kindle  meat- 
 offerings,  and  to  do  lacrifice  continually. 
 
 19  51  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  Jere-tTsfn 
 
 miah,  faying,  _  7.1s.  ‘ 
 
 20  Ihus  liuth  the  Lord,  s  If  ye  can  break  my  co- ' 
 
 venanr  of  the  day,  and  my  covenant  of  the  night,  and^  ^aiah 
 that  there  fhould  not  be  day  and  night  in  their  fea-54.9r 
 fon ;  Chap. 
 
 21  Then  may  alfo  my  covenant  be  broken  with^^’‘*’ 
 David  my  feryan^,  that  he  fhould  not  have  a  fon  to 
 reign  upon  his  throue;  and  with  the  Levites  the 
 priefls,  my  minifters. 
 
 22  As  the  hoft  of  heaven  cannot  be  numbered,  Chap, 
 neither  the  fand  of  the  lea  meafured  ;  fo  will  1  mul-^‘‘ 
 tiply  the  feed  of  David  ray  fervant,  and  the  Levites 
 that  minifter  unto  me. 
 
 23  51  Moreover,  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  to 
 Jeremiah,  faying, 
 
 24  Confldereft  thou  not  what  this  people  have  fpo- 
 ken,  faying,  The  two  families  which  the  Lord  hath 
 chofen,  he  hath  even  caff  them  off?  Thus  they  have 
 defpifed  my  people,  that  they  fhould  be  no  more  a  na¬ 
 tion  before  them. 
 
 25  Thus  faith  the  Lord,  If  my  covenant  be  not  with 
 day  and  night,  cfid  if  I  have  not  appointed  the  ordi¬ 
 nances  of  heaven  and  earth  ; 
 
 26  Then  will  I  caff  away  the  feed  of  Jacob,  and 
 David  my  fervant,  so  that  1  will  not  take  an^  of  his 
 feed  to  be  rulers  over  the  feed  of  Abraham,  Haac,  and 
 Jacob ;  for  I  will  caufe  their  captivity  to  return,  and 
 have  mercy  on  them.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXXIV. 
 
 1  Jeremiah  prophesieth  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem,  and  the  fate  of  Ze- 
 dckia'i,  tj'c.  1 2  Jeremiah  proctahneth  Uherty  to  the  sivord,  and  pro- 
 phesicth  the  return  tf  the  Babylonians. 
 
 .  17. 
 
 family;  a  pledge  of  which  was  given  in  the  apoftolic  age.  Ver.  14 21.  All 
 
 the  profperity  of  the  church  depended  on  the  Meffiah  promifed  in  this  paifage; 
 for  all  the  promifes  are  truth  in  him  ;  and  it  is  under  hisdominion  that  the  greai, 
 precious,  and  numerous  promifes  refpcdling  the  bleifed  union  of  Jew  and  Gentile 
 were  to  he  chiefly  fulfilled.  His  throne  and  prieilhood  (hall  not  be  fuperceded 
 by  any  fuccefifor. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XXXIII  ]  God’s  power  and  goodnefs  in  creation  and  providence  fhould  encourage  us  to  believe  his  promifes; 
 and  feivent  prayer  is  an  excellent  means  of  obtaining  divine  and  marvellous  inflrudlions.  Dreadful  is  the  ruin  procured  by  fin!  but  where  fin  abounded  grace  can 
 much  more  abound.  Saving  inflru(5\ions,  and  gracious  forgivenefs,  muft  introduce  all  other  new  covenant  favours.  ■  No  cafe  on  this  fide  hell  is  fo  deplorable  but 
 God’s  mercy  can  relieve  from  it.  And  the  greater  the  deliverance  the  more  will  he  be  glorified  in  if.  But  it  is  Jefus  Chrifl  alone  that  is  the  fubftance  of  all  divine 
 favour^,  that  communicate  fwcetnefs,  value,  and  ufiTulnefs  in  them  ;  and  notwithflanding  all  oppofition  and  contempt,  his  kingdom  fliall  be  eftalilifhed  and  flourifl). 
 Not  only  while  Judea  lies  in  defolation,  but  when  the  earth,  and  all  the  works  therein  fhall  be  burnt  up,  it  lhall  flar.d  and  flourifli  in  its  peifedl  and  everlafling  glory. 
 
j  rcmiah  p-op^esieth  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem,  JEREMIAH. 
 
 f  mr'HE  word  which  came  unto  Jeremiah  from  the" 
 ft  I  InRD  a  rwhen  Nebuchadnezzar  king  ot  Baby. 
 
 .  lof  and  aS’hii  army,  and  all  jhe  kingdoms  of  the 
 +  of  his  dominion,  and  all  the  people  fought 
 Jerulalem,  and  agaioft  all  the  cities  thereof,) 
 
 Chap-  faymg,^^^  f  jj-  q  j 
 
 foeak  to  Zedtkiah  king  of  Judah,  and  tell  him_;  Thus 
 
 ?/<4aUh  the  Lord,  Behold,  1  will  give  this  city  into  the 
 
 thedo’ni  ^  ^ 
 
 uilintfhis 
 
 Itund, 
 
 r,  Cliap. 
 
 5'2.  a. 
 
 f  IDI> 
 Ilk 
 
 hanVof  tlirking  of  Babylon,  and  he  fhall  burn  it 
 
 And  thou  (halt  not  efcape  out  of  his  hpd,  but 
 (halt  lurely  be  taken,  and  delivered  into  his  hand ; 
 Lnd  thine  eyes  Oiall  behold  the  eyes  of  the  king  of 
 Babylon,  and  f  he  fhall  fpeak  with  thee  mouth  to 
 
 fliallspeo^ 
 to  thy 
 
 ftiouth. 
 
 21.  2, 
 
 smouih  r^iouth,  and  thou  (halt  go  to  Bibylon. 
 
 4  Yet  hear  the  word  of  the. Lord,  O  Zedekiah 
 king  of  Judah  ;  Thus  faith  the  Lord  of  thee,  ihou 
 
 fha't  not  die  by  the  fword  ;  ,  •  u  .u  u 
 
 5  But,  thou  (halt  die  in  peace :  and  with  the  burn- 
 
 ines  of  thy  fathers,  the  former  kings  which  were  be¬ 
 fore  thee,  fo  fhall  they  burn  odours  fpr  thee ;  and  they 
 will  lament  thee,  sayirg.  Ah  lord  .  for  1  have  pro¬ 
 nounced  the  word,  faith  the  Lord. 
 
 6  Then  Jeremiah  the  prophet  Ipake  all  thele  words 
 
 unto  Zedekiah  king  of  Judah  in  Jerufalem.  . 
 
 7  When  the  king  of  Babylon  s  army  fought  againli 
 Jerufalem,  and  againR  all  the  cities  of  Judah  that 
 were  left,  againfl  Lachifh,  and  againfl  Azekah :  for 
 thefe  defenced  cities  remained  of  the  cities  of  Judah. 
 
 S  H  This  is  the  word  that  came  unto  Jeremiah  from 
 the  Lord,  after  that  the  king  Zedekiah  had  made 
 a  covenant  with  all  the  people  which  -it-ere  at  Jerula- 
 c  Esod.  |gp3  fQ  proclaim  “  liberty  unto  them  ;  .  j 
 
 "  9  That  every  man  fhould  let  his  man  fervant,  and 
 
 every  man  his  maid-fervant,  being  an  Hebrew  or  an 
 Hebrewefs,  go  free;  that  none  fhould  ferve  himleli 
 of  them,  to  xsjit,  of  a  Jew  his  brother.  , 
 
 10  Now,  when  all  the  princes,  and  all  the  people,  j 
 which  had  entered  into  the  covenant  heard  that  every  ; 
 one  fhould  let  his  man-fervanr,  and  every  one  his , 
 maid-fervant,  go  free,  ^^at  none  fhou_d  lerve  the  m- 1 
 felves  of  them  any  more  ;  then  they  obeyed,  and  let 
 
 ll^But  afterward  they  turned,  and  caufed  the  fer- ^ 
 vants  and  the  handmaids,  whom  they  had  let  go  free,  , 
 to  return,  and  brought  them  into  lubjeflion  tor  ler- 
 vants  and  for  handmaids. 
 
 12  ^  Therefore  the  word  of  the  Lord,  came  to 
 
 Jeremiah  from  the  Lord,  faying,  t 
 
 13  Thus  faith  the  Lord,  the  God  o^^^tael,  I  made 
 a  covenant  with  your  fathers  in  the  day  that  I  brought 
 them  forth  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  out  of  the  houfe 
 of  bond-men,  faying, 
 
 cir.  590. 
 
 and  the  return  rj  the  Babylonians, 
 
 14  At  the  end  of  (even  years  let  ye  go  every 
 
 man  his  brother  an  Hebrew,  which  11  hath  been  fold  cir.  sw, 
 unto  thee  ;  and  when  he  hath  ferved  thee  fix  years, 
 thou  fhalt  let  him  go  free  from  thee  ;  but  your  fathers 
 hearkened  not  unco  me,  neither  inclined  their  ear. 
 
 15  And  ye  w'ere  now  t  turned,  and  had  done  15.  jj. 
 right  in  my  fight,  in  proclaiming  liberty  every  man  'oj  Or 
 his  neighbour;  and  ye  had  made  a  covenant  before 
 
 me  in  the  houfe  b  which  is  called  by  my  name  .  +  Hee. 
 
 16  But  ye  turned,  and  polluted  my  name,  zriQt:day. 
 
 caufed  every  man  his  fervant,  and  every  man  ris+  d«(). 
 handmaid,  whom  he  had  fet  at  liberty  at  thdr  plea--^-';^ 
 lure,  to  return,  and  brought  them  into  lubjeCtion,  to  nayne 
 be  unto  you  for  fervants  and  for  handmaids.  caiieiu 
 
 17  Therefore  thus  faith  the  Lord,  Ye  have  net 
 hearkened  unto  me,  in  proclaiming  liberty  every  one 
 to  his  brother,  and  every  man  to  his  neighbour: 
 behold,  I  proclaim  a  liberty  for  you,  faith  the  Lord, 
 to  the  fword,  to  the  peftilence,  and  to  the  farnine ; 
 and  I  will  make  you  f  to  be  '  removed  into  all 
 
 kingdoms  of  the  earth.  r  rr  j  moving. 
 
 18  And  I  will  give  the  men  that  have  tranlgrcil^d  ^  oeui. 
 my  covenant,  which  have  not  performed  the  words  28.  64. 
 of  the  covenant  which  they  had  made  before  me, 
 when  they  cut  the  calf  in  twain,  and  palled  between 
 
 the  parts  thereof.  . 
 
 19  The  princes  of  Judah,  and  the  princes  of  jeru¬ 
 falem,  the  eunuchs,  and  the  priests,  and  all  the  people 
 of  the  land,  which  pafTed  between  the  parts  of  tne 
 calf  * 
 
 20  I  will  even  give  them  into  the  hand  of  their 
 enemies,  and  into  the  hand  of  them  that  leek  their 
 
 life;  and  their  ^  dead  bodies  fhall  be  for  meat  unto f  cbap. 
 the^fowls  of  the  heaven,  and  to  the  bealts  ot  the?.  35.  & 
 
 pn  n 
 
 21*  And  Zedekiah  king  of  Judah,  and  his  princes, 
 will  I  give  into  the  hand  of  their  eneraie.s,  and  into 
 the  hand  of  them  that  leek  their  life,  and  into  the 
 hand  of  the  king  of  Babylon’s  army,  wnich  are  gone 
 up  from  you. 
 
 22  Behold,  I  will  command,  faith  the  Lord,  and 
 caufe  them  to  return  to  this  city;  and  they  fhall 
 fight  againlt  it,  and  take  if,  and  burn  it  with  fire  :  and 
 [“will  make  the  cities  of  Judah  a  defolation  without 
 an  inhabitant. 
 
 CHAP.  XXXV. 
 
 l  By  the  obedience  of  the  Beubeniles  to  their  father  s  command,  12  the 
 disobedience  of  the  Jews  to  God's  command  is  condemned.  10  God 
 blesseth  the  liechabites, 
 
 The  word  which  came  unto  Jeremiah  from  the 
 Lord,  in  the  days  of  Jehoiakim  the  fon  of 
 Joliah,  king  of  Judah,  faying, 
 
 2  Go  unto  the  houfe  of  the  Rechabites,  and  fpeak 
 unto  them,  and  bring  them  into  the  houfe  of  the 
 
 the  ufual  sacrificial  rite,  obferved  by  the  ancients  in  making  covenants,  and  was 
 perhaps  originally  an  emblematical  espreffion  of  the  parties  flaking  their  hopes  of 
 falvation  on  the  great  facrifice,  on  the  performance  of  their  refpeaive  conditions. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXXV,  Ver.  1—19.  The  prophet 
 is  commanded  to  try  another  method  of  inRruaion  with  the  Jews;  to  iiiftrua 
 and  reprove  them  from  the  example  of  the  houfe  of  the  Rechabites.  Thefe 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXXIV.  Ver.  ' 
 
 2  Chron.  xvi.  14.  xxi.  19.  Ver.  8.  This  ceremony  had  been  ^ 
 
 time  of  iliftrefs,  Zedekiah  had  recourfe  to  it  as  a  method  of  2  foRnin 
 
 towards  God.  When  however  the  caufe  of  alarm  feemed  to  ^ 
 
 covenant  granting  univerfal  liberty  was  difregarded,  on  ^ 
 
 and  peopi;  were  given  over  to  difeafe  and  llavery.  Ver.  IS.  This  terle  defiii 
 
 - - - TYT  V  V  V  TV  1  G^  mixes  his  hid^ent  here  with  mercy  even  to  the  wicked.  It  is  a  great  advantage  for  kings 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVAflONS.-—  J  f  njg  ipat  they  may  repent  and  live.  They  who  at  laft,  though  late,  return  to  God, 
 
 and  others  to  have  faithful  minillers  to  tell  them  the  fa  a  con  iq  thev'will  have  reafim  to  blefs  God  for  them  as  their  chief  mercies.  To  be  confined  in 
 
 will  find  peace  with  him  ;  and,  however  fevere  ig’the’fce/e  of  iniquity.  God’s  compaffion  towards  us  ought  to  influence  ours  towards  our 
 
 str:”  s  .... .....  ..--a  ..c 
 
The  obedience  of  the  Itcchahiles  to  their  father.  JEREMIAH. 
 
 to^dr?nk°^°  chambers,  and  give  them  wine 
 
 God  blesscth  a 
 
 t  Ileb. 
 
 thro^hold^ 
 or,  vessel. 
 
 Ton  J  of  Jeremiah,  the 
 
 nnH  rb  brethren,  and  all  his  Cons, 
 
 and  the  whole  houfe  of  the  Rechabites ; 
 
 4  And  I  brought  them  into  the  houfe  of  the  Lord, 
 into  the  chamber  of  the  fons  of  Hanan  the  fon  of  Ig. 
 caliah,  a  man  of  God,  which  -was  by  the  chamber  of 
 
 ne  pnoces,  which  was  above  the  chamber  of  Maa- 
 leuh  the  fon  of  Shallum,  the  keeper  of  the  fdoor. 
 
 I?  vTu-  ^  before  the  fons  of  the  houfe  of  the 
 Kechabites  pots  full  of  wine,  and  cups :  and  I  (aid 
 unto  them,  Drink  ye  wine. 
 
 6  But  they  faid,  We  will  drink  no  wine ;  for  Jo- 
 
 nadab  tlm  fon  of  Rechab,  our  father,  commanded  us, 
 ‘•ijing,  Ye  (hall  drink  no  wine,  ye  nor  vour 
 Ions  for  ever  :  ^ 
 
 7  Neither  fhall  ye  build  houfe,  nor  fow  feed,  nor 
 plant  vineyard,  nor  have  any:  but  all  your  days,  ve 
 lhal  dwell  m  tents;  that  ye  may  live  many  days  in 
 the  land  where  y^e  be  flrangers. 
 
 5  ]  hus  have  W'e  obeyed  the  voice  of  Jonadab  the 
 Ion  or  Rechab  our  father,  in  all  that  he  hath  charged 
 us,  to  drink  no  wane  all  our  days,  we,  our  wives  our 
 Ions,  nor  our  daughters ; 
 
 9  Nor  to  build  houfes  for  us  to  dwell  in  ;  neither 
 nave  w’e  vineyard,  nor  field,  nor  feed  : 
 
 10  But  we  have  dwelt  in  tents,  and  have  obeyed 
 and  done  according  to  all  that  Jonadab  our  father 
 commanded  us. 
 
 ,  .  ^  ^  came  to  pafs,  W'hen  Nebuchadrezzar 
 
 King  of  Babylon  came  up  into  the  land,  that  we  faid. 
 Gome,  and  let  us  go  to  Jerufalem  for  fear  of  the 
 army  of  the  Chaldeans,  and  for  fear  of  the  armv  of 
 the  Syrians :  lb  we  dwell  at  Jerufalem. 
 
 12  ^  Then  came  the  word  of  the  Lord  unto  Je¬ 
 remiah,  faying, 
 
 13  Thus  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts,  the  God  of 
 Brael,  Go  and  tell  the  men  of  Judah,  and  the  inha¬ 
 bitants  of  Jerufalem,  Will  ye  not  receive  inlirinflion 
 to  hearken  to  my  words?  faith  the  Lord. 
 
 14  The  words  of  Jonadab  the  fon  of  Rechab,  that 
 he  commanded  his  fons  not  to  drink  wine,  are  per¬ 
 formed  ;  for  unto  this  day  they  drink  none,  but  obey 
 their  father’s  commandment :  notwithftanding  I  have 
 fpeken  unto  you,  rifing  early  and  fpeaking ;  but  ye 
 hearkened  not  unto  me. 
 
 15  I  have  Cent  alfo  unto  you  all  my  fervants  the 
 prophets,  rifing  up  early  and  fending  them,  faying. 
 
 people,  originally  ftrangersj  had  been  incorporated  anaong  the  Ifraelites,  and  had 
 at  an  early  period  devoted  their  attention  to  the  Rudy  of  the  feriptures,  and 
 taught  in  the  temple,  whither  they  of  courfe  frequently  reforted.  Judges  i.  19, 
 1  Chron.  ii.  55.  Jer.  xxxvi,  10.  The  manner  of  life  enjoined  them  by  their  fa¬ 
 ther  Jonadab,  was  well  fitted  to  promote  a  ftudious  and  contemplative  turn  of 
 mind  ;  it  refembled  the  law  of  God  refpedting  the  Nazarites,  Numb.  vi.  3. 
 Their  ready  and  perfevering  obedience  to  their  father’s  injunflion,  exhibited  in 
 a  ftrong  light  the  depravity  and  wickednefs  of  the  Jews  in  difoheying  God.  Toe 
 tormer  regarded  the  precepts  of  a  fallible  creature  handed  down  by  tradition  ; 
 the  latter  violated  and  profaned  the  laws  of  the  God  of  truth  enforced  by  mi- 
 
 Return  ye  now,  every  man  from  his  evil  wav  p 
 lam^nd  your  doings,  and  go  not  after  other  gods  tn  efe 
 (erve  them,  and  ye  (hall  dwell  in  the  land  whichS 
 have  given  to  you,  and  to  your  fathers  -  bur  vp  h? 
 ooj  inclined  your  ear,  nor  hearkened  un’io  rae.^ 
 
 have 
 
 “earkened'nZ  me f  ‘ 
 
 17  Therefore  thus  faith  the  Lord  God  of  hofts 
 the  God  of  Ilrael,  Behold,  I  will  bring  upon  Judah’ 
 jnhabitauts  of  Jerufalem,  all  the  evil 
 that  1  have  pronounced  agaiuR  them  :  Becaufe  I  have 
 
 h^ve  not  heard  ;  and  I 
 i  “v  them,  but  they  have  not  anfwered. 
 
 I  18  And  Jeremiah  (aid  umo  the  houfe  of  the 
 i  the  Lord  of  hofts,  theGod+Hei 
 
 I  rf  Inn-  3  obeyed  the  commandment  T'here ' 
 
 I  of  Jonadab  your  father,  and  kept  all  his  precepts,  a 
 
 I  you  ■  a-coruing  unto  all  tha  the  hath  commanded  ;;;;'']^ 
 
 ■'  CnijiflT,  Z""'’ 
 
 :  tjod  ot  Ilrael,  f  Jonadab  tne  son  of  Rechab  (hall  not 
 j  want  a  man  to  ftand  before  me  for  ever  * 
 
 '  ■  stand,  4'f. 
 
 CHAP.  XXXVI. 
 
 1  Jeremhh  cameth  Baruch  to  urile  all  Ins  threatening  prophecies  and  / 
 reeul  taem  publicly  20  Jekoial bu-rteik  the  roU:  21  hh  TudZtn 
 o2  Baruch  vn-Ueth  a  new  copy.  ^  d^m.nt, 
 
 to  pals,Jn  the  fourth  year  of  Jehoia- 
 kim  the  fon  of  J.  iiah  king  of  Judah,  that  this 
 wora  came  unto  Jeremiah  from  the  Lord,  faying, 
 
 i  th  *■  T  ^  3nd  write  therein  all 
 
 ,  the  words  that  I  have  fpoken  unto  thee  againft  Ilrael 
 
 againft  all  the  nations,  from’ 
 
 ievefukofe^r  of  •Jofiah,.a., 
 
 I  s  It  may  be  that  the  houfe  of  Judah  will  hear  all 
 [  the  evil  tt.hich  I  purpofe  to  do  unto  them  ;  that  thev 
 I  tnay  return  every  man  from  his  evil  way,  that  I  may 
 ;  forgive  their  iniquity  and  their  fin.  ^ 
 
 4  Tnen  Jeremiah  called  Baruch  the  fon  of  Neriah  • 
 and  Baruch  wrote  from  the  mouth  of  Jeremiah  all 
 the  words  ot  the  Lord,  which  he  had  Ipoken  unto 
 him,  upon  a  roll  of  a  book. 
 
 5  And  Jeremiah  commanded  Baruch,  faying,  I  am 
 
 ^  go  "0^0  the  houfe  of  the  Lord  : 
 
 therefore  go  thou,  and  read  in  the  roll,  which 
 thou  haft  WTitten  from  my  mouth,  the  words  of  the 
 Lord,  in  the  ears  of  the  people,  in  the  Lord’s  houfe 
 
 I  - -  -  -  V.  viJiv.;*ccu  uy  IIII- 
 
 racles,  figns,  and  a  fucceflion  of  prophets,  explaining  infallibly  their  true  import. 
 
 W  ■  -  *  VliWlI  1,1  UC  lllipuii* 
 
 Ine  one  performed  a  piece  of  felf-denial,  abftaining  from  what  the  grant  of  the 
 
 difobedience  difiionourcd  God,  bufft  the 
 bell  bands  of  oc.ety,  and  expofed  themfelves  to  the  greateR  mifery.  T.te  Ku- 
 
 t?nt‘  the  Jeis‘  ‘’"^her  ;  he  left  them  fojourners  in 
 
 tents  the  Jews  had  every  diflinguifiimg  favour  Riewcd  them  bv  God  ■  he  had 
 
 I  given  them  all  things  richly  to  enjoy,  nectRary  to  life  and  godlinefs  •  the  former 
 
 inrence“'"Sd  'd  "^"'1  or  duty  L  no 
 
 wo^rkt  his  ‘jetermination  to  reward  them  according^  to  their 
 
 works,  his  coniinued  approbation  fliall  reR  on  the  family  of  Jonadab:  and  he 
 
 FX  p"A  NATn^v  the  judgment  of  his  word. 
 
 NOIES.  Chap.  XXXVI.  Ver.  6.  This  order  corref- 
 ponds  With  Gods  method  and  the  prophet’s  praaice,  in  revealing  his  will  in  the 
 moR  public  manner;  comp.  Ifa.  xlv.  1 9.  xviii.  1-7.  Ver.  22.  Great  men  in  the 
 
 1  IIACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XXXV,]  Never  let  us  be  afiiamed  of  the  honeR  emnlovment  of  onr  an  a  i 
 dentiy  accommodate  ourfelves  to  our  place,  rank,  and  condition,  but  never  live  above  it.  Humility  and  cLtentmeiU  in  obfcrrftraVrT^''rrr'a 
 prctea.on.  If  we  be  Rrangers  in  this  world,  we  Riould  abRain  from  fleRily  luRs,  and  treat  the  ob^eds  of  lenfe  with  a  ur^ious  ^nd  a  rrf^ 
 
 are  confirmed  in  fo  doin^  temptation  will  have  lefs  force.  The  more  morfified  vfe  are  in  this  w odd.  the  more  meet  wrare  for  "d 
 
 we  be  W  part  with  It.  _  To  neglea  proper  means  of  fafety  is  to  tempt  God.  It  is  fuperlatively  abfurd  and  wicked  to'refufe  doinc,  as  mSh^n  o  d  r  ’"/ 
 
 would  be  ready  to  do  in  obedience  to  a  progenitor  who  is  long  fince  dead,  and  can  never  remind  us  of  our  obligation  •  and  fuch  as  aTp  ^  1, 
 
 fure,  however  slow.  But,  while  finners  are  ruined,  the  temperate  and  obedient  are  often  preRrved  in  this  worfd.  Nay  tLperaace  and  vengeance 
 
 much  befriend  the  exercifes  of  piety,  and  hel?  to  tranfmit  the  obfetvance  thereof  to  poReritv,  as  their  principal  honour  ^  ^  mortihcation  to  this  world. 
 
jiartich  wrileth  Jeremiah^  prophecies. 
 
 JEREMIAH. 
 
 Jehoiafeim  lurneth  the  roll. 
 
 p.fore 
 (ir.  e^OT- 
 
 f  He>J. 
 Iheir  sup- 
 
 jj/lCfliioM 
 
 shall  fall¬ 
 
 en.  90®' 
 
 I  0- 
 
 doar. 
 
 i  Chap. 
 26.  1C. 
 
 nnnn  the  faftinc  day:  and  alio  thou  (halt  read  them 
 ^?hP  ears  of  all  Judah  that  come  out  of  their  cities. 
 
 7  It  may  be  f  they  will  prefent  their  liipplication 
 before  the  Lord,  and  will  return  every  one  from  his 
 ev  1  way  :  ior  great  fs  the  anger  and  the  fury  that 
 fhe  Lord  hath  pronounced  againft  this  people 
 ^  8  And  Baruch  the  ton  of  Neriah  did  according  to 
 all  that  Jeremiah  the  prophet  commanded  him,  read-  ! 
 ing  in  the  book  the  words  ol  the  Lord  in  the  Lord  s 
 
 And  it  came  to  pafs,  in  the  fifth  year  of  Jehoia- 
 kirn  the  fonof  Jofiih  king  of  Judah,  in  the  ninth 
 month,  that  they  proclaimed  a  fall  before  the  Lord 
 all  the  people  in  Jerufalem,  and  to  all  the  people 
 that  came  from  the  cities  of  Judah  unto  Jerulalem. 
 
 10  rhen  read  Baruch  in  the  book  the  words  of  ^ 
 
 Jeremiah  in  the  houfe  of  the  I.ord,  in  the  chamber  | 
 of  Gemariah  the  Ton  of  Shaphan  the  Icribe,  in  the  | 
 higher  court,  at  the  H  "  entry  of  the  new  gate  of  the 
 Lord’s  houfe,  in  the  ears  of  all  the  people.  j 
 
 1 1  f  When  Micaiah  the  Ion  of  Gemariah  the  Ion  , 
 of  Shaphan,  had  heard  out  of  the  book  all  the  words 
 
 of  the  Lord,  _  , .  >  u  r 
 
 12  Then  he  went  down  into  the  king  s  houle,  into 
 
 the  feribe’s  chamber  :  and,  lo,  all  the  princes  lat 
 even  Elilhama  the  feribe,  and  Delaiah  the  Ln  of  She- 
 maiah,  and  Elnathan  the  Ion  of  Achbor,  and  Gema¬ 
 riah  the  fon  of  Shaphan,  and  Zedekiah  the  fon  of 
 Hananiah,  and  all  the  princes. 
 
 13  Then  Micaiah  declared  unto  them  ad  the  words 
 that  he  had  heard,  when  Baruch  read  the  book  in 
 
 the  ears  of  the  people.  t  ;i-  r^n  nf 
 
 14  %  Therefore  all  the  princes  fent  Jehudi  the  Ion  of 
 
 Nathaniah,  the  fon  of  Shelemiah,  the  Ion  of  Cufhi, 
 unto  Baruch,  faying.  Take  in  thine  hand  the  rol 
 wherein  thou  haft  read  in  the  ears  of  the  people,  and 
 come.  So  Baruch  the  fon  of  Neriah  took  the  roll  in 
 
 his  hand,  and  came  unto  them. 
 
 15  And  they  faid  unto  him,  Sit  down  now,  and 
 read  it  in  our  ears.  So  Baruch  read  it  in  their  ears. 
 
 16  Now  it  came  to  pafs,  when  they  had  heard  a 
 the  words,  they  were  afraid,  both  one  and  other,  and 
 faid  unto  Baruch,  We  will  furely  tell  the  king  of  all 
 
 17  And  they  afked  Baruch,  faying,  left  us  now. 
 How  didft  thou  write  all  thefe  words  at  his  mouth . 
 
 18  Then  Baruch  anfwered  them.  He  pronounced 
 all  thefe  words  unto  me  with  his  mouth,  and  1  wrote 
 
 them  with  ink  in  the  book.  , , 
 
 19  Then  faid  the  princes  unto  Baruch,  Go,  hide 
 
 thee,  thou  and  Jeremiah,  and  let  no  man  know  where 
 ye  be.  _ ^ 
 
 Pefore 
 Chriil 
 60&. 
 
 cir 
 
 20  %  And  they  went  in  to  the  king  into  the  court, 
 but  they  laid  up  the  roll  in  the  chamber  of  Eiifhama 
 the  feribe,  and  told  all  the  words  in  the  ears  of  the« 
 
 ^^2^1  So  the  king  fent  Jehudi  to  fetch  the  roll :  and 
 he  took  it  out  of  Eiifhama  the  feribe’s  chamber;  and 
 Jehudi  read  it  in  the  ears  of  the  king,  and  in  the  ears 
 of  all  the  princes  which  ftood  befide  the  king.  _ 
 
 22  Now  the  king  fat  in  the  winter-houle  in  the 
 
 ninth  month  :  and  there  was  a  fireOQ.  the  hearth  burn¬ 
 ing  before  him.  ,  t  u  j-  u  j  j 
 
 23  And  it  came  to  pafs,  that  when  Jehudi  had  read 
 
 three  or  four  leaves,  he  cut  it  with  a  pen-kni  e,  and 
 caft  it  into  the  fire  that  wts  on  the  hearth,  until  all  the 
 roll  was  confumed  in  the  fire  that  was  on  the  hearth. 
 
 24  Yet  they  v/ere  not  afraid,  nor  rent  their  gar¬ 
 ments,  neither  the  king,  nor  any  of  his  fervants  that 
 
 heard  all  thefe  words.  ,  ,  •  u  a 
 
 25  Neverthelefs,  Elnathan,  and  Delaiah,  and  Ge¬ 
 mariah,  had  made  interceffion  to  the  king  that  he 
 would  not  burn  the  roll ;  but  he  would  not  hear  them. 
 
 26  But  the  king  commanded  Jerahmeel  the  ° 
 Hammelech,  and  Seraiah  the  Ion  of  Azriel,  and  bhe-^,„„^ 
 lemiah  the  fon  of  Abdeel,  to  take  Baruch  the  Icribe, 
 and  Jeremiah  the  prophet :  but  the  Lord  hid  them. 
 
 27  H  Then  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  to  Jere-  cir. 
 miah,  after  that  the  king  had  burnt  the  roll,  and  the 
 words  which  B3.ruch  wrote  stthe  mouth  or  Jeremiah, 
 
 (hvi  ri 
 
 28  Take  thee  again  another  roll,  and  write  in  it 
 all  the  former  words  that  were  in  the  firft  roll,  w'hich 
 Jehoiakim  the  king  of  Judah  hath  burnt.  c  i  a  u 
 
 29  And  thou  (halt  fay  to  Jehoiakim  king  of  Judah, 
 
 Thus  faith  the  Lord,  thou  haft  burnt  this  roll,  faying. 
 
 Why  haft  thou  written  therein,  faying,  The  king  of 
 Babylon  fhall  certainly  come  and  deftroy  this  land, 
 and  (hall  cauCe  to  ceafe  from  thence  man  and  bealf  . 
 
 30  Therefore  thus  faith  the  Lord  of  Jehoiakim 
 
 king  of  Judah,  He  (hall  have  none  to  fit  upon  the 
 throne  of  David  ;  and  his  dead  body  (hall  be  =  caft  out 
 in  the  day  to  the  heat,  and  in  the  night  to  the  froft.  • 
 
 31  And  I  will  t  punilh  him,  and  his  feed,  and  hist  ^  • 
 
 ,  608. 
 
 fervants,  for  their  iniquity;  and  I  will  bring  upon 
 them,  and  upon  the  inhabitants  of  Jerufalem,  and 
 upon  the  men  of  Judah,  all  the  evil  that  1  have  pro¬ 
 nounced  againft  them  ;  but  they  hearkened  not. 
 
 32  f  Then  took  Jeremiah  another  roll,  and  gave  it 
 to  Baruch  the  feribe,  the  fon  of  Neriah  ;  w'ho  wrote 
 therein  from  the  mouth  of  Jeremiah,  all  the  words 
 of  the  book  which  Jehoiakim  king  of  Judah  had  burnt 
 in  the  fire :  and  there  were  added  befides  unto  them  Heb. 
 manv  f  like  words.*  ^  asthe^ 
 
 caufe  of  his  fervants.  Ver.  27—32.  Jehoiakim  by  his  infamous  condua  could 
 not  make  the  purpofe  of  God  of  none  effea  ;  but  as  he  added  frelh  aggravaUons 
 to  his  guilt,  fo  he  drew  heavier  judgments  on  his  own  head.  His  perlon  con¬ 
 demned  to  lading  difgrace  ;  he  Ihall  be  ranked  among  the  bafed  lungs,  having 
 no  burial  affigned  him,  (chap.  sxii.  19.)  and  none  of  bis  poderity  (hall  reign  on 
 the  throne  of  David  ;  his  fon  Jeconiab  reigned  only  thiee  months,  when  he  wa* 
 dragged  into  captivity  and  written  childlefs. 
 
 cad  had  rooms  adapted  to  the  warmth  of  fiimmer,  and  the  cold  in  vvinte  ,  S 
 
 iii.  20.  Amos  iii.  15.  The  conveniences  of  life  are  defirable;  butitis 
 
 when  rulers  are  folicitous  to  poffefs  them  for  themfelves  rather  t  an  ^  Ainn 
 fubjeas’  welfare.  Ver.  23—26.  Doubtlefs  that  nation  is  not  far  from  dedruhtion, 
 when  one  part  of  its  chief  men  cannot  bear  lo  be  warned,  and  are  as  re^ar 
 
 of  God’s  will  as  their  fubjeas’  good;  while  the  other  part  have  not  fortitude  to 
 
 maintain  truth,  nor  to  protea  the  innocent.  It  is  however  confoling  in  t  e  pro  - 
 
 pea  of  calamity,  that  God  will  never  forfake,  nor  ceafe  to  defend  and  plead  _ 
 
 ::.Cl"rrdi:aiHhlTo:k:rir^^^ 
 
 figned;  and  all  the  writing  or  preaching  of  fermons  enemies  to  the 'power  of  it.  And  national  fads  without  national  reforma- 
 
 But  there  may  be  great  pretences  even  to  extraordinary  devot  ,  Amnlicatinir  for  mercy,  it  is^very  ufeful  to  be  faithfully  told  of  our  fins  and  our  duty} 
 
 tiODs.  will  never  turn  away  national  judgments.  When  we  P''°  “  been^  peculiarly  afiFeafng  to  ourftlves.  God’s  miniders  dioald  lay  hold  on  every  oppor- 
 
 rrjr.  /.r.  a..,..*, ..  v,  a.,., .m  a. ... 
 
 8  Z 
 
Zcdriciali  scndclh  for  Jeremiah. 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 cir.  599. 
 
 CHAR  XXXVII. 
 
 JEREMIAH. 
 
 a  2  Kinffs 
 24.  17. 
 
 2  Chron. 
 36.  10. 
 Chap. 
 
 22.  24. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 by  the 
 hand  of 
 the  pro- 
 phet. 
 cir.  590. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 your  souls, 
 
 4  Heb. 
 
 thrust 
 
 through. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 tnade  to 
 ascend. 
 
 '‘j  Zedekiah  ihe  Ion  of  Jofiah  reigned  ' 
 oftead  of-  Coniah  the  Ion  of  Jehoiakim,  whom 
 
 End“oS;h!" 
 
 Servants,  nor  the  people 
 whi^h  rken  unto  the  words  of  the  Lord, 
 
 which  he  fpake  \  by  the  prophet  Jeremiah. 
 
 Qb  1  •  Jehucal  the  Ton  of 
 
 iJhelemiah,  and  Zephaniah  the  fon  of  Maafeiah  the 
 pnelt,  to  the  prophet  Jeremiah,  faying,  Pray  now 
 unto  the  Lord  cur  God  for  us. 
 
 4  Now  Jeremiah  came  in  and  went  out  among  the 
 people  ;  for  they  had  not  put  him  into  prilon. 
 
 5  Ihen  Pharaoh’s  army  was  come  forth  ou*-  of 
 Egypt;  and  when  the  Chaldeans  that  befieged' Je- 
 rulalem  heard  tidings  of  them,  they  departed  from 
 Jerufalem. 
 
 6  J  Ihen  came  the  word  of  the  Lord  unto  the 
 prophet  Jeremiah,  faying, 
 
 7  Thus  faith  the  Lord,  the  God  of  Ifrael,  Thus 
 lhall  ye  lay  to  the  king  of  Judah,  that  lent  you  unto 
 me  to  enquire  of  me  ;  Behold,  Pharaoh’s  army,  which 
 IS  come  forth  to  help  you,  fhall  return  to  Egypt  into 
 their  own  land. 
 
 Chaldeans  fhall  come  again,  and  fight 
 agai^  this  city,  and  take  it,  and  burn  it  with  fire. 
 
 9  Ihus  faith  the  Lord,  Deceive  not  f  yourfelves, 
 laying,  The  Chaldeans  (hall  furely  depart'  from  us : 
 for  they  fhall  not  depart. 
 
 10  For  though  ye  had  fmitten  the  whole  army  of 
 f"®  Chaldeans  that  fight  againff  you,  and  there  re¬ 
 mained  htil  f  wounded  men  among  them,  ye/  fhould 
 
 they  nfe  up  every  man  in  his  tent,  and  burn  this  city 
 with  fire.  ^ 
 
 1 1  H  And  it  came  to  pafs,  that  when  the  army  of 
 the  Chaldeans  was  t  broken  up  from  Jerufalem.  for 
 fear  or  Pharaoh’s  army, 
 
 12  Then  Jeremiah,  went  forth  out  of  Jerufalem,  to 
 
 Jircmiah  impri^, 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  XXXVII.  Ver.  1—21  This  chap 
 
 ter  contains  a  plain  narrative.  Zedekiah,  though  exceedingly  wicked  appears  in 
 rather  a  more  amiable  light  than  his  courtiers  or  warriors.  The  Chaldeans  hav- 
 mg  beard  of  the  approach  of  the  Egyptians  to  affia  the  Jews,  raife  the  lleee  of 
 Jerufalem,  and  march  againR  them.  The  king  fends  for  Jeremiah  out  of  prifon 
 and  entreats  him  to  pray  for  the  fuccefs  of  the  Egyptians.  The  prophet,  unmoved 
 by  the  experience  of  pad,  or  the  dread  of  future  futferings,  declares,  that  hope  of 
 relief  by  the  Egyptians  was  vain  ;  and  that  the  deRruaion  of  Jerufalem  was  inevi¬ 
 table.  This  is  exprelTed  in  the  moR  flriking  manner.  The  Chaldeans  fhall  re- 
 turn,  take  and  burn  the  city  with  fire;  and  fo  eafily  fhall  they  do  this,  that  no- 
 fbing  could  prevent  them;  though  none  but  the  wounded  returned,  their  tents 
 would  be  tranfported  within  the  city  ;  every  man  would  rife  in  his  tent  and  burn 
 n  with  far&  When  the  Chaldeans  renewed  the  fiege,  the  liberated  prophet  endea- 
 vours  to  efcape  froni  a  place  and  people  devoted  to  deRruaion  ;  hut  on  his  way  to 
 Ills  native  place  be  is  feized  by  one  of  his  countrymen  as  a  traior  to  bis  country  • 
 the  laR  crime  furely  with  which  he  could  be  charged.  Examined  on  this  affair  by 
 
 go  into  the  land  of  Benjamin,  H  to  feparate  himr.df  i> 
 thence  in  the  midft  of  the  people. 
 
 13  And  when  he  was  in  the  gate  of  Benjamin  a 
 
 °r  whole  name  ivas  Iri-iTo^ 
 
 't^^'ooofHananiah;  andi^ 
 
 14  T>en  laid  Jeremiah,  It  h  f  falfe ;  I  fall  not  aticnv  if'""" 
 to  the  Cnaldeans.^  But  he  hearkened  not  to  him  ; 
 
 Irijah  took  Jeremiah,  and  brought  him  to  the  princes 
 
 15  Wherefore  the  princes  were  wroth  with  Jere’^f' 
 raiah,  and  fmote  him,  and  put  him  in  prilon,  in  the'^w^ 
 
 houle  of  Jonathan  the  fcribe ;  for  they  had  made  that 
 the  prifon.  '■ 
 
 16  f  When  Jeremiah  was  entered  into  the  dungeon  599 
 
 and  into  the  |l  cabins,  and  Jeremiah  had  remained , I  o,' 
 there  many  days  ;  leif 
 
 nnl'!  2nd  took  him 
 
 afked  him  fecretly  in  his  houle 
 and  laid  Is  there  word  from  the  Lord.?  And 
 Jeremiah  laid,  Lhere  is ;  for,  faid  he,  thou  (halt  be 
 delivered  into  the  hand  of  the  king  of  Babylon. 
 
 Moreover,  Jeremiah  faid  unto  king  Zedekiah 
 What  have  I  offended  againft  thee,  or  againR  thy 
 
 fervants,  or  againR  this  people,  that  ye  have  put  me 
 m  prilon?  luc 
 
 19  Where  are  now  your  prophets  which  prophefied 
 unto  you,  faying.  The  king  of  Babylon  fhall  not  come 
 againR  you,  nor  agamR  this  land  ? 
 
 20  Therefore  hear  now,  I  pray  thee,  O  my  lord 
 he  king  ,  f  let  my  fupplication,  I  pray  thee,  be  ac-t 
 
 cepted  before  thee  ;  that  thou  caufe  me  not  to  return 
 to  the  houle  of  Jonathan  the  Icribe,  leR  1  die  there.  S, 
 
 21  Ihen  Zedekiah  the  king  commanded  that  they 
 (hould  connmit  Jeremiah  into  the  court  of  the  prilon, 
 and  that  they  fhould  give  him  daily  a  piece  of  bread 
 out  of  the  bakers’  flreet,  until  all  the  bread  in  the 
 city  were  fpenr.  Thus  Jeremiah  remained  in  the 
 court  of  the  prilon.* 
 
 CHAR  XXXVIII. 
 
 1  Jeremtah  cast  into  the  dungeon  of  Malchiah,  7  Ebed-melech  getteth  him 
 some  enlargement  ;  U  he  gioetk  the  king  counsel;  24  he  concealelh  the 
 conference  from  the  princes. 
 
 the  princes  he  is  unjuRly  condemned,  maltreated,  thruR  into  the  prifon  afibnie'd 
 for  criminals,  mto  the  dungeon,  the  worR  and  moR  difma!  cell,  where  he  continued 
 many  days.  The  king,  however,  moved  by  his  fears,  but  aRiamed  to  make  them 
 knorvn,  fends  for  him  lecretly,  to  learn  if  there  were  yet  any  ground  of  hope  The 
 prophet  continues  faithful  in  bis  warning,  and.  being  heard,  reafons  on  die  imuf- 
 uce  and  cruel  y  of  the  treatment  which  he  fuffered,  for  fpeaking  the  word  of  .he 
 Lord  and  entreats  that  at  leaR  he  may  not  be  fent  back  to  the  dungeon.  The 
 king  hears  him  with  candour  and  regards  him  favourably;  and  therelo.e,  though 
 
 T  hre  nTn  T  r  a  ."  °^ders  the’  prophet 
 
 to  be  confined  in  the  moR  honourable  prifon,  and  to  he  provided  wi.h  the  conve- 
 
 m Tnlr  f  remained  in  the  city.  Thus  the  devices  of  his  enemies 
 
 o  render  him  m.ferable,  contnbnied  to  his  happinefs ;  and  while  they  were  expofed 
 to  peRilence  and  the  fvs^rd,  comfort,  peace,  and  fafety,  were  his  lot.  «  God  judg- 
 eth  the  righteous,  and  favetb  the  upright  in  heart ;  but  he  is  angry  with  the  wicked 
 
 gers,  and  drfcotrtUird:Lmtnate  If  don^^^^^^  ‘^e  oracles  of  God,  to  deRroy  his  meffeli- 
 
 they  who  contend  with  God,  and  ohRinately  refiRrs^runfflirdoi"?;  tT^fL^lV^:  ^heSfelvesTratragi^a*  t,^^  ha^ds  are  wonderfully  proteaed  ; 
 
 entreat  their  prayers  and  counfels  in  the^day  of  diR^f^  Lny  wluld^e^ladl  I’d  P-^’P^^ty  are  glad  to  fly  to  them  and 
 
 the  intermiffions  or  flow  progrefs  of  God’s  judgments  to  harden  themfelves,  when  thfy  eaVily  credit^hriatteXToSlLVlldch  Their  c’o'rruor'in  p"'!. t 
 
 rkeR^:flrutrrn“ll'’T;nr  itT  r:ifl  f^ratra  ?  ""f  T  nrc;e3?o'"er‘cr  wThr^d^J^ 
 
 ebaraaers  and  condua  may  be  blackened  with  die  vileR  afpeifions;  and  Tvery’lir’htweveVimpm^^^^  evils  which  we  forefee.  But  the  pureR 
 
 reproofs.  And,  if  paflion  and  preiudice  afeend  the  chair  nf  rhe  ^  ‘  ’  "“"^ver  improoauie,  is  eahly  believed  againR  a  man  obnoxious  for  his  pietv  and 
 
 fcience’  fake.  ’But^God  can  prov/de  the^ reiit/ffVm  whenc^^^  “>  -osTfor'  coo- 
 
dungeon. 
 
 a  Cliap- 
 21.  &■ 
 
 I  Heb. 
 
 peace- 
 
 I  Or,  of 
 
 the  k  ng. 
 
 Jeremiah  cast  into  the 
 
 „  rnnHEN  Shephatiah  the  fon  of  Matfan,  and  Ge- 
 daliai',  the  fon  of  PaOiur,  and  Jucal  the  fon  of 
 iShelemiah,  and  Pafhur  the  fon  of  Malchiah,  heard  the 
 words  ihat  Jeremiah  had  fpoken  unto  all  the  people, 
 faying. 
 
 2  Thus  faith  the  Lord,  *  He  that  remaineth  in 
 this  city  lhall  die  by  the  fword,  by  the  famine,  and 
 by  the  peftilence:  but  he  that  goeth  forth  to  the 
 Chaldeans  (hall  live ;  for  he  fhall  have  his  life  for  a 
 prey,  and  (hall  live. 
 
 3  Ttms  faith  the  Lord,  This  city  fhall  furely  be 
 given  into  the  hand  of  the  king  of  Babylon’s  army, 
 which  fhall  take  it. 
 
 4  Therefore  the  princes  faid  unto  the  king.  We 
 befeech  thee,  let  this  man  be  put  to  death  ;  for  thus 
 he  weakeneth  the  hands  of  the  men  of  war  that  re- 
 main  in  this  city,  and  the  hands  of  all  the  peop'e,  in 
 fpeaking  fuch  words  unto  them  ;  for  this  man  feeketh 
 not  the  t  vvelfare  of  this  people,  but  the  hurt. 
 
 5  Then  Zedekiah  the  king  faid.  Behold,  he  is  in 
 your  hand ;  for  the  king  is  not  he  that  can  do  any 
 thing  againft  you. 
 
 6  Then  took  they  Jeremiah,  and  caft  him  into  the 
 dungeon  of  Malchiah  the  fon  11  of  Hammelech,  that 
 was  in  the  court  of  the  prifon  :  and  they  let  down  Je¬ 
 remiah  with  cords.  And  in  the  dungeon  there  was  no 
 water,  but  mire  :  fo  Jeremiah  funk  in  the  mire. 
 
 7  f  Now,  when  Ebed-melech  the  Ethiopian,  one  of 
 the  eunuchs  which  was  in  the  king’s  houfe,  heard  that 
 they  had  put  Jeremiah  in  the  dungeon,  (the  king  then 
 fitting  in  the  gate  of  Benjamin.) 
 
 8  Ebed-melech  went  forth  out  of  the  king’s  houfe, 
 and  Ipake  to  the  king,  faying, 
 
 9  My  lord  the  king,  thefe  men  have  done  evil  in 
 all  that  they  have  done  to  Jeremiah  the  prophet, 
 
 f  Heb.  fie  whom  they  have  caft  into  the  dungeon  ;  and  f  he  is  like 
 to  die  for  hunger  in  the  place  where  he  is ;  for  there 
 is  no  more  bread  in  the  city. 
 
 10  Then  the  king  commanded  Ebed-melech  the 
 Ethiopian,  faying.  Take  from  hence  thirty  men  f  with 
 thee,  and  take  up  Jeremiah  the  prophet  out  of  the 
 dungeon,  before  he  die. 
 
 1 1  So  Ebed-melech  took  the  men  with  him,  and 
 went  into  the  houfe  of  the  king  under  the  treafury, 
 and  took  thence  old  calf  clouts,  and  old  rotten  rags,  and 
 let  them  down  by  cords  into  the  dungeon  to  Jeremiah. 
 
 12  And  Ebed-melech  the  Ethiopian  faid  unto  Jere¬ 
 miah,  Put  now  these  old  cast  clouts  and  rotten  rags 
 under  thine  arm-holes,  under  the  cords.  And  Jere¬ 
 miah  did  fo. 
 
 13  So  they  drew  up  Jeremiah  with  cords,  and  took 
 him  up  out  of  the  dungeon:  and  Jeremiah  remained 
 in  the  court  of  the  prifon. 
 
 14  H  Then  Zedekiah  the  king  fent,  and  took  Jere- 
 
 #  miah  the  propliet  unto  him  into  the  H  third  entry  that 
 pnnopx.  houfe  of  the  Lord  :  and  the  king  faid  unto 
 
 JEREMIAH. 
 
 Ills  advice  to  Zediktah. 
 
 Will  die. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 in  thine 
 hand. 
 
 BeCor* 
 
 Cbrift 
 
 589. 
 
 Jeremiah,  I  will  afk  thee  a  thing ;  hide  nothing  from 
 me. 
 
 15  Then  Jeremiah  faid  unto  Zedekiah,  If  I  declare 
 it  unto  thee,  wilt  thou  not  furely  put  me  to  death  ? 
 and  if  1  give  thee  counfel,  wilt  thou  not  hearken  unto 
 me  ? 
 
 16  So  Zedekiah  the  king  fware  fecretly  unto  Jere¬ 
 miah,  faying.  As  the  Lord  liveth  that  made  us  this 
 foul,  I  will  not  put  thee  to  death,  neither  will  1  give 
 thee  into  the  hand  of  thefe  men  that  feek  thv  life. 
 
 17  Then  faid  Jeremiah  unto  Zedekiah,  Thus  faith 
 
 the  Lord,  the  God  of  holls,  the  God  of  Ifrael,  if 
 thou  wilt  affjredly  go  forth  unto  the  king  of  Baby- 
 Ion’s  princes,  then  thy  foul  fhall  live,  and  this  city 
 (hall  not  be  burnt  with  fire ;  and  thou  (halt  live,  and 
 thine  houfe:  , 
 
 18  But  if  thou  wilt  not  go  forth  to  the  king  or 
 Babylon’s  princes,  then  ftiall  this  city  be  given  into 
 the  hand  of  the  Chaldeans,  and  they  (hall  burn  it 
 with  fire,  and  thou  (halt  not  efcape  out  of  their 
 
 hand.  _  ^  .  .  t 
 
 19  And  Zedekiah  the  king,  faid  unto  Jeremiah,  1 
 am  afraid  of  the  Jews  that  are  fallen  to  the  Chal¬ 
 deans,  left  they  deliver  me  into  their  hand,  and  they 
 mock  me. 
 
 20  But  Jeremiah  faid,  They  (hall  not  deliver  thee. 
 
 Obey,  1  befeech  thee,  the  voice  of  the  Lord,  which 
 I  (peak  unto  thee ;  fo  it  (hall  be  well  unto  thee,  and 
 thy  foul  (hall  live. 
 
 21  But  if  thou  refufe  to  go  forth,  this  ^  the  word 
 that  the  Lord  hath  (hewed  me  : 
 
 22  And,  behold,  all  the  women  that  are  left  in  the 
 king  of  Judah’s  hcufe,  shuU  be  brought  forth  to  the 
 king  of  Babylon’s  princes,  and  thofe  women  (hall  lay, 
 
 +  Thy  friends  have  fet  thee  on,  and  have  prevailed 
 againft  thee;  thy  feet  are  funk  in  the  mire  and  pfuce. 
 
 are  turned  away  back. 
 
 23  So  they  (hall  bring  out  all  thy  wives  and  thy 
 children  to  the  Chaldeans ;  and  thou  (halt  not  efcape 
 out  of  their  hand,  but  (halt  be  taken  by  the  hand  of 
 
 the  king  of  Babylon  ;  and  f  thou  (halt  caufe  this  city  f  Heb. 
 to  be  burnt  with  fire.  thouthnft 
 
 24  H  Then  faid  Zedekiah  unto  Jeremiah,  Let  no°“''”’ 
 man  know  of  thefe  words,  and  thou  (halt  not  die. 
 
 25  But  if  the  princes  hear  that  I  have  talked  with 
 thee,  and  they  come  unto  thee,  and  (ay  unto  thee. 
 
 Declare  unto  us  now  what  thou  haft  (aid  unto  the  king, 
 hide  it  not  from  us,  and  w'e  will  not  put  thee  to  death  ; 
 alio  what  the  king  (aid  unto  thee  : 
 
 26  Then  thou  (halt  fay  unto  them,  I  prefented  my 
 fupplication  before  the  king,  that  he  would  not  caufe 
 me  to  return  to  Jonathan’s  houfe,  to  die  there. 
 
 27  Then  came  all  the  princes  unto  Jeremiah,  and 
 aflced  him:  and  he  told  them  according  to  all 
 words  that  the  king  had  commanded.  Sof  they  left 
 fpeaking  with  him  ;  for  the  matter  was  not  perceived,  him. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXXVIII.  Ver.  1—13.  It  appears 
 from  this  paffage,  that  many  came  to  Jeremiah  in  prifon,  whom  he  warned  and 
 inftru6led,  and  by  whom  his  counfels  and  admonitions  were  fpread  over  the  city  ; 
 which  coming  to  the  ears  of  fome  of  the  king’s  chief  fervants,  they  accufe  him 
 again  before  the  king;  who,  unable  to  refill  their  power,  delivers  him  into  their 
 hand.  They  inflitil  on  him  calamities  much  greater  than  he  had  hitherto  endured  ; 
 but  the  Lord  raifes  up  one,  of  all  others  the  mod  unlikely  to  he  his  deliverer  ; 
 Ebed-melech,  the  Ethiopian,  an  eunuch,  pleads  his  caufe  without  fear,  and  is  fuc- 
 cefsful  by  his  influence  with  the  king.  He  reftores  the  prophet  to  his  former 
 fituation  in  the  prifon  ;  perhaps  he  judged  him  whom  he  venerated  and  loved 
 more  fafe  and  comfortable  there  than  any  where  elfe.  Confidering  this  noble- 
 
 minded  and  faithful  Ethiopian,  in  contrail  with  the  timid  and  irrefolute  Zedekiah, 
 and  the  more  wicked  and  unjust  princes  of  Ifrael,  do  we  not  perceive  that  truth 
 illustrated,  “  Many  who  are  first  lliall  be  last,  and  the  last  first.”  Ver.  22.  The 
 king  is  informed,  that  if  he  perfisted  to  withstand  the  Babylonians,  after  they  had 
 taken  the  city,  and  brought  forth  the  inhabitants,  the  women  themfelves  would 
 reprove  him  for  having  listened  to  his  pretended  friends,  the  falfe  prophets  and 
 ungodly  princes,  till  he  had  plunged  himfelf,  as  well  as  the  citizens,  into  inevitable 
 ruin,  and  unfpeakable  woe.  Ver.  27.  The  king  still,  alas  I  betrays  more  fear  of 
 cfl'ending  his  fervants  than  his  God  ;  more  dread  of  their  wrath  than  of  divine 
 judgments.  He  prohibits  the  prophet  from  relating  to  them  any  part  of  bis  pri¬ 
 vate  converfation,  except  what  they  already  knew,  chap,  zxsvii.  20. 
 
Jerusalem  destroj/ed, 
 
 JEREMIAH. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 .S90. 
 
 a  2  Kings 
 25.  I. 
 Chap. 
 
 52.  4. 
 588. 
 
 I 
 
 t  Heb. 
 spake  with 
 himjiidg~ 
 fnents. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 with  two 
 hyazen 
 
 28  So  Jeremiah  abode  in  the  court  of  the  prifon 
 until  the  day  that  Jerulklem  was  taken;  and  he  was 
 there  when  Jerufalem  was  taken.* 
 
 ,  ^  .  CHAP.  XXXIX. 
 
 1  Jerusalem  w  taken.  4  Zedekiahjlreth,  is  taken,  his  eyes  put  out,  and 
 sent  to  Babylon.  8  The  city  laid  in  ruins.  9  The  people  captivated. 
 
 1  \  Nebuchadrezzar's  charges  concernhtg  Jeremiah,  tjc. 
 
 N  the  *  ninth  year  of  Zedekiah  king  of  Judah,  in 
 1}'  u  f  month,  came  Nebuchadrezzar  king  of 
 Babylon  and  all  his  army  againft  Jerufalem,  and  they 
 beiieged  it. 
 
 2  And  in  the  eleventh  year  of  Zedekiah,  in  the 
 
 fourth  month,  the  ninth  day  of  the  month,  the  city 
 was  broken  up,  , 
 
 3  And  all  the  princes  of  the  king  of  Babylon  came  ' 
 in,  and  fat  in  the  middle  gate,  evni  Nergal-fharezer, ! 
 Samgar-nebo,  Sarfechim,  Rab-faris,  Nergal-fharezer, 
 Rabmag,  with  all  the  refidue  of  the  princes  of  the 
 king  of  Babylon. 
 
 4  f  And  it  came  to  pafs,  tint  when'Zedekiah  the 
 king  of  Judah  law  them,  and  all  the  men  of  war,  then 
 they  fled  and  went  forth  out  of  the  city  by  night,  by 
 the  way  of  the  king’s  garden,  by  the  gate  betwixt  the 
 two  walls  ;  and  he  went  out  the  way  of  the  plain. 
 
 5  But  the  Chaldeans’  army  purfued  after  them,  and 
 overtook  Zedekiah  in  the  plains  of  Jericho :  and  when 
 they  had  taken  him,  they  brought  him  up  to  Nebu¬ 
 chadnezzar  king  of  Babylon  to  Riblah,  in  the  land  of 
 Hamath,  where  f  he  gave  judgment  upon  him.  | 
 
 6  "1  hen  the  king  of  Babylon  flew  the  fons  of  Zede- 1 
 kiah  in  Riblah  before  his  eyes  ;  alfo  the  king  of  Ba¬ 
 bylon  flew  all  the  nobles  of  Judah. 
 
 7  Moreover,  he  put  out  Zedekiah’s  eyes,  and  bound 
 him  t  with  chains,  to  carry  him  to  Babylon. 
 
 8  ^  And  the  Chaldeans  burnt  the  king’s  houfe, 
 
 Jeremiah  goeth  to  GedaliaJ,, 
 
 c'iain^jor,  and  the  houles  of  the  people,  with  fire,  and  brake 
 down  the  walls  of  Jerufalem. 
 
 9  Then  Nebuzar-adan  the  !l  f  captain  of  the 
 guard  carried  away  captive  into  Babylon  the  remnant 
 of  the  people  that  remained  in  the  city,  and  thofe  that 
 fell  away,  that  fell  to  him,  with  the  reft  of  the  people 
 that  remained 
 
 fetters. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 chief 
 mtirshal. 
 f  Heb. 
 
 chief  of 
 the  execu- 
 
 tioners.or,  ^  y 
 
 slaughter-  10  But  Nebuzar-adan  the  captain  of  the  guard  left 
 men;  and  of  the  poor  of  the  people,  which  had  nothing  in  the 
 •  b  land  of  Judah,  and  gave  them  vineyards  and  fields  at 
 the  fame  time. 
 
 n  H  Now  Nebuchadrezzar  king  of  Babylon  gave  Before 
 charge  concerning  Jeremiah,  f  to  Nebuzar-adan  the 
 captain  of  the  guard,  faying, 
 
 12  Take  him  and  t  look  well  to  him,  and  do  himndX^^ 
 no  harm  ;  but  do  unto  him,  aven  as  he  fhall  fay  unto*'!''^‘<^ 
 thee.  hand  of. 
 
 fentL“lt 
 
 ^d  Nebufhaiban,  Rab-laris,  and  Nergal-fharezer, 
 Rab-mag,  and  all  the  king  of  Babylon’s  princes ;  > 
 
 14  Even  they  fent,  and  took  Jeremiah  out  of  the 
 court  of  the  prifon,  and  committed  him  unto  Geda. 
 liah  the  fon  of  Ahikam,  the  fon  of  Shaphan,  that  he 
 fhould  carry  him  home  :  fo  he  dwelt  among  the  peo¬ 
 ple. 
 
 15  f  Now  the  w'ord  of  the  Lord  came  unto  Jere¬ 
 miah  while  he  was  fhut  up  in  the  court  of  the  prilbn, 
 laying, 
 
 16  Go  and  fpeak  to  Ebed-melech  the  Ethiopian, 
 faying,  Thus  faith  the  Lord  of  hofls,  the  God  of  If- 
 rael,  Behold,  I  will  bring  my  words  upon  this  city  for 
 evil,  and  not  for  good  ;  and  they  fhall  be  accomplished 
 in  that  day  before  thee. 
 
 17  But  I  will  deliver  thee  in  that  day,  faith  the 
 Lord;  and  thou  fhalt  not  be  given  into  the  hand  of 
 the  men  of  whom  thou  art  afraid. 
 
 18  For  I  will  furely  deliver  thee,  and  thou  fhalt  not 
 fall  by  the  fword,  but  thy  life  fhall  be  for  a  prey  unto 
 thee  ;  becaufe  thou  haft  put  thy  truft  in  me,  faith  the 
 LoRD.f 
 
 CHAP.  XL. 
 
 1  Jeremiah,  being  set  at  liberty,  Jtebuzar-adan  goeth  to  Gedaliah  ;  7  The 
 dispersed  Jews  repair  to  Gedaliah.  8  Johanan  revealing  Ishmael's  con¬ 
 spiracy,  is  not  believed. 
 
 The  word  which  came  to  Jeremiah  from  the 
 Lord,  after  that  Nebuzar-adan  the  captain  of 
 the  guard  had  jet  him  go  from  Ramah,  when  he  had 
 taken  him,  being  bound  in  ||  chains  among  all  that  II 
 were  carried  away  captive  of  Jerufalem,  and  Judah, 
 
 '  which  were  carried  away  captive  unto  Babylon, 
 i  2  And  the  captain  of  the  guard  took  Jeremiah,  and 
 faid  unto  him,  Ihe  Lord  thy  God  hath  pronounced 
 I  this  evil  upon  this  place. 
 
 j  3  Now  the  Lord  hath  brought  it,  and  done  accord- 
 j  ing  as  he  hath  faid  :  becaufe  ye  have  finned  agaiuft 
 j  the  Lord,  and  have  not  obeyed  his  voice,  therefore 
 I  this  thing  is  come  upon  you. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXXIX.  Ver.  11—18.  “  The  righ- 
 teous  Lord  loveth  righteoufnefs,  and  with  a  very  pleafant  countenance  he  behold- 
 ctli  the  upright.”  The  only  two  who  liad  chiefly  diftinguifhed  themfelves  as  his 
 fervants  while  Jerufalem  was  bcfieged,  were  the  objetSls  of  his  peculiar  regard. 
 The  Lord  comforts  Ebed-melech  with  the  alTurance  of  protection  from  all  the 
 machinations  of  his  enemies  among  the  Jews,  and  from  the  power  and  vengeance 
 
 of  the  common  adverfary.  As  for  Jeremiah,  though  hated  by  his  own  country, 
 men,  the  Lord  preferred  him  from  all  evil,  and  difpofed  the  inveterate  and  power¬ 
 ful  enemy  of  his  country  to  fhew  him  favour,  according  to  what  he  had  promifed 
 him,  chap.  xv.  1  I . 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  XL.  Ver.  1—6.  This  is  a  more  par¬ 
 ticular  account  of  the  Babylonians’  conduft  to  Jeremiah.  As  foon  as  they  knew 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XXXVIII.]  Zeal  for  God  makes  men  bold  as  lions.  When  miniflers  adl  decidedly  they  fhall  often  find  more 
 favour  than  they  expedteJ.  It  forebodes  evil  when  magiftrates  are  daily  growing  worfe  ;  (compare  chap,  xxvi,  xxxiv,  and  xxxvi.)  when  great  men  weakly  yield  to 
 their  inferiors  in  the  caufe  of  God  and  truth  ;  and  when  they,  who  have  a  friendfliip  for  his  faithful  fervants,  will  notown  it  as  they  might  in  time  of  need,  when  per¬ 
 haps  their  enemies  attempt  privately  to  murder  them.  But,  lo,  how  God  cares  for  them,  and  raifes  up  and  emboldens  friends  beyond  expeflation.  How  early  Ethi¬ 
 opia  ftretches  out  her  bands  to  God.  And  what  fenfe  of  juftice  and  piety  is  found  in  a  Gentile,  living  amidfl  the  mofl  degenerate  profeffors.  With  fpeed  and  coni- 
 paflion  we  ought  to  relieve  the  diflrefled  ;  and  with  great  meeknefs  and  earneftnefs  fliould  miniflers  inftrudl  fuch  as  oppofe  themfelves  and  render  good  for  evil.  Nor 
 is  a  readinefs  to  die  in  the  caufe  of  truth  inconfiflent  with  every  prudent  precaution  to  preferve  ourfelves.  Sinners  fondly  defire  that  God  would  alter  his  purpofe  or 
 threatenings  for  their  fake,  even  when  they  continue  deaf  to  his  admonitions,  and  refufe  fubmiffion,  the  only  real  means  of  deliverance.  For  fear  of  being  laughed  at 
 many  dare  notfeek  to  be  faved.  Many  terrify  themfelves  with  groundlefs  apprebenfions  of  danger,  when  the  path  of  duty  is  the  only  path  of  fafety;  To  avoid  flianne 
 many  will  not  avow  before  men  the  regard  which  their  confcience  obliges  them  fo  have  for  the  faithful  fervants  of  God  ;  nay  to  preferve  their  reputation  before  wick- 
 ed  men,  they  will  rifle  their  eternal  falvation.  We  had  need  then  to  he  wife  as  ferpents,  as  well  as  harmlefs  as  doves.  And  though  we  muft.  never  tell  a  lie,  yet  ne 
 mull  not  tell  ail  that  we  know  to  every  impertinent  enquirer. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — f  Chap.  XXXIX.]  Alas,  how  the  families  of  the  north  fit  in  the  gates  of  Jerulalem,  and  the  lords  of  the  heathen  where 
 their  gods  had  been  worlhipped  !  God’s  judgments  fearfiully  convince  fuch  as  would  not  believe  bis  threatenings.  And  fruitlefs  are  all  attempts  to  flee  from  his 
 Vengeance,  But  it  will  be  awfully  piercing  to  fee  our  children  murdered  or  damned  through  our  obflinate  ignorance  of  God’s  will!  Marvellous,  but  jufi,  are  the 
 changes  and  retributions  of  Providence;  and  the  ruin  of  opprtflbrs  is  the  rife  of  the  opprelTed.  God  comforts  his  people,  while  their  enemies  are  tormented  ;  and 
 heathens  deliver  them  ‘  yea,  even  perfons  protetSl  and  mark  them  out  for  particular  favours.  Nor  fhall  a  cordial  kindnefs  to  God’s  fervants  in  trouble  ever  pals  with¬ 
 out  diflinguiflied  honour  and  reward;  and  he  will  fuit  bis  comforts  to  the  fears  and  griefs  of  his  people.  None  that  trull  in  him  (hall  ever  petilh  hr  be  confounded. 
 
J.bwets  conspiracy  revealed. 
 
 JEREMIAH. 
 
 He  slayelh  Gcdaliah,  ^c. 
 
 Jjefore 
 
 Cliria 
 
 588. 
 
 j  Heb. 
 
 7  11)111  set 
 wine  eye 
 upon  thee. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 to  stand 
 before. 
 
 •  4  And  now,  behold,  I  loofe  thee  this  day  from  the 
 chains  which  were  upon  thine  hand,  if  it  feem  good 
 unto  thee  to  come  with  me  into  Babylon,  come,  and 
 f  I  will  look  well  unto  thee  ;  but  if  it  feem  ill  unto 
 thee  to  come  with  me  into  Babylon,  forbear  :  behold, 
 all  the  land  is  before  thee:  whether  it  feemeth  good 
 and  convenient  for  thee  to  go,  thither  go. 
 
 5  Now,  while  he  was  not  yet  gone  back,  he  said, 
 Go  back  allb  to  Gedaliah  the  fon  of  Ahikam,  the  Ion 
 of  Shaphan,  whom  the  king  of  Babylon  hath  made 
 governor  over  the  cities  of  Judah,  and  dwell  with  him 
 among  the  people  ;  or  go  whereloever  it  feemeth  con¬ 
 venient  unto  thee  to  go.  So  the  captain  of  the  guard 
 gave  him  viftuals  and  a  reward,  and  let  him  go. 
 
 6  Then  went  Jeremiah  unto  Gedaliah  the  fon  of 
 Ahikam  to  Mizpah,  and  dwelt  with  him  among  the 
 people  that  v/ere  left  in  the  land. 
 
 7  'll  Now,  when  all  the  captains  of  the  forces  which 
 were  in  the  fields,  even  they  and  their  men  heard  that 
 the  king  of  Babylon  had  made  Gedaliah,  the  fon  or 
 Ahikam,  governor  in  the  land,  and  had  committed 
 unto  him  men,  and  women,  and  children,  and  of  the 
 poor  of  the  land,  of  them  that  were  not  carried  away 
 captive  to  Babylon ; 
 
 8  Then  they  came  to  Gedaliah  to  Mizpah,  even 
 Ifhmael  the  fon  of  Nethaniab,  and  Johanan,  and  Jona¬ 
 than  the  fons  of  Kareah,  and  Scraiah  the  Ion  of  dan- 
 humeth,  and  the  ions  of  Ephai  the  Nstophathite,  and 
 Jezaniah  the  fon  of  a  Maachathite,  they  and  their  men. 
 
 9  And  Gedaliah  the  fon  of  Ahikam,  the  fon  of 
 Shaphan,  fware  unto  them,  and  to  their  men,  faying. 
 Fear  not  to  ferve  the  Chaldeans ;  dwell  in  the  land, 
 and  ferve  the  king  of  Babylon,  and  it  fhall  be  well 
 with  you. 
 
 10  As  for  me,  behold,  1  will  dwell  at  Mizpah,  f  to 
 ferve  the  Chaldeans  which  will  come  unto  us :  but 
 ye,  gather  ye  wine  and  lummer-fruits,  and  oil,  and 
 put  them  in  your  veffels,  and  dwell  in  your  cities  that 
 ye  have  taken. 
 
 1 1  Likewife,  when  all  the  Jews  that  were  in  Moab, 
 and  among  the  Ammonites,  and  in  Edom,  and  that 
 were  In  all  the  countries,  heard  that  the  king  of 
 Babylon  had  left  a  remnant  of  Judah,  and  that  he 
 
 Bc-fore 
 
 Chrift 
 
 588. 
 
 had  fet  over  them  Gedaliah  the  fon  of  Ahikam,  the 
 fon  of  Shaphan  ; 
 
 12  Even  all  the  Jews  returned  out  of  all  places 
 whither  they  were  driven,  and  came  to  the  land  of 
 Judah,  to  Gedaliah,  unto  Mizpah,  and  gathered  wine 
 and  fummer-fruits  very  much. 
 
 13  ^  Moreover,  Johanan  the  fon  of  Kareah,  and 
 all  the  captains  of  the  forces  that  were  in  the  fields, 
 came  to  Gedaliah  to  Mizpah, 
 
 14  And  faid  unto  him,  Doft  thou  certainly  know 
 
 that  Baalis  the  king  of  the  Ammonites  hath  Cent  I(h- 
 mael  the  fon  of  Nethaniah  f  to  flay  thee  ?  But  Ge- 1  Heb. 
 daliah  the  fon  of  Ahikam  believed  them  not.  *thlTin 
 
 15  Then  Johanan  the  fon  of  Kareah  fpake  to 
 daliah  in  Mizpah  fecretly,  faying,  Let  me  go,  I  pray 
 thee,  and  1  will  flay  Ifhmael  the  Ion  of  Nethaniah,  and 
 no  man  fhall  know  it ;  wherefore  fhould  he  flay  thee, 
 that  all  the  Jews  which  are  gathered  unto  thee  fhould 
 be  fcattered,  and  the  remnant  in  Judah  perifh  ? 
 
 16  But  Gedaliah  the  fon  of  Ahikam  laid  unto  Jo- 
 har.an  the  fon  of  Kareah,  Thou  (halt  not  do  this 
 thing  ;  for  thou  fpeakelf  falfely  of  Ifhmael.* 
 
 CHAP.  XLI. 
 
 1  Ishmael  having  treacherously  slain  Gedaliah  and  others,  purposeth  to  fee 
 
 with  the  residue  unto  t'.e  .Ammonites.  1 1  Johanan  recoverelh  the  captives. 
 
 NOW  it  came  to  pafs  in  the  feventh  month,  that 
 Ifhmael  the  fon  of  Nethaniah,  the  fon  of  Eli- 
 fbama,  of  the  feed-royal,  and  the  princes  of  the  king, 
 even  ten  men  with  him,  came  unto  Gedaliah  the  fon 
 of  Ahikam  to  Mizpah  ;  and  there  they  did  eat  bread 
 together  in  Mizpah. 
 
 2  Then  arofe  Ifhmael  the  fon  of  Nethaniah,  and 
 the  ten  men  that  were  with  him,  and  ^  fmote  Gedaliah  a  2  Kings 
 the  fon  of  Ahikam,  the  fon  of  Shaphan,  with  the  fword,-^- 
 and  flew  him,  whom  the  king  of  Babylon  had  made 
 governor  over  the  land. 
 
 3  Ifhmael  alfo  flew  all  the  Jew^s  that  were  with  him, 
 even  with  Gedaliah,  at  Mizpah,  and  the  Chaldeans 
 that  were  found  there,  and  the  men  of  war. 
 
 4  And  it  came  to  pafs,  the  fecond  day  after  he  had 
 (lain  Gedaliah,  and  no  man  knew  it, 
 
 5  That  there  came  certain  from  Shechera,  from 
 Shiloh,  and  from  Samaria,  even  fourfeore  men,  having 
 
 him  they  behaved  to  him  in  the  moft  generous  and  kind  manner.  They  were 
 no  ftrangers  to  divine  revelation  ;  and  in  fome  inftances  iTiewed  more  reverence 
 for  it  than  thofe,  who,  by  enjoying  it,  were  diainguiftied  from  all  others.  Na- 
 huzar.adan  gives  the  prophet  his  choice  whether  to  live  in  Babylon,  or  his  own 
 land;  and,  perhaps  obferving  him  undetermined,  advifes  him  to  retire  with 
 Gedaliah,  whom  the  king  of  Babylon  had  appointed  governor  of  Judea,  to  rule 
 the  poor  inhabitants  left  to  cultivate  the  land  ;  with  this  advice  he  acquiefeed, 
 choofing  afflidlions  with  the  people  of  God  in  their  loweft  flate,  rather  than  the 
 treal’ures  of  Babylon.  Ver.  12.  This  work  adigned  them,  they  diligently  per- 
 formed,  2  Kings  xxv.  12,22.  Ver.  13 — 16.  Gedaliah,  upright  himfelt,  indulged 
 generous,  alas  !  too  generous  fentimentsof  mankind  ;  he  could  not  for  a  moment 
 fufpedl  a  man  whom  he  never  provoked,  guilty  of  deceit,  malice,  and  revenge, 
 towards  him. 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  XLI.  Ver.  1—7.  Gedaliah  in  the 
 
 fear  of  God  had  gone  over  to  the  Babylonians,  whofe  king  had  exalted  him  to  ho¬ 
 nour  by  appointing  him  governor  in  Judea.  Ifhmael,  a  defeendant  of  the  kings 
 of  Judah,  viewingTim  guilty  in  fubmitting  to  ferve  the  enemy  of  his  country,  or 
 inflamed  by  envy  that  any  one  fhould  be  preferred  before  himfelf,  determines  on 
 his  deflrudUon.  He  obtains  the  countenance  and  fupport  cf  ten  principal  men 
 
 in  the  late  government  of  his  country,  to  execute  his  diabolical  purpofes  ;  and 
 with  them  proceeds  to  Gedaliah  under  the  mafk  of  friendlhip,  and  receive  from 
 him  ail  the  kind  and  generous  tokens  of  hofpitality,  congenial  to  the  tender  feel¬ 
 ings  of  his  heart,  filled  with  love  to  his  God  and  people.  In  the  midfl  of  the 
 feall  of  unfufpedled  friendlhip,  they  with  their  retinue  commence  the  horrid 
 flaughter  of  him  and  his  friends,  and  accomplifli  fuccefsfully  the  bellifh  plot 
 which  they  had  laid.  Report  of  this  deed  having  fpread  abroad,  fourfeore  de¬ 
 vout  men,  filled  with  the  deepeft  anguifh,  fhewn  by  the  moll,  expreflive  tokens 
 of  mourning,  (corap.  chap.  xvi.  6,  7.)  colledl  to  bewail  the  fate  of  thelall  patriots 
 and  pillars  of  their  country,  and  the  expiring  caufe  of  righteoufnefs  in  it.  They 
 proceed  to  pour  out  their  complaints  before  the  God  of  their  fathers,  and  to  offer 
 atonement  for  the  innocent  blood  in  the  houfe  of  the  Lord,  or  the  place  of  worfhip 
 at  Mizpah,  eredled  moft  probably  by  Gedaliah,  in  imitation  of  that  formerly  in- 
 ftituted  there  by  Samuel;  (fee  1  Mac.  iii.  46.  and  ohferve  that  there  were  many 
 fan<5luaries  or  places  of  worlhip  both  in  Judea  and  elfewhere,  to  which  the  Jews 
 reforted  in  the  time  of  their  difperfions  !)  The  afTaflins  go  forth  to  meet  them 
 with  all  the  feigned  fymptoms  of  forrow,  and  as  friends  lead  them  into  the  city, 
 whence  they  could  not  cfcape  ;  and  having  Haiti  them,  and  perhaps  fome  who  had 
 joined  them  on  their  journey,  caft  their  bodies  into  the  pit  or  cavern,  formerly 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. _ *  Chap.  XL.j  Heathens  fometimes  honour  God  and  his  minifters  more  than  many  profeffors.  It  will  at  lafl  appear 
 
 that  God  is  faithful  and  fin  ruinous.  And  all  lofs  fuftained  for  God  will  be  made  up  in  the  end.  If  his  fervants  have  hardfhips  when  finners  have  liberty,  they  will 
 obtain  liberty  when  finners  fliall  be  in  mifery — What  honour  God  puts  on  the  fon  of  Jeremiah’s  late  proterSlor  ;  (chap.  xxvi.  24.)  But  fhort  glimmerings  of  prof- 
 perity  often  introduce  fearful  ftrokes  of  adverfity.  It  is  only  the  deputies  and  fervants  of  heaven’s  great  Monarch,  who  are  fecured  in  complete  and  lading  protec- 
 tion.  Charity  hopelh  all  things,  thinketh  no  evil,  and  they  who  are  confeious  of  their  own  fimplicity,  believe  others  guilllefs  as  themfelves.  O  what  hafenefs  and 
 barbarity  can  human  minds  contrive  and  perpetrate.  No  obligations  can  bind  the  fwellings  of  ambition  ;  fuch  men  would  mount  the  throne  over  the  corpfes  of  tliof* 
 to  whom  they  are  even  indebted  for  the  very  power  of  deftroying  them.  Great  men  have  need  to  be  cautious  of  their  own  prefervation,  as  well  as  charitable  con¬ 
 cerning  their  neighbours.  But  of  little  worth  are  earthly  honours,  which  but  tempt  roilcreants  to  murder  us. 
 
 9  A 
 
 24 
 
Johanan  recoveretJi  the  captives. 
 
 JEREMIAH. 
 
 Heb. 
 in  going 
 
 their  beards  (haven,  and  their  clothes  rent,  and  having 
 cut  themfelves,  with  offerings  and  incenfe  in  their 
 hand,  to  bring  them  to  the  houfe  of  the  Lord. 
 f  ^  IlLmael  the  I'on  of  Nethaniah  went  forth 
 rom  Mizpah  to  meet  them,  f  weeping  all  along  as 
 he  went :  and  it  came  to  pafs,  as  he  met  them,  he  laid 
 
 He  d.shcth  Jeremiah 
 
 and  tveep-  ‘  **00  u  Came  to  pals,  as  he  met  them,  he  li 
 
 i,ig.  unto  them,  Come  to  Gedaliah  the  fon  of  Ahikam. 
 
 7  And  It  was  so,  when  they  came  into  the  midlt  of 
 the  city,  that  Ifhmael  the  fon  of  Nethaniah  flew  them, 
 ana  cast  tnem  into  the  midft  of  the  pit,  he,  and  the  men 
 that  'joere  with  him. 
 
 ®  among  them  that  faid 
 
 unto  llhmael,  flay  us  not ;  for  we  have  treafures  in 
 t^he  held,  of  wheat,  and  of  barley,  and  of  oil,  and  of 
 honey.  So  he  forbare,  and  flew  them  not  among 
 their  brethren. 
 
 9  Now  the  pit  wherein  Khmael  had  caft  all  the  dead 
 bodies  of  the  men,  whom  he  had  (lain,  ||  f  becaufe  of 
 Gedaliah,  voas  it  which  Afa  the  king  had  made  for 
 fear  of  Baafha  king  of  Ifrael :  and  Khmael  the  (bn  of 
 Nethaniah  filled  it  with  them  that  were  (lain. 
 
 10  Then  Ifhmael  carried  away  captive  all  the  refi 
 
 y  Or, 
 
 near  Ge- 
 daliah. 
 t  Heb. 
 by  the 
 hand  or, 
 by  the  side 
 
 of  Geda 
 iiah. 
 
 due  of  the  people  that  were  in  Mizpah,  even  the  king’s 
 daughters,  aqd  all  the  people  that  remained  in  Mizpah, 
 whom  Nebuzar-adan  the  captain  of  the  guard  had 
 committed  to  Gedaliah  the  fon  of  Ahikam  :  and  Kh¬ 
 mael  the  fon  of  Nethaniah  carried  them  away  captive, 
 and  departed  to  go  over  to  the  Ammonites. 
 
 11  H  But  when  Johanan  the  fon  of  Kareah,  and  all 
 the  captains  of  the  forces  [.hdiwere  with  him,  heard  of 
 all  the  evil  that  Ifhmael  the  fon  of  Nethaniah  had  done, 
 
 12  Then  they  took  all  the  men,  and  went  to  fight 
 with  Khmael  the  fon  of  Nethaniah,  and  found  him  by 
 the  great  waters  that  are  in  Gibeon. 
 
 13  Now  it  came  to  pals,  that  when  all  the  people 
 which  were  with  Khmael,  faw  Johanan  the  fon  of 
 Kareah,  and  all  the  captains  of  the  forces  that  were 
 with  him,  then  they  were  glad. 
 
 14  So  all  the  people  that  Khmael  had  carried  away 
 captive  from  Mizpeh  caft  about  and  returned,  and 
 went  unto  Johanan  the  fon  of  Kareah. 
 
 15  But  Khmael  the  fon  of  Nethaniah  efcaped  from 
 Johanan  with  eight  men,  and  went  to  the  Ammonites. 
 
 16  Ihen  took  Johanan  the  (bn  of  Kareah,  and  all 
 
 (0  evquhe  oj  Cod, 
 
 the  captains  of  the  forces  that  were  with  him,  all  the 
 
 rpmnonf  ..a t  .  .  ' 
 
 had  recovered  from' 
 
 Ifhmael  the  fon  of  Nethaniah,  from  Mizpah,  ter  that 
 he  had  flam  Gedaliah  the  fon  of  Ahikam,  evenm]gLy 
 men  of  war,  and  the  women,  and  the  children,  and  the 
 eunuchs,  whom  he  had  brought  again  from  Gibeon: 
 
 17  And  they  departed,  and  dwelt  in  the  habitation 
 pf  Chimham,  which  is  by  Beth  lehem,  to  go  to  enter 
 into  Egypt, 
 
 18  Becaufe  of  the  Chaldeans  :  for  they  were  afraid 
 of  them,  becaufe  Ifhmael  the  fon  of  Nethaniah  had 
 flam  Gedaliah  the  fon  of  Ahikam,  whom  the  king  of 
 Babylon  made  governor  in  the  land,* 
 
 CHAP.  XLII. 
 
 1  Johanan  and  the  other  captains  desire  Jeremiah  to  enquire  of  God,  pro- 
 mismg  obedience  to  his  directions.  7  Jeremiah  assureth  them  of  safety 
 in  Judea,  1 3  but  of  destruction  in  Egypt,  ^c.  J 
 
 Then  all  the  captains  of  the  forces,  and  Johanan 
 the  Ion  of  Kareah,  and  Jezaniah  the  fon  of 
 tioinaiah,  and  all  the  people,  from  the  leaft  even  unto 
 the  greatert,  came  near, 
 
 2  And  faid  unto  Jeremiah  the  prophet,  ||  Let,  we  ||  Or, 
 eleecn  ^hee,  our  fupplication  be  accepted  before 
 thee,  and  pray  for  us  unto  the  Lord  thv  God, 
 
 /ill  _  ^  .  *  tin 
 
 for  all  this  remnant ;  (for  we  are'left"^L^Tfew"ot  ^ 
 
 many,  as  thine  eyes  do  behold  us :)  thee. 
 
 3  That  the  Lord  thy  God  may  (hew  us  the  way 
 whe^in  we  may^  walk,  and  the  thing  that  we  may  do. 
 
 4  Then  Jeremiah  the  prophet  faid  unto  them,  1  have 
 ^ard  yoM;  behold,  I  will  pray  unto  the  Lord  your 
 God  according  to  your  words ;  and  it  lhall  come  to 
 pals,  that  whatloever  thing  the  Lord  fhall  anfwer  you, 
 
 1  will  declare  it  unto  you ;  I  will  keep  nothing  back 
 from  you. 
 
 5  T.  hen  they  (aid  to  Jeremiah,  The  Lord  be  a  true 
 and  faithful  witnefs  between  us,  if  we  do  not  even  ac- 
 wding  to  all  things  for  the  which  the  Lord  thy  God 
 fhall  fend  thee  to  us. 
 
 6  Whether  it  be  good,  or  whether  it  be  evil,  w^  will 
 obe’j  the  voice  of  the  Lord  our  God,  to  whom  we 
 fend  thee  j  that  it  may  be  well  with  us,  when  we 
 obey  the  voice  of  the  Lord  our  God. 
 
 7  ^  And  it  came  to  pafs,  after  ten  days,  that  the 
 word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  Jeremiah. 
 
 made  By  Afa  king  of  Judah  when  attacked  by  Baatha  king  of  Ifrael  for  a  very  I 
 different  purpofe  indeed, — the  prote<5lion  of  the  Itraelites  ;  (1  Kings  xi.  22.)! 
 What  a  dreadful  contrail  is  feen  in  thefe  men,  in  every  lhade  of  their  charaaei,  to  ! 
 the  ancient  defenders  of  their  country,  whofe  noble  example  they  pretended  to  j 
 copy  !  If  men  in  obduracy  of  heart  rejea  the  infallible  dilates  of  divine  revtla-  I 
 tion,  their  courfe  in  wicktdnefs  has  no  bounds  except  the  fixed  counfel  of  that  ! 
 Almighty  Being  whom  tliey  defpife.  Ver.  8.  The  people  of  the  call  frequently  j 
 buried  articles  of  provifion,  in  deep  holes  or  caverns,  which  they  dug  and  filled  up 
 fo  dexteroufly,  that  no  perfon  could  perceive  that  the  earth  had  been  moved,  nor 
 could  any  find  them  out,  but  thofe  who  made  them.  Tfiefe  places  became  admi-  ! 
 rable  depofitories,  perhaps  places  of  refuge  to  the  inhabitants,  (Judg.  vi.  2.  1  Sam. 
 xiii.  6.)  in  feafons  of  fudden  invafions  or  incurfions  by  the  enemy,  to  which  all 
 countries  in  ancient  times  were  fubje<5l.  The  promife  of  a  large  quantity  of  pro- 
 vifions  was  a  powerful  temptation  prefented  llhmael,  which  eafily  overcame  his 
 bloody  difpofition  ;  for  the  provifion  was  a  great  arquifition  to  one  in  the  call, 
 who  propofed  like  him  to  be  chief  ruler  of  a  people  ;  comp.  Note  on  Ifa.  iii,  6 
 Ver.  10 — 18.  llhmael  appears  to  have  been  llrengthened  and  protedled  by  the  al¬ 
 liance  of  Baalis  king  of  the  Ammonites;  the  ancient,  inveterate,  and  perpetual 
 enemies  of  Ifrael.  This  monarch  feeing  the  Jewilh  people  alinoll  brought  to 
 nothing,  purpofes  to  take  revenge  for  all  tlie  injuries  that  his  anceflors  had  fuffered 
 from  them,  by  giving  them  the  finilhing  ftroke  in  the  death  of  their  governor,  and 
 bringing  them  under  his  inffuence.  But  the  counfels  of  the  wicked  come  to  an 
 
 end;  iffue,  as  in  the  cafe  before  us,  in  their  own  confufion  and  mifery.  Johanan 
 the  fon  of  Kareah,  laved  for  once  his  country  from  utter  ruin  ;  and  executed  the 
 vengeance  of  God  againfi  murderers  and  apoftates.  Had  he  always  maintained  as 
 good  a  caufe,  happy  would  it  have  been  for  bimlelf,  and  thofe  who  joined  him. 
 He  and  they  however,  were  not  wholly  right  in  heart  with  God,  and  therefore  grtat- 
 er  calamities  than  thofe  that  they  already  bad  experienced,  awaited  them.  Afraid 
 that  they  lliould  be  called  to  an  account  by  the  king  of  Babylon,  for  the  murder  of 
 Gedaliah,  and  not  having  confidence  that  their  God  would  plead  the  caufe  of  inno¬ 
 cence,  nghteousnefs,  and  truth,  they  remove  to  a  part  of-Canaan,  nearell  Egypt, 
 that  on  appearance  cf  danger,  they  might  have  eafy  accefs  thither,  where  they  ex- 
 pedied  protetilion,  as  the  Egyptians  were  enemies  to  the  Babylonians.  This  was 
 to  them  a  fonree  of  many  future  miferies. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XLII.  Ver.  1-22.  This  pa ITa .re  re- 
 lates  a  Itriking  contrail  of  the  fear  of  man  and  love  of  life,  with  the  duty  of  unre- 
 ferved  confidence  in  God,  and  perfeverance  in  the  path  of  obedience.  Johanan 
 and  his  alfociates  alarmed,  but  not  thoroughly  reconciled  to  God  by  his  judgments, 
 with  one  confent  refort  to  the  prophet,  intreat  his  prayers  in  their  behalf,  that 
 they  may  learn  from  God  what  they  ought  to  do,  exprelTing  their  determination 
 to  abide  by  the  inllru6lion  which  might  be  comtmmicatcd  to  them.  They  were 
 not  aware  of  the  unbelief  rooted  in  their  hearts,  or  they  bafely  dilTimulated  ; 
 for  ihe  promife  of  Jehovah’s  protediion,  if  they  fojourned  in  Judea,  was  in- 
 fufficient  to  dillipate  their  unfounded  fears  of  the  Babylonian  power.  To  Egypt* 
 
 XLI.]  By  the  moll  unexpeaed  and  unnataral  means  God  can  punilh  men  who  have  ripened  themfelves  in 
 wickednefs.  And  a  righteous  God  can  make  the  malice,  the  bafenefs,  the  barbarity,  of  the  moll  hardened  monfters  in  iniquity,  to  glorify  himfelf,  and  ruin  his  ene¬ 
 mies.  Mifery,  death,  and  damnation,  often  meet  men  when,  where,  and  whence  they  leaff  expeaed.  And  not  the  laws  of  God  or  men,  but  covetoufnefs  frequently 
 makes  fanners  to  abffain  from  crimes.  The  moll  unnatural  criminals  may,  for  a  time,  efcape  punilhment  from  men.  ’  ’ 
 
:ah  reproveth  hijpocnstj* 
 
 JEREMIAH, 
 
 The  co’iiju  St  of  Esypt  foretdi. 
 
 «  Then  called  he  Johanan  the  fon  of  Kareah,  and 
 
 3ll%e  captains  d  . he  forces  wh^ 
 
 unto  them.  Thus  faith  the  Lord,  the 
 God  of  Ifrael,  unto  whom  ye  lent  me  to  prelent  your 
 
 fopp^ication  i„  this  land  then  will  1 
 
 R  IH  von  and  not  pull  ym  down ;  and  I  will  plan 
 vom  and  not  pluck  non  up :  for  1  repent  me  ot  the  evil 
 
 n’Brno?X”d‘’of  tliTking  of  Babylon,  of  whom 
 V,.  afraid  •  be  not  afraid  of  him  laith  the  Lord  : 
 &  f  with  yon  to  lave  yon,  and  to  deliver  yon 
 
 And  I  will  Ihew  mercies  nnto  you,  that  he  may 
 haie'  mercy  upon  you,  and  caufe  yon  to  return  to 
 
 ’'°?3  S  if  ye  fay,  We  will  not  dwell  in  this  land, 
 neither  obey  the  voice  ot  the  Lord  your  God, 
 
 14  Saying,  No  ;  but  we  will  go  into  the  land  of 
 Egypt  where  we  fhall  fee  no  war,  nor  hear  thelound 
 J^he’trumpet,  nor  have  hunger  of  bread  ;  and  there 
 
 '^'la'And  now  therefore  hear  the  word  of  the  ^oRD, 
 ve  remnant  of  Judah  ;  Thus  faith  the  Lord  ot  hofts 
 Ihe  God  of  Ifrael,  If  ye  wholly  fet  your  tak.es  to  enter 
 into  E^ypt ;  and  go  to  (ojourn  there  : 
 
 16  Then  it  (ball  come  topafs,  that  the  fword,  which 
 ve  feared,  (hall  overtake  you  there  in  the  land  of 
 Lvpt  ;  and  the  famine,  whereof  ye  were  atraid, 
 f^lhall  follow  dole  after  you  there  in  Egypt;  and 
 
 cleave  ^'^^7  f  So  (hall  it  be  with  all  the  men  that  fet  their 
 r*  faces  to  go  into  Egypt,  to  fojourn  there  ;  they  (hall  die 
 LS;./by  the  fword,  by  the  famine,  and  by  thepeft^ 
 tke  men  and  none  of  them  fhall  remain  or  efcape  from  the  evi 
 
 that  I  will  bring  upon  them. 
 
 18  For  thus  faith  the  Lord  of  holds,  the  God  ot 
 
 Ifrael,  As  mine  anger  and 
 
 forth  upon  the  inhabitants  ot  Jerufalem  ,  (o  (hall  y 
 fury  be  poured  forth  upon  you,  when  ye  (hall  ente 
 into  Egypt ;  and  ye  (hall  be  an  execration,  and  an 
 aftomlhment,  and  a  curie,  and  a  reproach;  and  ye 
 
 lSS-(hall  fee  this  place  no  more  q 
 
 y  Orfye  19  ^1  The  Lord  hath  faid  concerning  you,  u  ye 
 haveu^d  remnant  of  Judah,  Go  ye  not  into  Egypt :  know  cer- 
 tainly  that  l.have  f  admonifhed  you  this  day. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 
 shall 
 
 cleave 
 
 deceit 
 against 
 yuursouh. 
 
 2()Wll  ye  diffembled  in  your  hearts,  when  ye  fent 
 
 their  hearts  are  inclined,  and  tbiUier  fuch  a  deter- 
 
 files  a  direa  violation  of  the  will  of  Go  ,  ^  expofure  of  themfelves 
 
 mination  peculiarly  cr.mmaUnd  dange^^^^  abominable  praaices  of 
 
 to  powerful  temptation  of  imitating  me  themfelves  (Irons  y 
 
 the  Egyptians,  to  which  they  had  in  every  paft  age  (hewed  ^hemfelves  g  y 
 inclined;  and  by  which  their  fathers  had  been_de61ed  who  o„  tlm  very  acc^^ 
 were  prohibited  from  having  any  commerce  wii  ^  *  ^hem  that  God  had  de- 
 betraved  di(beltef  of  the  prophecies  repeatedly  th  m.  ^Vabylon. 
 
 .,«a  Es,p,. ..  -.11  ..  w.  ““S^Esyp 
 
 They  are  therefore  warned  by  the  P  nath’^of  dufy  alone  is  the  path 
 
 them  in  all  the  calamities  that  they  dreaded.  T  p  / 
 
 of  peace.  n  "vt  ttt  Vpr  ^  Pride  is  a  Tice 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XLIIL  Vei\2^ 
 
 me  unto  the  Lord  your  God,  faying,  I  ray  chriit 
 
 unto  the  Lord  our  God  ;  and  according  unro  all  that  5^5. 
 the  Lord  our  God  (hall  fay,  fo  declare  unio  us,  and 
 we  will  do  it, 
 
 21  And  now  I  have  this  day  declared  it  to  you  ;  but 
 ye  have  not  obeyed  the  voice  of  the  Lord  your  God, 
 nor  any  thing  for  the  which  he  hath  fent  me  unto  you. 
 
 22  Now  therefore  know  certainly,  that  ye  (hall  die 
 by  the  fword,  bv  ihe  famine,  and  by  the  peftilence, 
 in  the  place  whether  ye  defire  to  go  and  to  fojourn.* 
 
 CHAP.  XLIII. 
 
 1  Jonathan,  ^c.  discrediting  Jeremiah's  propliecy,  carry  him  and  all  the 
 others  into  Egyjtt.  8  Jeremiah,  by  a  type,  irrophesutth  tite  conquest 
 of  Egypt  by  the  Babylonians. 
 
 And  it  came  to  pafs  that  v/hen  Jeremiah  had  made 
 an  end  of  (peaking  unto  all  the  people  all  the 
 words  of  the  Lord  their  God,  for  which  the  Lord 
 their  God  had  fent  him  to  them,  all  thele  words, 
 
 2  Then  (bake  Azariah  the  fon  o(  Holhaiah,  and 
 Johanan  the  fon  of  Kareah,  and  all  the  proud  men, 
 laying  unto  Jeremiah,  Ihou  (peakelt  f^lely  ,  the 
 Lord  our  God  hath  not  lent  thee  to  lay,  Go  not  into 
 
 Egypt  to  fojourn  there :  ,  .  .  ,  , 
 
 3  But  Baruch  the  fon  of  Neriah,  fetteth  th^  on 
 againft  us,  for  to  deliver  us  into  the  hand  of  the  Chal¬ 
 deans,  that  they  might  put  us  to  death,  and  carry  us 
 
 away  captives  into  Babylon.  ,  ,,  l 
 
 4  So  johanan  the  fon  of  Karean,  and  all  the  cap¬ 
 tains  of  the  forces,  and  all  the  peop’e,  obeyed  not  the 
 voice  of  the  Lord,  to  dwell  in  the  land  ot  Judah, 
 
 5  But  Johanan  the  fon  o(  Kareah,  and  all  the  cap¬ 
 tains  of  the  forces,  took  all  the  remnant  of  Judan, 
 that  were  returned  from  all  nations  whither  they  had 
 been  driven,  to  dwell  in  the  land  of  Jud^h  ; 
 
 6  Even  men,  and  women,  and  children,  and  the 
 king’s  daughters,  and  every  perfon  that  N  ebuzar-adan 
 the  captain  of  the  guard  had  left  with  Gedaliah  the 
 fon  of  Anikam,  the  fon  of  Shaphan,  and  Jeremiah  the 
 prophet,  and  Baruch  the  fon  of  Neriah.  ,  ending. 
 
 7  So  they  came  into  the  land  ot  Egypt :  for  they 
 obeyed  not  the  voice  ot  the  Lord.  1  nus  came  they 
 
 even  to  Tahpanhes.  „  .  x  t 
 
 8  H  Then  came  the  word  of  the  Lord  onto  Jere¬ 
 miah  in  Tahpanhes,  faying, 
 
 9  Take  great  (tones  in  thine  hand,  and  hide  theni 
 in  the  clay  in  the  brick-kiln,  which  is  at  the  entry.ot 
 Pharaoh’s  houfe  in  Tahpanhes,  in  the  light  ot  the  men 
 of  Judah;  _ , 
 
 condemned  much,  and  loudly  by  many,  who  overlook  m  themfelves  ^ 
 evidence  of  its  exigence,  rejeaion  of  the  commandments  of  Gou,  becaufe  not 
 fuited  to  their  inclinations,  and  an  endeavour  to  juftify  the.r  condudb  by 
 grafping  at  the  (badow  of  an  excufe.  Ver.  9,  10.  Bncks  were  from  the  earhelt 
 fimes  principal  materials  ufed  by  the  Egyptia.is  m  the.r  bu.ld.ngs,  t.  14. 
 
 Though  there  was  conftant  occaf-on  for  a  brick-kiln  near  Pnaraob  s  palace, 
 vet  it  might  be  a  great  diftance  from  the  dwelling  Imufe  ;  the  courts  of  great 
 kings  in  ancient  times  being  almoft  equal  to  a  modern  city  in  extent.  The 
 palace  of  Babylon  is  faid  to  have  been  four  miles  in  ctrcuinference.  The 
 prophet  following  from  compulfion  or  compalTion,  his  ill-fated  countrymen, 
 
 :  Ld  continues  to  warn  them  even  in  Egypt.  H  is  condua  m  placing 
 ,  in  the  brick-kiln  belonging  to  Pharaoh,  muft  have  awakened  the.r  attention 
 j  and  excited  their  enquiry,  who  were  acciiftomed  to  his  manner  of  teaching  them 
 
 CHaPXLII.]  M^ers  have  n.d  m  be  ^^^^ncere  wUh"Sd  IftlT  nol  ^y  Still^f^ft^'  aHf  is 
 
 unreferved  readinefs  to  obey  his  will  in  all  things.  J,  or  to  hate  us,  as  he  pleafes.  And  they  who  carefully  obey  bis  will,  may  humbly 
 
 foundation  of  all  our  hope  and  happinefs.  He  ‘“I"  j.  J  fearcl.es  our  hearts ;  or  to  quit  our  Ration  ;  efpecially  in  h.s  holy  land  becaufe  we  find 
 
 expea  his  blefling.  But  it  is  madnefs  to  ^th  a  God  of  b.  buckler.  If  we  make  him  our  enemy,  we  (hall  find  him  a  eon- 
 
 S' “  ”• 
 
Ouenuah  s  complaint  and  prayer. 
 
 JEREMIAH. 
 
 Q  Chap. 
 15.  2. 
 Zech. 
 11.  9. 
 
 them.  Thus  faith  the  Lord  of 
 Nihneh,'H®°‘^  ^  ttnd  take 
 
 Nebuchadrezzar  the  king  of  Babylou,  my  lervaiit, 
 
 hM  ■  I'nil!  ^  "““tts  that  I  have 
 
 hid  ,  and  he  than  Ipread  his  royal  pavilion  over  them. 
 
 irJ.  ,  “  ,“'h"  cometh,  he  (hall  fmite  the  land  of 
 
 »  luch  as  ore  for  death,  to  death  • 
 and  Inch  as  are  tor  captivity,  to  captivity;  and  fuch 
 asaie  tor  the  tword,  to  the  (word, 
 
 12  And  1  will  kindle  a  fire  in  the  houfes  of  the  cods 
 
 Jeremiah  llireatencth 
 
 t  Heb.  Egypt ;  and  he  thall  burn  them,  and  carry  them 
 
 '  .  - «.•  >.j  V.U  4  4  y 
 
 sfaf«e.,or,  away  captives  ;  and  he  thall  array  himfelf  with  the 
 '«o  an  Egypt,  as  a  (hepherd  putteth  on  his  garment 
 and  he  thall  go  forth  from  thence  in  peace. 
 
 13  He  (hall  break  alfo  the  f  images  of  1|  Beth-fhe. 
 
 tmazes, 
 
 II  Or. 
 the  house 
 
 of  the 
 tun. 
 
 587. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 out  of  the 
 
 (u  u  • — 7  .  '  iiiJdjiCB  ui  1)  joeui-ine- 
 
 melh,  that  rs  in  the  land  of  Egypt;  and  the  houfes 
 ot  the  gods  of  the  Egyptians  (hall  he  burn  with  fire.* 
 
 CHAP.  XLIV. 
 
 1  Jeremiah  laving  sbeum  Ju  ink's  de  sol  a' ion  for  idolatry,  he  rejroveth  the 
 
 Jous  in  E^yyt ;  11  Iheir  destruaion  yrophesUd ;  15  Their  indexible 
 
 cust.nacy,  t^c. 
 
 ^~^EE  word  that  came  to  Jeremiah  concerning  all 
 
 X  the  Jews  which  dwell  in  the  land  of  Egypt 
 which  dwell  at  Migdol,  and  at  Tahpanhes,  and  at 
 iNoph,  and  in  the  country  of  Pathros,  faying, 
 
 2  Ihns  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts,  the  God  of  Ifrael, 
 1  e  have  feen  all  the  evil,  that  I  have  brought  upon 
 Jerulalern,  and  upon  all  the  cities  of  Judah  :  and 
 beho  d  this  day  they  are  a  defolation,  and  no  mao 
 dwelleth  therein  ; 
 
 3  Becaufe  of  their  wickednefs  which  they  have  com¬ 
 muted  to  provoke  me  to  anger,  in  that  they  went  to 
 burn  incenle,  and  to  ferve  other  gods,  whom  they  knew 
 not,  neither  they,  ye,  nor  your  fathers. 
 
 4  Hovvbeit  I  lent  unto  you  all  my  fervants  the  pro¬ 
 phets,  rifing  early  and  (ending  them,  faying.  Oh,  do 
 not  this  abominable  thing  that  I  hate. 
 
 5  But  they  hearkened  not,  nor  inclined  their  ear  to 
 turn  from  their  wickednefs,  to  burn  no  incenfe  unto 
 othergods. 
 
 6  Wherefore  my  fury  and  mine  anger  was  poured 
 
 k*"^  n  kindled  in  the  cities  of  Judah,  and  in 
 
 the  ftreets  of  Jerufalem  ;  and  they  are  wafted  and 
 deioiate,  as  at  this  day. 
 
 7  Therefore  now  thus  faith  the  Lord,  The  God 
 of  jiofts,  the  God  of  Ifrael,  Wherefore  commit  ye 
 tais  great  evil  againft  your  fouls,  to  cut  off  from  you 
 
 S3nn  _  .  /•  t  .  . 
 
 8  In  that  ye  provoke  me  unto  wrath  with  the  wnvi  ' 
 burning  incenfe  unto  other  gods  in  rh^  0^"'® 
 
 raight  cut  yourlelves  off,  and  that  ye  might 
 eanh  ^  ^^P^oach  among  all  the  nations  of  the 
 
 ’'c  'he  t  wickednefs  of  your  fa  mi  . 
 
 nefs.  5'““''  own  wicked- 
 
 nefs.  and  the  wickednels  of’ ynur  w  “  s,”:^"’ the:-”- 
 i'"  ‘“Ecf  Jndah/andt 
 
 ut  of  the  ®  T  yuui  ivuis,  lo  cuu  ou  Hom  you 
 
 mils',  of  tuau  and  woman,  child  and  fuckling,  f  out  of  Judah, 
 Judah,  to  leave  you  none  to  remain  ; 
 
 by  fioiilitudes;  though  it  wouW  perhaps  he  dlfregarded  or  ridiculed  by  the 
 Egyptians  In  many  inftances  has  the  wifdom  of  God  been  foolithnefs  to  man. 
 Ver.  12,  13.  The  vanity  and  abfurdity  of  idol  wotHiip  are  expreffively  taught 
 b^the  idols  being  fubjea  to  captivity  and  detlruaion.  Corap.  note  on  Ifa.  xlvi. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XLIV.  Ver.  1-2.3.  Migdol  is  the 
 
 ftme  place  in  Egypt,  which  Mofes  makes  mention  of,  Exod.  xiv.  2.  over  ao-ainft 
 Baal-zephon,  not  far  from  the  Red  Sea.  Tahpanhes  is  Daphne,  not  farTrom 
 Eelufiurn,  the  firft  city  in  Ecypt,  on  the  road  from  Judea,  and  as  it  were  its 
 key.  Noph  is  Memphis,  fituated  above  the  parting  of  the  Nile,  and  not  a  little 
 famous  for  its  pyr.amids;  and  the  country  is  the  fame  with  Thebais,  or  the 
 Upper  Egypt,  fo  called  from  the  city  Thebes,' which  was  its  fira  capital.  In 
 tnefe  nlapp.Q.  thp  Tumo  j.wv  _ /i.-  .  .i  ...  „  H 
 
 ftreets  of  Jerufalem  ? 
 
 10  Itiey  are  not  t  humbled,  even  unto  this  dav  nei  +  ir  k 
 iSefti;  ■"  law,“S’o?TniS:. 
 
 fathers.  ’  ^  ^  before  you,  and  before  your 
 
 r<  M  the  Lord  of  hofts  the 
 
 for°evil.  and  to^'curo'fi^  all'  jtdaff 
 
 fet  their  faces  to  gj  into^ thTland  of  Egyft’tofojomn 
 
 confumed,  andhW  in  the 
 
 word,  and  by  the  famine :  they  (hall  die,  from  the 
 leaft  even  unto  the  greateft,  by  the  fword  and  by  the 
 famine  ;  and  they  (hall  be  an  execration,  and  an  afto- 
 nifhment,  and  a  curfe  and  a  reproach. 
 
 Falnr  T  P““ifb  them  that  dwell  in  the  land  of 
 Egypt,  as  I  have  puniftied  Jerufalem,  by  the  fword 
 by  tne  famine,  and  by  the  peftilence :  * 
 
 14  So  that  none  of  the  remnant  of  Jndah  ;  which 
 
 ?hall  the  land  of  Egypt  to  fojourn  there, 
 
 hall  e  cape  or  remain,  that  they  fhould  return  into  the 
 and  of  Judah,  to  the  which  they  f  have  a  defire  tot  Heb. 
 leturn  to  dwell  there  :  for  none  (hall  return  but  luch^'^'"'' 
 as  inall  elcape.  their  sovi. 
 
 K  which  knew  that  their  wives 
 
 had  burnt  incenfe  unto  other  gods,  and  all  the  women 
 hat  Itood  by,  a  great  multitude,  even  all  the  people 
 
 Jeremiahl'faying. 
 
 .  16  As  for  the  word  that  thou  haft  fpoken  unto  us 
 thee  ^  Lord,  we  will  not  hearken  unto 
 
 17  But  we  will  certainly  do  whatfoever  thing  goeth 
 forth  out  of  our  own  mouth,  to  burn  incenfe  unto  the  ll  Or, 
 
 II  queen  of  heaven,  and  to  pour  out  drink-offering'./™”*®!/ 
 unto  her,  as  we  have  done,  we,  and  our  fathers,  our 
 kings,  and  our  princes,  in  the  cities  of  Judah,  and  in  17.  s.^' 
 
 CJ.'l  ^  ^  - JJI 
 
 inele  places,  the  Jews,  who  left  Judea  in  oppofition  to  the  will  of  God,  took 
 up  therefidence  and  conformed  to  the  idolatrous  praaices  of  the  inhabitants 
 notwitbftandiDg  that  the  moft  alarming  judgments  reded  on  their  own  country 
 
 dieTaae?  'h«r  brethren.  By  thus  perfevering  in  iniquit 
 
 they  aaed  as  if  they  were  determined  to  cut  themfelves  off,  to  become  a  curl 
 
 hnmhi  of  the  earth  ;  for  as  they  were  neitbe 
 
 humbled  nor  reformed  by  the  threatenings  of  the  prophet  announced  againi 
 
 Iven  uogodlinefs  they  copied,  and  in  wickedeel 
 
 en  exceeded,  nothing  awaited  them  but  defolation  and  dedruaion.  S 
 Jeremiah  was  commanded  by  God  to  warn  them,  but  they  would  not  heai 
 The  women  were  d.dinguidi,ed  in  their  zeal  for  idolatry,  and  their  hufband 
 came  forward  to  vindicate  their  condua.  »  We  will  certainly  do,”  fay  thej 
 ‘whatfoever  thing  goeth  out  of  our  own  mouth,”  that  is,  whWver  we  bav 
 purpofed,  and  what  was  their  purpofe?  fo  ferve  the  God  of  their  father: 
 Abraham,  I faac,  and  Jacob?  Alas!  alas!  nothing  was  farther  f.ora  th 
 oughts  of  their  heart;  they  determined  lo  wordiip  the  queen  of  heaven,  th 
 moon  or  whole  frame  of  heaven,  the  celedial  hod.  What  follows  is  perhaps  ai 
 unparalleled  proof  that  the  wickednefs  as  well  as  the  deceitfulnefs  of  tb 
 
 -  ^  ^ -  -  «o  me  ut'ceiiiuiut^is  ui 
 
 .0  deny  th.  di.inU,  „f  U ,  And  .h./ .ilh  .o  oo.„adia  .h.  e7d.  of  .V.fp.r,! “'''''““"■n 
 tions ;  and  if  they  cannot  obtain  confent,  they  will  enforce  compliance  ;  and  even^dra-r  thofe  who  fear^GodETnnll  1  .1  r- 
 
 0.1,  haa...  .bom  opo.  os,  and  rondo,,  .bom  hoa.ior;  and  .,o.  dra.s  dr.n"'.  ttb  upon 7.o?  .(  ^coi^Ts  ImMioi,  ta.‘dS"iJ;' 
 
1  Or, 
 
 ^sbands. 
 
 h  th'crJdtdh  the  Jd’a» 
 
 ths  Greets  of  Jerufalem :  for  then  had  we  plenty  of 
 ,  victuals,  and  were  well,  and  faw  no  evil. 
 
 ^  18  But  fince  we  left  olF  to  burn  incenfe  to  the 
 nueen  of  heaven,  and  to  pour  out  drink-offerings 
 unto  her,  we  have  wanted  all  thing's,  and  have  been 
 confumed  by  the  fword  and  by  the  famine. 
 
 19  <=  And  when  we  burnt  incenfe  to  the  queen  of 
 heaven,  and  poured  out  drink  offerings  unto  her,  did 
 we  make  her  cakes  to  worfiiip  her,  and  pour  out  drink- 
 offerings  unto  her,  without  our  H  men  ? 
 
 20  H  Then  Jeremiah  faid  unto  all  the  people,  to  the 
 men,  and  to  the  women,  and  to  all  the  people  which 
 had  *given  him  that  anfwer,  faying, 
 
 21  The  incenfe  that  ye  burnt  in  the  cities  of  Judah, 
 and  in  the  ftreets  of  Jernfalem,  ye  and  your  lathers, 
 your  kings,  and  your  princes,  and  the  people  of  the 
 land,  did  not  the  Lord  remember  them,  and  came  it 
 
 wonnto  his  mind^  ,  .  r 
 
 22  So  that  the  Lord  could  no  longer  bear,  becaule 
 of  the  evil  of  your  doings,  and  becaufe  of  the  abomi¬ 
 nations  which  ye  have  committed  ;  therefore  is  your 
 land  a  defolation,  and  an  affonilhment,  and  a  curfe, 
 without  an  inhabitant,  as  at  this  day. 
 
 23  Becaufe  ye  have  burnt  incenfe,  and  becaufe  ye 
 have  finned  againfl.  the  Lord,  and  have  not  obeyed 
 -4he  voice  of  the  Lord,  nor  walked  in  his  law,  nor  m 
 
 his  ftatutes,  nor  in  his  tefiimonies ;  therefore  this 
 evil  is  happened  unto  you,  as  at  this  day. 
 
 24  Moreover,  Jeremiah  faid  unto  all  the  people, 
 and  to  all  the  women.  Hear  the  word  of  the  Lord, 
 all  Judah  that  are  in  the  land  of  Egypt ; 
 
 25  Thus  faith  the  Lord  of  hods,  the  God  of  If- 
 rael,  faying,  ye  and  your  wives  have  both  fpoken 
 with  your  mouths,  and  fulfilled  with  your  hand,  fay¬ 
 ing,  \Ve  will  furely  perform  our  vows  that  we  have 
 vowed,  to  burn  incenfe  to  the  queen  of  heaven,  and 
 to  pour  out  drink-offerings  unto  her:  ye  will  furely 
 accomplifli  your  vows,  and  furely  perform  your  vows. 
 
 26  Therefore  hear  ye  the  word  of  the  Lord,  all 
 Judah  that  dwell  in  the  land  of  Egypt ;  Behold,  1  have 
 fworn  by  my  great  name,  faith  the  Lord,  that  my 
 name  (hall  no  more  be  named  in  the  mouth  of  any 
 
 JEREMIAH. 
 
 fie  ihtrJ’.j.V'tlt  Put  inch. 
 
 ■'gypb 
 
 faying,  The 
 
 .ItU 
 
 IJ 
 
 C'lirilt 
 
 587. 
 
 man  of  Jndah  in  all  the  land  of  E 
 Lord  God  liveth. 
 
 27  Behold,  I  will  watch  over  them  for  evil,  and  not 
 for  good  ;  and  all  the  men  of  Judah  that  are  in  the 
 land  of  Egypt  fhall  be  confumed  by  the  fword  and 
 by  the  famine,  until  there  be  an  end  of  them. 
 
 28  Yet  a  f'mall  number  that  efcape  the  fword  fhall 
 
 return  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt  into  the  land  of  Ju¬ 
 dah  ;  and  all  the  remnant  of  Judah,  that  are  gone  into 
 the  land  of  Egypt  to  fojourn  there,  fhall  know  whole 
 word  fhall  ftand,  f  mine,  or  theirs.  t 
 
 29  f  And  this  shall  be  a  fign  unto  you,  faith 
 .-.ord,  that  I  will  punifh  you  in  this  place,  that  ye 
 may  know  that  my  words  fhall  furely  ftand  againft 
 you  for  evil  : 
 
 30  Ttius  faith  the  Lord,  Behold,  I  will  give  Pha- 
 raoh-hophra  king  of  Egypt  into  the  hand  ot  his  ene¬ 
 mies,  and  into  the  hand  of  them  that  feek  his  life,  as 
 
 gave  Zedekiah  king  of  Judah  into  the  hand  of  Ne- 
 3uchadrezzar  king  of  Babylon,  his  enemy,  and  that 
 "ought  his  life.* 
 
 CHAP.  XLV. 
 
 Baruch  being  dismayed,  Jeremiah  instructeth  and  comforUth  him  with  a 
 
 2>romise  of  safety- 
 
 The  word  that  Jeremiah  the  prophet  fpake  unto 
 Baruch  the  Ion  of  Neriah,  when  he  had  written 
 thefe  words  in  a  book  at  the  mouth  of  Jeremiah,  in 
 the  fourth  year  of  Jehoiakira  the  fon  of  Jofiah  king 
 of  Judah,  faying, 
 
 2  Thus  faith  the  Lord,  the  God  of  Ifrael,  unto 
 thee,  O  Baruch  ; 
 
 3  Thou  didil  fay.  Woe  is  me  now  !  for  the  Lord 
 hath  added  grief  to  ray  forrow ;  1  fainted  in  my  figh- 
 ing,  and  1  find  no  reft. 
 
 4  Thus  (halt  thou  fay  unto  him.  The  Lord  faith- 
 thus.  Behold,  that  which  I  have  built  will  1  break 
 down,  and  that  which  I  have  planted  I  will  pluck  up, 
 even  this  whole  land. 
 
 5  And  feekeft  thou  great  things  for  thyfelf  ?  feek 
 them  not :  for,  behold,  I  will  bring  evil  upon  all  fleff , 
 faith  the  Lord,  but  thy  life  will  I  give  unto  thee» 
 a  prey  in  all  places  whither  thou  goeft.f 
 
 hutnan  heart,  exceeds  all  conception.  They  judify  their  determination,  by  plead¬ 
 ing  the  authority  and  practice  of  their  principal  men,  forages  paft,  and  byafiert- 
 ing  boldly  a  lie,  that  they  and  tlieir  fathers  had  been  bleffed  with  temporal  good, 
 only  while  they  continued  devoted  to  the  practices  of  the  heathen  ^  for  this  was 
 plainly  contradidled,  the  heathens  themfelves  being  judges,  by  all  their  pall  hif- 
 tory.  Thefe  are  the  fruits  of  the  human  mind,  having  within  its  reach  the  moll 
 proper  means  of  religious  knowledge  and  improvement.  How  foolifh,  how  un- 
 reafonable,  to  boad  of  the  dignity  of  human  nature  !  Is  there  room  to  fpeak  and 
 write,  in  order  to  prove  the  capacity,  inclination,  and  diligence  of  man  to  attain 
 the  knowledge,  love,  and  fear  of  God,  without  divir.e  revelation  ?  Ver.  24—30. 
 The  Jews  feera  to  have  joined  the  worlhip  of  the  true  ood,  with  that  of  idols, 
 as  the  Sannaritans ;  2  Kings  xvii.  41.  God  declares  that  he  will  no  longer  fuffer 
 his  name  to  be  profaned  by  them,  but  will  confume  them  by  a  fudden  and  gene¬ 
 ral  dellrudlion,  excepting  a  few,  who  like  Baruch,  refitted  the  contagion  of  ido¬ 
 latry  ;  thefe  fhall  live  to  witnefs  that  in  keeping  the  commandments  of  God  there 
 
 is  great  reward,  in  oppofition  to  the  infolent,  blafphemous  fentiments  of  their 
 apoftate  brethren,  of  whofe  utter  deftruclion  the  captivity  of  the  king  of  Egypt 
 fhall  be  a  certain  fign. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XLV.  Ver.  1—5.  Baruch,  by  faith¬ 
 fully  affifting  Jeremiah,  had  expofed  himfelf  to  the  fury  of  the  enraged  Jehoiakim. 
 The  troubles  in  which  be  was  involved  too  deeply  opprtlTed  his  mind,  in  confe- 
 quence  of  his  ambitious  thoughts  being  blafted  ;  for  indulging  which  he  is  re¬ 
 proved.  He  hoped  probably  to  rife  to  honour  and  wealth  by  exercifing  his  diftin- 
 guifhed  talents.  Such  hopes  betrayed  an  improper  fpirit,  and  were  altogether 
 unreafonable,  feeing  nothing  but  defolation  and  mifery  refted  on  his  country  ; 
 for  in  a  feafon  of  common  difl.refs  he  had  abundant  reafon  to  be  thankful  for 
 perfonal  fafety  ;  and  of  this  blefling,  God  affures  him  in  all  places  where  he  might 
 in  future  fojourn.  The  promife  of  tlse  divine  prefence  and  proteAion  for  our 
 good  is  unquellionably  preferable  to  all  worldly  profpedls,  Heb.  xiii.  5,  6. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. _ *  Chap.  XLIV.]  Dreadful  is  the  malignity  of  fin  ;  infinitely  God  bates  it,  and  earneftly  fhouldhis  miniflers  warn  againft 
 
 if.  It  is  a  dreadful  fign  of  a  reprobate  mind  when,  with  judgments  upon  us  or  around  us,  we  harden  ourfelves  in  fin  ;  and  a  cerlam  mark  that  almighty  vengeance  is 
 at  hand  to  deftroy  us.  They  who  fin  againfl  God,  fin  againft  their  own  fouls,  and  bring  upon  themfelves  fure  and  fwift  deftruflion.  They  who  will  not  be  ruled 
 by  God’s  word,  muft  be  broken  by  his  rod.  And  if  men  will  prefer  their  own  proje6ls  to  God’s  promifes  and  providence,  it  is  juft  that  they  fhould  meet  with  difappoint- 
 tnents.  No  antiquity,  authority  or  cuftom,  can  ever  warrant  the  pradlice  God’s  word  forbids.  And  it  is  dreadful  when  the  means  which  God  ufes  to  draw  or  drive 
 tisfrom  our  fins  are  perverted  to  harden  us  in  them  !  Difobedienge  is  duty,  when  fuperiors  enjoin  or  countenance  v»hat  God  forbids.  It  is  grievous,  when  they  who 
 ^Jiould  alfift  each  other  in  the  way  to  heaven,  are  mutual  tempers,  and  harden  each  other  in  their  fins.  But  God  will  effectually  refute  his  obftinate  opponents  by  the 
 tuinous  flrokes  of  his  wrath.  Nor  can  a  greater  curfe  light  upon  finners  than  to  be  given  up  to  the  devices  of  their  own  heart.  Quickly  will  God  ruin  the  created 
 comforts  and  confidences  which  we  put  in  bis  room.  'And  indeed  nothing  is  to  us  what  we  fancy  it,  but  what  he  makes  it.  ^ 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. _ f  Chap.  XLV.]  Alas,  how  unwilling  our  hearU  are  to  take  up  our  croft  and  follow  Chrift!  Very  fmall  difficulties  are  apt 
 
 to  difcourage  young  beginners  in  the  fervice  of  God.  And  often  it  is  more  their  unbelieving  fears  than  their  real  dangers  that  make  them  to  complain.  If  we 
 had  left  defire  afterT  and  left  expeaation  from  creatures,  and  more  faith  iu  Christ’s  word  and  views  of  the  fpiritual  nature  of  his  kingdom,  external  events  would 
 double  us  left.  While  therefore  God  fo  exaaiy  obferves  us,  let  us  never  feek  our  own  more  than  the  public  welfare.  Let  us  never  feek  great  things  here,  where 
 
 9  B  24 
 
Jeremiah  prophesieth  Pharaoh*s  wcrlhro'w: 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 cir.  607. 
 
 T' 
 
 fight. 
 
 ,  ^  CHAP.  XLVI. 
 
 1  Jtre-mxnh  rrophesieth  the  overthrow  of  Pharaoh's  armit.  13  The 
 ^o/Pgypt  by  Nebuchadrezxar  ;  27  he  comfortelh  Jacob.  ^ 
 
 rh^^r  the  Lord  which  came  to  Jeremiah 
 A  ^  ^  againft  the  Gentiles  ; 
 
 ^  againft  the  army  ofPharaoh-necho 
 king  ot  Egypt  which  was  by  the  river  Euphrates  io 
 F  1611  a  N'^buchadrezzarking  of  Babylon 
 
 P-^-'r.liah  king  oHudah 
 toLule."' 
 
 the  horfes ;  and  get  up,  ye  horfemen, 
 and  Itaud  forth  with  . helmets  ;  furbifh  the  fpears 
 and  put  on  the  brigandines.  ’ 
 
 ♦  H.h  Wherefore  have  1  feen  them  difmayed,  avd  turn- 
 
 lr2™i«  f  beaten 
 
 pUceso  down,  and  are  f  fled  apace,  and  look  not  back :  for 
 f  Heb.  was  round  about,  faith  the  Lord. 
 fed  a  6  Let  not  the  fwift  flee  away,  nor  the  mighty  man 
 
 dcape  ;  they  (hall  ftumble,  and  fall  toward  fhe  north 
 by  the  river  Euphrates. 
 
 7  Who  is  this  i/ioi  cometh  up  as  a  flood,  whofe 
 waters  are  raoyed  as  the  rivers  ? 
 
 8  Egypt  rifeth  up  like  a  flood,  and  his  waters  are 
 
 moved  like  the  rivers  :  and  he  faith,  I  will  go  up,  and 
 will  cover  the  earth ;  I  will  defliroy  the  city  and  the 
 inhabitants  thereof.  ^ 
 
 9  Come  up  ye  horfes:  and  rage  ye  chariots ;  and 
 let  the  mighty  men  come  forth  ;  f  the  Ethiopians  and 
 t  the  Lybians.  that  handle  the  fhield ;  and  the  Lv- 
 dians,  that  handle  arid  bend  the  bow. 
 
 10  For  this  is  the  day  of  the  Lord  God  of  hofts 
 a  day  of  vengeance,  that  he  may  avenge  him  of  his 
 adverfanes :  and  the  fword  (hall  devour,  and  it  fhal 
 be  latiate  and  made  drunk  with  their  blood  :  for  the 
 Lord  God  of  hofts  hath  a  faaifice  in  the  north  coun¬ 
 try  by  the  river  Euphrates. 
 
 11  Go  up  into  Gilead,  and  take  balm,  O  virgin, 
 the  daughter  of  Egypt :  in  vain  (halt  thou  ufe  many 
 medicines ;  for  f  thou  (halt  not  be  cured. 
 
 ziiaiioe  12  The  nations  have  heard  of  thy  ftiame,  and  thy 
 unto  thee.  Cry  hath  tilled  the  land :  for  the  mighty  mao  hath 
 
 fturabled  againft  the  mighty,  and  they  are  fallen  both 
 together. 
 
 13  f  The  word  that  the  Lord  fpake  to  Jeremiah 
 ^e  prophet,  how  Nebuchadrezzar  king  of  Babylon 
 Inould  come  and  fmite  the  land  of  Egypt. 
 
 publifti  in  Migdol, 
 and  pablifh  in  Noph,  and  in  Tahpanhes  ;  fay  ye. 
 
 JEREMIAH. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 Cush, 
 f.  Heb. 
 Put. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 rto  cure 
 fhall  be 
 
 C^hap.  XLVI.  Ver,  1.  This  title  belongs 
 to  the  five  following  chapters,  and  refers  to  the  general  denunciation  of  God% 
 judgments  on  the  countries  round  about  Judea.  Ver.  7,  S.  The  Egyptian  army 
 mariAing  againft  the  enemy,  is  here  compared  to  a  mighty  flood,  in  allufion  to 
 the  Nile,  that  in  overflowing  its  banks  threatens  to  defolate  the  country  but 
 proves  in  the  ilTue  one  of  its  greateft  fources  of  wealth,  Ver.  II  Gilead  was 
 famous  for  producing  the  celebrated  balm  of  that  name.  In  allufion  to  the  prac 
 tice  of  going  thither  for  relief  in  dangerous  cafes,  the  Egyptians  are  direaed  to 
 try  all  methods  in  their  power  to  avoid  their  deftruaion,  while  they  are  warned 
 that  all  their  efforts  would  be  vain.  Ver.  18.  Though  Egypt  were  as  inacceflible 
 
 .  The  conquest  of  Egypt  ly  Nehuchaj...  j 
 
 ~nd  rbouTrr  d. 
 
 16  He  f  made  many  to  fall  vea  nnr.  f  n 
 another;  and  they  faid,  Arife.’and  let "POntHeb. 
 
 from  lihTopSng  “atfvIJy/^A!' 
 
 lo'Lff  a; t  &oV  fat  “zTh  '■' 
 
 "“I'I’O  0,“*  h'‘’''”k  ‘’’’j'”'  de  0001"°““' 
 
 and  delolafe  wi,hour"„'''^\abkano“'" 
 comeihf  cS  S:  “fr*  ’SI 
 
 t  fioe^d' bul’CcksTfcMheralfo  a«  S  b 
 
 ih"  ftaod^  be’caul^'i 
 
 With  axes,  as  hewers  of  wood.  againft  her 
 
 23  They  (hall  cut  down  her  foreft  faith  thp  T  noT^ 
 
 .  ough  i,  canaot  be  fearched  ;  becau’fe  are  mofe 
 than  the  graftoppers  and  are  innnmerable. 
 
 nialfhT7r  ^8ypt  (hall  be  confounded  •  Ihe 
 
 IhallbedehveredmtothehandofthepeopleofthrnOTth 
 
 utM*’?  the  God  of  Ifrad  fa  h 
 
 PhI'I’  '^h  ^  ®.d(  Punilh  II  t  the  multitude  of  No  and  I  Or, 
 Pharaoh,  and  Egypt,  with  their  gods,  and  their  k’ines  • 
 
 'hom  that  truft  in  him  ®  '  «*• 
 ifw-^Pd  I  will  deliver  them  into  the  hand  of  thofe"*”"' 
 
 rezLr  Kna  of  rIh ’l  Nebuchad- 
 
 rezzar  king  of  Babylon,  and  into  the  hand  of  his  fer- 
 
 vants :  and  afterward  it  (hall  be  inhabited,  as  in  the 
 days  of  old,  faith  the  Lord.  ^ 
 
 27  H  But  fear  ^t  thou,  O  my  fervant  Jacob  aniJ  “ 
 be  not  dilmayed,  O  Ifrael ;  for,  behold,  I  wid  ftve  ll' 
 hee  from  afar  off,  and  thy  feed  from  theTand  oflll* 
 
 left  anil ’’’.'''‘'r  ’  retum,  and  be  inOixp- 
 
 reft  and  at  eafe,  and  none  (hall  make  him  afraid.  “  '  '■ 
 
 28  Fear  thou  not,  O  Jacob  mv  fervant  fairh 
 
 nir  m  ?"ii  I  have  driven  thee ;  but  I  will « 
 
 not  make  a  f^uil  end  of  thee,  but  correft  thee  in  raea-r“T 
 fure:  yet  will  I  y  not  leave  thee  wholly  unpunKheT^r 
 
 as  the  top  of  mount  Tabor,  and  defended  bv  Hip  ftn  liko  r.  i 
 fliould  come  upon  her  and  conquer  her  entirely.  Ver  22  23*”W 
 
 irrii •  '5-  ".n.ti”' 
 
 iople  thouirhTcarrpa  ^  n  '  important  purpofes,  a  diftii 
 
 If  God  preferve  and  protea  us  in  evil  times,  it  is  more  than  we  defsrve, 
 
 every  thing  is  lefs  than  nothing  and  vanity,  and  as  uncertain  as  a  fliadow  or  a  vanour 
 
 perhaps  could  expea. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS _ •  Chap.  XLVI  1  Sinners  mav  j  c 
 
 rulh  ^rward  to  their  own  deftruaion !  Flight  is  vain  froi  the  fword  of  God’s  venSnee  '"Tinfiniie 
 Tubjeas  into  fudden  death  and  eternal  perdition.  And  the  more  confident  they  are,  the  nearer  if  their  run  Wh  r  V"  march  multitudes  of  their 
 
 and  brave,  refiftance  is  goavailing.  And  noify  blufterers  are  generally  the  greateft  cowards  Whatever  inflr^  againft  an  army,  however  numerous 
 
 judgment.  AIm  .  what  defolations  fin  makes  in  the  moft  populous  and  wealthy  countries  '  ’  Thevwhntn  n  .  “""^fts  are  employed  God’s  hand  will  appear  in  every 
 Amidft  external  preparations  it  is  necelTary  to  prepare  for  trouble,  death  and  eternity.  ^  ^  alone  may  exped  difappointment. 
 
Before 
 Clirift 
 cir.  600' 
 
 fit  dcsimtio’i  cf  At  PUiainet. 
 
 CHAP.  XLVn. 
 
 The  destruction  of  the  Philistines. 
 
 The  word  ot  the  Lord  that  came  to  Jeremiah 
 the  prophet  againft  the  Philiftines,  before  that 
 Pharaoh  fmote  f  Gaza. 
 
 I  Thus  faith  the  Lord,  Behold,  ■  waten  rife  up 
 out  of  the  north,  and  (hall  be  an  overflowing  flood, 
 and  (hall  overflow  the  land,  and  t  all  that  is  therein  •. 
 fheciiy.  and  them  that  dwell  therein:  then  the  men 
 lhall  cry,  and  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  land  (hall  howl. 
 3  At  the  noife  of  the  ftamping  of  the  hoofs  of  his 
 
 JEREMIAH. 
 
 The  judgment  of  Moab, 
 
 cir.  600. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 ^xxob. 
 a 
 
 8.  7. 
 Chapter 
 46.7,  8. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 the  fulness 
 thereof 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 cir.  598. 
 
 i|-Heb. 
 the  isle 
 
 I  Heb. 
 
 gather 
 thyself- 
 I  Heb 
 
 ftroDg  horses,  at  the  rufhmg  of  his  charims,  awd  ul  the 
 rumbling  of  his  wheels,  the  fathers  ftall  not  look 
 back  to  their  children  for  f'eeblenefs  of  hands ; 
 
 4  Becaufe  of  the  day  that  cometh  to  ^oil  all  the 
 Pniliftines,  and  to  cut  off  from  Tyrus  and  Zidon  every 
 helper  that  remaineth  ;  for  the  Lord  will  ^oil  the 
 Philiftines,  the  remnant  of  t  the  country  or  Gaphton 
 
 5  Ealdnefs  is  come  upon  Gaza  ;  Afhkelon  is  cut  off 
 •with  the  remnant  of  their  valley  :  how  long  wilt  ihou 
 
 ^‘^yO^thou  fword  of  the  Lord,  how  long  ^  he 
 ere  thou  be  quiet  ?  up  thyfelf  into  thy  fcabbard, 
 
 reft,  and  be  ftill.  ,  , 
 
 7  +  How  can  it  be  quiet,  feeing  the  Lord  hath 
 j  given  it  a  charge  againft  Aftikelon,  and  againft  the 
 ^.Homcafistr-  Q  P  Jhgj-e  hath  he  appointed  it.* 
 
 ‘  CHAP.  XLVIll. 
 
 1  The  judgment  of  Moab,  T  for  ,>resuming  upon  her  wealth  ;  1 1  her  un¬ 
 interrupted  prosperity,  14  and  her  strength  for  war  :  26  for  her  con¬ 
 tempt  of  God,  ^c-  41  The  restoration  of  Moab.  run 
 
 Against  Moab,  thus  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts, 
 the  God  of  Ifrael,  Woe  onto  Nebo!  for  it  is 
 fpoiled  ;  Kiriathaim  is  confounded  and  taken  ;  fi  mil- 
 gab  is  confounded  and  difmayed.  „  „ 
 
 2  There  shall  be  no  more  praiie  of  Moab  :  in  He  h- 
 bon  they  have  devifed  evil  againft  it ;  come,  and  let 
 u  Or  be  us  cut  it  off  from  beingr,  a  nation  :  alfo  thou  (halt  H  be 
 Irou'ght  <9 cut  down,  O  madmen  ;  the  fword  fb^l  f  purlue  thee. 
 silence.  3  A  voice  of  crying  shall  be  from  Horonaim,  ipoil- 
 iog  and  great  deftruftion. 
 
 S  deftroyed  ;  her  little  ones  have  caufed  a 
 
 cry  to  be  heard.  i 
 
 5  ®  For  in  the  going  up  of  Luhith  f  continual  weep¬ 
 ing  (hall  go  up ;  for  in  the  going  down  of  Horonaim 
 the  enemies  have  heard  a  cry  of  deftru£Iion. _ 
 
 P  Or, 
 
 the  high 
 place. 
 
 6  Flee,  fave  your  lives,  and  be  like  ll  the  “  heath  in 
 
 7  t' For'becaufe  thou  haft  trufted  in  thy  works,  and 
 in  thy  treafures,  thou  ftialt  alfo  be  taken ; 
 
 mofh  (hall  go  forth  into  captivity  mih  his  pnefts  and ,, 
 
 s'^A^^^the^Viler  (hall  come  upon  every  city,  andc  cbap. 
 
 no  city  all  efcape  ;  the  valley  aUo  (hall  periff,  and  ^^'3. 
 
 the  plain  (hall  be  de(iroyed,  as  the  Lord  hath  Jpo^en. 
 
 9  Give  wings  unto  Moab,  that  it  may  flee  and  get 
 away  :  for  the  cities  thereof  (hall  be  delolate,  without 
 
 anv  to  dwell  therein.  ,  r.u  t 
 
 10  Curled  be  he  that  doeth  the  work  of  the  Lord  ^ 
 
 11  deceitfully,  and  curled  be  he  that  keepeth  back  his^.^^^^,^^ 
 
 (word  from  blood.  .  ,  , 
 
 1 1  H  Moab  hath  been  at  eafe  from  his  youth,  and 
 
 he  hath  fettled  on  his  lees,  and  hath  not  been  emptied 
 from  veffel  to  veffel,  neither  hath  he  gone  into  cap- 
 tivity  :  therefore  his  tafte  f  remained  in  him,  and  hist  Heb. 
 
 feent  is  not  changed.  »  .  ,  , 
 
 12  Therefore,  behold,  the  days  come,  i^ith  the 
 Lord  that  I  will  fend  unto  him  wanderers,  that  lhall 
 caufe  him  to  wander,  and  (hall  empty  his  veffels,  and 
 
 And''Moab  (hall  be  alhamed  of  Chemolh,  as  the 
 hoife  of  iS  was  alhamed  of  ^  Bethe-el  their  con-di Kings 
 
 C  J 
 
 14  ‘If  How  (ay  ye,  W^e  are  mighty  and  ftrong  men 
 
 ^Vs  Moab  is  fpoiled,  and  gone  up  of  her  cities,  and 
 
 t  his  chofen  young  tnen  are  gone  down  '  LiVo/. 
 
 ter,  faith  the  king,  whole  name  js  The  Lord  of  ho.t^s. 
 
 16  The  calamity  of  Moab  ts  near  to  come,  and  his 
 
 affliftion  hafteth  taft.  , ,  ,  u-  oil 
 
 17  All  ye  that  are  about  him,  bemoan  him  ;  ^nd  all 
 
 ye  that  know  his  nan.e,  fay,  How  is  the  ftrong  ftatt 
 broken,  and  the  beautiful  rod  1  _ 
 
 18  Thou  daughter  that  doft  inhabit  Dibon,  come 
 down  from  thij  glory,  and  fit  in  third ;  for 
 of  Moab  (hall  come  upon  thee,  and  he  lhall  deltroy 
 
 ‘’‘'Id'o"!  inhabtant  of  Aroer,  fland  by  the  way,  and 
 efpy  :  a(k  him  that  fleeth,  and  her  that  efcapeth,  and 
 
 fay,  What  is  done?  j 
 
 20  Moab  is  confounded  ;  for  it  is  broken  down : 
 
 a  Ifaiab 
 15,  5. 
 
 j-  Heb. 
 weeping 
 with 
 
 weeping. 
 
 "^PI^TtORY^T^.  Chap.  XLVII.  Ver.  1-7.  The  Philiaines 
 
 .ere  ancient  and  Inveterate  enemies  of  Ifrael  who  had  peacf 
 
 David  humbled  them  ;  but  they  feem  to  have  become 
 and  were  ftrongly  fortified,  when  this  prophecy  was 
 
 Gaza  was  fubdLd  by  Pharaoh;  an  event  fuppofed  to  ^ 
 
 bis  expedition  to  Carchemilh.  The  terrible  appearance  of  Chaldea  i  army 
 deprives  the  defenders  of  PaleRine  fo  completely  of  courage  ftrengtb,  tha 
 inLd  of  fighting  to  preferve  their  children,  they  forget  them  ^ 
 anxiety  to  fave  themfelves  by  flight  erazes  from  their  bofom  ‘h®  ‘ender  and 
 ftrong  fenfations  of  natural  affeaion.  Not  only  are  they 
 
 to  Babylon,  but  alfo  all  with  whom  they  were  in  alliance.  Enemies  as  they 
 were  to  Krael,  their  miferies  excite  the  comm.foat.on  of  the  P^°Ph^> 
 however,  declares  his  conviaion  that  it  ts  inevitable.  How  can  J.'" 
 
 quiet  till  it  bath  executed  God’s  vengeance,  and  accomplifhed  bis  purpoles 
 
 ^^XPLANAToSnOTES.  Chap.  XLVIII.  Ver.  1.  This  chapter  contains 
 a  large  prophecy  of  the  judgments  of  God  denounced  on  Moab,  to  e^^uted 
 by  Nebuchadnezzar,  Jeremiah  feems  here  to  have  borrowed  from  Ifaiah,  who 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS-.  Ch...  XLVII.l  G.d  ^  UR  "^4 
 
 are  of  no  avail  againft  the  artillery  of  a  threatening,  an  angry  God.  even  the  ambition  of  kings  and  princes.  And  the  deftrua.on 
 
 moft  probable  method  to  afeertain  the  meaning  of  each.  Ver.  2--10.  Heflibon 
 Is  a  principal  city  of  the  Moabites,  in  the  glory  of  which  they  had  been 
 aceuftomed  to  boaL  The  Chaldeans  having  taken  and  entered  this  city, 
 would  appear,  devifed,  confulted,  and  determined  the  spoiling  of  the  other  cities, 
 rnd  the  defohtion  of  the  whole  country.  The  inhabitants  of  the  conquered 
 citfes  efcaped  to  Luhith,  a  city  fituated  on  a  hill  but  in 
 
 tationsare  heard  by  the  enemy,  who  purfue  and  deftroy  them.  (Ifa.  x  .  5.) 
 Soab  is  utterly  laid  wafte.  as  an  heath  in  the  wildernefs, 
 
 valuable-  chapter  xvii.  5,  6.  Chemolh,  the  idol  in  whom  they  trufted,  fha  es 
 to  their  ftiame!^  the  fame  wretched  fate  with  their  rulers,  pnefts,  and  people  ; 
 
 .  ..'led  i...  :  ch.pu.  xUii.  12,  IS.  He  i-  ‘fg; 
 
 miferable,  who  would  not  diligenlly  execute  the 
 
 Moabites  which  expreffes  ftrongly  his  fixed  determination  to  fumi  his  threaten 
 iS  againft  S  king  of  Babylon  had  refolved  to  deftroy 
 
 tbfm.^if  any  one  of  his  foldiers  obeyed  not  faithfully  the  mandates  of  fucU  an 
 abfolute  monarch,  his  future  lot  was  not  likely  to  be  the  heft,  f  ' 
 
 As  wines  increafe  their  ftrength  by  remaining  on  their  kes  fometime  after  fe  - 
 raentation  has  ceafed,  fo  the  Moabites’  national  ftrength  had  increafed  accord¬ 
 ing  to  the  length  of  time  Cnee  they  had  been  formed  into  a  nation  ;  they  had 
 not  fuffered  like  Ifrael,  or  fome  other  nations,  great  commotions,  changes,  or 
 
\}U. 
 
 ■  Kl 
 
 <;/  Moubjor  her  pride,  cjc. 
 
 IJi/’orc' 
 Oil  rift 
 
 that  Moab  i* 
 
 upon  Hofon'^^a^iid^nnnn  T  country ; 
 
 22  And  UDon^  D^h  ^nd  upon  Mephaath, 
 
 BetWMatrm,  “P“  ^^^0,  and  upon 
 
 anfup^Vermfor'''^™’  =■“* 
 
 ^c/^agliSrr L'”  f Sab"  k?"S.,3fwt 'S 
 
 vomit  and  he  allb  (hail  be  in  derifion: 
 
 27  ror  was  not  lirael  a  derifion  unto  thee’  was  he 
 
 .t"u"V,s;p?d'^r;joyf” of  w™. 
 
 of  ''■0  >>“lc’s  mouth.  ^  " 
 
 te.s.tt=.ceedjnl  nrSnd"!  h'^ff  !  the  pride  of  Moab,  (he  is  ex- 
 ceeding  proudj  htS  loftinefs,  and  his  arrogancv  and 
 his  pride,  and  the  haughtinefs  of  his  heart. 
 
 30  i  know  his  wrath,  faith  the  LoRr>-  hnr  ,/ 
 
 i?/;«  f  th  '  'I-  * 
 
 whom  he  qjjj  f  ^  I  will  cry 
 
 tst\,  of  Ki°r-he  es  ’  “>0  men 
 
 not  right.  weeDi?e-Tf^T°^^‘^™h^’  ^ 
 
 weeping  of  Jazer;  thy  plants  are  gone  over  the  fea 
 
 hey  reach  to  the  fea  of  Jazer:  the  fpoiler  is 
 
 fallen  upon  thy  fummer-fruits,  and  upon  thv  vintage 
 
 ^ ^..^enVoSheir 
 
 jeremiaii. 
 
 fl  Or, 
 
 tnovedst 
 
 thyself. 
 
 f  Ifaiah 
 
 16.  10. 
 
 b  Ifaiah 
 15.  5,6. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 desola¬ 
 tions. 
 
 ful  field,  and  from  the  land  .of  Moab;  and  I  have 
 caufed  wine  to  fail  from  the  r/ine-preffes ;  none  fhall 
 tread  with  fhouting ;  their  fhouting  shall  be  no  fhout- 
 
 iDg* 
 
 34  From  the  cry  of  Hefhbon,  cncw  unto  Elealeh, 
 nd  even  unto  Jahaz  have  they  uttered  their  voice 
 from  Zoar  rmi  unto  Horonaim,  «5  an  heifer  of  three 
 
 years  old  ;  for  the  waters  alfo  of  Nimrim  fiiall  be 
 t  delolate.  . 
 
 35  Moreover,  I  will  caufe  to  ceafe  in  Moab.  faith 
 the  Lord,  him  that  offereth  in  the  high  places,  and 
 him  that  burneth  incenfe  to  his  gods. 
 
 ^  36  Therefore  mine  heart  fhall  fbund  for  Moab  like 
 pipes,  and  mine  heart  fhall  found  like  pipes  for  the 
 then  of  kir-heres :  becaufe  the  riches  that  he  hath 
 gotten  are  perifhed. 
 
 captwities;  but  are  they  delivered  to  the  wanderers,  the  Chaldeans,  who  had 
 
 ^  ^  Moabites  was  particularly  difcovered  in  their 
 
 ^atnTfr^  condua  to  Ifrael.  by  which  they  fet  themfelves  againft  God,  who  had 
 Sell  a  S  i  This  is  mentioned  as  one  principal  caufe  of 
 
 a  S  hSbi"’  *'"■  The  wines  of  Sib- 
 
 Utah  and  Helhbon  were  greatly  celebrated,  and  in  high  repute  with  all  the  great 
 
 menand  princes  of  that  and  the  neighbouring  countries;  who  indulged  themfelves 
 even  to  intemperance  in  the  ufe  of  them.  So  that  their  vines  were  fo  much  in 
 requeft,  as  not  only  to  be  propagated  all  over  the  country  of  Moab,  to  the  fea  of 
 Sodom  ;  but  to  have  cions  of  them  fent  even  beyond  the  fea  into  foreign  coun- 
 tries;  compare  Ifa  xvi.  8.  Ver.  34.  Compare  Ifa.  xv.  5.  Ver.  37.  Comnare 
 I  fa.  XV.  2.  Ver.  43,  44.  An  allufion  is  here  made  to  the  ancient  mode  of  hunU 
 
 37  *  _ 
 
 clipped  :  upon  all  . 
 
 upon  the'  loins  fackcloth.  -  -  -  «> 
 
 38  There  shall  be  lamentation  generallv  .mon  ii  u 
 
 houle-tops  of  Moab  and  in  th^  fte  ►  ^  ^  the'iiaiah 
 
 39  1  hey  fliall  howl,  savinfr  Hnw  ic  it  k..^i  j  . 
 how  hath  MnaK  t^^r^c^A  “Ow  is  it  broken  down  ! 
 
 atonS  adilmayTng''  malTIhem^*- 
 
 rurpJd.'^ariHe' mlfm”'  relJ’/ta^iri^n 
 
 people,  became  he  ha,h  magnified  itXinftfhe 
 
 and  he^h  i"  fear  (hall  fall  into  the  pit  • 
 
 vifitatiL,rth  'eTon“rf"" 
 
 ,  bom  b^c^SiS  Sore:  :  "bnS: ' 
 
 and  fiia'il'd’'’""’  ''  “  '*'e  of  Sihra 
 
 ^'Joab,  and  the  crown 
 
 °  ^  tumultuous  ones.  *  Heb 
 
 46  Woe  be  unto  thee,  O  Moab]  the  people 
 
 ^uns  are  taken  f  captives 
 
 and  thy  daughters  captives.  '  puves,  Heb.in 
 
 in  tL^l  ^  captivity  of  Moab 
 
 in  the  latter  days,  faith  the  Lord.  Thus  far  s  ^he 
 judgment  of  Moab.* 
 
 CHAP.  XLIX. 
 
 of  the  Ammomtes,  6  and  their  restoration  -7  Th  •  j 
 
 f "  G  Lofn  Ammonites; thnsfaith  the 
 
 I  \_4  Lord,  Hath  Ifrael  no  fons  .?  hath  he  no  heir  ?  !l  Or, 
 why  then  doth  j)  their  king  inherit  ®  Gad  anH  sio 
 people  dwell  in  his  cities  ?  ’  "  o^’ 
 
 thaV^wm':?  ‘^PU’e.  faiththe  Lord, 
 
 R^Khllf  f  r  a  “I?™  °f  hoard  in  al'?'- 
 
 hoaP.  and  her  i^u~ih"!lVe  tm'wifh  foe" '' 
 
 toE  !!!:  Lord.  ‘>1^ 
 
 1  Numb. 
 
 28. 
 
 600. 
 
 ing,  for  a  limilar  purpofe,  as  in  Ifaiah  chap. 
 
 exprefs  the  complete  overthrow  of  the  Tewiih  nV*.’ •  i  '*  applied  to 
 
 nation.  Ver.  47.  This  gracToL  nromlfr  ’  V  1  Mo.abi.i(b 
 
 when  Cyrus  took  Babylon,  or  more  probabl^TheftSmal 
 
 conferred  on  them  in  common  witJi  orhpr  ^  deJiverance  by  Meffiah, 
 
 eluded  from  his  kinJZ  «* 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap  XITV  v  . 
 
 tribes  were  puniftied  for  their  finsby  beingVentintn"  G-  u^- 
 
 by  right  the  property  of  the  remaining  two  tribes  •'"burDTrt  or'’ 
 the  Ammonites,  which  was  not  only  an  un  lift  but  tv 
 
 fiSaToK'S.:;  l:;rLr  "■.re"'”'-"  r  .^ir  .rs]  tfd 
 pr.pn.,i..>„.r.,.  cl,.,  I  ,s:z^z,z:tzt:l.  17 
 
 p^ofp.n.y  I,  .  d.rg^S™ wlk]d'?„ro7i:™b7i.7tf  u  wSn’.ft  '“t.''"  T""  5'"'°'"  "'"''"7 
 
 wibi^cZS  ei7,rLt  br.,ro7.tr.f;b”f7-  a?/,-  S7,  i“?r7b“  T 
 
 „o.b„.  of  God  .bd  bu  p.o,ib  .0  „o„d..  if b..d.  b?  ;vji,7p7:Lr;s7b::i;7b;;rdn^^  p,.l“;;77 
 
a  Obad. 
 »erfe  8. 
 
 8  Or, 
 they  are 
 turnei 
 haclt> 
 e  Obad. 
 verfe  5. 
 fHeb. 
 their  suffi¬ 
 ciency. 
 
 rf  he  judgment  of  Edom, 
 
 Before  3  Howl,  O  Hefhbon,  for  Ai  is_  fpoiled :  cry,  ye 
 chrift  daughters  of  Rabbah,  gird  you  with  fackcloth  ;  la- 
 cir.  6oa  and  run  to  and  fro  by  the  hedges  :  for  ||  their 
 
 king  (ball  go  into  captivity,  and  his  priefts  and  his 
 princes  together. 
 
 4  Wherefore  glorieft  thou  in  the  valleys ;  H  thy 
 flowing  valley,  O  backfliding  daughter  ?  that  trufted 
 ]hTwiiey  in  her  treafures,  saying.  Who  [hall  come  unto  me.-* 
 flweih  5  Behold,  I  will  bring  a  fear  upon  thee,  faith  the 
 amy-  LoRD  God  of  hofts,  from  all  thofe  that  be  about 
 thee ;  and  ye  (hall  be  driven  out  every  mao  right 
 forth  ;  and  none  (hall  gather  up  him  that  wandereth. 
 
 6  H  And  afterward  1  will  bring  again  the  captivity 
 of  the  children  of  Ammon,  faith  the  Lord. 
 
 7  H  Concerning  Edom,  thus  faith  the  Lord  of 
 hofts,  h  wifdom  no  more  in  Teman  ?  is  counfel 
 peri(hed  from  the  prudent  ^  is  their  wildom  vani(hed? 
 
 8  Flee  ye,  ll  turn  back,  dwell  deep,  O  inhabitants 
 of  Dedan  ;  for  I  will  bring  the  calamity  of  E(au  upon 
 him,  the  time  that  I  will  vifit  him. 
 
 9  If  *  grape-gatherers  come  to  thee,  would  they 
 not  leave  some  gleaning  grapes  ?  if  thieves  by  night, 
 they  will  dertroy  f  till  they  have  enough. 
 
 10  But  I  have  made  Efau  bare,  I  have  uncovered 
 his  fecret  places,  and  he  (hall  not  be  able  to  hide  him- 
 ielf:  his  feed  is  fpoiled,  and  his  brethren,  and  his 
 neighbours,  and  he  is  nor. 
 
 11  Leave  thy  fatherlefs  children,  I  will  preferve 
 them  alive  ;  and  let  thy  widows  truft  in  me. 
 
 V2  For  thus  faith  the  Lord,  Behold,  they  whofe 
 judgment  'was  not  to  drink  of  the  cup  have  aflfuredly 
 drunken  ;  and  art  thou  he  that  (hall  altogether  go 
 unpunKhed  ?  thou  (halt  not  go  unpunKhed,  but  thou 
 {halt  furely  drink  of  it. 
 
 13  For  I  have  (worn  by  myfelf,  faith  the  Lord, 
 that  Bozrah  (hall  become  a  defolafion,  a  reproach, 
 a  wafte,  and  a  curfe  ;  and  all  the  cities  thereof  (hall 
 be  perpetual  waftes. 
 
 14  I  have  heard  a  ^  rumourfromtheLoRDandanam- 
 baffador  is  fent  unto  the  heathen,  saying.  Gather  ye  to- 
 gether,  and  comeagaintt  her,  and  rife  up  to  the  battle. 
 
 15  For,  lo,  1  will  make  thee  fmall  among  the  hea¬ 
 then  and,  defpifed  among  men. 
 
 16  I’hyterriblenefs  hath  deceived  thee,  oncfthe  pride 
 of  thine  heart,  O  thou  that  dwelled  in  the  clefts  of 
 the  rock,  that  holdeft  the  height  of  the  hill :  though 
 
 gObad.  g  thou  (houldeft  make  thy  ned  as  high  as  the  eagle, 
 verfe  4.  j  dowo  froui  theoce,  faith  the  Lord. 
 
 17  AlfoEdom  (hall  be  a  defolation ;  ''everyone 
 that  goeth  by  it  fhall  be  aftonilhed,  and  (hall  bifs  at 
 all  the  plagues  thereof. 
 
 18  '  As  in  the  overthrow  of  Sodom  and  Gomorrah, 
 
 ISftfhapfer  neighbour  cities  thereof,  faith  the  Lord,  no 
 
 ™  man  (hall  abide  there,  neither  (hall  a  fon  of  man 
 
 dwell  in  it. 
 
 19  Behold,  he  (hall  come  up  like  a  lion  from  the 
 fuelling  of  Jordan  againlt  the  habitation  of  theftrong: 
 
 JEREMIAH. 
 
 Damascus,  Kedar,  Hazor,  and  Elam. 
 
 f  Obad. 
 vejfe  1. 
 
 h  Chap. 
 SO.  1 3. 
 
 i  Gen. 
 
 I  50.  40. 
 
 to  intima’e  to  them,  that  their  own  country  would  be  given  to  the  Jews  whom 
 they  had  difinherited.  The  fulfilment  of  the  latter  part  of  this  prophecy  feems 
 
 '  referred  to,  1  Mac.  v.  6 _ 8,  God  mercifully  promifes  to  reftore  them  as  well 
 
 as  the  Moabites,  which  perhaps  intimates  their  future  converfion  to  Chrift. 
 Chap,  xlviii.  7.  Ver.  7.  The  defendants  of  Efau  were  famous  for  their  wifdom 
 and  learning,  efpecia'.ly  thofe  of  them  who  dwelt  in  Teman,  (See  Obadiah  8.) 
 but  they  had  exulted  in  the  calamities  of  Ifrael  ;  and  are  therefore  delivered  up 
 ;  to  the  power  of  Nebuchadnezzar ;  and  configned  to  deftruSlion,  from  which 
 neither  their  power  nor  wifdom  could  fave  them.  Ver.  16.  Jerome,  who  lived  in 
 r  the  neighbourhood,  tells  us,  that  Edom,  or  Idumea,  was  a  rocky  country,  and 
 that  the  inhabitants  dwelt  in  caves  cut  in  the  rocks  and  hills.  Ver,  19.  /  mil 
 
 ^  9  C 
 
 but  I  will  fuddenly  make  him  run  away  from  her ; 
 and  who  is  a  chofen  man,  that  I  may  appoint  over  gjjg 
 
 her  ?  for  who  is  like  me  ^  and  who  will  ||  appoint  me _ _ 
 
 the  time  ?  and  who  is  that  (hepherd  that  will  (land  U 
 before  me  ?  ^ 
 
 20  '  Therefore  hear  the  counfel  of  the  Lord  that  judgment. 
 he  hath  taken  againfi  Edom,  and  his  purpoles  that  hek  Job 
 hath  purpofed  againft  the  inhabitants  of  Teman  ;  Sure- 
 
 ly  the  leaft  of  the  flock  (hall  draw  them  out ;  furely  50.  4I" 
 he  (ball  make  their  habitations  defolate  with  them. 
 
 21  The  earth  is  moved  at  the  noife  of  their  fall ;  at 
 the  cry,  the  noife  thereof  was  heard  in  the  f  Red  fea. 
 
 22  Behold,  he  (hall  come  up  and  fly  as  the  eagle,  ^ 
 and  fpread  his  wings  over  Bozrah,  and  at  that  day 
 (hall  the  heart  of  the  mighty  men  of  Edom  be  as  the 
 heart  of  a  woman  in  her  pangs. 
 
 23  f  Concerning  Damafcus.  Hamath  is  confound¬ 
 
 ed,  and  Arpad  ;  for  they  have  heard  evil  tidings  ;  they 
 are  f  faint-hearted  :  there  is  forrow  ||  on  the  (ea  ;  it  t 
 cannot  be  quiet.  u  or, 
 
 24  Damafcus  is  waxed  feeble,  and  turneth  herfelf  a,  on’, f.« 
 to  flee,  and  fear  hath  feized  on  her :  angui(h  and  for-  sea. 
 rows  have  taken  her,  as  a  woman  in  travail. 
 
 25Howisthecityofpraife  not  left,  the  city  of  my  joy ! 
 
 26  Therefore  her  young  men  (hall  fall  in  her 
 ftreets,  and  all  the  men  of  war  (hall  be  cut  o(Fin  that 
 day,  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts. 
 
 27  And  I  will  kindle  a  ®  fire  in  the  wall  of  Damaf-® 
 cus,  and  it  (hall  confume  the  palaces  of  Benhadad. 
 
 28  f  Concerning  Kedar,  and  concerning  the  king¬ 
 doms  of  Hazor,  which  Nebuchadrezzar  king  of  Ba¬ 
 bylon  (hall  finite.  Thus  faith  the  Lord,  Arife  ye,  go 
 up  to  Kedar,  and  fpoil  the  men  of  the  eaft. 
 
 29  Their  tents  and  their  flocks  (ball  they  take 
 away  :  they  (hall  take  to  themfelves  their  curtains, 
 and  all  their  veflVls,  and  their  camels  ;  and  they  (hall 
 cry  unto  them,  Fear  is  on  every  fide. 
 
 30  t  “  Flee,  t  get  ye  far  o(F,  dwell  deep,  O  ye  'O* "  y®'’’ 
 habitants  of  Hazor,  faith  the  Lord;  for  Nebuchad-J^^®^;^^_ 
 rezzar  king  of  Babylon  hath  taken  counfel  againft/^. 
 you,  and  hath  conceived  a  purpofe  againft  you. 
 
 31  Arife,  get  you  up  unto  the  wealthy  nation  li 
 dwelleth  without  care,  faith  the  Lord,  which  haveg„j^/“ 
 neither  gates  nor  bars,  which  dwell  alone. 
 
 32  And  their  camels  (hall  be  a  booty,  and  the 
 
 multitude  of  their  cattle  a  fpoil :  and  I  will  fcatrer 
 into  all  winds  them  that  are  f  in  the  utmoft  corners  ;  f 
 and  I  will  bring  their  calamity  from  all  fides  thereof, 
 faith  the  Lord.  or.tuat 
 
 33  And  Hazor  fhall  be  a  dwelling  for  dragons,  andhavethe 
 a  defolation  for  ever  :  there  (hall  no  man  abide  there : 
 
 nor  any  fon  of  man  dwell  in  it.  g, 
 
 34  ^  The  word  of  the  Lord  that  came  to  Jeremiah 
 the  prophet  againft  Flam,  in  the  beginning  of  the 
 reign  of  Zedekiah  king  of  Judah,  faying, 
 
 35  Thus  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts.  Behold,  I  will 
 break  the  bow  of  Elam,  the  chief  of  their  might. 
 
 sKddenly  make  him  run  aivay  from  her,  or,  I  will  caufe  liira  to  run  fuddenlj  upon 
 her.  Comp.  chap,  xlvii.  5,  6.  Ver.  23 — 27.  Syria  is  next  brought  to  the  bar 
 and  doomed  to  a  terrible  overthrow.  Damafcus  w  as  its  capital  city  ;  I  fa.  vii.  S. 
 xvii,  3.  The  prophets  often  defcribe  the  ruin  of  a  country  by  one  or  more 
 of  its  principal  cities.  Compare  verfe  18.  Amos  i.  8.  Ver.  28,  29.  Compare 
 Notes  on  Ifa.  xlii,  11.  and  xxi.  13 — 17.  Ver.  31.  The  wealth  of  the  Arabians 
 chiefly  confifted  in  their  flocks,  which  however,  was  no  inconfiderable  objetft  to 
 a  large  army  marching  through  a  defcrt.  The  Lord  will  not  luCTer  thofe  whom 
 be  employs,  whatever  be  their  charadler,  to  want  any  thing  necefiTary  to  execute 
 his  purpofes.  Ver,  33.  The  chief  city  is  devoted  to  utter  defolation.  Ver. 
 34 — 39.  See  Note  oa  Ifaiah  zxii.  6.  The  Perfiaos  were  celebrated  for  ti.eir 
 
 24 
 
The  judgment  of  Babylon. 
 
 JEREMIAH. 
 
 Before 
 
 Clyift 
 
 595. 
 
 o  Chap. 
 48.  47. 
 Verfe  6, 
 
 595. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 by  the 
 hand  of 
 
 Jeremiah. 
 t  Heb. 
 lift  vp. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 place  to  lie 
 down  in. 
 
 a  Ifaiah 
 ■48.  20. 
 Chap. 
 51.  6. 
 Eevel. 
 18.  4. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 destroyer. 
 
 36  And  upon  Elam  will  I  bring  the  four  winds  from 
 the  tour  quarters  ot  heaven,  and  will  fcatter  them  to¬ 
 ward  all  thofe  winds;  and  there  fhall  be  no  nation 
 whith^  the  outcafts  ot  Elam  (hall  not  come. 
 
 ‘  7  ror  I  will  caufe  Elam  to  be  dilmayed  before 
 their  enemies,  and  before  them  that  feek  their  life; 
 and  a  will  bring  evil  upon  them,  even  my  fierce  an- 
 ger,  laith  the  Lord  :  and  I  will  fend  the  (word  after 
 them,  till  1  have  confumed  them  : 
 
 38  And  I  will  fet  my  throne  in  Elam,  and  will  deftroy 
 from  th^ce  the  king  and  the  princes,  faith  the  Lord. 
 
 39  51  But  it  fhall  come  to  pafs  °  in  the  latter  days, 
 that  I  will  bring  again  the  captivity  of  Elam,  faith  the 
 Lord.* 
 
 CHAP.  L. 
 
 1 , 9,  21 , 35  The  judgment  of  Babylon.  4,  1 7, 33  The  redemption  of  Israel. 
 
 The  word  that  the  Lord  fpake  againtt  Babylon, 
 and  againft  the  land  of  the  Chaldeans,  f  by  Je¬ 
 remiah  the  prophet. 
 
 2  Declare  ye  among  the  nations,  and  publifh,  and 
 f  fet  up  a  fiandard  :  publifh  and  conceal  not  ;  fay, 
 Babylon  is  taken,  Bel  is  confounded,  Merodach  is 
 broken  in  pieces;  her  idols  are  confounded,  her 
 images  are  broken  in  pieces. 
 
 3  For  out  of  the  north  there  cometh  up  a  nation 
 againft  her,  which  fhall  make  her  land  defolate,  and 
 none  fhall  dwell  therein  :  they  fhall  remove,  they 
 fhall  depart,  both  man  and  bead. 
 
 4  ^  In  thofe  days,  and  in  that  time,  faith  the  Lord, 
 the  children  of  Ifrael  fhall  come,  they  and  the  children 
 of  Judah  together,  going  and  weeping  :  they  fhall  go, 
 and  feek  the  Lord  their  God. 
 
 .5  They  fhall  afk  the  way  to  Zion,  with  their  faces 
 thitherward,  saying,  Come,  and  let  us  join  ourfelves 
 to  the  Lord  in  a  perpetual  covenant,  that  fhall  not  be 
 forgotten. 
 
 6  My  people  hath  been  loft  fheep;  their  (hepherds 
 have  caufed  them  to  go  affray,  they  have  turned  them 
 away  on  the  mountains:  they  have  gone  from  moun¬ 
 tain  to  hill,  they  have  forgotten  their  f  refting- place. 
 
 7  All  that  found  them  have  devoured  them  ;  and 
 their  adverfaries  faid,  We  offend  not,  becaufe  they 
 have  finned  againft  the  1.,ord,  the  habitation  of  juft- 
 ice  :  even  the  Lord,  the  hope  of  their  fathers. 
 
 8  “  Remove  out  of  the  midft  of  Babylon,  and  go 
 forth  out  of  the  land  of  the  Chaldeans,  and  be  as  the 
 he-goats  before  the  flocks. 
 
 9  51  For  lo  I  will  raife,  and  caufe  to  come  up 
 againft  Babylon,  an  affembly  of  great  nations  from 
 the  north  country:  and  they  fhall  fet  themfelves  in 
 array  againft  her ;  from  thence  (he  fhall  be  taken  : 
 their  arrows  shall  be  as  of  a  mighty  |1  expert  man  ; 
 none  fhall  return  in  vain. 
 
 archers,  Ifaiab  xiii.  18.  They  are  delivered  up  to  Nebuchadnezzar,  who  as  God’s 
 lervant,  would  place  his  throne  among  them,  and  bring  them  into  fubjedtion. 
 A  proraife  of  deliverance  is  however  given,  which  was  fulfilled  to  them  as  a 
 nation,  when  under  Cyrus  they  extended  their  dominion  over  the  Babylonilh  em¬ 
 pire.  Some  of  them  in  the  latter  days  became  fubjedl  to  Mefliah,  in  whom  they 
 obtained  a  liberty,  which  monarchs  cannot  grant,  nor  confederate  powers  on  earth 
 take  away,  Adis  ii.  9. 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap,  L.  Ver.  1 — 3.  Babylon  was  a  mighty 
 empire,  every  day  augmenting  its  refources,  enlarging  its  dominions,  adding  to 
 its  energies,  and  riftng  into  more  marked  dillindlions,  when  Ifaiah  and  Jeremiah 
 pronounced  its  utter  ruin.  From  the  firft  of  Hezekiah,  in  whofe  reign  Ifaiah 
 prophefied,  to  the  firft  of  Nebuchadnezzar,  under  whom  Babylon  reached  the 
 utmoft  point  of  her  profperity,  were  about  120  years.  It  is  of  great  impor- 
 
 The  redemption  oj  Israel 
 
 (ball  be  (ati..fied,  faith  the  Lord.  Chria 
 
 11  Becaufe  ye  were  glad,  becaufe  ye  rej  liced  O 
 ye  deftroyers  of  mine  heritage,  becaufe  ye  are  grown 
 
 t  rat  ay  he  heifer  at  grafs,  and  bellow  as  bulls;  fHeb. 
 
 12  Your  mother  fhall  be  fore  confounded  ;  fhe^'^’°'> 
 that  bare  you  fnall  be  afh.imed  :  behold  the  hinder- 
 molt  or  the  nations  shall  be  a  wildernefs,  a  dry  land 
 
 and  a  delert.  * 
 
 13  Becaufe  of  the  wrath  of  the  Lord  it  (hall  not 
 
 be  inhabited,  but  it  fhall  be  wholly  defolate  :  ^  every  b  Chsn 
 one  that  peth  by  Babylon  fhall  be  aftonifhed,  and  ^9- 
 hiis  at  all  her  plagues. 
 
 14  Put  yourfelves  in  array  againft  Babylon  round 
 about :  all  ye  that  bend  the  bow  (hoot  at  her,  fpara 
 no  arrows  ;  for  fhe  hath  finned  againft  the  Lord 
 
 15  Shout  againft  her  round  about  ;  fhe  hath  given 
 her  hand  ;  her  foundations  are  fallen,  her  walls  are 
 thrown  down  ;  for  it  is  the  vengeance  of  the  Lord  • 
 
 rake  vengeance  upon  her  ;  as  fhe  hath  done  do  unto 
 her. 
 
 16  Cut  off  the  Tower  from  Babylon,  and  him  that 
 hydieth  ihe  II  fickle  in  the  time  of  harvelf  :  for  fear  II  Or, 
 or  the  oppreffing  (word  they  fhall  turo  every  one  to  hi;:> 
 people,  and  they  fhall  flee  every  one  to  his  own  land. 
 
 17  51  Ifrael  is  a  (cattered  fheep:  the  lions  have 
 driven  him  away:  firft  the  king  of  AfTyria  hath  de¬ 
 voured  him,  and  laft  this  Nebuchadrezzar  king  of 
 Babylon  hath  broken  his  bones. 
 
 I  S  Therefore  Thus  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts,  the  God 
 of  Ifrael,  Behold,  I  will  punifh  the  king  of  Babylon 
 and  his  land,  as  I  have  punifhed  the  king  of  Affyria. 
 
 19  Ay  I  will  bring  Ifrael  again  to  his  habitation, 
 yd  he  fhall  feed  on  Carmel  and  Bafhan,  and  his  foul 
 fhall  be  fatisfied  upon  mount  Ephraim  and  Gilead. 
 
 20  In  thofe  days,  and  in  that  time,  faith  the  Lord, 
 the  iniquity  of  Ifrael  fhall  be  fought  for,  and  there  ' 
 shall  be  none  ;  and  the  fins  of  Judah,  and  they  fhall  not 
 be  found  :  for  1  will  pardon  them  whom  I  referve. 
 
 21  51  Go  up  againft  the  land  ||  of  Merathaim,  even  ||  Or,  of 
 againft  it,  and  againft  the  inhabitants  of  ||  Pekod  j  the  rebels. 
 wafte  and  utterly  deftroy  after  them,  faith  the  Lord 
 
 and  do  according  to  all  that  I  have  commanded  thee! 
 
 22  A  found  of  battle  is  in  the  land,  and  of  great 
 dertru£tion. 
 
 23  How  is  the  hammer  of  the  whole  earih  cut 
 afunder  and  broken  !  how  is  Babvlon  become  a  de- 
 (blation  among  the  nations ! 
 
 24  I  have  laid  a  fnare  for  thee,  and  thou  art  aifo 
 taken,  O  Babylon,  and  thou  waft  not  aware  :  thou 
 art  found,  and  alfo  caught,  becaufe  thou  haft  driven 
 againft  the  Lord. 
 
 25  Ihe  Lord  hath  opened  his  armoury,  and  hath 
 
 tance  therefore  to  compare  thefe  prophecies  and  ohferve  their  exaa  fulfilment 
 yich  IS  confeffedly  an  indifputable  teftimony  to  the  truth  of  Divine 
 Revelation,  Ver.  4—8.  Ezra  and  Nehcmiah  atteft  the  fulfilment  of  this  pro- 
 phecy  of  the  Jews  repentance  on  llieir  own  reftoration  from  captivity,  Ver.  9. 
 Several  of  thefe  nations  are  named,  chap.  Ii.  27.  Compare  Ifa.  xlv.  1.  Ver,'l5. 
 The  walls  of  Babylon  were  built  of  brick  or  bitumen.  It  is  eafy  to  conceive 
 the  neceffary  confequence  of  a  wall  of  this  fort  out  of  repair  and  negleaed; 
 in  a  long  courfe  of  ages,  it  muft  be  totally  deftroyed  by  the  heavy  rains  and 
 at  length  wafhed  away,  and  reduced  to  its  original  earth.  Such  has  been  the 
 fate  of  Babylon’s  walls;  two  hundred  feet  high  and  fifty  broad.  Ver.  16.  To 
 cut  off  the  fower  from  a  city  feems  to  be  an  unmeaning  phrafe,  but  is  ftriiftly 
 proper  in  reference  to  Babylon;  which  is  faid  to  have  been  a  regular  fquare, 
 forty-five  miles  in  compafs;  a  confiderable  part  of  which  was  cultivated  ;  and 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — •Chap.  XLIX]  They  who  are  weak  will  often  be  oppreffed  :  but  there  is  a  day  coming  when  judgment  fhall  fit  and 
 juflice  he  impartially  adrainiftered.  It  is  therefore  vain  for  backfliders  from  God  to  indulge  pleafurc,  or  to  truft  in  any  created  enjoyment.  When  God  lays  coun¬ 
 tries  defulate,  widows  and  children  are  peculiarly  miferable.  Q  bow  great  is  the  kindnefs  of  God,  that  invites  fuefa  to  be  truAed  to  bis  cark  ^ 
 
JEREMIAH. 
 
 ^^severe  judgments  against  Babylon 
 
 r  ,  Krniiffht  forth  the  weapons  of  his  indiRnation  ;  for  this 
 S"  K  work  of  the  Lord  God  of  hotts,  in  the  land  of 
 
 jir.595-  1  Qtialdeans.  n.  l  j 
 
 26  Come  againfl  her  f  from  the  utmoft  border, 
 &  open  her  ttorehoufes  ;  1|  caR  her  up  as  heaps,  and  de- 
 U-  ftrov  her  utterly  ;  let  nothing  of  her  be  left. 
 
 1  <2,1  Slay  all  her  bullocks ;  let  them  go  down  to  the 
 
 her.  .  ^oe  unto  them  !  for  their  day  is  come,  the 
 
 time  of  their  vifitation.  „  ,  ^ 
 
 28  The  voice  of  them  that  nee  and  elcape  out  ot 
 the  land  of  Babylon,  to  declare  in  Zion  the  vengeance 
 of  the  Lord  our  God,  the  vengeance  of  his  temple. 
 
 29  Call  together  the  archers  againft  Babylon :  all 
 ve  that  bend  the  bow,  camp  againft  it  round  about ; 
 let  none  thereof  efcape:  recompence  her  according 
 to  her  work  :  according  to  all  that  ftie  hath  done,  do 
 unto  her;  for  (he  hath  been  proud  againft  the  Lord, 
 againft  the  Holy  One  of  Ifrael. 
 
 30  Therefore  (hall  her  young  men  fall  m  the  ftreets, 
 and  all  her  men  of  war  ftiall  be  cut  off  in  that  day, 
 
 faith  the  Lord.  , 
 
 3 1  Behold,  I  am  againft  thee,  O  thou  f  molt  proud, 
 
 faith  the  Lord  God  of  holts ;  for  thy  day  is  come, 
 the  time  that  I  will  vifit  thee.  .  r  ,, 
 
 32  And  t  the  moft  proud  (hall  ftumble  and  tall, 
 and  none  ftiall  raift  him  up :  and  I  will  kindle  a  fire 
 in  his  cities,  and  it  (hall  devour  all  round  about  him. 
 
 33  ^  Tnus  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts,  The  children 
 of  Ifrael  and  the  children  of  Judah  -were  opprcffed  to¬ 
 gether;  and  all  that  took  them  captives  held  them 
 
 fait ;  they  refuted  to  let  them  go.  ^  r  u  u 
 
 34.  Their  Redeemer  is  ftrong  ;  The  Lord  of  holts 
 his  name;  he  fhall  thoroughly  plead  their  caule. 
 
 in  revenge  of  hr  ad. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 
 j  prids. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 jride. 
 
 tS  Ills  uaiin.  .  ...u,..  - - r)---y  r  -  „  .  ,  - 
 
 that  he  may  give  reft  to  the  land,  and  dilquiet  the 
 
 inhabitants  of  Babylon.  ,  r  •  u 
 
 35  H  A  fword  is  upon  the  Chaldeans,  iaitu  the 
 
 Lord,  and  upon  the  inhabitants  of  Babylon,  and 
 upon  her  princes,  and  upon  her  wife  men. 
 
 36  A  fword  is  upon  the  11  f  liars  ;  and  they  lhall 
 cliiefstai/s.  dote ;  a  fword  is  upon  her  mighty  men ;  and  they 
 
 ^  lhall  be  difmayed.  .  ,  r  ,  .u  • 
 
 37  A  fword  is  upon  their  horles  and  upon  their 
 
 chariots,  and  upon  all  the  mingled  people  that  are  la 
 the  midft  of  her  :  and  they  fhall  become  as  women  ;  a 
 fword  is  upon  her  treafures  ;  and  they  fhall  be  rob^d. 
 
 38  A  draught  zs  upon  her  waters ;  and  they  lhall 
 be  dried  up ;  for  it  zs  the  land  of  graven  images,  and 
 they  are  road  upon  their  idols. 
 
 39  'Uherefore  the  wild  beafts  of  the  defert,  with  the 
 wild  beafts  of  the  islands,  lhall  dwell  there,  and  the 
 owls  lhall  dwell  therein,  and  it  (hall  be  no  more  in¬ 
 habited  for  ever ;  neither  fhall  it  be  dwelt  in  from 
 generation  to  generation. 
 
 Or, 
 
 i.irs. 
 
 40  =  As  God  overthrew  Sodom  and  Gomorrah,  and 
 
 the  neighbour  cities  thereof,  faith  the  Lord;  so  fha  595. 
 no  man  abide  there,  neither  fhall  any  fon  of  man  dwell 
 
 therein.  ^  „  .  l  .1.  19.25. 
 
 41  Behold,  a  people  fhall  come  from  the  north,  ^hap. 
 
 and  a  great  nation,  and  many  kings  fhall  be  raifed  up  49.  is. 
 
 from  the  coafts  of  the  earth. 
 
 42  They  lhall  hold  the  bow  and  the  lance  ;  they  are 
 cruel,  and  will  not  fhew  mercy  ;  their  voices  fhall  roar 
 like  the  fea,  and  they  fhall  ride  upon  horfes,  ewry  otk 
 put  in  array,  like  a  mao  to  the  battle,  againft  thee,  U 
 daughter  of  Babylon. 
 
 43  The  king  of  Babylon  hath  heard  t^  report  of 
 them,  and  his  hands  waxed  feeble  :  anguifh  took  hold 
 of  him,  and  pangs,  as  of  a  woman  m  travai . 
 
 :  44  Behold  he  fhall  come  up  like  a  lion  f*^m  ihe^^^ 
 
 fwelling  of  Jordan  unto  the  habitation  of  the  ftrong  ; 
 but  1  will  make  them  fuddeoly  run  away  from  her : 
 and  who  zs  a  chofen  man,  that  I  may  appoint  over  her 
 for  who  IS  like  me?  and  who  will  H  appoint  me  J^he 
 time  ^  and  '  who  is  that  Ihepherd  that  will  ftanu  be- mg 
 !  fore  me? 
 
 i  45  Therefore  hear  ye  the  counfel  of  the  LoRD,eJ"J>^ 
 
 I  that  he  hath  taken  againft  Babylon  ;  and  his  purpoles 
 that  he  hath  purpofed  againft  the  land  of  the  L.hal- 49. 19, 
 deans;  Surely  the  leaft  ot  the  flock  fhall  draw  them 
 out ;  furely  he  lhall  make  their  habitation  delolate 
 
 with  them.  •  ■  .  „  „  l  >  .u 
 
 4  6  At  the  noife  of  the  taking  of  Babylon  the 
 
 earth  is  moved,  and  the  cry  is  heard  among  the  na¬ 
 tions.* 
 
 CHAP.  LI. 
 
 1  The  severe  judgment  of  God  agaimt  Babylon  in  revenge  of  T^a.L  59 
 Jeremiah  delivereth  the  book  of  this  prophecy  to  Seraiah,  to  be  cast  into 
 Euphrates,  in  token  of  the  perpetual  sinking  of  Babylon. 
 
 Thus  faith  the  Lord,  Behold  1  will  raife  up 
 againft  Babylon,  and  againft  them  that  dw’ell 
 in  the  +  midft  of  them  that  rile  up  againft  me,  a  del-t  Heb. 
 
 ,  .  J  hfClirt* 
 
 troyin^  ^  *  r*  i_  n 
 
 2  And  will  fend  unto  Babylon  fanners,  that  lhall 
 fan  her,  and  fhall  empty  her  land  :  for  in  the  day  of 
 trouble  they  lhall  be  againft  her  round  about. 
 
 3  Againft  him  that  bendeth  let  the  archer  bend  his 
 bow,  and  againft  him  that  lifteth  hirafelf  up  in  his 
 brigandine ;  and  fpare  ye  not  her  young  men  ;  deftroy 
 
 ye  utterly  all  her  hoft.  ,  r  u  i 
 
 4  Thus  the  slain  fhall  fall  in  the  land  of  the  Chal¬ 
 deans,  and  they  that  are  thruft  through  in  her  lireets. 
 
 5  For  Ifrael  hath  not  been  forfaken,  nor  Judah  ot 
 his  God,  of  the  Lord  of  hoRs ;  though  their  land 
 was  filled  with  fin  againft  the  Holy  One  of  llrael.^ 
 
 6  ^  Flee  out  of  the  midft  of  Babylon,  and  deliver  j^gvei. 
 every  mao  his  foul ;  be  not  cut  off  in  her  iniquity  ;  is.  4. 
 
 produced  provifions  fufficient  to  fupport  the  inhabitants  during  a  lon.^  liege. 
 Ver.  26.  Compare  Ifj.  xiii.  19—22.  Cyrus  look  the  city,  by  diverting  the 
 waters  of  the  Euphrates,  which  ran  through  the  midft  of  it,  and  entered  t  e 
 place  at  night  by  the  dry  channel.  The  river,  never  being  reftored  afterwards 
 to  its  proper  courfe,  ovei flowed  the  whole  country,  and  made  it  little  setter 
 tlian  amorafs;  this  and  the  great  slaughter  of  its  inhabitants,  with  other  bad 
 confequenees  of  the  taking  of  the  city  was  the  ftrft  ftep  to  the  rum  ot  the 
 place.  Tbofe  who  afterwards  became  its  mafters  either  deftroyed  or  neglehted 
 it,  till  at  length  it  ferved  only  for  the  enclofure  of  a  park  or  foreft  for  the 
 king's  hunting.  And  now  Babylon  is  fo  utterly  annihilated,  that  even  the 
 place  where  this  wonder  of  the  world  flood,  cannot  be  determined 
 taiatv.  So  all  the  enemies  of  God  and  his  people  ftiall  be  deftroyed.  Ver. 
 38.  Compare  Ifa.  xliv.  27.  The  Euphrates  in  the  middle  of  fummer,  from  the 
 melting  of  the  fnows  on  the  mounuins  of  Armenia,  like  the  Nile  overflows  the 
 
 country.  In  order  to  diraifti  the  inundations,  and  to  carry  oflf  the  waters,  two 
 canals  were  made  by  Nebuchadnezzar,  a  hundred  miles  above  the  city  ;  the 
 tirft  on  the  caftern  fide,  called  Naharmaica,  by  which  the  Euphrates  was  let 
 into  the  Ti<rris;  the  other  on  the  weftern  fide  called  Tallacopas,  by  which  the 
 redundant  waters  were  carried  into  a  lake  forty  miles  (quare,  which  ferved  for  a 
 refervoir  to  water  the  barren  country  on  the  Arabian  fide.  Cyrus,  by  turning  the 
 whole  river  into  this  lake,  laid  the  channel  where  it  ran  through  the  city  almoft 
 dry  fo  that  his  army  entered  in  both  above  and  below,  by  the  bed  of  the  river, 
 the  water  not  reaching  above  the  middle  of  the  thigh.  By  the  great  quantity  of 
 water  let  into  the  lake,  the  fluices  and  dams  were  deftroyed  ;  and  being  never  re¬ 
 paired  afterward,  the  water  fpread  over  the  whole  country  below,  and  reduced  it 
 into  a  raorafs  in  which  the  river  is  loft. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  LI.  Ver.  13.  Thou  Babylon,  fituated 
 upon  the  great  river  Euphrates,  and  who  ruleft  over  many  nations,  the  wealth 
 
 ’pRACTIPAT  ORSFRVATIONS-*Chap  L.l  Certain  but  dreadful  is  the  ruin  of  arrogant  fioners,  and  efpecially  thofe  w-ho  opprefs  or  murder 
 
 of  Ho,  u.a.S.  Tl..  its  ..d  .boo  O.  C1O1J..0S  tod  bo.  l.l.ly  lobdo.d,  oo,  ...bd  .b..,  ooo.lo.or.  ond.r  .b...  too 
 
God's  judgment  against  Babylon. 
 
 b  Ifaiah 
 21. g. 
 Kevel, 
 1-  8,  & 
 18.  2. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 pure. 
 
 t  Ileb. 
 
 Hers  in 
 u-ait. 
 
 JEREMIAH. 
 
 for  this  is  the  time  6f  the  Lord^s  vengeance  he  will 
 render  unto  her  a  recompence.  will 
 
 /  Babylon  beenz  golden  cup  in  the  Lord’s 
 
 8  13abv.o„  i.  fadde-nb^S  f  hTwl 
 
 healed.'  P"'-’  Ihe  may  be 
 
 healed^'Sti  t"'"  fhe  is  no, 
 
 •  orlake  her,  and  let  us  go  every  one  into  his 
 
 Z"  a^d”'7V  ^eachJth  unlo  hea! 
 
 ven,  and  is  lifted  up  even  to  the  Ikies. 
 
 JheLoRD  hath  brought  forth  our righteoufnefs  : 
 ome,  and  let' us  declare  in  Zion  the  work  of  the 
 jLord  our  God. 
 
 11  Make  t  bright  the  arrows;  gather  the  fhields: 
 the  Lord  hath  railed  up  the  Ipirit  of  the  kings  of  the 
 Medes  :  for  his  device  is  againli  Babylon,  to  deftroy 
 It ;  becaufe  It  «  the  vengeance  of  the  Lord,  the  ven¬ 
 geance  of  his  temple. 
 
 12  Set  up  the  Ifandard  upon  the  walls  of  Babylon, 
 make  the  watch  ftrong,  fet  up  the  watchmen;  pre¬ 
 pare  the  t  ambufhes  :  for  the  Lord  hath  both  devi- 
 fed  and  done  that  which  he  Ipake  againR  the  inhabi¬ 
 tants  of  Babylon. 
 
 13  O  thou  that  dwelleft  upon  many  waters,  abun- 
 dant  in  treafures,  thine  end  is  come,  and  the  meafure 
 of  thy  covetoufnefs. 
 
 1*  ‘  The  Lord  of  hofts  hath  fworn  f  by  himl'elf, 
 t «...  “'!*!"’«>  1  will  fi  I  thee  with  men,  as  with  calerl 
 
 i  they  (hall  f  lift  up  a  (bout  againft  thee 
 
 R  IS  a  uel;''','’  by  his  power,  he 
 
 fSU.  by  his  wildom,  and  hath 
 
 rtretched  out  the  heaven  by  his  underftanding. 
 
 16  When  he  utiereth  his  voice,  there  is  a  (I  multi¬ 
 tude  of  waters  in  the  heavens ;  and  he  caufeih  the 
 vapours  to  afcend  from  the  ends  of  the  earth  :  he 
 maketh  lightnings  with  rain,  and  bringeth  forth  the 
 wind  out  of  his  treafures. 
 
 17  ®  Every  man  ||  is  brutilh  by  his  knowledge:  every 
 
 founder  isconfounded  by  the  graven  image:  forhismol- 
 
 ten  image  is  fallehood,  and  there  is  no  breath  in  them. 
 
 ^  18  ^hey  are  vanity,  the  work  of  errors:  in  the 
 time  of  their  vifitation  they  (hall  perifh. 
 
 19  f  The  Portion  of  Jacob  is  not  like  them  ;  for  he 
 zs  the  former  of  all  things  ;  and  Israel  is  the  rod  of 
 his  inheritance  ;  the  Lord  of  hofls  i$  his  name. 
 
 20  Thou  art  my  battle-axe,  and  weapons  of  war: 
 in  thee,  or  With  thee  will  I  break  in  pieces  the  nations; 
 
 4-y  thee.  thee  Will  I  deftroy  kingdoms  ; 
 
 21  And  with  thee  will  I  break  in  pieces  the  horfe 
 and  his  rider ;  and  with  thee  will  I  break  in  pieces 
 the  chariot  and  his  rider; 
 
 22  W^ith  thee  alfb  will  I  break  in  pieces  man  and 
 woman ;  and  with  thee  will  I  break  in  pieces  old  and 
 young  ;  and  with  thee  will  I  break  in  pieces  the 
 young  man  and  the  maid  ; 
 
 23  I  will  alfo  break  in  pieces  with  thee  the  fhepherd 
 and  his  flock  ;  and  with  thee  will  I  break  in  pieces 
 
 Her 
 
 dest, 
 
 ^'^JEandman  and  his  yoke  of  oxen  •  and  wifK 
 will  I  break  in  pieces  captains  and  ruk’rs! 
 
 24  And  I  will  render  unto  Babylon,  and  (oall  tV, 
 innabitants  of  Chaldea,  all  their  evil  that  they  have 
 
 ^  n  the  Lord.  ^ 
 
 25  Behold,  I  am  againft  thee,  O  deftroying  mono 
 tain,  faith  the  Lord,  which  deftroyeft  all  thf  eanh  .* 
 and  I  will  ftretch  out  mine  hand  upon  thee 
 
 „  ,  r - 7 . -  hand  upon  thee,  and  roll 
 
 thee  down  from  the  rocks,  and  will  make  thee  a 
 burnt  mountain.  “ 
 
 c  Amos 
 6.  8. 
 t  Heb. 
 
 1.  1,  6. 
 Chap. 
 10.  12, 
 &c. 
 
 II  Or, 
 fioiee. 
 
 c  Chap 
 10.  14. 
 y  Or, 
 is  more 
 brutish 
 than  to 
 /note, 
 f  Chap. 
 10.  15. 
 
 |!  Or, 
 
 of  which  Ihou  haft  eollecSlccl  by  the  conqueft,  now  the  time  fixed  by  God  for 
 the  increafe  of  thy  wealth  is  finilhed.  Ver.  31.  The  aftauit  was  to  be  on 
 two  fides  of  the  city,  One  meffenger  fliall  meet  another,  to  thew  to  the 
 king  of  Babylon  that  his  city  is  taken  at  one,  or  each  end.  Cyrus  commanded 
 his  troops  to  divide  themfelves  into  two  equal  detachments,  to  enter  the  city 
 by  each  of  the  fides,  through  which  the  river  paffed,  and  to  advance  till  they 
 met  at  the  centre  :  the  alarm  would  therefore  commence  in  two  oppofite  parts 
 of  the  city,  and  confequently  mcffengers  proceeding  to  the  palace  fituated  in  the 
 centre,  would  there  meet  each  other.  How  aftonifliing  that  prophecy  conde- 
 fcends  to  point  out  the  moft  minute  particulars  \  Verily  known  to  God  are  all 
 
 26  And  they  fhall  not  take  of  thee  a  ftone  for  a 
 corner,  nor  a  ftone  for  foundations;  but  thou  (halt 
 
 be  \  defolate  tor  ever,  faith  the  Lord.  ^  *  h,. 
 
 27  Set  ye  upa  ftandard  in  the  land,  blow  the  trum  _  everkili 
 pet  among  the  nations,  prepare  the  nations  againft 
 
 Minn?  of  Ararat 
 
 Minni,  and  Afhchenaz  ;  appoint  a  captain  againft  her  • 
 
 ^^9^0  p  ^  “P  rough  caterpillars! 
 
 apuft  her  the  nations,  with  the  kings 
 of  the  Medes,  the  captains  thereof,  and  all  the  rulers 
 thereof,  and  all  the  land  of  his  dominion. 
 
 29  And  the  land  fhall  tremble  and  forrow  •  for 
 every  iMirpofe  of  the  Lord  (hall  be  performed  againft 
 Babylon,  to  make  the  land  of  Babylon  a  defolation 
 without  an  inhabitant. 
 
 f;  of  Babylon  have  forborne  to 
 
 b  rpained  in  their  holds  ;  their  might 
 
 hath  failed  ;  they  became  as  women  :  they  have  burnt 
 her  d\^lling-places  ;  her  bars  are  broken. 
 
 31  One  poll  fhall  run  to  meet  another,  and  one 
 meffenger  to  meet  another,  to  fhew  the  king  of  Ba- 
 bylon  that  his  city  is  taken  at  one  end  ; 
 
 32  And  tpt  the  paflages  are  flopped,  and  the  reeds 
 
 affrighted 
 
 faith  the  Lord  of  hofts,  the  God  of  • 
 llrael,  Ihe  daughter  of  Babylon  (s  like  a  thrafhing- 
 floor  ;  II  zt  is  time  to  thrafh  her  :  yet  a  little  while,  and  ||  Or, 
 the  time  of  her  harveft  (hall  come.  Ltheime 
 
 34  Nebuchadrezzar  the  king  of  Babylon  hath  de-"'"'*'^ 
 voured  me,  he  hath  crufhed  me,  he  hath  made  ire  anJIf"'" 
 
 j  (wallowed  me  up  like  a  dragon, 
 
 he  hath  filled  his  belly  with  my  delicates,  he  hath  caft 
 me  out. 
 
 35  t  Ihe  violence  done  to  me  and  to  my  |i  flefb  bef  Hvb. 
 
 +  inhabitant  of  Zion  f'ay  . -ftivti.- 
 and.  My  blood  upon  the  inhabitants  of  Chaldea.  fhaUlT' 
 Jerulalem  fay.  r 
 
 1  J- herefore  thus  faith  the  Lord,  Behold  I  willfH'^b.m- 
 plead  thy  caufe,  and  take  vengeance  for  thee* 
 
 I  will  dry  up  her  fea,  and  make  her  fprings  dry. 
 
 57  And  Babylon  (hall  be.^ome  heaps,  a  dwelling- 
 place  for  dragons,  an  aftonifhment,  and  an  hiding, 
 without  an  inhabitant. 
 
 38  They  (hall  roar  together  like  lions  :  they  fhall 
 
 II  yell  as  lion’s  whelps.  j  or, 
 
 39  In  their  heat  I  will  make  their  feafts,  and  I  will"'^“^' 
 make  them  drunken,  that  they  may  rejoice  and  fleep 
 
 a  perpetual  deep,  and  nor  wake,  faith  the  Lord. 
 
 his  works  from  the  beginning.  Ver.  38—46.  Their  mad  roaring  at  their  drunken 
 and  idolatrous  revels  fhall  be  turned  into  fearful  bowlings;  and  while  they  are 
 inflamed  w-itli  wine,  the  Perfians  fhall  murder  them,  their  king,  and  their 
 princes.  At  their  idolatrous  feftival,  in  honour  of  their  god  Sheftiack,  fhall 
 Babylon  be  furprifed  by  multitudes  of  irrefiftible  enemies,  and  at  laft  become 
 quite  defolate,  and  a  fen  or  lake.— And  while  their  idols  fhall  be  deftroyed  by 
 the  lerfians,  who  bate  images,  the  fpoils  which  they  took  from  the  nations 
 around,  efpeeially  from  the  Jewifh  temple,  and  dedicated  to  their  idols,  fliall  be 
 .orced  back,  and  reftored  to  the  owners ;  and  no  more  fhall  multitudes  bring 
 prefents,  or  come  to  worfliip  their  idols.  Haften  out  of  Babylon,  as  far  as  ye 
 
utter  deitiuclion. 
 
 Pofofe 
 
 Clirift 
 
 595* 
 
 |H«b. 
 
 40  I  will  bring  them  dawn  like  lambs  to  the 
 {laughter,  like  rams  with  he-goats. 
 
 ,  41  How  is  She(hach  taken !  and  how  the  praife 
 
 of  the  whole  earth  furprifed !  how  is  Babylon  become 
 an  aftoniihment  among  the  nations  ! 
 
 42  The  fea  is  come  up  upon  Babylon  ;  fhe  is  co¬ 
 vered  with  the  multitude  of  the  waves  thereof: 
 
 43  Her  cities  are  a  defolation,  a  dry  land,  and  a 
 wildernefs,  a  land  wherein  no  man  dwelleth,  neither 
 doth  any  I'on  of  man  pafs  thereby. 
 
 44  And  I  will  punifh  Bel  in  Babylon  ;  and  I  will 
 bring  forth  out  of  his  mouth  that  which  he  hath  fwal- 
 lowed  up:  and  the  nations  (hall  not  flow  together  any 
 more  unto  him  ;  yea,  the  wall  of  Babylon  (hall  fall. 
 
 45  My  people,  go  ye  out  of  the  midft  of  her,  and 
 deliver  ye  every  man  his  foul  from  the  fierce  anger  of 
 the  Lord. 
 
 4(5  And  left  your  heart  faint,  and  ye  fear  for  the 
 rumour  that  (hall  be  heard  in  the  land  ;  a  rumour  (hall 
 both  come  one  year,  and  after  that  in  another  year 
 shall  come  a  rumour,  and  violence  in  the  land,  ruler 
 againit  ruler. 
 
 47  Therefore,  behold,  the  days  come,  that  I  will 
 T  t  do  judgment  upon  the  graven  images  of  Babylon  ; 
 visitupon.  and  her  whole  land  (hall  be  confounded,  and  all  her 
 
 {lain  (hall  fall  in  the  midft  of  her. 
 
 48  Then  the  heaven  and  the  earth,  and  all  that  is 
 therein,  (hall  fiog  for  Babylon :  for  the  fpoilers  (hail 
 come  unto  her  from  the  north,  faith  the  Lord. 
 
 j  Or,  49  1)  As  Babylon  hath  caused  the  (lain  of  llrael  to  fall, 
 BothBa-  Babylon  (hall  fall  the  (lain  of  all  H  the  earth. 
 %Toye  efcaped  the  fword,  go  away,  ftand 
 
 Baln/h-noi  (fill :  remember  the  Lord  afar  off,  and  let  Jeru- 
 raet,  and  ialem  come  into  your  mind. 
 
 withBa.  2re  confouoded,  becaufe  we  have  heard 
 
 reproach :  (hame  hath  covered  our  faces :  for  ftrangers 
 the  coun-  are  come  into  the  fan6fuaries  of  the  Lord’s  h(pufe. 
 
 52  Wherefore,  behold,  the  days  come,  faith  the 
 Lord,  that  I  will  do  judgment  upon  her  graven 
 images :  and  through  all  her  land  the  wounded  (hall 
 groan. 
 
 53  Though  Babylon  (hould  mount  up  to  heaven,  and 
 though  (he  (hould  fortify  the  height  of  her  ftrength,  yet 
 from  me  (hall  fpoilers  come  unto  her,  faith  the  Lord. 
 
 54  A  found  of  a  cry  comelh  from  Babylon,  and 
 great  deftru£lion  from  the  land  of  the  Chaldeans : 
 
 55  Becaufe  the  Lord  hath  fpoiled  Babylon,  and 
 deftroyed  out  of  her  the  great  voice ;  when  her  waves 
 do  roar  like  great  waters,  a  noife  of  their  voice  is 
 uttered  : 
 
 56  Becaufe  the  fpoiler  is  come  upon  her,  even  upon 
 Babylon,  and  her  mighty  men  are  taken  ;  every  one 
 of  their  bows  is  broken :  for  the  Lord  God  of  re- 
 compences  (hall  furely  requite. 
 
 57  And  1  will  make  drunk  her  princes,  and  her 
 
 JEREMIAH. 
 
 Jerusalem  besieged  and  tuhen. 
 
 try. 
 
 can,  O  ye  Jews,  and  let  not  the  rumours  of  Cyrus’  invafion,  or  the  revolt  of  the 
 Chaldean  lords,  in  the  lead  terrify  you,  for  God  will  by  thefe  very  means  work 
 cut  your  deliverance.  Ver.  .'iO,  si.  O  ye  Jews,  who  have  been  preferred  from  the 
 daughter  at  the  taking  of  Babylon,  embrace  the  firft  opportunity  of  returning  to 
 Canaan,  to  rebuild  your  temple  to  God  ;  deeply  afhamed  that,  for  your  father’s 
 iniquities,  it  has  fo  long  lain  in  rubbid),  and  God  been  fo  much  reproached  on  that 
 account.  Ver  59.  Zedekiah  never  went  to  Babylon  till  he  was  carried  captive. 
 The  meaning  of  this  verfe  is,  that  Jeremiah  delivered  this  prophecy  to  Seraiah 
 
 wife  men,  her  captains,  and  her  rulers,  and  her  mighty  before 
 men  :  and  they  (hall  fleep  a  perpetual  deep,  and  not 
 wake  faith  the  King,  whole  name  is  the  Lord  of  hotts. 
 
 58  Thus  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts,  |1  The  broad  8  Or, 
 w'alls  of  Babylon  (hall  be  utterly  [\  broken,  and  her 
 
 high  gates  (hall  be  burnt  with  fire ;  and  the  people  Babylon. 
 (hall  labour  in  vain,  and  the  folk  in  the  fire ;  and  they  o 
 (hall  be  weary. 
 
 59  H  The  word  which  Jeremiah  the  prophet  com¬ 
 manded  Seraiah  the  fon  of  Neriah,  the  fon  of  Maa- 
 feiab,  when  he  went  ||  with  Zedekiah  the  king  of  Ju-  B  Ot 
 dah  into  Babylon,  in  the  fourth  year  of  his  reign. 
 
 And  this  Seraiah  •sas  a  []  quiet  prince.  ^  j  Or, 
 
 60  So  Jeremiah  wrote  in  a  book  all  the  evil  that/^nce  o/ 
 (hould  come  upon  Babylon,  even  all  thefe  words 
 
 are  written  againft  Babylon.  _  chamber. 
 
 61  And  Jeremiah  faid  to  Seraiah,  When  thou/ain. 
 comeft  to  Babylon,  and  (halt  fee,  and  (halt  read  all 
 thefe  words, 
 
 62  Then  (lialt  thou  fay,  O  Lord,  thou  haft  fpoken 
 againft  this  place,  to  cut  it  eft,  that  none  (hall  remain 
 
 in  it,  neither  man  nor  bead,  but  that  it  (hall  be  t  de- 1  Heb. 
 lolate  for  ever. 
 
 63  And  it  (hall  be,  when  thou  hafl:  made  an  end 
 of  reading  this  book,  that  thou  (halt  bind  a  ftone  to 
 it  and  caft  it  into  the  midft  of  Euphrates  : 
 
 64  And  thou  (halt  lay'.  Thus  (hall  Babylon  fink, 
 and  (hall  not  rife  from  the  evil  that  I  will  bring  upon 
 her ;  and  they  ftiall  be  weary.  Thus  far  are  the 
 words  of  Jeremiah.* 
 
 CHAP.  Lll. 
 
 1  Zedeldah's  wicked  reign,  and  rebellion  against  Kehuchadresiar-  4  Je- 
 rttsalem  besieged  and  taken.  8  Zedeldah's  sons  killed,  and  his  own  eyes 
 put  out.  12  Nebuzat-adan  hurneth  the  city,  Spc. 
 
 ZEDEKIAH  was'  one  and  twenty  years  old 
 
 I  when  he  t  began  to  reign;  and  he  ^reigned  04.  ig.® 
 eleven  years  in  Jerufalem :  and  his  mother’s  name  t  Heb. 
 was  Hamutal,  the  daughter  of  Jeremiah  of  Libnah.  retsned. 
 
 2  And  he  did  that  which  was  evil  in  the  eyes  of 
 the  Lord,  according  to  all  that  Jehoiakira  had  done. 
 
 3  For  through  the  anger  of  the  Lord  it  came  to 
 pafs  in  Jerufalem  and  Judah,  till  he  had  caft  them  out  588. 
 from  his  prefence,  that  Zedekah  rebelled  againft  the 
 
 king  of  Bayblon.  ,  r,-  kok- 
 
 4  H  And  it  came  to  pafs,  in  the  ^  ninth  year  of  his^^^  ^ '"S* 
 reign,  in  the  tenth  month,  in  the  tenth  day  of  the  chapter 
 month,  that  Nebuchadrezzar  king  of  Babylon  came,  39.  i. 
 he  and  all  his  army,  againft  Jerufalem,  and  pitched 
 againft  it,  and  built  forts  againft  it  round  about. 
 
 5  So  the  city  was  befieged  unto  the  eleventh  year 
 of  king  Zedekiah. 
 
 6  And  in  the  fourth  month,  in  the  ninth  day  of  the 
 month,  the  famine  was  fore  in  the  city,  fo  that  there 
 was  no  bread  for  the  people  of  the  land. 
 
 7  Then  the  city  was  broken  up,  and  all  the  men 
 
 588. 
 
 when  be  was  going  not  with  but  on  behalf  of,  that  is,  ambalDdor  front  Zedekiah  to 
 Babylon.  He  is  called  a  <juiei  prince,  on  account  of  the  prefenls  which  he  was 
 appointed  to  bear  according  to  the  pra^ice  of  the  eall,  defigned  to  conciliate  the 
 favour  of  the  Babylonifh  king.  Ver.  65,  64.  This  is  according  to  the  manner  of 
 the  prophets  j  imprefling  on  the  mind  by  ligns  and  ficnilitudes,  the  impotkact  in- 
 ftru6lions  which  they  communicated  to  men,  Rev.  xviii.  21.. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  LII.  Ver.  1.  This  chapter  contains 
 the  fame  narrative  with  3  King*  chapters  xxiv,  xxv.  and  Ihews  the  fulfilment  oi 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  LI.]  Viin  is  every  thingearthly,  as  all  may  iffue  at  lall  in  fuch  mifery  and  defolation.  But,  alas,  how  dreadful 
 ttufl  be  the  lall,  the  eternal  deRru<5lion  of  the  wicked,  of  which  all  the  overthrows  of  cities  and  nations  are  but  alarming  preludes  !  Quickly  Ihould  we  flee  roni 
 among  them,  that  we  fliare  not  in  their  fins  and  their  plagues.  In  every  affliiStion  we  fuffer  on  earth)  lei  US  think  on  God  and  remember  his  mercy  and  truth,  .  n 
 though  the  accomplKhment  of  bis  promifes  feems  improbable,  let  us  never  dagger  through  unbelief. 
 
 9  D 
 
 24 
 
The  temple  vessels  carried  awap. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 388. 
 
 JEREMIAH. 
 
 of  war  fled,  and  went  forth  out  of  the  city  by  night, 
 by  the  way  of  the  gate  between  the  two  walls  which 
 ■was  hy  the  kings  garden;  (now  the  Chaldeans  u'ere 
 of  the  sbout :)  and  they  went  by  the  way 
 
 8  H  But  the  army  of  the  Chaldeans  purfued  after 
 the  king,  and  overtook  Zedekiah  in  the  plains  of  Je- 
 richo  ;  and  all  his  army  was  fcattered  from  him. 
 
 9  Ihen  they  took  the  king,  and  carried  him  up 
 unto  the  king  of  Babylon  to  Riblah,  in  the  land  of 
 namath  ;  where  he  gave  judgment  upon  him. 
 
 ,  king  of  Babylon  flew  the  fons  of  Ze¬ 
 
 dekiah  before  his  eyes  :  he  flew  alfo  all  the  princes  of 
 Judah  in  Riblah. 
 
 1 1  Then  he  f  put  out  the  eyes  of  Zedekiah  ;  and 
 the  king  of  Babylon  bound  him  in  |1  chains,  and  car¬ 
 ried  him  to  Babylon,  and  put  him  in  t  prifon  till  the 
 day  of  his  death. 
 
 12  f  Now,  in  the  fifth  month,  in  the  tenth  day  of 
 the  month,  (which  vdas  the  nineteenth  year  of  Nebu¬ 
 chadrezzar  king  of  Babylon,)  came  Nebuzar-adan,  |i  t 
 captain  of  the  guard,  -iahich  f  ferved  the  king  of  Baby¬ 
 lon,  into  Jerufalem, 
 
 chi^  of  IS  And  burnt  the  houfe  of  the  Lord,  and  the 
 
 </ie  execu- king  s  houie  ;  and  all  the  houfes  of  Jerufalem,  and 
 tioners,  or  all  the  houfes  of  the  great  me7i,  burnt  he  with  fire. 
 sauo  ter.  army  of  the  Chaldeans,  that  were 
 
 with  the  captain  of  the  guard,  brake  down  all  the  walls 
 of  Jerufalem  round  about. 
 
 15  Then  Nebuzar-adan,  the  captain  of  the  guard, 
 carried  away  captive  certain  of  the  poor  of  the  people, 
 and  the  refidue  of  the  people  that  remained  in  the 
 city,  and  thofe  that  fell  away,  that  fell  to  the  king  of 
 Babylon,  and  the  reft  of  the  multitude. 
 
 16  But  Nebuzar-adan,  the  captain  of  the  guard,  left 
 certain  of  the  poor  of  the  land  for  vine-drefTers,  and  for 
 hulbandmen. 
 
 1 7  ^  Alfo  the  pillars  of  brafs  that  were  in  the  houfe 
 of  the  Lord,  and  the  bales,  and  the  brazen  fea  that 
 T£;'2s  in  the  houie  of  the  Lord,  the  Chaldeans  brake, 
 and  carried  all  the  brafs  of  them  to  Babylon. 
 
 18  1  ne  caldrons  allb,  and  the  |1  fnovels,  and  the 
 fnuffers,  and  the  ||  bowls,  and  the  fpoons,  and  all  the 
 velLls  of  brals  wherewith  they  rainiftered,  took  they 
 away. 
 
 19  And  the  bafons,  and  the  |j.  fire-pans,  and  the 
 bowls,  and  the  caldrons,  and  the  candlefticks,  and  the 
 fpoons,  and  the  caps ;  that  which  was  of  gold  m  gold, 
 and  that  which  was  of  filver  in  filver,  took  the  captain 
 of  the  guard  away. 
 
 20  The  two  pillars,  one  fea,  and  twelve  brafen  bulls 
 that  were  under  the  bales,  which  king  Solomon  had 
 made  in  the  houfe  of  the  Lord  :  f  the  brafs  of  all 
 thefe  vefTels  was  without  weigtit. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 blinded. 
 
 II  Or, 
 fetters. 
 t  Heb. 
 the  house 
 the 
 Wards. 
 
 U  Or, 
 chief 
 marshal, 
 t  Heb. 
 
 men ;  and 
 fo  verfe 
 14,  &c. 
 t  Heb. 
 stood 
 before 
 
 0  Chap. 
 27.  19. 
 
 n  Or, 
 imlru- 
 men's  to 
 remove 
 the  ashes 
 |l  Or, 
 basons. 
 a  Or, 
 censers. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 tAe:r 
 
 brass. 
 
 many  of  the  foregoing  prophecies  refpc6ling  the  Jews.  Ver.  24 — 27.  Seventy- 
 four  principal  men  are  laid  here  to  have  been  put  to  death  in  Riblah;  while  the 
 account  2  Kings  xxv.  18,  19.  reckons  but  feventy-two,  hence  fome  imagine  that 
 Jeremiah  and  Ebed-me)ech  were  of  the  number  feized,  though  afterwards  releaf¬ 
 ed  ;  or  two  of  isfs  note  might  not  be  there  reckoned.  Ver.  28,  29.  Of  thefe  cap¬ 
 tivities  we  have  an  account  2  Kings  xxiw.  12,  &c.  though  the  numbers  conlidera- 
 bly  differ ;  perhaps  here  the  men  of.  note  are  only  mentioned,  there  the  common 
 
 The  number  of  capiixie^^ 
 
 21  And  the  0  pillars,  the  height  of  one  Befo,’ 
 
 pillar  eighteen  cubits  ;  and  a  f  fillet  of  twelve  cu-  Chri^ 
 bits  did  compafs  it ;  and  the  thickuefs  thereof  was  four . 
 fingers  ;  it  was  hollow.  dTiT^ 
 
 22  And  a  chapiter  of  brafs  was  upon  it;,  and  the’-  '5.'’^* 
 
 height  of  one  chapiter  was  five  cubits,  with  net-workf 
 and  pomegranates  upon  the  chapiters  round  about,  all  2  Chr!,’ 
 o/^brafs  .  the  (econd  pillar  alfo  and  the  pomegranates^-  *5 
 were  like  unto  thefe.  t  Hel,. 
 
 23  And  there  were  ninety  and  fix  pomegranates  on 
 a  lide;  and  all  the  pomegranates  upon  the  net-work 
 were  an  hundred  round  about. 
 
 24  t  And  the  captain  of  the  guard  took  Seraiah, 
 the  chief  prieft,  and  Zephaniah  the  fecond  prieft,  and 
 
 the  three  keepers  of  the  t  door  :  t  Heh, 
 
 25  He  took  alfo  out  of  the  city  an  eunuch,  which 
 
 had  the  charge  of  the  men  of  war  ;  and  feven  men  of 
 them  that  f  were  near  the  king’s  perfon,  which  were  t  Heb. 
 found  in  the  city ;  and  the  ||  principal  I'cribe  of  the 
 hoft,  who  muttered  the  people  of  the  land  ;  and  three-*^"”-^"'® 
 fcore  men  of  the  people  of  the  land,  that  were  found  11  6'r 
 in  the  midft  of  the  city.  scribe  y 
 
 26  So  Nebuzar-adan,  the  captain  of  the  guard,  took'*®  “i’- 
 
 brought  them  to  the  king  of  Babylon,  io^theimt. 
 
 27  And  the  king  of  Babylon  fmote  them,  and  put 
 them  to  deat h  in  Riblah,  in  the  land  of  Hamath.  Thus 
 Judah  was  carried  away  captive  out  of  his  own  land. 
 
 28  ^  This  is  the  people  whom  Nebuchadrezzar  car¬ 
 ried  away  captive  :  In  the  feventh  year  three  thou- 
 (and  Jews,  and  three  and  twenty  ; 
 
 29  In  the  eighteenth  year  of  Nebuchadrezzar  he 
 
 carried  away  captive  from  Jerufalem  eight  hundred 
 thirty  and  two  f  perfons  :  t  Heb. 
 
 30  In  the  three  and  twentieth  year  of  Nebuqhad- 
 rezzar,  Nebuzar-adan,  thecaptainof  the  guard,  carried 
 away  captive  of  the  Jews  leven  hundred  forty  and 
 five  perfons ;  all  the  perfons  were  four  thouland  and 
 fix  hundred. 
 
 31  H  And  it  came  to  pafs,  in  the  feven  and  thirtieth 
 year  of  the  captivity  of  Jehoiachin  king  of  Judah,  in 
 the  twelfth  month,  in  the  five  and  twentieth  day  of 
 the  month,  that  Evil-merodach  king  of  Babylon,  in  the 
 fird  year  of  his  reign,  lifted  up  the  head  of  Jehoiachin 
 king  of  Judah,  and  brought  him  forth  our  of  prifon, 
 
 32  And  fpake  f  kindly  unto  him,  and  let  his  throne  f  Heb, 
 above  the  throne  of  the  kings  that  were  with  him  in 
 Babylon, 
 
 33  And  changed  his  prifon  garments ;  and  he  did 
 continually  eat  bread  before  him  ail  the  days  of  his 
 life. 
 
 34  Andy^r  his  diet,  there  was  a  continual  diet  given  f 
 him_  of  the  king  of  Babylon,  -I-  every  day  a  portion, 
 
 until  the  day  of  his  death,  all  the  days  of  his  life.*  in  his  day. 
 
 600. 
 
 590. 
 
 people  alfo  :  who  were  probably  carried  captive  after  the  death  of  Gedaliah  and  tbe 
 Hight  of  Jobanan.  Tbe  firft  captivity  took  place  it  is  faid  here  on  the  feventh  of, 
 Nebuchadnezzar;  there  the  eighth  is  mentioned  :  which  is  reconciled  by  fuppof- 
 ing,  that  it  was  in  the  latter  end  of  the  feventh,  and  beginning  of  the  eighth  year. 
 Ver.  31.  Jehoiakim’s  deliverance  is  faid  to  be  2  Kings  xxv,  xxvii.  on  the  2Zth  day, 
 here  on  the  25th,  probably  the  orders  were  given  on  this  day,  though  not  executed 
 till  two  days  after. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  LII.]  If  finners  wilfully  depart  from  him,  he  gives  them  up  to  their  own  folly;  and  often  nothing  more  is 
 neceffary  for  their  deftrudlion.  Iniquity  not  only  deferves,  but  haftens  men’s  ruin  upon  them.  In  this  wxtrld  all  things  are  in  a  perpetual  revolution,  new  kings, 
 new  laws,,  new  conditions,  new  frames..  And  long  nights  of  trouble  often  ufher  in  joyful  deliverances.. 
 
THE  LAMENTATIONS  OF  JEREMIAH. 
 
 THE  ARGUMENT. 
 
 TV,/?  hoolc  contains  the  lamentations  and  complaints  ’which  the  prophet  Jeremiah  proncninced  upon  the  desolation  of 
 Jerusalem,  when  that  city  was  taken  by  the  Chaldeans,  and,  together  with  the  temple,  burnt  and  destroyed,  and 
 
 the  Jews  carried  captive  to  Babylon. 
 
 B’fofS 
 Clirist 
 cir.  588 
 
 I  Heb. 
 for  the 
 greatness 
 of  servi¬ 
 tude. 
 
 c  Deiit. 
 28.43,44 
 
 d  Jer. 
 
 52.  28. 
 
 CHAP.  I. 
 
 1  The  miserahle  estate  of  Jerusalem  by  reason  of  her  sw  ;  12  she  bemoan- 
 eUi  her  afflictions,  18a«d  confesseth  God’s  judgment  to  be  righteous,  ^c. 
 
 HOW  doth  the  city  fit  Iblitary  that  was  full  of 
 people!  how  is  (he  become  as  a  widow  !  (he 
 ,tlmt  was  great  among  the  nations,  and  princefs  among 
 the  provinces,  how  is  (he  become  tributary ! 
 
 2  She  *  weepeth  fore  in  the  night,  and  her  tears 
 are  on  her  cheeks :  among  all  her  lovers  (he  hath  none 
 to  comfort  her ;  all  her  friends  have  dealt  treacheroufly 
 W’ith  her  ;  they  are  become  her  enemies. 
 
 3  Judah  is  gone  into  captivity  becaule  of  affliction, 
 and  t  becaufe  of  great  fervitude ;  fhe  dwelleth  among 
 the  heathen  ;  (he  findeth  no  reft  ;  all  her  perfecutors 
 overtook  her  between  the  ftraits. 
 
 4.  The  ways  of  Zion  do  mourn  becaufe  none  come  to 
 the  folemn  feafts ;  all  her  gates  are  defolate;  her  priefts 
 figh,  her  virgins  are  afilifted,  and  fhe  is  in  bitternels. 
 
 5  Her  adverfaries  ‘  are  the  chief,  her  enemies  prof- 
 per ;  for  the  Lord  hath  afliibted  her  for  the  multitude 
 of  her  tranfgreffions ;  her  ‘‘children  are  gone  into 
 captivity  before  the  enemy.  _  , 
 
 6  And  trom  the  daughter  of  Zton  all  her  beauty  is 
 dep  arted  ;  her  princes  are  become  like  harts  thA  find 
 no  pafture  ;  and  they  are  gone  without  ttreugth  be¬ 
 fore  the  purfuer.  .  ,  ,  c-  l  m- 
 
 7  Jerufalera  remembered  in  the  days  of  her  aftlic- 
 II  tion,  and  of  her  miferies,  all  her  |1  plealant  things  that 
 dcs.rabie,  jhe  days  of  old,  when  her  people  fell  into 
 
 the  hand  of  the  enemy,  and  none  did  help  her  :  the 
 adverfaries  faw  her,  and  did  mock  at  her  fabbaths. 
 
 8  Jerufalem  hath  grievously  finned  ;  therefore  fhe 
 f  Heb.  ij.|.  15  removed  \  all  that  honoured  her,  delpKe  her,  be- 
 “  caufe  they  have  feen  her  nakednefs  ;  yea,  (he  figheth, 
 
 or  wan-  and  tumeth  backward . 
 
 9  Her  filthinefs  is  in  her  (Idrts ;  (he  remembereth 
 not  her  laft  end ;  therefore  (he  came  down  wonder¬ 
 fully  ;  (he  had  no  comforter.  O  Lord,  behold  my 
 affiiftion  :  for  the  enemy  hath  magnified  himseJf. 
 
 10  The  adverfary  hath  fpread  out  his  hand  upon 
 all  her  H  plealant  things:  for  (he  hath  feen  that  the 
 heathen  entered  into  her  (aobfuary,  whom  thou  did(t 
 command  that  ®  they  fhould  not  enter  into  thy  congre¬ 
 gation. 
 
 1 1  All  her  people  figh,  they  feek  bread ;  they  have 
 
 given  their  pleafant  things  for  meat  H  to  relieve  the 
 foul :  fee,  O  Lord,  and  confider ;  for  I  am  become  vile.  cir.  588 
 
 Before 
 
 Clirid 
 
 Or, 
 
 dering. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 d  sirablei 
 
 e  Deut. 
 28.  3. 
 
 12  11  /s  iV  nothing  to  you,  all  ye  that  tpafsby? 
 behold,  and  fee  if  there  be  any  Corrow  like  unto 
 
 forrow,  which  is  done  unto  me,  wherewith  the  Lord  the  soul  to 
 hath  aftiibfed  me  in  the  day  of  his  fierce  anger.  come 
 
 13  From  above  hath  he  (ent  fire  into  my  bones, 
 and  it  prevaileth  againft  them  :  he  hath  fpread  a  oet 
 
 for  my  feet ;  he  hath  turned  me  back;  he  hath  raadejy|,„„_ 
 me  defolate  and  faint  all  the  day.  _  ,  ,  u*  ^ 
 
 14  The  yoke  of  ray  tranfgrefiions  is  bound  by 
 hand ;  they  are  wreathed,  ana  come  up  upon  my  ® 
 neck;  he  hath  made  my  ftrength  to  fall;  the  Lord 
 hath  delivered  me  into  their  hands,  Jtom  whom  1  am 
 not  able  to  rife  up. 
 
 15  The  Lord  hath  trodden  under  foot  all  my 
 mighty  men  in  the  midft  of  me :  he  hath  called  an 
 afferably  againft  me  to  crufh  my  young  men  :  the 
 Lord  hath  trodden  the  U  virgin,  the  daughter 
 
 Judah  as  in  a  wine-prefs.  _  ^^ess  of 
 
 16  For  thefe  things  1  weep;  ^  mine  eye,  mine  eyerie  vir- 
 
 rimneth  down  with  water,  becaufe  the  comforter  thatjm, 
 (hould  t  relieve  my  foul  is  far  from  me  ;  my  children  ^ 
 are  defolate,  becaufe  the  enemy  prevailed.  14.17. 
 
 17  Zion  fpreadeth  forth  her  hands,  and  there  fsnonechap. 
 to  comfort  her;  the  Lord  hath  commanded  concern- 2.  is. 
 ing  Jacob,  that  his  adverfaries  should  be  round  about  * 
 him  ;  Jerufalem  is  as  a  menftrous  woman  among  them. 
 
 18  ^  The  Lord  is  s  righteous  ;  for  I  have  rebelled  g  Dan. 
 againft  his  t  com.mandment ;  hear,  I  pray  you, 
 
 people  and  behold  ray  forrow  ;  my  virgins  and 
 young  men  are  gone  into  captivity. 
 
 19  I  called  for  my  lovers,  but  they  deceived  me; 
 my  priefts  and  mine  elders  gave  up  the  ghoft  in  the 
 city,  while  they  fought  their  meat  to  relieve  their  fouls. 
 
 20  Behold,  O  Lord,  for  I  am  in  diftrefs  ;  my 
 bowels  are  troubled  ;  mine  heart  is  turned  within  me ;  jerem. 
 for  I  have  grievously  rebelled  ;  abroad  the  fword  be-  48.  se. 
 reaveth,  at  home  there  is  as  death. 
 
 21  They  have  heard  that  I  figh  ;  there  is  none  to 
 comfort  me  ;  all  mine  enemies  have  heard  of  my 
 trouble ;  they  are  glad  that  tnou  haft  done  it ;  thou 
 wilt  bring  the  day  that  thou  haft  H.  called,  and  they  U  Or, 
 [hall  be  like  QQto  me. 
 
 22  Let  all  their  wickednefs  come  before  thee  ;  and 
 
 ed. 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  I.  Ver.  1—3.  Many  paffages  of  Je- 
 
 Temiah’s  prophecies  exprefs  the  feelings  of  a  heart  big  with  forrow,  in  drains  of 
 pathetic  melancholy,  alraod.  inimitable  ;  but  this  little  book  tbroughout  excels 
 every  thing  of  the  kind  ;  tears  feem  to  bedew  every  fentiraent,  every  expreffion; 
 it  is  furely  impoffible  to  read  it  attentively  without  mingling  our  tears  with  thofe 
 of  the  prophet.  How  fenfibly  mud  they  have  been  toudied,  who  behold  thefe  de- 
 folations  which  he  lamented,  and  experienced  thefe  calamities  that  he  bewailed  ! 
 He  introduces  Jerufalem  in  the  mod  abjedf  date;  a  widow  deditute;  her  kings, 
 princes,  and  inhabitants  difperfed  or  dedroyed  once  her  power  and  influence 
 were  great,  and  her  dominion  extenfive  among  the  nations ;  now  die  is  reduced 
 to  the  lowed  fubjetdion,  made  to  experience  the  mod  aflliaive  circum dances  of 
 slavery.  Thofe  who  had  courted  alliance  with  her  are  brought  as  low  as  berfelf ; 
 and  thofe  bad  deceived  and  deferted  her,  in  whofe  alliance  (he  had  unhappily  trud- 
 cd.  Judah  is  gone  into  captivity  because  of  aftiSlion;  her  inhabitants  fled  vo¬ 
 luntarily  from  Judea,  to  efcape  the  calamities  which  they  fuffered,  or  the  dangers 
 
 that  they  dreaded.  Ver.  7.  The  years  of  red  to  the  land,  which  Ifiael  were  called 
 to  obferve,  were  a  decided  evidence  of  God’s  fpccal  care  of  that  people,  who  had 
 always  more  than  abundance  to  fupport  them  while  they  (erved  God;  this  doubt- 
 lefs  attrafled  the  attention,  excited  the  envy  and  alloniftiment  of  the  neighbouring 
 nations;  and  perhaps  they  would  confider  Ifrael  fools  to  negleiSt  cultivating  the 
 land  any  year.  Hence  their  difpoStion  to  treat  with  fcorn  and  contempt  the  cap¬ 
 tivity  of  the  Jews,  by  calling  it  a  long  fabbatb.  But  they  were  ignorant  that  one 
 particular  caufe  of  the  captivity  was  difobedience  to  Mofes’  law  refpedling  the 
 fcafoos  of  red,  Lev.  xxvi.  34,  35,  45.  Ver.  12.  Jerufalem.  or  the  church,  in  her 
 difconfolate,  forlorn  condition,  demands  fume  coropaflTion  of  fpe£lators  ;  for  her 
 roifery  was  not  a  common  affliftion  ;  it  was  the  expreflion  of  the  fierce  yet  jud  in¬ 
 dignation  of  her  God.  Ver,  13.  Wretched  are  they  whom  God  forfakes.  They 
 fpread  out  their  hands  for  relief  but  none  is  to  be  found  heaven  and  earth  and 
 hell  contribute  to  complete  their  mifery  :  they  are  as  thofe  unclean  by  the  law  of 
 .  Mofes,  excluded  the  prefence  of  Ood  and  man.  Ver.  22.  Perhaps  this  is  prophe- 
 
Jcnisalcm'' s  misery  lamented. 
 
 LAMENTATIONS. 
 
 Chrift 
 cir.  588. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 made  to 
 tauch. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 ChHft  unto  them  as  thou  haft  done  unto  me  for  all  ray 
 tranlgreiuons  :  tor  my  Cghs  are  many,  and  my  heart 
 rs  faint.* 
 
 ,  ,  .  CHAP.  II. 
 
 1  Jeremiah  laments  the  misery  0/ Jerusalem  ;  20  he  complains  thereof  to  God. 
 
 HOW  hath  the  Lord  covered  the  daughter  ot 
 Zion  with  a  cloud  in  his  anger,  atid  caft  down 
 from  heaven  unto  the  earth  the  beauty  of  Ifrael,  and 
 rem^bered  not,  his  footftool  in  the  day  of  his  anger! 
 
 ^  The  Lord  hath  fwallowed  up  all  the  habitations 
 of  Jacob,  and  hath  not  pitied  ;  he  hath  thrown  down 
 in  his  W'rath  the  ftrong  holds  of  the  daughter  of  Judah  ; 
 he  hath  -f-  brought  them  down  to  the  ground  :  he  hath 
 polluted  the  kingdom  and  the  princes  thereof. 
 
 3  He  hath  cut  off  in  his  fierce  anger  all  the  horn  of 
 Ifrael :  he  hath  drawn  back  his  right  hand  from  be¬ 
 fore  the  enemy,  and  he  burned  againft  Jacob  like  a 
 flaming  fire,  vt-hicti  devoureth  round  about. 
 
 4  He  hath  bent  his  bow  like  an  enemv  ;  he  flood 
 '^ith  his  right  hand  as  an  adveri'ary,  and  flew  f  all  that 
 sirabtlof’^^''^  pleafant  to  the  eye  in  the  tabernacle  of  the 
 the  eye.  daughter  of  Zion  ;  he  poured  out  his  fury  like  fire. 
 
 5  The  Lord  was  as  an  enemy  :  he  hath  fwalloWed 
 up  Ifrael,  he  hath  fwallowed  up  all  her  palaces  ;  he 
 hath  deftroyed  his  ftrong  holds,  and  hath  increafed  in 
 the  daughter  of  Judah  mourning  and  lamenation. 
 acTta'"!  ^  violently  »  taken  away  his  ||  taber- 
 
 89.*  4o!  *i^cle,  as  if  it  voere  efz  garden  ;  he  hath  deftroyed  his 
 places  of  theafferably:  the  Lord  hath  caufed  the 
 folemn  teafts  and  labbaths  to  be  forgotten  in  Zion, 
 and  hath  defpTed,  in  the  indignation  of  his  anger,  the 
 king  and  the  prieft. 
 
 7  T.  he  Lord  hath  caft  off  his  altar  ;  he  hath  ab¬ 
 horred  his  faixftuary  ;  he  hath  f  given  up  into  the 
 hand  of  the  enemy  the  walls  of  her  palaces  ;  they  have 
 made  a  noife  in  the  houfe  of  the  Lord,  as  in  the  day 
 of  a  folemn  feaft. 
 
 8  The  Lord  hath  pnrpofed  to  deftroy  the  wall  of 
 the  daughter  of  Zion  ;  he  hath  ftretched  out  a  line, 
 he  hHth  not  withdrawn  his  hand  from  f  deftroying  : 
 therefore  he  made  the  rampart  and  the  wall  to  lament ; 
 they  languifh  together. 
 
 9  Her  gates  are  funk  into  the  ground  ;  he  hath  de¬ 
 ftroyed  ancf  Broken  her  bars  :  her  king  and  her  princes 
 are  among  the  Gentiles;  the  law  is  no  more,-  her 
 b  Pfaim  b  prophets  alfo  find  no  vifion  from  the  Lord. 
 
 74.  s.  IQ  yjjg  elders  of  the  daughter  of  Zion  fit  upon  the 
 ground,  and  keep  filence  :  they  have  caft  up  duft  up¬ 
 on  their  heads  ;  they  have  girded  themfelves  with 
 fackcloth  :  the  virgins  of  Jerufalem  hang  down  their 
 heads  to  the  ground. 
 
 1 1  Mine  eyes  do  fail  with  tears :  my  bowels  are 
 
 A  complaint  thereof  to 
 
 89.  40. 
 Ifaiah 
 5.  5. 
 
 B  Or, 
 
 hedge. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 shut  up. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 swallow 
 
 ins 
 
 tical,  though  delivered  in  the  form  of  a  prayer.  God  has  determined  to  execute 
 punifhment  on  his  enemies,  who  pertecute  his  people;  and  we  are  warranted  to 
 pray  that  bis  will  may  be  done,  »s  in  heaven,  fo  in  earth. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Cum-  II.  Ver.  I.  The  temple  of  Zion 
 ■was  the  beauty  of  Ifrael,  and  the  ark  of  the  covenant  was  the  footftool  of  Zion’s 
 king;  which  were  profaned  by  the  heathen.  Ver.  6.  The  Lord  abhorring  the 
 hypocritical  fervices  of  his  people,  gave  up  the  temple  and  its  glory,  which  be  loved, 
 
 troubled  :  ray  liver  is  poured  upon  the  earth,  for  the  Brr 
 daughter  of  my  people ;  becaufe 
 the  children  and  the  lucklings  H  fwoon  in  the  ftreets 
 of  the  city.  j-^ 
 
 12  They  fay  to  their  mothers,  Where  is  corn  and>'»'’ 
 wine?  when  they  fwooned  as  the  wounded  in  the 
 ftreets  of  the  city,  when  their  foul  was  poured  out 
 into  their  mother’s  bofom. 
 
 13  What  thing  ftiall  I  take  to  witnefs  for  thee? 
 what  thing  (hall  1  liken  to  thee,  O  daughter  of  Jeru- 
 lalem  ?  what  (hall  I  equal  to  thee,  that  I  may  comfort 
 thee,  O  virgin  daughter  of  Zion  I  for  thy  breach  is' 
 great  like  the  fea  ;  who  can  heal  thee? 
 
 14  Thy  =  prophets  have  feen  vain  and  foolifh  things 
 
 for  thee :  and  they  have  not  difcovered  thine  iniquity,  ^ 
 to  turn  away  thy  captivity  ;  but  have  feen  for  thee^g^'.^ 
 falfe  burdens,  and  caufes  of  banifhment.  “  ‘  ' 
 
 15  All  that  pais  f  by  clap  their  hands  at  thee;  they  t  Heb. 
 
 hifs  and  wag  their  head  at  the  daughter  of  Jerufalem, 
 saying,  Is  this  the  citv  that  men  call  “  The  perfcaion  Tpc  i 
 of  beauty.  The  joy  of  the  whole  earth  ?  ^g.  st  '" 
 
 16  All  thine  enemies  have  opened  their  mouth 
 againft  thee  ;  they  hifs  and  gnafh  the  teeth  :  they  (ay, 
 
 We  have  fwallowed  her  up  ;  certainly  this  is  the  day 
 that  we  looked  for  ;  we  have  found,  we  have  feen  it. 
 
 17  The  Lord  hath  done  that  which  he  had  ®de. 
 vifed  ;  he  hath  fulfilled  his  word  that  he  had  command- 
 
 ed  in  the  days  of  old;  he  hath  thrown  down,  andS""^* 
 hath  not  pitied  :  and  he  hath  caufed  thine  enemy  to&c*.  ’ 
 rejoice  over  thee,  he  hath  fet  up  the  horn  of  thine  ad- 
 verfaries. 
 
 18  Their  heart  cried  unto  the  Lord,  O  wall  of  the 
 daughter  of  Zion,  let  tears  run  down  like  a  river  fJerem, 
 day  and  night ;  give  thyfelf  no  reft  ;  let  not  the  apple  *'• 
 of  thine  eye  ceafe. 
 
 19  Arife,  cry  out  in  the  night ;  in  the  beginning  of*'  ***’ 
 the  watches  pour  out  thine  heart  like  water  before 
 
 the  face  of  the  Lord  :  lift  up  thy  hands  toward  him 
 for  the  life  of  thy  young  children,  that  faint  for  hun- 
 ger  in  the  top  of  every  ftreet. 
 
 20  H  Behold,  O  Lord,  and  confider  to  whom  thou 
 
 haft  done  this,  Shall  the  women  eat  their  fruit,  and 
 children  11  of  a  fpan  long  ?  fhall  the  prieft  and  the  pro-  S 
 phet  be  (lain  in  the  fanftuary  of  the  Lord  ?  wutti^ir 
 
 21  The  young  and  the  old  lie  on  the  ground  in  the 
 ftreets  ;  my  virgins  and  my  young  men  are  fallen  by 
 the  fword  :  thou  haft  flain  them  in  the  day  of  thine 
 anger  ;  thou  haft  killed,  and  not  pitied. 
 
 22  Thou  haft  called,  as  iu  a  folemn  day,  my  terrors 
 round  about ;  fo  that  in  the  day  of  the  Lord’s  anger 
 none  efcapcd  nor  remained  :  thofe  that  I  have  I'wad- 
 died  and  brought  up  hath  mine  enemy  conCumed.f 
 
 to  the  hands  of  the  adverfary,  who  deftroyed  the  whole  as  eafily  and  utterly  as  • 
 cottage  in  a  garden,  defigned  merely  for  a  temporary  place  of  flielter,  I  fa.  i,  8. 
 Ver.  10.  Comp.  Notes  on  Ifa.  iii.  26.  xxiii.  2.  Ver.  14.  liaise  burdens,  or  oroclos, 
 an  allufton  to  the  prophecies  of  the  falfe  prophets,  who  had  deceived  and  plunged 
 the  people  into  irremediable  ruin.  Ver.  15.  Comp,  verfe  1.  Pfaim  I.  2.  Ver. 
 22.  AftliAioDS  prefs  on  me  from  every  quarter  ;  as  the  multitudes  were  accuf- 
 totned  on  folemn  feftivals  to  come  up  to  Jerufalem,  from  every  part  of  Judea. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — »  Chap,  I.]  AH  affliiftions  are  extremely  fevere  when  we  perceive  them  as  fent  by  God,  not  in  mercy,  but  in  wrath. 
 Affluence abuled  is  the  ready  way  to  pining  want.  Amidft  defolating  judgments,  nothing  is  more  painful  to  gracious  fouls  than  the  violation  and  contempt  of  God’s 
 ordinances,  and  the  lofs  of  ihol'e  comforts  which  they  once  enjoyed  in  him  and  his  favour.  Sin  and  ruin  are  infeparable.  Whatever  judgments  weigh  us  down,  we 
 may  be  aftured,  our  traufgreli’ions  have  wreathed  the  yoke,  aud  hound  on  the  burden.  A  praying  heart,  and  a  prayer  hearing  God,  will  quickly  produce  the  deftruf- 
 (100  of  our  enemies  and  our  own  deliverance.  And  after  he  is  glorified  in  our  correflions,  he  will  magnify  himfelf  in  the  tremendous  ruin  of  our  deftroyerg. 
 
 practical  OBSERVATIONS. — f  Chap.  II.]  Terrible  is  the  ilTue  when  God  becomes  our  enemy  and  fights  againft  us.  Aud  correfpondent  to  the  coun- 
 feli  of  hi*  heart  are  the  judgments  of  his  hand ;  juflly  he  debafee  by  his  judgments  thofe  who  had  debafed  themfelves  by  their  fins,  and  mingles  the  blood  of  finners, 
 with  their  facrifices;  yea,  deprives  of  fabbatbs  and  folemn  ordinances  thofe  who  would  not  religioufly  obferve  them.  Alas !  what  a  dreadful  curfe  is  it  to  be  given 
 lip  to  the  delufions  of  vicked  aqd  hypocritical  priefts,  nor  is  any  thing  more  deArudlire  and  foul-niining. 
 
fhc  propM  Imailetl  his  om  calamities. 
 
 CHAP.  III. 
 
 LAMENTATIONS. 
 
 The  faithful  nourish  their  hope^ 
 
 peforc 
 Chrift 
 cir.  5E8 
 
 1  The  prophet  beivaileth  his  ovm  cnlamities.  22  The  mercies  of  God  a 
 proper  ground  of  patient  hope.  An  humble  confession  of  God's  justice 
 '  in  his  severe  judgments,  ^c. 
 
 I^M  the  man  that  hath  feen  alHi6Iion  by  the  rod 
 of  his  wrath. 
 
 2  He  hath  led  me,  and  brought  me  into  darknefs, 
 but  not  into  light. 
 
 3  Surely  againft  me  is  he  turned  ;  he  turneth  his 
 hand  against  me  all  the  day. 
 
 4  My  flefh  and  my  fldn  hath  he  made  old ;  he  hath 
 broken  my  bones. 
 
 5  He  hath  builded  againft  me,  and  compaffed  me 
 with  gall  and  travail. 
 
 6  He  hath  let  me  in  dark  places,  as  theij  that  he 
 dead  of  old. 
 
 7  He  hath  hedged  me  about,  that  I  cannot  get 
 out ;  he  hath  made  my  chain  heavy. 
 
 8  Alfo  when  1  cry  and  fhout,  he  ftiutteth  out  my 
 prayer.  I 
 
 9  He  hath  inclofed  my  ways  with  hewn  ftone  ;  he  I 
 hath  made  ray  paths  crooked.  I 
 
 10  He  ims  unto  me  as  a  bear  lying  in  waif,  and  as  \ 
 a  lion  in  fecret  places. 
 
 1 1  He  hath  turned  afide  my  ways,  and  pulled  me 
 in  pieces  :  he  hath  made  me  defolate. 
 
 1 2  He  hath  bent  his  bow,  and  fet  me  as  a  mark  for 
 the  arrow. 
 
 13  He  hath  caufed  the  f  arrows  of  his  quiver  to 
 enter  into  my  reins. 
 
 14  I  was  a  ®  derifion  to  all  my  people,  and  their 
 fong  all  the  day. 
 
 15  He  hath  filled  me  with  f  bitternefs,  he  hath 
 made  me  drunken  with  wormwood. 
 
 16  He  hath  alfo  broken  my  teeth  with  gravel- 
 ftones,  he  hath  1|  covered  me  with  afties. 
 
 1 7  And  thou  haft  removed  my  foul  far  oft'  from 
 peace :  I  forgat  f  profperity. 
 
 18  And  I  faid,  My  ftrength  and  my  hope  is  perifh- 
 ed  from  the  Lord  : 
 
 19  11  Remembering  mine  affti^fion  and  my  mifery, 
 the  wormwood  and  the  gall. 
 
 20  My  foul  hath  them  ftill  in  remembrance,  and  is 
 f  humbled  in  me. 
 
 21  This  1 1  recall  to  my  mind,  therefore  have  I  hope. 
 22  ^  It  is  Lord’s  mercies  that  we  are  not 
 
 return  to  confumed,  becaufe  his  compaflions  fail  not. 
 my  heart.  23  They  are  new  every  morning  ;  great  is  thy  faith- 
 fulnefs. 
 
 b  Pfaims  24  The  Lord  is  my  portion,  faith  my  foul : 
 ig’  o’  \  therefore  will  I  hope  in  him. 
 
 119.57.  The  Lord  is  good  unto  them  that  wait  for 
 Jeremiah  him,  to  the  foul  that  feeketh  him. 
 
 10. 16.  26  It  is  good  that  a  man  ftiould  both  hope  and 
 
 quietly  wait  for  the  falvation  of  the  Lord. 
 
 27  It  is  good  for  a  mao  that  he  bear  the  yoke  iii 
 his  youth. 
 
 28  He  fitteth  alone,  and  keepeth  filence,  becaufe 
 he  hath  borne  it  upon  him. 
 
 29  He  putteth  his  mouth  in  the  duft,  if  fo  be  there 
 may  be  hope. 
 
 30  He  giveth  his  cheek  to  him  that  fraiteth  him ; 
 he  is  filled  full  with  reproach. 
 
 fHeb. 
 
 sms. 
 
 a  Jereui. 
 20.  7. 
 
 fHeb. 
 
 bitter¬ 
 
 nesses. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 rolled  me 
 in  the 
 ashes. 
 t  Heb. 
 good. 
 
 !l  Or, 
 Remem¬ 
 ber. 
 
 fHeb. 
 bowed. 
 t  Heb. 
 make  to 
 
 31  For  the  Lord  will  not  caft  off  for  ever  :  cimit 
 
 32  But  though  hecaufe  grief,  yet  will  he  have  com-  dr.  Tss. 
 
 pafTion  according  to  the  multitude  of  his  mercies,  ' — < — < 
 
 33  For  he  doth  not  aftlift  t  willingly,  nor  grieve]! 
 the  children  or  men.  ^ 
 
 34  To  crufti  under  his  feet  all  the  prifoners  of  the 
 earth, 
 
 35  To  turn  afide  the  right  of  a  man  before  the  face 
 
 of  II  the  raoft  High,  ^ 
 
 36  To  fubvert  a  man  in  his  caufe,  the  Lord  \\  ap-  y 
 
 prOVeth  not.  seelhnot. 
 
 37  11  "Who  is  he  ®  that  faith,  and  it  cometh  to  pafs,  ® 
 nohen  the  Lord  commandeth  it  not  ? 
 
 38  Out  of  the  mouth  of  the  moft  High  proceedeth 
 
 not  evil  and  good  ?  ^  Amos 
 
 39  Wherefore  doth  a  living  man  H  complain,  a  man 
 
 for  the  punifhment  of  his  fins  ?  murmur. 
 
 40  Let  us  fearch  and  try  our  ways,  and  turn  again 
 to  the  Lord. 
 
 41  Let  us  lift  up  our  heart  with  otir  hands  unto 
 God  in  the  heavens. 
 
 42  We  have  tranfgrelTed,  and  have  rebelled  :  thou 
 haft  not  pardoned. 
 
 43  Thou  haft  covered  with  anger,  and  perfecuted 
 us  :  thou  haft  flain,  thou  haft  not  pitied. 
 
 44  Thou  haft  covered  thyfelf  with  a  cloud,  that  our 
 prayer  fhould  not  pafs  through. 
 
 45  Thou  haft  made  us  as  the  *  off-fcouring  and  re-  e  i  Cof. 
 
 fufe  in  the  raidft  of  the  people.  4. 13. 
 
 46  All  our  enemies  have  opened  their  mouths 
 againft  us. 
 
 47  ‘  Fear  and  a  fnare  is  come  upon  us,  defolation  f  ifaiab 
 
 and  deftruftion.  24.17. 
 
 48  Mine  eye  runneth  down  with  rivers  of  water 
 for  the  deftru6fion  of  the  daughter  of  ray  people. 
 
 49  Mine  eye  trickleth  down,  and  ceafeth  not,  with¬ 
 out  any  intermiflion, 
 
 50  Till  the  Lord  look  down,  and  behold  from 
 heaven. 
 
 51  Mine  eye  aS'efteth  f  mine  heart,  |1  becaufe  of  t  Heb. 
 all  the  daughters  of  ray  city. 
 
 52  Mine  enemies  chafed  me  fore,  like  a  bird,  with- «ore</, on 
 
 out  caufe.  csii. 
 
 53  They  have  cut  oft"  my  life  in  the  dungeon,  and 
 caft  a  ftone  upon  me. 
 
 54  Waters  flowed  over  mine  head ;  then  I  faid,  I 
 am  cut  oflf. 
 
 55  H  I  called  upon  thy  name,  O  Lord,  out  of  the 
 low  dungeon. 
 
 56  Thou  haft  heard  my  voice ;  hide  not  thine  ear 
 at  my  breathing,  at  my  cry. 
 
 57  Thou  dreweft  near  in  the  day  that  I  called  upon 
 thee  ;  thou  faidft.  Fear  not. 
 
 58  O  Lord,  thou  haft  pleaded  the  caufes  of  my 
 foul ;  thou  haft  redeemed  my  life. 
 
 59  O  Lord,  thou  haft  feen  my  wrong ;  judge  thou 
 my  caufe. 
 
 60  Thou  haft  feen  all  their  vengeance  and  all  theif 
 imaginations  againft  me ; 
 
 61  Thou  haft  heard  their  reproach,  O  Lord,  and 
 all  their  imaginations  againft  me : 
 
 62  The  lips  of  thofe  that  rofe  up  againft  me,  and 
 their  device  againft  me  all  the  day. 
 
 EXPLAi^ATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  III.  Ver.  1.  The  prophet  laments  his 
 own  troubles,  or  perfonates  the  church;  but  fome  view  him,  perhaps  jullly, 
 fpeaking  in  the  perfon  of  MelTiah.  Ver.  20— -23,  My  soul  hath  them  still  in 
 
 9E 
 
 remembraiute,  and  is  humbled  within  me,  or  thou  wilt  furely  remember;  for  mf 
 foul  meditates  within  me.  The  fubjea,  which  he  recalls  to  mind  by  mediution, 
 gave  him  hope  of  deliverance;  and  from  what  he  adds,  it  is  evident  that  nothing 
 
 24 
 
The  prophet  lewaileth  Zion, 
 
 LAMENTATIONS. 
 
 Before 
 Cbrill 
 cir.  58S- 
 
 H  Or, 
 obstinacy 
 of  heart. 
 g  Ffaloi 
 
 8.  3, 
 
 a  Or, 
 sea- calces 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 iniquity, 
 
 a  Gen. 
 19.  25. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 darker 
 
 than 
 
 blackness. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 fiow  out. 
 
 b  Deut. 
 28.  57. 
 
 2  Kings 
 e.  29. 
 
 63  Behold  their  fitting  down,  and  their  rifing  up : 
 I  cm  their  mufic. 
 
 64;  Render  unto  them  a  recompence,  O  Lord,  ac¬ 
 cording^  to  the  work  of  their  hands. 
 
 65  Give  them  U  I’orrow  of  heart,  thy  curfe  unto 
 them. 
 
 66  Perfecute  and  deftroy  them  in  anger  from  under 
 the  s  heavens  of  the  Lord.* 
 
 CHAP.  IV. 
 
 1  The  prophet  bewaileth  the  wretched  condition  of  Zion,  21  Edom  is 
 threatened.  22  Zion  is  comforted. 
 
 HOW  is  the  gold  become  dim  !  how  is  the  moft 
 fine  gold  changed  !  the  [tones  of  the  fanftuary 
 are  poured  out  in  the  top  of  every  ftreer. 
 
 2  The  precious  fons  of  Zion,  comparable  to  fine 
 gold,  how  are  they  efteeraed  as  earthen  pitchers,  the 
 work  of  the  hands  of  the  potter  ! 
 
 3  Even  the  U  fea-monfters  draw  out  the  breaft, 
 they  give  fuck  to  their  young  ones :  the  daughter  of 
 my  people  is  become  cruel,  like  the  oliriches  in  the 
 wildernefs, 
 
 4  The  tongue  of  the  fucking  child  cleaveth  to  the 
 roof  of  his  mouth  for  thirft  :  the  young  children  afk 
 bread,  and  no  man  breaketh  it  unto  them. 
 
 5  I’hey  that  did  feed  delicately  are  defolate  in  the 
 ftreets  :  theij  that  were  brought  up  in  fcarlet  embrace 
 dunghills. 
 
 6  ■  For  the  H  punifhment  of  the  iniquity  of  the 
 daughter  of  my  people  is  greater  than  the  punifh¬ 
 ment  of  the  fin  of  Sodom,  that  was  ®  overthrown  as 
 in  a  moment,  and  no  hands  flayed  on  her. 
 
 7  Her  Nazarites  were  purer  than  fnow,  they  were 
 whiter  than  milk,  they  were  more  ruddy  in  body  than 
 rubies,  their  poliftiiug  was  of  fapphire  : 
 
 S  Their  vifage  is  t  blacker  than  a  coal ;  they  are 
 not  known  in  the  ftreets their  fkin  cleaveth  to  their 
 bones ;  it  is  withered,  it  is  become  like  a  ftick. 
 
 9  They  that  be  flain  with  the  fword  are  better  than 
 they  that  be  flain  with  hunger  :  for  thefe  t  pine  away, 
 ftricken  through  for  want  of  the  fruits  of  the  field. 
 
 10  The  hands  of  the  pitiful  women  have  fodden 
 their  own  children  ;  they  were  their  ”  meat  in  the  de- 
 ftruction  of  the  daughter  of  my  people. 
 
 1 1  The  Lord  hath  accomplifhed  his  fury  :  he  hath 
 poured  out  his  fierce  anger,  and  hath  kindled  a  fire 
 in  Zion,  and  it  hath  devoured,  the  foundations  thereof. 
 
 12  The  kings  of  the  earth,  and  all  the  inhabitants 
 of  the  world,  would  not  have  believed  that  the  adver- 
 i'ary  and  the  enemy  fliould  have  entered  into  the 
 gates  of  Jerufalera. 
 
 can  afford  more  enlarged  and  folid  hope  in  God,  than  that  which  enlarged  his 
 thoughts;  natnely,  the  continued,  eternal  mercies,  compaffion  and  feithfulnefs  of 
 God.  Ver.  64 — 56.  Thefe  are  prophetical,  imprecations,  which  are  common  in 
 a'l  the  writings  of  tire  prophets, 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  IV.  Ver.  10.  How  inconceivable  muft 
 that  mifery  be,  which  erazes  from  the  bol^rm  of  the  tender  fex,  the  ftrongefi 
 afferftion  by  which  they  are  diftinguilhed  ;  tbe  attachment  of  a  mother  to  l.er 
 children  !  Chap.  ii.  20.  2  Kings  vi.  28,  29.  Ver.  1 5.  This  is  obvioully  a  reproach 
 cf  the  heathen  thrown  out  on  the  Jews,  when  they  were  driven  from  Jerufalem 
 
 mountains. 
 
 She  ts  comforted^ 
 
 13  =  For  the  fins  of  her  prophets,  and  the  iniquities  B^r 
 
 of  her  pnefts,  that  have  [bed  the  blood  of  the  juft  in  Chlift 
 the  midft  of  her,  ''''•595, 
 
 14  They  have  wandered  as  blind  men  in  the  ftreets 
 
 they  have  polluted  themfelves  with  blood,  n  lb  thar''-3i.& 
 men  could  not  touch  their  garments.  ^3.21. 
 
 15  They  cried  unto  them.  Depart  ye;  it  is 
 
 clean;  depart,  depart,  touch  not :  when  they  fled  2 
 away  and  wandered,  they  faid  among  the  heathen 
 They  fnall  no  more  fojourn  there.  ’  ^ 
 
 16  The  11  anger  of  the  Lord  hath  divided  them  ; ror"*' 
 he  will  no  more  regard  them  :  they  refpeifted  not  the-^“f«-’ 
 peribns  of  the  priefts,  they  favoured  not  the  elders. 
 
 17  As  for  us,  our  eyes  as  yet  failed  for  our  vain 
 help:  in  our  watching  we  have  watched  for  a  nation 
 that  could  not  fave  tis. 
 
 18  They  hunt  our  fteps,  that  we  cannot  go  in  our 
 ftreets :  our  end  is  near,  our  days  are  fulfilled  ;  for 
 our  end  is  come. 
 
 19  Our  perfecutors  are  fwifter  than  the  eagles  of 
 the  heaven:  they  purfued  us  upon  the 
 they  laid  wait  for  us  in  the  wildernefs. 
 
 20  The  ^  breath  of  our  noftrils,  the  anointed  of  ^  Gen. 
 the  Lord,  was  taken  in  their  pits,  of  whom  we  (aid, 
 Under  his  ftadow  we  [hall  live  among  the  heathen. 
 
 21  ^  Rejoice  and  be  gald,  O  daughter  of  Edom, 
 that  dwelleft  in  the  land  of  Uz:  the  cup  allb  [hall 
 pafs  through  unto  thee;  thou  (halt  be  drunken,  and.  n 
 ftialt  make  thyfelf  naked. 
 
 22  H  11  The  punifhment  of  thine  iniquity  is  ac- 
 complifhed,  O  daughter  of  Zion  :  he  will  no  more  car-  H 
 ry  thee  away  into  captivity  :  he  will  vifit  thine  iniquity, 
 
 O  daughter  of  Edom  ;  he  will  H  difeover  thy  Cns.f  thysm.' 
 
 CHAP.  V. 
 
 ./I  pitiful  complaint  of  Zion  in  prayer  unit  God. 
 
 Remember,  O  lord,  what  is  come  upon  US  • 
 confider,  and  behold  our  reproach. 
 
 2  Our  inheritance  is  turned  toftrangers,  our  houfes 
 to  aliens. 
 
 3  We  are  orphans  and  fatherlefs,  our  mothers  are,„. 
 as  widows. 
 
 4  We  have  drunken  our  water  for  money;  our;nce. 
 wood  t  is  fold  unto  us.  t  Heb. 
 
 5  t  Our  necks  are  under  perfecution  ;  we  labour, 
 and  have  no  reft.  we  perse- 
 
 6  We  have  given  the  hand  /o  the  Egyptians,  andcuted. 
 to  the  AfTyrians,  to  be  fatisfied  with  bread.  ® 
 
 7  “  Our  fathers  have  finned,  and  are  not ;  and  we  Ezekiel 
 have  borne  their  iniquities.  is.  2. 
 
 into  captivity.  Bifliop  Lowth  tranflates  it  thus  :  “Depart:  ye  are  polluted; 
 depart  ye;  forbear  to  touch:  yea,  they  are  fled,  they  are  removed:  they  fliall 
 dwell  here  no  more.”  Ver.  17.  This  refperfls  their  eager,  vain  expe<51atiors  of 
 aid  from  Egypt.  Ver.  20.  King  Zedekiah  was  taken  by  his  enemies  as  hunurs 
 catch  wild  bealls though  they  efcape  one  fnare  another  feizes  them,  Ifa.  xtir. 
 17,  18.  Ver.  21.  "The  Edomites  exulted  over  the  Jews’  calamiti.s;  they  are 
 iruiiicdliy  called  to  continue  rejoicing,  while  warned  of  impending  deflrudlioD, 
 compare  Ecc'.  xi.  9,  10. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap..  V.  Ver.  16.  If  this  refer  to  the  youths 
 
 PRACTICAL  observations. _ *  Chap,  III  ]  How  tremendous  are  the  fatherly  corrections  of  Jehovah  !  and  very  criminal  muft  be  the  fins  which  fo 
 
 provoke  him  avainft  the  objeas  of  bis  love.  Tbe  children  of  light,  and  heirs  of  joy,  fometimes  walk  in  the  greateft  darknefs  of  calamity  and  grief,  and  even  defpon- 
 dmey  ;  and  many  and  diverfified  are  God’s,  arrows  of  affliaion,  flying  fwift  and  piercing  deep.  Such  will  the  crooked  paths  of  fin  be  found  ;  the  farther  we  go  in 
 them’  the  more  miferable  we  ftiall  grow.  If  our  troubles  be  heavy  and  fliarp,  let  us  eagerly  claim  and  lire  upon  God  as  our  portion,,  and  comfort  ourfelves  with  his 
 compaffion,  ^nd  with  a  perfuafion  that  no  requeft  of  faith  is  fo  filent  but  he  will  hear  it  for  our  good.  But  woe  to  ihofe,  however  powerful,,  haughty,  mefffr 
 Ico'nfu^,  againft  v.'hom  God’s  favourites  plead  !  And  think,  my  fou),  wdiat  of  all  thefe  troubles  Jesus  underw'ent— and  all  for  me  !  ^  ...  a 
 
 PRAC'llGAL  OBSERVATIONS. _ j-  Chap.  IV.]  When  God  forsakes  a  people  their  honour  leaves  them.  And  if  rulers  will  not  afl  for  God,  it  is  but  juit 
 
 tba'  be  ibould  m  ike  them  contemptible.  They  who  live  lu  the  greiteft  plenty  and  pomp,  know  not  to  what  ftraits  they  may  be  reduced  before  they  die.  And  delicate 
 «.  d  Idgli  living  renders  hardfhips  doubly  grievous-  when  they  come  to  be  experienced.  'Wicked  priefts  and  prophets,  more  than  any  others,  con-fpire  to  hafteit  » 
 r,si  on’s  laiii.  We  cannot  k-eep  at  too  great  a  diftsnes  from  their  company  whofe  evil  communications  tend  to  corrupt  and  destroy  tbe  foul. 
 
%im's  complaint 
 
 LAMENTATIONS. 
 
 in  prayer  unto  God* 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 cifr  588 
 
 b  Pfalm 
 119.  83. 
 II  Or, 
 
 8  Servants  have  ruled  over  us :  there  is  none  that 
 doth  deliver  us  out  of  their  hand. 
 
 9  We  gat  our  bread  with  the  peril  of  our  lives,  be- 
 caufe  of  the  fword  of  the  wildernefs. 
 
 10  Our  fkin  was  black  like  an  oven,  becaufe  of 
 the  II  terrible  famine. 
 
 1 1  They  ravifhed  the  women  in  Zion,  and  the  maids 
 in  the  cities  of  Judah. 
 
 12  Princes  are  hanged  up  by  their  hand :  the  faces 
 of  elders  were  not  honoured. 
 
 13  They  took  the  young  men  to  grind,  and  the 
 children  fell  under  the  wood. 
 
 14  The  elders  have  ceafed  from  the  gate,  the  young 
 men  from  their  mufic. 
 
 15  The  joy  of  our  heart  has  ceafed  ;  our  dance  is 
 turned  into  mourning. 
 
 employed  in  grinding  the  corn,  it  Ihews  that  their  condition  was  mod  wretched, 
 Ifa,  xl''ii'  2.  Ver.  16.  Our  national  dignity  is  laid  in  the  duft.  Woe  unto  us, 
 nothing  but  trouble  and  forrow  is  allotted  us,  for  we  have  finned.  Ver.  18.  Ra¬ 
 venous  animals  retire  from  the  habitation  of  man;  defolated  indeed  was  Judea, 
 
 things  our 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 cir.  588. 
 
 16  t  The  crown  is  fallen  from  our  head  ;  woe  unto 
 us  that  we  have  finned  ! 
 
 17  For  this  our  heart  is  faint :  for  thefe 
 
 eyes  are  dim.  f  Heb. 
 
 18  Becaufe  of  the  mountain  of  Zion,  which  is  de-  Thetrown 
 
 folate,  the  foxes  walk  upon  it.  ^u'/aiien. 
 
 19  Thou,  O  Lord,  ®  remaineft  for  ever :  thy  throne  c  Pfaim’s 
 
 from  generation  to  generation.  £>•  7.  & 
 
 20  Wherefore  doft  thou  forget  us  for  ever, 
 
 forfake  us  fo  f  long  time  ?  u, 
 
 21  Turn  thou  us  unto  thee,  O  Lord,  and  we  Ihall  t  Heb. 
 
 j  be  turned  ;  renew  our  days,  as  of  old.  M  length 
 
 I  ^  22  I!  But  thou  haft  utterly  rejefted  us ;  thou  art  * 
 j  very  wroth  againft  us.*  31.  is. 
 
 I  g  Or,  JW  wilt  thou  utterly  rtject  us  ? 
 
 when  foxes  walked  through  it  without  dread.  Ver.  22.  This  verfe  is  fometimes 
 rendered  by  way  of  interrogation,  “  For  wilt  thou  utterly  rejeift  us?  wilt  thou  be 
 very  wroth  against  us  ?”  Thou  art  the  eternal  God  thy  purpofes  of  grace  to  our 
 nation  cannot  fail.  Let  us  experience  thy  compalTionate  regard  as  in  ages  paft. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  V.]  This  world  is  a  fcene  of  changes;  we  muft  look  to  a  better  for  never  fading  crowns  and  permanent  feli¬ 
 city.  The  bittereft  griefs  which  affe(5l  the  heart  of  the  faithful  are  the  defolations  of  Zion. — From  fin  proceeds  all  our  fufferings,  and  more  to  be  lamented  than  all 
 the  forrows  it  occafions.  Humble  expoftulations  are  allowable;  we  may  reafon  with  God  concerning  his  judgments,  though  it  is  exceedingly  finful  to  quarrel  with 
 him  on  account  of  them.  No  finner  would  ever  return  from  the  evil  of  his  ways  unlefs  the  effedlual  grace  of  God  powerfully  drew  him.  However  dark  the  fcene 
 may  clofe  upon  God’s  fufifering  faints  on  earth,  let  them  commend  their  fouls  to  him,  in  hope  that  they  (hall  quickly  awake  up  in  glory,  honour  and  immonalitj. 
 
 THE  BOOK  OF  THE  PROPHET 
 
 EZEKIEL. 
 
 TFIE  ARGUMENT. 
 
 Ezekiel  prophesied  in  Chaldea^  •where  he  was  with  the  Jews  who  had  been  carried  thither  with  JcingJehoiaJcim,  about 
 eleven  years  before  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem.  He  prophesied  from  the ffth  year  of  the  captivity^  for  the  spate 
 of  about  twenty  years  I  while  Jeremiah  at  Jerusalem  was  foretelling  the  same  things,  Ezekiel  was  sent  by  God  to 
 instruct  and  exhort  the  Jews  that  were  in  Chaldea,  and  to  foretel  tJte  desolation  that  was  to  come  upon  the  Jews 
 who  were  still  in  Judea,  the  taking  of  Jei'usalem,  the  ruin  of  several  natiems,  the  deliverance  of  the  captive  Jews, 
 the  coming  of  the  Messiah,  the  calling  of  the  Gentiles,  and  the  establishment  of  the  kingdom  of  God. 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 cir.  595. 
 
 f.  Heb. 
 
 captivity. 
 
 CHAP.  1. 
 
 1  T/ie  time  of  Ezekiel's  prophecy  by  the  river  Chebar  4  his  vision  of  four 
 cherubims,  26  anti  of  God’s  glory. 
 
 NOW  it  came  to  pafs  in  the  thirtieth  year,  in  the 
 fourth  month,  in  the  fifth  day  of  the  month,  as 
 1  wtas  among  the  t  captives  by  the  river  of  Chebar, 
 that  the  heavens  were  opened,,  and  I  faw  vifions  of 
 God. 
 
 2  In  the  fifth  day  of  the  month,  (which  was  the  fifth 
 year  of  king  Jehoiachin’s  captivity,) 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Ch?ap.  I.  Ver.  1 — 3.  Ezekiel,  like  Jeremiah, 
 Was  a  prieft  as  well  as  a  prophet.  He  feems  to  have  been  carried  away  captive 
 With  Jehoiakim,  and  thofe  who  were  feletfted  as  pledges  of  the  fubjedlion  of  tbofe 
 whom  the  Babylonifh  king  permitted  to  remain  in  the  land  after  his  firft  invafion 
 it.  Compare  Dan.  i.  He  miniftered  in  Chaldea,  during  the  latter  part  of  the 
 time  that  Jeremiah  was  employed  at  Jerufalem,  ^d  for.fonae  time  after  the. final 
 
 3  The  word  of  the  Lord  came  exprefsly  unto  t  Before 
 
 Ezekiel  the  prieft,  the  fon  of  Buzi,  in  the  land  of  the 
 Chaldeans,  by  the  river  Chebar;  and  the  hand  of  the  .^Jlv-^ 
 Lord  was  there  upon  him.  fHeb, 
 
 4  ^  And  I  looked,. and,  behold,  a  whirlvvihd  came 
 
 out  of  the  north,  a  great  cloud,  and  a  fire  f  infolding  t  Heb. 
 itlelf,  and  a  brightnefs'  was  about  it,  and  out  of 
 midft  thereof  as. the  colour  of  amber,  out  of  the  midft 
 of  the  fire  r 
 
 5  Allb  out  of  the  midft  thereof  came  the  likenefs  of 
 
 deftrudlion  of  that  city.  He  was  called  to  his  office  in  the  thirtieth  year  of  fome 
 new  era  of  Judah  or  Chaldea,  or  perhaps  of  his  own  age,  in  the  fifth  year  of  Jeho- 
 iakim’s  captivity  ;.  confequently- in  the  fifth  year  of  Zedekiah’s  reign.  Ver.  4. 
 Natural  amber  loofeth,  while  artificial  compofed  of  gold  and  fine  brafs  increafeth 
 its  brightnefs  in  the  fire.  Amber  reprefents  the  glorious  majefty  to  be  reverenced  ; 
 fire  the  iavincible  power  of  God  to  be.  feared,  fee  Rev.  i.  14,  15.  Ver.  5 — 15, 
 
EzeUets  vision  of  the  thcriibims, 
 
 I3efore 
 Chrift 
 cir.  595. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 n  straight 
 
 K  Or, 
 
 divided 
 
 above. 
 
 11  Or, 
 
 slrakes. 
 
 P  Or, 
 oflije. 
 
 four  living  creatures.  And  this  teas  their  appearance ; 
 they  had  the  likenei's  of  a  man. 
 
 6  And  every  one  had  four  faces,  and  every  one 
 had  four  wings. 
 
 7  And  their  feet  tvere  f  ftraight  feet ;  and  the  foie  of 
 their  feet  tc’^s  like  the  foie  of  a  calf’s  foot ;  and  they 
 fparkled  like  the  colour  of  burnifhed  brafs. 
 
 8  And  ihnj^  had  the  hands  of  a  man  under  their 
 wings  on  their  four  fides ;  and  they  four  had  their 
 faces  and  their  wings. 
 
 9  Their  wings  were  joined  one  to  another ;  they 
 turned  not  when  they  went :  they  went  every  one 
 flraight  forward. 
 
 10  As  for  the  likenefs  of  their  faces,  they  four  had 
 
 the  face  of  a  man  and  the  face  of  a  lion  on  the  right ; 
 fide  ;  and  they  four  had  the  face  of  an  ox  on  the  left  I 
 fide  ;  they  four  alfo  had  the  face  of  an  eagle.  I 
 
 1 1  Thus  were  their  faces ;  and  their  wings  were  i 
 ii  ftretched  upward  ;  two  wmgs  of  every  one  were  join¬ 
 ed  one  to  another,  and  two  covered  their  bodies.  . 
 
 12  And  they  went  every  one  ftraight  forward  : 
 whither  the  fpirit  was  to  go,  they  Went ;  arid  they 
 turned  not  when  they  went. 
 
 13  As  for  the  likenefs  of  the  living  creatures,  their 
 appearance  •teas  like  burning  coals  of  fire,  and  like 
 the  appearance  of  lamps ;  it  went  up  and  down  among 
 the  living  creatures  ;  and  the  fire  was  bright,  and  out 
 of  the  fire  went  forth  lightning. 
 
 14  And  the  living  creatures  ran  and  returned  as 
 the  appearance  of  a  fiafh  of  lightning. 
 
 15  II  Now,  as  I  beheld  the  living  creatures,  behold 
 one  wheel  upon  the  earth  by  the  living  creatures, 
 with  his  four  faces. 
 
 16  The  appearance  of  the  wheels  and  their  work 
 was  like  unto  the  colour  of  a  beryl ;  and  they  four 
 had  one  likenefs  :  and  their  appearance  and  their 
 work  was  as  it  were  a  wheel  in  the  middle  of  a  wheel. 
 
 17  When  they  went,  they  went  upon  their  four 
 fides  ;  and  they  turned  not  when  they  went. 
 
 18  As  for  their  rings,  they  were  fo  high  that  they 
 were  dreadful ;  and  their  II  rings  were  full  of  eyes 
 round  about  them  four. 
 
 19  And  when  the  living  creatures  went,  the  wheels 
 went  by  them  ;  and  when  the  living  creatures  were 
 lifted  up  from  the  earth,  the  wheels  were  lifted  op. 
 
 20  Whitherfoever  the  fpirit  was  to  go,  they  went, 
 thither  was  their  fpirit  to  go ;  and  the  wheels  were 
 lifted  up  over  againft  them :  for  the  fpirit  II  of  the 
 living  creature  was  in  the  wheels. 
 
 EZEklEL.  wheshf  and  glor^  cf 
 
 2 1^  When  thofe  went,  these  went ;  and  when  thofe  Before 
 
 Thefe  living  creatures  may  denote  angels,  as  miniftering  in  the  difpenfations  of 
 providence,  and  mmisters,  as  forving  in  the  church.  Their  being  living  denotes 
 their  own  life  and  livelinefs,  and  the  quickening  influence  of  their  w-ork  ;  their 
 being  four,  denotes  their  fufficiency  for  all  the  ends  of  the  earth,  and  under  all 
 the  Empires  of  it.  Their  four  faces  : — viz.  of  a  man  denotes  their  wifdoin,  pru¬ 
 dence,  and  tender  compaffion; — of  a  lion,  their  courage,  boldnefs,  and  might;— 
 of  an  ox,  their  indefatigable  labour  and  patience  ; — of  an  eagle,  their  clear  and 
 piercing  knowledge,  high  contemplations,  and  holy  affe<aions.  Their  four  wings 
 covering  their  bodies,  stretched  upwards,  and  joined  to  their  fellows,  denotes  their 
 diligence,  fpeedy  fuccefs,  confeioufnefs  of  their  own  infirmities,  and  mutual 
 harmony  and  love.  Their  straight  feet,  like  those  of  a  calf,  and  sparkling,  denote 
 their  upright,  fteady,  perfevering,  pure,  and  glorious  miniftrations  and  behaviour, 
 their  many  hands  under  their  wings,  denote  their  great,  but  prudently  direaed, 
 and  humble  aaivity  in  their  whole  work.  Their  ferp  appearance,  denotes  their 
 ardent  love  and  holy  zeal.  The  spirit  moving  among  them,  denotes  the  Holy  Ghoft 
 
 flood,  these  flood  ;  and  when  thofe  were  lifted  up 
 from  the  earth,  the  wheels  were  lifted  up  over  againft 
 them  :  for  the  I'pirit  H  of  the  living  creature  was  in  tfo^ 
 the  wheels.  ofife. 
 
 22  And  the  likenefs  of  the  firmament  upon  the 
 heads  of  the  living  creature  was  as  the  colour  of 
 the  terrible  cryftal,  ftretched  forth  over  their  heads 
 above, 
 
 23  And  under  the  firmament  were  their  wings 
 ftraight,  the  one  toward  the  other :  every  one  had 
 two,  which  covered  on  this  fide,  and  every  one  had 
 two,  which  covered  on  that  fide,  their  bodies. 
 
 24  And  when  they  went,  I  heard  the  noifeof  their 
 wings,  like  the  noife  of  great  waters,  as  the  voice  of 
 the  Almighty,  the  voice  of  fpeech,  as  the  noife  of  an 
 hoft  :  when  they  flood,  they  let  down  their  wings. 
 
 25  And  there  was  a  voice  from  the  firmament  that 
 was  over  their  heads  when  they  flood,  and  had  let 
 down  their  wings. 
 
 26  f  And  above  the  firmament  that  was  over  their 
 heads  was  the  likenefs  of  a  throne,  as  the  appearance 
 of  a  fapphire-ftone :  and  upon  the  likenefs  of  the 
 throne  was  the  likenefs  as  the  appearance  of  a  man 
 above  upon  it. 
 
 27  And  I  faw  as  the  colour  of  amber,  as  the  appear¬ 
 ance  of  fire  round  about  within  it ;  from  the  appear¬ 
 ance  of  his  loins  even  upward,  and  from  the  ap- 
 pearance  of  his  loins  even  downward,  I  faw  as  it 
 were  the  appearance  of  fire,  and  it  had  brightnefs 
 round  about. 
 
 28  As  the  appearance  of  the  bow  that  is  in  the 
 cloud  in  the  day  of  rain,  fo  was  the  appearance  of  the 
 brightnefs  round  about.  This  was  the  appearance  of 
 the  likenefs  of  the  glory  of  the  Lord.  And  when  I 
 faw  ity  I  fell  upon  my  face,  and  1  heard  a  voice  of 
 one  that  fpake.* 
 
 CHAP.  II. 
 
 I  tlzekieVs  commission ;  6  his  instructions.  9  The  roll  of  heavy  judgments 
 
 spread  bifore  him. 
 
 And  he  faid  unto  me,  Son  of  man,  ftand  upon 
 thy  feet,  and  I  will  (peak  unto  thee. 
 
 2  And  the  I'pirit  entered  into  me  when  he  fpake 
 unto  me,  and  fet  me  upon  ray  feet,  that  I  heard  him 
 that  fpake  unto  me. 
 
 3  And  he  faid  unto  me.  Son  of  mad,  I  fend  thee 
 to  the  children  of  Ifrael,  to  a  rebellious  f  nation  that  t 
 hath  rebelled  againft  me :  they  and  their  fathers  have””^'""^' 
 tranCgreffed  againft  me,  even  unto  this  very  day. 
 
 as  calling  them  and  qualifying  them  for,  and  diredling  and  adluating  them  ir, 
 their  work;  and  all  directed  by  the  voice  of  the  Almighty,  Who  is  enthroned  in 
 heaven.  Ver.  15— 25.  The_^ottr  with  four  faces  each,  and  coloured  like 
 
 beryl  mysterious  in  their  form,  dreadfully  high  in  their  rinss,full  of  eyes,  and  moved 
 by  the  living  creatures  straightforward,  may  denote  the  manifold,  precious,  glorious, 
 myfterious,  dreadful,  wife  and  prudent  providences  of  God,  perfeveringly,  felf- 
 eonfiftently,  and  righteoufly  condudled  by  the  miniflration  of  angels  in  all  parts 
 of  the  world.  Ver.  26-^28.  This  man,  amber-coloured,  and  fery  in  appearance, 
 enthroned,  in  heaven,  over  the  wheels  and  animals,  and  encircled  with  a  rainbow, 
 reprefents  Jefus  Chrift  in  our  nature,  as  terrible  to  bis  enemies  but  full  of  love  to, 
 and  zeal  for  his  people,  exalted  to  his  Father’s  right  hand,  and  attending  to 
 and  adminiftering  the  covenant  of  grace  to  the  world. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  II.  Ver.  1—6.  The  title  Son  o/‘win» 
 fo  often  given  to  Ezekiel,  and  fomelimes  to  Daniel  who  alfo  prophefied  in 
 Chaldea,  might  be  given  them  to  render  them  humble  under  their  enjoyment  of 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. _ *  Chap.  I.]  They  who  diligently  improve  the  time  God  hath  fet  apart  for  his  own  fervice,  in  waiting  upon  him,  will 
 
 find  him  often  manifeaing  himfelf  to  them  in  a  different  manner  than  be  does  to  the  world.  Thofe  minifters  fliall  be  enabled  to  deliver  their  meffage  with  the 
 greateft  confidence,  who  fpeak  from  the  fulleft  convidlion  in  their  own  fouls.  If  God  fend  us  to  preach  his  gofpel,  we  may  reft  affured  bis  hand  will  ftrengtben  HS 
 for  th§  important  work.  And  if  we  fpeak  agreeably  to  bis  word,  he  will  caufe  it  to  have  power  and  demonftration. 
 
EZEKIEL. 
 
 Before 
 Clirift 
 595. 
 
 cir 
 
 I  Heb. 
 hard  of 
 face. 
 
 II  O’-- 
 
 fchcl^* 
 
 I  Heb. 
 rebellion- 
 
 a  Revel. 
 10.  9. 
 
 is  made  to  eat  the  roll 
 
 4  For  they  are  f  ihipudent  children,  and  flifF-heart- 
 ed.  I  do  fend  thee  unto  them  ;  and  thou  (halt  fay 
 unto  them,  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God. 
 
 5  And  they,  whether  they  will  hear,  or  whether  they 
 will  forbear,  (for  they  are  a  rebellious  houfe,)  yet 
 (hall  know  that  there  hath  been  a  prophet  among  them. 
 
 6  II  And  thou,  fon  of  man,  be  not  afraid  of  them, 
 neither  be  afraid  of  their  words,  though  ll  briers  and 
 thorns  he  with  thee,  and  thou  doft  dwell  among  fcor- 
 pions ;  be  not  afraid  of  their  words,  nor  be  dif- 
 mayed  at  their  looks,  though  they  be  a  rebellious 
 
 houfe.  .  , 
 
 7  And  thou  (halt  fpeak  my  words  unto  them,  whe¬ 
 ther  they  will  hear,  or  whether  they  will  forbear  ;  for 
 they  are  -f  raoft  rebellious. 
 
 8  But  thou,  fon  of  man,  hear  what  I  fay  unto  thee : 
 Be  not  thou  rebellious  like  that  rebellious  houfe: 
 open  thy  mouth,  and  ^  eat  that  I  give  thee. 
 
 9  f  And  when  1  looked,  behold  an  hand  Mas  fent 
 unto  me  ;  and,  lo,  a  roll  of  a  book  "was  therein  ;  _ 
 
 JO  And  he  i’pread  it  before  me  :  and  it  vcas  written 
 within  and  without :  and  there  was  written  therein 
 lamentations,  and  mourning,  and  woe.* 
 
 CHAP.  III. 
 
 1  Ezekiel  is  made  to  eat  the  roll;  4  God  encouragelh  him;  15  he  is  ad¬ 
 monished  of  his  duty  as  a  watchman  lo  Israel,  22  God  further  instruSl- 
 eth  him  canctrning  his  typical  bands. 
 
 OREOVER,  he  laid  unto  me,  Son  of  man, 
 eat  that  thou  findeft  :  eat  this  roll,  and  go 
 Ipealc  unto  the  houfe  of  Ifrael. 
 
 2  So  I  opened  my  mouth,  and  he  caufed  me  to  eat 
 that  roll. 
 
 3  And  he  faid  unto  me.  Son  of  man,  caule  thy 
 
 ,  belly  to  eat,  and  fill  thy  bowels  with  this  roll  that 
 deepofiip,  \  gjyg  thee.  Then  did  1  ®  eat  it ;  and  it  was  in  my 
 and  heavy  ^s  hoDuy  for  fwectnefs. 
 
 fnd  fo“'’  4  ^  And  he  faid  unto  me.  Son  of  man,  go,  get  thee 
 
 Ver.  6.  unto  the  houfe  of  Ifrael,  and  fpeak  with  my  words 
 ^  unto  them. 
 
 alTheZj  For  thou  art  not  fent  to  a  people  f  of  a  ftrange 
 of  Ian-  '^fpeech,  and  of  an  hard  language,  hut  to  the  houle  of 
 guage.  Ifrael  ; 
 
 ifT/wd  ^  Flot  to  many  people  t  of  a  ftrange  fpeech,  and 
 sent  thee,  of  an  hard  language,  whofe  words  thou  canft  not  un- 
 ^c.  would  derfiand :  1|  furely,  had  I  fent  thee  to  them,  they 
 they  not  would  have  hearkened  unto  thee. 
 
 7  But  the  houfe  of  Ifrael  will  not  hearken  unto 
 
 He  is  made  a  watchman  to  Israel* 
 
 a  Revel. 
 10.  9. 
 t  Heb. 
 
 have  h  ar- 
 kenelunlo 
 
 thee. 
 t  Heb. 
 Hif  of 
 forehead 
 end  hard 
 of  heart. 
 
 Before 
 
 Cbritl 
 
 595. 
 
 thee  ;  for  they  will  not  hearken  unto  me  ;  for  all  the 
 houfe  of  Ifrael  are  impudent  and  hard-hearted. 
 
 8  Behold,  I  have  made  thy  face  ftrong  againft  their 
 faces,  and  thy  forehead  ftrong  againft  their  fore¬ 
 heads. 
 
 9  As  an  adamant,  harder  than  flint,  have  I  made 
 
 thy  forehead  :  fear  them  not,  neither  be  difmayed  at 
 their  looks,  though  they  he  a  rebellious  hcufe.  — 
 
 10  Moreover,  he  faid  unto  me,  Son  of  nian,  all  my 
 words  that  I  (hall  fpeak  unto  thee  receive  in  thine 
 heart,  and  hear  with  thine  ears. 
 
 11  And  go,  get  thee  to  them  of  the  captivity,  unto 
 the  children  of  thy  people,  and  fpeak  unto  them,  and 
 tell  them,  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  whether  they 
 will  hear,  or  whether  they  will  forbear. 
 
 12  Tnen  the  fpirit  took  me  up,  and  I  heard  behind 
 me  a  voice  of  a  great  ruffling,  saytng,  Bleffed  he  the 
 glory  of  the  Lord  from  his  place. 
 
 13  /  heard  alfo  the  noife  of  the  wings  of  the  living 
 creatures  that  f  touched  one  another,  and  the  noife  f 
 of  the  wheels  over  againft  them,  and  a  nolle  of  a  great  ‘ 
 ruffling. 
 
 14  So  the  fpirit  lifted  me  up,  and  took  me  away, 
 
 and  I  went  f  in  bitternefs,  in  the  f  heat  of  my  fpint ;  * 
 
 but  the  hand  of  the  Lord  was  ftrong  upon  me.  ^  ^  Heb. 
 
 15  f  I'hen  I  came  to  them  of  the  captivity  at  Tt\-  anger  hot. 
 abib,  that  dwelt  by  the  river  of  Chebar,  and  1  fat 
 where  they  far,  and  remained  there  aftonifhed  among 
 
 them  feven  days. 
 
 16  And  it  came  to  pafs  at  the  end  of  feven  days, 
 that  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  me,  faying, 
 
 17  Son  of  man,  1  have  made  thee  a  watchman  <=  Chap, 
 unto  the  houfe  of  Ifrael :  therefore  hear  the  word  at^^’ 
 my  mouth,  and  give  them  warning  from  me. 
 
 18  When  I  fay  unto  the  wicked,  'I'hou  fflalt  furely 
 die ;  and  thou  giveft  him  not  warning,  nor  Ipeakeft 
 to  warn  the  wicked  from  his  w’lcked  way,  to  fave  his 
 life  ;  the  fame  wicked  man  (hall  die  in  his  iniquity  ; 
 but  his  blood  will  I  require  at  thine  band. 
 
 19  Yet  if  thou  warn  the  wicked,  and  he  turn  not 
 from  his  wickednefs,  nor  from  his  wicked  way,  he  fflall 
 die  in  his  iniquity  ;  but  thou  haft  delivered  thy  Iqul. 
 
 20  Again,  when  a  righteous  man  doth  turn  from^  Chap, 
 his  f  righteoufnefs,  and  commit  iniquity,  and  Il^y.^|Heb! 
 ftumbling-block  before  him,  he  fflall  die  ;  _  becaufe  righteous- 
 thou  haft  not  given  him  warning,  he  fflall  die  in  his  fin,7if5ief. 
 and  his  righteoufnefs  which  he  hath  done  fflall  not  be 
 remembered ;  but  his  blood  will  I  require  at  thine  hand. 
 
 21  Neverthelefs,  if  thou  warn  the  righteous  7«a«, 
 that  the  righteous  fin  not,  and  he  doth  not  fin,  he  (flail 
 furely  live,  becaufe  he  is  warned :  alfo  thou  haft  de¬ 
 livered  thy  foul. 
 
 22  ^  And  the  hand  of  the  Lord  was  there  upon 
 tr.e  ;  and  he  faid  unto  me,  Arife,  go  .forth  into  the 
 plain,  and  I  will  there  talk  with  thee. 
 
 23  Then  I  arofe,  and  went  forth  into  the  plain  ; 
 and,  behold,  the  glory  of  the  Lord  flood  there,  as  the 
 
 fo  many  divine  vifions  ;  or  as  an  honourable  reprefentation  of  them  as  types  of 
 the  San  of  God  in  our  nature.  And  the  Jews  are  called  briers,  thorns  and  fcor- 
 pions,  to  reprefent  what  curfed,  mifchievous,  malignant,  fuDtle,  fierce,  frowning, 
 venomous,  and  murderous  perfecutors  they  would  be  to  him.  Ver.  9,  10. 
 Knowledge  of  divine  truth  is  to  the  foul  what  food  is  to  the  body  ;  it  nourilhes 
 and  ftrengthens  it.  The  fubjedls  of  knowledge  prefented  Ezekiel,  eonfilled  chief¬ 
 ly  of  the  judgments  of  God  without  mercy,  at  lead  fo  far  as  they  reflected  the 
 Jews  of  that  age, 
 
 explanatory  NOTES.  Chap.  III.  Ver.  1—5.  This  roH  noted  his 
 prophetic  commifiion,  or  the  meflages  he  had  to  deliver.  The  eating  imported  his 
 cordial  reception  of  his  raelfages  and  ferious  meditation  on  them,  that  he  might 
 
 underfland  them.  Its  being  sweet  in  his  mouth,  imported  that  Iiis  commifiion  was 
 delightful  to  him  at  firft,  though  afterwards  he  was  filled  with  grief  and  anguifh, 
 when  be  found  that  he  was  to  deliver  fuch  terrible  mefiages,  and  thofe  to  be  fo  lit¬ 
 tle  regarded.  8,  9.  I  will  endow  thee  with  boldnel’s  to  deliver  my  mclfages,  and 
 with  courage  and  conftancy  to  hold  out  againd  all  oppofition.  Ver.  12  14. 
 
 The  great  rushing,  i^c,  denotes  the  great  commotions  and  troubles  which  he  was 
 to  foretel,  and  in  which  God  would  be  glorified  — The  noise  of  the  wings  of  the 
 animals,  and  of  the  wheels,  denotes  the  great  aidivity  of  the  angels,  miniders  and 
 others,  in  executing  God’s  threatenings  and  providence,  Ver.  20.  If  a  man  who^ 
 is  but  apparently  righteous,  without  any  real  principle  of  grace,  abandon  his  feem- 
 ingly  virtuous  courfe,  and  give  up  bimfelf  to  a  continued  pra<5Hce  of  wickednefs. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.^*  Chap.  II.]  Sinners  wlio  perfid  in  their  iniquities,  notwithdanding  all  the  methods  of  providence  and  gr.ice  God  hath 
 favoured  them  with,  will  be  left  without  excufe.  None  can  fpeak  with  authority,  except  thofe  who  have  received  a  divine  commiflion.  Even  (hould  finuers  lend  a 
 deaf  ear  to  the  gofpel,  God  will  be  glorified  ;  and  his  faithful  miniders  honoured  and  approved  of  by  him.  They  may  expeft  to  meet  with  unreafouable  and  wicked 
 ®en,  but  they  mud  not  be  intimidated  to  keep  back  any  thing  of  the  counfel  of  God,  how  much  foever  they  may  be  expofed  thereby.  They  who  are  fent  of  God 
 ®Hid  carefully  adhere  to  their  indru<5Iions,  and  fpeak  his  word,  without  adulteration,  not  conniving  with  fmners,  or  in  the  lead  afraid  of  giving  them  offence. 
 
 9  F  24 
 
God  shutteth  the  prophet’s  mouth. 
 
 EZEKIEL. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 cir,  596. 
 
 glory  which  I  faw  by  the  river  of  Chebar ;  and  I  ' 
 
 roll  /-\r>  n-.  ••  ^ 
 
 e  Chap. 
 1.  28. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 a  man  re¬ 
 
 proving. 
 
 fell  on  my  face. 
 
 24  1  nen  the  Ipirit  entered  into  me,  and  fet  me  upon 
 my  reet,  and  ipake  with  me,  and  faid  unto  me.  Go 
 Ihut  thylelr  within  thine  houfe. 
 
 25  But  thou,  O  fon  ot  man,  behold,  they  (hall  put 
 bands  upon  thee,  and  (hall  bind  thee  with  them,  and 
 thou  (halt  not  go  out  among  them : 
 
 26  And  I  will  make  thy  tongue  cleave  to  the  roof 
 or  thy  mouth,  that  thou  (bait  be  dumb,  and  (halt  not 
 be  to  them  f  a  reprover;  for  theyar^fa  rebellious  houle. 
 
 27  But  when  I  (peak  with  thee,  I  will  open  thy 
 mouth,  and  thou  (halt  fay  unto  them.  Thus  faith  the 
 Lord  God,  he  that  heareth,  let  him  hear;  and  he 
 that  (orbeareth,  let  him  forbear;  for  they  are  a  re¬ 
 bellious  houfe.* 
 
 CHAP.  IV. 
 
 The  prophet  is  direc'ed  to  represent  a  mock  siege  of  Jerusalem  for  a  sign 
 to  the  Jews;  9  his  allotted  provisions  prefigure  the  people’s  defilement 
 among  the  Gentiles. 
 
 11 
 
 chef, 
 leaders. 
 H  Or, 
 a  fiat 
 
 Thou  allb,  fon  of  man,  take  thee  a  tile,  and  lay 
 It  before  thee,  and  pouriray  upon  it  the  city, 
 even  Jerulalem  : 
 
 2  And  lay  (iege  againft  it,  and  build  a  fort  againft 
 it  and  calf  a  mount  againft;  it ;  fet  the  camp  allb  againft 
 it,  and  let  1)  bat(ering-r2,ms  againft  it  round  about. 
 
 3  Moreover,  take  thou  unto  thee  f  an  iron  pan,  and 
 fet  it  Jor  a  wall  of  iron  between  thee  and  the  city  ; 
 and  fet  thy  face  againft  it,  and  it  (hall  be  befieged, 
 plate,  or,  and  thou  fhalt  lay  fiege  againft  it.  This  shall  be  a  fign 
 to  the  houfe  of  llrael. 
 
 4  Lie  thou  alfo  upon  thy  left  fide,  and  lay  the  ini¬ 
 quity  of  the  houfe  of  Ifrael  upon  it :  according  to  the 
 number  of  the  days  that  thou  fhalt  lie  upon  it  thou 
 fhalt  bear  their  iniquity. 
 
 5  For  I  have  laid  upon  thee  the  years  of  their  ini¬ 
 quity,  according  to  the  number  of  the  days,  three 
 ®  hundred  and  ninety  days :  *  fo  fhalt  thou  bear  the 
 •  ^  ■  iniquity  of  the  houfe  of  Ifrael. 
 f  Heb.  6  And  when  thou  haft  accoroplifhed  them,  lie  again 
 on  thy  right  fide,  and  thou  (halt  bear  the  iniquity  of 
 Ih^for  ^1^0  houfe  of  Judah  forty  days  :  I  have  appointed  thee 
 a  xjear,  f  each  day  for  a  year. 
 
 The  type  of  a  siege  x 
 
 <5c. 
 
 I  Therefore  thoo  .ffialt  fet  Ihy  face  toward  the  B* 
 fiege  of  Jerolalem,  and  thine  arm  iliall  be  uncovered 
 
 and  thou  (halt  prophecy  againft  it.  ’  ‘^‘''■595 
 
 8  And,  behold,  I  will  lay  bands  upon  thee,  and""^ 
 thou  (halt  not  turn  thee  f  from  one  fide  to  another  tHeh 
 
 "  'from  np 
 
 9  ^  lalce  thou  alio  unto  thee  wheat,  and  barlev 
 and  beans,  and  lentiles,  and  millet,  and  ||  fitches,  andfor 
 put  them  in.  one  veflel,  and  make  thee  bread  thereof  V 
 according  to  the  number  of  the  days  that  thou  (halt 
 
 he  upon  thy  fide ;  three  hundred  and  ninety  davs 
 (halt  thou  eat  thereof.  ^ 
 
 10  And  thy  meat  which  thou  (halt  eat  shall  be  bv 
 weight,  twenty  fhekels  a  day:  from  time  to  time 
 (halt  thou  eat  it. 
 
 II  Thou  (halt  drink  alfo  water  by  meafure,  the 
 
 fixth  part  of  an  hin :  from  time  to  time  fhalt  ’thou 
 drink. 
 
 12  And  thou  fhalt  eat  it  as  barley-cakes,  and  thou 
 (halt  bake  it  with  dung  that  coraeth  out  of  man,  in 
 their  fight. 
 
 13  And  the  Lord  faid.  Even  thus  (hall  the  chil¬ 
 dren  of  Ifrael  eat  their  defiled  bread  among  the  Gen¬ 
 tiles  whiiher  I  will  drive  them. 
 
 14  Then  faid  I,  Ah  Lord  God  !  behold,  my  foul 
 hath  not  been  polluted  ;  for  from  my  youth  up,  even 
 till  now,  have!  not  eaten  of  that  which  dieth  of  itfelf, 
 or  is  torn  in  pieces;  neither  came  there  abominable 
 flefh  into  my  mouth. 
 
 15  Then  he  faid  unto  me,  Lo,  I  have  given  thee 
 cow  s  dung  for  man  s  dung,  and  thou  (halt  prepare 
 thy  bread  therewith. 
 
 16  Moreover,  he  faid  unto  me.  Son  of  man,  be¬ 
 hold,  I  will  break  the  ^  ftafi  of  bread  in  Jerufalem ; 
 
 and  they  (hall  eat  bread  by  weight,  and  with  caref^'^®’ 
 and  they  (hall  drink  water  by  meafure  and  with  afto-5^  le.  & 
 nifhment.  14. 13. 
 
 17  That  they  may  want  bread  and  water,  and  be 
 aftonied  one  with  another,  and  confume  away  for 
 their  iniquity.f 
 
 CHAP.  V. 
 
 Under  the  type  of  the  prophet’s  hair,  3  is  shewed  God's  judgment  upon 
 Jerusalem,  12  by  pestilence  and  by  famine,  ^c. 
 
 and  Providence  lay  in  his  way  what  his  lufts  fliall  improve  to  his  deftru<5lion, 
 whatever  feeming  good  things  once  appeared  about  him,  (hall  in  no  wife  avail  to 
 prevent  his  punifliment.  But  the  prophet  who  hath  not  warned  him,  (hall  be 
 punithed  as  guilty  of  his  deftru(5lion.  Ver.  25.  Thefe  bands  may  either  denote 
 the  reftraints  which  God  put  upon  him  during  his  four  hundred  and  thirty  days 
 emblemat  cal  fiege  of  Jerufalem,  (chap.  iv. )  for  the  reftraints  which  the  Jews 
 ■would  lay  upon  him,  in  order  to  prevent  his  denouncing  judgments  againft 
 them. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  IV.  Ver.  1—4.  It  is  moft  probable 
 that  thefe  things  were  really  done,  and  not  in  mere  vifion.  If  that  year  were  their 
 leap  year  of  thirteen  months,  there  was  time  enough  between  the  dates,  chap.  i.  I, 
 2.  and  viii.  l.  God  could  eafily  make  the  prophet  lie  dill  all  the  time  fpecified, 
 and  live  comfortably  on  his  provifion.  The  briltle  tile,  reprefented  Jerufalem’s 
 xveaknefs,  and  readinefs  to  be  irrecoverably  ruined.  Thepnn  or  slice  of  iron,  re¬ 
 prefented  the  walls  of  Jerufalem,  or  the  refolution  and  fortifications  of  the  Chal¬ 
 
 dean  befiegers  ;  the  three  hundred  and  ninety  days  on  his  left  side,  anfwering  to  the 
 years  of  wickednefs  by  the  lefs  regarded  ten  tribes  after  Jeroboam  had  become 
 king,  (1  Kings  xii.)  might  alfo  figure  out  three  hundred  and  ninety  days  of  fiege, 
 by  the  Chaldeans,  before  they  went  off  to  fight  the  Egyptians,  (.Ter.  xxxvii.  3.) 
 The  forty  days  on  his  right  side,  anfwering  to  the  Jews’  year  of  wickednefs  under 
 Manaffeh,  Jehoiakim,  and  Zedekiah  ;  or  beginning  from  the  13th  or  J8th  year  of 
 Jofiah  might  reprefent  the  forty  days  of  fiege  after  the  Chaldeans  returned  be¬ 
 fore  the  city  was  taken,  — His  setting  his  face  against  the  portrait  of  Jerusalem,  and 
 having  his  arm  bare,  marked  how  furioully  the  Chaldeans  (liould  befiege  it,  and 
 how  ready  they  would  be  to  ufe  their  fwords  in  murdering  the  inhabitants.  Ver. 
 15.  cattle’s  dung  dried,  was  and  is  dill  ufed  for  fuel  in  the  eaft,  cfpecially  by  the 
 lower  orders  of  the  people.  The  articles  of  food  and  the  fuel  to  prepare  them 
 which  the  prophet  was  commanded  to  adopt  for  himfelf,  were  defigned  to  exhibit 
 fymbolically,  the  low  wretched  ftate,  to  which  all  ranks  among  the  Jews  were  to 
 be  fubjetfted  becaufe  of  their  iniquities. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  III.]  God’s  word  is  the  bread  of  life  to  his  people,  which  ought  to  be  received  into  the  heart,  and  univerfally 
 embraced  and  obeyed.  Minifters  are  efpecially  bound  to  digeft  their  fubjetfts,  and  make  a  folemn  and  ferious  preparation  before  they  prefume  to  deliver  God’s  word. 
 But  the  greateft  abilities  and  moft  intenfe  application  will  not  fuffice  without  he  grants  a  fpirit  of  wifdom  and  underftanding,  as  all  their  fufficiency  is  from  God.  They 
 who  daily  meditate  on  his  word  will  find  it  fweeter  than  honey  or  the  honeycomb.  When  minifters  are  called  to  difficult  fervices  they  will  be  fitted  for  fuch  under¬ 
 takings;  as  their  day  is  fo  fhall  their  ftrength  be.  Though  they  fhould  not  perceive  the  fruit  of  their  labours  to  be  equal  to  their  ardent  wifhes,  yet  they  muft  not  be 
 difeouraged  but  difeharge  their  roiniftry  with  diligence  and  perfevering  zeal.  Nothing  is  more  difeouraging  to  a  faithful  minifter,  than  to  fee  a  hardened  people  re¬ 
 main  unaffecfed  under  his-difeourfes.  They  whom  God  appoint  for  watchmen  on  the  walls  of  Zion  muft  fhun  no  fatigue  or  danger,  and  pray  earneftly  for  aid,  con- 
 I'cious  that  without  the  divine  blelfing,  the  watchmen  waketh  but  in  vain.  It  is  a  heavy  judgment  on  a  congregation  or  people  when  God  removes  from  them  their 
 faithful  minifter. 
 
 PRACTICAL  observations. — -j-  Chap.  IV.]  When  God’s  glory  requires  it,  we  muft  not  hefitate  to  endure  any  difficulty,  and  deny  ourfelves  the  lawful 
 comforts  of  life.  The  fear  of  fin  affeiSls  the  gracious  foul  more  than  any  thing  befide.  God’s  condefcenfion  to  the  fcruples  of  Ezekiel  fhould  teach  us  to  ufe  th® 
 like  tendernefs  towards  our  brethren  and  not  to  grieve  their  weak  confciences.  • 
 
(jorf’s  r 
 
 iid^ment  on  Jerusalem  typified,  SjC» 
 
 EZEKIEL. 
 
 pefore 
 
 Chrift 
 
 594. 
 
 594' 
 
 I  Heb^ 
 wiK^- 
 
 AND  thou,  fon  of  man,  take  thee  a  (harp  knife, 
 take  thee  a  barber’s  razor,  and  caufe  it  to  pafs 
 upon  thine  head,  and  upon  thy  beard:  then  take  thee 
 balances  to  weigh,  and  divide  the  hair. 
 
 2  Thou  (halt  burn  with  fire  a  third  part  in  the  midft 
 of  the  city,  when  the  days  of  the  fiege  are  fulfilled  ; 
 and  thou  (halt  take  a  third  part,  and  (mite  about  it 
 with  a  knife  :  and  a  third  part  thou  (halt  fcatter  in 
 the  wind  :  and  I  will  draw  out  a  fword  after  them. 
 
 3  Thou  (halt  alio  take  thereof  a  few  in  number, 
 and  bind  them  in  thy  f  (kirts. 
 
 4  Then  take  of  them  again,  and  caft  them  into 
 the  midft  of  the  fire,  and  burn  them  in  the  fire  :  Jor 
 thereof  ftiall  a  fire  come  forth  into  all  the  houfe  of 
 Krael. 
 
 5  H  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  This  is  Jerufalem  : 
 
 I  have  let  it  in  the  midft  of  the  nations  and  countries 
 that  are  round  about  her. 
 
 6  And  (he  hath  changed  ray  judgments  into  wick- 
 ednefs  more  than  the  nations,  and  my  ftatutes  more 
 than  the  countries  that  are  round  about  her;  for  they 
 have  refufed  my  judgments  and  my  (fatutes,  they 
 have  not  walked  in  them. 
 
 7  Therefore  thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  becaufe  ye 
 multiplied  more  than  the  nations  that  are  round  about 
 you,  and  have  not  walked  in  my  ftatutes,  neither  have 
 kept  my  judgments,  neither  have  done  according  to 
 the  judgments  of  the  nations  that  are  round  about 
 you  ; 
 
 8  Therefore  thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  Behold,  I, 
 even  1,  am  againft  thee,  and  will  execute  judgments 
 in  the  midft  of  thee,  in  the  light  of  the  nations. 
 
 9  And  I  will  do  in  thee,  that  which  I  have  not  done, 
 and  whereunto  I  will  not  do  any  more  the  like,  be¬ 
 caufe  of  all  thine  abominations. 
 
 10  Therefore  the  fathers  *  (hall  eat  the  fons  in  the 
 midft  of  thee,  and  the  fons  (hall  eat  their  fathers ; 
 and  I  will  execute  judgments  in  thee,  and  the  whole 
 remnant  of  thee  will  I  fcatter  into  all  the  winds. 
 
 11  Wherefore,  as  I  live,  (aith  the  Lord.  God, 
 Lament.  Surely,  becaufe  thou  haft  defiled  my  fanftuary  with 
 all  thy  deteftable  things,  and  with  all  thine  abomina¬ 
 tions,  therefore  will  1  alfo  dimimfh  thee;  neither 
 (hall  mine  eyes  fpare,  neither  will  I  have  any  pity. 
 
 12  ^1  A  third  part  of  thee  (hall  die  with  the  pefti- 
 lence,  and  with  famine  fhall  they  be  confumed  in  the 
 midft  of  thee  ;  and  a  third  part  fhall  fall  by  the  fword 
 round  about  thee  ;  and  I  will  fcatter  a  third  part  into  ' 
 
 a  Levit. 
 25.  29. 
 Deuter. 
 28.  55. 
 
 2  Kings 
 6.  29. 
 
 4.  10. 
 Baruch 
 2.  3. 
 b  Chap. 
 7,  4,  9. 
 
 and 
 
 by  pestilence,  famine,  8jc, 
 
 I  will  draw  out  a  fword  after 
 
 594. 
 
 all  the  winds ; 
 them. 
 
 13  Thus  fhall  mine  anger  be  accoraplifhed,  and' 
 
 I  will  caule  my  fury  to  re(t  upon  them,  and  I  will  be 
 comforted  ;  and  they  (hall  know  that  I  the  Lord 
 have  fpoken  it  in  ray  zeal,  when  I  have  accompli(hed 
 my  fury  in  them. 
 
 14  Moreover,  I  will  make  thee  wafte,  and  a  re¬ 
 proach  among  the  nations  that  are  round  about  thee, 
 in  the  fight  of  all  that  pafs  by. 
 
 15  So  it  (hall  be  *=  a  reproach  and  a  taunt,  an 
 ftruftion  and  an  aftonifhment,  unto  the  nations  that 
 are  round  about  thee,  when  I  fhall  execute  judgments 
 in  thee,  in  anger  and  in  fury,  and  in  furious  rebukes. 
 
 I  the  Lord  have  fpoken  it. 
 
 16  When  I  (hall  fend  upon  them  the  evil  arrows 
 
 of  famine,  which  (hall  be  for  their  deftru^lion,  and 
 which  I  will  fend  to  deftroy  you  :  and  i  will  increafe 
 the  famine  upon  you,  and  will  break  your  (faff  of 
 bread :  ^  ^  Chapter 
 
 17  So  will  I  fend  upon  you  famine  and  '  evil  beads,  4. 26.  & 
 and  they  fhall  bereave  thee  ;  and  peftilenceand  blood  14. 15. 
 (hall  pals  through  thee;  and  I  will  bring  the  fword 
 
 upon  thee.  1  the  Lord  have  fpoken  it.* 
 
 CHAP  VI. 
 
 1  The  judgment  of  Israel  for  their  idolntrj*  8  A  remnant  shall  he  snved* 
 
 1 1  The  prophet  is  directed  to  lament  their  ahominatkns  and  calamities* 
 
 N  D  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  me,  faying, 
 
 _ 2  Son  of  man,  fet  thy  face  toward  the  *  moun-a  Chap. 
 
 tains  of  Ifrael,  and  prophecy  againft  them, 
 
 3  And  fay.  Ye  mountains  of  lifael,  hear  the  word 
 of  the  Lord  God  ;  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God  to  the 
 mountains  and  to  the  hills,  to  the  rivers  and  to  the 
 valleys.  Behold  1,  even  I,  will  bring  a  fword  upon 
 you,  and  1  will  deftroy  your  high  places  : 
 
 4  And  your  altars  (hall  be  defolate,  and  your  ||  ima- 1|  Or, 
 
 ges  (hall  be  broken ;  and  I  will  caft  down  your  (lain  *“"*'”** 
 men  before  your  idols.  ^  ver.  e. 
 
 5  And  I  will  f  lay  the  dead  carcafes  of  the  children  Heb. 
 of  Ifrael  before  their  idols;  and  I  will  fcatter  yoar give. 
 bones  round  about  your  altars. 
 
 6  In  all  your  dwelling-places,  the  cities  (hall  be  laid 
 wattle,  and  the  high  places  fhall  be  defolate  ;  that  your 
 altars  may  be  laid  wafte  and  made  delblate,  and  y'our 
 idols  may  be  broken  and  ceafe,  and  your  images  may 
 be  cut  down,  and  your  works  may  be  abolifhed. 
 
 7  And  the  (lain  (hall  fall  in  the  midft  o(  you  ;  and 
 ye  (hall  know  that  I  a?n  the  Lord. 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  V.  Ver.  1—4.  Compare  Ifaiah  vii. 
 20.  I.  6,  This  imports  that  Jerufalem,  which  bad  been  the  head  of  the  nation, 
 full  of  inhabitants,  and  numerous,  but  now  weak,  as  hairs,  fhould  undergo  the 
 fouled  difgrace  and  bittered  grief ;  and  being  weighed  in  the  balances  of  God’s 
 judice,  (hould  have  punifliment  anfwerable  to  their  guilt:  the  city  fhould  be 
 taken  and  burnt;  one  third  of  the  inhabitants  confumed  in  the  flames,  or  by 
 the  pedilence  and  famine;  another  flain  during  the  fiege,  or  in  attempting 
 to  efcape  ;  the  other  be  led  captive  to  Chaldea,  or  flee  for  refuge  to  Egypt, 
 Moab,  and  Ammon,  whither  the  fword  of  the  Chaldeans  would  purfue 
 them.  A  few  of  them  feemed  referved  for  mercy;  but  the  daughter  of  Ge- 
 daliah  their  governor,  and  others,  and  their  flight  into  Egypt,  not  only  iffued 
 in  their  own  ruin,  but  provoked  the  Chaldeans  to  further  cruelties  againft  the 
 remains  of  their  nation.  Ver.  5.  Ifrael  were  feparated  from  the  nations, 
 I  placed,  as  it  were,  in  the  centre  of  the  then  known  world  ;  and  to  them  God 
 gave  the  facred  oracles,  beftowed  on  them  the  moft  diftinguifhed  favours,  and 
 performed  for  them  the  moft  wonderful  works  ;  that  his  name  might  be  known 
 *11  all  the  earth.  Thus  fitted  to  give  light  to  the  nations  fitting  in  darknefs, 
 
 their  hypocritical  and  ungodly  condudf,  was  rendered  doubly  criminal  anti 
 deftrudfive,  Thofe  nations  whom  they^  ought  to  have  induced  to  ferve  God, 
 they  tempted  by  their  wicked  condudi  to  blafpheme  his  worthy  name;  Rom.  ii. 
 34.  Ver.  12.  Compare  Ila.  i.  24.  Throughout  the  feriptures,  the  fentiments, 
 fenfations,  and  aft’ediions ;  the  bodily  faculties,  qualities,  and  members  of  men, 
 and  even  of  brute  animals,  are  metaphorically  attributed  to  God.  The  founda¬ 
 tion  of  this  is  obvious  ;  it  arifes  from  neceffity ;  we  have  no  idea  of  the  natural 
 attributes  of  God,  of  his  pure  effence,  of  his  manner  of  exiftence,  of  his  manner 
 of  adling  ;  when  therefore  we  would  treat  on  thefe  f'ubjedls,  we  find  ourfelves 
 forced  to  exprefs  them  by  fenfible  objedls.  If  a  man  has  been  greatly  injured 
 and  dilhonoured,  he  is  comforted,  that  is,  his  mind  is  releaved  from  uneafinefs, 
 when  he  obtains  fatisfadlion  for  the  injury,  and  wipes  away  the  difgrace.  The 
 Jews  had  greatly  difhonoured  God,  and  caufed  the  heathen  to  blafpheme  his  holy 
 religion  ;  but  his  judgments  on  them  manifefted  his  majefty,  holinefs,  and  juftice, 
 and  ftopped  the  mouths  of  blafphemers,  and  refledled  honour  on  his  law  and 
 worftiip. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  VI.  Ver.  1—5.  The  country  is  ad- 
 
 PRACTICAL  observations. _ *  Chap.  V.]  If  men  will  not  be  reformed,  they  muft  certainly  be  ruined.  It  is  very  awful  when  thofe  who  appeared 
 
 as  marked  for  monuments  of  mercy,  are  deftroyed  in  wrath.  How  awful  is  it  when  idols,  and  their  fervices,  are  admitted  into  God’s  land,  his  temple,  his  church, 
 and  the  heart  formed  for  bimfelf !  The  immediate  agents  in  the  ruin  of  finners  are  all  the  inftruments  of  an  angry  God :  and  when  his  wrath  is  kir.dled  who  can 
 abide  it !  If  public  rebukes  cannot  reftrain  public  wickednefs,  public  judgments  muft  follow  at  laft. 
 
The  final  desdation  of  Israel. 
 
 b  Chap. 
 21.  H. 
 
 ChrhT  ^  ^  remnant,  that  ye  may  have . 
 
 594_  some  that  fhvill  efcape  the  fword  among  the  nations, 
 when  ye  fhall  be  fcattered  through  the  countries. 
 
 9  And  they  that  efcape  of  you  fliall  remember^e 
 among  the  nations  whither  they  (hall  be  carried  cap¬ 
 tives,  becaufe  I  am  broken  with  their  whorifh  heart, 
 which  hath  departed  from  me,  and  with  their  ever, 
 which  go  a  whoring  after  their  idols  :  and  they  (hall 
 loathe  ihemfelves  for  the  evils  which  they  have  com¬ 
 mitted  in  ail  their  abominations. 
 
 10  And  they  (hall  know  that  I  am  the  Lord,  and 
 that  I  have  not  faid  in  vain  that  I  would  do  this  evil 
 unto  them. 
 
 1 1  H  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  Smite  with  thine 
 hand,  and  damp  with  thy  foot,  and  fay,  Alas  for  all 
 the  evil  abominations  of  the  houfe  of  Ifrael !  for  they 
 fliail  fall  by  the  fwerd,  by  the  famine,  and  by  the 
 pe(filenc8. 
 
 12  He  that  is  far  oif  (hall  die  of  the  peftilence ; 
 and  he  that  is  near  fhall  fall  by  the  fword  :  and  he  j 
 that  remaineth  and  is  befieged  (liall  die  by  the  fa- 1 
 mine:  thus  will  I  accomplilh  my  fury  upon  them.  i 
 
 13  Then  (hall  ye  know  that  I  am  the  Lord,  when  j 
 their  (lain  men  (hall  be  among  their  idols  round  about 
 their  altars,  upon  every  high  hill,  in  all  the  tops  of! 
 the  mountains,  and  under  every  green  tree,  and  un- 1 
 der  every  thick  oak,  the  place  where  they  did  offer ! 
 fweet  favour  to  all  their  idols. 
 
 14  So  will  I  ftretch  out  my  hand  upon  them,  and 
 make  the  land  defolate ;  yea,  |1  more  defolate  than  * 
 the  wildernefs  to'iscard  Diblath,  in  all  their  habitations  : 
 and  they  (hall  know  that  I  am  the  Lord.* 
 
 CHAP.  VII. 
 
 1  The  Jinal  deaolalien  of  Israel.  1 6  The  mournfd  repentance  of  tldm 
 that  escape.  20  The  enemies  are  permitted  to  defile  the  sanctuary,  be¬ 
 cause  of  their  abominations,  ^'C. 
 
 Moreover,  the  word  of  the  Lord  came 
 unto  me,  faying, 
 
 2  Alfo,  thou  (on  of  man,  thus  faith  the  Lord  God  i 
 unto  the  land  of  Ifrael,  An  end,  the  end  is  come  upon 
 the  four  corners  of  the  land. 
 
 3  Now  is  the  end  come  upon  thee,  and  I  will  fend 
 mine  anger  upon  thee,  and  will  judge  thee  according 
 to  thy  ways,  and  will  f  recompenfe  upon  thee  all  thine 
 abominations. 
 
 4  And  mine  eyes  (hall  not  fpare  thee,  neither  will 
 I  have  pity :  but  I  will  recompenfe  thy  ways  upon 
 thee,  and  thine  abominations  (hall  be  in  the  midft  of 
 thee  :  a^td  ye  (hall  know  that  I  am  the  Lord. 
 
 5  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  An  evil,  an  only  evil, 
 behold,  is  come. 
 
 EZEKIEL#  The  repentance  oj  them  that  escnps 
 
 6  An  end  is  come,  the  end  is  come  :  it  f  watcheth  Reform 
 
 for  thee  ;  behold,  it  is  come.  Chria* 
 
 7  The  . morning  is  come- upon  thee,  O  thou  thatv_J®^- 
 dwelled;  in  the  land  ;  the  time  is  come,  the  day  oftn^ 
 trouble  is  near,  and  not  the  H  founding  again  of  the"’"''^«/i 
 mountains. 
 
 8  Now  will  I  fhortly  pour  out  my  fury  upon  thee,  n  Or 
 and  accomplifh  mine  anger  upon  thee  5  and  I  W'ill  echo, 
 judge  thee  according  to  thy  ways,  and  will  recom- 
 pence  thee  for  all  thine  abominations. 
 
 9  And  mine  eye  (hall  not  fpare,  neither  will  I  have 
 pity  :  I  will  recompenfe  f  thee  according  to  thy  ways  f  Heb. 
 and  thine  abominations  that  are  in  the  midft  of  thee  ; 
 and  ye  (hall  know  that  I  am  the  Lord  that  fmiteth. 
 
 10  Behold  the  day,  behold,  it  is  come  ;  the  morn- !|  Or, 
 
 ing  is  gone  forth;  the  rod  hath  blolfomed  ;  pride'"”’''''- 
 hath  budded.  _  fhdr^ 
 
 n  Violence  is  rifen  up  into  a  rod  of  wickednefs 
 none  of  them  shall  remain,  nor  of  their  II  multitude, pmow. 
 nor  of  any  of  11  theirs  ;  neither  shall  there  be  wailing 
 for  them. 
 
 12  The  time  is  come,  the  day  draweth  near:  letwere^c; 
 not  the  buyer  rejoice,  nor  the  feller  mourn  :  for ik 
 wrath js  upon  all  the  multitude  thereof. 
 
 II  Or, 
 desolate 
 from  the 
 'wiUler- 
 
 t  Heb 
 give. 
 
 drefled  as  reprefenting  the  people^  mountain  and  hill,  valley  and  river,  that 
 is,  rich  and  poor,  or  high  and  low.  Judea  was  in  general  a  mountainous  country, 
 interfedled  by  valleys  and  gentle  rivulets,  Exod.  xv.  17.  Deut.  iii.  25.  Ifa.  v.  1. 
 
 And  in  a  political  and  religious  view,  it  was  detached  and  feparated  from  all  the 
 nations  around  it.  Ver.  11.  Compare  Notes  on  Ifa.  Iviii.  1 — 7.  Ixii.  6. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  VII.  Ver.  7.  The  beginning  of  defo- 
 lalion  is  come  upon  you  v\ho  remain  in  Judea  j  and  ye  fhall  quickly  meet  widi 
 real  and  terrible  trouble,  and  not  mere  fears  and  ill-grounded  fancies  of  it. 
 
 Vtr.  10 _ 15.  Since  pride  and  violence  have  come  to  fuch  intolerable  heights 
 
 among  all  ranks,  the  haughty  and  cruel  Chaldeans  are  in  readinefs  to  punifli 
 you  ;  "and  all  orders  fhall  be  equally  involved  in  your  mifery  j  fuch  as  fell  fields 
 
 fhall  not  return  to  them  in  the  year  of  jubilee,  being  captives  in  Babylon  ;  yea,  _ 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  VI.l  Terrible  are  the  defolations  which  guilt  and  war  make  in  nations.  If  men  will  not  deflroy  idols,  he  will. 
 finrat?yevenby?dolarerrmdeftroy^^^^^  llis  perfevering  patietme,  as  well  as  both  mercies  and  judgments,  encourage.and  exc.te  to  a  corchaland 
 
 fhoroujh  repentance.  And  loatbfome  and  aboLnable  is  the  moft  beloved  fiu  to  a  perfon  truly  penitent.  And  nothing  t"ore  deeply  wounds  awakened  confc.en« 
 ilira  fenfe  of  their  bafe  ingratitude,  and  of  grieving  the  Holy  Spirit  of  God.  The  fins  and  judgments  of  others  fhould  aflfea  us  as  well  as  our  own.  And  m.nif 
 ters  mull  often  weep  over  them  who  never  filed  a  tear  for  themfelves. 
 
 13  For  the  feller  (hall  not  return  to  that  which  is 
 
 whose  life 
 
 fold,  f  although  they  were  yet  alive  ;  for  the  vifion  is^sinhis 
 touching  the  whole  multitude  thereof,  which  fhall  not'”^’%- 
 return  ;  neither  fhall  any  ftrengthen  himlelf  U  in  t 
 iniquity  of  his  life.  a  ifaiab 
 
 14  They  have  blown  the  trumpet,  even  to  make  is- 
 all  ready ;  but  none  goeth  to  the  battle  :  for  my  wratn 
 
 is  upon  all  the  multitude  thereof.  |  Heb. 
 
 15  The  fword  is  without,  and  the  peftilence  andgorVo 
 the  famine  within  :  he  that  is  in  the  field  (hall  die"’'"'’”: 
 with  the  fv/ord  :  and  he  that  is  in  the  city,  famine 
 
 and  peftilence  (hall  devour  him.  Jerem. 
 
 16  ^  But  they  that  efcape  of  them  (hall  efcape,  .57. 
 and  (hall  be  on  the  mountains  like  doves  of  the  val-t^®'’’/"'' 
 leys,  all  of  them  mourning,  every  one  for  his  iniquity. 
 
 17  All  *  hands  (hall  be  feeble,  and  all  knees  (hall  unclean- 
 f  be  weak  as  water. 
 
 18  They  (hall  alfo  ”  gird  themselves  with  fackcloth,  ^ 
 
 and  horror  (hall  cover  them  ;  and  (hame  shall  be  upon  ze’phan. 
 all  faces,  and  baldnefs  upon  all  their  heads.  1.  is. 
 
 19  They  (hall  caff  their  filver  in  the  (treets, 
 
 their  gold  (hall  be  f  removed  :  their  •=  filver  and  their 
 gold  (hall  not  be  able  to  deliver  them  in  the  day  of  because 
 the  wrath  of  the  Lord:  they  (hall  not  fatisfy  their 
 fouls,  neither  fill  their  bowels,  11  becaufe  it  is  the 
 ttumbling-block  of  their  iniquity.  stwnbiing 
 
 20  U  As  for  the  beauty  of  his  ornament,  he  fet  itfciocL 
 
 after  their  feventy  years’  captivity,  it  will  be  impoflible  for  many  to  find  their 
 own  inheritances.  This  prediction  of  the  defolation  of  the  country,  and  of 
 its  inhabitants,  (hall  not  fail  of  exact  accomplifiiment :  nor  (hall  any  be  able 
 to  fecure  theml'elves  from  thofe  judgments  threatened,  Co  long  as  they  continue 
 in  their  evil  courfes.  They  may  blpw  the  trumpets,  to  call  them  together  for 
 war  ;  but,  deprived  of  all  courage  and  refolution,  by  my  wrath  upon  them, 
 none  fhall  dare  to  affemble.  Ver.  16 — 22.  The  few  appointed  for  efcape  (hall 
 indeed  be  preferved,  and  fcattered  here  and  there  for  their  fafety  ;  and  they 
 fliall  bitterly  bewail  their  calamities  and  fins.  All  (hall  be  quite  difpiriteJ, 
 
 and  incapable  of  helping  themfelves  ;  and  (hall  be  quite  overwhelmed  with 
 
 grief,  terror,  and  (liame.  Their  wealth  (hall  be  altogether  unprofitable  to 
 
 them  ;  nay,  they  (hall  be  glad  to  be  rid  of  it,  or  (hall  have  it  feized  by  the 
 
pckid 
 
 Before 
 Clirift 
 594. 
 
 Or, 
 
 10  t'lm 
 Jan  r"** 
 
 '  Ihing- 
 
 I  0^’ 
 
 iurgkrs. 
 
 'll  Or, 
 
 Ikeii  shall 
 ^inherit 
 their  holy 
 places. 
 
 Heb. 
 
 XaHiag 
 
 of 
 
 brought  in  a  vision  to  Jerusalem  < 
 
 EZEKIEL. 
 
 The  idolatry  practised  in  Jerusalem. 
 
 in  majefly  ;  but  they  made  the  images  of  their  abomi¬ 
 nations,  and  of  their  deteliable  things  therein  ;  there¬ 
 fore  have  I  II  fet  it  far  from  them. 
 
 21  And  I  will  give  it  into  the  hands  of  the  Grangers 
 for  a  prey,  and  to  the  wicked  of  the  earth  for  a  fpoil ; 
 and  they  (hall  pollute  it. 
 
 22  My  face  will  I  turn  alfo  from  them,  and  they 
 (hall  pollute  ray  fecret  place:  for  the  |1  robbers  (hall 
 enter  into  ir,  and  defile  it. 
 
 23  ^  Make  a  chain  ;  for  the  land  is  full  of  bloody 
 crimes,  and  the  city  is  full  of  violence. 
 
 24  Wherefore  I  will  bring  the  worft  of  the  heathen, 
 and  they  (hall  poflefs  their  houfes :  I  will  alfo  make 
 
 to  ceafe  ;  and  ||  their  holy 
 and  they  (hall  feek  peace. 
 
 the  pomp  of  the  (trong 
 places  lhall  be  defiled. 
 
 25  t  Deftruftion  cometh 
 and  there  shall  be  none. 
 
 26  Mifchief  (hall  come  upon  mifchief,  and  rumour 
 fiiall  be  upon  rumour ;  then  (hall  they  feek  a  vifion 
 of  the  prophet :  but  the  law  (hall  perilh  from  the 
 prielf,  and  counfel  from  the  ancients. 
 
 27  The  king  fhall  mourn,  and  the  prince  (hall  be 
 clothed  with  defolation,  and  the  hands  of  the  people 
 
 fiieb.  of  the  land  (hall  be  troubled  ;  I  will  do  unto  them  af- 
 
 with  their 
 judg- 
 .  ra;nt. 
 
 a  Dan. 
 5.  5. 
 
 ter  their  way,  and  t  according  to  their  deferts  will  I 
 judge  them ;  and  they  (hall  know  that  I  am  the  Lord.* 
 
 CHAP.  VIII. 
 
 1  Ez‘  k’el  brought  in  a  vision  of  God  to  Jerusalem,  5  he  is  shewed  the  image 
 of  jealousy,  7  the  chambers  of  imagery,  I ‘.i  the  chambers  for  Tammuz, 
 16  and  the  worshiopere  of  the  sun,  <^c, 
 
 ND  it  came  to  pa!s  in  the  fixth  year,  in  the  fixth 
 
 _ month,  in  the  fifth  day  of  the  month,  as  I  fat  in 
 
 mine  houfe,  and  the  elders  of  Judah  fat  before  me, 
 that  the  hand  of  the  Lord  God  fell  there  upon  me. 
 
 2  Then  I  beheld,  and  lo  a  likenefs  as  the  appear- 
 ance  of  fire:  from  the  appearance  of  his  loins,  even 
 downward,  fire  ;  and  from  his  loins,  even  upward,  as 
 the  appearance  of  brightneCs,  as  the  colour  of  amber. 
 
 3  And  he  *  put  forth  the  form  of  an  hand,  and  took 
 me  by  a  lock  of  mine  head ;  and  the  fpirit  lifted  me 
 up  between  the  earth  and  the  heaven,  and  brought 
 me  in  the  vifions  of  God  to  Jerufalem,  to  the  door  of 
 the  inner  gate  that  looketh  toward  the  north  ;  where 
 was  the  feat  of  the  image  of  jealoul'y,  which  provoketh 
 to  jealoul'y. 
 
 4  And  behold  the  glory  of  the  God  of  Ifrael  was 
 there,  according  to  the  vifion  that  I faw  in  the  plain. 
 
 5  K  'J’hen  laid  he  unto  me.  Son  of  man,  lift  up 
 thine  eyes  now  the  way  toward  the  north.  So  I  lifted 
 
 enemy  ;  or,  in  the  famine,  it  fhall  be  unable  to  procure  them  fufficient  food, — 
 fince  they  have  made  it  the  occafion  of  manifold  wickednefs  and  have  employed  it 
 in  tlie  fervice  of  idols.  And  as  for  Jehovah’s  magnificent  and  beautiful  temple, 
 which  has  long  been  the  glory  of  their  nation,  and  which  they  have  defiled  with 
 their  idols  and  the  fervice  of  them,  he  will  quickly  drive  them  far  from  it  into 
 Ciuldea,  and  will  give  it  into  the  hands  of  the  mofl  infamous  heathens,  to  be  de¬ 
 filed,  plundered  and  deftyoyed.  Ver.  2f.  The  commandment  to  make  a  chain 
 Implied  that  the  Jews,  as  condemned  criminals,  were  to  be  delivered  up  into  the 
 enemies  hands.  Bloody  crimes  refer  either  to  fuch,  as  were  to  be  punifhed  by 
 the  death  of  the  criminals;  or  thofe  of  the  oppreffors  and  perfecutors  that  had 
 tilled  Jerufalem  with  innocent  blood.  Ver.  25.  When  one  alarming  rumour  or 
 calamity  fucceeded  to  another,  the  people  would  obtain  no  information  from 
 heir  prophets;  their  priefts  would  not  be  able  to'give  them  any  in(lru6lion,  or 
 wmfort;  and  their  elders  and  rulers  would  be  non-pluffed,  and  infatuated, 
 this  related  to  the  cafe  of  the  Jews  during  the  invafion  of  the  land,  the  fioge  of 
 eity,  and  afterwards  during  the  Babylonilli  captivity;  but  it  ftill  more  em- 
 
 b  Chap. 
 1.  28. 
 
 Before 
 
 ChriR 
 
 594. 
 
 up  mine  eyes  the  way  toward  the  north,  and  behold 
 northward  at  the  gate  of  the  altar  this  image  of  jea- 
 loufy  in  the  entry. 
 
 6  He  faid  furthermore  unto  me,  Son  of  man,  feelt 
 thou  wh:it  they  do?  even  the  great  abominations  that 
 the  houfe  of  K’rad  committeth  here,  that  I  (hould  go 
 far  off  from  my  fanduary  ?  But  turn  thee  yet  again, 
 and  thou  (halt  fee  greater  abominations. 
 
 7.U  And  he  brought  me  to  the  door  of  the  court ; 
 and,  when  1  looked,  behold  a  hole  in  the  wall. 
 
 8  Then  (aid  he  unto  me,  Son  of  man  dig  now  in 
 the  wall ;  and  when  I  had  digged  in  the  wall,  behold 
 a  door. 
 
 9  And  he  faid  unto  me.  Go  in,  and  behold  the 
 wicked  abominations  that  they  do  here. 
 
 10  So  1  went  in  and  faw  ;  and  behold  every  form 
 of  creeping  things,  and  abominable  beads,  and  all  the 
 idols  of  the  houfe  of  Ifrael,  pourtrayed  upon  the  wall 
 round  about. 
 
 1 1  And  there  flood  before  them  feventy  men  of 
 the  ancients  of  the  houfe  of  Ifrael,  and  in  the  midfl: 
 of  them  dood  Jaazaniah  the  Ton  of  Shaphan,  with 
 every  man  his  center  in  his  hand :  and  a  thick  cloud 
 of  incenfe  went  up. 
 
 12  Then  faid  he  unto  me,  Son  of  man,  haft  thou 
 fcen  what  the  ancients  of  the  houfe  of  Ifrael  do  in  the 
 dark,  every  man  in  the  chambers  of  his  imagery  ?  for 
 
 they  fay,  =  The  Lord  feetn  us  not ;  the  Lord  bathe  Chap, 
 forfaken  the  earth, 
 
 13  f  He  laid  alfo  unto  me,  Turn  thee  yet  again, 
 and  thou  (halt  fee  greater  abominations  that  they  do. 
 
 14  Then  he  brought  me  to  the  door  of  the  gate  of 
 the  Lord’s  houfe  which  was  toward  the  north  ;  and, 
 behold,  there  fat  women  weeping  for  Tammuz. 
 
 15  %  Then  faid  he  unto  me,  Haft  thou  (een  this,  O 
 fon  of  man  ?  turn  thee  yet  again,  and  thou  (halt  fee 
 greater  abominations  than  thefe. 
 
 16  xAnd  he  brought  me  into  the  inner  court  of  the 
 Lord’s  hou(e  ;  and,  behold,  at  the  door  of  the  temple 
 of  the  Lord,  between  the  porch  and  the  altar,  were 
 about  five  and  twenty  men,  with  their  backs  toward 
 the  temple  of  the  Lord,  and  their  faces  toward  the 
 eaft ;  and  they  worlhipped  the  I'un  toward  the  eaft. 
 
 17  H  Then  faid  he  unto  me,  Haft  thou  feen  this, 
 
 O  Con  of  man  ?  H  Is  it  a  light  thing  to  the  houfe  of  ||  Or, 
 Judah  that  they  commit  the  abominations  which  they 
 commit  here?  for  they  have  filled  the  land  with  vio- 
 lence,  and  have  returned  to  provoke  me  to  anger  ; 
 and,  lo,  they  put  the  branch  to  their  nofe.  commit. 
 
 the 
 
 phatically  correfponds  with  the  condition  of  the  people  from  the  deftru(5liofl  of 
 Jerufalem  by  the  Romans  to  the  prefent  day. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES  Chap.  VI 11.  Ver.  2.  Compare  chap.  i. 
 Ver.  3.  The  prophet  is  caught  away  in  vifion  to  Jerufalem,  to  obferve  what  is 
 there  tranfaiSled,  This  feetns  to  have  been  entirely  vifionary  ;  not  any  real  or 
 local  removal  from  Chaldea.  lie  beheld  the  image  of  jealousy,  probably  the  idol 
 Baal,  (2  Kings  xxi.  7.)  fet  up  clofe  by  the  northern  gate  of  the  inner  court  of  the 
 temple,  where  Rood  the  altar  of  burnt-offering.  Tiiis  was  indeed  affronting  to 
 God,  and  an  effedtual  method  of  provoking  the  eyes  of  his  jealoufy,  well  might  he 
 call  the  prophet  to  behold,  with  wonder  and  deteflation,  thefe  abominations,  and 
 urge  the  jullice  of  his  departu'e  from  a  people  guilty  of  I'uch  atrocious  wickednefs. 
 Ver.  10 — 12.  How  dreadful  a  pi(5lure  of  human  depravity  !  reprefentations  of  the 
 meaneft,  bafell  idols,  covering  the  inner  parts  of  the  temple  of  Jerufalem ;  and  thefe 
 worfliipped  b'y  the  chief  men  in  fecret,  while  it  is  probable  they  taught  the 
 divine  law  to  the  people.  Such  a  condutff  was,  and  it  could  be  nothing  elfe  than 
 the  produce  of  the  moll  unworthy  thoughts  of  God  :  they  believed,  endeavoured 
 
 practical  observations.—*  Chap.  VII.]  God  gives  to  ft  niters  repeated  warnings  of  their  approaching  ruin.  But  fearful  and  various  are  the 
 plagues  which  men’s  diverlified  iniquities  bring  upon  them.  Sins  and  forrows  are  infeparable.  Bleffed  are  they  that  weep  now,  for  they  (liall  be  comfort. d.  Mo- 
 Dey  13  a  dangerous  fnare  to  fuch  as  inordinately  love  it,  and  altogether  unprofitable  in  the  day  of  God’s  wrath,  or  in  the  eternal  ftate, 
 
 9  G  24 
 
Ezdicl's  vision  of  varLns 
 
 EZEKIEL. 
 
 Chap. 
 
 S.  11.  &  7.  4. 
 
 18  rhercfore  will  I  alfo  deal  in  fury  ;  mine  eye 
 {ball  not  (pare,  neither  will  I  have  pity  ;  and  though 
 'they  c  cry  in  mine  ears  with  a  loud  voice,  yit  will  1 
 not  hear  tht  m  * 
 
 cir.  594. 
 
 e  Prov.  1.  28.  Ifa.  1.15.  Jer.  11.  11.  Mic.  3 
 
 CHAP.  IX. 
 
 1  The  prophet  in  a  vision  seelk  a  mark  set  upon  some,  5  ani  the  de¬ 
 struction  of  the  rest.  8  God  r  jccteth  his  iiiteTcesdo7i, 
 
 He  cried  alfo  in  mine  ears  with  a  loud  voice,  fay¬ 
 ing,  Caufe  them  that  have  charge  over  the 
 city  to  draw  near,  even  every  man  witii  his  dtftroying 
 weapon  in  his  hand. 
 
 2  And,  behold,  fix  men  came  from  the  way  of  the 
 higher  gate,  -f-  which  lieth  toward  the  north,  and  every 
 tut'ned^  nian  f  a  flaughter-weapon  in  his  hand  ;  and  one  man 
 t  Heb.  3mong  them  was  clothed  with  linen,  with  a  writer’s 
 a  weapon  inkhorn  t  by  his  fide:  and  they  went  in,  and  flood 
 of  his  befide  the  brazen  alt.ar. 
 
 ^^meces  ^  giofy  of  the  God  of  Ifrael  was  gone  up 
 
 t  the  cherub,  whereupon  he  was,  to  the  threfhold 
 
 vpon  his  of  the  houle :  and  he  called  to  the  man  clothed  with 
 linen,  which  had  the  writer’s  inkhorn  by  his  fide  ; 
 
 _4  And  the  Lord  laid  unto  him,  Go  through  the 
 midfl  of  the  city,  through  the  midft  of  Jerufalem, 
 and  t  fet  *  a  mark  upon  the  foreheads  of  the  men  that 
 figh  and  that  cry  for  all  the  abominations  that  be  done 
 in  the  midfl  thereof. 
 
 5  ^  And  to  the  others  he  faid  in  t  mine  hearing. 
 Go  ye  after  him  through  the  city,  and  fmite  ;  let  not 
 your  eye  fpare,  neither  have  ye  pity  : 
 
 6  Slay  f  utterly  old  and  young,  both  maids,  and 
 
 , -  little  children,  and  women  :  but  come  not  near  any 
 
 locieiiruc- man  upon  whom  is  the  mark  ;  and  begin  at  my  fanc- 
 iion.  tuary.  Then  they  began  at  the  ancient  men  which 
 were  before  the  houfe. 
 
 7  And  he  faid  unto  them.  Defile  the  houfe,  and 
 fill  the  courts  with  the  flain  :  go  ye  forth.  And  they 
 went  forth,  and  flew  in  the  city. 
 
 8  ^  And  it  came  to  pals,  while  they  were  flaying 
 .  jjgj,  them,  and  I  was  left,  that  I  fell  upon  my  face,  and 
 cried,  and  faid,  Ah  Lord  God  !  wilt  thou  deflroyall 
 p  Or,  the  refid ue  of  Ifrael  in  thy  pouring  out  of  thy  fury 
 upon  Jerufalem? 
 
 * .  9  Then  faid  he  unto  me,  I'he  iniquity  of  the  houfe 
 
 of  Ifrael  and  Judah  is  exceeding  great,  and  the  land 
 is  t  full  of  blood,  and  the  city  full  of  jj  perverfenefs : 
 for  they  fay,  The  I.,ord  hath  forfaken  the  earth, 
 and  the  I.ord  feeth  not. 
 
 10  And  as  for  me  alfo,  mine  «  eye  {ball  not  fpare. 
 
 fHeb. 
 
 loins. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 ■n  mark 
 a  mark. 
 a  £xod. 
 J2.  7. 
 Eb'’. 
 
 7.  3. 
 
 Heb. 
 mine  ears 
 t  Heb. 
 
 of  jud 
 ment. 
 b  Chap. 
 8.  12. 
 c  Cnap. 
 5.  II.  & 
 
 7.  4,  & 
 
 8.  18. 
 
 to  m  ike  tbemfelves  believe,  that  he  neither  knew  nor  regarded  the  affairs  of  man¬ 
 kind.  Ver.  14.  Tammuz  fuppofed  to  be  Adonis,  or  the  Egyptian  Ofiris,  the  god 
 whom  they  faid  prefided  over  the  fiuits  of  the  earth.  His  death  was  celebrated 
 by  mourning  and  lamentations. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  IX.  Ver.  2—11.  The  sit  armed 
 destroyers,  denote  the  Chaldeans,  and  other  inftruments  of  God’s  vengeance.  The 
 man  with  the  inkhorn  denotes  Jefus  Chrift,  who  manages  all  the  flaughter  of  apof- 
 tate  nations,  n  >y,  all  the  world,  fo  as  it  may  confift,  with  the  prefervation  of  his  peo¬ 
 ple,  efpecially  thofe  who  faithfully  mourn  over,  and  teflify  againll,  abounding 
 iniquities,  Compare  Rev.  vii.  In  executing  the  vengeance  pronounced  by  Eze- 
 
 '  t  Heb. 
 
 idolatries  in  JeruiulA 
 
 neither  will  I  have  pity  ;  hit  I  will  recompenfe  their  Bet 
 way  upon  their  head.  ch,i^ 
 
 1 1  And,  behold,  the  man  clothed  with  linen,  which  | 
 had  the  inkhorn  by  his  fide,  t  reported  the  matter  ' 
 faying,  I  have  done  as  thou  haft  commanded  me.'}-  *  * 
 
 CHAP.  X. 
 
 1  The  vision  of  the  coals  of  f  re  to  be  scattered  over  the  city.  8  The  i-j. 
 
 sion  of  the  cherubims,  ^c. 
 
 1  looked,  and,  behold,  in  the  =>  firmament  a  Cba„ 
 
 J_  that  was  above  the  head  of  the  cherubims  there  h  22.^' 
 appeared  over  them  as  it  were  a  fapphire-ftone,  as  the 
 appearance  of  the  likenefs  of  a  throne. 
 
 2  And  he  fpake  unto  the  man  clothed  with  linen, 
 and  faid,  Go  in  between  the  wheels,  even  under  the 
 cherub,  and  fill  f  thine  hand  with  coals  of  fire  from} Heb, 
 between  the  cherubims,  and  fcatter  Mm  over  the  city.  hJ 
 And  he  w’ent  in  in  my  fight. 
 
 3  Now  the  cherubims  flood  on  the  right  fide 
 the  houfe,  when  the  man  went  in  ;  and  the  cloud  fil¬ 
 led  the  inner  court. 
 
 4  Tnen  the  glory  of  the  Lord  t  went  up  from  the  t-  Heb 
 cherub,  and  stood  over  the  threfhold  of  the  houfe :  and^'oHyw 
 the  houfe  was  filled  with  the  cloud,  and  the  court  was"^'- 
 full  of  the  brightnefs  of  the  Lord’s  glory. 
 
 5  And  the  found  of  the  cherubim’s  wings  wasbCbap, 
 heard  even  to  the  outer  court  as  the  voice  of  the^-^'’- 
 Almighty  God  when  he  fpeaketh. 
 
 6  And  it  came  to  pafs,  that  when  he  had  command¬ 
 ed  the  man  clothed  with  linen,  faying,  take  fire  from 
 between  the  wheels,  from  between  the  cherubims ; 
 then  he  went  in,  and  flood  befide  the  wheels. 
 
 7  And  one  cherub  f  ftretched  forth  his  hand  from }  Heb, 
 between  the  cherubims  unto  the  fire  that  was  between 
 
 the  cherubims,  and  took  thereof,  and  put  it  into  the 
 hands  of  him  that  was  clothed  with  linen  :  who  took 
 it,  and  went  out. 
 
 8  H  And  there  appeared  in  the  cherubims  the  form 
 of  a  man’s  hand  under  their  wings. 
 
 9  And  when  1  looked,  behold  the  four  wheels  by 
 
 the  cherubims,  one  wheel  by  one  cherub,  and  another 
 wheel  by  another  cherub  :  and  the  appearance  of  the 
 wheels  was  as  the  colour  of  a  '  beryl-floue.  ^ 
 
 10  And  as  for  their  appearances,  they  four  had  one 
 likenefs,  as  if  a  wheel  had  been  in  t  he  midfl  of  a  wheel. 
 
 11  When  they  went,  they  went  upon  their  four 
 fides  ;  they  turned  not  as  they  went,  but  to  the  place 
 whether  the  head  looked  they  followed  it ;  they 
 turned  not  as  they  went. 
 
 kiel,  the  executioners  were  to  begin  at  the  houfe  of  God.  To  this  Peter  feenisio 
 allude,  (1  Pet.  iv.  17,  1 8.)  and  therefore  it  is  probable  that  the  dedrudlion  of  tbf 
 city  by  the  Romans  as  well  as  by  the  Babylonians  was  intended  by  the  fpiritof 
 prophecy. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  X.  Ver.  1—7.  The  tfirone,  verfe  1. 
 denotes  God’s  coming  in  a  way  of  judgment  againfl  the  Jews.  The  man  clo'del 
 in  linen,  taking  the  fire  fir  7m  between  the  cherubims  to  scatter  nt'er  the  city,  ver.  2, 6, 
 7.  denotes  Chrift  as  executing  the  deftrudlive  vengeance  of  God  on  Jerufalem,  »t- 
 cording  to  the  predidlions  of  his  prophets,  and  by  the  miniftration  of  angels.  Tk 
 bright  cloud  that  filled  the  inner  court,  ver.  3,  4.  might  denote  the  terrible  vsn- 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  VIII. ]  When  we  fet  up  the  idols  of  pride,  luft,  and  covetoufnefs  in  our  hearts,  wliich  fhould  be  the  temple 
 the  Holy  Ghoft,  we  become  equally  criminal  with  thofe  who  bowed  to  Baal.  They  who  provoke  God  by  their  fins  to  depart  from  them,  have  only  ihemfelves  to  hlS'”' 
 for  the  ruin  which  enfues.  Many  make  a  fair  fhew  in  God’s  houfe,  who,  if  followed  to  their  fecret  chambers,  would  be  found  to  commit  adlions  the  fun  would  blulli 
 to  behold.  If  once  women  iranfgrefs  the  natural  modefty  of  their  fex,  they  bid  fair  to  ftick  at  nothing  horrid  or  ohfeene.  But  fliortly  fliall  the  raoft  ftcret  ahoiria^’ 
 tions  be  difeovered,  and  the  moft  fliocking  and  daring  be  fufficiently  puniftied. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — f-  Chap.  IX.  j  God’s  min'fters  of  wrath,  no  Lfs  than  of  mccy,  are  always  ready  at  his  ca’l.  Bu»  even  in  the  n  i  Id  “ 
 ru'n  and  deftrudlion  he  takes  peculiar  care  of  the  protedlion  of  his  people,  however  weak  and  concealed  their  holinefs  and  zeal  may  be.  Bat,  when  be  has  gathcrci 
 his  wheat  into  his  garner,  nothing  remains  for  the  chaff  but  unquenchable  fire.  Thofe  who  perfift  in  impenitence  muft  die  without  mercy.  A  gracious  foul  caanrt 
 unmoved  behold  the  mifcries  coning  on  the  wicked,  and  fain  woul  1  avert  the  dr  adful  ftorm.  If  God  fpare  us  in  mercy,  we  ought  to  intercede  for  our  fiaful 
 impeniie.-.t  hr  ihren. 
 
jjte  vision  of  the  chemhimsy 
 
 12  And  their  whole  f  body,  and  their  backs,  and 
 their  hands,  and  their  wings,  and  the  wheels,  were  full 
 of  eyes  round  about,  eveti  the  wheels  that  they  four 
 
 had.  ,  .  ,  ,  . 
 
 13  As  for  the  wheels,  11  it  was  cried  unto  them  in 
 
 my  hearing,  O  wheel ! 
 
 14  And  every  one  had  four  faces:  the  firfl  face 
 
 EZEKIEL. 
 
 The  princes*  sin  and  punishment. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 594- 
 
 I  Heb. 
 
 \Or, 
 they  were 
 
 hear-  '{ffcts  the  face  of  a  cherub,  and  the  fecond  face  was  the 
 ««s»  face  of  a  man,  and  the  third  the  face  of  a  lion,  and  the 
 
 fourth  the  face  of  an  eagle. 
 
 (Jfl/Oflt.  _  ,  ,  .L  _1 _ L! _ ... 
 
 jOr, 
 
 eftfe. 
 
 15  And  the  cherubims  were  lifted  up.  This  is  the 
 living  creature  that  I  law  by  the  river  of  Cfiebar. 
 
 16  And  when  the  cherubims  went,  the  wheels  went 
 by  them  ;  and  when  the  cherubims  lifted  up  their 
 wings  to  mount  up  from  the  earth,  the  fame  wheels 
 alfo  turned  not  from  befide  them. 
 
 17  When  they  flood,  t/iese  flood  :  and  when  they 
 were  lifted  up,  these  lifted  up  themfelves  also  :  for  the 
 fpirit  II  of  the  living  creature  was  in  them. 
 
 18  Then  the  glory  of  the  Lord  departed  from  off 
 
 the  threfhold  of  the  houfe,  and  flood  over  the  cheru¬ 
 bims.  ... 
 
 19  And  the  cherubims  lifted  up  their  wings,  and 
 mounted  up  from  the  earth  in  my  fight :  when  they 
 w^ent  out,  the  wheels  alfo  were  befide  them  ;  and 
 every  one  flood  at  the  door  of  the  eafl  gate  of  the 
 Lord’s  houfe  ;  and  the  glory  of  the  God  of  Ifrael 
 was  over  them  above. 
 
 20  This  is  the  living  creature  that  I  faw  under  the 
 God  of  Ifrael  by  the  river  of  Chebar  ;  and  I  knew 
 that  they  were  the  cherubims. 
 
 2 1  Every  one  had  four  faces  apiece,  and  every  one 
 four  wings  ;  and  the  iikenefs  of  the  hands  of  a  man 
 was  under  their  wings. 
 
 22  And  the  Iikenefs  of  their  faces  was  the  fame 
 faces  which  I  faw  by  the  river  of  Chebar,  their  ap¬ 
 pearances  and  themfelves  :  they  went  every  one 
 flraight  forward.* 
 
 CHAP.  XI. 
 
 1  Ezekiel  is  shewed  the  presumption  of  the  princes  if  Judah  :  4  their  sin 
 and  punishment,  la  Pelatiali  s  death,  14  God  sheweth  Ezekiel  his 
 purpose  of  restoring  the  captives,  and  of  punishing  the  idolaters.  22  The 
 glory  of  God  leaveth  the  city.  24  Ezekiel  prophesiclh  to  them  of  the 
 captivity. 
 
 Moreover,  the  fpirit  lifted  me  up,  and 
 brought  me  unto  the  eaff  gate  of  the  Lord’s 
 houle,  which  looketh  eaflward  :  and,  behold  at  the 
 door  of  the  gate  five  and  twenty  men  ;  among  whom 
 1  !'aw  Jaazaniah  the  Ion  of  Azur,  and  Pelatiah  the  fon 
 of  Benaiah,  princes  of  the  people. 
 
 2  Then  faid  he  unto  me.  Son  of  man,  thefe  are  the 
 men  that  devife  mifehief,  and  give  wicked  counfel  in 
 this  city  ; 
 
 3  Which  fay,  f]  It  is  not  *  near ;  let  us  build  houfes : 
 this  city  is  the  caldron,  and  we  be  the  flefh. 
 
 4  H  Therefore  prophecy  againft  them,  prophecy, 
 
 O  fon  of  man.  Or, 
 
 5  And  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  fell  upon  "me,  and^^'*"®' 
 faid  untome.  Speak;  Thus  faith  the  Lord,  Thus[°'|^“® 
 have  ye  faid,  O  houfe*  of  Ifrael:  for  1  know  ihe/io„,„ 
 things  that  come  into  your  mind,  every  one  0/  them.  near. 
 
 6  Ye  have  multiplied  your  fl^in  in  this  city,  and  ye®  ^ 
 have  filled  the  flreets  thereof  with  the  flain. 
 
 7  I’herefore  thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  your  flain, 
 whom  ye  have  laid  in  the  midfl  of  it,  they  are  the 
 flefh,  and  this  city  is  the  caldron  :  but  I  will  bring 
 you -forth  our  of  the  midft  of  it. 
 
 8  Ye  have  feared  the  fword  ;  and  I  will  bring  a 
 fword  upon  you,  faith  the  Lord  God. 
 
 9  And  I*^ill  bring  you  out  of  the  midft  thereof, 
 and  deliver  you  into  the  hands  of  ftrangers,  and  will 
 execute  judgments  among  you. 
 
 10  Ye  (hall  fall  by  the  fword  :  I  will  judge  you  in  the 
 border  of  Ifrael ;  and  ye  fhall  know  that  I  am  the  Lord. 
 
 11  This  city  (hall  not  be  your  caldron,  neither  fhall 
 ye  be  the  flffh  in  the  midft  thereof;  but  I  will  judge 
 you  in  the  border  of  Ifrael : 
 
 12  And  ye  (hall  know  that  I  am  the  Lord  :  U  forB  Oo 
 ye  have  not  walked  in  my  ftatutes,  neither  executed 
 
 my  judgments,  but  have  done  after  the  manners  o^‘y„aiked. 
 the  heathen  that  are  round  about  you. 
 
 13  ^  And  it  came  to  pafs,  w'hen  I  prophefied,  that 
 Pelatiah  the  fon  of  Benaiah  died  ;  then  fell  I  down 
 upon  my  face,  and  cried  with  a  loud  voice,  and  faid, 
 
 Ah  Lord  God !  wilt  thou  make  a  full  end  of  the 
 remnant  of  Ifrael  ? 
 
 14  f  Again  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  me 
 faying, 
 
 15  Son  of  man,  thy  brethren,  even  thy  brethren, 
 the  men  of  thy  kindred,  and  all  the  houfe  of  Ifrael 
 wholly,  are  they  unto  whom  the  inhabitants  of  Jeru- 
 falem  have  faid.  Get  you  far  from  the  Lord  ;  unto 
 us  is  this  land  given  in  poffcflion. 
 
 16  Therefore  fay.  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  Al¬ 
 though  1  have  caft  them  far  off  among  the  heathen, 
 and  although  I  have  fcaitered  them  among  the  coun¬ 
 tries,  yet  will  I  be  to  them  as  a  little  fanftuary  in  the 
 countries  where  they  fhall  come. 
 
 17  Therefore  fay,  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  I  will 
 even  gather  you  from  the  people,  and  affemble  you 
 out  of  the  countries  where  ye  have  been  fcatrered, 
 and  I  w'ill  give  you  the  land  of  Ifrael. 
 
 18  And  they  fhall  come  thither,  and  they  (hall  take 
 away  all  the  dettflible  things  thereof,  and  all  the 
 abominations  thereof  from  thence. 
 
 geance  of  God  on  the  priefts;  or  his  prefence,  as  leaving  the  Jews  and  coming  to 
 the  Gentiles.  The  terrible  sound  of  the  cherubims'  wings,  heard  even  to  the  outer 
 court,  vtr.  4.  may  denote  the  teirihle  judgments  of  God  on  ihe  Jews  heard  of 
 among  the  heaihen  ;  or  the  gofpel  publifhed  by  the  apofUes  to  the  Gcnliles.  Vt  r. 
 13.  The  wheels  are  a  fit  emblem  of  the  courfeof  divine  providence.  The  four 
 are  addrefled  as  one,  to  denote  the  unity  of  defign  and  operation,  ihat  there  is  in 
 all  the  manifold  and  intricate  difpenfalions  of  providence  ;  innumerable  parts  from 
 one  great  plan,  »  hich  is  continually  executing.  Or  the  term  wheel  may  juftly  be 
 rendered  “  mure  round,”  and  then  it  implies,  that  they  all  move  at  the  command  of 
 God;  every  event  which  happens  in  the  vaft  univerfe,  is  under  the  immediate  di- 
 
 reilion  of  the  Almighty.  Ver.  20.  I  knew  ;  that  is,  the  prophet  now  perceived 
 that  thefe  living  creatures  had  the  fame  Iikenefs,  in  many  rtfpedls  that  he  had  feea 
 of  the  cherubim,  on  the  walls  and  doors  of  the  temple  ;  for  he  could  not  have  feen 
 the  cherubim  in  the  moll  holy  place. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XI.  Ver.  1 — 3.  Here  the  prophet 
 in  vifion  beheld  twenty-five  men,  at  the  eatl  gate  of  the  temple,  foppofed  to  be  the 
 fame  with  thofe  mentioned,  chap.  viii.  Ifi.  They  were  ring-leaders  of  (he  people 
 in  their  wickednefs,  and  perfuaded  them,  that  if  there  were  any  truth  in  the  pro¬ 
 phets’  predidlions  of  divine  judgments,  they  w^e  not  to  be  fulfilled  for  a  long 
 time.  And  in  derifion,  probably  of  Jeremiah’s  feething  pot,  (J  r.  i.  13  )  they  faid 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap  X.]  How  glorious  and  majeftic  are  the  appearances  of  God  in  bis  providence  or  church  !  a«ful  is  the  minillra- 
 lion  of  angels,  or  melfages  of  faithful  mini  tiers!  and  terrible  are  the  denunciations  of  Jehovah’s  wrath,  efpecially  againft  apoftate  profeffors  !  And  deep  the  concert  of 
 Jefus  Chriti,  and  bis  angels  and  mini  tiers,  in  the  execution  of  it !  He  bath  all  judgment  committed  to  him  ;  and  at  his  lad  coming,  he  will  fcatter  his  coals  of  fire  over 
 our  earth,  and  for  ever  over  the  world  of  the  ungodly.  Harmonious  and  uniform,  fteady  and  regular  are  the  motions  of  Providence,  and  the  divine  raanai^ement  of 
 
 churches  amidft  all  their  variations.  All  things  are  fixed  by  God’s  unalterable  decree,  and  brought  to  pafs  by  his  irrcfiftible  energy  ; _ but  by  flow  degrees,  and  in 
 
 feenaing  averCon,  doth  he  remove  his  gracious  prefence  and  ordinances  from  a  people,  as  one  glad  to  return  upo«  their  gofpel-rcpentance  and  humble  requeft. 
 
Ezekiel  propliesiclh  to  them  of  the  captivity. 
 
 EZEKIEL. 
 
 Bef-ire 
 
 C'lrirt 
 
 .594. 
 
 1>  Jerem. 
 32.  39. 
 Chapter 
 86.  26. 
 
 19  And  ^  I  will  give  them  one  heart,  and  I  will 
 put  a  new  fpirit  within  you  ;  and  I  will  take  the  ftony 
 heart  out  ot  their  fiefb,  and  will  give  them  an  heart  of 
 flefh  ; 
 
 20  That  they  may  walk  in  my  ftatutes,  and  keep 
 mine  ordinances,  and  do  them :  and  they  (hall  be  my 
 people,  and  I  will  be  their  God. 
 
 21  But  as  for  them  whofe  heart  walketh  after  the 
 heart  of  their  deteftable  things  and  their  abominations, 
 I  will  recompenfe  their  way  upon  their  own  heads, 
 faith  the  Lord  God. 
 
 22  ^  Then  did  the  cherubims  lift  up  their  wings, 
 and  the  wheels  befide  them  ;  and  the  glory  of  the 
 God  of  Ifrael  ttw  over  them  above. 
 
 23  And  the  glory  of  the  Lord  went  up  from  the 
 midft  of  the  city,  and  flood  upon  the  mountain  which 
 is  on  the  eaft  fide  of  the  ci'y. 
 
 24  If  Afterwards  the  fpirit  took  me  up,  and  brought 
 me  in  a  vifion  by  the  fpirit  of  God  into  Chaldea,  to 
 them  of  tne  captivity :  fo  the  vifion  that  I  had  feen 
 went  up  from  me. 
 
 25  Then  I  fpake  unto  them  of  the  captivity  all  the 
 things  that  the  Lord  had  (hewed  me.* 
 
 CHAP.  XII. 
 
 1  By  the  type  of  Ezekiel's  removing,  8  is  shewed  the  captivity  <f  Zede- 
 kiah,  ^c.  17  EzekieVs  trembling  sheweth  tke  Jews'  consternation.  21 
 
 The  Jews’  presumptuous  proverb  is  reproved,  ^-c. 
 
 The  word  of  the  Lord  alfo  came  unto  me,  fay¬ 
 ing,, 
 
 2  Son  of  man,  thoudwelieft  in  the  midflofa  rebel¬ 
 lious  houfe,  which  have  eyes  to  fee,  and  fee  not ;  they 
 have  ears  to  hear,  and  hear  not ;  for  they  are  a 
 rebellious  houfe. 
 
 3  Tnerefore,  thou  fon  of  man,  prepare  thee  ||  fluff 
 for  removing,  and  remove  by  day  in  their  fight ;  and 
 thou  (halt  remove,  from  thy  place  to  another  place  in 
 their  fight :  it  maybe  they  will  confider,  though  they 
 he  a  rebellious  houfe. 
 
 4  Then  (halt  thou  bring  forth  thy  fluff'  by  day  in 
 their  fight,  as  Huff  for  removing  :  and  thou  (halt  go 
 at  even  in  their  fight,  f  as  they  that  go  forth 
 into  captivity. 
 
 ofcaptivi-  5  t  Dig  thou  through  the  wall  in  their  fight,  and 
 ‘J-  carry  out  thereby. 
 
 6  In  their  fight  (halt  thou  bear  it  upon  t/nj  (boulders 
 arid  carry  it  forth  in  the  twilight:  thou  (halt  cover 
 thy  face,  that  thou  fee  not  the  ground  ;  for  1  have  fet 
 thee  for  a  fign  unto  the  houfe  of  Ifrael. 
 
 „  7  And  I  did  fo  as  I  was  commanded  :  I  brought 
 
 forth  my  ftufT  by  day,  as  fluff  for  captivity,  and  in 
 mT  the  even  1  f  digged  through  the  wall  with  mine  hand  ; 
 
 H  Or, 
 instru¬ 
 ments. 
 
 Dig  for 
 thee. 
 
 that  they  were  the  flefli  in  this  pot  or  caldron  ;  the  walls  of  the  city  would  prote<5l 
 them  againft  the  Chaldeans,  as  the  caldron  keeps  the  fire  from  the  flefh  that  is  in 
 it;  and  if  attempted  to  take  them  out,  it  would  be  at  their  peril;  and  that 
 they  expp<5lcd  to  remain  unmolefted  as  long  as  they  lived.  Thus  they  taught  the 
 people  io  harden  themfelves  in  rebellion  againft  God.  Ver.  13—21.  Whilft  the 
 propiiet  was  in  vifion  delivering  his  melTage  to  the  princes,  Pelatiah  one  of  them 
 died  fuddenly.  It  is  probable  from  his  death  being  thus  particularly  noticed  ;  that 
 he  died  in  fo  remarkable  a  manner,  as  to  render  the  prophet’s  vifion  much  noticed. 
 But  when  Ezekiel  noticed  this  fpeedy  confirmation  of  his  prophecy,  as  one  who 
 had  the  welfare  of  his  people  nearer  his  heart  than  his  own  character,  he  was  great, 
 ly  alarmed,  and  renewed  bis  enquiries  whether  the  Lord  meant  to  deftroy  all  the 
 remnant  of  his  people.  In  anfwer  to  his  enquiry,  the  Lord  diretfted  his  at'ention 
 
 The  Jexvs*  consternation  signified  in  fyp^ 
 
 I  brought  it  forth  in  the  twilight,  and  I  bare  it  upon  Before 
 nnj  (houlder  in  their  fight.  Chrift 
 
 8  II  And  in  the  morning  came  the  word  of  the  Lord 
 unto  me,  faying. 
 
 9  Son  of  man,  hath  not  the  houfe  of  Ifrael,  the  re- 
 beliious  houle,  faid  unto  thee,  What  doeli:  thou  ? 
 
 10  Say  thou  unto  them,  Thus  fjith  the  Lord  God, 
 
 1  his  burden  concernetk  the  prince  in  Jerufalem,  and 
 all  the  houfe  cf  Krael  that  ere  among  them. 
 
 1 1  Say,  I  an  your  fign  ;  like  as  I  have  done,  fo 
 
 i  (hall  it  be  done  unto  them  ;  f  they  (hall  remove,  andfiUh. 
 
 '  go  into  captivity,  hremov. 
 
 12  And  the  prince  that  is  among  them  (hall  bear*^^I°"““ 
 upon  his  (lioulder  in  the  twilight,  and  (hall  go  forth 
 
 they  (hall  dig  through  the  wall  to  carry  out  thereby ; 
 he  (hall  cover  his  face,  that  he  fee  not  the  ground  with 
 ■  his  eyes. 
 
 13  My  »  net  alfo  will  I  fpread  upon  him,  and  he  a  Chap, 
 (hall  be  taken  in  my  fnare  ;  and  I  uiil  bring  him  to*^- 
 Babvlon,  to  the  land  of  the  Chaldeans;  yet  (hall  he 
 
 not  fee  it,  though  he  fhall  die  there. 
 
 14  And  I  will  fcatter  toward  every  wind  all  that  are 
 about  him  to  help  him,  and  all  his  bands;  and  I  will 
 draw  out  the  (word  after  them. 
 
 1 5  And  they  (hall  know  that  I  mn  the  Lord,  when 
 I  (hall^  (batter  them  among  the  nations,  and  dif'perfe 
 them  in  the  countries. 
 
 16  But  1  will  leave  f  a  few  men  of  them  from  thefHeb. 
 (word,  from  the  famine,  and  from  the  pedilence  ;  that 
 they  may  declare  all  their  abominations  among 
 heathen  whither  they  come :  and  they  (hall  know  that 
 
 I  am  the  Lord. 
 
 1 7  «|I  Moreover,  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  to  me, 
 faying,^ 
 
 18  Son  of  man,  eat  thy  bread  with  quaking,  and 
 drink  thy  water  with  trembling  and  with  carefu!ne(s ; 
 
 19  And  fay  unto  the  people  of  the  land.  Thus  faith 
 the  Lord  God  of  the  inhabitants  of  Jerufalem,  and 
 of  the  land  of  Ifrael,  they  (hall  eat  their  bread  with 
 carefulnefs,  and  drink  their  water  with  affonifh- 
 ment,  that  her  land  may  be  defolate  from  f  all  that  is  t  Heb, 
 therein,  becaufe  of  the  violence  of  all  them  that  dwell 
 therein. 
 
 20  And  the  cities  that  are  inhabited  (hall  be  laid 
 wafle,  and  the  land  (hall  be  defolate;  and  ye  (hall 
 know  that  I  am  the  Lord. 
 
 21  II  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  me, 
 faying, 
 
 22  Son  of  man,  what  is  that  proverb  that  ye  have 
 in  the  land  of  Ilrael,  faying,  The  days  are  prolonged, 
 and  every  vifion  faileth  ? 
 
 to  thofe  who  were  carried  with  bimfelf  into  captivity,  and  not  to  tlicfe  who  were 
 left  in  the  land;  fee  Note  on  chap.  i.  1 — 3.  The  latter  treated  their  capt've 
 brethren  with  difdain  ;  they  confidered  them  rejedled  of  God  ;  o.  concluded,  that 
 by  their  furrender  to  the  Chaldeans  they  had  forfeited  all  right  to  Canaan,  which 
 they  intended  to  monopolize  to  themfelves.  But  the  Lord  propofed  to  have  mercy 
 on  them,  to  reftore  them  to  iiis  fervice  and  in  due  lime  to  their  own  land,  from 
 which  their  felfifii  and  ungodly  brethren  would  be  foon  caft  out  with  fevere  defo- 
 lating  judgments. 
 
 explanatory  NOTES.  Chap.  XII,  Ver.  1 — 7.  The  prophets  frequent¬ 
 ly  prophefied  by  figns,  as  being  of  greater  force  and  efficacy  ban  words  with  the 
 people  for  whom  their  labours  were  primarly  intended  ;  fee  Note  on  Jerem.  six. 
 1 — 15.  Ver.  8 — 16.  This  explanation  of  the  fign  was  fully  confirmed  by  the 
 
 PRACTICAL  observations. — *  Chap.  XL]  The  higher  men  are  in  office  the  more  criminal  is  their  unfaiihfulnefs.  Wicked  councilors  hurry  a  de¬ 
 luded  peo;  le  to  the  precipice  of  ruin.  Bui  they  who  put  far  from  them  the  evil  day,  will  find  it  terribly  furprife  (hem  before  they  are  aware.  Mockery  at  God’s  words 
 will  quickly  end  in  mifery.  It  is  common  for  Satan  to  make  finners  look  on  their  punilhment  as  either  doubtful  or  diftant.  Proud  tranfgrtflors  often  difclaim  and 
 deleft  their  infe-iors  in  guilt,  and  infult  fuch  as  in  obedience  to  God,  have  given  place  to  wrath.  To  be  banilhed  from  public  ordinances' is  heavy  to  gracious  fouls; 
 hu  God’s  p-efence  and  i-ceeptance  can  more  than  balance  the  want.  The  moft  remarkable  vifions,*f  God  here  are  but  lliort  lived.  But  it  is  of  great  ufe  when 
 minifters  faithfully  impart  to  others,  what  themfelves  have  beard  and  learned  of  the  Father. 
 
pulse  propliels  reproved. 
 
 EZEKIEL. 
 
 0/  prophelesses,  and  their  impostures. 
 
 b  2  Pet. 
 3.  4. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 them  that 
 are  pro¬ 
 phets  out 
 of  their 
 own 
 hearts. 
 a  Jerem. 
 25.  16. 
 f  Heb. 
 walk 
 after. 
 
 II  Or, 
 and 
 things 
 which 
 t/iey  have 
 not  seen  / 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 breaches, 
 t  Heb. 
 hedged  the 
 hed"e. 
 
 23  Tell  them  therefore,  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God, 
 1  will  make  this  proverb  to  ceafe,  and  they  (ball  no 
 more  ul'e  it  as  a  proverb  in  Krael ;  but  fay  unto  them, 
 The  days  are  at  hand  and  the  effeft  of  every  vifion. 
 
 24-  For  there  (hall  be  no  more  any  vain  vifion  nor 
 flattering  divination  within  the  houCe  of  Ifrael. 
 
 25  For  I  am  the  Lord  :  I  will  (peak,  and  the  word 
 that  1  (hall  fpeak  (hall  come  to  paCs ;  it  (hall  be  no 
 more  prolonged  :  for  in  your  days,  O  rebellious  houl’e, 
 will  I  (ay  the  word,  and  will  perform  it,  faith  the  Lord 
 God. 
 
 26  H  Again  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  to  roe, 
 faying, 
 
 27  Son  of  man,  behold,  they  of  the  houfe  of  Ifrael 
 fay.  The  vifion  that  he  feeth,  rs  ^  for  many  days  to 
 come,  and  he  prophefieth  of  the  times  that  are  far  off. 
 
 28  Therefore  fay  unto  them.  Thus  faith  the  Lord 
 God,  There  (hall  none  of  my  words  be  prolonged  any 
 more;  but  the  word  which  I  have  fpoken  (hall  be 
 done,  faith  the  Lord  God.* 
 
 CHAP.  XIII. 
 
 1  Fcdse  prophets  reproved,  and  their  daubing  with  untcmpered  mortar. 
 
 1  7  Of  prophetesses,  and  their  pillars,  ^  c. 
 
 And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  me,faying, 
 2  Son  of  man  prophecy  againlt  ihe  prophets 
 oflfrael  that  prophecy,  and  lay  thou  unto  f  them  that 
 prophecy  out  of  their  own  “  hearts.  Hear  ye  the  word 
 of  the  Lord  ; 
 
 3  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  Woe  unto  the  foolifh 
 prophets,  that  t  follow  their  own  fpirit,  |1  and  have 
 feen  nothing !  „  .  , 
 
 4  O  Ifrael,  thy  prophets  are  like  the  foxes  m  the 
 deferts. 
 
 5  Ye  have  not  gone  up  into  the  1|  gaps,  neither 
 f  made  up  the  hedge  for  the  houfe  of  Ilrael  to  ftand 
 in  the  battle  in  the  day  of  the  Lord. 
 
 6  They  have  feen  vanity  and  lying  divination,  fay¬ 
 ing,  The  Lord  faith  ;  and  the  Lord  hath  not  fent 
 them :  and  they  have  made  others  to  hope  that  they 
 would  confirm  the  word. 
 
 7  Have  ye  not  (een  a  vain  vifion,  and  have  ye  not 
 fpoken  a  lying  divination,  whereas,  ye  fay,  The  Lord 
 faith  it :  albeit  I  have  not  fpoken  ? 
 
 8  Therefore  thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  Becaufe  ye 
 have  fpoken  vanity,  and  feen  lies,  therefore,  behold, 
 I  am  againft  you,  faith  the  Lord  God. 
 
 aceomplifh merit  of  the  prophecy,  2  Kings  xv.  A — 11.  Jer.  xxxix.  4 — 9.  Ver. 
 22.  Compare  2  Pet.  iii.  3,  4.  The  human  heart  is  the  fame  in  all  ages;  deceitful 
 above  all  things  and  defperately  wicked.  Ver.  23—25.  The  falfe  prophets, 
 who  prophelied  peace  and  fafety,  and  the  deluded  people  who  gave  them  credit 
 lhall  fee  the  predi<5lions  in  which  they  trufted,  fo  fully  refuted  by  the  events  that 
 they  shall  ceafe  to  infult  the  prophets  of  the  Lord,  by  faying,  the  days  of  profperity 
 are  lengthened,  and  your  threatening  vifions  fail. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XIII.  Ver.  1—4.  Ezekiel  had  already 
 given  fome  intimation  of  the  divine  difpleafure  againft  the  falfe  prophets  (Chap, 
 xii.  24.)  but  is  here  called  more  fully  and  diredUy  to  prophecy  againft  them. 
 Whether  among  the  captives  in  Babylon  or  living  in  Jerufalem  or  Judea,  they 
 ailed  under  the  fame  principles  of  cunning  felfifhnefs  and  cruelty,  and  therefore 
 juftly  deferved  to  (hare  alike  in  the  divine  judgments  pronounced  againft  them. 
 Ver.  9,  Compare  Ifa.  v.  3.  Pfal.  Ixix.  29.  Ixxxviii.  6.  The  falfe  prophets  had 
 abufed  the  privileges  of  true  Ifraelites  ;  in  righteous  judgment  they  are  excluded 
 from  among  them  ;  their  names  being  crazed  out  of  the  regifter  of  Ifrael,  they 
 could  claim  no  privilege  peculiar  to  that  exalted  people.  And,  therefore, 
 henceforth  they  muft  be  reckoned  among  the  uncircumcKion  who  were  without 
 
 Before 
 
 Christ 
 
 594. 
 
 or 
 
 9  And  mine  hand  fhall  be  upon  the  prophets  that 
 fee  vanity,  and  that  divine  lies ;  they  (hall  not  be  in 
 the  II  aflembly  of  my  people,  neither  (hall  they  be  _  , 
 written  in  the  writing  of  the  houfe  of  Krael,  neither  il 
 (hall  they  enter  into  the  land  of  Ifrael;  and  ye 
 
 know  that  I  am  the  Lord  God. 
 
 10  Becaufe,  even  becaufe  they  have  feduced  ray 
 
 people,  faying,  Peace,  and  there  -was  no  peace ;  and  ^ 
 one  built  up  ||  a  wall,  and,  lo,  others  daubed  it  withn'or,’ 
 untempered  wor/ar  .*  a  slight 
 
 11  Say  unto  them  which  daub  it  with  untempered  «*’««• 
 mortar,  that  it  (hall  fall :  there  (hall  be  an  overflow¬ 
 ing  (hower ;  and  ye,  O  great  hailftones,  (hall  fall ;  and 
 
 a  ftormy  wind  (hall  rend  it, 
 
 12  Lo,  when  the  wall  is  fallen,  (hall  it  not  be  faid 
 unto  you.  Where  is  the  daubing  wherewith  ye  have 
 daubed  it? 
 
 13  Therefore  thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  I  will  even 
 rend  it  with  a  Ilormy  wind  in  ray  fury;  and  there 
 (hall  be  an  overflowing  fhower  in  mine  anger,  and 
 great  hailftones  in  my  fury,  to  confume  it. 
 
 14  So  will  I  break  down  the  wall  that  ye  have 
 daubed  with  untempered  mortar,  and  bring  it  down 
 to  the  ground,  fo  that  the  foundation  thereof  (hall  be 
 difcovered,  and  it  fhall  fall,  and  ye  (hall  be  confumed  in 
 the  midft  thereof :  and  ye  fhall  know  that  I  aw  the  Lord. 
 
 15  Thus  will  I  aceomplifh  my  wrath  upon  the  wall, 
 and  upon  them  that  have  daubed  it  with  untempered 
 mortar;  and  will  fay  uuto  you,  The  wall  is  no  more, 
 neither  they  that  daubed  it ; 
 
 16  To  wit,  the  prophets  of  Ifrael,  which  prophecy 
 concerning  Jerufalem,  and  which  fee  vifions  of  peace 
 for  her,  and  there  is  no  peace,  faith  the  Lord  God. 
 
 17  H  Likewife,  thou  (bn  of  man,  fet  thy  face  againft 
 the  daughters  of  thy  people,  which  prophecy  out  of 
 their  own  heart,  and  prophecy  thou  againft  them. 
 
 18  And  fay,  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  Woe  to 
 
 the  women  that  few  pillows  to  all  H  arm-holes,  and“,jJ2^ 
 make  kerchiefs  upon  the  head  of  every  ftature,  to  hunt 
 fouls !  Will  ye  hunt  the  fouls  of  my  people,  and  will 
 ye  (ave  the  fouls  alive  that  come  unto  you. 
 
 19  And  will  ye  pollute  me  among  ray  people,  for 
 handfuls  of  barley,  and  for  pieces  of  bread,  to  flay  the 
 fouls  that  (hould  not  die,  and  to  fave  the  fouls  alive 
 that  fhould  not  live,  by  your  lying  to  my  people  that 
 hear  your  lies  ? 
 
 Chrift,  aliens  from  the  commonwealth  of  Ifrael,  ftrangers  to  the  covenants  of 
 promife,  without  God,  and  without  hope  in  the  world  :  a  more  terrible  curie 
 could  not  he  then  poflibly  denounced  againft  them.  Neh.  xiii.  1 — 3.  vii.  63—65. 
 
 Ver.  10 _ 16.  The  people  were  ready  to  flatter  themfelves  with  falfe  hopes,  and 
 
 the  prophets  concurred  with  them  by  their  delufive  promifes  of  fafety,  notwith* 
 (landing  that  they  continued  in  idolatry.  They  a<5led  as  if  a  man  were  to  build 
 a  wall  with  loofe  ftones,  or  bricks,  without  any  cement ;  and  others  (hould 
 labour  to  give  to  it  an  appearance  of  (lability,  by  daubing  it  over  with  mor.ar 
 made  of  clay,  or  faiid  alone  without  any  lime  or  other  adheCve  fubftance,  or  not 
 properly  mixed,  or  tempered  :  and  they  (hould  then  expedl  that  this  wall  would 
 protetft  them,  or  that  a  houle  built  of  fuch  walls  would  ferve  them  for  a  fecure 
 habitation.  Thus  the  people  fuppofed  themfelves  fafe  from  the  anger  of  God, 
 and  from  the  alTualts  of  the  Chaldeans  ;  merely  from  their  ill-founded  confidence 
 in  God  as  their  covenant  God  ;  not  confidering  that  they  had  forfeited  his  favour 
 by  their  wickednefs.  But  the  threatenings  of  Jehovah’s  faithful  prophets  were 
 accompIKhed,  and  then  when  too  late,  they  became  deeply  fenfible  that  the 
 prophets  in  whom  they  trufted  bad  deceived  them.  Ver.  27—33.  As  the 
 Lord  fometimes  endued  women  with  the  fpirit  of  prophecy  ;  fo  there  were 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XII.]  Minillers  ought  to  accomodate  themfelves  not  only  to  the  weaknefsbut  wilfulnefs  of  their  hearers.  God 
 particularly  obferves  what  entertainment  is  given  to  his  minifters  or  roeffages,  and  is  highly  difpleafed  if  they  are  overlooked  and  contemned.  It  is  juft  that  they  who 
 abufe  plenty  (hould  be  puniftied  with  want.  Anxious  cares  and  flavKh  terrors  can  llrongly  embitter  our  comforts  and  render  them  fore  judgments.  How  dreadful 
 it  is  when  corrupt  fpeecbes  become  common  proverbs,  by  which  Satan  hardens  fmners  againft  the  word  or  ways  of  God !  But  they,  who  will  not  believe  God  s 
 warnings,  will  too  late  be  terribly  convinced  by  the  inflidlion  of  his  judgments. 
 
 9  H  ’  24 
 
God  reprovelk  the  hypocrites,  ^-c. 
 
 EZEKIEL. 
 
 Hh 
 
 liens. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 that  I 
 
 20  Wherefore  thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  Behold, 
 
 I  am  againtl  your  pillows,  wherewith  ye  there  hunt 
 the  fouls  11  to  make  them  fly,  and  I  will  tear  them 
 from  your  arms,  and  will  let  the  fouls  go,  even  the 
 louls  that  ye  hunt  to  make  tJmn  fly. 
 
 21  Your  kerchiefs  alfo  will  I  tear,  and  deliver  my 
 people  out  of  your  hand,  and  they  (hall  be  no  more 
 in  your  hand  to  be  hunted;  and  ye  (hall  know  that  I 
 am  the  Lord. 
 
 _  22  Becaufe  with  lies  ye  have  made  the  heart  of  the 
 righteous  fad,  whom  1  have  not  made  fad;  andftrength- 
 ened  the  hands  of  the  wicked,  that  he  fhould  not  re- 
 »/.ouWsat.e  [^rn  from  his  wicked  way,  l|  f  by  promifing  him  life  ; 
 t  Heb.  .  23  Therefore  ye  (hall  fee  no  more  vanity  nor  di- 
 hy  quick-  vine  divioations  t  for  I  will  deliver  ray  people  out  of 
 e-tmg/!m.your  hand,  and  ye  (hall  know  that  I  am  the  Lord.* 
 
 CHAP.  XIV. 
 
 1  God  reproveth  those  hypocrites  who  came  to  him  with  idolatry  in  their 
 hearts;  6  they  are  exhorted  to  repent  for  fear  of  his  judgments.  \2  No 
 intercession  can  save  from  God's  judgment  of  famine,  15  of  noisome 
 b  ans,  17  of  the  sword,  19  and  of  pestilence.  22  A  remnant  shall  be 
 reserved  for  the  instruction  and  consolation  of  others. 
 
 HEN  came  certain  of  the  elders  of  Ifrael  unto 
 ^  me,  and  fat  before  me. 
 
 2  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  me,  faying, 
 
 3  Son  of  Man,  thefe  men  have  let  up  their  idols  in 
 their  heart,  and  put  the  ftumbling-block  of  their  ini¬ 
 quity  before  their  face:  (hould  I  be  enquired  of  at  all 
 by  them  ? 
 
 4  Tnerefore  fpeak  unto  them,  and  fay  unto  them. 
 Thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  every  man  of  the  houfe  of 
 Ifrael  that  fetteth  up  his  idols  in  his  heart,  and  putteth 
 the  ftumbling-block  of  his  iniquity  before  his  face, 
 and  cometh  to  the  prophet,  I  the  Lord  will  anfwer 
 him  that  cometh  according  to  the  multitude  of  his 
 idols ; 
 
 5  That  I  may  take  the  houfe  of  Ifrael  in  their  own 
 heart,  becaufe  they  are  all  eftranged  from  me  through 
 their  idols. 
 
 6  f  Therefore  fay  unto  the  houfe  of  Ifrael,  Thus 
 faith  the  Lord  God,  Repent  and  turn  ||  yourselves 
 from  your  idols ;  and  turn  away  your  faces  from 
 all  your  abominations. 
 
 7  For  every  one  of  the  houfe  of  Ifrael,  or  of  the 
 ftranger  that  fojourneth  in  Ifrael  which  feparateth 
 himfelf  from  me,  and  fetteth  up  his  idols  in  his  heart, 
 and  putteth  the  ftumbling-block  of  his  iniquity  before 
 his  face,  and  cometh  to  a  prophet  to  enquire  of  him 
 
 irrevocalle  judgment  of  famine^ 
 
 T 
 
 M  Or, 
 others. 
 
 concerning  me;  I  the  Lord  will  anfwer  him  by  my.  Before 
 
 ^  Chrift 
 
 8  And  I  will  fet  my  face  againft  that  man,  and  will 
 make  him  *  a  fign  and  a  proverb,  and  I  will  cut  him^D^ 
 
 my  people 
 
 and  ye  (hall  know  28. 
 
 Cha 
 
 37. 
 
 S.  15. 
 
 off  from  the  midit  of 
 that  I  am  the  Lord. 
 
 9  And  it  the  prophet  be  deceived  when  he  hath 
 fpoken  a  thing,  I  the  Lord  have  deceived  that  pro->>i  Kings 
 phet ;  and  I  will  ftretch  out  my  hand  upon  him,  and^*^’ 
 will  deftroy  him  from  the  midft  of  my  people  Krael. 
 
 10  And  they  (hall  bear  the  punilhment  of  their  ini¬ 
 quity :  the  punilhraent  of  the  prophet  (hall  be  even 
 as  the  punilhment  of  him  that  feeketh  unto  him ; 
 
 1 1  That  the  houfe  ot  Ifrael  may  go  no  more  aftray 
 from  me,  neither  be  polluted  any  more  with  all  their 
 tranfgreffions  ;  but  that  they  may  be  my  people,  and 
 1  may  be  their  God,  faith  the  Lord  God. 
 
 12  H  T.he  word  of  the  Lord  came  again  to  me, 
 faying, 
 
 13  Son  of  man,  when  the  land  finneth  againft  me 
 by  trelpaffing  grievously,  then  will  I  ftretch  out  mine 
 hand  upon  it,  and  will  break  the  '  ttaff'  of  the  bread  c  Lev. 
 thereof,  and  will  fend  famine  upon  it,  and  will  cut  off^®-^®- 
 man  and  beaft  from  it : 
 
 14 Though  thefe  three  men,  Noah,  Danid,  and  s',  is.  ^ 
 Job,  were  in  it,  they  (hould  deliver  but  their  own'*’^®'’’ 
 fouls  by  their  righteoufnefs,  faith  the  Lord  God. 
 
 15^  It  I  caufe  noilome  beafts  to  pals  through  the 
 land,  and  they  l|  fpoil  it,  fo  that  it  be  delblate,  thatu  Or, 
 no  man  may  pals  through  becaufe  of  the  bealts :  tereve, 
 
 16  Though  thefe  three  men  veere  f  in  it,  as  I  live,t  Heb.m 
 faith  the  Lord  God,  they  (hall  deliver  neither  Ions  the  nsidst 
 nor  daughters  ;  they  only  (hall  be  delivered,  but  the"-^“' 
 land  (hall  be  defolate. 
 
 17  f  Or  ^  1  bring  a  fword  upon  that  land,  and  fay. 
 Sword,  go  through  the  land ;  fo  that  1  cut  off  man 
 and  beaft  from  it : 
 
 18  1  hough  thefe  three  men  V'ere  in  it,  as  I  live 
 faith  the  Lord  God,  they  (hall  deliver  neither  fons 
 nor  daughters,  but  they  only  (hall  be  delivered  them- 
 felves. 
 
 19  U  Or  j/’  I  fend  a  peftilence  into  that  land,  and 
 pour  out  my  fury  upon  it  in  blood,  to  cut  off  from  it 
 man  and  beaft : 
 
 20  Though  Noah,  Daniel,  and  Job,  were  in  it,  as 
 I  live,  faith  the  Lord  God,  they  (hall  deliver  neither 
 (bn  nor  daughter ;  they  (hall  but  deliver  their  own 
 fouls  by  their  righteoufnefs. 
 
 ethers  who  pretended  to  it  from  fecular  motives.  Againtl  thefe  the  prophet  was 
 commanded  to  fet  bis  face,  and  to  charge  them  with  prophefying  out  of  their 
 own  hearts.  As  a  token  of  the  fecurity  which  they  promifed,  they  fewed  pillows 
 to  their  own  arm-holes,  or  elbows,  that  they  might  repofe  themfelves  with  eafe. 
 They  put  kerchiefs,  or  coverings,  on  the  bead  of  every  tlatue,  or  of  perfons  of 
 every  age  indifcriminately,  either  in  token  of  continued  profperity  and  honour,  or 
 perhaps  as  an  amulet  or  charm  that  they  employed  to  entice  the  people  into  their 
 fnares  ;  denouncing  divine  wrath  on  thofe  pious  perfons  who  would  not  bribe 
 them,  and  affuring  thofe  who  paid  them  well  of  fafety  for  ever,  whatever  kind  of 
 life  they  led.  Thefe  propheteffes  feem  indeed  to  have  been  a  company  of  fortune¬ 
 tellers  who  pretended  to  have  life,  death,  heaven,  and  bell  at  their  difpofal.  But 
 the  Lord  fpeedily  put  an  end  to  their  delufions,  punilhed  them,  and  delivered  his 
 people. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chaj>.  XIV.  Ver.  1 — 8.  It  is  uncertain 
 ■whether  thefe  elders  were  leading  perfons  among  the  captives,  or  had  come  from 
 Jerufalem  to  Babylon,  to  confult  Ezekiel,  But  notwithdanding  their  fair 
 
 appearances,  idols  poffeffed  the  higheft  place  in  their  affeaions.  The  Lord 
 revealed  to  his  prophet  their  true  charaaer,  and  called  him  to  inform  them 
 that  he  had  determined  to  anfwer  all  the  Ifraelites,  without  refpea  of  rank  or 
 Ration,  that  came  with  fuch  idolatrous  hearts  to  his  prophets,  according  to  the 
 multitudes  of  their  idols!  either  denouncing  vengeance  on  them,  according  to 
 their  aggravated  crimes,  or  giving  them  up  to  be  deluded  to  their  ruin.  Ver.  9. 
 I  the  Lord  have  deceived,  by  giving  him  up  to  ftrong  delufion,  becaufe  he  loved 
 not  the  truth,  but  bad  pleafure  in  unrighteoufnefs.  Ver.  13,  14.  Noah,  in  an 
 age  of  univerfal  degeneracy  and  deftruaion  found  favour  with  God;  by  faith 
 he  was  faved  and  his  houfe,  and  he  obtained  a  promife  that  the  earth  would  be 
 no  more  deluged  by  waters.  Job  was  didinguilhed  for  piety  and  integrity  in 
 bis  day  I  by  him  many  werebleffed,  and  at  bis  requeds  his  friends  were  pardoned.” 
 Daniel  was  at  this  very  time  eminent  for  wifdom  and  confidence  in  God,  who 
 conferred  on  him  the  highed  tokens  of  his  approbation.  Nothing  can  expreft 
 the  awful  and  irreverfible  nature  of  the  divine  purpofe,  to  punifli  the  Jews, 
 more  forcibly  than  the  afifertion,  that  the  prefence  and  intercedion  of  thefe 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XIII..]  God  never  places  any  in  ofldees  for  which  he  does  notqualify  them.  Nor  have  covetous  and  men-pkaf- 
 ing  preachers  any  proper  evidence  of  a  divine  midion.  They  who  dudy  to  pleafe  men’s  ears,  indead  of  faithfully  addredlng  their  eonfciences,  are  judly  fufpedled  as 
 deceivers.  The  falfe  refuges  of  finners  fliall  at  lad  prove  their  curfe.  When  God  is  the  enemy,,  reddance  is  vain.  They  who  deluded  o'.hers  to  their  dedrurflion 
 dull  receive  greater  damnation.  Men  eafily  believe  what  they  widi  true.  When  dnners  dedre  to  be  dattered,  and  hate  to  be  reproved, it  is  jud  in  God  to  give  tbeni 
 up  to  deiudets.  But  it  is  a  great  mercy  to  be  delivered  from  fucb  as  would  impofe  on,  or  tyrannize  over  our  confcience. 
 
EZEKIEL. 
 
 Ipefofe 
 
 ■Cbrift 
 
 594 
 
 rejection  of  Jerusalem  typified. 
 
 21  ^  For  thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  n  How  much 
 more  when  I  fend  my  four  fore  judgments  upon 
 Jerufalem,  the  fword,  and  the  famine,  and  the  noifome 
 beaft,  and  the  peftilence,  to  cut  off  from  it  man  and 
 beaU  ? 
 
 22  %  Yet,  behold,  therein  Iball  be  left  a  remnant 
 that  (hall  be  brought  forth,  both  fons  and  daughters : 
 behold,  they  (hall  come  forth  unto  you,  and  ye  (hall 
 fee  their  way,  and  their  doings  :  and  ye  fhall  be  com¬ 
 forted  concerning  the  evil  that  I  have  wrought  upon 
 Jerufalem,  even  concerning  all  that  I  have  brought 
 
 upon  it.  ,  r  u  • 
 
 23  And  they  fhall  comfort  you,  when  ye  fee  their 
 
 ways  and  their  doings :  and  ye  (hall  know  that  I  have 
 not  done  without  caufe  all  that  I  have  done  in  it,  faith 
 the  Lord  God.* 
 
 CHAP.  XV.  ! 
 
 1  By  the  unfitness  ofi  the  vine  branch  for  any  work,  6  is  shewed  the  utter  ! 
 rejection  of  Jerusalem.  ^  \ 
 
 And  ttie  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  me,  laying, 
 
 2  Son  of  man.  What  is  the  vine-tree  more  than 
 any  tree,  or  than  a  branch  which  is  among  the  trees 
 of  the  foreft  ? 
 
 3  Shall  wood  be  taken  thereof  to  do  any  work  i  or 
 will  men  take  a  pin  of  it  to  hang  any  velTel  thereon  ? 
 
 4  Behold,  it  is  caft  into  the  fire  for  fuel :  the  fire 
 devoureth  both  the  ends  of  it,  and  the  midft  of  it  is 
 burnt :  f  is  it  meet  for  any  work  ? 
 
 n  Behold,  when  it  was  whole,  it  was  f  meet  for  no 
 ■  w'ork  :  how  much  lefs  (hall  it  be  meet  yet  for  any  work, 
 when  the  fire  hath  devoured  it,  and  it  is  burned  ? 
 
 6  H  Therefore  thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  As  the  vine- 
 tree  among  the  trees  of  the  foreft,  which  I  have  given 
 to  the  fire  for  fuel,  fo  will  I  give  the  inhabitants  ot 
 Jerufalenn. 
 
 7  And  I  will  fet  my  face  againft  them ;  they  fhall 
 go  out  from  one  fire,  and  .another  fire  (hall  devour 
 them ;  and  ye  (hall  know  that  1  am  the  Lord,  when 
 I  fet  my  face  againft  them. 
 
 8  And  I  will  make  the  land  defolate,  becaufe  they 
 atresnasl  ^^ve  f  Committed  a  trefpafs,  faith  the  Lord  God.f 
 
 CHAP.  XVI. 
 
 1  Under  the  similitude  of  an  helpless  infant  is  represented  the  original  state 
 of  Jerusa'em  ;  6  God's  extraordinary  love  toward  her  ;  1 5  her  unnatural 
 whoredoms.  33  God  threateneth  her  with  grievous  judgment ,  44  her 
 sin  equal  to  her  mother  the  Hittite,  shall  not  go  unpunished,  ^c. 
 
 A  GAIN  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  me, 
 
 I/er  monstrous  vihoreJoms, 
 
 fHeb. 
 'will  it 
 ■  prosper 
 t  Heb. 
 made  fit. 
 
 tHeb. 
 
 trespassed 
 
 I  Heb. 
 cutting 
 out,  or, 
 
 faying, 
 
 '  2  Son  of  man,  caufe  Jerufalem  to  know  her  abomi¬ 
 nations, 
 
 3  And  fay,  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God  unto  Jerufa 
 
 Vuly  ^  ^ 
 
 habitation,  lem,  Thy  f  birth  and  thy  nativity  is  ot  the  land  ot 
 
 Canaan  ;  thy  father  was  an  Amorite,  and  thy  mother 
 an  Hittite.  ^  59^ 
 
 4  And  as  for  thy  nativity,  in  the  day  thou  waft  boro 
 thy  navel  was  not  cut,  neither  waft  thou  walked  in 
 water  11  to  fupple  thee :  thou  waft  not  failed  at  all,  nor  B  O’’’, 
 
 twaddled  at  all.  tlZ 
 
 5  None  eye  pitied  thee,  to  do  any  of  thefe  ontOupoo 
 thee,  to  have  compafTion  upon  thee;  but  thou  waft‘iiee. 
 caft  out  in  the  open  field,  to  the  loathing  of  thy  per- 
 fon,  in  the  day  that  thou  waft  born. 
 
 6  f  And  when  I  paflTed  by  thee,  and  faw  thee  H  pol- 
 luted  in  thine  own  blood,  I  faid  unto  thee,  when  thou 
 wast  in  thy  blood,  Live ;  yea,  I  faid  unto  thee,  when  foot, 
 thou  wast  in  thy  blood.  Live. 
 
 7  1  have  t  caufed  thee  to  multiply  as  the  bud 
 the  field,  and  thou  haft  increafed  and  waxen  great, 
 
 and  thou  art  come  to  t  excellent  ornaments  :  thy  Heb. 
 breafts  are  fafbioned,  and  thine  hair  is  grown,  whereas 
 thou  wast  naked  and  bare. 
 
 8  Now,  when  I  paffed  by  thee,  and  looked  upon 
 thee,  behold,  thy  time  was  the  time  of  love ;  and  1 
 fpread  my  fkirt  over  thee,  and  covered  thy  nakednefs: 
 yea  I  fware  unto  thee,  and  entered  into  a  covenant 
 with  thee,  faith  the  Lord  God,  and  thou  becameft 
 mine. 
 
 9  Then  wafhed  I  thee  with  water ;  yea,  I  thoroughly 
 !  wafhed  away  thy  f  blood  from  thee,  and  1  anointed 
 
 thee  with  oil. 
 
 i  10  I  clothed  thee  alfo  with  broidered  work,  and 
 (hod  thee  with  badger’s  fkin,  and  I  girded  thee  about 
 with  fine  linen,  and  1  covered  thee  with  filk. 
 
 1 1  I  decked  thee  alfo  with  ornaments,  and  I  put 
 bracelets  upon  thy  hands,  and  a  chain  on  thy  neck. 
 
 12  And  1  put  a  jewel  on  thy  forehead,  and  ear-rings 
 in  thine  ears,  and  a  beautiful  crown  upon  thine  head. 
 
 13  Thus  waft  thou  decked  with  gold  and  filver  ;  and 
 thy  raiment  was  ofBoe  linen,  and  filk,  and  broidered 
 work  :  thou  didft  eat  fine  flour,  and  honey,  and  oil ; 
 and  thou  waft  exceeding  beautiful,  and  thou  didft 
 profper  into  a  kingdom. 
 
 14  And  thy  renown  went  forth  among  the  heathen 
 for  thy  beauty :  for  it  was  perfeft  through  my  comeli- 
 nefs,  which  I  had  put  upon  thee,  faith  the  Lord  God. 
 
 15  H  But  thou  didft  truft  in  thine  own  beauty,  and 
 playedft  the  harlot  becaufe  of  thy  renown,  and  pour- 
 edft  out  thy  fornications  on  every  one  that  paffed  by  ^ 
 his  it  was. 
 
 16  And  of  thy  garments  thou  didft  take,  and  deck- 
 edft  thy  high  places  with  divers  colours,  and  playedft 
 the  harlot  thereupon  :  the  like  things  fhall  not  come, 
 neither  fhall  it  be  so. 
 
 holy  men  could  not  refcue  an  individual,  not  their  neared  relatives,  befides  them- 
 feives  from  the  impending  dedrudtion.  Ver.  21—23.  Either  the  deep  repentance 
 and  penitent  acknowledgments  of  thofe  who  Ihould  be  brought  to  Babylon,  or  their 
 fjiiful  obduracy  and  horrid  vices,  would  convince  thofe  who  had  been  formerly 
 carried  captive,  that  God  had  juftly  defolated  their  country,  and  make  them  glad 
 that  themfelves  had  been  fo  early  carried  captive, 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  XV.  Ver.  2—5.  Vine  twigs  are  ufed 
 fc)r  fuel  in  dreffing  food  in  the  eaft  ;  they  are  indeed  unfit  for  any  other  important 
 purpbfejifa.  xxvii.  1 1.  John  xv.  6.  Ver.  6— 8.  God’s  wrath  is  kindled,  and  his 
 face,  as  an  implacable  enemy,  fet  againfl  the  inhabitants  of  Jerufalem ;  as  they 
 were  wholly  unprofitable  to  him,  he  gave  them  up  to  calamity  on  calamity,  till 
 
 they  were  brought  to  acknowledge  him  the  fupreme  Lord,  their  judge  and  deli¬ 
 verer.  Comp.  Ifa.  V.  1 — 7.  Pi'al.  Ixxx.  8—16. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap,  XVI.  The  whole  of  this  chapter  em- 
 blematically  reprefents  the  original  finfulnefs  and  mifery,  the  gracious  converfioo, 
 the  fearful  apoflacy,  fevere  corredlions,  and  fovereign  recovery  of  the  gofpel 
 church,  and  of  elc<5l  men.  Ver,  3—5,  Abraham  and  Sarah  were  originally 
 idolaters ;  and  their  pofterity  lived  in  Egypt  moft  wickedly  and  wretchedly, 
 Ver,  6—14.  Thefe  figurative  exprelRons  reprefent  all  the  favours  which  God 
 heaped  upon  them  in  the  days  of  Mofes,  Jolhua,  David,  and  Solomon  ;  their 
 deliverance  from  Egypt ;  prefervation  in  the  wildernefs  ;  the  adoption  of  them 
 by.  covenant  into  his  family  ;  giving  them  his  oracles,  ordinances,  tabernacle. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — •  Chap..  XIV.]  The  very  word  of  men  too  often  hypocritically  put  on  fpecious  appearances  of  religion.  Of  all  finnerx, 
 the  doom  of  hypocrites  and  deceitful  preachers  will  be  the  moft  terrible.  Heart  idols  are  equally  abominable  in  the  fight  of  God,  as  thofe  that  are  the  work  of  men’a 
 bands  ;  and  covetoufnefs  and  felf-love,  &c.  as  much  idolatry  as  the  bowing  down  to  gods  of  filver  or  gold.  The  punilhments  of  finners  on  earth  are  intended  to  pre¬ 
 sent  others  from  the  commiflion  of  fin.  National  fins,  carried  on  to  an  enormous  height,  cannot  long  fail  to  bring  on  national  judgments. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVA.TIONS, — f  Chap.  XV.]  In  great  condefcenfion  God  often  explains  his  providences,  for  the  fatisfat^ion  of  his  fervants  and  people. 
 Bat  none  are  more  unprofitable  than  degenerate  profeObrs.  Wrath  puriues  finners,  till  it  is  perfeAed  in  the  everlaliing  burnings.. 
 
Jerusalem* s  grievous  judgment* 
 
 EZEKIEL. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 a  savour 
 (f  rest. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 0  Or, 
 
 brothel- 
 
 house. 
 
 ChHft  Thou  haft  alfo  taken  thy  fair  jewels  of  my  gold 
 and  of  my  filver,  which  1  had  given  thee,  and  madeft 
 v^-*-v^to  thyfelf  images  f  of  men,  and  didft  commit  whore- 
 t  Heb.  jjom  with  them  ; 
 
 of  a  male.,  tookeft  thy  broidered  garments,  and  co- 
 
 veredft  them,  and  thou  haft  let  mine  oil  and  mine 
 incenfe  before  them. 
 
 19  My  meat  alfo  which  I  gave  thee,  fine  flour,  and 
 oil,  and  honey,  vaherewith  I  fed  thee,  thou  haft  even 
 fet  it  before  them  for  f  a  fweet  favour :  and  thus  it 
 was,  faith  the  Lord  God. 
 
 20  Moreover,  thou  haft  taken  thy  fons  and  thy 
 daughters,  whom  thou  haft  born  unto  me,  and  thei'e 
 haft  thou  facrificed  unto  them  f  to  be  devoured.  L 
 
 to  devour.  Qf  (^y  whoredoms  a  (mall  matter, 
 
 21  That  thou  haft  flain  my  children,  and  delivered 
 them  to  caufe  them  to  pafs  through  the  fire  for  them  ? 
 
 22  And  in  all  thine  abominations  and  thy  whore- 
 doms  thou  haft  not  remembered  the  days  of  thy 
 youth,  when  thou  waft  naked  and  bare,  and  waft 
 polluted  in  thy  blood. 
 
 23  And  it  came  to  pafs,  after  all  thy  wlckednefs, 
 (woe,  woe  unto  thee !  faith  the  Lord  God,) 
 
 24  That  thou  haft  alfo  built  unto  thee  an  H  eminent 
 place,  and  haft  made  thee  an  high  place  in  every  ftreer. 
 
 25  Thou  haft  built  thy  high  places  at  every  head  of 
 the  way,  and  haft  made  thy  beauty  to  be  abhorred, 
 and  haft  opened  thy  feet  to  every  one  that  paflTed  by, 
 and  multiplied  thy  whoredoms. 
 
 26  Thou  haft  alfo  committed  fornication  with  the 
 Egyptians  thy  neighbours,  great  of  flelh  ;  and  haft  in- 
 creafed  thy  whoredoms,  to  provoke  me  to  anger. 
 
 27  Behold,  therefore  I  have  ftretched  out  my  hand 
 over  thee,  and  have  diminifhed  thine  oxd\mry  food, 
 and  delivered  thee  unto  the  will  of  them  that  hate 
 thee,  the  H  daughters  of  the  Philiftines,  which  are 
 aftiamed  of  thy  lewd  way, 
 
 28  Thou  haft  played  the  whore  alfo  with  the  Af- 
 fyrians,  becaufe  thou  waft  unfatiable  ;  yea,  thou  haft 
 played  the  harlot  with  them,  and  yet  couldeft  not  be 
 Satisfied. 
 
 29  Thou  haft  moreover  multiplied  thy  fornication 
 in  the  land  of  Canaan  unto  Chaldea ;  and  yet  thou 
 waft  not  fatisfied  herewith. 
 
 30  How  weak  is  thine  heart,  faith  the  Lord  God, 
 feeing  thou  doeft  all  thefe  things,  the  work  of  an  im¬ 
 perious  whorifti  woman  ; 
 
 31  II  In  that  thou  buildeft  thine  eminent  place  in 
 the  head  of  every  way,  and  makeft  thine  high  place 
 in  every  ftreet ;  and  haft  not  been  as  an  harlot,  in 
 that  thou  fcorneft  hire  ; 
 
 32  But  as  a  wife  that  committeth  adultery,  vohich 
 taketh  ftrangers  inftead  of  her  hufband  ! 
 
 33  They  give  gifts  to  all  whores  ;  but  thou  giveft 
 thy  gifts  to  all  thy  lovers,  and  f  hireft  them,  that 
 they  may  come  unto  thee  on  every  fide  for  thy 
 whoredom. 
 
 34  And  the  contrary  is  in  thee  from  other  women 
 thy  whoredoms,  whereas  none  followeth  thee  to 
 
 God  promiseth  her 
 
 itiercii 
 
 II  Or, 
 cities. 
 
 !l  Or, 
 
 In.  thy 
 daughters 
 is  thine, 
 i-c. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 bribest. 
 
 in 
 
 and  temple;  multiplication  of  their  numbers;  rendering  them  his  only  church, 
 and  a  mod  wealthy,  powerful,  profperous,  and  famous  nation.  Ver.  15—34. 
 Proud  of  their  privileges,  they  abandoned  themfelves  to  idolatry,  and  employed 
 the  wealth  which  God  had  given  them  in  making  and  ferving  idols  every  where 
 throughout  their  country.  Their  fird-born  children,  who  were  facred  to  God, 
 they  facrificed  to  Moloch.  By  codly  prefents  they  courted  the  alliance  of  their 
 heathen  neighbours,  Egyptians,  Aflyrians,  Chaldeans,  &c.  and  infatiably  and 
 
 commit  whoredoms :  and  in  that  thou  giveft  a  reward  Bef 
 and  no  reward  is  given  unto  thee,  therefore  thou  art  ChJ 
 contrary.  591. 
 
 35  f  Wherefore,  O  harlot,  hear  the  word  of  the 
 Lord  ; 
 
 36  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  Becaufe  thy  filthinefs 
 
 was  poured  out,  and  thy  nakednefs  difcovered  through 
 thy  whoredoms  with  thy  lovers,  and  with  all  the  idols 
 of  thy  abominations,  and  by  the  blood  of  thy  children 
 which  thou  didft  give  unto  them;  * 
 
 37  Behold,  therefore  I  will  gather  all  thy  lovers, 
 with  whom  thou  haft  taken  pleafure,  and  all  them  that 
 thou  haft  loved,  with  all  thetn  that  thou  haft  hated  ; 
 
 I  will  even  gather  them  round  about  againft  thee,  and 
 will  difcover  thy  nakednels  unto  them,  that  they  may 
 fee  all  thy  nakednefs. 
 
 38  And  I  will  judge  thee,  f  as  women  that  break  f  Heb. 
 
 wedlock  and  (hed  blood  are  judged^;  and  I  will  give 
 thee  blood  in  fury  and  jealoufy.  ^  Mfnuo/. 
 
 39  And  I  will  alfo  give  thee  into  their  hand,  and 
 they  (hall  throw  down  thine  eminent  place,  and  fhall 
 break  down  thy  high  places  :  they  (hall  ftrip  thee  alfo 
 
 of  thy  clothes,  and  (hall  take  f  thy  fair  jewels,  andtHeb.,,. 
 leave  thee  naked  and  bare.  strimentt 
 
 40  They  fhall  alfo  bring  up  a  company  againft 
 thee,  and  they  fhall  ftone  thee  with  ttones,  and  thrult 
 thee  through  with  their  fwords. 
 
 41  And  they  fhall  »burn  thine  houfes  with  fire,  and  a2  Kings 
 execute  judgments  upon  thee  in  the  fight  of  many  25. 9. 
 women:  and  I  will  caufe  thee  to  ceafe  from  playing 
 
 the  harlot,  and  thou  alfo  fhalt  give  no  hire  any  more.'^^’^^’ 
 
 42  So  will  I  make  my  fury  toward  thee  to  reft,  and 
 my  jealoufy  fhall  depart  from  thee,  and  I  will  be  quiet,  • 
 and  will  be  no  more  angry. 
 
 43  Becaufe  thou  haft  not  remembered  the  days  of 
 thy  youth,  but  haft  fretted  me  in  all  thefe  things ;  be¬ 
 hold,  therefore  I  alfo  will  recompenfe  thy  way  upon 
 thine  head,  faith  the  Lord  God  :  and  thou  (halt  not 
 commit  this  lewdnefs  above  all  thine  abominations. 
 
 44  f  Behold,  every  one  that  ufeth  proverbs  fhall 
 ufe  this  proverb  againft  thee,  faying.  As  is  the  mother 
 so  is  her  daughter. 
 
 45  Thou  art  thy  mother’s  daughter,  that  loatheih 
 her  hufband  and  her  children  ;  and  thou  ar/the  After 
 of  thy  fifters,  which  loathed  their  hufbands  and  their 
 children :  your  mother  was  an  Hittite,  and  your 
 father  an  Amorite. 
 
 46  And  thine  elder  After  is  Samaria,  fhe  and  her 
 daughters,  that  dwell  at  thy  left  hand;  and  f  thy t Heb. 
 younger  filler,  that  dwelleth  at  thy  right  hand,  is’ 
 Sodom  and  her  daughters. 
 
 47  Yet  haft  thou  not  walked  after  their  ways,  nor 
 
 done  after  their  abominations ;  but,  ||  as  if  that  were  II  Or, 
 a  very  little  thitig,  thou  waft  corrupted  more  thanf'"',”!” 
 they  in  all  thy  ways.  „ 
 
 48  As  1  live,  faith  the  Lord  God,  Sodom  thy  After  thing, 
 hath  not  done,  fhe  nor  her  daughters,  as  thou  haft 
 done,  thou  and  thy  daughters. 
 
 49  Behold,  this  was  the  iniquity  of  thy  After 
 
 lesser  than 
 thou. 
 
 impudently  vied  with  them  in  their  idolatries.  Ver.  35—43.  For  their  filthf 
 idolatries,  murder  of  their  innocent  infants,  ihamelefs  lewdnefs,  bafe  ingratitude, 
 and  long  repeated  provocations  of  God,  the  Chaldeans,  and  afterwards  th® 
 Syro-Grecians  and  Romans,  terribly  deftroyed  them,  and  laid  desolate  their 
 country,  and  thus  forced  them  to  ceafe  from  their  wickednefs.  Ver,  44—59. 
 la  loathing  God  their  covenanted  hufband,  and  murdering  their  children,  they 
 were  as  wicked  as  the  ancient  Canaanites.  And  however  they  bad  once  con- 
 
Jt 
 
 umalems  sin  shall  not  go  unpunished. 
 
 EZEKIEL. 
 
 bGen. 
 19.  24' 
 
 Before  SodoHi,  pricie,  fulncfs  of  bread,  and  abundance  of 
 chn'i  jfiienels  was  in  her  and  in  her  daughters,  neither  did 
 (he  ftrengthen  the  hand  of  the  poor  and  needy. 
 
 50  And  they  were  haughty,  and  committed  abo- 
 mioation  before  me  ;  therefore  I  took  them  away  as 
 I  faw  good. 
 
 51  Neither  hath  Samaria  committed  half  of  thy  fins : 
 but  thou  haft  multiplied  thine  abominations  more  than 
 they,  and  haft  juftified  thy  fifters  in  all  thine  abomi¬ 
 nations  which  thou  haft  done. 
 
 52  Thou  alfo,  which  haft  judged  thy  lifters,  bear 
 thine  own  lhame,  for  thy  fins  that  thou  haft  commit¬ 
 ted  more  abominable  than  they :  they  are  more  righ- 
 teous  than  thou  ;  yea,  be  thou  confounded  alfo,  and 
 bear  thy  lhame  in  that  thou  haft  juftified  thy  fifters. 
 
 53  When  I  (ball  bring  again  their  captivity,  the 
 captivity  of  Sodom  and  her  daughters,  and  the  cap¬ 
 tivity  of  Samaria  and  her  daughters,  then  will  I  bnvg 
 again  the  captivity  of  thy  captives  in  the  midft  of 
 
 them ;  .  n  , 
 
 54  That  thou  mayeft  bear  thine  own  lhame,  and 
 
 mayeft  be  confounded  in  all  that  thou  haft  done,  in 
 that  thou  art  a  comfort  unto  them. 
 
 55  When  thy  fifters,  Sodom  and  her  daughters, 
 lhall  return  to  their  former  eftate,  and  Samaria  and 
 her  daughters  ffjall  return  to  their  former  eftate,  then 
 thou  and  thy  daughters  lhall  return  to  your  former 
 
 ^ .  56  For  thy  filler  Sodom  was  not  f  mentioned  by 
 
 /or  a  re-  mouth  in  the  day  of  thy  f  pride. 
 port,  or,  before  thy  wickednefs  was  difcovered,  as  at  the 
 tHeb!'  time  of  thj  reproach  of  the  daughters  off  Syria,  and 
 ^„rfrs,or,  all  that  are  round  about  her,  the  daughters  of  the 
 txceiien-  pj^iuftines,  which  II  defpife  thee  round  about.  ^ 
 
 58  Thou  haft  f  borne  thy  lewdnefs  and  thine  abo¬ 
 minations,  faith  the  Lord- 
 
 59  For  thus  (aith  the  Lord  God,  I  will  even  deal 
 with  thee  as  thou  haft  done,  which  haft  defpifed  the 
 oath  in  breaking  the  covenant. 
 
 60  H  Neverthelefs,  I  will  remember  my  covenant 
 with  thee  in  the  days  of  thy  youth,  and  I  will  eftablilh 
 unto  thee  an  everlafting  covenant. 
 
 61  Then  thou  (halt  remember  thy  ways,  and  be 
 afhamed,  when  thou  (halt  receive  thy  fifters,  thine 
 elder  and  thy  younger  :  and  I  will  give  them  unto  tnee 
 
 c  Gaiat.  for  c  daughters,  but  not  by  thy  covenant. 
 
 62  And  I  will  eftablilh  my  covenant  with  thee  ; 
 and  thou  (halt  know  that  I  am  the  Lord: 
 
 63  That  thou  mayeft  remember,  and  be  confound¬ 
 ed,  and  never  open  thy  mouth  any  more  becaufe  of 
 thy  (hame,  when  I  am  pacified  toward  thee,  for  all 
 that  thou  haft  done,  faith  the  Lord  God.* 
 
 CHAP.  XVII. 
 
 1  Under  the  parable  of  two  eagles  and  a  vine,  11  is  shewed  God's  judg- 
 
 God’s  judgments  upon  'Lcdehiah* 
 
 22  A  pro- 
 
 7/4  M*'  » 
 
 A’ 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 eks, 
 f  Heb 
 Aram. 
 «  Or, 
 ipoil, 
 fHeb, 
 borne 
 them. 
 
 4.  26.&C. 
 
 ments  upon  Zedeliah  for  revolting  from  Babylon  to  Egypt.  22  A  pro- 
 nxxse  0  CU- tit’s  kingdom.  '  rir  594. 
 
 ND  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  me, 
 
 «  faying, 
 
 2  Son  of  man,  put  forth  a  riddle,  and  fpeak  a  para¬ 
 ble  unto  the  houfe  of  Kfael : 
 
 3  And  fay.  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  A  great 
 eagle  with  great  wings,  long  winged,  full  of  feathers, 
 which  had  f  divers  colours,  came  unto  Lebanon,  and  t  Heb- 
 took  rhe  higheft  branch  of  the  cedar  : 
 
 4  He  cropped  off  the  top  of  his  young  twigs,  and 
 carried  it  into  a  land  of  traffick ;  he  fet  it  in  a  city  of 
 
 merchants.  , 
 
 5  He  took  alfo  of  the  feed  of  the  land  and  t  plant- 1  Heb. 
 
 ed  it  in  a  fruitful  field  ;  he  placed  it  by  great  waters, 
 and  fet  it  as  a  willow-tree :  ^  ^  i 
 
 6  And  it  grew,  and  became  a  fpreading  vine  of  low 
 ftature,  whole  branches  turned  toward  him,  and  the 
 roots  thereof  were  under  him  ;  fo  it  became  a  vine, 
 and  brought  forth  branches,  and  fhot  forth  (prigs. 
 
 7  There  Ws  alfo  another  great  eagle  with  great 
 wings,  and  many  feathers;  and,  behold,  this  vine  did 
 bend  her  roots  toward  him,  and  (hot  fort  h  her  branches 
 toward  him,  that  he  might  water  it  by  the  furrows  of 
 her  plantation. 
 
 8  It  was  planted  in  a  good  f  foil  by  great  waters,  •(■  Heb. 
 that  it  might  bring  forth  branches,  and  that  it  might^w. 
 
 Pear  fruit,  that  it  might  be  a  goodly  vine. 
 
 9  Say  thou.  Thus  laith  the  Lord  God,  Shall  it  proL 
 per  ?  Shall  he  not  pull  up  the  roots  thereof,  and  cut  off 
 the  fruit  thereof,  that  it  wither  ?  it  fhall  wither  in  all 
 the  leaves  of  her  I'pring,  even  without  great  power, 
 or  many  people  to  pluck  it  up  by  the  roots  thereof. 
 
 10  Yea,  Behold,  being  planted,  (hall  it  profper? 
 
 (hall  it  not  utterly  wither  when  the  call  wind  touch- 
 eth  it?  it  (hall  wither  in  the  furrows  where  it  grew. 
 
 1 1  %  Moreover,  the  word  of  ttie  Lord  came  unto 
 
 me  faying,  .  r  rr 
 
 12  Say  now  to  the  rebellious  houfe.  Know  ye  not 
 
 what  thele  things  mean  ?  tell  them.  Behold  the  king  of 
 Babylon  is  come  to  Jeruialem,  and  hath  taken  the 
 king  thereof,  and  the  princes  thereof,  and  led  them 
 with  him  to  Babylon  : 
 
 13  And  hath  taken  of  the  king’s  feed,  and  made  a 
 
 covenant  with  him,  and  t  hath  taken  an  oath  of  him  :  t  Heb. 
 he  hath  alfo  taken  the  mighty  of  the  land  :  um^o  an 
 
 14  That  the  kingdom  might  be  bafe,  that  it  might 
 
 not  lift  itfelf  up,  t  but  that  by  keeping  of  his  covenant  f  Heb. 
 it  might  ftand.  .  .  . 
 
 1 5  But  he  rebelled  againft  him,  in  fending  his  am- 
 baffadors  into  Egypt,  that  they  triight  give  him  horles  «,  u. 
 and  much  people ;  (hall  he  prolper  ^  (hall  he  efcape 
 that  doeth  fuch  things P  or  (hall  he  break  the  cove¬ 
 nant,  and  be  delivered  ? 
 
 16  I  live,  faith  the  Lord  God,  furely  in  the 
 
 demned  the  ten  tribes  which  dwelt  on  the  north,  and  the  Sodomites  who  dwelt  on 
 the  fouth-eaft  of  Judea,  they  now  exceeded  them  in  the  number  of  their  idols,  the 
 enormities  of  their  wickednefs,  and  in  finning  againft  more  warnings,  mercies,  and 
 judgments.  Ver.  60 — 63,  In  purfuance  of  God’s  covenant  made  with  Abraham, 
 and  in  the  wildernefs,  he  promifes  to  forgive  their  iniquities,  render  them  deeply 
 penitent  for  their  fins,  and  receive  them  back  to  their  land  ;  and  not  by  the  cere¬ 
 monial  difpenfation,  but  by  the  preaching  of  the  gofpel,  did  he  convert  not  only 
 the  ten  tribes,  but  the  very  worft  of  the  heathen  to  Chrift,  and  unite  them  into 
 oi>e  church. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XVH,  Ver.  2—7.  Nebuchadnezzar 
 
 king  of  Babylon  and  Pharaoh-hophra  king  of  Egypt,  are  reprefented  as  great 
 eagles,  becauf  of  their  great  power,  high  dignity,  tyrannical  murder,  and  oppref- 
 fion  of  their  neighbours.  Their  great  wings,  reprefent  their  extenfive  dominions. 
 King  Jechoniab,  and  his  family  and  princes  carried  to  Babylon,  were  the  highest 
 branch,  carried  into  a  land  of  traffic.  Zedekiah,  made  king  by  Nebuchadnezzar, 
 as  his  fworn  tributary  over  the  Jewifh  multitudes  in  Judea,  in  a  ftate  of  fubje^Iion. 
 to  the  Chaldeans,  is  the  seed  of  the  land  planted,  with  circumfpedlion  in  a  fruitful 
 field,  that  it  might  be  a  vine  of  low  stature.  Its  bending  its  roots  and  branches 
 toward  the  other  eagle,  refers  to  his  fending  ambafladors  to  Pharaoh-hophra,  for 
 procuring  troops  to  afltft  him  against  the  Chaldeans.  Ver,  22—24.  Out  of  the 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XVI.]  Ministers  ought  to  be  faithful  in  reprefentingto  men  the  finfulnefs  of  tbetr  heart  and  life,  and  the  mifery 
 which  attends  it.  But  it  is  not  ail  the  terrors  or  punilhments  of  time  or  eternity,  but  the  pardoning  and  renewing  grace  of  God,  that  can  make  men  truly  penitent 
 for  fin.  O  how  infinite  is  his  mercy  to  pardon  and  fayethofe  who  haye  plunged  themfelves  into  the  infinite  depths  of  guilt  and  pollution  ! 
 
 9l 
 
 -Zo 
 
A  promise  qf  Christas  kingdom. 
 
 Before 
 
 Clirift 
 
 594. 
 
 EZEKIEL. 
 
 a  Chap. 
 12.  15.  & 
 32.  5. 
 
 that  made  him  king, 
 e  oath  he  defpifed,  and  whole  covenant  he  brake, 
 evenvmh  him  in  the  midft  of  Babylon  he  (hall  die. 
 
 Neither  fhall  Pharaoh,  with  /ns  mighty  army  and 
 great  company,  make  for  him  in  the  war,  by  cafting  up 
 mounts,  and  building  forts,  to  cut  off  many  perfons. 
 
 IS  Seeing  he  defpiled  the  oath  by  breaking  the  co- 
 venant,  (when,  lo,  he  had  given  his  hand,)  and  hath 
 done  ^1  thele  t/iings,  he  (ball  not  efcape. 
 
 19  Iherefore  thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  As  I  live, 
 urely  mine  oath  that  he  hath  defpifed,  and  my  cove¬ 
 nant  that  he  hath  broken,  even  it  will  1  recorapenle 
 upon  his  own  head. 
 
 20  And  I  will  *  fpread  my  net  upon  him,  and  he 
 mall  be  taken  in  my  Inare ;  and  I  will  bring  him  to 
 xSabylon,  and  will  plead  with  him  there  for  his  tref- 
 pais  that  he  hath  trefpafled  againft  me. 
 
 21  And  all  his  fugitives,  with  all  his  bands,  fhall  fall 
 by  the  fword,  and  they  that  remain  fhall  be  Icattered 
 toward  all  winds ;  and  ye  fhall  know  that  I  the  Lord 
 have  Ipoken  it. 
 
 22  U  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  I  will  alfo  take  of 
 the  higheft  branch  of  the  high  cedar,  and  will  fet  it  • 
 1  will  crop  off  from  the  top  of  his  young  twigs  a 
 tender  one,  and  will  plant  it  upon  an  high  mountain 
 and  eminent : 
 
 23  In  the  mountain  of  the  height  of  Ifrael  will  I 
 plant  it ;  and  it  fhall  bring  forth  boughs,  and  bear 
 fruit,  and  be  a  goodly  cedar:  and  under  it  fhall  dwell 
 all  fowl  of  every  wing  ;  in  the  fhadow  of  the  branches 
 thereof  fhall  they  dwell. 
 
 24  And  all  the  trees  of  the  field  fhall  know  that  1 
 the  Lord  have  brought  down  the  high  tree,  I  have 
 exalted  the  low  tree,  have  dried  up  the  green  tree 
 and  have  made  the  dry  tree  to  flourifh  :  I  the  Lord 
 have  fpoken,  and  have  done  it.* 
 
 CHAP.  XVIII. 
 
 1  God  disdloweth  the  parable  qf  sour  grapes;  5  he  sheweth  his  dealing 
 viUh  a  just  man,  10  tvilh  the  wicked  son  oj  a  Just  i other.  1  4  and  with 
 the  just  son  of  a  wicked  father  :  19  with  a  son  and  a  father  according 
 lo  their  deserts  ;  21  with  the  wicked  if  he  repent  ;  24  with  a  just  man 
 revolting  ;  25  he  dejendeth  his  equity,  ^c. 
 
 ’’HE  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  me  again, 
 _  faying, 
 
 ^  2  What  mean  ye,  that  ye  ufe  this  proverb  concern- 
 land  of  Krael,  faying,  The® fathers  have  eaten 
 lour  grapes,  and  the  children’s  teeth  are  fet  on  edge  ? 
 
 3  As  I  live,  faith  the  Lord  God,  ye  fhall  not  have 
 occasion  any  more  to  ufe  this  proverb  in  Ifrael. 
 
 4  Behold,  all  fouls  are  mine ;  as  the  foul  of  the 
 father,  fo  alfo  the  foul  of  the  fon  is  mine :  the  foul 
 that  finneth,  it  fhall  die. 
 
 ]^ement  1  u  t  Which  is 
 
 lawful  and  right, 
 
 6  And  hath  not  eaten  upon  the  mountains,  neither 
 hath  lifted  up  his  eyes  to  the  idols  of  the  houfe  of 
 
 God^s  deal! 
 
 7  C  VL 
 
 T 
 
 ana  jus¬ 
 tice. 
 
 royal  femily  of  David,  Jehovah  raifed  up  the  Meffiah,  exalted  him  to  my  richt 
 hand,  and  made  him  head  of  his  church,  and  of  all  things  to  her;  and  to  him 
 fhall  multitudes  of  all  nations  be  converted,  for  falvation  and  comfort,  and  become 
 members  of  his  church.  And  all  the  nations  of  the  world  fliall  remark  God’s 
 power  in  exalting  and  profpering  his  once  defpifed  Church,  and  in  bringing  down 
 her  mod  powerful  enemies. 
 
 Ifrael,  neither  hath  ^  defiled  his  neighbour’s  wife  fief 
 neither  hath  come  near  to  '  a  menftruous  woman,  *  Chrili 
 
 7  And  hath  not  ^  oppreffed  any,  but  hath  reftored 
 
 to  the  debtor  his  e  pledge,  hath  fpoiled  none  by  vio-  b7^ 
 lence,  hath  f  given  his  bread  to  the  hungry,  and  haih's-S 
 covered  the  naked  with  a  garment ;  ®  Levit, 
 
 8  He  i/iat  hath  not  given  forth  upon  s  ufury,  nei-20 
 ther  hath  taken  any  inaeafe,  t/iat  hath  withdrawn  hisdEi 
 hand  from  iniquity,  hath  executed  true  judgment  be-^^-^e. 
 tween  man  and  man, 
 
 9  Hath  walked  in  my  ftatutes,  and  hath  kept  mv25 
 
 judgrnents,  to  deal  truly;  he  is  juft,  he  fhall  furelv^iod 
 live,  faith  the  Lord  God.  22.21.' 
 
 10  f  If  he  begat  a  fon  t/iat  is  II  a  robber,  a  fhedder 
 
 of  blood,  and  H  t/iat  doeih  the  like  to  atiy  one  of  thefef  Dcul 
 things,  15.7. 
 
 1 1  And  that  doeth  not  any  of  thofe  duties,  but  even 
 
 hath  eaten  upon  the  mountains,  and  defiled  his  neigh- 
 hour’s  wife,  25.35. 
 
 12^  Hath  oppreffed  the  poor  and  needy,  hath  fpoiled® 
 by  violence,  hath  not  reftored  the  pledge,  and  hath 
 lifted  up  his  eyes  to  the  idols,  hath  committed  abo-25^637 
 mination,  Deut’ 
 
 13  Hath  given  forth  upon  ufury,  and  bath  taken 
 
 increafe  :  fhall  he  then  live  ?  he  fhall  not  live  :  he  hath  [5  . 
 done  all  thefe  abominations  ;  he  fhall  furely  die  ;  his  ,1  Or,’ 
 t  blood  fhall  be  upon  him.  hrecikeT 
 
 14  f  Now,  lo,  if  he  beget  a  Ton,  that  feeth  all  hisT^'’-^"* 
 
 father  s  fins  which  he  hath  done,  and  conlideretb,  and  /or 
 doeth  not  fuch  like,  thaiLtk 
 
 15  That  hath  not  eaten  upon  the  mountains,  neither 
 
 hath  lifted  up  his  eyes  to  the  idols  of  the  houfe  of 
 Ifrael,  hath  not  defiled  his  neighbour’s  wife,  these. 
 
 16  Neither  hath  oppreffed  any,  f  hath  not  with-tn^b. 
 holden  the  pledge,  neither  hath  fpoiled  by  violence 
 
 but  hath  given  his  bread  to  the  hungry,  and  hath  co^LUti 
 vered  rtie  naked  with  a  garment,  pkd^ei 
 
 17  That  hath  taken  off  his  hand  from  the  poor,  that  the  pledge, 
 
 hath  not  received  ufury  nor  increafe,  hath  executed 
 
 my  judgments,  hath  walked  in  my  ftatutes;  he  fhall 
 not  die  for  the  iniquity  of  his  father,  he  fhall  furely 
 live. 
 
 18  As  for  his  father,  becaufe  he  cruelly  oppreffed, 
 fpoiled  his  brother  by  violence,  and  did  t/iat  which  is 
 not  good  among  his  people,  lo,  even  he  fhall  die  in  his 
 iniquity. 
 
 _  19  H  Yet  fay  ye,  Why  i*  doth  not  the  fon  bear  the 
 iniquity  of  the  father  ?  W^hen  the  fon  hath  done  that 
 which  is  lawful  and  right,  and  hath  kepit  all  my  fta¬ 
 tutes,  and  hath  done  them,  he  fhall  furely  live. 
 
 20  The  foul  that_  finneth,  it  (hall  die.  The  fon  rKi‘„gs 
 fhall  not  bear  the  iniquity  of  the  father,  neither  fhall  14.  e. 
 the  father  bear  the  iniquity  of  the  fon  ;  the  righteoul-^ 
 nefs  of  the  righteous  fhall  be  upon  him,  and  thejLt 
 wickednefs  of  the  wicked  fhall  be  upon  him.  3].  29. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XVIII.  As  the  obfervance  ol 
 God  s  law  was  the  covenanted  condition  upon  which  the  Jews  held  the  land  ol 
 Canaan,  and  profpered  in  it,  the  rewards  and  punifhments  here  mentioned 
 may  immediately  refpea  temporal  fafety  and  profperity,  annexed  to  fincere 
 obfervance,  and  miferies  annexed  to  grofs  viofations  of  God^s  law.  It  is  certain 
 the  righteoufnel's,  from  which  a  perfon  can  fully  and  finally  fall  away,  (ver.  24) 
 
 plafn^fiL^Utudet  arfo^gfeatTidiu^^^  iJluft^Uo^ If  di]ine^r”th^'^*  P'’"'®''®  promote  the  convidlion  or  converfion  of  finners ;  ant 
 
 Lafts,  do  the  mightiea'cor^uerort  and  k' ng  mak  bef- "  '“rnd  °”f  his  n^v-rnceTf  "‘"t  7"'^'  “  r 
 
 comfort,  to  fubmit  to  our  lot,  and  improve  it  in  the  beft  f  •.  a  nr  n  ®  condition,  it  is  our  wifdom,  and  wi  1  be  on 
 
 with  wicked  men,  as  God  is  made  witLfs  and  cuarantee  of^he  frd!mn  criminal  and  dangerous  to  violate  oaths  and  covenants  with  God,  or  cvei 
 
 rife  for  their  help.  And  it  is  infinitely  to  the  i^orv  of  hU  ‘ranfeaion.  It  is  in  vain  to  attempt  reftoring  the  credit  of  decayed  families  till  God  himfel 
 
 redemption  and  glory.  ^  e  g  o  y  of  hu  fovereign  grace  that  feenes  of  wickednefs  and  ruin  introduce  exhibitions  of  Jefus  ChtiR,  and  his  eterns 
 
Cod  defendcth  his  equity,  S^c. 
 
 EZEKIEL. 
 
 The  parable  of  a  'wasted  'oine* 
 
 i  Chap. 
 33.  11* 
 
 k  Chap. 
 33.17,20, 
 
 1  Slatth. 
 3.2. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 others, 
 m  Jerera. 
 
 32.  39. 
 Chapter 
 11.  19.  & 
 36.26. 
 
 n  Chap. 
 
 33.  11. 
 
 2  Peter 
 3.  9. 
 
 1  Or. 
 
 others. 
 
 21  II  Bat  if  the  wicked  will  turn  from  all  his  fins 
 that  he  hath  committed,  and  keep  all  ray  ftatutes,  and 
 do  that  which  is  lawful  and  right,  he  lhall  furely  live, 
 he  (hall  not  die. 
 
 22  All  his  tranfgreflions  that  he  hath  committed, 
 they  fhall  not  be  mentioned  unto  him  :  in  his  righte- 
 oufnefs  that  he  hath  done  he  lhall  live. 
 
 23  ‘  Have  I  any  pleafure  at  all  that  the  wicked 
 Ihould  die?  laith  the  Lord  God;  and  not  phat  he 
 Ihonld  return  from  his  ways,  and  live  ? 
 
 24  H  But  when  the  righteous  turneth  away  from 
 his  righteoufnefs,  and  coramitteth  iniquity,  and  doeth 
 according  to  all  the  abominations  that  the  wicked  man 
 doeth,  (hall  he  live?  All  his  righteoufnel's  that  he  hath 
 done  (hall  not  be  mentioned  :  in  his  trefpafs  that  he 
 hath  trelpafled,  and  in  his  fin  that  he  hath  finned,  in 
 them  (hall  he  die. 
 
 25  f  Yet  ye  fay,  The  way  of  the  Lord  is  not 
 equal.  Hear  now,  O  houfe  of  Ifrael,  Is  not  my  way 
 equal  ?  are  not  your  ways  unequal  ? 
 
 26  When  a  righteous  man  turneth  away  from  his 
 righteoufnefs,  and  committeth  iniquity,  and  dieth  in 
 them  ;  for  his  iniquity  that  he  hath  done  (hall  he  die. 
 
 27  Again,  when  the  wicked  man  turneth  away  from 
 his  wickednefs  that  he  hath  committed,  and  doeth 
 that  which  is  lawful  and  right,  he  fliall  fave  his  foul 
 alive. 
 
 28  Becaufe  he  confidereth,  and  turneth  away  from 
 all  his  tranfgreflTions  that  he  hath  committed,  he  (hall 
 furely  live,  he  (hall  not  die. 
 
 29  Yet  faith  the  houfe  of  Ifrael,  The  way  of  the 
 Lord  is  not  equal.  O  houfe  of  Ifrael,  are  not  my 
 ways  equal  ?  are  not  your  ways  unequal  ? 
 
 30  Therefore  I  will  judge  you,  O  houfe  of  Ifrael, 
 every  one  according  to  his  ways,  faith  the  Lord  God. 
 
 .  •  Repent,  and  turn  ||  yourselves  from  all  your  tranf- 
 greflfions ;  fo  iniquity  (hall  not  be  your  ruin. 
 
 31  H  Gaft  away  from  you  all  your  tranfgreflTions, 
 whereby  ye  have  tranlgrefifed ;  and  make  you  a  ® 
 new'  heart  and  a  new  fpirit ;  for  why  will  ye  die,  O 
 houfe  of  Ifrael? 
 
 32  For  “  I  have  no  pleafure  in  the  death  of  him  that 
 dieth,  faith  the  Lord  God  :  wherefore  turn  H  your¬ 
 selves,  and  live  ye,* 
 
 CHAP.  XIX. 
 
 1  A  l^xmeniaiion  for  the  pnnces  of  Israel  under  the  parable  of  a  linris  whelps 
 
 taken  in  a  pitf  10  and  for  JerusAem,  under  the  parable  of  a  vmsted  vine. 
 
 Moreover,  take  thou  up  a  lamentation  for 
 the  princes  of  Ifrael, 
 
 2  And  fay,  What  is  thy  mother  ?  A  lionefs ;  (he 
 lay  down  among  lions,  (he  nouri(hed  her  whelps 
 among  young  lions. 
 
 3  And  (he  brought  up  one  of  her  whelps:  it  be¬ 
 came  a  young  lion,  and  it  learned  to  catch  the  prey  ; 
 it  devoured  men. 
 
 4  The  nations  alfo  heard  of  him  ;  he  was  taken  in 
 their  pit,  and  they  brought  him  with  chains  unto  the 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 593. 
 
 land  of »  Egypt. 
 
 2e.)  cannot  confift  in  truly  gracious  difpofltions  of  hearts,  or  conduift  in  life,  the 
 faints  being  infallibly,  preserved  in  thefe,  1  Pet.  i.  5.  Job  xvii.  9.  Prov.  iv.  18. 
 And,  though  men  may  reform  their  external  behaviour,  without  fupernatural  in¬ 
 fluence  from  Chrift,  yet  it  is  not  fuppofed  that  they  can  truly  repent  of  their  fin, 
 and  renew  their  hearts  :  (ver.  29,  30 — 32.)  but  that  it  is  their  duty  to  have  gra¬ 
 cious  and  penitent  hearts,  and  therefore  to  attend  the  ordinances  of  the  gofpel,  and 
 receive  newnefs  of  heart  and  repentance,  as  the  free  gifts  of  Jefus  Chrift  offered 
 therein,  and  imp'anted  therein  by  his  Holy  Spirit. 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  XIX.  Ver.  1  —  9.  The  kingdom  of 
 Judah,  and  family  of  David,  abandoned  to  violence  and  oppreftion,  affociated 
 themfelves  with  their  heathen  neighbours,  their  princes  and  nobles,  and  learned 
 their  ways.  Jehoahaz,  fon  of  king  Jofiah,  was  fcarcely  enthroned  by  the  nation 
 when  he  became  a  tyrannical  oppreffor,  But  the  Egyptians  quickly  dethroned 
 hra,  and  carried  him  off  a  prifoner.  The  Jews,  finding  that  there  was  no  hope 
 of  his  reftoration,  or  of  freeing  themfelves  from  their  dependance  on  the 
 
 a  2  Kings 
 
 5  Now,  when  (he  faw  that  (he  had  waited, 
 
 her  hope  was  loft,  then  (he  took  another  of  her  whelps,  22.11,12, 
 and  made  him  a  young  lion. 
 
 6  And  he  went  up  and  down  among  the  lions,  he 
 became  a  youug  lien,  and  learned  to  catch  the  prey, 
 and  devoured  men. 
 
 7  And  he  knew  ll  their  defolate  palaces,  and  he  laid  II  Or, 
 walte  their  cities  ;  and  the  land  was  defolate,  and 
 fulnefs  thereof,  by  the  noife  of  his  roaring. 
 
 8  Then  the  nations  let  againft  him  on  every  fide 
 from  the  provinces,  and  fpread  their  net  over  him ;  he 
 was  taken  in  their  pit. 
 
 9  And  they  put  him  inward  l|  in  chains,  and  brought  ||  Or, 
 him  to  the  king  of  Babylon ;  they  brought  him  into*'* 
 holds,  that  his  voice  (hould  no  more  be  heard  upon 
 
 the  mountains  of  Ifrael. 
 
 10  f  Thy  motherfs  like  a  vine,  1|  in  thy  blood,  I  Or, 
 planted  by  the  waters ;  (he  was  fruitful,  and  full  of"*f*^ 
 branches,  by  reafon  of  many  waters. 
 
 1 1  And  (he  had  ftrong  rods  for  the  feeptres  of  them  u/t’eness. 
 that  bare  rule,  and  her  ftature  was  exalted  among  the  • 
 thick  branches,  and  (he  appeared  in  her  height  with 
 
 the  multitude  of  her  branches. 
 
 12  But  (he  was  plucked  up  in  fury,  (he  was  caft 
 down  to  the  ground,  and  the  eaft  wind  dried  up  her*'  Hofea 
 fruit ;  her  ftrong  rods  were  broken  and  withered, 
 
 the  fire  confumed  them. 
 
 13  And  now  (he  is  planted  in  the  wildernefs,  in  a 
 dry  and  thirfty  ground. 
 
 14  And  fire  is  gone  out  of  a  rod  of  her  branches, 
 
 ■whic/i  hath  devoured  her  fruit,  fo  that  (lie  hath  no  : 
 
 (trong  rod  to  he  a  Cceptre  to  rule.  This  is  a  laraenta-  ' 
 
 tion,  and  (hall  be  for  a  lamentaiion.l 
 
 CHAP.  XX. 
 
 I  God  refuseth  to  be  consulted  by  the  elders  of  Israel ,  he  rehearseth  their 
 
 Egyptians,  did  with  their  content,  make  Jeboiakim  their  king.  Converfing 
 with  his  heathen  neighbours  he  soon  became  a  moft  cruel  oppreffor,  and 
 rendered  his  kingdom  every  where  miferable  by  his  tyrannical  rage.  The 
 Chaldeans  and  their  allies  quickly  invaded  the  country,  and  by  making  him 
 their  prifoner,  reftrained  bis  oppreffive  cruellies.  Not  long  after  they  tranf- 
 ported  to  Babylon  king  Jehoiaebin  his  fon,  and  almoft  all  the  princes  of  Judah  ; 
 and  after  eleven  years  more,  Zedekiah  ;  and  laid  the  land  defolate.  Ver.  10 
 — 14.  Once  the  Jewifti  ftate  and  family  of  David  wonderfully  flourilhed,  had 
 many  valiant  princes  fit  to  fway  the  feeptre,  and  in  glory  and  power  could  have 
 vied  with  any  of  the  neighbouring  nations.  But  by  the  Egyptians,  and 
 efpecially  by  the  Affyrians  and  Chaldeans  from  the  eaft,  the  nation  is  wholly 
 ruined,  and  the  pnnces  either  murdered  or  carried  captive ;  and  now  the  poof 
 remains  of  the  nation  are  miferable  captives  in  Babylon.  And  king  Zedekiah, 
 by  his  rebellion  againft  Nebuchadnezzar,  hath  occafioned  the  ruin  of  his  family 
 and  nation  ;  and  never  (hall  any  of  his  family  be  honoured  with  an  earthly  feeptre. 
 
 h... Hardened  finners  readily  dare  to  ftrive  with  their  Maker,  and  charge  him  with  iniuftice  when  ha 
 j  ‘he  ruin  they  deferve,  filence  their  prefumptuous  murmurings.  How  extenfive  is  the  amiable  charadler  of  a 
 
 nee  worfiiip  of  the  true  God  alone,  chaftity,  honefty,  equity,  mercy,  and  withdrawing  from  fellowfhip  in  wickednefs,  jointly  taken  are  the 
 
 nece^  hues  of  it.  And  none  can  expea  a  glorious  reward,  unlefs  by  grace  be  perfevere  in  his  righteoufnefs.  But  it  is  vain  to  feek  righte;uEL  ft  we’re  by  Ja 
 "urKs  or  the  law,  which  requires  of  us  what  only  infinite  power  can  effect.  ^ 
 
 t  Chap.  XIX.]  Faithful  minifters  have  often  mournful  work  put  into  their  hands,  to  declare  the  awful  confequeners  oi 
 
 Cm  lav  fo  affrighted  and  enftaved  in  their  turn.  And  they,  who  fill  up  the  meafure  of  their  father’* 
 
 uns,  lay  up  forrows  and  lading  matter  of  lamentation  for  their  children.  '  “•vaiuie  oi  meir  lau.er  • 
 
God  reheorseth  Israels 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 593. 
 
 11  Or, 
 plead  for 
 them, 
 a  Cbap. 
 £22.  2.  & 
 523.  36. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 sware  ; 
 and  fo 
 verfe  6, 
 &c. 
 
 b  Exod. 
 
 3.  8.  & 
 
 4.  31. 
 
 c  Exod. 
 
 13. 18. 
 
 madethera  nefs 
 to  know. 
 d  Levit. 
 
 18.  5. 
 
 Romans 
 
 10.  5. 
 
 Gal. 
 
 S.  12. 
 
 e  Exod. 
 
 2a  8.  & 
 
 31.  13, 
 
 &c. 
 
 &  35.  2. 
 
 Deut. 
 
 5.  12. 
 f  Exod. 
 
 16.  27. 
 
 rebellions  in  Egypt,  13  in  the  wilderness.  27  and  in  the  promised  land; 
 33  he  threatenelh  to  rule  them  with  rigour,  ij-c. 
 
 And  it  came  to  pafs  in  the  feventh  year,  in  the 
 fifth  months  the  tenth  (lay  of  the  month,  that 
 certain  of  the  elders  of  Ifrael  came  to  enquire  of  the 
 Lord,  and  lat  before  me. 
 
 2  Then  came  the  word  of  the  Lord  unto  me, 
 faying, 
 
 3  Son  of  man,  Speak  unto  the  elders  of  Ifrael,  and 
 fay  unto  them.  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  Are  ye 
 come  to  enquire  of  me  ?  As  I  live,  faith  the  Lord 
 God,  I  will  not  be  enquired  of  by  you. 
 
 4  f  Wilt  thou  II  »  judge  them,  fon  of  man?  wilt 
 thou  judge  them  ?  caufe  them  to  know  the  abomina¬ 
 tions  of  their  fathers  : 
 
 5  And  fay  unto  them,  Thu?  faith  the  Lord  God, 
 In  the  day  when  I  chofe  Ifrael,  and  ||  lifted  up  mine 
 hand  unto  the  feed  of  the  houfe  of  Jacob,  and  made 
 myfelf  ^  known  unto  them  in  the  land  of  Egypt  when 
 I  lifted  up  mine  hand  unto  them,  laying,  I  am  the 
 Lord  your  God  ; 
 
 6  In  the  day  that  I  lifted  up  mine  hand  unto  them, 
 to  bring  them  forth  of  the  land  of  Egypt  into  a  land 
 that  I  had  efpied  for  them,  flowing  with  milk  and  ho¬ 
 ney  which  is  the  glory  of  all  lands : 
 
 7  Then  faid  I  unto  them,  Gaft  ye  away  every 
 man  the  abominations  of  his  eyes,  and  defile  not 
 yourfelves  with  the  idols  of  Egypt :  I  am  the  Lord 
 your  God. 
 
 8  But  they  rebelled  againft  me,  and  would  not 
 hearken  unto  me  :  they  did  not  every  man  call  away 
 the  abominations  of  their  eyes,  neither  did  they  for- 
 fake  the  idols  of  Egypt ;  then  I  faid,  I  will  pour  out 
 my  fury  upon^  them,  to  accomplifti  my  anger  againft 
 them  in  the  midft  of  the  land  of  Egypt. 
 
 9  But  I  wrought  for  my  name’s  fake^  that  it-  (hould 
 not  be  polluted  before  the  heathen,  among  whom  they 
 •were,  in  whofe  fight  I  made  myfelf  known  unto  them, 
 in  bringing  them  forth  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt. 
 
 10  Wherefore  I  =  caufed  them  to  go  forth  out  of 
 the  land  of  Egypt,  and  brought  them  into  the  wilder- 
 
 Bt'fore 
 
 Chrilt 
 
 593. 
 
 1 1  And  I  gave  them  my  ftatutes,  and  f  Ihev/ed 
 them  my  judgments,  ^  which  if  a  man  do,  he  fhal) 
 even  live  in  them. 
 
 12  Moreover  alfo,  I  gave  them  my  '  fabbaths,  to  be 
 a  fign  between  me  and  them,  that  they  might  know 
 that  I  am  the  Lord  that  fanftify  them. 
 
 13  f  But  the  houfe  of  Ifrael  rebelled  againft  me  in 
 the  wildemefs :  they  walked  not  in  ray  ftatutes,  and 
 they  defpifed  mv  judgments,  which  if  a  man  do,  he 
 (hall  even  live  in  them  ;  and  my  fabbaths  they  greatly 
 ‘  polluted  :  then  I  faid,  I  would  pour  out  my  fury  up¬ 
 on  them  in  the  wildemefs  to  confume  them. 
 
 14  But  I  wrought  for  my  name’s  fake,  that  it 
 
 ®  f (hould  not  be  polluted  before  the  heathen,  in  whofe 
 
 14 
 
 26.  65.  fight  I  brought  them  out. 
 
 EZEKIEL.  manifold  rebellions, 
 
 15  Yet  alfo,  r  lifted  lip  triy  hand  unto  them  in  the 
 wildemefs,  that  I  would  not  bring  them  into  the  land 
 which  I  had  given  them,  flowing  with  milk  and  honey, 
 which  is  the  glory  of  all  lands : 
 
 16  Becaufe  they  defpifed  my  judgments,  and  walk- 
 ed  not  in  my  ftatutes,  but  polluted  my  fabbaths ;  for 
 rheir  heart  went  after  their  idols. 
 
 17  Neverthelefs  mine  eye  fpared  them  from  de- 
 ftroying  them,  neither  did  I  make  an  end  of  them  in 
 the  wildemefs. 
 
 18  But  I  faid  unto  their  children  in  the  wildemefs, 
 
 Walk  ye  not  in  the  ftatutes  of  your  fathers,  neither 
 obferve  their  judgments,  nor  defile  yourfelves  with 
 their  idols. 
 
 19  I  am  the  Lord  your  God  ;  walk  in  my  ftatutes, 
 and  keep  my  judgments  and  do  them  ; 
 
 20  And  hallow  my  fabbaths ;  and  they  fhall  be  a 
 fign  between  me  and  you,  that  ye  may  know  that  I 
 am  the  Lord  your  God. 
 
 21  Notwitifanding  the  children  rebelled  againft 
 me  ;  they  walked  not  in  my  ftatutes,  neither  kept  my 
 judgments  to  do  them,  whico  if  a  man  do,  he  (hall 
 even  live  in  them  ;  they  polluted  my  fabbaths :  then 
 I  faid,  I  would  pour  out  my  fury  upon  them,  to  ac- 
 complKh  my  anger  againft  them  in  the  wildemefs: 
 
 22  Neverthelels  I  withdrew  mine  hand,  and 
 wrought  for  my  name’s  fake  that  it  fhould  not  be 
 polluted  in  the  fight  of  the  heathen,  in  whole  fight  I 
 brought  them  forth. 
 
 23  I  lifted  up  mine  hand  unto  them  alfo  in  the  wil- 
 dernefs,  that  1  would  fcatter  them  among  the  heathen, 
 and  dii^perfe  them  through  the  countries ; 
 
 24  Becaufe  they  had  not  executed  my  judgments, 
 but  had  defpifed  my  ftatutes,  and  had  polluted  my 
 fabbaths,  and  their  eyes  were  after  their  father’s  idols. 
 
 25  Wherefore  I  gave  them  alio  ftatutes,  that  •were 
 not  good,  and  judgments  whereby  they  (hould  not  live: 
 
 26  And  I  po  inted  them  in  their  own  gifts,  in  that 
 they  caufed  to  pafs  '>  through  the  fi'C  all  that  openeth  h  Chap, 
 the  womb,  that  I  might  make  them  defolate,  to  the^®-^’* 
 end  that  they  might  know  that  I  am  the  Lord. 
 
 27  H  Therefore,  Ion  of  man,  fpeak  unto  the  houfe 
 of  Ifrael,  and  lay  unto  them.  Ihus  lauh  the  Lord 
 God,  yet  in  this  your  fathers  have  blafphemed  me,  in 
 that  they  have  f  committed  a  trelpafs  againft  me.  f 
 
 28  For  when  I  had  brought  them  into  the  land,  „ 
 
 for  the  which  I  lifted  up  mine  hand  to  give  it  to  them, 
 then  they  faw  every  high  hill,  and  all  the  thick  trees, 
 and  they  offered  there  their  lacrifices,  and  there  they 
 prefented  the  provocation  of  their  offering :  there  alfo 
 they  made  their  fweet  favour,  and  poured  out  there 
 their  drink-offerings.  n  or,  ' 
 
 29  Then  H  I  faid  unto  them,  V/hat  is  the  high  p'ace  /  (ow 
 whereunto  ye’  go  ?  And  the  name  thereof  is  called  ihem^what 
 Bamah  unto  this  day. 
 
 30  Wherefore  (ay  unto  the  houle  of  Ifrael,  JhuSor,  5a- 
 faith  the  Lord  God,  Are  ye  polluted  after  the  man-nmA. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chaf.  XX.  Ver.  4.  Will  thou  judge  or  plead 
 for  them  !  Do  not  intercede  for,  but  reprove,  convince,  and  condemn  them  for 
 their  own  and  their  fathers’  abominable  iniquities,  which  they  imitate.  Comp. 
 
 Note  on  Jer.  xiv,  1 _ 12  Ver.  11.  If  avion  do,  he  shall  even  live  in.  them 
 
 Compare  Lev.  xviii.  5.  The  moral  law  Ihewed  Ifrael  the  extent  of  their  duty  ; 
 and  proved  their  need  of  mercy;  the  ceremonial  law  lhadowed  forth  Chril'l 
 their  rigbteoufnefs  and  fan<5lification.  And  hence  this  expreilion  is  quoted  by 
 Paul  (Rom.  x.  5.  Gal.  iii.  12.)  to  (hew  that  righteoufuefs  cannot  be  obtained  by 
 works;  and  this  well  fuited  the  prophet’s  argument  in  this  place;  as  it  demon- 
 Arated  to  the  people  the  contrariety  between  the  holy  law,  the  rule  of  their 
 pbedience,  and  their  rebellious  condutil.  Ver.  12.  The  sabbaths,  or  feafons  of 
 
 holy  reft,  appointed  the  Jews,  were  figns  of  their  fpecial  relation  to  God  ;  a 
 thofe  ftated  times  they  were  to  meet  him  with  their  worfhip;  and  he  engage^ 
 to  meet  them  with  his  bleffings,  if  they  ferved  him  uprightly.  Ver,  21 .  Compare 
 Lev.  xxvi,  Deut,  xxviii,  xxix,  xxx,  xxxi,  xxxii.  The  prediaions  of  the  ddper- 
 fions  of  Ifrael  which  were  delivered  Oy  Mofes,  are  here  referred  to  :  they  had  a 
 partial  accompliftiment  in  the  AlTyrian  and  Babylonifti  captivities;  but  they  are 
 more  exaaiy  fulfilling  at  this  day.  Ver.  25,  26.  The  ftatutes  which  God  gave 
 by  Mofes  were  unqueftionably  good  in  thcmfelves,  but  the  Ifraelites  rendere 
 them  bad  by  corrupting  them,  and  engrafting  on  them  the  fuperftitious  rites 
 the  heathen.  Hence  they  brought  on  themfelves  much  mifery  by  facrilicma 
 theii  children  to  Moloch,  or  Baal.  Ver.  29.  The  Lord  expofeth  the  name  ot  tn 
 
A  prophecy  against  the  land  of  Israel, 
 
 Pefore 
 
 Clirift 
 
 593- 
 
 ,1 
 
 JOVOUT  of  J  (he  people,  and  gather  you  out 
 
 of  the  countries  wherein  ye  have  been  Icartered  :  and 
 I  will  be  landified  in  you  before  the  heathen. 
 
 42  And  ye  (hall  know  that  I  am  the  Lord,  when 
 I  (hall  bring  you  into  the  land  of  Krael,  into  thecoun- 
 
 fhreats  mixed  with  promises.  EZEKIEL. 
 
 ner  of  your  fathers?  and  commit  ye  whoredom  after  ;  try  fur  the  which  I  lifted  up  mine  hand  to  give  it  to 
 
 ,  your  fathers. 
 
 !  43  And  there  (hall  ye  remember  yonr  ways,  and 
 
 all  your  doings,  wherein  ye  have  been  deBled :  and 
 ye  (hall  loathe  yourfelves  in  your  own  fight  tor  all 
 ;  your  evils  that  ye  have  committed, 
 i  44  And  ye  (hall  know  that  I  am  the  Lord,  when  I 
 !  have  wrought  with  you  for  my  name’s  fake,  not  ac- 
 j  cording  to  your  wicked  ways,  nor  according  to  your 
 '  corrupt  doings,  O  ye  houle  of  llrael,  laith  the  Lord 
 God. 
 
 45  H  Moreover,  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
 me,  faying, 
 
 46  Son  of  man,  fet  thy  face  toward  thefouth,  and 
 drop  thy  word  toward  the  fouth,  and  prophecy  againft 
 the  foreft  of  the  fouth  field  ; 
 
 47  And  fay  to  the  foreff  of  the  fouth.  Hear  the 
 word  of  the  Lord;  Thus  laith  the  Lord  Got,  Be¬ 
 hold,  I  will  kindle  a  fire  in  thee,  and  it  (hall  devour 
 every  green  tree  in  thee,  and  every  dry  tree:  the 
 
 be  quenched,  and  all  faces 
 from  the  louth  to  the  north  (hall  be  burnt  therein, 
 
 48  And  all  fiefh  (hall  fee  that  I  the  Lord  have 
 kindled  it :  it  fhall  not  be  quenched. 
 
 49  Then  faid  I,  Ah  Lord  God  !  they  fay  of  me, 
 Doth  he  not  fpeak  parables  ?* 
 
 CHAP.  XXI. 
 
 1  Ezekiel  prophedeth  the  sword  ot  the  Lord  against  oltjiesh  in  the  land  nf 
 Israel,  dghing  bitledy  for  a  sign.  8  Another  prophecy  oj  a  bright  and 
 sharp  sword.  18  The  sword  ot  the  king  o  f  Babylon,  by  divination,  is 
 direHed  against  Jerusalem.  28  The  deslruSlion  oj  the  Ammonites. 
 
 And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  me, 
 faying, 
 
 2  Son  of  man,  fet  thy  face  toward  Jerufalem,  and 
 drop  t/iy  -word  toward  the  holy  places,  and  prophecy 
 againft  the  land  ot  Ifrael, 
 
 3  And  fay  to  the  land  of  Ifrael,  Thus  faith  the 
 Lord,  Behold,  I  atn  againft  thee,  and  will  draw  forth 
 my  (word  out  of  hts  (heath,  and  wall  cut  off  from  thee 
 the  righteous  and  the  wicked. 
 
 4  Seeing  then  that  I  will  cut  oft  from  thee  the 
 righteous  and  the  wicked,  therefore  (hall  my  fword 
 go  forth  out  of  his  (heath  againft  all  flefh  from  the 
 (buth  to  the  north  ; 
 
 5  That  all  flefti  may  know  that  I  the  Lord  have 
 drawn  forth  my  fword  out  of  his  (heath  :  it  (hall  not 
 return  any  mere. 
 
 6  Sigh  therefore,  thou  Ton  of  man,  with  the  break¬ 
 
 er, 
 
 deliver- 
 
 dug. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 chief, 
 
 fHeb. 
 
 their  abominations  ? 
 
 31  For  w'hen  ye  offer  your  gifts,  when  ye  make 
 your  fons  to  pafs  through  the  fire,  ye  pollute  your¬ 
 felves  with  all  your  idols,  even  unto  this  day;  and 
 fnall  I  be  enquired  of  by  you,  O  houfe  of  Ifrael  ?  As 
 I  live,  faith  the  Lord  God,  I  will  not  be  enquired  of 
 by  yoo. 
 
 32  And  that  which  cometh  into  your  mind  (hall 
 not  be  at  all,  that  ye  fay.  We  will  be  as  the  heathen, 
 as  the  families  of  the  countries,  to  ferve  wood  and 
 ftone. 
 
 As  I  live,  faith  the  Lord  God,  furely  with  a 
 mighty  hand,  and  with  a  ftretched  out  arm,  and  with 
 fury  poured  our,  will  I  rule  over  you : 
 
 34  And  I  will  bring  you  out  from  the  people,  and 
 will  gather  you  out  of  the  countries  wherein  ye  are 
 fcattered,  with  a  mighty  hand,  and  with  a  ftretched- 
 out  arm,  and  with  fury  poured  out. 
 
 35  And  I  will  bring  you  into  the  wildernefs  of  the 
 people,  and  there  will  I  plead  with  you  face  to  face  ;  flaming  flame  (hall  not 
 
 36  L’ke  as  I  pleaded  with  your  fathers  in  the  wih 
 dernefs  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  fo  will  I  plead  with  you, 
 faith  the  Lord  God. 
 
 37  And  I  will  caufe  you  to  pafs  under  the  rod,  and 
 I  will  bring  you  into  |1  the  bond  of  the  covenant : 
 
 38  And  I  will  purge  out  from  among  you  the  re¬ 
 bels,  and  them  that  tranfgrefs  againft  me:  I  will  bring 
 them  forth  out  of  the  country  where  they  fojourn, 
 and  they  (hall  not  enter  into  the  land  of  Ifrael ;  and 
 ye  (hall  know  that  I  am  the  Lord. 
 
 39  As  for  you,  O  houfe  of  Ifrael,  thus  faith  the 
 
 Lord  God,  Go  ye,  ferve  ye  every  one  his  idols,  and 
 hereafter  also,  if  ye  will  not  hearken  unto  me :  but 
 pollute  ye  my  holy  name  no  more  with  your  gifts,  and  ! 
 with  your  idols.  _  ,1 
 
 40  For  in  mine  holy  mountain,  in  the  mountain  of 
 the  height  of  Ifrael,  faith  the  Lord  God,  there  (hall 
 all  the  houfe  of  Ifrael,  all  of  them  in  the  land,  ferve 
 me:  there  will  I  accept  them,  and  there  will  I  require 
 your  offerings,  and  the  II  firft-fruits  of  your  oblations, 
 with  all  your  holy  things. 
 
 41  I  will  accept  you  with  your  f  fweet  favour,  when 
 
 high  places  to  odium,  that  it  might  be  as  offeafive  in  the  ears  of  bis  worfhippers, 
 as  a  brothel  is  in  thofe  of  a  virtuous  woman  ;  yet  fo  attached  were  they  to  thofe 
 high  places,  that  they  ftill  retained  the  deteftahle  name  Bamah,  or  the  high  place, 
 as  the  favourite  appellation  for  the  places  where  they  facriliced.  Ver.  30—38. 
 The  Jews  are  here  taught  that  they  were  not  to  fuffer  for  the  fins  of  their  fathers 
 'but  for  their  owm  fins  -,  for  they  were  polluted  with  the  fame  iniquities.  He 
 Would  therefoie  glorify  biinfelf  in  their  punifhment,  and  make  them  pafs  under 
 the  rod,  as  the  fheplierd  doth  his  flock,  when  he  diftinguilhes  between  the  fheep 
 and  the  goats,  or  marks  out  Tome  for  daughter;  and  he  would  bring  them  under 
 the  bond  of  the  covenant,  or  deal  with  them  according  to  it ;  enforcing  the  bond  ; 
 exadling  the  penalty,  as  to  obstinate  rebels :  and  ratifying  it  with  the  penitent 
 and  obedient,  by  fliewing  them  mercy.  In  this  manner  God  hath  dealt  with  his 
 chofen  people,  Abraham’s  defeendants,  in  every  age.  Ver.  59 — 44.  To  testify 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 593. 
 
 ftrongly  his  difpleafure  with  his  rebellious  people,  the  Lord  calls  them  to  follow 
 their  beloved  idols,  and  take  the  confequence.  He  would  be  glorified  in  their 
 punifhment,  if  they  continued  impenitent ;  and  he  would  raife  up  a  people  to 
 ferve  him,  and  them  he  would  blefs  with  complete  and  lafting  bappinefs.  This 
 was  partly  fulfilled  in  thofe  who  were  reftored  from  captivity  ;  but  it  feems  alfo 
 to  refer  to  the  gofpel  church,  to  the  eflablifliment  of  Chrift’s  kingdom  in  ihe 
 latter  days.  Ver.  45 — 49.  This  is  the  beginning  of  another  prophecy,  and  be¬ 
 longs  to  the  next  chapter,  in  which  the  parable  here  is  explained.  Toe  pro- 
 pliet  was  to  look  fouthward,  towards  Judea,  againft  which  be  was  to  prophecy; 
 the  Jews  were  chofen  as  the  vineyard  of  the  Lord;  but  inftead  of  being  a  fruit¬ 
 ful  field,  by  their  wickediiefs,  they  had  become  as  an  unproduiftive  foreft,  fit  only 
 for  fuel. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXL  Ver.  10.  The  last  claufe  of 
 
 practical  observations. *  Chap.  XX.]  God’s  choice  of  us,  and  manifeftation  of  himfelf  to  us,  are  altogedier  of  fovereign  grace  ;  and  to  thefe 
 
 «ot  to  our  deferts  we  owe  our  bappinefs.  By  difobedience  to  God’s  laws  men  plainly  rufh  upon  their  own  deatu  and  damnation  ;  yet,  where  parents  are  negligent 
 in  the  education  of  children,  children  feldom  make  the  laws  of  God  the  objea  of  their  earneft  ftudy.  Little  is  obtained  by  fiiiful  compliances  ;  the  very  enemies  of 
 ■■eligion  will  honour  thofe  who  fliew  fteadioefs  and  integrity  ;  wbilft  they  treat  apoftates  with  conte.npt.  They  who  by  a  religious  proteffion  have  once  forfeited  the 
 world's  favour,  may  defpair  of  ever  recovering  it  again.  Even  God’s  chofen  muft  often  be  faved  as  by  fire,  their  tranfgreffions  are  lo  many,  and  their  corruptions  fo 
 ftfoiig.  But  affliaions  muft  purge  them  ;  and  through  all  the  changes  on  earth,  they  muft  be  prepared  for  their  comforts  here,  and  heavenly  inheritance  hereafter. 
 But  alas,  that  finners  fliould  need  to  be  fo  repeatedly  warned  of  their  ruin  ;  that  God’s  fruitful  vine  foould  become  an  uufrunful  foreft,  and  his  houfe  a  den  of  thieves ! 
 But,  if  all  ranks  combine  in  wickednefs,  they  muft  be  jointly  involved  in  punilhment. 
 
 9  K  25 
 
A  prophecy  against  the  land  of  Israel. 
 
 EZEKIEL. 
 
 The  destruction  of  the  AmmonUe\ 
 
 Before 
 
 Chria 
 
 593. 
 
 Heb. 
 shall  go 
 intowater. 
 
 ing  of  thy  loins ;  and  with  bitternefs  figh  before  their 
 eyes. 
 
 7  And  it  (hall  be,  when  they  lay  unto  thee,  Where¬ 
 fore  figheft  thou  ?  that  thou  fhalt  anfwer.  For  the 
 tidings,  becdufe  it  cometh  ;  and  every  heart  (hall 
 melt,  and  all  hands  liiall  be  feeble,  and  every  Ipirii 
 Ihall  faint,  and  all  knees  f  (hall  be  weak  as  watt  r  : 
 behold,  it  cometh,  and  lhali  be  brought  to  pafs,  faitn 
 the  Lord  God. 
 
 8  H  Again  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  me, 
 faying, 
 
 9  Son  of  man,  prophefv,  and  fay.  Thus  faith  the 
 Lord  ;  Say,  A  I  word,  a  fword  is  fiiarpened,  and  alfo 
 furbifhed  : 
 
 10  It  is  (harpened  to  make  a  fore  daughter;  it  is 
 furbiihed  that  it  nr.ay  glitter :  fhould  we  then  make 
 
 fi  Or,  mirth?  H  it  contemneth  the  rod  of  my  fon,  as  every 
 
 it  is  the  (fge, 
 
 lon°it^s  11  And  he  hath  given  it  to  be  furbifhed,  that  it 
 rileih  “  may  be  handled :  this  fword  is  (harpened,  and  it  is 
 every  tree.  furbiPned,  to  give  it  into  the  hand  of  the  flayer. 
 
 12  Cry  and  howl,  fon  of  man  ;  for  it  fhall  be  upon 
 my  people,  it  shall  be  upon  all  the  princes  of  Ifrae! : 
 [j  terrors,  by  realbn  of  the  fword,  fhall  be  upon  my 
 people  ;  »  f'mite  therefore  upon  thy  thigh. 
 
 13  11  Becaufe  it  is  a  trial,  and  what  \\  the  s~i!cord  con- 
 'the  'sword  (emn  even  the  rod  ?  it  fhall  be  no  more,  faith  the  Lord 
 
 •with  my  God. 
 
 Thou  therefore,  fon  of  man,  prophefy,  and 
 fmite  thine  f  hands  together,  and  let  the  (word  be 
 jl  Or,  ’  doubled  the  third  time,  the  fword  of  the  flain :  it  i^ 
 When  the  fword  of  the  great  men  that  are  (lain,  wtiich  enter- 
 tnai  hath  privy  chambers. 
 
 ^hcnt"shau  15  1  have  let  the  H  point  of  the  fword  againft  all 
 they  not  their  gates,  that  their  heart  mav  faint,  and  their  ruins 
 multiplied:  ah!  it  is  made  bright,  it  is  y  wrapped 
 2r;i«pfortheflaughter. 
 
 f  Heb.  ’  "  -  ‘  " 
 
 21  For  the  king  of  Babylon  flood  at  the  f  parting  Before 
 of  the  way,  at  the  head  of  the  two  ways,  to  ufe  di-  Christ 
 vination :  he  made  his  y  arrows  bright,  he  confulted 
 with  t  images,  he  looked  in  the  liver. 
 
 22  At  his  right  hand  was  the  divination  for  Jeru- 
 falem,  to  appoint  y  f  captains,  to  open  the  mouth 
 the  daughter,  to  lift  up  the  voice  with  fhouting,  to  ap.  H 
 
 (1  Or, 
 they  are 
 thrust 
 down  to 
 
 15  Go  thee  one  way  or  other,  either  on  the  right 
 hand,  f  or  on  the  left,  whitherfoever  thy  face  is  let.  _ 
 17  I  will  alfo  fmite  mine  hands  together,  and  I  will 
 caufe  my  fury  to  reft  :  1  the  Lord  have  faid  it. 
 
 IS  H  The  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  me  again, 
 Caving, 
 
 19  Alfo,  thou  (bn  of  man,  appoint  thee  two  ways, 
 leuhyseij,ihdt  the  Cword  of  the  king  of  Babylon  may  come; 
 take  the  both  twaio  (ball  come  forth  out  of  one  land  ;  and 
 ha  Acini/- gi^oofe  thou  a  place,  choofe  it  at  the  head  of  the  way 
 
 to  the  city. 
 
 20  Appoint  a  way,  that  the  fword  may  come 
 Ribbath  of  the  Ammonites,  and  to  Judah 
 falem  the  defenced 
 
 hand  to 
 hand. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 or,  tear, 
 
 U  Or, 
 
 sharpened 
 -j-  Heb. 
 
 in 
 
 to 
 Jeru- 
 
 point  baiterwg  r?ims  againft  the  gates,  to  caft  a  mount,  |"Heb 
 
 ter-rpl 
 
 the  verfe,  may  be  rendered;  ‘  It  is  the  rod  of  my  fon,  it  defpifeth  every  tree. 
 Tlie  rod  of  the  Son  of  God,  by  which  he  deftroys  his  enemies,  would  pay  no  re- 
 card  to  any  of  the  trees,  in  tlie  devoted  forefl  ;  all  ranks  and  ages  of  the  ungod  y 
 Ifraelites  were  devoted  to  ruin,  Pfal.  ii.  7 — 9.  Ver.  12.  See  chap.  vi.  1  1.  Ver. 
 The  judgments  of  God  by  the  Chaldeans  would  be  a  trial  to  the  Jews  whe- 
 
 13. 
 
 ther  they  would  repent  or  not.  And  if  the  fword  defpifed  even  the  rod  or  fteptre 
 of  Zedekidh,  what  could  follow  but  an  end  to  the  temporal  kingdom  of 
 Ver  14  Be  doubled  ;  that  is,  according  to  foroe,  the  third  invafion  by  Nebuchad 
 nez^ar  would  complete  the  ruin  of  Jerufalem.  But  it  may  refer  to  the  repeated 
 prophecies  concerning  the  fword,  that  was  coming  on  the  land  \  er.  1  5.  Wrapped  ; 
 -that  it  might  not  lofe  its  edge  or  polifh,  till  the  time  when  it  was  to  be  uled. 
 Ver  16  Go  thee.  By  a  bold  figure,  the  fword  is  here  addrelTed  as  a  melfenger 
 
 and  to  build  a  fort. 
 
 23  And  it  {ball  be  unto  them  as  a  falfe  divination  !  Or, 
 
 in  their  fight,  y  to  them  that  have  fworn  oaths:  but 
 he  will  caU  to  remembrance  the  iniquity,  that  they.|°Heb. 
 may  be  taken.  rams. 
 
 24  Therefore  thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  Becaufe  ye  'I 
 have  made  your  iniquity  to  be  remembered,  in  thatl^j/^® 
 your  tranfgreflions  are  di (covered,  lb  that  in  all  y cur  made 
 doings  your  fins  do  appear  ;  becaufe,  I  say,  that  ye  are''""^*!. 
 come  to  remembrance,  ye  fhall  be  taken  with  the 
 hand. 
 
 25  ^  And  ihou,  profane  wicked  prince  of  Ifrae), 
 whole  day  is  come,  when  iniquity  shall  have  an 
 end  ; 
 
 26  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  Remove  the  diadem, 
 and  take  off  the  crown  ;  this  shall  not  be  the  lame; 
 exalt  him  tnat  is  lew,  and  abafe  him  that  is  high. 
 
 27  t  I  will  overturn,  overturn,  overiutn  it ;  and  it  f  Heb. 
 fhall  be  no  morey.  until  he  come  whofe  right  it  is  ;  and 
 
 I  Will  give  It  him. 
 
 28  H  And  theu,  fon  of  man,  prophefy,  and  fayumi/// 
 Thus  faith  the  Lord  God  concerning  the  Ammonites, 
 and  concerning  their  reproach  ;  even  fay  thou.  The 
 fword,  the  fword  is  drawn  :  for  the  {laughter  it  is 
 furbifhed,  to  confume  becaufe  of  the  glittering  ; 
 
 29  Whiles  they  fee  vanity  unto  thee,  whiles  they 
 divine  a  lie  unto  thee,  to  bring  thee  upon  the  necks 
 of  them  that  are  flain,  of  the  wicked,  whofe  days  is 
 come,  when  their  iniquity  shall  huve  an  end. 
 
 30  y  Shall  I  raufe  it  to  return  into  his  flieath  ?  1  will  II  Or, 
 judge  thee  in  the  place  where  thou  waft  created, 
 
 the  land  of  thy  nativity. 
 
 31  And  I  will  pour  out  mine  indignation  upon 
 thee  ;  I  will  blow  againft  thee  in  the  fire  of  my  wrath, 
 and  deliver  thee  into  the.  hand  of  11  brutifh  men,  andl  Or, 
 Ikilful  to  deftroy. 
 
 32  Thou  fhalt  be  for  fuel  to  the  fire;  thy  blood 
 fhall  be  in  the  midft  of  the  land  ;  thou  fhalt  be  no 
 more  remembered  ;  for  I  the  Lord  have  i'poken  it* 
 
 CHAP.  XXII. 
 
 1  A  catalogue  of  Jerusalem’s  sins.  17  God  will  burn  Israel  as  dross  in 
 
 the  furnace.  23  The  general  corruption  of  all  orders  of  men,  for 
 
 which  Gad’s  wrath  is  poured  out. 
 
 commiffioned  to  execute  his  melTage  in  every  place.  Ver  19 — 22.  The  prophtt 
 haling  declared  plainly,  that  the  fword  of  the  king  of  Babylon  was  intended  by 
 thefe  metaphors,  proceeds  to  deferibe  the  rout  of  that  conqueror  through  the  lanii 
 of  Ifrael.  Ver.  23.  The  Jews  who  hed  broken  their  oath  to  NehuehadneZMb 
 would  treat  all  warnings  delufions,  till  they  fell  into  the  hands  of  that  monarch, 
 who  would  remember  againft  them  their  peifidy  and  perjury.  Ver.  25 — 27.  Zs- 
 dekiah  is  here  addreffed  as  head  of  the  confpiracy  againft  the  authority  of  tte 
 Lord.  He  would  not  only  be  puniflied,  but  the  Lord  would  repeatedly  overturn 
 the  family  and  government  of  David,  to  prepare  for  the  eftabliftiment  of  Melfiahs 
 kingdom.  Pe.haps  alto  this  paflTage  prediefts  the  convulfions  of  fiates  and  king¬ 
 doms,  which  ftiall  prepare  the  way  for  the  univerfal  triumph  of  Mefltah.  Vei.  28 
 — 30.  Compare  Note  on  cliap.  xxv.  I — 7. 
 
 jlci 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  XX I.]  Faithful  minifters  muft  ufe  great  plainnefs  of  fpeecb  in  dealing  with  fouls.  They  who  «ou 
 
 PR.AGilUAL  m  tha-nfelves  •  and  tears  droDt  over  periftiing  fouls  are  the  moft  moving  admonitions.  Alas!  infinite  is  iheir  danger  »liO^ 
 
 others^with  what  they  preach  muft  be  hope  to  efcape  from  it.  None  are  more  apt  to  defpife  God’s  warnings  than  r-rc, 
 
 have  God  for  the.r  enemy.  ^  i„’  ^^agiftrates  and  minifters  who  profefs  the  true  religion.  Pride  goes  before  ’  “J 
 
 and  coft  do  men  deftroy  one  another  !  But  if  all  overturnings  in  the  world  make  way  for  Chrift,  the  righlfi.l 
 
 God  is  jealous  for  his  people  and  will  fuffer  no  injury  done  to  tliein  to  go  unpuniiDt*' 
 
 fane  fwearers.  And  in  none  i 
 before  honour  is  humility.  At  what  pains 
 of  nations  and  churches,  and  his  graciouis  defigns,  let  us  therewith  be  content. 
 
yjns  committed  in  Jatmlem.  EZEKIEL. 
 
 Before  Tk  /T OREOVER,  the  word  of  the  Lord  came 
 ciirift  1  VI  unto  me,  faying, 
 
 593.  -*-2  Now,  thou  fon  of  man  ®  wilt  thou  I1  judge,  wilt 
 
 thou  judge  the  t  bloody  city  ?  yea,  thou  shalt  f  Ihew 
 her  all  her  abominations.  ^ 
 
 23. 36.  3  Then  lay  thou.  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  Ihe 
 11^'^’  city  flieddeth  blood  in  the  raidft  of  it,  that  her  time 
 ^''T/eb.*  ’  may  come,  and  raaketh  idols  againft  herfelf  to  defile 
 
 liiuot  herfelf.  ,  ,  .  ,  j  u  .1. 
 
 tioo'is.  4,  'I’hou  art  become  guilty  in  thy  blood  that  tnou 
 
 baft  filed;  and  haft  defiled  thylelf  in  thine  ido's 
 iTotf.  which  thou  haft  made  ;  and  thou  haft  caufed  thy  days 
 bsKingSfo  draw  near,  and  art  come  even  unto  thy  years: 
 
 21-  therefore  have  1  made  thee  a  reproach  unto  the  hea¬ 
 then,  and  a  mocking  to  all  countries. 
 
 5  Those  that  be  near,  and  those  that  be  far  from  thee, 
 
 +  Heb.  (hall  mock  thee,  vclacli  art  f  infamous  and  muca  vexed, 
 lonaudof  6  Benold,  the  princes  of  Ifra-d,  _every  one  were  in 
 
 name 
 ntuclt  iti 
 f/exition. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 arm- 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 deceit. 
 
 ^  Heb. 
 men  of 
 
 thee  to  their  f  power  to  filed  blood. 
 
 7  In  thee  have  they  fet  light  by  father  and  mother  ; 
 in  the  midft  of  thee  have  they  dealt  by  H  oppreffion 
 with  the  ftranger  ;  in  thee  have  they  vexed  the  father- 
 lei's  and  the  widow. 
 
 8  Thou  haft  defpifed  mine  holy  things,,  and  haft 
 
 profaned  ray  fabbaths.  n.  j  n 
 
 9  In  thee  are  |  men  that  carry  tales  to  fiied  blood  ; 
 and  in  thee  they  eat  upon  the  mountains;  in  the 
 
 iUnderi.  jtjgy  commit  lewdnefs ;  ^ 
 
 cLevit.  10  In  thee  have  they  <=  difcovered  their  fathers 
 18. 8.  &  nakednefs ;  in  thee  have  they  humbled  her  that  was 
 
 fiev't.  fet  apart  for  pollution.  _  ...  .  , 
 
 18.19.  11  And  II  one  hath  committed  abomination  with 
 
 II  Or,  e  his  neighbour’s  wife ;  and  II  another  hath  H  lewdly 
 every  one.  his  daughter-in-law ;  and  another  in  thee  hath 
 
 *18  2a  humbled  his  f  fifter,  his  father’s  daughter, 
 jcrem.  12  In  thee  have  they  taken  gifts  to  filed  blood; 
 
 thou  haft  taken  ufury  and  increafe,  pnd  thou  haft 
 inyone.  greedily  gained  of  thy  neighbours  by  extortion,  and 
 11  Or,  by  haft  forgotten  me,  faith  the  Lord  God. 
 lewuness.  13  Behold,  therefore  I  have  s  fmitten  mme  hand 
 at  thy  difiioneft  gain  which  thou  haft  made,  and  at 
 thy  blood  w'hich  hath  been  in  the  midft  of 
 
 14  Can  thine  heart  endure,  or  can  thine  hands  be 
 ftrong,  in  the  days  that  I  fhall  deal  with  thee  ?  I  the 
 Lord  have  fpoken  it,  and  will  do  it. 
 
 15  And  1  will  fcatter  thee  among  the  heathen,  and 
 difperfe  thee  in  the  countries,  and  will  conlume  thy 
 filthinefs  out  of  thee. 
 
 Of-  16  And  thou  H  ftialt  take  thine  inheritance  m  thy- 
 thoiibe  ,hg  of  the  heathen,  and  thou  fiialt  know 
 
 projunea,  ^  .  t 
 
 that  l.a7n  the  Lord. 
 
 17  H  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  me, 
 faying. 
 
 g  Chap. 
 21.  17. 
 
 The  corruption  of  her  prophets* 
 
 18  Son  of  man,  the  houfe  of  Ifrael  is  to  me  be- 
 come  drofs;  all  they  are  brafs,  and  tin,  and  iron,  and 
 lead,  in  the  m:dft  of  the  furnace  ;  they  are  even  the 
 
 f  drofs  of  filver.  t 
 
 1 9  Therefore  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  Becaufe  ye  droM%. 
 are  all  become  drofs,  behold,  therefore,  I  will  gather 
 
 you  into  tne  midft  of  Jerufalem. 
 
 20  t  As  they  gather  filver,  and  brafs,  and  iron,  and  t  Heb. 
 lead,  and  tin,  into  the  midft  of  the  furnace,  to  blow  Accord-^ 
 the  fire  upon  if,  to  melt  tt ;  fo  will  1  gather  ytu 
 
 mine  anger,  and  in  my  fury,  and  I  will  leave  yyw  iAcre, 
 and  melt  you. 
 
 21  Yea.  I  will  gather  you,  and  blow  upon  you  in 
 the  fire  of  my  wrath  and  ye  (hall  be  melted  in  the 
 midft  thereof. 
 
 22  As  filver  is  melted  in  the  midft  of  the  furnace 
 fo  (ball  ye  be  melted  in  the  midft  thereof ;  and  ye 
 fhall  know  that  I  the  Lord  have  poured  out  my  fury 
 upon  you. 
 
 23  f  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  me, 
 faying, 
 
 24  Son  of  man,  fay  unto  her.  Thou  art  the  land 
 
 that  is  not  cleanfed,  nor  rained  upon  in  the  day  of  in¬ 
 dignation.  . 
 
 25  There  is  a  confpiracy  of  her  prophets  in  the  midft 
 thereof,  like  a  roaring  lion,  ravening  the  prey  :  they 
 
 have  devoured  fouls  ;  they  have  taken  the  treafureii  Mattb; 
 and  precious  things;  they  have  made  her  many  wi-^^-i-*. 
 dows  in  the  raidft  thereof. 
 
 26  Her  priefts  have  t  violated  my  law,  and  have  \  iieb. 
 profaned  mine  holy  things:  they  have  put  no  dif-?^«^ 
 ference  between  the  holy  and  profane,  neither  have"^®^”®® 
 thev  fhewed  dtprence  between  the  unclean  and  the 
 clean,  and  have  hid  iheir  eyes  from  my  fabbaths,  and 
 
 I  am  profaned  among  them. 
 
 27  Her  ‘  princes  in  the  midft  thereof  are  like  wolves  »  Micab 
 
 ravening  the  prey,  to  fhed  blood,  and  to  deftroy  fouls, 
 to  get  difhoneft  gain.  ^  s.  s. 
 
 28  And  her  prophets  have  daubed  them  w'ith  un¬ 
 tempered  mortar,  feeing  vanity,  and  divining  lies  un- 
 unto  them,  faying.  Thus  faitti  the  Lord  God,  when 
 (he  Lord  hath  not  fpoken. 
 
 29  Tne  people  of  the  land  have  ufed  H  oppreffion,  u  Or, 
 and  exercifed  robbery,  and  have  vexed  the  poor  ^.n^deceit, 
 needy ;  yea,  they  have  opprefTed  the  ftranger  f  wrong- 1 
 t'ully 
 
 30  And  I  fought  for  a  man  among  them  that  fiionld"” 
 make  up  the  hedge,  and  (land  in  the  gap  before  me  for 
 the  land,  that  I  fhould  not  deftroyit ;  but  I  found  none. 
 
 31  Therefore  have  I  poured  out  mine  indignation 
 upon  them  ;  I  have  confumed  them  with  the  fire  of 
 my  wrath  :  their  own  way  have  I  recompenled  upon 
 their  heads,  faith  the  Lord  God.* 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXII.  Ver.  2.  Jerufalem  was  the 
 holy  city,  but  nie  was  now  become  the  bloody  city,  every  fpecies  of  wickcdnefs 
 prevailed  in  her.  The  prophet  was  therefore  no  more  to  plead  in  her  behalf  but 
 to  pronounce  the  dive  judgoaent  on  her,  Mai.  iii.  5.  Ver.  13.  See  chap.  xxi.  17. 
 Tlie  Lord  was  about  to  fliew  his  abhorrence  of  tlie  ungodly  Jews,  and  his  earneft- 
 tiefs  to  punilh  them;  as  men  fmite  their  hands  together  when  they  are  provoked 
 beyond  what  they  are  able  to  bear ;  compare  Numb  xxiv.  10.  Ver  16.  7«,  or 
 for  Ihytelf.  Becaufe  of  their  iniquity.  Ifrael  were  driven  out  of  Canaan,  and  left 
 to  leek  an  inheritance  among  flrangers  and  enemies.  Ver  18 — 22.  Comp.  Ifa. 
 i.  22  —  2,5.  Jer.  vi.  28 — 30.  Lam  iv.  1.  Ver  24.  All  the  judgments  of  God 
 agaiiiR  Ifrael  were  infufficient  to  bring  them  to  repentance  ;  they  continued  pol¬ 
 luted  with  idolatry,  and  w  ckednefs,  and  grew  worfe  and  worfe  Ver.  27,  28.  See 
 
 chap.  xiii.  10 _ 16.  The  prophets  employed  all  their  ingenuity  to  varnilh  over  the 
 
 Crimes  of  the  princes,  who  indulged  in  cruelty  and  oppreflion.  A  nd  by  this  means 
 the  prophets  fhared  the  diflionea  gain  of  the  princes  ;  or  availed  themfelves  of 
 their  authority  to  gratify  their  avarice  or  revenge.  Thus  from  them  robbery  and 
 oppreffion  were  diffused  through  the  land.  Ver,  30,  31.  W^ickednels  prevailed 
 univerfally;  and  the  few  who  endeavoured  to  flop  its  progr^fs  were  defpifed. 
 not  one  of  all  the  chief  men  employed  his  abilities  and  authority  to  bring  the 
 ringleaders  of  iniquity  to  juflice,  or  endeavour  by  his  labours,  example,  and 
 prayers  to  promote  a  reformation,  and  avert  divine  judgments.  The  Lord,  ^fpeaic- 
 ing  after  the  manner  of  men,)  fought  for  fome  Moles,  PhlnehaS,  or  Samuel, 
 amongft  them  to  ftand  in  the  gap  on  this  occafion  ;  but  as  he  found  none  their 
 dellruition  was  inevitable. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  XXIL]  Lord,  what  are  men,  that  they,  that  profePs  the  true  religion,  fhould  he  fuch  monfieis  !  And  what 
 an  awful  cooneftion  there  is  between  the  dill'erent  fo  ms  of  wickednefs!  There  is  nothing  fo  abominable,  but  forgelfulnefs  of  God,  and  of  his  relation  and 
 favours  may  produce  it.  But  very  bafe  and  coaitemptible  before  God  are  degenerate  and  hypocritvcul  proLffors.  Dreadful  is  the  cafe  of  a  nation  wlien  prophet^, 
 
Aholak  and  Akolibafi’s  ^^lor^ofns. 
 
 lZEKIEL. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 59S. 
 
 T 
 
 7iacle  in 
 her. 
 
 CHAP.  XXITT. 
 
 :  The  whorerioms  <yf  Aholah  and  Aholibah.  22  Aholibah  shall  be  punish¬ 
 ed  by  her  looers .  36  their  idolatries  reproved,  ^c. 
 
 ''HE  vvord  of  the  Lord  came  again  unto  me, 
 -  lajing. 
 
 2  Son  of  man,  there  were  two  women,  the  daugh¬ 
 ters  of  one  mother  ; 
 
 5  And  they  committed  whoredoms  in  Egypt ;  they 
 committed  whoredoms  in  their  youth  :  there  Wi-re 
 
 pr-  fEd,  and  there  they  bruifed  the  teats 
 of  their  virginity. 
 
 ^  That  IS,  4  And  the  names  '■  f  them  tn-ere  1|  Aholah  the  elder, 
 or,  laber-  Ah'^Ubah  her  fifler ;  an.^  they  were  mine,  and 
 
 node.  they  bare  fons  and  daughters  Thus  were  their  names ; 
 tl  That  is,  Samaria  is  Aholah,  and  Jerufalern  Aholibah. 
 
 My  laber.  5  And  AhoLh  played  the  harlot  when  fbe  was 
 mine  ;  and  (he  doted  on  her  lovers,  on  the  AfTyrians 
 her  neighbours. 
 
 6  JVhic/i  were  clothed  with  blue,  captains  and  rulers, 
 all  of  them  defirable  young  men,  hoiferaen  riding 
 upon  horfes. 
 
 7  Thus  (he  f  committed  her  whoredoms  with  them, 
 AerM./fore- ah  them  there  were  f  the  chofen  men  of  Affyria, 
 dTmsupon Of!  whom  (he  doted  :  with  all  her  idols 
 ihrm.  (he  defiled  herfelf. 
 
 t  Heb.  8  Neither  left  (he  her  whoredoms  brought  from 
 the  dunce  they  lay  with  her,  and  they 
 
 children  0/  bruifed  the  breaffs  of  her  virginity,  and  poured  their 
 Asher,  whoredom  upon  her. 
 
 9  Wherefore  I  have  delivered  her  into  the  hand  of 
 a  2  Kings  her  lovers,  into  the  hand  of  the  Affyrians,  upon 
 17. 3,  esc.  ^hom  (he  doted. 
 
 lOlhefe  difcovered  her  nakednefs  ;  and  took  her 
 fons  and  her  daughters,  and  flpw  her  with  the  fword  : 
 t  Heb.  and  (he  became  t  famous  among  women  ;  for  they 
 had  executed  judgment  upon  her. 
 corZpte'j  when  her  filter  Aholibah  faw  th/s,  f 
 
 her  inor.  was  more  corrupt  in  her  inordinate  love  than  (he, 
 dinaie love 2ind  in  her  whoredoms,  f  more  than  her  filter  in  her 
 Than  whoredoms. 
 
 f  Heb  She  doted  upon  the AfTyrians  her  neighbours, 
 
 than  the  captains  and  rulers  clothed  raoft  gorgeoufly,  horferaen 
 whore- ^  riding  upon  horfes,  all  of  them  defirable  young  men. 
 heTlkter.  I'hen  I  faw  that  fhe  was  defiled,  that  they  took 
 b  2  Kings  both  one  way  ; 
 
 Judgments  for  their  adult 
 
 ■^Heb. 
 
 bes'oived 
 
 16.  7. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 at  the 
 tight  of 
 her  eyes. 
 
 And  that  fhe  increafed  her  whoredoms:  for 
 when  fhe  faw  men  pourtrayed  upon  the  wall,  the  ima¬ 
 ges  of  the  Chaldeans  pourtrayed  with  ypraiillion, 
 
 15  Girded  with  girdles  upon  their  loins,  exceeding 
 in  dyed  attire  upon  their  heads,  all  of  them  princes 
 to  look  to,  after  the  manner  of  the  Babylonians  of 
 Chaldea,  the  land  of  their  nativity  : 
 
 16  And  f  as  loon  as  fhe  faw  them  with  her  eyes, 
 fhe  doted  upon  them,  and  fent  mefTengers  unto  them 
 into  Chaldea. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXIII.  Ver.  S.  Whoredom,  here  and 
 in  nnany  other  places,  denotes  an  idolatrous  apoftacy  from  God,  their  covenanted 
 hulband  to  idols,  and  a  dependance  on  heathen  alliances.  Ver.  4.  The  Ifraelites 
 are  called  aholah,  her  own  tabernade,  becaufe  their  worfhip  appointed  by 
 Jeroboam,  was  of  their  own  invention  :  and  the  Jews  aholibah,  my  tabernade  is 
 in  her,  as  they  enjoyed  the  temple  and  ordinances  of  God.  Both  belonged  to 
 God  by  folemn  marriage  covenant;  and  they  once  brought  forth  many  converts 
 unto  him.  Ver.  11 — 21.  All  the  time  that  the  kingdom  of  Ifrael,  confiding  of 
 the  ten  tribes,  was  ripening  for  judgments,  and  even  after  it  was  utterly  ruined, 
 Judah  was  growing  more  and  more  corrupt  and  devoted  to  idols.  She  conneiSted 
 
 17  And  the  f  Babylonians  came  to  her  into  the  Eofo„ 
 bed  of  love,  and  they  defiled  her  with  their  whore-  Chria 
 dorn  ;  and  (be  was  polluted  with  them,  and  her  mind 
 was  t  alienated  from  them. 
 
 IS  So  (he  difcovered  her  whoredoms,  and  difeover- 
 ed  her  uakednefs :  then  mv  mind  was  alienated  from 
 j  her.  like  as  my  mind  was  alienated  from  her  filier. 
 
 \  19  Yet  (he  multiplied  her  whoredoms,  in  callingSw 
 
 I  to  remembrance  the  days  of  her  youth,  wherein  (he 
 had  played  the  harlot  in  the  land  of  Egypt. 
 
 20  For  fhe  doted  upon  their  paramours,  whofe  flefii 
 I  is  as  the  fltfh  of  afTes,  and  whofe  ifTue  is  like  the  ifiTue 
 
 of  horfes. 
 
 21  Thus  thou  calledfl:  to  remembrance  the  lewd- 
 nels  of  thy  youth,  in  bruifing  thy  teats  by  the  Egyp¬ 
 tians,  for  the  paps  of  thy  veuth. 
 
 22  f  Therefore,  O  Aholibah,  Thus  faith  the  Lord 
 God,  Behold,  I  will  raife  up  thy  lov-rs  againft  thee, 
 from  whom  thy  mind  is  alienated,  and  I  will  bring 
 them  againfl  rhee  on  every  fide  : 
 
 23  The  Babylonians,  and  all  the  Chaldeans,  Pekod, 
 and  Sho,  and  Koa,  and  all  the  AlTvians  with  them  : 
 all  of  them  defirable  young  men,  captains  and  rulers, 
 great  lords  and  renowned,  all  of  them  riding  upon 
 horles. 
 
 24  And  they  fhall  come  againft  thee  with  chariots, 
 waggons,  and  wheels,  and  with  an  alTembly  of  people, 
 wh/ck  (hall  let  againft  thee  buckler,  and'fhield,  and 
 helmet,  round  about :  and  I  will  fet  judgment  before 
 them,  and  they  (hall  judge  thee  according  to  their 
 judgments. 
 
 25  And  I  will  let  my  jpaloufy  againft  thee,  and 
 they  fhall  deal  furioufly  with  thee;  they  (hall  take 
 away  thy  nofe  and  thine  ears ;  and  thy  remnant  (hall 
 mil  by  the  fword;  they  (hall  take  thy  fons  and  thy 
 daughters;  and  thy  refidue  (hall  be  devoured  by  the 
 fire. 
 
 26  They  (hall  aifo  ftrip  thee  out  of  thy  clothes,  and 
 
 take  away  thy  t  fair  jewels.  "  t  Heb. 
 
 27  Thus  will  I  make  thy  lewdnefs  to  ceafe  ^romZZTof 
 thee,  and  thy  whoredom  brought  from  the  land  ol  thy  deck- 
 Egypt ;  fo  that  thou  (halt  not  lift  up  thine  eyes  unto'”o- 
 them,  nor  remember  Egvpt  any  more. 
 
 28  For  thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  Behold,  I  will 
 deliver  thee  into  the  hand  of  them  whom  thou  hateft-, 
 into  the  hand  of  them  from  v.'hom  thy  mind  is 
 alienated  : 
 
 29  And  they  (hall  deal  with  thee  hatefully,  and 
 fhall  take  away  all  thy  labour,  and  fhall  leave  ihie 
 naked  and  bare  ;  and  the  nakednefs  of  thy  whore- 
 doms  fhall  be  difcovered,  both  thy  lewdnefs  and  thy 
 whoredoms. 
 
 30  I  will  do  thefe  things  unto  thee,  becaufe  thou 
 haft  gone  a  whoring  after  the  heathen,  and  becaufe 
 thou  art  polluted  with  their  idols. 
 
 1 
 
 herfelf  fucceffively  with  Egypt,  Alfyria  and  Chaldea,  and  was  enamoured  of  them 
 and  their  idols.  Thus  the  Jews  were  like  an  abandoned  woman,  who  has  call 
 otf  all  regard  to  decency,  duty,  or  confequenccs.  But  a'ter  a  (hort  time  they 
 were  as  much  alienated  from  their  lovers,  not  excepting  the  Chaldeans,  as  they 
 had  been  attached  to  them  :  (as  is  frequently  the  cate  between  bad  women,  and 
 their  paramours;)  and  this  made  way  for  their  tempters  to  become  their  execu¬ 
 tioners.  For  though  they  forfook  the  Chaldeans,  they  continued  to  provoke  the 
 Lord  by  their  vile  idolatries,  and  heathen  alliances,  efpecially  with  the  Egvp- 
 lians;  fo  that  at  length  God  was  entirely  alienated  from  them.  Ver.  25  Thy 
 nose. — This  alludes  to  the  punifliment  infli<5led  by  jealous  bulb.inds  on  tbeif 
 
 priefts,  and  princes,  are  accomplices  and  ringleaders  in  guilt.  Their  flations  aggravate  their  offences,  and  fhall  enhance  their  mifery  and  ruin.  When  men  are  found 
 to  pray  or  plead  with  God  for  the  land  the  cafe  is  dreadful.  However  terrible  the  end  of  the  ungodly  may  be,  their  fufierings  fliall  he  no  more  than  their  deferts. 
 
and  Aholihah^s  idolatries  reproved. 
 
 EZEKIEL. 
 
 The  parable  of  a  hoilivg  pot. 
 
 31  Thou  haft  walked  in  the  way  of  thy  fifter ; 
 therefore  will  I  give  her  cup  into  thine  hand. 
 
 32  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  Thou  (halt  drink  of 
 thv  fifter’s  cup  deep  and  large  :  thou  (halt  be  laughed 
 
 n  (corn,  and  had  m  derifton  :  it  containeth  much. 
 
 33  Thou  (half  be  filled  with  drunkeonels  and  lor- 
 
 row,  with  the  cup  of  aftonifliment  and  defolation, 
 ™ith  the  cup  of  thy  fifter  Samaria.  , 
 
 34  Thou  (halt  even  drink  it,  and  fuck  it  out,  and 
 thou  (halt  break  the  (herds  thereof,  and  pluck  oft 
 thine  own  brealts:  for  I  have  fpoken  it.  faith  the 
 
 ^^35  Therefore  thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  Becaufe 
 thou  haft  forgotten  me,  and  caft  me  behind  thy  back, 
 therefore  bear  thou  alfo  thy  lewdnefs  and  thy  whore- 
 
 The  Lord  faid  moreover  unto  nae.  Son  of 
 man,  wilt  thou  <=  11  judge  Aholah  and  Aholibah  .  yea, 
 declare  unto  them  their  abominations  ;  .  , ,  . 
 
 VI. 37  That  they  have  committed  adultery,  and  blood 
 is  in  their  hands,  and  with  their  idols  have  they  com- 
 ’  mitted  adultery,  and  have  alfo  cauled  their  Ions,  whom 
 they  bare  unto  me,  to  pals  for  them  through  the  fire, 
 
 to  devour  them.  , 
 
 38  Moreover  this  they  have  done  unto  h^e  ;  they 
 have  defiled  my  fanauary  in  the  fame  day,  and  have 
 profaned  my  fabbaths. 
 
 39  For  when  they  had  (lain  their  children  to  their 
 idols,  then  they  came  the  fame  day  into  my  fanauary 
 
 sKingsto  profane  it ;  and,  lo,  “  thus  have  they  done  in  the 
 
 ■  '  midft  of  mine  houle. 
 
 40  And  furthermore,  that  ye  have  fent  for  men  t  to 
 come  from  far,  unto  whom  a  meffengerms  lent ;  and, 
 lo  they  came ;  for  whom  thou  didft  walh  tliylelr,  pain- 
 tedft  thine  eyes,  and  deckedeft  thyfelf  with  ornaments, 
 
 Heb.Ao-  41  And  fatteft  upon  a  t  ftately  bed,  and  a  table 
 )itrahle.  prepared  before  it,  *=  whereupon  thou  haft  let  mine 
 
 Prov.  r  T  _ 1  „  •! 
 
 c  Chap- 
 
 go.  4.  & 
 ,  2 
 Or, 
 
 590, 
 
 .  4. 
 
 I-Heb. 
 
 ioming. 
 
 .  17. 
 
 Heb. 
 
 ( the 
 
 mliitude 
 '  me:i. 
 Or, 
 ruiik- 
 
 Heb. 
 
 •r  whore. 
 
 Chap, 
 ).  38. 
 
 incenfe  and  mine  oil.  .  ,  ,  .  r 
 
 42  And  a  voice  of  a  multitude  being  at  eaie  was 
 with  her  ;  and  with  the  men  t  of  the  common  lort 
 were  brought  0  Sabeans  from  the  wildernefs,  which 
 put  bracelets  upon  their  hands,  and  beautiful  crowns 
 
 upon  their  heads.  , 
 
 43  Tnen  faid  I  unto  her  that  was  old  in  adulteries. 
 
 Will  they  now  commit  f  whoredoms  with  her,  and 
 
 (he  with  them  ?  ,  '  •  „ 
 
 44  Yet  they  went  in  unto  her,  as  they  go  m  unto  a 
 woman  that  playeth  the  harlot :  fo  went  they  in  unto 
 Aholah  and  unto  Aholibah,  the  lewd  women. 
 
 45  f  And  the  righteous  men,  they  (nail  judp 
 them  after  the  manner  of  adultreffes,  and  after  the 
 manner  of  women  that  fhed  blood  ;  becaufe  they  are 
 adulterefles,  and  blood  is  in  their  hands 
 
 46  For  thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  I  will  bring  up 
 
 a  company  upon  them,  and  will  give  them  f  to  be 
 
 rpmovcd  3Dt3  fpoilcd.  •  n  590, 
 
 47  And  the  company  (hall  (lone  them  with  ^ones, 
 and  II  difpatch  them  with  their  fwords  :  they  I^alltHeb. 
 flay  their  fons  and  their  daughters,  and  burn  up  their/ 
 
 “'its  wm  I  caafe  lewdnefs  ,o  ceafe  on.  of  the  for 
 land.  ,baral7women  may  be  taught  no,  to  do  after 
 
 Andlhey  (hall  recompence  your  lewdnels  upon 
 yotand  ye  (hall  bear  the  fins  of  youj-  idols  ;  and  ye 
 (hall  know  that  I  am  the  Lord  God. 
 
 CHAP.  XXIV. 
 
 ,  By  Ike  .r  •  I«‘ “  iZlTJTXd  .('rJ'”; 
 
 15  Ezekiel  is  forbvd  to  mourn  tor  the  death,  of  n%wj  , 
 
 Jews’  calamity  to  be  beyond  all  sorrow. 
 
 Again,  in  the  ninth  year,  in  the  tenth  month, 
 in  the  tenth  day  of  the  month,  the  word  of  the 
 
 Lord  came  unto  me,  faying,  , 
 
 2  Son  of  mao,  Write  thee  the  name  of  the  day, 
 
 even  of  this  fame  day :  the  king  of  Babylon  (et  him- 
 
 felf  aitainft  Jerufalem  this  fame  day. 
 
 3  And  utter  a  parable  unto  the  f^bellious  houfe, 
 and  fay  unto  them,  Tnus  (aith  the  Lord  God,  Set 
 on  a  pot,  fet  it  on,  and  alfo  pour  water  into  it . 
 
 4  Gather  the  pieces  thereof  into  it,  even  every  good 
 piece;  Ihe  thigh!  and  the  ihonlder ;  611  it  with  the 
 
 '^^sTak^Oie  choic-  of  the  Hock,  and  1|  burn  alio  thH„^ 
 bones  under  it,  and  make  it  boil  well,  and  let  them 
 
 feethe  the  bones  of  it  therein.  ^ 
 
 6  *11  Wherefore  thus  iaith  the  Lord  God,  Woe  to 
 the  bloodv  city,  to  the  pot  whole  fcum  is  ^ 
 
 whole  fcum  is  not  gone  out  of  it  1  bring  ic  out  piece 
 by  piece  ;  let  no  lot  fall  upon  it. 
 
 7  For  her  blood  is  in  the  midft  of  her ;  (he  let  it 
 upon  the  top  of  a  rock:  (he  poured  it  not  upon  the 
 tiround,  to  cover  it  with  duft; 
 
 ^  8  That  it  might  caufe  fury  to  come  up  to  take  ven¬ 
 geance  ;  I  have  fet  her  blood  upon  the  top  of  a  rock, 
 
 that  it  Ihould  not  be  covered.  ^  p  i  a  Woe  to* 
 
 9  Therefore  thus  laith  the  Lord  God,  Woe  to^  ^ 
 the  bloodv  city  !  1  will  even  make  the  pile  tor  nre  H^bak. 
 
 Heap  on  wood,  kindle  the  fire,  confume  the 
 fl-fh,  and  (pice  it  well,  and  let  the  bones  be  burm. 
 
 1 1  Then  fet  it  empty  upon  the  coals  thereof,  that 
 the  brafs  of  it  may  be  hot,  and  may  burn,  and  Maf 
 the  filthinefs  of  it  may  be  molten  in  it,  that  the  Icum 
 
 of  it  may  be  conlumed.  ....  ,  , 
 
 12  She  hath  wearied  herself '•xnh  lies,  and  her  great 
 fcum  went  not  form  out  of  ner  :  her  Icum  shall  be  m 
 
 '‘'“ifln  thy  Blthinefs,  is  lewduefs :  becaufe  1  have 
 
 Or, 
 
 olatrous  wives;  and  it  implied  that  the  Lord  would  employ  the  Chaldeans  t 
 iftroy  the  Jews  ;  and,  as  it  were,  firft  to  mutilate,  and  then  put  to  death  this 
 famous  adulterefs.  Ver.  32.  It  conlaineth  much.  That  is,  the  judgirents  o 
 laven  on  Judah  would  be  terrible,  and  of  long  continuance.  Ver.  40 
 le  princes  of  Judah  ufed  every  artifice  to  induce  the  heathen  to  enter  into  a  - 
 inces  with  them  ;  and  beftowed  as  much  pains  to  gain  admiffion  to  their  idoia- 
 >us  worfhip  as  harlots  do  to  inveigh  their  lovers.  Ver.  43.  As  upright  magil- 
 
 w.. .  7-»  -r.  1 
 
 king  of  Babylon  began  the  fiege  of  Jerulalem,  tne  ^  afterwards  teftifV 
 
 and  ordered  him  to  make  fuch  a  VL  h  m  Ver  3I3  Compare 
 
 to  the  people  that  the  Lord  did  indeed  fpeak  by  h.m.  Ver.  o.  Compare 
 
 - - - - - -  ~  ^  7T  T  ,1  otTcrravated  guilt.  Whatever  we  inordinately 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  XXIII.]  Profeflbrs  Ja"  due  To  him.  unto  another.  Evil  appetites  indulged,  only  grow 
 
 ‘  becomes  our  idol  ;  and  God  will  not  fuffer  us  with  impunity  to  give  the  honour,  lo  ,^  boldnefs  of  what  others  blufii  to  name.  They  who  provoke  God  by 
 Long  habits  of  fin  give  effrontery  to  the  praaffers,  and  they  d  ^^^y  expe, 
 
 .  1  Li _ tViPv  PTHpriPtice.  Inev  wno  inaic  winj  _  _ _ 
 
 rfe  and  worfe.  Long  habits  of  fin  give  effrontery  to  the  praaifers,  and  they  dare  11  ^ 
 
 ir  fins,  have  only  tliemfelves  to  blame  for  the  miferies  they  experience.  1  „  men’s  fouls. 
 
 gues.  The  defire  of  being  acquainted  with  the  great,  often  proves  a  angerou  of  others  lilt 
 
 _  .r.  ..  .  r>  _ _ .w,:!!  in  fKis  t»nH  rimnnintlTiGOtS*  luO  i3  IS  01  0 
 
 d)  tidvc  uiiiy  HI t iiJici V Co  ‘V  AW.  V  »  o fo  tr»  ivipn  ^  louiS.  ^  n“Y 
 
 o -  The  defire  of  being  acquainted  with  the  great,  often  proves  a  angerou  of  others  Ihonld  be  a  warning  to  us. 
 
 7ever  promifing  they  may  at  firft  appear,  will  find  in  the  end  di  fappointments.  I  ho  al  s  of  others 
 
 os,  a  day  of  recompeace  is  near,  when  they  will  receive  the  wrath  due  to  t  eir  iniq  • 
 
 9  L 
 
 icked  in  their  fins,  may  expeft  to.aiare  with  them  in  their 
 They  who  abandon  the  path  of  duty  for  human  confidences 
 However  finners  may  flatter  them- 
 
God's  vengeance  upon  the  Ammonites,  ^c. 
 
 EZEKIEL. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrifl; 
 
 590. 
 
 purged  thee,  and  thou  waft  not  purged,  thou  fhalt  not 
 be  purged  from  thy  filtninefs  any  more,  till  1  have 
 canted  my  fury  to  rtft  upon  thee. 
 
 14  I  the  Lord  have  Ipoken  it ;  it  (hall  come  to 
 pals,  and  I  will  do  it ;  I  will  not  go  back,  neither  will 
 1  Ipare,  neither  will  I  repent :  according  to  thy  ways, 
 and  according  to  thy  doings,  (ball  they  judge  thee, 
 faith  the  Lord  God. 
 
 15  ^  Alfo  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  me, 
 laying, 
 
 16  Son  of  man,  behold,  I  take  away  from  thee  the 
 defire  of  thine  eyes  with  a  ftroke ;  yet  neither  fhalt 
 thou  mourn  nor  weep,  neither  (hall  thy  tears  f  run 
 down. 
 
 17  t  Forbear  to  cry,  make  no  mourning  for  the 
 dead,  bind  the  tire  of  thine  head  upon  thee,  and  put 
 
 wneriiv  ‘^over  not  thy  t  lips, 
 
 and  fo  f  *he  bread  of  men. 
 
 Ver.  22.  18  So  I  fpake  unto  the  people  in  the  morning  ;  and 
 
 at  even  my  wife  died :  and  I  did  in  the  morning  as  I 
 was  commanded. 
 
 19  H  And  the  people  faid  unto  me.  Wilt  thou  not 
 tell  us  what  thefe  things  are  to  us,  that  thou  doeft  so? 
 
 20  Then  I  anfwered  them.  The  word  of  the  Lord 
 came  unto  me,  faying, 
 
 21  Speak  unto  the  houfe  of  Ifrael,  Thus  faith  the 
 Lord  God,  Behold,  I  will  profane  ray  fanftoary,  the 
 excellency  of  your  ftrength,  the  defire  of  your  eyes, 
 
 t and  t  that  which  your  foul  pitieth  ;  and  your  fons  and 
 
 f  Heb. 
 go. 
 
 ^  Heb. 
 
 13e  silent. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 the  pity  of  ■  ,  ,  f - ;  j muu 
 
 yowr  scm/.  your  daughters  whom  ye  have  left  fhall  fall  by  the 
 
 fhall  not 
 
 fword. 
 
 22  And  ye  fhall  do  as  I  have  done ;  ye 
 cover  your  lips,  nor  eat  the  bread  of  men. 
 
 23  And  your  tires  shall  be  upon  your  heads,  and 
 your  fhoes  upon  your  feet :  ye  fhall  not  mourn  nor 
 weep  ;  but  ye  fhall  pine  away  for  your  iniquities,  and 
 mourn  one  toward  another, 
 
 24  Thus  Ezekiel  is  unto  you  a  fign :  according  to 
 all  that  he  hath  done  fhall  ye  do ;  and  when  this 
 cometb,  ye  fhall  know  that  I  am  the  Lord  God. 
 
 25  Alfo,  thou  fon  of  man,  shall  it  not  be  in  the  day 
 when  I  take  from  them  their  ftrength,  the  joy  of  their 
 
 th  Iff  defire  of  their  eyes,  and  f  that  whereupon 
 
 upoj their  *^^®y  tninds,  their  fons  and  their  daughters. 
 
 soul.  26  That  he  that  efcapeth  in  that  day  fhall  come  un¬ 
 to  thee,  to  caufe  thee  to  hear  it  with  thme  ears? 
 
 27  In  that  day  fhall  thy  mouth  be  opened  to  him 
 which  is  efcaped,  and  thou  fhalt  fpeak,  and  be  no 
 more  dumb  :  and  thou  fhalt  be  a  fign  unto  them  ;  and 
 they  fhall  know  that  I  am  the  Lord.* 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 for  their 
 
 CHAP.  XXV. 
 
 enmity  against  the 
 
 1  God's  vengeance  upon  the  Ammonites,  8  upon  Moab  and  Seir,  Ac  fn 
 their  declaring  enviity  agaimt  the  Jews.  ^ 
 
 ^I^HE  word  of  the  Lord  came  again  unto  me 
 
 B  I'JJinn/r 
 
 •  Jereid 
 ■19.1 
 
 word  of  the  Lord  came  again  unto 
 _  faying, 
 
 2  Son  of  man,  fet  thy  face  »  againft  the  Ammonites 
 
 and  prophely  againft  them  ;  ’ 
 
 3  And  lay  unto  trie  Ammonites,  Hear  the  word  of 
 
 the  Lord  God  ;  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  Becaufe 
 thou  laidft.  Aha,  againft  my  fanftuary,  when  it  was 
 profaned  ;  and  againft  the  land  of  Ifrael,  when  it  was 
 defolate ;  and  againft  the  houfe  of  Judah,  when  they 
 went  into  captivity  ;  ^ 
 
 4  Behold,  therefore  I  will  deliver  thee  to  the  t  men  t  Heb 
 
 of  the  eaft  for  a  pofli-ffion,  and  they  fhall  fet  their®*'^ 
 palaces  in  thee,  and  make  their  dwellings  in  thee- 
 they  fhall  eat  thy  fruit,  and  they  fhall  drink  thv 
 milk.  ^ 
 
 5  And  I  will  make  Rabbah  a  ftable  for  camels,  and 
 the  Ammonites  a  couching-place  for  flocks ;  and  ve 
 fhall  know  that  I  am  the  Lord. 
 
 6  For  thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  Becaufe  thou  haft 
 
 clapped  t  hands,  and  ftamped  with  the  f  feet, 
 and  rejoiced  in  t  heart  with  all  thy  defpite  againft  thei“u; 
 land  of  Ifrael :  ™ 
 
 7  Behold,  therefore  I  will  ftretch  out  mine  hand  t  Heb. 
 upon  thee,  and  will  deliver  thee  for  11  a  fpoil  to  the"“'- 
 heathen  ;  and  I  will  cut  thee  off  from  the  people,  andL?I’ 
 
 I  will  caufe  thee  to  perifh  out  of  the  countries ;  I 
 will  deftroy  thee ;  and  thou  fhalt  know  that  I  am  the 
 Lord. 
 
 8  f  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God, Becaufe  that  Moabb  jeren. 
 and  Seir  do  fay.  Behold,  the  houfe  of  Judah  zs  like"^®- h&c. 
 unto  all  the  heathen  ; 
 
 9  Therefore,  behold,  I  will  open  the  f  fide  of  Moab  t  Heb. 
 from  the  cities,  and  from  his  cities  •which  are  on  his  fron-®*"^^*’’ 
 tiers,  the  glory  of  the  country,  Beth-jefhimoth,  Baal- 
 meon,  and  Kiriathaim. 
 
 10  Unto  the  men  of  the  eaft  11  with  the  Ammonites, or 
 
 and  will  give  them  in  poflefTion,  that  the  Ammonites  ogam’jt 
 may  not  be  remembered  among  the  nations.  thechn. 
 
 1 1  And  I  will  execute  judgments  upon  Moab :  and 
 
 they  fhall  know  that  I  am  the  Lord.  Anmn. 
 
 1 2  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  Becaufe  that  Edom 
 
 hath  dealt  againft  the  houfe  of  Judah  f  by  taking  ven- 1  Heb.ij 
 geance,  and  hath  greatly  ofl'ended,  and  revenged  him-’'®*'®"«‘"S 
 
 lelf  upon  them  ;  revenge- 
 
 13  Therefore  thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  I  will  alfo 
 ftretcb  out  mine  hand  upon  Edom,  and  will  cut  off 
 man  and  beaft  from  it :  and  I  will  make  it  defolate 
 
 chap.  xi.  3,  7,  11.  Jer.  i.  13.  Ver.  6 — 8.  Comp.  chap.  xxii.  2 — 4.  Ver.  16  —  24. 
 This  was  the  last  meflage,  which  the  prophet  carried  to  the  captives  in  Babylon, 
 refpedling  the  destruction  of  their  city  and  temple;,  and  it  was  introduced  by  a 
 very  afflidlive  difpenfation  to  himlelf;  the  lofs  of  his  beloved  wife  for  whom  he 
 •was  to  exhibit  no  outward  mark  of  forrow.  And  he  fuffered  this  heavy  afflidlion 
 in  this  compofed  manner,  to  be  a  fign  to  them  of  their  duty  when  righteous  judg¬ 
 ment  was  executed  on  their  apostate  nation.  Ver.  25—27.  During  the  fiege  of 
 Jerufalem  the  prophet  delivered  many  tr.elfages  refpedling  other  nations,  but  now 
 refpedling  his  own,  chap.  iii.  26,  27.  xxxiii.  21,  22.  But  when  the  city  was  de¬ 
 stroyed,  the  Lord  would  fend  one  to  inform  him  of  it,  and  then  he  would  be 
 infpired  to  fpeak  again  to  his  people  concerning  the  affairs  of  their  nation.  By 
 
 thefe  means  the  people  would  perceive  that  the  prophet  was  a  fign  to  them,  to 
 make  them  know  and  fear  the  Lord. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXV.  Ver.  1—7.  The  deflruaion 
 of  the  Ammonites,  and  the  defolation  of  their  country,  are  foretold  frequently  by 
 the  prophets.  The  infiruments  employed  by  God  to  accomplifli  this  prophecy, 
 were  the  »ien  of  the  east,  that  is.  the  Chaldeans;  Jer.  xxvii.  3.  The  defcendaaU 
 of  Ammon  were  never  rellored  as  a  people  from  their  captivity  by  Nebuchadnez- 
 aar  ;  for,  after  the  general  releafe  of  the  nations  whom  he  had  fubjecSled  to  llavery, 
 their  country  was  polTefled  by  the  Jews  ;  fee  this  fubjedt  more  fully  illullrated  by 
 note  on  Jer.  xlix.  1 — 6.  Ver.  8 — 11.  The  divine  condudl  to  Moab  has  already 
 been  explained ;  Ifa.  chapters  xv.  and  xvi.  Jer.  xlviii.  Ver.  12—14.  Thefateof 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XXIV.]  All  times,  places,  and  events,  ace  under  the  immediate  infpedlion  of  God  :  and  it  isufeful  to  keep  an 
 exadi  account  of  his  remarkable  providences  They  who  harden  themfelves  againfl  God’s  means  for  their  eonverfion,  muft  perifh  without  remedy ;  and  they  who  ob- 
 ilinately  indulge  their  lulls,  muft  at  laft  be  abandoned  to  them.  Agreeable  marriage  cotinedlions  are  very  delightful.  But  our  deareft  created  comforts  are  always 
 on  the  wing  to  depart  from  us  ;  and  if  they  be  taken  from  us,  let  us  eye  the  hand  of  God,  and  hear  his  language  therein  ; — and  by  faith  let  us  take  himfclf  and  his 
 fuhiefs  to  fupply  their  room.  Such  fubmifik>n  will  exceedingly  fweeten  our  wormwood  and  gall.  The  removal  of  other  men’s  comforts  ought  to  make  us  think  of 
 parting  with  our  own.  But  dreadful  is  the  fituation  when  afili^ions  are  fo  heavy  as  to  llupify  and  overwhelm  the  mind.  And  Hill  more  fo  when  men  under  terrible 
 calamities  pine  away  in  their  fin. 
 
EZEKIEL. 
 
 ^\^oTdyifito 
 
 J)edan 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 tll'Uli 
 
 yiiTpetual 
 
 hatred- 
 
 110^’  , 
 haven  of 
 the  sea. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 ven¬ 
 geances. 
 
 Jyrui  threatened  ’with  destniclion. 
 
 Before  from  Temau ;  and  II  they  of  Dedan  (hall  fall  by  the 
 fword. 
 
 14  And  I  will  lay  ray  vengeance  upon  Edom  by 
 the  hand  of  my  people  Ifrael :  and  they  (hall  do  in 
 
 they’shaii  Edom  accordifig  to  mine  anger,  and  according  to  my 
 fury  ;  and  they  (hall  know  ray  vengeance,  faith  the 
 Lord  God. 
 
 15  «1I  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  Becaufe  the  Phi- 
 liftines  have  dealt  by  revenge,  and  have  taken  ven¬ 
 geance  with  a  defpitefu!  heart,  to  deftroy  it  11  for  the 
 old  hatred  ; 
 
 16  Therefore  thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  Behold,  I 
 will  ftretch  cut  mine  hand  upon  the  Philiftines,  and 
 1  will  cut  off  the  Cherethiras,  and  deftroy  the  rem¬ 
 nant  of  the  II  fea-coafls. 
 
 17  And  I  will  execute  great  vengeance  upon  them, 
 with  furious  rebukes ;  and  they  (hall  know  that  I  am 
 the  Lord,  when  I  (hall  lay  ray  vengeance  upon 
 them.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXVI. 
 
 1  TyruSjfor  insulting  over  the  distress  of  Jerusalem,  is  threatened ;  7  Ne¬ 
 buchadnezzar  shall  be  made  the  instrument ;  15  the  consternation  of  the 
 princes  of  the  sea  for  her  fall. 
 
 ND  it  came  to  pafs  in  the  eleventh  year,  in  the 
 firft  day  of  the  month,  that  the  word  of  the 
 Lord  came  unto  me,  faying, 
 
 2  Son  of  man,  becaufe  that  Tyrus  hath  faid  againft 
 Jerufalem,  Aha,  (he  is  broken  that  was  the  gates  of 
 the  people ;  (he  is  turned  unto  me ;  I  ftaall  be  re- 
 plenKhed,  now  (he  is  laid  wafte  ; 
 
 3  Therefore  thus  (aith  the  Lord  God,  Behold,  I 
 am  againft  thee,  O  Tyrus,  and  will  caufe  many  nations 
 to  come  up  againit  thee,  as  the  fea  caufeth  his  waves 
 to  come  up. 
 
 4  And  they  (hall  deftroy  the  walls  of  Tyrus,  and 
 break  down  her  towers :  I  will  alfo  fcrape  her  dull 
 from  her,  and  fnake  her  like  the  top  of  a  rock.  _ 
 
 5  It  (hall  be  a  place  for  the  fpreading  of  nets  in  the 
 midft  of  the  fea :  for  I  have  fpoken  faith  the  Lord 
 God  ;  and  it  (hall  become  a  (poll  to  the  nations. 
 
 6  And  her  daughters  which  are  in  the  field  (hall  be 
 (lain  by  the  fword  ;  and  they  (hall  know  that  I  am  the 
 Lord. 
 
 7  H  For  thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  Behold,  I  will 
 bring  upon  Tyrus  Nebuchadrezzar  king  of  Babylon, 
 a  king  of  kings,  from  the  north,  with  horfes,  and  with 
 chariots,  and  with  horfemen,  and  companies,  and 
 much  people. 
 
 The  mourning  of  the  princes,  dfc. 
 
 A 
 
 8  He  (hall  (lay  with  the  fword  thy  daughters  in  the 
 
 field  ;  and  he  (hall  make  a  fort  again(t  thee,  and  |1 
 caft  a  mount  againft  thee,  and  lift  up  the  buckler 
 againft  thee.  II 
 
 9  And  he  (hall  fet  engines  of  war  againft  thy  walls,^““^“^ 
 and  with  his  axes  he  (hall  break  down  thy  towers.  ,/J, 
 
 10  By  reafon  of  the  abundance  of  his  horfes  their 
 
 du(t  (hall  cover  thee :  thy  walls  (hall  (hake  at  the 
 noife  of  the  horfemen,  and  of  the  wheels,  and  of  the 
 chariots,  when  he  (hall  enter  into  thy  gates,  t  as  ment 
 enter  into  a  city  wherein  is  made  a  breach.  Ti¬ 
 
 ll  With  the  hoofs  of  his  horfes  (hall  he  tering  of 
 
 down  all  thy  ftreets:  he  (hall  flay  thy  people  by  then  ci/y 
 fword,  and  thy  ftrong  garrifons  (hall  go  dow-n  to 
 ground. 
 
 12  And  they  (hall  make  a  fpoil  of  thy  riches,  and 
 I  make  a  prey  of  thy  merchandife ;  and  they  (hall  break 
 ;  down  thy  walls,  and  de(froy*  f  thy  pleafant  houfes  : 
 
 I  and  they  (hall  lay  thy  ftones,  and  thy  timber,  and  thy  thy  desire, 
 
 '  duft,  in  the  raid(i  of  the  water. 
 
 !  13  ®  And  I  will  caufe  the  noife  of  thy  (ongs  to  ceafe ; 
 
 and  the  found  of  thy  harps  (hall  be  no  more  heard,  jerem. 
 
 I  14  And  I  will  make  thee  like  the  top  of  a  rock  :  7.  34.  & 
 
 :  thou  (halt  be  a  place  to  fpread  nets  upon  ;  thou  (haftie.  9. 
 
 !  be  built  no  more :  for  I  the  Lord  have  fpoken  it, 
 
 \  faith  the  Lord  God. 
 
 15  H  I'hus  faith  the  Lord  God  to  Tyrus,  Shall 
 not  the  ifles  (hake  at  the  found  of  thy  fall,  when  the 
 wounded  cry,  when  the  daughter  is  made  in  the  midft 
 of  thee  ? 
 
 16  Then  all  the  princes  of  the  fea  (hall  come  down 
 from  their  thrones,  and  lay  away  their  robes,  and  put 
 off  their  broidered  garments  ;  they  (hall  clothe  them- 
 felves  with  t  trembling ;  they  (hall  fit  upon  the  ground,  t  Het. 
 and  (hall  tremble  at  every  moment,  and  be  aftonilhed 
 
 at  thee. 
 
 17  And  they  (hall  take  up  a  lamentation  for  thee, 
 and  fay  to  thee.  How  art  thou  deftroyed,  that  wast 
 inhabited  f  of  fea-faring  men,  the  renowned  cityt  ^®*^^^ 
 which  was  ftrong  in  the  fea,  (he  and  her  inhabitants,  ^ 
 which  caufe  their  terror  to  be  on  all  that  haunt  it ! 
 
 18  Now  (hall  the  ifles  tremble  in  the  day  of  thy 
 fall ;  yea,  the  ifles  that  are  in  the  fea  (hall  be  troubled 
 at  thy  departure. 
 
 I  19  For  thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  When  I  (hall 
 i  make  thee  a  defolate  city,  like  the  cities  that  are  not 
 inhabited  ;  when  I  (hall  bring  up  the  deep  upon  thee, 
 and  great  waters  fhall  cover  thee  ; 
 
 the  Edomites  has  been  alfo  touched  on  ;  Ifa.  xxxiv.  1 — 17.  and  comes  with  pro¬ 
 priety  to  be  Hated  more  particularly  in  our  Notes  on  chap.  xxxv.  1  —  9.  Ver.  15 
 —17.  Compare  note  on  Jer.  xiviii.  1 — 7.  Where  the  determination  of  God  re- 
 fpedling  the  Philiftines  is  more  fully  declared. 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  XXVI.  Ver.  2.  Though  God  cbaf- 
 tened  Ifrael,  they  were  ftill  his  chofen  people;  and  therefore  every  one  who  did 
 them  wrong  or  rejoiced  in  their  calamities,  incurred  his  difpleafure.  We  have 
 feen  feveral  nations  already  threatened  with  puniftiraent  becaufe  of  their  wicked 
 condudt  to  the  Jews;  and  we  are  here  called  to  add  the  Tyrians  to  the  number; 
 (Jer.  xiviii.  27.  xlix.  1.)  They  hoped  that  the  deftrudlion  of  the  Jewifh  nation 
 would  increafe  their  commerce  and  wealth,  the  profpe<5l  of  which  gave,  great 
 pleafure  to  thefe  avaricious  merchants.  Ver.  3.  Tyre  confifted  of  three  different 
 cities  in  order  of  time,  as  they  were  built  at  different  periods— differently  alfo  in 
 fituation,  as  they  flood  partly  on  the  land  and  partly  on  the  fea ;  but,  one  as  they 
 bad  the  clofeft  coiinedlion  ;  old  Tyre  on  the  continent;  Tyre  on  the  ifland,  but 
 
 three  miles  diftant ;  and  Tyre  on  the  peninfula  ;  for  the  old  and  the  new  cities 
 were  joined,  it  is  faid  by  an  artificial  ifthmus.  This  verfe  bears  a  diredt  reference 
 to  the  fituation  of  Tyre,  and  borrows  an  image  from  it,  to  exprefs  the  multiplica¬ 
 tion  of  the  calamities  haftening  to  overtake  its  inhabitants,  which  they  would  per- 
 fedtly  well  underftaud  :  “  many  nations  ftiall  come  up  againft  thee,  as  the  fea 
 caufeth  his  waves  to  come  up.”  Ver.  7—12.  This  refers  to  the  partial  ruin  of 
 Tyre  on  the  continent,  to  which  chariots,  horfes,  and  tiorfemen,  might  approach  ; 
 and  from  this,  after  feventy  years,  file  was  delivered,  and  rofe  to  fome  eminence; 
 compare  Ifa.  xxiii.  17,18.  Ver.  15— 18.  The  deftrudlion  of  Tyre  would  fully  dif- 
 cover  to  the  nations  the  vanity  of  woildly  greatnefs,  and  the  folly  of  human  con¬ 
 fidence.  She  was  celebrated  for  her  merchandife.  Three  quarters  of  the  world 
 wafted  wealth  to  her  ports ;  and  people  of  all  languages  thronged  her  ftreets.  Riches 
 and  magnificence  produced  in  her  citizens  pride  and  luxury.  Their  prefuuiption 
 was  founded  on  their  infular  fituation,  and  upon  thtir  f'overeiguty  of  the  feas.  Noj 
 thing  appeared  againft  them,  but  that  which  was  ftrongcr  than  all  their  defences,  the 
 
 Practical  observations. — *  Chap.  XXV,]  in  all  ages  the  feed  of  the  ferpent  have  hated  the  people  of  God,  or  thofe  who  had  their  appearance. 
 And  efpecially  in  their  diftrefs,  what  unnatural  and  barbarous  inftances  have  they  given  thereof,  as  if  they  imagined  the  faints  had  loft  their  alh,  when  they  loft  their 
 Outward  profperity  !  It  is  indeed  mournful  when  profeffed  faints  by  their  apoftacy,  give  occafion  to  the  enemies  of  the  Lord  to  blafpheme.  But,  if  God  feverely 
 correA  bis  own  people,  he  will  furely  punilh  their  enemies. 
 
The  rich  supply  of  Tynis. 
 
 EZEKIEL. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 588. 
 
 t  Hpb. 
 terrors. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 yerfe6i  oj 
 beauty. 
 t  Heb. 
 hefirt. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 built. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 20  When  I  (hall  bring  thee  down  with  them  that 
 defcend  into  the  pit,  W’ith  the  people  of  old  time,  and 
 (hall  let  thee  in  the  low  parts  of  the  earth,  in  places 
 defolate  of  old,  with  them  that  go  down  to  the  pit, 
 that  thou  be  not  inhabited ;  and  I  (hall  fet  glory  in 
 the  land  of  the  living  ; 
 
 21  1  will  make  thee  fa  terror,  and  thou  shah  be  no 
 more:  though  thou  be  fought  for,  yet  (halt  thou  never 
 be  found  again,  faith  the  Lord  God.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXVII. 
 
 1  The  riches  and  large  commerce  of  Tyrut ;  26  her  great  and  irrecover¬ 
 able  fall. 
 
 word  of  the  Lord  came  again  unto  me, 
 J-  (aying, 
 
 2  Now,  thou  fon  of  mao,  take  up  a  lamentation 
 for  Tyrus  ; 
 
 3  And  fay  unto  Tyrus,  O  thou  that  art  fituate  at 
 the  entry  of  the  fea,  which  art  a  merchant  of  the  peo¬ 
 ple  for  many  ifles,  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  O 
 Tyrus,  thou  haft  laid,  I  f  of  perfe£l  beauty. 
 
 4  Tny  borders  are  in  the  f  midft  of  the  feas,  thy 
 builders  have  perfected  thy  beauty. 
 
 5  Tney  have  f  made  all  thy  sA?p-boards  of  fir-trees 
 of  Senir;  they  have  taken  cedars  from  Lebanon  to 
 make  mafts  for  thee. 
 
 6  0/  the  oaks  of  Balhan  have  they  made  thine 
 
 the  have  ^  Company  of  the  Afhurites  have  made  thy 
 
 m7de  thy  beocnes  ^  ivory,  brought  out  of  the  ifles  of  Chittim. 
 hatches  of  7  Fine  linen,  with  broidered  work  from  Egypt,  was 
 ivory  well  that  which  thou  Ipreadeft  forth  to  be  thy  fail ;  |1  t'»lue 
 t  Her  purple  from  the  ifles  of  Elifhah  was  that  which 
 LaL's/j.  covered  thee. 
 
 ters.  8  The  inhabitants  of  Zidon  and  Arvad  were  thv 
 
 II  Ch-,  mariners  :  thy  wife  ntew,  O  Tyrus,  that  were  in  thee, 
 were  thy  pilots. 
 
 scare.  ^  ancients  of  Gebal  and  the  wife  men  thereof, 
 H  Or,  were  in  thee  thy  H  f  calkers :  all  the  (hips  of  the  fea 
 .(toppers  their  mariners  were  in  thee  to  occupy  thy  mer- 
 
 chandife. 
 
 drength-  10  They  of  Pe.rfia,  and  of  Lnd,  and  of  Phut  were 
 eners.  in  thine  army,  thy  men  of  war  ;  they  hanged  the 
 (hield  and  helmet  in  thee  ;  they  fet  forth  thy  comeli- 
 nefs. 
 
 1 1  The  men  of  Arvad,  with  thine  army  were  upon 
 thy  walls  round  about,  and  the  Gammadims  were  in 
 thy  towers  :  they  hanged  their  (hields  upon  thy  walls 
 round  about ;  they  have  made  thy  beauty  perfeff. 
 
 12  Tarfhifh  xtas  thy  merchant  by  reafon  of  the  mul¬ 
 titude  of  all  kind  of  riches  ;  with  filver,  iron,  tin,  and 
 lead.^they  traded  in  thy  fairs. 
 
 hand  o  ;Ver.  12 — 21.  Compare  Zed),  is.  4.  The  fecond  fiege  under 
 
 AlexatJfef  laded, only  feven  months;  But  it  was  one  of  the  moft  fanguinary  con- 
 flidls,  fidesi  that  the  collifion  of  human  paflions  or  human  interefts  ever 
 
 produced.  The  fury  of  the  conqueror  was  infatiable;  the  carnage  was  dreadful 
 beyond  defcfiption,  beyond  conception  ;  and  Tyre  has  no  more  as  a  nation  raifed 
 her  head  from  the  dull.  The  mortal  blow  was  then  ftruck,  and  time  has  effeaed 
 the  reft.  Tlje  eye  of  the  traveller  wanders  in  vain  over  the  whole  coaft  in  learch 
 of  fometbiifg  which  may  indicate  the  ancient  magnificence  of  the  city;  he  finds 
 onl>  bare  rocks  waflied  by  the  fea,  breached  by  the  winds  and  waves,  and  over- 
 fpread  with  filbermen’s  nets,  fpread  out  to  dry  ;  and  a  few  ftones  fcattered  around, 
 as  fad  but  perpetual  monuments,  that  on  the  fpot  now  refigned  to  utter  defolation, 
 human  induftrv  was  once  imprefled. 
 
 EXPLAN.H'ORY  notes.  Chap.  XXVHI  Ver.  2,  4.  This  chapter 
 treats  largely  of  the  extenfive  commerce  of  Tyre;  whence  arofe  her  great  wealth 
 and  magnificence,  and  which  gave  her  fuch  importance  and  influence  among  the 
 
 Her  great  and  irrecoverable  ffin 
 
 13  Javan,  Tubal,  and  Mefhech,  they  were  thv  mer-  Befor 
 chants:  they  traded  the  perfons  of  men  and  vefl’els  of 
 brals  in  thy  !|  market. 
 
 14  They  o(  the  houfe  of  Togarmah  traded  in  thy 
 
 (airs,  with  horfes,  and  horferaen,  and  mules.  •merllan 
 
 15  The  men  of  Dedan  wre  thy  merchants;  many*«. 
 ifles  were  the  merchandife  of  thine  hand  :  they  brought 
 thee  /O'-  a  prefenr,  horns  of  ivory  and  ebony. 
 
 16  Syria  was  thy  merchant  by  reafon  of  the  mul- 
 titude  of  t  the  wares  of  thy  making:  they  occupied  f 
 in  thy  fairs  with  emeralds,  purple  and  broidered  work, 
 
 and  fine  linen,  and  coral,  and  f  agate.  f  ^eb. 
 
 17  Judah,  and  the  land  of  Ifrael,  they  thy  mer-^'^^'^ 
 chants  :  they  traded  in  thy  market  wheat  of  Minnith, 
 
 and  Pannag,  and  honey,  and  oil,  and  H  balm.  U 
 
 18  Damalcus  was  thy  merchant  in  the  multitude 
 the  wares  of  thy  making,  for  the  multitude  of  all 
 riches  ;  in  the  wine  of  Helbon,  and  white  wool. 
 
 19  Dan  alio  and  Javan,  ||  going  to  and  fro,  occupied  ||  Or, 
 in  thy  fairs:  bright  iron,  caffia,  and  calamus,  were  t^^euzai. 
 in  thy  market. 
 
 20  Dedan  teas  thy  merchant  in  f  precious  clothes  t  Heb. 
 
 for  chariots.  clothes  or 
 
 21  Arabia,  and  all  the  princes  of  Kedar,  f  they 
 
 cupied  with  thee  in  lambs,  and  rams,  and  goats  :  mthey^wers 
 thele  were  they  thy  merchants.  v  the  mer' 
 
 22  Tne  merchants  of  Sheba  and  Raamah,  they‘d'"'”'*'’/ 
 were  thy  merchants;  they  occupied  in  ttiy  fairs  with^‘^ 
 chief  of  all  fpices,  and  with  all  precious  ftones,  and 
 gold. 
 
 23  Haran,  and  Canneh,  and  Eden,  the  merchants 
 of  Sheba,  Asfhur,  and  Chilmad,  were  thy  merchants. 
 
 24  Thefe  were  thy  merchants  in  1|  all  forts  of  things,  II  Or, 
 in  blue  f  cloths,  and  broidered  work,  and  in  chefts  fd 
 
 ricn  appar.  1,  bound  with  cords,  and  made  of  cedar,  |H'eb. 
 among  thy  merchandife.  jotcUngs. 
 
 25  The  (hips  of  Tarfhifh  did  fing  of  thee  in  thy 
 market  ;  and  thou  waff  replenifhed,  and  made  very 
 glorious  in  the  midft  of  the  feas. 
 
 26  f  Thy  rowers  have  brought  thee  into  great  wa¬ 
 ters  ;  the  eaft  wind  hath  broken  thee  in  the  f  midft  of  f 
 the  leas. 
 
 27  Thy  *  riches,  and  thy  fairs,  thy  merchandife,  ihy 
 mariners,  and  thy  pilots,  thy  calkers,  and  the  occupi-  ‘  ’ 
 ers  of  thy  merchandife,  and  all  thy  men  of  war,  that  y  or, 
 are  in  thee,  ||  and  in  all  thy  company,  w  hich  ts  in  the  even  with 
 midft  of  thee,  (hall  fall  into  the  t  midft  of  the  n  feas®^^- 
 
 in  the  day  of  thy  ruin.  j" 
 
 28  The  fuburbs  (hall  (hake  at  the  found  of  the  cry  y^or, 
 
 of  thy  pilots.  waves. 
 
 nations.  Her  traffic  extended  far  and  wide  to  all  the  neighbouring  nations; 
 and  by  her  ftiipping,  notwithftanding  tbe  little  knowledge  of  navigation  in 
 that  age,  (he  maintained  commercial  intereourfe  with  Spam  and  Britain.  Her 
 fall  could  not  but  be  generally  lamented  ;  feeing  it  muft  have  involved  many 
 nations  in  great  perplexity,  and  fubjedled  them  to  ferious  privations.  And  all 
 thofe  who  bad  formed  clofe  connexion  with  her,  and  who  were  within  'he 
 reach  of  the  grafp  of  her  ambitious  vengeful  foe,  muft  have  trembled  for  tbeir 
 own  fate,  when  they  faw  how  inneffetftual  her  fuperior  power,  and  feemirigly 
 impregnable  ftrength,  were  to  prevent  her  total  overthrow,  and  irretrievable  rnin. 
 Ver.  6.  Comp.  Ifa.  xxiii.  1.  Ver.  12.  The  learned  feem  now  generally  agreed, 
 that  Tarfliilb  is  Taiteifus,  a  city  of  Spain  at  the  mouth  of  the  river  Ba5;os, 
 whence  the  Pbenicians  who  firft  opened  this  trade  brought  gold  and  filver, 
 in  which  that  country  then  abounded;  and  purfuing  their  voyage  ftill  further 
 to  the  Caffiterides,  the  iflands  of  Scilly  and  Cornwall,  they  brought  thence  lead 
 and  tin.  Ver.  25.  Ships  of  Tarfhifh  are  in  Scripture  frequently  ufed  for  flilp^ 
 
 ligbly  refents  our  taking  pleafure  in  the  death  or  decay  of  others  for  the  fake  of  our  0«  n  carnal 
 
 PRACTICAL  ,  anj  toltering  the  rocky  foundation  of  cities  !  It  is  common  for  worldly  men  to  lament  the  death 
 
 of  g^relt^rather  than  of  good  men.  ^  And  marvellously  will  God  connedl  his  own  glory  and  the  reftoration  of  Lis  people,  with  the  ruinous  deftruaion  of  his  and  thei 
 enemies. 
 
EZEKIEL. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 terrors- 
 I  Heb. 
 fliall  nit 
 be /or 
 ever. 
 
 Judgments  upon  the  prince  of  Tyrus. 
 
 «  f.re  29  And  all  that  handle  the  oar,  the  mariners,  and\ 
 Chri't  all  the  pilots  of  the  Tea  .(hall  come  down  from  their  | 
 (hips,  they  (hall  i1:and  upon  the  land  ;  ! 
 
 30  And  (hall  caule  their  voice  to  be  heard  againtt! 
 thee  and  (hall  cry  bitterly,  and  (hall  caRup  duli  upon  ^ 
 their  heads;  they  Ihall  wallow  themlelves  m  the, 
 
 3 1  And  they  (hall  make  themfelves  utterly  bald  for  j 
 thee  and  gird  them  with  fackcloih  ;  and  they  (hall  j 
 weep  tor  thee  with  bitternels  of  heart  bitter  wail- 
 infif  • 
 
 32  And  in  their  wailing  they  (hall  take  up  a  lamen¬ 
 tation  for  thee,  and  lament  over  thee,  saying, 
 city  IS  like  Tyrus,  like  the  deftroyed  in  the  midit  of 
 
 33  When  thy  wares  went  forth  out  of  the  feas, 
 thou  filledit  many  people  ;  thou  didft  enrich  the  kings 
 of  the  earth  with  the  multitude  of  thy  riches,  and  or 
 
 thy  merchandife.  ,  ,  .  u 
 
 34  In  the  time  rc/ten  thou  (halt  be  broken  by  the 
 feas,  in  the  depths  of  the  w'aters,  the  merchandife  and 
 all  thy  company  in  the  mid  If  of  thee,  (hall  fall. 
 
 ■  35  All  the  inhabitants  of  the  ifles  (hall  be  aftonifhed 
 
 at  thee,  and  their  kings  (hall  be  fore  afraid,  they  (hall 
 be  troubled  in  i/teir  countenance. 
 
 36  The  merchants  among  the  people  (hall  hifs  at 
 thee ;  thou  (halt  be  f  a  terror,  and  f  never  shalt  he 
 any  more.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXVIII. 
 
 1  God'i  judgment  upon  the  prince  of  Tyrus  for  his  impious  pride,  11-^ 
 lamentation  ot  his  great  glory  corrupted,  and  fallen  hy  sin.  20  Zidon  s 
 judgment.  24  Israel's  rejloralion. 
 
 'HE  word  of  the  Lord  came  again  unto  me, 
 faying, 
 
 2  Son  of  man,  fay  unto  the  prince  of  Tyrus,  Thus 
 faith  the  Lord  God,  Becaufe  tnine  heart  lifted  up, 
 and  thou  haft  faid,  I  am  a  god,  1  fit  in  the  feat  of  God, 
 in  the  f  raidft  of  the  feas;  *  yet  thou  art  a  man  and 
 not  God,  though  thou  fet  thine  heart  as  the  heart  of 
 God  : 
 
 3  Behold,  thou  art  wifer  than  Daniel ;  there  is  no 
 fecret  that  they  can  hide  from  thee  : 
 
 4  With  thy  wifdom  and  with  thine  underftandmg 
 thou  haft  gotten  thee  riches,  and  haft  gotten  gold  and 
 filver  into  thy  treafures  : 
 
 5  f  By  thy  great  wifdom,  and  by  thy  traffic,  haft 
 thou  increaled  thy  riches,  and  thine  heart  is  lifted  up 
 becaufe  of  thy  riches  : 
 
 6  Therefore  thus  (aith  the  Lord  God,  Becaufe  thou 
 haft  fet  thine  heart  as  the  heart  of  God  ; 
 
 7  Behold,  therefore  1  will  bring  ftrangers  upon 
 thee,  the  terrible  of  the  nations ;  and  they  fhall  draw 
 their  (words  againft  the  beauty  of  thy  w'ifdom,  and 
 they  (hall  defile  thy  brightnefs. 
 
 8  They  (hall  bring  thee  down  to  the  pit,  and  thou 
 fhalt  die  the  deaths  of  them  that  are  (lain  in  the  midft 
 of  the  leas. 
 
 The  judgment  upon  Zidon* 
 
 Ilefore 
 
 Chria 
 
 £88. 
 
 J  ‘•'*0  " 
 
 T 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 heart. 
 
 a  Ifa. 
 SI.  3. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 By  the 
 greatness 
 of  thy 
 toiidom. 
 
 9  Wilt  thou  yet  fay  before  him  that  slayeth  thee, 
 
 I  am  God  ?  but  thou  shall  be  a  man,  and  no  god,  in 
 the  hand  of  him  that  11  slayeth  thee.  - 
 
 10  Thou  (hall  die  the  deaths  of  the  undrcumoled  u  Or. 
 by  the  hand  of  ftrangers:  for  I  have  fpoken  tl,  laith 
 
 the  Lord  God.  .  , 
 
 1 1  H  Moreover,  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
 
 me,  faying,  . 
 
 12  Son  of  man,  take  up  a  lamentation  upon  the 
 king  of  Tyrus,  and  lay  unto  him,  Thus  faith  the  Lord 
 God,  Thou  fealeft  up  the  fum,  full  of  wifdom,  and 
 
 perfed  in  beauty.  r  j 
 
 13  Tnou  haft  been  in  Eden  the  garden  of  God  : 
 
 every  precious  ftone  teas  thy  covering,  the  H  fardius,  n  or, 
 topaz,  and  the  diamond,  the  11  beryl,  the  onyx,  andr^- 
 the  jafper,  the  fapphire,  the  H  emerald,  and  the  car- 
 buncle,  and  gold:  the  workmanlhip  of  thy  fabrets,  n  or, 
 and  of  thy  pipes  was  prepared  in  thee  in  the  day  thatcAr^jo- 
 thou  waft  created.  phrase. 
 
 14  Thou  art  the  anointed  cherub  that  covereth  ; 
 and  1  have  fet  thee  so:  thou  waft  upon  the  holy 
 mountain  of  God  ;  thou  halt  walked  up  and  down  in 
 the  midft  of  the  (tones  of  fire. 
 
 15  Thou  wast  perfedl  in  thy  ways,  from  the  day  that 
 thou  waft  created,  till  iniquity  was  found  in  thee. 
 
 16  By  the  multitude  of  thy  merchandife  they  have 
 filled  the  raidft  of  thee  with  violence,  and  thou  halt 
 finned  ;  therefore  1  will  caft  thee  as  profane  out  of  the 
 mountain  of  God ;  and  1  will  deftroy  thee,  O  cover¬ 
 ing  cherub,  from  themidlt  of  the  ftones  of  fire. 
 
 17  Thine  heart  was  lifted  up  becaufe  of  thy  beau¬ 
 ty  ;  thou  haft  co  rupted  thy  wifdom  by  reafon  of  thy 
 brightnefs ;  1  will  caft  thee  to  the  ground,  1  will  lay 
 thee  before  kings  tnat  they  may  behold  thee. 
 
 18  Thou  haft  defiled  thy  fanftuaries  by  the 
 
 tude  of  thine  iniquities,  by  the  iniquity  of  thy  traffic  ; 
 therefore  will  1  bring  forth  a  fire  from  the  midft  ot 
 thee,  it  (hall  devour  thee ;  and  1  will  bring  thee  to 
 afhes  upon  the  earth  in  the  fight  of  all  them  that  be¬ 
 hold  thee. 
 
 19  All  they  that  know  thee  among  the  people  (hail 
 
 be  aftonifhed  at  thee ;  thou  (halt  be  a  f  terror,  and  t  Heb. 
 never  shall  thou  be  any  more. 
 
 20  ^  Again  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  me, 
 faying, 
 
 21  Son  of  man,  Set  thy  face  againft  Zidon,  and  pro- 
 phefy  againft  it ; 
 
 22  And  fay.  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  Behold,  1 
 am  againft  thee,  O  Zidon;  and  I  will  be  glorified  in 
 the  raidit  of  thee:  and  they  fhall  know  that  1  am  the 
 Lord,  when  1  fhall  have  executed  judgments  in  her, 
 and  (hall  be  fan6hfied  in  her. 
 
 23  For  I  will  fend  into  her  peftilence,  and  blood  in¬ 
 to  her  ftreets ;  and  the  wounded  fhall  be  judged  in 
 the  midft  of  her  by  the  (word  upon  her  on  every  fide  ; 
 and  they  fhall  know  that  1  am  the  Lord. 
 
 24  H  And  there  fhall  be  no  more  a  pricking  brier 
 
 terrors. 
 
 in  general,  efpecially  fuch  as  are  employed  in  carrying  on  traffic  between  diftant 
 countries;  as  Tarfhith  was  the  mod  celebrated  mart  in  thofe  times,  frequented  of 
 old  by  the  Pheniciaus,  and  the  principal  fource  of  wealth  to  Judea,  and  the  neigh¬ 
 bouring  countries.  See  Ifa.  ii.  13 — 16. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXVIll.  Ver.  I — 19.  Y'ou  think 
 yourfelf  every  way  accoraplillied  in  body  and  mind,  in  dignity  and  wealth — as 
 happy  as  ever  Adam  was  in  Paradife  ;  having  your  crown  ftudded,  and  your 
 garments  glittering  with  precious  flones;  and  regaled,  chiefly  on  your  corona¬ 
 
 tion  day,  with  the  fined  mufic  of  indruments,  contrived  with  exquifite  art. — 
 Y'ou  walk  up  and  down  as  a  god,  or  as  the  Jewilh  high  pried  all  furrounded 
 with  precious  dones,  glittering  like  fire.  And,  till  you  difeovered  your  violence, 
 pride,  fraud,  and  joy  at  the  mileries  of  the  Jews,  you  appeared  endowed  with 
 all  excellencies  and  prerogatives.  But  now  for  thefe  thine  iniquities  I  will 
 overturn  thy  dignity,  ejetd  thte  from  thy  throne  and  grandeur,  render  thee 
 a  public  example  of  my  wrath,  and  an  objedl  of  derifion  to  the  princes  around^ 
 and  a  fire,  kindled  by  thine  own  imprudence  and  injudice,  (hall  occafion  thy 
 
 ^  PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  XXVIL] 
 and  powerful  nations  are  awfully  brought  down  at  lad. 
 
 9  M 
 
 Great  power  and  wealth  rarely  fail  to  have  great  pride  for  their  companion.  The  mod  pompous 
 
 25 
 
The  judgment  upon  Pharaoh^  ^  c. 
 
 EZEKIEL. 
 
 n  Or, 
 
 with  con~ 
 Jidence. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 sjml. 
 
 unto  the  houfe  of  Ifrael,  nor  any  grieving  thrrn  of  all 
 
 T  defpifed  them  :  and 
 
 tnev  lhall  know  that  I  am  the  Lord  God. 
 
 25  Ihus  faith  the  Lord  God,  When  I  fhall  have 
 gathered  the  houfe  of  Krael  from  the  people  araon' 
 whom  they  are  Icattered,  and  fhall  be  fan^ified  in 
 them  in  the  light  of  the  heathen,  then  fhall  theydwef 
 in  their  land  that  I  have  given  to  my  fervant  Jacob, 
 u  0^1  And  they  fhall  dwell  H  fafely  therein,  and  fhali 
 build  houles,  and  plant  vineyards ;  yea,  they  fhall 
 dwell  witn  confidence  when  I  liave  executed  judg¬ 
 ments  upon  all  thole  that  ||  delpife  them  round  about 
 
 ^em ;  and  they  fhall  know  that  1  am  the  Lord  their 
 God.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXIX. 
 
 The  desolation  of  E(t 
 
 'ypt, 
 
 becaufe  he  hath  faid,  The  river  is  mine,  and  I  have  Before 
 
 Clirift 
 572. 
 
 nade  it. 
 
 10  Behold,  therefore  I  am  againft  thee,  and  againft 
 iny  rivers,  and  I  will  make  the  land  of  Egypt  f  ut- 
 cerly  wafte  and  defolate,  from  the  tower  of  t  SyeneL^'’’ 
 even  unto  the  border  of  Ethiopia. 
 
 11  No  foot  of  man  fhall  pals  through  it,  nor  foot^'^*'^- 
 of  beaft  fhall  pal's  through  it,  neither  fhall  it  be  inha- 
 bited  forty  years. 
 
 12  And  I  will  make  the  land  of  Egypt  defolate  in 
 the  midlt  of  the  countries  that  are  defolare,  and  her 
 cities  among  the  cities  that  are  laid  w’alle  fhall  be  de- 
 I'olate  forty  years :  and  I  will  fcatter  the  Egyptians 
 among  the  nations,  and  will  difperfe  them  through  the 
 countries. 
 
 1  The  judgment  upon  Pharaoh  ior  his  treachery  to  Israel.  8  The  desola¬ 
 tion  of  Eeypt,  and  restoration  thereof  after  forty  years.  21  Israel  shall 
 again  flourish. 
 
 589.  TN  the  tenth  year,  in  the  tenth  month,  in  the  twelfth 
 X  datj  of  the  month,  the  word  of  the  Lord  came 
 unto  me,  faying, 
 
 2  Son  of  man,  fet  thy  face  againft  Pharaoh  king  of 
 Egypt,  and  prophefy  againft  him,  and  againft  all 
 Egypt  : 
 
 3  Speak,  and  fay,  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  Be¬ 
 hold,  I  am  againft  thee,  Pharaoh  king  of  Egypt,  tne 
 
 74^1^3  M  *  dragon,  that  lieth  in  the  midft  of  his  rivers, 
 iciiah  hath  faid,  My  river  is  mine  owm,  and  I  have 
 
 27. 1.  &  made  it  for  myfelf. 
 
 51.  9.  4  But  I  will  put  hocks  in  thy  jaws,  and  I  will  caufe 
 
 the  fifh  of  thy  rivers  to  ttick  unto  thy  Icales ;  and  I 
 will  bring  thee  up  out  of  the  midft  of  thy  rivers,  and 
 all  the  filh  of  thy  rivers  fhall  ftick  unto  thy  fcales. 
 
 5  And  I  will  leave  thee  throuii  into  the  wildernefs. 
 thee  and  all  the  filh  of  thy  rivers :  thou  lhalt  fall  upon 
 
 fHeb.  the  t  open  fields;  thou  fhalt  not  be  brought  together, 
 fSw.  g^fhered  :  I  have  given  thee  for  meat  to  the 
 beafts  of  the  fi“ld,  and  to  the  fowls  of  the  heaven. 
 
 6  And  all  the  inhabitants  of  Egypt  fhall  know-  that 
 am  the  Lord,  becaufe  they  have  been  a  ^  ftaiF  of 
 
 ifa’kh’  *‘^^d  to  the  houfe  of  Ifrael. 
 
 36.6.  7  When  they  took  hold  of  thee  by  thy  hand,  thou 
 
 didft  break,  and  rend  all  their  fhouider ;  and  when 
 they  leaned  upon  thee,  thou  breakeft,  and  madeft  ail 
 their  loins  to  be  at  a  (iand. 
 
 8  If  Ttierefore  thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  Behold, 
 I  will  bring  a  fword  upon  thee,  and  cut  off  man  and 
 beaft  out  of  thee. 
 
 9  And  the  land  of  Egypt  fhall  be  defolate  and 
 wafte  ;  and  they  fhall  know  that  I  am  the  Lord  • 
 
 13  ^  Yet  thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  At  the  «  end  c  ifaiah 
 of  forty  years  will  1  gather  the  Egyptians  from  the’^-^'*- 
 people  whither  thev  were  Icattered  : 
 
 14  And  I  will  bring  again  the  captivity  of  Egypt, 
 
 pd  will  caufe  them  to  return  into  ttie  land  of  Pathros, 
 into  the  land  of  their  ||  habitation;  ana  they  fhall  ben  Or, 
 ttiere  a  f  bale  kingdom.  bim,! 
 
 15  It  fhall  be  the  bafeft  of  the  kingdoms  ;  neither  J 
 fhall  it  exalt  itlelf  any  more  above  the  nations:  tor  r"*"’ 
 will  diminifh  them,  that  they  fhall  no  more  rule  over 
 the  nations. 
 
 16  And  it  fhall  be  no  more  the  confidence  of  the 
 houle  of  Ilrael,  which  bringeth  their  iniquity  to  re¬ 
 membrance,  when  they  fhall  look  after  them  :  but 
 they  lhall  know  that  I  am  the  Lord  God. 
 
 17  If  And  it  came  to  pals  in  the  (evt-n  and  twentieth  572, 
 year,  in  the  firtt  month,  in  the  firft  day  of  the  month, 
 
 the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  me,  faying, 
 
 18  Son  of  man,  Nebuchadnezz.ir  king  of  Babylon 
 cauicvl  his  army  to  ferve  a  great  fervice  againfl  "I’vrus  : 
 every  head  wos  made  bald,  and  every  fhouider  xms 
 peeled  ;  yet  had  he  no  wages,  nor  his  army,  for  Tyrus, 
 for  the  fervice  that  he  had  ferved  againft  it : 
 
 19  Therefore  thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  Behold,  I 
 will  give  the  land  of  Egypt  unto  Nebuchadrezzar 
 king  of  Babylon  :  and  he  (hall  take  her  multitude, 
 
 and  t  take  her  fpoil,  and  take  her  prey  ;  and  it  fhall  fHeb. 
 )e  the  Wages  for  his  army.  her 
 
 20  I  have  given  him  the  land  of  Egypt  (1  /or  his 
 
 labour  wherewith  he  ferved  againft  it,  becaufe  they;,r^i,. 
 wrought  for  me,  faith  the  Lord  God.  II  Or, 
 
 21  ^  In  that  day  will  I  caule  the  horn  of  the  houfe  1^°'^ 
 
 <)f  Kfael  to  bud  forth,  and  I  will  give  thee  the  open- 
 ing  of  the  mouth  in  the  midft  of  them  ;  and  they 
 fhall  know  that  I  am  the  LoRD.f 
 
 terrible  ruin.  Ver.  22 — 25.  God  is  sandijfied  in  Zidon,  by  manifefling  his  jiiftice, 
 bolinefs  and  power  in  his  judgments  :  but  ianSlified  in  the  Jews,  by  manif'eftations 
 of  his  mercy,  and  making  them  to  own  him  for  a  holy  and  juft  God  in  their  holy 
 converfation. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXIX.  Ver,  1—3.  The  king  of 
 Egypt  is  Compared  to  the  crocodile  of  the  Nile,  on  account  of  his  terrible  afpedl, 
 and  deftruiftive  influence  :  as  that  animal  feemed  to  boaft  the  fovereignty  of  the 
 river  over  the  other  animals  and  fifties,  and  thus  adumed  independency.  Ver. 
 4—7.  By  my  providence  thou  fhalt  march  out  of  thy  country  againft  the  <  yre- 
 nians,  on  the  weft  of  Egypt:  and  lead  along  with  thee  multitudes  of  thy  f'uhje<5ls. 
 But  the  terrible  ruin  of  this  thine  army  fhall  provoke  tlie  remainder  to  rebel,  and 
 never  ceafe  their  war  againft  thee,  till  thou  and  thy  party  be  utterly  ruined.  And 
 the  Egyptians  fhall  fee  themfeivcs  puniflied  for  encouraging  the  Jews  to  rebel 
 againft  the  Chaldeans  to  their  own  hurt.  Ver.  8—13  See  Note  on  Ifa.  xix.  4 — 
 17.  xxiii.  15.  Jer.  xxv.  11.  It  was  about  forty  years  after  the  conqueft  of  Egypt 
 
 by  Nebuchadnezzar,  that  Cyrus  lubdued  Baliylon,  and  granted  liberty  to  the  na- 
 I  lions  conquered  by  the  former  monarch.  Ver.  14,  15  The  Egyptians  never 
 !  reached  their  former  greatnefs,  though  they  recovered  their  liberties.  Their  clia- 
 j  ratfters  have  ever  fince  been  mean,  and  their  circumftances  wretched  ;  inconlider- 
 j  able  in  the  eyes  of  all  people  ;  the  very  refufe  of  the  nations  ;  monuments  of  de- 
 I  graded  humanity.  In  this  condition  they  ren-.ain  till  the  prefent  time.  Ver.  19. 
 
 I  They  ftiall  no  more  appear  proper  afTiftants  to  the  Jews,  nor  tempt  them  to  re. 
 I  commit  their  former  wiekedneCs,  in  diltrufting  God’s  promifes  and  afliftance,  or 
 in  trufting  to  heathen  helpers,  and  copying  after  their  idolatries.  Ver.  18,  20. 
 Conipare  Ifa.  vii.  20.  Ver.  21.  Horn,  denotes  fymhohcally  power  and  honour. 
 The  fulfilment  of  prophecy  gave  Ifrael  ftrength  by  confirming  their  confidence  in 
 God,  and  conferred  great  honour  on  them  as  a  people  to  whom  fuch  diftindt  ora¬ 
 cles  were  delivered  ;  or  perhaps  this  verfe  may  refer  to  the  expitation  of  Egypt's 
 fubjetflion  to  Babylon,  when  the  Jews  were  reftoied  by  Cyrus  to  their  own  land. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — ♦  Chap.  XXVIII.]  It  is  necelfary,  and  yet  very  difficult,  to  make  proud  men  know  themfelves  to  be  but  men.  And 
 very  rarely  they,  who  are  intelligent,  wealthy,  and  dignified,  are  remarkably  bumble. 
 
 PR.ACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—]-  Chap.  XXIX.]  Pride  is  the  prelude  to  deftrudlion  ;  and  they  who  .arc  moft  fecure  are  ufually  moft  expofed.  Alas, 
 how  flutftuating  are  the  affetftions  of  our  moft  ardent  lovers  and  greatest  admirers  !  At  the  moft  terrible  exper.ee  and  pains  are  men  bent  to  clefttoy  one  another. 
 Many  who  propofe  no  other  end  but  their  own  advantage,  by  the  overruling  power  of  God,  are  made  fuhferyient  to  the  fulfilment  of  his  defigns. 
 
desolation  of  Egypt,  ^c. 
 
 EZEKIEL. 
 
 The  glory  of  Assyria, 
 
 Or, 
 
 /{Jr. 
 
 fHeb. 
 
 phut. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 ..children. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 'inken. 
 
 fHel. 
 
 brought. 
 f  Heb 
 
 CHAP.  XXX. 
 
 I  J)csolation  of  Egypt  and  her  helpers.  ‘20  The  arm  of  Babylon  shall  he 
 
 strengthened  to  break  the  arm  of  Egypt. 
 
 ri^HE  word  of  the  Lord  came  again  unto  me, 
 laying, 
 
 2  Son  of  man,  prophefy  and  fay,  Thus  faith  the 
 Lord  God,  Howl  ye,  Woe  worth  the  day  ! 
 
 3  For  the  dav  is  near,  even  the  day  of  the  Lord 
 is  near,  a  cloudy  day  ;  it  fhall  be  the  time  of  the 
 heathen. 
 
 4,  And  the  (word  fhall  come  upon  Egypt,  and  great 
 
 II  pain  (hall  be  in  Ethiopia,  when  the  (lain  (hall  fall  in 
 Egypt,  and  they  fhall  take  away  her  multitude,  and 
 her  foundations  (hall  be  broken  down. 
 
 5  Ethiopia  and  f  Libya,  and  Lydia,  and  all  the 
 mingled  people,  and  Chub,  and  the  f  men  of  the  land 
 that  is  in  league,  (hall  fall  with  them  by  the  fword. 
 
 6  Thus  faith  the  Lord,  They  alfo  that  uphold 
 Egypt  (hall  fall ;  and  the  pride  of  her  power  fhall 
 come  down  :  from  the  tower  of  Syene  fhall  they  fall 
 in  it  by  the  fword,  faith  the  Lord  God. 
 
 7  And  they  fhall  be  defolate  in  the  midfi:  of  the 
 countries  that  are  defolate,  and  her  cities  (hall  be  in 
 the  midft  of  the  cities  that  are  wafted. 
 
 8  And  they  (hall  know  that  I  am  the  Lord,  when 
 I  have  let  a  fire  in  Egypt,  and  tshen  all  her  helpers 
 (hall  be  t  deftroyed. 
 
 9  In  that  day  fhall  melTengers  go  forth  from  me  in 
 (hips,  to  make  the  carelefs  Ethiopians  afraid,  and  great 
 pain  fhall  come  upon  them,  as  in  the  day  of  Egypt : 
 for,  lo,  it  cometh. 
 
 10  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  I  will  alfo  make  the 
 multitude  of  Egypt  to  ceafe  by  the  hand  of  Nebu¬ 
 chadrezzar  king  of  Babylon. 
 
 1 1  He  and  his  people  with  him,  the  terrible  of  the 
 nations,  fhall  be  brought  to  deftroy  the  land  :  and 
 they  (hall  draw  their  (words  againft  Egypt,  and  fill 
 the  land  with  the  flam. 
 
 12  And  I  will  make  the  rivers  f  dry,  and  fell  the 
 land  into  the  hand  of  the  wietted  ;  and  1  will  make 
 the  land  wafte,  and  t  all  that  is  therein,  by  the  hand 
 
 ty.)ui,ussQ\-  ftrangers  :  I  the  Lord  have  fpoken  it. 
 
 thereof 
 
 a  Zeeb. 
 13.  2. 
 
 II  Or, 
 Taiiis. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 ,  Pelusiutn 
 
 i  Or,  He 
 
 liopnlis. 
 Or, 
 
 13  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  I  will  alfo  *  deftroy 
 the  idols,  and  I  will  caufe  their  images  to  ceafe  out  of 
 Noph  ;  and  there  (hall  be  no  more  a  prince  of  the 
 land  of  Egypt :  and  1  will  put  a  tear  in  the  land  of 
 Egypt. 
 
 14  And  I  will  make  Pathros  defolate,  and  will  fet 
 fire  in  1|  Zoan,  and  will  execute  judgments  in  No 
 
 1.5  And  1  will  pour  my  fury  upon  1|  Sin,  the  ftrength 
 .of  Egypt :  and  I  will  cur  off"  the  multitude  of  No. 
 
 16  And  I  will  fet  fire  in  Egypt ;  Sin  (hall  have  great 
 pain,  and  No  (h  ill  be  rent  afunder,  and  Noph  shall 
 have  diftrelTes  daily* 
 
 ■  17  The  young  men  of  H  Aven.  and  of  |1  Phi-beleth, 
 
 (hall  fall  by  the  fword  :  and  thefe  cities  (hall  go  into 
 
 captivity. 
 
 restrained 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  XXX.  Ver.  3.  The  day  of  the 
 Lord,  the  feafon  of  bis  vengeance  ;  a  cloudy  day,  or  a  feafon  of  complicated  cala- 
 mities  to  his  emetiies,  the  time  or  period  of  punifliment  to  the  heathen,  Egypt,  and 
 her  allies,  who  had  dealt  deceitfully  with  If^ael.  Ver.  5.  Mingled  people  may  pro¬ 
 bably  mean  the  various  tribes  of  wandeiing  Arabs,  Jer.  xiv.  21.  Ver.  9.  The  re¬ 
 port  of  the  miferies  brought  on  Egypt  by  Nebuchadnezzar,  fuall  caufe  terror  among 
 the  neighbouring  nations  fimilar  to  what  was  produced  by  the  judgments  of  God 
 on  that  kingdom,  when  Ifrael  was  delivered  from  its  tyrannical  power,  Exod. 
 
 14.  Jodi.  ii.  9—11.  Ver.  21,  22  One  arm  of  Pharaoh  broken  refpedls  his 
 
 18  At  Tehaphnehp.s  alfo  the  day  (hall  be  ||  dark- 
 ened,  when  1  (hall  hr  ak  there  the  yoices  of  Egypt ; 
 ind  the  pomp  of  her  ftrength  (hall  ceafe  in  her:  as 
 tor  her,  a  cloud  (hall  cover  her,  and  her  daughters  U  Or, 
 
 (hall  go  into  c  tptivity. 
 
 19  Thus  will  I  execute  judgments  in  Egypt;  and 
 they  (hall  know  that  I  am  the  Lord. 
 
 20  f  And  it  came  to  pals  in  the  eleventh  year,  in 
 the  firft  month,  in  the  (evecth  day  of  the  month,  that 
 the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  me,  faying, 
 
 21  Son  of  man  I  have  broken  the  arm  of  Pharaoh 
 king  of  Egypt ;  and,  lo,  it  fhall  not  be  bound  up  to 
 be  healed,  to  pot  a  roller  to  bind  it,  to  make  it  ttrong 
 
 to  hold  the  fword.  r.  u  i 
 
 22  Therefore  thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  Behold,  i 
 am  againft  Pnaraoh  king  of  Egypt,  and  will  break 
 his  arms,  the  ftrong,  and  that  which  was  broken ; 
 and  I  will  caufe  the  (word  to  fall  out  of  nis  hand. 
 
 23  And  I  will  (batter  the  Egyptians  among  the  na¬ 
 tions,  and  will  dilperfe  them  through  the  countries. 
 
 24  And  I  will  (irengthen  the  arms  of  the  king  of 
 Babylon,  and  put  my  (word  in  his  hand  :  but  I  will 
 break  Pharaoh’s  arms,  and  he  (hall  groan  before  him 
 
 with  the  groanings  of  a  deadly-wounded 
 
 25  But  I  will  ftrengthen  the  arms  of  the  king  of 
 Babylon,  and  the  arms  of  Pnaraoh  (hall  fall  down ; 
 and  they  (hall  know  that  1  am  the  Lord,  vvhen  I 
 (hall  put  my  (word  into  the  hand  of  the  king  of 
 Babylon,  and  he  (hall  ttretch  it  out  upon  the  land  of 
 Egypt. 
 
 26  And  I  will  fcatter  the  Egyptians  among  the  na¬ 
 tions,  and  dilperfe  them  among  the  countries ;  and 
 they  (hall  know  that  I  am  the  Lord.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXXI. 
 
 1  A  recital  unto  Pharaoh  of  the  greatness  of  Affyria,  and  the  fall  thereof 
 for  pride.  1 8  The  like  destru6lion  shall  be  to  Pharaoh. 
 
 ND  it  came  to  pafs  in  the  eleventh  year,  in  the 
 ^  third  month,  in  the  firft  day  of  the  nrionth,  that 
 the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  me,  faying, 
 
 2  Son  of  man,  fpeak  unto  Pnaraoh  king  of  Egypt, 
 and  to  his  multitude,  Whom  art  thou  like  in  thy 
 
 great nefs  ^  .  t  i  j.  u  t 
 
 3  Behold,  the  AlTyrian  -was  a  cedar  in  Lebanon  t  f 
 with  fair  branches,  and  with  a  (badowing  (hroud, 
 
 of  an  high  ftature  ;  and  his  top  was  among  the  thick 
 boughs. 
 
 4  The  waters  jl  made  him  great,  the  deep  \\  fet  him 
 
 up  on  high  with  her  rivers  running  round  about  his  n  or, 
 plants,  and  lent  out  her  ll  little  rivers  unto  all  the  brought 
 
 trees  of  the  field.  7  Or'"^' 
 
 5  Therefore  his  height  was  exalted  above  all  the 
 trees  of  the  field,  and  his  boughs  were  multiplied  j|  Or, 
 and  his  branches  became  long,  becaufe  of  the  multi- 
 tude  of  waters,  H  when  he  (hot  forth. 
 
 6  All  the  *  fowls  of  heaven  made  their  nefts  in  his  ^  Dan. 
 boughs,  and  under  his  branches  did  all  the  beafts  of  4. 12. 
 
 aefeat  at  Carchemidi,  (Jer.  xlvi.  2.)  followed  by  the  lofs  of  part  of  his  dominions  ; 
 (2  Kings  xxiv.  7  )  a  fatal  ftroke  from  which  he  never  recovered  ;  a  fecorid  was 
 only  neceffarv  to  complete  his  ruin. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXXI.  Ver.  3 — 6. ,  The  kingdom 
 of  Affyria  arrived  at  an  afloniffiing  extent  of  dignity  and  power,  ruling  over  and 
 protcaing  many  nations:  and  their  king  was  exceedingly  exalted.  Their 
 fruitful  foil,  enriching  commodities,  prudent  adminiftrations,  and  trafRc  with 
 or  conqueft  of  nations,  rendered  it  more  powerful  and  extenfive  than  any 
 kingdom  on  earth.  All  the  nations  about  were  either  under  its  dominions,  or 
 
 A’ 
 
 sent  them 
 rorth. 
 
 PRACTICAT,  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XX X.]  Confederates  in  iniquity  will  periill  together. 
 But  they  who  arc  moll  elevated  in  their  profperity,  are  often  mod  difpirited  in  their  adverfity. 
 
 And  the  fall  of  finhers  ought  to  alarm  their  i'urvivors. 
 
limcn.’alion  for  the  fall  of  Egi^pt. 
 
 EZEKIEL. 
 
 Babylon  s  mord  shall  dcstr^ 
 
 Before 
 
 Clirift 
 
 583. 
 
 fc  Gen. 
 
 2.  8. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 in  doing 
 he  ihnll 
 do  unto 
 him. 
 
 B  Or, 
 
 the  fi'^ld  bring  forth  their  young,  and  under  his  flia- 
 dow  dwelt  all  great  nations. 
 
 _  7  Tnus  was  he  fair  in  his  greatnefs,  in  the  length  of 
 his  branches :  lor  his  root  W'as  by  great  waters. 
 
 8  The  cedars  in  the  ^  garden  of  God  could  not  hide 
 him  :  the  fir-trees  were  not  like  his  boughs,  and  Th> 
 cheinut-trees  were  not  like  his  branches  ;  nor  anv 
 tree  in  the  garden  of  God  was  like  unto  him  in  his 
 beauty. 
 
 9  1  have  made  him  fair  by  the  multitude  of  his 
 branches;  fo  that  all  the  trees  of  Eden,  that  it’crc  in 
 the  garden  of  God,  envied  nim. 
 
 10  ^  Therefore  thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  becaufe 
 thou  haft  lifted  up  thyfelt  in  height,  and  he  hath  (hot 
 up  his  top  among  the  thick  boughs,  and  his  heart  is 
 lifted  up  in  his  height ; 
 
 111  have  therefore  delivered  him  into  the  hand  of 
 the  mighty  one  of  the  heathen  ;  f  he  (hall  furely  deal 
 with  him  ;  I  have  driven  him  out  for  his  wickednefs. 
 
 12  And  flrangers,  the  terrible  of  the  nations,  have 
 cut  him  off,  and  have  left  him  :  upon  the  mountains 
 and  in  all  the  valleys  his  branches  are  fallen,  and  his 
 boughs  are  broken  by  all  the  rivers  of  the  land  ;  and 
 all  the  people  of  the  earth  are  gone  down  from  his 
 fhadow,  and  have  left  him. 
 
 13  Upon  his  ruin  (hall  all  the  fowls  of  the  heaven 
 remain,  and  all  the  beafts  of  the  field  (hall  be  upon 
 his  branches : 
 
 14  To  the  end  that  none  of  all  the  trees  by  the 
 waters  exalt  themfelves  for  their  height,  nether  fhoot 
 up  their  top  among  the  thick  boughs,  neither  their 
 trees  ll  ftand  up  in  their  height,  all  that  drink  water  : 
 
 O'/  il, 
 
 stand  up.  gj-g  gjj  delivered  unto  death,  to  the  nether 
 
 on  them¬ 
 selves  ; 
 for  their 
 height. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 be  black. 
 
 parts  of  the  earth,  in  the  midft  of  the  children  of  men, 
 with  them  that  go  down  to  the  pit. 
 
 15  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  In  the  day  when  he 
 went  dow'n  to  the  grave  I  caufed  a  mourning  :  I  co¬ 
 vered  the  deep  for  him,  and  1  reftrained  the  floods 
 thereof,  and  the  great  waters  were  flayed ;  and  I 
 caufed  Lebanon  to  t  mourn  for  him,  and  all  the  trees 
 of  the  field  fainted  for  him. 
 
 16  I  made  the  nations  to  (hake  at  the  found  of  his 
 fall,  when  1  caft  him  dowm  to  hell  with  them  that 
 delcended  into  the  pit :  and  all  the  trees  of  Eden,  the 
 choice  and  heft  of  Lebanon,  all  that  drink  water, 
 fhall  be  comforted  in  the  nether  parts  of  the  earth. 
 
 17  They  aUb  went  down  into  hell  with  him,  unto 
 them  that  be  (lain  with  the  fword  ;  and  they  that  were 
 his  arm,  that  dwelt  under  his  fhadow  in  the  midft  of 
 the  heathen. 
 
 18  *11  To  whom  art  thou  thus  like  in  glory  and  in 
 greatnefs  among  the  trees  of  Eden  ^  yet  (halt  thou 
 be  brought  down  with  the  trees  of  Eden  unto  the 
 
 courted  its  friendfliip.  Ver.  13—17.  Upon  the  fall  of  the  Affyrian  monarchy 
 the  conquering  nations  made  a  prey  of  it,  and  glutted  themfelves  with  the  fpoils 
 thereof.  Let  therefore  no  princes  nor  kingdoms  be  puffed  up  with  a  conceit  of 
 themfelves  becaufe  of  prefent  profperity,  as  they  muff  all  in  their  turn,  be 
 reduced  and  ruined.  When  the  Affyrian  monarchy  was  deftroyed,  it  ftruck  a 
 general  terror  into  all  its  friends,  dependants,  and  neighbours,  and  put  a  flop  to 
 
 all  trade - and  while  the  Affyrians  and  their  neighbours  bewailed  the  difafter, 
 
 the  great  kings  and  kingdoms,  which  had  been  before  reduced,  rejoiced  to  fee 
 Affyria  in  like* manner  ruined,  and  to  fee  its  armies  and  dependants  brought  to 
 deftru(5lion. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXXII.  Ver.  1.  This  prophecy 
 was  delivered  about  a  year  and  a  half  after  the  deftru(5lion  of  Jcrufalem  ;  and  at 
 
 nether  parts  of  the  earth  :  thou  (halt  lie  in  the  midfl 
 of  the  uncircumciled  with  them  that  he  fliin  by  the 
 (word.  This  is  Pnaraoh  and  all  his  multitude,  laith 
 the  Lord  God.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXXII. 
 
 1  A  lamentation  for  the  Jenrful  fall  of  Egypt ;  11  the  sword  of  Babylon 
 sh  ll  destroy  il ;  11  it  shall  be  brought,  down  to  hell  among  all  the  uncir. 
 
 cumcised  nations. 
 
 587. 
 
 ND  it  came  to  pafs  in  the  twelfth  year,  in  the 
 twelfth  month,  in  the  firft  day  of  the  month, 
 that  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  me,  faying, 
 
 2  Son  of  man,  take  up  a  lamentatiou  for  Pharaoh 
 king  of  Egypt,  and  fav  unto  hi.m,  thou  art  like  a  young 
 lion  of  the  nations,  and  thouar^  as  a  ||  whale  in  the  leas,  11  Oi, 
 and  thou  cameft  forth  with  thy  rivers,  and  troubled(t‘^'''’^"''' 
 tne  waters  with  thy  feet,  and  fouiedft  their  rivers. 
 
 3  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  I  will  therefore  ®aci,,ip, 
 fpread  out  my  net  over  thee  with  a  company  of  many  ^ 
 people,  and  they  fhall  bring  thee  up  in  my  net.  *' 
 
 4  Then  will  I  leave  thee  upon  the  land,  I  will  caft 
 thee  forth  upon  the  open  field,  and  will  caufe  all  the 
 fowls  of  the  heaven  to  remain  upon  thee,  and  I  will 
 fill  the  beafts  of  the  whole  earth  with  thee. 
 
 5  And  I  will  lay  thy  flelh  upon  the  mountains,  and 
 fill  the  valleys  with  thy  height. 
 
 6  I  will  all’o  water  with  thy  blood  H  the  land  where-  y  Or, 
 in  thou  fwimmeft,  even  to  the  mountains:  and  the  Me  to  „/ 
 rivers  (hall  be  full  of  thee. 
 
 7  And  when  I  fhall  ||  put  thee  out,  ^  I  will  cover 
 
 the  heaven,  and  make  the  (tars  thereof  dark  ;  1  wilLiim.’ 
 cover  the  fun  with  a  cloud,  and  the  moon  fhall  not«*''«^- 
 give  her  light.  _ 
 
 8  All  the  f  bright  lights  of  heaven  will  I  make  t  Joel 2.31. 
 dark  over  thee,  and  let  darknefs  upon  thy  land,  faith  &  3. 15. 
 the  Lord  God. 
 
 9  1  will  alfo  t  vex  the  hearts  of  many  people,  when 
 
 I  fhall  bring  thy  deftruflion  among  the  nations,  imougiuof 
 the  countries  which  thou  haft  not  known.  theiigu 
 
 10  Yea,  I  will  make  many  people  amazed  at  thee, 
 and  their  kings  fhall  be  horribly  afraid  for  thee,  when|,  Heb. 
 
 I  fhall  brandilh  my  fword  before  them  ;  and  they  themdaA, 
 ftiall  tremble  at  every  moment,  every  man  for  his  own  t 
 life,  in  the  day  ot  thy  fall. 
 
 1 1  f  For  thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  The  fword  of  grie/.’ 
 the  king  of  Babylon  fhall  come  upon  thee. 
 
 12  By  the  (words  of  the  mighty  will  I  caufe  thy 
 multitude  to  fall,  the  terrible  of  the  nations,  all  of 
 them ;  and  they  fhall  fpoil  the  pomp  of  Egypt,  and  all 
 the  multitude  thereof  (hall  be  deftroyed. 
 
 13  I  will  deftroy  alfo  all  the  beafts  thereof  from 
 befide  the  great  waters  ;  neither  (hall  the  foot  of  man 
 trouble  them  any  more,  nor  the  hoofs  of  beads  trouble 
 them. 
 
 a  time  when  Egypt  was  in  a  ftate  of  fafety  and  profperity.  It  is  very  remarkabls 
 that  there  fhould  be  fo  many  prophecies  concerning  this  country.  But  Egypt 
 was  the  firft  oppreflbrs  of  the  church,  and  was  judged  for  it ;  and  perhaps  tlial 
 kingdom  typified  antichrift,  and  the  more  dreadful  ruin  that  awaits  him,  Gen. 
 XV.  13,  14.  Rev.  xi.  8.  Ver.  2  —  6.  See  chap.  xxix.  3 — 5.  The  king  of  Egypt 
 in  the  height  of  his  profperity,  raifed  a  great  army  and  made  war  on  the  Sy¬ 
 rians  ;  hut  he  was  vanquiftied,  and  bis  army  cut  in  pieces ;  and  his  fubjeifts  fuf- 
 petfting  from  his  favage  temper,  that  he  bad  led  them  forth  on  purpofe  to  be 
 thus  deftroyed,  made  an  infurredlion  againft  him  :  which  he  increafed.  by  furthet 
 cruelties,  and  raft)  meafures,  till  it  made  way  for  his  ruin.  Ver.  7,  8.  Compare 
 Jer.  iv.  23 — 25.  Ver.  11  — 14.  See  Jer.  xlvi.  25 — 35.  Ver.  21 — 32.  To  teacb 
 the  certain  overthrow  of  Pharaoh,  he  is  reprefented  defeending  into  the  in''" 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XXI]  They  are  truly  great  who  employ  their  power  and  influence  to  promote  the  good  of  their  fellow 
 
 creatures.  Sin  is  the  procuring  caufe  of  all  our  miferies.  They  who  are  courted  in  profperous  circuinftances  will  often  find  themfelves  deferted  in 
 
 adverfity. 
 
pefore 
 
 Chrift 
 
 587. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 Anoints 
 
 tiilneis 
 
 thereof. 
 
 ^pjpl  brought  dfft&n  to  hell 
 
 14  Then  I  will  make  their  waters  deep,  and  caufe 
 their  rivers  to  run  like  oil,  I’aith  the  Lord  God. 
 
 15  When  I  lhall  make  the  land  of  Egypt  delblate, 
 and  the  country  lhall  be  t  deftitute  of  that  whereo^ 
 it  was  full,  when  I  lhall  fmite  all  them  that  dwell  there¬ 
 in,  then  lhall  they  know  that  1  am  the  Lord. 
 
 *16  This  is  othe  lamentation  wherewith  they  lhall 
 lament  her  :  the  daughters  of  the  nations  (hall  lament 
 her;  they  (hall  lament  for  her,  even  for  Egypt,  and 
 for  all  her  multitude,  faith  the  Lord  God. 
 
 17  U  It  came  to  pafs  alfo  in  the  twelfth  year,  in  the  , 
 fifteenth  datjo'i  the  month,  that  the  word  of  the  Lord 
 
 came  unto  me,  faying,  ! 
 
 18  Son  of  man,  wail  for  the  multitude  or  Egypt, 
 and  call  them  down,  even  her,  and  the  daughters  ot 
 the  famous  nations,  unto  the  nether  parts  of  the  earth, 
 with  them  that  go  down  into  the  pit. 
 
 19  Whom  dolt  thou  pafsin  beauty  ?  go  down,  and 
 be  thou  laid  with  the  uncircumcifed. 
 
 20  They  lhall  fall  in  the  midlt  them  that  are  flain 
 by  the  fword  ;  1|  Ihe  is  delivered  to  the  Iword,  araw 
 
 ihesword  hgj.  and  all  her  multitudes. 
 
 EZEKIEL. 
 
 Tjzehiel  is  admonished  of  his  diilij^ 
 
 Or, 
 
 21  The  flrong  among  the  mighty  IhaU  fpeak  to 
 him  out  of  the  midlt  ot  hell  with  theuci  that  help  him  :  | 
 they  are  gone  down,  they  lie  uncircumcifed,  flain  by 
 the  fword. 
 
 22  Alhur  is  there,  and  all  her  company  :  his  graves 
 are  about  him  ;  all  of  them  flain,  fallen  by  the  fword  : 
 
 23  Whofe  graves  are  let  in  the  fides  ot  the  pit, 
 and  her  company  is  round  about  her  grave  ;  all  ut 
 
 I  Or,  them  flain,  fallen  by  the  fword,  which  caufed  H  terror 
 Hisma^ing  jjj  jjjjjJ  jjf  living. 
 
 24  There  /s  Elam,  and  all  her  multitude  round 
 
 about  her  grave ;  all  of  them  11  tin,  fallen  by  the  fword, 
 which  are  gone  down  uncircumcifed  into  the  nether 
 parts  of  the  earth,  which  caufed  their  terror  in  the  land 
 of  the  living ;  yet  have  they  borne  their  lhame  with 
 them  that  go  down  to  the  pit.  _ 
 
 25  I'hey  have  let  her  a  bed  in  the  midft  of  the  flam 
 with  all  her  multitude:  her  graves  are  round  about 
 him;  all  of  them  uncircuraciled,  flain  by  the  fword  : 
 though  their  terror  was  cauled  in  the  land  of  the 
 living,  yet  have  they  borne  their  fhame  with  them 
 that  go  down  to  the  pit :  he  is  put  in  the  midft  of 
 them  that  be  flain. 
 
 26  There  is  Melhecb,  Tubal,  and  all  her  multitude  : 
 her  graves  are  round  about  him ;  all  of  thena  unCir- 
 cumc’ifed,  flain  by  the  fword,  though  they  cauled  their 
 terror  in  the  land  o'  the  living. 
 
 27  And  they  lhall  not  lie  with  the  mighty  that  are 
 fallen  of  the  uncircumcifed,  which  are  gone  down  to 
 
 tiieb.  hell  f  with  their  weapons  of  war;  and  they  have  laid 
 “■'’''-their  fword s  under  their  heads;  but  their  iniquities 
 j/XLr.  fhall  be  upon  their  bones,  though  -dere  the  terror 
 of  the  mighty  in  the  land  of  the  living. 
 
 •28  Yea,  thou  ihalt  be  broken  in  the  midft  of  the 
 uncircumcifed,  and  fhall  lie  with  them  that  are  fl-iin 
 with  the  fword. 
 
 29  There  is  Edom,  her  kings,  and  all  her  princes, 
 
 which  with  their  might  are  f  laid  by  them  that  -were 
 fla  n  by  the  fword  ;  they  lhall  lie  with  the  uncircum- 
 ciled,  and  with  them  that  go  down  to  the  pit. 
 
 So’Ti  ere  be  the  princes  of  the  north,  all  of  them,t 
 ind  all  tne  Zidonians,  which  are  gone  down  with  ’ 
 the  11  "in  :  with  their  terror  they  are  alhamed  ot  their 
 might  •  and  tht^y  lie  uncircumcifed  with  them  that  be 
 flam  by  the  fword,  and  bear  their  ftiame  with  them 
 
 that  go  down  to  the  pit.  .  n.  n  u  r  .  j 
 
 31  Pnaraoh  fha.il  (c6  thpnr),  and  fhall  00  coTOiortcd 
 
 over  all  his  muUitude,  tven  Pharaoh  and  all  his  army 
 flain  bv  the  fword,  faith  the  Lord  God. 
 
 32  For  I  have  caufed  my  terror  in  the  land  of  the 
 living  :  and  he  lhall  b^-  laid  in  the  midft  of  the  uncir¬ 
 cumcifed  with  them  that  are  flain  with  the  Iword,  even 
 Pharaoh  and  all  his  multitude,  fai-.h  the  Lord  God.' 
 
 CHAP.  XXXIII. 
 
 1  According  to  the  duty  of  a  wolchman  in  warning  the  people,  7  Ezekiel 
 is  admonished  of  his  duly.  10  God  sheweth  the  manner  of  his  dealing 
 with  the  riohteous  who  revolt,  and  with  the  returning  tinner 1 7  he  main- 
 tainelh  his  equity.  21  Upon  the  taking  of  Jerusalem,  Ezekiel  prophe- 
 sieth  the  desolation  of  the  land,  (J-r. 
 
 A  gain  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  me, 
 
 2  Son^of^man,  Speak  to  the  children  of  thy  people, 
 
 and  fay  unto  them,  t  When  I  bring  the  fword  upon  f  iieb 
 a  land,  if  the  people  of  the  land  tak^  a  man  of  their 
 coafts,  and  fet  him  for  their  watchman  :  „ 
 
 3  If,  when  he  feeth  the  fword  come  upon  the  land,  sword 
 
 he  blow  the  trumpet,  and  warn  the  people  ;  “/«>« 
 
 4  Then  f  whofoever  heareth  the  found  of  the  trum-f  Heb. 
 per,  and  taketh  not  warning;  if  the  fword  come  andj«  ^ 
 take  him  away,  his  blood  fhall  be  upon  his  own  head. 
 
 5  He  heard  the  found  of  the  trumpet,  and  took  not 
 warning  ;  his  blood  lhall  be  upon  him ;  but  he  that 
 takfth  warning  lhall  deliver  his  foul. 
 
 6  But  if  the  watchman  fee  the  fword  come,  and 
 blow  not  the  trumpet,  and  the  people  be  not  warned  ; 
 if  the  Iword  come  and  take  any  perfon  from  among 
 them,  he  is  taken  away  in  his  iniquity  ;  but  his  blood 
 
 '  will  I  require  at  the  watchman’s  hand. 
 
 7  »  So  thou,  O  fon  of  man,  I  have  fet  thee  a^  Chap.^ 
 watchman  unto  the  houl’e  of  Il’rael;  therefore  thou 
 [halt  hear  the  word  at  my  mouth,  and  warn  them 
 
 from  me.  .  ,  , 
 
 8  When  I  lay  unto  the  wicked,  O  wicked  man, 
 thou  Ihalt  lurely  die ;  if  thou  doft  not  fpeak  to  warn 
 the  wicked  from  his  way,  that  wicked  man  lhall  die 
 in  his  iniquity  ;  but  his  blood  will  I  require  at  thine 
 
 hand.  .  ,  ,  r-  • 
 
 9  Neverthelefs,  if  thou  warn  the  wicked  of  his  way 
 to  turn  from  it ;  if  he  do  not  turn  from  his  way,  he 
 lhall  die  in  his  iniquity  ;  but  thou  haft  delivered  thy 
 
 foul.  r  r  I 
 
 10  ^  Therefore,  O  thou  fon  or  mao,  Ipeak  unto 
 
 the  houfe  of  Ifrael,  Thus  ye  fpeak.  faying,  If  our 
 tranlgreirions  and  our  fins  be  upon  us,  and  we  pine 
 away  in  th.'  m,  how  Ihould  we  then  live  ?  _  ,  14.  iT' 
 
 U  Say  unfo  them.  As  I  live,  faith  the  Lord  God,  ^hap. 
 
 I  have  no  plealore  in  the  death  of  the  wicked ;  but  is.  23. 
 
 ,ii.  17 _ 19  Ver.  10.  See  chap.  xxiv.  2S.  The  prophet  had  foretold  the  impeni¬ 
 
 tence  of  the  Jews  to  render  them  iiicxcufable ;  but  inftead  of  being  alarmed  they 
 concluded  that  all  exhortations  to  repenUnce,  or  promifes  to  rhe  penitent,  were 
 fuperfluous.  Ver.  1 1 — 1 3.  See  chap,  xxiii.  Ver.  24— 29.  The  king  of  Babylon 
 
 fible  world,  and  meeting  there  the  princes  and  mighty  men,  who  had  fallen  in 
 other  nations  by  the  fword  of  Babylon,  fee  I  fa.  xiv.  9—20.  where  the  fame  bold 
 figure  is  employed  with  the  happieft  cffeift. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chaf.  XXXIII.  Ver.  2—9.  See  Chapter  _ _ 
 
 PRACTTrAT  ORSFRVATIONS _ *  Chaf.  XXXIII  How  the  reftlefs  ambition  and  implacable  refentmeut  of  proud  princes  diRutb  the  world !  But  the 
 
 branSftS^lofd  of  GoS  judgments ^hall  at  laR  overwhelm  tf  em  with  coafternation,  terror,  and  tuin.  No  multitudes,  wealth,  or  power,  can  avail  eitl.e.  to  w.thftand 
 the  wrath,  or  to  move  the  pity  ot  God. 
 
 9  N 
 
 25 
 
God  mainiaineth  his  equity. 
 
 EZEKIEL 
 
 the  Wicked  turn  from  his  way  and  live :  turn  ve, 
 587.  ye  from  your  evil  ways;  tor  why  will  ye  die, 
 
 c  Chap. 
 18  31. 
 d  Chap. 
 18.  24. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 judgment 
 andjustice 
 
 e  Chap. 
 
 18.  25. 
 
 24,  7. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 to  devour 
 him. 
 
 permitted  a  fmall  remnant  to  continue  in  the  land  under  Gedaiiah  ;  and  thefe 
 foolilhly  concluded  that  they  would  engrofs  the  uhole  land.  This  was  fulfilled 
 after  the  murder  of  Gedaiiah,  when  the  furvivors  fled,  contrary  to  the  mofl  urgent 
 warnings  of  Jeremiah  into  Egvpt,  where  they  tnif'erably  perifhed. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap,  XXXIV.  Ver.  2—5.  Thefe  rulers 
 
 O  houfe  of  Ifrael  ? 
 
 12  1  nerefore  thou  fon  of  man,  fay  unto  the  chil- 
 people.  The  righteoufnefs  cf  the  righte¬ 
 ous  Inall  not  deliver  him  in  the  day  of  his  tranlgref- 
 non :  as  for  the  wickednefs  of  the  wicked,  he  (hail 
 not  fall  thereby  in  the  day  that  he  turneth  from  his 
 wickednefs  ;  neither  (hall  the  righteous  be  able  to  live 
 for  his  righteoustiess  in  the  day  that  he  (inneth. 
 
 13  When  I  (hall  fay  to  the  righteous,  that  he  (hall 
 lurely  live ;  if  he  truft  to  his  own  righteoufnefs,  and 
 commit  iniquity,  all  his  righteoufnefs  (hall  not  be 
 remembered  :  but  for  his  iniquity  that  he  hath  com¬ 
 mitted,  he  (hall  die  for  it. 
 
 l-i  Again,  when  I  fay  unto  the  wicked,  I’hou  (halt 
 furely  die ;  if  he  turn  from  his  fin,  and  do  t  that  which 
 is  lawful  and  right ; 
 
 1 5  7/  the  wicked  reftore  the  pledge,  give  again  that  he 
 had  robbed,  walk  in  the  flatutes  of  life,  without  com¬ 
 mitting  iniquity  ;  t.e  (hall  furely  live,  he  (hall  not  die. 
 
 16  None  of  his  lins  that  he  hath  committed  (hall  be 
 mentioned  unto  him  ;  he  hath  done  that  which  is  law¬ 
 ful  and  right ;  he  (hall  furely  live. 
 
 17  ^  Yet  the  children  of  thy  people  (ay.  The  way 
 of  the  Lord  is  not  equal :  but,  as  for  them,  their  way 
 is  not  equal. 
 
 IS  When  the  righteous  turneth  from  his  righteouf- 
 ne(s,and  committeth  iniquity,  he  (hall  even  die  thereby. 
 
 19  But  if  the  wicked  turn  from  his  wickednefs,  and 
 do  that  which  is  lawful  and  right,  he  (hall  live  thereby. 
 
 20  Yet  ye  fay,  '  The  way  of  the  Lord  is  not  equal. 
 O  ye  houfe  of  Ifrael,  I  will  judge  you  every  one  after 
 his  ways. 
 
 21  H  And  it  came  to  pals  in  the  twelfth  year  of  our 
 captivity,  in  the  tenth  month,  in  the  fifth  day  of  the 
 month  that  one  that  had  elcaped  out  of  Jerufalem, 
 
 f  2  Kings  came  unto  me,  faying,  ^  The  city  is  (mitten. 
 
 25. 4..  22  Now  the  hand  of  the  Lord  was  upon  me  in 
 
 the  evening,  afore  he  that  was  efcaped  came ;  and 
 had  opened  my  mouth,  until  he  came  to  me  in  the 
 g  Chap,  morning  ;  s  and  my  mouth  was  opened,  and  I  was  no  ! 
 more  dumb. 
 
 23  Then  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  me,  faying, 
 24'  Son  of  man,  they  that  inhabit  thofe  wattes  of 
 the  land  of  Ilfae),  fpeak,  faying,  Abraham  was  one, 
 and  he  inherited  the  land:  but  we  are  many;  the 
 land  is  given  us  for  inheritance. 
 
 25  Wherefore  lay  unto  them,  Thus  faith  the  Lord 
 God,  Ye  eat  with  the  blood,  and  lift  up  your  eyes  to¬ 
 ward  your  idols,  and  (hed  blood  :  and  (hall  ye  po(re(s 
 the  land  ? 
 
 26  Ye  (land  upon  your  fword,  ye  work  abomina¬ 
 tion,  and  ye  defile  every  one  his  neighbour’s  wife : 
 and  (hall  ye  polTefs  the  land  ? 
 
 27  Say  tnou  thus  unto  them,  Thus  faith  the  Lord 
 God,  As  I  live,  furely  they  that  are  in  the  waltes  (ball 
 fall  by  the  (word  ;  and  him  that  is  in  the  open  field 
 will  I  give  to  the  beafts  f  to  be  devoured  ;  and  thev 
 
 587. 
 
 The  shepherds  of  Israel  reproi,^^ 
 
 that  he  in  the  forts,  and  in  the  caves,  (hall  die  of  the 
 peftilence.  Chria 
 
 28  For  I  will  lay  the  land  t  moft  defolate,  and  the 
 ^  pomp  of  her  ftrength  (hall  ceafe ;  and  the  mountains 
 of  Ifrael  (hall  bedelolate,  that  none  (hall  pafs  through, 
 
 29  Then  (hall  they  know  that  I  am  the  Lord,  when 
 
 I  have  laid  the  land  moft  defolate,  becaijfe  of  all  their  hcha 
 abominations  which  they  have  committed.  7. 
 
 30  H  Alfo,  thou  fon  of  man,  the  children  of  thy^^-^i-S: 
 people  (fill  are  talking  againtt  thee  by  the  walls,  and^°'^’’'  ’ 
 in  the  doors  of  the  houfes,  and  fpeak  one  to  another, 
 every  one  to  his  brother,  faying,  Come,  I  pray  you’ 
 
 and  hear  what  is  the  word  that  cometh  forth  from  the 
 Lord.  f  He,,. 
 
 3 1  And  they  come  unto  thee  f  as  the  people  cometh,  occordiiig 
 and  II  they  (it  before  thee  as  my  people,  and  they  hear*" 
 
 thy  words,  but  they  will  not  do  them :  for  with  thenTh7pell ■ 
 mouth  t  they  (hew  much  love,  but  their  heart  goeth  llOr, 
 
 after  their  covetoufnefs.  mypeopu. 
 
 32  And,  lo,  thou  art  unto  them  as  f  a  very  lovely 
 
 fong  of  one  that  hath  a  pleafant  voice,  and  can  play  t  Heb. 
 well  on  an  inftrument :  for  they  hear  thy  words,  but'^wo-ie 
 they  do  them  not.  [oves,  or, 
 
 33  And  when  this  cometh  to  pafs,  (lo,  it  will  come, )|  Heb. 
 
 then  (hall  they  know  that  a  prophet  hath  been  among  a  song  (y 
 
 them.*  '“"cs. 
 
 CHAP.  XXXIV. 
 
 1  .ii  reproof  of  the  shejtherds  of  Israel.  7  God's  judgments  against  them ; 
 
 1 1  his  providence  over  his  flock.  20  The  blessings  of  Christ's  kingdoiru 
 
 And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  me,  faying, 
 
 2  Son  of  man,  prophecy  againtt  the  (hepherds 
 of  Ifrael.  prophecy,  and  lay  unto  them.  Thus  faith  the 
 Lord  God  unto  the  (hepherds,  Woe  ^  be  to  the  (hep-®  Jer- 
 herds  of  Ifrael  that  do  feed  themfelves !  (hould  not^^’*‘ 
 the  (hepherds  feed  the  flecks  ? 
 
 3  Ye  eat  the  fat,  and  ye  clothe  yon  with  the  wool, 
 ye  kill  them  that  are  fed  :  but  ye  feed  not  the  flock. 
 
 4  The  difeafed  have  ye  not  ftrengthened,  neither 
 have  ye  healed  that  which  was  fick,  neither  have  ye 
 bound  up  that  inhich  tvas  broken,  neither  have  ye 
 brought  again  that  which  was  driven  away,  neither 
 have  ye  (ought  that  which  was  loft ;  but  with  forced  i  Bei- 
 and  with  cruelty  have  ye  ruled  them. 
 
 5  And  they  were  fcattered,  ||  becaufe  there  is  noil  Or, 
 fhepherd  ;  and  they  became  meat  to  all  the  beafts  of"”'*""'" 
 the  field,  when  they  are  Icattered. 
 
 6  My  (beep  wandered  through  all  the  mountaius,  verfe  8. 
 and  upon  every  high  hill :  yea,  my  flock  was  (battered 
 upon  all  the  face  of  the  earth,  and  none  did  fearch  or 
 (eek  after  them. 
 
 7  If  Therefore,  ye  (hepherds,  hear  the  word  of  the 
 Lord  ; 
 
 8  I  live,  laith  the  Lord  God,  furely  becaufe  my 
 flock  became  a  prey,  and  my  flock  became  meat  to 
 every  beaft  of  the  field,  becaufe  there  tsoas  no  (hepherd, 
 neither  did  my  fhepherds  learch  for  my  flock,  but  the 
 (hepherds  fed  themfelves,  and  fed  not  my  flock ; 
 
 9  Therefore,  O  ye  (hepherds,  hear  the  word  of  the 
 Lord  ; 
 
 regarded  only  their  own  intereft,  and  not  the  welfare  of  the  people.  By  oppref- 
 fion  and  murder  they  feized  the  eftates  of  the  rich  :  they  neither  fupported,  re¬ 
 lieved,  nor  comforted,  fuch  as  were  fallen  into  decay  or  diflreis  :  they  relieved  not 
 nor  redreflTed  the  wrongs  of  the  opprefled  ;  they  reftored  not  to  their  right,  I'uch  as 
 by  the  violence  of  others,  had  been  forced  to  quit  their  lands ;  nor  attempted  to 
 
 PRACTICA  L  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XXXIII.]  One  faithful  minifter  or  magiftrate  may  be  of  great  fervice  to  a  country  or  nation.  Holinefs  and 
 faappinefs,  obRinate  finning  and  mifery,  are  infeparably  connected  in  God’s  purpofes,  oracles,  and  providences;  nor  does  the  efcaping  one  Rroke  fecure  the  hardened 
 traorgreflor  from  imminent  ruin. 
 
pc 
 
 blessings  of  Christ*s  kingdom. 
 
 EZEKIEL. 
 
 7he  jndgmerU  of  mount  Seir,  SfC. 
 
 I  lleb 
 Jccord' 
 
 10  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  Behold,  I  am  againft  i 
 the  fhepherds ;  and  I  will  require  ray  flock  at  their 
 hand  and  caufe  them  to  ceafe  from  feeding  the  flock  ; 
 neither  (hall  the  (hepherds  feed  themfelves  any  more  : 
 for  1  will  deliver  my  fl  )ck  from  their  mouth,  that  they 
 may  not  be  meat  for  them. 
 
 11  f  For  thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  Behold,  I,  even 
 T  will  both  fearch  my  ftieep,  and  feek  them  out. 
 
 '  12  t  As  a  (hepherd  feeketh  out  his  flock  in  the  day 
 that  he  is  among  his  (keep  that  are  fcattered ;  fo  will 
 I  feek  out  ray  (heep,  and  will  deliver  them  out  of  all 
 \$eeking-  pj-j^es  where  they  have  been  fcattered  in  the  cloudy 
 and  dark  day. 
 
 13  And  I  will  bring  them  out  from  the  people,  and 
 gather  them  from  the  countries,  and  will  bring  them 
 to  their  own  land,  and  feed  them  upon  the  mountains  i 
 of  Ifrael  by  the  rivers,  and  in  all  the  inhabited  places 
 of  the  country. 
 
 14  I  will  feed  them  in  a  good  pafture,  and  upon 
 the  high  mountains  of  Ifrael  (hall  their  fold  be  :  there 
 (hall  they  lie  in  a  good  fold,  and  in  a.  fat  pafture  fhall 
 they  feed  upon  the  mountains  of  Ifrael. 
 
 15  I  will  feed  my  flock,  and  1  will  caule  them  to  lie 
 down,  faith  the  Lord  God. 
 
 16  I  will  feek  that  which  was  loft,  and  bring  agam 
 
 that  which  was  driven  away,  and  will  bind  up  that 
 which  was  broken, -and  will  ftrengthen  that  which  was ' 
 fick  :  but  I  will  deftroy  the  fat  and  the  ftrong  ;  1  will 
 feed  them  with  judgment.  I 
 
 17  And  as  for  you,  O  my  flock,  thus  faith  the  Lord 
 God,  Behold,  I  judge  between  t  cattle  and  cattle,  be¬ 
 tween  the  rams  and  the  f  he-goats. 
 
 18  Seemeth  it  a  fmall  thing  unto  you  to  have  eaten 
 up  the  good  pafture,  but  ye  rauft  tread  down  with 
 your  feet,  the  relidue  of  your  paftures?  and  to  have 
 drunk  of  the  deep  waters,  but  ye  mutt  foul  the  refidue 
 
 with  your  feet  ?  , .  ,  u 
 
 19  And  as  for  my  flock,  they  eat  that  which  ye  have 
 trodden  with  your  feet ;  and  they  drink  that  which  ye 
 have  fouled  w'ith  your  feet. 
 
 20  ^  Therefore  thus  faith  the  Lord  God  unto  them, 
 Behold,  I,  even  I,  will  judge  between  the  fat  cattle  and 
 
 between  the  lean  cattle.  ,  •  .  n.  i 
 
 21  Becaufe  ye  have  thruft  with  fide  and  with  thoul- 
 der,  and  pufned  all  the  difeafed  with  your  horns,  till 
 
 ye  have  fcattered  them  abroad  ;  ,  u  a,  n 
 
 22  Therefore  will  I  lave  m.y  flock,  and  they  (hall 
 no  more  be  a  prey  ;  and  I  will  judge  between  cattle 
 
 C^ttl0  * 
 
 23  And  I  will  fet  up  one  Shepherd  over  them,  and 
 he  (hall  feed  them,  even  ray  fervant  David ;  he  (hall 
 feed  them,  and  he  (liall  be  their  (hepherd. 
 
 24  And  1  the  Lord  will  be  their  God,  and  my  (er- 
 vant  David  a  prince  among  them  :  1  the  Lord  have 
 fpoken  it. 
 
 25  And  I  will  make  with  them  a  covenant  of  peace, 
 
 ,  and  will  caufe  the  evil  beaft  to  ceafe  out  of  » 
 
 !  and  they  fhall  dwell  fafely  in  the  wildernets,  and  deep 
 
 26^And°^ ’will  make  them,  and  the  places  round 
 about  my  hill,  a  bleffing  ;  and  1  will  caule  the  (hower 
 to  come  down  in  his  feafon  :  there  fhall  be  (howers  of 
 
 “  And  the  tree  of  the  field  (hall  yield  her  fruit, 
 and  the  earth  (hall  yield  her  increafe,  and  they  (hall 
 be  Cafe  in  their  land,  and  (hall  know  that  I  am  the 
 Lord,  when  I  have  broken  the  bands 
 and  delivered  them  out  of  the  hand  of  thofe  that 
 
 ferved  themfelves  of  them.  •  . 
 
 28  And  they  (hall  no  more  be  a  prey  to  the  heatnen, 
 
 neither  fhall  the  beads  of  the  land  devour  them  :  hut 
 they  fhall  dwell  fafely,  and  none  (hall  make  them  afraid. 
 
 29  And  1  will  raife  up  for  them  a  “  plant  1|  of  re-d  Ka.ah 
 
 nown,  and  they  (hall  be  no  more  t  coni umed  with 
 
 hunger  in  the  land,  neither  bear  the  (hame  of  the  23, 5. 
 
 ‘'"30  Xhu7  Suhey  know  ,ha.  I  .he  Lord  .heir—i" 
 God  am  with  them,  and  that  they,  ev^ 
 
 Ifrael,  are  my  people,  faith  the  Lord  God. 
 
 31  And  ye  my  '  flock,  the  flock  of  my  pafture,  orc.Mn 
 QP,  vniir  God.  faith  the  Lord  God. 
 
 even  the  houfe 
 
 away. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 small 
 callle  of 
 lambs  and 
 lids. 
 t  Heb. 
 great  lie- 
 goais. 
 
 c  Ifaiah 
 40.  11. 
 John 
 10.  11. 
 
 reform  the  wanderers  in  wickednefs,  but  tyrannized  o»ei  them  in  the  naoft  un¬ 
 merciful  manner;— fo  that,  by  the  ill  condua  of  their  rulers,  and  the  violence  of 
 their  enemies,  they  were  either  deftroyed,  or  forced,  as  captives  or  fugitives,  into 
 other  countries,  and  their  wealth  is  made  a  fpoil.  Ver.  21.  Jefus  Chrift  is  called 
 David,  becaufe  be  was  his  proraifed  feed  and  glorious  antitype,  and  called  God  s 
 servant,  becaufe  as  Mediator,  be  performs  the  dehafed  and  honorary  work  of  our 
 falvation,  appointed  him  of  the  Father.  He  is  called  a  Shepherd,  to  denote  bis 
 careful  gathering,  proteaing,  guarding,  providing  for,  feeding,  and  healing  his 
 
 j  i  xaLJLj  y  w  V  i.*w  ^  V  ^ 
 
 men,  and  1  am  your  God,  faith  the  Lord  God. 
 
 CHAP.  XXXV. 
 
 Thejudomen's  of  mount  Seirfor  their  hatred  of  Israel,  ^c. 
 
 Moreover,  the  word  of  the  Lord  came 
 unto  me,  faying, 
 
 2  bon  of  man,  fet  thy  face  againft  mount  Seir,  ana 
 
 I  prophel^y  againft  it.  .  t> 
 
 ’  3  And  fay  unto  it,  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  Be¬ 
 
 hold,  O  mount  Seir,  1  am  againft  thee,  and  I  will 
 iftretch  out  mine  hand  againft  thee,  and  1  will 
 
 thee  f  moft  defolate.  /r.  ,  u  j  r  desolation 
 
 4  1  will  lay  thy  cities  wafte,  and  thou  (halt  be 
 late  •  and  thou  (halt  know  that  I  am  the  Lord.  latiotu 
 5  Becaufe  thou  haft  had  a  1|  perpetual  hatred,  and  J 
 haft  t  (hed  the  blood  of  the  children  of  Ifrael  by  the^^^_ 
 f  force  of  the  (word  in  the  time  of  their  calamity,  in|^eb. 
 the  time  that  their  iniquity  had  an  end  :  _  ,  _ 
 
 6  Therefore,  as  I  live,  faith  the  Lord  God,  I  wilD“^j^^^^ 
 prepare  thee  unto  blood,  and  blood  fhall  purlue  thee:  ^ 
 fith  thou  haft  not  hated  blood,  even  blood  (hall  ^ux- hands. 
 iUG  thcC  ^  Heb. 
 
 7  Thus  will  I  make  mount  Seir  t  moft  defolate, 
 and  cut  off  from  it  him  that  paffeth  out,  and  him  that  lation. 
 
 returnetb.  ,  .  ,  , .  n  • 
 
 8  And  I  will  fill  his  mountains  with  his  flam  men 
 in  t'ny  hills,  and  in  thy  valleys,  and  in  all  thy  rivers, 
 
 (hall  they  fall  that  are  flain  with  the  (word. 
 
 9  I  will  make  thee  perpetual  defolations,  and  thy 
 cities  (hall  not  return  ;  and  ye  (hall  know  that  1  am 
 the  Lord.  _ _ 
 
 people.  And  he  is  called  a  Plant  of  Renown,  (ver.  29.)  becaufe  being  low  in  hi» 
 humiliation,  he  is  infinitely  excellent  in  himfelf;  and  is,  and  will  for  ever  be,  in¬ 
 finitely  famous  among  angels  and  men. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXXV.  Ver.  1 — 5.  Compare  Note 
 
 on  Ifa  xxxiv  1 _ 17.  The  principal  provocation  of  Edom  was  tbeir  intuiting  the 
 
 Jews  in  their'diftrefs,  and  joining  againft  them  with  their  enemies  the  Chaldeans; 
 and  therefore  they  fuffered  with  thofe  nations  that  had  been  guilty  of  fi  rnlar 
 1  wickeduefs;  fee  chap.  xxiv.  3,  8,  22,  25.  Ver.  9.  The  Edomites  never  obtained 
 
 CO  — *  Chap  XXXIV  1  If  the  dignity  and  power  of  men  do  not  reftrain  them  from  fin,  it  will  not  exempt  them  from  rc- 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSEIIVAIIONS.  •  a,’  i  mjCo-ahle  is  the  cafe  of  nations  and  churches,  when  magiftrates  and  mini  fters  mind  only  their  own 
 
 proof,  excufe  their  impenitence,  or  avert  God  s  judgments.  Alas  ^  engrofs  every  thing  to  themfelves,  and  who  grudge  that  any 
 
 temporal  interefts,  negleft  their  duty,  plague,  opprefs,  and  millead  their  people.  And  they  wno  wouia  engrms  y  6 
 
 can  live  hefide  them,  Ihall  be  awfully  reckoned  with  at  laft. 
 
The  land  of  Israel  comjorted» 
 
 thii°  •'’0“  haft  TaiJ,  Thefe  two  nation!  anrt 
 
 ^  fcfsttTwwTh^Lonn  ‘  P"*'’ 
 
 Sa  “?A  e,ln  do"ccOTdin°e  ij'th’ God,  I  will 
 IL”;*. fa  thine  envy,  which  thou' it"  ft  u1ld\ut”of“Jhy  llafred 
 
 ^  mo  y®  f  boafted  aeainft 
 
 !.»a„y,.*me^^aod^hdave  multiplied  your  words  againft  tne:  1 
 
 U  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  When 
 earth  “joiceth.  I  will  make  thee  defolare. 
 
 hn.Vro  tv  Tf  ^  inheritance  of  the 
 
 houfe  of  Ifrael,  f^caule  it  was  defolate,  fo  will  I  do 
 
 rfdomca  "’“t  "]a't  be  defolate,  O  mount  Seir,  and 
 
 l",!t  r  Lono'-^"  ">  '‘"O"  ‘t- 
 
 EZEKIEL. 
 
 the  whole 
 
 577. 
 a  Chap 
 
 6.  2. 
 
 fHeb. 
 Secnuse 
 for  be' 
 cause. 
 
 !l  Or, 
 ye  are 
 made  to 
 
 trnet  ,  tr  CHAP.  XXXVI. 
 
 rejeaehor  ZrZt  Got/.  16  /drar^  «tas 
 
 prophcfy  unto  the 
 
 api™h°  ^3y»  Ye  mountaius 
 
 ui  iirael,  hear  the  word  of  the  Lord  ; 
 
 hJth  r  Hith  the  Lord  God,  Eecaufe  the  enemy 
 
 llb^nc  againft  you.  Aha,  even  the  ancient  high 
 places  are  ours  in  pofleflion ;  ° 
 
 Yhus  faith  the  Lord 
 Tioii’  ^  ^^caule  they  have  made  you  defolate,  and 
 fw^.^ed  you  up  on  every  fide,  that  ve  might  be  a 
 poffeffion  unto  the  refidue  of  the  heathen,  and  ||  ye 
 
 oHhfp'eopT" 
 
 com.  up.  yf  mountains  of  Ifrael,  hear  the  word 
 
 on  the  lip  me  Lord  God  ;  Thus  faith  tne  Lord  God  to  the 
 tl'Ze^  mountains  and  to  the  hills,  to  the  ||  rivers,  and  to  the 
 B  •  valleys,  to  the  defolate  waftes,  and  to  the  cities  that 
 are  forlaken,  which  became  a  prey  and  derifion  to  the 
 relidue  of  the  heathen  that  are  round  about ; 
 
 5  1  herefore  thus  faith  the  Lor'D  God,  Surely  in  the 
 fire  of  my  jealoufy  have  1  fpoken  againft  the  refidue 
 of  the  heathen,  and  againft  all  Idumea,  which  have 
 appointed  my  land  into  their  pofleflion,  with  the  joy 
 of  all  their  heart,  with  defpiteful  minds,  to  caft  it  out 
 for  a  prey. 
 
 6  Prophefy  therefore  concerning  the  land  of  Ifrael 
 and  lay  unto  the  mountains,  and  to  the  hills,  to  the 
 
 ^  valleys,  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God, 
 ±>ehoId,  1  have  Ipoken  in  my  jealoufy  and  in  my  fury, 
 becaule  ye  have  borne  the  ftiame  of  the  heathen. : 
 
 7  1  herefore  thus  faith  the  Lord  God^  I  have  lifted 
 
 up  mine  hand.  Surely  the  heathen  thato?e  about  you, 
 they  lhall  bear  their  fhame.  ' 
 
 8  IT  But  ye,  O  mountains  of  Ifrael,  ye  fliail  fliout 
 
 Or, 
 bottoms, 
 or,  dales. 
 
 Israel  <was  rejected  for  their  .  I 
 
 •  1  j 
 
 i/ipirl 
 
 poffeffion  of  their  own  country  after  their  captivity;  when  they  returned  they! 
 lettled  in  the  louthern  parts  of  Judea,  and  were  afterwards  incorporated,  and  be-  ^ 
 came  one  people  with  the  Jews. 
 
 EXPI.ANATORY  notes.  Chap.  XXXIV.  Ver.  1.  Though  the  land 
 
 benches,  and  yield  your  fruit  to  my  nen  r 
 pie  of  Krael ;  for  they  are  at  hand  to  come.  ^  ^  Sa 
 
 9  For,  behold,  I  am  for  you,  and  I  will  turn  unt/^ 
 you,  and  ye  ftiall  be  tilled  and  fiwm  ;  “nto 
 
 of  ^  will  multiply  men  upon  you,  all  the  houfe 
 
 h  J?  ’/T  V  cities  lhall  be  inha 
 
 bited,  and  the  waftes  fhall  be  builded  : 
 
 n''*  “PO"  Vou  man  and  bead  • 
 
 and  they  lhall  increafe  and  bring  fruit :  and  I  will 
 lettle  you  after  your  old  eftates,  and  will  do  beS 
 
 IS  fl'fhe  LorT' 
 
 12  Tea,  I  will  caufe  men  to  walk  upon  you, 
 
 7  Peflefs  thee,  and 
 
 nou  flialt  be  their  inheritance,  and  thou  [halt  no  more 
 lenceforth  bereave  them  oj  men. 
 
 13  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  Becaufe  thev  fav 
 
 unto  you,  Thou  /awrf  devoureft  up  men,  and^aft 
 bereaved  thy  nations ;  .  u  udii 
 
 14  1  herefore  thou  (halt  devour  men  no  more 
 
 LoLdcL  tby  cations  anymore,  faith  the  no,. 
 
 ^  •  I  *  •  caiije 
 
 15  Neith^er  will  I  caufe  men  to  hear  in  thee  the^"^^‘ 
 
 lhameof  the  heathen  anymore,  neither  fhalt  thou 
 bear  the  reproach  of  the  people  any  more,  neither 
 (halt  thou  caule  thy  nations  to  fall  anymore,  faith 
 the  Lord  God.  * 
 
 16  Moreover,  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
 me,  laying, 
 
 17  Son  of  man,  when  the  houfe  of  Ifrael  dwelt  in 
 t^heir  own  land,  they  defiled  it  by  their  own  way^  and 
 by  their  doings:  their  way  was  before  me  as  the  un- 
 cleannels  of  a  removed  woman. 
 
 ^  my  fury  upon  them  for 
 
 fhe  blood  that  they  had  Hied  upon  the  land,  and  for 
 tneir  idols  •wherc'jeith  they  had  polluted  it : 
 
 19  And  I  Icattered  them  among  tne  heathen,  and 
 they  were difperfed  through  the  countries:  acarding 
 
 A'^j^’l"^'^‘^^°''^^"8totheirdoings,Jjudgedtnem. 
 
 20  And  when  they  entered  unto  the  heathen,  whi- 
 
 !hpv  they  '’ profaned  my  holy  name,  whenbifaiah 
 
 they  faid  to  them,  1  hele  are  the  people  of  the  Lord  5. 
 and  are  gone  forth  out  of  his  land.  ’  Romana 
 
 ,  ^  1  Pify  for  mine  holy  name,  which  the^'^^‘ 
 
 home  of  Ifrael  had  profaned  among  the  heathen, 
 whither  they  w'ent. 
 
 22  Therefore  fay  unto  the  houfe  of  Ifrael,  Thus 
 laith  the  Lord  God,  I  do  not  this  for  your  lakes,  O 
 houle  o.  Ifrael,  but  for  mine  holv  name’s  fake,  which 
 ye  have  profaned  among  the  heathen,  whither  ye  went. 
 
 23  And  I  will  faniftify  my  great  name  which  was 
 profaned  among  the  heathen,  which  ye  have  pro¬ 
 faned  in  the  midd  of  them  :  and  the  heathen  fhall 
 
 T  m'^’i  “^f^oLoRD,  faith  the  Lord  God,  when 
 1  fhall  be  lanffified  in  you  before  ||  their  eyes.  n  or 
 
 24  For  I  will  take  you  from  among  the  heathen  your, 
 
 and  gather  you  out  of  all  countries,  and  will  brinir 
 you  into  your  own  land.  ^ 
 
 25  H  Then  will  I  Iprinkle  clean  water  upon  you,  and 
 
 of  Ifrael  was  defolate  yet  as  the  A.bjea  of  God's  promife,  he  had  ffill  a  pccul 
 favour  for  it  ;  and  therefore  the  prophet  was  ordered  to  addrefs  himftlf  to' 
 mountains  as  formmg  the  moft  confpiedous  part  of  it.  This  might  be  meant 
 a  reproof  to  the  people,  who  refufed  to  hear  his  word  :  but  it  was  a 
 
 -  '  ■  ■■  Rjufc  »(,  v> 3:5  a 
 
 deeply  rooted;  out  the  moft  perpetual  hatred  is  that  wliich  ever  did,  and  eveVwnffXfift'^hltween  ^  to  thei,.  children,  and  even  national  antipathies  are  f 
 
 more  cruel  than  to  infult  and  opprels  the  diftreffed.  Neither  men’s  words  nor  Their  die, Is  sr!  fn!  1.  Z  Z  ‘f’'’  ’^“"’an.  Nothin 
 
 malice  muft  be  puniflied  with  irreparable  ruin,  ^  ^  forgotten  by  God  in  meafuring  odt  his  judgments.  And  implac 
 
EZEKIEL. 
 
 The 
 
 revival  oj  Israel  prjigured. 
 
 The  promises  of  Christ's  hlngdom. 
 
 Ipefore 
 
 iciirist 
 
 [537. 
 
 «  Chap. 
 28.  13. 
 
 f  Chap. 
 17.24. 
 12.  14. 
 37.  14. 
 
 fHeb. 
 ^oci  o/ 
 holy 
 ihin«s. 
 
 ye  (Eall  be  clean  :  from  all  your  filthinefs,  and  from 
 all  your  idols,  will  I  cleanfe  you. 
 
 26  A  new  heart  alfo  will  I  give  you,  and  a  new 
 Cpirit  will  I  put  within  you ;  and  I  will  take  away  the 
 ftony  heart  out  of  your  flelh,  and  I  will  give  you  an 
 heart  of  flefh. 
 
 27  And  I  will  put  my  Spirit  within  you,  and  caule 
 you  to  walk  in  my  ftatutes,  and  ye  (hall  keep  my 
 judgments,  and  do  them. 
 
 28  And  ye  (hall  dwell  in  the  land  that  I  gave  to 
 your  fathers ;  and  ye  (hall  be  ray  people,  and  I  will 
 be  your  God. 
 
 29  I  will  alfo  fave  you  from  all  your  uncleannefles ; 
 and  I  will  call  for  the  corn,  and  will  increafe  it,  and 
 lay  no  famine  upon  you. 
 
 SO  And  I  will  multiply  the  fruit  of  the  tree,  and 
 the  increafe  of  the  field,  that  ye  (hall  receive  no  more 
 repro.tch  of  famine  among  the  heathen. 
 
 31  Then  thall  ye  remember  your  own  evil  ways, 
 and  your  doings  that  were  not  good,  and  (hall  loathe 
 yourfelves  in  your  own  fight,  (or  your  iniquities,  and 
 for  your  abominations. 
 
 32  Not  for  your  fakes  do  1  this,  faith  the  Lord  God, 
 be  it  known  unto  you  :  be  afhamed  and  confounded 
 for  your  own  ways,  O  houfe  of  ifrael. 
 
 33  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  In  the  day  that  I  (hall 
 have  cleanfed  you  from  all  your  iniquities,  1  will  alfo 
 caufe  poll  to  dwell  in  the  cities,  and  the  waftes  fhal! 
 be  builded. 
 
 34  And  the  defolate  land  (hall  be  tilled,  whereas 
 it  lay  defolate  in  the  fight  of  all  that  pafTed  by. 
 
 35  And  they  (hall  (ay,  This  land  that  was  defolate 
 is  become  like  the  garden  of '  Eden  ;  and  the  walie, 
 and  defolate,  and  ruined  cities,  are  become  fenced,  and 
 are  inhabited. 
 
 36  Then  the  heathen,  that  are  left  round  about  you, 
 (hall  know  that  I  the  Lord  build  the  ruined  places, 
 
 ,  mid  plant  that  that  was  defolate:  ^  I  the  Lord  have 
 fpeken  it,  and  1  will  do  it. 
 
 37  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  I  will  yet  for  this  be 
 enquired  of  by  the  houfe  of  Ifrael,  to  do  it  for  them  ; 
 I  will  increafe  them  with  men  like  a  flock. 
 
 38  As  the  f  holy  flock,  as  the  flock  of  Jerufalem  in 
 her  folemu  feafts,  fo  (hall  the  wafle  cities  be  filled 
 with  flocks  of  men ;  and  they  ftiall  know  that  I  atn 
 the  Lord.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXXVII. 
 
 1  By  the  resurreElion  of  dry  bones,  the  revival  of  the  lost  hope  of  Israel  is 
 
 prejinured.  15  By  the  unilino  of  two  sticks  is  shelved  the  incorporation 
 
 oj  Israel  with  Judah,  c^-c. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrill 
 
 587. 
 
 II  Or, 
 ch'im- 
 
 encouragement  to  ihofe  who  regarded  it,  and  alTured  them  that  the  Lord  had  yet 
 Mercy  in  referve  for  them.  Vcr.  3—5.  The  heathens  ridiculed  the  Jews’  preten 
 hons  to  Canaan,  and  provoked  God’s  indignation  ;  for  he  meant  to  chaftife,  not 
 to  rejeA  for  ever  his  chofen  people.  The  Edomites,  though  related  to  them,  had 
 heen  particularly  guilty  in  contemning  (hem.  And  therefore,  Jehovah,  jealous  of 
 his  own  glory,  pronounces  the  refloration  of  his  people,  and  the  rule  of  their  ene¬ 
 mies,  efpecially  of  the  children  of  Edom.  This  predidlion  w'as  fpeedily  fulfilled  : 
 fee  Notes  on  chap.  xxxv.  Jer.  xlix.  7 — 12.  Ver.  20.  Many'  of  the  heathen  would 
 no  doubt  aferibe  tlie  wickednefs  of  the  J  ews  to  the  tendency  of  their  religion,  not 
 to  their  having  a6led  inconfiftent  with  it;  and  they  would  regard  their  mifcrics 
 ■not  as  the  puniiliment  of  their  fins,  but  as  a  proof  that  their  God  was  not  able  to 
 protect  them.  Thus  the  name  of  God  was  blafpheined  ;  and  his  reproach  muft 
 nave  relied  on  it,  had  he  futfered  his  enemies  finally  to  prevail  againfl  his  people. 
 
 ^T^HE  hand  of  the  Lord  was  upon  me,  and  carried 
 
 B  meoutin  the  Spiritot  the  Lord,  andfet  niedown 
 in  the  midft  of  the  valley  which  was  full  of  bones. 
 
 2  And  caufed  me  to  pafs  by  them  round  about : 
 and,  behold,  there  were  very  many  in  the  open  |1 
 valley  ;  and,  lo,  they  were  very  dry. 
 
 3  And  he  faid  unto  me.  Son  of  man,  can  thefe  bones^'^'^'*' 
 live?  And  I  anfwered,  O  Lord  God,  thou  knowelf. 
 
 4  Again  he  faid  unto  me,  Prophefy  upon  thefe 
 bones,  and  fay  unto  them,  O  ye  dry  bones,  hear  the 
 word  of  the  Lord. 
 
 5  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God  unto  thefe  bones.  Behold, 
 
 I  will  ca’ife  breath  to  enter  into  you,  and  ye  (hall  live  : 
 
 6  And  I  will  lay  finews  upon  you,  and  will  bring 
 up  flelh  upon  you,  and  cover  you  w’ith  (kin,  and  pot 
 breath  in  you,  and  ye  (hall  live;  and  ye  fliall  know 
 that  I  am  the  Lord. 
 
 7  So  I  prophefied  as  I  w'as  commanded :  and  as  I 
 prophefled,  there  was  a  noife,  and  behold  a  (baking, 
 and  the  bones  came  together,  bone  to  his  bone. 
 
 8  And  when  I  beheld,  lo,  the  finews  and  the  flelh 
 came  up  upon  them,  and  the  llcin  covered  them  above  : 
 but  there  was  no  breath  in  them. 
 
 9  Then  faid  he  untome,  Prophefy  unto  the  l|  wind, 
 prophel'y,  fon  of  man,  and  fay  to  the  wind,  Thus  faith 
 the  Lord  God,  Come  from  the  four  winds,  O  breath, 
 and  breathe  upon  thefe  (lain,  that  they  may  live. 
 
 JO  So  1  prophefied,  as  he  commanded  me,  and  the 
 breath  came  into  them,  and  they  lived,  and  flood  up 
 upon  their  feet,  an  exceeding  great  army. 
 
 1 1  Then  he  faid  unto  me.  Son  of  man,  thefe  bones 
 are  the  whole  houfe  of  Ifrael :  behold,  they  fay.  Our 
 bones  are  dried,  and  our  hope  is  lofl  ;  we  are  cut  oflF 
 for  our  parts, 
 
 12  Therefore  prophefy,  and  fay  unto  them.  Thus 
 faith  the  Lord  God.  Behold,  O  my  people,  I  will  open 
 your  graves,  and  caufe  you  to  come  up  out  of  your 
 graves,  and  bring  you  into  the  land  of  llrael : 
 
 13  And  ye  (hall  know  that  I  am  the  Lord,  when 
 I  have  opened  your  graves,  O  my  people,  and  brought 
 you  up  out  of  your  graves, 
 
 14  And  (hall  put  my  fpirit  in  you,  and  ye  (hall 
 live  ;  and  I  fhall  place  you  in  your  own  land  :  then 
 (hall  ye  know  that  I  the  Lord  have  fpoken  it,  and 
 performed  it,  faith  the  Lord. 
 
 15  II  The  w'ord  of  the  Lord  came  again  unto  me, 
 faying, 
 
 16  Moreover,  thou  fon  of  man,  take  thee  one  flick, 
 and  write  upon  it,  For  Judah,  and  tor  the  children  of 
 Ifrael  his  companions :  then  take  another  flick,  and 
 
 Ver.  25 — 27,  Comp.  chap.  xi.  19,  20.  xviii.  30—32.  Jer.  xxxiii.  38 — 41.  Ver. 
 31.  See  chap.  xvi.  60 — 63. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXXVII.  Ver.  1  —  14.  The  pro- 
 phet  here  reprefents  the  reftoration  of  the  Jewifii  nation  from  a  fiate  of  utter  ile- 
 folation,  by  the  reftoring  of  the  dry  bones  to  life,  exhibited  to  him  in  v  fion; 
 compare  Ifa.  xxvi.  19.  Thus,  in  the  redemption  of  his  people  out  of  difirefs 
 beyond  human  wifdom  or  power,  or  tiie  ordinary  events  of  Providence  to 
 remove  or  alleviate,  God  has  frequently  manifefied  glorioufly  his  power,  grace, 
 and  faithfulnefs  in  their  behalf.  Tiie  exertions  of  his  power,  the  operations 
 '  of  liis  Spirit,  and  the  energy  of  his  word,  are  irrefiftible.  Weil  might  Mofts 
 ji  exult,  “  Happy  art  thou  O  Ifrael;  who  is  like  unto  tliee,  O  people,  faved  by 
 I'  the  Lord,  the  fliield  of  thy  help,  and  who  is  the  fword  of  thy  excellency  !” 
 I!  Ver.  15  —  25-  Tnis  palTage  evidently  refpedls  the  futuie  refloration  of  the  Jews 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XXX  VI. ]  God  takes  moft  compafllohate  notice  of  the  deplorable  condition  of  his  people;  and  feve  e  are  his 
 eienlments  of  the  infults  and  injuries  done  to  them.  The  kingdom  of  our  Lord  Jetus  Chrill  is  a  growing  kingdom.  Though  for  a  time  it  be  diminifhed,  it  quickly 
 recovers,  and  is  replenillied.  W'hen  God  returns  in  mercy  to  bis  people,  and  makes  ihem  return  in  duty  lo  him,  their  grievances  are  effedluallv  redrefied,  and  their 
 lonour  retrieved  !  Marvclloully  does  grace  much  more  abound  where  fin  had  abounded  W'hat  multitudes  of  rich  bleflings  arc,  in  excellent  onlcr,  connecfled  together 
 •n  the  new  cevenant!  And  the  infinite  freedom  and  riches  of  God’s  favours  powerfully  lead  men  to  repentance,  holinefs,  earneft  prayer,  and  ubundaut  derotion. 
 
 9  0  25 
 
The  arnry  and  malice  of  Gog. 
 
 EZEKIEL. 
 
 Before 
 Chfift 
 58  7. 
 
 a  John 
 10.  10. 
 
 h  Ifaiah 
 40.  11. 
 Jerem. 
 23.  5.  & 
 .30.  9. 
 Chap. 
 34.  23. 
 
 C  Pfalin 
 S9.  3. 
 Chap. 
 34.  25. 
 d  2  Cor. 
 6.  16. 
 
 c  Chap. 
 
 1  1 .  20.  & 
 1.4.  11. 
 
 write  upon  it,  For  Jqfeph  the  ftick  of  Ephraim,  and 
 for  all  the  houle  of  Hrael  his  companions : 
 
 17  And  join  them  one  to  another  into  one  ftick ; 
 and  they  (hall  become  one  in  thine  hand. 
 
 18  And  when  the  children  of  thy  people  (hall  fpeak 
 unto  thee,  laying,  Wilt  thou  not  ftiew  us  what  thou 
 meanest  by  thele  ? 
 
 J9  Say  unto  them,  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  Be¬ 
 hold,  I  will  take  the  ftick  of  Jofeph,  which  is  in  the 
 hand  qi  Ephraim,  and  the  tribes  of  Ifrael  his  fellows, 
 and  will  put  them  with  him,  even  w'iih  the  ftick  of 
 Judah,  and  make  them  one  ftick,  and  they  fhall  be 
 one  in  mine  hand. 
 
 20  And  the  fticks  whereon  thon  writeft  fhall  be  in 
 thine  hand  before  their  eyes. 
 
 21  And  fay  unto  them,  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God, 
 Behold  I  will  take  the  children  of  Ifrael  from  among 
 the  heathen,  whither  they  be  gone,  and  will  gather 
 them  on  every  fide,  and  bring  them  intotheirow  n  land : 
 
 22  And  1  will  make  them  one  nation  in  the  land 
 upon  the  mountains  of  Ifrael ;  and  *  one  King  fhall  be 
 king  to  them  all :  and  they  (hall  be  no  more  tw'o  na¬ 
 tions,  neither  fhall  they  be  divided  into  two  kingdoms 
 any  more  at  all  : 
 
 23  Neither  fhall  they  defile  themfelves  any  more 
 with  their  idols,  nor  with  their  deTeftable  things,  not 
 with  any  of  their  tranfgrefllons  :  but  I  will  lave  them 
 out  of  all  their  dwelling-places,  wherein  they  have 
 finned,  and  will  cleanfe  them:  fo  fhall  they  be  my 
 people,  and  I  will  be  their  God. 
 
 24  And  ^  David  my  fervant  shall  ^leking  over  them  ; 
 and  they  all  fhall  have  one  fhepherd  :  they  ftiall  alfo 
 walk  in  my  judgments,  and  obferve  my  ftatutes,  and 
 do  them. 
 
 25  And  they  fhall  dwell  in  the  land  that  I  have  given 
 unto  Jacob  my  fervant,  wherein  your  fathers  have 
 dwelt ;  and  they  fhall  dwell  therein  ;  even  they,  and 
 their  children,  and  their  children’s  children,  for  ever , 
 and  my.  fervant  David  shall  be  their  prince  for  ever. 
 
 26  Moreover  I  will  make  a  covenant  of  peace  with 
 them  ;  it  fhall  be  an  everlafting  covenant  with  them  ; 
 and  I  will  place  them,  and  multiply  them,  and  will  fet 
 my  **  fancluary  in  the  midft  of  them  for  evermore, 
 
 27  My  tabernacle  alfo  fhall  be  with  them  ;  yea,  I 
 will  be  '  their  God,  and  they  fhall  be  my  people. 
 
 28  And  the  heathen  fhall  know  that  1  the  Lord 
 do  iandfify  Ifrael  when  my  fanfluary  ftiall  be  in  the 
 roidft  of  them  for  evermore.* 
 
 CHAP.  XXXVllI. 
 
 I  The  army  oj  Gog;  8  his  evil  attempts  in  the  latter  years ; .  1 4 .  God' s 
 judgments  again/I  him. 
 
 to  their  own  land,  when  tliey  fhall  be  reunited  into  one  kingdom,  ruled  hy  one 
 Iceptre,  leparated  to  the  fervice'  of  God,  hit  fled  with  his  prefence,  and  fubjetfl  to 
 the  government  of  Mefliah,  wliom  their  fathers  crucified  j  Ifa.  xi.  11  — 16.  Ixiii. 
 7 — 14.  Jer.  xxjr.  18- — 24. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXXVIII.  Ver.  1 — 23.  The  latter 
 part  of  the  Note  on  Jfa.  Ixiii.  1 — 6.  is  peculiarly  applicable  to  the  prophecy  con¬ 
 tained  in  this  chapter.  It  douhtlefs  rtfptdls  an  event  as  yet  unfulfilled;  and 
 lienee  its  real  meaning  is  exceedingly  obfeure.  TJie  prophecies,  however,  it 
 cuglit  to  be  rememhere'd,  are  not  given,  to  make  us  prophets  ;  hut  that  we  may 
 liumbly  ftudy  thein^  carefully  endeavour  to  underftand  the  language  of  divine 
 providence  in  reference  to  them;  and  wait  patiently  with  confidence  in  God 
 and  pr.iver,  till  they  are  accomplifhed.  The  names  of  the  chief  enemies  of  God 
 
 God’s  Judgments  agctinu 
 
 And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  me,  laying,  Bef^ 
 2  Son  of  man,  let  thy  face  againfl  *  Gog,  the  ci,I 
 
 ore 
 
 n'ld 
 
 land  of  Magog,  I|  the  chief  prince  of  Mefhecn  and 
 Tubal,  and  prophefy  againft  him. 
 
 3  And  fay,  Tnus  faith  the  Lord  God,  behold  I 
 againft  thee,  O  Gog,  the  chief  prince  of  Mefhech  and  H 
 I’ubal. 
 
 4  And  I  will  turn  thee  back  and  put  hooks  intob  011^’ 
 thy  jaws,  and  I  will  bring  thee  forth,  and  all  thine ‘s- 2?' 
 army,  horfes  and  horfemen,  all  of  them  clothed  with 
 
 all  lorts  of  armour,  even  a  great  company  taith  buck, 
 lers  and  fhields,  ail  of  them  handling  (words  : 
 
 5  Perfia,  Ethiopia,  and  1|  Lybia  with  them;  all  of||  Or 
 
 them  w'ith  fhield  and  helmet ;  Ttm. 
 
 6  Gomer  and  all  his  bands ;  the  houfe  of  Togar- 
 mah  of  the  north  quarters  and  all  his  bands;  and 
 many  people  with  thee. 
 
 7  Be  thou  prepared,  and  prepare  for  thyfelf,  thou,, 
 and  all  thy  company  that  are  aflembled  unto  thee,  and 
 be  fh<  u  a  guard  unto  them. 
 
 8  ^  After  many  days  thou  fhalt  be  vifited :  in  the 
 latitr  years  thou  fhalt  come  into  the  land  that  is 
 brought  back  from  the  Iword,  and  is  gathered  out  of 
 many  people,  againft  the  mountains  of  Ifrael,  which 
 nave  been  always  wafte  :  but  it  is  brought  forth  out 
 of  the  nation:,  and  they  fhall  dwell  fafely  all  of  them. 
 
 9  I'hou  fhalt  afeend  and  come  like  a  ftorm ;  thou 
 ihalt  be  like  a  cloud  to  cover  the  land,  thou  and  all 
 itiy  bands,  and  many  people  with  thee. 
 
 10  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  It  fhall  alfo  come  to 
 
 oafs,  that  at  the  fame  time  fhall  things  come  into  thy 
 mind,  and  thou  fhalt  y  think  an  evil  thought :  Ij 
 
 11  And  thou  fhalt  fay,  1  will  go  up  to  the  land  ofn'’”^-,^ 
 unwalled  villages  ;  1  will  go  to  them  that  are  at  reft,  chievm 
 that  dwell  ||  fafely,  allot  them  dwelling  without  walls, 
 
 and  having  neither  bars  nor  gates. 
 
 12  To  t  take  a  I'poil,  and  to  take  a  prey  ;  to  turn demiy 
 thine  hand  upon  the  defolate  places  that  are  novoi  Rei). 
 inhabited,  and  upim  the  people  that  are  gathered 
 
 of  the  nations,  which  have  gotten  cattle  and  goods, 
 that  dw’eli  in  the  f  midft  of  the  land.  prey  ibe 
 
 13  Sheba  and  Dedan  and  the  merchants  of  Tar-/"-'’y' 
 
 fhifh,  with  all  the  young  lions  thereof,  ftiall  fay  unto)" 
 
 thee.  Art  ti  ou  come  to  takeafpoil?  haft  thou  gather 
 ed  thy  company  to  take  a  prey  ?  to  carry  away  filver 
 and  go'd,  to  take  away  cattle  and  goods,  to  take  a 
 great  fpoil  ? 
 
 14  Therefore,  fon  of  man,  prophefy  and  fay  unto 
 Gog,  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  In  that  day  when 
 my  people  of  Ifrael  dwelleih  fafely,  fhalt  thou  not 
 know  it  ? 
 
 novel. 
 
 L 
 
 and  his  people  in  this  chapter  are  thofe  which  are  diflinguiflied  hy  the  Cons  of  Japliet) 
 (Gen.  X.  1 — 5.)  to  whom  were  given  for  an  inheritance,  the  isles  of  the  Gar 
 tiles,  an  exprtflion  fuppofed  to  include  the  islands  of  the  Mediterranean,  and  tl- 
 provinces  of  Em  ope,  that  were  encompaflVd,  and  divided  by  that  fea.  Tbof® 
 who  inhabited  anciently  Ihefe  countries,  were  eminently  diftinguilhed  hy  aH 
 the  qualifications  that  are  fit  for  military  enterprifes,  and  w  hich  are  generally  st' 
 companied  by  heroic  deeds.  The  inhabilaius  of  Perfia,  Ethiopia,  and  hy 
 bia,  allies  of  Gog,  were  equally  noted  for  their  Ikill  and  valour  as  warriors, 
 as  the  iirhabitants  of  Sheba,  Dedan,  and  Tarfliifli  were  chiefly  known  by 
 their  avaricious  riefires  to  gratify  which  they  endeavoured  by  every 
 means  to  extend  their  commerce;  they  of  courfe  would  letk  by  flattery  i- 
 favour  of  the  mod:  powerful  and  wealthy  among  the  nations  without  regardmj 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XXXVII.]  In  what  a  forlorn  and  apparently  hopelefs  ftate  are  the  veflTels  of  mercy  by  nature,  and  fometini^ 
 the  vifihle  <  huich  of  Chiifl  !  Dead,  withered,  and  buried  in  graves  of  mifery  and  wiekednefs  !  But  God  himfolf  knows  how  to  revive  and  qu/cken  them  Ij)’  b 
 word  Spirit  and  providence,  thouih  none  befide  can  effea  it  Nor  can  any  obflruaions  in  the  way  withftand  bis  infinite  power  and  grace.  Happy  is  ihe 
 when  cordially  united  under  Clirift,  eflivaually  reformed  from  heathen  and  popifli  idolatry,  and  every  temptation  thereto,  when  fixed  in  the  new  covenant,  and  enjoy  S 
 therein  the  moll  hleffed  peace,  fafety,  familiarity,  and  fellow fliip  with  God  and  Ins  faints  In  the  worfl  of  cafes  let  me  fupplicate  his  Spirit,  and  depend  on  InS  p 
 tnifes,  in  hopes  of  that  everlafting  blelTednefs,  in  which  there  ftiall  he  no  death,  no  difeord,  no  wars,  no  want,  no  diftance  from  God. 
 
EZEKIEU 
 
 Cod's  judgment  upon  Gog. 
 
 15  And  thou  (halt  come  from  thy  place  out  of  the 
 north  parts,  thou,  and  many  people  with  thee,  all  or 
 them  riding  upon  horfes,  a  great  company,  and  a 
 
 mighty  army :  .  i  £■ 
 
 16  And  thou  (halt  come  up  againft  my  people  of 
 
 llVael  as  a  cloud  to  cover  the  land  ;  it  fliall  be  in  the 
 latter’ days,  and  I  will  bring  thee  agauift  ray 
 the  heathen  may  know  me,  when  I  (hall  be  lanftified 
 in  thee,  O  Gog,  before  their  eyes  ,  ^  , 
 
 17  i'hus  faith  the  Lord  God,  A't  thou  he  of  whom 
 I  have  fpoken  in  old  time  t  by  my  fervants  the  pro¬ 
 phets  of  ifrael,  which  prophefied  in  thole  days  many 
 years,  that  1  would  bnng  thee  againli  them  ? 
 
 18  And  it  (hall  come  to  pal's  at  the  lame  time  when 
 Gog  (hall  come  againft  the  land  of  Ifrael,  faith  the 
 Lord  God,  that  my  fury  fliall  come  up  in  my 
 
 19  For  in  my  jealoufy,  and  in  the  fire  of  my  wrath, 
 
 have  1  fpoken,  Surely  in  that  day  there  (hall  be  a  great 
 (baking  in  the  land  of  Ifrael;  ,  u  r  , 
 
 20  So  that  the  fifhes  of  the  lea,  and  the  fowls  of 
 the  heaven,  and  the  beafts  of  the  field,  and  all  creep¬ 
 ing  things  that  creep  upon  the  earth,  and  all  the  men 
 that  are  upon  the  face  of  the  earth,  (hall  (hake  at  mv 
 prefence;  and  the  mountains  (hall  be  thrown  down, 
 
 d  Or,  and  the  11  (leep  places  (hall  fall,  and  evtry  wall  (hall 
 
 lou><.‘ 
 tiatrs 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 by  Uic 
 Umids  oh 
 
 urs,  or,  fall  to  the  ground. 
 
 21  And  I  will  call  for  a  (word  againft  him  through¬ 
 out  all  my  mountains,  faith  the  Lord  God  :  every 
 man’s  (word  fhall  be  againft  his  brother. 
 
 22  And  1  will  plead  againft  him  with  peftilence  and 
 with  blood  ;  and  I  will  rain  upon  him,  and  upon  his 
 bands,  and  upon  the  many  people  that  are  wath  him, 
 an  overflowing  rain,  and  great  hailftones,  fire,,  and 
 
 rhao  ^^2?Thus  will  I  magnify  myfelf,  and  =  fanady  my- 
 S6  25  &  felf :  and  1  will  be  known  in  the  eyes  of  many  nations  ; 
 37- and  they  (hall  know  that  1  am  the  Lord. 
 
 GHAP.  XXXIX. 
 
 11  Or,  1  God’s  judgment  upon  Gog,  8  Israel’s  villory,  1 1  Gog’s  burial  in  H  amon- 
 
 strike  thee 
 viilh  six 
 
 uaameni  uavi.  — -  ...  ,  ,  l  ,  „ 
 
 gog.  17  The  feast  upon  the  slain  proclaimed  to  the  fowls  and  beasts,  ^'C. 
 
 ,  ri'tHEREFORE,  thou  fon  of  man,  prophecy 
 tfZL  1  »g4i.a  Gog,  ancl  fay,  the  Lo^d 
 
 ikee  back  God,  Behold,  I  am  againli  thee,  O  Gog,  the  clue 
 
 f'l  7 .  orince  of  Melhech  and  Tubal :  v  ,  .u. 
 
 2  And  I  will  turn  thee  back,  and  H  leave  but  the 
 ciiap.  flxth  part  of  thee,  and  will  caule  thee  to  come  up 
 from  the  t  north  parts,  and  will  bring  thee  upon  the 
 
 mountains  of  lirael :  r  i  t  r  u  j 
 
 And  I  will  fmite  thy  bow  out  of  thy  left  hand, 
 
 38  4. 
 
 I  lleb. 
 the  sides  oj 
 the  north.  '6 
 
 His  burial, 
 
 and  will  caufe  thine  arrows  to  fall  out  of  thy  right 
 
 ^^4^Thou  (halt  fall  upon  the  mountains  of  Ifrael,  thou, 
 and  all  thy  bands,  and  the  people  that  ts  ' 
 
 I  will  give  thee  unto  the  ravenous  birds  of  every 
 
 Inrr  and  to  the  beafts  of  the  field  t  to  be  devoured,  to  devour. 
 
 M-hou  (haft  fall  upon  t  Ihe  open  fielJ  ;  tor  1  have , 
 
 (poken  it,  faith  the  Lord  God.  ,  the  field. 
 
 6  And  I  will  fend  a  fire  on  Mapg,  and  among  them  ^ 
 that  dwell  H  carelelsly  in  the  ifles :  and  they  ihiW confident. 
 
 know  that  I  am  the  Lord.  ^ 
 
 7  So  will  I  make  my  holy  name  known  in  the  midl. 
 of  my  people  Ifrael ;  and  I  will  not  ^  Mm  pollute  my 
 holy  name  any  more:  and  the  heathen  (hall  know  that 
 
 I  am  the  Lord,  the  Holy  One  m  ^^fael. 
 
 8  «I  Behold,  it  is  come,  and  it  is  done,  ( 
 
 Lord  God  ;  this  ».the  day  whereof  Pokeo. 
 
 9  And  they  that  dwell  in  the  cities  of  Hrael  ihaU  go 
 forth,  and  (hall  fet  on  fire  and  burn  the  weapons,  both 
 
 the  fiiields  and  the  bucklers,  the  bows  and  the  „  or, 
 
 and  the  H  hand-fiaves,  and  the  (pears,  and  they 
 
 II  burn  them  with  fire  (even  years:  U  Or, 
 
 10  So  that  they  (hall  take  no  wood  out  of  the  f^eld,  makeajird 
 neither  cut  dov,/-,  op.  of  the  foreas;  for  they  hall 
 
 burn  me  weapons  witn  fire;  and  they  ftiallfpoil  thole 
 that  fpoiled  them,  and  rob  thole  that  robbed  them, 
 
 faith  the  Lord  God.  , 
 
 11  %  And  it  (hall  come  to  pafs  in  that  day,  t 
 will  give  unto  Gog  a  place  there  of  graves  in  lirael, 
 the-  valley  of  the  palTengeis  on  the  eaft  of  the  fea and 
 
 it  (hall  ftop  the  H  noses  o(  the  pafTengers :  and  ther  inoLiths. 
 (hall  they  bury  Gon,  and  all  his  mulmude  ;  and  they 
 aiall  call  i(,  The  valley  of  1|  Hamoingog.  . 
 
 12  And  feven  months  fliall  the  houie  ct  lirael  tuudeofi 
 burying  of  them,  that  they  may  cleanfe  the  land.  Cog, 
 
 13  Yea,  all  the  people  of  the  land  fnall  bury  • 
 and  it  fliall  be  to  them  a  renown,  the  day  that  i  (nail 
 
 be  glorified  iaith  the  Lord  God. 
 
 14  And  they  (hall  fever  out  t  men  of  continual 
 employment,  palling  through  the  land,  to  bury  wit  oontin^' 
 the  paflengers  thole  that  remain  upon  the  face  ot  tnCuance. 
 earth,  to  cleanfe  it :  after  the  end  of  (even  months 
 
 fhall  they  fearch.  r.  u  t.  a 
 
 15  And  the  pafTengers  that  pafs  through  the  land, 
 
 when  any  feeth  a  man’s  bone,  then  (hall  he  f  l^t  up 
 fign  by  it,  till  the  buriers  have  buried  it  m  the  valley 
 
 ofHamon-gOg.  r  u  •  r  lU 
 
 16  And  alfothe  name  of  the  city  shall  be  If  flame-  2'/,e  mui- 
 
 nah.  Thus  (ball  they  cleanfe  the  land.  taude. 
 
 the  juRiL-e  or  injuRice  of  the  caufe  «  hich  any  of  them  fupported.  Hence  *ey  ^re 
 reprefented  congratulating  the  enemies  of  God  on  tbe.r  profpea  of  certain  v.ao  y 
 May  not  all  the  people  mentioned  in  this  prophecy  reprefent  f  “'‘‘‘"JP’  7’ 
 talents,  and  purfuits^ather  than  tlnfir  lineal  defendants;  and,  indeed 
 
 are,  it  is  almoR  impofl’ihle  to  afeertain  in  thefe  latter  ages.  ne  or  more  r 
 
 Mtion,  that  has  Rtewed  great  and  continued  oppofition  to  the  7“',*'.’’. 
 quentlv  in  fcriplure  the  enemies  of  God  in  general,  Ita.  xsv.  10.  Ixiii.  . 
 of  a  fiAilar  cl.araaer  with  the  ancient  nations  referred  to  m  this  prophecy,  are  the 
 only  proper  inRruments  for  performing  the  work  aOigned  them.  1  liej  (hall  in  th 
 latter  days  unite,  determine,  muRer  their  forces  and  marc n  to  '“"‘(“‘•''.'■he 
 people,  that  hy  their  wealtlr  they  may  enrich  themfelves.  At  what  period  ?  when 
 the  Jews  were  forfakvn  of  God  and  given  up  to  the  will  of  the.r  enemies?  No. 
 When  they  fliall  have  received  the  greateR,  moR  vifible,  and  niereiful  Foot  of  Ins 
 ,  everlalling  regard  for  them  ;  in  forgiving,  their  ohft.nale  unbel.ef,  colkaing  them 
 from  ti.eir  long  difFvfion,  deliveting  them  from  the.r  many  mtleries,  and  reRor- 
 
 ing  them  with  an  abundant  Weffing  to  the.r 
 
 n.adnefsto  attempt  their  deRruaion  !  Gog  and  h.s  allies  (hall  (>«  * 
 
 founded;  univerfal  nature  (hall  confpite  to  complete  the.r  to UR  overthrow  ,  that 
 many  nations  may  know  that  there  is  a  God,  who  judgeth  the  earth,  executeth 
 vengeance  on  his  enemies,  and  conferreth  rae.cy  and  peace  on  h.s  people. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XXXIX.  Ver.  1  This  chapter 
 ,  is  a  continuation  of  the  fubjea  of  the  former  ;  the  dellrua.on  of  Gog  .s  more 
 fully  Rated  ;  the  rcafon  of  God  afflicting  h.s  people  m  time  paR  is  affiped, 
 
 1  and\is  pu.pofe  never  to  foriake  them,  or  ceafe  to  blefs  them  with  h.s  prefence, 
 
 1  and  the  guidance  of  his  Spirit,  after  their  reRoration  from  the.r  prefenl  difperlion, 
 
 I  is  Rrongly  afferted.  Ver  8,  9.  The  burning  of  heaps  f  ffu'.our  gathered  from 
 '  the  field  of  battle,  as  an  ofTtting  made  to  the  god  fuppoled  to  be  the  giver  of  vic- 
 !  torv,  was  a  cuRom  that  prevailed  among  heathen  nations;  and  the  lloinans  ufed 
 ;  it  as  an  emblem  of  peace  ;  which  perfedlly  well  fuits  with  the  def.gn  of  the  pro. 
 i  phet  in  this  place.  The  Ifraelites  adopted  the  fame  ceremony,  as  a  token  ct  v.c- 
 
 PRACTICAL  observations.—*  Chap.  XXXVIll,]  IdsTolarret  l'v”vL^wclie^^  God’s  people  touches  U.e  apple  of 
 
 Open 
 his  eye. 
 
The  feast  njron  the  slain  prodahied. 
 
 EZEKIEL. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 587. 
 
 t  Heb 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 great 
 
 goats. 
 
 17  If  And  thou.  Ton  of  man,  thus  faith  the  Lord 
 Ood,  bppak  t  unto  every  feathered  fowl,  and  to 
 every  beaft  of  the  field,  Aflemble  yourfelves,  and 
 f  f  ’  gather  yourfelves  on  every  fide  to  tt  y  11  facri- 
 
 Idofa-rifice  for  you,  n<m  a  grea.MX 
 wing  upon  the  mountains  of  Ifrael,  that  ye  may  eat  flefh, 
 
 II  Or,  and  drink  blood. 
 
 slaughter.  ]  8  Yc  (hall  eat  the  flefh  of  the  mighty,  and  drink  the 
 blooc.  of  the  princes  of  the  earth,  of  rams,  of  lambs,  and 
 of  T  goats,  of  bullocks,  all  of  them  fatlings  of  Bafhan. 
 
 be  full,  and  drink 
 blood  till  ye  be  drunken,  of  my  facrifice  which  I  have 
 lacrificed  for  you. 
 
 Lhus  ye  fball  be  filled  at  my  table  with  horfes 
 and  chariots,  with  mighty  men,  and  with  all  men  of 
 war,  faith  the  Lord  God. 
 
 21  And  I  will  let  my  glory  among'the  heathen, 
 and  all  the  heathen  {ball  fee  my  judgment  that  I  have 
 executed,  and  my  hand  that  I  have  laid  upon  them. 
 
 22  So  the  houfe  of  Ilracl  fhal!  know  that  I  am  the 
 Lord  their  God  from  that  day  and  forward. 
 
 23  And  the  heathen  (ball  know  that  the  houfe  of 
 Ifrael  went  into  captivity  for  their  iniquity  t  becaufe 
 they  trefpafled  againfl  me,  therefore  hid  I  my  face 
 from  them,  and  gave  them  into  the  hand  of  their 
 enemies  ;  fo  fell  they  all  by  the  fword. 
 
 24  According  to  their  uncleannefs,  and  according 
 to  their  t ran fgreffions,  have  I  done  unto  them,  and 
 hid  my  face  from  them. 
 
 25  Therefore  thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  Now 
 will  I  bring  again  the  captivity  of  Jacob,  and  have 
 mercy  upon  the  whole  houfe  of  Krael,  and  will  be 
 jealous  for  mv  holy  name  ; 
 
 26  After  that  they  have  borne  their  fbame,  and  all 
 their  trefpafles  whereby  they  have  trel’pafled  againfi  j 
 me,  when  they  dwelt  fafely  in  their  land,  and  none 
 made  them  afraid. 
 
 27  When  1  have  brought  them  again  from  the  people, 
 and  gathered  them  out  of  their  enemies’  lands,  and' 
 
 ®  am  fanftified  in  them  in  the  fight  of  many  nations ; 
 
 28  Thtu  (ball  they  know  that  I  am  the  Lord 
 their  God,  f  which  caufed  them  to  be  led  into  cap- 
 
 ^^tivity  among  the  heathen:  but  I  have  gathered  them 
 them^l'c.  unto  their  own  land,  and  have  left  none  of  them  any 
 more  there. 
 
 29  Neither  will  I  hide  my  face  any  more  from 
 them  :  for  I  have  ^  poured  out  my  Spirit  upon  the 
 boul'e  of  Il'rael,  faith  the  Lord  God.* 
 
 CHAP.  XL. 
 
 1  Ezekiel's  vision  of  the  model  of  a  city.  6  The  description  of  the  east, 
 eo  north,  24  and  south  gates  of  the  outer  court.  27  Oj  the  south,  32 
 cast,  85  and  north  gales  of  the  inner  court,  4'C* 
 
 IN  the  five  and  twentieth  year  of  our  captivity,  in 
 the  beginning  of  the  year,  in  the  tenth  dny  of  the  ! 
 mon  h,.  in  die  fourteenth  year  after  that  the  city  was ; 
 fmitten,  in  the  felf-farae  day  the  hand  of  the  Lord  ^ 
 was  upon  me,  and  brought  me  thidier.  j 
 
 a  Chap. 
 36.  23. 
 
 f  Heb 
 by  my 
 
 b  Joel 
 2.  28. 
 A«5is 
 2.  17. 
 
 574. 
 
 tory  or  peace,  Jolh.  xi.  6.  Pfalm  xlvi.  9.  Ifa.  ix.  5.  Nab.  ii.  13.  Ver.  17 — 19. 
 Compare  tlie  latter  part  of  the  Note  on  Jer.  ix.  17,  18. 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  XL.  Ver.  2,  3.  The  high  mountain, 
 may  denote  the  confpicuous  firmnefs  and  heavenly  nature  of  the  gofpel  ciiurch 
 The  man  appearing  as  brafs,  denotes  .(efus  Chrift  in  his  ftrength,  liability,  dura¬ 
 tion,  debafement  and  glory.  His  line  and  reed,  reprefent  the  fci  ipturcs,  by  which 
 every  thing  in  the  dotflrine’,  worlhip,  or  difeipline  of  his  church,  ought  to  be  mea- 
 
 JLzehieT s  vision  of  the  1 
 
 Tr  ^  ®  brought  he  me  into  the  Bofor, 
 
 land  or  Ifrael,  and  let  me  upon  a  very  high  mountain  ci'da 
 11  by  which  was  as  the  frame  of  a  city  on  the  fouth.  ’ 
 
 3  And  he  brought  me  thither,  and,  behold, 
 was  a  rnan,  whofe  appearance  was  like  the  appearance 
 of  brafs,  with  a  line  of  flax  in  his  hand,  and  a  mea-“’^'’^' 
 luring-reed  ;  and  he  flood  in  the  gaie. 
 
 _4  And  the  man  laid  unto  me.  Son  of  man,  behold 
 with  thine  eyes,  and  hear  with  thine  ears,  and  fet  thine 
 heart  upon  all  that  Ilhall  fhew  thee;  for  to  the  intent 
 that  I  might  fiievv  them  unto  thee  art  thou  brought 
 hither  :  declare  all  that  thou  feeft  to  the  houfe  of 
 Ifrael. 
 
 5  And  behold  a  wall  on  the  outfide  of  the  houfe 
 round  about,  and  in  the  man’s  hand  a  meafuring-reed 
 of  fix  cubits  long,  by  the  cubit  and  an  hand-breadth  : 
 
 (o  he  meafured  the  breadth  of  the  building,  one  reed  ; 
 and  the  height,  one  reed. 
 
 6  II  Then  came  he  unto  the  gate  f  which  lookethfUeb. 
 toward  the  eaft,  and  went  up  the  flairs  thereof,  and 
 meafured  the  threfhold  of  the  gate,  which  was 
 
 reed  broad  ;  and  the  other  threfhold  of  the  gate,  voluchw?rdthe 
 was  one  reed  broad.  east. 
 
 7  And  every  little  chamber  was  one  reed  long,  and 
 one  reed  broad  ;  and  between  the  little  chambers  were 
 five  cubits  ;  and  the  threfliold  of  the  gale  by  the 
 porch  of  the  gate  within,  was  one  reed. 
 
 8  He  meafured  alf'o  the  porch  of  the  gate  within, 
 one  reed. 
 
 9  Then  meafured  he  the  porch  of  the  gate,  eight 
 cubits;  and  the  polls  thereof,  two  cubits;  and  the 
 porch  of  the  gate  was  inward. 
 
 10  And  the  little  chambers  of  the  gate  eaflward 
 were  three  on  this  fide,  and  three  on  that  fide;  they 
 three  were  of  one  meafure :  and  the  polls  had  one 
 meafure  on  this  fide  and  on  that  fide. 
 
 1 1  And  he  meal'ured  the  breadth  of  the  entry  of 
 the  gate,  ten  cubits ;  and  the  length  of  the  gate,  thir- 
 teen  cubits. 
 
 12  I'h.e  f  fpace  alfo  before  the  little  chambers 
 
 one  cubit  on  this  side,  and  the  fpace  was  one  cubit  o^bound°'^' 
 that  fide;  and  the  little  chambers  were  fix  cubits  on 
 this  fide,  and  fix  cubits  on  that  fide. 
 
 13  He  meafured  then  the  gate  from  the  roof  of  one 
 little  chamber  to  the  roof  of  another;  the  breadth 
 was  five  and  twenty  cubit.s,  door  againfl  door. 
 
 14  He  made  alfo  polls  of  threefcore  cubits,  even 
 unto  the  poll  of  the  court  round  about  the  gate. 
 
 15  And  from  the  face  of  the  gate  of  the  entrance 
 unto  the  face  of  the  porch  of  the  inner  gate  zvere 
 fifty  cubits. 
 
 16  And  there  were  f  narrow  windows  to  the  little  J/usef/.* 
 chambers,  and  to'  their  polls  within  the  gate  round  li  Or, 
 about,  and  likewife  to  the  H  arches;  and  windows 
 
 round  about  ll  inward:  and  upon  each  poll  were^Q^^^^' 
 
 were 
 
 palm-irees. 
 
 within. 
 
 fured.  His  standing  in  the  gate,  may  reprefent  him  as  the  only  door  and  way  of 
 our  accefs  to  God.  '\'er.  4.  This,  and  chap.  xliv.  5.  compared  with  xliii.  10 — 
 14.  contain  moft  folemn  charges  for  both  minifiers  and  people  to  remark  and 
 regard  every  thing  in  the  form  of  the  gofptl  church  dire£l  an  awful  rebuke  to 
 th.ofe  who,  affetfling  to  put  afunder  what  God  hath  joined,  contemn  and  decry  the 
 forms  of  wortliip,  and  the  government  and  difeipline  of  the  gofpel  church,  as  not 
 appointed  in  tl.e  feriptures,  and  not  much  worthy  of  a  Chri Ilian’s  regard. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XXXIX.]  No  weapon  formed  againft  Zion  can  profper.  They  who  know  God’s  name  will  never  dare  to 
 profane  it.  General  mercies  fliould  animate  to  general  reformations;  and  every  one  ought  to  be  hearty  and  perfevering  in  them.  True  penitents  arc  wiiling  to  bear 
 their  fhame,  and  wonder  at  the  mercy  mingled  with  their  fufferings. 
 
eZekifx. 
 
 !  Or, 
 
 from 
 
 ffithout 
 
 Or, 
 
 I  lalteries, 
 
 descripii^^^  of  the 
 
 17  Then  brought  be  me  into  the  outward  court, 
 
 and  lo,  there  were  chambers,  and  a  pavement  made 
 for  the’eourt  round  about ;  thirty  chambers  were  up¬ 
 on  the  pavement.  .  r-  u 
 
 18  And  the  pavement  by  the  tide  ot  the  gates, 
 
 over  againft  the  length  of  the  gates,  was  the  lower 
 
 pavenie^e^  he  meafured  the  breadth,  from  the  fore- 
 front  of  the  lower  gate  unto  the  fore-front  of  the 
 inner  court  H  without,  an  hundred  cubits  eaftward 
 and  northward. 
 
 20  <11  And  the  gate  of  the  outward  court  II  that 
 looked  toward  the  north,  he  meafured  the  length 
 
 was,  thereof,  and  the  breadth  thereof. 
 
 21  And  the  little  chambers  thereof  were  three  on 
 this  fide,  and  three  on  that  fide  ;  and  the  pofts  there- 
 of,  and  the  \\  arches  thereof,  were  after  the  mealure 
 ofthefirft  gate:  the  length  thereof  was  fifty  cubits, 
 
 trporcher.  the  breadth  five  and  twenty  cubits.  ^ 
 
 22  And  their  windows,  and  their  arches,  and  their 
 palm-trees,  xvere  after  the  meafure  of  the  gate  that 
 looketh  toward  the  eaft  :  and  they  went  up  unto  it 
 by  feven  fteps ;  and  the  arches  thereof  were  before 
 
 them.  .  n 
 
 23  And  the  gate  of  the  inner  court  was  over  againlt 
 
 the  gate  toward  the  north,  and  toward  the  eaft  ;  and 
 he  meafured  from  gate  to  gate  an  hundred  cubits. 
 
 24  H  After  that  he  brought  me  toward  the  loutb, 
 and  behold  a  gate  toward  the  fouth  :  and  he  meafur¬ 
 ed  the  pofts  thereof,  and  the  arches  thereof,  according 
 
 to  thefe  meafures.  ^  _  _  j  .  . 
 
 25  And  there  were  windows  in  it,  and  in  the  arches 
 thereof  round  about,  like  thofe  windows  ;  the  length 
 was  fifty  cubits,  and  the  breadth  five  and  twenty  cu- 
 
 h'ts.  „  „  •  j 
 
 26  And  there  were  leven  fteps  to  go  up  to  it,  and 
 the  arches  thereof  xrere  before  them  ;  and  it  had  palm- 
 trees,  one  on  this  fide  and  another  on  that  fide,  upon 
 
 the  pofts  thereof.  , 
 
 27  And  there  was  a  gate  in  the  inner  court  toward 
 
 the  fouth  :  and  he  meafured  from  gate  to  gate  toward 
 the  fouth  an  hundred  cubits.  ^  ‘  ,  u 
 
 28  And  he  brought  me  to  the  inner  court  by  the 
 fouth  gate  :  and  he  meafured  the  fouth  gate  according 
 
 to  thefe  meafures :  i  .  a 
 
 29  And  the  little  chambers  thereof,  and  the  ports 
 thereof,  and  the  arches  thereof,  according  to  thele 
 mealures :  and  there  were  windows  in  it,  and  in  the 
 arches  thereof  round  about :  it  was  fifty  cubits  long, 
 and  five  and  twenty  cubits  broad. 
 
 30  And  the  arches  round  about  were  five  and  twen¬ 
 ty  cubits  long,  and  five  cubits  t  broad. 
 
 31  And  the  arches  thereof  were  toward  the  outer 
 court :  and  palm-trees  were  upon  the  pofts  thereof ; 
 and  the  going  up  to  it  had  eight  fteps. 
 
 gates  of  the  temple. 
 
 32  H  And  he  brought  me  into  the  inner  court  to- 
 ward  the  eaft,  and  he  meafured  the  gate  according  to 
 
 thefe  meafures.  j-  j  .u 
 
 33  And  the  little  chambers  thereof,  and  the  polts 
 
 thereof,  and  the  arches  thereof,  were  according  to 
 thefe  meafures  ;  and  there  were  windows  therein,  and 
 in  the  arches  thereof  round  about ;  it  was  fifty  cubits 
 long,  and  five  and  twenty  cubits  broad. 
 
 34  And  the  arches  thereof  were  toward  the  out¬ 
 ward  court ;  and  palm-trees  were  upon  the  pofts  there¬ 
 of,  on  this  fide,  and  on  that  fide  :  and  the  going  up  to 
 
 it  had  eight  fteps.  .  j 
 
 35  And  he  brought  me  to  the  north  gate,  and 
 
 meafured  it  according  to  thefe  meafbres  » 
 
 36  The  little  chambers  thereof,  the  pofts  thereof, 
 and  the  arches  thereof,  and  the  windows  to  it  round 
 about :  the  length  was  fifty  cubits,  and  the  breadth 
 
 five  and  twenty  cubits.  j  u  . 
 
 37  And  the  pofts  thereof  were  toward  the  outer 
 
 court,  and  palm-trees,  were  upon  the  pofts  thereof  on 
 this  fide,  and  on  that  fide :  and  the  going  up  to  it  had 
 
 eight  fteps.  ,  ,  ,  ,  r  _ 
 
 38  And  the  chambers,  and  the  entries  thereof,  we^ 
 by  the  pofts  of  the  gates  where  they  walned  the 
 
 burnt-offering.  , , 
 
 39  And  in  the  porch  of  the  gate  were  two  tables 
 on  this  fide,  and  two  tables  on  that  fide  ;  to  flay  there¬ 
 on,  the  burnt-offering,  and  the  fin-offering,  and  the 
 trefpafs-offering. 
 
 40  And  at  the  fide  without,  II  as  one  goeth  up  to 
 the  entry  of  the  north  gate,  were  two  tables  :  and  oxx 
 the  other  fide,  which  was  at  the  porch  of  the  gate, 
 
 two  tables.  .  w- 
 
 41  Four  tables  were  on  this  fide,  and  four  tables 
 that  fide,  by  the  fide  of  the  gate  ;  eight  tables. 
 
 Or, 
 
 on 
 
 t  Heb. 
 ireadlh. 
 
 whereupon  they  flew  their  sacrifices- 
 
 42  And  the  four  tables  were  of  hewn  ftone  for  the 
 
 burnt-offering,  of  a  cubit  and  an  half  long,  and  a  cubit 
 and  an  half  broad,  and  one  cubit  high ;  whereupon 
 alfo  they  laid  the  inftruments  wherewith  they  flew  the 
 burnt-offering  and  the  facrifice.  ,  r  n  „  ^ 
 
 43  And  within  were  1|  hooks,  an  hand  broad,  fait-  II  or, 
 ened  round  about :  aud  upon  the  tables  was  the  flefh 
 
 of  the  offering.  heauk- 
 
 44^  And  without  the  inner  court  writhe  chambers  sione*. 
 of  the  fingers  in  the  inner  court,  which  was  at  the  fide 
 of  the  north  gate  ;  and  their  profpe61:  was  toward  the 
 
 gate 
 
 having 
 
 the 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  XL.  Ver.  5—49.  Comp.  chap. 
 XLI,  XLlI.  As  the  account  of  the  temple  beheld  in  vifion  by  Ezekiel  is  ftated 
 in  feveral  of  the  following  chapters,  we  deem  it  proper  to  bring  the  whole  under 
 one  view  ;  for  which  reafon  we  hare  deviated  from  our  original  plan  by  taking  the 
 whole  in  connexion.  The  temple  and  its  furniture,  deferibed  in  this  and  the 
 three  following  chapters,  reprefent  the  church,  parliculary  in  the  apoftolic  and 
 tnillenial  ftate.°  The  meafuring  of  every  thing  by  Chrilt  with  a  line  and  reed,  de¬ 
 notes  that  every  thing  in  it  is  appointed  by  Chrilt  in  his  word  ;  and  nothing  ought 
 to  be  admitted  but  what  is  anl’werablc  to,  and  founded  on  that  word.  The  wall 
 denotes  her  divine  proteftion  and  furrounding  difeipline  and  government.  The 
 courts,  at  leaft  outward,  may  denote  her  vifible  ftate  :  and  the  inner  court,  and 
 efpeciaUy  the  sanauary  may  allude  to  her  invifible  Rate  of  eminent  fellowdiip 
 With  God  in  Chrilt.  The  separate  building  at  the  weft  end  naay  reprefent  the 
 
 9  P 
 
 fouth ;  one  at  the  fide  of  the  eaft 
 prolpe6t  towards  the  north. 
 
 45  And  he  faid  unto  me.  This  chamber  whofe 
 
 profpefl  is  toward  the  fouth,  is  for  the  priefts,  the 
 keepers  of  the  H  charge  of  the  houfe.  H  ^r, 
 
 46  And  the  chamber  whofe  profpeft  is  toward 
 
 north  is  for  the  priefts,  the  keepers  of  the  charge  anrjfo 
 of  the  altar :  thefe  are  the  fons  of  Zadok,  among  verfe  46. 
 
 Rate  of  glory.  The  large  gales,  doors,  and  porches,  may  fignify  Jefus  ChnR  as 
 the  means  of  our  abundant  accefs  to  God  ;  but  the  porch  of  the  sanawny,  may 
 denote  him  as  a  fupporter,  hiding-place,  and  houfe  of  prayer,  for  his  people.  The 
 Jlairs  at  the  different  threlholds  may  mark  out  our  deliberate  and  gradual  entrance 
 into  the  vifible  and  invifible  church,  and  to  fellowfliip  with  God  ;  and  our  gradual 
 increafe  in  gifts  and  graces.  The  Joundalions  and  pavements,  reprefent  Jefus 
 ChriR  and  his  infpired  oracles  as  the  foundation  of  the  church,  of  every  true  mem¬ 
 ber,  of  all  faving  grace,  and  of  every  good  work  in  it.  The  pnjh  and  pillars,  de¬ 
 note  fundamental  truths,  gofpel  promifes,  faithful  miniRers,  and  zealous  faints. 
 Palm-trees  alternately  mingled  with  cherubims  in  the  engravings,  denote  faints 
 attended  and  affiRed  by  angels  and  miniRers.  W'indows  reprefent  miniRers  and 
 ordinances,  by  which  we  obuin  the  light  and  air  of  life.  The  altar  oj  burnt- 
 offering,  and  sacrifices,  are  to  be  referred  to  Chrift  in  his  perfon  and  righteoufnefs. 
 
 25 
 
The  measures,  parts,  chambers,  ^-c. 
 
 EZEKIEL. 
 
 Or, 
 
 the  Tons  of  Levi,  which  come  near  to  the  Lord  to 
 miDifter  unto  him. 
 
 4.7  So  he  meafured  the  court,  an  hundred  cubits 
 long,  and  an  hundred  cubits  broad,  tour-lquare  ;  and 
 the  altar,  that  was  before  the  houfe. 
 
 48  f  And  he  brought  me  to  the  porch  of  the 
 houle,  and  mealured  each  poft  ot  the  porch,  five  cu¬ 
 bits  on  this  fide,  and  five  cubits  on  that  fide  ;  and  the 
 breadth  ot  the  gate  was  three  cubits  on  this  fide,  and 
 three  cubits  on  that  fide. 
 
 49  Ihe  length  of  the  porch  was  twenty  cubits,  and 
 the  breadth  eleven  cubits  ;  and  he  brought  me  by  the 
 fteps  whereby  they  went  up  to  it :  and  there  were  piU 
 lars  by  the  pofts,  one  on  this  fide,  and  another  on  that 
 tide. 
 
 CHAP.  XLI. 
 
 The  measures,  parts,  chambers,  and  ornaments  of  the  temple. 
 
 Afterward  he  brought  me  to  the  temple* 
 and  meafured  the  pofts,  fix  cubits  broad  on 
 the  one  lide,  and  fix  cubits  broad  on  the  other  fide, 
 which  xoas  the  breadth  of  the  tabernacle. 
 
 entrance.  j  breadth  of  the  jj  door  was  ten  cubits  ; 
 
 ’  and  the  lides  of  the  door  were  five  cubits  on  the  one 
 fide,  and  five  cubits  on  the  other  fide:  and  he  mea¬ 
 fured  the  length  thereof,  forty  cubits,  and  the  breadth 
 twenty  cubits. 
 
 3  1  hen  went  he  inward,  and  meafured  the  poll 
 of  the  door,  two  cubits,  and  the  door,  fix  cubits,  and 
 the  breadth  of  the  door  feven  cubits. 
 
 4  So  he  meafured  the  leogth  thereof,  twenty  cubits, 
 and  the  breadth  twenty  cubits,  before  the  temple  :  and 
 he  (aid  unto  me,  This  is  the  moft  holy  place. 
 
 5  After  he  meafured  the  wall  of  the  houfe,  fix  cu- 
 bi's;  and  the  breadth  of  evenj  fide-chamber  four  cu¬ 
 bits,  round  about  the  houfe  on  every  fide. 
 
 6  And  the  fide  chambers  were  three,  f  one  over 
 another,  and  II  thirty  in  order ;  and  they  entered 
 ......  info  the  wall,  wnicn  was  of  the  houfe  for  the  fide- 
 
 chamber.  Chambers  round  about,  that  they  might  f  have  hold, 
 
 II  Or,  but  they  had  not  hold  in  the  wall  of  the  houfi*. 
 
 thirty an  enlarging,  and  a  winding 
 times,  or,  about  ftill  upward  to  the  fide  chambers;  for  the 
 foot.  winding  about  of  the  houfe  went  ftill  upward  round 
 he^hMen  houfe :  therefore  the  hreadtn  ot  the  houfe 
 
 f  Heb.  upward,  and  fo  increaied  Jrom  the  loweft 
 
 it  Was  chamber  to  tne  higheft  by  the  midft. 
 
 8  1  law  alfo  tne  Height  of  the  houfe  round  about ; 
 broader,  foundatious  of  the  fide-chambers  were  a  full  reed 
 of  fix  great  cubits. 
 
 9  Tne  thicknefs  of  the  wall,  which  was  for  the  fide- 
 
 t  Heb. 
 side- 
 chumher 
 over  <ide- 
 
 and  went 
 round. 
 
 Chrin] 
 
 574. 
 
 chantiber  without,  wtrs  five  cubits;  and  that  which  Bp 
 was  left  was  the  place  of  the  fide-chambers  that  wJ.  * 
 within.  ^ 
 
 10  And  between  the  chambers  was  the  widenefs  of 
 twenty  cubits  round  about  the  houfe  on  every  fide 
 
 1 1  And  the  doors  of  the  fide-chambers  were  toward 
 
 'he  place  that  was  left,  one  door  toward  the  north 
 and  another  door  toward  the  fouth:  and  tne  breadth 
 of  the  place  that  was  left  was  five  cubits  round 
 about.  “ 
 
 12  Now  the  building  that  was  before  the  feparate 
 
 place,  at  the  end  toward  the  weft,  was  feventy  cubits 
 broad  ;  and  the  wall  of  the  building  xvas  five  cubits 
 thick  round  about,  and  the  length  thereof  ninetv 
 cubits.  ^ 
 
 13  So  he  meafured  the  houfe,  an  hundred  cubits 
 long ;  and  the  feparate  place,  and  the  building,  with 
 the  walls  thereof,  an  hundred  cubits  long  ; 
 
 14  Alfo  the  breadth  of  the  face  of  the  houfe,  and 
 of  the  feparate  place  toward  the  eaft,  an  hundred 
 cubits. 
 
 1.5  And  he  meafured  the  length  of 'the  building 
 over  againft  the  feparate  place  which  was  behind  it, 
 and  the  ||  galleries  thereof  on  the  one  fi.-e,  and  on  then  Or, 
 other  fide,  an  hundred  cubits,  with  tne  inner  temple,  at 
 and  the  porches  of  the  court ; 
 
 16  The  door-pofts  and  the  narrow  windows,  aoci2f““'' 
 the  galleries  round  about  on  their  three  flones,  over  ' 
 againft  the  door,  f  ceiled  with  wood  round  about,  HfHeb. 
 and  from  the  ground  up  to  tne  w'indows,  and  th-  “'HV 
 windows  were  covered  ; 
 
 17  To  that  above  the  door,  even  unto  the  inner 
 
 houle,  and  without,  and  by  all  the  wall  round  about,  grsund 
 Within  and  without,  by  f  meafure.  unhihe 
 
 18  And  it  was  made  wi  h  cherubims  and  palm-iHer' 
 irees,  io  that  a  palm-tree  was  between  a  cherub  andLa«i«ft 
 a  cherub;  and  everi/  cherub  had  two  faces  ; 
 
 19  So  that  the  face  of  a  man  zms  toward  the  palm- 
 tiee  on  the  one  fide,  and  the  face  of  a  young  lion  to- 
 ward  the  palm-tree  on  the  other  fide:  ti  was  made 
 through  all  the  houfe  round  about, 
 
 20  From  the  gn  uud  unto  above  the  door  were 
 cherubims  and  palm-trees  made,  and  on  the  wall  of 
 the  temple. 
 
 21  The  t  pofts  of  the  temple  were  fquared,  and  thet  Heb. 
 face  of  the  faniffijarv  ;  the  appearance  of  the  one  as  thei'”*'* 
 appearance  of  the  other. 
 
 22  The  altar  of  wood  was  three  cubits  high,-  and 
 the  length  thereof  two  cubits ;  and  the  corners  there;- 
 of,  and  the  length  theretit,  and  the  walls  thereof. 
 
 The  aliar  oj  incense,  reprefents  him  in  his  all  procuring  interceffion.  The  ch  im- 
 her  for  washing  the  facrifices,  may  denote  baptifm  ;  in  which  faints,  thofe  fpiritiial 
 oblations,  are  waflied  in  the  blood  and  Spirit  of  the  Lamb.  The  eight  tables  of 
 hewn  hone  with  the  knives  on  them,  may  fignify  the  divinely  appointed,  perma¬ 
 nent  and  frequently  difpenfed  ordinance  of  the  Lord’s  fupper  ;  in  which  Chrift 
 crucified,  and  our  fins  as  the  caufe  of  his  death,  are  affertinglj  prefented  to  our 
 ■view.  The  chambers,  built  on  the  infide  of  the  wall  of  the  court  and  outfide  of 
 the  wall  of  the  temple,  may  denote  particular  churches,  w-orlhippiiig  affemblies, 
 and  inflitiited  ordinances,  or  evangelical  offices,  in  Which  Chrill’s  people  are  lodged 
 protected,  taught,  and  comforted  by  him.  The  enlarging  of  fomp  of  tbefe  cham¬ 
 bers  according  to  the  height  of  their  stories,  by  the.r  jutting  in  0  the  principal  wall, 
 imports,  that  the  more  holy,  heavenly,  and  dependant  on  God,  churches  and 
 Cbriftians  are,  the  rtiore  estenfive  is  their  gofpel  liberty.  But  the  narrowing  the 
 priests'  chamber  in  the  outWnrd  cowl  towards  the  north  as  they  ascended  may  denote 
 that  the  more  eminent  miniflers  arc,  they  are  the  more  expofed  to  perlecution. 
 
 The  void  places  between  and  before  the  chambers  may  reprefent  the  abundant  ac- 
 
 to  he  taught  by  Chiist,  and  carefullv  to  attend  to,  believe,  ind  praaife 
 Uremfelves  wha  bey  declare  to  others.  Every  thing  wh.ch  they  fpeak  or  ail  fltculd  be  ^carefully  compared  with  the  meafuring  line  and  reed  cf  God’s  wo.d ;  an^ 
 fcripture  fhould  be  compared  with  fcripiare  in  chdet  to  understand  it,  °  . 
 
 cefs  there  is  to  Cbriftian  chiirciies  and  ordinances;  and  the  light,  liberty,  anl 
 wholefome  air  of  fpiritiial  influence,  there  enjoyed  ;  and  that  oui  whole  life  ought 
 to  bo  an  improvement  of  ordinances  part,  and  preparations  for  what  are  in  view. 
 The  equal  size  of  the  chambers,  and  the  equality  of  the  things  and  measures,  on  dif- 
 lerent  fides,  gales,  &c.  may  reprefent  tiie  equal  privileges,  power,  and  authority, 
 of  churches  and  miniflers,  the  identity  of  Chrift.  his  word,  and  ordinances,  and 
 Ihe  fimilarity  of  his  people  in  every  part  of  the  world.  The  Jive  hundred  .eeds  of 
 ^  meafure,  for  a  vacant  fpace  on  every  fide  of  the  court'  may  dent  te  the  extent  of 
 ^  'he  gofpel  church,  and  the  remarkable  diftintSlion  which  ought  to  be  kept  Up  he- 
 j  tween  her  and  the  world.  The  whole  limit  thereof  ound  abouf  being  mosi  holy,  ifo- 
 ports  that  all  bet  ordinances  are  holy  and  fpirituail,  not  ceremonial  and  carnal: 
 and  that  holiness  ought  to  be  the  fliining  quality  6f  every  t.fficer  and  member. 
 The  people’s  never  returning  by  the  gate  at  w  hich  they  ent.red  the  court,  but  going 
 out  by  that  direeftly  oppofite,  and  witti  the  prince  in  the  midft  e  f  them,  chap  xlvi. 
 9.  10.)  denotes  that  in  fellovvfhip  with  Chrift,  we  tnuft  go  forward,  frorn  ftiength 
 to  ftrength  in  all  our  attendance  on  ordinances  and  never  turn  our  hack  on  God 
 
fhe  priesCs  chamhers,  ^c. 
 
 EZEKIEL. 
 
 77ie  gloty  oj  God  returnelh  into  the  temple* 
 
 T 
 
 Before  noere  of  wood  :  and  be  faid  unto  me,  This  h  the  table 
 chrift  that  is  before  the  Lord.  ... 
 
 23  And  the  temple  and  the  fanctuary  had  two 
 
 doors.  •  ♦  . 
 
 24  And  the  doors  had  two  leaves  apiece,  two  turn- 
 
 ing  leaves ;  two  leaves  for  the  one  door,  and  two 
 leaves  for  the  other  door. 
 
 25  And  there  were  made  on  them,  on  the  doors  of 
 the  temple,  cherubims  and  palm-trees,  like  as  were 
 made  upon  the  walls  ;  and  there  were  thick  planks 
 upon  the  face  of  the  porch  without. 
 
 26  And  there  were  narrow  windows  and  palm-trees 
 on  the  one  fide  and  on  the  other  fide,  on  the  fides  of 
 the  porch,  and  upon  the  fide  chambers  of  the  houle 
 and  thick  planks.* 
 
 CHAP.  XLII. 
 
 1  The  chambers  for  the  priettM  15  the  use  thereof.  15  The  measures  of 
 the  outward  court. 
 
 ■’’HEN  he  brought  me  forth  into  the  outer  court, 
 ____  the  way  toward  the  north  :  and  he  brought  me 
 into  the  chamber  that  was  over  againft  the  I'eparate 
 place,  and  which  was  before  the  building  toward  the 
 
 north.  .  .  , .  u 
 
 2  Before  the  length  of  an  hundred  cubits  was  the 
 
 '  north  door,  and  the  breadth  was  fifty  cubits. 
 
 3  Over  againft  the  twentv  cubits  which  were  for  the 
 inner  court,  and  over  againft  the  pavement  which  was 
 for  the  outer  court,  was  gallery  againft  gallery  in  tnree 
 
 4  And  befofe  the  chambers  was  a  walk  of  ten  cu¬ 
 bits  breadth  inward,  a  way  of  one  cubit ;  and  their 
 doors  toward  the  north. 
 
 5  N  w  the  upper  chambers  were  fhorter  i  for  the 
 a  Or,  galleries  H  were  higher  than  thefe,  H  than  the  lower, 
 did  eat  of  and  than  the  middlemoft  of  the  building. 
 
 thef^  6  Fur  they  were  in  three  stones,  but  had  not  pillars, 
 IndlL  as  the  pillars  of  the  courts  :  therefore  the  building ydS 
 building  tlraitcned  more  than  the  loweft  and  middlemoft  from 
 confiaed  ground.  . 
 
 tier  and  7  And  thc  Wall  that  was  without  over  againft  the 
 the  mid-  chambers,  toward  the  outward  court  on  the  fore  part 
 of  the  chambers,  the  length  thereof  was  fifty  cubits. 
 
 8  For  the  length  of  the  chambt-rs  that  were  in  the 
 outer  court  was  fifty  cubits ;  and,  lo,  before  the  temple 
 were  an  hundred  cubits. 
 
 9  And  II  from  under  thefe  chambers  was  11  the 
 entry  on  the  eaft  fide,  II  as  one  goeth  into  them  from 
 
 the  outer  court.  r  r  u  n 
 
 10  "I'he  chambers  were  in  the  thicknels  or  the  wall 
 
 of  the  court  toward  the  eaft,  over  agdinft  the  feparate 
 place,  and  over  againft  the  building. 
 
 1 1  And  the  way  before  them  was  like  the  appear¬ 
 ance  of  the  chambers  which  were  toward  the  ni  rtn, 
 as  long  as  they,  and  as  broad  as  tht^y  ;  and  all  their 
 goings  out  were  both  according  to  their  fafhions,  and 
 according  to  their  doors. 
 
 12  And  according  to  the  doors  of  the  chambers 
 
 letnosU 
 
 y  Or, 
 
 from  the 
 place, 
 
 II  Or, 
 he  that 
 brought 
 me. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 01  he 
 came. 
 
 that  were  toward  the  fouth  was  a  door  in  the  head  of 
 the  way,  even  the  way  direftly  before  the  wall  toward 
 the  eaft,  as  one  entereth  into  them. 
 
 13  H  Then  faid  he  unto  me,  the  north  chambers 
 and  the  fouth  chambers,  which  are  before  the  fepa¬ 
 rate  place,  they  be  holy  chambers,  where  the  priefts 
 that  approach  unto  the  Lord  (hall  eat  the  m  dt  holy 
 things  :  ther<"  fhall  they  lay  the  mort  holy  things,  and 
 the  meat-oftering,  and  the  fin-oft-ring,  and  the  tref- 
 pafs-offering  :  for  the  place  is  holy. 
 
 14  When  the  priefts  enter  therein,  then  fhall  they 
 not  go  out  of  the  holy  place  into  the  outer  court,  but 
 there  they  (hall  lay  their  garments  wherein  they  mi- 
 nifter ;  for  they  are  holy  :  and  (hall  put  on  other  gar¬ 
 ments,  and  (hall  approach  to  those  things  which  are  for 
 
 the  people.  ,  „  „  . 
 
 15  f  Now,  when  he  had  made  an  end  of  mealunng 
 the  inner-houfe,  he  brought  me  forth  toward  the 
 gate,  whofe  profptft  is  toward  the  eaft,  and  meaiured 
 it  round  about. 
 
 16  He  meafured  the  eaft  t  fide  with  the  mealunng- f  Heb. 
 reed,  five  hundred  reeds,  with  the  meafuriog-reed 
 round  about. 
 
 17  He  meafured  the  north  fide,  five  hundred  reeds, 
 with  the  meafuring-reed  round  about. 
 
 18  He  meafured  the  foutn  fide,  five  hundred  reeds, 
 with  the  meafuring-reed. 
 
 19  He  turned  about  to  the  weft  fide,  and  meafured 
 five  hundred  reeds,  uith  the  roeal'uring*reed. 
 
 20  He  meafured  it  by  the  four  fides  :  it  had  a  wall 
 round  about,  five  hundred  reeds  long,  and  five  hun¬ 
 dred  broad,  to  make  a  feparatiou  between  the  fanc- 
 tuary  and  the  profane  place.t 
 
 CHAP.  XLIII. 
 
 I  The  glory  of  God  returneth  into  the  temjde.  7  God's  promises  to  dwell 
 there,  if  Ifrael  lorfake  their  sins-  10  The  piophet  to  incite  them  to  re¬ 
 pentance,  shewe  h  them  the  model  and  law  of  the  house. 
 
 4  FTLRWARD  he  brought  me  to  the  gate, 
 even  the  gate  that  looketh  toward  the  eaft  : 
 
 2  And,  behold,  the  glory  of  the  God  of  H'rael  came 
 from  the  way  of  the  eaft  ;  and  »  his  voice  was  like  a  a  Chap, 
 noife  of  many  waters  :  and  the  earin  fhined  with  his  *• 
 glory. 
 
 3  And  it  was  ^  according  to  the  appearance  of  the  b  Chap, 
 vifion  which  I  faw,  even  according  to  the  vifion  that  Ig,' 
 faw  11  when  I  came  to  deftroy  the  city  :  and  the  vi-  y  or, 
 fions  were  like  the  vifion  that  I  faw  by  the  river  Che-w-Aen  i 
 
 bar ;  and  1  fell  upon  my  face.  _  >  u  r  FopVeiy 
 
 4  And  the  glory  ot  the  Lord  came  into  the  houle, 
 
 by  the  way  of  the  gate  whofe  profpe£t  is  toward  cUv fhouid 
 
 eaft. 
 
 5’ So  the  fpirit  took  me  up,  and  brought  me  into^^^ 
 rhe  inner  court ;  and,  behold,  the  glory  of  the  Lord  9  5, 
 
 filled  the  houfe. 
 
 6  And  1  heard  him  fpeaking  unto  me  out  of  the 
 houfe  ;  and  the  man  flood  by  me. 
 
 7  ^  And  he  (aid  unto  me,  Son  of  man,  the  place 
 
 to  his  inftitutions.  The  appropriation  of  the  eaft  gate  to  the  Prince,  (chap.  xliv. 
 
 1 _ 3.  &  xlvi.  I _ 3.  8.)  may  denote  that  Jefus  alone  approached  lo  God  direCliy, 
 
 and  in  the  way  of  merit ;  and  that  it  is  only  through  him  that  we  have  accefs  with 
 boldnefs  unto  God.  The  singers  and  Levites  may  reprefeiit  Chriftians  as  prading 
 God,  and  labourins  in  his  fervice;  and  priests  may  denote  minifters,  who  prefent 
 
 i  Chrift,  the  atoning  facrifice,  to  men,  and  attend  on  God’s  fervice,  and  faints,  who 
 1  by  fai'h  pr<fenr  themfelves,  and  their  fervices  in  him,  to  God. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XLIII  Ver.  5,  6.  No  veil  is  feen 
 '  ill  thc  temple,  feparatiiig  the  moll  holy  place  from  the  holy  ;  hence  the  g'ory  of 
 God  fills  the  whole  houfe.  Compare  Ifa.  vi.  ver.  1 — 4.  In  the  New  Teftament 
 
 PRAPTrrAT  nrtRFRV  ATTONS *  Chap,  KLI.l  If  I  diligently  improve  the  iiiftrudUons  given  me  in  the  Lord’s  courts  on  earth,  I  fhail  quickly  be  ad- 
 
 miuedl'io  the  tempR  "td  the  higlier  1  h.iildir  glry.' the  more  ftiall  mv  heart  be  enlarged  in  faith,  love,  and  heavenly-mmdednefs. 
 
 PR  APTTrAT  OP^ERVATIONS  — f  Chap.  XLII.l  Let  us  blefs  the  Lord  for  his  numerous,  but  fimplo  gofpel  ordinances,  and  the  extenfive  enlargement 
 of  fi™  "1.  l4,m.„r,on,  in  L  F.thor'.  hnnft  .bo«.  A,,d,  .1.,!  .n  -nil  of  f.p.mio,.  ..clod.,  imponiun.  f.n„„.  from 
 
 the  benefits  and  bleflings  of  Chrift’s  church  and  kingdom,  and  will  exclude  them  for  ever  from  his  prefence  and  glory. 
 
The  ordinances  of  the  altar. 
 
 EZEKIEL. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 sum,  or, 
 number. 
 
 of  my  throne,  and  the  place  of  the  foies  of  my  feet, 
 where  I  will  dwell  in  the  midft  of  the  children  of  llrael 
 tor  ever,  and  my  holy  name,  (hall  the  houle  of  Ilnel 
 no  more  defile,  neither  they,  nor  their  kings,  by  the+r 
 
 whoredom,  nor  by  the  carcafes  of  their  kings. in  their 
 hign  places. 
 
 8  In  their  felting  of  their  threfbold  by  my  threfholds, 
 
 jor  there  j  pofts,  1|  and  the  wall  between  me 
 
 was  but  a  them^  they  have  even  defiled  my  holy  name  by 
 wall  be-  their  abominations  that  they  have  committed  ;  where- 
 tween  me  tovel  have  confumed  them  in  n.ine  anger. 
 an  t  em.  9  Now  let  them  put  away  their  whoredom,  and  the 
 carcales  pf  their  kings,  far  from  me,  and  I  will  dwell 
 in  the  midu  of  them  for  ever. 
 
 10  f  Thou  fon  of  man,  (hew  the  houfe  to  the  houfe 
 
 of  llrael,  that  they  may  be  alhamed  of  their  iniquities  * 
 and  let  them  mealure  the  ||  pattern.  * 
 
 1 1  And  if  they  be  afhamed  of  all  that  they  have 
 done,  fhew  them  the  form  of  the  houfe,  and  the 
 fafhion  thereof,  and  the  goings-out  thereof,  and  the 
 comings-in  thereof,  and  all  the  forms  thereof,  and  all 
 the  ordinances  thereof,  and  all  the  forms  thereof,  and 
 all  the  laws  thereof :  and  write  it  in  their  fight,  that 
 they  may  keep  the  whole  form  thereof,  and  all  the 
 ordinances  thereof,  and  do  them. 
 
 12  This  is  the  law  of  the  houfe  ;  Upon  the  top  of 
 the  mountain  the  whole  limit  thereof  round  about  shall 
 be  molt  holy.  Behold,  this  is  the  law  of  the  houfe. 
 
 13  And  thefe  are  the  meafures  of  the  altar  after 
 the  cubits  :  1  he  cubit  is  a  cubit  and  an  hand-breadth  ; 
 even  the  f  bottom  shall  be  a  cubit,  and  the  breadth 
 a  cubit,  aud  the  border  thereof  by  the  f  edge  thereof 
 round  about  shall  be  a  ipan  ;  and  this  ikall  be  the  higher 
 place  of  the  altar. 
 
 14  And  from  the  bottom  upon  the  ground,  even  to 
 the  lower  fettle,  be  two  cubits,  and  the  breadth 
 one  cubit ;  and  from  the  leffer  fettle  even  to  the  greater 
 fettle  shall  be  four  cubits,  and  the  breadth  one  cubit. 
 
 Harei’  15  So  t  the  altar  shall  be  four  cubits:  and  from 
 that  is’  t  the  altar  and  upwards  shall  be  four  horns. 
 
 themoun-  16  And  the  altar  shall  be  twelve  cubits  long,  twelve 
 tmnof  broad,  fquare  in  the  four  fquares  thereof, 
 t  Heb.  fettle  shall  be  fourteen  cubits  long,  and 
 
 Ariel,’  fourteen  broad  in  the  four  fquares  thereof;  and  the 
 that  is,  border  about  it  shall  be  half  a  cubit ;  and  the  bottom 
 the  lion,  of  thereof  shall  be  a  cubit  about ;  and  his  flairs  fhall  look 
 toward  the  eaft. 
 
 18  ^  And  he  faid  unto  me.  Son  of  man,  Thus  faith 
 the  Lord  God,  Thele  are  the  ordinances  of  the  altar 
 in  the  day  when  they  (ball  make  if,  to  offer  burnt- 
 offerings  thereon,  and  to  fprinkle  blood  thereon. 
 
 19  And  thou  (halt  give  to  the  priefts  the  Levites 
 that  be  of  the  feed  of  Zadok,  which  approach  unto 
 me,  to  minifter  unto  me,  faith  the  Lord  God,  a  young 
 bullock  for  a  fin-offering. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 bosom, 
 f  Heb. 
 Up. 
 
 church,  the  divine  glory  is  beheld  by  all  the  people  of  God,  in  ihe  perfon  of  Jefus, 
 and  this  glory  fhall  fill  the  whole  earth.  Ver.  7 — 9.  Their  whoredom  denotes 
 their  idolatry.  The  cnrcases  of  their  kings,  or  Moloch,  denote  their  idols  infinitely 
 loathfome  and  deteflable  to  God.  Their  threfliolds  and  posts,  eredled  in  oppofition 
 to  God’s  are  their  temples,  altars,  and  inventions  in  worfhip,  which  they  fet  up  in 
 oppofition  to  him. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XLIV.  Ver.  10—31.  with  chap, 
 xliii.  19,  26,  27  xlvi.  20.  xl.  46.  xlii.  1 — 14.  xlr.  4,  5,  19.  and  xlviii.  10—12. 
 By  thefe  priefts  are  reprefented  gofpel  minifters.  Their  being  the  sons  of  Zadok, 
 
 The  priests  repro^,^^ 
 
 20  And  thou  ffalt  take  of  the  blood  thereof  and  Ber 
 Pj.t  >/  on  the  four  ho, ns  of  i,,  and  on  ,he  fon,  comm 
 
 tL  ^1*  border  round  about ;  thus 
 
 (halt  thou  cleanfe  and  purge  ir.  ^ 
 
 ■  bulhck  alfo  of  the  fin-offer- 
 
 mg,  and  he  (hall  burn  it  in  the  appointed  place  of  the 
 houle,  without  the  fan^fuary. 
 
 22  And  on  the  fecond  day  thou  (halt  offer  a  kid  of 
 Je  goats  without  blemiffi  for  a  fin-offering  ;  and  they 
 bullo^^^^^  the  altar,  as  they  did  cleanfe  it  with  the 
 
 23  When  thou  half  made  an  end  of  cleanfing  it  thou 
 (halt  offer  a  young  bullock  without  biemifb,  and  a  ram 
 out  of  the  flock  without  blemiffi. 
 
 24  And  thou  (halt  offer  them  before  the  Lord 
 and  the  priefts  (hall  caff  (alt  upon  them,  and  they  (hall 
 oner  them  upjbr  a  burnt-offering  unto  the  Lord. 
 
 25  Seven  days  fhalt  thou  prepare  every  day  a  goat 
 /or  a  fin-offering  :  they  (hall  alfo  prepare  a  young  bul¬ 
 lock,  and  a  ram  out  of  the  flock,  without  blemi(h 
 
 .  26  Seven  days  (hall  they  purge  the  altar,  and  purify 
 It ;  and  they  (hall  f  confecrate  themfelves.  f  Heb. 
 
 27  And  when  thefe  days  are  expired,  it  (hall  be'^^'^"’*’ 
 upon  the  eighth  day,  and  so  forward,  the  priefts 
 mail  make  your  burnt-offerings  upon  the  altar,  and  i|  or 
 your  11  peace-offerings;  and  1  will  accept  you,  faith 'W- 
 the  Lord  God.*  ^fforing^, 
 
 ,  ,,,  CHAP.  XLIV. 
 
 1  The  east  gate  offigned  only  to  the  prince.  4  The  people  reproved  for 
 suffering  strangers  to  pollute  the  sanCluary.  9  Idolaters  incapable  of 
 the  priest  4  office  ;  15  Zadok’s  sons  are  accepted  thereto. 
 
 Then  he  brought  me  back  the  way  of  the  gate 
 of  the  outward  fanffuary,  which  looketh  to¬ 
 ward  the  eaft,  and  it  voas  (hut. 
 
 2  Then  faid  the  Lord  unto  me,  This  gate  (hall  be 
 mur.  It  (hall  not  be  opened,  and  no  man  (hall  enter 
 in  by  it :  becaule  the  Lord,  the  God  of  Ifrael,  hath 
 entered  in  by  it,  therefore  it  (hall  be  (hut. 
 
 3  It  is  for  the  prince ;  the  prince,  he  (hail  fit  in  it 
 to  eat  bread  before  the  Lord  ;  he  (hall  enter  by  the 
 way  of  the  porch  of  that  gate,  and  (hall  go  out  by  the 
 way  of  the  lame. 
 
 4  H  Tnen  brought  he  me  the  way  of  the  north  gate 
 before  the  houfe ;  and  I  looked,  and,  behold,  the  glory 
 of  the  Lord  filled  the  houfe  of  the  Lord  ;  and  1  fell 
 upon  my  face. 
 
 5  the  Lord  faid  unto  me,  Son  of  man,  t  mark  t  Heb. 
 well,  aud  behold  with  thine  eyes,  and  hear  with  thine  4ei  thine 
 ears  all  that  I  fay  unto  thee  concerning  all  the  ordi-^‘^“^*’ 
 nances  of  the  houfe  of  the  Lord,  and  all  the  laws 
 thereof ;  and  mark  well  the  entering  in  of  the  houle 
 with  every  going  forth  of  the  fanftuary.  ’ 
 
 6  And  thou  (halt  fay  to  the  rebellious,  even  to  the 
 houfe  of  llrael,  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  O  ye  houfe 
 of  llrael,  let  it  (uffice  you  of  all  your  abominations, 
 
 the  RIGHTEOUS  ONE,  Hot  Levites  that  went  astray,  implies  their  being  true  and 
 blamelefti  children  of  Jefus  Cbrift,  and  faithful  preachers  of  his  atonement  as  fiie 
 fubftance  of  the  gofpel.  Their  eight  days'  consecration  along  with  the  altar,  imports 
 tbeir  entrance  on  their  work  with  great  deliberation,  much  folemn  prayer, 
 noted  application  of  Jefus’  blood,  and  vigorous  ftudy  of  gotpel  holinefs.  Their 
 being  clphed  with  linen,  not  with  wool,  or  any  thing  that  caufeth  /weal,  imports 
 their  being  arrayed  with  Jefus  imputed  righteoufnefs,  his  implanted  grace,  and  a 
 holy  converfalion  ;  not  with  their  own  fatiguing,  defiled,  and  defiling  works  •  and 
 their  maintaining  purity  of  dodlrine,  efteeming  their  work  their  pleal'ure^  not 
 
 ^  XLIII.]  The  different  vifits  which  God  makes  to  his  people  are  much  fimilar,  and  lerves  to  confirm  one  ano¬ 
 
 ther.  .His  glory  mamfefted  in  h,s  church  is  her  pnncipal  ornament,  furniture,  and  fource  of  felicity.  But,  alas,  how  often  the  greateft  abominations  arc  found  placed 
 
 by  men  tn  God  s  own  temp  eh, s  church,  h.s  worlh.p,  and  their  heart!  No  wonder  that  he  is  highly  provoked  herewith.  Non!  of  our  performances  can  braLepS 
 unlels  our  perlons  be  accepted,  and  fins  pardoned  through  Jefus’  blood,  ^  oima.ices  can  ue  accepteo, 
 
0j>  priests  rspTOVcdt 
 
 EZEKIEL 
 
 fore  7  In  that  ye  have  brought  into  my  sanctuary  t  ttran 
 Ciirift  gers  uDcircumcifed  iris  heart,  and  uncircumciled  in 
 mh  to  b?  in  my  (anftuary,  to  pollute  it,  even  my  houle, 
 when  ye  offer  my  bread,  the  fat,  and  the  blood,  and 
 iJS’rtoAhey  have  broken  ray  covenant,  becaule  of  all  your 
 
 isiran^e’’- abominations.  c  -  u  ^ 
 
 8  And  ye  have  not  kept  the  charge  of  mine  holy 
 
 things ;  but  ye  have  fet  keepers  of  my  li  charge  m  my 
 *  dnftnary  for  yourfelves. 
 
 Zm  9  ^  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  No  ftrangets  uncir- 
 cumcifod  in  heart,  nor  uncircumciled  in  flelh,  Inall 
 enter  into  ray  lanftuary,  of  any  ftranger  that  is  araong 
 ’  the  children  of  Ifrael.  ' 
 
 10  And  the  Levites  that  are  gone  away  tar  from 
 me  when  Ifrael  went  aftray,  which  went  aftray  away 
 from  rae  after  their  idols  :  they  fhall  even  bear  their 
 
 Yet  they  (hall  be  minifters  in  my  fanftuary, 
 havm<r  charge  at  the  gates  of  the  houfe,  and  minifter- 
 ing  to  the  houfe  :  they  (hall  flay  the  burnt- offenug 
 and  the  facrifice  for  the  people,  and  they  Ihall  ftand 
 before  them  to  rainifter  unto  them. 
 
 12  Becaufe  they  rainiftered  unto  them  before  their 
 idols,  and  f  caufed  the  houfe  of  Ifrael  to  fall  into  ini- 
 ®  qoity  1  therefore  have  I  lilted  up  mine  hand  again! 
 
 the  Lord  God,  and  they  fhall  bear  their 
 
 'iiockof  ,  .  ' 
 
 iniquity  lOlQUlty 
 
 Ordinances  of  the  pi  tests* 
 t  with  any  thing  that  caufeth 
 
 574. 
 
 fhall  not  gird  then>selves 
 
 19  And  when  they  go  forth  into  the  outer  court,  _  .  _ 
 cvni  into  the  outer  court  to  the  people,  they  ffall  put  \\  Or,  in 
 off  their  garments  wherein 
 
 them  in  the  holy  chambers,  and  ^cr.wuh 
 
 othS-  garments  ;  and  they  fhall  not  lanaffy  the  people 
 
 2VNeitLr  fhall  they  fhave  their  heads,  noj' 
 their  locks  to  grow  long ;  they  fhall  only  poll  their 
 
 Neither  fhall  any  prieft  drink  wine  when  they 
 
 enter  into  the  inner  court.  ,  • . 
 
 22  Neither  fhall  they  take  for  their  wives  a  widow. 
 
 a  Levit. 
 21.  13. 
 
 22  INeitneruiauiucy 
 
 not  her  that  is  t  put  uway  ;  but  they  lhal  take, ^ 
 
 I  Heb. 
 
 UlllOi  4,'^’ 
 
 ^uuy#  j 
 
 13  And  they  fhall  not  come  near  unto  rae  to  do 
 
 the  office  of  a  prieft  unto  me,  nor  to  come  near  to 
 any  of  my  holy  things,  in  the  moft  holy  place ;  but 
 they  fhall  bear  their  fhame,  and  their  abominations 
 which  they  have  committed :  r  .  e 
 
 14  But  I  will  make  them  keepers  of  the  charge  of 
 the  houfe,  for  all  the  fervice  thereof,  and  for  all  that 
 
 fhall  be  done  therein.  _  r  r>  ,  , 
 
 15  51  But  the  prietts  the  Levites,  the  Ions  of  Zadok, 
 that  kept  the  charge  of  my  fanftuary  when  the  chil¬ 
 dren  of  llVaei  went  aftray  from  me,  they  fhall  come 
 near  to  me  to  minitter  unto  rae,  and  thev  fhall  ftand 
 before  rae  to  offer  unto  me  the  fat  and  the  blood, 
 faith  the  Lord  God. 
 
 16  They  (hall  enter  into  my  fan£tuary,  and  they 
 fhall  c-ame  near  to  my  table,  to  minitter  unto  me,  and 
 they  (hall  keep  my  charge. 
 
 17  51  And  it  fhall  come  to  pafs,  ihat  when  they  enter 
 in  at  the  gates  of  the  inner  court,  they  fhall  be  cloth¬ 
 ed  with  linen  garments,  and  no  wool  fhall  come  upon 
 them  whiles  they  minifter  in  the  gates  of  the  inner 
 court,  and  within. 
 
 18  They  ftiall  have  linen  bonnets  upon  their  heads, 
 and  fhall  have  linen  breeches  upon  their  loins :  they 
 
 Sden's  of  ^e'fe^d^the  hoVfe  of  Ifrael.  or  a  widow;*.... 
 
 +  ‘'3‘And“h‘’et''flfa«'re:-ck  my  people  fSa  t„Hf 
 
 between  the  noly  and  profane,  and  caufe  them  to  dil-pw^si. 
 cern  betwren  the  unclean  and  the  clean.^  ^ 
 
 24  And  in  controverl’y  they  fhall  ftand  in  judgment  . 
 and  they  fhall  judge  it  according  to  my  judgmpts  ; 
 and  thev  fhall  keep  my  laws  and  my  ftatutes  in  all 
 mine  aflerablies ;  and  they  fhall  hallow  my  abbaths. 
 
 25  And  they  fhall  come  at  no  ^  dead  perlon  to  f-b  Lev.t. 
 file  themfelves :  but  for  father,  or  for  mother,  or  for  -  •  .  • 
 fon,  or  for  daughter,  for  brother,  or  for  filler  that  hath 
 
 had  no  hulbmd,  they  may  defile  themfe  ves. 
 
 26  And  after  he  is  cleanfed,  they  fhall  reckon  unto 
 
 him  feven  days.  c  Numb; 
 
 27  And  in  the  day  that  he  goeth  into  the  lanctuary,  go. 
 unto  the  inner  court,  to  minifter  in  the  fanftaary,  he  Deuter. 
 fhall  offer  his  fin-offering,  faith  the  Lord  God.  lo.  9.  & 
 
 28  And  it  fhall  be  unto  them  for  an  inheritance  ;  f 
 
 c  am  their  inheritance:  and  ye  fhall  give  them  nOigj^^gg 
 pofteffion  in  Ifrael ;  I  am  their  poffeffion.  ^  ^  .  tl 
 
 29  They  fhall  eat  the  meat-offering,  and  the  fin- 
 
 offering,  and  the  trefpafs-offering ;  and  every  H  dedi-^^^^^’ 
 rated  thing  in  Ifrael  fhall  be  theirs.  Exod. 
 
 30  And  the  11  “  firftof  allthe  firft-fruits  of  all  tAmp  1 5  2^  & 
 and  every  oblation  of  all,  of  every  so?;/  of  your  obla- 
 tions,  fhall  be  the  prieft’s  :  ye  fhall  alio  give  unto  thCg  ^ 
 prieft  the  firft  of  your  dough,  that  he  may  caule  the  is.  12. 
 
 blefling  to  reft  in  thine  houfe.  u  •  ,  j 
 
 3 1  I'he  prieft  fhall  not  eat  of  any  thing  th^  is  dead 
 
 of  itfelf,  or  torn,  whether  it  be  fowl  or  beau.  22.  s. 
 
 CHAP.  XLV. 
 
 1  T/ie  porlion  of  land  for  the  tanCluary,  6  for  the  city,  7  and  for  the  * 
 
 their  burden,  Snd  in  neither  being  erroneous  or  unfavoury.  Their  linen  bonnet 
 and  breeches,  denote  their  gravity,  modefty,  chaftity,  and  freedom  from  Antichril- 
 ■  lian  whoredoms.  Their  laying  csi  te  their  fine  robes,  and  wearing  other  garments 
 when  among  the  people,  may  denote  that,  though  they  mufl  only  appear  before 
 God  in  the  rigiiteoufnefs  of  his  Son,  yet,  by  a  gofpel  converfation,  they  muft  re¬ 
 commend  holinefs  to  their  hearers.  Their  not  sanClifying  the  peo/ile  wM  their 
 garments,  may  denote  tliat  they  mull  indulge  no  vain  glory  of  fuperiority  to 
 others  in  goodnefs,  nor  pretend  to  convey  any  holinefs,  merit,  or  fafety  to  them. 
 Their  neitlier  shnving  their  hair,  nor  suffering  it  to  grow  long,  imports  their  ahfti- 
 tience  from  popifh  I'uperllition,  pride  and  wantonnefs.  Their  not  drinking  wine, 
 4^0,  imports  that  they  muft  never  indulge  drunkennefs,  luxury,  or  carnal  care; 
 that  they  muft  mnrri/  only  fuch  women  as  arc  of  good  report,  and  never  conned 
 themfelves  with  apoftate  and  diforderly  churches  :  that  they  muft,  by  dotftrine 
 
 prince.  9  Ordinances  tor  the  prince. 
 
 OREOVER,  t  when  ye  (hall  divide  by  lot  the  Aanif.a 
 
 land  for  inheritance,  ye  fhall  ofter  an  oblation/«//. 
 
 and  example,  faithfully  teach  their  hearers ;  and  compofe  differences  amo;^  them, 
 and  muft  avoid  immoderate  forrow,  for  the  iofs  of  created  enjoyments.  The  food, 
 firldr,  *0.  alhtted  them  for  their  maintenance,  import  their  cor.tmual  living  on 
 Chrift  crucified  and  his  new  covenant  provifion,  and  their  being  decently  and 
 commodiouflv  fupported  by  their  hearers.  Their  having  disU'  a  chambers  for 
 themfelves,  may  denote  their  office  circumfcribcd  by  the  divine  law;  and  that 
 I  none  ou>rht  to  interfere,  with  either  their  work  or  benefice  without  commiffion 
 ‘  from  Christ.  Their  offering  the  Sacrifice  of  the  people  may  denote  their  preaching 
 Christ  crucified  among  them,  and  leading  their  exercifes  m  their  public  dedida- 
 
 tions  of  themfelves  to  God.  i  •- 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XLV.  \  er.  1 — S.  Comp.  chap,  xlvii. 
 
 13 _ 23,  xlviii.  Canaan,  on  the  west  of  Jordan,  about  180  miles  from  north 
 
 to  fouth,  and  50  from  east  to  west,  is  reprefented  as  thus  divided.  Beginning 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS  — *  Chap.  XLIV.]  It  is  highly  reafonable  and  infinitely  delightful  that  Jefus  our  only  Mediator,  Prince,  and  High  Prieft 
 <ho.rdtblUw4.Te  I.  1.  ..in  .0  -Va  •  H««'i<hing  cl.n„h  . here  .nd  dif.iplin.  ...  f 
 
 tremely  regular  in  all  their  conduft.  But,  while  minifters  give  up  worldly  cares  for  the  fake  of  their  hearers,  as  they  regard  the  blefTi  j,  of  G 
 poral  and  fpiritual  welfare,  they  ought  to  provide  for  them  a  decent  fuhfifience. 
 
 9  Q  25 
 
The  portion  of  land  for  the  sanctuary,  ^  o. 
 
 EZEKIEL. 
 
 Before 
 
 Ctirifl 
 
 ^74. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 hclimss. 
 
 II  Or, 
 voidplaces 
 
 unto  the  Lord,  t  an  holy  portion  of  the  land  :  the 
 length  shall  be  the  length  of  five  and  twenty  thouland 
 and  the  breadth  shall  be  ten  thouland.  This  shall 
 be  holy  in  all  the  borders  thereof  round  about. 
 
 2  f)f  this  there  fhall  be  for  the  landfuary  five  hun- 
 
 with  five  hundred  in  breadth,  fquare 
 round  about ;  and  fifty  cubits  round  about  for  the 
 II  luburhs  thereof. 
 
 3  And  of  this  raealure  flialt  thou  meafure  the 
 length  of  five  and  twenty  thoufand,  and  the  breadth 
 of  ten  thouland  ;  and  in  it  fhall  be  the  fanffuary  and 
 the  til  oft  holy  place. 
 
 4  1  he  holy  portion  of  the  land  fhall  be  for  the  priefts 
 the  rnioifters  of  the  fandfuary,  which  fhall  coiue  near 
 to  minifter  unto  the  Lord  ;  and  it  fhall  be  a  place  for 
 their  houfes,  and  an  holy  place  for  the  fan^fuary. 
 
 5  And  the  five  and  twenty  thoufand  of  length,  and 
 the  ten  thoufand  of  breadth,  fhall  alfo  the  Levites,  the 
 minifters  of  the  houfe,  have  for  themfelves,  for  a 
 poftffion  for  twenty  chambers. 
 
 _  6  H  And  ye  fhall  appoint  the  pofleflion  of  the  city 
 live  thoufand  broad,  and  five  and  twenty  thoufand 
 long,  over  againft  the  oblation  of  the  holy  portion;  it 
 fhall  be  for  the  whole  houfe  of  Ifrael. 
 
 7  ^  And  a  portion  shall  be  for  the  prince  on  the  one 
 fide,  and  on  the  other  fide  of  the  oblation  of  the  holy 
 portion,  and  of  the  pofT  flion  of  the  city,  before  the 
 oblation  of  the  holy  portion,  and  before  the  poftelfion 
 of  the  city,  from  the  w-eft  fide  weftward,  and  from  the 
 
 eaft  fi  le  eaftward  ;  and  the  length  shall  be  over  againft 
 
 one  of  the  portions,  from  the" weft  border  unto  the 
 eaft  border. 
 
 8  In  the  land  fhall  be  his  pofleflion  in  Ifrael :  and 
 my  princes  fhall  no  more  opprels  my  people  ;  and  the 
 rest  of  the  land  fhall  they  give  to  the  houfe  of  Ifrael 
 according  to  their  tribes. 
 
 9  ^  "1  hus  faith  the  Lord  God,  Let  it  fuffice  you, 
 O  princes  of  Ifrael :  remove  violence  and  fpoil,  and 
 
 f  Heb.  execute  judgment  and  juftice,  take  away  your  f  exac- 
 fspujiions  from  my  people,  faith  the  Lord  God. 
 
 10  Ye  fhall  have  juft  ®  balances,  and  a  juft  ephah, 
 and  a  juft  bath. 
 
 1 1  The  ephah  and  the  bath  fhall  be  of  one  meafure, 
 that  the  bath  may  contain  the  tenth  part  of  an  homer, 
 and  the  ephah  the  tenth  part  of  an  homer :  the  mea¬ 
 fure  thereof  fhall  be  after  the  homer. 
 
 And  the  ^  fhekel  shall  be  twenty  gerahs :  twenty 
 “fhekels,  five  and  twenty  fhekels,  fifteen  fhekelSj  fhall 
 be  your  rnaneh. 
 
 13  This  is  the  oblation  that  ye  fhall  offer ;  the  fixth 
 part  of  an  ephah  of  an  homer  of  wheat,  and  ye  fhall 
 
 so.  13. 
 27.  25. 
 Numb. 
 3.  47. 
 
 Ordinances  for  the  prince,  4., 
 
 U  Concerning  the  ordinance  of  oil,  the  bath  of  oil  Beto 
 ye  shall  offer  the  tenth  part  of  a  bath  out  of  the  cor’  thrift 
 wliich  is  an  homer  of  ten  baths ;  for  ten  baths  are  an 
 homer. 
 
 15  And  one  !|  lamb  out  of  the  flock,  out  of  two  hun-  n  Or 
 dred,  out  of  the  far  pattures  of  Ifrael,  for  a  meat-offer- 
 ing,  and  for  a  burnt-offering,  and  for  1|  peace-offer- 
 ings,  to  make  a  reconciliation  for  then.,  faith  the  LordI^?”^' 
 God. 
 
 16  All  the  people  of  the  land  f  fhall  give  this  ob-tHeb. 
 
 lation  II  for  the  prince  in  Il'rael.  JtaUbe 
 
 17  And  it  fhall  be  the  prince’s  part  to  give  burnt- ^,“0 
 offerings,  and  meat-offerings,  and  drink-offerings,  ini;/,? 
 the  feafts,  and  in  the  new-moons,  and  in  the  fabbaths 
 
 in  all  folemnities  of  the  houfe  of  Ifrael :  he  fhall  pre¬ 
 pare  the  fin-offering,  and  the  meat-offering,  and  the 
 burnt-offering,  and  the  1|  peace  offerings,  to  make  re-  II  Or, 
 conciliation  for  the  houfe  of  Ifrael. 
 
 18  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  In  the  firft  month, 
 the  firft  day  of  the  month,  thou  fhalt  take  a  young 
 bullock  without  blemifh,  and  cleanfe  the  fanctuary  : 
 
 19  And  the  priefts  fhall  take  of  the  blood  of  the  fin- 
 offering,  and  put  it  upon  the  pofts  of  the  houfe,  and 
 upon  the  four  corners  of  the  fettle  of  the  altar,  and 
 upon  the  pofts  of  the  gate  of  the  inner  court. 
 
 20  And  fo  thou  fhalt  do  the  feventh  c?ayof  the  month 
 for  every  one  that  erreth,  and  for  him  that  is  fimple :  fo 
 fhall  ye  reconcile  the  houfe. 
 
 21  In  the  firft  month,  in  the  fourteenth  day  of  the 
 month,  ye  fhall  have  the  paffover,  a  feaft  of  feven 
 days  unleavened  bread  fhall  be  eaten. 
 
 22  And  upon  that  day  fhall  the  prince  prepare  for 
 himfelf,  and  for  all  the  people  of  the  land,  a  bullock 
 for  a  fin-offering. 
 
 23  And  feven  days  of  the  feaft  he  fhall  prepare  a 
 burnt-offering  to  the  Lord,  feven  bullocks  and  feven 
 rams  without  blemifh  daily  the  (even  days  ;  and  a  kid 
 of  the  goats  daily  for  a  fin-offering, 
 
 24  And  he  fhall  prepare  a  meat-offering  of  an  ephah 
 for  a  bullock,  and  an  ephah  for  a  ram,  and  an  hin  of 
 oil  for  an  ephah. 
 
 25  In  the  feventh  month,  in  the  fifteenth  day  of  the 
 month,  fhall  he  do  the  like  in  the  '  feaft  of  the  fevencNuirb 
 days,  according  to  the  fin-offering,  according  to 
 burnt-offering,  and  according  to  the  meat-offering, 
 
 and  according  to  the  oil.^ 
 
 GHAP.  XLVI. 
 
 Ordinstneei  tor  the  prince  in  his  worship,  9  and  for  the  people.  \G  An 
 order  for  the  prince's  inheritance.  1 9  The  courts  for  boiling  and  baking. 
 
 faith  the  Lord  God,  'I'he  gate  of  the  in- 
 ner  court  that  lookeih  toward  the  eaft  fhall  be 
 
 vpiiaii  yji  an  iiwiuci  m  wiicdl,  tilJU  yc  llldll  i  uci  ..wui  I  UIdl  1UUK.CII1  lOWdlU  UlC  eail  lOi 
 
 give  the  fixth  part  of  an  ephah  of  an  homer  of  barley,  fhut  the  fix  working  days  ;  but  on  the  fabbath  it 
 
 from  the  north,  Dan,  Ather,  Napbtali,  Manafleh,  Ephraim,  Reuben,  and 
 Judah  had  their  portions,  all  of  them  extending  from  Jordan  on  the  eatl  to  the 
 Mediterranean  fea  on  the  weft.  All  along  the  fouth  fide  of  Judah’s  portion  is 
 Teprefented  a  facred  portion  of  25,000  reeds  broad.  Of  this,  in  the  middle  of 
 the  country,  a  portion  of  25,000  reeds  from  eaft  to  weft,  and  10,000  from 
 north  to  foutii,  is  allotted  for  the  priefts,  in  the  middle  of  which  a  fquare  of 
 SOO  reeds  is  alloted  for  the  temple  and  its  appurtenances.  On  the  fouth  fide  of 
 the  prieft’s  portion,  another  of  the  fame  dimenfion  is  allotted  for  the  Levites. 
 On  the  fouth  of  the  Levites’  portion,  a  portion  equally  long,  but  only  half  as 
 broad,  as  that  of  the  priefts  and  Levites,  is  aftigned  for  tbo  holy  city ;  that  is, 
 a  fquare  of  5000  reeds  for  the  city  to  Rand  on,  and  a  portion  of  10,000  reeds 
 in  length  and  5000  in  breadth,  on  the  eaft  fide,  and  another  on  the  weft  fide  of 
 
 (ball 
 
 the  fame  extent,  affigned  to  the  office-bearers  in  the  city.  All  of  the  country 
 that  remained  on  the  eaft  fide  and  on  the  west  fide  of  this  facred  fquare  of 
 25,000  reeds,  divided  between  the  priests,  Levites,  and  city,  is  allotted  to  the 
 prince..  And  fouthward  of  that  portion,  in  the  middle  of  which  the  city  stood, 
 and  of  the  land  appointed  for  the  prince  at  the  east  and  west  fides,  the  tribes  of 
 Benjamin,  Simeon,  Iflachar,  Zebulun,  and  Gad  had  their  portions  each  extending 
 from  Jordan  to  the  Mediterranean  fea.  This  divifion  is  entirely  differtut 
 
 from  that  made  by  Jolhua,  Jofli.  xiii— xxi,  Ver.  1^ 25.  The  oblaUtvi 
 
 here  mean  Christ  as  offered  in  facrifice  to  God,  and  reprefented  as  a  Saviour  W 
 Tinners;  and  his  people  giving  up  themfelves,  and  all  that  they  have  to 
 through  him. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XLVI.  Ver.  1—15.  The  rules  here 
 
 PR  A  CTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.-  XLV.]  God  ought  to  be  honoured  with  the  first  and  best  of  our  fuhstance  ;  and  his  ministers  and  magistrate 
 Ihould  he  fo  provided  lor  as  that  they  may  constantly  attend  to  their  work.  Wherever  religion  thrives,  true  liberty  and  striht  honesty  will  abound.  Though  our  gred 
 facrifice  of  atonement  was  offered  but  once  for  all,  our  fpiritual  faerifices  of  thankfgiving  to  God  through  Christ  ought  to  be  daily  continued,  efpccially  when  be  allo»* 
 the  more  folemn  ordinances  of  his  worfliip. 
 
Ordinances  for  the  people. 
 
 Before  be  Opened,  and  in  the  day  of  the  new  moon  it  (hall  be 
 ciirift  opened, 
 
 2  And  the  prince  fhall  enter  by  the  way  of  the  porch 
 o^that  gate  without,  and  fhall  ftand  by  the  poftof  the 
 gate,  and  the  pri^^fts  (hall  prepare  his  burnt-olfering, 
 and  his  peace-olferings,  and  he  (hall  worfhip  at  the 
 threfiiold  ot  the  g^te  :  then  he  (hall  go  forth  ;  but  the 
 gates  (hall  not  be  (hut  until  the  evening. 
 
 3  Ltkewife  the  people  of  the  land  (hall  worfhip  at 
 the  door  of  this  gate  before  the  Lord  in  the  fabbaths, 
 and  in  the  new-moons. 
 
 4  And  the  burn'^-ofFering,  that  the  prince  (hall  offer 
 unto  the  Lord  in  the  fabbath  dav  shall  be  fix  lambs 
 without  blemilh,  and  a  ram  without  blemifh, 
 
 5  And  the  meat-offering  shall  be  an  ephah  for  a 
 f  Heb.  ram,  and  the  meat-offering  for  the  lambs  t  as  he  fhall 
 the  gift  able  to  give,  and  an  hin  of  oil  to  an  ephah. 
 
 EZEKIEL. 
 
 The  princess  inherit  awe. 
 
 iis  hand. 
 
 it  shall  be  a 
 lambs  and  a 
 
 6  And  -in  thie  day  of  the  new-moon 
 young  bullock  without  blemifh,  and  fix 
 ram  ;  they  (hall  be  without  bl  mi(h. 
 
 7  And  he  (hall  prepare  a  meat-offering,  an  ephah 
 for  a  bullock,  and  an  ephah  for  a  ram  ;  and  for  the 
 lambs  according  as  his  hand  fhall  attain  unto,  and  an 
 hin  of  oil  to  an  ephah. 
 
 8  And  when  the  prince  (hall  enter,  he  fhall  go  in  by 
 the  way  of  the  porch  of  that  gate,  and  ye  (hall  go 
 forth  by  the  way  thereof. 
 
 9  f  But  when  the  people  of  the  land  fhall  come  be¬ 
 fore  the  Lord  in  the  folemn  feafts,  he  that  entereth 
 in  by  the  way  of  the  north  gate  to  worfhip  (hall  go 
 out  by  the  way  of  the  fouth  gate ;  and  he  that  enter- 
 eth  by  the  way  of  the  fouth  gate  fhall  go  forth  by  the 
 way  of  the  north  gate  :  he  fhall  not  return  by  the  way 
 of  the  gate  whereby  he  came  in,  but  fhall  go  forth 
 over  againfl  it. 
 
 10  And  the  prince  in  the  midft  of  them,  when  they 
 go  in  (hall  go  in ;  and  when  they  go  forth,  fhall  go 
 forth  ; 
 
 1 1  And  in  the  feafts,  and  in  the  folemnities,  the 
 meat-offering  (hall  be  an  ephah  to  a  bullock,  and  an 
 ephah  to  a  ram,  and  to  the  lambs  as  he  is  able  to  give, 
 and  an  hin  of  oil  to  an  ephah. 
 
 12  Now  when  the  prince  (hall  prepare  a  voluntary 
 burnt-offering,  or  peace-offerings  voluntary  unto  the 
 Lord,  one  (hall  then  open  him  the  gate  that  looketh 
 toward  the  eaft,  and  he  (hall  prepare  his  burnt-offer¬ 
 ing,  and  his  peace-offerings,  as  he  did  on  the  fabbath- 
 day  ;  then  he  (hall  go  forth  ;  and  after  his  going  forth 
 one  (hall  fhut  the  gate. 
 
 13  Thou  (halt  daily  prepare  a  burnt-offering  unto 
 
 the  Lord  of  a  lamb  f  of  the  firft  year  without  ble- 
 mifh  ;  and  thou  (halt  prepare  it  f  every  morning.  574. 
 
 14  And  thou  (halt  prepare  a  meat-offering  for  it 
 
 every  morning,  the  fixth  part  of  an  ephah,  and  thet  Heb. 
 third  part  of  an  hin  of  oil,  to  temper  with  the  fine 
 flour :  a  meat-offering  continually,  by  a  perpetual  or-  ^  Heb. 
 dinance,  unto  the  Lord  mornmg 
 
 15  Thus  fhall  they  prepare  the  lamb,  and  the  meat- g 
 offering,  and  the  oil  every  morning,  /or  a  continual 
 
 burnt-offering.  ^.rru- 
 
 1611  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  If  the  prince  give  a 
 gift  unto  any  of  his  Cons,  the  inheritance  thereof  fhall 
 be  his  fons ;  it  shall  be  their  poffeffion  by  inheritance.^ 
 
 17  But  if  he  give  a  gift  of  tiis  intieritance  to  one  of 
 his  fervants,  then  it  fhall  be  his  to  the  year  of  liberty ; 
 after  it  fhall  return  to  the  prince  ;  but  his  inheritance 
 fhall  be  his  Tons  for  them. 
 
 18  Moreover,  the  prince  fhall  not  take  of  the 
 people’s  inheritance  by  oppreffion  to  thruft  them  out 
 of  their  poffeffion :  but  he  fhall  give  his  (bns  inheri¬ 
 tance  out  of  tiis  own  poffeffion :  that  my  people  be 
 not  fcattered  every  man  from  his  poffeffion. 
 
 19  H  After  he  brought  me  through  the  entry,  which 
 •was  at  the  fide  of  the  gate,  into  the  holy  chambers  of 
 me  priefts,  which  looked  toward  the  north  :  and,  be¬ 
 hold,  there  ims  a  place  on  the  two  fides  weftward. 
 
 20  Then  faid  he  unto  me.  This  is  the  place  where 
 the  prieft  fhall  boil  the  trefpafs-offering,  and  the  fin- 
 offering,  where  they  fhall  bake  the  meat-offering ; 
 that  they  bear  them  not  out  into  the  outer  court,  to 
 fan£fifv  the  people. 
 
 21  Then  he  brought  me  forth  into  the  outer  court, 
 and  caufed  me  to  pals  by  the  four  corners  of  the 
 court ;  and,  behold,  t  in  every  corner  of  the  court  t  Heb, 
 
 there  was  a  court.  a  comer 
 
 22  In  the  four  corners  of  the  court  there  were  courts  a  court) 
 11  joined  of  forty  cubits  long,  and  thirty  broad:  thefeanda 
 
 four  t  corners  -were  of  one  mealure.  _  cornL-'or* 
 
 23  And  there  was  a  row  oj  building  round  about  in 
 
 them  round  about  them  four,  and  it  was  made  with  y  or, 
 boiling-places  under  the  rows  round  about.  mudewUh 
 
 24  Then  faid  he  unto  me,  Thefe  ore  the  places 
 them  that  boil,  where  the  rainilters  of  the  houle  fhall 
 boil  the  facrifice  of  the  people.* 
 
 CHAP.  XLVII. 
 
 I  The  vision  of  the  holy  waters ;  the  virtue  o/"  them.  13  The  borders  of 
 
 the  land  ;  22  the  division  of  it  by  lot. 
 
 Afterward  he  brought  me  again  unto  the 
 door  of  the  houfe  ;  and,  behold,  waters  iflued 
 out  trom  under  the  threfhold  of  the  houfe  eattward  ; 
 
 preferibed  for  the  place  and  manner  of  God’s  worfliip  like  the  preceeding  folemni¬ 
 ties,  differed  far  from  thofe  preferibed  by  the  law  of  Mofes.  The  eaft  gate  on  the 
 fabbaths,  the  new  moons,  and  when  the  prince  offered  a  voluntary  facrifice,  was  to 
 be  opened  for  him,  which  at  other  times  was  ftiut,  chap.  xliv.  2.  though  it  feems 
 be  inuft  not  go  through  it  into  the  inner  court,  but  ftand  in  the  porch,  by  the  poll 
 of  the  door,  from  whence  he  might  obferve  the  prieft  offering  the  facrifices  he 
 brought.  The  people  were  to  enter  the  courts  of  the  houfe  by  the  north  and 
 fouth  gates ;  ohferving  always  to  return  by  the  gate  oppolite  that  by  which  they 
 entered  ;  and  on  the  fabbaths  and  new  moons  they  were  to  attend  the  prince  at 
 the  eaft  gate,  who  Ihould  be  in  the  midft  of  them  to  he  their  leader  and  example  in 
 the  holy  fervice  The  facrifices  the  prince  muft  provide,  are  a  daily  burnt-offer¬ 
 ing  of  a  lamb;  on  the  fabbaths  fix  lambs  and  a  ram  :  on  the  new  moons  an  ox 
 tvas  moreover  added  ;  all  of  them  without  blemilh,  with  their  feveral  meat  and 
 drink-offerings:  force  of  thefo  are  much  larger  than  was  ordered  by  the  law  of 
 llofes,  whilft  thofe  for  the  lambs  are  left  to  his  ability.  Ver.  16  —  18.  Jfaprince 
 
 was  defirous  to  leave  an  inheritance  to  any  of  bis  children,  he  is  permitted  to  fet* 
 tie  a  part  of  his  poflfeffion  upon  him,  and  it  would  continue  to  his  defeendants  for 
 ever ;  but  if  he  made  a  gift  of  land  to  any  of  his  fervants,  it  muft  revert  to  hia 
 family  again  at  the  year  of  jubilee.  Thefe  gifts  muft  be  out  of  his  own  patrimo¬ 
 ny,  and  not  the  fruits  of  oppreffion,  or  the  plunder  of  his  people.  Kings  muft, 
 by  their  mild  and  equitable  rule  gain  the  love  of  their  fubje6ts;  this  will  prove 
 their  greateft  riches,  for  then  they  will  be  ready  to  facrifice  their  lives  and  fortunes 
 in  his  fervice.  Ver.  19—24.  The  altar  being  fo  liberally  as  above  fupplied  with 
 facrifices,  part  of  which  belonged  to  the  priefts,  and  were  to  be  eaten  in  the  holy 
 place  there  were  boilers  and  ovens  near  their  chambers,  where  they  prepared  thele 
 holy  things,  none  of  which  might  be  carried  out  into  the  Outer  court  to  fanClify 
 the  people,  who  might  fancy,  that  partaking  of  thefe  holy  things  tVould  recom¬ 
 mend  them  to  God’s  favour,  or  that  but  touching  them  communicated  vir. 
 tue. 
 
 EXPLaNATORYNOTES.  ChaP.XLVII.  Ver.  1—12.  TheCe watersissuing 
 
 practical  observations. — *  Chap.  XLVI.]  All  ranks  of  men  fhould  carefully  concur  in  promoting  the  regular  fantSlification  of  the  fabbath,  and 
 the  whole  wi.rftiip  of  God.  And  it  is  the  giealelt  glory  of  princes  to  he  patterns  of  true  piety  to  their  people.  It  is  very  graceful  to  behold  great  men  reverently 
 ■atiending  the  nrdinanci'S  of  the  gofpel  with  their  fervants,  tenants,  and  poor  nround  them  ;  and  it  is  an  honour  for  princes  to  be  generous,  tviihout  opprefltng  theit 
 fubje^ts;  but  infinitely  more  fo  for  Jefus  to  give  gifts  to  his  fervile  prOfeffors,  qualifying  them  for  the  help  of  his  church  in  this  life. 
 
The  vision  of  the  holn'Vcaters* 
 
 EZEKIEL. 
 
 waters  of 
 swim¬ 
 ming. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 lip. 
 
 a  Revel. 
 22.  2. 
 
 chrift  *he  houfe  stood  toward  the  eaft 
 
 574.  and  the  waters  came  down  from  under  from  the  right 
 
 o  fhe  altar. 
 
 -  Ihen  brought  he  me  out  of  the  way  of  the  gate 
 northw'ard,  and  led  me  about  the  way  without  unto 
 the  outer  gate  by  the  wav  that  looketh  eaftward  ;  and, 
 beholG,  there  ran  out  waters  on  the  right  fide. 
 
 3  And  when  the  man  that  had  the  line  in  his  hand 
 +  mak  u  eaftward,  he  meafured  a  thoufand  cubits, 
 waters  of  brought  me  through  the  waters:  the  f  waters 
 
 the  ancles.  ^ 
 
 4?  Again  he  meafured  a  thoufand,  and  brought  me 
 through  the  waters;  the  waters  were  to  the  knees. 
 Again  he  meafured  a  thouland,  and  brought  me 
 through  ;  the  waters  were  to  the  loins. 
 
 5  Afterward  he  meafured  a  thoufand  ;  and  it  was 
 
 Heb  that  I  could  not  pafs  over  ;  for  the  waters  were 
 
 ‘  •  rifen,  f  waters  to  fwim  in,  a  river  that  could  not  be 
 
 pafted  over. 
 
 6  ^  And  he  faid  unto  me,  Son  of  man,  haft  thou 
 feen  this.^  Then  he  brought  me,  and  caufed  me  to 
 return  to  the  brink  of  the  river. 
 
 7  Now,  when  I  had  returned,  behold,  at  the  f  bank 
 of  the  river  were  very  many  “  trees  on  the  one  fide 
 and  on  the  other. 
 
 8  Then  faid  he  unto  me,  Thefe  waters  iffue  out  to¬ 
 ward  the  eaft  country,  and  go  down  into  the  ||  defert, 
 and  go  into  the  fea:  which  being  brought  forth  into 
 the  fea,  the  waters  fhall  be  healed. 
 
 9  And  it  (hall  come  to  pafs,  that  every  thing  that- 
 liv'eth,  which  moveth,  whitherloever  the  |j  rivers  fhall 
 come,  fhall  live :  and  there  fhall  be  a  very  great  mul¬ 
 titude  of  fifh,  becaufe  thefe  waters  fhall  come  thither : 
 for  they  fhall  be  healed  ;  and  every  thing  fhall  live 
 whither  the  river  cometh. 
 
 10  And  it  fhall  come  to  pafs,  that  the  fifhers  fhall 
 ftand  upon  it,  from  Eri-gedi  even  unto  En-eglaim  ; 
 they  fhall  be  a  place  to  i'pread  forth  nets;  their  fifh 
 fhall  be  according  to  their  kinds,  as  the  fifli  of  thej 
 great  fea,  exceeding  many. 
 
 It  But  the  miry  places  thereof,  and  the  marfhes 
 thereof  \\  fhall  not  be  healed  ;  they  fhall  be  given  to 
 fait. 
 
 snaunoi  by  the  river,  upon  the  bank  thereof,  on 
 
 beheaied.  this  fide,  ^nd  on  that  fide,  t  fhall  grow  all  trees  for 
 t  Heb.  meat,  whofe  leaf  fliall  not  fade,  neither  fliall  the  fruit 
 sA'jWcomejhgj-gQf'  confumed  :  it  fhall  bring  forth  1|  new'  fruit 
 I^Or,  according  to  his  months,  becaufe  their  waters  they  if- 
 principai.  fucd  out  of  the  fanctuary  ;  and  the  fruit  thereof  ihall 
 II  Or, /or  he  for  meat,  and  the  leaf  thereof  (|  for  ^  medicine. 
 and^sores  ^  ^  ^  Thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  Thiss/ta// be  the  bor- 
 
 bVever  tier  whereby  ye  fhall  inherit  the  land,  according  to  the 
 22.  2.  twelve  tribes  of  Ifrael :  Jofeph  shall  have  two  portions, 
 
 II  Or, 
 plain. 
 
 II  Or, 
 two  rivers. 
 
 II  Or. 
 
 and  that 
 which 
 shall  not 
 
 forth  from  the  temple  at  the  south  side  of  the  altar,  denote  the  purifying,  re- 
 frefhing,  and  frudtifying  oracles  and  ordinances  of  the  gofpcl,  and  the  Holy 
 Ghoft  in  his  gifts  and  graces  attending  the  fame  iffuing  forth  from  Chrifl’s 
 perfon  and  through  liis  righteoufnefs.  Their  gradunlincrease,  denotes  the  gradual 
 progrefs  of  gofpel  truths  and  influences  till  the  whole  earth  be  filled  With  the 
 knowledge  of  the  Lord  ;  their  running  into  the  Dead  Sea  of  Sodom,  and  quick¬ 
 ening  or  producing  multitudes  of  fifh,  reprefents  gofpel  truths  and  influences 
 as  running  into  the  Gentile  world,  even  the  worft  places  of  it,  which  had  long 
 lain  in  wickednefs  and  under  the  curfe  of  God;  the  many  fishes  like  the 
 fishes  of  the  Mediterranean  Sea  are  multitudes  of  finners,  in  a  thoufand  diverfified 
 forms  of  mifery  and  guilt,  attending  gofpel  ordinances,  and  by  means  thereof 
 
 & 
 8.  Sc 
 
 The  division  of  the  land  by 
 
 14  And  ye  fliall  inherit  it,  one  as  well  as  another  •  BotoJ 
 concernmg  the  which  I  I1  =  lifted  up  mine  hand  fo  give 
 It  un  o  your  fathers,  and  this  land  fliall  fall  unto  you 
 for  inherifance.  ^  1^0^^ 
 
 1.5  And  this  shall  be  the  border  of  the  land  toward 
 the  north  fide,  from  the  great  fea,  the  way  of  Heth-*' 
 
 Ion,  as  men  go  to  Zedad  :  7. 
 
 16  Hamath,  Berothab,  Sibraim,  which /s  between  ss!  3.  &. 
 the  border  of  Hamafeus  and  the  border  of  Hamath  •  ts. 
 
 II  Hazor-hatticon,  which  is  by  the  coalt  of  Hauran.  ’  ,1  Or 
 
 17  And  the  border  from  the  fea  fli?d!  be  Hazar-  the  middls 
 enan,  the  border  of  Damafeus,  and  the  north  north- 
 ward,  and  the  border  of  Hamath.  And  ihis  is  the 
 north  fide. 
 
 18  And  the  eaft  fide  ye  fliall  meafure  f  from  Hau-  f  Heb 
 ran,  and  from  Dainalcus,  and  from  Gilead,  and  from/wn  6^ 
 the  land  of  Ilraeli^  Jordan,  from  the  border  unto 
 
 eaft  fea.  And  this  is  the  eaft  fide. 
 
 19  And  the  fouth  fide  fouthw'ard,  from  Tamar  even 
 
 to  the  waters  of  ||  ftrife  in  Kadefl),  the  ||  river  to  the||  Or, 
 great  fea.  And  this  the  fouth  fide  fouth  ward.  Meriboh, 
 
 20  ft  he  weft  fide  alio  shall  be  the  great  lea  from  the 
 border,  tiH  a  man  come  over  againft  Hamath.  This  rs  T  of 
 the  weft  fide,  _ 
 
 21  So  fliall  ye  divide  this  land  unto  you  according 
 to  the  tribes  of  Ilrael. 
 
 22  U  And  it  fliall  come  to  pafs,  that  ye  fliall  divide 
 it  by  lot  for  an  inheritance  unto  you,  and  to  the  ftran- 
 gers  that  fojourn  among  you,  which  ffiall  beget  children 
 among  you  ;  and  they  fhall  be  unto  you  as  boro  in  the 
 country  among  the  children  of  Ifrael ;  they  fliall  have 
 inheritance  with  you  among  the  tribes  of  Ifrael. 
 
 23  And  it  fhall  come  to  pa(,s,  that  in  what  tribe  the 
 ftranger  fojourneth,  there  fhall  ye  give  him  his  inheri¬ 
 tance  fiiiih  the  Lord  God.* 
 
 CHAP.  XLVIII. 
 
 1,  23  The  portions  of  the  twelve  tribes,  8  of  the  sanctuary,  13  o;  the  cities 
 and  suburbs,  2 1  of  the  prince,  30  the  dimensions  and  gales  of  the  cihj. 
 
 NOW  thefe  are  the  names  of  the  tribes.  From 
 the  north  end  to  the  coaft  of  the  way  of  Hethlon, 
 as  one  goeth  to  Hamath,  Hazir-eiian,  the  border  of 
 Damafeus  northward,  to  the  coaft  of  Hamath,  (for 
 thele  are  his  fides  eaft  and  wefl,)  f  a  portion  for  Dan.  f  iieb, 
 
 2  And  by  the  border  of  Dan,  from  the  eaft  fide»»e 
 unto  the  weft  fide,  a  portion  for  Aflier,  portion, 
 
 3  And  by  the  border  of  Afher,  from  the  eaft  fide 
 even  unto  the  weft  fide,  a  portion  for  Naphtali. 
 
 4  And  by  the  border  of  Naphtali,  from  the  eaft 
 fide  unto  the  weft  fide,  z  portion  for  Manaffeh. 
 
 ,  J M  **  V  14  • 
 
 5  And  by  the  border  of  Manaffeh  from  the  eaft 
 
 fide  unto  the  weft  fide,  z  portion  for  Ephraim. 
 
 6  And  by  the  border  of  Ephraim,  from  the  eaft 
 fide  even  unto  the  weft  fide,  a  portion  for  Reuben. 
 
 drawn  unto  Clirift.  The  miry  places  and  marshes  aie  obflinate  finners,  Jews  atj. 
 tichriflians,  &c.  abandoned  of  God  to  their  own  lufts  and  to  everlaflino-  dat’nna- 
 tion.  The  ever  fiourishing,  fruitful  and  medicinal  trees  on  the  bank  oj  thh  river  are 
 Jefus  the  Tree  of  life,  eternally  glorious,  and  infinitely  ufeful  to  his  people,  and 
 his  people  thcmfelves,  as  trees  of  righteoufnefs,  by  the  influence  of  his  w„rd 
 and  Spirit  perfevering  in  their  profeffion  and  grace,  honouring  God  and  being 
 ufeful  to  their  neighbours  around.  Ver.  13—23.  The  Jews  after  their  captivity 
 never  had  the  whole  territory  h,  re  mentioned.  Few  of  the  ten  tribes  then  re¬ 
 turned.  Nor  was  tire  country  ever  parcelled  out  in  the  manner  diredled  in  this 
 and  the  next  chapter. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XLVIII.  Canaan  here  divided,  re- 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  XLVIL]  What  a  bit  fled  fource  of  oracles  ordinances,  and  influences  is  Jefus  Chrift,  God-man,  the  Lord  our 
 
 Righteoufnefs  !  Great  is  the  fovereignty  of  God  in  tranfmitting  bis  blcflings  to  the  very  word  of  ptrfons  and  places:  and  almighty  the  influence  his  word  and 
 Spirit!  not  even  death — a  death  in  trefpalTes  and  fins  can  withftaiid  it!  But,  alas,  unhappy  are  they  to  whom  it  is  a  favour  of  death  unto  deafh  and  damnation. 
 Glorious  in  character,  perfeveriAg  and  fruitful  in  good  works  toward  God  and  man  are  bis  faints. 
 
fhe  portion  of  the  sanctuary,  ^c. 
 
 EZEKIEL. 
 
 The  dimensions  and  gates  of  the  city* 
 
 Or 
 
 tified. 
 portion 
 shall  be 
 jor 
 
 ordinance' 
 
 7  And  by  the  border  of  Reuben,  from  the  eafl.  fide 
 even  unto  the  weft  fide,  z  portion  for  Judah. 
 
 8  f  And  bv  the  border  ot  Judah,  from  the  eaft  fide 
 onto  the  weft  fide,  (hall  be  the  ofFerinp;  which  ye  fiiall 
 rfer  of  five  and  twenty  thoufand  reeds  in  breadth,  and 
 in  length  as  one  of  the  other  parts,  from  the  ea(i  fide 
 unto  the  weft  fide  :  and  the  fanftuary  (hall  be  in  the 
 midft  of  it. 
 
 9  The  oblation  that  ye  (hall  offer  unto  the  Lord 
 
 shall  he  of  five  and  twenty  thoufand  in  length,  and  ot 
 ten  thoufand  in  breadth.  '  '  , 
 
 10  And  for  them,  even  for  the  priefts,  fhall'be  this 
 holy  oblation  ;  toward  the  north  five  and  twenty  thou- 
 lind  in  length,  and  toward  the  weft  ten  thoufand  in  j 
 breadth,  and  toward  the  eaft  ten  thoufand  in  breadth, 
 and  toward  the  Couth  five  and  twenty  thoufand  in  ' 
 length  ;  and  the  fanftuary  of  the  Lord  (hall  be  in  the 
 midft  thereof. 
 
 11  II  shall  he  for  the  priefts  that  are  fan^lified  of  the 
 r/ie*sa«c-fons  of  Zadok,  which  have  kept  my  H  charge,  which 
 
 went  not  aftray  when  the  children  of  Ilrael  went  aftray, 
 as  the  Levites  went  aftray.  _  ' 
 
 12  And  this  oblation  of  the  land  that  is  offered  fhall 
 be  unto  them  a  thing  moft  holy,  by  the  border  of  the 
 Levites. 
 
 13  And  over  againft  the  border  of  the  priefts  the 
 Levites  shall  have  five  and  twenty  thoufand  in  length, 
 and  ten  thoufand  in  breadth ;  all  the  length  shall  be 
 five  and  twenty  thoufand,  and  the  breadth  ten  thou¬ 
 fand. 
 
 14  And  they  fhall  not  fell  of  it,  neither  exchange, 
 por  alienate  the  firft-fruits  of  the  land :  for  it  is  holy 
 unto  the  Lord. 
 
 15  ^  And  the  five  thoufand  that  are  left  in  the 
 breadth,  over  againft  the  five  and  twenty  thoufand, 
 (hall  be  a  profane  for  the  city,  for  dwelling,  and 
 for  fuburbs :  and  the  city  fhall  be  in  the  midft  thereof. 
 
 16  And  thefe  shall  he  the  meafures  thereof ;  the 
 north  fide  four  thoufand  and  five  hundred,  and  the 
 Couth  fide  four  thoufand  and  five  hundred,  and  the 
 eaft  fide  four  thoufand  and  five  hundred,  and  the  weft 
 fide  four  thoufand  and  five  hundred. 
 
 17  And  the  fuburbs  of  the  city  fhall  be  toward  the 
 north  two  hundred  and  fifty,  and  toward  the  fouth 
 two  hundred  and  fifty,  and  toward  the  eaft  two  hun- 
 dred  and  fifty,  and  toward  the  weft  two  hundred  and 
 fifty. 
 
 18  And  the  refidue  in  length,  over  againft  the  obla¬ 
 tion  of  the  ^o\y portion,  shall  he  ten  thoufand  eaftward, 
 and  ten  thoufand  weftward  ;  and  it  fhall  be  over  againft 
 the  oblation  of  the  holy  portion;  and  the  increale 
 thereof  fhall  be  for  food  unto  them  that  ferve  the  city. 
 
 19  And  they  that  ferve  the  city  fhall  ferve  it  out  of 
 
 all  the  tribes  of  Ifrael.  ^  ,  r  ,  574. 
 
 20  All  the  oblation  shall  he  five^md  tweny  thoufand 
 by  five  and  twenty  thoufand;  ye  (hall  offer  the  holy 
 oblation  four  fquare,  with  the  pofl'eflion  of  the  city. 
 
 21  H  And  the  refidue  shall  he  for  the  prince,  on  the 
 one  fide  and  on  the  other  of  the  holy  oblation,  and  of 
 the  pofTeffion  of  the  city,  over  againft  the  five  and 
 twenty  thoufand  of  the  oblation  toward  the  eaft  bor¬ 
 der,  and  weftward  over  againft  the  five  and  twenty 
 thoufand  toward  the  weft  border,  over  againft  the 
 portions  for  the  prince:  and  shall  he  the  holy  oblar 
 tion  ;  and  the  fanftuary  of  the  houle  shall  he  in  the 
 
 midft  thereof.  ^  ^  ,  t  •  j 
 
 22  Moreover,  from  the  pofTeffion  of  the  Levites,  and 
 from  the  pofTeffion  of  the  city,  being  in  the  midft  of  that 
 which  is  the  prince’s,  between  the  border  of  Judah  and 
 the  border  of  Benjamin,  fhall  be  for  the  prince. 
 
 23  f  As  for  the  reft  of  the  tribes,  from  the  eaft  fide 
 unto  the  weft  fide,  Benjamin  shall  have  f  z  portion.  II  Or, 
 
 24  And  by  the  border  of  Benjamin,  from  the  eaft*”;P°'^' 
 fide  unto  the  weft  fide,  Simeon  shall  have  z  portion. 
 
 25  And  by  the  border  of  Simeon,  from  the  eaft 
 fide  unto  the  weft  fide  IfTachar  a  portion. 
 
 26  And  by  the  border  of  Iflachar,  from  the  eaft 
 fide  unto  the  weft  fide,  Zebulun  a  portion. 
 
 27  And  by  the  border  of  Zebuiun,  from  the  eaft 
 fide  onto  the  weft  fide.  Gad  a  poHion, 
 
 28  And  by  the  border  of  Gad,  at  the  fouth  fide 
 
 fouthward,  the  border  fhall  be  even  from  Tamar 
 unto  the  waters  of  f  ftrife  in  Kadefh,  and  to  the  river  f 
 toward  the  great  fea.  _ 
 
 29  This  is  the  land  which  ye  (hall  divide  by  lot 
 unto  the  tribes  of  Ifrael  for  inheritance,  and  thefe  are 
 their  portions,  faith  the  Lord  God. 
 
 30  ^  And  thefe  are  the  goings  out  of  the  city  on  the 
 north  fide,  four  thoufand  and  five  hundred  meafures. 
 
 31  And  the  gates  of  the  city  shall  he  after  the  names 
 of  the  tribes  of  Ifrael :  three  gates  northward  ;  one 
 gate  of  Reuben,  one  gate  of  Judah,  one  gate  of  Levi. 
 
 32  And  at  the  eaft;  fide  four  thoufand  and  five  hun¬ 
 dred  :  and  three  gates  ;  and  one  gate  of  Jofeph,  one 
 gate  of  Benjamin,  one  gate  of  Dan. 
 
 33  And  at  the  fouth  fide  four  thoufand  and  five  hun¬ 
 dred  meafures :  and  three  gates  ;  one  gate  of  Simeon, 
 one  gate  of  Iflachar,  one  gate  of  Zebulun. 
 
 34  At  the  weft  fide  four  thoufand  and  five  hundred, 
 
 •with  their  three  gates  ;  one  gate  of  Gad,  one  gate  of 
 Afhur,  one  gate  of  Naphtali. 
 
 35  It  was  round  about  eighteen  thoufand  measures 
 
 and  the  name  of  the  city  from  tJtat  day  shall  be,  f  the 
 Lord  is  there.*.  sitammah. 
 
 prefents  the  gofpel  church  as  containing  all  the  tribes  of  the  redeemed,  with  the 
 prefence  and  ordinances  of  God  in  the  midft  of  them ;  and  admiflion  to  which 
 no  natural  defcent,  no  civil  charadler  or  privilege,  is  the  lead  to  be  regarded. 
 Jerufalem,  the  holy  city,  reprefents  the  gofpel  church  as  exceedingly  enlarged,  as 
 
 wholly  anfwerable  to  the  meafuring  line  of  God  s  word,  as  abundantly  acceOdbie 
 to  all  ends  of  the  earth,  and  as  dignihed  with  the  fpecial  care,  prefence,  and  ordi¬ 
 nances  of  Jehovah. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS _ *Chai-.  XLVIII.]  In  the  gofpel  church  old  things  are  paifed  away,  and  all  things  are  become  itew.  Great  the  re¬ 
 
 gularity,  the  ftability,  the  ftrengtb,  the  extent,  the  freedom,  the  life,  and  honour  of  our  gofpel  Jerufalem  in  the  apoftolic  and  millenial  penods  .  What  then  fliall  be 
 the  heavenly  city  in  which  God  is  all  and  in  all. 
 
 9  R 
 
 26 
 
THE  BOOK  OF  THE  PROPHET 
 
 DANIEL. 
 
 THE  ARGUMENT. 
 
 Danid  tiyars  nery  remarkahlefor  Ms  holiness,  his  great  zeal,  and  the  revelations  he  received.  The  testimony  given  of  him 
 j  the  fourteetith  and  fwenty-eighth  chapters  of  Ezekiel,  and  what  our  Lord  says  of  him  in  the  gospel,  proves 
 
 that  he  was  a  very  holy  man,  and  a  great  prophet.  He  lived  at  Babylon  600  years  before  the  coming  of  our  Lord  ; 
 and  was  there  known  as  a  prophet  all  the  time  of  the  captivity,  and  beyond  it,  that  is,  upward  of  seventy  years  \ 
 so  that  he  lived  to  a  verij  advanced  age.  This  book  is  made  up  of  histories  and  remarkable  prophecies.  We  have 
 here  the  histoiy  of  several  considerable  events  which  happened  at  Babylon,  both  to  the  prophet  Daniel  and  to  the 
 kings  of  that  country  ;  and  several  prophecies  which  describe  the  revolutions  which  were  to  happen  in  the  kingdoms 
 of  the  world  and  particularly  in  the  state  of  the  Jews',  as  also  the  coming  of  the  Messiah. 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 607. 
 
 •  Fore¬ 
 told. 
 
 S  Kings 
 20.17,18 
 
 CHAP.  I. 
 
 1  Jehoialcim's  captivity,  3  Ashpenaz  laketh  Daniel,  Hananiah,  Mishael, 
 and  Azariah  to  instruct  them,  8  they  refuse  the  king's  portion,  do 
 prosper  with  pulse  and  water. 
 
 IN  the  third  year  of  the  reign  of  Jehoiakim  king  of 
 Judah  *  came  Nebuchadnezzar  king  of  Babylon 
 unto  Jerufalem,  and  befieged  it. 
 asKings^  2  And  the  Lord  gave  Jehoiakim  king  of  Judah 
 2  Cbron.  hand,  with  part  of  the  veflels  of  the  houfe 
 
 36. 36.  ’  of  God,  which  he  carried  into  the  land  of  Shinar,  to 
 cir.  606.  the  houfe  of  his  god  ;  and  he  brought  the  veflels  into 
 the  trea fore- houfe  of  his  god. 
 
 3  f  And  the  king  fpake  unto  Aflipeoaz,  the  matter 
 of  his  eunuchs,  that  he  (hould  bring  *  certain  of  the 
 children  of  Kfael,  and  of  the  king’s  feed,  and  of  the 
 princes; 
 
 4  Children  in  whom  was  no  blemifh,  but  well- 
 favoured,  and  ikilful  in  all  wifdom,  and  cunning  in 
 knowledge,  and  underftanding  fcience,^  and  fuch  as 
 had  ability  in  them  to  ftand  in  the  king’s  palace,  and 
 whom  they  might  teach  the  learning  and  the  tongue 
 of  the  Chaldeans. 
 
 5  And  the  king  appointed  them  a  daily  provifion  of 
 the  king’s  meat,  and  of  t  the  wine  which  he  drank :  ib 
 nourilhing  them  three  years,  that  at  the  end  thereof 
 they  might  ftand  before  the  king. 
 
 6  Now  among  thefe  were,  of  the  children  of  Judah, 
 Daniel,  Hananiah,  Miftiael,  and  Azariah ; 
 
 7  Unto  whom  the  prince  of  the  eunuchs  gave  names: 
 for  he  gave  unto  Daniel  the  name  of  Belteftiazzar : 
 and  to  Hananiah,  of  Shadrach ;  and  to  Mifhael,  of 
 Meftiach  :  and  to  Azariah,  of  Abed-nego. 
 
 8  H  But  Daniel  purpofed  in  his  heart  that  he  would 
 not  defile  himl’elf  with  the  portion  of  the  king’s  meat. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 the  wine 
 of  his 
 drink. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  I.  Ver.  1—21.  Nebuchadnezzar  in¬ 
 vaded  Judea  in  the  third  year  of  Jehoiakim,  befieged  and  took  Jerufalem  ;  but 
 on  the  king  fubmitting  to  become  his  vaifal,  he  left  them  in  potfelTion  of  bis 
 dignity,  contenting  himfelf  with  the  riches  of  the  temple  for  a  fpoil,  and  a 
 few  young  men  of  noble  birth,  engaging  manners,  and  promiUng  talents,  who, 
 while  they  were  proper  pledges  of  their  parents’  fidelity,  might  prove  an  honour 
 and  advantage  to  bis  empire.  However  well  qualified  thefe  young  men  were 
 to  maintain  the  dignity  and  promote  the  profperity  of  their  own  kingdom, 
 Nebuchadnezzar  would  naturally  enough  fuppofe,  that  they  were  unfit  for 
 immediately  executing  any  important  trufl  under  him;  for  he  neither  knew 
 nor  refledled,  that  the  God  whom  they  ferved  was  able  and  difpofed  to  confer 
 on  them  momentarily  every  ufeful  talent,  every  poflible  ezce'lence.  It  there¬ 
 fore  indicated  wife  policy  to  gain  their  afTetftions  and  confidence  by  rendering 
 Iheir  fituation  agreeable;  to  make  them  familiarly  acquainted  with  the  laws 
 and  manners  of  bis  kingdom,  by  afTording  them  means  of  acijuiring  the  language 
 and  literature  of  Babylon;  and  if  poflible,  completely  to  naturalize  them  by 
 
 and 
 
 nor  with  the  wine  which  he  drank :  therefore  he  re- 
 quefted  of  the  prince  of  the  eunuchs  that  he  might 
 not  defile  himfelf. 
 
 9  Now  God  had  brought  Daniel  into  favour 
 tender  love  with  the  prince  of  the  eunuchs. 
 
 10  And  the  prince  of  ihe  eunuchs  faid  unto  Daniel, 
 
 I  fear  my  lord  the  king,  who  hath  appointed  your 
 meat  and  your  drink  :  for  why  ftiould  he  fee  your 
 faces  t  worfe  liking  than  the  children  which  are  oft  Heb. 
 your  II  fort  ?  then  ftiall  ye  make  me  endanger  my  head 
 
 to  the  king.  ^ 
 
 n  Then  faid  Daniel  to  H  Melzar,  whom  the  prince 
 of  the  eunuchs  had  fet  over  Daniel,  Hananiah,  Mi- 
 (hael,  and  Azariah, 
 
 12  Prove  thy  fervants,  I  befeech  thee,  ten  days  ;  and  ard.*'*'* 
 let  them  give  us  t  pulfe  f  to  eat,  and  water  to  drink,  t  Heb. 
 
 13  Then  let  our  countenances  be  looked  upon  be-‘’^P“'*'' 
 
 fore  thee,  and  the  countenauces  of  the  children  thatj^a/,^^ 
 eat  of  the  portion  of  the  king’s  meat;  and  as  thou mny cat, 
 feeft,  deal  with  thy  fervants.  ic, 
 
 14  So  he  confented  to  them  in  this  matter,  and 
 proved  them  ten  days. 
 
 15  And  at  the  end  of  ten  days,  their  countenances 
 appeared  fairer  and  falter  in  flelh  than  all  the  children 
 which  did  eat  the  portion  of  the  king’s  meat. 
 
 16  Thus  Melzar  took  away  the  portion  of  their 
 meat,  and  the  wine  that  they  ftiould  drink,  and  gave 
 them  pulfe, 
 
 17  il  As  for  thefe  four  children,  God  gave  them 
 knowledge  and  fkill  in  all  learning  and  wildom :  and 
 
 II  Daniel  had  underftanding  in  all  vifions  and  dreams.  ||  Or, 
 
 18  Now,  at  the  end  of  the  days  that  the  king  had*®”*.°* 
 faid  he  (hould  bring  them  in,  then  the  prince  of  thef„X! 
 eunuchs  brought  them  in  before  Nebuchadnezzar. 
 
 changing  their  names  ;  and  to  reconcile  them  to  the  prevailing  ftate  of  religion  by 
 giving  them  fuch  names,  as  would  inflnuate  their  peculiar  intimacy  with  the 
 gods ;  fuch  was  the  method  of  the  Babylonian  king.  But  the  principles  of 
 genuine  religion  deeply  rooted  in  the  heart  of  Daniel  and  his  fellows,  were  not 
 to  be  eradicated  by  human  policy  or  power.  They  feared  God,  continued 
 ftedfaftly  attached  to  bis  fervice,  and  he  gave  them  favour  in  the  fight  of  their 
 fuperiors.  The  provifion  of  the  king’s  table  was  allotted  them;  and  of  this 
 they  could  not  partake  without  at  lead  indirectly  countenancing  idolatry ;  for 
 it  is  well  known,  that  idolatrous  rites  were  intermixed  in  the  fealtings,  amufe- 
 i  ments,  and  indeed  in  almod  every  civil  tranfaCtion  of  the  heathen.  Daniel  and 
 {  bis  companions  requefied  of  him  who  had  the  charge  of  them,  plain  food  in 
 preference  to  the  greated  delicacies.  He  was  difpofed  to  gratify  them ;  but 
 made  fuch  objections  as  human  judgment  and  bis  own  intered  dictated.  Their 
 conHdence  in  God  furnilhed  them  with  arguments;  he  complied  with  their 
 widies:  and  then  was  exemplified  in  them,  that  a  little  with  contentment,  the 
 afluciate  of  a  good  confcieoce,  is  better  than  a  fatted  ox  and  hatred  therewith. 
 
,luchadnezzar  forgelteik  his  dream* 
 
 DANIEL. 
 
 Daniel  telleth  the  king  his  dream. 
 
 19  And  the  king  communed  with  them;  and  among 
 them  all  was  found  none  like  Daniel,  Hananiah,  Mi- 
 Ihael,  and  Azariah :  therefore  Itood  they  before  the 
 king. 
 
 |Heb.  20  And  in  all  matters  off  wifdom  and  underftand- 
 grtsdow Ijing  enquired  of  them,  he  found  them 
 ten  times  better  than  all  the  magicians  and  aftrologers 
 that  were  in  all  his  realm. 
 
 21  “  And  Daniel  continued  even  unto  the  firfl  year 
 5.2^  of  king  Cyrus.*  .  ,, - -  -- 
 
 10-  21.  lived  to  fee  that  glorious  lime  of  the  return  of  his  people  from  the  !  BabyloO* 
 Babylooi.n  captivity,  though  he  did  not  die  then  :  fo  lill  is  ufed,  Pfalm  101.  1.  jg  Aud  I 
 
 &112. 8.  I 
 
 CHAP.  II. 
 
 1  2^ehuchadne%znr  forgetting  his  drea;it  requirelh  it  of  the  Chaldeans ;  10 
 they  acknowledge  inahility,  and  are  a'ljudged  to  die.  1 4  Daniel  obtainelh 
 some  respite  nnd  the  dream  is  revealed  to  him  ;  24  he  is  brought  to  the 
 king,  41  The  dream  and  the  interpretation,  i^c, 
 
 And  in  the  fecond  year  of  the  reign  of  Nebu¬ 
 chadnezzar,  Nebuchadnezzar  dreamed  dreams, 
 wherewith  his  fpirit  was  troubled,  and  his  fleep  brake 
 from  him. 
 
 2  Then  the  king  commanded  to  call  the  magicians, 
 
 '  and  the  aftrologers,  and  the  (brcerers,  and  the  Chal¬ 
 deans,  for  to  fhew  the  king  his  dreams.  So  they 
 came  and  ftood  before  the  king. 
 
 3  And  the  king  faid  unto  them,  I  have  dreamed  a 
 dream,  and  my  fpirit  was  troubled  to  know  the  dream. 
 
 4  Tnen  fpake  the  Chaldeans  to  the  king  in  Syriac, 
 
 »  O  king,  live  for  ever :  tell  thy  fervants  the  dream, 
 and  we  will  fhew  the  interpretation. 
 
 5  The  king  anfwered  and  faid  to  the  Chaldeans, 
 
 The  thing  is  gone  from  me ;  if  ye  will  not  make 
 known  unto  me  the  dream,  with  the  interpretation 
 thereof,  ye  (hall  be  f  cut  in  pieces,  and  your  houfes 
 ftiall  be  made  a  dunghill : 
 
 6  But  if  ye  (hew  the  dream,  and  the  interpretation 
 thereof,  ye  fhall  receive  of  me  gifts  and  ||  rewards, 
 
 ,  -  .  and  great  honour ;  therefore  fhew  me  the  dream,  and 
 «>  Chap,  {he  interpretation  thereof. 
 
 17.  .j  Yhey  anfwered  again,  and  faid.  Let  the  king  tell 
 his  fervants  the  dream,  and  we  will  (hew  the  inter¬ 
 pretation  of  it. 
 
 8  The  king  anfwered  and  faid,  I  know  of  certainty 
 that  ye  would  f  gain  the  time,  becaufe  ye  fee  the 
 thing  is  gone  from  me. 
 
 9  But  if  ye  will  not  make  known  onto  me  the 
 dream,  there  is  but  one  decree  for  you ;  for  ye  have 
 prepared  lying  and  corrupt  words  to  (peak  before  me, 
 till  the  time  be  changed  :  therefore  tell  me  the  dream, 
 and  I  (hall  know  that  ye  can  (hew  me  the  interpreta¬ 
 tion  thereof. 
 
 10  11  The  Chaldeans  anfwered  before  the  king,  and 
 
 faid.  There  is  not  a  man  upon  the  earth  that  can  (hew 
 the  king’s  matter:  therefore  there  is  no  king,  lord, 
 nor  ruler,  that  afked  fudi  things  at  any  magician,  or 
 aftrologer,  or  Chaldean.  . 
 
 1 1  And  it  is  a  rare  thing  that  the  king  requireth ; 
 and  there  is  none  other  that  can  (hew  it  before  the 
 king,  except  the  gods,  whofe  dwelling  is  not  with  fle(h. 
 
 12  For  this  caufe  the  king  was  angry  and  very 
 furious,  and  commanded  to  deftroy  all  the  w.le  men 
 
 Before 
 
 Cbrift 
 
 605. 
 
 8  Chap 
 3.  5. 
 
 b  Chap. 
 3.  29. 
 
 I  Chald. 
 made 
 pieces. 
 
 I  Or, 
 
 f  Chald. 
 
 huj. 
 
 By  the  blefllng  of  God,  who  fupported  their  fathers  forty  years  by  manna, 
 health  and  comelinefs  were  more  promoted  and  confpicuous  in  them  than  in 
 thofe  young  men,  perhaps  Jews,  who  did  not  fcruple  to  have  fellowfliip  with 
 idolaters.  Their  mind  improved  equally  with  their  bodies ;  they  excelled  not 
 ooly  all  their  companions  for  every  mental  excellence,  when  they  became 
 Ihrvants  at  court;  they  were  exceedingly  fuperior  to  all  the  wife  men  through¬ 
 out  the  extenfive  empire  of  Babylon.  Daniel  who  even  excelled  bis  three 
 worthy  companions,  obtained  from  God  lading  honour  and  long  life.  He  lived 
 in  favour  at  court  till  the  fird  year  of  Cyrus,  by  whom  he  was  highly  edeemed 
 «nd  greatly  honoured.  He  lived  to  fee  what  his  foul  mod  defired,  the  redora. 
 tion  of  bis  own  people  to  their  own  land  ;  patriotifm  was  in  reality  a  part  of  his 
 Kh'gion. 
 
 DaDyiou.  .  u  T 
 
 13  And  the  decree  went  forth  that  the  wile  men 
 (hould  be  (lain  ;  and  they  fought  Daniel  and  his  fel- 
 
 '°'l 4  fT^n^Danielt  anfwered  with  coonfeUnd  + 
 dom  to  Arioch  the  H  +  captain  of  the  king  s  n  or, 
 
 which  was  gone  forth  to  (lay  the  wile  men  or  pabyloo  :  chief  mar* 
 
 15  He  anfwered  and  laid  to  Arioch  the  king  s  cap- */-/. 
 
 tain,  Why  is  the  decree  so  hafty  from  the  king  ?  Then  • 
 Arioch  made  the  thing  known  to  Daniel.  the  execu- 
 
 16  Then  Daniel  went  in,  and  defired  or  the  king  tioner»,or, 
 that  he  would  give  him  time,  and  that  he  would  (hew 
 
 the  king  the  interpretation.  . .  ,  ^  ,  .  . 
 
 17  Then  Daniel  went  to  his  houfe,  and  made  the 
 thing  known  to  Hananiah,  Milhael,  and  Azariah,  his 
 
 18  That  they  would  defire  mercies  t  of  the  God  f^^^ 
 
 of  heaven  concerning  this  fecret ;  U  that  Daniel  fore  God* 
 his  fellows  (hould  not  perilh  with  the  reft  of  the  wile  n  Or, 
 
 r  T>  u  1  « 
 
 Ut€Ti  or  jjAOylOn#  __  •  1  •  should 
 
 19  <11  Then  was  the  fecret  revealed  unto  Daniel  in  a  destroy 
 night  vifion*  Then  Daniel  bleffed  the  God  of  heaven.  Daniel. 
 
 20  Daniel  anfwered  and  faid,  '  Bleffed  be  the  name  c  Pfaim 
 of  God  for  ever  and  ever :  for  wildom  and  might  are  his :  ^ 
 
 21  And  he  changeth  the  times  and  the  leafons  :  he 
 removeth  kings,  and  (etteth  up  kings:  he  giveth  wif¬ 
 dom  unto  the  wile,  and  knowledge  to  them  that  know 
 
 underftanding :  ’  u 
 
 22  He  revealeth  the  deep  and  fecret  things :  he 
 knoweth  what  is  in  the  darknefs,  and  the  light  dwel- 
 
 leth  with  him.  j  c 
 
 23  I  thank  thee,  and  praife  thee,  O  thou  God  ot 
 my  fathers,  who  haft  given  me  wifdom  and  mi^it,  and 
 haft  made  known  unto  me  now  what  we  defired  of 
 thee ;  for  thou  haft  now  made  known  unto  us  the 
 king’s  matter. 
 
 24  H  Therefo?e  Daniel  went  in  unto  Arioch,  whom 
 the  king  had  ordained  to  deftroy  the  wife  men  of  Ba¬ 
 bylon  :  he  went  and  (aid  thus  unto  him,  Deftroy  not 
 the  wife  men  of  Babylon  :  bring  me  in  before  the  king, 
 and  1  will  (hew  unto  the  king  the  interpretation. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  H.  Daniel’s  prophecies  bear  an  in¬ 
 timate  relation  to  each  other  ;  the  firft  is  the  eafieft  to  be  uoderaood,  and  every 
 following  one  adds  fomething  new  to  the  former.  Toe  fira  was  given  in  a  dream 
 to  Nebuchadnezzar,  which,  though  he  forgot  its  contents,  made  a  deep  loa- 
 predion  on  his  mind  ;  the  dream  was  renewed  to  Daniel,  who  revealed  it  to  the 
 king,  and  thereby  delivered  him  from  perplexity,  and  faved  the  life  of  all  the 
 wife  men  of  Babylon,  who  were  unreafonably  condemned  to  die  becaufe  they 
 wanted  that  knowledge  which  is  beyond  the  capacity  of  created  intelligences. 
 The  viflon  of  the  image  cotnpofed  of  four  metals,  is  the  foundation  of  all 
 Daniel’s  prophecies.  It  refpedls  the  four  great  nations  which  have  reigned 
 fuccedively  over  the  earth,  and  by  whofe  fates  the  interefts  of  the  church  of 
 God  have  been  deeply  adedted :  the  names  of  individuals  or  nations  not  any 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  I.]  When  men  profane  God’s  temple  by  their  fins,  it  is  but  juft  that  be  (hould  profane  it  by  his  judgments. 
 They,  who  wilh  to  ferve  their  generation  muft  not  fpend  their  youth  in  idlenefs,  but  in  ftudy.  And  it  is  (hameful  for  Chriftians  to  take  lefs  care  in  educating  their 
 Children,  than  heathens  did  of  their  (laves;  and  to  (hew  lefs  regard  to  their  God  than  heathens  do  to  their  idols.  Proper  abftemioufnefs,  and  temperance 
 contribute  to  the  improvement  of  oar  mind,  as  well  as  health  of  our  body.  God  honours  them  that  honour  him,  while  they  that  defpife  him  are  lightly  efteemed. 
 
DanieVs  advancement* 
 
 DANIEL. 
 
 CbHft  .  25  Then  Arioch  brought  in  Daniel  before  the  king 
 603.  halte,  and  faid  thus  unto  him,'-}- 1  have  found  a  man 
 the  t  captives  of  Judah  that  will  make  known  unto 
 tLTi  interpretation. 
 
 knve  26  The  king  anfwered  and  faid  to  Daniel,  whofe 
 found,  name  was  Belte{ha2zar,  art  thou  able  to  make  known 
 t  ciiaid.  unto  me  the  dream  which  1  have  feen,  and  the  inter- 
 ^*‘/^""^  pretation  thereof? 
 
 tivi/y  of  27  Daniel  anfwered  in  the  prefence  of  the  king, 
 Judah,  aod  fard,  Ihe  fecret  which  the  king  hath  demanded 
 cannot  the  wife  mew,  the  aftrologers,  the  magicians, 
 the  foothfayers,  (hew  unto  the  king  ; 
 
 .28  But  there  is  a  God  in  heaven  that  revealeth 
 t  lecrets,  and  f  maketh  known  to  the  king  Nebuchad- 
 what  {ball  be  in  the  latter  days.  Thy  dream, 
 aod  the  vifions  of  thy  head  upon  thy  bed,  are  thefe  ; 
 
 29  (As  tor  thee,  O  king,  thy  thoughts  f  came  into 
 thy  mind  upon  thy  bed,  what  thould  come  to  pats 
 hereafter;  aod  he  that  revealeth  fecrets  maketh 
 known  to  thee  what  tball  come  to  pafs : 
 
 30  But  as  for  me,  this  fecre'r  is  not  revealed  to  me 
 for  any  wil’dom  that  I  have  more  than  any  living,  but 
 for //2«>  fakes  that  fhall  make  known  the  interpreta¬ 
 tion  to  the  king,  and  that  thou  mighteft  know  the 
 thoughts  of  thy  heart.) 
 
 31  %  Thou,  O  king,  f  faweft,  and  behold  a  great 
 image.  This  great  image,  whofe  brightneis  was  ex- 
 
 Nehucliadnezzar  setteth  vp  a  golden 
 
 irtini 
 
 t  Chald. 
 came  vp. 
 
 t  Chald 
 
 mast 
 
 seeing. 
 
 39  And  after  thee  (hall  arife  another  kingdom  in-  Bcf 
 
 ferior  to  thee,  and  another  third  kingdom  of  brafs 
 which  fhall  bear  rule  over  all  the  earth.  ’  ®03. 
 
 40  And  the  fourih  kingdom  (hall  be  ftrongas  iron*'^’"^ 
 forafmuch  as  iron  breaketh  in  pieces  and  i'ubdueth 
 all  t/iinp  ;  and  as  iron  that  breaketh  all  thefe,  (hall  it 
 break  in  pieces  and  bruife. 
 
 41  And  whereas  thou  faweft  the  feet  and  toes,  part 
 of  potter’s  clay,  and  part  of  iron,  the  kingdom  lhall 
 be  divided  ;  but  there  (hall  be  in  it  of  the  ftrength 
 of  the  iron,  forafmuch  as  thou  faweft  the  iron  mixed 
 with  miry  clay. 
 
 42  And  as  the  toes  of  the  feet  were  part  of  iron, 
 
 and  part  of  day ;  so  the  kingdom  ftiall  be  partly  ftrong, 
 and  partly  1|  broken.  ^  Qr 
 
 43  And  whereas  thou  faweft  iron  mixed  with  miry  ^nuie. 
 
 clay,  they  (hall  mingle  themfelves  with  the  feed  of 
 men:  but  they  (hall  not  cleave  f  one  to  another, | chaid 
 even  as  iron  is  not  mixed  with  clay.  thiswuh 
 
 44  And  in  f  the  days  of  thefe  kings  (hall  the  God*'"®- 
 
 of  heaven  let  up  a  kingdom,  ^  which  (hall  never  be 
 deftroyed  :  and  the  f  kingdom  (Itall  not  be  left  todchap^’'^ 
 other  people,  but  it  (hall  break  in  pieces  and  conlume'^'  3.  si 
 all  thefe  kingdoms,  and  it  (hall  (land  for  ever.  * 
 
 45  Forafmuch  as  thou  faw'eft  that  the  (tone  was  cuts?!’ 
 
 n  Or. 
 
 sides. 
 
 II  Or. 
 
 which  was 
 not  in 
 hands  as 
 rerfe  45. 
 
 out  of  the  mountain  H  without  hands,  and  that  it  brake  Mi'cah 
 -  .  ...  ..  in  pieces,  the  iron,  the  brafs,  the  clay,  the  filver,  and^-’- 
 
 cellent,  (food  before  thee,  and  the  form  thereof  Ktas ;  the  gold  ;  the  great  God  hath  made  known  to  thef^g'^g® 
 
 king,  what  (hall  come  to  pafs  t  hereafter;  aod  thef'cLd, 
 dream  is  certain,  and  the  interpretation  thereof*<''grfoni’ 
 
 fure.  thereof. 
 
 46  H  Then  the  king  Nebuchadnezzar  fell  upon  his||,4yc^„ 
 
 face,  and  worfhipped  Daniel,  and  commanded  that  no/ 
 they  (hould  offer  an  oblation  and  fweet  odours  unto 
 him.  f 
 
 47  The  king  anfwered  unto  Daniel,  and  faid.  Of 
 a  truth  it  isy  that  your  God  is  a  God  of  gods,  and  a 
 Lord  of  kings,  and  a  revealer  of  fecrets,  feeing  thou 
 couldeft  reveal  this  fecret. 
 
 48  Then  the  king  made  Daniel  a  great  man,  and 
 
 gave  him  many  great  'gifts,  and  made  him  ruler  over 
 the  whole  province  of  Babylon,  and  *  chief  of  thee  Chap, 
 governors  over  all  the  wife  men  of  Babylon.  '*• 
 
 49  Then  Daniel  requefted  of  the  kmg,  and  he  fet 
 Shadrach,  Melhach,  and  Abed-nego,  over  the  a(Fairs 
 of  the  province  of  Babylon ;  but  Daniel  sat  in  the 
 gate  of  the  king.* 
 
 CHAP.  III. 
 
 terrible. 
 
 32  This  image’s  head  was  of  fine  gold,  his  bread 
 and  his  arms  of  filver,  his  belly  and  his  H  thighs  of  brafs, 
 
 33  His  legs  of  iron,  his  feet  part  of  iron  and  part 
 of  clay. 
 
 34  Thou  faweft  till  that  a  ftone  was  cut  out  1|  with¬ 
 out  hands,  which  fmote  the  image  upon  his  feet  that 
 Were  of  iron  and  clay,  and  brake  them  to  pieces.  i 
 
 35  Then  was  the  iron,  the  clay,  the  brafs,  the  filver,  ! 
 and  the  gold,  broken  to  pieces  together,  and  became 
 like  the  chaff  of  the  furamer  thrafhing-floors ;  aod  i 
 the  wind  carried  them  away,  that  no  place  was  found  j 
 for  them :  and  the  ftone  that  fmote  the  image  became 
 a  great  mountain,  aod  filled  the  whole  earth. 
 
 36  This  is  the  dream  ;  and  we  will  tell  the  inter¬ 
 pretation  thereof  before  the  king. 
 
 37  Thou,  O  king,  art  a  king  of  kings  :  for  the  God 
 of  heaven  hath  given  thee  a  kingdom,  power,  and 
 ftrength,  and  glory. 
 
 38  And  wherefoever  the  children  of  men  dwell, 
 the  beafts  of  the  field,  aod  the  fowls  of  the  heaven, 
 hath  he  given  into  thine  hand,  and  hath  made  thee 
 ruler  over  them  all.  Thou  art  this  head  of  gold. 
 
 way  conne^ed  with  her  have  been  generally  buried  in  oblivion.  The  head  of  the 
 image  was  of  gold  which  reprefented  the  Babylonian  power  that  extended  over 
 many  nations.  Thefe  nations  became  fubjedl  to  the  Persians,  after  Cyrus  con. 
 quered  Babylon.  The  dominion  of  the  Petlians  is  reprefented  by  the  breaft  and 
 arms  of  the  image  tliat  were  of  filver.  The  belly  and  thighs  of  the  image  were 
 of  brafs,  and  denote  the  Grecian  power,  to  which  the  nations  were  fubjedled  that 
 Alexander  conquered,  the  Perfians.  The  fupreme  power  was  next  transferred  to 
 the  Romans,  who  began  to  conquer  the  Greeks  in  the  eighth  year  of  Antiochus 
 Epiphanes.  In  that  year  they  conquered  Perfeus,  king  of  Macedon,  the  heredi¬ 
 tary  kingdom  of  Alexander  j  and  thenceforward  grew  into  a  mighty  empire, 
 which  continued  till  Thecdofius  the  Great,  under  whofe  reign  it  was  broken  into 
 
 I  Nebuchadnezzar  setting  vp  a  golden  image,  commandelh  all  to  worship 
 it ;  8  Shadrach,  Meshach,  and  Abed‘nego  are  accused  of  disobeying  the 
 command.  1  9  They  are  cast  into  a  Jiery  furnace,  i^c. 
 
 many  fmaller  kingdoms,  by  the  incurfions  of  many  northern,  at  leaft  barbarous  na¬ 
 tions  :  this  is  reprefented  by  the  feet  and  toes  of  the  image,  corapofed  part  of  iron 
 and  part  of  clay.  By  a  ftone  cut  out  without  hands  which  fell  upon  the  feet  of 
 the  image,  brake  all  the  four  metals,  and  became  a  great  mountain  and  filled  the 
 whole  earth,  is  intimated,  that  a  new  kingdom  formed  without  human  policy  or 
 power,  (hould  arife  after  thefe  four;  conquer  all  tbofe  nations  fubjeifted  to  them, 
 grow  very  great,  and  laft  forever.  Daniel’s  knowledge  of  thefe  things  fufiiciently 
 proved  that  he  was  beloved  by  his  God ;  and  his  feafunable  revelation  of  them 
 procured  him  the  favour  of  the  greateft  monarch  on  earth  ;  who  raifed  him  and 
 Ills  companions  to  the  ir.oft  honourable  offices  in  government. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. —  *  Chap.  II.]  To  what  perplexing  cares  and  anxieties  are  great  men  fubjetSled  by  God  !  To  what  pangs,  what  fleeplefs 
 hours,  becaufe  of  fear  in  the  night ;  by  the  mall  unexpected  means  God  can  ptnilh  impoftors  and  exalt  his  favourites.  How  inezpreffibly  valuable  are  friends  migbty 
 in  prayer !  Fervent  prayer  is  powerful  to  unlock  the  myfteries  of  providence.  And  there  is  great  need  of  earneftnefs  in  it  Mfhen  God’s  favourites  are  in  danger  of 
 fufiering  as  evil  doers.  Diftinguiihed  abilities  never  appear  fo  grand  as  when  accompanied  with  uncommon  humility.  Earthly  kingdoms  do  but  overturn  one  ano¬ 
 ther  to  make  way  for  the  fixed  and  everlafting  kingdom  of  Chrift.  And,  as  kings  ought  to  advance  to  power  the  qualified  favourites  of  God,  fo  they  whom  provi¬ 
 dence  exalts,  ought  n^vtr  to  forget  their  old  friends. 
 
Before 
 Ctirift 
 sso. 
 
 cir 
 
 1^j)ucliadncz%arfelte(h  up  a  golden  image, 
 
 Nebuchadnezzar  the  king  made  an  image 
 of  gold,  whofe  height  was  threefcore  cubits, 
 and  the  breadth  thereof  fix  cubits :  he  fet  it  up  in  the 
 plain  of'Dufa,  in  the  province  of  Babylon. 
 
 2  Then  N<rbuchadnezzar  the  king  fent  to  gather 
 together  the  princes,  the  governors,  and  the  captains, 
 the  judges,  the  treafurers,  the  counfellors,  the  flierifls, 
 and  all  the  rulers  of  the  provinces,  to  come  to  the 
 dedication  of  the  image  which  Nebuchadnezzar  the 
 king  had  fet  up. 
 
 3  Then  the  princes,  the  governors,  and  captains,  the 
 judges,  the  treafurers,  the  counfellors,  the  (heriifs, 
 and  all  the  rulers  of  the  provinces,  were  gathered  to¬ 
 gether  unto  the  dedication  of  the  image  that  Nebu¬ 
 chadnezzar  the  king  had  fet  up  ;  and  they  ftood  before 
 the  in-age  that  Nebuchadnezzar  had  fet  up. 
 
 4  Then  an  herald  cried  f  aloud,  To  you  f  it  is 
 commanded,  O  people,  nations,  and  languages. 
 
 5  That  at  what  time  ye  hear  the  found  of  the  cor- 
 
 f  dulcimer,  and  all 
 
 DANIEL. 
 
 Shadrachi  Meshach  ^c.  cast  into  the  fiery  furnace. 
 
 I  Cbald. 
 with 
 might- 
 
 +  Chald. 
 
 they  cm- net,  flute,  harp,  fackbut,  pfaltery. 
 
 mand. 
 
 I  Or, 
 
 Chrift 
 
 580. 
 
 kinds  of  tnufic,  ye  fall  down  and  worship  the  golden 
 image  that  Nebuchadnezzar  the  king  hath  fet  up : 
 
 6  And  whofo  falleth  not  down  and  worfhippeth, 
 (hall  the  fame  hour  be  catt  into  the  midft  of  a  burn¬ 
 ing  fiery  furnace. 
 
 7  Tnerefore  at  that  time,  when  ail  the  people  heard 
 the  found  of  the  cornet,  flute,  harp,  fackbut,  pfaltery, 
 and  all  kinds  of  mufic,  all  the  people,  the  nations,  and 
 the  languages,  tell  down  and  worfhipped  the  golden 
 image  that  Nebuchadnezzar  the  king  had  fet  up. 
 
 8  H  Wherefore  at  that  time  certain  Chaldeans  came 
 near,  and  accufed  the  Jews. 
 
 9  They  fpake,  and  faid  to  the  king  Nebuchadnez¬ 
 zar,  O  king,  live  for  ever. 
 
 10  Thou,  O  king,  half  made  a  decree,  that  every 
 man  that  fhall  hear  the  found  of  the  cornet,  flute,  harp, 
 fackbut,  pfaltery,  and  dulcimer,  and  all  kinds  of  mu- 
 lic,  fhall  fall  down  and  worlhip  the  golden  image: 
 
 11  And  whofo  falleth  not  down  and  worfhippeth, 
 that  he  fhould  be  call  into  the  midft  of  a  burning  fiery 
 furnace. 
 
 12  There  are  certain  Jews  whom  thou  haft  fet  over 
 the  affairs  of  the  province  of  Babylon,  Shadrach, 
 
 t  Chald.  Mefhach,  and  Abed-nego :  thefe  men,  O  king,  f  have 
 Awesei no regarded  thee;  they  ferve  not  thy  gods,  nor  wor- 
 the  golden  image  which  thou  haft  fet  up. 
 
 13  f  'Ehen  Nebuchadnezzar,  in  his  rage  and  fury, 
 commanded  to  bring  Shadrach,  Mefhach,  and  Abed- 
 nego.  Then  they  brought  thefe  men  before  the  king. 
 
 14  Nebuchadnezzar  fpake,  and  faid  unto  them,  Is 
 i  Or,  of  If.  II  o  Shadrach,  Mefhach,  and  Abed-nego,  do 
 
 oot  ye  ferve  my  gods,  nor  worfhip  the  golden  image 
 21. 13.  which  I  have  fet  up  ? 
 
 15  Now,  if  ye  be  ready,  that  at  what  time  ye  hear 
 the  found  of  the  cornet,  flute,  harp,  fackbut,  pfaltery, 
 and  dulcimer,  and  all  kinds  of  mufic,  ye  fall  down 
 and  worfhip  the  image  which  I  have  made,  well:  but 
 if  ye  worfhip  not,  ye  fhall  be  call  the  fame  hour  into 
 the  midft  of  a  burning  fiery  furnace;  and  who  is 
 that  God  that  fhall  deliver  you  out  of  my  hands  ? 
 
 16  Shadrach,  Mefhach,  and  Abed-nego,  anfwered 
 
 and  faid  to  the  king,  O  Nebuchadnezzar,  we  are  not 
 careful  to  anfwer  thee  in  this  matter.  \ 
 
 17  If  it  be  so,  our  God,  whom  we  ferve,  is  able  to 
 deliver  us  from  the  burning  fiery  furnace;  and  he 
 will  deliver  ms  out  of  thine  hand,  O  king. 
 
 18  But  if  nor,  be  it  known  unto  thee,  O  king,  that 
 we  will  not  ferve  thy  gods,  nor  worfhip  the  golden 
 
 image  which  thou  haft  fet  up.  „  c  c  a*,  rh.ia 
 
 19  H  Then  was  Nebuchadnezzar  f  full  of  fury,  andt  chaid. 
 
 the  form  of  his  vifage  was  changed  againft  Shadrach, 
 Mefhach,  and  Abed-nego :  therejore  he  fpake,  and 
 commanded  that  they  fhould  heat  the  furnace  one 
 feven  times  more  than  it  was  wont  to  be  heated. 
 
 20  And  he  commanded  the  f  molt  mighty  menfchaid. 
 that  were  in  his  army  to  bind  Shadrach,  Mefhach,  and 
 Abed-nego,  and  to  caft  them  into  the  burning  faery 
 furnace. 
 
 21  Then  thefe  men  were  bound  in  their  il  coats,  their  j  Or, 
 holen,  and  their  ||  hats,  and  their  garments,  and’p"';**- 
 were  caft  into  the  midft  of  the  burning  fiery  furnace.  turbans, 
 
 22  Tnerefore,  becaufe  the  king’s  f  commandment  f  Chaid. 
 was  urgent,  and  the  furnace  exceeding  hot,  the  H  flamewon/. 
 of  the  fire  flew  thole  men  that  took  up  Shadrach, 
 Melhech,  and  Abed-nego. 
 
 23  And  thefe  three  men,  Shadrach,  Mefhach,  and 
 Abed-nego,  fell  down  bound  in  the  midft  ot  the 
 
 burning  fiery  furnace.  _  r,  •  , 
 
 24  *il  Then  Nebuchadnezzar  the  king  was  aftonied, 
 and  rofe  up  in  hafte,  and  fpake,  and  faid  unto  his 
 11  counfellors,  did  not  we  caft  three  men  bound 
 
 the  midft  of  the  fire?  They  anlwered  and  faid  unto 
 the  king.  True,  O  king. 
 
 25  He  anfwered  and  faid,  Lo,  I  fee  four  men  loole, 
 walking  in  the  midft  of  the  fire,  and  f  they  have  nof  Chald. 
 hurt ;  and  the  form  of  the  fourth  is  like  ||  the  Son  ot  there  ts  no 
 
 God. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  III.  Ver.  1 — 7.  The  mod  plain  and 
 deciflve  evidence  of  truth  is  infufBcient  to  produce  cordial  belief,  when  oppofed  by 
 the  pride  of  the  human  heart.  Hence,  though  Nebuchadnezzar  was  compelled 
 to  acknowledge  the  abfolute  fupremacy  and  foreknowledge  of  Daniel’s  God. 
 he  not  only  perfifts  in  attachment  to  idolatry,  hut  demands  on  the  pain  of 
 the  mod  terrible  death,  univerfal  adoration  of  an  image  of  his  imagination  ; 
 mod  probably  this  was  an  image  reprefenting  his  own  glory,  by  which  he 
 claimed  to  himfelf  divine  honours.  And  human  wifdom  feldom  or  never  dif- 
 pofes  the  poffeffor  to  refid  a  law,  however  finful,  unreafonable,  or  ridiculous  it 
 may  be,  when  enforced  by  a  power  lo  confer  worldly  dignity,  wealth,  or  pleafure. 
 This  fufficiently  accounts  for  the  ready  compliance  of  all  the  mod  didinguilhed 
 charatSlers  in  the  Babylonidi  empire,  with  the  requed  of  Nebuchadnezzar. 
 
 Ver.  8  _ 30.  Unfeigned  confidence  to  God  and  attachment  to  his  fervice,  raife 
 
 the  mind  fuperior  to  prefent  advantages  or  the  dread  of  future  evils.  Daniel 
 •nd  bis  three  faithful  companions  advanced  to  honour,  had  perhaps  excited  not 
 ft  few  of  the  king’s  fervaats  to  envy  and  jealoufy ;  wbo  would  be  glad  to  find 
 
 9  S 
 
 hurt  in 
 them. 
 
 26  f  Then  Nebuchadnezzar  came  near  to  the  n  or, 
 t  mouth  of  the  burning  fiery  furnace,  and  fpake,  andn^o"- 
 laid,  Shadrach,  Mefhach,  and  Abed-nego,  ye  fervantsT^^^  ® 
 of  the  molt  high  God,  come  forth,  and  come  hither. 
 
 Then  Shadrach,  Melhach,  and  Abednego,  came  forth 
 
 of  the  midft  of  the  fire. 
 
 27  And  the  princes,  governors,  and  captains,  and 
 the  king’s  counfellors,  being  gathered  together,  faw 
 thefe  men,  upon  whole  bodies  the  fire  had  no  power. 
 
 caui'e  of  accufation  againll  them  ;  and  they  would  confider  their  ftedfaft  reje<i\ion 
 of  the  king’s  command  fufficient :  which  they  of  courfe  quickly  communicated 
 to  the  king.  Daniel  was  at  this  time  abfent  from  court,  or  his  great  power  and 
 influence  fo  lately  acquired,  might  deter  his  enemies  from  accufing  him,  left 
 they  might  not  prove  I’uccefsful  ;  but  his  companions  were  prefent  ;  their  own 
 chara<5lers  were  not  as  yet  fo  fully  developed,  and  their  perfonal  influence  was 
 not  fo  great  as  his  ;  and  therefore  their  cafe  might  be  reprefented  with  every 
 profpefl  of  fuccefs.  They  continued  faithful  to  their  God,  fubmitted  cheerfully 
 to  be  caft  into  a  fiery  furnace,  rather  than  deny  him.  So  poweiful  were 
 the  flames  of  the  furnace,  that  the  ftrong  valiant  foldiers  emplo)ed  to  throw 
 them  in,  were  confuraed.  This  might  ftrike  the  monarch  with  awe;  but  how 
 muft  he  have  been  aftonilhed  to  behold  four  men  walking  in  the  furnace,  one 
 like  the  fon  of  God  !  nothing  could  increafe  his  aftonifliment,  unlefs  it  were  the 
 three  young  men  coming  forth  at  his  requeft,  unhurt  by  the  fire,  nor  had  even 
 its  fmell  paffed  on  their  clothes.  The  confeiTion  that  God  had  sent  his  angel  to 
 deliver  bis  fervants,  was  truth  ^  but  his  improvetBent  of  it  was  partial ;  for  he 
 
 26 
 
t  Chald. 
 a  decree  is 
 made  by 
 me. 
 
 t  Chald. 
 error. 
 a  Chap. 
 
 S.  5. 
 t  Chald. 
 
 V  ade 
 pieces. 
 t  Chald. 
 
 made  to 
 prosper. 
 
 Nt  btichadnezzar  achncfwledgelh  God*s  po'wer*  DANIEL. 
 
 Chrift  Dor  was  an  hair  of  their  head  fioged,  neither  were 
 570.  their  coats  changed,  nor  the  fmell  of  fire  had  paffed 
 --  on  them. 
 
 A  Nebuchadnezzar  fpake,  and  faid,  Bleffed 
 
 Shadrach,  Mefhacb,  and  Abed-nego, 
 who  hath  tent  his  angel,  and  delivered  his  fervanrs 
 t  at  trulied  in  him,  and  have  changed  the  king’s 
 word,  and  yidded  their  bodies,  that  they  might  not 
 worlnip  any  god  except  their  own  God. 
 
 29  1  hereroref  I  make  a  decree.  That  every  people, 
 nation,  and  language,  which  fpeak  f  any  thing  araifs 
 againft  the  God  of  Shadracb,  Mefhach,  and  Abed- 
 nego,  lhall  be  *  f  cut  in  pieces,  and  their  houfes  (hall 
 be  made  a  dunghill ;  becaufe  there  is  no  other  god 
 that  can  deliver  after  this  fort. 
 
 30  H  Then  the  king  f  promoted  Shadrach,  Mefhach, 
 and  Abed-nego,  in  the  province  of  Babylon.* 
 
 CHAP.  IV. 
 
 1  Nebuchadnezzar  acknowledgetli  God's  eternal  dominion;  4  he  relateth 
 a  dream  which  the  magicians  could  not  interpret.  8  Daniel  heareth  the 
 dream,  1  9  interpretelh  it,  i|c. 
 
 EBUCH  ADNEZZ  AR  the  king,  unto  all  people, 
 nations,  and  languages,  that  dwell  in  all  the 
 earth ;  Peace  be  multiplied  unto  you. 
 
 2  1 1  thought  it  good  to  (hew  the  figns  and  wonders 
 
 Daniel  interpretelh  Nebuchadnezzar 
 
 s  dre. 
 
 f  Chald 
 It  Was 
 
 sleldy  be- God  hath  wrought  toward  me. 
 
 r -  r _ I _ j  : _  •  . 
 
 Jore  me. 
 a  Chap. 
 2.  44. 
 
 b  Chap. 
 2.  48. 
 
 t  Chald. 
 I  was 
 seeing. 
 
 3  How  great  are  his  figns  !  and  how  mighty  are  his 
 wonders,  his  kingdom  is  *  an  everlafting  kingdom, 
 and  h's  dominion  is  from  generation  to  generation. 
 
 4^1  Nebuchadnezzar  was  at  reft  in  mine  houfe, 
 and  flourifhing  in  my  palace: 
 
 5  I  (aw  a  dream  which  made  me  afraid,  and  the 
 thoughts  upon  my  bed,  and  the  vifions  of  my  head, 
 troubled  me. 
 
 6  Iherefore  made  I  a  decree  to  bring  in  all  the 
 wile  men  of  Babylon  before  me,  that  they  might  make 
 known  unto  me  the  interpretation  of  the  dream. 
 
 7  Then  came  in  the  magicians,  the  aftrologers,  the 
 Chaldeans,  and  the  foothfayers :  and  I  told  the  dream 
 before  them  ;  but  they  did  not  make  known  unto  me 
 the  inrerpretation  thereof. 
 
 8  ^  But  at  the  laft  Daniel  came  in  before  me, 
 (whole  name  was  Beltelhazzar,  according  to  the  name 
 of  mv  god,  and  in  whom  is  the  (pirit  of  the  holy 
 gods.)  and  before  him  I  told  the  dream,  saymg, 
 
 9  O  Beltediazzar,  **  matter  of  the  magicians,  becaufe 
 I  know  that  the  (pirit  of  the  holy  gods  is  in  thee,  and 
 no  lecret  troubleth  thee,  tell  me  the  vifions  of  my 
 dream  that  I  have  (een,  and  the  interpretation  thereof. 
 
 10  Thus  were  the  vifions  of  mine  head  in  my  bed: 
 t  I  (aw,  and  behold  a  tree  in  the  midtt  of  the  earth, 
 and  the  height  thereof  was  great. 
 
 ’out, 
 
 1 1  The  tree  grew,  and  was  ftrong,  and  the  height  Bef„ 
 thereof  reached  unto  heaven,  and  the  fight  tfiereof  to 
 
 the  end  of  all  the  earth  :  s7o. 
 
 12  The  leaves  thereof  tirre  fair,  and  thefruit  there-"'^^ 
 of  much,  and  in  it  was  meat  for  all :  the  beads  of  the 
 
 field  had  fhadow  under  it,  and  the  fowls  of  the  heaven 
 dwelt  in  the  boughs  thereof,  and  all  flefh  was  fed  of 
 if. 
 
 13  I  faw  in  the  vifions  of  my  head  upon  my  bed 
 and,  behold,  a  watcher  and  an  holy  one  came  down 
 from  heaven  : 
 
 14  He  cried  f  aloud,  and  faid  thus,  Hew  down  thef  CbaM 
 tree,  and  cut  oft  his  branches,  (hake  off  his  leaves,  and 
 fcatter  his  fruit:  let  the  beads  get  away  from  under"*'^’ 
 it,  and  the  fowls  from  his  branches: 
 
 15  Neverthelefs,  leave  the  dump  of  his  roots  in  the 
 earth,  even  with  a  band  of  iron  and  brai's,  in  the  ten- 
 der  grafs  of  the  field  ;  and  let  it  be  wet  with  the  dew 
 of  heaven,  and  let  his  portion  be  with  the  beads  in 
 the  grafs  of  the  earth  : 
 
 16  Let  his  heart  be  changed  from  man’s,  and  let  a 
 beaft’s  heart  be  given  unto  him ;  and  let  feven  times 
 pafs  over  him. 
 
 17  This  matter  is  by  the  decree  of  the  watchers 
 and  the  demand  by  the  wwd  of  the  holy  ones  ;  to  the 
 intent  that  the  living  may  know  that  the  moft  High 
 ruleth  in  the  kingdom  of  men,  and  giveth  it  to  whom- 
 foever  he  will,  and  fetteth  up  over  it  the  bafeftof  men. 
 
 18  This  dream,  I  king  Nebuchadnezzar  have  feen! 
 
 Now  thou,  O  Beltefhazzar,  declare  the  interpretation 
 thereof,  for  as  much  as  al!  the  wife  men  of  my  kingdom 
 are  not  able  to  make  known  unto  me  the  interpreta¬ 
 tion  :  but  thou  art  able ;  for  the  (pirit  of  the  holy 
 gods  is  in  thee. 
 
 19  If  Then  Daniel  (whofe  name  was  Beltefhazzar) 
 was  attonied  for  one  Hour,  and  his  thoughts  troubled 
 him.  The  king  fpake,  and  faid,  Beltelhazzar,  let  not 
 the  dream,  or  the  interpretation  thereof  trouble  thee. 
 Beltelhazzar  anlwered  and  faid.  My  lord,  the  dream 
 be  to  them  that  hate  thee,  and  the  interpretation 
 thereof  to  thine  enemies. 
 
 20  The  tree  that  thou  faweft,  which  grew,  and 
 was  flrong,  whofe  height  reached  unto  the  heaven, 
 and  the  fight  thereof  to  all  the  earth  ; 
 
 21  Whofe  leaves  were  fair,  and  the  fruit  thereof 
 much,  and  io_  it  was  meat  for  all ;  under  which  the 
 beatts  of  the  field  dwelt,  and  upon  whofe  branches  the 
 fowls  of  the  heaven  had  their  habitation  : 
 
 22  It  is  thou,  O  king,  that  art  grown  and  become 
 ftrong ;  for  thy  greatnefs  is  grown,  and  reacheth  unto 
 heaven,  and  thy  dominion  to  the  end  of  the  earth. 
 
 23  And  whereas  the  king  faw  a  watcher  and* 
 
 an 
 
 does  not  feem  yet  convinced  that  their  God  was  the  univerfal  God  of  all  oatioos. 
 He,  however,  promoted  to  honour,  the  young  men  whom  he  had  confented  to 
 deftroy  ;  and  thus  the  (chemes  of  their  enemies  were  rendered  of  none  effetS,  ex« 
 cept  fo  far  as  they  exhibited  their  own  folly,  or  increafed  their  unhappinefs.  Thus 
 they  who  honour  God  he  will  honour  ;  and  they  who  defpife  him  lhall  be  lightly 
 efleemed.  ®  ^ 
 
 explanatory  NOTES.  Chap.  IV.  Ver.  1—3.  Hitherto  the  dealings 
 9_f  God  with  Nebuchadruzzar  feems  to  have  produced  no  fuitable  convitSlion  of 
 his  fupremacy,  be  was  defirous  to  alTociate  the  God  of  Ifrael  among  his  own 
 gods  as  a  Roman  emperor  afterwards  was  difpofed  to  give  Jefus  Chrift  a  place 
 among  the  gods  of  the  empire.  But  the  event  of  Providence  towards  the 
 
 king  recorded  in  this  chapter,  appears  to  have  produced  a  mote  falutary  efllta  • 
 he  acknowledges  the  divine  fovereignty,  the  eternal  duration  of  his  dominion- 
 his  infinite  foreknowledge,  almighty  power,  unlimited  independency  perfeft 
 goodnefs,  purity,  faithfulnefs  and  juftice.  Tnis  exalted  charaaer  can  Llong 
 to  none  but  the  fupretr.e  Being,  the  one  only  living  and  true  God.  As  fuch  the 
 humbled  king  worfti  pped  him,  and  laid  before  his  numerous  fubjeas  fiiffieieiit 
 evidence  to  warrant  them  to  acknowledge  and  adore  him  alone;  evidence  fuch 
 as  rendered  their  difobedience  inexcufable.  And  here  let  us  obferve  bow  God 
 produced  good  from  the  fufferings  of  his  people  and  the  defolations  cf  his  temple 
 the  place  of  his  peculiar  refidence  and  glory  on  earth  ;  but  for  this  circumftance* 
 in  all  human  probability,  his  name  had  been  in  that  age  little  known  among  the 
 
 n.  *  Chap.  Ilf.]  At  what  expence  will  proud  men  dare  to  affront  Jehovah,  and  mark  their  gratitude  to  an  idol  which  nevtr 
 
 fhowed  them  a  favour.  Every  where  there  are  abandoned  wretches  ready  to  accufe  the  faithful  fervants  of  God.  In  the  path  of  duty  we  muft  never  be  cartful  aZZ 
 con  tqucuces,  we  polRfs  true  faith  in  God,  it  will  caft  out  enflaving  fear.  The  way  to  be  ready  to  meet  the  fevereft  conflias  is  daily  to  deny  ourfelves  How 
 ternbJe  and  violent  the  paffions  of  proud  rnen  become  when  they  are  indulged  !  They  bid  defiance  to  every  thing  human  !  Perfecutors  of  God’s  people  mav  exnea  he 
 will  avenge  their  wrongs.  When  fin  or  death  muft  be  the  alternatiye,  we  may  emphatically  fay  to  die  is  gain.  ^  ^  ^  ^  ^  ^ 
 
0uchadnezzcir's  dream  fuljilled, 
 
 DANIEL. 
 
 Belshazzar* s  impious  f east. 
 
 Before  holy  one  coming  dovpn  from  heaven,  and  faying,  Hew 
 chS  S  tree  down.  \nd  deftroy  it ;  yet  leave  the  ftump 
 of  the  roots  thereof  in  the  earth,  even  with  a  band  of 
 ‘^^h-on  and  brafs,  in  the  tender  grafs  of  the  field;  and 
 let  it  be  wet  with  the  dew  of  heaven,  and  his  por- 
 lion  with  the  beafis  of  the  field,  till  feven  times 
 
 ^^24°This  is  the  interpretation,  O  king,  and  this  ts 
 the  decree  of  the  moft  High,  which  is  come  upon  ray 
 
 c  Chap.  That^fhey  *=  (hall  drive  t^ee  from  men,  and  jhy 
 
 i.  21.  dwelling  (hall  be  with  the  beafts  of  the  field,  and  they 
 (hall  make  thee  to  eat  grals  as  oxen,  and  they  fhall 
 wet  thee  with  the  dew  of  heaven,  and  feven  times 
 (hall  pafs  over  thee,  till  thou  know  that  the  moft 
 High  ruleth  in  the  kingdom  of  men,  and  giveth  it  to 
 
 '^sT'And  whereas  they  commanded  to  leave  the 
 ftump  of  the  tree-roots;  thy  kingdom  fhall  be  fure 
 unto  thee,  after  that  thou  fhalt  have  known  that  the 
 
 heavens  do  rule.  r  •  . 
 
 27  Wherefore,  O  king,  let  my  counfel  be  accept¬ 
 able  unto  thee,  and  break  off  thy  fins  by  righteouf- 
 nefs.aod  thine  iniquities  by  (hewing  mercy  to  the  poor; 
 if  it  may  be  H  a  lengthening  of  thy  tranquility. 
 
 28  All  this  came  upon  the  ^^buchadnezzar. 
 
 ”  •  r*  .  1 «...  *  U  o  Q  !1  tn  fnP 
 
 35  And  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  earth  ore  reputed 
 as  nothing  :  and  he  doeth  according  to  his  will  in  the  533. 
 array  of  heaven,  and  among  the  inhabi  mts  of  the. 
 earth  ;  and  none  can  ftay  his  hand,  or  ia>  unto 
 '  What  doeft  thou? 
 
 What  Goen  inuu.' 
 
 36  At  the  fame  time  my  reafon,  returned  unto  me  , 
 
 V  _  _ w^\wia  ann 
 
 36  At  tne  lame  luuc  my 
 
 and,  for  the  glory  of  ray  kingdom,  mine  honour  and  45.  9. 
 bright nefs  returned  unto  me  ;  and  my  councilors  and 
 my  lords  fought  unto  me  ;  and  I  was  eftablifiied  in  ray 
 kingdom  ;  and  excellent  raajefty  was  added  unto  me. 
 
 37  Now  I  Nebuchadnezzar  praife,  and  extol,  and 
 
 honour  the  K.ing  of  heaven,  all  whofe  works 
 
 and  his  ways  judgment :  and  thole  that  walk  m  pride 
 he  is  able  to  abafe  * 
 
 I  Or, 
 
 -1  healing 
 
 dJ  thine 
 error, 
 
 8  Or, 
 
 tijwn. 
 
 cir.  569. 
 
 cir.  563. 
 
 d  Ctiap. 
 7.  14. 
 Micah 
 4.  7. 
 Luke 
 1.  33. 
 
 29  At  the  end  of  twelve  months  he  walked 
 nahce  of  the  kingdom  of  Bibylon. 
 
 ^  30  The  king  fpake,  and  faid,  Is  riot 
 Ion,  that  I  have  built  for  the  houle  of  the  kingdotn, 
 by  the  might  of  my  power,  and  for  the  honour  of 
 
 *^31  ’^hfle  the  word  was  in  the  ^ug’s  ^bere 
 
 fell  a  voice  from  heaven,  saying, 
 
 nezzar,  to  thee  it  is  fpoken  ;  the  kingdom  is  depart- 
 
 '‘‘sTAndThey  (hall  drive 
 
 dwelling  shall  be  with  the  beafts  of  the  field  .  they 
 (hall  make  thee  to  eat  grafs  as  oxen,  and  feven  times 
 (hall  pafs  over  thee,  until  thou  know  that  the  moft 
 High  ruleth  in  the  kingdom  of  men,  and  giveth  it  to 
 
 whorafoever  he  will.  nnnn 
 
 33  The  fame  hour  was  the  thing  fulfilled  upon  , 
 
 Nebuchadnezzar;  and  he  was  driven  from  men,  and 
 did  eat  grafs  as  oxen,  and  his  body  ^  1  „» 
 
 dew  of  heaven,  till  his  hairs  were  grown  like  eagles 
 
 feathers,  and  his  nails  like  birds  claws. 
 
 ^  34.  And  at  the  end  of  the  days  1  Nebuchadnezzar 
 
 lifted  up  mine  eyes  unto  heaven, 
 ftandir.g  returned  unto  me,  and  1  bleffed  the  molt 
 High  and  I  praifed  and  honoured  him  that  hveth  for 
 ever,’  whole  dominion  is  an  everlafting  dominion, 
 and  his  kingdom  is  from  generation  to  generation  . 
 
 CHAP.  V.  • 
 
 1  Belshazzar's  imvious  feast.  5  A  hand-writing  on  the  ^'^5 
 
 him.  10  The  queen  in/ormeth  him  of  Daniel,  who  is  brought  in.  2 
 
 Daniel  interpretelh  the  writing,  ^c.  c  n.  ..  ■  eeta 
 
 Belshazzar  the  king  made  a  great  feaft  toc.r.53S- 
 a  thoufand  of  his  lords,  and  drank  wine  before 
 
 ^^2  ^Belfhazzar,  whiles  he  tafted  the  wine,  commanded 
 to  bring  t^e  golden  and  filver  veffels  which  his  II  father 
 Nebuc^dnezzar  had  t  taken  out  of  the  temple  which 
 toes  in  Jerufalem ;  that  the  king  and  his  princes,  hiS|Chaid. 
 wives  and  his  concubines,  might  drink  tnerein.  brought 
 
 3  Then  they  brought  the  golden  veffels  that  were/ 
 taken  out  of  the  temple  of  the  houfe  of  God  which 
 toas  at  Jerufalem  ;  and  the  king  and  his  princes,  his 
 wives  and  his  concubines,  drank  in  them. 
 
 4.  They  drank  wine,  and  praifed  the  gods  of  gold, 
 and  of  filver,  of  brafs,  of  iron,  of  wood,  and  of  ftone. 
 
 5  51  In  the  fame  hour  came  forth  fingers  of  a  man  s 
 hand  and  wrote  over  againft  the  candleftick  upon  the 
 plafter  of  the  wall  of  the  king’s  palace  ;  and  the  king 
 faw  the  part  of  the  hand  that  wrote.  v,  .4  4-  rhaia 
 
 6  Then  the  king’s  f  couotenaoce  +  ‘ 
 
 and  his  thoughts  troubled  him,  fo  that  the  H  f  joints  of 
 his  loins  were  loofed,  and  his  knees  fmote  one  againft  ^  chaid. 
 
 ,  changed 
 
 ^^yVhe  king  cried  t  aloud  to  bring  in  the  aftrologers, 
 the  Chaldeans,  and  the  foothlayers.  And  the 
 ‘'nake  and  laid  to  the  wife  men  of  Babylon,  Whofoeyer  |  chaid. 
 ‘(ball  ;ead  this  writing,  and  (hew  me 
 
 thereof,  (hall  be  clothed  with  '1  f  Chaid. 
 
 chain  of  gold  about  his  neck,  and  fhall  be  the  third 
 
 ruler  in  the  kingdom. 
 
 8  Then  came  in  all  the  king’s  wife  men  ;  but  they  J 
 could  not  read  the  writing,  nor  maxe  known  to  the 
 
 king  the  interpretation  thereof. 
 
 9  Then  was  king  Belfhazzar  greatly  troubled,  and  ^ 
 his  t  countenance  was  changed  in  him,  ana  his  lores  bright- 
 were  aftonied. 
 
 nesseu 
 
 .i.b  ,h..  i.  «...  V.,  9 
 
 pbilofophy,  and  theology.  Ver.  10— 12.  rr  q 
 
 Lip.u,.,„,d.,>h.  Ssu..bf .  «0d.i(b.pg  7"; ‘’■T?„xr.d  S.- 
 
 an  angel  employed  to  execute  the  determina  _  Deprived 
 
 cute  his  commands  in  the  work  of  the  angels  ;  a  .  cm.  •  >  jgnrained 
 
 of  human  reafon,  he  preferred  the  life  of  brutes;  rn  which  Uate  he  rema.ned 
 feven  years. 
 
 FXPLANATORY  notes.  Chap.  V.  Ver.  1—9.  This  chapter  relates 
 the^thoughtlefs,  fecure,  licentious  ftate  of  the  court  of  Babylon  in  that  very 
 
 -hich  .b.i.  po...  .o  lb.  P.,f,.bS.  ,B.llb..z..  .  g..o«o« 
 
 of  Nebuchadnezzar,  whom  he  exceeded  greatly  m  witkedne.s ,  the  latter, 
 lile  he  profaned  the  temple  of  Jerufalem.  flrewed  feme  rel^pea  for  its  veffels 
 that  he  Ld  robbed,  by  placing  the  n  in  his  own  idol  leraple  ;  but  the  former 
 employed  them  in  bis  feaft  of  pleafure  !  he  and  h.s  court  drank 
 Tffels  facred  to  the  true  God,  and  praifed  dumb  rdols.  His  uogodl.nefs  was 
 
 - - -  ”  T  as  well  as  hv  good  inftrudiions,  and  good  deeds  (hould  ftudy  to  be  a 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  IV.]  Kings  ^  prayers  and  g  .  mercy,  (hould  be  mentioned  to  his  glory 
 
 bZg  r.™  rub^Sf  Wb..  God  ba.b  don.  .g.loa  «  «  ' '.'.“'birVo"  Tlrffioo  ood  c,p,to,.  ...b..  .ban  .=  God  Bo.  »b..  i.  .>.•  9-<r ^ 
 
 itlu  Turd"  epTonceTfaith^^^^^^ r^Tfters  Obferve  ruin  arrrendmen I  there  can  be  no  h^opj 
 
 rTarfoTarf  ”'.17.0  Jir.".  ".“.d .nd  ...k.  .h.r.  .h.  »».  .h.  ..d  adBi,...0b  of  .».»l..bd,  d.fp.c.b  .  .a  =  «o.» 
 
 )ur  affliAions  laft  no  longer  than  to  accomphfh  God’s  end  of  tneir  roiffion. 
 
D.  nicl  feprovtlh  Belshazzar. 
 
 DANIEL. 
 
 Before 
 Clirift 
 cir.  538. 
 
 «  Chap. 
 S.  43. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 grand¬ 
 
 father. 
 
 II  Or. 
 grand¬ 
 father, 
 b  Chap. 
 4.  9. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 of  an  in¬ 
 terpreter, 
 
 4'c. 
 
 H  Or, 
 of  a  dis¬ 
 solver. 
 t  Chald. 
 knots. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 grand¬ 
 
 father. 
 
 f  Chald. 
 interpret. 
 
 U  Or,  see 
 as  Chap. 
 
 2.  6. 
 
 fl  Or, 
 
 did  deal 
 proudly. 
 t  Chald. 
 made  to 
 come 
 down. 
 
 ^  10  U  Now  the  queen,  by  reafon  oF  the  words  of  the 
 king  and  his  lords,  came  into  the  banquet-houl'e ;  and 
 the  queen  Ipake,  and  (aid,  O  king,  live  For  ever:  let 
 not  thy  thoughts  trouble  thee,  nor  let  thy  countenance 
 be  changed. 
 
 1 1  ®  There  is  a  man  in  thy  kingdona  in  whom  is 
 the  fpirit  of  the  holy  gods  ;  and  in  the  days  of  thy 
 i!  father,  light  and  underftanding,  and  wii'dom,  like 
 the  wifdom  of  the  gods,  was  found  in  him  ;  whom  the 
 king  Nebuchadnezzar  thy  1|  father,  the  king,  1  say, 
 thy  father,  made  mafter  of  the  magicians,  aftrolo- 
 gers,  Chaldeans,  atid  foothfayers: 
 
 12  For  as  much  as  an  excellent  fpirit,  and  knowledge, 
 and  underftanding,  11  interpreting  of  dreams,  and  (hew¬ 
 ing  of  hard  fentences,  and  1|  dilTolving  of  f  doubts, 
 were  found  in  the  fame  Daniel,  whom  the  king  nam¬ 
 ed  Eeltefhazzar :  now  let  Daniel  be  called,  and  be 
 will  fhew  the  interpretation. 
 
 13  Then  was  Daniel  brought  in  before  the  king, 
 the  king  fpake,  and  faid  unto  Daniel,  art  thou  that 
 
 Daniel,  which  art  of  the  children  of  the  captivity  of 
 Judah,  whom  the  king  my  H  father  brought  out  of 
 Jewry  ? 
 
 14  I  have  even  heard  of  thee,  that  the  fpirit  of  the 
 gods  is  in  thee,  and  that  light,  and  underhanding,  and 
 excellent  wifdom,  is  found  in  thee. 
 
 15  And  now  the  wife  men^  the  aflrologers,  have 
 been  brought  in  before  me,  that  they  (hould  read  this 
 writing,  and  make  known  unto  me  the  interpretation 
 thereof:  but  they  could  not  (hew  the  interpretation 
 of  the  thing  ; 
 
 16  And  I  have  heard  of  thee,  that  thou  canft  f  make 
 interpretations,  and  diffolve  doubts :  now,  if  thou  canft 
 read  the  waiting,  and  make  known  to  me  the  interpre¬ 
 tation  thereof,  thou  (halt  be  clothed  with  fcarlet,  and 
 have  a  chain  of  gold  about  thy  neck,  and  (halt  be  the 
 third  ruler  in  the  kingdom. 
 
 17  H  I'hen  Daniel  anfwered  and  faid  before  the  king, 
 Let  thy  gifts  be  to  thyfelf,  and  give  thy  ||  rewards  to 
 another ;  yet  I  will  read  the  writing  unto  the  king, 
 and  make  known  to  him  the  interpretation. 
 
 18  O  thou  king,  the  rooft  high  God  gave  Nebu* 
 chadnezzar  thy  father  a  kingdom,  and  majefty,  and 
 glory,  and  honour: 
 
 19  And,  for  the  majefty  that  he  gave  him,  all 
 people,  nations,  and  languages,  trembled  and  feared 
 before  him  :  whom  he  would  he  flew,  and  whom  he 
 would  he  kept  alive,  and  whom  he  would  he  let  up, 
 and  whom  he  would  he  put  down. 
 
 20  But  when  his  heart  was  lifted  up,  and  his  mind 
 hardened  H  in  pride,  he  was  f  depofed  from  his  kingly 
 throne,  and  they  took  his  glory  from  him  ; 
 
 peculiarly  Inexcufable,  for  he  ought  not  to  have  been  ignorant  of  the  great  figns 
 and  mighty  wonders  which  God  had  (hewed  Nebuchadnezzar.  His  voluptuous 
 nirib  is  interrupted  by  a  terrible  event.  He  beheld  part  of  a  hand  write  on  the 
 wall,  and  is  filled  with  difmay.  In  vain  he  calls  for  his  wife  men  ;  they  could 
 not  interpret  the  language  written  :  he  was  greatly  troubled,  his  countenance 
 changed,  and  his  lords  were  afionlfhed.  Ver.  10—12.  The  queen  is  fuppofed  to 
 bave'been  the  wi.‘'e  of  bis  father  Evil-merodacb,  called  Nitocris,  a  lady  of  great 
 wifdom  and  prudence.  She  comforts  the  king  with  the  alTurance  of  a  true  inter¬ 
 pretation  of  the  words  and  meaning  of  what  was  written,  by  Daniel,  whofe  abili¬ 
 ties  and  worth  fhe  knew,  though  he  /had  been  negletSled  by  the  king,  who  feems 
 
 Daniel  made  thief  of  the  president^ 
 21  And  he  was  ®  driven  from  the  Tons  of  men  ;  and  Befo,, 
 
 he  rtiadi. 
 
 his  hccirf 
 
 hum- 
 
 II  his  heart  was  made  like  the  beafts,  and  his  dwelling 
 H-'as  with  the  wild  aflTes :  they  fed  him  with  grafs 
 oxen,  and  his  body  was  wet  with  the  dew  of  heaven 
 till  he  knew  that  the  moft  high  God  ruled  in  the  king- 
 dom  of  men,  and  that  he  appointeth  over  it  whorafo- 
 ever  he  will. 
 
 22  And  thou  his  Con,  O  BeKhazzar,  haft  not 
 bled  thine  heart,  though  thou  kneweft  all  this ; 
 
 23  But  haft  lifted  up  thyfelf  againft  the  Lord  of  ^ 
 heaven  ;  and  they  have  brought  the  vefTels  of  his  houfe  ’ 
 before  thee,  and  thou  and  thy  lords,  thy  wives  and 
 thy  concubines,  have  drunk  wine  in  them  ;  and  thou 
 haft  praifed  the  gods  of  filver,  and  gold,  of  brals,  iron, 
 wood,  and  ftone,  which  fee  nor,  nor  hear,  nor  know  : 
 and  the  God  in  whofe  hand  thy  breath  is,  and  whofe 
 are  all  thy  ways,  haft  thou  not  glorified. 
 
 24  Then  was  the  part  of  the  hand  Cent  from  him  ; 
 and  this  writing  was  written. 
 
 25  H  And  this  is  the  writing  that  was  written, 
 MENE,  MENE,  TEKEL,  UPHARSIN. 
 
 26  This  is  the  interpretation  of  the  thing  :  MENE ; 
 
 God  hath  numbered  thy  kingdom,  and  finifhed  it. 
 
 27  TEKEL  ;  thou  art  weighed  in  the  balances, 
 and  art  found  wanting. 
 
 28  PERES  ;  Thy  kingdom  is  divided,  and  given 
 to  the  Medes  and  Perfians. 
 
 29  Then  commanded  BeKhazzar,  and  they  clothed 
 Daniel  with  fcarlet,  and^w^  a  chain  of  gold  about  his 
 neck,  and  made  a  proclamation  concerning  him,  that 
 he  fhould  be  the  third  ruler  in  the  kingdom. 
 
 30  H  In  that  night  was  BeKhazzar  the  king  of  thet  CLaid, 
 Chaldeans  (lain. 
 
 31  And  Darius  the  Median  took  the  kingdom, 
 behg  II  about  threefcore  and  two  years  old.* 
 
 he  as  ihi 
 
 son  of, 
 t  I!  Or, 
 
 I 
 
 CHAP.  VI. 
 
 1  Daniel  is  made  chief  of  the  presidents  ;  4  they  conspire  against  him,  and 
 obtain  an  ensnaring  decree.  10  Daniel  accused  of  a  breach  thereof,  is 
 cast  into  the  lion's  den  .-18  he  is  miraculously  saved  ;  24  bis  adversaries 
 are  cast  in  and  devoured  ;  Darius,  by  a  decree  magnifieth  God. 
 
 T  pleafed  Darius  to  fet  over  the  kingdom  an  hun¬ 
 dred  and  twenty  princes,  which  (hould  be  over 
 the  whole  kingdom  ; 
 
 2  And  over  thefe  three  prefidents,  of  whom  Daniel 
 •was  firft  ;  that  the  princes  might  give  accounts  unto 
 them,  and  the  king  fhould  have  no  damage. 
 
 3  Then  this  Daniel  was  preferred  above  the  prefi¬ 
 dents  and  princes,  becaule  an  excellent  fpirit  was  in 
 him  ;  and  the  king  thought  to  fet  him  over  the  whole 
 realm. 
 
 4  11  Then  the  prefidents  and  princes  fought  to  find 
 occafion  againft  Daniel  concerning  the  kingdom  ;  but 
 
 to  have  regarded  nothing  but  fenTual  gratifications.  Ver.  30,  31.  The  wamuigi 
 given  the  court  of  Babylon  feems  not  to  have  been  fufiicient  to  fubdue  their  lore 
 of  pleafure  for  one  night;  for  they  continued  feafting  till  the  enemy  had  entered 
 the  city;  comp.  Ifa.  xxi.  5.  xlv.  1.  Cyrus  placed  his  uncle  on  the  throne  of 
 Babylon,  reigned  with  him  two  years,  and  then  fucceeded  to  the  foie  governuient 
 ot  the  empire. 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  VI.  Ver.  1 — 28.  The  event  io  this 
 chapter  is  fimilar  to  that  recorded  in  the  third.  Daniel  had  changed  mailers,  but 
 his  God  was  unchangeable;  hence  he  obtained  equally  difiinguilhed  favour  front 
 bis  new  niafter  as  he  had  from  bis  old  ones.  His  charadler  was  univerfallf 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS _ *  Chap.  V.]  Drunkennefs  is  the  door  to  every  abomination  !  But  awfully  criminal  is  the  mirth  in  which  men  profano 
 
 or  jea  with  facred  things.  Immoral.ty  and  impiety,  drunkennefs  and  idolatry,  greatly  promote  one  another.  The  joyous  finner  in  the  midA  of  his  caroufals  is  a  moft 
 oitiable  obiea.  dancing  and  fineing  on  the  brink  of  the  gulpfa  where  the  worm  dieth  not,  and  the  fire  is  not  quenched.  How  eafily  can  God  awa^n  the  moA  fecuK, 
 u?  hf  AouSe^^^^^  to  frelle !  and  the  incapadty  of  creatures  to  comfort  adds  to  the  terror.  But  tf  a  band- wr.t.ng  on  a  wal  can  fo  affe A  finners,  owj 
 ?t  that  they  do  not  tremble  to  fee  every  day  in  the  Bible.  God's  hand-writing,  denounc.ng  their  everlaA.ng  damnation!  Wife  cOunfellors  are  Arangely  overlooked 
 •t  luxurious  courts.  But  neceOity  neverihelefc  often  compels  their  defpifers  to  raceive  them  back  to  honour  and  regard. 
 
\<[)ankl  cast  into  the  lion’s  den. 
 
 DANIEL. 
 
 He  is  miraculously  saved* 
 
 ir.  537. 
 
 pefore  they  could  find  none  occafion  nor  fault ;  forafmuch  as 
 Chrift  he  was  faithful,  neither  was  there  any  error  or  fault 
 found  in  him. 
 
 5  Then  faid  thefe  men,  We  (hall  not  find  any  occa¬ 
 fion  againfl  this  Daniel,  except  we  find  it  againft  him 
 concerning  the  law  of  his  God. 
 
 6  Then  thefe  prefidents  and  princes  ||  afTembled  to¬ 
 gether  to  the  king,  and  faid  thus  unto  him.  King  Da¬ 
 rius,  live  for  ever. 
 
 7  All  the  prefidents  of  the  kingdom,  the  governors, 
 and  the  princes,  the  counfellors,  and  the  captains,  have 
 confulted  together  to  eftablilh  a  royal  ftatute,  and  to 
 •make  a  firm  II  decree,  that  whofoever  (ball  alk  a  peti¬ 
 tion  of  any  god  or  man  for  thirty  days,  fave  of  thee, 
 O  king,  he  (ball  be  caft  into  the  den  of  lions. 
 
 8  Now,  O  king,  eftablifb  the  decree,  and  fign  the 
 writing,  that  it  be  not  changed,  according  to  the  ^  law 
 of  the  Medes  and  Perfians,  which  f  altereth  not. 
 
 9  Wherefore  king  Darius  figned  the  writing  and 
 the  decree. 
 
 10  H  Now,  when  Daniel  knew  that  the  writing  w'as 
 figned,  he  went  into  his  houfe ;  and,  his  w'indows 
 
 bi  Kings  being  open  in  his  chamber  ^  toward  Jerufalem,  he 
 B.  48.  °  kneeled  upon  his  knees  three  times  a-day,  and  prayed, 
 and  gave  thanks  before  his  God,  as  he  did  aforetime. 
 
 11  Then  thefe  men  alTembled,  and  found  Daniel 
 praying  and  making  fopplication  before  his  God. 
 
 12  Then  they  came  near,  and  fpake  before  the  kmg 
 concerning  the  king’s  decree  ;  Haft  thou  not  figned  a 
 decree,  that  every  man  that  fball  aflc  a  ■petition  of  any 
 god  or  man  within  thirty  days,  fave  of  thee,  O  king, 
 {hall  be  caft  into  the  den  of  iions?  The  king  anfwered 
 and  faid,  The  thing  is  true,  according  to  the  law  of 
 the  Medes  and  Perfians,  which  altereth  not. 
 
 13  Then  anfwered  they,  and  faid  before  the  king. 
 That  Daniel,  which  is  of  the  children  of  the  captivity 
 of  Judah,  regardeth  not  thee,  O  king,  nor  the  decree 
 that  thou  haft  figned,  but  raaketh  his  petition  three 
 times  a  day. 
 
 14)  Then  the  king,  when  he  heard  these  words,  was 
 fore  difpleafed  with  himfelf,  and  fet  his  heart  on  Daniel 
 to  deliver  him ;  and  he  laboured  till  the  going  down 
 of  the  fun  to  deliver  him. 
 
 15  Then  thefe  men  alT-mbled  unto  the  king,  and 
 faid  unto  the  king.  Know,  O  king,  that  the  law  of 
 the  Medes  and  Perfians  is,  That  no  decree  nor  fta- 
 tute  which  the  king  eftablftbeth  may  be  changed. 
 
 16  Then  the  king  commanded,  and  they  brought 
 Daniel,  and  caft  him  into  the  den  of  lions.  Now  the 
 
 ,1 
 
 interdict' 
 
 ,  Eftber 
 1.  19.  & 
 8.  8. 
 
 f  Cbald. 
 posset  h 
 not, 
 
 c  Pfalm 
 55.  17. 
 
 known,  £zek.  xxviii.  5.  and  it  gained  hijn  the  confidence  and  cordial  efteem  of 
 Darius,  who  raifed  him  to  the  moft  important  offices  of  truft  in  the  empire,  which 
 he  executed  to  the  greateft  advantage  and  with  the  utmofl  undenied  fidelity.  But 
 his  unqueflionable  excellence,  great  power  and  dignity,  provoked  and  ftrengthened 
 rather  than  filenced  the  envy  of  his  enemies.  Though  they  enjoyed  great  honour 
 they  were  diifatisfied  ;  they  could  not  fubmit  to  a  foreigner,  a  Jew,  a  captive  pre¬ 
 ferred  before  them.  They  plot  to  call  him  down  from  bis  excellency.  They  fix 
 on  a  plan  the  moft  adapted  to  accomplilh  the  end.  The  king  had  but  lately  af- 
 cended  the  throne  :  they,  with  the  moft  plaufible  pretence  of  wifdom,  require  him 
 to  demand  of  his  new  fubjeiSls  a  proof  of  their  refpeft  and  loyalty.  The  proof 
 was  inconvenient,  abfurd  as  well  as  unreafonable ;  but  it  was  moft  flattering  to  a 
 monarch  accullomed  to  a  parade  of  honour  ;  and  the  unwary  king  is  taken  in  the 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 cir.  537. 
 
 king  fpake,  and  faid  unto  Daniel,  Thy  God,  whom 
 thou  ferveft  continually,  he  will  deliver  thee. 
 
 17  And  a  ftone  was  brought,  and  laid  upon  the. 
 mouth  of  the  den  ;  and  the  king  fealed  it  with  his  own 
 fignet,  and  with  the  fignet  of  his  lords ;  that  the  pur- 
 pofe  might  not  be  changed  concerning  Daniel. 
 
 18  H  Then  the  king  went  to  his  palace,  and  pafled 
 the  night  faffing:  neither  were  H  inftruments  of  mufic  il 
 brought  before  him  ;  and  his  fleep  went  from  him.  " 
 
 19  Then  the  king  arofe  very  early  in  the  morning, 
 and  went  in  hatte  unto  the  den  of  lions. 
 
 20  And  when  he  came  to  the  den,  he  cried  with  a 
 lamentable  voice  onto  Daniel :  and  tne  king  fpake  and 
 faid  to  Daniel,  O  Daniel,  fervant  of  the  living  God, 
 is  thy  God,  whom  thou  ferveft  continually,  able  to 
 deliver  thee  from  the  lions  ? 
 
 21  Then  faid  Daniel  unto  the  king,  O  king,  live 
 for  ever. 
 
 22  My  God  hath  fent  his  angel,  and  hath  fhut  the 
 ions’  mouths,  that  they  have  not  hurt  me :  forafmuch 
 as  before  him  innocency  was  found  in  me  ;  and  allb 
 before  thee,  O  king,  have  I  done  no  hurt. 
 
 23  Then  was  the  king  exceeding  glad  for  him,  and 
 commanded  that  they  (hould  take  Daniel  up  out  of 
 the  den.  So  Daniel  was  taken  up  out  of  the  den,  and 
 no  manner  of  hurt  was  found  upon  him,  becaule  be 
 believed  in  his  God. 
 
 24  H  And  the  king  commanded,  and  they  brought 
 thofe  men  which  had  accufed  Daniel,  and  they  caft 
 them  into  the  den  of  lions,  them,  their  children,  and 
 their  wives :  and  the  lions  had  the  maftery  of  them, 
 and  brake  all  their  bones  in  pieces  or  ever  they  came 
 at  the  bottom  of  the  den. 
 
 25  %  Tnen  king  Darias  wrote  unto  all  people, 
 nations,  and  languages,  that  dwell  in  all  the  earth  ; 
 
 Peace  be  multiplied  uuto  you. 
 
 26  I  make  a  decree.  That  in  every  dominion  of  my 
 kingdom  men  tremble  and  fear  before  the  God  of 
 Daniel;  for  he  is  the  living  God,  and  ftedfaft  for ^  Chap, 
 ever,  and  his  kingdom  that  which  (hall  not  be  ^  de- 
 ftroyed,  and  his  dominion  shall  be  even  unto  the  end.  7,  j4,  27. 
 
 27  He  delivereth  and  refeueth,  and  he  worketh  Luke 
 
 figns  and  wonders  in  heaven  and  in  earth,  who  hath 
 delivered  Daniel  from  the  f  power  of  the  lions.  * 
 
 28  So  this  Daniel  profpered  in  the  reign  of  Darius,  e  Chap. 
 
 '  and  in  the  reign  of  Cyrus  the  Perfian.*  21. 
 
 CHAP.  VII. 
 
 1  DanieCs  vition  ^  the  four  beasts,  9  and  of  God's  kingdom,  15  Th^ 
 
 interpretation  thereof. 
 
 fnare.  While  Daniel  was  fuperior  to  the  favour  or  wrath  of  man,  he  could  not  live 
 without  the  friendihip  of  his  God  ;  the  public  acknowledgement  of  which  ifl'ues  in 
 his  being  caft  into  the  den  of  lions.  This  the  king  could  not  prevent  from  attach, 
 ment  to  a  pernicious  cuftom,  though  he  faw  and  lamented  his  error.  God  permit¬ 
 ted  the  wrath  of  Daniel’s  enemies  to  proceed  no  further  ;  he  exercifed  his  uncontro- 
 lable  power  over  the  hungry  voracious  animals,  that  they  did  him  no  hurt :  while, 
 through  the  wrath  pf  the  deceived  and  unhappy  king,  they  received  and  devoured 
 fuddenly  his  accufers.  Thus  the  wicked  are  taken  in  the  fnares  which  they  lay  for 
 others,  but  the  righteous  are  delivered  ;  and,  as  here,  God  makes  the  wrath  of  men 
 to  praife  him.  This  cbaradler  is  more  fully  deferibed  in  Darius’s  degree,  than  even 
 in  that  of  Nebuchadnezzar’s,  and  became  probably  more  extenfively  known,  as  Cyrus’ 
 conquefts  might  extend  to  nations  never  fuhje<5l  to  the  power  of  Bahvlon,  chap.  iv. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — •  Chaf.  VI.]  Stedfaft  uprigbtnefs  is  the  heft  method  of  retaining  favour  and  honour  in  courts,  however  wicked  :  by 
 that,  men  may  preferve  their  places  amidft  ftrange  revolutions.  And  the  more  our  neighbours  wait  for  o«r  halting,  let  us  be  more  circamfpeA.  It  is  extremely 
 honourable  if  they  can  find  nothing  to  accufe  us  of,  but  the  regular  worfhipping  of  God.  And  it  is  highly  honourable  to  have  our  habitations  temples  for  God,  and 
 houfes  of  daily,  of  frequent  prayer  ;  and  never  to  omit  duty  for  fear  of  fufiering.  A  gracious  foul  cannot  live  a  day  without  prayer  and  praife,  and  though  he  never 
 kneel  or  fing  to  be  beard  of  man,  be  is  never  affiamed  to  be  known  to  do  fo.  Thrice  a-day  Daniel  prayed  notwithdandiag  all  his  occupatiotis  and  engagements; 
 can  we  then  have  a  plea  for  a  lefs  frequent  attendance  on  the  throne  of  grace. 
 
 9  T  26 
 
Daniel* s  vision  oj  the  four  beasts- 
 
 Before 
 
 Cliria 
 
 cir.  555. 
 
 t  Chald. 
 taw. 
 
 6  Or, 
 words. 
 
 B  Or, 
 wherewith. 
 
 11  Or. 
 
 it  raised 
 tip  one  do 
 minion. 
 
 a  RereL 
 5.  11. 
 
 b  Revel. 
 
 20.  12. 
 
 IN  the  firft  year  of  BeKhazzar  king  of  Babylon, 
 Daniel  f  had  a  dream,  and  vifions  of  his  l)ead 
 upon  his  bed  :  then  he  wrote  the  dream,  atid  told  the 
 fura  of  the  11  matters. 
 
 2  Daniel  Ipake,  and  faid,  I  faw  in  my  vifion  by  night, 
 and,  behold,  the  four  winds  of  the  heaven  ftrove  upon 
 the  great  fea. 
 
 3  And  four  great  beads  came  np  from  the  fea, 
 diverfe  one  from  another. 
 
 4  The  firft  was  like  a  lion,  and  had  eagle’s  wings  : 
 I  beheld  till  the  wings  thereof  were  plucked,  l|  and  it 
 was  lifted  up  from  the  earth,  and  madettand  upon  the 
 feet  as  a  man,  and  a  man’s  heart  was  given  to  it. 
 
 5  And  behold  another  beaft,  a  fecond,  like  to  a 
 bear,  and  II  it  raifed  up  itfelf  on  one  fide,  and  it  had 
 three  ribs  in  the  mouth  of  it  between  the  teeth  of  it : 
 and  they  faid  thus  unto  it,  Arife,  devour  much  flefh. 
 
 6  After  this  I  beheld,  and  lo  another,  like  a  leopard, 
 which  had  upon  the  back  of  it  four  wings  of  a  fowl : 
 the  beaft  had  alfo  four  beads ;  and  dominion  was 
 given  to  it. 
 
 7  After  this  I  faw  in  the  night-vifions,  and  behold 
 a  fourth  beaft,  dreadful  and  terrible,  and  ftrong  ex¬ 
 ceedingly  ;  and  it  had  great  iron  teeth :  it  devoured 
 and  brake  in  pieces,  and  ftamped  the  refidue  with  the 
 feet  of  it :  and  it  was  diverfe  from  all  the  beafts  that 
 were  before  it ;  and  it  had  ten  horns. 
 
 8  I  confidered  the  horns,  and,  behold,  there  came 
 up  among  them  another  little  horn,  before  whom 
 there  were  three  of  the  firft  horns  plucked  up  by  the 
 roots :  and,  behold,  in  this  horn  were  eyes  like  the 
 eyes  of  man,  and  a  mouth  fpeakiog  great  things. 
 
 9^1  beheld  till  the  thrones  werecaft  down,  and  the 
 Ancient  of  days  did  fit,  whofe  garment  was  white  as 
 fnow,  and  the  hair  of  his  head  like  the  pure  wool  ; 
 his  throne  was  like  the  fiery  flame,  and  bis  wheels  as 
 burning  fire. 
 
 10  A  fiery  ftreara  iflbed  and  came  forth  from  be¬ 
 fore  him  :  *  thoufand  thoufands  rainiftered  unto  him, 
 and  ten  thoufand  times  ten  thoufand  flood  before  him: 
 the  judgment  was  fet,  and  the  books  were  opened. 
 
 1 1  1  beheld  then,  becaufe  of  the  voice  of  the  great 
 words  which  the  horn  fpake :  I  beheld  even  till  the 
 beaft  was  flain,  and  his  body  deftroyed,  and  given  to 
 the  burning  flame. 
 
 DANIEL.  .  His  vision  of  God’s  kingdo,^ 
 
 12  As  concerning  the  reft  of  the  beafts,  they  had  Befo„ 
 their  dominion  taken  away ;  yet  t  their  lives  were 
 prolonged  for  a  leafon  and  time. 
 
 13  I  faw  in  the  night-vifions,  and,  behold,  one  liketCb^^ 
 the  Son  of  man  came  with  the  clouds  of  heaven,  and 
 came  to  the  Ancient  of  days,  and  they  brought 
 near  before  him. 
 
 14  And  there  was  given  him  dominion,  and  glory, 
 and  a  kingdom,  that  all  people,  nations,  and  languages, 
 fhould  ferve  him:  his  dominion  is  '  an  everlaftingc  Chap. 
 dominion,  which  (hall  not  pafs  away,  and  his  kingdom 
 that  which  (hall  not  be  deftroyed. 
 
 15  f  I  Daniel  was  grieved  in  my  fpirit  in  the  middiuke 
 of  my  f  body,  and  the  vifions  of  my  head  troubled  me.  ••  33. 
 
 16  I  came  near  unto  one  of  them  that  flood  by,  and^ 
 
 him2''''i^‘ 
 
 •"“‘giDeii 
 then. 
 
 and 
 
 four 
 
 afleed  him  the  truth  of  all  this.  So  he  told  me, 
 made  me  know  the  interpretation  of  the  things. 
 
 17  Thefe  great  beafts,  which  are  tour,  are 
 kings,  which  (hall  arife  out  of  the  earth. 
 
 18  But  the  faints  of  the  t  naoft  High  (hall  take  the  t  Chaij. 
 kingdom,  and  poflTefs  the  kingdom  for  ever,  even  for^'s^^s, 
 
 ever  and  ever.  rtL's’er 
 
 19  Then  I  would  know  the  truth  of  the  fourth  ;./ncej.’  ' 
 beaft,  which  was  diverfe  f  from  all  the  others,  ex-fChaid. 
 ceeding  dreadful,  whofe  teeth  were  oj^  iron,  and  his-^^"”®'^ 
 nails  of  brafs ;  which  devoured,  brake  in  pieces,  and 
 ftamped  the  refidue  with  his  feet ; 
 
 20  And  of  the  ten  horns  that  were  in  his  head,  and 
 of  the  other  which  came  up,  and  before  whom  three 
 fell ;  even  of  that  horn  that  had  eyes,  and  a  mouth 
 that  fpake  very  great  things,  whole  look  was  more 
 flout  than  his  fellows. 
 
 21  I  beheld,  and  the  fame  horn  made  war  with  the 
 faints,  and  prevailed  againft  them ; 
 
 22  Until  the  Ancient  of  days  came,  and  judgment 
 was  given  to  the  faints  of  the  moft  High  ;  and  the 
 time  came  that  the  faints  pofTelTed  the  kingdom. 
 
 23  Thus  he  faid.  The  fourth  beaft  (hall  be  the 
 fourth  kingdom  upon  earth,  which  (hall  be  diverfe 
 from  all  kingdoms,  and  fhall  devour  the  whole  earth, 
 and  (hall  tread  it  down,  and  break  it  in  pieces. 
 
 24  And  the  ten  horns  out  of  this  kingdom  are  ten 
 kings  that  (hall  arife:  and  another  (hall  rife  after 
 them  ;  and  he  (hall  be  diverfe  from  the  firft,  and  he 
 (hall  fubdue  three  kings. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  VII.  Ver.  1—7.  The  vifion  contained 
 in  this  chapter  preceded,  in  one  point  of  time,  the  event  related  in  the  preceding 
 one.  The  fea  denotes  the  inhabitants  of  the  world,  Pfal.  xcviii.  7.  The  winds 
 mean  the  powers  on  earth  contending  for  maftery,  and  tilling  it  with  violence 
 and  confuCon.  The  four  beafts  coming  out  of  the  fea,  is  the  prophecy  of  the 
 four  empires,  (chap.  ii.  31,  43.)  repeated  with  feveral  additions.  The  firft  beaft 
 was  like  a  lion,  and  two  eagle’s  wings,  denoting  tlie  power  and  defpotifm  of  the 
 kingdom  of  Babylon,  and  the  rapidity  of  Nebuebadnezsar’s  conquefts;  but  the 
 wings  were  foon  plucked  off  by  which  it  was  exalted  ;  for  under  his  fucceflors  the 
 empire  began  to  be  weakened  and  difmembered  ;  they  loft  their  wifdom  and 
 courage  ;  the  lion’s  heart  was  changed  into  a  man's.  The  fecond  beaft  repre¬ 
 sented  the  Perfians;  he  raifed  bimfelf  upon  one  fide ;  the  Perfians  being  under 
 the  Medes  at  the  fall  of  Babylon,  but  prefently  arifing  above  them.  He  hsd 
 three  ribs  in  his  mouth,  between  bis  teeth  ;  fignifying  the  kingdom  of  Sardis, 
 Babylon,  and  Egypt,  which  were  conquered  by  the  Perfians,  but  did  not  belong 
 to  their  proper  kingdom.  He  devoured  much  llefh,  the  riches  of  thefe  king- 
 doms.  The  third  beaft  was  like  a  leopard,  to  fignify  the  fiercenefs  of  the  Gre- 
 cian  power  under  Alexander,  who  laid  the  foundation  of  that  empire;  the  four 
 beads  and  wings  intimated  that  it  fhould  be  divided  into  four  kingdoms,  Dan. 
 »iii.  22.  It  continued  in  the  form  of  one  kingdom  under  Alexander  the  Great, 
 bia  brother  Aridasus,  his  young  fons,  Alexander  and  Hercules;  and  then  was 
 divided  into  four  kingdoms,  the  governors  of  the  provinces  putting  crowns 
 on  their  own  beads,  and  by  mutual  confent  reigning  over  their  provinces.  The 
 Homan  empire  is  reprefented  by  the  fourth  beaft,  exceeding  fierce  and  terrible; 
 be  bad  great  iron  teeth,  and  devoured  and  brake  in  pieces,  and  ftamped  the  re¬ 
 fidue  with  his  feet.  The  Roman  empire  was  larger,  ftronger  and  more  formida¬ 
 
 ble  and  lafting  than  any  of  the  former  ;  continued  its  greatnefs  till  the  reign  of 
 Tbeodofius  the  Great;  and  then  was  broken  into  ten  kingdoms,  which  were 
 the  ten  horns  of  the  beaft.  Some  of  thefe  kingdoms  at  length  fell  and  new  ones 
 arofe ;  but  whatever  w4s  their  number  afterwards,  they  were  ftill  called  the  ten 
 kings,  from  their  firft  number.  Ver.  8.  Compare  ver.  20,  21,  24,  25.  Kings  are 
 put  for  kingdoms;  and  therefore  the  little  born  is  a  little  kingdom.  Concerning 
 which  Sir  Ifaac  Newton,  (from  whofe  illuftration  of  Daniel’s  prophecies,  thefe 
 notes  are  chiefly  extradled)  obferves  ;  It  was  a  born  of  the  fourth  beaft,  and 
 rooted  up  three  of  his  firft  horns,  and  therefore  we  are  to  look  for  it  among  the 
 nations  of  the  Roman  Empire  after  the  rife  of  the  ten  horns.  But  it  was  of  a 
 different  kind  from  the  other  ten  kingdoms  ;  having  a  life  or  foul  peculiar  to  it¬ 
 felf,  with  eyes  and  a  mouth.  By  its  eyes  it  was  a  Seer  or  Bifhop,  as  the  word 
 literally  means,  which  applies  to  the  church  of  Rome  claiming  univerfal  bilbop- 
 ric  -  and  by  its  mouth  fpeaking  great  things,  and  changing  times  and  laws,  it 
 was  a  prophet  as  well  as  a  king;  and  the  biftiop  of  Rome  has  given  laws  to  king* 
 and  nations  as  an  oracle  •  pretending  that  his  dictates  are  binding  on  the  whole 
 world.  The  fame  power  rooted  up  or  deftroyed  three  kingdoms  or  dominion*, 
 in  the  eight  century,  the  exarchate  of  Ravenna,  the  kingdom  of  the  Lom¬ 
 bards,  and  tbe^  Senate  or  dukedom  of  Rome  ;  by  which  the  bifliop  of  Rome 
 riife  up  as  a  temporal  prince  or  king,  the  eleventh  born  of  the  fourth  beaft. 
 
 Ver,  9 _ II.  Compare  ver.  13,  14,  18,  22,  26,  27.  Daniel  in  vifion  beholds  the 
 
 Eternal  Judge  in  fupreme  majefty,  who  paffes  fentence  of  deftruaion  on  every 
 power  oppofed  to  bis  dominion,  efpecially  on  the  Roman  power,  both  Pagae 
 and  Papal,  doomed  to  mifery,  fimilar  to  that  of  Sodom  and  Gomorrah,  2  Theff. 
 
 i.  8.  Rev.  xix.  17 21.  He  entrufts  to  the  Son  of  roan,  the  Lord  Jefua,  the 
 
 exercile  of  bis  righteous  authority  in  the.  earth ;  to  him  be  gives  a  kiogdaa 
 
J)aniel's  vision  of  the  ram  and  he-goat. 
 
 DANIEL. 
 
 The  angel  Gabriel  comforteth  Daniel, 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 cir.  555. 
 
 dLuVe 
 i.  53. 
 
 I  Or, 
 
 cir.  553. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 thtseconi. 
 
 I  Or, 
 
 none 
 touched 
 him  tn  the 
 earth. 
 f  Heb. 
 
 B  horn  of 
 ti(ht> 
 
 25  And  he  (hall  fpeak  great  words  againft  the  nioft 
 High,  and  (hall  wear  out  the  faints  of  the  moft  High, 
 ana  think  to  change  times  and  laws :  and  they  (hall 
 be  given  into  his  hand,  until  a  time  and  times,  and 
 the  dividing  of  time. 
 
 26  But  the  judgment  (hall  fit,  and  they  (hall  take 
 away  his  dominion,  to  confume  and  to  deftroy  it  unto 
 the  end. 
 
 27  And  the  kingdom  and  dominion,  and  the  great- 
 nels  of  the  kingdom  nnder  the  whole  heaven,  (hall 
 be  given  to  the  people  of  the  faints  of  the  moft  High, 
 
 <1  whole  kingdom  is  an  everlafting  kingdom,  and  all 
 II  dominions  (hall  ferve  and  obey  him. 
 
 28  Hitherto  is  the  end  of  the  matter.  As  for  me 
 Daniel,  my  cogitations  much  troubled  me,  and  my 
 countenance  changed  in  me :  but  1  kept  the  matter 
 in  my  heart.* 
 
 CHAP.  VIII. 
 
 1  DanieCs  vision  of  the  ram  and  he-goat.  13  The  suspension  of  the  daily 
 
 sacrifices,  ^c.  15  Gabriel  comforteth  Daniel,  ^c. 
 
 IN  the  third  year  of  the  reign  of  king  BeKhazzar 
 a  vifion  appeared  unto  me,  even  unto  me  Daniel, 
 after  that  which  appeared  unto  me  at  the  firft. 
 
 2  And  I  faw  in  a  vifion  ;  (and  it  came  to  pal's,  when 
 I  faw,  that  I  was  at  Shufhan  in  the  palace,  which  'is 
 in  the  province  of  Elam  ;)  and  I  faw  in  a  vifion,  and 
 I  was  by  the  river  of  Ulai. 
 
 3*  Then  I  lifted  up  mine  eyes,  and  faw,  and,  be¬ 
 hold,  there  flood  before  the  river  a  ram  which  had 
 two  horns ;  and  the  two  horns  were  high  ;  but  one 
 was  higher  than  f  the  other,  and  the  higher  came  up 
 laft. 
 
 4  I  faw  the  ram  pufhing  weftward,  and  northward, 
 and  fouthward ;  fo  that  no  beads  might  ftand  before 
 him,  neither  was  there  any  that  could  deliver  out  of 
 his  hand  ;  but  he  did  according  to  his  will,  and  be 
 came  great. 
 
 5  And  as  I  was  confidering,  behold,  an  he-goat 
 came  from  the  weft,  on  the  face  of  the  whole  earth, 
 and  II  touched  not  the  ground  ;  and  the  goat  had  f  a 
 notable  horn  between  his  eyes. 
 
 6  And  he  came  to  the  ram  that  had  two  horns, 
 which  I  had  feen  ftanding  before  the  river,  and  ran 
 unto  him  in  the  fury  of  his  power. 
 
 7  And  I  faw  him  come  clofe  unto  the  ratn,  and  he 
 was  moved  with  choler  againft  him,  and  (mote  the 
 ram,  and  brake  his  two  horns ;  and  there  was  no 
 power  in  the  ram  to  ftand  before  him,  but  he  caft 
 him  down  to  the  ground,  and  damped  upon  him : 
 
 and  there  was  none  that  could  deliver  the  ram  out  of 
 
 his  hand.  .  cir.  553. 
 
 8  Therefore  the  he-goat  waxed  very  great ;  and, 
 when  he  was  ftrong,  the  great  horn  was  broken  ;  and 
 
 for  it  came  up  »  four  notable  ones,  toward  the  toura^^b«P* 
 
 winds  of  heaven.  r  u  i-  1  u 
 
 9  And  out  of  one  of  them  came  forth  a  little  horn, 
 
 which  waxed  exceeding  great,  toward  the  fouth,  and 
 toward  the  eaft,  and  toward  the  pleafant  M  b  PJi® 
 
 10  And  it  waxed  great,  H  to  ho^  Ez’ek! 
 
 ven ;  and  it  caft  down  s(w»e  of  the  hoft  and  of  the  20.  e. 
 ftars  to  the  ground,  and  (tamped  upon  them.  .  y  Or, 
 
 11  Yea,  he  magnified  himself  even  II  to  the  prince  ogainst 
 
 of  the  hoft,  and  ||  by  him  the  daily  sacrifice  was  taken  ^  ‘ 
 
 away,  and  the  place  of  his  fanftuary  was  calt  down,  against. 
 
 12  And  11  an  hoft  was  given  him  againft  the  daily  y  Or 
 
 sacrifice  by  reafon  of  tranCgreflion,  and  it  caft  '”** 
 
 the  truth  to  the  ground  ;  and  it  pracliied,  and  prol-  the  host 
 
 i  TheD  I  heard  one  faint  rP7km|.  =nd  f  other 
 faint  faid  unto  I1 1  that  certain  saint  which  Ipake,  How  gression 
 shall  be  the  vifion  concerning  the  sacrifice, 
 
 and  the  tranfgreffion  of  H  delolation,  to  give  both  the  the  daUy 
 fanftuary  and  the  hoft  to  be  trodden  under  loot  ?  /or/jAg 
 
 14  And  he  faid  unto  me.  Unto  two  thoufand 
 
 three  hundred  f  days ;  Then  fhall  the  lanciuary  be^,ecre<,, 
 
 .  ripanfed 
 
 15  f  And  it  came  to  pafs,  when  I,  even  I  Daniel, 
 had  feen  the  vifion,  and  fought  for  the  meaning,  then,  ^ 
 behold,  there  flood  before  me  as  the  appearance  of  a  ptaimonL 
 
 man  " 
 
 16  And  I  heard  a  man’s  voice,  between  the  banks 
 
 Ulaif  which  called,  and  laid>  *  Gabriel,  make  this  man^  Heb. 
 
 to  underftand  the  vifion.  „  ,  .  .  u 
 
 17  So  he  came  near  where  1  ftood  ;  and  when  he 
 
 came,  1  was  afraid,  and  tell  upon  my  face :  but  he  laid  justified. 
 unto  me,  Underftand,  O  fon  of  mao ;  for  at  the  time^  coap. 
 of  the  end  shall  be  the  vifion.  . 
 
 18  Now,  as  he  was  (peaking  with  me,  1  was  in  a 
 
 deep  deep  on  my  face  toward  the  ground:  but 
 touched  me,  and  t  fet  me  upright.  ^  ®  ' 
 
 19  And  he  faid.  Behold,  I  will  make  thee  know^^^^ 
 
 what  {hall  be  in  the  laft  end  of  the  indignation  ;  for  at  upon  my 
 the  time  appointed  the  end  shall  be.  ^  standmg. 
 
 20  The  ram  which  thou  faweft  having  two  horns,  are 
 
 the  kings  of  Media  and  Perfia.  c  /->  ■ 
 
 21  And  the  rough  goat  is  the  king  of  Grecia: 
 
 and  the  great  horn  that  is  between  his  eyes  fsthe  firft 
 king.  _ 
 
 .hofe  influence  (hall  be  gradually  extended  throughout  all  the  earth,  and 
 whofe  duration  is  eternal.  Ver.  12.  The  fovereign  power  departed  from  the  three 
 firft  beafts,  or  empires  ;  and  they  continued  in  being  as  a  people  ;  while  the  utter 
 deftrudlioa  of  the  fouth  is  determined.  The  latter  has  exceeded  the  former  in 
 •ppolition  to  the  people  of  God,  and  their  punilhment  lhall  be  according  to  their 
 works. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  VIII.  Ver.  1—27.  The  ram  having 
 two  horns  are  the  kings,  or  rather  kingdoms  of  Media  and  Perfia.  The  born 
 that  came  up  firft  was  the  kingdom  of  the  Medes,  from  the  time  that  their  king 
 Cyaxares  and  Nebuchadnezzar  overthrew  Nineveh,  and  ftiared  the  empire 
 between  them.  The  Perfians,  however,  were  by  Cyrus  raifed  above  the 
 Medes,  and  therefore  were  the  fecond  horo,  that  came  up  laft.  The  rough 
 
 goat  is  the  king,  or  empire  of  Grecia,  and  the  great  born  between  his  eyes  ia 
 the  firft  king,  or  kingdom  ;  that  which  lafted  during  the  reign  of  Alexander,  his 
 brother  and  two  young  fons.  The  four  horns  ftanding  up  after  the 
 was  broken  off,  are  the  four  kingdoms  into  which  the  empire  was  divided  by 
 Alexander’s  captains,  Caffander,  Lyfimachus,  Antigonus,  and  Ptolemy.  Ihe 
 little  horn,  which  came  up  out  of  one  of  the  four  horns,  and  waxed  exceeding 
 great,  is  by  some  thought  to  refer  to  Antiochus  Epiphanes,  king  of  Syna, 
 whofe  life  correfponds  pretty  well  with  the  charaaer  drawn  here.  But  Sir 
 Ifaac  Newton  applies  it  to  the  Romans,  who  laid  the  foundation  of  their  great 
 power  in  the  fouth,  and  towards  the  eaft,  in  the  conqueft  of  Macedon,  when 
 that  kingdom  ceafed  to  be  one  of  the  four  horns,  aud  became  one  of  a  new 
 fort,  which  grew  mighty  not  by  bis  own  power,  but  by  the  power  of  the 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  VIL]  Thrice  happy  is  that  retirement  from  bufinefs  and  courts,  which  is  filled  up  with  intinoate  fell^ow (hip  wiih 
 God,  and  with  difcoYeries  of  the  fecrets  of  bis  covenant  and  providence  !  What  a  troubled,  unfetiled,  ever  changing,  and  noify  world,  is  ours  ma  e  y  '  ® 
 and  contentious  men  that  dwell  in  it !  But  all  their  empires,  ellablilhed  by  iniquity,  are  but  contemptible  things  before  the  eternal  Goa,  and  na  cbievous  an  e» 
 ftruAive  to  one  another.  Infinite  is  the  glory  and  majefty,  and  power  and  equity  of  the  moft  High  ;  and  certain  but  tremendous,  his  appeararice  for  t  e  ruin  o  it 
 Oppofers  and  the  eftablilhment  of  the  church  !  Yea,  the  reproach  of  Jefus’s  crofs  is  eflfedlually  wiped  away  in  bis  folemn  exaltation  to  glory  ;  and  (hall  be  in  t  eg  ory 
 of  bis  church,  efpecially  in  the  millenial  and  heavenly  date.  How  afiedting  are  noted  revelations  from  God  !  When  we  are  ignorani,  we  thou  d  not  e  a  ****^ 
 to  inquire  of  tbofe  who  can  teach  us.  The  truths  of  God  (hould  engage  our  diligent  attention.  It  is  our  duty  to  ftore  them  up  in  our  hearts,  ready  to  pro  u 
 then  00  every  proper  occb&od,  for  tbe  edification  and  comfort  of  our  brethren. 
 
•Daniel^s  conjession  o/*  sim. 
 
 DANIEL. 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 cir.  583. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 are  ac- 
 
 f  Heb. 
 people  of 
 the  holy 
 ones. 
 
 U  Or, 
 
 22  Now  that  being  broken,  whereas  four  flood  up 
 tor  it,  tour  kingdoms  thall  fland  up  out  of  the  nation, 
 but  not  in  his  power. 
 
 23  And  in  the  latter  time  of  their  kingdom,  when 
 the  tranfgreflbrs  f  are  come  to  the  full,  a  king  of 
 
 compiisk-  nerce  countenance,  and  underftanding  dark  leniences, 
 ed.  thall  fland  up. 
 
 24  And  his  power  (hall  be  mighty,  but  not  by  his 
 own  power;  and  he  (hall  deftroy  wonderfully,  and 
 thall  profper,  and  practice,  and  thall  deftroy  the  mighty 
 and  the  f  holy  people. 
 
 25  And  through  his  policy  alfo  he  (hall  caufe  craft 
 to  profper  in  his  hand  ;  and  he  (hall  magnify  himself  in 
 his  heart,  and  by  ||  peace  (hall  de(froy  many  :  he  (hall 
 alfo  fland  up  againft  the  Prince  of  princes;  but  he 
 
 ^  2^.  ac.  t,  broken  without  hand. 
 
 26  And  the  vifion  of  the  evening  and  the  morning 
 which  was  told  is  true :  wherefore  (hut  thou  up  the 
 vifion  ;  for  it  shall  he  for  many  days. 
 
 27  And  I  Daniel  tainted,  and  was  tick  cei-tain  days: 
 afterward  I  role  up,  and  did  the  king’s  bufioefs  ;  and 
 I  was  aftonithed  at  the  vifion,  but  none  underftood 
 it.* 
 
 CHAP.  IX. 
 
 5  Daniel  confesseth  his  people’s  sins :  16  he  prayeth  for  Jerusalem’ s  resto¬ 
 ration.  20  Gabriel  irformeth  him  of  the  seventy  weeks,  and  of  the  time 
 and  death  of  the  Messiah,  ^c. 
 
 IN  the  firft  year  of  Darius  the  fon  of  Abafuerus,  of 
 the  feed  of  the  ||  Medes,  which  was  made  king 
 over  the  realm  of  the  Chaldeans  ; 
 
 2  In  the  firft  year  of  his  reign,  I  Daniel  underftood 
 by  books  the  number  of  the  years,  whereof  the  word 
 a  jerem.  of  the  LoRD  came  to  *  Jeremiah  the  prophet,  that  he 
 oi’  Jn  *  would  accomplifli  feventy  years  in  the  defolations  of 
 Jerulalem. 
 
 3  U  And  I  fet  my  face  unto  the  Lord  God,  to  feek 
 by  prayer  and  lupplications,  with  fading,  and  fack- 
 cloth  and  a(hes  : 
 
 4  And  I  prayed  unto  the  Lord  my  God,  and 
 made  my  confeffion,  and  laid,  O  Lord,  the  great 
 and  dreadful  God,  keeping  the  covenant  and  mercy 
 to  them  that  love  him,  and  to  them  that  keep  his 
 commandments; 
 
 5  =  We  have  finned,  and  have  committed  iniquity, 
 
 '  ’  ’and  have  done  wickedly,  and  have  rebelled,  even  by 
 
 departing  from  thy  precepts,  and  trom  thy  judgments : 
 
 6  Neither  have  we  hearkened  unto  thy  fervants  the 
 prophets,  which  fpake  in  thy  name  to  our  kings,  our 
 princes,  and  our  fathers,  and  to  all  the  people  of  the 
 land. 
 
 II  O''*  7  0  Lord,  righteoufnefs  H  helongeth  unto  thee,  but 
 
 thou  confufion  of  faces,  as  at  this  day  :  to  the  men 
 
 of  Judah,  and  to  the  inhabitants  of  Jerufalem,  and  unto 
 
 «ir.  538. 
 tl  Or, 
 in  which 
 he,  ^c. 
 
 b  Deut. 
 7.  9. 
 Nebem. 
 1.  5. 
 
 c  Barucb 
 
 Rozrans.  To  Macedonia  they  added  Afia  Minor,  Armenia,  Syria,  and  Judea,  the 
 pleafant  land.  By  them  the  civil  and  eeclefiaftical  policy  of  the  Jews  was  de- 
 ftroyed;  their  governor  put  to  death  the  Meffiib;  they  deftroyed  the  temple, 
 and  they  endeavoured  to  corrupt  the  worlhip  of  God,  by  introducing  heathen 
 praaices,  chap.  xi.  51.  Matth.  xxiv.  15,  Daniel’s  days  are  years;  and  thcfe 
 may  be  reckoned  either  from  the  deftruaion  of  the  temple  by  the  Romans  in 
 the  reign  of  Vefpafian,  or  from  the  pollution  of  the  fanauary  by  the  worlhip  of 
 Jupiter  Olympius,  or  from  the  defolation  of  Judea,  when  all  the  Jews  were 
 banilhed  from  their  own  land,  or  from  foroe  period  that  time  will  difcover. 
 Henceforward  the  lad  born  of  the  goat  continued  iiaighty  under  the  Romans, 
 
 Daniel  informed  of  the  seventy  tueehs 
 
 all  Ifrael,  that  are  near,  and  that  are  far  off,  through  all  Before 
 the  countries  whither  thou  haft  driven  them,  becaufe  .‘"'"'ft 
 of  their  trefpafs  that  they  have  trefpalTed  againft  thee. 
 
 8  O  Lord,  to  us  helongeth  confufion  of  face,  toft^B^rll^ 
 our  kings,  to  our  princes,  and  to  our  fathers,  becaufe 
 
 we  have  finned  againft  thee. 
 
 9  To  the  Lord  our  God  belong  mercies  and  forgive- 
 nelTefs,  though  we  have  rebelled  againft  him  ; 
 
 10  Neither  have  we  obeyed  the  voice  of  the  Lord 
 our  God,  to  walk  in  his  laws,  which  he  fet  before  us 
 by  his  fervants  the  prophets. 
 
 11  Yea,  all  Ilrael  have  tranCgrefiTed  thy  law,  even  by 
 
 departing,  that  they  might  not  obey  thy  voice  ;  there, 
 tore  the  curfe  is  poured-upon  us,  and  the  oath  that  is 
 written  in  the  '  law  of  Mofes  the  fervant  of  God,  be-® 
 caufe  we  have  finned  againft  him.  I®' 
 
 12  And  he  hath  confirnned  his  words  which  he  Deut. 
 fpake  againft  us,  and  againft  our  judges  that  judged 
 
 us,  by  bringing  upon  us  a  great  evil :  for  under  thefg'g^ 
 whole  heaven  hath  not  been  done  as  hath  been  done&c.&  sp 
 upon  Jerufalem.  n,  is. 
 
 13  f  As  it  is  written  in  the  law  of  Mofes,  all  this  evil  ^ 
 
 is  come  upon  us  ;  yet  f  made  we  not  our  prayer  be- 32.'  fg 
 fore  the  Lord  our  God,  that  we  might  turn  from  our&c’.^^’ 
 iniquities,  and  underfland  thy  truth.  fL«ivit. 
 
 14  Therefore  hath  the  Lord  watched  upon  the|^‘ 
 
 evil,  and  brought  it  upon  us  :  for  the  Lord  our  God  Deut. 
 is  righteous  in  all  his  works  which  he  doeth:  for  we  28.  15. 
 obeyed  not  his  voice.  Lamen. 
 
 15  And  now,  O  Lord  our  God,  that  haft  brought 
 
 thy  people  forth  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt  with  ^  entreated. 
 mighty  hand,  and  haft  f  gotten  thee  s  renown  as  at 
 this  day  ;  we  have  finned,  we  have  done  wickedly, 
 
 16  f  O  Lord,  according  to  all  thy  righteoufnefs,  I|  Heb. 
 befeech  thee,  let  thine  anger  and  thy  fury  be  turned  made  thee 
 away  from  thy  city  Jerufalem,  thy  holy  mountain  :  “ 
 becaufe  for  our  fins,  and  for  the  iniquities  of  our 
 
 thers,  Jerufalem  and  thy  people  are  become  a  reproach 
 to  all  that  are  about  us. 
 
 17  Now  therefore,  O  our  God,  hear  the  prayer  of 
 thy  fervant,  and  his  fuppHcations,  and  caufe  thy  face 
 to  (hine  upon  thy  fanftuary  that  is  defolate,  for  the 
 Lord’s  fake. 
 
 18  O  my  God,  incline  thine  ear,  and  hear;  open 
 thine  eyes,  and  behold  our  defolations,  and  the  city 
 
 t  which  is  called  by  thy  name:  for  we  do  not  t  pre-|.Heb. 
 fent  our  fuppHcations  before  thee  for  our  righteouf-  where- 
 nefifes,  but  for  thy  great  mercies. 
 
 19  O  Lord,  hear;  O  Lord,  forgive;  G  Lord, 
 
 hearken  and  do ;  defer  not,  for  thine  own  fake,  O  my  |  Heb. 
 God  :  tor  thy  city  and  thy  people  are  called  by  thy  cause  to 
 name.  _ 
 
 20  ^  And  whiles  I  was  fpeakiog,  and  praying,  and 
 
 till  the  reign  of  ConRantine  the  great  and  his  fons  ;  and  then  it  became  an  em* 
 pire  alone,  but  under  a  Roiban  family ;  and  at  prefent  is  a  large  empire  under  the 
 Turks. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  IX.  Ver.  2.  The  moft  diRinguifhed 
 talents,  or  even  mod  intimate  intercourfe  with  God,  with  which  any  man  may 
 be  favoured,  cannot  warrant  indifi’erence  to  divine  revelation,  recorded  to  in¬ 
 fluence  the  heart,  and  diretSt  the  whole  conduct.  Hence  Daniel  to  remove  his 
 uncertainty  refpedling  the  time  of  bis  people’s  deliverance,  trufts  not  to  the 
 fpirit  of  prophecy,  with  which  he  was  eminently  endowed  ;  for  be  knew  that 
 God  had  a  right  to  withhold  or  grant  this,  at  what  time  and  in  what  degree  he 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS, _ •  Chap.  VIII.]  The  people  of  God  have  often  enjoyed  the  moft  gracious  liberty  in  their  fouls,  when  their  bodies  have 
 
 been  held  in  captivity.  But  thole  who  abufe  others  may  quickly  expea  the  like  treatment.  God  quickly  ftops  the  career  of  ambitious  men.  And  little  do  they, 
 who  rilk  both  foul  and  body,  in  amaffing  power  or  wealth,  know  who  lhall  enjoy  them.  If  ever  God’s  peqple  fuflfer,  their  fins  are  tbe  caufe.  They  who  flight  or 
 abufe  the  privileges  of  God’a  fanauary,  deferve  to  be  deprived  of  them.  It  is  comfortable  to  refleft  that  he  looks  oa  the  perfecutioo  of  his  church  as  againft  himfelf; 
 and  that,  though  her  diverfilies  may  be  fevere,  th*y  cannot  be  lafting. 
 
Daniel  informed  of  the  seventy  weh. 
 
 DANIFX. 
 
 He  seclh  a  glorious  vision. 
 
 confeflin,  „,y  fio.  and  the  fin  of  my  peopte  lfnel.^and  |  ^ 
 
 CvJUiciijiJ5  i«y  AAiJf  ^  W  ry  A 
 
 Cbrift  nrelenting  my  iupplication  before  the  Lord  my  uoa 
 
 538^*  ,•  _ /s.»i  t-k «- rt  i  r*k  rviif  • 
 
 _,^t'or  the  holy  mountain  of  my  God  ; 
 
 21  Yea,  whiles  I  was  fpeaking  in  prayer,  even  the 
 man  ®  Gabriel,  whom  I  had  feen  in  the  vifion  at  the 
 J'lil  beginning,  being  cauCed  to  f  fly  fwiftly,  touched  me 
 litiiwea-  about  the  time  of  the  evening  oblation. 
 finest,  or  ^2  And  he  inl^ormed  me,  and  talked  with  me,  and 
 
 Heb.  G  Daniel,  I  am  now  come  forth  f  to  give  thee 
 
 imake  jkill  and  underltanding. 
 
 theeskiifvi  ^3  At  the  beginning  of  thy  fupplicatioas  the  f  com* 
 o/«nrfer-  j^3jjj(|^ent  came  forth,  and  I  am  come  to  (hew  thee  s 
 I  Heb.  for  thou  art  f  greatly  beloved  ;  therefore  underftand 
 word.  the  matter,  and  confider  the  vifion. 
 
 1 .  24  Seventy  weeks  are  determined  upon  thy  people, 
 
 and  upon  thy  holy  city,  II  to  finilh  the  tranfgreflion, 
 /or,  and  II  to  make  an  end  of  fins,  and  to  make  reconcili- 
 i  toresirain.  arion  for  iniquity,  and  to  bring  in  everlafting  righte- 
 "  oufnefs,  and  to  feal  up  the  vifion  and  f  prophecy,  and 
 t  Heb!*^  to  anoint  the  moft  holy. 
 
 prophet.  25  Know  therefore  and  underftand,  that  from  the 
 going  forth  of  the  commandment  to  reftore  and  to 
 lurJand  build  Jerufalem,  unto  the  MeUiah  the  Prince,  shallbe 
 ZbuUded  (even  weeks,  and  t.hreefcore  and  two  weeks :  the 
 H  Or,  (treet  f  (hall  be  built  again,  and  the  U  wall,  even  t  to 
 or  JJ.Q,J|3|QUS  times. 
 
 26  And  after  threefcore  and  two  weeks  (hall  Mef- 
 fiah  be  cut  olf,  \\  but  not  for  himfelf :  and  the  people 
 of  the  prince  that  (hall  come  (hall  deftroy  the  city,  and 
 the  I'anffnary  ;  and  the  end  thereof  shall  6e  with  a 
 flood,  and  unto  the  end  of  the  war  |i  defolations  are 
 determined. 
 
 27  And  he  (hall  confirm  H  the  covenant  with  many 
 
 ditch. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 in  strait 
 of  times. 
 
 II  Or. 
 
 and  shall 
 
 have 
 
 nothing. 
 
 U  Or, 
 ii  shall  bs 
 
 'cut'of  by  ior  one  week  :  and  in  the  midft  of  the  week  he  fhall 
 desota-  caufe  the  facrifice  and  the  oblation  to  ceafe,  and  II  for 
 Hons.  overfpreading  of  ‘  abominations  he  (hall  make  it 
 
 1  or^’anadelblate,  even  until  the  conCummation,  and  that  de- 
 uponihe  termined,  (hall  be  poured  upon  the  1|  defolate.* 
 
 battlements  shall  be  the  idols  of  the  desolaters.  i  Matth,  24.  15.  Mark  15.  14. 
 Luke  21.  20.  It  Or,  desolater. 
 
 CHAP.  X. 
 
 1  Daniel  having  humbled  himself  seeih  a  glorious  vision,  and  is  troubled 
 with  fear  i  10  an  angel  comfortelh  him,  ^c. 
 
 N  the  third  year  of  Cyrus  king  of  Perfia  a  thing 
 
 a  uuuci  iKiuuiug  w.  L..V,  _  .  f  n 
 
 2  In  thofe  days  I  Daniel  was  mourning  three  f  tull 
 
 ^  Hcb* 
 
 '^^S^Ute  no  t  pleaCant  bread,  neither  came  fle(b  nore’-"‘j^ 
 wine  in  my  mouth,  neither  did  I  anoint  mylelt  at  weeks  of 
 
 till  three  whole  weeks  were  fulfilled.  c 
 
 4  And  in  the  four  and  twentieth  day  of  the  fi^ftt^Heb. 
 month,  as  I  was  by  the  fide  of  the  great  river,  which 
 
 is  *  Hiddekel ;  ®  Gen. 
 
 5  Then  1  lifted  up  mine  eyes,  and  looked,  and  be.2.  m. 
 
 '  hold  f  a  certain  man  clothed  in  linen,  whole  loins 
 b  girded  with  fine  gold  of  Uphaz  :  ,  , .  r  b  ReveL 
 
 6  His  body  alfo  was  like  the  beryl,  and  his  face  as  1.14,15. 
 the  appearance  of  lightning,  and  his  eyes  as  lamps  of 
 
 fire,  and  his  arms  and  his  feet  like  in  colour  to  po- 
 lilbed  brafs,  and  the  voice  of  his  words  like  tne  voice 
 
 °  7  And  1  Daniel  alone  faw  the  vifion :  for  the  men 
 that  were  with  me  faw  not  the  vifion  ;  but  a  great 
 quaking  fell  upon  them,  fo  that  they  fled  to  hide  them- 
 
 Therefore  I  was  left  alone,  and  faw  this  great 
 vifion,  and  there  remained  no  ftrength  in  me ;  for 
 my  11  “  comelinefs  was  turned  in  me  into  corruption,  or, 
 
 and  I  retained  no  ftrength.  jut  c  Coap. 
 
 9  Yet  heard  I  the  voice  of  his  words :  and  when  1  7.28. 
 heard  the  voice  of  his  words,  then  was  I  in  a  deep  fleep 
 on  my  face,  and  my  face  toward  the  ground.  „  . 
 
 ion  And,  behold,  an  hand  touched  me,  which  t  fet  t^H®^^. 
 roe  upon  my  knees,  and  upon  the  palms  of  my  hands  . 
 
 11  And  he  faid  unto  me,  O  Daniel,  t  a  man 
 ly  beloved,  uoderftand  the  words  that  1  (peak  unto^^j-^^^ 
 thee,"  and  t  ftand  upright :  for  unto  thee  am  1  now  f  Heb. 
 fent.  And  when  he  had  fpokeu  this  word  unto 
 
 1  ftood  trembling.  ^  .  c  standing. 
 
 12  Then  laid  he  unto  me,  Fear  not,  Daniel ;  tor  from 
 the  firft  dav  that  thou  dldft  let  thine  heart  to  under¬ 
 ftand,  and' to  chaften  thyfelf  before  thy  God,  thy 
 words  were  heard,  and  1  am  come  for  thy  words. 
 
 13  But  the  prince  of  the  kingdom  of  Perfia  with- 
 ftood  me  one  and  twenty  days:  but,  lo,  Michael,  |1 
 
 Or, 
 
 dr,  534. 
 
 one  of  the  chief  princes,  came  to  help  me  ;  and  1  re-  J*  * 
 
 IN  the  third  year  of  Cyrus  king  or  reriia  a  ining  ^ r  ^ perfia. 
 
 was  revealed  unto  Daniel,  whole  name  was  called  j  ^  underftand  what 
 
 Belte(hazzar;  and  the  thing  was  true,  but  the  time  ap-  _ _ _ _ _ _ 
 
 pleated  ;  but  confults  the  mind  of  God  on  this  fubjeft  already  revealed  by  the 
 prophet  Jeremiah.  Ver.  24—27.  From  the  reftoration  of  the  Jews  to  their  own 
 land,  when  they  were  governed  by  their  own  laws  under  Ezra,  to  the  d^lh 
 of  Chrift,  is  490;  the  period  here  fpecified,  allowing  a  day  for  a  year,  1  he 
 feven  weeks,  or  49  years,  from  the  commandment  to  return  and  build  Jerulalem, 
 unto  the  Anointed,  the  Prince,  is  by  Sir  Ifaac  Newton  referred  to  the  period 
 elapfmg  from  the  final  return  of  the  Jews  to  their  own  land,  and  the  lecond 
 coining  of  Mefliah,  not  to  fufFer  but  to  reign.  He  refers  the  62  weeks,  or  4o4 
 years,  to  the  time  of  Nehemiah’s  arrival  at  Jerufalem,  and  finilhing  the  lecond 
 temple;  and  the  appearance  of  Chrifi  to  take  away  fin  by  the  facrifice  of  him- 
 felf;  a  period  agreeing  with  the  prophecy.  By  others,  however,  the  leven 
 weeks,  or  49  years,  arc  afligned  to  the  building  of  the  ftreet  and  wall,  whether 
 we  take  it  literally,  or,  according  to  Dr  Prideaux,  metaphorically,  for  the  re- 
 ftoring  and  fettling  of  the  Jewifh  church  and  ftate.  Perhaps  it  may  refpea  the 
 period  from  the  commencement  to  the  confummating  of  the  reformation  ot 
 Mefliah’s  kingdom,  denominated  the  temple  and  city  of  God,  Afls  xi.  16,  17. 
 Then  the  people  of  the  Prince,  or  Roman  emperor,  came  as  a  mighty  flood, 
 fpreading  defiruaion  by  war.  “He  (hall  confirm  the  covenant  with  many  for 
 
 one  week,*’  is  thought  to  refer  to  the  multitudes  of  the  Jews  who  believed  the 
 sofpel  the  lira  feven  years  after  Cnrifi’s  death;  though  others  apply  it  to  the 
 Romans  making  peace  with  other  nations,  that  they  might  chafiife  the 
 The  Jewilh  war  lalled  three  years  and  a  half,  or  half  a  week,  at  the  end  of  which 
 the  Jewilh  ritual  ceafed  ;  defolation  came  on  the  land,  and  mifery  on  the  people, 
 to  remain  till  the  times  of  the  Gentiles  be  fulfilled  ;  aud  then  all  Ifrael  (hall  be 
 
 ^'^EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  X.  Ver.  2,  3.  The  welfare  of  the 
 church  of  God  has  always  held  a  chief  place  in  the  hearts  of  righteous  men  ; 
 among  whom  Daniel  holds  a  mod  confpicuous  place,  Ver.  5,  6.  From  the 
 defeription  given  of  this  glorious  perfonage,  are  we  not  warranted  to  conclude 
 that  he  was  none  other  than  the  Son  of  God?  Co  npare  Rev.  i.  12 — 15.  Ver. 
 10—21.  Of  the  miniftry  of  angels  we  often  read  in  the  facred  oracles, 
 palfaire  teaches  us  that  they  watch  over  nations  as  well  as  individua's,  with  a  view 
 to  the  benefit  of  the  people  of  God.  Daniel  had  interceded  for  his  people  three 
 whole  weeks  ;  the  angel,  by  a  fimilar  employment,  had  been  for  an  equal  fpace 
 of  time  prevented  from  comforting  him.  Daniel  had  been  pleading  with  God  ; 
 the  angel  at  the  court  of  Perfia :  the  latter  bad  been  oppofed  by  the  Prince  of 
 
 TrACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.-*  Chap.  IX.]  The  near  fulfilment  of  God’s  promifes  animates  the  believing  mind  to  earned  prayer  for  ii.  The  defo- 
 
 taJV  -  I  / 
 
 <  „  y-  ,  Til  c  hriui.TPr  fpvere  we  mull  own  God  as  righteous,  and  take  to  ourlelves  deferved 
 
 lations  of  God’s  fanctuary  are  a  great  grief  to  gracious  .ou  s.  In  5  ancuifli  our  fird  recourfe  fliould  be  to  God  in  prayer.  Yet,  God  fometimes 
 
 lhame.  If  Tinners  continue  incorrigible,  Go  s  wra  i  wt  a  i  e  up  •  they  alk.  And  with  great  humility  and  ferious  confideration  ought  fuch 
 
 makes  immediate  and  fenfible  returns  to  the  prayers  of  h.s  people  is  JeSslcarnl^^^  his  unction  with  the  Holy  Ghoft,  his  labours  and  death 
 
 [rfroe^sranTurlie  the  Te^gTanK^urred^This^^^^^^  defpifers.  But  great  i;  the  mercy  that,  when  feme  circttmftances  in  feripture  are  left  in  great  oblcu.- 
 rity,  the  principal  things  are  expreffed  fo  plainly  that  he  that  runs  may  read  and  underaand  them. 
 
 9  XJ 
 
A)i  angel  comforteth  Daniel. 
 
 DANIEL. 
 
 Leagues  and  conflicts  heivoeen  the  kin 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 5S4. 
 
 n  Or, 
 tkia  ser¬ 
 vant  of 
 my  lord. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 strength- 
 enethhim- 
 self. 
 
 (ball  befal  thy  people  in  the  latter  days :  for  yet  the 
 vifion  is  for  many  days. 
 
 15  And  when  he  had  fpoken  fuch  words  unto  me, 
 I  fet  ray  face  toward  the  ground,  and  1  became  dumb. 
 
 16  And,  behold,  one  like  the  firailitude  of  the  fons 
 of  men  touched  my  lips :  then  I  opened  my  mouth,  and 
 fpake,  and  faid  unto  him  that  flood  before  me,  O  my 
 lord,  by  the  vifion  my  forrows  are  turned  upon  me, 
 and  I  have  retained  no  flrength. 
 
 17  For  how  can  H  the  fervant  of  this  my  lord  talk 
 with  this  my  lord?  for  as  for  me,  ftraightway  there 
 remained  no  flrength  in  me,  neither  is  there  breath 
 left  in  me. 
 
 1 8  Then  there  came  again  and  touched  me  one  like 
 the  appearance  of  a  man,  and  he  flrengthened  me, 
 
 19  And  faid,  Oman,  greatly  beloved,  fear  not; 
 peace  be  unto  thee ;  be  flrong,  yea,  be  flrong.  And 
 when  he  had  fpoken  unto  me  I  was  flrengthened,  and 
 faid.  Let  my  lord  fpeak ;  for  thou  haft  flrengthened 
 me. 
 
 20  Then  faid  he,  Knoweft  ihon  wherefore  I  come 
 unto  thee  ?  and  now  will  I  return  to  fight  with  the 
 prince  of  Perfia :  and  when  I  am  gone  forth,  lo,  the 
 prince  of  Grecia  (hall  come. 
 
 21  But  I  will  (hew  thee  that  which  is  noted  in  the 
 fcripture  of  truth ;  and  there  is  none  that  f  holdeth 
 with  me  in  thefe  things,  but  Michael  your  prince.* 
 
 CHAP.  XI. 
 
 1  Persia's  overthrow  by  the  king  of  Greet*.  Leagues  and  conflicts  between 
 the  kings  of  the  South  and  the  north.  21  The  exploits  of  one  of  the  latter 
 princes,  i^c. 
 
 Also  I,  in  the  firft  year  of  Darius  the  Mede, 
 even  I,  flood  to  confirm  and  to  ftrengthen  him. 
 2  And  now  will  I  (hew  thee  the  truth.  Behold, 
 there  (hall  ftand  up  yet  three  kings  in  Perfia ;  and  the 
 fourth  fhall  be  far  richer  than  they  zWx  and  by  his 
 ftrengfh  through  his  riches,  he  (hall  ttir  up  all  againft 
 the  realm  of  Grecia. 
 
 3  And  a  mighty  king  fhall  ftand  up  that  fhall  rule 
 with  great  dominion,  and  do  according  to  his  will. 
 
 4  And  when  he  fhall  ftand  up,  his  kingdom  fhall 
 be  broken,  and  fhall  be  divided  towards  the  four 
 winds  of  heaven;  and  not  to  his  pofterity,  nor  ac¬ 
 cording  to  his  dominion  which  he  ruled  :  for  his  king¬ 
 dom  fhall  be  plucked  up,  even  for  others  befides  thole. 
 
 ^c. 
 
 5  f  And  the  king  of  the  fouth  fhall  be  flrong,  and  Befo^B 
 one  of  his  princes ;  and  he  fhall  be  flrong  above  him,  thrift 
 
 his  dominion  shall  be  a  great, 
 
 and  have  dominion 
 dominion. 
 
 6  And  in  the  end  of  years  t  they  fhall  join  them- 1  Heb. 
 felves  together;  for  the  king’s  daughter  of  the  fouth 
 fhall  come  to  the  king  of  the  north  to  make  f  an 
 agreement ;  but  fhe  fhall  not  retain  the  power  of  the t  Heb 
 arm  :  neither  (hall  he  ftand,  nor  his  arm  :  but  fhe  fhall '■'o*/,.' 
 be  given  up,  and  they  that  brought  her,  and  ||  he  that  ^ 
 begat  her,  and  he  that  flrengthened  her  in  these  times. 
 
 T  But  out  of  the  branch  of  her  roots  fhall  one  ftand/on/f.  * 
 up  in  his  eftate,  which  fhall  come  with  an  army,  and 
 fhall  enter  into  the  fortrefs  of  the  king  of  the  north, 
 and  (hall  deal  againft  them,  and  fhall  prevail  ; 
 
 8  And  fhall  alfo  carry  captives  into  Egypt  their 
 gods,  with  their  princes,  and  with  f  their  precious  vef-f  Heb.  ' 
 fels  of  filver  and  of  gold  ;  and  he  fhall  continue  more^^^^^i*of 
 years  than  the  king  of  the  north. 
 
 9  So  the  king  of  the  fouth  fhall  come  into  his  king- 
 dom,  and  (hall  return  into  his  own  land. 
 
 10  But  his  fons  y  fhall  be  ftirred  up,  and  fhall  af- 1  Or, 
 femble  a  multitude  of  great  forces  :  and  one  fhall  cer- 
 tainly  come,  and  overflow,  and  pafs  through ;  then 
 fhall  he  return,  and  be  ftirred  up,  even  to  his  fortrefs. 
 
 11  And  the  king  of  the  fouth  fhall  be  moved  with 
 choler,  and  fhall  come  forth  and  fight  with  him,  even 
 with  the  king  of  the  north  :  and  he  fhall  fet  forth  a 
 great  multitude ;  but  the  multitude  fhall  be  given 
 into  his  hand. 
 
 12  A%d  when  he  hath  taken  away  the  multitude, 
 his  heart  (hall  be  lifted  up  ;  and  he  fhall  caft  down 
 many  ten  thoufands :  but  he  fhall  not  be  flrengthened 
 
 by  it.  t  Heb. 
 
 13  For  the  king  of  the  north  fhall  return,  and  fball“' 
 fet  forth  a  multitude  greater  than  the  former, 
 
 (ball  certainly  come,  f  after  certain  years,  with  a  great  ' 
 army,  and  with  much  riches.  thechu- 
 
 14  And  in  thofe  times  there  fhall  many  ftand  up'^'’''"®^ 
 
 againft  the  king  of  the  fouth:  alfo  f  the  robbers  of^®^^”* 
 thy  people  fhall  exalt  therafelves  to  eftablifh  the  vi-  the  city  if 
 fion  ;  but  they  fhall  fall.  munition 
 
 15  So  the  king  of  the  north  fliall  come,  and  caft  ^ 
 
 a  mount,  and  take  f  the  moft  fenced  cities;  and  ihe^®//®^ 
 arms  of  the  fouth  fhall  not  withftand,  neither  f  hisc/ioic«. 
 
 Persia  :  thought  by  fome  to  be  Satan  the  prince  of  this  world,  who  excited  the 
 Perfian  court  by  the  falfe  accufatioiis  of  the  Jews*  enemies,  to  put  a  flop  to  the 
 building  of  the  temple.  Zech.  iii.  I,  2.  Ezra  iv.  By  the  t'd  of  Michael,  the 
 inlerefts  of  the  Jews  profpered  ;  the  court  of  Perfia  gave  renewed  orders  to 
 forward  the  building  of  the  cily  and  temple.  Having  comforted  Daniel,  the 
 angel  returns  to  what  appears  to  have  been  his  ftated  employment;  to  fight,  or 
 rather  plead,  by  dirediing  tbe  counfels  of  the  court  of  Perfia  ;  previous  to  whicb 
 he  informs  the  prophet,  that  the  prince  of  Grecia  Ih*!!  come;  that  is,  fucceed 
 to  the  dominion  of  the  Perfians,  By  this,  is  perhaps  intimated,  that  the  Gre¬ 
 cian  power  would  prove  favourable  to  tbe  Jewilh  nation.  According  to  Jofe- 
 phus,  Alexander,  and  fome  of  his  fucceffors  conferred  many  favours  on  the 
 Jews. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XI.  Ver.  1.  This  verfe  informs  us  of 
 the  part  that  the  angel  bad  in  the  decree  of  Darius,  in  conjundlion  with  Cyrus 
 in  favour  of  the  Jews,  Ezra  chap.  i.  Ver.  2—19.  The  three  Lings  referred  to 
 were  Cyrus,  Camhyles,  and  Darius  Hyflafpis;  Xerxes  was  the  fourth,  poffelTed 
 of  greater  wealth  than  all  tbe  former;  he  raifed  an  immenfe  army,  greater  than 
 was  probably  ever  alfembled  to  fubdue  Greece;  whicb  however,  only  ifibed  in 
 his  own  difgrace,  and  rendered  the  Grecians  bis  implacable  enemies.  They 
 afterwards,  under  a  mighty  king,  Alexander  the  Great,  king  of  Macedon,  tri¬ 
 
 umphed  over  the  Petfians,  whofe  empire  he  feized.  His  pofterity  reigned  but 
 a  few  years,  when  the  empire  was  divided,  as  has  been  already  recorded,  (chap, 
 vii.  1 — 7.)  into  four  very  eminent  kingdoms  feated  to  the  four  winds  of  heaven; 
 which,  after  various  confederacies  and  battles,  were  reduced  into  two  power¬ 
 ful  ones  called  by  Daniel  the  kings  of  the  South  and  the  North.  Ptolemy 
 reigned  in  the  fouth  over  Egypt,  Lydia,  Ethiopia,  Arabia,  Phoenicia,  Coelofyria, 
 and  Cyprus.  Seleucus,  (one  of  Alexander’s  princes,)  was  however  ftronger,  and 
 obtained  great  dominion,  fcarcely  inferior  to  that  of  the  Perfian  empire,  con¬ 
 quered  by  his  mafter.  The  kings,  by  whom  thefe  were  fucceeded  in  power, 
 fought  by  marriage  to  unite  their  kingdoms.  Ptolemy  Pbiladeiphus  king  of 
 the  fouth,  gave  Bernice  his  daughter  to  Antiochus  Theos  king  of  the  north, 
 who  had  already  Leodice  to  wife,  by  whom  he  was  afterwards  poifoned,  to 
 make  way  for  her  own  fon  Seleucus  Callinicus,  whom  Ihe  placed  on  the  throne. 
 He  flew  Bernice,  her  fon,  companions  and  defenders  ;  fo  that  neither  ftie  nor 
 they  retained  long  their  power.  On  which  account  her  brother  Ptolemy 
 Eucrgetes  fon  and  fucceflbr  of  Pbiladeiphus,  made  war  againft  Callinicus,  took 
 for  him  feveral  provinces,  and  carried  into  Egypt  great  fpoil,  among  which 
 were  the  images  or  gods  of  Egypt,  carried  away  by  Cambyfes.  He  continued 
 to  reign  four  years  longer  than  Callinicus,  The  fon  of  Callinicus  colleiSled  a 
 great  army;  which  at  length  under  Antiochus  Magnus,  were  fuccefsful,  and 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  X.]  A  fenfe  of  God’s  love  to  our  fouls,  is  the  great  barrier  againft  terrifying  fear.  Ihe  moment  God’s  peopla 
 begin  to  fpeak,  his  ear  is  attentive  to  their  prayers,  and  ready  to  grant  their  petitions.  What  infignificant  and  polluted  nothings  are  the  heft  of  men  before  God ;  and 
 in  their  own  view,  when  they  behold  him  !  But  gracioufly  bis  power  and  promifes  fupport  his  people  under  their  terrors  and  pievan^s.  As  the  entrance  of  t  e 
 prayers  is  pleafant  to  him,  fo  the  entrance  of  his  word  is  quickening  to  them.  And  we  ought  to  be  patient  under  prefent  trials,  left  God  fhould  fend  heavier  one*. 
 Though  kings  on  aatth,  and  devils  from  hell  be  agtunll  us,  it  is  enough  if  Jehovah,  if  Jefus  and  bis  angels,  care  for  and  protect  us. 
 
T:he  exploits  of  one  of  the  princes. 
 
 DANIEL. 
 
 The  exploits  (f  one  of  the  princes. 
 
 534. 
 
 ^oooiy 
 
 Before  chofeo  people,  neither  shall  there  he  any  ftrength  to 
 
 Chrift  withftand.  .  n  .  •  n  n  J  A 
 
 16  But  he  that  cometh  againft  him  (hall  do  accord¬ 
 ing  to  his  own  will,  and  none  (hall  ftand  before  him ; 
 and  he  Ih^ll  Itand  in  the  |1  t  glorious  land,  which  by 
 his  hand  (hill  be  confumed.  , 
 
 hr.''-  17  He  (hill  aUb  fet  his  face  to  enter  with  the 
 
 ^^"‘’^o/^ftrength  of  nis  whole  kingdom,  and  ||  upright  ones 
 ;tl?men/.with  him;  thus  (hall  he  do:  and  he  (hall  give  him  the 
 j  Or,  daughter  of  women,  t  corrupting  her  ;  but  (he  (hall 
 0uchup-  [{and  on  his  side,  neither  be  for  him. 
 
 •■fS''  18  After  this  (hall  he  turn  his  face  unto  the  Kies, 
 
 fJU»')K»  and  (hall  rake  many  :  but  a  prince  +  for  his  own  be- 
 t^^'*'_.half  (hall  caufe  f  the  reproach  offered  by  hitn  to  | 
 
 ‘^"’■''“^‘ceafe ;  without  his  own  reproach  he  (hall  caufe  it  to 
 
 I  Heb 
 for  kim- 
 t  Heb. 
 bis  r«- 
 
 froacbt 
 
 turn  upon  him.  ,  .  r  r 
 
 19  Then  he  (hall  turn  his  face  toward  the  fort  of 
 his  own  land  :  but  he  (hall  (fumble,  and  fall,  and  not 
 be  found. 
 
 a  very  great  and  mighty  army ;  but  he  (hall  not  ftand : 
 for  thev  (hall  forecaft  devices  againft  him. 
 
 26  Yea,  they  that  feed  of  the  portion  of  his  meat' 
 
 (hall  deftroy  him,  and  his  army  (hall  overflow ;  and 
 
 manv  (hall  f^all  down  (lain.  ,  „  ,  j  *  Heh 
 
 27  And  both  thefe  kings’  f  hearts  shall  he  to  dot  Heb. 
 
 mifchief,  and  they  (hall  fpeak  lies  at  one  table ;  but  it 
 (hall  not  profper  :  for  yet  the  end  shall  he  at  the  time 
 
 appointed.  .  .....  u 
 
 28  Then  (hall  he  return  into  his  land  with  great 
 
 riches ;  and  his  heart  shall  he  againft  the  holy  cove¬ 
 nant  ;  and  he  (hall  do  exploits,  and  return  to  his  own 
 
 29  At  the  time  appointed  he  (hall  return,  and  come  Fulfilled 
 toward  the  fouth  :  but  it  (hall  not  be  as  the  former,  ^ir.  leg. 
 
 or  as  the  latter..  .  n , 
 
 30  f  For  the  (hips  of  Chittim  (ball  come  againft  Fulfill 
 
 him ;  therefore  he  (hall  be  grieved,  and  return,  and^'^-  • 
 
 have  indignation  againft  the  holy  covenant :  o  mail 
 
 F  n  _ _ _ _ 1  iriyoUinrpnrP 
 
 I  Heb. 
 one 
 
 Ihall  ftand  np  in  his  eftate  t  a  raiferofiihe  do  ;  he  (hal^ven  ^  intelligence 
 
 taxes  m  the  glory  of  the  kingdom  t  bn,  »ithin  few  days  ;  wt.h  them  hat  for  ake  the  y 
 
 angers. 
 
 one  taxes  iiic  (iiui  y  III.-  .  . . „  . 
 
 causethan  j-jg  deftroyed,  neither  in  anger,  nor  in  battle 
 
 '“foft/r!  21  H  And  in  his  eftate  (hall  (iand  up  a  vile  perfon, 
 '^'ueb.  to  whom  they  (hall  not  give  the  honour  of  the  king¬ 
 dom  :  but  he  (hall  come  in  peaceably,  and  obtain  the 
 kingdom  by  flatteries. 
 
 22  And  with  the  arms  of  a  flood  (hall  they  be  over¬ 
 flown  from  before  him,  and  (hall  be  broken ;  yea, 
 alfo  the  prince  of  the  covenant. 
 
 23  And  after  the  league  made  with  him  he  (hall 
 w'ork  deceitfully :  for  he  (hall  come  up,  and  (hall  be¬ 
 come  ftrong  with  a  fmall  people. 
 
 24  He  (hall  enter  ||  peaceably  even  upon  the  fattep 
 tnio  ('fc  places  of  the  province;  and  he  (hall  do  that  which  his 
 peaceable  j-gj^ers  have  not  done,  nor  his  father’s  fathers ;  he 
 Ic  (hall  fcatter  among  them  the  prey,  and  fpoil,  and 
 t  Heb.  riches ;  yea,  and  he  (hall  f  forecalt  his  devices  againft 
 think  his  ftrong  holds,  even  for  a  time. 
 
 Fuiilfed  25  And  he  (hall  (fir  up  his  power  and  his  courage 
 dr.  170.  again(f  the  king  of  the  fouth  with  a  great  army  ;  and 
 the  king  of  the  fouth  (hall  be  ftirred  up  to  battle  with 
 
 j  Or, 
 into  the 
 
 111  lUCUl  mat  n^iiarvv.  vi.w  -  j  .  TU  11 
 
 31  And  arms  (hall  ftand  on  his  part,  and  they  (nail 
 pollute  the  faniftuary  of  ftrength,  and  (hall  take  a\vay 
 the  daily  sacrifice,  and  they  (hall  place  the  abomination 
 that  II  maketh  defolate. 
 
 32  "And  fuch  as  do  wickedly  againft  the  covenant  **"”''*^' 
 
 '  eth. 
 
 (hall  he  H  corrupt  by  flatteries:  but  the  people  that  y  or, 
 do  know  their  God  (hall  be  ftrong,  and  do  exploits. 
 
 33  And  they  that  underftand  among  the  people  (hall 
 inftruft  many  ;  yet  they  (hall  fall  by  the  fword,  and 
 by  flame,  by  captivity,  and  by  fpoil,  many  days. 
 
 34  Now,  when  they  (hall  fall,  they  (hall  be  holpen 
 with  a  little  help :  but  many  (hall  cleave  to  them  with 
 
 flatteries.  .  ,  ^  ,,  r,  „  r  „ 
 
 35  And  some  of  them  of  underftanding  (hall  fall,  to 
 
 try  11  them,  and  to  purge,  and  to  make  them  white, »  ^ 
 even  to  the  time  of  the  end :  becaule  it  ts  yet  for^a 
 
 time  appointed.  ^i,'- 
 
 36  f  And  the  king  (hall  do  according  to  his  will 
 and  he  fhall  exalt  himfelf,  and  magnify  himfelf  above 
 every  god,  and  (hall  fpeak  marvellous  things  againft  - 1:^ 
 
 recovered  feveral  provinces.  His  triumph  however  was  of  Ihort  duration ; 
 for  when  he  had  marched  to  the  fortrefs  or  frontier  towns  of  Egypt,  Ptolemy 
 Philopater,  fon  of  Euergetes,  met  him  with  a  large  army,  routed  him  completely  ; 
 with  which  viAory  he  was  puffed  up;  and  living  in  nil  manner  of  luxury,  is 
 fubje^s  revolted  from  him;  though  he  brought  them  into  fubjeAion,  his 
 power  was  weakened,  for  in  the  conteft  fixty  thoufand  Egyptian  Jews  were 
 flain.  Antioebus  feized  the  firll  favourable  opportunity  to  attack  Egypt  again  ; 
 which  occurred  in  the  courfe  of  twelve  years ;  for  then  that  kingdom  was 
 without  any  other  king  then  Ptolemy  Epiphanes,  a  child  of  only  five  years  old, 
 fon  of  Philopater  who  was  now  dead.  Aotiochus  ftrengthened  himfelf  by  an 
 alliance  with  the  king  of  Macedon,  and  many  of  the  Jews  joined  him  volun¬ 
 tarily.  After  various  fuccefs  in  war  he  made  peace  with  Epiphanes,  and  gave 
 him  Cleopatra,  his  beautiful  daughter  to  wife,  probably  with  a  view  of  betray¬ 
 ing  him.  He  next  invaded  fome  provinces  under  the  protedlion  of  the  Ro¬ 
 mans  ;  but  he  infulted  them  not  with  impunity.  Lucius  Scipio,  their  general, 
 completely  overthrew  him  in  battle  ;  which  gained  him  many  honours.  Antio- 
 ehus  returned  to  the  country  which  he  was  permitted  to  retain  ;  and  was  flam 
 as  he  was  robbing  the  temple  of  Jupiter  Beius  in  Elymais.  Ver.  20.  This  refers 
 to  the  reign  of  Seleucus  Philopater,  fon  of  Antiochus,  who  did  nothing  memo¬ 
 rable;  he  was  extremely  indolent;  intent  on  raifmg  money  for  the  Romans,  to 
 whom  he  was  tributary.  He  was  flain  by  Heliodorus,  whom  he  had  fent  to 
 rob  the  temple  at  Jerufalem.  Ver.  21 — 31.  Demetrius  fon  of  Philopater,  hid 
 been  fent  a  (hort  time  before  his  father’s  death,  boflage  to  Rome,  in  his  uncle  s 
 ftead.  Antiochus  Epiphanes,  who  was  at  Athens  on  bis  way  home  when  bis 
 brother  died;  upon  which  Heliodorus  afeended  the  throne.  Antiochus,  how¬ 
 ever,  by  fubtlety  and  flattery  obtained  the  friendftiip  of  the  king  of  Pergamus, 
 a  diftinguihed  ally  of  the  Romans,  by  whofe  influence  Demetrius  was  detained 
 in  Rome,  and  Antiochus  placed  on  the  throne.  Hischaradler  was  moll  contemp¬ 
 tible,  fo  that  fome  confidered  him  deranged  ;  hence  called  him  Antiochus  Epi^ 
 but  big  power  was  great  over  Syria  and  the  neighbouring  nationi.  He 
 
 rendered  void  the  laws  of  God,  by  depofmg  the  Jewifli  high  pried  Omas,  and 
 felling  the  priefthood  to  Jafon,  his  younger  broker,  from  whom  be  «ceived 
 four  hundred  and  forty  talents  of  filver  for  that  office,  and  an  hundred  and  fifty 
 more  for  a  licenfe  to  erea  a  place  for  training  up  the  youth  in  the  faffiions  of 
 the  heathen  Thus  he  withftood  the  prince  of  the  covenant,  whofe  laws  that  were 
 the  very  defence  of  Ifrael,  he  broke  down  as  with  a  flood.  He  n«t  expreffed 
 great  friendfliip  for  Ptolemy  Philometer,  fon  of  C  eopatra,  who  had 
 to  the  throne  of  Egypt,  while  to  eftabl.fh  himfelf 
 
 courted  the  friendfliip  of  the  Jews  and  neighbouring  countries,  by  didnhutmg 
 among  them  great  favours.  He  then  raifed  a  great  army  jffi.cb  he 
 
 j  marched  to  fight  againd  the  Egyptians,  whofe  army  he  might  have  wh  y 
 '  dedroyed  ;  but  he  fpared  them  to  ingratiate  bim^:lf  into  their  favour.  e 
 
 entered  their  country  as  a  friend;  profelTed  great  fnendfliip  young 
 
 king,  and  took  upon  him  to  order  the  affairs  of  the  kmgdoin.  While  he  was 
 thuf  employed,  Jafon  to  recover  the  office  of  high  pned  which  be  bad  fold 
 but  had  not  received  payment,  affaulied  Jerufalem  with  above  a  thouiand 
 men,  and  took  the  city;  information  of  which  led  Anuochus 
 Judea  had  renounced  their  authority  ;  he  therefore  returned  from  Egypt,  retook 
 the  city  ;  ffew  forty  thoufand  inhabitants,  took  as  many  prifoners,  whom  he 
 fold  to  obtain  money,  and  robbed  the  temple  of  its  treafures,  not  excepting  the 
 mod  facred  things,  amounting  to  18,000  talents,  which  be  carried 
 Antioch.  The  Egyptians,  to  deliver  tbemfelves  from  his  power,  fought  the 
 aff, dance  of  the  Romans,  who  are  meant  by  tbofe  that  came  againd  him  m 
 fliips  of  Chittim  ;  and  by  them  he  was  oppofed  on  his  return  to  attack  Egyp  . 
 Beffig  obliged  to  fubmit  to  them,  be  returned,  filled  with  grief  and  ind.gnat.oD ; 
 and  wrecked  his  vengeance  on  the  Jews,  His  captains,  by  ins  orders, 
 and  flaughtered  many  of  them,  profaned  the  temple,  let  up  the  worfliip 
 of  the  heathen  gods  in  all  Judea,  and  ftrengthened  by  the  apoftaies  from  the 
 wotdiip  of  God,  put  to  death  tbofe  who  would  not  fubmit  to  ueethenism.  Of 
 
 this  wi  have  ftrikiog  instances  in  1  Mac.  i.  60—64.  2  Mac.  vii.  Ver.  31  45. 
 
The  invasion  of  the  Romans. 
 
 DANIEL. 
 
 the  God  of  gods,  and  (hall  profper  till  the  indigna- 
 tion  be  accomplilhed :  for  that  that  is  determined 
 Inall  be  done.  i 
 
 37  Neither  fhall  he  regard  the  God  of  his  fathers, 
 nor  the  defire  of  women,  nor  regard  any  god  :  for  he 
 t  Heb.  magnify  himfelf  above  all. 
 
 as  for  the  I^^^t  f  in  his  eftate  (hall  he  honour  the  God  of 
 Almighty  II  t  forces  v  and  a  god  whom  his  fathers  knew  not 
 
 wjth  gold,  and  filver,  and  with  preci- 
 shaiiho.  ftones,  and  f  pleafant  things, 
 nour,  yea  39  Thus  (hall  he  do  in  the  f  raoft  ftrong  holds  with 
 he  shall  a  ftrange  god,  whom  he  fliall  acknowledge  and  in- 
 
 glorv:  and  he  (hall  caufe  them  to  rule 
 over  many,  and  (hall  divide  the  land  for  f  gain. 
 ll  Or.  40  And  at  the  time  of  the  end  (hall  the  king  of 
 w^i/ionsthe  Couth  pu(h  at  him :  and  the  king  of  the  north 
 againfi  him  like  a  whirlwind,  with  chariots, 
 or,  cTi’s’ with  horlemen,  and  with  many  (hips;  and  he 
 proteaors.  (hall  enter  into  the  countries,  and  (hall  overflow  and 
 f  Heb.  paCs  over. 
 
 Ulored.  enter  alfo  into  the  H  t  glorious  land,  and 
 
 t  Heb.  many  coimlries  (hall  be  overthrown  :  but  thefe  (hall 
 fortresses  e(cape  out  of  his  hand,  even  Edom,  and  Moab,  and 
 chief  of  the  children  of  Ammon. 
 
 42  He  (hall  f  ftretch  forth  his  hand  alfo  upon  the 
 countries;  and  the  land  of  Egypt  (hall  not  efcape. 
 
 43  But  he  (hall  have  power  over  the  treafures  of 
 gold  and  of  filver,  and  over  all  the  precious  things  of 
 Egypt :  and  the  Lybians  and  the  Ethiopians  shall  be 
 at  his  (leps. 
 
 44  But  tidings  out  of  the  eafl  and  out  of  the  north 
 ontameni.  ttouble  him  c  therefore  he  (hall  go  forth  with 
 sewd/briA.  great  fury  to  deftroy,  and  utterly  to  make  away 
 II  Or,  naany. 
 
 t°Heb’  tabernacles  of  his  palaces 
 
 mountain  between  the  feas  io  the  ||  f  glorious  holy  mountain: 
 of  delight  yet  he  (hall  come  to  his  end,  and  none  (hall  help 
 ojr  him.* 
 
 Hons. 
 f-  Heb. 
 o  price. 
 
 II  Or, 
 goodly 
 land. 
 f  Heb. 
 land  of 
 delight, or, 
 
 In  the  year  that  the  above  events  took  place,  the  Romans  conquered  Macedon,  the 
 origmal  kingdom  of  the  Grecian  empire,  and  thereby  began  to  put  an  end  to  the 
 reign  of  Daniel’s  third  bead.  This  is  exprelTed,  ver,  31,  And  arms  shall  stand  on 
 his  part,  or,  And  after  him  arms  (that  is,  the  Romans)  (hall  (land  up.  As  the  ori¬ 
 ginal  w  ord  enemelec  fignifies  after  the  king,  Dan.  si.  8.  fo  memenu  may  mean  qfier 
 him.  Arms  are  every  where  in  this  prophecy  of  Daniel  put  for  military  power, 
 and  they  (land  up  when  they  conquer,  and  become  powerful.  Daniel,  according 
 to  Sir  Ifaac  Newton,  defcribes  in  the  following  verfes  the  adlions  of  the  Romans, 
 though  fome  authors  apply  them  to  Antiochus,  and  confider  him  a  type  of  papal 
 Rome,  or  antichrid.  The  Romans  having  reduced  the  Grecian  power  after  95 
 years  made  war  on  the  Jews  ;  they  polluted  the  fandluary  of  drength,  took  away 
 the  daily  facri6ce,  and  placed  the  abomination  of  defolation.  They  built  a  temple 
 to  Jupiter  Capitalonius  where  the  temple  of  Godin  Jerufalem  dood.  They  in- 
 flitSled  many  miferies  on  the  Jews,  and  afterwards  perfecuted  exceedingly  the 
 Chridians,  and  many  bearing  this  name  dlffembled  ;  denied  the  faith  that  they 
 might  avoid  CufFerings.  Buf  genuine  Chridians  were  proved  by  thefe  trials,  and 
 difplayed  mod  flriking  fortitude  and  unfbaken  attachment  to  their  mader;  they 
 loved  not  their  lives  to  the  death.  They,  however,  obtained  occafionally  feafons  of 
 relief  from  (ufF.-ring;  efpecially  under  Condantine  the  Great;  and  in  their  prof- 
 perity  many  hypocritically  joined  them,  by  whom  they  were  immediately  deferted 
 on  tile  return  of  perfecution.  All  thefe  things  ferved  to  purify  genuine  believers, 
 and  prepare  them  for  the  ‘  time  of  the  end,’  the  more  general  apodacy  from  ge¬ 
 nuine  Cbridianity.  Then  a  power  arofe  in  the  Roman  empire,  in  the  profetled 
 church,  who  exalted  himfelf  above  God  as  well  as  man  ;  regarding  neither  the  God 
 of  his  fathers,  nor  the  lawful  defire  of  women  in  matrimony  ;  in  his  feat  honour¬ 
 ing  the  ‘god  of  forces, ’or  Mahuzzims;  that  is,  drong  guardians,  angels,  and  the 
 fouls  of  the  dead,  to  whom  religious  worlbip  was  paid.  This  date  of  things  is 
 equally  applicable  to  the  wedern  as  well  as  eadern  church  ;  and  was  introduced  in 
 
 The  general  resurrection  ' 
 
 CHAP.  XII. 
 
 I  Michael  shall  deliver  Israel  out  of  trouble  i  2  the  general  resurrection 
 ^c.  5  Daniel  is  informed  of  the  times. 
 
 And  at  that  time  (hall  Michael  ftand  up,  the 
 great  prince  which  Itandeth  for  the  children 
 of  thy  people ;  and  there  (hall  be  a  time  of  trouble, 
 fuch  as  never  was  fince  there  was  a  nation  even  to 
 that  fame  time:  and  at  that  time  thy  people  (hall  be 
 delivered,  every  one  that  shall  be  found  written  in  the 
 book. 
 
 2  And  many  of  them  that  deep  in  the  duft  of  the 
 earth  (hall  awake,  *  fome  to  everlalting  life,  and  IbmeaMaub. 
 j  to  (hame  and  everlalting  contempt.  25. 46,' 
 
 I  3  And  they  that  be  ll  wife  (hall (bine  as  the  bright- 
 I  nefs  of  the  firmament ;  and  they  that  turn  many  toy 
 :  righteouCnefs  as  the  (tars  for  ever  and  ever.  teaci’en. 
 
 I  4  But  thou,  O  Daniel,  (hut  up  the  words,  and  feal^’ 
 the  book,  even  to  the  lime  of  the  end  :  many  (hall  run 
 to  and  fro,  and  knowledge  (hall  be  increafed. 
 
 !  5  K  Then  I  Daniel  looked,  and  behold,  there  flood 
 
 i  other  two,  the  one  on  this  fide  of  the  f  bank  of  the f  Heb. 
 river,  and  the  other  on  that  fide  of  the  bank  of  ihe^iP' 
 river. 
 
 6  And  one  faid  to  '  the  man  clothed  in  linen,  which  c  chap. 
 was  II  upon  the  waters  of  the  river,  How  long  shall  it  10. 5. 
 be  to  the  end  of  these  wonders  ?  II 
 
 7  And  1  heard  the  man  clothed  in  linen,  which 
 upon  the  waters  of  the  river,  when  he  “  held  up  his  a  Rev. 
 right  hand  and  his  left  hand  unto  heaven,  and  (ware  *0.  s. 
 by  him  that  liveth  for  ever  that  it  shall  be  for  a  time, 
 times,  and  11  an  half;  and  when  he  (hall  have  accom-||  ©r, 
 plifhed  to  Icatter  the  power  of  the  holy  people,  all  pan.’ 
 thefe  things  (hall  be  finilhed. 
 
 8  And  I  heard,  but  1  underflood  not :  then  (aid  I, 
 
 O  my  lord,  what  shall  be  the  end  of  thele  things  f 
 9  And  he  faid,  Go  thy  way,  Daniel ;  for  the  words 
 are  doled  up  and  lealed  till  the  time  of  the  end. 
 
 10  Many  (hall  be  purified,  and  made  white,  and 
 
 the  fourth  and  fifth  centuries.  About  this  period,  the  empire  of  the  Saracens  cal- 
 ed  the  king  of  the  fouth,  and  the  empire  of  the  Turks,  called  the  king  of  the  norlu, 
 arofe,  overrun,  and  fubdued  the  eadern  part  of  the  Roman  empire  ;  but  neither  of 
 thefe  powers  were  able  to  reduce  Edom,  Moab,  or  the  chief  of  the  children  of 
 Ammon,  that  is,  tbofe  who  inhabit  the  deCerts  of  Arabia,  to  whofe  caravans  the 
 Mahometans  continue  to  pay  tribute.  The  nations  fubje<a  to  the  Turks  belong 
 to  the  empire  denominated  by  the  he- goat;  and  therefore  the  goat  dill  reigns  ia 
 bis  lad  horn,  but  not  by  his  own  power. 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  XII.  Ver.  I  —  4.  Thefe  verfes  feein 
 to  give  us  a  fummary  view  of  Chrid’s  kingdom,  from  its  commencement  till  its 
 confummation.  It  was  to  be  edablilhed  in  the  world,  at  the  time  that  the  four 
 kingdoms  prophefied  of  in  this  book  are  overthrown,  chap.  ii.  44.  Previous  to 
 its  edablifhment,  the  Jews  were  made  to  (ufifer  afflirdions  without  a  parallel  in 
 ancient  bidory,  to  be  equalled  only  by  tbofe  calamities  which  fhall  come  on  tha 
 nations  before  the  univerfal  triumph  of  rigbteoufnefs  in  the  earth  ;  and  indeed 
 the  one  Teems  to  prefigure  the  other,  Maith.  xxiv,  2 1 .  Butin  thefe  feafons  of 
 trial  it  (hall  be  well  with  the  righteous,  not  one  of  them  (hall  peridi  ;  for  tbeir 
 names  are  written  in  the  book  of  life.  This  will  be  manifeded  at  the  general 
 refurre6lion  of  the  jud  and  the  unjud;  the  former  (liall  rife  to  receive  eternal 
 life  :  the  latter  to  experience  eternal  difgrace,  and  utter  exclufion  from  the  pre¬ 
 fence  of  God.  Thofe  eminently  didinguidied  in  glorifying  God  on  earth,  by 
 leading  many  finners  to  repent  and  believe  the  golpel,  (ball  be  fuitably  re¬ 
 warded,  Mattb.  XXV.  14—23,  29.  1  Cor.  iii.  M,  15.  The  full  import  of  theft 
 things  were  concealed  from  Daniel,  and  from  all  others,  till  the  events  of  divine 
 providence  illudrates  them;  and  one  great  event  tending  to  this  is,  that  many 
 diaW  ea<rerly  defire,  and  diligently  communicate  the  knowledge  of  the  nature 
 and  glory  of  Melfiah’s  kingdom  throughout  the  world.  Ver.  5 — 10.  The  man 
 clothed  in  linen  was  undoubtedly  the  MelTiah,  Compare  Rev.  x.  5,  6.  An  angel 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—  *  Chap.  XL]  Infinitely  perfefl  is  God’s  infight  into  futurity.  Often  riches  are  kept  for  the  hurt  of  the  owners.^  Yea, 
 all  things  here  are  but  vanity  and  vexation  of  fpirit.  While  God  in  his  providence  (Vis  up  one  and  pulls  down  another,  exadlly  anfwerable  to  his  purpofe,  men  s  lulls 
 render  tills  world  a  tremendous  fceiie  of  ravage  and  murder.  While  God  fingularly  honours  thofe  that  cleave  to  him  in  an  evil  day,  he  permits  tbeir  opponents  to 
 rufli  forward  in  wickednels,  till,  becoming  impudent  in  impiety,  he  can  no  longer  delay  their  tremendous  dellrucSlion.  And  how  marvellous  a  confirmation  of  our 
 faith  is  it  to  find  fome  feripture  predidliogis  of  contingent  events  more  particularly  circumftantiated  than  in  any  particular  hiftory  of  them! 
 
times  vofien  Hosea  prophesied. 
 
 HOSEA. 
 
 He  marrieth  a  'wife  of  •whoredoms. 
 
 Before  tried?  but  the  wicked  (hall  do  wickedly;  and  none 
 Chrift  of  the  wicked  (hall  underftand  ;  but  the  wile  Ihall 
 
 uoderftaod.  ru  n 
 
 11  And  from  the  time  that  the  daily  sacnfce  mail 
 I  be  taken  away,  and  t  the  abomination  that  H  maketh 
 
 'abomination,  io.  U  Or,  astonisheth. 
 
 defolate  fet  up,  there  shall  be  a  thoufand  two  hondred 
 
 and  ninety  days.  dr.  534. 
 
 12  Bleffed  is  he  that  waitetb,  and  cometh  to  the^^v^ 
 thoufand  three  hundred  and  five  and  thirty  days. 
 
 13  But  go  thou  thy  way  till  the  end  be  :  II  for  thou  B  Or, oni 
 (halt  reft,  and  (tand  in  thy  lot  at  the  end  of  the  days.* 
 
 of  anlichrift  is  here  enlarged  from  1290  to  1335  days  or  years ;  the  former  pawod 
 IS  thought  to  refpea  bis  fall,  the  latter  the  Uft  judgments  infli  l.ed  on  him  ;  and 
 fome  learned  men  fuppofe,  that  in  the  between  thcfe  periods  tbe  fev.n 
 
 lall  plagues  of  the  feven  trumpets  will  be  fulfilled;  Res.  xi.  13  18.  Bleffed 
 
 is  he  that  exercifeth  till  this  period,  faith,  patience,  and  hope  :  Irving  or  dying 
 it  Ihall  be  well  with  him  ;  be  Ihall  reign  with  Cbrift  for  ever  and  ever,  Rer. 
 
 XX'  6. 
 
 the  _ 
 
 'rrrTH^ong  (haU  it  be  to  the  end  of  thefe  wonders,”  already  revealed  to 
 -1  ?’  Tbe  anfwer  is  partly  couched  in  very  prophetic  language :  it  shall  be  for 
 ww  times,  and  half  a  lime,  or  three  years  and  a  half ;  which,  reckoning  360 
 *  a  vear  according  to  the  ancient  mode  of  calculation,  and  one  prophetic 
 ‘‘‘’'V”  I  vear’  makes  1260  years.  See  Rev.  xii.  6,  14.  This  refers  to  the  reign 
 ‘'ra  fichrift  •’  the  deftruaion  of  which  Ihall  be  followed  by  the  reftpration  of 
 u  1  «<!  •  but  this  defirable  period  mua  be  preceded  by  grievous  trials  to  the 
 
 2urch  of’cod  :  chap.  xi.  31—45.  Ver.  11  —  13.  The  time  allotted  for  the  power _ _ 
 
 "^^XcTICAR  OBSERVATIONS.-^*  Chap.  XII.]  Seafonable  and  effeauai  are  Jefus’s  “"o  Tow^^yreat  if  the  haJ^Sfl 
 
 I,  In  in  times  of  trouble  to  his  people.  And  to  all  his  chofen  people  he  gives  eternal  life,  an  Mne  a  p  u  inpioreffible  tbe  infamy  and  ruin  of  tbe  wicked. 
 
 ^  faints,  and  efpecially  of  faithful  minifiers  in  the  refurreaioo,  and  in  the  eternal  ftate  .  But  on  e  co  r  y,  P  apply  for  all  neceffary 
 
 iSe  angels  nor  fain\s  know  any  thing  more  of  future  events  bm  as  God  ts  pleafed  to  reveal  them  And  .t  ts  “  Cenff  to  «bom  we  mul  PPJ 
 
 IS  Never  muff  we,  except  by  death  and  the  lad  judgmen^  expea  complete  deliverance  all  at  once  And  it  ts  not 
 
 f  “rets  but  the  firm  believer  of  his  proraifes  and  obferver  of  bis  laws,  who  may  then  cxpea  fafety  and  happinefs. 
 
 THE  ARGUMENT. 
 
 Hcea,  thejra  of  the  tmXm  vnmt  propheU,  ws  tent  to  foretel  the  ruin  of  the  Ung^  qfthetentr^sot  ^ll 
 oe  of  the  kingdom  of  JM.  He  also  foretold  the  return  of  the  Jews,  and  the  catimg  of  the  Genltles,  a,ul  i>ro- 
 phesied  about  fourscore  years. 
 
 Chrill 
 
 785. 
 
 CHAP.  I. 
 
 l  The  times  when  Hosea  prophesied,  2  To  show  the  idolatrous  whoredoms 
 of  the  land,  he  marrieth  a  wife  tf  whoredoms,  and  hath  by  her  Jezreel. 
 
 Before  ry^HE  word  of  the  Lord  that  came  onto  Holea 
 X  Been,  in  the  days  oF  U?ziah,  Jo- 
 
 ^tham,  Ahaz,  and  Hezekiah,  kings  of  Jodah,  and  in 
 the  days  ot  Jeroboam  tbe  fon  of  Joafh,  king  of  Ifrael. 
 
 2  The  beginning  of  the  word  of  the  Lord  by 
 Hofea.  And  the  Lord  faid  to  Hofea,  Go,  take  unto 
 thee  a  wife  of  whoredoms,  and  children  of  whore¬ 
 doms  :  for  the  land  hath  coiBmitted  great  whoredom, 
 depirtino  from  the  Lord. 
 
 3  So  he  went  and  took  Gomer  the  daughter  of 
 Diblaira  ;  which  conceived,  and  bare  him  a  I'on. 
 
 4  And  the  Lord  faid  unio  him,  Call  his  name  Jez¬ 
 reel  \  for  yet  a  little  vchile^  and  I  will  f  avenge  the 
 blood  of  Jezreel  upon  the  houfe  of  Jehu,  and  will 
 caufe  to  ceafe  the  kingdom  of  the  houfe  of  Ifrael. 
 
 5  And  it  Ihall  come  to  pals  at  that  day,  that  I  will 
 brt-ak  the  bow  of  Ijraei  in  the  valley  of  Jezreel. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 viiit. 
 
 e  H  And  (he  conceived  again,  and  bare  a  daughter. 
 
 And  Gody  faid  unto  him.  Call  her  name  ||  Lo-ruharaah : 
 for  1 1  will  no  more  have  mercy  upon  the  houfe  of- — 
 Ifrael ;  11  but  I  will  utterly  take  them  away.  |i  Tbatis, 
 
 7  But  1  will  have  mercy  upon  the  houfe  of  Judah, 
 and  will  lave  them  by  the  Lord  their  God,  and  will 
 
 not  lave  them  by  bow,  uor  by  fword,  nor  by  battle,  ^^rcy. 
 by  horfes,  nor  by  horlemeo.  t  Heb. 
 
 8  H  Now,  when  (he  had  weaned  Lo-ruhamah, 
 
 conceived,  and  bare  a  fon.  ^  ^^e  to, 
 
 9  I'hen  faid  God,  Call  his  name  H  Lo-ammi :  for  d  or, 
 ye  are  not  my  people,  and  1  will  not  be  your  God.  that  / 
 
 10  H  Yet  the  number  of  the  children  of  Ifrael  (ball 
 
 be  as  the  land  of  the  fea,  which  cannot  be  meafured^^^*^ 
 nor  numbered  :  *  and  it  fnall  come  to  oafs,  that  H  'mthem. 
 the  place  where  it  was  laid  unto  them,  Ye  are  not  my  ilThatis, 
 people,  there  it  Ihall  be  faid  unto  them,  Ye  are 
 ions  of  the  living  God.  a  Rom. 
 
 11  *’  Then  fhall  the  children  of  Judah  and  the  chil- 9.25,26. 
 
 11  Or,  instead  of  that,  b  Jer.  3.  18.  Ezek.  34,  28. 
 
 explanatory  NOTES.  Chap.  1.  Ver.  1 — 11.  This  prophet  was 
 contemporary  with  It'ai.ah,  and  hence  fpeaks  of  the  fanie  events;  his  labours 
 feem  to  have  neen  chiefly  devoted  to  inftrudl  and  warn  the  ten  tribes.  He  was 
 called  to  take  a  wife,  a  woman  addidled  to  whoredoms,  and  who  had  had  children 
 ^hilft  flip  lived  in  that  ftate.  This  was  defigped  tp  tpach  Ifrtiel,  that  they  muft 
 ceafe  from  their  idolatrous  pradlices,  which  were  fpiritual  whoredom,  if  they 
 would  enjoy  the  favour  and  prpteiSlion  of  God,  their  hpfband.  The  ptophat 
 badiwo  fpns  and  a  daughter  by  his  wife  ;  and  he  gave  ttiein  particular  names,  in 
 obedience  to  God  ;  names  defigned  to  reprefent  the  diyine  copdudi  to  Ifrael.  The 
 firft  was  called  Jezreel,  the  feed,  or  rainier  arm  of  Gpd  ;  for  God  determined  to 
 ejiecute  his  vengeance  upon  the  kingdom,  particularly  th.e  royal  family  of  Ifrael ; 
 becaufe  of  the  fins  of  Jehu  from  whom  they  defeended.  This  was  fpeedily  ac- 
 camplilhed,  2  Kings  xv.  12.  The  fecond  child  was  called  Lo-rubamah,  not  hav¬ 
 ing  obtained  mercy  :  for  God  declares  bis  intention  of  executing  juftice  without 
 
 9X 
 
 mercy  on  ihe  ten  tribes,  or  kingdom  of  Stmaria;  which  was  done  when  they 
 were  carried  away  into  perpetual  captivity  by  the  Affyrians,  2  Kings  xvii. 
 3_23.  But  the  Lord  had  compalTton  on  the  houfe  of  Judah  ;  and  miraculoufly 
 faved  them  from  their  enemies,  wbo  had  fubdued  their  apofta  e  brethren  of  ih* 
 ten  tribes,  Ifaiah  xxxvii.  36.  Lo  arami,  not  my  people,  was  the  name  of  the 
 third  child  ;  to  intimate,  that  God  utterly  renounced  the  ten  tribes  from  being  his 
 people;  while  he  informs  them,  that  he  would  choofe  from  among  the  Gentiles 
 an  innumerable  multitude,  who  having  the  fpirit  of  fai  hful  Abraham,  would 
 therefore  juftly  be  denominated  Ifrael,  Rom.  ix.  24.— 26.  The  Gentiles  con¬ 
 verted  to  God  will  be  the  means  of  bringing  tbe  Jews  to  the  knowledge  and 
 obedience  of  Mefliab,  Rom.  xi.  25,  26,  30 — 32.  and  having  become  fuhjeft  to 
 him  they  Ihall  return  to  their  own  land,  and  experience  his  guidance  and  pro- 
 tedlion.  This  is  a  period  when  the  arm  of  the  Lord  (hall  be  glorioufty  dtfplayed 
 in  behalf  of  his  ancient  people ;  “  Great  (hall  be  the  day  of  Jcxreel.”  It  is  per. 
 
 26 
 
God’s  judgmc7its  against  the  'people^ 
 
 HOSEA. 
 
 mth  pro^nises  of  reconciliation 
 
 Saving 
 obtained 
 mercy. 
 a  Ifaiah 
 SO.  1. 
 b  Ezek. 
 1 6.  2.5. 
 c  Ezek. 
 16.  4. 
 
 Chda  Ifrael  be  gathered  together,  and  appoint  them- 
 
 cir.  785.  *^lves  one  head,  and  they  lhall  come  up  out  of  the 
 land  :  for  great  shall  he  the  day  of  Jtzreel.* 
 
 CHAP.  11. 
 
 1  1  The  people  exhorted  to  forsake  idolatry,  which  is  threatened  with  severe 
 
 judgments.  14  God  allureth  them  with  promises  of  reconciliation. 
 
 S.Thatis,  O  ay  ye  unto  your  brethren,  U  Ammi ;  and  to 
 fSt’  fibers,  Ruhamah. 
 
 2  Plead  with  your  mother,  plead  ;  for  *  (he  is  not 
 my  wife,  neither  am  I  her  holband  :  let  her  therefore 
 put  away  her  whoredoms  out  of  her  fight,  and  her 
 adulteries  from  between  her  breads  ; 
 
 3  Left  I  ftrip  her  naked,  and  fet  her  as  in  the  day 
 that  fhe  was  ®  born,  and  make  her  as  a  wildernefs, 
 and  fet  her  like  a  dry  land,  and  flay  her  with  thirft: 
 
 4  And  I  will  not  have  mercy  upon  her  children  ; 
 for  they  be  the  children  of  whoredoms. 
 
 5  For  their  mother  hath  played  the  harlot;  fhe 
 that  conceived  them  hath  done  (hamefully :  for  fhe 
 faid,  I  will  go  after  my  lovers,  that  give  me  ray  bread 
 and  ray  water,  my  wool,  and  my  flax,  mine  oil  and 
 my  t  drink. 
 
 6  If  Therefore,  behold,  I  will  hedge  op  thy  way  with 
 thorns,  and  f  make  a  wall,  that  fhe  (hall  not  find  her 
 paths.  ^ 
 
 7  And  fhe  fhall  follow  after  her  lovers,  but  fhe 
 (hall  not  overtake  them  ;  and  fhe  fhall  feek  them,  but 
 fhall  not  find  them :  then  fhall  fhe  fay,  I  will  go  and 
 return  to  my  firft  hufband  ;  for  then  voas  it  better 
 with  me  than  now. 
 
 8  For  fhe  did  not  know  that  I  gave  her  corn,  and 
 t  Heb.  ,f  wine,  and  oil,  and  multiplied  her  filver  and  gold, 
 
 II  'which  they  prepared  for  Baal, 
 where-  9  Therefore  will  I  return  and  take  away  my  corn 
 with  they  jn  the  time  thereof,  and  my  wine  in  the  feafon  there- 
 
 ^  recover  my  wool  and  my  flax  given  to 
 I  cover  her  nakednefs. 
 
 takeaway.  10  Aod  now  will  I  difcover  her  t  lewdnefs  in  the 
 fight  of  her  lovers,  and  none  fhall  deliver  her  out  of 
 mi.ne  hand. 
 
 1 1  I  will  alfo  caufe  all  her  mirth  to  ceafe,  her  feaft- 
 days,  her  new-moons,  and  her  fabbaths,  and  all  her 
 folemn-feafts. 
 
 12  Aod  I  will  f  deftroy  her  vines  and  her  fig-trees. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 drinks. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 wall  a 
 wall. 
 
 f  Heb, 
 Jolly,  or, 
 villarty. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 made 
 
 desolate. 
 
 haps  proper  to  obfervp,  that  the  prophet  is  confidered  by  fotne,  recording  in  this 
 and  chap.  iii.  1 — 3.  what  be  did  in  vifion  to  perfonate  Ifrael ;  while  others  believe 
 that  the  whole  was  liierally  and  acStually  done. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  II.  Ver.  1—4.  The  few  faithful  among 
 the  ten  tribes  are  here  called  Ammi,  my  people,  and  Ruhamah,  having  obtained 
 mercy.  Ttiey  are  entreated  to  exhort  their  apoftate  brethren,  who  confliluted 
 the  corrupt  church  of  Ifrael,  to  return  to  God  from  idols,  as  the  only  means  of 
 averting  immediate  defirutftion.  Ver.  6,  7.  God  threatened  to  compafs  Ifrael 
 with  troubles  from  which  neither  their  own  exertions,  the  idols  in  whom,  they 
 trufted,  nor  the  idolatrous  nation  with  whom  they  might  be  in  alliance,  could  de¬ 
 liver  them.  A  fence  of  thorns  in  the  eaft,  is  efteemed  equal  to  a  wall  for  ilrengih, 
 being  commonly  reprefented  as  impenetrable,  Ifa.  xxvii.  4.  Micah  vii,  4.  Ver. 
 14,  15.  Thefe  verfes  as  well  as  thofe  that  follow  to  the  end  of  this  chapter  con- 
 lift  of  promifes  which  are  generally  applied  to  the  converfion  and  reftoration  of 
 Che  Jews  in  the  latter  days.  In  thefe  promifes  the  ten  tribes  ftiall  participate  in 
 common  with  the  tribes  of  Judah  and  Benjamin;  for  though  the  former  ftiall  ne¬ 
 ver  be  reftored  to  form  a  complete  kingdom,  as  under  their  apoftate  kings,  yet  they 
 
 Ufifors 
 Clirift 
 cir-  875. 
 
 Or. 
 
 whereof  (he  hath  faid,  Thefe  are  my  rewards  that  my 
 lovers  have  given  me :  and  I  will  make  them  a  foreft, 
 and  the  beafts  of  the  field  fhall  eat  them. 
 
 13  And  1  will  vifit  upon  her  the  days  of  Baalim, 
 wherein  ftie  burnt  incenle  to  them,  and  fhe  decked 
 herl'elf  with  her  ear-rings,  and  her  jewels,  and  fhe 
 went  after  her  lovers,  and  forgat  me,  laith  the  Lord. 
 
 14  f  Therefore,  behold,  I  will  allure  her,  and  bring 
 
 her  into  the  wildernefs,  and  (peak  H  f  comfortably 
 unto  her.  friemiiy, 
 
 15  And  I  will  give  her  her  vineyards  from  thence,  t  Heb. 
 and  the  valley  of  Achor  for  a  door  of  hope:  and  fhe'"*" 
 
 I  fhall  fing  there,  as  in  the  days  of  her  youth,  and  as 
 j  the  day  when  fhe  came  up  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt. 
 
 16  And  it  fhall  be  at  that  day,  faith  the  Lord,  that 
 thou  (halt  call  me  11  Ifhi,  and  (halt  call  me  no  more  ||  Thati,, 
 II  Baali. 
 
 17  For  I  will  take  away  the  names  of  Baalim 
 
 of  her  mouth,  and  they  fhall  no  more  be  remembered  1/^  1,,'^ 
 by  their  name. 
 
 18  Aod  in  that  day  will  I  make  a  covenant  ford  job 
 them  with  the  beafts  of  the  field,  and  with  the  fowls 5.23. 
 of  heaven,  and  'with  the  creeping  things  of  the  ground: 
 and  I  will  break  the  bow,  and  the  (word,  and  the 
 battle,  out  of  the  earth,  and  will  make  them  to  lie 
 down  fafely. 
 
 19  And  I  will  betroth  thee  unto  me  for  ever ;  yea, 
 
 I  will  betroth  thee  unto  me  in  righteoufnefs,  and  in 
 judgment,  and dn  loving-kindnefs,  and  in  mercies  : 
 
 20  I  will  even  betroth  thee  unto  me  in  faithfulnefs ; 
 and  thou  (halt  know  the  Lord. 
 
 21  And  it  fhall  come  to  pafs  in  that  day,  I  will 
 hear,  faith  the  Lord  ;  I  will  hear  the  heavens,  and 
 they  (hall  hear  the  earth ; 
 
 22  And  the  earth  fhall  hear  the  corn,  and  the  wine, 
 and  the  oil,  and  they  (hall  hear  Jezreel. 
 
 23  And  I  will  low  her  unto  me  in  the  earth ;  and 
 
 I  will  have  mercy  upon  her  that  had  not  obtained 
 mercy  ;  and  1  will '  lay  to  them  which  were  not  my  9_ 
 people.  Thou  art  my  people  ;  and  they  fhall  fay,  1  Petet 
 Thou  art  my  God.*  2. 10. 
 
 CHAP.  III. 
 
 By  the  prophet  taking  unto  him  an  adulteress  is  shewed  the  desolation  of 
 Israel  and  their  rsetoration. 
 
 (hall  be  blefled  with  their  believing  brethren,  and  both  joyfully  recognize  the  Gen. 
 tiles  as  nnenibers  of  the  fame  family,  Ifa.  xi.  10 — 16.  God  fhill  revive  and  com. 
 fort  them,  as  he  did  their  fathers,  when  he  brought  them  out  of  Egypt,  and  put 
 them  in  polTtlfion  of  the  goodly  land  of  Canaan  ;  of  which  the  valley  of  Achor 
 was  a  pledge,  foretafte,  and  earned.  That  valley  lay  on  the  borders  of  Canaan, 
 and  was  eminently  diflinguiflied  by  its  fruitfulnefs ;  and  it  was  there  where  God 
 renewed  his  promifes  to  Jofhua,  to  fubdue  the  inhabitants  of  the  land  before  If- 
 rael,  Jofti.  vii.  26.  viii.  1.  Ifa.  Ixv.  10.  Ver.  18.  Toe  figures  ufed  in  this  verfe, 
 beautifully  and  forcibly  exprefles  a  date  of  perfect  fafety  and  great  profperity,  com¬ 
 pare  Ifa.  xxviii.  15.  Micah  iv.  3,  4.  Ver.  21,  22.  All  things  animated  and  inani- 
 mated,  are  here  by  a  ftrong  figure  reprefented  requeuing  of  God  liberty  to  do 
 good  to  his  obedient  people  as  they  are  elfewhere  called  to  witnefs  againft  rebel- 
 lious  Ifrael  :  (Ifa.  i.  9.)  and  they  shall  hear  Jezreel,  the  feed  or  arm  of  God,  which 
 if  applied  to  Ifrael,  may  mean,  th.t  all  the  creatures  of  God  lhall  fupply  their 
 wants,  or,  if  applied  to  God  himfelf,  may  fignify,  that  Ifrael  lhall  hear,  that  is, 
 obey  him,  whole  power  they  formerly  contemned.  Ver.  23.  Compare  I  Pater 
 ii.  10. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  I,]  God  fovereignly  deftroys  the  inftruments  of  his  wrath  when  bis  work  with  them  is  finiftied.  And  there  i* 
 no  warding  ofif  the  ftrokes  of  his  vengeance.  All  our  falvation  comes  not  from  any  merit  in  us,  but  the  mere  mercy  of  our  God.  Happy  are  the  apoftolm  and  mil- 
 leniai  periods,  and  efpeciallv  that  of  tL  laft  judgment,  in  which  multitudes  of  Jews  and  Gentiles  fhall  follow  after  him  as  the  head  of  h.s  redeemed  church. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONa— tCHAP.  II.]  Our  relation  to  God  ^d  dependance  on  him,  exceedingly  aggravates  our  ^bell.on  againft  him  Ict 
 God  will  renew  bis  gr^nt  of  that  relation.  O  how  loath  he  is  to  give  up  his  profefling  people.  How  fovere.gn  are  God  s  mercies.  “"J  its 
 
 have  abounded,  grace  much  more  abounds.  He  allures  thofe  by  his  gofpel  grace  who  jtiftly  deferve  h.s  f  »erlafting  deftrutftion.  And  diftrefs  and  fear 
 forctaftes  of  his  kindnefs,  promote  fpiritual  gUdnefs  and  deteftation  of  idols.  Adoring  the  grace,  which  firft  chofe,  efpoufed,  and  drew  our  hearts;  let  us  in  com- 
 Bianion  with  his  people,  cordially  and  folemnly  lake  him  to  be  our  God  for  ever,  aod  our  guide  even  uoto  death. 
 
^dgmenli  agaimllhe 
 
 HOSE  A. 
 
 people  and  princes. 
 
 Then  raid  the  Lord  unto  me,  Go  yet,  love  a 
 woman  beloved  her  fnend,  yet  an  adm^erels, 
 
 leCiech- 
 
 i  Deut, 
 21.  13. 
 
 b 
 
 SO.  9. 
 
 Ezekiel 
 
 54.  23. 
 c  Ifaiah 
 2.  2. 
 
 ■  woman  oeiuvcu  ui  nc,  . 
 
 acwdins  '»  'he  'o"'  'he  Lord  toward  the  chil- 
 dren  of  Kra.-I,  who  look  to  other  gods,  and  love 
 
 *’^80  I  bLtTghrher  to  me  for  fifteen  piece!  of  filver, 
 f  and  for  an  homer  of  barley,  and  an  t  half-homer  of 
 
 ‘’"'a  And  I  laid  onto  her.  Thou  (halt  *  abide  for  me 
 many  days  :  thou  (halt  not  play  the  harlot,  at"*  'h°u 
 fhalt  not  be  for  another  man  *,  fo  mil  1  alio  be  tor 
 
 ^^Tpor  the  children  of  Ifrael  (hall  abide  many  days 
 xHeb.  without  a  king,  and  t^ithout  a  prince,  and  without  a 
 Lian/tngfacrifice,  and  without  an  f  image,  and  without  an 
 
 or,  gphod,  and  without  teraphim.  ,  ,  i 
 
 Jerem.  V  lhall  the  children  of  Krael  return,  and 
 
 feek  the  Lord  their  God,  and  ^  David  their  king; 
 and  (ball  fear  the  Lord  and  his  goodnels  in  the 
 e  latter  days.* 
 
 CHAP.  IV.  '  . 
 
 1  God's  judgments  against  the  sins  of  the  people,  6  and  of  the  priests,  12 
 and  against  their  idolatry.  15  Judah  is  exhorted  to  take  warning  by  Is- 
 
 rael's  calamity. 
 
 Hear  the  word  of  the  Lord,  ye  children  of 
 
 rael :  for  the  Lord  hath  a  »  cooiroverfy  with 
 the  inhabitants  of  the  land,  becaofe  there  ts  no  truth, 
 nor  mercy,  nor  knowledge  of  God  in  the  land. 
 
 2  By  fwearing,  and  lying,  and  killing, 
 and  committing  adultery,  they  break  out,  and  f  blood 
 
 toucheth  blood.  , 
 
 3  Therefore  fhall  the  land  mourn,  and  every  one 
 
 that  dwelleth  therein  (hall  languifh,  with  the  beafts 
 of  the  field,  and  with  the  fowls  of  heaven ;  yea,  the 
 fifhes  of  the  lea  alfo  (hall  be  taken  away. 
 
 4  Yet  let  no  man  (frive,  nor  reprove  another: 
 for  thy  people  are  as  they  that  (trive  with  the 
 
 ^^5  Therefore  (halt  thou  fall  in  the  day,  and  the  pro¬ 
 phet  alfo  (hall  fall  with  thee  in  the  night,  and  1  will 
 
 ^  t Mrp'e“p>e'’ar'e  t  for  lack  of  know- 
 
 ledg^.  becaufe  thou  haft  rejeifted  knowledge,  I  will 
 
 alfo  rejea  thee,  that  thon  (halt  be  0°  cS 
 
 feeiog^ou  haft  forgotten  the  law  of  thy  God,  I  will  ,30. 
 
 g  Micah 
 
 6.  2. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 bloods. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 cut  off. 
 f  Heb. 
 cut  off. 
 
 “"^7  ‘Af''lVe7  werelocreafed,  fo  they  finned  againft 
 me  •  therefore  will  I  change  their  glory  into  (hame. 
 
 8  They  eat  up  the  fin  of  my  people,  and  they  t  fet 
 
 their  heart  on  their  iniquity.  ^  j  their  tOul 
 
 O  tili  there  (hall  be,  “  like  people,  like  pneft :  and  „ 
 
 I  win  t  pnni(h  them  for  their  ways,  and  f  reward  to, 
 
 ‘'"io  Fot  tt'^fta'I  eat,  and  no.  have  enough  :  they-- - 
 (hall  commit  whoredom,  and  (ball  not  increafe .  be— 
 
 Sp  thTv  have  left  oflf  to  take  heed  to  the  Lord.  t  Heb 
 u  Whoredom,  and  wine,  and  new  wine,  take  away-.. « 
 
 ‘*'i2^f"Mv  people  aflc  counfel  at  their  flocks,  and 
 
 their  toir  declareth  unto  them  ;  *0“^  a 
 
 doms  hath  canfed  them  to  err,  and  they  have  gone  a 
 
 whoring  from  under  their  God.  mnnntain*? 
 
 13  Thev  facrifice  upon  the  tops  of  the  mountains, 
 
 and  burnTocenfe  upon  the  hills,  under  oaks  and  pop- 
 hrs  and  elms,  becaufe  the  (hadow  thereof  «  good 
 therefore  yonr  daughters  (hall  commit  whoredom,  and 
 vour  fpouCes  (hall  commit  adultery. 
 
 ^14  n  1  will  not  punifh  your  daughters  when  they 
 comm  t  whoredom,  nor  your  fpoules  when  they  com- 
 mk  aduTtery;  for  themfelves  are  leparated  with 
 whores,  and^hey  facrifice  wi'"s ;  theretore  the^ 
 
 people  doth  not  underhand  fha  il  •  ,  punUhed. 
 
 15  H  Though  thou,  Ifrael,  play  the  harlot,  ye  let^ 
 not  Judah  offend;  and  come  not  ye  unto  Gi^al,  ^ 
 neither  go  ye  up  ‘  to  Beth-aven,  nor  (wear.  Ihe,, 
 
 ^^le^For^Ifrael  (lideth  back  as  a  backflidmg  heifer : 
 now  the  Lord  will  feed  them  as  a  lamb  m  a  large 
 
 ^  ^TEphraim  is  joined  to  idols  :  let  him  alone.  ^ 
 
 18  Their  drink  t  is  (our;  they 
 whoredom  continually:  her  f  rulers  with  (hame  do ^  Heb. 
 
 The  wind  hath  bound  her  up  in  her  wmgs,  and 
 they  (hall  be  afbamed  becaufe  of  their  facniices.t 
 
 FXPLANATORY  notes.  Chap  III.  Ver.  1—5.  The  charadler  of 
 the  «  whom  the  prophet  is  commanded  to  choofe  for  his  fecond  w.fe  .s  a  juft 
 
 mer  buiband;  they  had  given  tbe.r  hearts  to  •d«l*"«‘«;‘hftand,ns  all  the  love 
 which  God  bad  (hewed  them.  The  prophet,  according  to  ^ 
 
 and  country,  bought  his  wife  by  giving  her  or  her  "7^;  gf 
 
 price  ;  he  gave  little  more  for  her  than  half  the  valuat.on  of 
 to  intimare  how  unworthy  Ifrael  was  of  d.vtne  regard 
 
 Though  the  prophet  declared  his  purpofe  to  marry  her  lavfevi- 
 
 fometime  to  a  ftate  of  folitude,  to  lament  her  pad  receive 
 
 dence  of  her  abhorrence  of  whoredoms  and  of  her  love  to  him  ^ 
 
 her  to  wife.  Thus  Ifrael,  theobjedls  of  divine  love,  are  appointed 
 feparated  from  God  becaufe  of  their  f.ns;  but  .n  the  latter  days  they  (hall  return 
 to  the  Lord  their  God,  and  their  own  Meffiah  ;  whofe  goodnefs,  love  and  me  y 
 fttall  difpofe  them  to  fear  or  worlhip  him,  whom  their  fathers 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap  IV.  Ver.  4.  To 
 vain,  for  they  were  (hut  againft  convidlion  o  gut  t;  as  t  o  e  w  crime 
 
 laft  ftate  of  depravity,  treated  with  contempt  the  .njuna,ons  of  the  pneft ,  a  ™ 
 for  which  no  facriBce  was  provided,  Peut.  xvii.  12.  Ver.  5.  /  will  destroy  thy  mo. 
 
 In  ,...i.ing  fnndi  or,  .5. 
 
 L':.  V..  .s.  cep  If..  ,'0'.“  S 
 
 .ddr.f.  .0  .b.  ..IS.  ;  i  «p.o..b  Gllg...  n, 
 
 theworfti.pof  Godat  Jerufalem.  Oiongh 
 
 Bethel,  called  .n  w^ell  as^Gilgal,  had  become  the  feat  of  idolatrous  wor- 
 
 r.’  T  »  t  told  »  .L’pUgu..  .b.  w..«.lpp...  ....  .. 
 
 ^  Ainn  hv  the  Affyrian»,  as  a  folitary  lamb,  in  a  large  place, 
 
 be  given  up  to  deftruaion,  by  t  ,  have  no  intercourfe  with  ibera, 
 
 athmltthen"^  afcaLed  of  having  facr.ficed  to  idols,  from 
 
 whom  they  can  receive  no  help. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.--  Ch..,  1' [  j.  J"' "'"“t  “  “l"  ifW.! 
 
 I 'Xirb 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—!  Chap.  IV.]  Alas,  7tion  •  but  when  we  perceive  them  exafperated  indead  ot  humbled,  filence 
 
 •inice  of  ruin.  We  are  hound  not  to  fuflfer  fin  upon  our  brethren,  without  f>>endly  recohipence.  When  God  is  difregarded,  men  ftick  at  no 
 
 btcPb...  dp.v.  Tb..  .hob...  .op.rlbo..d  .0  f.db..  o.b.„  'I'*''  g„,?,  it;,.,  ir  ».  .ir.,ci...  .i.b  ».ck.d  comp.o,.  .bd.efo,.  .0  pl.~ 
 
God* s  judgments  against  the  priests,  peoplet 
 
 HOSEAv 
 
 H 
 
 CHAP.  V. 
 
 GMi'sjudgments  against  the  priests,  the  people,  and  the  princes  of  Israel, 
 for  their  manifold  sins,  ^c. 
 
 Ear  ye  this,  O  priefts;  aod  hearken,  ye 
 
 _ _  houfe  of  Ifrael ;  and  give  ye  ear,  O  houfe  of 
 
 the  king ;  for  judgment  is  toward  you,  becaufe  ye 
 have  been  a  fnare  on  Mlzpah,  and  a  net  fpread  upon 
 Tabor. 
 
 2  And  the  revolters  are  profound  to  make  flaugh- 
 ter,  11  although  1  have  been\2t.  rebuker  of  them  all. 
 
 :  ..  3  I  know  Ephraim,  and  Ifrael  is  not  hid  from  me  ; 
 
 fu>Tfe/wn.for  now,  O  Ephraim,  thou  commitieit  whoredom,  and 
 t  Heb  defiled. 
 
 They  wui  t"  H  They  fhall  not  frame  their  doings  to  turn  unto 
 not  give.  their  God  :  for  the  fpirit  of  whoredoms  is  in  the  midft 
 Or,  of  them,  and  they  have  not  known  the  Lord. 
 
 An  exhortation  to  repent aticf 
 
 B 
 
 and,  ^c. 
 
 i  Heb. 
 
 Their 
 
 5  And  the  pride  of  Ifrael  doth  teftify  to  his  face : 
 
 not  safer  therefore  fhall  Ifrael  and  Ephraim  fall  in  their  iniqui- 
 them.  ty:  Judah  alfo  fhall  fall  with  them. 
 
 6  They  fhall  go  with  their  flocks  and  with  their 
 herds  to  feek  the  Lord  ;  but  they  (hall  not  find  him  : 
 he  hath  withdrawn  himfelf  from  them, 
 
 7  They  have  dealt  treacheroufly  againft  the  Lord  ; 
 for  they  have  begotten  ftrange  children  :  now  (hall  a 
 mouth  devour  them  with  their  portions. 
 
 8  Blow  ye  the  cornet  in  Gibeah,  and  the  trumpet 
 in  Ratnah :  cry  aloud  at  Beth-aven,  after  thee,  O 
 Benjamin. 
 
 9  Ephraim  (hall  be  defolate  in  the  day  of  rebuke : 
 among  the  tribes  of  Ifrael  have  1  made  known  that 
 which  fhall  furely  be. 
 
 10  The  princes  of  Judah  were  like  them  that  re¬ 
 move  the  bound  :  therefore  I  will  pour  out  my  wrath 
 upon  them  like  water. 
 
 1 1  Ephraim  is  opprefTed  and  broken  in  judgment, 
 becaufe  he  willingly  walked  after  the  commandment. 
 
 12  Tnerefore  voitl  I  he  unto  Ephraim  as  a  moth, 
 and  to  the  houfe  of  Judah  as  II  rottennefs. 
 
 j  13  When  Ephraim  (aw  his  ficknefs,  and  Judah  saw 
 
 "o  his  wound,  then  went  Ephraim  to  the  Affyrian,  and 
 <f  jareb,  (t  ot  H  to  king  Jarcb  t  yet  could  he  not  heal  you,  nor 
 ZJ^that  your  wound. 
 
 shouid“^  I  he  unto  Ephraim  as  a  lion,  and  as  a 
 
 plead.  young  iioD  to  the  houfe  of  Judah  :  I,  even  I,  will  tear 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 rt  tvorm 
 
 and  go  away ;  I  will  take  away,  and  hone  (hall  refcue 
 him.  _  chrift 
 
 15  H  I  will  go  and  return  to  my  place,  t  till  they 
 offence,  and  feek  my  face :  in  their 
 aflliftion  they  will  feek  me  early.* 
 
 CHAP.  VI. 
 
 1  An  exhortation  to  repentance.  4  /}  complaint  against  Israel  and  Judah 
 for  persisting  still  in  their  wickedness. 
 
 COME,  and  let  us  return  unto  the  Lord  :  for  he 
 hath  torn,  and  he  will  heal  us ;  he  hath  fmitteo, 
 and  he  will  bind  us  up, 
 
 2  *  After  two  days  will  he  reviv?  us  ;  in  the  third®  ^  Cot. 
 day  he  will  raife  us  up,  and  we  (hall  live  in  his  fight. 
 
 3  Then  (hall  we  know,  f  we  follow  on  to  know 
 the  Lord;  his  going  forth  is  prepared  as  the  morn- 
 
 »s.  4. 
 
 ing ;  and  he  (hall  come  unto  os  as  the  rain,  as  the 
 
 latter  and  former  rain  unto  the  earth. 
 
 4  H  O  Ephraim,  what  (hall  I  do  unto 
 
 thee  ? 
 
 ,  ,  _  _ _ .  o 
 
 Judah,  what  fftall  I  do  unto  thee?  for  yourTgood-SX? 
 nefs  is  as  a  morning  cloud,  and  as  the  early  dew  it  II  Or,  ‘ 
 goeth  away.  that  thg 
 
 5  Therefore  have  I  hewed  them  by  the  prophets 
 
 I  have  (lain  them  by  the  words  of  my  month  ;  H  and  &l  ’’’ 
 thy  judgments  are  as  the  light  that  goeth  forth.  >> '  Sam. 
 
 6  For  I  defired  ”  mercy,  and  not  (acrifiee  ;  and  the^ 
 
 knowledge  of  God  more  than  burnt-offerings.  5". 
 
 7  But  they,  II  like  men,  have  tranfgreffed  the  cove-Maiib. 
 nant :  there  have  they  dealt  treacheroufly  againfl  a>e.  ^ 
 
 8  Gilead  is  a  city  of  them  that  woik  iniquity, 
 
 « 11  polluted  with  blood. 
 
 9  And  as  troops  of  robbers  wait  for  a  man,  so  the  il  On, 
 company  of  priefts  murder  in  the  way  f  by  confent 
 
 for  they  commit  ||  lewdnefs. 
 
 10  I  have  Ceen  an  horrible  thing  in  the  houfe  ofL/Aone 
 
 Ifrael:  there  is  the  whoredom  of  Ephraim,  Ifrael  is,*''owWfr, 
 defiled.  “'■» 
 
 11  Alfo,  O  Judah,  he  hath  fet  an  harveft  for  thee,  n^or,*”* 
 
 when  I  returned  the  captivity  of  my  people.f  enormity. 
 
 CHAP.  VII. 
 
 I  Israel  reproved  for  manifold  sins,  1 1  GoJs  wrath  against  them  for 
 their  hypocrisy, 
 
 WHEN  I  would  have  healed  Ifrael,  (hen  the 
 
 iniquity  of  Ephraim  was  difcovered,  and  the. Heb 
 t  wickednels  of  Samaria:  for  they  commit  faifehood  \  evih. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES  Chap.  V.  Ver.  1.  Migpeh  and  Tabor  were 
 mountains  in  the  kingdom  of  Il'rael ;  the  former  in  the  fouth,  the  tatter  in  the  north 
 borders.  As  hunters  laid  fnares  for  their  prey  on  thefe  mountains,  fo  the  rulers  of 
 Ifrael  led  their  fubjedts  to  depart  from  God,  by  placing  the  golden  calves  at  Din 
 and  Bethel.  Ver.  5 — 7.  Judah  had  imitated  ibe  ten  tribes  in  idolatry  and  were 
 therefore  condemned  tofufF  r  with  them.  When  apprehenfive  of  deftruiftion,  they 
 feigned  repentance,  but  in  vain  ;  for  their  hypocritical  prayers  God  abhorred 
 Strange  chtldrin,  a  fpurious  brood,  irregularly  and  cafually  begotten,  by  marriages 
 with  the  heatiien,  fornication  and  adultery,  God  threatens  to  deftroy  thefe,  with  the 
 portions  allotted  them;  in  a  nsonth,  that  is,  fpeedily,  Zeeh.  xi.  8.  Ver.  8 — 15. 
 Benjamin  having  a;.ne  to  join  the  idoiatroui  ten  tribes  at  Bethaven,  or  Bethel,  the 
 prophet  comm.aiic!e!l  that  the  trumpet  be  founded  to  warn  him  of  his  danger  ;  for 
 they  were  appointed  to  defolation,  and  confcquently  fellowfhip  with  them  was  at¬ 
 tended  with  imminent  danger,  Tire  princes  of  Judah  were  like  thofe  who  re- 
 moved  the  bounds  of  their  neighbour’s  property,  reducing. them  to  indigence  and 
 inifery  :  fur,  by  iheir  contempt  of  ihedivme  laws,  they  expofed  their  country  to  the 
 lie  ce  anger  of  God,  which  woiiid  lay  it-wtterly  wafte  as  by  a  deluge,  Ephraim 
 (Hfi'ered  opprtifion  and  injuftice,  as  the  reward  of  obeying  the  unjufl  commands  of 
 tt.eir  onstodly  kings  to  wotfh'p  idols,  ,  W'hen  they  and  Judah  faw  their  danger  of 
 
 greater  mifery,  they  fought  alliance  with  heathens,  with  even  their  ancient  enemies, 
 rather  than  return  to  God.  This,  however,  was  unavailable;  for  they  bad  made 
 God  (their  only  fure  defence)  their  enemy  ;  he  had  in  righteous  judgment  weak- 
 ened  their  energies,  and  threatens  as  a  lion  to  devour  tliem.  Nor  would  he  fhew 
 them  mercy,  till  they  confelfed  their  fins,  and  fought  him  with  their  whole  heart. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  VI.  Ver.  1—5.  The  faithful  exprels 
 fuhmidipn  under  their  affliction,  and  confidence  in  the  mercy,  grace,  and  power 
 of  God.  Their  hopes  are  encouraged  by  a  promife  of  tiie  refurretftion  of  Chrift, 
 and  the  bleffednefs  of  his  reign.  After  two  days  he  will  revive  us,  or,  according  w 
 the  original,  him,  in  the  third  day  he  will  raise  us,  or,  him  up,  1  Cor.  xv,  3,  4,  Ver.  5. 
 Compare  Jer.  i.  10.  Ver.  6.  Compare  Jer.  vii. '22.  Ver.  7.  Tney  like  men,  \i\te 
 Adam  tranfgreffed  the  cover.a.tt.  As  all  the  good  gr.jnitd  him  was  infufflcienl 
 to  maintain  bis  reverence  for  one  prohibition ;  fo  all  the  good  of  Canaan  was 
 ineffectual  to  preferve  Ifrael  from  idolatry,  J.ib  xixi.  33.  Ver.  1  — 11.  Judah'S 
 iniquities  made  them  ripe  for  deffruCtion,  (J^el  iii.  13.)  at  the  very  time  when 
 God  was  gracioufly  catling  them  to  repentance,  with  the  promife  of  prefervatioo 
 in  their  own  land  ;  when  I  returned,  or  rather,  when  I  would  have  returned,  the 
 captivity  af  my  people, 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  VII.  Ver.  1.  This  is  the  fame  truth 
 
 I’R.cC TICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  V  J  No  ftation  can  protea  men  from  God’s  vengeance,  and  no  fecieey  can  conceal  fin  from  his  notice.  They 
 who  under  the  cloak  of  friendfhip  would  entice  us  to  fin,  are  our  molt  mortal  enemies.  If  men  will  not  be  humbled  for  their  fins  they  mult  perifh  in  them.  All 
 uieans  of  relief  prove  fruitlefs  except  God  blefs  them  ;  and  to  trull  to  them  but  draws  heavier  judgments. 
 
 PR.ACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — f-  Chap.  VI.]  All  troubles  ought  to  be  viewed  as  coming  from  God,  and  fhould  awaken  us  to  faith  and  repentanee. 
 Let  us  therefore  always  retain-faith  in  a  rifen  Redeemer,  and  in  the  infinite  power  and  kindnefs  of  Gcd.  Want  of  true  morality  can  never  be  balanced  by  forms  o£ 
 religion-  Sin  is  a  horrible  thing  ;  it  Ihould  Ihock  us  wherever  we  fee  it  committed.  God’s  grace  triumphs  over  the  provocations  of  his  people,  and  when  we  defervci 
 puniffiment,  his  thoughts  towards  us  are  thoughts  of  peace  and  not  of  evil.  '  -  ’ 
 
ail  removed  for  manifdi  sitih 
 
 Lrore  and  the  thief  coireth  in,  and  the  troop  of  robbers  f 
 
 SlChrift  (boileth  without :  .  ...  *  .  t 
 
 ilir.78a  they  f  confider  not  m  their  hearts  that  1 
 
 triT'  remember  all  their  wickedoefs :  now  their  own  doings 
 have  befet  them  about ;  they  are  before  my  mce. 
 
 Hei).  3  They  make  the  king  glad  with  their  wickednels, 
 
 HOSEA. 
 
 /  not  to- 
 
 loy 2nd  the  princes  with  their  lies. 
 
 Destruction  threatened  lo  t^ael  and  Judcdi, 
 
 This  shall 
 
 Before 
 Chritt 
 cir.  769, 
 
 4  They  are  all  adulterers,  as  an  oven  heated  by  the 
 *  n  I’^e  baker,  H  who  ceafeth  ||  from  raifing  after  he  hath 
 L/r’wi«  kneaded  the  dough,  until  it  be  leavened. 
 
 ^ase-  5  In  the  day  of  our  king  the  princes  have  made 
 I  him  fick  II  with  bottles  of  wine  :  he  ftretched  out  his 
 
 f'Tino  hand  with  fcorners.  .  , 
 
 for;  6  For  they  have  ||  made  ready  their  heart  like  an 
 ^ijihheat  whiles  they  lie  in  wait:  their  baker  fleepeth  all 
 
 through  night  J  in  the  morning  it  burneth  as  a  naming  fire. 
 
 7  They  are  all  hot  as  an  oven,  and  have  devoured 
 their  judges :  all  their  kings  are  fallen ;  there  is  none 
 among  them  that  calleth  unto  me. 
 
 8  Ephraim,  he  hath  mixed  himfelf  among  the 
 people;  Ephraim  is  a  cake  not  turned. 
 
 9  Strangers  hath  devoured  his  ttrength,  and  he 
 knovveth  it  not ;  yea,  gray  hairs  are  t  here  and  there 
 
 •line. 
 
 i  O'"’ 
 
 gpplie'i, 
 
 fulfil'e** 
 
 cir.  773. 
 
 iHeb.  - - -  ^ 
 
 iprinkied.  upoQ  him,  yet  he  knoweth  not. 
 
 .  •  Chap. 
 5.5. 
 
 10  And  the  *  pride  of  Ifrael  teflifieth  to  his  face  : 
 and  they  do  not  return  to  the  Lord  their  God,  nor 
 feek  him  for  all  this. 
 
 1 1  H  Ephraim  alio  is  like  a  filly  dove  without  heart : 
 they  call  to  Egypt,  they  go  to  Affyria. 
 
 12  When  they  (hall  go,  I  will  Ipread  my  net  upon 
 them ;  1  will  bring  them  down  as  the  fowls  of  the 
 
 heaven ;  I  will  chaftiCe  them,  as  their  congregation 
 
 fHeb. 
 
 rpoii- 
 
 [  Heb. 
 
 chastened. 
 
 hath  heard.  r,  .  r 
 
 15  Woe  unto  them  !  for  they  have  fled  from  me  ; 
 t  deftruftion  unto  them!  becaufe  they  have  tranl- 
 grefTed  againft  me ;  though  I  have  redeemed  them, 
 
 yet  they  have  fpoken  lies  againfl  me.  -  u  u  ■ 
 
 14  And  they  have  not  cried  unto  me  with  their 
 heart  when  they  howled  upon  their  beds:  they  al* 
 fembled  themfelves  for  corn  and  wine,  and  they  rebel 
 
 ^15  Though  1 1  have  bound  and  ftfengthehed  their 
 arms,  yet  do  they  imagine  michief  againfl:  me. 
 
 16  They  return,  but  not  to  the  mofl  High  ;  they 
 are  like  a  deceitful  bow :  their  princes  (hall  fall  by 
 
 the  (word  for  the  rage  of  theif  tongue. 
 be  their  derifion  in  the  land  of  Egypt.* 
 
 CHAP.  Vlll.  ,  b  Pfilm 
 
 Destruction  U  threatened  loth  to  Israel  and  Judah  for  their  impiety  ahJ  ^ 
 
 QET^the  trumpet  to  t  thy  mouth:  He  shall  come  as  j 
 
 an  eagle  againfl  the  houfe  of  the  Lord,  ^f^^^^,,hy  juih. 
 they  have  tranfgreffed  my  covenant,  and  trefpaffed 
 
 ^^'^Ifrad^all  cry  unto  me,  My  God,  we  know  thee. 
 
 3  Ifrael  hath  cafl  ofF  the  thing  that  is  good :  the 
 enQmv  (hall  purlue  him. 
 
 4  They  have  fet  up  kings,  but  not  by  me  ;  they 
 have  made  princes,  and  I  knew  it  oot :  of  their  filver 
 and  their  gold  have  they  made  them  idols,  that  they 
 
 "’Y^Thy^^afl,  O  Samaria,  hath  cafl  off ;  mine 
 anger  is  kindled  againft  them  :  how  long  will  it  be  ere 
 
 they  attain  to  innocency  ?  „  ,  ,  _ 
 
 6  For  from  Ifrael  was  it  alfo:  the 
 
 it ;  therefore  it  is  not  God :  but  the  calf  of  Samaria 
 
 {hall  be  broken  in  pieces.  n.  n 
 
 7  For  they  have  fown  the  wind,  and  they  fta  1  reap 
 the  whirlwind  :  it  hath  no  H  ftalk  ;  the  bud  fhaU  yield 
 no  meal :  if  fo  be  it  yield,  the  ftrangers  (hall  (wallow 
 
 3^ Iffael  is  fwallowed  up :  now  ftiall  they  be  among 
 the  Gentiles  as  a  veflel  wherein  is  no  pleafure. 
 
 9  For  they  are  gone  up  to  Affyria,  a  wild  als  alone  mr,  771. 
 
 by  himfelf:  Ephraim  hath  hired  f  lovers.  t  Heb. 
 
 10  Yea,  though  they  have  hired  among  the  nations, 
 now  will  I  gather  them,  and  they  (hall  H  lorrow  a  little  j  Or. 
 
 for  the  burden  of  the  king  of  princes.  , 
 
 1 1  Becaufe  Ephraim  hath  made  many  altars  to  lin, 
 
 altars  fhall  be  unto  him  to  fio. 
 
 12  I  have  written  to  him  tne  great  things  of  my 
 law,  but  they  were  counted  as  a  ftrange  t^hing. 
 
 13  R  They  facrifice  flelh  Jor  the  iacnfices  of  1. 
 
 offerings,  and  eat  .(,•  6ul  ttie  Lord  accepteih  them 
 not:  now  will  he  remember  their  iniquity,  and  viiit^j^ 
 their  fihs  :  they  fhall  return  to  Egypt.  offerings 
 
 14  For  Ifrael  hath  forgotten,  his  Maker,  and  build- 4c. 
 eth  temples  ;  and  Judah  hath  multiplted  fen^ced  cities: 
 but  I  will  fend  a  fire  upon  his  cities,  and  it  fhall  devour 
 the  palaces  thereof.f  
 
 begin. 
 
 Or,  In 
 
 applied  10  the  ten  tribes,  which  we  have  to  Judah,  chap.  vi.  11.  Ver.  3  7. 
 
 tfaefe  vcrfes  record  a  ftriking  inftance  of  the  inconfiaency  fomet.mes  exhibited  in 
 the  condua  of  wicked  men.  The  people  at  one  time  flattered  the  pride  of  ^eir 
 kings  and  rulers,  by  a  ready  and  zealous  compliance  with  their  fevere  injunflions 
 refpeaing  idolatry.  Their  defires  after  idolatrous  praaices  were  inflamed,  as  an 
 oven  heated  to  bake  bread.  At  another  time,  their  revolutionary  defires  burnt  as 
 a  flaming  fire,  that  confumed  their  kings  and  principal  men,  2  Kings  tv.  lO,  Iff, 
 
 Ver.  8.  In  Arabia  bread  is  frequently  baked  on  ground  heated  for  the  purpofe  ;  the 
 cakes  are  covered  with  alhes  and  coals,  and  turned  feveral  times,  till  luHiciently 
 baked.  A  cake  unturned  is  unfit  for  ufe  ;  fo  Ifrael,  by  mmng  heathen 
 with  the  worihip  of  the  living  God,  rendered  their  fervices  unprofitab  e  in  his  lignt 
 Ver.  11,  12.  Having  no  confidence  in  God,  the  flighted  danger  filkd  thern  wi 
 alarm  as  a  timid  dove  ;  and  to  protea  them  they  fought  the  friendfhip  of  ^gyP‘ 
 and  Aflyria.  Their  conduA  provoked  God  to  bring  on  them  enemies,  by  whole 
 plans  of  deftruaion,  they  would  be  involved  in  difiiculiies,  as  impoflible  to  lur- 
 SQOunt,  as  fowls  to  avoid  the  fnares  of  a  fubtle  hunter. 
 
 T'xpr  ANATORY  notes.  Chaf.  VIII.  Ver.  1.  The  king  of  Affyria 
 would  foml  up  againft  the  houfe  of  the  Lord,  to  devour 
 
 any  regard  to  the  facrednefs  of  the  place.  Conquerors  are  bkened  to  hons  ou 
 
 „c.u  of  .O.  ,.pidi,,  .od  "'fl"  °  i  '“'wTTn.  ,™.rd  of 
 
 and  ferocity  of  ibeir  defires,  Jer,  xlvin.  40.  Ha  •  •  •  r  w  in  inimiitv  (hall 
 
 wicked  will  always  be  in  proportion  to  their  works  ;  they  who  f 
 
 reap  vanity.  If  they  do  any  thing  pro^table  in  hfe.  others  will  enjoy  U  they 
 will  themfelves  carry  nothing  hence,  but  and  mifery.  Such 
 
 portion  of  Ifrael  when  they  turned  .0  idols.  Ver.  8.  Compare  Jer.  * 
 
 Ver  9  A  wild  afs  is  particularly  noted  for  his  love  of  folitud^  liberty,  and 
 
 independence;  he  was  a  juft  embkm  ^nrCeems 
 
 who  fought  only  to  gratify  his  ambition  and  vanity,  (Job  xxxix.  5  .) 
 
 To  be  applied  to  Afl-nia,  to  whom  Ephraim  went  for  fafety,  but  by  whotn  they 
 were  reduced  to  the  lowed  ftatfe  of  captivity.  Ver  >3.  They 
 
 Many  of  them  on  the  Aflyrian  invafion,  fled  to  Egypt  for  fafety,  but  milerably 
 periflied,  chap.  ix.  3,  6,  _ _ 
 
 Practical  O  BSE  RVATIONS.— •  chap.  VIL]  Every  fm  has  for  Its  root  infiddity.  ^  w/cked  is  very  enfnaring  and  ruinous  to  religion 
 
 .remembers  their  works.  Palaces  and  courts  are  in  general  nefts  of  abommanon,  °  1^3^  of  God  will  foon  find  themfelves  entangled  in 
 
 »nd  liberty  ;  and  God  often  makes  fuch  companions  the  inftruments  ,he  ^reateft  deal  deceitfully  with  God,  or  outrageoufly  with  men,  they  them- 
 
 fnil'ery.  Either  pride,  or  they  who  indulge  it,  muft  be  infallibly  ruined.  And,  if  even  the  greateft  deal  deceitfully  wit 
 
 /elves  fhall  be  rendered  miferable  and  contemptible.  ,  ,  ran  nrnfit  us  if  our  hearts  ere  alienated  from  him.  None  are  more  defpi- 
 
 tRfkCTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.-t  Chap.  VIII.l  No  will  but  prove  the  mean,  of  their  ruin.  If  .he 
 
 cable  than  profeflTed  Chriftiaos  who  have  degenerated  into  profanenefs.  ^  P  „  i:.;--  but  to  aggravate  our  guilt  or  bafteu  our  ruin.  And 
 
 (peat  doarines  and  laws  of  his  word  be  difregarded.  no  facrificcs  however  coftly,  no  forms  of  religion  can  avail,  but  to  aggravate  our  g 
 
 Beither  temples  nor  fortifications  can  pfoteA  in  the  day  of  his  wrath.  gg 
 
The  distress  and  captivity  qf  Israel, 
 
 CHAP.  IX. 
 
 HOSEA. 
 
 a  Jerem. 
 44.  17. 
 
 11  Or, 
 in,  ^  c. 
 e  Or, 
 
 R 
 
 EJOICE  not,  O  Ifrael,  for  joy,  as  other  people  : 
 tor  thou  haft  go.^e  a  whoring  from  thy  God ; 
 
 thou  haft  loved  a  *  reward  H  upon  every  corn-floor. 
 
 feed 
 
 .  ^  The  floor  and  the  ||  wine-prefs  (hall  not 
 them,  and  ^e  new-wine  (hall  fail  in  her. 
 
 ^ine  fat  TP  1  dwell  10  the  Lord’s  land  :  but 
 
 /  •  Ephraim  fhall  return  to  Egypt,  and  they  (hall  eat  un¬ 
 clean  things  in  AiTyria. 
 
 Th^  ^all  not  offer  wine-^nn^s  to  the  Lord, 
 neither  Ihall  they  be  pleafing  unto  him  :  their  facrifices 
 shall  be  unto  them  as  the  bread  of  mourners:  all  that 
 eat  thereof  fhall  be  polluted:  for  their  bread  for  their 
 ioul  ftiall  not  come  into  the  houfe  of  the  Lord. 
 
 5  What  will  ye  do  in  the  Iblemn  day,  and  in  the 
 
 Heb  Lord  ? 
 
 Ipou^  '  „  6  For,  lo,  they  are  gone  becaufe  of  f  defiruftion  : 
 
 il  Or,  Tgypt  (hall  gather  them  up,  Memphis  fhall  bury  them  • 
 
 t  P'eafant/^te  for  their  filver,  nettles  fhall  pof- 
 Mit  L  in  their  tabernacles. 
 
 nettle,  ^c.  '  days  of  vifitation  are  come,  the  days  of  re- 
 
 t  Heb.  compence  are  come  ;  Ifrael  fhall  know  it  .*  the  prophet 
 
 t  iP’fitual  man  is  mad,  for  the  multitude 
 iniquity,  and  the  great  hatred. 
 
 tpirit.  8  1  he  watchmen  of  Ephraim  was  with  my  God  : 
 N  Or  Init  ihe  prophet  is  a  fnare  of  a  fowler  in  all  his  ways, 
 |1  in  the  houfe  of  his  God. 
 
 ^  They  have  deeply  corrupted  themselves,  as  in  the 
 19. *22.^*  days  of  ^  Gibeah  :  therefore  he  will  remember  their 
 iniquity,  he  will  viCt  their  fins. 
 
 10  I  found  Ifrael  like  grapes  in  the  wildernefs;  I 
 
 XT  K  n  fathers  as  the  firft  ripe  in  the  fig-tree  at  her 
 
 C  Numb,  hrft  time :  hut  they  went  to  «  BaaUpeor,  and  feparated 
 themieives  unto  that  fhame ;  and  their  abominations 
 were  according  as  they  loved. 
 
 11  As  for  Ephraim,  their  glory  fhall  fly  away  like 
 a  bird,  from  the  birth,  and  from  the  womb,  and  from 
 the  conception. 
 
 12  Though  they  bring  up  their  children,  yet  will  I 
 bereave  them,  that  there  shall  not  he  a  man  left:  yea, 
 W'oe  alfcr  to  them  when  I  depart  from  them  ! 
 
 13  Ephraim,  as  I  law  Tyrus,  is  planted  in  a  plea- 
 fant  place  :  but  Ephraim  fhall  bring  forth  his  children 
 to  the  murderer. 
 
 14  Give  them,  O  Lord:  what  wilt  thou  give? 
 give  them  a  t  milcarrying  womb  and  dry  breafts. 
 
 ct 
 
 I 
 
 t  Heb. 
 that  cast 
 eth  the 
 fruit. 
 
 ^  explanatory  notes.  Chap.  IX.  Ver.  1.  A  corn  or  thrafliing  floor 
 in  tbe  eaft,  was  only  a  round  plat  of  ground  in  the  open  air,  where  the  oxen 
 trod  out  the  corn  ;  hence  it  was  foroetimes  cbofen  as  a  proper  place  to  build  an 
 altar,  and  to  ofLr  facrifices  by  the  people  of  God,  before  the  ereaion  of  the 
 temple,  Judg.  vi.  37.  2  Sam.  xxiv.  18—25.  This  practice  tbe  apollate  Ifraelites 
 continued  afterwards  to  obferve,  not  from  love  to  God,  but  in  fubferviency  to 
 their  worldly  diipofition  ;  they  wifhed  to  fecure  the  favour  of  their  imaginary 
 deities,  chap.  ii.  12.  Ver.  4.  Compare  Lev.  xxi.  1.  Deut.  xxvi.  14,  Ver.  6. 
 Compare  chap.  viii.  13.  Ver.  7«9.  The  falfe  prophets  profeffing  infpiration, 
 had  proved  themfelves  fools  and  void  of  reafon,  by  flattering  tbe  people  with 
 tbe  profpetS  of  peace,  while  certain  mifery  awaited  tbetn,  and  they  were  left  to 
 be  deluded,  becaufe  of  their  many  fins,  and  much  oppofition  to  God.  The  true 
 prophet  gave  warning  by  divine  authority  ;  tbe  falfe  laid  fnares  to  involve  their 
 votaries  in  ruin.  The  people  were  deeply  corrupted  as  in  the  days  of  Gibeah, 
 Judg.  xix.  therefore  punifhment  would  overtake  them.  Ver.  10.  Ripe  figs  are 
 gathered  in  the  eaft  as  a  delicious  morfel.  This  image  is  frequently  applied  by 
 tbe  prophets  to  exprefs  a  defirable  objetSt  ;  and  by  none  more  elegantly  than 
 by  Hofea  in  this  verfe;  God  delighted  in  Ifrael  in  her  prime;  he  blefled  the 
 patriarchs  and  gladly  brought  their  race  out  of  Egypt,  but  they  preferred  dumb 
 idols  to  him,  and  the  ways  of  tbe  heathen  to  his  good  laws,  Ver,  12.  Compare 
 
 Israel  threatened  for  impUty^ 
 
 15  All  their  wickednefs  is  in  Gilgal ;  for  there  I  Bar 
 hated  them:  for  the  wickednefs  of  their  doings  I  will 
 drive  them  out  of  mine  houfe,  I  will  love  them  no 
 more  ;  all  their  princes  are  revolters. 
 
 1.6  Ephraim  is  fmitten,  their  root  is  dried  up,  they  n 
 Inall  bear  no  fruit ;  yea,  though  they  bring  forth 
 yet  will  I  flay  even  f  the  beloved  fruit  of  their  womblt  H 
 
 17  My  God  will  caft  them  away,  becaufe  they 
 not  hearken  unto  him ;  and  they  Ihall  be  wanderers 
 among  the  nations.* 
 
 CHAP.  X. 
 
 Israel  reproved  and  threatened  for  their  iniquity  and  idolatry,  and  exhort, 
 ed  to  repentance. 
 
 SRAEL  is  II  an  empty  vine,  he  bringeth  forth  cir  7.0 
 fruit  unto  himfeif :  according  to  the  multitude  II  Or.  ' 
 of  his  fruit  he  hath  increafed  the  altars ;  according  to"'"”® 
 the  goodnefs  of  his  land  they  have  made  goodly 
 images. 
 
 2  II  Their  heart  is  divided  ;  now  (hall  they  be  found 
 faulty :  he  fhall  +  break  down  their  altars,  he  fhall  ^ 
 fpoil  their  images. 
 
 3  For  now  they  (ball  fay,  We  have  no  king,  be-SJ® 
 
 caufe  we  feared  not  the  Lord  ;  what  then  fhould  a  H  Of. 
 king  do  to  us  ?  Hath  it 
 
 4  They  have  fpoken  words,  fwearing  falfely  inSL 
 
 making  a  covenant  :  thus  judgment  fpringeth  up  astHeb.  ^ 
 hemlock  in  the  furrows  of  the  field.  behead, 
 
 5  The  inhabitants  of  Samaria  fhall  fear  becaufe  of 
 
 the  calves  of  Beth-aven  :  for  the  people  thereof  fhall  i  or 
 mourn  over  it,  and  ||  the  prieft  thereof  that  rejoiced  c/iema. 
 on  it,  for  the  glory  thereof,  becaufe  it  is  departed 
 from  it.  ® 
 
 6  It  (hall  be  alfo  carried  unto  Affyria  for  a  prefect  t  Heb. 
 
 to  »  king  Jareb:  Ephraim  ftiall  receive  fhame,  and'^e/hce^ 
 Ifrael  fhall  be  alhamed  of  his  own  couofel.  the  water. 
 
 7  As  for  Samaria,  her  king  is  cut  off  as  the  foams, 
 
 upon  t  the  water.  Luke 
 
 8  The  high  places  alfo  of  Aven,  the  fin  of  Ifrael,  23.  so. 
 fhall  be  deftroyed  :  the  thorn  and  the  thiftle  fhall  come 
 
 up  on  their  altars  ;  and  they  fhall  fay  to  the  moun-plg.' 
 tains.  Cover  us ;  and  to  the  hills.  Fall  on  us.  n  o*r, 
 
 9  O  Ifrael,  thou  haft  finned  from  the  days  of  Gi-*"''^"^ 
 
 '  -  •  •  r,  ...  .  - - -  .  .  _  jlmll 
 
 beah  ;  there  they  flood  ;  the  battle  in  Gibeah  againft^y^.^y;,, 
 
 7  - —  j  ....w  wrM.v.w  AM  a  A.vv.u  I 
 
 the  children  of  iniquity  did  not  overtake  them.  their  twe 
 10  It  is  in  my  defire  that  I  fhould  chaftifefnnjg"'- 
 them  ;  and  the  people  fhall  be  gathered  againft  them, 
 
 II  when  they  fhall  bind  themfelves  in  their  two  t'ur-Zltlbi. 
 
 rows.  tations. 
 
 chap.  V.  7.  Ver.  13.  Samaria,  the  capital  of  the  Ephraimites,  was  fituated  as 
 pleafantly  as  Tyre ;  but  while  the  latter,  as  Jofephus  relates,  held  out  agaioll 
 Sbalmanefer,  the  former  was  fubdued  by  him,  his  fword  devoured  the  children  as 
 well  as  the  fathers. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Cbaf.  X.  Ver.  1.— 10.  Israel  is  an  ernptu, 
 or  emptying  vine,  wafting  their  ftrengtb  to  no  purpofe  ;  but  feeking  their  own 
 things,  rather  than  tbe  honour  of  God,  they  forfeited  bis  protetftion,  and  there¬ 
 fore  all  their  efforts  to  fave  themfelves  from  ruin  would  be  vain.  Their  heart 
 was  divided ;  they  profefled  to  ferve  God,  yet  continued  in  idolatry,  a  pratjlice 
 moft  hateful  in  his  fight.  Divine  judgments  came  on  them  from  which  human 
 power  could  not  deliver  them;  but  even  of  this  they  were  deprived,  for  their 
 king  fuffered  in  the  common  calamity,  and  their  idols  were  carried  captive- 
 Extreme  terror,  confternation  and  deTpair  feized  them  ;  they  fought  in  vain  a 
 ftielter  in  the  mountains,  or  to  be  crulhed  to  death  under  the  lofty  bills,  Ifaiah 
 ii.  19 — 21,  Jer.  xli.  8.  Ifrael  had  finned  from  the  days  of  Gibeah,  Judges  xi. 
 Then  the  Benjamites  were  twice  vidlorious,  and  after  falling  before  their  brethren 
 they  continued  a  diftintS  tribe.  But  thofe  who,  warned  not  by  their  fate,  per- 
 fevered  in  fin,  were  to  experience  no  fuch  mercy.  God  bad  determined  to 
 punifh  them,  and  therefore  tbe  people  would  gather  againft  them  ;  when  then 
 shall  bind  themselves  in  their  two  furrows  ;  or,  according  to  another  tranflation,  whea 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.— •  Chap.  IX.]  It  is  abfurd  ^o  rejoice  when  fin  reigns  in  us,  guilt  burdens  our  confclence,  and  God’s  wrath  hangs 
 cur  beads.  And  if  fins  turn  populous  countries  into  defolation,  tbe  finful  iabahitaots  may  expert  deflruAion  flee  where  they  will.  But  thrice  happy  are  they  i 
 worft  of  tiuKS,  who  have  God  for  their  God  and  their  all.  -  - 
 
 ove 
 
 ■0 
 
HOSEA. 
 
 God*s  judgment  upon  hrael/or  their  ingratitude. 
 
 Before  1 1  And  Ephraim  is  as  an  heifer  that  is  taught,  and 
 Chrift  loveth  to  tread  out  the  corn ;  but  I  palled  over  upon 
 +  her  fair  neck  :  I  will  make  Ephraim  to  ride  ;  Judah 
 (hall  plow,  and  Jacob  lhall  break  his  clods. 
 thebeMty  Sow  to  yourlelvcs  in  righteoufnefs,  reap  in 
 of  mercy  *  *=  break  up  your  fallow  ground :  for  it  is  time 
 to  feek  the  Lord,  till  he  come  and  rain  righteoulnels 
 
 4.3.  plowed  wickedoefs,  ye  have  reaped 
 
 iniauity ;  ye  have  eaten  the  fruit  of  lies :  bepu^fe 
 thou  didft  truft  in  thy  way,  in  the  muliitude  of  thy 
 
 mighty  men.  , 
 
 14  Therefore  (halt  a  tumult  arife  among  thy  people, 
 and  all  thy  fortreffes  (ball  be  fpoiled,  as  Shalman 
 a 2 Kings fpoiled  ^  Beth-arbel  in  the  day  of  battle:  the  mother 
 18. 34,  &  vv'as  dafhed  in  pieces  upon  her  children. 
 
 >9  *^’  15  So  (hall  Beth-el  do  unto  you  becaule  of  f  Voor 
 
 great  wickednefs  :  in  a  morning  (hall  the  king  of  llrael 
 
 your  evil.  Utterly  be  cut  off.*  ad  vt 
 
 1  hrael'i  ingratitude  to  God  for  his  benejits  i  5  God's  judgment  upon 
 them  !  8  his  mercy  towards  them,  ^c. 
 
 WHEN  Ifrael  was  a  child,  then  I  loved  him,  and 
 *  called  my  fon  out  of  Egypt. 
 
 2  As  ihey  called  them,  fo  they  went  from  them*, 
 they  facrificed  unto  Baalim,  and  burnt  incenfe  to  gra- 1 
 
 ven  images,  ^  .  u  • 
 
 3  1  taught  Ephraim  alfo  to  go,  taking  them  by  their 
 
 arms ;  but  they  knew  not  that  I  healed  them. 
 
 4  I  drew  them  with  cords  of  a  man,  with  baims  of 
 love ;  and  I  was  to  them  as  they  that  f  take  oft  the 
 yoke  on  their  jaws,  and  I  laid  meat  unto  them. 
 
 5  f  He  fhall  not  return  into  the  land  of  Egypt,  but 
 the  Affyrian  fhall  be  his  king,  becaule  they  refuled  to 
 
 return* 
 
 6  And  the  fword  (hall  abide  on  his  cities,  and  (hall 
 confume  his  branches,  and  devour  themy  becaufe  of 
 their  own  couniels.  ,  ,  r,- j.  r 
 
 7  And  my  people  are  bent  to  backfliding  from  me  : 
 though  they  called  them  to  the  moft  High,  f  none  at 
 
 all  would  exalt  him.  ,  n,  n  t 
 
 8  f  How  fhall  1  give  thee  up,  Ephraim  ?  how  lhall  1 
 
 deliver  thee,  Ifrael?  how  fhall  1  make  thee  as 
 Admah?  how  (hall  I  fet  thee  as  Zeboim?  name  heart 
 is  turned  within  me,  my  repentings  are  kindled  toge- 
 
 ^^9^  I  will  not  execute  the  fiercenefs  of  mine  anger,  I 
 will  not  return  to  deftroy  Ephraim  :  for  I  arn  God, 
 and  not  man ;  the  Holy  One  in  the  midft  of  thee . 
 and  I  will  not  enter  into  the  city. 
 
 Ephraim* s  sins,  ^c.  prffooJce  God, 
 
 a  Mattb. 
 2.  15. 
 
 I  HeK 
 li/t  up. 
 
 cir.  728. 
 
 10  They  fhall  walk  after  the  Lord  ;  he  Oiall  roar 
 
 like  a  lion  :  when  he  fhall  roar,  then  the  children  mail  725. 
 tremble  from  the  weft. 
 
 1 1  They  fhall  tremble  as  a  bird  out  of  Egypt,  and 
 as  a  dove  out  of  the  land  of  Affyria:  and  1  will  place 
 
 them  in  their  houfes,  fai^  the  Lord.  ....  j  n  or 
 
 12  f  Ephraim  compafTeth  me  about  with  lies,  and^^^^^ 
 the  houfe  of  Ifrael  with  deceit ;  but  Judah  yet  ruletb„,os<  ^oiy, 
 with  God,  and  is  faithful  il  with  the  faints.t 
 
 CHAP.  XII. 
 
 1  Enhraim  and  Judah  are  both  seproved.  3  By  former  favours  they  are 
 exhorted  to  repent.  7  Ephraim’s  f  ns  and  ingratitude  provoke  God. 
 
 Ephraim  feedeth  on  wind,  and  followeth  after  cf- 
 the  eaft  wind :  he  daily  increaleth  lies  and  de- 
 lolation  ;  and  they  do  make  a  covenant  with  the  Af  j-Heb. 
 fyrians,  and  oil  is  carried  into  Egypt.  .  ,  ,  .  . 
 
 2  The  Lord  hath  alio  a  controverfy  with  Judah, 
 and  will  f  pnnifh  Jacob  according  to  bis  ways ;  ac-  ^  ^eb. 
 cording  to  his  doings  will  he  recompenfe  him.  was  a 
 
 3'  f  He  took  his  brother  »  by  the  heel  in  the  womb, or 
 and  by  his  ftrength  he  f**  had  power  with  God  :  ..  j  himself 
 4  Yea,  he  had  power  over  the  angel,  and  prevailed  \  princely. 
 he  wept  and  made  fupplication  uoto  him:  he  found t Gen. 
 him  in  <=  Beth-el,  and  mere  he  fpake  with  us ;  |2-  2^. 
 
 5  Even  the  Lord  God  of  hofts  ;  the  Lord  is  his^ 
 d  memorial. 
 
 6  Therefore  turn  thou  to  thy  God :  keep  mercy  d  Exod. 
 and  judgment,  and  wait  on  thy  God  continually. 
 
 7  If  HeisWz  merchant,  the  balances  of  deceit  are  canjan. 
 iu  his  hand  :  he  loveth  to  l|  opprefs.  a  Or, 
 
 8  And  Ephraim  faid.  Yet  I  am  become  rich,  I  havede^wy- 
 found  me  out  fubftance :  H  in  all  my  labours  they 
 fhall  find  none  iniquity  in  me  f  that  were  fin.  6our  w/- 
 
 9  And  I,  that  am  the  Lord  thy  God  from  the  xznQfkeme 
 of  Egypt,  will  yet  make  thee  to  dwell  in  tabernacles, 
 as  in  the  days  of  the  foleran  feafts.  _  ,  have  pu- 
 
 10  I  have  alfo  fpoken  by  the  prophets}  and  1  niskment 
 multiplied  vifions,  and  ufed  fimilitndes,  f  by  the  mi-  of  inigut 
 niftry  of  the  prophets 
 
 y  Heb. 
 together 
 they  ex¬ 
 alted  not 
 b  Gen. 
 19.  24. 
 Amos 
 4.  11. 
 
 I  (ball  chaaife  them  for  iheir  two  iniquities,  that  is,  the  calves  of  Dan  and  Bethel. 
 Ver.  11.  12..  The  former  verfe  is  thought  to  allude  to  God  s  ktndnefs  .obis  peo¬ 
 ple,  in  requiring  of  them  no  fevereor  unreafonable  fervme  ;  from  which  they  are 
 exhorted  to  piety,  righteoufnefs,  and  mercy,  Compare  Chap.  xi.  ^ 
 
 15.  The  deRru  Aion  of  Samaria  for  the  fins  of  the  people,  is  compared  to  that  o 
 Betharbel,  fuppofed  to  have  been  a  city  of  Armenia,  where  Sha^anefer,  called 
 here  Shalman,  put  all  the  inhabitants  to  the  fword,  without  relpeA  to  age  or  fex. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES-  Chap.  XL  Ven  1.  Compare  MaUh.  xu  15. 
 Ver,  3,  4.  Compare  Ifa.  i.  3.  God  as  a  father  pitieth  his  children,  pitieih  his 
 people,  forgave  their  iniquities,  perfuaded  them  to  ferve  h>m  by  the  evidences 
 of  truth,  and  by  all  the  proofs  of  love.  Ver.  8.  9.  In  juRice  Ifrael  merited  the 
 fate  of  Admah  and  Zeboim,  (Deut.  xxix.  23.)  but  God  s  mercy  had  not  ceafed 
 
 are 
 
 whom  is 
 
 11  Is  there  iniquity  in  Gilead?  furely  they 
 vanity ;  they  facrifice  bullocks  in  ®  Gilgal ;  yea,  their  |  Heb. 
 altars  are  as  heaps  in  the  furrows  of  the  fields. 
 
 12  And  Jacob  ^  fled  into  the  country  of  Syria  ;  and  J 
 Ifrael  s  ferved  for  a  wife,  and  for  a  wife  he  kept  sheep,  ^^^d. 
 
 13  *■  And  by  a  prophet  the  Lord  brought  Ifrael  eCbap. 
 out  of  Egypt,  and  by  a  prophet  was  he  preferyed.  4.  is.  &. 
 
 14  Ephraim  provoked  him  to  anger  f  moft  bitterly  : 
 
 therefore  fhall  he  leave  his  t  blood  upon  him,  and  his  ss.  s. 
 reproach  fhall  his  Lord  return  unto  him.J  g  Gea. 
 
 29.  20,  28.  b  Exod.  12.  SO,  51.  &  13.  3.  ]•  Heb.  with  bitterness.  fHeb.  bloods. 
 
 towards  them ;  his  methods  were  various  with  them,  fomelimes  affliamg  them, 
 other  times  interpofing  for  their  falvation,  but  they  all  proceeded  from  bis  great 
 compaflions.  Ver.  10.  They  lhall  walk  after  the  Lord,  Meffiah  who  fhall  appear, 
 for  their  falvation,  and  as  the  lion  of  the  tribe  of  Judah  will  triumph  over  all^eir 
 enemies.  Ver.  12.  The  tribe  of  Judah  continued  faithful  to  the  worfhip  of  God, 
 compared  with  Ephraim  or  the  ten  tribes,  and  the  faints  of  that  age  joined  the 
 
 former.  _ 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XIL  Ver.  1 .  Compare  notes  on  Ifa; 
 xliv.  12—20.  and  Ivii.  9.  Ver.  2—6.  The  guilt  of  Ifrael  in  departing  from  God 
 was  great,  for  he  had  fhown  peculiar  regard  to  their  father  Jacob.  Ver.  ••This 
 is  fuppofed  to  be  a  prophecy  of  the  future  redoration  of  the  Jews.  Ver.  10.  Com- 
 pare  Heb.  i.  I. 
 
 — - - -Chap  X  1  No  inward  treachery  or  diffimulation  efcapes  God’s  notice.  If  we  make  creatures  our  idols,  it  but  haftens 
 
 0.,  Jod  to  cUftifo  0.;]  ho  oot  d.a,0,  tkoo..  But  .1...  -bat  b.tb.rous  ...k,  -b.t  dro.dtul  .„d  ono.p.a.d  c.I.mu.o.,  hath 
 
 “Vra'pt'SaL  observations.-*  Chap.  XI.)  A-MI,  cimb.l  .od  roiooo.  i.  it  to  oont.mo  God's  oooofol,  or  offero.  But  O  how  onboond.d  is  bis 
 bndSlo  Jp.“o !  T®  ,  .bo  oik.  God  .blit  king  Ih.ll'b.  ...lt»i  to  ™igo  .i.b  hi.,  Tb.  faUbtul  will  bo  t.w.tdod  „tb  ooufioos  ,o  glo,,,  .be.  tbe  b,poo„b 
 
 ""PBACTIC AL  OBSEBvItKn"  tt.dosot.n  th.  wotft  of  tobbots.  Moft  otoo  think  all  ia  .ell  it  the,  g«,  tieb.  end  teuin 
 
Thi!  judgments  df  ^imarin  far  trhelUoru 
 
 CHAP.  XIll. 
 
 A  prdmhe  ®/  QodU  hkssl 
 
 Beforfe 
 thrift 
 cir.  725. 
 
 w 
 
 t  Heb. 
 they  add 
 to  tint 
 
 0  Or, 
 
 1  £phy'aim's  glory  vatiisheik  hy  ivaton  of  idolatry.  4  God's  former  care 
 of  his  people.  9  A  promise  of  mercy.  IS  The  judginent  Samaria, 
 for  rebellion. 
 
 HEN  Ephraim  fpake  trembling,  he  exalted 
 himlelf  in  Ifrael ;  but  when  he  offended  in 
 Baal,  he  died. 
 
 2  And  now  f  they  fin  more  and  more,  and  have 
 made  them  molten  images  of  their  (ilver,  and  idols 
 according  to  their  own  underltanding,  all  of  it  the 
 work  of  the  craftfmen :  they  fay  of  them,  Let  II  the 
 
 *Js*oj'  men  that  facrifice  kifs  the  calves. 
 
 3  Therefore  they  (hall  be  as  the  morning  cloud, 
 and  as  the  early  dew  that  paffeth  away,  as  the  chaff 
 that  is  driven  with  the  whirlwind  out  of  the  floor,  and 
 as  the  fmoke  out  of  the  chimney. 
 
 4  Yet  *  I  am  the  Lord  thy  God  from  the  land 
 of  Egypt,  and  thou  (halt  know  no  God  but  me ;  for 
 there  is  no  faviour  befides  me. 
 
 5  f  I  did  know  thee  in  the  wildernefs,  in  the  land  of 
 t  great  drought. 
 
 6  According  to  their  pafture,  fo  were  they  filled  ; 
 they  were  filled,  and  their  heart  was  exalted  ;  there¬ 
 fore  have  they  forgotten  me. 
 
 7  Therefore  I  will  be  unto  them  as  a  lion ;  as  a 
 leopard  by  the  way  will  I  obferve  them. 
 
 8  I  will  meet  them  as  a  bear  that  is  bereaved  of  her 
 •whelps,  and  will  rend  the  caul  of  their  heart,  and  there 
 will  I  devour  them  like  a  lion  :  f  the  wild  beaft  (hall 
 tear  them. 
 
 9  H  O  Ifrael,  thou  hafl:  deftroyed  thyfelf;  but  in 
 me  t  is  thine  help. 
 
 10  I  will  be  thy  king  :  where  is  any  other  that  may 
 fave  thee  in  all  thy  cities  ?  and  thy  judges,  of  whom 
 thou  faidft,  give  me  a  king  and  princes 
 
 1 1  I  gave  thee  a  king  in  mine  anger,  and  took 
 him  away  in  my  wrath. 
 
 12  The  iniquity  of  Ephraim  is  bound  up:  his  fin 
 is  hid. 
 
 13  The  for  rows  of  a  travailing  woman  (ball  Come 
 upKDn  him  :  he  is  an  unwife  fon  ;  for  he  fhould  not  flay 
 f  long  in  the  place  of  the  breaking  forth  of  children. 
 
 xjiwi.*  viessiti^^ 
 
 14  1  will  Tatifom  them  from  f  the  power  of  the 
 grave ;  I  will  redeem  them  from  death :  ®  O  death, 
 
 I  will  be  thy  plagues  ;  O  grave,  I  will  be  thy  deftruc- 
 lion  :  repentance  fhall  be  hid  from  mine  eyes.  fH^ 
 
 15  "H  Though  he  be  fruitful  among  his  brethren,  ^  the  hand, 
 an  eaft  wind  fnall  come,  the  wind  of  the  Lord  fhall  V 
 
 men. 
 
 a  I(b. 
 45. 11. 
 Chap. 
 12.  9. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 droughts. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 the  beast 
 •f  the 
 ^Id. 
 fHeb. 
 
 Ihy 
 
 lielp. 
 
 b  1  Sam. 
 S.  7,  &c. 
 &  15.  23. 
 
 &  16.  1. 
 
 fHeb. 
 n  lime. 
 
 come  up  from  the  wildernefs,  and  his  fpfing  fhall  be-d  Ezek.* 
 come  dry,  and  his  fountain  fhall  be  dried  up:  he  (hall  *9- 12.' 
 fpoil  the  treafure  of  all  f  pleafant  veffels. 
 
 16  H  II  Samaria  (hall  become  defolate ;  (or  (he  hath 
 rebelled  againfl;  her  God  :  they  (hall  fall  by  the  fword  ;  ii  Fuia 
 their  infants  (hall  be  da(hed  in  pieces,  and  their  wo- 
 men  with  child  (hall  be  ripped  up.* 
 
 CHAP.  XIV. 
 
 1  An  exhortation  to  repentance.  4  A  promise  f  God's  blessing. 
 
 ISRAEL,  return  unto  the  Lord  thy  God ;  for  dr.  72s. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XIII.  Ver.  1.  While  Ephraim,  as  a 
 tribe  reverenced  God,  he  was  etn-nently  diftinguifbed  among  his  brethren,  (yer. 
 
 15. )  but  his  idolatry  was  a  deadly  difeafe,  which  brought  him  to  utter  deftruilion. 
 "Ver.  2  It  wa^  anciently  the  practice  of  the  heathen  to  kifs  the  images  that  they 
 worftjipped.  Ver.  3.  The  four  figures  in  this  verfe  ftrikingly  exprefs  the  fudden 
 deftrmftion  awaiting  thofe  addrefled.  Ver,  7,  8.  Compare  Chap.  v.  14.  Jer.  xlix. 
 19.  Ver.  10.  And  thy  judges,  or,  and  where  is  thy  judges  of  whom  thou  saidsi. 
 Give  me  a  king  and  princes  ?  They  are  now  no  longer  able  to  afford  you  any  help  ; 
 they  with  you  will  become  the  prey  of  your  enemies.  Ver.  13.  Tedioiis  child¬ 
 bearing,  figuratively  expreffes  deliverance  from  great  danger,  or  promifed  good 
 delayed;  fee  Ifa.  Ixvi.  8,  9.  Ver.  14.  Compare  1  Cor.  xv.  55—57.  Ver.  15, 
 
 16.  Ephraim  fignifies  fruitful,  Gen.  xli.  52.  The  tribe  fo  called  was  numerous 
 
 and  powerful.  . 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XIV.  Ver,  1—9.  This  chapter  may 
 
 o 
 
 thou  haft  fallen  by  thine  iniquity. 
 
 2  Take  with  you  words,  and  turn  to  the  Lord  : 
 
 fay  unto  him.  Take  away  all  iniquity,  and  H  receive  i  Or, 
 us  gracioufly  :  fo  will  we  fender  the*  calves  of  our 
 
 lips.  IS.  15. 
 
 3  Aftiur  (hall  not  fave  us  ;  we  will  not  ride  upon 
 horfes  ;  neither  will  we  fay  any  more  to  the  work  of 
 our  hands,  Ye  are  our  gods :  for  in  thee  the  fatherlels 
 findeth  mercy. 
 
 4  H  I  will  heal  their  backflidiog,  I  will  love  them 
 freely :  for  mine  anger  is  turned  away  from  him. 
 
 5  I  will  be  as  the  dew  unto  Ifrael :  he  (hall  ||  grow  I'  Or, 
 as  the  lily,  and  t  caft  forth  his  roots  as  Lebanon. 
 
 6  His  branches  t  (hall  (pread,  and  his  beauty  (hall 
 
 be  as  the  olive-tree,  and  his  fmell  as  Lebanon.  t  Oeb. 
 
 7  They  that  dwell  under  his  (hadow  (hall  return  ^shaii  go. 
 they  (hall  revive  as  the  corn,  and  H  grow  as  the  vine 
 
 the  II  fcent  thereof  shall  he  as  the  wine  of  Lebanon,  n  or,  ' 
 
 8  Ephraim  shall  say.  What  have  I  to  do  any  more  memoWo/. 
 with  idols?  I  have  heard  him,  and obferved  him  :  I  am 
 
 like  a  green  fir-tree  :  from  me  is  thy  fruit  found. 
 
 9  Who  is  wife,  and  he  (hall  underftand  thefe  things  ? 
 prudent,  and  he  (hall  know  them  ?  for  the  ways  of 
 the  Lord  are  right,  and  the  ju(t  fhall  walk  in  them  : 
 but  the  tranfgrellbrs  (hall  fall  therein.f 
 
 be  viewed  as  containing  the  experience  of  the  faithful  in  the  prophet  s  own  day, 
 but  feems  peculiarly  applicable  to  Ifrael  on  their  final  reftoration  under  Meffiah, 
 compare  notes  on  Ifa.  lix.  9—21  ;  and  it  feems  related  by  way  of  dialogue, 
 God  calls  Ifrael  to  repentance  and  prayer ;  and  they  exprefs  their  purpofe  to  feek 
 no  more  human  aid,  beCaufe  in  God  the  helplefs  and  wretched  find  mercy.  H® 
 mercifully  grants  them  feveral  great  and  precious  promifes  ;  to  heal  their  back- 
 llidings,  by  forgiving  their  fins,  (Ifa.  xxiii.  24.)  becaufe  his  anger  is  turned  away 
 from  him,  that  is  Meffiah,  on  whofe  account  every  blefling  is  beftowed  on  men  ; 
 to  be  as  the  dew  unto  Ifrael,  which  is  one  of  the  greateft  bleflings  in  a  hot  coun¬ 
 try,  refrefhing  to  man  and  bead.  The  dealings  of  God  with  bis  people  are  all 
 according  to  juftice  and  mercy,  which  every  upright  man,  poffeffing  fpiritual  wif- 
 dom,  cordially  acknowledges;  but  the  difobedient  treat  them  with  contempt,  and 
 perfevere  in  their  fins  to  their  own  overthrow. 
 
 •  his  dilhonour,  it  is  but  juft  that  he  fhould  ftrip  us  of  them,  and  punilh  our  fhatbeful 
 
 a  fair  charafler  before  the  world.  But  if  we  employ  our  grandeur  ahd  wealth  to  I 
 
 ‘"pRA^TICAi  oTs^RVATIONS -•  Chap.  XIII.]  Humility,  efpecially  towards  God.  is  the  infallible  road  to  honour  and  hSppinefs ;  but  God 
 
 at^^oHow^ig  fdi.  is TfeTtai  pSh  to  deatWnd  deftroa^ion.  Wi  J great  care  he  chaflens  his  people  that  they  mSy  not  be  deftroyed.  And  finners  do  but  fool- 
 ifhly  rufh  forward  into  dreadful  and^everlafi.ng  rum  by^^^^UyinjJtheir  repentanc^^^  ^ 
 
 what  different  ufe  is  rdade  thereof.  To  the  bumble 
 
 practical  OBSERVATIONS.— t  Chaf.  XIV.]  Great  is  the  condefcenfion  that  God 
 readily  grant  our  requefls.  And  there  is  great  need  ferioufly  to  confider  hiS  oracles  and  providences,  and 
 ®  -  -  r  .  _r  j — .u  .._»A  to  every  impenitent  Irahlgreuor. 
 
 enquirer  they  are  the  favour  oflife  unto  life— but  of  death  unto  death, 
 
JOEL. 
 
 THE  ARGUMENT. 
 
 T  ni  time.  The  occasion  of  his  prophe- 
 
 T  p1  vrovhesied  in  the  kingdom  of  Judah ;  but  we  do  not  ^ kin^^dam.  He  exhorts  the  Jews  to  humilia- 
 
 in  the  last  days  when  the  Messiah  should  come.. 
 
 Before 
 Obrift 
 cir.  800. 
 
 CHAP  I 
 
 r-pi-JE  word  of  the  Lord  that  catne  to  Joel  the 
 
 2  Hrar  tbis^ye  old  tneD,  and  give  ear,  all  ye  tnha- 
 '  blunts  of  the  land.  Hath  this  been  in  your  days,  or 
 
 pupn  in  the  days  ot  your  fathers. 
 
 3  Tell  ye  your  children  of  it,  and  let  your  childre 
 
 un  their  children,  and  their  children  =>'>°'|>"|fXth  rte 
 
 „  .  4  t  That  which  the  palmer-worm  hath  left  hath  t 
 
 1  n.  ot’on  •  yinfi  that  which  the  locuft  hath  left  hath 
 ■■"•“"'“cuft  oaten  ,  and  ih^  whicn^t 
 
 aimer- 
 \}oTm* 
 
 Heb. 
 aid  my 
 \n.treefor 
 1  barking. 
 
 Or, 
 
 bamed. 
 
 Ihe  canker“io™  Tat^n  ;  ‘and  that  which  the  canker 
 
 “rAlL^k^n'e^dlllnt^SraSi’ weT^and  howh  a^^^ 
 ye  drinkers  of  wine,  becaufe  of  the  new  wine  ,  for 
 
 is  cut  off  from  your  mouth.  , 
 
 6  For  a  nation  is  come  up  upon  my  land,  i™g.  ^ 
 
 »hhout  number,  whole  teeth  ce  the  teeth  ot  a  hon, 
 and  he  hath  the  cheek-teeth  of  ^ 
 
 7  He  hath  laid  my  vine  wafte,  and  f 
 
 fig  tree  :  he  hath  ttiadf  it  clean  bare,  and  caft  >t  away  ; 
 
 “’fC^nfealStd  drinLoS^ink  is  cut 
 off  from  the  houfe  of  the  Lord;  the  pnefts,  the 
 
 the  land  ntourneth;  for 
 the  corn  is  wafted:  the  new  wtne  is  ||  dried  up,  the 
 
 “'I'rie  ve ‘aliiamed,  O  ye  hufbandmen  :  howl,  O  ye 
 vine-drelfers.  for  the  wheat  and  for  the  bar, ey  ;  be- 
 caufe  the  harveft  of  the  field  is  p".ifhed. 
 
 12  The  vine  is  dried  up,  and  the  ^^-tree  langui  - 
 eth  ;  the  pomegranate-tree,  th^m-tree  alto,  and  the 
 
 ,  nil  hVhP  frpps  of  the  field,  are  withered  : 
 
 apple-tree,  even  all  the  trees  or  iiie  ,  cbnft 
 
 becaufe  joy  is  withered  away  from  the  ‘0°% ,  cr.  soo, 
 
 13  Gird  vourfelves,  and  lament,  ye  pnefts  ,  howfic,^,^ 
 
 sw-SasEsiSSs 
 
 ‘  H  f'^^anaify  ye  a  faft,  call  a  Ij  folemn 
 
 gather  the  elders,  and^W  the  j  ^ry  untoj  ?of 
 
 Lu  the  houfe  of  the  Lord  your  God,  and  cry  ^^nto  aay^oj^^^ 
 
 '^"i^S’for  the  day  !  for  the  day  of  the  Lord  is^ 
 at  hLd,  and  as  a  deftruaion  from  the  Almighty  fhall 
 
 “  Tb  not  the  meat  cut  off  before  our  eyes.  y...  joy 
 
 and  gladndfs  from  the  the  gar- 1  Heb. 
 
 17  t  The  teed  is  rotten  under  their  clods  me  ga  ^ 
 
 ners  are  laid  defolate,  the  barns  are  broken  down, « 
 
 ^fHoTd'oth  "fts  groan  1  the  herds  of  ca.fte 
 are  perplexed,  becaufe  they  have  no  palture  ,  yea.t 
 
 ®°f/&To7D.“r.hfe  wift  1  c%,  for  the  fire  hath 
 
 devoured  the  »  paftures  ot  ^ 
 
 flame  hath  burned  all  the  trees  of  the  held.  tion$. 
 
 20  The  b^fts  of  the  field  cry  alfo  unto  thee  ;  for 
 the  rivers  of  waters  are  dried  up,  and  ftie  fire  hat 
 devoured  the  patlures  of  the  wildernefs. 
 
 CHAP  If 
 
 ■OLOW  ye  the  11  trumpet  in  Zion,  and  found  ah  , 
 B  alarm  in  my  holy  monntain  t  let  ah  the  mhab,- 
 i!ss  of  the  land  tremble  :  tor  the  day  of  the  Lord 
 cometh,  for  it  is  nigh  at  hand  ; 
 
 Chap. 
 
 mong  the  moft  ancieDt  of  the  P''°P^®  '  to  the  lateft  poftenty, 
 
 nbabitants  of  Judea,  to  aJeven\  fo  tremendoufly  awful  and 
 
 he  event  which  he  was  about  to  ,  hiftorv  of  the  divine  coadua 
 
 leftruaive,  as  to  be  without  a  parallel  m  all  the  h'^ry^t  Jh  0 
 
 owards  them  and  their  fathers.  I  re  pe  •  pates  The  locufts  in 
 
 country,  by  the  various  fpecies  of  locufts  m  their  ftate^ 
 
 ;heir  caterpillar  date  are  the  moft,  de  ru  ve,  ina  =  compared  ^ 
 
 .heir  way  eating  up  every  thing  that  is  gr  i  j^^aPing  the  country,  ( 
 
 10  a  numerous,  T^ey  are  fomLimes  feen  flying  in  prodigious 
 
 “Ar^to/'lie'CrwerT  on  JudeV  from  oJe  end  of  the  year  to  the  oth^ 
 
 to  blefs  and  render  it  fruitful,  while  of '^heir^difobedfence, 
 
 wafte  by  drought  and  his  direaion  the  heavens  ceafed  not  to 
 
 and  bis  wrath  againft  them  ,  for  with  ,  .  yer.  1-1,  15.  The  people  are 
 
 ,.i,,  did  ,h.  i«dn.  .h..  .do  ..ii 
 
 called  to  fading  and  prayer,  from  th  Almighty.  The  prophet 
 
 h.nd.odih.i  i.  woold  con.e  ,b’.  p,„„b.is,  b.  La 
 
 3nci  foromnncr.  ^  tt  i  Il.'i*  Iviil*  1  “ 
 
 10  e,os  of  iho  L,.rd  were  on  Judea  from  one  on  o  t  e  ye - -  ^  .a  ..d  remembered.  Nor  treed  we  w  onder  if  he 
 
 Ve.00d.a„LnLR.,. 
 
 .heir  be.r.r..  .g 
 
 9  Z 
 
Fasling  •wii/i  praijer  recommended* 
 
 JOEL. 
 
 Btfore 
 Chrift 
 cir.  800. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 genera¬ 
 tion,  and 
 genera, 
 lion. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 pot. 
 
 li  Or, 
 
 darts. 
 
 a  Ifaiah 
 IS.  10. 
 Bzekiel 
 22.  7. 
 
 b  Jerem. 
 30.  7. 
 Amos 
 5.  18. 
 Zepb. 
 
 1.  IJ. 
 c  Jerem. 
 4.  1. 
 
 d  Exodus 
 34.  6. 
 Pfalm 
 86.  5. 
 e  Jonah 
 3.  9. 
 
 f  Chap. 
 
 1.  14. 
 
 0  Or, 
 
 vse  a  by. 
 uord 
 against 
 them. 
 
 2  A  day  of  darknefs  and  of  gloominefs,  a  day  of 
 clouds  and  of  thick  darkoels,  as  the  morning  fpread 
 upon  the  mountains  ;  a  great  people  and  a  ftrong : 
 there  hath  not  been  ever  the  like,  neither  fhall  be  any 
 more  after  it,  even  to  the  years  f  of  many  generations. 
 
 3  A  fire  devoureth  before  them,  and  behind  them 
 a  flame  burneth  :  the  land  is  as  the  garden  of  Eden 
 before  them,  and  behind  them  a  defolate  wildernefs  ; 
 yea,  and  nothing  (hall  efcape  them. 
 
 ^  The  appearance  of  them  is  as  the  appearance  of 
 horfes  ;  and  as  horfemen,  fo  fhall  they  run. 
 
 5  Like  the  nolle  of  chariots  on  the  tops  of  moun¬ 
 tains  fhall  they  leap,  like  the  noife  of  a  flame  of  fire 
 that  devoureth  the  ftubble,  as  a  ftrong  people  fet  in 
 battle  array. 
 
 6  Before  their  face  the  people  fhall  be  much  pain¬ 
 ed  ;  all  faces  fhall  gather  f  blacknefs. 
 
 7  They  fhall  run  like  mighty  men ;  they  fhall  climb 
 the  wall  like  men  of  war ;  and  they  fhall  march  every 
 one  on  his  ways,  and  they  fhall  not  break  their 
 ranks : 
 
 8  Neither  fhall  one  thruft  another ;  they  fhall  walk 
 every  one  in  his  path ;  and  when  they  fall  upon  the 
 II  fword,  they  fhall  not  be  wounded. 
 
 9  They  fhall  run  to  and  fro  in  the  city  ;  they  fhall 
 run  upon  the  wall ;  they  fhall  climb  up  upon  the 
 houfes  ;  they  fhall  enter  in  at  the  windows  like  a  thief. 
 
 10  The  earth  fhall  quake  before  them  ;  the  heavens 
 fhall  tremble :  *  the  fun  and  the  moon  fhall  be  dark, 
 and  the  ftars  fhall  withdraw  their  fhining : 
 
 1 1  And  the  Lord  fhall  utter  his  voice  before  his 
 army ;  for  his  camp  is  very  great :  for  he  is  ftrong 
 that  executeth  his  word:  for  the  day  of  the  Lord 
 is  great  and  very  terrible ;  and  who  can  abide  it  ? 
 
 12  ^  Therefore  alfo  now,  faith  the  Lord,  ®  Turn 
 ye  even  to  me  with  all  your  heart,  and  with  fafting, 
 and  with  weeping,  and  with  mourning; 
 
 13  And  rend  your  heart,  and  not  your  garments, 
 and  turn  unto  the  Lord  your  God :  for  he  is  graci¬ 
 ous  and  merciful,  flow  to  anger,  and  of  great  kind- 
 nefs,  and  repenteth  him  of  the  evil. 
 
 14,  e  "Who  knoweth  if  will  return  and  repent, 
 and  leave  a  blefling  behind  him,  even  a  meat-offering, 
 and  a  drin.k-oftering  unto  the  Lord  your  God  ? 
 
 15  H  Blow  the  trumpet  in  Zion,  ^  fanctify  a  faft, 
 call  a  lolemn  aflerably  : 
 
 16  Gattier  the  people,  fanctify  the  congregation, 
 afTemble  the  elders,  gather  the  children,  and  thole 
 that  fuck  the  breafts ;  let  the  bridegroom  go  forth  of 
 his  chamber,  and  the  bride  out  of  her  clofet : 
 
 17  Let  the  priefts,  the  minifters  of  the  Lord,  weep 
 between  the  porch  and  the  altar,  and  let  them  fay, 
 Spare  thy  people,  O  Lord,  and  give  not  thine  heri¬ 
 tage  to  reproach,  that  the  heathen  fhould  ||  rule  over 
 
 Zioids  present  and  future 
 
 them  ;  t  wherefore  fhould  they  fay  among  the  people.  Beto,. 
 Where  is  their  God  ?  Chria 
 
 18  f  Ihen  will  the  Lord  be  jealous  for  his  land 
 and  pi^  his  people. 
 
 19  Yea,  the  Lord  will  anfwer  and  fay  unto  his '0.4 
 people.  Behold,  I  will  fend  you  corn,  and  wine,  andn’’°‘^ 
 oil,  and  ye  fhall  be  fatisfied  therewith  ;  and  I  will  no 
 more  make  you  a  reproach  among  the  heathen  : 
 
 20  But  I  will  remove  far  off  from  you  the  northern 
 army,  and  will  drive  him  into  a  land  barren  and  defo¬ 
 late,  with  his  face  toward  the  eaft  fea,  and  his  hinder 
 part,  toward  the  utmoft  fea  ;  and  his  ftink  fhall  come 
 
 up,  and  his  ill  favour  fhall  come  up,  becaufe  f  he  hath  f  Heb. 
 done  great  things.  ^ehath 
 
 21  f  Fear  not,  O  land;  be  glad  and  rejoice:  for”T^^ 
 the  Lord  will  do  great  things. 
 
 22  Be  not  afraid  ye  beafts  of  the  field  ;  for  the  paf- 
 tures  of  the  wildernefs  do  fpring,  for  the  tree  beareth 
 her  fruit,  the  fig-tree  and  the  vine  do  yield  their 
 ftrength. 
 
 23  Be  glad  then,  ye  children  of  Zion,  and  rejoice 
 in  the  Lord  your  God  ;  for  he  hath  given  you  j|  the  H 
 former  rain  f  moderately,  and  he  »'  will  caufe  to  comeVlff' 
 down  for  you  the  rain,  the  former  rain,  and  the  latter 
 
 rain  in  the  firft  month.  t  Heb. 
 
 24  And  the  floors  fhall  be  full  of  wheat,  and  the 
 
 fats  fhall  overflow  with  wine  and  oil.  oumm^' 
 
 25  And  I  will  reftore  to  you  the  years  that  the  lo-h  Lem, 
 
 cuft  hath  eaten,  the  canker-worm,  and  the  caterpillar,  “i. 
 and  the  palmer-worm,  my  great  army  which  1  fentP.®“,“. 
 among  you.  ’  ' 
 
 26  And  ye  fhall  eat  ifi  plenty,  and  be  fatisfied,  and 
 praife  the  name  of  the  Lord  your  God,  that  hath 
 dealt  wondroufly  with  you :  and  my  people  fhall  never 
 be  afhamed. 
 
 27  And  ye  (hall  know  that  I  am  in  the  midft  of 
 Ifrael,  and  that  1  am  the  Lord  your  God,  and  none 
 elle  :  and  my  people  fhall  never  be  affiamed. 
 
 28  51  ‘  And  it  (hall  come  to  pals  afterward,  that  liHaiah 
 will  pour  out  my  Spirit  upon  all  flefh  ;  and  your  fonst*' 
 and  your  daughters  fhall  prophecy  ;  your  old  men  (halls,  n. 
 dream  dreams,  your  young  men  fhall  fee  vifions : 
 
 29  And  alfio  upon  the  fervants,  and  upon  the  hand¬ 
 maids,  in  thole  days  will  I  pour  out  my  Spirit. 
 
 30  And  I  will  (hew  wonders  in  the  heavens  and  in 
 the  earth,  blood,  and  fire,  and  pillars  of  fmoke. 
 
 31  ^  The  sun  (hall  be  turned  into  darknefs,  and  thek  Chap, 
 moon  into  blood,  before  the  great  and  the  terrible^- 
 day  of  the  Lord  come. 
 
 32  And  it  fhall  come  to  pafs,  that  •  whofoever  fhall  1  Rom. 
 call  on  the  name  of  the  Lord  (hall  be  delivered :  for 
 in  mount  Zion  and  in  Jerufalem  (hall  be  deliverance, 
 as  the  Lord  hath  faid,  and  in  the  remnant  whom  the 
 Lord  (hall  call.* 
 
 .  13. 
 
 more  pointedly  refers  to  the  approach  of  the  AlTyrians.  Ver.  2.  The  firft  part 
 of  this  verfe  is  thus  tranllated  by  biftiop  Lowth  ;  “  A  day  of  darknefs  and  ob- 
 feurity,  of  cloud  and  thick  vapour  ;  as  the  gloom  fpread  on  the  mountains  ;  a 
 people  mighty  and  numerous;”  which  ezprefiTions  forcibly  convey  the  defpun- 
 dency  and  defpair  felt  by  Ifrael,  when  tbe  enemy  invaded  ibeir  country.  Ver. 
 10.  Comp.  Ifa.  liii.  10.  Ver,  12 — 17.  Tbe  people  are  here  called  to  unfeigned 
 repentance,  from  tbe  hope  that  the  Lord  would  fpare  them  and  their  country, 
 not  becaufe  of  their  wortbinefs,  but  becaufe  be  had  cbofen  them  as  bis  peculiar 
 people,  to  maintain  bis  work  in  tbe  earth.  They  were  to  aifembie  with  one 
 accord  to  implore  divine  mercy ;  every  other  obJetSl  was  to  be  overlooked ; 
 neither  tbe  age  nor  circuoaftance  of  any  one  could  ezeufe  abfence.  Ver.  20. 
 
 The  locufts  are  called  the  northern  army,  becaufe  they  entered  the  land  of  Hamath 
 on  the  north,  palfed  through  till  they  came  to  the  foutb,  about  the  Dead  fea, 
 where  they  perilhed  in  tbe  waters.  Jerome  relates,  that  in  bis  own  time,  heaps 
 of  locufts  were  driven  by  tbe  wind  into  the  fea,  but  afterwards  putrified  on  the 
 Ihore,  and  fo  corrupted  the  air  as  to  bring  on  a  peftilence.  Ver.  25.  God  has 
 all  creatures  completely  under  bis  coutroul,  to  execute  his  will,  compare  £xod. 
 xxiii.  28.  Ifa.  v.  26.  vii.  18.  Ver.  28 — 32.  A  prophecy  refpedting  Chrift’s 
 kingdom;  the  gifts  of  bis  Holy  Spirit  beftowed  on  bis  fubjetfts,  tbe  diflbiulion  of 
 the  civil  and  eccleliaftical  policy  of  tbe  Jews  by  tbe  Romans,  and  tbe  proclama¬ 
 tion  of  falvation  to  all  nations,  fee  A<5ts  ii.  14 — 40. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — •  Chap.  II.]  It  is  very  needful  that  minifters  fhould  warn  linners  of  the  fatal  confequences  of  their  condndt.  How 
 dangerous  it  is  to  rebel  againft  Jebovab,  who  by  a  nod  can  mufter  even  an  army  of  infetfts  able  to  ruin  the  mightieft  nations  on  earth  !  No  one  can  either 
 vithftand,  fupport  under,  or  flee  from  bis  incenfed  wrath.  And  but  little  comfort  can  tbe  luminaries  of  hearea  i^ord  us  when  their  Maker  frowns.  Mercy  is 
 
Qod  known  in  7iis  judgments^ 
 
 JOEL. 
 
 Before 
 
 Cbrift 
 
 jir,  800. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 
 ientabU: 
 
 f  Heb. 
 the  sons 
 of  the 
 Grecians 
 
 I  Heb. 
 Sanctify 
 
 a  Ifaiah 
 3.  4. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 scythes. 
 
 CHAP.  III. 
 
 1  Go'Cs  judgments  vpon  the  enemies  of  the  people ;  18  hit  blessirigs  upon 
 the  church, 
 
 For,  behold,  in  thofe  days,  and  in  that  time, 
 when  1  (hall  bring  again  the  captivity  of  Judah 
 and  Jerufalem,  .  . 
 
 2  I  will  alfo  gather  all  nations,  and  will  bring  them 
 down  into  the  valley  of  Jehofhaphat,  and  will  plead 
 with  them  there  for  ray  people,  and/or  my  heritage 
 Itrael,  whom  they  have  fcattered  among  the  nations, 
 and  parted  my  land. 
 
 3  And  they  have  caft  lots  for  my  people;  and  have 
 given  a  boy  for  an  harlot,  and  fold  a  girl  tor  wine, 
 that  they  might  drink. 
 
 4  Yea,  and  what  have  ye  to  do  with  me,  U  1  yre 
 and  Zidon,  and  all  the  coafts  of  Paleftine?  will  ye 
 render  me  a  recorapence  ?  and  if  ye  recompence  me, 
 fwiftly  and  fpeedily  will  I  return  your  recorapence 
 upon  your  own  head  ; 
 
 5  Becaufe  ye  have  taken  my  filver  and  my  gold, 
 and  have  carried  into  your  temples  my  goodly  t  plea- 
 fant  things : 
 
 6  The  children  alfo  of  Judah,  and  the  children  of 
 Jerufalem,  have  ye  fold  unto  f  the  Grecians,  that  ye 
 might  remove  them  far  from  their  border. 
 
 7  Behold,  I  will  raife  them  out  of  the  place  whither 
 ye  have  fold  them,  and  will  return  your  recorapence 
 upon  your  own  head : 
 
 8  And  I  will  fell  your  Cons  and  your  daughters  in¬ 
 to  the  hand  of  the  children  of  Judah,  and  they  (ball 
 fell  them  to  the  Sabeans,  to  a  people  far  off :  for  the 
 Lord  hath  fpoken  it.  . 
 
 9  f  Proclaim  ye  this  among  the  Gentiles ;  f  Pre¬ 
 pare  war,  wake  up  the  mighty  men,  let  all  the  men  of 
 war  draw  near,  let  them  come  up. 
 
 10  ®  Beat  your  plough-(hares  into  fwords  and  your 
 II  pruning-hooks  into  (pears  ;  let  the  weak  fay,  I  am 
 ftrong. 
 
 His  blessings  upon  the  church 
 Aflfemble  yourfelces,  and  come,  all  ye 
 
 hpa.  Before 
 Chria 
 
 then,  and  gather  yourfelves  together  round  abouu  cir.  soo. 
 thither  I1  caofe  thy  mighty  ones  to  come  down,  O 
 
 Lord.  .  ,  ,  j  .  lord 
 
 12  Let  the  heathen  be  awakened,  and  come  op  to, 
 
 the  valley  of  Jeholbaphat ;  for  there  will  1  (it  to  judge  doi«n. 
 all  the  heathen  round  about. 
 
 13 
 
 ”  Put  ye  in  the  fickle ;  for  the  harveft  is  ripe ;  ^  Re«i. 
 get  you  down;  for  the  prefs  is  full,  the  fats*  •  *• 
 
 come,  ywu  -  . 
 
 overflow ;  for  their  wickednefs  is  great. 
 
 14  Multitudes,  multitudes  in  the  valley  of  H  deci-O^".;. 
 
 .w... - —  •'  i_  ■■  1,  concitum, 
 
 (ion  :  for  the  day  of  the  Lord  is  near  in  the  valley 
 
 or,  thrash,, 
 
 of  decifioD.  „  ,  1  I  j 
 
 15  The  fun  and  the  moon  (hall  be  darkened,  andc  cb»p- 
 
 the  flars  (hall  withdraw  their  (hining.  a  jerem. 
 
 16  The  Lord  alfo  (hall  roar  out  of  Zion,  and  35.  so. 
 utter  his  voice  from  Jerufalem  ;  and  the  heavens  and  Amo. 
 
 the  earth  (hall  (hake:  but  the  Lord  ^  jt  Heb. 
 hope  of  his  people,  and  the  ftrength  of  the  children  o  piaceoj 
 
 Ifrael  repair,  or, 
 
 17  So  (hall  ye  know  that  I  am  the  Lord  your  God  harbour. 
 dwelling  in  Zion,  my  holy  mountain  ;  then  fnall  Jeru- 
 falem  be  f  holy,  and  there  (hall  no  flrangers  pafs  t  H^eb. 
 
 through  her  any  more,  e  ReveL 
 
 18  f  And  it  (hall  come  to  pafs  in  that  day,  fAaf  tnegi,  27. 
 
 mountains  (hall  *  drop  down  new  wine,  and  the  hills  f  Amo. 
 (hall  flow  with  milk,  and  all  the  rivers  of  (hall 
 
 t  flow  with  waters,  and  a  fountain  (hall  come  forth 
 of  the  houfe  of  the  Lord,  and  (hall  water  the  valley 
 
 of  Shittim.  .  _ ,  „  , 
 
 19  Egypt  (hall  be  a  defolation,  and  Edom  (hall  be 
 a  defolate  wildernefs,  for  the  violence  against  the 
 children  of  Judah,  becaufe  they  have  (bed  innocent 
 
 blood  in  their  land.  ,  t  r  .  "  .1, 
 
 20  But  Judah  (hall  »  dwell  for  ever,  and  Jerufalem 
 
 from  generation  to  generation.  that  dxuel- 
 
 21  Fori  will  cleanfe  their  blood  that  1  have  not/etAfn 
 
 cleanfed :  U  for  the  Lord  dwelleth  in  Zion»*  zion. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  III.  Ver.  1— 12.  As  this  prophecy 
 is  to  have  its  accomplilhment  in  thofe  days  referred  to  in  the  end  of  the  preceding 
 chapter,  namely,  in  the  reign  of  Meffiah,  and  as  it  fpeaks  of  the  deliverance  of 
 the  Jews  from  captivity,  we  mua  apply  it  to  their  final  reftoration  to  their  own 
 land  •  a  moft  important  event  in  the  hiftory  of  the  church  of  God,  and  which  is 
 often’ fpoken  of  by  the  prophets,  compare  Note  on  Hofea  xiv.  All  nations  are 
 fummoned  to  the  “  valley  of  Jeholbaphat,”  confidered  by  fome  a  valley  between 
 Jerufalem  and  Mount  Olivet,  by  others,  fimply,  according  to  the  import  of  the 
 word,  the  place  where  »  the  Lord  will  execute  judgment.”  Hence  it  is  called  the 
 valley  of  decifion,”  ver.  14.  where  ihe  controverfy  between  God  and  his  enemies 
 fhall  be  decided.  He  charges  them  with  a  variety  of  evils  which  they  had  infliiSl- 
 ed  on  his  chofen  people,  particularly  feizing  their  b.nd,  difperfing  thetn  am<jng. 
 and  felling  them  to  the  nations.  Thus  they  had  walked  in  the  fteps  of  the  Ty¬ 
 rians,  Sidonians,  and  Philiftines,  who  bad  fufifered  for  their  enmity  to  the  Jews, 
 and  hence  they  are  fet  forth  under  the  names  of  thefe  people.  The  Romans,  after 
 the  dearuaion  of  Jerufalem  fold  many  thoufands  of  the  Jews,  while  the  body  of 
 that  people  were  fcattered  abroad  over  all  the  earth  ;  and  fince  which  period  they 
 
 have  fuffered  incredible  calamities  in  almoft  every  nation  where  they  have  fo- 
 iourned.  But  God  will  fave  them  out  of  all  their  troubles,  and  deliver  their 
 enemies  into  their  hands,  whofe  children  they  ftiall  fell  or  deliver  to  the  Sabeans 
 a  people  afar  off.  However  numerous  the  army  colUaed,  however  great  the 
 preparations  made  by  the  naUons  to  oppofe  God’s  gracious  defigos  to  his  people, 
 every  effort  will  be  vain ;  for  they  have  God  to  witbRaod,  who  (hall  overthrow 
 their  dominion,  and  overwhelm  them  in  confufion.  Then  (hall  the  Jews  dwell 
 in  fafeiy  in  their  own  land,  and  become  a  nation  devoted  to  the  fervice  of  their 
 Deliverer.  He  v?ill  blefs  them  and  make  them  a  bleffing;  A  fountain  (hall 
 come  forth  of  the  houfe  of  the  Lord,  and  iball  wrater  the  valley  of  Sbittim,”  which 
 reprefents  thofe  parts  of  the  world  unproduaive  of  good  works,  to  which  the  con- 
 verted  Jews  will  convey  the  precious  gofpel.  Their  enemies  ihall  be  utterly  cat 
 off  while  they  (hall  continue  the  objeas  of  divine  favour ;  for  God  has  deter- 
 mined  to  pardon,  fanaify,  and  exalt  multitudes,  who  are  guilty,  unholy  and 
 wretched.  This  is  the  work  of  God,  who  manifefteth  himfelf  in  his  church  the 
 juft  God  and  the  Saviour. 
 
 "pS^tTcYl  otsERV^  CH'-YlHr-fi.’.  ‘'"I  "“Is-g  oE.,  «nd  .,b„.  u.ki.d  .„d  .  A.d  ot  ...p» 
 
 or  co^^ua  Ln  Mun  tL  enmUy  the  wicked.  But  dreadful  is  their  danger  who  injure  the  people  of  God  ;  for  without  fail,  and  tn  great  fury  elpec.ally  a  the 
 Kv  will  God  reckon  w"^  tLm  !  But  when  wicked  men  are  cut  down,  his  people  (hall  be  lifted  up  in  comfort,  bol.nefs,  and  fafety-How  delightful  fcail  this 
 world  KLu  aU  the  of  it  (ball  be  filled  w.th  the  knowledge,  glory,  and  grace  of  the  Lord  !  And  dill  more  happy  m  the  eternal  date  tn  which  God  and 
 
 the  Lamb  (hall  be  All  and  in  AIL 
 
AMOS. 
 
 THE  ARGUMENT. 
 
 T  ‘0  of  Israeland  Judah  to  repentance :  to  denounce 
 
 of  Their  ■'■  “^1  ;  1''  i  tofm-etel  the  deliverance  of  the  people  of  God,  and  the  coming 
 
 J  Jesus  Uii  ist.  The  time  in  'which  Amos  prophesied  is  noted  at  the  beginning  of  this  book. 
 
 CHAP.  1. 
 
 1  The  time  when  Amos  prophesied;  3  he  sheweth  God’s  judgments  upon 
 oyna^  6  Upon  the  I^hilistinest  ^c% 
 
 The  words  of  Amos,  who  was  among  the  herd- 
 men  of  Tekoa,  which  he  faw  concerning  Ifrael 
 in  the  days  of  Uzziah  king  of  Judah,  and  in  the  days 
 or  Jcrobocirn  the  Ibn  of  Jo^fh^  kiDg  of  Ifrsel,  two  years 
 before  the  *  earthquake. 
 
 2  And  he  faid.  The  Lord  will  roar  from  Zion, 
 and  utter  his  voice  from  Jerufalem ;  and  the  habita- 
 noDS  of  the  fhepherds  fhall  mourn,  and  the  top  of 
 Carmel  fhall  wither. 
 
 3  Thus  faith  the  Lord,  For  three  tranfgreffions 
 of  Damafeus,  I1  and  for  four,  I  will  not  turn  H  away 
 the  punishment  thereof;  becaul'e  they  have  thrafhed 
 Gilead  with  thrafhing  inftruments  of  iron. 
 
 4  But  I  will  fend  a  fire  into  the  houfe  of  Hazael, 
 which  fhall  devour  the  palaces  of  Ben-hadad. 
 
 5  I  will  break  alfo  the  bar  of  Damafeus,  and  cut 
 oft  the  inhabitants  from  H  the  plain  of  Aven,  and  him 
 that  holdeth  the  feeptre  from  II  the  houfe  of  Eden; 
 and  the  people  of  Syria  fhall  go  into  captivity  unto 
 Kir,  faith  the  Lord. 
 
 Tt  ii  H  ^  Thus  faith  the  Lord,  For  three  tranfgreffions 
 c  2  Cbro.  Gaza,  and  for  four,  I  will  not  turn  away  the  punish¬ 
 es,.  18.  thereof  ;  becaufe  they  il  carried  away  captive  the 
 
 |]  Or,  whole  captivity,  to  deliver  them  up  to  Edom  : 
 carried  7  gut  j  will  feud  a  fire  on  the  wall  of  Gaza,  which 
 ^  devour  the  palace's  thereof : 
 
 8  And  I  will  cut  off  the  inhabitants  from  Afhdod, 
 and  him  that  holdeth  the  feeptre  from  Afhkelon  ;  and 
 I  will  turn  mine  hand  againfl  Ekron  ;  and  the  remnant 
 of  the  Philiftines  ffjall  perifh,  faith  the  Lord  God. 
 
 9  11  I  hus  faith  the  Lord,  For  three  tranfgreffions 
 of  Tyius,  and  for  four,  I  will  not  turn  away  the  punish¬ 
 ment  thereof ;  becaufe  they  delivered  up  the  whole 
 captivity  to  Edom,  and  remembered  not  t  the  bro¬ 
 therly  covenant : 
 
 10  But  I  will  fend  a  fire  on  the  wall  of  Tyrus,  which 
 ffiall  devour  the  palaces  thereof. 
 
 11  H  Thus  faith  the  Lord,  For  three  tranfgreffions 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 cir.  787. 
 
 a  Zeeb. 
 14.  5. 
 b  Jerem. 
 25.  SO. 
 Joel 
 3.  16. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 yea,  for 
 four. 
 
 II  Or, 
 convert  it, 
 or,  let  it 
 he  quiet ; 
 and  so 
 Verse  6, 
 &c. 
 
 y  Or, 
 
 Bekath^ 
 
 ave,n* 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 with  an 
 
 entire 
 
 captivity 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 the  cove‘ 
 Jiant  of 
 brethren. 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  I.  Ver.  1.  This  prophet  was  con¬ 
 temporary  wiih  Ifaiah  and  Hofea,  and  like  the  latter  exercifed  his  office  among 
 the  ten  trihes,  chap.  vii.  13.  He  began  to  prophecy  two  years  before  the  earth¬ 
 quake  mentioned  by  Z-chariab,  chap.  xiv.  5.  to  whom  Ifaiah  is  fuppofed  alfo  to 
 refer,  chap  v.  25.  To  illuftrate  AmOs’s  prophecies  againfl  feveral  nations,  it  will 
 be  neceffary  to  refer  to  Ifai.h  and  Jeremiah,  who  foretold  the  deftru<5lion  of  the 
 fame  nations.  Ver.  2.  The  mourning  of  the  fhepherds’  h-bitations,  and  the 
 withering  of  Carmel,  are  figures  expreffive  of  the  dreadful  nature  of  thofe  divine 
 judgments  denounced  by  the  prophet.  Ver.  S — 5.  The  image  of  thrafliing  is 
 frequently  ufed  in  feripture  w'ith  great  elegance  and  force,  to  exprefs  the  punilh- 
 ment  of  the  w  icked,  and  the  trials  of  the  good,  or  the  utter  difperfion  or  dellruc. 
 tion  of  God’s  enemies.  It  is  here  applied  to  the  cruelties  exercifed  by  the  kings 
 of  Syria  on  the  country  of  Gilead,  2  Kings  x.  S2,  33.  xiii.  3,  4,  7.  compare  Jer. 
 
 of  Edom,  and  for  four,  I  will  not  turn  away  the  punish-  Before 
 merit  thereof;  becaufe  he  did  purfue  his  brother 
 with  the  fword,  and  t  did  caff  of  all  pity,  and  his  an- 
 ger  did  tear  perpetually,  and  he  kept  his  wrath  fort^i^ 
 ever ;  corrupiti 
 
 12  But  I  will  fend  a  fire  upon  Teraan,  which  fhall 
 devour  the  palaces  of  Bozrah. 
 
 13  H  Ihus  faith  the  Lord,  For  three  tranfgreffions 
 of  the  children  of  Ammon,  and  for  four,  I  will  not 
 turn  away  the  punishment  thereof,  becaufe  they  have 
 
 II  ripped  up  the  women  with  child  of  Gilead,  that  II  Or, 
 they  might  enlarge  their  border  :  tfiwdedne 
 
 14  But  I  will  kindle  a  fire  in  the  wall  of  Rabbah, 
 and  it  (hall  devour  the  palaces  thereof;  with  fhouting 
 in  the  day  of  battle,  with  a  tempeft  in  the  day  of  the 
 whirlwind : 
 
 _  15  And  their  king  ffiall  go  into  captivity,  he  and 
 his  princes  together,  faith  the  Lord.* 
 
 CHAP.  II. 
 
 1  God's  Judgments  upon  Moab,  4  upon  Judah,  and  upon  Israel,  9  God 
 complaineth  of  Israel's  ingratitude  for  past  kindnesses,  ^  c. 
 
 Thus  faith  the  Lord,  for  three  tranlgreffions  of 
 Moab,  and  for  four,  I  will  not  turn  away  the 
 punishment  thereof;  becaufe  he  ^  burnt  the  bones  of  a  2  Kings 
 the  king  of  Edom  into  lime  :  3-  27. 
 
 2  But  I  will  fend  a  fire  upon  Moab,  and  it  fhall  de¬ 
 vour  the  palaces  of  Kirioth  ;  and  Moab  fhall  die  with 
 tumult,  with  fhouting,  and  with  the  found  of  the  trum¬ 
 pet  : 
 
 3  And  I  will  cut  off  the  judge  from  the  midft  there¬ 
 of,  and  will  flay  all  the  princes  thereof  with  him,  faith 
 the  Lord. 
 
 4  f  Thus  faith  the  Lord,  For  three  tranfgreffions 
 of  Judah,  and  for  four,  I  will  not  turn  away  the  punish¬ 
 ment  thereof;  becaufe  they  have  defpil'ed  the  law  of 
 the  Lord,  and  have  not  kept  his  commandments,  and 
 their  lies  caufed  them  to  err,  after  the  which  their 
 fathers  have  walked  : 
 
 5  But  I  will  fend  a  fire  upon  Judah,  and  it  ffiall  de¬ 
 vour  the  palaces  of  Jerufalem. 
 
 6  H  Thus  faith  the  Lord,  For  three  tranfgrffljons 
 
 xlix.  23—27.  Ver.  6 — 8.  Compare  Jer.  xxv.  20.  and  xlvii.  Ver,  9,  10.  Com¬ 
 pare  Ifa.  xxiii.  Tyre  was  once  in  friendly  alliance  with  Ifrael,  but  this  Ihe  foon 
 violated,  2  Sam.  vi.  11.  1  Kings  v.  12.  Ver.  11,  12.  Comp.  Jer.  xlix.  7—22. 
 Ver.  13 — 15.  Compare  Jer.  xlix.  1 — 6. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  II.  Ver.  1—3.  Compare  Jer.  xlviii. 
 Ver.  4,  5.  The  numbers  three  and  four  feem  to  have  been  a  common  form  of 
 fpeecb,  denoting  many  or  an  uncertain  number.  The  kingdom  of  Judah  was 
 delivered  to  Nebuchadnezzar,  in  common  with  many  other  nations  mentioned 
 above,  compare  Jer.  xxv,  9 — 14.  Ver.  6.  Fiona  this  verfe  to  the  end  of  this 
 chapter,  the  prophet  declares  the  fins,  ingratitude,  and  punifiiment  of  the  king¬ 
 dom  of  Ifrael,  or  the  ten  tribes.  Ver.  7.  That  pant  after  the  dust  of  the  earth; 
 the  little  that  the  poor  poffelTed  they  greedily  I'ought  to  obtain.  Ver.  9.  The 
 Canaanites  were  powerful  ;  many  of  them  were  of  gigantic  fiature.  Numbers 
 
 PRACllCAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  I.]  No  perfon  need  be  aihamed  of  a  mean,  if  honefl  origin.  God  can  qualify  the  meaneR  for  the  moll 
 honourable  work.  But  dreadful  is  the  cafe  of  the  migbtiefl  nations  when  the  meafure  of  their  iniquities  is  filled  up  and  the  hour  of  God’s  judgment  is  come.  No¬ 
 thing  more  ballens  their  deftrudlion  than  their  oppreflion  or  murder  of  the  faints,  or  implacable  enmity  againfl  near  relations.  Walls,  palaces,  cities,  or  armies,  are 
 altogether  inefFc(5lual  to  withfiand  the  power  of  God’s  wrath.  And  they  who  fpitefully,  covetoully,  and  cruelly  thought  to  drive  out  others,  are  often  ihemfelves  driven 
 out- 
 
Qod  complaineth  of  Israel's  ingratitude^  !fc. 
 
 AMOS. 
 
 His  judgments  against  Israeli 
 
 J  or, 
 
 a  young 
 
 of  Ifrael.  and  for  four,  I  will  not  turn  away  the  •punish¬ 
 ment  thereof;  becaufe  ^  they  fold  the  righteous  tor 
 filver,  and  the  poor  for  a  pair  of  (hoes  ; 
 
 7  That  pant  after  the  dull  of  the  earth  on  the  head 
 of  the  poor,  and  turn  afide  the  way  of  the  meek  :  and 
 a  mao  and  his  father  will  gp  in  unto  the  same  |i  maid, 
 to  profane  my  holy  name  : 
 
 8  And  they  lay  themselves  down  upon  clothes  laid 
 to  pledge  by  every  altar,  and  they  drink  the  wine  of 
 
 « Or  sueft  II  the  condemned  in  the  houfe  of  their  god._ 
 
 Is  have  9  f  Yet  deftroyed  I  the  '  Amorite  betore  them, 
 jined.ot,  height  WAS!  like  the  height  of  the  cedars,  and 
 
 hewsflrong  as  the  oaks:;  ,yet  I  dedroyed  hjs  fruits 
 from  .above,  and,  his  roots  from  beneath; 
 
 10  Alfo  **  1  brought  you  up  from  the  land  of  Egypt,^ 
 and  led  you  forty  years  througti  the  wildernefs,  to, 
 poffefs  the  land  of -the  Amorite. 
 
 1 1  And  I  raifed  -  up  of ,  your  fons  for  prophets,  and 
 of  your  young,  men  for  Nazarites..,/si^  uot  even  thus, 
 O  ye  children  of  Ifrael  ?  faith  the  Lord* 
 
 i?  Bpt  ye  gave  the  Nazarites  wine  to  drink ;  and 
 eChap.  commanded  the  prDp;iet8. '  faying.  Prophecy  not. 
 
 7, 12, 13-  13  (Behold  II  firn  preffed  under  you,  as  a,, cart  is 
 
 B  '^  -prelTed  full  of  (heaves.  . 
 
 “""C*/  U  Therefore  the  flight  (hall  pen(h, from, -the  fwa(t., 
 
 IZcart  and  ,the  ftropg.  (hall, oot'ftrengtheu  his  .force,.' nather 
 
 full  of  (haifthe  mighty  deliver  thimfelf :  ^  . 
 
 15  Neither  (hall  he  ftand  that  handlcth  the.bow; 
 and  he,  that  ^is  fwlft  of  foot  (hall  not  deliver  himself: 
 neither  (hall  he  that  rideth  the  horfe  deliver;, hint-, 
 felf;. 
 
 mu 
 c 
 
 21.  24. 
 Deut. 
 
 2.  31. 
 Jofliua 
 24.  8. 
 a  Eiod. 
 12.  SI* 
 
 $heavei 
 presseth. 
 
 ■f  Heb. 
 his  soul, 
 
 OT,  life. 
 
 I  “f;/  '''  16  ,  And  thatjs  f  courageous  ^amOTg  th|-.injgbty . 
 
 his  heart  (hal|  fl?e  naked  in. that  day,  faith  the  Lord,  ’ 
 
 CHAP.  in. 
 
 1  The  necessity  of,  G  >d’s  jttdsmenls.  against  Israel :  9  the  puMication  of  it 
 with  ih^  canses  thereof.  •  u  r  -  1 
 
 T  tear  this  word  that,  the  Lord  hath  Ipokeu 
 W~\'  againft  you,  O  children  of  Ifrael,, againft  the 
 whole*  family  which!  I  brought  up.frotn  the  land.of 
 
 i 
 
 2  You  poly  have  I  knowu  pf  alfthe  families  of  the 
 
 earth:  therefore  I  will  puuilh  you  for  all  your  iui- 
 
 quities.  ,  ,  ...  7«7.' 
 
 3  Can  two  walk  together,  except  they  be  agreed  f 
 
 4  Will  a  lioo  roar  iu  the  foreft  when  he  hath 
 
 prey  ?  will  a  young  lion  +  cry  out  of  bis  den  ir  he  ^ 
 have  taken  nothing?  give  forth 
 
 5  Can  a  bird  fall  in  a  fnare  upon  the  earth  where 
 no  gin  is  for  him  ?  (hall  one  take  up,  a  fnare  from  the 
 
 earth,  and  have  taken  nothing  at  all  ? 
 
 6  Shall  a.  trumpet  be  blown  in  the-  city,  and  the 
 people  II  not  be  afraid  ?  (hall  there  be  evil  m  a  city,  I 
 
 II  and  ^ he  Lord  hath  not  dooe  z^/’  together! 
 
 7  Surely  the  Lord  God  will  do  nothings  but  he j|  or,’- 
 revealeth  his  fecret  unto  his  fervants  the  prophets.  _  a^s^ 
 
 8  The  lioo  hath  roared,  who  will  mot  tear? 
 
 Lord  God  hath  fpoken,  who  can  pi^phely  ?  dosom-'- 
 
 9  f  Publilh  in  the  palaces  at'  Afhdod,  and-  in  thewbrt^ 
 
 palaces  in, the  land  of  Egypt,  and  fay, 
 
 felves  upon,  the  mountains  of  Samaria,  add  behold 
 
 the  great  tumults  io..the  midft  thereof,  and'tbe  || 
 
 prefled  iu  the  midft  thereof.  r  •  u-  .u  i  «»«*•»' 
 
 10  For  they  know  noMo  do  right,  faith  the  lord, 
 who.ftore  up  violence  and  H  robbery  in  their  palaces,  j  Or, 
 
 11  Therefore  thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  An  adver-v"*^* 
 fary  there  shall  he  even  round  about  the  laud  ;  and  he‘ 
 
 (hall  bringtdown  thy  ftrengih  from  thee,  and  thy  pa¬ 
 laces  (hall  be  fpoiled.,  ,  .  .  i  .u 
 
 12  Thus  faith  the  Lord,  As  the  (hepherd  taketh  ^  Heb. 
 out  of  the.mouih  of-  the  lion,  two  legs,  . or  a  piece  oideheerttha 
 an  ear;  fo  (hall  the  children  of  Ifrad  be> taken  out 
 
 that  dwell  in  Samaria  iu  the  corner  ot  a  bed,  and  U  in  o  Or, 
 
 Damafeus  in  a  couch...  ^  .  t  l  r  •  u 
 
 13  Hear  yCy  ^nd  teftify  iu  the  houfe  of  Jacob,  faith 
 
 the  Lord  God,  the  God  ot  hofts,  r  r 
 
 14  That  in  the  day  that  l  (hall  H  vifit  the  tranfgrel-||  or, 
 fioDS  of  Ifrael  upon  him,  I  will  alfo  vifit  the  altars  otpu,^*-  * 
 Beth-el ;  ,and  the  horns  of  the.  altar  (hall  be  cut  oft,*-"® 
 
 and  fall  to  the  ground.  .  .  .  r 
 
 15  And  I  wilL  fnaite  the  winter-houfe  with  tl^  lum- 
 raer-houfe:  and  the  houfes  of  ivory  (hall  perilh,  and 
 the  great  houfes  lhall  have  an  eud^  faith  the  LoRD«t 
 
 xiii.  32.  33.  Ver.  13.  I  am  pressed,  intimates  how  grievous  the  fins  of  Ifrael 
 were  iii,  the  fight,  of  the.  Lord ^  or,,  according  to  another  tranflation  of  the 
 phrafe.  I  will  prefs  your  place,  it  mean?  that  he  woul4  bring  them  into  great 
 d  i 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chav.  HI.  Ver,  1—8.  Tbefe  verfes  fiate 
 
 in  a  finking  manner  the  reafons  why  Ifrael  ought  to  tremble,  repent  and  turn  to 
 God  from  all  their  iniquities.  He  bad. conferred  .on  them  difitnguilhedTavours 
 and  had  chofen  them  as  his  people  above  all  people  on  the  earth  ;  and  therefore 
 their  fins  were  peculiarly  provoking,  and  caljed  for  fignal  punifoment  to  yindtcate 
 his  charaifter  and  gover^m;enU ,  It  was^mp.opible  tbat  t^ey  c^ujd  be  the  obje/fts  pf 
 his  love,  efie*em,  and'eare,  while  they  contjenrined  bis,majefi.y,  abufed  hisgopdnels, 
 difregarded  his  authority;  two,  cannot  wall^  ,yjg8ther,,unl.efp.  they  be  pf  one  ro'Pa. 
 Ifrael  mud  experience  Jehovah’?  frown,  fince  t,hey.,und,er,y«lued  bis  fovopr. .  ,  Hif 
 prefent  'copdua  was  as  fu'fficient  an  indicfuiop  of  h.'Sjdifpleafure  w[iib  thein,i  as  .tlie 
 rodring  of  the  lion  proves  that  he  has  obtained  .bis  prey,  or,  that  the  fnare,  has  been 
 laid!  which  has  caughi^‘  a  bird. .  When  God  was  pleafe.d  with  Ifrael, .all  thing?  i^nt 
 vrelVwith  them';  but  at  "prefent  one  calamity  fucc.pedeih  popther  ;  and  therefore 
 they  rouil  be  blind  and.^eafl  if  not  fenCbJe  that  bis  wrath  hpd  gope  forth  agamtl 
 them.’  ■^ben  the  truyipet  ot  wpr  is  blown  in  a  city,  the  inbabitantsare  roufed  to 
 
 endeavour  averting  the  threatening  danger;  and  with  equal  propriety  ought  th»  ■ 
 inhabitants  of  a  city  vifited  with  evil,  temporal  calamities,  feek  the  compaffion  tni» 
 favour  of  God  ;  for  all  affliaion  comes  from  him  ;  a  hair  of  our  head  cannot  lali 
 to  the  ground  without  him.  By  his  prophets  he  warned  Ifrael  of  the  evils  that  ^ 
 propofed  to  bring  upon  them  :  and  their  remaining  fecure  in'fin  betrayed  ^ 
 greateR  obduracy  of  heart.  The  roaring  of  a  lion  excites  terror,  arid  who  that  bM 
 an  heart  to  feel,  will  not  tremble  when  the  Almighty  denounces  judgment.  An« 
 who,  refpeaing  the  honour  of  God,  or  the  good  of  man,  canrefown  to  l^peak  what 
 God  reveals!  Ver.  9,  10.  David,  king  of  Ifrael,  was  extremely  folicitooa  tUt 
 their  fufferlngs  might  be  ooncealed/roro  their  enemies ;  the  appreheufion  tb^  they 
 might  know  them,  filled  him  with  grief.  2-  Sam.  i.  20.  But  God  adv.fes  ihefe  very 
 people  to  confider  the  great  fufferings  of  Ifrael,  with  bis  juRice  in  infiiifting  them  j 
 and  if  they  complied  with  this  couofel  they  would  have  no  room  to  exult^t  ra¬ 
 ther  fee  caufe  to  tremble  ;  for  if  mifery  was  the  lot  of  Ifrael  once  beloved 
 what  had  they  not  to  fear  who  had  always  been  his  enemies  I  1  PeU  it.  17,  la. 
 Ver.  12.  As  a  lion  devours  the  whole  of  animals  which  he  femes  except  thofe  parts  * 
 of  little  confequence  to  him,  in  defiance  of  the  fliepherd’s  efforts,  fo  would  Uraea 
 faffer  under,  the  Affyrians.  Ver.  15.  Compare  Jer.  xxxvi.  22, 
 
 PRAOTTCAL  OBSERVATIONS _ •  .Chaf.  IL.l  ,Alag,  how.borrid  are  the  barbarities  of  war  !  But  if  fioners  perifii  who  finned  without  daw  ap^ate* - 
 
 from  C^Qd  and  rebek  againft  his  revealed  lawsj,  may.^xpeA  dnufiic  vengeance  !  If  once  men  violate  their  confcieime -for.  any  a  vantage,  t  "J 
 
 triune  one  And  no  injury  in  God’s  reckonings  is  more  .abomippble  Jhan  what  is  done  to  the  meek,  who  uuM  not,  or  to  the  poor  w  o  cann  ^  .  hioMw  ' 
 
 feie'SS  finners^teftify  for,wat,t,  but  .through  the  abnfe  pf  the  means  of  grace,  they  are  fo  wicked  1.  And  theobftinacy  of  profeffors  in  many  and  b  ghly 
 
 .f  GoJ,! ,  Ea.  h„ ..maiaa.-h.a  '■•'  V";' J!- *;*  ’ 
 
 abufed.  Obftinacy  in  fin  effeauaily  feparafos.us  ftopa  y,  favourable  God,  Aod.trapfgreflions  muft  furely  enfnare  men  in  nets  of  fin  and  mifery,  froin 
 G^’^s  almighty  grace  bringing  them  to  repentance,  can  deliver  them.  In  .all  jOur  troubles  the  hand.of  God  muft.be  acknowledged.-  -  e-ne^  ^in  ^ 
 
 havmg  wMledM'v'am'.’finners  prove  incorrigible  ;  an4  then  ,  bis.  warnings  but  aggravate  their  condemnatioQ.  If  we  provxie  him  ^ 
 
 st  iidi  fats  vfngLpcei  and, nothing  will  be  afalft  to  preyent  tjur  mfo,  unlefs.we.repeqt,.  i  Yea.  the  tfaings  which  we  bad  idohxed,  or  had  abufed  to  iniquity,  (hall  b.  's, 
 
 along  with' Usl;,,  ^  ^ 
 
Urad  reprffoedfur  opprefwn,  4  c, 
 
 AMOS. 
 
 CHAP.  IV. 
 
 exhortation  to  repentan 
 
 H 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 burning, 
 
 tHeb. 
 
 love. 
 
 *  ^  6  and  for  thdr  mcorri- 
 
 EAR  this  word,  ye  kine  of  Bafhan,  that  are  in 
 the  mountain  of  Samaria,  which  opprefs  the 
 po(^,  which  crufh  the  needy  ;  which  fay  to  their 
 maiters,  Brinp,  and  let  os  drink. 
 
 1  ^  u  God  hath  fworn  by  his  holinefs,  thar, 
 
 lo,  the  days  Inall  come  upon  you,  that  he  will  take 
 
 hooks'^^^'  hooks,  and  your  pofterity  with  fi^- 
 
 _  3  And  ye  fhall  go  out  at  the  breaches,  every  cow 
 
 L,hnu  before  her ;  and  I|  ye  fhall  caft  them 
 
 'h;  P»l»ce,  faith  the  Lord. 
 
 the  (kings  .  ^  H  Comefo  Bcth-el,  and  tranfgrefs  ;  at  Gilgal  raul- 
 •/■-<*«  t'ply  traofgreflion  ;  and  bring  yonr  facrifices  every 
 li^eb!  your  tithes  after  f  three  years ; 
 
 tiLeyUn  ^  t  offef  &  facrifice  of  thankfgiving  with  leaven, 
 e/day*.  ^nd  proclaim  and  publifh  the  free-ofFerings ;  for  f  this 
 liketh  you,  O  ye  children  of  Ifrael,  faith  the  Lord 
 God. 
 
 6  U  And  I  alfo  have  given  you  cleannefs  of  teeth 
 in  all  your  cities,  and  want  of  bread  in  all  your 
 places ;  yet  have  ye  not  returned  unto  me,  faith  the 
 Lord. 
 
 7  And  alfo  I  have  withholden  the  rain  from  you, 
 when  there  wet e  yet  three  months  to  the  harveft:  and 
 I  caufed  it  to  rain  upon  one  city,  and  caufed  it  not  to 
 rain  upon  another  city:  one  piece  was  rained  upon, 
 and  the  piece  whereupon  it  reigned  not  withered. 
 
 8  So  two  or  three  cities  wandered  unto  one  city,  to 
 drink  water  j  but  they  were  not  fatisfied :  yet  have 
 ye  not  returned  unto  me,  faith  the  Lord. 
 
 9  I  have  fmitten  you  with  Waiting  and  mildew: 
 
 ,  II  when  your  gardens,  and  your  vineyards,  and  your 
 **^J"*J^‘**  fig-trees,  and  your  olive-trees,  increafed,  the  palmer- 
 ^urfmr.  dcvoured  them  :  yet  have  ye  not  returned  unto 
 
 ^c.  me,  faith  the  Lord. 
 
 did  the  10  I  have  fent  among  you  the  peftilence  |I  after  the 
 wm'&e  Egypt :  your  young  men  have  1  flain  with 
 
 |”or,  ^ word,  f  and  have  taken  away  your  horfe*  ;  and 
 
 intheway.  I  have  made  the  ftink  of  your  camps  to  come  up  unto 
 t  Heb.  your  noftrils  :  yet  have  ye  not  returned  unto  me, 
 faith  the  Lord. 
 
 1 1  I  have  overthrown  fome  of  you,  as  God  over¬ 
 threw  *  Sodom  and  Gomorrah,  and  ye  were  as  a  6re- 
 brand  plucked  out  of  the  burning ;  yet  have  ye  not 
 returned  unto  me,  laith  the  Lord. 
 
 B 
 
 milh  the 
 captivity 
 of  your 
 horses, 
 a  Gen. 
 19.24,^5 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  IV.  Ver.  1—3.  Badian  was  remark¬ 
 able  for  the  riebnefs  of  its  treafures,  and  its  fine  bread  of  cattle.  Ungodly  men, 
 ambitious,  unjud,  licentious,  and  oppr^lTive,  are  often  compared  to  full  fed  cattle, 
 Ffal.  xxii.  12.  Ezek.  iziir.  18.  However  infolent  or  powerful  they  may  be 
 they  fhall  .be  taken  and  deflroyed  as  ealily  as  tithes  are  caught  by  the  book, 
 Ifa.  xxvii.  29.  Jer.  zvi.  16.  As  cattle  tlrive  to  get  out  at  every  breach  in  the 
 fence  of  their  inclofure,  fo  Ifrael  would  endeavour  to  efcape  from  their  defenced 
 cities  when  hefieged  by  the  enemy.  Ver.  4,  S.  Warned  of  their  danger  they  are 
 here  left  to  follow  their  idolatrous  inclinations,  compare  Ecclef.  zi.  9,  10. 
 Ver.  6— S.  Thefe  and  the  following  verfes  of  this  chapter,  refer  to  fever^l 
 judgments,  which  had  come  already  on  the  people,  to  reclaim  them  from  tin 
 The  regular  return  of  rain  after  leed-lime  and  before  harveft,  was  of  the  laft 
 importance  to  Ifrael.  See  Jer.  v.  24.  Hof.  vi.  3.  Joel  ii.  23.  Ver.  9.  Compare 
 Joel.  i.  Ver.  II.  Compare  Ifa.  z.  17,  18.  Ver.  12.  An  intimation  that  the 
 long-fuffering  of  God  was  about  a  clofe,  that  be  was  comine  out  of  his  place  to 
 render  juft  judgment ;  let  the  people  therefore  prepare  to  meet  him  by  entire  fob- 
 mitnon,  imploring  mercy  ;  or  if  hardened  in  tin,  prepare  to  withftand  or  endure 
 bis  vengeance. 
 
 12  Therefore  thus  will  I  dp  unto  thee,  O  Ifrael:  Before 
 attd  becaufe  I  will  do  this  unto  thee,  prepare  to  meei  ci,riA 
 thy  God,  O  ifrael.. 
 
 13  For,  lo,  he  that  formeth  the  mountains,  and 
 createth  the  1|  wind,  and  declareth  unto  man  what  is  J 
 his  thought,  that  maketh  the  morning  darknefs,  and*^’^'* 
 treadeth  upon  the  high  places  of  the  earth.  The  Lord, 
 
 The  God  of  hofts,  is  his  name.*  ’ 
 
 CHAP.  V. 
 
 1  af  lamentation  for  Israel,  4  An  ethortaiion  to  repentance,  21  God 
 rejecteth  their  hypocritical  service. 
 
 Hear  ye  this  word  which  I  take  upagainfl.  you, 
 even  a  lamentation,  O  houfe  of  Ifrael. 
 
 2  The  virgin  of  Ifrael  is  fallen  ;  (he  (hall  no  more 
 rife :  (he  is  forfaken  upon  her  land  ;  there  is  none  to 
 raife  her  up. 
 
 3  For  thus  faith  the  Lord  God,  The  city  that  went 
 out  by  a  thoufand  (hall  leave  an  hundred,  and  ihat 
 which  went  forth  by  an  hundred  (hall  leave  ten,  to  the 
 houfe  of  Ifrael. 
 
 4  For  thus  faith  the  Lord  unto  the  houfe  of  If- 
 rael,  Seek  ye  me,  and  ye  (hall  live : 
 
 5  But  feek  not  *  Beth-e),  nor  enter  into  Gilgal,  and  «  Chap, 
 pafs  not  to  Beer-(heba :  for  Gilgal  (hall  furely  go"*'^’ 
 into  captivity,  and  Beth-el  (hall  come  to  nought. 
 
 6  Seek  the  Lord,  and  ye  (hall  live:  left  he  break 
 out  like  fire  in  the  houfe  of  Jofeph,  and  devour  r/, 
 and  there  be  none  to  quench  it  in  Beth-el. 
 
 7  Ye  who  turn  judgment  to  wormwood,  and  leave 
 off  righteoufnefs  in  the  earth, 
 
 8  Seek  him  that  maketh  the  ‘’(even  (tars  and  Orion, 
 and  turneth  the  (hadow  of  death  into  the  merning, 
 and  maketh  the  day  dark  with  night:  that  '  calleth  c  CbajL 
 for  the  vraters  of  the  fea,  and  poureth  them  out  upon 
 the  face  of  the  earth  ;  The  Lord  is  his  name. 
 
 9  That  ftrengtheneth  the  f  fpoiled  againft  the  ftrong,  t  Heb. 
 fo  that  the  fpoiled  (hail  come  againft  the  fortrels. 
 
 10  They  hate  him  that  rebuketh  in  the  gate,  and 
 they  abhor  him  that  fpeakerh  uprightly. 
 
 11  Forafmuch  therefore,  as  your  treading  is  upon 
 the  poor,  and  ye  take  from  him  burdens  of  wheat ; 
 
 ^  ye  have  built  boufes  of  hewn  ftone,  but  ye  (hall  notd  Zech. 
 dwell  in  them  ;  ye  have  planted  f  plealaut  vineyards,  ^  - 
 but  ye  (hall  not  drink  wine  of  them.  li^^aris 
 
 12  For  I  know  your  manifold  tranfgreflions  ^nd  o/‘desire‘. 
 your  mighty  fins  :  they  afilift  the  juft,  they  take  1)  a  II  o^ 
 bribe,  and  they  turn  afide  the  poor  in  the  gate  ransom,. 
 their  right. 
 
 EXPLAN  ATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  V.  Ver.  1—9.  The  original  indepen¬ 
 dency  and  profperity  of  Ifrael  continued  long,  on  which  account  their  kingdom 
 is  likened  to  a  virgin.  (Ifa.  xzii.  12.  Ixviii.  1.  Jer.  Ixvi.  11.)  but  now  they  are 
 deftined  to  fall  and  rife  no  more.  Before  final  vengeance  overtook  them, 
 various  judgments  bad  awakened  them  exceedingly  ;  and  after  the  invafion  and 
 conqueft  of  their  land  by  Aflyrio,  their  number  was  greatly  reduced.  While 
 the  prophet  warns  them  of  thefe  things,  he  calls  them  to  feek  God.  not  idols, 
 as  the  only  method  of  avoiding  utter  deftrudlion.  God  alone  rules  over  all; 
 and  is  therefore  the  only  proper  objedl  of  hope  or  fear.  He  formed  the  hoft  of 
 heaven:  diredis  all  their  revolutions;  day  and  night  obey  bis  commandment; 
 the  clouds  pour  forth  their  treafuies  to  fupply  his  people’s  wants,  or  execute 
 righteous  punilhment  upon  his  enemies;  he  raifetb  the  oppreifed  above  their 
 haughty  con^juerors,  whofe  moft  powerful  fortrefs  is  iolwfficient  to  proteA 
 them  from  the  vengeance  of  thofe  whom  they  had  provoked  by  their  cruelty. 
 A  nation  therefore  whofe  defence  is  the  Almighty  has  nothing  to  dread  ;  he  will 
 deliver  her  from  all  her  enemies,  and  proteA  her  from  all  evil.  Ver.  10—12. 
 The  gate  of  the  city  in  ancient  times  was  the  place  for  the  diftrihution  of  juftice, 
 and  the  defpatch  of  public  bufinefs,  Deut.  zxii.  13.  Ifa.  xxv.  7.  In  fome 
 
 PRACTICAL  observations. — •  Chap.  IV.]  God  alwiys  in  the  end  appears  the  patron  of  tbe  injured.  Great  men  often  take  infernal  pleafure  t* 
 reader  their  inferiors  niiferable.  And  what  they  get  by  extortion  is  uiually  expended  on  intemperance  and  luxury.  In  diverfified  forms,  increafingly  dreadful,  God 
 can  punifti  and  deftrny  bis  obftinate  adverfaries ;  and  be  can  wonderfully  diftinguifh  men  in  bis  mercies  or  judgments.  Whether  therefore  be  add  to  bis  rengeance, 
 •r  Covereignlf  meet  us  in  mercy,  let  us  prepare  for  bis  coming,  all  awed  by  bis  greatnels  and  bis  glory. 
 
^od  rejcctelh  Israel's  hypocritical  service. 
 
 AMOS. 
 
 Their  vaantonness  punished  vo’th  desolation. 
 
 1 3  Therefore  the  prudent  (hall  keep  filence  in  that 
 
 for  it  is  an  evil  time. 
 
 57.  10. 
 
 Jloinans 
 
 12.  9« 
 
 fefore 
 
 Chfift  time  i  •'•••  - - 
 
 «''•  14.  Seek  good,  and  not  evil,  that  ye  may  live  ;  and 
 
 fo  the  Lord,  the  God  of  hofts  Ihall  be  with  you,  as 
 
 ,pfa!ffls  flate^the  evil,  and  love  the  good,  and  eftablilh 
 
 ^judgment. in  the  gate  :  it  may  be  that  the  Lord  God 
 of  hofts  will  be  gracious  unto  the  remnant  of  Jofeph. 
 
 16ThereforetheLoRD,theGod  of  hofts,  the  Lord, 
 faith  thus,  Wailing  shall  be  in  all  ftreets ;  and  they 
 (hall  fay  in  all  the  highways,  Alas!  alas!  and  they  (hall 
 call  the  huibandman  to  mourning,  and  fuch  as  are 
 Ik'.lful  of  larnentation  to  wailing. 
 
 17  And  in  all  vineyards  shall  be  wailing '  for  I  will 
 pafs  through  thee,  (aiih  the  Lord. 
 
 18  f  Woe  unto  you  that  defire  the  day  of  the  Lord  1 
 to  what  end  is  it  for  you  ?  the  day  of  the  Lord  ts 
 darknefs,  and  not  light. 
 
 19  As  if  a  man  did  flee  from  a  lion,  and  a  bear  met 
 him  ;  or  went  into  the  houfe,  and  leaned  his  hand  on 
 the  wall,  and  a  ferpent  bit  him. 
 
 20  Shall  not  the  day  of  the  Lord  be  darknefs,  and 
 not  light  ?  even  very  dark,  and  no  brightnefs  in  it  ?  ^ 
 
 21  ^  s  I  hate,  1  defpife  your  feaft  days,  and  I  will 
 not  II  I'mell  in  your  folemn  aflemblies._ 
 
 22  Though  ye  offer  me  burnt-offerings,  and  your 
 iur,  meat-offerings,  I  will  not  accept  thenii  neither  will  I 
 
 j-egard  the  ||  peace-offerings  of  your  fat  beafts. 
 
 UiydMys.  23  Take  thou  away  from  me  the  noife  of  thy  fongs, 
 for  I  will  not  hear  the  melody  of  thy  viols. 
 
 24  But  let  judgment  f  run  down  as  waters,  and 
 righteoufbefs  as  a  mighty  ftream. 
 
 25  ”  Have  ye  offered  unto  me  facrifices  and  offer¬ 
 ings  in  the  wildernefs  forty  years,  O  houfe  of 
 Ifrael  ? 
 
 26  But  ye  have  borne  II  the  tabernacle  of  your 
 Moloch  and  Chiun  your  images,  the  ftar  of  your 
 
 '■  god,  which  ye  made  to  yourfelves :  ^ 
 
 27  Therefore  will  I  cauie  you  to  go  into  captivity 
 beyond  Damalcus,  faith  the  Lord,  whofe  name  is 
 I'he  God  of  hofts.* 
 
 CHAP.  VI. 
 
 1  The  wantonness  of  Israel,  7  shall  be  punished  with  desolation  ;  12  their 
 ■  Luke  perversion  of  justice  with  affliction, 
 
 J  ol;  ‘  to  them  that  H  are  at  eafe  in  Zion,  and 
 
 l&e  secure.  W  truft  in  the  mountain  of  Samaria,  which  are 
 
 ( Ifaiah 
 S.  19- 
 Jeretn. 
 IT.  5. 
 Joe\ 
 t,  2. 
 Cepb. 
 i.  15. 
 
 Ifalah 
 
 1.  II. 
 Jerem. 
 6.  20. 
 
 I  Or, 
 
 I  Or. 
 ^ank- 
 tfftTings, 
 fHeb. 
 nil. 
 
 I  AAs 
 ».  43. 
 
 f  Or, 
 iiccuth 
 j/tur  king. 
 
 named  1!  chief  of  the  nations,  to  whom  the  houfe  of 
 
 Ifrael  came  1  o  ,  r  u 
 
 2  Pafs  ye  unto  Calneh,  and  fee ;  and  from  thence . — 
 
 go  ye  to  Hamath  the  great :  then  go  down  to  Gath  of  J 
 the  Philiftines  :  be  they  better  than  thefe  kingdoms  ?  ^ 
 or  their  border  greater  than  your  border  ?  jirst  ruHi 
 
 i  Ye  that  ®  put  far  away  the  evil  day,  and  caufecEz  kiei 
 the  U  feat  of  violence  to  come  near; 
 
 4  That  lie  upon  beds  of  ivory,  and  ftretch  H  them- 5,  ,3, 
 felves  upon  their  couches,  and  eat  the  lambs  out  of  j  Or, 
 the  flock,  and  the  calves  out  of  the  midft  of  the  ftall 
 
 5  II  Tnat  chant  to  the  found  of  the  viol,  invent 
 
 to  themfelves  inftruments  of  mufick,  like  Uavid  s  with  su- 
 
 6  Tnat  drink  ||  wine  in  bowels,  and  anoint  them-;)rr^ut(.ei 
 felves  with  the  chief  ointments  :  but  they  are  not  i 
 
 grieved  for  the  f  affliftion  of  Joleph.  ^  •  •  u  II 
 
 7  51  Therefore  now  (hall  they  go  captive  with  the inbowu 
 firft  that  go  captive,  and  the  banquet  of  them  thato/»<>w. 
 
 ftretched  themfelves  (hall  be  removed.^  r  •  u  .1,  breach! 
 
 8  *  The  Lord  God  hath  fworn  by  himfeP,  laith  the^ 
 
 Lord,  the  God  of  hofts,  I  abhor  the  excellency  of  51. 14. 
 Jacob,  and  hate  his  palaces ;  therefore  will  I  deliver 
 
 up  the  city,  with  all  t  that  is  therein.  . 
 
 9  And  it  (hall  come  to  pals,  if  there  remain  tenj^"* 
 men  in  one  houfe,  that  they  (ball  die. 
 
 10  And  a  man's  uncle  (hall  take  him  up,  and  he 
 that  burneth  him,  to  bring  out  the  bones  out  of  the 
 houfe,  and  (hall  lay  unto  him  that  is  by  the  fides  of 
 the  houfe.  Is  there  yet  any  with  thee  ?  And  he  (hall  lay. . 
 
 No.  Then  (hall  he  fay, '  Hold  thy  tongue  ;  for  H  Chap. 
 may  not  make  mention  of  the  name  ot  the  Lord,  u'or' 
 
 1 1  For,  behold,  the  Lord  coramandeth,  and  he  will  they  will 
 fmite  the  great  houfe  with  n  breaches,  and  the 
 
 houfe  with  clefts.  .  1  I  On 
 
 12  51  Shall  horfes  run  upon  the  rock  ?  will  one  plow 
 there  with  oxen  ?  for  ye  have  turned  judgment  unto 
 gall,  and  the  fruit  of  righteoufnefs  into  hemlock  ; 
 
 13  Ye  which  rejoice  in  a  thing  ot  nought,  which  lay. 
 
 Have  we  not  taken  to  us  horns  by  our  own  ftrength  ? 
 
 14  But,  behold,  I  will  raife  up  againft  you  a  nation, 
 
 O  houfe  of  Ifiael,  faith  the  Lord,  the  God  of  hofts  : 
 and  they  (hall  aSlift  you  from  the  entering  iu  of  Ha-j  Or, 
 math  unto  the  P  river  of  the  wildernefs.f 
 
 CHAP.  VII. 
 
 l  The  judgments  of  the  grashoppsrs  and  of  the  Jire,  are  diverted  by  the 
 prayer  of  Amos.  T  By  a  wall  and  plumb  line  is  sigmjiid  the  desolation 
 of  Israel,  10  Amatiah  complaineth  o:  Amos,  8(C. 
 
 countries  to  ihis  day,  the  gate  of  the  king’s  palace  is  occupied  for  a  like  purpofe. 
 Ver.  13.  A  prudent  man  would  be  cautious  how  be  fpoke,  left  by  exprelfing  his 
 difapprobation  of  the  injuftice  and  ungodlinefs  then  prevailing  he  might  endanger 
 bis  life;  or  this  may  fignify  that  he  would  be  Glecrt  and  fubmiffive,  when  juft 
 punilhment  was  executed  on  the  wicked.  Ver.  19,  Compare  Ifa.  xxiv.  17,  18. 
 Ver.  21 — 27.  Compare  Ifa.  i.  II  — 16.  xliii.  22 — 24. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  VI.  Ver.  I— 3.  The  country  of  the 
 ten  tribes,  particularly  Samaria  the  capital,  was  very  llrong  by  nature,  and 
 irerhaps  art,  whence  the  people  became  fecure  io  fin,  end  contemned  the 
 warnings  of  the  prophets.  To  be  convinced  of  their  folly,  they  are  called  to 
 contemplate  the  ruined  (late  of  other  kingdoms,  once  greater  and  more  powerful 
 than  their  own.  It  was  therefore  as  unreafonable  as  it  was  ungrateful  for  them 
 la  devote  their  wealth  to  felf-indulgence  rather  than  to  the  fervice  of  God, 
 Who  had  hitherto  defended  them.  Becaufe  of  their  wickednefs  and  impenitence, 
 he  pronounces  bis  fixed  determination  to  deftroy  them,  compare  Ifa.  v.  11—13. 
 
 Ver.  9 _ 1 1.  This  paflage  ftrongly  expr.ffes  the  univerfal  mortality  and  wreteb- 
 
 ednefs  of  Ifrael,  occafioned  by  famine  or  war.  Whole  families  will  be  cut  o  ; 
 hence  it  will  be  neceffary  for  the  diftant  relations  to  cleanfe  the  houfes  of  the 
 deceafed,  and  to  bury  their  dead  bodies  to  avoid  a  peftilence,  or  their  falling 
 into  the  hands  of  the  enemy,  1  Sam.  xxxi.  11—13.  When  the  uncle  goeth  into 
 the  houfe  of  his  nephew  to  comfort  or  remove  the  only  furviving  relation,  the 
 latter  declares  his  cafe  hopelefs,  and  that  no  relief  was  to  be  fought  from  even 
 God  himfelf,  who  bad  commanded  the  final  ruin  of  rich  and  poor,  fee  Ila. 
 Ivii.  40.  Ver.  12.  Compare  Ifa.  t.  28.  As  the  horfes  of  the  .-.ncienu  were 
 deftitute  of  fhoes,  it  was  as  impraaicable  for  them  to  run  upon  the  bard  rock  as 
 for  oxen  to  plow  it.  To  pretend  to  this  was,  however  as  reafonahle  as  to 
 make  the  exercifeof  juftics  or  religion  fubfervient  to  or.e’s  own  intereft  or  others 
 injury.  Ver.  14.  Hamath  bounded  the  country  on  the  north,  (Joel  u  20.)  the 
 river  of  the  wildernefs  called  elfewhere  (Jolh.  xv,  47.)  the  river  of  Egypt  was 
 the  fouthern  boundary. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  V.]  Sin  has  the  mod  awful  influences  to  reduce  churches  and  nations.  Yet  natioris  and  aurcr.es  are  orainarily 
 guilty  of  great  and  multiplied  iniquitie*  before  God  proceed  to  execute  public  judgments  upon  them.  Great  prudence  as  well  as  gne  is  Bee*,  ary  in  tune  o 
 Ur  wickednefs  and  trouble.  But  it  is  prelumptuous  and  dangerous  to  deride  God’s  threstenings  and  judgments,  for  they  will  infallibly  overtake  the  impenitent,  ll 
 
 we  regard  iniquity  in  cur  heart,  and  praftife  it  in  our  life  no  religious  fervices  will  avail  us.  a  i- 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.— t  Chap.  VI.]  External  privileges  are  very  apt  to  poff  up  to  pilde.  A  round  of  dilTipation  and  luxury  effeaually  alienates 
 '  the  mind  from  God,  and  fhuts  out  every  fetious  confideration,  and  every  degree  of  fympathy  with  afflidled  churches  and  nations.  No  external  re  at.ons,  c  .urc  es, 
 privileges,  or  temples,  can  prevent-bis  judgments.  He  abhors  the  form  of  godlinefs  which  is  leparated  from  bis  power.  Dreadful  is  the  ntuation  w  n  iixarmus 
 diflipation  is  exchanged  for  fword,  peftilence,  famine,  captivity  and  hell!— when  terrible  calamities  but  plunge  men  into  diabolical  afton'.(l>nnent,  and  in  ^ 
 
 pair !— when  all  are  generally  miferable,  and  none  left  to  comfort  another  !— and  when  obdinate  perverters  of  juftice,  and  proud  boafters,  are  oivine  'au  on 
 tt  a  mercilefa  foe ! 
 
The  judgment  of  the  grashoppers-  AMO^. 
 
 Thus  hath  the  Lord  God  fl]ewn  unto  me ;  and, 
 behold, 'hh  formed  n  gfalhoppei^s  ini  "the"begiri» 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 787. 
 
 ning  of  the  (hooting  up  of  the  latter  growth  ;  apd,  ib, 
 ttibas  the  latter  growth  after  the  kiiig*s  mowings., 
 
 ^  it 'C3rae  to  pal’si  that  when  they  had  made 
 an  end  of  eating  thfe  gfafs  of ‘the  larid,  then  I  faid,  O 
 Lord  God*  forgive',  I  befeech  thee  :  ||  by  whom  (hail 
 
 Jacob  anfe  ?  tor  hd  fs Titian.  ‘ 
 
 The  Lord  repebted  for  this:  it  (hall  not  be, 
 
 H  Or, 
 
 tuha  df 
 (or  for) 
 
 JacobtuUl  p  .  ,  .  - 
 
 stand  f  laith  theLoRi), 
 
 Lord  God  (hewed  unto  me; 
 and,  behold,  the  Lord .  God  billed  to  contend  by 
 (ire,  and  it  devoured  the  great  dee^j,  and  did  eat  up 
 
 a  part. 
 
 5  Then  Paid  I,  O  Lord  God,  ceafe,  I  befeech  thee : 
 by  whom  (hall  Jacob  atlfe  ?  for  he  is  (mall. 
 
 6  The  Lord  repentbd  for  this  :  Thisalfo  (hall  not 
 
 be,  faith  the'Lbrd  Gob.  '  .  ,,  y 
 
 '7  t  Thus  he  (hewbd  ine  ;  and,,  behold,  the  Lord 
 flood  upon  a  wall  madehy  a  plumb-liue,  with  a  plamb- 
 libe  in  hiS  habd.  "  .  *  . 
 
 8  And  the  Lord  Paid  unto  m^Amos,  'Vy^hat  Peeft 
 ^oiS  i  And  1  Paid,  A  plumb-line.  Then  Paid  the  Lord, 
 Behold,  I  will  Pet  a  plumb-line  in  tl^e  midft  of  my 
 peliple  IPfiiel :  I  will  not  ugdin  paft  by  them  doy  nibre. 
 
 9  And  the  high  places  of  IPaac'fhall  be  dePolate,  and' 
 the  Paniffuaries  ofTPrael  (hall  be  laid  wafte  :  and  I  will 
 rife  againft  the'hbuPe  of  Jeroboam  with 'the  (\vor(i.’ 
 
 10  11^ Then  AnTazlah,  the'  pne(t  bf'‘BHthrel,  Pent  to 
 
 Jeroboam  Idng  of  iPfael,  Paying,'  Amos  hath'conPpired 
 againfl  thee  in'  the  hiidft  of  the  houPe  of  TPrael :  the 
 land  is  hot  abib  to  bear 'all  his  w6rd£  *  ' 
 
 tl  For  this  Amos  faith,  Jbfbbbam  (hall  die  by  the 
 Pwordj  arid  lPrael‘(hall  Purely  bb  Ibd  away  ca()tive  ouf 
 of  their  own  land.  ? 
 
 12  AlPo  Amaziah  Paid  unto  Amos,  O  thou  Peer,  go,^ 
 flee  thee  away  into  the  land  of  Judah,  and  thefe  e^V' 
 bread,  and  prophePy  there : 
 
 I  Or,  13 'But  prophely  not  again  any  more  at  Beth-el : 
 
 fQ,.  jj  king’s Tl  chapel,  and  if  rs  the  t  king’s  court. 
 houseofthe  ^  Then  anlwered  Amos,  and  Paid  m  Amariah. 
 
 r?S 
 
 V’nfl 
 
 ’87.' 
 
 kingdom. 
 y  Or. 
 will  Jigs. 
 f  Heb. 
 from 
 behind- 
 
 14  i[  Then  anfwered  Amos,  and  Paid  to  Amaziah. 
 
 I  was  nb  prophef,  neith^f  teas  I  a  prophet’s  Pon  ;  but  I ' 
 was  an  herdriiari,  and  a  'gathere'r  of  )|  (ycamore  fruit : ' 
 
 15  And  the  Lord  took  trie'f  as!  followed  the  flock, 
 
 and  the  Lord  laid  unto' me.  Go,' prophecy  unto  my 
 people  IPrael.:  '  "  ‘  '  ^ ^ 
 
 hmeV,  rejectim 
 
 1.6  H.  No^  therefore,  hear,  thqa  the  word  of  the  ' 
 Lord:  Thou  Payed,  ProphePy  not  againft  IPrael,  and 
 *,drop  not,  t//y  word  againft  the  houPe  of  Ilaac. 
 
 17  Therefore,  thus  faith  the  Lord,  Thy  wife  niall^“E5^( 
 be  an  harlot  in  the  city,  and  thy  Pons  and  thy  daughters  21-2.^ 
 (hall  Palfi  by  the  Pw  trd,  and  thy  land  (hall  be  divided 
 by  linep  and  thou  (halt  die  in  a  polluted  land  :  and 
 IPrael jmall  Purely  go  into  captivity  forth  of  his  land.* 
 
 chap.  VIII. 
 
 1  By  a  bessket  of  summer-fruit  is  showed  the  near  approach  of  Israel's  end. 
 
 4  Their  oppression  of  the  poor  reproved.  1 1  A  famine  of  God’s  word 
 threatened. 
 
 Thus  hath  the  Lord  God  (hewed  unto  pie ;  and, 
 behold,  a  bafket  of  Pummer-fruit. 
 
 2^And  he  Paid,  Amos,  \\hat  Peeft  thou  ?  And  I  Paid, 
 
 A  baiket  of  Pummer-fruit,  Then  Paid  the  Lord  ppto 
 m^.  The  end  is  conie  upon  my  people  of  IPrael ;  I  will 
 nOt  again  paPs  by  them  ariy  more. 
 
 3  And  the,  Pongs  of  the  temple  f  (hall  be  hptylipgs  f  Heb. 
 in  that  day,  Pajth  (he  Lord  God:  there  shall  be  manyiAa«A,^ 
 dead  bodies  in  every  place  ;  they  (hall  caft  them  forth 
 t  with  fileace.  .  '  fHeb 
 
 4 ,1[  Hear  this,  O  ye  that  Pwallow  up  the  needy,  eyeq  be  s,v«,(. 
 to  make'  the  poof  of  the  land  to  fail, 
 
 5  Saying,  When  will  thp  'II  new-mobn  be  gone,  that  y  Or, 
 we  may  Pell  corn  ?  and  the  fabbath,  that  we  may  f  Pet 
 forth  wheat ;  making  the  ephah  PmalLand  the  (hekelj  f 
 great,  and  f  falfftyiog  the  balances  by  deceit  ?  ' 
 
 6  That  we  may  buy  the  poor  for  *  Pilv^f,  and  theperwrJi^ 
 needy  for  a  pair  of  (hoes  ;  j/ea,  and"  Pell  the  refuPe 
 the  wheat?  '  '  '  J™/. 
 
 7  The  Lord  hath  Pworn  by  the  excellency  of  Jacob,  a  Chkp. 
 Surely  I  will  never  forget  any  of  their  works.  2.  e. 
 
 8  Shall  not  the  land  trerhble  for  this)  and  eyery  one, 
 mourn  that  dwelleth  therein  ?  and  it  (hall  rife  up 
 wholly  as  a  flood  ;  and  it  (hall  be  caft  out  and  drown¬ 
 ed,  as  the  flood  of  Egypt. 
 
 9  And  it  (hall  come  to  paPs  in  that  day,  Paith  the 
 Lord  God,  that  I  will  cauPe  the  Pun  to  go  down,  at 
 noon,  and  I  will  darken  the  earth  in  the  deaf  day: 
 
 lO  And  I  will  turn  your  feafts  info  mourning,, and 
 all  your  Pongs  into  lamentation ;  and  I  will  bring  up 
 Packcloth  upon  all  loins,  and  baldncPs  upon  every  head : 
 and  I  will  make  it  as  the  mourning  of  an  only  sow,  arid  - 
 
 the  end  thereof  as  a  bitter  day.  . .  ' 
 
 11  H  Behold,  the  days  come,  Paith  the  Lord, God. 
 
 r  I  \ .  V  ' 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  VII.  Ver.  1,  2.  The  original  word 
 tranflated  here  grafhoppers,  fignifies  properly  the  lecufts  in  their  caterpillar' 
 ftate,  Ifa,  xxxiii.  4.  Nah  iii.  17.  in  wbicb  lla^  they  appear  in  and  near  Ju^ea 
 in  the  mbnUi  of  April,  which  correfponds  to  the  beginning  of  the  springing  tip  of 
 the  latter  growth  after  the  king’s  mowings,  which  were  in  March,  compare  Joel  i, 
 This  literally  relates  to  tbe- divine  judgments  by  the  locuds,  or  figuratively  to 
 the  anarchy  which  lalled  eleven  years  from  JeroboamS  death  to  his  fon’s  fettle- 
 ment  on  the  thrope.  yer.  4,  5.  This  fire  either  refers  to  the  great  drought  which 
 caufed  a  famine,  chap  iv.  6 — 8.  or  to  the  terrible  war  which  had  already  delh- ' 
 Jated  the  country,  2  Kings  xv,  29.  Ver.  7—9.  The  nation  -of  Ifrael  onder  the  ; 
 divine  care  was  like  a  wall  of  adamant,  that  bids  defiance  to  every  alTault :  but  • 
 baying  departed  from  God  and  his  pure  worlhip,  they  became  as  an  ufelefs  fabric,  j 
 fitionly  to  be  demolifiied.  Ver,  10—17.  Amaziah,  whofe  duty  it  was  to  warn  the 
 people  of  tbe  danger  of  continuing  in  fin,  oppofed  and  mifreprefented  Amos,  by 
 which  however  he  procured  nothing  but  greater  mifery  to  bimfelf  and  family.  ' 
 
 Similar  wretchednefs  was  frequently  declared  to  be  tbe  lot  of  thofe  who  oppofed 
 the  faithfiil  prophets  of  tbe  Lord  ;  and  was  indeed  the  jufi  reward  of  their  works, 
 compare  Jer.  zx.  6.  xxix.  32. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  VIII.  Ver.  1—3.  Tne  baiket  of  fum. 
 mer,  or  fully  ripe  fruit,  reprefented  the  people  prepared  by  their  fins  fordeflruc- 
 tion.  Their  place- of  worlhip  would  be  filled  with  the  bowlings  of  defpair,  not 
 fupplications  of  aid,  chap.  vi.  9—11.  The  number  of  the  dead,  or  the  miieryof 
 the  iivtog,  would  prevent  tbe  latter  from  (bowing  the  tail  token  of  teTpedk  for 
 their  dece'afed  friends,  by  attending  to  fuuerpl  rites,  Jer.  xvi.  1—13.  Xlii.  1—19. 
 Ver,  4—6.  See  Lev.  xxv.  39,  Neb.  ziii.  15,  16.  Ver.  8.  An  enemy  invading, 
 and  fpbduing  a  country,  is  often  compared  to  a  river  overflowing  its  banks,  and* 
 fpreadiog  defolation  wherever  it  reaches,  chap.  ix.  5.  Jer.  zlvii.-  2.  Ver.  9. 
 Compare  If^.  xiii.  10.  Ver.  11— They  had  rejedled  the  prophets  whom 
 God  bad  feiit,  and  he  intimates  that  the  time  approached,  when  not  one  prophet 
 would  be  found  in  their  country.  They  bad  divided  tbemfelves  to  idols,  God 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  VII.]  God  executes  diverfified  judgments  on  obftinate  finners;  and  commonly  direAs  his  (Irokes  in  a  gradual 
 manner.  Yet  often  the  earnefl  fupplications  of  God*s  minifiers  divert  his  vengeance  for  a  time.  And  even  the  low  and  diHreiled  cafes  of  halions  and  churches  area 
 pleti  with  his  mercy.  But  at  lad  utter,  though  juft  deftrudlion,  (hall  overtake  the  incorrigible  revolters  (rom  his  law  ;  and  neither  temples  nor  palaces  can  protedl  from 
 ruin,  but  concur  to  render  them  more  milerable*  Ptirious  perfecution  is  the  common  reward  of  minifters  faithful  warnings  and  fervent  prayers,  from  their  wicked 
 neighbours.  And  none  are  more  ready  to  wreft  their  words,  and  accufe  and  perfecute  them  as  traitors,  than  profane  clergynyen,  as  their  (idelity  and  diligence  are  a 
 Handing  repro  ch  to  tbemfeWei.  Tbey>.wbo  are  prompted  to  all  their  religion  by  carnal  hopes  of  provifion  or  preferment,  are  apt  to  imagine  everybody  as  mean  and 
 ielfilh  as  tbemfelves.  But  it  is  a  great  comfort,  efpecially  in  evil  times,  for  minifters  tu  have  had  a,clear  call  to  their  work.  And  if  men,-  even  the  greateft,  oppofe 
 th^m,  God  will  atteft  their  million  and  mefiages  ia  tbe  fearful  ruin  of  their  enemies.  And  it  is  at  our  infinite  hazard  to  aCtempt  filencing  even  tbe  weakeft  whom 
 God  bath  commanded  to  fpeak. 
 
certainty  of  Israel* s  desolation. 
 
 Before  that  I  will  fend  a  famine  in  the  land,  not  a  famine  of 
 ci.nft  bread,  nor  a  third  for  water,  but  ol  hearing  the  words 
 
 ,  of  the  Lord  ;  .  r  r  r  j  r 
 
 12  And  they  fhall  wander  from  fea  to  lea,  and  trom 
 
 the  north  even  to  the  eaft  ;  they  (hall  run  to  and  fro 
 to  feek  the  word  of  the  Lord,  and  fhall  not  nod  it. 
 
 13  In  that  day  (hall  the  fair  virgins  and  young  men 
 
 faint  for  third.  . 
 
 14  They  that  fwear  by  the  fin  of  Samaria,  and  lay, 
 Thy  god,  O  Dan,  liveth  ;  and,  The  manner  of  Beer- 
 {heba  liveth  ;  even  they  (hall  fall,  and  never  rile  up 
 
 CHAP.  IX. 
 
 1  The  cerlninly  of  Israel's  desolation.  11  The  restoring  of  the  tabernacle 
 <f  David,  and  of  the  captivity  of  Israel. 
 
 T  SAW  the  Lord  (tanding  upon  the  altar ;  and  he  i 
 1  faid,  Smite  the  H  lintel  of  the  door,  ^that  thejiods 
 
 J  Or. 
 
 clmpder 
 or,  knop. 
 
 U  Or, 
 
 (pound 
 
 theta. 
 
 S  Pfaltn 
 139.  8, 
 
 .  &c. 
 
 may  (hke :  and  H  cut  them  in  the  head,  all  of  them 
 
 he 
 
 that 
 
 b  Jerem. 
 
 44.  11. 
 
 and  I  will  (lay  the  lad  of  them  with  the  fword 
 that  fleeth  of  them  (had  not  flee  away  ;  and  he 
 efcapeth  of  them  (hall  not  be  delivered. 
 
 2  ®  Though  they  dig  into  hell,  thence  (hall  mine 
 hand 'take  them;  though  they  climb  up  to  heaven, 
 thence  will  I  bring  them  down  : 
 
 3  And  though  they  hide  themfelves  in  the  top  of 
 Carmel,  1  will  fearch  and  take  them  out  thence;  and 
 though  they  be  hid  from  my  fight  in  the  bottom  of  j 
 the  fea,  thence  will  I  command  the  ferpent,  and  he  ^ 
 
 (hall  bite  them :  .  .  r  u  • 
 
 4  And  though  they  go  into  captivity  before  their 
 
 enemies,  thence  will  I  command  the  fword,  and  it  diall 
 flay  them  :  and  I  will  fet  mine  eyes  upon  them  for 
 
 evil,  and  not  for  good.  „  .  ,  ,  .  .u 
 
 5  And  the  Lord  God  of  hods  is  he  that  toucheth 
 the  land,  and  it  (hall  melt,  and  all  that  dwell  therein 
 (hall  mourn  ;  and  it  (hall  rife  up  wholly  like  a  flood, 
 and  (hall  be  drowned,  as  by  the  flood  of  Egypt. 
 
 AMOS.  Tbe  restoration  of  the  tabernacle  of  Davids  ^c. 
 
 6  It  is  he  that  buildeth  his  II  t '  dories  in  the  heaven, 
 and  hath  founded  his  H  troop  in  the  earth  ;  he  that 
 calleth  tor  t.he  waters  of  the  fea,  and  poureth  them  out 
 upon  the  face  of  the  earth  ;  The  Lord  is  his  name.  U 
 
 7  Are  ye  not  as  children  of  the  Ethiopians  unto  me,^ 
 
 O  children  of  Ifrael?  (aith  the  Lord.  Have  not  \atcentiont 
 brought  up  Ifrael  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt  ?  and  thee  Pfaitn 
 Philidines  from  Caphtor,  and  the  Syrians  from  Kir 
 
 8  Behold,  the  eyes  of  the  Lord  God  are  upon  the|!„„jL 
 finful  kingdom,  and  1  will  dedroy  it  from  off  the  faced  Chap, 
 of  the  earth  ;  Caving,  that  I  will  not  utterly  dedroy  the 
 
 I  houfe  of  Jacob,  faith  the  Lord.  _  rr  u  l  /•  47.V 
 *  9  For,  lo,  I  will  command,  and  I  will  fiift  the  houle  |  Heb. 
 
 ■of  Ifrael  among  all  nations,  like  as  corn  is  fifted  in  acawew 
 '  fieve,  yet  fliall  not  the  lead  t  grain  fall  upon  the  earth. 
 
 10  All  the  finners  of  mv  people  (hall  die  by  thejj^^^  ' 
 fword,  which  fay.  The  evil  (liall  not  overtake  nor  pre¬ 
 1 1  H  r  In  that  day  will  I  raife  up  the  tabernacle  of ,  ^ 
 
 David  that  is^Vallen,  and  t  dole  up  the  breaches 
 thereof:  and  I  will  raife  up  bis  ruins,  and  I  will  build  Aedgf,  or, 
 
 it  as  in  the  days  of  old  ;  c 
 
 12  That  they  may  polTefs  the  remnant  of  Edom, 
 
 and  of  all  the  heathen,  f  which  are  called  by  my  name,  t  ^eb. 
 faith  the  Lord  that  doeth  this. 
 
 13  Behold,  the  days  come,  faith  the  Lord,  that  the  name  is 
 plowman  fhall  overtake  the  reaper,  and  the  treader  ofca//«rf. 
 grapes  him  that  f  foweth  feed  ;  sand  the  rnountainsf  Heb. 
 (hall  drop  y  fweet  wine,  and  all  the  hills  lhall  melt. 
 
 14  And  I  will  biing  again  the  captivity  of  my  peo-g  joei 
 pie  of  Ifrael,  and  they  diall  build  the  wafie  cities,  and  3.  is. 
 inhabit  them  :  and  they  (hall  plant  vineyards,  and  drink 
 
 the  wine  thereof;  they  (hall  alfo  make  gardens,  and” 
 eat  the  fruit  of  them. 
 
 1. 
 
 And  I  will  plant  them  upon  their  land,  and  they 
 
 fhall  no  more  be  pulled  up  out  of  their  land,  which 
 have  given  them,  faith  the  Lord  thy  God.' 
 
 I 
 
 threatens  to  deliver  them  up  to  their  own  counfels ;  and  in  vain  would  they  feek 
 to  know  his  mind  any  longer.  To  be  without  divine  direaion  is  the  completion 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  IX.  Ver.  1—15.  This  chapter  feems 
 to  refpea  Judah  as  well  as  Ephraim;  the  full  accomplilhment  of  the  judgment 
 threatLed,  is  when  the  church  of  God  was  to  be  built  up  in  the  days  of  Meffiab,  | 
 compare  ver.  11,12.  and  Aas  xv.  1 6,  1 7.  The  prophet  beholds  the  Lord  Hand-  j 
 ing  upon  the  altar  of  the  temple  of  Jerufalem,  the  only  place  which  he  chofe  as  , 
 tlie  feat  for  religious  worfliip.  His  pofture  intimated,  that  he  had  forfaken  his  j 
 place  of  refidence  in  the  holy  of  holies,  and,  that  the  altar  was  no  longer  to  be  ufed  ! 
 for  facrifice  ;  as  he  would  no  more  be  propitious  to  the  worlhippers.  Their  ruin 
 was  inevitable;  every  attempt  in  them  to  avoid  it  would  be  vain.  He  bad  let  his 
 eyes  upon  them  for  evil,  not  as  formerly  for  good  ;  and  his  power  to  execute  ven¬ 
 
 geance  was  almighty,  and  therefore  irrefiflible.  He  no  longer  acknowledged  If¬ 
 rael  as  his  people,  nor  had  they  any  reafon  to  expedl  his  favour  on  account  of  his 
 paa  kindnefs  to  them,  for  he  had  fhewed  kindnefs  to  other  nations,  whom  for  their 
 fins  he  had  utterly  reje<51ed;  The  apoaate  Ifraelites  juRly  merited  a  fimilarfate, 
 but  thofe  who  continued  faithful  he  would  gracioufly  preferve.  Though  fcattered 
 among  all  nations  not  one  of  them  w’ould  he  loa.  Nor  would  their  hopes  of  Mef- 
 fiah  be  difappointed.  He  diall  come,  and  his  kingdom  profper,  and  be  enlarged 
 by  the  accelTion  of  the  Gentiles  to  the  faithful  among  the  Jews.  And  in  his  reign 
 the  captivity  of  the  Ifraelites  fhall  end  ;  they  diall  be  redored  to  their  own  land, 
 and  become  unfeignedly  devoted  to  the  fervice  of  the  God  of  their  fathers.  TbQ 
 curfe  pronounced  in  this  chapter  has  been  verified,  and  the  bleding  will  not  be 
 forgotten;  for  God  is  faithful  and  unchangeable. 
 
 PR  APTTP  AT  OT5SERVATI0NS  — *  Chap.  VlII.l  Whatever  God  diews  us  ought  to  be  carefully  obferved.  His  patience  wears  out  at  length  ;  and  obdi- 
 
 mifJrv  and  finful  mirth,  in  howling  and  ignominious  death.  Yea  hopelefs  is  the  cafe,  when  fearful  calamities  only  render  men 
 fullen‘"and  L^vidi  Carnafmen  heartily  L’te  God  and  his  ordinances.  Sabbath  and  holy  duties  are  intolerable  burdens;  and  merchandife,  even  the  bafeft,  is  to  them 
 
 a  cordkl  pleafure.  Nor,  when  nations  are  ripening  for  ruin,  do  they  ever  fail  to  opprefs  God’s  poor  people.  But  riches  got  by  rapine  -.11  bring  on  rum.  And 
 let  the  opp/effion  be  ever  fo  high,  the  flood  of  God’s  wrath  fliall  overwhelm  them.  They  who  would  not  tremble  for  the  fins  of  the  land  fhall  tremble  under  its 
 iudgments  And,  if  men  hate  God’s  word  and  ordinances,  they  and  every  impudent  idolater,  mufl  expedl  to  be  deprived  of  them,  and  haflened  into  eternal  mifery. 
 T^RAPTTPAT  OT5SERVATIONS. _ f  Chap.  IX.l  Obftinate  wickednefs  iffues  at  laft  in  dreadful  and  unavoidable  ruin.  It  avails  us  not  who  may  be  lor  us. 
 
 tl'.eirtho'’ughtl?’^  Bm  mTrtellJiiflTG^orpre'ferves  bis  elea” amidft  the  moft'fearful  lhakings,  confufions  and  miferies.  When  all  feems  defperate,  he  wonderfully  re¬ 
 vives  bis  church,  and  blelTes  her  with  all  fpiritual  bleflangs  in  Chrifl  Jefus.  And  great  fliall  be  the  glory  of  the  millenial,  and  efpec.ally  of  the  eternal  period,  in  which 
 not  one  good  thing  promifed  fliall  remain  unfulfilled. 
 
 10  B  27 
 
THE  ARGUMENT. 
 
 Tin-  hook  of  Obadiah  h  a  prophecy  again/},  the  Edomites,  \ioho  were  neighbours  of  the  Jews,  and  defended  from  Efuu, 
 Jacob’’ s  brothel- ;  Jor  xvhich  rcajhn  the  prophet fays,  that  the  Jews  voere  their  brethren.  Obadiahforelels,  that  God  would 
 root  out  the  Edomites  becaufe  of  their  pride,  and  particidarly  becauje  they  rejoiced  at  the  ruin  of  the  Jews,  and  had 
 even  helped  to  dejlroy  them  ;  xdiich  might  incline  us  to  believe,  that  he  lived  after  the  dcf  ruciion  of  Jci-ufalem :  but  as 
 Joel,  chap.  iii.  19.  and  Amos,  chap.  i.  11,12.  reprove  and  threaten  the  Edomites  in  the  fame  manner,  and  the  prophecy 
 of  Obadiah  is  placed  immediately  after  that  of  Joel  and  Amos,  we  nnflfuppofe  thefe  three  prophets  lived  at  the  fnne 
 time  ••  and  that  what.isjaid  in  this  book  cf  the  miferies  that  had  befallen  the  Jews  relates  to  fame  other  calamities 
 which  they  had  been  expqfed  to,  as  xvc  read,  2  Chrdn.  xxi.  16,  17.  and  xxv.  21.  Obadiah  forctels  likewife,  that  the 
 Jews  Oicndd  return  into  their  own  I  xnd,  and  even  pqffefspart  oj  the  country  of  the  Edomites. 
 
 1  The  destruction  of  Jid'mi,  3  fort'ieir  pride,  10  and  fur  their  unnatural 
 behaviour  in  Jacob's  distress.  17  Tne  salvation  and  victories  (f  Jacob, 
 
 Before 
 
 Clifift 
 
 587. 
 
 a  Jereiii. 
 49.  14. 
 
 b  Jerein. 
 49.  16. 
 
 c  Jerem. 
 49.  4. 
 
 ^  Or, 
 
 ’’HE  vifion  of  Obadiah.  Thus  faith  the  Lord 
 God  concerning  Edom,  »  We  have  heard  a 
 rumour  from  the  Lord,  and  an  ambafbidor  is  fent 
 amoP/g  the  heathen  ;  Arife  ye,  and  let  us  rife  up  againld 
 her  in  battle. 
 
 2  Behold  I  have  made  thee  fmall  among  the  hea¬ 
 then  :  tnou  art  greatly  defpifed. 
 
 3  H  The  pride  of  thine  heart  hath  deceived  thee, 
 thou  that  dwelleft  in  the  clefts  of  the  rock,  vvhofe 
 habitation  is  high  ;  that  faith  in  his  heart,  Who  fhall 
 bring  me  down  to  the  ground  ? 
 
 4  ^  Though  thou  ex  lit  thyself  as  the  eagle,  and 
 though  thou  fet  thy  neti  among,  the  ftars,  thence  will 
 I  bring  thee  down  faith  the  Lord. 
 
 5  If  thieves  came  to  thee.  If  robbers  by  night 
 (how  art  thou  cut  off  !)  would  they  not  have  ttolen 
 till  they  had  enough.?  if  the  grdpe  gatherers  came  to 
 
 gleanings  thee,  would  they  not  leave  [J  some  grapes  ? 
 fHeb.  g  How  are  the  things  of  Elau  fearched  out!  how 
 are  his  hidden  things  lought  up! 
 t  Heb.  7  All  the  men  of  thy  confederacy  have  brought 
 the  men  {hgg  to  the  border;  t  the  men  that  were  at  peace 
 with  thee  have  deceived  thee,  and  prevailed  agaiifft 
 tife;  \  they  t/i  teat  thy  bread  have  laid  a  wound 
 under  thee  :  there  is  none  underftanding  ||  in  him. 
 
 8  Shall  I  not  in  that  day,  faith  the  Lord,  even 
 deltroy  the  wile  men  out  of  Edom,  and  underllatid- 
 ing  out  of  the  mount  of  Elan  ? 
 
 9  And  thy  mighty  men,  O  Teman,  fhall  be  dif- 
 mayed,  to  the  end  that  every  one  in  the  mount  of 
 Efau  may  be  cut  off  by  slaughter. 
 
 10^  For  thy  ^  violence  againft  thy  bro'her  Jacob 
 fname  fhall  cover  thee,  and  thou  lhaltbecut  off'  for  ever. 
 1 1  In  the  day,  that  thou  Itoodeft  on  the  other  fide, 
 day  that  the  ftrangers  ||  carried  away  captive 
 substance,  his  forces,  and  foreigners  entered  into  his  gates,  and 
 
 of  thy 
 bread, 
 
 II  Or, 
 of  it. 
 d  Ifaiah 
 29.  14. 
 Jerem. 
 49.  7. 
 e  Gen. 
 27.  41. 
 iEzekiel 
 S5.  5. 
 Amos 
 1.  11. 
 
 «  On 
 
 carried 
 away  his 
 
 Explanatory  notes.  Ver.  l-,— 17.  The  prophef  reprefems  God 
 
 fummoning  the  nations  lo  fight  againfl  the  Edomites.  They  had  beaded  in 
 tlieir  fecurity  from  the  Invafion  of  an  enemy,  which  the  mountainous  nature  of 
 tlreir  country  afforded;  but  ail  fuch  boafting  was  vain  ;  for  God  bad  determined 
 tlieir  overthrow,  and  his  counfel  is  unalterable.  As  a  nation  tliey  are  threatened 
 with  utter  extirpation,  becaufe  of  their  cruel  and  unnatural  condiidl  to  tlie 
 Jews  in  their  didrefs.  This  propheev  was  verified.  Edom,  or  Idumea,  w  as  laid  j 
 walls  by  Nebuchadnezzi.r.  Tue  NaLatheans  drove  out  the  inhabitants,  who  [ 
 
 caff  lots  upon  Jerufalem,  even  thou  waft  as  one  of  ’ 
 them.  .‘-'■'fid 
 
 12  But  II  thou  fhonldeft  not  have  looked  on  the,^,l!!l^ 
 day  of  thy  brother  in  the  day  that  he  became  all  Or, 
 ftranger  ;  neither  fhouldeli  thou  have  rejoiced  over 
 
 the  children  of  Judah  in  the  day  of  their  deftru6fion 
 neither  (houldeft  thou  have  f  I'poken  proudly  in  thetHeh. 
 day  of  diftrefs.  nuuimjiei 
 
 13  Thou  fhouldeft  not  have  entered  into  the  gate 
 of  my  people  in  the  day  of  their  calamity  ;  yea,  thou 
 fhouldeft  not  have  looked  on  their  affli(ftion  in  the 
 day  of  their  calamity,  nor  have  laid  hatids  on  their 
 
 II  fubft  mee  in  ihe  day  of  their  cilamity  :  II  On 
 
 1  Neither  fhouldeft  thou  have  flood  in  the  crols-^""’"^’ 
 way,  to  cut  off  thole  of  his  that  did  el'cape ;  neither 
 fhouldeft  thou  have  ll  delivered  up  thofe  of  his  that  II  Or, 
 did  remain  in  the  day  of  diftrefs.  “!’• 
 
 15  For  the  day  of  the  Lord  is  near  upon-  all  the 
 heathen:  ‘  as  thou  haft  done,  it  fh  dl  be  done  unto  Ezik. 
 thee  ;  thy  reward  (hall  return  upon  thine  oy^n  head. 
 
 16  For  as  ye  have  drunk  upon  my  holy  mountain  ®  ‘ 
 so  fliall  all  the  heathen  drink  continually  ;  yea,  they 
 
 fhall  drink,  and  they  ffjall  1|  (wallow  down,  and  they  ||  Or, 
 fhall  be  as  though  they  had  not  been. 
 
 17  ^1  But  upon  mount  Zion,  fhall  be  II  deliverance,  h  Or, 
 and  11  there  fhall  be  holinefs  ;  and  the  houfe  of  Jacob 
 (ball  poft’efs  their  pofleflions. 
 
 J8  And  the  houfe  of  Jacob  fhall  be  a  fire,  and  thett/iu/y. 
 houfe  of  Jofeph  a  flame,  and  the  houfe  of  Efau  for 
 ftubble,  and  .  they  fhall  kindle  in  them,  and  devour 
 them  ;  and  there  fhall  not  be  any  remaining  of  the 
 houfe  of  Efau  ;  fpr  the  Lord  hath  fpoken  it. 
 
 19  And  they^-Sf  ihe  fouth  fhall  poflefs  the  mount  of 
 Efau  ;  and  they  of  the  plain  the  Pnihftines :  and  they 
 (hall  pofTefs  the  fields  cf  Ephraim,  and  the  fields  of 
 Samaria  ;  and  Benja,niin  shall  possess  Gilead. 
 
 20  And  the  captivity  of  this  hoft  of  the  children 
 of  Ifrael  shall  possess  that  of  the  Canaanites,  even  unto 
 
 took  potreflion  of  the  foiithern  parts  of  Judea,  when  the  Jews  were  in  captivity. 
 But  after  tlieir  return  they  conquered  the  Edomites,  compelled  them  to  become 
 profelytes  to  their  religion,  by  I'ubmitting  to  circumcifion ;  after  which  they 
 ceafed  to  exilT.  as  a  nation,  and  became  one  people  with  the  Jews,  compais 
 Ifa.  xxxiv.  Jer.  xxvii.  and  xlix.  7 — 22.  Ezek.  xxxix.  1 — 6.  Ver.  17 — 21.  Tliis 
 is  confidered  prophetical  of  the  reftoralion  of  the  Jews  from  the  Babylonian 
 captivity  ;  hut  it  feems  ratlier  applicable  to  their  final  redemption  under  Mt/Tiah. 
 Tue  gofpel  of  falvation  was  firll  preached  by  Jews,  and  they  will  yet  be  engaged 
 
hind,  sent  hy  Gml^o  JNmeveJ;,  fieeth  to  Tanhhh: 
 
 jjefore  Zarephatti ;  and  the  captivUv  of  Jerufalem,  |1  which 
 chrift  i,.  Sepharad,  (hall  poffefs  the  cities  oi  the 
 
 .fouth 
 
 that  ivhich  is  in  Sepharad 
 
 JONAH.  overtaken  ly  a  storm. 
 
 21  And  e  faviours  (hall  come  up  i'°n  CbliA 
 
 587.  . 
 
 g  1  Tim.  iv.  16.  Jam.  v.  20.  h  Luke  i.  3‘J. 
 
 ii'''"  .  hlpfled  work.  All  their  enemies  (hall  fall  before  them  ;  their  polfef-  i 
 
 ‘Tw^firL  larger  than  under  Jonuia  :  and  their  deliverers  will  cxercife  authority  i 
 
 ^  L  n"  ^  iiL  Ch  rift 
 
 judge  the  mount  of  Elau  ;  and  the  '■  kingdom  Ihall  be 
 the  Lord’s.’' 
 
 over  their  ancient  enemies  ;  while  they  them felvcs  will  cheerfully  fubmit  to  the 
 dominion  and  power  of  Jehovah  ;  compare  Joel  ui. 
 
 s  will  ue  laigc.  ...... -  _ _ _ _ — - - -  „  r~l  ~ 
 
 - - — - — - -  ~77  „  J  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  .  ti,p  mod  bloodv  work  he  can  intend  againfl  finners.  And  pride  and 
 
 'TTr^T^T^XlT^SERVATIONS.— *]  God  can  eafily  find  both  hearts  and  to  debafe  Uiem  ;  their  carnal  confidences  but  betray  them  ;  their 
 
 feSity  dangeroufiy  deceive  and  ripen  men  for  defiruaion  Their  to  their  ruin  ;  their  underflanding,  not  employed  to  keep  them  from  fin, 
 
 ‘S ;  ...i;  .J.  cor.rn.n  „d  p.,i6c„i,»  .r  »..in..a..  «f ,  „d  e...,  i,  .1,.  1,0...,  .b.. 
 
 ^  fuff.,  .lib  bim  ».  n.all  Ulfo  r.lffn  .ilb  h».  .»d  b.  gloNbed  .og.lb,,. 
 
 THE  ARGUMENT. 
 
 Jonah  IM  in  ac  time  ef  Jerohoam  tlefeemd  ling  oj  IJrad.^  7“ 
 
 Before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 863. 
 
 II  Called 
 Matih. 
 
 12.  39. 
 Jonas. 
 a  Gen. 
 10.11,12. 
 Chap. 
 
 3.  2,  Z. 
 f  Heb. 
 cast forth. 
 t  Heb. 
 thought  to 
 be  broken. 
 
 CHAP.  I. 
 
 1  Jonah  sent  by  God  to  Nineveh,  fieeth  to  Tarshish  ;  4  he  is  overtaken  by 
 a  tempest,  1 1  thrown  into  the  sea,  <^c. 
 
 OW  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  11  Jonah 
 ^  the  fon  of  Ammittai,  faying,  _ 
 
 2  Arife,  go  to  Nineveh,  that  ^  great  city,  and  cry 
 asaina  it ;  for  their  wickednefs  is  come  pP  before  me. 
 
 3  But  Jonah  rofe  up  to  Hee  unto  laraiilh  from  tne 
 prefence  of  the  Lord,  and  went  down  to  Joppa;  and 
 he  found  a  fhip  going  to  Tarfhiih  :  (o  he  paid  the 
 fare  thereof,  and  went  down  into  if,  to  go  with  them 
 unto  TarlhiOi  from  the  pretence  of  the  Lord. 
 
 4  f  But  the  Lord  t  lent  out  a  great  wind  into  the 
 fea,  and  there  was  a  mighty  tempett  in  the  lea,  to  that 
 
 the  aiip  was  j-  like  to  be  broken.  ,  •  , 
 
 5  Then  the  mariners  were  atraid,  and  cried  every 
 man  unto  his  god,  and  caa  forth  the  wares  that  were 
 in  the  (hip  into  the  fea,  to  lighten  of  them :  but  Jo¬ 
 nah  was  gone  down  into  the  fides  of  the  Ihip ;  and  he 
 
 lav,  and  was  faa  atleep.  _ 
 
 6  So  the  aiipmaaer  came  to  him,  and  (aid  unto  him, 
 What  meanea  thou,  O  deeper  ?  arife,  call  upon  thy 
 God,  if  to  be  that  God  will  think  upon  us,  that  we 
 
 perilh  not.  ,  •  r  u 
 
 7  And  they  faid  every  one  to  his  fellow,  Gome, 
 
 Before 
 Chrift. 
 cir.  682. 
 
 and  let  us  caa  lots,  that  we  may  know  for  whofe 
 caufe  this  evil  is  upon  us.  So  they  calt  lots,  and  the 
 
 lot  fell  upon  Jonah.  ,  . 
 
 8  Then  faid  they  unto  him,  Tell  us,  we  pray  thee, 
 for  whole  caufe  this  evil  is  upon  us  t  What  is  thine 
 occupation?  and  whence  Cornell  thou?  what  is  thy 
 country  ?'  and  of  what  people  art  thou  ? 
 
 9  And  he  laid  unto  them,  I  am  an  Hebrew  ;  and  i 
 fear  the  Lord,  the  God  of  heaven,  which  hath  made 
 
 the  fea,  and  the  dry  toid 
 
 10  Then  were  the  men  t  exceedingly  afraid,  andt  eieb. 
 faid  unto  him,  -Why  haft  thou  done  this  ?  (For  thejf;^'^;~ 
 men  knew  that  he  fled  from  the  prefence  of  the  Lord, 
 becaufe  he  had  told  them.)  _ 
 
 1 1  H  Then  faid  they  unto  him.  What  (hall  we  do 
 
 unto  thee,  that  the  lea  t  may  be  calm  unto  us?  (lor^^^^; 
 the  fea  H  f  wrought  and  was  terapeftuous.)  sUent. 
 
 12  And  he  faid  unto  them,  Take  me  up,  and  caft/romiu.? 
 me  forth  into  the  fea  ;  lb  (hall  the  fea  be  caim  unto  II 
 
 Ulc  iuiui  niiGJ  i.ii'w  $  .  .  ^rew  more' 
 
 you  ;  for  1  know  that  for  my  fake  this  great  terapeU  and  more 
 
 upon  you.  ,  ,  ,  ,  •  . 
 
 Is  'Neverthelefs  the  men  t  rowed  hard  to  bring 
 to  the  land  ;  but  they  could  not :  for  the  fea  wroughet^j  * 
 and  v.'as  tempeftuous  againft  them.  r  -jf 
 
 14<  Wherefore  they  cried  unto  the  Lord,  and  laid  digged. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  E  Ver.  1—3.  Jonah  was  a  prophet  of 
 the  Lord  ;  be  prediaed  that  God  would  reftore  to  Krael  the  cities  which  the 
 Syrians  had  wrefted  from  them  during  the  reigns  of  Ahab,  Jehoram,  and  Jehoa- 
 lia2,  2  Kino-s  xiv.  25.  His  hiftory,  though  melancholy,  is  peculiarly  important, 
 as  we  are  warranted  bv  the  higheft  authority  to  view  him  as  an  eminent  type  of 
 the  Lord  Jefus  Chrift,’ Matih.  xii.  38— 41.  He  was  commifiioned  to  pronounce 
 divine  judgment  on  Nineveh,  a  great  city,  the  capital  of  the  AfTynans,  who 
 abounded  in  wickednefs,  and  were  particularly  diftinguilhed  as  enemies  to 
 Ifrael,  The  prophet  was  dii'obedient  to  the  heavenly  vifion,  influenced  by  a 
 
 jealoufy  left  his  honour  might  be  ftained,  by  God  in  mercy  deferring  to 
 '  execute  the  threatening,  (chap.  iv.  2.)  and  he  determined  on  a  def^erate  expe¬ 
 dient,  probablv  in  hopes  of  avoiding  the  irrtfiftible  impuH'e  of  the  prophetic 
 I'pi  it’,  which  from  natural  prejudice  he  might  imagine  was  confined  to  Judea. 
 
 I  He  rofe  up  to  flee  to  T.arlliifli  from  tiie  prefence  of  the  Lord,  that  is,  from' 
 
 '  Judea,  which  was  favoured  with  the  Ipecial  tokens  of  divine  favour.  This  was 
 1  tn  fay’the  lead  of  it,  aaing  from  a  worldly  fpirit  like  Lot.  who  left  the  fell  -w- 
 |i  (liip  of  the  church  of  God  in  Abraham’s  family  to  enjoy  the  well  watered 
 ;!  plains  of  Sodom.  The  Tarfliilli  whither  he  intended  to  go  was  perhaps  Tar- 
 
<1mah  throxcn  into  the  sea  ; 
 
 JONAH 
 
 Chi^ft  befeech  thee,  O  Lord,  we  befeecb  thee,  let  us 
 
 Ohrift 
 cir.  862. 
 
 not  perilh  tor  this  man’s  life,  and  lav  not  upon  us 
 innocent  blood  :  tor  thou,  O  Lord,  haft  done  as  it 
 plraled  thee. 
 
 15  So  they  took  up  Jonah,  and  caft  him  forth  into 
 the  lea  ;  and  the  lea  f  cealed  from  her  raging. 
 
 16  i  hen  themen  feared  the  Lord  exceedingly,  and 
 
 a  Pfalm 
 
 120.  1. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 ro/1  of 
 mine  qf- 
 Jliction. 
 
 II  Or. 
 the  grave 
 f  Heb. 
 heart. 
 b  Pfalm 
 69.  1. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 cuttings 
 off. 
 
 I.  Or, 
 the  pit. 
 
 T 
 
 t  Heb. 
 stood. 
 f  Heb. 
 sacrificed 
 a  sacrifice 
 
 ^ORD  ^  OH^red  a  facrifice  unto  the  Lord,  and  made  vows. 
 dndLuvd^  Lord  had  prepared  a  great  filh  to 
 
 lualiow  up  Jonah.  And  *’  Jonah  was  in  the  t  belly 
 b  Matth.  of  the  filh  three  days  and  three  nights.* 
 
 12.  40.  &  1 6.  4.  Luke  11.  SO.  f  Heb.  bowels. 
 
 CHAP.  II. 
 
 1  Jonah' s  proper  and  thanksgiving;  iO  his  deliverance. 
 
 HEN  Jonah  prayed  unto  the  Lord  his  God  out 
 _  of  the  fifh’s  belly. 
 
 2  And  laid,  I  »  cried  H  by  reafon  of  mine  affliftion 
 unto  the  Lord,  and  he  heard  me  ;  out  of  the  belly 
 of  II  hell  cried  I,  and  thou  heardlf  my  voice. 
 
 3  For  thou  hadlt  call  me  unto  the  deep,  in  the  f 
 midft  of  the  leas ;  and  the  floods  compafled  me  about : 
 all  thy  billows  and  thy  waves  pafled  over  me. 
 
 4  Then  I  laid,  I  am  calf  out  of  thy  fight ;  yet  I  will 
 look  again  toward  thy  holy  temple. 
 
 5  The  “  waters  compafled  me  about,  even  to  the 
 foul :  the  depth  doled  me  round  about,  the  weeds 
 were  wrapped  about  my  head. 
 
 6  I  went  down  to  the  f  bottoms  of  the  mountains ; 
 the  earth  with  her  bars  was  about  me  for  ever  :  yet 
 halt  thou  brought  up  my  life  from  II  corruption,  O 
 Lord  my  God. 
 
 7  When  my  foul  fainted  within  me  I  remembered 
 the  Lord  ;  and  my  prayer  came  in  unto  thee,  into 
 thine  holy  temple. 
 
 8  They  that  obferve  lying  vanities  forfake  their 
 own  mercy. 
 
 •  His  prayer  and  thanhgiving^ 
 
 9  But  I  will  «  facrifice  unto  thee  with  the  voice  of  R 
 
 thankfgiving  ;  I  will  pay  that  that  I  have  vowed,  Sal- 
 vaiion  is  of  the  Lord.  ’  '  cir.  so, 
 
 10  f  And  the  Lord  fpake  unto  the  filh,  and  it^TJ^ 
 vomited  out  Jonah  upon  the  dry  land.f 
 
 CHAP.  III. 
 
 I  Jonah  being  sent  again,  prcacheth  the  overthrow  <f  Nineveh.  4  H.  2* 
 their  rejwntance,  10  God  rejienteth.  Hebr' 
 
 ND  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  Jonah  ' 
 the  fecond  time,  faying, 
 
 2  Arife,  go  unto  Nineveh,  that  great  city,  and^'*' 
 preach  unto  it  the  preaching  that  I  bid  thee. 
 
 3  So  Jonah  arole,  and  went  unto  Nineveh,  accord, 
 ing  to  the  word  of  the  Lord.  (Now  Nineveh  was 
 
 j  an  t  exceeding  great  city  of  three  days’  journey.)  |Heb 
 
 4  And  Jonah  began  to  enter  into  the  city  a  day’s 
 journey,  and  he  cried,  and  faid.  Yet  forty  days,  and 
 Nineveh  (hall  be  overthrown. 
 
 5  ^  So  the  people  of  Nineveh  »  believed  God,  andaManh. 
 proclaimed  a  fait,  and  put  on  fackcloth,  from  the*^  "'!- 
 greateft  of  them  even  to  the  leaft  of  them. 
 
 6  For  word  came  unto  the  king  of  Nineveh  ;  and  ' 
 he  arofe  from  his  throne,  and  he  laid  his  robe  from 
 him,  and  covered  Mm  with  fackcloth,  and  fat  in  afhes. 
 
 7  And  he  caufed  it  to  be  proclaimed  and  f  pub- 1  Heb. 
 lifhed  through  Nineveh,  (by  the  decree  of  the  kingso^^-  . 
 and  his  f  nobles,)  faying,  Let  neither  man  or  beaft,  f 
 herd  nor  flock,  tafte  any  thing  ;  let  them  not  feed,“'^^“‘”'^’'‘ 
 nor  drink  water : 
 
 8  But  let  man  and  bead  be  covered  with  fackcloth, 
 and  cry  mightily  unto  God  ;  yea,  let  them  torn  every 
 one  from  his  evil  way,  and  from  the  violence  that  is 
 in  their  hands. 
 
 9  Who  can  tell  ?/God  will  turn  and  repent,  and  t  Joel 
 turn  away  from  his  fierce  anger,  that  we  perifh  not? 
 
 10  51  And  God  fiw  their  works,  that  they  turned 
 
 tefus  in  Spain,  for  with  that  city  the  Phenicians  carried  on  great  tr,  ffic,  Ezek. 
 xxvii,  12,  25.  Ver.  4 — 16.  Tliis  event  had  douhtlefs  the  moft  falutary  effe<5t  on 
 the  mariners.  Notwithftanding  their  intercourfe  with  the  Jews,  they  feem  to 
 have  continued  hitherto  ignorant  that  the  God  of  Ifrael  was  the  fupreme  God  ; 
 but  of  this  tl:ey  had  no  longer  room  to  doubt,  from  what  that  day  now  witiufled  ; 
 and  from  the  reverence  for  Jehovah,  and  regard  for  his  fervice  which  they  dif- 
 covered,  we  have  reafon  to  believe,  that,  wherever  they  went,  they  would  not  he- 
 fitate  to  publifh  what  they  faw  and  experienced  of  the  mercy,  power,  juftice,  holi* 
 nefs,  and  majefiy  of  God,  which  was  calculated  to  produce  the  moft  happy  eft’etfl. 
 Thus  while  Jonah’s  crooked  policy  tended  to  confine  all  just  views  of  God  among 
 his  own  people,  God  overruled  it  to  make  his  name  known  glorioufly,  and  exten- 
 fively  among  many  nations.  Ver.  17.  Tiie  original  word  tranflated  whale,  Matth. 
 xii.  40.  llgnifies  any  great  fifh.  Whales  are  fometirr.es  found  in  the  Mediterra¬ 
 nean,  where  Jonah  was  caft  away  :  but  they  are  naturally  incapable  of  fwallowing 
 a  man.  Tiiere  is  however  a  fpecies  of  the  ftiark,  common  in  that  fea,  fome  of 
 which  are  able  to  fwallow  a  man  entire.  The  prophet’s  miraculous  prefervation 
 feems  to  have  been  propagated  fo  widely  as  to  reach  even  to  Greece ;  whence  as 
 feverai  learned  men  have  obferved,  the  w’riters  of  that  country  derive  their  (lory 
 of  Hercules,  who  is  faid,  when  fhipw recked,  to  have  been  fwallowed  by  a  filh,  out 
 of  whofe  belly  he  efcaped  alive. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  II.  Ver.  1  —  10,  The  prophet  here 
 
 relates  his  exercife  of  foul  while  in  the  filli’s  belly,  exprefles  his  gratitude  for  his 
 great  and  merciful  deliverence,  and  instructs  all  from  his  own  experience,  that 
 whoever  leaned  to  their  own  wifdom,  or  put  confidence  in  idols,  purfued  a  thing 
 of  nought,  and  would  inevitably,  fooner  or  latter,  plunge  themfelves  into  mifery. 
 In  bis  afHiclion  defpondcncy  first  feized  him,  but  he  called  to  remembrance  the 
 divine  glory  in  the  temple,  whence  God  mariilested  liimfelf  gracious  in  pardoning 
 and  bleffing  his  people  ;  and  in  hope,  he  then  cried  to  the  Lord  out  of  the  belly 
 of  hell,  or  the  grave  ;  for  none  hath  hitherto  entered  the  fifh’s  belly  but  to  be 
 confumed  as  in  the  place  of  the  dead.  He  obtained  mercy,  and  well  might  he 
 aferibe  falvation  to  the  Lord.  He  fuffered  for  his  own  fins,  and  was  delivered 
 of  mere  grace  ;  his  gloiious  Antitype  died  and  was  buried  for  the  fins  of  many, 
 and  was  raifed  for  their  justification,  as  the  just  reward  of  his  own  unfpeakable 
 worth. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  III.  Ver.  1 — 10.  Nineveh  was  ac¬ 
 cording  to  Diodorus  Siculus,  larger  than  Babylon,  and  computed  60  of  our  milts 
 in  compafs.  In  obedience  to  the  divine  command,  Jonah  entered  the  city,  and 
 repeated  the  warnings  at  proper  distances  as  he  advanced.  The  inhabitants  be¬ 
 lieved  God,  and  were  moved  with  fear  ;  the  king  and  nobles  fet  the  example 
 of  repentance,  and  culled  on  their  fuhjeefts  to  imitate  them,  in  hope  of  divine 
 mercy ;  they  confefied  their  fins,  turned  from  them,  and  implored  pardon, 
 God  gracioufly  regarded  them  ;  for  his  tlireatenings  are  only  executed  on  the 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  I  ]  God’s  ministers  must  either  fend  or  bear  his  meffages  as  he  direrffs  them.  But  even  good  men  will  often 
 take  the  most  foolifh  methods  to  evade  difficult  and  dangerous  duties.  And  providence  may  feem  at  first  to  favour  their  projeifts  ;  but  rebellion  against  God  will  at 
 last  awaken  tcrible  storms  in  confcience  and  focieties;  and  faints  may  become  a  plague  to  he.nthens  themfelves,  and  need  their  rebukes  for  their  wickednefs  and  deep 
 unconcern.  In  troubles  it  highly  becomes  us  to  enquire  into  the  finful  caufe.  In  finning,  we  feldom  think  bow  mifehievous  the  confequences  may  be,  and  in  vain 
 we  indulge  the  most  fecret  wickednefs,  when  God  can  fo  e'afily  difeover  it.  Yea,  fhameful  is  it  when  ministers  and  faints  are  forced  to  confefs  their  fecret  rebellions 
 to  his  open  enemies.  But,  when  men  are  truly  humbled  for  fin,  they  will  readily  fubmit  to  either  lhame  or  fuffering  for  it.  And  if  fin  has  raifed  a  storm,  we  never 
 must  hops  for  peace  till  it  be  removed  by  reniiffion  and  repentance.  Thofe  who  acknowledge  their  guilt  with  opennefs  and  grief  are  entitled  to  our  deepeft  compafilon. 
 But  even  natural  confcience,  if  awakened,  will  startle  at  the  very  appearance  of  murder.  There  is  no  striving  against  the  counfels  of  God  ;  bis  will  must  be  done, 
 «nd,  if  with  praver  we  follow  bis  direrflion,  we  may  trust  him  with  the  iffue. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.— t  Chap.  II.]  Many  are  forced  to  pray  when  and  where  they  never  expetSled.  But  no  place  can  ffiut  out  a  faint  from 
 communion  with  Got!  :  nor  need  we  doubt  his  nearnefs  and  wiilingnefs  to  help  in  a  time  of  need.  But  how  fearful  is  it  to  fall  into  the  hands  of  the  living  God,  even  as 
 a  provoked  Father!  ii\to  what  hells,  what  depths,  what  pits  of  corruption,  defertion,  temptation,  and  afflidlion,  may  a  faint  be  plunged!  and  be  reduced,  how  near 
 the  brink  of  defpair  !  But  tr.rubles  fhould  lead  us  direcftly  to  our  God,  and  make  us  by  faith  call  to  mind  his  new  covenant  ebara<5lers  and  promifes.  To  expe<5l  hap- 
 pinefs  in  finful  courfes,  or  idolized  creatures,  is  to  forfake  our  own  mercy.  And,  if  we  run  from  our  proper  work,  we  run  from  our  fubftantial  comforts.  It  is  un- 
 reafouable  on  this  fide  of  hell,  to  indulge  defpair. 
 
Jon-1 
 
 P\;rore 
 cir.  «62. 
 
 repining  at  Go(i*s  meroj. 
 
 JONAH. 
 
 h  reproved  hy  the  type  of  a  gourd. 
 
 I  C'.isp- 
 
 1.8. 
 
 1,  E*oQ- 
 34.  fi. 
 rejm 
 86. 
 
 Joel 
 
 2.  18. 
 
 fl  Or, 
 
 Jvl  thou 
 f,really 
 angry  ? 
 
 from  their  evil  way  ;  and  God  rep-nted  of  the  evil 
 that  he  had  faid  that  he  would  do  unto  them  ;  and  he 
 did  it  not.* 
 
 CHAP.  IV. 
 
 1  Jonah  repining  at  God's  mercy,  4  he  is  reproved  by  the  type  of  a  gourd. 
 
 LJ 1'  it  dilpleafed  Jonah  exceedingly,  and  he  was 
 
 ^  very  angry.  i  r  •  i  t 
 
 And  he  prayed  unto  the  Lord,  and  laid,  1  pray 
 
 thee,  O  Lord,  Ttiris  not  thi.s  ray  faying,  when  I  was 
 vet  *in  my  country?  Therefore  I  *  fi"d  before  unto 
 Tarfhifh  :  for  I  knew  that  thou  art  a  gracious  God, 
 and  merciful,  flow  to  anger,  and  of  great  kindnels, 
 and  repenreft  thee  of  the  evil. 
 
 3  Therefore,  now,  O  Lord,  take,  I  beleech  thee, 
 my  life  from  me ;  for  it  is  better  for  me  to  die  than  to 
 
 Then  faid  the  Lord,  li  Doeft  thou  well  to  be 
 angry  ? 
 
 5  So  Jonah  went  out  of  the  city,  and  fat  on  the 
 eaft  fide  cf  the  city,  and  there  made  him  a  booth,  and 
 fat  under  it  in  the  (hadovv,  till  he  might  lee  what 
 would  become  of  the  city. 
 
 impenitent,  compare  Jer.  xviii.  1—10.  while  his  purpofe  to  punilh  finiiers  is  un- 
 
 *''eX1^LANAT0RY  NOTES.  Chap.  IV.  Ver.  1— 1 1.  Jonah  was  unquef- 
 tionably  felfifh,  and  confequently  jealous  of  his  own  honour,  prone  to  difcontent, 
 and  hy  no  means  diftinguilhed  for  benevolence  or  compaflion.  But  from  the  ho¬ 
 nourable  mention  made  of  him  by  our  Lord,  as  well  as  the  divine  condudl 
 him,  with  the  partially  good  effedl  this  had  on  him,  (comp,  chap.  ii.  4.  and  lla. 
 xTiv.  10.)  we  have  fuflicient  reafon  to  rank  him  amongthofe  beloved  of  God.  And 
 in  confidering  his  improper  condiidl,  we  ought  to  take  into  the  account  the  pecu¬ 
 liarity  of  his  fituation  ;  not  indeed  with  a  view  of  judifying  him,  which  is  irnpolh- 
 hle  hut  to  clear  his  charadler  from  unjuft  afperfions,  and  to  teach  us  moderation 
 in  judging  of  religious  charaaers.  He  was  called  to  warn  the  enemies  of  his  coun¬ 
 try  ;  and  his  improper  condua  might  partly  arife  from  the  fame  national  preju¬ 
 dices,  and  narrow  views  of  divine  fovereignty  and  grace,  that  afterwards  led  Chi.st  s 
 difciples  to  alk  liberty  to  command  fire  to  come  down  from  heaven  to  devour  thole 
 who  contemned  and  infulted  their  mafter,  and  prevented  them  long  from  cheerfully 
 
 6  And  the  Lord  God  prepared  a  ||  f  gourd,  and 
 made  it  to  come  up  over  Jonah,  that  it  might  be  a 
 fhadow  over  his  head,  to  deliver  him  from  his  grief. , — 
 
 So  Jonah  f  was  exceeding  glad  of  the  gourd.  li  dg 
 
 7  But  God  prepared  a  worm,  when  the  morning  rofe^'^^^'* 
 the  next  day,  and  it  fmote  the  gourd  that  it  withered. 
 
 8  And  it  came  to  pals  when  the  fun  did  arife,  thatf  Heb. 
 God  prepared  a  H  vehement  eaft  wind  ;  ami  the 
 
 beat  upon  the  head  of  Jonah,  that  he  fainied,  and^.^^^ 
 wifiied  in  himfelf  to  die,  and  laid,  It  is  better  for  me,)  or, 
 
 to  die  than  to  live.  ^  „  u  f?/’ 
 
 9  And  God  laid  to  Jonah,  |1  Doeft  thou  well  to  be 
 
 angry  for  the  gourd  ?  ^nd  he  faid,  |I  I  do  well  to  g^gaiiy 
 angry,  even  unto  deatn.  _  angry? 
 
 10  Then  faid  the  Lord,  Thou  haR  ||  had  pity  on  n  or. 
 the  gourd,  for  the  which  thou  halt  not  laboured. 
 neither  madeft  it  grow  ;  which  t  came  up  in  a  night, 
 
 and  perifhed  in  a  night :  .  ,1  Or, 
 
 1 1  And  fhould  not  I  fpare  Nineveh,  that  great  city, 
 
 wherein  are  more  than  fix'core  thouCand  perfons  thatj^^^J^ 
 
 cannot  difcern  between  their  right  hand  and 
 'eft  hand  ;  and  also  much  cattle. f 
 
 their 
 
 was  the 
 son  of  the 
 night. 
 
 preaching  the  gofpel  to  the  Gentiles.  God  reproved  the  prophet  in  a  manner  well 
 fitted  to  convince  him  of  his  folly  and  guilt.  W’bile  he  retired  without  the  city, 
 expofed  to  the  heat  by  day,  and  froft  hy  night,  the  Lord  bad  prepared  a  gourd,  a 
 tree  to  fhelter  him  that  his  fituation  might  be  rendered  agreeable;  but  of  this  he 
 fpeedily  deprived  him  :  this  filled  him  w  ith  grief.  If  he  had  pity  on  the  gourd  for 
 his  own  fake,  though  he  had  no  hand  in  its  prodnaion,  it  much  more  became  the 
 majefty  of  heaven  to  have  pi  y  on  the  multitude  of  the  rational  creatures  who  dwelt 
 it.  Nineveh  whom  he  formed  and  fupported.  The  prophet  we  have  no  reafon  to 
 doubt  from  his  former  condua,  profited,  by  this  inftruaion  ;  but  his  hiftory  breaks 
 effhere  abruptly;  perhaps  to  mark  ftrongly  Jehovah’s  abhorrence  of  iniquity  in 
 his  own  people  as  well  as  others.  Lot’s  hiftory  ends  in  a  fimdar  manner.  After 
 bis  fall  by  the  policy  of  his  daughters,  the  facred  hiftorian  takes  up  the  hiftory  of 
 Abraham’s  family,  and  returns  no  more  to  take  any  "honourable  notice  of  that  of 
 Lot.  How  important  to  live  fo  as  to  pleafe  Go^d  in  all  things?  "Iben  fhall  we 
 not  only  obtain  mercy  at  laft,  but  our  names  will  be  held  in  perpetual  remembrance 
 as  honourable  to  the  caufe  of  tigbteournefs  and  the  church  of  the  living  God. 
 
 PP  APTTrAL  OBSERVATIONS.-*  Chap.  111.1  God  often  tries  the  fincerity  of  men’s  repentance  by  affigning  to  them  that  very  work  which  they  had  for- 
 
 pr.°per' n"”'.  "f'  GoJ-.  w.rning,  ..d  ftriou.l,  ..«.d  .o  .b.m  ,  .b„  .nd  ,l«ir  fubj.dls c.ncp,  i„  ,.p.»UPC. 
 
 “'practical  OBsSvATirar-“c»lriv:rk'’i?^^^^^  p"”" “f »  'f'-  .J‘“ of>«"  p«i™d  ..e..d 
 
 forgivenefs  and  favour.  After  lying  a  part  of  three  days  in  the  grave  he  was  miraculously  raifed  from  the  dead,  and  afeendtd  to  „  y. 
 
 / 
 
 THE  ARGUMENT. 
 
 Micah  lived  in  the  time  of  haiah  and  of  Hosea.  The  design  of  his  prophecy  is,  to  reprove  the  Jev}sfor  their  sins,  both 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 cir.  750. 
 
 those  (f  the  kingdom  of  Israel  and  chiefly  those  of  Judah  ; 
 pieople  of  God,  and  the  coming  of  itie  Messiah. 
 
 CHAP.  I. 
 
 1  2' he  times  of  Micah’ s  jrrophecy :  2  he  sheweth  God' s  wrath  against  Israel 
 and  Judah  for  idolatry.  10  A  lamentation  for  them. 
 
 The  word  of  the  Lord  that  came  to  M'cah  the 
 Morafthite,  in  the  days  of  Jotham,  Ahaz',  and 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  I.  Ver.  1—9.  This  prophet  was  a 
 native  of  Moreftte'.h,  near  Gath, and  contemporary  with  Ifaiab;  the  writings  of  both 
 
 10  G 
 
 to  denounce  their  ruin,  and  to  Joretel  the  restoration  of  the 
 
 Hezekiah,  kings  of  Judah,  which  he  faw  concerning 
 Samaria  and  Jerufalem.  ^ir  750 
 
 2llt  Hear,  all  ye  people;  *  hearken,  O  earth, 
 and  t  all  that  therein  is;  and  let  the  Lord  Godfiieb. 
 
 Hear,  ye  people,  all  of  them,  a  Deut.  32.  1.  Ifa.  1.  2,  f  Heb.  the  fulness  thereof ; 
 
 bear  a  great  refemblance  to  each  other,  not  only  in  fentiinent  but  friquently  in  Ian. 
 ffuage.  He  exhibits  Jehovah  clothed  in  msjeftv,  and  calls  on  the  woild  to  wituefj 
 
 °  27 
 
God*s 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 cir,  750. 
 
 utalh  avaunt  Israel  and  Judah  for  idolatry:  MICAH. 
 
 b  Ifaiah 
 26.  21. 
 c  Pfalm 
 115.  3. 
 d  Deut. 
 
 52.  13.  & 
 
 53.  29. 
 e  Pfalm 
 97.  5. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 a  descent. 
 
 be  witnefs  againft  you,  the  Lord  from  his  holy  tem- 
 «  r,?  Lord  Cometh  forth  out  of  his 
 
 plL'eTof  "he"emr' 
 
 onH  '  ^""'“'ns  (hall  be  molten  under  him, 
 
 L./  as!h.  the  fire 
 
 i  F„  t  a  Iteep  place, 
 
 the  r,„/  F^t  '"Jhfef't®®'’  of  Jacob  ts  all  this,  and  tor 
 fion^S  1°*  of  Ifcach  What  is  the  traolgref- 
 
 hh.h  r  ‘‘“^F  ,'V'  o°‘  Samaria?  and  what  <tre  the 
 ^  Judah  ?  are  theij  not  Jerufalem  ? 
 
 f,  \A  ^  make  Samaria  as  an  heap  of  the 
 
 eld,  and  as  plantings  of  a  vineyard  ;  and  I  will  pour 
 down  the  ftones  thereof  into  the  valley,  and  1  will  dif- 
 t  Heb.  coyer  the  foundations  thereof. 
 
 daughters  7  And  all  the  graven  images  thereof  fhall  be  beaten 
 for,  !?  f!”  the  hires  thereof  fhall  be  burnt  with 
 
 ibe  is  I-  and  all  the  idols  thereof  will  I  lay  defolate  • 
 
 grievous/y  |0t-  he  gathered  it  of  the  hire  of  an  harlot,  and  they 
 »c(!-o//ier  lhall  return  to  the  hire  of  an  harlot 
 
 r2lfm.  5  I  will  wail  and  howl;  I  will  go  ftripped 
 
 1.  20.  2nd  naked  :  J  w  ill  make  a  wailing  like  the  dragons,  and 
 II  That  is,  mourning  as  the  +  owls 
 
 lamentation  for 
 
 th 
 
 \ 
 
 'On. 
 
 15  Yet,  will  I  bring  an  heir  unto  thee  O  inhcKif..  . 
 of  ’  '*  Adullam  the  glory  i'S 
 
 dust, 
 g  Jer. 
 
 6.  26. 
 
 II  Or, 
 thou  that 
 dwellest 
 fairly, 
 f  Heb. 
 inhabi- 
 tress, 
 b  Ifaiah 
 47.  3. 
 
 u  wound  is  incurable ;  for  it  is  come  un¬ 
 to  Judah  :  he  is  come  unto  the  gate  of  my  people, 
 even  to  Jerufalem.  /  ^  e  . 
 
 10  II  f  Declare  ye  it  not  at  Gath,  weep  ye  not  at 
 all ;  in  the  houfe  of  H  Aphrah  e  roll  thyfelf  in  the  dull. 
 
 11  lals  ye  away,  ||  thou  f  inhabitant  of  Saphir 
 having  thy  ^  (hame  naked  :  the  inhabitant  of  ||  Zaa- 
 nan  came  not  forth  in  the  morning  of  II  Beth-ezel : 
 he  (hall  receive  of  you  his  ftanding. 
 
 12  For  the  inhabit.int  of  Maroth  ||  waited  carefully 
 came  down  from  the  Lord  unto 
 
 the  coun-  for  good  ;  but>ev 
 
 try  of  the  gate  of  Jerufalem. 
 f  Orj  inhabitant  of  Lachifh,  hind  the  chariot 
 
 a  place  fwift  beaft  :  fhe  is  the  beginning  of  the  fin  to 
 
 near.  the  daughter  of  Z:on  ;  tor  the  tranfgreffions  of  Kfael 
 II  Or,  was  were  found  in  thee. 
 
 T^r%or.n  "J^^crefore  (halt  thou  give  prefenfs  |)  to  More- 
 11  Thatis,  lucth-gath  :  the  houfes  of  II  Achzib  s’lall  be  a  lie  to 
 lie.  the  kings  of  Ifrael. 
 
 judgment,  manifefied  in  puniOiing  high  and  low,  princes  and  people, 
 (ieelfa,  i.  2.)  for  theiraponacy  from  him  and  his  svorlTiip.  The  kingdom  of  Sama¬ 
 ria  or  the  ten  trihes,  were  devoted  to  the  idols  of  Dan  and  Bethel ;  and  that  of  Judah, 
 countenancing  idolatry  by  fetting  up  altars  in  various  places  in  oppofition  to  the 
 sltir  of  Jerufalem  the  only  feat  of  religious  wordiip  fanaioned  by  God.  The  di- 
 vine  judgment  is  firft  pronounced  againft  Samaria,  becaufe  fhe  exceeded  in  wick¬ 
 ed  nefs ;  her  wealth  obtained  by  her  while  worfliiping  idols,  was  given  to  the  Af- 
 fyrians,  an  ido'atrous  people,  for  hire,  God  having  employed  them  to  execute  his 
 vengeance  againft  the  obje<5ls  of  his  indignation,  compare  Ifa.  vii.  20,  The  mifery 
 which  the  prophet  foretold  filled  him  with  the  moft  pungent  grief ;  but  he  knew  it 
 was  inevitable,  and  would  affedl  Judah  as  well  as  Samaria;  for  both  kingdoms 
 bad  provoked  the  Lord  to  jealoufy,  and  were  bent  on  hackfliding  from  him. 
 Ver.  10 — 16.  The  prophet  calls  on  his  countrymen  to  lament  with  him  their  cala- 
 mites  but  neither  to  declare  them  to  the  Philiftines,  nor  weep  in  their  prefence,  who 
 as  their  inveterate  enemies,  would  only  triumph  it.  their  fufierings,  and  thus  in- 
 creafe  their  grief,  compare  2  Sam.  i.  20.  Several  names  mentioned  here  feem  to 
 be  fi<51ious,  adopted  to  reprefent  fome  places  throughout  the  country,  particular  feats 
 of  wickednefs  or  feenes  of  defolation.  Aphrah,  houfe  of  duft  ;'the  country  was 
 once  fruitful,  but  was  laid  utterly  wafte  by  the  enemy  ;  Saphir,  fair,  beautiful,  fuch 
 was  the  fituation  of  Samaria,  (Hof.  ix.  3  )  from  which,  in  fliame  and  contempt,  the 
 inbabitants  were  carried  captive.  Zaanan,  a  place  of  concourfe,  anfwering  to  Jeru- 
 
 of  Ifljol.  .  cir. 
 
 1C  Make  thee  ‘  bald  and  poll  thee  for  thy  delicate  uS 
 children  :  enlarge  iby  baldnels  as  the  eagle ;  for  ihevi^'J*' 
 are  gone  into  captivity  from  thee.*  • 
 
 C0?/if  I 
 
 CHAP.  II. 
 
 I  God's  judgment  against  oppressors.  4  ^  lamentation  for  his  neonle\ 
 removal.  7  ^  reproof  for  their  injustice,  rjjc.  J  J  * 
 
 OE  to  them  that  devile  iniquity,  and  work  cir  ri. 
 evil  upon  their  beds  !  when  the  morning  is  light 
 they  praftife  it,  becaufe  it  is  in  the  power  of  their  hand 
 
 2  And  they  covet  ^  fields,  and  take//ffw  by  violence  • 
 and  houfes,  and  fake  them  away  :  fo  they  ||  opprels  aTor, 
 man  and  his  hcule,  even  a  man  and  his  heritage 
 
 3  Therefore  thus  faith  the  Lord,  Behold,  againft 
 this  family  do  I  devife  an  evil,  from  which  ye  fhall 
 not  remove  your  necks  ;  neither  fhall  ye  go  haughti- 
 
 ly  :  for  this  time  is  evil.  tau.m. 
 
 4  f  In  that  day  (hall  one  take  up  a  parable  againft 
 
 you,  and  lament  f  with  a  doleful  lamentation,  andrestJJ 
 lay,  We  be  utterly  (polled;  he  hath  changed  ihe’’^^'^'- 
 portion  of  my  people  :  how  hath  he  removed  it  fromfo^’®' 
 me  II  turning  away  he  hath  divided  our  fields. 
 
 5  1  herefore  thou  (halt^  have  none  that  fhalD  caft  violas  they 
 a  cord  by  lot  in  the  congregation  of  the  Lord.  prophesy. 
 
 G  II  t  =  Prophefy  ye  not,  soy  they  to  them  that  pro-yi'^ 
 phely  :  they  fhall  not  prophefy  to  them,  that  they  c  iiiiiah 
 fhall  not  take  fhame.  so.  lo. 
 
 7  f  Othou  that  art  named  the  houfe  of  Jacob,  is  the 
 Spirit  of  the  Lord  y  ftraitened  ?  are  thefe  his  doings  ^  do  fllT' 
 not  my  words  do  good  to  him  that  walketh  f  uprightly 
 
 8  Even  f  of  late  my  people  is  rifen  up  as  an  enemy  : 
 ye  pull  off  the  t  robe  with  the  garment  from  themfS''^' 
 
 that  pafs  by  fecurely  as  men  averfe  from  war. 
 
 9  i  he  II  women  of  my  people  have  ye  caft  out  from  against  a 
 their  pleafant  houfes  ;  from  their  children  have  ye^",?"'*'- 
 taken  away  my  glory  for  ever.  ’ 
 
 JO  A  rife  ye,  and  depart;  for  this  is  not  tyour  reft  :  il  Or,‘ 
 becaufe  it  is  polluted,  it  fhall  deftroy  you,  even  with 
 “  fore  deftrijftion.  ' 
 
 If  a  man  H  walking  in  the  fpirit  and  falfehood,/«toy! 
 
 1 1 
 
 falem,  whofe  inhabitants  went  not  forth  to  fympathize  with  thofe  of  Beth-ezel,  tli&t 
 is,  an  adjacent  place,  denoting  perhaps  Bethel,  whofe  worfhippers  rectived  too  much 
 countenance  from  Judah,  who  however  negle<5led  them  in  the  day  of  their  calami¬ 
 ty*  IVlaroth,  bitternefs,  the  people  hoped  to  fee  an  end  to  the  ravages  of  the  enemy, 
 but  were  plunged  into  defpair,  when  he  approached  even  to  the  gates  of  Jerufalem, 
 the  inhabitants  ot  Lachifli,  a  city  of  Judah,  bordering  up  the  kingdom  of  Samaria, 
 became  firft  infedled  with  idolatry,  whence  it  fpread  throughout  the  whole  land  ; 
 they  are  juftly  doomed  to  fuffer,  and  all  attempts  to  protedl  themfelves  by  the  alli¬ 
 ance  of  the  Philiftines,  are  pronounced  vain  ;  for  the  country  of  the  latter  would 
 be  taken  poftelRon  of  by  the  common  foe.  Adullam,  a  beautiful  and  well  fortified 
 city  not  far  from  Jerufalem,  (2  Chro.  xi.  5,  8.)  was  to  become  a  prey  alfo  to  the 
 enemy  ;  and  therefore  there  was  juft  reafon  for  the  deepeft  lamentation,  for 
 wherever  the  eye  turned,  nothing  was  to  be  feen  but  flavery  and  ruin. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  IL  Ver.  1—1.  Compare  Ifa.  v.  8- 
 10.  Amos  V.  13.  Jer,  xxvii.  12,  13.  Ver.  5.  The  captivity  deprived  Ifrael  of 
 judges  and  witnelfes  to  decide  difputes  refpeaing  inheritances,  and  even  of 
 land  to  divide  by  lot,  Deut.  xxxii.  8.  Ver.  6,  7.  They  treated  the  warnings  of 
 the  Lord’s  prophets  with  contempt,  and  he  threatens  to  fpeak  no  more  by  them  ; 
 not  that  his  power  was  weakened,  or  the  influences  of  his  Spirit  leffened,  or  bis 
 word  deftitule  of  a  holy  tendency,  but  that  the  people’s  hearts  were  altogether 
 perverfe  and  obdurate.  Ver.  12,  13.  This  by  fome  is  conCdcred,  in  connetftion 
 
 CIICAL  OBSERVATIONS - *  Chap.  I.J  It  is  very  hard  to  awaken  ohftinate  finners.  But  if  they  will  not  hear  God’s  voice,  they  mud  feel  his  hard 
 
 and  noting  can  protea  them  Lorn  his  almighty  wrath.  No  judgments  are  infliaed  but  what  our  fins  have  deferved.  And  the  n.ore  wicked  perfons  or  places  be,  the 
 larger  hare  in  them  tnuft  they  expea.  If  great  cities  will  be  ringbaders  in  impieties,  they  muft  be  made  diftinguiflied  monuments  of  wrath.  Nor  need  they  ex|ea 
 that  ever  that  which  ^  tempts  men  to  fin  will  long  profper.  But  even  the  melTengers  of  God  ought  never  to  defire  the  evil  day,  but  to  bewail  the  puniflimeut 
 ©I  unnert  as  well  as  the  fufferings  of  faints.  Nor  Ihould  we  ever  gratify  with  tidings  fuch  as  make  merry  with  the  fins  or  the  forrows  of  God’s  people. 
 
crudlijt  and  the  prophets'  falsehood. 
 
 MICAH. 
 
 rin  lie  savins,  I  will  prophefy  unto  thee,  of  wine  and 
 o?ftron7drmk  ;  he  (hall  even  be  the  prophet  of  this 
 
 I  will  furelv  alTemble,  O  Jacob,  all  of  thee  ; 
 
 1  vi'Ul  furely  gather  the  remnant  ot  Krae* :  I  will  put 
 hem  together  as  the  (heep  of  Bozrah.  as  the  flock  in 
 the  midtt  of  their  fold  :  they  (hall  make  great  node  by 
 reafon  of  (h  ’  midtitu  le  of  men 
 
 The  establishment  of  Christ's  hingdom. 
 
 the  Lord,  and  of  judgment,  and  of  might,  to  declare 
 unto  Jacob  his  tranfgreflion,  and  to  llrael  his  (in.  -,0. 
 
 9  Hear  this,  1  pray  you,  ye  heads  of  the  houle  of  — , — ^ 
 
 Jacob,  and  princes  of  the  houfe  of  llrael,  that  abhor 
 judgment,  and  pervert  all  equity.  r  i  tt  1. 
 
 10  They  build  up  Zion  with  f  blood,  and 
 
 lem  with  iniquity.  .  .  ^  .  u 
 
 11  Tne  heads  thereof  judge  for  reward,  and  the  3.  3. 
 
 don  of  th  ‘  muUitu  Ic  of  men.  1  .  n  thereof  teach  for  hire,  and  the  prophets  there- 1  Heb. 
 
 IsThebreakeriscomeupbeforethem  hey  have  pnetl  trier  ^ 
 
 710. 
 
 »  Chap. 
 2.  11. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 
 proTH  a 
 vision. 
 t  Heb. 
 from 
 divining. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 upper  lip. 
 
 A  lie  uicarwci  to  - - -  -  . 
 
 broken  up,  and  have  palTed  through  the  gate,  and  are 
 gone  out  by  it ;  and  their  King  (hall  pals  before  them, 
 and  the  Lord  on  the  head  of  them.* 
 
 C.HAP.  III. 
 
 1  Tke  cr^celly  of  the  princes,  5  And  the  falsehood  of  the  prophets  reproved. 
 
 8  Their  ill  grounded  security. 
 
 And  I  laid.  Hear,  I  pray  you,  O  heads  of  Jacob, 
 and  ye  princes  of  the  houle  of  llrael ;  Js  it  not 
 
 for  you  to  know  judgment  ?  i 
 
 2  Who  hate  the  good,  and  love  the  evil :  who  pluck 
 off  their  (kin  from  off  them,  and  their  (ielh  from  ott 
 
 their  bones ;  ^  ,  j  a 
 
 3  Who  alfo  eat  the  flelh  of  my  people,  and  flay 
 
 their  (Idn  from  off  them  ;  and  they  break  their  bone^ 
 and  chop  them  in  pieces,  as  for  the  pot,  and  as  nelh 
 
 within  the  caldron.  ... 
 
 4  Then  (hall  they  cry  unto  the  Lord,  but  he  will 
 not  hear  them  ;  he  will  even  hide  his  (ace  from  them 
 at  that  time,  as  they  have  behaved  themlelves  ill  m 
 
 their  doings.  ,  ,  , 
 
 5  *11  Thus  faith  the  Lord  concerning  the  prophets 
 that  make  my  people  err,  that  ^  bite  with  their  teeth, 
 and  cry  Peace;  and  he  that  puiteth  not  into  their 
 mouths,  they  even  prepare  war  againit  him  ; 
 
 6  Therefore  night  shall  he  unto  you,  f  that  ye  ilial  , 
 not  have  a  vifion  ;  and  it  (hall  be  dark  unto  you,  t  that 
 ye  (hall  not  divine;  and  the  (un  (hall  go  dowm  over 
 the  prophets,  and  the  day  (hall  be  dark  over  them. 
 
 7  Then  (hall  the  leers  be  afhamed,  and  the  diviners 
 confounded  ;  yea,  they  (hall  all  cover  their  f  ups ;  for 
 
 there  is  noanlwer  of  God.  c  •  f 
 
 8  But  truly  I  am  full  of  power  by  the  opirit  of 
 
 r  j-  „  vor-r..«  fl  tbreat^ninff  that  Ifrael  would  be  collccSled  together 
 
 with  the  preceding  would  he  accomplinred  by  the  Affyrian  king,  at 
 
 to  go  into  captivity  an  providence.  But  it  rather  feems  a  pro- 
 
 the  head  of  his  army,  con  u  interfperfed  among  the  threatings,  after  the 
 
 f  t'  ',’'7,7“' l“  11  llortli.  5.  A  oi,,  ..Ai  11....,  o.  Bo.r.1.,  b.- 
 comp.  Ka.  111.  I...  .  far  from  the  fource  of  the  river  Arnon, 
 
 Si  d  8  ?bf.dj«.hcou...y  ...  p.ob.bl,  diainguimod  fo,  good  p.f.or.S. 
 
 liveredupto  their  deluf.ons ;  they  delighted  m  iniquity,  Ver  8-lL 
 
 receive  the  reward  of  their  doings,  Ifa.  xxviii.  9—13.  xxix.  9  16.  '  .  , 
 
 Sm.7  of  .he  .,o.b.  »d  deep!,  '"P'f 7„fc  .  U 
 delivered,  the  prophet  boldly  charges  men  of  all  ranks  with  their  fins,  elpec  y 
 
 of  divine  for  money;  yet  will  they  lean  upon  the*^ 
 Lord,  t  and  fay,  Is  not  the  Lord  among  us?  none 
 
 evil  can  come  upon  us-  ,  ,  u  j  r  „ 
 
 12  1  herefore  fhall  Zion,  for  your  lake,  be '  ploughed  c  er  m. 
 
 field;  and  lerufalem,  fhall  become  heaps,  and^*’-  • 
 
 lui  ui 
 
 B 
 
 't/s  a  liciu  ,  aiiui  J ...  - -  ■  i.'  U 
 
 the  mountain  of  the  houle  as  tne  high  places  of  the 
 
 foreff.f  ^ 
 
 CHAP.  IV. 
 
 i  1  The  establishment  of  Clmst's  kingdom  ;  3  the  peace  ofu.  6  1  he  res- 
 
 toration,  \  i  and  viSlory  of  the  church.  rr  :  k 
 
 U  r  in  the  laff  days  it  (hall  come  to  pafs,  that  the 
 
 _ _  mountain  of  the  houle  of  the  Lord  (hall  be 
 
 eiiablilhed  in  the  top  of  the  mountains,  and  it  l^hall 
 be  exalted  above  the  hills;  and  people  (hall  tlOvV 
 
 unto  it.  .  „  a  r  n 
 
 2  And  many  nations  fhall  cpme,  and  lay,  L.ome, 
 
 and  let  us  go  up  to  the  mountain  of  the  Lord,  and 
 to  the  houfe  of  the  God  of  Jacob  ;  and  he  will  teach 
 '  us  of  (lis  ways,  and  we  will  walk  in  his  paths  t  for  the 
 law  (Iiall  go  forth  of  Zion,  and  the  word  of  the  Lord 
 from  Jerulalem. 
 
 3  %  And  he  (hall  judge  among  many  people,  and 
 rebuke  lirong  nations  afar  off;  and  they  (hall  beat  their 
 !  fwords  into  "  ploughfhares,  and  their  fpears  into  11  prun-b 
 'ing-hooks:  nation  (hall  not  lift  up  a  (word  againltj^^^, 
 
 nation,  neither  (hall  they  learn  war  any  more.  3. 10. 
 
 4  But  they  (hall  fit  every  man  under  his  vine,  and  \  Or. 
 under  his  fig-tree  ;  and  none  (hall  make  them  afraid  ; 
 
 (or  the  mouth  of  the  Lord  of  holfs  hath  fpoken  it. 
 
 5  For  all  people  will  walk  every  one  in  the  name 
 ,  of  his  god,  and  we  will  walk  in  the  name  of  the 
 
 Lord  our  God  for  ever  and  ever. 
 
 their  hypocrify,  and  falfe  confidence  in  divine  favour ;  for  n.itwuhftanding  hem 
 I  wickednefs,  thev  boaded  in  God  as  their  proteaor,  Ha.  xlvm.  I,  .  Jer.  vn.  4. 
 
 '  And  becaufe  of  their  fins,  greatly  as  God  had  favoured  Zun,  he 
 utter  dedruaion  on  the  temple  and  city  ;  the  former  to  be  ploughed  up,  and  the 
 i  latter  reduced  to  defolation.  This  was  only  fully  verified  by  the  ;  and 
 
 i  hence  we  may  obferve,  that  the  prophecies. delivered  refpeaing  the 
 of  the  Jews,  from  the  Affyrians  and  Chaldeans,  are  delivered  m  luch  Ian„ua  e 
 ,  as  intimates,  that  their  full  import  in  every  particular,  extended  to  ‘be  terr.bl 
 !  punidiraents  brought  on  the  Jewilh  nation  by  the  Romans,  compare  Ifa.  xxiv. 
 
 I  ^'^'xPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  IV.  Ver.  1—4.  ^omp.  Ka-  1— 5- 
 
 !  This  chapter  and  the  one  following  appear  to  be  a  prophecy  of  Wefliah  s  kin^ 
 dom.  From  Jerulalem,  fitualed  in  the  midst  of  the  nations,  the  gofpel  P  ^ 
 
 ‘  claimed  by  the  apostles  and  others;  multitudes  believed,  and  cast  in  |beii  lo 
 with  them  ;  they  enjoyed  peace,  holinefs.  and  fafety,  under  the  dominion  of 
 Jefus,  and  their  influence  promoted  thefe  invaluable  blefiings  among  the  natio  . 
 Ezekiel  fpeaks  alfo  of  thefe  things  with  peculiar  beauty  and  clearnels,  cha^  xvii. 
 22—24.  Establiftied  peace  is  exhibited  under  the  image  of  “  beating  the  t words 
 into  ploughfliares,  and  the  fpears  into  pruning  hooks.”  Joek  ® 
 
 image,  applies  it  to  war  prevailing  over  peace,  chap.  in.  10,  Ver.  b,  l. 
 
 -i;iiI7^IFALOBSEEVAT.ONS._^F.:FFT17^r^^^ 
 
 edification.  And  if  covetoufnefs  reign  in  men  s  notoriety,  and  anfwerablenefs  of  their  punifhment.  A  nd  no  injuries  does  God  more  fearfully 
 
 more  will  God  manifest  his  wifdom  and  power  in  the  certai.  tj,  fe  ),  j,^bers  fraudulently  and  violen  1>, 
 
 tild:  ;M7hkMv”.'‘°yh.7  Ilk 77.  ..a  .,.k»  ..a .  bu.a.n ,  .na  b.i„g  ..a  a.b.u.h.a,  .i.., 
 
 Will!  to  have  ministers,  and  even  »  dreadful  is  the  cafe  of  nations  and  churches,  when  they  who  ought  to  be  chief  promoters  of 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVA  HONS.— t  pAP.  III.]  D  rnfallibly  prepare  for  tlumfelves  mifery,  contempt,  and  perplexity.  No 
 
 virtue,  become  ringleaders  in  impie^-  i,^;"oftentha''t  which  is  good  U  rendered  profane  by  the  carnality  of  its  principle,  manner,  and  end.  And.  alas  i  often  the 
 piHv  can  conl'ecrate  wicked  condua  ;  but  otten  inai  wiutu  ii.  t,uuu  r 
 
 of  rulers  hasten  ruin  upon  both  churches  and  nations. 
 
I'he  restm  ation  and  xnctory  of  the  church> 
 
 MIC  AH. 
 
 The  hirth  of  Christ  Joretold 
 
 c. 
 
 l-)etV)re 
 Chri  It 
 7  10. 
 
 c  Zeph. 
 3.  19. 
 
 6  t  In  that  day,  faith  the  Lord,  will  I  affemble 
 her  that  halteth,  and  I  will  feather  her  that  is  driven 
 out,  and  her  that  1  have  affl  £ted ; 
 
 7  And  I  will  make  her  that  halteth  a  remnant,  and 
 her  that  n-as  caft  tar  off  a  ftrong  nation  :  and  the  Lord 
 
 d  Daniel  d  j-eigii  over  them  in  mount  Zion  from  hence- 
 tortb,  even  for  ever. 
 
 8  f  And  thou,  O  tower  of  the  flock,  the  ftrong  hold 
 of  the  daughter  of  Zion,  unto  thee  (hall  it  come,  even 
 the  firft  dominion  ;  the  kingdom  fliall  ceme  to  the 
 daughter  of  Jerufalem. 
 
 9  Now,  w’hy  dott  thou  cry  out  aloud  ?  is  there  no 
 king  in  thee?  is  thy  counfellor  perilhed for  pangs 
 have  taken  thee  as  a  w^man  in  travail. 
 
 10  Be  in  pain,  and  labour  to  bring  forth,  O  daugh- 
 
 14. 
 Luke 
 1.  S3. 
 
 ter  of  Zion,  like  a  woman  in  travail  :  for  now 
 
 (hair 
 
 thou  go  forth  out  of  the  city,  and  thou  fhalt  dwell 
 
 I  litde  among  the  thoufands  of  Judah,  yet  our  of  thee 
 I  (hall  he  come  forth  unto  me,  that  is  to  be  Ru'er  in 
 i  Ifrael ;  whole  goings  forth  have  been  from  of  old,  from 
 '  t  everlafting.  _  tH^ 
 
 I  3  Therefore  will  he  give  them  up,  until  the  time'^'^%s 
 that  (lie  which  travaileth  hath  brought  forth;  then 
 the  remnant  of  his  brethren  (hall  return  unto  the'*^^‘ 
 
 ^  children  of  KVael. 
 
 i  4'  11  And  he  (liall  ftand,  and  ||  feed  in  the  ftrength  of  a  Or, 
 
 '  the  Lord,  in  the  majefty  of  the  name  of  the  Lord^“^- 
 !  his  God  ;  and  they  (hall  abide:  for  now  (hall  he  be 
 I  great  unto  the  ends  of  the  earth. 
 
 5  And  this  man  (hall  be  the  peace,  v/hen  the  Affy- 
 rian  (hall  come  into  our  land  ;  and  when  he  (hall  tread 
 in  our  palaces,  then  (hall  we  raife  againll  him  (even 
 ;  (hepherds,  and  eight  f  principal  men.  fHet. 
 
 i  6  And  they  (hall  f  v/afte  the  land  of  AlTyria  with^’™“'' 
 
 in  the  field,  and  thou  (halt  go  eveti  to  Babylon  ;  there  i  the  (word,  and  the  land  of  Nimrod, 
 
 fhalt  thou  be  delivered  :  there  the  Lord  fhall  redeem 
 thee  from  the  hand  of  thine  enemies. 
 
 1 1  11  Now  alfo  many  nations  are  gathered  againft 
 thee,  that  fay.  Let  her  be  defiled,  and  let  our  eye 
 look  upon  Zion. 
 
 12  But  they  know  not  the  thoughts  of  the  Lord, 
 neither  underftand  they  his  counfel ;  for  he  (hall  ga¬ 
 ther  them  as  the  (heaves  into  the  floor. 
 
 13  Arife  and  thrafh,  O  daughter  of  Zion  ;  for  1  w'ill 
 make  thine  horn.iron,  and  I  will  make  thy  hoofs  brafs ; 
 
 in  the  entrances 
 
 thereof:  thus  (hall  he  deliver  from  the  Affyrian,  em  i,p, 
 when  he  cometh  into  our  land,  and  when  he  treadeih  li 
 within  our  borders. 
 
 U'ilh  her 
 
 7  And  the  remnant  of  Jacob  fnall  be  in  the 
 
 of  many  people  as  a  dew  from  the  Lord,  as  the 
 (howers  upon  the  grafs,  that  tarrieth  not  for  man,  nor 
 waiteth  for  the  (ons  of  men. 
 
 8  H  And  the  remnant  of  Jacob  (hall  be  among  the 
 Gentiles  in  the  midft  of  many  people,  as  a  lion 
 
 |,  among  the  beads  of  the  foreft,  as  a  young  lion 
 
 and  thou  (halt  beat  in  pieces  many  people  :  and  I  will  'i  among  the  flocks  of  y  (heep ;  who,  if  he  go  through,  |  or, 
 
 confecrate  iheir  gain  unto  the  Lord,  and  their  fub- 
 ftance  unto  the  Lord  of  the  whole  earth.* 
 
 CHAP.  V. 
 
 1  The  birth  of  Christ  foretold ;  4  his  kingdom  ;  8  his  complete  conquest 
 over  his  enemies. 
 
 T  OW  gather  thyfelf  in  troops,  O  daughter  of 
 __  troops;  he  hath  laid  fiege  againft  us;  they 
 a  Maith.  (halffmite  the  Judge  of  Ilfael  with  a  rod  upon  the 
 cheek. 
 
 2  But  thou,  *  Bethlehem  Ephratah,  though  thou  be 
 
 2.  46, 
 John 
 7.  42 
 
 as  well  as  what  follows,  feems  to  refpeift  God’s  mercy,  power,  and  failhfulnefs  to 
 the  Jews,  in  relloring  them  from  all  their  dil’perfions,  elpecially  from  their  prefent 
 one,  when  they  will  become  fnbjeasto  ChriH,  and  experience  the  blelTednefs  of  his 
 government,  in  which  all  his  followers  (hare.  Ver.  8 — 15.  The  prophet  addrelTcs 
 himfelf  to  Ophel,  called  “  the  ftrong  hold  of  the  daughter  of  Zion  it  was  a  part 
 of  mount  Zion,  rifing  higher  than  the  reft,  near  the  temple;  naturally  ftiong  by 
 its  fttuation,  and  which  had  a  wall  of  its  own  that  feparated  it  from  the  reft  of 
 Zion.  This  fortrefs,  reprefenting  by  a  beautiful  and  forcible  figure,  the  Jews,  is 
 affured  that  the  chief  dominion,  to  which  all  others  muft  give  way,  (Dan.  ii.  35.) 
 would  be  fet  up  and  eftablillied  in  Jerufalem;  the  defolaiion  of  which,  and  the 
 captivity  of  the  inhabitants,  are  exhibited  afifetfting  the  fortrefs  in  the  moft  fenfihle 
 manner  ;  and  her  grief  was  increafed  by  the  triumph  of  the  nations  in  the  fail  of 
 tiie  city.  But  this  ftie  is  informed 's  no  caufe  of  abfolute  defpondency  ;  for  the 
 Captivity  would  eventually  ilTue  in  the  Jews’  exaltation  above  all  their  eneniies. 
 This  perhaps  may  alfo  refer  to  the  future  redemption  of  the  Jews;  and  certainly 
 is  true  of  the  church  of  Chrift.  in  reference  to  her  captivity  in  fpiritual  Babylon. 
 The  Antichriftian  nation  exulted  in  this;  but  the  iffue  will  be  their  confufion  and 
 overthrow  ;  and  her  exaltation  to  a  glorious  and  bleifed  dominion  over  all  the 
 earth,  Ifa.  xxviii.  25 — 29.  xli.  15,  16. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  V.  Ver.  1—4.  The  prophet  c.alls  on 
 the  invaders  of  his  country  to  collea  together,  adding  perhaps,  as  a  reafon  that 
 be.  the  king  of  the  Chaldeans,  or  rather  God,  had  laid  fiege  againft  liis  people, 
 whofe  king,  Zedekiab,  would  be  delivered  to  the  power  and  infult  of  the  enemy. 
 But  not  forgetting  the  fubjetfts  of  the  former  chapter,  he  immediately  introduces 
 a  remarkable  prophecy  of  the  birth,  chara<5ltr,  attendants,  and  kingdom  of 
 Mefliab.  Bethlehem  was  but  a  mean  town  compared  with  the  numerous  cities 
 
 both  treadeth  down,  and  teareth  in  pieces,  and  nonegeais. 
 can  deliver. 
 
 9  Thine  hand  (hall  be  lifted  up  upon  thine  adver- 
 laries,  and  all  thine  enemies  (hall  be  cut  off. 
 
 10  And  it  (Itall  come  to  pal's  in  that  day  faith  the 
 I.ORD,  that  1  will  cut  off  thy  horfes  cut  of  the  midfl; 
 of  thee,  and  I  will  deflroy  thy  chariots  : 
 
 1 1  And  1  will  cut  off  the  cities  of  thy  land,  and 
 throw  down  all  thy  flrong  holds : 
 
 12  And  I  will  cut  off  witchcrafts  out  of  thine  hand  ; 
 and  thou  fhalt  have  no  more  loothl’ayers : 
 
 of  Judea,  it  was  however  to  bo  diftinguilhed  from  them  all,  as  the  native  place 
 of  the  Ruler  of  Ifrael,  who  had  gone  forth  in  every  paft  age  for  the  deliverance 
 and  prol'perity  of  his  people,  Matth.  ii.  6.  John  vii.  42.  In  the  mean  time, 
 nothing  awaited  Ifrael,  but  to  be  delivered  over  to  captivity,  or  to  the  power  of 
 one  nation  after  anotiier,  till  he  came  who  was  to  be  born  of  a  woman,  yet  the 
 Saviour  of  the  world.  In  this  after, idling  charatfter,  Mefiiah  was  expedicd  hy 
 Abraham’s  race,  Ifa.  vii.  14.  ix.  6,  7,  Then  the  remnant  of  hisbrelhren  shall  return 
 to  the  children  of  Isratl.  This  feems  to  refpedl  the  converted  among  the  Jews  in 
 the  clays  of  Melfiah,  who  returned  to  the  church  of  God.  Then  Melfiah  was  exalt¬ 
 ed  head  of  all  things  for  his  followers,  whom  he  had  eftablilbed  in  bis  kingdom  in 
 defiance  of  every  oppofition  from  men  and  evrl  fpirits  ;  and  he  became  great  to 
 the  extremities,  not  of  Canaan  only,  but  of  the  w  hole  world.  The  gofpel  was 
 publifhed,  myriads  believed  and  wordiipped  Jefus  as  their  God  and  Saviour. 
 Ver.  5,  6.  This  promife  primarily  intimates  the  deliverance  of  the  kingdom  of 
 Judah  from  the  invafion  of  Sennacherib  :  but  it  ultimately  refpecfls  the  pro- 
 teiflion  of  the  kingdom  of  God  under  Meftiali,  from  every  enemy.  Sewn 
 fhepherds  and  eight  principal  men,  are  indefinite  numbers,  and  point  to  the 
 proper  inftruments  raifed  by  the  Head  of  the  church,  to  promote  and  fecure 
 her  heft  interefts.  Some  underftand  by  them  the  apoftles  who  were  eminently 
 diftinguilhed  by  founding  and  eftabliftiing  Cliriftianity  in  the  world,  notwith- 
 ftanding  its  numerous  and  pow’erfnl  adverfaries.  Ver.  7 — 15.  The  remnant  of 
 Jacob  laved  by  grace,  were  a  proof  of  God’s  regard  for  bis  ancient  people, 
 Rom.  xi.  5,  6.  Thefe  were  fcattered  among  the  nations,  and  from  them  chiefly 
 were  chofen  the  firft  minifters  of  the  word.  By  their  labours,  they  are,  as  the 
 rain  and  dew,  an  inertimable,  unfolicited,  and  conlinual  blelTing;  they  as  lions, 
 i  were  fuperior  to  all  their  enemies  :  and  the  caufe  which  they  maintained  fliall 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS  — *  Chap.  IV.]  Gracioufty  has  God  fet  Ids  promifes  and  threatenings,  the  one  over  againft  the  other.  And  glorious  is  our 
 New  Teftament  church,  and  regularly  and  firmly  founded.  What  profitable  instruaion,  light  and  convieftion,  peace  ancl  love,  faithfulnefs,  vigour  harmony  hohnefs, 
 fad  comfort  abound  in  her!  God  gracioufly  iflues  forth  comforting  promifes  before  distrefs  takes  place,  that  h.s  confolat.ons  may  be  ready  for  ins  affiiaed  people 
 And  the  extremity  of  trouble  always  iffues  in  marvellous  deliverances  to  the  church  and  her  members.  \e3,  >n  all  her  haraffmen ts  and  oppreffions,  her  enemies  and 
 herGod  have  very  different  ends.  They  aim  at  raining  her,  and  exalting  themfelves;  and  God  aims  at  purifying,  enlarging,  and  enriching  her,  and  ruining  them. 
 
.  «  Mir  AH  The  church'^s  general  corruption 
 
 Q)d'i  controversy  for  ingratitude^  SfC. 
 
 ,3  Thy  graven  images  alfo  will  I  cut  off,  and  .hy  ;!  .he  houfe  of  the  wicked,  and  the  t  fcant  meafnre  thut 
 
 II  ftanding  images  on.  of  .he  nf.dll  of  thee  ;  and  thou  I  .s  e  with  .he  wicked  ba. 
 
 [halt  DO  more  worlhip  the  work  of  thine  hands.  _  jl  ^ 
 
 liefure 
 
 'Cl'rilt 
 
 cir.  710. 
 
 14-  And  I  will  plnck  up  thy  groves  out  ot  the  midft 
 of  thee  ;  lb  will  I  deftroy  thy  IJ  cities. 
 
 15  And  I  will  execute  vengeance  in  anger  and  fury 
 upon  the  heathen,  fuch  as  they  have  not  heard.* 
 
 CHAP.  VI. 
 
 1  God's  controversy  for  ingratitude;  6  what  service  he  requireth,  10  A 
 reproof  for  injustice,  16  and  idolatry. 
 
 He  aR  ye  now  what  the  Lord  laith  :  Ante,  con¬ 
 tend  thou  II  before  the  mountains,  and  let  the 
 hills  hear  thy  voice. 
 
 2  Hear  ye,  O  ^  mountains,  the  Lord  s  controverly,  i 
 Exod.  and  ye  ttrong  foundations  of  the  earth  ;  for  the  Lord  ^ 
 12.51.  &hath  a  controverly  with  his  people,  and  he  will  plead  | 
 14. 30.  ^ifh  Ifrael.  | 
 
 3  O  my  people,  what  have  I  done  unto  thee  r  and 
 wherein  have  I  wearied  thee?  teftily  againft  me 
 
 H  Or, 
 
 Q  I  faiu^i 
 
 1.  2, 
 b  Exod. 
 
 4  For  I 
 
 e  I  weaned  thee?  telxiiy  againit  me.  ^  lueir  (_uu  j  ,  hifllncr  •  therefore  ve''  , 
 
 brought  thee  up  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  and  the  inhabitants  thereof  an  mliing  .  therefor  }  ^ 
 Uiuugiic  L  X.  H  _ _  fhfi  rAnrnfirh  nf  mv  DeODle.f  ment. 
 
 c  Nu.nb. 
 
 22.  5,  7. 
 
 &  23.  7. 
 a  Numb. 
 
 23.  1. 
 
 Jodiua 
 5.  10. 
 f  Heb. 
 sons  of  a 
 year. 
 
 I  Heb. 
 belly, 
 e  Deut. 
 
 10.  12. 
 f  Heb. 
 bumh'e 
 thyleif 
 to  walk. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 thy  name 
 shall  see 
 that 
 
 which  is. 
 
 v  Or, 
 
 is  there 
 
 yet  unto  my  vruu  _  __J  n 
 
 every  man  9  The  Lord’s  voice  crieth  unto  the  city,  and  1,  tne 
 an  house  o/wifdom  lhall  fee  thy  name:  hear  ye  the  rod. 
 
 lances!  and  with  the  bag  f  deceitful  weights  ? 
 
 and  the  inhabitants  thereof  have  fpoken  lies,  and  their  „  or, 
 tongue  is  deceitful  in  their  mouths. 
 
 13  Therefore  alfo  will  I  tnake  t/ice  fick  in  Tmiting  J^7’“ 
 
 thee  in  making  thee  defolate  becaufe  of  thy  fins.  f  Deut. 
 
 14  Thou  (halt  eat,  but  not  be  fatisfied ;  and  thyss.  S8._ 
 
 catting  down  shall  be  in  the  midft  of  thee  ;  and  thou  H^gai 
 thalt  take  hold,  but  thalt  not  deliver  :  and  which 
 thou  delivereft  will  I  give  up  to  the  tword.  he  doth 
 
 15  Thou  thalt  *  fow,  but  thou  fhalt  not  reap ;  thou 
 (halt  .read  .tie  olives,  but  thou  (halt  not  anoin.  'hee.*.,|r- 
 with  oil ;  and  fweet  wine,  but  (bait  not  drink  wine, 
 
 16  ^  For  the  ftatutes  of  ^  Omri  are  kept,  and  auhi  Kings 
 the  works  of  the  houfe  of  ^  Ahab,  and  ye  walk  inie  so, 
 their  counfels ;  that  fhould  make  ^  II  defolatioo, 
 
 of  the 
 
 thall  bear  the  reproach  of  my  people.f 
 i  CHAP.  VII. 
 
 I  1  The  church  complaining  of  her  small  number,  Sand  the  general  c^- 
 
 i  ruption,  5  putteth  confidence  not  in  man  but  in  God.  1 4  She  prayeth  ; 
 
 I  15  God  comforteth  her  with  promises,  ^c. 
 
 WOE  is  me  !  for  I  am  as  f  when  they  have  ga-fHeb. 
 thered  the  fummer-fruits,  as  the  grape-glean- 
 ;  ings  of  the  vintage  ;  time  is  no  clufter  to  eat ;  my  summer* 
 
 him  wkh  burnt  offerings,  with  cajves  t  ot^a  year^oldjj  2  Tlfe'^MI  good'^Ln^s  pSffed  out  of  the  earth  ;  anda  Pfaiai 
 
 there  is  none  upright  among  men_:  they  all  f'.e 
 for  blood ;  they  hunt  every  man  his  brother  with  a  net.  57. 1. 
 
 3  ^  That  they  may  do  evil  with  both  hands  earneltly,  y  Or, 
 the  prince  alketh,  and  the  judge  askeik  for  a  reward  ;  ^ 
 
 and  the  great  man,  he  uttereth  f  his  mifchievous  de-^ 
 
 fire  :  fo  they  wrap  it  up.  n  •  u 
 
 4  The  beft  of  them  is  as  a  brier  ;  the  molt  upright 
 
 is  simper  than  a  thorn  hedge  :  the  day  of  thy  watch-  '■« 
 men,  and  thy  vifitation  rometh  ;  now  IlTall  be  their 
 
 perp!exu^y.{^  ye  not  in  a  friend,  put  ye  not  confidence 
 
 and  redeemed  thee  out  of  the  houfe  of  (ervants ;  and 
 1  fent  before  thee  Moles,  Aaron,  and  Miriam. 
 
 5  O  my  people,  remember  now  what  '  Balak  king 
 of  Moab  confulted,  and  what  Balaam  the  fon  of  Beor 
 anfwered  him  from  Shittim  unto  Gilgal ;  that  ye  may 
 know  the  righteoulnefs  of  the  Lord. 
 
 6  H  Wherewith  (hail  I  come  before  the  Lord,  ana 
 bow  myfelf  before  the  high  God  ?  lhall  I  come  before 
 
 ■  gs,  with  calves  f  of  a  year  old  ? 
 
 7  Will  the  Lord  be  pleafed  with  thoufands  of 
 rams,  or  with  ten  thoufands  of  rivers  of  oil?  mall  1 
 give  my  firft-born  for  my  iranfgreilion,  the  fruit  of 
 
 ray  t  body  for  the  fin  of  my  foul  ?  ,  .  , 
 
 8  He  hath  =  fhewed  thee,  O  man,  what  is  good  ; 
 and  what  doth  the  Lord  require  of  thee,  but  to  do 
 juftly,  and  to  love  mercy,  and  to  t  walk  humbly  with 
 thy  God  ? 
 
 '  vw  and  who  hath  appointed  it.  _ 
 
 tiess,  ^c.  10  ^  11  Are  there  yet  the  treafnres  of  wickednels  in 
 
 finally  prevail  over  all  oppofition,  throughout  all  the  earth.  They  and  their  o  - 
 lowers  under  divine  influence,  renouncing  every  human  confidence,  as  when 
 
 trufting  in  God,  rejeaed  every  forbidden  means  of  defence  ;  they  abhon-ed  human 
 policy,  as  the  upright  Ifraelites  treated  witchcraft  and  forcery  ;  they  were  decidec- 
 ly  attached  to  the  pure  woi‘(hip  of  God,  as  Ifrael,  when  they  rejecSled  every  i  o  a 
 trous  praaice.  The  people  who  perfecuted  them,  experienced  the  fierce  anger  ot 
 God,  as  when  he  deflroyed  the  Canaanites  before  Ifrael.  The  Roman  empire  was 
 torn  in  pieces  and  laid  wafte  by  the  incurfions  of  favage  and  barbarous  nations. 
 Similar  will  be  the  triumphs  of  the  church  in  the  latter  days;  in  the  hope  ot 
 which  it  becomes  every  believer  to  pray,  “  Thy  kingdom  come,  thy  wi  e  one, 
 
 as  in  heaven  fo  in  earth.”  i,  •  •• 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  VI.  Ver.  1,  2.  Compare  chap,  h  u- 
 iii.  Ifa.  i.  2.  Ver.  5.  The  tendency  of  all  God’s  juft  and  merciful  condu6l  to 
 Ifrael,  was  to  teach  and  imprefs  on  their  mind  the  unfpeakahle  advantage  ot  con¬ 
 formity  to  his  righteous  laws,  Deut.  viii.  1 — 3.  Ver.  6 — 8.  Ifrael  ^ 
 
 many  heathen  nations,  left  ignorant  of  the  way  of  acceptance  with  Go  .  ey 
 were  unifor.nly  by  Mofes,  and  the  prophets,  taught  the  ipeflicacy  of  the  iacrihces 
 preferibed  in  the  law,  or  devifed  by  men  ;  diretfted  to  Mefliah,  the  good  facri  ce. 
 
 they  were  called  to  confide  in  him  for  falvation,  and  gratefully  obey  and  irnitam 
 him,  who  is  always  exhibited  doing  and  enforcing  juftice  mercy,  and  the  worfhtp 
 of  God.  Ver.  9.  Jehovah  by  bis  providence,  but  efpccially  by  his  word,  called  ori 
 all  Ifrael  to  regard  him,  and  every  man  among  them  divinely  taught,  perceived 
 and  rejoiced  in  his  glorious  charaaer,  and  became  fubjea  to  h;a  gov^nment,  he 
 conternpt  of  which  expofed  his  brethren  to  divine  indignation.  \  er.^16.  Compare 
 
 '  EXPLANiVTORY  NOTES.  Chap.  VII.  Ver.  1.  Compare  Ifa^  Ivii.  I. 
 Hof  ix  10.  As  God  has  pleafure  in  his  people,  fo  one  of  their  greateft  fources 
 of  enjoyment  is  religious  fellowihip  and  mutual  inmrcourfe  ;  deprived  of 
 
 which,  occafions  to  them  pungent  forrowr.  The  prophet  bewailed  his  lot ,  for  the 
 few  righteous  with  whom  he  fojourned  were,  compared  with  fornier  ages,  in  refpea 
 of  number,  as  a  few  berries  remaining  on  the  vine  after  gleaning.  ^ 
 
 Hof  ii  6  Ver.  5,  6.  Compare  Luke  xii.  53.  Hatred  of  righteoufnefs,  infidelity, 
 deceit,  and  hypocrify  were  leading  features  in  the  charaaers  of  men  in 
 not  excepting  the  body  of  religious  profeffors,  and  deftroyed  or  eradicated  the 
 I  ftrongeft  and  best  principles  of  human  nature.  Ver.  7— 19-  The  faithful 
 i  themfelves  by  the  hope  of  deliverance  from  Babylon  and  Affyria,  into  wliofe  hand 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  V,]  Behold  the  way'for  the  glorious  blnefits  of  redemption  !  Behold  how  extenfive, 
 
 perfon,  incarnation,  mediation  and  glory  of  Chrift  !  And  grievous  diftre  J  ^  ha^n  their^own  deftruaion.  Greatly  ul'eful  were  the  Jews,  and 
 
 glorious,  peaceful,  fafe  and  lading  is  his  fpiritual  kingdom  .  Trey,  "  °  readinefs  and  boldnefs  men  aa  for  God  when  animated  hy  his 
 
 dill  lhall  be,  in  converting  others  to  Chrift,  whom  they  have  long  heartily  hated.  ™Dtions  removed  ! 
 
 Spirit.  Yea,  thrice  happy  are  the  churches  when  their  enemies  are  deftroyed  an  i  .  Pneak  on  God’s  behalf ;  and  to  inculcate  the  warnings,  threat- 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.-r  Chap.  VI.]  With  folemn  ^^ht  -inift^^^^^  G^d^.  ,,3giftrates  and 
 
 enings,  charges,  and  promifes  of  God.  In  fearful  conti.tverfies  God  p  ea  ®  conviaion  of  guilt,  or  fondnefs  of  an  enterprife,  may  occafion  the  mod 
 
 teachers,  and  difappoint  the  plots  of  our  enemies,  vile  and  piovoking  is  our  g  •  hiefllnn-s.  But  not  all  the  inventions  of  men  can 
 
 anxious  inquiries  aLr  peace  and  pardon.  And  by  the  mod  coftly  YaTrueTepen^  every  ceremonial  fervice.  In- 
 
 recommend  us  to  God  ;  and  faith  in  Chrift,  and  in  ^  “I”"''  Y  Ti!"' h’  ^"^3  nf  afflia^ions  And  great  is  the  neceffity  of  improving  both  to  promote  our  turning 
 finite  then  is  the  kindnefs  of  God  in  teaching  us  both  by  his  word  arid  by  h.s  rod  °  J  gl,gd  rulers  are  awful  plagues  to  nations  and  cnurche.^ 
 
 taGod.  Sinners  by  their  wickedneft,  infallibly  bring  multiplied  calamities  upon.their  own  heads.  And  wickeQ  rule 
 
 for  great  multitudes  will  fooii  cleave  to  the  very  worft  laws  and  cuftoms. 
 
 10  D 
 
 27 
 
The  churches  confidence  in  God, 
 
 MICAIi. 
 
 Luke 
 12.  53. 
 
 D  Or, 
 
 ®  guide;  keep  the  dcors  of  thy  mouth  from  her 
 that  lierh  in  thy  bcfom. 
 
 6  For  the'’  fou  difhonoureth  the  father,  the  daugh- 
 
 ^  fer  rileth  up  againd  her  mother,  the  daughter-in-law 
 
 55!  2d’.  gain  ft  her  mother-in-law;  a  man’s  enemies  are  the 
 
 men  of  his  own  honl'e. 
 
 7  Therefore  I  will  look  unto  the  Lord  ;  I  will  wait 
 for  the  God  of  my  falvation:  my  God  will  hear  me. 
 
 8  K  Rejoice  not  againft  me,  O  mine  enemy  :  when 
 I  fall,  I  (Fall  arile ;  when  i  fit  in  darknel's,  the  Lord 
 
 'Und'thou  shall  be  a  light  unto  me. 
 
 Kill  see  9  1  v/ill  bear  the  indignation  of  the  Lord,  becaufe 
 miHeele-  ^  finned  againll  him,  until  he  plead  my  caufe,  and 
 viy  and  execute  judgment  for  me:  he  will  bring  me  forth  to 
 cover  her  the  light,  ajid  I  (flail  behold  his  righteoufnefs. 
 viithshame  ]o  ||  Then  she  that  is  mine  enemy  (hall  fee  if,  and 
 ^9  (Fame  fhall  cover  her  which  laid  unto  me,  =  Where 
 115.  2.  is  the  Lord  thy  God*?  mine  eyes  fhall  behold  her  : 
 joei2.i7.  now  t  fliall  (he  be  trodden  down  as  the  mire  of  the 
 t  ftreets. 
 
 L/!r  a  ^  builr,  in 
 
 treading  that  day  (hall  the  decree  be  far  removed. 
 down.  \2  In  that  day  also  he  fhall  come  even  to  thee  from 
 9  tr&c  11  fortified  cities,  and  from  the 
 
 |j  Or,’  'fortrefs  even  to  the  river,  and  from  La  to  fea,  and 
 even  lo.  from  mountain  to  mountain. 
 
 Judea  was  delivered  becaufe  of  the  fins  of  the  people.  And  the  church  of  God 
 is  warranted  to  wait  on  him  with  joyful  expectation  of  victory  over  all  her  enemies. 
 Ver.  14 — 20.  The  glorious  difplays  of  divine  power  and  grace,  in  favour  of  the 
 people  of  God,  in  MelTiah’s  day,  is  reprefented  filling  their  enemies  with  terror; 
 
 He  comjortcth  her  hj  pnmh,,, 
 
 13  11  Notwiihftanding  the  land  fhall  be  defolate  be- 
 canfe  of  them  that  dwell  therein,  for  the  fruit  of  their 
 doings. 
 
 l-t  H  11  Feed  thy  people  with  thy  rod,  the  flock  of 
 thine  heritage,  which  dwell  lolitarily  in  the  wood  in 
 the  midlt  ot  Carmel :  let  them  feed  in  Ba(han 
 Gilead,  as  in  the  days  of  old.  y 
 
 15  According  to  the  days  of  thy  coming  out  of  the-^'‘fe 
 land  of  Egypt  will  I  fhew  unto  him  marvellous  things. 
 
 16  H  The  nations  fhall  fee,  and  be  confounded  at  all 
 their  might :  they  fhall  lay  their  hand  upon  their 
 mouth,  their  ears  (hall  be  deaf. 
 
 17  They  (hall  lick  the  '  duft  like  a  ferpent,  theyePfaim 
 (hail  move  out  of  their  holes  like  H  worms  of  the  earth  : 
 they  (fiall  be  afraid  of  the  Lord  our  God,  and  fhall 
 fear  becaufe  of  thee. 
 
 18  ^  Who  is  a  God  like  unto  thee,  that  ^  pardoneth  ^ 
 iniquity,  and  pafTeth  by  the  tranfgrefTion  of  the  rem-^^' 
 nant  of  his  heritage  ?  he  retaineth  not  his  anger  for 
 ever,  becaufe  he  delighteth  in  mercy. 
 
 19  He  will  turn  again,  he  will  have  compafTion 
 upon  us ;  he  will  fubdue  our  iniquities :  and  thou  wilt 
 caft  all  their  fins  into  the  depths  of  the  fea. 
 
 20  Ttiou  wilt  perform  the  truth  to  Jacob,  and  the 
 mercy  to  Abraham,  which  thou  hall  fworn  unto  our 
 fathers  from  the  days  of  old.* 
 
 72.  9. 
 Or. 
 
 ‘  crci'pinj 
 
 Onnes. 
 
 while  they  aferibe  glory  to  God  as  the  only  Being  worthy  of  all  esteem  and  con. 
 fidence,  rich  in  grace,  abundant  in  mercy,  unchangeable  in  love,  faithful  to  the 
 promifes  made  to  the  fathers. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  VII.]  Few  are  the  eminently  pious  amidft,  the  many  nolorioufly  wicked  in  times  of  general  corruption.  And 
 where  fin  prevails,  what  unnatural  monflers  of  violence,  fraud,  injufiice,  and  every  thing  horrid  are  formed  by  it.  But  univerfal  contempt  and  violation  of  relatire 
 duties,  is  a  fearful  prefage.  of  God’s  awful  judgments,  and  a  fad  proof  of  prevalent  corruptions.  And  under  divine  rebukes  nothing  is  more  proper  than  to  confidcr  our 
 ways,  repent  of  our  fins,  juftify  God,  and  look  to  liim  alone.  His  deliverance  of  his  people  will  quickly  ilfue  in  the  contempt  and  ruin  of  bis  enemies.  And  eviry 
 impediment  of  my  falvation  is  eafily  removed  in  the  day  of  his  power  and  time  of  his  love.  Even  after  the  moll  defolating  judgments,  he  can  cafily  affemble  and 
 reftore  bis  favourites.  Quickly  and  gracioully  he  anfwers  thole  prayers  which  are  prefented  to  him  for  their  re-eftablifliment  and  profperity ;  and  marvellous  things 
 be  performs  for  their  relief.  Thrice  happy  then  and  ple.afant  is  it,  when  be  gets  the  glory,  and  men  by  faith  take  the  comfort  of  his  perfeiftions,  promifes,  and  works. 
 
 NAHU 
 
 THE  ARGUMENT. 
 
 The  book  of  Nahum  contains  a  predicHon  of  the  destruction  of  Nineveh,  and  the  end  oj  the  empire  of  the  Assyrians, 
 It  is  thought  Nahum  lived  about  eighty  years  <fter  Jonah,  who  hud  also  prophesied  against  the  Mnevites, 
 
 CHAP.  L 
 
 The  majesty  of  God  in  goodness  to  his  jieoyle,  and  severity  against  his 
 Before  enemies. 
 
 Chrift  rx^HE  burden  of  Nineveh.  The  book  of  the 
 cir.  713.  vifion  of  Nahum  the  Elkofhite. 
 
 2  II  God  is  “jealous,  and  the  Lord  revengeth  ;  the 
 LORD  wLord  revengetb,  and  f  is  furious :  the  Lord  will  take 
 a  jealous  yengeance  on  his  adverfaries,  and  he  referveth  wrath 
 his  enemies. 
 
 ^c.  ’  3  The  Lord  is  flow  to  anger,  and  great  m  power, 
 
 a  Exod.  2a  5.  t  Heb.  that  bath  fury,  b  Exod.  34.  6,  7. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  I.  Ver.  2,  3.  From  a  zealous  regard 
 to  his  own  honour  and  worlhip,  God  will  not  always  fuffer  his  people’s  enemies 
 to  efcape  his  terrible  judgment.  However  long  he  forbear,  he  will  at  lall  difplay 
 his  infinite  power  and  tremendous  equity  in  the  punifiiment  of  the  wicked,  by 
 fudden,  perplexing,  and  unavoidable  calamities.  Ver.  4—5.  At  hispleafure  hedi- 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 cir.  713. 
 
 and  will  not  at  all  acquit  the  wicked :  the  Lord  hath 
 his  way  in  the  whirlwind  and  in  the  Itorm,  and  the 
 clouds  are  the  duft  of  his  feet. 
 
 4  He  rebuketh  the  fea,  and  maketh  it  dry,  and  dri- 
 eth  up  all  the  rivers :  Bafhan  languifheth,  and  Car¬ 
 mel,  and  the  flower  of  Lebanon  languifheth. 
 
 5  The  mountains  quake  at  him,  and  the  hills  melt, 
 and  the  earth  is  burnt  at  his  prefence,  yea,  the  world, 
 and  all  that  dwell  therein. 
 
 6  Who  can  ftand  before  his  indignation  ?  and  who.|.  Heb, 
 can  f  abide  in  the  fiercenefs  of  his  anger  ?  his  fury  \s  stand,  up. 
 
 vides  and  dries  up  feas  and  rivers,  blafts  fruitful  fields  and  forefts  into  barrenneft, 
 lhakes  and  overturns  the  mountains  by  earthquakes,  and  by  droughts  or  light¬ 
 nings,  burns  up  the  earth  and  its  inhabitants.  What  perfons,  cities,  or  kingdoms, 
 can  then  ftand  before  the  power  of  his  wrath  ?  It  is  fufficient  to  deftroy  the  moft 
 hardened  and  obftinate  finners,  or  the  beft  fortified  cities.  Ver.  7,  8.  But  n  infinite 
 
NAHUM. 
 
 lilTen, 
 
 ffie  mnjesfy  of  God  in  goodness  to  his  people,  ^'C. 
 
 Ji.fore  poored  out  like  fire,  and  the  rocks  are  thrown  down  i 
 
 Oiriii  i^y  him,  ^  I 
 
 7  The  Lord  is  good,  a  1|  (Irong  hold  in  the  day  of  i 
 trouble  ;  and  he  knoweth  them  that  trull  in  him.  | 
 
 8  But  with  an  over-running  flood  he  will  make  an  ' 
 utter  end  of  the  place  thereof,  and  darknefs  (hall  pur¬ 
 ine  his  enemies. 
 
 9  What  do  ye  imagine  againll  the  Lord?  he  will 
 
 |Heb.  a  make  an  utter  end:  affliftion  lhall  not  rife  up  the 
 coiiiisMor  [■g(;ond  time.  i 
 
 jQ  Pqj.  vv^hile  they  he  folden  together  as  thorns,  and  , 
 j-jhey  while  they  are  drunken  as  drunkards,  they  fliall  be ' 
 fouM  devoured  as  Hubble  fully  dry. 
 
 have  been  There  is  One  come  out  of  thee  that  imagineth 
 evil  againft  the  Lord,  f  a  wicked  counfellor, 
 
 |J",e7b'ave  12  Thus  faith  the  Lord,  ||  Though  they  be  quiet, 
 been  and  likewife  many,  yet  thus  lhall  they  t  be  cut  down, 
 Uni'iynn'' ^hen  p^fg  through.  Though  I  have  affl.ded 
 
 t!,eyhave  thee,  I  will  afflitfl  thee  no  more. 
 bJn shorn  13  For  now  will  I  break  his  yoke  from  off  thee, 
 ami  he  gnj  will  burft  thy  bonds  in  funder; 
 should  ^  Lord  hath  given  a  commandment 
 
 concerning  thee,  that  no  more  of  thy  name  be  fown  : 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 out  of  the  houfe  of  thy  gods  will  I  cut  off  the  graven 
 shorn,  image,  and  the  molten  image  :  I  Vt^ill  make  thy  grave  ; 
 
 c  Ilaiah  ^ 
 
 ir^otnans 
 Ih.  15. 
 f  Heb. 
 feast. 
 f  Heb. 
 Bdial. 
 
 for  thou  art  vile. 
 
 15  Behold  upon  the  mountains  the  feet  of  him 
 that  bringeth  good  tidings,  that  publifheth  peace  !  O 
 Judah,  keep  thy  folemn  t  fealis,  perform  thy  vows : 
 for  t  the  wicked  lhall  no  more  pafs  through  thee  ;  he 
 is  utterly  cut  off.* 
 
 CHAP.  IT. 
 
 The  fearful  and  liSIorious  armies  of  God  against  Nineveh. 
 
 E  that  dafheth  in  pieces  is  come  up  before  thy 
 face  :  keep  the  munition,  watch  the  way,  make 
 
 valiant  men  are 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 ■  T’le  d:s- 
 •  jKrser,  or 
 
 th^otns  llrong,  fortify  thy  power  mightily. 
 
 10.  Ts.  2  »  For  the  Lord  hath  turned  away  I1  the  excel- 
 i|  lency  of  Jacob  as  the  excellency  of  Ifrael:  for  the 
 
 jyridef  emptiers  have  emptied  them  out,  and  marred  their 
 
 ihetruL  vine-branches. 
 
 of  Israel, 
 
 3  The  fhield  of  his  mighty  men  is  made  red,  the 
 
 Icindnefs,  he  will  protea  and  provide  for  his  people  who  truds  in  him  ;  though 
 with  overwhelming,  confounding,  and  defolating  judgments,  he  will  deflroy  his 
 enemies,  and  will  render  the  very  place  of  Nineveh  utterly  unknown.  Ver.  9,  10. 
 In  vain  do  ye  Affyrians  plot  and  combine  to  defeat  his  purpofes.  While  ye  are 
 alftmbled  in  mighty  armies,  fortified  by  powerful  leagues,  and  drunk  with  pride 
 and  carnal  fecurity,  he  will  at  once  and  for  ever  irrevocably  dellroy  your  empire 
 and  your  city.  Vcr.  1  1 — J  4.  Sennacherib  and  his  generals  now  plot  and  threaten 
 dfftruaion  to  my  people,  city,  and  temple  ;  but  his  viaorious  army,  now  fearlefs 
 of  danger  and  great  in  numbers,  (hall  he  fuddenly  deftroyed,  and  h:s  family  and 
 idols  quickly  ruined,  yea,  the  whole  AlTyrian  empire  (hall  be  reduced,  and  the  peo¬ 
 ple  peridi  on  account  of  their  wickednefs,  and  be  buried  before  Jerufalem,  or  in 
 the  rubbilh  of  their  own  cities.  .  Ver.  12,  13,  15.  No  more  (liall  the  A  (Tyrians  af- 
 fli A  you,  O  ye  Jews  ;  no  more  (liall  they  tyrannically  opprefs  you  ;  for  I  will  ut- 
 tirly  deftroy  them,  that  ye  may  be  invited  to,  and  have  free  accefs  to  obferve  your 
 folemn  fefiivals,  as  a  prefage  of  gofpel  folemnities. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  II.  Ver.  I,  2.  Ye  AfiTyrians,  who  have 
 deftroyed  the  kingdom  of  Ifrael,  and  repeatedly  baralTed  Judah,  may  now  exert 
 your  whole  power  to  protedl  your  own  country  and  cities  ;  for  the  Medes  and 
 Chaldeans,  thofe  terrible  deftroyers  of  nations,  have  begun  to  invade  and  b  fiege 
 you.  Ver.  3,  4.  Red  in  their  apparel  and  armour,  and  ready  to  (bed  your  blood, 
 
 '/'he  armies  of  God  against  hsunveh. 
 
 . . .  „  in  fcarlet  :  the  chariots  s/ir;// with 
 
 „  fl  iming  torches  in  tne  day  of  his  prepara. ion,  and  ^.j,.  723^ 
 the  fir-trees  (hall  be  terribly  Ihaken.  — / — > 
 
 4  The  chariots  fhall  rage  in  the  fireets,  they  fiialH 
 juftle  one  againfi  another  in  the  broad  ways:  t  they^j^' 
 lhall  feem  like  torches,  they  (hall  run  like  the  hghtnings.  iiOr,>,y 
 
 5  He  fhall  recount  his  1|  worthies:  they  fiiall  Horn- torches. 
 
 ble  in  their  walk  ;  they  fhall  make  hade  to  the 
 thereof,  and  the  t  defence  fhall  be  prepared.  y  or, 
 
 6  The  gates  of  the  rivers  fhall  be  opened,  and  ihegaitants. 
 
 palace  fhall  be  |1  diffolved.  _  t 
 
 7  And  II  Huzzab  fhall  be  |1  led  away  captive, 
 
 fhall  be  brought  up,  and  her  maids  fhall  lead  her  as  ,  or, 
 with  the  voice  of  doves,  tabering  up  their  breads.  moitm, 
 
 8  But  Nineveh  7s  |1  of  old  like  a  pool  of  water:  yet 
 they  fhall  flee  away.  Stand,  Hand,  shall  they  cry :  but 
 
 none  fhall  |j  look  back,  .  bbshed,  or 
 
 9  Take  ye  the  Ipoil  of  filver,  take  the  fpoil  of  gold  ;  there  u-at 
 II  for  there  is  none  end  of  the  dore  and  glory  out  of 
 
 the  t  pleafant  furniture.  _  1  u  'I  eir,**. 
 
 10  She  is  empty,  and  void,  and  wade;  and  thccoj-ererf. 
 heart  mel'eth,  and  the  knees  drite  together,  andi  etn 
 
 much  pain  is  in  all  loins,  and  the  facts  of  them 
 gather  blacknefs.  _  s5e  bath 
 
 11  Where  is  the  dwelling  of  the  lions,  and  the  been, 
 feeding-place  of  the  young  lions,  where  the 
 
 even  the  old  lien,  walked,  and  the  lion’s  whelp, 
 
 none  made  i/uin  a'traid  ?  ||  Or, 
 
 12  The  lion  did  tear  in  pieces  enough  fer  bis  w  helps,  avu  their 
 and  drangled  for  his  lionnel's,  and  filled  hi.s  holes  with’”^^^"* 
 prey,  and  his  dens  with  ravin. 
 
 13  Behold,  1  am  agaird  thee,  faith  the  Lord  of„fjs-nf/ 
 hed^  and  I  will  burn  her  chariots  in  the  droke,  and 
 
 the  fword  (ball  devour  thy  young  lions;  and  1 
 cut  off  thy  prey  from  the  earth,  and  the  voice  of  thy 
 medengers  fhall  no  more  be  heard. f 
 
 CHAP.  III. 
 
 The  miserable  ruin  of  N  neve h. 
 
 OE  to  the  t  *  bloody  city  1  it  is  all  full  of  lies  j,  Heb. 
 and  robbery  ;  the  prey  departetn  net ;  thedty  rf 
 
 bloods,  a  Ezfk.  24.  6,  9.  Habak.  2.  12, 
 
 they  (liall  enter  your  cities  amidft  flames  of  fire,  and  (liall  with  the  moft  terrible 
 rapidity  and  fury,  deftroy  whatever  they  meet  with.  Ver.  5,  6.  While  tiie  choiceft 
 troops  of  Media  and  Chaldea  (hall  furioully  attack  your  walls,  ye  (hall  exert 
 yourfelves  for  their  defence  ;  but  the  high  fwollen  river  (liall  open  f  r  them  an 
 entrance  into  the  city,  and  alfift  them  in  its  utter  deftruclion.  Ver.  7 — 10.  Ni¬ 
 neveh  and  her  inhabitants  (hall  be  utteily  difgraced  ;  her  fine  ladies  and  war¬ 
 riors,  who  thought  themfelves  fecure,  (liall  in  great  agonies  of  grief,  1  aften  away, 
 or  be  led  captives:  and  notwithftanding  all  that  her  generals  can  do  to  make 
 !  them  (land  in  their  own  defence,  the  numerous  armies  and  inh  ibitants  fhall  flee 
 with  the  utmoft  precipitation.  And  while  the  Affyrians  are  quite  diCpirited  and 
 overwhelmed  with  water,  the  Medes  and  Chaldeans  (l>aU  ft'ze  on  their  wealth, 
 and  reduce  Nineveh  to  an  heap  of  ruins.  \er.  11  — 13.  The  nations  around 
 (liall  rejoice  to  fee  Nineveh,  in  which  their  opptcffive  and  murderous  tyrants  had 
 long  dwelt  fecurely,  and  ftored  up  their  wealth,  utterly  deftroyed.  For  I  tl  a 
 Lord  will  abandon  their  armies  to  deftriieStion,  and  give  up  their  ill-gotten  wealth 
 into  the  hand  of  their  enemies;  and  never  more'  fhall  their  melfengers  blaf- 
 pheme  my  great  name,  or  terrify  the  nations  with  their  threatenings  or  oppreffive 
 demands. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  III.  Ver.  I,  4,  10.  IVoe  to  Nineveh, 
 whofe  inhabitants  have  murdered,  deceived,  and  fpoiled  the  nations  around  ;  and 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — ♦  Chap.  I.]  It  is  terrible  to  have  God  ss  our  enemy  ;  but  infinitely  happy  to  have  him  r.s  our  friend.  Great  and  daring 
 provocations  of  him,  and  injuries  done  to  his  people,  will  certainly  iffue  in  men’s  great  and  irrefiftible  deftrudlion  ;  yea,  nothing  more  plainly  prefages  their  ruin  than 
 carnal  fecurity  and  felf-confidence ;  and  their  plots  againft  him  but  haften  it  upon  themfelves  and  families.  Men  s  pride  always  lays  them  low  ;  and  (hameful  Cos 
 bring  on  (hameful  punifhraents;  but  God’s  people  (liall  be  delivered  from  all  their  oppreffors  at  laft.  And  in  this,  but  chiefly  in  the  other  world,  they  flail  have 
 bleffed  opportunities  of  celebrating  the  praifes  and  performing  the  folemn  fervices  of  Jehovali  their  gracious  deliverer. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—!  Chap.  11.]  Alas,  what  fearful  punifliment  do  injuries  done  to  God’s  people  incur !  and  at  what  expence  and  labour  do 
 .men  deftroy  one  aoother  !  But  terrible  are  the  weakeft;  nations  when  God  animates  them;  and  pitiful  and  daftaroly  the  moll  mighty  and  numerous  when  he  fights 
 againft  them.  Unavailing  are  honour,  wealth,  number,  or  valour  in  the  day  of  his  wrath.  And  it  is  terrible  to  have  our  confcience  laden  with  guilt  in  an  evil  .’ay, 
 in  which  every  thing  dear  is  taken  away  from  us.  Awful  is  it  for  men  to  damn  their  fouls  by  fraudulent  attempts  to  aggrandize  themfelves  and  families.  Aad 
 dreadful  is  the  cafe  of  oppreffors,  murderers,  and  blafphemers,  when  God  rifes  up  to  punifli  iliim,  and  when  death  and  bell  lliut  their  mouths. 
 
Thp  mhcralle 
 
 rtiin 
 
 i!  "'’’’P'  of  'he  ratllinn 
 
 P^““0ir,g  horle.,  and  of  the 
 
 v-^-^jumpinR  chariots. 
 
 L>mc  ^  horCemen 
 
 HABAKKUK. 
 
 4  7.  2,  3. 
 Ezekiel 
 lo'.  37. 
 
 anH  tho  up  both  t  the  bright  Ivvord 
 
 fla’  .4  ittering  Ipear  ;  and  /here  is  a  multitude  of 
 number  ofcarcaCes;  and  there  is 
 they  fturable  upon  their 
 
 the  sjtear.  t-  • 
 
 tho  ■“'iw-  ^  multitude  of  the  whoredoms  of 
 
 fhe  miflrels  of  witchcrafts, 
 eheth  nations  through  her  whoredoms,  and  fa¬ 
 milies  through  her  witchcrafts. 
 
 b  ifaiah  b/u  T  ‘he  Lord  of 
 
 hobs  ;  and  ^  I  ^ill  difcover  thy  flcirts  upon  thy  face, 
 
 and  1  will  fhew  the  nations  thy  nakedneL,  and  the 
 kingdoms  thy  fhame. 
 
 6  And  I  will  calf  abominable  filth  upon  thee,  and 
 trialce  thee  vile,  and  will  fet  thee  as  a  gazing-ftock. 
 
 I  And  it  fhall  come  to  pafs,  that  all  they  that  look 
 upon  thee  fhall  flee  from  thee,  and  fay,  Nineveh  is 
 laid  wade ;  who  will  bemoan  her  ?  whence  fhall  I 
 leek  comforters  for  thee? 
 
 8  Art  thou  better  than  ||  f  populous  No,  that  was 
 lituate  among  the  rivers,  that  had  the  waters  round 
 
 about  It,  whofe  rampart  wos  the  fea,  and  her  wall  wos 
 NoAmon.  from  the  fea 
 
 +  Heb  in  •  c  Egypt  xvere  her  ftrength,  and  it  was 
 
 thy  help,  “^nnite  :  Put  and  Lubim  were  f  thy  helpers. 
 
 _  10  Yet  xvas  fhe  carried  away,  fhe  went  into  capti¬ 
 vity:  her  young  children  alfo  were  dafhed  in  pieces 
 at  the  top  of  all  the  ftreets  ;  and  they  caft  lots  for  her 
 
 y  Or, 
 
 nourish- 
 
 in". 
 
 "■c. 
 
 f  Heb. 
 
 by  the, r  infernal  and  ai  tful  devices,  have  fubjeaed  them  to  their  government  and 
 
 man T.f  T  '"'n  ^er.  2,  3,  5-7.  The  Medes  and  Chaldeans, 
 
 .•  ^  ®  ^  horfes  and  in  chariots,  (liall  rout  your  armies,  enter  your 
 
 cities,  an^d  fil  your  ftreets  with  multitudes  of  corpfes  ;  and  I  will  render  you  ut¬ 
 terly  miferable  and  d.fgraced  in  the  view  of  all  around,  without  any  to  pity  your 
 m-  Eeain  from  the  fate  of  No  in  Egypt  what  you  may  certainly 
 erpea  ;  though  famed  for  the  number  of  its  inhabitauts,  naturally  impregnable, 
 and  fupported  by  the  huge  armies  of  almoft  all  the  north-eaft  parts  of  Africa,  ne- 
 Aifyrians  facKed  it,  murdering  the  infants,  carrying  captive  the  reft, 
 and  dividing  the  great  men  for  ftaves.  Ver.  1 1  —  15.  Ye  ftiall  be  ftupified  with 
 overw  e  ming  miferies,  renoered  quite  incapable  of  helping  yourfelvcs,  buried  in 
 contempt  and  ruin,  and  obliged  to  beg  affiftance  againft  the  Medes  and  Chaldeans. 
 
 1 
 
 ,  ,  ,  ,  '2/'  ^inneh, 
 
 in™S  -nen,  and  all  her  great  men  were  bound  a,,,. 
 
 fb  ^  ^  Hialt  be  ‘  drunken  ;  thou  fhalt  be  hid  • 
 
 thou  alfo  (halt  ieek  ftrength  becaufe  of  the  enemv  ’ 
 
 12  All  thy  ttrong  holds  shall  he  like  fii?-frppe  mi.k 
 
 fb  u  holds  shall  be  like  fig-trees  withes,  i? 
 
 the  prft  ri^pe  figs  :  if  they  be  Ihaken  they  fhall  even 
 fall  into  the  mouth  of  the  eater.  ^ 
 
 13  Behold,  thy  people  in  the  midft  of  thee  am 
 women:  the  gates  of  ihy  land  fhall  be  fet  wide  ooen 
 unto  thine  enemies ;  the  fire  fhall  devour  thy  bars 
 
 14  Draw  thee  waters  for  the  fiege,  fortify  thv 
 
 ftroog  holds  :  go  into  clay,  and  tread  the  mortar 
 make  ftrong  the  brick-kiln.  ’ 
 
 15  Thei^  (hall  the  fire  devour  thee  ;  the  fword  fhall 
 
 cut  thee  oft,  it  fhall  eat  thee  up  like  the  canker-worm  • 
 make  tbyfelf  many  as  the  canker-worm,  make  thvfelf 
 many  as  the  locufts.  ^ 
 
 16  Thou  haft  multiplied  thy  merchants  above  the 
 
 ttars  of  heaven;  the  canker-worm  1|  fpoileth,  and  I' o-', 
 tleern  away.  veadeth 
 
 17  Thy  crowned  are  as  the  locusts,  and  thy  captains 
 as  the  great  grafhoppers,  which  camp  in  the  hedges  in 
 the  cold  day  ;  bul  when  the  fun  arifeth  they  flee  away 
 and  their  place  is  not  known  where  they  are 
 
 „  Okingof  AlTyria:  thy 
 
 II  nobles  (hall  dwed  in  the  dust thy  people  is  fcattered 
 upon  the  mountains,  and  no  man  gathereth  them. 
 
 _  1 9_  There  is  f  no  healing  of  thy  bruife  ;  thv  wound  Th  , 
 
 IS  grievous ;  all  that  hear  the  bruit  of  thee  fhall  clapU/L 
 the  hands  over  thee  :  for  upon  whom  hath  not  thy 
 wickednefs  paffed  continually  ^ 
 
 Or, 
 
 valiaju 
 ,  ones. 
 
 Your  ftrong  holds  ftiall  almoft  at  the  firft  onfet  fall  into  the  hands  of  the  enemv 
 yow  armies  and  people  ftiall  be  difpirited,  and  defcrt  their  ftations,  leavin<r  alltl 
 paflagcs  quite  open  ;  and  all  the  toilfome  reparation  of  your  walls  fhall  be  tone 
 purpofe  ;  even  in  your  ftrong  holds  ye  ftiall  be  burnt  by  the  fire,  or  (lain  by  tbe 
 
 d^'^^n  iTr  of  your  troops,  and  of  hired  fol. 
 
 diers,  ftiall  but  devour  your  wealth,  and  then  ftiift  for  themfelves.  Your  tributary 
 kings  and  mercenary  commanders  will  promife  you  help,  but  quickly  defertyou 
 whenever  danger  appears.  Your  generals  and  noble  warriors  ftiall  be  infatuated 
 difpinted,  or  murdered,  and  your  armies  and  people  fcattered  among  the  nation, 
 wuhou  any  one  to  protea  or  relieve  them,  nor  ftiall  your  capital  or  empire  be  ever 
 reltored;  and  all  the  nations,  whom  you  have  opprtffed,  ftiall  rejoice  to  heat  of 
 your  dellruaion,  ’’ 
 
 A  ^  OBSERVATIONS. — j-  Chap.  III.]  Enormous  wickednefs  generally  attends  wreat  confluences  of  men  And..i,rCoQ  n. 
 
 pre  ervation  in  the  day  of  his  wrath.  And  they,  who  have  rendered  others  miferable  will  certainly  be  themfelves  reduced  to  mifery  at  laft.  ®  “ 
 
 THE  ARGUMENT. 
 
 Habakkuk  jirophesied  a  little  before  the  taking  of  Jerusalem,  and  near  the  time  of  Jeremiah,  lie  foretold  that  God 
 being  provoked  by  the  sins  of  Ins  people,  voas  about  to  deliver  them  to  the  Chaldeans  their  enemies ;  and  that  after- 
 xvards  the  Chaldeans  also  should  Jhel  the  effects  of  divine  vengeance. 
 
 Before 
 Chrifl 
 cir.  626. 
 
 CHAP.  r. 
 
 1  Unto  Habakkuk,  complaining  of  the  iniquity  of  the  land,  5  is  shewed 
 the  fearful  vengeance  of  the  Chaldeans,  ijc- 
 
 '^HE  burden  which  Habakkuk  the  prophet  did 
 fee.  ^ 
 
 2  O  Lord,  how  long  fhall  I  cry,  and  thou  wilt  not 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  I.  Ver.  2 — 4.  Lord,  how  long  miift 
 I  complain  to  thee  of  the  oppreflion  and  other  wickednefs  which  every  where 
 prevail,  before  thou  takeft  any  courfe  to  reftrain  it  and  deliver  the  opprelTud  ?  i 
 
 hear !  even  cry  out  unto  thee  .of  violence,  and  thou 
 wilt  not  lave  ! 
 
 3  Why  deft  thou  (hew  me  iniquity,  and  caufe  me^!!ff^ 
 to  behold  grievance  ?  for  fpoiling  and  violence  are 
 before  me  :  and  there  are  that  raife  up  ftrife  and 
 conrention. 
 
 Why  is  my  lot  caft  in  fuch  times  and  places,  in  which  I  muft  always  beholif 
 fuch  injurie.s,  and  groundlefs  contentions  ?  and  in  which,  through  delay  of  juH 
 punilhmeint,  men  harden  themfelves  in  their  wickednefs,  and  grow  worfe  auJ 
 
aM’hilc  complttineth  of  the  iniquity  of  the  land,  8pc.  H  AB  AKKUK.  The  judgment  of  the  Chaldeans  for  oppression,  4'C* 
 
 j3,.fore  4  Therefore  the  law  is  fldcked,  and  judgment 
 doth  never  go  forth  :  for  the  *  wicked  doth  compafs 
 about  the  righteous;  therefore  ||  wrong  judgment 
 ,joi)  proceed  eth. 
 
 iji.  7.  .5  H  Behold  ye  among  the  heathen,  and  regard, 
 
 jertrti.  wonder  marvellouily  :  for  I  will  work  a  work  in 
 'Which  ye  will  not  believe,  though  it  be 
 
 Ire^tsd.  told  ymi. 
 
 b  (5  Poi-^  lo,  I  raife  up  the  Chaldeans,  that  bitter  and 
 
 '  Hell.'  nation,  which  (hall  march  through  the  f  breadth 
 
 Ireadihs.  of  the  land,  to  poflefs  the  dwelling  places  that  are 
 not  theirs. 
 
 I  Or,  7  They  r/re  terrible  and  dreadful  :  |j  their  judgment 
 
 their  dignity  fhall  proceed  of  themfelves. 
 t^ed!le“  8  Their  horles  alfo  are  fwifter  than  the  leopards, 
 fill!  lenient  nd  are  more  t  fierce  than  the  =  evening  w'olves :  and 
 io/ihene,  horfemeu  (hall  fpread  themfelves,  and  their 
 
 rlliMy  horfemen  (hall  come  from  far ;  they  (hall  fly  as  the 
 If  these,  eagle  that  haheth  to  eat. 
 
 f  Heb.  9  They  (hall  come  all  for  violence;  ||  f  their  faces 
 sharp,  yp  wind,  and  they  (hall  gather  the 
 
 g_  3,  captivity  as  the  land. 
 
 II  Or,  the  10  And  they  (hall  fco(f  at  the  kings,  and  the  princes ' 
 supping  pg  a  (corn  unto  them:  they  (hall  deride  every' 
 "J'^^^l'^'Tlrong  hold  ;  for  they  (hall  heap  du(t,  and  take  it. 
 
 I  cr,  their  11  Then  (liall  his  mind  change,  and  he  (hall  pafs 
 y  faces  shall  Qver,  and  offend,  imputing  this  his  power  unto  his  God. 
 
 ^  -hokio-  J2  ^  thou  not  from  everlafting,  O  Lord  my 
 '  Ill  God,  mine  Holy  One?  we  (hall  not  die.  O  Lord, 
 ^Heb.  thou  hafl  ordained  them  for  judgment;  and,  O 
 iheopposi-j.  mighty  God,  thou  haft  f  eftablilhed  them  for  cor- 
 'T-  %  «  region. 
 
 k  ttmrdihe  13  TJiou  art  of  purer  eyes  than  to  behold  evil,  and 
 mi.  canft  not  look  on  i|  iniquity  :  wherefore  lookeft  thou 
 them  that  deal  treacheroufly,  and  holdelt  thy 
 tongue  when  the  wicked  devoureih  the  man  that  is 
 founded.'  more  righteous  than  he? 
 
 (O'"’  14  And  makeft  men  as  the  fifties  of  the  fea,  as  the 
 
 ^  krirMMce.  j|  creeping  things  that  have  no  ruler  over  them  ? 
 i  ijDiHg.  13  They  take  up  all  of  them  with  the  angle,  they 
 [  catch  them  in  their  net,  and  gather  them  in  their 
 
 [  jl  Or,  ■  •  -  -  ^  - 
 
 ^fue- 
 
 Or, 
 uhen  I 
 am  arjiu- 
 
 nel. 
 
 drag  ;  therefore  they  rejoice  and  are  glad. 
 
 16  Therefore  they  facrificeunto  their  net,  and  burn 
 
 worfe?  Thy  law  is  contemned  and  difobeyed,  and  common  juftice  is  fcarcely 
 ever  executed  ;  but  tlie  wicked  by  their  numbers  or  influence  quite  overpower 
 and  opprefs  the  guilty,  and  perve:  t  judgment  as  much  as  they  pleafe.  Ver.  5 — 
 II.  Behold  with  wonder  and  alloniihmemnt,  how  I,  who  am  now  punifliing  the 
 heathen  nations,  will  fliortly  punifli  you  with  a  more  tremendous  deflru<aion, 
 w’hich  ye  will  never  believe  t  II  ye  feci.  By  my  direeSlion,  the  cruel,  fierce,  and 
 dreadful  Chaldeans,  who  fliall  rule  every  thing  according  to  their  own  will, 
 (hall  furioufly  invade  your  country,  feize  your  wealth,  and  murder  or  enflave 
 your  perfons.  Regardlefs  of  all  the  oppofition  that  yea  can  make,  they  (hall 
 deftroy  or  lead  captive  your  princes,  and  wafte  your  cities  ;  and  pnflfed  up  by 
 their  corqufcfts,  Nebuchadnezzar  and  his  fubjefls  (hall  become  more  ard  more 
 in(olent,  felf- confident,  and  idolatrous,  aferibing  their  victories  to  their  idols. 
 Ver.  12—19.  O  everlafting  God,  who  haft  for  many  ages  been  the  God  of  the 
 Jews  by  peculiar  covenant  relation,  and  who  will  not  utterly  deftroy  us,  thou  wilt 
 indeed  raife  up  ihefe  Chaldeans  to  corretS  us,  but  thy  infinite  holinefs  c.in  never 
 permit  thee  to  approve  their  wicked  defigns.  Why  then  wilt  thou  give  them  fuc- 
 cefs,  in  treacheroufly  oppretfiog  and  deitroying  thy  owm  people  !  Alas  !  why  wilt 
 tliOu  permit  men  to  a<T  as  ftupid  and  favage  animals,  which,  without  any  (r.der  or 
 government,  deftroy  fuch  as  are  better,  or  weaker  than  themfelves?  And  wl;o 
 therefore  aferibe  all  their  fuccefs,  wealth  and  honour,  to  their  own  power  and 
 policy  ?  Wilt  thou  then  always  permit  them  to  hoard  up  what  tbey  have  gotten, 
 and  to  proceed  in  their  murder  and  ^evaftation  ? 
 
 incenfe  unto  their  drag;  becaufe  by  them  their  por- 
 tion  is  far,  and  their  meat  ||  t  plenteous.  cir  esc. 
 
 17  Shall  they  therefore  empty  their  net,  and  notv^.-,-^ 
 fpare  continually  to  flay  the  nations?*  t 
 
 CHAP.  II.  rs: 
 
 1  Unto  Hnhakkuh,  wailing  for  dn  answer,  2  it  shewed  that  he 
 
 wait  in  faith.  5  The  judgvienlt  of  the  Chaldenr.t  for  unsatiableneis,  9 
 for  covi  tiusness,  12  and  for  cruelty;  15  for  treacherous  dealing,  18  and 
 fur  idolalnj. 
 
 WILL  ®  ftand  upon  my  watch,  and  fet  me  upon  a  ifaiah 
 the  f  tower,  and  will  w'atch  to  fee  what  he  will 21.  8. 
 (ay  II  unto  me,  and  what  I  (hall  anfwer  I)  f  when  I  amt 
 reproved. 
 
 2  And  the  Lord  anfwered  me,  and  faid.  Write  j  Or, 
 
 the  vifion,  and  make  it  plain  upon  tables,  that  he  may*[*J!J^- 
 run  that  readeth  ir.  " 
 
 3  For  the  vifion  A  yet  for  an  appointed  time,  but  at, 
 the  end  it  fliall  (peak  and  not  lie :  though  it  tarry,  ed  ««■(*. 
 wait  for  it ;  becaufe  it  will  furely  come,  it  will  notf" 
 rarrv 
 
 .  .  .  reprorf  or 
 
 4  Behold,  his  foul  lohich  is  lifted  up  is  not  upright  nr»ui«g. 
 
 in  him  :  hut  the  '  juft  (hall  live  by  his  faith.  b  Heb. 
 
 5  If  II  Yea  alfo,  becaufe  he  tranTgrelTeth  by  wine, 
 
 he  is  a  proud  man,  neither  keepeth  at  home,  who  en  q.  35, 
 largeth  his  defire  as  hell,  and  is  as  death,  and  cannot  Romans 
 be  farisfied,  but  gathereth  unto  him  all  nations,  and 
 heapeth  unto  him  all  people  : 
 
 6  Shall  not  all  thefe  take  up  a  parable  againft  him,  10.  ss. 
 and  a  taunting  proverb  again(f  him,  and  lav,  |i  Woe  ,|  Or, 
 to  him  that  increafeth  that  •which  is  not  hisl  how 
 long  ?  and  to  him  that  ladeth  himfelf  wdth  thick  clay 
 
 7  Shall  they  not  rife  up  fuddenlv  that  (hall  bi-e  thee,  n  Or, 
 and  awake  that  (hall  vex  thee,  and  thou  (halt  be  i'cr  tiothe. 
 booties  unto  them  ? 
 
 8  Becaufe  thou  haft  fpoiled  many  nattonv',  nil  the 
 remnant  of  the  people  ftiall  fpoil  thee  ;  *becai  fe  oft  Heb. 
 men’s  t  blood,  and,/or  the  violence  of  the  land,  of  the^^(’°‘'*- 
 city,  and  of  all  that  dwell  therein. 
 
 9  51  Woe  to  him  that  ||  coveteth  an  evil  covet-  n'or,  * 
 oufnefs  to  his  hou(e,  that  he  may  let  his  nert  on  high,  gaine/Aara 
 that  he  may  be  delivered  from  the  f  power  of  evil !  rvUgam. 
 
 10  Thou  haft  confulted  (hame  to  thv  houle 
 
 cutting  o(F  my  people,  and  haft  fioned  against  thy  foul,  the  hand! 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES,  Chap.  II.  Ver.  1 — 4.  I  refolved  to  wait  pa¬ 
 tiently  for  God’s  anfwer  to  my  own  bold  complaints,  that  indnufted  by  him,  I 
 might  be  able  to  anfwer  others  w  ho  quarrel  with  his  judgments.  And  the  Lord 
 commanded  me  to  write  his  declarations  in  the  plaineft  manner,  that  every  per- 
 fon  might  receive  proper  inftrueftions  from  them  ;  and  fince  they  will  not  bequick- 
 ly  fulfilled,  it  behoves  us  patiently  to  wait  for  them,  as  they  will  certainly  be  ac- 
 complifhed  in  their  proper  feafon,  without  fo  much  as  a  moment’s  unnecelTiry  delav. 
 And  it  is  by  men’s  patient  waiting  that  their  fincerity  will  be  tried.  Ttey  who 
 defpife  the  vifion,  diferedit  the  promife,  and  proudly  quarrel  with  the  providence 
 of  God,  or  w  ho,  drawing  back  from  them  depend  on  their  own  devices,  manifell 
 their  hearts  to  be  unfound  :  but  they  who  are  juftified  by  faith  in  .lefus’  righteouf- 
 
 nvfs  fhall  perfevere  in  their  duly,  living  by  faith  on  his  promifes.  Ver.  5 _ 8. 
 
 The  Chaldean  kings  and  their  (ubjedls,  having  abandoned  themfelves  to  luxury, 
 infolence,  covetoufiiefs  of  conquefts,  oppreflion  and  murdering  of  the  neighbouring 
 nations,  lhall  be  puniflicd  in  their  turn,  and  be  derided  by  their  (laves  an.i 
 tributaries,  as  ruined  by  their  extent  of  power,  and  heaps  of  enfnaring  and  de¬ 
 filing  wealth.  For  the  barbarous  Medes  and  Perfians  (Ita'l  quickly  and  unex- 
 pedtedly  plunder  and  deftroy  thefe.  Chaldean  fpoileis  and  murderers  of  the  Jews 
 and  the  nations  around.  Ver.  9 — 11.  Dreadful  judgments  await  thofe  who  by 
 unjuft  acqnifitions  think  to  aggrandise  and  eftablifti  themfelves  and  families,  and 
 to  liui'd  (lately  palaces,  and  foits  for  themfelves.  Bloody  cruelty  and  opprelTion 
 will  ilfue  in  the  difgrace  and  ruin  of  the  guilty,  and  their  families  ;  and  the 
 
 very 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  I.]  Faithful  minifters  mull  often  bear  heavy  milTagcs  of  wrath  to  God’s  profefTing  people, 
 to  them  to  behold  in'qu'ty  abound,  while  they  can  do  roihing  to  fupprefs  it.  Efpecially  to  fee  men  diabolically  turn  tormentors  of  one  anotlur. 
 manner  vengeance  follows  wickednefs  ;  and  violence  is  returned  for  vidence,  and  fraud  for  fraud.  Sound  and  will  eftablilhed  principles  are  goot7  fopporls  to 
 1  Ire  (Ted  mind;  and  though  God  correA  his  people,  yet  he  will  not  utterly  deftroy  them.  Inftruments  of  God’s  wrath  may  for  a  time  bring  awful  defolaiit 
 among  meii.  But  however  liitle  account  they  make  of  men’s  lives,  God  will  at  lafl  reckon  with  fuch  conquerors  as  robbers  and  murderers  of  mankind. 
 
 10  E  27 
 
 And  it  is  grievous 
 In  the  moll  fearful 
 a 
 
 defolaiioD 
 
liubali^ul’s  prayer^  &c. 
 
 HABAKKUK. 
 
 1 1  For  the  ftone  ftall  cry  out  of  the  wall,  and  the 
 beam  out  ot  the  timber  {hall  ||  anfwer  it. 
 
 buildeth  a  town  with  ®  f  blood, 
 (.►r,  and  liablifrieth  a  city  by  iniquity. 
 
 ^ ^  o-'  the  Lord  of  hofts  that  the  ' 
 
 n  Or,  ^  labour  in  the  very  fire,  and  the  people 
 
 witness  ihall  Weary  themlelves  ||  tor  very  vanity  ? 
 
 1  ^all  be  filled  H  with  the  <■  know- 
 
 04  r  ■  '^“Se  or  the  glory  of  the  Lord,  as  the  waters  cover 
 the  lea. 
 
 iSahum 
 
 5.  1.  1 5  H  Woe  unto  him  that  giveth  his  neighbour  drink, 
 
 t  Heb.  that  putteft  thy  bottle  to  him,  and  makeft  him  drunken 
 |j  7)^  ^  thou  mayefi;  look  on  their  nakednefs  ! 
 
 171  vain  ?  16  1  hou  art  filled  |1  with  fhame  for  glory  :  &  drink 
 
 U  Or,  by  thou  alio,  and  let  thy  torefkin  be  uncovered  :  the  cup 
 knowing  of  the  Lord’s  right  hand  tball  be  turned  unto  thee, 
 \fthT^  andjhameful  fpewing  shall  be  on  thy  glory. 
 
 LOUD.  ^ '  For  the  violence  of  Lebanon  fhall  cover  thee, 
 fii'awh  and  the  Ipoil  of  beafts,  'tfihicli  made  them  afraid  be- 
 fTien’s  blood,  and  for  the  violence  of  the  land, 
 wore  dwell  therein. 
 
 shmne  18  ^  What  profiteth  the  graven  image  that  the 
 thauu-iik  maker  thereof  hath  graven  it ;  the  molten  image,  and 
 fi/ory.  a  ’’  teacher  of  lies,  that  f  the  maker  of  his  work  truft- 
 e5.^e™"  therein,  to  make  dumb  idols? 
 h  jerem.  ^9  Woe  unto  him  that  faith  unto  the  wood,  Awake  ; 
 10.  8, 13.  to  the  dumb  ftone,  Arife,  it  fhall  teach  !  Behold,  it 
 ^  ech.  laid  over  with  gold  and  filver,  and  ihere  is  no  breath 
 t  Heb./Zie^*^  niidft  of  it. 
 
 fashioner  20  But  *  the  LoRD  is  in  his  holy  temple  ;  f  let  all 
 of  his  the  earth  keep  filence  before  him.* 
 
 fashion,  i  Pfalra  1 1 ,  >1.  f  Heb.  be  silent  all  the  earth  before  him. 
 
 CHAP.  111. 
 
 1  Hahakhnh  s  prayer;  Z  He  describeth  God' s  majesty  ;  17  he  prifesseth 
 ^  his  unshaken  trust  in  God. 
 
 according  PRAYER  of  Habakkuk  the  prophet  H  upon 
 
 to  variable  ShigionOth. 
 
 so«55,or,  2  01  .ORD,  I  have  heard  f  thy  fpeech,  attd  was 
 
 called  in  ^b'aid  ;  O  Lord,  ||  revive  thy  work  in  the  midft  of 
 Hebrew  the  years,  in  the  midft  of  the  years  make  known  ;  in 
 wrath  remember  mercy. 
 
 f  Heb.  thy  report,  or  thy  hearing.  |)  Or,  preserve  alive. 
 
 He  descrihctli  God^ 
 
 materials  of  their  houfes,  procured  by  unjuft  methods,  fliall  cry  to  Goil  for  ven¬ 
 geance  againft  them.  Ver.  12 — 14.  Dreadful  curfes  fliall  overtake  them  who 
 budd  or  fortify  Babylon,  or  any  other  city,  by  that  which  they  have  gotten  by  plun¬ 
 der,  ir.juftice,  or  murder  ;  and  all  their  fatiguing  labour  fliall  be  of  no  avail  when 
 the  Perfians  fliall  enter  by  the  gates  and  dellroy  the  inhabitants;  for  God  fliall  in 
 the  mod  alarming  manner,  giorify  himfelf  before  all  nations  in  the  deftruflion  of 
 Babjlon,  as  well  as  in  our  redemption  thereby  prefigured.  Ver.  15 — 17.  Dread¬ 
 ful  miferies  fliall  befal  the  Chaldeans  and  others,  who  are  inftruments  of  ruining 
 other  rations,  and  who  abandon  themfelves  to  beaftly  drunkennefs.  Their  drunk- 
 ennefs.  attended  by  tiie  fearful  judgments  of  God,  fliall  fubjedl  them  to  difgrace 
 and  nr  ifery  ;  and  the  violence  which  they  committed  againft  God’s  temple  and 
 people  fliall  itfue  in  their  own  deflrudlion  by  the  barbarous  Medes  and  Perfians. 
 \'er.  18 — 20.  Nor  fliall  their  idols,  by  which  they  mifreprefent  the  true  God,  in 
 the  leaft  help  them  in  the  day  of  their  diftrefs;  yea,  their  worfliip  thereof  fliall 
 bring  fearful  mifery  upon  them.  But  Jehovah  the  God  of  Ifrael,  is  in  his  church, 
 and  in  heaven,  always  ready  to  help  his  people;  let  man  therefore  every  where 
 adore  bis  perfedlions,  and  ponder,  admire,  and  fubmit  to  his  providences. 
 
 EXPL.'VNATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  III.  Ver.  2.  Terrified  by  thine  an. 
 fivers io  tny  former  complaints,  Lord,  I  befeech  thee  to  fupport  tliy  people  under 
 thefe  calamities,  and  under  their  captivity  give  them  fome  tokens  of  thy  favour,  and 
 
 Teman,  and  the  Holy  One  iiefoi 
 
 s  ^  God  came  from  ]} 
 
 from  mount  Paran.  Selah.  His  glory  covered^tbe 
 heavens,  and  the  earth  w’as  full  of  his  praife.  oir,^ 
 
 4  And  Ms  brightnefs  was  as  the  light:  he  hadi^" 
 
 II _ horns  out  of  his  hand:  and  there  thtiL 
 
 hiding  of  his  power.  ^  ||  o,-  *' 
 
 5  Before  him  went  the  peflilence,  and  1|  burninp;”^^“ 
 coals  went  forth  at  his  feet. 
 
 6  He  ftood  and  rnealured  the  earth  :  he  beheld  H  6r, 
 and  drove  afunder  the  nations;  and  the*  everlaftinp^’‘’''“''s 
 mountains  were  fcattered,  the  perpetual  hills  did  bow 
 
 his  wavs  are  everlafting.  ’ 
 
 7  I  faw  the  tents  of  ||  Cnfiian  in  ||  aflliftion  ;  Or, 
 the  curtains  of  the  land  of  Midian  did  tremble. 
 
 8  Was  the  Lord  difpleafed  againft  the  rivers  ?  'wasl 
 thine  anger  againft  the  rivers  ?  was  thy  wrath  againliai&L 
 
 horfes  and°’' 
 
 II  thy  chariots  of  falvation  ?  II 
 
 9  k y  bow  was  made  quite  naked,  according  to  theiv  "  ”^* 
 
 oaths  of  the  tribes,  even  thy  word, 
 didft  cleave  the  earth  with  rivers. 
 
 Selah. 
 
 1  hou 
 
 . .  II  Oi, 
 
 10  1  h e  mountains  faw  thee,  and  they  trembled  • 
 
 the  overflowing  of  the  water  paffed  by  :  the  deep  utlwZ'J 
 tered  his^  voice,  and  lifted  up  his  hands  on  high.  the  eani 
 
 11  *  The  I'on  and  moon  ftood  (fill  in  their  habita.?nf 
 
 tion  :  II  at  the  fight  of  thine  arrows  ^  they  went,  and\\ 
 at  the^lhining  of  thy  glittering  fpear.  thi,u 
 
 _  12  Ihou  didft  march  through  the  land  in  indigna-®"""- 
 tion,  thou  didft  thrafh  the  heathen  in  anger. 
 
 13  Thou  wenteft  forth  for  the  falvation  of  thyijl 
 people,  cmi  for  falvation  with  thine  anointed;  thou'^J®'’'- 
 woundeft  the  head  out  of  the  houfe  of  the  wicked,  by  “■ 
 t  dilcovering  the  foundations  unto  the  neck.  Selah.  f  Heb. 
 
 14  Ihou  didft  ftrike  through  with  his  ftaves  the  viahinr 
 head  of  his  villages ;  they  t  came  out  as  a  whirlwind 
 to  Icatterme:  their  rejoicing  was  as  to  devour  theie,./L. 
 poor  lecretly. 
 
 15  ihcu  didft  walk  through  the  fea  with  thine 
 
 horles,  through  the  1|  heap  of  great  waters.  II  9r, 
 
 16  When  I  heard  ray  belly  trembled  ;  my  lips’'““^‘ 
 quivered  at  the  voice :  rottennefs  entered  into  my 
 bones,  and  I  trembled  in  myfelf,  that  I  might  reft  in 
 
 lome  mitigation  of  trouble.  Ver.  3,  4.  How  wonderful  were  thy  appearanctsfut 
 thy  people  on  former  occafions  !  At  the  giving  of  the  law  on  mount  Sinai,  the 
 whole  firmament  flione  with  the  rays  of  thy  glory,  and  the  earth  rang  with  thj 
 praife ;  and  yet  that  was  but  a  very  fcanty  manifeftation  of  thy  pow'er.  Ver.  5 
 By  divers  plagues  thou  didft  deftroy  the  Egyptians  and  Canaanites.  And,  tak.,^ 
 up  thy  abode  in  the  ark,  thou  didft  expel  the  latter,  and  gave  their  land  to  tlj 
 people.  The  mightieft  giants,  and  beft  fortified  cities  were  forced  to  yield;  and 
 thy  difpenfations,  are  in  every  age,  powerful  and  gracious.  Ver.  7.  The  Midiai' 
 ites  who  trembled  at  the  earthquakes  occafioned  by  the  defeent  on  mount  Sinii 
 were  afterwards  marvellously  deftroyed  by  Phinehas  and  Gideon.  Ver.  8—10 
 Not  from  any  difpleafure  with  the  waters,  but  in  love  to  thy  people,  didft  tlio 
 divide  the  Red  lea,  and  the  river  Jordan,  and  conduct  them  through,  inarchin 
 before  them  in  the  pillar  of  cloud.  Ver.  9,  11,  12.  In  fulfilment  oAliy  covenaii 
 proinife  made  to  our  fathers,  thou  didft  manifeft  thy  power  in  deftroying  the  Ca 
 naanites  ;  and  didft  even  make  the  fun  and  moon  to  flop,  move,  and  fliine,  asn 
 aeceffary  for  their  effeaual  deftruafon.  Ver,  13,  14.  Yea  not  only  at  firft,b. 
 all  along,  thou  didft  aflift  Joftiua,  David,  and  other  leaders  of  thy  people,  ani 
 grant  them  fignal  viaories  over  all  their  enemies,  who  took  arms  againft  them 
 V^er.  16 — 19.  Thy  intimation  of  the  Chaldean  invafion  fearfully  diftrefleJ  ni 
 fpirits,  and  rendered  me  deeply  concerned  for  my  own  and  others’  pruteeftiw 
 
 PRACl  ICAL  OBSERVA  TIONS.  — j  Chap.  II.]  In  evil  times  it  is  beft  to  wait  upon  God,  believe  his  word,  and  watch  againft  temptation.  And  they  "iiii 
 preach  his  truths  Ihould  make  them  as  plain  as  poflible.  God  has  fixed  the  beft  time  for  his  works;  and  never  does  he  defer  them  a  moment  beyond  it.  But  it 
 only  by  faith  in  bis  promife  we  can  patiently  wait  the  time  of  his  performance  ;  and  it  is  only  they,  who  are  juftified  in  and  live  by  the  faith  of  Chrift,  who  perft'frt 
 in  their  duty.  —  Nothing  more  effedlualJy  feduces  men  from  God  than  a  proud  heart.  But  with  the  greateft  eafe  God  overthrows  the  mightieft  monarchs  and 
 pires  ;  and  eafily  he  reduces  to  ruin,  the  moft  covetou.s,  imperious,  drunken  and  murderous  of  mankind.  Alas  !  that  men  are  often  fo  fenfelefs,  that  when  they  In'® 
 much,  they  would  rtill  have  more;  and  that  they  often  ruin  themfelves  and  families  by  doing  injuries  to  others  !  Yea,  often  they  provoke  God  to  give  them  up 
 diflionour  by  their  abominable  works.  And  ftrange  is  it  that  in  trouble  men  will  feek  any  where  for  relief  but  to  God.  But,  if  they  will  not  be  taught  by  his  w 
 he  will  force  them  to  know  and  acknowlege  his  judgments ;  and,  notwithftar.ding  all  oppofition,  will  ftiew  himfelf  yidlorious  over  all  his  enemies. 
 
 eM 
 
fhe  time  Zephaniali  prophesied. 
 
 ZEPHANIAH. 
 
 God’s  severe  judgments  against  Judah, 
 
 r.pfore  the  day  of  trouble ;  when  he  cometh  up  unto  the 
 Chriit  neople,  he  will  1|  invade  them  wnh  his  ' 
 
 1 W  Although  the  fig-tree  lhall  not  blollom,  nei- 
 thcr  shall  fruit  be  in  the  vines ;  the  labour  6i  the  olive  j 
 mail  tfail,  and  the  fields  (hall  yield  no  meat;  the; 
 flocks  (hall  be  cut  oflF  from  the  (old,  and  there  shall  be 
 no  herd  in  the  flails  :  _ 
 
 .hniicrli  they  (hould  deftroy  every  outward  comfort  in  my  country,  I  will  | 
 
 f  i.  God  ‘ 
 
 1 8  Yet  I  tMll  rejoice  in  the  Lord,  I  will  joy  in  the 
 
 God  of  my  I'alvation.  j  l  n 
 
 19  The  Lord  God  is  mv  ftrength,  and  he  uill^ — ^ 
 
 make  my  feet  l.ke  ‘  r.indsVcet,  and  ho  '‘HI  mf  ?  *“• 
 
 10  walk  upon  mine  high  places,  io  the  chief  noger 
 on  mv  t  flringed  inllruments.*  is.  35. 
 
 ^  1  I  jjgb.  Ntginoth. 
 
 enable  me  to  bear  up  under  trouble,  preferve  me  from  danger,  and  bring  meagaia 
 
 \ftat;d rejoice  in  God  himfelf,  as  my  all-fufficient  i'ort.on  ana  - - -  to  my  own  la^ - - - ^ ^ - - 
 
 ^  ^ _ 2—. _ — - - - - - —  ;  ,,  ,  nimates  to  oraver.  And,  even  under  tokens  of  his  wratb,  we  rauft; 
 
 ”pil  \CTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chap.  HE]  Attentive  hearing  of  obferving  his  former  providences  of  mtTcy  or  judgment.  Eveti 
 
 ^  apfnair  of  bis  mercy  ;  there  is  enough  of  it  in  his  ftores— in  bis  heart.  Nor  oug  -reatures  are  ready  to  affift  in  promoting  it.  If  he  then  I.e  our  leader, 
 
 ioft  maieftic  manifellations,  he  has  the  falvation  of  his  people  chiefly  at  heart  ;^and  y of  our  redemptioa 
 
 T  ,„h  Thrift  Let  me  therefore  never  indulge  flavifh  fear.  It  1  enjoy  creaieu  toiu  , 
 
 ‘.52 1.  S  •'! ““  6'“‘  ^===iiisa=ai=Bi=— 
 
 H  A  N  I A  H. 
 
 THE  ARGUMENT. 
 
 their  impenitence,  they  should  certainly  be  destroyed  by  the  Chaldeans. 
 
 CHAP.  I. 
 
 1  The  time  when  Zephaniah  prophesied.  2  God's  severe  judgments  against 
 Judah  for  divers  sins.  ■ 
 
 Before  rT^HE  word  of  the  Lord  Whkh  came  unto  ^e- 
 Chrift  I  phaniah  the  fon  ot  Cuflii,  the  fon  o(  Gedanah, 
 the  (on  of  Amariah,  the  fon  of  Hizkiah,  m  the  days 
 of  Jofiah  the  fon  of  Ammon,  king  of  Judah. 
 
 I  Heb.  2  H  1 1  will  utterly  conlume  all  things  from  ott  t  tne 
 
 i?j/ taHngland,  faith  the  Lord.  t-Vip 
 
 many  I  3  I  will  confume  man  and  beafl  :  I  will  conlume  the 
 uiii  make  Jhe  heaven,  and  the  filhes  of  the  lea,  and  the 
 
 rHeb.  II  ftumbling-blocks  with  the  wicked  ;  and  I  will  cut 
 the  face  o/off  mau  from  off  the  land,  faith  the  Lord. 
 the  land.  ^  aifp  ftretch  out  mine  hand  upon  Judan,  ana 
 
 II  ?'■’  upon  all  the  inhabitants  of  Jerufalem  ;  and  I  will  cut 
 Fulfilled  off  the  remnant  of  Baal  from  this  place,  and  the  name 
 cir.  624.  of  the  Cheraarims  with  the  priefls ; 
 
 5  And  them  that  worfliip  the  hofl  of  heaven  upon 
 the  houfe-tops ;  and  them  that  worlhip,  that  (wear 
 II  by  the  Lord,  and  that  (wear  by  Malcham  ; 
 
 6  And  them  that  are  turned  back  from  the  Lord  , 
 and  those  that  have  not  fought  the  Lord,  nor  enquir- 
 
 ^'^V^HolcHhy  peace  at  the  prefence  of  the  Lord  God  : 
 for  the  day  of  the  Lord  is  at  hand  ;  lor  the  Lord 
 hath  prepared  a  lacrifice,  he  hath  t  bid  his  guefls. 
 sanmfed,  g  \i  (flail  come  to  pals  in  the  day  ot  tne 
 Lord’s  facrilice,  that  I  will  t  punilh  the  pnnees,  and 
 ^  Heb.  the  king’s  children,  and  all  such  as  are  clothed  with 
 
 Kme  day  alfo  will  I  punilh  all  thofe  that 
 
 11  Or, 
 
 to  the 
 
 LORD. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 leap  on  the  threlhold,  which  fill  their  mailer’s  houfes 
 
 with  violence  and  deceit.  „  .  ,  r -.v, 
 
 10  And  it  (hall  come  to  pafs  m  that  day,  laith  the  ^ 
 
 Lord,  that  there  shall  be  the  noife  of  a  cry  from  tne 
 fifti-gate,  and  an  howling  from  the  fecond,  and  a  great 
 
 cralhing  from  the  hills.^  • 
 
 11  Howl,  ye  inhabitants  of  Maktelh,  for  all  the 
 merchant  people  are  cut  down ;  all  they  that  bear 
 
 filver  are  cut  off.  .r  ,  t 
 
 12  And  it  (hall  come  to  pafs  at  that  time, 
 
 will  fearch  Jerufalem  with  candles,  and  punilh  the  ^ 
 men  that  are  t  fettled  on  their  lees  5 
 
 heart,  The  Lord  will  not  do  good,. neither  will  ifiickeneu. 
 
 13  Therefore  their  goods  (hall  become  a  boj>ty,  and 
 
 their  houfes  a  delblation :  they  build  houles, 
 
 but  *  not  inhabit  them  ;  and  they  (hall  plant  vine}  ards, 
 
 but  not  drink  the  wine  thereof.  .  .  Amos 
 
 14  The  great  day  of  the  Lord  is  near,  it  is  s.  ii. 
 
 and  hafleth  greatly,  even  the  voice  of  the  day  ot  the 
 Lord  :  the  mighty  man  (ball  cry  there  bitteny. 
 
 15  That  day  is  a  day  of  wrath  a  day  ot  trouble  b  Jerom. 
 and  diflrefs,  a  day  ot  waftenels  and  defolation,  a  da}  • 
 of  darknefs  and  gloominefs,  a  day  of  clouds  and  thick 
 darknefs 
 
 16  A*day  of  the  trumpet  pd  alarm  againfl;  the  5.  is. 
 fenced  cities,  and  againfl  the  high  towers. 
 
 17  And  I  will  bring  diflrefs  upon  men,  that  they 
 (hall  walk  like  blind  men,  becaule  they  have  linned 
 againfl  the  Lord  ;  and  their  blood  (hall  be  poured 
 out  as  duft,  and  their  flefh  as  the  dung. 
 
 TXPTANATORY  notes.  Chap.  I.  Ver,  3—6.  Idols  and  other  occa- 
 
 f  courfes  are  here  called  s(Mm6««g-6/ocis.  Notwithftanding  Jofiah  s 
 
 fions  of  finful  cobles,  Yiaal ;  and  the  Chemanm,  or 
 
 bSone?  were  the 'idolatrous  priefts.  Some  mingled  the  worftiip  of  Jehovah 
 “  d  or  M.l.ch,  -Ok.*-;  •"■I 
 
 S  t".  ObSfo  n  V.2b«.  W  (..d  -bd  d™»b  .ba,  «.Uh  .nd  fbb«.b... 
 
 Ver  9.  They  who  leap  on  the  threshold,  are  either  idolatrous  pnefts  who  jumped 
 over  the  threftiolds  of  Uieir  temples ;  or  rather  fervants  who  infolently  entered  the 
 houfes  of  pretended  malefaaors,  to  plunder  them  for  their  mafters.  \  er  12.  God 
 will  manifeft  and  punilh  the  moft  fecret  abominations,  particularly  of  thofe  who, 
 from  atheiftical  principles,  are  become  hardened  and  fecure  m  wiekednefs.  \  er 
 14 _ 18,  Thefe  expreflions  denote  the  terrible,  confounding,  ruinous,  and  delolaU 
 
 ing  nature  of  the  Chaldean  and  Roman  invafions. 
 
An  ezhorlalion  to  repentance^  ^-c. 
 
 ZEPHANIAH. 
 
 Before 
 Chrirt 
 cir.  630. 
 
 11  Or, 
 
 »o<  de- 
 
 8  of 
 
 to- 
 
 18  '  Neither  their  filver  nor  (heir  gold  (hall  he  able 
 to  deliver  them  in  the  day  of  the  Lord’s  wrath  ;  but 
 the  whole  laud  fhall  be  devoured  by  the  fire  of  his 
 jealoufy  :  tor  he  (hall  make  even  a  fpeedy  riddance 
 of  all  them  that  dwell  in  the  land.* 
 
 19.  d  Chap.  S.  8. 
 
 CHAP.  II. 
 
 1  exhortation  to  repetitance.  4  The  judgment  of  the  Philistines, 
 Moab  and  Ammon  ;  12  of  Ethiopia,  \c. 
 
 GA  PHER  yourlelves  together,  yea,  gather 
 gether,  O  nation  H  not  defired ; 
 
 2  Before  the  decree  bring  forth,  before  the  day  pafs 
 as  the  chaff,  before  the  fierce  anger  of  the  Lord  come 
 upon  you,  before  the  day  of  the  Lord’s  anger  come 
 upon  you. 
 
 3  Seek  ye  the  Lord,  all  ye  meek  of  the  earth, 
 w’h'cn  have  wrought  his  judgment  ;  feek  righteouf- 
 nefs,  feek  meeknefs :  it  may  be  ye  fhall  be  hid  in  the 
 day  of  the  Lord’s  anger. 
 
 4  ^  For  Gaza  fhall  be  forfaken,  and  Afhkelon  a 
 defclation  ;  they  fhall  drive  out  Aflidod  at  the  noon¬ 
 day,  and  Ekron  fhall  be  rooted  up. 
 
 5  Woe  unto  the  inhabitants  of  the  fea-coafis,  the 
 nation  of  the  Cherethites  !  the  word  of  the  Lord  is 
 againfl  you  ;  O  Canaan,  the  land  of  the  Philiftines,  I 
 will  even  dtflroy  thee,  that  there  lhall  be  no  inhabitant. 
 
 G  And  the  fea-coaft  fhall  be  dwellings  and  cottages 
 for  fhepherds,  and  folds  for  flocks. 
 
 ■?  And  the  coaft  fliall  be  for  the  remnant  of  the 
 houfe  of  Judah  ;  they  fhall  feed  thereupon  :  in  the 
 houfes  of  Aflikelon  fhall  they  lie  down  in  the  even¬ 
 ing  ;  II  for  the  Lord  their  God  fhall  vifit  them,  and 
 fallen,  ^e.  away  their  captivity. 
 
 8  H  1  have  heard  the  reproach  of  Moab,  and  the 
 revilings  of  the  children  of  Amnnon,  whereby  they 
 have  reproached  my  people,  and  magnified  themselves 
 againfl  their  border. 
 
 9  Therefore,  as  I  live,  faith  the  Lord  of  hofls,  the 
 God  of  Ifrael,  Surely  Mcab  fliall  be  as  Sodom,  and 
 the  children  of  Aa  mon  as  Gomorrah,  even  the  breed¬ 
 ing  of  nettles,  and  falt-pits,  and  a  perpetual  defola- 
 tion  :  the  refidue  of  my  peop'e  fhall  fpoil  them,  and 
 the  remnant  of  my  people  fhall  pofTefs  them. 
 
 10  This  fhall  they  have  for  their  pride,  becaufe 
 they  have  reproached  and  magnified  themselves  againfl 
 the  people  of  the  Lord  of  hofls. 
 
 Or, 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  II.  V«r.  1 — 5.  O  nation,  carelefs 
 about,  and  odious  to  God,  fearch  yourfelves  diligently,  and  affemble  together 
 in  foletnn  farting,  before  the  appointed  day  of  his  vengeance  overtake  you,  which 
 lhall  unavoidably  hurl  you  out  of  your  land,  and  miferably  dertroy  you.  Ye  poor 
 afflidled,  and  humble  fouls,  who  have  obeyed  his  laws,  implore  his  favour,  and 
 fupplicate  increafe  of  grace  and  holinefs;  thus,  it  may  he,  ye  fliall  not  ptrirti  with 
 your  wicked  countrymen.  Ver.  4 — 7.  The  Philiftines’  rtrong  cities  rtiall  be  ut- 
 t.  riy  deftroyed,  and  the  inhabitants  murdered  by  the  Chaldeans,  Greeks,  and 
 others;  and  at  laft,  the  Jewifh  Maccabees  lhall  reduce  the  whole  country,  and 
 dwell  therein.  Vir.  8 — 11.  For  their  infolent  behaviour  towards  the  Ifraelites, 
 t'le  country  of  the  Moab'tes  and  Ammonites  fliall  he  made  an  utter  and  lafting 
 defolation,  and  at  laft  become  the  property  of  the  Jews; — and  in  the  apoftolic  and 
 inillenial  periods,  idolatry  lhall  be  haniftied  from  it,  and  a  glorious  gofptl  church 
 eftahlilhcd  there,  as  in  other  heathen  countries.  \’er.  1  2 —  1 5.  The  Ethiopians  on 
 the  foulh,  and  Aflyrians  on  the  north-eaft,  fliall  alfo  be  murdered  by  the  Chal¬ 
 deans,  and  other  inftrumerits  of  my  vengeance.  And  the  now  famous,  frarlefs, 
 
 The  judgments  of  Ethioina, 
 
 1 1  The  Lord  vcill  he  terrible  unto  them  :  for  he  Before 
 will  f  familh  all  the  gods  of  the  earth  ;  and  men  fhall 
 worfhip  him,  everyone  from  his  place,  even  all 
 
 ifles  of  the  heathen,  t 
 
 12  11  Ye  Ethiopians  alfo,  ye  shall  he  flain  by  mv’""^'-’ 
 fw'ord. 
 
 13  And  he  will  flretch  out  his  hand  againfl  the 
 north,  and  deftroy  Affyria  ;  and  will  make  Nineveh 
 a  defolation.  and  dry  like  a  wildernefs. 
 
 14  And  flocks  fhall  lie  down  in  the  midft  of  her, 
 all  the  beafls  of  the  nations;  both  the  I|  ®  cormorant 
 
 and  the  bittern  fhall  lodge  in  the  ||  upper  lintels  of  a  iiii”], 
 it;  their  voice  fhall  fing  in  the  windows  ;  defolation 
 shall  be  in  the  threfholds :  H  for  he  fhall  uncover  the  f 
 cedar-wotk.  _  ,  , 
 
 15  1  his  is  the  rejoicing  city  “  that  dwelt  carebfsly,  i)  or, 
 that  laid  in  her  heart,  I  and  there  is  none  befides 
 
 me :  how  is  fhe  become  a  defolation,  a  place  for  beafb  ^joltrTd' 
 to  lie  down  in  !  every  one  that  palTeth  by  her  fhalih  uwaii 
 hifs,  and  wag  his  hand.f  a?.  8. 
 
 CHAP.  III. 
 
 1  A  sharp  reproof  of  Jerusalem  for  divers  sms.  8  An  exhortation  to  wait 
 for  the  restoration  of  Israel,  14  and  to  rejoice  for  their  salvation  by  God, 
 
 OE  to  her  that  is  ||  f  filthy  and  polluted,  to  H 
 the  opprefling  city  ! 
 
 2  She  obeyed  not  the  voice ;  fhe  received  not  II  cor- f*Heb. 
 
 re£Iion  ;  fhe  trufted  not  in  the  Lord  ;  fhe  drew  not  crew, 
 near  to  her  God.  II 
 
 3  *  Her  princes  within  her  are  roaring  lions  ;  her 
 
 judges  are  evening  wolves  ;  they  gnaw  not  the  bones  a  Ezek, 
 till  the  morrow.  22.  27. 
 
 4  Her  prophets  a?r  light  and  treacherous  perfons : 
 
 her  priefls  have  polluted  the  fanifluary,  they  have^jAem'. 
 done  =  violence  to  the  law.  23.11. 
 
 5  The  juft  Lord  is  in  the  midft  thereof ;  he  will 
 
 not  do  iniquity:  f  every  morning  doth  he  bring  his 
 judgment  to  light,  he  faileth  not ;  but  the  unjuft  know-  22.  26.’ 
 eth  no  fhame.  t  Htb- 
 
 6  I  have  cut  off  the  nations :  their  ||  towers  are  do- 
 
 folate  ;  1  trade  their  ftreets  wafte,  that  none  pafTerh 
 by;  their  cities  are  deftroyed,  fo  that  there  is  noiOr, 
 man,  that  there  is  none  inhabitant.  comers. 
 
 7  I  faid,  Surely  thou  w'ilt  fear  me,  thou  wilt  receive 
 inftru^Iion  ;  fo  their  dwelling  fhould  not  be  cut  off, 
 houfoever  I  punifhed  them  ;  but  they  rofe  early,  and 
 corrupted  all  their  doings. 
 
 and  haughty  city  of  Nineveh,  fliall  be  reduced  to  a  heap  of  ruins,  to  the  aftonifti- 
 ment  and  joy  of  the  nations  which  they  have  opprefled. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  III.  Ver.  1—4.  Dreadful  miferies 
 await  Jerufalem,  which  is  quite  tilled  with  wickedntfs.  Moft.  of  the  inhabitants 
 pay  no  regard  to  God’s  laws,  warnings,  or  correeSlions  ;  they  Iruft  not  in  him,  but 
 in  their  heathen  allies  and  idols;  and,  regardlefs  of  his  covenant  relation  to  them, 
 they  neither  pray  to,  nor  worfliip  him.  Their  princes  and  judges  are  rapacious 
 and  cruel  opprelTors.  Their  prophets  are  light,  frothy,  and  treacherous  to 
 God  and  men.  Their  priefts  profane  the  fanrSluary,  and  pervert  the  law,  by 
 their  falfe  glofles  or  bad  examples.  Ver.  a — 7.  Though  I,  who  in  infinite  right- 
 eoufnefs  am  a  hater  of  all  iniquity,  am  among  them  in  mine  ordinances  to 
 obferve  their  condutSl  :  and  though  I  have  long  and  repeatedly  warned  them 
 by  my  prophets,  and  by  making  examples  of  impenitent  finners,  yet  ftill  they 
 continue  impudent  and  obflinate  in  their  fin  ;  and  though,  for  their  warning,  I 
 have  executed  my  defolating  judgments  on  other  nations,  that  fo  I  might  not 
 he  obliged  to  deftroy  them,  yet,  inftead  of  repenting,  they  have  become  more 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  L]  The  wrath  of  God  makes  fearful  havoek  in  a  nation  or  kingdom  ;  and  burns  hotted  againfl.  apoftate  pro- 
 felTors  and  hypocrites.  Thefe  refufers  of  Chrili’s  atoning  facrifice  mull  themfelves  fall  a  facrifice  to  the  provoked  vengeance  of  God;  nor  can  any  rank  or  ftation 
 fave  from  his  ftroke,'  Yen,  every  fin,  fecret  or  open,  is  taken  into  his  account,  as  a  ground  of  their  punilhment.  Gaudy  apparel  and  ill-gotten  gains  fpeedily  help 
 on  their  deftruaion.’  A'a-,  how  terrible  is  it  to  fall  info  the  hands  of  an  angry  God  !  How  awakening  to  infidels  themfelves,  who  had  racked  their  wits  to  lilence 
 
 tbe.'r  co'ifciences,  that  they  might  enjoy  their  guilty  pleafures  undisturbed  !  ,  .  ,  ,  •  j  r  /.  -r  • 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. _ f  Chap.  II. J  Sin  renders  the  highest  profeflbrs  ufelefs  and  odious  before  God.  And  there  is  great  need  of  ieif-examina- 
 
 tion,  and  folemn  humiliation  and  prayer,  when  his  judgments  hang  over  our  head.  How  terrible  are  the  correaions  of  God’s  own  people  !  But  little  reafon  have 
 their  enemies  to  rejoice  thereat,  for  their  calaraites  will  ilTue  in  the  ruin  of  their  injurers. 
 
pi'foro 
 Chi-irt. 
 .^ir'  6 '50. 
 
 i  Chip- 
 1,  18. 
 
 ).  Hel>. 
 
 lip. 
 
 I  rieb. 
 thouldc’r. 
 
 exliorlalioM  to  repentance,  ^c.  HAGGAt. 
 
 8  il  Therefore  wait  ye  upon  me,  faith  the  Lord, 
 until  the  day  that  I  rife  up  to  the  prey  ;  for  my  deter¬ 
 mination  is  to  gather  the  nations,  that  1  may  affemble 
 the  kingdoms,  to  pour  upon  them  mine  indignation, 
 even  all  my  fierce  anger  :  for  all  the  earth  (hall  be 
 devoured  with  the  fire  of  my  jealoufy. 
 
 9  For  then  will  I  turn  to  the  people  a  pure  f  lan¬ 
 guage,  that  they  may  all  call  upon  the  name  of  the 
 Lord,  to  ferve  him  with  one  f  confent. 
 
 10  From  beyond  the  rivers  of  Ethiopia  my  fup- 
 pliants,  even  the  daughter  of  my  difperfed,  fhall  bring 
 mine  offering. 
 
 11  In  that  day  (halt  thou  not  be  afhamed  for  all 
 thy  doings,  wherein  thou  haft  tranfgrefled  againft 
 me  ;  for  then  I  will  take  away  out  of  the  midft  of  thee  , 
 them  that  rejoice  in  thy  pride ;  and  thou  (halt ' 
 
 ^Heb.  no  more  be  haughty  f  becaufe  of  my  holy  moun-! 
 tain.  ! 
 
 12  I  will  alfo  leave  in  the  midft  of  thee  an  affii(fted  ' 
 and  poor  people,  and  they  (hall  truft  in  the  name  of  i 
 the  Lord. 
 
 13  ^  The  remnant  of  K'rael  fhall  not  do  iniquity,  nor 
 fpeak  lies  ;  neither  (hall  a  deceitful  tongue  be  found 
 in  their  mouth  :  for  they  (hall  feed  and  lie  down,  and 
 none  (hall  make  them  afraid. 
 
 14.  1[  ^  Sing,  O  daughter  of  Zion  ;  (hout,  O  Ifrael ; 
 
 for  the  restoration  of  IsraeU 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 cir.  630. 
 
 e  Ifaiah 
 12.  6.  & 
 54.  1. 
 
 wicked.  Ver.  8 — 13.  Neverthelefs  wait  ye  on  me,  till  by  defblating  judgments 
 I  have  deftroyed  the  wicked  from  among  you,  and  have  even  deflroyed  the 
 wicked  nations  from  the  world;  for  after  that  I  will,  by  my  grace,  effedtually  re¬ 
 new  vour  heart  and  life,  and  make  you  unanimoufly  to  concur  in  worlhipping  me. 
 Gathered  from  the  moft  diftant  countries,  ye  fhall  humbly  prefent  to  me  your 
 thankfgiving  :  and  returned  to  your  own  land,  no  more  fhall  ye  undergo  the  re¬ 
 proach  and  punifhment  of  your  former  fins.  They  that  prided  themfelvcs  in  their 
 peculiar  relation  to  God,  and  their  outward  privileges  and  ordinances,  fliall  be 
 cut  off:  and  in  their  flead,  I  will  raife  up  a  generation  of  perfons,  humble  under 
 their  troubles,  who  fhall  truft  in  my  promifes,  believe  on  my  Son,  and  being  re¬ 
 newed  in  their  hearts,  fhall  deteft  falfehood  and  all  other  wickednefs,  and  fhall  be 
 encouraged  to  an  upright  and  holy  converfation  by  the  protedlion  which  I  will 
 
 be  glad  and  rejoice  with  all  the  heart,  ()  daugther  of 
 Jerufalem. 
 
 1.5  The  Lord  hath  taken  away  thy  judgments,  he 
 hath  caft  out  thine  enemy:  the  king  of  Ifrael,  even 
 the  Lord,  ts  in  the  mid(t  of  thee  :  thou  (halt  not  fee 
 evil  any  more. 
 
 IG  In  that  day  it  (hall  be  faid  to  Jerufalem,  Fear 
 thou  not ;  and  to  Zion,  Let  not  thine  hands  be 
 11  (lack.  I  Of. 
 
 17  The  Lord  Thy  God  in  the  midft  of  thee 
 mighty  ;  he  will  Cave,  he  will  rejoice  over  thee  with 
 joy  ;  he  f  will  reft  in  his  love  ;  he  will  joy  over  theet  Heb. 
 with  finging. 
 
 18  I  will  gather  them  that  are  forrowful  for  the  fo-‘ 
 
 lemn  affTembly,  -duho  are  of  thee,  to  vchom^  the  reproach  f  Heb. 
 of  it  -was  a  burden.  the  burden 
 
 19  Behold,  at  that  time  I  will  undo  all  that  afflift“^^^^_ 
 thee  ;  and  I  will  fave  her  that  ^  halteth,  and  gather^,,.^^^!. 
 her  that  was  driven  out ;  and  1 1  will  get  them  praifef  Micah 
 and  fame  in  every  land  f  where  they  have  been  put‘*-L- 
 
 .  /V-  t  Heb. 
 
 tolhame.  ,  .  ^  .  .  /u^utset 
 
 20  At  that  tune  will  I  bring  you  again,  even  in  them fn- 
 the  time  that  I  gather  you;  for  I  will  make  you  ?La praise. 
 name  and  a  praife  among  all  people  of  the  earth,  when 
 
 he  will  be 
 silent. 
 
 I  turn  back  your  captivity  before  your  eyes, 
 Lord.* 
 
 (aith  the^^r 
 
 afford  them.  Ver,  14—19.  Rejoice  greatly,  O  Jews,  take  courage  and  abound  ia 
 piety,  for  I  the  Lord  will  remove  your  troubles,  and  deftroy  your  Chaldean  and 
 other  enemies.  I  will  as  your  God  and  King  take  plcafure  in  faving  and  per¬ 
 petually  fhewing  favours  to  you.  I  will  bring  you,  who  are  burdened  with  the 
 want  of  my  folemn  ordinances,  and  with  the  fcoffiog  of  the  Chaldeans  at  them,  to 
 your  own  land,  notwilhftanding  your  weaknefs,  and  want  of  courage  ;  and,  by 
 glorious  appearances  for  your  prefervation  and  deliverance,  will  render  you  fa¬ 
 mous  and  houroured  in  all  the  countries  where  you  have  lived  in  difgrace.  But 
 thefe  promifes  chiefly  relate  to  the  converfion  of  multitudes  of  Jews  and  Gentiles, 
 and  their  noted  harmony,  purity,  comfort,  peace,  and  honour  iu  the  gofpel  church 
 efpecially  in  the  raillenial  ftate. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  III.]  Alas!  what  terrible  wickednefs  againft  God  and  men  abounds  among  apoftate  profeflbrs  I  And  it  is 
 truly  lamentable  when  they  who  ought  to  have  been  the  principal  patterns  of  and  encouragers  to  piety,  become  the  moft  obftinate  ringleaders  to  wickednefs  of  every 
 kind.  An  Almighty  God  can  eafily  pardon  and  reform  his  people,  and  cut  off  their  enemies. 
 
 AGG  AI. 
 
 THE  ARGUMENT. 
 
 These  three  last  prophets,  Haggai,  Zechariah,  and  Malachi,  prophesied  after  the  return  of  the  Jews  from  Babylon, 
 Haggai  was  sent  to  exhort  the  Jews  to  rebuild  the  temple  of  Jerusalem,  and  to  declare  to  them  that  the  Messiah 
 would  soon  come  and  that  the  glory  of  his  kingdom  would  be  vay  great. 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 cir.  520. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 by  the 
 hand  of 
 Haggai. 
 
 1  Or. 
 oaptain. 
 
 CHAP.  1. 
 
 l  When  Haggai  prophesied;  2  he  rejrroveth  the  people's  delay  tn  building 
 the  temple :  7  he  inciteth  them  in  the  building. 
 
 IN  the  fecond  year  of  Darius  the  king,  in  the  fixth 
 month,  in  the  firft  day  of  the  month,  came  the 
 word  of  the  Lord  f  by  Haggai  the  prophet  unto 
 Zerubbabel  the  fonof  Shealtiel,  |1  governor  of  Judah, 
 and  to  Jo(hua  the  fon  of  Jofedech,  the  high  priest, 
 faying, 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  I.  Ver.  1 — 15.  This  prophet  and 
 Zechariah  were  raifed  up  by  God,  about  the  fame  time  and  for  the  fame  puri 
 pofe,  to  exhort  and  encourage  their  brethren,  who  had  returned  from  Babylon^ 
 
 10  F 
 
 2  H  Thus  fpeaketh  the  Lord  of  hofts,  faying.  This  Before 
 people  fay,  the  time  is  not  come,  the  time  that  the 
 Lord’s  houfe  (hould  be  built. 
 
 3  Then  came  the  word  of  the  LOrd  by  Haggai 
 the  prophet,  faying, 
 
 4  Is  it  time  for  you,  O  ye,  to  dwell  in  your  ceiled 
 
 houfes,  and  this  houfe  tie  waste?  your  u'cym 
 
 5  Now  therefore  thus  faith  the  Lord  of  hosts, 
 
 t  Confider  your  ways.  liicaK* 
 
 B  Ye  have  *  fown  much,  and  bring  in  little  ;  ye  ear,  6.  m,  15. 
 
 Haggai  began  his  labours,  when  the  Jews  had  been  interrupted  from  building 
 the  temple  by  the  malice  of  their  enemies.  Inflead  of  feizing  the  firft  favourable 
 opportunity  to  renew  the  work,  they  devoted  their  time  to  promote  their  own 
 
 27 
 
HA GOAL 
 
 Ha^gai  incitah  the  -people  to  build  the  temple,  Sfc. 
 
 Before 
 ChriA. 
 cir,  520. 
 
 t  Hel). 
 pierced 
 through. 
 
 B  Or,  , 
 
 blow  it 
 away. 
 
 b  DeuU 
 28.  23. 
 
 j-  Ileb. 
 
 by  the 
 hand  of. 
 
 but  ve  have  not  enough  ;  ye  drink,  but  ye  are  not 
 filled  with  dr'nk  ;  ye  clothe  you,  but  there  is  none 
 warm  :  and  he  that  earneth  wages,  earneih  wages  to 
 put  It  into  a  bag  f  wish  holes. 
 
 *1’  H  Ihus  faith  the  Lord  of  holis,  Confider  your 
 ways. 
 
 8  Go  up  to  the  mountain,  and  bring  wood,  and 
 build  the  houle ;  and  I  will  take  pleafure  in  it,  and  I 
 will  be  glorified  faith  the  Lord. 
 
 9  Ye  looked  for  tnach,  and,  lo,  it  came  to  little; 
 and  v/hen  ye  brought  it  home,  1  did  |l  blow  upon  it. 
 Why?  faith  the  Lord  of  holds.  Becaufe  of  mine 
 houfe  that  is  wafte,  and  ye  run  every  man  unto  his 
 own  houfe. 
 
 10  Inerefore  ^  the  heaven  over  you  is  flayed  from 
 dew,  and  the  earth  is  flayed  from  her  fruit. 
 
 11  And  I  called  for  a  drought  upon  the  land,  and 
 upon  the  mountains,  and  upon  the  corn,  and  upon 
 the  new  wine,  and  upon  the  oil,  and  upon  that  which 
 the  ground  bringeih  forth,  and  upon  men,  and  upon 
 cattle,  and  upon  all  the  labour  of  the  hands. 
 
 12  H  d’hen  Zerubbabel  the  fon  of  Shealtiel  and 
 Jofhua  the  fon  of  Jofedech,  the  high  prieft  v/ith  all 
 the  remnant  of  the  people,  obeyed  the  voice  of  the 
 Lord  their  God,  and  the  words  of  Haggai  the  pro- 
 pnet,  (as  the  Lord  their  God  had  fent  him,)  and  the 
 people  did  fear  before  the  Lord. 
 
 13  Then  fpake  Haggai  the  Lord’s  melTenger,  in 
 the  Lord’s  raeffage  unto  the  people,  faying,  lam  with 
 you,  faith  the  Lord. 
 
 14  II  And  the  Lord  ftirred  up  the  fpirit  of  Zerub- 
 bibel  the  fon  of  Shealtiel,  governor  of  Jndah,  and  the 
 fpirit  of  Jofhua  the  fon  of  Jofedech,  the  high  prieft, 
 and  thefpirit.of  all  the  remnant  of  the  people;  and 
 they  came,  and  did  work  in  the  houfe  of  the  Lord  of 
 hofls,  their  God. 
 
 15  In  the  four  and  tw'entieth  day  of  the  fixth  month, 
 in  the  fecood  year  of  Darius  the  king.* 
 
 CHAP.  II. 
 
 t  He  promisith  g) eater  glory  lo  the  second  temple  than  was  in  the  Jirst ; 
 
 10  their  sins  hindcreth  the  work. 
 
 I'N  the  feventh  month,  in  the  one  and  twentieth  day 
 J_  of  the  month,  came  the  word  of  the  Lord  f  by 
 the  prophet  Haggai,  faying, 
 
 2  Speak  now-’  to  Zerubbabel  the  fon  of  Shealtiel, 
 governor  of  Judah,  and  to  Jolhua  the  fon  of  Jofedech, 
 the  high  prieft,  and  to  the  relidue  of  the  people, 
 faying, 
 
 3  Who  is  left  among  ycu  that  faw  this  houfe  in 
 her  firft  glory  ?  and  how  do  you  fee  it  now  ?  is  it  not 
 in  your  eyes  in  comparifon  of  it  as  nothing  ? 
 
 4  Yet  now  be  flrong,  O  Zerubbabel,  faith  the 
 Lord  ;  and  be  ftropg,  O  Jofhua,  fon  of  Jofedech,  the 
 
 fnterefts  in  the  neglecSl  of  the  Icrvice  of  God.  For  this  condueft  they  are  fharply 
 reproved,  and  diredled  to  the  ftriking  tokens  of  divine  difpleafure  againft  them. 
 The  reproof  and  warning  produceci  the  moft  falutary  eft'eiil.  Rulers  and  people 
 feared  the  Lord,  and  trembled  at  his  word ;  they  recommenced  his  work  with  for¬ 
 titude,  being  aflured  of  his  prefence  and  prote<5lion. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  H.  Ver.  6,  7,  21,  22.  Not  only  was 
 the  Jewiflt  church  and  flate  repeatedly  lhaken  by  manifold  difaders,  hut  the  nations 
 
 A  promise  of  greater  glory  to  the  second 
 
 high  prieft  ;  and  be  ftrong,  all  ye  people  of  the  land, 
 faith  the  Lord,  and  work:  for  I  with  you,  faith 
 the  Lord  of  hotts. 
 
 5  According  to  the  word  that  I  covenanted  with 
 you  when  ye  came  out  of  Egypt,  io  my  Ipirit  remain- 
 eth  among  you  ;  fear  ye  not. 
 
 6  For  thus  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts,  ®  yet  once,  it 
 is  a  little  while,  and  I  will  fhake  the  heavens,  and  the 
 earth,  and  vhe  lea,  and  the  dry  land ; 
 
 7  And  I  will  (hake  all  nations,  and  the  Defireof  all 
 nations  fhall  come:  and  I  will  fill  this  houfe  with  glo¬ 
 ry,  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts. 
 
 8  The  filver  is  mine,  and  the  gold  is  mine,  faith  the 
 Lord  of  hofts. 
 
 9  The  glory  of  this  latter  houfe  fhall  be  greater  than 
 of  the  former  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts:  and  in  this 
 place  will  1  give  peace,  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts. 
 
 10  51  In  the  four  and  twentieth  dap  of  the  ninth 
 month,  in  the  fecond  year  of  Darius,  came  the  word 
 of  the  Lord,  by  Haggai  the  prophet,  faying, 
 
 1 1  Thus  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts,  Afk  now  the 
 priefts  concerning  the  law,  faying, 
 
 12  If  one  bear  holy  flefh  in  the  fldrt  of  his  garment, 
 and  with  his  ficirt  do  touch  bread,  or  pottage,  or 
 wine,  or  oil,  or  any  meat,  fhall  it  be  holy  ?  And  the 
 prieft  anfwered  and  faid,  No. 
 
 13  Then  faid  Haggai,  If  one  that  is  unclean  by  a 
 dead  body,  touch  any  of  thefe,  fhall  it  be  unclean? 
 And  the  priefts  anfwered  and  faid,  Itfliall  be  unclean. 
 
 14  Then  aufwered  Haggai,  and  laid.  So  is  this 
 people,  and  fo  is  this  nation  before  me,  faith  the 
 Lord;  and  fo  is  every  work  of  their  hands;  and 
 that  which  they  ofi'er  there  is  unclean. 
 
 15  And  now,  I  pray  you,  Confider  from  this  day 
 and  upward,  from  before  a  ttone  was  laid  upon  a  ftone 
 in  the  tem.ple  of  the  Lord  ; 
 
 16  Since  thofe  days  were,  when  one  came  to  an  heap 
 of  tv/enty  measures,  there  were  but  ten-:  when  one 
 came  to  the  prefs-fat,  for  to  draw  out  fifty  vessels  out 
 of  the  prels,  there  were  hut  twenty. 
 
 17  I  (mote  you  with  blafting,  and  with  mildew, 
 and  with  hail,  in  all  the  labours  of  your  hands  ;  yei 
 ye  turned  not  to  me,  (aith  the  Lord. 
 
 18  Confider  now  trom  this  day  and  upward,  from 
 the  four  and  twendeth  day  of  the  ninth  month,  even 
 from  the  day  that  the  foundation  of  the  Lord’s  tem¬ 
 ple  was  laid,  confider  it. 
 
 19  Is  the  feed  yet  in  the  barn?  yea,  as  yet  the  vine, 
 and  the  fig-tree,  and  the  pomegranate,  and  the  olive- 
 tree  hath  not  brought  forth  :  from  this  day  will  I 
 blefs  you. 
 
 20  51  And  again  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
 Haggai,  in  the  four  and  twentieth  day  of  the  month, 
 faying, 
 
 ®  Ileb. 
 *  lie. 
 
 I)  .Amos 
 ■1.  9. 
 
 around  were  Aiaken  and  overturned  by  the  rife  and  fall  of  the  Perfian,  Greciai', 
 and  Roman  empires  to  make  way,  for  CSrift’s  incarnation  and  gofpel  church. 
 And  they  will  be  further  tliaken  by  the  fall  of  the  Antichriftian  and  Mahonio- 
 tan  powers  to  make  way  for  his  univerfal  reign  on  earth.  Ver.  7.  Chrift  is  the 
 Desire  of  all  nations  :  infinitely  defirahle  in  himfelf,  and  defired  and  embraced  bj 
 1  all  that  knew  him  ;  and  his  prefence  filled  the  fecond  temple  with  glory.  Ver, 
 12 — 14.  As  legal  holinefs  is  not  fo  eafily  communicated  as  legal  uncleannefs,  fo 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.  —  *  Chap.  I.]  Lukewarm  profelfors  are  eafily  checked  in  their  reforming  attempts.  If  civil  powers  do  not  encourage  tbe-n 
 they  imagine  it  is  not  a  proper  feafon,  and  it  will  require  both  prophets  and  plagues  to  (fir  them  up  to  their  duty.  Uncertain,  unfubftantial,  and  unfatisfying,  are  all 
 the  enjoyments  of  wealth  :  and  it  is  very  unlike  faints  to  prefer  temporal  advantages  to  the  honour  of  Chrift  and  welfare  of  bis  church.  But  none  ever  gain  by  with¬ 
 holding  from  pious  ufes ;  nor  can  reformation  be  ever  expetSled  till  men  confider  their  ways.  It  is  pleafaAt  to  be  employed  in  that  work  in  which  God  delights, 
 And  if  be  dire(5I  us  by  his  word,  awe  our  confcience,  and  animate  our  heart  by  his  Spirit,  we  fhall  then  cheerfully  apply  to  it;  and  the  more  negligent  we  have  beett 
 Uie  more  diligent  we  ought  to  be.  God  will  graciously  work  with  fuch  as  readily  apply  themfelves  to  their  duty.  And  if  be  be  with  us,  we  need  wilh  no  more. 
 
Zediariah  exhorteth  to  repentance. 
 
 ZECHARIAII. 
 
 His  vision  of  the  horses  and  their  angelic  riders. 
 
 Before  21  Speak  to  Zerubbabel,  govemor  of  Judah,  faying, 
 ctirift  j  j-he  heavens  and  the  earth  ; 
 
 22  And  I  will  overthrow  the  throne  of  kingdoms ; 
 and  I  will  deltroy  the  ftrength  of  the  kingdoms  of  the 
 heathen  ;  and  1  will  overthrow  the  chariots  and  thofe 
 that  ride  in  them  ;  and  the  horfes  and  their  riders 
 
 vour  facrificis  do  not  fainflify  you  ;  but  your  finful  hearts,  and  negle<5l  to  build 
 temple,  debafe  your  offerings,  and  bring  a  curfe  on  your  labours.  Ver.  23. 
 Zerubbabel,  but  chiefly  Chrifl,  is  a  signet,  God’s  precious  favourite,  who  is  en- 
 
 fhall  come  down,  every  one  by  the  fword  of  his 
 brother. 
 
 23  In  that  day,  faith  the  Lord  of  hcfls,  will  I  takcv^l^i-^ 
 thee,  O  Zerubbabel,  my  fervanr,  the  Ton  of  Snealtiel, 
 faith  the  Lord,  and  will  make  thee  as  a  fignet :  for 
 1  have  cholen  thee,  faith  the  Lord  of  hofls.* 
 
 trufted  with  all  power,  and  fealed  as  the  Head  of  his  church,  and  who  feals  it  to 
 the  day  of  redenaption. 
 
 rRACTICATi  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  II.]  ffhe  peculiar  time  of  God’s  rneffjges  and  mercies  ought  to  he  remarked,  and  beautiful  is  every  one  in  its 
 
 feafon. _ If  we  1’^  hearty  in  God’s  work,  he  will  give  us  a  1  ncceffary  encouragement.  If  amidfl  external  difeouragements,  we  aft  for  him  with  vigour,  we  cannot  but 
 
 fiicceed.  If  Chrift  and  his  Spirit  be  with  us,  nothing  need  difeourage  u.'.  He  will  work  all  our  work  in  us,  and  perfeft  that  which  concerneth  us.  He  will  provide 
 all  cur  ncceffary  expences.  He  will  rtiake  and  overturn  nations,  in  order  to  eftablifli  his  church  and  her  privileges.  He  will  extirpate  idolatries,  that  lumfelf,  and  his 
 oracles  and  ordinances,  may  be  all  in  all;  and  his  prefeuce  will  fecure  peace  and  tranquillity.  God’s  minifiers  muft  affifl.  not  interfere  with  one  another.  For  it 
 will  require  great  pains  to  render  men  duly  fenfible  of  their  fpiritTjal  maladies,  and  the  proper  remedies  for  them.  Sinful  pollution  is  much  eafier  communicated  and 
 fpread  than  holinefs.  It  is  not  living  among  faints  that  will  render  us  holy  in  God’s  light ;  and  our  inward  corruptions  and  finful  mifcondijft  often  render  our  work', 
 which  are  materially  good,  unacceptable  to  God.  Tbe  more  we  expeft  from  creatures,  the  more  we  fliall  be  difappointed  ;  but,  the  more  firmly  we  expeft  from  the 
 new  covenant,  the  more  we  fliall  enjoy.  If  we  honour  him,  he  will  favour,  proteft  and  honour  us.  Nor  need  we  be  difmayed  at  the  ruin  of  tbe  wicked,  fince  it  is 
 but  the  earneft  of  deliverance  to  tbe  church. 
 
 THE  ARGUMENT. 
 
 Zeebariah  voas  sent  at  the  same  time,  and  upon  the  same  occasion,  as  Haggai,  which  was  to  encourage  the  Jews  to  re¬ 
 build  the  temple.  In  this  book  there  are  a  great  many  visions  and  figures,  describing  what  was  to  happen  to  the 
 Jews.  There  are  likewise  several  prophecies  relating  to  Jesus  Christ. 
 
 Before 
 Cbria 
 cir.  520. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 v.'Uh  dis¬ 
 pleasure. 
 
 B  Msl. 
 
 S.  7. 
 
 b  Ifaiah 
 31.  6. 
 Jerem. 
 
 3.  12.  & 
 18.  11. 
 Ezekiel 
 1.8.  30. 
 Hofea 
 14.  1. 
 i  Or, 
 ooertake. 
 c  Bum. 
 1.  1 8. 
 
 cir.  519. 
 
 CHAP.  I. 
 
 1  Zechanah  exhorteth  to  repentance ;  7  his  vision  <y  the  horses,  and  their 
 
 angelic  riders.  12  At  the  prayer  of  the  angel,  coirfortable  proinises  are 
 
 made  to  Jerusalem,  ^'c. 
 
 N  the  eighth  month,  in  the  fecond  year  of  Darius, 
 
 _ came  the  word  of  the  Lord  unto  Zechariah,  the 
 
 fon  of  Barachiah,  the  (on  of  Iddo  the  prophet,  faying, 
 
 2  The  Lord  hath  been  f  fore  difpleafed  with  your 
 fathers. 
 
 3  Therefore  fay  thou  unto  them,  Thus  faith  the 
 Lord  of  hofls,  »  turn  ye  unto  me,  faith  the  Lord  of 
 hofts,  and  I  with  turnunfo  you,  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts. 
 
 4  Be  ye  not  as  your  fathers,  unto  whom  the  former 
 prophets  have  cried,  faying,  Thus  faith  the  Lord  of 
 hofts,  Turn  ye  now  from  your  evil  ways,  and  frotn 
 your  evil  doings :  but  they  did  not  hear,  nor  hearken 
 unto  me,  faith  the  Lord. 
 
 5  Your  fathers,  where  are  they?  and  the  prophets, 
 do  they  live  for  ever  ? 
 
 6  But  my  words  and  my  flatutes,  which  I  com¬ 
 manded  my  fervants  the  prophets,  did  they  nor  II  take 
 hold  of  your  fathers  ?  and  they  returned  and  laid, 
 
 Like  as  the  Lord  of  hofts  thought  to  do  unto  us 
 according  to  our  ways,  and  according  to  our  doings, 
 lb  hath  he  dealt  with  us. 
 
 7  H  Upon  the  lour  and  twentieth  day  of  the  ele- 
 venth  month,  which  is  the  month  Sebat,  in  the  fecond 
 vear  of  Darius,  came  the  word  of  the  Lord  unto 
 Zechariah,  the  fon  of  B:rachiah,  the  fon  of  Iddo  the 
 prophet,  faying, 
 
 8  I  faw  by  night,  and  behold  a  man  riding  upon  a 
 red  horfe,  and  he  ftood  among  the  myrtle-trees  that 
 
 ENPEANATORY  notes.  Chap.  I.  Ver.  5,  6.  Your  wicked  anceflors 
 and  falfe  prophets  have,  according  to  my  threatenings,  periflied  in  their  fins. 
 Ver.  8 — 10.  The  man  riding  on  a  red  horse,  denotes  ChriR  God  man,  redeeming 
 
 1  were  in  the  bottom ;  and  behind  him  were  there  red  Before 
 horfes,  H  fpeckled,  and  white. 
 
 9  Then  faid  I,  O  my  lord,  what  are  thefe,?  And  3^4^ 
 
 the  angel  that  talked  wi;h  me  faid  unto  me,  I  will  (hew  II  Or, 
 thee  what  thefe  be.  ^y- 
 
 10  And  the  man  that  (food  among  the  myrtle-trees 
 anfwered  and  faid,  Thefe  are  they  whom  the  Lord 
 hath  fent  to  walk  to  and  fro  through  the  earth. 
 
 11  And  they  anlwered  the  angel  of  the  Lord  that 
 flood  among  the  myrtle-trees,  and  laid.  We  have 
 walked  to  and  fro  through  the  earth,  and  behold,  all 
 the  earth  litteth  ftill,  and  is  at  reft. 
 
 12  ^  Then  the  angel  of  the  Lord  anfwered  and 
 faid,  O  Lord  of  holls,  how  long  wilt  rhou  not  have 
 mercy  on  Jerufalem,  and  on  the  cities  of  Judah,  againlt 
 which  thou  haft;  had  indignation  thefe  threefcore  and 
 ten  years  ? 
 
 13  And  the  Lord  anfwered  the  angel  that  talked 
 with  me  with  good  words,  and  comfortable  words. 
 
 14  So  the  angel  that  communed  with  me  laid  unto 
 me,  Cry  thou,  laying,  Thus  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts, 
 
 I  am  jealous  for  Jerufalem  and  for  Zion  with  a  great  ^  Chap, 
 jealoufy.  8. 2. 
 
 15  And  I  am  very  fore  difpleafed  with  the  heathen 
 that  are  at  eafe  :  for  I  was  but  a  little  difpleafed,  and 
 they  helped  forw'ard  the  affli^lion. 
 
 16  Tnerefore  thus  faith  the  Lord,  I  am  returned 
 to  Jerufalem  with  mercies  :  my  houfe  (hall  be  built  in 
 it,  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts,  and  a  line  fliall  be  flretch- 
 ed  forth  upon  jerufalem. 
 
 17  Cry  yet,  faying,  Thus  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts. . 
 
 My  cities  through  ll  profperity  (hall  yet  be  fpread 
 
 iis  to  God  by  his  blood,  and  ready  to  execute  his  vengeance  on  his  own  and  his 
 church  s  enemies. .  The  red,  speckled,  and  white  horfes  ti  at  attend  him  reprefent 
 lus  angels  and  minifters  as  employed  iu  executing  or  declaring  his  works  of  wrath 
 
Jerusalem's  Jlcw  ishin^  stale,  SfC. 
 
 ZECHARIAIl, 
 
 Christ  the  Branch  promised 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 ■SI  9. 
 
 519. 
 
 a  Deut. 
 32.  10. 
 Pfalm 
 17.  8. 
 b  Ifaiab 
 12.  6.  & 
 54.  1. 
 c  Levit. 
 26.  12. 
 Ezekiel 
 37.  27. 
 2  Cor. 
 6.  !6. 
 
 abroad  ;  and  the  Lord  (biall  yet  comfort  Zion,  and 
 (hall  yet  choofe  Jerufalem. 
 
 18  H  Then  lifted  1  up  mine  eyes,  and  faw,  and  be- 
 bo’d  four  horns. 
 
 19  And  1  faid  unto  the  angel  that  talked  with  me, 
 What  be  thefe?  And  he  anfvvered  me,  Thefe  are  the 
 horns  which  have  fcattered  Judah,  Ifrael,  and  Jerufalem. 
 
 ‘20  And  the  Lord  fhewed  me  four  carpenters. 
 
 21  Then  (aid  1,  What  come  thefe  to  do?  And  he 
 fpake,  faying,  Thefe  are  the  horns  which  have  fcat¬ 
 tered  Judah,  i'o  that  no  man  did  lift  up  his  head  :  but 
 thefe  are  come  to  fray  them,  to  call  out  the  horns  of 
 •the  Gentiles,  which  lifted  up  their  horn  over  the  land 
 of  Judah  to  fcatter  it.* 
 
 CHAP.  II. 
 
 1  The  visw7i  of  an  angel  seiit  to  measure  Jerusalem  ;  its  fourishing  state 
 
 under  God's  proteSlion  foretold.  6  The  people  warned  to  quit  Babylon. 
 1-0  The  promise  of  God's  presence. 
 
 LIFI  ED  up  mine  eyes  again,  and  looked,  and  be¬ 
 hold  a  man  with  a  meafuring  line  in  his  hand.  _  ; 
 
 2  Then  faid  I,  Whither  goeit  thou And  he  faid  j 
 unfo  me.  To  mealure  Jerufalem,  to  fee  what  is  the  j 
 breadth  thereof,  and  what  is  the  length  thereof.  | 
 
 3  And,  behold,  the  angel  that  talked  with  me  went  I 
 forth,  and  another  angel  went  out  to  meet  him,  j 
 
 4  And  faid  unto  him.  Run,  fpeak  to  this  young  man, ; 
 faying,  Jerulalem  (hall  be  inhabited  as  towns  without ' 
 wal's  for  the  multitude  of  men  and  cattle  therein: 
 
 5  For  I,  faith  the  Lord,  will  be  untoher  a  wall  of  fire 
 round  about,  and  w'ill  be  the  glory  in  the  midft  of  her. 
 
 6  H  Ho,  ho,  come  forth,  and  flee  from  the  land  of 
 the  north,  faith  thn  Lord:  for  I  have  Ipread  you  a- 
 broad  as  the  four  winds  of  the  heaven,  (aith  the  Lord. 
 
 7  Deliver  thy(elf,  O  Zion,  that  dwelled  -mth  the 
 daughter  of  Babylon. 
 
 .8  For  thus  faith  the  Lord  of  hefts,  After  the  glory 
 hath  he  lent  me  unto  the  nations  which  Ipoiled  you  ; 
 for  he  that  *  toucheth  voutoucheth  theappleof  hiseye. 
 
 9  For,  behold,  I  will  (hake  mine  hand  upon  them, 
 and  they  (hall  be  a  (poll  to  their  fervants  :  and  ye  (hall 
 know  that  the  Lord  of  hofts  hath  fent  me. 
 
 10  H  Sing  and  rejoice,  O  daughter  of  Z'On  :  for, 
 lo,  I  come,  and  1  '  will  dwell  in  the  midft  of  thee, 
 faith  the  Lord. 
 
 11  And  many  nations  (hall  be  Joined  to  the  Lord 
 in  that  day,  and  fhall  be  my  people  :  and  I  will  dwell 
 
 in  the  midft  of  thee ;  and  thou  (halt  know  that  the  Before 
 Lord  of  hofts  hath  fent  me  unto  thee.  Chria 
 
 12  And  the  Lord  (hall  inherit  Judah  his  portion 
 in  the  holv  land,  and  (hail  choofe  Jerufalem  again, 
 
 13  Be  filent,  O  all  flelh,  before  the  Lord  ;  for 
 is  raifed  up  out  of  f  his  holy  habitation. f 
 
 CHAP.  HI.  *2.“- 
 
 I  Under  the  type  of  Joshua  the  high  priest  receiving  clean  garments^  8 
 Uhrist  ihe  Branch  and  corner  stone  is  foretold, 
 
 And  he  (hew^d  rnie  Jo(hua  the  high  prieft  ftand- 
 
 ing  before  the  angel  of  the  Lord,  and  H  Satan  ||  Thati,, 
 (landing  at  his  right  hand  f  to  reflft  him.  anadver, 
 
 2  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  Satan,  »  The  Lord  re-Fi^^^ 
 bnkethee,  O  Satan  ;  even  the  Lord  that  hath  chofen  L  behu 
 
 is  not  this  a  brand  plucked  advermry, 
 
 a  Jude  9, 
 
 Jerufalem  rebuke  thee 
 out  of  the  fire  ? 
 
 3  Now  Jo(hua  was  clothed  with  filthy  garments, 
 and  flood  before  the  angel. 
 
 4  And  he  anfwered  and  fpake  unto  thofe  that  flood 
 before,  him,  faying.  Take  away  the  filthy  garments 
 from  him.  And  unto  him  he  faid,  Behold,  I  have 
 caufed  thine  iniquity  to  pafs  from  thee,  and  I  will 
 clothe  thee  with  change  of  raiment. 
 
 5  And  I  faid,  I^et  them  let  a  (am  mitre  upon  his 
 head.  So  they  let  a  fair  mitre  upon  his  head,  and 
 clothed  him  with  garments.  And  the  angel  of  the 
 
 i  Lord  flood  by. 
 
 !  6  H  And  the  angel  of  the  Lord  protefted  unto  Jo- 
 
 !  (hua,  faying, 
 
 7  Thus  (aith  the  Lord  of  hofts.  If  thou  wilt  walk 
 
 in  my  ways,  and  if  thou  wilt  keep  my  H  charge,  then  S  Or, 
 thou  (halt  alfo  judge  my  houfe,  and  (halt  alfo  keep  my®’'*'^ 
 j  courts,  and  I  will  give  thee  f  places  to  walk  among  ^  Heb. 
 
 [  theCe  that  Itand  by.  ^diks. 
 
 8  ^  Hear  now,  O  Jofhua  the  high-priefl,  thou,  and 
 
 tby  fellow's  that  fit  before  thee  ;  for  they  are  t  men  t  Heb. 
 wondered  at :  for,  behold,  I  will  bring  forth  ray  fer-”'^"/ 
 vant  The  "  BRANCH.  rit^b 
 
 !  9  For,  behold,  the  ftone  that  I  have  laid  before  n.i. 
 
 ’  Jofhua  ;  upon  one  Hone  shall  be  (even  eyes  :  behold,  I  Jerem. 
 
 I  will  engrave  the  graving  thereof,  faith  the  Lord  pfgg' 
 
 ;  hifls,  and  I  wi'l  remove  the  iniquity  of  that  land  in  chap.’ 
 
 I  one  day.  6.12. 
 
 10  In  that  day,  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts,  (hall  ye  Luka 
 l|call  every  man  his  neighbour  under  the  vine  and  un-'"  '  ’ 
 
 !|  der  the  fig-tree.f 
 
 and  mercy.  The  myrtle-trees  in  the  bottom,  denote  the  Jews  and  other  faints  pre- 
 ferved  in  debafement  and  trouble.  Ver.  18—21.  The  horns  may  reprefer.t  the 
 Samaritans,  .Arabians,  Ammonites,  and  Philiftines  ;  or  the  four  empires  of  Chal. 
 dea,  Perfia,  Greece,  and  Rome;  and  the  carpenters  may  denote  Joihua,  Zerubba- 
 hel,  Ezra,  Nehemiah,  and  other  Jewith  deliverers  or  protedlors;  or  even  the  four 
 
 empires,  which  deftroyed  one  another.  r  u  r 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  II.  Ver.  4.  5.  Multitudes  of  houfes 
 fiiall  he  built  without  the  walls,  and  all  live  in  peace  and  fafety,  as  God  him  felt 
 will  effeaually  proua  them  ;  and  his  prefence  in  his  ordinances  will  be  their  dil- 
 tinguithed  honour.  Ver.  6-9.  Ye  who  yet  remain  fcattered  here  and  there  in 
 Chaldea,  haften  to  your  own  country  ;  for  fcarcely  fhall  my  glory  have  taken  pof- 
 f.ffion  onhe  temple  at  Je.ufalem,  when  I  will  further  revenge  ‘he  injuries  done 
 to  you  upon  the  inhabitants  of  Babylon  and  reduce  them  into  a  flate  of  bondage 
 to  the  Medes  and  Perfians  who  were  lately  their  tributaries. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  HI.  Ver.  1,  2.  Satan  labored  b; 
 accufations  and  other  means,  to  reader  Jofhua’s  mimflrations  for  bimfelfand  his 
 
 people  unfuccefsful.  But  Chrifl  in  his  Father’s  name,  rebuked  the  devil,  and  de¬ 
 fended  Jofhua  and  the  returned  remnant  of  Jews,  as  perfons  gracioufly  prefirved 
 under,  and  delivered  from,  manifold  dangers  and  trials,  ^■er.  3 — 5.  Jofhua’s  filthy 
 garments  reprefented  the  finfulnefs  and  miferies  of  liimfelf  and  his  people  ;  and 
 his  change  ofraimen>,  the  pardon  of,  and  reformation  from,  their  fins,  and  their  ai’- 
 vanceme°nt  to  glory  and  honour.  Ver.  7.  If  Jofhua  condu<5l  himfelf  well,  the  high 
 prieflhood  fhall  be  continued  with  him  and  bis  defendants,  and  he  fhall  be  highly 
 refpe<aed  by  his  fellow-minifters,  and  at  lafl  admitted  to  the  bltffed  fellowfhip  of 
 angels  and  glorified  faints.  Ver.  8.  Jofliua  and  his  fellow  priefls  were  monuments 
 of  God’s  marvellous  deliverance  from  captivity,  and  were  typical  of  C'hrift,  who, 
 as  man,  growing  up  amidR  weaknefs,  and  bringing  forth  glory  to  God  and  hap- 
 pinefs  to  men,  is  called  the  Branch.  Ver.  9.  This  Aone  reprefents  ChriA  as  the 
 only  foundation  laid  in  Zion,  regarded  by  beholders  unnumbered,  endowed  by  God 
 with  all  eminent  gifts  and  graces,  and  made  perfedi  by  fufferings  and  glory,  that 
 he  may  be  the  fource  of  the  juAification  and  fandlification  of  the  whole  church,  and 
 of  all  the  happinefs  and  fafety  of  his  people. 
 
 - *  r.xAP  I  1  The  lawmuA  be  preached  as  an  inlrodudlion  to  the  gofpel.  The  ju  A  judgment  of  God  upon  finners  ought 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSEKVATI  .  *  ’Au  1',^=  No  pattern  ought  to  be  copied  in  contempt  of  and  difobedience  to  him.  No  unbelief  can  »  si  y 
 
 to  be  improved  by  us  as  warnings  to  ^is  tlmratenincs  uoL  us.  But  how  clofely  Jefus  ChriA  cleaves  to  his  people  in  all  their  debafement 
 
 God's  word.  If  we  receive  not  his  promifes,  he  will  as  he  will  Chrifl.  will  find  enough  to  refift  and  deflroy  them, 
 
 and  diArefs.  And  let  Satan  find  as  many  and  as  powerful  ^.ave  feen  of  dNine  thing.s,’the  more  we  fho.ild  fearch  into  them.  Alas !  that  fuel,  multitude, 
 
 .S  b^ndL,  ..d  -h.  lib.,.,  ol  Cb,i«  t  Bu.  bo  d„p..f,.b  o,  cb  binder  bi.  rhe  r-—  » 
 
 ^'‘VrrXcTYcTrOBSEllVr^^^^^^^  chap,  hi.]  Satan  never  fails  to  ref, A  and  difeourage  as  far  as  he  can  the  faithful  miniAers  and  worlhippers  of  Chnft. 
 
ZECHARIAH. 
 
 B-efiire 
 
 Clin  ft 
 fir.  .5 1  9. 
 
 A' 
 
 f  Heb. 
 aith  her 
 boxl- 
 0  Or, 
 
 i-’Vt-’n 
 several 
 pipes  to 
 the  lamps, 
 ^C. 
 
 The  golden  candleshclc,  8^c, 
 
 CHAP.  IV. 
 
 1  7?y  the  golden  candlestick  is  shewed  the  good  success  of  'Zeruhbabel's 
 foundation,  \l  by  the  two  olive-trees  the  two  anointed  ones. 
 
 ND  the  angel  that  talked  with  me  came  again, 
 ^  _  and  waked  me,  as  a  man  that  is  wakened  out 
 of  his  fleep. 
 
 2  And  hefaid  untome,  Whatfeeft  thou?  Andifaid, 
 I  have  looked,  and  behold  a  candleftick  all  o/ gold, 
 +  with  a  bowl  upon  the  top  of  it,  and  his  feven  lamps 
 thereon,  and  |i  feven  pipes  to  the  feven  lamps  which 
 are  upon  the  top  thereof ; 
 
 3  And  two  olive  trees  by  it,  one  upon  the  right 
 side  of  the  bowl,  and  the  other  upon  the  left  side 
 thereof. 
 
 4  So  I  anfwered  and  fpake  to  the  angel  that  talked 
 with  me  faying.  What  are  thefe  my  lord  ? 
 
 5  Then  the  angel  that  talked  with  me  anfwered  and 
 faid  unto  me,  Knowefl  thou  not  what  thefe  be?  And 
 I  faid,  No,  ray  Lord. 
 
 6  Then  he  anfwered  and  fpake  unto  me,  faying. 
 This  is  the  word  of  the  Lord  unto  Zerubbabel,  fay¬ 
 ing,  Not  by  II  might,  nor  by  power,  but  by  my  Spirit, 
 faith  the  Lord  of  hofts. 
 
 7  Who  art  thou,  O  great  mountain  ?  Before  Zerub¬ 
 babel  thou  shalt  become  a  plain  ;  and  he  fhall  bring 
 forth  the  head-ftone  thereof  tsith  fhoutings,  enjing, 
 Grace,  grace,  unto  it. 
 
 8  Moreover,  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  me, 
 faying, 
 
 9  T.  he  hands  of  Zerubbabel  have  laid  the  founda¬ 
 tion  of  this  houfe  ;  his  hands  fhall  alfo  finifh  it :  and 
 thou  fhalt  know  that  the  Lord  of  hofts  hath  lent  me 
 
 seven  eyes  UntO  yOU. 
 
 Votdshaii  defpifed  the  day  of  fmall  things? 
 
 rejoice.  II  fof  t^ey  fhall  rejoice,  and  fhall  fee  the  f  plummet  in 
 t  Heb.  the  hand  of  Zerubbabel  with  thofe  feven  ;  they  are 
 «tonro/;m.  the  eyes  of  the  Lord  which  run  to  and  fro  through 
 the  whole  earth. 
 
 1 1  H  Then  anfwered  I,  and  faid  unto  him,  What 
 are  thefe  two  olive  trees  upon  the  right  side  of  the 
 candleftick,  and  upon  the  left  side  thereof? 
 
 12  And  I  anfwered  again,  and  faid  unto  him.  What 
 be  these  two  olive-branches,  which,  f  through  the  two 
 golden  pipes,  ll  empty  t  the  golden  oil  out  of  them- 
 felves  ? 
 
 13  And  he  anfwered  me,  and  faid,  Knoweft  thou 
 not  what  thefe  be?  And  I  faid,  No,  my  lord. 
 
 1  Or, 
 
 army. 
 
 !  Or, 
 
 since  the 
 
 3.  9. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 hy  the 
 hand, 
 t  Or, 
 empty  out 
 of  them¬ 
 selves 
 oil  into 
 the  gold. 
 t  Heb. 
 ills  sold. 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  IV.  Ver.  2,  S,  11,  14.  The  candlestick 
 
 denotes  the  church  curioufly  framed,  pure,  precious  and  durable  ;  the  seven  lamps 
 her  miniflers  and  members;  the  two  olive  trees,  Chrift  in  his  nature  or  offices,  or 
 he  and  his  Spirit  in  their  new  covenant  ftations  :  the  oil,  gifts  and  graces ;  and  the 
 pipes,  for  conveying  it  the  ordinances  of  the  gofpel.  Ver.  5 — 10.  Not  by  human, 
 but  divine  atfistance,  (hall  Zerubbabel,  notwithstanding  all  the  attempts  of  the 
 heathen  to  hinder  him,  happily  and  triumphantly  finiffi  the  building  of  the  tem- 
 ple  ;  and  even  you,  who  have  had  low  thoughts  of  the  beginning  of  this  work, 
 ffiall  rejoice  when  you  fee  him  carrying  it  on  profperoufly,  and  marvelloully  af- 
 listed  by  my  all-feeing,  all  preferving,  and  governing  providence.  And,  in  like 
 manner  (ball  jefus  Christ,  notwithstanding  all  the  oppofition  of  hell  and  earth, 
 from  age  to  age  build  up  his  gofpel  church,  though  by  weak  instruments  to  the 
 great  conafort  of  his  people. 
 
 The  Jlying  roll> 
 
 1 4  Then  faid  he,  Thefe  are  the  two  anointed  tones, 
 
 Christ, 
 519.  * 
 
 that  ftand  by  the  Lord  of  the  whole  earth.' 
 
 CHAP.  V. 
 
 1  By  a  flying  roll  is  shewed  the  curses  of  thieves,  and  false  swearers  ;  5  by  f  Heb. 
 a  woman  in  an  ephah,  jiressed  under  a  weight,  is  denoted  wickedness,  *otu  of  oU. 
 and  the  judgment  of  it. 
 
 Then  I  turned,  and  lifted  up  mine  eyes,  and 
 looked,  and  behold  a  flying  roll. 
 
 2  And  he  faid  unto  me,  What  feeft  thou  ?  And  I 
 anfwered,  I  fee  a  flying  roll ;  the  length  thereof  is 
 twenty  cubits,  and  the  breadth  thereof  ten  cubits. 
 
 3  Then  faid  he  unto  me,  This  is  the  curfe  that  go- 
 eth  forth  over  the  face  of  the  whole  earth  ;  for  I1  every  |  Or, 
 one  that  ftealeth  fhall  be  cut  off  as  on  this  fide,  accord-  ^^'^y  one 
 ing  to  it ;  and  every  one  that  fweareth  fhall  be  cut 
 as  on  that  fide,  according  to  it.  amsteai- 
 
 4  I  will  bring  it  forth,  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts,  znd  ethboideih 
 it  fhall  enter  into  the  houfe  of  the  thief,  and  into  the*’'"’^'''^ 
 houfe  of  him  that  fweareth  falf'ely  by  my  name: 
 it  fhall  remain  in  the  midft  of  his  houfe,  and  fhall  con- doth, 
 fume  it,  with  the  timber  thereof,  and  the  ftones 
 thereof. 
 
 5  If  Then  the  angel  that  talked  with  me  went  forth, 
 and  faid  unto  me,  Lift  up  now  thine  eyes,  and  fee 
 what  is  this  that  goeth  forth. 
 
 6  And  I  faid,  What  is  it^  And  he  faid.  This  is  an 
 ephah  that  goeth  forth.  He  faid.  Moreover,  This  is 
 their  refemblance  through  all  the  earth. 
 
 7  And,  behold,  there  was  lifted  up  a  I1  talent  of  i  Or, 
 lead :  and  this  is  a  woman  that  fitteih  in  the  midft  of 
 the  ephah. 
 
 8  And  he  faid.  This  is  wickednefs.  And  he  caft  it 
 into  the  midft  of  the  ephah  ;  and  he  caft  the  weight 
 of  lead  upon  the  mouth  thereof. 
 
 9  Then  lifted  I  up  mine  eyes,  and  looked,  and,  be¬ 
 hold  there  came  out  two  women,  and  the  wind  was 
 in  their  wings ;  (for  they  had  wings  like  the  wings  of 
 a  ftork;)  and  they  lifted  up  the  ephah  between  the 
 earth  and  the  heaven. 
 
 10  Then  faid  I  to  the  angel  that  talked  with  me. 
 Whither  do  thefe  bear  the  ephah  ? 
 
 1 1  And  he  faid  unto  me,  To  build  it  an  houfe  in  the 
 land  of  Shinar  :  and  it  (hall  be  eftablifhed,  and  fet 
 there  upon  her  own  bafe.f 
 
 CHAP.  VI. 
 
 1  The  vision  of  four  chariots.  9  By  the  crowns  of  Joshua  are  shewed 
 Christ  the  Branch,  and  his  church,  tjc. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  V.  Ver.  6-11.  The  g,/, all,  a  large 
 meafure,  denotes  that  they  fhould  fill  up  a  very  large  meafure  of  iniquity  every 
 where  before  God  would  execute  his  judgments  upon  them.  The  woman  sitting 
 in  the  ephah,  denotes  the  Jewiffi  nation  awfully  abandoned  to  wickednefs.  The 
 talent  of  lead,  for  covering  the  mouth  of  the  ephah,  denotes  the  dreadful  and  un. 
 avoidable  weight  of  their  calamities.  The  two  xvinged  women,  who  carried  the  epbab, 
 denote  the  Roman  armies  destroying  the  Jews,  and  carrying  them  into  a  miferable 
 and  lasting  captivity.  Their  an  house  for  it  in  the  land  <f  Shinar,  import^ 
 
 that  the  difperfion  of  the  Jews  by  the  Romans  would  be  a  miferable,  and  mucU 
 more  lasting  calamity  than  the  captivity  in  Babylon. 
 
 OR Y  NOTES.  Chap,  VI.  Ver.  1—8.  The  Jrozen  wountoifia 
 may  denote  the  unchangeable  counfels  of  God,  from  which  every  thing  in  churched 
 or  nations  originates  ;  or  the  feeming  difficulties  in  the  first  rife  of  events.  The 
 
 dange?are  meT  infirmities,  and  ready  to  relive.  With  bitn  narrow  efcapes  from  imminent 
 
 •0  ffith  How  fi  7  7^  fie  pleas  for  further  favours.  And  if  our  hearts  be  upright  with  him,  he  will  bear  with  our  infirmities,  and  reward  our  fervicea  done 
 PR  AT  'nfin“ely  marvellous  are  the  incarnation,  perfon,  and  office  of  our  Redeemer !  ,  uu  lervues  uone 
 
 ♦ant  of  hiirnnn^^l  must  the  holy  Ghost  exhibit  to  us  divine  things,  but  must  alfo  make  us  to  obferve  them.  No 
 
 •Wests  their  divine  oriafn  f  ®  are  often  withheld,  that  his  power  and  grace  may  have  all  the  glory.  And  while  fulfilment  of  predidliona 
 
 P  R  YrmiT.  1  T  original,  the  fmallest  beginnings  of  his  work  ought  never  to  be  defpifed,  p  oi  oui 
 
 they  continue  with^t^'hrkf^ ^  ^  J  fearful  is  the  curfe  which  all  men  are  tinder  by  nature;  and  which  will  find  them  out  go  where  they  will, 
 
 10  G 
 
 27 
 
The  vi'ion  of  jour  chariots^ 
 
 ZECHARIAH. 
 
 Before 
 
 Thrift 
 
 519. 
 
 A' 
 
 B  Or, 
 
 strong. 
 
 II  Or. 
 
 Kinds 
 
 ND  I  turned,  and  lifted  up  mine  eyes,  and 
 looked,  and  behold  there  came  four  chariots 
 out  from  between  two  mountains ;  and  the  mountains 
 were  mountains  of  brafs. 
 
 2  In  the  firft  chariot  were  red  horfes,  and  in  the  fe- 
 cend  chariot  black  horfes. 
 
 3  And  in  the  third  chariot  white  horfes,  and  in  the 
 fourth  chariot  grisled  and  il  bay  horfes. 
 
 4  Then  1  anfwered  and  faid  unto  the  angel  that 
 talked  with  me.  What  are  thefe  my  lord? 
 
 5  And  the  angel  anfwered  and  faid  unto  me,  Thefe 
 are  the  four  H  fpirits  of  the  heavens,  which  go  forth 
 from  [landing  before  the  Lord  of  all  the  earth. 
 
 6  The  black  horfes  which  are  therein  go  forth  into 
 the  north  country  ;  and  the  white  go  forth  after  them  ; 
 and  the  grisled  go  forth  toward  the  fouth  country. 
 
 7  And  the  bay  went  forth,  and  fought  to  go,  that 
 they  might  walk  to  and  fro  through  the  earth  ;  and 
 he  faid,  Get  you  hence,  walk  to  and  fro  through 
 the  earth.  So  they  walked  to  and  fro  through  the 
 earth. 
 
 8  Then  cried  he  upon  me,  and  fpake  unto  me,  fay¬ 
 ing,  Behold,  thefe  that  go  toward  the  north  country 
 have  quieted  my  fpirit  in  the  north  country. 
 
 9  H  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  me, 
 faying,^ 
 
 10  Take  of  them  of  the  captivity,  even  of  Heldai,  of 
 Tob’j  ih,  and  of  Jedaiah,  which  are  come  from  Baby¬ 
 lon,  and  come  thou  the  fame  day,  and  go  into  the 
 houfe  of  Jofiah  the  fon  of  Zephaniah  : 
 
 1 1  Then  take  filver  and  gold,  and  make  crowns, 
 and  fet  them  upon  the  head  of  Jofhua  the  fon  of  Jofe- 
 dech,  the  high-prieft  ; 
 
 12  And  fpeak  unto  him,  faying.  Thus  fpeaketh  the 
 Lord  of  hofts,  faying.  Behold  the  mao  whofe  name  is 
 
 a  Chap,  the  “  BRANCH ;  and  he  (hall  II  grow  up  out  of  his 
 H'or  place,  and  he  fhall  build  the  temple  of  the  Lord  : 
 hrankup  1 3  Even  he  fhall  build  the  temple  of  the  Lord  : 
 from  un-  and  he  fhall  bear  the  glory,  and  (hall  fit  and  rule  upon 
 der  him.  his  throoe  ;  and  he  (hall  be  a  pried  upon  his  throne  ; 
 and  the  counfel  of  peace  fhall  be  between  them 
 both. 
 
 14  And  the  crowns  fhall  be  to  Helem,  and  to  Tobi- 
 jah,  and  to  Jedaiah,  and  to  Hen  the  fon  of  Zephaniah, 
 for  a  memorial  in  the  temple  of  the  Lord. 
 
 15  And  they  that  are  far  off  fhall  come  and  build 
 
 in  the  temple  of  the  Lord  ;  and  ye  fhall  know  that 
 
 the  Lord  of  hods  hath  lent  me  unto  you.  And  this 
 fhall  come  to  pafs,  if  ye  will  diligently  obey  the  voice 
 of  the  Lord  your  God.* 
 
 four  chariots  drawn  by  horfes  of  different  colours,  may  reprefent  the  diverfified 
 difpenfations  of  providence  in  a<5ls  of  mercy  or  wrath  ;  or  the  angels  of  God  as 
 every  where  throughout  the  world  minillering  therein  ;  or  the  apoftles  and  mini- 
 ilers  of  Chrift  as  adluated  by  his  Spirit,  and  miniftering  in  what  relates  to  the 
 church  ;  or  the  four  fucceffive  empires  in  the  world.  The  red  horses  reprefented 
 the  bloody  Chaldeans;  the  black,  the  Perfians,  who  executed  God’s  vengeance  in 
 conquering  Chaldea,  called  the  north  country;  the  while,  the  rapidly  vidlorious 
 Greeks  ;  and  the  grisled  and  bay  horfes,  the  Romans  at  laft  mingled  with  the  ra¬ 
 vaging  Goths,  who  efpecially  carried  their  conquefts  to  the  fouth,  Ver.  13.  The 
 counsel  of  peace,  denotes  the  covenant  of  grace  between  Chrift  and  his  Father  ; 
 and  the  gofpel  of  our  falvation,  in  which  Chrift’s  prieftlyand  kingly  offices  are  fo 
 gloriously  connedled.  Ver.  14.  The  crowns  remained  in  the  temple,  a  memorial 
 of  the  liberality  of  tbofe  four  men,  who  had  contributed  the  materials,  and  a  figure 
 of  the  future  glory  of  Chrift. 
 
 Hypocritical  fasts  reprovej, 
 
 CHAP.  VII. 
 
 The  Jexvs  enquire  concerning  their  set  fasts ;  7  Zechariah  provelh  their 
 
 hypocrisy  ;  they  are  exhorted  to  repentance, 
 
 ND  it  came  to  pafs  in  the  fourth  year  of  king 
 Darius,  that  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
 Zechariah  in  the  fourth  day  of  the  ninth  month,  even 
 in  Chisleu ; 
 
 2  When  they  had  fent  unto  the  houfe  of  God 
 
 Sherezer  and  Regem-melech,  and  their  men,  f  to  pray  f  Heb. 
 before  the  Lord.  to  entreat 
 
 3  to  fpeak  unto  the  priefts  which  werem  the*A^^{"'' 
 houfe  of  the  Lord  of  hofts,  and  to  the  prophets,  LOfta. 
 laying.  Should  1  weep  in  the  fifth  month,  leparating 
 rayfelf,  as  I  have  done  thefe  fo  many  years  ? 
 
 4  II  Then  came  the  word  of  the  Lord  of  hofts 
 unto  me,  faying, 
 
 5  Speak  unto  all  the  people  of  the  land,  and  to  the  n  ot 
 
 priefts,  faying.  When  ye  ®  failed  and  mourned  in  the  be  ye 
 fifth  and  (eventh  month,  even  thofe  feventy  years,  did'^'i^'H 
 ye  at  all  fad  unto  me,  even  to  me  ?  | 
 
 6  And  when  ye  did  eat,  and  when  ye  did  drink,  H  Are'^oi 
 did  not  ye  eat  for  yourselves,  and  drink^br  yourselves?  tMeihe 
 
 7  11  Should  ye  not  hear  the  words  which  the  Lord"'®!?®’ 
 hath  cried  f  by  the  former  prophets,  when  Jerufalem^/  tte' 
 was  inhabited  and  in  profperity,  and  the  cities  t hereof  Aant/ 0/, 
 round  about  her,  when  men  inhabited  the  fouth  and^*^- 
 the  plain  ? 
 
 8  II  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  Zecha-jwdgww 
 
 riah,  faying,  oj truth. 
 
 9  Thus  fpeaketh  the  Lord  of  hofts,  faying,  f  Exe- 
 
 cute  true  judgment,  and  (hew  mercy  and  companions,  ifaiah^^’ 
 every  man  to  his  brother  :  1. 17. 
 
 10  And  b  opprefs  not  the  widow,  nor  the  fatherlefs, 
 
 5.  28. 
 
 shoulder, 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 the  ftranger,  nor  the  poor  ;  and  let  none  of  you  ima- . 
 gine  evil  againft  his  brother  in  your  heart.  Ihe/gali 
 
 1 1  But  they  refufed  to  hearken,  and  f  pulled  away  a  back. 
 the  (houlder  f  and  Hopped  their  ears,  that  they  (hould*^''^’"^ 
 not  hear 
 
 12  Yea,  they  made  their  hearts  as  an  adamant  (lone,  mkl 
 
 left  they  fhould  hear  the  law,  and  the  words  which  heavy. 
 the  Lord  of  hofts  hath  fent  in  his  Spirit  f  by  thef 
 former  prophets  :  therefore  came  a  great  wrath  from  /LJef. 
 the  Lord  of  hofts :  c  Prov. 
 
 13  Therefore  it  is  come  to  pafs,  that  as  he  cried,  j-,-®- 
 and  they  would  not  hear  ;  fo  they  cried,  and  I  would 
 
 not  hear,  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts  :  Jerem. 
 
 14  But  I  fcattered  them  with  a  whirlwind  among  all  n-  h.& 
 the  nations  whom  they  knew  not :  thus  the  land  was 
 defolate  after  them,  that  no  man  paffed  through  nor^„/^ 
 returned  ;  for  they  laid  the  t  pleafant  land  defolate.t  desire. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  VII.  Ver.  5,6.  In  the  faft  of  tte  I 
 fifth  month  they  lamented  the  burning  of  the  city  and  temple  by  the  Chaldeani, 
 In  the  faft  of  the  feventh  they  bewailed  the  murder  of  Gedaliab,  whom  the  Chal¬ 
 deans  made  governor  over  their  poor  brethren  who  were  left  in  Judea.  Butu 
 neither  did  they  faft  in  a  right  manner,  or  with  a  view  to  God’s  glory  ;  and  fo 
 their  fafts  were  not  more  acceptable  to  God  than  their  common  eating  and  drink¬ 
 ing  to  gratify  their  own  fenfual  appetites.  Ver.  11,  12.  Like  unruly  bullocks, 
 they  refufed  to  be  under  the  yoke  of  God’s  laws  and  obftinately  rebelled  againU 
 all  his  warnings,  and  would  not  even  patiently  hear  bis  melfages ;  yea,  by  a  courfe 
 of  prefumptuous  finning,  they  rendered  their  hearts  quite  obdurate  and  impene¬ 
 trable  to  convidtion,  neither  regarding  the  law  of  Mofes,  nor  the  inftrudlions  c. 
 the  prophets  which  fucceeded  him  iti  Ifrael. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  VIII.  Ver.  1—3.  Jehovah  was  con¬ 
 cerned  to  vindicate  Zion’s  honour  and  avenge  her  wrongs:  and  hence  bis  wrath  caini 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.  —  *  Chap.  VL]  From  what  immutably  fixed  decrees  all  the  events  of  Providence  originate  ;  nor  can  any  oppofition  p» 
 vent  their  execution.  DiverfiHed,  ever  varying,  divinely  adluated,  admirably  connefled,  and  ftrangely  mixed  are  their  parts  !  And  God  takes  pleafure  in  every  m 
 
 lion  of  them;  particularly  in  taking  vengeance  upon  the  moft  noted  enemies  of  his  church.  ,  rr  jj-  r/-j  ...  r,.nnli. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — f  Chap.  VII.]  It  is  an  honour  for  great  as  well  as  fmall  to  reverence  the  melTengers  and  ordinances  of  God,  to  lupp 
 cate  his  favours  and  alk  his  diredlions.  And,  if  God  afilidl  it  is  time  for  us  to  humble  ourfelves  under  his  mighty  hand. 
 
Before 
 Chrift 
 cir.  518. 
 
 a  Chap 
 
 2. 
 
 A' 
 
 fhe  restoration  of  Jerusalem. 
 
 CHAP.  VIII. 
 
 1  The  restoration  of  Jerusalem-  9  The  people  encouraged  to  build  the 
 temple  by  a  promise  of  God's  blessing.  16  Truth  and  justice  required 
 of  them.  1 8  Joy  and  enlargement  of  the  church  promised, 
 
 GAIN  the  word  of  the  Lord  of  hefts  came 
 _  to  me,  faying, 
 
 2  Thus  faith  the  Lord  of  hofls,  ®  I  was  jealous  for 
 Zion  with  great  jealoufy,  and  I  was  jealous  for  her 
 with  great  fury., 
 
 3  Thus  faith  the  Lord,  I  am  returned  unto  Zion, 
 and  will  dwell  in  the  midft  of  Jerufalem ;  and  Jeru- 
 falem  fha'l  be  called,  A  city  of  truth  ;  and  the  moun¬ 
 tain  of  the  Lord  of  hofts.  The  holy  mountain. 
 
 ^  Thus  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts.  There  fhall  yet  old 
 men  and  old  women  dwell  in  the  ftreets  of  Jerufalem, 
 +Heb./irand  every  man  with  his  ftafF  in  his  hand  f  for  very  age. 
 multitude  5  And  the  ftreets  of  the  city  fhall  be  full  of  boys 
 of  days.  girls  playing  in  the  ftreets  thereof. 
 
 6  Thus  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts.  If  it  be  H  marvel- 
 ,’or,  lous  in  the  eyes  of  the  remnant  of  this  people  in  thefe 
 
 (lifcuit.  (lays,  fhould  ft  alfo  be  marvellous  in  mine  eyes?  faith 
 the  Lord  of  hofts. 
 
 7  Thus  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts.  Behold,  I  willfave 
 t  Heb.  my  people  from  the  eaft  country,  and  from  f  the  weft 
 
 the  cojjn-  country ; 
 
 ^  8  And  I  will  bring  them,  and  they  fhall  dwell  in  the 
 
 11  Or. 
 
 haril. 
 
 try  of  the 
 
 going 
 d  lun  if 
 the  sun. 
 
 Or, 
 
 t  Heb. 
 of  peace. 
 
 midft  of  Jerufalem  ;  and  they  lhall  be  my  people,  and 
 I  will  be  their  God,  in  truth  and  in  righteoufnefs. 
 
 9  H  Thus  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts.  Let  your  hands 
 be  ftrong,  ye  that  hear  in  thefe  days  thefe  words  by 
 the  mouth  of  the  prophets,  which  were  in  the  day  that 
 the  foundation  of  the  houfe  of  the  Lord  of  hofts  was 
 laid,  that  the  temple  might  be  built. 
 
 10  For  before  thefe  days  ||  there  was  no  ^  hire  for 
 ‘'‘Inbiy ’  neither  KJfls  there  any 
 
 no-  peace  to  him  that  went  out  or  came  in,  becaufe  of 
 the  affliftion  :  for  I  fet  all  men  every  one  againft  his 
 b  Haggai  neighbour. 
 
 ’  11  But  now  I  will  not  be  unto  the  refidue  of  this 
 
 people  as  in  the  former  days,  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts. 
 
 12  For  the  feed  shall  be  fprofperous  ;  the  vine  lhall 
 give  her  fruit,  and  the  ground  lhall  give  her  increafe, 
 and  the  heavens  lhall  give  their  dew ;  and  1  will  caufe 
 the  remnant  of  this  people  to  poflefs  all  thefe  things. 
 
 13  And  it  lhall  come  to  pals,  that  as  ye  were  a 
 curfe  among  the  heathen,  O  houfe  of  Judah,  and  houfe 
 of  Ifrael ;  fo  will  I  fave  you,  and  ye  lhall  be  ableffing  : 
 fear  not,  but  let  your  hands  be  ftrong. 
 
 14  For  thus  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts.  As  I  thought 
 to  punilh  you,  when  your  fathers  provoked  me  to 
 wrath,  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts,  and  I  repented  not  : 
 
 1 5  So  again  have  1  thought  in  thefe  days  to  do  well 
 unto  Jerufalem,  and  to  the  houfe  of  Judah  ;  fear  ye 
 not. 
 
 16  H  Thefe  ere  the  things  that  ye  lhall  do,  '  Speak 
 thf-uiZ'^‘^  ye  every  man  the  truth  to  his  neighbour ;  f  execute 
 nUit  'f  the  judgment  of  truth  and  peace  in  your  gates  : 
 peace.  17  And  Ict  none  of  you  imagine  evil  in  your  hearts 
 
 c  Ephef. 
 4.  25. 
 t  Heb. 
 
 judge 
 
 ZECHARIAH.  God  defendeth  the  church. 
 
 againft  his  neighbour  ;  and  love  no  falfe  oath  :  for  all 
 thefe  are  things  that  1  hate,  laith  the  Lord.  .  j-jr  518- 
 18  ^  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  of  hofts  came  unto  — > 
 
 j  19  Thus  faith  the  Lord  9f  hofts.  The  fall  of  the 
 fourth  month,  and  the  fall  of  the  fifth,  and  the  fall  of 
 I  the  feventh,  and  the  fall  of  the  tenth,  lhall  be  to  the 
 I  houfe  of  Judah  joy  and  gladnefs,  and  cheerful  H  feafts : 
 
 '  therefore  love  the  truth  and  peace.  “me*!' 
 
 20  Thus  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts.  It  shall  yet  come 
 
 to  pass,  that  there  fhall  come  people,  and  the  inhabi¬ 
 tants  of  many  cities :  .  n.  n 
 
 21  And  the  inhabitants  of  one  city  mail  go  to 
 another,  faying,  ^  Let  us  go  ||  f  fpeedily  f  to  pray  d  ifai.h 
 before  the  Lord,  and  to  feek  the  Lord  of  hofts ;  1 
 
 will  go  alio.  .  4.  1. 
 
 22  Yea,  many  people,  and  ftrong  nations  fhall  come  y  or, con- 
 
 to  leek  the  Lord  of  hofts  in  Jerufalem,  and  to 
 before  the  Lord.  _  going.* 
 
 23  Thus  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts.  In  thofe  days  zV  f  Heb. 
 shall  come  to  pass,  that  ten  men  lhall  take  hold,  out  of  to  entreat 
 all  languages  of  the  nations,  even  lhall  take  hold  of‘*^>ce 
 thelkirt  of  him  that  is  a  Jew,  faying,  We  will  go  with  ±ord. 
 vou  ;  for  we  have  heard  that  God  is  with  you.* 
 
 CHAP.  IX. 
 
 1  Amidst  judgments  upon  other  nations,  God  will  defend  his  church.  9 
 Zion  is  exhorted  to  njoice  in  the  coming  of  Christ,  ^c.  1 2  God's  pro¬ 
 
 mise  of  vieiory  and  defence. 
 
 The  burden  of  the  word  of  the  Lord  in  the  land  587. 
 
 of  Hadrach,  and  Damafeus  shall  be  the  reft 
 thereof :  when  the  eyes  of  man,  as  of  all  the  tribes  of 
 Ifrael,  shall  be  toward  the  Lord. 
 
 2  And  Hamath  alfo  lhall  border  thereby  :  Tyrus, 
 and  Zidon,  though  it  be  very  “  wife. 
 
 3  And  Tyrus  did  build  herfelf  a  ftrong  hold,  and 
 heaped  up  filver  as  the  dull,  and  fine  gold  as  the  mire 
 of  the  ftreets. , 
 
 4  Behold,  the  Lord  will  caft  her  our,  and  he  will 
 fmite  her  power  in  the  fea  ;  and  Ihe  (hall  be  devoured 
 with  fire. 
 
 5  Alhkelon  fhall  fee  it,  and  fear ;  Gaza  alfo  shall 
 see  it,  and  be  very  forrowful,  and  Ekron ;  tor  her 
 expe<ftation  fhall  be  athamed ;  and  the  king  fhall 
 perilh  from  Gaza,  and  Alhkelon  fhall  not  be  inha¬ 
 bited. 
 
 6  And  a  baftard  fhall  dwell  in  Alhdod ;  and  I  will 
 cut  off  the  pride  of  the  Philiftines. 
 
 7  And  I  will  take  away  his  t  blood  out  of 
 mouth,  and  his  abominations  from  between  his  teeth  ;  °° 
 but  he  that  remaineth,  even  he  shall  be  for  our  God  ; 
 and  he  fhall  be  as  a  governor  in  Judah,  and  Ekron  as 
 a  Jebufite. 
 
 8  And  I  will  encamp  about  mine  houfe  becaufe  of 
 the  army,  becaufe  of  him  that  paffeth  by,  and  be-bifaiah 
 caufe  of  him  that  returneth :  and  no  oppreffor  ftiall  pals  u. 
 through  them  any  more:  for  now  have  I  leen  with^^®"'' 
 mine  eyes.  John 
 
 9  f  ^  Rejoice  greatly,  O  daughter  of  Zion  ;  fhout,  12.  15. 
 
 upon  her  enemies.  He  returned  to  her  as  his  proper  habitation,  purified  from  all 
 iniquity  and  falfehood.  This  as  well  as  the  following  large  defeription  of  the 
 bleffeiinefs  of  Jerufalem,  can  only  be  implied  in  its  full  import  to  the  future  refto- 
 ration  of  the  Jews,  and  the  future  glory  of  the  church.  Ver.  9.  Compare  chap.  vii. 
 5.  Ver.  23.  To  take  hold  of  thefkirt  of  one’s  garment,  is  a  gefture  exprefllveof 
 earned  and  humble  entreaty;  fee  1  Sam.  xv,  27.  Ifa.  iii.  6.  iv.  1. 
 
 a  Dzek. 
 28.  3,&c. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  IX.  Ver.  7.  The  Philiftines  (hall  be 
 fubdued  from  plundering  and  murdering  the  Jews;  nay,  (hall  he  fubdued  by  the 
 Maccabees,  and  many  of  them  turned  to  the  Lord.  Ver.  8.  1  will  marvelloufly 
 proterft  the  Jews,  while  Greeks,  Syro-grecians,  and  Egypto  grecians,  repeatedly 
 march  their  armies  through  Canaan.  Ver.  10.  Wars  and  carnal  confidence  (hall 
 be  extirpated  ;  and  by  the  preaching  of  the  gofpel  among  the  Gentiles,  (hall 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  VIII  ]  God  gathers  finners  fo  his  church,  and  folemnly  and  pratftically  acknowledges  them  his  people.  And 
 he  can  delightfully  gather  his  cholen  out  of  all  kindreds,  tongues  and  languages.  Why  then  ftiould  we  ever  doubt  of  his  power  or  will  to  fulfil  the  mod  aftonifhing 
 promifes  ? 
 
God's  promises  of  victory  and  defence. 
 
 ZECHARIAH. 
 
 r>efore 
 Chi'ill 
 cir.  587. 
 
 c  Pfalra 
 78.  2. 
 
 B  Or. 
 
 ti'kose  co¬ 
 venant  u 
 by  bhod, 
 d  Ifaiab 
 61.  1. 
 
 O  daughter  of  Jerulalem  :  behold,  thy  king  cometh 
 utito  thee,  he  ts  jutt,  and  ||  having  falvation  ;  lowly, 
 ;dnd  riding  upon  an  als,  and  upon  a  colt  the  foal  of  an 
 
 10  And  I  will  cut  off  the  chariot  from  Ephraim, 
 and  the  horle  from  Jerufalem,  and  the  battle-bow 
 (hall  be  cut  off  ;  and  he  (hall  fpeak  peace  unto  the 
 
 eathen ;  and  his  dominion  shalL  be  ^  from  fea  even 
 
 to  lea,  and  from  the  river  eveti  to  the  ends  of  the 
 earth. 
 
 1 1  As  for  thee  alfo,  II  by  the  blood  of  thy  cove¬ 
 nant  1  have  fent  forth  thy  prifoners  out  of  the  pit 
 wherein  is  no  water. 
 
 12  H  T.  urn  you  to  the  ftrong  hold,  ye  prifoners  of 
 hope :  even  to-day  do  I  declare,  that  1  will  render 
 double  unto  thee ; 
 
 13  When  I  have  bent  Judah  for  me,  filled  the  bow- 
 with  Ephraim,  and  raifed  up  thy  fons,  O  Zion,  againfi 
 thy  (ons,  O  Greece,  and  made  thee  as  the  (word  of 
 a  mighty  man. 
 
 14  And  the  Lord  (hall  be  feen  over  them,  and  his 
 ^row  (hall  go  forth  as  the  lightning  :  and  the  Lord 
 God  lhall  blow  the  trumpet,  and  fhall  go  with  whirl¬ 
 winds  of  the  fouth. 
 
 1.5  The  Lord  of  hofts  (hall  defend  them  ;  and  they 
 
 lling-aones  :  and  they 
 stones  of  make  a  noile  as  through  wine;  and 
 
 tie  sling,  (hey  y  (hall  be  filled  like  bowls,  and  as  the  corners  of 
 I  Or,  the  altar. 
 
 6ot/ftie  Lord  their  God  (hall  fave  them  in 
 
 bowls,  4'C.  that  day  as  the  flock  of  his  people :  for  they  shall  be 
 as  the  (tones  of  a  crown,  lifted  up  as  an  enfign  upon 
 his  land. 
 
 17  For  how  great  is  his  goodnefs!  and  how  great  is 
 his  beauty !  Corn  (hall  make  the  young  men  II  cheer¬ 
 ful,  and  new  wine  the  maids.* 
 
 CHAP.  X. 
 
 1  God  ts  to  be  sought  unto  atid  not  idols.  3  As  he  visited  hisfock for  sin 
 SO  will  he  save  and  restore  them, 
 
 Ask  ye  of  the  Lord  rain  in  the  time  of  the  latter 
 rain  ;  so  the  Lord  (hall  make  ||  bright  clouds 
 ugtunmgs.^^^  give  them  (howers  of  rain,  to  every  one  graff  in 
 the  field. 
 
 2  For  the 
 
 God,  and  not  idols,  to  he  sought 
 idols  have 
 
 mto. 
 
 fl  Or, 
 
 I  Or, 
 grow,  or, 
 tjieak. 
 
 D  Or, 
 
 Christ’s  kingdom  be  extended,  not  only  over  all  Canaan,  but  the  whole  world. 
 Ver.  11.  And,  as  the  Lord,  according  to  his  promife,  brought  you  up  out  of 
 Chaldea,  where  he  had  neither  hope  nor  happinefs,  fo  lhall  he  by  the  blood  of 
 Christ,  the  condition  of  the  covenant  of  grace,  bring  multitudes  out  of  their 
 state  of  heathenifm,  finfulnefs  and  mifery.  Ver.  12.  Let  not  only  thofe  who  re¬ 
 main  in  Chaldea  hasten  to  Canaan,  in  hopes  of  redoubled  blelTings,  fuiScient  to 
 balance  their  past  raiftries  ;  but  let  thofe,  who  are  in  a  state  of  heathenifm  and 
 unregeneracy,  in  the  faith  of  the  gofpel  promifes  hasten  to  Jefus  Christ,  the  only 
 Saviour  and  Refuge.  Vtr.  13—17.  I  vvill  enable  the  Jews  to  withstand,  fubdue 
 their  Syro-grecian  and  Turkilh  enemies,  and  render  themfelves  honoured  and 
 powerful;  yea,  by  means  of  Jewilli  preachers,  I  will  go  forth,  conquering  the  na¬ 
 tions,  however  learned  or  valiant,  to  Jefus  Christ ;  and  while  the  redeemed,  and  ef. 
 pecially  faithful  ministers,  are  marvelloufly  protedled  and  honoured,  perfons  of  all 
 ranks  lliall,  with  admiration  of  his  glory  and  goodnefs,  richly  partake  of  his  fulnefs. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  X.  Ver.  1 — ^1*  But,  though  the 
 Lord  has  promifed  plenty,  ye  must  fupplicate  him  for  rains  to  efle<5t  it.  Indulge 
 yourfelves  therefore  no  more  in  idolatry  and  divination,  which  have  fo  difappoint- 
 ed  your  fathers,  and  occafioned  their  miferable  captivity  and  my  wrathful  destruc-  I 
 
 +  idols  have  fpoken  vanity,  and  the  Befor. 
 diviners  have  (een  a  lie,  and  have  told  falle  dreams  • 
 they  comfort  in  vain  ;  therefore  they  went  their  wav 
 
 ^  a  flock,  they  f  were  troubled,  becaule  there  was  no^X^ 
 (hepherd.  lo.  g' 
 
 3  ^  Mine  anger  was  kindled  againft  the  (hepherds 
 
 and  I  t  puniflied  the  goats :  for  the  Lord  of  hofts  fin 
 hath  vifited  his  flock  the  houfe  of  Judah,  and  hathi™;Sw, 
 made  them  as  his  goodly  horfe  in  the  battle.  U  Or, 
 
 4  Out  of  him  came  forth  the  corner,  out  of  him  the/?‘“"'‘^ 
 
 nail  out  of  him  the  battle-bow,  out  of  him  every  on- 1  He!'' 
 preffor  together.  '  ^  luitcd 
 
 5  If  And  they  (hall  be  as  mighty  men,  which  tread 
 down  their  enemies  in  the  mire  of  the  ftreets  in  the 
 battle  :  and  they  fhall  fight,  becaufe  the  Lord  is  with 
 them,  and  ||  the  riders  on  horfes  (hall  be  confounded.  0  Or, 
 
 6  And  1  will  ftrengthen  the  houfe  of  Judah,  and  J  ibey  shag 
 will  fave  the  houfe  of  Jofeph,  and  I  will  bring  themSr  '*' 
 again  to  place  them  ;  for  I  have  mercy  upon  themiw^"” 
 and  they  (hall  be  as  though  I  had  not  cafl  them  off  .  ashaviii, 
 for  I  am  the  Lord  their  God,  and  will  hear  them.  ’ 
 
 7  And  thef  of  Ephraim  (hall  be  like  a  mighty  mati, 
 and  their  heart  (hall  rejoice  as  through  wine :  yea, 
 their  children  (hall  fee  it,  and  be  glad  j  their  heart 
 fhall  rejoice  in  the  Lord. 
 
 8  I  will  hifs  for  them,  and  gather  them ;  for  I  have 
 redeemed  them  ;  and  they  (hall  increafe  as  they  have 
 increafed. 
 
 9  And  I  will  fow  them  among  the  people  :  and  they 
 (hall  remember  me  in  far  countries ;  and  they  (hall 
 live  with  their  children,  and  turn  again. 
 
 10  [  will  bring  them  again  alfb  out  of  the  land  of 
 Egypt)  and  gather  them  out  of  Affyria ;  and  I  will 
 bring  them  into  the  land  of  Gilead  and  Lebanon,  and 
 place  (hall  not  be  found  for  them. 
 
 he  (hall  pafs  through  the  fea  with  afflifflon, 
 and  (hall  ('mite  the  waves  in  the  fea,  and  all  the  deeps 
 of  the  river  (hall  dry  up ;  and  the  pride  of  Aflyria 
 (hall  be  brought  down,  and  the  feeptre  of  Egypt  (hall 
 depart  away. 
 
 12  And  I  will  ftrengthen  them  in  the  Lord  ;  and 
 they  (ball  walk  up  and  down  in  his  name,  faith  the 
 LoRD.f 
 
 tion  of  their  princes  and  priests.  I  have  now  recovered  you  from  your  captivity, 
 and  made  you  strong  and  courageous,  and  have  joined  you  together  as  a  body 
 civtl  and  ecclefiastic,  and  enabled  you  to  defend  yourfelves,  and  even  harafs  your 
 enemies  ;  and  quickly  I  will  fend  you  the  Mefliab,  to  found,  fasten  together,  and 
 defend  his  gofpel  church,  and  destroy  her  enemies.  Ver.  5—10.  Not  only  (hall 
 the  Jews  under  the  Maccabees  valiantly  defend  themfelves,  and  even  enlarge  tbeii 
 power,  but,  efpecially  in  the  tfeginning  of  the  millenium,  they  (hall  be  wonder¬ 
 fully  a(nfted  by  God  ;  and  after  long  and  marvellous  prefervation  and  increafe  in 
 their  miferable  difperfion,  they  and  the  ten  tribes  (liall  with  great  joy,  be  brought 
 back  to  Canaan,  and  there  ferve  the  Lord  ;  while  the  Affyrians,  Egyptians,  and 
 Tuiks,  who  had  formerly  murdered  and  opprelfed  them,  Oiall  be  debafed  and  ruin- 
 ed,  and  in  like  manner  fliall  God,  by  his  lively  and  animated  gofpel  miniflers,  call 
 and  fubdue  the  Gentile  nations  to  Chrift,  mercifully  recover  them  from  their  long 
 continued  idolatries  and  deludons,  render  them  his  peculiar  people,  ftrengthen  and 
 comfort  them  by  the  influences  of  his  Spirit,  and  effeaually  call  them  into  his 
 church,  and  thereby  render  her  exceedingly  extenflve  and  numerous  j  and  fliall 
 remove  all  obftacles,  whether  beathenilh  or  antichriftian,  out  of  their  way,  and 
 render  them  ftrong  and  aflive,  regular  and  lively  Chriftians. 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.—* 
 
 Chap.  IX.]  Fearful  deftruaions  await  the  difturbcrs  of  God’s  church.  Their  puniftiment  may  be  in  part  delayed,  but 
 IS  never  forgotten.  Yet  what  (overeign  grace  appears  in  the  converfion  of  the  defpicable  remains  of  the  people  of  his  curfe !  And  it  promifes  well  when  men  are 
 turned  from  idols  to  the  living  God.  Though  Chrift  s  little  flock  be  in  the  midft  of  devourers,  his  proteaion  can  render  them  fafe.  When  he  as  the  Captain  of 
 falvation,  prepares  and  arms  his  inftruments,  an  eafy  and  notable  viaory  is  fecured  for  his  followers.  ’ 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — f  Chap.  X.]  In  our  prayers  we  muft  follow  the  proridifeS,  and  attend  the  providences  of  God,  requefting  mercita  both 
 fuitable  and  lealonable.  Whether  things  diftrefs  or  comfort  us  it  is  God  who  diieas  them.  His  people  become  powerful  and  courageous  when  he  affords  ti.e.o  hi* 
 aiUftaoce  and  prefence.  Nothing  is  wanting  where  Jehovah  is,  our  ftrength,  our  fong,  and  our  falvation.  * 
 
Christas  care  of  the  church,  ^c- 
 
 ZECHARIAH. 
 
 Judatfs  vrctoriotts  restoration* 
 
 Before 
 Chfilt 
 cir.  5H7. 
 
 CHAP.  XL 
 
 B  Or, 
 
 II  Or, 
 the  defen 
 ced  farest. 
 
 Heb. 
 make  to 
 ie  found. 
 
 n  Or, 
 
 l^oor. 
 
 II  Or, 
 Binders- 
 -(•  Heb. 
 was  ftrait 
 ened  for 
 them-. 
 p  Jer. 
 
 15.  2. 
 t  Heb. 
 of  his  fel- 
 hUi,  or, 
 neighbour. 
 |j  Or,  the 
 poor  of 
 the  flock, 
 ^c.  cer¬ 
 tainly 
 know- 
 t  Heb. 
 
 If  it  be 
 good  in 
 your  eyes. 
 b  Matth. 
 25.  15. 
 e  Mattb. 
 27.  9,  10. 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  XI.  Ver.  1 — 3.  Lebanon  may  denote 
 the  temple,  Jerufalem,  or  even  Judea,  in  general.  Fir-trees,  cedars,  oaks,  shqdierds, 
 lions,  may  denote  their  great  men,  valiant  foldiers,  and  cruel  rulers.  The  forests, 
 may  denote  Jerufalem,  or  the  common  people,  unfruitful  in  holinefs.  but  nume¬ 
 rous,  entangling  and  dangerous.  The  pride  of  Jordan,  may  denote  all  Judea, 
 overran  by  the  Roman  armies,  which  enraged  their  rulers,  even  as  the  overflow 
 of  Jordan  enraged  the  lions  which  lodged  in  its  banks.  Ver.  4,  7,  11.  For  about 
 forty  years  before  their  laft  difperfion,  Jefus  Chrift  perfonally,  and  by  his 
 harbingers  and  apoflles,  called  the  Jews  to  himfelf ;  and  many  of  the  poorer  fort 
 were  converted,  and  rendered  poor  in  fpirit ;  and  by  following  his  direaions 
 in  leaving  their  country  and  fleeing  to  Pella  eaftward  of  Jordan,  moft  of  them 
 were  preferved  from  the  common  ruin.  Ver.  5,  6,  8,  9.  The  Jews  were  pattly 
 oeltroyed  by  the  cruelty  and  violence  of  their  own  governors,  by  their  inteftine 
 aivihons,  and  by  the  Rnman  emperor,  whom  they  had  avowed  for  their  kiu’r,  in 
 oppofition  to  Jefus  Chrift.  Their  princes,  priefts,  and  prophets,  and  the  three 
 leclsot  the  Pharifees,  Sadduces,  and  Herodians,  together  with  the  three  civil  fac- 
 lons,  all  haters  of  God,  and  detefted  by  him,  were  cut  olf  one  after  another  ;  and 
 
 I  Th^  destruction  of  Jerusalem,  tk  Christ's  care  for  the  fock.  15  The 
 type  and  curse  of  a  foolish  shepherd. 
 
 OPEN  thy  doors,  O  Lebanon,  that  the  fire  may 
 devour  thy  cedars. 
 
 2  Howl,  fir-tree,  for  the  cedar  is  fallen  ;  becaufe 
 the  11  mighty  are  fpoiled  :  howl,  O  ye  oaks  of  Bafhan, 
 for  II  the  forelt  of  the  vintage  is  come  down. 
 
 3  f  There  is  a  voice  of  the  howling  of  the  fhepherds  : 
 for  their  glory  is  fpoiled  ;  a  voice  of  the  roaring  of 
 young  lions for  the  pride  of  Jordan  is  fpoiled. 
 
 4  11  Thus  faith  the  Lord  my  God,  Feed  the  flock 
 of  the  slaughter. 
 
 5  Whole  poflefTors  slay  them,  and  hold  themfelves 
 not  guilty  :  and  they  that  fell  them  fay,  BlefTed  he  the 
 Lord  ;  for  I  am  rich  ;  and  their  own  fhepherds  pity 
 them  not. 
 
 6  For  I  will  no  more  pity  the  inhabitants  of  the 
 land  ;  faith  the  Lord  :  but,  lo,  I  will  f  deliver  the  men 
 every  one  into  his  neighbour’s  hand,  and  into  the 
 hand  of  his  king;  and  they  (hall  fmite  the  land,  and 
 out  of  their  hand  I  will  not  deliver  ihem. 
 
 7  And  I  will  feed  the  flock  of  slaughter,  H  even  you 
 O  poor  of  the  flock.  And  i  took  unto  me  two  ttaves ; 
 the  one  I  called  Beauty,  and  the  other  I  called 
 II  Bands  ;  and  I  fed  the  flock. 
 
 8  Three  (hepherds  alio  I  cut  off  in  one  month  :  and 
 'my  foul  f  loathed  them,  and  their  foul  alfo  abhorred 
 me. 
 
 9  Then  faid  I,  I  will  not  feed  you  :  *  that  that 
 dieth  let  it  die;  and  that  that  is  to  be  cut  off,  let  it 
 be  cut  off;  and  let  the  reft  eat  every  one  the  flelh 
 t  of  another. 
 
 10  11  And  I  took 'ray  ftaff,  even  Beauty,  and  cut  it 
 afunder,  that  I  might  break  my  covenant  which  I  had 
 made  with  all  the  people. 
 
 11  Aind  it  was  broken  in  that  day:  and  ||  fo  the 
 poor  of  the  flock  that  waited  upon  me  knew  that  it 
 was  the  word  of  the  Lord. 
 
 12  And  I  faid  unto  them,  f  If  ye  think  good,  give 
 me  my  price  ;  and  if  not,  forbear.  So  they  ^  weighed 
 for  my  price  thirty  jiicces  of  filver. 
 
 13  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  me,  caft  it  unto  the 
 =  potter  :  a  goodly  price  that  I  was  prized  at  of  them. 
 And  I  took  the  thirty  pieces  of  filver,  and  caft  them 
 to  the  potter  in  the  houfe  of  the  Lord. 
 
 John 
 
 10.  12. 
 
 14  I  hen  I  cut  afunder  mine  other  ftaff,  even  I|  Before 
 Bands,  that  1  might  break  the  brotherhood  between 
 Judah  and  Ilrael. 
 
 15  U  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  me.  Take  unto  thee  II  Or 
 
 yet  the  inftruments  of  a  foolilh  (hepherd  :  iHnUert. 
 
 16  For,  lo,  I  will  raife  up  a  (hepherd  in  the  land, 
 which  (hall  not  vifit  thofe  that  be  y  cut  off,  neither;!  Or, 
 (hall  feek  the  young  one,  nor  heal  that  that  is  broken, 
 
 nor  II  feed  that  that  (tandeth  ftill ;  but  he  (hall  eat  the  U  Or, 
 flefh  of  the  fat,  and  tear  their  claws  in  pieces. 
 
 17  ^  Woe  to  the  idle  (hepherd  that  leaveth  thess!^. 
 fleck  !  the  fword  shall  be  upon  his  arm,  and  upon  hisEzek! 
 right  eye  :  his  arm  lhall  be  clean  dried  up,  and  his'^'’:^- 
 right  eye  (hall  be  utterly  darkened.* 
 
 CHAP.  xir. 
 
 I  Jerusalem,  a  cup  of  trembling,  and  burdensome  stone,  to  h-r  adversaries’ 
 confusion.  8  The  victorious  restoring  of  Judah,  lu  The  reperUance 
 <f  Jerusalem. 
 
 The  burden  of  the  word  of  the  Lord  for  Ifrael, 
 faith  the  Lord,  which  (tretcheth  forth  the  hea¬ 
 vens,  and  layeth  the  foundation  of  the  earth,  and  form- 
 eth  the  fpirit  of  man  within  him. 
 
 2  Behold,  I  will  make  Jerulalem  a  cup  of  [i  tremb-  H  Or, 
 ling  unto  all  the  people  round  about,  ||  when 
 (hall  be  in  the  flege  both  againft  Judah  and  againtt 
 Jerufalem.  ,  t  ’ 
 
 3  If  And  in  that  day  will  make  Jerufalem  a  burden- 
 fome  ftone  for  all  people  :  all  that  burden  themfelves 
 with  it  (hall  be  cut  in  pieces,  though  all  the  people  of 
 the  earth  be  gathered  together  againft  if.  shMbein. 
 
 4  In  that  day,  faith  the  Lord,  I  will  fmite  every 
 horfe  with  aftonilhment,  and  his  rider  with  raadnefs 
 and  I  will  open  mine  eyes  upon  the  houfe  of  Judah, 
 and  will  fmite  every  horfe  of  the  people  with  blind- 
 nefs. 
 
 5  And  the  governors  of  Judah  (hall  fay  in  their 
 heart,  ||  The  inhabitants  of  Jerufalem  shall  he  my  11  Or, 
 ftrength  in  the  Lord  of  hofts  their  God.  There  h 
 
 6  If  In  that  day  will  I  make  the  governors  of  ^ 
 
 dah  like  an  hearth  of  fire  among  the  wood,  and  WkeTeinhM- 
 a  torch  of  fire  in  a  (heaf ;  and  they  (hall  devour  alP«”<'.  ■Jc* 
 the  people  round  about,  on  the  right  hand  and  on 
 the  left:  and  Jerufalem  (hall  be  inhabited  again  in 
 her  own  place,  even  in  Jerulalem. 
 
 7  Ihe  Lord  alfo  (hall  fave  the  tents  of  Judah  firft, 
 that  the  glory  of  the  houfe  of  David,  and  the  glory 
 
 the  nation  in  general  abandoned  to  fword,  famine,  peftilence,  and  miferable  cap* 
 tivit}’.  Ver.  10,  14.  The  breaking  of  thefe  ftaves  may  denote  his  renouncing  all 
 claim  to  them  as  his  peculiar  people,  and  ditfolving  all  government  and  affbaion 
 among  them  ;  or  bis  entire  removal  of  the  ordinances  of  the  gofpel  from  them, 
 which  were  means  of  honourably  uniting  them  to  (he  church,  and  to  one  another 
 They  were  given  up  to  corrupt  teachers  and  pretended 
 MelTiahs,  who,  by  their  falfe  doarines,  &c.  cruelly  murdered  their  fouls,  preyed 
 upon  their  fubftance,  and  decoyed  them  into  ruinous  calamities;  and  to  civil 
 rulers,  whether  of  their  own  nation,  or  of  the  Romans,  PerCans,  Aiitfchriftians, 
 Turks,  &c.  who  miferably  opprelTed  them.  Y'ea,  thefe  teachers  and  rulers  did  but 
 render  themfelves  miferable  in  the  ilTue. 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap,  XIT,  Ver.  1 — 9,  Thefe  promifes  be¬ 
 gan  to  be  accomplifhed  in  the  viaories  of  the  Jews  over  the  Syro-grecians  and 
 other  enemies  in  the  time  of  the  Maccabees;  but  will  be  more  fully  accotn- 
 plifhed  in  the  deftruaion  of  tliofe,  who  (hall  attack  the  Jews  when  newly 
 leturned  from  their  prefent  difperfion.  They  have  alfo  an  accomplifhment  in  the 
 Lord’s  making  all  the  attempts  of  Jews,  Heathens,  or  .Yntichriftians,  againft  his 
 
 dreadful  and  defner^t^^^h^^^  Chap.  XI.]  Awfully  alarming  are  the  falls  of  cities,  churches,  nations,  or  even  of  perfons  eminent  in  flation  Am 
 
 ttioffftVr;  of  BeZ  tTm  ft?  “"‘^1  ‘^hu-hes  when  their  rulers  become  oppreffors  and  murderers,  ’and  when  heLrs  become  p  eafed  with’clei 
 
 fort  embraceTt  and  rttnr  ?  ?  f  T  •’“^Sments  God  often  tnes  men  with  the  offered  grace  of  the  gofpel.  And  great  is  the  mercy  if  even  the  Voore 
 
 and  obftinate  wickednefs.  ’  An^gre^'ls  thdr  mTflrt  ’"Xof-cr'^'h  cafe  if  the  final  offers  of  grace  do  but  occafion  men’s  impeniunc 
 
 Sffue  in  their  deftruaion.  God  fuftly  giverurtS  I’efttf^ of  hL  f  ^ontenions  and  common  calamities  quicki; 
 
 dreadful  is  the  guiU  of  fuch,  Ld  ceruin  rn?feal?u^Thei?pla??ei'  Pnnees  1  Aol 
 
 io  H 
 
 27 
 
The  repentance  of  Jerusalem,  SfC, 
 
 ZECHARIAH. 
 
 Before 
 Christ 
 cir.  587. 
 
 The  death  of  Ch 
 
 of  the  inhabitants  of  Jerufalem,  do  not  magnify  them¬ 
 selves  againtt  Judah. 
 
 8  In  that  day  (hall  the  Lord  defend  the  inhabitants 
 of  Jernfalem ;  and  he  that  is  1|  f  feeble  among  them 
 at  that  day  (hall  be  as  Oavid  ;  and  the  houle  of  David 
 shall  be  as  God,  as  the  angel  of  the  Lord  before  them, 
 
 9  And  it  (hall  come  to  pafs  in  that  day,  that  I  will 
 feek  to  deftroy  all  the  nations  that  come  agaioft  Jeru- 
 (alem. 
 
 10  H  And  I  will  pour  upon  the  houfe  of  David,  and 
 upon  the  inhabitants  of  Jerufalem,  the  fpirit  of  grace 
 and  of  lupplications  ;  and  they  (hall  *  look  upon  me 
 Whom  they  have  pierced,  and  they  (hall  mourn  for 
 him,  as  one  mourneth  for  his  only  son,  and  (hall  be  in 
 bitternefs  for  him,  as  one  that  is  in  bitternefs  for  his 
 firftborn. 
 
 1 1  In  that  day  (hall  there  be  a  great  mourning  in 
 Jerufalem,  <=  as  the  mourning  of  Hadadrimmon  in  the 
 valley  of  Megiddon. 
 
 12  And  the  land  fhall  mourn,  +  every  family  apart ; 
 the  family  of  the  houfe  of  David  apart,  and  their 
 wives  apart ;  the  family  of  the  houfe  of  Nathan  apart ; 
 and  their  wives  apart ; 
 
 13  The  family  of  the  houfe  of  Levi  apart,  and  their 
 wives  apart ;  the  family  |1  of  Shimei  apart,  and  their 
 
 ts  Lxx"  apart ; 
 
 14-  All  the  families  that  remain,  every  family  apart, 
 and  their  wives  apart  * 
 
 CHAP.  XIII. 
 
 a  John 
 
 19.34,3 
 
 Revel. 
 
 1.  7. 
 
 b  Adis 
 2.  37. 
 c  2  Chro. 
 35.  24. 
 t  Heb. 
 J'aviUies, 
 Jamilies. 
 
 Ijfifor* 
 
 thrill 
 
 e  Or, 
 
 yet  prophecy,  then  his  father  and  his  mother  that  be¬ 
 gat  him  fhall  fay  unto  him,  Thou  (halt  not  live ;  for 
 thou  fpeakeft  lies  in  the  name  of  the  I^ord;  and  his 
 father  and  his  mother  that  begat  him  (hall  thrud  him^'”'^'^ 
 through  when  he  prophefieth. 
 
 4  And  it  (hall  come  to  pafs  in  that  day,  that  the 
 prophets  (hall  be  afhamed  every  one  of  his  vifion, 
 when  he  hath  prophefied  ;  neither  (hall  they  wear  f  a  t  Heb. 
 rough  garment  f  to  deceive: 
 
 5  But  he  fhall  fay,  I  am  no  prophet,  I  q?h  an  huf- 
 
 bandman  ;  for  man  taught  me  to  keep  cattle  from  my 
 youth.  “ 
 
 6  And  one  (hall  fay  unto  him,  What  are  thefe 
 wounds  in  thine  hands?  Then  he  (hall  anfwer.  Those 
 with  which  I  was  wounded  in  the  houfe  of  my  friends. 
 
 7  f  Awake,  Q  (word,  againfl  my  (hepherd,  and 
 againft  the  man  that  is  my  fellow,  faith  the  Lord  of 
 hods;  I’ fmite  the  Shepherd  and  the  (heep  (hall  bebMattb. 
 (battered  ;  and  I  will  turn  mine  hand  upon  the  little  si.' 
 ones. 
 
 8  And  it  (hall  come  to  pafs,  that  in  all  the  land, 
 faith  the  Lord,  two  parts  therein  (hall  be  cut  and 
 die;  but  the  third  (hall  be  left  therein. 
 
 9  And  I  will  bring  the  third  part  through  the  fire, 
 and  will  refine  them  as  filver  is  refined,  and  will  try 
 them  as  gold  is  tried  :  they  (hall  call  on  my  name,  and  r  6,7. 
 
 I  will  hear  them:  I  will  fay,  It  is  my  people;  and 
 they  (hall  fav.  The  Lord  is  ray  God.f 
 
 CHAP.  XIV. 
 
 H.  27. 
 
 c  1  Peter 
 
 i  The  fountain  (f  purgation  for  Jerusalem.  2  The  extirpation  of  idola¬ 
 try  and  false  prophecy.  7  The  death  of  Christ,  and  the  savmg  of  a 
 third  part  after  a  severe  trial. 
 
 IN  that  day  there  (hall  be  a  fountain  opened  to  the 
 houfe  of  David,  and  to  the  inhabitants  of  Jerufa- 
 t  Heb.  lem,  for  fin  and  for  f  uncleannefs. 
 separation  2  %  And  it  (hall  come  to  pafs  in  that  day,  faith  the 
 'deanTess.  LoRD  of  hods,  that  I  will  *  cut  o(F  the  names  of  the 
 aEzek.  ’  idols  out  of  the  land,  and  they  (hall  no  more  be  re- 
 30.  13.  membered  ;  and  alfo  I  will  caufe  the  prophets  and  the 
 unclean  fpirit  to  pafs  out  of  the  land. 
 
 3  And  it  (hall  come  to  pals,  that  when  any  (hall 
 
 gofpel  church,  to  iffue  in  their  own  deftru(5lion  and  the  glorious  deliverance  and 
 proteaion  of  his  people,  Ver.  10—14.  Comp.  John  xix.  37.  The  divine  Spi¬ 
 rit  difpofes  all  in  whom  he  dwells,  to  look  to  Jefus  as  the  alone  Saviour ;  contem¬ 
 plating  his  fufferings  in  their  Head,  they  perceive  in  indelible  charaaersthe  evil  of 
 fin,  and  are  filled  w  ith  the  deepeft  forrow,  abhorrence  of  all  evil,  and  earneft  defire 
 to  firve  God  perfeaiy.  Such  will  be  the  experience  of  the  Jews  converted  to 
 Mtfllah  in  the  latter  days;  their  mourning  will  refemble  that  of  a  parent  for  an 
 only  fon,  or  that  of  their  fathers  over  the  death  of  good  king  Jofiah,  near  Megid¬ 
 don,  which  occafioned  yearly  lamentations  in  Itrael,  2  Chron.  xxxv.  25. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XIII.  Ver.  2—6.  Such  fiiall  be  the 
 zeal  for  extirpating  idolatry  and  falfe  teachers,  that  may  of  thefe,  afiiamed  of  their 
 impoftures,  fliall  lay  afide  the  pretences  and  habits  of  prophets,  and  fliall  apply 
 themfelves  to  common  labours ;  and  (hall  pretend  that  the  marks  of  idols  in  their 
 hands,  or  the  correflions  which  they  have  received  for  their  attempting  to  deceive 
 were  obtained  by  fome  other  means  and  for  fome  other  mifearriages.  Ver.  7 — 9. 
 
 lf0nn,endous  fulFerings  of  Mtfiiab,  God  in  human  nature,  the  chief  Shep¬ 
 herd  of  the  church,  while  his  difciples  are  fcattered  from  him,  fiiall  quickly  iffue  in 
 
 1  The  destruction  of  Jerusalem.  3  The  coming  cf  Christ,  the  graces  (f 
 his  kingdom,  and  Jerusalem' s  restoration.  12  2  he  plague  (f  Jerus- 
 lem' s  enemies.  1 6  The  remnant  shall  turn  to  the  Lord,  ^c. 
 
 Behold,  the  day  of  the  Lord  cometh,  and  thy 
 fpoil  (hall  be  divided  in  the  midtt  of  thee. 
 
 2  For  I  will  gather  all  nations  againft  Jerufalem  to 
 battle;  and  the  cities  (hall  be  taken,  and  the  houfes 
 rifled,  and  the  women  ravilhed ;  and  half  of  the  city 
 (haJl  go  forth  into  captivity,  and  the  refidue  of  the 
 people  (hall  not  be  cut  off" from  the  city. 
 
 3  f  Then  (hall  the  Lord  go  forth,  and  fight  againft 
 thofe  nations,  as  when  he  fought  in  the  day  of  battle. 
 
 marvellous  favours  to  them,  and  other  Jews  of  the  poorer  fort ;  for  though  in  ibeir 
 deftru(51ion  by  the  Romans,  the  far  greater  part  fiiall,  on  account  ot  their  obstinacy 
 in  rejetSling  him,  be  utterly  destroyed  or  reduced  to  mifery,  yet  a  remnant  iii  that 
 age,  and  efpecially  in  the  millenial  period,  fiiall,  through  much  tribulation,  be 
 tinned  to,  claimed  by.  and  openly  avow,  the  promifed  Meffiah. 
 
 EXPLAN.ATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  XIV.  Perhaps  this  chapter  had  the 
 first  step  of  its  fulfilment  in  the  fignal  vidlories  of  the  Maccabees  over  the  Syro- 
 grecians,  who  had  taken  Jerufalem  by  force  and  ravaged  the  country;  and  in 
 the  restoration  of  Jerufalem,  and  the  reformation  of  religion  that  followed.  But 
 it  had  a  more  fignal  fulfilment  in  the  destrudlion  and  difperfion  of  the  Jewifh 
 nation  by  tbe  Romans;  afterwards  the  heathen  empire  of  Rome  by  the  Goths; 
 and  the  fpread  of  tbe  gofpel,  and  erecFtion,  enlargement,  or  prol'perity  of  the 
 Christian  church,  which  attended  the  fame.  Yet  it  will  have  a  further  accom- 
 plifiiment  in  God’s  destroying  thofe,  who  fliall  attack  the  newly  returned  Jevis, 
 and  in  the  profperity  and  reformation  of  the  Jewifli  nation  attending  the  fame 
 in  his  destroying  the  Antichristian  and  Mahometan  powers,  when  making  tluir 
 final  attack  upon  the  Christians  ;  and  in  the  powerful  fpread  of  the  gofpel,  the 
 
 practical  OBSERVATIONS.—*  Chab.  XIL]  Thrice  happy  are  they  who  have  the  Almighty  Jehovah,  and  all  the  burdens  and  blefiings  of  bis  word, 
 fide  I  He  will  efteaually  render  his  church  and  minifters  a  terror  to  all  their  oppofers,  as  he  hath  done  from  age  to  age.  For  eafily  he  can  infatuate  ti  e 
 
 on  llieir  IlUC  .  J  ,  ^  ,  •  tt  .%  i_  _/»  rv«a/vQ_TVxQl»jrvrp  rffwiormriT  ic  fho  T  .rwrl  anO 
 
 cL'nn's  'anti  enfeeble  the  courage  and  ftrength  of  their  enemies.  Happy  are  they  whofe  ftrengthener,  proteflor,  and  peace-making  governor,  is  the  Lord  and  his 
 Cbrifl !  *  And  thrice  happy  is  it  when  the  dellru<5lion  of  enemies  is  attended  with  an  outpouring  ot  the  Holy  Ghoft  upon  all  ranks,  great  and  fmall ;  and  when  n.a- 
 
 Biftrates  and  minifters  are  patterns  to  others  in  evangelical,  bitter,  and  particular  humiliation  for  fin  ! 
 
 ®  ^ ^ g R, "V A 'X*I G S  ^ "v  T  T T  n  t? till  firvrrri o n •’pfru’m A tton  are  r 
 
 any  guilt  or  ftain  fo  deep,  but  Jefus,  freely 
 
 tdicTtL'n,°ind**  rldem^tion.-^Thrice  happy  is^it  when  all  ranks,  in  their  lefpeaive  callings,  concur  to  promote  reformation,  and  to  extirpate  falfe  worfliip  and 
 and  when  regular  cenfures  and  punifhments  make  falfe  teachers  feiifible  and  afiiamed  of  their  fin,  and  return  to  their  duty.  But  bow  infinitely  glorious  s  ^ 
 
 dLmer  '•  Tfemendous  were  the*^ fufferings  which  he  endured  from  our  Father’s  juft  vengeance  for  our  fin  And  Ins  death  effeaually  iffues  in  mercy  ev  n  0  I 
 deSters  betrayers,  and  murderers.  Bylhe  moft  fearful  calamities  God  often  promotes  the  purification  and  happ.nefs  of  his  chojn  people,  and  the  eftabl.flmient 
 hi*  gol^el  and  d.urcli  in  the  world.  And  it  is  God’s  apprehending  of  us  by  his  grace,  that  makes  us  apprehend  him  by  faith,  and  feek  him  by  fervent  prayer. 
 
 to  his 
 ef 
 
Israel'' s  ingratitude 
 
 ZECHARIAH. 
 
 and  disrespect  for  God's  -jcorship. 
 
 Uefore 
 Clirift 
 cir.  587. 
 
 4  And  his  feet  fhall  ftand  in  that  day  upon  the 
 mount  of  Olives,  which  is  before  Jerufalem  on  the 
 eaft  ;  and  the  mount  of  Olives  fhall  cleave  in  the 
 
 11  Or. 
 
 fiiy  moun- , 
 
 midft  thereof  toward  the  eaft  and  toward  the  weft, 
 and  there  shall  he  a  very  great  valley  ;  and  half  of 
 the  mountain  (hall  remove  toward  the  north,  and  half 
 of  it  toward  the  fouth. 
 
 5  And  ye  ftiall  flee  to  the  valley  of  ||  the  mountains ; 
 when  he  II  for  the  valley  of  the  mountains  fhall  reach  unto  Azal  : 
 shall  touch  yea,  ye  fhall  flee,  like  as  he  fled  from  before  the »  earth* 
 quake  in  the  days  of  Uzziah  king  of  Judah  ;  and  the 
 noun-  Lord  my_God  (hall  come,  and  all  the  faints  with  thee. 
 tainstothe  6  And  it  fhall  come  to  pafs  in  that  day,  that  the 
 j,iace  he  [jght  fh^H  not  be  f  dear,  nor  f  dark  ; 
 a^Araos '  II  ^^ll  be  ^  ooe  day  which  fhall  be  known 
 
 1. 1.  to  the  Lord,  not  day,  nor  night :  but  it  (hall  come  to 
 787.  pafs,  ihac  ^  at  evening-time  it  fhall  be  light. 
 
 8  And  it  fhall  be  in  that  day,  that  living  waters 
 fhall  go  out  from  Jerufalem;  half  of  them  toward  the 
 II  former  fea,  and  half  of  them  toward  the  hinder  fea  ; 
 in  (ummer  and  in  winter  fhall  it  be. 
 
 9  And  the  Lord  fhall  be  King  over  all  the  earth  ; 
 in  that  day  fhall  there  be  one  Lord,  and  his  name  one. 
 
 10  All  the  land  fhall  be  ||  turned  as  a  plain  from 
 Geba  to  Rimmon,  fouth  of  Jerufalem  :  and  it  fhall  be 
 lifted  up,  and  ||  inhabited  in  her  place,  from  Benja¬ 
 min’s  gate  unto  the  place  of  the  firft  gate,  unto  the 
 corner-gate,  and  fmn  the  tower  of  Hananeel  unto  the 
 king’s  wine-prefTes. 
 
 1 1  And  men  fhall  dwell  in  it,  and  there  fhall  be  no 
 more  utter  deftruftion;  but  Jerufalem  |1  (hall  be  fafely 
 inhabited. 
 
 12  H  And  this  fhall  be  the  plague  wherewith  the 
 Lord  will  (mite  all  the  people  that  have  fought 
 
 compassed  againft  Jerufalem  :  Their  ffefh  fhall  confume  away 
 
 Ihaiiabide.  ^^eir  eyes  fhall 
 
 II  Or,  ’confume  away  jn  their  holes,  and  their  tongue  fhall 
 si aiiabide.  coni'ume  away  in  their  mouth. 
 
 13  And  it  fhall  come  to  pafs  in  that  day,  that  a 
 great  tumult  from  the  Lord  fhall  be  among  them; 
 and  they  fhall  lay  hold  every  one  on  the  hand  of  his 
 neighbour,  and  his  hand  fhall  rife  up  againft  the  hand 
 of  his  neighbour. 
 
 14-  And  II  Judah  alio  fhall  fight  |f  at  Jerufalem  :  and 
 the  wealth  of  all  the  heathen  round  about  fhall 
 
 Before 
 Ciirilt 
 587. 
 
 cir 
 
 Or, 
 
 cir. 
 t  Heb. 
 precious- 
 f  Heb. 
 thickness. 
 
 II  On 
 
 the  day 
 shall  be 
 one. 
 
 b  Revel. 
 2  5. 
 
 c  Kaiah 
 60.  1  9. 
 Revel. 
 
 21.  23. 
 d  Ezek. 
 47.  1. 
 Joel5.18, 
 Revel. 
 
 22.  1. 
 
 II  Or, 
 
 eastern, 
 
 II  Or. 
 
 fubjeaion  of  all  nations  to  Chrift,  and  the  remarkable  devotion  and  holinefs  of 
 church  members  in  the  millenial  period.  Ver.  4,  5.  In  confequence  of  Chrifl’s 
 afcenfion,  he  fliall  be  manifefted  in  the  gofpel  preached  by  bis  apoilles,  ac¬ 
 cording  to  the  commiffion  given  them  on  mount  Olivet ;  and  the  ceremonial  wor- 
 Ihip  fhall  be  removed,  and  Jews  and  Gentiles  having  paid  admiffion,  fhall  in 
 nrultitudes  eagerly  flee  to  the  Redeemer,  and  unite  in  the  gofpel  church.  Ver. 
 6,  7.  For  a  time  the  condition  of  the  Jews  fliall  neither  be  happy  nor  ahfolutely 
 niiferable  ;  for  a  time  the  ceremonies  fliall  not  feem  wholly  abolifhed  ;  nay  for 
 miny  ages  the  Chriflian  church  fliall  have  but  a  mixed  lot  of  profperity  and  ad- 
 vejfity  ;  but  the  Lord  fhall  gracipufly  take  notice  of  and  manage  all ;  and  at  laft, 
 in  the  millenium,  great  fhall  be  the  profperity  and  purity  of  Uie  Jewifh  nation 
 and  gofpel  church.  Ver.  8,  9-  Iffuing  forth  from  Jerufalem  and  the  church  of 
 God,  the  gofpel  fhall  amidft  profperity  and  adverfity,  be  preached  by  the  apofUes 
 and  others  in  all  quarters  of  the  world,  till  all  nations  be  turned  to  the  Lord;  and 
 
 thou  also 
 
 gathered  together,  gold,  and  filver,  and  apparel 
 great  abundance.  jj  or, 
 
 15  And  lb  fhall  be  the  plague  of  the  horfe,  of  the«^“‘'w<* 
 mule,  of  the  camel,  and  of  the  afs,  and  of  all  the 
 beafts  that  fhall  be  in  thefe  tents,  as  this  plague. 
 
 16  51  And  it  fhall  come  to  pafs,  that  every  ooe 
 that  is  left  of  all  the  nations  which  came  againft  Jeru¬ 
 falem,  fhall  even  go  up  from  year  to  year  to  worfhip 
 the  King,  the  Lord  of  hofts,  and  to  keep  the  feaft  of 
 tabernacles. 
 
 17  And  it  fhall  be,  that  whofo  will  not  come  up  of 
 all  the  families  of  the  earth  unto  Jerufalem  to  worfhip 
 the  King,  the  Lord  of  hofts,  even  upon  them  fhall  be 
 no  rain. 
 
 18  And  if  the  family  of  Egypt  go  not  up,  and 
 come  nor,  f  that  have  no  rain,  there  fhall  be  the  t  Heb- 
 plague  wherewith  the  Lord  will  froite  the  heathen 
 
 that  come  not  up  to  keep  the  feaft  of  tabernacles.  ^tr7is 
 
 19  This  fhall  be  the  1|  punifhment  of  Egypt,  and /wf. 
 the  punifhment  of  all  nations  that  come  not  up  to  I  Or, 
 keep  the  feaft  of  tabernacles. 
 
 20  51  In  that  day  fhall  there  be  upon  the  |1  bells  of  1  Or, 
 the  horles,  HOLINESS  UNTO  THE  LORD;^’^’- 
 and  the  pots  in  the  Lord’s  houfe  fhall  be  like  the 
 bowls  before  the  altar. 
 
 21  Yea,  every  pot  in  Jerufalem,  and  in  Judah  fhall 
 
 be  holiuefs  unto  the  Lord  of  hofts  ;  and  all  they  that  e  ifaiah 
 facrifice  fhall  come  and  take  of  them,  and  feethesj.  s. 
 therein  :  and  in  that  day  there  fhall  be  no  more  the 
 Canaanite  in  the  houfe  of  the  Lord  of  hofts.*  - 
 
 ^  J «  21%  Oi 
 
 22.  15. 
 
 men  renouncing  all  their  idolatries  and  deluflons,  thall  harmonioufly  unite  in  th 
 faith  and  obedience  of  Chrift.  Ver.  10,  11.  Every  obftacle  of  converfion,  am 
 every  noted  abomination,  (hall  be  removed  ;  and  the  Jews  happily  fettled  in  Ca¬ 
 naan,  (hall  glorioufly  and  fafely  fliare  the  privileges  of  the  gofpel  church.  Ver, 
 12 — 15.  By  fignal  judgments  and  mutual  contentions,  the  oppofers  of  the  Jewi. 
 and  Chriftians  (hall  be  infatuated  and  deftroyed,  and  their  wealth  left  forafpoil 
 to  enrich  thofe  whom  they  have  attempted  to  deltroy.  Ver.  16—1 9.  The  keeping 
 of  the  feaft  of  tabernacles,  denotes  an  obfervance  of  the  various  ordinances  of  the 
 gofpel  filled  with  the  confolations  of  Chrift.  Ver.  20,  21 .  Wars  (hall  be  exchan¬ 
 ged  for  ferious  devotions;  or  even  in  their  common  employment,  men  ftiall  aft 
 from  gracious  and  holy  motives,  in  a  holy  manner,  and  to  holy  ends.  And  the 
 church  (hall  be  purged  from  all  apparently  unclean  and  mercenary  minifters  and 
 profelTors. 
 
 b,..,  J.f.s  Chrift L  ,00.,  i.  -hiobLih  .^d  G»,i£rctr4  Op^n  i.  r.trf.  "r  iV.’ '""y'  rf'* 
 
 ed  goEpel ;  and  with  great  earneftnefs  ought  men  to  flee  into  her.  It  is  a  new  covenant  relation  to  Pori’  i  f  ,1  1’  I*  *  afcenfion  and  publifh- 
 
 A.a  p,o,id.nc.  b.  fo  d..k  .„d  l„,„„i„d.  If  ou  God  knoJ  .nd  Ihu  cm  render  u.  b.pp,.„.dft  m.nifdd  eommo.iop,. 
 
 pche,  of  ebhrebe..  from  .hence  gofpel  m.ireng.m',  or.ele.:o,dinrer.„d  i„£  t'.Tlnm.^^ld*  Tdt.d  r'  Tl‘  ‘’d"””  * 
 
 Chrift.  Remarkable  deliverances  of  the  church  are  generally  attended  with  terrible  rain  tn  hpr  onr^  r  ^  i  r  ^  ^  united  kingdom  of  Jefus 
 
 the  honour  of  Jefus’  grace,  that  the  remnant  of  fucif  aro^onverted  by  h7s  koRitTnd  .f  one  plague  anfwar  not  another  is  inflifled  ;  and  it  is  for 
 
 with  refpea  to  their  objefl,  Mediator,  manner  and  feafons.  And  if  men  contemn  and  neglefl  the  ordinances  of  'r"d  “oooes  edPeflually  reaify  men’s^ devotion* 
 bleffings  of  falvation,  but  even  of  common  providence.  But  thrice  happy  ftiall  be  the  blefled  millenium  wh  n  h  r  °f  n”  o  Sr^ce,  they  forfeit  not  only  tha 
 
 hut  even  in  the  mod  ordinary  bufinefs,  and  every  thing  be  ufed  as  devoted  to  the  fervice  of  Chridl  «hen  holinefs  fliall  not  only  (hme  forth  .n  every  devotion,, 
 
THE  ARGUMENT. 
 
 t^^o  tilings  in  his  prophecy.  1.  Fie  exhorts  the  Jews  to  reform  the  disorders 
 that  d.ei  e  committed  among  them,  especially  in  the  divine  service,  and  to  be  converted.  2.  He  toretels  the  estahliih. 
 ment  of  the  gospel  worship;  the  coming  oj  John  the  Baptist,  and  of  Jesus  Christ  ;  and  the  last  ruin  of  the  Jews' 
 
 CHAP.  I. 
 
 1  Malachi  complaineth  of  Israel's  ingratUude,  6  of  disrespect  shewn  to 
 God  s  worship.  1 4  The  curse  of  corrupt  offeriitgs. 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 cir.  397. 
 
 I'  Or, 
 bp  the 
 hand  of 
 Malachi. 
 a  Rom. 
 9.  13. 
 
 |1  Or, 
 
 upon. 
 t  Heb. 
 
 The  burden  of  the  word  of  the  Lord  to  Ifrael 
 II  by  Malachi. 
 
 TTT^  ^  have  l^oved  you,  faith  the  Lord  :  vet  ye  fay, 
 Ay  herein  haft  thou  loved  us  ?  Was  not  Efau  Jacob’s 
 brother?  faith  the  Lord  :  yet  ®  I  loved  Jacob, 
 
 3  And  I  hated  Efau,  and  laid  his  mountains  and  his 
 hcritag^e  wafte  tor  the  dragons  of  the  wildcrnefs. 
 
 4  M  hereas  Edom  faith,  We  are  impoverifhed,  but 
 we  will  return  and  build  the  defolate  places ;  thus  faith 
 the  Lord  ot  hofts.  They  fhall  build,  but  1  will  throw 
 down  :  and  they  fhall  call  them.  The  border  of  wick- 
 ednels,  and.  The  people  againft  whom  the  Lord 
 hath  indignation  for  ever. 
 
 5  And_  your  eyes  fhall  fee,  and  ye  fhall  fay.  The 
 Lord  will  be  magnified  ||  f  from  the  border  of  Ifrael. 
 t  iieb.  honoureth  his  father,  and  a  fervant  his 
 
 fromupon.  :  if  then  Ybe'd.  father,  where  is  mine  honour? 
 
 and  if  I  mafter,  where  is  my  fear?  faith  the  Lord 
 of  hofts  unto  you,^  O  priefts,  that  defpife  my  name  : 
 and  ye  fay,  wherein  have  we  defpifed  thy  name? 
 
 II  Or,  7  II  Ye  offer  polluted  bread  upon  mine  altar;  and 
 <t-c  ^'’herein  have  we  polluted  thee^  In  that  ye 
 
 fay,  The  table  of  the  Lord  is  contemptible, 
 f  Heb.  to  8  And  if  ye  offer  the  blind  f  for  facrifice  is  it  not 
 evil  ?  and  if  ye  offer  the  lame  and  fick  is  it  not  evil  ? 
 'offer  it  now  unto  thy  governor :  will  he  be  pleafed  with 
 thee,  or  accept  thy  perfon  ?  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts, 
 _9  And  now,  I  pray  you,  befeech  f  God  that  he 
 will  be  gracious  unto  us  ;  this  hath  been  f  by  your 
 ,  in^ans  ;  will  he  regard  your  perfons?  faith  the  Lord 
 
 froni  your  Of  hofts, 
 
 hand.  J  Q  W^ho  is  there  even  among  you  that  would  fhut 
 
 the  doors  for  nought?  neither  do  ye  kindle  fire  on 
 mine  altar  for  nought.  I  have  no  pleafure  in  you. 
 
 sacrifice. 
 
 t  Heb. 
 
 the  face 
 if  God. 
 t  Heb. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  I.  Ver.  3 — 5.  Their  very  eyes  faw 
 that  the  Lord  had  not  only  almoft  utterly  deflroyed  the  Edomites,  but  bad  ren¬ 
 dered  their  country  altogether  defolate,  and  fruitful  in  nothing  but  ferpenls.  Ver 
 10,  11,  Since  ye  are  fo  mercenary  that,  notwithllanding  all  that  I  have  allotted 
 to  you  as  a  reward,  ye  can  fcarcely  think  of  fhutting  a  door  in  my  temple 
 without  forae  fpecial  hire,  ye  may  withhold  your  facrifices.  I  have  provided 
 for  myfelf  a  people  among  the  Gentile  nations,  to  worfhip  and  to  honour 
 
 I 
 
 accept  an  before 
 
 Chrift 
 
 faith  the  Lord  of  hofts,  ^  neither  will 
 offering  at  your  hand. 
 
 11  For  from  the  rifing  of  the  fun,  even  unto  the,!!!^ 
 going  down  of  the  fame,  my  name  shall  be  great  among'*  if^iah 
 the  Gentiles ;  and  in  every  place  incenl'e  shall  be  of-  '■  “• 
 fered  unto  my  name,  and  a  pure  offering:  for  myfsT 
 name  shall  be  great  among  the  heathen,  faith  the  Amos 
 Lord  of  hofts.  5. 21. 
 
 J2  But  ye  have  profaned  it,  in  that  ye  fay.  The 
 table  of  the  Lord  is  polluted,  and  the  fruit  thereof, 
 even  his  meat  is  contemptible. 
 
 13  Ye  faid  alfo.  Behold,  what  a  wearinefs  is  it  1 1|  11 
 and  ye  have  fnuffed  at  it,  faith  the  Lord  of  hefts 
 and  ye  brought  that  which  was  torn,  and  the  lame, 
 and  the  fick;  thus  ye  brought  an  offering  ;  fhould  [away. 
 accept  this  of  your  hand  ?  faith  the  Lord. 
 
 14  ^  But  curfed  be  the  deceiver,  |l  which  hath  in  II  On 
 his  flock  a  male,  and  voweth,  and  facrificeth  unto  the''*’!'"”" 
 Lord  a  corrupt  thing  :  for  I  am  a  great  King,  faith 
 
 the  Lord  of  hofts,  and  my  name  is  dreadful  among 
 the  heathen. 
 
 CHAP.  ir. 
 
 1  The  priests  reproved  for  profaning  the  covenant  which  was  given  them  : 
 
 10  the  people  for  their  strange  wives,  13  and  treachery  to  their  former 
 wives,  1 7  and  for  inpiety. 
 
 ND  now,  O  ye  priefts,  this  commandment  is 
 for  you. 
 
 2  ^  If  ye  will  not  hear,  and  if  ye  will  not  lay  it  to  a  Levif. 
 heart,  to  give  glory  unto  my  name,  faith  the  Lord 
 
 of  hofts,  I  will  even  fend  a  curfe  upon  you,  and  I  willLe’uter. 
 curfe  your  bleffings  ;  yea,  I  have  curfed  them  already,  ss,  is, 
 becaufe  ye  do  not  lay  it  to  heart. 
 
 3  Behold,  I  will  H  corrupt  your  feed,  and  f  fpread 
 
 dung  upon  your  faces,  even  the  dung  of  your  folemni^Heb? 
 feafts,  and  ||  one  fhall  take  you  away  with  it.  scatter. 
 
 4  And  ye  fhall  know  that  I  have  fent  this  com-  H 
 
 mandment  unto  you,  that  my  covenant  might  be  with^„“ 
 Levi,  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts.  to  it. 
 
 me  with  fpiritual  facritices,  of  their  perfons,  praifes,  thankfgivings  and  aims- 
 deeds. 
 
 EXPLANATORY'  NOTES.  Chap.  II.  Ver.  2—4.  I  will  take  your  earili- 
 ly  enjoyments  from  you,  or  render  them  hurtful  or  ufelefs  to  you.  I  will  caiil'e 
 to  rot,  nr  otberwife  fpoil,  your  feed  corn  ;  will  difdainfully  reject  your  perfons 
 and  fervices,  and  transfer  you  to  foreign  places,  and  even  to  hell,  in  your  fins. 
 Thus  lliall  ye  be  convinced  that  I  have  warned  you  in  this  manner  in  order  thirt 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. — *  Chap.  L]  Great  is  the  fovereignty  of  divine  grace  with  refpe<51  to  perfons  and  nations,  in  favouring  and  laving  Ibme, 
 and  in  rejedling  and  dellroying  others  for  their  fins.  But  if  once  ingratitude  towards  God  prevail  in  the  heart,  nothing  will  appear  too  bafe  to  be  done  or  faid  to 
 him.  No  greatnefs  in  him  will  awe,  no  relation  engage,  and  no  law  will  influence  ;  nay,  nor  even  felf-interefi,  move  us  to  ferve  him  aright;  and  none  are  ever  more 
 noted  profduers  of  God’s  worfhip  than  carelefs  clergymen.— Let  Britain  beware  !  Let  our  behaviour  correfpond  to  God’s  Uillinguifiiing  kindnefs  and  peculiar  relations 
 to  us  !  Let  bitter  repentance,  reverential  fear,  upright  obedience,  and  fervent  and  holy  devotions,  prevent  God’s  removing  his  gofpel  kingdoRi  from  us  to  anotfief 
 nation,  and  bis  ezecuting  bis  fearful  and  ruinous  curfe  upon  us. 
 
The  people  reprffoed. 
 
 MALACm. 
 
 They  are  'warned  to  repent^ 
 
 JJtfore 
 Cl)  rift 
 cir.  397. 
 
 0  Or. 
 
 fqU  in  the 
 
 id  IV. 
 
 I!  O'-' 
 
 Uftc'l  up 
 file  face 
 au,ainsU 
 f  Ileb. 
 /accepted 
 faces. 
 
 I)  Eplief. 
 
 4.  6. 
 
 S  Or, 
 eii.ght  to 
 love. 
 
 (  Or, 
 fiim  that 
 wakelh, 
 and  him 
 that 
 
 aiuwerelb. 
 
 1!  Or, 
 
 etcellency/ 
 
 5  My  covenant  was  with  him  of  life  and  peace ; 
 and  I  gave  them  to  him  ./or  the  tear  wherewith  he 
 feared  me,  and  was  afraid  before  my  name. 
 
 6  The  law  of  truth  was  in  his  mouth,  and  iniquity 
 was  not  found  in  his  lips  ;  he  walked  with  me  in  peace 
 and  equity,  and  did  turn  many  away  from  iniquity. 
 
 7  For  the  prieft’s  lips  (hould  keep  knowledge,  and 
 they  (hould  feek  the  law  at  his  mouth  ;  for  he  is  the 
 melTenger  of  the  Lord  of  hofts. 
 
 8  Bat  ye  are  departed  out  of  the  way :  ye  have 
 caufed  many  to  ||  (tumble  at  the  law ;  ye  have  cor¬ 
 rupted  the  covenant  of  Levi,  faith  the  Lord  of 
 hofts  : 
 
 9  Therefore  have  I  alfo  made  you  contemptible* 
 and  bafe  before  all  the  people,  according  as  ye  have 
 not  kept  my  ways,  bat  |1  f  have  been  partial  in  the 
 law. 
 
 10  f  Have  we  not  all  one  father?  hath  not  one 
 God  created  us ;  why  do  we  deal  treacheroufly  every 
 man  againft  his  brother,  by  profaning  the  covenant  of 
 our  fathers  ? 
 
 1 1  Judah  hath  dealt  treacheroufly,  and  an  abomina¬ 
 tion  is  committed  in  Ifrael,  and  in  Jerufalem :  for 
 Judah  hath  profaned  the  holinefs  of  the  Lord  which 
 he  li  loved,  and  hath  married  the  daughter  of  a  ftrange 
 god. 
 
 12  The  Lord  will  cut  off  the  man  that  doeth  this 
 II  the  mafter  and  the  fcholar,  out  of  the  tabernacles 
 of  Jacob,  and  him  that  offereth  an  offering  unto  the 
 Lord  of  hoffs. 
 
 13  f  And  this  have  ye  done  again,  covering  the 
 altar  of  the  Lord  with  tears,  with  weeping,  and  with 
 crying  out,  inlbmuch  that  he  regardeth  not  the  offer¬ 
 ing  any  more,  or  receiveth  it  with  good  will  at  your 
 hand. 
 
 14  Yet  ye  fay,  Wherefore?  Becaufe  the  Lord 
 hath  been  witnefs  between  thee  and  the  wife  of  thy 
 youth,  againft  whom  thou  haft  dealt  treacheroufly : 
 yet  is  (he  thy  companion,  and  the  wife  of  thy  cove¬ 
 nant. 
 
 15  And  did  not  he  make  one.^  Yet  had  he  the  I| 
 refidue  of  the  Spirit.  And  wherefore  one.?  That  he 
 
 my  covenant  of  priefthood  might  continue  with  the  tribe  of  Levi.  Ver.  5 — 9. 
 To  reward  the  piety  and  zeal  of  their  anceflors,  I  choofe  them  and  their 
 pofterity  hy  a  lafting  covenant  to  be  my  minifters ;  and  they,  according  to  the 
 law  of  their  office,  ferved  me  with  fincerity  and  diligence:  and,  by  their  ex¬ 
 ample  and  inftru(5lion‘:,  turned  many  from  their  wicked  courfes.  But  ye,  in- 
 ftead  of  inftrudling  the  people  from  my  word,  lead  them  afide  by  your  doc¬ 
 trines  and  examples,  and  make  them  abhor  my  fervice,  and  thus  violate  the 
 terms  on  which  ye  bold  your  office  :  I  will  therefore  punifb  your  impiety  and 
 partiality  in  your  deciftons,  by  rendering  you  openly  contemptible.  Ver.  10 — 
 12.  Though  by  having  one  father,  Abraham,  and  one  God,  ye  are  all  brethren 
 in  both  a  natural  and  fpiritual  relation,  yet  ye  betray  and  deceive  one  another. 
 Violating  God’s  covenant  of  peculiarity  with  your  nation,  ye  have  adled 
 treacheroufly  and  abominably,  in  profaning  his  inllitution  of  marriage,  and  your 
 own  perfons,  which  are  devoted  to  God,  by  marrying  heathen  women,  wor- 
 ffiippers  of  idols,  therefore  will  the  Lord  puniffi  you,  both  prieft  and  people. 
 Ver.  13 — 16.  Moreover,  by  your  cruelty,  in  divorcing  or  ill-treating  your 
 Jewifh  wives,  ye  force  them  to  attend  their  facrifices  with  bitter  mourning, 
 inftead  of  praifes  and  thankfgivings,  fo  that  1  cannot  but  deteft  your  obligations, 
 having  been  witnefs  to  the  folemn  vow  which  you  made  to  them  in  marriage, 
 never  to  negleii,  rejedf,  nor  fuffer  any  to  rival  them;  and  alfo  of  your  treacher¬ 
 ous  ufage  of  them.  Did  not  I,  in  creation,  make  only  one  wife  for  Adam, 
 though  I  could  as  eaCly  have  created  thoafands  ?  And  for  this  reafon,  that  thus 
 An  offspring  might  be  produced  in  lawful  wedlock,  and  trained  up  in  my  fear. 
 Take  heed  therefore  to  your  hearts,  that  none  of  you  treacheroufly  negledt. 
 
 to 
 
 Before 
 
 11  treacheroufly  againft  ^^.^397. 
 
 might  feek  t  a  godly  feed.  'I’herefore  take  heed 
 your  fpirit,  and  let  none  deal 
 the  wife  of  his  youth. 
 
 16  For  the  Lord,  the  God  of  Iftael,  faith  n  that  het 
 hateth  t  putting  away ;  for  one  covereth  violence  with  ^ 
 his  garment,  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts  :  therefore  take  y  oV, 
 heed  to  vour  fpirit,  that  ye  deal  not  treacheroufly.  vn/aUh* 
 
 17  1  Ye  have  wearied  the  Lord  with  your  words 
 
 yet  ye  fay,  Wherein  have  we  wearied  himP  Wheniy^'^^ 
 ye  fay,  Every  one  that  doeth  evil  is  good  in  the  fight  iferfpisz 
 of  the  Lord,  and  he  delighteth  in  them  ;  or.  Where  her  away, 
 is  the  God  of  judgment.*  tHeb. 
 
 CHAP.  III.  away. 
 
 1  The  forerunner,  and  coming  of  the  Messiah  to  cleanse  his  church,  and 
 judge  the  wicked.  7  The  people  warned  to  repent ;  8  their  sacrilege  ; 
 
 13  their  impious  blasphemy,  ^-c. 
 
 Behold,  »  I  win  fend  my  meffenger,  and  heaMattb. 
 
 fhall  prepare  the  way  before  me  :  and  the  Lord, 
 whom  ye  feek,  (hall  fuddenly  come  to  his  temple,  even  j  2^ 
 the  meffenger  of  the  covenant,  whom  ye  delight  in; Luke 
 behold,  he  fhall  come,  fafth  the  Lord  of  hofts.  i-  ’6.  & 
 2  But  who  may  abide  the  day  of  his  coming?  and^' 
 who  fhall  ftand  when  he  appeareth  ?  for  he  is  like  a 
 refiner’s  fire,  and  like  fuller’s  foap  : 
 
 3  And  he  fhall  fit  as  a  refiner  and  purifier  of  filver  ; 
 and  he  (hall  purify  the  fons  of  Levi,  and  purge  them 
 as  gold  and  filver,  that  they  may  oft'er  unto  the  Lord 
 an  offering  in  righteoufnefs. 
 
 4  Then  fhall  the  offering  of  Judah  and  Jerufalem 
 be  pleafant  unto  the  Lord,  as  in  the  days  of  old,  and 
 as  in  11  former  years.  B  Or, 
 
 5  And  I  will  come  near  to  you  to  judgment ;  and 
 I  will  be  a  fwift  witnefs  againft  the  forcerers,  and 
 againft  the  adulterers,  and  againft  falfe  fwearers,  and 
 againft  thofe  that  (I  opprefs  the  hireling  in  his  wages,  fl  Or, 
 the  widow,  and  the  fatherlefs,  and  that  turn  afide 
 ftranger  ./ro7?2  his  right,  and  fear  not  me,  faith  the 
 Lord  of  hofts. 
 
 6  For  I  am  the  Lord,  I  change  not ;  therefore  ye 
 fons  of  Jacob  are  not  confumed. 
 
 7  %  Even  from  the  days  of  your  fathers  ye  are 
 gone  away  from  mine  ordinances,  and  have  not  kept 
 
 abufe,  deftrt,  or  divorce  his  lawful  wife,  or  take  another  in  her  room  :  for  I  hate 
 all  fuch  injurious  divorces,  whatever  pretences  you  may  attempt  to  cover  them  with. 
 Ver.  17.  Ye  have  alfo  provoked  me,  and  wearied  my  patience  by  your  difeontent- 
 ed  murmurings  at  my  providence;  and  by  your  declaring  that  wicked  perfons 
 were  as  much  regarded  by  me  as  the  moft  pious  ;  at  leaft,  that  I  was  very  flow 
 and  negligent  in  the  punilhing  of  fuch  wretches. 
 
 EXPLANATORY  NOTES.  Chap.  III.  Ver.  1.  John  Baptift  proclaim¬ 
 ed  that  the  Meffiah  was  come  in  the  flerti,  and  called  the  Jews  to  prepare  for  bis 
 manifeftations  of  hirafelf  by  faith  and  repentance. — Chrift  came  in  the  flefh  while 
 the  fecond  temple  was  ftanding,  and  honoured  it  with  his  prefence  and  mini- 
 flrations.  Though  he  was  the  fame  in  nature  and  equal  in  perfonal  dignity 
 with  his  Father,  be,  as  Mediator,  was  fent  by  him  to  declare  and  atteft  his  will 
 to  men,  and  purchafe  and  promote  their  falvation.  The  godly  rejoiced  in  his 
 perfop,  incarnation  and  work  ; — and  even  the  wicked  Jews  were  pleafed  with 
 it,  as  they  conceived  hopes  of  temporal  advantage  thereby.  Ver.  2 — 4.  Yet  few 
 of  the  Jews  will  relifli  his  coming  when  it  fhall  take  place;  for  they  will  ha 
 offended  at  his  appearance  and  doiRrines,  to  their  own  deflrmSlion ;  for  his 
 inflruiSlions  and  his  condudl  will  tend  to  feparate  the  precious  from  the  vile, 
 to  fanciify  the  former  and  deftroy  the  latter,  and  he  will  purify  his  minifters  and 
 people  from  their  errors  in  do^lrine,  corruptions  in  worfhip,  and  unholinefs  in 
 pradlice,  that  their  fervices  may  be  agreeable  to  his  law,  and  accepted  of  God 
 through  him,  as  well  as  thofe  of  their  pious  anceflors.  Ver.  5,  6.  I  will  fpeedily 
 call  you  to  an  account  fur  your  fins;  and,  by  punilhing  you,  manifeft  that  I 
 have  taken  notice  of  them  ;  that  this  ye  may  as  certainly  expedl  as  I  am  the 
 
 PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.-—*  Cha?.  11. ]  Abandoned  clergymen  are  generally  mofl  furious  in  impiety.  No  law  can  bind,  no  vow  can  hold  no  mo¬ 
 tive  engage,  no  pattern  attradl  them  to  their  duty,  no  example  or  denunciation  of  wrath  deter  them  from  fin.  Hateful  is  the  conducif  of  profeffors,  and  efpeeiallv  rai- 
 oifters,  when  they  profane  the  inftitutions  of  God,  violate  his  laws,  difhonour  their  characSler,  and  pour  contempt  on  their  fellow. profeffors,  by  unhallowed  marriages 
 with  heathens  and  profane  perfons.  And  every  one  that  would  aa  well  muft  carefully  take  heed  to  his  fpirit.  No  wonder  that  men’s  condua  is  profane  and  treoch- 
 •;ou«  when  their  principles  are  atheiftical  and  biafpbemous.  But  denials  and  derifions  of  God  will  but  iffue  in  the  deflruaion  of  prefumptuous  finue.s- 
 
 10  1  27 
 
The  peopled  impious  bla$j}Jiemy, 
 
 MALACHT. 
 
 Blessings 
 
 to 
 
 Before 
 Chrift 
 379. 
 
 ^0(t. 
 
 Cir, 
 
 c  Gen. 
 7.  11. 
 t  Heb. 
 empty 
 out.  ' 
 t  Heb. 
 corrupt. 
 
 d  Job 
 
 21..14. 
 
 Chap. 
 
 2.  17. 
 
 t  Heb, 
 his  obser¬ 
 vation, 
 
 ■f  Heb. 
 m  black. 
 f  Heb. 
 are  built, 
 e  Pfalm 
 95.  9. 
 
 them.  ^  Return  unto  me,  and  I  will  return  unto  you, 
 l.iith  the  Lord  of  hofts.  But  ye  (kid,  Wherein  flnall 
 we  return. 
 
 8  %  Will  a  man  rob  God  ?  yet  ye  have  robbed  me. 
 But  ye  (ay.  Wherein  have  we  robbed  thee  ?  In  tithes 
 and  offerings. 
 
 9  Ye  are  curfed  with  a  cutfe  ;  for  ye  have  robbed 
 me,  eve?i  this  whole  nation. 
 
 10  Bring  ve  all  the  tithes  into  the  ftorehoufe,  that 
 there  may  be  meat  in  mine  houfe,  and  prove  me 
 now  herewith,  laith  the  Lord  of  hofts,  if  1  will  not 
 open  you  the  window's  of  heaven,  and  f  pour  you 
 out  a  bleffmg,  that  there  shall  not  be  room  enough  to 
 receive  it. 
 
 1 1  And  I  will  rebuke  the  devourer  for  your  fakes, 
 
 and  he  (hall  not  f  deftroy  the  fruits  of  your  ground  ; 
 neither  (hall  your  vine  caft:  her  fruit  before  the  time  j 
 in  the  field  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts.  1 
 
 12  And  all  nations  (hall  call  you  bleffed  :  for  ye' 
 (hall  be  a  delighifome  land,  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts. 
 
 13  H  Your  words  have  been  (lout  againft  me,  faith 
 the  Lord  :  yet  ye  (ay,  What  have  we  fpoken  so  much 
 againft  thee  ? 
 
 14  Ye  have  faid.  It  is  vain  to  ferve  God  ;  and 
 what  profit  is  it  that  we  have  kept  f  his  ordinance, 
 anci’  that  we  have  walked  f  mournfully  before  the 
 Lord  of  hefts  ? 
 
 15  And  now  we  call  the  proud  happy;  yea,  they 
 that  work  wickednefs  t  are  fet  up  :  yea,  they  that 
 ®  tempt  God  are  even  delivered. 
 
 16  H  Then  they  that  feared  the  Lord  fpake  often 
 one  to  another  ;  and  the  Lord  hearkened  and  heard 
 it:  and  a  book  of  remembrance  was  written  before 
 
 F' 
 
 those  that  fear 
 
 1  him  for  them  that  feared  the  Lor-d,  and  that  thought  Before 
 upon  his  name.  ciiri/t 
 
 j  17  And  they  iball  be  mine,  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts, 
 
 I  in  that  day  when  I  make  up  my  ll  jewels ;  and  I  will  ifoiP'' 
 i  fpare  them,  as  a  man  fpareth  his  own  (bn  that  fervetb 
 
 him.  '’■‘■‘“iffcs. 
 
 j  18  Then  fhall  ye  return,  and  difeern  betwefn  the 
 righteous  and  the  wicked  ;  between  him  that  ftrveth 
 1  God  and  him  that  ferveth  him  not.* 
 
 CHAP.  IV. 
 
 l  God' s  judgment  on  the  wicked,  2  and  his  blessing  on  the  goad.  4  He  ex- 
 horteth  to  the  study  of  the  law,  5  and  telleth  of  Elijah's  coming  and  office. 
 
 OR,  behold,  the  day  cometh  that  (hall  burn  as 
 
 _  an  oven  ;  and  all  the  proud,  yea,  and  all  that  do 
 
 wickedly  (hall  be  ftubble :  and  the  day  that  cometh 
 (hall  burn  them  up,  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts,  that  it 
 (hall  leave  them  neither  root  nor  branch. 
 
 2  H  But  unto  you  that  fear  my  name  (hall  the 
 »  Sun  of  rigbteoufnefs  arife  with  healing  in  his  wings ; »  Luke 
 and  ye  (hall  go  forth,  and  grow  up  as  calves  of  the  ftall. 
 
 3  And  ye  fhall  tread  down  the  wicked ;  for  they 
 (hall  be  afhes  under  the  foies  of  your  feet,  in  the  day 
 that  I  fhall  do  this,  faith  the  Lord  of  holis. 
 
 4  f  Remember  ye  the  ^  law  of  Mofis  my  fervant,  b  Exod 
 which  I  commanded  unto  him  in  Horeb  for  all  K'rael, 
 w:th  the  ftatutes  and  judgments. 
 
 5^  Behold,  I  will  fend  you'  Elijah  the  prophet  c  Mattb. 
 before  the  coming  of  the  great  and  dreadful  day  of'  l-^'’' 
 the  i-iORD*  9.  1 1, 
 
 6  And  he  (hall  turn  the  heart  of  the  fathers  to  theLukJ  , 
 children,  and  the  heart  of  the  children  to  their  fathers,  l  i7.  ■ 
 leli  I  come  and  fmite  the  earth  with  a  curfe.f 
 
 unchangeable  Jehovah,  who,  according  to  tny  promifes  to  your  fathers,  have  hither¬ 
 to  refrained  from  punilhing  you  according  to  your  deferts.  Ver.  6 — 12.  Notwith- 
 ftanding  my  being  God,  and  your  God,  ye  have  robbed  me  of  my  tithes  and  offer¬ 
 ings,  and  have  thereby  procured  a  curfe,  which  all  through  the  land,  hath  blafled 
 your  crops.  But  let  my  juftly  required  oblations  be  brought  to  my  temple,  and  I 
 will  abundantly  blefs  you  with  refrelhing  and  fructifying  rains,  and  plentiful  in- 
 creafe  ;  and  I  will  reftrain  locufts,  drought,  mildew,  and  blafting,  and  every  thing 
 elfe  that  deftroys  the  fruits  of  the  earth  ;  and  all  the  nations  around  fliall  reckon 
 you  finguiarly  happy,  and  worthy  to  be  the  objetSl  of  their  love  and  admiration,  on 
 account  of  your  peace,  plenty,  and  holy  religion.  Ver.  13 — 15.  Some  of  you 
 have  indeed  prefumptuoufly  quarrelled  at  my  fervice  and  providences,  as  if  the 
 xealous  obftrvance  of  my  laws  did  profit  no  one;  as  if  the  mod  proud  and  daring 
 contemners  of  me  and  my  fervice,  and  the  moft  notorious  workers  of  wickednefs, 
 ■were  the  only,  at  leaft  the  moft  profperous  perfons  in  the  nation.  Ver.  16 — 18. 
 Yet  know  affuredly,  that  I  exatftly  obferve,  and  infallibly  remember,  how  the  up¬ 
 right  who  fear  my  name  among  you,  exhort  and  encourage  one  another  to  duty  ; 
 and  in  the  day  of  national  judgments,  efpecially  in  the  laft  judgment  I  will  gra- 
 
 cioufly  reward  them  as  my  peculiar  favourites  and  children.  Then  fhall  the  moft  , 
 ftupid  and  prefumptuous  of  you  be  forced  to  obferve  and  feel  the  difference  that  S 
 my  providence  puts  between  my  righteous  fervants,  and  the  wicked  contemners  of  ' 
 my  worfhip.  . 
 
 explanatory  notes.  Chap.  IV.  Ver.  1,  3.  The  wicked  fliall  be 
 terribly,  fuddenly  and  unavoidably  deftroyed  by  God's  judgments,  both  paren's 
 and  children  ;  while  the  righteous  fliall  triumph  over  them.  2.  Jefus,  the  enlight¬ 
 ener,  quickener  and  comforter  of  his  people,  (hall  appear  in  the  flefli,  and  in  the 
 gofpel,  to  heal  finners  by  his  word,  his  blood,  and  Spirit,  of  all  their  fpiritual  dj- 
 eafes,  and  to  make  them  beautifully  increafe  in  grace  and  holinefs  5.  John  Bip- 
 lift  is  called  Elijah  ;  becaufe  like  him  in  his  appearance,  work,  and  fuccefs.  The 
 time  of  God’s  manifeftation  is  called  great,  as  he  made  great  alteration  in  the 
 form  and  ordinances  of  the  church  ;  and  dreadful,  as  by  rejedling  him,  the  Jews 
 brought  on  themfelves  dreadful  deftruiSlion.  6.  The  work  of  John  Baptift  was 
 to  reconcile  all  their  differences,  by  dire<5ling  all  parties  to  Chrift  as  the  only  Sa¬ 
 viour,  that  fo  the  ruin  of  their  nation  might  be  prevented. 
 
 ■PT?  APTTPAT  OBSERVATIONS _ *  Chap.  III.l  Unbounded  is  the  excellency  of  Jefus’  perfon  and  work  ;  and  great  the  joys,  the  bleffings,  and  the  terrors 
 
 h  cominw  Grfat  are  the  pleafWes  which  they  enjoy  that  feek  and  find  Chrift  in  his  temple  and  in  his  ordinances.  And  it  is  by  juftification  and 
 
 7anaification  that  all  the'  faints  are  confecra'ed  fpiritual  priefts  unto  God.  Jehovah’s  unchangeablenefs  fecures  the  deftruaion  of  hj  enemies  and  the  prefervauon  of 
 
 bi.  p.opi.  V..,  .1..,  f  i  i" 
 
 bold  anraaive’in°the  caufe  of’ religion.  If  tire  fervants  of  Satan  dare  to  harden  one  another  in  ftn.  why  iboold  not  Chria’s  fervants  encourage  one  another  to  holiueft. 
 
 ^7.|'rVM\r?etrf°G"d7™.Ti;  make,  fearfal  work  upon  obdinat.  finners  when  ripened  for  ir.  Bu.  great  is 
 PRACl  ICALa  A  1  lUWO.  T  ^  ^  .  L,.  •  t,  hplipvers  find  in  the  anuroaches  and  difeoveries  of  Chnft  to  their  fouls.  And  lading  are  the  honours 
 
 the  joy,  light,  comfort,  vigour,  and  vicftory  o''®'  Anher  knowledc-e  of  his  will, ^lefus  adhere  striaiy  to  what  he  has  commanded.  And  never  let  us  complain 
 
 of  his  faithful  mimfters.  If  we  wifti  or  app  e  ,  »  continues  constant  in  the  church,  but  the  revelations  thereof,  and  fpiritual  instruc- 
 
 for  want  of  light  as  long  as  we  marvellous  turn  may  one  man,  remarkably  assisted  of  God,  give  to  the  affairs  of 
 
 EehtTiuS' r  And  dKadful  ...  Ihe  eurf.s,  defolations,  .2d  mif.ri.s,  wbieh  ...it  th.f.  f.nn.,.  that  h.ri.n  themfelves  against  the  dU.inguilh.d  utean.  ef 
 
 God’s  grace. 
 
 THE  END  OF  THE  OLD  TESTAMENT. 
 
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THE 
 
 NEW  TESTAMENT 
 
 OF  OUR  LORD  AND 
 
 SAVIOUR  JESUS  CHRIST, 
 
 WITH 
 
 NOTES,  ILLUSTRATIONS, 
 
 PRACTICAL  IMPROVEMENTS. 
 
 SELECTED  FROM  THE  EXPOSITION  OF 
 
 THE  REVEREND  MATTHEW  HENRY, 
 
 BY  THE 
 
 REVEREND  E.  BLOMFIELD. 
 
 EMBELLISHED  WITH  MANY  BEAUTIFUL  ENGRAVINGS. 
 
 BUNGAY  : 
 
 PRINTED  AND  PUBLISHED  BY  J.  R.  AND  C.  CHILDS. 
 
 MDCCCXXVIIl. 
 
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THE  GOSPEE  ACCORDING  TO 
 
 ST  MATTHEW. 
 
 We  have  now  before  us,  I.  The  New  Testament  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ ;  so  this  second  part  of  the  Holy  Bible  is  cn 
 titled.  The  New  Covenant ;  so  it  might  as  well  be  rendered ;  the  word  signifies  both.  It  is  called  a  New  Testament  to  distinguisl 
 it  from  that  which  was  given  by  Moses,  and  was  now  antiquated,  and  to  signify  that  it  should  be  always  new,  and  never  wax  old, 
 and  grow  out  of  date. 
 
 II.  We  have  before  us  the  Four  Gospels ;  gospel  signifies  good  news,  or  glad  tidings:  and  this  history  of  Christ’s  coming  into  the  world, 
 to  save  sinners,  is  without  doubt  the  best  news  that  ever  came  from  heaven  to  earth.  The  angel  gave  it  this  title,  Luke  ii.  10. 
 
 III.  We  have  before  us,  the  Gospel  according  to  St.  Matthew.  The  penman  was  by  birth  a  Jew,  by  calling  a  publican,  till  Christ 
 commanded  his  attcndance,  and  then  he  left  the  receipt  of  custom  to  follow  him,  and  was  one  of  those  that  accompanied  him  all 
 the  time  that  the  Lord  Jesus  went  in  and  out,  beginning  from  the  baptism  of  John,  unto  the  day  that  he  was  taken  up.  Acts  i,  21,  22  ; 
 and  was  therefore  a  competent  witness  of  what  he  has  here  recorded.  He  is  said  to  have  written  this  history  about  eight  years  after 
 Christ’s  ascension,  in  the  Greek  language.  But  let  us  bless  God  that  we  have  it,  and  have  it  in  a  language  we  understand. 
 
 CHAP.  I. 
 
 I.  Christ’s  pedigree  from  Abraham,  1 — 1*7.  IL  An  account  of 
 the  circumstance  of  his  birth,  18 — 25. 
 
 HE  book  of  the  generation  of  Jesus 
 Christ,  the  son  of  David,  the  son  of 
 Abraham. 
 
 2  Abrahani  begat  Isaac,  and  Isaac  begat 
 Jacob,  and  Jacob  begat  Judas  and  his  bre¬ 
 thren, 
 
 3  And  Judas  begat  Phares  and  Zara  of 
 Thamar,  and  Phares  begat  Esrom,  and  Es- 
 rom  begat  Aram, 
 
 4  And  Aram  begat  Aminadab,  and  Ami- 
 nadab  begat  Naasson,  and  Naasson  begat 
 Salmon, 
 
 5  And  Salmon  begat  Booz  of  Rachab,  and 
 Booz  begat  Obed  of  Ruth,  and  Obed  begat 
 Jesse, 
 
 6  And  Jes«e  begat  David  the  king,  and 
 
 CHAP.'I.  1 — 17.  Abraham  and  David  were  in  their  day  the 
 great  trustees  of  the  promise  relating  to  the  Messiah;  the  promise 
 of  the  blessing  was  made  to  Abraham  and  his  seed,  of  the  dominion 
 to  Havid  and  his  seed;  and  those  that  will  have  an  interest  in 
 Christ  as  the  son  of  Abraham,  in  whom  all  the  families  of  the  earth 
 are  to  be  blessed,  must  be  faithful  loyal  subjects  to  him  as  the  son 
 of  David,  by  whom  all  the  families  of  the  earth  are  to  be  ruled. 
 H  was  promised  to  Abraham  that  Christ  should  descend  from  him, 
 Gen.  xii  3  22,  xviii,  and  to  David  that  he  should  descend  from 
 mm,  2  Sam.  vii.  12,  Psal.  Ixxxix.  3,  &c.— cxxxii.  11.  And  there- 
 u"  L  ®  it  can  be  proved,  that  Jesus  is  a  son  of  David,  and  a  son 
 ot  Abraham,  we  cannot  admit  him  to  be  the  Messiah.  The  Jews 
 Vol.  II  77  ^  X 
 
 David  the  king  begat  Solomon  of  her  that 
 had  been  the  wife  of  Urias, 
 
 7  And  Solomon  begat  Roboam,  and  Ro- 
 boam  begat  Abia,  and  Abia  begat  Asa, 
 
 8  And  Asa  begat  Josaphat,  and  Josaphat 
 begat  Joram,  and  Joram  begat  Ozias, 
 
 9  And  Ozias  begat  Joatham,  and  Joa- 
 tham  begat  Achaz,  and  Achaz  begat  Eze- 
 kias, 
 
 10  And  Ezekias  begat  Mannasses,  and 
 Mannasses  begat  Amon,  and  Amon  begat 
 Josias, 
 
 11  And  Josias  begat  Jechonias  and  liis 
 brethren  about  the  time  they  were  carried 
 away  to  Babylon. 
 
 12  And  after  they  were  brought  to  Ba¬ 
 bylon,  Jechonias  begat  Salathiel,  and  Sala- 
 thiel  begat  Zorobabel, 
 
 13  And  Zorobabel  begat  A  bind,  and 
 
 were  very  exact  in  preserving  their  pedigrees,  and  there  was  a  pro¬ 
 vidence  in  it,  for  the  clearing  up  of  the  descent  of  the  Messiah  from 
 the  Fathers. 
 
 In  the  pedigree  of  the  kings  of  Judah,  between  Joram  and  Ozias, 
 there  are  three  left  out,  viz.  Ahaziah,  Joash,  and  Amaziah  ; 
 and  therefore,  when  it  is  said,  Joram  begat  Ozias,  it  is  meant  ac¬ 
 cording  to  the  usage  of  the  Hebrew  tongue  that  Ozias  was  lineally 
 descended  from  him,  as  it  is  said  to  Hezekiah,  that  the  sons  which 
 he  should  beget  should  be  carried  to  Babylon,  whereas,  they  were 
 removed  several  generations  from  him.  It  was  not  through  mis¬ 
 take  or  forgetfulness  that  these  three  were  omitted,  but  probably 
 they  were  omitted  in  the  genealogical  tables  that  the  Evangelist 
 
 335 
 
ST.  MATTHEW. 
 
 Abiud  begat  Eliakim,  and  Eliakim  begat 
 Azor, 
 
 14  And  Azor  begat  Sadoc,  and  Sadoc  be¬ 
 gat  Achim,  and  Achim  begat  Elihud, 
 
 15  And  Elihud  begat  Eleazar,  and  Eleazar 
 begat  Mattlian,  and  Matthan  begat  Jacob, 
 
 16  And  Jacob  begat  Joseph,  the  husband 
 of  Mary,  of  whom  was  born  Jesus,  who  is 
 called  Christ. 
 
 17  So  all  the  generations,  from  Abraham 
 to  David,  are  fourteen  generations;  and  from 
 David  until  the  carrying  away  into  Babylon, 
 are  fourteen  generations;  and  from  the  carry¬ 
 ing  away  into  Babylon  unto  Christ,  are  four¬ 
 teen  generations. 
 
 18  f  Now,  the  birth  of  Jesus  Christ  was 
 on  this  wise  :  When  as  his  mother  Mary  was 
 espoused  to  Joseph,  before  they  came  to¬ 
 gether,  she  was  found  with  child  of  the 
 Holy  Ghost. 
 
 19  Then  J oseph  her  husband,  being  a  just 
 man,  and  not  willing  to  make  her  a  public 
 example,  was  minded  to  put  her  aAvay  pri¬ 
 vily. 
 
 20  But  while  he  thought  on  these  things, 
 behold,  the  angel  of  the  Lord  appeared  unto 
 
 consulted,  which  vet  were  admitted  for  authentic.  Some  give  this 
 reason  for  it:  it  being  Matthew’s  design  for  memory’s  sake  to  re¬ 
 duce  the  number  of  Christ’s  ancestors  to  three  fourteens,  it  was 
 requisite  that  in  this  period  three  should  be  left  out,  and  none 
 more  fit  than  they  who  were  the  immediate  progeny  of  cursec 
 Athaliah,  w'ho  introduced  the  idolatry  of  Ahab  into  the  house  o' 
 David,  for  which  this  brand  is  set  upon  the  family,  and  the  in¬ 
 iquity  thus  visited  to  the  third  and  fourth  generation. 
 
 The  general  summary  of  all  this  genealogy  we  have,  17,  where 
 it  is  summed  up  in  three  fourteens,  signalized  by  remarkable  pe¬ 
 riods  .  in  the  first  fourteen  we  have  the  family  of  David  rising,  and 
 looking  forth  as  the  morning;  in  the  second  we  have  it  flourishing 
 in  its  meridian  lustre;  in  the  third  we  have  it  declining  and  grow¬ 
 ing  less  and  less,  dwindled  into  the  family  of  a  poor  carpenter,  and 
 then  Christ  shines  forth  out  of  it  the  glory  of  his  people  Israel. 
 
 18 — 23.  Christ  was  born  of  a  contracted  virgin;  to  save  the 
 credit  of  the  Blessed  Virgin,  which  otherwise  would  have  been  ex¬ 
 posed,  it  was  fit  her  conception  should  be  protected  by  a  marriage, 
 and  so  justified  in  the  eye  of  the  world.  One  of  the  ancients  saith, 
 it  was  better  it  should  be  asked,  Is  not  this  the  son  of  a  carpenter.? 
 than  is  not  this  the  son  of  a  harlot  ?  See  notes  on  Luke  i.  27. 
 
 Some  that  have  rigour  in  their  temper  would  blame  Joseph  for 
 his  clemency,  but  it  is  here  spoken  of  to  his  praise ;  because  he 
 was  a  just  man,  therefore  he  was  not  willing  to  expose  her.  He 
 was  a  religious  good  man,  and  therefore  inclined  to  be  merciful, 
 as  God  is,  and  to  forgive  as  one  that  is  forgiven.  In  the  case  of  a 
 betrothed  damsel,  if  she  were  lain  with  in  the  field,  the  law  cha¬ 
 ritably  supposed  that  she  cried  out,  Deut.  xxvi.  26,  and  she  was  not 
 to  be  punished.  And  some  charitable  construction  or  other  Joseph 
 will  put  upon  this  matter,  and  herein  he  is  a  just  man,  tender  of 
 the  good  name  of  one  that  never  before  had  done  any  thing  to  ble¬ 
 mish  it.  It  becomes  us  in  many  cases  to  be  gentle  towards  those 
 that  corne  under  suspicion  of  having  offended,  to  hope  the  best 
 concerning  them,  and  make  ihe  best  of  that  which  at  first  appears 
 bad,  in  hopes  it  may  prove  better.  The  message  was  sent  to  Jo- 
 
 him  in  a  dream,  saying,  Joseph,  thou  son 
 ot  David,  fear  not  to  take  unto  thee  Mary 
 thy  wife;  for  that  which  is  conceived  in  her 
 is  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 
 
 21  And  she  shall  bring  forth  a  son,  and 
 thou  shalt  call  his  name  JESUS  ;  for  he 
 shall  save  his  people  from  their  sins. 
 
 22  (Now  all  this  was  done,  that  it  might 
 be  fulfilled  which  was  spoken  of  the  Lord 
 by  the  prophet,  saying, 
 
 23  Behold,  a  virgin  shall  be  with  child, 
 and  shall  bring  forth  a  son,  and  they  shall 
 call  his  name  Emmanuel ;  which,  being,  in¬ 
 terpreted,  is,  God  with  us.) 
 
 24  Then  Joseph,  being  raised  from  sleep, 
 did  as  the  angel  of  the  Lord  had  bidden 
 him,  and  took  unto  him  his  wife : 
 
 25  And  knew  her  not  till  she  had  brought 
 forth  her  first-born  son  :  and  he  called  his 
 name  Jesus. 
 
 CHAP.  U. 
 
 I.  The  wise  men’s  enquiry  after  Christ,  1—8.  II.  Their  devout 
 attendance  on  him,  9—12.  III.  Christ’s  flight  into  Egypt, 
 13—13.  IV.  The  murder  of  the  infants,  I6' — 18.  V.  Christ’s 
 return  out  of  Egypt,  IQ— 23. 
 
 04V,  when  Jesus  was  born  in  Bethlehem 
 of  Judea,  in  the  days  of  Herod  the 
 
 seph  by  an  angel  of  |the  Lord  ;  probably  the  same  angel  tha*^ 
 brought  to  Mary  the  tidings  of  the  conception,  the  angel  Gabriel. 
 Now  the  commerce  with  heaven  by  angels,  which  the  patriarchs 
 had  beeh  dignified  with,  but  had  been  long  disused,  begins  to  be 
 revived ;  for  when  the  first-begotten  is  to  be  brought  into  the 
 world,  the  angels  are  ordered  to  attend  his  motions.  The  Holy 
 Spirit  that  produced  the  world  now  produced  the  Saviour  of  the 
 world,  and  prepared  him  a  body,  as  was  promised  him,  when  he 
 said,  Lo,  I  come,  Hcb.  x.  3.  Hence  he  is  said  to  be  made  of  a  wo¬ 
 man,  Gal.  iv.  4  ;  and  yet  to  be  that  second  Adam  that  is  the  Lord 
 from  heaven,  1  Cor.  xv.  47.  He  is  the  Son  of  God,  and  yet  so  far 
 artakes  of  the  substance  of  his  mother  as  to  be  called  the  fruit  of 
 cr  womb,  Luke  i.  42.  His  name  in  this  as  in  other  things,  is 
 Wonderful.  Jesus  is  the  same  name  with  Joshua,  the  termination 
 only  made  more  pliable  to  the  Greek.  Joshua  is  called  Jesus,  Acts 
 vii.  25,  Heb.  iv.  8,  from  the  seventy.  There  were  two  of  that  name 
 under  the  Old  Testament,  that  were  both  of  them  illustrious  types 
 of  Christ.  The  reason  of  that  name  is,  he  shall  save  his  people  from 
 their  sins.  Those  whom  Christ  saves,  he  saves  from  their  sins  ; 
 from  the  guilt  of  sin  by  the  merit  of  his  death,  from  the  dominion 
 of  sin  by  the  spirit  of  his  grace.  The  Scripture  that  was  fulfilled 
 in  the  birth  of  Christ,  was  that  promise  of  a  sign  which  God  gave 
 to  king  Ahaz,  Isa.  vii.  14,  Behold,  a  virgin  shall  conceive,  where  the 
 prophet  encouraging  the  people  of  God  to  hope  for  the  promised 
 deliverance  from  Sennacherib’s  invasion,  directs  them  to  look  for¬ 
 ward  to  the  Messiah  who  was  to  come  to  the  people  of  the  Jews, 
 and  the  house  of  David.  The  deliverances  God  wrought  for  the 
 Old  ’Festament  church  were  types  and  figures  of  the  great  salva¬ 
 tion  by  Christ,  and  if  God  will  do  the  greater,  he  will  not  fail  to 
 do  the  lesser. 
 
 QHAP.  II.  1 — 8.  This  Herod  was  an  Edomite,  made  king  of 
 Judea  by  Augustus  and  Antonius,  the  then  chief  rulers  of  the  Ro¬ 
 man  state,  a  man  made  up  of  falsehood  and  cruelty ;  yet  he  ivas 
 complimented  with  the  title  of  Herod  the  Great.  Christ  was  born 
 in  the  35th  year  of  his  reign,  and  notice  is  taken  of  this,  to  shew 
 
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CHAP.  IL 
 
 king,  behold,  there  came  wise  men  from  the 
 east  to  Jerusalem, 
 
 2  Saying,  Where  is  he  that  is  born  King 
 of  the  Jews?  for  we  have  seen  his  star  in 
 the  east,  and  are  come  to  worship  him. 
 
 3  ^  When  Herod  the  king  had  heard  these 
 things,  he  was  troubled,  and  all  Jerusalem 
 with  him. 
 
 4  And  when  he  had  gathered  all  the  chief 
 priests  and  scribes  of  the  people  together, 
 be  demanded  of  them  where  Christ  should 
 be  born. 
 
 5  And  they  said  unto  him.  In  Bethlehem 
 of  Judea  :  for  thus  it  is  written  by  the  pro¬ 
 phet, 
 
 6  And  thou  Bethlehem,  in  the  land  of 
 Juda,  art  not  the  least  among  the  princes  of 
 Juda;  for  out  of  thee  shall  come  a  Gover¬ 
 nor  that  shall  rule  my  people  Israel. 
 
 7  Then  Herod,  when  he  had  privily  called 
 the  wise  men,  enquired  of  them  diligently 
 what  time  the  star  appeared. 
 
 8  And  he  sent  them  to  Bethlehem,  and 
 said.  Go,  and  search  diligently  for  the  young 
 child  :  and,  when  ye  have  found  him,  bring 
 me  wor.dfcagain,  that  I  may  come  and  wor¬ 
 ship  him  also. 
 
 9  ^  When  they  had  heard  the  king  they 
 departed ;  and,  lo,  the  star,  which  they  saw 
 
 that  the  sceptre  was  now  departed  from  Judah.  Some  wise  men 
 in  their  country,  which  lay  east,  had  seen  an  extraordinary  star, 
 such  as  they  had  not  seen  before,  which  they  took  to  be  an  indica¬ 
 tion  of  an  extraordinary  person  born  in  the  land  of  Judea,  over 
 which  land  this  star  was  seen  to  hover.  Some  think  this  star  put 
 them  in  mind  of  Balaam’s  prophecy,  that  a  star  should  come  out 
 of  Jacob,  pointing  at  a  sceptre  that  shall  rise  out  of  Israel,  Numb, 
 xxiv.  17  ;  and  Balaam  came  from  the  mountain  of  the  east,  and 
 was  one  of  their  wise  men.  Others  impute  their  inquiry  to  the 
 general  expectation  that  was  at  that  time  in  those  eastern  parts, 
 of  some  great  prince  to  appear.  When  Herod  heard  it  he  was 
 troubled,  3.  But  though  Herod  an  Edomite  was  troubled,  one 
 would  have  thought  Jerusalem  should  rejoice  greatly  to  hear  that 
 her  king  comes;  yet  it  seems  all  Jerusalem,  except  the  few'  there 
 that  waited  for  the  consolation  of  Israel,  were  troubled  with 
 Herod,  and  were  apprehensive  of  I  know  not  what  ill  consequences 
 of  the  birth  of  this  new  king;  that  it  would  involve  them  in  a  war, 
 or  restrain  their  lusts.  The  priests  and  scribes  all  agree  that  the 
 Messiah  must  he  born  in  Bethlehem,  the  city  of  David,  here  called 
 Bethlehem  of  Juda,  to  distinguish  it  from  another  city  of  the  same 
 name,  in  the  land  of  Zebulun,  Josh.  xix.  15.  The  proof  they  pro¬ 
 duce  is  taken  from  Mic.  v.  2,  where  it  is  foretold,  that  though 
 Bethlehem  be  little  among  the  thousands  of  Judah,  so  it  is  in  Micah, 
 no  very  populous  place,  yet  it  shall  be  found  not  the  least  among 
 the  princes  of  Judah,  so  it  is  here,  for  Bethlehem’s  honour  lay  not 
 as  that  of  other  cities,  in  the  multitude  of  the  people,  but  in  the 
 magnificence  of  the  princes  it  produced.  Though  upon  some  ac¬ 
 counts  Bethlehem  was  little,  yet  herein  it  had  the  pre-eminence 
 above  all  the  cities  of  Israel,  that  the  Lord  shall  count  when  he 
 writes  up  the  people,  that  this  man,  even  the  man  Christ  Jesus, 
 was  born  there,  Psal.  Ixxxrii.  6-  Out  of  thee  shall  come  a  Governor, 
 
 in  the  east,  went  before  them,  till  it  came 
 and  stood  over  where  the  young  child 
 was. 
 
 10  When  they  saw  the  star  they  rejoiced 
 with  exceeding  great  joy. 
 
 11  ^  And  when  they  were  come  into  the 
 house  they  saw  the  young  child  with  IMary 
 his  mother,  and  fell  down  and  worshipped 
 him  :  and,  when  they  had  opened  their  trea¬ 
 sures,  they  presented  unto  him  gifts  ;  gold, 
 and  frankincense,  and  myrrh. 
 
 12  And  being  warned  of  God  in  a  dream 
 that  they  should  not  return  to  Herod,  they 
 departed  into  their  own  country  another 
 way. 
 
 13  ^  And  when  they  w’ere  departed,  be¬ 
 hold,  the  angel  of  the  Lord  appeared  to  Jo¬ 
 seph  in  a  dream,  saying.  Arise,  and  take  the 
 young  child  and  his  mother,  and  flee  into 
 Egypt,  and  be  thou  there  until  I  bring  thee 
 word  :  for  Herod  will  seek  the  young  child 
 to  destroy  him. 
 
 14  When  he  arose,  he  took  the  young 
 child  and  his  mother  by  night,  and  departed 
 into  Egypt ; 
 
 15  And  was  there  until  the  deacn  of  He¬ 
 rod  ;  that  it  might  be  fulfilled  which  was 
 spoken  of  the  Lord  by  the  prophet,  saying. 
 Out  of  Egypt  have  I  called  my  son. 
 
 the  king  of  the  Jews.  Christ  will  be  a  Saviour  to  those  only  that 
 are  willing  to  take  him  for  their  governor. 
 
 9 — 12.  We  may  well  imagine  the  expectations  of  the  wise  men 
 were  raised  to  find  this  royal  babe,  though  slighted  by  the  nation, 
 yet  honourably  attended  at  home,  and  what  a  disappointment  it 
 was  to  them  when  they  found  a  cottage  was  his  palace,  and  his 
 own  poor  mother  all  the  retinue  he  had.  Is  this  the  Saviour  of 
 the  world  ?  Is  this  the  king  of  the  Jews,  nay,  and  the  Prince  of  the 
 kings  of  the  earth  ?  Yes,  this  is  he,  who,  though  he  was  rich,  yet  for 
 our  sakes  became  thus  poor.  However,  these  wise  men  were  so 
 wise  as  to  see  through  this  veil,  and  in  this  despised  babe  to  discern 
 the  glory,  as  of  the  only-begotten  of  the  Father  ;  they  did  not  think 
 themselves  baulked  or  baffled  in  their  inquiry,  but  as  having  found 
 the  king  they  sought,  they  presented  themselves  first,  and  then 
 their  gifts  to  him. 
 
 13 — 15.  Both  Christ  the  head,  and  the  church  his  body,  agree 
 in  saying.  Many  a  time  have  they  afflicted  me  from  my  youth  up. 
 Pharaoh’s  cruelty  fastens  upon  the  Hebrews’  child-en,  and  the 
 great  red  dragon  stands  ready  to  devour  the  man-child  as  soon 
 as  it  should  be  born.  Rev.  xii.  4.  Thus  early  must  Christ  give  an 
 example  to  his  own  rule,  MaJt.  x.  23.  When  they  persecute  you 
 in  one  city,  flee  to  another.  He  that  came  to  die  for  us,  when 
 his  hour  was  not  yet  come,  fled  for  his  own  safety.  Self-preser¬ 
 vation  being  a  branch  of  the  law  of  nature,  is  eminently  a  part  of 
 the  law  of  God.  Scripture  was  fulfilled  in  all  this;  that  scrip¬ 
 ture,  Hos.  xi.  1,  Out  of  Eg3'pt  have  I  called  my  son.  Of  all  the 
 Evangelists,  Matthew  takes  most  notice  of  the  fulfilling  of  the 
 Scripture  in  what  concerned  Christ,  because  his  gospel  was  first  * 
 published  among  the  Jews  with  whom  that  would  add  much 
 strenglh  and  lustre  to  it.  Now  this  word  of  the  prophet  undoubt¬ 
 edly  referred  to  the  deliverance  of  Israel  out  of  Egypt,  in  which 
 
 337 
 
ST.  MATTHEW. 
 
 16  ^  Then  Herod,  when  he  saw  that  he 
 was  mocked  of  the  wise  men,  was  exceeding 
 wroth,  and  sent  forth,  and  slew  all  the  chil¬ 
 dren  that  were  in  Bethlehem,  and  in  all  the 
 coasts  thereof,  from  two  years  old  and  under, 
 according  to  the  time  which  he  had  diligently 
 inquired  of  the  wise  men. 
 
 17  Then  was  fulfilled  that  which  was 
 spoken  by  Jeremy  the  prophet,  saying, 
 
 18  In  Rama  was  there  a  voice  heard,  la¬ 
 mentation,  and  weeping,  and  great  mourn¬ 
 ing,  Rachel  weeping  for  her  children,  and 
 would  not  be  comforted  because  they  are 
 not. 
 
 19  f  But  when  Herod  was  dead,  behold, 
 an  angel  of  the  Lord  appeareth  in  a  dream  to 
 Joseph  in  Egypt, 
 
 20  Saying,  Arise,  and  take  the  young 
 child  and  his  mother,  and  go  into  the  land 
 of  Israel ;  for  they  are  dead  which  sought 
 the  young  child's  life. 
 
 God  owned  them  for  his  son,  his  first-born,  Exod.  iv.  22.  But  it 
 is  here  applied  by  way  of  analogy  to  Christ,  the  head  of  the  church. 
 The  Scripture  has  many  accomplishments,  so  full  and  copious  is 
 it,  and  so  well  ordered  in  all  things. 
 
 l6 — 18.  Herod  was  throughout  his  reign  a  bloody  man  :  It  was 
 not  long  before,  that  he  destroyed  the  whole  Sanhedrim,  or  Bench 
 of  Judges.  Then  was  fulfilled  that  prophecy,  Jer.  xxxi,  15,  a 
 voice  was  heard  in  Ramah.  See  and  adore  the  fulness  of  the  Scrip¬ 
 ture  ;  that  prediction  was  accomplished  in  Jeremiah’s  time,  when 
 Nebuzaradan,  after  he  had  destroyed  Jerusalem,  brought  all  his 
 prisoners  to  Ramah,  Jer.  xl.  J,  and  there  disposed  ol  tnern  as  he 
 pleased,  for  the  sword  or  for  captivity ;  then  was  the  cry  in  Ra¬ 
 mah  heard  to  Bethlehem,  (for  thdse  two  cities,  the  one  in  Judah’s 
 lot,  and  the  other  in  Benjamin’s,  were  not  far  asunder.)  But  now 
 the  prophecy  is  again  fulfilled  in  the  great  sorrow  that  was  for  the 
 death  of  these  infants.  The  scripture  was  fulfilled,  1,  In  the  place 
 of  this  mourning.  2.  In  the  degree  of  this  mourning.  The  quot¬ 
 ing  of  this  prophecy  might  serve  to  obviate  an  objection,  which 
 some  would  make  against  Christ  upon  this  sad  providence ;  can 
 the  Messiah,  who  is  to  be  the  consolation  of  Israel,  be  introduced 
 with  all  this  lamentation  ?  Yes,  for  so  it  was  foretold,  and  the  Scrip¬ 
 ture  must  be  accomplished. 
 
 Ip — 23.  It  is  a  dreadful  account  which  Josephus  gives  ot  the 
 death  of  this  same  Herod,  Antiq.  Jud.  lib.  .xyii.  cap.  8,  9»  10-  that 
 he  was  seized  with  a  disease  which  burned  him  inwaidly  with  an 
 inexpressible  torture,  that  he  was  insatiably  greedy  of  meat,  had 
 the  cholic,  and  gout,  and  dropsy ;  such  an  intolerable  stink  attended 
 his  disease,  that  none  could  come  near  him,  and  so  passionate  and 
 impatient,  that  he  was- a  torment  to  himself,  and  a  terror  to  all 
 that  attended  him  ;  his  innate  cruelty  being  thus  exasperated, 
 made  him  more  barbarous  than  ever.  Having  ordered  his  son  to 
 be  put  to  death,  he  imprisoned  many  of  the  nobility  and  gentry, 
 and  ordered  that  as  soon  as  he  was  dead  they  should  be  killed  ; 
 but  that  execution  was  prevented.  See  what  kind  of  men  have 
 been  the  enemies  and  persecutors  of  Christ  and  his  followers  :  few 
 ■have  opposed  Christianity,  but  who  have  first  divested  themselves 
 of  humanity,  as  Nero  and  Domitian. 
 
 The  angel  informs  Joseph  of  the  death  of  Herod,  and  his  accom¬ 
 plices  •  They  are  dead  which  sought  the  young  child  s  life,  U>  wit, 
 Herod  and  his  son  Antipater,  who  though  there  were  mutual  jealou¬ 
 sies  between  them,  yet  probably  concurred  in  seeking  the  destruc¬ 
 tion  of  this  new  king.  In  this  is  said  to  be  fulfilled  what  w  as  spoken 
 bv  the  prophets.  He  shall  be  named  a  Nazarene;  which  may  be 
 338 
 
 21  And  he  arose,  and  took  the  young 
 child  and  his  mother  and  came  into  the  land 
 of  Israel. 
 
 22  But  when  he  heard  that  Archelaus 
 did  reign  in  Judea,  in  the  room  of  his  father 
 Herod,  he  was  afraid  to  go  thither  :  notwith¬ 
 standing,  being  warned  of  God  in  a  dream, 
 he  turned  aside  into  the  parts  of  Galilee  : 
 
 23  And  he  came  and  dwelt  in  a  city 
 called  Nazareth  :  that  it  might  be  fulfilled 
 which' was  spoken  by  the  prophets,  He  shall 
 be  called  a  Nazarene. 
 
 CHAP.  HI. 
 
 Here  is,  I.  The  glorious  rising  of  the  morning-star,  John  the  Bap¬ 
 tist,  1 — 12.  H.  The  more  glorious  shining  forth  of  the  Son  of 
 righteousness,  13 — 17.  * 
 
 "JN  those  days  came  John  the  Baptist 
 preaching  in  the  wilderness  of  Judea, 
 
 2  And  saying.  Repent  ye :  for  the  king¬ 
 dom  of  heaven  is  at  hand. 
 
 3  For  this  is  he  that  was  spoken  of  by  the 
 prophet  Esaias,  saying,  The  voice  of  one  cry- 
 
 looked  upon  as  a  name  of  reproach  and  contempt.  I’o  be  called 
 a  Nazarene,  was  to  be  called  a  despicable  man,  a  man  from  whom 
 no  good  was  to  be  expected,  and  to  whom  no  respect  was  to  be 
 paid.  Now  this  was  not  particularly  foretold  by  any  one  prophet, 
 but  in  general  it  was  spoken  by  the  prophets,  that  he  should  be  de¬ 
 spised  and  rejected  of  man,  Isa.  lii.  2,  3,  a  worm  and  no  man,  Psal. 
 xxii.  6',  7>  that  he  should  be  an  alien  to  his  brethren,  Psal.  Ixix.  9, 
 10.  Let  no  name  of  reproach  for  religion’s  sake  seem  hard  to  us, 
 when  our  master  w'as  himself  called  a  Nazarene. 
 
 CHAP.  HI.  1 — 6.  The  wilderness  of  Judea  was  not  an  unin¬ 
 habited  desert,  but  a  part  of  the  countrj'iiot  so  thick  peopled,  nor 
 so  much  inclosed  into  fields  and  vineyards,  as  other  parts  were;  it 
 was  such  a  wilderness  as  had  six  cities  and  their  villages  in  it,  which 
 arc  named  Josh.  xv.  6'1,  62.  In  these  cities  and  villages  John 
 preached,  for  thereabouts  he  had  hitherto  lived,  being  born  hard 
 by  in  Hebron.  The  beginning  of  the  gospel  in  a  wilderness  speaks 
 comfort  to  the  deserts  of  the  Gentile  world.  Now  must  the  prophe¬ 
 cies  be  fulfilled,  I  will  plant  in  the  wilderness  the  cedar,  Isa.  xli. 
 18,  19.  The  wilderness  shall  be  a  fruitful  field,  Isa.  xxxii.  15.  And 
 the  desert  shall  rejoice,  Isa.  xxxv.  1,  2,  which  the  Septuagint  read, 
 the  deserts  of  Jordan,  the  very  wilderness  in  which  John  preached. 
 The  doctrine  he  preached  was  that  of  repentance,  2,  repent  ye. 
 He  preached  this  in  Judea,  among  those  that  were  calk'd  Jews, 
 and  made  a  profession  of  religion  ;  for  even  they  need  repentance. 
 He  preached  it  not  in  Jerusalem,  but  in  the  wilderness  of  Judea, 
 among  the  plain  country  people  ;  for  even  those  who  think  them¬ 
 selves  most  out  of  the  way  of  temptation,  and  furthest  from  the 
 vanities  and  vices  of  the  town,  yet  cannot  wash  their  hands  in  in- 
 nocency,  but  most  do  it  in  repentance.  John  Baptist’s  business 
 was  to  call  men  to  repent  of  their  sins  :  bethink  yourselves,  admit 
 a  second  thought  to  correct  the  errors  of  the  first ;  an  after  thought: 
 consider  your  ways,  change  your  minds;  you  have  thought  amiss, 
 think  again,  and  think  aright.  True  penitents  have  other  thoughts 
 of  God  and  Christ,  and  sin  and  holiness,  and  this  world  and  the 
 other,  than  they  have  had,  and  stand  otherwise  affected  towards 
 them.  The  change  of  the  mind  produceth  a  change  of  the  way. 
 ■Those  who  are  truly  sorry  for  what  they  have  done  amiss,  w  ill  be 
 careful  to  do  so  no  more.  The  argument  he  used  to  enforce  this 
 call  was,  for  the  kingdom  of  heaven  is  at  hand,  i.  e.  the  gospel-dis¬ 
 pensation  of  the  covenant  of  grace,  the  opening  of  the  kingdom  of 
 heaven  to  all  believers,  by  the  death  and  resurrection  of  Jesus 
 Christ.  It  is  a  kingdom  which  Christ  is  the  sovereign  of,  and  wo 
 must  be  the  willing  loyal  subjects  of.  It  is  a  kingdom  of  heaven, 
 
 i. 
 
CHAP.  III. 
 
 ing  in  the  wilderness,  Prepare  ye  the  way  of 
 the  Lord,  make  his  paths  straight. 
 
 4  And  the  same  John  had  his  raiment  of 
 camel's  hair,  and  a  leathern  girdle  about  his 
 loins ;  and  his  meat  was  locusts  and  wild 
 honey. 
 
 5  f  Then  went  out  to  him  Jerusalem,  and 
 all  Judea,  and  all  the  region  round  about 
 Jordan, 
 
 6  And  were  baptized  of -him  in  Jordan, 
 confessing  their  sins. 
 
 7  ^  But  when  he  saw  many  of  the  Phari¬ 
 sees,  and  Sadducees  come  to  his  baptism,  he 
 
 not  of  this  world,  a  spiritual  kingdom  ;  its  original  from  heaven, 
 its  tendency  to  heaven.  John  preached  this  at  hand,  then  it  was 
 at  the  door  ;  to  us  it  is  come,  by  the  pouring  out  ot  the  spirit,  and 
 the  full  exhibiting  of  the  riches  of  gospel  grace.  First,  This  is  a 
 great  inducement  to  us  to  repent :  nothing  like  the  consideration 
 of  divine  grace  to  break  the  heart,  both  for  sin,  and  from  sin  :  se¬ 
 cond,  It  is  a  great  encouragement  to  us  to  repent ;  repent,  for  your 
 sins  shall  be  pardoned  upon  your  repentance.  Return  to  God  in 
 a  way  of  duty,  and  he  will,  through  Christ,  return  to  you  in  a  way 
 of  mercy.  The  proclamation  of  pardon  discovers  and  fetcheth  in 
 the  malefactor  that  before  fled  and  absconded.  Thus  we  are  drawn 
 to  it  with  the  cords  of  a  man,  and  the  bands  of  love.  This  is  he 
 that  was  spoken  of  in  the  beginning  of  that  part  ot  the  prophecy  o( 
 Rsaias,  which  is  mostly  evangelical,  and  which  points  at  gospel 
 times  and  gospel  grace,  see  Isa.  xl.  3,  4.  .  . 
 
 John  is  here  spoken  of,  first,  As  the  voice  of  one  crying  in  the 
 wilderness.  John  owned  it  himself,  John.  i.  “23, 1  am  the  voice,  and 
 that  is  all ;  God  is  the  speaker,  who  maketh  known  his  mind  by 
 John,  as  a  man  doth  by  his  voice.  The  word  of  God  must  be  re¬ 
 ceived  as  such,  1  Thess.  ii.  13,  what  else  is  Paul,  and  whatisApol- 
 los  ?  but  the  voice  :  second,  As  one  whose  business  it  was  to  prepare 
 the  way  of  the  Lord,  and  to  make  his  path  straight :  so  it  was  said  of 
 him  before  he  was  born,  that  he  should  make  ready  a  people  pre¬ 
 pared  for  the  Lord,  Luke  i.  17.  As  Christ’s  harbinger  and  fore¬ 
 runner,  and  such  an  one  as  intimated  the  nature  of  Christ’s  king¬ 
 dom,  for  he  came  not  in  the  gaudy  dress  of  a  herald  at  arms,  but 
 the  homely  one  of  a  hermit.  Officers  are  sent  before  great  men 
 to  clear  the  way,  so  John  prepares  the  way  of  the  Lord.  He  him¬ 
 self  did  so  among  the  men  of  that  generation.  In  the  Jewish  church 
 and  nation  at  that  time  all  was  out  of  course  ;  there  was  a  great 
 decay  of  piety  ;  the  vitals  of  religion  were  corrupted  and  eaten  out 
 by  the  traditions  and  injunctions  of  the  elders.  The  scribes  and 
 Pharisees,  that  is  the  greatest  hypocrites  in  the  world,  had  the 
 key  of  knowledge,  and  the  key  of  government  at  their  girdle.  The 
 people  were  generally  extremely  proud  of  their  privileges,  confident 
 of  justification  by  their  own  righteousness,  insensible  of  sin,  and 
 though  now  under  the  most  humbling  providences,  being  lately 
 made  a  ['province  of  the  Roman  empire,  yet  were  unhumbled. 
 They  were  much  in  the  same  temper  that  they  were  in  Mala- 
 chi’s  time,  insolent  and  haughty,  and  ready  to  contradict  the  word 
 of  God  ;  now  John  was  sent  to  level  these  mountains,  to  take  down 
 their  high  opinion  of  themselves,  and  to  shew  them  their  sins,  that 
 the  doctrine  of  Christ  might  be  the  more  acceptable  and  eft'ectual. 
 His  doctrine  of  repentance  and  humiliation,  is  still  as  necessary  as 
 it  was  then  to  prepare  the  way  of  the  Lord. 
 
 They  that  expect  the  Messiah  as  a  temporal  prince,  would  think 
 his  forerunner  must  come  in  great  pomp  and  splendor,  that  his 
 equipage  should  be  very  magnificent  and  gay,  but  it  proves  quite 
 contrary,  he  shall  be  great  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord,  but  mean  in 
 the  eye  of  the  world;  and  as  Christ  himself  having  no  form  or 
 comeliness,  to  intimate  betimes,  that  the  glory  of  Christ’s  king¬ 
 dom  was  to  be  spiritual,  and  the  subjects  of  it  such  as  ordinarily 
 were,  either  found  by  it,  or  made  by  it  poor  and  despised,  and  had 
 their  honours,  pleasures,  and  riches  derived  from  another  world. 
 John  appeared  in  this  dress,  first,  To  shew  that,  like  Jacob,  he 
 was  a  plain  man,  and  mortified  to  this  world,  and  the  delights  and 
 
 said  unto  them,  O  generation  of  vipers,  Avho 
 hath  warned  you  to  flee  from  the  wrath  to 
 come  ? 
 
 8  Bring  forth,  therefore,  fruits  meet  for 
 repentance  ; 
 
 9  And  think  not  to  say  within  yourselves, 
 We  have  Abraham  to  our  father  ;  for  I  say 
 unto  you.  That  God  is  able  of  these  stones 
 to  raise  up  children  unto  Abraham. 
 
 10  And  now  also  the  axe  is  laid  unto  the 
 root  of  the  trees  ;  therefore  every  tree  which 
 bringeth  not  forth  good  fruit  is  hewn  down, 
 and  cast  into  the  fire. 
 
 gaities  of  it :  second.  To  shew  that  he  was  a  prophet,  for  prophels 
 wore  rough  garments,  as  mortified  men,  Zech.  xiii.  4  :  third,  lo 
 shew  that  heVas  a  man  of  resolution  ;  his  girdle  was  not  fine,  such 
 as  were  then  commonly  worn,  but  it  was  stron]^,  it  was  a  leathern 
 girdle  :  and  blessed  is  that  servant,  whom  his  lord,  when  he  comes, 
 finds  with  his  loins  girt,  Luke  xii.  35,  1  Pet.  i.  13.  His  diet  was 
 plain,  his  meat  was  locusts  and  wild  honey.  Locusts  were  a  sort 
 of  flying  insect,  very  good  for  food,  and  allowed  as  clean.  Lev.  xi. 
 22,  it  required  little  dressing,  and  was  light  and  easy  of  digestion. 
 Wild  honey  was  that  which  Canaan  flowed  with.  Those  that  are 
 acquainted  with  divine  and  spiritual  pleasures,  cannot  but  look 
 upon  all  the  delights  and  ornaments  of  sense  with  a  holy  indiffly- 
 ence,  they  know  better  things. 
 
 It  appears  by  the  issue,  that  of  the  many  that  came  to  John  s 
 baptism,  there  were  but  few  that  stuck  to  it ;  witness  the  cold  re¬ 
 ception  Christ  had  in  Judea,  and  about  Jerusalem.  Those  that  re¬ 
 ceived  his  doctrine,  and  submitted  to  his  discipline,  were  baptized 
 of  him  in  Jordan,  thereby  professing  their  repentance,  and  their 
 belief,  that  the  kingdom  of  the  Messiah  was  at  hand.  The  bene¬ 
 fits  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven  now  at  hand,  were  thereupon  scaled 
 to  them  by  baptism.  He  washed  them  with  water  in  token  of  this, 
 that  from  all  their  iniquities  God  would  cleanse  them. 
 
 7 — 12.  The  Pharisees  were  zealots  for  the  ceremonies,  for  the 
 power  of  the  church,  and  the  traditions  of  the  dders ;  the  Sad- 
 ducecs  run  into  the  other  extreme,  and  were  little  better  than 
 deists,  denying  the  existence  of  spirits,  and  a  future  state.  It  was 
 strange  that  they  came  to  John’s  baptism,  but  their  curiosity 
 brought  them  to  be  hearers ;  and  some  of  them  it  is  probable,  sub¬ 
 mitted  to  be  baptized,  but  it  is  certain  the  generality  of  them  diil 
 not;  for  Christ  saith,  Luke  yii.  29,  30,  That  when  the  publicans 
 justified  God,  and  were  baptized  of  John,  the  Pharisees  and  law¬ 
 yers  rejected  the  counsel  of  God  against  themselves,  being  not  bap¬ 
 tized  of  him.  .  .  •  r 
 
 Here  is  a  word  of  exhortation  and  direction,  v.  8,  Bring  forth 
 therefore  fruits  meet  for  repentance.  Therefore,  because  you  are 
 warned  to  flee  from  the  wrath  to  come,  let  the  terrors  of  the  Lord 
 persuade  you  to  a  holy  life.  Or,  their  pretence  was.  We  ha/e 
 Abraham  to  our  father  ;  we  are  not  sinners  of  the  Gentiles,  it  is 
 fit  indeed  they  should  be  called  to  repent :  but  we  are  Jews,  a  hoh' 
 nation,  a  peculiar  people,  what  is  this  to  us  ?  Multitudes,  by  rest¬ 
 ing  in  the  honours  and  advantages  of  their  visible  church  member¬ 
 ship,  take  up  short  of  heaven. 
 
 Here  is  a  word  of  terror  to  the  careless  and  secure  Pharisees  and 
 Sadducees,  and  other  the  Jews,  that  knew  not  the  sign  oOhe  times, 
 nor  the  day  of  their  visitation,  10.  Probably  this  refers  to  the 
 destruction  of  Jerusalem  by  the  Romans,  which  was  not  as  other 
 judgments  had  been,  like  the  lopping  off  of  the  branches,  or  the  cut¬ 
 ting  down  the  body  of  the  tree,  leaving  the  root  to  bud  again,  but 
 it  would  be  the  total,  final,  and  irrecoverable  extirpation  (if  that 
 people,  in  which  all  those  should  perish  that  continued  impeni¬ 
 tent.  Now  God  would  make  a  full  end,  wrath  was  CQirung  on 
 them  to  the  utmost. 
 
 Here  is  a  word  of  instruction  concerning  Jesus  Christ,  in  whom 
 all  John’s  preaching  centered  ;  Christ’s  ministers  preach  not  them¬ 
 selves,  but  him.  He  shall  baptize  you,  i.  e.  some  of  you  with  the 
 Holv  Ghost,  and  with  fire  Is  fire  enlightening  ?  so  the  spirit  is  a 
 
 33q 
 
ST.  MATTHEW. 
 
 Ill  indeed  baptize  you  with  water  unto 
 lepentance  :  but  he  that  cometh  after  me  is 
 mightier  than  I,  whose  shoes  I  am  not  worthy 
 to  bear  ;  he  shall  baptize  you  with  the  Holy 
 Ghost,  and  zmtli  fire  : 
 
 12  Whose  fan  is  in  his  hand,  and  he  will 
 tliroughly  purge  his  floor  and  gather  his 
 wheat  into  the  garner :  but  he  will  burn  up 
 the  chaff  with  unquenchable  fire. 
 
 13  ^  Then  cometh  Jesus  from  Galilee  to 
 Jordan  unto  John,  to  be  baptized  of  him. 
 
 14  But  John  forbad  him,  saying,  I  have 
 need  to  be  baptized  of  thee,  and  comest  thou 
 to  me  ? 
 
 15  And  Jesus  answering,  said  unto  him. 
 Suffer  it  to  he  so  now  ;  for  thus  it  becometh 
 us  to  fulfil  all  righteousness.  Then  he  suf¬ 
 fered  him. 
 
 16  And  Jesus,  when  he  was  baptized, 
 went  up  straightway  out  of  the  water  :  and, 
 lo,  the  heavens  were  opened  unto  him,  and 
 he  saw  the  Spirit  of  God  descending  like  a 
 dove,  and  lighting  upon  him  : 
 
 17  And  lo,  a  voice  from  heaven,  saying. 
 This  is  my  beloved  Son  in  whom  I  am  well 
 pleased . 
 
 spirit  of  illumination  :  Is  it  warming  ?  And  doth  not  their  hearts 
 burn  within  them  ?  Is  it  consuming?  And  doth  not  the  spirit  ol' 
 judgment,  as  a  spirit  of  burning,  consume  the  dross  of  their  cor¬ 
 ruptions?  Doth  fire  make  all  it  seizeth  like  itself?  And  doth  it 
 move  upwards  ?  so  doth  the  Spirit  make  the  soul  holy,  like  itself, 
 and  its  tendency  is  heaven-wards. 
 
 13—17.  Christ  accepted  ^John’s  humility,  but  not  his  refusal; 
 he  will  have  the  thing  done,  and  it  is  fit  Christ  should  take  his  own 
 method,  though  we  do  not  understand  it,  nor  can  give  a  reason  for 
 ;t.  He  doth  not  deny,  but  that  John  had  need  to  be  baptized  of 
 him,  yet  he  will  now  be  baptized  of  John.  Let  it  be  yet  so  ;  suffer 
 it  to  be  so  now.  But  why  now  ?  Why  yet  ?  First,  Christ  is  now  in 
 a  state  of  humiliation,  he  has  emptied  himself,  and  made  himself 
 of  no  reputation  :  second,  John’s  baptism  is  now  in  reputation, 
 that  it  is  by  which  God  is  now  doing  his  work,  that  is  the  present 
 dispensation,  and  therefore  Jesus  will  now  be  baptized  with  water, 
 but  his  baptizing  with  the  Holy  Ghost  is  reserved  for  hereafter, 
 many  days  hence.  Acts  i.  5.  Those  that  are  of  greatest  attainments 
 in  gifts  and  graces  should  yet  in  their  place  bear  their  testimony 
 to  instituted  ordinances,  by  a  humble  and  diligent  attendance  on 
 them,  that  they  may  give  a  good  example  to  others. 
 
 It  became  Christ  to  submit  to  John’s  washing  with  water,  be¬ 
 cause  it  was  a  divine  appointment ;  but  it  became  him  to  oppose 
 the  Pharisees  washing  with  water,  because  it  was  a  human  inven¬ 
 tion  and  imposition,  and  he  justified  his  people  in  refusing  to  com¬ 
 ply  with  it.  Now  when  he  was  coming  up  out  of  the  water,  and  all 
 the  company  had  their  eye  upon  him,  lo,  the  heavens  were  opened 
 unto  him,  so  as  to  discover  something  above  and  beyond  the  starry 
 firmament,  at  least  to  him.  This  was,,  first,  to  encourage  him  to 
 go  on  in  his  undertaking,  and  the  prospect  of  the  glory  and  joy 
 lhat  were  sq  before  him  ;  heaven  is  opened  to  receive  him,  when 
 he  has  finished  the  work  he  is  now  entering  upon  :  second,  To 
 eticourage  us  to  receive  him,  and  submit  to  him.  In,  and  through 
 Jecus  Christ  the  heavens  are  opened  to  the  children  of  men. 
 
 CHAP.  IV.  1—11.  Christ  was  tempted  of  the  devil.  Now  Christ’s 
 .'540 
 
 CHAP.  IV. 
 
 Concerning  Jesus  Christ,  we  have  in  this  chapter,  I.  The  tempta¬ 
 tion  he  underwent,  1 — 11.  11.  The  teaching  work  he  under- 
 took,  12.  III.  His  calling  of  disciples,  18— 22.  IV.  His  curing 
 of  diseases,  23,  24.  ^ 
 
 ^"^HEN  was  Jesus  led  up  of  the  Spirit  into 
 the  wilderness,  to  be  tempted  of  the 
 
 devil. 
 
 2  And  when  he  had  fasted  forty  days  and 
 forty  nights,  he'  was  afterward  an  hungred. 
 
 3  And  when  the  tempter  came  to  him,  he 
 said.  It  thou  be  the  Son  of  God,  command 
 that  these  stones  be  made  bread. 
 
 4  But  he  answered,  and  said.  It  is  written, 
 Man  shall  not  live  by  bread  alone,  but  by 
 every  word  that  proceedeth  out  of  the  mouth 
 of  God. 
 
 5  Then  the  devil  taketh  him  up  into  the 
 holy  city,  and  setteth  him  on  a  pinnacle  of 
 the  temple, 
 
 6  And  saith  unto  him.  If  thou  be  the 
 Son  ot  God,  cast  thyself  down:  for  it  is  writ¬ 
 ten,  He  shall  give  his  angels  charge  concern¬ 
 ing  thee,  and  in  their  hands  they  shall  bear 
 thee  up,  lest  at  any  time  thou  dash  thy  foot 
 against  a  stone. 
 
 temptation  is,  first.  An  instance  of  his  own  condescension  and  humi¬ 
 liation.  Thus  he  gave  his  back  to  the  smiters  ;  second.  It  was  an 
 occasion  of  Satan  s  confusion.  ^  here  is  no  conquest  without  a  com¬ 
 bat,  Christ  was  tempted  that  he  might  overcome  the  tempter : 
 third,  L  is  matter  of  comfort  to  all  the  saints.  In  the  temptation 
 of  Christ  it  appears  that  our  enemy  is  subtle,  spiteful,  and  very 
 daring  in  his  temptation,  but  it  appears  withal  that  he  is  not  in¬ 
 vincible.  Though  he  is  a  strong  man  armed,  yet  the  captain  of 
 our  salvation  is  stronger  than  he.  It  is  some  "^comfort  to  us  to 
 think  that  Christ  suffered  being  tempted,  for  then  temptations,  if 
 they  are  not  yielded  to,  are  not  sins ;  they  are  afflictions  only,  and 
 such  as  may  be  the  lot  of  those  with  whom  God  is"  well  pleased : 
 and  we  have  an  high  priest,  that  knows  by  experience  what  it  is  to 
 be  tempted,  and  therefore  is  the  more  tenderly  touched  with  the 
 feeling  of  our  infirmities  in  an  hour  of  temptation,  Heb.  ii.  18,  iv, 
 15.  But  it  is  much  more  a  comfort  to  think,  that  Christ  conquered 
 being  tempted,  and  conquered  for  us,  not  only  that  the  enemy  we 
 grapple  with  is  a  conquered,  baffled,  disarmed  enemy,  but  that  we 
 are  interested  in  Christ’s  victory  over  him  ;  and  through  him  are 
 more  than  conquerors. 
 
 It  is  observable,  that  Christ  answered  and  baffled  all  the  tempta¬ 
 tions  of  Satan,  with.  It  is  written.  He  is  himself  the  eternal  word, 
 and  could  have  produced  the  mind  of  God,  without  having  re¬ 
 course  to  the  writings  of  IMoses,  but  he  put  honour  upon  the  scrip¬ 
 ture,  and  to  set  us  an  example,  he  appealed  to  what  was  written 
 in  the  law.  He  tempted  him  to  presume  upon  his  Father’s  power 
 and  protection.  See  what  a  restless,  unwearied  adversary  the 
 devil  is  ;  if  he  fail  at  one  attempt,  he  tries  a  nother. 
 
 Satan  finding  Christ  so  confident  of  his  Father’s  care  of  him  in 
 point  of  nourishment,  he  endeavours  to  draw  him  to  presume  upon 
 that  care  in  point  of  safety.  He  backed  his  motion  with  a  scripture, 
 for  it  is  written,  he  shall  give  his  angels  charge  concerning  thee. 
 Tut  he  misquoted  the  passage:  the  promise  is,  they  shall  keep 
 thee,  but  how  ?  In  all  thy  ways  ;  not  otherwise,  if  we  go  out  of  out 
 way  out  of  the  way  of  duty,  we  forfeit  the  promise  and  put 
 
CHAP.  V. 
 
 7  Jesus  said  unto  him,  It  is  written  again, 
 Thou  shalt  not  tempt  the  Lord  thy  God. 
 
 8  Again  the  devil  taketh  him  up  into  an 
 exceeding  high  mountain,  and  sheweth  him 
 all  the  kingdoms  of  the  world,  and  the  glory 
 of  them : 
 
 9  And  saith  unto  him.  All  these  things 
 will  I  give  thee,  if  thou  wilt  fall  down  and 
 worship  me. 
 
 10  Then  saith  Jesus  unto  him.  Get  thee 
 hence,  Satan  :  for  it  is  written.  Thou  shalt 
 worship  the  Lord  thy  God,  and  him  only 
 shalt  thou  serve. 
 
 11  Then  the  devil  leave th  him  ;  and,  be¬ 
 hold,  angels  came  and  ministered  unto  him. 
 
 12  ^  Now  when  Jesus  had  heard  that 
 John  was  cast  into  prison  he  departed  into 
 Galilee ; 
 
 13  And,  leaving  Nazareth,  he  came  and 
 dwelt  in  Capernaum,  which  is  upon  the  sea- 
 coast,  in  the  borders  of  Zebulon  and  Neph- 
 thalim  : 
 
 14  That  it  might  be  fulfilled  which  was 
 spoken  by  Esaias  the  prophet,  saying, 
 
 15  The  land  of  Zebulon,  and  the  land  of 
 Nephthalim,  by  the  way  of  the  sea,  beyond 
 Jordan,  Galilee  of  the  Gentiles  : 
 
 16  The  people  which  sat  in  darkness  saw 
 great  light ;  •  and  to  them  which  sat  in  the 
 region  and  shadow  of  death  light  is  sprung  up. 
 
 17  f  From  that  time  Jesus  began  to  preach, 
 and  to  say.  Repent ;  for  the  kingdom  of  hea¬ 
 ven  is  at  hand. 
 
 ourselves  out  of  God’s  protection.  Now  this  word  made  against 
 the  tempter,  and  therefore  he  industriously  left  it  out. 
 
 He  shewed  him  all  the  kingdoms  of  the  world,  and  said  to  him, 
 9,  All  these  things  will  I  give  thee,  if  thou  wilt  fall  down  and  wor¬ 
 ship  me.  See  how  Christ  put  lay  the  thrust,  bafBed  the  assault,  and 
 came  off  a  conqueror.  He  rejected  the  proposal  :  first.  With  an 
 abhorrence  and  detestation  ;  Get  thee  hence,  Satan.  Second,  With 
 an  argument  fetched  frotn  scripture.  In  order  to  the  strengthen¬ 
 ing  ofour  resolutions  against  sin,  it  is  good  to  see  what  a  great  deal 
 of  reason  there  is  for  those  resolutions.  The  argument  is  to  the 
 purpose,  taken  from  Deut.  vi.  13,  and  x.  20,  Thou  shalt  worship 
 the  Lord  thy  God,  and  him  only  shalt  thou  serve.  Christ  doth  not 
 dispute  whether  he  was  an  angel  of  light,  as  he  pretended,  or  no ; 
 but  though  he  was,  yet  he  must  not  be  worshipped,  because  that 
 IS  an  honour  due  to  God  only. 
 
 12--17.  Several  passages  in  the  other  gospels,  especially  that  of 
 St.  John,  as  supposed,  in  the  order  of  the  story  of  Christ’s  life,  to 
 intervene  between  his  temptation,  and  his  preaching  in  Galilee  : 
 his  first  appearance  after  his  temptation,  was  when  John  Baptist 
 pointed  to  him,  saying,  Behold,  the  Lamb  of  God,  John  i.  29.  Af- 
 went  up  to  Jerusalem  to  'he  passover,  John,  ii.  discoursed 
 with  Nicodemus,  John  iii.  with  the  woman  of  Samaria,  John  iv. 
 and  then  returned  into  Galilee,  and  preached  there.  But  Matthew 
 naviLig  had  his  residence  in  Galilee,,  begins  his  story  of  Chiist’s 
 
 18  ^  And  Jesus,  walking  by  the  sea  of  Ga¬ 
 lilee,  saw  two  brethren,  Simon  called  Peter, 
 and  Andrew  his  brother,  casting  a  net  into 
 the  sea  ;  for  they  were  fishers. 
 
 19  And  he  saith  unto  them,  Follow  me, 
 and  I  will  make  you  fishers  of  men. 
 
 20  And  they  straightway  left  thdr  nets, 
 and  followed  him. 
 
 21  And,  going  on  from  thence,  he  saw 
 other  two  brethren,  James  the  son  of  Zebe- 
 dee,  and  John  his  brother,  in  a  ship  with 
 Zebedee  their  father,  mending  their  nets  ; 
 and  he  called  them. 
 
 22  And  they  immediately  left  the  ship 
 and  their  father,  and  followed  him. 
 
 23  ^  And  Jesus  went  about  all  Galilee, 
 :eaching  in  their  synagogues,  and  preaching 
 the  gospel  of  the  kingdom,  and  healing  all 
 manner  of  sickness,  and  all  manner  of  dis¬ 
 ease  among  the  people. 
 
 24  And  his  fame  went  throughout  all  Sy¬ 
 ria,  :  and  they  brought  unto  him  all  sick 
 people  that  were  taken  with  divers  diseases 
 and  torments,  and  those  which  were  pos¬ 
 sessed  with  devils,  and  those  which  were  lu¬ 
 natic,  and  those  that  had  the  palsy  ;  and 
 he  healed  them. 
 
 25  And  there  folloAved  him  great  multi¬ 
 tudes  of  people  from  Galilee,  and  from  De- 
 capolis,  and  from  Jerusalem,  and  from  Ju¬ 
 dea,  and  fi'om  bevond  Jordan. 
 
 CHAP.  V. 
 
 The  beginning  of  the  sermon  upon  the  mount. 
 
 public  ministry,  with  his  preaching  there,  which  here  we  have  an 
 account  of. 
 
 18—22.  Two  pair  of  brothers  we  have  an  account  of  the  call  of 
 in  these  verses,  Peter  and  Andrew,  James  and  John  ;  the  two  for¬ 
 mer,  and  probably  the  two  latter  also  had  had  acquaintance  with 
 Christ  before,  John  i.  40,  41,  but  were  not  till  now  called  into  a 
 close  and  constant  attendance  upon  him.  Christ  brings  poor  souls 
 by  degrees  into  fellowship  with  himself. 
 
 23—25.  Christ  by  curing  bodily  diseases,  intended  tq  shew 
 that  his  great  errand  into  the  world  was  to  cure  spiritual  maladies. 
 He  IS  the  Sun  of  Righteousness  that  ariseth  with  this  healing  under 
 his  wings.  As  the  converter  of  sinners,  he  is  the  physician  of  souls, 
 and  has  taught  us  to  call  him  so.  Matt.  ix.  12,  13.  ‘  Sin  is  the  sick¬ 
 ness,  disease,  and  torment  of  the  soul;  Christ  came  to  take  away 
 sin,  and  so  to  heal  these.  And  the  particular  stories  of  the  cures 
 Christ  wrought,  may  not  only  be  applied  spiritually  by  way  of  al¬ 
 lusion,  and  illustration,  but  I  believe  'are  veiy  much  intended  to 
 reveal  to  us  spiritual  things,  and  to  set  before  us  the  way  and  me¬ 
 thod  of  Christ’s  dealing  with  souls  in  their  conversion  and  sanctifi¬ 
 cation  ;  and  those  cures  are  recorded  that  were  most  significant 
 and  instructive  this  way;  and  they  are  therefore  so  to  bee.xplainrd 
 and  improved  to  the  honour  and  praise  of  that  glorious  Redeemer 
 who  forgiveth  all  our  iniquities,  and  so  healeth  all  our  diseases. 
 CHAP.  V.  1, 2.  Christ  preached  this  sermon,  which  was  an  ex- 
 
 341 
 
ST.  MATTHEW, 
 
 A  ND  seeing  the  multitudes,  he  went  up 
 into  a  mountain  :  and,  when  he  was  set, 
 his  disciples  came  to  him  : 
 
 2  And  he  opened  his  mouth,  and  taught 
 them,  saying, 
 
 3  Blessed  ar-e  the  poor  in  spirit :  for  theirs 
 is  the  kingdom  of  heaven. 
 
 4  Blessed  m'e  they  that  mourn  :  for  they 
 shall  be  comforted. 
 
 5  Blessed  a?'e  the  meek  :  for  they  shall 
 inherit  the  earth. 
 
 6  Blessed  are  they  which  do  hunger  and 
 thirst  after  righteousness  :  for  they  shall  be 
 filled. 
 
 7  Blessed  are  the  merciful :  for  they  shall 
 obtain  mercy. 
 
 8  Blessed  are  the  pure  in  heart :  for  they 
 shall  see  God. 
 
 9  Blessed  are  the  peace-makers  :  for  they 
 shall  be  called  the  children  of  God. 
 
 10  Blessed  are  they  which  are  persecuted 
 for  righteousness'  sake  :  for  theirs  is  the 
 kingdom  of  heaven. 
 
 11  Blessed  are  ye  when  me7i  shall  revile 
 you,  and  persecute  you,  and  shall  say  all 
 manner  of  evil  against  you  falsely,  for  my 
 sake. 
 
 12  Rejoice,  and  be  exceeding  glad ;  for 
 great  is  your  reward  in  heaven  ;  for  so  per¬ 
 
 position  of  the  law  upon  a  mountain,  because  upon  a  mountain 
 the  law  was  given. 
 
 3 — 12.  Christ  begins  his  sermon  with  blessings,  for  he  came  into 
 the  world  to  bless  us.  Acts  iii.  2t»,  as  the  great  high  priest  of  our 
 profession,  as  the  blessed  Melchizedek,  as  he  in  whom  all  the  fa¬ 
 mines  of  the  earth  should  be  blessed,  Gen.  xii.  3.  He  came  not 
 only  to  purchase  blessings  for  us,  but  to  pour  out  and  pronounce 
 blessings  on  us ;  and  here  he  doth  it  as  one  having  authority,  as 
 one  that  can  command  the  blessing,  even  life  for  evermore,  and 
 that  is  the  blessing  here  again  and  again  promised  to  the  good  ;  his 
 speaking  them  happy  makes  them  so  ;  for  those  whom  he  blesseth, 
 they  are  blessed  indeed.  The  Old  Testament  ended  with  a  curse, 
 Mai.  iv.  6'.  The  Gospel  begins  with  a  ble.ssing,  for  hereunto  are 
 we  called  that  we  should  inherit  the  blessing.  Each  of  these  bless¬ 
 ings  Christ  here  pronounceth  hath  a  double  intendment.  First, 
 To  shew  who  they  are  that  are  to  be  accounted  truly  happy,  and 
 what  their  characters  are.  Second,  What  that  is  wherein  true 
 happiness  doth  consist ;  in  the  promises  made  to  those  of  such  and 
 such  characters,  the  performance  of  which  will  make  them  happy. 
 
 13 — 16'.  Christ  had  lately  called  his  disciples,  and  told  them 
 they  should  be  fishers  of  men ;  here  he  tells  them  further  what  he 
 designed  them  to  be.  The  Salt  of  the  Earth,  and  Lights  of  the 
 World,  that  they  might  be  indeed  what  it  was  expected  they  should 
 be.  The  doctrine  of  the  gospel  is  as  salt,  it  is  penetrating,  quick, 
 and  powerful,  Hcb.  iv.  12,  pricks  to  the  heart.  Acts  ii.  37.  It  Is 
 cleansing,  it  is  relishing,  and  preserves  from  rottenness  and  putre¬ 
 faction  ;  we  read  of  the  savour  of  the  knowledge  of  Christ,  2  Cor. 
 ii.  1.4,  for  all  other  learning  is  insipid  without  that.  An  everlasting 
 covenant  is  called  a  covenant  of  salt.  Numb,  xviii.  19,  and  the  gos- 
 »?el  is  an  everlasting  gospel.  Salt  was  required  in  all  the  sacri- 
 342 
 
 secuted  they  the  prophets  which  were  be¬ 
 fore  you. 
 
 13  f  Ye  are  the  salt  of  the  earth  :  but  if 
 the  salt  have  lost  his  savour,  wherewith  shall 
 it  be  salted  ?  it  is  thenceforth  good  for  no¬ 
 thing  but  to  be  cast  out,  and  to  be  trodden 
 under  foot  of  men. 
 
 14  Ye  are  the  light  of  the  world.  A  city 
 that  is  set  on  an  hill  cannot  be  hid. 
 
 15  Neither  do  men  light  a  candle,  and 
 put  it  under  a  bushel,  but  on  a  candlestick  ; 
 and  it  giveth  light  unto  all  that  are  in  the 
 house. 
 
 16  Let  your  light  so  shine  before  men, 
 that  they  may  see  your  good  works,  and  glo¬ 
 rify  your  Father  which  is  in  heaven. 
 
 17  ^  Think  not  that  I  am  come  to  destroy 
 the  law  or  the  prophets  :  I  am  not  come  to 
 destroy,  but  to  fulfil. 
 
 18  For  verily  I  say  unto  you.  Till  heaven 
 and  earth  pass,  one  jot  or  one  tittle  shall  in 
 no  wise  pass  from  the  law,  till  all  be  fulfilled. 
 
 19  Whosoever,  iherefore,  shall  break  one 
 of  these  least  commandments,  and  shall  teach 
 men  so,  he  shall  be  called  the  least  in  the 
 kingdom  of  heaven  ;  but  whosoever  shall  do 
 and  teach  them,  the  same  shall  be  called  great 
 in  the  kingdom  of  heaven. 
 
 20  For  I  say  unto  you.  That  except  your 
 
 fices.  Lev.  ii.  13,  in  Ezekiel’s  mystical  temple,  Ezek.  xliii  24. 
 Now  Christ’s  disciples  having  themselves  learned  the  doctrine  of 
 the  gospel,  and  being  employed  to  teach  it  to  others  were  as  salt. 
 
 \e  are  the  light  of  the  world,  14.  This  also  speaks  them  use¬ 
 ful  as  the  former,  but  more  glorious.  All  Christians  are  light  in 
 the  Lord,  Eph.  v.  8,  and  must  shine  as  lights,  Phil.  ii.  15.  But 
 ministers  inaspecial  manner.  Christ  calls  himself  the  light  of  the 
 world,  John  viii.  12,  and  they  are  workers  together  with  him,  and 
 have  some  of  his  honour  put  upon  them.  Truly  the  light  is  sweet, 
 it  is  welcome;  the  light  of  the  first  day  of  the  world  was  so,  when 
 it  shone  out  of  darkness,  so  is  the  morning  light  of  every  day.  So 
 was  the  gospel,  and  those  that  spread  it,  to  all  sensible  people. 
 The  world  sat  in  darkness,  Christ  raised  up  his  disciples  to  shine  in 
 it,  and  that  they  may  do  so,  from  him  they  borrow  and  derive 
 their  light. 
 
 17 — 20.  The  Saviour  of  souls  is  the  destroyer  of  nothing  but 
 the  works  of  the  devil,  of  nothing  that  comes  from  God,  much 
 less  of  these  e.xcellent  dictates  which  we  have  from  Moses  and  the 
 prophets.  No,  he  came  to  fulfil  them  ;  that  is,  first.  To  obey  the 
 commands  of  the  law,  for  he  was  made  under  the  law.  Gal.  iv.  4. 
 He  in  all  respects  obeyed  perfectly ;  and  never  broke  the  law  in  any 
 thing  :  second.  To  make  good  the  promises  of  the  law,  and  the  pre¬ 
 dictions  of  the  prophets,  which  did  all  bear  witness  to  him : 
 third.  To  answer  the  t^’pes  of  the  law  ;  thus  (as  Bishop  Tillotson- 
 expresseth  it)  he  did  not  make  void,  but  made  good  the  ceremonial 
 law,  and  manifested  himself  to  be  the  substance  of  all  those  sha¬ 
 dows  ;  fourth,  To  fill  up  the  defects  of  it,  and  so  to  complete  and 
 perfect  it:  fifth,  to  carry  on  the  same  design;  the  Christian  in¬ 
 stitutes  are  so  far  from  thwarting  and  contradicting  that  which 
 was  the  main  design  of  the  Jewish  religion,  that  they  promote  it 
 
CHAP.  V. 
 
 righteousness  shall  exceed  the  righteousness 
 of  the  scribes  and  PhariseeSj  je  shall  in  no 
 case  enter  iiito  the  kingdom  of  heaven. 
 
 21  ^  Ye  have  heard  that  it  was  said  by 
 them  of  old  time,  Thou  shalt  not  kill ;  and 
 whosoever  shall  kill  shall  be  in  danger  of  the 
 judgment  : 
 
 22  But  I  say  unto  you,  That  whosoever  is 
 angry  with  his  brother  without  a  cause  shall 
 be  in  danger  of  the  judgment :  and  whoso¬ 
 ever  shall  say  to  his  brother,  Raca,  shall  be 
 in  danger  of  the  council ;  but  whosoever 
 shall  say.  Thou  fool,  shall  be  in  danger  of 
 hell-fire. 
 
 23  Therefore  if  thou  bring  thy  gift  to  the 
 altar,  and  there  rememberest  that  th^y  brother 
 hath  ought  against  thee  ; 
 
 24  Leave  there  thy  gift  before  the  altar, 
 and  go  thy  way  ;  first  be  reconciled  to  thy 
 brother,  and  then  come  and  offer  thy  gift. 
 
 25  Agree  with  thine  adversary  quickly, 
 whiles  thou  art  in  the  way  with  him  ;  lest  at 
 any  time  the  adversary  deliver  thee  to  the 
 judge,  and  the  judge  deliver  thee  to  the  offi¬ 
 cer,  and  thou  be  cast  into  prison. 
 
 26  Verily  I  say  unto  thee.  Thou  shalt 
 by  no  means  come  out  thence,  till  thou  hast 
 paid  the  uttermost  farthing. 
 
 27  f  Ye  have  heard  that  it  was  said  by 
 them  of  old  time.  Thou  shaft  not  commit 
 adultery  : 
 
 28  But  I  say  unto  you.  That  whosoever 
 looketh  on  a  woman  to  lust  after  her,  hath 
 committed  adultery  with  her  already  in  his 
 heart. 
 
 29  And  if  thy  right  eye  offend  thee,  pluck 
 it  out,  and  cast  it  from  thee  :  for  it  is  profit¬ 
 able  for  thee  that  one  of  thy  members  should 
 perish,  and  not  that  thy  whole  body  should 
 be  cast  into  hell. 
 
 30  And  if  thy  right  hand  offend  thee,  cut 
 it  off,  and  cast  it  from  thee  :  for  it  is  profit¬ 
 able  for  thee  that  one  of  thy  members  should 
 
 ;rish,  and  not  that  thy  whole  body  should 
 ;  cast  into  hell. 
 
 31  It  hath  been  said.  Whosoever  shall  put 
 aAvay  his  wife,  let  him  give  her  a  writing"  of 
 divorcement : 
 
 32  But  I  say  unto  you.  That  whosoever 
 shall  put  away  his  wife,  saving  for  the  cause 
 of  fornication,  causeth  her  to  commit  adul¬ 
 tery  :  and  whosoever  shall  marry  her  that  is 
 divorced  committeth  adultery. 
 
 33  ^  Again,  ye  have  heard  that  it  hath 
 been  said  by  them  of  old  time.  Thou  shalt 
 not  forswear  thyself,  but  shalt  perform  unto 
 the  Lord  thine  oaths  : 
 
 34  But  1  say  unto  you.  Swear  not  at  all  : 
 neither  by  heaven ;  for  it  is  God's  throne  : 
 
 35  Nor  by  the  earth  ;  for  it  is  his  foot¬ 
 stool  :  neither  by  Jerusalem  ;  for  it  is  the 
 city  of  the  great  King  ; 
 
 to  the  highest  degree.  The  gospel  is  the  time  of  reformation,  Hcl 
 i.  10,  not  the  repeal  of  the  law,  but  the  amendment  of  it,  and  coi 
 sequentlj  its  establishment. 
 
 The  righteousness  Christ  came  to  establish  must  exceed  that  ( 
 the  scribes  and  Pharisees,  v.  20.  They  were  partial  in  the  lav 
 and  laid  most  stress  upon  the  ritual  part  of  it,  but  we  must  be  un 
 versal,  and  not  think  it  enough  to  give  the  priest  his  tithe,  bi 
 must  give  God  our  hearts.  They  minded  only  the  outside,  but  w 
 must  make  conscience  of  inside  godliness :  They  aimed  at  th 
 praise  and  applause  of  men,  but  we  must  aim  at  acceptance  wit 
 God ;  they  were  proud  of  what  they  did  in  religion,  and  truste 
 to  It  as  a  righteousness  ;  but  we,  when  we  have  done  all,  must  dt 
 ny  ourselves,  and  say,  we  are  unprofitable  servants,  and  trus 
 TOly  to  the  iighteousness  of  Christ;  and  thus  we  may  go  beyon 
 the  scribes  and  Pharisees. 
 
 -1—26'.  The  commandment  is  exceeding  broad,  and  not  to  b 
 limited  by  the  wil  of  the  flesh,  or  the  will  of  men.  (1.)  Chri‘ 
 tells  them  that  rash  anger  is  heart-murder,  22.  This  is  a  bread 
 ot  the  sixth  commandment,  for  he  that  is  thus  angry  would  kill  i 
 he  could,  and  durst;  he  ^s  taken  the  first  step  towards  it :  Cain’ 
 killing  his  brother  began  in  anger,  he  is  a  murderer  in  the  accoun 
 u  knows. his  heart,  whence  murders  proceed,  Matt,  xv 
 them,  that  giving  opprobrious  language  toon 
 brother  IS  tongue-murder,  calling  him  Raca,  and  Thou  fool;  whei 
 tfiis  is  done  with  mildness,  and  for  a  good  end,  to  convince  other 
 
 ^ol  himself,  O  fools  and  slov 
 
 77 
 
 2  Y 
 
 of  heart.  But  when  it  proceeds  from  malice  and  anger  within,  it  is 
 the  smoke  of  that  fire  which  is  kindled  from  hell,  and  falls  under 
 the  same  character. 
 
 27—32.  We  have  here  an  exposition  of  the  seventh  command¬ 
 ment,  given  us  by  the  same  hand  that  made  the  law,  and  therefore 
 was  fitted  to  be  the  interpreter  of  it.  It  is  the  law  against  unclean¬ 
 ness  which  fitly  follows  upon  the  former,  that  laid  a  restraint  upon 
 sinful  passions,  this  upon  sinful  appetites,  both  which  ought  al¬ 
 ways  to  be  under  the  government  of  reason  and  conscience,  and  if 
 indulged,  are  equally  pernicious. 
 
 It  is  a  severe  operation  that  is  here  prescribed  for  the  preventing 
 of  these  fleshly  lusts.  But  it  were  better  for  us,  and  lest  hurtful, 
 put  the  eye,  and  cut  off  the  hand,  though  the  right  eve, 
 and  right  hand,  the  more  honourable  and  useful,  than  indulge  them 
 in  sin,  to  the  ruin  of  the  soul. 
 
 Men  s  divorcing  their  wives  upon  dislike,  or  for  any  other  cause 
 except  adultery,  however  tolerated  and  practised  among  the  Jews, 
 was  a  violation  of  the  seventh  commandment,  as  it  opened  a  door 
 to  adultery,  31,  32.  Those  who  lead  others  into  temptation  t^ 
 sin,  or  leave  them  in  it,  or  expose  them  to  it,  make  themselves 
 guilty  of  their  sin,  and  will  be  accountable  for  it.  This  is  one  way 
 of  being  partaker  with  adulterers,  Psal.  1.  18. 
 
 's  agreed  on  all  hands,  that  the  ninth  commandment 
 forbids  pepury,  forswearing,  anithe  violation  of  oaths,  and  vows, 
 
 33.  It  is  here  added,  that  the  commandment  doth  not  onlv  for¬ 
 bid  false  swearing,  but  all  rash  unnecessary  swearing.  Swear  not 
 at  all,  V.  34,  compare  Jam.  v.  17,  Not  that  all  swearing  is  sinful, 
 
 343 
 
ST.  MATTHEW 
 
 36  Neither  shall  thou  swear  by  thy  head, 
 because  thou  canst  not  make  one  hair  white 
 or  black  : 
 
 37  But  let  your  communication  be,  Yea 
 yea ;  Nay,  nay  :  for  whatsoever  is  more  than 
 these  cometh  of  evil. 
 
 38  ^  Ye  have  heard  that  it  hath  been  said. 
 An  eye  for  an  eye,  and  a  tooth  for  a  tooth : 
 
 39  But  I  say  unto  you.  That  ye  resist  not 
 evil ;  but  whosoever  shall  smite  thee  on  thy 
 right  cheek,  turn  to  him  the  other  also. 
 
 40  And  if  any  man  will  sue  thee  at  the 
 law,  and  take  away  thy  coat,  let  him  have 
 thy  cloak  also. 
 
 41  And  whosoever  shall  compel  thee  to  go 
 a  mile,  go  with  him  twain. 
 
 42  Give  to  him  that  asketh  thee ;  and 
 from  him  that  would  borrow  of  thee  turn  not 
 thou  away. 
 
 43  Ye  have  heard  that  it  hath  been  said 
 Thou  shall  love  thy  neighbour,  and  hate 
 thine  enemy. 
 
 44  But  I  say  unto  you,  Love  your  ene¬ 
 mies  :  bless  them  that  curse  you,  do  good  to 
 them  that  hate  you,  and  pray  for  them  which 
 despitefully  use  you,  and  persecute  you  ; 
 
 45  That  ye  may  be  the  children  of  your 
 Father  which  is  in  heaven-:  for  he  maketh 
 his  sun  to  rise  on  the  evil  and  on  the  good 
 and  sendeth  rain  on  the  just  and  on  the  un 
 just. 
 
 46  For  if  ye  love  them  which  love  you, 
 what  reward  have  ye  ?  do  not  even  the  pub 
 licans  the  same  ? 
 
 47  And  if  ye  salute  your  brethren  only, 
 what  do  ye  more  than  others  ?  do  not  even 
 the  publicans  so  ? 
 
 I  48  f  Be  ye  therefore  perfect,  even  as  your 
 Father  which  is  in  heaven  is  perfect. 
 
 CHAP.  VI. 
 
 We  are  here  cautioned,  I.  Against  hypocrisy  in  giving  alms,  ver 
 
 ver.  5—15.  III.  In  fasting,  ver.  igLig’ 
 IV.  Against  worldly  mindedness,  ver.  IQ— 24.  V  In  our 
 cares,  ver.  25—34. 
 
 >^AKE  heed  that  ye  do  not  your  alms  be- 
 fore  men,  to  be  seen  of  them  ;  otherwise 
 ye  have  no  reward  of  your  Father  which  is 
 in  heaven. 
 
 2  Therefore,  when  thou  doest  thme  alms, 
 do  not  sound  a  trumpet  before  thee,  as  the 
 hypocrites  do  in  the  synagogues,  and  in  the 
 streets,  that  they  may  have  glory  of  men. 
 Verily  I  say  unto  you.  They  have  their  re¬ 
 ward. 
 
 3  But  when  thou  doest  alms,  let  not  thy 
 left  hand  know  what  thy  right  hand  doeth  ; 
 
 4  That  thine  alms  may  be  in  secret ;  and 
 thy  Father  which  seeth  in  secret  himself 
 shall  reward  thee  openly. 
 
 3  f  And,  when  thou  prayest,  thou  shall 
 not  be  as  the  hypocrites  are ;  for  they  love 
 to  pray  standing  in  the  synagogues,  and  in 
 the  corners  of  the  streets,  that  Siey  may  be 
 seen  of  men.  Verily  I  say  unto  you.  They 
 have  their  reward. 
 
 6  But  thou,  when  thou  prayest,  enter  into 
 thy  closet ;  and,  when  thou  hast  shut  thy 
 door,  pray  to  thy  Father  which  is  in  secret ; 
 and  thy  Father,  which  seeth  in  secret,  shall 
 reward  thee  openly. 
 
 7  But  when  ye  pray,  use  not  vain  repe¬ 
 titions,  as  the  heathen  do  :  for  they  think 
 that  they  shall  be  heard  for  their  much  speak¬ 
 ing 
 
 8  Be  not  ye,  therefore  like  unto  them 
 
 so  far  from  that,  that  if  rightly  done,  it  is  a  part  of  religious  wor¬ 
 ship,  and  we  in  it  give  unto  God  the  glory  due  to  his  name,  see 
 Dcut.  vi.  13,  X.  20,  Isa.  xlv.  23,  Jer.  iv.  2.  We  find  Paul  confirm¬ 
 ing  what  he  said  by  such  solemnities,  2  Cor.  i.  23,  when  there  was 
 a  necessity  for  it. 
 
 38 — 42.  Christians  must  not  be  litigious;  small  injuries  must 
 be  put  up,  and  no  notice  taken  of  them ;  and  if  the  injury  be  such 
 as  requires  we  should  seek  for  reparation,  it  must  be  for  a  good 
 end,  and  without  thought  of  revenge.  Though  we  must  not  in- 
 vke  injuries,  yet  we  must  meet  them  cheerfully  in  the  way  of  duty 
 and  make  the  best  of  them.  If  any  say,  Flesh  and  blood  cannot 
 pass  by  such  an  affront,  let  them  remember,  that  flesh  and  blood 
 shall  not  inherit  the  kingdom  of  God. 
 
 43 — 48.  It  is  the  duty  of  Christians  to  desire  and  aim  at,  and 
 press  towards  a  perfection  in  grace  and  holiness,  Phil.  iii.  12,  13, 
 15.  And  therein  we  must  study  to  conform  ourselves  to  the  ex¬ 
 ample  of  our  heavenly  Father,  1  Pet.  i.  15,  l6. 
 
 CHAP.  VI-  1 — 4.  The  hypocrites  chose  to  give  their  alms  in 
 
 the  synagogues,  and  in  the  streets,  where  there  was  the  greatest 
 concourse  of  people  to  observe  them,  who  applauded  their  libe¬ 
 rality,  because  they  shared  in  it,  but  were  so  ignorant  as  not  to 
 discern  their  abominable  pride.  Not  that  it  is  unlawful  to  give 
 alms  when  men  see  us ;  we  may  do  it,  we  must  do  it,  but  not  that 
 men  may  see  us,  we  should  rather  choo^rt;  those  objects  of  charity 
 that  are  less  observed.  Now  the  doom  that  Christ  passeth  upon 
 this  is  very  observable :  Verily,  I  say  unto  you,  they  have  their  re¬ 
 ward,  the  reward  which  they  promise  themselves,  and  a  poor  re¬ 
 ward  it  is. 
 
 5 — 8.  There  were  two  great  faults  the  hypocrites  were  guilty  of 
 in  prayer,  against  each  of  which  we  are  here  cautioned,  vain  glory, 
 5,  6',  and  vain  repetitions,  7,  8.  Not  that  all  long  prayers  arc 
 forbidden;  Christ  prayed  all  night,  Luke  vi.  12.  Solomon’s  was 
 a  long  prayer  ;  there  is  sometimes  need  of  long  prayers,  when  our 
 errands  and  our  affections  are  extraordinary ;  but  merely  to  pro¬ 
 long  the  prayers,  as  if  that  would  make  it  more  pleasing,  or  more 
 prevailing  with  God,  is  that  which  is  here  condemned ,-  it  is  net 
 
CHAP.  VI. 
 
 for  your  Father  knoweth  what  things  ye  have 
 need  of  before  ye  ask  him. 
 
 9  After  this  manner  therefore,  pray  ye, 
 Our  Father  which  art  in  heaven,  hallowed 
 be  thy  name  : 
 
 10  Thy  kingdom  come  :  thy  will  be  done 
 in  earth,  as  it  is  in  heaven  : 
 
 11  Give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread  ; 
 
 12  And  forgive  us  our  debts,  as  we  forgive 
 our  debtors  : 
 
 13  And  lead  us  not  into  temptation,  but 
 deliver  us  from  evil :  for  thine  is  the  king¬ 
 dom,  and  the  power,  and  the  glory,  for  ever. 
 Amen. 
 
 14  ^  For  if  ye  forgive  men  their  trespasses, 
 your  heavenly  Father  will  also  forgive  you  : 
 
 15  But  if  ye  forgive  not  men  their  tres¬ 
 passes,  neither  will  your  Father  forgive  your 
 trespasses. 
 
 16  ^  Moreover,  when  ye  fast,  be  not,  as 
 the  hypocrites,  of  a  sad  countenance  ;  for 
 they  disfigure  their  faces,  that  they  may  ap¬ 
 pear  unto  men  to  fast.  Verily  I  say  unto 
 you.  They  have  their  reward. 
 
 17  But  thou,  when  thou  fastest,  anoint 
 thine  head,  and  wash  thy  face  ; 
 
 18  That  thou  appear  not  unto  men  to 
 fast,  but  unto  thy  Father,  which  is  in  secret : 
 and  thy  Father,  which  seeth  in  secret,  shall 
 reward  thee  openly. 
 
 19  ^  Lay  not  up  for  yourselves  treasures 
 
 much  praying  that  is  con3emtl"ed,  no,  we  are  bid  to  pray  always, 
 but  much  speaking  ;  the  danger  of  this  error  is  when  we  only  say 
 our  prayers,  not  when  we  pray  them. 
 
 9 — 15.  When  Christ  had  condemned  what  was  amiss,  he  directs 
 to  do  better.:  for  his  are  reproofs  of  instruction.  Because  we 
 know  not  what  to  pray  for  as  we  ought,  he  here  helps  our  infirmi¬ 
 ties,  by  putting  words  into  our  mouths,  After  this  manner  there¬ 
 fore  pray  ye,  v.  o.  So  many  were  the  corruptions  that  were  crept 
 into  this  duty  of  prayer  among  the  Jews,  that  Christ  saw  it  needful 
 to  give  a  new  directory  for  prayer,  which  he  gives  in  words  that 
 may  very  well  be  used  as  a  form  ;  as  the  summary  or  contents  of 
 the  several  particulars  of  our  prayers.  Not  that  we  are  tied  up  to 
 the  use  of  this  form  only,  or  of  this  always,  as  if  this  were  neces¬ 
 sary  to  the  consecrating  of  our  other  prayers ;  we  are  here  bid  to 
 pray  after  this  manner,  with  these  words,  or  to  this  effect.  That 
 in  Luke  differs  from  this  ;  we  do  not  find  it  used  by  the  apostles, 
 we  are  not  here  taught  to  pra}'  in  the  name  of  Christ,  as  we  are  af¬ 
 terwards  ;  we  are  here  taught  to  pray,  that  that  kingdom  might 
 come  which  did  come  when  the  spirit  was  poured  out;  yet,  with¬ 
 out  doubt  it  is  very  good  to  use  it  as  a  form,  and  it  is  a  pledge  of  the 
 communion  of  saints,  it  having  been  used  by  the  church  in  all  ages, 
 at  least  (saith  Dr.  Whitby)  from  the  third  century.  It  is  our 
 Lord’s  prayer,  it  is  of  his  composing,  of  his  appointing  ;  it  is  very 
 compendious,  yet  very  comprehensive,  in  compassion  to  our  pray- 
 mfirmities.  The  matter  is  choice  and  necessar}”^,  the  method 
 instrucrivo,  and  the  expression  very  concise.  It  has  much  in  a 
 uttlc,  and  it  is  vpquisite  that  we  acquaint  ourselves  with  the  sense 
 
 upon  earth,  where  moth  and  rust  doth  "cor¬ 
 rupt,  and  where  thieves  break  through  and 
 steal : 
 
 20  But  lay  up  for  yourselves  treasures  in 
 heaven,  where  neither  moth  nor  rust  doth 
 corrupt,  and  where  thieves  do  not  break 
 through  nor  steal : 
 
 21  For  where  your  treasure  is,  there  will 
 your  heart  be  also. 
 
 22  f  The  light  of  the  body  is  the  eye  :  if, 
 therefore,  thine  eye  be  single,  thy  whole 
 body  shall  be  full  of  light. 
 
 23  But  if  thine  eye  be  evil,  thy  whole 
 body  shall  be  full  of  darkness.  If,  therefore, 
 the  light  that  is  in  thee  be  darkness,  how 
 great  is  that  darkness  ! 
 
 24  ^  No  man  can  serve  two  masters:  for 
 either  he  will  hate  the  one,  and  love  the 
 other ;  or  else  he  will  hold  to  the  one,  and 
 despise  the  other.  Ye  cannot  serve  God 
 and  mammon. 
 
 25  Therefore  I  say  unto  you.  Take  no 
 thought  for  your  life,  what  ye  shall  eat,  or 
 what  ye  shail  drink  ;  nor  yet  for  your  body, 
 what  ye  shall  put  on  :  is  not  the  life  more 
 than  meat,  and  the  body  than  raiment  ? 
 
 26  Behold  the  fowls  of  the  air  :  for  they 
 sow  not,  neither  do  they  reap,  nor  gather 
 into  barns,  yet  your  heavenly  Father  feed- 
 eth  them.  Are  ye  not  much  better  than 
 they  ?' 
 
 and  meaning  of  it,  for  it  is  used  acceptably,  no  further  than  it  is 
 used  understandingly,  and  without  vain  repetition. 
 
 — 18.  It  is  here  supposed,  that  religious  fasting  is  a  duty  re¬ 
 quired  of  the  disciples  of  Christ,  when  God  in  his  providence  calls 
 to  it,  and  when  the  case  of  their  own  souls  upon  any  account  calls 
 for  it.  It  is  a  laudable  practice,  and  we  have  reason  to  lament  it, 
 that  it  IS  so  generally  neglected  among  Christians.  Anna  was  much 
 in  fasting,  Luke  ii.  37.  Cornelius  fasted  and  prayed.  Acts  x.  30. 
 The  primitive  Christians  were  much  in  it,  see  Acts  i.  14,  xiii.  3, 
 xiv.  23.  Private  fasting  is  supposed,  1  Cer.  vii.  5.  It  is  an  act  of 
 self-denial  and  mortification  of  the  flesh,  a  holy  revenge  upon  our¬ 
 selves,  and  humiliation  under  the  hand  of  God ;  the  most  grown 
 Christians  must  hereby  own,  they  are  so  far  from  having  any  thing 
 to  be  proud  of,  that  they  are  unworthy  of  their  daily  bread. 
 
 19 — 24.  Worldly-mindedness  is  as  common  and  as  fatal  a  symp¬ 
 tom  of  hypocrisy,  as  any  other  ;  for  by  no  sin  can  Satan  have  a 
 surer  and  faster  hold  of  the  soul,  under  the  cloke  of  a  visible  and 
 passable  profession  of  religion,  than  by  this  ?  And  therefore  Christ 
 having  warned  us  against  coveting  the  praise  of  men,  comes  next 
 to  warn  us  against  coveting  the  wealth  of  the  world ;  in  this  also 
 we  must  take  heed,  lest  we  be  as  the  hypocrites  are,  and  do  as  they 
 do.  The  fundamental  error  that  they  are  guilty  of  is,  that  they 
 choose  the  world  for  their  reward,  we  must  therefore  take  heed  of 
 hypocrisy  and  worldly-mindedness,  in  the  choice  we  make  of  our 
 treasure,  our  end,  and  our  master. 
 
 23 — 34.  But  the  care  here  forbidden  is,  first,  A  disquieting 
 tormenting  care,  which  hurries  the  mind  hither  and  thither,  and 
 
 345 
 
ST.  MATTHEW. 
 
 27  Which  of  you  by  taking  thought  can 
 add  one  cubit  unto  his  stature  ? 
 
 28  And  why  take  ye  thought  for  raiment  ? 
 Consider  the  lilies  of  the  field  how  they 
 grow  ;  they  toil  not,  neither  do  they  spin  : 
 
 29  And  yet  I  say  unto  you,  that  even  So¬ 
 lomon  in  all  his  glory,  was  not  arrayed  like 
 one  of  these. 
 
 30  Wherefore  if  God  so  clothe  the  grass 
 of  the  field,  which  to-day  is,  and  to-morrow 
 is  cast  into  the  oven,  shall  he  not  much  more 
 clothe  you,  O  ye  of  little  faith  ? 
 
 31  Therefore  take  no  thought,  saying. 
 What  shall  we  eat  ?  or.  What  shall  we  drink  ? 
 or.  Wherewithal  shall  we  be  clothed  ? 
 
 32  (For  after  all  these  things  do  the  Gen¬ 
 tiles  seek;)  for  your  heavenly  father  knoweth 
 that  ye  have  need  of  all  these  things. 
 
 33  But  seek  ye  first  the  kingdom  of  God, 
 and  his  righteousness,  and  all  these  things 
 shall  be  added  unto  you. 
 
 34  Take  therefore  no  thought  for  the  mor¬ 
 row  :  for  the  morrow  shall  take  thought  for 
 the  things  of  itself.  Sufficient  unto  the  day 
 is  the  evil  thereof. 
 
 CHAP.  VII. 
 
 Here  is,  I.  Divers  exhortations  of  Christ,  1 — 27.  II.  The  im¬ 
 pression  his  doctrine  made  upon  his  hearers,  28,  29. 
 
 JTUDGE  not,  that  ye  be  not  judged. 
 
 2  For  with  what  judgment  ye  judge,  ye 
 shall  be  judged  :  and  with  what  measure  ye 
 mete,  it  shall  be  measured  to  you  again. 
 
 3  And  why  behold est  thou  the  mote  that 
 is  in  thy  brother’s  eye,  but  considerest  not 
 the  beam  that  is  in  thine  own  eye? 
 
 4  Or  how  wilt  thou  say  to  thy  brother 
 Let  me  pull  out  the  mote  out  of  thine  eye- 
 and  behold,  a  beam  is  in  thine  own  eye  ^ 
 
 5  Thou  hypocrite,  first  cast  out  the  beam 
 
 out  of  thine  own  eye,  and  then  shalt  thou 
 see  clearly  to  cast  out  the  mote  out  of  thy 
 brother’s  eye.  ^ 
 
 6  Give  not  that  which  is  holy  unto  the 
 dogs,  neither  cast  ye  your  pearls  before 
 swine,  lest  they  trample  them  under  their 
 feet,  and  turn  again  and  rend  you. 
 
 7  Ask,  and  it  shall  be  given  you :  seek 
 and  ye  shall  find  ;  knock,  and  it  shall  be 
 opened  unto  you. 
 
 8  For  every  one  that  asketh,  receiveth ; 
 and  he  that  seeketh  findeth :  and  to  him  that 
 knocketh,  it  shall  be  opened. 
 
 9  Or  what  man  is  there  of  you,  whom  if 
 his  son  ask  bread,  Avill  he  give  him  a  stone  ? 
 
 10  Or  if  he  ask  a  fish,  will  he  give  him  a 
 serpent  ? 
 
 11  If  ye  then  being  evil,  know  how  to 
 give  good  gifts  unto  your  children,  how 
 much  more  shall  your  Father  which  is  in 
 heaven  give  good  things  to  them  that  ask 
 him  ? 
 
 12  Therefore  all  things  whatsoever  ye 
 would  that  men  should  do  to  you,  do  ye 
 even  so  to  them  :  for  this  is  the  law  and  the 
 prophets. 
 
 13  Enter  ye  in  at  the  strait  gate;  for  wide 
 is  the  gate,  and  broad  is  the  way,  that  lead- 
 eth  to  destruction,  and  many  there  be  which 
 go  in  thereat : 
 
 14  Because  strait  is  the  gate,  and  narrow 
 
 hangs  it  in  suspense,  which  disturbs  our  joy  in  God,  and  is  a  damp 
 upon  our  hope  in  him;  second,  A  distrustful  unbelieving  thought. 
 God  has  promised  to  provide  for  those  that  are  his  all  things  need¬ 
 ful  for  life,  as  well  as  godliness,  the  life  that  now  is,  food  and  a  co¬ 
 vering,  not  dainties,  but  necessaries.  * 
 
 The  conclusion  of  this  whole  matter  is,  that  it  is  the  will  and 
 command  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  that  his  disciples  should  not  be  their 
 own  tormentors,  nor  make  their  passage  through  this  world  more 
 <lark  and  unpleasant  by  their  apprehensions  of  troubles  than  God 
 has  made  it  by  the  troubles  themselves.  By  our  daily  prayers  we 
 may  fetch  in  strength  to  bear  us  up  under  our  daily  troubles,  and 
 so  arm  us  against  the  temjnations  that  attend  them,  and  then  let 
 none  of  these  things  move  us. 
 
 CHAP.  VH.  1—5.  We  must  judge  ourselves,  and  judge  of  our 
 own  acts,  but  we  must  not  judge  our  brother.  We  must  not  judge 
 our  brother,  that  is,  w'e  must  not  speak  evil  of  him,  so  it  is  ex¬ 
 plained,  James  iv.  11.  Judge  not  rashly,  pass  not  such  a  judgment 
 upon  our  brother  as  hath  no  ground,  but  is  only  the  product  of 
 our  own  jealousy  and  ill-nature.  If  we  presume  to  judge  others, 
 w'e  may  expect  to  be  ourselves  judged. 
 
 Here  is  a  good  rule  for  reprovers,  v.  5,  Go  in  the  right  method, 
 346 
 
 first  cast  the  beam  out  of  thine  own  eye.  Our  own  badness  is  so  far 
 from  excusing  us  in  not  reproving,  that  our  being  by  it  rendered 
 unfit  to  reprove,  is  an  aggravation  of  our  badness  ;  I  must  not  say 
 I  have  a  beam  in  my  own  eye,  and  therefore  I  will  not  help  my  bro¬ 
 ther  with  the  mote  out  of  his.  It  is  not  every  one  that  is  fit  to  be 
 reproved  ;  Give  not  that  which  is  holy  unto  dogs,  6.  Or  as  a  rule 
 to  all  in  giving  reproof:  our  zeal  against  sin  must  be  guided  by  dis¬ 
 cretion,  and  we  must  not  go  about  to  give  instructions,  counsels, 
 and  rebukes,  much  less  comforts  to  hardened  scorners,  to  whom 
 it  will  certainly  do  no  good,  but  who  will  be  exasperated,  and  en¬ 
 raged  at  you. 
 
 ? — 1 1.  To  direct  our  prayers  and  expectations.  We  must  come 
 to  God,  as  children  to  a  Fathei  in  Heaven,  with  reverence  and 
 confidence.  We  must  come  to  him  for  good  things,  for  those  he 
 gives  to  them  that  ask  him  ;  which  teaches  us  to  refer  ourselves  to 
 him  ;  we  know  not  what  is  good  for  ourselves,  Eccl.  vi.  12,  but  he 
 knows  what  is  good  torus.  God  is  more  rich  and  more  ready  to 
 assist  his  children  than  the  fathers  of  our  flesh  can  be,  for  he  is 
 the  Father  of  our  spirits,  an  eyer-loving,  ever-living  Father. 
 
 12  — 14.  7'here  are  but  two  ways,  right  and  wrong,  good  and 
 evil ;  the  way  to  Heaven,  and  the  way  to  Hell ;  in  the  one  of  which 
 
CHAP.  VIII. 
 
 IS  the  way  which  leadeth  unto  life,  and  few 
 there  be  that  find  it. 
 
 15  Beware  of  false  prophets,  which  come 
 to  you  in  sheep's  clothing,  but  inwardly  they 
 are  ravening  wolves, 
 
 16  Ye  shall  know  them  by  their  fruits. 
 Do  men  gather  grapes  of  thorns  or  figs  of 
 thistles  ? 
 
 17  JEven  so  every  good  tree  bringeth  forth 
 good  fruit :  but  a  corrupt  tree  bringeth  forth 
 evil  fruit. 
 
 18  A  good  tree  cannot  bring  forth  evil 
 fruit :  neither  can  a  corrupt  tree  bring  forth 
 good  fruit. 
 
 19  Every  tree  that  bringeth  not  forth 
 good  fruit,  is  hewn  down  and  cast  into  the 
 fire. 
 
 20  Wherefore  by  their  fruits  ye  shall  know 
 them. 
 
 21  Not  every  one  that  saith  unto  me. 
 Lord,  Lord,  shall  enter  into  the  kingdom  of 
 heaven  :  but  he  that  doeth  the  will  of  my 
 Father  which  is  in  heaven. 
 
 22  Alany  will  say  to  me  in  that  day.  Lord, 
 Lord,  Have  we  not  prophesied  in  thy  name  ? 
 and  in  thy  name  have  cast  out  devils  ?  and 
 in  thy  name  done  many  wonderful  Avorks  ? 
 
 28  And  then  will  I  profess  unto  them,  I 
 never  kncAv  you  :  depart  from  me  ye  that 
 work  iniquity. 
 
 24  Therefore  whosoever  heareth  these  say¬ 
 ings  of-  mine,  and  doeth  them,  I  will  liken 
 him  unto  a  wise  man,  Avhich  built  his  house 
 upon  a  rock  : 
 
 25  And  the  rain  descended  and  the  floods 
 came,  and  the  Avinds  blew,  and  beat  upon 
 that  house  ;  and  it  fell  not,  for  it  Avas  found¬ 
 ed  upon  a  rock. 
 
 26  And  every  one  that  heareth  these  say¬ 
 ings  of  mine,  and  doeth  them  not,  shall  be 
 likened  unto  a  foolish  man  Avhich  built  his 
 house  upon  the  sand  : 
 
 27  And  the  rain  descended  and  the.floods 
 came,  and  the  Avinds  blcAv,  and  beat  upon 
 that  house  :  and  it  fell,  and  great  Avas  the 
 fall  of  it. 
 
 28  And  it  came  to  pass  Avhen  Jesus  had 
 ended  these  sayings,  the  people  Avere  asto¬ 
 nished  at  his  doctrine. 
 
 29  For  he  taught  them  as  one  having  au¬ 
 thority  ;  and  not  as  the  scribes. 
 
 CHAP.  VIII. 
 
 I.  Christ’s  cleansing'of  a  leper,  1 — 4.  II.  His  curing  a  palsy  and 
 fever,  5 — 18.  III.  His  communing  with  two  that  had  a  mind 
 to  follow  him,  Ig — 22.  IV.  His  controling  of  the  tempest, 
 22 — 27.  V.  His  casting  out  of  devils,  27 — 34. 
 
 HEN  he  Avas  come  doAvm  from  the 
 mountain,  great  multitudes  folloAAxd 
 
 him. 
 
 2  And  behold  there  came  a  leper,  and 
 Avorshipped  him,  saying.  Lord,  if  thou  Avilt, 
 thou  canst  make  me  clean. 
 
 3  And  Jesus  put  forth  his  hand,  and  touch¬ 
 ed  him,  saying,  I  aa  ill,  be  thou  clean.  And 
 immediately  his  leprosy  was  cleansed. 
 
 4  And  Jesus  saith  unto  him.  See  thou  tell 
 no  man,  but  go  thy  way,  sheAV  thyself  to  the 
 priest,  and  ofler  the  gift  that  Moses  com¬ 
 manded  for  a  testimony  unto  them. 
 
 we  are  all  of  us  walking.  No  middle  place  hereafter,  no  middle 
 \yay  now.  The  distinction  of  the  children  of  men  into  saints  and 
 sinners,  godly  and  ungodly,  will  swallow  up  all  to  eternity.  Con¬ 
 version  and  regeneration  is  the  gate  by  which  we  enter  into  the 
 narrow  way,  in  which  we  begin  a  life  of  faith  and  serious  godliness  ; 
 out  of  a  state  of  sin  into  a  state  of  grace  we  must  pass  by  the  new 
 birth,  John  iii.  3—5.  This  is  a  strait  gate,  hard  to  hit,  and  hard 
 to  get  through  ;Tike  a  passage  between  two  rocks,  1  Sam.  xiv.  4, 
 there  must  be  a  new  heart,  and  a  new  spirit,  and  old  things  must 
 pass  away. 
 
 15  20.  We  have  here  a  caution  against  false  prophets,  to  tak 
 heed  that  we  be  not  deceived  and  imposed  upon  by  them.  Prophet 
 y"®  properly  such  as  foretel  things  to  come  ;  there  were  some  i 
 the  Old  Testament  who  pretended  to  that  without  warrant,  an 
 the  event  disproved  their  pretensions,  as  Zedekiah,  1  Kings  xxi 
 1 1 .  Barren  trees  are,  that  is,  certainly  they  shall  be,  hewn  down 
 'Pto  the  fire.  God  will  deal  .with  them  as  men  use  to  dea 
 with  trees  that  cumber  the  ground.  He  will  mark  them  b 
 some  signal  tokens  of  his  displeasure  ;  he  will  bark  them,  by  strip 
 ptng  them  of  their  parts  and  gifts,  will  cut  them  down  by  death,  an 
 oast  them  into  the  fire  of  hell,  a  fire  blown  with  the  bellows  c 
 •?u  ^od  with  the  wood  of  barren  trees.  Compare  thi 
 
 w  ith  Kzek.vxxi.  12,  13,  Dan.  iv.  14,  John  xv.  6’. 
 
 21 — 29.  Compliments  among  men  are  pieces  of  civility  that  are 
 returned  with  compliments,  but  they  are  never  paid  as  real  ser¬ 
 vices  ;  and  can  they  then  be  of  any  account  wdth  Christ  ?  There 
 may  be  a  seeming  importunity  in  prayer.  Lord,  Lord,  but  if  in¬ 
 ward  impressions  be  not  answerable  to  outward  expressions,  we 
 are  but  as  a  sounding  brass,  and  a  tinkling  cymbal.  This  is  not  to 
 take  us  off  from  praying  and  being  earnest  in  prayer,  from  pro¬ 
 fessing  Christ’s  name,  and  being  bold  in  professing  it,  but  from 
 resting  in  these,  in  the  form  of  godliness,  without  the  power. 
 When  death  and  judgment  come,  then  the  storm  comes,  and  it  will 
 undoubtedly  come,  how  calm  soever  things  may  be  with  us  now. 
 Then  every  thing  else  will  fail  us  but  these  hopes,  and  then,  if  ever, 
 they  will  be  turned  into  everlasting  fruition. 
 
 CHAP.  VIII.  1 — 4.  In  these  verses  we  have  an  account  of 
 Christ’s  cleansing  a  leper.  It  should  seem  by  comparing  Mark  i. 
 40,  and  Luke  v.  12,  that  this  passage,  though  placed  by  St.  Mat¬ 
 thew  after  the  sermon  on  the  mount,  because  he  would  give  an  ac¬ 
 count  of  his  doctrine  first,  and  then  of  his  miracles,  yet  happened 
 some  time  before  ;  but  that  is  not  at  all  material.  [See  Notes  en 
 Mark  i.  40 — 45.] 
 
 5 — 13.  The  faith  of  the  centurion  was  but  a  specimen  of  the  con¬ 
 version  of  the  Gentiles,  and  a  preface  to  their  adoption  into  the 
 church.  They  shall  come  from  the  east,  and  from  the  west, 
 
 347 
 
ST.  MATTHEW 
 
 5  And  when  Jesus  was' entered  into  Ca¬ 
 pernaum,  there  came  unto  him  a  centurion, 
 beseeching  him, 
 
 6  And  saying.  Lord,  my  servant  lieth  at 
 home  sick  of  the  palsy,  grievously  torment¬ 
 ed. 
 
 7  And  Jesus  saith  unto  him,  I  will  come 
 and  heal  him. 
 
 8  The  centurion  answered,  and  said.  Lord, 
 I  am  not  worthy  that  thou  shouldest  come 
 under  my  roof :  but  speak  the  word  only, 
 and  my  servant  shall  be  healed. 
 
 9  For  I  am  a  man  under  authority,  having 
 soldiers  under  me  :  and  I  say  to  this  7nany 
 Go,  and  he  goeth  :  and  to  another.  Come, 
 and  he  cometh  ;  and  to  my  servant.  Do  this, 
 and  he  doeth  it. 
 
 10  When  Jesus  heard  it,  he  marvelled, 
 and  said  to  them  that  followed.  Verily  I  say 
 unto  you,  I  have  not  found  so  great  faith, 
 no  not  in  Israel. 
 
 11  And  I  say  unto  you,  that  many  shall 
 come  from  the  east  and  west,  and  shall  sit 
 down  with  Abraham,  and  Isaac,  and  Jacob, 
 in  the  kingdom  of  heaven: 
 
 12  But  the  children  of  the  kingdom  shall 
 be  cast  out  into  outer  darkness  ;  there  shall 
 be  weeping  and  gnashing  of  teeth. 
 
 13  And  Jesus  said  unto  the  centurion, 
 Go  thy  way,  and  as  thou  hast  believed,  so 
 be  it  done  unto  thee.  And  his  servant  was 
 healed  in  the  self-same  hour. 
 
 14  And  when  Jesus  was  come  into  PeteFs 
 house,  he  saw  his  wife's  mother  laid,  and  sick 
 of  a  fever. 
 
 15  And  he  touched  her  hand,  and  the  re- 
 ver  lelt  her  :  and  she  arose  and  ministered 
 unto  them. 
 
 16  When  the  even  was  come,  they  brought 
 unto  him  many  that  were  possessed  with  de¬ 
 vils  :  and  he  cast  out  tlie  spirits  with  his 
 word,  and  healed  all  that  were  sick  : 
 
 17  That  it  might  be  fulfilled  which  was 
 spoken  by  Esaias  the  prophet,  saying.  Him¬ 
 self  took  our  infirmities,  and  bare  oiir  sick¬ 
 nesses. 
 
 18  Now  when  Jesus  saw  great  multitudes 
 about  him,  he  gave  commandment  to  depart 
 unto  the  other  side. 
 
 19  And  a  certain  scribe  came,  and  said 
 unto  him.  Master,  I  will  follow  thee  whi¬ 
 thersoever  thou  goest. 
 
 20  And  Jesus  saith  unto  him.  The  foxes 
 have  holes,  and  the  birds  of  the  air  have 
 nets  ;  but  the  Son  of  man  hath  not  where 
 to  lay  his  head. 
 
 2 1  And  another  of  his  disciples  said  unto 
 him.  Lord,  suffer  me  first  to  go  and  bury  my 
 father. 
 
 22  But  Jesus  said  unto  him.  Follow  me, 
 and  let  the  dead  bury  their  dead. 
 
 ^  23  And  when  he  was  entered  into  a  ship, 
 his  disciples  followed  him. 
 
 24  And  behold,  there  arose  a  great  tem¬ 
 pest  in  the  sea,  insomuch  that  the  ship  was 
 covered  with  the  waves  :  but  he  was  asleep. 
 
 25  And  his  disciples  came  to  Ivm,  and 
 awoke  him,  saying.  Lord,  save  us  :  we  pe¬ 
 rish. 
 
 26  And  he  saith  unto  them.  Why  are  ye 
 
 places  far  distant  from  each  other,  yet  they  shall  all  meet  at  the 
 right  hand  of  Christ,  the  centre  of  their  unity.  Those  that  in  this 
 world  were  never  so  far  distant  from  each  other  in  time,  place,  or 
 outward  condition,  shall  all  meet  together  in  Heaven:  antients 
 and  moderns,  Jew  and  Gentile,  rich  and  poor.  The  rich  man  in 
 Hell  sees  Abraham,  but  Lazarus  sits  down  with  him,  leaning  on 
 his  breast.  Holy  society  is  a  part  of  Heaven’s  felicity  :  and  those 
 on  whom  the  ends  of  the  world  are  come,  and  are  most  obscure, 
 shall  share  in  glory  with  the  renowned  patriarchs. 
 
 That  a  great  many  of  the  Jews  should  perish,  12.  Observe, 
 The  children  of  the  kingdom  shall  be  cast  out,  i.  e.  The  Jews  that 
 persist  in  unbelief,  though  they  were  by  birth  children  of  the  king¬ 
 dom,  yet  shall  be  cut  off  from  being  members  of  the  visible  church  ; 
 the  kingdom  of  God,  which  they  boasted  that  they  were  the  children 
 of,  shall  be  taken  frotn  them,  and  they  shall  become  not  a  people, 
 nor  obtaining  mercy,  Rom.  xi.  20,  29,  31.  In  the  great  day  it  will 
 not  avail  men  to  have  been  children  of  the  kingdom,  either  as  Jews 
 or  as  Christians;  for  men  will  then  be  judged  not  by  what  they 
 were  called,  but  by  what  they  were. 
 
 14 — 17.  The  accomplishment  of  the  Old  Testament ‘prophecies 
 was  the  great  thing  Christ  had  in  his  eye,  and  the  great  proof  of  his 
 34)8 
 
 being  the  Messiah  ;  among  other  things  it  was  written  of  him,  Isa. 
 liii.  4,  Surely  he  hath  borne  our  griefs,  and  carried  our  sorrows. 
 It  is  referred  to,  1  Pet.  ii.  24,  and  there  it  is  construed,  he  hath 
 borne  our  sins  ;  here  it  is  referred  to,  and  is  construed,  he  has  borne 
 our  sicknesses.  He  bore  our  sicknesses,  then  when  he  bore  our  sins 
 in  his  own  body  upon  the  tree ;  for  sin  is  both  the  cause  and  the 
 sting  of  sickness. 
 
 18 — 22.  Christ  will  accept  none  for  his  followers,  that  aim  at 
 worldly  advantages  in  following  him,  or  design  to  make  any  thing 
 but  Heaven  of  their  religion.  We  have  reason  to  think  that  this 
 scribe  hereupon  went  away  sorrowful,  being  baulked  in  a  bargain 
 he  thought  would  turn  to  account ;  he  is  not  following  Christ  un- 
 ess  he  can  get  by  him.  The  excuse  that  the  disciple  made  to  shift 
 off  an  immediate  attendance  on  Christ  was,  21,  Lord,  suffer  me 
 first  to  go  and  bury  my  father.  This  seemed  a  reasonable  request, 
 and  yet  it  was  not  right.  He  had  not  the  zeal  he  should  have  had 
 ibr  the  work,  and  therefore  pleaded  this  because  it  seemed  a  plau¬ 
 sible  plea. 
 
 23 — 27-  The  prevalency  of  our  inordinate  fears  in  a  stormy  day 
 is  owing  to  the  weakness  of  our  faith,  which  would  be  as  an  anchor 
 to  thf  soul,  and  would  ply  the  oar  of  prayer.  By  faith  we  might 
 
CHAP.  IX. 
 
 fearful,  O  ye  of  little  faith  ?  Then  he  arose 
 and  rebuked  the  winds  and  the  sea,  and 
 there  was  a  great  calm. 
 
 27  But  the  men  marvelled,  saying.  What 
 manner  of  man  is  this,  that  even  the  winds 
 and  the  sea  obey  him  ? 
 
 28  And  when  he  was  come  to  the  other 
 side,  into  the  country  of  the  Gergesenes,  there 
 met  him  two  possessed  with  devils,  coming 
 out  of  the  tombs,  exceeding  fierce,  so  that 
 no  man  might  pass  by  that  way. 
 
 29  And  behold  they  cried  out,  saying, 
 What  have  we  to  do  with  thee,  Jesus  thou 
 Son  of  God  ?  art  thou  come  hither  to  tor¬ 
 ment  us  before  the  time  ? 
 
 30  And  there  was  a  good  way  off  from 
 them  an  herd. of  many  swine,  feeding. 
 
 31  So  the  devils  besought  him,  saying. 
 If  thou  cast  us  out,  suffer  us  to  go  away  into 
 the  herd  of  ssvine. 
 
 32  And  he  said  unto  them.  Go.  And 
 when  they  were  come  out,  they  went  into 
 the  herd  of  swine  :  and,  behold,  the  whole 
 herd  of  swine  ran  violently  down  a  steep 
 place  into  the  sea,  and  perished  in  the  wa¬ 
 ters  : 
 
 33  And  they  that  kept  them,  fled,  and 
 went  their  ways  into  the  city,  and  told  every 
 thing,  and  what  was  befallen  to  the  possessed 
 of  the  devils. 
 
 34  And,  behold,  the  whole  city  came  out 
 to  meet  Jesus ;  and  when  they  saw  him, 
 they  besought  him  that  he  would  depart  out 
 of  their  coasts. 
 
 CHAP.  IX. 
 
 Remarkable  instances  of  the  power  and  pity  of  Jesus  Christ. 
 
 And  he  entered  into  a  ship,  and  passed 
 '  over,  and  came  into  his  own  city. 
 
 2  And,  behold,  they  brought  to  him  a  man 
 sick  of  the  palsy,  lying  on  a  bed  :  and  Jesus 
 seeing  their  faith,  said  unto  the  sick  of  the 
 palsy.  Son,  be  of  good  cheer,  thy  sins  be  for¬ 
 given  thee. 
 
 3  And,  behold,  certain  of  the  scribes  said 
 within  themselves.  This  man  blasphemeth. 
 
 4  And  Jesus  knowing  their  thoughts,  said. 
 Wherefore  think  ye  evil  in  your  hearts  ? 
 
 5  For  whether  is  easier  to  say.  Thy  sins 
 be  forgiven  thee  ?  or  to  say.  Arise,  and  walk  ? 
 
 6  But  that  ye  may  know  that  the  Son  of 
 man  hath  power  on  earth  to  forgive  sins, 
 (then  saith  he  to  the  sick  of  the  palsy)  Arise, 
 take  up  thy  bed,  and  go  unto  thine  house. 
 
 7  And  he  arose,  and  departed  to  his 
 house. 
 
 8  But  when  the  multitude  saw  it,  thev 
 marvelled,  and  glorified  God,  which  had 
 given  such  power  unto  men. 
 
 9  And  as  Jesus  passed  forth  from  thence, 
 he  saw  a  man,  named  Matthew,  sitting  at 
 the  receipt  of  custom :  and  he  saith  unto  him, 
 Follow  me.  And  he  arose  and  followed 
 him. 
 
 10  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  Jesus  sat  at 
 meat  in  the  house,  behold,  many  publicans 
 and  sinners  came  and  sat  down  with  him  and 
 his  disciples. 
 
 11  And  when  the  Pharisees  saw  it,  they 
 
 see  through  the  storm  to  the  quiet  shore,  and  encourage  ourselves 
 with  hope  that  we  shall  weather  our  point.  The  fearfulness  of 
 Christ’s  disciples  in  a  storm,  and  their  unbelief  the  cause  of  it,  is 
 very  displeasing  to  the  Lord  Jesus,  for  it  reflects  dishonour  upon 
 him,  and  creates  disturbance  to  themselves. 
 
 28 — 34.  We  have  here  the  story  of  Christ’s  casting  the  devils 
 out  of  two  men  that  were  possessed  The  scope  of  this  chapter  is 
 to  shew  the  divine  power  of  Christ  by  the  instances  of  his  dominion 
 over  bodily  diseases,  which  to  us  are  irresistible;  overwinds  and 
 waves,  which  to  us  arc  most  formidable  of  all.  Christ  has  not  only 
 all  power  in  Heaven  and  earth,  and  all  deep  places,  but  has  the 
 keys  of  Hell  too.  Principalities  and  powers  were  made  subject  to 
 him,  even  while  he  was  in  his  estate  of  humiliation,  as  an  earnest 
 of  what  should  be  at  his  entrance  into  his  glory,  Eph.  i.  21,  he 
 spoiled  them.  Col.  ii.  15.  It  was  observed  in  general,  v.  16',  that 
 Christ  cast  out  his  spirits  with  his  word  :  here  we  have  a  particular 
 instance  of  it,  which  had  some  circumstances  more  remarkable 
 than  the  rest.  This  miracle  was  wrought  m  the  country  of  the 
 Gergesenes,  some  think  they  were  the  remains  of  the  old  Girga- 
 ^ites,  Deut.  vii.  1.  Though  Christ  was  sent  chi^ifly  to  the  lost 
 sheep  of  the  house  of  Israel,  yet  some  sallies  he  made  out  among 
 the  birderQrs,  as  here  to  gain  this  victory  over  Satan,  which  was 
 a  specimen  ot  rt»o  conquest  of  his  legions  in  the  Gentile  world. 
 
 CHAP.  IX.  1 — 8.  As  sin  is  the  cause  of  sickness,  so  the  remis¬ 
 sion  of  sin  is  the  comfort  of  recovery  from  sickness  ;  not  but  that 
 sin  may  be  pardoned,  and  yet  the  sickness  not  removed  ;  not  but 
 that  the  sickness  may  be  removed,  and  yet  the  sin  not  pardoned. 
 But  if  we  have  the  comfort  of  our  reconciliation  to  God,  with  the 
 comfort  of  our  recovery  from  sickness,  this  makes  it  a  mercy  in¬ 
 deed  to  us,  as  to  Hezekiah,  Isaj  xxxvrii.  17. 
 
 9 — IS'.'  In  these  verses  we  have  an  account  of  the  grace  and  fa¬ 
 vour  of  Christ  to  poor  publicans,  particularly  to  Matthew.  What 
 he  did  to  the  bodies  of  people  was  to  make  way  for  a  kind  design 
 he  had  upon  their  souls.  None  can  justify  themselves  in  their  un¬ 
 belief  by  their  calling  in  the  world;  for  there  is  no  sinful  calling 
 but  some  have  been  saved  out  of  it,  and  no  lawful  calling  but  some 
 have  been  saved  in  it. 
 
 It  was  the  extreme  necessity  of  poor  lost  sinners  that  brought 
 Christ  from  the  pure  regions  above  to  these  impure  ones,  and  the 
 same  was  it  that  brought  him  into  this  company  'vhich  was  thought 
 impure.  The  publicans  are  sick,  and  they  need  one  to  help  and 
 heal  them,  which  the  Pharisees  think  they  do  not.  There  are 
 multitudes  who  conceit  themselves  to  be  sound  and  whole,  think 
 they  have  no  need  of  Christ,  but  that  they  can  shift  for  themselves 
 well  enough  without  them,  as  Laodicea,  Rev.  iii,  17.  Thus  the 
 Pharisees  desired  not  the  knowledge  of  Christ’s  word  and  ways 
 
 349 
 
ST.  MATTHEW. 
 
 said  unto  his  disciples,  Why  eateth  your  mas- 
 ter  with  publicans  and  sinners  ? 
 
 12  But  when  Jesus  heard  'that,  he  said 
 unto  them,  They  that  be  whole  need  not  a 
 physician,  but  they  that  are  sick. 
 
 mean- 
 
 etli,  1  will  have  mercy,  and  not  sacrifice  : 
 tor  1  am  not  come  to  call  the  righteous,  but 
 sinners  to  repentance. 
 
 14  Then  came  to  him  the  disciples  of 
 John,  saying.  Why  do  we  and  the  Pharisees 
 tast  oft,  but  thy  disciples  fast  not  ? 
 
 15  And  Jesus  said  unto  them.  Can  the 
 children  of  the  bride-chamber  mourn,  as 
 long  as  the  bridegroom  is  with  them  ?  but 
 the  days  will  come  when  the  bridegroom 
 
 shall  be  taken  from  them,  and  then  shall 
 they  fast. 
 
 16  No  man  putteth  a  piece  of  new  cloth 
 unto  an  old  garment ;  for  that  Avhich  is  put 
 in  to  fill  it  up  taketh  from  the  garment,  and 
 the  rent  is  made  Avorse. 
 
 17  Neither  do  men  put  neAv  wine  into  old 
 bottles  ;  else  the  bottles  break,  and  the  wine 
 runneth  out,  and  the  bottles  perish  :  but 
 they  put  neAv  Avine  into  new  bottles,  and 
 both  are  preserved. 
 
 18  ^  While  he  spake  these  things  unto 
 them,  behold,  there  came  a  certain  ruler, 
 and  Avorshipped  him,  saying.  My  daughter 
 is  even  noAv  dead  :  but  come  and  lay  thy 
 hand  upon  her,  and  she  shall  live. 
 
 19  And  Jesus  arose  and  folloAved  him,  and 
 so  did  his  disciples. 
 
 not  because  they  had  no  need  of  him,  but  because  they  thought 
 
 they  had  none.  See  John  ix.  40,41.  He  urgeth  the  nature  and 
 end  of  his  own  commission  :  I  am  not  come  to  call  the  righteous 
 but  sinners  to  repentance.  His  errand  lay,  not  with  the  righteous' 
 but  with  sinners.  That  is,  (1.)  If  the  children  of  men  had  not  been 
 sinners,  there  had  been  no  occasion  for  Christ’s  coming  among 
 them.  (2.)  Therefore  his  greatest  business  lies  with  the  greatest 
 sinners  ;  the  more  dangerous  the  sick  man’s  case  is,  the  more  oc¬ 
 casion  there  is  for  the  physician’s  help.  (3.)  The  more  sensible 
 any  sinners  are  of  their  sinfulness,  the  more  welcome  will  Christ 
 and  his  Gospel,  be  to  them  :  and  everyone  chuseth  to  go  where 
 their  company  is  desired  not  to  those  who  would  rather  have  their 
 room. 
 
 14—17.  It  appears  by  the  other  Evangelists,  Mark  ii.  18,  and 
 Luke  V.  33,  that  the  disciples  of  the  Pharisees  joined  with,  and  we 
 have  reason  to  suspect,  set  them  on,  making  use  of  John’s  disci¬ 
 ples  as  their  spokesmen,  because  they  being  more  in  favour  with 
 Christ,  and  nearer  allied  to  his  disciples,  could  do  it  more  plausi- 
 my.  It  is  no  new  thing  for  bad  men  to  set  good  men  together  by 
 the  ears;  if  the  people  of  God  differ  in  their  sentiments,  designing 
 men  will  take  that  occasion  to  sow  discord,  and  to  incense  them 
 one  against  another,  and  alienate  them  one  from  another,  and  so 
 to  make  an  easy  prey  of  them.  Two  things  Christ  pleads  in  de- 
 
 20  f  (And,  behold,  a  Avoman,  Avhich  Avas 
 diseased  Avith  an  issue  of  blood  twelve  years 
 came  behind  him,  and  touched  the  hem  of 
 his  garment : 
 
 21  For  she  said  within  himself.  If  I  may 
 but  touch  his  garment  I  shall  be  Avhole. 
 
 22  But  Jesus  turned  him  about;  and 
 when  he  saAv  her,  he  said.  Daughter,  be  of 
 good  comfort;  thy  faith  hath  made  thee 
 whole.  (And  the  Avoman  Avas  made  whole 
 from  that  hour.) 
 
 23  ^  And  Avhen  Jesus  came  into  the  ruWs 
 
 house,  and  saw  the  minstrels  and  the  people 
 making  a  noise,  ^ 
 
 24  He  said  unto  them.  Give  place ;  for 
 the  maid  is  not  dead,  but  sleepeth.  And 
 they  laughed  him  to  scorn. 
 
 25  But  Avhen  the  people  were  put  forth  he 
 Avent  in,  and  took  her  by  the  hand,  and  the 
 maid  arose. 
 
 26  And  the  fame  hereof  Avent  abroad  into 
 all  that  land. 
 
 27  f  And  when  Jesus  departed  thence 
 tAA^o  blind  men  folloAved  him,  crying,  and 
 saying.  Thou  Son  of  David,  ha\'e  mercy  on  us. 
 
 28  And  Avhen  he  Avas  come  into  the  house 
 the  blind  men  came  to  him  :  and  Jesus  saith 
 unto  them.  Believe  ye  that  I  am  able  to  do 
 this  ?  They  said  unto  him.  Yea,  Lord. 
 
 29  Then  touched  he  their  eyes,  saying. 
 According  to  your  faith  be  it  unto  you. 
 
 30  And  their  eyes  Avere  opened  :  and  Je¬ 
 sus  straitly  charged  them,  saying,  See  thaf 
 no  man  knoAv  it 
 
 fence  of  their  not  fasting.  Now  (1.)  The  disciples  of  Christ  were 
 the  children  of  the  bride-chamber,  invited  to  the  wedding-feast, 
 and  welcome  there :  the  disciples  of  the  Pharisees  were  not  so, 
 but  children  of  the  bond-woman.  Gal.  iv.  25—31,  continuing  under 
 a  dispensation  of  darkness  and  terror.  (2.)  The  disciples  of  Christ 
 had  the  bridegroom  [with  them,  which  the  disciples  of  John  had 
 not ;  their  master  was  now  cast  into  prison,  and  lay  there  in  con¬ 
 tinual  danger  of  his  life,  and  therefore  it  was  seasonable  for  them 
 to  fast  oft. 
 
 18 — 26.  Scorners  that  laugh  at  what  tney  see  and  hear  that  is 
 above  their  capacity,  and  not  proper  witnesses  of  the  wonderful 
 works  of  Christ,  the  glory  of  which  lies  not  in  pomp,  but  in 
 power.  The  widow’s  son  at  Nain,  and  Lazarus,  were  raised  from 
 the  dead  openly,  but  this  damsel  privately,  for  Capernaum  that 
 had  slighted  the  lesser  miracles  of  restoring  health,  was  unworthy 
 to  see  the  greater  of  restoring  life.  These  pearls  were  not  to  be 
 cast  before  those  that  would  trample  them  under  their  feet. 
 
 27 — 34.  Christ  is  the  fountain  of  light  as  well  as  life,  and  as  by 
 raising  the  dead  he  shewed  himself  to  be  the  same  that  at  first 
 breathed  into  man  the  breath  of  life,  so  by  giving  sight  to  the 
 blind  he  shewed  himself  to  be  the  same  that  at  first  commanded 
 the  light  to  shine  out  of  darkness.  See  the  calamitous  state  of  this 
 world,  and  how  various  the  afflictions  of  the  afflicted  are ;  we  ha'  c 
 
CHAP.  X. 
 
 31  But  they,  when  they  were  departed, 
 spread  abroad  his  fame  in  all  that  country. 
 
 32  n  As  they  went  out,  behold,  they 
 brought  to  him  a  dumb  man  possessed  with 
 a  devil. 
 
 33  And  when  the  devil  was  cast  out,  the 
 dumb  spake  ;  and  the  multitudes  marvelled, 
 saying,  it  was  never  so  seen  in  Israel. 
 
 34  But  the  Pharisees  said.  He  casteth 
 out  devils  through  the  prince  of  the  devils. 
 
 35  And  Jesus  went  about  all  the  cities 
 and  villages,  teaching  in  their  synagogues, 
 and  preaching  the  gospel  of  the  kingdom, 
 and  healing  every  sickness,  and  every  disease, 
 among  the  people. 
 
 •  36  ^  But  when  he  saw  the  multitudes  he 
 was  moved  with  compassion  on  them,  be¬ 
 cause  they  fainted,  and  were  scattered 
 abroad,  as  sheep  having  no  shepherd. 
 
 37  Then  saith  he  unto  his  disciples.  The 
 harvest  truly  is  plenteous,  but  the  labourers 
 are  few ; 
 
 38  Pray  ye,  therefore,  the  Lord  of  the 
 harvest,  that  he  will  send  forth  labourers 
 into  his  harvest. 
 
 CHAP.  X. 
 
 The  apostles  sent  forth. 
 
 >4  ND  when  he  had  called  U7ito  him  his 
 twelve  disciples,  he  gave  them  power 
 against  unclean  spirits,  to  cast  them  out, 
 and  to  heal  all  manner  of  sickness,  and  all 
 manner  of  disease. 
 
 2  Now  the  names  of  the  twelve  apostles 
 are  these ;  The  first,  Simon,  who  is  called 
 Peter,  and  Andrew  his  brother ;  James  the 
 son  of  Zebedee,  and  John  his  brother; 
 
 no  sooner  dismissed  two  blind  men,  but  we  meet  with  a  dumb 
 man.  How  thankful  sh(juld  we  be  to  God  for  our  sight  and  speech. 
 
 35 — 38.  Jesus  Christ  is  a  very  compassionate  friend  to  precious 
 souls.  Here  his  bowels  do  in  a  special  manner  yearn.  It  was  pity 
 to  souls  that  brought  hirn  from  heaven  to  earth,  and  there  to  the 
 cross.  Misery  is  the  object  of  mercy,  and  the  miseries  of  sinful 
 self-destroying  souls  arp  the  greatest  miseries.  Christ  pities  those 
 most  that  pity  themselves  least ;  so  should  we.  The  most  Christian 
 compassion  is  compassion  to  souls;  it  is  most  Christ-like. 
 
 CHAP.  X.  1—4.  The  gospel-church  must  be  the  Israel  of  God, 
 the  Jews  must  be  first  invited  into  it;  the  apostles  must  be  spiritual 
 fathers  to  beget  a  seed  to  Christ.  .  Israel  after  the  flesh  is  to  be  re¬ 
 jected  for  their  infidelity,  these  twelve  therefore  are  appointed  to 
 be  the  fathers  of  another  Israel.  These  twelve  by  their  doctrine 
 were  to  judge  the  twelve  tribes  of  Israel,  Luke  .\.\ii.  30.  These 
 were  the  twelve  stars  that  made  up  the  church’s  crown.  Rev.  xii. 
 
 1,  the  twelve  foundations  of  the  new  Jerusalem,  Rev.  xxi.  12,  14, 
 typihed  by  the  twelve  precious  stones  in  Aaron’s  breast-plate,  the 
 twelve  loa^s  on  the  table  of  shew-bread,  the  twelve  wells  of  water 
 
 ^  V  famous  jury  that  was  empannelled  to  in- 
 
 Vol.  11.  78  2  7 
 
 3  Philip,  and  Bartholomew ;  Thomas, 
 and  Matthew  the  publican ;  James  the  son 
 of  Alpheus,  and  Lebbeus,  whose  surname 
 was  Thaddeus  ; 
 
 4  Simon  the  Canaanite,  and  Judas  Isca¬ 
 riot,  who  also  betrayed  him. 
 
 5  f  These  twelve  Jesus  sent  forth,  and 
 commanded  them,  saying,  Go  not  into  the 
 way  of  the  Gentiles,  and  into  any  city  of  the 
 Samaritans  enter  ye  not : 
 
 6  But  go  rather  to  the  lost  sheep  of  the 
 house  of  Israel. 
 
 7  And,  as  ye  go,  preach,  saying.  The 
 kingdom  of  heaven  is  at  hand. 
 
 8  Heal  the  sick,  cleanse  the  lepers,  raise 
 the  dead,  cast  out  devils  :  freely  ye  have 
 received,  freely  give. 
 
 9  Provide  neither  gold,  nor  silver,  nor 
 brass,  in  your  purses, 
 
 10  Nor  scrip  for  your  journey,  neither 
 two  coats,  neither  shoes,  nor  yet  staves ; 
 for  the  workman  is  worthy  of  his  meat. 
 
 n  And  into  whatsoever  city  or  town  ye 
 shall  enter,  inquire  who  in  it  is  worthy  ;  and 
 there  abide  till  ye  go  thence. 
 
 ,  12  And  when  ye  come  into  an  house,  sa¬ 
 lute  it. 
 
 13  And  if  the  house  be  worthy  let  your 
 peace  come  upon  it :  but  if  it  be  not  worthy, 
 let  your  peace  return  to  you. 
 
 14  And  whosoever  shall  not  receive  you, 
 nor  hear  your  words,  when  ye  depart  out  of 
 that  house  or  city,  shake  off  the  dust  of 
 your  feet. 
 
 15  Verily  I  say  unto  you.  It  shall  be  more 
 tolerable  for  the  land  of  Sodom  and  Go- 
 
 quire  between  the  King  of.kings,  and  the  body  of  mankind,  and  in 
 this  chapter  they  have  their  charge  given  them  by  him  to  whom  all 
 judgment  was  committed. 
 
 Gentiles  must  not  have  the  gospel  brought  them  till 
 the  Jews  have  first  refused  it.  As  to  the  Samaritans,  who  were 
 the  posterity  of  that  mungrel  people  that  the  king  of  Assvria  plant¬ 
 ed  about  Samaria,  their  country  lay  between  Judea  and  Galilee, 
 so  that  they  could  not  avoid  going  into  the  wav  of  the  Samaritans 
 but  they  must  not  enter  into  any  of  their  cities.'  Christ  had  a  par¬ 
 ticular  and  very  tender  concern  for  the  house  of  Israel  •  they 
 w'ere  beloved  for  the  Father’s  sake,  Rom.  xi.  28.  The  preaching 
 this  was  like  the  morning  light,  to  give  notice  of  the  approach  ol 
 the  rising  sun.  Those  that  had  power  to  heal  all  diseases,  had  an 
 opportunity  to  enrich  themselves  ;  who  would  not  purchase  such 
 easy  certain  cures  at  any  rate Therefore  thev  arc  cautioned  not 
 to  make  a  gam  of  the  power  they  had  to  work'miracles.  Religion 
 teacheth  us  to  be  courteous  and  civil,  and  obliging  to  all  with 
 whom  we  have  to  do.  Though  the  apostles  went  out  backed  with 
 the  authority  of  the  Son  ot  God  himself,  yet  their  instructi.jns 
 were,  when  they  came  into  a  house,  not  to  command  it,  but  t© 
 
ST.  MATTHEW. 
 
 morrha  in  the  day  of  j  udgment  than  for  that 
 city. 
 
 16  ^  Behold,  I  send  3mu  forth  as  sheep 
 in  the  midst  ot  wolves  :  be  3"e,  therefore, 
 wise  as  serpents,  and  harmless  as  doves. 
 
 17  But  bewmre  of  men ;  for  they  will  de¬ 
 liver  up  to  the  councils,  and  they  will 
 scourge  you  in  their  synagogues  : 
 
 18  And  ye  shall  be  brought  before  gover¬ 
 nors  and  kings  for  my^  sake,  for  a  testimony 
 against  them  and  the  Gentiles. 
 
 19  But  when  they  deliver  you  up,  take 
 no  thought  how  or  what  ye  shall  speak ;  for 
 it  shall  be  given  you  in  that  same  hour  what 
 ye  shall  speak  : 
 
 20  For  it  is  not  ye  that  speak,  but  the 
 Spirit  of  your  Father  which  speaketh  in  you. 
 
 2'1  And  the  brother  shall  deliver  up  the 
 brother  to  death,  and  the  father  the  child  : 
 and  the  children  shall  rise  up  against  theh' 
 parents,  and  cause  them  to  be  put  to  death. 
 
 22  And  ye  shall  be  hated  of  all  nieii  for 
 my  name’s  sake.;  but  he  that  endureth  to  the 
 end  shall  be  saved. 
 
 23  But  when  they  persecute  you  in  this 
 city^,  flee  ye  into  another  :  for  verily  I  say 
 unto  you.  Ye  shall  not  have  gone  over  the 
 cities  of  Israel  till  the  Son  of  man  be  come. 
 
 24  The  disciple  is  not  above  his  master, 
 nor  the  serv^ant  above  his  lord. 
 
 as  his  master,  and  the  servant  as  his  lord 
 It  they  have  called  the  Master  of  the  house 
 Beelzebub,  how  much  more  shall  they  call 
 them  of  his  household  ? 
 
 26  Fear  them  not  therefore  :  for  there  is 
 nothing  covered,  that  shall  not  be  revealed  ; 
 and  hid,  that  shall  not  be  known. 
 
 27  What  I  tell  you  in  darkness,  that  speak 
 ye  in  light ;  and  what  ye  hear  in  the  ear, 
 that  preach  ye  upon  the  house-tops. 
 
 28  And  fear  not  them  which  kill  the  bo¬ 
 dy,  but  are  not  able  to  kill  the  soul :  but  ra¬ 
 ther  fear  him  which  is  able  to  destroy  both 
 soul  and  body  in  hell. 
 
 29  Are  not  two  sparrows  sold  for  a  far¬ 
 thing  ?  and  one  of  them  shall  not  fall  on  the 
 ground  without  your  Father. 
 
 30  But  the  very  hairs  of  your  head  are  all 
 numbered. 
 
 31  Fear  ye  not  therefore,  ye  are  of  more 
 value  than  many  sparrows. 
 
 32  Whosoever,  therefore,  shall  confess 
 me  before  men,  him  will  I  confess  also  be¬ 
 fore  my  Father  which  is  in  heaven. 
 
 33  But  whosoever  shall  deny  me  before 
 men,  him  will  I  also  deny  before  my  Father 
 which  is  in  heaven. 
 
 34  Think  not  that  I  am  come  to  send 
 peace  on  earth  :  I  came  not  to  send  peace, 
 but  a  sword. 
 
 25  It  is  enough  for  the  disciple  that  he  be 
 
 35  For  I  am  come  to  set  a  man  at  variance 
 
 salute  it ;  for  love’s  sake  rather  to  beseech,  is  the  evangelical  way, 
 Phil.  viii.  9-  Souls  are  first  drawn  to  Christ  with  the  cords  of  a 
 man,  and  kept  to  him  by  the  bands  of  love,  Hos.  xi.  4. 
 
 l5' — 42.  All  these  verses  relate  to  the  sufferings  of  Christ’s  minis¬ 
 ters  in  their  work,  which  they  are  here  taught  to  expect  and  pre¬ 
 pare  for,  and  are  directed  how  to  bear  them,  and  how  to  go  on 
 with  their  work  in  the  midst  of  them.  And  this  part  of  the  sermon 
 looks  filrther  than  to  their  present  mission  ;  for  we  find  not  that 
 they  met  with  any  great  hardships  or  persecutions  while  Christ 
 was  with  them,  nor  were  they  well  able  to  bear  them  ;  but  they 
 are  here  forewarned  of  the  troubles  they  should  meet  with,  when 
 after  Christ’s  resurrection  their  commission  should  be  enlarged, 
 and  the  kingdom  of  Heaven,  which  was  now  at  hand,  should  be  ac¬ 
 tually  set  up:  they  dreamed  of  nothing  then  but  outward  pomp 
 and  power,  but  Christ  tells  them  they  must  expect  greater  suffer¬ 
 ings  than  they  were  yet  called  to  ;  that  they  should  then  be  made 
 prisoners,  when  they  expected  to  be  made  princes.  It  is  good  to 
 be  told  what  troubles  we  may  hereafter  meet  with,  that  we  may 
 provide  accordingly,  and  may  not  boast,  as  if  we  had  put  off  the 
 harness,  when  we  are  yet  but  girding  it  on. 
 
 We  have  here  intermixed  (1.)  predictions  of  trouble;  and  (:2.) 
 prescriptions  of  counsel  and  comfort  with  reference  to  it.  These 
 sufferings  are  here  represented  by  a  sword,  and  division,  34,  35. 
 Think  nolthat  I  am  cume  to  send  peace,  i.  e.  temporal  peace,  and 
 outward  prosperity.  They  thought  Christ  came  to  give  all  his  fol¬ 
 lowers  wealth  and  power  in  the  world  ;  no,  saith  Christ,  I  did  not 
 come  so  much  as  to  give  them  peace.  Peace  in  Heaven  they  may 
 be  sure  of,  but  not  peace  on  earth.  Christ  came  to  give  us  peace 
 
 with  God,  peace  in  our  consciences,  peace  with  our  brethren,  but 
 in  the  world  ye  shall  have  tribulation.  OiTook  not  for  peace,  but 
 division,  35,  I  am  come  to  set  men  at  variance.  This  effect  of 
 the  preaching  of  the  gospel  is  not  the  fault  of  the  gospel,  but  of 
 those  that  do  not  receive  it.  When  some  believe  the  things  that 
 are  spoken,  and  others  believe  them  not,  the  faith  of  those  that 
 believe  condemns  those  that  believe  not,  and  therefore  they  have, 
 an  enmity  to  them  that  believe.  With  these  predictions  of  trouble 
 we  have  here  prescriptions  of  counsels,  and  comforts  for  a  time  of 
 trial.  He  sends  them  out  exposed  to  danger  indeed,  and  expect¬ 
 ing  it,  but  withal  well  armed  with  instructions  and  encourage¬ 
 ments  sufficient  to  bear  them  up,  and  bear  them  out  in  all  these 
 trials.  Let  us  gather  up  what  he  saith.  Fust,  By  way  of  counsel 
 and  direction  in  several  things.  1.  Be  wise  as  serpents,  I6'. 
 You  may  be  as  wary  as  you  please,  provided  you  be  harmless  as 
 doves.  But  it  is  rather  to  be  taken  as  a  precept,  recommending 
 to  us  that  wisdom  of  the  prudent,  which  is  to  understand  his  w  ay, 
 as  useful  at  all  times,  but  especially  in  suffering  times.  2.  Be  ye 
 jarmless  as  doves.  3.  Beware  of  men,  17,  be  always  upon  your 
 guard,  and  avoid  dangerous  company ;  take  heed  what  you  sa}' 
 and  do,  and  presume  not  too  far  upon  any  man’s  fi^Jelity.  ,'4.  Take 
 no  thought  how,  or  what  ye  shall  speak,  19-  When  ye  are  brought 
 :)efbre  magistrates,  carry  yourselves  decently,  but  afflict  not  your¬ 
 selves  with  care  how  you  shall  come  off.  A  prudent  thought  there 
 must  be,  but  not  an  anxious,  perplexing,  disquieting  thought; 
 et  this  care  be  cast  upon  God  as  well  as  that,  what  you  shall  eat, 
 and  what  you  shall  dripk.  Do  not  study  to  make  fine  speeches, 
 ad  captandam  bencvoleniiam  ;  affect  not  quaint  e.xpressions,  flou- 
 
 352 
 
r 
 
 'i' 
 
 \ 
 
 ,r‘’ ' 
 
 4 
 
CHAP.  XL 
 
 against  his  father,  and  the  daughter  against! 
 her  mother,  and  the  daughter-in-law  against  ‘ 
 her  mother-in-law. 
 
 36  And  a  man's  foes  shall  he  they  of  his 
 own  household. 
 
 37  He  that  loveth  father  or  mother  more 
 than  me,  is  not  worthy  of  me ;  and  he  that 
 loveth  son  or  daughter  more  than  me,  is  not 
 worthy  of  me  ; 
 
 38  And  he  that  taketh  not  his  cross,  and 
 followeth  after  me,  is  not  worthy  of  me. 
 
 39  He  that  findeth  his  life  shall  lose  it ; 
 and  he  that  loseth  his  life  for  my  sake  shall 
 find  it. 
 
 40  ^  He  that  receiveth  you,  receiveth 
 me ;  and  he  that  receiveth  me,  receiveth 
 him  that  sent  me. 
 
 41  He  that  receiveth  a  prophet  in  the 
 name  of  a  prophet,  shall  receive  a  prophet's 
 reward  ;  and  he  that  receiveth  a  righteous 
 man  in  the  name  of  a  righteous  man,  shall 
 receive  a  righteous  man's  reward." 
 
 42  And  whosoever  shall  give  to  drink  unto 
 one  of  these  little  ones  a  cup  of  cold  water 
 only  in  the  name  of  a  disciple,  verily  I  say 
 unto  you.  He  shall  in  no  wise  lose  his  re¬ 
 ward. 
 
 rishes  of  wit,  and  laboured  periods,  which  only  serve  to  gild  a  bad 
 cause,  the  gold  of  a  good  one  needs  it  not.  5.  When  they  persecute 
 you  in  this  city,  flee  to  another,  23.  6.  Fear  them  not,  26',  be¬ 
 cause  they  can  but  kill  the  body,  28,  Those  that  truly  fear  God, 
 need  not  fear  man,  and  those  that  are  afraid  of  the  least  sin,  need 
 not  be  afraid  of'the  greatest  trouble.  7-  What  I  tell  you  in  dark¬ 
 ness,  that  speak  ye  in  light,  27.  i.  e.  Whatever  hazards  you  run,  go 
 on  with  your  work,  publishing  and  proclaiming  the  everlasting  gos¬ 
 pel  to  all  the  world  ;  -that  is  your  business,  nund  that. 
 
 Secondly,  By  way  of  comfort  and  encouragement.  Here  is  very 
 much  said  to  that  purpose,  and  all  little  enough,  considering  the 
 many  hardships  they  were  to  grapple  with,  throughout  the  course 
 of  their  ministry,  and  their  present  weakness,  which  was  such  as 
 that  without  some  powerful  support  they  could  scarce  bear  even 
 the  prospect  of  such  usage  ;  Christ  therefore  shews  them  why  they 
 should  be  of  good  cheer.  1.  Here  is  one  word  peculiar  to  their 
 present  mission,  and  their  expedition  upon  it,  23.  Ye  shall  not 
 have  gone  over  the  cities  of  Israel  till  the  Son  of  man  be  come. 
 They  were  to  preach  that  the  kingdom  of  the  Son  of  man,  i.  e.  the 
 Messiah,  was  at  hand  ;  they  were  to  pray,  Thy  kingdom  come ; 
 Now  they  should  not  have  gone  over  all  the  cities  of  Israel,  thus 
 praying  and  thus  preaching,  before  that  kingdom  they  spoke  of 
 should  come  in  the  exaltation  of  Christ,  and  the  pouring  out  of 
 the  Spirit.  2.  Here  are  many  words  that  relate  to  their  work  in 
 general,  and  the  troubles  they  were  to  meet  with  in  it.  And  they 
 are  good  words,  and  comfortable  words.  1.  That  their  sufferings 
 were  for  a  testimony  against  them  and  the  Gentiles,  18.  2.  That 
 
 upon  all  occasions  they  should  have  God’s  special  presence  with, 
 them,  and  the  immediate  assistance  of  his  holy  Spirit,  particularly 
 when  they  should  be  called  out  to  bear  their  testimony  before  go- 
 vernovs  and  kings,  it  shall  be  given  you  in  that  same  hour  what  ye 
 shall  speak.  3.  That  he  that  endures  to  the  end,  shall  be  saved, 
 22.  4.  That  whatever  hard  usage  the  disciples  of  Christ  meet 
 with,  it  is  no  more  than  what  their  master  met  with  before,  24, 
 
 CHAP.  XI 
 
 I.  The  diligence  of  Jesus  in  preaching,  1.  II.  His  discourse  with 
 the  disciples  of  John,  2 — 6'.  III.  The  testimony  that  Christ 
 bore  to  John,  7 — 15.  IV.  The  sad  account  he  gives  of  some 
 places,  with  reference  to  the  success  of  the  gosnel,  16' — 24.  V. 
 Ilis  thanksgiving  to  his  Father,  25,  26.  VT.  His  invitation  to 
 sinners,  27 — 30. 
 
 ND  it  came  to  pass,  when  Jesus  had 
 made  an  end  of  commanding  his  twelve 
 disciples,  he  departed  thence,  to  teach  and 
 to  preach  in  their  cities. 
 
 2  %  Now,  when  John  had  heard  in  the 
 prison  the  works  of  Christ,  he  sent  two  of 
 his  disciples, 
 
 3  And  said  unto  him.  Art  thou  he  that 
 should  come,  or  do  we  look  for  another? 
 
 4  Jesus  answered,  and  said  unto  them. 
 Go,  and  shew  John  again  those  things  w  hich 
 ye  do  hear  and  see  : 
 
 5  The  blind  receive  their  sight,  and  the 
 lame  walk  ;  the  lepers  are  cleansed,  and  the 
 deaf  hear ;  the  dead  are  raised  up,  and  the 
 poor  have  the  gospel  preached  to  them. 
 
 6  And  blessed  is  he  whosoever  shall  not 
 be  offended  in  me. 
 
 7  %  And,  as  they  departed,  Jesus  began 
 to  say  unto  the  multitudes  concerning  John, 
 What  went  ye  out  into  the  wdlderness  to 
 see  ?  A  reed  shaken  with  the  wind  ? 
 
 25.  5.  That  there  is  nothing  covered  that  shall  not  be  revealed, 
 
 26.  We  understand  this,  (1.)  Of  the  revealing  of  the  gospel  to 
 
 all  the  world.  (2.)  Of  the  clearing  up  of  the  innocency  of  Christ’s 
 suffering  servants  that  are  called  Beelzebub ;  their  true  character 
 is  now  invidiously  blackened  with  false  colours,  but  however  their 
 innocency  and  excellency  is  now  covered,  it  shall  be  revealed. 
 6.  That  the  providence  of  God  is,  in  a  special  manner,  conversant 
 about  the  saints  in  their  sufferings,  29,  30,  31.  It  is  good  to 
 have  recourse  to  our  first  principles,  and  particularly  to  the  doc¬ 
 trine  of  God’s  universal  providence,  extending  itself  to  all  the 
 creatures,  and  all  their  actions,  even  the  smallest  and  most  minute. 
 The  light  of  nature  teacheth  us  this,  and  it  is  comfortable  to  all 
 men,  but  especially  to  all  good  men  ;  who  can  in  faith  call  this 
 God  their  Father,  and  for  whom  he  has  a  tender  concern.  7-  That 
 he  will  shortly,  in  the  day  of  triumph,  own  those  that  now  own 
 him  in  the  day  of  trial,  when  those  that  deny  him  shall  be  for  ever 
 disowned  and  rejected  by  him,  32,  33.  8.  That  the  foundation 
 
 of  their  discipleship  was  laid  in  such  a  temper  and  disposition 
 as  would  make  sufferings  very  light  and  easy  to  them,  and  it  was 
 upon  the  condition  of  a  preparedness  for  suffering  that  Christ  took 
 them  to  be  his  followers,  37,  38,  39-  He  told  them  at  first  thev 
 were  not  worthy  of  him,  if  they  were  not  willing  to  part  with  afl 
 for  him.  9-  That  Christ  himself  would  so  heartily  espouse  their 
 cause,  as  to  sht^  himself  a  friend  to  all  their  friends,  and  to  repay 
 all  the  kindnesses  that  should  at  any  time  be  bestowed  upon  them, 
 40,  41,  42.  He  that  receiveth  you,  receiveth  ine. 
 
 CHAP.  XI.  1 — 6.  Perhaps  John  foresaw  his  death  approach¬ 
 ing,  and  therefore  vvould  bring  his^disciples  to  be  better  acquainted 
 with  Christ  under  whose  guardianship  he  must  leave  them.  ^li- 
 nisters’  business  is  to  direct  every  body  to  Christ. 
 
 7 — 15.  We  have  here  the  high  encomium  which  our  Lord  Jesus 
 gave  of  John  Baptist ;  not  only  to  revive  his  honour,  but  to  revive 
 his  work.  Some  of  Christ’s  disciples  might  perhaps  take  occasion 
 from  the  question  John  sent,  to  reflect  upon  him  as  weak  and  wa- 
 
 353 
 
ST.  MATTHEW. 
 
 8  But  what  went.  3'e  out  for  to  see  ?  A 
 man  clothed  in  soft  raiment  ?  bcliold,  they 
 that  wear  soft  clothin<y  are  in  kind’s  houses. 
 
 9  But  what  went  ye  out  for  to  see  ?  A 
 prophet?  3"ea,  I  say  unto  you,  and  more 
 than  a  prophet. 
 
 10  For  this  is  he,  of  Avhom  it  is  written, 
 Behold,  I  send  my  messenger  before  thy 
 face,  which  shall  prepare  thy  way  before 
 thee. 
 
 11  Verily  I  say  unto  you.  Among  them 
 that  are  born  of  women,  there  hath  not  risen 
 a  greater  than  John  the  Baptist ;  notwith¬ 
 standing,  he  that  is  least  in  the  kingdom  of 
 heaven  is  greater  than  he. 
 
 12  And  from  the  days  of  John  the  Bap¬ 
 tist  until  now  the  kingdom  of  heaven  suffer- 
 eth  violence,  and  the  violent  take  it  by 
 force. 
 
 13  For  all  the  prophets  and  the  law  pro¬ 
 phesied  until  John. 
 
 14  And  if  ye  will  receive  it,  this  is  Elias 
 which  was  for  to  come. 
 
 15  He  that  hath  ears  to  hear,  let  him 
 hear. 
 
 16  But  whereunto  shall  I  liken  this  ge¬ 
 neration  ?  It  is  like  unto  children  sitting 
 in  the  markets,  and  calling  unto  their  fel¬ 
 lows, 
 
 17  And  saying,  We  have  piped  unto  you, 
 and  ye  have  not  danced  ;  we  have  mourned 
 unto  you,  and  ye  have  not  lamented. 
 
 18  For  John  came  neither  eating  nor  drink¬ 
 ing,  and  they  say.  He  hath  a  devil. 
 
 vpring,  and  inconsistent  with  himself,  to  prevent  which,  Christ 
 gives  him  this  character.  His  greatest  commendation  ot  all  was 
 his  office  and  ministry,  which  was  more  his  honour  than  any  per¬ 
 sonal  endowments  or  qualifications  could  be.  He  was  a  prophet, 
 yea,  and  more  than  a  prophet,  9-  Yet  this  high  encomium  of 
 lohn  hath  a  surprising  limitation,  notwithstanding,  he  that  is  least 
 in  the  kingdom  of  Heaven  is  greater  than  he.  John  came  to  the 
 dawning  of  the  gospel-day,  and  therein  e.xcelled  the  foregoing 
 prophets,  but  he  was  taken  off  before  the  noon  of  that  day,  l>efore 
 the  rending  of  the  veil,  before  Christ’s  death  and  resurrection,  and 
 the  pouring  out  of  the  Spirit ;  so  that  the  least  of  the  ap(>stlcs  and 
 evangelists,  having  greater  discoveries  made  to  them,  and  being 
 employed  in  a  greater  embassy,  is  greater  than  John.  John  did  no 
 miracles,  the  apostles  wrought  many.  Our  Lord  Jesus  closeth  this 
 discourse  with  a  solemn  demand  of  attention,  15,  He  that  hath  ears 
 to  hear,  let  him  hear.  ^Vhich  intimates,  that  those  things  were 
 nard  to  be  understood,  and  therefore  needed  attention  but  of 
 great  concern,  and  therefore  well  deserved  it. 
 
 l6' — 24.  We  that  have  now  the  written  word  in  our  hands,  the 
 gospel  preached,  and  gospel-oidjiianccs  administered  to  us,  and 
 five  under  the  disneiisation  of  the  Spirit,  have  advantages,  not  infe¬ 
 rior  to  those  of  Chorazin,  and  Bethsaida,  ahd  Capernaum,  and 
 the  account  in  the  great  day  will  be  accordingly.  It  has,  therefore, 
 354 
 
 19  The  Son  of  man  came  eating  and  drink¬ 
 ing,  and  they  say,  Behold  a  man  gluttonous, 
 and  a  wine-bibber,  a  friend  of  publicans  and 
 sinners  :  but  Wisdom  is  justified  of  her  chil 
 dren. 
 
 20  f  Then  began  he  to  upbraid  the  cities 
 wherein  most  of  his  mighty  works  were  done, 
 because  they  repented  not. 
 
 21  Woe  unto  thee,  Chorazin  !  woe  unto 
 thee,  Bethsaida!  for  if  the  mighty  works 
 Avhich  were  done  in  you  had  been  done  in 
 Tyre  and  Sidon,  they  would  have  repented 
 long  ago  in  sackcloth  and  ashes. 
 
 22  But  I  say  unto  you.  It  shall  be  more 
 tolerable  for  Tyre  and  Sidon  at  the  day  of 
 judgment  than  for  j^ou. 
 
 23  And  thou,  Capernaum,  which  art  ex¬ 
 alted  unto  heaven,  shaft  be  Ixrought  down 
 to  hell :  for  if  the  mighty  works  which  have 
 been  done  in  thee  had  been  done  in  Sodom, 
 it  would  have  remained  until  this  day. 
 
 24  But  I  say  unto  you.  That  it  shall  be 
 more  tolerable  for  the  land  of  Sodom  in  the 
 day  of  judgment  than  for  thee. 
 
 25  ^  At  that  time  Jesus  answered  and 
 said,  I  thank  thee,  O  Father,  Lord  of  heaven 
 and  earth,  because  thou  hast  hid  these  things 
 from  the  wise  and  prudent,  and  hast  reveal¬ 
 ed  them  unto  babes. 
 
 26  Even  so.  Father,  for  so  it  seemed  good 
 in  thy  sight. 
 
 27  All  things  are  delivered  unto  me  of 
 my  Father  :  and  no  man  knoweth  the  Son, 
 but  the  Father ;  neither  knoweth  any  man 
 
 been  justly  said,  that  the  professors  of  this  age,  whether  they  go  to 
 Heaven  or  Hell,  will  be  the  greatest  debtors  in  either  of  these 
 places ;  if  to  Heaven,  the  greatest  debtors  to  divine  mercy  for 
 those  rich  means  that  brought  them  thither;  if  to  Hell,  the  great¬ 
 est  debtors  to  divine  justice  for  those  rich  means  that  would  have 
 kept  them  thence. 
 
 25 — 30.  This  way  of  dispe^fismg  divine  grace  is  to  be  acknowledg¬ 
 ed  by  us  as  it  was  by  our  Lord  Jesus,  with  all  thankfulness.  We 
 must  thank  God,  (1.)  'I’hat  these  things  are  revealed;  the  mys¬ 
 tery  hid  from  ages  and  generations  is  manifested  ;  that  they  are  re¬ 
 vealed  not  to  a  few,  but  to  be  published  to  all  the  world.  (2.) 
 That  they  are  revealed  to  babes,  that  the  meek  and  humble  are 
 beautified  with  this  salvation ;  and  this  honour  put  upon  those 
 whom  the  world  pours  contempt  upon.  (3.)  It  rnagnifies  the 
 mercy  to  them,  that  these  things  are  hid  from  the  wise  and  pru¬ 
 dent.  Distinguishing  favours  are  most  obliging.  The  Lather  has 
 delivered  his  all  into  the  hands  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  let  us  but  de¬ 
 liver  our  all  into  his  hand,  and  the  work  is  done;  God  has  riiade 
 him  the  great  referee,  the  blessed  days-man  to  lay  his  hand  upon 
 us  both.  In  transacting  the  business  of  our  redemption,  the  Fa¬ 
 ther  and  the  Son  are  the  parties  principally  concenrrd,  (he  counsel 
 of  peace  is  between  them,  Zech.  vi.  13.  It  must  iheiefore  be  a  great 
 encouragement  to  us  to  be  assured  that  ’bev  understood  one  an 
 
CHAP  XII. 
 
 die  Father,  save  the  Son,  and  he  to  ivhom- 
 soever  the  Son  will  reveal  him. 
 
 28  ^  Come  unto  me,  all  ye  that  labour 
 and  are  heavy  laden,  and  I  will  give  you 
 rest. 
 
 29  Take  my  yoke  upon  you,  and  learn  of 
 me  :  for  I  am  meek  and  lowly  in  heart :  and 
 ye  shall  find  rest  unto  your  souls. 
 
 30  For  my  yoke  is  easy,  and  my  burden 
 is  light. 
 
 CHAP.  XII. 
 
 L  Works  of  necessity  and  mercy  to  be  done  on  the  sabbath-day, 
 
 1 — 13.  II.  The  prudence,  humility,  and  self-denial  of  our 
 Lord  Jesus  in  working  his  miracles,  14 — 22.  III.  Christ’s 
 answer  to  the  calumnies  of  the  scribes  and  Pharisees,  38 — 4.5. 
 IV.  Christ’s  reply  to  a  tempting  demand  of  the  scribes  and  Pha¬ 
 risees,  22 — 37-  V.  Christ’s  judgment  about  his  relations,  46’, 
 ad  fin. 
 
 At  that  time  Jesus  went  on  the  sabbath- 
 day  through  the  corn  ;  and  his  disciples 
 were  an  hungered,  and  began  to  pluck  the 
 ears  of  corn,  and  to  eat. 
 
 2  But  when  the  Pharisees  saw  it,  they  said 
 unto  him.  Behold,  thy  disciples  do  that 
 which  is  not  lawful  to  do  upon  the  sabbath- 
 day. 
 
 3  But  he  said  unto  them.  Have  ye  not 
 read  what  David  did,  when  he  was  an  hun¬ 
 gered,  and  they  that  were  with  him  ; 
 
 4  How  he  entered  into  the  house  of  God, 
 and  did  eat  the  shew-bread,  which  was  not 
 lawful  for  him  to  eat,  neither  for  them  which 
 were  with  him,  but  only  for  the  priests  ? 
 
 other  very  well  in  this  affair;  that  the  Father  knew  the  Son,  and 
 the  Son  knew  the  Father,  and  hath  perfectly,  (a  mutual  consci¬ 
 ousness,  we  may  call  it,  between  the  Father  and  the  Son)  so  that 
 there  could  be  no  mistake  in  the  settling  of  this  matter.;  as  often 
 there  is  among  men,  to  the  overthrow  of  contracts,  and  the  break¬ 
 ing  of  the  measures  taken,  through  their  misunderstanding  one  of 
 another.  We  must  come  to  Jesus  Christ  as  our  rest,  and  repose 
 ourselves  in  him,  28.  Come  unto  me  all  ye  that  labour.  The  cha¬ 
 racter  of  the  persons  invited  ;  all  that  labour,  and  are  heavy  laden. 
 This  is  a  word  in  season  to  him  that  is  weary,  Isa.  liii.  3.  All  those 
 are  invited  to  rest  in  Christ,  that  are  sensible  of  sm  as  a  burden- 
 and  groan  under  it ;  that  are  not  only  convinced  of  the  evil  of  sin, 
 of  their  own  sin,  but  are  contrite  in  soul  for  it ;  that  are  really  sick 
 of  their  sins,  weary  of  their  service  of  the  world  and  the  flesh. 
 Renouncing  all  those  things  which  stand  in  opposition  to  him,  or 
 in  competition  with  him,  we  must  accept  of  him  as  our  Physician 
 and  Advocate,  and  give  up  ourselves  to  his  conduct  and  govern¬ 
 ment,  freely  willing  to  be  saved  by  him.  in  his  own  way,  and 
 upon  his  own  terms. 
 
 CHAP.  XII.  1 — 13.  The  Jewish  teachers  had  corrupted  many 
 of  the  commandments,  by  interpreting  them  more  loosely  than 
 they  were  intended,  a  mistake  which  Christ  discovered  and  recti¬ 
 fied,  chap.  V.  in  his  sermon  on  the  mount ;  but  concerning  the 
 fourth  commandment  they  had  erred  in  the  other  extreme,  and 
 interpreted  it  too  strictly.  That  which  our  Lord  Jesus  here  lay* 
 dow'u  is,  that  the  works  of  necessity  and  mercy  are  lawful  on  the 
 sabbath-da.y,  when  the  Jews  in  many  instances  were  taught  to 
 make  a  scruple  of.  Christ’s  industrious  e.xplaining  of  the  fourth 
 
 5  Or,  Have  ye  not  read  in  the  law,  how 
 that  on  the  sabbath-days  the  priests  in  the 
 temple  profane  the  sabbath,  and  are  blame¬ 
 less  ? 
 
 6  But  I  say  unto  you,  That  in  this  place 
 is  one  greater  than  the  temple. 
 
 ’ll  But  if  ye  had  knoAvn  what  this  meaneth, 
 
 I  will  have  mercy,  and  not  sacrifice,  ye  would 
 not  have  condemned  the  guiltless. 
 
 8  For  the  Son  of  man  is  Lord  even  of  the 
 sabbath-day. 
 
 9  And  when  he  was  departed  thence  he 
 went  into  their  synagogue  : 
 
 10  And,  behold,  there  was  a  man  which 
 had  his  hand  withered.  And  they  asked 
 him,  saying.  Is  it  lawful  to  heal  on  the  sab- 
 bath-days?  that  they  might  accuse  him. 
 
 1 1  And  he  said  unto  them.  What  man  shall 
 there  be  among  you  that  shall  have  one 
 sheep,  and  if  it  fall  into  a  pit  on  the  sab- 
 bath-day,  will  he  not  lay  hold  on  it,  and  lift 
 it  out  ? 
 
 12  How  much  then  is  a  man  better  than 
 a  sheep  ?  Wherefore  it  is  lawful  to  do  well 
 on  the  sabbath-days. 
 
 13  Then  saith  he  to  the  man.  Stretch 
 forth  thine  hand.  And  he  stretched  forth; 
 and  it  was  restored  whole,  like  as  the  other. 
 
 14  ^  Then  the  Pharisees  went  out  and 
 held  a  council  against  him,  how  they  might 
 destroy  him. 
 
 commandment  intimates^  its  perpetual  obligation  to  the  religious 
 observation  of  one  day  in  seven,  as  a  holy  sabbath.  He  would 
 not  expound  a  law  that  was  immediately  to  expire,  but  doubtless 
 intended  hereby  to  settle  a  point  which  would  be  of  use  to  his 
 church  in  all  ages ;  and  so  it  is,  to  teach  us  that  our  Christian  sah- 
 bath,  though  under  the  direction  of  the  fourth  commandment,  is 
 not  under  the  injunctions  of  the  Jewish  elders. 
 
 Christ  by  healing  the  man  that  had  the  withered  hand  on  the 
 sabbath-day,  shews  that  works  of  mercy  are  lawful  and  proper  to 
 be  done  on  that  day.  The  work  of  necessity  was  done  by  the  dis¬ 
 ciples,  and  justified  by  him  ;  the  work  of  mercy  was  done  by 
 himself,  for  works  of  mercy  were  his  works  of  necessity  ;  it  was  his 
 meat  and  drink  to  do  good.  I  must  preach,  saith  he,  Luks  iv.  43. 
 This  cure  is  recorded  for  the  sake  of  the  time  when  it  was  wrought 
 on  the  sabbath. 
 
 14 — 21.  As  in  the  midst  of  Christ’s  greatest  humiliation  there 
 were  proofs  of  his  dignity,  so  in  the  midst  of  his  greatest  honours 
 he  gave  {)roofs  of  his  humility  ;  and  when  the  mighty  works  he  did 
 gave  him  an  opportunity  of  making  a  figure,  yet  he  made  it  appear 
 that  he  emptied  himself,  and  made  himself  of  no  reputation. 
 
 When  the  Pharisees  drove  Christ  from  them,  and  forced  him  to 
 withdraw'  himself,  yet  the  common  people  crowded  after  him, 
 great  multitudes  followed  him,  and  found  him  out.  This  some 
 would  turn  to  his  reproach,  and  call  him  the  ring-leader  of  the 
 mob,  but  It  was  really  his  honour,  that  all  who  were  unbiassed  and 
 unprejudiced,  and  not  blinded  by  the  pomp  of  the  world,  were  so 
 hearty,  so  zealous  for  him,  that  they  Iwould  follosv  him  whither¬ 
 soever  he  went,  and  whatever  hazards  they  run  with  him,  as  it 
 
 3-55 
 
ST.  MATTHEW. 
 
 15  But  when  Jesus  knew  it,  he  withdrew 
 himselt  from  thence :  and  great  multitudes 
 followed  him,  and  he  healed  them  all ; 
 
 16  And  charged  them  that  they  should 
 not  make  him  known  : 
 
 17  That  it  might  be  fulfilled  which  was 
 spoken  by  Esaias  the  prophet,  saying, 
 
 18  Behold  my  servant,  whom  I  have 
 chosen  ;  my  beloved,  in  whom  my  soul  is 
 well  pleased  :  I  will  put  my  Spirit  upon 
 him,  and  he  shall  shew  iudgment  to  the 
 Gentiles. 
 
 19  He  shall  not  strive,  nor  cry  ;  neither 
 shall  any  man  hear  his  voice  in  the  streets. 
 
 20  A  bruised  reed  shall  he  not  break,  and 
 smoking  flax  shall  he  not  quench,  till  he  send 
 forth  judgment  unto  victory. 
 
 21  And  in  his  name  shall  the  Gentiles 
 trust. 
 
 22  ^  Then  was  brought  unto  him  one  pos¬ 
 sessed  with  a  devil,  blind  and  dumb  ;  and 
 he  healed  him,  insomuch  that  the  blind  and 
 dumb  both  spake  and  saw. 
 
 23  And  all  the  people  were  amazed,  and 
 said.  Is  not  this  the  Son  of  David  ? 
 
 24  ^  But  when  the  Pharisees  heard  it, 
 they  said.  This  fellozv  doth  not  cast  out  de¬ 
 vils  but  by  Beelzebub  the  prince  of  the  de¬ 
 vils. 
 
 25  And  Jesus  knew  their  thoughts,  and 
 said  unto  them.  Every  kingdom  divided 
 against  itself  is  brought  to  desolation  ;  and 
 every  city  or  house  divided  against  itself 
 shall  not  stand. 
 
 was  also  the  honour  of  his  grace  that  the  poor  were  evangelized, 
 that  when  they  received  him,  he  received  them,  and  healed  them 
 all.  Yet  Christ  studied  to  reconcile  usefulness  and  privacy,  he 
 healed  them  all ;  and  yet,  I6,  charged  them  that  they  should  not 
 make  him  known  ;  which  may  be  looked  upon,  first,  as  an  act  of 
 prudence:  second,  of  righteous  judgment  upon  the  Pharisees,  who 
 were  unworthy  to  hear  of  any  more  of  his  miracles  :  third,  as  an 
 act  of  humility  and  self-denial.  The  scripture  here  said  to  be  ful¬ 
 filled  is  Isa.  xlii.  1,  2,  3,  4,  which  is  qjuoted  at  large,  18,  19,  20, 
 21.  The  scope  of  it  is  to  shew  how  mild  and  quiet,  and  yet  how 
 successful  our  Lord  Jesus  should  be  in  his  undertaking  ;  instances 
 of  both  which  we  have  in  the  foregoing  passages, 
 
 22 — 37.  The  gospel  is  an  act  of  indemnity  ;  none  are  excepted 
 by  name,  nor  any  by  description,  but  those  only  that  blaspheme 
 the  Holy  Ghost,  which  therefore  must  be  construed  in  the  nar¬ 
 rowest  sense.  All  presuming  sinners  are  effectually  cut  off  by  the 
 conditions  of  the  indemnity,  faith  and  repentance  ;  and  therefore 
 the  other  exceptions  must  not  be  stretched  far;  and  this  blas¬ 
 phemy  is  excepted,  not  for  any  defect  of  mercy  in  God,  or  merit 
 in  Christ,  but  because  it  inevitably  leaves  the  sinner  in  infidelity 
 ard  impenitency.  We  have  reason  to  think  that  none  are  guilty 
 of  this  sin  who  believe  that  Christ  is  the  Son  of  God,  and  sincerely 
 desir  to  have  part  in  his  merit  and  mercy ;  and  those  who  fear 
 $6 
 
 26  And  if  Satan  cast  out  Satan,  he  is  di¬ 
 vided  against  himself ;  how  shall  then  his 
 kingdom  stand  ? 
 
 27  And  if  I  by  Beelzebub  cast  out  devils, 
 by  whom  do  your  children  cast  them  out.^ 
 therefore  they  shall  be  your  judges.  ’ 
 
 28  But  if  I  cast  out  devils  by  the  Spirit 
 of  God,  then  the  kingdom  of  God  is  come 
 unto  you. 
 
 29  Or  else,  how  can  one  enter  into  a 
 strong  man^s  house,  and  spoil  his  goods,  ex¬ 
 cept  he  first  bind  the  strong  man  ?  and  then 
 he  will  spoil  his  house. 
 
 oO  He  that  is  not  with  me  is  against  me  ; 
 and  he  that  gathereth  not  with  me  scattereth 
 abroad. 
 
 31  Wherefore  I  say  unto  you.  All  manner 
 of  sin  and  blasphemy  shall  be  forgiven  unto 
 rnen  ;  but  the  blasphemy  against  the  Holy 
 Ghost  shall  not  be  forgiven  unto  men. 
 
 32  And  whosoever  speaketh  a  word  against 
 the  Son  of  man,  it  shall  be  forgiven  him  : 
 but  whosoever  speaketh  against  the  Holy 
 Ghost,  it  shall  not  be  forgiven  him,  neither 
 in  this  world,  neither  in  the  zmrld  to  come. 
 
 33  Either  make  the  tree  good,  and  his 
 fruit  good  ;  or  else  make  the  tree  corrupt, 
 and  his  fruit  corrupt :  for  the  tree  is  known 
 by  his  fruit 
 
 34  O  generation  of  vipers  !  how  can  ye, 
 being  evil,  speak  good  things  ?  for  out  of 
 the  abundance  of  the  heart  the  moutlf 
 speaketh. 
 
 35  A  good  man,  out  of  the  good  treasure 
 
 they  have  committed  this  sin,  it  is  a  good  sign  they  have  not.  The 
 learned  Dr.  Whitby  very  well  observes,  that  Christ  speaks  not  of 
 what  was  now  said  or  done,  but  of  what  should  be,  Mark  iii.  28 
 Luke  xii.  10,  whosoever  shall  blaspheme.  As  for  those  who  blas¬ 
 phemed  Christ,  when  he  was  here  upon  earth,  and  called  him  a 
 wine-bibber,  a  deceiver,  a  blasphemer,  and  the  like,  they  had 
 some  colour  of  excuse,  because  of  the  meanness  of  his  appear¬ 
 ance,  and  the  prejudices  of  the  nation  against  them  ;  and  the 
 proof  of  his  divine  mission  was  not  perfected  till  after  his  ascen¬ 
 sion  :  and  therefore  upon  their  repentance  they  shall  be  pardoned, 
 and  it  is  hoped  they  may  be  convinced  by  the  pouring  out  of  the 
 Spirit,  as  many  of  them  were  who  had  been  his  betrayers  and 
 murderers.  But  if  when  the  Holy  Ghost  is  given,  in  his  inward 
 gifts  of  the  revelation,  speaking  with  tongues,  and  the  like,  such 
 as  were  the  distributions  of  the  Spirit  among  the  apostles,  if  they 
 continue  to  blaspheme  the  Spirit  likewise,  as  au  evil  spirit,  there 
 is  no  hopes  of  tliem  that  they  will^  ever  be  brought  to  believe  in 
 Christ.  For,  first.  Those  gifts  of  the  Holy  Ghost  in  the  apostles 
 I  were  the  last  proofs  that  God  designed  to  make  use  of  for  the  con- 
 •firming  of  the  gospel,  and  were  still  kept  in  reserve,  when  other 
 '  methods  proceeded.  Second,  this  was  the  most  powerful  evi¬ 
 dence,  and  more  apt  to  convince  than  miracles  themselves.  Third, 
 Those  therefore  that  blaspheme  this  dispensation  of  the  Spirit 
 
CHAP.'  XIII. 
 
 of  the  heart,  bringeth  forth  good  things  ; 
 and  an  evil  man  out  of  the  evil  treasure, 
 bringeth  forth  evil  things. 
 
 36  But  I  say  unto  you,  that  every  idle 
 word  that  men  shall  speak  they  shall  give  ac¬ 
 count  thereof  in  the  day  of  judgment. 
 
 37  Por  by  thy  words  thou  shalt  be  justi¬ 
 fied,  and  by  thy  words  thou  shalt  be  con¬ 
 demned. 
 
 38  ^  Then  certain  of  the  scribes  and  of 
 the  Pharisees  answered,  saying.  Master,  we 
 would  see  a  sign  from  thee. 
 
 39  But  he  answered,  and  said  unto  them. 
 An  evil  and  adulterous  generation  seeketh 
 after  a  sign  ;  and  there  shall  no  sign  be  give 
 to  it  but  the  sign  of  the  prophet  Jonas. 
 
 40  For  as  Jonas  was  three  days  and  three 
 nights  in  the  whale's  belly,  so  shall  the  Son 
 of  man  be  three  days  and  three  nights  in  the 
 heart  of  the  earth. 
 
 41  The  men  of  Nineveh  shall  rise  in  judg¬ 
 ment  with  this  generation,  and  shall  con¬ 
 demn  it ;  because  they  repented  at  the 
 preaching  of  Jonas  ;  and,  behold,  a  greater 
 than  Jonas  is  here. 
 
 42  The  queen  of  the  south  shall  rise  up 
 in  the  judgment  with  this  generation,  and 
 shall  condemn  it ;  for  she  came  from  the 
 uttermost  parts  of  the  earth  to  hear  the  wis¬ 
 dom  of  Solomon  ;  and,  behold,  a  greater 
 than  Solomon  is  here. 
 
 43  When  the  unclean  spirit  is  gone  out  of 
 
 cannot  possibly  be  brought  to  believe  in  Christ.  Those  who  shall 
 inipute  them  to  a  collusion  with  Satan,  as  the  Pharisees  did  the 
 miracles,  what  can  convince  them  ?  This  is  such  a  strong  hold  of' 
 infidelity  as  a  man  can  never  be  beaten  out  of,  and  is  therefore 
 unpardonable,  because  hereby  repentance  is  hid  from  the  sinner’s 
 eyes. 
 
 38—45.  Now  this  sign  of  the  prophet  Jonas  he  further  explains 
 here,  40,  As  Jonas  was  three  davs  and  three  nights  in  the  whale’s 
 belly,  and  then  came  out  again  safe  and  well,  thus  Christ  shall  be 
 so  long  in  the  grave,  and  then  shall  rise  again.  First,  The  grave 
 was  to  Christ  as  the  belly  of  the  fish  was  to  Jonah,  thither  he  was 
 thrown  as  a  ransom  for  lives  ready  to  be  lost  in  a  storm ;  there  he 
 lay  as  in  the  belly  of  hell,  John  ii.  2,  and  seemed  to  be  cast  out  of 
 Cod  s  sight.  Second,  He  continued  in  the  grave  just  as  long  as 
 Jonah  continued  in  the  fish’s  belly,  three  davs  and  three  nights, 
 not  three  whole  days  and  nights,  it  is  probable  Jonah  did  not  lie  so 
 long  m  the  whale’s  belly,  but  part  of  three  natural  days;  he  was 
 buried  in  the  afternoon  of  the  sixth  day  of  the  week,  and  rose  again 
 in  the  morning  of  the  first  day. 
 
 parable  makes  it  to  represent  the  ca.se  of 
 the  bouw  o,.the  Jewish  church  and  nation.  So  shall  it  be  with  this 
 wicked  generation,  that  now  resist,  and  will  finally  reject  the  gos¬ 
 pel  of  Christ.  The  devil,  who  by  the  labours  of  Christ  and" his 
 
 amon  ^®i!  ”  L  sought  for  rest 
 
 /Ian.  whose  persons  and  temples  the  Chris- 
 
 '  would  every  where  expel  him  ;  so  Dr.  Whitby.  Or,  finding 
 
 a  man,  he  walketh  through  dry  places,  seek¬ 
 ing  rest,  and  findeth  none. 
 
 44  Then  he  saith,  I  Avill  return  into  my 
 house  from  whence  I  came  out ;  and,  when 
 he  is  come,  he  findeth  ii  empty,  swept,  and 
 garnished. 
 
 45  Then  goeth  he,  and  taketh  with  him¬ 
 self  seven  other  spirits  more  wJeked  than 
 himself,  and  the}"  enter  in  and  dwell  there, 
 and  the  last  state  of  that  man  is  worse  than 
 the  first.  Even  so  shall  it  be  also  unto  this 
 wicked  generation. 
 
 46  ^  While  he  yet  talked  to  the  people, 
 behold,  his  mother  and  his  brethren  stood 
 without,  desiring  to  speak  with  him. 
 
 47  Then  one  said  unto  him,  Behold,  thy 
 mother  and  thy  brethren  stand  without,  de¬ 
 siring  to  speak  with  thee. 
 
 48  But  he  answered,  and  said  unto  him 
 that  told  him.  Who  is  my  mother  ?  and  who 
 are  my  brethren 
 
 49  And  he  stretched  forth  his  hand  toward 
 his  disciples,  and  said.  Behold  my  mother 
 and  my  brethren  ! 
 
 30  For  whosoever  shall  do  the  will  of  my 
 Father  which  is  in  heaven,  the  same  is  my 
 brother,  and  sister,  and  mother. 
 
 CHAP.  XIII. 
 
 Here  are  eight  parables  recorded  in  this  chapter,  which  are  de¬ 
 signed  to  represent  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  the  method  of  plant- 
 
 ing  the  gospel  kingdom  in  the  world,  and  of  its  growth  and  success. 
 
 ^^^HE  same  day  went  Jesus  out  of  the 
 house,  and  sat  by  the  sea-side. 
 
 no  vv here  else  in  the  heathen  world  such  pleasant  desirable  habi¬ 
 tations  to  his  satisfaction,  as  here  in  the  hearts  of  the  Jews ;  so 
 Dr.  Hammond.  He  shall  therefore  enter  again  in  them,  for 
 Christ  had  not  found  admission  among  them,  and  by  their  pro¬ 
 digious  wickedness  and  obstinate  unbelief,  were  still  more  ready 
 than  ever  to  receive  him.  And  then  he  shall  take  a  durable  pos¬ 
 session  here,  and  the  state  of  this  people  will  be  more  desperately 
 damnable,  (so  Dr.  Hammond)  than  it  was  before  Christ  came 
 among  them,  or  would  have  been,  if  Satan  had  never  been  cast 
 out. 
 
 46 — 50.  All  obedient  believers  are  near  a-kin  to  Jesus  Christ: 
 they  wear  his  name,  bear  his  image,  have  his  nature,  are  of  his 
 family.  He  loves  them,  ’owns  them,  converses  freely  with  them, 
 as  his  relations.  He  bids  them  welcome  to  his  table,  takes  care 
 of  them,  provides  for  them,  sees  that  they  w  ant  nothing  that  is  fit 
 for  them  ;  when  he  died  he  left  them  rich  legacies,  now  he  is  in 
 heaven  he  keeps  up  a  correspondence  with  them,  and  will  have 
 them  all  with  him  at  last,  and  will  in  nothing  fail  to  do  the  kins¬ 
 man’s  part,  Ruth  iii.  13,  nor  will  ever  be  ashamed  of  his  poor  re¬ 
 lations,  but  will  confess  them  before  men,  before  the  angels,  and 
 before  his  Father. 
 
 CHAP.  XIII,  1 — 23.  Christ,  V.  11 — 1 7,  preached  by  parables, 
 because  thereby  the  things  of  God  were  made  more  plain  and  easy 
 to  them  that  were  willing  to  be  taught,  and  at  the  same  time  more 
 difficult  and  obscure  to  those  that  were  willingly  ignorant,  and  thus 
 the  gospel  would  be  a  savour  of  life  to  some,  and  of  death  to 
 
 357 
 
ST.  MATTHEW. 
 
 2  And  great  multitudes  were  gathered 
 together  unto  him,  so  that  he  went  into  a 
 ship  and  sat ;  and  the  whole  multitude  stood 
 on  the  shore. 
 
 3  And  he  spake  many  things  unto  them 
 in  parables,  saying.  Behold,  a  sower  went 
 forth  to  sow  : 
 
 4  And,  when  he  sowed,  some  seeds  fell 
 by  the  way-side,  and  the  fowls  came  and 
 devoured  them  up. 
 
 5  Some  fell  upon  stony  places,  where  they 
 had  not  much  earth  ;  and  forthwith  they 
 sprung  up,  because  they  had  no  deepness  of 
 earth  : 
 
 6  And  when  the  sun  was  up  they  were 
 scorched  ;  and,  because  they  had  no  root, 
 they  withered  away. 
 
 7  And  some  fell  among  thorns  ;  and  the 
 thorns  sprung  up  and  choked  them. 
 
 8  But  other  fell  into  good  ground,  and 
 brought  forth  fruit,  some  an  hundred-fold, 
 some  sixty-fold,  some  thirty-fold. 
 
 9  Who  hath  ears  to  hear  let  him  hear. 
 
 10  ^  And  the  disciples  came,  and  said 
 unto  him.  Why  speakest  thou  unto  them  in 
 parables  ? 
 
 11  He  answered,  and  said  unto  them. 
 Because  it  is  given  unto  you  to  know  the 
 mysteries  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  but  to 
 them  it  is  not  given. 
 
 12  For  whosoever  hath,  to  him  shall  be 
 given,  and  he  shall  have  more  abundance ; 
 but  whosoever  hath  not,  from  him  shall  be 
 taken  away  even  that  he  hath. 
 
 13  Therefore  speak  I  to  them  in  parables; 
 
 others.  A  parable  like  the  pillar  of  cloud  and  fire,  turns  a  dark 
 side  towards  Egyptians,  which  confounds  them,  but  a  light  side 
 towards  Israelites,  which  comforts  them,  and  so  answers  a  double 
 intention.  This  reason  is  further  illustrated  by  the  rule  God  ob¬ 
 serves  in  dispensing  his  gifts :  he  bestows  them  on  those  that  im¬ 
 prove  them,  but  takes  them  away  from  those  that  bury  them.  It 
 is  a  rule  among  men,  they  will  rather  entrust  their  money  with 
 those  that  have  increased  their  estates  by  their  industry,  than  with 
 those  who  have  diminished  them  by  their  slothfulness.  He  that 
 hath  not,  that  has  no  desire  of  grace,  that  makes  no  right  use  of 
 the  gifts  and  graces  he  has,  has  no  root,  no  solid  principle;  that 
 hath,  but  uscth  not  that  he  has,  from  him  shall  be  "taken  away  that 
 which  he  has,  or  seems  to  have ;  his  leaves  shall  wither,  his  gifts 
 decay,  the  means  of  grace  he  has,  and  makes  no  use  of,  shall  be 
 taken  from  him,  God  will  call  in  his  talents  out  of  their  hands  that 
 arc  likely  to  become  bankrupts  quickly. 
 
 Verse  14,  15,  are  quoted  from  Isa.  vi.  9,  10.  The  evangelical 
 prophet  that  spoke  most  plainly  of  gospel  grace  foretold  the  con¬ 
 tempt  of  it,  and  the  consequences  of  that  contempt.  It  is  referred 
 to  no  less  than  six  times  in  the  New  Testament,  which  intimates 
 that  in  gospel  times  spiritual  judgments  w  ould  be  most  common 
 
 35  S 
 
 because  they  seeing,  see  not ;  and  hearing 
 they  hear  not ;  neither  do  they  understand 
 
 14  And  in  them  is  fulfilled  the  prophecy 
 of  Esaias,  which  saith.  By  hearing  ye  shall 
 hear,  and  shall  not  understand  ;  and  seeing 
 ye  shall  see,  and  shall  not  perceive. 
 
 15  For  this  people's  heart  is  waxed  gross, 
 and  their  ears  are  dull  of  hearing,  and  their 
 eyes  they  have  closed  ;  lest  at  any  time  they 
 should  see  with  their  eyes,  and  hear  with 
 their  ears,  and  should  understand  with  their 
 heart,  and  should  be  converted,  and  I  should 
 heal  them. 
 
 16  But  blessed  are  your  eyes,  for  they  see; 
 and  your  ears,  for  they  hear. 
 
 17  For  verily  I  say  unto  you,  Vhat  many 
 prophets  and  righteous  men  have  desired  to 
 see  those  things  which  ye  see,  and  have  not 
 seen  them  ;  and  to  hear  those  things  which 
 ye  hear,  and  havo  not  heard  them. 
 
 18  ^  Hear  ye,  therefore,  the  parable  of 
 the  sower. 
 
 19  When  any  one  heareth  the  word  of  the 
 kingdom,  and  understandeth  it  not,  then 
 cometh  the  wicked  one,  and  catcheth  away 
 that  which  was  sown  in  his  heart.  This  is  he 
 which  received  seed  by  the  way-side. 
 
 20  But  he  that  received  the  seed  into 
 stony  places,  the  same  is  he  that  heareth  the 
 word,  and  anon  with  joy  receiveth  it : 
 
 21  Yet  hath  he  not  root  in  himself,  but 
 dureth  for  a  while :  for  when  tribulation  or 
 persecution  ariseth  because  of  the  word,  by 
 and  by  he  is  offended. 
 
 22  He  also  that  received  seed  among  the 
 
 which  make  least  noise,  but  are  most  dreadful.  We  have  here  in 
 these  verses  one  of  the  parables  which  our  Saviour  put  forth,  it  is 
 that  of  the  sower  and  the  seed.  Now  observe  the  characters  of 
 these  four  sorts  of  ground.  First,  what  kind  of  hearers  are  com¬ 
 pared  to  the  high-way  ground  ;  such  as  hear  the  word,  and  under¬ 
 stand  it  not  ;  and  it  is  their  own  fault  that  they  do  not.  They  take 
 no  heed  of  it,  take  no  hold  of  it ;  they  do  not  come  with  any  design 
 the  high-way  was  never  intended  to  be  sown.  They 
 :ome  before  God  as  his  people,  and  sit  before  him  as  his  people  sit ; 
 3Ut  it  is  merely  for  fashion  sake,  to  see  and  be  seen  ;  they  mind  not 
 what  is  said,  it  comes  m  at  one  ear  and  goes  out  at  the  other,  and 
 makes  no  impression.  Second,  The  stony  ground  :  some  fell  upon 
 stony  places,  6,  7,  which  represents  the  case  of  hearers  that  go  fur¬ 
 ther  than  the  former,  who  receive  some  good  impressions  of  the 
 word,  but  they  are  not  lasting,  20,  21.  Note,  It  is  possible  we  may 
 be  a  great  deal  better  than  some  others,  and  yet  not  be  so  good  as 
 we  should  be  ;  may  go  beyond  our  neighbours,  and  yet  conoe  short 
 of  heaven.  Now  observe  concerning  these  hearers  that  are  repre¬ 
 sented  by  the  stony  ground  :  they  have  no  root  in  themselves,  no 
 settled  fixed  principles  in  their  judgments,  no  firm  resolution  in 
 their  wills,  nor  any  rooted  habits  in  their  affections  ;  nothing  firm 
 
CPIAP.  XIII. 
 
 thorns,  is  he  that  heareth  the  word  :  and 
 the  care  of  this  world,  and  the  deceitfulness 
 of  riches,  choke  the  word,  and  he  becometh 
 unfruitful. 
 
 23  But  he  that  received  seed  into  the 
 good  ground,  is  he  that  heareth  the  word, 
 and  understandeth  it ;  which  also  beareth 
 fruit,  and  bringeth  forth,  some  an  hundred¬ 
 fold,  some  sixty,  some  thirty. 
 
 24  ^  Another  parable  put  he  forth  unto 
 them,  saying,  The  kingdom  of  heaven  is 
 likened  unto  a  man  which  sowed  good  seed 
 in  his  field. 
 
 25  But,  while  men  slept,  his  enemy  came 
 and  sowed  tares  among  the  wheat,  and  went 
 his  way. 
 
 26  But  when  the  blade  was  sprung  up, 
 and  brought  forth  fruit,  then  appeared  the 
 tares  also. 
 
 27  So  the  servants  of  the  householder 
 came,  and  said  unto  him.  Sir,  didst  not  thou 
 sow  good  seed  in  thy  field  ?  from  whence 
 then  hath  it  tares  ? 
 
 28  He  said  unto  them.  An  enemy  hath 
 done  this.  The  servants  said  unto  him,  Wilt 
 thou  then  that  we  go  and  gather  them  up  ? 
 
 29  But  he  said.  Nay  ;  lest,  while  ye  ga¬ 
 ther  up  the  tares,  ye  root  up  also  the  wheat 
 with  them. 
 
 30  Let  both  grow  together  until  the  har¬ 
 vest  :  and  in  the  time  of  harvest  I  will  say 
 to  the  reapers.  Gather  ye  together  first  the 
 
 that  will  be  either  the  sap  or  the  strength  of  their  profession.  It 
 is  possible  there  may  be  the  green  blade  of  a  profession,  where  yet 
 there  is  not  the  root  of  grace  ;  hardness  prevails  in  the  heart,  and 
 what  there  is  of  soil  and  softness  is  only  in  the  surface,  inwardly 
 they  are  no  more  affected  than  a  stone;  they  have  no  root,  i.  e. 
 they  are  not  by  faith  united  to  Christ,  who  is  our  root,  they  derive 
 not  from  him,  they  depend  not  on  him.  Third,  The  thorny  ground  : 
 this  went  further  than  the  former,  for  it  had  root,  and  it  repre¬ 
 sents  the  condition  of  those  that  do  not  quite  cast  off  their  pro¬ 
 fession,  and  yet  come  short  of  any  saving  benefit  by  it ;  the  good 
 they  gain  by  the  word  being  insensibly  overcome,  and  over-borne 
 by  the  things  of  this  world.  Prosperity  destroys  the  word  in  the 
 heart  as  much  as  persecution  doth,  and  more  dangerously,  because 
 more  silently.  The  stones  spoiled  the  root,  the  thorns  spoil  the 
 fruit. 
 
 The  hearers  represented  by  the  good  ground  are,  first,  intelligent 
 hearers;  they  hear  the  word,  and  understand  it ;  they  understand 
 not  only  the  sense  and  meaning  of  the  words,  but  their  own  con¬ 
 cern  in  them  ;  they  understand  it  as  a  man  of  business  understands 
 his  business.  Second,  fruitful  hearers,  which  is  an  evidence  of 
 their  good  'understanding,  which  also  beareth  fruit.  Fruit  is  to 
 every  seed  its  own  body,  a  substantial  product,  in  the  heart  and 
 life  agreeable  to  the  seed  of  the  word  received.  Third,  not  all 
 alike  fruitful,  some  a  hundred  fold,  some  si.xty,  some  thirty. 
 Where  there  is  true  grace,  yet  there  are  degrees  of  it;  some  are 
 
 Vol.  II.  78  3  a 
 
 tares,  and  bind  them  in  bundles  to  burn 
 them  ;  but  gather  the  wheat  into  my  barn. 
 
 31  ^  Another  parable  put  he  forth  unto 
 them,  saying.  The  kingdom  of  heaven  is  like 
 to  a  grain  of  mustard-seed,  which  a  man 
 took,  and  sowed  in  his  field  : 
 
 32  Which  indeed  is  the  least  of  all  seeds  ; 
 but  when  it  is  grown  it  is  the  greatest  among 
 herbs,  and  becometh  a  tree  ;  so  that  the 
 birds  of  the  air  come  and  lodge  in  the 
 branches  thereof. 
 
 33  f  Another  parable  spake  he  unto 
 them  ;  The  kingdom  of  heaven  is  like  unto 
 leaven,  which  a  woman  took,  and  hid  in 
 three  measures  of  meal,  till  the  whole  was 
 leavened. 
 
 34  All  these  things  spake  Jesus  unto  the 
 multitude  in  parables  ;  and  without  a  pa¬ 
 rable  spake  he  not  unto  them  : 
 
 35  That  it  might  be  fulfilled  which  was 
 spoken  by  the  prophet,  saying,  I  will  open 
 my  mouth  in  parables  ;  I  Avill  utter  things 
 which  have  been  kept  secret  from  the  foun¬ 
 dation  of  the  world. 
 
 36  ^  Then  Jesus  sent  the  multitude  away, 
 and  went  into  the  house  :  and  his  disciples 
 came  unto  him,  saying.  Declare  unto  us  the 
 parable  of  the  tares  of  the  field. 
 
 37  He  answered,  and  said  unto  them.  He 
 that  soweth  the  good  seed  in  the  Son  of 
 man  ; 
 
 38  The  field  is  the  world  ;  the  good  seed 
 
 ot  greater  attainments  in  knowledge  and  holiness  than  others  ;  all 
 Christ’s  scholars  are  not  in  the  same  form. 
 
 24--43.  I'he  passage  here  quoted  is  part  of  the  preface  to  that 
 historical  psalm,  Psal.  Ix.wiii.  2,  I  will  open  my  mouth  in  a  pa¬ 
 rable.  What  the  psalmist  David  or  Asaph  saith  there  of  his  nar¬ 
 rative,  is  accommodated  to  Christ’s  sermons,  and  that  great  prece¬ 
 dent  w'ould  serve  to  vindicate  this  way  of  preaching  from  the  of¬ 
 fence  which  some  took  at  it. 
 
 Let  us  go  over  the  particulars  of  the  parable  of  the  tares.  First, 
 He  that  sows  the  good  seed  is  the  Son  of  man.  Jesus  Christ  is  the 
 lord  of  the  field,  the  lord  ot  the  harvest,  the  sower  of  good  seed. 
 Secondly,  The  field  is  the  world,  the  world  of  mankind,  a  large 
 field,  capable  of  bringing  forth  good  fruit,  the  more  is  it  to  be  la¬ 
 mented  that  it  brings  forth  so  much  bad  fruit.  Thirdly,  The 
 good  seed  are  the  children  of  the  kingdom,  i.  e.  true  saints. 
 Fourthly,  The  tares  are  the  children  f)f  the  wicked  one.  Here  is 
 the  character  of  sinners,  hypocrites,  and  all  profane  and  wicked 
 people.  Fifthly,  The  enemy  that  sowed  the  tares  is  the  devil,  a 
 sworn  enemy  to  Christ  and  all  that  is  good,  to  the  glory  of  the 
 good  God,  and  the  comfort  and  happiness  of  all  good  men. 
 Sixthly,  The  harvest  is  the  end  of  the  world,-  39.  This  world 
 will  have  an  end  ;  though  it  continue  long,  it  will  not  continue  al¬ 
 ways  ;  time  will  shortly  be  swallow'ed  up  in  eternity.  Seventhly, 
 The  reapers  are  the  angels ,  they  shall  be  employed  in  the  great 
 day,  in  executing  Christ’s  righteous  sentences,  both  of  approba* 
 
 359 
 
ST.  MA' 
 
 are  the  children  of  the  kingdom  ;  but  the 
 tares  are  the  children  of  the  wicked  one ; 
 
 39  The  enemy  that  sowed  them  is  the 
 devil ;  the  harvest  is  the  end  of  the  world  ; 
 and  the  reapers  are  the  angels. 
 
 40  As,  therefore,  the  tares  are  gathered 
 and  burned  in  the  fire :  so  shall  it  be  in  the 
 end  of  this  world. 
 
 41  The  Son  of  man  shall  send  forth  his 
 angels,  and  they  shall  gather  out  of  his 
 kingdom  all  things  that  offend,  and  them 
 which  do  iniquity. 
 
 42  And  shall  cast  them  into  a  furnace  of 
 fire  ;  there  shall  be  wailing]’ and  gnashing  of 
 teeth. 
 
 43  Then  shall  the  righteous  shine  forth  as 
 the  sun  in  the  kingdom  of  their  Father.  Who 
 hath  ears  to  hear,  let  him  hear. 
 
 44  Again,  the  kingdom  of  heaven  is  like 
 unto  treasure  hid  in  a  field  ;  the  which  when 
 a  man  hath  found  he  hideth,  and  for  joy 
 thereof  goeth  and  selleth  all  that  he  hath, 
 and  buyeth  that  field. 
 
 45  ^  Again  the  kingdom  of  heaven  is 
 like  unto  a  merchant-man  seeking  goodly 
 pearls  : 
 
 46  Who,  when  he  had  found  one  pearl  of 
 
 tion  and  condemnation,  as  ministers  of  justice,  Matt.  xxr.  31. 
 Eighthly,  Hell  torments  are  the  fire  into  which  the  tares  shall  then 
 be  cast,  and  in  which  they  shall  be  burned.  At  the  great  day  a 
 distinction  will  be  made,  and  with  it  a  vast  difference;  it  will  be  a 
 notable  day  indeed.  Ninthly,  Heaven  is  the  barn  into  which  all 
 God’s  wheat  shall  be  gathered  in  that  harvest  day.  Particular 
 souls  are  housed  at  death  as  a  shock  of  corn.  Job  v.  26  ;  but  the 
 general  in-gathering  will  be  at  the  end  of  time.  Here  is  the  parable 
 of  the  grain  of  mustard  seed,  31, 32.  The  scope  of  this  parable 
 is  to  shew,  that  the  beginnings  of  the  gospel  would  be  small,  but 
 its  latter  end  would  greatly  increase.  In  this  way  the  gospel- 
 church,  the  kingdom  of  God  among  us,  would  be  set  up  in  the 
 world  ;  in  this  way  the  work  of  grace  in  the  heart,  the  kingdom  of 
 God  within  us,  would  be  carried  on  in  particular  persons.  Here 
 is  the  parable  of  the  leaven,  33.  The  scope  of  this  is  much  the 
 same  with  that  of  the  foregoing  parable,  to  shew  that  the  gospel 
 should  prevail  and  be  successful  by  degrees,  but  silently  and  in- 
 sensibh".  The  preaching  of  the  gospel  is  like  leaven,  and  works 
 like  leaven  in  the  hearts  of  those  that  do  receive  it. 
 
 44 — 52.  We  have  four  short  parables  in  these  verses.  First, 
 That  of  the  treasure  hid  in  the  field.  Hitherto  he  had  compared 
 the  kingdom  of  heaven  to  small  things,  because  its  beginning  was 
 small ;  but  lest  any  should  thence  take  occasion  to  think  meanly 
 of  it,  in  this  parable  and  the  next  he  represents  it  as  of  great  value 
 in  itself,  and  of  great  advantage  to  those  that  embrace  it,  and  are 
 willing  to  come  up  to  its  terms.  It  is  here  likened  to  a  treasure 
 hid  in  the  field,  which  if  we  will  we  may  make  our  own.  First, 
 Jesus  Christ  is  the  true  Treasure.  In  him  there  is  an  abundance 
 of  all  that  which  is  rich  and  useful,  and  will  be  a  portion  for  us  ; 
 all  fulness.  Col.  i.  19,  John  i.  16  ;  treasures  of  wisdom  and  know¬ 
 ledge  (Col.  ii.  3.)  of  righteousness,  grace,  and  peace ;  these  are 
 laid  up  for  us  in  Christ,  and  if  we  have  an  interest  in  him  it  is  all 
 «/ur  own.  Second,  The  gospel  is  the  field  in  W'hich  the  treasure 
 IS  hid.  It  is  hid  in  the  word  of  the  gospel,  both  the  Old  Testa- 
 360 
 
 THEW. 
 
 great  price,  went  and  sold  all  that  he  had 
 and  bought  it. 
 
 47  f  Again,  the  kingdom  of  heaven  is 
 like  unto  a  net  that  was  cast  into  the  sea, 
 and  gathered  of  every  kind  : 
 
 48  Which,  when  it  was  full,  they  drew  to 
 shore,  and  sat  down,  and  gathered"^  the  good 
 into  vessels,  but  cast  the  bad  away. 
 
 49  So  shall  it  be  at  the  end  of  the  world: 
 the  angels  shall  come  forth,  and  sever  the 
 wicked  from  among  the  just, 
 
 50  And  shall  cast  them  into  the  furnace 
 of  fire  ;  there  shall  be  wailing  and  gnashing 
 of  teeth. 
 
 51  Jesus  saith  unto  them.  Have  ye  un¬ 
 derstood  all  these  things  ?  They  say  unto 
 him.  Yea,  Lord. 
 
 52  Then  said  he  unto  them.  Therefore 
 every  scribe  w//ic/i  is  instructed  unto  the 
 kingdom  of  heaven  is  like  unto  a  man  that 
 is  an  householder,  which  bringeth  forth  out 
 of  his  treasure  things  new  and  old. 
 
 53  ^  And  it  came  to  pass,  that  when 
 J esus  had  finished  these  parables  he  departed 
 thence. 
 
 54  And  when  he  was  come  into  his  own 
 country  he  taught  them  in  their  synagogue, 
 
 ment  and  the  New  Testament  gospel.  Third,  It  is  a  great  thing  to 
 discover  the  treasure  hid  in  this  field,  and  the  unspeakable  value  of 
 it.  Fourth,  Those  that  discern  this  treasure  in  the  field,  and  va¬ 
 lue  it  aright,  will  never  be  easy  till  they  have  made  it  tlieir  own 
 upon  any  terms. 
 
 Secondly,  That  of  the  jjcarl  of  price,  45,  46,  which  is  to  the 
 same  purpose  with  the  former  of  the  treasure.  The  dream  is  thus 
 doubled,  for  the  thing  is  certain. 
 
 Thirdly,  That  of  the  net  cast  into  the  sea,  47,  48,  49.  Here  is 
 the  parable  itself;  where  note,  the  world  is  avast  sea,  and  the 
 children  of  men  are  things  creeping,  innumerable,  both  small  and 
 great,  in  that  sea,  Psal.  civ.  25.  The  preaching  of  the  gospel  is  the 
 casting  of  a  net  into  this  sea,  to  catch  something  out  of  it  for  his 
 glory  who  hath  the  sovereignty  of  this  sea.  When  the  net  is  full 
 and  drawn  to  shore,  there  shall  be  a  separation  between  the  good 
 and  bad  that  were  gathered  in.  Hypocrites  and  true  Christians 
 shall  then  be  parted ;  the  good  shall  be  gathered  into  vessels,  as 
 valuable,  and  therefore  to  be  carefully  kept,  but  the  bad  shall  be 
 cast  away,  as  vile  and  unprofitable  ;  and  miserable  is  the  condition 
 of  those  who  are  cast  away  in  that  day. 
 
 Fourthly,  Here  is  the  parable  of  the  good  householder,  which  is 
 intended  to  rivet  all  the  rest.  The  occasion  of  it  was  the  good 
 proficiency  which  the  disciples  had  made  in  learning,  and  their 
 profiting  by  this  sermon  in  particular.  The  scope  of  the  parable 
 itself  was  to  give  his  approbation  and  commendation  of  their  pro¬ 
 ficiency.  Christ  is  ready  to  encourage  willing  learners  in  his 
 school,  though  they  are  but  weak,  and  to  say,  well  done,  well 
 said. 
 
 53 — 58.  Unbelief  is  the  great  obstruction  to  Christ’s  favours ; 
 all  things  are  in  general  possible  to  God,  Matt.  xix.  26,  but  tjien  it 
 is  to  him  that  believes,  as  to  the  particulars,  Mark  ix.  23.  The 
 gospel  is  the  power  of  God  unto  salvation,  but  then  it  is  to  every 
 one  that  believes,  Rom.  i.  l6'.  So  that  if  mighty  works  be  not 
 wrought  in  us,  it  is  not  for  want  of_  power  or  grace  in  Christ,  but 
 
CHAP.  XIV 
 
 insomuch  that  they  were  astonished,  and 
 said,  Whence  hath  this  man  this  wisdom,  and 
 
 these  mighty  works  ?  ,  o  • 
 
 55  Is  not  this  the  carpenter  s  son  ?  is  not 
 his  mother  called  Mary  ?  and  his  brethren 
 James,  and  Joses,  and  Simon,  and  Judas  ? 
 
 56  And  his  sisters  are  they  not  all  with 
 us?  Whence  then  hath  this  man  all  these 
 
 things  ? 
 
 57  And  they  were  offended  in  him.  But 
 Jesus  said  unto  them,  A  prophet  is  not 
 without  honour,  save  in  his  own  country,  and 
 in  his  own  house. 
 
 58  And  he  did  not  many  mighty  works 
 there,  because  of  their  unbelief. 
 
 CHAP.  XIV. 
 
 Here  is  I  The  martyrdom  of  John,  II.  Divers  miracles  of  Christ. 
 
 T  that  time  Plerod  the  tetrarch  heard 
 of  the  fame  of  Jesus, 
 
 2  And  said  unto  his  servants.  This  is  J ohn 
 the  Baptist:  he  is  risen  from  the  dead;  and 
 therefore  mighty  works  do  shew  forth  them¬ 
 selves  in  him. 
 
 3  ^  For  Herod  had  laid  hold  on  John, 
 and  bound  him,  and  put  him  in  prison  for 
 Herodias'  sake,  his  brother  Philip’s  Avife. 
 
 4  For  John  said  unto  him.  It  is  not  law¬ 
 ful  for  thee  to  have  her. 
 
 5  And,  Avhen  he  Avould  have  put  him  to 
 death,  he  feared  the  multitude,  because  they 
 counted  him  as  a  prophet. 
 
 6  But  Avhen  Herod’s  birth-day  Avas  kept, 
 the  daughter  of  Herodias  danced  before 
 them,  and  pleased  Herod. 
 
 7  Whereupon  he  promised  with  an  oath 
 to  give  her  Avhatsoever  she  Avould  ask. 
 
 for  want  of  faith  in  us.  By  grace  ye  are  saved,  and  that  is  a 
 mightv  work,  but  it  is  through  faith,  Eph.  ii.  8. 
 
 CHAP.  XIV.  1—12.  John  while  he  lived  did  no  miracle,  John 
 X.  41,  but  Herod  concludes,  that  being  risen  from  the  dead,  he  is 
 clothed  with  a  greater  power  than  he  had  while  he  was  living ;  and 
 he  very  well  calls  the  miracles  he  supposed  him  to  work,  not  his 
 mighty  works,  but  mighty  works  shewing  forth  themselves  in  him. 
 Notwithstanding  Herod  was  convinced  that  John  was  a  prophet, 
 and  owned  of  God,  yet  he  doth  not  express  the  least  remorse  or 
 sorrow  for  his  sin  in  putting  him  to  death.  The  devils  believe  and 
 U'emble,  but  they  never  believe  and  repent.  The  king  was  sorry, 
 or  at  least  took  on  him  to  be  so,  but  for  the  oath’s  sake  he  com¬ 
 manded  it  to  be  given  her.  Many  a  man  sins  with  regret,  that 
 never  has  any  true  regret  for  his  sin,  is  sorry  to  sin,  yet  is  utterly 
 a  stranger  to  godly  sorrow.  Here  is  a  pretended  conscience  of  his 
 oath,  with  a  specious  shew  of  honour  and  honesty,  he  must  needs 
 do  something  for  the  oath’s  sake.  It  is  a  great  mistake  to  tliink 
 that  a  wicked  oath  will  justify  a  wicked  action. 
 
 13—21.  This  passage  ofkory  concerning  Christ’s  feeding  five 
 tliousand  men  with  five  loaves  and  fishes,  is  recorded  by  all  the 
 
 8  And  she,  being  before  instructed  of  her 
 mother,  said.  Give  me  here  John  Baptist’s 
 head  in  a  charger. 
 
 9  And  the  king  Avas  sorry  :  nevertheless 
 for  the  oath’s  sake,  and  them  Avhich  sat  with 
 lim  at  meat,  he  commanded  it  to  be  given 
 her. 
 
 10  And  he  sent,  and  beheaded  John  in 
 the  prison. 
 
 1 1  And  his  head  was  brought  in  a  charger, 
 and  given  to  the  damsel ;  and  she  brought 
 it  to  her  mother. 
 
 12  And  his  disciples  came,  and  took  up 
 :he  body,  and  buried  it,  and  A\T.nt  and  told 
 Jesus. 
 
 13  ^  When  Jesus  heard  of  it  he  departed 
 :hence  by  ship  into  a  desert  place  apart ; 
 and  Avhen  the  people  had  heard  thereof  they 
 bllowed  him  on  foot  out  ot  the  cities. 
 
 14  And  Jesus  AA^ent  forth,  and  saAV  a  great 
 multitude,  and  Avas  moved  Avith  compassion 
 toward  them,  and  he  healed  their  sick. 
 
 15  And  when  it  Avas  evening  his  disciples 
 came  to  him,  saying.  This  is  a  desert  place, 
 and  the  time  is  noAv  past :  send  the  multi¬ 
 tude  away,  that  they  may  go  into  the  vil¬ 
 lages,  and  buy  themselves  victuals. 
 
 16  But  Jesus  said  unto  them.  They  need 
 not  depart ;  giv’e  ye  them  to  eat. 
 
 17  And  they  say  unto  him.  We  have  here 
 but  five  loaA^es  and  tAvo  fishes. 
 
 18  He  said.  Bring  them  hither  to  me. 
 
 19  And  he  commanded  the  multitude  to 
 sit  doAvn  on  the  grass,  and  took  the  fiA^e 
 loaves,  and  the  tAVO  fishes  ;  and,  looking  up 
 to  heaven,  he  blessed,  and  brake,  and  gaA-e 
 
 four  evangelists,  while  very  few,  if  any,  of  Christs  miracles  are; 
 this  intimates  there  is  something  in  it  worthy  of  special  remark. 
 Observe,  first.  The  great  resort  of  people  to  Christ,  when  he  was 
 retired  into  a  desert  place,  13.  Secondly,  The  tender  compas¬ 
 sion  of  our  Lord  Jesus  toward  those  that  thus  followed  him,  14. 
 Thirdly,  The  motion  which  the  disciples  made  for  the  dismissing 
 of  the  congregation,  and  Christ’s  setting  aside  the  motion.  Christ 
 would  not  dismiss  them  hungry  as  they  were,  nor  detain  them 
 longer  without  meat,  nor  put  them  upon  the  trouble  and  charge 
 of  buying  meat  for  themselves,  but  orders  his  disciples  to  provide 
 for  them.  Christ  all  along  expressed  more  tenderness  towards  the 
 people  than  his  disciples  did  ;  for  what  are  the  compassions  oi  the 
 most  merciful  men  compared  with  the  tender  mercies  of  God  in 
 Christ.  Fourthly,  The  slender  provision  that  was  made  for  this 
 great  multitude ;  and  here  we  must  compare  the  number  of  in¬ 
 vited  guests  with  the  bill  of  fare.  Fifthly,  The  liberal  distribution 
 of  this  provision  among  the  multitude,  18,  19»  Bring  them  hi¬ 
 ther  to  me.  The  way  to  have  our  creature-comforts,  comforts  in¬ 
 deed  to  us,  is  to  bring  them  to  Christ ;  for  every_  thing  is  sanctified 
 bv  his  word,  and  by  praver  to  him.  His  craving  a  blessing  was 
 
ST.  MATTHEW. 
 
 the  loaves  to  Iiis  disciples,  and  the  disciples 
 to  the  multitude. 
 
 20  And  they  did  all  eat,  and  were  filled  ; 
 and  they  took  up  ot  the  IVagments  that  re¬ 
 mained  twelve  baskets  full. ' 
 
 21  And  they  that  had  eaten  were  aboutfive 
 thousand  men,  beside  women  and  children. 
 
 22  ^  And  straightway  Jesus  constrained 
 his  disciples  to  get  into  a  ship,  and  to  go 
 before  him  unto  the  other  side,  while  he  sent 
 the  multitudes  away. 
 
 23  And,  when  he  had  sent  the  multitudes 
 away,  he  went  up  into  a  mountain  apart  to 
 pray  ;  and  when  the  evening  was  come  he 
 was  there  alone. 
 
 24  But  the  ship  was  now  in  the  midst  of 
 the  sea  tossed  with  waves  :  for  the  wind  was 
 contrary. 
 
 25  And  in  the  fourth  watch  of  the  night 
 Jesus  went  unto  them  walking  on  the  sea. 
 
 26  And  when  the  disciples  saw  him  walk¬ 
 ing  on  the  sea,  they  were  troubled,  saying.  It 
 is  a  spirit ;  and  they  cried  out  for  fear. 
 
 27  But  straightway  Jesus  spake  unto 
 them,  saying.  Be  of  good  cheer,  it  is  I ;  be 
 not  afraid. 
 
 29  And  he  said.  Come.  Ana  when  Peter 
 was  come  down  out  of  the  ship,  he  walked 
 on  the  water,  to  go  to  Jesus. 
 
 30  But  when  he  saw  the  wind  boisterous 
 he  was  afraid  :  and,  beginning  to  sink,  he 
 cried,  saying.  Lord,  save  me. 
 
 31  And  immediately  Jesus  stretched  forth 
 fits  hand,  and  caught  him,  and  said  unto 
 ■him,  O  thou  of  little  faith  !  wherefore  didst 
 thou  doubt  ? 
 
 32  And  when  they  were  come  into  the 
 ship  the  wind  ceased. 
 
 33  Then  they  that  were  in  the  ship  came 
 and  worshipped  him,  saying.  Of  a  truth 
 thou  art  the  Son  of  God. 
 
 34  f  And  when  they  were  gone  over  they 
 came  into  the  land  of  Gennesaret. 
 
 35  And,  when  the  men  of  that  place  had 
 knowledge  of  him,  they  sent  out  into  all 
 that  country  round  about,  and  brought  unto 
 him  all  that  were  diseased  : 
 
 36  And  besought  him  that  they  might 
 only  touch  the  hem  of  his  garment :  and  as 
 many  as  touched  were  made  perfectly  whole. 
 
 CHAP.  XV. 
 
 28  And  Peter  answerqd^  him.  and  said, 
 Lord,  if  it  be  thou,  bid  me  come  unto  thee 
 on  the  water. 
 
 con’.nianding  a  blessing,  fi>r  as  he  preached  so  he  prayed,  like  one 
 i;aving  authority ;  and  in  >this  prayer  and  thanksgiving  we  may 
 supjjose  he  had  special  rcli^ence  to  the  multiplying  of  this  food  • 
 but  ncrein  he  has  taught  us  ..that  good  duty  of  craving  a  blessing’ 
 and  giving  thanks  at  our  meals.  Here  is  no  mention  of  any  word 
 that  Christ  spoke,  by  vyhich  the  food  was  multiplied;  the  pur¬ 
 poses  and.  intentions  ol  .hig  mind  and  will  shall  take  effect,  though 
 they  be  not  spoken  out. /But  this  is  observable,  that  the  meat  was 
 multiplied,  not  in  the  heap  at  first,  but  in  the  distribution  of  it ; 
 as  the  widow’s  oil  .increased  in  the  pouring  out,  so  here  the  bread’ 
 in  the  breaking,  ^^ixthly,  The  plentiful  satisfaction  of  all  the 
 guests  with  this  pj^asion  ;  though  the  disproportion  was  so  great, 
 vet  there  was  enough';  and  to  spare.  It  is  the  same  divine  power, 
 though  exerted  in  an  ordinary  way,  which  multiplieth  the  seed 
 sown  in  the  ground  every  year,  and  makes  the  earth  yield  her  in¬ 
 crease,  so  that  what  was  brought  out  by  handfuls  is  brought  home 
 in  sheaves.  This  is  the  Lord’s  doing  ;  it  is  by  Christ  that  all  na¬ 
 tural  things  consist,  and  by  the  word  of  his  power  that  they  are 
 upheld. 
 
 22 — 33.  We  have  here  the  story  of  another  miracle  which 
 Christ  wrought  for  the  relief  of  his  friends  and  followers,  his  walk¬ 
 ing  upon  the  water  to  his  disciples.  In  the  foregoing  miracle  he 
 acted  as  the  lord  of  nature  improving  its  powers  for  the  supply  of 
 those  that  were  in  want :  in  this  he  acted  as  the  lord  of  nature  cor¬ 
 recting  and  controuling  its  powers  for  the  succour  of  those  that 
 were  in  danger  and  distress.  It  is  no  new  thing  for  Chist’s  dis¬ 
 ciples  to  meet  with  storms  in  the  way  of  their  duty,  and  to  be  sent 
 to  sea  then  when  their  master  foresees  a  storm,  but  let  them  not 
 take  it  unkindly  ;  what  he  doth,  they  know  not  now,  but  they  shall 
 Jtnow  hereafter,  that  Christ  designs  hereby  to  manifest  himself 
 with  the  more  wonderful  gyace  to  them,  and  for  them, 
 
 362 
 
 Here  is,  I.  Christ’s  discourse  with  the  scribes  and  Pharisees,  1— 9. 
 11.  His  discourse  with  the  multitude,  10—20.  III.  His  casting 
 ^e  devil  out  of  the  woman  of  Canaan’s  daughter,  21—28.  IV. 
 His  healing  of  all  that  were  brought  to  him,  29 — 31.  V.  His 
 feeding  four  thousand  men,  32 — 39. 
 
 Here  IS  an  account  of  what  passed  between  Christ  and  his  dis¬ 
 tressed  friends  upon  his  approach.  •  First,  Between  him  and  all 
 
 here  told,  1.  Hf)w  their  fears  were  raised, 
 2o,  When  they  saw  hirn  walking  on  the  sea  they  were  troubled, 
 saying.  It  is  a  spirit;  it  is  an  apparition,  so  it  might  much  better  be 
 rendered.  It  seems  the  existence  and  appearance  of  spirits  was 
 generally  believed  by  all,  except  the  Sadducees,  whose  doctrine 
 Chiist  had  warned  his  disciples  against;  yet  doubtless  many  sup¬ 
 posed  apparitions  have  been  merely  the  creatures  of  men’s  own 
 fear  and  fancy.  But  these  fears  were  silenced,  27.  Second, 
 Between  him  and  Peter,  28—31,  where  observe  Peter’s  courage, 
 and  Christ’s  countenancing  that.  It  was  very  bold  in  Peter  that 
 he  should  venture  to  come  to  Christ  upon  the  water,  28,  Lord,  if 
 it  be  thou,  bid  me  come  to  thee.  Christ  bid  him  come,  not  only 
 that  he  might  walk  upon  the  water,  and  so  know'  Christ’s  power, 
 but  that  he  might  sink,  and  so  know  his  own  weakness;  for  as  he 
 would  encourage  his  faith,  so  he  would  check  his  confidence,  and 
 make  him  ashamed  of  it. 
 
 34 — 36.  The  healing  virtue  that  is  in  Christ  is  put  forth  for  the 
 benefit  ot  those  that  by  a  true  and  lively  faith  touch  him.  Christ 
 is  in  heaven,  but  his  word  is^nigh  us,  and  he  himself  in  that  word. 
 When  we  mix  faith  with  the  w'ord,  apply  it  to  ourselves,  depend 
 upon  it,  and  submit  to  the  influences  and  commands  of  it,  then  we 
 touch  the  hem  of  Christ’s  garment;  it  is  but  touching,  and  we  are 
 made  whole.  On  such  easy  terms  are  spiritual  cures  offered  by 
 him,  that  may  truly  be  said  to  heal  freely  ;  so  that  if  our  souls  die 
 of  their  wounds  it  is  not  ow  ing  to  our  physician,  it  is  not  for  want 
 of  skill  or  will  in  him,  but  it  is  purely  owing  to  ourselves. 
 
 CHAP.  XV.  1 — 9.  The  absurdity  and  impiety  of  this  tradition 
 was  very  evident ;  for  revealed  religion  was  intended  to  improve, 
 not  to  overthrow,  natural  religion,  one  of  the  fundamental  laws,  of 
 
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CHAP.  XV. 
 
 rjlHEN  came  to  Jesus  scribes  and  Phari- 
 **  sees,  which  were  of  Jerusalem,  saying, 
 
 2  Why  do  thy  disciples  transgress  the 
 tradition  of  the  elders  ?  for  they  wash  not 
 their  hands  when  they  eat  bread. 
 
 3  But  he  answered,  and  said  unto  them. 
 Why  do  ye  also  transgress  the  commandment 
 of  God  by  your  tradition  ? 
 
 4  For  God  commanded,  saying.  Honour 
 thy  father  and  mother;  and.  He  that  curseth 
 father  or  mother  let  him  die  the  death. 
 
 5  But  ye  say.  Whosoever  shall  say  to  his 
 father,  or  his  mother.  It  is  a  gift,  by  whatso¬ 
 ever  thou  mightest  be  profited  by  me, 
 
 6  And  honour  not  his  father  or  his  mo¬ 
 ther,  he  shall  he  free.  Thus  have  ye  made 
 the  commandment  of  God  of  none  effect  by 
 your  tradition. 
 
 7  Ye  hypocrites !  well  did  Esaias  pro¬ 
 phesy  of  you,  saying, 
 
 8  This  people  draweth  nigh  unto  me  with 
 their  mouth,  and  honoureth  me  with  their 
 lips  ;  but  their  heart  is  far  from  me. 
 
 9  But  in  vain  they  do  worship  me,  teach¬ 
 ing  for  doctrines  the  commandments  of 
 men. 
 
 10  ^  And  he  called  the  multitude,  and 
 said  unto  them.  Hear,  and  understand  : 
 
 11  Not  that  which  goeth  into  the  mouth 
 defileth  a  man  ;  but  that  which  cometh  out 
 of  the  mouth,  this  defileth  a  man. 
 
 12  Then  came  his  disciples,  and  said  unto 
 him,  Knowest  thou  that  the  Pharisees  were 
 offended  after  they  heard  this  saying  ? 
 
 13  But  he  answered  and  said.  Every  plant 
 which  my  heavenly  Father  hath  not  planted 
 shall  be  rooted  up. 
 
 which  is  this  of  honouring  our  parents,  and  had  they  known  what 
 that  meant,  I  will  have  justice,  and  mercy,  and  not  sacrifice,  they 
 had  not  thus  made  the  most  arbitrary  rituals  destructive  of  the 
 most  necessary  morals.  This  was  making  the  command  of  God 
 of  none  effect.  Christ  fetches  his  reproof  from  Isa.  xxi.x.  13,  Well 
 did  Esaias  prophesy  of  you.  -Isaiah  spoke  it  of  the  men  of  that  ge¬ 
 neration,  to  whom  he  prophesied,  yet  Christ  applies  it  to  these 
 scribes  and  Pharisees. 
 
 10—20.  We  are  polluted,  not  by  the  meat  we  eat  with  un- 
 washen  hands,  but  by  the  words  we  speak  from  an  utisanctified 
 heart,  so  it  is  that  the  mouth  causeth  the  flesh  to  sin,  Eccl,  v.  6. 
 Christ  in  a  former  discourse  had  laid  a  great  stress  upon  our 
 words.  Matt.  xii.  36,  37»  and  that  was  intended  for  reproof  and 
 warning  to  those  that  cavilled  at  him  :  this  here  is  intended  for  re¬ 
 proof  and  warning  to  those  that  cavilled  at  the  disciples,  and  cen¬ 
 sured  them.  The  doom  past  upon  the  Pharisees,  and  their  cor¬ 
 rupt  traditions,  comes  in  as  a  reason  why  Christ  cared  not,  though 
 he  ottended  them,  and  therefore  why  the  disciples  should  not  care. 
 
 14  Let  them  alone ;  they  be  blind  lead¬ 
 ers  of  the  blind.  And  if  the  blind  lead  the 
 blind,  both  shall  fall  into  the  ditch. 
 
 15  Then  answered  Peter,  and  said  unto 
 him,  Declare  unto  us  this  parable. 
 
 16  And  Jesus  said.  Are  ye  also  yet  with¬ 
 out  understanding  ? 
 
 17  Do  not  ye  yet  understand,  that  whatso¬ 
 ever  entereth  in  at  the  mouth  goeth  into  the 
 belly,  and  is  cast  out  into  the  draught  ? 
 
 18  But  those  things  which  proceed  out 
 of  the  mouth  come  forth  from  the  heart, 
 and  thev  defile  the  man. 
 
 19  For  out  of  the  heart  proceed  evil 
 thoughts,  murders,  adulteries,  fornications, 
 thefts,  false  witness,  blasphemies  ; 
 
 20  These  are  the  things  which  defile  a 
 man :  but  to  eat  with  unwashen  hands  de¬ 
 fileth  not  a  man. 
 
 21  ^  Then  Jesus  went  thence,  and  de¬ 
 parted  into  the  coasts  of  Tyre  and  Sidon. 
 
 22  And,  behold,  a  woman  of  Canaan 
 came  out  of  the  same  coasts,  and  cried  unto 
 him,  saying.  Have  mercy  on  me,  O  Lord, 
 thou  son  of  David ;  my  daughter  is  grievously 
 vexed  with  a  devil. 
 
 23  But  he  answered  her  not  a  word.  And 
 his  disciples  came  and  besought  him,  saying, 
 Send  her  away  :  for  she  crieth  after  us. 
 
 24  But  he  answered  and  said,  I  am  not 
 sent  but  unto  the  lost  sheep  of  the  house  of 
 Israel. 
 
 25  Then  came  she  and  worshipped  him, 
 saying.  Lord,  help  me. 
 
 26  But  he  answered  and  said.  It  is  not 
 meet  to  take  the  children's  bread,  and  to 
 cast  it  to  dogs. 
 
 because  they  were  a  generation  of  men  that  hated  to  be  reformed, 
 and  were  marked  out  for  destruction.  Two  things  Christ  here 
 foretels  concerning  them.  First,  The  rooting  out  of  them  and 
 their  traditions,  13,  Every  plant  which  my  heavenly  Father  hath 
 not  planted  shall  be  rooted  up.  Not  only  the  corrupt  opinions,  and 
 superstitious  practice  of  the  Pharisees,  but  their  sect,  and  way, 
 and  constitution,  were  plants,  not  of  God’s  planting ;  the  rules  of 
 their  profession  were  no  institutions  of  his,  but  owed  their  original 
 to  pride  and  formality.  Second,  The  ruin  of  them  and  their  fol¬ 
 lowers,  that  had  thdr  persons  and  principles  in  admiration,  14. 
 Christ  bids  his  disciples  let  them  alone;  for  they  are  grossly  ig¬ 
 norant  in  the  things  of  God,  and  strangers  to  the  spiritual  nature 
 of  the  divine  law,  and  yet  so  proud  thaf^they  think  they  see  better 
 and  further  than  any,  and  therefore  undertake  to  be  leaders  of 
 others,  to  shew  others  the  way  to  Heaven,  when  they  themselves 
 know  not  one  step  of  the  way,  and  accordingly  they  prescribe  to 
 all,  and  proscribe  those  who  will  not  follow  them. 
 
 A — 28.  We  have  here  that  famous  story  of  Christ’s  casting  the 
 
 363 
 
ST.  MATTHEW. 
 
 27  And  she  said,  Truth  Lord  ;  yet  the 
 dogs  eat  of  the  crumbs  which  fall  from  their 
 master’s  table. 
 
 28  Then  Jesus  answered,  and  said  unto 
 her,  O  woman,  great  is  thy  faith  :  be  it  unto 
 thee  even  as  thou  wilt.  And  her  daughter 
 w'as  made  whole  from  that  very  hour. 
 
 29  ^  And  Jesus  departed  from  thence, 
 and  came  nigh  unto  the  sea  of  Galilee,  and 
 went  up  into  a  mountain,  and  sat  down 
 there. 
 
 30  And  great  multitudes  came  unto  him, 
 having  with  them  those  that  n'ere  lame,  blind, 
 dumb,  maimed,  and  many  others,  and  cast 
 them  down  at  Jesus’  feet,  and  he  healed 
 them  : 
 
 31  Insomuch  that  the  multitude  wonder¬ 
 ed,  when  they  saw  the  dumb  to  speak,  the 
 maimed  to  be  whole,  the  lame  to  walk,  and 
 the  blind  to  see  ;  and  they  glorified  the  God 
 of  Israel. 
 
 32  ^  Then  Jesus  called  his  disciples  unto 
 him,  and  said,  I  have  compassion  on  the 
 multitude,  because  they  continue  with  me 
 now  three  days,  and  have  nothing  to  eat : 
 and  I  will  not  send  them  away  fasting,  lest 
 they  faint  in  the  way. 
 
 33  And  his  disciples  say  unto  him, Whence 
 should  we  have  so  much  bread  in  the  wilder¬ 
 ness  as  to  fill  so  great  a  multitude  ? 
 
 34  And  Jesus  saith  unto  them.  How  many 
 loaves  have  ye  ?  And  they  said.  Seven,  and 
 a  few  little  fishes. 
 
 35  And  he  commanded  the  multitude  to 
 sit  down  on  the  ground. 
 
 devil  out  of  the  woman  of  Canaan’s  daughter ;  it  has  something 
 in  it  singular,  and  very  surprising,  and  which  looks  favourably 
 iy)on  the  poor  Gentiles,  and  is  an  earnest  of  that  mercy  which 
 Christ  had  in  store  for  them.  Here  is  a  gleam  of  that  light  which 
 was  to  lighten  the  Gentiles,  Luke  ii.  32.  Christ  came  to  his  own, 
 and  his  own  received  him  not,  but  many  of  them  quarrelled  with 
 him,  and  were  offended  in  him.  ChHst  treated  her  thus  to  try 
 her,  he  knows  what  is  in  the  heart,  knew  the  strength  of  her  faith, 
 and  how  well  able  she  was  by  his  grace  to  break  through  such  dis¬ 
 couragements,  and  therefore  met  her  wi  th  them,  that  the  trial  of 
 her  faith  might  be  found  unto  praise,  and  honour,  and  glory,  1  Pet. 
 i.  6,  7.  This  was  like  God’s  tempting  Abraham,  Gen.  .xxii.  1,  like 
 the  angel’s  wrestling  with  Jacob,  only  to  put  him  upon  wrestling, 
 Gen.  xxxii.  24.  Many  of  the  methods  of  Christ’s  providence,  and 
 especially  of  his  grace  in  dealing  with  his  people,  which  arc  d.yk 
 and  perplexing,  may  be  explained  with  the  key  of  this  story,  which 
 is  for  that  end  left  upon  record  to  teach  us  that  there  may  be  love 
 in  Christ’s  heart  while  there  are  frowns  in  his  face,  and  to  encou¬ 
 rage  us  therefore,  though  he  slay  us,  yet  to  trust  in  him.  Many 
 a  one  thus  tried,  would  either  have  sunk  down  into  silence,  or  broke 
 out  into  passion.  Here  is  cold  comfort,  might  she  have  said,  for  a 
 poor  distressed  creature  ;  as  good  for  me  to  have  staid  at  home,  as 
 361- 
 
 36  And  he  took  the  seven  loaves  and  the 
 fishes,  and  gave  thanks,  and  brake  them, 
 and  gave  to  his  disciples,  and  the  disciples 
 to  the  multitude. 
 
 37  And  they  did  all  eat,  and  were  filled  ; 
 and  they  took  up  of  the  broken  meat  that 
 was  left  seven  baskets  full. 
 
 38  And  they  that  did  eat  were  four  thou¬ 
 sand  men,  beside  women  and  children. 
 
 39  And  he  sent  away  the  multitude,  and 
 took  ship,  and  came  into  the  coasts  of  Mag- 
 dala. 
 
 CHAP.  XVI. 
 
 Here  is,  I.  A  conference  with  the  Pharisees,  1 — 4.  H.  Another 
 with  his  disciples  about  the  leaven  of  the  Pharisees,  5—12. 
 HI.  Another  with  them  concerning  himself,  13 — 20.  IV. 
 Another  concerning  his  sufferings  for  them,  and  theirs  for  him 
 21—28. 
 
 HE  Pharisees  also,  with  the  Sadducees, 
 came,  and  tempting,  desired  him  that 
 he  would  shew  them  a  sign  from  heaven. 
 
 2  He  answered,  and  said  unto  them. 
 When  it  is  evening,  ye  say.  It  will  he  fair 
 weather  ;  for  the  sky  is  red  : 
 
 3  And  in  the  morning.  It  will  he  foul  wea¬ 
 ther  to  day  ;  for  the  sky  is  red  and  lowring, 
 O  7/e  hypocrites  !  ye  can  discern  the  face  of 
 the  sky  ;  but  can  ye  not  discern  the  signs  of 
 the  times  ? 
 
 4  A  wicked  and  adulterous  generation 
 seeketh  after  a  sign ;  and  there  shall  no 
 sign  be  given  unto  it  but  the  sign  of  the  pro¬ 
 phet  Jonas.  And  he  left  them,  and  departed. 
 
 5  ^  And  wLen  his  disciples  were  come  to 
 the  other  side,  they  had  forgotten  to  take 
 bread. 
 
 come  hither  to  be  taunted  and  abused  at  this  rate;  not  only  to 
 have  a  piteous  case  slighted,  but  to  be  called  a  dog;  but  a  humble 
 believing  soul,  that  truly  loves  Christ,  takes  every  thing  in  good 
 part,  that  he  saith  and  doth,  and  puts  the  best  construction  upon 
 it. 
 
 29 — 39-  Here  is  a  particular  account  of  his  feeding  four  thou¬ 
 sand  men  with  seven  loaves,  and  a  few  little  fishes,  as  he  had 
 lately  fed  five  thousand  with  five  loaves.  The  guests  indeed  were 
 now  not  quite  so  many  as  then,  and  the  provision  a  little  more, 
 which  does  not  intimate  that  Christ’s  arm  was  shortened,  but  that 
 he  wrought  his  miracles  as  the  occasion  required,  and  not  for  os¬ 
 tentation,  and  therefore  he  suited  them  to  the  occasion.  Both 
 then  and  now  he  took  as  many  as  were  to  be  fed,  and  made  use  of 
 all  that  was  at  hand  to  feed  them  with.  When  once  the  utmost 
 powers  of  nature  are  exceeded,  we  most  say,  this  is  the  finger  of 
 God,  and  it  is  neither  here  nor  there  how  far  they  arc  out-done; 
 so  that  this  is  no  less  a  miracle  than  the  former. 
 
 CHAP.  XVI.  1—4.  The  miracles  Christ  wrought,  and  the  ga¬ 
 thering  of  the  people  to  him,  were  plain  indications  that  the  king¬ 
 dom  of  heaven  w-as  at  hand,  that  this  was  the  day  of  their  visita 
 
 "”5  -12.  We  have  here  Christ’s  discourse  with  his  disciplescon- 
 
CHAP.  XV  f. 
 
 6  Then  Jesus  said  unto  them,  Take  heed ; 
 and  beware  of  the  leaven  of  the  Pharisees, 
 and  of  the  Sadducees. 
 
 7  And  they  reasoned  among  themselves 
 saying.  It  is  because  we  have  taken  no  bread. 
 
 8  Which  when  Jesus  perceived,  he  said 
 unto  them,  O  ye  of  little  faith  !  why  reason 
 ye  among  yourselves,  because  ye  have 
 brought  no  bread  ? 
 
 9  Do  ye  not  yet  understand,  neither  re¬ 
 member  the  five  loaves  of  the  five  thousand 
 and  how  many  baskets  ye  took  up  ? 
 
 10  Neither  the  seven  loaves  of  the  four 
 thousand,  and  how  many  baskets  ye  took 
 up  ? 
 
 11  How  is  it  that  ye  do  not  understand 
 that  I  spake  it  not  to  you  concerning  bread, 
 that  ye  should  beware  of  the  leaven  of  the 
 Pharisees,  and  of  the  Sadducees  ? 
 
 12  Then  understood  they  how  that  he 
 bade  them  not  beware  of  the  leaven  of  bread 
 but  of  the  doctrine  of  the  Pharisees,  and  of 
 the  Saaducees. 
 
 .3  ^  When  Jesus  came  into  the  coasts  of 
 Cesarea  Philippi,  he  asked  his  disciples,  say¬ 
 ing,  Whom  do  men  say  that  I,  the  Son  of 
 man,  am  ? 
 
 14  And  they  said.  Some  say  that  thou  art 
 John  the  Baptist ;  some  Elias  ;  and  others 
 Jeremias,  or  one  of  the  prophets 
 
 15  He  saith  unto  them.  But  whom  say 
 ye  that  I  am  ? 
 
 16  And  Simon  Peter  answered  and  said. 
 Thou  art  the  Christ,  the  Son  of  the  livino- 
 God. 
 
 17  And  Jesus  answered,  and  said  unto 
 him.  Blessed  art  thou,  Simon  Barjona  :  for 
 flesh  and  blood  hath  not  revealed  it  unto 
 thee,  but  my  Father  which  is  in  heaven. 
 
 18  And  I  say  also  unto  thee.  That  thou 
 art  Peter  :  and  upon  this  rock  I  will  build 
 my  church,  and  the  gates  of  hell  shall  not 
 prevail  against  it. 
 
 19  And  I 'Will  give  unto  thee  the  keys  of 
 the  kingdom  of  heaven :  and  whatsoever  thou 
 shalt  bind  on  earth  shall  be  bound  in  hea¬ 
 ven  ;  and  whatsoever  thou  shalt  loose  on 
 earth  shall  be  loosed  in  heaven. 
 
 20  Then  charged  he  his  disciples,  that 
 they  should  tell  no  man  that  he  was  Jesus 
 the  Christ. 
 
 21  ^  From  that  time  forth  began  Jesus  to 
 shew  unto  his  disciples,  how  that  he  must 
 go  unto  Jerusalem,  and  suffer  many  things 
 
 cerning  bread,  in  which,  as  in  many  other,  he  speaks  to  them  of 
 spiritual  things  under  a  similitude,  and  they  misunderstand  him 
 of  carnal  things. 
 
 In  our  age  we  may  reckon  atheism  and  deism  to  be  the  leaven 
 of  the  Sadducees,  and  popery  to  be  the  leaven  of  the  Pharisees 
 against  both  which  it  concerns  all  Christians  to  stand  upon  their 
 guard. 
 
 13—20.  Peter’s  answer  is  short,  but  it  is  full,  and  true,  and  to 
 the  purpose.  Thou  art  Christ,  the  Son  of  the  living  God.  Here  is  a 
 confession  of  the  Christian  faith,  addressed  to  Christ,  and  so  made 
 an  act  of  devotion.  Here  is  a  confession  of  the  true  God,  as  the 
 living  God,  in  opposition  to  dumb  and  dead  idols,  and  of  Jesus 
 Christ  whom  he  hath  sent,  whom  to  know  is  life  eternal.  This  is 
 the  conclusion  of  the  whole  matter. 
 
 TJpon  occasion  of  this  great  confession  made  of  Christ,  which  is 
 the  church’s  homage  and  allegiance,  he  signed  and  published  this 
 royal,  this  divine  charter,  by  which  that  body  politic  is  incor¬ 
 porated.  Such  is  the  communion  between  Christ  and  the  church, 
 the  bridegroom  and  the  spouse.  God  had  a  church  in  the  world 
 from  the  beginning,  and  it  was  built  upon  the  rock  of  the  promised 
 seed,  Gen.  iii.  15.  But  now  that  promised  seed  was  come,  it  was 
 requisite  the  church  should  have  a  new  charter,  as  Christian,  and 
 standing  in  relation  to  a  Christ  already  come.  Now  the  purport 
 of  this  charter  is,  to  establish  the  being  of  the  church.  The  church 
 is  buiT’.'Upon  a  rock,  a  firm,  strong,  and  lasting  foundation,  which 
 time  will  not  waste,  nor  will  it  sink  under  the  weight  of  the  build¬ 
 ing.  Christ  here  promiseth  to  preserve  and  secure  his  church 
 when  it  is  built.  The  gates  of  hell  shall  not  prevail  against  it ;  i>ei- 
 ther  against  this  truth,  nor  against  the  church  which  is  built  upon 
 
 j  implies  that  the  church  has  enemies  that  fight  against  it, 
 and  endeavour  its  ruin  and  overthrow,  here  represented  by  the 
 ptesof  hell,  i.  e.  the  city  of  hell,  which  is  directly  opposite  to  this 
 neavenly  city,  this  city  of  the  living  God,  the  devil’s  interest  among 
 the  children  of  men.  This  assures  us  that  the  enemies  of  the 
 
 church  shall  not  gain  their  point.  While  the  world  stands  Christ 
 wilt  have  a  church  in  it,  in  which  his  truths  and  ordinances  shall 
 be  owned  and  kept  up,  in  spite  of  all  the  opposition  of  the  powers 
 of  darkness,  they  shall  not  prevail  against  it,  Psal.  cx.xi.x.  The 
 other  part  of  this  charter  is  to  settle  the  order  and  goyernment  of 
 the  church,  ip.  When  a  city  or  society  is  incorporated,  offi¬ 
 cers  are  appointed,  and  impowered  to  act  for  the  common  good. 
 A  city  without  government  is  a  chaos.  Now  this  constituting  of 
 the  government  of  the  church,  is  here  expressed  by  the  delivering 
 of  the  keys,  and  with  them,  a  power  to  bind  and  loose.  This  is  not 
 to  be  understood  of  any  peculiar  power  that  Peter  was  invested 
 with,  as  if  he  were  sole  door-keeper  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  ana 
 had  that  key  of  David  which  belongs  only  to  the  Son  of  David  ; 
 no,  this  invests  all  the  apostles  and  their  successors  with  a  minis¬ 
 terial  power  to  guide  and  govern  the  church  of  Christ,  as  it  exists 
 in  particular  congregations  or  churches,  according  to  the  rules  of 
 the  gospel.  It  is  a  power  which  Christ  has  promised  to  own  the 
 due  administration  of,  to  ratify  the  sentences  of  hk  steward  with 
 his  own  approbation  ;  it  shall  be  bound  in  heaven,  and  loosed  in 
 heaven.  Not  that  Christ  hath  hereby  obliged  himself  to  confirm  all 
 church  censures,  right  or  wrong,  but  suen  as  are  duly  past  accord¬ 
 ing  to  the  word,  they  are  scaled  in.  heaven,  i.  e.  the  word  of  the 
 gospel  in  the  mouth  of  faithful  ministers  is  to  be  looked  upon,  not 
 as  the  word  of  man,  but  as  the  word  of  God,  and  to  be  received 
 accordingly,  1  Thess.  ii.  13,  John  xiii.  20. 
 
 21 — 23.  Christ  foretold  his  sufferings,  first.  To  shew  that  they 
 were  the  preduct  of  an  eternal  counsel  and  consent ;  were  agreed 
 upon  by  the  Father  and  the  Son  from  eternity.  Thus  it  behoved 
 Christ  to  suffer ;  second.  To  rectify  the  mistakes  of  his  disciples 
 concerning  the  external  pomp  and  power  of  his  kingdom,  which 
 they  had  imbibed  the  notion  of.  Believing  him  to  be  the  Messiah, 
 they  coumed  upon  nothing  but  dignity  and  authority  in  the  world’ 
 but  here  Christ  reads  them  another  lesson,  tells  them  of  the  cross 
 and  sufferings;  nay,  and  that  the  chief  priests  and  the  elders, 
 
 36'5 
 
ST.  MATTHEW. 
 
 of  the  elders,  and  chief  priests,  and  scribes, 
 and  be  killed,  and  be  raised  again  the  third 
 day. 
 
 22  Then  Peter  took  him,  and  began  to  re¬ 
 buke  him,  saying.  Be  it  far  from  thee.  Lord; 
 this  shall  not  be  unto  thee. 
 
 23  But  he  turned,  and  said  unto  Peter, 
 Get  thee  behind  me,  Satan  ;  thou  art  an  of¬ 
 fence  unto  me :  for  thou  savourest  not  the 
 things  that  be  of  God,  but  those  that  be  of 
 men. 
 
 24  ^  Then  said  Jesus  unto  his  disciples. 
 If  any  man  will  come  after  me,  let  him  deny 
 himself,  and  take  up  his  cross,  and  follow  me. 
 
 25  For  whosoever  will  save  his  life,  shall 
 lose  it ;  and  whosoever  will  lose  his  life  for 
 my  sake,  shall  find  it. 
 
 26  For  what  is  a  man  profited,  if  he  shall 
 gain  the  whole  world,  and  lose  his  own  soul  ? 
 or,  what  shall  a  man  give  in  exchange  for  his 
 soul  ? 
 
 27  For  the  Son  of  man  shall  come  in  the 
 glory  of  his  Father,  with  his  angels  ;  and  then 
 he  shall  reward  every  man  according  to  his 
 Avorks. 
 
 28  Verily  I  say  unto  you.  There  be  some 
 standing’  here  which  shall  not  taste  of  death 
 
 till  they  see  the  Son  of  man  coming  in  hi” 
 kingdom. 
 
 CHAP.  XVII. 
 
 I.  Christ  transfigured,  1 — 13.  II.  Christ  casting  the  devil  jut  of 
 a  child,  14 — 21.  III.  Christ  in  his  poverty  foretelling  his  own 
 sufferings,  22,  23,  and  paying  tribute,  24—27. 
 
 A  ND  after  six  days  Jesus  taketh  Peter, 
 James,  and  John  his  brother;  and  bring- 
 eth  them  up  into  an  high  mountain  apart. 
 
 2  And  Avas  transfigured  before  them ;  and 
 his  face  did  shine  as  the  sun,  and  his  raiment 
 was  white  as  the  light. 
 
 3  And,  behold,  there  appeared  unto  them 
 Moses  and  Elias  talking  Avith  him. 
 
 4  Then  answered  Peter,  and  said  unto 
 Jesus,  Lord,  it  is  good  for  us  to  be  here ;  if 
 thou  wilt  let  us  make  here  three  tabernacles  ; 
 one  for  thee,  and  one  for  Moses,  and  one  for 
 Elias. 
 
 5  While  he  yet  spake,  behold,  a  bright 
 cloud  overshadowed  them  ;  and,  behold,  a 
 voice  out  of  the  cloud,  Avhich  said.  This  is 
 my  beloved  Son,  inAvhom  I  am  well  pleased; 
 hear  ye  him. 
 
 6  And  Avhen  the  disciples  heard  it  they 
 fell  on  their  face,  and  Avere  sore  afraid. 
 
 7  And  Jesus  c^ame  and  touched  them,  and 
 said.  Arise,  and  be  not  afraid. 
 
 whom  it  is  likely  they  expected  to  be  the  supports  of  the  Messiah’s 
 kitK^dom,  should  be  the  great  enemies  and  persecutors  of  it ;  this 
 would  give  them  quite  another  idea  of  that  kingdom,  which  they 
 themselves  had  preached  the  approach. of;  and  it  was  requisite 
 this  mistake  should  be  rectified.  Those  that  follow  Christ  must 
 be  dealt  plainly  with,  and  warned  not  to  expect  great  things  m  this 
 world  ;  third.  It  was  to  prepare  them  for  the  share  at  least  of  sor¬ 
 row  and  fear,  which  they  must  have  in  his  sufferings.  When  he 
 suffered  many  things,  the  disciples  could  not  but  suffer  some ;  and 
 if  their  Master  be  killed,  they  will  be  all  frightened  ;  let  them  know 
 It  before,  that  they  mav  provide  accordingly,  and  being  fore-warn¬ 
 ed  may  be  fore-arme'd.  Perhaps  Peter  was  a  little  elevated  with 
 the  great  things  Christ  had  now  said  to  him,  which  made  him  more 
 bold  with  Christ  than  did  become  him  ;  so  hard  is  it  to  keep  the 
 spirit  low  and  humble  in  the  midst  of  great  advancements.  We 
 do  not  read  of  any  thing  said  or  done  by  any  of  his  disciplp,  at  any 
 time,  that  Christ  resented  so  very  ill  as  this  here,  though  they  oft 
 
 24 _ 28.  Suffering  saints  must  look  unto  Jesus,  and  take  from 
 
 him  both  direction  and  encouragement  in  suffering.  Do  we  bear 
 the  cross  ?  We  therein  follow  Christ,  who  bears  it  before  us,  bears 
 it  for  us,  and  so  bears  it  off  us.  He  bore  the  heavy  end  of  the 
 cross  the  end  that  had  the  curse  upon  it,  that  was  a  heavy  end, 
 and  so  made  the  other  light  and  easy  for  us.  Or  we  may  take  it  m 
 general  we  must  follow  Christ  in  all  instances  of  holiness  and  obe¬ 
 dience  The  disciples  of  Christ  must  study  to  imitate  their  Mas¬ 
 ter,  and  conform  themselves  in  every  thing  to  his  exampl^  and 
 
 continue  in  well-doing,  whatever  crosses  lie  in  their  way.  To  do 
 
 well  and  to  suffer  ill  is  to  follow  Christ.  The  loss  of  the  soul  is  so 
 great  a  loss,  that  the  gain  of  the  whole  world  will  not  countervail 
 it  or  make  it  up.  He  that  loses  his  soul,  though  it  be  to  gam  the, 
 world,  makes  a  very  bad  bargain  for  hiinself,  and  will  sit  down  at 
 last  an  unspeakable  loser.  When  he  comes  to  balance  the  ac¬ 
 count  and  to  compare  profit  and  loss  he  will  find  that  instead  of 
 
 the  advantage  he  promised  himself,  he  is  ruined  to  all  intents  and 
 purposes,  is  irreparably  broken. 
 
 His  kingdom  in  this  world,  28,  was  so  near  that  there  were 
 some  atteniling  him  that  should  live  to  see  it.  As  Simeon  w'as  as¬ 
 sured  that  he  should  not  see  death  till  he  had  seen  the  Lord’s  Christ 
 come  in  the  flesh  :  so  some  here  are  assured  that  they  shall  not 
 taste  death.  At  the  end  of  time  he  shall  come  in  his  Father’s  glory, 
 but  now  in  the  fulness  of  time  he  was  to  come  in  his  own  kingdom, 
 his  Mediatorial  kingdom  :  some  little  specimen  was  given  of  his 
 glory  a  few  days  after  this  in  his  transfiguration,  chap.  xvii.  1, 
 'hen  he  tried  his  robes.  But  this  points  at  Christ’s  coming,  by  the 
 pouring  out  of  his  Spirit,  the  planting  of  the  gospel-church,  the 
 destruction  of  Jerusalem.,  and  the  taking  away  of  the  place  and 
 nation  of  the  Jews,  who  were  the  most  bitter  enemies  to  Christi¬ 
 anity.  Here  w'as  the  Son  of  man  coming  in  his  kingdom.  Many 
 then  present  lived  to  see  it,  particularly  John,  who  lived  till  after 
 the- destruction  of  Jerusalem  and  saw  Christianity  planted  in  the 
 
 Morld.  ,  ,  ..  i-ti  •  4. 
 
 CHAP.  XVII.  1 — 13.  Wc  have  here  the  story  ot  Christs  trans- 
 
 figuration  ;  he  had  said,  that  the  Son  of  man  should  shortly  come 
 -in  his  kingdom,  to  which  promise  all  the  three  Evangelists  indus¬ 
 triously  connect  this  story  ;  as  if  Christ’s  transfiguration  were  in¬ 
 tended  for  a  specimen  and  an  earnest  of  the  kingdom  of  --hrist, 
 and  of  that  light  and  love  of  his,  which  therein  appears  to  his  select 
 and  sanctified  ones.  Peter  speaks  of  this  as  the  power  and  cfming 
 of  our  Lord  Jesus,  2  Pet.  i.  l6',  because  it  was  an  emanation  of 
 his  power,  and  a  previous  notice  of  his  coming,  which  it  was  ht 
 
 should  be  introduced  by  such  proper  prefaces. 
 
 When  Christ  was  here  in  his  humiliation,  though  his  state  foi  the 
 main  was  a  state  of  abasement  and  affliction  yet  there  were  some 
 glimpses  of  his  glory  intermixed,  that  he  himself  might  be  the 
 more  encouraged  in  his  sufferings,  and  others  the  less 
 His  birth,  his  baptism,  his  temptation,  and  his  death,  ^^^e  mo  t 
 remarkable  instances  of  his  humiliation;  and  these  weie 
 
CHAP.  XVIT. 
 
 X  8  And  when  they  had  lifted  up  their  eyes, 
 ^ey  saw  no  man,  save  Jesus  only. 
 
 9  And  as  they  came  down  from  the  moun¬ 
 tain,  Jesus  charged  them,  saying.  Tell  the 
 vision  to  no  man,  until  the  Son  of  man  be 
 rii^en  again  from  the  dead. 
 
 10  f  And  his  disciples  asked  him,  saying. 
 Why  then  say  the  scribes  that  Etlias  must 
 first  come  ? 
 
 11  And  Jesus  answered,  and  said  unto 
 them,  Elias  truly  shall  first  come,  and  restore 
 all  things. 
 
 12  But  I  say  unto  you.  That  Elias  is  come 
 already,  and  they  knew  him  not,  but  have 
 done  unto  him  whatsoever  they  listed.  Like¬ 
 wise  shall  also  the  Son  of  man  suffer  of  them. 
 
 13  Then  the  disciples  understood  that  he 
 spake  unto  them  of  John  the  Baptist. 
 
 14  ^  And,  when  they  were  come  to  the 
 multitude,  there  came  to  him  a  certain  man, 
 kneeling  down  to  him,  and  saying, 
 
 15  Lord,  have  mercy  on  my  son  ;  for  he 
 is  lunatic,  and  sore  vexed  :  for  oft-times  he 
 falleth  into  the  fire,  and  oft  into  the  water. 
 
 16  And  1  brought  him  to  thy  disciples, 
 and  they  could  not  cure  him. 
 
 17  Then  Jesus  answered  and  said,  O  faith¬ 
 less  and  perverse  generation  !  how  long  shall 
 1  be  with  you  ?  how  long  shall  I  suffer  you  ? 
 Bring  him  hither  to  me. 
 
 18  And  Jesus  rebuked  the  devil,  and  he 
 
 ihem  attended  with  some  signal  points  of  glory,  and  the  smiles  of 
 heaven.  But  the  scries  of  his  public  ministry  being  a  continued 
 humiliation,  here  just  in  the  midst  of  that  comes  in  this  discovery 
 of  his  glory.  As  now  he  is  in  heaven  he  has  his  condescensions, 
 so  when  he  was  on  earth  he  had  his  advancements. 
 
 Here  was  no  thunder,  or  lightning,  or  voice  of  a  trumpet,  as  there 
 was  when  the  law  was  given  by  Moses,  but  only  a  voice,  a  still 
 small  voice,  and  that  not  ushered  in  with  a  strong  wind,  or  an 
 earthquake,  or  fire,  as  when  God  spake  to  Elias,  1  Kings  xix.  11, 
 IQ.  Moses  then,  and  Elias,  were  witnesses,  that  in  these  last  days 
 God  hath  spoken  to  us  by  his  Son  in  another  way,  than  he  spoke 
 formerly  to  them.  This  voice  came  from  the  excellent  glory,  the 
 glory  which  excelleth,  in  comparison  of  which  the  former  had  no 
 glory  ;  though  the  excellent  glory  was  clouded,  yet  thence  came  a 
 voice,  for  faith  comes  bv  hearing. 
 
 14—21.  It  is  for  the  honour  of  Christ  to  come  in  with  help  as  a 
 dead  lift,  when  other  helpers  cannot  help.  Elisha’s  staff  in  Ge- 
 hazi’s  hand  will  not  raise  the  child,  he  must  come  himself.  There 
 are  some  special  favours  which  Christ  reserves  to  himself  the  be¬ 
 stowing  of,  and  sometimes  he  keeps  the  cistern  empty,  that  he  may 
 bring  us  to  himself  the  Fountain.  But  the  failures  of  instruments 
 shall  not  hinder  the  operations  of  his  grace,  which  will  work,  if  not 
 by  them,  yet  without  them. 
 
 The  reason  Christ  gives  why  the  disciples  failed,  was  because  of 
 their  unbelief,  20.  When  he  spoke  to  the  father  of  the  child, 
 to  the  people,  he  charged  it  upon  their  unbelief,  when  he  spoke 
 to  the;  disciples,  he  charged  it  upon  theirs  ;  for  the  truth  was,  there 
 Vol.  II.  79  g  B  ’ 
 
 departed  out  of  him  :  and  the  child  was 
 cured  from  that  very  hour. 
 
 19  'J'hen  came  the  (liscij)lcs  to  Jesus  apart, 
 and  said,  Why  could  not  we  cast  him  out? 
 
 20  And  Jesus  said  unto  them.  Because  of 
 your  unbelief:  lor  verily  1  say  unto  you.  If 
 ye  have  faith  as  a  grain  of  mustard  seed,  ye 
 shall  say  unto  this  mountain,  Remove  hence 
 to  yonder  place,  and  it  shall  remove;  and 
 nothing  shall  be  impossible  unto  you. 
 
 21  Howbeit  this  kind  goeth  not  out,  but 
 by  prayer  and  fasting. 
 
 22  ^  And,  while  they  abode  in  Galilee,  Je¬ 
 sus  said  unto  them.  The  Son  of  man  shall 
 be  betrayed  into  the  hands  of  men  ; 
 
 23  And  they  shall  kill  him,  and  the  third 
 day  he  shall  be  raised  again.  And  they  were 
 exceeding  sorry. 
 
 24  ^  And  when  they  were  come  to  Caper¬ 
 naum,  they  that  received  ivlhxxic-moncif  came 
 to  Peter,  and  said.  Doth  not  your  Master 
 pay  tribute  ? 
 
 25  He  saith.  Yes.  And,  when  he  was 
 come  into  the  house,  Jesus  prevented  him, 
 saying.  What  thinkest  thou,  Simon?  of  whom 
 do  the  kings  of  the  earth  take  custom  or  tri¬ 
 bute?  of  their  own  children,  or  of  strangers? 
 
 26  Peter  saith  unto  him.  Of  strangers 
 Jesus  saith  unto  him,  Then  are  the  children 
 free. 
 
 27  Notwithstanding,  lest  we  should  offend 
 
 were  faults  on  both  sides,  but  we  are  more  concerned  to  hear  of  our 
 own  faults  than  of  other  people,  and  to  impute  amisscs  to  our¬ 
 selves  than  to  others.  When  the  preaching  of  the  word  seems  not 
 to  be  successful,  as  sometimes  it  has  been,  the  people  are  apt  to 
 lay  all  the  fault  upon  the  ministers,  and  the  ministers  upon  the 
 people  ;  whereas,  it  is  more  becoming  for  each  to  own  their  own 
 tauhiness.  As  far  as  faith  falls  short  oi  its  due  strength,  vigour, 
 and  activity,  it  may  truly  be  said,  there  is  unbelief ;  many  are 
 chargeable  with  unbelief,  that  yet  are  not  to  be  called  unbelievers 
 It  is  because  of  our  unbelief  that  we  bring  so  little  to  pass  in  re¬ 
 ligion,  and  so  oft  miscarry  and  come  short  in  that  which  is  good. 
 
 22,  23.  Christ  here  foretels  his  own  sufierings,  he  began  to  do 
 it  before,  chap.  xvi.  21,and  finding  that  it  was  to  his  disciples  a 
 hard  saying,  he  saw  it  necessary  to  repeat  it ;  there  are  some  things 
 which  God  speaketh  once,  yea,  twice,  and  yet  man  pcrcciveth  it 
 not. 
 
 24 — 27.  Christ  is  the  Son  of  God,  and  heir  of  all  things,  the 
 temple  is  his  temple,  Mai.  iii.  1,  Father’s  house,  John  ii.  lo,  in  it 
 he  is  faithtul  as  a  son  in  his  own  house,  Heb.  iii.  6',  and  therefore  not 
 obliged  to  pay  this  tax  for  the  service  of  the  temple.  Thus  Christ 
 asserts  his  right,  lest  his  pay  ing  this  tribute  should  be  misimproved 
 to  the  weakening  of  his  title,  as  the  Son  of  God,  and  the  King  of 
 Israel,  and  should  have  looked  like  a  disowning  of  it  himself. 
 These  immunities  of  the  children  are  lO  be  extended  no  further 
 than  our  Lord  Jesus  himself;  God’s  children  by  grace  and  adop¬ 
 tion  are  freed  from  the  slavery  of  sin  and  Satan,  but  not  from  their 
 subjection  to  civil  magistrates  in  civil  things ;  here  the  law  of  Christ 
 
ST.  MATTHEW. 
 
 them,  go  thou  to  the  sea,  and  cast  an  hook’ 
 and  take  up  the  fish  that  first  cometh  up  ; 
 and,  when  thou  hast  opened  his  mouth,  thou 
 shalt  find  a  piece  of  money  ;  that  take,  and 
 give  unto  them  for  me  and  thee. 
 
 CHAP.  XVIII. 
 
 I.  Instructions  concerning  humility,  1 — 6'.  II.  Concerning  of¬ 
 fences,  7 — 20.  III.  Personal  wrongs  that  are  to  be  lorgiven, 
 21—33. 
 
 T  the  same  time  came  the  disciples  unto 
 Jesus,  saying,  Who  is  the  greatest  in 
 the  kingdom  of  heaven  ? 
 
 2  And  Jesus  called  a  little  child  unto  him, 
 and  set  him  in  the  midst  of  them, 
 
 3  And  .‘i^id.  Verily  I  say  unto  you.  Ex- 1 
 cept  ye  be  converted,  and  become  as  little 
 children,  ye  shall  not  enter  into  the  kingdom 
 of  heaven. 
 
 4  Whosoever,  therefore,  shall  humble  him¬ 
 self  as  this  little  child,  the  same  is  greatest 
 in  the  kingdom  of  heaven. 
 
 5  And  whoso  shall  receive  one  such  little 
 child  in  my  name  receiveth  me. 
 
 6  But  whoso  shall  offend  one  of  these 
 little  ones  which  believe  in  me,  it  were  better 
 for  him  that  a  millstone  were  hanged  about 
 his  neck,  and  that  he  were  drowned  in  the 
 depth  of  the  sea. 
 
 7  ^  Woe  unto  the  world  because  of  of¬ 
 fences  !  for  it  must  needs  be  that  offences 
 
 come :  but  woe  to  that  man  by  whom  the 
 offence  cometh  ! 
 
 8  Wherefore,  if  thy  hand  or  thy  foot  of- 
 bnd  thee,  cut  them  off  and  cast  them  from 
 thee ;  it  is  better  for  thee  to  enter  into  life 
 lalt  or  maimed,  rather  than  having  two 
 lands,  or  two  feet,  to  be  cast  into  everlast¬ 
 ing  fire. 
 
 9  And  if  thine  eye  offend  -thee,  pluck  it 
 out,  and  cast  it  from  thee  ;  it  is  better  for 
 thee  to  enter  into  life  with  one  eye,  rather 
 than  having  two  eyes  to  be  cast  into  hell 
 fire. 
 
 10  ^  Take  heed  that  ye  despise  not  one  of 
 these  little  ones  ;  for  I  say  unto  you.  That 
 in  heaven  their  angels  do  always  behold  the 
 face  of  my  Father  which  is  in  heaven. 
 
 1 1  For  the  Son  of  man  is  come  to  save 
 that  which  was  lost. 
 
 12  How  think  ye  If  a  man  have  an  hun¬ 
 dred  sheep,  and  one  of  them  be  gone  astray, 
 doth  he  not  leave  the  ninety  and  nine,  and 
 goeth  into  the  mountains,  and  seeketh  that 
 which  is  gone  astray  ? 
 
 13  And  if  so  be  that  he  find  it,  verily  I 
 say  unto  you,  He  rejoiceth  more  of  that 
 sheep,  than  of  the  ninety  and  nine  which 
 went  not  astray. 
 
 ^  14  Even  so,"  it  is  not  the  will  of  your  Fa- 
 
 is  express  Let  every  soul,  (sanctified  souls  not  excepted)  be  subject 
 to  the  higher  powers  ;  Render  to  Csesarthe  things  that  are  Cxsafs. 
 
 CHAP.  XVIII.  1 — 6.  Here  was  an  unbecoming  contest  among 
 the  disciples  lor  precedency ;  they  came  to  hiiP,  saying  among 
 themselves,  (for  they  were  ashamed  to  ask  him,  Mark  ix.  34.) 
 Who  is  the  greatest  in  the  kingdom  of  heaven  ?  They  mean  not  who 
 by  character,  then  the  question  had  been  good,  that  they  might 
 know  what  duties  and  graces  to  excel  in,  butvvho  by  name.  They 
 had  heard  much  and  preached  much  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven, 
 the  kingdom  of  the  Messiah,  his  church  in  tins  world  but  as  yet 
 they  were  so  far  from  haying  any  clear  notion  of  it,  that  they 
 dreamt  of  a  temporal  kingdom,  and  the  external  pomp  and  power 
 oF  it 
 
 Christ  here  teacheth  them  to  be  humble  by  a  sign,  2,  He  calle 
 a  little  child  to  him,  and  set  him  in  the  midst  of  them.  Christ  of¬ 
 ten  tauf'ht  by  signs  or  sensible  representations,  comparisons  to  the 
 eve  as  "the  prophets  of  old.  Humility  is  a  lesson  so  hardly  learned, 
 that  we  have  need  bv  all  ways  and  means  to  be  taught  it.  When 
 we  look  upon  a  little  child,  we  should  be  put  in  mind  of  the  use 
 Christ  made  of  this  child  ;  sensible  things  must  be  improved  to  spi¬ 
 ritual  purposes.  He  set  him  in  the  midst  ^  them,  not  that  they 
 might  play  with  him,  but  learn  by  him.  (".rown  men  and  grea 
 men  should  not  disdain  the  company  of  little  children,  or  think  it 
 below  them  to  take  notice  of  them,  -rhey  may  either  speak  to  them, 
 and  give  instructions  to  them,  or  look  upon  them,  and  receive  in¬ 
 structions  from  them.  Christ  himself,  when  a  child,  was  m  the 
 
 midst  of  doctors,  LukC;  ii.  46.  .  „  .  j  -j  r 
 
 We  must  as  children  be  harmless,  inoffensive,  and  void  of  malice, 
 1  Cor.  xiv.  20,  governable  and  under  command,  (^af.  iv.  x.  And 
 fwhich  is  here  chiefly  intended)  we  must  be  humble  as  littld  chil¬ 
 dren,  who  do  not  take  state  upon  them,  nor  stand  upon  the  puncti- 
 36’S 
 
 lios  of  honour  ;  the  child  of  a  gentleman  will  play  with  the  child  of 
 a  beggar,  Rom.  xii.  16'.  Without  this  you  shall  not  enter  into  the 
 kingdom  of  heaven.  Discijiles  of  Christ  have  need  to  be  kept  in 
 awe  by  threatenings,  that  they  may  fear  lest  they  seem  to  come 
 short,  Heb.  iv.  1.  The  disciples  Avhen  they  put  that  question,  1, 
 thought  themselves  sure  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  but  (^hrist 
 awakens  them  to  be  jealous  of  themselves.  1  hey  were  ambitious 
 of  being  greatest  in  the  kingdom  of  heaven  ;  Christ  tells  them,  that 
 except  they  came  into  a  better  temper,  they  should  never  come 
 
 thither.  ,  ^  ^  ^  , 
 
 7 _ 14.  Christ  speaks  here  of  offences  given,  first,  by  us  to  oui^ 
 
 selves  which  is  expressed  by  our  hand  or  foot  offending  us ;  in  such 
 a  case  it  must  be  cut  oft,  8,  9.  This  Christ  had  said  before. 
 Matt.  V.  29,  30,  where  it  especially  refers  to  seventh  command¬ 
 ment  sins,  here  it  is  taken  more  generally.  Those  hard  sayings  of 
 Christ  which  are  displeasing  to  flesh  and  blood,  need  to  be  re¬ 
 peated’ to  us  again  and  again,  and  all  little  enough  ;  second.  Con¬ 
 cerning  offences  given  by  us  to  others,  especially  Christ  s  liitle  ones, 
 which  we  are  here  charged  to  take  heed  of,  pursuant  to  what  he 
 had  said,  6’.  Observe  the  caution  itself.  Take  heed  that  ye  de¬ 
 spise  not  one  of  these  little  ones.  This  is  spoken  to  the  disciples. 
 As  Christ  will  be  displeased  with  the  enemies  of  his  church,  if  they 
 wrong  any  of  the  members  of  it,  even  the  least,  so  he  will  be  dis¬ 
 pleased  with  the  great  ones  of  the  church,  if  they  despise  the  little 
 ones  of  it.  We  must  not  ’look  Upon  these  little  ones  as  contemptible, 
 because  ready  they  are  not  contemptible  ;  let  not  earth  despise  those 
 /whom  heav>en  respects,  nor  let  them  be  looked  upon  by  us  with 
 disdain,  whom  God  has  put  honour  upon,  and  looks  upon  \vith  re¬ 
 spect  as  his  favourites.  To  prove  that  the  little  ones  which  believe 
 in  Christ  are  worthy  to  be  respected,  consider  the  ministration  of 
 the  good  angels  about  them.  In  heaven  their  angels  always  be- 
 
CflAP,  XVIII. 
 
 ther  which  is  in  heaven  that  one  of  these 
 little  ones  should  perish. 
 
 15  ^  Moreover,  if  thy  brother  shall  trespass 
 against  thee,  go  and  tell  him  his  fault  be¬ 
 tween  ihec  and  him  alone  :  if  he  shall  hear 
 thee,  thou  hast  gained  thy  brother. 
 
 16  But  if  he  will  not  hear  thee,  then  take 
 with  thee  one  or  two  more,  that  in  the  mouth 
 of  two  or  three  witnesses  every  Avord  may  be 
 established. 
 
 17  And  if  he  shall  neglect  to  hear  them, 
 tell  it  unto  the  church  ;  but  if  he  neglect  to 
 hear  the  church,  let  him  be  unto  thee  as  an 
 heathen  man  and  a  publican. 
 
 18  Verily  I  say  unto  you.  Whatsoever  ye 
 shall  bind  on  eardi  shall  be  bound  in  hea¬ 
 ven?  and  whatsoever  ye  shall  loose  on  earth 
 shall  be  loosed  in  heaven. 
 
 19  Again  I  say  unto  you.  That  if  two  of 
 you  shall  agree  bn  earth  as  touching  any 
 thing  that  they  shall  ask,  it  shall  be  done  for 
 them  of  my  Father  which  is  in  heaven. 
 
 20  For  where  two  or  three  are  gathered 
 together  in  my  name,  there  am  I  in  the  midst 
 of  them. 
 
 21  ^  Then  came  Peter  to  him,  and  said, 
 
 hold  the  face  of  my  Father,  That  they  are  the  little  ones’  angels. 
 God’s  angels  are  theijs,  for  all  his  is  ours,  if  we  be  Christ’s,  1  Cor. 
 iii.  22.  They  are  theirs,  for  they  have  a  charge  concerning  them, 
 to  minister  for  their  good,  Heb.  i.  14,  to  pitch  their  tents  about 
 them,  and  bear  them  up  in  their  arms.  Some  have  imagined  that 
 every  particular  saint  has  a  guardian  angel,  but  what  need  we  sup¬ 
 pose  that,  when  we  are  sure  every  particular  saint,  when  there  is 
 occasion,  has  a  guard  of  angels.  That  they  always  behold  the  face 
 of  the  Father  in  heaven.  This  speaks  first  the  angels’  continual 
 felicity  and  honotir :  second.  It  speaks  their  continual  readiness 
 to  minister  to  the  saints.  They  behold  the  face  of  God,  e.xpecting 
 to  receive  orders  from  him  what  to  do  for  the  good  of  the  saints. 
 For  the  Son  of  rnan  is  come  to  save  that  which  was  lost.  This  is  a 
 reason  why  the  little  ones’  angels  have  such  a  charge  concerning 
 them,  and  do  attend  upon  them  ;  it  is  in  pursuance  of  Chiist’s  de¬ 
 sign  to  save  them.  The  ministration  of  angels  is  founded  in  the 
 mediation  of  Christ ;  through  him  angels  are  reconciled  to  us,  and 
 when  they  celebrated  God’s  good  will  towards  men,  to  it  they  an¬ 
 nexed  their  own. 
 
 15 — 20.  Christ  having  cautioned  his  disciples  not  to  give  of¬ 
 fence,  comes  next  to  direct  them  what  they  must  do  in  case  of 
 offences  given  them.  Let  us  consider  it  both  ways. 
 
 First,  Let  us  apply  it  to  the  quarrels  that  happen  among  Chris¬ 
 tians  upon  any  account.  If  thy  brother  trespass  against  thee,  by 
 grieving  thy  soul,  1  Cor.  viii.  12,  by  affronting  thee,  or  by  putting 
 contempt  or  abuse  upon  thee,  if  he  blemish  thy  good  name  by  false 
 reports  or  tale-bearing,  if  he  encroach  on  thy  rights,  or  be  any  way 
 injurious  to  thee  in  thy  estate ;  if  he  be  guilty  of  any  of  those  tres¬ 
 passes  that  are  instanced  in  Lev.  vi.  2,  3, :  1.  Go,  and  tell  him  his 
 fault  between  him  and  thee  alone.  Let  this  be  compared  with  and 
 explained  by  Lev.  xix.  17-  Thou  shalt  not  hate  thy  brother  in 
 thy  heart,  i.  e.  if  thou  hast  conceived  a  displeasure  at  thy  brother 
 for  any  injury  he  hath  done  thee,  do  not  suffer  thy  resentments  to 
 a  secret  malice,  but  thou  shalt  in  any  wise  reprove  him  : 
 2.  It  h^  M'ill  not  hear  thee,  if  he  will  not  own  himself- in  a  fault, 
 nor  come  to  an  agreement,  yet  do  not  despair,  but  try  what  he  will 
 
 Lord,  how  oft  shall  my  brother  sin  against 
 me,  and  I  forgive  him  ?  till  seven  times  ? 
 
 22  Jesus  saith  unto  him,  1  say  not  unto 
 thee.  Until  seven  times:  but.  Until  seventy 
 times  seven. 
 
 23  Therefore  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven 
 likened  unto  a  certain  king  which  would  take 
 account  of  his  servants. 
 
 24  And  when  he  had  begun  to  reckon, 
 one  was  brought  unto  him  Avhich  owed  him 
 ten  thousand  talents. 
 
 25  But  forasmuch  as  he  had  not  to  pay, 
 his  lord  commanded  him  to  be  sold,  and  his 
 wife  and  children,  and  all  that  he  had,  and 
 payment  to  be  made. 
 
 26  The  servant,  therefore,  fell  down  and 
 worshipped  him,  saying,  Lord,  have  patience 
 with  me,  and  I  will  pay  thee  all. 
 
 27  Then  the  lord  of  that  servant  was 
 moved  with  compassion,  and  loosed  him,  and 
 forgave  him  the  debt. 
 
 28  But  the  same  servant  went  out,  and 
 found  one  of  his  fellow-servants,  which  owed 
 him  an  hundred  pence  ;  and  he  laid  hands 
 on  him,  and  took  him  by  the  throat,  saying. 
 Pay  me  that  thou  owest. 
 
 say  to  it  if  thou  take  one  or  two  more,  not  only  to  be  witnesses  of 
 what  passeth,  but  to  reason  the  case  further  with  him  :  3.  If  he 
 shall  neglect  to  hear  them,  and  will  not  refer  the  matter  to  their 
 arbitration,  then  tell  it  to  the  church  :  4.  If  he  will  not  bear  the 
 church,  will  not  stand  to  their  award,  but  persists  in  the  wrong  he 
 has  done  thee,  and  proceeds  to  do  thee  further  wrong,  let  him  be  to 
 thee  as  a  heathen  man,  and  a  publican,  take  the  benefit  of  the  law 
 against  him,  but  let  that  always  be  the  last  remedy. 
 
 Secondly,  let  us  apply  it  to  scandalous  sins,  which  are  an  offence 
 to  the  little  ones,  of  ill  example  to  those  that  are  weak  and 
 pliable,  and  of  great  grief  to  those  that  are  weak  and  timorous. 
 Christ  having  taught  us  to  indulge  the  weakness  of  our  brethren, 
 here  cautions  us  not  to  indulge  their  wickedness  under  pretence  of 
 that.  Christ  designing  to  erect  a  church  for  himself  in  the  world, 
 here  took  care  for  the  preservation,  first,  Of  its  purity,  that  it 
 might  have  an  expulsive  faculty,  a  power  to  cleanse  and  clear  it-  ‘ 
 self,  like  a  fountain  of  living  waters,  which  is  necessary  as  long  as 
 the  net  of  the  gospel  brings  up  both  good  fish  and  bad  ;  second.  Of 
 its  peace  and  order,  that  every  member  may  know  his  place  and 
 duty,  and  the  purity  of  it  may  be  preserved  in  a  regular  way,  and 
 not  tumultuously. 
 
 21 — 35.  This  part  of  the  discourse  concerning  offences,  is  cer¬ 
 tainly  to  be  understood  of  personal  wrongs,  which  it  is  in  our  power 
 to  forgive.  The  debt  of  sin  is  so  great,  that  we  are  not  able  to  pay 
 it,  he  had  to  pay  it :  sinners  are  insolvent  debtors,  the  scripture 
 which  concludeth  all  under  sin  is  a  statute  of  bankruptcy  against 
 us  all.  Convinced  sinners  cannot  but  humble  themselves  before 
 God,  and  pray  for  mercy.  The  servant  under  this  charge,  and 
 this  doom  fell  down  at  the  feet  of  his  royal  master,  and  worship¬ 
 ped  him  ;  or,  as  some  copies  read  it,  he  besought  him  ;  his  address 
 was  very  submissive,  and  very  importunate,  have  patience  with  me, 
 and  I  will  pay  thee  all,  26.  It  is  the  folly  of  many  that  are  under 
 convictions  of  sins  to  imagine  that  they  can  make  God  satis^faction 
 for  the  wrong  they  have  done  him  ;  as  those  that  like  a  compound¬ 
 ing  bankrupt  would  discharge  the  debt,  by  giving  their  first-bom 
 for  their  transgression,  Mic.  vi.  7>  that  go'about  to  establish  their 
 
ST.  MATTHEW. 
 
 29  And  his  fellow-servant  fell  down  at  his 
 feet,  and  besought  him,  saying.  Have  pa¬ 
 tience  with  me,  and  I  will  pay  thee  all. 
 
 '  30  And  he  would  not ;  but  went  and  cast 
 him  into  prison  till  he  should  pay  the  debt. 
 
 31  So  when  his  fellow-servants  saw  what 
 was  done  they  were  very  sorry,  and  came 
 and  told  unto  their  lord  all  that  was  done. 
 
 32  Then  his  lord,  after  that  he  had  called 
 him,  said  unto  him,  O  thou  wicked  servant, 
 
 I  forgave  thee  all  that  debt,  because  thou 
 desiredst  me ; 
 
 33  Shouldest  not  thou  also  have  had  com¬ 
 passion  on  thy  fellow-servant,  even  as  I  had 
 pity  on  thee  ? 
 
 34  And  his  lord  was  wroth,  and  delivered 
 him  to  the  tormentors,  till  he  should  pay  all 
 that  was  due  unto  him. 
 
 25  So  likewise  shall  my  heavenly  Father 
 do  also  unto  you,  if  ye  from  your  hearts  for¬ 
 give  not  every  one  his  brother  their  trespasses. 
 
 CHAP.  XIX. 
 
 In  this  chapter  we  have,  I.  Christ’s  leaving  lalilee,  1,  2.  II. 
 
 His  dispute  with  the  Pharisees  about  divorce,  3 — 12.  III. 
 
 The  kind  entertainment  he  gave  to  some  little  children,  13  15. 
 
 IV.  An  account  of  what  passed  between  Christ  and  a  hopeful 
 
 young  gentleman,  l6— 22.  V.  His  discourse  with  his  disciples 
 
 upon  that  occasion,  23 — 39. 
 
 And  it  came  to  pass,  that  when  Jesus 
 had  finished  these  sayings,  he  departed 
 from  Galilee,  and  came  into  the  coasts  of 
 Judea,  beyond  Jordan  ; 
 
 2  And  great  multitudes  followed  him ; 
 and  he  healed  them  there. 
 
 3  f  The  Pharisees  also  came  unto  him, 
 tempting  him,  and  saying  unto  him,  Is  it 
 awful  for  a  man  to  put  away  his  wife  for 
 every  cause  ? 
 
 4  And  he  answered  and  said  unto  them, 
 Have  ye  not  read,  that  he  which  made  them 
 at  the  beginning,  made  them  male  and  fe¬ 
 male  ; 
 
 5  And  said.  For  this  cause  shall  a  man 
 leave  father  and  mother,  and  shall  cleave  to 
 his  wife  ;  and  they  twain  shall  be  one  flesh  ? 
 
 6  Wherefore  they  are  no  more  twain,  but 
 one  flesh.  What,  therefore,  God  hath  joined 
 together  let  no  man  put  asunder. 
 
 7  They  say  unto  him.  Why  did  Moses 
 then  command  to  give  a  writing  of  divorce¬ 
 ment,  and  to  put  her  away  ? 
 
 8  He  saith  unto  them,  Moses,  because  of 
 the  hardness  of  your  hearts  suffered  you  to 
 put  away  your  wives  :  but  from  the  begin¬ 
 ning  it  was  not  so. 
 
 0  And  I  say  unto  you.  Whosoever  shall 
 putaway  his  wife,  except  it  he  for  fornication, 
 and  shall  marry  another,  committeth  adul¬ 
 tery  :  and  whoso  marrieth  her  which  is  put 
 away  doth  commit  adultery. 
 
 10  His  disciples  say  unto  him,  If  the  case 
 of  the  man  be  so  with  his  wife,  it  is  not  good 
 to  marry. 
 
 1 1  But  he  said  unto  them,  All  men  cannot 
 receive  this  saying,  save  they  to  whom  it  is 
 given. 
 
 own  righteousness,  Rora.  x.  3.  The  pardon  of  sin  is  owing  to  the 
 mercy  of  God,  to  his  tender  mercy,  Luke  i.  77,  78.  He  was  moved 
 with  compassion.  God’s  reasons  of  mercy  are  fetched  Rom  within 
 himself.  He  has  mercy  because  he  will  have  mercy.  God  looked 
 with  pity  on  mankind  in  general,  because  miserable,  and  sent  his 
 Son  to  be  a  surety  for  them  ;  he  looks  with  pity  on  particular  pe¬ 
 nitents,  because  sensible  of  their  misery,  their  hearts  bioken  and 
 contrite,  and  accepts  them  in  the  beloved.  Offences  done  to  men 
 are  nothing  to  those  which  are  committed  against  God.  Disho¬ 
 nours  done  to  a  man  like  ourselves  are  but  as  pence,  motes,  gnats, 
 but  dishonours  done  to  God  are  as  talents,  beams,  camels.  Not 
 that  therefore  we  may  ■make  light  of  wronging  our  neighbour,  for 
 that  is  also  a  sin  against  God  ;  but  therefore  we  should  make  light 
 of  our  neighbour’s  wronging  us,  and  not  aggravate  it,  or  study  re- 
 
 CHAP.  XIX.  1,  2.  Christ  did  not  take  his  leave  of  Galilee  til 
 he  had  done  his  work  there,  and  then  he  departed  thence.  As 
 Christ’s  faithful  ministers  are  not  taken  out  of  the  world,  so  they 
 are  not  removed  from  any  place  till  they  have  finished  their  testi¬ 
 mony  in  that  place.  Rev.  xi.  7*  ^  .  , 
 
 3—12.  Husband  and  wife  are  of  Gods  joining  together,  he 
 hath  yoked  them  together,  so  the  word  is,  and  it  is  very  signifi¬ 
 cant;  God  himself  instituted  the  relation  between  husband  and 
 wife  in  the  state  of  innoccncy  ;  ■  marriage  and  the  sabbath  are  the 
 most  ancient  of  divine  ordinances.  Though  marriage  be  not  pe¬ 
 culiar  to  the  church,  but  ebramon  to  the  world,  yet  being  stamp- 
 370 
 
 d  with  a  divine  institution,  and  here  ratified  by  our  Lord  Jesus, 
 
 ■  ought  to  be  managed  after  a  godly  sort,  and  sanctified  by  the 
 rord  of  God  and  prayer.  A  conscientious  regard  to  God  in  this 
 irdinance  would  have  a  good  influence  upon  the  duty,  and  con- 
 enuently  upon  the  comfort  of  the  relation.  Husband  and  wife 
 leing  joined  together  by  the  ordinance  of  God,  are  not  to  be  put 
 sunder  by  any  ordinance  of  man.  Let  not  man  put  them  asunder, 
 lot  the  husband  himself,  or  any  one  for  lum  ;  not  the  magistrate. 
 3od  never  gave  him  authority  to  do  it.  The  God  of  Israel  hath 
 aid,  that  he  hateth  putting  away,  Mai.  ii.  l6.  •  It  is  a  general  rule 
 hat  man  must  not  go  about  to  put  asunder  what  God  hath  joined 
 
 5\n  objection  is  started  by  the  Pharisees  against  this,  and  it  has 
 ■olour  enough,  7,  Why  did  Moses  command  to  give  a  writing  ot 
 livorcement  in  case  a  man  did  put  away  his  wife.  He 
 Te  rt^son  against  divorce,  they  alleged  scripture  authority  for 
 t  Note,  the  seeming  contradictions  that  are  in  the  word  of  God 
 ire  cr^at  stumbling-blocks  to  men  of  corrupt  minds.  It  is  true, 
 sioses  was  faithfufto  him  that  appointed  him  and  commanded 
 lothing  but  what  he  received  from  the  Lord  ;  but  as  to  the 
 tself,  what  they  call  a  command  was  only  an  allowance,  Deut. 
 (cxiv.  1,  and  designed  rather  to  restrain  the  ex^orbitances  of  d,  than 
 o  give  countenaLe  to  the  thing  itself:  and  Jewish  doctors 
 hemselves  observe  such  limitations  m  that  law,  as  that  it  could 
 ,ot  be  done  without  great  deliberation  A  .P^^icu lar  re^on  mu 
 be  assigned,  the  bill  of  divorce  must  be  written,  and  as  a  judicud 
 
CHAP.  XIX. 
 
 12  For  there  are  some  eunuchs,  which 
 were  so  born  from  their  mother’s  womb  ;  and 
 there  are  some  eunuchs,  which  were  made 
 eunuchs  of  men ;  and  there  be  eunuchs, 
 which  have  made  themselves  eunuchs  for  the 
 kingdom  of  heaven’s  sake.  He  that  is  able 
 to  receive  it,  let  him  receive  it. 
 
 13  %  Then  were  there  brought  unto  him 
 little  children  that  he  should  put  his  hands 
 on  them  and  pray  :  and  the  disciples  re¬ 
 buked  them. 
 
 14  But  Jesus  said.  Suffer  little  children, 
 and  forbid  them  not,  to  come  unto  me ;  for 
 of  such  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven. 
 
 15  And  he  laid  his  hands  on  them,  and 
 departed  thence. 
 
 16  ^  And,  behold,  one  came  and  said  unto 
 him.  Good  Master,  what  good  thing  shall  1 
 do  that  I  may  have  eternal  life? 
 
 17  And  he  said  unto  him.  Why  callest 
 thou  me  good  ?  there  is  none  good  but  one, 
 that  is,  God  :  but  if  thou  wilt  enter  into  life, 
 keep  the  commandments. 
 
 18  He  saith  unto  him.  Which  ?  Jesus  said, 
 
 act  must  have  all  the  solemnities  of  a  deed  executed  and  enrolled. 
 It  must  be  given  into  the  hands  of  the  wife  herself;  and  (which 
 would  oblige  men,  if  they  had  any  consideration  in  them  to 
 consider)  they  were  expressly  forbidden  ever  to  come  together 
 again. 
 
 Christ’s  answer  to  this  objection,  in  which  he  rectifies  their  mis¬ 
 take  concerning  the  law  of  Moses,  they  called  it  a  command, 
 Christ  calls  it  but  a  permission,  a  toleration;  carnal  hearts  will 
 take  an  ell  if  but  an  inch  be  given  them.  The  law  of  Moses  in 
 this  case  was  a  political  law,  which  God  gave  as  the  governor  of 
 that  people,  and  it  was  for  reasons  of  state,  that  divorces  were  to¬ 
 lerated.  The  strictness  of  the  marriage  union  being  the  result,  not 
 of  a  natural  but  a  positive  law,  the  wisdom  of  God  dispensed  with 
 divorces  in  some  cases,  without  any  impeachment  to  his  holiness. 
 
 1;3 — 15.  The  strongest  believer  lives  not  so  much  by  apprehend¬ 
 ing  Christ  as  by  being  apprehended  of  him,  Phil.  iii.  12,  not  so 
 much  by  knowing  God,  as  by  being  known  of  him.  Gal.  iv.  9,  and 
 this  the  least  child  is  capable  of.  .  Jf  they  cannot  stretch  out  their 
 hands  to  Christ,  yet  he  can  lay  his  hand  on  them,  and  so  make 
 them  his  own,  and  own  them  for  his  own. 
 
 Methinks  'it  hath  something  observable  in  it,  that  when  he  had 
 done  this  he  departed  thence,  3.  As  if  he  reckoned  he  had  done 
 enough  there  when  he  had  thus  asserted  the  rights  of  the  lambs  of 
 his  flock,  and  made  this  provision  for  a  succession  of  subjects  in 
 his  kingdom. 
 
 16—22.  No  thanks  to  us  to  prefer  heaven  before  hell,  the  worst 
 man  in  the  world  would  be  glad  of  that  Jerusalem  for  a  refuge 
 when  he  can  stay  no  longer  here,  and  to  have  it  in  reserve  ;  but  to 
 make  it  our  choice,  and  to  prefer  it  before  the  earth,  that  is  to  be  a 
 Christian  indeed. 
 
 Now  as  an  evidence  of  this,  first.  We  must  dispose  of  what  we 
 have  in  this  world  for  the  honour  of  God,  and  in  his  service.  Sell 
 that  that  thou  hast  and  give  to  the  poor.  If  the  occasions  of  chanty 
 be  very  pressing,  sell  thy  possessions  that  thou  mayest  have  to  give 
 to  them  th.at  need;  as  the  first  Christians  did,  with  an  eye  to  this 
 precept.  Acts  iv.  34.  Sell  what  thou  canst  spare  for  pious  uses, 
 all  thy  superfluities ;  if  thou  canst  not  otherwise  do  good  with  it, 
 ^(■11  it.  Sit  loose  to  it,  be  willing  to  part  with  it  for  the  honour  of 
 Goil,  and  the  relief  of  the  poor.  A  » gracious  contempt  of  the 
 
 no  murder,  Thou  shalt  not 
 commit  adultery.  Thou  shalt  not  steal,  Thou 
 shalt  not  bear  false  witness. 
 
 19  Honour  thy  father  and  %  mother: 
 and,  Thou  shalt  love  thy  neighbour  as  thy¬ 
 self. 
 
 20  The  young  man  saith  unto  him..  All 
 these  things  have  I  kept  from  my  youth  up  : 
 what  lack  1  yet  ? 
 
 21  Jesus  said  unto  him.  If  thou  wilt  be 
 perfect,  go  and  sell  that  thou  hast,  and  give 
 to  the  poor,  and  thou  shalt  have  treasure  in 
 heaven  ;  and  come  and  follow  me. 
 
 22  But  when  the  young  man  heard  that 
 saying,  he  went  away  sorrowful :  for  he  had 
 great  possessions. 
 
 23  ^  Then  said  Jesus  unto  his  disciples. 
 Verily  I  say  unto  you,  that  a  rich  man  shall 
 hardly  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven. 
 
 24  And  again  I  say  unto  you.  It  is  easier 
 for  a  camel  to  go  through  the  eye  of  a  needle 
 than  for  a  rich  man  to  enter  into  the  king¬ 
 dom  of  God. 
 
 25  When  his  disciples  heard  it  they  were 
 
 world,  and  compassion  of  the  poor  and  afflicted  ones  in  it  is  in  all 
 a  necessary  condition  of  salvation,  and  with  those  tliat  have  where¬ 
 withal,  giving  alms  is  as  necessary  an  evidence  of  that  contempt  of 
 the  world,  and  compassion  to  our  brethren  ;  by  this  the  trial  wili 
 be  at  the  great  day.  Matt.  xxv.  35.  Though  many  that  call  them¬ 
 selves  Christians,  do  not  act  as  if  they  believed  it,  it  is  certain,  when 
 we  embrace  Christ  we  must  let  go  the  world,  for  we  cannot  serve 
 God  and  Mammon  :  second.  We  must  devote  ourselves  entirely  to 
 the  conduct  and  government  of  our  Lord  Jesus  ;  come  and  follow 
 me.  It  seems  here  to  be  meant  of  a  close  and  constant  attendance 
 upon  his  person,  such  as  the  selling  of  what  he  had  in  the  world 
 was  necessary  to,  as  it  was  to  the  other  disciples  to  quit  their  call¬ 
 ings  ;  but  of  us  it  is  required  that  we  follow  Christ,  that  we  duly 
 attend  upon  his  ordinances,  strictly  conform  to  his  pattern,  ani 
 cheerfully  submit  to  his  disposals,  and  by  upright  and  universal 
 obedience  to  observe  his  statutes,  and  keep  hislaws,  and  all  this 
 from  a  principle  of  love  to  him,  and  dependance  on  him  and  with 
 a  holy  contempt  of  every  thing  else  in  comparison  of  him,  and 
 much  more  in  competition  with  him.  This  is  to  follow  Christ 
 fully.  To  sell  and  give  all  to  the  poor  will  not  .serve,  unless  we 
 come  and  follow  Christ.  If  I  give  all  my  goods  to  feed  the  poor 
 and  have  not  love  it  profits  me  nothing.  Well,  on  these  terms,  and 
 no  lower  is  salvation  to  be  had,  and  they  are  very  easy  and  reason¬ 
 able  terms,  and  will  appear  so  to  those  who  are  brought  to  be  glad 
 of  it  upon  any  terms. 
 
 23 — 30.  I'he  conversion  and  salvation  of  a  rich  man  is  so  ex¬ 
 tremely  difficult,  that  it  is  easier  for  a  camel  to  go  through  the  eye 
 ot  a  needle,  24.  This  is  a  proverbial  expression,  noting  a  difficulty 
 altogether  unconquerable  by  the  art  and  power  of  man ;  no¬ 
 thing  less  than  the  almighty  grace  of  God  will  enable  a  rich  man 
 to  get  over  this  difficulty.  The  difficulty  of  the  salvation  of  apos¬ 
 tates,  Heb.  vi.  4,  and  ol  old  sinners,  Jer.  xiii.  23,  is  thus  repre¬ 
 sented  as  an  impossibility.  The  salvation  of  any  is  so  very  diffi¬ 
 cult,  even  the  righteous  scarcely  are  saved,  that  where  there  is  a 
 peculiar  difficulty,  it  is  fitly  set  forth  thus:  it  is  very  rare  fora 
 man  to  be  rich,  and  not  set  his  heart  upon  his  riches ;  and  it  is  ut¬ 
 terly  impossible  for  a  man  that  sets  his  heart  upon  his  riches  to  gel 
 to  heaven,  for  if  any  man  love  the  world  the  love  of  the  Father  is 
 not  in  him,  1  Johnii.  13,  James  iv.  4. 
 
 371 
 
ST.  MATTHEW. 
 
 exceedingly  amazed,  saying,  Who  then  can 
 be  saved  ? 
 
 26  But  Jesus  beheld  theyn,  and  said  unto 
 them,  With  men  this  is  imjDOssible;  but 
 with  God  all  things  are  possible. 
 
 27  %  Then  answered  Peter,  and  said  unto 
 him.  Behold,  we  have  forsaken  all,  and  fol¬ 
 lowed  thee  ;  what  shall  Ave  have  therefore  ? 
 
 28  And  Jesus  said  unto  them.  Verily  I 
 say  unto  you.  That  ye  Avhich  haA^e  folloAved 
 me  in  the  regeneration,  Avhen  the  Son  of  man 
 shall  sit  in  the  throne  of  his  glory,  ye  also 
 shall  sit  upon  twelve  thrones,  judging  the 
 twelve  tribes  of  Israel. 
 
 29  And  every  one  that  hath  forsaken 
 houses,  or  brethren,  or  sisters,  or  father,  or 
 mother,  or  Avife,  or  children,  or  lands,  for 
 my  name^s  sake,  shall  receive  an  hundred 
 fold,  and  shall  inherit  everlasting  life. 
 
 30  But  many  that  are  first  shall  be  last, 
 and  the  last  shall  be  first. 
 
 CHAP.  XX. 
 
 I.  The  parable  of  the  [labourers  in  the  vineyard,  1 — 16.  II.  A 
 prediction  of  Christ's  approaching  sufferings,  17 — 19-  III. 
 The  petition  of  two  of  the  disciples,  by  their  mother,  reproved, 
 20*^28.  IV.  The  petition  of  the  two  blind  men  granted,  and 
 their  eyes  opened,  29 — 34. 
 
 X^OR  the  kingdom  of  heaven  is  like  unto 
 a  man  that  is  an  householder,  Avhich 
 Avent  out  early  in  the  morning  to  hire  la¬ 
 bourers  into  his  vineyard. 
 
 2  And  Avhen  he  had  agreed  Avith  the  la¬ 
 bourers  for  a  penny  a-day,  he  sent  them 
 into  his  vineyard. 
 
 3  And  he  Avent  out  about  the  third  hour, 
 and  saAv  others  standing  idle  in  the  market¬ 
 place  ; 
 
 We  have  here  Christ’s  promises  to  them  that  tread  in  the  steps  of 
 their  faith  and  obedience  :  Ye  which  have  followed  me  in  the  re¬ 
 generation  shall  sit  upon  twelve  thrones.  It  is  hard  to  determine  the 
 particular  sense  of  this  promise  ;  and  whether  it  was  not  to  have 
 many  accomplishments,  which  I  see  no  harm  in  admitting;  first, 
 Christ  is  ascended  to  the  right  hand  of  the  Father,  and  sits  on  the 
 throne  of  his  glory,  there  the  apostle  shall  receive  power  by  the 
 Holy  Ghost,  Acts  i.  8,  shall  be  so  much  advanced  above  them¬ 
 selves,  as  they  are  now,  that  they  shall  think  themselves  upon 
 thrones  in  promoting  the  gospel,  they  shall  deliver  it  with  autho¬ 
 rity,  as  a  judge  from  the  bench  ;  second.  When  Christ  appears  for 
 the  destruction  of  Jerusalem,  Matt.  xxiv.  30,  then  the  apostles  shall 
 he  send  to  judge  the  Jewish  nation,  because  in  that  destruction 
 their  predictions,  according  to  the  word  of  Christ,  would  be  ac¬ 
 complished:  third.  Some  think  it  has  reference  to  the  conversion 
 of  the  Jews,  which  is  yet  to  ,’come,  at  the  latter  end  of  the  world, 
 after  the  fall  of  Antichrist :  it  is  certainly  to  have  its  full  accomplish¬ 
 ment  at  the  second  coming  of  Jesus  Christ,  when  the  saints  in 
 general  shall  judge  the  world,  and  the  twelve  apostles  especially  as 
 assessors,  with  Christ  in  the  judgment  of  the  great  day  when  all 
 
 372 
 
 4  And  said  unto  them.  Go  ye  also  into  the 
 vineyard  ;  and  Avhatsoever  is  right  I  Avill 
 give  you.  And  they  Avent  their  way. 
 
 5  Again  he  Avent  out  about  the  sixth  and 
 ninth  hour,  and  did  likewise. 
 
 6  And  about  the  eleventh  hour  he  Avent 
 out,  and  found  others,  standing  idle,  and 
 saith  unto  them.  Why  stand  ye  here  all  the 
 day  idle  ? 
 
 7  They  say  unto  him.  Because  no  man 
 hath  hired  us.  He  saiih  unto  them.  Go  ye 
 also  into  the  vineyard  ;  and  Avhatsoever  is 
 right  that  shall  ye  receive. 
 
 8  So  when  even  Avas  come,  the  lord  of  the 
 vineyard  saith  unto  his  steward,  Call  the  la¬ 
 bourers,  and  give  them  their  hire,  beginning 
 from  the  last  unto  the  first. 
 
 9  And  Avhen  they  came  that  were  hired 
 about  the  eleventh  hour,  they  roycfeived  every 
 man  a  penny. 
 
 10  But  Avhen  the  first  came,  they  sup¬ 
 posed  that  they  should  have  received  more  ; 
 and  they  likcAvise  received  every  man  a 
 penny. 
 
 11  And  Avhen  they  had  received  it  they 
 murmured  against  the  good  man  of  the  house, 
 
 12  Saying,  These  last  have  Avrought  hut 
 one  hour,  and  thou  hast  made  them  equal 
 unto  us,  Avhich  have  borne  the  burden  and 
 heat  of  the  day. 
 
 13  But  he  answered  one  of  them,  and 
 said.  Friend,  Ido  thee  no  Avrong:  didst  not 
 thou  agree  Av’ith  me  for  a  penny  ? 
 
 14  Take  that  thine  is  and  go  thy  way  :  I 
 Avill  give  unto  this  last  even  as  unto  thee. 
 
 15  Is  it  not  laAvful  for  me  to  do  Avhat  I  Avill 
 
 the  world  shall  receive  their  final  doom,  and  they  shall  ratify  and 
 applaud  the  sentence. 
 
 CHAP.  XX.  1 — 16.  Nothing  was  more  a  mystery  in  the  gospel 
 dispensation  than  the  rejection  of  the  Jews  and  the  calling  in  of  the 
 Gentiles ;  so  the  apostle  speaks  of  it,  Eph.  iii.  3 — 6’,  That  the 
 Gentiles  should  be  fellow-heirs  ;  nor  was  any  thing  more  provoking 
 to  the  Jews  than  the  intimations  of  it.  Now  this  seems  to  be  the 
 principal  scope  of  this  parable,  to  shew  that  the  Jews  should  be 
 first  called  into  the  vineyard,  and  many  of  them  should  come  at 
 the  call ;  but  at  length  the  gospel  should  be  preached  to  the  Gen¬ 
 tiles,  and  they  would  receive  it,  and  be  admitted  to  equal  privileges 
 and  advantages  with  the  Jews,  should  be  fellow-citizens  with 
 the  sainis,  which  the  Jews,  even  those  of  them  that  believed, 
 would  be  very  much  disgusted  at,  but  without  reason.  But  the 
 parable  may  be  applied  more  generally,  and  shews  us,  first.  That 
 God  is  debtor  to  no  man  :  a  great  truth,  which  the  contents  in  our 
 Bible  give  us  in  the  scope  of  this  parable.  Second,  That  many  who 
 begin  last,  and  promise  little  in  religion,  sometimes,  by  the  blessing 
 of  God,  arrive  to  greater  attainments  in  knowledge,  grace,  and  use¬ 
 fulness,  than  others  whose  entrance  was  more  early,  and  who  pro- 
 
CHAP,  XX. 
 
 with  mine  own  ?  is  thine  eye  evil  because  I 
 am  good  ? 
 
 10  So  the  last  shall  be  first,  and  the  first 
 last ;  for  many  be  called,  but  few  chosen. 
 
 17  f  And  Jesus,  going  up  to  Jerusalem, 
 took  the  twelve  disciples  apart  in  the  way, 
 and  said  unto  them, 
 
 18  Behold,  we  go  up  to  Jerusalem  ;  and 
 the  Son  of  man  shall  be  betrayed  unto  the 
 chief  priests,  and  unto  the  scribes,  and  the}”^ 
 shall  condemn  him  to  death, 
 
 19  And  shall  deliver  him  to  the  Gentiles, 
 to  mock  and  to  scourge, and  to  crucify  him: 
 and  the  third  day  he  shall  rise  again. 
 
 20  %  Then  came  to  him  the  mother  of  Ze- 
 bedee’s  children  with  her  sons,  worshipping 
 him,  and  desiring  a  certain  thing  of  him. 
 
 21  And  he  said  unto  her,  What  wilt  thou  ? 
 She  saith  unto  him.  Grant  that  these  my  two 
 sons  may  sit,  the  one  on  thy  right  hand,  and 
 the  other  on  the  left,  in  thy  kingdom. 
 
 22  But  Jesus  answered  and  said.  Ye  know 
 not  what  ye  ask.  Are  ye  able  to  drink  of 
 the  cup  that  I  shall  drink  of,  and  to  be  bap¬ 
 tized  with  the  baptism  that  I  am  baptized 
 with  ?  They  say  unto  him.  We  are  able. 
 
 23  And  he  saith  unto  them.  Ye  shall  drink 
 
 mised  fairer.  Third,  that  the  recompence  of  reward  will  be  given 
 to  the  saints,  not  according  to  the  time  of  their  conversion,  but 
 according  to  the  preparations  for  it  bjjr  grace  in  this  world  :  not 
 according  to  the  seniority,  as  Gen,  xiii.  33,  but  according  to  the 
 measure  of  the  stature  of  the  fulness  of  Christ. 
 
 17—19-  This  is  the  third  time  that  Christ  gave  his  disciples  no¬ 
 tice  of  his  approaching  sufferings;  he  was  now  going  up  to  .leru- 
 salem  to  celebrate  the  passover,  and  to  offer  up  himself  the  great 
 passover ;  both  must  be  done  at  Jerusalem,  there  the  passover 
 must  be  kept,  Dent.  xii.  5  ;  and  there  a  prophet  must  perish,  be¬ 
 cause  there  the  great  sanhedrim  sat,  who  were  the  judges  in  that 
 case,  Luke  xiii.  33. 
 
 20—28.  Here  is  the  request  of  the  two  disciples  to  Christ,  and 
 the  rectiiying  oi  the  mistake  upon  which  that  was  grounded, 
 20 — 23.  The  sons  of  Zebedee  were  James  and  John,  two  of  the 
 first  three  of  Christ’s  disciples;  Peter  and  they  were  his  favour¬ 
 ites;  John  was  the  disciple  whom  Jesus  loved,  yet  none  were  so 
 often  reproved  as  they,  whom  Christ  loves’  best  he  reproves  most, 
 Rcv^  iii.  19.  He  leads  them  to  the  thoughts  of  their  suffering, 
 which  they  were  not  so  mindful  of  as  they  ought  to  have  been. 
 They  looked  so  earnestly  upon  the  crown,  the  prize,  that  they 
 were  ready  to  plunge  headlong  and  unprepared  into  the  foul  way 
 that  led  to  it ;  and  therefore  he  thinks  it  necessary  to  put  them  in 
 mind  of  the  hardships  that  were  before  them,  that  they  might  be 
 no  surprize  or  terror  to  them.  To  suffer  for  Christ  is  to  drink  of  a 
 cup,  and  to  be  baptized  with  a  baptism.  In  this  description  of 
 sufferings,  it  is  tiue  that  affliction  doth  abound  j  it  ia  supposed  to 
 be  a  bitter  cup  that  is  drunk  of,  wormwood  and  gall,  those  waters 
 of  a  full  cup  that  are  wrung  out  to  God’s  people,  Psal.  Ixxiii.  10. 
 It  is  supposed  to  be  a  baptism,  a  washing  with  the  waters  of  afflic¬ 
 tion ;  some  are  dipped  in  them,  the  waters  compass  them  about 
 ovon  to  the  soul,  John  ii.  5  ;  others  have  but  a  sprinkling  of  them, 
 noth  ai-e  baptisms  ;  some  are  overwhelmed  in  them  as  in  a  de¬ 
 luge,  others  ill  wet,  as  in  a  sharp  shower.  It  is  to  drink  of  the 
 
 indeed  of  my  cup,  and  be  baptized  with  the 
 baptism  that  I  am  baptized  with;  but  to  sit 
 on  my  right  hand,  and  on  my  left  is  not  mine 
 to  give,  but  it  shall  be  given  to  them  for  whom 
 it  h  prepared  of  my  Father. 
 
 24  And  when  the  ten  heard  it  they  were 
 moved  with  indignation  against  the  two 
 brethren. 
 
 25  But  Jesus  called  them  unto  him,  and 
 said,  Ye  know  that  the  princes  of  the  Gen¬ 
 tiles  exercise  dominion  over  them,  and  they 
 that  are  great  exercise  authority  upon  them. 
 
 26  But  it  shall  not  be  so  among  you  :  but 
 whosoever  will  be  great  among  you,  let  him 
 be  your  minister ; 
 
 27  And  whosoever  will  be  chief  among 
 you,  let  him  be  your  servant : 
 
 28  FiVen  as  the  Son  of  man  came  not  to 
 be  ministered  unto,  but  to  minister,  and  to 
 give  his  life  a  ransom  for  many. 
 
 29  ^  And  as  they  departed  from  Jericho 
 a  great  multitude  followed  him. 
 
 30  And,  behold,  two  blind  men,  sitting 
 by  the  way  side,  when  they  heard  that  Jesus 
 passed  by,  cried  out,  saying.  Have  mercy  on 
 us,  O  Lord,  thou  Son  of  David. 
 
 31  And  the  multitude  rebuked  them,  be- 
 
 same  cup  that  Christ  drunk  of,  and  to  be  baptized  with  the  same 
 baptism  that  he  was  baptized  with.  Christ  is  before-hand  with  us 
 in  suffering,  and  in  that,  as  in  other  things,  left  us  an  example. 
 It  is  good  for  us  to  be  often  putting  it  to  ourselves,  whether  we  are 
 able  to  drink  of  this  cup,  and  to  be  baptized  with  this  baptism. 
 We  must  expect  suffering,  and  look  upon  it  as  a  hard  thing  to 
 suffer  well,  and  as  becomes  us.  See  how  boldly  they  engage  for 
 themselves ;  they  said,  we  are  able,  in  hopes  of  sitting  on  his  right 
 hand,  and  on  his  left ;  but  at  the  same  time  fondly  hoped  that 
 they  should  never  be  tried.  As  before,  they  knew  not  what  they 
 asked,  so  now  they  knew  not  what  they  answered.  See  how 
 plainly  and  positively  their  sufferings  are  here  foretold,  23,  ye 
 shall  drink  of  my  cup.  Sufferings  foreseen  will  be  easier  borne, 
 especially  if  looked  upon  under  a  right  notion,  as  drinking  of  his 
 cup,  and  being  baptized  with  his  baptism.  He  leaves  them  in  the. 
 dark  about  the  degrees  of  their  glory.  To  carry  them  cheerfulh' 
 through  their  sufferings,  it  was  enough  to  be  assured  that  they 
 should  have  a  place  in  his  kingdom.  The  lowest  seat  in  heaven  is 
 an  abundant  recompence  for  the  greatest  sufferings  on  earth.  But 
 as  to  the  preferments  there,  it  was  not  fit  there  should  be  any  inti¬ 
 mation  given  for  whom  they  were  intended  ;  for  the  infirmity  of 
 the  present  state  could  not  bear  such  a  discovery  with  any  even¬ 
 ness. 
 
 29—34.  Four  things  are  recommended  to  us  for  an  example  in 
 this  address  of  the  blind  men  ;  for  though  the  eye  of  the  body  was 
 dark,  the  eye  of  the  mind  was  enlightened,  concerning  truth,  duty, 
 and  iiueresi :  first,  Here  is  an  example  of  importunity  in  prayer. 
 'Ihev  cried  out  as  men  in  earnest;  men  in  want  use  to  be  so  ;  se¬ 
 cond,  Of  humility  in  prayer  :  in  that  word,  have  merev  on  us,  not 
 specifying  the  favour,  or  prescribing  what,  much  less  plcadin® 
 merit,  but  casting  themselves  upon,  and  referring  themselves  cheer¬ 
 fully  to  the  Mediator’s  mercy,  in  what  way  he  plcaseth,  only  have 
 mercy  ;  third.  Of  faith  in  prayer:  in  the  title  they  gave  to  Christ 
 which  was  in  the  nature  of  a  plea,  O  U>rd,  thou  Son  of  David! 
 
 373 
 
ST.  MATTHEW. 
 
 cause  they  should  hold  their  peace :  but 
 they  cried  the  more,  saying.  Have  mercy  on 
 us,  O  Lord,  thou  Son  of  David. 
 
 32  And  Jesus  stood  still,  and  called  them, 
 and  saio,  What  will  ye  that  I  shall  do  unto 
 you  ? 
 
 33  They  say  unto  him,  Lord,  that  our 
 eyes  may  be  opened. 
 
 34  So  Jesus  had  compassion  on  them,  and 
 touched  their  eyes ;  and  immediately  their 
 eyes  received  sight,  and  they  followed  him. 
 
 CHAP.  XXI. 
 
 1.  The  public  entry  which  Christ  made  into  Jerusalem,  1 — 11. 
 II.  The  authority  he  exercised  there,  12 — 16.  III.  The 
 cursing  the  barren  fig-tree,  17 — 22.  IV.  His  justifying  his  own 
 authority,  23 — 2J.  V.  His  shaming  the  infidelit}'  of  the 
 chief  priests  and  elders,  29 — 32.  VI.  The  parable  of  the  vine¬ 
 yard,  33 — 46. 
 
 ND  when  they  drew  nigh  unto  Jerusalem, 
 and  were  come  to  Bethpage,  unto 
 the  Mount  of  Olives,  then  sent  Jesus  two 
 disciples, 
 
 2  Saying  unto  them.  Go  into  the  village 
 over  against  you,  and  straightway  ye  shall 
 find  an  ass  tied,  and  a  colt  with  her :  loose 
 them,  and  bring  them  unto  me. 
 
 3  And  if  any  man  say  aught  unto  you,  ye 
 shall  say.  The  Lord  hath  need  of  them  ;  and 
 straightway  he  will  send  them. 
 
 4  All  this  was  done  that  it  might  be  fulfil¬ 
 led  which  was  spoken  by  the  prophet,  say¬ 
 ings 
 
 5  Tell  ye  the  daughter  of  Sion,  Behold, 
 thy  king  cometh  unto  thee,  meek,  and  sit¬ 
 ting  upon  an  ass,  and  a  colt  the  foal  of  an 
 ass. 
 
 They  confess  that  Jesus  Christ  is  Lord,  and  therefore  had  authority 
 to  command  deliverance  for  them  :  fourth.  Of  perseverance  in 
 prayer,  notwithstanding  discouragement.  The  multitude  rebuked 
 them  as  noisy  and  clamorous,  and  impertinent,  and  bid  them  hold 
 their  peace  and  not  disturb  the  master,  who  perhims  at  first  him¬ 
 self  seemed  not  to  regard  them.  .  In  following  Christ  with  our 
 prayers  we  must  expect  to  meet  with  hinderances,  and  manifold 
 discouragements  from  within,  and  from  without,  something  or 
 other  that  bids  us  hold  our  peace. 
 
 ■CHAP.  XXL  1 — 11.  1.  We  have  an  instance  of  Christ’s  know¬ 
 ledge  ;  though  the  thing  was  altogether  contingent,  yet  Christ 
 could  tell  his  disciples  where  they  should  find  an  ass  tied,  and  a 
 colt  with  her.  2.  Wc  have  an  instance  of  his  power  over  the  spi¬ 
 rits  of  men  ;  the  hearts  of  the  meanest  subjects,  as  well  as  of  kings 
 are^in  the  hand  of  the  Lord.  3.  We  have  an  example  of  justice 
 and  honesty,  in  not  using  the  ass,  though  for  so  small  a  piece  of 
 service  as  riding  the  length  of  a  street  or  two  without  the  owner’s 
 consent.  Our  Lord  Jesus  in  all  he  did  and  suffered,  had  very 
 much  his  eye  upon  this,  that  the  scriptures  might  be  fulfilled.  As 
 the  prophets  looked  forward  to  him,  to  him  they  all  bare  witness, 
 so  he  looked  back  ipon  them,  that  all  things  which  are  written 
 of  the  Messiah  might  be  punctually  accomplished  in  him.  This 
 {)articularly  which  was  V/Iitten  of  him,  Zech.  ix.  9j  where  it  ushsrs 
 374 
 
 6  And  the  disciples  went,  and  did  as  Je¬ 
 sus  commanded  them, 
 
 7  And  brought  the  ass,  and  the  colt,  and 
 put  on  them  their  clothes,  and  they  set  him 
 thereon. 
 
 8  And  a  very  great  multitude  spread  their 
 garments  in  the  way ;  others  cut  down 
 branches  from  the  trees,  and  strawed  them 
 in  the  way. 
 
 9  And  the  multitudes  that  went  before, 
 and  that  followed,  cried,  saying.  Hosanna 
 to  the  Son  of  David  :  Blessed  is  he  that 
 cometh  in  the  name  of  the  Lord,  Hosanna 
 in  the  highest. 
 
 10  And  when  he  was  come  into  Jerusa¬ 
 lem,  all  the  city  was  moved,  saying,  Who 
 is  this  ? 
 
 11  And  the  multitude  said,  This  is  Jesus 
 the  prophet  of  Nazareth  of  Galilee. 
 
 12  And  Jesus  went  into  the  temple  of 
 God,  and  cast  out  all  them  that  sold  and 
 bought  in  the  temple,  and  overthrew  the 
 tables  of  the  money-changers,  and  the  seats 
 of  them  that  sold  (loves. 
 
 13  And  said  unto  them,  It  is  written. 
 My  house  shall  be  called  the  house  of  prayer, 
 but  ye  have  made  it  a  den  of  thieves. 
 
 14  And  the  blind  and  the  lame  came  to 
 him  in  the  temple,  and  he  healed  them. 
 
 15  And  when  the  chief  priests  and  scribes 
 saw  the  wonderful  things  that  he  did,  and 
 the  children  crying  in  the  temple,  and  say¬ 
 ing,  Hosanna  to  the  Son  of  David  ;  they 
 were  sore  displeased. 
 
 in  a  large  prediction  of  the  kingdom  of  the  Messiah,  Jell  the 
 daughter  of  Sion,  Behold  thy  King  cometh  must  be  accomplished. 
 
 12 — 17.  When  Christ  came  into  Jerusalem  he  did  not  go  up  to 
 the  court  of  the  palace,  though  he  came  in  as  a  king,  but  into  the 
 temple  :  for  his  kingdom  is  spiritual  and  not  of  this  world,  it  is  in 
 holy  things  that  he  rules,  in  the  temple  of  God  that  he  exerciseth 
 authority. 
 
 C^reat  corruptions  and  abuses  come  into  the  church  by  tho  prac¬ 
 tices  of  those  whose  gain  is  godliness,  that  is,  that  make  worldly 
 gain  the  end  of  their  godliness,  and  counterfeit  godliness  their  way 
 to  worldly  gain,  1  Tim.  vi.  3,  such,  and  from  such  turn  away. 
 He  shews  from  a  scripture  reproof  how  they  had  abused  the  tem¬ 
 ple,  and  perverted  the  intention  of  it.  Ye  have  made  it  a  den  of 
 thieves:  this  is  quoted  from  Jer.  7,  H-  Is  this  hou  a  become  a 
 den  of  robbers  in  your  oyes  ^  When  dissembled  piety  is  made  the 
 cloak  and  cover  of  iniquity,  it  may  be  said,  That  the  house  of 
 prayer  is  become  a  den  of  thieves. 
 
 It  is  good  to  bring  children  betimes  to  the  house  of  prayer,  for 
 of  such  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven.  Let  children  be  taught  to  keej) 
 up  the  form  of  godliness,  it  will  help  to  lead  them  to  the  power  of 
 it:  Christ  has  a  tenderness  for  the  lambs  of  his  flock.  Our  Lord 
 Jesus  quoted  a  scripture.  Psalm  viii.  2.  Out  of  the  mouth  of  babes 
 and  sucklings  thou  hast  cerfected  praise,  which  some  think  refers  to 
 
CHAV.  XXL 
 
 '  16  And  said  unto  him,  Hearest  thou  what 
 these  say  ?  And  Jesus  saith  unto  them,  Yea ; 
 have  ye  never  read.  Out  of’ the  mouth  of  babes 
 and  sucklings  thou  hast  perfected  praise  ? 
 
 17  And  he  left  them,  and  went  out  of 
 the  city  into  Bethany,  and  he  lodged  there. 
 
 18  Now,  in  the  morning,  as  he  returned 
 into  the  city,  he  hungered. 
 
 19  And  when  he  saw  a  fig-tree  in  the  way, 
 he  came  to  it,  and  found  nothing  thereon, 
 but  leaves  only,  and  said  unto  it,  J.iet  no 
 fruit  grow  on  thee  henceforward  for  ever. 
 And  presently  the  fig-tree  withered  away. 
 
 20  And  when  the  disciples  saw  it,  they 
 marvelled,  saying.  How  soon  is  the  fig-tree 
 withered  away ! 
 
 21  Jesus  answered  and  said  unto  them, 
 Verily  I  say  unto  you,  If  ye  have  faith  and 
 doubt  not,  ye  shall  not  only  do  this  which  is 
 done  to  the  fig-tree,  but  also  if  ye  shall  say 
 unto  this  mountain.  Be  thou  removed,  and 
 be  thou  cast  into  the  sea  ;  it  shall  be  done. 
 
 22  And  all  things  whatsoever  ye  shall  ask 
 in  prayer,  believing,  ye  shall  receive. 
 
 23  And  when  he  was  come  into  the  tem¬ 
 ple,  the  chief  priests  and  the  elders  of  the 
 people  came  unto  him  as  he  was  teaching, 
 and  said,  By  what  authority  doest  thou  these 
 things?  and  who  gave  thee  this  authority? 
 
 24  And  Jesus  answered  and  said  unto 
 them,  I  also  will  ask  you  one  thing,  which 
 
 tlie  children’s  joining  in  the  acclamations  of  the  people,  and  the 
 women’s  songs  with  which  David  was  honoured,  when  he  returned 
 from  the  slaughter  of  the  Philistine,  and  therefore  is  very  fitly  ap¬ 
 plied  here  to  the  Hosannas,  with  which  the  Son  of  David  was 
 cried  up,  now  he  was  entering  upon  his  conflict  with  Satan,  that 
 Goliath. 
 
 18 — 22.  This  cursing  of  the  barren  fig-tree  represents  the  state 
 of  hypocrites  in  general ;  and  so  it  teacheth  us,  1.  That  the  fruit 
 of  fig-trees  may  justly  be  expected  from  those  that  have  the  leaves. 
 2.  Christ’s  just  expectations  from  flourishing  professors  are  often 
 frustrated  and  disappointed  :  he  comes  to  many  seeking  fruit  and 
 finds  leaves  only,  and  he  discovers  it.  3.  The  sin  .ol  barrenness 
 IS  justly  punished  with  the  curse  and  plague  of  barrenness  :  Let  no 
 fruit  grow  on  thee  henceforward  lor  ever.  As  one  of  the  chiefest 
 blessings,  and  which  was  the  first,  is.  Be  fruitful ;  so  one  of  the 
 saddest  curses  is.  Be  no  more  fruitful.  4.  A  false  and  hypocri¬ 
 tical  profession  commonly  withers  in  this  world,  and  it  is  the  ef¬ 
 fect  of  Christ’s  curse ;  the  fig-tree  that  had  no  fruit,  soon  lost  its 
 leaves.  2.  It  represents  the  state  of  the  nation  and  people  of  the 
 Jews  in  particular  ;  they  were  a  fig-tree  planted  in  Christ’s  way, 
 as  a  church.  Now  observe,  1.  The  disappointment  they  gave  to 
 our  Lord  Jesus ;  he  came  among  them,  expecting  to  find  some 
 fruit ;  something  that  would  be  pleasing  to  him;  they  professed 
 themselves  expectants  of  the  promised  Messiah,  but  when  he  came 
 they  did  not  receive  and  entertain  him.  2.  The  doom  he  past 
 upon  .them,  that  never  any  fruit  should  grow  upon  them,  or  be 
 gathered  from  them,  as  a  church,  or  as  a  people,  from  hencefor- 
 Vvard  for  ever.  79  3  C 
 
 Vol.  II. 
 
 if  ye  tell  me,  I  in  likewise  will  tell  you  by 
 what  authority  I  do  these  things. 
 
 25  The  baptism  of  John,  whence  was  it? 
 from  heaven,  or  of  men  ?  and  they  reasoned 
 with  themselves,  saying.  If  we  shall  say. 
 From  heaven ;  he  will  say  unto  us,  why 
 did  ye  not  then  believe  him  ; 
 
 26  But  if  we  shall  say.  Of  men  ;  we  fear 
 the  people;  for  all  hold  John  as  a  prophet. 
 
 27*  And  they  answered  Jesus,  and  said.  We 
 cannot  tell.  And  he  said  unto  them.  Nei¬ 
 ther  tell  I  you  by  what  authority  I  do  these 
 things. 
 
 28  But  what  think  ye  ?  A  certain  man 
 had  two  sons,  and  he  came  to  the  first,  and 
 said.  Son,  go  work  to-day  in  my  vineyard. 
 
 29  He  answered  and  said,  I  will  not  :  but 
 afterward  he  repented,  and  went. 
 
 30  And  he  came  to  the  second,  and  said 
 likewise.  And  he  answered  and  said,  I  go, 
 sir  ;  and  went  not. 
 
 31  Whether  of  them  twain  did  the  will  of 
 his  father  ?  They  say  unto  him.  The  first. 
 Jesus  saith  unto  them,  Verily  I  say  unto 
 you,  that  the  publicans  and  the  harlots  go 
 into  the  kingdom  of  God  before  you. 
 
 32  For  John  came  unto  you  into  the  way 
 of  righteousness,  and  ye  believed  him  not ; 
 but  the  publicans  and  the  harlots  believed 
 him.  And  ye,  when  ye  had  seen  it,  repented 
 not  afterward,  that  ye  might  believe  him. 
 
 23—27*  Thus  Christ  avoided  the  snare  they  laid  for  him,  and 
 justified  himself  in  refusing  to  gratify  them,  neither  tell  I  you  by 
 what  authority  I  do  these  things ;  If  they  be  so  wicked  and  base  as 
 either  not  to  believe,  or  not  to  confess  that  the  baptism  of  John 
 was  from  heaven,  (though  it  obliged  to  repentance,  that  great 
 duty,  and  sealed  the  kingdom  of  God  at  hand,  that  great  promise) 
 they  were  not  fit  to  be  discoursed  with  concerning  Christ’s  authority ; 
 for  men  of  such  a  disposition  could  not  be  convinced  of  the  truth, 
 nay,  they  could  not  but  be  provoked  by  it,  and  therefore  he  that 
 is  thus  ignorant,  let  him  be  ignorant  still.  These  that  impidson 
 the  truths  they  know  in  unrighteousness,  either  by  not  professing 
 them,  or  not  practising  according  to  them,  are  justly  denied  the 
 farther  truths  they  inquire  after,  Rom.  i.  18,  19.  Take  away 
 the  taleia  from  him  that  buried  it;  those  that  will  not  see,  shall 
 not  see. 
 
 28 — 32.  1.  The  publicans  and  harlots  were  like  the  first  son  in 
 the  parable  from  whom  little  of  religion  was  expected.  They 
 promised  little  good,  and  those  that  knew  them  promised  them¬ 
 selves  little  good  from  them  :  Their  disposition  was  generally  rude, 
 and  their  conversation  profligate  and  debauched,  and  yet  many  of 
 them  were  wrought  upon  by  the  ministry  of  John,  who  came  in 
 the  spirit  and  power  of  Elias.  See  Luke  vii.  29-  And  these  fitly 
 represented  the  Gentile  world  ;  for  (as  Dr.  Whitby  observes)  the 
 Jews  generally  ranked  the  publicans  with  the  heathen ;  nay,  and 
 the  heathen  were  represented  by  the  Jews  as  harlots,  and  born  of 
 harlots,  John  viii.  41.  2.  The  scribes  and  Pharisees,  the  chief 
 
 priests  and  elders,  and  indeed  the  Jewish  nation  in  general,  were 
 like  the  other  son  that  gave  good  words  ;  they  made  a  specious 
 
 375 
 
ST.  MATTHEW. 
 
 33  Hear  another  parable :  There  was  a 
 certain  householder  which  planted  a  vine¬ 
 yard,  and  hedged  it  round  about,  and  dig¬ 
 ged  a  wine-press  in  it,  and  built  a  tower, 
 and  let  it  out  to  husbandmen,  and  went  into 
 a  far  country. 
 
 34  And  when  the  time  of  the  fruit  drew 
 near,  he  sent  his  servants  to  the  husbandmen, 
 that  they  might  receive  the  fruits  of  it. 
 
 35  And  the  husbandmen  took  his  ser¬ 
 vants,  and  beat  one,  and  killed  another,  and 
 stoned  another. 
 
 36  Again  he  sent  other  servants,  more 
 than  the  first :  and  they  did  unto  them  like¬ 
 wise. 
 
 37  But  last  of  all  he  sent  unto  them  his 
 son,  saying.  They  will  reverence  my  son. 
 
 38  But  when  the  husbandmen  saw  the 
 son,  they  said  among  themselves,  This  is  the 
 heir,  come,  let  us  kill  him,  and  let  us  seize 
 on  his  inheritance. 
 
 39  And  they  caught  him,  and  cast  him 
 out  of  the  vineyard,  and  slew  him, 
 
 40  When  the  Lord  therefore  of  the  vine¬ 
 yard  cometh,  what  will  he  do  unto  those 
 husbandmen  ? 
 
 41  They  say  unto  him.  He  will  miserably 
 destroy  those  wicked  men,  and  will  let  out 
 his  vineyard  unto  other  husbandmen,  which 
 will  render  him  the  fruits  in  their  seasons. 
 
 42  Jesus  saith  unto  them.  Did  ye  never 
 read  in  the  scriptures,  The  stone  which  the 
 builders  rejected,  the  same  is  become  the 
 head  of  the  corner  :  This  is  the  Lord’s  doing, 
 and  it  is  marvellous  in  our  eyes  ? 
 
 43  Therefore  say  I  unto  you.  The  king¬ 
 dom  of  God  shall  be  taken  from  you,  and 
 given  to  a  nation  bringing  forth  the  fruits 
 thereof. 
 
 profession  of  religion,  and  yet  when  the  kingdom  of  the  Messiah 
 was  brought  arnong  them  by  the  baptism  of  John  they  slighted  it, 
 they  turned  their  back  upon  it,  nay,  they  lift  up  the  heel  against 
 it. 
 
 33 — 4^.  This  parable  plainly  sets  forth  the  sin  and  ruin  of  the 
 Jewish  nation ;  they  and  the  leaders  are  the  husbandmen  here, 
 and  what  is  spoken  for  conviction  to  them  is  spoken  for  caution  to 
 all  that  enjoy  the  privileges  of  the  visible  church,  not  to  be  high- 
 minded,  but  fear. 
 
 CHAP.  XXII.  1 — 14.  The  parable  of  tho  vineyard  represents 
 the  sin  of  the  rulers  that  persecuted  the  prophets  ;  this  shews  also 
 the  sin  of  the  people,  who  generally  neglected  the  message,  while 
 their  great  ones  were  persecuting  the  messengers.  Gospel  calls 
 and  offers  are  represented  by  an  invitation  to  this  feast-  Now, 
 
 First,  The  guests  are  called,  bidden  to  the  wedding.  All  that 
 Z76 
 
 44  And  whosoever  shall  fall  on  ihis  stone 
 shall  be  broken  :  but  on  whomsoever  it  shall 
 fall,  it  will  grind  him  to  powder. 
 
 45  And  when  the  chief  priests  and  Phari¬ 
 sees  had  heard  his  parables,  they  perceived 
 that  he  spake  of  them. 
 
 46  But  when  they  sought  to  lay  hands  on 
 him,  they  feared  the  multitude,  because  they 
 took  him  for  a  prophet. 
 
 CHAP.  XXII. 
 
 I.  The  marriage-supper,  1 — 10.  II.  Disputes  with  the  Pharisees, 
 Sadducees,  and  scribes,  who  opposed  Christ,  15 — 40. 
 
 And  Jesus  answered,  and  spake  unto 
 them  again  by  parables,  and  said, 
 
 2  The  kingdom  of  heaven  is  like  unto  a 
 certain  king,  which  made  a  marriage  for  his 
 son. 
 
 3  And  sent  forth  his  servants  to  call  them 
 that  were  bidden  to  the  wedding  :  and  they 
 would  not  come. 
 
 4  Again,  he  sent  forth  other  servants, 
 saying,  Tell  them  which  are  bidden.  Be¬ 
 hold,  I  have  prepared  my  dinner  :  my  oxen 
 and  my  fatlings  are  killed,  and  all  things 
 art  ready  ;  come  unto  the  marriage. 
 
 5  But  they  made  light  of  it,  and  went 
 their  ways,  one  to  his  farm,  and  another  to 
 his  merchandise  ; 
 
 6  And  the  remnant  took  his  servants,  and 
 entreated  them  spitefully,  and  slew  them. 
 
 7  But  when  the  king  heard  thereof  ho,  was 
 wroth ;  and  he  sent  forth  his  armies,  and 
 destroyed  those  murderers,  and  burned  up 
 their  city. 
 
 8  Then  saith  he  to  his  servants.  The  wed¬ 
 ding  is  ready,  but  they  which  were  bidden 
 were  not  worthy. 
 
 9  Go  ye  therefore,  into  the  highways, 
 and,  as  many  as  ye  shall  find,  bid  to  the 
 marriage. _ _ 
 
 are  within  hearing  of  the  joyful  sound  of  the  gospel,  to  them  is  the 
 word  of  this  invitation  sent. 
 
 Secondly,  The  guests  are  called  upon ;  for  in  the  gospel  there 
 are  not  only  gracious  proposals  made,  but  gracious  persuasives. 
 
 Thirdly,  The  ill  entertainment  which  the  Gospel  of  Christ  often 
 meets  with  among  the  children  of  men,  is  represented  by  the  cold 
 treatment  that  this  message  met  with,  and  the  hot  treatment  that 
 the  messengers  met  with,  and  in  both  the  king  himself  and  the 
 royal  bridegroom  are  affronted.  This  reflects  primarily  upon  the 
 Jews,  who  rejected  the  counsel  of  God  against  themselves.  But 
 it  looks  further  to  the  contempt  that  would  by  many  in  all  ages 
 be  put  upon,  and  the  opposition  that  would  be  given,  to  the  Gospel 
 of  Christ. 
 
 Fourthly,  The  utter  rum  that  was  coming  upon  the  Jewisii 
 church  and  nation,  is  here  represented  by  the  revenge  which  the 
 
CHAP.  xxir. 
 
 10  So  those  servants  went  out  into  the 
 highways,  and  gathered  together  all,  as  ma¬ 
 ny  as  they  found,  both  bad  and  good  ;  and 
 the  wedding  was  furnished  with  guests. 
 
 11  ^  And  when  the  king  came  in  to  see 
 the  guests,  he  saw  there  a  man  which  had 
 not  on  a  wedding-garment: 
 
 12  And  he  saith  unto  him,  Friend,  how 
 earnest  thou  in  hither,  not  having  a  wedding- 
 garment  ?  And  he  was  speechless. 
 
 13  Then  said  the  king  to  the  servants. 
 Bind  him  hand  and  foot,  and  take  him 
 away,  and  cast  him  into  outer  darkness ; 
 there  shall  be  weeping  and  gnashing  of  teeth. 
 
 14  For  many  are  called  but  few  are 
 chosen. 
 
 15  ^  Then  went  the  Pharisees,  and  took 
 counsel  how  they  might  entangle  him  in  his 
 talk. 
 
 16  And  they  sent  out  unto  him  their  dis¬ 
 ciples  with  the  Herodians,  saying,  Master, 
 we  know  that  thou  art  true,  and  teachest 
 the  way  of  God  in  truth,  neither  carest  thou 
 for  any  man  ;  for  thou  regardcst  not  the  per¬ 
 son  of  men. 
 
 17  Tell  us,  therefore,  AVhat  thinkest  thou? 
 Is  it  lawful  to  give  tribute  unto  Caesar,  or 
 not  ? 
 
 \  king  in  wrath  took  on  these  insolent  recusants,  7-  He  was 
 \  wroth  ;  the  Jews  that  had  been  the  people  ot  Gexi’s  love  and  bless- 
 rrrg,  by  rejecting  the  Gospel  became  the  generation  of  his  wrath 
 aim'^sjl^e;  Wrath  came  upon  them  to  the  uttermost,  1  Thes.  ii.  16’. 
 
 Fiftmy,  The  replenishipg  of  the  church  t^ain  by  the  bringing  in 
 of  Gentiles,  is  here  represented  by  the  furnishing  of  the  feast  with 
 guests  out  of  the  highways,  8,  9,  10/ 
 
 Sixthly,  The  case  of  hypocrites  that  are  in  the  church,  but  not 
 of  it,  that  have  a  name  to  live,  but  are  not  alive  indeed,  is  repre¬ 
 sented  by  the  guest  that  had  not  on  the  wedding-garment;  one  of 
 the  bad  that  were  gathered  in.  Those  come  short  of  salvation  by 
 Christ,  not  only  who  refuse  to  take  upon  them  the  profession  of 
 religion,  but  who  are  not  found  in  heart  in  that  piofession. 
 
 Lastly,  The  parable  is  concluded  with  that.remarkable  saying, 
 which  we  had  before.  Matt,  xx,  16,  Many  are  called,  but  few  are 
 chosen,  14.  Of  the  many  that  are  called  to  the  wedding-feast, 
 if  you  set  aside  those  as  unchosen,  that  make  light  of  it,  and 
 avowedly  prefer  other  things  before  it ;  if  then  you  set  aside  all 
 that  make  a  profession  of  religion,  but  the  temper  of  their  ^irits, 
 and  the  tenor  of  their  conversation  is  a  constant  contradiction  to 
 it,  set  aside  all  the  profane,  and  .all  the  hypocrites,  and  you  will 
 find  they  are  few,  very  few  that  are  chosen ;  many  called  to  the 
 wedding-feast,  but  few  chosen  to  the  wedding-garment,  i.  e.  to 
 salvation  by  sanctification  of  the  spirit.  This  is  the  strait  gate,  and 
 narrow  way,  which  few  find. 
 
 15—22.  The  Herodians  were  a  party  among  the  Jews  who  were 
 for  a  cheerful  and  entire  subjection  to  the  Roman  empero;r,  and 
 to  Herod  his  deputy,  and  made  it  their  business  to  reconcile  peo¬ 
 ple  to  that  government,  and  pressed  all  to  pay  their  tribute;  some 
 think  they  were  the  collectors  of  the  land-tax,  as  the  publicans 
 were  of  the  customs,  and  they  went  with  the  Pharisees  to  Christ, 
 with  this  blind  upon  their  plot. 
 
 18  But  Jesus  perceived  their  wickedness-, 
 and  said,  Why  tempt  yc  me,  ye  hypocrites? 
 
 19  Shew  me  the  tribute-money.  And 
 they  brought  unto  him  a  penny. 
 
 20  And  he  saith  unto  them.  Whose  is  this 
 image  and  superscription  ? 
 
 21  They  say  unto  him,  Caesar’s.  Then 
 saith  he  unto  them.  Render,  therefore,  unto 
 Caesar  the  things  which  are  Caesar’s;  and 
 unto  God  the  things  that  are  God’s. 
 
 22  When  they  had  heard  these  words  they 
 marvelled,  and  left  him,  and  went  their 
 way. 
 
 23  51  The  same  day  came  to  him  the  Sad- 
 ducees,  which  say  that  there  is  no  resurrec¬ 
 tion,  and  asked  him, 
 
 24  Saying,  Master,  Moses  said,  If  a  man 
 die,  having  no  children,  his  brother  shall 
 marry  his  wife,  and  raise  up  seed  unto  his 
 brother. 
 
 25  Now  there  were  with  us  seven  bre¬ 
 thren  ;  and  the  first,  when  he  had  married  a 
 wife,  deceased  ;  and,  having  no  issue,  left 
 his  wife  unto  his  lirother. 
 
 26  Likewise  the  second  also,  and  the 
 third,  unto  the  seventh. 
 
 27  And  last  of  all  the  woman  died  also. 
 
 28  Therefore,  in  the  resurrection,  whose 
 
 Now  the  question  was,  Whether  it  was  lawful  to  pay  these  taxes 
 voluntarily,  or  whether  they  should  not  insist  upon  the  ancient 
 liberty  of  their  nation,  and  rather  suffer  themselves  to  be  distrained 
 upon.?  The  ground  of  the  doubt  was,  that  they  were  Abraham’s 
 seed,  and  should-  not  by  consent  be  in  bondage  to  any  man,  John 
 viii.  33.  God  had  given  them  a  law,  that  they  should  not  set  a 
 stranger  over  them;  and  whether  that  did  not  imply  that  they 
 were  not  to  yield  any  willing  subjection  to  any  prince,  state,  or  po¬ 
 tentate,  that  was  not  of  their  own  nation  and  religion  ?  This  was 
 an  old  mistake  arising  from  that  pride  and  haughty  spirit,  which 
 brings  destruction  and  a  fall.  Jeremiah  in  his  time,  though  he 
 spoke  in  God’s  name,  could  not  possibly  beat  them  off  it,  nor  per¬ 
 suade  them  to  submit  to  the  king  of  Babylon,  and  their  obstinacy 
 in'  that  matter  was  then  their  ruin,  Jer.  xxvii.  12,  13.  And  now 
 again  they  stumbled  at  the  same  stone,  and  it  was  the  very  thing 
 which  in  a  few  years  after  brought  a  final  destruction  upon  them 
 by  the  Romans.  They  quite  mistook  the  sense  both  of  the  precept 
 and  of  the  privilege,  and  under  colour  of  God’s  word,  contended 
 with  his  providence,  when  they  should  have  kissed  the  rod,  and 
 accepted  the  punishments  of  their  iniquity. 
 
 23—32.  These  heretics  were  called  Sadducees,  from  one  Sa- 
 doc,  a  disciple  of  Antigonus  Sochseus*  who  flourished  about  284 
 years  before  our  Saviour’s  birth  :  they  lie  under  an  ill  character 
 among  the  writers  of  their  own  nation,  as  men  of  base  and  de¬ 
 bauched  conversations,  which  their  principles  led  them  to.  They 
 were  the  fewest  in  number  of  all  the  sects  among  the  Jews,  but  ge¬ 
 nerally  persons  of  some  rank.  As  the  Pharisees  and  Essenes  seem¬ 
 ed  to  follow*  Plato  and  Phythagoras,  so  the  Sadducees  were  much  of 
 the  genius  of  the  Epicureans;  they  denied  the  resurrection,  they 
 
 Isaid,  There  is  no  future  state,  no  life  after  this  ;  that  when  the 
 body  dies,  the  soul  is  annihilated,  and  dies  with  it;  that  there  is 
 no  state  of  rewards  or  punishments  in  the  other  world ;  on  judg- 
 
.  ST.  MATTHEW. 
 
 wife  shall  she  be  of  the  seven  ?  for  they  all 
 had  her. 
 
 29  Jesus  answered,  and  said  unto  them, 
 \e  do  err,  not  knowing  the  Scriptures,  nor 
 the  power  of  God. 
 
 30  For  in  the  resurrection  they  neither 
 marry  nor  are  given  in  marriage  ;  but  are  as 
 the  angels  ol  God  in  heaven  : 
 
 31  But  as  touching  the  resurrection  of 
 the  dead,  have  ye  not  read  that  which  was 
 spoken  unto  you  by  God,  saying, 
 
 32  I  am  the  God  of  Abraham,  and  the 
 God  of  Isaac,  and  the  God  of  Jacob?  God 
 is  not  the  God  of  the  dead,  but  of  the  liv¬ 
 ing. 
 
 33  And  when  the  multitude  heard  this 
 they  were  astonished  at  his  doctrine. 
 
 34  ^  But  when  the  Pharisees  had  heard 
 that  he  had  put  the  Sadducees  to  silence, 
 they  were  gathered  together. 
 
 35  Then  one  of  them,  which  was  a  law 
 yer,  asked  him  a  question^  tempting  him,  and 
 saying, 
 
 36  Master,  which  is  the  great  command¬ 
 ment  in  the  law  ? 
 
 37  Jesus  said  unto  him.  Thou  shalt  love 
 the  Lord  thy  God  with  all  thy  heart,  and 
 with  all  thy  soul,  and  with  all  thy  mind. 
 
 38  This  is  the  first  and  great  command¬ 
 ment  : 
 
 39  And  the  second  is  like  unto  it,  Thou 
 shalt  love  thy  neighbour  as  thyself: 
 
 40  On  these  two  commandments  hang  all 
 die  law  and  the  prophets. 
 
 41  ^  While  the  Pharisees  were  gathered 
 together  Jesus  asked  them, 
 
 42  Saying,  What  think  ye  of  Christ? 
 whose  son  is  he  ?  They  say  unto  him,  The 
 son  of  David. 
 
 43  He  saith  unto  them.  How  then  doth 
 David  in  spirit  call  him  Lord,  saying, 
 
 44  The  Lord  said  unto  my  Lord,  Sit 
 thou  on  my  right  hand,  till  I  make  thine 
 enemies  thy  footstool  ? 
 
 45  If  David  then  call  him  Lord,  how  is 
 he  his  son  ? 
 
 46  And  no  man  was  able  to  answer  him  a 
 word  :  neither  durst  any  man^  from  that  day 
 forth  ask  him  any  more  questions. 
 
 CHAP.  XXIII. 
 
 In  the  foregoing  chapter  we  had  our  Saviour’s  discourses  with  the 
 scribes  and  Pharisees,  here  we  have  his  discourse  concerning 
 ^em,  or  rather  against  them. 
 
 raiHEN  spake  Jesus  to  the  multitude,  and 
 to  his  disciples, 
 
 2  Saying,  The  Scribes  and  the  Pharisees 
 sit  in  Moses^  seat : 
 
 3  All,  therefore,  whatsoever  they  bid  you 
 observe,  that  observe  and  do  ;  but  do  not 
 ye  after  their  works ;  for  they  say,  and  do 
 not. 
 
 4  Ibr  they  bind  heavy  burdens,  and  griev¬ 
 ous  to  be  borne,  and  lay  them  on  men^s 
 shoulders  ;  but  tfiey  themselves  will  not  move 
 them  with  one  of  their  fingers. 
 
 5  But  all  their  works  they  do  for  to  be 
 seen  of  men  ;  they  make  broad  their  phy¬ 
 lacteries,  and  enlarge  the  borders  of  their 
 garments. 
 
 raent  to  come  in  heaven  or  hell.  They  maintained,  that  except 
 God,  there  is  no  Spirit,  Acts  xxiii.  8,  nothing  but  matter  and 
 rnotion  ;  They  would  not  own  the  divine  inspiration  of  the  pro¬ 
 phets,  nor  any  revelation  from  heaven,  but  what  God  himself 
 spoke  upon  Mount  Sinai.  Now  the  doctrine  of  Christ  carried  that 
 great  truth  of  the  resurrection,  and  a  future  state,  much  farther 
 than  It  had  yet  been  revealed,  and  therefore  the  Sadducees  in  a 
 particular  manner  set  themselves  against  it.  The  Pharisees  and 
 Sadducees  were  contra^  to  each  other,  and  yet  confederates 
 against  Christ :  Christ’s  Gospel  hath  always  sutfered  between  su¬ 
 perstitious  ceremonious  hypocrites,  and  bigots  on  the  one  hand, 
 and  profane  deists  and  infidels  on  the  other.  The  former  abusing, 
 the  latter  despising  the  form  of  godliness,  but  both  denying  the 
 power  of  it. 
 
 34—40.  All  obedience  begins  in  the  affections,  and  nothing  in 
 religion  is  done  right,  that  is  not  done  there  first.  Love  is  the 
 leading  affection  which  gives  law,  and  gives  ground  to  the'  rest, 
 and  therefore  that  as  the  main  fort  is  to  be  first  secured,  and  garl 
 risoned  for  God.  Man  is  a  creature  cut  out  for  love  ;  thus  there¬ 
 fore  is  the  law  written  in  the  heart,  that  it  is  a  law  of  love.  Love 
 is  a  short  and  sweet  word,  and  if  that  be  the  fulfilling  of  the  law, 
 surely  the  yoke  of  the  command  is  very  easy.  Love  is  the  rest 
 378 
 
 and  satisfaction  of  the  soul,  if  we  walk  in  this  good  old  way,  we 
 shall  find  rest. 
 
 41—46’.  David  was  one  of  those  holy  men  that  spake  as  he  was 
 moved  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  especially  in  calling  Christ  Lord  ;  for 
 it  was  then  as  it  is  still,  1  Cor.  xii.  3,  that  no  man  can  say  that 
 Jesus  is  the  Lord,  but  by  the  Holy  Ghost.  Now  to  prove  that 
 David  in  spirit  called  Christ  Lord,  he  quotes  Psal.  cx.  1.  which 
 psalm  the  scribes  themselves  understood  of  Christ ;  of  him  it  is 
 certain  the  prophet  there  speaks,  of  him,  and  of  no  other  man  ; 
 and  it  is  a  prophetical  summary  of  the  doctrine  of  Christ,  it  de¬ 
 scribes  him  executing  the  office  .of  a  prophet,  priest,  and  king, 
 both  in  his  state  of  humiliation  and  exaltation. 
 
 CHAP.  XXIII.  1 — 12.  The  scribes  and  Pharisees,  (that  is,  the 
 whole  Sanhedrin,  who  sat  at  the  helm  of  church-government,  who 
 \yere  all  called  Scribes  and  were  some  of  them  Pharisees,)  they 
 sit  in  Moses’  seat,  2,  of  public  teachers,  and  interpreters  of  the 
 law,  and  the  law  of  Moses  being  the  municipal  law  of  their  state, 
 they  were  as  judges,  or  a  bench  of  justices  ;  teaching  and  judging 
 seem  to  be  equivalent,  comparing  2  Chron.  17  ;  or  we  may  apply 
 it  not  to  the  Sanhedrin,  but  to  the  other  Pharisees  and  scribes 
 that  expounded  the  law,  and  taught  the  people  how  to  apply  it  to 
 particular  cases.  Good  and  useful  offices  and  powers  are  not 
 
CHAP.  xxni. 
 
 6  And  love  the  uppermost  rooms  at  feasts 
 and  the  chief  seats  in  the  synagogues, 
 
 7  And  greetings  in  the  markets,  and  to 
 be  called  of  men.  Rabbi,  Rabbi. 
 
 8  But  be  not  ye  called  Rabbi :  for  one  is 
 your  Master,  even  Christ ;  and  all  ye  are 
 brethren. 
 
 9  And  call  no  man  your  father  upon  the 
 earth  :  for  one  is  your  Father  which  is  in 
 heaven. 
 
 10  Neither  be  ye  called  masters  :  for  one 
 is  your  Master,  even  Christ. 
 
 11  But  he  that  is  greatest  among  you  shall 
 be  your  servant. 
 
 12  And  whosoever  shall  exalt  himself  shall 
 be  abased  ;  and  he  that  shall  humble  himself 
 shall  be  exalted. 
 
 13  %  But  woe  unto  you  scribes  and  Pha¬ 
 risees,  hypocrites  !  for  ye  shut  up  the  king¬ 
 dom  of  heaven  against  men  :  for  ye  neither 
 go  in  yourselves,  neither  suffer  ye  them  that 
 are  entering  to  go  in. 
 
 14  Woe  unto  you,  scribes  and  Pharisees, 
 hypocrites  !  for  ye  devour  widows^  houses, 
 and  for  a  pretence  make  long  prayer :  there¬ 
 fore  ye  shall  receive  the  greater  damnation. 
 
 15  Woe  unto  you,  scribes  and  Pharisees, 
 hypocrites  !  for  ye  compas^  sea  and  land  to 
 make  one  proselyte  :  and  when  he  is  made, 
 ye  make  him  two-fold  more  the  child  of  hell 
 than  yourselves. 
 
 16  W oe  unto  you,  ye  blind  guides  !  which 
 say,  Whosoever  shall  swear  by  the  temple, 
 it  is  nothing  ;  but  whosoever  shall  swear  by 
 the  gold  of  the  temple,  he  is  a  debtor. 
 
 17  Ye  fools  and  blind  !  for  whether  is 
 greater,  the  gold,  or  the  temple  that  sancti- 
 fieth  the  gold  ? 
 
 therefore  to  be  presently  condemned  and  abolished,  because  they 
 fall  sometimes  into  the  hands  of  ill  men  that  abuse  them.  He  in- 
 stanceth  in  two  things,  which  they  did  to  be  seen  of  men.  1.  They 
 make  broad  their  phylacteries  :  Those  were  little  scrolls  of  paper, 
 or  parchment,  wherein  were  written,  with  greaf'niccness,  these 
 four  paragraphs  of  the  law,  Exod.  xiii.  2,  to  v.  11,  Exod.  xiii.  11, 
 16,  Deut.  vi.  4 — 9,  Deut.  xi.  13 — 21.  These  were  sown  up  in 
 leather,  and  worn  upon  their  [foreheads,  and  left  arms  ;  it  was  a 
 tradition  of  the  elders,  which  had  reference  to  Exod.  xiii.  9,  and 
 Prov.  vii.  3,  where  the  expressions  seem  to  be  figurative,  intimat¬ 
 ing  no  more  but  that  we  should  bear  the  things  of  GckI  in  our 
 minds  as  carefully  as  if  we  had  them  bound  l^tween  our  eyes. 
 2.  They  enlarged  the  borders  of  their  garments ;  God  appointed 
 Ihe  Jews  to  make  borders,  or  fringes  upon  their  garments,  Num. 
 xv.  38,  to  distinguish  them  from  other  nations,  and  to  be  a  me¬ 
 morandum  to  them  of  their  being  a  peculiar  people;  but  the  Pha- 
 
 18  And,  whosoever  shiill  swear  by  the 
 altar,  it  is  nothing  ;  but  whosoever  sweareth 
 by  the  gift  that  is  upon  it,  he  is  guilty. 
 
 19  Ye  fools,  and  blind  !  for  whether  is 
 greater,  the  gift,  or  the  altar  that  sanctifieth 
 the  gift  ? 
 
 20  Whoso,  therefore,  shall  swear  by  the 
 altar,  sweareth  by  it,  and  by  all  things 
 thereon. 
 
 21  And  whoso  shall  swear  by  the  temple, 
 sweareth  by  it,  and  by  him  that  dwelleth 
 therein. 
 
 22  And  he  that  shall  swear  by  heaven, 
 sweareth  by  the  throne  of  God,  and  by  him 
 that  sitteth  thereon. 
 
 23  Woe  unto  you,  scribes  and  Pharisees, 
 hypocrites!  for  ye  pay  tithe  of  mint,  and 
 anise  and  cummin,  and  have  omitted  the 
 weightier  matters  of  the  law,  judgment, 
 mercy,  and  faith  :  these  ought  ye  to  have 
 done,  and  not  to  leave  the  other  undone. 
 
 24  Ye  blind  guides  1  which  strain  at  a 
 gnat,  and  swallow  a  camel. 
 
 25  Wne  unto  you  scribes  and  Pharisees, 
 hypocrites  1  for  ye  make  clean  the  outside  of 
 the  cup  and  of  the  platter,  but  within  they 
 are  full  of  extortion  and  excess. 
 
 26  Thou  blind  Pharisee  !  cleanse  first  that 
 which  is  within  the  cup  and  platter,  that  the 
 outside  of  them  may  be  clean  also. 
 
 27  Woe  unto  you  scribes  and  Pharisees, 
 hypocrites  !  for  ye  are  like  unto  whited  se¬ 
 pulchres,  which  indeed  appear  beautiful 
 outward,  but  are  within  full  of  dead  men’s 
 bones,  and  of  all  uncleanness. 
 
 28  Even  so  ye  also  outwardly  appear 
 righteous  unto  men,  but  within  ye  arc  full 
 of  hypocrisy  and  iniquity. 
 
 risees  were  not  content  lo  have  these  borders  like  other  peoples, 
 which  might  serve  God’s  design  in  appointing  them  ;  But  they 
 must  be  a  larger  than  ordinary,  to  answer  their  design  of  making 
 themselves  to  be  taken  notice  of,  as  if  they  were  more  religious 
 
 than  oHiere.  ,i  i  j-  ^ 
 
 13—33.  In  these  verses  we  have  eight  woes  levelled  directly 
 against  the  scribes  and  Pharisees  by  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  like 
 so  many  claps  of  thunder,  or  flashes  of  lightning  from  mount  Si¬ 
 nai  :  Three  ,woes  are  made  to  look  very  dreadful,  Rev.  viii.  13, 
 ix.  10.  But  here  are  eight  woes  in  opposition  to  the  eight  beati¬ 
 tudes,  Matt.  V.  3.  The  gospel  has  its  woes  as  well  the  law,  and 
 gospel-curses  are  of  all  other  the  heaviest.  These  woes  are  the 
 most  remarkable,  not  only  because  of  the  authority,  but  because 
 of  the  meekness  and  gentleness  of  him  that  denounced  them.  He 
 came  to  bless,  and  loved  to  bless,  but  if  his  wrath  be  kindled,  to 
 be  sure  there  is  cause  for  it ;  and  who  shall  entreat  for  him  that  thq 
 
 379 
 
ST.  MATTHEW. 
 
 29  Woe  unto  you,  scribes  and  Pharisees, 
 Hypocrites!  because  ye  build  the  tombs  of 
 the  prophets,  and  garnish  the  sepulchres  of 
 the  righteous, 
 
 30  And  say.  If  we  had  been  in  the  days 
 of  our  fathers  we  would  not  have  been  par¬ 
 takers  with  them  in  the  blood  of  the  pro 
 phets. 
 
 31  Wherefore  ye  be  witnesses  unto  your¬ 
 selves  that  ye  are  the  children  of  them  which 
 killed  the  prophets. 
 
 32  Fill  ye  up  then  the  measure  of  your 
 fathers. 
 
 33  Ye  serpents,  ye  generation  of  vipers  • 
 how  can  ye  escape  the  damnation  of  hell  ? 
 
 34  ^  Wherefore,  behold,  I  send  unto  you 
 prophets,  and  wise  men,  and  scribes  :  and 
 some  of  them  ye  shall  kill  and  crucify  ;  and 
 some  of  them  shall  ye  scourge  in  your  syna¬ 
 gogues,  and  persecute  them  from  city  to 
 city: 
 
 35  That  upon  you  may  come  all  the  righ¬ 
 teous  blood  shed  upon  the  earth,  from  the 
 blood  of  righteous  Abel  unto  the  blood  of 
 Zacharias,  son  of  Barachias,  whom  ye  slew 
 between  the  temple  and  the  altar. 
 
 36  Verily  I  say  unto  you.  All  these  things 
 shall  come  upon  this  generation. 
 
 37  O  Jerusalem,  Jerusalem,  that  ki.’. 
 lest  the  prophets,  and  stonest  them  which 
 are  sent  unto  thee,  how  often  would  I  have 
 gathered  thy  children  together,  even  as  a  hen 
 gathereth  her  chickens  under  her  wings,  and 
 ye  would  not  I 
 
 38  Behold,  your  house  is  left  unto  you 
 desolate. 
 
 39  For  I  say  unto  you.  Ye  shall  not  see 
 me  henceforth,  till  ye  shall  say.  Blessed  is  he 
 that  cometh  in  the  name  of  the  Lord. 
 
 CHAP.  XXIV. 
 
 The  prophecy  of  divers  events,  especially  referring  to  the  destruc¬ 
 tion  of  Jerusalem,  and  the  utter  ruin  of  the  Jewish  church  and 
 nation,  which  was  now  hastening  on,  and  was  completed  about 
 forty  years  after. 
 
 A  ND  Jesus  went  out,  and  departed  from 
 the  temple  ;  and  his  disciples  came  to 
 him,  for  to  shew  him  the  buildings  of  the 
 temple. 
 
 2  And  Jesus  said  unto  them.  See  ye  not 
 all  these  things?  Verily  I  say  unto  you, 
 There  shall  not  be  left  here  one  stone  upon 
 another  that  shall  not  be  thrown  down. 
 
 3  ^  And,  as  he  sat  upon  the  mount  of 
 Olives,  the  disciples  came  unto  him  j)ri- 
 vately,  saying.  Tell  us,  when  shall  these 
 things  be?  and  what  shall  he  the  sign  of  thy 
 coming,  and  of  the  end  of  the  world  ? 
 
 great  intercessor  pleads  against?  A  woe  from  Christ  is  a  remediless 
 woe.  By  their  own  confession,  notorious  persecutors  were  their 
 ancestors,  ye  are  the  children  of  them.  They  meant  no  more  but 
 that  they  were  their  children  by  blood  and  nature,  but  Christ  turns 
 it  upon  them,  that  they  were  so  by  spirit  and  disposition.  •  You  are 
 of  those  fathers,  and  their  lusts  you  will  do.  As  your  fathers  did, 
 so  do  ye.  Acts  vii.  51.  They  came  of  a  persecuting  breed,  were  a 
 seed  of  evil-doers,  Isa.  1.  -4,  risen  up  in  their  fathers’  stead,  Num. 
 xxxii.  14.  Malice,  and  envy,  and  cruelty,  were  bre<l  in  the  bone 
 with  them,  and  they  had  formerly  espoused  it  for  a  principle,  to 
 do  as  their  fathers  did,  Jer.  xliv.  17.  And  it  is  observable  here, 
 30,  how  careful  they  are  to  mention  the  relation ;  they  were  our 
 fathers  that  killed  the  prophets,  and  they  were  men  in  honour 
 and  power,  whose  sons  and  successors  we  are.  If  they  had  de¬ 
 tested  the  wickedness  of  their  ancestors  as  they  ought  to  have  done, 
 they  would  not  have  been  so  fond  to  call  them  their  fathers  ;  for 
 it  is  no  credit  to  be  a-kin  to  persecutors,  though,  tliey  had  never  so 
 much  dignity  and  dominion. 
 
 34 — 39.  Zacharias,  the  son  of  Barachias,  v.  36,  was  not  Za¬ 
 charias  the  prophet,  though  he  was  the  son  of  Barachias,  Zech.  i. 
 1,  as  some  would  have  it ;  nor  Zacharias  the  father  of  John  Bap¬ 
 tist,  as  others  say ;  but,  as  is  most  probable,  Zachariah  the  son  of 
 Jehoiadah,  who  was  slain  in  the  court  of  the  Lord’s  house, 
 2  Chron.  xxiv.  20,  21.  His  father  is  called  Barachias,  which  sig¬ 
 nifies  much  the  same  with  Jehoiadah,  and  it  was  usual  among  the 
 Jews  for  the  same  person  to  have  two  names  ;  whom  ye  slew,  ye  of| 
 this  nation,  thpugh  not  of  this  generation.  This  is  instan^d  in, 
 because  the  requiring  of  that  is  particularly  spoken  of,  2  Chron. 
 xxiv.  22,  as  that  of  Abel's  is  :  The  Jews  imagined  that  the  captivity 
 had  sufficiently  atoned  for  that  guilt,  but  Christ  lets  them  know  it 
 was  not  yet  fully  accounted  for,  but  remained  upon  the  score. 
 And  some  think  this  is  mentioned  with  a  prophetical  hint,  for  there 
 380 
 
 was  one  Zacharias,  the  son  of  Baruch,  whom  Josephus  speaks  of, 
 De  Bel.  Judaic.  Lib.  v.  c.  1,  that  was  a  just  and  good  man,  who 
 was  killed  in  the  temple  a  little  before  it  was  destroyed  by  the 
 Romans.  Archbishop  Tillotson  thinks  Christ  doth  boih  allude  to 
 the  history  of  the  former  Zacharias  in  Chronicles,  and  foretels  the 
 death  of  this  latter  in  Josephus:  Though  the. latter  was  not  yet 
 slain,  yet  before  this  destruction  comes,  it  would  be  time  that 
 they  had  slain  him  ;  so  that  all  shall  be  put  together  from  first  to 
 last.  The  chief  priests  and  scribes  were  displeased  with  the  chil¬ 
 dren  for  crying  Hosanna  to  Christ;  but  the  day  is  coming  when 
 proud  persecutors  would  gladly  be  found  in  the  condition  of  the 
 meanest  and  poorest  they  now  trample  upon.  Some  make  this  to 
 refer  to  the  conversion  of  the  Jews  to  the  faith  of  Christ ;  then  they 
 shall  see  him,  and  own  him,  and  say.  Blessed  is  he  that  cometh  ; 
 but  it  seems  rather  to  look  further,  for  the  complete  manifestation 
 of  Christ,  and  conviction  of  sinners,  is  reserved  to  be  the  glory  of 
 the  last  day. 
 
 CHAP.  XXIV.  1 — 3.  Notice  is  taken,  in  the  building  of  the  se¬ 
 cond  temple,  of  the  laying  of  one  stone  upon  another.  Hag.  ii.  15, 
 and  here  in  the  ruin  of  not  leaving  one  stone  upon  another :  The 
 story  tells  us,  that  this  was  fulfilled  in  the  letter ;  for  though  Titus 
 when  he  took  the  city  did  all  he  could  to  preserve  the  temple, 
 yet  he  could  not  restrain  the  enraged  soldiers  from  destroying  it 
 utterly,  and  it  was  done  to  that  degree,  that  Thurnus  Rufus  plough¬ 
 ed  up  the  ground  on  which  it  had  stoocL  And  that  scrijiture  was 
 fulfilled,  Mic.  iii.  12,  Sion  shall  for  your  sake  be  ploughed  as  a  field. 
 And  afterwards  in  Julian  the  apostate’s  time,  when  the  Jews  were 
 encouraged  by  him  to  rebuild  their  temple,  in  opposition  to  the 
 Christian  religion,  what  remained  of  the  ruins  was  quite  pulled 
 down  to  level  the  ground  for  a  new  foundation ;  but  the  attempts 
 was  defeated  by  the  miraculous  eruption  of  fire  out  of  the  ground, 
 which  destroyed  the  foundation  they  laid,  and  frightened  away  the 
 
CHAP.  XXIV. 
 
 4  And  Jesus  answered,  and  said  unto 
 them,  Take  heed  that  no  man  deceive  you  ; 
 
 5  For  many  shall  come  in  ray  name,  say¬ 
 ing,  I  am  Christ ;  and  shall  deceive  many. 
 
 6‘  And  ye  shall  hear  of  wars  and  rumours 
 of  wars  ;  see  that  ye  be  not  troubled  :  for 
 all  these  things  must  come  to  pass,  but  the 
 end  is  not  yet. 
 
 7  For  nation  shall  rise  against  nation,  and 
 kingdom  against  kingdom  :  and  there  shall 
 oe  famines,  and  pestilences,  and  earthquakes, 
 in  divers  places. 
 
 8  All  these  are  the  beginning  of  sorrows. 
 
 9  Then  shall  they  deliver  you  up  to  be 
 afflicted,  and  shall  kill  you  :  and  ye  shall 
 be  hated  of  all  nations  for  my  name’s  sake. 
 
 10  And  then  shall  many  be  offended,  and 
 shall  betray  one  another,  and  shall  hate  one 
 another. 
 
 11  And  many  false  prophets  shall  rise,  and 
 shall  deceive  many. 
 
 12  And  because  iniquity  shall  abound, 
 the  love  of  many  shall  wax  cold. 
 
 13  But  he  that  shall  endure  unto  the 
 end,  the  same  shall  be  saved. 
 
 14  ^  And  this  gospel  of  the  kingdom  shall 
 be  preached  in  all  the  world,  for  a  witness 
 unto  all  nations  ;  and  then  shall  the  end 
 come. 
 
 15  When  ye,  therefore,  shall  see  the  abo¬ 
 mination  of  desolation,  spoken  of  by  Daniel 
 the  prophet,  stand  in  the  holy  place,  (whoso 
 readeth,  let  him  understand,) 
 
 16  Then  let  them  which  be  in  Judea  flee 
 into  the  mountains  ; 
 
 17  Let  him  which  is  on  the  house-top 
 not  come  down  to  take  any  thing  out  of  his 
 house ; 
 
 builders.  Now  this  prediction  of  the  final  and  irreparable  ruin 
 of  the  temple,  includes  a  prediction  of  the  period  of  the  Levitica 
 priesthood  and  the  ceremonial  law. 
 
 4 — 51.  The  disciples  had  asked  concerning  the  times  when  these 
 things  should  be ;  and  Christ  gives  them  no  answer  to  that,  after 
 v;hat  number  of  days  and  years  his  prediction  should  be  accom¬ 
 plished  ;  for  it  is  not  for  us  to  know  the  times,  Acts  i.  7.  But  they 
 had  asked  what  shall  be  the  sign.  And  that  question  he  answers 
 fully,  for  we  are  concerned  to  understand  the  signs  of  the  times. 
 Matt.  xvi.  3.  Now  the  prophecy  primarily  respects  the  events  near 
 at  hand,  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem,  the  period  of  the  Jewish 
 church  and  state,  the  calling  of  the  Gentiles,  and  the  setting  up  of 
 Christ’s  kingdom  in  the  world  ;  but  as  the  prophecies  of  the  Old 
 restament,  which  have  an  immediate  reference  to  the  affairs  o! 
 the  Jews,  and  the  revolutions  of  their  state,  yet  under  the  figure 
 .if  them,  do  certainly  look  further  to  the  gospel-church,  and  the 
 kingdom  of  the  Messiah,  and  are  so  expounded  in  the  New  Testa- 
 
 18  Neither  let  him  which  is  in  the  field 
 return  back  to  take  his  clothes. 
 
 19  And  woe  unto  them  that  are  with 
 child,  and  to  them  that  give  suck,  in  those 
 days  ! 
 
 20  But  pray  ye  that  your  flight  be  not  in 
 the  winter,  neither  on  the  sabbath-day  ; 
 
 21  For  then  shall  be  great  tribulation,  such 
 as  was  not  since  the  beginning  of  the  world 
 to  this  time,  no,  nor  ever  shall  be. 
 
 22  And  except  those  days  should  be  short¬ 
 ened  there  should  no  flesh  be  saved  ;  but 
 
 or  the  elects’  sake  those  days  shall  be 
 shortened. 
 
 23  Then  if  any  man  shall  say  unto  you, 
 Lo,  here  is  Christ,  or  there  :  believe  it  not. 
 
 24  For  there  shall  arise  false  christs,  and 
 hlse  prophets,  and  shall  shew  great  signs 
 and  wonders  ;  insomuch  that  if  it  were  pos¬ 
 sible,  they  shall  deceive  the  very  elect. 
 
 25  Behold,  I  have  told  you  before. 
 
 26  Wherefore,  if  they  shall  say  unto  you. 
 Behold,  he  is  in  the  desert;  go  not  forth  * 
 behold,  he  is  in  the  secret  chambers  ;  be¬ 
 lieve  it  not. 
 
 27  For  as  the  lightning  cometh  out  of  the 
 east,  and  shineth  even  unto  the  west;  so 
 shall  also  the  coming  of  the  Son  of  man  be. 
 
 28  For  wheresoever  the  carcase  is,  there 
 will  the  eagles  be  gathered  together. 
 
 29  Immediately  after  the  tribulation  ot 
 those  days  shall  the  sun  be  darkened,  and 
 the  moon  shall  not  give  her  light,  and  the 
 stars  shall  fall  from  heaven,  and  the  powers 
 of  the  heavens  shall  be  shaken  : 
 
 ’  30  And  then  shall  appear  the  sign  of  the 
 Son  of  man  in  heaven  :  and  then  shall  all 
 the  tribes  of  the  earth  mourn,  and  they  shall 
 
 ment.  And  such  expressions  are  found  in  those  predictions  as  are 
 peculiar  thereto,  and  not  applicable  otherwise ;  so  this  prophecy 
 under  the  type  of  Jerusalem’s  destruction,  looks  as  far  forward  as 
 the  general  judgment,  and  is  as  equal  in  prophecies :  some  pas¬ 
 sages  are  most  applicable  to  the  type,  and  others  to  the  anti-type  ; 
 and  towards  the  close,  as  usual,  it  points  more  particularly  to  the 
 latter.  And  it  is  observable,  that  what  Christ  here  saitn  to  his 
 disciples,  tends  more  to  engage  their  caution  than  to  satisfy  their 
 curiosity,  more  to  prepare  them  for  the  events  that  should  hap¬ 
 pen,  than  to  give  them  a  distinct  idea  of  the  events  themselves. 
 This  is  that  good  understanding  of  the  times  we  should  all  covet, 
 from  thence  to  infer  what  Israel  ought  to  do.  And  so  this  prophecy 
 is  of  standing,  lasting  use  to  the  church,  and  will  be  so  to  the  end 
 of  time;  for  the  thing  which  has  been  is  that  which  shall  be,  Eccl. 
 i.  5,  6,  7>  9-  And  the  series,  connexion,  and  presages  of  events 
 are  much  the  same  still  that  they  were  then  ;  so  that  upon  the 
 prophecy  of  this  chapter  pointing  at  that  event,  moral  prognosfi 
 
 381 
 
ST.  MA' 
 
 see  the  Son  of  man  coming  in  the  clouds  of 
 heaven,  with  power  and  great  glory. 
 
 31  And  he  shall  send  his  'angels  with  a 
 great  sound  of  a  trumpet,  and  they  shall 
 gather  together  his  elect  from  the  four  winds, 
 from  one  end  of  heaven  to  the  other. 
 
 32  Now  learn  a  parable  of  the  fig-tree: 
 When  his  branch  is  yet  tender,  and  putteth 
 forth  leaves,  ye  know  that  summer  is  nigh  : 
 
 33  So  likewise  ye,  when  ye  shall  see  all 
 these  things,  know  that  it  is  near,  eveii  at  the 
 doors. 
 
 34.  Verily  I  say  unto  you.  This  generation 
 shall  not  pass  till  all  these  things  be  ful¬ 
 filled. 
 
 3o  Heaven  and  earth  shall  pass  awa^'^, 
 but  my  words  shall  not  pass  away. 
 
 36  But  of  that  day  and  hour  knoweth  no 
 man,  no,  not  the  angels  of  heaven,  but  my 
 Father  only. 
 
 37  But  as  the  days  of  Noe  we?'e,  so  shall 
 also  the  coming  of  the  Son  of  man  be. 
 
 38  For  as  in  the  days  that  were  before  the 
 flood,  they  were  eating  and  drinking,  mar¬ 
 rying,  and  giving  in  marriage,  until  the  day 
 'that  Noe  entered  into  the  ark. 
 
 39  And  knew  not  until  the  flood  came, 
 and  took  them  all  away ;  so  shall  also  the 
 coming  of  the  Son  of  man  be. 
 
 cations  may  be  made,  and  such  constructions  of  the  signs  of  the 
 times,  as  the  wise  man’s  heart  will  know  how  to  improve.  These 
 false  christs  and  false  prophets  would  have  their  agents  and  emis¬ 
 saries  busy  in  all  places  to  draw  people  to  them,  23.  Then 
 when  public  troubles  are  great  and  threatening,  and  people  will 
 be  catching  at  any  thing  that  looks  like  deliverance,  then  Satan 
 will  take  the  advantage  of  imposing  on  them  ;  then  they  will  say, 
 Lo,  here  is  a  Christ,  or  there  is  one;  but  do  not  mind  them.  He 
 foretels  wars  and  great  commotions  among  the  nations,  6,  7- 
 From  the  time  that  the  Jews  rejected  Christ,  and  he  left  their 
 house  desolate,  the  sword  did  never  depart  from  their  house,  the 
 sword  of  the  Lord  was  never  quiet,  because  he  had  given  it  a  charge 
 against  an  hypocritical  nation,  and  the  people  of  his  wrath,  and  by 
 it  brought  ruin  upon  them. 
 
 _He  foretels  other  judgments  more'  immediately  sent  to  God,  fa¬ 
 mines,  pestilences,  and  earthquakes.  Famine  is  often  the  effect  of 
 w'ar,  and  pestilence  of  famine.  These  were  the  three  judgments 
 which  David  was  to  choose  one  out  of,  and  he  was  in  a  strait,  for 
 he  knew  not  which  was  the  worst;  but  what  dreadful  desolations 
 will  they  make  when  they  all  pour  in  together  upon  a  people  .?  Be¬ 
 sides  war,  and  that  is  enough,  there  shall  be,  1.  Famine,  signified 
 by  the  black  horse  under  the  third  seal.  Rev.  vi.  3,  6.  We  read  of 
 a  famine  in  Judea,  not  long  after  Christ’s  time,  which  was  very 
 impoverishing.  Acts  xi.  28,  29,  but  the’  sorest  famine  was  in  Je¬ 
 rusalem,  during  the  seige,  see  Lam.  iv.  9,  10.  2.  Pestilence, 
 
 signified  by  the  pale  horse,  and  Death  upon  him,  and  the  grave  at 
 his  heels,  under  the  fourth  seal.  Rev.  vi.  7,  8,  this  destroys  without 
 distinction,  and  in  a  little  time  lays  heaps  upon  heaps.  3.  Eartfp- 
 quakes  in  divers  places,  or  from  place  to  place,  pursuing  those 
 that  flee  from  them,  as  they  did  from  the  earthquakes  in  the  days 
 of  U^ziah.  Zech.  xiv.  5.  4.  He  foretels  the  persecution  of  his  owi 
 3S2 
 
 LTHEW. 
 
 40  Then  shall  two  be  in  the  field,  the  one 
 shall  be  taken  and  the  other  left. 
 
 41  Two  women  shall  be  grinding  at  the 
 mill,  the  one  shall  be  taken,  and  the  other 
 left. 
 
 42  Watch  therefore,  for  ye  know  not  what 
 hour  your  Lord  doth  come. 
 
 43  But  know  this,  that  if  the  good  man 
 of  the  house  had  known  in  what  watch  the 
 thief  would  come,  he  would  have  watched, 
 and  would  not  have  suffered  his  house  to  be 
 broken  up. 
 
 44  Therefore  be  ye  also  ready  :  for  in 
 such  an  hour  as  ye  think  not,  the  Son  of 
 man  cometh. 
 
 45  Who  then  is  a  faithful  and  wise  ser¬ 
 vant,  whom  his  Lord  hath  made  ruler  over 
 his  household,  to  give  them  meat  in  due 
 season  ? 
 
 46  Blessed  is  that  servant,  whom  his  Lord 
 when  he  cometh,  shall  find  so  doing. 
 
 47  Verily  I  say  unto  you,  that  he  shall 
 make  him  ruler  over  all  his  goods. 
 
 48  But  and  if  that  evil  servant  shall  say 
 in  his  heart.  My  lord  delayeth  his  coming; 
 
 49  And  shall  begin  to  smite  his  fellow- 
 servants,  and  to  eat  and  drink  with  the 
 drunken : 
 
 50  The  lord  of  that  servant  shall  come  in 
 
 people  and  ministers,  and  a  general  apostasy,  and  decay  in  reli¬ 
 gion  thereupon,  9,  10,  12,  13.  5.  He  fore'tels  the  preaching  of 
 the  gospel  in  all  the  world,  14.  This  gospel  shall  be  preached, 
 and  then  shall  the  end  come.  The  world  shall  stand  as  long  as  any 
 of  God’s  chosen  ones  remain  uncalled,  but  when  they  are  all  ga¬ 
 thered  in,  it  wiil  be  set  on  fire  presently.  6'.  He  foretels  more 
 particularly  the  rum  that  was  coming  upon  the  peojile  of  the  Jews, 
 their  city,  temple,  and  nation,  15,  &c.  Here  he  comes  more 
 closely  to  answer  their  question  concerning  the  desolation  of  the 
 temple,  and  what  he  said  here  would  be  of  use  to  his  disciples, 
 both  for  their  conduct  and  for  their  comfort,  in  reference  to  that 
 great  event ;  and  here  he  describes  the  several  steps  of  that  cala¬ 
 mity  ;  'such  as  is  usual  in  war.  7.  He  foretels  the  sudden  spread¬ 
 ing  of  the  gospel  in  the  world,  about  the  time  of  these  great  events, 
 27,  28,  as  the  lightning  comes  out  of  the  cast,  so  shall  the  coming 
 of  the  Son  of  man  be.  It  seems  primarily  to  be  meant  of  his 
 coming,  to  set  up  his  spiritual  kingdom  in  the  world.  Some 
 understand  these  verses  of  the  coming  of  the  Son  of  man  to  destroy 
 Jerusalem,  Mai.  iii.  1,  2,  5.  So  much  was  there  of  an  e.xtraordi- 
 nary  display  of  divine  power  and  justice  in  that  event,  that  it  is 
 called  the  coming  of  Christ.  It  is  very  applicable  to  the  day  of 
 judgment,  the  coming  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  in  that  day,  and 
 our  gathering  together  unto  him,  2  Thess.  ii.  1.  8.  He  foretels  his 
 second  coming  at  the  end  of  time,  29,  30,  31.  The  sun  shall  be 
 darkened,  &c.  First,  Some  think  this  to  be  understood  only  of  the 
 destruction  of  Jerusalem,  and  the  Jewish  nation  ;  the  darkening  of 
 the  sun,  moon,  and  stars,  notes  the  eclipse  of  the  glory  of  that  state, 
 its  convulsions,  and  the  general  confusion  that  attended  that  deso- 
 ation  :  second.  It  seems  rather  to  refer  to  Christ’s  second  coming. 
 The  destruction  of  the  particular  enemies  of  the  church  was  typi¬ 
 cal  of  the  complete  conquest  of  them  all,  and  therefore  what  will 
 
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CHAP.  XXV. 
 
 a  day  when  he  looketh  not  for  him^  and  in  an 
 hour  that  he  is  not  aware  of, 
 
 51  And  shall  cut  him  asunder,  and  ap¬ 
 point  him  his  portion  with  the  hypocrites  ; 
 there  shall  be  weeping  and  gnashing  of 
 teeth. 
 
 CHAP.  XXV. 
 
 I.  The  parable  of  the  ten  virgins,  1 — 13.  II.  Of  the  three  ser¬ 
 vants,  14 — 30.  III.  The  process  of  the  lasst  judgment,  31 — 46. 
 
 Then  shall  the  kingdom  of  heaven  be 
 likened  unto  ten  virgins,  which  took 
 their  lamps,  and  went  forth  to  meet  the 
 bridegroom. 
 
 2  And  five  of  them  were  wise,  and  five 
 were  foolish. 
 
 3  They  that  were  foolish  took  their  lamps, 
 and  took  no  oil  with  them  : 
 
 4  But  the  wise  took  oil  in  their  vessels 
 with  their  lamps. 
 
 5  While  the  bridegroom  tarried,  they  all 
 slumbered  and  slept. 
 
 6  And  at  midnight  there  v/as  a  cry  made. 
 
 be  done  really  at  the  great  day  may  be  applied  metaphorically  to 
 those  destructions  ;  but  still  we  must  attend  to  the  principal  scope 
 of  them  ;  and  while  we  are  all  agreed  to  expect  Christ’s  second 
 coming,  what  need  we  put  such  strained  constructions,  as  some  do, 
 upon  these  verses,  which  speak  of  it  so  clearly,  and  so  agreeablv  to 
 other  scriptures,  especially  when  Christ  is  here  answering  ai.  in¬ 
 quiry  concerning  his  coming  at  the  end  of  the  world,  which  Christ 
 was  never  shy  ot  speaking  of  to  his  disciples  ? 
 
 This  generation  shall  not  pass  away  till  all  these  things  be  ful¬ 
 filled,  34.  There  are  those  now  alive  that  shall  see  Jerusalem 
 destroyed,  and  the  Jewish  church  brought  to  an  end.  But  as  to 
 that  day  and  hour  which  will  put  a  period  to  time,  that  knows  no 
 man,  36.  Therefore  take  heed  of  confounding  these  two,  as  they 
 did,  who  from  the  words  of  Christ  and  the  apostle’s  letters,  infer¬ 
 red  that  the  day  of  Christ  was  at  hand,  2  Thess.  i.  2.  No,  it  was 
 not;  this  generation  and  many  others  shall  pass  before  that  day 
 and  hour  come.  There  is  a  certain  day  and  hour  fixed  for  the 
 judgment  to  come,  it  is  called  the  day  of ‘the  Lord  because  so  un¬ 
 alterably  fixed,  none  of  God’s  judgments  are  adjourned  sine  die. 
 That  day  and  hour  is  a  great  secret.  No  man  knows  it,  not  the 
 wisest  by  their  sagacity,  not  the  best  by  any  divine  discovery.  We 
 all  know  there  shall  be  such  a  day,  but  none  knows  when  it  shall 
 be.  No,  not  the  angels.  Though  their  capacities  for  knowledge 
 are  great,  and  their  opportunities  of  knowing  this  advantageous, 
 they  dwell  at  the  fountain-head  of  light,  and  though  they  are  to  be 
 employed  in  the  solemnity  of  that  day,  yet  they  are  not  told  when 
 it  shall  be  ;  none  knows  but  my  Father  only.  This  is  one  of  those 
 secret  things  which  belong  to  the  Lord  our  God. 
 
 CHAP.  XXV.  1 — 13.  First,  The  bridegroom  is  our  Lord  Jesus 
 Christ ;  he  is  so  represented  in  the  45th  Psalm,  Solomon’s  Song, 
 and  often  in  the  New  Testament.  Secondly,  The  virgins  are  the 
 professors  of  religion,  members  of  the  church,  but  here  repre¬ 
 sented  as  her  companions,  Psal.  Iv.  14,  as  elsewhere  her  children, 
 Isa,  liv.  1.  Thirdly,  The  office  of  these  virgins  is  to  meet  the  bridc- 
 ^oom,  which  is  as  much  their  happiness  as  their  duty.  Fourthly, 
 Their  chief  concern  is  to  have  lights  in  their  hands  when  they  at¬ 
 tend  the  bridegroom,  thus  to  do  him  honour,  and  do  him  service. 
 Christians  are  children  of  light.  The  Gospel  is  light,  and  they 
 who  receive  it  must  not  only  be  enlightened  by  it  themselves, 
 but  must  shine  as  lights,  must  hold  it  forth,  ‘Phil.  li.  15,  16. 
 
 Vol.  II.  3D 
 
 Behold,  the  bridegroom  eometh,  go  ye  out 
 to  meet  him. 
 
 7  Then  all  those  virgins  arose,  and  trim¬ 
 med  their  lamps. 
 
 8  And  the  foolish  said  unto  the  wise, 
 jrive  us  of  your  oil,  for  our  lamps  are  gone 
 out. 
 
 9  But  the  wise  answered,  saying,  Not  so; 
 est  there  be  not  enough  for  us  and  you  : 
 jut  go  ye  rather  to  them  that  sell,  and  buy 
 or  yourselves. 
 
 10  And  while  they  went  to  buy,  the 
 bridegroom  came,  and  they  that  were  ready, 
 went  in  with  him  to  the  marriage,  and  the 
 door  was  shut. 
 
 11  Afterward  came  also  the  other  virgins, 
 saying.  Lord,  Lord,  open  to  us. 
 
 12  But  he  answered  and  said.  Verily  I 
 say  unto  you,  I  know  you  not. 
 
 13  Watch  therefore,  for  ye  know  neither 
 the  day  nor  the  hour,  wherein  the  Son  of  man 
 eometh. 
 
 14  For  the  kingdom  of  the  heaven  is  as  a 
 
 l^ow  concerning  these  ten  virgins,  we  may  observe,  1.  Their  cha¬ 
 racter.  It  was  the  wisdom  of  the  wise  virgins,  that  they  took  oil 
 in  their  vessels  with  their  lamps,  4.  They  had  a  good  principle 
 within,  which  would  maihtain  and  keep  up  their  profession.  2. 
 Their  common  fault,  during  the  bridegroom’s  delay,  they  all 
 slumbered  and  slept,  v.  2.  The  wjse  virgins  kept  their  lamps 
 burning,  but  did  not  keep  themselves  awake.  Too  many  good 
 Christians,  when  they  have  been  long  in  profession,  grow  remiss 
 in  their  preparations  for  Christ’s  second  coming ;  they  intermit 
 their  care,  abate  their  zeal,  their  graces  are  not  lively,  nor  their 
 works  found  perfect  before  God  ;  and  though  all  love  be  not  lost, 
 3'ct  the  first  love  is  less-  3.  The  surprising  summons  given  them  to 
 attend  the  bridegroom,  v.  6.  At  midnight  there  was  a  cry  made, 
 behold  the  bridegroom  eometh.  Christ’s  coming  will  be  at  our 
 midnight,  when  we  least  look  for  him,  and  are  most  disposed  to 
 take  our  rest.  4.  The  address  they  all  made  to  answer  this  sum¬ 
 mons,  v.  7.  They  all  arose  and  trimmed  their  lamps,  snuffed 
 them,  and  supplied  them  with  oil,  and  went  about  with  all  expe¬ 
 dition  to  put  themselves  in  a  posture  to  receive  the  bridegroom. 
 Those  that  are  best  prepared  for  death,  yet  upon  the  immediate 
 arrests  of  it  have  work  to  do  to  get  themselves  actually  ready,  that 
 they  may  be  found  in  peace,  2  Pet.  iii.  14,  found  doing.  Matt.  xxiv. 
 46,  and  not  found  naked,  2  Cor.  v.  3.  It  will  be  a  day  of  search 
 and  inquiry,  and  it  concerns  us  to  think  how  we  shall  then  be 
 found.  5.  The  distress  which  the  foolish  virgins  were  in  for  want 
 of  oil,  8,  p.  This  speaks  (1.)  The  apprehensions  which  some 
 hypocrites  have  of  the  misery  of  their  state,  even  on  this  side 
 death,  when  God  opens  their  eyes  to  see  their  folly,  and  themselves 
 perishing  with  a  lie  in  their  right  hand.  Or,  however,  (2.)  the 
 real  misery  of  their  state  on  the  other  side  death,  and  in  the  judg¬ 
 ment  ;  how  far  their  fair  but  false  profession  of  religion  will  be 
 from  availing  them  any  thing  in  the  great  day :  see  what  comes  of 
 it.  6.  The  coming  of  the  bridegroom,  and  the  issue  of  all  this 
 different  character  of  the  wise  and  foolish  virgins.  See  what  came 
 of  it.  7.  Here  is  a  practical  inference  drawn  from  this  parable, 
 v.  13,  watch,  therefore.  We  had  it  before,  chap.  xxiv.  42,  and 
 here  it  is  repeated  as  the  most  needful  caution. 
 
 14—30.  We  have  here  the  parable  of  the  talents  committed  to 
 three  servants.  In  this  parable  (1.)  the  master  is  Christ,  who  is 
 the  absolute  owner  and  proprietor  o^  all  persons  and  things,  and 
 
 383. 
 
ST.  MATTHEW. 
 
 man  travelling;  into  a  far  country,  who  called 
 his  own  servants,  and  delivered  unto  them 
 his  goods : 
 
 15  And  unto  one  he  gave  five  talents,  to 
 another  two,  and  to  another  one,  to  every 
 man  according  to  his  several  ability,  and 
 straightway  took  his  journey. 
 
 16  Then  he  that  had  received  the  five  ta¬ 
 lents,  Avent  and  traded  with  the  same,  and 
 made  them  other  five  talents. 
 
 17  And  likewise  he  that  had  received  two, 
 he  also  gained  other  two. 
 
 18  But  he  that  had  received  one,  went 
 and  digged  in  the  earth,  and  hid  his  lord's 
 money. 
 
 19  After  a  long  time,  the  lord  of  those 
 servants  cometh,  and  reokoneth  with  them. 
 
 20  And  so  he  that  had  received  five  ta¬ 
 lents,  came  and  brought  other  five  talents, 
 saying.  Lord,  thou  deliveredst  unto  me  five 
 talents  ;  behold,  I  have  gained  besides  them 
 five  talents  more. 
 
 21  His  lord  said  unto  him.  Well  done, 
 thou  good  and  faithful  servant,  thou  hast 
 been  faithful  over  a  few  things,  I  will  make 
 thee  ruler  over  many  things:  enter  thou  into 
 the  joy  of  thy  lord. 
 
 22  He  also  that  had  received  two  talents, 
 came  and  said.  Lord,  thou  deliveredst  unto 
 me  two  talents  :  behold,  I  have  gained  two 
 other  talents  besides  them. 
 
 2S  His  lord  said  unto  him,  Well  done, 
 good  and  faithful  servant ;  thou  hast  been 
 faithful  over  a  few  things,  I  will  make  thee 
 ruler  over  many  things  :  enter  thou  into  the 
 joy  of  thy  lord. 
 
 in  a  special  manner  of  his  church,  into  his  hands  all  things  are  de¬ 
 livered.  (2.)  The  servants  are  Christians,  his  own  servants,  so 
 they  are  called,  born  in  his  house,  bought  with  his  money,  de¬ 
 voted  to  his  praise,  and  employed  in  his  work.  We  have  three  things 
 in  general  in  this  parable.  First,  The  trust  committed  to  these 
 servants.  Secondly,  The  different  management  and  improvement 
 of  this  trust,  which  we  have  an  account  of,  I6,  17,  18.  Thirdly, 
 The  account  of  this  improvement,  19.  !•  The  account  is  de¬ 
 
 ferred  ;  it  is  not  till  after  a  long  time  that  they  are  reckoned 
 with  ;  not  that  the  master  neglects  his  affairs,  or  that  God  is  slack 
 concerning  his  promise,  2  Pet.  iii.  9-  No,  he  is  ready  to  judge. 
 
 1  Pet.  iv.  5,  but  every  thing  must  be  done  in  its  time  and  order. 
 2.  Yet  the  day  of  account  comes  at  last,  the  Lord  of  those  ser¬ 
 vants  reckoneth  with  them.  The  stewards  of  the  manifold  grace 
 of  God  must  shortly  give  account  of  their  stewardship  :  VVe  must 
 all  be  reckoned  with,  what  good  we  have  got  to  our  own  souls, 
 and  what  good  we  have  done  to  others  by  the  advantages  we  have 
 enjoyed,  see  Rom.  xiv.  10,  11.  Obseive  the  disproportion  be¬ 
 tween  the  work  and  the  rcwaixl ;  they  are  but  few  things  in  which 
 the  saints  are  serviceable  to  the  glory  of  God,  but  many  things 
 384 
 
 24  Then  he  which  had  received  the  one 
 talent,  came  and  said.  Lord,  I  knew  thee 
 that  thou  art  an  hard  man,  reaping  where 
 thou  hast  not  sown,  and  gathering  where 
 thou  hast  not  strawed  : 
 
 25  And  I  was  afraid,  and  went  and  hid 
 thy  talent  in  the  earth  ;  lo,  there  thou  hast 
 that  is  thine. 
 
 26  His  lord  answered  and  said  unto  him. 
 Thou  wicked  and  slothful  servant,  thou 
 knewest  that  I  reap  where  1  sowed  not,  and 
 gather  where  I  have  not  strawed  : 
 
 27  Thou  oughtest  therefore  to  have,  put 
 my  money  to  the  exchangers,  and  then  at 
 my  coming  I  should  have  received  mine  own 
 
 with  usurv. 
 
 •/ 
 
 28  Take  therefore  the  talent  from  him, 
 and  give  it  unto  him  which  hath  ten  talents 
 
 29  Tor  unto  every  one  that  hath  shall  be 
 given,  and  he  shall  have  abundance  :  but 
 from  him  that  hath  not,  shall  be  taken*  away, 
 even  that  which  he  hath. 
 
 30  And  cast  ye  the  unprofitable  servant 
 into  outer  darkness  :  there  shall  be  weeping 
 and  gnashing  of  teeth. 
 
 31  When  the  Son  of  man  shall  come  in 
 his  glory,  and  all  the  holy  angels  with  him, 
 then  shall  he  sit  upon  the  throne  of  his 
 glory. 
 
 32  And  before  him  shall  be  gathered  all 
 nations ;  and  he  shall  separate  them  one 
 from  another,  as  a  shepherd  divideth  his 
 sheep  from  the  goats  : 
 
 33  And  he  shall  set  the  sheep  on  his  right 
 hand,  but  the  goats  on  the  left. 
 
 34  Then  shall  the  king  say  unto  them  on 
 
 wherein  they  shall  be  glorified  with  God  :  What  charge  we  receive 
 from  God,  what  work  we  do  for  God  in  this  world  is  but  little, 
 very  little,  compared  with  the  joy  set  before  us  :  Put  together  ^1 
 our  services,  all  our  sufferings,  all  our  improvements,  all  the 
 good  we  do  to  others,  all  we  get  to  oui-selves,  and  they  are  bat  a 
 few  things,  next  to  nothing,  not  worthy  to  be  compared,  not  fit  to 
 be  named  the  same  day  with  the  gloiy  to  be  revealed.  To  be  do- 
 prived  of  his  talent,  28,  29.  Take  therefore  the  talent  from 
 him.  This  maybe  applied  to  the  blessings  of  this  life,  worhliy 
 wealth  and  possessions.  We  may  apply  it  to  the  means  of  grace. 
 They  who  are  diligent  in  improving  the  opportunities  they  nave, 
 God"  will  enlarge  them,  will  set  before  them  an  open  door.  We 
 may  also  apply  it  to  the  common  gifts  of  the  spirit.  He  that  hatJi 
 these,  and  doth  good  with  them,  shall  have  abundance  ;  these  gifts 
 improve  by  exercise,  and  brighten  by  being  used. 
 
 31 — 46'.  Wicked  and  godly  here  dwell  together  in  the  same 
 kingdoms,  cities,  churches,  families,  and  are  not  certainly  distin¬ 
 guishable  one  from  another ;  such  are  the  infirmities  of  saints, 
 such  the  hypocrisies  of  sinners,  and  one  event  to  both;  but  in  that 
 dair  they  will  be  separated,  and  parted  for  ever,  then  shall  ye  re- 
 
CHAP.  XXVL 
 
 his  right  hand,  Come  ye  blessed  of  my  Fa¬ 
 ther,  inherit  the  kingdom  prepared  for  you 
 from  the  foundation  of  the  world. 
 
 35  For  I  was  an  hungered,  and  ye  gave 
 me  meat :  I  was  thirsty,  and  ye  gave  me 
 drink  ;  I  was  a  stranger,  and  ye  took  me 
 in : 
 
 36  Naked,  and  ye  clothed  me  :  I  was 
 sick,  and  ye  visited  me  :  I  was  in  prison, 
 and  ye  came  unto  me. 
 
 37  Then  shall  the  righteous  answer  him, 
 saying.  Lord,  when  saw  we  thee  an  hun¬ 
 gered,  and  fed  thee?  or  thirsty,  and  gave 
 thee  drink  ? 
 
 38  When  saw  we  thee  a  stranger,  and 
 thee  thee  in  ?  or  naked,  and  clothed  thee? 
 
 39  Or  when  saw  we  thee  sick,  or  in  prison, 
 and  came  unto  thee  ? 
 
 40  And  the  King  shall  answer,  and  say 
 untothem.  Verily  I  say  unto  you.  In  as  much 
 as  ye  have  done  it  unto  one  of  the  least  of 
 these  my  brethren,  ye  have  done  it  unto  me. 
 
 41  Then  shall  he  say  also  unto  them  on 
 the  left  hand.  Depart  from  me,  ye  cursed, 
 into  everlasting  fire,  prepared  for  the  devil 
 and  his  angels. 
 
 42  For  I  was  an  hungered,  and  ye  gave 
 me  no  meat :  I  was  thirsty,  and  ye  gave  me 
 no  drink  : 
 
 43  I  was  a  stranger,  and  ye  took  me  not 
 in  :  naked,  and  ye  clothed  me  not :  sick, 
 and  in  prison,  and  ye  visited  me  not. 
 
 44  Then  shall  they  also  answer  him,  say¬ 
 ing,  Lord,  when  saw  we  thee  an  hungered, 
 or  athirst,  or  a  stranger,  or  naked,  or  sick, 
 or  in  prison,  and  did  not  minister  unto  thee  ? 
 
 45  Then  shall  he  answer  them,  saying, 
 V erily  I  say  unto  you.  In  as  much  as  ye  did  it 
 not  to  one  of  the  least  of  these,  ye  did  it  not 
 to  me. 
 
 turn,  and  discern  between  the  righteous  and  the  wicked,  Mai.  iii.  18 
 Tl^y  cannot  separate  themselves  one  from  another  in  this  world 
 1  Cor.  V.  10.  nor  can  any  one  else  separate  them.  Matt.  xiii.  2C 
 But  the  Lord  knows  them  that  are  his,  and  he  can  separate  there 
 Ihis  sepajation  will  be  so  exact,  that  the  most  inconsiderabi 
 saints  shall  not  be  lost  in  the  crowd  of  sinners,  nor  the  most  plau 
 sible  sinner  hid  in  the  crowd  of  saints,  Psal.  i.  5,  but  every  on 
 shall  go  to  his  own  placo.  1  Jesus  Christ  is  the  great  shepherd 
 he  now  feeds  his  flock  like  a  shepherd,  and  will  shortly  distinguisi 
 he  ween  those  that  are  his  and  those  that  are  not,  as  Laban  di 
 vided  his  sheep  from  Jacob  s,  and  set  three  days’  journey  betwee 
 U«m,  Gm.  XXX.  33,  36.  2,  The  godly  are  like  sheerinnoS 
 mild,  naticnt,  useful ;  the  wicked  are.  like  goats,  a  baser  kind  c 
 animal,  unsavory  and  unruly. 
 
 46  And  these  shall  go  away  into  everlast¬ 
 ing  punishment :  but  the  righteous  into  life 
 eternal. 
 
 CHAP.  XXVL 
 
 In  thi3ch.ipter  we  have,  I.  The  preliminaries,  or  preface  to  Christ’s 
 sufferings,  1 — 35.  II.  His  entrance  upon  them,  and  some  of  the 
 particulars  of  them,  36 — 75. 
 
 A  ND  it  came  to  pass,  when  Jesus  had 
 finished  all  these  sayings,  he  said  unto 
 his  disciples, 
 
 2  Ye  know  that  after  two  days  is  the  feast 
 of  the  passover,  and  the  Son  of  man  is  be¬ 
 trayed  to  be  crucified. 
 
 3  ^  Then  assembled  together  the  chief 
 priests,  and  the  scribes,  and  the  elders  of 
 the  people,  unto  the  palace  of  the  high-priest, 
 who  was  called  Caiaphas, 
 
 4  And  consulted  that  they  might  take 
 Jesus  by  subtilty,  and  kill  him. 
 
 5  But  they  said.  Not  on  the  feast-r/rzy, 
 lest  there  be  an  uproar  among  the  people. 
 
 6  ^  Now  when  Jesus  was  in  Bethany,  in 
 the  house  of  Simon  the  leper, 
 
 7  There  came  unto  him  a  woman  having 
 an  alabaster  box  of  very  precious  ointment, 
 and  poured  it  on  his  head  as  he  sat  at  meat. 
 
 8  But  when  his  disciples  saw  it  they  had 
 indignation,  saying.  To  what  purpose  is  this 
 waste  ? 
 
 9  For  this  ointment  might  have  been  sold 
 for  much,  and  given  to  the  poor. 
 
 10  When  Jesus  understood  it  he  said  unto 
 them.  Why  trouble  ye  the  woman?  for  she 
 hath  wrought  a  good  work  upon  me. 
 
 11  For  ye  have  the  poor  always  with  you ; 
 but  me  ye  have  not  always. 
 
 12  For  in  that  she  hath  poured  this  oint¬ 
 ment  on  my  body,  she  did  it  for  my  burial. 
 
 13  Verily  I  say  unto  you.  Wheresoever 
 this  gospel  shall  be  preached  in  the  whole 
 
 CHAP.  XXVL  1 — 5.  The  chief  priests  and  scribes,  and  elders 
 of  the  people,  were  not  awed  by  the  fear  of  God,  but  by  the  fear  of 
 the  people  ;  all  their  concern  was  for  their  own  safety,  not  God’s 
 honour.  They  would  have  it  done  at  the  feast ;  for  it  was  a  tradi¬ 
 tion  of  the  Jews,  that  malefactors  should  be  put  to  death  at  one  of 
 the  three  feasts,  especially  rebels  and  impostors,  that  all  Israel 
 might  see  and  fear,  but  not  on  the  feast  da}-. 
 
 0—13.  Though  the  honour  of  Christ  is  principally  designed  in 
 the  gospel,  yet  the  honour  of  his  saints  and  servants  is  not  alto¬ 
 gether  overlooked.  The  memorial  of  this  woman  was  to  be  pre¬ 
 serve^  not  by  dedicating  a  church  to  her,  or  keeping  an  annual 
 least  Ri  honour  of  her,  or  preserving  a  piece  of  her  broken  box  for 
 a  sacred  relic,  but  by  mentioning  her  faith  and  pietv  in  the  preach¬ 
 ing  of  the  gospel  for  example  to  others,  Heb.  vi.  12.  And  hereby 
 
 385 
 
ST.  MATTHEW. 
 
 world,  there  shall  also  ibis,  that  this  woman 
 hath  done,  be  told  tor  a  memorial  of  her. 
 
 14  ^  Then  one  of  the  twelve,  called  Judas 
 Iscariot,  went  unto  the  chief  priests, 
 
 15  And  said  unto  them.  What  will  ye  give 
 me,  and  I  will  deliver  him  unto  you  ?  And 
 they  covenanted  with  him  for  thirty  pieces 
 of  silver. 
 
 16  And  from  that  time  he  sought  oppor¬ 
 tunity  to  betray  him. 
 
 17  %  Now  the  first  da^  of  the/^«,9^  of  un¬ 
 leavened  bread,  the  disciples  came  to  Jesus, 
 saying  unto  him,  Where  wilt  thou  that  we 
 prepare  for  thee  to  eat  the  passover  ? 
 
 18  And  he  said.  Go  into  the  city  to  such 
 a  man,  and  say  unto  him.  The  Master  saith. 
 My  time  is  at  hand  ;  I  will  keep  the  pass- 
 over  at  thy  house  with  my  disciples. 
 
 19  And  the  disciples  did  as  Jesus  had  ap¬ 
 pointed  them ;  and  they  made  ready  the 
 passover. 
 
 20  Now  when  the  even  was  come,  he  sat 
 down  with  the  twelve. 
 
 21  And,  as  they  did  eat,  he  said.  Verily  I 
 say  unto  you,  that  one  of  you  shall  betray 
 me. 
 
 22  And  they  were  exceeding  sorrowful, 
 and  began  every  one  of  them  to  say  unto 
 him.  Lord,  is  it  I  ? 
 
 23  And  he  answered  and  said,  He  that 
 dippeth  his  hand  with  me  in  the  dish,  the 
 same  shall  betray  me. 
 
 honour  redounds  to  Christ  himself,  who  in  this  world,  as  well  as  in 
 that  to  come,  will  be  glorified  in  his  saints,  and  admired  in  all  them 
 that  believe. 
 
 14 — 16.  Thirty  shekels  is  in  our  money  about  31.  8s.  so  some, 
 31.  15s.  so  others.  By  the  law,  Exod.  xxi.  32,  thirty  pieces  of 
 silver  was  the  price  of  a  slave,  a  goodly  price,  at  which  Christ  was 
 valued,  Zech.  xi.  13.  No  wonder  Sion’s  sons,  though  comparable 
 to  fine  gold,  are  esteemed  as  earthen  pitchers,  when  Sion’s  king 
 himself  was  thus  undervalued. 
 
 17 — 25.  We  have  here  an  account  of  Christ’s  keeping  the  pass- 
 over,  being  made  under  the  law  he  submitted  to  all  the  ordinances 
 of  it,  and  to  this  among  the  rest ;  it  was  kept  in  remembrance  of 
 Israel’s  deliverance  out  of  Egypt,  the  biith-day  of  that  people  ;  it 
 was  a  tradition  of  the  Jews,  that  in  the  days  of  the  Messiah  they 
 should  be  redeemed  on  the  very  day  of  their  coming  out  of  Egypt, 
 and  it  was  exactly  fulfilled,  for  Christ  died  the  day  after  the  pass- 
 over,  in  which  day  they  began  their  march. 
 
 It  well  becomes  the  disciples  of  Christ  always  to  be  jealous  over 
 themselves  with  a  godly  jealousy,  especially  in  trying  times.  We 
 know  not  how  strongly  we  may  be  tempted,  nor  how  far  God  may 
 leave  us  to  ourselves,  and  therefore  have  reason  not  to  be  high- 
 minded,  but  fear.  It  is  ob‘’ervable  that  our  Lord  Jesus,  just  before 
 he  instituted  the  Lord’s  Supper,  put  his  disciples  upon  this  trial, 
 and  suspicion  of  themselves,  to  teach  us  to  examine  and  judge  our¬ 
 selves,  and  so  to  eat  of  that  bread,  and  drink  of  that  cup. 
 
 26 — 30.  The  Lord’s  Supper  was  instituted  as  they  were  eating. 
 
 386 
 
 24  The  Son  of  man  goeth,  as  it  is  written 
 of  him :  but  woe  unto  that  man  by  whom 
 the  Son  of  man  is  betrayed  !  it  had  been 
 good  for  that  man  if  he  had  not  been  born. 
 
 25  Then  Judas,  which  betrayed  him,  an¬ 
 swered  and  said.  Master,  is  it  I  ?  He  said 
 unto  him.  Thou  hast  said. 
 
 26  ^  And,  as  they  were  eating,  Jesus  took 
 bread,  and  blessed  it,  and  brake  it,  and  gave 
 it  to  the  disciples,  and  said.  Take,  eat ;  this 
 is  my  body. 
 
 27  And  he  took  the  cup,  and  gave  thanks, 
 and  gave  it  to  them,  saying.  Drink  ye  all  of 
 it : 
 
 28  For  this  is  my  blood  of  the  New  Testa¬ 
 ment,  which  is  shed  ‘ibr  many  for  the  remis¬ 
 sion  of  sins. 
 
 29  But  I  say  unto  you,  I  will  not  drink 
 henceforth  of  this  fruit  of  the  vine,  until  that 
 day  when  I  drink  it  hew  with  you  in  my  Fa¬ 
 thers  kingdom. 
 
 30  And,  when  they  had  sung  an  hymn, 
 they  went  out  into  the  mount  of  Olives. 
 
 31  Then  saith  Jesus  unto  them.  All  ye  shall 
 be  offended  because  of  me  this  night ;  for  it 
 is  written,  I  will  smite  the  Shepherd,  and  the 
 sheep  of  the  flock  shall  be  scattered  abroad. 
 
 32  But  after  I  am  risen  again  I  will  go 
 before  you  into  Galilee. 
 
 33  Peter  answered,  and  said  unto  him. 
 Though  all  men  shall  be  offended  because  of 
 thee,  yet  will  I  never  be  offended. 
 
 At  the  latter  end  of  the  Passover  Supper,  before  the  table  was 
 drawn,  because  at  the  feast  upon  a  sacrifice  it  was  to  come  in  the 
 room  of  that  ordinance.  Christ  is  to  us  the  Passover  Sacrifice,  by 
 which  atonement  is  made,  1  Cor.  v.  1.  Christ  our  Passover  is  sa¬ 
 crificed  for  us;  this  ordinance  is  to  us  the  Passover  Supper,  by 
 which  application  is  made,  and  a  commemoration  celebrated  of 
 a  much  greater  deliverance  than  that  of  Israel  out  of  Egypt.  AH 
 the  legal  sacrifices  of  propitiation  being  summed  up  in  the  death  of 
 phrist,  and  so  abolished,  all  the  legal  masts  of  rejoicing  were  sum¬ 
 med  up  in  this  sacrament,  and  so  abolished.  He  assures  them  of  a 
 lappy  meeting  again  at  last ;  it  is  a  long,  but  not  an  everlasting 
 arewell,  until  that  day  when  1  drink  it  new  with  you.  Some  un¬ 
 derstand  it  of  the  interviews  he  had  with  them  after  his  resurre 
 tion ;  others  understand  it  of  the  joys  and  glories  of  the  future 
 state,  which  the  saints  shall  partake  of  in  everlasting  communion 
 with  the  Lord  Jesus,  represented  here  by  the  pleasures  of  a  ban¬ 
 quet  of  wine. 
 
 31 — 35.  The  scripture  here  fulfilled,  I  will  smite  the  Shepherd, 
 is  quoted  from  Zech,  xiii.  7-  There  is  a  proneness  in  good  men  to 
 3e  over-confident  of  their  own  strength  and  stability.  We  are 
 ready  to  think  ourselves  able  to  grapple  with  the  strongest  temp¬ 
 tations,  to  go  through  the  hardest  and  most  hazardous  services,  and 
 to  bear  the  greatest  afflictions  for  Christ ;  but  it  is  because  we  do 
 not  know  ourselves.  Those  often  fall  soonest  and  foulest  that  are 
 most  confident  of  themselves.  Those  are  least  safe  that  are  most 
 secure.  Satan  is  most  active  to  seduce  such,  they  are  most  of! 
 
CHAP.  XXVI. 
 
 34  Jesus  said  unto  him,  Verily  I  say  unto 
 thee,  That  this  night,  before  the  cock  crow, 
 thou  shalt  deny  me  thrice. 
 
 35  Peter  said  unto  him,  Though  I  should 
 die  with  thee  yet  will  I  not  deny  thee.  Like¬ 
 wise  also  said  all  the  disciples. 
 
 36  f  Then  cometh  Jesus  with  them  unto 
 a  place  called  Gethsemane,  and  saith  unto 
 the  disciples.  Sit  ye  here  while  I  go  and  pray 
 yonder. 
 
 37  And  he  took  with  him  Peter  and  the 
 two  sons  of  Zebedee,  and  began  to  be  sor¬ 
 rowful  and  very  heavy. 
 
 38  Then  saith  he  unto  them.  My  soul  is 
 exceeding  sorrowful,  even  unto  death  :  tarry 
 ye  here  and  watch  with  me. 
 
 39  And  he  went  a  little  farther,  and  fell 
 on  his  face,  and  prayed,  saying,  O  my  Father, 
 if  it  be  possible,  let  this  cup  pass  from  me  : 
 nevertheless,  not  as  I  will,  but  as  thou  wilt. 
 
 40  And  he  cometh  unto  the  disciples,  and 
 findeth  them  asleep,  and  saith  unto  Peter, 
 
 their  guard,  and  God  leaves  them  to  themselves  to  humble  them, 
 see  1  Cor.  x.  12. 
 
 36—46.  He  began  to  be  very  sorrowful  and  very  heavy.  It  is 
 called  an  agony,  Luke  xxii.  24,  a  conflict.  It  was  not  any  bodily 
 pain  or  torment  that  he  was  in,  nothing  occurred  to  hurt  him  ;  but 
 whatever  it  was,  it  was  from  within  ;  he  troubled  himself,  John  xi. 
 33.  The  words  here  used  are  very  emphatical,  he  began  to  be  sor¬ 
 rowful,  and  in  a  consternation.  The  latter  word  signifies  such  a 
 sorrow  as  makes  a  man  neither  fit  for  company  nor  desirous  of  it. 
 He  had  like  a  weight  of  lead  upon  his  spirits.  Physicians  use  a 
 word  near  a-kin  to  it,  to  signify  the  disorder  a  man  is  in  a  fit  of  an 
 ague,  or  beginning  of  a  fever.  Now  was  fulfilled  Psalm  xxii.  14, 
 I  am  poured  out  like  water,  my  heart  is  like  wax,  it  is  melted  ;  and 
 all  those  passages  in  the  Psalms,  where  David  complains  of  the 
 sorrow  of  his  soul,  Psal.  xviii.  4,  6,  xlii.  7>  Iv.  4,  5,  Ixix.  1,  2,  3, 
 Ixxxviii.  3,  cxvi.  3.  And  Jonah’s  complaint,  chap.  ii.  4,  3. 
 
 But  what  was  the  cause  of  all  this  ?  What  was  it  that  put  him  into 
 this  agony  ?  Why  art  thou  cast  down,  blessed  Jesus  ?  And  why  dis¬ 
 quieted  ?  Certainly  it  was  nothing  of  despair,  or  distrust  of  his  Fa¬ 
 ther,  much  less  any  conflict  or  struggle  with  him.  As  the  Father 
 loved  him  because  he  laid  down  his  life  for  the  sheep,  so  he  was 
 entirely  subject  to  his  Father’s  will  in  it.  But,  first.  He  engaged 
 in  an  encounter  with  the  powers  of  darkness  ;  so  he  intimates, Luke 
 xxii.  32,  This  is  your  hour,  and  the  power  of  darkness  ;  and  he 
 spoke  of  it  just  before,  John  xiv.  30,  31,  The  prince  of  this  world 
 comes.  I  see  him  rallying  his  forces,  and  preparing  for  a  general 
 assault:  but  he  has  nothing  in  me,  no  garrisons  in  his  interest,  none 
 that  secretly  hold  correspondence  with  him,  and  therefore  his  at¬ 
 tempts,  though  fierce,  will  be  fruitless  ;  but  as  the  Father  gave  me 
 commandment,  so  do  I ;  however  it  be,  I  must  have  a  struggle 
 with  him,  the  field  must  be  fairly  fought,  and  therefore  arise,  let 
 us  go  hence,  let  us  hasten  to  the  field  of  battle,  and  meet  the 
 enemy:  second,  He  was  now  bearing  the  iniquities  which  the  Fa¬ 
 ther  laid  upon  him,  and  by  his  sorrow  and  amazement  he  accom¬ 
 modated  himself  to  his  undertaking.  The  sufferings  he  was  enter¬ 
 ing  upon  were  for  our  sins,  they  were  all  made  to  meet  upon  him, 
 and  he  knew  it :' third.  He  had  a  full  and  clear  prospect  of  all  the 
 sufferings  that  were  before  him  :  he  foresaw  the  treachery  of  Judas, 
 the  unkindness  of  Peter,  the  malice  of  the  Jews,  and  their  base  in¬ 
 gratitude.  He  knew  that  he  should  now  in  a  few  hours  be 
 scourged,  spit  upon,  crowned  with  thorns,  nailed  to  the  cross,  death 
 in  its  most  dreadful  appearances ;  death  in  pomp  attended  with  all 
 
 What !  could  ye  not  waten  with  me  one 
 hour  ? 
 
 41  Watch  and  pray,  that  ye  enter  not  into 
 temptation  ;  the  spirit  indeed  is  willing,  but 
 the  desh  is  weak. 
 
 42  He  went  away  again  the  second  time, 
 and  prayed,  saying,  O  my  Father,  if  this  cup 
 may  not  pass  away  from  me,  except  I  drink 
 it,  thy  will  be  done. 
 
 43  Ami  he  came  and  found  them  asleep 
 again  :  for  their  eyes  were  heavy. 
 
 44  And  he  left  them,  and  went  away 
 again,  and  prayed  the  third  time,  saying  the 
 same  words. 
 
 45  Then  cometh  he  to  his  disciples,  and 
 saith  unto  them,  Sleep  on  now,  and  take  ^o?/r 
 rest :  behold,  the  hour  is  at  hand,  and  the 
 Son  of  man  is  betrayed  into  the  hands  of 
 sinners. 
 
 46  Rise,  let  us  be  going,  behold,  he  is  at 
 hand  that  doth  betray  me. 
 
 47  f  And  while  he  yet  spake,  lo,  Judas, 
 
 its  terrors,  looked  him  in  the  face,  and  this  made  him  sorrowful, 
 especially  because  it  was  the  wages  of  our  sin,  which  he  had  un¬ 
 dertaken  to  satisfy  for.  It  is  true,  the  martyrs  that  have  suffered 
 for  Christ,  have  entertained  the  greatest  torments,  and  the  most 
 terrible  deaths,  w'ithout  any  such  sorrow  and  consternation,  have 
 called  their  prisons  their  delectable  orchards;  and  a  bed  of  flame*, 
 a  bed  of  roses ;  but  then,  first,  Christ  was  now  denied  the  sup^ 
 ports  and  comforts  which  they  had,  i.  e.  he  denied  them  to  himself, 
 and  his  soul  refused  to  be  comforted,  not  in  passion,  but  injustice 
 to  his  undertaking  :  second.  His  sufferings  w-ere  of  another  nature 
 from  theirs.  St.  Paul,  when  he  is  to  be  offered  upon  the  sacrifice 
 and  service  of  the  saint’s  faith,  can  joy  and  rejoice  with  them  all ; 
 but  to  be  offered  a  sacrifice  to  make  atonement  for  sin,  is  quite  a 
 different  case. 
 
 He  calls  his  sufferings  a  cup,  not  a  river,  not  a  sea,  but  a  cup, 
 which  we  shall  soon  see  the  bottom  of.  A  cup,  because  allotted 
 him,  as  at  feasts  a  cup  w'as  set  to  every  mess.  He  begs  this  cup 
 might  pass  from  him,  i.  e.  that  he  might  avoid  the  sufferings  now 
 at  hand ;  or  at  least  that  they  might  be  shortened  This  speaks 
 no  more  but  that  he  w  as  really  and  truly  man,  and  as  a  man  he 
 could  not  but  be  averse  to  pain  and  suffering.  But  observe  the 
 proviso,  If  it  Idc  possible.  If  God  may  be  glorified,  man  saved,  and 
 the  ends  of  his  undertaking  answered,  without  his  drinking  of  his 
 bitter  cup,  he  desires  to  be  excused,  otherwise  not.  What  we  can¬ 
 not  do  with  the  securing  our  great  end,  we  must  reckon  to  be  in 
 effect  impossible  ;  Christ  did  so. 
 
 It  is  the  unhappiness  and  burthen  of  Christ’s  disciples,  that  their 
 bodies  cannot  keep  pace  with  their  souls  in  works  of  pietv  and  de¬ 
 votion,  but  are  many  a  time  a  cloud  and  clo^  to  them.  'Fhat  when 
 the  spirit  is  free,  and  disposed  to  that  which  is  good,  the  flesh  is 
 aversed  and  indisposed.  This  St.  Paul  laments,  Rom.  vii.  22,  VVith 
 my  mind  I  serve  the  law  of  God,  but  with  my  flesh  the  law  of  sin. 
 Our  impotency  in  the  service  of  God  is  the  great  iniquity  and  in¬ 
 fidelity  of  our  nature,  and  it  ariseth  from  these  sad  remainders  of 
 corruption,  which  are  the  constant  grief  and  burthen  of  God’s 
 people.  Yet  it  is  our  comfort  that  our  Master  graciously  considers 
 this,  and  accepts  the  willingness  of  the  spirit,  and  pities  and  par¬ 
 dons  the  weakness  and  infirmity  of  the  flesh  ;  for  we  are  under 
 grace,  and  not  under  the  law. 
 
 47—36.  A  kiss  is  a  token  of  allegiance  and  friendship,  Psal.  li. 
 12.  But  Judas,  when  he  broke  all  the  laws  of  love  and  duty,  pro¬ 
 faned  this  sacred  sign  to  serve  bis  purpose.  There  are  many  phat 
 
 387 
 
ST.  MA' 
 
 one  ot  the  twelve,  came,  and  with  him  a  great 
 multitude  with  swords  and  staves  from  the 
 chief-priests  and  elders  of  the  people. 
 
 48  Now  he  that  betrayed  him  gave  them 
 a  sign,  saying.  Whomsoever  I  shall  kiss,  that 
 same  is  he ;  hold  him  fast. 
 
 49  And  forthwith  he  came  to  Jesus,  and 
 said,  Hail,  Master:  and  kissed  him. 
 
 50  And  Jesus  said  unto  him.  Friend, 
 wherefore  art  thou  come?  Then  came  they 
 and  laid  hands  on  Jesus,  and  took  him. 
 
 51  ^  And,  behold,  one  of  them  which  were 
 with  Jesus  stretched  out  his  hand,  and  drew 
 his  sword,  and  struck  a  servant  of  the  high- 
 priest,  and  smote  off  his  ear. 
 
 52  Then  said  Jesus  unto  him.  Put  up 
 again  thy  sword  into  his  place ;  for  all  they 
 that  take  the  sword  shall  perish  with  the 
 sword. 
 
 53  Think est  thou  that  I  cannot  now  pray 
 to  my  Father,  and  he  shall  presently  give  me 
 more  than  twelve  legions  of  angels  ? 
 
 54  But  how  then  shall  the  scriptures  be 
 fulfilled,  that  thus  it  must  be  ? 
 
 55  In  that  same  hour  said  Jesus  to  the 
 multitudes.  Are  ye  come  out,  as  against  a 
 thief,  with  swords  and  staves  for  to  take  me  ? 
 I  sat  daily  with  you  teaching  in  the  temple, 
 and  ye  laid  no  hold  on  me. 
 
 betray  Christ  with  a  kiss,  and  hail  Master  ;  who,  under  pretence 
 of  doing  him  honour,  betray  and  undermine  the  interests  of  his 
 kingdom. 
 
 They  had  but  two  swords  among  them  all,  Luke  xxii.  38,  and 
 one  of  them,  it  seems,  fell  to  Peter’s  share  ;  and  now  he  thought  it 
 was  time  to  draw  it,  and  he  laid  about  him  as  if  he  would  have 
 done  some  great  matters,  but  all  the  execution  he  did  was  the  cut¬ 
 ting  off  an  ear  from  a  servant  of  the  high-priesl,  designing,  it  is 
 likely,  to  cleave  him  down  the  head,  because  he  saw  him  more  for¬ 
 ward  than  the  rest  in  laying  hands  on  Christ;  he  missed  his  blow. 
 But  if  he  would  be  striking,  in  my  mind  he  should  rather  have 
 aimed  at  Judas,  and  have  marked  him  for  a  rogue.  Peter  had 
 talked  much,  and  more  what  he  would  do  for  his  Master,  he  would 
 lay  down  his  life  for  him.  Yea,  that  he  would,  and  now  he  will 
 be  as  good  as  his  word,  and  venture  his  life  to  rescue  his  Master  ; 
 and  thus  far  was  commendable,  that  he  had  a  great  2eal  for  Christ, 
 and  his  honour  and  safety  :  but  it  was  not  according  to  knowledge, 
 nor  guided  by  discretion  ;  for,  first.  He  did  it  without  warrant : 
 second.  He  indiscretely  exposed  himself  and  his  fellow  disciples  to 
 the  rage  of  the  multitude ;  for  what  could  they  with  two  swords  do 
 against  a  band  of  men  ? 
 
 Three  reasons  Christ  gives  to  Peter  for  this  rebuke.  First,  His 
 drawing  the  sword  would  be  dangerous  to  himself,  to  his  fellow-dis¬ 
 ciples  ;  They  that  take  the  sword  shall  perish  with  the  sword  :  they 
 that  use  violence  fall  by  violence,  and  men  hasten  and  increase 
 their  own  troubles  by  blustering  bloody  methods  of  self-defence; 
 they  that  take  the  sword  before  it  is  given  them,  that  use  it  with¬ 
 out  warrant  or  call,  expose  themselves  to  the  sword  of  war,  or 
 public  justice  :  second.  It  was  needless  for  him  to  draw  his  sword 
 in  defence  of  his  Master,  who,  if  he  pleased,  could  summon  into 
 his  service  all  the  host  of  heaven :  third,  It  was  no  time  to  make 
 .3SS 
 
 THEW. 
 
 56  But  all  this  was  clone,  that  the  scrip¬ 
 tures  of  the  prophets  might  be  fulfilled. 
 Then  all  the  disciples  forsook  him  and  fled. 
 
 57  ^  And  they  that  had  laid  hold  on  Je¬ 
 sus  led  him  away  to  Caiaphas  the  high-priest, 
 where  the  scribes  and  the  elders  were  as¬ 
 sembled. 
 
 58  But  Peter  followed  him  afar  off  unto 
 the  high-priesFs  palace,  and  went  in,  and 
 sat  with  the  servants  to  see  the  end. 
 
 59  Now  the  chief-priests  and  elders,  and 
 all  the  council,  sought  false  witness  against 
 Jesus,  to  put  him  to  death ; 
 
 60  But  found  none  ;  yea,  though  many 
 false  Mutnesses  came,  yet  found  they  none. 
 At  the  last  came  two  false  witnesses, 
 
 61  And  said,  fellow  said,  I  am  able 
 to  destroy  the  temple  of  God,  and  to  build 
 it  in  three  days. 
 
 62  And  the  high-priest  arose,  and  said 
 unto  him,  Answerest  thou  nothing  ?  what  is 
 it  which  these  witness  against  thee  ? 
 
 63  But  Jesus  held  his  peace.  And  the 
 high-priest  answered,  and  said  unto  him,  I 
 adjure  thee  by  the  living  God  that  thou  tell  us 
 whether  thou  be  the  Christ,  the  Son  of  God. 
 
 64  Jesus  saith  unto  him,  Thou  hast  said  : 
 nevertheless  I  say  unto  you.  Hereafter  shall 
 ye  see  the  Son  of  man  sitting  on  the  right 
 
 any  defence  at  all,  or  to  offer  to  put  by  the  stroke,  for  how  then 
 shall  the  scriptures  be  fulfilled,  that  thus  it  must  be  !  34.  It  was 
 written  that  Christ  should  be  led  as  a  lamb  to  the  slaughter,  Isa. 
 liii.  7-  Should  he  summon  the  angels  to  his  assistance,  he  would 
 not  be  led  to  the  slaughter  at  all  ;  should  he  permit  his  disciples 
 to  fight,  he  would  not  be  led  as  a  lamb,  quietly  and  without  resis¬ 
 tance  ;  therefore  he  and  his  disciples  must  yierd  to  the  accomplish¬ 
 ment  of  the  predictions. 
 
 37 — 68.  The  terrors  of  the  judgment-day  will  be  a  sensible  con¬ 
 viction  to  the  most  obstinate  infidelity,  not  in  order  to  conversion, 
 that  will  be  then  too  late,  but  in  order  to  an  eternal  confusion. 
 Observe,  first.  Whom  they  should  see,  the  Son  of  man.  Having 
 owned  himself  the  Son  of  God,  even  now  in  his  estate  of  humilia¬ 
 tion,  he  speaks  of  himself  as  the  Son  of  man,  even  in  his  estate  of 
 exaltation  ;  for  he  had  [these  two  distinct  natures  in  one  person. 
 The  incarnation  of  Christ  has  made  him  Son  of  God,  and  Son  of 
 man,  for  he  is  Immanuel,  God  with  us  :  second.  In  what  posture, 
 they  should  see  him  ;  first.  Sitting  on  the  right  hand  of  power,  ac¬ 
 cording  to  the  prophecy  of  the  Messiah,  Psal.  cx.  1,  Sit  thou  at 
 my  right  hand  ;  which  notes  both  the  dignity  and  dominion  he  is 
 exalted  to :  though  now  he  stood  at  the  bar,  they  should  shortly 
 see  him  sit  on  the  throne :  second.  Coming  in  the  clouds  of  heaven  ; 
 this  refers  to  another  prophecy  concerning  the  Son  of  man,  Dan. 
 vii.  13,  14,  which  is  applied  to  Christ,  Luke  i.  33,  when  he  came 
 to  destroy  Jerusalem  ;  so  terrible  was  the  judgment,  and  so  sensible 
 the  indications  of  the  wrath  of  the  Lamb  in  it,  that  it  might  be 
 called  a  visible  appearance  of  Christ,  but  doubtless  it  has  reference 
 to  the  general  judgment;  to  this  day  he  appeals,  and  summons 
 them  to  an  appearance,  then  and  there  to  answer  for  what  they 
 were  now  doing  :  he  had  spoken  of  this  day  to  his  disciples  awhile 
 ago,  for  their  comfort,  and  had  bid  them  lift  up  their  heads  fi>r 
 
CHAP.  XXVJI. 
 
 hand  of  power,  and  coming  in  the  clouds  of 
 heaven. 
 
 65  Then  the  high-priest  rent  his  clothes, 
 saying,  He  hath  spoken  blasphemy  ;  what 
 further  need  have  we  of  witnesses  ?  behold 
 now  ye  have  heard  his  blasphemy. 
 
 66  What  think  ye?  They  answered  and 
 said,  fie  is  guilty  of  death. 
 
 67  Then  did  they  spit  in  his  face,  and  buf¬ 
 feted  him ;  and  others  smote  him  with  the 
 palms  of  their  hands, 
 
 68  Saying,  Prophecy  unto  us,  thou  Christ: 
 Who  is  he  that  smote  thee  ? 
 
 69  ^  Now  Peter  sat  without  in  the  palace: 
 and  a  damsel  came  unto  him,  saying.  Thou 
 also  wast  with  Jesus  of  Galilee. 
 
 70  But  he  denied  before  them  all,  saying, 
 
 1  know  not  what  thou  sayest. 
 
 71  And,  when  he  was  gone  out  into  the 
 porch,  another  tnaid  saw  him,  and  said  unto 
 them  that  were  there,  fellow  was  also 
 with  Jesus  of  Nazareth. 
 
 72  And  again  he  denied  with  an  oath,  I 
 do  not  know  the  man. 
 
 73  And  after  a  while  came  unto  him  they 
 that  stood  by,  and  said  to  Peter,  Surely  thou 
 also  art  one  of  them  ;  for  thy  speech  bewray- 
 eth  thee. 
 
 74  Then  began  he  to  curse  and  to  swear, 
 saying,  I  know  not  the  man.  And  immedi¬ 
 ately  the  cock  crew. 
 
 75  And  -Peter  remembered  the  words  of 
 Jesus,  which  said  unto  him.  Before  the  cock 
 crow  thou  shalt  deny  me  thrice.  And  he 
 went  out,  and  wept  bitterly. 
 
 joy  in  the  prospect  of  it,  Luke  xxi.  27,  28.  Now  he  speaks  of  it 
 to  his  enemies  tor  their  terror  ;  for  nothing  is  more  comfortable  to 
 -he  righteous,  nor  more  terrible  t)  the  wicked,  than  Christas  judg- 
 ing  the  world  at  the  last  day. 
 
 They  spit  in  his  face,  thus  the  scripture  was  fulfilled,  Isa.  1.  6, 
 He  hid  not  his  face  from  shame  and  spitting.  They  buffeted  him 
 and  smote  him  with  the  palms  of  their  hands  :  this  added  pain  to 
 me  shame,  for  both  came  in  with  sin.  Now  the  scripture  was  ful¬ 
 filled  Isa.  1.  6',  I  gave  my  cheek  to  them  that  plucked  off  my  hair  : 
 and  I^m.  iii.  30,  He  giveth  his  check  to  him  that  smiteth  him. 
 he  IS  filled  with  reproach,  and  yet  keepeth  silence,  28,  and  Mic.  1, 
 
 1  hey  shall  smite  the  judge  of  Israel  with  the  rod  upon  the  cheek  ; 
 and  here  the  margin  reads  it.  They  smote  him  with  rods  ;  and  this 
 fie  .submitted  to. 
 
 69—70.  Peter  that  wept  so  bitterly  for  denying  Christ,  never 
 denied  him  again,  but  confessed  him  often,  and  openly,  and  in  the 
 mouth  of  danger ;  so  far  from  ever  saying,  I  know  not  the  man ; 
 mat  he  made  all  the  house  of  Israel  know  assuredly,  that  this  same 
 Jesus  was  Lord  and  Christ.  True  repentance  for  any  sin  will  be 
 best  evinced  by  our  abounding  in  the  contrary  grace  and  duty ; 
 that  is  a  sign  of  our  weeping,  not  only  bitterly  but  jiincerely. 
 
 CHAP.  XXVII. 
 
 Crucifi.sion  of  Christ. 
 
 WHEN  the  morning  was  come,  all  the 
 chief-priests  and  elders  of  the  people 
 took  counsel  against  Jesus  to  put  him  to 
 death. 
 
 3  And,  when  they  had  bound  him,  they 
 led  him  away,  and  delivered  him  to  Pontitt* 
 Pilate  the  governor. 
 
 3  ^  Then  Judas  which  had  betrayed  him 
 when  he  saw  that  he  was  condemned,  re¬ 
 pented  himself,  and  brought  again  the  thirty 
 pieces  of  silver  to  the  chief-priests  and  elders, 
 4  Saying,  I  have  sinned,  in  that  I  have 
 betrayed  the  innocent  blood.  And  they 
 said.  What  is  that  to  us  ?  see  thou  to  that. 
 
 5  And  he  cast  down  the  pieces  of  silver 
 in  the  temple,  and  departed,  and  went  aiui 
 hanged  himself. 
 
 6  And  the  chief-priests  took  the  silver 
 pieces  and  said,  It  is  not  lawful  for  to  put 
 them  into  the  treasury,  because  it  is  the 
 price  of  blood. 
 
 7  And  they  took  counsel,  and  bought 
 with  them  the  potter’s  field,  to  bury  strangers 
 in. 
 
 8  Wherefore  that  field  was  called,  The 
 field  of  blood  unto  this  day. 
 
 9  (Then  was  fulfilled  that  which  was 
 spoken  by  Jeremy  the  pr<  phet,  saying,  And 
 they  took  the  thirty  pieces  of  silver,  the  price 
 of  him  that  was  valued,  whom  they  of  the 
 children  of  Israel  did  value  ; 
 
 10  And  gave  them  for  the  potter’s  field, 
 as  the  Lord  appointed  me.) 
 
 CHAP.  XXVII.  1- — 10.  Had  Judas^ne  to  Christ,  or  to  some 
 
 of  the  disciples,  perhaps  he  might  have  had  relief,  as  bad  as  the 
 case  was,but  missing  of  it  with  the  chief-priests,  he  abandoned 
 himself  to  despair.  And  the  same  devil,  that  with  the  help  of  the 
 priests,  drew  him  to  the  sin,  with  their  help  drove  him  to  despair. 
 He  became  his  own  e.xeciitioner ;  he  hanged  himself,  he  was  suffo¬ 
 cated  with  grief:  so  Dr.  Hammond  ;.  but  Dr.  Whitby  is  clear  that 
 our  translation  is  ri^ht.  Judas  has  a  sight  and  sense  of  sin,  but 
 no  apprehension  of  the  mercy  of  God  in  Christ,  and  so  he  pined 
 away  in  his  iniquity.  His  sin,  we  may  suppose,  was  not  in  its  own 
 nature  unpardonable,  there  were  some  of  those  saved  that  had 
 been  Christ’s  betrayers  and  murderers :  but  he  concluded,  as 
 Cain,  that  his  iniquity  was  greater  than  could  be  forgiven,  and 
 would  rather  throw  himselt  on  the  devil’s  mercy  than  God’s.  And 
 some  have  said,  that  Judas  sinned  more  in  despairing  of  the  mercy 
 of  God,  than  in  betraying  his  Master’s  blood.  Now  the  terrors  of 
 the  Almighty  set  themselves  in  array  against  him.  All  the  curses 
 written  in  God’s  book  now  come  into  his  bowels  like  water,  and  like 
 oil  into  his  bones,  as  was  foretold  concerning  him,  Psal.  cix.  1 8, 19, 
 and  drove  him  to  this  desperate  shift,  for  the  escaping  of  a  hell 
 within  him,  to  leap  into  that  before  him,  which  was  but  the  per- 
 
ST.  MATTHEW. 
 
 11  %  And  Jesus  stood  before  the  governor; 
 and  the  governor  asked  him,  saying,  Art  thou 
 the  king  of  the  Jews  ?  And  Jesus  said  unto 
 him.  Thou  sayest. 
 
 12  And  when  he  was  accused  of  the  chief 
 priests  and  elders  he  answered  nothing. 
 
 13  Then  saith  Pilate  unto  him,  Hearest 
 thou  not  how  many  things  they  witness 
 against  thee? 
 
 14  And  he  answered  him  to  never  a  word  ; 
 insomuch  that  the  governor  marvelled  greatly. 
 
 15  ^  Now  at  that  feast  the  governor  was 
 wont  to  release  unto  the  people  a  prisoner 
 whom  they  would. 
 
 16  And  they  had  then  a  notable  prisoner, 
 called  Barabbas. 
 
 17  Therefore,  when  they  were  gathered 
 together,  Pilate  said  unto  them.  Whom  will 
 ye  that  I  release  unto  you  ?  Barabbas  or  Je¬ 
 sus,  which  is  called  Christ  ? 
 
 18  For  he  knew  that  for  envy  they  had 
 delivered  him. 
 
 When  he  was  set  down  on  the  judg¬ 
 ment-seat,  his  wife  sent  unto  him,  saying. 
 Have  thou  nothing  to  do  with  that  just  man : 
 for  I  have  suffered  many  things  this  day  in 
 a  dream  because  of  him  ? 
 
 20  But  the  chief-priests  and  elders  per¬ 
 suaded  the  multitude  that  they  should  ask 
 Barabbas,  and  destroy  Jesus. 
 
 21  The  governor  answered,  and  said  unto 
 them,  Whether  of  the  twain  will  ye  that  I 
 release  unto  you?  They  said,  Barabbas. 
 
 22  Pilate  said  unto  them.  What  shall  I 
 do  then  with  Jesus,  which  is  called  Christ? 
 They  all  said  unto  him.  Let  him  be  crucified. 
 
 23  And  the  governor  said.  Why  ?  what 
 evil  hath  he  done  ?  but  they  cried  out  the 
 more,  saying.  Let  him  be  crucified. 
 
 24  ^  When  Pilate  saw  that  he  could  pre¬ 
 vail  nothing,  but  that  rather  a  tumult  was 
 
 fewtion  and  perpetuity  of  this  horror  and  despair.  He  throws  him¬ 
 self  into  the  fire,  to  avoid  the  flame,  and  miserable  is  the  case  when 
 a  man  must  go  to  hell  for  ease. 
 
 11 — 25.  They  said.  His  blood  be  on  us,  and  on  our  children,  and 
 God  said  Amen  to  it,  so  shall  thy  doom  be  ;  as  they  loved  cursing, 
 so  it  came  upon  them.  The  wretched  remains  of  that  abandoned 
 people  feel  it  to  this  day  ;  from  the  time  they  imprecated  this  blood 
 upon  them  they  were  followed  with  one  judgment  after  another, 
 till  they  were  quite  laid  waste,  and  made  an  astonishment,  a  hiss¬ 
 ing,  and  a  bye-word  ;  yet  on  some  of  them,  and  some  of  theirs, 
 this  blood  came  not  to  condemn  them,  but  to  save  them  ;  divine 
 mercy,  upon  their  repenting  and  believing,  cut  ofl’  this  entail,  and 
 390 
 
 made,  he  took  water,  and  washed  his  hands 
 before  the  multitude,  saying,  I  am  innocent 
 of  the  blood  of  this  just  person  :  see  ye  to  it. 
 
 25  Then  answered  all  the  people,  and  said, 
 His  blood  be  on  us,  and  on  our  children. 
 
 26  Then  released  he  Barabbas  unto  them ; 
 and,  when  he  had  scourged  Jesus,  he  de¬ 
 livered  him  to  be  crucified. 
 
 27  f  Then  the  soldiers  of  the  governor 
 took  Jesus  unto  the  common  hall,  and  ga¬ 
 thered  unto  him  the  whole  band  of  soldiers. 
 
 28  And  they  stripped  him,  and  put  on  him 
 a  scarlet  robe. 
 
 29  And  when  they  had  platted  a  crown  of 
 thorns,  they  put  it  upon  his  head,  and  a  reed 
 in  his  right  hand  ;  and  they  bowed  the 
 knee  before  him,  and  mocked  him,  saying. 
 Hail,  King  of  the  Jews  ! 
 
 30  And  they  spit  upon  him,  and  took  the 
 reed,  and  smote  him  on  the  head. 
 
 31  And  after  that  they  had  mocked  him 
 they  took  the  robe  oft  from  him,  and  put  his 
 own  raiment  on  him,  and  led  him  away  to 
 crucify  him. 
 
 32  And  as  they  came  out  they  found  a 
 man  of  Syrene,  Simon  by  name ;  him  they 
 compelled  to  bear  his  cross. 
 
 33  ^  And  when  they  were  come  unto  a 
 place  called  Golgotha,  that  is  to  say,  A  place 
 of  a  scull. 
 
 34  They  gave  him  vinegar  to  drink  min¬ 
 gled  with  gall ;  and  when  he  had  tasted 
 thereoj,  he  would  not  drink. 
 
 35  And  they  crucified  him,  and  parted, 
 his  garments,  casting  lots ;  that  it  might  be 
 fulfilled  which  was  spoken  by  the  prophet. 
 They  parted  my  garments  among  them,  and 
 upon  my  vesture  did  they  cast  lots. 
 
 36  And,  sitting  down,  they  watched  him 
 there : 
 
 37  And  set  up  over  his  head  his  accusa- 
 
 then  the  promise  was  again  to  them,  and  to  their  children:  God  is 
 better  to  us  and  ours  than  we  are. 
 
 26 — 32.  Thus  was  he  despised  and  rejected  of  men,  a  man  of  sor¬ 
 rows,  and  acquainted  with  grief.  All  this  misery  and  shame  he 
 underwent,  that  he  might  purchase  for  us  everlasting  life,  and  joy, 
 
 and  glory.  ,  ,  i 
 
 33—49.  The  drink  they  offered  him  was  literally  foretold,  Fsal. 
 xix.  21.  In  that  famous  psalm,  the  first  words  of  which  Christ 
 made  use  of  upon  the  cross,  it  was  said,  They  parted  my  garments 
 among  them,  and  cast  lots  upon  my  vesture,  Psal.  x.vii.  18,  which 
 was  never  true  of  David,  but  looks  primarily  at  Christ,  of  whom 
 David  in  spirit  sjaake  :  then  is  the  offence  of  this  part  of  the  cross 
 
CHAP. 
 
 tion  written,  THIS  IS  J  ESUS,  THE  KING 
 OF  THE  JEWS. 
 
 38  Then  were  there  two  thieves  crucified 
 with  him  ;  one  on  the  right  hand,  and  another 
 on  the  left. 
 
 39  f  And  they  that  passed  by  reviled  him 
 wagging  their  heads, 
 
 40  And  saying,  Thou  that  destroyest  the 
 temple,  and  buildest  it  in  three  days,  save 
 thyself.  If  thou  be  the  Son  of  God,  come 
 down  from  the  cross. 
 
 41  Likewise  also  the  chief  priests,  mock¬ 
 ing  him,  with  the  scribes  and  elders,  said, 
 
 42  He  saved  others  ;  himself  he  cannot 
 save.  If  he  be  the  King  of  Israel,  let  him 
 now  come  down  from  the  cross,  and  we  will 
 believe  him. 
 
 43  He  trusted  in  God  :  let  him  deliver  him 
 now,  if  he  will  have  him  ;  for  he  said,  I  am 
 the  Son  of  God. 
 
 44  The  thieves  also,  which  were  crucified 
 with  him,  cast  the  same  in  his  teeth. 
 
 45  %  Now  from  the  sixth  hour,  there  was 
 darkness  over  all  the  land  unto  the  ninth 
 hour. 
 
 ceased  ;  for  it  appears  to  have  been  by  the  determinate  counsel  and 
 fore-knowledge  of  God.  Christ  stript  himself  of  his  glories  to  di¬ 
 vide  them  among  us. 
 
 Well,  thus  oiir  Lord  Jesus  having  undertaken  to  satisfy  the  jus¬ 
 tice  of  God  for  the  wrong  done  him  in  his  honour  by  sin,  he  did 
 tt  by  suffering  in  his  honour;  not  only  by  divesting  himself  of  that 
 which  was  due  to  him  as  the  Son  of  God,  but  by  submitting  to  the 
 utmost  indignity  that  coud  be  done  to  the  worst  of  men  ;  because 
 he  was  made  sin  for  us,  he  was  thus  made  a  curse  (or  us,  to  make 
 reproach  easy  to  us,  if  at  any  time  we  suffer  it,  and  have  all  man¬ 
 ner  of  evil  said  against  us  falsely  for  righteousness’  sake.  We  have 
 here  the  frowns  of  Inaven  which  our  Lord  Jesus  was  under,  in  the 
 ^  midst  of  all  these  injuries  and  indignities  from  men. 
 
 50 — 56.  Behold  the  veil  of  the  temple  was  rent  in  twain  :  first,  It 
 w'as  in  correspondence  with  the  temple  of  Christ’s  body,  which  was 
 now  in  the  dissolving.  That  was  the  true  temple,  in  which  dwell 
 the  folness  of  the  Godhead  ;  when  Christ  cried  with  a  loud  voice, 
 and  gave  up  the  ghost,  and  so  dissolved  that  temple  :  second.  It  sig¬ 
 nified  the  revealing  and  unfolding  of  the  mysteries  of  the  Old  Tes¬ 
 tament.  The  veil  of  the  temple  was  for  concealment,  as  was  that 
 on  the  face  of  Moses,  therefore  it  was  called  the  veil  of  the  cover¬ 
 ing;  for  it  was  highly  penal  for  any  person  to  see  the  furniture  of 
 the  most  holy  place,  except  the  high-priest,  and  he  but  once  a 
 year,  with  great  ceremony,  and  through  a  cloud  of  smoke;  all 
 which  signified  the  darkness  of  that  dispensation,  2  Cor.  iii.  13. 
 But  now  at  the  death  of  Christ  all  was  laid  open,  the  mysteries  un¬ 
 veiled,  so  that  now  he  that  runs  may  read  the  meaning  of  them  : 
 third,  It  signified  the  uniting  of  Jew  and  Gentile  by  the  removing 
 of  the  partition-wall  between  them,  which  was  the  ceremonial  law, 
 by  which  the  Jews  were  distinguished  from  all  other  people,  as  a 
 garden  inclosed,  were  brought  near  to  God,  whilst' others  were 
 made  to  keep  their  distance  ;  Christ  in  his  death  repealed  the  cere¬ 
 monial  law,  cancelled  that  hand-writing  of  ordinances,  took  it  out 
 of  the  way,  nailed  it  to  his  cross,  and  so  broke  down  the  middle  wall 
 of  partition  ;  and  by  abolishing  these  institutions  abolished  the  en¬ 
 mity,  and  made  in  himself  of  twain  one  new  man,  (as  two  rooms  are 
 made  one,  and  that  large  and  lightsome,  by  taking  down  the  par- 
 
 Vol.  II.  80  3  E 
 
 xxvn. 
 
 46  And  about  tne  ninth  hour,  Jesus  cried 
 with  a  loud  voice,  saying,  Eli,  Eli,  lama  sa- 
 bachthani?  that  is  to  say.  My  God,  my  God, 
 why  hast  thou  forsaken  me? 
 
 47  Some  of  them  that  stood  there,  when 
 they  heard  that,  said,  This  man  calleth  for 
 Elias. 
 
 48  And  straightway  one  of  them  ran,  and 
 took  a  spunge,  and  filled  it  with  vinegar,  and 
 put  it  on  a  reed,  and  gave  him  to  drink. 
 
 49  The  rest  said.  Let  be,  let  us  see  whether 
 Elias  will  come  to  save  him. 
 
 50  Jesus,  when  he  had  cried  again  with  a 
 loud  voice,  yielded  up  the  ghost. 
 
 51  ^  And,  behold,  the  veil  of  the  temple 
 was  rent  in  twain  from  the  top  to  the  bot¬ 
 tom  ;  and  the  earth  did  quake,  and  the  rocks 
 rent ; 
 
 52  And  the  graves  were  opened  ;  and 
 many  bodies  of  the  saints  which  slept  arose 
 
 53  And  came  out  of  the  graves  after  his 
 resurrection,  and  went  into  the  holy  city, 
 and  appeared  unto  many. 
 
 54  Now  when  the  centurion,  and  they 
 that  were  with  him  watching  Jesus,  saw  the 
 
 tition)  so  making  peace,  Eph.  ii.  14,  15,  Ifi.  Christ  died  to  rend 
 all  dividing  veils,  and  to  make  all  his  one,  John  xvii.  21  :  fourth, 
 It  signified  the  consecrating  and  laying  open  of  a  new  and  living 
 way  to  God.  The  veil  kept  people  off  from  drawing  near  to  the 
 most  holy  place,  where  the  Shechinah  was.  But  the  rending  of  it 
 signified,  that  Christ  by  his  death  opened  a  way  to  God,  first,  For 
 himself.  This  was  the  great  day  of  atonement  when  our  Lord 
 Jesus  as  the  great  high-priest,  not  by  the  blood  of  goats  and 
 calves,  but  by  his  own  blood  entered  once  for  all  into  the  holy 
 place ;  in  token  of  w  Inch  the  veil  was  rent,  Heb.  ix.  7. 
 
 This  earthquake  signified  two  things,  first,  The  horrible  wick¬ 
 edness  of  Christ’s  crucifiers  :  second,  The  glorious  achievements 
 of  Christ’s  cross.  This  earthquake  signified  the  mighty  shock  ; 
 nay,  the  fatal  blow  now  given  to  the  devil’s  kingdom.  'The  rocks 
 rent;  the  hardest  and  firmest  part  of  the  earth  w-as  made  to  feel 
 this  mighty  shock.  Christ  had  said,  that  if  the  children  should 
 cease  to  cry  Hosanna,  the  stones  would  immediately  cry  out,  and 
 now  in  effect  they  did  so,  proclaiming  the  glory  of  the  suffering 
 Jesus,  and  themselves  more  sensible  of  the  wrong  done  him,  than 
 the  hard  hearted  Jews  were,  who  yet  will  shortly  be  glad  to  find 
 a  hole  in  the  rocks,  and  a  cleft  in  the  ragged  rocks,  to  hide  them 
 from  the  face  of  him  thai  sitteth  on  the  throne,  see  Rev.  vi.  l6’ 
 The  graves  were  opened.  The  matter  is  not  related  so  fully  as  our 
 curiosity  would  wish  ;  for  the  scripture  was  not  intended  to  grati¬ 
 fy  that ;  it  should  seem  the  same  earthquake  that  rent  the  rock«, 
 opened  the  graves,  and  many  bodies  'if  saints  which  slept  arose ; 
 death  to  the  saints  is  but  the  sleep  of  the  body,  and  the  grave  the 
 bed  it  sleeps  in  ;  tliey  awoke  by  the  power  of  the  Lord  Jesus, 
 and  v.  53,  came  out  of  their  graves  after  his  resurrection,  and 
 went  into  Jerusalem  the  holy  citj’,  and  appeared  unto  many. 
 
 Those  who  lived  and  died  before  the  death  and  resurrection  of 
 Christ,  had  saving  benefit  thereby,  as  well  as  those  that  have  lived 
 since  ;  for  he  was  the  same  yesterday  that  he  is  to-day,  and  will 
 be  for  ever,  Heb.  xiii.  8.  Thus  Jesus  Christ  by  dying  conquered, 
 disarmed,  and  disabled  death.  These  saints  that  rose  were  the 
 present  trophies  of  the  victory  of  Ch>'ist’s  cross  over  the  powers  ot 
 death,  which  he  thus  made  a  shew  of  openly.  Having  bv  dcatli 
 
 891 
 
ST.  MATTHEW. 
 
 earthquake,  and  those  things  that  were  done, 
 they  feared  greatly,  saying.  Truly  this  was 
 the  Son  of  God  : 
 
 55  And  many  women  w’ere  there  behold¬ 
 ing  afar  off,  which  followed  Jesus  from  Ga¬ 
 lilee,  ministering  unto  him  : 
 
 56  Among  which  was  Mary  Magdalene, 
 and  Mary  the  mother  of  James  and  Joses, 
 and  the  mother  of  Zebedee's  children. 
 
 When  the  even  was  come  there  camel 
 a  rich  man  of  Arimathea,  named  Joseph, 
 who  also  himself  was  Jesus^  disciple  ; 
 
 58  He  went  to  Pilate,  and  begged  the 
 body  of  Jesus.  Then  Pilate  commanded  the 
 body  to  be  delivered. 
 
 59  And  when  Joseph  had  taken  the  body, 
 he  wrapped  it  in  a  clean  linen  cloth, 
 
 60  And  laid  it  in  his  own  new  tomb,  which 
 
 he  had  hewn  out  in  the  rock  ;  and  he  rolled 
 a  great  stone  to  the  door  of  the  sepulchre, 
 and  departed.  ^ 
 
 61  And  there  w^as  Mary  Magdalene,  and 
 the  other  Mary,  silting  over  against  the  se¬ 
 pulchre. 
 
 '  62  H  Now,  the  next  day  that  followed  the 
 day  of  the  preparation,  the  chief  priests  and 
 Pharisees  came  together  unto  Pilate. 
 
 63  Saying,  Sir  we,  remember  that  that 
 ^  deceiver  said,  while  he  was  yet  alive,  After 
 
 three  days  I  will  rise  again. 
 
 64  Command,  therefore,  that  the  sepul¬ 
 chre  be  made  sure  until  the  third  day,  lest 
 his  disciples  come  by  night  and  steal  him 
 away,  and  say  unto  the  people.  He  is  risen 
 from  the  dead  ;  so  the  last  error  shall  be 
 worse  than  the  first. 
 
 65  Pilate  said  unto  them.  Ye  have  a 
 watch:  go  yourway,  make  it  as  sure  as  yecan. 
 
 destroyed  him  that  had  the  power  of  death,  he  thus  led  captivity 
 captive  and  gloried  in  these  re-taken  prizes,  in  them  fulfilling  that 
 scripture,  I  will  ransom  them  from  the  power  of  the  grave.  In  the 
 virtue  of  Christ’s  resurrection,  the  bodies  of  all  the  saints  shall  in 
 the  lulness  of  time  rise  again.  ’I'his  was  an  earnest  of  the  general 
 resurrection  at  the  last  day,  when  all  that  arc  in  their  graves  shall 
 hear  the  voice  of  the  Son  of  God. 
 
 57 — 66'.  Here  was  all  the  power  of  earth  and  hell  combined  to 
 keep  Christ  a  prisoner,  but  all  in  vain  when  his  hour  was  come: 
 death,  and  those  sons  and  heirs  of  deatn,  could  then  no  longer  hold 
 him,  no  longer  have  dominion  over  him.  To  guard  the  sepulchre 
 against  the  poor  weak  disciples  was  folly,  because  needless,  but 
 to  think  to  guard  it  against  the  power  of  God  was  folly,  because 
 fruitless,  and  yet  they  thought  they  had  dealt  wisely. 
 
 CHAP.  X'XVlll.  1  —  10.  Our  Lord  Jesus  codd  have  rolled 
 back  the  store  himself,  by  his  own  power,  but  he  chose  to  have 
 
 392 
 
 66  So  they  went,  and  made  the  sepulchre 
 sure,  sealing  the  stone,  and  setting  a  watch. 
 CHAP.  XXVIll. 
 
 Christ’s  resurrection. 
 
 N  the  end  of  the  sabbath,  as  it  began  to 
 dawn  toward  the  first  t/ai/  of  the  week, 
 came  Mary  Magdalene,  and  the  other  Mary, 
 to  see  the  sepulchre. 
 
 2  And,  behold,  there  w’as  a  great  earth¬ 
 quake  :  for  the  angel  of  the  Lord  descended 
 from  heaven,  and  came  and  rolled  back  the 
 stone  from  the  door,  and  sat  upon  it. 
 
 3  His  countenance  was  like  lightning,  and 
 his  raiment  white  as  snow : 
 
 4  And  for  fear  of  him  the  keepers  did 
 shake,  and  became  as  dead  me?i. 
 
 5  And  the  angel  answered,  and  said  unto 
 the  women.  Fear  not  ye ;  for  I  know  that 
 ye  seek  Jesus,  which  was  crucified. 
 
 6  He  is  not  here :  for  he  is  risen,  as  he 
 said.  Come,  see  the  place  where  the  Lord 
 lay ; 
 
 7  And  go  quickly  and  tell  his  disciples 
 that  he  is  risen  from  the  dead  :  and  behold, 
 he  goeth  before  you  into  Galilee;  there  shall 
 ye  see  him  :  lo,  I  have  told  you. 
 
 8  And  they  departed  quickly  from  the 
 sepulchre  with  fear  and  great  joy,  and  did 
 run  to  bring  his  disciples  word. 
 
 9  K  And,  as  they  went  to  tell  his  disciples, 
 behold,  Jesus  met  them,  saying.  All  hail. 
 And  they  came  and  held  him  by  the  feet  and 
 worshipped  him. 
 
 10  Then  said  Jesus  unto  them.  Be  not 
 afraid  ;  go  tell  my  brethren  that  they  go  into 
 Galilee,  and  there  shall  they  see  me. 
 
 11  K  Now,  when  they  were  going,  behold, 
 some  of  the  watch  came  into  the  city  and 
 
 it  (lone  by  an  angel,  to  signify  that  having  undertaken  to  make  sa¬ 
 tisfaction  for  our  sin,  as  such  was  imputed  to  him,  and  b(ing  under 
 arre^,  pursuant  to  that  imputation,  he  did  not  break  pris()n,  but 
 had  a* fair  and  legal  discliarge,  obtained  from  heaven  ;  he  did  not 
 break  prison,  but  an  officer  was  sent  on  purpose  to  roll  away  the 
 stone,  and  so  to  open  the  prison-door,  which  would  never  have 
 been ’done  if  he  had  not  made  a  lull  satisfaction.  But  being  de¬ 
 livered  for  our  offences,  to  complete  the  deliverance  he  was  raised 
 again  for  our  justification  ;  he  died  to  pay  our  debt,  and  rose  again 
 to  takeout  our  acquittance.  .  . 
 
 11—15.  Porthe  further  proof  of  the  resurrection  of  Christ,  we 
 have  here  the  confession  of  the  adversaries  that  were  upon  the 
 guard  ;  and  there  are  two  thingswhich  strengthen  their  U'Stimony  ; 
 that  they  were  eye-witnesses,  and  did  themselves  see  the  glory  of 
 the  resurrection,  which  none  else  did,  and  that  they  were  eneinies 
 set  there  to  oppose  and  obstruct  his  restirrcction. 
 
CIIAI’.  XXVlll. 
 
 %hcxtcti  MIHO  ihc  rhirf*  priols  ail  ihc 
 that  arrr  tlonc*. 
 
 N  Aiiil  «ht*n  ihrv  wrrr  n>’M*ml»lptl  \miIi 
 the  and  hail  lakiMi  ri)UiiM*l,  llu*y  gave 
 
 large  money  unto  the  Mihlioni, 
 
 l:J  Saving,  Sav  ve,  IIih  iliM'iplcH  came  hy 
 night,  and  stole  him  autnt  while  we  slept. 
 
 l  i  And  ir  this  come  to  the  governor's 
 ears,  we  will  persuade  him,  ami  srenre  you. 
 
 15  So  they  took  the  money,  and  did  as 
 they  were  tauglil :  and  this  saying  is  com¬ 
 monly  rcporteil  among  the  Jews  until  this 
 day. 
 
 1()  ^  'I'hcn  the  eleven  disciples  went  away 
 
 ijn  «l  artumrni  lo  pn»v«*  lo  be  the  Son  of  l»o«l,  is  his 
 
 mum-ctiun.  and  none  couitt  hast  more  eons  incing  proofs  ol  the 
 truth  of  that  than  these  soldiert  had  ;  they  saw  the  angel  d«^end 
 from  heaven,  saw  the  stoiu*  rolK-d  away,  saw  tlie  body  m  (  hrist 
 come  out  of  llse  grave,  unless  the  consti  rnaiiou  they  felt  hiiulervd 
 them  ;  ai>d  yet  were  *o  far  from  being  consinml  by  it  thi  inselvi-s 
 that  thcr  Were  hin-d  to  belie  him,  and  lo  hinder  others  from  be¬ 
 lieving  "in  him.  'Hjc  rami  tensihle  evidence  will  mH  convince 
 men  without  the  concurnng  ojieratioiis  of  the  holy  Spirit. 
 
 16—20.  This  evangelist  passeth  over  several  other  appearancts 
 of  Christ  recorded  by  Luke  ai  d  John,  and  hastens  to  this,  w  hich 
 was  of  all  others  the  most  solemn,  as  being  promised  and  appoinlrtl 
 again  and  again  before  his  death,  and  alter  his  resurrection. 
 serve  how  the  disciples  attended  his  ap|K-arance,  according  to  the 
 apuoiniincni.  l6.  They  went  into  Galikv,  a  longjourm  v  In  go  lor 
 one  sight  of  Christ,  but  it  was  vvonh  while.  I  hey  had  si-en  him 
 several  times  at  Jerusalem,  an<l  yet  they  went  into  Oalilec  to  u^e 
 
 him  there.  . 
 
 In  oja  ning  this  great  charter  we  may  obsi  ne  two  thinw,  first, 
 Tlie  commission  which  our  laird  Jesus  received  himself  from  the 
 Father:  bi-ing  about  to  authorize  his  apostles,  if  any  ask  by  what 
 authority  he  doth  it,  and  who  gave  him  that  authority  ?  here  he 
 tells  us,  .All  power  is  given  unto  me  in  heaven,  and  in  earth  ;  a  vers 
 great  word,  and  which  none  but  he  couhl  say.  Hereby  he  averts 
 his  universal  dominion  as  Mi-dlator,  which  is  the  great  foundation 
 of  the  Christian  religion.  He  has  all  power.  Where  he  li^  this 
 power,  in  heaven  and  earth,  compri-hending  the  universe.  Chnst 
 IS  the  sole  universal  monarch,  he  is  Lord  of  all.  Acts  x.  36.  S*- 
 
 cortd,  'I’be  commission  he  gives  to  those  whoin  he  »nl  forth.  t>o 
 ye  therefore.  'I'his  comniission  is  given,  tirst,  lo  the  aposiW 
 primarily,  the  chief  ministers  of  state  in  Christ’s  kingdom,  the 
 architects  that  laid  the  loundaiion  of  the  church:  second,  It  is 
 given  lo  their  succi’ssors,  the  ministers  of  the  gosjiel,  whose 
 ness  it  is  lo  transmit  the  gos|i«l  from  age  to  ag<-,  to  tlic  end  of  the 
 world  tn  lime,  as  it  was  theirs  to  ira&smU  it  from  nation  lo  nation, 
 
 |lHt>  (liililrP,  iiilt)  it  itifitiiiluiii  tthrir  .Ii*mi* 
 liiiii  uppuliilrtl  tlif'iii. 
 
 17  Anti  wlifii  lliry  miw  liim,  tliry  worshi|>- 
 peti  liiiii :  lull  Htnnr  tloulitnl. 
 
 18  ^  Anti  filllir  iiiitl  apiikc  Ullto 
 
 llifin,  !*ayin|',  .Ml  powt-r  is  j»ivcn  unlo  me  in 
 heaven  anti  in  earlh. 
 
 Ip  (Jo  ve,  iherelhrc,  anti  leaeli  all  nations, 
 haplizin"  them  in  llie  name  ol  the  rather, 
 mnl  of  the  .Son,  anti  of  the  Holy  (ihoal  : 
 
 ‘>0  'leaching  them  to  oliMrie  all  thin<,;s 
 whatsoever  1  have  eommanilcil  you:  and,  lu„ 
 
 I  am  with  vou  alway,  rtr/i  unlo  the  end  ol 
 the  world.  Amen. _ _  _ _ 
 
 lo  the  end  ol  ihe  world  in  pUcr,  and  no  h  ss  r»rc«-*vary.  The  Old 
 IVsiaimiit  prnmive  ut  a  g.«|a  1  niiiiistry  is  made  to  a  sucriiuoa. 
 Ua.  Iix.  21,  and  this  Iw-rv  mu'l  la-  so  undi-istiaid,  otlicrwisf  how 
 could  Christ  bi-  with  ihiin  always  to  the  consumination  ui  the 
 woild.  Christ  at  his  ascriivion  gave  not  only  afaislhs  and  pro¬ 
 phets,  but  pastors  and  teacin  rs,  Lph.  lv.  11.  Now  obw  rve,  how 
 far  his  commission  is  extendicl ;  lo  all  nations.  Co  zml  di^xiple 
 ali  nations,  n<*t  that  they  must  go  altogether  mlo  every  place,  but 
 bv  consent  disp<-rs«-  theiiiKlves  in  such  manner  as  inigbt  U-sIdifluse 
 tlie  llgltf  of  the  gos|K  1.  , 
 
 'I'heir  in'truciions  for  executing  of  this  commission  :  first.  l  uev 
 must  admit  ilisciph-s  by  the  sacnil  rile  of  ba|>Usiu  :  sKond, 'I  his 
 baptism  must  be  administen-d  in  the  name  of  the  Lather,  aivd  of 
 the  Son,  and  of  the  Holv  tihost;  that  is  by  aulhoniy  lioin  ibe 
 Lather,  Son,  and  Holy  (ihost;  the  ba|ilism  of  Ji-sus  is  fiom  hea¬ 
 ven,  and  not  of  man  :  for  his  ininisters  act  by  aulliunty  Iron*  ihr 
 thrtr  Persons  in  the  Godhead,  who  all  concur,  as  to  our  cnaiiou, 
 so  to  our  n-deinplion ,  they  have  tln  ir  commission  utuler  the 
 great  sial  of  heaven,  which  puls  an  honour  ujam  the  urdioance. 
 though  lo  a  carnal  eve,  like  him  that  instilutixl  it,  it  has  no  form  or 
 comeliness :  third,  Thoae  that  are  llius  bapliH-d  and  enndlevl 
 among  the  disciplw  of  Christ,  must  Ik-  taught,  20,  Teaching  them 
 to  rrbsiTve  all  things,  whatsTK-ver  I  have  commanded  you.  Here  is 
 the  assurance  he  giv«-s  them  of  his  spiritual  pri-s»-ncr  with  iLeiii  in 
 the  execution  of  his  commissiou.  And  lo,  1  am  with  you  always, 
 even  unto  the  end  of  the  world. 
 
 There  is  one  word  more  nmaining  which  must  not  be  over¬ 
 looked,  and  that  is.  Amen  ;  which  is  not  a  cypher,  intended  only 
 fiir  a  concluding  word,  liki-  tinis  at  the  i-nd  ol  a  bock,  but  it  has  its 
 significancy.  U  speaks  Christ’s  confirmation  of  this  proniitre,  Izi. 
 1  am  with  you.  It  is  his  .Amen,  in  whom  all  the  promise  are  >  e» 
 and  Amen.  Let  us  heartilv  sav  Amen  lo  it ;  U-Jievr  that  it  shall 
 be  so,  and  prav  that  it  may  ’be  so :  I»rd,  Ilemember  this  word  un¬ 
 lo  thy  servants,  jpon  which  thou  hast  caused  ut  to  hope. 
 
THE  GOSPEL  ACCORDING  TO 
 
 ST.  M  A  R  K. 
 
 iVe  have  heard  the  evidence  given  in  by  the  first  witness  to  the  doctrine  and  miracles  of  our  Lord  Jesus ;  and  now  here  is  another  wit- 
 ness  produced,  who  calls  for  onr  attention.  The  second  living  creature  saith,  Come  and  see,  Rev.  vi.  3.  Now  let  us  enquire  a  little' 
 (1 .)  Concerning  this  w itness.  His  name  is  Mark.  Marcus  was  a  Roman  name,  and  a  very  common  one,  and  vet  we  have  no  reason 
 to  think,  but  that  he  was  bv  birth  a  Jew.  It  is  a  tradition  very  current  among  the  ancients,  that  St.  Mark  wrote  this  Gospel  under 
 the  direction  ot  St.  Peter,  and  tliat  it  was  confirmed  by  his  authority.  But  as  Dr.  Whitby  very  well  suggests,  what  m  ed  we  have  re- 
 cou^rse  to  rfie  li^uthority  ot  Peter  tor  the  support  of  this  Gospel,  or  to  say  with  St.  Jerom,  that  Peter  approved  of  it,  and  recommended 
 it  by  his  authority  to  the  church  to  be  read,  when,  though  it  is  true  Mark  was  no  apostle,  yet  we  have  all  the  reason  in  the  world 
 to  think,  that  both  he  and  Luke  were  of  the  number  of  'he  seventy  disciples  who  companied  with  the  apostles  all  along  Acts  i  21 
 ^.)  Concerning  this  testimony.  Mark's  Gospel,  1.  is  but  short,  much  shorter  than  Matthew’s,  not  giving  so  full  an  account  of 
 Christ  s  se-mons  as  that  did,  but  insisting  cliiefly  on  his  miracles.  2.  It  is  very  much  a  repetition  of  what  we  had  in  Maithew  many 
 remarkable  circumstances  being  added  to  the  stories  there  related,  but  not  many  new  matters.  It  was  fit  that  such  great  things  as 
 these  should  be  spoken  and  written  once,  yea,  twice,  because  man  is  so  unapt  to  perceive  them,  and  so  apt  to  forget  them.  This 
 Gospel  was  written  in  Greek,  as  was  St.  Paul’s  Epistle  to  the  Romans,  the  Greek  being  the  more  universal  language. 
 
 CHAP.  I. 
 
 John  Baptist’s  office,  1.  Jesus  baptized,  9.  He  is  temple  I,  12. 
 Preacheth,  14.  Calleth  Peter  and  others,  l6,  and  cureth 
 many,  32. 
 
 rjHHE  beginning  of  the  gospel  of  Jesus 
 -*■  Christ,  the  Son  of  God  ; 
 
 2  As  it  is  written  in  the  prophets,  Behold, 
 I  send  my  messenger  before  thy  face,  which 
 shall  prepare  thy  way  before  thee. 
 
 3  The  voice  of  one  crying  in  the  wilder¬ 
 ness,  Prepare  ye  the  way  of  the  Lord,  make 
 his  paths  strait. 
 
 4  John  did  baptize  in  the  wilderness,  and 
 preach  the  baptism  of  repentance  for  the  re¬ 
 mission  of  sins. 
 
 5  And  there  w^nt  out  unto  him  all  the 
 land  of  Judea,  and  they  of  Jerusalem,  and 
 were  all  baptized  of  him  in  the  river  of  Jor¬ 
 dan,  confessing  their  sins. 
 
 6  And  John  was  clothed  with  camels" 
 hair,  and  with  a  girdle  of  a  skin  about  his 
 
 CHAP.  I.  1 — 8.  Malachi,  in  whom  we  had  the  Old  Testament 
 farewell,  spoke  very  plainly,  chap.  iii.  1,  concerning  John  Baptist, 
 who  was  to  give  the  New  Testament  welcome.  Behold  I  send  my 
 messenger  before  thy  face,  v,  2.  Christ  himself  had  taken  notice  of 
 this,  and  applied  it  to  John,  Matt.  xi.  10,  who  was  God’s  mes¬ 
 senger  sent  to  prepare  Christ’s  way.  »2.  In  John’s  preaching  and 
 baptizing,  there  was  the  beginning  of  the  gospel  doctrines  and  or¬ 
 dinances,  and  the  first  fruits  of  them.  He  preached  the  remission 
 of  sins,  which  is  the  great  gospel  privilege,  shewed  people  their 
 .3Q4 
 
 loins :  and  he  did  eat  locusts  and  wild  ho¬ 
 ney  ; 
 
 7  And  preached,  saying,  I'hcre  cometh 
 one  mightier  than  I  after  me,  the  latchet  of 
 whose  shoes  I  am  not  worthy  to  stoop  down 
 and  unloose. 
 
 8  I  indeed  have  baptized  you  with  water : 
 but  he  shall  baptize  you  with  the  Holy 
 Ghost. 
 
 9  f  And  it  came  to  pass  in  those  days  that 
 Jesus  came  from  Nazareth  of  Galilee,  and 
 was  baptized  of  John  in  Jordan. 
 
 10  And  straightway,  coming  up  out  of 
 the  water,  he  saw  the  heavens  opened,  and 
 the  Spirit,  like  a  dove,  descending  upon  him: 
 
 1 1  And  there  came  a  voice  from  heaven, 
 saying.  Thou  art  my  beloved  Son,  in  whom 
 1  am  well  pleased. 
 
 12  And  immediately  the  spirit  driveth 
 him  into  the  wilderness. 
 
 need  of  it,  that  they  were  undone  without  it,  and  that  it  might  be 
 obtained.  He  preached  repentance  in  order  to  it;  he  told  people 
 that  there  must  be  a  renovation  of  their  hearts,  and  a  reformation 
 of  their  lives,  that  they  must  forsake  their  sins  and  turn  to  God, 
 and  upon  those  terms,  and  no  other,  their  sins  should  be  forgiven. 
 Repentance  for  the  remission  of  sins  was  what  the  apostles  were 
 commissioned  to  preach  to  all  nations,  Luke  xxiv.  47. 
 
 See  notes  on  Matt.  iii.  1 — 6,  and  Matt.  iii.  13 — 17. 
 
 9 — 13.  Mark  observes  this  circumstance  ot  his  being  in  the  wil- 
 
CHAP.  I. 
 
 13  And  he  was  there  in  the  wilderness 
 forty  days  tempted  of  Satan  ;  and  was  with 
 the  wild  beasts  :  and  the  angels  ministered 
 unto  him. 
 
 14  ^  No  w  after  that  John  was  put  ini 
 prison,  Jesus  came  into  Galilee,  preaching 
 the  gospel  of  the  kingdom  of  God. 
 
 15  And  saying,  The  time  is  fulfilled,  and 
 the  kingdom  of  God  is  at  hand  :  repent  ye, 
 and  believe  the  gospel. 
 
 16  ^  Now  as  he  walked  by  the  sea  of 
 Galilee,  he  saw  Simon,  and  Andrew  his 
 brother,  casting  a  net  into  the  sea  :  (for  they 
 were  fishers  :) 
 
 17  And  Jesus  said  unto  them.  Come  ye 
 after  me,  and  I  will  make  you  to  become 
 fishers  of  men. 
 
 18  And  straightway  they  forsook  their 
 nets,  and  followed  him. 
 
 19  And  when  he  had  gone  a  little  farther 
 thence,  he  saw  James  Me  son  of  Zebedee,and 
 John  his  brother,  who  also  were  in  the  ship 
 mending  their  nets. 
 
 20  And  straightway  he  called  them  :  and 
 they  left  their  father  Zebedee  in  the  ship 
 with  the  hired  servants,  and  went  after 
 him 
 
 21  And  they  went  into  Capernaum;  and 
 straightway  on  the  sabbath-day  he  entered 
 into  the  synagogue  and  taught. 
 
 22  And  they  were  astonished  at  his  doc¬ 
 trine  ;  for  he  taught  them  as  one  that  had 
 authority,  and  not  as  the  scribes. 
 
 23  ^  And  there  was  in  their  synagogue  a 
 man  with  an  unclean  spirit :  and  he  cried 
 out, 
 
 24  Saying,  Let  us  alone ;  what  have  we 
 to  do  with  thee,  thou  Jesus  of  Nazareth? 
 
 derness,  that  he  was  with  the  wild  beasts.  It  was  an  instance  of 
 his  Father’s  care  of  him,  that  he  was  preserved  from  being  torn  in 
 pieces  by  the  wild  beasts,  which  encouraged  him  the  more,  that  his 
 Father  would  provide  for  him  when  he  was  hungr3%  Special  pro¬ 
 tections  are  earnests  of  seasonable  supplies. 
 
 See  notes  on  Matt.  iv.  1 — 11. 
 
 14 — 22.  Christ  did  not  preach  as  the  scribes  who  expounded  the 
 law  of  Moses  by  rote,  but  were  neither  acquainted  with  it,  nor  af¬ 
 fected  with  it ;  it  came  not  Sro  n  the  heart,  and  ttierefore  came  not 
 with  authority.  But  Christ  taught  as  one  that  had  authority,  as  one 
 mat  knew  the  mind  of  God,  and  was  commissioned  to  declare  it. 
 There  is  much  in  the  doctrine  of  Christ  that  is  astonishing;  the 
 more  we  hear  it,  the  more  cause  we  shall  see  to  admire  it. 
 
 See  notes  on  Matt.  iv.  12—28.^ 
 
 This  passage  was  not  related  in  Matthew,  but  is  after¬ 
 wards  in  Luke  v.  23.  The  victory  which  Jesus  Christ  obtained 
 
 art  thou  come  to  destroy  us  ?  I  know  thee 
 who  thou  art,  the  Holy  One  of  God. 
 
 25  And  Jesus  rebuked  him,  saying.  Hold 
 thy  peace,  and  come  out  of  him. 
 
 26  And  when  the  unclean  spirit  had  torn 
 him,  and  cried  with  a  loud  voice,  he  came 
 out  of  him. 
 
 27  And  they  Avere  all  amazed,  insomuch 
 that  they  questioned  among  themselves, 
 saying.  What  thing  is  this  ?  what  new  doc¬ 
 trine  is  this  ?  for  with  authority  commandeth 
 he  even  the  unclean  spirits,  and  they  do 
 obey  him. 
 
 28  And  immediately  his  fame  spread 
 abroad  throughout  all  the  region  round  about 
 Galilee. 
 
 29  %  And  forthwith,  when  they  were  come 
 out  of  the  synagogue^  they  entered  into  the 
 house  of  Simon  and  Andrew,  with  James 
 and  John.  - 
 
 30  But  Simonas  wife’s  mother  lay  sick  of  a 
 fever  ;  and  anon  they  tell  him  of  her. 
 
 31*  And  he  came  and  took  her  by  the 
 hand  and  lifted  her  up;  and  immediately  the 
 fever  left  her,  and  she  ministered  unto  them. 
 
 32  f  And  at  even,  when  the  sun  did  set, 
 they  brought  unto  him  all  that  were  diseas¬ 
 ed,  and  them  that  were  possessed  with  devils. 
 
 33  And  all  the  city  was  gathered  together 
 at  the  door. 
 
 34  And  he  healed  many  that  w’ere  sick  of 
 diverse  diseases,  and  cast  out  many  devils  : 
 and  suffered  not  the  devils  to  speak,  because 
 they  knew  him. 
 
 35  ^  And  in  the  morning,  rising  up  a 
 great  while  before  day,  he  went  out,  and 
 departed  into  a  solitary  place,  and  there 
 prayed. 
 
 over  the  unclean  spirits  made  a  deep  impression  upon  the  minds  of 
 the  people,  27,  28,  so  that  it  was  universally  concluded  that  he 
 was  a  teacher  come  from  God,  and  under  that  external  pomp  and 
 power,  which  the  Jews  expected  their  Messiah  to  appear  in  ;  and 
 thus  he  prepared  his  own  way,  now  John,  who  was  his  harbinger, 
 was  clapt  up;  and  the  fame  of  this  miracle  spread  the  further, 
 because  as  jet  the  Pharisees,  who  envied  his  fame,  and  laboured 
 to  eclipse  it,  had  not  advanced  their  blasphemous  suggestion,  that 
 he  cast  out  devils  by  compact  with  the  prince  of  the  devils. 
 
 29 — 39.  Though  Christ  was  glorifying  God,  and  doing  good  in  his 
 public  work,  yet  he  found  time  to  be  alone  with  his  Father  :  and 
 thus  it  became  him  to  fulfil  all  lighteousness.  The  time  when  Christ 
 prayed.  It  was  in  the  morning,  the  morning  after  the  Sabbath-day. 
 This  morning  was  the  morning  of  the  first  day  of  the  week,  which 
 afterwards  he  sanctified,  and  made  remarkable  by  another  sort  of 
 rising  early. 
 
 39s 
 
ST.  MAPxK. 
 
 And  Simon,  and  they  that  nere  with 
 him,  I’ollowod  alter  him. 
 
 37  And  when  they  had  found  him,  they 
 said  unto  him.  All  wi^n  seek  tor  thee. 
 
 38  And  he  said  unto  them,  Lotus  jro  into 
 the  next  towns,  that  1  may  preaeh  there 
 also  :  I'or  therefore  came  1  forth. 
 
 39  And  he  preacdied  in  their  synagofrues 
 throughout  all  (Jalilee,  and  cast  out  devils. 
 
 40  And  there  came  a  leper  to  him,  be¬ 
 seeching  him,  and  kneeling  down  to  him, 
 and  saving  unto  him,  If  thou  wilt  thou  canst 
 make  me  clean 
 
 41  And  Jesus,  moved  with  compassion, 
 jnit  forth  his  hand  and  touched  him,  and 
 said  unto  him,  I  will;  be  thou  clean. 
 
 4^  And  as  soon  as  he  had  spoken,  im¬ 
 mediately  the  leprosy  departed  from  him 
 and  he  was  cleansed. 
 
 43  And  he  straitly  charged  him,  and  forth¬ 
 with  sent  him  away  ; 
 
 44  And  saith  unto  him,  See  thou  say  no¬ 
 thing  to  any  man  ;  but  go  thy  way,  shew 
 thyself  to  the  priest,  and  offer  for  thy  cleans- 
 inor  those  things  which  Moses  commanded, 
 for  a  testimony  unto  them. 
 
 45  But  he  went  out,  and  began  to  pub¬ 
 lish  it  much,  and  to  blaze  abroad  the  mat¬ 
 ter,  insomuch  that  Jesus  could  no  more 
 openly  enter  into  the  city,  but  was  without 
 in  desert  places  ;  and  they  came  to  him  from 
 every  quarter. 
 
 CHAP.  II. 
 
 I.  Christ  heals.  II.  He  calls  Matthew,  13—17.  HI.  Hd  justifies 
 
 40 — 45.  AVe  have  here  the  story  of  Christ’s  cleansing  of  a  leper, 
 which  we  had  before,  Matt.  viii.  2,  and  it  teaches  us,  1.  How  to 
 apply  ourselves  to  Christ ;  Corneas  this  leper  did,  with  great  hu¬ 
 mility;  this  leper  came  beseeching  him,  and  kneeling  down  to 
 him," 40.  2.  What  to  expect  from  Christ;  that  according  to 
 
 our  faith  itshaH  be  tous.  His  address  it  not  in  the  form  of  prayer, 
 yet  Christ  answered  it  as  a  request.  Aftectionatc  professions  of 
 faith  in  Christ,  and  resignations  to  him,  are  the  most  prevailing  pe¬ 
 titions  for  mercy  from  him,  and  shall  speed  accordingly.  3.  What 
 to  do  when  we  nave  received  mercy  from  Christ.  We  must  with 
 his  favours  rccciw  his  commands.  When  Christ  had  cured  him, 
 he  strictly  charged  him.  I  am  apt  to  think  this  refers  not  to  the 
 directions  he  gave  him  to  conceal  it,  44,  for  those  are  mentioned 
 by  themselves ;  but  that  this  was  such  a  charge  as  he  gave  to  the 
 impotent  man  whom  he  cured,  John  v.  14,  Go,  sin  no  more,  lost 
 a  worse  thing  come  to  thee;  for  the  leprosy  was  ordinarily  the  pu¬ 
 nishment  of  some  particular  sinners  in  Miriam’s,  Gohazi’s,  and 
 Uzziah's  case  ;  now  when  Christ  healed  him,  he  warned  him,  he 
 threatened  him  with  the  fatal  consequences  of  it,  if  he  should  re¬ 
 turn  to  sin  again.  He  also  appointed  him  to  shew  himself  to  the 
 priest,  that  the  priest  by  his  own  judgment  of  this  leper  might  be 
 a  witness  for  Cnrist  that  he  was  the  Messiah,  Matt.  xi.  5.  Till  he 
 had  done  that,  not  to  say  any  thing  of  it  to  any  man  :  This  is  an 
 39(i 
 
 his  disciples  in  not  fasting  so  much  as  (hose  of  the  Pharise<-8  did, 
 IS— 22.  IV.  lie  justilies  them  in  plucking  the  ears  of  corn, 
 23—28. 
 
 A  NO  again  he  entered  into  Capernaum 
 at‘ler5o//te  days  ;  and  it  was  noised  that 
 he  was  in  the  house. 
 
 2  And  straightway  many  were  gathered 
 together,  insomuch  that  there  was  no  room 
 to  receive  them,  no,  not  so  much  as  about 
 the  door;  and  he  preached  the  word  unto 
 them. 
 
 3  ^  And  they  come  unto  him,  bringing 
 one  sick  of  the  palsy,  which  was  borne  of 
 four. 
 
 4  And  when  thev  could  not  come  nifrh 
 unto  him  for  the  press,  they  uncovered  the 
 roof  where  he  was :  and  when  they  had 
 broken  it  up,  they  let  down  the  bed  wherein 
 the  sick  of  the  palsy  lay. 
 
 5  When  Jesus  saw  their  faith  he  said  unto 
 the  sick  of  the  palsy.  Son,  thy  sins  be  forgiven 
 thee. 
 
 6  But  there  were  certain  of  the  scribes 
 sitting  there,  and  reasoning  in  their  hearts. 
 
 7  Why  doth  this  nicni  thus  speak  blasphe¬ 
 mies  ?  who  can  forgive  sins  but  God  only  ? 
 
 8  And  immediately,  when  Jesus  perceived 
 in  his  spirit  that  they  so  reasoned  within 
 themselves,  he  said  unto  them.  Why  reason 
 ye  these  things  in  your  hearts  ? 
 
 9  Whether  is  it  easier  to  say  to  the  sick  of 
 the  palsy,  Thy  sins  be  forgiven  thee ;  or  to 
 say.  Arise,  and  take  up  thy  bed  and  walk? 
 
 10  But  that  ye  may  know  that  the  Son 
 
 — — — I—  !■  ■■  I.  .  ■  I  —  ■  II  I 
 
 instance  of  the  humility  of  Christ,  and  his  self-denial,  that  he  did 
 not  seek  his  own  honour,  did  not  strive  or  cry,  Isa.  xlii.  2.  And 
 it  is  an  example  to  us  not  to  seek  our  own  glory,  Prov.  xxv.  27- 
 What  to  think  of  the  leper’s  publishing  it,  and  blazing  it  abroad, 
 I  know  not;  the  concealment  of  the  good  characters,  and  good 
 works  of  good  men,  better  become  them  than  their  friends ;  nor 
 are  we  always  bound  by  the  modest  commands  of  humble  men. 
 The  leper  ought  to  have  observed  his  orders,  yet  no  doubt  it  was 
 with  a  good  design  that  he  proclaimed  the  cure,  and  it  had  no 
 other  ill  effect  but  that  it  increased  the  multitudes  that  followed 
 Christ,  to  that  degree,  that  he  could  no  more  openly  enter  into  the 
 city  ;  not  upon  the  account  of  persecution,  there  was  no  danger  of 
 that  yet,  but  because  the  crowd  was  so  groat,  that  the  streets 
 would  not  hold  them,  which  obliged  him  to  go  into  desert  places, 
 to  a  mountain,  chap.  iii.  13,  to  the  sea-side,  chap.  iv.  1.  'Phis 
 shews  how  expedient  it  was  for  us  that  Christ  should  go  away, 
 and  send  the  comforter,  for  his  bodily  presence  could  be  but  in 
 one  place  at  a  time :  and  those  that  Came  to  him  from  every  quar¬ 
 ter  could  not  get  near  him  ;  but  by  his  spiritual  presence  he  is 
 with  his  people  wherever  they  are,  and  comes  to  them  to  every 
 quarter. 
 
 CHAP.  II.  1 — 12.  Sec  Matt.  ix. 
 
 13 — 28.  T.  18 — 22  Sec  notes  on  Matt.  ix.  14 — 18. 
 
.  CHAP.  III. 
 
 of  man  hath  power  on  earth  to  forgive  sins, 
 (he  saith  to  the  sick  of  the  palsy,) 
 
 11  I  say  unto  thee,  Arise,  and  take  up 
 thy  bed,  and  go  thy  way  into  thine  house. 
 
 12  And  immediately  he  arose,  took 
 up  the  bed,  atul  went  forth  before  them  all : 
 insomuch  that  they  were  all  amazed,  and 
 glorified  God,  saying.  We  never  saw  it  on 
 this  fashion, 
 
 13  ^  And  he  went  forth  again  by  the  sea¬ 
 side  ;  and  all  the  multitude  resorted  unto 
 him,  and  he  taught  them. 
 
 14  And  as  he  passed  by,  he  saw  Levi,  the 
 son  of  Alphcus,  sitting  at  the  receipt  of  cus¬ 
 tom,  and  said  unto  him.  Follow  me.  And 
 he  arose  and  followed  him. 
 
 15  %  And  it  came  to  pass,  that,  as  Jesus 
 sat  at  meat  in  his  house,  many  publicans 
 and  sinners  sat  also  together  with  Jesus  and 
 his  disci jdes ;  for  there  were  many,  and  they 
 followed  him 
 
 16  And  when  the  scribes  and  Pharisees 
 saw  him  eat  with  publicans  and  sinners,  they 
 said  unto  his  disciples.  How  is  it  that  he  eat- 
 ethand  drinketh  with  publicans  and  sinners? 
 
 17  When  Jesus  heard  it  he  saith  unto 
 them.  They  that  are  whole  have  no  need  of 
 the  physician,  but  they  that  are  sick  :  I  came 
 not  to  call  the  righteous,  but  sinners,  to  re¬ 
 pentance. 
 
 18  f  And  the  disciples  of  John  and  of  the 
 Pharisees  used  to  fast :  and  they  come  and 
 say  unto  him.  Why  do  the  disciples  of  John 
 and  of  the  Pharisees  fast,  but  thy  disciples 
 fast  not  ? 
 
 19  And  Jesus  said  unto  them.  Can  the 
 children  of  the  bride-chamber  fast  while  the 
 bridegroom  is  with  them  ?  as  long  as  they 
 have  the  bridegroom  with  them  they  cannot 
 fast. 
 
 20  But  the  days  will  come  when  the  bride¬ 
 groom  shall  be  taken  away  from  them,  and 
 then  shall  they  fast  in  those  days. 
 
 21  No  man  also  seweth  a  piece  of  new 
 cloth  on  an  old  garment;  else  the  new  piece 
 that  filled  it  up  taketh  awliy  from  the  old, 
 and  the  rent  is  made  worse. 
 
 22  And  no  man  puttethnew  wine  into  old 
 
 V.  23 — 28.  See  notes  on  Matt,  xii,  1 — 8. 
 
 bottles  ;  else  the  new  wine  doth  burst  the 
 bottles,  and  the  wine  is  spilled,  and  the 
 bottles  will  be  marred  :  but  new  wine  must 
 be  put  into  new  bottles. 
 
 23  f  And  it  came  to  pass,  that  he  went 
 through  the  corn  fields  on  the  sabbath-day  ; 
 and  his  disciples  began,  as  they  went,  to 
 pluck  the  ears  of  corn. 
 
 24  And  the  Pharisees  said  unto  him.  Be¬ 
 hold,  why  do  they  on  the  sabbath-day  that 
 which  is  not  lawful  ? 
 
 25  And  he  said  unto  them,  Have  'ye  ne¬ 
 ver  read  what  David  did  when  he  had  need, 
 and  was  an  hungered,  he,  and  they  that  were 
 with  him  ? 
 
 26  How  he  went  into  the  house  of  God 
 in  the  days  of  Abiathar  the  high  priest,  and 
 did  eat  the  shew-bread,  which  is  not  lawful 
 to  eat  but  for  the  priests,  and  gave  also  to 
 them  which  were  with  him  : 
 
 27  And  he  said  unto  them.  The  sabbath 
 was  made  for  man,  and  not  man  for  the  sab¬ 
 bath  : 
 
 28  Therefore  the  Son  of  man  is  Lord  also 
 of  the  sabbath. 
 
 CHAP.  III. 
 
 I.  Christ  healing  the  man  that  had  a  withered  hand,  1 — 6.  II. 
 
 The  universal  resort  of  people  to  him,  7 — 12.  III.  His  ordain¬ 
 ing  his  twelve  apostles,  13 — 21.  IV.  His  answer  to  the  blasphe¬ 
 mous  cavil  of  the  scribes,  22 — 30.  V.  His  owning  his  disciples 
 
 for  his  dearest  relations,  31 — 35. 
 
 A  ND  he  entered  again  into  the  syna- 
 gogue ;  and  there  was  a  man  there 
 which  had  a  withered  hand. 
 
 2  And  they  watched  him,  whether  he 
 would  heal  him  on  the  sabbath-day ;  that 
 they  might  accuse  him. 
 
 3  And  he  saith  unto  the  man  which  had 
 the  withered  hand.  Stand  forth. 
 
 4  And  he  saith  unto  them,  Is  it  lawful  to 
 do  good  on  the  sabbath-days,  or  to  do  evil  ? 
 to  save  life,  or  to  kill?  But  they  held  their 
 peace. 
 
 5  And  when  he  had  looked  round  about 
 on  them  with  anger,  being  grieved  for  the 
 hardness  of  their  hearts,  he  saith  unto  the 
 man.  Stretch  forth  thine  hand.  And  he 
 stretched  it  out :  and  his  hand  was  restored 
 whole  as  the  other. 
 
 CH.^P.  III.  1 — 12.  Compare  with  Matt.  xii.  9 — 16. 
 
 397 
 
ST.  MARK. 
 
 6  ^  And  the  Pharisees  went  forth,  and 
 straio^htway  took  counsel  with  the  Herodians 
 against  him,  how  they  might  destroy  him. 
 
 7  But  Jesus  withdrew  himselt  with  his 
 disciples  to  the  sea :  and  a  great  multitude 
 from  Galilee  followed  him,  and  from  Ju 
 dea, 
 
 8  And  from  Jerusalem,  and  from  Idumea, 
 
 andyro?w  beyond  Jordan  ;  and  they  about 
 Tyre  and  Sidon,  a  great  multitude,  when 
 they  had  heard  what  great  things  he  did, 
 came  unto  him. 
 
 9  And  he  spake  to  his  disciples,  that  a 
 small  ship  should  wait  on  him  because  ot 
 the  multitude,  lest  they  should  throng  him. 
 
 10  For  he  had  healed  many  ;  insomuch 
 that  they  pressed  upon  him  tor  to  touch  him 
 
 as  many  as  had  plagues. 
 
 11  And  unclean  spirits,  when  they  saw 
 him,  fell  down  before  him,  and  cried,  saying, 
 Thou  art  the  Son  of  God. 
 
 1 2  And  he  straitly  charged  them  that  they 
 
 should  not  make  him  known. 
 
 13  ^  And  he  goeth  up  into  a  mountain, 
 and  calleth  unto  him  whom  he  would.  And 
 
 they  came  unto  him. 
 
 14  And  he  ordained  twelve,  that  they 
 should  be  with  him,  and  that  he  might  send 
 
 them  forth  to  preach,  ,  .  , 
 
 15  And  to  have  power  to  heal  sicknesses, 
 
 and  to  cast  out  devils  : 
 
 16  And  Simon  he  surnamed  Peter ; 
 
 17  And  James  the  son  of  Zebedee,  and 
 John  the  brother  of  James;  (and  h^e  surnam¬ 
 ed  them  Boanerges,  which  is,  Ihe  sons  ot 
 
 thunder :)  ^ 
 
 18  And  Andrew,  and  Philip,  and  Bar 
 tholomew,  and  Matthew,  and  Thomas,  and 
 James  the  son  of  Alpheus,  and  fhaddeus, 
 
 and  Simon  the  Canaanite, 
 
 19  And  Judas  Iscariot,  which  also  be¬ 
 trayed  him  :  and  they  wen-t  into  an  house. 
 
 20  %  And  the  multitude  cometh  together 
 
 again,  so  that  they  could  not  so  much  as  eat  • 
 liread. 
 
 21  And  when  his  friends  heard  of  it,  they 
 went  out  to  lay  hold  on  him  ;  for  they  said, 
 He  is  beside  himself. 
 
 22  ^  And  the  scribes  which  came  down 
 from  Jerusalem  said.  He  hath  Beelzebub, 
 and  by  the  prince  of  the  devils  casteth  he  out 
 devils. 
 
 23  And  he  called  them  unto  him,  and  said 
 unto  them  in  parables,  How  can  Satan  cast 
 
 out  Satan  ?  ... 
 
 24  And  if  a  kingdom  be  divided  against 
 
 itself,  that  kingdom  cannot  stand. 
 
 25  And  if  a  house  be  divided  against  it¬ 
 self,  that  house  cannot  stand. 
 
 26  And  if  Satan  rise  up  against  himself, 
 and  be  divided,  he  cannot  stand,  but  hath 
 
 an  end.  ^  ^ 
 
 27  No  man  can  enter  into  a  strongmans 
 house,  and  spoil  his  goods,  except  he  will 
 first  bind  the  strong  man ;  and  then  he  will 
 spoil  his  house. 
 
 28  Verily  I  say  unto  you.  Ail  sms  shall 
 be  forgiven  unto  the  sons  of  men,  and  blas¬ 
 phemies  wherewith  soever  they  shall  blas¬ 
 pheme  : 
 
 29  But  he  that  shall  blaspheme  against 
 the  Holy  Ghost  hath  never  forgiveness,  but 
 is  in  danger  of  eternal  damnation  *. 
 
 30  Because  they  said.  He  hath  an  un¬ 
 clean  spirit.  _ 
 
 31  ^  There  came  then  his  brethren  and 
 
 his  mother,  and,  standing  without,  sent 
 
 unto  him,  calling  him.  ^ 
 
 32  x\nd  the  multitude  sat  about  him  ;  and 
 they  said  unto  him.  Behold,  thy  mother  and 
 thy  brethren  withoiit  seek  lor  thee. 
 
 33  And  he  answered  them,  saying,  vVho 
 is  my  mother  or  my  brethren  ? 
 
 34  And  he  looked  round  about  on  them 
 which  sat  about  him,  and  said,  Behold  my 
 mother  and  my  brethren  ! 
 
 I  o _ oi  Por  the  rest  see  IVTstt.  xviii.  1-  “i.  /  n  i  j 
 
 Whcifhis  friends  in  Capernaum  heard  how  he  was 
 
 what  pains  he  took,  they  hfniself.  Some  understand 
 
 Ti^ls 
 
 vi  4  7,  8,  and  were  willing  to  hearken  to  this  ill  A 
 
 Imne  put  upon  his  great  zeal.  The  t.ruphets  were  called  mad  kl- 
 
 398 
 
 lows  2  Kings  ix.  11.  Others  understand  it  of  a  well-meaning  care, 
 and  then  the^-  read  thus  ;  he  fainteth  ;  he  has  no  time  to  eat  bread, 
 ^nil  therefore  his  strength  will  fail  him.  They  who  go  on  with 
 and  ?  X  ^_rk  of  God,  must  expect  to  meet  with  hin- 
 
 vigour  and  ze  ^  groundless  disaffection  of  their  enemies,  and 
 
 friend,,  and  .l,ey  have  need  to  ,.and 
 
 upon  their  guard  against  both. 
 
 Su“  U  i't  i  °goK  S  aim  io  those  who  are  to,  nearl;- 
 
CHAP.  IV. 
 
 35  For  whosoever  shall  do  the  will  of  God, 
 the  same  is  my  brother,  and  my  sister,  and 
 mother. 
 
 CHAP,  IV. 
 
 In  this  chapter  we  have,  I.  The  parable  of  the  seed,  and  the  four 
 sorts  ot  ground,  25.  Of  the  seed  growing  gradually,  26— 
 29.  III.  The  grain  of  mustard -seed,  30 — 34.  Christ  stilling  a 
 
 storm,  35—41. 
 
 4ND  he  began  again  to  teach  by  the  sea¬ 
 side  :  and  there  was  gathered  unto  him 
 a  great  multitude,  so  that  he  entered  into  a 
 ship,  and  sat  in  the  sea  :  and  the  whole  mul¬ 
 titude  was  by  the  sea  on  the  land. 
 
 2  And  he  taught  them  many  things  by 
 parables,  and  said  unto  them  in  his  doctrine, 
 3  Hearken ;  Behold,  there  went  out  a 
 sower  to  sow : 
 
 4  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  he  sowed,  some 
 fell  by  the  way-side,  and  the  fowls  of  the  air 
 came  and  devoured  it  up. 
 
 5  And  some  fell  on  stony  ground,  where 
 it  had  not  much  earth  ;  and  immediately  it 
 sprang  up,  because  it  had  no  depth  of  earth  : 
 
 6  But  when  the  sun  was  up  it  was  scorch¬ 
 ed  ;  and,  because  it  had  no  root,  it  wither¬ 
 
 ed  away. 
 
 7  And  some  fell  among  thorns,  and  the 
 thorns  grew  up,  and  choaked  it,  and  it  yield¬ 
 ed  no  fruit. 
 
 8  And  other  fell  on  good  ground,  and  did 
 yield  fruit  that  sprang  up,  and  increased  ; 
 and  brought  forth,  some  thirty,  and  some 
 sixty,  and  some  an  hundred. 
 
 9  And  he  said  unto  them.  He  that  hath 
 ears  to  hear,  let  him  hear. 
 
 10  ^  And  when  he  was  alone,  they  that 
 were  about  him  with  the  twelve  asked  of  him 
 the  parable. 
 
 11  And  he  said  unto  them.  Unto  you  it 
 is  given  to  know  the  mystery  of  the  kingdom 
 of  God  ;  but  unto  them  that  are  without  all 
 these  things  are  done  in  parables  : 
 
 12  That  seeing  they  may  see,  and  not 
 perceive  ;  and  hearing  they  may  hear,  and 
 not  understand  ;  lest  at  any  time  they  should 
 be  converted,  and  their  sins  should  be  for¬ 
 given  them. 
 
 13  And  he  said  unto  them.  Know  ye  not 
 this  parable  ?  and  how  then  will  ye  know  all 
 parables  ? 
 
 14  f  The  sower  soweth  the  word. 
 
 15  And  these  are  they  by  the  way-side, 
 where  the  word  is  sown  ;  but  when  they  have 
 heard,  Satan  cometh  immediately,  and 
 taketh  away  the  word  that  was  sown  in  their 
 hearts. 
 
 lb  And  these  are  they  likewise  which  are 
 sown  on  stony  ground  ;  who,  when  they  have 
 heard  the  word,  immediately  receive  it  wdth 
 gladness  ; 
 
 17  And  have  no  root  in  themselves,  and 
 so  endure  but  for  a  time  :  afterward,  when 
 affliction  or  persecution  ariseth  for  the  word's 
 sake,  immediately  they  are  offended. 
 
 18  And  these  are  they  which  are  sown 
 among  thorns  ;  such  as  hear  the  word, 
 
 19  And  the  cares  of  this  world,  and  the 
 deceitfulness  of  riches,  and  the  lusts  of  other 
 things,  entering  in,  choke  the  word,  and  it 
 becometh  unfruitful. 
 
 20  And  these  are  they  which  are  sown  on 
 good  ground  ;  such  as  hear  the  wcJrd,  and 
 receive  it,  and  bring  forth  fruit,  some  thirty¬ 
 fold,  some  sixty,  and  some  an  hundred. 
 
 21  f  And  he  said  unto  them.  Is  a  candle 
 brought  to  be  put  under  a  bushel,  or  under  a 
 bed,  and  not  to  be  set  on  a  candlestick  ? 
 
 22  For  there  is  nothing  hid,  which  shall 
 not  be  manifested  :  neither  was  any  thing 
 kept  secret,  but  that  it  should  come  abroad. 
 
 23  If  any  man  have  ears  to  hear,  let  him 
 hear. 
 
 24  And  he  said  unto  them.  Take  heed 
 what  ye  hear.  With  what  measure  ye  mete 
 it  shall  be  measured  to  you  ;  and  unto  3mu 
 that  hear  shall  more  be  given. 
 
 25  For  he  that  hath,  to  him  shall  be  gi¬ 
 ven  ;  and  he  that  hath  not,  from  him  shall 
 be  taken  even  that  which  he  hath. 
 
 26  f  And  he  said.  So  is  the  kingdom  of 
 God,  as  if  a  man  should  cast  seed  into  the 
 
 should  sleep  and  rise  night  and 
 
 ground ; 
 
 27  And 
 
 allied  to  Christ,  and  to  have  fellowship  with  those  that  have  fel¬ 
 lowship  with  Christ;  and  woe  to  those  that  hate  and  persecute 
 Christ’s  kindred,  that  are  his  bone  and  his  flesh,  everv  one  rcsem- 
 Vol.  II.  81  3  F 
 
 bling  the  children  of  a  king,  see  Judg.  viii.  18,  19,  for  he  will  with 
 jealousy  plead  their  cause,  and  avenge  their  blood. 
 
 CHAP.  IV.  1—20.  See  Matt.  xiii.  1  —  13. 
 
 399  * 
 
ST.  MARK. 
 
 day,  and  the  seed  should  spring  and  grow 
 up,  he  knoweth  not  how. 
 
 28  For  the  earth  bringeth  forth  fruit  of 
 herself:  tirst  the  blade,  then  the  ear,  after 
 that  the  full  corn  in  the  ear. 
 
 29  But  when  the  fruit  is  brought  forth, 
 immediately  he  putteth  in  the  sickle,  because 
 the  harvest  is  eome. 
 
 30  And  he  said,  W hereunto  shall  we 
 liken  the  kinodom  of  God?  or  withwhatcom- 
 parison  shall  we  compare  it  ? 
 
 31  It  is  like  a  grain  of  mustard-seed, 
 which,  when  it  is  sown  in  the  earth,  is  less 
 than  all  the  seeds  that  be  in  the  earth  : 
 
 32  But  when  it  is  sown,  it  groweth  up^ 
 and  becometh  greater  than  all  herbs,  and 
 shooteth  out  great  branches  ;  so  that  the 
 fowls  of  the  air  may  lodge  under  the  shadow 
 of  it. 
 
 33  And  with  many  such  parables  spake 
 he  the  word  unto  them,  as  they  were  able  to 
 hear  it. 
 
 34  But  without  a  parable  spake  he  not 
 unto  them :  and  when  they  were  alone  he 
 expounded  all  things  to  his  disciples. 
 
 3o  %  And  the  same  day,  when  the  even 
 was  come,  he  saith  unto  them.  Let  us  pass- 
 over  unto  the  other  side. 
 
 36  And  wLen  they  had  sent  away  the 
 multitude,  they  took  him  even  as  he  was  in 
 the  ship.  And  there  were  also  with  him 
 other  little  ships. 
 
 ■  37  And  there  arose  a  great  storm  of  wind, 
 and  the  waves;  beat  into  the  ship,  so  that  it 
 was  now  full. 
 
 38  And  he  was  in  the  hinder  part  of  the 
 ship  asleep  on  a  pillow  :  and  they  awake 
 him,  and  say  unto  him,  Master  carest  thou 
 not  that  we  perish  ? 
 
 39'  And  he  arose  and  rebuked  the  wind  : 
 and;  said  unto  the  sea,  Peace,  be  still.  Anc 
 the  wind  ceased^  and  there  was  a  great 
 calm. 
 
 40  And  he  said  unto  them,  Why^  are  ye 
 
 21—34,  What  we  hear  doth  us  no  goodiruiless  we  considei:  it; 
 those  especially  that  are  to  teach  others,  must  themselves  be  very 
 observant  of  the  things  of  God;  must  take  notice  of  the  message 
 they  are  to  deliver,  that  they  may  be  exact.  We  must  likewise 
 take  heed  what  we  hear,  by  proving  all  things,  that  we  may  hob 
 fast  that  which  is  good.  As  we  deal  with  God,  God  will  deal  with 
 400 
 
 SO  fearful  ?  how  is  it  that  ye  have  no 
 'aith  ? 
 
 41  And  they  feared  exceedingly,  and  said 
 one  to  another.  What  manner  of  man  is  this, 
 that  even  the  wind  and  the  sea  obey  him  ? 
 
 CHAP.  V. 
 
 I.  Christ  casting  the  legion  of  devils,  1 — 20.  II.  Christ’s  heal¬ 
 ing  the  woman,  as  he  was  going  to  raise  Jairus’s  daughter  to  life. 
 21—43. 
 
 ND  they  came  over  unto  the  other  side 
 of  the  sea,  into  the  country  of  the  Ga- 
 darenes. 
 
 2  And  when  he  was  come  out  of  the  ship, 
 immediately  there  met  him,  out  of  the  tombs, 
 a  man  with  an  unclean  spirit, 
 
 3  Who  had  his  dwelling  among  the  tombs; 
 and  no  man  could  bind  him,  no,  not  with 
 chains  : 
 
 4  Because  that  he  had  been  often  bound 
 with  fetters  and  chains,  and  the  chains  had 
 been  plucked  asunder  by  him,  and  the  fet¬ 
 ters  broken  in  pieces  :  neither  could  any 
 man  tame  him. 
 
 5  And  always,  night  and  day,  he  was  in 
 the  mountains,  and  in  the  tombs,  crying, 
 and  cutting  himself  with  stones. 
 
 6  But  when  he  saw  Jesus  afar  off,  he  ran 
 and  worshipped  him, 
 
 7  And  cried  with  a  loud  voice,  and  said, 
 What  have  I  to  do  with  thee,  Jesus,  thou  Son 
 of  the  most  high  God  ?  I  adjure  thee  by  God, 
 that  thou  torment  me  not. 
 
 8  (For  he  said  unto  him.  Come  out  of  the 
 man,  thou  unclean  spirit.) 
 
 9  And  he  asked  him.  What  is  thy  name  ? 
 And  he  answered,  saying.  My  name  is  Le¬ 
 gion  :  for  we  are  many. 
 
 10  And  he  besought  him  much  that  he 
 would  not  send  them  away  out  of  the  coun- 
 try. 
 
 11  Now  there  was  there,  nigh  unto  the 
 mountains,  a  great  herd  of  swine  feeding. 
 
 12  And  all  the  devils  besought  him,  say. 
 ing.  Send  us  into  the  swine,  that  we  may  en¬ 
 ter' into  them. 
 
 us.  So  Dr.  Hammond  explains  these  words,  wkh-  that  measuie 
 you  mete,  it  shall  be  measured  tu  you.  If  you  be  faithful  servants 
 to  him,  he  will  be  a  faithful  master  to  you  :  with  the-  upright  hi 
 will  shew  himself  upright.  ... 
 
 35—41.  See  notes  on  Matt.  xiii.  24—43,  and  Matt.  viii.  23—27. 
 
 CHAP.  V.  1—20.  See  notes  on  Matt.  viii.  28—34. 
 
CHAP.  V. 
 
 and  was  nothing  bettered,  but  rather  grew 
 
 13  And  forthwith  Jesus  gave  them  leave. 
 4nd  the  unclean  spirits  went  out,  and  en¬ 
 tered  into  the  swine  ;  and  the  herd  ran  vio¬ 
 lently  down  a  steep  place  into  the  sea,  (they 
 were  about  two  thousand,)  and  were  choked 
 
 in  the  sea.  •  n  i  i 
 
 14  And  they  that  fed  »the  swine  fled,  and 
 
 told  it  in  the  city,  and  in  the  country  And 
 they  went  out  to  see  what  it  was  that  wasi 
 
 done.  ^  j  ,. 
 
 15  And  they  come  to  Jesus,  and  see  him 
 
 that  was  possessed  with  the  devil,  and  had 
 the  legion,  sitting,  and  clothed,  and  in  his 
 right  mind  ;  and  they  were  afraid. 
 
 16  And  they  that  saw  it  told  them  how  it 
 befel  to  him  that  was  possessed  with  the  de¬ 
 vil,  and  nlso  concerning  the  swine. 
 
 17  And  they  began  to  pray  him  to  depart 
 
 out  of  their  coasts.  ,  u* 
 
 18  And,  when  he  was  come  into  the  ship, 
 he  that  had  been  possessed  with  the  devil 
 prayed  him  that  he  might  be  with  him. 
 
 19  Howbeit  Jesus  suffered  him  not ;  but 
 saith  unto  him.  Go  home  to  thy  friends,  and 
 tell  them  how  great  things  the  Lord  hath 
 done  for  thee,  and  hath  had  compassion  on 
 
 thee. 
 
 ^0  And  he  departed  and  began  to  pub¬ 
 lish  in  Decapolis  how  great  things  Jesus  had 
 done  for  him  ;  and  all  mefi  did  marvel. 
 
 21  f  And  when  Jesus  was  passed  over 
 again  by  ship  unto  the  other  side,  much 
 people  gathered  unto  him  :  and  he  was  nigh 
 unto  the  sea. 
 
 22  And,  behold,  there  corneth  one  of  the 
 rulers  of  the  synagogue,  J airus  by  name : 
 and  when  he  saw  him  he  fell  at  his  feet, 
 
 23  And  besought  him  greatly,  saying. 
 My  little  daughter  lieth  at  the  point  of 
 death  ;  I  pray  thee,  come  and  lay  thy  hands 
 on  her,  that  she  may  be  healed,  and  she  shall 
 live. 
 
 24  And  Jesm  went  with  him  :  and  much 
 people  followed  him,  and  thronged  him. 
 
 25  n  And  a  certain  woman,  which  had 
 an  issue  of  blood  twelve  years, 
 
 26  And  had  suffered  many  things  of  many 
 ph3'^sicians,  and  had  spent  all  that  she  had, 
 
 worse. 
 
 27  When  she  had  heard  of  Jesus,  came 
 in  the  press  behind,  and  touched  his  gar¬ 
 ment  t 
 
 28  For  she  said,  if  I  may  touch  but  his 
 
 clothes  I  shall  be  whole. 
 
 29  And  straightway  the  fountain  of  her 
 blood  was  dried  up  ;  and  she  felt  in  her  body 
 that  she  was  healed  of  that  plague. 
 
 30  And  Jesus,  immediately  knowing  in 
 himself  that  virtue  had  gone  out  of  him, 
 turned  him  about  in  the  press,  and  said. 
 
 Who  touched  my  clothes  ?  ,  .  m 
 
 31  And  his  disciples  said  unto  him,  Ihou 
 seest  the  multitude  thronging  thee,  and  say- 
 est  thou.  Who  touched  me  ? 
 
 32  And  he  looked  round  about  to  see  her 
 that  had  done  this  thing. 
 
 33  But  the  woman,  fearing  and  trembling 
 knowing  what  was  done  in  her,  came  and 
 fell  down  before  him,  and  told  him  all  the 
 truth. 
 
 34  And  he  said  unto  her.  Daughter,  thy 
 faith  hath  made  thee  whole :  go  in  peace, 
 and  be  whole  of  thy  plague. 
 
 35  f  While  he  yet  spake,  there  came 
 from  the  ruler  of  the  synagogue’s  house  cer¬ 
 tain  which  said.  Thy  daughter  is  dead  ;  why 
 troublest  thou  the  Master  any  further  ? 
 
 36  As  soon  as  Jesus  heard  the  word  that 
 was  spoken,  he  saith  unto  the  ruler  of  the 
 synagogue.  Be  not  afraid,  only  believe. 
 
 37  And  he  suffered  no  man  to  folloAv  him, 
 save  Peter,  and  James,  and  John  the  bro¬ 
 ther  of  James. 
 
 38  And  he  corneth  to  the  house  of  the 
 ruler  of  the  synagogue,  and  seeth  the  tu¬ 
 mult,  and  them  that  wept  and  wailed 
 greatly. 
 
 39  And  when  he  v/as  come  in,  he  saith 
 unto  them.  Why  make  ye  this  ado  and 
 weep  ?  the  damsel  is  not  dead,  but  sleepeth. 
 
 40  And  they  laughed  him  to  scorn.  But 
 when  he  had  put  them  all  out,  he  taketh  the 
 father  and  the  mother  of  the  damsel,  and 
 them  that  were  with  him, -and  entereth  in 
 where  the  damsel  was  lying. 
 
 21—35.  See  Matt.  ix.  18—22. 
 
 36—43.  See  Matt.  ix.  23—26. 
 
 401 
 
ST.  MARK. 
 
 41  And  he  took  the  damsel  by  the  hand, 
 and  said  unto  her,  Talitha  cumi :  which  is, 
 being  interpreted,  Damsel,  (I  say  unto 
 thee,)  arise 
 
 42  And  straightway  the  damsel  arose  and 
 walked  ;  for  she  was  of  the  age  of  twelve 
 years.  And  they  were  astonished  with  a 
 great  astonishment. 
 
 43  And  he  charged  them  straitly  that  no 
 man  should  know  it ;  and  commanded  that 
 something  should  be  given  her  to  eat. 
 
 CHAP.  VI. 
 
 A  great  variety  of  observable  passages  concerning  our  Lord  Jesus, 
 the  substance  of  all  which  we  had  before  in  Matthew. 
 
 And  he  went  out  from  thence,  and  came 
 into  his  own  country  ;  and  his  disciples 
 follow  him. 
 
 2  And  when  the  sabbath-day  was  come, 
 he  began  to  teach  in  the  synagogue ;  and 
 many  hearing  hhn  were  astonished,  saying. 
 From  whence  hath  this  man  these  things  : 
 and  what  wisdom  is  this  which  is  given  unto 
 him,  that  even  such  mighty  works  ace 
 wrought  by  his  hands  ? 
 
 3  Is  not  this  the  carpenter,  the  son  of  Ma¬ 
 ry,  the  brother  of  James,  and  Joses,  and 
 of  Juda,  and  Simon  ?  and  are  not  his  sisters 
 here  with  us  ?  and  they  were  offended  at 
 him. 
 
 4  But  Jesus  said  unto  them,  A  prophet  is 
 not  without  honour  but  in  his  own  country, 
 and  among  his  own  kin,  and  in  his  own 
 house. 
 
 5  And  he  could  there  do  no  mighty  work, 
 save  that  he  laid  his  hand  upon  a  few  sick 
 folk,  and  healed  them. 
 
 6  And  he  marvelled  because  of  their  un- 
 ]:)elief.  And  he  went  round  about  the  vil¬ 
 lages  teaching. 
 
 7  f  And  he  called  unto  him  the  twelve, 
 and  began  to  send  them  forth  by  two  and 
 two,  and  gave  them  power  over  unclean 
 
 spirits.  _ _ _ 
 
 ('HAP  VI  1—6  He  could  there  do  no  such  mighty  works. 
 It  is  a  strange'  expression,  as  if  unbelief  tied  the  hands  of  Omnipo¬ 
 tence  itself;  he  would  have  done  as  many  mirac  es  there  as  he  had 
 done  elsewhere,  but  he  could  not,  because  people  vvould  not  make 
 application  to  him,  nor  sue  for  his  favours  ;  he  could  have  wrongh 
 tlmm,  but  they  forfeited  the  honour  of  having  them  wrought  for 
 .nem.  By  unbelief  and  contempt  of  Christ,  men  stop  the  current 
 of  his  favours  to  them. 
 
 See  Matt.  xiii.  54—58. 
 
 402 
 
 8  And  commanded  them  that  they  should 
 take  nothing  for  their  journey,  save  a  staff 
 only  ;  no  scrip,  no  bread,  no  money  in  their 
 purse  : 
 
 9  But  he  shod  with  sandals,  and  not  put 
 on  two  coats. 
 
 10  And  he  said. unto  them.  In  what  place 
 soever  ye  enter  into  an  house,  there  abide 
 till  ye  (iepart  from  that  place. 
 
 11  And  whosoever  shall  not  receive  you, 
 nor  hear  you,  when  ye  depart  thence,  shake 
 off  the  dust  under  your  feet  for  a  testimony 
 against  them  :  Verily  I  say  unto  you,  it 
 shall  be  more  tolerable  for  Sodom  and  Go- 
 morrha  in  the  day  of  judgment  than  for 
 that  city. 
 
 12  And  they  went  out,  and  preached  that 
 men  should  repent. 
 
 13  And  they  cast  out  many  devils,  and 
 anointed  with  oil  many  that  were  sick,  and 
 healed  them. 
 
 14  And  king  Herod  heard  of  him  (for  his 
 name  was  spread  abroad  :)  and  he  said  that 
 John  the  Baptist  was  risen  from  the  dead, 
 and  therefore  mighty  works  do  shew  forth 
 themselves  in  him. 
 
 15  Others  said.  That  it  is  Elias.  And 
 others  said.  That  it  is  a  prophet,  or  as  one 
 of  the  prophets 
 
 16  But  when  Herod  heard  thereof.,  he  said. 
 It  is  John  whom  I  beheaded,  he  is  risen 
 from  the  dead. 
 
 17  For  Herod  himself  had  sent  forth,  and 
 laid  hold  upon  John,  and  bound  him  in  pri¬ 
 son  for  Herod ias'  sake,  his  brother  Philip's 
 wife,  for  he  had  married  her. 
 
 18  For  John  had  said  unto  Herod,  It  is 
 not  lawful  for  thee  to  have  thy  brother's 
 
 wife.  ^ 
 
 19  Therefore  Herodias  had  a  (juairei 
 against  him,  and  would  have  killed  him,  but 
 she  could  not : 
 
 20  For  Herod  feared  John,  knowing  that 
 
 7—13.  The  doctrine  they  preached  :  They  preached  that  men 
 
 should  repent,  12.  That  they  should  change  their  minds  and 
 reform  their  lives,  in  consideration  of  the  Messiah.  1  he  great  de- 
 sicn  of  gospel-preachers,  and  the  great  tendency  of  gospel-picacn 
 ing  should  be  to  bring  people  to  repentance,  to  a.  new  heart,  anil 
 new  wav.  The  apostles  did  not  amuse  peop  e  with  curious  specu¬ 
 lations,  but  told  them  they  must  repent  of  their  sms,  and  turn  to 
 Clod. 
 
 See  notes  on  Matt.  x.  5 — 15, 
 
 N 
 
CHAP. 
 
 he  was  a  just  man,  and  an  holy,  and  observed 
 him  ;  and  when  he  heard  him,  he  did  many 
 
 things,  and  heard  him  gladly. 
 
 si  And  when  a  convenient  day  was  come, 
 that  Herod  on  his  birth-day  made  a  supper 
 to  his  lords,  high  captains,  and  chief  estates 
 of  Galilee: 
 
 22  And  'when  the  daughter  of  the  said 
 
 Herodias  came  in,  and  danced, ^  and  pleased 
 Herod,  and  them  that  sat  with  him,  the 
 king  said  unto  the  damsel.  Ask  of  me  what¬ 
 soever  thou  wilt,  and  1  will  e  ^  I 
 
 23  And  he  sware  unto  her.  Whatsoever 
 thou  shalt  ask  of  me,  I  will  give  it  thee,  unto 
 the  half  of  my  kingdom. 
 
 24  And  she  went  forth,  and  said  unto  her 
 mother.  What  shall  I  ask  ?  And  she  said, 
 The  head  of  John  the  Baptist. 
 
 25  And  she  came  in  straightway  with 
 naste  unto  the  king,  and  asked,  saying,  I 
 Avill  that  thou  give  me  by  and  by  in  a  charger 
 the  head  of  John  the  Baptist. 
 
 26  And  the  king  was  exceeding  sorry,  yet 
 for  his  oath's  sake,  and  for  their  sakes  which 
 sat  with  him,  he  would  not  reject  her. 
 
 27  And  immediately  the  king  sent  an  ex¬ 
 ecutioner,  and  commanded  his  head  to  be 
 brouo-ht :  and  he  went  and  beheaded  him  in 
 the  prison. 
 
 28  And  brought  his  head  in  a  charger, 
 and  gave  it  to  the  damsel :  and  the  damsel 
 gave  it  to  her  mother. 
 
 29  And  when  his  disciples  heard  of  it, 
 they  came  and  took  up  his  corpse,  and  laid 
 it  in  a  tom?b. 
 
 30  f  And  the  apostles  gathered  themselves 
 together  jm to  Jesus,  and  told  him  all  things, 
 both  what  they  had  done,  and  what  they 
 had  taught. 
 
 31  And  he  said  unto  them.  Come  ye  your¬ 
 selves  apart  into  a  desert  place,  and  rest  a 
 while:  for  there  were  many  coming  and  go¬ 
 ing,  and  they  had  no  leisure  so  much  as  to 
 eat 
 
 32  And  they  departed  into  a  desert  place 
 by  ship  privately. 
 
 14 — 29.  See  notes  on  Malt.  xiv.  1 — 12. 
 
 30—44.  The  most  active  servants  of  Christ  cannot  be  always 
 ui)on  the  stretch  of  business,  but  have  bodies  that  require  some 
 relaxation,  some  breatbing-time ;  we  shall  not  be  able  to  serve 
 
 VI. 
 
 33  And  the  people  saw  them  departing 
 and  many  knew  him,  and  ran  afoot  thither 
 out  of  all  cities,  and  outwent  them,  and  came 
 together  unto  him. 
 
 34  f  And  Jesus,  when  he  came  out,  saw 
 much  people,  and  was  moved  with  compas¬ 
 sion  toward  them,  because  they  were  as 
 sheep  not  having  a  shepherd  :  and  he  began 
 to  teach  them  many  things. 
 
 35  And,  when  the  day  was  now  far  spent, 
 lis  disciples  came  unto  him,  and  said.  This  is 
 a  desert  place,  and  now  the  time  is  far  passed ; 
 
 36  Send  them  away,  that  they  may  go 
 into  the  country  round  about,  and  into  the 
 villages,  and  buy  themselves  bread ;  for  they 
 lave  nothing  to  eat. 
 
 37  He  answered,  and  said  unto  them. 
 Give  ye  them  to  eat.  And  they  say  unto 
 lim.  Shall  we  go  and  buy  two  hundred  pen¬ 
 ny-worth  of  bread  and  give  them  to  eat  ? 
 
 38  He  saith  unto  them,  Hoav  many  loaves 
 lave  ye  ?  go  and  see.  And,  when  they 
 knew,  they  say,  Tive,  and  two  fishes. 
 
 39  And  he  commanded  them  to  make  all 
 sit  down  by  companies  upon  the  green  grass. 
 
 40  And  they  sat  down  in  ranks,  by  hun¬ 
 dreds,  and  by  fifties. 
 
 41  And  when  he  had  taken  the  five  loaves, 
 and  the  two  fishes,  he  looked  up  to  heaven, 
 and  blessed,  and  brake  the  loaves,  and  gave 
 them  to  his  disciples  to  set  before  them  ;  and 
 the  two  fishes  divided  he  among  them  all. 
 
 42  And  they  did  all  eat  and  were  filled. 
 
 43  And  they  took  up  twelve  baskets  full 
 of  the  fragments,  and  of  the  fishes. 
 
 44  And  they  that  did  eat  of  the  loaves 
 were  about  five  thousand  men. 
 
 45  %  And  straightway  he  constrained  his 
 disciples  to  get  into  a  ship,  and  to  go  to 
 the  other  side  before  unto  Bethsaida,  while 
 he  sent  away  the  people.’ 
 
 46  And  when  he  had  sent  them  away  he 
 departed  into  a  mountain  to  pray. 
 
 47  And  when  even  was  come  the  ship  was 
 in  the  midst  of  the  sea,  and  he  alone  on  the 
 land. 
 
 — 5 - - — ■ — I  — : - - 
 
 God  without  ceasing,  day  and  night,  till  we  come  to  Heaven, 
 where  they  never  rest  from  praising  him.  Rev.  iv.  8. 
 
 See  notes  on  Matt.  xiv.  13 — 21. 
 
 45 — 56'.  See  notes  on  Matt.  xiv.  22 — 36. 
 
 403 
 
ST.  MARK. 
 
 48  And  he  saw  them  toiling  in  rowing ; 
 (tor  the  wind  was  contrary  unto  them  ;)  and 
 about  the  fourth  watch  of  the  night  he 
 cometh  unto  them  walking  upon  the  sea,  and 
 would  have  passed  by  them. 
 
 49  But,  when  they  saw  him  walking  upon 
 the  sea,  they  supposed  it  had  been  a  spirit, 
 and  cried  out : 
 
 50  (For  they  all  saw  him,  and  were  trou¬ 
 bled  ;)  and  immediately  he  talked  with 
 them,  and  saith  unto  them,  Be  of  good 
 cheer  :  it  is  I ;  be  not  afraid. 
 
 51  And  he  went  up  unto  them  into  the 
 ship ;  and  the  wind  ceased  :  and  they  were 
 sore  amazed  in  themselves  beyond  measure, 
 and  wondered. 
 
 52  For  they  considered  not  the  miracle  of 
 the  loaves  ;  for  their  heart  was  hardened. 
 
 53  f  And  when  they  had  passed  over  they 
 came  into  the  land  of  Gennesaret,  and  drew 
 to  the  shore. 
 
 54  And,  when  they  were  come  out  of  the 
 ship,  straightway  they  knew  him, 
 
 55  And  ran  through  that  whole  region 
 round  about,  and  began  to  carry  about  in 
 beds  those  that  were  sick,  where  they  heard 
 he  was. 
 
 56  And  whithersoever  he  entered,  into 
 villages,  or  cities,  or  country,  they  laid  the 
 sick  in  the  streets,  and  besought  him  that 
 they  might  touch  if  it  were  but  the  border  of 
 his  garment :  and  as  many  as  touched  him 
 were  made  whole. 
 
 CHAP.  VIT. 
 
 I.  Christ’s  dispute  wUh  the  scribes,  1.  II.  His  curing  the  woman 
 
 of  Canaan’s  daughter,  30.  III.  The  relief  of  a  man  that  was 
 
 deaf,  and  had  an  impediment  in  his  speech,  31 — 37. 
 
 Then  came  together  unto  him  the 
 Pharisees,  and  certain  of  the  scribes 
 which  came  from  Jerusalem. 
 
 2  And  when  they  saw  some  of  his  disciples 
 eat  bread  with  defiled  (that  is  to  say,  with 
 unwashen)  hands,  they  found  fault. 
 
 CHAP.  VII.  1—23.  See  notes  on  Matt.  xv.  1  -20. 
 
 24—30.  See  notes  on  Matt.  xv.  21—28. 
 
 31—37.  Christ  speaks  as  one  having  authority,  and  power  went 
 along  with  the  woi'd.  Be  opened,  served  both  parts  of  the  cure  ; 
 let  the  ears  be  opened,  let  the  lips  be  opened,  let  him  hear  and 
 fcoeak  freely,  and  let  the  restraint  be  taken  off,  and  the  effect  was 
 answerable,  35,  straightway  his  ears  were  opened,  and  the  string 
 of  his  tongue  loosed,  and  all  was  well :  and  happy  he  who  as  soon 
 404 
 
 3  (For  the  Pharisees,  and  all  the  Jews, 
 except  they  wash  their  hands  oft  eat  not, 
 holding  the  tradition  of  the  elders. 
 
 4  And  when  they  come  from  the  market, 
 except  they  wash  they  eat  not.  And  many 
 other  things  there  be  which  they  have  re¬ 
 ceived  to  hold,  as  the  washing  of  cups  and 
 pots,  brazen  vessels,  and  of  tables.) 
 
 5  Then  the  Pharisees  and  scribes  asked 
 him,  Why  walk  not  thy  disciples  according 
 to  the  tradition  of  the  elders,  but  eat  bread 
 with  unwashen  hands  ? 
 
 6  He  answered,  and  said  unto  them. 
 Well  hath  Esaias  prophesied  of  you  hypo¬ 
 crites,  as  it  is  written,  This  people  honoureth 
 me  with  their  lips,  but  their  heart  is  far  from 
 me. 
 
 7  Howbeit  in  vain  do  they  worship  me, 
 teaching /or  doctrines  the  commandments  of 
 men. 
 
 8  For  laying  aside  the  commandment  of 
 God,  ye  hold  the  tradition  of  men,  as  the 
 washing  of  pots  and  cups  ;  and  many  other 
 such  like  things  ye  do. 
 
 9  And  he  said  unto  them.  Full  well  ye  re¬ 
 ject  the  commandment  of  God,  that  ye  may 
 keep  your  own  tradition. 
 
 ”10  For  Moses  said.  Honour  thy  father 
 and  thy  mother  :  and.  Whoso  curseth  father 
 or  mother  let  him  die  the  death. 
 
 11  But  ye  say.  If  a  man  shall  say  to  his 
 father  or  mother.  It  is  Corban,  that  is  to 
 say,  A  gift,  by  whatsoever  thou  mightest  be 
 profited  by  me :  he  shall  be  free. 
 
 12  And  ye  suffer  him  no  more  to  do  ougnt 
 for  his  father  or  his  mother  ; 
 
 13  Making  the  word  of  God  of  none  ef¬ 
 fect  through  your  tradition  which  ye  have 
 delivered  :  and  many  such  like  things  do  ye. 
 
 14  f  And,  when  he  had  called  all  the 
 people  unto  him,  he  said  unto  them.  Hearken 
 unto  me  every  one  of  you,  and  understand. 
 
 15  There  is  nothing  from  without  a  man 
 
 as  he  had  his  hearing  and  speech,  had  the  blessed  Jesus  so  near 
 him  to  converse  with.  *  .  .  ,  •  ,  . 
 
 Now  this  cure  was  a  proof  of  Christs  being  the  Messiah,  lor  it 
 was  foretold  that  by  his  power  the  ears  of  the  deaf  should  be  un¬ 
 stopped,  and  the  tongue  of  the  dumb  should  be  made  to  sing,  Isa. 
 XXXV.  V.  6.  It  was  a  specimen  of  the  operations  of  his  gospel  upon 
 the  minds  of  men.  The  great  command  of  the  gospel,  and  grace 
 of  Christ  to  poor. sinners,  is  ephatha,  be  opened.  Grotius  ap- 
 
CHAP.  VIII. 
 
 that  entering  into  him  can  defile  him  :  but 
 the  things  which  come  out  of  him,  those  are 
 they  that  defile  the  man. 
 
 16  If  any  man  have  ears  to  hear,  let  him 
 
 hear. 
 
 17  And,  when  he  was  entered  into  the 
 house  from  the  people,  his  disciples  asked 
 him  concerning  the  parable. 
 
 18  And  he  saith  unto  them,  Are  ye  so 
 without  understanding  also  ?  Do  ye  not  per¬ 
 ceive,  that  whatsoever  thing  from  without 
 entereth  into  the  man,  it  cannot  defile  him  ; 
 
 19  Because  it  entereth  not  into  his  heart, 
 but  into  the  belly,  and  goeth  out  into  the 
 draught,  purging  all  meats  ? 
 
 20  And  he  said.  That  which  eometh  ou 
 of  the  man,  that  defileth  the  man. 
 
 21  For  from  within,  out  of  the  heart  o_ 
 men,  proceed  evil  thoughts,  adulteries,  for¬ 
 nications,  murders, 
 
 22  Thefts,  covetousness,  wickedness,'  de 
 ceit,  lasciviousness,  an  evil  eye,  blasphemy, 
 pride,  foolishness  : 
 
 23  All  these  evil  things  come  from  within, 
 and  defile  the  man. 
 
 24  And  from  thence  he  arose,  and  went 
 into  the  borders  of  Tyre  and  Sidon,  and  en¬ 
 tered  into  an  house,  and  would  have  no  man 
 know  it ;  but  he  could  not  be  hid. 
 
 25  For  a  certain  woman,  whose  young 
 daughter  had  an  unclean  spirit,  heard  of  him 
 and  came  and  fell  at  his  feet ; 
 
 26  (The  woman  was  a  Greek,  a  Syrophe- 
 nician  by  nation ;)  and  she  besought  him 
 that  he  would  cast  forth  the  devil  out  of  her 
 daughter. 
 
 27  But  Jesus  said  unto  her.  Let  the  chil¬ 
 dren  first  be  filled  :  for  it  is  not  meet  to  take 
 the  children's  bread,  and  to  cast  it  unto  the 
 dogs. 
 
 28  And  she  answered,  and  said  unto  him. 
 Yes,  Lord  ;  yet  the  dogs  under  the  table  eat 
 of  the  children's  crumbs. 
 
 29  And  he  said  unto  her.  For  this  saying 
 go  thy  way  ;  the  devil  is  gone  out  of  thy 
 daughter. 
 
 plies  it  thus,  that  the  internal  impediments  of  the  mind  are  re¬ 
 moved  by  the  Spirit  of  Christ,  as  those  bodily  impediments  were 
 by  the  word  of  his  power.  Be  opens  the  heart,  as  he  did  Lydia’s, 
 
 30  And  when  she  was  come  to  her  nouse 
 
 she  found  the  devil  gone  out,  and  her  daugh¬ 
 ter  laid  upon  the  bed.  ^ 
 
 31  f  And  again,  departing  ffom  the 
 coasts  of  Tyre  and  Sidon,  he  came  unto  the 
 sea  of  Galilee,  through  the  midst  of  the 
 coasts  of  Decapolis. 
 
 32  And  they  bring  unto  him  one  that  was 
 deaf,  and  had  an  impediment  in  his  speech ; 
 and  they  beseech  him  to  put  his  hand  upon 
 dm. 
 
 33  And  he  took  him  aside  from  the  mul¬ 
 titude,  and  put  his  fingers  into  his  ears  :  and 
 he  spit,  and  touched  his  tongue  ; 
 
 34  And,  looking  up  to  heaven,  he  sighed, 
 and  saith  unto  him,  Ephatha,  that  is.  Be 
 opened. 
 
 35  And  straightway  his  ears  were  opened, 
 and  the  string  of  his  tongue  was  loosed,  and 
 he  spake  plain. 
 
 36  And  he  charged  them  that  they  should 
 tell  no  man  ;  but  the  more  he  charged  them, 
 so  much  the  more  a  great  deal  they  publish¬ 
 37  And  were  beyond  measure  astonished, 
 
 saying.  He  hath  done  all  things  well :  he 
 maketh  both  the  deaf  to  hear  and  the  dumb 
 to  speak. 
 
 CHAP.  VIII. 
 
 I.  Christ’s  miraculous  feeding  four  thousand,  1 — Q.  If  His 
 refusing  to  give  the  Pharisees  a  sign,  10—13.  Ilf  His  cau¬ 
 tioning  his  disciples  to  take  heed  of  the  leaven  of  Pharisaism 
 
 man,  22  26.  V.  Peter  s  confession  of  him,  27— 30.  VI.  The 
 
 31_3S  disciples;  of  his  own  approaching  sufferings, 
 
 TN  those  days,,  the  multitude  being  very 
 great,  and  having  nothing  to  eat,  Jesus 
 called  his  disciples  unto  him,  and  saith  unto 
 them, 
 
 2  I  have  compassion  on  the  multitude,, 
 because  they  have  now  been  with  me  three 
 days,  and  have  nothing  to  eat; 
 
 3  And  if  I  send  them  away  fasting  to  their 
 own  houses  they  will  faint  by  the  way  ;  for 
 divers  of  them  came  from  far. 
 
 4  And  his  disciples  answered  him,  from 
 
 and  thereby  opens  the  ear  to  receive  the  word  of  God.  and  opens 
 the  mouth  in  pra3’er  and  praises.  ^ 
 
 CHAP.  VIII.  1  -9.  See  notes  on  Matt.  xv.  32 — 39, 
 
 405 
 
ST.  MARK. 
 
 whence  can  a  man  satisfy  these  men  with 
 l)read  here  in  the  wilderness  ? 
 
 5  And  he  asked  them,  How  many  loaves 
 have  ye?  And  they  said,  Seven. 
 
 6  And  he  commanded  the  people  to  sit 
 down  on  the  i^round  :  and  he  took  the  seven 
 loaves,  and  gave  thanks,  and  brake,  and 
 gave  to  his  disciples  to  set  before  them  :  and 
 they  did  set  them  before  the  people. 
 
 7  And  they  had  a  feAV  small  fishes  :  and 
 he  blessed,  and  commanded  to  set  them  also 
 before  them. 
 
 8  So  they  did  eat,  and  were  filled  :  and 
 they  took  up  of  the  broken  meat  that  was  left 
 seven  baskets. 
 
 9  And  they  that  had  eaten  were  about 
 lour  thousand  :  and  he  sent  them  away. 
 
 10  ^  And  straightway  he  entered  into  a 
 ship  with  his  disciples,  and  came  into  the 
 parts  of  Dalmanutha. 
 
 11  And  the  Pharisees  came  forth,  and 
 began  to  question  with  him,  seeking  of  him 
 a  sign  from  heaven,  tempting  him. 
 
 12  And  he  sighed  deeply  in  his  spirit,  and 
 saith.  Why  doth  this  generation  seek  after  a 
 sign  ?  Verily  I  say  unto  you.  There  shall  no 
 sign  be  given  unto  this  generation. 
 
 13  And  he  left  them  ;  and,  entering  into 
 the  ship  again,  departed  to  the  other  side. 
 
 14  ^  Now  the  disciples  had  forgotten  to 
 take  bread,  neither  had  they  in  the  ship  with 
 them  more  than  one  loaf. 
 
 15  And  he  charged  them,  saying.  Take 
 heed,  beware  of  the  leaven  of  the  Pharisees, 
 and  of  the  leaven  of  Herod. 
 
 10 — 21.  See  notes  on  Matt.  xvi.  5 — 12. 
 
 22—26.  This  cure  is  related  only  by  this  Evangelist,  and  there 
 .s  something  singular  in  the  circumstances.  1.  Here  is  a  blind 
 man  brought  to  Christ  by  his  friends,  with  a  desire  that  he  would 
 touch  him,  22.  Here  appears  the  faith  of  those  that  brought 
 him,  they  doubted  not  but  one  touch  of  Christ’s  hand  would  re¬ 
 cover  him  his  sight ;  but  the  man  himself  shewed  not  that  earnest¬ 
 ness  for,  or  expectation  of  a  cure  that  other  blind  men  did.  It 
 those  that  are  spiritually  blind  do  not  pray  for  themselves,  yet  let 
 their  friends  and  relations  pray  for  them,  that  Christ  would  be 
 pleased  to  touch  them.  2.  Here  is  Christ  leading  this  blind  man, 
 93.  He  did  not  bid  his  friends  lead  him,  but  he  himself  took 
 him  by  the  hand  and  led  him,  to  teach  us  to  be  as  Job  was,  eyes  to 
 the  blind,  Job  xxix.  15,  3.  Here  is  the  cure  of  the  blind  man,  by 
 
 tliat  blessed  oculist  who  came  into  the  world  to  preach  the  recover¬ 
 ing  of  sight  to  the  blind,  Luke  iv.  18,  and  to  give  what  he  preach¬ 
 ed.  That  the  cure  was  wrousht  gradually,  which  was  not  usual 
 in  Christ’s  miracles.  Thus  Christ  would  shew  how  and  in  what 
 method  those  are  healed  by  his  grace,  who  by  nature  are  spiritually 
 Wind;  at  first  their  knowledge  is  confused,  they  see  men  as  trees 
 walking,  but  like  the  light  of  the  morning  it  shines  more  and  more 
 406’ 
 
 16  And  they  reasoned  among  themselves 
 saying.  It  is  because  we  have  no  bread. 
 
 17  And  when  Jesus  knew  it,  he  saith  unto 
 them.  Why  reason  ye  because  ye  have  no 
 bread  ?  perceive  ye  not  yet,  neither  under¬ 
 stand  ?  have  ye  your  heart  yet  hardened  ? 
 
 18  Having  eyes,  see  ye  not?  and  having 
 ears,  hear  ye  not  ?  and  do  ye  not  remember  ? 
 
 19  When  I  brake  the  five  loaves  among 
 five  thousand,  how  many  baskets  full  of 
 fragments  took  ye  up  ?  They  say  unto  him, 
 Twelve. 
 
 20  And  when  the  seven  among  four 
 thousand,  how  many  baskets  full  of  frag¬ 
 ments  took  ye  up  ?  And  they  said.  Seven. 
 
 21  And  he  said  unto  them,  Plow  is  it  that 
 ye  do  not  understand  ? 
 
 22  ^  And  he  cometh  to  Bethsaida ;  and 
 they  bring  a  blind  man  unto  him,  and  be¬ 
 sought  him  to  touch  him. 
 
 23  And  he  took  the  blind  man  by  the 
 hand,  and  led  him  out  of  the  town  ;  and 
 when  he  had  spit  on  his  eyes,  and  put  his 
 hands  upon  him,  he  asked  him  if  he  saw 
 ought. 
 
 24  And  he  looked  up,  and  said,  I  see  men 
 as  trees,  walking. 
 
 25  After  that  he  put  his  hands  again  upon 
 his  eyes,  and  made  him  look  up  :  and  he 
 was  restored,  and  saw  every  man  clearly. 
 
 26  And  he  sent  him  away  to  his  house, 
 saying,  Neither  go  into  the  town,  nor  tell  it 
 to  any  in  the  town. 
 
 27  f  And  Jesus  went  out  and  his  dis¬ 
 ciples  into  the  towns  of  Cesarea  Philippi : 
 
 to  the  perfect  clay,  and  then  they  see  all  things  clearly,  Prov.  iv. 
 18.  Let  us  incpiire  then  if  we  see  aught  of  those  things  Which  faith 
 is  the  substance  and  evidence  of;  arrd  if  through  grace  we  see  any 
 thing  of  them,  we  may  hope  that  we  shall  see  yet  more  and  more, 
 for  Jesus  Christ  will  perfect  for  ever  those  that  are  sanctified. 
 4.  The  directions  Christ  gave  the  man  he  had  cured  not  to  tell  it 
 to  any  in  the  town  of  Bethsaida.  Bethsaida,  in  the  day  of  her  vi¬ 
 sitation,  would  not  know  the  things  that  belonged  to  her  peace, 
 and  now  they  are  hid  from  her  eyes.  Thev  will  not  see,  and  there¬ 
 fore  they  shall  not  see. 
 
 27 — 38.  We  have  read  a  great  deal  of  the  doctrine  that  Christ 
 preached,  and  the  miracle’s  he  wrought,  which  were  many,  and 
 strange,  and  well  attested,  of  various  kinds,  wrought  in  several 
 places  to  the  astonishment  of  the  many  that  were  eye-witnesses  of 
 them.  It  is  now  time  for  us  to  pause  a  little,  and  to  consider  w  hat 
 these  things  mean  ;  the  wondrous  works  which  Christ  then  forbad 
 the  publishing  of,  being  recorded  in  these  sacred  writings,  are  there¬ 
 by  published  to  all  the  world,  to  us,  to  all  ages;  now,  what  shall 
 we  think  of  them  ?  Is  the  record  of  those  things  designed  only  for 
 an  amusement,  or  to  furnish  us  with  matter  for  discourse  ?  No, 
 certainly  these  things  are  written  that  we  may  believe  that  Jesus  is 
 
CHAP.  IX. 
 
 and  by  the  way  he  asked  his  disciples,  say 
 ing  urito  them,  Whom  do  men  say  that 
 am  ? 
 
 28  And  they  answered,  John  the  Baptist; 
 but  some  say,  Elias  ;  and  others.  One  of  the 
 prophets. 
 
 29  And  he  saith  unto  them.  But  whom 
 say  ye  that  I  am  ?  And  Peter  answereth, 
 and  saith  unto  him.  Thou  art  the  Christ. 
 
 30  And  he  charged  them  that  they  should 
 tell  no  man  of  him. 
 
 31  f  And  he  began  to  teach  them,  that 
 the  Son  of  man  must  suffer  many  things, 
 and  be  rejected  of  the  elders,  and  of  the 
 chief  priests  and  scribes,  and  be  killed  ;  and 
 after  three  days  rise  again. 
 
 32  And  he  spake  that  saying  openly. 
 And  Peter  took  him,  and  began  to  rebuke 
 him. 
 
 33  But  when  he  had  turned  about  and 
 looked  on  his  disciples  he  rebuked  Peter, 
 saying,  Get  thee  behind  me,  Satan  ;  for  thou 
 savourest  not  the  things  that  be  of  God,  but 
 the  things  that  be  of  men. 
 
 34  ^  And  when  he  had  called  the  people 
 unto  him,  with  his  disciples  also,  he  said 
 unto  them.  Whosoever  will  come  after  me, 
 let  him  deny  himself,  and  take  up  his  cross, 
 and  follow  me. 
 
 35  For  whosoever  will  save  his  life  shall 
 lose  it ;  but  whosoever  shall  lose  his  life  for 
 my  sake  and  the  gospel's,  the  same  shall 
 save  it. 
 
 36  For  what  shall  it  profit  a  man,  if  he 
 shall  gain  the  whole  world,  and  lose  his  own 
 soul  ? 
 
 37  Or  what  shall  a  man  give  in  exchange 
 for  his  soul  ? 
 
 38  Whosoever,  therefore,  shall  be  ashamed 
 of  me,  and  of  my  words,  in  this  adulterous 
 and  sinful  generation,  of  him  also  shall  the 
 Son  of  man  be  ashamed  when  he  cometh  in 
 the  glory  of  his  Father,  with  the  holy  angels. 
 
 CHAP.  IX. 
 
 C  Christ’s  transfiguration,  1—13.  II.  Healeth  a  child,  14—29. 
 
 _ _  III.  Discourses  with  his  disciples,  30—30. 
 
 the  Christ  the  Son  of  God,  John  xx.  31,  and  this  discourse  Christ 
 had  with  his  disciples,  will  assist  us  in  making  the  necessary  re- 
 llections  upon  the  miracles  of  Christ,  and  a  right  use  of  them. 
 
 Vol.  IJ.  81  3  G 
 
 A  ND  he  said  unto  them,  Veril}-  I  say 
 unto  you.  That  there  be  some  of  them 
 that  stand  here  which  shall  not  taste  of  death 
 till  they  have  seen  the  kingdom  of  God  come 
 with  power. 
 
 2  f  And,  after  six  days,  Jesus  taketh 
 with  him  Peter,  and  James,  and  John,  and 
 leadeth  them  up  into  an  high  mountain  apart 
 by  themselves  ;  and  he  was  transfigured  be¬ 
 fore  them. 
 
 3  And  his  raiment  became  shining,  ex¬ 
 ceeding  white  as  snow ;  so  as  no  fuller  on 
 earth  can  white  them. 
 
 4  And  there  appeared  unto  them  Elias, 
 with  Moses  ;  and  they  were  talking  with 
 Jesus. 
 
 5  And  Peter  answered,  and  said  to  Jesus, 
 Master,  it  is  good  for  us  to  be  here  :  and 
 let  us  make  three  tabernacles,  one  for  thee, 
 and  one  for  Moses,  and  one  for  Elias. 
 
 6  For  he  wist  not  what  to  say  ;  for  they 
 were  sore  afraid. 
 
 7  And  there  was  a  cloud  that  over-sha 
 dowed  them :  and  a  voice  came  out  of 
 lie  cloud,  saying.  This  is  my  beloved  Son: 
 lear  him. 
 
 8  And  suddenly,  when  they  had  looked 
 round  about,  they  saw  no  man  any  more, 
 save  Jesus  only  with  themselves. 
 
 9  And,  as  they  came  down  from  the 
 mountain,  he  charged  them  that  they  should 
 tell  no  man  what  things  they  had  seen,  till 
 the  Son  of  man  were  risen  from  the  dead. 
 
 10  And  they  kept  that  saying  with  them¬ 
 selves,  questioning  one  with  another  what 
 the  rising  from  the  dead  should  mean. 
 
 Ilf  And  they  asked  him,  saying,  Why 
 say  the  scribes  that  Elias  must  first  come  ? 
 
 12  And  he  answered  and  told  them,  Elias 
 verily  cometh  first,  and  restoreth  all  things  ; 
 and  how  it  is  written  of  the  Son  of  man,  that 
 he  must  suffer  many  things,  and  be  set  at 
 nought. 
 
 13  But  I  say  unto  you.  That  Elias  is 
 indeed  come,  and  they  have  done  unto 
 lim  whatsoever  they  listed,  as  it  is  written  of 
 lim. 
 
 See  notes  on  Matt.  xvi.  13—27. 
 
 CHAP.  IX.  1—13.  See  notes  on  Matt,  xvi,  28,  and  xvii.  1—13. 
 14—29.  We  have  here  the  story  af  Christ’s  casting  the  devil  out 
 
 407 
 
ST.  MARK. 
 
 14  ^  And  when  he  eame  to  his  disciples, 
 he  saw  a  great  multitude  about  them,  and 
 the  scribes  questioning  with  them. 
 
 15  And  straightway  all  the  people,  when 
 they  beheld  him,  were  greatly  amazed,  and 
 running  to  him,  saluted  him. 
 
 16  And  he  asked  the  scribes.  What  ques 
 tion  ye  with  him  ? 
 
 -  17  And  one  of  the  multitude  answered 
 
 and  said.  Master,  I  have  brought  unto  thee 
 my  son,  which  hath  a  dumb  spirit : 
 
 18  And  wheresoever  he  taketh  him  he 
 teareth  him  ;  and  he  foameth,  and  gnasheth 
 Math  his  teeth,  and  pineth  away  :  and  I 
 spake  to  thy  disciples  that  they  should  cast 
 him  out ;  and  they  could  not. 
 
 19  He  answereth  him,  and  saith,  O  faith 
 less  generation!  how  long  shall  I  be  with 
 you  ?  how  long  shall  I  suffer  you  ?  Bring 
 him  unto  me. 
 
 20  And  they  brought  him  unto  him  :  and, 
 M'hen  he  saw  him,  straightway  the  spirit  tare 
 him;  and  he  fell  on  the  ground,  and  wallowed 
 foaming. 
 
 21  And  he  asked  his  father.  How  long  is 
 it  ago  since  this  came  unto  him  ?  And  he 
 said.  Of  a  child. 
 
 22  And  oft-times  it  hath  cast  him  into 
 the  fire,  and  into  the  waters,  to  destroy  him  : 
 but  if  thou  canst  do  any  thing,  have  com¬ 
 passion  on  us,  and  help  us. 
 
 23  Jesus  said  unto  him.  If  thou  canst  be¬ 
 lieve,  all  things  are  possible  to  him  that  be- 
 lieveth. 
 
 24  And  straightway  the  father  of  the  child 
 cried  out,  and  said  with  tears.  Lord,  I  be¬ 
 lieve  :  help  thou  mine  unbelief. 
 
 25  When  Jesus  saw  that  the  people 
 came  running  together,  he  rebuked  the  foul 
 
 spirit,  saying  unto  him.  Thou  dumb  and  deaf 
 spirit,  1  charge  thee,  come  out  of  him,  and 
 enter  no  more  into  him. 
 
 26  And  the  spirit  cried,  and  rent  him  sore, 
 and  came  out  of  him :  and  he  was  as  one 
 dead  :  insomuch  that  many  said.  He  is  dead. 
 
 27  But  Jesus  took  him  by  the  hand,  and 
 lifted  him  up  :  and  he  arose. 
 
 28  And,  when  he  was  come  into  the  house, 
 his  disciples  asked  him  privately.  Why  could 
 not  we  cast  him  out  ? 
 
 29  And  he  said  unto  them.  This  kind  can 
 coine  forth  by  nothing  but  by  prayer  and 
 fasting. 
 
 30  5[  And  they  departed  thence,  and 
 passed  through  Galilee ;  and  he  would  not 
 that  any  man  should  know  it. 
 
 31  For  he  taught  his  disciples,  and  said 
 unto  them.  The  Son  of  man  is  delivered  into 
 the  hands  of  men,  and  they  shall  kill  him ; 
 and,  after  that  he  is  killed,  he  shall  rise  the 
 third  day. 
 
 32  But  they  understood  not  that  saying, 
 and  were  afraid  to  ask  him. 
 
 33  And  he  came  to  Capernaum ;  and, 
 being  in  the  house,  he  asked  them.  What 
 was  it  that  ye  disputed  among  yourselves  by 
 |lhe  way  ? 
 
 34  But  they  held  their  peace ;  for  by  the 
 way  they  had  disputed  among  themselves 
 who  should  he  the  greatest. 
 
 35  And  he  sat  clown,  and  called  the 
 twelve,  and  saith  unto  them.  If  any  man 
 desire  to  be  first,  the  same  shall  be  last  of  all, 
 and  servant  of  all. 
 
 36  And  he  took  a  child,  and  set  him  in  the 
 midst  of  them  :  and,  when  he  had  taken  him 
 in  his  arms,  he  said  unto  them, 
 
 37  Whosoever  shall  receive  one  of  such 
 
 of  a  child,  somewhat  more  fully  related  than  it  was  Matt,  xvii, 
 14,  &c. 
 
 See  notes  on  Matt.  xvii.  14 — 21. 
 
 30 — 50,  Here  Christ  foretels  his  own  approaching  sufferings. 
 He  passed  through  Galilee  with  more  expedition  than  usual,  and 
 would  not  that  any  man  should  know  it,  30,  because  he  had  done 
 many  mighty  and  good  works  among  them  in  vain,  they  shall  not 
 be  invited  to  see  them,  and  have  the  benefit  of  them  as  they  have 
 been.  The  time  of  his  sufferings  drew  nigh,  and  therefore  he  was 
 willing  to  be  private  awhile,  and  to  converse  only  with  his  dis¬ 
 ciples,  to  prepare  them  for  the  approaching  trial,  31.  He  said 
 to  them,  The  Son  of  man  is  delivered,  by  the  determinate  counsel 
 and  fore-knowledge  of  God,  into  the  hands  of  men,  31,  and  they 
 shall  kill  him.  Had  he  been  delivered  into  the  hands  of  devils, 
 and  they  had  worried  him,  it  had  not  been  so  strange,  but  that 
 408 
 
 men  who  have  reason,  and  should  have  love,  that  they  should  be 
 thus  spiteful  to  the  Son  of  man,  who  came  to  redeem  and  save 
 thern,  is  vw*accountable.  But  still  it  is  observable,  that  when 
 Christ  spoke  of  his  death,  he  always  spoke  of  his  resurrection, 
 which  took  away  the  reproach  of  it  from  himself,  and  should  take 
 away  the  grief  of  it  from  his  disciples,  but  they  understood  not  that 
 saying,  32.  The  words  were  plain  enough,  but  they  could  not  be 
 reconciled  to  the  thing,  and  therefore  would  suppose  them  to  have 
 some  mystical  meaning  which  they  did  not  understand,  and  they 
 were  afraid  to  ask  him  ;  not  because  he  was  difficult  of  access,  or 
 stern  to  those  who  consulted  him,  but  either  because  they  were 
 loth  to  know  the  truth,  or  because  they  expected  to  be  chidden 
 for  their  backwardness  to  receive  it.  Many  remain  ignorant  be¬ 
 cause  they  are  ashamed  to  inquire. 
 
 Two  reasons  Christ  gives  why  such  as  cast  out  devils  in  his  name 
 
CHAP.  X. 
 
 children  in  my  name,  receiveth  me ;  and 
 whosoever  shall  receive  me,  receiveth  not  me, 
 
 but  him  that  sent  me. 
 
 38  f  And  John  answered  him,  saying. 
 Master,  we  saw  one  casting  out  devils  in 
 thy  name,  and  he  followeth  not  us  ;  and  we 
 forbade  him,  because  he  followeth  not  us. 
 
 39  But  Jesus  said.  Forbid  him  not ;  for 
 there  is  no  man  which  shall  do  a  miracle  in 
 my  name  that  can  lightly  speak  evil  of  me. 
 
 40  For  he  that  is  not  against  us  is  on  our 
 part. 
 
 41  For  v/hosoever  shall  give  you  a  cup  of 
 water  to  drink  in  my  name,  because  ye  be¬ 
 long  to  Christ,  verily  I  say  unto  you,  he  shall 
 not  lose  his  reward. 
 
 42  And  whosoever  shall  offend  one  of 
 these  little  ones  that  believe  in  me,  it  is  bet¬ 
 ter  for  him  that  a  millstone  were  hanged 
 about  his  neck,  and  he  were  cast  into  the 
 sea. 
 
 43  And  if  thy  hand  offend  thee,  cut  it  off ; 
 it  is  better  for  thee  to  enter  into  life  maimed, 
 than  having  two  hands  to  go  into  hell,  into 
 the  fire  that  never  shall  be  quenched  ; 
 
 44  Where  their  worm  dieth  not,  and  the 
 fire  is  not  quenched. 
 
 45  And  if  thy  foot  offend  thee,  cut  it  off : 
 it  is  better  for  thee  to  enter  halt  into  life, 
 than  having  two  feet  to  be  cast  into  hell,  into 
 the  fire  that  never  shall  be  quenched  ; 
 
 46  Where  their  worm  dieth  not,  and  the 
 fire  is  not  quenched. 
 
 should  not  be  lorbidden.  first,  because  we  cannot  suppose  that 
 .iny  man  that  makes  use  of  Christ’s  name  in  working  miracles, 
 should  blaspheme  his  name,  as  the  scribes  and  Pharisees  did. 
 There  were  those  indeed  that  did  in  Christ’s  name  cast  out  devils, 
 and  yet  in  other  respects  were  workers  of  iniquity,  but  they  did 
 not  speak  evil  of  Christ.  Second,  Because  those  that  dilfered  in 
 communion,  while  they  agreed  to  fight  against  Satan,  under  the 
 banner  of  Christ,  ought  to  look  upon  one  another  as  on  the  same 
 side  notwithstanding  that  difference.  He  that  is  not  against  us  is 
 on  our  part.  As  to  the  great  controversy  between  Christ  and 
 Beelzebub,  he  had  said.  He  that  is  not  with  me,  is  against  me, 
 ^tlatt.  xii.  30.  He  that  will  not  own  Christ  owns  Satan:  but 
 among  those  that  own  Christ, 'though  not  in  the  sfkme  circum¬ 
 stances,  that  follow  him,  though  not  with  us,  we  must  reckon,  that 
 though  these  difler  from  us,  they  are  not  against  us,  and  therefore 
 are  on  our  part,  and  we  must  not  be  any  hindrance  to  their  use¬ 
 fulness. 
 
 See  notes  on  Matt,  xviii.  1 — 6. 
 
 41 — 50.  Note,  First,  It  is  the  honour  and  happiness  of  Chris¬ 
 tians  that  they  belong  to  Christ ;  they  have  joined  themselves  to 
 him,  and  are  owned  by  him ;  they  wear  his  livery  as  retainers  to 
 his  family ;  nay,  they  are  more  nearly  related,  they  are  members 
 of  his  body.  Second,  They  who  belong  to  Christ  may  sometimes 
 be  reduced  to  such  straits  as  to  be  glad  of  a  cup  of  cold  water. 
 Third,  The  relieving  of  Christ’s  poor  in  their  distresses  is  a  good 
 409 
 
 47  And  if  thine  eye  offend  thee,  pluck  it 
 out :  it  is  better  for  thee  to  enter  into  the 
 kingdom  of  God  with  one  eye,  than  having 
 two  eyes  to  be  cast  into  hell  fire  ; 
 
 48  Where  their  worm  dieth  not,  and  th: 
 fire  is  not  quenched. 
 
 49  For  every  one  shall  be  salted  with  fire, 
 and  every  sacrifice  shall  be  salted  with  salt. 
 
 50  Salt  is  good  :  but  if  the  salt  have  lost 
 his  saltness,  wherewith  will  ye  season  it? 
 Have  salt  in  yourselves,  and  have  peace  one 
 with  another. 
 
 CHAP.  X. 
 
 I.  Concerning  divorce,  1  — 12.  H.  Little  children  brought  to  be 
 
 blessed,  13 — 16.  HI.  'I’he  peril  of  riches,  17 — 31.  IV.  No¬ 
 tice  of  his  sufferings,  32 — 34.  V.  Counsel  to  James  and  John. 
 
 35 — 45.  VI.  The  cure  of  Bartimeus,  46 — 52. 
 
 ND  he  arose  from  thence,  and  cometh 
 into  the  coasts  of  Judea,  by  the  further 
 side  of  Jordan:  and  the  people  resort  unto 
 him  again  ;  and,  as  he  was  wont,  he  taught 
 them  again. 
 
 2  ^  And  the  Pharisees  came  to  him,  and 
 asked  him.  Is  it  lawful  for  a  man  to  put  away 
 his  wife  ?  tempting  him. 
 
 3  And  he  answered,  and  said  unto  them, 
 What  did  Moses  command  you  ? 
 
 4  And  they  said,  Moses  sufi’ered  to  write 
 a  bill  of  divorcement,  and  to  put  her  away. 
 
 5  And  Jesus  answered,  and  said  unto 
 them.  For  the  hardness  of  your  heart  he 
 wrote  you  this  precept : 
 
 6  But  from  the  beginning  of  the  creation 
 God  made  them  male  and  female. 
 
 deed,  and  will  turn  to  a  good  account;  he  accepts  it,  and  will  re¬ 
 ward  it.  Fourth,  What  kindness  is  done  to  Christ’s  poor  must  be 
 done  them  for  his  sake,  and  because  they  belong  to  him,  for  that 
 is  it  that  sanctifies  the  kindness,  and  puts  a  value  upon  it  in  the 
 sight  ot  Cod.  Fifth,  This  is  a  reason  why  we  must  not  discounte- 
 na..ce  and  discourage  those  who  arc  serving  the  interests  of 
 Christ’s  kingdom,  though  they  are  not  in  every  thing  of  our  mind 
 and  way. 
 
 Those  that  present  not  to  themselves  living  sacrifices  to  God’s 
 grace,  shall  be  made  for  ever  dying  sacrifices  to  his  justice,  and 
 since  they  would  not  give  honour  to  him,  he  will  get  him  honour 
 upon  them  :  they  would  not  be  salted  with  the  salt  of  divine  grace, 
 would  not  admit  that  to  subdue  their  corrupt  affections,  no,  thej.’ 
 would'  not  submit  to  the  operation,  could  not  bear  the  corrosives 
 that  were  necessary  to  cat  out  the  proud  flesh,  it  was  to  them  like 
 cutting  off  a  hand,  or  plucking  out  an  eye,  and  therefore  in  hell 
 they  shall  be  salted  with  fire,  coals  of  fire  shall  be  scattered  upon 
 them,  Ezek.  x.  2,  as  salt  upon  the  meat,  and  brimstone,  Job 
 xviii.  15,  as  fire  and  brimstone  were  rained  on  Sodom  ;  the  plea¬ 
 sures  they  have  lived  in  shall  eat  their  flesh,  as  it  were  fire,  James 
 v.  3.  The  pain  of  mortifying  the  flesh  now  is  no  more  to  be  com¬ 
 pared  with  the  punishment  for  not  mortifying  it,  than  salting  with 
 burning. 
 
 CHAP.  X.  1 — 12.  Our  Lord  Jesus  was  an  itinerant  preacher, 
 did  not  continue  long  in  a  place,  for  the  whole  land  of  Canaan  w.as 
 
ST.  MARK. 
 
 7  For  this  cause  shall  a  man  leave  his  fa 
 ■her  and  mother,  and  cleave  to  his  wife ; 
 
 8  And  they  twain  shall  be  one  flesh  :  so 
 then  they  are  no  more  twain,  but  one  flesh. 
 
 9  What,  therefore,  God  hath  joined  to¬ 
 gether,  let  not  man  put  asunder. 
 
 10  And  in  the  house  his  disciples  asked 
 him  again  of  the  same  matter. 
 
 11  And  he  saith  unto  them.  Whosoever 
 shall  put  away  his  wife,  and  marry  another, 
 committeth  adultery  against  her. 
 
 12  Aild  if  a  woman  shall  put  away  her 
 husband,  and  be  married  to  another,  she 
 committeth  adultery. 
 
 13  ^  And  they  brought  young  children 
 to  him,  that  he  should  touch  them  ;  and  hh 
 disciples  rebuked  those  that  brought  them. 
 
 14  I3ut  when  Jesus  saw  he  was  much 
 displeased,  and  said  unto  them.  Suffer  the 
 little  children  to  come  unto  me,  and  forbid 
 them  not ;  for  of  such  is  the  kingdom  of 
 God. 
 
 15  Verily  I  say  unto  you.  Whosoever 
 shall  not  receive  the  kingdom  of  God  as  a 
 little  child,  he  shall  not  enter  therein. 
 
 16  And  he  took  them  up  in  his  arms,  put 
 Ms  hands  upon  them,  and  blessed  them. 
 
 17  %  And,  when  he  was  gone  forth  into 
 the  way,  there  came  one  running,  and 
 "kneeled  to  him,  and  asked  him.  Good  Mas¬ 
 ter,  what  shall  I  do  that  I  may  inherit  eternal 
 life  ^ 
 
 Jl_8_And  Jesus  said  unto  him.  Why  callest 
 thou  me  good  ?  there  is  none  good  but  one, 
 that  is,  God. 
 
 19  Thou  knowest  the  commandments. 
 Do  not  commit  adultery,  Do  not  kill,  J3o 
 hot  steal.  Do  not  bear  false  mtness.  Defraud 
 not,  Honour  thy  father  and  mother. 
 
 his  parish  or  diocese,  and  therefore  he  would  visit  every  part  of  it, 
 ■and  give  instruction  to  those  in  the  remotest  corners  of  it.  Here 
 we  have  him  in  the  coasts  of  Judea,  by  the  further  side  of  Jordan, 
 eastward,  as  we  found  him  not  long  since  in  the  utmost  borders 
 westward,  near  Tyre  and  Sidon.  Thus  was  his  circuit  like  that  of 
 the  sun,  from  whose  light  and  heat  nothing  is  hid. 
 
 ,See  notes  on  Matt.  xix.  3 — 9- 
 
 13 — 16.  It  is  looked  upon  as  the  indication  of  a  kind  and  tender 
 disposition  to  take  notice  of  little  children,  and  this  was  remark¬ 
 able  in  our  Lord  Jesus ;  which  is  an  encouragement  not  only  to 
 little  children  to  apply  themselves  to  Christ  when  they  are  very, 
 young,  but  to  grown  people  who  are  conscious  to  themselves  of 
 weakness  and  childishness,  and  of  being  through  manifold  infirm- 
 ritics  helpless  and  useless  like  little  children. 
 
 17—31.  Here  is  a  hopeful  meeting  between  Christ  and  a  young 
 4.10 
 
 j  20  And  he  answered,  and  said  unto  him 
 'Master,  all  these  have  I  observed  from  my 
 vouth.  ' 
 
 21  Then  Jesus,  beholding  him,  loved  him, 
 and  said  unto  him.  One  thing  thou  lackest ; 
 go  thy  way,  sell  whatsoever  thou  hast,  and 
 give  to  the  poor,  and  thou  shalt  have  trea¬ 
 sure  in  heaven  :  and  come,  take  up  the  cross 
 and  follow  me. 
 
 22  And  he  was  sad  at  that  saying,  and 
 went  away  grieved  :  for  he  had  great  pos¬ 
 sessions. 
 
 23  ^  And  Jesus  looked  round  about,  and 
 saith  unto  his  disciples.  How  hardly  shall 
 they  that  have  riches  enter  into  thekinirdom 
 of  God! 
 
 24  And  the  disciples  were  astonished  at 
 his  words.  But  Jesus  answereth  again,  and 
 saith  unto  them.  Children,  how  hard  is  it  for 
 them  that  trust  in  riches  to  enter  into  the 
 kingdom  of  God  ! 
 
 25  It  is  easier  for  a  camel  to  go  through 
 the  eye  ot  a  needle,  than  for  a  rich  man  to 
 enter  into  the  kingdom  of  God. 
 
 26  And  they  were  astonished  out  of  mea¬ 
 sure,  saying  among  themselves,  Who  then 
 can  be  saved  ? 
 
 27  And  Jesus,  looking  upon  them,  saith 
 With  men  it  is  impossible,  but  not  with 
 God  :  for  with  God  all  things  are  possible. 
 
 28  %  Then  Peter  began  to  say  unto  him, 
 Lo,  we  have  left  all,  and  have  followed 
 thee. 
 
 29  And  Jesus  ansAvered  and  said.  Verily 
 I  say  unto  you.  There  is  no  man  that  hath 
 left  house,  or  brethren,  or  sisters,  or  father, 
 or  mother,  or  wife,  or  children,  or  lands,  for 
 my  sake  and  the  gospel’s, 
 
 30  But  he  shall  receive  an  hundred-fold 
 
 man,  so  he  is  said  to  be,  Matt.  xix.  20 — 22,  and  a  ruler,  Luke 
 xviii,  18,  a  person  of  quality.^  Some  circumstances  here  are, 
 which  we  had  not  in  Matthew,  which  make  his  address  to  Christ 
 very  proVnising.  He  came  running  to  Christ,  which  was  an  indi¬ 
 cation  of  his  humility  ;  he  laid  aside  the  grandeur  and  gravity  of  a 
 ruler  when  he  came  to  Christ ;  he  ran  as  one  in  haste,  and  long¬ 
 ing  to  be  in  conversation  with  Christ.  He  had  now  an  opportunity 
 of  consulting  this  great  prophet  in  the  things  that  belonged  to  his 
 peace,  and  he  would  not  let  slip  the  opportunity.  Christ  gave 
 him  a  command  of  trial,  by  w  hich  it  would  appear  whether  he  did 
 in  sincerity  aim  at  eternal  life,  and  jiress  towards  it.  He  seemed 
 to  have  his  heart  much  upon  it,  and  if  so,  he  is  what  he  should  be, 
 but  has  he  indeed  his  heart  upon  it?  bring  him  to  the  touch-stone. 
 Upon  this  he  flew  oft’,  22,  He  was  sad  at  that  saying,  was  sorry 
 he  could  not  be  a  follower  of  Christ  upon  any  easier  terms  thaa 
 
CHAP.  X. 
 
 now  in  this  time,  houses,  and  brethren,  and 
 sisters,  and  mothers,  and  children,  and  lands, 
 with  persecutions  '  and  in  the  world  to  come 
 eternal  life. 
 
 31  But  many  that  ere  first  shall  be  last; 
 and  the  last  first. 
 
 32  ^  And  they  were  in  the  way  going  up 
 to  Jerusalem  :  and  Jesus  went  before  them  ; 
 and  they  were  amazed ;  and,  as  they  fol¬ 
 lowed,  they  were  afraid.  And  he  took  again 
 the  twelve,  and  began  to  tell  them  what 
 things  should  happen  unto  him, 
 
 33  Saying,  Behold,  we  go  up  to  Jerusa¬ 
 lem  :  and  the  Son  of  man  shall  be  delivered 
 unto  the  chief  priests,  and  unto  the  scribes ; 
 and  they  shall  condemn  him  to  death,  and 
 shall  deliver  him  to  the  Gentiles  : 
 
 '  34  And  they  shall  mock  him,  and  shall 
 scourge  him,  and  shall  spit  upon  him,  and 
 shall  kill  him  ;  and  the  third  day  he  shall 
 rise  again. 
 
 35  ^  And  James  and  John,  the  sons  of 
 Zebedee,  come  unto  him,  saying,  Master, 
 we  would  that  thou  shouldest  do  for  us  what¬ 
 soever  we  shall  desire. 
 
 36  And  he  said  unto  them.  What  would 
 ye  that  I  should  do  for  you  ? 
 
 37  They  said  unto  him,  Grant  unto  us 
 that  we  may  sit,  one  on  thy  right  hand,  and 
 the  other  on  thy  left  hand,  in  thy  glory. 
 
 38  But  Jesus  said  unto  them,  Ye  know 
 not  what  ye  ask  :  can  ye  drink  of  the  cup 
 that  I  drink  of?  and  be  baptized  with  the 
 baptism  that  I  am  baptized  with  ? 
 
 39  And  they  say  unto  him.  We  can.  And 
 Jesus  said  unto  them.  Ye  shall  indeed  drink 
 of  the  cup  that  I  drink  of ;  and  with  the 
 baptism  that  I  am  baptized  withal  shall  ye 
 be  baptized ; 
 
 40  But  to  sit  on  my  right  hand,  and  on 
 my  left  hand,  is  not  mine  to  give  :  but  it 
 shall  be  given  to  them  for  whom  it  is  pre¬ 
 pared. 
 
 j 
 
 leaving  all  to  follow  him  ;  that  he  could  not  lay  hold  on  eternal 
 life,  and  keep  hold  of  his  temporal  possessions  too.  But  since  he 
 could  not  come  up  to  the  terms  of  discipleship,  he  was  so  fair  as 
 not  to  pretend  to  it.  He  went  away  grieved. 
 
 .  See  notes  on  Matt.  xix.  10 — 30. 
 
 32 — 44.  Here  is  Christ’s  prediction  of  his  own  sufferings ;  this 
 'string  he  harped  much  upon,  though  in  the  ears  of  his  disciples  it 
 sounded  very  harsh  and  unpteasing.  See  here  how  timorous  and 
 faint-^'earted  his  disciples  were.  As  they  followed  they  were  afraid; 
 
 41  And  when  the  ten  heard  it  they  be¬ 
 gan  to  be  much  displeased  with  James  and 
 John. 
 
 42  But  Jesus  called  them  to  him,  and 
 saith  unto  them.  Ye  know  that  they  which 
 are  accounted  to  rule  over  the  Gentiles  ex¬ 
 ercise  lordship  over  them,  and  their  great 
 ones  exercise  authority  upon  them 
 
 43  But  so  shall  it  not  be  among  you  :  but 
 whosoever  will  be  great  among  you  shall  be 
 your  minister  : 
 
 44  And  whosoever  of  you  will  be  the 
 chiefest  shall  be  servant  of  all. 
 
 45  For  even  the  Son  of  man  came  not  to 
 be  ministered  unto  but  to  minister,  and  to 
 give  his  life  a  ransom  for  many. 
 
 46  ^  And  they  came  to  Jericho  :  and  as 
 he  went  out  of  Jericho  with  his  disciples 
 and  a  great  number  of  people,  blind  Barti- 
 meus,  the  son  of  Timeus,  sat  by  the  high¬ 
 way-side  begging. 
 
 47  And  when  he  heard  that  it  was  Jesus 
 of  Nazareth,  he  began  to  cry  out,  and  say, 
 Jesus,  thou  Son  of  David,  have  mercy  on 
 me. 
 
 48  And  many  charged  him  that  he  should 
 hold  his  peace  ;  but  he  cried  the  more  a 
 great  deal.  Thou  son  of  David,  have  mercy 
 on  me. 
 
 49  And  Jesus  stood  still,  and  commanded 
 him  to  be  called.  And  they  call  the  blind 
 man,  saying  unto  him.  Be  of  good  comfort, 
 rise ;  he  calleth  thee. 
 
 50  And  he,  casting  away  his  garment, 
 rose,  and  came  to  Jesus. 
 
 51  And  Jesus  answered,  and  said  unto 
 him.  What  wilt  thou  that  I  should  do  unto 
 thee  ?  The  blind  man  said  unto  him.  Lord, 
 that  I  might  receive  my  sight. 
 
 52  And  Jesus  said  unto  him,  Go  thy  way, 
 thy  faith  hath  made  thee  whole.  And  im¬ 
 mediately  he  received  his  sight,  and  followed 
 Jesus  in  the  way. 
 
 iifraid  for  themselves,  as  being  apprehensive  of  their  own  danger, 
 and  justl3'^  might  thev  be  ashamed  of  being  thus  afraid.  Their 
 Master’s  courage  should  have  put  spirit  into  them. 
 
 See  notes  on  Matt.  xx.  17—28. 
 
 45 — 52.  This  passage  of  story  agrees  with  that  Matt.  xx.  29,  &c. 
 only  that  there  we  were  told  of  two  blind  men  ;  here,  and  Luke 
 xviii.  35,  only  of  one  ;  this  one  is  named  here,  being  a  blind  beg¬ 
 gar  that  was  much  talked  of,  Bartimeus,  that  is,  the  son  of 
 meus  which  some  think  signifies  the  son  of  a  blind  man. 
 
 4,1  1 
 
ST.  MARK. 
 
 CHAP.  XI. 
 
 I.  Chust  rides  into  Jerusalem,  1 — 11.  If.  Curses  the  fig-tree, 
 12- -14.  III.  Purgeth  the  temple,  15—19.  IV.  The  power  of 
 faith,  20 — 26'.  V.  Christ’s  reply  to  those  who  questioned  his 
 authority,  27 — 33. 
 
 ND  when  they  came  nigh  to  Jerusalem, 
 unto  Bethpage  and  Bethany,  at  the 
 mount  of  Olives,  he  sendeth  forth  two  of  his 
 disciples, 
 
 2  And  saith  unto  them.  Go  your  way  into 
 the  village  over  against  you :  and,  as  soon 
 as  ye  be  entered  into  it,  ye  shall  find  a  colt 
 tied,  w’hereon  never  man  sat ;  loose  him, 
 and  bring  him. 
 
 3  And  if  any  man  say  unto  you.  Why  do 
 ye  this  ?  say  ye,  that  tire  Lord  hath  need  of 
 him ;  and  straightway  he  will  send  him  hi¬ 
 ther. 
 
 4  And  they  went  their  way,  and  found 
 the  colt  tied  by  the  door  without,  in  a  place 
 where  two  ways  met ;  and  they  loose  him. 
 
 5  And  certain  of  them  that  stood  there 
 said  unto  them.  What  do  ye  loosing  the 
 colt  ? 
 
 6  And  they  said  unto  them  even  as  Jesus 
 had  commanded  :  and  they  let  them  go. 
 
 7  And  they  brought  the  colt  to  Jesus, 
 and  cast  their  garments  on  him  :  and  he  sat 
 upon  him. 
 
 8  And  many  spread  their  garments  in  the 
 way  ;  and  others  cut  down  branches  off  the 
 trees,  and  strawed  than  in  the  way. 
 
 9  And  they  that  went  before,  and  they 
 that  followed,  cried,  saying.  Hosannah ; 
 Blessed  is  he  that  cometh  in  the  name  of  the 
 Lord  : 
 
 10  Blessed  be  the  kingdom  of  our  father 
 David,  that  cometh  in  the  name  of  the  Lord ; 
 Hosannah  in  the  highest. 
 
 11  And  Jesus  entered  into  Jerusalem,  and 
 into  the  temple  :  and  when  he  had  looked 
 round  about  upon  all  things,  and  now  the 
 even-tide  was  come,  he  went  out  unto  Be¬ 
 thany  with  the  twelve. 
 
 CHAP.  XI.  1 — 11.  See  notes  on  Matt.  xxi.  1—11. 
 
 12 — 26‘.  Christ  went  to  a  fig-tree,  which  he  saw  at  some  d\.t- 
 tance,  that  being  well  adorned  with  green  leaves,  he  hoped  to  find 
 enriched  with  some  sort  of  fruit,  but  he  found  nothing  but  leaves  : 
 he  hoped  to  find  some  fruit,  for  the  time  of  gathering  figs,  though 
 it  was  near,  yet  it  was  not  yet ;  so  that  it  could  not  be  pretended 
 that  it  had  had  fruit,  that  it  was  gathered  and  gone,  for  it  was  not 
 come  to  that  yet ;  or,  he  found  none,  for  indeed  it  was  not  a  sea¬ 
 son  of  figs,  it  was  no  good  fig  year.  But  this  was  worse  than  any 
 
 12  ^  And  on  me  morrow,  when  they  were' 
 come  from  Bethany,  he  was  hungry  : 
 
 13  And  seeing  a  fig-tree  afar  off,  having 
 leaves,  he  came,  if  haply  he  might  find  any 
 thing  thereon  :  and  when  he  came  to  it  he 
 found  nothing  but  leaves ;  for  the  time  of 
 figs  was  not  yet. 
 
 14  And  Jesus  answered,  and  said  unto 
 it.  No  man  eat  fruit  of  thee  hereafter  for 
 ever.  And  his  disciples  hoard  it. 
 
 15  ^  And  they  come  to  Jerusalem  ;  and 
 Jesus  went  into  the  temple,  and  began  to 
 cast  out  them  that  sold  and  bought  in  the 
 temple,  and  overthrew  the  tables  of  the 
 money-changers,  and  the  seats  of  them  that 
 sold  doves  ; 
 
 16  And  would  not  suffer  that  any  man 
 should  carry  any  vessel  through  the  temple. 
 
 17  And  he  taught,  saying  unto  them.  Is 
 it  not  written,  My  house  shall  be  called  of 
 all  nations  the  house  of  prayer?  but  ye 
 have  made  it  a  den  of  thieves. 
 
 18  And  the  scribes  and  chief  priests  heard 
 ^7,  and  sought  how  they  might  destroy  him  ; 
 for  they  feared  him,  because  all  the  people 
 was  astonished  at  his  doctrine. 
 
 19  And  when  even  was  come  he  went  out 
 of  the  city. 
 
 20  ^  And  in  the  morning,  as  they  passed 
 by,  they  saw  the  fig-tree  dried  up  from  the 
 roots. 
 
 21  And  Peter,  calling  to  remembrance, 
 saith  unto  him.  Master,  behold,  the  fig-tree 
 which  thou  cursedst  is  withered  away  ! 
 
 22  And  Jesus  answering,  saith  unto  them. 
 Have  faith  in  God. 
 
 23  For  verily  I  say  unto  you,  that  who¬ 
 soever  shall  say  unto  this  mountain.  Be  thou 
 removed,  and  be  thou  cast  into  the  sea,  and 
 shall  not  doubt  in  his  heart,  but  shall  be¬ 
 lieve  that  those  things  which  he  saith  shall 
 come  to  pass  ;  he  shall  have  whatsoever  he 
 saith. 
 
 other  fig-tree,  for  there  was  not  so  much  as  one  fig  to  be  found 
 upon  it,  though  it  was  so  full  of  leaves.  However,  Christ  was  will¬ 
 ing  to  make  an  example  of  it,  not  to  the  trees,  but  to  the  men  of 
 that  generation,  and  therefore  cursed  it  with  that  curse  which  is 
 the  reverse  of  the  first  blessing.  Be  fruitlul ;  he  said  unto  it.  Never 
 let  any  man  eat  fruit  of  thee  hereafter  for  ever,  14.  Sweetness 
 and  good  fruit  is  in  Jotham’s  parable  the  honour  of  the  fig-tree, 
 Judg.  ix.  11.  This  was  intended  to  be  a  type  and  figure  of  the 
 doom  passed  upon  the  Jewish  church,  to  which  he  came  seeking 
 
CHAP.  XII. 
 
 24  Therefore  I  say  unto  you,  What  things 
 soever  ye  desire  when  ye  pray,  believe  that 
 ve  receive  them,  and  ye  shall  have  them. 
 
 25  And  when  ye  stand  praying,  forgive, 
 if  ye  have  aught  against  any,  that  your  Fa¬ 
 ther  also  which  is  in  heaven  may  forgive  you 
 your  trespasses. 
 
 26  But  if  ye  do  not  forgive,  neither  will 
 your  Father  which  is  in  heaven  forgive  your 
 trespasses. 
 
 27  ^  And  they  come  again  to  Jerusalem ; 
 and,  as  he  was  walking  in  the  temple,  there 
 come  to  him  the  chief  priests,  and  the  scribes, 
 and  the  elders, 
 
 28  And  say  unto  him.  By  what  authority 
 doest  thou  these  things  ?  and  who  gave  thee 
 this  authority  to  do  these  things  ? 
 
 29  And  Jesus  answered,  and  said  unto 
 them,  I  will  also  ask  of  you  one  question, 
 and  answer  me,  and  I  will  tell  you  by  what 
 authority  I  do  these  things. 
 
 30  The  baptism  of  John,  was  it  from  hea¬ 
 ven,  or  of  men  ?  answer  me. 
 
 31  And  they  reasoned  with  themselves, 
 saying.  If  we  shall  say.  From  heaven  ;  he 
 will  say.  Why  then  did  ye  not  believe  him  ? 
 
 32  But  if  we  shall  say.  Of  men,  they 
 feared  the  people  :  for  all  men  counted  J ohn 
 that  he  was  a  prophet  indeed. 
 
 33  And  they  answered,  and  said  unto 
 Jesus,  We  cannot  tell.  And  Jesus  answer¬ 
 ing,  saith  unto  them.  Neither  do  I  tell  you 
 by  what  authority  I  do  these  things. 
 
 CHAP.  XII. 
 
 1.  The  parable  of  the  vineyard,  1—12.  II.  About  paying  trr 
 
 bute,  13— 17.  HI.  The  doctrine  of  the  resurrection,  18—27. 
 
 iV.  Conference  with  ascribe,  28 — 34.  V.  The  scribes  puzzled 
 
 with  a  question  about  Christ’s  being  the  Son  of  David,  35 — 37' 
 
 VI.  Cautions  to  the  people  to  take  heed  of  the  scribes,  38 — 40 
 
 VII.  Commendation  of  the  poor  widow,  41 — 44. 
 
 A 
 
 ND  he  began  to  speak  unto  them  by 
 parables.  A  certain  man  planted  a 
 
 vineyard,  and  set  an  hedge  about  it,  and 
 digged  a  place  for  the  wine-fat,  and  built  a 
 tower,  and  let  it  out  to  husbandmen,  and 
 went  into  a  far  country. 
 
 2  And  at  the  season  he  sent  to  the  hus¬ 
 bandmen  a  servant,  that  he  might  receive 
 from  the  husbandmen  of  the  fruit  of  the  vine¬ 
 yard. 
 
 3  And  they  caught  him,  and  beat  him,  and 
 sent  him  away  empty. 
 
 4  And  again  he  sent  unto  them  another 
 servant ;  and  at  him  they  cast  stones,  and 
 wounded  him  in  the  head,  and  sent  him  away 
 shamefully  handled. 
 
 5  And  again  he  sent  another :  and  him 
 they  killed,  and  many  others  ;  beating  some, 
 and  killing  some. 
 
 6  Having  yet,  therefore,  one  son,  his  well- 
 beloved,  he  sent  him  also  last  unto  them,  say¬ 
 ing,  They  will  reverence  my  son. 
 
 7  But  those  husbandmen  said  among 
 themselves.  This  is  the  heir  ;  come,  let  us 
 kill  him,  and  the  inheritance  shall  be  ours. 
 
 8  And  they  took  him,  and  killed  him,  and 
 cast  him  out  of  the  vineyard. 
 
 9  What  shall,  therefore,  the  lord  of  the 
 vineyard  do  ?  He  will  come  and  destroy  the 
 husbandmen,  and  Avill  give  the  vineyard  un¬ 
 to  others. 
 
 10  And  have  ye  not  read  this  scripture, 
 The  stone  which  the  builders  rejected  is  be¬ 
 come  the  head  of  the  corner  : 
 
 11  This  was  the  Lord’s  doing,  and  it  is 
 marvellous  in  our  eyes  ? 
 
 12  And  they  sought  to  lay  hold  on  him, 
 but  feared  the  people ;  for  they  knew  that 
 he  had  spoken  the  parable  against  them  : 
 and  they  left  him,  and  went  their  way. 
 
 13  ^  And  they  send  unto  him  certain  of 
 the  Pharisees,  and  of  the  Herodians,  to 
 catch  him  in  his  words. 
 
 fruit  but  foi  nd  none,  Luke  xiii.  6,  7,  and  though  it  was  not  accord¬ 
 ing  to  the  doom  in  the  parable  immediately  cut  down,  yet  accord¬ 
 ing  to  this  in  the  history,  blindness  and  hardness  befel  them,  Rom 
 xi.  8 — 25,  so  that  they  were  from  henceforth  good  for  nothing. 
 The  disciples  heard  what  sentence  Christ  passed  on  this  tree,  and 
 took  notice  of  it.  Woes  from  Christ’s  mouth  are  to  be  observed  and 
 kept  in  mind,  as  well  as  blessings. 
 
 27 — 33.  What  Christ  did  by  his  wisdom,  we  must  labour  to  do 
 by  our  well-doing,  put  to  silence  the  ignorance  of  foolish  men, 
 1  Pet.  ii.  15.  Christ  came  off  with  honour,  and  justified  himself 
 in  denying  to  give  them  an  answer  to  their  imperious  demanL 
 Neither  tell  1  you  by  what  authority  I  do  these  things.  They  did 
 
 not  deserve  to  be  told;  who,  it  was  plain,  did  not  contend  for 
 truth  but  victory,  nor  did  he  need  to  tell  them,  for  the  works 
 \vhich  he  did  told  them  plainly  that  he  had  authority  from  God 
 to  do  what  he  did,  since  no  man  could  do  those  miracles  which  he 
 did,  unless  God  were  with  them.  •  Let  them  wait  but  three  or  four 
 days,  and  his  resurrection  shall  tell  them  who  gave  him  this  au¬ 
 thority,  for  by  that  he  will  be  declared  to  be  the  Son  of  God  with 
 power,  as  by  their  rejecting  him,  notwithstanding,  they  will  be  de¬ 
 clared  to  be  the  enemies  of  God. 
 
 ’'Se£  notes  on  Matt.  x.\i.  23 — 27. 
 
 CHAP.  XII.  1—12.  Christ  had  formerly  in  parables  shewed 
 how  he  designed  to  set  up  the  gospel  church,  now  he  begins  in  pa- 
 
 413 
 
SI.  MARK. 
 
 J4  And  when  they  were  come,  they  say, 
 unto  him,  Master,  we  know  that  thou  art 
 true,  and  carest  for  no  man  :  for  thou  re- 
 gardest  not  the  person  of  men,  but  teachest 
 the  way  of  God  in  truth  :  Is  it  lawful  to  give 
 tribute  to  Caesar,  or  not  ? 
 
 15  Shall  we  give,  or  shall  we  not  give  ? 
 But  he,  knowing  their  hypocrisy,  said  unto 
 them.  Why  tempt  ye  me  ?  bring  me  a  penny, 
 that  I  may  see  it. 
 
 16  And  they  brought  it.  And  he  saith 
 unto  them.  Whose  is  this  image  and  super¬ 
 scription  ?  And  they  said  unto  him,  Caesar’s. 
 
 17  And  Jesus  answering,  said  unto  them. 
 Render  to  Caesar  the  things  that  are  Caesar’s, 
 and  to  God  the  things  that  are  God’s.  And 
 they  marvelled  at  him. 
 
 18  ^  Then  come  unto  him  the  Sadducees, 
 Avhich  say  there  is  no  resurrection,  and  they 
 asked  him,  saying, 
 
 19  Master,  Moses  wrote  unto  us.  If  a 
 man’s  brother  die,  and  leave  his  wife  behind 
 him,  and  leave  no  children,  that  his  brother 
 should  take  his  wife,  and  raise  up  seed  unto 
 his  brother. 
 
 20  Now,  there  were  seven  brethren  :  and 
 the  first  took  a  wife,  and,  dying,  left  no 
 seed. 
 
 21  And  the  second  took  her,  and  died, 
 neither  left  he  any  seed  :  and  the  third  like¬ 
 wise. 
 
 22  And  the  seven  had  her,  and  left  no 
 seed  ;  last  of  all  the  woman  died  also. 
 
 23  In  the  resurrection,  therefore,  when 
 they  shall  rise,  whose  wife  shall  she  be  of 
 them  ?  for  the  seven  had  her  to  wife. 
 
 24  And  Jesus  answering,  said  unto  them. 
 Do  ye  not  therefore  err,  because  ye  know 
 not  the  scriptures,  neither  the  power  of 
 God? 
 
 25  For  when  they  shall  rise  from  the  dead, 
 they  neither  marry  nor  are  given  in  mar¬ 
 riage  ;  but  are  as  the  angels  which  are  in  hea¬ 
 ven. 
 
 26  And  as  touching  the  dead,  that  they 
 rise  ;  have  ye  not  read  in  the  book  ol  Moses, 
 how  in  the  bush  God  spake  unto  him,  saying, 
 I  am  the  God  of  Abraham,  and  the  God  of 
 Isaac,  and  the  God  of  Jacob  ? 
 
 27  He  is  not  the  God  of  the  dead,  but 
 the  God  of  the  living  :  ye,  therefore,  do 
 greatly  err. 
 
 28  f  And  one  of  the  scribes  came,  and 
 having  heard  them  reasoning  together,  and 
 perceiving  that  he  had  answered  them  well, 
 asked  him,  which  is  the  first  commandment 
 of  all  ? 
 
 29  And  Jesus  answered  him.  The  first  ol 
 all  the  commandments  is,  Hear,  O  Israel ; 
 The  Lord  our  God  is  one  Lord  ; 
 
 30  And  thou  shalt  love  the  Lord  thy  God 
 with  all  thy  heart,  and  with  all  thy  soul,  and 
 with  all  thy  mind,  and  with  all  thy  strength. 
 This  is  the  first  commandment. 
 
 31  And  the  second  is  like,  ?iameh/  this. 
 Thou  shalt  love  thy  neighbour  as  thyself. 
 There  is  none  other  commandment  greater 
 than  these. 
 
 32  And  the  scribe  said  unto  him.  Well, 
 Master,  thou  hast  said  the  truth  :  for  there 
 is  one  God  :  and  there  is  none  other  but  he  : 
 
 33  And  to  love  him  with  all  the  heart, 
 and  with  all  the  understanding,  and  with  all 
 the  soul,  and  with  all  the  strength,  and  to 
 love  his  neighbour  as  himself,  is  more  than  all 
 whole  burnt-ofierings,  and  sacrifices. 
 
 34  And  when  Jesus  saw  that  he  answered 
 discreetly,  he  said  unto  him.  Thou  art  not 
 far  from  the  kingdom  of  God.  And  no  man 
 after  that  durst  ask  him  anij  question. ^ 
 
 35  ^  And  Jesus  answered  and  said,  while 
 he  taught  in  the  temple.  How  say  the  scribes 
 that  Christ  is  the  Son  of  David  ? 
 
 36  For  David  himself  said  by  the  Holy 
 Ghost,  The  Lord  said  to  my  Lord,  sit  thou 
 on  my  right  hand,  till  I  make  thine  enemies 
 thy  foot-stool. 
 
 37  David,  therefore,  himself  calleth  him 
 
 Tables  to  shew  how  he  would  lay  aside  the  Jewish  church,  which 
 it  might  have  been  grafted  into  the  stocky  of,  but  was  built  upon 
 the  ruins  of. 
 
 See  notes  on  Matt.  xxi.  33 — 46. 
 
 13 — 17-  When  the  enemies  of  Christ,  who  thirsted  for  his  blood, 
 could  not  find  occasion  against  him  from  what  he  had  said  against 
 them,  they  tried  to  ensnare  him  by  putting  questions  to  him.  Were, 
 414 
 
 e  have  him  tempted,  or  attempted  rather,  with  a  question  about 
 
 le  lawfulness  of  paying  tribute  to  C*sar.  We  had  this  story, 
 latt.  xxii.  15,  to  which  refer  for  notes.  r  1  .  i,  _ 
 
 18—40.  The  Sadducees,  that  were  the  deists  of  that  age,  here 
 track  our  Lord  Jesus,  it  should  seem  not  as  the  scribes  anc  1^ 
 isees,  and  chief  priests,  with  any  malicious  design  upon  his  pe 
 m,  they  were  not  bigots  and  persecutors,  but  sceptics  am  1. 
 
ciiAr.  xiii. 
 
 1  nrfl  •  ana  whence  is  he  then  his  son  ?  And 
 The  common  people  heard  hin.  gladly. 
 
 •38  f  And  he  said  unto  them,  m  his  doc¬ 
 trine,  beware  of  the  scribes,  which  love  to 
 go  in  long  clothing,  and  love  salutations  in 
 the  market-places, 
 
 39  And  the  chief  seats  in  the  synagogues, 
 and  the  uppermost  rooms  at  feasts  ; 
 
 40  Which  devour  widows^  houses,  and 
 for  a  pretence  make  long  prayers  :  these  shall 
 
 receive  greater  damnation.  ^ 
 
 41  f  And  Jesus  sat  over  against  the  trea¬ 
 sury,  and  beheld  how  the  people  cast  mo¬ 
 ney  into  the  treasury  :  and  many  that  were 
 rich  cast  in  much. 
 
 42  And  there  came  a  certain  poor  widow, 
 and  she  threw  in  two  mites,  which  make  a 
 
 farthing.  .  •  i 
 
 43  And  he  called  unto  him  his  disciples, 
 
 and  saith  unto  them.  Verily  I  say  unto  you. 
 That  this  poor  widow  hath  cast  more  in  than 
 all  they  which  have  cast  into  the  treasury  . 
 
 44  For  all  they  did  cast  in  of  their  abun¬ 
 
 dance  ;  but  she  of  he»  ivant  dia  cast  Jn  all 
 that  she  had,  even  all  her  living. 
 
 CHAP.  XIII. 
 
 We  have  here  the  substance  of  that  prophetical  sermon  which  our 
 Lord  Jesus  preached,  pointing  at  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem, 
 and  the  consummation  of  all  things. 
 
 And,  as  he  went  out  of  the  temple,  one 
 of  his  disciples  saith  unto  him.  Master, 
 see  what  manner  of  stones  and  what  build¬ 
 ings  are  here  ! 
 
 2  And  Jesus  answering,  said  unto  him, 
 Seest  thou  these  great  buildings  ?  there  shall 
 not  be  left  one  stone  upon  another,  that 
 shall  not  be  thrown  down. 
 
 3  ^  And  as  he  sat  upon  the  mount  of 
 Olives,  over  against  the  temple,  Peter,  and 
 James,  and  John,  and  Andrew,  asked  him 
 privately  ; 
 
 4  Tell  us,  when  shall  these  things  be  ? 
 and  what  shall  be  the  sign  when  all  these 
 things  shall  be  fulfilled  ? 
 
 5  And  Jesus,  answering  them,  began  to 
 say.  Take  heed  lest  any  man  deceive  you  : 
 
 6  For  many  shall  come  in  my  name. 
 
 ficlels,  and  their  design  was  upon  his  doctrine,  to  hinder  the 
 spreading  of  ihat :  they  denied  that  there  was  any  resurrection, 
 any  world  of  spirits,  any  state  of  rewards  and  punishments  on  the 
 other  side  death.  Now  those  great  and  fundamental  truths  which 
 thev  denied,  Christ  had  made  it  his  business  to  establish  and  prove, 
 and  had  carried  the  notion  of  them  much  further  than  ever  it  was 
 before  carried,  and  therefore  they  set  themselves  to  perplex  his 
 doctrine.  Now  that  which  he  refers  them  to  is  what  Cod  said  to 
 Moses  at  the  bush,  I  am  the  God  of  Abraham  ;  not  only  I  was  so 
 but  I  am  so  ;  I  am  the  portion  and  happiness  of  Abraham,  a  Ood 
 all-sufficient  to  him.  It  is  absurd  to  think  that  God  s  relaUori  to 
 Abraham  should  be  continued,  and  thus  solemnly  recognized,  it 
 Abraham  was  annihilated,  or  that  the  living  God  should  be  the 
 portion  and  happiness  of  a  man  that  is  dead,  and  be  for  eter 
 so  -  and  therefore  you  must  conclude,  first.  That  Abrahams  soul 
 exists  and  acts  in  a  state  of  separation  from  the  body,  becond, 
 That  therefore  some  time  or  other  the  body  must  rise  again,  tor 
 there  is  such  an  innate  inclination  in  the  human  soul  towards  its 
 body,  as  would  make  a  total  and  everlasting  separation  incon¬ 
 sistent  with  the  case  and  repose,  much  more  with  the  bliss  and  joy 
 
 of  those  souls  that  have  the  Lord  for  their  God. 
 
 What  became  of  this  scribe  we  are  not  told,  but  we  would  wil¬ 
 lingly  hope  that  he  took  the  hint  Christ  hereby  gave  him,  and  that 
 having  been  told  by  him  so  much  to  his  satisfaction,  what  was  the 
 great  commandment  of  the  law,  he  proceeded  to  inquire  of  hitn 
 or  his  apostles  what  was  the  great  commandment  of  the  gospel 
 too ;  yet  if  he  did  not,  but  took  up  here  and  went  no  further,  we 
 are  not  to  think  it  strange,  for  there  are  many  who  are  not  far 
 from  the  kingdom  of  God,  and  yet  never  come  thither.  Now  one 
 would  think  this  should  have  invited  many  to  consult  him,  but  it 
 had  a  contrary  effect,  no  m^n  after  that  durst  ask  him  any  ques¬ 
 tion  ;  every  thing  he  said  was  spoken  with  such  authority  and 
 majesty,  that  every  one  stood  in  awe  of  him  ;  those  that  desired 
 to  learn  were  ashamed  to  ask,  and  those  that  designed  to  cavil 
 were  afraid  to  ask. 
 
 See  notes  on  Matt.  xxii.  42 — 4o. 
 
 41—44.  This  passage  or  story  was  not  in  Matthew,  but  is  here 
 and  in  Luke;  it  is  Christ’s  commendation  of  the  poor  widow  that 
 cast  two  mites  inti)  the  ireasurv,  which  our  Saviour,  as  busy  as  he 
 was  in  preaching  found  leisure  to  take  notice  of.  Many  would 
 Voi.  1..  t-2  an 
 
 have  been  ready  to  censure  this  poor  widow,  and  to  think  she  did 
 ill ;  why  should  she  give  to  others,  when  she  had  little  enough  for 
 herself?  Charity  begins  at  home;  or,  if  she  would  give  it,  whv 
 did  she  not  bestow  it  upon  some  poor  body  that  she  knew,  wlmt 
 need  she  bring  it  to  the  treasury  to  be  disposed  of  by  the  chief 
 priests,  who  we  have  reason  to  fear  were  partial  in  the  disposal  of 
 It?  It  is  so  rare  a  thing  to  find  that  any  one  would  not  blame  tffis 
 widow,  that  we  cannot  expect  to  find  any  one  that  will  imitate  her, 
 and  yet  our  Saviour  commends  her,  and  therefore  we  are  sure  she 
 did  very  well  and  wisely  ;  if  Christ  saith  well  done,  no  matter  w;ho 
 saith  otherwise,  and  we  must  from  hence  learn,  first,' That  giving 
 alms  is  an  excellent  good  thing,  and  highly  pleasing  to  the  Lord 
 Jesus  ;  and  if  we  be  humble  and  sincere  in  it,  he  will  graciously 
 accept  of  it,  though  in  some  circumstances  there  may  not  be  all 
 the  discretion  in  the  world.  Second,  Those  that  have  but  a  little, 
 yet  ought  to  give  alms  out  of  their  little.  Those  that  live  by  their 
 labour,  from  hand  to  mouth,  yet  must  give  to  those  that  need, 
 Eph.  iv.  28.  Third,  it  is  very  good  for  us  to  straiten  and  deny 
 ourselves,  that  wc  may  be  able  to  give  the  more  to  the  poor  ;  not 
 only  to  deny  ourselves  superfluities,  but  even  conveniences  for  the 
 sake  of  charity  :  we  should  in  many  cases  pinch  ourselves,  that 
 we  may  suppiv  others’  necessities  ;  this  is  loving  our  neighbours  as 
 ourselves.  Fourth,  Public  charities  should  be  encouraged,  for 
 they  bring  upon  a  nation  public  blessings,  and  though  there  may 
 be  some  mismanagement  of  them,  yet  that  is  not  a  good  reason  why 
 we  should  not  bring  in  our  quota  to  them. 
 
 CHAP.  XIII.  1—4.  How  apt  many  of  Christ’s  own  disciples  are 
 to  idolize  things  that  look  great,  and  have  been  long  looked  upon 
 as  sacred  :  they  that  heard  Christ  complain  of  those  who  had  made 
 the  temple  a  den  of  thieves,  and  yet,  when  he  quitted  it  for  the 
 wickedness  that  remained  in  it  they  count  him  to  be  as  much  in 
 love  as  they  were  with  the  s.tately  structure  and  adorning  of  it. 
 One  of  them  said  to  him,  look  Master,  what  manner  of  stones  and 
 what  buildings  are  here,  1  ;  we  never  saw  the  like  in  Galilee  ;  O 
 do  not  leave  this  fine  place. 
 
 5—13.  Our  Lord  Jesus,  in  reply  to  their  question,  sets  himsell 
 not  so  much  to  satisfy  their  curiosity,  as  to  direct  their  con¬ 
 sciences;  leaves  them  still  in  the  dark  concerning  the  times  and 
 seasons,  which  the  Father  has  kept  in  his  own  power,  and  which 
 it  was  not  for  them  to  know,  but  gives  them  the  cautions  which 
 
 415 
 
ST.  MARK. 
 
 saying,  I  am  Christ ;  and  shall  deceive 
 many. 
 
 7  And  when  ye  shall  hear  of  wars,  and 
 rumours  of  wars,  be  ye  not  troubled  :  for 
 such  things  must  needs  be  :  but  the  end  shall 
 not  be  yet. 
 
 8  For  nation  shall  rise  against  nation,  and 
 kingdom  against  kingdom  f  and  there  shall 
 be  earthquakes  in  clivers  places,  and  there 
 shall  be  famines  and  troubles  :  these  are  the 
 beginnings  of  sorrows. 
 
 9  But  take  heed  to  yourselves  :  for  they 
 shall  deliver  you  up  to  councils  ;  and  in  the 
 synagogues  ye  shall  be  beaten  :  and  ye  shall 
 be  brought  before  rulers  and  kings  for  my 
 sake,  for  a  testimony  against  them. 
 
 10  And  the  gospel  must  first  be  published 
 amons:  all  nations. 
 
 11  But  when  they  shall  lead  you,  and  de¬ 
 liver  you  up,  take  no  thought  beforehand 
 what  ye  shall  speak,  neither  do  ye  preme¬ 
 ditate  ;  but  whatsoever  shall  be  given  you 
 in  that  hour,  that  speak  ye  :  for  it  is  not  ye 
 that  speak,  but  the  Holy  Ghost. 
 
 12  Now,  the  brother  shall  betray  the  bro¬ 
 ther  to  death,  and  the  father  the  son  ;  and 
 children  shall  rise  up  against  their  parents, 
 and  shall  cause  them  to  be  put  to  death. 
 
 13  And  ye  shall  be  hated  of  all  men  for 
 my  name^s  sake :  but  he  that  shall  endure 
 unto  the  end,  the  same  shall  be  saved. 
 
 14  But  when  ye  shall  see  the  abomination 
 of  desolation,  spoken  of  by  Daniel  the  pro¬ 
 phet,  standing  where  it  ought  not,  (let  him 
 that  readeth  understand,)  then  let  them  that 
 be  in  Judea  flee  to  the  mountains  : 
 
 15  And  let  him  that  is  on  the  house-top 
 not  go  down  into  the  house,  neither  enter 
 therein,  to  take  any  thing  out  of  his  house  : 
 
 16  And  let  him  that  is  in  the  field  not 
 turn  back  again  for  to  take  up  his  garment. 
 
 '  17  But  woe  to  them  that  are  with  child, 
 and  to  them'  that  give  suck  in  those  days  ! 
 
 18  And  pray  ye  that  you  flight  be  not  in 
 the  winter. 
 
 were  needful,  with  reference  to  the  events  that  should  now  shortly 
 come  to  pass. 
 
 ■  14 — 27.  These  verses  seem  to  point  at  Christ’s  second  coming 
 to  judge  the  world  ;  the  disciples  in  their  questions  had  confounded 
 the  destruction  of  Jerusalem  and  the  end  of  the  world,  Matt. 
 
 416 
 
 19  For  in  those  days  shall  be  affliction 
 such  as  was  not  from  the  beginning  of  the 
 creation  which  God  created  unto  this  time, 
 neither  shall  be. 
 
 20  And  except  that  the  Lord  had  short¬ 
 ened  those  days  no  flesh  should  be  saved  ; 
 but  for  the  elect's  sake,  whom  he  hath  chosen, 
 he  hath  shortened  the  days. 
 
 21  And  then  if  any  man  shall  say  to  you 
 Lo,  here  is  Christ ;  or,  lo,  he  is  there  ;  believe 
 him  not : 
 
 22  For  false  Christs  and  false  prophets 
 shall  rise,  and  shall  shew  signs  and  wonders, 
 to  seduce,  if  it  were  possible,  even  the  elect. 
 
 23  But  take  ye  heed  :  behold,  I  have  fore¬ 
 told  you  all  things. 
 
 24  ^  But  in  those  days,  after  that  tribu¬ 
 lation,  the  sun  shall  be  darkened,  and  the 
 moon  shall  not  give  her  light : 
 
 25  And  the  stars  of  heaven  shall  fall, 
 and  the  powers  that  are  in  heaven  shall  be 
 shaken  ; 
 
 26  And  then  shall  they  see  the  Son  of 
 man  coming  in  the  clouds,  with  great  power 
 and  glory. 
 
 27  And  then  shall  he  send  his  angels,  and 
 shall  gather  together  his  elect  from  the  four 
 winds,  from  the  uttermost  part  of  the  earth 
 to  the  uttermost  part  of  heaven. 
 
 28  Now,  learn  a  parable  of  the  fig-tree  : 
 When  her  branch  is  yet  tender,  and  putteth 
 forth  leaves,  ye  know  that  summer  is  near  : 
 
 29  So  ye,  in  like  manner,  when  ye  shall  see 
 these  things  come  to  pass,  know  that  it  is 
 nigh,  even  at  the  doors. 
 
 30  Verily  I  say  unto  you.  That  this  ge¬ 
 neration  shall  not  pass,  till  all  these  things 
 be  done. 
 
 31  Heaven  and  earth  shall  pass  away, 
 but  my  words  shall  not  pass  away. 
 
 32  ^  And  of  that  day  and  that  hour  know- 
 eth  no  man,  no,  not  the  angels  which  are  in 
 heaven,  neither  the  Son  but  the  Father. 
 
 33  Take  ye  heed,  watch  and  pray  :  foryc 
 know  not  when  the  time  is. 
 
 xxiv.  3,  which  was  built  upon  a  mistake,  as  if  the  temple  niOil 
 needs  stand  as  long  as  the  world  stands ;  this  mistake  Christ  recti¬ 
 fies,  and  shews  that  the  end  of  the  world,  in  those  days,  those- 
 other  days  you  inquire  about,  the  day  of  Christ’s  coming,  and 
 the  day  of  judgment  shall  be  after  that  tribulation,  and  not  CO- 
 
CHAP.  XIV. 
 
 34  For  the  Son  of  man  is  as  a  man  taking 
 a  far  journey,  who'left  his  house,  and  gave 
 authority  to  his  servants,  and  to  every  man 
 his  work,  and  commanded  the  porter  to 
 
 WcLtcll 
 
 35  Watch  ye,  therefore ;  for  ye  know  not 
 when  the  master  of  the  house  cometh,  at 
 even,  or  at  midnight,  or  at  the  cock-crow¬ 
 ing,  or  in  the  morning  : 
 
 36  Lest,  coming  suddenly,  he  find  you 
 
 sleeping. 
 
 37  And  what  I  say  unto  you  I  say  unto 
 all,  Watch. 
 
 CHAP.  XIV. 
 
 At  this  chapter  begins  the  account  which  this  evangelist  gives  of  the 
 death  and  sufferings  of  our  Lord  Jesus. 
 
 FTER  two  days  was  the  feast  of  the 
 passover,  and  of  unleavened  bread : 
 and  the  chief  priests  and  the  scribes  sought 
 how  they  might  take  him  by  craft,  and  put 
 him  to  death. 
 
 2  But  they  said.  Not  on  the  feast  daij, 
 lest  there  be  an  uproar  of  the  people. 
 
 3  ^  And  being  in  Bethany,  in  the  house 
 of  Simon  the  leper  as  he  sat  at  meat,  there 
 came  a  woman,  having  an  alabaster  box  of 
 ointment  of  spikenard,  very  precious ;  and 
 she  brake  the  box,  and  poured  it  on  his 
 head. 
 
 4  And  there  were  some  that  had  indigna¬ 
 tion  within  themselves,  and  said.  Why  was 
 this  waste  of  the  ointment  made  ? 
 
 5  For  it  might  have  been  sold  for  more 
 than  three  hundred  pence,  and  have  been 
 given  to  the  poor.  And  they  murmured 
 against  her. 
 
 6  And  Jesus  said.  Let  her  alone;  why 
 trouble  ye  her  ?  she  hath  wrought  a  good 
 work  on  me. 
 
 7  For  ye  have  the  poor  with  you  always, 
 
 incident  with  it ;  let  those  that  live  to  see  the  Jewish  nation  de¬ 
 stroyed.  take  heed  of  thinking,  that  because  the  Son  of  man  doth 
 not  visibly  come  in  the  clouds  then,  he  will  never  so  come :  no, 
 he  w'ill  come  after  that. 
 
 Compare  this  chapter  with  Matt,  xxiii.  and  notes. 
 
 CHAP.  XIV.  1 — 11.  See  how  Christ’s  heart  was  filled  with  the 
 thoughts  of  his  death,  how  every  thing  was  construed  with  a  re¬ 
 ference  to  that,  and  how  familiarly  he  spoke  of  it  upon  all  occa¬ 
 sions.  It  is  usual  for  those  vrho  are  condemned  to  die  to  have 
 their  coffins  prepared,  and  other  provision  made  for  their  funerals, 
 while  they  are  yet  alive,  anl  so  Christ  accepted  this.  Christ’s 
 death  and  burial  were  the  lowest  steps  of  his  humiliation,  anc 
 “fliercfore  tbouiLh  he  cheerfully  submitted  to  them,  vet  be  viould 
 
 and  whensoever  ye  will  ye  may  do  them 
 good  :  but  me  ye  have  not  always. 
 
 8  She  hath  done  what  she  could  ;  she  is 
 come  aforehand  to  anoint  my  body  to  the 
 burying. 
 
 9  Verily  I  say  unto  you,  W  heresoever  this 
 gospel  shall  be  preached  throughout  the 
 whole  world,  this  also  that  she  hath  done 
 shall  be  spoken  of  for  a  memorial  of  her. 
 
 10  f  And  Judas  Iscariot,  one  of  the  twelve, 
 went  unto  the  chief  priests,  to  betray  him 
 unto  them. 
 
 11  And  when  they  heard  it  they  were 
 glad,  and  promised  to  give  him  money.  And 
 he  sought  how  he  might  conveniently  betray 
 him. 
 
 12  n  And  the  first  day  of  unleavened 
 bread,  when  they  killed  the  passover,  his 
 disciples  said  unto  him,  Where  wilt  thou  that 
 we  go  and  prepare,  that  thou  mayest  eat  the 
 passover  ? 
 
 13  And  he  sendeth  forth  two  of  his  dis¬ 
 ciples,  and  saith  unto  them,  Go  ye  into  the 
 city,  and  there  shall  meet  you  a  man  bear¬ 
 ing  a  pitcher  of  water  ;  follow  him. 
 
 14  And  wheresoever  he  shall  go  in,  say 
 ye  to  the  good  man  of  the  house.  The  Mas¬ 
 ter  saith.  Where  is  the  guest-chamber,  where 
 I  shall  eat  the  passover  with  my  disciples  ? 
 
 15  And  he  will  shew  you  a  large  upper 
 room  furnished  and  prepared ;  there  make 
 ready  for  us. 
 
 16  And  his  disciples  went  forth,  and  came 
 into  the  city,  and  found  as  he  had  said  unto 
 them  ;  and  they  made  ready  the  passover. 
 
 17  And  in  the  evening  he  cometh  with  the 
 twelve. 
 
 18  And  as  they  sat  and  did  eat,  Jesus 
 said.  Verily  I  say  unto  you,  One  of  you 
 which  eateth  with  me  shall  betray  me. 
 
 hare  some  marks  of  honour  to  attend  them,  which  might  help  to 
 take  off  the  offence  of  the  cross,  and  be  an  intim&tion  how  precious 
 in  the  sight  of  the  Lord  the  death  of  the  saints  is.  Christ  never  rode 
 in  triumph  into  Jerusalem  but  when  he  came  thither  to  suffer,  nor 
 had  ever  his  head  anointed  but  for  the  burial. 
 
 12—31.  In  these  verses  we  have  Christ’s  eating  the  passover 
 with  his  disciples,  the  night  before  he  died,  with  the  joys  and 
 comforts  of  which  ordinance  he  prepared  himself  for  his  approach¬ 
 ing  sorrows;  the  full  prospect  of  which  did  not  indispose  him  for 
 that  solemnity.  Note,  No  apprehension  of  trouble,  come  or 
 coming,  should  put  us  by,  or  put  us  out  of  frame  for  our.. attend¬ 
 ance  on  holy  ordinances,  as  we  have  opportunity  for  it. 
 
 The  Ijord’s  supper  was  instituted  in  the  close  of  a  supper,  when 
 
 417 
 
ST.  MARK. 
 
 19  And  they  began  to  be  sorrowful,  and 
 to  say  unto  him  one  by  one,  Is  it  11  and  an¬ 
 other  said^  Js  it  I  ? 
 
 20  And  he  answered,  and  said  unto  them. 
 It  is  one  of  the  twelve  that  dippeth  with  me 
 in  the  dish. 
 
 21  The  Son  of  man  indeed  goeth,  as  it  is 
 written  of  him  :  but  woe  to  that  man  by 
 whom  the  Son  of  man  is  betrayed  !  gooc 
 were  it  for  that  man  if  he  had  never  been 
 born. 
 
 22  51  And  as  they  did  eat,  Jesus  took 
 bread,  and  blessed,  and  brake  it,  and  gave 
 to  them,  and  said.  Take,  eat ;  this  is  my 
 body. 
 
 23  And  he  took  the  cup  ;  and,  when  he 
 liad  given  thanks,  he  gave  it  to  them ;  and 
 they  all  drank  of  it. 
 
 24  And  he  said  unto  them.  This  is  my 
 i:>lood  of  the  New  Testament,  which  is  shed 
 for  many. 
 
 25  Verily  I  say  unto  you,  I  will  drink  no 
 more  of  the  fruit  of  the  vine,  until  that  day 
 that  I  drink  it  new  in  the  kingdom  of  God. 
 
 26  f  And  when  they  had  sung  an  hymn, 
 they  went  out  into  the  mount  of  Olives. 
 
 27  And  Jesus  saith  unto  them.  All  ye  shal 
 be  offended  because  of  me  this  night :  for  it 
 is  written,  I  will  smite  the  shepherd,  and  the 
 sheep  shall  be  scattered. 
 
 28  But  after  that  I  am  risen  I  will  go  be¬ 
 fore  you  into  Galilee. 
 
 29  But  Peter  said  unto  him,  Although  all 
 shall  be  offended,  yet  will  not  I. 
 
 30  And  Jesus  saith  unto  him.  Verily  I  say 
 unto  thee.  That  this  day,  even  in  this  night, 
 before  the  cock  crow  twice,  thou  shalt  deny 
 me  thrice. 
 
 .  31  But  he  spake  the  more  vehemently, 
 
 they  were  sufficiently  fed  with  the  paschal  lamb,  to  shew  that  in 
 
 the  Lord’s  Supper  no  bodily  repast  was  intended  ;  to  preface  it 
 with  such  a  thing  is  to  revive  Moses  again.  It  was  instituted  by 
 the  example  of  Christ  himself ;  not  with  the  ceremony  and  solem¬ 
 nity  of  a  law,  as  the  ordinance  of  baptism  was  after  Christ’s  resur¬ 
 rection,  Matt,  xxviii.  19,  but  by  the  practice  of  our  Master  himself, 
 because  intended  for  those  who  are  already  his  disciples,  and 
 taken  into  covenant  with  him;  but  it  has  the  obligation  of  a  law, 
 »nd  was  intended  to  remain  in  full  force,  power,  and  virtue,  till 
 nis  second  coming.  It  was  instituted  with  blessing  and  giving  of 
 thanks.  It  was  instituted  to  be  a  memorial  of  his  death,  and 
 therefore  he  broke  the  bread,  to  shew  how  it  pleased  the  Lord  to 
 bruise  him ;  and  he  called  the  wine,  which  is  the  blood  of  the 
 grape,  the  blood  of  the  New  Testament.  It  was  closed  with  a 
 hymn,  26.  Though  Christ  was  in  the  midst  of  his  enemies,  yet 
 he  did  not  for  fear  of  them  baulk  this  sweet  duty  of  singing  psalms., 
 418 
 
 If  I  should  die  with  thee  I  will  not  deny 
 thee  in  any  wise.  Likewise  also  said  they 
 
 32  ^  And  they  came  to  a  place  which  was 
 named  Gethsemane :  and  he  saith  to  his 
 diseiples,  sit  ye  here,  Avhile  I  shall  pray. 
 
 33  And  he  taketh  with  him  Peter,  and 
 James,  and  John,  and  began  to  be  sore 
 amazed,  and  to  be  very  heavy  : 
 
 34  And  saith  unto  them.  My  soul  is  ex¬ 
 ceeding  sorrowful  unto  death  :  tarry  ye  here 
 and  watch. 
 
 35  And  he  went  forward  a  little,  and  fell 
 on  the  ground,  and  prayed  that,  if  it  were 
 possible,  the  hour  might  pass  from  him  : 
 
 36  And  he  said,  Abba,  Father,  all  things 
 are  possible  unto  thee ;  take  away  this  cup 
 from  me  :  nevertheless  not  that  I  will,  but 
 what  thou  (wilt. 
 
 37  And  he  cometh,  and  findeth  them 
 sleeping,  and  saith  unto  Peter,  Simon, 
 sleepest  thou  !  couldst  not  thou  wateh  one 
 hour  ? 
 
 38  Wateh  ye,  and  pray,  lest  ye  enter  into 
 temptation  :  the  spirit  truly  is  ready,  but  the 
 flesh  is  weak. 
 
 39  And  again  he  went  away,  and  prayed, 
 and  spake  the  same  words. 
 
 40  And  when  he  returned  he  found  them 
 asleep  again ;  (for  their  eyes  were  heavy  ;) 
 neither  wist  they  what  to  answer  him. 
 
 41  And  he  cometh  the  third  time,  and 
 saith  unto  them.  Sleep  on  now,  and  take  your 
 rest :  it  is  enough,  the  hour  is  come  ;  behold 
 the  Son  of  man  is  betrayed  into  the  hands  of 
 sinners. 
 
 42  Rise  up,  let  us  go :  lo,  he  that  betrayelb 
 me  is  at  hand. 
 
 43  f  And  immediately,  while  he  yet 
 
 See  notes  on  Matt.  xvii.  35. 
 
 32 — 42.  Christ  is  here  entering  upon  his  sufferings,  and  begins 
 with  those  which  were  the  sorest  of  all  his  sufferings  in  his  soul, 
 dere  we  have  him  in  his  agony,  this  melancholy  story  we  had  in 
 Matthew  ;  this  agony  in  soul  was  the  wormwood  and  the  gall  in 
 1  le  affliction  and  misery  ;  and  thereby  it  appeared  no  sorrow  wai 
 forced  upon  him,  but  it  was  what  he  freely  admitted.  Now  the 
 consideration  of  Christ’s  sufferings  in  his  soul,  and  his  sorrows  for 
 us,  should  be  of  use  to  us.  First,  To  embitter  our  sins :  can  we 
 ever  think  a  favourable,  or  so  much  as  a  slighty  thought  of  sin, 
 when  we  see  what  impression  sin  (though  but  imputed)  made 
 upon  our  Lord  Jesus .?  Second,  To  sweeten  our  sorrows :  if  our 
 souls  be  at  any  time  exceeding  sorrowful,  through  the  afflictions 
 of  this  present  time,  let  us  remember  that  our  Master  was  so  be¬ 
 fore  us,  and  the  disciple  is  not  greater  than  his  Lord. 
 
 43 — 52  The  passage  concerning  the  voung  man  is  recorded  in 
 
CHAP.  XIV. 
 
 spB^kc,  coni6tli  Jucltis,  on6  of  tli6  twelve, 
 and  with  him  a  great  multitude,  with  swords 
 and  staves,  from  the  chief  priests,  and  the 
 scribes,  and  the  elders. 
 
 44  And  he  that  betrayed  him  had  given 
 them  a  token,  saying.  Whomsoever  I  shall 
 kiss,  that  same  is  he  ;  take  him,  and  lead  him 
 away  safely. 
 
 45  And  as  soon  as  he  was  come,  he  goeth 
 straightway  to  him,  and  saith.  Master,  Mas¬ 
 ter  ;  and  kissed  him. 
 
 46  And  they  laid  their  hands  on  him,  and 
 took  him. 
 
 47  And  one  of  them  that  stood  by  drew  a 
 sword,  and  smote  a  servant  of  the  high 
 priest,  and  cut  off  his  ear. 
 
 48  And  Jesus  answered,  and  said  unto 
 them.  Are  ye  come  out,  'as  against  a  thief, 
 with  swords  and  with  staves  to  take  me  ? 
 
 49  I  was  daily  Avith  you  in  the  temple 
 teaching,  and  ye  took  me  not :  but  the 
 scriptures  must  be  fulfilled. 
 
 50  And  they  all  forsook  him,  and  fled. 
 
 51  And  there  followed  him  a  certain 
 young  man,  having  a  linen  cloth  cast  about 
 his  naked  body;  and  the  young  men  laid 
 hold  on  him ; 
 
 52  And  he  left  the  linen  cloth,  and  fled 
 from  them  naked. 
 
 53  f  And  they  led  Jesus  aAvay  to  the  high 
 priest :  and  with  him  Avere  assembled  all 
 the  chief  priests,  and  the  elders,  and  the 
 scril)es. 
 
 54  And  Peter  folio AA^ed  him  afar  off,  even 
 into  the  palace  of  the  high  priest :  and  he 
 sat  with  the  servants,  and  warmed  himself  at 
 the  fire. 
 
 55  And  the  chief  priests,  and  all  the  coun¬ 
 cil,  sought  for  Avitness  against  Jesus  to  put 
 him  to  death  ;  and  found  none. 
 
 56  For  many  bare  false  witness  against 
 him  :  but  their  Avitness  agreed  not  together. 
 
 ihew  wliat  a  barbarous  crew  this  was  that  was  sent  to  seize  Christ, 
 and  what  a  narrow  escape  the  disciples  had  of  falling  into  their 
 bands,  out  of  which  nothing  could  have  kept  them  but  their  master’s 
 care  of  them.  If  ye  seek  me,  let  these  go  their  way,  John  xyiii.  8. 
 
 53—65.  We»have  here  Christ’s  arraignment,  trial,  conviction, 
 and  condemnation  in  the  ecclesiastical  court  before  the  great  San¬ 
 hedrim,  of  which  the  high  priest  was  president,  or  judge  of  the 
 court;  the  same  Caiaphas  that  bad  lately  adjudged  it  expedient 
 he  should  be  put  to  death,  guilty  or  not  guilty,  Job  xi.  50,  and 
 therefore  might  justly  be  excepted  against  as  partial. 
 
 57  And  there  arose  certain,  and  Dare  false 
 witness  against  him,  saying, 
 
 58  We  heard  him  say,  I  Avill  destroy  this 
 temple  that  is  made  Avith  hands,  and  Avithin 
 three  days  I  Avill  build  another  made  Avithout 
 hands. 
 
 59  But  neither  so  did  their  Avitness  agree 
 together. 
 
 60  And  the  high  priest  stood  up  in  the 
 midst,  and  asked  Jesus,  saying,  AnsAverest 
 thou  nothing  ?  Avhat  is  it  which  these  witness 
 against  these? 
 
 61  But  he  held  his  peace,  and  ansAvered 
 nothing.  Again  the  high  priest  asked  him, 
 and  said  unto  him.  Art  thou  the  Christ,  the 
 Son  of  the  Blessed  ? 
 
 62  And  Jesus  said  I  am  :  and  ye  shall 
 see  the  Son  of  man  sitting  on  the  right  hand 
 of  poAver,  and  coming  in  the  clouds  of  heaven. 
 
 63  Then  the  high  priest  rent  his  clothes, 
 and  saith.  What  need  Ave  any  further  Avit- 
 nesses  ? 
 
 64  Ye  have  heard  the  blasphemy  :  Avhat 
 think  ye  ?  And  they  all  eondemned  him  t 
 be  guilty  of  death. 
 
 65  And  some  began  to  spit  on  him,  and 
 to  cover  his  face,  and  to  buffet  him,  and  to 
 say  unto  him.  Prophesy  ;  and  the  servants 
 did  strike  him  Avith  the  palms  of  their  hands. 
 
 66  ^  And,  as  Peter  Avas  beneath  in  the 
 palace,  there  cometh  one  of  the  maids  of  the 
 high  priest ; 
 
 67  And,  Avhen  she  saAv  Peter  av arming 
 himself,  she  looked  upon  him,  and  said; 
 And  thou  also  wast  Avith  Jesus  of  Nazareth. 
 
 68  But  he  denied,  saying,  I  knoAV  not, 
 neither  understand  I  Avhat  thou  sayest.  And 
 he  went  out  into  the  porch  :  and  the  cock 
 crew. 
 
 69  And  a  maid  saw  him  again,  and  began 
 to  say  to  them  that  stood  by.  This  is  one  of 
 them. 
 
 If  Saul’s  rending  Samuel’s  mantle  was  made  to  signify  the  rend¬ 
 ing  of  the  kingdom  from  him,  1  Sam.  xv.  27,  28,  much  more  did 
 Caiaphas'  rending  his  own  clothes  signify  the  rending  of  the  priest- 
 ■  lood  from  him,  as  the  rending  of  the  veil  at  Christ’s  death  signified 
 fte  throwing  of  all  open.  Christ’s  clothes  even  when  he  was  cru¬ 
 cified  were  kept  entire,  and  not  rent;  for  when  the  Levitical  priest¬ 
 hood  was  rent  in  pieces,  and  done  away,  this  man,  because  he  con¬ 
 tinues  ever,  has  an  unchangeable  priesthood. 
 
 66—72.  See  notes  on  Matt,  xxvi.68— 7f 
 
 -ixy 
 
ST.  MARK. 
 
 70  And  he  denied  it  again.  And  a  little 
 after  they  that  stood  by  said  again  to  Peter, 
 Surely  thou  art  one  of  them  :  for  thou  art  a 
 Galilean,  and  thy  speech  agreeth  thereto. 
 
 71  But  he  began  to  curse  and  to  swear, 
 saying,  I  know  not  this  man  of  whom  ye 
 speak. 
 
 72  And  the  second  time  the  cock  crew. 
 And  Peter  called  to  mind  the  Avord  that 
 Jesus  said  unto  him.  Before  the  cock  crow 
 tAvice  thou  shalt  deny  me  thrice.  And  when 
 he  thought  thereon  he  Avept. 
 
 CHAP.  XV. 
 
 The  condemnation,  crucifixion,  and  burial  of  our  Lord.' 
 
 A  ND  straightway  in  the  morning  the 
 chief  priests  held  a  consultation  with 
 the  elders  and  scribes  and  the  whole  coun¬ 
 cil,  and  bound  Jesus,  and  carried  him  away, 
 and  deliA^ered  him  to  Pilate. 
 
 2  And  Pilate  asked  him.  Art  thou  the 
 king  of  the  JeAvs  ?  And  he  answering,  said 
 unto  him.  Thou  sayest  it. 
 
 3  And  the  chief  priests  accused  him  of 
 many  things  ;  but  he  ansAvered  nothing. 
 
 4  And  Pilate  asked  him  again,  saying, 
 AnsAverest  thou  nothing  ?  behold  how  many 
 things  they  Avitness  against  thee. 
 
 5  But  Jesus  yet  ansAvered  nothing  ;  so  that 
 Pilate  marvelled. 
 
 6  ^  Now  at  that  feast  he  released  unto 
 them  one  prisoner,  AvhomsoeA^er  they  desired. 
 
 7  And  there  Avas  one  named  Barabbas, 
 which  lay  bound  A\dth  them  that  had  made 
 insurrection  Avith  him,  Avho  had  committed 
 murder  in  the  insurrection. 
 
 8  And  the  multitude,  crying  aloud,  began 
 to  desire  him  to  do  as  he  had  ever  done  unto 
 them. 
 
 9  But  Pilate  answered  them,  saying.  Will 
 ye  that  I  release  unto  you  the  King  of  the 
 JeAvs  ? 
 
 10  (For  he  knew  that  the  chief  priests  haa 
 delRered  him  for  envy.) 
 
 1 1  But  the  chief  priests  moved  the  people 
 that  he  should  rather  release  Barabbas  unto 
 them. 
 
 12  And  Pilate  answered,  and  said  again 
 unto  them.  What  Avill  ye  then  that  I  shall  do 
 unto  him  Avhom  ye  call  the  king  of  the  Jcavs  ? 
 
 13  And  they  cried  out  again.  Crucify  him. 
 
 14  Then  Pilate  said  unto  them.  Why, 
 Avhat  evil  hath  he  done  ?  And  they  cried  out 
 the  more  exceedingly,  Crucify  him. 
 
 15  And  so  Pilate,  Avilling  to  content  the 
 people,  released  Barabbas  unto  them,  and 
 delivered  Jesus,  Avhen  he  had  scourged  hm, 
 to  be  crucified. 
 
 16  f  And  the  soldiers  led  him  aAvay  into 
 the  hall  called  Pretorium  ;  and  they  call  to¬ 
 gether  the  Avhole  band. 
 
 17  And  they  clothed  him  Avith  purple,  and 
 platted  a  croAvn  of  thorns,  and  put  it  about 
 his  head. 
 
 18  And  began  to  salute  him.  Hail,  King 
 of  the  Jews  ! 
 
 19  And  they  smote  him  on  the  head  Avith 
 a  reed,  and  did  spit  upon  him,  and,  bowing 
 their  knees,  Avorshipped  him. 
 
 20  And  Avhen  they  had  mocked  him  they 
 took  oft  the  purple  from  him,  and  put  his 
 own  clothes  on  him,  and  led  him  out  to  cru¬ 
 cify  him. 
 
 21  And  they  compel  one  Simon,  a  Cy- 
 renian,  Avho  passed  by,  coming  out  of  the 
 country,  the  father  of  Alexander  and  Rufus, 
 to  bear  his  cross. 
 
 22  And  they  bring  him  unto  the  place 
 Golgotha,  which  is,  being  interpreted,  The 
 place  of  a  scull. 
 
 23  And  they  gave  him  to  drink  Avine 
 mingled  Avith  myrrh  :  but  he  received  it  not. 
 
 24  ^  And,  Avhen  they  had  crucified  him. 
 
 CHAP.  XV.  1 — 14.  See  notes  on  Matt,  xxvii.  11 — 23. 
 
 15—21.  Pilate  to  gratify  the  Jews’  malice,  delivers  Christ  to  be 
 crucified,  15,  Willing  to  content  the  people,  to  do  enough  for 
 them,  so  the  word  is,  and  make  them  easy,  that  he  might  keep 
 them  quiet,  released  Barabbas  unto  them,  that  was  the  scandal 
 and  plague  of  their  nation,  and  delivered  Jesus  to  be  crucified,  who 
 was  the  glory  and  blessing  of  their  nation.  Though  he  had  scourged 
 him  before,  hoping  that  would  content  them,  and  then  not  design¬ 
 ing  to  crucify  him,  yet  he  went  on  to  that ;  for  he  that  could  per¬ 
 suade  himself  to  chastise  one  that  was  innocent,  Luke  xxiii,  I6’, 
 no  wonder  he  could  by  degrees  persuade  himself  to  crucify  him. 
 
 420 
 
 We  must  not  think  it  strange,  if  crosses  come  upon  us  suddenly, 
 and  we  be  surprised  by  them.  The  cross  was  a  very  troublesome 
 unwieldly  load,  but  he  that  carried  it  a  few  minutes,  had  the  ho¬ 
 nour  to  have  his  name  upon  record  in  the  book  of  God,  though 
 otherwise  an  obscure  person :  so  that  wherever  this  gospel  is 
 preached,  there  shall  this  be  told  for  a  memoriahofhim  :  so  though 
 no  affliction,  no  cross  for  the  present  be  joyous  but  grievous,  yet 
 afterwards  it  yields  a  crown  of  glory  to  them  that  are  exercised 
 thereby. 
 
 22 — 32.  We  have  here  the  crucifixion  of  our  Lord  Jesus,  as  jn 
 Matt,  xxiii.  33 — 43,  on  which  see  notes. 
 
CHAr.  XVI. 
 
 they  parted  his  garments,  casting  lots  u])on 
 them,  what  every  man  should  take. 
 
 25  And  it  was  the  third  hour,  and  they 
 crucified  him. 
 
 26  And  the  superscription  of  his  accusa¬ 
 tion  was  written  over,  THE  KING  OF  THE 
 JEWS. 
 
 27  And  with  him  they  crucify  two  thieves; 
 the  one  on  his  right  hand,  and  the  other  on 
 his  left. 
 
 28  And  the  scripture  was  fulfilled,  which 
 saith,  And  he  Avas  numbered  with  the  trans¬ 
 gressors. 
 
 •29  And  they  that  passed  by  railed  on 
 him,  wagging  their  heads,  and  saying.  Ah, 
 thou  that  destroyest  the  temple,  and  buildest 
 it  in  three  days, 
 
 30  Save  thyself,  and  come  down  from  the 
 cross. 
 
 31  Likewise  also  the  chief  priests,  mock¬ 
 ing,  said  among  themselves,  with  the  scribes. 
 He  saved  others  :  himself  he  cannot  save. 
 
 32  Let  Christ  the  King  of  Israel  descend 
 now  from  the  cross,  that  we  may  see  and 
 believe.  And  they  that  Avere  crucified  Avith 
 him  reviled  him. 
 
 33  ^  And  Avhen  the  sixth  hour  Avas  come, 
 there  Avas  darkness  over  the  Avhole  land  until 
 the  ninth  hour. 
 
 34  And,  at  the  ninth  hour,  Jesus  cried 
 with  a  loud  voice,  saying,  Eloi,  Eloi,  lama 
 sabachthani  ?  Avhich  is,  being  interpreted. 
 My  God, my  God,  Avhy  hast  thou  forsaken  me? 
 
 35  And  some  of  them  that  stood  by,  when 
 they  heard  it,  said.  Behold,  he  calleth  Elias. 
 
 36  And  one  ran  and  filled  a  spunge  full  of 
 vinegar,  and  put  it  on  a  reed,  and  gave  him 
 to  drink,  saying.  Let  alone  ;  let  us  see  whe¬ 
 ther  Elias  will  come  to  take  him  doAvn. 
 
 37  And  Jesus  crieo  Avitfi  a  /ouq  voice,  anu 
 gave  up  the  ghost. 
 
 38  And  the  veil  of  the  temple  was  rent  in 
 tAvain  from  the  top  to  the  bottom. 
 
 39  f  And  Avhen  the  centurion  Avhich  stood 
 over  against  him,  saw  that  he  so  cried  out, 
 and  gave  up  the  ghost,  he  said.  Truly  this 
 man  Avas  the  Son  of  God. 
 
 40  There  Avere  also  Avomen  looking  on  afar 
 off ;  among  Avhom  Avas  Mar}^  Magdalene, 
 and  Mary  the  mother  of  J ames  the  less,  and 
 
 of  Joses  and  Salome  ; 
 
 41  (Who  also  Avhen  he  Avas  in  Galilee, 
 followed  him  and  ministered  unto  him ;) 
 and  many  other  Avomen  Avhich  came  up  Avith 
 him  unto  Jerusalem. 
 
 42  f  And  noAv,  Avhen  the  even  Avas  come, 
 (because  it  Avas  the  preparation,  that  is,  the 
 day  before  the  sabbath,) 
 
 43  Joseph  of  Arimathea,  an  honourable 
 counsellor,  Avhich  also  waited  for  the  king¬ 
 dom  of  God,  came,  and  Avent  in  boldly  unto 
 Pilate,  and  craved  the  body  of  Jesus. 
 
 44  And  Pilate  marvelled  if  he  Avere  already 
 dead  ;  and  calling  mito  him  the  centurion, 
 he  asked  him  Avhether  he  had  been  any  Avhile 
 dead. 
 
 45  And  Avhen  he  kneAV  it  of  the  centurion, 
 he  gave  the  body  to  Joseph. 
 
 46  And  he  bought  fine  linen  and  took  him 
 doAvn,  and  Avrapped  him  in  the  linen,  and 
 laid  him  in  a  sepulchre  Avhich  Avas  heAvn  out 
 of  a  rock,  and  rolled  a  stone  unto  the  door  of 
 the  sepulchre. 
 
 47  And  Mary  Magdalene,  and  Mary  the 
 mother  of  Joses,  beheld  Avhere  he  was  laid. 
 
 CHAP.  XVI. 
 
 A  short  account  of  the  resurrection  and  ascension  of  the  Lord 
 
 Jesus. 
 
 33 — 41.  Here  we  have  an  account  of  Christ’s  dying,  how  his 
 enemies  abused  him,  and  God  honoured  him  at  his  death.  See 
 notes  on  Matt,  xxvii.  46 — 56. 
 
 He  suffered  for  saying  he  was  the  Son  of  God  ;  and  it  was  true  he 
 'did  say  so,  so  that  if  he  suffered  unjustly,  as  it  was  plain  by  all  the 
 arcumstances  of  his  sufferings  he  did,  then  what  he  said  was  true, 
 and  he  was  indeed  the  Son  of  God.  He  had  reason  to  say  that  he 
 v/as  a  favourite  of  heaven,  and  one  for  whom  the  Almighty  Power 
 'was  particularly  engaged,  seeing  how  heaven  did  honour  him  at  his 
 death,  and  frowned  upon  his  persecutors.  Surely,  thinks  he,  this 
 tmust  be  some  divine  person,  highly  beloved  of  God.  This  he  ex- 
 presseth  by  such  words  as  speak  his  eternal  generation  as  God,  and 
 ius  special  designation  to  the  office  of  Mediator,  though  he  meant 
 •not  so.  Our  Lord  Jesus  even  in  the  depth  of  his  sufferings  and  hu¬ 
 
 miliation  was  the  Son  of  God,  and  was  declared  to  be  so  with 
 
 ^  42—47.  The  care  taken  of  Christ’s  body  speaks  the  care  which 
 he  himself  will  take  concerning  the  body  of  the  church  even  then 
 when  it  seems  to  be  a  dead  body,  and  as  a  valley  full  m  dry  bones, 
 it  shall  be  preserved  in  order  to  a  resurrection  ;  as  shall  also  the 
 dead  bodies  of  the  saints,  with  whose  dust  there  is  a  covenant  in 
 force  which  shall  not  be  forgotten.  Our  meditations  on  Christs 
 burial  should  lead  us  to  think  of  our  own,  and  should  help  to  make 
 the  grave  familiar  to  us,  and  so  to  make  that  bed  easy,  which  we 
 must  shortly  make  in  the  darkness.  F requent  thoughts  of  it  would 
 not  only  take  off  the  dread  and  terror  of  it,  but  quicken  us,  s'^ce 
 the  graves  are  always  ready  for  us,  to  get  ready  for  the  graves,  Job 
 xvii.  1. 
 
ST.  MARK. 
 
 A  ND  when  the  sabbath  was  past,  Mary 
 Magdalene,  and  Mary  the  mother  of 
 James,  and  Salome,  had  bought  sweet  spices, 
 that  they  might  come  and  anoint  him. 
 
 2  And  very  early  in  the  morning,  the  first 
 day  of  the  week,  they  came  unto  the  se¬ 
 pulchre  at  the  rising  of  the  sun. 
 
 3  And  they  said  among  themselves.  Who 
 shall  roll  us  away  the  stone  from  the  door  of 
 the  sepulchre  ? 
 
 4  ^  (And,  when  they  looked,  they  saw  that 
 the  stone  was  rolled  away  :)  for  it  was  very 
 great. 
 
 o  And,  entering  into  the  sepulchre,  they 
 saw  a  young  man  sitting  on  the  right  side, 
 clothed  in  a  long  white  garment ;  and  they 
 were  affrighted. 
 
 6  And  he.saith  unto  them.  Be  not  affright¬ 
 ed.  Ye  seek  Jesus  of  Nazareth,  which  was 
 crucified  :  he  is  risen ;  he  is  not  here :  behold 
 the  place  where  they  laid  him. 
 
 7  But  go  your  way,  tell  his  disciples  ana 
 Peter  that  he  goeth  before  you  into  Galilee : 
 there  shall  ye  see  him,  as  he  said  unto  you. 
 
 8  And  they  went  out  quickly  and  fled 
 from  the  sepulchre  ;  for  they  trembled  and 
 were  amazed  :  neither  said  they  any  thing  to 
 any  man  ;  for  they  were  afraid. 
 
 9  ^  Now,  when  Jesus  was  risen  early,  the 
 first  day  of  the  week,  he  appeared  fn  ^  fc  to 
 
 Mary  Magdalene,  out  of  whom  he  had  cast 
 seven  devils. 
 
 10  And  she  went  and  told  them  that  had 
 been  with  him,  as  they  mourned  and  wept. 
 
 1 1  And  the}",  when  they  had  heard  tliat 
 he  was  alive,  and  had  been  seen  of  her,  be¬ 
 lieved  not. 
 
 12  ^  After  that  he  appeared  in  another 
 form  unto  two  of  them,  as  they  walked,  and 
 went  into  the  country. 
 
 13  And  they  went  and  told  it  unto  the 
 residue,  neither  believed  they  them. 
 
 14  ^  Afterward  he  appeared  unto  the  ele¬ 
 ven  as  they  sat  at  meat,  and  upbraided  them 
 with  their  unbelief  and  hardness  of  heart, 
 because  they  believed  not  them  which  had 
 seen  him  after  he  was  risen. 
 
 15  And  he  said  unto  them,  Go  ye  into  all 
 the  world,  and  preach  the  gospel  to  every 
 creature. 
 
 ’  16  He  that  believeth,  and  is  baptized, 
 
 !  shall  be  saved  ;  but  he  that  believeth  not 
 shall  be  damned. 
 
 17  And  these  signs  shall  follow  them  that 
 believe :  in  my  name  shall  they  cast  out  de¬ 
 vils  ;  they  shall  speak  with  new  tongues  ; 
 
 18  They  shall  take  up  serpents  ;  and  if 
 they  drink  any  deadly  thing  it  shall  not  hurt 
 them  :  they  shall  lay  hands  on  the  sick,  and 
 they  shall  recover. 
 
 CHAP.  XVI.  1 — 8.  Never  was  there  such  a  sabbath,  since  the 
 sabbath  was  first  instituted  as  this  was,  which  the  first  words  of 
 this  chapter  tells  us  was  now  past ;  during  all  this  sabbath  our 
 Lord  Jesus  lay  in  the  grave.  It  was  to  him  a  sabbath  ot  rest,  but 
 a  silent  sabbath  ;  it  was  to  his  disciples  a  melancholy  sabbath,  spent 
 in  tears  and  fears  :  never  were  the  sabbath  services  in  the  temple 
 such  an  abomination  to  God,  though  they  had  been  often  so,  as 
 they  were  now,  when  the  chief  priests  that  presided  in  them  had 
 their  hands  full  of  blood,  the  blood  of  Christ.  Well,  this  sabbath 
 is  over,  and  the  first  day  of  the  week  is  the  first  day  of  a  new  world. 
 
 See  notes  on  Matt,  xxviii.  1 — 8. 
 
 p — 13.  We  have  here  a  very  short  account  of  two  of  Christ’s 
 appearances,  and  the  little  credit  which  the  report  of  them  gained 
 with  the  disciples :  first,  he  appeared  to  Mary  Magdalene,  to  her 
 first  in  the  garden,  which  we  have  a  particular  narrative  of,  John 
 XX.  14  :  second.  He  appeared  to  two  of  his  disciples,  as  they  went 
 into  the  country,  12.  This  refers  no  doubt  to  that  which  is  largely 
 related,  Luke  xxiv.  13,  of  what  passed  between  Christ  and  the  two 
 disciples  going  to  Emmaus. 
 
 14—18.  Observe  what  is  the  summary  of  the  gospel  they  are  to 
 preach,  l6.  Set  before  the  world  life  and  death,  good  and  evil. 
 Go  and  tell  them,  first.  That  if  they  believe  the  gospel,  and  give  up 
 ihcmseh’es  to  be  Christ’s  disciples;  if  they  renounce  the  devil,  the 
 world,  and  the  flesh,  and  be  devoted  to  Christ  as  their  prophet, 
 priest,  and  king,  and  to  God  in  Christ  as  their  God  in  covenant,  and 
 evidence  b}'  their  constant  adherence  to  his  covenant,  their  sin¬ 
 cerity  herein,  they  shall  be  saved  from  the  guilt  4nd  power  of  sin, 
 it  shall  not  rule  them,  it  shall  not  ruin  them.  He  that  is  a  true 
 Christian  shall  be  saved  through  Christ.  Baptism  was  appointed 
 ^>19. 
 
 to  be  the  inaugurating  rite,  by  which  those  that  embrace  Christ 
 owned  him  ;  But  it  is  here  put  rather  for  the  thing  signified  than  for 
 the  sign,  for  Simon  Masus  believed  and  was  baptized,  yet  not 
 saved.  Acts  viii.  13.  Believing  with  the  heart  and  confessing  with 
 the  mouth  the  Lord  Jesus,  Rom.  x.  p,  seems  to  be  much  the  same 
 with  this  here.  What  power  they  shall  be  endowed  with  for  the 
 confirmation  of  the  doctrine  they  were  »o  preach,  17-  These  signs 
 shall  follow  them  that  believe 
 
 Some  particular  signs  arc  mentioned,  first.  They  shall  cast  out 
 devils  ;  this  power  was  more  common  among  Christians  than  any 
 other,  and  lasted  longer,  as  appears  by  the  testimony  of  Justin 
 Martyr,  Origen,  Irenreus,  TertuHian,  Minutius  Felix,  and  others, 
 cited  by  Grotius  on  this  place  :  second.  They  shall  speak  with  new 
 tongues,  which  they  had  never  learned  or  been  acquainted  with  ; 
 and  this  was  both  a  miracle  (a  miracle  upon  the  mind)  for  the  con¬ 
 firming  of  the  truth  of  the  gospel,  and  a  means  of  spreading  the 
 gospel  upon  those  nations  that  had  not  heard  it  :  third.  They 
 shall  take  up  serpents  :  this  was  fulfilled  in  Paul  who  was  not  hurt 
 by  the  viper  that  fastened  on  his  hand,  which  was  acknowledged 
 a  great  miracle  by  the  barbarous  people.  Acts  xxviii.  5,  6  :  fourth. 
 If  they  be  compelled  by  their  persecutors  to  drink  any  deadly  poi¬ 
 sonous  thing,  it  shall  not  hurt  them  :  of  which  very  thing  some 
 instances  are  found  in  ecclesiastical  history  :  fifth.  They  shall  not 
 only  be  preserved  from  hurt  thenrselves,  but  they  shall  be  enabled 
 to  do  good  to  others ;  they  shall  lay  hands  on  the  sick,  and  they  shall 
 recover,  as  multitudes  had  done  by  their  master’s  healing  touch. 
 Many  of  the  elders  of  the  church  had  this  power,  as  appears  by 
 James  v.  14,  where,  as  an  instituted  sign  of  this  miraculous  heal¬ 
 ing,  they  are  said  to  anoint  the  sick  with  oil  in  the  name  of  the 
 
CHAP.  I. 
 
 ■> 
 
 •  10  f  So  then,  after  the  Lord  had  spoken 
 unto  them,  he  was  received  up  into  heaven, 
 and  sat  on  the  right  hand  of  God. 
 
 20  And  they  went  forth,  and  preaehed 
 
 lord  VVitli  what  assurance  of  success  might  they  go  about  the 
 executing  of  their  commission  when  they  had  such  credentials  as 
 
 ■‘'To  ^oO^'HcreVs,  first,  Christ  welcomed  into  the  upper  world 
 second,  Christ  welcomed  in  this  lower  world  ;  h.s  bemg  believed  on 
 in  the  world,  and  received  up  into  glory,  are  put  together,  1  Tim. 
 i!i  16.  First,  We  have  here  the  apostles  working  diligently  for 
 him  -  they  went  forth  and  preached  every  where  tar  and  neai  ; 
 thou2h  the  doctrine  they  preached  was  spiritual  and  heavenly,  and 
 diSly  contrary  to  the  spirit  and  genius  ot  the  world,  though  it 
 iZt  Jnh  abundance  of  opposition,  and  utterly  destitute  of  _all 
 seTular  supports  and  advantages,  yet  the  preachers  of  it  were 
 nekher  afriid  nor  ashamed;  they  were  so  industrious  in  spreading 
 Sie  gospel,  that  within  a  few  years  the  sound  of  it  went  forth  into 
 
 every  where,  the  Lord  working  with  them, 
 and  confirming  the  word  with  signs  follow¬ 
 ing.  Amen. 
 
 the  ends  of  the  earth,  Rom.  x.  18.  Second,  We  have  here  God 
 working  effectually  with  them,  to  make  their  labours  successful, 
 by  confirming  the  word  with  signs  following  partly  by  the  mi¬ 
 racles  that  were  wrought  upon  the  bodies  of  people  which  were 
 divine  seals  to  the  Christian  doctrine,  and  partly  the  influence  it 
 had  upon  the  minds  of  people,  through  the  operation  of  the  Spirit 
 of  God  see  Heb.  ii.  4.  These  were  properly  signs  following  the 
 word,  the  reformation  of  the  world,  the  destruction  of  idolatry, 
 the  conversion  of  sinners,  the  comfort  of  saints ;  and  these  signs 
 still  follow  it,  that  thev  may  do  so  more  and  more  for  the  honour 
 of  Christ  and  the  go6d  of  mankind,  the  Evangelist  prays  and 
 teaches  us  to  say  Amen.  Father  in  heaven,  thus  let  thy  name  be 
 hallowed,  and  let  thy  kingdom  come. 
 
 THE  GOSPEL  ACCORDING  TO 
 
 ST.  LUKE. 
 
 We  are  now  entering  into  the  labours  of  another  Evangelist,  his  name  Luke,  which  some  take  to  be  a  contraction  of  Lucihus  born 
 at  Antioch,  so  St.  Jerome.  He  had  employed  himself  in  the  study  and  practice  ot  physic,  hence  Paul  calls  him  Luke  the  beloved 
 Physician  Col  ii.  14.  But  Dr.  Whitby  thinks  it  is  probable  he  was  one  ot  the  seventy  disciples,  and  a  follower  of  Christ  when  he 
 was  here  upon  earth  ;  and  if  so,  he  was  a  native  Israelite.  Dr.  Cave  observes,  that  his  way  and  manner  of  writing  is  accurate  and 
 exact,  his  sTvle  polite  and  elegant,  sublime  and  lofty,  yet  perspicuous;  and  that  he  expresseth  himself  m  a  vein  of  purer  Greek  than 
 is  to  be  found  in  the  other  writers  of  the  Holy  Story. 
 
 CHAP.  I. 
 
 I.  Luke’s  preface  to  his  gospel,  1 — 4.  11.  The  prophecy  and 
 
 history  of  the  conception  of  John  Baptist,  3 — 25.  HI.  The 
 annunciation  of  the  Virgin  Mary,  26—38.  IV.  The  inter¬ 
 view  between  Mary  and  Elizabeth,  39 — 56.  V.  The  birth  and 
 circumcis-ion  of  John  Baptist,  37 — 66.  VI.  Zacharias’  song  of 
 praise,  67—69.  VH.  A  short  account  of  John  Baptist’s  in¬ 
 fancy,  80. 
 
 Forasmuch  as  many  have  taken  in 
 hand  to  set  forth  in  order  a  declaration 
 of  those  things  which  are  most  surely  be¬ 
 lieved  among  ub, 
 
 CHAP.  I.  1 — 4.  It  is  not  certain  who  this  Theophilus  was ; 
 the  name  signifies  a  friend  of  God,  and  some  thrink  it  doth  not  mean 
 any  particular  person,  but  every  one  that  is  a  lover  of  God  ;  and 
 Dr.  Hammond  quotes  some  of  the  ancients  understanding  it  so ; 
 but  it  is  rather  to  be  understood  of  some  particular  person,  pro¬ 
 bably  a  magistrate,  because  Luke  gives  him  here  the  same  title  of 
 reject  which  Paul  gave  to  Festus  the  governor.  Acts  xxvi.  25. 
 There  were  manv  who  had  undertaken  to  publish  narratives  of 
 Vol.  II.  '  8-,:  .3  I 
 
 2  Even  as  they  delivered  them  unto  us, 
 which  from  the  beginning  were  eye-witnesses, 
 and  ministers  of  the  word  ; 
 
 3  It  seemed  good  to  me  also,  having  had 
 perfect  understanding  of  all  things  from  the 
 very  first,  to  write  unto  thee  in  order,  most 
 excellent  Theophilus. 
 
 4  That  thou  mightest  know  the  certainty 
 of  those  things  wherein  thou  hast  been  in¬ 
 structed. 
 
 the  life  of  Christ;  many  well-meaning  people  that  designed  well, 
 and  did  well,  and  what  "they  published  had  done  good,  though  not 
 done  by  divine  inspiration,  nor  so  well  done  as  itii^t  be,  nor  in¬ 
 tended  for  perpetuity.  Observe  why  he  sent  it  to  Theophilus  ;  I 
 wrote  unto  thee  these  things  in  order,  4,  That  thou  mightest  know 
 the  certainty  of  those  things  wherein  thou  hast  been  instructed. 
 'Those  who  have  been  well  instructed  in  the  things  of  God  when 
 .they  were  v-oung,  should  afterwards  give  diligence  to  know  the 
 
 423 
 
ST.  LUKE. 
 
 5  ^  nilHERE  was,  in  the  days  of  Herod, 
 
 ^  the  king  of  Judea,  a  certain  priest, 
 named  Zacharias,  of  the  course  of  Abia  : 
 and  his  wife  was  of  the  daughters  of  Aaron, 
 and  her  naiue  was  Elisabeth. 
 
 6  And  they  were  both  righteous  before 
 God,  walking  in  all  the  commandments  and 
 ordinances  of  the  Lord  blameless. 
 
 7  And  they  had  no  child,  because  that 
 Elisabeth  was  barren  :  and  they  both  were 
 7ior£j  well  stricken  in  years. 
 
 8  And  it  came  to  pass,  that  while  he  exe¬ 
 cuted  the  priest's  office  before  God  in  the  or¬ 
 der  of  his  course, 
 
 9  According  to  the  custom  of  the  priest’s 
 office,  his  lot  was  to  burn  incense  when  he 
 went  into  the  temple  of  the  Lord. 
 
 10  And  the  whole  multitude  of  the  people 
 were  praying  without  at  the  time  of  incense. 
 
 1 1  And  there  appeared  unto  him  an  angel 
 of  the  Lord  standing  on  the  right  side  of  the 
 altar  of  incense, 
 
 12  And  when  Zacharias  saw  hi?n  he  was 
 troubled,  and  fear  fell  upon  him. 
 
 13  But  the  angel  said  unto  him,  Tear  not, 
 Zacharias ;  for  thy  prayer  is  heard  ;  and 
 thy  wife  Elisabeth  shall  bear  thee  a  son,  and 
 thou  shalt  call  his  name  John. 
 
 14  i\nd  thou  shalt  have  joy  and  gladness; 
 and  many  shall  rejoice  at  his  birth. 
 
 15  For  he  shall  be  great  in  the  sight  of 
 
 certainty  of  those  things;  to  know  not  only  what  we  believe,  but 
 why  we  believe  it,  that  we  may  be  able  to  give  a  reason  of  the  hope 
 
 that  is  in  us.  .  ^  i  l  l  i 
 
 5 — 25.  Many  eminent  persons  were  born  of  mothers  that  had 
 
 been  long  childless,  as  Isaac,  Jacob,  Joseph,  Samson,  Samuel, 
 and  so  here  John  the  Baptist,  to  make  their  birth  the  more  remark¬ 
 able,  and  the  blessing  of  it  more  valuable  to  their  parents ;  and 
 to  shew  that  when  God  keeps  his  people  long  waiting  for  a  rnercy, 
 he  sometimes  is  pleased  to  recompense  them  for  their  patience, 
 by  doubling  the  worth  of  it  when  it  comes.  Though  Zacharias  was 
 rit^hteous  before  God,  and  blameless  in  his  conversation,  yet  he 
 cmild  not  be  without  some  frightful  apprehensions  at  the  sight  of 
 one  whose  visage  and  sorrounding  lustre  spoke  him  more  than  hu¬ 
 man.  Ever  since  man  sinned,  his  mind  has  been  unable  to  bear 
 the  glorv  of  such  revelations,  and  his  conscience  afraid  of  evil  ti¬ 
 dings  brought  by  them  ;  even  Daniel  himself  could  not  bear  it, 
 Dan.  X.  8.  And  for  this  reason  God  chooseth  to  speak  to  us  by 
 men  like  ourselves,  whose  terror  shall  not  make  us  afraid.  He  is 
 directed  what  name  to  give  his  son :  call  him  John,  in  Hebrew  Jo- 
 hanan,  a  name  we  often  meet  with  in  the  Old  Testament :  it  sig¬ 
 nifies  gracious.  The  priest  must  beseech  God  that  he  will  be  gra¬ 
 cious,  Mai.  i.  p,  and  must  so  bless  the  people  Numb.  vi.  25. 
 Zacharias  was  now  praying  thus,  and  the  angel  tells  him  his  prayei 
 is  heard  and  he  shall  have  a  son,  whom  in  token  of  an  answer  to 
 his  prayer,  he  shall  call  gracious  ;  or  the  Lord  will  be  gracious, 
 Isa.  XXX.  18,19.  This  son  shall  be  the  joy  of  his  family,  a  mighty 
 favourite  of  heaven,  and  a  mighty  blessing  to  the  earth.  ^ 
 shall  be  great  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord,  and  those  are  great  indeed! 
 
 42  t 
 
 the  Lord,  and  shall  drink  neither  wine  nor 
 strong  drink ;  and  he  shall  be  filled  with  the 
 Holy  Ghost,  even  from  his  mother’s  womb. 
 
 16  And  many  of  the  children  of  Israel 
 shall  he  turn  to  the  Lord  their  God. 
 
 17  And  he  shall  go  before  him  in  the  spirit 
 and  power  of  Elias,  to  turn  the  hearts  of  the 
 fathers  to  the  children,  and  the  disobedient 
 to  the  wisdom  of  the  just,  to  make  ready  a 
 people  prepared  for  the  Lord. 
 
 18  ^  And  Zacharias  said  unto  the  angel. 
 Whereby  shall  I  know  this  ?  for  I  am  an  old 
 man,  and  my  wife  well  stricken  in  years. 
 
 19  And  the  angel,  answering,  said  unto 
 him,  I  am  Gabriel,  that  stand  in  the  presence 
 of  God  ;  and  am  sent  to  speak  unto  thee, 
 and  to  shew  thee  these  glad  tidings. 
 
 20  And,  behold,  thou  shalt  be  dumb,  and 
 not  able  to  speak,  until  the  day  that  these 
 things  shall  be  performed,  because  thou  be- 
 lievest  not  my  words,  which  shall  be  fulfill¬ 
 ed  in  their  season. 
 
 21  And  the  people  waited  for  Zacharias, 
 and  marvelled  that  he  tarried  so  long  in  the 
 temple. 
 
 22  And  when  he  came  out  he  could  not 
 speak  unto  them  :  and  they  perceived  that 
 he  had  seen  a  vision  in  the  temple  ;  for  he 
 beckoned  unto  them,  and  remained  speech¬ 
 less. 
 
 23  And  it  came  to  pass,  that,  as  soon  as 
 
 that  are  so  in  God’s  sight,  not  those  that  are  so  in  the  eye  of  a  vain 
 and  carnal  world.  2.  He  shall  be  a  Nazaritc  set  apart  to  God, 
 from  every  thing  that  is  polluting  ;  and  in  token  of  that,  according 
 to  the  law  of  Nazariteship,  he  shall  drink  neither  wine  nor  strong 
 drink  ;  or,  rather,  neither  old  wine  nor  new  ;  for  most  think  the 
 word  here  translated  strong  drink,  signifies  some  sort  of  wine  ;  per¬ 
 haps  those  that  we  call  made  wines ;  or  any  thing  that  is  intoxi¬ 
 cating.  3.  He  shall  be  abundantly  fitted  and  qualified  for  those  great 
 and  eminent  services  to  which  in  due  time  he  shall  be  called.  He 
 shall  be  filled  with  the  Holy  Ghost,  even  from  his  mother’s  womb, 
 and  as  soon  as  it  is  possible  he  shall  appear  to  have  been  so.  4.  He 
 shall  be  instrumental  for  the  conversion  of  many  souls  to  God, 
 and  the  preparing  of  them  to  receive  and  entertain  the  gospel  of 
 Christ,  l6,  17-  He  shall  go  up  in  the  spirit  and  power  of  Elias. 
 That  is,  he  shall  be  such  a  man  as  Elias  was,  and  do  such  work  as 
 Elias  did  ;  shall,  like  him  wear  a  hairy  garment,  and  a  leathern 
 girdle,  and  live  retired  from  the  world  ;  shall,  like  him,  preach 
 the  necessity  of  repentance  and  reformation  to  a  very  corrupt  and 
 degenerate  age ;  shall,  like  him,  be  bold  and  zealous  in  reproving 
 sin,  and  witnessing  against  it  even  in  the  greatest;  and  be  hated 
 and  persecuted  for  it,  by  a  Herod  and  his  Herodias,  as  Elijah  was 
 by  an  Ahab  and  his  Jezebel.  He  shall  be  that  very  person  who 
 was  prophesied  of  by  Malachi,  under  the  name  of  Elijah,  Mai.  iv. 
 5,  who  should  be  sent  before  the  coming  of  the  day  of  the  Lord. 
 He  shall  turn  many  of  the  children  of  Israel  to  the  Lord  their  God, 
 i.  e.  shall  incline  their  hearts  to  receive  the  Messiah,  and  bid  him 
 welcome,  by  awakening  them  to  a  sense  of  sin,  and  a  desire  of 
 righteousness.  Hereby  he  shall  turn  the  heart  of  the  fathers  to 
 
CHAP.  I. 
 
 the  days  of  his  ministration  were  accom¬ 
 plished,  he  departed  to  his  own  house. 
 
 ^  24  ^  And  after  those  days  his  wife  Elisa- 
 beth  conceived,  and  hid  herself  five  months, 
 
 '‘Ts^hius  hath  the  Lord  dealt  with  me  in 
 the  days  wherein  he  looked  on  me,  to  take 
 away  my  reproach  airiong  men. 
 
 26  %  And  in  the  sixth  month  the  angel 
 Gabriel  was  sent  from  God  unto  a  city  of 
 
 Galilee,  named  Nazareth, 
 
 Xo  a  virgin  espoused  to  a  man  whose 
 
 name  was  Joseph,  of  the  house  of  David  : 
 and  the  virgin’s  name  was  Mary. 
 
 28  And  the  angel  came  in  unto  her,  and 
 said.  Hail  thou  that  art  highly  favoured,  the 
 Lord  is  with  thee  :  blessed  art  thou  among 
 women. 
 
 29  And  when  she  saw  him  she  was  troubled 
 at  his  saying,  and  cast  in  her  mind  what 
 manner  of  salutation  this  should  be. 
 
 30  And  the  angel  said  unto  her.  Fear  not, 
 Mary;  for  thou  hast  found  favour  with  God: 
 
 31  And,  behold,  thou  shalt  conceive  in  thy 
 womb,  and  bring  forth  a  son,  and  shalt  call* 
 his  name  JESUS. 
 
 32  He  shall  be  great,  and  shall  be  called 
 The  Son  of  the  Highest :  and  the  Lord  God 
 shall  give  unto  him  the  throne  of  his  father 
 
 David  :  ,  i  r 
 
 33  And  he  shall  reign  over  the  house  ot 
 
 Jacob  for  ever  ;  and  of  his  kingdom  there 
 shall  be  no  end. 
 
 34  Then  said  Mary  unto  the  angel.  How 
 shall  this  be,  seeing  1  know  not  a  man  ? 
 
 35  And  the  angel  answered,  and  said 
 unto  her.  The  Holy  Ghost  shall  come  upon 
 thee,  and  the  power  of  the  Highest  shall 
 overshadow  thee  ;  therefore  also  that  holy 
 thing,  which  shall  be  born  of  thee,  shall  be 
 
 called  The  Son  of  God. 
 
 36  And,  behold,  thy  cousin  Elisabeth, 
 she  hath  also  conceived  a  son  in  her  old 
 age  ;  and  this  is  the  sixth  month  with  her 
 who  was  called  barren. 
 
 37  For  with  God  nothing  shall  be  impos¬ 
 sible. 
 
 38  And  Alary  said.  Behold  the  handmaid 
 of  the  Lord  :  be  it  unto  me  according  to 
 thy  word.  And  the  angel  departed  from 
 her. 
 
 39  ^  And  Alary  arose  in  those  days,  and 
 went  into  the  hill  country  with  haste  into  a 
 city  of  Juda  ; 
 
 40  And  entered  into  the  house  of  Zacha- 
 rias,  and  saluted  Elisabeth. 
 
 41  And  it  came  to  pass,  that,  when  Elisa¬ 
 beth  heard  the  salutation  of  Mary  the  babe 
 leaped  in  her  womb  ;  and  Elisabeth  was  fill¬ 
 ed  with  the  Holy  Ghost : 
 
 42  And  she  spake  out  with  a  loud  voice, 
 and  said.  Blessed  art  thou  among  women, 
 and  blessed  is  the  fruit  of  thy  womb. 
 
 43  And  Avhence  is  this  to  me,  that  the 
 mother  of  my  Lord  should  come  to  me  ? 
 
 44  For,  lo,  as  soon  as  the  voice  of  thy 
 
 the  children,  i.  e.  of  the  Jews  to  the  Gentiles;  shall  help  to  con- 
 tiuer  the  rooted  prejudices  which  the  Jews  have  against  the  L>en- 
 tlles,  which  was  done  by  the  gospel,  as  far  as  it  prevailed  ;  and 
 was  began  to  be  done  by  John  Baptist,  who  came  for  a  wUi^ss 
 that  all  through  him  might  believe,  who  baptized  and  taught  Ko- 
 man  soldiers,  as  well  as  Jewish  Pharisees,  and  who  cured  th^e  pride 
 and  confidence  of  those  Jews  who  gloried  in  their  having  Abraham 
 to  their  father;  and  told  them,  that  God  would  out  of  stones  raise 
 up  children  unto  Abraham,  Matt.  iii.  2,  which  would  tend  to  cure 
 their  enmity  to  the  Gentiles.  Now  in  striking  him  dumb,  God 
 dealt  iustly  with  him,  because  he  had  objected  against  God  s 
 word  :  God  dealt  kindly  with  him,  and  very  tenderly  and  graci¬ 
 ously.  For  thus  he  prevented  his  speaking  any  more  such  dytrust- 
 ful  unbelieving  words;  thus  he  confirmed  his  faith,  thus  he  was 
 kept  from  divulging  the  vision,  and  boasting  of  it,  which  otherwise 
 he  would  have  been  apt  to  do,  whereas  it  was  designed  for  the  pre¬ 
 sent  to  be  lodged  as  a  secret  within  him. 
 
 26—38.  Christ’s  mother  was  a  virgin,  because  he  was  not  to  be 
 born  by  ordinary  generation,  but  miraculously  ;  it  was  necessary 
 he  should  be  so,  that  though  he  must  partake  of  the  nature  o! 
 man,  yet  not  of  the  corruption  -of  that  nature ;  but  he  was  born  o 
 a  virgin  espoused,  made  up  to  be  married,  and  contracted,  to  put 
 honour  upon  the  married  stale,  that  that  might  not  be  brought  into 
 contempt  by  the  Redeemer  being  born  of  a  virgin.  She  lived  in 
 Nazareth  a  city  of  Galilee,  a  remote  corner  ot  the  country 
 
 in  no  reputation  for  religion  and  learning,  but  it  bordered  upon  the 
 Heathen,  and  therefore  was  called  Galilee  of  the  Gentiles  ;  Christ 
 having  his  relations  resident  there,  intimates  favour  in  reserve  for 
 the  Gentile  world.  Though  she  lives  in  poverty  and  obscurity, 
 vet  she  shall  have  the  honour  to  be  the  mother  of  the  Messiah  ;  her 
 son  shall  be  named  Jesus,  a  Saviour,  such  an  one  as  the  world 
 needs,  rather  than  such  an  one  as  the  Jews  expect.  He  will  be  very 
 nearly  allied  to  the  upper  world  :  he  shall  be  great,  truly  great, 
 incontestibly  great,  for  he  shall  be  called  the  Son  of  the  Highest, 
 the  Son  of  God,  who  is  the  highest;  of  the  same  nature,  as  the 
 son  is  of  the  same  nature  with  the  father;  and  very  dear  to  him, 
 as  the  son  is  to  the  father.  He  shall  be  called,  and  not  miscalled 
 the  Son  of  the  Highest,  for  he  is  himself  God  over  all,  blessed  for 
 evermore,  Rom.  i.x,  5.  He  will  be  very  highly  prefeired  in  the 
 lower  world  ;  for  though  born  under  the  most  disadvantageous 
 circumstances  possible,  and  appearing  in  the  form  of  a  servant, 
 yet  the  Lord  God  shall  give  unto  him  the  throne  of  his  father 
 
 David,  32.  ,  -ir-  ■  nr  , 
 
 39_56.  Elisabeth’s  propiiecy  was  an  echo  to  the  Virgin  Mary  s 
 salutation,  and  the  song  of  Mary  is  yet  a  stronger  echo  to  that 
 prophecy,  and  shews  her  to  be  no  less  filled  with  the  Holy  Ghost 
 
 ithan  Elisabeth  was.  Some  compare  this  song  with  that  which  her 
 name-sake  Miriam  the  sister  of  Moses  sung,  upon  the  triumphant 
 departure  of  Israel  out  of  Egypt,  and  their  triumphant  passage 
 through  the  Red  Sea ;  others  think  it  better  compared  with  the 
 
ST.  LUKE. 
 
 salutation  sounded  in  mine  ears,  the  babe 
 leaped  in  my  womb  for  joy. 
 
 45  And  blessed  is  she  that  believed  ;  for 
 there  shall  be  a  performance  of  those  things 
 which  were  told  her  from  the  Lord. 
 
 46  ^  And  Mary  said,  My  soul  doth  mag¬ 
 nify  the  Lord, 
 
 47  And  my  spirit  hath  rejoiced  in  Goc 
 my  Saviour. 
 
 48  For  he  hath  regarded  the  low  estate  of 
 his  hand-maiden  :  for,  behold,  from  hence¬ 
 forth  all  generations  shall  call  me  blessed. 
 
 49  For  he  that  is  mighty  hath  done  to 
 me  great  things  :  and  holy  is  his  name. 
 
 50  And  his  mercy  is  on  them  that  fear 
 him  from  generation  to  generation. 
 
 51  He  hath  shewed  strength  with  his  arm; 
 he  hath  scattered  the  proud  in  the  imagina¬ 
 tion  of  their  hearts. 
 
 52  He  hath  put  down  the  mighty  from 
 their  seats,  and  exalted  them  of  low  degree. 
 
 53  He  hath  filled  the  hungry  with  good 
 things  ;  and  the  rich  he  hath  sent  empty 
 away. 
 
 54  He  hath  holpen  his  servant  Israel,  in 
 remembrance  of  his  mercy  ; 
 
 55  As  he  spake  to  our  fathers,  to  Abra¬ 
 ham,  and  to  his  seed  for  ever. 
 
 56  And  Mary  abode  with  her  about  three 
 months,  and  returned  to  her  own  house. 
 
 57  %  Now  Elisabeth’s  fulltime  came  that 
 she  should  be  delivered  ;  and  she  brought 
 forth  a  son. 
 
 58  And  her  neighbours  and  her  cousins 
 heard  how  the  Lord  had  shewed  great  mercy 
 upon  her  ;  and  they  rejoiced  with  her. 
 
 59  And  it  came  to  pass,  that  on  the 
 eighth  day  they  came  to  circumcise  the 
 child  ;  and  they  called  him  Zacharias,  after 
 the  name  of  his  father. 
 
 60  And  his  mother  answered  and  said. 
 Not  so  ;  but  he  shall  be  called  John. 
 
 6T  And  they  said  unto  her.  There  is  none 
 of  thy  kindred  that  is  called  by  this  name. 
 
 62  And  they  made  signs  to  his  lather  how 
 he  would  have  him  called. 
 
 63  And  he  asked  for  a  writing  table,  and 
 wrote,  saying.  His  name  is  John.  And  they 
 marvelled  all. 
 
 64  f  And  his  mouth  was  opened  immedi¬ 
 ately,  and  his  tongue  loosed,  and  he  spake, 
 and  praised  God. 
 
 65  And  fear  came  on  all  that  dwelt  round 
 about  them  :  and  all  these  sayings  were 
 noised  abroad  throughout  all  the  hill-coun¬ 
 try  of  Judea. 
 
 song  of  Hannah  upon  the  birth  cf  Samuel,  which,  like  this,  pass- 
 eth  from  a  family  mercy  to  a  public  and  general  one.  This  be¬ 
 gins  like  that,  My  heart  rejoiceth  in  the  Lord,  1  Sam.  ii.  1.  Ob¬ 
 serve  how  Mary  here  speaks  of  God  :  first.  With  great  reverence 
 of  him,  as  the  Lord  :  second  with  great  complacency  in  him,  as 
 her  Saviour.  My  spirit  rejoiceth  in  God  my  Saviour.  Here  are 
 just  causes  assigned  for  this  joy  and  praise,  first.  Upon  her  own  ac¬ 
 count,  48,  49.  Her  spirit  rejoiced  in  the  Lord,  because  of  the 
 kind  things  he  had  done  for  her;  and  magnifies  the  Lord  because 
 of  the  wonderfu-l  thingsdie  has  done  for  her,  49-  He  that  is 
 mighty  had  done  to  me  great  things.  A  great  thing  indeed  that  a 
 virgin  should  conceive.  A  great  thing  indeed  that  Messiah  who 
 has  been  so  long  ago  promised  to  the  church,  and  so  long  expected 
 by  the  church,  should  now  at  length  be  born.  Second,  upon  the 
 account  of  others.  It  is  a  certain  truth,  that  God  has  mercy  in 
 store,  mercy  in  reserve  for  all  that  have  a  reverence  for  his  ma¬ 
 jesty  and  a  due  regard  to  his  sovereignty  and  authority:  but  never 
 did  this  appear  so  as  in  sending  his  Son  into  the  world  to  save  us, 
 50.  This  doth  especially  appear  in  the  methods  of  gospel-grace, 
 when  the  proud  Pharisees  were  rejected  ;  when  God  chose  not  the 
 wise  men  after  the  flesh,  not  the  mighty  or  the  noble,  to  preach 
 the  gospel  and  plant  Christianity  in  the  world,  but  the  foolish  and 
 weak  things  of  the  world,  and  things  that  were  despised,  1  Cor.  i. 
 26,  27,  then  he  scattered  the  proud,  and  put  down  the  mighty, 
 but  exalted  them  of  low  degree. 
 
 Those  that  see  their  need  of  Christ,  and  are  importunately  de¬ 
 sirous  of  righteousness  and  life  in  him,  he  fills  those  with  good 
 things,  with  the  best  things,  he  gives  liberally  to  them,  and  they 
 are  abundantly  satisfied  with  the  blessings  he  gives.  They  that  are 
 weary  and  heavy  laden  shall  find  rest  with  Christ,  and  those  that 
 thirst  are  called  to  come  and  drink ;  for  they  only  know  how  to 
 value  his  gifts ;  to  the  hungrv  soul  every  bitter  thing  is  sweet,  manna 
 426' 
 
 is  angel’s  food,  and  to  the  thirsty  fair  water  is  honey  out  of  the  rock. 
 
 57 — It  was  the  custom  when  they  circumcised  their  chil¬ 
 dren,  to  name  them,  because  when  Abraham  was  circumcised,  God 
 gave  him  a  new  name,  and  called  him  Abraham  ;  and  it  is  not  un¬ 
 fit  that  they  should  be  left  nameless,  till  they  are  by  name  given 
 up  to  God.  Some  proposed  that  he  should  be  called,'  by  his  fa¬ 
 ther’s  name,  Zacharias;  of  which  we  have  not  any  instance  in 
 scripture,  that  the  child  should  bear  the  father’s  name;  but  per¬ 
 haps  it  was  of  late  come  into  use  among  the  Jews,  as  it  was  with  us ; 
 and  they  intended  hereby  to  do  honour  to  the  father,  who  was  not 
 likely  to  have  another  child.  The  mother  opposed  it,  and  would 
 have  him  called  John  ;  having  learned  either  by  inspiration  of  the 
 Holy  Ghost,  as  is  most  probable,  or  by  information  in  writing, 
 from  her  husband,  that  God  appointed  that  should  be  his  name, 
 60.  He  shall  be  called  Johanan,  Gracious  ;  because  he  shall  in- 
 Toduce  the  gospel  of  Christ,  wherein  God’s  grace  shines  more 
 aright  than  ever.  The  relations  objected  against  that,  6'1.  They 
 therefore  appealed  to  the  father,  and  would  try  if  they  could  pos¬ 
 sibly  get  to  know  his  mind,  for  it  was  his  office  to  name  the  child, 
 62.  Zacharias  pitching  upon  the  same  name  that  Elisabeth 
 rad  chosen,  was  a  great  surprise  to  the  company,  they  marvelled 
 all ;  for  they  knew  not,  that  though  by  reason  of  his  deafness  and 
 dumbness,  they  could  not  converse  together,  yet  they  were  both 
 guided  by  one  and  the  same  spirit.  He  thereupon  recovered  the 
 use  of  his  speech,  64.  His  mouth  was  opened  immediately.  The 
 time  prefixed  for  his  being  silenced,  was  till  the  day  that  these 
 things  shall  be  fulfilled,  20.  His  mouth  was  opened,  and  he 
 spake,  and  praised  God.  When  God  opens  our  lips,  our  mouths 
 must  shew  forth  his  praise  ;  as  good  be  without  our  speech,  as  not 
 use  it  in  praising  God. 
 
 It  is  said,  the  hand  of  the  Lord  was  with  John,  1.  e.  he  was  taken 
 under  the  special  protection  of  the  Almighty  from  his  birth,  as 
 
CHAP.  II. 
 
 66  And  all  they  that  heard  them  laid 
 them  up  in  their  hearts,  saying,  What  man¬ 
 ner  of  child  shall  this  be  ?  And  the  hand  of 
 the  Lord  was  with  him. 
 
 67  f  And  his  father  Zecharias  was  filled 
 with  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  prophesied,  say- 
 ing, 
 
 68  Blessed  he  the  Lord  God  of  Israel : 
 for  he  hath  visited  and  redeemed  his  people, 
 
 69  And  hath  raised  up  an  horn  of  salva¬ 
 tion  for  us  in  the  house  of  his  servant  David  ; 
 
 70  As  he  spake  by  the  mouth  of  his  holy 
 prophets,  which  have  been  since  the  world 
 began  ; 
 
 71  That  we  should  be  saved  from  our 
 enemies,  and  from  the  hand  of  all  that  hate 
 us  ; 
 
 72  To  perform  the  mercy  promised  to  our 
 fathers,  and  to  remember  'his  hol}^  cove¬ 
 nant  ; 
 
 78  The  oath  which  he  sware  to  our  father 
 Abraham, 
 
 74  That  he  would  grant  unto  us,  that  we 
 being  delivered  out  of  the  hand  of  our  ene¬ 
 mies,  might  serve  him  without  fear. 
 
 75  In  holiness  and  righteousness  before 
 him  all  the  days  of  our  life. 
 
 76  And  thou,  child,  shalt  be  called.  The 
 Prophet  of  the  Highest ;  I'or  thou  shalt  go 
 before  the  face  of  the  Lord  to  prepare  his 
 ways  ; 
 
 77  To  give  knowledge  of  salvation  unto 
 his  people  by  the  remission  of  their  sins, 
 
 78  Through  the  tender  mercy  of  our  God  ; 
 whereby  the  day-spring  from  on  high  hath 
 visited  us, 
 
 79  To  give  light  to  them  that  sit  in  dark¬ 
 ness  and  in  the  shadow  of  death,  to  guide 
 our  feet  into  the  way  of  peace. 
 
 80  And  the  child  grew,  and  waxed  strong 
 in  spirit,  and  was  in  the  deserts  till  the  day 
 of  his  shewing  unto  Israel. 
 
 CHAP.  11. 
 
 The  birth  and  infancy  of  our  Lord  Jesus. 
 
 And  it  came  to  pass  in  those  days,  that 
 there  went  out  a  decree  from  Cesar 
 Augustus,  that  all  the  world  should  be 
 taxed . 
 
 2  ( And  this  taxing  was  first  made  when 
 Cyrenius  was  governer  of  Syria.) 
 
 one  designed  for  something  great  and  considerable,  and  there  were 
 many  instances  of  it.  It  appeared  likewise,  that  the  spirit  was  at 
 work  upon  his  soul  very  early  :  so  soon  as  he  began  to  speak,  or 
 go,  you  might  perceive  something  in  him  very  extraordinary.  God 
 has  "ways  of  operating  upon  children  in  their  infancy,  w  hich  we 
 cannot  account  for.  God  never  made  a  soul  but  he  knew  how  to 
 sanctify  it. 
 
 67 — 80.  Now  Zacharias  hepr'.  blesseth  God,  first,  For  the  work 
 of  salvation  that  was  to  be  wrought  out  by  the  Messiah  himself 
 6'8 — 75.  This  is  it  that  fills  him,  when  he  is  filled  with  the  Holy 
 Ghost,  and  it  is  that  which  all  that  have  the  spirit  of  Christ  are' 
 full  of. 
 
 In  sending  the  Messiah,  God  has  made  a  gracious  visit  to  his 
 people,  whom  for  many  ages  he  had  seemed  to  neglect.  He  has 
 wrought  out  a  redemption  for  them  ;  he  hath  redeemed  his  people  : 
 Christ  redeems  them  by  price  out  of  the  hands  of  God’s  justice, 
 and  redeems  them  by  power  out  of  the  hands  of  Satan’s  tyranny, 
 as  Israel  out  of  Egypt.  He  has  fulfilled  the  covenant  of  royalty 
 made  with  the  niost  famous  Old  'I’estament  prince,  that  was  Da-s 
 vid  :  glorious  things  had  been  said  of  his  family,  that  on  him,  as  a 
 mighty  one,  help  should  be  laid,  that  his  horn  should  be  exalted' 
 and  his  seed  perpetuated,  Psal.  Ixxxix,  I9,  20,  24,  29.  but  that 
 family  had  been  long  in  a  manner  cast  off  and  abhorred,  Psal 
 Ixxxix.  38.  Now  here  it  is  gloried  in,  that  according  to  the  pro¬ 
 mise,  the  horn  of  David  should  again  be  made  to  bud,  for,  Psal. 
 cxxxii.  27»  He  hath  raised  up  a  horn  of  salvation  for  us,  in  jhe 
 house  of  his  servant  David,  69,  there  where  it  was  promised,  and 
 expected  to  arise.  David  is  called  God’s  servant,  not  only  as  a 
 good  man,  but  as  a  king  that  ruled  for  God  :  and  he  was  an  instru¬ 
 ment  of  the  salvation  of  Israel,  by  being  employed  in  the  govern¬ 
 ment  of  Israel,  so  Christ  is  the  author  of  our  eternal  redemption  to 
 those  only  that  obey  him.  There  is  in  Christ,  and  in  him  only,  sal¬ 
 vation  for  us,  and  it  is  a  horn  of  salvation  ;  for  it  is  an  honourable 
 salvation,  it  is  raised  above  all  other  salvations,  none  of  which  are 
 to  be  compared  with  it.  It  is  a  powerful  salvation,  the  strength  of 
 the  beast  is  in  his  horns  ;  he  has  raised  up  such  a  salvation  as  shall 
 pull  down  our  spiritual  enemies,  and  protect  us  from  them.  He 
 
 hath  fulfilled  all  the  precious  promises  made  to  the  church  by  the 
 most  famous  Old  Testament  prophets,  70. 
 
 Now  what  is  this  salvation  which  was  prophesied  of.?  First,  It  is 
 a  rescue  from  the  malice  of  our  enemies.  It  is  a  salvation  from 
 sin,  and  the  dominion  of  Satan  over  us,  both  b}'  corruptions  with¬ 
 in,  and  temptation  without.  The  carnal  Jews  expected  to  be  de¬ 
 livered  from  under  the  Roman  yoke,  but  intimation  was  betimes 
 given,  that  it  should  be  a  redemption  of  another  nature:  He  shall 
 save  his  people  from  their  sins,  that  they  may  not  have  dominion 
 over  them.  Matt.  i.  21  ;  second.  It  is  a  restoration  to  the  favour  of 
 God,  it  is  to  perform  the  mercy  promised  to  our  forefathers,  72. 
 The  Redeemer  shall  not  only  break  the  serpent’s  head,  that  was 
 the  author  of  our- ruin,  but  he  shall  reinstate  us  in  the  mere}'  of 
 God,  and  re-establish  us  in  his  covenant :  he  shall  bring  us  as  it 
 were  into  a  paradise  again,  which  was  signified  by  the  promises 
 made  to  the  patriarchs,  and  the  holy  covenant  made  with  them  : 
 the  oath  which  he  sware  to  our  father  Abraham,  73  third.  It  is 
 a  qualification  for,  and  an  encouragement  to  the  service  of  God. 
 This  was  the  oath  he  sware  to  our  Hther  Abraham,  that  he  would 
 give  us  power  and  grace  to  serve  him  in  an  acceptable  manner  to 
 him,  and  a  comfortable  manner  to  ourselves,  74,  75.  Here 
 seems  to  be  an  allusion  to  the  deliverance  of  Israel  out  of  Egypt, 
 which  God  tells  Moses  was  in  pursuance  of  the  covenant  he  made 
 with  Abraham,  Exod.  iii.  6',  7,  8,  and  that  this  was  the  design  of 
 his  bringing  them  out  of  Egypt,  that  they  might  serve  God  upon 
 this  mountain,  Exod.  iii.  12.  The  great  design  of  gospel-grace  is  not 
 to  discharge  us  from,  but  to  engage  us  to,  and  encourage  us  in  the 
 service  of  God.  He  blesseth  God  for  the  work  of  preparation,  for 
 this  salvation,  which  was  to  be  done  by  John  Baptist,  76,  Thou 
 child,  though  now  but  a  child  of  eight  days  old,  shalt  be  called  the 
 prophet  of  the  Highest ;  Jesus  Christ  is  the  Highest,  for  he  is  God 
 over  all,  blessed  for  evermore,  Rom.  ix.  3,  equal  with  the  Father. 
 
 CHAP.  II.  1 — 7.  Our  Lord  Jesus  was  born  when  Judea  was 
 become  a  province  of  the  empire,  and  tributary'  to  it,  as  appears 
 evidently  by  this,  that  when  all  the  Roman  empire  was  taxed,  the 
 Jews  were  taxed  among  the  rest ;  Jerusalem  was  taken  by  Pompey 
 the  Roman  general,  about  sixty  vears  before  this,  who  granted  the 
 
 4«7 
 
ST.  LUKE. 
 
 3  And  all  went  to  be  taxed,  every  one 
 :nto  hie  own  city. 
 
 4  And  Joseph  also  went  up  from  Galilee, 
 out  of  the  city  of  Nazareth,  into  Judea 
 unto  the  city  of  David,  which  is  called  Beth¬ 
 lehem,  (because  he  was  of  the  house  and 
 lineage  of  David,) 
 
 5  To  be  taxed  with  Mary  his  espoused 
 wife,  being  great  with  child. 
 
 6  ^  And  so  it  was,  that  while  they  were 
 there,  the  days  were  accomplished  that  she 
 should  be  delivp.red. 
 
 7  And  she  brought  forth  her  first-born 
 son,  and  wrapped  him  in  swaddling-clothes, 
 and  laid  him  in  a  manger  ;  becanse  there  was 
 no  room  for  them  in  the  inn. 
 
 8  ^  And  there  were  in  the  same  country 
 shepherds,  abiding  in  the  field,  keeping 
 watch  over  their  flock  by  night. 
 
 9  And  lo,  the  angel  of  the  Lord  came 
 upon  them,  and  the  glory  of  the  Lord  shone 
 round  about  them :  and  they  were  sore 
 afraid. 
 
 10  And  the  angel  said  unto  them.  Fear 
 not :  for,  behold,  I  bring  you  good  tidings  of 
 great  joy  which  shall  be  to  all  people. 
 
 11  For  unto  you  is  born  this  day,  m  the 
 city  of  David,  a  Saviour,  which  is  Christ  the 
 Lord. 
 
 government  of  the  church  to  Hircanus,  but  not  the  government  of 
 the  state,  and  by  degrees  it  was  more  and  more  reduced,  tiil  now 
 at  length  it  was  quite  subdued  ;  for  Judea  was  ruled  by  Cyrenius, 
 the  Roman  governor  of  Syria,  2.  The  Roman  writers  call  him 
 Sulpitius  Quirinius.  Now  just  at  this  Juncture  the  Messiah  was  to 
 be  born,  for  so  was  dying  Jacob’s  prophecy,  That  Shdoh  should 
 come  when  the  sceptre  was  departed  from  Judah,  and  the  law¬ 
 giver  from  between  his  feet,  Gen.  xlix.  1 0.  This  was  the  first  taxing 
 that  was  made  in  Judea,  the  first  badge  of  their  servitude  therefore 
 now  Shiloh  must  come  to  set  up  his  kingdom. 
 
 The  circumstances  of  this  birth  were  very  mean,  and  under  all 
 possible  marks  of  contempt.  First,  He  was  under  some  abase¬ 
 ments  in  common  with  other  children,  he  was  wrapped  in  swaddling 
 clothes,  as  other  children  are,  when  they  are  new-born,  as  if  he 
 could  be  bound,  or  needed  to  be  kept  strait.  He  that  makes 
 darkness  a  swaddling  band  for  the  sea,  was  himself  wrapt  in  swad-' 
 dKng  bands.  Job  xxxviii.  9.  The  everlasting  Father  became  a 
 child  of  time,  and  men  said  of  him,  whose  out-goings  were  of  old 
 from  everlasting.  We  know  this  man  whence  he  is,  John  vii.  2f  , 
 The  antient  of  days  became  an  infant  of  a  span  long  :  second,  tfq 
 was  under  some  abasements  peculiar  to  himself.  He  was  born  i?f 
 a  stable  ;  so  some  think  the  word  signifies  which  we  translate  a 
 manger,  a  place  for  cattle  to  stand  to  be  fed  in ;  because  there  was 
 no  room  in  the  inn  :  and  for  want  of  conveniences,  nay,  for  want  of 
 necessaries,  he  was  laid’in  the  manger  instead  ot  the  cradle.  His 
 being  corn  m  a  stable,  and  laid  in  a  manger,  was  an  instance,  first. 
 Of  the.  poverty  of  his  parents  :  second.  Of  the  corruption  and  de¬ 
 generacy  of  manners  in  that  age  :  that  a  woman  in  reputation  for 
 virtue  and  hono'ur  should  be  used  so  barbarously :  third.  It  was 
 an  instance  of  the  humiliation  of  our  Lord  Jesus.  We  were  be- 
 428 
 
 And  this  shall  be  a  sign  unto  you  ;  Ye 
 shall  find  the  babo  wrapped  in  swaddlino-.. 
 clothes,  lying  in  a  manger. 
 
 13  And  suddenly  there  was  with  the  angel 
 
 a  multitude  of  the  heavenly  host,  praising 
 God,  and  saying,  r 
 
 14  Glory  to  God  in  the  highest,  and  on 
 earth  peace,  good  will  toward  men. 
 
 15  ^  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  the  angels 
 were  gone  away  from  them  into  heaven,  the 
 shepherds  said  one  to  another.  Let  us  now 
 go  even  unto,  Bethlehem,  and  see  this  thing 
 which  is  come  to  pass,  which  thte  Lord  hath 
 made  known  unto  us. 
 
 16  And  they  came  with  haste,  and  found 
 Mary  and  Joseph,  and  the  babe  lying  in  a 
 manger. 
 
 17  And,  when  they  had  seen  it,  they 
 made  known  abroad  the  saying  which  was 
 told  them  concerning  this  child. 
 
 18  And  all  they  that  heard  it  wondered  at 
 those  things  which  Avere  told  them  by  the 
 shepherds. 
 
 19  But  Mary  kept  all  these  things,  and 
 pondered  them  in  her  heart. 
 
 20  And  the  shepherds  returned,  glorifying 
 and  praising  God  for  all  the  things  that  they 
 had  heard  and  seen,  as  it  Avas  told  unto 
 them. 
 
 come  by  sin  like  an  out-cast  infant,  helpless  and  forlorn;  and  such 
 an  one  Christ  was.  Christ  would  hereby  put  a  contempt  upon 
 all  worldly  glory,  and  teach  us  to  slight  it.  Since  his  own  received 
 him  not,  let  us  not  think  strange  if  they  receive  us  not. 
 
 8 — 20.  First,  see  here  how  the  shepherds  were  employed,  they 
 were  abiding  in  the  fields  adjoining  Bethlehem,  and  keeping  watch 
 over  their  flocks  by  night,  5.  The  angel  was  not  sent  to  the  chief 
 priests  or  the  elders,  they  were  not  prepared  to  receive  these  tid¬ 
 ings,  but  to  a  company  of  poor  shepherds,  [that  were  like  Jacob, 
 plain  men, dwelling  in  tents,  not  like  Esau, cunning  hunters :  second. 
 How  they  were  surprised  with  the  appearance  of  an  angel  to  them, 
 9,  this  made  them  sore  afraid,  put  them  into  a  mighty  conster¬ 
 nation,  as  fearing  some  evil  tidings  ;  while  we  are  conscious  to 
 ourselves  of  so  much  guilt,  we  have  reason  to  fear  lest  every  ex¬ 
 press  from  heaven  be  a  messenger  of  wrath  :  third,  What  the  mes¬ 
 sage  was  which  the  angel  had  to  deliver  lo  the  shepherds,  10, 
 11,  12.  This  is  matter  of  joy  indeed  to  all  people,  great  joy,  long 
 looked  for  is  come  at  last :  let  heaven  and  earth  rejoice  before  this 
 Lord,  for  he  cometh.  He  gives  them  a  sign  for  the  confirming  of 
 •their  faith  in  this  matter.  How  shall  we  find  out  this  child  in 
 Bethlehem,  which  is  now  full  of  the  descendants  from  David? 
 You  will  find  him  by  this  token,  he  is  lying  in  a  manger,  where  sure 
 never  any  new-born  infant  was  laid  before.  When  Christ  was  here 
 upon  earth,  he  distinguished  himself,  and  made  himself  remark¬ 
 able,  by  nothing  so  much  as  the  instances  of  his  humiliation : 
 fourth.  The  angels’  doxology  to  God,  and  congratulations  of  men 
 upon  this  solemn  occasion,  13,  14.  The  message  was  no  sooner 
 delivered  by  one  angel,  that  was  sufficient  to  go  express,  but  sud¬ 
 denly  there  was  with  that  angel  a  multitude  of  the  heavenly  host : 
 and  here  was  peace  proclaimed  with  great,  solemnity,  whocrer 
 
^  ■•»  ,.T,-  '  *lS^.  '  VJ*j,*4.-.' *»  .^p,  ,\  .  •'%*■''  i  •  .  *^'4^1  '  j,  #  '..  '  \^'‘  ,' 
 
 }  ■',  -vV ■■-,■-■  ■  ■  ■■'.:  ,..-■  ■-  v-riV-;:";  '  ’ 
 
 '?".  '-^7 
 
 •  ■  ir-iA  •  ■  '•  •  k:'-'  ■'  ■'■  -■ 
 
 '  ;  -7.  v»  -,  -> 
 
 ■  * v«f ffe  '®' v: 
 
 i^JViT.W  -ft.-.:.,;'-  '-V 
 
 ■'4;  ^  - 
 
 ,  .1-' 
 
 iy.< 
 
 ■  T*  :  ^ 
 
 +,. 
 
 . . 
 
 I: 
 
 ■  '  ■^• 
 
 .C*-' 
 
 ;.  -A,  >7  ■''»r:K7!V.; 
 
 '5.. 
 
CPIAP.  IP. 
 
 21  f  And  when  eight  days  were  acconi- 
 plished  for  the  circumcising  of  the  child,  his 
 name  was  called  JESUS,  which  was  so 
 named  of  the  angel  before  he  was  conceived 
 
 in  the  womb. 
 
 22  ^  And  when  the  days  of  her  purifica¬ 
 tion,  according  to  the  law  of  Aloses  were 
 accomplished,  they  brought  him  to  Jerusa¬ 
 lem,  to  present  him  to  the  Lord  ; 
 
 23  (As  it  is  written  in  the  law  of  the  Lord, 
 Every  male  that  openeth  the  womb  shall  be 
 called  holy  to  the  Lord  ;) 
 
 24  And  to  offer  a  sacrifice  according  to 
 that  which  is  said  in  the  law  of  the  Lord,  A 
 pair  of  turtle-doves,  or  two  young  pigeons. 
 
 25  f  And,  behold,  there  was  a  man  in  Je¬ 
 rusalem,  whose  name  was  Simeon  :  and  the 
 same  man  was  just  and  devout,  waiting  for 
 the  consolation  of  Psrael ;  and  the  Holy 
 Ghost  was  upon  him. 
 
 26  And  it  was  revealed  unto  him  by  the 
 Holy  Ghost,  that  he  should  not  see  death 
 before  he  had  seen  the  Lord’s  Christ. 
 
 will  let  them  come  and  take  the  benefit  of  it ;  it  is  on  earth  peace, 
 to  men  of  good  will.  See  how  well  affected  the  angels  are  to  man, 
 and  to  his  welfare  and  happiness  ;  how  well  pleased  they  were  in 
 the  incarnation  of  the  Son  of  God,  though  he  passed  by  their  na¬ 
 ture  ;  and  ought  not  we  much  more  to  be  affected  with  it.  This 
 is  a  faithful  saying,  attested  by  an  innumerable  company  of  angels, 
 and  well  worthy  of  all  acceptation,  That  the  good  will  of  God  to¬ 
 wards  man,  is  glory  to  God  in  the  highest,  and  peace  on  the  earth. 
 
 21 — 24.  Our  Lord  Jesus  being  made  ofa  woman,  was  made  un¬ 
 der  the  law.  Gal.  iv.  4.  He  was  not  only  as  the  son  of  a  daughter  of 
 Adam  made  under  the  law  of  nature,  but  as  the  son  of  a  daughter  of 
 Abraham,  he  was  made  under  the  law  of  Moses ;  he  put  his 
 neck  under  that  yoke  though  it  was  a  heavy  yoke,  and  a  shadow  of 
 good  things  to  come :  and  though  its  institution  was  beggarly  ele¬ 
 ments,  and  rudiments  of  this  world,  as  the  apostle  calls  them,  Christ 
 submitted  to  it,  that  he  might  with  the  better  grace  cancel  it,  and 
 set  it  aside  for  us. 
 
 25—40.  Some  learned  men  that  have  been  conversant  with 
 the  Jewish  writers,  find  that  there  was  at  this  time  one  Simeon, 
 a  man  of  great  note  in  Jerusalem,  the  son  of  Hillel,  and  the  first 
 to  whom  they  gave  the  title  of  Rabbin,  the  highest  title  that  they 
 gave  to  their  doctors,  and  which  was  never  given  but  to  seven  of 
 them.  He  succeeded  his  father  Hillel  as  president  of  the  college 
 which  his  father  founded,  and  of  the  great  sanhedrim.  The  Jews 
 say  he  was  endowed  with  a  prophetical  spirit,  and  that  he  was 
 turned  out  of  his  place  because  he  witnessed  against  the  common 
 opinion  of  the  Jews  concerning  the  temporal  kingdom  of  the  Mes¬ 
 siah  ;  and  they  likewise  observe,  that  there  is  no  mention  of  him 
 in  their  mishna,  or  book  of  traditions  which  intimates  that  he 
 was  no  patron  of  those  fooleries.  One  thing  objected  against  this 
 (.onjecture  is,  that  at  this  time  his  father  Hillel  was  [living,  and 
 lhat  he  himself  lived  many  years  after  this,  as  appears  by  the 
 lewish  histories  ;  but  as  to  that  he  is  not  here  said  to  he  old,  and 
 uis  saying.  Now  let  thy  servant  depart,  intimates  that  he  was  willing 
 to  die  now,  but  doth  not  conclude  that  therefore  he  did  die  quick¬ 
 ly.  St.  Paul  lived  many  years  after  he  had  spoken  of  his  death  as 
 near.  Acts  xx.  25.  Another  thing  objected  is,  that  the  son  of  Si¬ 
 meon  was  Gamaliel,  a  Pharisee,  and  an  enemy  to  Christianity ; 
 but  as  to  that,  it  is  no  new  thing  for  a  faithful  lover  of  Christ  to 
 have  a  son  a  bigoted  Pharisee. 
 
 27  And  he  came  by  the  spirit  into  tlie 
 temple :  and  when  the  parents  brought  in 
 the  child  Jesus,  to  do  for  him  after  the  cus¬ 
 tom  of  the  law, 
 
 28  Then  took  he  him  up  in  his  arms,  and 
 blessed  God,  and  said, 
 
 29  Lord,  now  lettest  thou  thy  servant  de¬ 
 part  in  peace,  according  to  thy  word  ; 
 
 30  For  mine  eyes  have  seen  thy  salvation, 
 
 31  Which  thou  hast  prepared  before  the 
 face  of  all  people  ; 
 
 32  A  light  to  lighten  the  Gentiles,  and  the 
 glory  of  thy  people  Israel. 
 
 33  And  Joseph  and  his  mother  marvelled 
 at  those  things  which  were  spoken  of  him. 
 
 34  And  Simeon  blessed  them,  and  said 
 unto  Mary  his  mother.  Behold,  this  child  is 
 set  for  the  fall  and  rising  again  of  many  in 
 Israel ;  and  for  a  sign  which  shall  be  spoken 
 against : 
 
 35  ea,  a  sword  shall  pierce  through  thy 
 own  soul  also  ;)  that  the  thoughts  of  many 
 
 earts  may  be  revealed. 
 
 Simeon  had  a  gracious  promise  made  him,  that  before  he  died 
 ■  should  have  a  sight  of  the  Messiah,  26’.  He  was  searching 
 what  manner  of  time  the  Spirit  of  Christ  in  the  Old  Testament 
 prophets  did  signify,  and  whether  it  was  now  at  hand  ;  and  he 
 received  this  oracle  (for  so  the  word  signifies)  that  he  should  not 
 see  death  before  he  had  seen  the  Messiah,  the  Lord’s  anointed. 
 Those,  and  those  only,  can  with  courage  see  death,  ami  look  it 
 in  the  face  without  terror,  that  have  had  by  faith  a  sight  of  Christ. 
 See,  here,  first.  How  comfortable  the  death  of  a  good  man  is ;  he 
 departs  as  God’s  servant  from  the  place  of  his  toil  to  that  of  his 
 rest,  he  departs  in  peace,  peace  with  God,  peace  with  his  own 
 conscience  ;  in  peace  witli  death,  well  reconciled  to  it,  well  ac¬ 
 quainted  with  it.  He  departs  according  to  God’s  word,  as  Moses 
 at  the  mouth  of  the  Lord,  Deut.  .\xxiv.  5.  The  word  of  precept, 
 Go  up  and  die  :  the  w'ord  of  promise,  I  will  come  again,  and  re¬ 
 ceive  you  to  myself.  Second,  What  is  the  ground  to  this  comfort  ? 
 For  mine  eyes  have  seen  thy  salvation.  This  speaks  more  than  a 
 great  complacency  in  ihe  sight,  like  that  of  Jacob,  Gen.  xlyi.  30, 
 Now  let  me  die,  since  I  have  seen  thy  face  :  it  speaks  a  believing 
 e.xpectation  of  a  happy  state  on  the  other  side  death,  through  this 
 salvation  he  ndw  had  a  sight  of,  which  not  only  takes  off  the  terror 
 of  death,  but  makes  it  again,  Phil.  i.  21.  Those  that  have  welcom¬ 
 ed  Christ  may  welcome  death. 
 
 When  Christ  ordered  his  apostles  to  preach  the  gospel  to  all  na¬ 
 tions,  therein  he  made  himself  a  light  to  lighten  the  Gentiles  ;  and 
 when  he  added  beginning  at  Jerusalem,  he  made  himself  the  glory 
 of  his  people  Israel.  It  is  true  Christ  shall  be  a  blessing  to  Israel, 
 but  there  are  those  in  Israel  whom  he  is  set  for  the  tall  of,  whose 
 corrtiptions  will  be  provoked,  who  will  be  prejudiced  and  enraged 
 against  him,  and  offended,  and  whose  sin  and  ruin  will  be  aggra¬ 
 vated  by  the  revelation  of  Jesus  Christ.  This  refers  to  that  pro 
 phecy,  Isa.  viii.  14,  15,  he  shall  be  for  a  sanctuary  to  some,  and 
 yet  for  a  snare  to  others,  1  Pet.  ii.  7,  8.  He  is  sent  lor  a  sign  to 
 be  admired  by  some,  but  by  others,  by  many,  spoken  against. 
 He  had  many  eyes  upon  him  during  the  time  of  his  public  minis¬ 
 try  :  he  was  a  sign,  but  he  had  many  tongues  against  him,  the 
 contradiction  and  reproach  of  sinners,  he  was  continually  cavilled 
 at  and  abused,  and  the  effects  of  this  will  be,  that  the  thoughts  of 
 many  hearts  will  be  revealed,  35,  i.  e.  upon  this  occasion  men 
 will  shew  themselves,  will  discover,  and  so  distinguish  themselves. 
 
 429 
 
CHAP.  IV. 
 
 be  the  Son  of  God,  commana  tnis  stone  that 
 it  be  made  bread. 
 
 4  And  Jesus  answered  him,  saying.  It  is 
 written.  That  man  shall  not  live  by  bread 
 alone,  but  by  every  w^ord  of  God. 
 
 5  And  the  devil,  taking  him  up  into  an 
 high  mountain,  shewed  unto  him  all  the 
 kingdoms  of  the  world  in  a  moment  of  time. 
 
 6  And  the  devil  said  unto  him.  All  this 
 power  will  I  give  thee,  and  the  glory  ot 
 them :  for  that  is  delivered  unto  me  :  and 
 to  whomsoever  I  will  I  give  it. 
 
 7  If  thou,  therefore,  wilt  worship  me,  all; 
 shall  be  thine. 
 
 8  And  Jesus  answered,  and  said  unto  him,! 
 Get  thee  behind  me,  Satan:  for  it  is  written,! 
 Thou  shalt  w'orship  the  Lord  thy  God,  and 
 him  only  shalt  thou  serve. 
 
 9  And  he  brought  him  to  Jerusalem,  and 
 set  him  on  a  pinnacle  of  the  temple,  and 
 said  unto  him.  If  thou  be  the  Son  of  God, 
 cast  thyself  down  from  hence  ; 
 
 10  Tor  it  is  written.  He  shall  give  his  an¬ 
 gels  charge  over  thee,  to  keep  thee  ; 
 
 11  And  in  their  hands  they  shall  bear 
 thee  up,  lest  at  any  .time  thou  dash  thy  foot 
 
 against  a  stone.  ^  , 
 
 12  And  Jesus,  answering,  said  unto  him. 
 It  is  said.  Thou  shalt  not  tempt  the  Lord  thy 
 God. 
 
 13  And  when  the  devil  had  ended  all  the 
 temptation,  he  departed  from  him  for  a  sea- 
 son. 
 
 14  ^  And  Jesus  returned  in  the  power  or 
 the  Spirit  into  Galilee:  and  there  went  out 
 a  fame  of  him  through  all  the  region  round 
 about. 
 
 15  And  he  taught  in  their  synagogues, 
 
 being  glorified  of  all. 
 
 16  ^  And  became  to  Nazareth,  where 
 he  had  been  brought  up  :  and,  as  his  cus¬ 
 
 tom  was,  he  went  into  the  synagogue  on  the 
 sabbath-day,  and  stood  up  for  to  read. 
 
 17  And  there  was  delivered  unto  him  the 
 book  of  the  prophet  Esaias :  and,  when  he 
 had  opened  the  book,  he  found  the  place 
 where  it  was  written, 
 
 18  The  Spirit  of  the  Lord  is  upon  me,  be¬ 
 cause  he  hath  anointed  me  to  preach  the 
 gospel  to  the  poor  ;  he  hath  sent  me  to  heal 
 the  broken-hearted,  to  preach  deliverance 
 to  the  captives,  and  recovering  of  sight  to 
 the  blind,  to  set  at  liberty  them  that  are 
 bruised  ; 
 
 19  To  preach  the  acceptable  year  of  the 
 Lord. 
 
 20  And  he  dosed  the  book,  and  he  gave 
 it  again  to  the  minister,  and  sat  down.  And 
 the  eyes  of  all  them  that  were  in  the  syna¬ 
 gogue  were  fastened  on  him. 
 
 21  And  he  began  to  say  unto  them,  This 
 day  is  this  scripture  fulfilled  in  your  ears. 
 
 22  And  all  bare  him  witness,  and  won¬ 
 dered  at  the  gracious  words  which  proceeded 
 out  of  his  mouth.  And  they  said.  Is  not  this 
 JoseplTs  son? 
 
 23  And  he  said  unto  them.  Ye  will  surely 
 say  unto  me  this  proverb, Physician,  heal  thy¬ 
 self  ;  whatsoever  we  have  heard  done  in 
 Capernaum,  do  also  here  in  thy  country. 
 
 24  And  he  said.  Verily  I  say  unto  you. 
 No  prophet  is  accepted  in  his  own  country. 
 
 25  But  I  tell  you  of  a  truth,  Many  widows 
 wxre  in  Israel  in  the  days  of  Elias,  when  the 
 heaven  was  shut  up  three  years  and  six 
 months,  when  great  famine  was  throughout 
 all  the  land  : 
 
 26  But  unto  none  of  them  was  Elias  sent, 
 save  unto  Sarepta,  a  city  of  Sidon,  unto  a 
 woman  that  teas  a  widow'. 
 
 27  And  many  lepers  w'ere  in  Israel  in  the 
 time  of  Eliseus  the  prophet ;  and  none  of 
 
 CHAP.  IV.  1 — 13.  See  notes  on  Matt.  iv.  1—11. 
 
 1  s— SO  After  Christ  had  vanquished  the  evil  spirit,  he  made  it 
 appear  ho"w  much  he  was  under  the  influence  of  the  good  spirit; 
 aSd  having  defended  himselt  against  the  devils  assaults,  he  no'j 
 hefjins  to  act  okmsivelv,  and  to  make  those  attacks  upon  him  b} 
 &acltm  "!ind  .Piracies,  which  he  could  not  resist  or  repel. 
 
 We  often  ffnd  Christ  preaching  m  oOier 
 reading,  but  only  in  this  synagogue  at  Nazareth,  ot  which  c  ha 
 been  n^nv  years  a  member  ;  now  he  offered  his 
 perhaps  of.Jn  done,  he  read  one  of  the  lessons  out  ot  the  prop l  ets 
 Acts  iiii.  15.  Reading  the  scriptures  is  yery 
 done  in  religious  assemblies,  anu  Christ  himself  did  not  think  it 
 
 any  disparagemtmt  to  him  to  be  employed  in  it.  1  he  btjoK  of  the 
 prophet  Esaias  was  deliver-.!  to  him,  either  by  the  ruler  of  lae 
 synagogue,  or  by  the  minister  mentioned,  v.  20,  so  that  he  was  no 
 intruder,  but  duly  authorized.  The  second  lesson  for  that  day  be¬ 
 ing  in  the  prophecy  of  Esaias,  they  gave  him  that  volume  to  read 
 in.  Now  his  text  was  taken  out  of  Isa.  l\i.  1,  which  is  heie 
 quoted  at  large,  18,  19-  There  was  a  providence  in  it,  that  that 
 portion  of  scripture  shouki  be  read  that  day,  w  hich  speaks  so  very 
 ■plainly  of  the  Messiah,  that  they  might  be  left  inexcusable,  w  ho 
 knew  'him  not,  though  they  heard  the  voices  of  the  prophets  read 
 every  sabbath-dav,  which  bare  witness  ot  him.  Acts  xiii.  27-  Ihis 
 text  gives  us  a  full  account  of  Christ’s  undertaking,  and  the  work 
 
ST.  LUKE. 
 
 them  was  cleansed  saving  Naaman  the  Sy¬ 
 rian. 
 
 28  And  all  they  in  the  synagogue,  when 
 they  heard  these  things,  were  filled  with 
 
 '  wrath, 
 
 29  And  rose  up,  and  thrust  him  out  of 
 the  city,  and  led  him  unto  the  brow  of  the 
 hill  whereon  their  city  was  built,  that  they 
 might  cast  him  down  headlong. 
 
 30  But  he,  passing  through  the  midst  of 
 them,  went  his  Avay, 
 
 31  And  came  down  to  Capernaum,  a  city 
 of  Galilee,  and  taught  them  on  the  sabbath- 
 ‘days. 
 
 32  And  they  were  astonished  at  his  doc¬ 
 trine  :  for  his  Avord  was  Avith  poAver. 
 
 33  f  And  in  the  synagogue  there  was  a 
 man  Avhich  had  a  spirit  of  an  unclean  devil, 
 and  cried  out  Avith  a  loud  voice, 
 
 34  Saying,  Let  us  alone  ;  Avhat  have  Ave 
 to  do  Avith  thee,  thou  Jesus  of  Nazareth? 
 art  thou  come  to  destroy  us  ?  I  knoAV  thee 
 Avho  thou  art ;  the  holy  One  of  God. 
 
 35  And  Jesus  rebuked  him,  saying.  Hold 
 thy  peace,  and  come  out  of  him.  And  Avhen 
 the  devil  had  throAvn  him  in  the  midst  he 
 came  out  of  him,  and  hurt  him  not. 
 
 36  And  they  Avere  all  amazed,  and  spaLe 
 among  themselves,  saying.  What  a  Avord  is 
 this  !  for  Avith  authority  and  poAver  he  com- 
 mandeth  the  unclean  spirits,  and  they  come 
 out. 
 
 37  And  the  fame  of  him  Avent  out  into 
 every  place  of  the  country  round  about. 
 
 38  f  And  he  arose  out  of  the  synagogue, 
 and  entered  into  Simon  s  hotTse;  and  Simon's 
 Avife's  mother  Avas  taken  Avith  a  great  fever  ; 
 and  they  besought  him  for  her. 
 
 39  And  he  stood  over  her,  and  rebuked 
 the  fever,  and  it  left  her  :  and  immediately 
 she  arose,  and  ministered  unto  them. 
 
 40  f  Now,  Avhen  the  sun  Avas  setting,  all 
 they  that  had  any  sick  Avith  diverse  diseases 
 brought  them  unto  him ;  and  he  laid  his 
 hands  on  every  one  of  them,  and  healed 
 them. 
 
 41  ^  And  devils  also  came  out  of  many, 
 crying  out,  and  saying,.  Thou  art  Christ, 
 the  Son  of  God.  And  he,  rebuking  tliem^ 
 suffered  them  not  to  speak  :  for  they  kneAv 
 that  he  Avas  Christ. 
 
 42  ^  And  Avhen  it  Avas  day  he  departed, 
 and  went  into  a  desert  place  ;  and  the  peo¬ 
 ple  sought  him,  and  came  unto  him,  and 
 stayed  him,  that  he  should  not  depart  from 
 them. 
 
 43  And  he  said  unto  them,  I  must  preach 
 the  kingdom  of  God  to  other  cities  also  :  for 
 therefore  am  I  sent. 
 
 44  And  he  preached  in  the  synagogues  of 
 Galilee. 
 
 CHAP.  V. 
 
 I.  Christ’s  preaching  out  of  Peter’s  ship,  1 — 3.  II.  The  mira¬ 
 culous  draught  of  fishes,  4 — 11.  III.  His  cleansing  the  leper, 
 
 12 — 15.  IV.  His  private  devotion  and  public  ministry,  ver, 
 
 l6',  17.  V.  His  cure  of  the  man  sick  of  the  palsy,  18 — 26'. 
 
 VI.  His  calling  Levi,  27 — 32.  VII.  His  justifying  his  disciples, 
 
 33,  ad  fin. 
 
 ND  it  came  to  pass,  that,  as  the  people 
 pressed  upon  him  to  hear  the  Avord  of 
 God,  he  stood  by  the  lake  of  Gennesaret, 
 
 2  And  saAv  tAVO  ships  standing  by  the  lake : 
 but  the  fishermen  Avere  gone  out  of  them, 
 and  Avere  washing  their  nets. 
 
 3  And  he  entered  into  one  of  the  ships, 
 Avhich  Avas  Simon's,  and  prayed  him  that  he 
 Avould  thrust  out  a  little  from  the  land.  And 
 he- sat  doAvn,  and  taught  the  people  out  of 
 the  ship. 
 
 4  ^  Noav,  when  he  had  left  speaking,  he 
 said  unto  Simon,  Launch  out  into  the  deep, 
 and  let  doAvn  your  nets  for  a  draught. 
 
 5  And  Simon,  ansAvering,  said  unto  him. 
 Master,  Ave  have  toiled  all  the  night,  and 
 
 he  came  into  the  world  to  do.  First,  How  he  was  qualified  for 
 the  work  •  second.  How  he  was  commissioned:  third.  What  his 
 work  was  ;  he  was  qualified  and  commissioned  to  be  a  prophet,  a 
 great  physician,  and  a  great  Redeemer.  ij  i  .  ,1. 
 
 See  how  he  was  persecuted  at  Nazareth.  This  added  to  the 
 reproach  of  his  being  Jesus  of  Nazareth,  that  not  only  it  was  a 
 place  whence  no  good  was  expected,  but  that  it  was  such  a  wicked, 
 rude  place,  and  so  unkind  to  him.  V  et  there  was  a  providence  in 
 it,  that  he  should  not  be  much  respected  by  the  men  of  Nazareth, 
 for  that  would  have  looked  like  a  collusion  between  him  and  his  old 
 acquaintance ;  but  now,  though  they  received  him  not,  there  were 
 those  that  did. 
 
 31 — 44.  See  notes  on  Mark  i.  21 — '39,  also  on  Matt.  viii. 
 
 14—17.  ,  ,  .  , 
 
 CHAP.  V.  1—11.  This  passage  of  story  fell  in  order  of  time  be¬ 
 fore  the  two  miracles  we  had  in  the  close  of  the  foregoing  chapter, 
 and  is  the  same  with  that  which  was  more  briefly  related  by  Mat¬ 
 thew  and  Mark,  of  Christ’s  calling  Peter  and  Andrew  to  be  fishers 
 of  men.  Matt.  iv.  18,  and  Mark  i.  16'.  J’hey  had  not  related  this 
 miraculous  draught  of  fishes  at  that  time,,  having  only  in  view  the 
 calling  of  his  disciples,  but  Luke  gives  us  that  story  as  one  of  the 
 many  signs  which  Jesus  did  in  the  presence  of  his  disciples,  which 
 had  not  been  written  in  the  foregoing  books,  Job  xx.  30,  31. 
 
 1  We  must  not  presently  quit  the  callings  wherewith  we  are  called 
 
CHAP.  V. 
 
 have  taken  nothing :  nevertheless  at  thy 
 word  I  will  let  down  the  net. 
 
 .  6  And,  when  they  had  this  doile,  they 
 inclosed  a  great  multitude  of  fishes  :  and 
 their  net  brake. 
 
 7  And  they  beckoned  unto  t/ieir  partners, 
 Avhich  were  in  the  other  ship,  that  they  should 
 come  and  help  them.  And  they  came,  and 
 filled  both  the  ships,  so  that  they  began  to 
 sink. 
 
 8  When  Simon  Peter  saw  it  he  fell  down 
 at  Jesus^  knees,  saying.  Depart  from  me  : 
 for  I  am  a  sinful  man,  O  Lord. 
 
 9  Por  he  was  astonished,  and  all  that 
 were  with  him,  at  the  draught  of  the  fishes 
 which  they  had  taken  : 
 
 10  And  so  zms  also  James  and  John,  the 
 sons  of  Zebedee,  which  were  partners  with 
 Simon.  And  Jesus  said  unto  Simon,  Fear 
 not ;  from  henceforth  thou  shalt  catch  men. 
 
 11  And,  when  they  had  brought  their 
 ships  to  land,  they  forsook  all,  and  followed 
 him. 
 
 12  ^  And  it  came  to  pass,  Avhen  he  was 
 in  a  certain  city,  behold,  a  man  full  of  le¬ 
 prosy  ;  who,  seeing  Jesus,  fell  on  //is  face, 
 and  besought  him,  saying.  Lord,  if  thou 
 wilt,  thou  canst  make  me  clean. 
 
 13  And  he  put  forth  //is  hand,  and  touch¬ 
 ed  him,  saying,  I  will ;  be  thou  clean.  And 
 immediately  the  leprosy  departed  from  him. 
 
 14  And  he  charged  him  to  tell  no  man  ; 
 but  go  and  shew  thyself  to  the  priest,  and 
 offer  for  thy  cleansing  according  as  Moses 
 commanded  for  a  testimony  unto  them.  ' 
 
 15  But  so  much  the  more  went  there  a 
 fame  abroad  of  him  :  and  great  multitudes 
 came  together  to  hear,  and  to  be  healed  by 
 him  of  their  infirmities. 
 
 because  we  have  not  the  success  in  them  we  expected  :  the  minis¬ 
 ters  ot  the  gospel  must  continue  to  let  down  that  net,  though  they 
 have  pel  haps  toiled  lon^  and  caught  nothing:  and  this  is  thank¬ 
 worthy,  to  continue  unwearied  in  our  labours,  though  we  see  not 
 the  success  o(  them.  In  this  they  have  an  eye  to  the  word  of 
 Christ,  and  a  dependance  upon  that :  at  thy  word  1  will  letdown 
 the  net,  because  thou  dost  enjoin  it,  and  thou  dost  encourage  it. 
 We  are  then  likely  to  speed  well,  when  we  follow  the  conduct  of 
 Christ’s  word. 
 
 Peter  above  all  the  rest  was  astonished  to  such  a  degree,  that 
 he  jell  down  at  Jesus’  knees  as  he  sat  in  the  stern  of  his  boat,  and 
 said,  as  one  in  an  ecstacy  or  transport,  that  knew  not  where  he  was 
 or  what  he  said,  Depart  from  me,  for  1  am  a  sinful  man,  O  Lord, 
 V.  b,  not  that  he  feared  the  weight  of  the  fish  would  sink  him,  be¬ 
 cause  he  was  a  sinful  man,  but  that  he  thought  himself  unworthy 
 
 16  5f  he  withdrew  himself  into  the 
 wilderness,  and  prayed. 
 
 17  ^  And  it  came  to  pass  on  a  certain 
 day,  as  he  was  teaching,  that  there  were 
 Pharisees  and  doctors  of  the  law  sitting  by, 
 which  were  come  out  of  every  town  of  Ga¬ 
 lilee,  and  Judea,  and  Jerusalem  :  and  the 
 power  of  the  Lord  was  present  to  heal  them. 
 
 18  And,  behold,  men  brought  in  a  bed 
 a  man  which  was  taken  with  a  palsy  ;  and 
 they  sought  means  to  bring  him  in,  and  to 
 lay  //im  before  him. 
 
 19  And  when  they  could  not  find  by  what 
 way  they  might  bring  him  in  because  of  the 
 multitude,  they  went  upon  the  house-top, 
 and  let  him  down  through  the  tiling,  with  /lis 
 couch,  into  the  midst  before  Jesus. 
 
 20  And  when  he  saw  their  faith,  he  said 
 unto  him,  Man,  thy  sins  are  forgiven  thee. 
 
 21  And  the  scribes  and  the  Pharisees  be¬ 
 gan  to  reason,  saying.  Who  is  this  which 
 speaketh  blasphemies  ?  Who  can  forgive  sins 
 but  God  alone  ? 
 
 2  2  But  when  J esus  perceived  their  thoughts, 
 he  answering,  said  unto  them.  What  reason 
 ye  in  your  hearts  ? 
 
 23  Whether  is  easier  to  say.  Thy  sins 
 be  forgiven  thee  ?  or  to  say.  Rise  up  and 
 walk  ? 
 
 24  But  that  ye  may  know  that  the  Son  of 
 man  hath  power  upon  earth  to  forgive  sins, 
 (he  said  unto  the  sick  of  the  palsy,)  I  say 
 unto  thee.  Arise,  and  take  up  th}^  couch, 
 and  go  unto  thine  house. 
 
 25  And  immediately  he  rose  up  before 
 
 them,  and  took  up  that  whereon  he  lay, 
 and  departed  to  his  own  house,  glorifYino* 
 God.  ^  ^ 
 
 26  And  they  were  all  amazed,  and  they 
 
 of  the  favour  of  Christ’s  presence  in  his  boat,  and  worthy  that  it 
 should  be  to  him  a  matter  rather  of  terror  than  of  comfort.'  Those 
 whom  Christ  designs  to  admit  to  the  most  intimate  acquaintance 
 with  him,  he  first  makes  sensible  that  they  deserve  to  be  set  at  the 
 greatest  distance  from  him.  We  must  all  own  ourselves  sinful 
 men,  and  that  therefore  Jesus  Christ  must  justly  depart  from  us, 
 but  we  must  therefore  fall  down  at  his  knees,  to  pray  him  that  he 
 would  not  depart ;  for  woe  unto  us  if  he  leave  us,  if  the  Saviour  de¬ 
 part  from  the  sinful  man. 
 
 I*? — 16'.  Though  never  any  did  so  much  good  in  public,  yet 
 Christ  found  time  for  pious  and  devout  retirements,  16*  he 
 withdrew  himself  into  the  wilderness  and  prayed,  not  that  he  needed 
 to  avoid  either  distraction  or  ostentation,  but  he  would  set  us  an 
 example,  who  need  to  order  the  circumstances  of  our  devotion  so 
 as  to_guard  against  both.  It  is  likewise  our  wisdom,  so  to  order 
 
 43.5 
 
ST.  LUKE. 
 
 glorified  God,  and  were  filled  with  fear,  say¬ 
 ing,  We  have  seen  strange  things  to-day. 
 
 27  f  And  after  these  things  he  went  forth,! 
 and  saw  a  publican  named  Levi,  sitting  at 
 the  receipt  of  custom  :  and  he  said  unto  him. 
 Follow  me. 
 
 28  And  he  left  all,  rose  up,  and  followed 
 him. 
 
 29  f  And  Levi  made  him  a  great  feast  in 
 his  own  house  :  and  there  was  a  great  com¬ 
 pany  of  publicans,  and  of  others,  that  sat 
 down  with  them. 
 
 30  But  their  scribes  and  Pharisees  mur¬ 
 mured  against  his  disciples,  saying,  Why  do 
 ye  eat  and  drink  with  publicans  and  sinners  ? 
 
 31  And  Jesus  answering,  said  unto  them, 
 They  that  are  whole  need  not  a  physician  : 
 but  the}^  that  are  sick. 
 
 32  I  came  not  to  call  the  righteous,  but 
 sinners  to  repentance. 
 
 33  ^  And  they  said  unto  him.  Why  do 
 the  disciples  of  John  fast  often,  and  make 
 prayers,  and  likewise  the  disciples  of  the 
 Pharisees  ;  but  thine  eat  and  drink  ? 
 
 34  And  he  said  unto  them,  Can  ye  make 
 the  children  of  the  bride-chamber  fast  while 
 the  bridegroom  is  with  them  ? 
 
 35  But  the  days  will  come,  when  the 
 bridegroom  shall  be  taken  away  from  them, 
 and  then  shall  they  fast  in  those  days. 
 
 36  f  And  he  spake  also  a  parable  unto 
 them :  No  man  putteth  a  piece  of  a  new 
 garment  upon  an  old :  if  otherwise,  then  both 
 the  new  maketh  the  rent,  and  the  piece  that 
 was  taken  out  of  the  new  agreeth  not  with 
 
 the  old.  ••,11 
 
 37  And  no  man  putteth  new  wine  into  old 
 
 bottles  ;  else  the  new  wine  will  burst  the 
 bottles,  and  be  spilled,  and  the  bottles  shall 
 
 perish. 
 
 38  But  new  wine  must  be  put  into  new 
 bottles  :  and  both  are  preserved. 
 
 39  No  man  also,  having  drunk  old  wine, 
 straightway  desireth  new  ;  for  he  saith,  J  he 
 old  is  better. 
 
 CHAP.  VI. 
 
 I.  Christ’s  exposition  of  the  law  of  the  sabbath,  l-ll.  11  His 
 
 our  affairs  as  that  our  public  work,  and  our  secret  work,  may  not 
 intrench  upon  or  intortcre  with  one  another. 
 
 See  note  on  Mark  i.  40 — 45. 
 
 436’ 
 
 calling  his  apostles,  12 — 16.  III.  His  curing  the  multitudes’. 
 17 — 19.  IV.  The  sermon  that  he  preached  to  his  disciples  and 
 the  multitude,  25 — 49. 
 
 ND  it  came  to  pass,  on  the  second  sab¬ 
 bath  after  the  first,  that  he  went  through 
 the  corn-fields  ;  and  his  disciples  plucked  the 
 ears  of  corn,  and  did  eat,  rubbing  them  in 
 their  hands. 
 
 2  And  certain  of  the  Pharisees  said  unto 
 them.  Why  do  ye  that  which  is  not  lawful 
 to  do  on  the  sabbath-days  ? 
 
 3  And  Jesus  answering  them,  said,  Have 
 ye  not  read  so  much  as  this,  what  David  did, 
 when  himself  was  an  hungered,  and  they 
 which  were  with  him  ; 
 
 4  How  he  went  into  the  house  of  God, 
 and  did  take  and  eat  the  Hiew- bread,  and 
 gave  also  to  them  that  were  Avith  him ; 
 which  it  is  not  laivful  to  eat,  but  for  the 
 priest  alone  ? 
 
 5  And  he  said  unto  them.  That  the  Son  of 
 man  is  Lord  also  of  the  sabbath. 
 
 6  ^  And  it  came  to  pass  also  on  another 
 sabbath  that  he  entered  into  the  synagogue 
 and  taught :  and  there  was  a  man  whose 
 right  hand  Avas  Avithered. 
 
 7  And  the  scribes  and  Pharisees  Avatched 
 him,  Avhether  he  Avould  heal  on  the  sabbath- 
 day  ;  that  they  might  find  an  accusation 
 against  him. 
 
 8  But  he  kncAv  their  thoughts,  and  said 
 to  the  man* which  had  the  Avithered  hand. 
 Rise  up,  and  stand  forth  in  the  midst.  And 
 he  arose,  and  stood  forth. 
 
 9  Then  said  Jesus  unto  them,  I  Avill  ask 
 you  one  thing.  Is  it  laAvful  on  the  sabbath- 
 days  to  do  good,  or  to  do  evil  ?  to  save  life, 
 or  to  destroy  it? 
 
 10  And,  looking  round  about  upon  them 
 all,  he  said  unto  the  man.  Stretch  forth 
 thy  hand.  And  he  did  so  ;  and  his  hand 
 Avas  restored  Avhole  as  the  other. 
 
 11  And  they  Avere  filled  Avith  madness: 
 and  communed  one  Avith  another  Avhat  they 
 might  do  to  Jesus. 
 
 12  n  And  it  came  to  pass  in  those  days 
 that  he  Avent  out  into  a  mountain  to  pray, 
 and  continued  all  night  in  prayer  to  God. 
 
 ]7 — 3p.  See  notes  on  Matt.  ix.  6' — 8,  and  14—17. 
 
 CHAP.  AM.  1—11.  See  notes  on  Matt.  xii.  1—12. 
 
 12-19.  The  whole  multitude  sought  to  touch  him,  those  that  were 
 
CHAP.  VI. 
 
 13  And  when  it  was  day  he  called  unto 
 him  his  disciples :  and  of  them  he  chose 
 twelve,  whom  also  he  named  Apostles  ; 
 
 14  Simon,  (whom  he  also  named  Peter,) 
 and  Andrew  his  brother,  James  and  John, 
 Philip  and  Bartholomew, 
 
 15  Alatthew  and  Thomas,  James  the  son 
 of  Alpheus,  and  Simon  called  Zelotes, 
 
 16  And  Judas  the  brother  of  James,  and 
 Judas  Iscariot,  which  also  was  the  traitor. 
 
 17  f  And  he  came  down  with  them  and 
 stood  in  the  plain  ;  and  the  company  of  his 
 disciples,  and  a  great  multitude  of  people 
 out  of  all  Judea  and  Jerusalem,  and  from 
 the  sea-coast  of  Tyre  and  Sidon,  which  came 
 to  hear  him,  and  to  be  healed  of  their  dis¬ 
 eases  ; 
 
 18  And  they  that  were  vexed  with  unclean 
 spirits  :  and  they  were  healed. 
 
 19  And  the  whole  multitude  sought  to 
 touch  him  :  for  there  went  virtue  out  of 
 him,  and  healed  them  all. 
 
 20  ^  And  he  lifted  up  his  eyes  on  his 
 disciples,  and  said.  Blessed  be  ye  poor :  for 
 yours  is  the  kingdom  of  God. 
 
 21  Blessed  are  ye  that  hunger  now,  for 
 ye  shall  be  filled.  Blessed  are  ye  that  weep 
 now  ;  for  ye  shall  laugh. 
 
 22  Blessed  are  ye  when  men  shall  hate 
 you,  and  when  they  shall  separate  you  from 
 their  company,  and  shall  reproach  you,  and 
 cast  out  your  name  as  evil,  for  the  Son  of 
 man^s  sake. 
 
 23  Rejoice  ye  in  that  day,  and  leap  for 
 joy  ;  for,  behold,  ^^our  reward  is  great  in 
 heaven :  for  in  the  like  manner  did  their 
 fathers  unto  the  prophets. 
 
 24  But  woe  unto  you  that  are  rich !  for 
 ye  have  received  your  consolation. 
 
 25  Woe  unto  you  that  are  full !  for  ye 
 
 shall  hunger.  Woe  unto  you  that  laugh 
 now  !  for  ye  shall  mourn  and  Aveep. 
 
 26  Woe  unto  you  when  all  men  shall 
 speak  Avell  of  you  !  for  so  did  their  fathers  to 
 the  false  prophets. 
 
 27  f  But  I  say  unto  you  which  hear. 
 Love  your  enemies,  do  good  to  them  which 
 hate  you ; 
 
 28  Bless  them  that  curse  you,  and  pray 
 for  them  which  despite  fully  use  you. 
 
 29  And  unto  him  that  smiteth  thee  on 
 the  one  cheek,  offer  also  the  other  ;  and  him 
 that  taketh  away  thy  cloak,  forbid  not  to 
 take  thy  coat  also. 
 
 30  Give  to  every  man  that  asketh  of  thee  ; 
 and  of  him  that-  taketh  away  thy  goods  ask 
 them  not  again. 
 
 31  And  as  ye  would  that  men  should  do 
 to  you,  do  ye  also  to  them  likewise. 
 
 32  For  if  ye  love  them  Avhich  love  you, 
 what  thank  have  ye  ?  for  sinners  also  love 
 those  thot  love  them. 
 
 33  And  if  ye  do  good  to  them  which  do 
 good  to  you,  Avhat  thank  have  ye  ;  for  sin¬ 
 ners  also  do  even  the  same. 
 
 34  And  if  ye  lend  to  them  of  Avhom  ye 
 hope  to  receive,  what  thank  have  ye ;  for 
 sinners  also  lend  to  sinners,  to  receive  as 
 much  again. 
 
 35  But  love  yo  your  enemies,  and  do 
 good,  and  lend,  hoping  for  nothing  again  ; 
 and  your  reward  shall  be  great,  and  ye  shall 
 be  the  children  of  the  Highest ;  for  he  is 
 kind  unto  the  unthankful,  and  to  the  evil. 
 
 36  Be  ye,  therefore,  merciful,  as  your  Fa¬ 
 ther  also  is  merciful. 
 
 37  Judge  not,  and  ye  shall  not  be  judged  : 
 condemn  not,  and  ye  shall  not  be  con¬ 
 demned  :  forgive,  and  ye  shall  be  forgiven  : 
 
 38  Give,  and  it  shall  be  given  unto  you  : 
 
 in  health  as  well  as  those  that  were  sick,  and  they  were  all  one  way 
 or  other  the  better  for  him,  he  healed  them  all ;  and  who  is  there 
 that  doth  not  need,  upon  some  account  or  other,  to  be  healed  ? 
 'I’hcrc  is  a  fulness  of  grace  in  Christ,  and  healing  virtue  in  him,  and 
 ready  to  go  out  from  him,  that  is  enough  for  all,  enough  for  each. 
 
 See  notes  on  Matt,  xviii.  1 — 4. 
 
 20—26'.  Here  begins  a  practical  discourse  of  Christ,  which  is 
 continued  to  the  end  of  the  chapter,  most  of  which  is  found  in  the 
 sermon  upon  the  mount,  Matt.  v.  and  vii.  Some  think  this  was 
 preached  at  some  other  time  and  place,  and  there  are  other  in¬ 
 stances  of  Christ’s  preaching  the  same  things,  or  to  the  same  pur¬ 
 pose  at  different  times  ;  but  it  is  probable,  that  this  is  only  the 
 evangelist’s  abridgment  of  that  sermon,  and  perhaps  that  in 'Mat¬ 
 
 thew  too  is  but  an  abridgment  ;  the  beginning  and  the  conclusion 
 is  much  the  same  ;  and  the  story  of  the  cure  of  the  centurion’s 
 servant  follows  presently  upon  it,  both  here  and  there ;  but  it  is 
 not  material. 
 
 21 — 36.  These  verses  agree  pretty  much  with  Matt.  v.  38,  to 
 the  end  of  that  chapter ;  I  say  unto  you  which  hear,  27,  to  all 
 you  that  hear,  and  not  to  disciples  only,  for  these  are  lessons  oi 
 universal  concern.  He  that  lias  an  ear  let  him  hear.  Those  that 
 diligently  hearken  to  Christ  shall  find  he  has  something  to  say  to 
 them  well  worth  their  hearing. 
 
 37 — 49.  All  these  sayings  of  Christ  we  had  before  in  Matthew, 
 some  of  them,  chap.  vii.  others  in  other  places.  They  were  say¬ 
 ings  Christ  often  used,  thev  needed  only  to  be  mentioned,  it  was 
 
 437 
 
ST.  LUKE. 
 
 good  measure,  pressed  down,  and  shaken  to¬ 
 gether,  and  running  over,  shall  men  give 
 into  your  bosom.  For  with  the  same  mea¬ 
 sure  that  ye  mete  withal,  it  shall  be  measured 
 to  you  again. 
 
 39  And  he  spake  a  parable  unto  them. 
 
 Can  the  blind  lead  the  blind  ?  shall  they  not 
 both  fall  into  the  ditch  ?  y 
 
 40  The  disciple  is  not  above  his  master  : 
 but  every  one  that  is  perfect  shall  be  as  his 
 master. 
 
 ‘41  And  why  beholdest  thou  the  mote 
 that  is  in  thy  brothers  eye,  but  perceivest 
 not  the  beam  that  is  in  thine  own  eye  ? 
 
 42  Either  how  canst  thou  say  to  thy  bro¬ 
 ther,  Brother,  let  me  pull  out  the  mote  that 
 is  in  thine  eye,  when  thou  thyself  beholdest 
 not  the  beam  that  is  in  thine  own  eye  ? 
 Thou  hypocrite  !  cast  out  first  the  beam  out 
 of  thine  own  eye,  and  then  shalt  thou  see 
 clearly  to  pull  out  the  mote  that  is  in  thy 
 brother's  eye. 
 
 43  For  a  good  tree  bringeth  not  forth  cor¬ 
 rupt  fruit;  neither  doth  a  corrupt  tree  bring 
 forth  good  fruit. 
 
 44  For  every  tree  is  known  by  his  own 
 fruit  ;  for  of  thorns  men  do  not  gather  figs, 
 nor  of  a  bramble-bush  gather  they  grapes. 
 
 45  A  good  man,  out  of  the  good  treasure 
 of  his  heart,  bringeth  forth  that  whichisgood: 
 and  an  evil  man,  out  of  the  evil  treasure  of 
 his  heart,  bringeth  forth  that  which  is  evil : 
 for  of  the  abundance  of  the  heart  his  mouth 
 speaketh. 
 
 46  ^  And  why  call  ye  me,  Lord,  Lord, 
 and  do  not  the  things  which  I  say  ? 
 
 47  Whosoever  cometh  to  me,  and  heareth 
 my  sayings,  and  doeth  them,  I  will  shew 
 you  to  whom  he  is  like  ; 
 
 48  He  is  like  a  man  which  built  an  house, 
 and  digged  deep,  and  laid  the  foundation 
 on  a  rock ;  and  when  the  flood  arose  the 
 stream  beat  vehemently  upon  that  house, 
 and  could  not  shake  it ;  for  it  was  founded 
 upon  a  rock. 
 
 49  But  he  that  heareth  and  doeth  not,  is 
 like  a  man  that,  without  a  foundation,  built 
 an  house  upon  the  earth  ;  against  which  the 
 strearn  did  beat  vehemently,  and  immedi¬ 
 ately  it  fell ;  and  the  ruin  of  that  house  was 
 
 great. 
 
 CHAP.  VII. 
 
 r.  Chnst  cures  the  centurions  servant,  1  —  10,  and  raises  the 
 widow  s  son  at  Nain  11-18.  il.  Christ  confirms  the  faith 
 of  John  19—23.  111.  All  honourable  testimony  concerning 
 
 -  comforting  a  pLr  pSnhent! 
 
 easy  to  apply  them.  Grotius  thinks  we  need  not  be  critical  here  in 
 seeking  tor  the  coherence;  they  are  golden  sentences,  like  Solo¬ 
 mon’s  proverbs  or  parables. 
 
 CHAP.  Vll.  1 — 10.  Some  difference  there  is  between  this  story 
 of  the  cure  of  the  centurion’s  servant,  as  it  is  related  here,  and  as, 
 4.38 
 
 OW,  when  he  had  ended  all  his  sayings 
 in  the  audience  of  the  people,  he  enter¬ 
 ed  into  Capernaum. 
 
 2  And  a  certain  centurion's  servant,  avIio 
 was  dear  unto  him,  was  sick,  and  ready  to 
 die. 
 
 3  And,  when  he  heard  of  Jesus,  he  sent 
 unto  him  the  elders  of  the  Jews,  beseeching 
 him  that  he  would  come  and  heal  his  ser¬ 
 vant. 
 
 4  And,  when  they  came  to  Jesus,  they 
 besought  him  instantly,  saying.  That  he  was 
 worthy  for  whom  he  should  do  this  ; 
 
 5  For  he  loveth  our  nation,  and  he  hath 
 built  us  a  synagogue. 
 
 6  Then  Jesus  went  with  them.  And,  when 
 he  was  now  not  far  from  the  house,  the  cen¬ 
 turion  sent  friends  to  him,  saying  unto  him. 
 Lord,  trouble  not  thyself;  for  I  am  not 
 worthy  that  thou  shouldest  enter  under  my 
 roof : 
 
 7  Wherefore  neither  thought  I  myself 
 worthy  to  come  unto  thee  ;  but  say  in  a 
 word,  and  my  servant  shall  be  healed. 
 
 8  For  I  also  am  a  man  set  under  autho¬ 
 rity,  having  under  me  soldiers  ;  and  I  say 
 unto  one.  Go,  and  he  goeth  ;  and  to  another. 
 Come,  and  he  cometh  ;  and  to  my  servant. 
 Do  this,  and  he  doeth  it. 
 
 9  AVhen  Jesus  heard  these  things  he  mar¬ 
 velled  at  him,  and  turned  him  about,  and 
 said  unto  the  people  that  followed  him,  I 
 say  unto  you,  I  have  not  found  so  great  faith 
 no,  not  in  Israel. 
 
 we  had  it,  IMatt.  viii.  5,  &c.  for  there  it  was  said,  that  the  centu¬ 
 rion  came  to  Christ;  here  it  is  said,  that  he  sent  to  him,  first,  some 
 of  the  elders  of  the  Jews,  v.  3,  and  afterwards  some  other  friends, 
 V.  6'.  But  it  is  a  rule,  that  we  are  said  to  do  that,  which  we  do  by 
 another.  The  centurion  might  be  said  to  do  that  which  he  did  by 
 
CHAr.  Vll. 
 
 10  And  tliey  that  were  sent,  returning  to 
 the  house,  found  the  servant  whole  that  had 
 
 been  sick. 
 
 11  ^  And  it  came  to  pass  the  day  alter 
 that  he  went  into  a  city  called  Nain ;  and 
 many  of  his  disciples  went  with  him,  and 
 
 much  people. 
 
 12  Now,  when  he  came  mgh  to  the  gate 
 of  the  city,  behold,  there  was  a  dead  man 
 carried  out,  the  only  son  of  his  mother,  and 
 she  was  a  widow  i  and  much  people  of  the 
 city  was  with  her. 
 
 13  And  when  the  Lord  saw  her  he  had 
 compassion  on  her,  and  said  unto  her.  Weep 
 not. 
 
 14  And  he  came  and  touched  the  bier : 
 and  they  that  bare  him  stood  still.  And  he 
 said.  Young  man,  I  say  unto  thee.  Arise. 
 
 15  And  he  that  was  dead  sat  up,  and 
 began  to  speak.  And  he  delivered  him  to 
 his  mother. 
 
 16  And  there  came  a  fear  on  all :  and 
 they  glorified  God,  saying.  That  a  great 
 prophet  is  risen  up  among  us  ;  and.  That 
 God  hath  visited  his  people. 
 
 17  And  this  rumour  of  him  went  forth 
 throughout  all  Judea,  and  throughout  all 
 the  region  round  about. 
 
 18  And  the  disciples  of  John  shewed  him 
 
 of  all  these  things. 
 
 19  And  John,  calling  unto  him  two  of  his 
 disciples,  sent  them  to  Jesus,  saying.  Art 
 thou  he  that  should  come  ?  or  look  we  for 
 another  ? 
 
 20  When  the  men  were  come  unto  him 
 they  said,  John  Baptist  hath  sent  us  unto 
 thee,  saying.  Art  thou  he  that  should  come  ? 
 or  look  we  for  another  ? 
 
 21  And  in  the  same  hour  he  cured  many 
 of  their  infirmities  and  plagues,  and  of  evil 
 spirits  ;  and  unto  many  that  were  blind  he 
 gave  sight. 
 
 his  proxies.  But  it  is  probable  the  centurion  himself  came  at  last, 
 when  Christ  said  to  him,  Matt.  viii.  13,  As  thou  hast  believed,  so 
 
 be  it  done  unto  thee.  . 
 
 11 _ 18.  We  have  here  the  story  of  Christs  raising  to  hie  a  wi¬ 
 
 dow’s  son  at  Nain  that  was  dead,  and  in  the  carrying  out  to  be 
 buried  ;  which  Matthew  and  Mark  had  made  no  mention  of;  only 
 in  the  genera!,  INIatthew  had  recorded  it  in  Christs  answer  to  thr 
 discinles  of  John,  that  the  dead  were  raised  up,  Matt.  xi.  5. 
 Christ  has  a  concern  for  the  mourners,  for  the  miserable,  and  ol- 
 len  presents  them  with  the  blessings  of  his  goodness.  He  undcr- 
 Vol.  11.  83  3  L 
 
 22  Then  Jesus,  answering,  said  unto  them 
 Go  your  way,  and  tell  John  what  things  yc 
 have  seen  and  heard ;  how  that  the  blind 
 see,  the  lame  walk,  the  lepers  are  cleansed, 
 the  deaf  hear,  the  dead  are  raised,  to  the 
 poor  the  gospel  is  preached. 
 
 23  And  blessed  is  he,  Avhosoever  shall  not 
 be  offended  in  me. 
 
 24  %  And,  when  the  messengers  of  John 
 were  departed,  he  began  to  speak  unto  the 
 people  concerning  John,  What  went  ye  out 
 into  the  wilderness  for  to  see  ?  A  reed 
 shaken  with  the  wind  ? 
 
 25  But  what  went  ye  out  for  to  see  ?  A 
 man  clothed  in  soft  raiment  ?  Behold,  they 
 which  are  gorgeously  apparelled,  and  Ih'e 
 delicately,  are  in  kings’  courts. 
 
 26  But  what  went  ye  out  for  to  see  ?  A 
 prophet?  Yea,  I  say  unto  you,  and  much 
 more  than  a  prophet. 
 
 27  This  is  he  of  whom  it  is  written.  Be¬ 
 hold,  1  send  my  messenger  before  thy  face, 
 which  shall  prepare  thy  way  before  thee. 
 
 28  For  I  say  unto  you.  Among  those  that 
 are  born  of  women  there  is  not  a  greatei 
 prophet  than  John  the  Baptist ;  but  he  thst 
 is  least  in  the  kingdom  of  God  is  greater 
 ;han  he. 
 
 29  And  all  the  people  that  heard  him,  and 
 the  publicans,  justified  God,  being  baptized 
 with  the  baptism  of  John. 
 
 30  But  the  Pharisees  and  lawyers  reject¬ 
 ed  the  counsel  of  God  against  themselves, 
 3eing  not  baptized  of  him. 
 
 31  ^  And  the  Lord  said,  Whereunto  then 
 shall  I  liken  the  men  of  this  generation  ? 
 and  to  what  are  they  like  ? 
 
 32  They  are  like  unto  children  sitting  in 
 :he  market-place,  and  calling  one  to  another, 
 and  saying.  We  have  piped  unto  you,  and 
 ye  have  not  danced  ;  we  have  mourned  to 
 you,  and  ye  have  not  wept. 
 
 took  the  work  of  our  redemption  and  salvation,  in  bis  love  and  in 
 his  pity,  Isa.  Ixiii.  9-  What  a  pleasing  idea  doth  this  give  us  of 
 the  compassions  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  and  the  multitude  oi  his  tender 
 mercies,  which  may  be  very  comfortable  to  us,  when  at  any  time 
 we  are  in  sorrow.  Lt't  poor  widows  comfort  themselves  in  then 
 sorrows  with  this,  that  Christ  pities  them,  and  knows  their  souls 
 in  adversity  ;  and  if  others  despise  their  grid,  he  does  not. 
 
 19—35.'  All  this  discourse  concerning  John  baptist,  occasioned 
 by  his  sending  to  ask  whether  he  was  the  ISlessiah  or  no,  we  had, 
 much  as  it  is  here  related,  Malt.  xi.  2  19- 
 
ST.  LUKE. 
 
 33  For  John  the  Baptist  came  neither, 
 eating  bread  nor  drinking  wine  ;  and  ye  say. 
 He  hath  a  devil. 
 
 34  The  Son  of  man  is  come  eating  and 
 drinking  ;  and  ye  say,  Behold  a  gluttonous 
 man,  and  a  wine-bibber,  a  friend  of  publi¬ 
 cans  and  sinners  ! 
 
 35  But  Wisdom  is  justified  of  all  her 
 children. 
 
 36  f  And  one  of  the  Pharisees  desired 
 him  that  he  would  eat  with  him.  And  he 
 went  into  the  Pharisee's  house,  and  sat  down 
 to  meat. 
 
 37  And,  behold,  a  woman  in  the  city, 
 which  was  a  sinner,  when  she  knew  that 
 Jesus  sat  at  meat  in  the  Pharisee's  house, 
 brought  an  alabaster-box  of  ointment. 
 
 38  And  stood  at  his  feet  behind  him 
 weeping,  and  began  to  wash  his  feet  with 
 tears,  and  did  wipe  them  with  the  hairs  of 
 her  head,  and  kissed  his  feet,  and  anointed 
 them  with  the  ointment. 
 
 39  Now,  when  the  Pharisee  which  hac 
 bidden  him,  saw  he  spake  within  himself, 
 saying,  This  man,  if  he  were  a  prophet, 
 would  have  known  who  and  what  manner  of 
 woman  this  is  that  toucheth  him  :  for  she  is 
 a  sinner. 
 
 40  And  Jesus,  answering,  said  unto  him, 
 Simon,  I  have  somewhat  to  say  unto  thee. 
 And  he  saith.  Master,  say  on. 
 
 41  There  was  a  certain  creditor  which  had 
 two  debtors  ;  the  one  owed  five  hundred 
 pence,  and  the  other  fifty. 
 
 42  And  when  they  had  nothing  to  pay  he 
 frankly  forgave  them  both.  Tell  me,  there¬ 
 fore,  which  of  them  will  love  him  most  ? 
 
 43  Simon  answered  and  said,  I  suppose 
 that  he  to  whom  he  forgave  most  And  he 
 said  unto  him,  Thou  hast  rightly  judged. 
 
 44  And  he  turned  to  the  woman,  and 
 
 36' — 50.  When  and  where  this  passage  of  story  happened,  doth 
 not  appear;  this  evangelist  doth  not  observe  order  of  time  in  his 
 narratives,  so  much  as  the  other  evangelists  do ;  but  it  comes  in 
 here  upon  occasion  of  Christ’s  being  reproached  as  a  friend  to  pub¬ 
 licans  and  sinners,  to  shew  that  it  was  only  for  their  good,  and  to 
 bring  them  to  repentance,  that  he  conversed  with  them ;  and  that 
 those  he  admitted  near  him  were  reformed,  or  in  a  hopeful  way  to 
 be  so.  Who  this  woman  was  that  here  testified  so  great  an  af¬ 
 fection  to  Christ  doth  not  appear;  it  is  commonly  said  to  be 
 Mary  Magdalene,  but  I  find  no  ground  in  scripture  for  it,  she  is 
 described,  chap.  viii.  2,  and  Mark  xvi.  9,  to  be  one  out  of  whom 
 Christ  had  cast  seven  devils;  but  that  is  not  mentioned  here;  and 
 440 
 
 said  unto  Simon,  Seest  thou  this  woman  ?  1 
 entered  into  thine  house,  thou  gavest  me  no 
 water  for  my  feet :  but  she  hath  washed  my 
 feet  with  tears,  and  wiped  them  with  the 
 hairs  of  her  head. 
 
 45  Thou  gavest  me  no  kiss  :  but  this  wo¬ 
 man  since  the  time  I  came  in  hath  not 
 ceased  to  kiss  my  feet. 
 
 46  Mine  head  with  oil  thou  didst  not 
 anoint :  but  this  woman  hath  anointed  my 
 feet  with  ointment. 
 
 47  Wherefore  I  say  unto  thee.  Her  sins, 
 which  are  many,  are  forgiven  ;  for  she  loved 
 much :  but  to  whom  little  is  forgiven,  the 
 same  loveth  little. 
 
 48  And  he  said  unto  her.  Thy  sins  are  for¬ 
 given. 
 
 49  And  they  that  sat  at  meat  with  him 
 began  to  say  within  themselves.  Who  is  this 
 that  forgiveth  sins  also  ? 
 
 50  And  he  said  to  the  woman.  Thy  faith 
 hath  saved  thee  ;  go  in  peace. 
 
 CHAP.  VIII. 
 
 Here  is,  I.  A  general  account  of  Christ’s  preaching,  1 — 3.  II. 
 The  parable  of  the  sower,  4 — IS.  III.  The  preference  which 
 Christ  gave  to  his  obedient  disciples,  before  his  nearest  relations, 
 19~21.  IV.  His  stilling  a  storm  at  sea,  22 — 25.  V.  His 
 casting  out  a  legion  of  devils,  26'— 40.  \T.  His  healing  the 
 
 woman  that  had  the  bloody  issue,  and  raising  Jairus’s  daughter 
 to  life,  41 — 56. 
 
 4  ND  it  came  to  pass  afterward,  that  he 
 went  throughout  every  city  and  village 
 preaching,  and  shewing  the  glad  tidings  "of 
 the  kingdom  of  God  ;  and  the  twelve  were 
 with  him, 
 
 2  And  certain  women  which  had  been 
 healed  of  evil  spirits  and  infirmities,  Mary 
 called  Magdalene,  out  of  whom  went  seven 
 devils, 
 
 3  And  Joanna  the  wife  of  Chuza,  Herod's 
 steward,  and  Susanna,  and  many  others, 
 which  ministered  unto  him  of  their  sub¬ 
 stance. 
 
 therefore  it  is  probable  it  was  not  she.  The  greater  sinners  any 
 have  been  before  their  conversion,  the  greater  saints  they  should 
 be  after;  the  more  they  should  study  to  do  for  God,  and  the  more 
 their  hearts  should  be  enlarged  in  obedience.  When  a  persecuting 
 Saul  becomes  a  preaching  Paul,  he  laboured  more  abundantly. 
 
 CHAP.  VIII.  1 — 3.  Some  think  Mary  Magdalene  wasonethat 
 lad  been  very  wicked,  and  then  we  may  suppose  her  to  be  the 
 woman  that  was  a  sinner,  mentioned  just  before,  chap.  vii.  'I’he 
 greatest  of  sinners  must  not  depair  of  pardon;  and  the  worse  any 
 lave  been  before  their  conversion,  the  more  they  should  study  to 
 do  for  Christ  after.  Or  rather,  she  was  one  that  had  been  very 
 melancholy,  and  then  probably  it  was  Mary,  the  sister  of  Lazarus 
 
CHAP.  VIIL 
 
 4  f  And  when  much  people  were  gathered 
 together,  and  were  come  to  him  out  of  every 
 
 city,  he  spake  by  a  parable  : 
 
 5  A  sower  went  out  to  sow  his  seed  :  and, 
 as  he  sowed,  some  fell  by  the  way  side  ;  and 
 it  was  trodden  down,  and  the  fowls  of  the  air 
 devoured  it. 
 
 6  And  some  fell  upon  a  rock ;  and  as  soon 
 as  it  was  sprung  up  it  withered  away ,  because 
 it  lacked  moisture. 
 
 7  And  some  fell  among  thorns  j  and  the 
 thorns  sprang  up  with  it,  and  choked  it. 
 
 8  And  other  fell  on  good  ground,  and 
 sprang  up,  and  bare  fruit  an  hundred-fold. 
 And  when  he  had  said  these  things,  he  cried. 
 He  that  hath  ears  to  hear,  let  him  hear. 
 
 9  ^  And  his  disciples  asked  him,  saying. 
 What  might  this  parable  be  ? 
 
 10  And  he  said.  Unto  you  it  is  given  to 
 know  the  mysteries  of  the  kingdom  of  God ; 
 but  to  others  in  parables :  that  seeing  they 
 might  not  see,  and  hearing  they  might  not 
 
 understand.  .mi 
 
 11  ^  Now  the  parable  is  this  ;  The  seed  is 
 
 the  word  of  God. 
 
 12  Those  by  the  Avay-side  are  they  that 
 hear;  then  cometh  the  devil,  and  taketh 
 away  the  word  out  of  their  hearts,  lest  they 
 
 should  believe  and  be  saved. 
 
 13  They  on  the  rock  are  they^  which,  Avhen 
 they  hear,  receive  the  Avord  Avith  joy ;  and 
 these  have  no  root,  which  for  a  Avhile  believe, 
 and  in  time  ot  temptation  fall  aAvay. 
 
 14  And  that  Avhich  fell  among  thorns  are 
 they  Avhich,  Avhen  they  haA'^e  heard,  go  forth, 
 and  are  choked  Avith  cares,  and  riches,  and 
 pleasures  of  this  life,  and  bring  no  fruit  to 
 perfection. 
 
 15  Buf  that  on  the  good  ground  are  they 
 which,  in  an  honest  and  good  heart,  having 
 heard  the  Avord,  keep  it,  and  bring  forth  fruit 
 Avith  patience. 
 
 16  ^  No  man  Avhen  he  hath  lighted  a 
 candle  covereth  it  Avith  a  vessel,  or  putteth 
 it  under  a  bed ;  but  setteth  it  on  a  candle¬ 
 stick,  that  they  Avhich  enter  in  may  see  the 
 light. 
 
 17  For  nothing  is  secret,  that  shall  not  be 
 made  manifest ;  neither  any  thing  hid,  that 
 shall  not  be  known  and  come  abroad. 
 
 18  Take  heed,  therefore,  hoAV  ye  hear : 
 for  whosoever  hath,  to  him  shall  be  given  ; 
 and  whosoever  hath  not,  from  him  shall  be 
 taken  even  that  Avhich  he  seemeth  to  have. 
 
 19  %  Then  came  to  him  his  mother  and 
 his  brethren,  and  could  not  come  at  him  for 
 the  press. 
 
 20  And  it  was  told  him  by  certain,  Avhich 
 said.  Thy  mother  and  thy  brethren  stand 
 without,  desiring  to  see  thee. 
 
 21  And  he  answered,  and  said  unto  them. 
 My  mother  and  my  brethren  are  these  Avhich 
 hear  the  word  of  God,  and  do  it. 
 
 22  ^  Noav  it  came  to  pass  on  a  certain  day 
 that  he  went  into  a  ship  Avith  his  disciples  ; 
 and  he  said  unto  them.  Let  us  go  over  unto 
 the  other  side^of  the  lake.  And  they  launched 
 forth. 
 
 23  But  as  they  sailed  he  fell  asleep  :  and 
 there  came  doAvn  a  storm  of  wind  on  the 
 lake  ;  and  they  Avere  filled  with  water,  and 
 Avere  in  jeopardy. 
 
 24  And  they  came  to  him,  and  aAvoke 
 him,  saying.  Master,  Master,  we  perish. 
 Then  he  arose,  and  rebuked  the  Avind,  and 
 the  raging  of  the  Avater  ;  and  they  ceased, 
 and  there  Avas  a  calm. 
 
 25  And  he  said  unto  them.  Where  is  your 
 faith?  And  they,  being  afraid,  Avondered, 
 saying  one  to  another.  What  manner  of  man 
 is  this  !  for  he  commandeth  even  the  Avinds 
 and  Avater,  and  they  obey  him. 
 
 26  ^  And  they  arrived  at  the  country  of 
 the  Gadarenes,  Avhich  is  over  against  Galilee. 
 
 27  And,  Avhen  he  Avent  forth  to  land,  there 
 met  him  out  of  the  city  a  certain  man  AAdiich 
 had  devils  long  time,  and  Avare  no  clothes, 
 neither  abode  in  any  house,  but  in  the  tombs. 
 
 28  When  he  saAv  Jesus  he  cried  out,  and 
 fell  down  before  him,  and  Avith  a  loud  voice 
 said.  What  have  I  to  do  Avith  thee,  Jesus 
 thou  Son  of  God  most  high  ?  I  beseech  thee 
 torment  me  not. 
 
 29  (For  he  had  commanded  the  unclean 
 
 4 — 21.  See  notes  on  Matt.  xiii.  3 — 23,  and  xii.  46 — 50. 
 
 22 — 39.  We  have  here  two  illustrious  proofs  of  the  power  of  our 
 
 441 
 
 who  was  a  woman  of  a  sorrowful  spirit;  might  be  originally  of 
 Magdala,  but  removed  to  Bethany. 
 
ST.  LUKE 
 
 spirit  to  come  out  of  the  man.  For  often¬ 
 times  it  had  caught  him  ;  and  he  was  kept 
 bound  with  chains,  and  in  fetters  :  and  he 
 brake  the  bands,  and  was  driven  of  the  devil 
 into  the  wilderness.) 
 
 30  And  Jesus  asked  him,  saying.  What 
 is  thy  name  ?  And  he  said.  Legion  :  because 
 many  devils  were  entered  into  him. 
 
 31  And  they  besought  him  that  he  would 
 not  command  them  to  go  out  into  the  deep. 
 
 32  And  there  was  there  an  herd  of  many 
 swine  feeding  on  the  mountain  :  and  they 
 besought  him  that  he  would  suffer  them  to 
 enter  into  them.  And  he  suffered  them. 
 
 33  Then  went  the  devils  out  of  the  man, 
 and  entered  into  the  swine ;  and  the  herd 
 ran  violently  down  a  steep  place  into  the 
 lake  aad  were  choked. 
 
 34  When  they  that  fed  them  saw  what 
 was  done  they  tied,  and  went  and  told  it  in 
 the  city,  and  in  the  country. 
 
 35  Then  they  went  out  to  see  what  was 
 done ;  and  came  to  Jesus,  and  found  the 
 man,  out  of  whom  the  devils  were  departed, 
 sitting  at  the  feet  of  Jesus,  clothed,  and  in 
 his  right  mind  ;  and  they  were  afraid. 
 
 36  They  also  which  saw  it  told  them  by 
 what  means  he  that  was  possessed  of  the  de¬ 
 vils  was  healed. 
 
 37  Then  the  whole  multitude  of  the  coun¬ 
 try  of  the  Gadarenes  round  about  besought 
 him  to  depart  from  them  :  for  they  ^yere 
 taken  with  great  fear.  And  he  went  up  into 
 the  ship,  and  returned  back  again. 
 
 38  Now  the  man  out  of  whom  the  devils 
 were  departed  besought  him  that  he  might 
 be  with  him  :  but  Jesus  sent  him  away,  say- 
 ing, 
 
 39  Return  to  thine  own  house,  and  shew 
 how  great  things  God  hath  done  unto  thee. 
 And  he  went  his  way,  and  published  through¬ 
 out  the  whole  city  how  great  things  Jesus 
 had  done  unto  him. 
 
 40  And  it  came  to  pass,  that,  when  Jesus 
 was  returned,  the  people  gladly  received 
 him ;  for  they  were  all  waiting  for  him. 
 
 41  %  And,  behold,  there  came  a  man 
 
 Lord  Jesus,  which  we  had  before  ;  his  power  over  the  winds,  and 
 liis  pow'C"  over  the  devils,  sec  notes  on  Matt.  x. 
 
 442 
 
 named  Jairus,  and  he  was  a  ruler  of  the  sy¬ 
 nagogue  ;  and  he  fell  down  at  Jesus"  feet, 
 and  besought  him  that  he  would  come  into 
 his  house ; 
 
 42  For  he  had  one  only  daughter,  about 
 twelve  years  of  age,  and  she  lay  a  dying. 
 But  as  he  went  the  people  thronged  him. 
 
 43  ^  (And  a  woman  having  an  issue  of 
 blood  twelve  years,  which  had  spent  all  her 
 living  upon  physicians,  neither  could  be 
 healed  of  any, 
 
 44  Came  behind  him,  and  touched  the 
 border  of  his  garment ;  and  immediately  her 
 issue  of  blood  staunched. 
 
 45  And  Jesus  said.  Who  touched  me? 
 When  all  denied,  Peter,  and  they  that  were 
 with  him,  said.  Master,  the  multitude  throng 
 thee  and  press  thee,  and  sayest  thou.  Who 
 touched  me? 
 
 46  And  Jesus  said.  Somebody  hath  touch¬ 
 ed  me  ;  for  I  percieve  that  virtue  is  gone  out 
 of  me. 
 
 47  And  when  the  woman  saw  that  she 
 was  not  hid  she  came  trembling,  and  falling 
 down  before  him,  she  declared  unto  him  be¬ 
 fore  all  the  people  for  what  cause  she  had 
 touched  him,  and  how  she  was  healed  im¬ 
 mediately. 
 
 48  And  he  said  unto  her.  Daughter,  be  of 
 good  comfort  :  thy  faith  hath  made  thee 
 whole  :  go  in  peace.) 
 
 49  %  While  he  yet  spake,  there  cometh 
 one  from  the  ruler  of  the  synagogue's  house, 
 saying  to  him,  Thy  daughter  is  dead  :  trouble 
 not  the  Master. 
 
 50  But  when  Jesus  heard  it  he  answered 
 him,  saying,  Fear  not :  believe  only,  and 
 she  shall  be  made  whole. 
 
 51  And  when  he  came  into  the  house  he 
 suffered  no  man  to  go  in,  save  Peter,  and 
 James,  and  John,  and  the  father  and  the 
 mother  of  the  maiden. 
 
 52  And  all  Avept  and  beAvailed  her  :  but 
 he  said,  Weep  not;  she  is  not  dead,  but 
 sleepeth. 
 
 53  And  they  laughed  him  to  scorn,  knoAA'- 
 ins:  that  she  was  dead. 
 
 O 
 
 40 — 36.  See  notes  on  Matt.  ix.  18 — 30. 
 
CHAP.  IX. 
 
 54  And  he  put  them  all  out,  and  took 
 her  by  the  hand,  and  called,  saying.  Maid, 
 
 ^"55  And  her  spirit  came  again,  and  she 
 arose  straightway  ;  and  he  commanded  to 
 
 And  her  parents  were  astonished  :  but 
 
 he  charged  them  that  they  should  tell  no| 
 man  what  was  done. 
 
 CHAP.  IX. 
 
 T’ 
 
 iscourseij.  ij.cicv.aio  ix.v.  v  ,  t  •  1  1. 
 
 HEN  he  called  his  twelve  disciples  to- 
 —  gether,  and  gave  them  power  and  au¬ 
 thority  over  all  devils,  and  to  cure  diseases. 
 
 2  And  he  sent  them  to  preach  the  king¬ 
 dom  of  God,  and  to  heal  the  sick.  ^ 
 
 3  And  he  said  unto  them.  Take  nothing 
 for  your  journey,  neither  staves  nor  scrip, 
 neither  bread,  neither  money  ;  neither  have 
 two  coats  apiece. 
 
 4  And  whatsoever  house  ye  enter  into, 
 there  abide,  and  thence  depart. 
 
 5  And  whosoever  Avill  not  receive  you, 
 when  ye  go  out  of  that  city  shake  off  t  e 
 very  dust  from  your  feet  for  a  testimony 
 
 against  them.  . 
 
 6  And  they  departed,  and  went  through 
 
 the  towns,  preaching  the  gospel,  and  healing 
 
 Now  Herod  the  tetrarch  heard  of  all 
 that  was  done  by  him:  and  he  was  perplexed, 
 because  that  it  was  said  of  some,  that  John 
 
 was  risen  from  the  dead  ,  ^ 
 
 8  And  of  some,  that  Elias  had  appeared; 
 and  of  others,  that  one  of  the  old  prophets 
 was  risen  again. 
 
 9  And  Herod  said,  John  have  I  beheaded, 
 but  who  is  this  of  whom  1  hear  such  things  . 
 
 And  he  desired  to  see  him. 
 
 10  %  And  the  apostles,  when  they  were 
 returned,  told  him  all  that  they  had  done. 
 And  he  took  them,  and  went  aside  privately 
 into  a  desert  place  belonging  to  the  city  call¬ 
 ed  Bethsaida. 
 
 11  And  the  people,  when  they  knew  it, 
 followed  him  :  and  he  received  them,  and 
 
 spake  unto  them  of  the  kingdom  of  God, 
 and  healed  them  that  had  need  of  healing. 
 
 12  ^  And,  when  the  day  began  to  wear 
 away,  then  came  the  twelve,  and  said  unto 
 him.  Send  the  multitude  away,  that  they 
 may  go  into  the  towns  and  country  round 
 about,  and  lodge,  and  get  victuals  :  for  we 
 are  here  in  a  desert  place. 
 
 13  But  he  said  unto  them.  Give  ye  them 
 to  eat.  And  they  said,  we  have  no  more 
 but  five  loaves  and  two  fishes  ,  except  we 
 should  go  and  buy  meat  for  all  this  people. 
 
 14  (For  they  were  about  five  thousand 
 men.)  And  he  said  to  his  disciples.  Make 
 them  sit  down  by  fifties  in  a  company. 
 
 15  And  they  did  so,  and  made  them  all 
 
 sit  down. 
 
 16  Then  he  took  the  five  loaves  ami  tlie 
 two  fishes  ;  and,  looking  up  to  heaven,  he 
 blessed  them,  and  brake,  and  gave  to  the 
 disciples  to  set  before  the  multitude. 
 
 17  And  they  did  eat,  and  were  all  filled  ; 
 and  there  was  taken  up  of  fragments  that  re¬ 
 mained  to  them  twelve  baskets. 
 
 18  ^  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  he  was  alone 
 praying,  his  disciples  were  with  him  :  and  he 
 asked  them,  saying.  Whom  say  the  people 
 that  I  am  ? 
 
 19  They,  answering,  said,  John  the  Bap¬ 
 tist  ;  but  some  say,  Elias  ;  and  others  say, 
 That  one  of  the  old  prophets  is  risen  again. 
 
 20  Fie  said  unto  them.  But  whom  say  ye 
 that  I  am?  Peter,  answering,  said,  The 
 Christ  of  God. 
 
 21  And  he  straitly  charged  them,  and 
 commanded  them  to  tell  no  man  that  thing, 
 
 22  Saying,  The  Son  of  man  must  suffer 
 many  things,  and  be  rejected  of  the  elders, 
 and  chief  priests,  and  scribes,  and  be  slain, 
 and  be  raised  the  third  day. 
 
 23  ^  And  he  said  to  them  all,  If  any  man 
 will  come  after  me,  let  him  deny  himself, 
 and  take  up  his  cross  daily,  and  follow  me. 
 
 24  For  whosoever  will  save  his  life  shall 
 lose  it ;  but  whosoever  will  lose  his  life  for 
 my  sake,  the  same  shall  save  it. 
 
 25  For  what  is  a  man  advantaged,  if  he 
 
 CHAP.  IX.  1—9.  See  notes  on  Matt.  x.  8,  xiv.  1,  2. 
 10 — 17«  See  notes  on  Matt.  xiv.  18  21. 
 
 1 8—27.  See  notes  on  Matt.  xvi.  28. 
 
 44S 
 
Sl\  LUKE. 
 
 gain  the  whole  world,  and  lose  himself,  or  be 
 cast  away  ? 
 
 26  For  -^i^hosoever  shall  be  ashamed  of  me, 
 and  of  my  words,  of  him  shall  the  Son  of 
 man  be  ashamed,  when  he  shall  come  in  his 
 own  glory,  and  in  his  Father's,  and  of  the 
 holy  angels. 
 
 27  But  I  tell  you  of  a  truth.  There  be 
 some  standing  here  which  shall  not  taste  of 
 death  till  they  see  the  kingdom  of  God. 
 
 28  ^  And  it  came  to  pass,  about  an  eight 
 days  after  these  sayings,  he  took  Peter,  and 
 John,  and  James,  and  went  up  into  a  moun¬ 
 tain  to  pray. 
 
 29  And,  as  he  prayed,  the  fashion  of  his 
 countenance  was  altered,  and  his  raiment  was 
 white,  and  glistering. 
 
 30  And,  behold,  there  talked  with  him 
 two  men,  which  were  Moses  and  Elias  ; 
 
 31  Who  appeared  in  glory,  and  spake  of 
 his  decease,  which  he  should  accomplish  at 
 Jerusalem. 
 
 32  But  Peter,  and  they  that  were  with 
 him,  were  heavy  Avith  sleep  ;  and  when  they 
 were  aAvake  they  saw  his  glory,  and  the  two 
 men  that  stood  Avith  him. 
 
 33  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  they  departed 
 from  him,  Peter  said  unto  Jesus,  Master,  it 
 is  good  for  us  to  be  h^re ;  and  let  us  make 
 three  tabernacles ;  one  for  thee,  and  one  for 
 Moses,  and  one  for  Elias  :  not  knowing  Avhat 
 he  said. 
 
 34  While  he  thus  spake  there  came  a  cloud 
 and  overshadoAved  them  :  and  they  feared  as 
 they  entered  into  the  cloud. 
 
 35  And  there  came  a  voice  out  of  the 
 cloud,  saying.  This  is  my  beloved  Son  :  hear 
 him. 
 
 36  And  when  the  voice  Avas  past  Jesus 
 Avas  found  alone.  And  they  kept  it  close, 
 and  told  no  man  in  those  days  any  of  those 
 things  which  they  had  seen. 
 
 37  ^  And  it  came  to  pass,  that,  on  the 
 
 next  day,  Avhen  they  were  come  down  from 
 the  hill,  much  people  met  him. 
 
 38  And,  behold,  a  man  of  the  company 
 cried  out,  saying.  Master,  I  beseech  thee, 
 look  upon  my  son ;  for  he  is  mine  only  child : 
 
 39  And,  lo,  a  spirit  taketh  him,  and  he 
 suddenly  crieth  out;  and  it  teareth  him  that 
 he  foameth  again;  and,  bruising  him,  hardly 
 departeth  from  him. 
 
 40  And  I  besought  thy  disciples  to  cast 
 him  out ;  and  they  could  not. 
 
 41  And  Jesus,  ansAvering,  said,  O  faith¬ 
 less  and  perverse  generation  !  how  long  shall 
 I  be  Avith  you,  and  suffer  you  ?  Bring  thy 
 son  hither. 
 
 42  And  as  he  Avas  yet  a  coming,  the  devil 
 threw  him  down,  and  tare  him.  And  Jesus 
 rebuked  the  unclean  spirit,  and  healed  the 
 child,  and  delivered  him  again  to  his  father. 
 
 43  ^  And  they  Avere  all  amazed  at  the 
 mighty  poAver  of  God.  But,  while  they  Avon- 
 dered  every  one  at  all  things  Avhieh  Jesus 
 did,  he  said  unto  his  disciples, 
 
 44  Let  these  sayings  sink  down  into  your 
 ears  ;  for  the  Son  of  man  shall  be  delivered 
 into  the  hands  of  men. 
 
 45  But  they  understood  not  this  saying, 
 and  it  Avas  hid  from  them,  that  they  perceived 
 it  not :  and  they  feared  to  ask  him  of  that 
 saying. 
 
 46  Then  there  arose  a  reasoning  among 
 them  Avhich  ©f  them  should  be  greatest. 
 
 47  And  Jesus,  perceiving  the  thought  of 
 tlieir  heart,  took  a  child,  and  set  him  by  him, 
 
 48  And  said  unto  them.  Whosoever  shall 
 receive  this  child  in  my  name,  receiveth  me ; 
 and  Avhosoever  shall  receive  me,  receiA'eth 
 him  that  sent  me  :  for  he  that  is  least  among 
 you  all,  the  same  shall  be  great. 
 
 And  John  answered  and  said.  Master, 
 Ave  saAV  one  casting' out  devils  in  thy  name  ; 
 and  Ave  forbade  him,  because  he  folio Aveth 
 not  Avith  us. 
 
 28 — 36.  See  notes  on  Matt.  xvii.  1 — 13. 
 
 37—42.  This  passage  of  story  in  Matthew  and  Mark  follows 
 immediately  upon  that  of  Christ’s  transfiguration,  and  his  discourse 
 with  his  disciples  after  it ;  but  here  it  is  said  to  be  on  the  next  day, 
 ■IS  they  were  coming  down  from  the  hill  ;  which  confirms  the  con- 
 \’cture  that  Christ  was  transfigured  in  the  night,  and  it  should 
 seem,  though  they  did  not  make  tabernacles  as  Peter  jiroposed, 
 vet  they  found  some  shelter  to  repose  themselves  in  all  night,  for 
 444 
 
 it  was  not  till  next  day,  that  they  came  down  from  the  hill ;  and 
 then  he  found  things  in  some  disorder  among  his  disciples,  though 
 not  so  bad  as  Moses  did  when  he  came  down  from  the  mount. 
 AVhen  wise  and  good  men  are  in  their  beloved  retirements,  they 
 would  do  well  to  consider  whether  they  are  not  wanted  m  their 
 
 public  stations.  i  ■ 
 
 43 — -30.  See  notes  on  Matt.  xvni.  1 — o,  and  on  Mark  ix. 
 
 3S,  39. 
 
CHAP.  X. 
 
 50  And  Jesus  said  unto  him,  Forbid  him 
 not :  for  he  that  is  not  against  us  is  tor  us. 
 
 51  f  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  time 
 was  come  that  he  should  be  received  up,  he 
 stedfastly  set  his  face  to  go  to  Jerusalem, 
 
 52  And  sent  messengers  before  his  tace  ; 
 and  they  went,  and  entered  into  a  village  of 
 the  Samaritans  to  make  ready  for  him. 
 
 53  And  they  did  not  receive  him,  because 
 his  face  was  as  though  he  would  go  to  Jeru- 
 sSiloni 
 
 54  And  when  his  disciples  James  and 
 John  saw  this  they  said.  Lord,  wilt  thou  that 
 we  command  fire  to  come  down  from  heaven 
 and  consume  them,  even  as  Elias  did  ? 
 
 55  But  he  turned,  and  rebuked  them,  and 
 said.  Ye  know  not  what  manner  of  spirit  ye 
 
 are  of.  *  , 
 
 56  For  the  Son  of  man  is  not  come  to  de 
 
 stroy  men^s  lives,  but  to  save  them.  And 
 they  went  to  another  village. 
 
 57  ^  And  it  came  to  pass,  that,  as  they 
 went  in  the  way,  a  certain  man  said  unto 
 him.  Lord,  I  will  follow  thee  whithersoever 
 thou  goest. 
 
 58  And  Jesus  said  unto  him.  Foxes  have 
 holes,  and  birds  of  the  air  have  nests;  but  the 
 Son  of  man  hath  not  where  to  lay  his  head. 
 
 59  And  he  said  unto  another.  Follow  me. 
 But  he  said.  Lord,  suffer  me  first  to  go  and 
 bury  my  father. 
 
 60  Jesus  said  unto  him.  Let  the  dead  bury 
 their  dead;  but  go  thou  and  preach  the 
 kingdom  of  God. 
 
 61  And  another  also  said.  Lord,  I  will 
 follow  thee;  but  let  me  first  go  bid  them  fare¬ 
 well  which  are  at  home  at  my  hoi^se. 
 
 62  And  Jesus  said  unto  him.  No  man, 
 having  put  his  hand  to  the  plough,  and  look¬ 
 ing;  back,  is  fit  for  the  kingdom  of  God. 
 
 CHAP.  X 
 
 r.  .  J-  • forth  1 — 24.  II.  Christ’s  discourse  with 
 ■  37.  Ill-  Christ’s  entertainment  at  Martha’s 
 
 A^‘'“rTSl'these  things  the  Lord  appointed 
 other  seventy  also,  and  sent  them  two 
 and  two  before  his  face,  into  every  city  and 
 place  whither  he  himself  would  come. 
 
 2  Therefore  said  he  unto  them,  ihe  har¬ 
 vest  truly  is  great,  but  the  labourers  are  few: 
 pray  ye,  therefore,  the  Lord  of  the  harvest, 
 that  he  would  send  forth  labourers  into  his 
 
 3  Go  your  ways  :  behold,  I  send  you  forth 
 
 as  lambs  among  wolves. 
 
 4  Carry  neither  purse,  nor  scrip,  nor 
 shoes  :  and  salute  no  man  by  the  way. 
 
 3  And  into  whatsoever  house  ye  enter, 
 irst  say.  Peace  be  to  this  house. 
 
 6  And  if  the  son  of  peace  be  there,  your 
 oeace  shall  rest  upon  it ;  if  not,  it  shall  turn 
 :o  you  again. 
 
 7  And  in  the  same  house  remain,  eating 
 and  drinking  such  things  as  they  give  :  for 
 the  labourer  is  worthy  of  his  hire.  Go  not 
 fom  house  to  house. 
 
 8  And  into  whatsoever  city  ye  enter,  and 
 Ley  receive  you,  eat  such  things  as  are  set 
 
 3efore  you  ; 
 
 51_56.  This  passage  of  story  we  have  not  in  any  other  of  the 
 cvancrelists,  and  it  seems  to  come  in  here  for  the  sake  of  its  alh- 
 nitv  with  that  next  before,  for  in  this  also  Christ  rebuked  his  dis- 
 ciples  because  they  envied  for  his  sake;  there,  under  colour  ot 
 zeal  for  Christ,  they  were  for  silencing  and  restraining  separyists, 
 here  under  the  same  colour  they  were  for  putting  infidels  to  death, 
 and  as  for  that,  so  for  this  also,  Christ  reprimanded  them  ;  tor  a 
 spirit  of  bigotry  and  persecution  is  directly  contrary  to  the  spirit  ot 
 Christ  andLhristianity. 
 
 57_6'2  We  have  here  an  account  of  three  several  persons  that 
 offered  themselves  to  follow  Christ,  and  the  answers  that  Christ 
 gave  to  each  of  them  :  the  two  former  we  had  an  account  ot,  Matt. 
 
 ^'Htue  is  another  that  is  willing  to  follow  Christ,  but  he  must  have 
 a  little  time  to  talk  with  his  friends  about  it.  Observe  his  request 
 for  a  dispensation,  6'1.  He  said,  Lord,  I  will  follow  thee,  1  de¬ 
 sign  no  other,  1  am  determined  to  do  it,  but  let  me  first  go  and  bid 
 them  farewell  that  are  at  home.  This  seemed  reasonable,  it  was 
 what  Elisha  desired  when  Elijah  called  him.  Let  me  kiss  my  tyher 
 and  my  mother  \  and  it  was  allowed  him  i  but  the  ministry  o  t 
 gospel  is  preferable,  and  the  service  of  it  more  urgent  than  that  ot 
 the  prophets,  and  therefore  here  it  would  not  be  allowed.  Mow 
 that  which  was  amiss  in  this  is,  first,  1  hat  he  looked  upon  his  to  - 
 
 owing  Christ  as  a  melancholy,  troublesome 
 
 was  to  him  as  if  he  was  going  to  die,  and  therefo  e  he  must  take 
 dear  leave  of  all  his  friends,  never  to  see  them  again,  or  never  with 
 any  comfort ;  whereas  in  following  Chriy  he  might  be  more  ^  ^m- 
 fort  and  blessing  to  them,  than  li  he  had  continued  with  them  . 
 second.  That  he  seemed  to  have  his  worldly 
 his  heart  than  he  ought  to  have,  mid  than 
 
 close  attendance  to  his  duty  as  a  follower  Christ .  thud  1  hat 
 he  was  willing  to  enter  into  temptation,  from  his  puiqiose  ot  mbow- 
 inir  Christ.  To  go  bid  them  farewell  that  were  at  home  at  his  house, 
 
 would  be  to  expose  himself  to  the  strongest  solicitations  imaging 
 to  alter  his  rcsoluti.m,  for  they  would  all  be  aganist  it,  and  w ould 
 beg  and  prav  that  he  would  not  leave  them.  1  hose  who  begin  with 
 the  work^of'God,  must  resolve  to  go  on  with  it,  or  they  will  make 
 nothing  of  it.  Looking  back  inclines  to  drawing  back,  and  di  awing 
 Zck  is^o  perdition.  Those  are  not  for  heaven,  who  having  set 
 their  faces  heaven-ward,  face  about.  But  he,  and  he  only,  that  en¬ 
 dures  to  the  end,  shall  be  saved.  j-  r  r  oo.cvrr 
 
 CHAP  X  1—1 6'  We  hare  here  the  sending  forth  of  scvgntv 
 
 disciples,’two  and  two,  into  divers  parts  of  the  ^  P'vach 
 
 the  gospel,  and  to  work  miracles  in  those  places  which  Chri^  him¬ 
 self  designed  to  visit,  to  make  way  for  his  entertainment.  This  is 
 not  taken  notice  of  by  the  other  evangelists;  but  the  instruc- 
 
ST.  LUKE. 
 
 9  And  heal  the  sick  that  are  therein ;  and 
 say  unto  them,  The  kingdom  of  God  is  come 
 nigh  unto^you. 
 
 10  But  into  whatsoever  city  ye  enter,  and 
 they  receive  you  not,  go  your  ways  out  into 
 the  streets  of  the  same,  and  say, 
 
 1 1  Even  the  very  dust  of  your  city,  which 
 cleaveth  on  us,  we  do  wipe  off  against  you; 
 notwithstanding,  be  ye  sure  of  this,  that  the 
 kingdom  of  God  is  come  nigh' unto  you. 
 
 12  But  I  say  unto  you.  That  it  shall  be 
 more  tolerable  in  that  day  for  Sodom  than 
 for  that  city. 
 
 13  f  Woe  unto  thee,  Chorazin  !  woe  unto 
 thee,  Bethsaida !  for  if  the  mighty  works  had 
 been  done  in  Tyre  and  Sidon  which  have  been 
 done  in  you,  they  had  a  great  while  ago  re¬ 
 pented,  sitting  in  sackcloth  and  ashes. 
 
 14  But  it  shall  be  more  tolerable  for  Tyre 
 and  Sidon  at  the  judgment  than  for  you. 
 
 15  And  thou,  Capernaum,  which  art  ex¬ 
 alted  to  heaven,  shalt  be  thrust  down  to  hell. 
 
 16  He  that  heareth  you,  heareth  me;  and 
 he  that  despiseth  you,  despiseth  me  ;  and  he 
 that  despiseth  me,  despiseth  him  that  sent 
 me. 
 
 17  f  And  the  seventy  returned  again  with 
 'oy,  saying.  Lord,  even  the  devils  are  subject 
 unto  us  through  thy  name. 
 
 18  And  ho  said  unto  them,  I  beheld  Sa¬ 
 tan  as  lightning  fall  from  heaven. 
 
 19  Behold,  1  give  unto  you  power  to  tread 
 on  serpents  and  scorpions,  and  over  all  the 
 power  of  the  enemy  :  and  nothing  shall  by 
 any  means  hurt  you. 
 
 20  Notwithstanding  in  this  rejoice  not 
 that  the  spirits  are  subject  unto  you ;  but 
 rather  rejoice,  because  your  names  are  writ¬ 
 ten  in  heaven. 
 
 tions  here  given  them,  are  much  the  same  with  those  given  to  the 
 
 ^''^The  particular  doom  of  those  cities  wherein  most  of  Christ’s 
 mighty  works  were  done,  which  wc  had  MaW.  xi.  21. 
 
 \~7 _ 24.  Satan  and  his  kingdom  fell  before  the  preaching  of  the 
 
 gospel :  1  see  how  it  is,  saith  Christ,  as  you  get  ground  the  devi 
 loseth  ground  ;  he  falls  as  lightning  falls  from  heaven,  so  suddenly, 
 so  irrecoverably,  so  visibly,  that  all  may  perceive  it,  and  say. 
 See  how  Satan’s  kingdom  totters,  see  hoxy  it  tumbles.  1  hey  tri¬ 
 umphed  in  the  casting  of  devils  out  ot  the  bodies  of  people,  but 
 Christ  sees  and  rejoiceth  in  the  fall  of  the  devil,  from  the  interest 
 he  has  in  the  souls  of  men,  which  is  called  his  power  in' high 
 places,  Eph.  vi.  12.  He  foresees  this  to  be  but  an  earnest  of  what 
 should  now  be  shortly  done,  and  was  already  begun,  the  deyroy- 
 ing  of  Satan’s  kingdom  in  the  world  by  the  extirpating  of  idolatry, 
 44() 
 
 21  ^  In  that  hour  Jesus  rejoiced  in  spirit, 
 and  said,  I  thank  thee,  O  Father,  Lord  of 
 leaven  and  earth,  that  thou  hast  hid  these 
 things  from  the  wise  and  prudent,  and  hast 
 revealed  them  unto  babes :  even  so.  Father; 
 for  so  it  seemeth  good  in  thy  sight. 
 
 22  All  things  are  delivered  to  me  of  my 
 Father :  and  no  man  knoweth  who  the  Son 
 is,  but  the  Father  ;  and  who  the  Father  is, 
 but  the  Son,  and  he  to  whom  the  Son  will 
 reveal  him. 
 
 23  f  And  he  turned  him  unto  his  disciples, 
 and  said  privately.  Blessed  are  the  eyes 
 which  see  the  things  that  ye  see  : 
 
 24  For  I  tell  you.  That  many  prophets 
 and  kings  have  desired  to  see  those  things 
 which  ye  see,  and  have  not  seen  them  ;  and 
 to  hear  those  things  which  ye  hear,  and  have 
 not  heard  them. 
 
 25  ^  And,  behold,  a  certain  lawyer  stood 
 up,  and  tempted  him,  saying.  Master,  what 
 shall  I  do  to  inherit  eternal  life  ? 
 
 26  He  said  unto  him.  What  is  written  in 
 the  law  ?  how  readest  thou  ? 
 
 27  And  he,  answering,  said.  Thou  shalt 
 love  the  Lord  thy  God  with  all  thy  heart, 
 and  with  all  thy  soul,  and  with  all  thy 
 strength,  and  with  all  thy  mind ;  and  thy 
 neighbour  as  thyself. 
 
 28  And  he  said  unto  him.  Thou  hast  an¬ 
 swered  right ;  this  do,  and  thou  shalt  live. 
 
 29  But  he,  willing  to  justify  himself,  said 
 unto  Jesus,  And  who  is  my  neighbour? 
 
 30  And  Jesus,  answering,  said,  A  certain 
 man  went  down  from  Jerusalem  to  Jericho, 
 and  fell  among  thieves,  which  stripped  him 
 of  his  raiment,  and  wounded  hhn,  and  de¬ 
 parted,  leaving  him  half  dead. 
 
 31  And  by  chance  there  came  down  a 
 
 and  the  turning  of  the  nations  to  the  faith  of  Christ.  Satan  falls 
 from  heaven  when  he  falls- from  the  throne  in  men’s  hearts,  Acts 
 xxvi.  13,  and  Christ  foresaw  that  the  preaching  of  the  gospel, 
 which  would  fly  like  lightning  through  the  world,  would,  where- 
 ever  it  went,  pull  down  Satan’s  kingdom.  Now  is  the  prince  of 
 this  world  cast  out.  Some  have  given  another  sense  to  this,  as 
 looking  back  to  the  fall  of  the  angels,  and  design^  for  a  caution 
 to  these  disciples,  lest  their  success  should  puff  them  up  with 
 pride  :  1  saw  angels  turned  into  devils  by  pride,  that  was  the  sm 
 for  which  Satan  was  cast  down  from  heaven,  where  he  had  been 
 an  an'^el  of  light;  I  saw  it,  and  give  vou  an  intimation  ot  it,  lest 
 you,  being  lifted  up  with  pride,  should  fall  into  that  condemnation 
 of  the  devil,  who  fell  by  pride,  1  Tim.  iii.  6. 
 
 05—37.  This  lawyer  valued  himself  much  upon  his  learning  and 
 his'knowledge  of  the  laws,  and  in  that  he  thought  to  have  puzzled 
 
CHAP.  XL 
 
 certain  priest  that  way  ;  and  when  he  saw 
 him,  he  passed  by  on  the  other  side. 
 
 32  And  likewise  a  Levite,  when  he  was 
 at  the  place,  came  and  looked  on  him,  and 
 passed  by  on  the  other  side. 
 
 33  But  a  certain  Samaritan,  as  he  jour¬ 
 neyed,  came  where  he  was :  and  when  he  saw 
 him,  he  had  compassion  on  him, 
 
 34  And  went  to  him,  and  bound  up  his 
 wounds,  pouring  in  oil  and  wine,  and  set  him 
 on  his  own  beast,  and  brought  him  to  an  inn, 
 
 nd  took  care  of  him. 
 
 35  And  on  the  morrow,  when  he  departed, 
 he  took  out  two  pence,  and  gave  them  to  the 
 host,  and  said  unto  him.  Take  care  of  him  ; 
 and  whatsoever  thou  spendest  more,  when  I 
 come  again  I  will  repay  thee. 
 
 36  Which  now  of  these  three,  thinkest 
 thou,  was  neighbour  unto  him  that  fell  among 
 the  thieves  ? 
 
 37  And  he  said.  He  that  shewed  mercy 
 on  him.  Then  said  Jesus  unto  him.  Go,  and 
 do  thou  likewise. 
 
 38  ^  Now  it  came  to  pass,  as  they  went, 
 that  he  entered  into  a  certain  village  :  and 
 a  certain  woman  named  Martha  received 
 him  into  her  house. 
 
 39  And  she  had  a  sister  called  Mary, 
 which  also  sat  at  Jesus’  feet,  and  heard  his 
 wprd. 
 
 40  But  Martha  was  cumbered  about  much 
 serving  and  came  to  him,  and  said.  Lord, 
 dost  thou  not  care  that  my  sister  hath  left 
 me  to  serve  alone  ?  bid  her,  therefore,  that 
 she  help  me. 
 
 Christ  himself,  but  Christ  sends  him  to  school  to  a  Samaritan  to 
 learn  his  duty  ;  go  and  do  like  him.  It  is  the  duty  of  every  one  of 
 us,  in  our  places,  and  according  to  our  ability,  to  succour,  help, 
 and  relieve  all  that  are  in  distress  and  necessity,  and  of  lawyers 
 particularly,  and  herein  we  must  study  to  excel  many  that  are 
 proud  of  their  being  priests  and  Levites. 
 
 38 — 42.  Worldly  business  is  then  a  snare  to  us,  when  it  hinders 
 us  from  serving  God,  and  getting  good  to  our  souls. 
 
 The  re[)roof  which  Christ  gave  to  Martha,  for  her  inordinate 
 care,  41,  she  appealed  to  him,  and  he  gives  judgment  against  her. 
 first.  He  reproved  her,  though  he  was  at  this  time  her  guest,  and 
 her  fault  w’as  over  solicitude  to  entertain  him,  and  she  expected 
 he  should  justify  her^n  it,  yet  he  publicly  checked  her  for  it :  se¬ 
 cond,  When  he  reproved  her,  he  called  her  by  her  name,  Martha; 
 for  reproofs  are'' then  most  likely  to  do  good,  when  they  are  parti¬ 
 cular,  applied  to  particular  persons  and  cases,  as  Nathan’s  to  Da¬ 
 vid,  Thou  art  the  man.  He  repeated  her  name,  Martha,  Martha, 
 he  speaks  as  one  in  earnest,  and  deeply  concerned  for  her  welfare  ; 
 third,  'I’hat  which  he  reproved  her  for,  was  her  being  careful  and 
 troubled  about  many  things.  He  was  not  pleased  that  she  should 
 think  to  please  him  with  a  rich  and  splendid  entertainment,  and 
 *with  perplexing  herself  to  prepare  it  for  him;  whereas  he  wouki 
 
 Vol.  II.  84  3  M 
 
 41  And  Jesus  answered,  and  siiid  unto 
 her,  Martha,  Martha,  thou  art  careful  and 
 troubled  about  many  things  : 
 
 42  But  one  thing  is  needful :  and  Mary 
 hath  chosen  that  gefod  part,  which  shall  not 
 be  taken  away  from  her. 
 
 CHAP.  XI. 
 
 I.  Christ  teacheth  his  disciples  to  pray,  1 — 13.  II.  He  fully  an- 
 swereth  the  blasphemous  imputation  of -the  Pharisees,  14 — 26. 
 
 '  III.  He  shews  the  honour  of  obedient  disciples,  28.  IV. 
 He  upbraids  the  men  of  that  generation,  29 — 36'.  V.  He  severeiy 
 reproved  the  Pharisees  and  lawydfs,  37 — 54. 
 
 A  ND  it  came,  to  pass,  that,  as  he  was 
 praying,  in  a  certain  place,  when  he 
 ceased,  one  of, his  disciples  said  unto  him. 
 Lord,  teach  us  to  pray,  as  John  also  taught 
 his  disciples. 
 
 2  And  he  said  unto  them.  When  ye  pray, 
 say.  Our  Father  which  art  in  heaven ;  Hal¬ 
 lowed  be  thy  name.  Thy  kingdom  come. 
 Thy  will  be  done,  as  in  heaven,  so  in  earth. 
 
 3  Give  us  day  by  da)’^  our  daily  bread. 
 
 4  And  forgive  us  our  sins  ;  for  we  also  for¬ 
 give  every  one  that  is  indebted  to  us.  ’  And 
 lead  us  not  into  temptation ;  but  deliver  us 
 from  evil. 
 
 5  And  he  said  unto  them,  which  of  you 
 shall  have  a  friend,  and  shall  go  unto  him  at 
 midnight,  and  say  unto  hin^  Friend,  lend 
 me  three  loaves  ; 
 
 6  For  a  friend  of  mine  in  his  journey  is 
 come,  to  me,  and  I  have  nothing  to  set  before 
 him  ? 
 
 7  And  he  from  within  shall  answer,  and 
 say,  Trouble  me  not :  the«cloor  is  now  shut, 
 
 teach  us  not  to  be  sensual  in  using  such  things,  so  not  to  be  sel¬ 
 fish  in  being  willing  others  should  be  troubled,  no  matter  who  or 
 how  niany,  so  we  may  be  gratified  :  fourth.  That  which  aggravated 
 the  sin  and  folly  of  her  care  was,  that  but  one  thing  is  needful.  It 
 is  a  low  construction  which  some  *j)ut  upon  this,  that  whereas 
 Martha  was  in  care  to  provide  many  dishes  of  meat,  there  was  oc¬ 
 casion  but  foK  one  ;  one  would  be  enough.  The  one  thing  needful 
 is  certainly  meant  of  that  which  Mary  made  her  choice,  sitting  at 
 Christ’s  feet  to  hear  his  word.  Martha  was  troubled  about  manv 
 things,  when  she  should  have  appljed  herself  to  one ;  godliness., 
 unites  the  heart  which  the  world  had  divided.  TI4.'  many  things 
 she  was  troubled  about  were  needless,  while  the  one  thing  she  neg¬ 
 lected  was  needful.  Martha’s  care  and  work  was  good  in  its  pro¬ 
 per  season  and  place,  but  now  she  had  something  else  to  do,  w  hich 
 was  unspeakably  more  needful,  and  therefore  should  be  done  first, 
 and  most  minded.  She  expected  Christ  to  have  blamed  Marv  for 
 not  doing  as  she  did,  but  he  blamed  her  for  not  doing  as  Marv” did 
 and  we  are  sure  the  judgment  of  Christ  is  according  to  truth” 
 CHAP.  XI.  1  — 13.  Christ  stirs  up  and  encourageth  importu¬ 
 nity,  tervency,  and  constancy  in  prayer,  by  shew-ing  that  importu¬ 
 nity  will  go  far  in  our  dealings. with  men,  5,  6,  7,  8.  He  speaks 
 this  parable  with  the  same  intent  that  he  speaks  that  Luke  xviik 
 
 447 
 
ST.  LUKE. 
 
 and  my  children  are  with  me  in  bed  ;  I  can¬ 
 not  rise  and  give  thee. 
 
 8  1  say  unto  you,  Though  he  will  not  rise 
 and  give  him  because  he  is  his  friend ;  yet 
 because  of  his  importunity  he  will  rise  and 
 give  him  as  many  as  he  needeth. 
 
 9  And  I  say  unto  you,  Ask,  and  it  shall 
 be  given  you;  seek,  and  ye  shall  find;  knock, 
 and  it  shall  be  opened  unto  you. 
 
 10  Eor  every  one  that  asketh,  receiveth  ; 
 and  he  that  seeketh  findeth  ;  and  to  him 
 that  knocketh,  it  shall  be  opened. 
 
 1 1  If  a  son  shall  ask  bread  of  any  of  you 
 that  is  a  father,  will  he  give  him  a  stone  ? 
 or,  if  he  ask  a  fish,  will  he  for  a  fish  give  him 
 a  serpent  ? 
 
 12  Or,  if  he  shall  ask  an  egg,  will  he 
 offer  him  a  scorpion  ? 
 
 13  If  ye  then,  being  evil,  know  how  to 
 give  good  gifts  unto  your  children ;  how 
 much  more  shall  your  heavenly  Father  give 
 the  Holy  Spirit  to  them  that  ask  him  ? 
 
 14  ^  And  he  was  casting  out  a  devil,  anc 
 it  was  dumb.  And  it  came  to  pass,  when 
 the  devil  was  gone  out  the  dumb  spake  ; 
 and  the  people  wondered. 
 
 15  But  some  of  them  said.  He  casteth  out 
 devils  through  Beelzebub  the  chief  of  the 
 devils. 
 
 16  And  others,  tempting  him,  sought  ot 
 
 him  a  sign  from  heaven. 
 
 17  But  he,  knowing  their  thoughts,  said 
 unto  them.  Every  kingdom  divided  against 
 itself  is  brought  to  desolation ;  and  a  house 
 divided  against  a  house  falleth. 
 
 18  If  Satan  also  be  divided  against  him¬ 
 self,  how  shall  his  kingdom  stand  ?  because 
 ye  say  that  I  cast  out  devils  through  Beel¬ 
 zebub. 
 
 19  And  if  I  by  Beelzebub  cast  out  devils, 
 by  whom  do  your  sons  cast  them  out  ?  there¬ 
 fore  shall  they  be  your  judges. 
 
 20  But  if  I  with  the  finger  of  God  cast 
 out  devils,  no  doubt  the  kingdom  of  God  is 
 come  upon  you. 
 
 21  When  a  strong  man  armed  keepeth  his 
 palace  his  goods  are  in  peace  : 
 
 22  But  when  a  stronger  than  he  shall  come 
 upon  him,  and  overcome  him,  he  taketh  from 
 him  all  his  armour  wherein  he  trusted,  and 
 divideth  his  spoils. 
 
 23  He  that  is  not  with  me  is  against  me  ; 
 and  he  that  gathereth  not  with  me  scattereth. 
 
 24  When  the  unclean  spirit  is  gone  out  of 
 a  man,  he  walketh  through  dry  places  seek¬ 
 ing  rest ;  and,  finding  none,  he  saith,  I  will 
 return  unto  my  house  whence  I  came  out. 
 
 25  And  when  he  cometh  he  findeth  it 
 swept  and  garnished. 
 
 26  Then  goeth  he,  and  taketh  to  him  se¬ 
 ven  other  spirits  more  wicked  than  himself ; 
 and  they  enter  in,  and  dwell  there :  and  the 
 last  state  of  that  man  is  worse  than  the  first. 
 
 27  n  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  he  spake 
 these  things,  a  certain  woman  of  the  com¬ 
 pany  lifted  up  her  voice,  and  said  unto  him. 
 Blessed  is  the  womb  that  bare  thee,  and  the 
 paps  which  thou  hast  sucked. 
 
 28  But  he  said,  Tea,  rather  blessed  are 
 they  that  hear  the  word  of  God,  and  keep  it. 
 
 29  f  And,  when  the  people  were  gathered 
 thick  together,  he  began  to  say.  This  is  an 
 evil  generation  :  they  seek  a  sign  ;  and  there 
 shall  no  sign  be  given  it,  but  the  sign  of 
 Jonas  the  prophet. 
 
 30  For  as  Jonas  was  a  sign  unto  the  Ni- 
 nevites,  so  shall  also  the  Son  of  man  be  to 
 this  generation. 
 
 31  The  queen  of  the  south  shall  rise  up 
 in  4he  judgment  with  the  men  of  this  gene¬ 
 ration,  and  condemn  them  ;  for  she  came 
 from  the  utmost  parts  of  the  earth  to  hear 
 the  wisdom  of  Solomon ;  and,  behold,  a 
 greater  than  Solomon  is  here 
 
 1  Thai  men  ought  always  to  pray  and  not  to  faint.  Not  that  God 
 can  be  wrought  upon  by  importunity,  we  cannot  be  troublesome 
 to  him  nor  by  doing  so  change  his  counsels  ;  we  prevail  with  men 
 by  importunity,  because  they  are  displeased  with  it,  but  with  God 
 
 because  he  is  pleased  with  it.  _ 
 
 See  notes  on  Matt.  vi.  9— 13,  and  vii.  7— 12. 
 
 14—26.  The  substance  of  these  verses  we  had.  Matt.  xii.  22. 
 and  Christ  is  here  giving  a  general  proof  of  his  divine  mission,  by^ 
 particular  proof  of  his  power  over  Satan;  his  conquest  of  who^ 
 was  an  indication  of  bis  great  design  in  coming  into  the  world, 
 which  was  to  destroy  the  works  of  the  devil ;  and  an  earnest  of  the 
 448 
 
 success  of  that  undertaking.  He  is  here  casting  out  a  devil  that 
 made  the  poor  possessed  man  dumb  ;  in  Mythew  we  are  told  that 
 he  was  blind  and  dumb  :  and  when  the  devil  was  forced  out  by  the 
 word  of  Christ,  the  dumb  spake  immediately,  echoed  to  Christs 
 word,  and  the  lips  were  opened  to  shew  forth  hi^s  .P^a'se. 
 
 27  28.  To  all  that  believe  the  word  ol  Christ,  the  person  of 
 Christ  is  precious,  and  he  is  an  honour,  1  Pet.  ii.  7"  let  we  must 
 be  carefuU  lest  as  this  good  woman,  we  too  much  magnify  the  ho¬ 
 nour  of  his  natural  kindred,  and  so  know  him  after  the  flesh,  where¬ 
 as  we  must  now  henceforth  know  him  so  no  more. 
 
 _ 26.  See  notes  on  Matt.  xii.  38  45. 
 
CHAP.  XII. 
 
 32  The  men  of  Nineveh  shall  rise  up  in  the 
 iudo-ment  with  this  generation,  and  shall  con- 
 deinn  it :  for  they  repented  at  the  preaching 
 of  Jonas  :  and,  behold,  a  greater  than  Jonas 
 
 is  here. 
 
 33  No  man  when  he  hath  lighted  a  candle 
 putteth  it  in  a  secret  place,  neither  under  a 
 bushel,  but  on  a  candlestick,  that  they  which 
 come  in  may  see  the  light. 
 
 34  The  light  of  the  body  is  the  eye  ;  there¬ 
 fore  when  thine  eye  is  single  thy  whole  body 
 also  is  full  of  light ;  but  when  thine  eye  is 
 evil  thy  body  also  is  full  of  darkness. 
 
 35  Take  heed,  therefore,  that  the  light 
 which  is  in  thee  be  not  darkness. 
 
 36  If  thy  whole  body,  therefore,  he  full  of 
 light,  having  no  part  dark,*  the  whole  shall 
 be  full  of  light,  as  when  the  bright  shining  of 
 a  candle  doth  give  thee  light. 
 
 37  f  And,  as  he  spake,  a  certain  Pharisee! 
 besought  him  to  dine  with  him  :  and  he  went 
 in,  and  sat  down  to  meat. 
 
 38  And  when  the  Pharisee  saw  it,  he  mar¬ 
 velled  that  he  had  not  first  washed  before 
 dinner. 
 
 39  And  the  Lord  said  unto  him.  Now  do 
 ye  Pharisees  make  clean  the  outside  of  the 
 cup  and  the  platter  ;  but  your  inward  part 
 full  of  ravening  and  wickedness. 
 
 40  Ye  fools !  did  not  he  that  made  that 
 which  is  without  make  that  which  is  within 
 also  ? 
 
 41  But  rather  give  alms  of  such  things  as 
 ye  have  ;  and,  behold,  all  things  are  clean 
 unto  you. 
 
 42  But  woe  unto  you,  Pharisees  !  for  ye 
 tithe  mint,  and  rue,  and  all  manner  of  herbs, 
 and  pass  over  judgment  and  the  love  of  God: 
 these  ought  ye  to  have  done,  and  nof  to 
 leave  the  other  undone. 
 
 43  Woe  unto  you,  Pharisees!  for  ye  love 
 the  uppermost  seats  in  the  synagogues,  and 
 greetings  in  the  markets. 
 
 44  Woe  unto  you,  scribes  and  Pharisees, 
 hypocrites  !  for  ye  are  as  graves  which  ap¬ 
 
 pear  not,  and  the  men  that  walk  over  them 
 are  not  aware  of  them. 
 
 45  Then  answered  one  of  the  lawyers,  and 
 said  unto  him.  Master,  thus  saying  thou  re- 
 proachest  us  also. 
 
 46  And  he  said.  Woe  unto  you  also,  ye 
 lawyers  I  for  ye  lade  men  with  burdens 
 grievous  to  be  borne,  and  ye  yourselves 
 touch  not  the  burdens  with  one  of  your 
 fingers. 
 
 47  Woe  unto  you  !  for  ye  build  the  se¬ 
 pulchres  of  the  prophets,  and  your  fathers 
 
 killed  them.  " 
 
 48  Truly  ye  bear  witness  that  ye  allow  the 
 deeds  of  your  fathers  :  for  they  indeed  killed 
 them,  and  ye  build  their  sepulchres. 
 
 49  Therefore  also  said  the  wisdom  of  God, 
 
 I  will  send  them  prophets  and  apostles,  and 
 some  of  them  they  shall  slay  and  persecute  : 
 
 50  That  the  blood  of  all  the  prophets, 
 which  was  shed  from  the  foundation  of  the 
 world,  may  be  required  of  this  generation ; 
 
 51  From  the  blood  of  Abel  unto  the  blood 
 of  Zacharias,  which  perished  between  the 
 altar  and  the  temple  ;  Verily  I  say  unto  you. 
 It  shall  be  required  of  this  generation. 
 
 52  Woe  unto  you,  lawyers  !  for  ye  have 
 taken  away  the  key  of  knowledge  :  ye  enter¬ 
 ed  not  in  yourselves,  and  them  that  were  en¬ 
 tering  in  ye  hindered. 
 
 53  And,  as  he  said  these  things  unto  them, 
 the  scribes  and  the  Pharisees  began  to  urge 
 him  vehemently,  and  to  provoke  him  to 
 speak  of  many  things  ; 
 
 54  Laying  wait  for  him,  and  seeking  to 
 catch  something  out  of  his  mouth,  that  they 
 might  accuse  him. 
 
 ChlAP.  XII. 
 
 Ill  this  chapter  we  have  divers  excellent  discourses  of  our  Saviour, 
 
 upon  various  occasions ;  many  ol  which  are  to  the  same  jairpose 
 
 with  that  we  had  in  Matthew  upon  other  the  like  occasions. 
 
 IN  the  mean  time,  when  there  were  ga¬ 
 thered  together  an  innumerable  multitude 
 •of  people,  insomuch  that  they  trode  one 
 upon  another,  he  began  to  say  unto  his  dis- 
 
 37 — 54,.  Christ  here  saith  many  of  those  things  to  a  Pharisee 
 and  his  guests,  in  a  private  conversation  at  table,  which  he  after- 
 w-ards  said  in  a  public  discourse  in  the  temple  Matt,  xxiii.  for 
 what  he  said  in  public  and  private  was  of  a  piece.  He  would  not 
 say  that  in  a  corner  which  he  durst  not  repeat  and  stand  to  in  the  Matt,  x 
 
 great  congresjation  ;  nor  would  he  give  those  reproofs  to  any  sort 
 ot  sinners  in  general,  which  he  durst  not  apply  to  them  in  particu¬ 
 lar,  as  he  met  with  them,  for  he  was  and  is  the  faithful  witness. 
 CHAP.  XII.  1 — 12.  See  notes  on  IMatt.  xvi.  6'.  Also  on 
 
 449 
 
ST.  LUKE 
 
 ciples  first  of  all,  Beware  ye  of  the  leaven  of 
 the  Pharisees,  which  is  hypocrisy. 
 
 2  For  there  is  nothing  covered,  that  shall 
 not  be  revealed  :  neither  hid,  that  shall  not 
 be  known. 
 
 3  Therefore  whatsoever  ye  have  spoken  in 
 darkness  shall  be  heard  in  the  light:  and  that 
 which  ye  have  spoken  in  the  ear  in  closets 
 shall  be  proclaimed  upon  the  house-tops. 
 
 4  And  I  say  unto  you,  my  friends.  Be 
 not  afraid  of  them  that  kill  the  body,  and 
 after  that  have  no  more  that  they  can  do  : 
 
 5  But  I  will  forewarn  you  whom  ye  shall 
 fear  :  Fear  him,  which,  after  he  hath  killed, 
 hath  power  to  cast  into  hell ;  yea,  I  say  unto 
 you.  Fear  him. 
 
 6  Are  not  five  sparrows  sold  for  two  far¬ 
 things  ?  and  not  one  of  them  is  forgotten  be¬ 
 fore  God. 
 
 7  But  even  the  very  hairs  of  your  head  are 
 all  numbered.  Fear  not,  therefore ;  ye  are 
 of  more  value  than  many  sparrows. 
 
 8  Also  I  say  unto  you.  Whosoever  shall 
 confess  me  before  men,  him  shall  the  Son  of 
 man  also  confess  before  the  angels  of  God  : 
 
 9  But  he  that  denieth  me  before  men, 
 shall  be  denied  before  the  angels  of  God. 
 
 10  And  whosoever  shall  speak  a  word 
 against  the  Son  of  man,  it  shall  be  forgiven 
 him  ;  but  unto  him  that  blasphemeth  against 
 the  Holy  Ghost,  it  shall  not  be  forgiven. 
 
 11  And  when  they  bring  you  unto  the 
 synagogues,  and  unto  magistrates,  and  pow¬ 
 ers,  take  ye  no  thought  how  or  what  thing 
 ye  shall  answer,  or  what  ye  shall  say  : 
 
 12  For  the  Holy  Ghost  shall  teach  you 
 in  the  same  hour  what  ye  ought  to  say. 
 
 13  And  one  of  the  company  said  unto 
 him.  Master,  speak  to  my  brother,  that  he 
 divide  the  inheritance  with  me. 
 
 14  And  he  said  unto  him,  Man,  who 
 made  me  a  judge  or  a  divider  over  you  ? 
 
 15  And  he  said  unto  them.  Take  heed, 
 and  beware  of  covetousness  :  for  a  man's  life 
 consisteth  not  in  the  abundance  of  the  things 
 which  he  possesseth. 
 
 16  And  he  spake  a  parable  unto  them, 
 saying.  The  ground  of  a  certain  rich  man 
 brought  forth  plentifully  ; 
 
 17  And  he  thought  within  himself,  say¬ 
 ing,  What  shall  I  do,  because  I  have  no 
 room  where  to  bestow  my  fruits  ? 
 
 18  And  he  said.  This  will  I  do ;  I  will 
 pull  down  my  barns,  and  build  greater  ;  and 
 there  will  I  bestow  all  my  fruits  and  my 
 
 say  to  my  soul.  Soul,  thou 
 hast  much  goods  laid  up  for  many  years : 
 take  thine  ease,  eat,  drink,  and  be  merry. 
 
 20  But  God  said  unto  him.  Thou  fool! 
 this  night  thy  soul  shall  be  required  of  thee  : 
 then  whose  shall  those  things  be  which  thou 
 hast  provided  ? 
 
 21  So  is  he  that  layeth  up  treasure  fo) 
 himself,  and  is  not  rich  towards  God. 
 
 22  ^  And  he  said  unto  his  disciples, 
 Therefore  I  say  unto  you.  Take  no  thought 
 for  your  life,  what  ye  shall  eat :  neither  for 
 the  body,  what  ye  shall  put  on. 
 
 23  The  life  is  more  than  meat,  and  the 
 body  is  more  than  raiment. 
 
 24  Consider  the  ravens  :  for  they  neither 
 sow  nor  reap  ;  which  neither  have  storehouse 
 nor  barn  ;  and  God  feedeth  them.  How 
 much  more  are  ye  better  than  the  fowls  ? 
 
 25  And  which  of  you,  with  taking  thought 
 can  add  to  his  stature  one  cubit  ? 
 
 26  If  ye  be  then  not  able  to  do  that  thing 
 which  is  least,  why  take  ye  thought  for  the 
 rest  ? 
 
 goods. 
 
 19  And  I  will 
 
 13 _ 21.  Now  this  shews  us  what  is  the  nature  and  constitution 
 
 of  Christ’s  kingdom  ;  it  is  a  spiritual  kingdom,  and  not  of  this 
 world.  It  doth  not  interfere*  with  civd  powers,  nor  take  the  au¬ 
 thority  of  princes  out  of  their  hands :  Christianity  leaves  the  mat¬ 
 ter  as  it  found  it,  as  to  civil  power.  It  doth  not  encourage  our 
 expectations  of  worldly  advantages  by  our  religion.  If  this  man 
 will  be  a  disciple  of  Christ,  and  expects  that  m  consideration  ot 
 that  Christ  should  give  him  his  brothers  estate,  he  is  mistaken  , 
 the  rewards  of  Christ’s  disciples  are  of  another  nature.  It  doth 
 not  encourage  our  contests  with  our  brethren,  and  our  being  ri¬ 
 gorous  and  high  in  our  demands,  but  rather  for  peace  sake  to  re¬ 
 cede  from  our  right.  It  doth  not  allow  ministers  to  entangle 
 450 
 
 themselves  in  the  affairs  of  this  life,  2  Tim.  iii.  4,  to  leave  the  word 
 of  God  to  serve  tables.  There  are  those  whose  business  it  is,  let  it 
 be  left  to  them.  The  necessary  caution  which  Christ  took  occa¬ 
 sion  from  hence  to  give  to  his  hearers,  the  sum  of  which  is  illus¬ 
 trated  to  shew  the  folly  of  carnal  worldlings  while  they  live,  and 
 their  misery  when  they  die,  which  is  intended,  not  omy  for  a  check 
 to  that  man  who  came  to  Christ,  with  an  address  about  his  estate, 
 while  he  was  in  no  care  about  his  soul  and  another  world  ;  but  for 
 the  enforcing  of  that  necessary  caution  to  I’s  take  heed  ot 
 
 covetousness.  The  parable  gives  us  the  life  and  death  of  a  rich 
 man,  and  leaves  us  to  judge  whether  he  was  a  happy  man. 
 
 22 — 38.  See  notes  on  Matt.  vi.  19 — 34. 
 
CHAP.  XII. 
 
 27  Consider  the  lilies  how  they  grow: 
 they  toil  not,  they  spin  not,  and  yet  I  say  un¬ 
 to  ^u.  That  Solomon  in  all  his  glory  was 
 
 not  arrayed  like  one  of  these. 
 
 28  If  then  God  so  clothe  the  grass,  which 
 is  to-day  in  the  field,  and  to-morrow  is  cast 
 into  the  oven ;  how  much  more  will  he  clothe 
 
 you  ?  O  ye  of  little  faith  ! 
 
 29  And  seek  not  ye  what  ye  shall  eat,  or 
 
 what  ye  shall  drink;  neither  be  ye  of  doubt¬ 
 ful  mind.  . 
 
 30  For  all  these  things  do  the  nations  or 
 
 the  world  seek  after:  and  your  Father  know- 
 eth  that  ye  have  need  of  these  things. 
 
 31  But  rather  seek  ye  the  kingdom  of 
 
 God  ;  and  all  these  things  shall  be  added  un¬ 
 to  you.  .  . 
 
 32  Fear  not,  little  flock  ;  for  it  is  your 
 Father’s  good  pleasure  to  give  you  the  king¬ 
 dom. 
 
 33 Sell  that  ye  have,  and  give  alms: 
 provide  yourselves  bags  which  wax  not  old, 
 a  treasure  in  the  heavens  that  faileth  no^ 
 where  no  thief  approacheth,  neither  moth 
 
 corrupteth.  . 
 
 34  For  where  your  treasure  is,  there  will 
 
 your  heart  be  also.  • 
 
 35  ^  Let  your  loins  be  girded  about  and 
 
 your  lights  burning. 
 
 36  And  ye  yourselves  like  unto  men  that 
 wait  for  their  lord,  when  he  will  return  from 
 the  wedding ;  that  when  he  cometh  and 
 knocketh,  they  may  open  unto  him  imme¬ 
 diately. 
 
 37  Blessed  are  those  servants,  whom  the 
 lord,  when  he  cometh,  shall  find  watching  : 
 verily  I  say  unto  you.  That  he  shall  gird 
 himself,  and  make  them  to  sit  down  to  meat, 
 and  will  come  forth  and  serve  them. 
 
 38  And  if  he  shall  come  in  the  second 
 watch,  or  come  in  the  third  watch,  and  find 
 them  so,  blessed  are  those  servants. 
 
 39  And  this  know,  that  if  the  good  man  of 
 the  house  had  known  what  hour  the  thief 
 
 41—53.  That  servant  that  knew  his  Lord’s  will,  and  yet  did  his 
 own  will,  shall  be  beaten  with  many  stripes.;  God  will  justly  in- 
 flict  more  upon  him,  tor  abusing  the  means  of  knowledge  he  at- 
 forded  him,  which  others  would  have  made  a  better  use  ot,  and 
 because  it  argues  a  great  degree  ot  wdlfulness  and  contcnipt  to  sin 
 against  knowledge,  of  how  much  sorer  punishment  then  shall  the}' 
 
 would  come,  he  would  have  watched,  and 
 not  have  suffered  his  house  to  be  broken 
 through. 
 
 40  Be  ye,  therefore,  ready  also  :  for  the 
 Son  of  man  cometh  at  an  hour  when  ye 
 think  not. 
 
 41  f  Then  Peter  said  unto  him.  Lord, 
 speakest  thoii  this  parable  unto  us,  or  even 
 to  all  ? 
 
 42  And  the  Lord  said,  Who  then  is  that 
 faithful  and  wise  steward,  whom  his  lord 
 shall  make  ruler  over  his  household,  to  give 
 them  their  portion  of  meat  in  due  season  ? 
 
 43  Blessed  is  that  servant,  whom  his  lord 
 when  he  cometh  shall  find  so  doing. 
 
 44  Of  a  truth  I  say  unto  you,  That  he 
 will  make  him  ruler  over  all  that,  he  hath. 
 
 45  But  and  if  that  servant  say  in  his  heart, 
 My  lord  delayeth  his  coming  ;  and  shall  be¬ 
 gin  to  beat  the  men-servants  and  maidens, 
 and  to  eat  and  drink,  and  to  be  drunken ; 
 
 46  The  lord  of  that  servant  will  come  in  a 
 day  when  he  looketh  not  for  Aim,  and  at  an 
 hour  when  he  is  not  aAvare,  and  will  cut  him 
 in  sunder,  and  will  appoint  him  his  portion 
 with  the  unbelievers. 
 
 47  And  that  servant  which  knew  his  lord’s 
 will,  and  prepared  not  himself,  neither  did 
 according  to  his  will,  shall  be  beaten  with 
 many  stripes. 
 
 48  But  he  that  knew  not,  and  did  commit 
 things  worthy  of  stripes  shall  be  beaten 
 with  few  stripes.  For  unto  whomsoever  much 
 is  given,  of  him  shall  be  much  required  ;  and  ' 
 to  whom  men  have  committed  much,  of  him 
 Ley  will  ask  the  more 
 
 49  ^  I  am  come  to  send  fire  on  the  earth ; 
 and  what  will  I  if  it  be  already  kindled  ? 
 
 50  But  I  have  a  baptism  to  be  baptized  , 
 with ;  and  how  am  I  straitened  till  it  be  ac¬ 
 complished  ! 
 
 51  Suppose  ye  that  I  am  come  to  give 
 peace  on  earth  ?  I  tell  you,  Nay  ;  but  rather 
 division : 
 
 be  thought  worthy,  besides  the  many  stripes  that  their  own  con¬ 
 sciences  will  give  them  ?  Son  remember.  Here  is  a  good  reason 
 for  this  added,  to  whomsoever  much  is  given,  of  him  shall  be 
 much  required,  especially  when  it  is  committed  as  a  trust  he  is  to 
 account  for.  Those  that  have  greater  capacities  of  mind  than 
 others,  more  knowledge  and  learning,  more  acquaintance  and 
 
 4.51 
 
ST.  LUKE. 
 
 52  lor  from  henceforth  there  shall  be  five 
 in  one  house  divided,  three  against  two,  and 
 two  against  three. 
 
 53  The  father  shall  be  divided  against  the 
 son,  and  the  son  against  the  father;  the  mo¬ 
 ther  against  the  daughter,  and  the  daughter 
 against  the  mother;  the  mother-in-law  against 
 her  daughter-in-law,  and  the  daughter-in- 
 law  against  her  mother-in-laAv. 
 
 54  %  And  he  said  also  to  the  people.  When 
 ye  see  a  cloud  rise  out  of  the  Avest  straight¬ 
 way  ye  say.  There  cometh  a  shower  ;  and  so 
 it  is. 
 
 55  And  when  ye  see  the  south  Avind  bloAv 
 ye  say.  There  aviII  be  heat ;  and  it  cometh 
 to  pass. 
 
 56  Ye  hypocrites  !  ye  can  discern  the  face 
 of  the  sky  and  of  the  earth :  but  hoAV  is  it 
 that  ye  do  not  discern  this  time  ? 
 
 57  Yea,  and  Avhy  even  of  yourselves  judge 
 
 ye  not  what  is  right  ? 
 
 58  f  When  thou  goest  with  thine  adver¬ 
 sary  to  the  magistrate,  as  thou  art  in  the  Avay 
 give  diligence  that  thou  mayest  be  delivered 
 from  him  :  lest  he  hale  thee  to  the  judge, 
 and  the  judge  deliver  thee  to  the  officer, 
 and  the  officer  cast  thee  into  prison. 
 
 59  I  tell  thee,  thou  shalt  not  depart 
 thence,  till  thou  hast  paid  the  very  last  mite. 
 CHAP.  XIII. 
 
 .  Christ  preacheth  repentance  by  the  calamity  upon  the  Galileans 
 and  others.  II.  The  fig-tree  cursed,  6.  III.  The  strait  gate, 
 24. 
 
 ^IHERE  were  present  at  that  season  some 
 that  told  him  of  the  Galileans,  whose 
 blood  Pilate  had  mingled  Avith  their  sacri¬ 
 fices. 
 
 2  And  Jesus,  answering,  said  unto  them. 
 Suppose  ye  that  these  Galileans  Avere  sinners 
 above  all  the  Galileans,  because  they  suffer¬ 
 ed  such  things  ? 
 
 3  I  tell  you,  Nay  ;  but,  except  ye  repent, 
 ye  shall  all  likewise  perish. 
 
 4  Or  those  eighteen  upon  whom  the  toAver 
 in  Siloam  fell,  and  sleAV  them,  think  ye  that 
 they  Avere  sinners  above  all  men  that  dwelt 
 in  Jerusalem  ? 
 
 5  I  tell  you.  Nay  ;  but  except  ye  repent, 
 ye  shall  all  likewise  perish. 
 
 6  ^  He  spake  also  this  parable ;  A  cer¬ 
 tain  ma?i  had  a  fig-tree  planted  in  his  vine¬ 
 yard  :  and  he  came  and  sought  fruit  thereon, 
 and  found  none. 
 
 7  Then  said  he  unto  the  dresser  of  his 
 Auneyard,  Behold,  these  three  years  I  come 
 
 converse  with  the  scriptures,  to  them  much  is  given,  and  their  ac¬ 
 count  will  be  accordingly. 
 
 See  notes  on  Matt.  xx.  22.  .  ,  .  ,  •  .u  r 
 
 54— 5Q  Having  given  his  disciples  their  lesson  in  the  foregoing 
 
 verses,  here  Christ  turds  to  the  people,  and  gives  them  theirs, 
 54. 
 
 See  notes  on,Matt.  viii.  26.  •  .  •  n  i  .  j 
 
 CHAP  XIII  1—5.  This  tragical  story  is  briefly  related  here, 
 
 and  is  not  met  with  in  any  of  'the  historians  of  those  times.  Jo- 
 Lphus  indeed  mentions  Pilate's  killing  of  some  Samaritans,  who 
 under  the  conduct  of  a  factious  leader,  were  going  in  a  tumultu¬ 
 ous  manner  to  Mount  Gerizzim,  where  the  Samaritans  temple 
 was  but  we  can  by  no  means  allow  that  story  to  be  thesaine  w  th 
 mV  Some  think  these  Galileans  were  of  the  faction  of  Judas 
 Gaulonim?Vhd  is  called  Judas  of  Galilee,  Acts  v  37,  who  dis¬ 
 owned  Caesar’s  authority,  and  refused  to  pay  tribute  to 
 nerhaps,  these  being  Galileans,  were  only  suspected  by  Pilate  to 
 L  of  that  faction,  and  barbarously  murdered,  becau^  those  w hi o 
 were  in  with  that  pretender,  were  out  of  his  reach  Dr.  Lightfoot 
 thinks  it  probable  that  they  were  themselves  killing  their  sacri¬ 
 fices  which  was  allowed  ;  for  the  priest’s  work,  they  said,  began 
 S’thd  sprinkling  of  the  blood:  and  Pilate’s  officers  came  upon 
 Sem  tiV  surprise,  just  at  that  time,  when  they  were  off  their 
 luaTd  Lr  o  hervvise  the  Galileans  were  mettled  men,  and  gene- 
 ^  J  „  a  ,vp11  armed  )  and  mingled  the  blood  of  the  sacrihcers 
 '»l^rtod  ofThe  sa“^  a,  if  it  had  ba™  equally  accept- 
 able  to  God  Neither  the  holiness  of  the  place,  nor  of  the  work, 
 
 tSld  be  a  protection  to  them  from  the  fury 
 
 that  neither  feared  God  nor 
 
 to  be  a  sanctuary,  f  ^  of  slaughter.  Christ  seconded  it 
 
 w^hlnother  story,  which  liL  it  gave  an  instance  of  people’s  being 
 mken  away  by  sudden  death:  it  is  not  long  since  the  tower  n 
 Siloam  fell,  and  there  were  eighteen  persons  killed  and  buried 
 
 the  ruins  of  it.  Dr.  Lightfoot’s  conjecture  is,  that  this  tower  ad¬ 
 joined  to  the  pool  of  Siloam,  which  was  the  same  with  the  pool  of 
 Bethsaida,  and  that  it  belonged  to  those  porches  which  were  by 
 the  pool,  in  which  the  impotent  folk  lay,  that  waited  for  the  stir¬ 
 ring  of  the  water,  John  v.  3,  and  they  who  were  killed  were  some 
 of  them,  or  some  of  those  who  in  this  pool  used  to  purifv  them¬ 
 selves  for  the  temple  service,  for  it  was  near  the  temple.  On  these 
 stories  he  founded  a  call  to  repentance,  adding  to  each  of  them 
 this  awakening  word,  Except  ye  repent,  ye  shall  all  likewise  perish, 
 3,  4.  This  intimates  that  we  all  deserve  to  perish  as  rnuch  as 
 they  did,  and  had  we  been  dealt  with  according  to  our  sins,  ac¬ 
 cording  to  the  iniquity  of  our  holy  things,  our  bloocl  had  been 
 long  ere  this  mingled  with  our  sacrifices,  by  the  justice  of  God. 
 It  must  moderate  our  censures  not  only  that  we  are  sinners,  but 
 that  we  are  as  great  sinners  as  they,  have  as  much  sin  to  rejient  of 
 
 as  thev  had  to  suffer  for.  ^  ,  .  ,  , 
 
 5' _ g.  This  parable  primarily  refers  to  the  nation  and  people  or 
 
 the  Jews :  God  chose  them  for  his  own,  made  them  a  people  near 
 to  him,  gave  them  advantages  for  knowing  and  serving  them  above 
 anv  other  people,  and  expected  answerable  returns  of  duty  and 
 obedience  from  them,  which  turning  to  his  praise  and  honour  he 
 would  have  accounted  fruit;  but  they  disappointed  his  expecta^ 
 tions,  they  did  not  do  their  duty,  they  were  a  reproach  instead  of 
 being  a  credit  to  their  profession  ;  upon  this  he  justly  determined 
 to  abandon  them,  and  cut  them  off,  to  deprive  them  of  their  pri¬ 
 vileges,  to  unchurch  and  unpeople  them;  but  upon  Christs,  as 
 of  old  upon  Moses’s  intercession,  he  graciously  gave  them  lurther 
 time  and  further  mercy ;  tried  them  as  it  were  another  year,  by 
 sending  his  apostles  among  them  to  call  them  to  repentance;  and 
 in  Christ’s  name  to  offer  them  pardon  upon  repentance ;  and  some 
 of  them  were  wrought  upon  to  repent,  and  bring  forth  fruit,  and 
 with  them  all  was  well ;  but  the  body  of  the  nation  continued  im¬ 
 penitent  and  unfruitful,  and  ruin  without  remedy  came  upon 
 them  above  forty  years  after  thev  were  cut  down  and  cast  into  the 
 
CHAP.  XIII. 
 
 seeking  fruit  on  this  fig-tree,  and  find  none  : 
 cut  it  down  ;  why  cumbereth  it  the  ground  ? 
 
 8  And  he,  answering,  said  unto  him. 
 Lord,  let  it  alone  this  year  also,  till  I  shall 
 
 dig  about  it,  and  dung  it : 
 
 9  And  if  it  bear  fruit,  well  :  and  it  not, 
 then  after  that  thou  shalt  cut  it  down. 
 
 10  f  And  he  was  teaching  in  one  of  the 
 
 synagogues  on  the  sabbath. 
 
 11  And,  behold,  there  was  a  woman 
 which  had  a  spirit  of  infirmity  eighteen  years, 
 and  was  bowed  together,  and  could  in  no 
 wise  lift  up  herself. 
 
 12  And  when  Jesus  saw  her  he  called  her 
 to  him,  and  said  unto  her.  Woman,  thou  art 
 loosed  from  thine  infirmity. 
 
 13  And  he  laid  his  hands  on  her;  andirn- 
 mediately  she  was  made  straight,  and  glori¬ 
 fied  God. 
 
 14  And  the  ruler  of  the  synagogue  an¬ 
 swered  with  indignation,  because  that  Jesus 
 had  healed  on  the  sabbath-day,  and  said 
 unto  the  people,  There  are  six  days  in  w'hich 
 men  ought  to  work;  in  them,  therefore,  come 
 and  be  healed,  and  not  on  the  sabbath-day. 
 
 15  The  Lord  then  answered  him,  and  said, 
 Thou  hypocrite  !  doth  not  each  one  of  you 
 on  the  sabbath  loose  his  ox  or  his  ass^  from 
 the  stall,  and  lead  him  away  to  watering  ; 
 
 16  And  ought  not  this  woman,  being  a 
 dauo-hter  of  Abraham,  whom  Satan  hath 
 bound,  lo,  these  eighteen  years,  be  loosed 
 from  this  bond  on  the  sabbath-day  ? 
 
 17  And  when  he  had  said  these  things  all 
 his  adversaries  were  ashamed  :  and  all  the 
 people  rejoiced  for  all  the  glorious  things  that 
 were  done  by  him. 
 
 18  f  Then  said  he.  Unto  what  is  the 
 Kingdom  of  God  like  ?  and  whereunto  shall 
 I  resemble  it  ? 
 
 19  It  is  like  a  grain  of  mustard-seed,  which 
 
 a  man  took  and  cast  into  his  garden ;  and 
 it  grew  and  waxed  a  great  tree ;  and  the 
 owls  of  the  air  lodged  in  the  branches  of  it. 
 
 20  ^  And  again  he  said,  Whereunto  shall 
 liken  the  kingdom  of  God  ? 
 
 21  It  is  like  leaven,  which  a  woman  took, 
 and  hid  in  three  measures  of  meal,  till  the 
 whole  was  leavened. 
 
 22  And  he  went  through  the  cities  and 
 villages  teaching,  and  Journeying  toward 
 
 Jerusalem.  t  j 
 
 23  ^  Then  said  one  unto  him.  Lord,  are 
 
 there  few  that  be  saved  ?  And  he  said  unto 
 
 them,  ^  . 
 
 24  Strive  to  enter  in  at  the  strait  gate:  tor 
 
 many,  I  say  unto  you,  shall  seek  to  enter  in, 
 
 and  shall  not  be  able. 
 
 25  When  once  the  Master  of  the  house  is 
 risen  up,  and  hath  shut  to  the  door,  and  ye 
 ^egin  to  stand  without,  and  to  knock  at  the 
 door,  saying.  Lord,  Lord,  open  unto  us  ; 
 and  he  shall  answer  and  say  unto  you,  1 
 know  ye  not  whence  ye  are  ; 
 
 26  Then  shall  ye  begin  to  say,  We  have' 
 eaten  and  drunk  in  thy  presence,  and  thou 
 hast  taught  in  our  streets. 
 
 27  But  he  shall  say,  I  tell  you,  I  know 
 you  not  whence  ye  are  :  depart  from  me,  all 
 
 workers  of  iniquity. 
 
 28  There  shall  be  weeping  and  gnashing 
 of  teeth,  when  ye  shall  see  Abraham,  and 
 Isaac,  and  Jacob,  and  all  the  prophets,  in 
 the  kingdom  of  God,  and  you  yourselves 
 thrust  out. 
 
 29  And  they  shall  come  from  the  east, 
 ctndfi'ojn  the  west,  and  from  the  north,  and 
 from  the  south,  and  shall  sit  down  in  the 
 kingdom  of  God. 
 
 30  And,  behold,  there  are  last  which 
 shall  be  first,  and  there  are  first  which  shall 
 be  last. 
 
 fire,  as  John  Baptist  had  told  them,  Matt.  iii.  10,  which  saying  of 
 his  this  parable  enlargeth  upon.  Yet  it  has  without  doubt  a  fur¬ 
 ther  reference,  and  is  designed  for  the  awakening  of  all  that  enjoy 
 the  means  of  grace,  and  the  privileges  of  the  visible  church,  to 
 see  to  it  that  the  temper  of  their  minds,  and  the  tenor  of  their 
 lives  be*  answerable  to  their  professions  and  opportunities,  for  that 
 
 is  the  fruit  required.  ■  ■  r  ■  r 
 
 10—17.  This  woman  in  the  synagogue  had  a  spirit  of  infirmity 
 eighteen  years,  ll,i.  e.  she  had  an  infirmity  which  an  evil  spi¬ 
 rit,  bv  divine  per.-nission,  had  brought  upon  her,  which  was  sucl 
 as  that  she  was  bowed  together  by  strong  convulsions,  and  could 
 in  no  wise  lift  up  herself;  and  having  been  so  long  thus,  the  dis¬ 
 
 ease  was  incurable,  she  could  not  stand  erect,  which  is  reckoned 
 man’s  honour  above  the  beasts.  Observe,  though  she  was  under 
 this  infirmilv,  by  which  she  was  much  deformed  and  made  to  look 
 mean,  and  not  only  so,  but  as.  is  supposed,  motion  was  very  pain¬ 
 ful  to  her,  vet  she  went  to  the  synagogue  on  the  sabbath-day. 
 Even  bodily’  infirmities,  unless  they  be  very  grievous  indeed 
 should  not  keep  us  from  public  worship  on  sabbath-days ;  lor  Ood 
 can  help  us  beyond  expectation. 
 
 18 — 22.  See  notes  on  Matt.  xiii.  31  -33. 
 
 23—39.  Many  that  stood  lair  for  heaven,  came  short,  and 
 others  that  seemed  cast  behind,  and  ihiown  quite  out  ot  the  way', 
 will  win  .and  wear  his  prize,  and  therefore  it  concerns  us  to  strive 
 
 433 
 
ST.  LUKE. 
 
 31  ^  The  same  day  there  came  certain  of 
 the  Pharisees,  saying  unto  him,  Get  thee  out, 
 and  depart  hence ;  for  Herod  will  kill  thee. 
 
 32  And  he  said  unto  them.  Go  ye  and  tell 
 that  fox.  Behold  I  cast  out  devils,  and  I  do 
 cures  to-day  and  to-morrow,  and  the  third 
 day  I  shall  be  perfected. 
 
 33  Nevertheless  I  must  walk  to-day,  and 
 to-morrow,  and  the  day  following ;  for  it 
 cannot  be  that  a  prophet  perish  out  of  Jeru¬ 
 salem. 
 
 34  O  Jerusalem,  Jerusalem,  which  killest 
 the  prophets,  and  stonest  them  that  are  sent 
 unto  thee :  how  often  would  I  have  gathered 
 thy  children  together,  as  a  hen  dotli  gather 
 her  brood  under  her  wings,  and  ye  would 
 not ! 
 
 35  Behold  your  house  is  left  unto  you  de¬ 
 solate  :  and  verily  I  say  unto  you.  Ye  shall 
 not  see  me,  until  the  time  come  when  ye  shall 
 say.  Blessed  is  he  that  cometh  in  the  name 
 of  the  Lord. 
 
 CHAP.  XIV. 
 
 I.  The  cure  of  the  dropsy,  v.  1 — 6.  II.  A  lesson  of  humility, 
 
 V.  7 — 11.  III.  A  lesson  of  charity,  v.  12 — 14.  IV.  The  pa¬ 
 rable  of  the  guests,  15.  V.  The  great  law  of  disciplcship. 
 
 25—33. 
 
 NT)  it  came  to  pass,  as  he  went  into 
 the  house  of  one  of  the  chief  Pharisees 
 to  eat  bread  on  the  sabbath-day,  that  they 
 watched  him. 
 
 2  And,  behold,  there  was  a  certain  man 
 before  him  which  had  the  dropsy. 
 
 3  And  Jesus,  answering,  spake  unto  the 
 lawyers  and  Pharisees,  saying.  Is  it  lawful 
 to  heal  on  the  sabbath-day  ? 
 
 4  And  they  held  fheir  peace.  And  he 
 took  him,  and  healed  him,  and  let  him  go ; 
 
 to  enter.  Let  us  be  provoked,  as  Paul  desired  the  Jews  might  be, 
 to  a  holy  emulation,  by  the  zeal  and  forwardness  of  the  Gentiles, 
 Rom.  xi.  14. 
 
 31 — 35.  See  notes  on  Matt,  xxiii.  27- 
 
 CHAP.  XIV.  1 — 6.  Good  men  have  often  been  persecuted  for 
 doing  that  which  even  their  persecutors,  if  they  would  but  give 
 theii  consciences  leave  to  speak  out,  could  not  but  own  to  be  law¬ 
 ful  and  good.  Many  a  good  work  Christ  did,  for  which  they  cast 
 stones  at  him  and  his  name. 
 
 7 — 14.  Our  Lord  Jesus  here  sets  us  an  example  of  profitable 
 edifying  discourse  at  our  tables,  when  we  are  in  company  with  our 
 friends.  We  find  him  when  we  had  none  but  his  disciples,  that 
 were  his  own  family  with  him  at  his  table,  his  discourse  with 
 them  was  good,  and  to  the  use  of  edifying :  and  not  only  so,  but 
 when  he  was  in  company  with  strangers,  nay,  with  enemies  that 
 watched  him,  he  took  occasion  to  reprove  what  he  saw  amiss  in 
 them,  and  to  instruct  them ;  though  the  wicked  were  before  him, 
 454 
 
 5  And  answered  them,  saying.  Which  ot 
 you  shall  have  an  ass  or  an  ox  fallen  into  a 
 pit,  and  will  not  straightway  pull  him  out  on 
 the  sabbath-day  ? 
 
 6  And  they  could  not  answer  him  again 
 to  these  things. 
 
 7  ^  And  h^e  put  forth  a  parable  to  those 
 which  were  bidden,  when  he  marked  how 
 they  choose  out  the  chief  rooms ;  saying  unto 
 them, 
 
 8  When  thou  art  bidden  of  any  man  to  a 
 wedding,  sit  not  down  in  the  highest  room, 
 lest  a  more  honourable  man  than  thou  be 
 bidden  of  him  : 
 
 9  And  he  that  bade  thee  and  him  come 
 and  say  to  thee.  Give  this  man  place  ;  and 
 thou  begin  with  shame  to  take  the  lowest 
 room. 
 
 10  But,  v/hen  thou  art  bidden,  go  and  sit 
 down  in  the  lowest  room;  that  when  he  that 
 bade  thee  cometh,  he  may  say  unto  thee. 
 Friend,  go  up  higher;  then  shalt  thou  have 
 worship  in  the  presence  of  them  that  sit  at 
 meat  with  thee. 
 
 11  For  whosoever  exalteth  himself  shall 
 be  abased  :  and  he  that  humbleth  himselt 
 shall  be  exalted. 
 
 12  Then  said  he  also  to  him  that  bade 
 him.  When  thou  makest  a  dinner  or  a  sup¬ 
 per,  call  not  thy  friends,  nor  thy  brethren, 
 neither  thy  kinsmen,  nor  thy  rich  neigh¬ 
 bours  ;  lest  they  also  bid  thee  again  and  a 
 recompence  be  made  thee, 
 
 13  But,  when  thou  makest  a  feast,  call 
 the  poor,  the  maimed,  the  lame,  the  blind  : 
 
 14  And  thou  shalt  be  blessed  ;  for  they 
 cannot  recompense  thee :  for  thou  shalt 
 
 he  did  not  keep  silence  from  good  (as  David  did)  Psal.  xxxix.  1, 
 2,  for  notwithstanding  the  provocation  given  him,  he  had  not  his 
 heart  hot  within  him,  nor  was  his  spirit  stirred.  We  must  not  only 
 not  allow  any  corrupt  communication  at  our  tables,  such  as  that  of 
 the  hypocritical  mockers  at  feasts,  and  we  must  not  content  our¬ 
 selves  with  common,  harmless  talk,  but  we  should  take  occasion 
 from  God’s  goodness  to  us  at  our  tables,  to  speak  well  of  him,  and 
 learn  to  spiritualize  common  things.  The  lips  of  the  righteous 
 should  then  feed  many.  Our  Lord  Jesus  takes  occasion  to  re¬ 
 prove  the  guests  for  striving  to  sit  uppermost,  and  from  thence 
 gives  us  a  lesson  of  humility.  Because  pride  and  ambition  are 
 disgraceful  before  men,  tor  whosoever  exalteth  himself,  shall  be 
 abased  ;  but  humility  and  self-denial  arc  really  honourable,  he 
 that  humbleth  himself  shall  be  exalted,  v.  11.  We  see  it  in* 
 other  instances,  that  a  man’s  pride  will  bring  him  low,  but  honour 
 shall  U{)hold  the  humble  in  spirit ;  and  before  honour  is  humility. 
 For  he  takes  occasion  to  reprove  the  master  of  the  feast,  for  invit- 
 
CHAP.  XIV. 
 
 be  recompensed  at  the  resurrection  of  the 
 
 «  And  when  one  of  them  that  sat  at 
 meat  with  him  heard  these  things,  he  said 
 unto  him,  Blessed  «  he  that  shall  eat  bread 
 
 in  the  kingdom  of  God. 
 
 16  Then  said  he  unto  him,  A  certain  man 
 
 made  a  great  supper,  and  bade  many  : 
 
 17  And  sent  his  servant  at  supper-time  to 
 say  to  them  that  were  bidden,  Come  :  tor  all 
 
 things  are  now  ready. 
 
 18  And  they  all  with  one  consent  began  to 
 
 make  excuse.  The  first  said  unto  him,  I 
 have  bought  a  piece  ot  ground,  and  1  must 
 needs  go  and  see  it :  I  pray  thee  have  me 
 
 And  another  said,  I  have  bought  five 
 yoke  of  oxen,  and  I  go  to  prove  them  ;  t 
 pray  thee  have  me  excused. 
 
 was  all  one  have  sent  portions  to  them  tor  whom  nothin^  is  pie 
 
 20  And  another  said,  I  have  married  a 
 wife  ;  and  therefore  I  cannot  come. 
 
 21  So  that  servant  came  and  shewed  his 
 lord  these  things.  Then  the  master  ol  the 
 house,  being  angry,  said  to  his  servant.  Go 
 out  quickly  into  the  streets  and  lanes  ot  the 
 city,  and  bring  in  hither  the  poor,  and  the 
 maimed,  and  the  halt,  and  the  blind. 
 
 22  And  the  servant  said.  Lord,  it  is  done 
 as  thou  hast  commanded,  and  yet  there  is 
 room. 
 
 23  And  the  lord  said  unto  the  servant. 
 Go  out  into  the  highways  ami  hedges,  and 
 compel  them  to  come  in,  that  my  house  may 
 be  tilled. 
 
 24  For  I  say  unto  you.  That  none  01 
 j  those  men  which  were  bidden  shall  taste  ot 
 I  my  supper. 
 
 25  n  And  there  went  great  multitudes 
 
 ed  in  the  resurieLiioii.  iw  ’  •*  ,  .  .  , 
 
 tbo  returns  311(1  tne  Cii3rit3ule  \niII 
 
 be"noi()ieis”bulTnspeakable  gainers,  by  having  their  recompence 
 
 acljonmeh  be  very  seasonable  when  we 
 
 takina  of  bodilv  refreshments.  Blessed  are  they  that  shall  eat  bread 
 in  the- kinadoin  of  God.  In  the  kingdom  ol  grace,  in  the  kingdom 
 of  the  Messiah,  which  was  e.xpected  now  shortly  to  be  set  up. 
 Ch  ist  promised  his  disciples  that  they  should  eat  and  drink  with 
 him  in  his  kinadom.  'they  that  partake  of  the  Lord  s  supper,  eat 
 bread  in  the  kingdom  of  God.  In  the  kingdom  ot  glory  at  the  re¬ 
 surrection.  The  happiness  of  heaven  is  an  everlasting  least; 
 Ked  are  they  that  shall  sit  down  at  that  table  whence  they 
 shall  rise  no  more.  Now  in  the  parable  which  Chiist  put  foith, 
 we  may  observe  the  free  grace  and  mercy  of  God,  shining  in  the 
 Gospef  of  Christ;  it  appears  in  the  rich  provision  he  has  made  loi^ 
 t)oor  souls  for  their  refreshment  and  entertainrnent,  l6.  f'lere 
 is  that  in  Christ  and  the  grace  of  the  Gospel,  which  will  be  food 
 and  a  feast  for  the  soul  of  man,  that  knows  its  own  capacities  ;  for 
 the  soul  of  a  sinner  that  knows  its  own  necessities  and  miseries, 
 lus  called  a  supper,  because  in  those  countrys  supper-time  was 
 the  chief  feasting  time,  when  the  business  of  the  day  was  over.J 
 The  manifestation  of  the  gospel  grace  of  the  world,  was  the  even-- 
 ing  of  the  world’s  day.  And  the  fruition  of  the  fulness  of  that 
 grace  in  heaven  is  reserved  for  the  evening  ot  our  day.  Here  is  a 
 leneral  invitation  given,  he  bade  many.  Christ  invited  the  whole 
 Ltion  and  oeople  of  the  Jews  to  partake  of  the  benehts  ot  his  gos¬ 
 pel  There  is  provision  enough  for  as  many  as  come,  it  was  pio- 
 phesied  of  as  a  feast  for  all  people,  Isa  xxv.  6.  Christ  in  the 
 Gospel  as  he  keeps  a  good  house,  so  he  kt^e]^  an  open  house. 
 The^coid  entertainment  which  the  grace  of  the  Gosped  meets  with 
 The  invited  guests  declined  coming,  they  <hd  not  say  flat  and  plain 
 Ihev  would  not  come,  but  they  all  with  one  consent  began  to  make 
 excuse,  18.  These  things  that  were  the  matter  ot  the  excuses, 
 were  little  things,  and  of  small  concern.  It  had  bet.er  become 
 Vol.  II.  84  3  N 
 
 them  to  have  said,  I  am  invited  to  cat  bread  in  the  kingdom  of 
 God  and  therefore  must  be  excused  from  going  to  see  the  ground 
 or  the  oxen.  Lawful  things  :  Things  lawful  in  themselves,  when 
 the  heart  is  too  much  set  upon  them,  prove  fatal  hindrances  re¬ 
 ligion  It  is  a  hard  matter  so  to  manage  our  worldly  affairs,  that 
 they  may  not  divert  us  from  spiritual  pursuits  ;  and  this  ought  to 
 be  our  great  care.  The  account  which  was  brought  to  the  master 
 of  the  feast,  of  the  affront  put  upon  him  by  his  friends  whom  he 
 had  invited,  who  now  shewed  how  little  they  valued  him,  21. 
 Ministers  must  give  an  account  of  the  success  ol  their  minislry. 
 The  master’s  just  resentment  of  this  affront;  he  was.  angry,  21. 
 The  ingratitude  of  those  that  slight  Gospel  offers,  and  the  con¬ 
 tempt  thev  put  upon  the  God  ot  lieaven  thereby,  is  a  very  great 
 proGcation  to  him,  and  justly  so.  Abused  mercy  turns  into  the 
 greatest  wrath.  The  doom  he  past  upon  them  was,  none  of  the  men 
 that  were  bidden  shall  taste  of  my  supper.  'I’liis  was  like  the  doom 
 past  upon  ungrateful  Israel,  when  they  despised  the  pleasant  land. 
 God  sware  in  his  wrath  that  they  should  not  enter  into  his  rest. 
 Grace  despised,  is  grace  forfeited,  like  Esau  s  biith-nght. 
 
 'that  will  not  have  Christ  when  they  may,  shall  not  have  him 
 when  they  would.  Even  those  that  were  bidden,  it  they  slight  the 
 invitation,  shall  be  forbidden  ;  when  the  door  is  shut,  the  foolish 
 virgins  will  be  denied  entrance.  The  care  that  was  taken  to  fur- 
 nisli  the  table  with  guests  as  well  as  meat.  Now  observe  h^c,  _L 
 That  the  provision  made  for  precious  souls  in  the  Gospel  ot  Christ 
 shall  appear  not  to  have  been  made  in  vain  ;  for  if  some  reject  it, 
 yet  others  will  thankfully  accept  the  offer  ot  it.  2.  Those  that  are 
 very  poor  and  low  in  the  world  shall  be  as  welcome  to  Christ  as 
 the  rich  and  great,  nay,  and;  many  times  the  Gospel  has  greatest 
 success  amoim  those  that  labour  under  worldly  disadvantages,  as 
 the  poor,  and  "bodily  infirmities,  as  the  maimed  and  the  halt,  and 
 the  blind.  3,  Many  times  the  Gospel  hath  the  greatest  success 
 among  those  that  are  least  likely  tt^^iave  the  benefit  ol  it,  and 
 whose  submission  to  it  was  least  expected.  4,  Christs  ministers 
 must  be  both  very  expeditious  and  very  importunate  m  inviting  to 
 the  Gospel-feast.  3,  Though  many  have  been  brought  in  to  par¬ 
 take  of  the  benefits  of  the  Gospel,  yet  still  there  is  room  for  more  ; 
 for  the  riches  of  Christ  are  unsearchable  and  inexhaustible  ;  there 
 is  in  him  enough  for  all,  and  enough  lor  each;  and  the  gospel  cx- 
 dudes  none  that  do  not  exclude  themselves.  0  Christ  s  house, 
 though  it  be  large,  it  shall  at  last  be  filled,  it  will  be  so  when  the 
 number  of  the  elect  is  completed,  and  as  many  as  were  given  him, 
 
 are  brought  to  him.  .  .  i  i  •  .r  .  .l 
 
 05—35.  See  how  Christ  m  his  doctrine  suited  himself  to  those 
 to  whom  he  spake,  and  gave  every  one  their  portion  of  meat.  To 
 Pharisees  he  preached  humility  and  charity  ;  He  is  in  these  verses 
 
 433 
 
ST.  LUKE. 
 
 with  him  ;  and  he  turned,  and,  said  unto 
 them, 
 
 26  If  any  man  come  to  me,  and  hate 
 not  his  father,  and  mother,  and  wife,  and 
 children,  and  brethren,  and  sisters,  yea,  and 
 his  own  life  also,  he  cannot  be  my  disciple. 
 
 27  And  whosoever  doth  not  bear  his  cross, 
 and  come  after  me,  cannot  be  my  disciple. 
 
 28  For  which  of  you,  intending  to  build 
 a  tower,  sitteth  not  down  first  and  counteth 
 the  cost,  whether  he  have  sufficient  to  finish 
 it  ? 
 
 29  Lest  haply,  after  he  hath  laid  the  foun¬ 
 dation,  and  is  not  able  to  finish  it,  all  that 
 behold  it  begin  to  mock  him, 
 
 30  Saying,  This  man  began  to  build,  and 
 was  not  able  to  finish. 
 
 31  Or  what  king,  going  to  make  war 
 against  another  king,  sitteth  not  down  first 
 and  consulteth,  whether  he  be  able  with  ten 
 thousand  to  meet  him  that  cometh  against 
 him  with  twenty  thousand  ? 
 
 32  Or  else,  while  the  other  is  yet  a  great 
 way  off,  he  sendeth  an  ambassage,  and  de- 
 sireth  conditions  of  peace. 
 
 33  So  likewise,  whosoever  he  be  of  you 
 that  forsaketh  not  all  that  he  hath,  he  can¬ 
 not  be  my  disciple. 
 
 34  f  Salt  is  good  :  but  if  the  salt  have  lost 
 his  savour,  wherewith  shall  it  be  seasoned  ? 
 
 35  It  is  neither  fit  for  the  land,  nor  yet  for 
 the  dunghill  :  but  men  cast  it  out.  He  that 
 hath  ears  to  hear,  let  him  hear. 
 
 CHAP.  XV. 
 
 I.  The  offence  which  the  Pharisees  took  at  Christ,  1,  2.  II. 
 
 His  justifying  himself  in  the  parable,  1,  Of  the  lost  sheep  that 
 
 directing  his  discourse  to  the  multitudes  that  crowded  after  him, 
 and  seemed  zealous  in  following  him,  and  his  exhortation  to  them 
 is  to  understand  the  terms  of  discipleship  before  they  undertook 
 the  profession  of  it,  and  to  consider  what  they  did.  Those  that 
 undertake  to  follow  Christ,  must  count  upon  the  worst,  and  pre¬ 
 pare  accordingly.  He  tells  them  what  the  worst  is  they  must 
 count  upon  ;  much  the  same  with  what  he  had  gone  through  before 
 them  and  for  them.  That  they  must  be  willing  to  quit  that  which 
 was  very  dear,  and  therefore  must  come  to  him  thoroughly  wean¬ 
 ed  from  all  their  creature  comforts,  and  dead  to  them,  so  as  cheer¬ 
 fully  to  part  with  them,  rather  than  quit  their  interest  in  Christ, 
 26'  A  man  cannot  be  Christ's  disciple,  but  he  must  hate  father 
 and  mother,  and  his  own  life.  He  is  nrt  sincere,  he  will  not 
 be  constant  and  preserving,  unless  he  love  Christ  bettei  ^han  any 
 thing  in  this  world,  and  be  willing  to  part  '^ith  that  which  he  |^3-y 
 and  must  leave,  either  as  a  sacrifice,  when  Christ  may  be  glorined 
 by  our  parting  with  it ;  so  the  martyrs,  who  loved  not  their  lives  to 
 death  ;  or  as  a  temptation,  when  bv  our  parting  with  it  we  are  put 
 into  a  better  capacity  of  serving  Christ :  thus  Abraham  parted  with 
 his  own  country,  and  Moses  with  Pharaoh’s  court. 
 
 4.56 
 
 w'as  brought  home  with  joy  ,  4—7.  2.  Of  the  lost  silver  that  was 
 
 found  with  joy,  8—10.  3,  Of  the  lost  son  that  had  been  a  prodi- 
 
 gal,  11—32. 
 
 r||"^HEN  drew  near  unto  him  all  the  pub- 
 ^  licans  and  sinners  for  to  hear  him. 
 
 2  And  the  Pharisees  and  scribes  murmur¬ 
 ed,  saying,  This  man  receiveth  sinners,  and 
 eateth  with  them. 
 
 3  ^  And  he  spake  this  parable  unto  them, 
 saying, 
 
 4  What  man  of  you,  having  an  hundred 
 sheep,  if  he  lose  one  of  them,  doth  not  leave 
 the  ninety  and  nine  in  the  wilderness,  and 
 go  after  that  which  is  lost,  until  he  find  it  ? 
 
 3  And  when  he  hath  found  it,  he  layeth 
 it  on  his  shoulders  rejoicing. 
 
 6  And  when  he  cometh  home  he  calleth 
 together  his  friends  and  neighbours,  saying 
 unto  them.  Rejoice  with  me  ;  for  I  have 
 found  my  sheep  vLich  was  lost. 
 
 7  I  say  unto  you,  That  likewise  joy  shall 
 be  in  heaven  over  one  sinner  that  repenteth, 
 more  than  over  ninety  and  nine  just  persons, 
 which  need  no  repentance. 
 
 8  ^  Either  what  Avoman,  having  ten  pieces 
 of  silver,  if  she  lose  one  piece,  doth  not  light 
 a  candle,  and  sweep  the  house,  and  seek 
 diligently  till  she  find  it  ? 
 
 9  And  when  she  hath  found  it,  she  calleth 
 he7'  friends  and  her  neighbours  together, 
 saying.  Rejoice  with  me  ;  for  I  have  found 
 the  piece  Avhich  I  had  lost. 
 
 10  LikcAvise  I  say  unto  you,  there  is  joy 
 in  the  presence  of  the  angels  of  God  over 
 one  sinner  that  repenteth. 
 
 11  ^  And  he  said,  A  certain  man  had 
 tAVO  sons  : 
 
 CHAP.  XV.  1  — 10.  This  is  very  applicable  to  the  great  work 
 of  our  redemption  ;  mankind  was  gone  astraj',  Isa.  liii.  6’.  The 
 value  of  the  whole  race  to  God  was  not  so  much  as  that  of  one 
 sheep  to  him  that  had  an  hundred  ;  what  loss  would  it  have  been 
 to  God  if  they  had  all  been  left  to  perish  ?  There  is  a  w'orld  of 
 holv  angels  that  are  as  the  ninety-nine  sheep,  a  noble  flock,  yet 
 God  sends  his  Son  to  seek  ami  save  that  which  w'as  lost,  Luke  xix. 
 10.  Christ  is  said  to  gather  the  lambs  in  his  arms,  and  carry 
 them  in  his  bosom,  noting  his  pity  and  tenderness  towards  poor 
 sinners;  here  he  is  said  to  bear  them  upon  his  shoulder,  noting 
 the  power  wherewith  he  supports  and  bears  them  up  :  those  can 
 never  perish  whom  he  carries  upon  his  shoulders. 
 
 The  conversion  of  sinners  is  the  joy  of  angels,  and  they  gladly  be 
 come  ministering  spirits  to  them  for  their  good,  upon  their  con¬ 
 version.  The  redemption  of  mankind  was  matter  of  joy  in  the 
 presence  of  the  angels,  for  they  sung  glory  to  God  in  the  highest, 
 Luke  xii.  14.  It  is  best  not  to  go  astray  ;  but  the  grace  of  Go^ 
 both  the  power  and  the  pity  of  that  grace  is  most  manifested  in 
 the  reducing  of  great  sinners,  more  than  in  the  conducting  of 
 those  that  never  went  astray;  and  many  times  those  that  have 
 
CHAP.  XV. 
 
 12  And  the  younger  of  them  said  to  hh 
 father,  Father,  give  me  the  portmn  of  goods 
 that  talleth  to  me.  .  nd  he  divided  unto 
 them  his  living. 
 
 13  And  not  many  days  after  the  younger 
 son  gathered  all  together,  and  took  his  jour¬ 
 ney  into  a  far  country,  and  there  wasted  his 
 
 substance  with  riotous  living. 
 
 14  And  when  he  had  spent  all,  there  arose 
 a  mighty  famine  in  that  land  *.  and  he  began 
 
 to  be  in  want.  _ 
 
 15  And  he  went  and  joined  himselr  to  a 
 
 citizen  of  that  country ;  and  he  sent  him 
 into  his  fields  to  feed  swine. 
 
 16  And  he  would  fain  have  filled  his 
 belly  with  the  husks  that  the  swine  did  eat : 
 and  no  man  gave  unto  him. 
 
 17  And,  when  he  came  to  himself,  he 
 said,  How  many  hired  servants  of  my  fa- 
 therms  have  bread  enough  and  to  spare,  and 
 I  perish  with  hunger  ! 
 
 18  1  will  arise,  and  go  to  my  father,  and 
 will  say  unto  him.  Father,  I  have  sinned 
 against  heaven  and  before  thee, 
 
 19  And  am  no  more  worthy  to  be  called 
 thy  son  ;  make  me  as  one  of  thy  hired  sei- 
 vants. 
 
 20  And  he  arose,  and  came  to  his  father. 
 But  when  he  was  yet  a  great  way  off,  his 
 
 been  great  simiers  before  their  conversion  [irove  more  eminently 
 and  zealously  good  after;  of  which  Paul  is  an  instance,  and  there¬ 
 fore  in  him  God  was  greatly  glorified,  Gal.  i.  24.  Ihey  to  whom 
 mucl.  IS  fortriven  will  love  much. 
 
 11_32.  We  have  here  the  parable  of  the  prodigal  son,  the 
 scope  of  which  is  the  same  with  those  before,  to  shew  how  pleasing 
 to  God  the  conversion  of  sinners  is,  of  great  sinners,  and  how 
 ready  he  is  to  receive  and  entertain  such  upon  their  repentance: 
 but  the  circumstances  of  the  parable  do  much  more  largely  and 
 fully  set  forth  the  riches  of  gospel  grace  than  those  did,  and  it  has 
 been  and  will  be  while  the  world  staiuls,  of  unspeakable  use  to 
 poor  sinners,  both  to  direct  and  to  encourage  them  in  repenting 
 and  returning  to  God.  Now,  first.  The  parable  represents  God 
 as  a  common  father  to  all  mankind,  to  the  whole  family  of  Adam  : 
 we  are  all  his  offspring;  have  all  one  father,  and  one  God  created 
 us,  IMal.  ii.  10.  Second,  It  represents  the  children  of  men  as  of 
 different  characters,  though  all  related  to  God  as  their  common 
 father  :  he  had  two  sons,  one  of  them  a  solitl  grave  youth,  reserved 
 and  austere,  sober  himself,  but  not  at  all  good  humouied  to  those 
 about  him  ;  such  an  one  would  adhere  to  his  education,  and  not  be 
 easily  draw’n  from  it ;  but  the  other  volatile  and  mercurial,  and 
 impatient  of  restraint,  roving,  and  w'illing  to  try  his  fortune,  and 
 if  he  fall  into  ill  hands  likely  lobe  a  rake,  notwithstanding  his  vir¬ 
 tuous  education.  Now  this  latter  represents  the  publicans  and 
 sinners  whom  Christ  is  endeavouring  to  bring  to  repentance,  and 
 the  Gentiles  whom  the  apostles  were  to  be  sent  forth  to  preach  re¬ 
 pentance  to  :  The  former,  the  Jews  in  general,  and  particularly 
 the  Pharisees,  whom  he  was  endeavouring  to  reconcile  to  that 
 grace  of  God  which  was  offered  to,  and  bestowed  upon  sinners. 
 The  younger  son  is  the  prodigal,  whose  character  and  case  is  here 
 designed  to  represent  that  of  a  sinner,  that  of  every  one  of  us  in 
 
 father  saw  him,  and  had  compassion,  and 
 ran,  and  fell  on  his  neck,  and  kissed  him. 
 
 21  And  the  son  said  unto  him.  Father,  I 
 have  sinned  against  heaven  and  in  thy  sight, 
 and  am  no  more  worthy  to  be  called  thy  son. 
 
 22  But  the  father  said  to  his  servants. 
 Bring  forth  the  best  robe  and  put  it  on 
 him  ;  and  put  a  ring  on  his  hand,  and  shoes 
 on  his  feet. 
 
 23  And  bring  hither  the  fatted  calf,  and 
 kill  it ;  and  let  us  eat  and  be  merry  ; 
 
 24  For  this  my  son  was  dead,  and  is  alive 
 again  ;  he  was  lost  and  is  found.  And  they 
 
 began  to  be  merry."  i  ^  u 
 
 25  Now  his  elder  son  was  m  the  held  ; 
 and  as  he  came,  and  drew  nigh  to  the  house, 
 he  heard  music  and  dancing. 
 
 26  And  he  called  one  of  the  servants,  and 
 asked  what  these  things  meant. 
 
 27  And  he  said  unto  him.  Thy  brother 
 is  come  ;  and  thy  father  hath  killed  the  fat¬ 
 ted  calf,  because  he  hath  received  him  safe 
 and  sound. 
 
 28  And  he  was  angry,  and  would  not  go 
 in  ;  therefore  came  his  father  out,  and  en¬ 
 treated  him. 
 
 29  And  he,  answering,  said  to  his  father, 
 Lo,  these  many  years  do  I  serve  thee ;  nei¬ 
 ther  transgressed  I  at  any  time  thy  com- 
 
 our  natural  state,  but  especially  of  some.  Now  we  aie  to  observe 
 concerning  him,  his  riot  and  ramble,  when  he  was  a  piodigal,  and 
 the  c.xtravagancies  and  miseries  he  fell  into.  I  he  great  folly  of 
 sinners,  and  that  which  ruins  being  content  to  ha\e  their 
 
 portion  in  hand  ;  now  in  this  life-time  to  receive  their  good  things. 
 They  look  only  at  the  things  that  are  seen,  that  are  temporal,  and 
 covetonlva  present  gratification,  but  have  no  care  for  a  future 
 felicity,  wTen  that  is  spent  and  gone.  How  kind  his  father  was  to 
 him  :  He  divided  unto  them  his  living.  God  is  a  kind  rathei  to  all 
 his  children,  and  gives  to  them  all  life  and  breath,  and  all  things, 
 even  to  the  evil  and  unthankful.  He  divided  to  them  life  ;  God  s 
 givin<^  us  life  is  putting  us  in  a  capacity  to  serve  and  gloi  ify  him. 
 How  he  managed  himself  when  he  had  got  his  poitiim  in  his  own 
 hands :  he  set  himself  to  spend  it  as  fast  as  he  could,  and  as  pro¬ 
 digals  used  to  do,  in  a  little  time  he  made  himself  a,  beggai,  not 
 many  days  after,  13.  If  God  leave  us  never  so  little  to  our¬ 
 selves,  it  will  not  be  long  ere  we  depart  from  him. 
 
 Now  the  condition  of  the  prodigal  in  this  ramble  of  his,  repre¬ 
 sents  to  us  a  sinful  state,  that  miserable  state  into  which  man  is 
 fallen.  First,  A  sinful  state  is  a  state  of  departure  and  distance 
 from  God  ;  second,  A  sinlul  state  is  a  spending  state.  1  here  he 
 wasted  his  substance  with  riotous  living,  13,  devoured  it  wuh  har¬ 
 lots,  30,  and  in  a  little  time  he  had  spent  all,  14  ;  third,  A 
 sinful  state  is  a  wanting  state.  When  he  had  spent  all  upon  his 
 harlots  they  left  him,  to  seek  such  another  prey,  ami  theie  arose 
 a  mightv  famine  in  that  land,  every  thing  was  scarce  and  dear,  and 
 he  begain  to  be  in  want,  14.  This  represents  the  misery  of  sin- 
 ners,  who  have  thrown  away  their  own  mercies,  the  favour  ot  yiod, 
 their  interest  in  Christ,  the  strivings  of  the  Spirit,  the  acimonitions 
 of  conscience,  these  they  game  away  for  the  pleasure  of  sense,  and 
 the  wealth  of  the  world,  and  then  are  ready  to  perish  for  want  of 
 
ST.  LUKE. 
 
 mandment ;  and  yet  thou  never  gavest  me 
 a  kid,  that  I  might  make  merry  with  my 
 friends. 
 
 30  But  as  soon  as  this  thy  son  was  come, 
 which  hath  devoured  thy  living  with  harlots, 
 thou  hast  killed  for  him  the  fatted  calf. 
 
 31  And  he  said  unto  him.  Son,  thou  art 
 ever  with  me,  and  all  that  I  have  is  thine. 
 
 32  It  was  meet  that  we  should  make 
 merry  "and  be  glad  :  for  this  thy  brother  was 
 dead,  and  is  alive  again  ;  and  was  lost,  and 
 is  found. 
 
 CHAP.  XVI. 
 
 The  scope  of  Christ’s  discourse  in  this  chapter  is,  to  awaken  and 
 quicken  us  all,  so  to  use  this  world  as  not  to  abuse  it. 
 
 And  he  also  said  unto  his  disciples.  There 
 was  a  certain  rich  man  which  had  a 
 steward ;  and  the  same  was  accused  unto 
 him,  that  he  had  wasted  his  goods. 
 
 2  And  he  called  him,  and  said  unto  him. 
 How  is  it  that  I  hear  this  of  thee  ?  give  an 
 
 account  of  thy  stewardship  :  for  thou  mayest 
 be  no  longer  steward. 
 
 3  Then  the  steward  said  within  himself, 
 What  shall  I  do,  for  my  lord  taketh  away 
 from  me  the  stewardship  ?  I  cannot  dig  ;  to 
 beg  I  am  ashamed. 
 
 4  I  am  resolved  what  to  do,  that,  when 
 I  am  put  out  of  the  stewardship,  they  ma}^ 
 receive  me  into  their  houses. 
 
 5  So  he  called  every  one  of  his  lord's 
 debtors  iinio  him,  and  said  unto  the  first, 
 How  much  owest  thou  unto  my  lord  ? 
 
 6  And  he  said.  An  hundred  measures  of 
 oil.  And  he  said  unto  him,  Take  thy  bill, 
 and  sit  down  quickly  and  write  fifty. 
 
 7  Then  said  he  to  another.  And  how 
 much  owest  thou?  And  he  said.  An  hun¬ 
 dred  measures  of  Avheat.  And  he  said  unto 
 him.  Take  thy  bill,  and  write  fourscore. 
 
 8  And  the  lord  commended  the  unjust 
 steward,  because  he  had  done  wisely  ;  for 
 
 them.  Sinners  want  necessaries  for  their  souls,  they  have  neither 
 food  nor  raiment  for  them,  nor  any  provision  hereafter;  fourth, 
 A  sinful  state  is  a  servile  stale.  When  this  young  man’s  riot  had 
 bi-ought  him  to  want,  his  want  brought  him  to  servitude,  15,  Ho 
 went°and  joined  himself  to  a  citizen  of  that  country.  The  devil  is 
 the  citizen  of  that  country,  for  he  is  both  in  city  and  courrtry  ;  sin¬ 
 ners  join  themselves  to  him,  hire  themselves  into  his  service,  to  do 
 his  woi-k,  to  be  at  his  beck,  and  to  depend  upoit  him  for  mainte¬ 
 nance  and  a  portion.  -They  that  commit  sin  arc  the  servants  of 
 sin,  John  viii.  34  :  fifth,  A  sinful  state  is  a  state  of  perpetual  dis- 
 satrsfaction.  .  That  which  sinirer's,  when  they  depart  from  God, 
 promise  themselves  satisfaction  in,  will  certainly  disappoint  them  ; 
 thev  are  labouring  for  that  which  satisfies  not,  Isa.  Iv.  2.  Husks 
 are" food  for  swine,  but  not  for  men  :  the  wealth  of  the  world,  arrd 
 the  entertainments  of  sense,  will  serve  for  bodies,  but  what  are 
 those  to  precioits  souls  ?  sixth,  A  sinful  state  is  a  state  which  can¬ 
 not  expect  relief  from  any  creature.  This  prodigal,  when  he  could 
 ■  not  earn  his  bread  by  working,  took  to  begging,  but  no  man  gave 
 unto  hrrn,  because  they  knew  he  had  brought  all  thrs  mrsery  upon 
 himself  and  because  he  was  rakish  and  provoking  to  every  body, 
 such  poor  are  least  pitied;  this  in  the  application  of  the  parable 
 intimated  that  those  who  depart  from  God,  cannot  be  helped  by 
 any  crciiturc  \  seventh,  A  sinful  slate  is  a  state  of  death,  24*,  3Q. 
 This  my  son  was  dead.  A  sinner  is  not  only  dead  in  law,  as  he  is 
 under  a  sentence  of  death,  but  dead  in  trespasses  and  sins  ;  desti- 
 tute  of  spiritual  life  ;  no  union  with  Christ ;  no  spiritual  senses  ex¬ 
 ercised  ;  no  living  to  God,  and  therefore  dead  ;  eighth,  A  sinful 
 state  is  a  lost  state.  Souls  that  are  separated  from  God  are  lost 
 souls  lost  as  a  traveller  that  is  out  of  his  wa}^  and  if  infinite  mercy 
 prevent  not,  will  soon  be  lost,  as  a  ship  that  is  sunk  at  sea,  lost 
 irrecoverably  :  ninth,  A  sinful  state  is  a  state  of  madness  and 
 frenzy  This  is  intimated  in  that  expression,  17,  when  he  came 
 to  himself  which  intimates  that  he  had  been  beside  himself,  sure 
 he  was  so’when  he  left  his  father’s  house,  and  much  more  so  when 
 he  ioined  himself  to  the  citizen  of  that  country. 
 
 We  have  here  his  return.  The  occasion  of  his  return  and  re¬ 
 pentance  was  his  affliction,  when  he  was  in  want  then  he  came  to 
 himself  When  we  see  what  miserable  comforters,  what  physicians 
 of  no  value,  all  but  Christ  are,  for  a  soul  that  groans  under  the 
 guilt  and  power  of  sin,  and  no  man  gives  unto  us  vvhat  we  need  then 
 sure  we  will  apply  ourselves  to  Jesus  Christ.  He  consid^cd  how 
 much  better  it  might  be  made,  if  he  would  but  return.  Even  the 
 hirdd  servants  of  God’s  family  are  well  provided  for  ;  the  meanest 
 458 
 
 that  will  but  hire  themselves  into  his  family,  to  do  his  work,  and 
 depend  upon  his  rewards,  shall  be  well  provided  for. 
 
 Let  us  observe  what  he  purposed  to  say.  He  would  confess  his 
 fault  and  folly;  I  have  sinned.  If  we  plead  guilty  with  a  contrite, 
 penitent,  and  obedient  heart,  we  refer  ourselves  to  the  covenant  of 
 grace,  which  offers  forgiveness  to  those  that  confess  their  sins. 
 
 VVe  have  here  his  reception  and  entertainment  with  his  father. 
 He  came  to  his  father  ;  but  was  he  welcome Yes,  heartily  wel¬ 
 come.  This  is  an  example  to  parents  whose  children  have  been 
 foolish  and  disobedient,  if  they  repent  and  submit  themselves,  not 
 to  be  harsh  and  severe  with  them,  but  to  be  governed  in  such  a  case 
 by  the  wisdom  that  is  from  above,  which  is  gentle  and  easy  to  be 
 intreated  ;  herein  let  them  be  followers  of  God,  and  merciful  as  he 
 is  ;  but  it  is  chiefly  designed  to  set  forth  the  grace  and  mercy  qt 
 God  to  poor  sinners,  that  repent  and  return  to  him,  and  his  readi¬ 
 ness  to  forgive  them. 
 
 The  prodigal  came  home  between  hope  and  fear,  fear  of  being 
 rejected,  and  hope  of  being  received  ;  but  his  father  was  not  only 
 better  to  him  than  his  fears,  but  better  to  him  than  his  hopes,  not 
 only  received  him,  but  received  him  vvivh  respect.  The  grace  of 
 God  provides  for  true  penitents.  The  righteousness  of  Christ  is 
 the  robe,  that  principal  robe  with  which  they  are  clothed.  The 
 earnest  of  the  Spirit,  by  whom  we  are  scaled  to  the  day  of  re¬ 
 demption,  is  the  ring  on  the  hand.  The  preparation  of  the  gosqcl 
 of  peace,  is  shoes  for  our  feet,  Eph.  vi.  13,  so  that  compared  with 
 this  here,  signifies,  (saith  Grotius)  that  God  when  he  receives  true 
 penitents  into  his  favour,  makes  use  of  them  tor  the  convincing 
 and  converting  of  others,  by  their  instructions,  at  least  by  their 
 examples,  he  came  home  hungry,  and  his  father  not  only  fed 
 him,  but  feasted  him,  23.  We  have  here  the  repining  and  envy¬ 
 ing  of  the  elder  brother,  which  is  described  by  way  of  reproof  to 
 the  scribes  and  Pharisees.  By  the  elder  brother  here,  we  may 
 understand  those  that  are  really  good,  and  have  been  so  from  their 
 vouth  up,  and  never  went  astray  into  any  vicious  course  of  living; 
 who  comparatively  need  no  repentance  ;  and  to  such  these  words 
 in  the  close,  Son  thou  art  ever  with  me,  are  applicable  without  any 
 diflicultv,  but  not  to  the  scribes  and  Pharisees.  ,  ,  • 
 
 CHAP.  XVI.  1—18.  We  mistake  if  we  imagine  that  the  design 
 of  Christ’s  doctrine  and  holy  religion  was  either  to  amuse  us  with 
 notions  of  divine  mysteries,  or  to  entertain  us  with  notions  of  di¬ 
 vine  mercies;  no,  the  divine  revelation  of  both  these  in  the  gospe 
 is  intended  to  engage  and  quicken  us  to  the  practice  of  Christian 
 duties,  and  as  much  as  any  one  thing  to  the  duty  of  beneficence. 
 
CHAP.  XVI. 
 
 the  children  of  this  world  are  in  their  gene¬ 
 ration  wiser  than  the  children  of  light. 
 
 9  And  I  say  unto  you,  Make  to  yourselves 
 friends  of  the  mammon  of  unrighteousness  ; 
 that,  when  ye  fail,  they  may  receive  you  in¬ 
 to  everlasting  habitations. 
 
 10  He  that  is  faithful  in  that  which  is 
 least,  is  faithful  also  in  much  ;  and  he  that 
 is  unjust  in  the  least,  is  unjust  also  in  much. 
 
 11  If,  therefore,  ye  have  not  been  faith¬ 
 ful  in  the  unrighteous  mammon,  who  will 
 commit  to  your  trust  the  true  riches^  ? 
 
 12  And  if  ye  have  not  been  faithful  in 
 that  which  is  another  man's  who  shall  give 
 you  that  which  is  your  own  ? 
 
 13  No  servant  can  serve  two  masters  ;  for 
 either  he  will  hate  the  one  and  love  the 
 other ;  or  else  he  will  hold  to  the  one,  and 
 despise  the  other.  Y e  cannot  serve  God  and 
 mammon. 
 
 14  ^  And  the  Pharisees  also,  who  were 
 covetous,  heard  all  these  things ;  and  they 
 derided  him. 
 
 15  And  he  said  unto  them.  Ye  are  they 
 which  justify  yourselves  before  men  ;  but 
 God  knoweth  your  hearts  ;  tor  that  which  is 
 highly  esteemed  among  men  is  abomination 
 in  the  sight  of  God. 
 
 16  The  law  and  the  prophets  were  until 
 John  ;  since  that  time  the  kingdom  of  God 
 is  preached,  and  every  man  presseth  into  it. 
 
 17  And  it  is  easier  for  heaven  and  earth 
 to  pass  than  one  title  ot  the  law  to  fail. 
 
 18  Whosoever  putteth  away  his  wife, 
 and  marrieth  another,  committeth  adultery  : 
 and  whosoever  marneth  her  that  is  put  away 
 from  her  husband  committeth  adultery. 
 
 19  •[  There  was  a  certain  rich  man,  which 
 was  clothed  in  purple  and  fine  linen,  and 
 fared  sumptuously  every  day : 
 
 20  And  there  was  a  certain  beggar  named 
 Lazarus,  which  was  laid  at  his  gate  full  of 
 sores, 
 
 21  And  desiring  to  be  fed  with  the  crumbs 
 which  fell  from  the  rich  man's  table  :  more¬ 
 over,  the  dogs  came  and  licked  his  sores. 
 
 22  And  it  came  to  pass  that  the  beggar 
 died,  and  was  carried  by  the  angels  into 
 Abraham's  bosom  i  the  rich  man  also  died, 
 and  was  buried  ; 
 
 I  23  And  in  hell  he  lifted  up  his  eyes,  being 
 in  torments,  and  seeth  Abraham  afar  off, 
 and  Lazarus  in  his  bosom. 
 
 24  And  he  cried,  and  said.  Father  Abra¬ 
 ham,  have  mercy  on  me;  and  send  Lazarus, 
 that  he  may  dip  the  tip  of  his  finger  in  water, 
 and  cool  my  tongue  ;  for  1  am  tormented  in 
 this  flame. 
 
 25  But  Abraham  said.  Son,  remember 
 that  thou  in  thy  lifetime  receivedst  thy  good 
 
 and  doin'-  -ood  to  those  that  stand  in  need  of  any  thing  that  either 
 we  have  or  can  do  for  them.  This  our  Saviour  is  here  pressing 
 us  to  do  by  minding  us  that  we  arc  Imt  stewards  ot  the  nianilo  d 
 grace  of'  God,  and  since  we  have  in  divers  instances  been  untaith- 
 ?ul  and  have  forfeited  the  favour  of  our  Lord,  it  is  our  wisdom  to 
 think  how  we  mav  some  other  way  make  what  we  have  in  the  woihl 
 turn  to  a  good  account.  Parables  must  not  be  forced  beyond  their 
 orimarv  intention,  and  iherelore  we  must  not  hence  infer  that  any 
 one  can  befriend  us  if  we  lay  under  the  displeasure  of  our  Lord, 
 but  that  in  the  general  we  must  so  lay  out  what  we  have  in  works 
 of  pietv  and  charity,  as  that  we  may  meet  it  again  with  comfort 
 on  the  other  side  death  and  the  grave.  If  vve  would  ap  wisely, 
 we  must  be  as  diligent  and  industrious  to  employ  our  riches  in  the 
 acts  of  pietv  and  charily,  in  order  to  promote  our  future  and  eter¬ 
 nal  welfare"  as  worldly  men  are  in  laying  them  out  to  the  greatest 
 temporal  profit,  in  making  to  themselves  friends  with  them,  and 
 securing  other  secular  intereps.  So  Dr.  Clark. 
 
 JO _ 31  As  the  parable  ot  the  prodigal  son  sets  befoie  us  the 
 
 grace  of  the  gospel,  which  is  encouraging  to  us  all,  so  this  sets  be¬ 
 fore  us  the  wrath  to  come,  and  is  designed  for  our  awakening  ;  and 
 verv  fast  asleep  those  arc  in  sin  that  will  not  be  awakened  by  it. 
 The  Phari«ees  made  a  jest  of  Christ’s  sermon  against  worldlinesp, 
 now  this  parable  was  intended  to  make  those  mockps  serious.  I  he 
 tendency  of  the  gospel  of  Christ  is  both  to  rponcile  us  to  poverty 
 and  affliction,  and  to  arm  us  against  temptations  to  worldliness  and 
 
 tilings,  and  likewise  Lazarus  evil  things . 
 but  now  he  is  comforted,  and  thou  art  tor¬ 
 mented. 
 
 26  And  besides  all  this,  between  us  and 
 you  there  is  a  great  gult  fixed  ;  so  that  they 
 which  would  pass  from  hence  to  you  cannot; 
 
 sensuality.  Now  this  parable,  by  drawing  the  curtain,  and  letting 
 1  us  see  what  will  be  the  end  of  both  m  the  other  world,  goes  very  far 
 in  iirosecuting  those  two  great  intentions.  .  , 
 
 It  is  often  the  lot  of  some  of  the  dearest  of  God  s  saints  mid  ser¬ 
 vants  to  be  greatly  afflicted  in  this  world,  while  wicked  people 
 prosper  and  have  abundance;  sec  Psalm  Ixxiii.  7.  10,  14.  Here 
 is  a  child  of  wrath,  and  an  heir  of  hell,  sitting  in  the  house  faring 
 sumptuously,  and  a  child  of  love,  and  an  heir  of  hepen,  lying  at 
 the  gate,  perishing  for  hunger.  The  dogs  came  and  licked  his  sores. 
 Those  will  have  a  great  deal  to  answer  for  hereafter  that  feed  then- 
 dogs,  but  neglect  the  poor ;  and  it  is  a  great  aggravation  of  the 
 uiicharitableness  of  many  rich  people,  that  they  bestovv  that  upon 
 their  fancies  and  follies  which  would  supply  the  necessity  and  re¬ 
 joice  the  heart  of  many-  a  good  Christian  in  distress.  Those  offend 
 God,  nay,  and  they  put  a  contempt  upon  their  human  naWre,  that 
 pamper  their  dogs  "and  horses,  and  let  the  families  of  their  poor 
 ncic^hbours  starve.  The  beggar  died,  and  was  can led  by  angels 
 info  Abraham’s  bosom.  How  much  did  the  honour  done  to  his 
 soul,  by  the  convoy  of  it  to  its  rest,  exped  the  honour  done  p 
 the  rich  man,  by  the  carrying  of  his  body  with  so  much  magnifi¬ 
 cence  to  its  grave !  Observe,  first.  His  soul  existed  in  a  state  ot 
 separation  from  its  body.  Second,  His  soul  removed  to  another 
 world,  to  the  world  of  spirits  ;  it  returned  to  God  who  gave  it,  to 
 its  native  country  ;  this  is  imidied  m  its  being  carried.  1  hird, 
 
 Vngels  took  care  of  it.  it  was  carried  by  angels.  Ihey  are  miiiis- 
 ° 
 
ST.  LUKE. 
 
 neither  can  they  pass  to  us  that  would  come 
 from  thence. 
 
 27  Then  he  said,  I  pray  thee,  therefore, 
 father,  that  thou  wouldest  send  him  to  my 
 father's  house  : 
 
 28  For  I  have  five  brethren  ;  that  he  may 
 testify  unto  them,  lest  they  also  come  into 
 this  place  of  torment. 
 
 29  Abraham  saith  unto  him.  They  have 
 Moses  and  the  prophets  :  let  them  hear 
 them. 
 
 30  And  he  said.  Nay,  father  Abraham  : 
 but  if  one  went  unto  them  from  the  dead 
 they  will  repent. 
 
 31  And  he  said  unto  him,  if  they  hear 
 not  Moses  and  the  prophets,  neither  will 
 they  be  persuaded  though  one  rose  from  the 
 dead. 
 
 CHAP.  XVII. 
 
 I,  Some  particular  discourses  Christ  had  with  his  disciples,  1  — 10. 
 II.  His  cleansing  of  ten  lepers,  11 — 19.  III.  His  discourse 
 with  his  disciples  concerning  when  the  kingdom  of  God  should 
 appear,  20 — 37- 
 
 rjBlHEN  said  he  unto  the  disciples.  It  is 
 impossible  but  that  offences  will  come  : 
 but  woe  unto  him  through  whom  they 
 come ! 
 
 2  It  were  better  for  him  that  a  mill-stone 
 were  hanged  about  his  neck,  and  he  cast 
 into  the  sea,  than  that  he  should  qifend  one 
 of  these  little  ones. 
 
 3  ^  Take  heed  to  yourselves  :  If  thy  bro¬ 
 ther  trespass  against  thee,  rebuke  him  ;  and 
 if  he  repent,  forgive  him. 
 
 4  And  if  he  trespass  against  thee  seven 
 times  .in  a  day,  and  seven  times  in  a  day  turn 
 again  to  thee,  saying,  I  repent ;  thou  shalt 
 forgive  him. 
 
 5  ^  And  the  apostles  said  unto  the  Lord, 
 Increase  our  faith. 
 
 6  And  the  Lord  said.  If  ye  had  faith  as  a 
 
 tering  spirits  to  the  heirs  of  salvation,  not  only  while  they  live  but 
 Avlien  they  die,  and  have  a  charge  concerning  them  to  bear  them  up 
 in  their  ifands,  not  only  in  their  journeys  to  and  fro  on  earth,  but  in 
 their  great  journey  to  their  long  home  in  lieaven,  to  be  both  their 
 .  guide  and  their  guard  through  regions  unknown  and  unsafe. 
 
 Here  is  an  account  of  what  passed  between  the  rich  man  and 
 Abraham  in  the  separate  state,  a  state  of  s'eparation  one  front  an¬ 
 other,  and  of  both  from  this  world  ;  and  though  it  is  probable 
 there  will  not  be,  nor  are  any  such  dialogues  or  discourses  be¬ 
 tween  glorified  saints  and  damned  sinners,  yet  it  is  very  proper, 
 and  what  is  usually  done  in  descriptions,  especially  such  as  arc 
 designed  to  be  pathetical  ami  moving,  by  sucli  dialogues  to  repre¬ 
 sent  what  will  be  the  mind  and  sentiments  both  of  the  one  and  of 
 the  other.  And  since  we  find  dajnncd  sinners  tormented  in  the 
 46'0 
 
 grain  of  mustard-seed,  ye  might  say  unto 
 this  sycamine-tree,  Be  thou  plucked  up  by 
 the  root,  and  be  thou  planted  in  the  sea ; 
 and  it  should  obey  you. 
 
 7  But  which  of  you  having  a  servant 
 plowing,  or  feeding  cattle,  will  say  unto  him 
 by  and  by,  when  he  is  come  from  the  field. 
 Go  and  sit  down  to  meat : 
 
 8  And  will  not  rather  say  unto  him,  Make 
 ready  wherewith  I  may  sup,  and  gird  thy¬ 
 self,^  and  serve  me,  till  I  have  eaten  and 
 drunken ;  and  afterward  thou  shalt  eat  and 
 drink  ? 
 
 9  Doth  he  thank  that  servant  because  he 
 did  the  things  that  were  commanded  him  ? 
 I  trow  not. 
 
 10  So  likewise  ye,  when  ye  shall  have 
 done  all  those  things  which  are  commanded 
 you,  say,  We  are  unprofitable  servants  ;  we 
 have  done  that  which  was  our  duty  to  do. 
 
 11  ^  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  he  went  to 
 Jerusalem,  that  he  passed  through  the  midst 
 of  Samaria  and  Galilee. 
 
 12  And  as  he  entered  into  a  certain  vil¬ 
 lage,  there  met  him  ten  men  that  were  le¬ 
 pers,  which  stood  afar  ofi'. 
 
 13  And  they  lifted  up  their  voices,  and 
 said,  Jesus,  Master,  have  mercy  on  us. 
 
 14  And,  when  he  saw  them,  he  said  unto 
 them.  Go,  shew  yourselves  unto  the  priests. 
 And  it  came  to  pass  that  as  they  went  they 
 were  cleansed. 
 
 15  And  one  of  them,  when  he  saw  that 
 he  was  healed,  turned  back,^and  with  a  loud 
 voice  glorified  God. 
 
 16  And  fell  down  on  his  face  at  his  feet 
 givino;  him  thanks  :  and  he  was  a  Samaritan. 
 
 17  And  Jesus,  ansAvering,  said,  AVere 
 there  not  ten  cleansed  ?  but  Avhere  are  the 
 nine  ? 
 
 presence  of  the  Lamb,  Rev.  xiv.  10,  and  the  faithful  servants  of 
 God  looking  upon  them  that  have  transgressed  the  covenant,  there 
 where  their  worm  dies  not,  and  the  fire  is  not  quenched,  Isa.  Ixvi. 
 23,  24,  such  a  discourse  as  this  is  not  incongruous  to  be  sup¬ 
 posed.  What  our  Saviour  said,  31,  was  soon  after  verified  in 
 the  unbelieving  Jews,  who  would  not  hear  Moses  and  the  pro¬ 
 phets,  Christ  and  the  apostles,  and  then  would  not  be  persuaded, 
 though  Lazarus  rose  from  the  dead. 
 
 CHiAP,  XVII.  1—10.  Christ’s  .servants  do  not  so  much  as  me¬ 
 rit  his  thanks  for  any  service  they  do  him.  We  expect  God’s  fa¬ 
 vour,  not  because  we  have  by  our  services  made  him  a  debtor  to 
 us,  but  because  he  has  by  his  promises  made  himsell  a  debtor  to 
 lis  own  honour,  and  that  we  may  plead  with  him. 
 
 11 — 19*  A  Samaritan  gives  thanks,  and  a  Jew  doth  not.  Thus 
 
CHAP.  XVIII. 
 
 18  There  are  not  found  that  returned  to 
 (?ive  §lory  to  God  5  save  this  stranger. 
 
 19  And  he  said  unto  him,  Arise,  go  thy 
 way,  thy  faith  hath  made  thee  whole. 
 
 20  And  when  he  was  demanded  of  fhe 
 Pharisees  when  the  kingdom  of  God  should 
 come,  he  answered  them,  and  said.  The 
 kingdom  of  God  cometh  not  with  observa¬ 
 tion. 
 
 21  Neither  shall  they  say,  Lo  here  ;  or,  lo 
 there  !  for,  behold,  the  kingdom  of  God  is 
 within  you. 
 
 22  f  And  he  said  unto  the  disciples,'  The 
 days  will  come,  when  ye  shall  desire  to  see 
 one  of  the  days  of  the  Son  of  man,  and  ye 
 shall  not  see  it. 
 
 23  And  they  shall  say  to  you.  See  here ; 
 or,  see  there  !  go  not  after  them,  nor  follow 
 them. 
 
 24  For  as  the  lightning  that  lighteneth' 
 out  of  the  one  part  under  heaven  shineth 
 unto  the  other  part  under  heaven  :  so  shall 
 also  the  Son  of  man  be  in  his  day. 
 
 25  But  first  must  he  suffer  many  things, 
 and  be  rejected  of  this  generation. 
 
 26  And  as  it  was  in  the  days  of  Noe,  so 
 shall  it  be  also  in  the  days  of  the  Son  of  man. 
 
 27  They  did  eat,  they  drank,  they  married 
 wives,  they  were  given  in  marriage,  until 
 the  day  that  Noe  entered  into  the  ark,  and 
 the  flood  came  and  destroyed  them  all. 
 
 28  Likewise  also,  as  it  was  in  the  days  of 
 Lot ;  they  did  eat,  they  drank,  they  bought, 
 they  sold,  they  planted,  they  builded  ; 
 
 29  But  the  same  day  that  Lot  went  out 
 of  Sodom  it  rained  fire  and  brimstone  from 
 heaven,  and  destroyed  them  all. 
 
 30  Even  thus  shall  it  be  in  the  day  Avhen 
 the  Son  of  man  is  revealed. 
 
 31  In  that  day,  he  Avhich  shall  be  upon 
 the  house-top,  and  his  stuff  in  the  house,  let 
 him  not  come  down  to  take  it  away ;  and  he 
 
 that  is  in  the  field,  let  him  likewise  not  return 
 
 back. 
 
 32  Remember  Lot’s  wife. 
 
 33  Whosoever  shall  seek  to  save  his  life 
 shall  lose  it;  and  Avhosoever  shall  lose  his 
 life  shall  preserve  it. 
 
 34  I  tell  you.  In  that  night  there  shall  be 
 two  men  in  one  bed  ;  the  one  shall  be  taken, 
 and  the  other  shall  be  left. 
 
 35  Tavo  women  shall  be  grinding  together; 
 the  one  shall  be  taken,  and  the  other  left. 
 
 36  Two  men  shall  be  in  the  field  ;  the  one 
 shall  be  taken,  and  the  other  left. 
 
 37  And  they  answered,  and  said  unto 
 him,  W^here,  Lord  ?  And  he  said  unto  them. 
 Wheresoever  the  body  is,  thither  Avill  the 
 eagles  be  gathered  together. 
 
 CHAP.  XVIII. 
 
 The  parable  of  the  importurwte  widow,  1—8,  II.  The  para¬ 
 ble  of  the  Pharisee  and  pub\ican,  9 — 14.  III.  Christs  favour 
 to  little  children,  15—17.  IV.  The  trial  of  a  rich  man  that 
 had  a  mind  to  follow  Christ,  18—30.  V.  Christ  foretels  his 
 
 And  he  spake  a  parable  unto  them  to 
 this  end,  that  men  ought  ahvays  to 
 pray,  and  not  to  faint ; 
 
 2  Saying,  There  Avas  in  a  city,  a  judge 
 which  feared  not  God,  neither  regarded 
 
 man  : 
 
 3  And  there  Avas  a  AvidoAV  in  that  city  ; 
 and  she  came  unto  him,  saying.  Avenge  me 
 of  mine  adversary. 
 
 4  And  he  would  not  for  a  Avhile ;  but  af- 
 terAvard  he  said  Avithin  himself.  Though  I 
 fear  not  God,  nor  regard  man  ; 
 
 5  Yet  because  this  AvidoAV  troublethme  I 
 Avill  avenge  her,  lest  by  her  continual  com¬ 
 ing  she  Aveary  me. 
 
 6  And  the  Lord  said.  Hear  what  the  un¬ 
 just  judge  saith. 
 
 7  And  shall  not  God  avenge  his  own  elect, 
 Avhich  cry  day  and  night  unto  him,  though 
 he  bear  long  Avith  them  ? 
 
 many  who  profess  revealed  religion  are  out-done,  and  quite  shamed, 
 by  some  that  are  governed  only  by  natural  religion,  not  only  in 
 moral  virtue,  but  in  piety  and  devotion.  This  serves  hereto  aggra¬ 
 vate  the  ingratitude  of  those  Jews  of  whom  Christ  speaks,  as  taking 
 it  very  ill  that  his  kindness  was  so  slighted. 
 
 20—37.  See  notes  on  Matt.  xxiv.  „  ^  „ 
 
 CHAP.  XVIII.  1 — 8.  This  parable  supposeth  that  all  Gods 
 people  arc  praying  people,  all  God’s  children  keep  up  both  a  con¬ 
 stant  and  an  occasional  correspondence  with  him  ;  send  lo  him 
 statedly,  and  upon  every  emergency.  It  is  our  privilege  and  ho¬ 
 
 nour  that  we  may  pray,  it  is  our  duty,  we  ought  to  pray ,  we  sm 
 if  we  neglect  it.  It  is  to  be  our  constant  work,  we  ought  always 
 to  pray,  it  is  that  which  the  duty  of  every  day  requires  ;  we  must 
 pray,  and  never  grow  weary  of  praying,  nor  think  of  giving  it  oiij 
 till  it  comes  to  be  swallowed  up  in  everlasting  praise.  But  that 
 which  seems  particularly  designed  here,  is  to  teach  us  constarmy 
 and  perseverance  in  our  request  for  some  spiritual  mercies  that 
 we  are  in  pursuit  of,  relating  either  to  ourselves  or  to  the  churck 
 of  God ;  when  we  are  praying  for  strength  against  our  spiritual 
 
 enemies,  our  lusts  and  corruptions,  which  are  our  worst  enemies, 
 
 46  I 
 
ST.  LUKE. 
 
 8  I  tell  you  that  he  will  avenge  them  spee¬ 
 dily.  Nevertheless  when  the  Son  of  man 
 cometh,  shall  he  find  faith  on  the  earth  ? 
 
 9  ^  And  he  spake  this  parable  unto  cer¬ 
 tain  which  trusted  in  themselves  that  they 
 were  righteous,  and  despised  other  : 
 
 10  Two  men  went  up  into  the  temple  to 
 pray  ;  the  one  a  Pharisee,  and  the  other  a 
 publican. 
 
 11  The  Pharisee  stood  and  prayed  thus 
 with  himself,  God,  I  thank  thee,  that  I  am 
 not  as  other  men  are,  extortioners,  unjust, 
 adulterers,  or  even  as  this  publican. 
 
 12  I  fast  twice  in  the  week,  I  give  tithes 
 of  all  that  I  possess. 
 
 13  And  the  publican,  standing  afar  off, 
 would  not  lift  up  so  much  as  his  eyes  unto 
 heaven,  but  smote  upon  his  breast,  saying, 
 God  be  merciful  to  me  a  sinner. 
 
 14  I  tell  you.  This  man  went  down  to  his 
 house  justified  rather  than  the  other  :  for 
 every  one  that  exalteth  himself  shall  be 
 abased  ;  and  he  that  humbleth  himself  shall 
 be  exalted. 
 
 15  ^  And  they  brought  unto  him  also  in¬ 
 fants,  that  he  would  touch  them  ;  but  when 
 his  disciples  saw  it,  they  rebuked  them. 
 
 l6*  But  Jesus  called  them  unto  him,  and 
 said.  Suffer  little  children  to  come  unto  me, 
 and  forbid  them  not ;  for  of  such  is  the  king¬ 
 dom  of  God. 
 
 17  Verily  I  say  unto  you.  Whosoever 
 shall  not  receive  the  kingdom  of  God  as  a 
 little  child,  shall  in  no  wise  enter  therein. 
 
 18  ^  And  a  certain  ruler  asked  him,  say¬ 
 ing,  Good  Master,  Avhat  shall  I  do  to  inherit 
 eternal  life  ? 
 
 19  And  Jesus  said  unto  him.  Why  callest 
 thou  me  good?  none  is  good  save  one,  that 
 is  God. 
 
 20  Thou  knowest  the  commandments. 
 Do  not  commit  adultery.  Do  not  kill.  Do 
 not  steal.  Do  not  bear  false  witness.  Honour 
 thy  father  and  thy  mother. 
 
 we  must  continue  instant  in  prayer,  must  pray  and  not  faint,  for 
 we  shall  not  seek  God’s  face  in  vain.  So  we  must  likewise  in  our 
 prayers  for  the  deliverance  of  the  people  of  God  out  of  the  hands 
 of  their  persecutors  and  oppressors, 
 
 9 — 14.  Proud  men  that  exalt  themselves  are  rivals  with  God, 
 and  therefore  they  shall  certainly  be  abased.  God  in  his  discourse 
 with  Job  appeals  to  this  proof,  that  he  is  God,  that  he  looks  upon 
 46' 2 
 
 21  And  he  said.  All  these  have  I  kept 
 from  my  youth  up. 
 
 22  Now,  when  Jesus  heard  these  things 
 he  said  unto  him,  yet  lackest  thou  one  thing  ; 
 sell  all  that  thou  hast,  and  distribute  unto 
 the  poor,  and  thou  shalt  have  treasure  in 
 heaven  ;  and  come,  follow  me. 
 
 23  And  when  he  heard  this  he  was  verv 
 sorrowful ;  for  he  was  very  rich. 
 
 24  And  when  Jesus  saw  that  he  was 
 very  sorrowful  he  said.  How  hardly  shall 
 they  that  have  riches  enter  into  the  kingdom 
 of  God! 
 
 25  For  it  is  easier  for  a  camel  to  go 
 through  a  needle's  eye  than  for  a  rich  man 
 to  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  God. 
 
 26  And  they  that  heard  it  said.  Who  then 
 can  be  saved  ? 
 
 27  And  he  said.  The  things  which  are 
 impossible  with  men  are  possible  with  God. 
 
 28  %  Then  Peter  said,  Lo,  we  have  left 
 all,  and  followed  thee. 
 
 29  And  he  said  unto  them.  Verily  I  say 
 unto  you.  There  is  no  man  that  hath  lett 
 house,  or  parents,  or  brethren,  or  wife,  or 
 children,  for  the  kingdom  of  God's  sake, 
 
 30  Who  shall  not  receive  manifold  more 
 in  this  present  time,  and  in  the  world-  to 
 come  life  everlasting. 
 
 31  ^  Then  he  took  ujito  him  the  twelve, 
 and  said  unto  them.  Behold,  we  go  up  to  Je¬ 
 rusalem,  and  all  things  that  are  written  by 
 the  prophets  concerning  the  Son  of  man  shall 
 be  accomplished. 
 
 32  For  he  shall  be  delivered  unto  the  Gen¬ 
 tiles,  and  shall  be  mocked,  and  spitefully 
 entreated,  and  spitted  on  : 
 
 33  And  they  shall  scourge  him,  and  put 
 him  to  death  ;  and  the  third  day  he  shall  rise 
 again. 
 
 34  And  they  understood  none  of  these 
 things  ;  and  this  saying  was  hid  from  them, 
 neither  knew  they  the  things  which  were 
 spoken. 
 
 Cvcry  one  that  is  proud,  and  brings  him  low,  Job  xl.  12.  Humble 
 men  that  abase  themselves  are  subjects  to  God,  and  they  shall  be 
 exalted.  God  has  preferment  in  store  for  those  that  will  take  it  a» 
 a  favour,  not  for  those  that  demand  it  of  a  debt. 
 
 15 — 17.  See  notes  on  Matt.  xix.  13 — 15. 
 
 18 — 30.  See  notes  on  Matt.  xix.  16—30. 
 
 31 — 43.  See  notes  on  Matt.  xx.  29 — 34 
 
CHAP.  XIX. 
 
 35  f  And  it  came  to  pass,  that,  as  he  was 
 come  nigh  unto  Jericho,  a  certain  blind  man 
 sat  by  the  way-side  begging  : 
 
 36  And,  hearing  the  multitude  pass  by, 
 
 he  asked  what  it  meant. 
 
 37  And  they  told  him.  That  Jesus  of  Na¬ 
 zareth  passeth  by, 
 
 38  And  he  cried,  saying,  Jesus,  thou  Son 
 of  David,  have  mercy  on  me. 
 
 39  And  they  which  went  before  rebuked 
 him  that  he  should  hold  his  peace :  but  he 
 cried  so  much  the  more.  Thou  Son  of  David, 
 have  mercy  on  me. 
 
 40  And  Jesus  stood  and  commanded  him 
 to  be  brought  unto  him  :  and  when  he  was 
 come  near,  he  asked  him, 
 
 41  Saying,  What  wilt  thou  that  I  shall 
 do  unto  thee  ?  And  he  said.  Lord,  that  I  may 
 receive  my  sight. 
 
 42  And  Jesus  said  unto  him.  Receive  thy 
 sight ;  thy  faith  hath  saved  thee. 
 
 43  And  immediately  he  received  his  sight, 
 and  followed  him,  glorifying  God  :  and  all 
 the  people,  when  they  saw  gave  praise 
 unto  God, 
 
 CHAP.  XIX. 
 
 I.  The  conversion  of  Zaccheus,  1 — 10.  II.  The  parable  of  the 
 pounds,  11—27.  HI.  Christ’s  riding  into  lerusalem,  28—44. 
 IV.  His  teaching  in  the  temple,  45—48. 
 
 And  Jesus  entered  and  passea  through 
 Jericho. 
 
 2  And,  behold,  there  zms  a  man  named 
 Zaccheus,  which  was  the  chief  among  the 
 publicans,  and  he  was  rich. 
 
 3  And  he  sought  to  see  Jesus,  who  he 
 was  ;  and  could  not  for  the  press,  because 
 he  was  little  of  stature. 
 
 4  And  he  ran  before,  and  climbed  up  into 
 a  sycamore-tree  to  see  him ;  for  he  was  to 
 pass  that  way. 
 
 5  And  when  Jesus  came  to  the  place,  he 
 looked  up  and  saw  him,  and  said  unto  him, 
 
 CHAP.  XIX.  1 — 10.  When  Zaccheus  is  brought  to  Christ 
 himself,  his  family  also  became  related  to  Christ,  and  his  children 
 are  admitted  members  of  his  church,  and  so  salvation  cornes  to  his 
 house,  for  that  he  is  a  son  of  Abraham,  and  therefore  interested 
 in  God’s  covenant  with  Abraham,  that  blessing  of  Abraharn  which 
 comes  upon  the  publicans,  upon  the  Gentiles  through  faith,  that 
 God  will  be  a  God  to  them  and  to  their  children,  and  therefore 
 when  he  believes  salvation  comes  to  his  house,  as  to  the  jailor’s, 
 to  whom  it  was  said.  Believe  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  thou 
 shalt  be  saved  and  thine  house,  Acts  xvi.  31.  Zaccheus  is  by  birth 
 Vol.  II.  85  3  0 
 
 Zaccheus,  make  haste,  and  come  down  :  for 
 to-day  I  must  abide  at  thy  house. 
 
 6  And  he  made  haste,  and  came  down, 
 and  received  him  joyfully. 
 
 7  And  when  they  saw  it,  they  all  mur¬ 
 mured,  saying.  That  he  was  gone  to  be  guest 
 with'a  man  that  is  a  sinner. 
 
 8  And  Zaccheus  stood,  and  said  unto  the 
 Lord,  Behold,  Lord,  the  half  of  my  goods  I 
 give  to  the  poor ;  and  if  I  have  taken  any 
 thing  from  any  man  by  false  accusation,  I 
 restore  him  four-fold. 
 
 9  And  Jesus  said  unto  him.  This  day  is 
 salvation  come  to  this  house,  forasmuch  as 
 he  also  is  a  son  of  Abraham. 
 
 10  For  the  Son  of  man  is  come  to  seek  and 
 to  save  that  which  was  lost. 
 
 11  f  And  as  they  heard  these  things,  he 
 added  and  spake  a  parable,  because  he  was 
 nigh  to  Jerusalem,  and  because  they  thought 
 that  the  kingdom  of  God  should  immediately 
 appear. 
 
 12  He  said,  therefore,  a  certain  nobleman 
 went  into  a  far  country  to  receive  for  himself 
 a  kingdom,  and  to  return. 
 
 13  And  he  called  his  ten  servants,  and  de¬ 
 livered  them  ten  pounds,  and  said  unto  them, 
 Occupy  till  I  come. 
 
 14  But  his  citizens  hated  him,  and  sent  a 
 message  after  him,  saying.  We  will  not  have 
 this  man  to  reign  over  us. 
 
 15  And  it  came  to  pass,  that  when  he  was 
 returned,  having  received  the  kingdom,  then 
 he  commanded  these  servants  to  be  called 
 unto  him  to  whom  he  had  given  the  money, 
 that  he  might  know  how  much  every  man 
 had  gained  by  trading. 
 
 16  Then  came  the  first,  saying.  Lord,  thy 
 pound  hath  gained  ten  pounds. 
 
 17  And  he  said  unto  him.  Well,  thou  good 
 servant ;  because  thou  hast  been  faithful  in  a 
 very  little,  have  thou  authority  over  ten  cities. 
 
 a  son  of  Abraham,  but  being  a  publican  he  was  deemed  a  heathen, 
 they  being  put  upon  a  level,  Matt,  xviii.  17,  ^>1^1  such  the  Jews 
 were  shy  of  conversing  with  him,  and  expected  Christ  should  be 
 s-o,  but  he  shews,  that  being  a  true  penitent,  he  is  become  as  good 
 a  son  of  Abraham  as  it  he  had  never  been  a  publican,  which  there¬ 
 fore  ouglit  not  to  be  mentioned  against  him. 
 
 11—27.  Those  that  will  not  have  Christ  to  reign  over  them  shall 
 be  reputed  and  (lealt  with  as  his  enemies.  We  are  ready  to  think 
 none  are  Christ’s  enemies,  but  persecutors  of  Christianity,  or  scof¬ 
 fers  at  least;  but  you  see  those  will  be  accounted  80  that  dislike 
 
ST.  LUKE. 
 
 18  And  the  second  came,  saying,  Lord, 
 thy  pound  hath  gained  five  pounds. 
 
 19  And  he  said  likewise  to  him.  Be  thou 
 also  over  five  cities. 
 
 20  And  another  came,  saying.  Lord,  be¬ 
 
 hold,  here  is  thy  pound,  which  I  have  kept 
 laid  up  in  a  napkin  :  ' 
 
 21  For  I  feared  thee,  because  thou  art 'an 
 austere  man  ;  thou  takest  up  that  thou  lay- 
 edst  not  down,  and  reapest  that  thou  didst 
 not  sow. 
 
 22  And  he  saith  unto  him.  Out  of  thine 
 own  mouth  will  I  judge  thee,  thou  wicked 
 servant.  Thou  knewest  that  I  was  an  aus¬ 
 tere  man,  taking  up  that  I  laid  not  down, 
 and  reaping  that  I  did  not  sow  : 
 
 23  Wherefore  then  gavest  not  thou  my 
 money  into  the  bank,  that  at  my  coming  I 
 might  have  required  mine  own  with  usury  ? 
 
 24  And  he  said  unto  them  that  stood  by. 
 Take  from  him  the  pound,  and  give  it  to  him 
 that  hath  ten  pounds. 
 
 25  (And  they  said  unto  him.  Lord,  he 
 hath  ten  pounds.) 
 
 26  For  I  say  unto  you.  That  unto  every 
 one  which  hath  shall  be  given ;  and  from  him 
 that  hath  not,  even  that  he  hath  shall  be 
 taken  away  from  him. 
 
 27  But  those  mine  enemies  which  would 
 not  that  I  should  reign  over  them,  bring 
 hither,  and  slay  them  before  me. 
 
 28  ^  And  when  he  had  thus  spoken  he 
 went  before,  ascending  up  to  Jerusalem. 
 
 29  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  he  was 
 come  nigh  to  Bethpage  and  Bethany,  at 
 the  mount  called  the  mouut  of  Olives,  he  sent 
 two  of  his  disciples, 
 
 30  Saying,  Go  ye  into  the  village  over 
 against  you  ;  in  the  which,  at  your  entering, 
 je  shall  find  a  colt  tied,  whereon  yet  never 
 man  sat :  loose  him,  and  bring  him  hither. 
 
 31  And  if  any  man  ask  you.  Why  do  ye 
 loose  him  ?  thus  shall  ye  say  unto  him.  Be¬ 
 cause  the  Lord  hath  need  of  him. 
 
 32  And  they  that  were  sent  went  their 
 way,  and  found  even  as  he  had  said  unto  them. 
 
 the  terms  of  salvation,  will  not  submit  to  Christ’s  yoke,  but  will 
 be  their  own  masters.  Whoever  will  not  be  ruled  by  the  grace  of 
 Christ,  will  inevitably  be  ruled  by  the  wrath  of  Christ. 
 
 See  notes  on  Matt.  xxv.  14 — 30. 
 
 46'4 
 
 33  And,  as  they  were  loosing  the  colt,  the 
 owners  thereof  said  unto  them.  Why  loose 
 ye  the  colt  ? 
 
 34  And  they  said,  The  ‘Lord  hath  need 
 of  him. 
 
 35  And  they  brought  him  to  Jesus  :  and 
 they  cast  their  garments  upon  the  colt,  and 
 they  set  Jesus  thereon. 
 
 36  And  as  they  went  they  spread  their 
 clothes  in  the  way. 
 
 37  And  when  he  was  come  nigh,  even 
 now  at  the  descent  of  the  mount  of  Olives, 
 the  whole  multitude  of  the  disciples  began 
 to  rejoice,  and  praise  God  with  a  loud  voice, 
 for  all  the  mighty  works  that  they  had  seen  ; 
 
 38  Saying,  Blessed  be  the  King,  that 
 cometh  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  :  peace  in 
 heaven,  and  glory  in  the  highest. 
 
 39  And  some  of  the  Pharisees  from 
 among  the  multitude  said  unto  him.  Master, 
 rebuke  thy  disciples. 
 
 40  And  he  answered,  and  said  unto  them, 
 I  tell  you,  that  if  these  should  hold  their 
 peace,  the  stones  would  immediately  cry  out. 
 
 41  ^  And  when  he  was  come  near  he  be¬ 
 held  the  city,  and  wept  over  it. 
 
 42  Saying,  If  thou  hadst  known,  even 
 thou,  at  least  in  this  thy  day,  the  things 
 which  belong  unto  thy  peace  !  but  now  they 
 are  hid  from  thine  eyes. 
 
 43  For  the  days  shall  come  upon  thee 
 that  thine  enemies  shall  cast  a  trench  about 
 thee,  and  compass  thee  round,  and  keep  thee 
 in  on  every  side, 
 
 44  And  shall  lay  thee  even  with  the 
 ground,  and  thy  children  within  thee  ;  and 
 they  shall  not  leave  in  thee  one  stone  upon 
 another  ;  because  thou  knewest  not  the  time 
 of  thy  visitation. 
 
 45  ^  And  he  went  into  the  temple,  and 
 began  to  cast  out  them  that  sold  therein, 
 and  them  that  bought : 
 
 46  Saying  unto  them.  It  is  written.  My 
 house  is  the  house  of  prayer  :  but  ye  have 
 made  it  a  den  of  thieves. 
 
 47  ^  And  he  taught  daily  in  the  temple. 
 
 28 — 40.  See  notes  on  Matt.  xxi.  1 — 9- 
 
 41 — 48.  Jerusalem  cannot  escape  the  day  of  her  desolation,  and 
 therefore  they  are  marked  for  ruin,  which  Christ  here  foresees  and 
 forctels,  as  the  certain  consequence  of  their  rejecting  Christ.  Neg- 
 
CHAP.  XX. 
 
 But  the  chief  priests,  and  the  scribes,  and 
 the  chief  of  the  people,  sought  to  destroy 
 
 him  I 
 
 48  And  could  not  find  what  they  might 
 do  :  for  all  the  people  were  very  attentive  to 
 
 hear  him. 
 
 CHAP.  XX. 
 
 In  this  chapter,  we  have,  I.  Christ’s  answer  t&  the  chief  priests’ 
 question  concerning  his  authonU',  1—8.  II.  The  parable  of 
 ?he  vineyard,  9-'9.  Ad-  paying  tribute  to  Cesar, 
 
 20 _ 26.  IV,  His  vindication  of  the  resuirection  of  the.dead, 
 
 27—38.  V.  His  puzzling  the  scribes,  39—44.  VI.  Ihe 
 caution  he  gave  his  disciples  to  take  heed  of  the  scribes, 
 
 45—47. 
 
 And  it  came  to  pass,  that  on  one  of  those 
 days,  as  he  taught,  the  people  in  the 
 temple,  and  preached  the  gospel,  the  chief 
 priests  and  the  scribes  came  upon  hhn  with 
 the  elders, 
 
 2  And  spake  unto,  him,  saying.  Tell  us. 
 By  what  authority  doest  thou  these  things  ? 
 or,  who  is  he  that  gave  thee  this  authority  ? 
 
 3  And  he  answered,  and  said  unto  them, 
 1  will  also  ask  you  one  thirlg  ;  and  answer 
 
 me  : 
 
 4  The  baptism  of  John,  was  it  from  hea¬ 
 ven,  or  of  men  ? 
 
 5  And  they  reasoned  with  themselves,  say¬ 
 ing,  If  we  shall  say.  Prom  heaven ;  he  will 
 say,  why  then  believed  ye  him  not  ? 
 
 6  But,  and  if  we  say,  Of  men ;  all  the 
 people  will  stone  us  :  for  they  be  persuaded 
 that  John  was  a  prophet. 
 
 7  And  they  answered.  That  they  could  not 
 tell  whence  it  was. 
 
 8  And  Jesus  said  unto  them.  Neither  tel 
 I  you  by  what  authority  I  do  these  things. 
 
 9  ^  Then  began  he  to  speak  to  the  people 
 this  parable  ;  A  certain  man  planted  a  vine¬ 
 yard,  and  let  it  forth  to  husbandmen,  anc 
 went  into  a  far  country  for  a  long  time. 
 
 10  And  at  the  season  he  sent  a  servant  to 
 the  husbandmen,  that  they  should  give  him 
 of  the  fruit  of  the  vineyard  :  but  the  hus¬ 
 bandmen  beat  him,  and  sent  him  away  empty. 
 
 1 1  And  again  he  sent  another  servant : 
 and  they  beat  him  also,  and  entreated  him 
 shamefully,  and  sent  him  away  empty. 
 
 12  And  again  he  sent  a  third  :  and  they 
 w’ounded  him  also,  and  cast  him  out. 
 
 13  Then  said  the  lord  of  the  vineyard. 
 What  shall  I  do  ?  I  will  send  my  beloved 
 son  :  it  may  be  they  will  reverence  him  Avhen 
 they  see  him. 
 
 14  But  when  the  husbandmen  saw  him, 
 they  reasoned  among  themselves,  saying. 
 This  is  the  heir,,  come,  let  us  kill  him,  that 
 the  inheritance  may  be  ours. 
 
 15  So  they  cast  him  out  of  the  vineyard, 
 and  killed  him.  What,  therefore,  shall  the 
 ord  of  the  vineyard  do  unto  them  ? 
 
 16  He  shall  come  and  destroy  these  hus¬ 
 bandmen,  and  shall  give  the  vineyard  to 
 others.  And  when  they  heard  it,  they  said, 
 God  forbid. 
 
 17  And  he  beheld  them,  and  said.  What 
 is  this  then  that  is  written.  The  stone  which 
 :he  builders  rejected,  the  same  is  become  the 
 head  of  the  corner  ? 
 
 18  Whosoever  shall  fall  upon  that  stone 
 shall  be  broken  ;  but  on  whomsoever  it  shall 
 fall,  it  will  grind  him  to  powder. 
 
 19  ^  And  the  chief  priests  and  the  scribes 
 the  same  hour  sought  to  lay  hands  on  him ; 
 and  they  feared  the  people  :  for  they  per¬ 
 ceived  that  he  had  spoken  this  parable 
 against  them. 
 
 20  And  they  watched  him,  and  sent  forth 
 spies,  which  should  feign  themselves  just 
 men,  that  they  might  take  hold  of  his  words, 
 that  so  they  might  deliver  him  unto  the 
 power  and  authority  of  the  governor. 
 
 21  And  they  asked  him,  saying.  Master, 
 we  know  that  thou  sayest  and  teachest  right¬ 
 ly  ;  neither  acceptest  thou  the  person  q/  any, 
 but  teachest  the  way  of  God  truly, 
 
 22  Is  it  lawful  for  us  to  give  tribute  unto 
 Cesar,  or  no  ? 
 
 23  But  he  perceived  their  craftiness,  and 
 
 said  unto  them.  Why  tempt  ye  me  ?  '' 
 
 24  Shew  me  a  penny.  Whose  image  and 
 superscription  hath  it  ?  They  answered  and 
 said,  Cesar's. 
 
 25  And  he  said  unto  them.  Render,  there- 
 
 lectin®  the  great  salvation  often  brings  temporal  judgments  upon 
 a  people  i  it  did  so  upon  Jerusalem  in  less  than  forty  years  after 
 this;  when  all  that  Christ  here  foretold  was  exactly  fulfilled. 
 
 CHAP.  XX.  1—8.  See  notes  on  Matt.  xxi.  23—27 
 9 — 19"  See  notes  on  Matt.  xxi.  33 — 46. 
 
 20 — 26.  See  notes  on  Matt.  xxii.  15 — 22. 
 
ST.  LUKE. 
 
 fore,  unto  Cesar  the  things  which  be  CesaEs, 
 and  unto  God  the  things  which  be  God’s. 
 
 26  And  they  could  not  take  hold  of  his 
 words  before  the  people,  and  they  marvelled 
 at  his  answer,  and  held  their  peace. 
 
 27  %  Then  came  to  him  certain  of  the  Sad- 
 ducees,  which  deny  that  there  is  any  resur¬ 
 rection  ;  and  they  asked  him, 
 
 28  Saying,  Master,  Moses  wrote  unto  us. 
 If  any  man’s  brother  die,  having  a  wife,  and 
 he  die  without  children,  that  his  brother 
 should  take  his  wife,  and  raise  up  seed  unto 
 his  brother. 
 
 29  There  were,  therefore,  seven  brethren  : 
 and  the  first  took  a  wife  and  died  without 
 children. 
 
 30  And  the  second  took  her  to  wife,  and 
 he  died  childless. 
 
 3 1  And  the  third  took  her  ;  and  in  like 
 manner  the  seven  also  :  and  they  left  no  chil¬ 
 dren,  and  died. 
 
 32  Last  of  all  the  woman  died  also. 
 
 33  Therefore  in  the  resurrection  whose 
 .vife  of  them  is  she?  for  seven  had  her  to  wife. 
 
 34  And  Jesus,  answering,  said  unto  them. 
 The  children  of  this  world  marry,  and  are 
 given  in  marriage ; 
 
 35  But  they  which  shall  be  accounted 
 worthy  to  obtain  that  world,  and  the  resur¬ 
 rection  from  the  dead,  neither  marry,  nor 
 are  given  in  marriage  ; 
 
 36  Neither  can  they  die  any  more  :  for 
 they  are  equal  unto  the  angels  ;  and  are  the 
 children  of  God,  being  the  children  of  the 
 vesurrection. 
 
 37  Now  that  the  dead  are  raised,  even 
 Moses  shewed  at  the  bush,  when  he  calleth 
 the  Lord  the  God  of  Abraham,  and  the  God 
 of  Isaac,  and  the  God  of  Jacob. 
 
 38  Eor  he  is  not  a  God  of  the  dead,  but 
 of  the  living  :  for  all  live  unto  him. 
 
 39  f  Then  certain  of  the  scribes,  answer¬ 
 ing,  said.  Master,  thou  hast  well  said. 
 
 40  And  after  that  they  durst  not  ask  him 
 any  question  at  all. 
 
 41  ^  And  he  said  unto  them.  How  say 
 they  that  Christ  is  David’s  Son  ? 
 
 42  And  David  himself  saith  in  the  book 
 of  Psalms,  The  Lord  said  unto  my  Lord,  Sit 
 thou  on  my  right  hand, 
 
 43  Till  I  make  thine  enemies  thy  foot¬ 
 stool. 
 
 44 ‘David,  therefore,  calleth  him  Lord, 
 how  is  he  then  his  Son  ? 
 
 45  ^  Then,  in  the  audience  of  all  the 
 people,  he  said  unto  his  disciples, 
 
 46  Beware  of  the  scribes,  which  desire  to 
 walk  in  long  robes,  and  love  greetings  in  the 
 markets,  and  the  highest  seats  in  the  syna¬ 
 gogues,  and  the  chief  rooms  at  feasts  ; 
 
 47  Which  devour  widows’  houses,  and  for 
 a  shew  make  long  prayers,  the  same  shall 
 receive  greater  damnation. 
 
 CHAP.  XXL 
 
 In  this  chapter  we  have  a  prediction  of  future  events. 
 
 And  he  looked  up,  and  saw  the  rich  men 
 casting  their  gifts  into  the  treasury. 
 
 2  And  he  saw  also  a  certain  poor  widow 
 casting  in  thither  two  mites. 
 
 3  And  he  said.  Of  a  truth  I  say  unto  you, 
 That  this  poor  widow  hath  cast  in  more  than 
 they  all. 
 
 4  For  all  these  have  of  their  abundance 
 cast  in  unto  the  offerings  of  God  :  but  she  of 
 her  penury  hath  cast  in  all  the  living  that  she 
 had^ 
 
 5  ^  And  as  some  spake  of  the  temple,  how 
 it  was  adorned  with  goodly  stones  and  gifts, 
 he  said, 
 
 6  As  for  these  things  which  ye  behold,  the 
 days  will  come,  in  the  which  there  shall  not 
 be  left  one  stone  upon  another,  that  shall 
 not  be  thrown  down. 
 
 7  %  And  they  asked  him,  saying.  Master, 
 but  when  shall  these  things  be  ?  and  what 
 sign  will  there  be  when  these  things  shall 
 come  to  pass  ? 
 
 8  And  he  said,  Take  heed  that  ye  be  not 
 deceived  :  for  many  shall  come  in  my  name, 
 saying,  I  am  Christ ;  and  the  time  draAveth 
 near  :  go  ye  not,  therefore  after  them. 
 
 9  But  Avhen  ye  shall  hear  of  wars  and  com¬ 
 motions  be  not  terrified  :  for  these  things 
 
 27—38.  Sec  notes  on  Matt.  xxii.  23—33.  CHAP.  XXI.  1—4.  See  notes  on  Mark  xii.  41 — 44. 
 
 39 — 47.  See  notes  on  Matt.  xxii.  42 — 46'.  5 — 19.  Sec  notes  on  Matt  xxiv. 
 
 46'6' 
 
CHAP.  XXII. 
 
 must  first  come  to  pass  ;  but  the  end  is  not 
 
 by  and  by. 
 
 10  Then  said  he  unto  them,  Nation  shall 
 rise  ao-ainst  nation,  and  kingdom  against 
 kingdom ; 
 
 11  And  great  earthquakes  shall  be  in  di¬ 
 vers  places,  and  famines,  and  pestilences  ; 
 and  fearful  sights  and  great  signs  shall  there 
 be  from  heaven. 
 
 12  But  before  all  these  they  shall  lay 
 their  hands  on  you,  and  persecute  you,  deli¬ 
 vering  you  up  to  the  synagogues,  and  into 
 prisons,  being  brought  before  kings  and  rulers 
 for  my  name’s  sake. 
 
 13  And  it  shall  turn  to  you  for  a  testimony. 
 
 14  Settle  it,  therefore  in  your  hearts,  not 
 to  meditatoi  before  what  ye  shall  answer  ; 
 
 15  For  I  will  give  you  a  mouth  and  wis¬ 
 dom,  which  all  your  adversaries  shall  not  be 
 able  to  gainsay  nor  resist. 
 
 16  And  ye  shall  be  betrayed  both  by  pa¬ 
 rents,  and  brethren, and  kinsfolk, and  friends; 
 and  some  of  you  shall  they  cause  to  be  put 
 to  death. 
 
 17  And  ye  shall  be  hated  of  all  meri  for 
 my  name’s  sake. 
 
 ,  18  But  there  shall  not  an  hair  of  your  head 
 perish. 
 
 19  In  your  patience  possess  ye  your  souls. 
 
 20  And  when  ye  shall  see  Jerusalem  com¬ 
 passed  with  armies,  then  know  that  the  de¬ 
 solation  thereof  is  nigh. 
 
 21  Then  let  them  which  are  in  Judea  flee 
 to  the  mountains  ;  and  let  them  which  are 
 in  the  midst  of  it  depart  out ;  and  let  not 
 them  that  are  in  the  countries  enter  there¬ 
 into. 
 
 22  For  these  be  the  days  of  vengeance, 
 that  all  things  which  are  written  may  be  ful¬ 
 filled. 
 
 23  But  woe  unto  them  that  are  with  child, 
 and  to  them  that  give  suck,  in  those  days  ! 
 for  there  shall  be  great  distress  in  the  land, 
 and  wrath  upon  this  people. 
 
 24  And  they  shall  fall  by  the  edge  of  the 
 sword,  and  shall  be  led  away  captive  into  all 
 nations  :  and  Jerusalem  shall  be  trodden 
 down  of  the  Gentiles,  until  the  times  of  the 
 Gentiles  be  fulfilled. 
 
 25  And  there  shall  be  signs  in  the  sun, 
 and  in  the  moon,  and  in  the  stars  ;  and  upon 
 the  earth  distress  of  nations,  with  perplexity, 
 the  sea  and  the  waves  roaring  ; 
 
 26  Men’s  hearts  failing  them  for  fear,  and 
 for  looking  after  those  things  which  are  com¬ 
 ing  on  the  earth  :  for  the  powers  of  heaven 
 shall  be  shaken. 
 
 27  And  then  shall  they  see  the  Son  of  man 
 coming  in  a  cloud  with  power  and  great 
 glory. 
 
 28  And  Avhen  these  things  begin  to  come 
 to  pass,  then  look  up  and  lift  up  your  heads  ; 
 for  your  redemption  draweth  nigh. 
 
 29  And  he  spake  to  them  a  parable ;  Be¬ 
 hold  the  fig-tree  and  all  the  trees  ; 
 
 30  When  they  now  shoot  forth,  ye  see  and 
 know  of  your  ownselves  that  summer  is  now 
 nigh  at  hand. 
 
 31  So  likewise  ye  when  ye  see  these 
 things-come  to  pass,  know  ye  that  the  king¬ 
 dom  of  God  is  nigh  at  hand. 
 
 32  Verily  I  say  unto  you.  This  generation 
 shall  not  pass  away  till  all  be  fulfilled. 
 
 33  Heaven  and  earth  shall  pass  away,  but 
 my  words  shall  not  pass  away. 
 
 34  And  take  heed  to  yourselves,  lest  at 
 any  time  your  hearts  be  overcharged  Avith 
 surfeiting  and  drunkenness,  and  cares  of  this 
 life,  and  so  that  day  come  upon  you  una¬ 
 wares. 
 
 35  For  as  a  snare  shall  it  come  on  all  them 
 that  dwell  on  the  face  of  the  Avhole  earth. 
 
 36  Watch  ye,  therefore,  and  pray  always, 
 that  ye  may  be  accounted  Avorthy  to  escape 
 all  these  things  that  shall  come  to  pass,  and 
 to  stand  before  the  Son  of  man. 
 
 37  And  in  the  day-time  he  Avas  teaching- 
 in  the  temple  ;  and  at  night  he  Avent  out,  and 
 abode  in  the  mount  that  is  called  the  mount 
 of  Olives. 
 
 38  And  all  the  people  came  early  in  the 
 morning  to  him  in  the  temple  for  to  hear 
 him. 
 
 CHAP.  XXII. 
 
 I.  The  lot  to  take  Jesus,  v.  ]— 6.  .  JI-  Christ  eating  the  passover, 
 
 V.  7—18.  III.  The  instituting  of  Ihe  Lord’s  Supper,  v.  19,  20, 
 
 IV.  Christ’s  discourse  with  his  disciples,  v.  21 — 38.  V.  His 
 
 agony  in  the  garden,  v.  39 — VI.  The  apprehending  of  him, 
 
 V.  47—53.  VII.  Peter’s  denying  him,  v.  54 — 6'2.  Vlll.  The 
 
 indignities  done  to  Christ,  v.  63 — 71. 
 
ST.  LUKE. 
 
 OW  the  feast  of  unleavened  bread  drew 
 nigh,  which  is  called  The  passover. 
 
 2  And  the  chief  priests  and  scribes  sought 
 how  they  might  kill  him ;  for  they  feared 
 the  people. 
 
 3  ^  Then  entered  Satan  into  Judas,  sur- 
 named  Iscariot,  being  of  the  number  of  the 
 twelve. 
 
 4  And  he  went  his  way,  and  communed 
 with  the  chief  priests  and  captains  how  he 
 might  betray  him  unto  them. 
 
 5  And  they  were  glad,  and  covenanted  to 
 give  him  money. 
 
 6  And  he  promised,  and  sought  opportu¬ 
 nity  to  betray  him  unto  them  in  the  absence 
 of  the  multitude. 
 
 7  Then  came  the  day  of  unleavened 
 bread,  when  the  passover  must  be  killed. 
 
 8  And  he  sent  Peter  and  John,  saying, 
 Go  and  prepare  us  the  passover,  that  we 
 may  eat. 
 
 9  And  they  said  unto  him.  Where  wilt  thou 
 that  w^e  prepare  ? 
 
 10  And  he  said  unto  them.  Behold,  when 
 ye  are  entered  into  the  city,  there  shall  a 
 man  meet  you  bearing  a  pitcher  of  water ; 
 follow  him  into  the  house  where  heentereth  in. 
 
 11  And  ye  shall  say  unto  the  good  man 
 of  the  house,  The  master  saith  unto  thee, 
 Where  is  the  guest-chamber,  where  I  shall 
 eat  the  passover  with  my  disciples  : 
 
 12  And  he  shall  shew  you  a  large  upper 
 room  furnished  :  there  make  ready. 
 
 13  And  they  went,  and  found  as  he  had 
 said  unto  them  :  and  they  made  ready  the 
 passover. 
 
 14  And  when  the  hour  was  come,  he  sat 
 down,  and  the  twelve  apostles  with  him. 
 
 15  And  he  said  unto  them.  With  desire 
 I  have  desired  to  eat  this  passover  with  you 
 before  I  suffer : 
 
 16  For  I  say  unto  you,  I  will  not  any  more 
 eat  thereof,  until  it  be  fulfilled  in  the  king¬ 
 dom  of  God. 
 
 17  And  he  took  the  cup,  and  gave  thanks, 
 and  said.  Take  this,  and  divide  zi  among 
 yourselves. 
 
 CHAP.  XXII.  1 — 6.  See  notes  on  Matt.  2—6. 
 
 " — 20.  Sec  notes  on  Matt.  xxvi.  7  —20. 
 
 4.t)8 
 
 18  For  I  say  unto  you,  I  will  not  drink  of 
 the  fruit  of  the  vine  until  the  kingdom  of 
 God  shall  come. 
 
 19  ^  And  he  took  bread,  and  gave  thanks, 
 and  brake  it,  and  gave  unto  them,  saying, 
 This  is  my  body,  which  is  given  for  you : 
 this  do  in  remembrance  of  me. 
 
 20  Likewise  also  the  cup  after  supper, 
 saying,  This  cup  is  the  New  Testament  in  my 
 blood,  which  is  shed  for  3^ou. 
 
 21  ^  But,  behold,  the  hand  of  him  that 
 betrayeth  me  is  with  me  on  the  table. 
 
 22  And  truly  the  Son  of  man  goeth,  as  it 
 was  determined,  but  woe  unto  that  man  by 
 whom  he  is  betrayed  ! 
 
 23  And  they  began  to  inquire  among 
 themselves  which  of  them  it  was  that  should 
 do  this  thing. 
 
 24  ^  And  there  was  also  a  strife  among 
 them,  Avhich  of  them  should  be  accounted 
 the  greatest. 
 
 25  And  he  said  unto  them.  The  kings  of 
 the  Gentiles  exercise  lordship  over  them  ; 
 and  they  that  exercise , authority  upon  them 
 are  called  Benefactors. 
 
 26  But  ye  shall  not  be  so  :  but  he  that  is 
 greatest  among  3'ou,  let  him  be  as  the 
 younger ;  and  he  that  is  chief,  as  he  that 
 doth  serve. 
 
 27  For  whether  is  greater,  he  that  sitteth 
 at  meat,  or  he  that  serveth  ?  is  not  he  that 
 sitteth  at  meat  ?  but  I  am  among  you  as  he 
 that  serveth. 
 
 28  Ye  are  they  which  have  continued  with 
 me  in  my  temptations  : 
 
 29  And  I  appoint  unto  you  a  kingdom/ 
 as  my  Father  hath  appointed  unto  me  : 
 
 30  That  ye  may  eat  and  drink  at  my  table 
 in  my  kingdom,  and  sit  on  thrones,  judging 
 the  twelve  tribes  of  Israel. 
 
 31  ^  And  the  Lord  said,  Simon,  Simon, 
 behold,  Satan  hath  desired  to  have  you,  that 
 he  may  sift  you  as  wheat. 
 
 32  But  I  have  prayed  for  thee,  that  thy 
 faith  fail  not:  and  when  thou -art  converted 
 strengthen  thy  brethren. 
 
 33*  And  he  said  unto  him.  Lord,  I  am 
 
 21 — 38.  See  notes  on  Matt.  xxvi.  21 — 38. 
 
CHAP.  XXII. 
 
 ready  to  go  with  thee,  iboth  into  prison  and 
 to  death. 
 
 34  And  he  said,  I  tell  thee,  Peter,  the 
 cock  shall  not  crow  this  day,  before  that 
 thou  shalt  thrice  deny  that  thou  knowest 
 me. 
 
 35  ^  And  he  said  unto  them,  when  I  sent 
 you  without  purse,  and  scrip,  and  shoes, 
 lacked  ^ye  any  thing?  And  they  said.  No¬ 
 thing. 
 
 36  Then  said  he  unto  them.  But  now  he 
 that  hath  a  purse,  let  him  take  it,  and  like¬ 
 wise /iw  scrip,  and  he  that  hath  no  sword,  let 
 him  sell  his  garment  and  buy  one. 
 
 37  For  I  say  unto  you,  That  this  that  is 
 written  must  yet  be  accomplished  in  me. 
 And  he  was  reckoned  among  the  transgres¬ 
 sors  :  for  the  things  concerning  me  have  an 
 end. 
 
 38  And  they  said.  Lord,  behold,  here  are 
 two  swords.  And  he  said  unto  them.  It  is 
 enough. 
 
 39  %  And  he  came  out,  and  went  as  he 
 was  wont,  to  the  mount  of  Olives ;  and  his 
 disciples  also  followed  him. 
 
 40  And  when  he  was  at  the  place,  he 
 said  unto  them.  Pray  that  ye  enter  not  into 
 temptation. 
 
 41  And  he  was  withdrawn  from  them' 
 about  a  stone/s  cast,  and  kneeled  down,  and 
 prayed, 
 
 42  Saying,  Father,  if  thou  be  willing,  re¬ 
 move  this  cup  from  me  :  nevertheless,  not 
 my  will,  but  thine,  be  done. 
 
 43  And  there  appeared  an  angel  unto  him 
 from  heaven,  streno-thenina:  him. 
 
 44  And  being  in  an  agony,  he  prayed 
 more  earnestl}’^ :  and  his  sweat  was  as  it  were 
 great  drops  of  blood  falling  down  to  the 
 ground. 
 
 45  And  when  he  rose  up  from  prayer, 
 and  was  come  to  his  disciples,  he  found  them 
 sleeping  for  sorrow. 
 
 46  And  said  unto  them.  Why  sleep  ye? 
 rise  and  pray,  lest  ye  enter  into  temptation. 
 
 47  f  And  while  he  yet  spake,  behold  a 
 multitude,  and  he  that  was  called  Judas 
 
 39 — 46.  See  notes  on  Malt.  xx.  36 — 46. 
 
 47 — 53.  See  notes  on  Matt.  xx.  47 — 56. 
 
 one  of  the  twelve,  went  before  them,  and 
 drew  near  unto  Jesus  to  kiss  him. 
 
 48  But  Jesus  said  unto  him,  Judas,  be- 
 trayest  thou  the  Son  of  man  with  a  kiss  ? 
 
 49  When  they  which  were  about  him  saw 
 what  would  follow,  they  said  unto  him.  Lord, 
 shall  we  smite  with  the  sword  : 
 
 50  ^  And  one  of  them  smote  a  servant  of 
 the  high-priest,  and  cut  off  his  right  ear. 
 
 51  And  Jesus  answered  and  said,  Suffer 
 ye  thus  far.  And  he  touched  his  ear,  and 
 healed  him. 
 
 52  Then  Jesus  said  unto  the  chief  priests, 
 and  captains  of  the  temple,  and  the  elders, 
 which  were  come  to  him.  Be  ye  come  out, 
 as  against  a  thief,  with  swords  and  staves  ? 
 
 53  When  I  was  daily  with  you  in  the 
 temple  ye  stretched  forth  no  hands  against 
 me  :  but  this  is  your  hour,  and  the  power  of 
 darkness. 
 
 .  54  ^  Then  took  they  him,  and  led  him, 
 and  brought  him  into  the  high  priest's  house. 
 And  Peter  followed  afar  off. 
 
 55  And  Avhen  they  had  kindled  a  fire  in 
 the  midst  of  the  hall,  and  were  set  down  to- 
 gdlher,  Peter  sat  down  among  them. 
 
 56  But  a  certain  maid  beheld  him  as  he 
 sat  by  the  fire,  and  earnestly  looked  upon 
 him,  and  said.  This  man  was  also  with  him. 
 
 57  And  he  denied  him,  saying.  Woman, 
 I  know  him  not. 
 
 58  And  after  a  little  while  another  saw 
 him,  and  said.  Thou  art  also  of  them.  And 
 Peter  said,  Man,  I  am  not. 
 
 59  And  about  the  space  of  one  hour  after, 
 another  confidently  affirmed,  saying.  Of  a 
 truth  this  fellow  also  was  with  him ;  for  he  is 
 a  Galilean. 
 
 60  And  Peter  said,  Man,  I  know  not  what 
 thou  sayest.  And  immediately  while  he  yet 
 spake,  the  cock  crew. 
 
 61  And  the  Lord  turned,  and  looked  upon 
 Peter.  And  Peter  remembered  the  word  of 
 the  Lord,  how  he  had  said  unto  him.  Before 
 the  cock  crow  thou  shalt  deny  me  thrice. 
 
 62  And  Peter  went  out,  and  wept  bit¬ 
 terly. 
 
 I  54 — 62.  See  notes  on  Matt.  xxvi.  67 — 74. 
 
 469 
 
ST.  LUKE. 
 
 (53  ^  And  the  men  that  held  Jesus  mocked 
 him,  and  smote  him. 
 
 64  And  when  they  had  blindfolded  him 
 they  struck  him  on  the  face,  and  asked  him, 
 saying,  Prophesy:  who  is  it  that  smote  thee? 
 
 65  And  many  other  things  blasphemously 
 spake  they  against  him. 
 
 66  ^  And  as  soon  as  it  was  day  the  elders 
 of  the  people,  and  the  chief  priests,  and  the 
 scribes  came  together,  and  led  him  into  their 
 council,  saying, 
 
 67  Art  thou  the  Christ  ?  tell  us.  And  he 
 said  unto  them,  If  I  tell  you,  ye  will  not  be¬ 
 lieve  : 
 
 68  And  if  I  also  ask  yow,  ye  will  not  an¬ 
 swer  me,  nor  let  me  go. 
 
 69  Hereafter  shall  the  Son  of  man  sit  on 
 the  right  hand  of  the  power  of  God. 
 
 70  Then  said  they  all.  Art  thou  then  the 
 Son  of  God  ?  And  he  said  unto  them.  Ye  say 
 that  I  am. 
 
 71  And  they  said.  What  need  we  any  fur¬ 
 ther  witness  ?  for  we  ourselves  have  heard  of 
 his  own  mouth. 
 
 CHAP.  XXHI. 
 
 Christ’s  arraignment,  death,  and  burial. 
 
 ND  the  whole  multitude  of  them  arose 
 and  led  him  unto  Pilate. 
 
 2  And  they  began  to  accuse  him,  saying. 
 We  found  this  fellow  perverting  the  nation, 
 and  forbidding  to  give  tribute  to  Cesar,  say¬ 
 ing,  That  he  himself  is  Christ  a  king. 
 
 3  And  Pilate  asked  him,  saying.  Art  thou 
 the  king  of  the  Jews  ?  And  he  answered  him, 
 and  said.  Thou  sayest  it. 
 
 4  Then  said  Pilate  to  the  chief  priests  and 
 to  the  people,  I  find  no  fault  in  this  man. 
 
 63^71-  See  notes  on  Matt.  xxvi.  67 — 74. 
 
 CHAP.  XXllI.  1 — 12.  Our  Lord  Jesus  was  condemned  as  a 
 blasphemer  in  the  spiritual  court,  but  it  was  the  most  impotent 
 malice  that  could  be  that  that  court  was  actuated  by,  for  when  they 
 had  condemned  him  they  knew  they  could  not  put  him  to  death, 
 and  therefore  took  another  course.  First,  They  accuse  him  before 
 Pilate  •  not  as  a  blasphemer,  that  was  no  crime  that  he  took  cog¬ 
 nizance  of,  but  as  one  disaffected  to  the  Roman  government, 
 which  they  in  their  hearts  did  not  look  upon  as  any  crime  at  all, 
 or  if  it  were  one,  they  themselves  were  much  more  chargeable  with 
 it  than  he  was,  only  it  would  serve  the  turn  and  answer  the  pur¬ 
 pose  of  their  malice;  and  it  is  observable,  that  that  which  was 
 the  pretended  crime,  for  which  they  employed  the  Roman  powers 
 to  destroy  Christ,  was  the  real  crime,  for  which  the  Roman 
 
 Eowers  not  long  after  destroyed  them.  Secondly,  'I'hey  accuse 
 im  before  Herod.  Pilate  removed  him  and  his  cause  to  Herod’s 
 court ;  Pilate  was  already  sick  of  the  cause,  and  desirous  to  rid 
 470 
 
 5  And  they  were  the  more  fierce,  saying, 
 He  stirreth  up  the  people,  teaching  through¬ 
 out  all  Jewry,  beginning  from  Galilee  to 
 this  place. 
 
 6  When  Pilate  heard  of  Galilee,  he  asked 
 whether  the  man  were  a  Galilean. 
 
 7  And  as  soon  as  he  knew  that  he  belong¬ 
 ed  unto  Herod's  jurisdiction  he  sent  him  to 
 Herod,  who  himself  also  was  at  Jerusalem 
 at  that  time. 
 
 8  ^  And  when  Herod  saw  Jesus  he  was 
 exceeding  glad  :  for  he  was  desirous  to  see 
 him  of  a  long  season,  because  he  had  heard 
 many  things  of  him  ;  and  he  hoped  to  have 
 seen  some  miracle  done  by  him. 
 
 9  Then  he  questioned  with  him  in  many 
 words  ;  but  he  answered  him  nothing. 
 
 10  And  the  chief  priests  and  scribes  stood, 
 and  vehemently  accused  him. 
 
 11  And  Herod  with  his  men  of  war  set 
 him  at  nought,  and  mocked  hiiri,  and  ar¬ 
 rayed  him  in  a  gorgeous  robe,  and  sent  him 
 again  to  Pilate. 
 
 12  ^  And  the  same  day  Pilate  and  Herod 
 were  made  friends  together  ;  for  before  they 
 were  at  enmity  between  themselves. 
 
 13  ^  And  Pilate,  when  he  had  called  to¬ 
 gether  the  chief  priests,  and  the  rulers,  and 
 the  people, 
 
 14  Said  unto  them.  Ye  have  brought  this 
 man  unto  me,  as  one  that  perverteth  the 
 people :  and,  behold,  I,  having  examined 
 hmi  before  you,  have  found  no  fault  in  this 
 man  touching  those  things  whereof  ye  ac¬ 
 cuse  him  ; 
 
 15  No,  nor  yet  Herod  :  for  I  sent  you  to 
 him  ;  and,  lo,  nothing  worthy  of  death  is 
 done  unto  him  : 
 
 his  hands  of  it,  and  that  seems  to  be  the  true  reason  of  sending 
 him  to  Herod.  But  God  ordered  it  so  for  the  more  evident  ful¬ 
 filling  of  the  scriptures,  as  appears  Acts  iv.  26,  27,  where  that  of 
 David,  Psal.  ii.  2,  the  kings  of  the  earth  and  the  rulers  set  them¬ 
 selves  against  the  Lord  and  his  anointed,  is  expressly  said  to  be  ful¬ 
 filled  in  Herod  and  Pontius  Pilate.  , 
 
 They  ha'd  been  at  enmity  between  themselves,  probably  upon 
 Pilate's  killing  the  Galileans,  who  were  Herod’s  subjects,  Luko 
 xiii.  1.  or  some  other  such  matter  of  controversy  as  used  to  be 
 among  princes  and  great  men.  Observe  how  those  that  quarrelled 
 with  one  another,  yet  could  unite  against  Christ,  as  Gebal,  and 
 Amnon,  and  Amalek,  though  divided  among  themselves,  were  con¬ 
 federate  against  the  Israel  of  God,  Psal.  xxxyiii.  7. 
 
 13 — 25.  Pilate  proposeth  to  release  him,  if  they  will  but  con¬ 
 sent  to  it.  He  ought  to  have  done  it  without  asking  leave  of  them. 
 •But  the  fear  of  man  brings  many  into  this  snare,  that  whereas  jus- 
 rice  should  take  place  though  heaven  and  earth  come  together 
 
CHAP.  XXIII. 
 
 16  I  will  therefore  chastise  him,  and  re¬ 
 lease  him. 
 
 17  (For  of  necessity  he  must  release  one 
 unto  them  at  the  feast.) 
 
 18  And  they  cried  out  all  at  once,  saying, 
 Away  with  this  man,  and  release  unto  us 
 Barabbas  : 
 
 19  (Who  for  a  certain  sedition  made  in 
 the  city,  and  for  murder,  was  cast  into  pri¬ 
 son.) 
 
 20  Pilate,  therefore,  willing  to  release 
 Jesus,  spake  again  to  them. 
 
 21  But  they  cried,  saying.  Crucify  him, 
 crucify  him. 
 
 22  And  he  said  unto  them  the  third  time, 
 Why,  what  evil  hath  he  done  ?  I  have  found 
 no  cause  of  death  in  him  :  I  will  therefore 
 chastise  him,  and  let  hhn  go. 
 
 23  And  they  were  instant  with  loud  voices, 
 requiring  that  he  might  be  crucified  :  and 
 the  voices  of  them,  and  of  the  chief  priests, 
 prevailed. 
 
 24  And  Pilate  gave  sentence  that  it  should 
 be  as  they  required. 
 
 25  And  he  released  unto  them  him  that 
 for  sedition  and  murder  was  cast  into  prison, 
 whom  they  had  desired  ;  but  he  delivered 
 Jesus  to  their  will. 
 
 26  f  And  as  they  led  him  away  they  laid 
 hold  upon  one  Simon,  a  Cyrenian,  coming 
 out  of  the  country,  and  on  him  they  laid 
 the  cross,  that  he  might  bear  it  after  Je¬ 
 sus. 
 
 they  will  do  an  unjust  thing  against  their  consciences  rather  than 
 bring  trouble  on  themselves. 
 
 20—31.  Though  there  were  many  that  reproached  and  reviled 
 him,  j'et  there  were  that  valued  him,  and  pitied  him,  and  were 
 sorry  for  him,  and  were  partakers  with  him  in  his  sufferings.  1  he 
 dying  of  the  Lord  Jesus  may  perhaps  move  natural  affections  in 
 inanv  that  are  strangers  to  devout  affections :  many  bewail  Ch^ijst 
 that  do  not  believe  in  him,  and  lament  him  that  do  not  love  him 
 .above  all.  Now  here  we  are  told  what  Christ  said  to  these  mourn- 
 .ers,  though  one  would  think  he  should  be  wholly  taken  up  with 
 his  own  concern,  yet  he  found  time  and  heart  to  take  cognizance 
 of  their  tears.  Christ  died  lamented,  and  has  a  bottle  for  the  tears 
 of  those  that  lamented  him.  He  turned  to  them,  though  they 
 were  strangers  to  him,  and  bid  them  not  weep  for  him,  but  foi 
 •themselves^  he  diverts  their  lamentation  into  another  channel, 
 •V.  28.  Now  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem  is  here  foretold  by  two 
 Jiroverbial  savings  that  might  then  fitly  be  used,  which  both  speak 
 Jt  very  terrible,  that  what  people  commonly  dread  they  woUd 
 ^hen  desire,  to  be  written  childless,  and  to  be  buried  aliv^e.  He 
 shews  how  natural  it  was  for  them  to  infer  that  desolation  ft om  his 
 sufferings,  31,  If  they  do  these  things  in  a  green  tree,  what  shall 
 be  done  in  the  dry  ?  Some  think  this  is  borrowed  from  Ezek.  xx. 
 47,  The  fire  shall  devour  every  green  tree  in  thee,  and  every  dry 
 4ree.  These  words  mav  be  applied,  first,  more  particularly  to 
 ■*he  destruction  of  Jerusalem,  which  Christ  here  foretold,  and 
 Vol.  II.  05  3  P 
 
 27  And  there  followed  him  a  great  com¬ 
 pany  of  people,  and  of  women,  which  also 
 bewailed  and  lamented  him. 
 
 28  But  Jesus,  turning  unto  them,  said,^ 
 Daughters  of  Jerusalem,  weep  not  for  me, 
 but  weep  for  yourselves,  and  for  your  chil¬ 
 dren. 
 
 29  For,  behold,  the  days  are  coming,  in 
 the  which  they  shall  say.  Blessed  are  the 
 barren,  and  the  wombs  that  never  bare,  and 
 the  paps  which  never  gave  suck. 
 
 30  Then  shall  they  begin  to  say  to  the 
 mountains.  Fail  on  us ;  and  to  the  hills. 
 Cover  us. 
 
 31  For  if  they  do  these  things  in  a  green 
 tree,  what  shall  be  done  in  the  dry  ? 
 
 32  ^  And  there  were  also  two  others, 
 malefactors,  led  with  him  to  be  put  to  death. 
 
 33  And  when  they  were  come  to  the  place 
 which  is  called  Calvary,  there  they  crucified 
 him  and  the  malefactors  ;  one  on  the  right 
 hand,  and  the  other  on  the  left. 
 
 34  ^  Then  said  Jesus,  Father,  forgive 
 them  ;  for  they  know  imt  what  they  do. 
 And  they  parted  his  raiment,  and  cast  lots. 
 
 35  f  And  the  people  stood  beholding  : 
 and  the  rulers  also  with  them  derided  him, 
 saying,  He  saved  others  ;  let  him  save  him¬ 
 self,  if  he  be  Christ,  the  chosen  of  God. 
 
 36  And  the  soldiers  also  mocked  him, 
 coming  to  him  and  offering  him  vinegar. 
 
 37  And  saying.  If  thou  be  the  king  of  the 
 Jews,  save  thyself. 
 
 which  the  Jews,  by  putting  him  to  death,  brought  upon  them¬ 
 selves.  If  they,  i.  e.  the  Jews,  and  the  inhabitants  of  Jerusalem, 
 do  these  things  upon  the  green  tree,  if  they  do  thus  abuse  an  inno¬ 
 cent  and  excellent  person  for  his  good  works,  how  may  they  ex¬ 
 pect  God  to  deal  with  them  for  their  so  doing,  who  have  made 
 themselves  a  dry  tree,  a  corrupt  and  wicked  generation,  and  good 
 for  nothing!  If  this  be  their  sin,  what  do  ye  think  will  be  their 
 punishment  ?  Or  take  it  thus,  If  they,  i.  e.  the  Romans,  their 
 judges,  and  their  soldiers,  abuse  me  thus,  who  have  given  them 
 no  provocation,  who  am  to  them  as  a  green  tree,  which  you  seem 
 to  be  as  much  enraged  at,  what  will  they  do  by  Jerusalem,  and, 
 the  Jewish  nation,  who  will  be  so  very  provoking  to  them,  and^ 
 make  themselves  as  a  dry  tree,  as  fuel  to  the  fire  of  their  resent-; 
 ments.  If  God  suffer  those  things  to  be  done  to  me,  what  will  he 
 appoint  to  be  done  to  those  barren  trees,  of  whom  it  had  been  often' 
 said,  that  they  should  be  hewn  down  and  cast  into  the  fire,  Matt.' 
 iii.  10.  and  vii.  19*  Second,  It  may  be  applied  more  generally 
 to  all  the  revelations  of  God’s  wrath  against  sin  and  sinners.  If 
 God  deliver  me  up  to  such  sufferings  as  these,  because  I  am  made  a 
 sacrifice  for  sin,  what  will  he  do  with  sinners  themselves  ? 
 
 32 — 43.  Here  are  two  passages  which  we  had  not  before,  and 
 they  are  very  remarkable  ones.  First,  Christ’s  prayer  for  his  ene¬ 
 mies,  34,  Father,  forgive  them.  Seven  remarkable  words  Christ 
 spoke  after  he  was  nailed  to  the  cross  and  before  he  died,  and  this 
 is  the  first.  One  reason  why  he  died  the  death  of  the  cross  was, 
 
 471 
 
ST.  LUKE 
 
 38  And  a  superscription  also  was  written 
 over  him  in  letters  of  Greek,  and  Latin,  and 
 Hebrew,  THIS  IS  THE  KING  OF  THE 
 JEWS. 
 
 39  ^  And  one  of  the  malefactors  which 
 were  hanged  railed  on  him,  saying.  If  thou 
 be  Christ,  save  thyself  and  us. 
 
 40  But  the  other,  answering,  rebuked  him, 
 saying.  Dost  not  thou  fear  God,  seeing  thou 
 art  in  the  same  condemnation  ? 
 
 41  And  we  indeed  justly  ;  for  we  receive 
 the  due  reward  of  our  deeds  :  but  this  man 
 hath  done  nothing  amiss. 
 
 42  And  he  said  unto  Jesus,  Lord,  remem¬ 
 ber  me  when  thou  comest  into  thy  kingdom. 
 
 43  And  Jesus  said  unto  him.  Verily  I  say 
 unto  thee.  To-day  shalt  thou  be  with  me  in 
 paradise. 
 
 44  f  And  it  was  about  the*  sixth  hour, 
 and  there  was  darkness  over  all  the  earth 
 until  the  ninth  hour. 
 
 45  And  the  sun  was  darkened,  and  the 
 veil  of  the  temple  was  rent  in  the  midst. 
 
 46  ^  And  when  Jesus  had  cried  with  a 
 loud  voice,  he  said.  Father,  into  thy  hands 
 1  commend  my  Spirit ;  and,  having  said 
 thus,  he  gave  up  the  ghost. 
 
 47  ^  Now  when  the  centurion  saw  what 
 was  done  he  glorified  God,  saying.  Certainly 
 this  was  a  righteous  man. 
 
 48  and  all  the  people  that  came  together 
 to  that  sight,  beholding  the  things  which 
 were  done,  smote  their  breasts,  and  returned. 
 
 49  And  all  his  acquaintance,  and  the 
 women  that  followed  him  from  Galilee,  stood 
 afar  off  beholding  these  things. 
 
 50  ^  And,  behold,  there  was  a  man  named 
 
 that  he  might  have  liberty  of  speech  to  the  last,  and  so  might  glo¬ 
 rify  his  Father,  and  edify  those  about  him.  Second,  The  conver¬ 
 sion  of  the  thief  upon  the  cross,  which  is  an  illustrious  instance  of 
 Christ’s  triumphing  over  principalities  and  powers  then  when  he 
 seemed  to  be  triumphed  over  by  them.  Christ  was  crucified  be¬ 
 tween  two  thieves,  and  in  them  was  represented  the  different  effects 
 which  the  cross  of  Christ  would  have  upon  the  children  of  men  tq 
 whom  it  would  be  brought  near  in  the  preaching  of  the  gospel. 
 They  are  all  malefactors,  all  guilty  before  God.  Now  the  cross  of 
 Christ  is  to  some  a  savour  of  life  unto  life,  to  others  of  death 
 unto  death.  To  them  that  perish  it  is  foolishness,  but  to  them  that 
 are  saved  it  is  the  wisdom  of  God,  and  the  power  of  God. 
 
 ritw'as  said  in  Matthew  and  INIark,  that  the  thieves,  even  they 
 that  were  crucified  with  him,  reviled  him,  which  some  think  is  by 
 a: figure  put  for  one  of  them,  but  others  think  they  both  reviled 
 him  at  first,  till  the  heart  of  one  of  them  was  wonderfully  changed, 
 and  with  it  his  language  on  a  sudden.  This  malefactor,  when  just 
 ready  to  fall  into  the  hands  of  Satan,  was  snatched  as  a  brand  out 
 of  the  burning,  and  made  a  monument  of  divine  mercy  and  grace, 
 472 
 
 J oseph,  a  counsellor ;  and  he  was  a  good  man 
 and  a  just : 
 
 51  (The  same  had  not  consented  to  the 
 counsel  and  deed  of  them  :)  he  was  of  Ari- 
 mathea,  a  city  of  the  Jews  ;  who  also  him¬ 
 self  waited  for  the  kingdom  of  God. 
 
 52  This  man  went  unto  Pilate,  and  begged 
 the  body  of  Jesus. 
 
 53  And  he  took  it  down,  and  wrapped  it 
 in  linen,  and  laid  it  in  a  sepulchre  that  was 
 hewn  in  stone,  wherein  never  man  before 
 was  laid. 
 
 54  And  that  day  was  the  preparation,  and 
 the  sabbath  drew  on. 
 
 55  ^  And  the  women  also,  which  came 
 with  him  from  Galilee,  followed  after,  and 
 beheld  the  sepulchre,  and  how  his  body  was 
 laid. 
 
 56  And  they  returned,  and  prepared  spices 
 and  ointments  ;  and  rested  the  sabbath-day, 
 according  to  the  commandment. 
 
 CHAP.  XXIV. 
 
 Christ’s  resurrection,  and  conference  with  the  disciples  going  to 
 
 Emmaus. 
 
 OW,  upon  the  first  day  of  the  week, 
 very  early  in  the  morning,  they  came 
 unto  the  sepulchre,  bringing  the  spices  which 
 they  had  prepared,  and  certain  others  with 
 them. 
 
 2  And  they  found  the  stone  rolled  away 
 from  the  sepulchre. 
 
 3  And  they  entered  in,  and  found  not  the 
 body  of  the  Lord  Jesus. 
 
 4  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  they  were  much 
 perplexed  thereabout,  behold,  two  men  stood 
 by  them  in  shining  garments  : 
 
 5  And,  as  they  were  afraid,  and  bowed 
 
 and  Satan  was  left  to  roar  as  a  lion  disappointed  of  his  prey.  This 
 gives  no  encouragement  to  any  to  put  off  their  repentance  to  their 
 death-bed,  or'to  hope  that  then  they  shall  find  mercy  ;  for  though 
 it  is  certain  that  true  repentance  is  never  too  late,  it  is  as  certain 
 that  late  repentance  is  seldom  true.  None  can  be  sure  that  they 
 shall  have  time  to  repent  at  death,  but  every  man  may  be  sure  he 
 cannot  have  the  advantages  that  this  penitent  thief  had,  whose  case 
 was  altogether  extraordinary. 
 
 44—49.  Father,  into  thy  hands  I  commend  my  spirit.  Christ 
 made  use  of  these  words  in  a  sense  peculiar  to  himself  as  Media¬ 
 tor.  He  was  now  to  make  his  soul  an  offering  for  our  sin,  Isa.  liii. 
 10,  to  give  his  life  a  ransom  for  many.  Matt.  xx.  28,  by  the  eter¬ 
 nal  Spirit  to  offer  himself,  Heb.  ix.  14.  He  was  himself  both  the 
 priest  and  the  sacrifice  :  our  souls  were  forfeited,  and  his  must  go 
 to  redeem  the  forfeiture. 
 
 50 — 56.  See  notes  on  Matt,  xxvii.  55 — 60. 
 
 CHAP.  XXIV.  1 — 12.  One  would  be  amazed  at  the  stupidity 
 of  these  disciples,  who  had  so  often  professed  that  they  believed 
 Christ  to  be  the  Son  of  God  and  the  true  Messiah,  had  been  so 
 
CHAP.  XXIV. 
 
 down  their  faces  to  the  earth,  they  said  unto 
 them,  Why  seek  ye  the  living  among  the 
 
 dead  ?  .  •  -d 
 
 6  He  is  not  here,  but  is  risen.  Kemem- 
 
 ber  how  he  spake  unto  you  when  he  was  yet 
 in  Galilee, 
 
 7  Saying,  The  Son  of  man  must  be  de¬ 
 livered  into  the  hands  of  sinful  men,  and  be 
 crucified,  and  the  third  day  rise  again. 
 
 8  And  they  remembered  his  words, 
 
 9  And  returned  from  the  sepulchre^j  and 
 told  all  these  thiUgs  unto  the  eleven,  and  to 
 all  the  rest. 
 
 10  It  was  Mary  Magdalene,  and  Joanna, 
 and  Mary  the  mother  of  James,  and  other 
 women  that  were  with  them,  which  told  these 
 things  unto  the  apostles. 
 
 11  And  their  words  seemed  to  them  as 
 idle  tales,  and  they  believed  them  not. 
 
 12  f  Then  arose  Peter,  and  ran  unto  the 
 sepulchre  ;  and,  stooping  down,  he  beheld 
 the  linen  clothes  laid  by  themselves,  and  de¬ 
 parted,  wondering  in  himself  at  that  which 
 was  come  to  pass. 
 
 13  %  And,  behold,  two  of  them  went  that 
 same  day  to  a  village  called  Emmaus,  which 
 Avas  from  Jerusalem  about  threescore  fur¬ 
 longs. 
 
 14  And  they  talked  together  of  all  these 
 things  which  had  happened. 
 
 15  And  it  came  to  pass,  that,  Avhile  they 
 communed  together,  and  reasoned,  Jesus 
 himself  dreAV  near,  and  Avent  Avith  them. 
 
 16  But  their  eyes  Avere  holden,  that  they 
 should  not  knoAV  him. 
 
 17  And  he  said  unto  them.  What  manner 
 
 often  told  he  must  die  and  rise  again,  and  then  enter  into  his  glory, 
 
 had  seen  him  more  than  once  raise  the  dead,  that  they  should  be 
 jso  backward  to  believe  his  raising  himself,  surely  it  would  seem  the 
 less  strange  to  them,  when  hereafter  this  complaint  would  justly 
 be  taken  up  by  them,  to  remember  that  when  time  was  it  might 
 justly  have  been  taken  up  against  them,  who  hath  believed  our 
 
 rcDort  ?  .  .  • 
 
 13 _ 25.  This  appearance  of  Christ  to  the  two  disciples  going 
 
 to  Emmaus,  was  mentioned,  and  but  just  mentioned  before,  Mark 
 xvi.  12  here  it  is  largely  related  ;  it  happened  the  same  day  that 
 Christ  rose,  the  first  day  of  the  new  world,  that  rose  with  him. 
 One  of  these  two  disciples  was  Cleopas,  or  Alpheus,  said  by  the 
 ancients  to  be  the  brother  of  Joseph,  Christ's  supposed  father, 
 who  the  other  was  is  not  certain.  We  may  observe  it  for  our  en¬ 
 couragement  to  keep  up  Christian  conference,  and  edifying  dis¬ 
 course  among  us.  That  were  but  two  together  and  well  employed 
 in  work  of  that  kind,  Christ  will  come  to  them  and  make  a  third 
 When  they  that  fear  the  Lord  speak  one  to  another,  the  Lord 
 hearkens  and  hears,  and  is  with  them  of  a  truth  ;  so  that  two  thus 
 twisted  in  faith  and  love  become  a  three-fold  cord,  not  easily  bro- 
 
 of  communications  are  these  that  ye  have 
 one  to  another,  as  ye  Avalk,  and  are  sad  ? 
 
 18  And  the  one  of  them,  Avhose  name  Avas 
 Cleopas,  answering,  said  unto  him.  Art  thou 
 only  a  stranger  in  Jerusalem,  and  hast  not 
 known  the  things  Avhich  are  come  to  pass 
 there  in  these  days  ? 
 
 19  And  he  said  unto  them.  What  things  ? 
 And  they  said  unto  him.  Concerning  Jesus 
 of  Nazareth,  Avhich  Avas  a  prophet  mighty 
 in  deed  and  Avow'd  before  God  and  all  the 
 people  ; 
 
 20  And  how  the  chief  priests  and  our 
 rulers  delivered  him  to  be  "^condemned  to 
 death,  and  have  crucified  him. 
 
 2 1  But  Ave  trusted  that  it  had  been  he 
 Avhich  should  have  redeemed  Israel :  and, 
 besides  all  this,  to-day  is  the  third  day  since 
 
 these  things  Avere  done. 
 
 22  Yea,  and  certain  Avomen  also  of  our 
 company  made  us  astonished,  Avhich  were 
 early  at'th?  sepulchre : 
 
 23  And,  Avhen  they  found  not  his  body, 
 they  came,  saying,  That  they  had  also  seen 
 a  vision  of  angels,  which  said  that  he  Avas 
 alive. 
 
 24  And  certain  of  them  Avhich  Avere  Avith 
 us  Avent  to  the  sepulchre,  and  found  it  even 
 so  as  the  Avomen  had  said  ;  but  him  they  saAV 
 not. 
 
 25  Then  he  said  unto  them,  O  fools,  and 
 sloAv  of  heart  to  believe  all  that  the  prophets 
 lave  spoken  ! 
 
 26  Ought  not  Christ  to  have  suffered 
 these  things,  and  to  enter  into  his  glory  ? 
 
 27  And  beginning  at  Moses,  and  all  the 
 
 ken,  Eccl.  iv.  12.  They  in  their  communings  and  reasonings  to¬ 
 gether  were  searching  for  Christ,  comparing  notes  concerning  him, 
 that  they  might  come  to  more  knowledge  of  him,  and  now  Christ 
 comes  to  them.  Tliev  who  seek  Christ  shall  find  him  ;  he  will 
 manifest  himself  to  those  that  enquire  after  him;  and  give  know¬ 
 ledge  to  those  who  use  the  helps  for  knowledge,  which  they  have.’ 
 But  though  they  had  Christ  with  them,  they  were  not  at  first  aware 
 of  it,  l6',  their  eyes  were  held  that  they  should  not  know  hini. 
 
 It  should  seem  there  was  both  an  alteration  of  the  object,  for  it  is- 
 said  in  Mark,  that  now  he  appeared  in  another  form;  and  a  re¬ 
 straint  upon  the  organ,  for  here  it  is  said  that  their  eyes  were  held 
 by  a  divine  power ;  or,  as  some  think,  there  was  a  contusion  in  the 
 medium  ;  the  air  was  so  disposed  that  they  could  not  discern  who 
 it  was.  ■  No  matter  how  it  was,  but  so  it  was,  they  did  not  know 
 him  ;  Christ  so  ordering  it  that  they  might  the  rnore  freely  discourse 
 with  him,  and  he  with  them;  and  that  it  might  appear,  that  his  i 
 word  and  the  influence  of  it  did  not  depend  upon  his  bodily  pre¬ 
 sence  which  the  disciples  had  too  much  doted  upon,  and  must  be 
 weaned  from  •  but  he  could  teach  them  and  warm  their  hearts  by 
 others  who  should  have  his  spiritual  presence  with  them ;  and 
 
ST.  LUKE. 
 
 prophets,  he  expounded  unto  them  in  all  the  I  39  Behold  my  hands  and  my  feet,  that  it 
 scriptures  the  things  concerning  himself.  is  I  myself :  handle  me,  and  see ;  for  a  spirit 
 
 28  And  they  drew  nigh  unto  the  village  hath  not  flesh  and  bones,  as  ye  see  me  have, 
 
 ^vhither  they  went :  and  he  made  as  though!  40  And  when  he  had  thus  spoken  he 
 he  would  have  gone  further.  shewed  them  his  hands  and  his  feet. 
 
 29  But  they  constrained  him,  saying,  41  And  while  they  yet  believed  not  for 
 Abide  with  us  ;  for  it  is  toAvard  evening,  and  joy,  and  wondered,  he  said  unto  them.  Have 
 the  day  is  far  spent.  And  he  went  in  to  ye  here  any  meat  ? 
 
 tarry  with  them.  42  And  they  gave  him  a  piece  of  a  broiled' 
 
 30  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  he  sat  at  meat  fish,  and  of  an  honey-comb. 
 
 with  them,  he  took  bread,  and  blessed  it\  43  And  he  took  it,  and  did  eat  before 
 and  brake,  and  gave  to  them.  them. 
 
 31  And  their  eyes  Avere  opened,  and  they  44  And  he  said  unto  them.  These  are  the 
 
 knew  him;  and  he  vanished  out  of  their hvords  Avhich  I  spake  unto  you  Avhile  I  was 
 sight.  ^  ^  yet  with  you,  that  all  things  must  be  fulfilled 
 
 32  And  they  said  one  to  another.  Did  not  hvhich  were  written  in  the  law  of  Moses,  and 
 our  heart  burn  Avithin  us  Avhile  he  talked  Avith  m  the  prophets,  and  in  the  Psalms,  concem- 
 us  by  the  Avay,  and  Avhile  he  opened  to  us  the  ing  me. 
 
 scriptures  ?  45  Then  opened  he  their  understandingj 
 
 33  And  they  rose  up  the  same  hour,  and  that  they  might  understand  the  scriptures, 
 
 returned  to  Jerusalem,  and  found  the  eleven  46  And  said  unto  them.  Thus  it  is  Avritten, 
 gathered  together,  and  them  that  Avere  Avith  and  thus  it  behoved  Christ  to  suffer,  and  to 
 them,  rise  from  the  dead  the  third  day  : 
 
 34  Saying,  The  Lord  is  risen  indeed,  and  47  And  that  repentance  and  remission  of 
 
 hath  appeared  to  Simon,  I  sins  should  be  preached  in  his  name,  among 
 
 35  And  they  told  Avhat  things  were  done\d\\  nations,  beginning  at  Jerusalem. 
 
 in  the  Avay,  and  hoAV  he  Avas  knoAvn  of  them  48  And  ye  are  Avitnesses  of  these  things, 
 in  breaking  of  bread.  49  f  And,  behold,  I  send  the  promise  of 
 
 36  f  And,  as  they  thus  spake,  Jesus  him- 1  my  Father  upon  you:  but  tarry  ye  in  the 
 
 self  stood  in  the  midst  of  them,  and  saithlcity  of  Jerusalem,  until  ye  be  endued  Avith 
 unto  them.  Peace  he  unto  you.  I  power  from  on  high. 
 
 37  But  they  Avere  terrified  and  affright-  50  f  And  he  led  them  out  as  far  as  to  Be- 
 
 ed,  and  supposed  that  they  had  seen  a  thany:  and  he  lifted  up  his  hands, and  blessed 
 spirit.  I  them. 
 
 38  And  he  said  unto  them.  Why  arc  ye  51  And  it  came  to  pass,  Avhile  he  blessed 
 
 troubled?  and^Avhy  do  thoughts  arise  in  your  them  he  Avas  parted  from  them,  and  carried 
 hearts?  [up  into  heaven. 
 
 should  have  his  grace  going  along  with  them  unseen.  He  shews  I  undertaking  our  salvation  was  voluntary,  but  having  undertaken 
 them  that  the  sufferings  of  Christ,  which  were  such  a  stumbling  I  it,  it  was  necessary  he  should  suffer  and  die.  That  when  he  had 
 block  to  them,  and  made  them  unapt  to  believe  his  glory,  were  I  suffered  these  things,  he  should  enter  into  his  glory  ;  which  he'did 
 really  the  appointed  way  to  his  glory,  and  he  could  not  go  to  it  I  at  his  resurrection,  that  was  his  first  step  upwards.  * 
 any  other  way,  no,  ought  not  the  Christ,  (the  Messiah)  to  have!  36'— 48.  Five  times  Christ  was  seen  the  same  day  that  he  rose; 
 suffered  these  things,  and  to  enter  into  his  glory  ?  was  it  not  de-jby  Mary  Magdalene  alone  in  the  garden  ;  John  xx.  14,  by  the  wo- 
 c  reed,  and  was  not  that  decree  declared,  that  the  promised  Mes-jmen,  as  they  were  going  to  tell  the  disciples;  Matt,  .xxviii.  9,  by 
 siah  must  first  suffer  and  then  reign  ?  that  he  must  go  by  his  cross!  Peter  alone;  by  the  two  disciples  going  to  Emmaus,  and  now  at 
 to  his  crown  ?  Had  they  never  read  the  fifty-third  of  Isaiah,  and  I  night  by  the  eleven  :  which  we  have  an  account  of  in  these  verses 
 the  ninth  of  Daniel,  where  the  prophets  speak  so  very  plainly  of!  as  also  John  x;s.  19-  ’ 
 
 the  sufferings  of  Christ,  and  the  glory  that  should  follow,!  Pet.  i.j  30— 33.  .This  evangelist  omits  the  solemn  meeting  between 
 11.  The  cross  of  Christ  was  it  that  they  could  not  reconcile  I  Christ  and  his  disciples  in  Galilee ;  but  what  he  said  to  them  there, 
 Jhemselves  to?  Now  here  he  shews  them  two  things  which  take  ofliand  at  other  interviews,  he  tacks  to  what  he  said  to  them  at  the 
 the  offence  of  the  cross.  That  the  Messiah  ought  to  sufl'er  these!  first  visit  he  made  them,  on  the  evening  of  the  day  he  rose;  and 
 things;  and  therefore  his  sufferings  were  not  only  no  objection  I  has  now  nothing  more  to  account  for,  but  his  a.sccnsion  into  hea- 
 against  his  being  the  Messiah,  but  really  a  proof  of  it,  as  theaf-jven,  which  we  have  a  very  brief  narrative  of  in  these  verses, 
 riictions  of  the  saints  are  an  evidence  of  their  sonship.  He  could  I  The  Amen  that  concludes  seems  to  be  added  by  the  church,  and 
 not  haveyeen  a  Saviour  if  he  had  not  been  a  sufferer.  Christ’s  I  every  believer  to  the  reading  of  the  gospel ;  signifying  an  assent  to 
 
 474  I 
 
CHAP.  1. 
 
 52  And  they  worshipped  him,  and  return¬ 
 ed  to  Jerusalem  with  great  joy  : 
 
 53  And  were  continually  in  the  icmpie, 
 praising  and  blessing  God.  Amen. 
 
 the  truths  of  the  gospel,  and  a  hearty  concurrence  with  all  the 
 disciples  of  Christ  in  praising  and  blessing  God.  Amen,  Let  him 
 
 be  continually  praised  and  blessed. 
 
 THE  GOSPEL  ACCORDING  TO 
 
 ST.  JOHN. 
 
 It  5s  not  material  to  inquire  when  and  where  this  Gospel  was  written  ;  we  are  sure  it  was  given  by  inspiration  of  God  to  John,  the 
 brother  of  James,  one  of  the  twelve  apostles,  distinguished  by  the  honourable  character  of  that  disciple  whom  Jesus  loved  ;  one  of 
 the  first  three  of  the  worthies  of  the  Son  of  David,  whom  he  took  to  be  the  witnesses  of  his  retirements,  particularly  of  his  transfigu¬ 
 ration  and  a<mny.  The  ancients  tell  us  that  John  lived  longest  of  all  the  twelve  apostles,  and  was  the  only  one  of  them  that  died  a 
 natural  death’,  all  the  rest  suffering  martyrdom.  However,  it  is  clear  he  wrote  lay  of  the  four  evangelists,  for  he  relates  what  the 
 other  evangelists  had  omitted,  and  gives  us  more  of  the  mystery  ot  that,  which  the  other  evangelists  gave  us  only  the  history  ot. 
 It  is  observed,  that  the  other  evangelists  wrote  more  of  the  bodily  things  of  Christ ;  but  John  writes  of  the  spiritual  things  of  the 
 Gospel,  the  life  and  soul  of  it ;  therefore  some  have  called  this  Gospel  the  key  of  the  evangelists. 
 
 CHAP.  I. 
 
 I.  An  account  given  of  Jesus,  1 — 18.  II.  The  testimony  of  John 
 Baptist  concerning  him,  6 — 37-  HI.  His  own  manifestation  ol 
 himself  to  Andrew  and  Peter,  38 — 42,  to  Philip  and  Nathanael, 
 43—51. 
 
 N  the  beginning  was  the  Word,  and  the 
 Word  was  with  God,  and  the  Word  was 
 God  : 
 
 2  The  same  was  in  the  beginning  with 
 God. 
 
 CHAP.  I.  1 — 5.  The  Chaldee  paraphrase  very  frequently  calls 
 the  Messiah  Old  Testament,  said  to  be  done  by  the  Lord,  as  done 
 by  that  word  of  the  Lord  ;  even  the  vulgar  Jews  were  taught  that 
 the  word  of  God  was  the  same  with  God.  The  evangelist,  in  the 
 close  of  his  discourse,  v.  11,  plainly  tells  us  why  he  calls  Christ 
 the  word,  because  he  is  the  only  begotten  Son,  which  is  in  the  bo¬ 
 som  of  the  Father,  and  has  declared  him.  Word  is  two  fold  ; 
 word  conceived,  and  word  uttered.  This  proves  the  excellency 
 of  the  Christian  religion  ;  the  author  and  founder  of  it  is  the  same 
 who  was  the  author  and  founder  of  the  world.  How  excellent 
 must  that  constitution  needs  be,  which  derives  its  institution  from 
 him  who  ts  the  fountain  of  all  excellency.  When  we  worship 
 Christ,  we  worship  him  to  whom  the  Patriarchs  gave  honour,  as 
 the  Creator  of  the  world,  and  on  whom  all  creatures  depend.  How 
 well  qualified  he  was  for  the  work  of  our  redemption  and  salva^ 
 tiqn  ;  help  was  laid  upon  one  that  was  mighty  indeed,  for  it  was 
 laid  upon  him  that  made  all  things ;  and  he  is  appointed  the  au¬ 
 thor  of  our  bliss,  that  was  the  author  of  our  being.  He  has  life  in 
 himself;  not  only  the  true  God  but  the  living  God.  God  is  life, 
 he  swears  by  himself^,  when  he  sfiith,  As  I  live.  All  living  crea¬ 
 
 3  All  things  were  made  by  him  :  and  with¬ 
 out  him  was  not  any  thing  made  that  was 
 made. 
 
 4  In  him  was  life ;  and  the  life  was  the 
 light  of  men. 
 
 5  And  the  light  shineth  in  oarkness  ;  ana 
 the  darkness  comprehended  it  not.  ^ 
 
 6  ^  There  was  a  man  sent  from  God, 
 whose  name  was  John. 
 
 tures  have  their  life  in  him  ;  not  only  all  the  matter  of  the  creation 
 vvas  made  by  him,  but  all  the  life  too  that  is  in  the  creation  is  de¬ 
 rived  from  him,  and  supported  by  him.  Reasonable  creatures 
 have  their  light  from  him  ;  that  life,  which  is  the  light  of  men, 
 comes  from  him.  Life  in  man  is  something  greater  and  nobler 
 than  it  is  in  other  creatures,  it  is  rational,  and  not  merely  animal ; 
 when  man  became  a  living  soul  his  life  was  light,  his  capacities 
 such  as  distinguished  him  from,  and  dignified  him  above  the  beasts 
 that  perish.  The  eternal  word,  as  God,  shines  in  the  darkness  of 
 natural  conscience.^  Though  men  by  the  fall  are  become  darkness, 
 yet  that  which  may  be  known  of  God  is  manifested  in  them  ;  see 
 Rom.  i.  19,  20.  As  mediator,  he  shone  in  the  darkness  of  the 
 Old  Testament  t3'pes  and  figures,  and  the  prophecies  and  promises 
 which  were  of  the  Messiah,  from  the  beginning.  The  world  of 
 mankind  comprehended  not  the  natural  light  that  was  in  their  un¬ 
 derstandings,  but  became  vain  in  their  imaginations  concerning 
 the  eternal  God,  and  the  eternal  word,  Rom.  i,  21.  The  Jews 
 that  had  the  light  of  the  Old  Testament,  yet  comprehended  not 
 Christ  in  it. 
 
 f) — 14.  The  legal  institutions  had  been  long  a  testimony  for  God 
 
 47fi 
 
ST.  JOHN. 
 
 7  The  same  came  for  a  witness,  to  bear 
 witness  of  the  Light,  that  all  men  through 
 him  might  believe. 
 
 8  He  was  not  that  Light,  but  was  sent  to 
 bear  witness  of  that  Light. 
 
 9  That  was  the  true  Light,  which  lighteth 
 every  man  that  cometh  into  the  world. 
 
 10  He  was  in  the  world,  and  the  world 
 was  made  by  him,  and  the  world  knew  him 
 not. 
 
 11  He  came  unto  his  own,  and  his  own 
 received  him  not. 
 
 ,  12  But  as  many  as  received  him,  to  them 
 gave  he  power  to  become  the  sons  of  God, 
 even  to  them  that  believe  on  his  name  : 
 
 13  Which  were  born,  not  of  blood,  nor 
 of  the  will  of  the  flesh,  nor  of  the  will  of  man, 
 but  of  God. 
 
 in  the  Jewish  church,  by  them  revealed  religion  was  kept  up: 
 hence  we  read  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  testimony,  the  ark  of  the 
 testimony,  the  law  and  the  testimony  ;  but  now  divine  revelation 
 IS  to  be  turned  into  another  channel ;  now  the  testimony  of  Christ 
 is  the  testimony  of  God,  1  Cor.  i.  6',  and  ii.  1.  Among  the  Gen¬ 
 tiles  God  indeed  had  not  left  himself  without  witness,  Acts  xiv. 
 17,  but  the  Redeemer  had  no  testimonies  borne  him  among  them. 
 There  was  a  profound  silence  concerning  him,  till  John  Baptist 
 came  for  a  witness  to  him.  He  prepared  men  for  the  reception 
 and  entertainment  of  Christ  and  his  gospel,  by  awakening  them 
 to  a  sight  and  sense  of  sin,  and  their  eyes  being  thereby  opened, 
 they  might  be  ready  to  admit  those  beams  of  divine  light  which  in 
 the  person  and  doctrine  of  the  Messiah  were  now  ready  to  shine  in 
 their  faces.  It  was  designed  that  all  men  through  him  might  be¬ 
 lieve,  e.xcluding  none  from  the  kind  and  beneficial  influences  of 
 his  ministrv  that  did  not  exclude  themselves,  as  multitudes  did 
 who  rejected  the  counsel  of  God  against  themselves,  and  so  re¬ 
 ceived  the  grace  of  God  in  vain.  By  his  creating  power  he  lightens 
 every  man  with  the  light  of  reason  ;  that  life  which  is  the  light  of 
 men  is  from  him;  all  the  discoveries  and  directions  of  reason,  all 
 the  comfort  it  gives  us,  and  all  the  beauty  it  puts  upon  us,  is  from 
 Christ.  By  the  publication  of  his  gospel  to  all  nations  he  doth  in  ef¬ 
 fect  lighten  every  man.  John  Baptist  was  a  light,  but  he  enlightened 
 only  Jerusalem  and  Judea,  and  the  region  round  about  Jordan, 
 like  a  candle  that  enlightens  one  room  ;  but  Christ  is  the  true  light, 
 for  he  is  a  light  to  lighten  the  Gentiles.  His  everlasting  gospel 
 is  to  be  preached  to  every  nation  and  language.  Rev.  xiv.  6.  By 
 the  operation  of  his  spirit  and  grace  he  lighteth  all  those  that  are 
 enlightened  to  salvation  :  and  those  that  are  not  enlightened  by 
 him  perish  in  darkness.  Whatever  light  any  man  has,  he  is  in¬ 
 debted  to  Christ  for  it,  whether  it  be  natural  or  supernatural. 
 Christ  was  in  the  world,  v.  10.  He  was  in  the  world  as  the  essen¬ 
 tial  word  before  his  incarnation,  upholding  all  things:  but  this 
 speaks  of  his  being  in  the  world  when  he  took  our  nature  upon 
 him,  and  dwelt  among  us;  sec  John  xvi,  28.  I  am  come  into  the 
 ■world.  The  Son  of  the  Highest  was  here  in  this  lower  world  ;  that 
 light  in  this  dark  world ;  that  holy  thing  in  this  sinful  polluted 
 world.  The  world  knew  him  not.  The  ox  knows  his  owner,  but 
 the  more  brutish  world  did  not;  they  did  not  own  him,  did  not 
 bid  him  welcome,  because  they  did  pot  know  him  ;  and  they  did 
 not  know  him,  because  he  did  not  make  himself  known  in  that 
 way  that  they  expected,  in  external  glory  and  majesty.  He  came 
 to  his  own,  v.  11,  ndt  only  to  the  world,  which  was  his  own,  but 
 to  the  people  of  Israel,  that  were  peculiarly  his  own  above  all 
 people ;  to  them  he  came,  among  them  he  lived,  and  to  them  he 
 was  first  sent.  His  own  received  him  not ;  did  not  receive  his  doc¬ 
 trine.  Though  his  own  received  him  not,  3'et  there  were  those 
 that  received  him,  v.  12.  But  as  many  as  received  him:  though 
 476 
 
 14  ^  And  the  Word  was  made  flesh,  and 
 dwelt  among  us,  (and  we  beheld  his  glory, 
 the  glory  as  of  the  only  .begotten  of  the 
 Father,)  full  of  grace  and  truth. 
 
 15  ^  John  bare  witness  of  him,  and  cried:, 
 saying,  This  was  he  of  whom  I  spake.  He 
 that  cometh  after  me  is  preferred  before  me; 
 for  he  was  before  me. 
 
 16  And  of  his  fulness  have  all  we  receiv¬ 
 ed,  and  grace  for  grace. 
 
 17  For  the  law  was  given  by  Moses,  hut 
 grace  and  truth  came  by  Jesus  Christ. 
 
 18  No  man  hath  seen  God  at  any  time  : 
 the  only  begotten  Son,  which  is  in  the  bo¬ 
 som  of  the  Father,  he  hath  declared  him. 
 
 19  %  And  this  is  the  record  of  John,  when 
 the  Jews  sent  priests  and  Levites  from  Jeru¬ 
 salem  to  ask  him.  Who  art  thou  ? 
 
 Israel  were  not  gathered,  yet  Christ  was  glorious.  Though  the 
 body  of  that  nation  jiersisted  and  perished  in  imbclief,  yet  there 
 were  many  of  them  that  were  wrought  upon  to  submit  to  Christ, 
 and  many  more  that  were  not  of  tliat  fold.  The  true  Christian’s 
 description  and  property  :  and  that  is,  that  he  receives  Christ, 
 and  believes  on  his  name  ;  the  latter  explains  the  former.  The 
 true  Christian’s  dignity  and  privilege  are  two-fold.  'I'he  privilege 
 of  adoption,  which  takes’them  into  the  number  of  God’s  children. 
 The  privilege  of  regeneration  ;  All  the  children  of  God  are  born 
 again  :  all  that  are  adopted  are  regenerated  :  this  real  change 
 evermore  attends  that  relative  one.  Wherever  God  confers  the 
 dignity  of  children,  he  creates  the  nature  and  disposition  of  chiU 
 dren  ;  men  cannot  do  so  when  they  adopt.  The  human  nature  of 
 Christ  with  which  he  was  veiled  is  expressed  two  ways.  The 
 word  was  made  flesh.  Forasmuch  as  the  children  who  were  to 
 become  the  sons  of  God  were  partakers  of  flesh  and  blood,  he  also 
 himself  likewise  took  part  of  the  same,  Heb.  ii.  14.  Fie  dwelt 
 among  us  here  in  this  lower  world.  Having  taken  upon  him  the 
 nature  of  man,  he  put  himself  into  the  nature  and  condition  of  other 
 men.  He  was  in  the  world  not  as  a  way-faring  man  that  tarries 
 but  for  a  night,  but  he  dwelt  among  us,  made  a  long  residence; 
 the  original  word  is  observable,  he  dwelt  among  us,  he  dwelt  as  in 
 a  tabernacle,  which  intimates,  that  he  dwelt  ncrc  in  very  mean 
 circumstances,  as  shepherds  that  dwell  in  tents.  That  his  stay 
 among  us  was  not  to  be  perpetual.  He.dwelt  here  as  in  a  tent,  not 
 as  at  home.  'Fhat  as  of  old  God  dwelt  in  the  tabernacle  of  Mo¬ 
 ses,  by  the  Shechinah  between  the  cherubim,  so  now  he  dwells  in 
 the  human  nature  of  Christ,  that  is  now  the  true  Shechinah,  the 
 symbol  of  God’s  peculiar  presence :  and  we  are  to  make  all  our 
 addresses  to  God  through  Christ,  and  from  him  to  receive  divine 
 oracles. 
 
 15 — 18.  The  evangelist  begins  again  to  give  us  John  Baptist’s 
 testimony  concerning  Christ,  v.  15.  He  had  said,  v.  8,  that  he 
 came  for  a  witness,  now  here  he  tells  us  that  he  did  accordingly 
 bear  witness.  Hete  is  the  substitution  of  New  Testament  grace 
 in  the  room  and  stead  of  Old  Testament  grace ;  so  Beza.  And 
 this  sense  is  confirmed  by  what  follows,  v.  17,  for  the  Old  'Festa- 
 ment  had  grace  in  type;  the  New  Testament  lias  grace  in  truth. 
 There  was  a  grace  under  the  Old  Testament,  the  gospel  was  preach¬ 
 ed  then.  Gal.  iii.  8,  but  that  grace  is  superseded,  ann  we  have 
 gospel  grace  instead  of  it,  a  glorj’  which  excelleth,  2  Cpr.  iii.  10. 
 Discoveries  of  grace  are  now  more  clear,  distributions  of  grace  far 
 more  plentiful  ;  this  is  grace  instead  of  grace.  Another  thing  we 
 receive  from  Christ  is  a  clear  revelation  of  God  to  us,  v.  18.  He 
 hath  declared  God  to  us,  whom  no  man  hath  seen  at  any  time. 
 This  was  the  grace  and  truth  which  came  by  Christ,  the  know'ledge 
 of  God  and  an  acquaintance  with  him.  None  of  the  Old  Testa¬ 
 ment  prophets  were  so  well  qualified  to  make  known  the  mind 
 
CHAP.  I. 
 
 20  And  he  confessed,  and  denied  not; 
 but  confessed,  1  am  not  the  Christ. 
 
 31  And  they  asked  him.  What  then?  Art 
 thou  Elias  ?  And  he  saith,  I  am  not.  Art 
 thou  that  prophet?  And  he  answered.  No. 
 
 22  Then  said  they  unto  him.  Who  art 
 thou  ?  that  we  may  give  an  answer  to  them 
 that  sent  us  ;  what  sayest  thou  of  thyself? 
 
 23  He  said,  1  am  the  voice  of  one  crying 
 in  the  wilderness.  Make  straight  the  way  of 
 the  Lord,  as  said  the  prophet  Esaias. 
 
 24  And  they  which  were  sent  were  of  the 
 Pharisees. 
 
 25  And  they  asked  him,  and  said  unto 
 him.  Why  baptizes!  thou  then,  if  thou  be 
 not  that  Christ,  nor  Elias,  neither  that  pro¬ 
 phet  ? 
 
 26  .John  answered  them,  saying,  I  bap¬ 
 tize  with  water :  but  there  standeth  one 
 among  you,  whom  ye  know  not ; 
 
 27  He  it  is,  who,  coming  after  me,  is 
 preferred  before  me,  whose  shoe's  latchet  I 
 am  not  worthy  to  unloose. 
 
 28  These  things  were  done  in  Bethabara 
 beyond  Jordan,  where  John  Avas  baptizing. 
 
 29  %  The  next  day  John  seeth  Jesus  com¬ 
 ing  unto  him,  and  saith.  Behold  the  Lamb 
 of  God,  which  taketh  away  the  sin  of  the 
 world ! 
 
 30  This  is  he  of  Avhom  I  said.  After  me 
 cometh  a  man  which  is  preferred  before  me; 
 for  he  was  before  me. 
 
 31  And  I  knew  him  not:  but  that  he 
 should  be  made  manifest  to  Israel,  therefore 
 am  I  come  baptizing  Avith  Avater. 
 
 32  And  John  bare  record,  saying,  I  saAV 
 
 the  Spirit  descending  from  heaven  like  a 
 dove,  and  it  abode  upon  him. 
 
 33  And  I  kneAV  him  not :  but  he  that  sent 
 me  to  baptize  with  water,  the  same  said  un¬ 
 to  me.  Upon  Avhom  thou  shalt  see  the  Spirit 
 descending,  and  remaining  on  him,  the  same 
 is  he  which  baptizeth  Avith  the  Holy  Ghost. 
 
 34  And  I  saAV,  and  bare  record  that  this 
 is  the  Son  of  God. 
 
 35  ^  Again,  the  next  day  after,  John 
 stood,  and  tAvo  of  his  disciples  ; 
 
 36  And  looking  upon  Jesus  as  he  Avalked, 
 he  saith.  Behold  the  Lamb  of  God  ! 
 
 37  And  the  tAvo  disciples  heard  him  speak, 
 and  they  folio Aved  Jesus. 
 
 38  Then  Jesus  turned,  and  saAv  them  fol- 
 loAving, and  saith  unto  them.  What  seek  ye? 
 They  said  unto  him.  Rabbi,  (Avhich  is  to 
 say,  being  interpreted.  Master,)  Avhere  dAvel- 
 lest  thou  ? 
 
 39  He  saith  unto  them.  Come  and  see, 
 They  came  and  saAv  Avhere  he  dwelt,  and 
 abode  Avith  him  that  day  :  for  it  Avas  about 
 the  tenth  hour. 
 
 40  One  of  the  tAVO  whi«^h  heard  John  speak, 
 and  followed  him,  Avas  AndreAV,  Simon  Pe¬ 
 ter’s  brother. 
 
 41  He  first  findeth  his  oavii  brother  Si¬ 
 mon,  and  saith  unto  him.  We  have  found  the 
 Messias,  Avhich  is,  being  interpreted,  The 
 Christ. 
 
 42  And  he  brought  him  to  Jesus.  And 
 when  Jesus  beheld  him  he  said.  Thou  art  Si¬ 
 mon  the  son  of  Jona :  thou  shalt  be  called 
 Cephas,  which  is,  by  interpretation,  A  stone. 
 
 43  ^  The  day  folloAving  Jesus  Avould  go 
 
 and  will  of  God  to  the  children  of  men  as  our  Lord  Jesus  was,  for 
 none  of  them  had  seen  God  at  any  time ;  Moses  beheld  the  simili¬ 
 tude  of  the  Lord,  Numb.  xii.  8,  but  was  told  he  could  not  see  his 
 face,  Exod.  xxxiii.  20.  But  this  recommends  Christ’s  holy  reli- 
 ion  to  us,  that  it  was  founded  by  one  that  had  seen  God,  and 
 new  more  of  his  mind  than  any  one  else  ever  did,  for  he  had  seen 
 him,  which  they  never  did. 
 
 19  -28.  The  Jews  expected  the  person  of  Elias  to  return  from 
 heaven,  and  to  live  among  them,  and  promised  themselves 
 great  maiters  from  it;  and  hearing  of  John’s  character,  doctrine, 
 and  Baptism,  and  observing  that  he  appeared  as  one  dropt  from 
 heaven,  in  the  same  part  of  the  country  from  which  Elijah  was 
 Carried  to  heaven,  'it  is  no  wonder  that  they  were  ready  to  take 
 him  for  this  Elijah  ;  but  he  disowned  this  honour  too.  He  was 
 indeed  prophesied  of  under  the  name  of  Elijah,  Mai.  iv.  5,  and  he 
 came  in  the  spirit  and  power  of  Elias,  Luke  i.  17,  and  was  the 
 Elias  that  was  to  come,  Matt.  xi.  14,  but  he  was  not  the  person  of 
 Elias;  not  that  Elias  that  went  to  heaven  in  the  fiery  chariot,  as 
 he  was  that  mol  Christ  in  his  transfiguration  :  -he  was  the  Elias 
 
 that  God  had  promised,  not  the  Elias  that  they  foolishly  dreamed 
 of.  Elias  did  come,  and  they  knew  him  not.  Malt.  xvii.  12,  nor 
 did  he  make  himself  known  to  them  as  the  Elias,  because  they  had 
 promised  themselves  such  an  Elias  as  God  never  promised  them. 
 He  was  not  that  prophet  which  Moses  said  the  Lord  would  raise 
 up  to  them,  of  their  brethren,  like  unto  him.  He  was  not  one  of 
 the  old  prophets  raised  from  the  dead,  as  they  expected  one  to 
 come  before  Elias,  as  Elias  before  the  Messiah. 
 
 29 — 36.  We  have  in  these  verses  an  account  of  John’s  testimony 
 concerning  Jesus  Christ,  which  he  witnessed  to  his  own  disciples 
 that  followed  him.  As  soon  as  ever  Christ  was  baptized,  he  was 
 immediately  hurried  into  the  wilderness  to  be  tempted  ;  there  he 
 was  forty  days  ;  during  his  absence  John  had  continued  to  bear 
 testimony  to  him,  and  to  tell  the  people  of  him,  but  now  at  last 
 he  sees  Jesus  coming  to  him,  returning  from  the  wilderness  of 
 temptation. 
 
 37 — 42.  The  best  evidence  of  our  profiting  by  the  means  of 
 grace,  is  the  piety  and  usefulness  of  our  conversation  afterwards ; 
 hereby  it  appeared  that  Andrewlhad  been  with  Jesus,  that  he  was 
 
 4r7 
 
ST  JOHN. 
 
 forth  into  Galilee,  and  fmdeth  Philip,  and 
 saith  unto  him.  Follow  me. 
 
 44  Now  Philip  was  of  Bethsaida,  the  city 
 of  Andrew  and  Peter. 
 
 45  Philip  findeth  Nathanael,  and  saith 
 unto  him.  We  have  found  him  of  whom  Mo¬ 
 ses  in  the  law  and  the  prophets  did  Avrite, 
 Jesus  of  Nazareth,  the  son  of  Joseph. 
 
 46  And  Nathanael  said  unto  him.  Can 
 there  any  good  thing  come  out  of  Nazareth? 
 Philip  saith  unto  him.  Come  and  see. 
 
 47  Jesus  saAV  Nathanael  coming  to  him, 
 and  saith  of  him.  Behold  an  Israelite  indeed, 
 in  Avhom  is  no  guile ! 
 
 48  Nathanael  saith  unto  him.  Whence 
 knoAvest  thou  me?  Jesus  ansAvered,  and  said 
 unto  him.  Before  that  Philip  called  thee, 
 Avhen  thou  Avast  under  the  fig-tree,  I  saAv 
 thee. 
 
 49  Nathanael  ansAvered,  and  said  unto 
 him.  Rabbi,  thou  art  the  Son  of  God,  thou 
 art  the  King  of  Israel. 
 
 50  Jesus  ansAvered,  and  said  unto  him. 
 Because  I  said  unto  thee,  I  saAV  thee  under 
 the  fig-tree,  believest  thou  ?  thou  shalt  see 
 greater  things  than  these. 
 
 51  And  he  saith  unto  him.  Verily,  verily, 
 T  say  unto  you.  Hereafter  ye  shall  see  hea¬ 
 ven  open,  and  the  angels  ot  God  ascending 
 and  descending  upon  the  Son  of  man. 
 
 CHAP.  II. 
 
 I.  AV'atcr  turned  into  wine,  1—12.  H-  The  first  passover  at  Je¬ 
 rusalem,  13 — 25. 
 
 And  the  third  day  there  Avas  a  marriage 
 in  Cana  of  Galilee  :  and  the  mother  of 
 Jesus  Avas  there.  _ _ 
 
 so  full  of  him,  that  he  had  been  in  the  mount,^  for  his  face  shone. 
 He  knew  there  was  enough  in  Christ  for  all ;  and  having  tasted 
 that  he  is  gracious,  could  not  rest  till  those  he  loved  had  tasted  it 
 
 **^43 — 51,  It  is  most  probable  Nathanael  under  the  fig-tree  was 
 employed  as  Isaac  in  the  field,  in  meditation  and  prayer,  and 
 communion  with  God.  Perhaps  then  and  there  it  was  that  he 
 solemnly  joined  himself  to  the  Lord  in  an  inviolable  covenant: 
 Christ  saw  in  secret,  and  by  this  public  notice  of  it  did  in  [lart 
 
 reward  him  openly.  ,  ,  r 
 
 CHAP.  II.  1  — 11.  Christ  in  providing  thus  plentifully  for  the 
 guests,  though  he  allows  a  sober,  cheerful  use  of  wine,  especially 
 in  times  of  rejoicing,  Nch.  viii.  10,  yet  he  doth  not  invalidate  his 
 own  caution,  nor  invade  it  in  the  least,  which  is,  that  our  hearts 
 be  not  at  any  time,  no  not  at  a  marriage  feast,  overcharged  with 
 surfeiting  and  drunkenness,  Luke  xxi.  34.  AVhen  Christ  provided 
 so  much  good  wine  for  them  that  had  well  drank,  he  intciuled  to 
 try  their  sobriety,  and  to  teach  them  how  to  abound,  as  well  as 
 how  to  w'aiit.  Temperance  per  force  is  a  thankless  virliic,  but  if 
 <78 
 
 2  And  both  Jesus  Avas  called,  and  his  dis¬ 
 ciples  to  the  marriage. 
 
 3  And  Avhen  they  Avanted  wine  the  mo¬ 
 ther  of  Jesus  saith  unto  him,  They  haA^e  no 
 Avine. 
 
 4  Jesus  saith  unto  her.  Woman,  Avhat 
 have  I  to  do  Avith  thee,  mine  hour  is  not  yet 
 come. 
 
 5  His  mother  saith  unto  the  servants. 
 Whatsoever  he  saith  unto  you,  do  it. 
 
 6  And  there  Av^ere  set  there  six  Avatcr-pots 
 of  stone,  after  the  manner  of  the  purifying  of 
 the  JeAvs,  containing  tAvo  or  three  firkins 
 apiece. 
 
 7  Jesus  saith  unto  them.  Fill  the  Avater- 
 pots  Avith  Avater.  And  they  filled  them  up 
 to  the  brim. 
 
 8  And  he  saith  unto  them,  DraAv  out  now, 
 and  bear  unto  the  governor  of  the  feast. 
 And  they  bare  it. 
 
 9  When  the  ruler  of  the  feast  had  tasted 
 the  Avater  that  Avas  made  Avine,  and  kneAV 
 not  Avhence  it  Avas,  (but  the  servants  Avhich 
 drcAv  the  Avater  kneAV,)  the  governor  of  the 
 feast  called  the  bridegroom, 
 
 10  And  saith  unto  him,  Every  man  at  the 
 beginning  doth  set  forth  good  Avine  ;  and 
 Avhen  men  have  Avell  drunk,  then  that  Avhich 
 is  Avorse ;  diit  thou  hast  kept  the  good  Avine 
 until  noAv. 
 
 11  This  beginning  of  miracles  did  Jesus 
 in  Cana  of  Galilee,  and  manifested  forth  his 
 glory  ;  and  his  disciples  believed  on  him. 
 
 12  ^  After  this  he  Avent  doAvn  to  Caper¬ 
 naum,  he,  and  his  mother,  and  his  bre¬ 
 thren,  and  his  disciples  :  and  they  continued 
 there  not  many  days. 
 
 Divine  Providence  give  us  abundance  of  the  delights  of  sense,  and 
 divine  grace  enable  us  to  use  them  moderately,  this  is  self-denial, 
 that  is  jiraisc-wortln'.  He  also  intended  that  some  should  be  left 
 for  the  confirmation  of  the  truth  of  the  miracle  to  the  faith  of 
 others.  And  w'e  have  reason  to  think  that  the  guests  at  this  table 
 were  so  well  taught,  or  at  least  were  now'  so  well  awed  by  the  pre- 
 sence  of  Christ,  that  none  of  them  abused  this  wine  to  excess;  and 
 those  two  considerations  drawn  from  this  story  may  be  sufiicient 
 at  any  time  to  fortify  us  against  temptations  to  intemperance, 
 ■'irst.  That  our  meat  and  drink  are  the  gifts  of  God’s  bounty  to  us, 
 and  we  owe  our  liberty  to  use  them,  and  our  comfort  in  the  use 
 of  them,  to  the  mediation  of  Christ :  it  is  therefore  ungrateful  and 
 impious  to  abuse  them.  Second,  That  wherever  we  are,  Christ 
 las  his  eye  upon  us  ;  we  should  eat  bread  before  God,  Exod.  xviii. 
 12,  and  then  we  should  not  feed  ourselves  without  fear. 
 
 12 — 22.  The  disciples  were  somewhat  surprised  at  first  to  see 
 Christ,  whom  they  were  directed  to  as  the  Lamb  of  God,  in  such 
 a  heat ;  and  him  whom  they  believed  to  be  the  King  of  Israel* 
 take  so  little  staic  upon  him  as  to  do  this  himself ;  but  one  scrip- 
 
CHAP  III. 
 
 13  ^  And  the  Jews'  passover  was  at  hand; 
 and  Jesus  went  up  to  Jerusalem, 
 
 14  And  found  in  the  temple  those  that 
 sold  oxen,  and  sheep,  and  doves,  and  the 
 changers  of  money,  sitting  : 
 
 15  And,  when  he  had  made  a  scourge  of 
 small  cords,  he  drove  them  all  out  of  the 
 temple,  and  the  sheep,  and  the  oxen,  and 
 poured  out  the  changers’  money,  and  over¬ 
 threw  the  tables  ; 
 
 16  And  said  unto  them  that  sold  doves. 
 Take  these  things  hence  ;  make  not  my  Fa¬ 
 ther’s  house  an  house  of  merchandise. 
 
 17  And  his  disciples  remembered  that  it 
 was  written.  The  zeal  of  thine  house  hath 
 eaten  me  up. 
 
 18'  ^  Then  answered  the  Jews,  and  said 
 unto  him.  What  sign  shewest  thou  unto  us, 
 seeing  that  thou  doest  these  things  ? 
 
 o  o 
 
 19  Jesus  answered,  and  said  unto  them. 
 Destroy  this  temple,  and  in  three  days  I  will 
 raise  it  up. 
 
 20  Then  said  the  Jews,  Forty  and  six 
 years  was  this  temple  in  building,  and  wilt 
 thou  rear  it  up  in  three  days  ? 
 
 21  But  he  spake  of  the  temple  of  his 
 body. 
 
 22  When,  therefore,  he  was  risen  from  the 
 dead,  his  disciples  remembered  that  he  had 
 said  this  unto  them  ;  and  they  believed  the 
 scripture,  and  the  word  which  Jesus  had 
 said. 
 
 ture  came  to  their  thoughts,  which  taught  them  to  reconcile  this 
 action  both  with  the  meekness  of  the  Lamb  of  God,  and  with  the 
 majesty  ()f  the  king  of  Israel,  for  David,  speaking  of  the  Messiah, 
 takes  notice  of  his  zeal  for  God’s  house  as  so  great,  that  it  even 
 ate  him  up,  it  made  him  forget  himself,  Psal.  Ixix.  9. 
 
 Christ  foretels  his  death  and  resurrection  not  in  plain  terms,  as 
 he  often  did  to  his  disciples,  but  in  figurative  expressions ;  as 
 afterwards,  when  he  ga\e  this  for  a  sign,  he  called  it  the  sign  of 
 the  prophet  Jonas  ;  so  here.  Destroy  this  temple,  and  in  three  days 
 1  will  raise  it  up.  Thus  snake  he  to  them  who  were  willingly  ig¬ 
 norant,  in  parables,  that  they  might  not  perceive.  Matt,  xiii.  13. 
 They  that  will  not  see  shall  not  see.  Nay,  this  figurative  speech 
 Used  here  proved  such  a  stumbling-block  to  them,  that  it  was  jiro- 
 duced  in  evidence  against  him  at  his  trial,  to  prove  him  a  bias-, 
 phemer.  Matt.  xx.  60,  6T.  Had  they  humbly  asked  him  the 
 meaning  of  what  he  said,  he  would  have  told  them,  and  it  would 
 have  been  a  savour  of  life  unto  life  to  them,  but  they  were  resolved 
 to  cavil,  and  it  proved  a  savour  of  death  unto  death.  They  that 
 would  not  be  convinced  were  hardened  ;  and  the  manner  of  the 
 expression  of  this  prediction  occasioned  the  accomplishment  of 
 the  prediction  itself. 
 
 23—25.  Now  this  is  all  the  success  of  Christ’s  preaching  and 
 miracles  at  Jerusalem  in  this  journey.  The  Lord  comes  to  his 
 temple,  and  none  comes  to  him,  but  a  parcel  of  weak,  simple 
 people,  that  he  can  neither  have  credit  from,  nor  put  confidence 
 lie  shall  at  length  see  of  the  travail  of  his  soul. 
 
 Vol.  II.  86  3  0 
 
 123  ^  Now,  when  he  was  in  Jerusalem  at 
 the  passover,  in  the  feasW/m/,  many  believed 
 in  his  name,  when  they  saw  the  miracles 
 which  he  did. 
 
 24  But  Jesus  did  not  commit  himself  un¬ 
 to  them,  because  he  knew  all  men  ; 
 
 25  And  needed  not  that  any  should  tes* 
 tify  of  man ;  for  he  knew  what  was  in  man 
 
 CHAP.  HI. 
 
 I,  Christ’s  discourse  with  Nicodemus,  1 — 21.  11.  John  Baptist’s 
 
 discourse  with  his  disciples  concerning  Christ,  22 — 36'. 
 
 ^H'^HERE  was  a  man  of  the  Pharisees  named 
 Nicodemus,  a  ruler  of  the  Jews  ; 
 
 2  The  same  came  to  Jesus  by  night,  and 
 said  unto  him.  Rabbi,  we  know  that  thou 
 art  a  teacher  come  from  God  :  for  no  man 
 can  do  these  miracles  that  thou  doest,  except 
 God  be  with  him. 
 
 3  Jesus  ansAvered,  and  said  unto  him. 
 Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  thee,  Except  a  man 
 be  born  again,  he  cannot  see  the  kingdom  of 
 God. 
 
 4  Nicodemus  saith  unto  him.  How  can  a 
 man  be  born  Avhen  he  is  old  ?  can  he  enter 
 the  second  time  into  his  mother’s  womb,  and 
 be  born  ? 
 
 5  Jesus  answered.  Verily,  verily,  I  say 
 unto  thee,  Except  a  man  be  born  of  Avater, 
 and  of  the  Spirit,  he  cannot  enter  into  the 
 kingdom  of  God. 
 
 6  That  Avhich  is  born  of  the  flesh  is  flesh  ; 
 and  that  Avhich  is  bor-n  of  the  Spirit  is  spirit. 
 
 CHAP.  III.  1 — 21.  When  religion  is  out  of  fashion,  there  are 
 many  Nicodemites,  esficcially  among  the  rulers,  who  have  a  bet¬ 
 ter  affection  to  Christ  and  his  religion  than  they  would  be  known 
 to  have.  But  observe,  first.  Though  he  came  by  night  Christ  bid 
 lim  welcome,  accepted  his  integiity,  and  pardoned  his  infirmity; 
 considered  his  temper,  which  perhaps  was  timorous,  and  the  temp¬ 
 tation  he  was  in  from  his  place  and  office  ;  and  hereby  taught  his 
 ministers  to  become  all  things  to  all  men,  and  to  encourage  good 
 beginnings  though  they  are  weak.  Paul  preached  privately  to  them 
 of  reputation.  Gal.  ii.  2.  Second,  Though  now  he  came  by  night, 
 yet  afterwards,  when  there  was  occasion,  he  owned  Christ  pub- 
 icly,  John  vii.  5,  9,  and  xix.  39.  The  grace  which  is  at  first  but  a 
 grain  of  mustard-seed  may  grow  to  be  a  great  tree. 
 
 We  are  here  directed  what  inference  to  draw  from  Christ’s  mi¬ 
 racles  ;  therefore  we  are  to  receive  him  as  a  teacher  come  from 
 God  ;  his  miracles  were  his  credentials.  The  course  of  nature 
 could  not  be  altered  but  by  the  power  of  the  God  of  nature,  who 
 we  are  sure  is  the  God  of  truth  and  goodness,  and  would  never  set 
 lis  seal  to  a  lie  or  a  cheat. 
 
 Four  things  our  Saviour  here  discourseth  of ;  first.  Concerning 
 the  necessity  and  nature  of  regeneration,  and  the  new  birth,  v. 
 3 — 8.  Observe  what  it  is  that  is  required  to  be  born  again,  that 
 is,  first.  We  must  live  a  new  life.  Birth  is  the  beginning  of  life  ;  to 
 be  born  again  is  to  begin  anew,  as  those  that  have  hitherto  lived 
 either  much  amiss,  or  to  little  jmrpose.  We  must  not  think  ta 
 patch  up  the  old  building,  but  begin  from  the  foundation.  Se* 
 
 479 
 
ST.  JOHN. 
 
 7  Marvel  not  that  I  said  unto  thee,  Ye 
 must  be  born  again. 
 
 8  The  wind  bloweth  where  it  listeth,  and 
 thou  hearest  the  sound  thereof,  but  canst 
 not  tell  whence  it  cometh,  and  whither  it 
 goeth  ;  so  is  every  one  that  is  born  of  the 
 Spirit. 
 
 9  Nicodemus  answered,  and  said  unto 
 him.  How  can  these  things  be  ? 
 
 10  Jesus  answered,  and  said  unto  him, 
 Art  thou  a  master  of  Israel,  and  knowest  not 
 
 these  things  ?  ^ 
 
 1 1  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  thee,  VV  e 
 
 speak  that  we  do  know,  and  testify  that  we 
 have  seen  ;  and  ye  receive  not  our  witness. 
 
 12  If  I  have  told  you  earthly  things,  and 
 ye  believe  not,  how  shall  ye  believe  if  I  tell 
 
 you  of  heavenly  things  ? 
 
 13*  And  no  man  hath  ascended  up  to  hea¬ 
 ven,  but,  he  that  came  down  from  heaven, 
 even  the  Son  of  man,  which  is  in  heaven. 
 
 14  %  And  as  Moses  lifted  up  the  serpent 
 in  the  wilderness,  even  so  must  the  Son  of 
 man  be  lifted  up : 
 
 1 5  That  whosoever  believeth  in  him  should 
 not  perish,  but  have  eternal  life. 
 
 16  ^  For  God  so  loved  the  world,  that  he 
 gave  his  only  begotten  Son,  that  whosoever 
 believeth  in  him  should  not  perish,  but  have 
 
 everlasting  life.  .  , 
 
 17  For  Godvsent  not  his  Son  into  the 
 
 cond.  We  must  have  a  new  nature,  new  principles,  new  afFepions, 
 new  aims.  We  must  be  born  anew,  so  the  word  is  taken.  Gal.  ly. 
 O  and  Luke  i.  3.  By  our  first  birth  we  were  corrupt,  shapen  in 
 sin  and  iniquity,  we  must  therefore  undergo  a  second  birth  ;  our 
 souls  must  he  feluoned  and  enlivened  anew.  We  must  be  born 
 from  above,  so  the  word  is  used  by  the  evangelist,  chap,  in  31, 
 .and  xix.  11,  and  I  take  it  to  be  especia  ly  intended  heie,  not  ex- 
 duding  the  other,  for  to  be  born  from  above  supposeth  be.iig  born 
 acrain.  But  ibis  new  birth  has  its  rise  from  heaven,  chap.  i.  13 
 ^nd  its  tendency  to  heaven;  it  is  to  be  born  to  a  divine  and 
 heavenly  life,  a  life  of  communion  with  God  and  the  upper  world, 
 •and  in  order  to  this  it  is  to  partake  of  a  divine  nature,  and  bear  the 
 
 "™S?condly^  Herrlra  discourse  concerning  the  certainty  and 
 sudimi  V  of  gospel  truths,  which  Christ  takes  occasion  for  from 
 £  weakness  of  Nicodemus.  The  truths  Christ  taught,  though 
 communicated  in  language  and  e.xpressions  borrowed  from  com¬ 
 mon  and  earthly  things,  yet  in  their  own  nature  ®u^ 
 
 ■lime  and  heavenly.  Now  we  may  learn  hence,  first,  loddmiie 
 the  height  and  depth  of  the  doctrine  of  ^  ^ 
 
 knowledge  with  thankfulness  the  condescension 
 is  pleased  to  suit  the  manner  of  the  gosnel  revelation  to  our  ca 
 .  pacities  ;  to  speak  to  us  as  to  children.  Third,  To  lament  the  cor- 
 !-uptions  of  olir  nature,  and  our  great  unaptness  to  receive  and  en- 
 ;  termin  the  truths  of  Christ.  Our  Lord  Jesus  and  none  but  he, 
 was  fit  to  reveal  to  us  a  doctrine  thus  certain,  thus  sublime. 
 
 Thirdlv  Christ  here  discourseth  of  the  great  design  of  his  own 
 coming  into  the  world,  and  the  happiness  of  those  that  believe  in 
 "480 
 
 world  to  condemn  the  world  ;  but  that  tlie 
 world  through  him  might  be  saved. 
 
 18  f  He  that  believeth  on  him  is  not  con¬ 
 demned  ;  but  he  that  believeth  not  is  con¬ 
 demned  already  ;  because  he  hath  not  be¬ 
 lieved  in  the  name  of  the  only-begotten  Son 
 of  God. 
 
 19  And  this  is  the  condemnation,  that 
 light  is  come  into  the  world,  and  men  loved 
 darkness  rather  than  light,  because  their 
 deeds  were  evil. 
 
 20  For  every  one  that  doeth  evil  hateth 
 the  light,  neither  cometh  to  the  light,  lest 
 his  deeds  should  be  reproved. 
 
 2 1  But  he  that  doeth  truth  cometh  to  the 
 light,  that  his  deeds  may  be  made  manifest 
 that  they  are  wrought  in  God. 
 
 22  ^  After  these  things  came  Jesus  and 
 his  disciples  into  the  land  of  Judea  ;  and 
 there  he  tarried  with  them,  and  baptized. 
 
 23  f  And  John  also  was  baj)tizing  in 
 iEnon,  near  to  Salim,  because  there  was 
 much  water  there  ;  and  they  came,  and  were 
 
 baptized  : 
 
 24  For  John  was  not  yet  cast  into  prison. 
 
 25  Then  there  arose  a  question  between 
 sotJie  of  John's  disciples  and  the  Jews  about 
 purifying. 
 
 26  And  they  came  unto  John,  and  said 
 unto  him.  Rabbi,  he  that  was  with  thee  be¬ 
 yond  Jordan,  to  whom  thou  barest  witness. 
 
 liim  14—18.  Here  we  have  the  very  marrow  and  quintessence 
 :)f  the  whole  gospel ;  that  faithful  saying,  1  Tim.  i.  15,  that  Jesus 
 Christ  came  to  seek  and  to  save  the  children  of  men  from  death, 
 ind  recover  them  to  life.  Now  sinners  are  dead  men  upon  a  two¬ 
 fold  account ;  first.  As  one  that  is  mortally  wounded,  or  sick  of 
 in  incurable  disease,  is  said  to  be  a  dead  man,  for  he  is  dying, 
 ind  so  Christ  came  to  save  us  by  healing  us  as  the  brazen  serpent 
 healed  the  Israelites,  14,  15.  Second,  As  one  that  is  justly  con- 
 Jemnedtodie  for  an  unpardonable  crime  is  a  dead  man,  he  is  dead 
 in  law  ;  and  in  reference  to  this  part  of  our  danger,  Christ 
 "ame  to’save  as  a  prince  or  judge,  publishing  an  act  of  indemnity, 
 ar  general  pardon,  under  certain  provisos;  this  saving  here  is 
 opposed  to  condemning,  1 6,  17,  18. 
 
 Fourthly,  Christ  in  the  close  discoursing  concerning  the  de- 
 nlorable  condition  of  those  that  persist  in  unbelief  and  wilful  ig¬ 
 norance  18—21.  Wilful  ignorance  is  so  far  from  e.xcusing 
 fin  that’it  will  be  found  at  the  great  day  to  aggravate  the  con- 
 jemnation.  This  is  the  condemnation,  this  is  it  that  ruins  souls, 
 hat  they  shut  their  eves  against  the  light,  and  will  not  so  much 
 as  admit  a  parley  wi'th  Christ  and  his  gospel;  they  set  God  so 
 much  at  defiance  that  they  desire  not  the  knowledge  of  his  ways. 
 Job  xxi  14.  We  must  account  in  the  judgment,  not  only  for  the 
 knowledge  we  had  and  used  not,  but  for  the  knowledge  w'e  might 
 have  had  and  would  not ;  not  only  for  the  knowledge  we  sinned 
 against,  but  for  the  knowledge  we  sinned  away. 
 
 22—36’.  Faithful  ministers  are  friends  of  the  bridegroom,  to 
 recommend  him  to  the  affections  and  choice  of  the  children  p. 
 men  The  espousing  of  souls  to  Jesus  Christ  in  faith  -and  love  is 
 
CHAP.  IV. 
 
 behold  the  same  baptizeth,  and  all  men  come 
 to  him. 
 
 27  John  answered,  and  said,  A  man  can 
 receive  nothing,  except  it  be  given  him  from 
 heaven. 
 
 28  Ye  yourselves  bear  me  witness,  that  I 
 said,  I  am  not  the  Christ,  but  that  I  am  sent 
 before  him. 
 
 29  He  that  hath  the  bride  is  the  bride¬ 
 groom  :  but  the  friend  of  the  bridegroom, 
 which  standeth  and  heareth  him,  rejoiceth 
 greatly  because  ot  the  bridegroom^s  voice. 
 This  my  joy,  therefore,  is  fulfilled. 
 
 30  He  must  increase,  but  1  mn^t  decrease. 
 
 31  He  that  cometli  from  above  is  above 
 all;  he  that  is  of  the  earth  is  earthly,  and 
 speaketh  of  the  earth  ;  he  that  cometh  from 
 heaven  is  above  all. 
 
 32  And  what  he  hath  seen  and  heard, 
 that  he  testifieth  ;  and  no  man  receiveth  his 
 testimony. 
 
 33  He  that  hath  received  his  testimony 
 hath  set  to  his  seal  that  God  is  true. 
 
 34  For  he  whom  God  hath  sent  speaketh 
 
 the  fulfilling  of  the  joy  of  every  good  minister.  If  the  day  of  Christ’s 
 espousals  be  the  day  of  the  gladness  of  his  heart,  Cant.  iii.  ult. 
 it  cannot  but  be  theirs  too  who  love  him,  and  wish  well  to  his  ho¬ 
 nour  and  kingdom.  Surely  they  have  no  greater  joy.  John  owns 
 it  highly  fit  and  necessary  that  the  reputation  and  interest  of  Christ 
 should  be  advanced,  and  his  own  diminished,  v.  30,  He  must  in¬ 
 crease,  but  I  must  decrease.  If  they  grieve  at  the  growing  great¬ 
 ness  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  they  will  have  more  and  more  occasion  to 
 grieve,  as  they  have  that  indulge  themselves  in  envy  and  emula¬ 
 tion.  John  speaks  of  Christ’s  increase  and  his  own  decrease,  not 
 only  as  necessary  and  unavoidable,  which  could  not  be  helped, 
 and  therefore  must  be  borne,  but  as  highly  just  and  agreeable,  and 
 is  entirely  satisfied  in  it. 
 
 CHAP.  IV.  1 — 3.  Hereby  Jesus  gave  an  example  to  his  own 
 rule  ;  When  they  persecute  you  in  one  city  flee  to  another.  We  are 
 not,  called  to  suffer,  while  we  may  avoid  it  without  sin  ;  and  there¬ 
 fore,  though  we  may  not  for  our  own  preservation  change  our  re¬ 
 ligion,  yet  we  may  change  our  place.  Christ  secured  himself  not 
 by  miracle,  but  in  a  way  common  to  men,  for  the  direction  and 
 encouragement  of  his  suffering  people. 
 
 4 — ‘2b\  The  city  of  Samaria  was  called  Sychar;  probaby  the 
 same  with  Sichem,  or  Shechem,  a  place  which  we  read  much  of 
 in  the  Old  Testament.  Thus  are  the  names  of  places  commonly 
 Corrupted  by  tract  of  time.  Shechem  yielded  the  first  proselytes 
 that  ever  came  into  the  church  of  Israel,  Gen.  xxxiv.  29.  and 
 XXXV.  2,  and  now  it  is  the  first  place  where  the  gospel  is  preached 
 out  of  the  commonwealth  of  Israel. 
 
 The  Jews  w-ere  extremely  malicious  against  the  Samaritans, 
 “  looked  upon  them  as  having  no  part  in  the  resurrection  ;  ex¬ 
 communicated  and  cursed  them  by  the  sacred  name  of  God  ;  by 
 the  glorious  writing  of  the  tables,  and  by  the  curse  of  the  upper 
 and  lower  house  of  judgment;  with  this  law,  That  no  Israelite  eat 
 of  anv  thing  that  is  a  Samaritan’s,  for  it  is  as  if  he  eat  swine’s  flesh.” 
 So  Dr.  Lightfoot,  out  of  Rabbi,  Tanchum.  Quarrels  about  reli¬ 
 gion  are  usually  the  most  implacable  of  all  other.  Men  were  made 
 to  have  dealings  one  with  another ;  but  if  men,  because  one  wor¬ 
 ships  at  one  temple,  and  another,  at  another,  will  be  morose  and 
 unnatural,  scornful  and  censorious,  and  this  under  colour  of  zeal 
 
 the  words  of  God  :  for  God  giveth  not  the 
 Spirit  by  measure  unto  him. 
 
 35  The  Father  loveth  the  Son,  and  hath 
 given  all  things  into  his  hand. 
 
 36  Pie  that  believeth  on  the  Son  hath 
 everlasting  life :  and  he  that  believeth  not 
 the  Son  shall  not  see  life ;  but  the  wrath  of 
 God  abideth  on  him. 
 
 CHAP.  IV. 
 
 Christ  converses  with  a  woman  of  Samaria,  and  cures  a  noble¬ 
 man’s  son. 
 
 WHEN,  therefore,  the  Lord  knew  how 
 the  Pharisees  had  heard  that  Jesus 
 made  and  baptized  more  disciples  than 
 John, 
 
 2  (Though  Jesus  himself  baptized  not, 
 but  his  disciples,) 
 
 3  He  left  Judea,  and  departed  again  into 
 Galilee. 
 
 4  And  he  must  needs  go  through  Sama¬ 
 ria. 
 
 5  Then  cometh  he  to  a  city  of  Samaria 
 which  is  called  Sychar,  near  to  the  parcel  of 
 ground  that  Jacob  gave  to  his  son  Joseph. 
 
 for  religion,  they  plainly  shew  that  however  their  religion  may  be 
 true,  they  are  not  truly  religious  ;  but  pretending  to  stickle  for  re¬ 
 ligion,  subvert  the  design  of  it. 
 
 It  is  an  unspeakable  privilege  to  have  this  gift  of  God  proposed 
 and  offered  to  us  ;  to  have  an  opportunity  of  embracing  it.  He 
 who  is  the  gift  of  God  is  now  set  before  thee,  and  addresseth  him¬ 
 self  to  thee  •  it  is  he  that  saith.  Give  me  to  drink  ;  this  gift  comes  a 
 begging  to  thee.  Though  Christ  is  set  before  us,  and  sues  to  us  in 
 and  by  his  gospel,  yet  there  -are  multitudes  that  know  him  not. 
 They  know  not  who  it  is  that  speaks  to  them  in  the  gospel,  that 
 saith.  Give  me  to  drink  ;  they  perceive  not  that  it  is  the  Lord  that 
 calls  them.  Christ’s  gifts  appear  most  valuable,  when  they  come 
 to  be  compared  with  the  things  of  this  world  ;  for  there  will  appear 
 no  comparison  between  them.  Whoever  partakes  of  the  Spirit  of 
 grace,  and  the  comforts  of  the  everlasting  gospel,  he  shall  never 
 thirst,  he  shall  never  want  that  which  will  abundantly  satisfy  his 
 soul’s  desires  ;  they  are  longing,  but  not  languishing.  A  desiring 
 thirst  he  has,  nothing  more  than  God,  but  still  more  and  more  of 
 God  ;  but  not  a  despairing  thirst.  This  water  that  Christ  gives 
 shall  be  in  him  a  well  of  water.  He  can  never  be  reduced  to  extre¬ 
 mity,  that  has  in  himself  a  fountain  pf  supply  and  satisfaction. 
 The  next  subject  of  discourse  with  this'  woman  is  concerning  her 
 husband,  16,  17.  18. 
 
 How  discreetly  and  decently  Christ  introduceth  this  discourse, 
 16,  Go  call  thy  husband  and  come  hither.  Call  thy  husband,  that 
 he  may  teach  thee,  and  help  thee  to  understand  these  things, 
 which  thou  art  so  ignorant  of.  The  wives  that  will  learn,  must 
 ask  their  husbands,  1  Cor.  xiv.  35,  who  must  dwell  with  them,  as 
 men  of  knowledge,  1  Pet.  iii.  7.  Call  thy  husband,  that  he  may 
 learn  with  thee  ;  that  then  ye  may  be  heirs  together  of  the  grace  of 
 life.  Call  thy  husband,  that  he  may  be  witness  to  what  passeth  be¬ 
 tween  us  ;  Christ  would  thus  teach  us  to  provide  things  honest  in 
 the  sight  of  all  men,  and  to  study  that  which  is  of  good  report.  As 
 it  had  a  good  colour,  so  it  had  a  good  design,  for  from  hence  he 
 would  take  occasion  to  call  her  sin  to  remembrance.  There  is 
 need  of  art  and  prudence  in  giving  reproofs  to  fetch  a  compass,  as 
 the  woman  of  Tekoa,  2  Sam.  xiv.  20.  How  industriously  the  wo 
 man  seeks  to  elude  the  conviction,  and  yet  insensibly  convicts  her- 
 
 481 
 
ST.  JOHN. 
 
 6  Now  Jacob  s  well  was  there,  Jesus, 
 therefore,  being  wearied  with  his  journey, 
 sat  thus  on  the  well :  and  it  Avas  about  the 
 sixth  hour. 
 
 7  There  cometh  a  Avoman  of  Samaria  to 
 draw  Avater.  Jesus  saith  unto  her.  Give  me 
 to  drink. 
 
 8  (For  his  disciples  Avere  gone  aAvay  unto 
 the  city  to  buy  meat.) 
 
 9  Then  saith  the  AVoman  of  Samaria  unto 
 him,  Hoav  is  it  that  thou,  being  a  JeAV,  ask- 
 est  drink  of  me,  Avhich  am  a  AVoman  of  Sa¬ 
 maria  ?  (for  the  JeAvs  have  no  dealings  Avith 
 the  Samaritans.) 
 
 10  Jesus  ansAvered  and  said  unto  her.  If 
 thou  knewest  the  gift  of  God,  and  Avho  it  is 
 that  saith  to  thee.  Give  me  to  drink  ;  thou 
 Avouldest  have  asked  of  him,  and  he  Avould 
 have  given  thee  living  Avater. 
 
 11  The  Avoman  saith  unto  him.  Sir,  thou 
 hast  nothing  to  draAV  Avith,  and  the  Avell  is 
 deep  :  from  Avhence  then  hast  thou  that  liv- 
 ino;  Avater  ? 
 
 12  Art  thou  greater  than  our  father  Ja¬ 
 cob,  Avhich  gave  us  the  Avell,  anol  drank 
 thereof  himself,  and  his  children,  and  his 
 cattle  ? 
 
 13  Jesus  answered,  and  said  unto  her. 
 Whosoever  drinketh  of  this  Avater  shall  thirst 
 again  : 
 
 14  But  Avhosoever  drinketh  of  the  Avater 
 that  I  shall  give  him  shall  never  thirst :  but 
 the  Avater  that  I  shall  give  him  shall  be  in 
 him  a  Avell  of  Avater  springing  up  into  ever¬ 
 lasting  life. 
 
 self,  and  ere  she  is  aware,  owns  her  fault ;  she  said,  I  have  no  hus¬ 
 band.  How  closely  our  Lord  Jesus  brings  home  the  conviction  to 
 her  conscience. 
 
 The  next  subject  of  discourse  with  this  woman  is  concerning  the 
 place  of  worship,  19 — ^24,  where  we  may  observe  a  case  of  con¬ 
 science  proposed  to  Christ,  by  the  woman, 'concerning  the  place  of 
 worship,  19,  20.  And  there  the  inducement  she  had  to  put  this 
 case;  Sir,  1  perceive  that  thou  art  a  prophet.  She  doth  not  deny 
 the  truth  of  what  he  had  charged  her  with,  but  by  her  silence  owns 
 the  justice  of  the  reproof;  nor  is  she  put  into  a  passion  by  it,  as 
 many  are  when  they  are  touched  in  a  sore  place  ;  doth  not  impute 
 his  censure  to  the  general  disgust  the  Jews  had  to  the  Samaritans  ; 
 but  (which  is  a  rare  thing)  can  bear  to  be  told  of  a  fault.  But  thac 
 is  not  all,  she  goes  further,  first.  She  speaks  respectfully  to  him, 
 calls  him.  Sir.  Thus  should  we  honour  those  that  deal  faithfully 
 with  us  ;  second.  She  acknowledges  him  to  be  a  prophet,  one  that 
 had  a  correspondence  with  heaven.  The  power  of  the  word  of 
 Christ  in  searching  the  heart,  and  convincing  the  conscience  of  se¬ 
 cret  sins,  is  a  great  proof  of  its  d'ivine  authority,  1  Cor.  xiv.  24, 
 25  :  third,  She  desire  some  further  instruction  from  him.  Many 
 that  are  not  angry  at  their  reprovers,  nor  flv  in  their  faces,  yet  are 
 482  '  - 
 
 15  The  Avoman  saith  unto  him.  Sir,  give 
 me  this  Avater,  that  1  thirst  not,  neither  come 
 hither  to  draAV. 
 
 16  Jesus  saith  unto  her.  Go,  call  thy  hus¬ 
 band,  and  come  hither. 
 
 17  The  Avoman  ansAvered,  and  said,  IhaA^e 
 no  husband.  Jesus  said  unto  her,  Thou 
 hast  Avell  said,  I  have  no  husband  : 
 
 18  For  thou  hast  had  five  husbands,  and 
 he  Avhom  thou  noAV  hast  is  not  thy  husband  : 
 in  that  saidst  thou  truly. 
 
 19  The  Avoman  saith  unto  him.  Sir,  I  per¬ 
 ceive  that  thou  art  a  prophet. 
 
 20  Our  fathers  Avorshipped  in  this  moun¬ 
 tain  ;  and  ye  say,  that  in  Jerusalem  is  the 
 place  Avhere  men  ought  to  Avorship. 
 
 21  Jesus  saith  unto  her.  Woman,  believe 
 me,  the  hour  cometh,  Avhen  ye  shall  neither 
 in  this  mountain,  nor  yet  at  Jerusalem,  Avor¬ 
 ship  the  Father. 
 
 22  Ye  Avorship  ye  knoAV  not  AA'hat :  Ave 
 knoAV  Avhat  Ave  Avorship  ;  for  salvation  is  of 
 the  JeAvs. 
 
 23  But  the  hour  cometh,  and  noAV  is, 
 Avhen  the  true  Avorship pers  shall  Avorship  the 
 Father  in  spirit  and  in  truth  ;  for  the  Father 
 seeketh  such  to  Avorship  him. 
 
 24  God  is  a  Spirit :  and  they  that  Avorship 
 him,  must  Avorship  him  in  spirit  and  in  truth. 
 
 25  The  Avoman  saith  unto  him,  I  knoAv 
 that  Messias  cometh,  Avhich  is  called  Christ ; 
 Avhen  he  is  come  he  Avill  tell  us  all  things. 
 
 26  Jesus  saith  unto  her,  I  that  speak  unto 
 thee  am  he. 
 
 27  ^  And  upon  this  came  liis  disciples, 
 
 afraid  of  them,  and  keep  out  of  their  way  ;  but  this  woman  was 
 willing  to  .have  some  discourse  with  him  that  told  her  of  her  faults. 
 
 It  was  agreed  between  the  Jews  and  the  Samaritans,  that  God  is 
 to  be  worshipped  ;  those  who  were  such  fools  as  to  worship  false 
 gods,  yet  were  not  such  brutes  as  to  worship  none  ;  and  that  reli¬ 
 gious  worship  is  an  affair  of  great  importance  :  men  would  not 
 contend  about  it  if  they  were  not  concerned  about  it.  But  the 
 matter  in  variance  was,  where  they  should  worship  God.  The 
 approaching  dissolution  of  the  Jewish  economy,  and  the  erecting 
 of  the  evangelical  state,  shall  set  this  matter  at  large,  and  lay  all 
 in  common,  so  that  it  shall  be  a  thing  perfectly  indifferent,  whether 
 in  either  of  these  places,  or  any  other,  men  worship  God,  for  they 
 shall  not  be  tied  to  any  place  ;  neither  here  nor  there,  but  both, 
 and  any  where,  and  every  where.  The  worship  of  God  is  not  now 
 under  the  gospel  appropriated  to  any  place,  as  it  was  under  the 
 law,  but  it  is  God’s  will  that  men  pray  every  where.  It  is  required 
 of  all  that  worship  God,  that  they  worship  him  in  spirit  and  in 
 truth.  First,  We  must  worship  God  in  spirit,  Phil.  lii.  3.  We 
 must  depend  upon  God’s  Spirit  for  strength  and  assistance,  laying 
 our  souls  under  his  influences  and  operations ;  we  must  devote  our 
 own  spirits  to,  and  employ  them  in  the  service  of  God,  Rom.  v. 
 
-  CHAP.  IV. 
 
 and  marvelled  that  he  talked  with  the  wo¬ 
 man  i  yet  no  man  said.  What  seekest  thou.  ? 
 or,  Why  talkest  thou  with  her  ? 
 
 28  The  woman  then  left  her  water-pot, 
 and  went  her  way  into  the  city,  and  saith  to 
 the  men, 
 
 29  Come,  see  a  man  which  told  me  all 
 things  that  ever  I  did  :  is  not  this  the  Christ? 
 
 30  Then  they  went  out  of  the  city,  and 
 came  unto  him. 
 
 3 1  In  the  mean  while  his  disciples  pray¬ 
 ed  him,  saying.  Master,  eat. 
 
 32  But  he  said  unto  them,  I  have  meat 
 to  eat  that  ye  know  not  of. 
 
 33  Therefore  said  the  disciples  one  to 
 another.  Hath  any  man  brought  him  aught 
 to  eat  ? 
 
 34  Jesus  saith  unto  them.  My  meat  is  to 
 do  the  will  of  him  that  sent  me,  and  to  finish 
 his  work. 
 
 35  Say  not  ye.  There  are  yet  four  months, 
 and  then  cometh  harvest  ?  behold,  I  say  un¬ 
 to  3"ou,  Lift  up  your  eyes,  and  look  on  the 
 fields  ;  for  they  are  white  already  to  harvest. 
 
 36  And  he  that  reapeth  receiveth  wages, 
 and  gathereth  fruit  unto  life  eternal ;  that 
 both  he  that  soweth  and  he  that  reapeth 
 may  rejoice  together. 
 
 9,  must  worship  him  with  fixedness  of  thought,  and  a  flame  of  af 
 lection  ;  with  all  that  is  within  us.  Spirit  is  sometimes  put  for  the 
 new  nature,  in  opposition  to  the  flesh,  which  is  the  corrupt  nature, 
 and  so  to  worship  God  with  cur  spirit,  is  to  worship  him  with  oui 
 graces,  Hcb.  xii.  28  :  second.  In  truth,  that  is,  in  sincerity  ;  God 
 requires  not  only  the  inward  part  in  our  worship,  but  truth  in  the 
 inward  part,  Psal.  li.  6’.  We  must  mind  the  power  more  than  the 
 form  ;  must  aim  at  God’s  glory,  and  not  to  be  seen  of  men  ;  draw 
 near  with  a  true  heart,  Heb.  x.  22. 
 
 The  last  subject  of  discourse  with  this  woman  is  concerning 
 the  Messias,  25,  26'.  The  Samaritans  received  the  writings  of 
 Moses,  and  were  no  strangers  to  the  prophets,  nor  to  the  hopes  of 
 the  Jewish  nation  ;  those  who  knew  least  knew  this,  that  Messiah 
 was  to  come  ;  so  general  and  uncontested  was  the  expectation  or 
 him  ;  and  at  this  time  more  raised  than  ever,  for  the  sceptre  was 
 departed  from  Judah,  Daniel’s  weeks  were  near  expiring,  so  that 
 she  concludes  not  only  he  will  come,  but  that  he  is  just  at  hand, 
 Messias  which  is  called  Christ.  Christ  did  never  make  himsell' 
 known  so  expressly  to  any,  as  he  did  here  to  this  poor  Samaritan, 
 and  to  the  blind  man,  John  ix.  3/,  no  not  to  John  Baptist,  when 
 he  sent  to  him.  Matt.  xi.  4,  5,  no  not  to  the  Jews  when  they  chal¬ 
 lenged  him  to  tell  them  whether  he  \ras  the  Christ,  John  x.  24. 
 But  Christ  would  thus  put  an  honour  upon  such  as  were  poor  anc 
 despised. 
 
 27 — 42.  The  salvation  of  sinners  is  the  will  of  God,  and  the  in¬ 
 struction  of  them  in  order  thereunto  is  his  work,  see  1  Tim.  ii.  4. 
 There  is  a  chosen  remnant,  whose  salvation  is  in  a  particular  man¬ 
 ner  his  will.  Christ  was  sent  into  the  world  on  this  errand,  to 
 bring  people  to  God  ;  to  know  him,  and  to  be  happy  in  him.  He 
 made  this  work  his  business  and  delight.  When  his  body  needec 
 food,  his  mind  was  so  taken  up  with  this,  that  he  forgot  both  hun¬ 
 ger  and  thirst,  both  meat  and  drink,  Nothing  could  be  more 
 
 37  And  herein  is  that  saying  true,  One 
 soweth,  and  another  reapeth. 
 
 38  I  sent  you  to  reap  that  whereon  ye 
 bestowed  no  labour  :  other  men  laboured, 
 and  ye  are  entered  into  their  labours. 
 
 39  f  And  many  of  the  Samaritans  of  that 
 city  believed  on  him  for  the  saying  of  the 
 woman,  which  testified.  He  told  me  all  that 
 ever  I  did. 
 
 40  So,  when  the  Samaritans  were  come 
 unto  him,  they  besought  him  that  he  would 
 tarry  with  them :  and  he  abode  there  two 
 days. 
 
 41  And  many  more  believed  because  of 
 lis  own  word  ; 
 
 42  And  said  unto  the  woman.  Now  we 
 jclieve,  not  because  of  thy  saying  :  for  we 
 lave  heard  hi?n  ourselves,  and  know  that  this 
 is  indeed  the  Christ,  the  Saviour  of  the 
 world. 
 
 43  ^  Now  after  two  days  he  departed 
 thence,  and  went  into  Galilee  : 
 
 44  For  Jesus  himself  testified,  that  a 
 prophet  hath  no  honour  in  his  own  country. 
 
 45  Then,  when  he  was  come  into  Galilee, 
 the  Galileans  received  him,  having  seen  all 
 the  things  that  he  did  at  Jerusalem  at  the 
 feast ;  for  they  also  went  unto  the  feast. 
 
 grateful  to  him  than  doing  good  ;  when  he  was  invited  to  meat,  he 
 went,  that  he  might  do  good,  for  that  was  his  meat  always.  He 
 was  not  only  ready  upon  all  occasions  to  go  to  his  work,  but  he 
 was  earnest,  and  in  care  to  go  through  it,  and  to  finish  his  work, 
 in  all  the  parts  of  it.  He  resolved  never  to  quit  it,  or  lay  it  down 
 till  he  could  say.  It  is  finished.  Many  have  zeal  to  carry  them  out 
 at  first,  but  not  zeal  to  carry  them  on  to  the  last;  but  our  Lord 
 Jesus  was  intent  upon  finishing  his  work.  Our  master  has  herein 
 eft  us  an  example,  that  we  may  learn  to  do  the  will  of  God  as  he 
 did ;  with  diligence  and  close  application,  as  those  that  make  a 
 business  of  it ;  with  delight  and  pleasure  in  it  as  in  our  element; 
 with  constancy  and  perseverance  ;  not  only  minding  to  do,  but 
 aiming  to  finish  our  work.  John  Baptist,  and  those  that  assisted 
 him,  had  laboured,  and  the  disciples  of  Christ  entered  into  their 
 labours,  built  upon  their  foundation,  and  reaped  the  fruit  of  what 
 they  sowed.  See  what  reason  we  have  to  bless  God  for  those  that 
 are  gone  before  uf,  for  their  preaching  and  their  writing ;  for 
 what  they  did,  and  suffered  in  their  day,  for  we  are  entered  into 
 their  labours ;  their  studies  and  services  have  made  our  work  the 
 easier.  And  when  the  ancient  and  modern  labourers,  those  that 
 came  into  the  vine3^ard  at  the  third  hour,  and  those  that  came  in 
 at  the  eleventh,  meet  in  the  day  of  account,  they  will  be  so  far 
 from  envying  one  another  the  honour  of  their  respective  services, 
 that  both  they  that  sowed  and  they  that  reaped  shall  rejoice  toge¬ 
 ther ;  and  the  great  Lord  of  the  harvest  shall  have  the  glory  of  all. 
 ’Fhe  seed  of  the  gospel  was  now  sown  in  Samaria  ;  what  effect  there 
 was  of  this  afterward  doth  not  appear,  but  we  find  that  four  or  five 
 years  after,  when  Philip  preached  the  gospel  in  Samaria,  he  found 
 such  blessed  remains  of  this  good  work  now  wrought,  that  the  peo¬ 
 ple  with  one  accord  gave  heed  to  those  things  which  Philip  spoke, 
 Acts  viii.  5,  6,  8.  ' 
 
 43 — 54.  Christ  first  shews  the  nobleman  his  sin  and  weakness 
 
 4S3 
 
ST.  JOPIN. 
 
 46  So  Jesus  came  again  into  Cana  of  Ga¬ 
 lilee,  where  he  made  the  water  wine.  And 
 there  was  a  certain  nobleman,  whose  son 
 was  sick  at  Capernaum. 
 
 47  When  he  heard  that  Jesus  was  come 
 out  of  Judea  into  Galilee  he  went  unto  him 
 and  besought  him  that  he  would  come  down 
 and  heal  his  son  :  for  he  was  at  the  point  of 
 death. 
 
 48  Then  said  Jesus  unto  him.  Except  ye 
 see  signs  and  wonders  ye  will  not  believe. 
 
 49  The  nobleman  saith  unto  him,  Sir, 
 come  down  ere  my  child  die. 
 
 50  Jesus  saith  unto  him.  Go  thy  way ; 
 thy  son  liveth.  And  the  man  believed  the 
 word  that  Jesus  had  spoken  unto  him,  and 
 he  went  his  way. 
 
 51  And  as  he  was  now  going  down,  his 
 servants  met  him,  and  told  him,  saying, 
 Thy  son  liveth  ! 
 
 53  Then  enquired  he  of  them  the  hour 
 when  he  began  to  amend.  And  they  said 
 unto  him,  Yesterday  at  the  seventh  hour 
 the  fever  left  him. 
 
 53  So  the  father  knew  that  it  was  at  the 
 same  hour  in  the  which  Jesus  said  unto  him. 
 Thy  son  liveth ;  and  himself  believed,  and 
 his  whole  house. 
 
 54  This  is  again  the  second  miracle  that 
 Jesus  did,  when  he  was  come  out  of  Judea 
 into  Galilee. 
 
 CPIAP.  V. 
 
 I.  Cure  of  an  impotent  man,  1 — If).  II.  Christ’s  vindication  of 
 himself  before  the  Sanhedrin,  17 — 47. 
 
 After  this  there  was  a  feast  of  the 
 Jews:  and  Jesus  went  up  to  Jerusalem. 
 
 3  Now  there  is  at  Jerusalem,  by  the  sheep- 
 market,  a  pool,  which  is  called  in  the  PPebrew 
 tongue,  Bethesda,  having  five  porches. 
 
 to  prepare  him  for  mercy,  and  then  grants  him  his  request.  Christ 
 humbles  those  first  with  his  frowns  whom  he  intends  to  honour 
 with  his  favours.  The  comforter  shall  first  convince.  Herod 
 longed  to  see  some  miracle,  Luke  xxiii.  8,  and  this  courtier  was 
 of  the  same  mind,  and  the  generality  of  the  people  too.  Now  that 
 which  is  blamed  is,  that  whereas  they  had  heard  by  credible  and 
 uncontestible  report  of  the  miracles  he  had  wrought  in  other 
 places,  they  would  not  believe  except  they  saw  them  with  their 
 own  eyes,  Luke  iv.  23,  they  must  be  honoured,  and  they  must  be 
 humoured,  or  they  will  not  be  convinced.  That  whereas  they  had 
 seen  divers  miracles  which  they  could  not  gainsay  the  evidence  of, 
 out  which  sufficiently  prove  Christ  a  teacher  come  from  God,  and 
 iihould  now  have  applied  themselves  to  him  for  instruction  in  his 
 doctrine,  w'hich  by  its  native  excellency  would  have  gently  led 
 them  on  in  believing  to  a  spiritual  perfection  :  instead  of  this,  they 
 484 
 
 3  In  these  lay  a  great  multitude  of  im¬ 
 potent  folk,  of  blind,  halt,  withered,  waiting 
 for  the  moving  of  the  water. 
 
 4  For  an  angel  went  down  at  a  certain 
 season  into  the  pool,  and  troubled  the  water: 
 whosoever  then  first,  after  the  troubling  of 
 the  water,  stepped  in,  was  made  whole  of 
 whatsoever  disease  he  had. 
 
 5  And  a  certain  man  was  there,  which 
 had  an  infirmity  thirty  and  eight  years. 
 
 6  When  Jesus  saw  him  lie,  and  knew  that 
 he  had  been  now  a  long  time  in  that  case, 
 he  saith  unto  him.  Wilt  thou  be  made 
 whole  ? 
 
 7  The  impotent  man  answered  him.  Sir, 
 I  have  no  man,  when  the  water  is  troubled, 
 to  put  me  into  the  pool :  but  while  I  am 
 coming,  another  steppeth  down  before  me. 
 
 8  Jesus  saith  unto  him.  Rise,  take  up  thy 
 bed  and  walk. 
 
 9  And  immediately  the  mait  was  made 
 whole,  and  took  up  his  bed  and  Avalked  : 
 and  on  the  same  day  Avas  the  sabbath. 
 
 10  The  JeAvs  therefore  said  unto  him  that 
 Avas  cured.  It  is  the  sabbath-day  ;  it  is  not 
 laAvful  for  thee  to  carry  th?/  bed. 
 
 11  He  ansAA’ered  them.  He  that  made  me 
 Avhole,  the  same  said  unto  me.  Take  up  thy 
 bed  and  Avalk. 
 
 12  Then  asked  they  him,  What  man  is 
 that  Avhich  said  unto  thee.  Take  up  thy  bed 
 and  Avalk  ? 
 
 13  And  he  that  Avas  healed,  Avist  not  AA’ho 
 it  Avas :  for  Jesus  had  conveyed  himself 
 aAvay,  a  multitude  being  in  that  place. 
 
 14  AfterAvard  Jesus  findeth  him  in  the 
 temple,  and  said  unto  him.  Behold,  thou  art 
 made  Avhole  :  sin  no  more,  lest  a  Avorse  thing 
 come  unto  thee. 
 
 would  go  no  further  in  believing,  than  they  were  driven  by  signs 
 and  wonders.  The  spiritual  power  of  the  word  did  not  affect  them, 
 did  not  attract  them,  but  only  the  sensible  power  of  miracles, 
 which  were  tor  them  who  believe  not,  but  prophesying  for  them 
 that  believe,  1  Cor.  xiv.  22.  Those  that  admire  miracles  only, 
 and  despise  prophesying,  rank  themselves  with  unbelievers. 
 
 CHAP.  A^.  1 — 16’.  This  miraculous  cure  is  not  recorded  by 
 any  other  of  the  evangelists,  who  confine  themselves  mostly  to  the 
 miracles  wrought  in  Galilee,  but  John  relates  those  wrought  at  Je¬ 
 rusalem.  Expositors  generally  agree,  that  the  virtue  the  pool  of 
 Bethesda  had  was  supernatural.  It  is  true  the  Jewish  writers  who 
 used  not  to  be  sparing  in  recounting  the  praises  of  Jerusalem,  did 
 none  of  them  make  the  least  mention  of  this  healing  pool,  of  whieh 
 silence  in  this  matter,  perhaps  this  was  the  reason,  that  it  was  taken 
 for  a  presage  of  the  near  approach  of  the  Messiah,  and  therefore  ' 
 
CHAP.  V. 
 
 15  The  man  departed,  and  told  the  Jews 
 that  it  Avas  Jesus  which  had  made  him  Avhole. 
 
 16  And  therefore  did  the  Jews  persecute 
 Jesus,  and  sought  to  slay  him,  because  he 
 had  done  these  things  on  the  sabbath-day . 
 
 17  But  Jesus  ansArered  them.  My  Father 
 Avorketh  hitherto,  and  I  Avork. 
 
 18  Therefore  the  JeAvs  sought  the  more  to 
 kill  him,  because  he  not  only  had  broken 
 the  sabbath,  but  said  also  that  God  was  his 
 Father,  making  himself  equal  Avith  God. 
 
 19  Then  ansAvered  Jesus,  and  said  unto 
 them.  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you.  The  Son 
 can  do  nothing  of  himself,  but  Avhat  he  seeth 
 the  Father  do :  for  Avhat  things  soever  he 
 doeth,  these  also  doeth  the  Son  likeAvise. 
 
 20  For  the  Father  loA^eth  the  Son,  and 
 sheweth  him  all  things  that  himself  doeth  ; 
 and  he  Avill  shcAV  him  greater  Avorks  than 
 these,  that  ye  may  marvel. 
 
 21  For  as  the  Father  raiseth  up  the  dead, 
 and  quickeneth  them :  even  so  the  Son 
 (juickeneth  Avhom  he  Avill. 
 
 22  For  the  Father  judgeth  no  man  ;  but 
 hath  committed  all  judgment  unto  the  Son  : 
 
 23  That  all  men  should  honour  the  Son, 
 GAen  as  they  honour  the  Father.  He  that 
 honoureth  not  the  Son,  honoureth  not  the 
 Father  Avhich  hath  sent  him. 
 
 24  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you.  He  that 
 heareth  my  Avord,  and  belie veth  on  him  that 
 
 tlicy  who  denied  him  to  be  come,  industriously  concealed  such  an 
 indication  of  his  coming;  so  that  this  here  is  all  the  account  we 
 
 have  of  it.  ,  ,  i  i 
 
 Clirist  intimates  to  the  man,  that  those  who  are  made  whole, 
 that  are  eased  of  the  present  sensible  punishment  of  sin,  are  in 
 danger  of  returning  to  sin,  when  the  terror  and  restraint  of  that  is 
 over,  unless  divine  grace  dry  up  the  fountain  :  when  the  trouble, 
 which  only  dammed  up  the  current,  is  over,  the  w'aters  will  return 
 to  their  old  course  ;  and  therefore  there  is  need  of  great  watchful¬ 
 ness,  lest  after  healing  mercy  we  return  again  to  folly.  The  mi- 
 serv  we  were  made  whole  from,  warns  us  to  sin  no  more,  having 
 felt  the  smart  of  sin  ;  the  mercy  we  were  made  whole  by,  is  an  en¬ 
 gagement  upon  us  not  to  offend  him  who  healed  us.  This  is  the 
 voice  of  every  providence.  Go,  and  sin  no  more.  This  man  began 
 his  new  life  very  hopefully,  in  the  tem])lc,  yet  Christ  saw  it  neces¬ 
 sary  to  give  him  this  caution4  for  it  is  common  for  people  vvhen 
 thev  are  sick  to  promise  much,  when  newly  recovered  to  perform 
 something,  but  after  a  while  to  forget  all. 
 
 17 — 30.  No  man  can  find  out  the  work  of  God  but  the  only  be¬ 
 gotten  Son,  who  lay  in  his  bosom,  secs  what  he  doth,  and  is  inti¬ 
 mately  acquainted  with  his  purposes,  and  has  the  plan  of  them 
 ever  before  him.  AA^hat  he  did  as  Mediator  throughout  his  whole 
 undertaking,  was  the  e.xact  transcript  or  counterpart  of  wdiat  the 
 Father  did ;  that  is,  what  he  designed  when  he  formed  the  plan  of 
 our  redemption  in  his  eternal  counsels,  and  settled  those  measures 
 in  every  thing  which  never  could  be  broke,  nor  ever  needed  to  be 
 altered ;  it  was  the  copy  of  that  great  original  ;  it  was  Christ’s 
 Taithfulness,  as  it  w-as  Moses’s,  that  he  did  all  according  to  the  pat- 
 
 sent  me,  hatli  everlasting  life,  and  shall  not 
 come  into  condemnation  ;  but  is  passed  from 
 death  unto  life. 
 
 25  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you, The  hour 
 is  coming,  and  noAV  is,  Avhen  the  dead  shall 
 hear  the  voice  of  the  Son  of  God  :  and  they 
 that  hear  shall  live. 
 
 26  For  as  the  Father  hath  life  in  himself, 
 so  hath  he  given  to  the  Son  to  have  life  in 
 himself ; 
 
 27  And  hath  given  him  authority  to  exe¬ 
 cute  judgment  also,  because  he  is  the  Son  or 
 man. 
 
 28  Marvel  not  at  this  :  for  the  hour  is 
 coming,  in  the  Avhich  all  that  are  in  the 
 graves  shall  hear  his  voice, 
 
 29  And  shall  come  forth,  they  that  have 
 done  good,  unto  the  resurrection  of  life  ; 
 and  they  that  have  done  evil,  unto  the  re¬ 
 surrection  of  damnation. 
 
 30  I  can  of  mine  OAAm  self  do  nothing  :  as 
 I  hear  I  judge  :  and  my  judgment  is  just , 
 because  I  seek  not  mine  OAvn  Avill,  but  the 
 Avill  of  the  Father  Avhich  hath  sent  me. 
 
 31  ^  If  I  bear  Avitness  of  myself,  my  AAut- 
 ness  is  not  true. 
 
 32  There  is  another  that  beareth  Avitness 
 of  me ;  and  I  knoAV  that  the  Avitness  Avhich 
 he  Avitnesseth  of  me  is  true. 
 
 33  Ye  sent  unto  John,  and  he  bare  Avitness 
 unto  the  truth. 
 
 tern  shewn  him  in  the  mount.  This  is  expressed  in  the  present 
 tense,  what  he  sees  the  Father  do,  for  the  same  reason,  that  when 
 he  w  as  here  upon  earth,  it  was  said,  he  is  in  heaven,  Job  iii.  1 3,  and 
 is  in  the  bosom  of  the  Father,  Job  i.  18,  as  he  was  even  then  by  his 
 divine  nature  present  in  heaven,  so  the  things  done  in  heaven  were 
 present  to  his  knowledge.  AVhat  the  Father  did  in  his  counsels 
 the  Son  had  ever  in  his  view,  and  still  he  had  his  eye  upon  it,  as 
 David  in  spirit  spake  of  him,  1  have  set  the  Lord  always  before  me, 
 Psal.  xvi.  8.  Yet  he  is  equal  with  the  Father  in  working,  foi 
 what  things  soever  the  Father  doth,  these  also  doth  the  Son  like¬ 
 wise  ;  he  did  the  same  things,  not  such  things,  but  the  same  things  ; 
 and  he  did  them  in  the  same  manner,  likewise  w'ith  the  same  au¬ 
 thority,  and  liberty,  and  wisdom,  the  same  energy  and  efficacy  • 
 doth  the  Father  enact,  repeal,  and  alter  positive  laws  ?  doth  he 
 over-rule  the  course  of  nature,  know  men’s  hearts }  so  doth  the 
 Son.  The  power  of  the  Mediator  is  a  divine  power. 
 
 31 — 46'.  There  are  two  things  which  w’e  are  here  directed  to  have 
 in  our  eye  in  our  seaching  of  the  scripture;  Heaven  our  end,  and 
 Christ  our  way. 
 
 1.  AVe  must  search  the  scriptures  for  heavyn  as  our  great  end  : 
 for  in  them  ye  think  ye  have  eternal  life.  1  he  scripture  assures 
 us  of  an  eternal  state  set  before  us,  and  offers  to  us  an  eternal  life 
 in  that  state :  it  contains  the  chart  that  describes  it,  the  charter 
 that  conveys  it,  the  direction  in  the  way  that  leads  to  it,  and  the 
 foundation  upon  which  the  hope  of  it  is  built :  and  this  is  worth 
 searching  for,  there  where  w'e  are  sure  to  find  it.  But  to  the  Jews 
 Christ  saith  only,  ye  think  ye  have  eternal  life  in  the  scriptures 
 because,  though  they  did  retain  the  belief  and  hope  of  eternal  life, 
 
 ’ »  485 
 
ST.  JOHN. 
 
 34  But  1  receive  not  testimony  from  man: 
 but  these  things  I  say,  that  ye  might  be 
 saved. 
 
 35  He  was  a  burning  and  a  shining  light ; 
 and  ye  were  willing  for  a  season  to  rejoice  in 
 his  light. 
 
 36  ^  But  I  have  greater  witness  than  that 
 of  John  :  for  the  works  which  the  Father 
 hath  given  me  to  finish,  the  same  works  that 
 I  do  bear  witness  of  me,  that  the  Father 
 hath  sent  me. 
 
 37  And  the  Father  himself,  which  hath 
 sent  me,  hath  borne  witness  of  me.  Ye  have 
 neither  heard  his  voice  at  any  time,  nor  seen 
 his  shape. 
 
 38  And  ye  have  not  his  word  abiding  in 
 you:  forwhomhehath  sent,  him  ye  believe  not. 
 
 39  f  Search  the  scriptures:  for  in  them  ye 
 think  ye  have  eternal  life ;  and  they  are  they 
 Avhich  testify  of  me. 
 
 40  And  ye  will  not  come  to  me,  that  ye 
 might  have  life. 
 
 41  ^  I  receive  not  honour  from  men. 
 
 42  But  1  know  you,  that  ye  have  not  the 
 love  of  God  in  you, 
 
 43  I  am  come  in  my  Father’s  name,  and 
 ye  receive  me  not :  if  another  shall  come  in 
 his  own  name,  him  ye  will  receive.  Y, 
 
 44  How  can  ye  believe,  which  receive  ho¬ 
 nour  one  of  another,  and  seek  not  the  honour 
 that  cometh  from  God  only  ? 
 
 45  ^  Do  not  think  that  I  will  accuse  you 
 to  the  Father:  there  is  one  that  accuseth  you, 
 even  Moses,  in  whom  ye  trust. 
 
 46  For  had  ye  believed  Moses,  ye  would 
 have  believed  me  :  for  he  wrote  of  me. 
 
 47  But  if  ye  believe  not  his  writings,  how 
 shall  ye  believe  my  words  ? 
 
 CHAP.  VI. 
 
 I.  The  miracle  of  the  loaves,  1 — 14.  II.  Christ  walks  upon  the 
 water,  15 — 21.  HI.  The  visit  at  Capernaum,  22. 
 
 and  grounded  their  expectations  of  it  upon  the  scriptures,  yet 
 herein  they  missed  it,  that  they  looked  for  it  by  the  bare  reading 
 and  studying  of  the  scripture.  It  was  a  common,  but  corrupt 
 saying  among  them.  He  that  has  the  words  of  the  law,  has  eternal 
 life;  they  thought  they  were  sure  of  heaven,  if  they  could  say 
 by  heart,  or  rather  by  rote,  such  and  such  passages  of  scripture  as 
 they  were  directed  to  by  the  tradition  of  the  elders :  as  they 
 thought  all  the  vulgar  cursed,  because  they  did  not  thus  know  the 
 law,  .lohn  vii,  49,  so  they  concluded  all  the  learned  blessed. 
 
 2.  We  must  search  the  scriptures  for  Christ,  as  the  new  and  liv¬ 
 ing  way  that  leads  to  this  end.  Those  arc  they,  the  great  and 
 principal  witnesses  that  testify  of  mv:*  Note  1.  'I'he  scrijituies, 
 4S6 
 
 k  FTER  these  things  Jesus  went  over  the 
 sea  of  Galilee,  which  is  the  sea  of  Tibe¬ 
 rias. 
 
 2  And  a  great  multitude  followed  him,  be¬ 
 cause  they  saw  his  miracles  which  he  did  on 
 them  that  were  diseased. 
 
 3  And  Jesus  went  up  into  a  mountain, 
 and  there  he  sat  with  his  disciples. 
 
 4  And  the  passover,  a  feast  of  the  Jews, 
 was  nigh. 
 
 5  ^  When  Jesus  then  lifted  up  his  eyes, 
 an’d  saw  a  great  company  come  unto  him, 
 he  saith  unto  Philip,  Whence  shall  we  buy 
 bread,  that  these  may  eat  ? 
 
 6  (And  this  he  said  to  prove  him  ;  tor 
 he  himself  knew  what  he  would  do.) 
 
 7  Philip  answered  him.  Two  hundred 
 pennyworth  of  bread  is  not  sufficient  for 
 them,  that  every  one  of  them  may  take  a 
 little. 
 
 8  One  of  his  disciples,  Andrew,  Simon 
 Peter’s  brother,  saith  unto  him, 
 
 9  'IJiere  is  a  lad  here,  which  hath  five 
 barley  loaves,  and  two  small  fishes ;  but 
 what  are  they  among  so  many  ?  • 
 
 10  And  Jesus  said,  Make  the  men  sit 
 down.  Now  there  was  much  grass  in  the 
 place.  So  the  men  sat  down,  in  number 
 about  five  thousand. 
 
 11  And  Jesus  took  the  loaves  ;  and,  when 
 he  had  given  thanks,  he  distributed  to  the 
 disciples,  and  the  disciples  to  them  that  were 
 set  down ;  and  likewise  of  the  fishes,  as 
 much  as  they  would. 
 
 12  When  they  were  filled,  he  said  unto  his 
 disciples,  Gather  up  the  fragments  that  re¬ 
 main,  that  nothing  be  lost. 
 
 13  Therefore  they  gathered  them  together 
 and  filled  twelve  baskets  with  the  fragments 
 of  the  five  barley  loaves,  which  remained 
 over  and  above  unto  them  that  had  eaten. 
 
 even  those  of  the  Old  'I’estament,  testrfy  of  Christ,  and  by  them 
 God  bears  witness  to  him.  The  spirit  of  Christ  in  the  prophets 
 testified  before-hand  of  him,  1  Pet.  i.  H,  the  purposes  and  pro¬ 
 mises  of  God  concerning  him,  and  the  previous  notices  of  him. 
 The  Jews  knew  very  well  that  the  Old  Testament  testifiid  of  the 
 Messias,  and  were  critical  in  their  remarks  upon  the  passages  that 
 looked  that  way,  and  yet  were  careless,  and  wretchedly  oversell 
 in  the  application  of  them.  2.  Therefore  we  must  search  the 
 scripture's,  and  may  hope  to  find  eternal  life  in  that  search,  be¬ 
 cause  they  testify  of  Christ,  for  this  is  life  eternal  to  know  him,  sec 
 1  John  V.  1 1. 
 
 CHAP.  VI.  1—14.  See  notes  on  ^:att  vi  13—21 
 
CHAP  VI, 
 
 14  Then  those  men,  when  they  had  seen 
 the  miracle  that  Jesus  did,  said.  This  is  of  a 
 truth  that  Prophet  that  should  come  into  the 
 world. 
 
 15  f  When  Jesus,  therefore,  perceived  that 
 they  would  come  and  take  him  by  force  to 
 make  him  a  king,  he  departed  again  into  a 
 mountain  himself  alone. 
 
 16  And  when  even  was  noxv  come,  his 
 oisciples  went  down  unto  the  sea,  > 
 
 17  And  entered  into  a  ship,  and  went 
 over  the  sea  toward  Capernaum  :  and  it  was 
 now  dark,  and  Jesus  was  not  come  to  them. 
 
 18  And  the  sea  arose,  by  reason  of  a  great 
 wind  that  blew. 
 
 19  So  when  they  had  rowed  about  five 
 and  twenty  or  thirty  furlongs,  they  see  Jesus 
 walking  on  the  sea,  and  drawing  nigh  unto 
 the  ship  :  and  they  were  afraid.  ■ 
 
 20  But  he  saith  unto  them.  It  is  I ;  be  not 
 
 afraid.  • 
 
 2 1  Then  they  willingly  received  him  into 
 the  ship  :  and  immediately  the  ship  was  at 
 the  land  wdiither  they  went. 
 
 22  f  The  day  following,  when  the  people, 
 wdiich  stood  on  the  other  side  of  the  sea,  saw 
 that  there  was  none  other  boat  there  save 
 that  one  whereinto  his  disciples  were  entered, 
 and  that  Jesus  went  not  with  his  disciples 
 into  the  boat,  but  that  his  disciples  were  gone 
 away  alone  : 
 
 23  (Howbeit  there  came  other  boats  from 
 Tiberias,  nigh  unto  the  place  where  they  did 
 eat  bread,  after  that  the  Lord  had  given 
 thanks  :) 
 
 24  When  the  people,  therefore,  saw  that 
 
 15 — 21.  Here  IS  an  instance  of  the  humility  and  self-denial  of 
 the  Lord  Jesus,  that  when  they  would  have  made  him  a  king,  he 
 departed  ;  so  far  was  he  from  countenancing  the  design,  that  he 
 clfectually  quashed  it.  Herein  he  has  left  a  testimony,  1.  Against 
 ambition  and  afl’cetation  of  worldly  honour,  to  which  he  was  per¬ 
 fectly  mortified,  and  has  taught  us  to  be  so.  2.  Against  faction 
 and  sedition,  treason  and  rebellion,  and  whatever  tends  to  disturb 
 the  peace  of  kings  and  provinces. 
 
 22 — 27.  Shall  all  the  treasures  of  the  world  be  ransacked,  and 
 all  the  fruits  of  the  earth  gathered  together  to  furnish  us  with  pro¬ 
 visions  that  will  last  to  eternity  ?  no,  the  sea  saith  it  is  not  in  me  ; 
 among  all  the  treasures  hid  in  the  sand,  it  cannot  be  gotten  for 
 gold  ;  but  it  is  that  which  the  Son  of  man  shall  give  ;  either  which 
 meat,  or  which  life,  the  Son  of  man  shall  give.  Observe  here, 
 1.  Who  gives  this  meat:  the  Son  of  man,  trusted  with  the  admi¬ 
 nistration  of  the  kingdom  of  God  among  men,  and  the  dispensation 
 of  the  gifts,  graces,  and  comforts  of  that  kingdom,  and  has  power 
 to  give  eternal  life,  with  all  the  means  of  it,  and  preparations  for 
 It.  But  when  we  have  laboured  never  so  much  for  it,  we  have  not 
 merited  it  as  our  hire  but  the  Son  of  man  gives  it.  And  what 
 
 V-)l.  II.  80  3R 
 
 Jesus  was  not  there,  neither  his  disciples, 
 they  also  took  shipping,  and  came  to  Caper¬ 
 naum  seeking  for  Jesus. 
 
 25  And,  when  they  had  found  him  on  the 
 other  side  of  the  sea,  they  said  unto  him, 
 Rabbi,  when  earnest  thou  hither  ? 
 
 26  Jesus  answered  them,  and  said.  Verily, 
 verily,  I  say  unto  you.  Ye  seek  me,  not  be¬ 
 cause  ye  saw  the  miracles,  but  because  ye 
 did  eat  of  the  loaves,  and  were  filled. 
 
 27  Labour  not  for  the  meat  which  perish- 
 eth,  but  for  that  meat  which  endureth  unto 
 everlasting  life,  which  the  Son  of  man  shall 
 give  unto  you :  for  him  hath  God  the  Fa¬ 
 ther  sealed. 
 
 28  Then  said  they  unto  him,  AVhat  shall 
 we  do, that  we  might  work  the  works  of  God? 
 
 29  Jesus  answered,  and  said  unto  them, 
 This  is  the  work  of  God,  That  ye  believe  on 
 him  whom  he  hath  sent. 
 
 30  ^  They  said,  therefore,  unto  him,  What 
 sign  shewest  thou  then,  that  we  may  see  and 
 believe  thee  ?  what  dost  thou  work  ? 
 
 31  Our  fathers  did  eat  manna  in  the  de¬ 
 sert  ;  as  it  is  written,  He  gave  them  bread 
 from  heaven  to  eat. 
 
 32  Then  Jesus  said  unto  them.  Verily, 
 verily,  I  say  unto  you,  Moses  gave  you  not 
 that  bread  from  heaven;  but  my  Father 
 giveth  you  the  true  bread  from  heaven. 
 
 33  For  the  bread  of  God  is  he  which 
 cometh  down  from  heaven,  and  giveth  life 
 unto  the  world. 
 
 34  Then  said  they  unto  him.  Lord,  ever-  * 
 more  give  us  this  bread. 
 
 35  And  Jesus  said  unto  them,  I  am  the 
 
 more  free  than  gift  ?  It  is  an  encouragement,  that  he  who  has  the 
 giving  of  it  is  the  Son  of  man,  for  then  we  may  hope  the  sons  of 
 men  that  seek  it,  and  labour  for  it,  shall  not  fail  to  have  it.  2. 
 What  authority  he  has  to  give  it;  for  him  hath  God  the  Father 
 sealed,  (i.  e.  proved  and  evidenced)  to  be  God  ;  so  some  read  it ; 
 he  has  declared  him  to  be  the  Son  of  God  with  power.  He  hath 
 sealed  him,  i.  e.  hath  given  him  full  authority  to  deg  between 
 God  and  man,  as  God’s  ambassador  to  man,  and  man’s  intercessor 
 with  God  ;  and  has  proved  his  commission  by  miracles ;  having 
 given  him  authority,  he  hath  given  us  assurance  of  it ;  having  en¬ 
 trusted  him  with  unlimited  powers,  he  hath  satisfied  us  with  un¬ 
 doubted  proofs  of  them  ;  so  that  as  he  might  go  on  vyith  confidence 
 in  his  undertaking  tor  us,  so  may  we  in  our  resignation  to  him. 
 
 28—59.  What  is  meant  by  the  flesh  and  blood  of  Christ.?  It  is 
 called,  V.  53,  the  flesh  of  the  Son  of  man,  and  his  blood,  his  as 
 ^Iessiah  and  INIediator:  the  flesh  and  blood  which  he  assumed  in 
 his  carnation  Heb.  ii.  14,  and  which  he  gave  up  in  his  death  and 
 sufferings  ;  niy  flesh  vdiich  I  will  give  to  be  crucified  and  slain.  I) 
 is  said  to  be  »iven  f^or  the  life  of  the  world,  i.  e.  1.  Instead  of  the 
 life  of  the  world  which  was  forfeited  by  sin,  Christ  gives  his,p’,Yn 
 
ST  JOHN. 
 
 bread  of  life :  he  that  cometh  to  me  shall 
 never  hunger  ;  and  he  that  believeth  on  me 
 shall  never  thirst. 
 
 36  But  I  said  unto  you,  that  ye  also  have 
 seen  me,  and  believe  not. 
 
 37  Ail  that  the  Father  giveth  me  shall 
 come  to  me  ;  and  him  that  cometh  to  me  1 
 will  in  no  wise  cast  out. 
 
 38  For  I  came  down  from  heaven,  not  to 
 do  mine  own  will,  but  the  will  of  him  that 
 sent  me. 
 
 39  And  this  is  the  Father's  will  which  hath 
 sent  me.  That  of  all  which  he  hath  given  me 
 I  should  lose  nothing,  but  should  raise  it  up 
 again  at  the  last  day. 
 
 40  And  this  is  the  will  of  him  that  sent 
 me.  That  every  one  which  seeth  the  Son, 
 and  believeth  on  him,  may  have  everlasting 
 life  :  and  I  will  raise  him  up  at  the  last  day. 
 
 41  The  Jews  then  murmured  at  him,  be¬ 
 cause  he  said,  I  am  the  bread  which  came 
 down  from  heaven. 
 
 42  And  they  said.  Is  not  this  Jesus  the 
 son  of  Joseph,  whose  father  and  mother  we 
 know  ?  how  is  it  then  that  he  saith,  I  came 
 down  from  heaven  ? 
 
 43  Jesus,  therefore,  answered,  and  said 
 unto  them.  Murmur  not  among  yourselves. 
 
 44  No  man  can  come  to  me,  except  the 
 Father  which  hath  sent  me  draw  him  ;  and 
 I  will  raise  him  up  at  the  last  day. 
 
 45  It  is  written  in  the  prophets.  And  they 
 shall  be  all  taught  of  God.  Every  man, 
 therefore,  that  hath  heard  and  hath  learned 
 of  the  Father  cometh  unto  me. 
 
 46  Not  that  any  man  hath  seen  the  Fa- 
 
 flesh  as  a  ransom  or  counter-price.  2.  In  order  to  the  life  of  the 
 world,  to  purchase  a  general  offer  of  eternal  life  to  all  the  world, 
 and  the  special  assurances  of  it  to  all  believers.  So  that  the  flesh 
 and  blood  of  the  Son  of  man  is  the  Redeemer  incarnate,  and 
 dying  ;  it  is  Christ  and  him  crucified,  and  the  redemption  wrought 
 out  by  him,  with  all  the  precious  benefits  of  redemption  ;  pardon 
 of  sin,  acceptance  with  God,  the  adoption  of  sons,  access  to  the 
 throne  of  grace,  the  promises  of  the  covenant,  and  eternal  life ; 
 these  are  called  the  flesh  and  blood  of  Christ. 
 
 What  is  meant  by  eating  this  flesh,  and  drinking  this  blood  ? 
 First,  It  implies  an  appetite  to  Christ.  This  spiritual  eating  and 
 drinking  begins  with  hungering  and  thirsting,  Matt.  v.  6’,  earnest 
 and  importunate  desires  after  Christ,  not  willing  to  take  up  with 
 any  thing  short  of  an  interest  in  him  :  give  me  Christ  or  else  I  die. 
 Second,  An  application  of  Christ  to  ourselves.  Meat  looked  upon 
 will  not  nourish  us,  but  meat  fed- upon,  and  so  made  our  own,  and 
 as  it  were  one  with  us.  We  must  so  accept  of  Christ  as  to  appro¬ 
 priate  him  to  ourselves  ;  My  Lord,  and  my  God,  John  xx.  28. 
 Third,  A  delight  in  Christ  and  his  salvation.  The  doctrine  of. 
 
 488 
 
 tiler,  save  he  which  is  of  God,  ne  hath  seen 
 the  Father. 
 
 47  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you.  He  that 
 believeth  on  me  hath  everlasting  lile. 
 
 48  I  am  that  bread  of  life. 
 
 49  Your  fathers  did  eat  manna  in  the 
 wilderness,  and  are  dead. 
 
 50  This  is  the  bread  which  cometh  down 
 from  heaven,  that  a  man  may  eat  thereof, 
 and  not  die. 
 
 51  I  am  the  living  bread  which  came 
 doAvn  from  heaven  :  if  any  man  eat.  of  this 
 bread  he  shall  live  for  ever  :  and  the  bread 
 that  I  will  give  is  my  flesh,  which  I  will  give 
 for  the  life  of  the  world. 
 
 52  The  Jews,  therefore,  strove  among 
 themselves,  saying.  How  can  this  man  give 
 us  //is  flesh  to  eat  ? 
 
 53  Then  Jesus  said  unto  them.  Verily, 
 verily,  I  say  unto  you.  Except  ye  eat  the 
 flesh  of  the  Son  of  man,  and  drink  his  blood, 
 ye  have  no  life  in  you. 
 
 54  Whoso  eateth  my  flesh,  and  drinketh 
 my  blood,  hath  eternal  life  ;  and  I  will  raise 
 him  up  at  the  last  day. 
 
 55  For  my  flesh  is  meat  indeed,  and  my 
 blood  is  drink  indeed. 
 
 56  He  that  eateth  my  flesh,  and  drinketh 
 my  blood,  dwelleth  in  me,  and  I  in  him. 
 
 57  As  the  living  Father  hath  sent  me,  and 
 I  live  by  the  Father ;  so  he  that  eateth  me, 
 even  he  shall  live  by  me. 
 
 58  This  is  that  bread  which  came  down 
 from  heaven  :  not  as  your  fathers  did  eat 
 manna,  and  are  dead.  He  that  eateth  of 
 this  bread  shall  live  for  ever. 
 
 Christ  crucified  must  be  meat  and  drink  to  us,  most  pleasant  and 
 delightful.  We  must  feast  upon  the  dainties  of  the  New  Testa¬ 
 ment  in  the  blood  of  Christ,  taking  as  great  a  complacency  in  the 
 methods  which  infinite  wisdom  has  taken  to  redeem  and  save  us, 
 as  ever  we  did  in  the  most  needful  supplies  or  grateful  delights  of 
 nature.  Fourth,  A  derivation  of  nourishment  ffom  him,  and  a  de- 
 pendance  upon  him  for  the  support  and  comfort  of  our  spiritual 
 life,  and  the  strength,  growth,  and  vigour  of  the  new  man.  To  feed 
 upon  Christ  is  to  do  all  in  his  name,  in  union  with  him,  and  by  vir¬ 
 tue  drawn  from  him  ;  it  is  to  live  upon  him  as  we  do  upon  our 
 meat.  How  our  bodies  are  nourished  by  our  food  we  cannot  de¬ 
 scribe,  but  that  they  are  so  we  know  and  find,  so  it  is  with  this 
 spiritual  nourishment.  Our  Saviour  was  so  well  pleased  with  this 
 metaphor,  as  very  significant  and  expressive,  that  when  afterwaid 
 he  would  institute  some  outward  sensible  signs,  by  which  to  repic- 
 sent  our  communicating  of  the  benefits  of  his  death,  he  chose  those 
 of  eating  and  drinking,  and  made  them  sacramental  actions. 
 
 60 — 71.  From  that  time,  from  the  time  that  Christ  preached 
 this  comfortable  doctrine,  that  he  is  the  bread  of  life,  and  those 
 
CH4P.  VIL 
 
 -  59  These  things  said  he  in  the  synagogue, 
 as  he  taught  in  Capernaum. 
 
 60  ^  Many,  therefore,  of  his  aisciples, 
 when  they  had  heard  this,  said,  This  is  an 
 hard  saying  :  who  can  hear  it  ? 
 
 61  When  Jesus  knew  in  himself  that  his 
 disciples  murmured  at  it,  he  said  unto  them. 
 Doth  this  offend  you  ? 
 
 62  What  and  if  ye  shall  see  the  Son  of  man 
 ascend  up  where  he  was  before  ? 
 
 63  It  is  the  Spirit  that  quickeneth  ;  the 
 flesh  profiteth  nothing  :  the  words  that  I 
 speak  unto  you,  they  are  spirit,  and  they 
 are  life. 
 
 64  But  there  are  some  of  you  that  believe 
 not.  For  Jesus  knew  from  the  beginning 
 who  they  were  that  believed  not,  and  who 
 should  betray  him. 
 
 65  And  he  said.  Therefore  said  I  unto 
 you,  that  no  man  can  come  unto  me,  ex¬ 
 cept  it  were  given  unto  him  of  my  Father. 
 
 66  ^  From  that  time  many  of  his  disciples 
 went  back,  and  walked  no  more  with  him. 
 
 67  Then  said  Jesus  unto  the  twelve.  Will 
 ye  also  go  away  ? 
 
 68  Then  Simon  Peter  answered  him. 
 Lord,  to  whom  shall  we  go?  thou  hast  the 
 words  of  eternal  life. 
 
 69  And  we  believe,  and  are  sure,  that 
 thou  art  that  Christ,  the  Son  of  the  living 
 God. 
 
 70  Jesus  answered  them.  Have  not  I  cho¬ 
 sen  you  tw'elve,  and  one  of  you  is  a  devil  ? 
 
 71  He  spake  of  Judas  Iscariot,  the  so7i  of 
 Simon :  for  he  it  ^vas  that  should  betray 
 him,  being  one  of  the  twelve. 
 
 who  by  faith  feed  upon  him  shall  live  by  him,  which  one  would 
 think  should  have  engaged  them  to  cleave  the  more  closely  to  him, 
 from  that  time  they  withdrew.  The  wicked  heart  of  man  often 
 makes  that  an  occasion  of  offence  which  is  indeed  matter  of  the 
 greatest  comfort.  This  discourse  was  to  others  a  savour  of  life 
 unto  life.  Many  went  back,  but,  thanks  be  to  God,  all  did  not; 
 even  then  the  twelve  stuck  to  him.  Though  the  faith  of  some  be 
 overthrown,  yet  the  foundation  of  God  stands  sure.  The  disciples 
 resolve  to  continue  their  pursuit  of  life  and  happiness,  and  will 
 have  a  guide  to  it,  and  will  adhere  to  Christ  as  their  guide,  for  they 
 can  never  have  a  better. 
 
 CHAP.  VII.  1 — 13.  There  were  those  that  were  a-kin  in  Christ, 
 according  to  the  flesh,  who  did  believe  in  him,  three  of  the  twelve 
 were  his  brethren  ;  and  yet  others,  as  nearly  allied  to  him  as  they, 
 did  not  believe  on  him.  Many  that  have  the  same  external  pri¬ 
 vileges  and  advantages,  do  not  make  the  same  use  of  them.  What 
 ■prudence  and  humility  of  our  Lord  Jesus  appeared  in  his  answer 
 to  the  advice  his  brethren  gave  him,  6',  7,  8.  Though  there  were 
 so  many, base  insinuations  in  it,  he  answered  them  mildly.  Even 
 that  which  is  said  without  reason,  yet  should  be  answered  without 
 
 CHAP.  VII. 
 
 Christ  at  the  feast  of  tabernacles. 
 
 A  FTER  these  things  Jesus  walked  in 
 Galilee :  for  he  would  not  walk  in 
 Jewry,  because  the  Jews  sought  to  kill 
 him. 
 
 2  Now  the  Jews"  feast  of  tabernacles  was 
 at  hand. 
 
 3  His  brethren,  therefore,  said  unto  him, 
 Depart  hence,  and  go  into  Judea,  that  thy 
 disciples  also  may  see  the  works  that  thou 
 doest. 
 
 4  For  there  is  no  man  that  doeth  any 
 thing  in  secret,  and  he  himself  seeketh  to  be 
 known  openly  :  if  thou  do  these  things,  shew 
 thyself  to  the  world. 
 
 5  For  neither  did  his  brethren  believe  in 
 him. 
 
 6  Then  Jesus  said  unto  them.  My  time 
 is  not  yet  come :  but  your  time  is  alway 
 ready. 
 
 7  The  world  cannot  hate  you  ;  but  me  it 
 hateth,  because  I  testify  of  it,  that  the  works 
 thereof  are  evil. 
 
 8  Go  ye  up  unto  this  feast ;  I  go  not  up 
 yet  unto  this  feast ;  for  my  time  is  not  yet 
 full  come. 
 
 9  When  he  had  said  these  words  unto 
 them  he  abode  still  in  Galilee. 
 
 10  But  when  his  brethren  were  gone  up, 
 then  went  he  also  up  unto  the  feast,  not 
 openly,  but  as  it  were  in  secret. 
 
 11  ^  Then  the  Jews  sought  him  at  the 
 feast,  and  said,  Where  is  he  ? 
 
 12  And  there  was  much  murmuring 
 among  the  people  concerning  him :  for 
 
 passion  ;  we  should  learn  of  our  Master  to  reply  with  meekness, 
 even  to  that  which  is  most  impertinent  and  imperious.  They  ex¬ 
 pected  Christ’s  company  with  them  to  the  feast,  perhaps  hoping 
 he  would  bear  their  charges  :  but  here  he  shews  the  difference  be¬ 
 tween  himself  and  them  in  two  things.  First,  His  time  was  set,  so 
 was  not  theirs.  My  time  is  not  yet  come,  but  your  time  is  always 
 ready.  Understand  it  of  the  time  of  his  going  up  to  this  feast.  It 
 was  an  indifferent  thing  to  them  when  they  went,  for  they  had  no¬ 
 thing  of  moment  to  do,  either  where  they  were  to  detain  them 
 there,  or  where  they  were  going  to  hasten  them  thither;  but  every 
 minute  of  Christ’s  time  was  precious,  and  had  its  own  particular 
 business  allotted  to  it.  He  had  some  work  yet  to  be  done  in  Ga¬ 
 lilee,  before  he  left  the  country;  in  the  harmony  of  the  gospels 
 betwixt  this  motion  made  by  his  kindred,  and  his  going  up  to  the 
 feast,  comes  in  the  story  of  his  sending  forth  the  seventy  disciples, 
 Luke  X.  1,  &c.  which  was  an  affair  of  very  great  consequence  ;  his 
 time  is  not  yet,  for  that  must  be  done  first.  Those  that  live  useless 
 lives  have  their  time  always  ready,  they  can  go  and  come  when 
 they  please,  but  those  whose  time  is  filled  up  with  duty  will  often 
 find  themselves  straitened  and  they  have  not' vet  time  for  that 
 
 48Q 
 
ST.  JOHN. 
 
 some  said,  He  is  a  good  man  :  others  said, 
 Nay  ;  but  he  deceiveth  the  people. 
 
 13  Howbeit  no  man  spake  Openly  of  him 
 for  fear  of  the  Jews. 
 
 14  Now,  about  the  midst  of  the  feast, 
 Jesus  went  up  into  the  temple  and  taught. 
 
 15  And  the  Jews  marvelled,  saying.  How 
 knoweth  this  man  letters,  having  never 
 learned  ? 
 
 16  Jesus  answered  them,  and  said.  My 
 doctrine  is  not  mine,  but  his  that  sent  me. 
 
 17  If  any  man  will  do  his  will,  he  shall 
 know  of  the  doctrine  whether  it  be  of  God, 
 or  whether  I  speak  of  myself. 
 
 18  He  that  speaketh  of  himself  seeketh 
 his  own  glory  :  but  he  that  seeketh  his  glory 
 that  sent  him,  the  same  is  true,  and  no  un¬ 
 righteousness  is  in  him. 
 
 19  Did  not  Moses  give  you  the  law,  and 
 yet  none  of  you  keepeth  the  law  ?  Why  go 
 ye  about  to  kill  me  ? 
 
 20  The  people  answered  and-  said.  Thou 
 hast  a  devil :  who  goeth  about  to  kill  thee  ? 
 
 21  Jesus  answered,  and  said  unto  them, 
 I  have  done  one  work,  and  ye  all  marvel. 
 
 22  Moses,  therefore,  gave  unto  you  cir¬ 
 cumcision,  (not  because  it  is  of  Moses,  but 
 of  the  fathers,)  and  ye  on  the  sabbath-day 
 circumcise  a  man. 
 
 23  If  a  man  on  the  sabbath-day  receive 
 circumcision,  that  the  law  of  Moses  should 
 not  be  broken  ;  are  ye  angry  at  me  because 
 I  have  made  a  man  every  whit  whole  on  the 
 sabbath-day  ? 
 
 which  others  can  do  at  any  time.  Or  it  may  be  meant  of  the  time 
 of  his  appearing  publicly  at  Jerusalem  ;  Christ  who  knows  all  men 
 and  all  things,  knew  that  the  best  and  most  proper  time  for  it 
 w'ould  be  abo\it  the  middle  of  the  feast.  Second,  His  life  was 
 sought,  so  was  not  theirs,  v.  7.  They  in  shewing  themselves  to 
 the  world  did  not  expose  themselves.  The  world  cannot  hate  you, 
 for  ye  are  of  the  world,  its  children,  its  servants,  and  in  with  its 
 interests,  and  no  doubt  the  world  will  love  its  own  ;  see  John  xv. 
 19.  But  why  did  the  world  hate  Christ,  what  evil  had  he  done  it? 
 Had  he,  like  Alexander,  under  colour  of  conquering  it,  laid  it 
 waste  ?  no,  but  because  (saith  he)  1  testify  of  it,  that  the  works  of 
 it  are  evil.  Note,  first.  The  works  of  an  evil  world  are  evil  works  ; 
 as  the  tree  is,  so  are  the  fruits  ;  it  is  a  dark  world,  and  an  apostate 
 world,  and  its  works,  works  of  darkness  and  rebellion.  Second, 
 Our  Lord  Jesus,  both  by  himself  and  by  his  ministers,  did,  and 
 will  both  discover  and  testify  against  the  evil  works  of  this  wicked 
 world.  Third,  It  is  a  great  uneasiness  and  provocation  to  the 
 world  to  be  convicted  of  the  evil  of  its  works.  It  is  for  the  honour 
 of  virtue  and  piety  that  those  who  are  impious  and  vicious  do  not 
 care  for  the  hearing  of  it,  for  their  own  consciences  make  them 
 ashamed  of  the  turpitude  there  is  in  sin,  and  afraid  of  the  punish¬ 
 ment  that  follows  after  sin.  Fourth,  Whatever  is  pretended,  the 
 real  cause  of  the  world’s  enmity  to  the  gospel  is  the  testimony  it 
 
 490 
 
 24  Judge  not  according  to  the  appear¬ 
 ance,  but  judge  righteous  judgment. 
 
 25  Then  said  some  of  them  of  Jerusalem, 
 Is  not  this  he  whom  they  seek  to  kill  ? 
 
 26  But,  lo,  he  speaketh  boldly,  and  they 
 say  nothing  unto  him  :  do  the  rulers  know 
 indeed  that  this  is  the  very  Christ  ? 
 
 27  Howbeit  we  know  this  man  whence 
 he  is ;  but  when  Christ  cometh,  no  man 
 knoweth  whence  he  is. 
 
 28  Then  cried  Jesus  in  the  temple  as  he 
 taught,  saying.  Ye  both  know  me,  and  ye 
 know  whence  I  am  :  and  I  am  not  come  of 
 myself,  but  he  that  sent  me  is  true,  whom  ye 
 know  not. 
 
 29  But  I  know  him :  for  I  am  from  him, 
 and  he  hath  sent  me. 
 
 30  f  Then  they  sought  to  take  him  :  but 
 no  man  laid  hands  on  him,  because  his  hour 
 was  not  yet  come. 
 
 31  And  many  of  the  people  believed  on 
 him,  and  said.  When  Christ  cometh,  will  he 
 do  more  miracles  than  these  which  this  man 
 hath  done  ? 
 
 32  The  Pharisees  heard  that  the  people 
 murmured  such  things  concerning  him  ;  and 
 the  Pharisees  and  the  chief  priests  sent  offi¬ 
 cers  to  take  him. 
 
 33  ^  Then  said  Jesus  unto  them.  Yet  a 
 little  while  am  I  with  you,  and  then  I  go  un¬ 
 to  him  that  sent  me. 
 
 34  Ye  shall  seek  me,  and  shall  not  find 
 me :  and  where  I  am,  thither  ye  cannot 
 come. 
 
 bears  against  sin  and  sinners.  Christ’s  witnesses  by  their  doctrine 
 and  conversation  torment  them  that  dwell  on  the  earth,  and  there¬ 
 fore  are  treated  so  barbarously.  Rev.  xi.  10.  But  it  is  better  to 
 incur  the  world’s  hatred  by  our  testifying  against  its  wickedness, 
 than  gain  its  good-will  by  going  down  the  stream  w'ith  it. 
 
 13 — 36.  The  most  competent  judges  of  the  truth  and  divine 
 authority  of  Christ’s  doctrine,  are  those  that  with  a  sincere  and 
 upright  heart,  desire  and  endeavour  to  do  the  will  of  God,  v.  \7 • 
 If  any  man  be  willing  to  do  the  will  of  God,  hath  his  will  melted 
 in  the  will  of  God,  he  shall  know  of  the  doctrine,  whether  it  be 
 of  God,  or,  whether  I  speak  of  myself.  Christ  has  promised  to 
 give  knowledge  to  such  ;  he  hath  said,  he  shall  know,  and  he  can 
 give  an  understanding.  Those  who  improve  the  light  they  have, 
 and  carefully  live  up  to  it,  shall  be  secured  by  divine  grace  from 
 destructive  mistakes.  They  are  disposed  and  prepared  to  receive 
 that  knowledge.  He  that  is  inclined  to  submit  to  the  rules  of  the 
 divine  law,  is  disposed  to  admit  the  rays  of  divine  light.  To  him 
 that  has  shall  be  given  ;  those  have  the  good  understanding,  that 
 do  his  commandments,  Psal.  cxi.  10.  'Those  who  resemble  God, 
 arc  most  likely  to  understand  him,  The  crime  that  was  laid  to  his 
 charge  for  the  curing  the  impotent  man,  and  bidding  him  carry  his 
 bed  on  the  sabbath-day,  was  that  for  which  they  had  formerly  per¬ 
 secuted  him,  and  which  was  still  the  pretence  of  their  enmity; 
 
CHAP.  VII. 
 
 35  Then  said  the  Jews  among  themselves, 
 Whither  will  he  go  that  we  shall  not  find 
 him  ?  will  he  go  unto  the  dispersed  among 
 the  Gentiles,  and  teach  the  Gentiles  ? 
 
 36  What  manner  of  saying  is  this  that  he 
 said.  Ye  shall  seek  me,  and  shall  not  find 
 me:  and.  Where  I  am,  thither  ye  cannot 
 come  ? 
 
 37  In  the  last  day,  that  great  day  of  the 
 feast,  Jesus  stood  and  cried,  saying.  If  any 
 man  thirst,  let  him  come  unto  me  and  drink. 
 
 38  He  that  believeth  on  me  as  the  scrip¬ 
 ture  hath  said,  Out  of  his  belly  shall  flow  ri¬ 
 vers  of  living  water. 
 
 39  (But  this  spake  he  of  the  spirit,  which 
 tliey  that  believe  on  him  should  receive  :  for 
 '.he  Ploly  Ghost  was  not  yet  given  ;  because 
 that  Jesus  was  not  yet  glorified.) 
 
 40  Many  of  the  people,  therefore,  when 
 they  heard  this  saying,  said.  Of  a  truth  this 
 is  the  prophet. 
 
 Whence  he  came,  v.  25—31.  In  the  account  of  this,  observe  the 
 objection  concerning  this,  started  by  some  of  the  inhabitants  of 
 Jerusalem,  who  seem  to  have  been  of  all  other  most  prejudiced 
 against  him,'v.  25.  We  know  this  man  whence  he  is,  but  when 
 Christ  comes,  no  man  knows  whence  he  is.  If  they  speak  of  his 
 divine  nature,  it  is  true,  that  when  Christ  comes,  no  man  knows 
 whence  he  is,  for  he  is  a  priest  after  the  order  of  IMelchizedek,  who 
 was  without  descent,  and  his  goings  forth  have  been  of  old  from 
 everlasting,  Mic.  v.  2.  But  then  it  was  not  true,  that  as  for  this 
 man  they  knew  whence  he  was,  tor  they  knew  not  his  divine  na¬ 
 ture,  nor  how  the  word  was  made  flesh.  If  they  speak  of  his  hu¬ 
 man  nature,  it  was  true  that  they  knew  whence  he  was,  who  was 
 his  mother,  and  where  he  was  bred  up  ;  but  then  it  was  false,  that 
 ever  it  was  said  of  the  Messiah,  that  none  should  know  whence  he 
 was,  for  it  was  known  before  where  he  should  be  born,  IMatt.  ii.  4, 
 5.  Now  Christ’s  answer  to  their  cavil  is,  1.  By  way  of  conces¬ 
 sion,  granting  that  they  did,  or  might,  know  his  original  as  to  the 
 flesh,  Ye  both  know  me,  and  whence  I  am.  You  know  I  am  of  your 
 own  nation,  and  one  of  j’ourselves.  2.  By  way  of  negation,  deny¬ 
 ing  that  that  which  they  did  see  in'him,  and  know  of  him,  was  all 
 that  was  to  be  known,  and  therefore  if  they  looked  no  further  than 
 that,  they  judged  by  the  outward  appearance  only.  They  knew 
 whence  he  came  perhaps,  and  where  he  had  his  birth,  but  he  will 
 tell  them  what  they  knew  not,  from  whom  he  came.  That  he  did  not 
 come  of  himself;  thal  he  did  not  run  without  sending,  nor  come 
 as  a  private  person,  but  with  a  public  character.  2.  That  he  was 
 sent  of  his  Father;  this  is  twice  mentioned.  He  hath  sent  me.  And 
 again,  He  hath  sent  me,  to  say  what  I  say,  and  do  what  I  do.  This 
 he  was  himself  well  assured  of,  and  therefore  knew  that  his  Father 
 would  bear  him  out ;  and  it  is  well  for  us  that  we  are  assured  of  it 
 too,  that  we  may  with  holy  confidence  go  to  God  by  him.  3.  That 
 he  was  from  his  Father,  not  only  sent  from  him  as  a  servant  from 
 his  master,  but  from  him  by  eternal  generation,  as  a  son  from  his 
 father  by  essential  emanation,  as  the  beams  from  the  sun,  4.  That 
 the  Father  who  sent  him  is  true;  he  had  promised  to  give  the  Mes¬ 
 siah  ;  and  though  the  Jews  had  forfeited  the  promise,  yet  he  that 
 made  the  promise  is  true,  and  has  performed  it :  he  had  promised 
 that  the  Messiah  should  see  his  seed,  and  be  successful  in  his  un¬ 
 dertaking  ;  and  though  the  generality  of  the  Jews  reject  him  and 
 his  gospel,  yet  he  is  true,  and  will  fulfil  the  promise  in  the  calling 
 cf  the  Gentiles.  5.  That  these  unbelieving  Jews  did  not  know  the 
 Father.  He  that  sent  me,  whom  ye  know  not.  There  is  much 
 igtiorance  of  God  even  with  many  that  have  a  form  of  knowledge  ; 
 
 I  41  Others  said,  This  is  the  Christ.  But 
 some  said,  Shall  Christ  come  out  of  Galilee  ? 
 
 42  Hath  not  the  scripture  said.  That 
 Christ  cometh  of  the  seed  of  David,  and 
 out  of  the  town  of  Beth-lehem,  where  David 
 was  ? 
 
 43  So  there  was  a  division  among  the  peo¬ 
 ple  because  of  him. 
 
 44  And  some  of  them  would  have  taken 
 him  ;  but  no  man  laid  hands  on  him. 
 
 45  ^  Then  came  the  oflicers  to  the  chief 
 priests  and  Pharisees ;  and  they  said  unto 
 them.  Why  have  ye  not  brought  him  ? 
 
 46  The  officers  answered.  Never  man 
 spake  like  this  man. 
 
 47  Then  answered  them  the  Pharisees, 
 Are  ye  also  deceived  ? 
 
 48  Have  any  of  the  rulers,  or  of  the  Pha¬ 
 risees  believed  on  him  ? 
 
 49  But  this  people,  who  knowxth  not  the 
 law,  are  cursed. 
 
 and  the  true  reason  why  people  reject  Christ,  is  because  they  do 
 not  know  God  ;  foi  there  is  such  a  harmony  of  the  divine  attri¬ 
 butes  in  the  work  of  redemption,  and  such  an  admirable  agree¬ 
 ment  between  natural  and  revealed  religion,  that  the  right  know¬ 
 ledge  of  the  former  would  not  only  admit,  but  introduce  the  latter. 
 6'.  Our  Lord  Jesus  was  intimately  acquainted  with  the  Father  that 
 sent  him  ;  but  I  know  him.  He  knew  him  so  well,  that  he  was 
 not  at  all  in  doubt  concerning  his  mission  from  him,  but  perfectly 
 assured  of  that,  nor  at  all  in  the  dark  concerning  the  work  he  had 
 to  do,  but  perfectly  apprized  of  that,  Mai.  xi.  27. 
 
 37 — 44.  The  persons  invited  are  such  as  thirst,  which  may  be 
 understood,  either,  1.  Of  the  indigence  of  their  cases;  their  out¬ 
 ward  condition.  If  any  man  be  destitute  of  the  comforts  of  this 
 life,  or  fatigued  with  the  crosses  of  it,  let  his  poverty  and  afflic¬ 
 tion  draw  him  to  Christ,  for  that  peace  which  the  world  can  nei¬ 
 ther  give  nor  take  away:  or,  as  to  their  inward  state,  if  any  man 
 want  spiritual  blessings,  he  may  be  supplied  with  me.  Or,  2.  Of 
 the  inclination  of  their  souls  and  their  desires  towards  a  spiritual 
 happiness.  If  any  man  hunger  and  thirst  after  righteousness,  that 
 is,  truly  desire  the  good  will  of  God  towards  him,  and  the  good 
 work  of  God  in  him,  let  him  corne  to  me  ;  let  him  not  go  to  the 
 ceremonial  law,  which  would  neither  pacify  the  conscience,  nor 
 purify  it,  and  therefore  could  nqj  make  the  comers  thereunto  per¬ 
 fect,  Heb.  X.  1.  Nor  let  him  go  to  the  heathen  philosophy,  that 
 doth  but  beguile  men,  lead  them  into  a  wood,  and  leave  them 
 there  ;  but  let  him  go  to  Christ,  admit  his  doctrine,  submit  to  his 
 discipline,  believe  in  him  ;  come  to  him  as  the  fountain  of  living 
 waters,  the  giver  of  all  comfort.  Let  him  come  and  drink,  he 
 shall  have  what  he  comes  for,  and  abundantly  more  ;  shall  have 
 that  which  will  not  only  refresh,  but  replenish  a  soul  that  desires 
 to  be  happy.  A  gracious  promise  is  annexed  to  this  gracious  call, 
 V.  38,  He  that  believes  on  me,  out  of  his  belly  shall  flow  rivers  of 
 living  water.  There  are  springs  of  grace  and  comfort  in  the  soul, 
 they  will  send  forth  streams.  Out  of  his  belly  shall  flow  rivers. 
 First,  That  grace  and  comfort  will  evidence  itself.  Good  affections 
 will  produce  good  actions,  and  a  holy  heart  will  be  seen  in  a  holy 
 life ;  the  tree  is  known  by  its  fruits,  and  the  fountain  by  its 
 streams.  Second,  It  will  communicate  itself  for  the  benefit  of 
 others ;  a  good  man  is  a  common  good.  His  mouth  is  a  well  of 
 life,  Prov.  x.  11.  It  is  not  enough  that  we  drink  waters  out  of  our 
 own  cistern,  that  we  ourselves  take  the  comfort  of  the  grace  given 
 us,  but  we  must  let  our  fountains  be  dispersed  abroad,  Prov.  v, 
 
 45 — 53.  Nicodemus,  though  he  had  been  with  Jesus,  and  taken. 
 
 491 
 
ST.  JOHN 
 
 50  Nicodemus  saith  unto  them,  (he  that 
 came  to  Jesus  by  night,  being  one  of  them,) 
 
 51  Doth  our  law  judge  any  man  before 
 it  hear  him,  and  know  what  he  doeth  ? 
 
 52  They  answered,  and  said  unto  him. 
 Art  thou  also  of  Galilee?  Search,  and  look  : 
 for  out  of  Galilee  ariseth  no  prophet. 
 
 53  And  every  man  went  unto  his  own 
 house. 
 
 CHAP.  VIII. 
 
 Christ  dismisses  the  woman  taken  in  adultery,  and  has  several 
 conferences  with  the  Jews. 
 
 ESUS  went  unto  the  mount  of  Olives. 
 
 2  And  early  in  the  morning  he  came 
 again  into  the  temple,  and  all  the  people 
 came  unto  him  ;  and  he  sat  down  and  taught 
 them. 
 
 3  And  the  scribes  and  Pharisees  brought 
 unto  him  a  woman  taken  in  adultery  ;  and, 
 when  they  had  set  her  in  the  midst, 
 
 4  They  say  unto  him.  Master,  this  woman 
 was  taken  in  adultery,  in  the  very  act. 
 
 5  Now  Moses  in  the  law  commanded  us, 
 that  such  should  be  stoned  ;  but  what  say- 
 est  thou  ? 
 
 6  This  they  said,  tempting  him,  that  they 
 might  have  to  accuse  him.  But  Jesus 
 stooped  down,  and  with  Ms  finger  wrote  on 
 the  ground,  as  though  he  heard  them  not. 
 
 7  So,  when  they  continued  asking  him, 
 he  lifted  up  himself,  and  said  unto  them. 
 He  that  is  without  sin  among  you,  let  him 
 first  cast  a  stone  at  her. 
 
 him  for  his  teacher,  yet  he  retained  his  place  in  the  council,  and 
 his  rote  among  them  ;  some  impute  this  to  his  weakness  and 
 cowardice,  and  think  it  was  his  fault  that  he  did  not  quit  his 
 place ;  but  Christ  had  never  said  to  him,  Follow  me,  else  he  would 
 have  done  as  others,  that  left  all  follow  him  ;  therefore  it  seems 
 rather  to  have  been  his  wisdom  not  presently  to  throw  up  his 
 place,  because,  there  he  might  have  an  opportunity  of  serving 
 Christ  and  his  interest,  and  stemmiirg  the  tide  of  the  Jewish  rage, 
 which  perhaps  he  did  more  than  we  are  aware  of.  He  might  there 
 be  as  Hushai  among  Absalom’s  y:ounsellors,  instrumental  to  turn 
 their  counsels  into  foolishness.  'Though  we  rnust  in  no  case  deny 
 our  blaster,  yet  we,  may  wait  for  an  opportunity  of  confessing  him 
 to  the  best  advantage.  God  has  his  remnant  aniong  all  sorts,  and 
 many  times  finds,  or  puts,  or  makes  some  good  in  the  worst  places 
 and  societies  :  there  was  Daniel  in  Nebuchadnezzar’s  court,  and 
 Nehemiah  in  Artaxerxes’.  Let  none  justify  the  disguising  of  their 
 faith  by  the  example  of  Nicodemus,  unless,  like  him,  they  be 
 readv  upon  the'  first  occasion  openly  to  appear  in  the  cause  of 
 Christ,  though  they  stand  alone  in  it,  for  so  Nicodemus  did  here, 
 and  John  xix.  39. 
 
 CHAP.  VIII.  1 — 1 1.  Here  Christ  avoided  the  snare  which  they 
 laid  for  him,  and  effectually  saved  his  own  reputation.  He  neither 
 reflected  upon  the  law,  nor  excused  the  prisoner’s  guilt;  nor  did 
 he  on  the  other  hand  encourage  the  . prosecution,  or  countenance 
 their  heat ;  see  the  good  effect  of  consideratioxi.  Wnen  we  cannot> 
 492 
 
 8  And  again  he  stooped  down,  and  wrote 
 on  the  ground. 
 
 9  And  they  which  heard  it,  being  con¬ 
 victed  by  their  ozim  conscience,  went  out  one 
 by  one,  beginning  at  the  eldest,  even  unto 
 the  last :  and  Jesus  was  left  alone,  and  the 
 woman  standing  in  the  midst. 
 
 10  When  Jesus  had  lifted  up  himself,  and 
 saw  none  but  the  woman,  he  said  unto  her. 
 Woman,  where  are  those  thine  accusers? 
 hath  no  man  condemned  thee  ? 
 
 11  She  said.  No  man.  Lord.  And  Jesus 
 said  unto  her.  Neither  do  I  condemn  thee  : 
 go,  and  sin  no  more. 
 
 12  ^  Then  spake  Jesus  again  unto  them, 
 saying,  I  am  the  light  of  the  world  :  he  that 
 followeth  me  shall  not  walk  in  darkness,  but 
 shall  have  the  light  of  life. 
 
 13  The  Pharisees,  therefore,  said  unto  him. 
 Thou  bearest  record  of  thyself ;  thy  record 
 is  not  true. 
 
 14  Jesus  answered,  and  said  unto  them. 
 Though  I  bear  record  of  myself,  yet  my  re¬ 
 cord  is  true  :  for  I  know  whence  I  came, 
 and  whither  I  go  ;  but  ye  cannot  tell  whence 
 I  come,  and  whither  I  go. 
 
 15  Ye  judge  after  the  fiesh  ;  I  judge  no 
 man. 
 
 lb  And  yet  if  I  judge,  my  judgment  is 
 true ;  for  1  am  not  alone,  but  I  and  the 
 Father  that  sent  me. 
 
 17  It  is  also  written  in  your  law.  That 
 the  testimony  of  two  men  is  true. 
 
 make  our  point  by  steering  a  direct  course,  it  is  good  to  fetch  a 
 compass.  In  the  net  which  they  spread  is  their  own  foot  taken. 
 They  came  with  design  to  accuse  him,  but  were  forced  to  accuse 
 themselves.  Christ  owns  it  was  fit  the  prisoner  should  be  prose¬ 
 cuted,  but  appeals  to  their  consciences  whether  they  were  fit  to  be 
 the  prosecutors.  They  are  truly  happy  whom  Christ  doth  not  con¬ 
 demn,  for  his  discliarge  is  a  sufficient  answer  to  all  other  chal¬ 
 lenges,  they  are  all  coramnonjudice.  Christ  will  not  condemn  those 
 who,  though  they  have  sinned,  will  go  and  sin  no  more,  Psal. 
 Ixxxv.  8.  Isa.  Iv.  7.  He  will  not  take  the 'advantage  he  has 
 against  us  for  our  former  rebellions,  if  we  will  but  lay  down  our 
 arms  and  return  to  our  allegiance.  Christ’s  favour  to  us  in  the 
 remission  of  the  sins  that  are  past  should  be  a  prevailing  argument 
 with  us  to  go  and  sin  no  more,  Rom.  vi.  1,  2.  Will  not  Christ  con¬ 
 demn  thee  Go  then,  and  sin  no  more. 
 
 12 — 20.  Jesus  Christ  is  the  light  of  the  world.  One  of  the 
 Rabbis  saith,  Light  is  the  name  of  the  Messiah,  as  it  is  written, 
 Dan.  ii.  22,  And  light  dwelleth  with  him.  God  is  light,  and  Christ 
 is  the  image  of  the  invisible  God :  God  of  gods.  Light  of  lights. 
 He  was  expected  to  be  a  light  to  lighten  the  Gentiles,  Luke  ii.  22, 
 and  so  the  light  of  the  world,  and  not  of  the  Jewish  church  only. 
 The  visible  light  of  the  world  is  the  sun,  and  Christ  is  the  Sun  ot 
 Righteousness;  one  sun  enlightens  the  whole  world,  so  do'th  one 
 Christ,  and  there  needs  no  more.  Christ’s  being  the  light  speaks, 
 first,  \Vhat  he  is  in  himself,  most  excellent  and  glorious.  Second, 
 
CHAP.  VIII. 
 
 18  I  am  one  that  bear  witness  of  myself, 
 and  the  Father  that  sent  me  beareth  witness 
 of  me. 
 
 19  Then  said  they  unto  him,  Where  is  thy 
 Father?  Jesus  answered.  Ye  neither  know 
 me  nor  my  Father  :  if  ye  had  known  me, 
 ye  should  have  known  my  Father  also. 
 
 20  These  words  spake  Jesus  in  the  trea¬ 
 sury,  as  he  taught  in  the  temple  :  and  no 
 man  laid  hands  on  him  ;  for  his  hour  was 
 not  yet  come. 
 
 21  Then  said  Jesus  again  unto  them,  I 
 go  my  way  ;  and  ye  shall  seek  me,  and  shall 
 die  in  your  sins  ;  whither  I  go  3'e  cannot 
 come. 
 
 22  Then  said  the  Jews,  Will  he  kill  him¬ 
 self?  because  he  saith.  Whither  I  go  ye 
 cannot  come. 
 
 23  And  he  said  unto  them,  Ye  are  from 
 beneath  ;  I  am  from  above  :  ye  are  of  this 
 world  ;  I  am  not  of  this  world. 
 
 24  I  said,  therefore,  unto  you.  That  ye 
 shall  die  in  your  sins  :  for  if  ye.  believe  not 
 that  I  am  //e,  ye  shall  die  in  your  sins. 
 
 25  Then  said  they  unto  him.  Who  art 
 thou  ?  And  Jesus  saith  unto  them.  Even 
 the  same  that  I  said  unto  3^00  from  the  be¬ 
 ginning. 
 
 26  I  have  many  things  to  say  and  to 
 judge  of  you  :  but  he  that  sent  me  is  true  : 
 and  I  speak  to  the  world  those  things  which 
 J  have  heard  of  him. 
 
 27  They  understood  not  that  he  spake  to 
 them  of  the  Father. 
 
 28  Then  said  Jesus  unto  them.  When  ye 
 
 What  he  is  to  the  world,  the  Fountain  of  Light,  enlightening  every 
 man.  What  a  dungeon  would  the  world  be  without  the  sun,  so 
 would  it  be  without  Christ,  by  whom  light  came  into  the  world, 
 John  iii.  19- 
 
 He  urgeth  three  things  to  prove  that  his  testimony,  though  of 
 himself,  was  true  and  cogent.  First,  That  he  was  conscious  to 
 himself  of  his  own  authority,  and  abundantly  satisfied  in  himself 
 concerning  it.  Second,  That  they  were  very  incompetent  judges 
 of  him  and  of  his  doctrine,  and  not  to  be  regarded.  Third,  That 
 his  testimony  of  himself  was  sufficiently  supported  and  corrobo¬ 
 rated  by  the  testimony  of  his  Father  with  him  and  for  him,  v.  16’. 
 And  yet  if  I  judge,  my  judgment  is  true.  He  did  in  his  doctrine 
 judge,  John  ix.  39,  though  not  politically. 
 
 21—37.  We  have  here  two  things  which  Christ  saith  to  all  that 
 should  at  any  time  believe.  First,  The  character  of  a  true  dis¬ 
 ciple  of  Christ,  If  ye  continue  in  my  word,  then  are  ye  my  disciples 
 mdeed.  It  is  implied  that  there  are  many  who  profess  themselves 
 Christ’s  disciples  that  are  not  his  disciples  indeed,  but  only  in  shew 
 and  name.  It  highly  concerns  those  that  are  not  strong'  in  faith, 
 .vet  to  see  to  it  that  they  be  sound  in  the  faith  ;  that  though  they 
 be  not  disciples  of  the  highest  form,  yet  that  they  be  disciples  in¬ 
 deed.  Second,  Tlie  privilege  of  a  true  disciple  of  Christ.  Here 
 
 have  lifted  up  the  Son  of  man,  then  shall 
 ye  know  that  I  am  he,  and  that  1  do  no¬ 
 thing  of  myself;  but  as  my  Father  hath 
 taught  me,  I  speak  these  things. 
 
 29  And  he  that  sent  me  is  with  me  :  the 
 Father  hath  not  left  me  alone ;  for  I  do 
 always  those  things  that  please  him. 
 
 30  As  he  spake  these  words  many  believed 
 on  him. 
 
 31  ^  Then  said  Jesus  to  those  Jews  which 
 believed  on  him.  If  ye  continue  in  my  word, 
 then  are  ye  my  disciples  indeed ; 
 
 32  And  ye  shall  know  the  truth,  and  the 
 truth  shall  make  you  free. 
 
 33  ^  They- answered  him.  We  be  Abra¬ 
 ham's  seed,  and  were  never  in  bondage  to 
 any  man  :  how  sayest  thou.  Ye  shall  be 
 made  free  ? 
 
 34  Jesus  answered  them.  Verily,  verily,  I 
 say  unto  you,  Whosoever  committeth  sin  is 
 the  servant  of  sin. 
 
 35  And  the  servant  abideth  not  in  ihe 
 house  for  ever  ;  but  the  son  abideth  ever. 
 
 36  If  the  Son,  therefore,  shall  make  you 
 free,  ye  shall  be  freC  indeed. 
 
 37  I  know  ^  that  ye  are  Abraham's  seed 
 but  ye  seek  to  kill  me,  because  my  word 
 hath  no  place  in  you. 
 
 38  I  speak  that  which  I  have  seen  with 
 my  Father,  and  ye  do  that  which  ye  have 
 seen  with  your  father. 
 
 39  They  answered,  and  said  unto  him, 
 Abraham  is  our  father.  Jesus  saith  unto 
 them.  If  ye  w^ere  Abraham's  children,  ye 
 would  do  the  w  orks  of  Abraham. 
 
 are  two  precious  promises  made  to  those  who  thus  approve  them¬ 
 selves  disciples  indeed, '32.  1.  Ye  shall  knaw  the  truth,  shall 
 
 know  all  that  truth  which  it  is  needful  and  profitable  for  you  to 
 know,  and  shall  be  more  confirmed  in  the  belief  of  it,  shall  know 
 the  certainty  of  it.  2.  The  truth  shall  make  you  free,  that  is,  the 
 truth  which  Christ  teacheth  tends  to  make  men  free,  Isa.  Ixi.  I. 
 Justification  makes  us  free  from  the  guilt  of  sin,  by  which  we  were 
 bound  over  to  the  judgment  of  God,  and  bound  under  amazing 
 fears.  Sanctification  makes  us  free  from  the  bondage  of  corrup¬ 
 tion,  by  which  we  were  restrained  from  that  service  which  is  per¬ 
 fect  freedom,  and  constrained  to  that  which  is  perfect  slavery. 
 Gospel  truth  frees  us  from  the  yoke  of  the  ceremonial  law,  and  tho 
 more  grievous  burthens  of  the  traditions  of  the  elders. 
 
 38 — 47.  This  is  a  high  charge,  and  sounds  very  harsh  and  hor¬ 
 rid,  that  any  of  the  children  of  men,  especially  the  church’s  chil¬ 
 dren,  should  be  called  children  of  the  devil,  and  there  our  Saviour 
 fully  proves  it ;  first.  By  a  general  argument.  The  lusts  of  your 
 father  you  w  ill  do.  The  peculiar  lusts  of  the  devil  are  spiritual 
 wickednesses,  the  lusts  of  the  intellectual  powers,  and  their  cor¬ 
 rupt  reasonings  ;  pride  and  envy,  and  wrath,  and  malice :  enmity 
 to  that  which  is  good,  and  enticing  others  to  that  which  is  evil': 
 these  are  lusts  which  the  devil  fulfils,  and  those  who  are  under  the 
 
 403 
 
ST.  JOHN. 
 
 40  But  now  ye  seek  to  kill  ine,  a  man 
 that  hath  told  you  the  truth,  which  I  have 
 heard  of  God  i  this  did  not  A-braham. 
 
 41  Ye  do  the  deeds  of  your  father.  Then 
 said  they  to  him,  We  be  not  born  of  fornica¬ 
 tion  :  we  have  one  Father,  even  God. 
 
 42  Jesus  said  unto  them.  If  God  were 
 your  Father,  ye  would  love  me  :  for  I  pro¬ 
 ceeded  forth  and  came  from  God  ;  neither 
 came  1  of  myself,  but  he  sent  me. 
 
 43  Why  do  ye  not  understand  my  speech  ? 
 even  because  ye  cannot  hear  my  Avord. 
 
 44  Ye  are  of  your  father  the  devil,  and 
 the  lusts  of  your  father  ye  Avill  do  :  he  was 
 a  murderer  from  the  beginning,  and  abode 
 not  in  the  truth,  because  there  is  no  truth 
 in  him.  When  he  speaketh  a  lie  he  speaketh 
 of  his  own  :  for  he  is  a  liar,  and  the  father 
 
 of  it. 
 
 45  And  because  I  tell  you  the  truth,  ye 
 
 believe  me  not.  r  •  o 
 
 46  Which  of  you  convinceth  me  of  sin  r 
 
 And  if  I  say  the  truth,  Avhy  do  ye  not  believe 
 
 47  He  that  is  of  God  heareth  God  s  words; 
 ye,  therefore,  hear  them  not,  because  ye  are 
 
 not  of  God.  1-1 
 
 48  ^  Then  answered  the  Jews,  and  said 
 
 unto  him.  Say  Ave  not  Avell  that  thou  art  a 
 Samaritan,  and  hast  a  devil  ? 
 
 49  Jesus  ansAvered,  I  have  not  a  devil : 
 but  I  honour  my  Father,  and  ye  do  dishon- 
 
 man  keep  my  saying  he  shall  never  see 
 death. 
 
 52  Then  said  the  Jews  unto  him,  Now 
 we  knoAv  that  thou  hast  a  devil.  Abraham 
 is  dead,  and  the  prophets  :  and  thou  sayest, 
 If  a  man  keep  my  saying  he  shall  never  taste 
 of  death.  ' 
 
 53  Art  thou  greater  than  our  father  Abra¬ 
 ham,  Avhich  is  dead  ?  and  the  prophets  are 
 dead  :  Avhom  makest  thou  thyself? 
 
 54  Jesus  ansAvered,  If  I  honour  myself, 
 my  honour  is  nothing  :  it  is  my  Father  that 
 honoureth  me,  of  whom  ye  say.  That  he  is 
 your  God. 
 
 55  Yet  ye  have  not  knoAvn  him  ;  but  I 
 knoAV  him  :  and  if  I  should  say,  I  knoAV  him 
 not,  I  shall  be  a  liar  like  unto  you  ;  but  I 
 knoAV  him,  and  keep  his  saying. 
 
 56  Your  father  Abraham  rejoiced  to  see 
 my  day  ;  and  he  saAV  it,  and  Avas  glad. 
 
 57  Then  said  the  JeAvs  unto  him.  Thou 
 art  not  yet  fifty  years  old,  and  hast  thou  seen 
 Abraham  ? 
 
 58  Jesus  said  unto  them.  Verily,  verily, 
 I  say  unto  you.  Before  Abraham  Avas,  I 
 
 am.  ii 
 
 59  Then  took  they  up  stones  to  cast  at 
 him  :  but  Jesus  hid  himself,  and  Avent  out 
 of  the  temple,  going  through  the  midst  of 
 them,  and  so  passed  by. 
 
 CHAP.  IX. 
 
 I.  The  miraculous  cure  of  a  man  that  was  born  blind,  1—7. 
 
 Various  discourses  of  Christ,  8 — 41. 
 
 our  me.  ^ 
 
 50  And  I  seek  not  mine  own  glory  :  there 
 
 is  one  that  seeketh  and  judgeth. 
 
 51  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you.  If  a 
 
 <3ominion  of  these  lusts  resemble  the  devil,  as  the 
 
 parent.  Second,  By  two  particular  instances,  wherein  they  ma¬ 
 nifestly  resembled  the  devil,  murder  and  lying.  The  devil  is  an 
 ?nemy  to  life,  because  God  is  the  God  of  lile,  and  life  is  the  hap- 
 pinesf  of  man  ;  and  an  enemy  to  truth,  because  God  is  the  God  ot 
 
 truth,  and  truth  is  the  bond  of  human  society.  ... 
 
 *  48L50.  The  Jews  to  this  day  call  the  Christians  in  reproach 
 Cuthai,  Samaritans.  Great  endeavours  have  in  all  ^een  used 
 to  make  good  people  odious  by  putting  them  under  black  ch^ac- 
 tis  Ld  It  is  ea^sy  to  run  that  down  with  a  crowd  and  a  cry  which 
 Sc.  pu.  imo  an  ill  name.  Perhaps  because  Chmt  justly  n- 
 veiehed  asainst  the  prida  and  tyianiiy  of  the  priests  and  eldei  s, 
 they  hereby  suggest  that  he  aimed  at  the  rum  of  their  chuich  111 
 a^^ing  at  its  reformation,  and  was  falling  away  to  the  Samaritans 
 51—59.  He  shall  by  no  means  see  death  for  ever;  so  it  is  in  the 
 original.  Not  as  if  the  bodies  of  believers  were  secured  trom  the 
 siroke  of  death,  no,  even  the  children  of  the  Most  High  mus  iie 
 like  men,  and  the  followers  of  Christ  have  been  more  than  other 
 
 men  in  deaths  often,  and  killed  all  the  day  long  •  how  then  is  l^is 
 promise  made  good,  that  they  shall  not  see  death  ?  Answer,  first, 
 
 494 
 
 And  as  Jesus  passed  by,  he  saAv  a  man 
 Avhich  Avas  blind  from  his  birth. 
 
 2  And  his  disciples  asked  him,  saying. 
 
 The  property  of  death  is  so  altered  to  them,  that  they  do  not  see  it 
 
 as  death  they  do  not  see  the  terror  of  death,  it  is  quite  taken  oft; 
 their  sight  doth  not  terminate  in  death  as  theirs  doth  who  live  by 
 sense  no  they  look  so  clearly,  so  comfortably  through  death, 
 and  beyond  death,  and  are  so  taken  up  with  their  state  on  the 
 other  side  death,  that  they  overlook  death,  and  see  it  not.  be 
 rond  The  power  of  death  is  so  broken,  as  that  though  there  1. 
 no  remedy,  but  they  must  see  death,  yet  they  shall  not  see  death 
 for  ever  shall  not  be  alwavs  shut  up  under  its  arrests,  the  day 
 will  come  when  death  shall  be  swallowed  up  in  victory.  In'ro; 
 Thpv  are  perfectly  delivered  Irom  eternal  death,  shall  not  be  hurt 
 of  the  second  death.  That  is  the  death  especially  meant  here, 
 that  death  which  is  for  ever,  which  is  opposed  to  everlasting  life, 
 this  they  shall  never  see,  for  they  shall  never  come  into  condem- 
 Ltion  -  they  shall  have  their  everlasting  lot,  where  there  will  be 
 no  moie  death,  where  they  cannot  die  any  more,  Luke  xx.  30. 
 Thou<^h  now  they  cannot  avoid  seeing  death,  yet  they  shall  shor  y 
 be  tbtne  where  it  will  be  seen  no  more  for  ever,  Exod.  xiv.  1 J. 
 CHAP.  IX.  1—7.  We  have  here  sight  given  to  a  poor  beggar 
 
 that  had  been  blind  Irom  his  birth.  , 
 
CHAP.  IX 
 
 Master,  who  did  sin,  this  man  or  his  parents, 
 that  he  was  born  blind  ? 
 
 3  Jesus  answered.  Neither  hath  this  man 
 sinned,  nor  his  parents  :  but  that  the  works 
 of  God  should  be  made  manifest  in  him. 
 
 4  I  must  work  the  works  of  him  that  sent 
 me  while  it  is  day  :  the  night  cometh,  when 
 no  man  can  work. 
 
 5  As  long  as  I  am  in  the  world  I  am  the 
 light  of  the  world. 
 
 6  When  he  had  thus  spoken  he  spat  on 
 the  ground,  and  made  clay  of  the  spittle,  and 
 he  anointed  the  eyes  of  the  blind  man  Avith 
 the  clay, 
 
 7  And  said  unto  him.  Go,  Avash  in  the 
 pool  of  Siloam,  (which  is,  by  interpretation. 
 Sent.)  He  Avent  his  Avay,  therefore,  and 
 Avashed,  and  came  seeing. 
 
 8  ^  The  neighbours,  therefore,  and  they 
 Avhich  before  had  seen  him  that  he  Avas 
 blind,  said.  Is  not  this  he  that  sat  and 
 begged  ? 
 
 9  Some  said.  This  is  he :  others  said.  He 
 is  like  him  ;  but  he  said,  I  am  he. 
 
 10  Therefore  said  they  unto  him,  Hoav 
 Avere  thine  eyes  opened  ? 
 
 11  He  aniAAxred,  and  said,  A  man  that  is 
 called  Jesus  made  clay,  and  anointed  mine 
 eyes,  and  said  unto  me.  Go  to  the  pool  of 
 Siloam  and  Avash  ;  and  I  Avent  and  Avashed, 
 and  I  received  sight. 
 
 12  Then  said  they  unto  him,  Where  is  he? 
 He  said,  I  knoAV  not. 
 
 The  disciples  inquire,  first,  AVhelher  this  man  was  punished 
 thus  for  some  sin  of  his  own,  either  committed,  or  foreseen  before 
 his  birth.  Some  think  the  disciples  were  tainted  with  the  Pytha¬ 
 gorean  notion  of  the  pre-existence  of  souls,  and  their  transmigra¬ 
 tion  from  one  body  to  another.  Was  this  man’s  soul  condemned 
 to  the  dungeon  of  this  blind  body,  to  punish  it  for  some  great  sin 
 committed  in  another  body  which  it  had  before  animated  ?  The 
 Pharisees  seem  to  have  had  the  same  opinion  of  his  case,  when 
 they  said.  Thou  wast  altogether  born  m  sin,  34,  as  if  all  those, 
 and  those  only,  were  born  in  sin,  whom  nature  has  stigmatized. 
 Or,  second.  Whether  he  was  punished  for  the  wickedness  of  his 
 parents,  which  God  sometimes  visits  upon  the  children It  is  a 
 ood  reason  why  parents  should  take  heed  of  sin,  lest  their  chil- 
 ren  smart  for  them  when  they  are  gone. . 
 
 I  The  consideration  of  our  death  approaching  should  quicken  us 
 to  improve  all  the  opportunities  of  life,-  both  for  doing  and  getting 
 good.  The  night  comes,  it  will  come  certainly,  may  come  sud¬ 
 denly,  is  coming  nearer  and  nearer.  Wo  cannot  compute  how 
 high  our  sun  is,  it  may  go  down  at  noon  ;  nor  can  we  promise  our¬ 
 selves  a  twilight,  between  the  day  of  life  and  the  night  of  death. 
 Christ  useth  this  as  an  argument  with  himself  to  be  diligent,  though 
 he  had  no  opposition  from  within  to  struggle  with,  much  more 
 need  have  we  to  work  upon  our  hearts  bv  these  and  the  like  consi¬ 
 derations  to  quicken  us.  His  business  in  the  world  was  to  enlighten 
 
 Vol.  II.  87  3  S 
 
 13  ^  They  brought  to  the  Pharisees  him 
 that  aforetime  Avas  blind. 
 
 14  And  it  Avas  the  sabbath-day  Avhen  Je¬ 
 sus  made  the  clay,  and  opened  his  eyes. 
 
 15  Then  again  the  Pharisees  also  asked 
 him  hoAv  he  had  received  his  sight.  He  said 
 unto  them,  He  put  clay  upon  mine  eyes,  and 
 I  Avashed,  and  do  see. 
 
 T6  Therefore  said  some  of  the  Pharisees, 
 This  man  is  not  of  God,  because  he  keepeth 
 not  the  sabbath-day.  Others  said,  Hoav  can 
 a  man  that  is  a  sinner  do  such  miracles  ? 
 And  there  Avas  a  division  among  them. 
 
 17  They  say  unto  the  blind  man  again. 
 What  sayest  thou  of  him  ?  that  he  hath 
 opened  thine  eyes  ?  He  said.  He  is  a  pro¬ 
 phet. 
 
 18  But  the  JcAvs  did  not  believe  concern¬ 
 ing  him  that  he  had  been  blind,  and  re¬ 
 ceived  his  sight,  until  they  called  the  parents 
 of  him  that  had  received  his  sight. 
 
 19  And  they  asked  them,  saying.  Is  this 
 your  son,  Avho  ye  say  Avas  born  blind  ?  hoAv 
 then  doth  he  noAv,see  ? 
 
 20  His  parents  ans.wered  them,  and  said. 
 We  knoAV  that  thisjs  our  son,  and  that  he 
 Avas  born  blind  : 
 
 21  But  by  Avliat  means  he  hoav  seeth,  we 
 knoAV  not :  or  who  hath, opened  his  eyes,  Ave 
 knoAV  not :  hejs  of. age,  ask  him  ;  he  shall 
 speak  for  himself.  , 
 
 22  These  Tiwrls  spake  his  parents,  because 
 they  feared  the  Jcavs  :  for  the  Jcavs  had 
 
 .  j 
 
 it,  V.  5.  As  long  as  I  am  in  the  world,  and  that  will  not  be  long,  I 
 am  the  Light  of  the  world.  He  had  said  this  before,  chap.  viii.  12. 
 He  is  the  Sun  of  Righteousness,  that  has  not  only  light  in  his 
 wings  for  those  that  cp  seef  but  healing  in  his  wings,  or  beams 
 for  those  that  are  -  blind,  tand  therein  far  exceeding  in  virtue 
 that  great  light  which  rules  by  day.  Christ  would  therefore  cure 
 this  blind  man,  the'  representative  of  a  blind  world,  because  he 
 came  to  be  the  Light  of  the  world,  not  only  to  give  light,  but  to 
 give  sight, 
 
 8—12.  The  man  had  never  seen  Jesus,  for  by  that  time  he  had 
 gained  his  sight  he  had  lost  his  physician  ;  and  he  asked,  it  is  pro¬ 
 bable,  Where  is  he  ?  None  of  all  the  new  and  surprising  objects 
 that  presented  themselves  could  be  so  grateful  to  him  as  one  sight 
 of  Christ,  but  as  yet  he  knew  no  more  of  him'  but  that  he  was 
 called,  and  rightly  called,  Jesus,  a  Saviour.  Thus  in  the  work  of 
 grace  wrought  upon  the  soul  we  see  the  change,  but  see  not  the 
 hand  that  makes  it ;  for  the  way  of  the  Spirit  is  like  that  of  the 
 wind,  which  thou  hearest  the  sound  of,  but  cannot  tell  whence  it 
 comes,  or  whither  it  goes. 
 
 13 — 34.  The  poor  man  argues  here,  first,  With  great  know¬ 
 ledge.  Though  he  could  not  read  a  letter  on  the  book,  he  was 
 well  acquainted  with  the  scripture,  and  the  things  of  God  ;  had 
 wanted  the  sense  of  seeing,  yet  had  well  improved  that  of  hearing, 
 by  which  faith  cometh  :  yet  that  would  not  have  served  him,  if 
 
 4P5 
 
ST.  JOHN. 
 
 agreed  already,  that  if  any  man  did  confess 
 that  he  was  Christ,  he  should  be  put  out  of 
 the  synagogue. 
 
 23  Therefore  said  his  parents.  He  is  of 
 age,  ask  him. 
 
 24  Then  again  called  they  the  man  that 
 was  blind,  and  said  unto  him.  Give  God  the 
 praise  ;  we  know  that  this  man  is  a  sinner. 
 
 25  He  answered,  and  said.  Whether  he  be 
 a  sinner  or  no  I  know  not ;  one  thing  1  know, 
 that,  whereas  I  was  blind,  now  I  see. 
 
 26  Then  said  they  to  him  again.  What 
 did  he  to  thee  ?  how  opened  he  thine  eyes  ? 
 
 27  He  answered  them,  I  have  told  you 
 already,  and  ye  did  not  hear:  wherefore 
 would  ye  hear  it  again  ?  will  ye  also  be  his 
 disciples  ? 
 
 28  Then  they  reviled  him,  and  said.  Thou 
 art  his  disciple ;  but  we  are  Moses"  dis¬ 
 ciples. 
 
 29  We  know  that  God  spake  unto  Moses  : 
 as  for  this  fellozi\  we  know  not  from  whence 
 he  is. 
 
 30  The  man  answered,  and  said  unto 
 them.  Why  herein  is  a  marvellous  thing,  that 
 ye  know  not  from  whence  he  is,  and  yet  he 
 hath  opened  mine  eyes. 
 
 31  Noav,  we  knoAv  that  God  heareth  not 
 sinners  :  but  if  any  man  be  a  Avorshipper  of 
 God,  and  doeth  his  AAill,  him  he  heareth. 
 
 32  Since  the  Avorld  began  Avas  it  not  heard 
 that  any  man  opened  the  eyes  of  one  that 
 Avas  born  blind. 
 
 33  If  this  man  Avere  not  of  God  he  could 
 do  nothing. 
 
 34  ^  They  ansAvered,  and  said  unto  him. 
 Thou  Avast  altogether  born  in  sins,  and  dost 
 thou  teach  us  ?  And  they  cast  him  out. 
 
 I  35  ^  J esus  heard  that  they  had  cast  him 
 j  out :  and  Avhen  he  had  found  him,  he  said 
 unto  him.  Dost  thou  believe  on  the  Son  of 
 God? 
 
 36  He  ansAvered,  and  said.  Who  is  he. 
 Lord,  that  I  might  believe  on  him  ? 
 
 37  And  Jesus  said  unto  him.  Thou  hast 
 both  seen  him,  and  it  is  he  that  talketh  Avith 
 thee. 
 
 38  And  he  said.  Lord,  I  believe.  And  he 
 Avorshipped  him. 
 
 39  ^  And  Jesus  said.  For  judgment  I  am 
 come  into  this  Avorld,  that  they  Avhich  see 
 not  might  see  ;  and  that  they  Avhich  see 
 might  be  made  blind. 
 
 40  And  sortie  of  the  Pharisees  Avhich  AA^ere 
 Avith  him,  heard  these  Avords,  and  said  unto 
 him.  Are  aax  blind  also  ? 
 
 41  Jesus  said  unto  them.  If  ye  AA'cre  blind 
 ye  should  have  no  sin  ;  but  noAv  ye  say,  We 
 see  ;  therefore  your  sin  remaineth. 
 
 CPIAP.  X. 
 
 I.  Christ’s  discourse  concerning  fiimself,  as  the  door  of  the  sheep- 
 fold,  and  the  shepherd  of  the  sheep,  1—18.  II.  The  varioL 
 sentiments  of  people  upon  it,  19—21.  HI.  The  dispute  Christ 
 had  with  the  lews  in  the  temple  at  the  feast  of  dedication, 
 22—39.  IV.  His  departure  into  the  country,  40—42. 
 
 “^ERILY,  verily,  I  say  unto  you.  He 
 ^  that  entereth  not  by  the  door  into  the 
 sheep-fold,  but  dim  both  up  some  other  Avay, 
 the  same  is  a  thief  and  a  robber. 
 
 2  But  he  that  entereth  in  by  the  door  is 
 the  shepherd  of  the  sheep. 
 
 3  To  him  the  porter  openeth  ;  and  the 
 sheep  hear  his  voice  :  and  he  calleth  his  own 
 sheep  by  name,  and  leadeth  them  out. 
 
 4  And  Avhen  he  putteth  forth  his  OAvn 
 sheep  he  goeth  before  them,  and  the  sheep 
 folloAV  him  :  for  they  knoAv  his  voice. 
 
 he  had  not  had  an  extraordinary  presence  of  God  with  him,  and 
 special  aids  of  his  spirit  upon  this  occasion.  Second,  Wkh  great 
 zeal  for  the  honour  of  Christ,  whom  he  could  not  endure  to  hear 
 run  down  and  evil  spoken  of.  Third,  AVith  great  boldness,  and 
 courage,  and  undauntedness,  not  terrified  by  the  proudest  of  his 
 adversaries.  They  that  are  ambitious  of  the  favours  of  God  must 
 not  be  afraid  of  the  frowns  of  men,  “  See  here  (saith  Dr.  AVhitby) 
 A  blind  man  and  unlearned,  judging  more  rightly  of  divine  things 
 than  the  whole  learned  council  of  the  Pharisees  ;  whence  we 
 learn,  that  we  are  not  always  to  be  led  by  the  authority  of  coun¬ 
 cils,  popes,  or  bishops ;  and  that  it  is  not  absurd  for  laymen  some¬ 
 times  to  vary  from  their  opinions,  their  overseers  being  sometimes 
 guilty  of  great.eversights.” 
 
 35  38.  Though  persecutors  may  exclude  good  men  from  their 
 communion,  yet  they  cannot  exclude  them  from  communion  with 
 Christ,  nor  put  them  out  of  the  way  of  his  visits.  Happy  they 
 who  have  a  friend  that  men  cannot  debar  them  from,  Jesus  Christ 
 496 
 
 will  graciously  find  and  take  up  those  who  for  his  sake  are  unjustly 
 
 rejected  and  cast  out  by  men.  He  will  be  a  hiding-place  to  his 
 out-casts,  and  appear  to  the  joy  of  those  whom  their  brethren 
 hated  and  cast  out. 
 
 39  41.  The  sin  of  those  that  are  self-conceited  and  self-confi¬ 
 dent  remains,  for  they  reject  the  gospel  of  grace,  and  therefore 
 the  guilt  of  their  sin  remains  unpardoned,  and  they  forfeit  the 
 Spirit  of  grace,  and  therefore  the  power  of  their  sin  remains  un¬ 
 broken.  Seest  thou  a  man  wise  in  his  own  conceit?  Hearest  thou 
 the  Pharisees  say.  We  see?  There  is  more  hopes  of  a  fool,  of  a 
 publican,  and  a  harlot,  than  of  such, 
 
 CHAP.  X.  1 — 18.  Christ  is  the  door.  This  he  saith  to  them 
 who  pretended  to  seek  for  righteousness,  but  like  the  Sodomites, 
 wearied  themselves  to  find  the  door,  where  it  was  not  to  be  found  : 
 he  saith  to  the  Jews,  who  would  be  thought  God’s  only  sheep,  and 
 to  the  Pharisees,  who  would  be  thought  their  only  "shepherds,  f 
 am  the  door  of  the  sheep-fold  :  the  door  of  the  church.  First,  He 
 
CHAP.  X 
 
 5  And  a  stranger  will  they  not  follow,  but 
 will  flee  from  him  :  for  they  know  not  the 
 voice  of  strangers. 
 
 6  This  parable  spake  Jesus  unto  them ; 
 but  they  understood  not  what  things  they 
 were  which  he  spake  unto  them. 
 
 7  Then  said  Jesus  unto  them  again,  Ve¬ 
 rily,  verily,  1  say  unto  you,  I  am  the  door  of 
 the  sheep. 
 
 8  All  that  ever  came  before  me  are  thieves 
 and  robbers  :  but  the  sheep  did  not  hear 
 them. 
 
 9  I  am  the  door  :  by  me  if  any  man  enter 
 in,  he  shall  be  saved,  and  shall  go  in  and  out, 
 and  find  pasture. 
 
 10  The  thief  cometh  not  but  for  to  steal, 
 and  to  kill,  and  to  destroy  :  1  am  come  that 
 they  might  have  life,  and  that  they  might 
 have  it  more  abundantly. 
 
 1 1  I  am  the  good  shepherd  ;  the  good 
 shepherd  giveth  his  life  for  the  sheep. 
 
 12  But  he  that  is  an  hireling,  and  not  the 
 shepherd,  whose  own  the  sheep  are  not,  seeth 
 the  wolf  coming,  and  leaveth  the  sheep,  and 
 fleeth  :  and  the  wolf  catcheth  them,  and 
 scattereth  the  sheep. 
 
 13  The  hireling  fleeth,  because  he  is  an 
 hireling,  and  careth  not  for  the  sheep. 
 
 14  I  am  the  good  shepherd,  and  know  my 
 sheep,  and  am  known  of  mine. 
 
 is  as  a  door  shut  to  keep  out  thieves  and  robbers,  and  such  as  are 
 not  fit  to  be  admitted.  The  shutting  of  the  door  is  the  securing  of 
 the  house  ;  and  what  greater  security  has  the  house  of  God  than 
 the  interposal  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  and  his  wisdom,  power  and  good¬ 
 ness  betwixt  it,  and  all  his  enemies  :  second.  He  is  a  door  open 
 for  passage  and  communication.  First,  By  Christ  as  the  door,  we 
 have  our  first  admission  into  the  flock  of  God,  John  xiy.  6' :  se¬ 
 cond,  We  go  in  and  out  in  a  religious  conversation,  assisted  by 
 him,  accepted  in  him  ;  walking  up  and  down  in  his  name,  Zech.  x. 
 12  :  third.  By  him  God  comes  to  his  church,  visits  it,  and  com¬ 
 municates  himself  to  it :  fourth,  By  him  as  the  door  the  sheep  are 
 at  last  admitted  into  the  heavenly  kingdom,  IMatt.  xxv.  34. 
 
 Some  stood  up  in  defence  of  Christ  and  his  discourse,  though 
 perhaps  they  did  not  believe  on  him  as  the  Messiah.  If  they  could 
 say  no  more  of  him,  this  they  would  maintain,  that  he  was  a  man 
 in  his  wits,  ihat  he  had  not  a  devil,  that  he  was  neither  senseless  nor 
 graceless.  The  absurd  and  most  unreasonable  reproaches  that 
 have  sometimes  been  cast  upon  Christ  and  his  gospel,  have  excited 
 those  to  appear  for  him  and  it,  who  otherwise  had  no  great  affec¬ 
 tion  to  either.  These  are  not  the  words  of  him  that  hath  a  devil'; 
 they  are  not  idle  words  ;  distracted  men  do  not  use  to  talk  at  this 
 rate.  These  are  not  the  words  of  one  that  is  either  violently  pos¬ 
 sessed  with  a  devil,  or  voluntarily  in  league  with  the  devil.  Chris¬ 
 tianity,  if  it  be  not  the  true  religion,  is  certainly  the  greatest  cheat 
 that  was  ever  put  upon  the  world,  and  if  so,  it  must  be  of  the  de¬ 
 vil,  who  is  the  father  of  all  lies ;  but  it  is  certain  the  doctrine  of 
 Christ  is  no  doctrine  of  devils,  for  it  is  levelled  directly  against  the 
 devil’s  kingdom,  and  Satan  is  too  subtle  to  be  divided  against  him¬ 
 self.  So  much  of  holiness  there  is  in  the  words  of  Christ,  that  we, 
 
 15  As  the  Father  knoweth  me,  even  so 
 know  1  the  Father  ;  and  I  lay  down  my  life 
 for  the  sheep. 
 
 16  And  other  sheep  I  have,  which  are  not 
 of  this  fold  :  them  also  I  must  bring,  and 
 they  shall  hear  my  voice  ;  and  there  shall  be 
 one  fold,  and  one  shepherd. 
 
 17  Therefore  doth  my  Father  love  me, 
 because  I  lay  doAvn  my  life,  that  I  might 
 take  it  again. 
 
 18  No  man  taketh  it  from  me,  but  I  lay  it 
 down  of  myself ;  I  have  power  to  lay  it  down 
 and  I  have  power  to  take  it  again.  This 
 commandment  have  I  received  of  my  Fa- 
 
 v'  t 
 
 ther. 
 
 19  ^  There  was  a  division,  therefore,  again 
 among  the  Jews  for  these  sayings. 
 
 20  And  many  of  them  said.  He  hath  a  de¬ 
 vil,  and  is  mad  ;  why  hear  ye  him  ? 
 
 21  Others  said.  These  are  not  the  wordf 
 of  him  that  hath  a  devil :  can  a  devil  open 
 i,he  eyes  of  the  blind  ? 
 
 22  And  it  was  at  Jerusalem  the  feast  of 
 the  dedication,  and  it  was  winter. 
 
 23  And  Jesus  walked  in  the  temple  in  So¬ 
 lomon's  porch. 
 
 24  Then  came  the  Jews  round  about  him, 
 and  said  unto  him.  How  long  dost  thou  make 
 us  to  doubt  ?  If  thou  be  the  Christ  tell  us 
 plainly. 
 
 may  conclude,  they  are  not  the  words  of  one  that  has  a  devil,  and 
 therefore  are  the  words  of  one  that  was  sent  ot  God  ;  are  not  from 
 hell,  and  therefore  must  be  from  heaven.  The  power  of  his  mi¬ 
 racles  ;  Can  a  devil  open  the  eyes. of  the  blind  ?  i.  e.  a  man  that 
 has  a  devil.  Neither  mad  men,  nor  men  used  to  work  miracles. 
 Devils  are  not  such  lords  of  the  power  of  nature,  as  to  be  able  to 
 work  such  miracles  ;  nor  are  they  such  friends  to  mankind,  as  to 
 be  willing  to  work  them  if  they  were  able.  The  devil  will  sooner 
 put  out  men’s  eyes  than  open  them.  Therefore  Jesus  had  not  a 
 devil. 
 
 22 — 38.  It  was  the  effect  of  their  infidelity,  and  powerful  pre¬ 
 judices,  that  after  our  Lord  Jesus  had  so  fully  proved  himself  to  be 
 the  Christ,  they  were  still  in  doubt  concerning  it.  The  struggle 
 was  between  their  convictions,  which  told  them  he  was  the  Christ ; 
 and  their  corruptions,  which  said  no,  because  he  was  not  such  a 
 Christ  as  they  expected. 
 
 Christ  condemns  them  for  their  obstinate  unbelief,  notwithstand¬ 
 ing  all  the  most  plain  and  powerful  arguments  used  to  convince 
 them.  First,  You  are  not  disposed  to  be  the  followers  ;  are  not 
 of  a  tractable,  teachable,  temper,  have  no  inclination  to  receive  the 
 doctrine  and  law  of  the  Messiah  ;  you  will  not  herd  yourselves  with 
 my  sheep,  will  not  come  and  see,  nor  come  at  my  voice.  Rooted 
 antipathies  to  the  gospel  of  Christ  are  the  bonds  of  iniquity  and  in¬ 
 fidelity  :  second.  You  are  not  designed  to  be  my  followers  ;  you 
 are  not  of  those  that  were  given  me  by  my  Father  to  be  brought  to 
 grace  and  glory.  You  are  not  of  the  number  of  the  elect,  and 
 your  unbelief,  if  you  persist  in  it,  will  be  a  certain  evidence  that 
 you  are  not.  Those  to  whom  God  never  gives  the  grace  of  faith, 
 were  never  designed  for  heaven  and  happiness :  third.  He  takes 
 
ST.  JOHN. 
 
 25  Jesus  answered  them,  I  told  you,  and  I 
 ye  believed  not :  the  works  that  1  do  in  my  \ 
 Father’s  name,  they  bear  witness  of  me. 
 
 26  But  ye  believe  not :  because  ye  are 
 not  of  my  sheep,  as  I  said  unto  you. 
 
 27  My  sheep  hear  my  voice,  and  I  know 
 them,  and  they  follow  me  : 
 
 28  And  I  give  unto  them  eternal  life  :  and 
 they  shall  never  perish,  neither  shall  any  inaji 
 pluck  them  out  of  my  hand. 
 
 29  My  Father,  which  gave  them  me,  is 
 greater  than  all ;  and  no  man  is  able  to  pluck 
 them  out  of  my  Father’s  hand. 
 
 30  I  and  mi/  Father  are  one. 
 
 31  ^  Then  the  Jews  took  up  stones  again 
 to  stone  him. 
 
 32  Jesus  answered  them.  Many  good  works 
 have  I  shewed  you  from  my  Father  ;  for 
 which  of  those  works  do  ye  stone  me  ? 
 
 33  The  Jews  answered  him,  saying,  For  a 
 good  work  we  stone  thee  not,  but  for  l)las- 
 phemy ;  and  because  that  thou,  being  a  man, 
 makest  thyself  God. 
 
 this  occasion  to  describe  both  the  gracious  disposition,  and  the 
 happy  state  of  those  that  are  his  sheep  ;  for  such  there  are  though 
 they  be  not. 
 
 lie  tells  them  what  were  the  characters  of  his  sheep.  First,  They 
 hear  his  voice,  27 :  second,  Thej^  follow  him,  they  submit  to  his 
 conduct  by  a  cheerful  obedience  to  all  his  commands,  and  a  plea¬ 
 sant  conformity  to  his  spirit  and  pattern  :  the  word  of  command 
 hath  always  been.  Follow  me. 
 
 He  also  here  describes  the  blessed  state  and  care  of  those  that 
 are  of  his  sheep.  First,  Our  Lord  Jesus  takes  cognipnee  of  his 
 sheep.  They  hear  my  voice,  and  I  know  them  ;  he  distinguisheth 
 them  from  others,  2  Tim.  ii.  19,  hath  a  particular  rcgpd  to  every 
 individual,  Psal.  xxxiv.  6,  he  knows  their  wants  and  desires  ;  knows 
 their  souls  in  adversity,  where  to  find  them,  and  what  to  clo  for 
 them  ;  second,  He  has  provided  a  happiness  for  them,  suited  to 
 them.  I  give  unto  them  eternal  life,  20.  He  gives  the  assurance  of 
 Jt,  the  pledge  and  earnest  of  it,  the  first-fruits  and  fore-taste  of  it. 
 That  spiritual  life,  which  is  eternal  life  begun,  heaven  in  the  seed, 
 in  the  bud,  in  the  embryo;  third.  He  hath  undertaken  for  their 
 security,  and  preservation  to  this  happiness.  His  own  power  is 
 engaged  for  them.  A  mighty  contest  is  here  supposed  about  these 
 sheep.  The  shephenl  is  so  careful  of  their  welfare,  that  he  lias 
 them  not  only  within  his  fold,  and  under  his  eye,  but  in  his  hand, 
 interested  in  his  special  love,  and  taken  under  his  special  protec¬ 
 tion ;  all  his  saints  are  in  thy  hand,  Dcut.  xxxiii.  3,  yet  their  ene¬ 
 mies  are  so  daring,  that  they  attempt  to  pluck  them  out  of  his 
 hand  ;  his,  whose  own  they  are,  whose  care  they  are ;  but  they 
 cannot,  they  shall  not  do  it.  Those  are  safe  who  are  in  the  hands 
 of  the  Lord  Jesus.  The  saints  are  preserved  in  Christ  Jesus  ;  and 
 their  salvation  is  not  in  their  own  keeping,  but  in  the  keeping  of  a 
 Mediator.  The  Pharisees  and  rulers  did  all  they  could  to  frighten 
 the  disciples  of  Christ  from  following  him,  reproving  and  threaten¬ 
 ing  them,  but  Christ  saith.  They  should  not  prevail.  His  Father’s 
 power  is  likewise  engaged  for  their  preservation,  29-  He  now 
 appeared  in  weakness,  and  lest  his  security  should  therefore  be 
 thought  insufficient,  he  brings  in  his  Father  as  a  farther  security. 
 
 Further  to  corroborate  the  security,  that  the  sheep  of  Christ 
 may  have  strong  consolation,  he  asserts  the  union  of  these  two  un¬ 
 dertakers,  I  and  my  Father  are  one,  and  have  jointly  and  severally 
 yildcrtaken  for  the  protection  of  the  saints,  and  their  perfection.' 
 
 34  Jesus  answered  them,  Is  it  not  written 
 in  your  law,  1  said,  Ye  are  gods  ? 
 
 35  If  he  called  them  gods,  unto  wliom  the 
 word  of  God  came,  and  the  scripture  cannot 
 be  broken  ; 
 
 36  Say  ye  of  him  whom  the  Father  hath 
 sanctified,  and  sent  into  the  world,  Thou 
 blasphemest ;  because  I  said,  I  am  the  Sou 
 of  God? 
 
 37  If  I  do  not  the  works  of  my  Father, 
 believe  me  not. 
 
 38  But  if  I  do,  though  ye  believe  not  me, 
 believe  the  Avorks  ;  that  ye  may  know  and 
 believe  that  the  Father  is  in  me,  and  I  in  him. 
 
 39  ^  Therefore  they  sought  again  to  take 
 him  :  but  he  escaped  out  of  their  hand  ; 
 
 40  And  Avent  aAvay  again  beyond  Jordan, 
 into  the  place  Avhere  John  at  first  baptized; 
 and  there  he  abode. 
 
 41  And  many  resorted  unto  him,  and  said, 
 John  did  no  miracle :  but  all  things  that  John 
 spake  of  this  man  Avere  true. 
 
 42  And  many  believed  on  him  there. 
 
 This  speaks  not  only  the  harmony  and  consent,  and  good  under¬ 
 standing  that  was  between  the  Father  and  the  Son  in  the  work  of 
 man’s  redemption,  every  good  man  is  so  far  one  with  God,  as  to 
 concur  with  him  :  therefore  it  must  be  meant  of  the  oneness  of  the 
 nature  of  Father  and  Son,  that  they  are  the  same  in  substance,  and 
 equal  in  power  and  glory. 
 
 Christ  proves  himself  to  be  no  blasphemer,  by  two  arguments  : 
 first,  Bv  an  argument  taken  from  God’s  word.  Jt  is  written,  Psal. 
 Ix.xxii.  fi,  I  have  said  ye  arc  gods.  Observe  how  he  explains  the 
 text,  35,  He  calls  them  gods  to  whom  the  word  of  God.caine, 
 and  the  scripture  cannot  be  broken.  'Fhe  word  of  God’s  commission 
 came  to  them,  appointing  them  to  their  offices,  as  judges,  and 
 therefore  they  are  called  gods,  Kxod.  xxii.  28.  'I’o  some  the  word 
 of  God  came  immediately,  as  to  Moses:  to  others  in  the  way  of 
 an  instituted  ordinance.  Magistracy  is  a  divine  institution  ;  and 
 magistrates  arc  God’s  delegates,  and  therefore  the  scripture  call- 
 eth  them  gods  ;  and  we  are  sure  the  scripture  cannot  be  broken,  or 
 broken  in  upon,  or  found  fault  with.  How  he  afqilies  it.  Thus 
 much  in  general  is  easily  inferred,  that  they  Avere  very  rash  and 
 unreasonable  who  condemned  Christ  as  a  blasphemer,  only  for  call¬ 
 ing  himself  the  Son  of  God,  when  yet  they  themselves  called  their 
 rulers  so,  and  therein  the  scripture  warranted  them.  But  the  ar¬ 
 gument  goes  further,  36',  If  magistrates  were  called  gods,  be¬ 
 cause  they  are  commissioned  to  administer  justice  in  the  nation, 
 say  yc  of  him  whom  the  Father  hath  sanctified.  Thou  blasphemest  ? 
 Second,  Bv  an  argument  taken  from  his  own  works,  37,  38.  In 
 the  former  he  only  answered  the  charge  of  blasphemy,  but  hcheic 
 makes  out  his  own  claims,  and  proves  that  he  and  the  Father  aie 
 one,  37,  38,  If  I  fio  not  the  works  of  my  Father  believe  me  rot. 
 As  the  invisible  things  of  the  Creator  are  clearly  seen  by  his  works 
 of  creation  and  common  providence,  Rom.  i.  20,  so  the  invisible 
 things  of  the  Redeemer  were  seen  by  his  miracles,  and  by  all  his 
 works  both  of  power  and  mercy  ;  so  that  they  who  were  not  con¬ 
 vinced  by  these  works  were  without  excuse. 
 
 3p — 40.  AVhere  the  preaching  of  the  doctrine  of  repentance  has 
 had  success  as  desired,  there  the  preaching  of  the  doctrine  of  re¬ 
 conciliation  and  gospel-grace  is  most  likely  to  be  prosperous: 
 where  John  has  been  acceptable,  Jesus  will  not  be  unacceptable. 
 The  jubilee  trumpet  sounds  sweetest  m  the  ears  of  those  who  m  tho 
 day  of  atonement  have  afflicted  their  souls  for  sin. 
 
CHAP.  XI. 
 
 CHAP.  XI. 
 
 The  raising  of  Lazarus  to  life. 
 
 NOW  a  certain  man  was  sick,  named  La¬ 
 zarus,  cf  Bethany,  the  town  of  Mary  and 
 her  sister  Martha. 
 
 2  (It  was  that  Mary  which  anointed  the 
 Lord  Avith  ointment,  and  Avi})ed  his  feet  with 
 her  hair,  Avhose  brother  Lazarus  was  sick.) 
 
 3  Therefore  his  sisters  sent  unto  him,  say¬ 
 ing,  Lord,  behold,  he  Avhom  thou  lovest  is 
 sick 
 
 4  When  Jesus  heard  that,  he  said.  This 
 sickness  is  not  unto  death,  but  for  the  glory 
 of  God,  that  the  Son  of  God  might  be  glo¬ 
 rified  thereby. 
 
 5  Now  Jesus  loved  Martha,  and  her 
 sister,  and  Lazarus. 
 
 6  When  he  had  heard,  therefore,  that  he 
 Avas  sick,  he  abode  tAVO  days  still  in  the 
 same  place  Avhere'he  Avas. 
 
 7  Then  after  that  saith  he  to  his  disciples. 
 Let  us  go  into  Judea  again. 
 
 8  His  disciples  say  unto  him.  Master,  the 
 JeAvs  of  late  sought  to  stone  thee  ;  and  goest 
 thou  thither  again  ? 
 
 9  Jesu^  ansAvered,  Are  there  not  tAvelve 
 
 CHAP.  XI.  1  — 16'.  One  of  the  sisters  is  particularly  described 
 to  be  that  Mary  which  anointed  the  Lord  with  ointment,  v.  y  ; 
 some  think  it  was  that  woman  that  we  read  of,  Luke  vii.  37,  38, 
 who  had  been  a  sinner,  an  ill  woman.  I  rather  think  it  refers  to 
 that  anointing  of  Christ  which  this  evangelist  relates,  chap.  xii.  3, 
 for  the  evangelists  never  refer  one  to  another,  but  John  frequently 
 refers  in  one  place  of  his  gospel  to  another.  Christ  prognosticated 
 the  event  and  issue  ot  the  sickness,  and  probably  sent  it  as  a  mes¬ 
 sage  to  the  sisters  of  Lazarus  by  the  e.xpress,  to  support  them 
 while  he  delayed  to  come  to  them.  Two  things  he  prognosticates  ; 
 first.  This  sickness  was  not  unto  death,  it  was  mortal,  proved  latal, 
 and  no  doubt  but  Lazarus  was  truly  dead  for  four  days.  Second, 
 That  was  not  the  final  effect  of  this  sickness.  The  grave  was  not 
 his  long  home,  his  house  of  eternity.  Thus  Christ  said  to  the  maid, 
 whom  lie  purposed  to  restore  to  life.  She  is  not  dead.  But  it  is  for 
 the  glory  of  God,  that  an  opportunity  may  be  given  for  the  mani¬ 
 festing  of  God’s  glorious  power.  The  afflictions  of  the  saints  are 
 designed  for  the  glory  of  God,  that  he  may  have  an  opportunity  o; 
 shewing  them  favour,  for  the  .sweetest  mercies,  and  the  most  af¬ 
 fecting  are  those  which  are  occasioned  by  trouble.  Let  this  re¬ 
 concile  us  to  the  darkest  dispensations  of  providence,  they  are  al 
 for  the  glory  of  God  ;  this  sickness,  this  loss,  this  disappointment 
 is  so;  and  if  God  be  glorified,  we  ought  to  be  satisfied.  Lev.  x.  3. 
 It  was  for  the  glory  of  God,  for  it  was  that  the  Son  of  God  might 
 be  nlorified  thereby,  as  it  gave  him  occasion  to  work  that  glorious 
 miracle,  the  raising  him  from  the  dead. 
 
 Alan’s  life  is  as  a  day,  this  day  is  divided  into  divers  ages,  states, 
 and  opportunities,  as  into  hours,  shorter  or  longer,  as  God  has  ap¬ 
 pointed  •  the  consideration  of  this  should  make  us  not  only  very 
 busy,  as  to  the  work  of  life,  if  there  were  twelve  hours  in  the  day, 
 each’of  them  ought  to  be  filled  up  w  ith  duty,  and  none  of  them 
 trifled  away,  bul  also  very  easy  as  to  be  perils  of  life ;  our  day 
 shall  be  lengthened  out  till  our  work  ’oe  done,  and  our  testimony 
 finished.  This  Christ  applies  to  his  case,  and  shews  why  he  must 
 •go  to  Judea,  because  he  had  a  clear  call  to  go. 
 
 hours  in  the  day  ?  If  any  man  Avalk  in  the 
 day  he  stumbleth  not,  because  he  seeth  the 
 ight  of  this  Avorld. 
 
 10  But  if  a  man  Avalk  in  the  night  he 
 stumbleth,  because  there  is  no  light  in  him. 
 
 11  These  things  said  he:  and  after  that 
 le  saith  unto  them.  Our  friend  Lazarus 
 sleepeth  ;  but  I  go  that  I  may  aAvake  him 
 out  of  sleep. 
 
 12  Then  said  his  disciples.  Lord,  if  he 
 sleep  he  shall  do  Avell. 
 
 13  HoAvbeit  Jesus  spake  of  his  death  :  but 
 they  thought  that  he  had  spoken  of  taking  of 
 rest  in  sleep. 
 
 14  Then  said  Jesus  unto  them  plainly, 
 ^liazarus  is  dead. 
 
 15  And  I  am  glad  for  your  sakes  that  I 
 Avas  not  there  to  the  intent  ye  may  believe ; 
 nevertheless  let  us  go  unto  him. 
 
 16  Then  said  Thomas,  Avhich  is  called 
 Didymus,  unto  his  felloAv  disciples.  Let  us 
 also  go,  that  Ave  may  die  Avith  him. 
 
 17  Then  Avhen  Jesus  came,  he  found  that 
 he  had  lain  in  the  grave  four  days  already. 
 
 18  (Noav  Bethany  Avas  nigh  unto  Jerusa¬ 
 lem,  about  fifteen  furlongs  off.) 
 
 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 
 
 Christ  gives  plain  intelligence  of  the  death  of  Lazarus,  though 
 he  had  received  no  advice  of  it.  Our  friend  Lazarus  sleepeth.  'rhe 
 death  of  Lazarus  was  in  a  peculiar  sense  a  sleep,  as  that  of  Jairus’ 
 daughter,  because  they  were  to  be  raised  again  speedily  ;  and  since 
 we  are  sure  to  rise  again  at  last,  why  should  they  make  any  great 
 diflerence?  And  why  should  not  the  believing  hope  of  that  resur¬ 
 rection  to  eternal  life,  make  it  upon  this  matter  as  easy  to  us  to 
 put  off  the  body  and  die,  as  it  is  to  put  off  our  clothes  and  go  to 
 sleep  ?.’'A  Christian  when  he  dies  doth  but  sleep  :  he  rests  from  the 
 labours  of  the  day  past,  and  is  refreshing  himself  for  the  next  morn¬ 
 ing.  Nay,  herein,  death  has  the  advantage  of  sleep,  that  sleep  is 
 only  the  suspension,  but  death  is  the  end  of  our  care  and  toils. 
 The  soul  doth  not  sleep,  but  becomes  more  active  :  but  the  body 
 sleeps  without  any  toss,  without  any  terror  ;  not  distempered  nor 
 disturbed.  The  grave  to  the  wicked  is  atpnson,  and  its  grave- 
 clothes  as  the  shackles  of  a  criminal  reserved  for  execution;  but 
 to  the  godly  it  is  a  bed,  and  all  its  bands  as  the  soft  downy  fet¬ 
 ters  of  an  easy  quiet  sleep.  ■  Though  the  body  corrupt,  it  will  nse 
 in  the  morning  as  if  it  had  never  seen  corruption  ;  it  is  but  putting 
 off  our  clothes  to  be  mended  and  trimmed  up  for  the  marriage-day, 
 the  coronation-day,  to  which  we  must  rise,  see  Isa.  Ivii.  2,  1  Thess. 
 iv.  14.  He  gives  them  notice  of  the  death  of  Lazarus,  what  he 
 had  before  said  darkly,  he  now  saith  plainly  and  without  a  figure, 
 Lazarus  is  dead,  14. 
 
 — 32.  Martha  and  Alary  were  almost  swallowed  up  with  soiw 
 row  for  the  death  of  their  brother,  which  is  intimated,  where  it  is 
 said,  that  many  of  the  Jews  came  to  Alartha  and  Mary  to  comfort 
 them.-  lit  is  a  duty  we  owe  to  those  that  are  in  sorrow,  to  mourn 
 with  them,  and  to  comfort  them  ;  and  our  mourning  with  them 
 will  be  some  comfort  to  them.  AVhen  godly  relations  and  friends 
 are  taken  from  us,  whatever  occasion  we  have  to  be  afflicted  con¬ 
 cerning^  ourselves,  who  are  left  behind,  and  miss  them,  we  have 
 reasonlo  be  comforted  concerning  them  who  are  gone  before,  as  to 
 a  happiness  where  they  have  no  miss  of  us. 
 
 The  visit  which  the  Jews  made  to  Alartha  ana  Mary  is  an  evi- 
 
 4QQ 
 
ST.  JOHN. 
 
 19  And  many  of  the  Jews  came  to  Mar¬ 
 tha  and  Mary,  to  comfort  them  concerning 
 their  brother. 
 
 20  Then  Martha  as  soon  as  she  heard 
 that  Jesus  was  coming,  went  and  met  him  : 
 but  Mary  sat  ^till  in  the  house. 
 
 21  Then  said  Martha  unto  Jesus,  Lord,  if 
 thou  hadst  been  here,  my  brother  had  not 
 died. 
 
 22  But  I  know  that  even  now  whatsoever 
 thou  wilt  ask  of  God,  God  will  give  it  thee. 
 
 23  Jesus  saith  unto  her.  Thy  brother  shall 
 rise  again. 
 
 24  Martha  saith  unto  him,  I  know  that 
 he  shall  rise  again  in  the  resurrection  at  the 
 last  day. 
 
 25  Jesus  said  unto  her,  I  am  the  resurrec¬ 
 tion  and  the  life  :  he  that  believeth  in  me, 
 though  he  were  dead,  yet  shall  he  live  ; 
 
 26  And  whosoever  liveth,  and  believeth 
 in  me,  shall  never  die.  Believest  thou  this  ? 
 
 27  She  saith  unto  him.  Yea,  Lord  :  I  be¬ 
 lieve  that  thou  art  the  Christ,  the  Son  of 
 God,  which  should  come  into  the  world. 
 
 28  And  when  she  had  so  said,  she  went 
 her  waj^,  and  called  Mary  her  sister  secretly, 
 saying.  The  Master  is  come,  and  calleth  for 
 thee. 
 
 dence  that  they  were  persons  of  distinction,  and  made  a  figure  ;  as 
 also  that  they  carried  themselves  obligingly  to  all,  so  that  though 
 they  were  followers  of  Christ,  yet  those  that  had  not  respect  for 
 him  were  civil  to  them.  There  was  also  a  providence  in  it,  that 
 so  many  Jews,  Jewish  ladies,  it  is  probable,  should  come  together 
 ’ust  at  this  time  to  comfort  the  mourners,  that  they  might  be  un¬ 
 exceptionable  witnesses  of  the  miracle  ;  and  see  what  miserable 
 comforters  they  were  in  comparison  with  Christ.  '  Christ  did  not 
 use  to  send  for  witnesses  to  his  miracles,  and  yet  if  none  were  by 
 but  relations,  it  would  have  been  excepted  against,  therefore  God’s 
 counsel  so  ordered  it,  that  these  should  come  together  accidentally 
 to  bear  their  testimony  to  it,  that  all  infidelity  should  stop  her 
 mouth.  Comparing  this  story  with  that,  Luke  x.  38,  39,  we  may 
 observe  the  different  tempers  of  these  two  sisters,  and  the  tempta¬ 
 tions  and  advantages  of  each  ;  Martha’s  natural  temper  was  active 
 and  busy.  On  the  other  hand,  Mary’s  natural  temper  was  con¬ 
 templative  and  reserved  ;  but  now  in  the  day  of  affliction,  that 
 same  temper  proved  a  snare  to  her,  and  made  her  less  able  to 
 grapple  with  her  grief,  and  disposed  her  to  melancholy,  but  Mary 
 sat  still  in  the  house.  See  here  how  much  it  will  be  our  wisdom 
 carefully  to  watch  against  the  temptations,  and  improve  the  ad¬ 
 vantages  of  our  natural  temper. 
 
 Martha  accounted  it  a  faithful  saying.  That  he  shaH  rise  again  at 
 the  last  day.  Though  the  doctrine  of  the  resurrection  was  to  have 
 its  full  proof  from  Christ’s  resurrection,  yet  as  it  was  already  re¬ 
 vealed,  she  firmly  believed  it.  Acts  xxiv.  15.  Jesus  Christ  will 
 not  quench  the  smoaking  flax,  nor  break  the  bruised  reed.  He  said 
 to  her,  I  am  the  resurrection  and  the  life,  25,  26.  Two  things 
 Christ  possesseth  her  with  the  belief  of,  in  refei’ence  to  the  present 
 distress,  and  they  are  the  things  which  our  faith  should  fasten  upon 
 in  the  like  cases.  First,  The  power  of  Christ,  his  sovereign  power ; 
 
 I  am  the  resurrection  and  the  life,  the  fountain  of  life,  and  the  head 
 500 
 
 29  As  soon  as  she  neard  that,  she  arose 
 quickly,  and  came  unto  him. 
 
 30  Now  Jesus  was  not  yet  come  into  the 
 town,  but  was  in  that  place  where  Martha 
 met  him. 
 
 31  The  Jews  then  which  were  with  her  in 
 the  house,  and  comforted  her,  when  they  saw 
 Mary  that  she  rose  up  hastily,  and  went  out, 
 followed  her,  saying.  She  goeth  unto  the 
 grave,  to  weep  there. 
 
 32  Then  when  Marj’  was  come  where 
 Jesus  was,  and  saw  him,  she  fell  down  at  his 
 feet,  saying  unto  him.  Lord,  if  thou  hadst 
 been  here,  my  brother  had  not  died. 
 
 33  When  Jesus  therefore  saw  her  weeping, 
 and  the  Jews  also  weeping  which  came  with 
 her,  he  groaned  in  the  spirit,  and  was 
 troubled. 
 
 34  And  said.  Where  have  ye  laid  him? 
 They  say  unto  him.  Lord,  come  and  see. 
 
 35  Jesus  wept. 
 
 36  Then  said  the  Jews,  Behold  how  he 
 loved  him. 
 
 37  And  some  of  them  said.  Could  not 
 this  man,  which  opened  the  eyes  of  the  blind, 
 have  caused  that  even  this  man  should  not 
 have  died  ? 
 
 38  J'esus  therefore  again  groaning  in  him- 
 
 and  author  of  the  resurrection  ;  second.  The  promises  of  the  new 
 covenant,  which  gives  us  farther  ground  of  hope  that  we  shall  live. 
 Observe,  first,  To  whom  these  promises  are  made,  to  them  that 
 believe  in  Jesus  Christ,  to  them  that  consent  to,  and  confide  in 
 Jesus  Christ  as  the  only  Mediator  of  reconciliation,  and  commu¬ 
 nion  between  God  and  man :  that  receive  the  record  God  has 
 given  in  his  word  concerning  his  Son,  sincerely  comply  with  it,  and 
 answer  all  the  great  intentions  of  it :  second.  What  the  promises  are, 
 25,  Though  he  die,  yet  he  shall  live;  nay,  26,  He  shall  never 
 die.  Man  consists  of  body  and  soul,  and  provision  is  made  fur  the 
 happiness  of  both,  first,  For  the  body  here  is  the  promise  of  a 
 blessed  resurrection.  Though  the  body  be  dead  because  of  sin, 
 there  is  no  remedy,  but  it  will  die,  yet  it  shall  live  again,  though 
 he  were  dead  :  second.  For  the  soul  here  is  the  promise  of  a 
 blessed  immortality.  He  that  liveth  and  believeth,  who  being 
 united  to  Christ  by  faith,  lives  sjiiritually  by  virtue  of  that  union, 
 he  shall  never  die  :  that  spiritual  life  shall  never  be  extinguished, 
 but  perfected  in  eternal  life.  Christ  asks  her,  Believest  thou  this  ^ 
 Canst  thou  assent  to  it  with  application  ?  Canst  thou  take  my  word 
 for  it.''  When  we  have  read  or  heard  the  word  of  Christ  concern¬ 
 ing  the  great  things  of  the  other  world,  we  should  seriously  put  it 
 to  ourselves,  Do  we  believe  this  i 
 
 We  have  here  Martha’s  creed,  the  good  confession  she  witnessed, 
 the  same  with  that  for  which  Peter  was  commended,  Matt.  xvU 
 16,  17,  and  it  is  the  conclusion  of  the  whole  matter. 
 
 33 — 44.  As  he  was  going  to  the  grave,  as  if  he  haa  oeen  follow¬ 
 ing  the  corpse  thither,  Jesus  wept,  35,  a  very  short  verse,  but  af¬ 
 fords  many  useful  instructions  :  first,  That  Jesus  Christ  was  really 
 and  truly  man,  and  partook  with  the  children,  not  only  of  flesh  and 
 blood,  but  of  a  human  soul  susceptible  of  the  impressions  of  joy 
 and  grief,  and  other  affections.  Christ  gave  this  proof  of  his  hu¬ 
 manity,  in  both  senses  of  the  word,  that  as  a  man  he  could  weep 
 
CHAP.  XL 
 
 self,  cometh  to  the  grave.  It  was  a  cave,| 
 and  a  stone  lay  upon  it. 
 
 39  Jesus  said,  Take  ye  away  the  stone. 
 Martha,  the  sister  of  him  that  was^  dead, 
 saith  unto  him.  Lord,  by  this  time  he  stink- 
 eth  :  for  he  hath  been  dead  four  days. 
 
 40  Jesus  saith  unto  her,  Said  I  not  unto 
 thee,  that  if  thou  wouldest  believe,  thou 
 shouldest  see  the  glory  of  God  ? 
 
 41  Then  they  took  away  the  stone  from 
 the  place  where  the  dead  was  laid.  And 
 Jesus  lifted  up  his  eyes,  and  said.  Father,  I 
 thank  thee  that  thou  hast  heard  me. 
 
 42  And  I  knew  that  thou  hearest  me  al¬ 
 ways  :  but  because  of  the  people  which  stand 
 by,  I  said  zV,  that  they  may  believe  that  thou 
 hast  sent  me. 
 
 43  And  when  he  thus  had  spoken,  he 
 cried  with  a  loud  voice,  Lazarus,  come 
 forth. 
 
 44  And  he  that  was  dead  came  forth, 
 bound  hand  and  foot  with  grave-clothes  ; 
 and  his  face  was  bound  about  with  a  nap¬ 
 kin.  Jesus  saith  unto  them,  Loose  him,  and 
 let  him  go. 
 
 45  Then  many  of  the  Jews  which  came  to 
 Mary,  and  had  seen  the  things  which  Jesus 
 did,  believed  on  him. 
 
 46  But  some  of  them  went  their  ways  to 
 the  Pharisees,  and  told  them  what  things 
 Jesus  had  done. 
 
 and  as  a  merciful  man  he  would  weep,  before  he  gave  this  proof  of 
 his  divinity  :  second,  That  he  was  a  man  of  sorrows,  and  acquaint¬ 
 ed  with  grief,  as  was  foretold,  Isa.  liii.  3.  We  never  read  that  he 
 laughed,  but  more  than  once  we  have  him  in  tears.  Thus  he  shews 
 not  only  that  a  mournful  state  will  consist  with  the  love  of  God, 
 but  that  they  who  sow  to  the  spirit  must  sow  in  tears  :  third, 
 Tears  of  conmassion  well  become  Christians,  and  make  them  most 
 to  resemble  Christ.  It  is  a  relief  to  those  who  are  in  sorrow  to 
 have  their  friends  sympathize  with  them,  especially  such  a  friend 
 as  the  Lord  Jesus. 
 
 Christ  groaned  as  one  that  would  affect  himself  with  the  calami¬ 
 tous  state  of  the  human  nature,  as  subject  to  death,  from  which  he 
 was  about  to  redeem  Lazarus.  Thus  he  stirred  up  himself  to  take 
 hold  on  God  in  the  prayer  he  was  to  make,  that  he  might  offer  it 
 up  wdth  strong  crying,  Heb.  v.  7.  Our  Saviour’s  thanksgiving  here 
 was  intended  to  express  the  unshaken  assurance  he  had  of  the  ef¬ 
 fecting  of  this  miracle,  which  he  had  in  his  own  power  to  do  in 
 concurrence  with  his  Father.  Father,  I  thank  thee,  that  my  will 
 and  thine  are  in  this  matter  as  always  the  same.  Thus  he  w'ould 
 pach  us  in  prayer  by  the  lively  exercise  of  faith,  to  enter  into  the 
 holiest. 
 
 He  cried  with  a  loud  voice,  Lazarus,  come  forth.  He  could  have 
 raised  Lazarus  by  a  silent  exertion  of  his  power  and  will,  and  the 
 undiscernable  operations  of  the  spirit  of  life,  but  he  did  it  by  a  call, 
 a  loud  call.  First,  To  be  significant  of  the  power  then  put  forth 
 for  the  raising  of  Lazarus,  how  h?  created  this  thing  new,  he  spake 
 and  it  was  done  :  second,  To  be  typical  of  other  works  of  wonder, 
 and  particularly  other  resurrections,  which  the  power  of  Christ 
 
 47  ^  Then  gathered  the  chief  priests  and 
 the  Pharisees  a  council,  and  said,  What  do 
 we  ?  for  this  man  doeth  many  miracles. 
 
 48  If  we  let  him  thus  alone,  all  me?i  will 
 believe  on  him  :  and  the  Romans  shall  come 
 and  take  away  both  our  place  and  nation. 
 
 49  And  one  of  them,  7mmed  Caiaphas, 
 being  the  high  priest  that  same  year,  said  un¬ 
 to  them.  Ye  know  nothing  at  all, 
 
 50  Nor  consider  that  it  is  expedient  for 
 us  that  one  man  should  die  for  the  people, 
 and  that  the  whole  nation  perish  not. 
 
 51  And  this  spake  he  not  of  himself :  but, 
 being  high  priest  that  year,  he  prophesied 
 that  Jesus  should  die  for  that  nation  : 
 
 52  And  not  for  that  nation  only,  but  that 
 also  he  should  gather  together  in  one  the 
 children  of  God  that  were  scattered  abroad. 
 
 53  Then,  from  that  day  forth,  they  took 
 counsel  together  for  to  put  him  to  death. 
 
 54  Jesus,  therefore,  walked  no  more 
 openly  among  the  Jews  ;  but  went  thence 
 unto  a  country  near  to  the  wilderness,  into 
 a  city  called  Ephraim,  and  there  continued 
 with  his  disciples. 
 
 55  -^  'And  the  Jews’  passover  was  nigh  at 
 hand  :  and  many  went  out  of  the  country  up 
 to  Jerusalem  before  the  passover  to  purify 
 themselves. 
 
 56  Then  sought  they  for  J  esus,  and  spake 
 among  themselves  as  they  stood  in  the  temple, 
 
 was  to  effect.  This  loud  call  was  a  figure,  first.  Of  the  gospel  call, 
 by  which  dead  souls  were  to  be  brought  out  of  the  grave  of  sin, 
 which  resurrection  Christ  had  formerly  spoken  of,  John  v.  25,  and 
 of  his  word  as  the  means  of  it,  John  vi.  6’3  :  second,  Of  the  sound 
 of  the  archangel’s  trumpet  at  the  last  day,  with  which  they  that 
 sleep  in  the  dust  shall  be  awakened,  and  summoned  before  the  great 
 tribunal. 
 
 45 — 57.  The  mystery  that  was  in  this  counsel  of  Caiaphas,  doth 
 not  appear  at  first  view,  but  the  evangelist  leads  us  into  it,  v.  51, 
 52.  This  spake  he  not  of  himself,  it  was  not  only  the  language  of 
 his  own  enmity  and  policy,  but  in  these  word's  he  prophesied, 
 though  he  himself  was  not  aware  of  it.  That  Jesus  should  die  for 
 that  nation.  Here  is  a  precious  comment  upon  a  pernicious  text ; 
 the  counsel  of  cursed  Caiaphas  so  construed,  as  to  fall  in  with  the 
 counsels  of  the  blessed  God. 
 
 The  evangelist  explains  and  enlarges  upon  Caiaphas’  words. 
 First,  He  explains  what  he  said,  and  shews  how  it  not  only  was, 
 but  was  intended  to  be  accommodated  to  an  excellent  purpose. 
 He  did  not  speak  it  of  himself;  as  it  was  an  artifice  to  stir  up  the 
 qouncil  against  Christ,  he  spoke  it  of  himself,  or  of  the  devil  ra¬ 
 ther;  but  as  it  was  an  oracle,  declaring  it  the  purpose  and  design 
 of  God  by  the  death  of  Christ,  to  save  God’s  spiritual  Israel  from 
 sin  and  wrath,  he  did  not  speak  it  of  himself,  for  he  knew  nothin? 
 of  the  matter,  he  meant  not  so,  neither  did  his  heart  think  so,  for 
 nothing  was  in  his  heart  but  to  destroy  and  cut  off,  Isa.  x  7.  God 
 can,  and  often  doth  make  wicked  men  instruments  to  serve  his  own 
 purposes,  even  contrary  to  their  own  intentions,  for  he  has  them 
 not  only  in  a  chain  to  restrain  them  from  doing  the  mischief  they 
 
 501 
 
SI.  JOHN. 
 
 What  think  ye?  that  he  will  not  come  to 
 the  feast  ? 
 
 57  Now  both  the  chief  priests  and  the 
 Pharisees  had  given  a  commandment,  that  if 
 any  man  knew  where  he  were  he  should  shew 
 it,  that  they  might  take  him. 
 
 CHAP.  XH. 
 
 1.  Jesus  excuseth  Mary  anointing  his  feet,  1  — 10.  H.  The  priests 
 consult  to  kill  Lazarus,  1 1 — 30. 
 
 Then  Jesus,  six  days  before  the  pass- 
 over,  came  to  Bethany,  where  Lazarus 
 was,  which  had  been  dead,  whom  he  raised 
 from  the  dead. 
 
 2  There  they  made  him  a  supper ;  and 
 Martha  served :  b  ut  Lazarus  was  one  of  them 
 that  sat  at  the  table  with  him. 
 
 3  Then  took  Mary  a  pound  of  ointment 
 of  spikenard,  very  costly,  and  anointed  the 
 feet  of  Jesus,  and  wiped  his  feet  with  her 
 hair  :  and  the  house  was  filled  Avith  the  odour 
 of  the  ointment. 
 
 4  Then  saith  one  of  his  disciples,  Judas, 
 Iscariot,  Simonas  so??,  which  should  betray 
 him, 
 
 5  Why  was  not  this  ointment  sold  for 
 three  hundred  pence,  and  given  to  the 
 poor  ? 
 
 6  This  he  said,  not  that  he  cared  for  the 
 poor,  but  because  he  Avas  a  thief,  and  had 
 the  bag,  and  bare  Avhat  Avas  put  therein. 
 
 7  Then  said  Jesus,  Let  her  alone  ;  against 
 the  day  of  my  burying  hath  she  kept  this. 
 
 8  For  the  poor  "ahvays  ye  have  Avith  you  : 
 but  me  ye  haA^e  not  ahvays. 
 
 9  %  Much  people  of  the  Jcavs  therefore 
 kncAv  that  he  Avas  there  ;  and  they  came 
 not  for  Jesus'  sake  only,  but  that  they  might 
 see  Lazarus  also,  Avhom  he  had  raised  from 
 the  dead. 
 
 10  But  the  chief  priests  consulted  that 
 they  might  put  Lazarus  also  to  death ; 
 
 1 1  Because  that  by  reason  of  him  many 
 of  the  JcAv^s  Avent  aAvay,  and  belicA'ed  on 
 Jesus. 
 
 12  f  On  the  next  day  much  people  that 
 Avere  come  to  the  feast,  Avhen  they  heard 
 that  Jesus  Avas  coming  to  Jerusalem, 
 
 13  Took  branches  of  palm-trees,  and  Avent 
 forth  to  meet  him,  and  cried.  Hosanna ; 
 Blessed  is  the  King  of  Israel  that  cometh 
 in  the  name  of  the  Lord. 
 
 14  And  Jesus,  Avhen  he  had  found  a  young 
 ass,  sat  thereon  :  as  it  is  Avritten, 
 
 15  Fear  not,  daughter  of  Sion  ;  behold, 
 thy  King  cometh,  sitting  on  an  ass’s  colt. 
 
 16  These  things  understood  not  his  disci¬ 
 ples  at  the  first :  but  Avhen  Jesus  Avas  glo¬ 
 rified,  then  remembered  they  that  these 
 things  Avere  Avritten  of  him,  and  that  they 
 had  done  these  things  unto  him. 
 
 17  The  people,  therefore,  that  Avas  Avitli 
 him  Avhen  he  called  Lazarus  out  of  his  grave, 
 and  raised  him  from  the  dead,  bare  record. 
 
 18  For  this  cause  the  people  also  met  him, 
 for  that  they  heard  that  he  had  done  this 
 miracle. 
 
 19  The  Pharisees,  therefore,  said  among 
 themselves.  Perceive  ye  hoAv  ye  prevail 
 nothing?  behold,  the  Avorld  is  gone  after 
 him. 
 
 20  ^  And  there  Avere  certain  Greeks  among 
 them  that  came  up  to  Avorship  at  the  feast. 
 
 21  The  same  came,  therefore,  to  Philip, 
 Avhich  Avas  of  Bcthsaida  of  Galilee,  and  de¬ 
 sired  him,  saying.  Sir,  Ave  Avould  see  Jesus. 
 
 22  Philip  cometh,  and  telleth  AndrcAV ; 
 and  again,  Andre av  and  Philip  told  Jesus. 
 
 23  ^  And  Jesus  ansAvered  them,  saying. 
 
 would,  but  in  a  bridle  to  lead  them  to  do  the  service  they  would 
 not.  Second,  He  prophesied,  being  high  priest  that  year,  not 
 that  his  being  high  priest  did  at  all  dispose  or  qualify  him  to  be  a 
 prophet;  we  cannot  suppose  the  Pontifical  Mitre  to  have  first  in¬ 
 spired  with  prophecy  the  basest  head  that  ever  wore  it,  but,  being 
 high  priest,  and  therefore  of  note  and  eminence  in  the  conclave, 
 God  was  pleased  to  put  this  significant  word  into  his  mouth,  ra¬ 
 ther  than  into  the  mouth  of  any  other,  that  it  might  be  the  more 
 observed,  or  the  non-observance  of  it  the  more  aggravated. 
 
 CHAP.  XII.  1  —  11.  It  is  doubted  whether  this  was  the  same 
 with  that  which  is  recorded.  Matt.  xxvi.  6,  &c.  in  the  house  of 
 Simpn  ;  most  think  they  were,  for  the  substance  ot  the  story  and 
 many  of  the  circumstances  agree,  but  that  comes  in  after  what 
 was  said  two  days  before  the  passover,  whereas  this  was  done  sjx 
 502 
 
 days  before  ;  nor  is  it  likely  that  lU.artha  should  ser‘'c  in  any  house 
 but  her  own,  and  therefore  1  incline  with  Dr.  Lightfoot,  to  think 
 them  different;  but  that  in  IMalthew  was  on  the  third  d.ay  of  die 
 passover  week,  but  this  here  the  seventh  day  of  the  week  before, 
 being  the  Jewish  sabbath.  That  in  the  house  of  Simon,  this  oi 
 Lazarus;  these  two  being  the  most  public  and  solemn  entertain¬ 
 ments  given  him  in  Bethany,  Mary  graced  them  both  with  this 
 token  of  respect ;  and  what  slie  left  of  her  ointment  this  first  time, 
 when  she  spent  but  a  pound  of  it,  v.  3,  she  used  that  second  time, 
 when  she  poured  it  all  out,  Mark  Niv.  3.  . 
 
 12 -19-  This  story  of  Christ’s  riding  in  triumph  to  Jerusalem  is 
 recorded  by  all  the  evangelists,  as  worths'  of  special  remark. 
 
 Sec  notes  on  Malt.  xxi. 
 
 20  —26'  Honour  is  here  done  to  Clwist  by  certain  Greeks  that 
 
CHAP.  XII. 
 
 The  hour  is  come  that  the  Son  of  man  should 
 be  glorified. 
 
 34  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you.  Except 
 a  corn  of  wheat  fall  into  the  ground  and  die, 
 it  abideth  alone ;  but  if  it  die  it  bringeth 
 forth  much  fruit. 
 
 25  He  that  loveth  his  life  shall  lose  it ; 
 and  he  that  hateth  his  life  in  this  world  shall 
 keep  it  unto  life  eternal. 
 
 26  If  any  man  serve  me,  let  him  follow 
 me  ;  and  where  I  am,  there  shall  also  my 
 servant  be  :  if  any  man  serve  me,  him  will 
 mjj  Father  honour. 
 
 27  Now  is  my  soul  troubled  :  and  what 
 shall  I  say  ?  Father,  save  me  from  this  hour  : 
 but  for  this  cause  came  I  unto  this  hour. 
 
 28  Father,  glorify  thy  name.  Then  came 
 there  a  voice  from  heaven,  saying,  I  have 
 both  glorified  it,  and  will  glorify  it  again. 
 
 29  The  people,  therefore,  that  stood  by, 
 
 and  heard  it,  said  that  it  thundered  :  others 
 said.  An  angel  spake  to  him.  j 
 
 30  Jesus  answered,  and  said.  This  voice 
 
 inquired  for  him  with  respect.  Some  think  they  were  .Tews  of  the 
 dispersion,  some  of  the  twelve  tribes  that  were  scattered  among 
 the  Gentiles,  and  were  called  Greeks,  Hellenist  Jews  :  but  others 
 think  they  were  Gentiles,  those  whom  they  called  proselytes  of  the 
 gate,  such  as  the  eunuch,  and  Cornelius.  Christ  forctels  and  pro¬ 
 mises  an  abundant  recompcnce  to  them  who  should  cordially  em¬ 
 brace  him  and  his  gospel  and  interest,  and  should  make  it  appear 
 they  do  so  by  their  faithfulness  in  suffering  for  him,  or  in  servin'? 
 of  him.  ” 
 
 27 — 36.  Christ  speaks  like  one  at  a  loss,  as  if  what  he  should 
 chuse  he  wot  not.  There  was  a  struggle  between  the  work  he  had 
 taken  upon  him,  which  required  sufferings,  and  the  nature  he  had 
 taken  upon  him,  which  dreaded  them  ;  between  these  two  he  here 
 pauseth,  with  what  shall  1  say.?  He  looked,  and  there  was  none  to 
 help,  which  put  him  to  a  stand.  Calvin  observes  this  as  a  great 
 instance  of  Christ’s  humiliation,  that  he  should  speak  thus  like 
 one  at  a  plunge.  Thus  he  was  in  all  points  tempted  like  as  we  are 
 to  encourage  us,  when  we  know  not  what  to  do,  to  have  our  eves 
 to  him. 
 
 Observe  the  account  which  our  Saviour  himself  gives  of  this 
 voice.  First,  Why  it  was  sent,  30.  It  came  not  because  of  me, 
 not  merely  for  my  encouragement  and  satisfaction,  then  it  might 
 have  been  whispered  in  his  ear  privately,  but  for  your  sakes.  1. 
 That  all  you  who  heard  it  may  believe  that  the  Father  hath  sent 
 me.  What  is  said  from  heaven  concerning  our  Lord  Jesus,  and 
 the  glorifying  of  the  Father  in  him,  is  said  for  our  sakes  that  we 
 might  be  brought  to  submit  to  him,  and  rest  upon  him.  2.  That 
 you  my  disciples,  who  are  to  follow  mein  my  sufferings,  may 
 therein  be  comforted  with  the  same  comforts  that  carry  me  on. 
 Let  this  encourage  them  to  part  with  life  itself  for  his  sake  if  they 
 were  called  to  it,  that  it  should  redound  to  the  honour  of  God. 
 Note,  the  promises  and  supports  granted  to  our  Lord  Jesus  in  his 
 sufferings  were  intended  for  our  sakes  :  for  our  sakes  he  sanctified 
 himself,  and  comforted  himself.  Second,  VVhat  was  the  meaning 
 of  it.  He  that  lay  in  his  Father’s  bosom  knew  his  voice,  and  what 
 was  the  meaning  of  it ;  and  two  things  God  intended  when  he  said 
 that  he  would  glorify  his  own  name.  1.  That  by  the  death  of 
 Christ  Satan  should  be  conquered,  31.  Now  is  the  judgment, 
 He  speaks  with  a  divine  exultation  and  triumph.  Now  the  year 
 of  my  redeemed  is  come  and  the  time  prefi.xed  for  the  breakiiu; 
 
 Vol.  II  87  3  T  ,  ' 
 
 came  not  because  of  me,  but  for  your 
 sakes. 
 
 31  Noav  is  the  judgment  of  this  world  . 
 now  shall  the  prince  of  this  world  be  cast 
 out. 
 
 32  And  I,  if  I  be  lifted  up  from  the  earth, 
 will  draw  all  men  unto  me. 
 
 33  (This  he  said,  signifying  what  death  he 
 should  die.) 
 
 34  The  people  answered  him.  We  have 
 heard  out  of  the  law  that  Christ  abideth  for 
 ever  ;  and  how  sayest  thou.  The  Son  of  man 
 must  be  lifted  up  ?  who  is  this  Son  of  man  ? 
 
 35  Then  Jesus  said  unto  them.  Yet  a  little 
 while  is  the  light  with  you ;  walk  while  ye. 
 have  the  light,  lest  darkness  come  upon  you  : 
 for  he  that  walketh  in  darkness  knoweth  not 
 whither  he  goeth. 
 
 36  While  ye  have  light,  believe  in  the 
 light,  that  ye  may  be  the  children  of  light. 
 
 1  These  things  spake  Jesus,  and  departed,  and 
 {did  hide  himself  from  them. 
 
 37  ^  But  though  he  had  cone  so  many 
 
 of  the  serpent’s  head,  and  giving  a  total  rent  to  the  powers  of 
 darkness:  now  for  that  glorious  achievement:  know  now,  that 
 great  work  is  to  be  done  which  has  been  so  long  thought  of  in  the 
 :  divine  counsels,  so  long  talked  of  in  the  written  word,  which  has 
 
 ■  been  so  much  the  hope  of  saints,  and  the  dread  of  devils.  2.  That 
 
 ■  by  the  death  of  Christ  souls  should  be  converted,  and  that  would 
 •  be  the  casting  out  of  Satan,  32,  If  I  be  lifted  up  from  the  earth,  I 
 ;  will  draw  all  men  unto  me. 
 
 The  great  design  of  our  Lord  Jesus  was  to  draw’  all  men  to  him. 
 Not  the  Jews  only,  who  had  been  long  in  profession  a  people  near 
 to  God,  but  the  Gentiles  also,  who  had  been  afar  off;  for  he 
 was  to  be  the  desire  of  all  nations.  Hag.  ii.  7,  and  to  him  must 
 :  the  gathering  of  the  people  be.  Observe  here  how  Christ  himself 
 '  is  all  in  all  in  the  conversion  of  a  soul.  It  is  Christ  that  draws;  I 
 ;  will  draw.  It  is  in  Christ  that  we  are  drawn  ;  I  vvill  draw  them  to 
 :  me  as  the  centre  of  their  unity.  I’he  people  excepted  against  what 
 
 ■  he  said,  and  cavilled  at  it,  34.  They  alleged  those  scriptures 
 of  the  Old  Testament  which  speak  of  the  perpetuity  of  the  Mes¬ 
 siah,  that  he  should  be  so  far  from  being  cut  off  in  the  midst  of 
 his  days,  that  he  should  be  a  priest  for  ever,  Psal.  cx.  4,  and  a 
 king  for  ever,  Psal.  Ixxxix.  29,  &c.  that  he  should  have  length  of 
 da3’s  for  ever,  and  his  years  as  many  generations,  Psal.  xx.  4,  and 
 Ixi.  6',  from  all  this  they  inferred  that  the  Messiah  should  not  die. 
 They  ask  hereupon.  Who  is  the  Son  of  man  ?  This  they  asked, 
 not  with  a  desire  to  be  instructed,  but  tauntinglv,  and  insultingly', 
 and  if  now  they  had  baffled  him,  and  run  him  down.  Thou  sayest, 
 The  Son  of  man  must  die  ;  we  have  proved  the  Messiah  must  not, 
 and  where  is  then  thy  Messiahship  ?  This  Son  of  man,  as  thou 
 callest  thyself,  cannot  be  the  Messiah,  thou  must  therefore  think 
 of  something  else  to  pretend  to.  Now  that  which  prejudiced  them 
 
 .  against  Christ  was  his  poverty;  they  would  rather  have  no  Christ 
 i  than  a  suft'ering  one.  The  objection  was  a  perfect  cavil,  they 
 I  might  if  they  pleased  answer  it  themselves.  Man  dies  and  yet  is- 
 ;  immortal,  and  abideth  for  ever,  so  the  Son  of  man  ;  therefore  in- 
 t  stead  of  answering  these  fools  according  to  their  fi)lly,  Christ  gives 
 I  them  a  serious  caution  to  take  heed  of  trifling  away  the  day'  of  their 
 f  opportunities  in  such  vain  and  fruitless  cavils  as  these,  35,  56. 
 
 ■  Yet  a  little  while,  and  but  a  little  while,  is  the  Light  with  you,  there- 
 1'  fore  be  wise  for  yourselves,  and  walk  while  ye  have  the  Light. 
 
 :  37 — 41.  We  have  here  the  honour  done  \o  our  Lord  Jesus  bv 
 
 503 
 
ST.  JOHN. 
 
 miracles  before  them,  yet  they  believed  not 
 on  him  : 
 
 38  That  the  saying  of  Esaias  the  prophet 
 might  be  fulhlled,  which  he  spake,  Lord, 
 Avho  hath  believed  our  report  ?  and  to  whom 
 hath  the  arm  of  the  Lord  been  revealed  ? 
 
 39  Therefore  they  could  not  believe,  be¬ 
 cause  that  Esaias,  said  again, 
 
 40  He  hath  blinded  their  eyes,  and  hard¬ 
 ened  their  heart ;  tliat  they  should  not  see 
 \vith  their  eyes,  nor  understand  with  their 
 heart,  and  be  converted,  and  I  should  heal 
 them. 
 
 41  These  things  said  Esaias,  when  he  saw 
 his  gloiT,  and  spake  of  him. 
 
 42  ^  Nevertheless,  among  the  chief  rulers 
 also  many  believed  on  him  :  but  because  of 
 the  Pharisees  they  did  not  confess  him,  lest 
 they  should  be  put  out  of  the  synagogue  ; 
 
 43  For  they  loved  the  praise  of  men  more 
 than  the  praise  of  God. 
 
 44  ^  Jesus  cried,  and  said,  He  that  be- 
 lieveth  on  me,  believeth  not  on  me,  but  on 
 him  that  sent  me. 
 
 43  And  he  that  seeth  me,  seeth  him  that 
 sent  me. 
 
 46  I  am  come  a  light  into  the  world,  that 
 whosoever  believeth  on  me  should  not  abide 
 in  darkness. 
 
 47  And  if  any  man  hear  my  words,  and 
 believe  not,  I  judge  him  not :  for  I  came 
 not  to  judge  the  world,  but  to  save  the 
 world. 
 
 the  Old  Testament  prophets,  who  foretold  and  lamented  the  in¬ 
 fidelity  ofthe  many  that  believed  not  on  him.  'J'here  is  a  righteous 
 hand  of  God  sometimes  to  be  acknowledged  in  the  blindness  and 
 obstinacy  of  those  who  persist  in  impenitency  and  unbelief,  by 
 which  they  are  justly  punished  for  their  former  resistance  of  the 
 divine  light,  and  rebellion  against  the  divine  law.  If  God  with¬ 
 hold  abused  grace,  and  give  men  over  to  indulged  lusts;  if  he  per¬ 
 mit  the  evil  spirit  to  do  this  work  on  them  that  resisted  the  good 
 spirit;  and  if  in  his  providence  he  lay  stumbling-blocks  in  sinners 
 way  which  confirm  their  prejudices  ;  then  he  blinds  their  eyes,  and 
 hardens  their  hearts,  and  these  are  spiritual  judgments,  like  the 
 giving  up  of  idolatrous  Gentiles  to  vile  affections,  and  degenerate 
 Christians  to  strong  delusions,  see  Isa.  Ixvi.  10. 
 
 42,  43.  Love  of  the  praise  of  men  is  a  very  great  prejudice  of 
 the  power  and  practice  of  religion  and  godliness.  Many  come 
 short  of  the  glory  of  God  by  having  a  regard  to  the  ajjplause  of 
 men,  and  a  value  for  that. 
 
 44 — 50.  Tills  closing  summary  of  all  Christ’s  discourses  is  much 
 like  that  of  Moses,  Deut.  xxx.  15.  Seel  have  set  before  you  life 
 and  death.  So  Christ  here  takes  leave  of  the  temple,  with  a  solemn 
 declaration  of  three  things.  First,  The  privileges  and  dignities 
 which  they  have  that  believe,  44,  45,  45.  Second,  The  peril  and 
 danger  they  are  in  that  believe  not,  which  gives  fair  warning 
 to  take  heed  of  persisting  in  unbelief,  47,  48.  Third,  A  solemn 
 504 
 
 48  He  that  rejecteth  me,  and  receiveth 
 not  my  words,  hath  one  that  judgeth  him  : 
 the  word  that  I  have  spoken,  the  same  shall 
 judge  him  in  the  last  day. 
 
 49  For  1  have  not  spoken  of  myself :  but 
 the  Father  vdiich  sent  me,  he  gave  me  a 
 commandment,  what  I  should  say  and  what 
 I  should  speak. 
 
 50  And  I  know  that  his  commandment 
 is  life  everlasting  :  whatsoever  1  speak  there¬ 
 fore,  even  as  the  Father  said  unto  me,  so  I 
 speak. 
 
 CHAP.  XIII. 
 
 I.  Christ  washeth  his  disciples’ feet,  1 — 17.  II.  lie  forctels  who 
 should  betray  him,  18 — 30.  III.  He  instructs  them  in  the 
 great  doctrine  of  his  own  death,  and  the  great  duty  of  brotherly 
 love,  31 — 35.  IV.  Heforetels  Peter’s  denying  of  him,  36' — 38. 
 
 OW,  before  the  feast  of  the  passover, 
 when  Jesus  knew  that  his  hour  was 
 come  that  he  should  depart  out  of  this 
 world  unto  the  Father,  having  loved  his 
 own  which  were  in  the  world,  he  loved  them 
 unto  the  end. 
 
 2  And  supper  being  ended,  (the  devil 
 having  now  jiut  into  the  heart  of  Judas  Is¬ 
 cariot,  Simon's  sou,  to  betray  him,) 
 
 3  Jesus  knowino;  that  the  Father  had 
 given  all  things  into  his  hands,  and  that  he 
 was  come  from  God,  and  went  to  God  : 
 
 4  He  riseth  from  supj)er,  and  laid  aside 
 his  garments  ;  and  took  a  towel,  and  girded 
 himself. 
 
 5  After  that  he  poureth  water  into  a  bason, 
 
 declaration  of  the  authority  Christ  had  to  demand  our  faith,  and 
 require  us  to  receive  his  doctrine  upon  pain  of  damnation,  49. 
 50. 
 
 CHAP.  XIII.  1 — 17-  Mary  had  now  newly  anointed  his  head  ; 
 now  lest  his  acceptance  of  that  should  look  like  taking  state,  he 
 presently  balanceth  it  with  this  act  of  abasement.  But  why  would 
 Christ  do  this.?  If  the  disciples’ feet  needed  washing,  they  could 
 do  it  themselves;  a  wise  man  will  do  a  thing  that  looks  odd,  and 
 unusual,  but  for  very  good  causes  and  considerations.  ^Ve  arc 
 sure  that  was  not  in  a  humour  or  frolic  that  this  was  done  ;  no, 
 the  transaction  was  very  solemn,  and  carried  on  with  a  deal  of 
 seriousness  ;  and  four  reasons  are  here  intimated  wh}'  Christ  did 
 this. 
 
 First,  That  he  might  give  a  proof  of  that  great  love  wherewith 
 he  loved  them  ;  loved  them  to  the  end,  1,2.  It  is  here  laid 
 down  as  an  undoubted  truth,  that  our  Lord  Jesus  having  loved 
 his  own  which  were  in  the  world,  loved  them  to  the  end,  v.  1. 
 Those  whom  Christ  loves  he  loves  to  the  end  ;  he  is  constant  in  his 
 love  to  his  people ;  he  rests  in  love.  He  loves  with  an  ever¬ 
 lasting  love,  Jer.  xxxi.  3,  from  everlasting  in  the  counsels  of  it  to 
 everlasting  in  the  consequences  of  it.  Nothing  can  separate  a  be¬ 
 liever  from  the  love  of  Christ;  he  loves  his  own  unto  perfection, 
 for  he  will  perfect  what  concerns  them,  will  bring  them  to  that 
 world  where  love  is  perfect.  Thus  he  would  shew  that  as  his  love 
 
CHAP.  XIII. 
 
 and  began  to  wash  the  disciples'  feet,  and 
 to  wipe  them  with  the  towel  wherewith  he 
 was  girded. 
 
 6  Then  cometh  he  to  Simon  Peter ;  and 
 Peter  said  unto  him,  Lord,  dost  thou  wash 
 mj  feet ! 
 
 7  Jesus  answered,  and  said  unto  him. 
 What  I  do  thou  knowest  not  now  :  but  thou 
 shalt  know  hereafter. 
 
 8  Peter  saith  unto  him.  Thou  shalt  never 
 wash  my  feet.  Jesus  answered  him.  It  I 
 wash  thee  not,  thou  hast  no  part  with  me. 
 
 9  Simon  Peter  saith  unto  him.  Lord,  not 
 my  feet  only,  but  also  my  hands,  and  my 
 head . 
 
 10  Jesus  saith  to  him.  He  that  is  washed 
 needeth  not  save  to  wash  his  feet,  but  is 
 clean  every  whit :  and  ye  are  clean,  but  not 
 all. 
 
 11  For  he  knew  who  should  betray  him  : 
 therefore  said  he.  Ye  are  not  all  clean. 
 
 12  So  after  he  had  washed  their  feet,  and 
 had  taken  his  garments,  and  was  set  down 
 again,  he  said  unto  them.  Know  ye  what  1 
 have  done  to  you  ? 
 
 13  Ye  call  me  Master  and  Lord  :  and  ye 
 say  well  ;  for  .so  I  am. 
 
 14  If  I  then,  your  Lord  and  Master,  have 
 
 to  them  was  constant,  so  it  was  contlosccnding,  and  that  in  pro¬ 
 secution  of  the  designs  of  it  he  was  willing  to  humble  himself,  and 
 that  the  glories  of  his  exalted  state  which  he  was  now  entering 
 upon  should  be  no  obstruction  at  all  to  the  favour  he  bare  to  his 
 chosen  ;  and  thus  he  would  confirm  the  promise  he  had  made  to 
 all  the  saints,  that  he  would  make  them  sit  down  to  moat,  and  would 
 come  forth  and  serve  them,  Luke  xii.  37,  would  put  honour  upon 
 them  as  great  and  surprising  as  for  a  lord  to  serve  his  servants. 
 The  disciples  had  just  now  betrayed  the  weakness  ot  their  love  to 
 him,  in  grudging  the  ointment  that  was  poured  upon  his  head, 
 INIatt.  xxvi.  28,  yet  he  presently  gives  this  proof  ot  his  love  to 
 them.  Our  infirmities  are  foils  to  Christ’s  kindness,  and  set  them 
 off. 
 
 Secondly,  Christ  washed  his  disciples’  feet,  that  he  might  give 
 an  instance  of  his  own  wonderful  humility,  and  shew  how  lowly 
 and  condescending  he  was,  and  let  all  the  world  know  how  low  he 
 could  stoop  in  love  to  his  own.  Here  is  the  rightful  advancement 
 of  the  Lord  Jesus.  Glorious  things  are  here  said  ot  Christ  as  Me¬ 
 diator.  The  accommodation  and  arbitration  of  all  matters  in  va¬ 
 riance  between  God  and  man,  was  committed  into  his  hands  as  the 
 great  umpire  and  referee ;  and  the  administration  of  the  kingdom 
 of  God  among  men,  in  all  the  branches  of  it,  was  committed  to 
 him  ;  so  that  all  acts,  both  of  government  and  judgment,  were  to 
 pass  through  his  hands ;  he  is  heir  of  all  things.  As  Christ  came 
 from  God  to  be  an  agent  for  him  on  earth,  so  he  went  to  God  to 
 be  an  agent  for  us  in  heaven,  and  it  is  a  comfort  to  us  to  think  how 
 ■welcome  he  wits  there :  he  was  brought  near  to  the  ancient  of 
 days,  Dan.  vii.  13  ;  and  it  was  said  to  him.  Sit  thou  at  my  right 
 hand,  Psal.  cx.  1.  Here  is  the  voluntary  abasement  of  our  Lord 
 Jesus  notwithstanding  this.  Jesus  knowing  his  own  glory  as  God, 
 and  his  own  authority  and  power  as  Mediator,  one  would  think 
 it  should  follow  He  risctli  from  supper,  lays  aside  his  ordinary 
 
 washed  your  feet,  ye  also  ought  to  wash  one 
 another's  feet. 
 
 15  For  I  have  given  you  an  example, 
 that  ye  should  do  as  I  have  done  to  you. 
 
 16  Verily,  verily,  I  unto  you.  The 
 servant  is  not  greater  than  his  lord  ;  neither 
 he  that  is  sent  greater  than  he  that  sent 
 him. 
 
 17  If  ye  know  these  things,  happy  are  ye 
 if  ye  do  them. 
 
 18^1  speak  not  of  you  all ;  I  know  whom 
 I  have  chosen :  but,  that  the  scripture  may 
 be  fulfilled.  He  that  eateth  bread  with  me 
 hath  lifted  u|)  his  heel  against  me. 
 
 19  Now  I  tell  you  before  it  come,  that 
 when  it  is  come  to  pass,  ye  may  believe  that 
 I  am  he. 
 
 20  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you.  He  that 
 receiveth  whomsoever  I  send,  receiveth  me  : 
 and  he  that  receiveth  me,  receiveth  him 
 that  sent  me. 
 
 21  When  Jesus  had  thus  said  he  was 
 troubled  in  spirit,  and  testified,  and  said. 
 Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you,  that  one  of 
 you  shall  betray  me. 
 
 22  Then  the  disciples  looked  one  on  an¬ 
 other,  doubting  of  whom  he  spake.  . 
 
 23  Now  there  was  leaning  on  Jesus, 
 
 garments,  calls  fur  robes,  bids  them  keep  their  distance,  and  do 
 him  homage;  no,  quite  contrary,  when  he  considered  this  he  gave 
 the  greatest  instance  of  humility. 
 
 Thirdly,  Christ  washed  his  disciples’  feet  that  he  might  signify- 
 to  diem  spiritual  washing,  and  the  cleansing  of  the  soul  from  the 
 pollutions  of  sin.  This  is  plainly  intimated  in  his  discourse  with 
 Peter  upon  it,  fi — 12.  Whether  Christ  came  first  to  Peter  or 
 no,  when  he  did  come  to  him  Peter  startled  at  the  proposal ;  Lord, 
 (saith  he)  dost  thou  wash  my  feet.’  Christ’s  condescensions,  es¬ 
 pecially  his  condescensions  to  us,  wherein  we  find  ourselves  taken 
 notice  of  by  his  grace,  are  justly  the  matter  of  our  admiration, 
 John  xiv.  2*7.  Who  am  I,  Lord  God.?  and  what  is  my  Father’s 
 house  .?  Those  w  ho  truly  desire  to  be  sanctified,  desire  to  be  sancti¬ 
 fied  throughout,  and  to  have  the  whole  man  wdth  all  its  parts 
 and  powers  purified,  1  Thess.  v.  24.  Observe  Christ’s  further  ex¬ 
 plication  of  this  sign,  as  it  represented  spiritual  washing.  First, 
 With  reference  to  his  disciples  that  were  faithful  to  him,  v.  10. 
 Second,  With  reflection  upon  Judas  ;  and  ye -are  clean,  but  not  all, 
 10,  11.  He  pronounceth  his  disciples  clean,  clean  through  the 
 w'ord  he  had  spoken  to  them,  John  xv.  3.  He  washed  them  him¬ 
 self,  and  then  said.  Ye  are  clean  ;  but  he  excepts  Judas,  not  all ; 
 they  were  all  baptized,  even  Judas,  and  yet  not  clean  ;  many  have 
 the'sign  that  have  not  the  thing  signified. 
 
 Fourthly,  Christ  washed  his  disciples’  feet  to  set  before  us  an 
 example;  this  explication  he  gave  of  what  he  had  done,  when  he 
 had  done  it,  12 — 17- 
 
 18—30.  Peter  was  generally  the  leading  man,  most  apt  to  put 
 himself  forth  ;  and  where  men’s  natural  tempers  lead  them  to  be 
 thus  bold  in  answ'ering  and  asking,  if  it  be  kept  under  the  laws  of 
 humility  and  wisdom,  it  makes  men  very  serviceable.  God  gives 
 his  gifts  variously  ;  but  that  the  forward  men  in  the  church  may 
 not  think  too  well  of  themselves,  nor  the  modest  be  discouraged,. 
 
 505 
 
ST.  JOHN. 
 
 bosom  one*  of  his  disciples,  whom  Jesus 
 loved. 
 
 24  Simon  Peter,  therefore,  beckoned  to 
 him,  that  he  should  ask  ^\ho  it  should  be  of 
 whom  he  spake. 
 
 25  He  then  lying  on  Jesus^  breast,  saith 
 unto  him.  Lord,  who  is  it  ? 
 
 26  J  esus  answered,  fie  it  is  to  whom  I 
 shall  give  a  sop,  when  I  have  dipped  it. 
 And,  when  he  had  dipped  the  sop,  he  gave 
 it  to  Judas  Iscariot,  the  son  of  Simon. 
 
 27  And  after  the  sop  Satan  entered  into 
 him.  Then  said  Jesus  unto  him.  That  thou 
 doest  do  quickly. 
 
 28  Now  no  man  at  the  table  knew  for 
 what  intent  he  spake  this  unto  him. 
 
 29  Por  some  of  them  thought,  because 
 Judas  had  the  bag,  that  Jesus  had  said  unto 
 him.  Buy  those  things  that  we  have  need  of 
 against  the  feast ;  or,  that  he  should  give 
 something  to  the  poor. 
 
 30  He  then,  having  received  the  sop,  went 
 immediately  out ;  and  it  was  night. 
 
 31  ^  Therefore,  when  he  was  gone  out, 
 Jesus  said.  Now  is  the  Son  of  man  glorified, 
 and  God  is  glorified  in  him. 
 
 32  If  God  be  glorified  in  him,  God  shall 
 also  glorify  him  in  himself,  and  shall  straight¬ 
 way  glorify  him. 
 
 33  Little  children,  yet  a  little  while  I  am 
 with  you.  Ye  shall  seek  me  ;  and,  as  I  said 
 
 it  must  be  noted  that  it  was  not  Peter,  but  John,  that  was  the  be¬ 
 loved  disciple.  Peter  was  desirous  to  know,  not  only  that  he  might 
 be  sure  it  was  not  he,  but  that  knowing  who  it  was,  that  tliey  inigiit 
 withdraw  from  him,  and  guard  against  him,  and,  if  possible,  pre¬ 
 vent  his  design.  It  were  a  desirable  thing  we  would  think,  to  know 
 who  in  the  church  will  deceive  us;  yet  let  this  office,  Christ 
 knows  though  we  do  not. 
 
 31 — 35.  Judas  was  now  gone  out,  and  had  proved  himself  a 
 false  brother,  but  they  must  not  therefore  harbour  such  jealousies 
 and  suspicions  one  of  another,  as  would  be  the  bane  of  love ; 
 though  there  was  one  Judas  among  them,  yet  they  were  not  all 
 Judases.  Now  the 'tnmiiy  of  the  Jews  against  Christ  and  his  fol¬ 
 lowers  was  swelling  to  the  height,  and  they  must  expect  such  treat¬ 
 ment  as  their  JMaster  had  ;  it  concerned  them  by  brotherly  love  to 
 strengthen  one  another’s  hands. 
 
 Three  arguments  of  mutual  love  are  here  urged.  First,  The 
 command  of  their  Master.  Second,  The  example  of  their  Saviour 
 is  another  argurnsnt  for  brotherly  love  ;  As  I  have  loved  you. 
 This  is  it  that  makes  it  a  new  commandment;  that  this  rule  and 
 reason  of  love,  as  I  have  loved  you,  is  perfectly  new,  and  such  as 
 had  been  hid  from  ages  and  generations.  'I'hird,  The  reputation 
 of  their  profession,  35,  By  this  shall  all  men  know  that  you  are 
 my  disciples,  if  you  have  love  for  one  another.  Brotherly  love  is 
 the  badge  of  Christ’s  disciples  :  by  this  he  knows  them,  by  this  they 
 may  know  themselves,  1  John  iii.  14,  and,  by  this  others  may 
 know  them.  This  is  the  livery  of  his  family,  the  distinguishing 
 ciiaracter  of  his  discixiles ;  this  he  would  have  them  noted  for,  as 
 500' 
 
 unto  the  Jews,  Whither  I  go  ye  cannot'  come, 
 so  now  I  say  to  you. 
 
 34  A  new  commandment  I  give  unto  you, 
 That  ye  love  one  another ;  as  I  have  loved 
 jmu,  that  ye  also  love  one  another. 
 
 35  By  this  shall  all  men  know  that  ye  are 
 my  disciples,  il  ye  have  love  one  to  another. 
 
 36  f  Simon  Peter  said  unto  him.  Lord, 
 whither  goest  thou  ?  Jesus  answered  him. 
 Whither  I  go  thou  canst  not  follow  me  now  ; 
 but  thou  shalt  follow  me  afterwards. 
 
 37  Peter  said  unto  him.  Lord,  why  cannot 
 I  follow  thee  now  ?  I  will  lay  down  my  life 
 for  thy  sake. 
 
 38  Jesus  answered  him.  Wilt  thou  lay 
 down  thy  life  for  my  sake?  Verily,  verily,  I 
 say  unto  thee.  The  cock  shall  not  crow,  till 
 thou  hast  denied  me  thrice. 
 
 CHAP.  XIV. 
 
 Christ  comforteth  his  disciples. 
 
 ET  not  your  heart  be  troubled  :  ye  be¬ 
 lieve  in  God,  believe  also  in  me. 
 
 2  In  my  Father’s  house  are  many  man¬ 
 sions  :  if  it  zi'ere  not  so,  I  would  have  told 
 you.  1  go  to  prepare  a  place  for  you. 
 
 3  And  if  I  go  and  prepare  a  place  for 
 you  I  will  come  again,  and  receive  you  unto 
 myself:  that  where  I  am,  there  ye  may  be 
 also. 
 
 4  And  whither  I  go  ye  know,  and  the  way 
 ye  know. 
 
 that  wherein  they  excelled  all  others,  their  loving  one  another. 
 This  was  it  that  their  Master  was  famous  for ;  all  that  ever  heard 
 of  him  have  heard  of  his  love,  his  great  love  ;  and  therefore  if  you 
 see  anv  people  more  than  ordinary  loving  to  one  another,  say 
 certainly  these  are  the  followers  of  Christ,  they  have  been  with 
 Jesus. 
 
 36'— 38.  We  commonly  give  it  as  a  reason  why  the  prophecies 
 of  scripture  are  expressed  darkly  and  figuratively,  because  if  they 
 did  plainly  describe  the  event,  the  accomplishment  would  thereby 
 either  be  defeated,  or  necessitated  by  a  fatality  inconsistent  with 
 human  liberty  ;  and  yet  this  plain  and  express  prophecy  of  Peter’s 
 denying  Christ,  did  neither,  nor  did  in  the  least  make  Christ  acces¬ 
 sary  to  Peter’s  sin.  But  we  may  well  imagine  what  a  mortifica¬ 
 tion  it  was  to  Peter’s  confidence  of  his  own  courage  to  be  told  this, 
 and  to  be  told  it  in  such  a  manner,  as  that  he  durst  not  contradict 
 it,  else  he  would  have  said  as  Hazael,  What !  is  thy  servant  a  dog? 
 This  could  not  but  fill  him  with  confusion.  ’Phe  most  secure  are 
 commonlv  the  least  safe  ;  and  those  most  shamefully  betray  their 
 (>wn  weakness,  that  most  confidently  presume  upon  their  own 
 strength.  1  Cor.  x.  12.  . 
 
 CHAP.  XIV.  1 — 3.  Believing  in  God  through  Jesus  Christ  is 
 an  excellent  means  of  keeping  trouble  from  the  heart.  7  he  joys 
 of  faith  are  the  best  remedies  against  the  griefs  of  sense  ;  it  is  a  re¬ 
 medy  with  a  promise  annexed  to  it;  the  just  shall  live  by  faith  ;  I 
 had  fainted  unless  I  had  believed. 
 
 4 — 1  1 .  Christ  is  the  way,  the  highway  spoken  of,  Isa.  xxxv.  S. 
 He  is  the  truth.  He  is  the  life,  for  we  are  alive  unto  God,  only  ui 
 
CHAP.  XIV. 
 
 5  ^  Thomas  saith  unto  him,  Lord,  we 
 know  not  whither  thou  goest,  and  how  can 
 we  know  the  way  ? 
 
 o  Jesus  saith  unto  him,  I  am  the  way, 
 and  the  truth,  and  the  life  ;  no  man  cometh 
 unto  the  Father  but  by  me. 
 
 7  If  ye  had  known  me,  ye  should  have 
 known  my  Father  also  :  and  from  henceforth 
 ye  know  him,  and  have  seen  him. 
 
 8  ^  Philip  saith  unto  him.  Lord,  shew  us 
 the  Father,  and  it  sufficeth  us. 
 
 9  Jesus  saith  unto  him,  Flave  I  been  so 
 long  time  with  you,  and  "yet  hast  thou  not 
 known  me,  Philip  ?  he  that  hath  seen  me 
 hath  seeth  the  Father;  and  howsayest  thou 
 then.  Shew  us  the  Father  ? 
 
 10  Believest  thou  not  that  I  am  in  the 
 Father,  and  the  Father  in  me  ?  the  words 
 that  I  speak  unto  you,  I  speak  not  of  my¬ 
 self :  but  the  Father,  that  dwelleth  in  me, 
 he  doeth  the  works. 
 
 .11  Believe  me  that  I  am  in  the  Father, 
 and  the  Father  in  me  :  or  else  believe  me  for 
 the  very  works'  sake. 
 
 12  %  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you.  He 
 that  believeth  on  me,  the  works  that  I  do 
 shall  he  do  also  ;  and  greater  ze)orks  than 
 these  shall  he  do  ;  because  I  go  unto  my 
 Father. 
 
 13  And  whatsoever  ye  shall  ask  in  my 
 name,  that  will  I  do,  that  the  Father  may 
 be  glorified  in  the  Son. 
 
 14  If  ye  shall  ask  any  thing  in  my  name, 
 I  will  do  it. 
 
 and  through  Jesus  Christ,  Rom.  vi.  1 1.  Let  us  also  consider  these 
 jointly,  and  with  reference  to  each  other.  Christ  is  the  way,  the 
 truth,  and  the  life  ;  that  is,  first,  He  is  the  beginning,  the  middle, 
 and  the  end.  In  him  we  must  set  out,  go  on,  and  finish.  As  the 
 truth  he  is  the  guide  of  our‘way,  as  the  life  he  is  the  end  of  it ; 
 second.  He  is  the  true  and  living  way,  Heb.  x.  20.  There  is 
 truth  and  life  in  it,  as  well  as  the  end  o^' it :  third,  He  is  the  true 
 way  to  life,  the  only  true  way  ;  other  ways  may  seem  right,  but  the 
 end  of  them  is  the  way  of  death. 
 
 12 — 14.  I  think  this  refers  especially  to  the  gift  of  tongues, 
 which  was  the  immediate  efl'ect  of  the  pouring  out  of  the  spirit ; 
 which  was  a  constant  miracle  upon  the  mind,  in  which  words  are 
 framed,  and  which  was  made  to  serve  so  glorious  an  intention  as 
 that  of  spreading  the  gospel  to  all  nations  in  their  own  language. 
 This  was  a  greater  sign  to  them  which  believed  not,  1  Cor.  xiv.  22, 
 and  more  powerful  for  their  conviction  than  any  other  miracle 
 whatsoever. 
 
 15—17.  This  is  the  great  New  Testament  promise.  Acts  i.  4,  as 
 that  of  the  hlessiah  was  of  the  Old  Testament ;  a  promise  adapted 
 to  ihh  present  distress  of  the  disciples,  who  were  in  sorrow,  and 
 ngeded  a  comforter.  Cl  rist  was  expected  as  the  consolation  of 
 Israel.  One  of  the  names  of  the  Messiah  among  the  Jews  was  Me- 
 liahem,  the  comforter,  'fhe  'largum  calls  the  days  of  the  IMes- 
 
 15  ^  If  ye  love  me,  keep  my  command¬ 
 ments  : 
 
 16  And  I  will  pray  the  Father,  and  he 
 shall  give  you  another  Comforter,  that  he 
 may  abide  with  you  for  ever  ; 
 
 17  Eve?i  the  Spirit  of  truth  ;  whom  the 
 world  cannot  receive,  because  it  seeth  him 
 not,  neither  knoweth  him :  but  ye  know 
 him  ;  for  he  dwelleth  with  you,  and  shall  be 
 in  vou. 
 
 18  I  will  not  leave  you  comfortless;  I  will 
 come  to  you. 
 
 19  Yet  a  little  while  and  the  world  seeth 
 me  no  more  ;  but  ye  see  me  :  because  I  live, 
 ye  shall  live  also. 
 
 20  At  that  day  ye  shall  know  that  I  am 
 in  my  Father,  and  you  in  me,  and  I  in  you. 
 
 21  He  that  hath  my  commandments,  and 
 keepeth  them,  he  it  is  that  loveth  me  :  and 
 he  that  loveth  me  shall  be  loved  of  my  Fa¬ 
 ther,  and  I  will  love  him,  and  will  manifest 
 myself  to  him. 
 
 22  Judas  saith  unto  him,  (not  Iscariot,) 
 Lord,  how  is  it  that  thou  wilt  manifest  thy¬ 
 self  unto  us,  and  not  unto  the  world  ? 
 
 23  Jesus  answered,  and  said  unto  him.  If 
 a  man  love  me,  he  will  keep  my  words  ;  and 
 my  Father  will  love  him,  and  we  will  come 
 unto  him,  and  make  our  abode  Avith  him. 
 
 24  He  that  loveth  me  not,  keepeth  not 
 my  sayings ;  and  the  Avord  Avhich  ye  hear  is 
 not  mine,  but  the  Father's  Avhich  sent  me. 
 
 25  These  things  have  I  spoken  unto  you, 
 being  yet  present  Avith  you. 
 
 slab  the  years  of  consolation.  Christ  comforted  his  disciples,  when 
 he  was  with  them,  and  now  he  was  leaving  them  in  the  greatest  need 
 he  promised  them  another. 
 
 18 — 24.  The  life  of  Christians  is  bound  up  in  the  life  of  Christ; 
 as  sure  and  as  long  as  he  live,  they  that  by  faith  are  united  to  him 
 shall  live  also;  they  shall  live  spiritually,  a  divine  life  is  commu¬ 
 nion  with  God,  this  life  is  hid  with  Christ;  if  the  head  and  root 
 live,  the  members  and  branches  live  also.  They  shall  live  eter¬ 
 nally  ;  their  bodies  shall  rise  in  the  virtue  of  Christ’s  resurrection  : 
 it  shall  be  well  with  him  in  the  world  to  come,  it  cannot  be  but 
 well  with  all  that  are  his,  Isa.  xxvi.  ip. 
 
 25 — 27.  Peace  is  put  for  all  good,  and  Christ  has  left  us  all  the 
 needful  good,  all  that  is  really  and  truly  good,  all  the  purchased 
 promised  good,  peace  is  put  for  reconciliation  and  love ;  the 
 peace  bequeathed  is  peace  with  God,  peace  with  one  another ; 
 peace  in  our  own  bosoms  that  seems  to  be  especially  meant;  a 
 tranquillity  of  mind  arising  from  our  sense  of  our  justification  before 
 God.  It  is  the  counter-part  of  our  pardons,  and  the  composure 
 of  our  minds.  This  Christ  calls  his  peace,  for  he  is  himself  eur 
 peace,  Eph.  ii.  14.  It  is  the  peace  he  purchased  for  us,  ami 
 preached  to  us,  and  which  the  angels  congratulated  at  his  birth, 
 Luke.  ii.  14.  The  peace  which  Christ  gives  is  infinitely  more  va¬ 
 luable  than  that  which  the  world  gives.  The  world’s  peace  begins 
 
 507 
 
s'r.  JOHN. 
 
 26  Bat  llic  Comforter,  xi  Jikh  is  tlie  Hols 
 Ghost,  whom  the  Father  will  send  in  m\ 
 name,  he  shall  teach  you  all  things,  and  bring 
 all  things  to  yoitr  remembrance,  whatsoever 
 I  have  said  unto  you. 
 
 27  Peace  1  leave  with  you,  my  peace  I 
 give  imto  you  ;  not  as  the  world  giveth  give 
 I  unto  you.  I.et  not  yonr  heart  be  troubled, 
 neither  let  it  be  afraid. 
 
 28  Ye  have  heard  how  I  said  unto  you, 
 I  go  away,  and  come  again  unto  you.  If  ye 
 lo  ved  me  ye  would  rejoice,  because  I  said, 
 I  go  unto  the  Father  ;  for  my  Father  is 
 greater  than  I. 
 
 29  And  now  I  have  told  you  before  it 
 come  to  pass,  that  when  it  is  come  to  pass, 
 ye  might  believe. 
 
 30  Hereafter  I  will  not  talk  much  with 
 you :  for  the  prince  of  this  world  cometh, 
 and  hath  nothing  in  me. 
 
 31  But  that  the  world  may  know  that  I 
 love  the  Father :  and  as  the  Father  gave  me 
 commandment,  even  so  I  do.  Arise,  let  us 
 go  hence. 
 
 CHAP.  XV. 
 
 The  mutual  love  between  Christ  and  his  members  illustrated  by  a 
 
 parable  of  the  vine. 
 
 AVI  the  true  vine,  and  my  Father  is  'the 
 husbandman. 
 
 2  Fh^ery  branch  in  me  that  beareth  not 
 fruit  he  taketh  away  ;  and  every  branch  that 
 beareth  fruit  lie  purgeth  it,  that  it  may  bring 
 forth  more  fruit. 
 
 in  ignorance,  consists  with  sin,  and  ends  in  endless  troubles  ; 
 Christ’s  peace  begins  in  grace,  consists  with  no  allowed  sin,  and 
 ends  at  length  in  everlasting  peace.  As  is  the  difiercnce  between 
 a  killing  lethargy  and  a  reviving  refreshing  sleep;  such  is  the  dif¬ 
 ference  between  Christ’s  peace  and  the  worhl’s. 
 
 28 — 31.  Christ  here  gives  his  discifiles  another  reason  why  their 
 licarts  should  not  be  troubled  for  his  going  away  ;  and  that  is,  be¬ 
 cause  his  heart  was  not.  Aiul  here  he  tells  them  what  it  was  that 
 enabled  them  to  endure  the  cross,  and  riespise  the  shame,  that  they 
 might  look  upon  him,  and  run  with  patience  ;  first.  That  though 
 lie  went  away,  he  should  come  again,  ye  have  heard  how  I  have 
 said,  and  now  I  say  it  again,  I  go  away  and  come  .again  :  second, 
 'I’liat  he  went  to  his  Father.  If  ye  loved  me,  as  by  your  sorrow 
 you  s.ay  you  do,  ye  would  rejoice  [instead  of  mournmg,  because 
 though  I  leave  you,  yet  1  said,  I  go  unto  the  F.athcr,  not  onlv 
 mine,  but  yours,  which  will  be  my  .arlvancemcnt  and  your  ad- 
 vant.age,  for  my  Father  is  greater  than  I. 
 
 CU.M*.  XV.  1—8.  \Vc  must  be  fruitful.  From  a  vine  we  look  for 
 gr.apcs,  Isa.  v.  2.  .^nd  from  a  Christian  we  look  for  christianitv, 
 that  is  the  fruit,  a  Christian  temper  and  disposition,  a  Christi.an 
 life  and  conversation,  Christian  ' devotions  and  Christian  designs. 
 AVc  must  honour  God,  and  do  good,  and  c.vemplify  the  puritv  and 
 jrower  of  the  religion  we  profess,  and  this  is  bearing  fruit.'  The 
 disciples  here  must  be  fruitful  as  Christians,  in  all  the  fruits  of 
 Tighteousness,  and  as  apostles  in  difi'using  the  savour  of  that  know- 
 oOS 
 
 3  Now  yc  Jire  (‘lean  through  the  word 
 whicli  1  have  sjiokcn  unto  you. 
 
 4  Abide  in  me  and  I  in  you.  As  the 
 branch  cannot  bear  fruit  of  itself,  except  it 
 abide  in  the  vine  ;  no  more  can  yc,  except 
 ye  abide  in  me. 
 
 3  1  am  the  vine,  yc  are  the  branches  :  he 
 that  abideth  in  me,  and  1  in  him,  the  same 
 bringeth  forth  much  fruit ;  for  without  me 
 ye  can  do  nothing. 
 
 6  If  a  m;in  abide  not  in  me,  lie  is  east 
 forth  as  a  branch,  and  is  withered  :  and  men 
 gather  them,  and  cast  them  into  the  fire,  and 
 they  are  burned. 
 
 7  If  ye  abide  in  me,  and  my  words  abide 
 in  you,  ye  shall  ask  what  ye  Avill,  and  it  shall 
 be  done  unto  you. 
 
 8  Herein  is  my  Father  glorified,  that  ye 
 bear  much  fruit ;  so  shall  ye  be  my  dis¬ 
 ciples. 
 
 9  As  the  Father  hath  loved  me,  so  have  I 
 loved  you  :  continue  ye  in  my  love. 
 
 10  If  3^e  keep  my  commandments,  ye  shall 
 abide  in  my  love  ;  even  as  I  have  kept  my 
 Father’s  commandments,  and  abide  in  his 
 love. 
 
 11  These  things  have  I  spoken  unto  you, 
 that  my  joy  might  remain  in  you,  and  that 
 your  joy  might  be  full. 
 
 12  ^  llus  is  my  commandment.  That  ye 
 love  one  another,  as  I  have  loved  you. 
 
 13  Greater  love  hath  no  man  than  this, 
 that  a  man  lay  down  his  life  for  his  iVicnds. 
 
 ledge.  To  persuade  them  t«  this,  he  urgetli,  first,  'I  he  doom  of 
 the  unfruitful,  v.  2.  They  are  taken  awa}'.  It  is  here  intimated 
 that  there  are  many  who  pass  for  branches  in  Christ,  who  yet  do 
 not  bear  fruit:  second.  The  jiroinise  made  to  the  faithful,  he 
 purgeth  them,  that  they  may  bring  forth  more  fruit.  Further  fruit¬ 
 fulness  is  the  blessed  reward  of  former  fruitfulness.  'I'he  first  bless¬ 
 ing  was,  Be  fruitful,  .and  it  is  still  a  great  blessing:  third,  'I'he  be¬ 
 nefit  which  believers  have  by  the  dnetrine  of  Christ,  the  power  of 
 which  they  should  labour  to  e.xemplify  in  a  fruitful  conversation, 
 V.  3,  Now  ye  are  clean.  'I'hat  faith  by  which  they  received  the 
 word  of  Christ,  purified  their  hearts.  Acts  .\v.  <),  ’Fhe  Spirit  of 
 grace  by  the  word  refined  them  from  the  dross  of  the  world  and 
 the  flesh  ;  and  purged  out  of  them  the  leaven  of  the  scribes  and 
 Pharisees,  from  which  when  they  saw  their  inveterate  r.agc  and 
 enmity  against  thcii'  Master,  they  were  now  jnetty  well  cleansed. 
 .■\|)piy  it  to  all  believers. 
 
 9 — 17.  Others  have  laid  down  their  lives,  content  they  should 
 be  taken  from  them,  but  Christ  gave  up  his  ;  w.as  not  merely  pas¬ 
 sive,  but  made  it  his  own  act  and  deed.  The  life  which  others  have 
 laid  down  has  been  but  of  equal  value  with  the  life  for  which  it  Wias 
 laiii  down,  and  perhaps  less  valuable  ;  but  Christ  is  infinitely  more 
 worth  than  ten  thousand  of  us.  Others  have  thus  Laid  down,  their 
 lives  for  their  friends,  but  Christ  laid  down  his  for  us  when  wc  were 
 his  enemies,  Rom.  v.  S. 
 
 'Fhe  disciples  were  to  keep  Christ’s  commandments,  not  only  by 
 
CHAP.  XVL 
 
 14  Ye  are  my  friends,  if  ye  do  whatsoever 
 I  command  you. 
 
 15  Henceforth  I  call  you  not  servants  ; 
 for  the  servant  knoweth  not  what  his  lord 
 doeth  :  but  I  have  called  you  friends  ;  for 
 all  things  that  I  have  heard  of  my  Father  I 
 have  made  known  unto  you. 
 
 16  Ye  have  not  chosen  me,  but  I  have 
 chosen  you,  and  ordained  you,  that  ye  should 
 go  and  bring  forth  fruit,  and  that  your  fruit 
 should  remain  ;  that  whatsoever  ye  shall  ask 
 of  the  Father  in  my  name  he  may  give  it 
 you. 
 
 17  These  things  I  command  you,  that  ye 
 love  one  another. 
 
 18  ^  If  Ihc  world  hate  you,  ye  know  that 
 it  hated  me,  before  it  hated  you. 
 
 19  If  ye  were  of  the  world,  the  world 
 would  love  his  own  :  but  because  ye  are  not 
 of  the  world,  but  I  have  chosen  you  out  of 
 the  world,  therefore  the  world  hateth  you. 
 
 20  Remember  the  word  that  I  said  unto 
 you.  The  servant  is  not  greater  than  the  lord. 
 If  they  have  persecuted  me,  they  will  also 
 ])ersecute  you  :  if  they  have  kept  my  saying 
 they  will  keep  yours  also. 
 
 21  But  all  these  things  will  they  do  unto 
 3mu  for  my  name's  sake,  because  they  know 
 not  him  that  sent  me. 
 
 22  If  I  had  not  come  and  spoken  unto 
 them  they  had  not  had  sin  :  but  now  they 
 have  no  cloke  for  their  sin. 
 
 23  He  that  hateth  me,  hateth  my  Father 
 also. 
 
 24  If  I  had  not  done  amono;  them  the 
 works  which  none  other  man  did,  they  had 
 
 not  had  sin ;  but  now'  have  they  both  seen 
 and  hated  both  me  and  my  Father. 
 
 25  But  this  cometh  to  pass,  that  the  word 
 might  be  fulfilled  that  is  written  in  their  law. 
 They  hated  me  without  a  cause. 
 
 26  ^  But  when  the  Comforter  is  come, 
 whom  I  will  send  unto  you  from  the  Father, 
 even  the  Spirit  of  truth,  which  proceedeth 
 from  the  Father,  he  shall  testify  of  me. 
 
 27  And  ye  also  shall  bear  witness,  because 
 ye  have  been  with  me  from  the  beginning. 
 
 CHAP.  XVL 
 
 Christ  comforts  his  disciples  with  the  promise  of  the  Spirit. 
 
 These  things  have  I  spoken  unto  you, 
 that  ye  should  not  be  offended. 
 
 2  They  shall  put  you  out  of  the  syna¬ 
 gogues  :  yea,  the  time  cometh,  that  wdioso- 
 ever  killeth  you  will  think  that  he  doeth  God  - 
 service. 
 
 3  And  these  things  will  they  do  unto  you, 
 because  they  have  not  known  the  Father 
 nor  me. 
 
 4  But  these  things  have  I  told  you,  that 
 when  the  time  shall  come,  ye  may  remember 
 that  I  told  you  of  them.  And  these  things 
 I  said  not  unto  you  at  the  beginning,  be¬ 
 cause  I  was  with  you. 
 
 5  ^  But  now  I  go  my  way  to  him  that  sent 
 me ;  and  none  of  you  asketh  me.  Whither 
 goest  thou  ? 
 
 6  But  because  I  have  said  these  things 
 unto  you,  sorrow  hath  filled  your  heart. 
 
 7  Nevertheless,  I  tell  you  the  truth  ;  It  is 
 expedient  for  you  that  I  go  away  :  for  if  I 
 go  not  away,  the  Comforter  will  not  come 
 
 ;i  constant  conformity  to  them  themselves,  but  by  a  faithful  deli¬ 
 very  of  them  to  others ;  they  were  to  keep  them  as  trustees,  in 
 whose  hands  that  great  depositum  was  lodged,  for  they  were  to 
 teach  all  things  that  Christ  had  commanded.  Matt,  xxviii.  20. 
 This  commandment  they  must  keep  without  spot,  1  Tim.  vi.  14, 
 and  thus  they  must  shew  that  the}'  abide  in  his  love. 
 
 18 — 25.  It  has  commonly  been  the  lot  of  those  that  appear  for 
 Christ’s  name  to. suffer  for  so  doing;  to  suffer  many  things,  and 
 ihard  things,  all  these  things.  It  is  matter  of  comfort  to  the  great- 
 test  sufferers,  if  they  suffer  for  Christ’s  name  sake.  If  ye  be  re¬ 
 proached  for  the  name  of  Christ,  happy  are  ye,  1  Pet.  iv.  14, 
 happy  indeed,  considering  not  only  the  honour  that  is  imprinted 
 upon  those  sufferings.  Acts  v.  41,  but  the  comfort  that  is  infused 
 Into  them  ;  and  especially  the  crown  of  glory  which  those  sufferings 
 lead  to.  If  we  suffer  with  Christ  and  for  Christ,  we  shall  reign  with 
 him. 
 
 26',  27.  Christ  having  spoken  of  the  great  opposition  w'hich  his 
 gospel  was  likely  to  meet  with  in  the  world,  and  the  hardships  that 
 would  be  put  upon  the  preachers  of  it,  lest  any  should  fear  that 
 they  and  it  would  be  run  down  by  that  violent  torrent,  he  here 
 
 intimates  to  all  those  that  were  well-wishers  to  his  cause  and  in¬ 
 terest,  what  effectual  provision  was  made  for  the  supporting  it,  both 
 by  the  principal  testimony  of  the  spirit,  26',  and  the  subordinate 
 testimony  of  the  apostles,  27,  and  testimonies  are  the  proper  sup¬ 
 ports  of  truth.  The  spirit  shall  testify  of  me,  and  you  also,  under 
 the  conduct  of'the  Spirit,  and  in  concurrence  with  the  spirit,  (who 
 will  preserve  you  from  mistaking  in  that  which  ye  relate  on  your 
 own  knowledge,  and  will  inform  you  of  that  which  you  cannot 
 know  but  by  revelation)  shall  bear  witness.  This  might  encourage 
 them  against  the  hatred  and  contempt  of  the  world,  that  Christ 
 had  honoured  them,  and  would  own  them. 
 
 CHAP.  XVI.  1 — 6'.  Those  are  very  ignorant  indeed  of  God  and 
 Christ,  that  think  it  an  acceptable  piece  of  service  to  persecute 
 good  people.  They  that  know  Christ,  know  that  he  came  not  into 
 the  world  to  destroy  men’s  lives  but  to  save  them  ;  that  he  rules  by 
 the  power  of  truth  and  love,  not  of  fire  and  sword.  Never  was  such 
 a  persecuting  church,  as  that  which  makes  ignorance  the  mother 
 of  devotion. 
 
 7 — 15.  As  it  was  usual  with  the  Old  Testament  prophets  to  com¬ 
 fort  the  church  in  its  calamities  with  the  promise  of  the  Messiah. 
 
 509 
 
ST.  JOHN. 
 
 unto  you  :  but  if  I  depart  I  will  send  him 
 unto  you. 
 
 8  And  when  he  is  come  he  will  reprove 
 the  world  of  sin,  and  of  righteousness,  and  of 
 •  ud  o-ment. 
 
 «•  c? 
 
 9  Of  sin ;  because  they  believe  not  on 
 me ; 
 
 10  Of  righteousness  ;  because  I  go  to  my 
 Father,  and  ye  see  me  no  more  : 
 
 11  Of  judgment;  because  the  prince  of 
 this  world  is  judged. 
 
 12  I  have  yet  many  things  to  say  unto 
 you,  but  ye  cannot  bear  them  now. 
 
 13  Howbeit  when  he,  the  Spirit  of  truth, 
 is  come,  he  will  guide  you  into  all  truth  :  for 
 he  shall  not  speak  of  himself ;  but  whatso¬ 
 ever  he  shall  hear,  t/iat  shall  he  speak ;  and 
 he  will  shew  you  things  to  come. 
 
 14  He  shall  glorify  me  ;  for  he  shall  re¬ 
 ceive  of  mine,  and  shall  shew  it  unto  you. 
 
 15  All  things  that  the  Father  hath  are 
 mine  :  therefore  said  I,  that  he  shall  take  of 
 mine,  and  shall  shew  it  unto  you. 
 
 16  ^  A  little  while  and  ye  shall  not  see  me; 
 and  again  a  little  while,  and  ye  shall  see  me  ; 
 because  I  go  to  the  Father. 
 
 17  Then  said  so/ne  of  his  disciples  among 
 themselves.  What  is  this  that  he  saith  unto 
 us,  A  little  while,  and  ye  shall  not  see  me  ; 
 and  again,  A  little  while,  and  ye  shall  see  me ; 
 and.  Because  I  go  to  the  Father  ? 
 
 18  They  said  therefore.  What  is  this  that 
 he  saith,  A  little  while  ?  we  cannot  tell  what 
 he  saith. 
 
 Isa.  ix.  6,  Mic.  v.  5,  Zech.  iii.  8,  so  the  IMcssiah  being  come,  the 
 promise  of  the  spirit  was  the  great  cordial,  and  is  still.  The  spirit 
 IS  called  the  Comforter,  7,  and  here  it  is  said  he  shall  convince; 
 one  would  think  that  were  cold  comfort,  but  it  is  the  method  the 
 spirit  takes,  first  to  convince,  and  then  to  comfort ;  first  to  lay  open 
 the  wound,  and  then  appl}’  healing  medicines.  Or,  taking  con¬ 
 viction  more  generally  for  a  demonstration  of  what  is  right,  it  inti¬ 
 mates  that  the  spirit’s  comforts  are  solid,  and  grounded  upon  truth. 
 
 l5 — 22.  The  notion  of  Christ’s  secular  kingdom  was  so  deeply 
 rooted  in  them,  that  they  could  make  no  sense  at  all* of  those  say¬ 
 ings  of  his,  which  they  knew  not  how  to  reconcile  with  that  notion. 
 When  we  think  the  scripture  must  be  made  to  agree  w'ith  the  false 
 ideas  we  have  imbibed,  no  wonder  we  complain  of  its  difficulty  ; 
 but  when  our  reasonings  are  captivated  to  revelation,  the  matter 
 becomes  easy.  It  should  seem  that  which  puzzled  them  was  the 
 little  while,  if  he  must  go  at  last,  yet  they  could  not  conceive  how 
 Le  should  leave  them  quickly,  when  his  stay  hitherto  had  been  so 
 short,  and  so  little  work  comparatively  done. 
 
 What  Christ  saith  here,  and  v.  21,  22,  of  their  sorrow  and  joy, 
 is  applicable  to  all  the  faithful  followers  of  the  Lamb,  and  des¬ 
 cribes  the  common  case  of  Christians.  First,  Their  condition  and 
 disposition  are  both  mournful ;  sorrows  are  their  lot,  and  serious¬ 
 ness  in  their  temper  ;  they  that  are  acquainted  with  Christ,  must 
 510 
 
 19  Now  Jesus  knew  that  they  were  de¬ 
 sirous  to  ask  him,  and  said  unto  them.  Do 
 ye  enquire  among  yourselves  of  that  I  said, 
 A  little  while  and  ye  shall  not  see  me  ;  and 
 again,  A  little  while,  and  ye  shall  see  me  ? 
 
 20  Verily,  veril}",  I  say  unto  you.  That  ye 
 shall  weep  and  lament,  but  the  world  shall 
 rejoice :  and  ye  shall  be  sorrowful,  but  your 
 sorrow  shall  be  turned  into  joy. 
 
 21  A  woman  when  she  is  in  travail  hath 
 sorrow,  because  her  hour  is  come  :  but  as 
 soon  as  she  is  delivered  of  the  child  she  re- 
 membereth  no  more  the  anguish,  for  joy  that 
 a  man  is  born  into  the  worid. 
 
 22  And  ye  now,  therefore,  have  sorrow  ; 
 but  I  will  see  you  again,  and  your  heart  shall 
 rejoice,  and  your  joy  no  man  taketh  from  you. 
 
 23  And  in  that  day  ye  shall  ask  me  no¬ 
 thing.  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you,  What¬ 
 soever  ye  shall  ask  the  Father  in  my  name  he 
 will  give  it  you. 
 
 24  Hitherto  have  ye  asked  nothing  in  my 
 name  :  ask,  and  ye  shall  receive,  that  your 
 joy  may  be  full. 
 
 25  These  things  have  I  spoken  unto  you 
 in  proverbs  :  but  the  time  cometh  when  I 
 shall  no  more  speak  unto  you  in  proverbs, 
 but  I  shall  shew  you  plainly  of  the  Father. 
 
 26  At  that  day  ye  shall  ask  in  my  name  : 
 and  I  say  not  unto  you  that  I  will  })ray  the 
 Father  for  you  : 
 
 27  For  the  Father  himself  loveth  you,  be¬ 
 cause  ye  have  loved  me,  and  have  believed 
 that  I  came  out  from  God. 
 
 as  lie  was,  be  acquainted  with  grief:  second,  'I'lie  world  at  the 
 same  time  goes  away  with  all  the  mirth  ;  carnal  mirth  and  plea¬ 
 sures  surely  are  none  of  the  best  things,  for  then  the  worst  men 
 would  not  have  so  large  a  share  of  them,  and  the  favourites  of  hea¬ 
 ven  be  such  strangers  to  them  :  third,  Spiritual  mourning  will 
 shortly  be  turned  into  eternal  rejoicing.  'I'heir  sorrow  will  not 
 only  be  followed  with  joy,  but  turned  into  it,  for  the  most  precious 
 comforts  take  rise  from  pious  griefs.  This  he  illustniies  by  a  si¬ 
 militude  taken  from  a  woman  in  travail,  to  whose  sorrows  he  com¬ 
 pares  those  of  his  disciples,  for  their  encouragement;  for  it  is  the 
 will  of  Christ  that  his  people  should  be  a  comforted  people. 
 
 23 — 27.  We  must  ask  the  Father  in  Christ’s  name  ;  we  must 
 have  an  eye  to  God  as  a  Father,  and  come  as  children  to  him  ;  and 
 to  Christ  as  IMediator,  and  come  as  clients.  Asking  of  the  Father 
 includes  a  series  of  spirinial  wants,  and  a  desire  of  spiritual  bless¬ 
 ings,  with  a  conviction  that  they  are  to  be  had  from  God  only  ;  as 
 also  an  humility  of  address  to  him,  with  a  believing  confidence  in 
 him,  as  a  Father  able  and  ready  to  help  us.  Asking  in  Christ’s 
 name  includes  an  acknowledgment  of  our  own  unworthiness  to  re¬ 
 ceive  any  favour  from  God,  and  a  complacency  in  the  method 
 God  has  taken  of  keeping  up  a  correspondence  with  us  by  his  Son, 
 and  an  entire  dcpcndance  upon  Christ  as  (he  Lord  our  Righteous- 
 nees. 
 
CHAP.  XVII. 
 
 28  I  came  forth  from  the  Father,  and  am 
 come  into  the  world  :  again,  I  leave  the 
 world,  and' go  to  the  Father. 
 
 29  ^  His  disciples  said  unto  him,  Lo,  now 
 speakest  thou  plainly,  and  speakest  no  pro¬ 
 verb. 
 
 30  Now  are  we  sure  that  thou  knowest  all 
 things,  and  needest  not  that  any  man  should 
 ask  thee :  by  this  we  believe  that  thou  earnest 
 forth  from  God. 
 
 31  Jesus  answered  them.  Do  ye  now  be¬ 
 lieve  ? 
 
 32  Behold  the  hour  cometh,  yea,  is  now 
 come,  that  ye  shall  be  scattered,  every  man 
 to  his  own,  and  shall  leave  me  alone  ;  and 
 yet  I  am  not  alone,  because  the  Father  is 
 with  me. 
 
 33  These  things  I  have  spoken  unto  you 
 that  in  mo  ye  might  have  peace.  In  the 
 world  ye  shall  have  tribulation  ;  but  be  of 
 good  cheer  ;  I  have  overcome  the  world. 
 
 CHAP.  XVII. 
 
 Christ’s  prayer  for  his  disciples. 
 
 raiHESE  words  spake  Jesus,  and  lifted  up 
 his  eyes  to  heaven,  and  said.  Father,  the 
 hour  is  come  ;  glorify  thy  Son,  that  thy  Son 
 also  may  glorify  thee : 
 
 2  As  thou  hast  given  him  power  over  all 
 flesh,  that  he  should  give  eternal  life  to  as 
 many  as  thou  hast  given  him. 
 
 3  And  this  is  life  eternal  that  they  might 
 
 know  thee  the  only  true  God,  and  .Jesus 
 Christ,  whom  thou  hast  sent. 
 
 4  I  have  glorified  thee  on  the  earth  :  I 
 have  finished  the  word  which  thou  gavest 
 me  to  do. 
 
 5  And  now,  O  Father,  glorify  thou  me 
 with  thine  own  self,  with  the  glory  which  I 
 had  with  thee  before  the  world  was. 
 
 6’  ^  I  have  manifested  thy  name  unto  the 
 men  which  thou  gavest  me  out  of  the  world  : 
 thine  they  were,  and  thou  gavest  them  me  ; 
 and  they  have  kept  thy  word. 
 
 7  Now  they  have  k^nown  that  all  things 
 whatsoever  thou  hast  given  me,  are  of  thee  : 
 
 8  For  I  have  given  unto  them  the  words 
 which  thou  gavest  me ;  and  they  have  re¬ 
 ceived  t/iem,  and  have  known  surely  that  I 
 came  out  from  thee,  and  they  have  believed 
 that  thou  didst  send  me. 
 
 9  I  pray  for  them :  I  pray  not  for  the 
 world,  but  for  them  which  thou  hast  given 
 me  :  for  they  are  thine. 
 
 10  And  all  mine  are  thine,  and  thine  are 
 mine,  and  I  am  glorified  in  them. 
 
 11  And  now  I  am  no  more  in  the  world, 
 but  these  are  in  the  world,  and  I  come  to 
 thee.  Holy  Father,  keep  through  thine  own 
 name  those  whom  thou  hast  given  me,  that 
 they  may  be  one,  as  we  a?-e. 
 
 12  While  I  was  with  them  in  the  world  I 
 kept  them  in  thy  name  :  those  that  thou 
 
 28 — 33.  Christ  overcame  the  prince  of  this  world,  disarmed 
 him,  and  cast  him  out;  and  still  treads  Satan  under  our  feet.  He 
 overcame  the  children  of  this  world,  by  the  conversion  of  many  to 
 the  faith  and  obedience  of  his  gospel,  making  them  the  children  of 
 his  kingdom.  He  has  conquered  it  for  us,  as  the  captain  of  our 
 salvation  ;  we  are  interested  in  his  victory:  by  his  cross  the  world 
 is  crucified  to  us,  which  speaks  it  completely  conquered,  and  put 
 into  our  possession  ;  all  is  yours  ;  even  the  world.  Christ  having 
 overcome  the  world,  believers  have  nothing  to  do  but  to  pursue 
 their  victory,  and  divide  the  spoil ;  and  this  we  do  by  faith,  1  John 
 4,  We  are  more  than  conquerors  through  him  that  loved  us. 
 
 CHAP.  XVII.  1 — 5.  Christ  desired  to  be  carried  triumphanth- 
 through  his  sufferings  to  his  glory,  that  he  might  glorify  the  Father 
 two  ways  :  first,  By  the  death  of  the  cross,  which  he  was  now  to 
 suffer  ;  second.  By  the  doctrine  of  the  cross,  which  was  now  shortly 
 to  be  published  to  the  world,  by  which  God’s  kingdom  was  to  be 
 re-established  among  men.  He  prays  that  his  Father  would  so 
 grace  his  sufferings,  and  crown  them,  as  not  only  to  take  off  the  of¬ 
 fence  of  the  cross,  but  to  make  it  to  them  that  are  saved,  the  wis¬ 
 dom  of  God,  and  the  power  of  God.  If  God  had  not  glorified 
 Christ  crucified,  by  raising  him  from  the  dead,  his  whole  under¬ 
 taking  had  been  crushed  ;  therefore  glorify  me,  that  1  may  glorify 
 thee. 
 
 By  verse  5,  it  appears,  first,  That  Jesus  Christ  as  God  had  a 
 being  before  the  world  was,  co-eternal  with  the  Father;  our  religiorr 
 acquaints  us  with  one  that  was  before  all  things,  and  by  whom  all 
 things  consist  •  second,  That  his  glory  with  the  Father  is  from 
 
 Vol.  II  3  U  ' 
 
 everlasting,  as  well  as  his  existence  with  the  Fathe-r ;  for  he  was 
 from  eternity,  the  brightness  of  his  Father’s  glory,  Heb.  i.  3  :  third, 
 That  Jesus  Christ  in  his  state  of  humiliation,  divested  himself  of 
 this  glory,  and  drew  a  veil  over  it;  though  he  was  still  God,  yet  he 
 was  God  manifested  in  the  flesh,  not  in  his  glory  :  fourth.  That  in 
 his  exalted  state  he  resumed  this  glory,  and  clad  himself  again  with 
 his  former  robes  of  light.  Having  performed  his  undertaking,  he 
 did  as  it  were,  take  up  his  pawn,  by  this  demand,  glorify  thou  me. 
 He  prays  that  even  his  human  nature  might  be  advanced  to  the 
 highest  honour  it  was  capable  of:  his  body  a  glorious  body;  and 
 that  the  glory  of  the  godhead  might  now  be  manifested  in  the  per¬ 
 son  of  the  Mediator,  Immanuel,  God-man. 
 
 6 — 10.  All  that  receive  Christ's  word,  and  believe  in  him,  are 
 taken  into  covenant  relation  to  the  Father,  and  are  looked  upon  as 
 his  ;  Christ  presents  them  to  him,  and  they  through  Christ  present 
 themselves  to  him.  Christ  has  redeemed  us  not  to  himself  only, 
 but  to  God  by  his  blood,  Rev.  v.  9.  10.  They  are  first  fruits  unto 
 God,  Rev.  xiv.  4.  This  is  a  good  plea  in  prayer,  Christ  here  pleads 
 it,  they  are  thine  ;  we  may  plead  it  for  ourselves,  I  am  thine,  save 
 me;  and  for  others,  as  Moses,  Exod.  xxxii.  1 1,  They  are  thy  people. 
 They  are  thine,  wilt  thou  not  provide  for  thine  own?  Wilt  thou 
 not  secure  them  that  they  may  not  be  run  down  by  the  devil  and 
 the  world  ?  Wilt  thou  not  secure  thine  interest  in  them,  that  they 
 may  not  depart  from  thee  ?  They  are  thine,  own  them  as  thine. 
 
 11 — 16.  After  the  general  pleas  with  which  Christ  recommended 
 his  disciples  to  his  Father’s  care,  follow  the  particular  petitions  he 
 puts  up  for  them.  And  they  all  relate  to  spiritual  blessings  in  hea- 
 
 311 
 
ST.  JOHN. 
 
 gavest  me  I  have  Tept,  and  none  of  them  is 
 lost  but  the  son  of  perdition  :  that  the  scrip¬ 
 ture  might  be  fulfilled. 
 
 13  And  now  come  I  to  thee :  and  these 
 things  I  speak  in  the  world,  that  they  might 
 have  my  joy  fulfilled  in  themselves. 
 
 14  I  have  given  them  thy  word  ;  and  the 
 world  hath  hated  them ;  because  they  are 
 not  of  the  world,  even  as  I  am  not  ot  the 
 world. 
 
 15  I  pray  not  that  thou  shouldest  take 
 them  out  of  the  world,  but  that  thou  should¬ 
 est  keep  them  from  the  evil. 
 
 16  They  are  not  of  the  world,  even  as  I 
 am  not  of  the  world. 
 
 17  Sanctify  them  through  the  truth,  thy 
 word  is  truth. 
 
 18  As  thou  hast  sent  me  into  the  world, 
 even  so  have  1  also  sent  them  into  the  world. 
 
 19  And  for  their  sakes  I  sanctify  myself, 
 that  they  also  might  be  sanctified  through 
 the  truth. 
 
 20  %  Neither  pray  I  for  these  alone,  but 
 for  them  also  which  shall  believe  on  me 
 through  their  word. 
 
 21  That  they  all  may  be  one;  as  thou. 
 Father,  in  me,  and  I  in  thee ;  that  they 
 also  may  be  one  in  us  ;  that  the  world  may 
 believe  that  thou  hast  sent  me. 
 
 22  And  the  glory  which  thou  gavest  me  I 
 have  given  them ;  that  they  may  be  one, 
 even  as  we  are  one. 
 
 23  I  in  them,  and  thou  in  me,  that  they 
 may  be  made  perfect  in  one  ;  and  that  the 
 Avorld  may  know  that  thou  hast  sent  me, 
 and  hast  loved  them  as  thou  hast  loved  me. 
 
 venly  things.  He  is  large  and  full  in  the  petitioners,  o-rders  them 
 before  his  Father,  and  fills  his  mouth  with  arguments,  to  teach  us 
 fervency  and  importunity  in  prayer ;  to  be  large  in  prayer,  and 
 dwell  upon  our  errands  at  the  throne  of  grace,  wrestling  as  Jacob, 
 I  will  not  let  thee  go,  except  thou  bless  me. 
 
 Christ  desires  they  may  be  sanctified,  both  as  Christians  and  as 
 ministers.  The  word  of  truth  is  the  outward  and  ordinary  means 
 of  our  sanctification;  not  of  itself,  for  then  it  would  always  sanc¬ 
 tify,  but  as  the  instrument  which  the  spirit  commonly  useth  in  be¬ 
 ginning  and  carrying  on  the  good  work  ;  it  is  the  seed  of  the  new 
 birth,  1  Pet.  i.  23.  and  the  food  of  the  new  life,  1  Pet.  ii.  1,  2. 
 
 20—23.  Next  to  their  i)urity,  he  prays  for  their  unity,  for  the 
 wisdom  from  above,  is  first  pure,  then  peaceable;  and  amity  is 
 then  amiable  indeed,  when  it  is  like  the  ointment  on  Aaron’s  holy 
 head,  and  the  dew  on  Sion’s  holy  hill.  Observe  who  are  included 
 in  this  prayer,  20,  not  these  only,  not  these  only  that  are  now  my 
 disciples,  the  eleven,  the  seventy,  with  others,  men  and  women  that 
 followed  him  when  he  was  here  on  earth,  but  for  them  also  which 
 shall  believe  on  me  through  their  word,  either  preached  by  them 
 in  their  own  day,  or  written  by  them  for  the  generation  to  come; 
 
 512 
 
 24  Father;  I  will  that  they  also,  whom 
 thou  hast  given  me,  be  with  me  where  I  am ; 
 that  they  may  behold  my  glory,  which  thou 
 hast  given  me  ;  for  thou  lovedst  me  before 
 the  foundation  of  the  world. 
 
 25  O  righteous  Father,  the  world  hath 
 not  known  thee  :  but  I  have  known  thee,  and 
 these  have  known  that  thou  hast  sent  me. 
 
 26  And  I  have  declared  unto  them  thy 
 name,  and  will  declare  ii  ;  that  the  love 
 wherewith  thou  hast  loved  me  may  be  in 
 them,  and  I  in  them. 
 
 CHAP.  XVIII. 
 
 I.  Christ  arrested  in  the  garden,  v.  1  — 12.  11.  Abused  in  the 
 
 high  priest’s  court,  v.  13— 27-  HI-  Prosecuted  before  Pilate, 
 28—40. 
 
 HEN  Jesus  had  spoken  these  words, 
 he  went  forth  with  his  disciples  over 
 the  brook  Cedron,  where  was  a  garden,  into 
 the  which  he  entered,  and  his  disciples. 
 
 2  And  Judas  also,  which  betrayed  him, 
 knew  the  place  ;  for  Jesus  oft-times  resort¬ 
 ed  thither  with  his  disciples. 
 
 3  Judas  then,  having  received  a  band  of 
 men  and  officers  from  the  chief  priests  and 
 Pharisees,  cometh  thither  with  lanterns,  and 
 torches,  and  weapons. 
 
 4  Jesus,  therefore,  knowing  all  things  that 
 should  come  upon  him,  went  forth,  and  said 
 unto  them.  Whom  seek  ye  ? 
 
 5  They  answered  him,  Jesus  of  Nazareth. 
 Jesus  saith  unto  them,  1  am  he.  (And  Judas 
 also  which  betrayed  him,  stood  with  them. 
 
 6  As  soon  then  as  he  had  said  unto  them, 
 I  am  he,  they  went  backward,  and  fell  to  the 
 erround. 
 
 O 
 
 pray  for  them  all,  that  they  all  may  be  one  in  their  interest  in  this 
 prayer,  and  may  all  receive  benefit  by  it. 
 
 24 — 26.  The  felicity  of  the  redeemed  consists  very  much  in  the 
 beholding  that  glory ;  they  will  have  the  immediate  view  of  his 
 glorious  person,  I  shall  see  God  in  my  flesh.  Job  xix.  26,  27-  Thev 
 will  have  a  clear  insight  into  his  glorious  undertaking,  as  it  will 
 be  then  accomplished  ;  they  will  sec  into  those  springs  of  love  from 
 whence  flow  all  these  streams  of  grace  ;  they  shall  have  an  appro¬ 
 priating  sight  of  Christ’s  glory,  and  an  assimilating  sight,  they  snail 
 be  changed  into  the  same  image  from  glory  to  glory. 
 
 CHAP.  XVIII.  1  — 1 2.  Sec  how  Christ  terrified  his  enemies,  and 
 obliged  them  to  retire,  6'.  •  They  went  backward,  and,  like  men 
 thunder-struck  fell  to  the  ground.  It  should  seem  they  did  not 
 fall  forwards,  as  humbling  themselves  before  him,  and  yielding 
 to  him,  but  backwards,  as  standing  it  out  to  the  utmost.  Thus 
 Christ  was  declared  to  be  more  than  man,  even  then  when  he 
 was  trampled  upon  as  a  worm,  and  no  man.  This  word,  I  am  he, 
 revived  his  disciples,  and  raised  them  up.  Matt.  xiv.  27,  hut  the 
 same  word  strikes  his  enemies  down.  Hereby  he  shewed  plainly, 
 first.  What  he  could  have  done  with  them;  when  he  struck  then* 
 
CHAP.  XVIII. 
 
 7  Then  he  asked  them  again,  Whom  seek 
 ye  ?  And  they  said,  Jesus  ot  Nazareth. 
 
 8  Jesus  answered,  I  have  told  you  that  I 
 am  he :  if,  therefore,  ye  seek  me,  let  these 
 
 go  their  way  :  i,-ii  i  i  •  i 
 
 9  That  the  saying  might  be  fulfilled  which 
 
 he  spake.  Of  them  which  thou  gavest  me 
 have  I  lost  none. 
 
 10  %  Then  Simon  Peter  having  a  sword 
 drew  it,  and  smote  the  high  priest  s  servant, 
 and  cut  off  his  right  ear.  The  servant  s  name 
 was  Malchus. 
 
 11  Then  said  Jesus  unto  Peter,  Put  up 
 thy  sword  into  the  sheath;  the  cup  which 
 my  Father  hath  given  me  shall  I  not  drink 
 
 it? 
 
 12  f  Then  the  band,  and  the  captain  and 
 officers  of  the  Jews,  took  Jesus,  and  bound 
 him, 
 
 13  And  led  him  away  to  Annas  first ;  (for 
 he  was  father-in-law  to  Caiaphas,  which  was 
 the  high  priest  that  same  year.) 
 
 14  Now  Caiaphas  was  he  which  gave 
 counsel  to  the  Jews,  that  it  was  expedient 
 that  one  man  should  die  for  the  people. 
 
 15  ^  And  Simon  Peter  followed  Jesus, 
 and  so  did  another  disciple.  _  That  disciple 
 was  known  unto  the  high  priest,  and  went 
 in  with  Jesus  into  the  palace  of  the  high 
 priest. 
 
 16  But  Peter  stood  at  the  door  without. 
 Then  went  out  that  other  disciple,  which  was 
 known  unto  the  high  priest,  and  spake 
 unto  her  that  kept  the  door,  and  brought  in 
 Peter. 
 
 17  Then  saith  the  damsel  that  kept  the 
 door  unto  Peter,  Art  not  thou  also  one  of 
 this  man’s  disciples  ?  He  saith,  I  am  not. 
 
 18  And  the  servants  and  officers  stood 
 there,  who  had  made  a  fire  of  coals,  for  it 
 
 down  he  could  have  struck  them  dead  ;  when  he  spoke  them  to 
 the  ground  he  could  have  spoke  them  to  hell,  and  have  sent  them 
 like  Korah’s  company,  the  next  way  thither.  Second,  What  he 
 will  do  at  last  with  all  his  implacable  enemies  that  will  not  repent 
 to  give  him  glory  ;  they  shall  flee,  they  shall  fall  before  him.  Now 
 the  scripture  was  accomplished,  Psal.  xxi.  12.  Thou  shall  make 
 them  turn  their  back,  and  Psal.  xx.  8,  and  it  will  be  accomplished 
 more  and  more ;  with  the  breath  of  his  mouth  he  will  slay  the 
 wicked,  2  Thess.  ii.  8,  Rev.  xix.  21. 
 
 13—27.  St.  John  several  times  in  this  gospel  speaking  of  himsell 
 as  another  disciple,  many  interpreters  have  been  led  by  that  to 
 fancy  ihat  this  other  disciple  here  was  John  ;  and  many  conjec¬ 
 tures  they  have  how  he  should  come  to  be  known  to  the  high 
 
 was  cold  ;  and  they  warmed  themselves  ; 
 and  Peter  stood  with  them,  and  Avarmed 
 himself. 
 
 19  ij  The  high  priest  then  asked  Jesus  of 
 his  disciples,  and  of  his  doctrine. 
 
 20  Jesus  answered  him,  I  spake  openly  to 
 the  Avorld ;  I  ever  taught  in  the  synagogue 
 and  in  the  temple,  Avhither  the  Jews  always 
 resort :  and  in  secret  have  I  said  nothing. 
 
 21  Why  askest  thou  me  ?  ask  them  which 
 heard  me  what  I  have  said  unto  them  :  be¬ 
 hold,  they  know  what  I  said. 
 
 22  And  Avhen  he  had  thus  spoken  one 
 of  the  officers  which  stood  by,  struck  J  esus 
 with  the  palm  of  his  hand,  saying,  AnsAverest 
 thou  the  high  priest  so  ? 
 
 23  Jesus  ansAvered  him.  If  I  have  spoken 
 evil,  bear  Avitness  of  the  evil  ?  but  if  Avell, 
 Avhy  smitest  thou  me  ? 
 
 24  (Noav  Annas  had  sent  him  bound  unto 
 Caiaphas  the  high  priest.) 
 
 25  %  And  Simon  Peter  stood  and  Avarmed 
 himself.  They  said,  therefore,  unto  him.  Art 
 not  thou  also  one  of  his  disciples  ?  He  denied 
 it,  and  said,  I  am  not. 
 
 26  One  of  the  servants  of  the  high  priest, 
 being  his  kinsman  Avhose  ear  Peter  cut  off, 
 saith.  Did  not  I  see  thee  in  the  garden  Avith 
 him  ? 
 
 27  Peter  then  denied  again,  and  imme¬ 
 diately  the  cock  creAV. 
 
 28  ^  Then  led  they  Jesus  from  Caiaphas 
 unto  the  hall  of  judgment ;  and  it  Avas  early  ; 
 and  they  themselves  Avent  not  into  the  judg¬ 
 ment-hall,  lest,  they  should  be  defiled,  but 
 that  they  might  eat  the  passover. 
 
 29  Pilate  then  Avent  out  unto  them,  and 
 said.  What  accusation  bring  vou  against  this 
 man  ? 
 
 30  They  answered,  and  saia  unto  him,  If 
 
 priest.  But  I  see  no  reason  to  think  that  this  other  disciple  was 
 John,  or  one  of  the  twelve  other  sheep  Christ  had  which  were 
 not  of  the  fold,  and  this  might  be,  as  the  Syriac  reads  it,  one  of 
 those  other  disciples  that  believed  in  Christ,  but  resided  at  Jerusa¬ 
 lem,  and  kept  their  places  there ;  perhaps  Josepn  of  Arimathea, 
 or  Nicodemus,  known  to  the  hi^h  priest,  but  not  known  to  him  to 
 be  disciples  of  Christ. 
 
 See  notes  on  Matt.  xxvi. 
 
 28—40.  Christ  is  a  King,  and  has  a  kingdom,  but  not  of  this 
 world.  First,  Its  rise  is  not  from  this  world.  Second,  Its  nature 
 is  not  worldly.  Third,  Its  guards  and  supports  are  not  worldly, 
 its  weapons  spiritual,  it  needed  not,  nor  used  secular  force  to 
 maintain  and  advance  it  Fourth,  Its  tendency  and  design  is  not 
 
 513 
 
ST.  JOHN 
 
 he  were  not  a  malefactor  w'e  would  not  have 
 delivered  him  up  unto  thee. 
 
 31  Then  said  Pilate  unto  them,  Take  ye 
 him,  and  judge  him  according  to  your  law. 
 The  Jews,  therefore,  said  unto  him.  It  is  not 
 lawful  for  us  to  put  any  man  to  death : 
 
 32  That  the  saying  of  Jesus  might  be  ful¬ 
 filled,  which  he  spake,  signifying  what  death 
 he  should  die. 
 
 33  Then  Pilate  entered  into  the  judg¬ 
 ment-hall  again,  and  called  Jesus,  and  said 
 unto  him.  Art  thou  the  king  of  the  Jews? 
 
 34  Jesus  answered  him,  Sayest  thou  this 
 
 thing  of  thyself,  or  did  others  tell  it  thee  of 
 me  ?  ' 
 
 35  Pilate  answered.  Am  I  a  Jew?  Thine 
 own  nation  and  the  chief  priests  have  deliver¬ 
 ed  thee  unto  me.  What  hast  thou  done  ? 
 
 36  Jesus  answered,  Mv  kingdom  is  not 
 of  this  world.  If  my  kingdom  were  of  this 
 world,  then  would  my  servants  fight,  that  I 
 should  not  be  delivered  to  the  Jews  ;  but  now 
 is  my  kingdom  not  from  hence. 
 
 37  Pilate,  therefore,  said  unto  him.  Art 
 thou  a  king  then?  Jesus  answered.  Thou 
 saj^est  that  I  am  a  king.  To  this  end  was  I 
 born,  and  for  this  cause  came  I  into  the 
 world,  that  I  should  bare  witness  unto  the 
 truth.  Every  one  that  is  of  the  truth  heareth 
 mj'^  voice. 
 
 38  Pilate  saith  unto  him.  What  is  truth  ? 
 •And  when  he  had  said  this,  he  Avent  out 
 again  unto  the  Jews,  and  saith  unto  them, 
 I  find  in  him  no  fault  at  all. 
 
 39  But  ye  have  a  custom  that  I  should 
 release  unto  you  one  at  the  passover  ;  Avill 
 ye,  therefore,  that  I  release  unto  you  the 
 King  of  the  Jews  ? 
 
 worldly:  Christ  aimed  not,  nor  would  allow  his  disciples  to  aim 
 at  the  pomp  and  power  of  the  great  men  of  the  earth.  Fifth,  Its 
 subjects,  though  they  are  in  the  world,  yet  are  not  of  the  world  ; 
 they  are  called  and  chosen  out  of  the  world,  are  born  from  and 
 bound  for  another  world  ;  they  are  neither  the  world’s  pupils  nor 
 its  darlings,  neither  govoi'ned  by  its  wisdom,  nor  enriched  with  its 
 wealth. 
 
 Christ  came  to  be  a  witness,  a  witness  for  the  God  that  made 
 the  world,  and  against  sin  that  ruins  the  world,  and  by  this  word 
 of  his  testimony  he  sets  up  and  keeps  up  his  kingdom.  It  was  fore¬ 
 told  that  he  should  be  a  witness  to  the  people,  and  as  such  a  leader 
 and  commander  to  the  people,  Isa.  Iv.  4,  Christ’s  kingdom  was 
 not  of  this  world,  in  which  truth  failcth,  Isa.  lix.  15,  but  of  that 
 world  in  which  truth  reigns  eternally.  Christ’s  errand  into  the 
 Avorld,  and  his  business  in  the  world,  and  to  bear  witness  to  the 
 truth.  First,  To  reveal  it,  to  discover  to  the  world  that  which 
 514 
 
 40  Then  cried  they  all  again,  saying.  Not 
 this  man,  but  Barabbas.  Now  Barabbas 
 was  a  robber. 
 
 CHAP.  XIX. 
 
 The  crucifixion  of  Christ. 
 
 ^B'^HEN  Pilate,  therefore,  took  Jesus,  and 
 scourged  him. 
 
 2  And  the  soldiers  platted  a  crown  of 
 thorns,  and  put  it  on  his  head,  and  they  put 
 on  him  a  purple  robe, 
 
 3  And  said.  Hail,  king  of  the  Jews  !  and 
 they  smote  him  with  their  hands. 
 
 4  ^  Pilate,  therefore,  went  forth  again, 
 and  saith  unto  them.  Behold,  I  bring  him 
 forth  to  you,  that  ye  may  know  that  I  find 
 no  fault  in  him. 
 
 5  Then  came  Jesus  forth,  Avearing  the 
 crown  of  thorns  and  the  purple  robe.  And 
 Pilate  saith  unto  them.  Behold  the  man  ! 
 
 6  When  the  chief  priests,  therefore,  and 
 officers  saAV  him,  they  cried  out,  saying.  Cru¬ 
 cify  him,  crucify  him,  Pilate  saith  unto  them, 
 Take  ye  him,  and  crucify  him  :  for  I  find  no 
 fault  in  him. 
 
 7  The  Jews  ansAvered  him.  We  have  a 
 laAV,  and  by  our  laAv  he  ought  to  die,  because 
 he  made  himself  the  Son  of  God. 
 
 8  ^  When  Pilate,  therefore,  heard  that 
 saying,  he  Avas  the  more  afraid, 
 
 9  And  Avent  again  into  the  judgment-hall, 
 and  saith  unto  Jesus,  AV hence  art  thou  ?  But 
 Jesus  gave  him  no  ansAver. 
 
 10  Then  saith  Pilate  unto  him,  Speakest 
 thou  not  unto  me  ?  knoAvest  thou  not  that  I 
 have  poAv^er  to  crucify  thee,  and  have  poAver 
 to  release  thee  ? 
 
 11  Jesus  ansAvered,  Thou  couldest  liaA’c 
 no  poAA^er  at  all  against  me,  except  it  Avere 
 
 otherwise  could  not  have  been  known  concerning  God,  and  his 
 will,  and  good  will  to  men,  John  i.  8,  and  xvii.  ult.  Second, 
 To  confirm  it,  Rom.  xv.  18.  By  his  miracles  he  bare  witness  to 
 the  truth  of  religion,  the  truth  of  divine  revelation,  andofCiod’s 
 perfections  and  providence,  and  the  truth  of  his  promise  and  cove¬ 
 nant,  that  all  men  through  him  might  believe.  Now  by  doing  this 
 he  is  a  King,  and  sets  up  a  kingdom. 
 
 CHAR.  XIX.  1—15.  Observe  here,  first,  AVhat  a  plain  indica¬ 
 tion  this  is,  that  the  time  for  the  Messiah  to  appear,  even  their 
 time  was  now  come  ;  for  if  the  Jews  have  no  king  but  Cesar, 
 then  is  the  sceptre  departed  from  Judah,  and  the  law-giver  Iroin 
 between  his  feet,  which  slmuld  never  be  till  Shiloh  come  to  set  up 
 a  spiritual  kingdom.  And,  second,  AA'hat  a  righteous  thing  it  was 
 with  God  to  bring  upon  them  tliat  ruin  b>  the  Romans  which  fol¬ 
 lowed  not  long  after.  1,  'I’hev  adhere  to  Cesar,  and  to  Cesar 
 they  shall  go.  It  is  just  with 'God  to  make  that  a  scourge  and 
 
CHAP 
 
 given  thee  from  above  ;  therefore  he  that 
 delivered  me  unto  thee  hath  the  greater 
 sin. 
 
 12  And  from  thenceforth  Pilate  sought 
 to  release  him  ;  but  the  Jews  cried  out,  say¬ 
 ing,  If  thou  let  this  man  go  thou  art  not 
 Cesar’s  friend  :  whosoever  maketh  himself  a 
 king  speaketh  against  Cesar. 
 
 13  When  Pilate,  therefore,  heard  that 
 saying,  he  brought  Jesus  forth,  and  sat  down 
 in  the  judgment-seat,  in  a  place  that  is 
 called  The  Pavement,  but  in  the  Hebrew, 
 Gabbatha. 
 
 14  And  it  was  the  preparation  of  the 
 passover,  and  about  the  sixth  hour  ;  and  he 
 saith  unto  the  Jews,  Behold  your  king  ! 
 
 15  But  they  cried  out.  Away  with  Mm, 
 away  with  him,  crucify  him.  Pilate  saith  unto 
 them.  Shall  I  crucify  your  king  ?  The  chief 
 priests  answered.  We  have  no  kino-  but 
 Cesar. 
 
 16  Then  delivered  he  him,  therefore,  unto 
 them  to  be  crucified.  And  they  took  Jesus 
 and  led  him  away. 
 
 17  ^  And  he,  bearing  his  cross,  went  forth 
 into  a  place  called  the  place  of  a  scull,  which 
 is  called  in  the  Hebrew,  Golgotha ; 
 
 19  Where  they  crucified  him,  and  two 
 others  with  him,  on  either  side  one,  and  Jesus 
 in  the  midst. 
 
 19  %  And  Pilate  wrote  a  title,  and  put  it 
 on  the  cross.  And  the  writing  was,  JESUS 
 OF  NAZARETH,  THE  KING  OF  THE 
 JEWS. 
 
 20  This  title  then  read  many  of  the  Jews  ; 
 for  the  place  where  Jesus  was  crucified  was 
 nigh  to  the  city  :  and  it  was  written  in  He¬ 
 brew,  and  Greek,  and  Latin. 
 
 21  Then  said  the  chief  priests  of  the  Jev/s 
 
 plague  to  us  which  we  prefer  before  Christ.  2.  They  would  have 
 no  other  king  but  Cesar,  and  never  have  they  had  any  other  to 
 this  day,  but  have  now  abode  many  days  without  a  king,  and  with¬ 
 out  a  prince,  Hos.  iii.  4,  without  any  of  their  own,  but  the  kings 
 of  the  nations  have  ruled  over  them ;  since  they  will  have  no  king 
 but  Cesar,  so  shall  their  doom  be,  themselves  have  decided  it. 
 
 16 — 18.  See  notes  on  Matt,  xxvii, 
 
 19 — 30.  Christ  was  not  so  much  taken  up  with  a  sense  of  his 
 sufferings  as  to  forget  his  friends;  all  whose  concerns  he  bore  upon 
 his  heart.  His  mother  perhaps  was  so  taken  up  with  his  sufferings 
 that  she  thought  not  what  would  become  of  her,  but  he  admitted 
 that  thought.  Silver  and  gold  he  had  none  to  leave,  no  estate, 
 real  or  personal,  his  clothes  the  sol'diers  had  seized,  and  we  hear 
 yo  more  of  the  bag  since  Judas,  that  carried  it,  hanged  himself. 
 He  had  therefore  no  other  way  to  provide  for  his  mother  but  by 
 
 XIX. 
 
 to  Pilate,  write  not.  The  king  of  the  Jews . 
 but  that  he  said,  I  am  king  of  the  Jews. 
 
 22  Pilate  answered.  What  I  have  written 
 I  have  written. 
 
 33  %  Then  the  soldiers,  when  they  had 
 crucified  Jesus,  took  his  garments,  and  made 
 four  parts,  to  every  soldier  a  part ;  and  also 
 his  coat :  now  the  coat  was  without  seam, 
 woven  from  the  top  throughout. 
 
 24  They  said,  therefore,  among  them¬ 
 selves,  Let  us  not  rend  it,  but  cast  lots  for 
 it,  whose  it  shall  be;  that  the  scripture 
 might  be  fulfilled,  Avhich  saith.  They  parted 
 my  raiment  among  them,  and  for  my  ves¬ 
 ture  they  did  cast  lots.  These  things,  there¬ 
 fore,  the  soldiers  did. 
 
 25  ^  Now  there  stood  by  the  cross  of 
 Jesus  his  mother,  and  his  mother’s  sister, 
 Mary  the  zdfe  of  Cleopas,  and  Mary  Mag¬ 
 dalene. 
 
 26  When  Jesus,  therefore,  saw  his  mother, 
 and  the  disciple  standing  by  whom  he  loved, 
 he  saith  unto  his  mother.  Woman,  behold 
 thy  son ! 
 
 27  Then  saith  he  to  the  disciple.  Behold 
 thy  mother !  And  from  that  hour  that  dis¬ 
 ciple  took  her  unto  his  own  ho7ne. 
 
 28  f  After  this,  Jesus  knowing  that  all 
 things  were  now  accomplished,  that  the 
 scripture  might  be  fulfilled,  saith,  I  thirst. 
 
 29  Now  there  was  set  a  vessel  full  of 
 vinegar  :  and  they  filled  a  spunge  with  vincr 
 gar,  and  put  it  upon  hyssop,  and  put  it  to  his 
 mouth. 
 
 30  When  Jesus,  therefore,  had  received 
 the  vinegar,  he  said.  It  is  finished  :  and  he 
 bowed  his  head,  and  gave  up  the  Ghost. 
 
 31  f  The  Jews,  therefore,  because  it  was 
 the  preparation,  that  the  bodies  should  not 
 
 his  interest  in  a  friend,  which  he  doth  here.  Christ  has  here 
 taught  children  to  the  utmost  of  their  power  to  provide  for  the 
 comfort  of  their  aged  parents.  When  David  was  in  distress  he  took 
 care  of  his  parents,  and  found  out  a  shelter  for  them,  1  Sam.  xxii. 
 3  :  so  the  son  of  David  here.  Children  at  their  death,  according 
 to  their  ability,  should  provide  for  their  parents  if  they  survive 
 them,  and  need  their  kindness.  To  John  Christ  saith.  Behold  thy 
 mother,  i.  e.  I  recommend  her  to  thy  care,  be  thou  as  a  son  to  her, 
 to  guide  her,  Isa.  li.  18,  and  not  to  forsake  her  when  she  is  old, 
 Prov.  xxiii.  22.  Now  this  was  an  honour  put  upon  John,  and  a 
 testimony  both  to  his  prudence  and  to  his  fidelity.  Those  that 
 truly  love  Christ,  and  are  loved  of  him,  will  be  glad  of  an  oppor¬ 
 tunity  to  do  any  service  to  him  or  his. 
 
 31 — 42.  This  passage  concerning  the  piercing  of  Christ’s  side, 
 after  his  death  is  recorded  only  by  this  evangelist.  Pilate  was  still 
 
 51^ 
 
ST.  JOHN. 
 
 remain  upon  the  cross  on  the  sabbath-day, 
 (for  the  sabbath-day  was  an  high  day,)  be¬ 
 sought  Pilate  that  their  legs  migTit  be  broken, 
 and  that  they  might  be  taken  away. 
 
 32  Then  came  the  soldiers,  and  brake  the 
 legs  of  the  first,  and  of  the  other  which  was 
 crucified  with  him. 
 
 33  But  when  they  came  to  Jesus,  and 
 saw  that  he  was  dead  already,  they  brake 
 not  his  legs  ; 
 
 34  But  one  of  the  soldiers  with  a  spear 
 pierced  his  side,  and  forthwith  came  there¬ 
 out  blood  and  water. 
 
 33  And  he  that  saw  it  bare  record,  and 
 his  record  is  true ;  and  he  knoweth  that  he 
 saith  true,  that  ye  might  believe. 
 
 36  For  these  things  were  done  that  the 
 scripture  should  be  fulfilled,  A  bone  of  him 
 shall  not  be  broken. 
 
 37  And  again,  another  scripture  saith. 
 They  shall  look  on  him  whom  they  pierced. 
 
 38  ^  And  after  this,  Joseph  of  Arimathea, 
 (being  a  disciple  of  Jesus,  but  secretly  for 
 fear  of  the  Jews,)  besought  Pilate  that  he 
 might  take  away  the  body  of  Jesus  ;  and 
 Pilate  gave  hi/a  leave.  He  came,  therefore, 
 and  took  the  body  of  Jesus. 
 
 39  And  there  came  also  Nicodemus, 
 (which  at  the  first  came  to  Jesus  by  night,) 
 and  brought  a  mixture  of  mj^rh  and  aloes, 
 about  an  hundred  pound  weight. 
 
 40  Then  took  they  the  body  of  Jesus,  and 
 wound  it  in  linen  clothes  with  the  spices,  as 
 the  manner  of  the  Jews  is  to  bury. 
 
 41  Now  in  the  place  where  he  was  cru. 
 cified,  there  was  a  garden  ;  and  in  the  garden 
 a  new  sepulchre,  wherein  was  never  man  vet 
 laid. 
 
 42  There  laid  they  Jesus,  therefore,  be¬ 
 cause  of  the  Jews"  preparation-doy  ;  for  the 
 sepulchre  was  nigh  at  hand. 
 
 CHAP.  XX. 
 
 The  history  of  Christ’s  resurrection. 
 
 The  first  day  of  the  week  cometh  Mary 
 Magdalene  early,  when  it  was  yet  dark, 
 unto  the  sepulchre,  and  seeth  the  stone  taken 
 away  from  the  sepulchre. 
 
 2  Then  she  runneth,  and  cometh  to  Si¬ 
 mon  Peter,  and  to  the  other  disciple  whom 
 Jesus  loved,  and  saith  unto  them.  They  have 
 taken  away  the  Lord  out  of  the  sepulchre, 
 and  we  know  not  where  they  have  laid 
 him. 
 
 3  Peter,  therefore,  went  forth,  and  that 
 other  disciple,  and  came  to  the  sepulchre, 
 
 4  So  they  ran  both  together ;  and  the 
 other  disciple  did  outrun  Peter,  and  came 
 first  to  the  sepulchre. 
 
 5  And  he,  stooping  'down,  a?id  looking  in, 
 saw  the  linen  clothes  lying,  yet  went  he  not 
 
 m. 
 
 6  Then  cometh  Simon  Peter,  following 
 him,  and  went  into  the  sepulchre,  and  seeth 
 the  linen  clothes  lie  : 
 
 7  And  the  napkin  that  was  about  his  head 
 not  lying  with  the  linen  clothes,  but  wrapped 
 together  in  a  place  by  itself. 
 
 8  Then  went  in  also  that  other  disciple. 
 
 gratifying  the  Jews,  and  gave  orders  as  they  desired.  And  the 
 soldiers  came  hardened  against  all  impressions  of  pity,  and  broke 
 the  legs  of  the  two  thieves,  which  do  doubt  extorted  from  them 
 hideous  out-cries,  and  made  them  die  according  to  the  bloody 
 disposition  of  Nero,  so  as  to  feel  themselves  die.  One  of  these 
 thieves  was  a  penitent,  and  had  received  from  Christ  an  assurance 
 that  he  should  shortly  be  with  him  in  paradise,  and  yet  died  in  the 
 same  pain  and  misery  that  the  other  thief  did,  for  all  things  come 
 alike  to  all.  Many  go  to  heaven  that  have  bands  in  their  death, 
 and  die  in  the  bitterness  of  their  soul.  The  trial  was  made  whether 
 Christ  was  dead  or  no.  First,  They  supposed  him  to  be  dead,  and 
 therefore  did  not  break  his  legs,  33.  Second,  Because  they 
 would  be  sure  he  was  dead,  they  made  such  an  experiment  as 
 would  put  it  past  dispute  :  one  of  the  soldiers  with  a  spear  pierced 
 his  side,  aiming  at  his  heart,  and  forthwith  came  thereout  blood 
 and  water,  34.  The  blood  and  water  that  flowed  out  of  it  were 
 significant.  First,  They  signified  the  t\yo  great  benefits  which  all 
 believeis  partake  of  through  Christ,  justification  and  sanctifica¬ 
 tion.  Blood  for  remission,  w'ater  for  regeneration ;  blood  for 
 atonement,  water  for  purification.  Second,  they  signified  the 
 two  great  ordnances  of  Baptism  and  the  Lord’s  Supper,  by  which 
 those  bericflts  are  represented,  sealed,  and  applied  to  believers ; 
 thev  both  owe  their  institution  and  efficacy  to  Christ.  It  is  not 
 51& 
 
 the  font  that  will  be  to  us  the  washing  of  regeneration,  but  the 
 water  out  of  the  side  of  Christ ;  not  the  blood  of  the  grape  that  will 
 pacify  the  conscience,  and  refresh  the  soul,  but  the  blood  out  of 
 the  side  of  Christ.  Now  was  the  rock  smitten,  1  Cor.  x.  40  :  now 
 was  the  fountain  opened,  Zech.  xiii.  1  :  now  were  the  wells  of  sal¬ 
 vation  digged,  Isa.  xii.  3.  Here  is  the  river,  the  streams  whereof 
 make  glad  the  city  of  our  God. 
 
 Sec  notes  on  Matt,  xxvii. 
 
 CHAP.  XX.  1 — 10.  Observe  here,  1.  How  unapt  the  disciples 
 themselves  were  at  first  to  believe  the  resurrection  of  Christ,  which 
 confirms  the  testimony  they  afterward  gave  with  so  much  assur¬ 
 ance  concerning  it ;  for  by  their  backwardness  to  believe  it,  it  ap¬ 
 pears  they  were  not  credulous  concerning  it,  nor  of  those  simple 
 ones  that  believe  every  word.  If  they  had  any  design  to  ad¬ 
 vance  their  own  interest  by  it,  they  would  greedily  have  catched 
 at  the  first  spark  of  its  evidence,  would  have  raised  and  supported 
 one  another’s  expectations  of  it,  and  have  prepared  the  minds  o! 
 those  that  followed  them  to  receive  the  notices  of  it,  but  we  find 
 on  the  contrary,  their  hopes  were  prostrated,  it  was  to  them  as 
 a  strange  thing,  and  one  of  the  furthest  things  in  their  thoughts. 
 Peter  and  John  were  so  shy  of  believing  it  at  first,  that  nothing  less 
 than  the  most  convincing  proof  the  thing  was  capable  of,  could 
 jring  them  to  testify  it  afterwards  with  so  much  assurance.  Here 
 
CHAP.  XX. 
 
 which  came  first  to  the  sepulchre,  and  he 
 saw,  and  believed. 
 
 9  For  3.S  yet  they  knew  not  the  scripture 
 ihat  he  must  rise  again  from  the  dead. 
 
 10  Then  the  disciples  went  away  again 
 
 unto  their  own  home. 
 
 11^  But  Mary  stood  without  at  the  sepul¬ 
 chre  weeping :  and,  as  she  Avept,  she  stoop¬ 
 ed  down,  and  looked  into  the  sepulchre, 
 
 12  And  seeth  two  angels  in  white  sitting, 
 the  one  at  the  head,  and  the  other  at  the  feet, 
 Avhere  the  body  of  Jesus  had  lain. 
 
 13  And  they  say  unto  her.  Woman,  Avhy 
 Aveepest  thou  ?  She  saith  unto  them.  Be¬ 
 cause  they  have  taken  aAvay  my  Lord,  and  I 
 knoAV  not  Avhere  they  have  laid  him. 
 
 14  And  Avhen  she  had  thus  said,  she  turn¬ 
 ed  herself  back,  and  saAV  Jesus  standing,  and 
 kneAv  not  that  it  Avas  Jesus. 
 
 13  Jesus  saith  unto  her.  Woman,  Avhy 
 AA^eepest  thou  ?  Avhom  seekest  thou  ?  She 
 supposing  him  to  be  the  gardener,  saith  un¬ 
 to  him.  Sir,  if  thou  have  borne  him  hence 
 tell  me  Avhere  thou  hast  laid  him,  and  I  Avill 
 take  him  aAvay. 
 
 16  Jesus  saith  unto  her,  Mary.  She  turn¬ 
 
 ed  herself,  and  saith  unto  him,  Rabboni , 
 which  is  to  say.  Master. 
 
 17  Jesus  saith  unto  her.  Touch  me  not ; 
 for  I  am  not  yet  ascended  to  my  Father ; 
 but  go  to  my  brethren,  and  say  unto  them, 
 I  ascend  unto  my  Father,  and  ^our  Father, 
 and  to  my  God,  and  your  God. 
 
 18  Mary  Magdalene  came  and  told  the 
 disciples  that  she  had  seen  the  Lord,  and 
 that  he  had  spoken  these  things  unto  her. 
 
 19  f  Then  the  same  day  at  evening,  be¬ 
 ing  the  first  day  of  the  Aveek,  Avhen  the  doors 
 Avere  shut  Avhere  the  disciples  Avere  assembled 
 for  fear  of  the  JeAvs,  came  Jesus,  and  stood 
 in  the  midst,  and  saith  unto  them.  Peace  he 
 unto  you. 
 
 20  And  Avhen  he  had  so  said,  he  sheAAed 
 unto  them  /«z5‘hands  and  his  side.  Then  Avere 
 the  disciples  glad  Avhen  they  saAv  the  Lord. 
 
 21  Then  said  Jesus  to  them  again.  Peace 
 he  unto  you  ;  as  my  Father  hath  sent  me, 
 even  so  I  send  you. 
 
 22  And  Avhen  he  had  said  this,  he  breath¬ 
 ed  on  them,  and  saith  unto  them.  Receive  ye 
 the  Holy  Ghost. 
 
 23  Whose  soe\"er  sins  ye  remit,  they  are 
 
 bv  it  appears,  they  were  not  only  honest  men,  who  would  not  de¬ 
 ceive  others,  but  cautious  men  who  would  not  themselves  be  im¬ 
 posed  upon.  2.  What  was  the  reason  of  their  slowness  to  believe  ; 
 because  as  yet  they  knew  not  the  scripture.  This  seems  to  be  the 
 evangelist’s  acknowledgment  of  his  own  fault  among  the  rest ;  he 
 dothliot  say,  for  as  yet  Jesus  had  not  appeared  to  them,  had  not 
 shewed  them  his  hands  and  his  side,  but  as  yet  he  had  not  opened 
 their  understandings  to  understand  the  scriptures,  Luke  xxiv.  44, 
 45,  for  that  is  the  more  sure  word  of  prophecy. 
 
 11—18.  St  Mark  tells  us,  that  Christ  appeared  first  to  Mary 
 Magdalene,  Mark  xvi.  9;  that  appearance  is  here  largely  re¬ 
 lated  •  and  we  may  observe.  First,  The  constancy  and  fervency  ot 
 Mary’ Magdalene’s  affection  to  the  Lord  Jesus,  v.  xi.  She  staid  at 
 the  sepulchre,  when  Peter  and  John  were  gone,  because  there  her 
 ]\Iiistcr  had  laid,  and  there  she  was  likeliest  to  heai  some  tidings 
 of  him.  She  staid  there  weeping,  and  these  tears  loudly  spake 
 her  affection  to  her  Master.  As  she  wept,  she  looked  into  the 
 sepulchre,  that  her  eye  might  affect  her  heart.  Those  are  likely 
 to  seek  and  find,  that  seek  with  affection;  that  seek  in  tears.  Se¬ 
 condly,  The  vision  she  had  of  two  angels  in  the  sepulchre,  12. 
 Mary'Magdalene  is  not  diverted  from  her  inquiries  by  the  surprise 
 of  the  vision,  nor  satisfied  with  the  honour  of  it;  but  still  she 
 harps  upon  the  same  string,  they  have  taken  away  my  Lord. 
 The  angels  asked  her.  Why  weepest  thou  ?  why,  saith  she,  I  have 
 cause  enough  to  weep,  for  they  have  taken  away  my  Lord,  and, 
 like  Micah,  What  have  I  more  ?  Do  you  ask  why  I  "'cep  ?  Mv 
 beloved  has  withdrawn  himself,  and  is  gone.  Thirdly,  Christs 
 appearing  to  her  while  she  was  talking  with  the  angels,  and  telling 
 them  her  case  before  they  had  given  her  any  answer,  Christ  steps 
 in  himself  to  satisfy  her  inquiries,  for  God  speaketh  to  us  by 
 his  Son;  none  but  he  himself  can  direct  us  to  himself.  Mary 
 would  tain  know  where  her  Lord  is,  and  behold  he  is  at  her  right 
 hand.  Note,  those  that  will  be  content  with  nothing  short  of  a 
 sight  of  Christ,  shall  be  put  off  with  nothing  less.  He  never  said 
 to  the  soul  that  sought  him,  seek  in  vain. 
 
 Observe.  How  Christ  discovered  himself  to  this  good  woman 
 
 that  was  seeking  him  in  tears,  Iff.  Jesus  saith  unto  her,  Ma^^’ 
 Christ’s  sheep  know  his  voice,  John  x.  4.  This  one  word,  Mary, 
 was  like  that  to  the  disciples  in  the  storm.  It  is  I.  Thp  the  word 
 of  Christ  doth  us  good  when  we  put  our  owm  names  ieto  the  pre¬ 
 cepts  and  promises  ;  in  this  Christ  calls  to  me,  and  speaks  to  me. 
 He  diverts  her  from  the  expectation  of  familiar  society  and  con¬ 
 versation  with  him  at  this  time.  Touch  me  not,  for  1  am  not  ^t 
 ascended.  As  before  his  death,  so  now  after  his  resurrection  he 
 still  dwells  upon  this,  that  he  was  going  away,  was  no  more  in  the 
 world  ;  and  therefore  they  must  look  higher  than  this  bodily  pre¬ 
 sence,  and  look  further  than  the  present  state  of  things.  He  directs 
 ler  what  message  to  carry  to  his  disciples.  But  -go  to  ray  bre¬ 
 thren,  and  tell  them  not  only  that  I  am  risen,  she  could  have  told 
 them  that  of  herself,  for  she  had  seen  him,  but  that  i  ascend. 
 Christ’s  ascension  into  heaven,  in  further  prosecution  of  his  un¬ 
 dertaking  for  us,  is  likewise  an  unspeakable  comfor-t;  tell  them  I 
 must  shortly  ascend.  He  was  then  ascending,  he  is  now  ascended 
 to  his  Father  and  our  Father.  This  was  his  advancement,  he 
 ascended  to  receive  those  honours  and  powers  which  were  to  be 
 the  recompence  of  his  humiliation  ;  he  saith  it  with  triumph,  1  hat 
 they  who  love  him  may  rejoice.  This  is  our  advantage ;  for  he  as¬ 
 cended  as  a  conqueror  leading  captivity  captive  for  us,  Fsal.  Jxviii. 
 18.  He  ascended  as  a  forerunner,  to  prepare  a  place  for  us,  and 
 to  be  ready  to  receive  us.  This  message  was  like  that  "’hich  Joseph  s 
 brethren  brought  to  Jacob  concerning  him,  Gen.  xlv.  2o.  Joseph 
 is  yet  alive  ;  and  not  only  so,  vivit  imo,  et  in  senatura  venit,  he  is 
 governor  over  all  the  land  of  Egypt  :  All  power  is  his. 
 
 19 — 25.  Christ  here  seems  to  refer  to  the  creatmn  of  man  at 
 first  bv  the  breathing  of  the  breath  of  life  into  him,  Gen.  11.  7.  itnd 
 to  intimate  that  he  himself  was  the  author  of  that  work  ;  and  that 
 the  spiritual  life  and  strength  of  ministers  and  Christians  is  deiived 
 from  him,  and  depends  upon  him  as  much  as  the  natural  life  of 
 Adam  and  his  seed.  As  the  breath  of  the  Almighty  gave  life  to 
 man,  and  began  the  old  world,  so  the  breath  of  the  mighty  Saviour 
 gave  life  to  his  ministers,  and  began  a  new  world.  Job  xxxm.  4. 
 They  now  received  more  of  the  Holy  Ghost  than  they  had  yet.  re- 
 
ST.  JOHN. 
 
 remitted  unto  them ;  and  whose  soever  sim 
 ye  retain,  they  are  retained. 
 
 24  ^  But  Thomas,  one  of  the  twelve, 
 called  Didymus,  was  not  with  them  when 
 Jesus  came. 
 
 25  The  other  disciples,  therefore,  said  un¬ 
 to  him.  We  have  seen  the  Lord.  But  he 
 said  unto  them.  Except  I  shall  see  in  his 
 hands  the  print  of  the  nails,  and  put  my 
 finger  into  the  print  of  the  nails,  and  thrust 
 my  hand  into  his  side,  I  will  not  believe. 
 
 26  ^  And  after  eight  days,  again  his  dis¬ 
 ciples  were  within,  and  Thomas  with  them  : 
 then  came  Jesus,  the  doors  being  shut,  and 
 stood  in  the  midst,  and  said.  Peace  he  unto 
 you. 
 
 27  Then  saith  he  to  Thomas,  Reach  hither 
 thy  finger,  and  behold  my  hands  ;  and  reach 
 hither  thy  hand  and  thrust  it  into  my  side  : 
 and  be  not  faithless,  but  believing. 
 
 28  And  Thomas  answered,  and  said  unto 
 him.  My  Lord,  and  my  God. 
 
 29  Jesus  saith  unto  him,  Thomas,  because 
 thou  hast  seen  me  thou  hast  believed  ; 
 blessed  are  they  that  have  not  seen  and  yet 
 
 Tiberias ;  and  on  this  wise  shewed  he  him¬ 
 self. 
 
 2  There  'were  together  Simon  Peter,  and 
 Thomas  called  Didymus,  and  Nathanael  of 
 Cana  in  Galilee,  and  the  sons  of  Zebedee, 
 and  two  other  of  his  disciples. 
 
 3  Simon  Peter  saith  unto  them,  I  go  a 
 ishing.  They  say  unto  him.  We  also  go  with 
 thee.  They  went  forth,  and  entered  into  a 
 ship  immediately ;  and  that  night  they  caught 
 nothing. 
 
 4  But  when  the  morning  was  now  come, 
 Jesus  stood  on  the  shore  ;  but  the  disciples 
 knew  not  that  it  was  Jesus. 
 
 5  Then  Jesus  saith  unto  them.  Children, 
 have  ye  any  meat  ?  They  answered  him.  No. 
 
 6  And  he  said  unto  them.  Cast  the  net  on 
 the  right  side  of  the  ship  and  ye  shall  find. 
 They  cast  therefore,  and  now  they  were  not 
 able  to  draw  it  for  the  multitude  of  fishes. 
 
 7  Therefore  that  disciple  whom  Jesus 
 loved  saith  unto  Peter,  It  is  the  Lord.  Now 
 when  Simon  Peter  heard  that  it  w'as  the 
 Lord  he  girt  his  fisher’s  coat  unto  hi/n,  (for 
 he  w^as  naked,)  and  did  cast  himself  into  the 
 
 have  believed. 
 
 30  f  And  many  other  signs  truly  did  Jesus 
 in  the  presence  of  his  disciples  which  are 
 not  written  in  this  book  : 
 
 31  But  these  are  wwitten  that  ye  might 
 believe  that  Jesus  is  the  Christ,  the  Son  of 
 God  ;  and  that  believing  ye  might  have  life 
 through  his  name. 
 
 CHAP.  XXI. 
 
 Christ’s  appearance  to  some  of  his  disciples  at  the  Sea  of  Tiberias. 
 
 After  these  things  Jesus  shewed  him¬ 
 self  again  to  the  disciples  at  the  sea  of 
 
 ceived.  Thus  spiritual  blessings  are  given  gradually ;  to  him  that 
 has  shall  be  given.  Now  Jesus  began  to  be  glorified,  more  of  the 
 spirit  began  to  be  given  ;  see  John  vii.  39-  Let  us  see  what  is  con¬ 
 tained  in  this  grant.  First,  Christ  hereby  gives  them  assurance 
 of  the  Spirit’s  aid  in  their  future  work  ;  in  the  execution  of  the 
 commission  now  given  them.  Second,  He  hereby  gives  them  ex¬ 
 perience  of  the  Spirit’s  influences  in  their  present  case.  One  par¬ 
 ticular  branch  of  the  power  given  them  by  their  commission,  in¬ 
 stanced  in  V,  23.  Whose  soever  sins  ye  remit  in  the  due  execution 
 of  the  powers  you  are  entrusted  with,  they  are  remitted  to  them, 
 and  they  may  take  the  comfort  of  it.  And  whose  soever  sins  ye  re¬ 
 tain,  i.  e.  pronounced  unpardoned,  and  the  guilt  of  them  bound  on, 
 they  are  retained,  and  the  sinner  may  be  sure  of  it  to  his  sorrow. 
 Whom  you  admit  into  communion  with  you,  according  to  the  rule, 
 of  the  Gospel,  God  will  admit  into  communion  with  himself;  and 
 whom  thou  cast  out  of  communion  as  impenitent  and  obstinate  in 
 scandalous  and  infectious  sins,  shall  be  bound  over  to  the  righteous 
 judgment  of  God. 
 
 518 
 
 sea. 
 
 8  And  the  other  disciples  came  in  a  little 
 ship,  for  they  were  not  far  from  land,  but  as 
 it  were  tw  o  hundred  cubits,  dragging  the  net 
 with  fishes. 
 
 9  As  soon  then  as  they  were  come  to  land, 
 they  saw  a  fire  of  coals  there,  and  fish  laid 
 thereon,  and  bread. 
 
 10  Jesus  saith  unto  theifi,  Bring  of  the  fish 
 which  ye  have  now  caught. 
 
 11  Simon  Peter  went  up,  and  drew  the 
 net  to  land  full  of  great  fishes,  an  hundred 
 
 26' — 31.  It  is  an  affecting  word  with  which  Christ  closeth  up 
 vhat  he  had  to  say  to  Thomas,  Be  not  faithless  but  believing;  do 
 lot  thou  become  an  tmbeliever  ;  as  if  he  should  have  been  sealed 
 ip  under  unbelief,  had  he  not  yielded  now.  ’this  warning  is  given 
 0  us  all.  Be  not  faithless;  for  if  we  are  faithless  we  are  Christless 
 ind  graceless,  hopeless  and  joyless;  let  us  therefore  say.  Lord  1 
 lelieve  help  thou  mine  unbelief.  Thomas  is  now  ashamed  ot  nis 
 ncrediility,  and  cries  out  my  Lord  and  my  God,  28.  We  are  not 
 old  whether  he  did  put  his  finger  into  the  print  of  the  nails  ; 
 t  should  seem  he  did  not,  for  Christ  saith,  v.  29,  Thou  hast  seen 
 ind  believed.  Seeing  sufficed.  And  now  faith  comes  ott  a  con- 
 
 lueror,  after  a  struggle  with  unbelief.  ,  .  a 
 
 CHAP.  XXL  14.  The  evangelist  leaves  them  at  dinner,  and 
 nakes  this  remark,  v.  14.  That  this  is  now  the  third  time  that 
 lesus  shewed  himself  alive  to  his  disciples,  or  the  greater  par 
 hem.  This  is  the  third  day,  so  some.  On  the  day  he  rose  ^ 
 ippeared  five  times.  The  second  day  was  that  day  sevenrnig  , 
 ,nd  this  was  the  third.  Or,  this  was  the  third  appearance  to  any 
 
7 
 
CHAP.  XXL 
 
 and  fifty  and  three  ;  and  for  all  there  were 
 so  many,  yet  was  not  the  net  broken. 
 
 12  Jesus  saith  unto  them,  Command  dine. 
 And  none  ot  the  disciples  durst  ask  him. 
 Who  art  thou?  knowing  that  it  was  the 
 Lord. 
 
 13  Jesus  then  cometh,  and  taketh  bread, 
 and  giveth  them,  and  fish  likewise. 
 
 14  This  is  now  the  third  time  that  Jesus 
 shewed  himself  to  his  disciples  after  that  he 
 was  risen  from  the  dead. 
 
 15  ^  So,  when  they  had  dined,  Jesus  saith 
 to  Simon  Peter,  Simon,  son  of  Jonas,  Invest 
 thou  me  more  than  these  ?  He  saith  unto 
 him.  Yea,  Lord  ;  thou  knowest  that  I  love 
 thee.  He  saith  unto  him.  Feed  my  lambs. 
 
 16  He  saith  to  him  again  the  second  time, 
 Simon,  son  of  Jonas,  lovest  thou  me  ?  Fie 
 saith  unto  him.  Yea,  Lord  ;  thou  knowest 
 that  I  love  thee.  He  saith  unto  him.  Feed 
 my  sheep. 
 
 17  He  saith  unto  him  the  third  time,  Si¬ 
 mon,  son  of  Jonas,  lovest  thou  me?  Peter  was 
 grieved  because  he  said  unto  him  the  third 
 time,  Lovest  thou  me  ?  And  he  said  unto 
 him.  Lord,  thou  knowest  all  things  ;  thou 
 knowest  that  I  love  thee.  Jesus  saith  unto 
 him.  Feed  my  sheep. 
 
 considerable  number  of  his  disciples  together  ;  though  he  had  ap¬ 
 peared  to  Mary,  to  the  women,  to  the  two  disciples,  to  Cephas, 
 yet  he  had  but  twice  before  this  appeared  to  any  company  of  them 
 ^together.  'I’his  is  taken  notice  of,  for  the  confirming  of  the  truth  of 
 his  resurrection.  As  an  instance  of  Christ’s  continued  kindness  to 
 his  disciples  ;  once  and  again,  and  a  third  time  he  visited  them. 
 
 15—19-  Lovest  thou  me  more  than  these?  Lovest  thou  me 
 more  than  thou  lovest  these  ?  More  than  thou  lovest  these  per¬ 
 sons  ?  Those  do  not  love  Christ  aright,  that  do  not  love  him  bet¬ 
 ter  than  the  best  friend  they  have  in  the  world,  and  make  it  to  ap¬ 
 pear,  whenever  they  stand  in  comparison,  or  in  competition. 
 Lovest  thou  me  more  than  these  love  me?  more  than  any  of  the 
 rest  of  the  disciples  love  me  ?  And  then  it  is  either  to  upbraid  him 
 with  his  vain-glorious  boast;  though  all  men  should  deny  thee, 
 ^  yet  will  not  I.  Art  thou  still  of  the  same  mind?  We  should  all 
 study  to  excel  in  our  love  to  Christ.  It  is  no  breach  of  the  peace 
 to  strive  which  shall  love  Christ  best;  nor  any  breach  of  good 
 manners  to  go  before  others  in  this  love.  Three  times  Peter  re¬ 
 turns  the  same  answer  to  Christ,  yea.  Lord,  thou  knowest  that  I 
 love  thee.  Observe,  Peter  doth  not  pretend  to  love  Christ  more 
 than  the  rest  of  the  disciples  did  ;  he  is  now  ashamed  of  that  rash 
 word  of  his,  though  all  men  deny  thee  yet  will  not  I,  and  he  had 
 reason  to  be  ashamed  of  it.  He  appeals  to  Christ  himself  for  the 
 proof  of  it,  Thou  knowest  that  I  love  thee.  And  the  third  time 
 yet  more  emphatically.  Thou  knowest  all  things,  thou  knowest 
 that  I  love  thee.  It  is  a  terror  to  a  hypocrite,  to  think  that  Christ 
 knows  all  things  ;  for  the  divine  omniscience  will  be  a  witness 
 against  him.  But  it  is  a  comfort  to  a  sincere  Christian,  that  he 
 has  that  to  appeal  to ;  my  witness  is  in  heaven,  my  record  is  on 
 high.  Three  time  Christ  committed  the  care  of  his  flock  to  Peter. 
 Feed  my  lambs.  Feed  my  sheep.  Feed  my  sheep.  Those  whom 
 Christ  committed  to  Peter’s  care  were  his  Iambs,  and  his  sheep. 
 
 Vol.  II.  88  3  X 
 
 18  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  thee.  When 
 thou  wast  young  thou  girdest  thyself,  and 
 walkedst  whither  thou  wouldest :  but  when 
 thou  shall  be  old  thou  shalt  stretch  forth  thy 
 hands,  and  another  shall  gird  thee,  and  carry 
 thee  whither  thou  wouldest  not. 
 
 19  This  spake  he,  signifying  by  what 
 death  he  should  glorily  God.  And  when  he 
 had  spoken  this,  he  saith  unto  him.  Follow 
 me. 
 
 20  Then  Peter  turning  about,  seeth  the' 
 disciple  whom  Jesus  loved  following  ;  which 
 also  leaned  on  his  breast  at  supper,  and  said, 
 Lord,  which  is  he  that  betrayeth  thee  ? 
 
 21  Peter  seeing  him  saith  to  Jesus,  Iiord, 
 and  what  sJiall  this  man  do  ? 
 
 22  Jesus  saith  unto  him.  If  I  will  that  he 
 tarry  till  I  come,  what  is  that  to  thee  ?  Fol¬ 
 low  thou  me. 
 
 23  Then  went  this  saying  abroad  among 
 the  brethren,  that  that  disciple  should  not 
 die  :  yet  Jesus  said  not  unto  him.  He  shall 
 not  die  :  but.  If  I  will  that  he  tarry  till  I 
 come,  what  is  that  to  thee  ? 
 
 24  ^  This  is  the  disciple  which  testifieth 
 of  these  things,  and  wrote  these  things  ;  and 
 we  know  that  his  testimony  is  true. 
 
 25  And  there  are  also  many  other  things 
 
 The  church  of  Christ  is  his  flock,  which  he  hath  purchased  with 
 his  own  blood.  Acts  xx.  2S.  And  he  is  the  chief  Shepherd  of  it. 
 In  this  flock  some  are  lambs,  young  and  tender,  and  weak  ;  others 
 are  sheep,  grown  to  some  strength  and  maturity.  The  Shepherd 
 here  takes  care  of  both,  and  of  the  lambs  first,  for  upon  all  occa¬ 
 sions  he  shewed  a  particular  tenderness  for  them  ;  the  lambs  he 
 gathers  in  his  arms,  and  carries  in  his  bosom,  Isa.  xl.  11.  Christ 
 foretels  particularly  that  Peter  should  die  a  violent  death  by  the 
 hands  of  an  executioner.  The  stretching  out  his  hand,  some 
 think,  points  at  the  manner  of  his  death  by  crucifying;  and  the 
 tradition  of  the  ancients,  if  we  may  rely  upon  that,  informs  us  that 
 Peter  was  crucified  at  Rome,  under  Nero,  A.  D.  68,  or  as  others 
 say  79.  No  more  is  implied  here  in  his  being  carried  whither  he 
 would  not,  but  that  it  was  a  violent  death  he  should  be  carried  to; 
 such  a  death  as  even  innocent  nature  could  not  think  of  without 
 dread,  nor  approach  without  some  reluctancy.  He  that  puts  on 
 the  Christian,  doth  not  put  off  the  man  ;  Christ  himself  prayed 
 against  the  bitter  cup.  A  natural  aversion  to  pain  and  death  is 
 well  reconcileable  with  a  holy  submission  to  the  will  of  God  in 
 both.  Blessed  Paul,  though  longing  to  be  unloaded,  yet  owns  he 
 cannot  be  unclothed,  2  Cor.  v.  4. 
 
 20 — 35.  There  seems  to  be  here  an  intimation  or  Christ’s  pur¬ 
 pose  concerning  John,  in  two  things.  That  he  should  not  die  a 
 violent  death  like  Peter;  but  should  tarry  till  Christ  himself  came 
 by  a  natural  death  to  fetch  him  to  himself.  The  most  credible  ot 
 the  antient  historians  tell  us,  that  John  was  the  only  one  of  all 
 the  twelve  that  did  not  actually  die  a  martyr.  He  was  oft  in  jeo¬ 
 pardy,  in  bonds  and  banishment;  but  at  length  died  in  his  bed  in 
 a  good  old  age.  At  death  Christ  comes  to  us,  to  call  us  to  ac¬ 
 count  :  and  it  concerns  us  to  be  ready  for  his  coming.  That  he 
 should  not  die  till  after  Christ’s  coming  to  destroy  Jerusalem  :  so 
 some  understand  his  tarrying  till  Christ  comes.  All  the  other 
 
 519 
 
ACTS. 
 
 Let  his  habitation  be  desolate,  and  let  no  I  3  And  there  appeared  unto  them  cloven 
 man  dwell  therein  :  and,  His  bishoprick  let  tongues,  like  as  of  tire,  and  it  sat  upon  each 
 another  take.  of  them  : 
 
 21  Wherefore,  of  these  men  which  have  4  And  they  were  all  filled  w  ith  the  Holy 
 companied  wdth  us  all  the  time  that  the  Ghost,  and  began  to  speak  with  other 
 Lord  Jesus  Avent  in  and  out  among  us,  tongues,  as  the  spirit  gave  them  utterance. 
 
 22  Beginning  Irom  the  baptism  of  John,  I  5  And  there  Avere  dAvelling  at  Jerusalem 
 
 unto  that  same  day  that  he  Avas  taken  up  Jews,  devout  men,  out  of  every  nation  under 
 from  us,  must  one  be  ordained  to  be  a  Avit-  heaven, 
 ness  Avith  us  of  his  resurrection.  6  No av,  Avhen  this  Avas  noised  abroad,  the 
 
 23  And  they  appointed  two,  Joseph  called  multitude  came  together,  and  Avere  con- 
 
 Barsabas,  avIio  Avas  surnamed  Justus,  and  founded,  because  that  every  man  heard  them 
 Matthias.  speak  in  his  OAvn  language. 
 
 24  And  they  prayed,  and  said,  Thou,  Lord,  7  And  they  A\'ere  all  amazed,  and  marvel- 
 Avhich  knoAvest  the  hearts  of  all  men,  sheAv  led,  saying  one  to  another.  Behold,  are  not 
 Avhether  of  these  tAvo  thou  hast  chosen  ;  jail  these  Avhich  speak  Galileans  ? 
 
 25  That  he  may  take  part  of  this  minis-  8  And  hoAvhear  aa'o  every  man  in  our  OAvn 
 
 try  and  apostleship,  from  Avhich  Judas  by  I  tongue  Avdierein  Ave  AA^ere  born  ? 
 transgression  fell,  that  he  might  go  to  his  9  Parthians,  and  Medes,  and  Elamites, 
 OAvn  place.  and  the  dAvellers  in  Mesoj^otamia,  and  in  Ju- 
 
 26  And  they  gave  forth  their  lots;  and  dea,  and  Cappadocia,  in  Pontus  and  Asia, 
 
 the  lot  fell  upon  Matthias;  and  he  Avas  10  Phrygia  and  Pamphylia,  in  Egypt  and 
 numbered  Avith  the  eleven  apostles.  in  the  parts  of  Libya  about  Cyrene,  and 
 
 CHAP.  H.  strangers  of  Rome,  Joavs  and  proselytes. 
 
 The  descent  of  the  Spirit  upon  the  apostles,  and  those  that  were  I  CreteS  and  Arabians,  AA  C  do  hear  them 
 
 with  them,  on  the  day  of  Pentecost.  Speak  in  OUr  tOngUeS  the  AVOndcrtul  AVOrks  of 
 
 ND  when  the  day  of  Pentecost  AAns  God. 
 fully  come,  they  Avere  all  Avith  one  ac-  12  And  they  Avere  all  amazed,  and  Avere 
 cord  in  one  place  :  jin  doubt,  saying  one  to  another,  Ayhat  mean- 
 
 2  And  suddenly  there  came  a  sound  from  eth  this  ? 
 heaven,  as  of  a  rushing  mighty  Avind,  and  it  13  Others  mocking,  said,  These  men  are 
 filled  all  the  house  Avhere  they  Avere  sitting.  |full  of  neAv  Avine. 
 
 learners,  if  they  were  but  eleven  when  they  were  to  be  teachers, 
 it  would  occasion  every  one  to  inquire  what  was  become  of  the 
 twelfth,  and  so  revive  the  remembrance  of  the  scandal  of  their  sO' 
 ciety  ;  and  therefore  care  was  taken  before  the  descent  of  the 
 Spirit  to  fill  up  the  vacancy,  which  now  we  have  an  account  of 
 the  doing  of ;  our  Lord  Jesus  probably  having  given  directions 
 about  it,  among  other  things  which  he  spoke  pertaining  to  the 
 kingdom  of  God.  Matthias  was  not  ordained  by  the  imposition 
 of  hands,  as  presbyters  w'ere,  for  he  was  choserj  by  lot,  which  was 
 the  act  of  God  ;  and  therefore  as  he  must  be  baptized,  so  he  must 
 be  ordained  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  as  they  all  were  not  many  days 
 after.  Thus  the  number  of  the  apostles  were  made  up,  as  after¬ 
 wards  when  James  another  of  the  twelve  was  martyred,  Paul  was 
 made  an  apostle. 
 
 CHAP.  II.  1 — 4.  The  sign  given  was  fire,  that  John  Baptist’s 
 saying,  concerning  Christ  might  be  fulfilled.  He  shall  baptize  you 
 with  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  with  fire;  with  the  Holy  Ghost,  as  with 
 fire.  They  were  now  in  the  feast  of  Pentecost  celebrating  the  me¬ 
 morial  of  the  giving  of  the  law  upon  Mount  Sinai,  and  as  that  was 
 mven  in  fire,  and  therefore  is  called  a  fiery  law,  so  is  the  gospel. 
 The  Spirit  like  fire  melts  the  heart,  separates  and  burns  up  the 
 dross,  and  kindles  pious  and  devout  affections  in  the  soul,  in  which, 
 as  in  the  fire  upon  the  altar,  the  spiritual  sacrifices  are  offered  up. 
 This  is  that  fire  which  Christ  came  to  send  upon  the  earth,  Luke, 
 xii.  49.  This  fire  appeared  in  cloven  tongues.  The  operations 
 of  the  Spirit  were  manyj  that  of  siieaking  with  divers  tongues  was 
 522 
 
 one,  and  was  singled  out  to  be  the  first  indication  of  the  gift  of  the 
 Holy  Ghost,  and  to  that  this  sign  had  a  reference. 
 
 5 — 13.  AVe  may  here  see  what  were  some  of  those  countries 
 whence  those  strangers  came,  9.  10,  11,  some  from  the  eartern 
 countries,  as  the  Parthians,  Medes,  Elamites,  and  dwellers  in  Me¬ 
 sopotamia,  the  posterity  of  Shem  ;  from  thence  we  come  in  order 
 to  Judea,  which  ought  to  be  mentioned,  because  though  the  lan¬ 
 guage  of  them  in  Judea  was  the  same  with  that  which  the  disciples 
 spoke,  yet  before  they  spoke  it  with  the  north  country  tone  ami 
 dialect.  Thou  art  a  G.alilean,  and  thy  speech  betrays  thee,  but  now 
 they  spoke  it  as  fine  as  the  inhabitants  of  Judea  themselves  did; 
 next  come  the  inhabitants  of  Cappadocia,  Pontus,  and  that  country 
 about  Propontis,  which  w'as  particularly  called  Asia,  and  these  were 
 the  countries  in  which  those  strangers  w'ere  scattered,  to  whom  St. 
 Peter  writes,  1  Peter  i.  1.  Next  come  the  dwellers  in  Phrygia, 
 and  Pamphylia,  which  lay  westward  ;  the  posterity  of  Japhet,  as 
 were  also  the  strangers  of  Rome ;  there  were  some  also  that  dwelt 
 in  the  southern  parts  of  Egypt,  in  the  parts  of  Lybia,  about  Cy¬ 
 rene.  There  were  also  some  from  the  island  of  Crete,  and  some 
 from  the  deserts  of  Arabia;  but  they  were  all  either  Jews  origi¬ 
 nally  dispersed  from  those  countries  or  proselytes  to  the  Jewish 
 religion,  but  natives  of  those  countries.  Dr.  Whitby  observes, 
 that  the  Jewish  writers  about  this  time,  as  Philo  and  Josephus, 
 speak  of  the  Jews  as  dwelling  every  where  through  the  whole  earth  ; 
 and  that  there  is  not  a  people  upon  earth  among  whona  some  Je^’S 
 do  not  inhabit. 
 
CHAP.  11. 
 
 14  f  But  Peter  standing  up  with  the  ele¬ 
 ven,  lifted  up  his  voice,  and  said  unto  them. 
 Ye  men  of  Judea,  and  all  ye  that  dwell  at 
 Jerusalem,  be  this  known  unto  you,  and 
 hearken  to  my  words  ; 
 
 15  For  these  are  not  drunken,  as  ye  sup¬ 
 pose,  seeing  it  is  but  the  third  hour  of  the 
 day. 
 
 16  But  this  is  that  which  was  spoken  by 
 the  prophet  Joel ; 
 
 17  And  it  shall  come  to  pass  in  the  last 
 days,  saith  God,  I  will  pour  out  of  my  Spi¬ 
 rit  upon  all  flesh ;  and  your  sons  and  your 
 daughters  shall  prophesy,  and  your  young 
 men  shall  see  visions,  and  your  old  men  shall 
 dream  dreams  : 
 
 18  And  on  my  servants,  and  on  my  hand¬ 
 maidens  I  will  pour  out  in  those  days  of  my 
 Spirit ;  and  they  shall  prophesy. 
 
 19  And  I  will  shew  wonders  in  heaven 
 above,  and  signs  in  the  earth  beneath;  blood, 
 and  fire,  and  vapour  of  smoke ; 
 
 20  The  sun  shall  be  turned  into  darkness, 
 and  the  moon  into  blood,  before  that  great 
 and  notable  day  of  the  Lord  come  : 
 
 21  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  whoso¬ 
 ever  shall  call  on  the  name  of  the  Lord, 
 shall  be  saved. 
 
 22  Ye  men  of  Israel  hear  these  words  : 
 Jesus  of  Nazareth,  a  man  approved  of  God 
 among  you  by  miracles,  wonders,  and  signs, 
 which  God  did  by  him  in  the  midst  of  you, 
 as  ye  yourselves  also  know  ; 
 
 23  Him,  being  delivered  by  the  determi¬ 
 nate  counsel  and  foreknowledge  of  God,  ye 
 have  taken,  and  by  wicked  hands  have  cru¬ 
 cified  and  slain  : 
 
 24  Whom  God  hath  raised  up,  having 
 
 14 — 36'.  We  have  here  the  first  fruits  of  the.  Spirit  in  the  sermon 
 which  Peter  preached  immediately,  directed  not  to  those  of  other 
 nations  in  a  strange  language,  we  are  not  told  what  answer  he  gave 
 to  those  that  were  amazed,  and  said,  what  meaneth  this  ?  but  to  the 
 .lews  in  the  vulgar  language,  even  to  them  that  mocked,  for  he  be¬ 
 gins  with  the  notice  of  that,  15,  and  addresseth  his  discourse, 
 14,  to  the  men  of  Judea,  and  inhabitants  of  Jerusalem;  but  we 
 have  reason  enough  to  think  that  the  other  disciples  continued  to 
 speak  to  those  who  understood  them,  and  therefore  flocked  about 
 them,  in  the  language  of  their  respective  countries,  the  wonderful 
 works  of  God.  And  it  was  not  by  Peter’s  preaching  only,  but  that 
 ot  all  or  most  of  the  rest  of  the  hundred  and  twenty,  that  the  three 
 thousand  souls  were  that  day  converted  and  added  to  the  church  : 
 but  Peter’s  sermon  only  is  recorded  to  be  an  evidence  for  him  that 
 he  was  thoroughly  recovered  from  his  fall,  and  thoroughly  restored 
 <o  the  divine  favour;  he  that  had  sneakingly  denied  Christ,  now  as 
 
 loosed  the  pains  ot  death  because  it  was  not 
 possible  that  he  should  be  holden  of  it. 
 
 25  For  David  speaketh  concerning  him, 
 I  foresaw  the  Lord  always  before  my  face  ; 
 for  he  is  on  my  right  hand  that  I  should  not 
 be  moved  ; 
 
 26  Therefore  did  my  heart  rejoice,  and 
 my  tongue  was  glad  :  moreover  also,  my 
 flesh  shall  rest  in  hope  : 
 
 27  Because  ihou  wilt  not  leave  my  soul 
 in  hell,  neither  wilt  thou  sufler  thine  holy 
 One  to  see  corruption. 
 
 28  Thou  hast  made  known  to  me  the  ways 
 of  life  :  thou  shalt  make  me  full  of  joy  with 
 thy  countenance. 
 
 29  Men  and  brethren,  let  me  freely^  speak 
 unto  you  of  the  patriarch  David,  that  he  is 
 both  dead  and  buried,  and  his  sepulchre  is 
 with  us  unto  this  day. 
 
 30  Therefore,  being  a  prophet,  and  know¬ 
 ing  that  God  hath  sworn  with  an  oath  to  him, 
 that  of  the  fruit  of  his  loins,  according  to  the 
 flesh,  he  would  raise  up  Christ,  to  sit  on  his 
 throne  : 
 
 31  He,  seeing  this  before,  spake  of  the  re¬ 
 surrection  of  Christ,  that  his  soul  was  not 
 left  in  hell,  neither  his  flesh  did  see  corrup¬ 
 tion. 
 
 32  This  Jesus  hath  God  raised  up,  where¬ 
 of  we  all  are  witnesses. 
 
 33  Therefore,  being  by  the  right  hand  of 
 God  exalted,  and  having  received  of  the  Fa¬ 
 ther  the  promise  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  he  hath 
 shed  forth  this,  which  ye  now  see  and  hear. 
 
 34  For  David  is  not  ascended  into  the 
 heavens  ;  but  he  saith  himself,  The  Lord 
 said  unto  my  Lord,  Sit  thou  on  my  right 
 hand, 
 
 courageously  cont'esseth  him.  It  is  observable,  that  though  Peter 
 was  filled  with  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  spake  with  tongues,  as  the  spi¬ 
 rit  gave  him  utterance,  yet  he  did  not  set  aside  the  scriptures,  nor 
 think  himself  above  them  ;  nay,  much  of  his  discourse  is  quota¬ 
 tions  out  of  the  Old  Testament,  to  which  he  appeals,  and  with 
 which  he  approves  what  he  saith :  Christ’s  scholars  never  learn 
 above  their  Bible,  and  the  Spirit  is  given  not  to  supersede  the  scrip¬ 
 tures,  but  enable  us  to  understand  the  scriptures. 
 
 The  destruction  of  Jerusalem,  which  was  about  forty  years  after 
 Christ’s  deatl^  is  here  called  that  great  and  notable  day  of  the  Lord, 
 because  it  puC  a  final  period  to  the  Mosaic  oeconomy ;  the  Leri- 
 tical  priesthood,  and  the  ceremonial  law,  were  thereby  for  ever 
 abolished  and  done  away.  The  desolation  itself  was  such  as  was 
 never  brought  upon  any  place  or  nation  either  before  or  since. 
 
 From  this  gift  of  the  Holy  Ghost  he  takes  occasion  to  preach 
 unto  them  Jesus;  and  this  part  of  the  sermon  he  introduceth  with 
 
 523 
 
ACTS. 
 
 35  Until  I  make  thy  foes  thy  footstool. 
 
 36  Therefore  let  all  the  house  of  Israel 
 know  assiuedly  that  God  hath  made  that 
 same  Jesus  whom  ye  have  crucified,  both 
 ]/ord  and  Christ. 
 
 37  ^  Now,  when  they  heard  this^  they  were 
 pricked  in  their  heart,  and  said  unto  Peter 
 and  to  the  rest  of  the  apostles.  Men  and  bre¬ 
 thren,  what  shall  we  do  ? 
 
 38  Then  Peter  said  unto  them.  Repent, 
 and  be  baptized  every  one  of  you  in  the 
 name  of  Jesus  Christ  for  the  remission  of 
 sins,  and  ye  shall  receive  the  gift  of  the  Holy 
 Ghost. 
 
 39  For  the  promise  is  unto  you,  and  to 
 your  children,  and  to  all  that  are  afar  off, 
 even  as  many  as  the  Lord  our  God  shall  call. 
 
 40  And  with  many  other  words  did  he  tes¬ 
 tify  and  exhort,  saying.  Save  yourselves  from 
 this  untoward  generation. 
 
 41  ^  Then  they  that  gladly  received  his 
 word  were  baptized  ;  and  the  same  day  there 
 were  added  unto  them  about  three  thousand 
 souls. 
 
 42  And  they  continued  stedfastly  in  the 
 apostles'  doctrine  and  fellowship,  and  in 
 breaking  of  bread,  and  in  prayers. 
 
 43  And  fear  came  upon  every  soul :  and 
 many  wonders  and  signs  were  done  by  the 
 apostles. 
 
 44  And  all  that  believed  were  together, 
 and  had  all  things  common  ; 
 
 45  And  sold  their  possessions  and  goods, 
 and  parted  them  to  all  men,  as  every  man 
 had  need. 
 
 46  And  they  continuing  daily  with  one 
 accord  in  the  temple,  and  breaking  bread 
 from  house  to  house,  did  eat  their  meat  with 
 gladness  and  singleness  of  heart, 
 
 47  Praising  God,  and  having  favour  with 
 all  the  people,  and  the  Lord  added  to  the 
 church  daily  such  as  should  be  saved 
 
 CHAP.  HI. 
 
 The  healing  of  a  man  that  was  lame  from  his  birth. 
 
 IVTOW  Peter  and  John  went  up  together 
 into  the  temple  at  the  hour  of  prayer, 
 being  the  ninth  hour. 
 
 2  And  a  certain  man,  lame  from  his  mo¬ 
 ther's  womb,  was  carried,  whom  they  laid 
 daily  at  the  gate  of  the  temple  Avhich  is 
 called  Beautiful,  to  ask  alms  of  them  that 
 entered  into  the  temple  ; 
 
 3  Who,  seeing  Peter  and  John  about  to  go 
 into  the  temple,  asked  an  alms. 
 
 another  solemn  preface,  22,  Ye  men  of  Israel  hear  these  words. 
 It  is  a  mercy  that  ye  are  within  hearing  of  them,  and  it  is  your  duty 
 to  give  heed  to  them  ;  words  concerning  Christ  should  be  accep¬ 
 table  words  to  the  men  of  Israel. 
 
 37 — 41.  We  have  seen  the  wonderful  effect  of  the  pouring  out  of 
 the  Spirit  in  its  influence  upon  the  preachers  of  the  gospel ;  Peter 
 in  all  his  life  never  spoke  at  that  rate  that  he  had  done  now,  with 
 such  fulness,  perspicuity  and  power,  we  are  now  to  see  another 
 blessed  fruit  of  the  pouring  out  of  the  Spirit  in  its  influence  upon 
 the  hearers  of  the  gospel ;  from  the  first  delivery  of  that  divine 
 message,  it  appeared  that  there  was  a  divine  power  going  along 
 with  it,  and  it  was  mighty  through  God  to  do  wonders,  thousands 
 were  immediately  brought  by  it  to  the  obedience  of  faith,  it  was 
 the  rod  of  God’s  strength  sent  out  of  Zion,  Psal.  cx.  2,  3.  We  have 
 here  the  first  fruits  of  that  vast  harvest  of  souls  which  by  it  were 
 gathered  in  to  Jesus  Christ.  Come  and  see  in  these  verses  the  e.x- 
 aited  Redeemer,  riding  forth  in  these  chariots  of  salvation  conquer¬ 
 ing  and  to  conquer,  Rev.  vi.  2. 
 
 The  promises  had  long  pertained  to  the  Israelites,  Rom.  ix.  4, 
 but  now  it  is  sent  to  those  that  are  afar  off,  the  remotest  nations  of 
 the  Gentiles,  and  every  one  of  them  too,  all  that  are  afar  off.  To 
 this  generally  the  following  limitation  must  refer  even  as  many  of 
 them,  as  many  particular  persons  in  each  nation  as  the  Lord  our 
 God  shall  call  effectually  unto  the  fellowship  of  Jesus  Christ.  God 
 can  make  his  call  to  reach  those  that  are  never  so  far  ofi’,  and  none 
 come  but  whom  he  calls. 
 
 42 — 47*  We  often  speak  of  the  primitive  church,  and  appeal  to 
 it,  and  to  the  history  of  it ;  in  these  verses  we  have  the  history  of 
 the  truly  primitive  church,  of  the  first  days  of  it,  its  state  of  infancy 
 indeed,  but,  like  that,  the  state  of  its  greatest  innocence:  first. 
 They  kept  close  to  holy  ordinances,  and  abounded  in  all  instances 
 of  piety  and  devotion,  for  Christianity  admitted  in  the  power  of  it 
 will  dispose  the  soul  to  communion  with  God  in  all  those  ways 
 wherein  he  has  appointed  us  to  meet  him,  and  promised  to  meet 
 524 
 
 us  :  second.  They  were  loving  one  to  another,  and  very  kind  :  their 
 charity  was  as  eminent  as  their  piety,  and  their  joining  together  in 
 holy  ordinances  knit  their  hearts  to  each  other,  and  very  much 
 endeared  them  to  one  another.  They  had  all  things  common ; 
 perhaps  they  had  common  tables,  as  the  Spartans  of  old,  for  fami¬ 
 liarity,  temperance,  and  freedom  of  conversation;  they  ate  to¬ 
 gether,  that  they  who  had  much  might  have  the  less,  and  so  be  kept 
 from  the  temptations  of  abundance  ;  and  they  who  had  little  might 
 have  the  more,  and  so  be  kept  from  the  temptations  of  want  and 
 poverty.  Or,  there  was  such  a  concern  for  one  another,  and  such 
 a  readiness  to  help  one  another  as  there  was  occasion,  that  it  might 
 be  said,  they  had  all  things  common,  according  to  the  law  of  friend¬ 
 ship  ;  one  wanted  not  what  another  had  ;  for  he  might  have  it  for 
 the  asking. 
 
 They  raised  a  fund  for  charity,  45.  They  sold  their  possessions 
 and  goods,  some  sold  their  lands  and  houses,  otheus  their  stocks 
 and  the  furniture  of  their  houses,  and  parted  the  money  to  their 
 brethren,  as  every  one  had  need.  'I’hey  were  under  no  obligation 
 of  a  divine  command  to  do  this,  as  appears  by  what  Peter  said  to 
 Ananias,  chap.  v.  4.  Was  it  not  in  thine  own  power  ?  But  it  was  a 
 very  commendable  instance  of  their  raisedness  above  the  world, 
 their  contempt  of  it,  their  assurance  of  another  world,  their  love 
 to  their  brethren,  their  compassion  to  the  poor,  and  their  great 
 zeal  for  the  encouraging  of  Christianity,  and  the  nursing  of  it  in  its 
 infancy.  ,  ,  ,  • 
 
 CHAP.  III.  1 — IL  W'hen  Peter  had  no  silver  and  gold  to  give, 
 yet  (saith  he)  such  as  I  have  I  give  tliee.  Those  may  and  ought 
 to  be  otherwise  charitable  and  helpful  to  the  poor,  that  have  not 
 wherewithal  to  give  in  charity  ;  they  that  have  not  silver  and  gold, 
 have  their  limbs  and  senses,  and  with  these  they  may  be  serviceable 
 to  the  blind  and  lame,  and  sick,  which  if  they  be  not  as  there  is 
 occasion,  neither  would  they  give  to  them  if  they  had  silver  and 
 gold.  As  every  one  has  received  the  gift,  so  let  him  minister  it. 
 
 Let  us  now  see  how  the  cure  has  wrought ;  first,  Christ  sent  his 
 
vJHAP.  III. 
 
 4  And  Peter,  fastening  his  eyes  upon  him, 
 with  John,  said.  Look  on  us. 
 
 5  And  he  gave  heed  unto  them,  expecting 
 to  receive  something  of  them. 
 
 6  Then  Peter  said,  Silver  and  gold  have  I 
 none ;  but  such  as  I  have  give  I  thee  :  In 
 the  name  of  Jesus  Christ  of  Nazareth,  rise  up 
 and  walk. 
 
 7  And  he  took  him  by  the  right  hand,  and 
 lifted  him  up  :  and  immediately  his  feet  and 
 ancle-bones  received  strength. 
 
 8  And  he,  leaping  up,  stood,  and  walked, 
 and  entered  with  them  into  the  temple, 
 walking,  and  leaping,  and  praising  God. 
 
 9  And  all  the  people  saw  him  walking  and 
 praising  God  : 
 
 10  And  they  knew  that  it  was  he  which 
 sat  for  alms  at  the  Beautiful  gate  of  the  tem¬ 
 ple  :  and  they  were  filled  with  wonder  and 
 amazement  at  that  which  had  happened  un¬ 
 to  him. 
 
 1 1  And,  as  the  lame  man  which  was  healed 
 held  Peter  aud  John,  all  the  people  ran  to¬ 
 gether  unto  them  in  the  porch  that  is  called 
 Solomon's,  greatly  wondering. 
 
 12  ^  And  when  Peter  saw  it,  he  answered 
 unto  the  people.  Ye  men  of  Israel,  why  mar¬ 
 vel  ye  at  this  ?  or  why  look  ye  so  earnestly 
 on  us,  as  though  by  our  own  power  or  holi¬ 
 ness  we  had  made  this  man  to  walk  ? 
 
 13  The  God  of  Abraham,  and  of  Isaac, 
 and  of  Jacob,  the  God  of  our  fathers,  hath 
 glorified  his  Son  Jesus  :  whom  ye  delivered 
 up,  and  denied  him  in  the  presence  of  Pilate, 
 when  he  was  determined  to  let  Iw?i  go. 
 
 14  But  ye  denied  the  Holy  One,  and  the 
 Just,  and  desired  a  murderer  to  be  granted 
 unto  you  ; 
 
 15  And  killed  the  Prince  of  life,  whom 
 
 word,  and  healed  him,  Psal.  cvii.  26,  for  healing  grace  is  given  by 
 the  word  of  Christ ;  that  is  the  vehicle  of  the  healing  virtue  derived 
 from  Christ.  Christ  spoke  cures  by  himself,  the  apostles  spoke 
 them  in  his  name:  second,  Peter  lent  his  hand  and  helped  him,  7> 
 He  took  him  by  the  right  hand  in  the  same  name  in  which  he  had 
 spoken  to  him  to  arise  and  walk,  and  lifted  him  up.  Not  that  this 
 could  contribute  any  thing  to  his  cure,  but  it  was  a  sign,  plainly 
 intimating  the  help  fie  should  receive  from  God  if  he  exerted  him¬ 
 self,  as  he  was  bidden.  The  strength  God  has  given  us  both  in 
 mind  and  body,  should  be  made  use  of  to  his  praise.  Now  this 
 man  was  newly  cured  he  was  in  this  excess  of  joy  and  thankful¬ 
 ness  :  all  true  converts  walk  and  praise  God  ;  but  perhaps  young 
 converts  leap  more  in  his  praises. 
 
 12 — 26.  VVe  have  here  the  sermon  which  Peter  preached  after 
 he  had  cured  the  lame  man:  first,  He  humbly  disclaims  the  ho- 
 
 God  hath  raised  from  the  dead  :  whereof  we 
 are  witnesses. 
 
 16  And  his  name,  through  faith  in  his 
 name,  hath  made  this  man  strong,  whom  ye 
 see  and  know ;  yea,  the  faith  which  is  by 
 him  hath  given  him  this  perfect  soundness  in 
 the  presence  of  you  all. 
 
 17  And  now,  brethren,  I  wot  that  through 
 ignorance  ye  did  it,  as  did  also  your  rulers. 
 
 18  But  those  things  which  God  before  had 
 shewed  by  the  mouth  of  all  his  prophets, 
 that  Christ  should  suffer,  he  hath  so  fulfilled. 
 
 19  Repent  ye  therefore,  and  be  converted, 
 that  your  sins  may  be  blotted  out,  when  the 
 times  of  refreshing  shall  come  from  the  pre¬ 
 sence  of  the  Lord. 
 
 20  And  he  shall  send  Jesus  Christ,  which 
 before  was  preached  unto  you  : 
 
 21  Whom  the  heaven  must  receive  until 
 the  times  of  restitution  of  all  things,  which 
 God  hath  spoken  by  the  mouth  of  all  his  holy 
 prophets  since  the  world  began. 
 
 22  For  Moses  truly  said  unto  the  fathers, 
 A  prophet  shall  the  Lord  your  God  raise  up 
 unto  you  of  your  brethren,  like  unto  me  ; 
 him  shall  ye  hear  in  all  things,  whatsoever 
 he  shall  say  unto  you. 
 
 23  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  every 
 soul  which  will  not  hear  that  Prophet  shall 
 be  destroyed  from  among  the  people. 
 
 24  Yea,  and  all  the  prophets  from  Samuel, 
 and  those  that  follow  after,  as  many  as  have 
 spoken,  have  likewise  foretold  of  these  days. 
 
 25  Ye  are  the  children  of  the  prophets, 
 and  of  the  covenant  which  God  made  with 
 our  fathers,  saying  unto  Abraham,  And  in 
 thy  seed  shall  all  the  kindreds  of  the  earth 
 be  blessed. 
 
 26  Unto  you  first,  God,  having  raised  up 
 
 hour  of  the  miracle,  as  not  clue  to  them,  who  were  only  the  rni- 
 nisters  of  Christ,  or  instruments  in  his  hand  for  the  doing  of  it : 
 second.  He  preached  Christ  to  them,  that  was  his  business, 
 that  he  might  lead  them  into  obedience  to  Christ.  First,  He 
 preacheth  Christ  as  the  true  Messiah,  promised  to  the  father, 
 13:  second.  He  chargeth  them  flat  and  plain  with  the  murder 
 of  this  Jesus,  as  he  had  done  before  :  third,  He  attests  his  resurrec¬ 
 tion  as  before,  chap.  ii.  3  :  fourth,  He  ascribes  the  cure  of  this 
 impotent  man  to  the  power  of  Christ,  l6. 
 
 He  encourageth  them  to  hope  that,  though  they  had  been  guilty 
 of  putting  Christ  to  death,  yet  they  might  find  mercy.  He  doth 
 all  he  can  to  convince  them,  yet  is  careful  not  to  drive  them  to 
 despair.  The  guilt  was  very  great;  but,  first,  He  mollifies  their 
 crime  by  a  candid  imputation  of  it  to  their  ignorance :  second, 
 He  mollifies  the  effect  of  their  crime,  the  death  of  the  Prince  of 
 
 525 
 
ACIS. 
 
 his  Son  Jesus,  senthim  to  bless  you,  in  turning 
 away  every  one  of  you  from  his  iniquities. 
 
 CHAP.  IV. 
 
 Peter  and  John  examined  before  a  committee  of  the  great  Sanhedrin. 
 
 And,  as  they  spake  unto  the  people,  the 
 priests,  and  the  captains  of  the  temple, 
 and  the  Sadducees,  came  upon  them, 
 
 2  Being  grieved  that  they  taught  the 
 people,  and  preached  through  Jesus  the  re¬ 
 surrection  from  the  dead. 
 
 ■  3  And  they  laid  hands  on  them,  and  put 
 them  in  hold  unto  the  next  day  :  for  it  was 
 now  even-tide. 
 
 4  Howbeit  many  of  them  which  heard 
 the  word  believed  :  and  the  number  of  the 
 men  was  about  five  thousand. 
 
 5  ^  And  it  came  to  pass  on  the  morrow, 
 that  their  rulers,  and  elders,  and  scribes, 
 
 6  And  Annas  the  high  priest,  and  Caia- 
 phas,  and  John,  and  Alexander,  and  as  many 
 as  were  of  the  kindred  of  the  high  priest, 
 were  gathered  together  at  Jerusalem. 
 
 7  And,  Avhen  they  had  set  them  in  the 
 midst,  they  asked,  By  what  power,  or  by 
 what  name,  have  ye  done  this  ? 
 
 8  Then  Peter,  filled  with  the  Holy  Ghost, 
 said  unto  them.  Ye  rulers  of  the  people,  and 
 elders  of  Israel, 
 
 9  If  we  this  day  be  examined  of  the  good 
 deed  done  to  the  impotent  man,  by  what 
 means  he  is  made  whole  ; 
 
 10  Be  it  known  unto  you  all,  and  to  all 
 the  people  of  Israel,  that  by  the  name  of 
 Jesus  Christ  of  Nazareth,  whom  ye  crucified, 
 whom  God  raised  from  the  dead,  even  by  him 
 doth  this  man  stand  here  before  you  whole. 
 
 11  This  is  the  stone  which  was  set  at 
 nought  of  you  builders,  which  is  become  the 
 head  of  the  corner. 
 
 12  Neither  is  there  salvation  in  any  other, 
 for  there  is  none  other  name  under  heaven 
 given  among  men  whereby  we  must  be 
 saved. 
 
 13  Now,  when  they  saw  the  boldness  of 
 Peter  and  John,  and  perceived  that  they 
 were  unlearned  and  ignorant  men,  they  mar¬ 
 velled  ;  and  they  took  knowledge  of  them 
 that  they  had  been  Avith  Jesus. 
 
 14  And  beholding  the  man  Avhich  Avas 
 healed  standing  Avith  them,  they  could  say 
 nothing  against  it. 
 
 15  But  Avhen  they  had  commanded  them 
 to  go  aside  out  of  the  council,  they  conferred 
 among  themselves, 
 
 16  Saying,  What  shall  Ave  do  to  these 
 men  ?  for  that  indeed  a  notable  miracle  hath 
 been  done  by  them  is  manifest  to  all  them 
 that  dAvell  in  Jerusalem  ;  and  Ave  cannot 
 deny  it. 
 
 17  But,  that  it  spread  no  further  among 
 the  people,  let  us  straitl}^  threaten  them, 
 that  they  speak  henceforth  to  no  man  in  this 
 name. 
 
 18  And  they  called  them,  and  commanded 
 them  not  to  speak  at  all,  nor  teach,  in  the 
 name  of  Jesus. 
 
 19  But  Peter  and  John  ansAvered,  and 
 said  unto  them.  Whether  it  be  right  in  the 
 sight  of  God  to  hearken  unto  you  more  than 
 unto  God,  judge  ye. 
 
 20  For  Ave  cannot  but  speak  the  things 
 Avhich  Avc  have  seen  and  heard. 
 
 21  So  Avhen  they  had  further  threatened 
 them  they  let  them  go,  finding  nothing  how 
 they  might  punish  them,  because  of  the 
 people  ;  for  all  men  glorified  God  for  that 
 Avhich  Avas  done. 
 
 22  For  the  man  Avas  above  forty  years  old 
 on  Avhom  this  miracle  of  healing  Avas  sheAA^d. 
 
 life  ;  this  sounds  very  dreadful ;  but  it  was  according  to  the  scrip- 
 ture^s,  18,  the  predictions  of  which,  though  they  did  not  necessi¬ 
 tate  their  sin,  j'et  did  necessitate  his  sufferings.  He  exhorts  them 
 all  to  turn  Christians,  and  assures  them  it  would  be  unspeakably 
 fo  their  advantage  to  do  so ;  it  would  be  the  making  of  them  for 
 ever. 
 
 CHAP.  IV.  1—4.  We  have  here  the  interests  of  the  kingdom  of 
 heaven  successfully  carried  on,';and  the  powers  of  darkness  appear¬ 
 ing  against  them  to  put  a  stop  to  them.  Let  Christ’s  servants  be 
 never  so  resolute,  Satan’s  agents  will  be  spiteful ;  and  therefore  let 
 Satan’s  agents  be  never  so  spiteful,  Christ’s  servants  ought  to  be 
 resolute. 
 
 5 — 13.  Probably  St.  Peter  here  chose  to  make  use  of  this  quo¬ 
 tation,  because  Christ  had  himself  made  use  of  it  in  answer  to  the 
 .  526 
 
 demand  of  the  chief  priests  and  the  elders  concerning  his  authority, 
 not  long  before  this,  Matt.  xxi.  43.  Scripture  is  a  tried  weapon 
 in  our  spiritual  conflicts,  let  us  therefore  stick  to  it. 
 
 15 — 22.  Peter  and  John  needed  not  confer  together  to  know  one 
 another’s  minds,  for  they  were  both  actuated  by  one  and  the  same 
 spirit,  but  agree  presently  in  the  same  sentiments,  and  jointly  put 
 in  the  answer.  Whether  it  be  right  in  the  sight  of  God,  to  whom 
 both  you  and  we  are  accountable,  to  hearken  unto  you  more  than 
 unto  God,  we  appeal  to  yourselves,  judge  ye  ;  for  we  cannot  for¬ 
 bear  speaking  to  every  body  the  things  which  we  have  seen  and 
 heard,  and  are  ourselve..  full  of,  and  are  charged  to  publish.  Ihe 
 prudence  of  the  serpent  would  have  directed  them  to  be  silent,  and 
 though  they  could  not  with  a  good  conscience  promise  that  they 
 would  not  preach  the  gospel  any  more,  yet  they  needed  not  te 
 
CHAP.  V. 
 
 23  f  And,  being  let  go,  they  went  to  their 
 own  company,  and  reported  all  that  the  chief 
 priests  and  elders  had  said  unto  them. 
 
 24  And,  when  they  heard  that,  they  lifted 
 up  their  voice  to  God  with  one  accord,  and 
 said.  Lord,  thou  art  God,  which  hast  made 
 heaven,  and  earth,  and  the  sea,  and  all  that 
 in  them  is  ; 
 
 25  Who  by  the  mouth  of  thy  servant  Da¬ 
 vid  hast  said.  Why  did  the  heathen  rage,  and 
 the  people  imagine  vain  things  ? 
 
 26  The  kings  of  the  earth  stood  up,  and 
 the  rulers  were  gathered  together  against  the 
 Lord,  and  against  his  Christ. 
 
 27  For  of  a  truth,  against  thy  holy  child 
 Jesus,  whom  thou  hast  anointed,  both  Herod 
 and  Pontius  Pilate,  with  the  Gentiles,  and 
 the  people  of  Israel,  were  gathered  together, 
 
 28  For  to  do  whatsoever  thy  hand  and 
 thy  counsel  determined  before  to  be  done. 
 
 29  And  now.  Lord,  behold  their  threaten- 
 ings  :  and  grant  unto  thy  servants  that  with 
 all  boldness  they  may  speak  thy  word, 
 
 30  By  stretching  forth  thine  hand  to  heal ; 
 and  that  signs  and  wonders  may  be  done  by 
 the  name  of  thy  holy  child  Jesus. 
 
 31  ^  And  when  they  had  prayed,  the  place 
 was  shaken  where  they  were  assembled  to¬ 
 gether  ;  and  they  were  all  filled  with  the 
 Holy  Ghost,  and  they  spake  the  word  of 
 God  with  boldness. 
 
 them  that  they  would  ;  but  the  boldness  ot  the  lion  directed  them 
 thus  to  set  both  the  authority  and  the  malignity  of  their  persecutors 
 at  defiance. 
 
 23 — 31.  It  was  foretold,  Psal.  ii.  1,2:  first.  That  the  heathen 
 would  rage  at  Christ  and  his  kingdom,  and  be  angry  at  the  attempts 
 to  set  it  up,  because  that  would  be  the  pulling  down  of  the  gods  of 
 the  heathen,  and  giving  check  to  the  wickedness  of  the  heathen  : 
 second.  That  the  people  would  imagine  all  the  things  that  could 
 be  against  it,  to  silence  the  teachers  of  it,  to  discountenance  the 
 subjects  of  it,  and  to  crush  all  the  interests  of  it :  and  if  they  prove 
 vain  thoughts  in  the  issue,  that  is  no  thanks  to  them  who  imagined 
 them:  third.  That  the  kings'"of  the  earth  particularly  would  stand 
 up  in  opposition  to  the  kingdom  of  Christ,  as  if  they  were  jealous, 
 (though  there  is  no  occasion  for  their  being  so)  that  it  would  inter¬ 
 fere  with  their  powers,  and  intrench  upon  their  prerogatives.  The 
 kings  of  the  earth  that  are  most  favoured  and  honoured  by  divine 
 providence,  and  should  do  most  for  God,  are  strangers  and  enemies 
 to  divine  grace,  and  do  most  against  God  :  fourth.  That  the  rulers 
 ■would  gather  together  against  God  and  Christ,  not  only  monarchs 
 that  have  the  power  in  their  single  persons,  but  there  where  the 
 power  is  in  many  rulers,  councils,  and  senates,  they  gather  together 
 to  consult  and  decree  against  the  Lord,  and  against  his  Christ, 
 against  both  natural  and  revealed  religion.  What  is  done  against 
 Christ,  God  takes  as  done  against  himself.  Christianity  was  not 
 only  destitute  of  the  advantage  of  the  countenance  and  support  of 
 kings  and  rulers,  it  had  neither  their  power  nor  their  purses,  but 
 it  was  opposed  and  fought  against  by  them,  and  they  combined  to 
 run  it  down,  and  yet  it  made  its  way. 
 
 Vol.  II.  89  3  Y 
 
 32  ^  And  the  multitude  of  them  that  be¬ 
 lieved  were  of  one  heart  and  of  one  soul  : 
 neither  said  any  of  them  that  ought  of  the 
 things  Avhich  he  possessed  Avas  his  OAvn  ;  but 
 they  had  all  things  common. 
 
 33  And  Avith  great  poAver  gave  the  apostles 
 Avitness  of  the  resurrection  of  the  Lord  Jesus  : 
 and  great  grace  Avas  upon  them  all. 
 
 34  Neither  was  there  any  among  them 
 that  lacked  ;  for  as  many  as  Avere  possessors 
 of  lands  or  houses  sold  them,  and  brought 
 the  prices  of  the  things  that  Avere  sold, 
 
 35  And  laid  them  doAvn  at  the  apostles 
 feet :  and  distributipn  Avas  made  unto  every 
 man  according  as  he  had  need. 
 
 36  And  Joses,  Avho  by  the  apostles  Avas 
 surnamed  Barnabas,  (which  is,  being  inter¬ 
 preted,  The  son  of  consolation,)  a  Levite, 
 and  of  the  country  of  Cyprus, 
 
 37  Flaving  land,  sold  it,  and  brought  the 
 money,  and  laid  it  at  the  apostles^  teet. 
 
 CHAP.  V. 
 
 I.  The  sin  and  punishment  of  Ananias  and  Sapphira,  1 — 11.  II. 
 
 Ths  flourishing  state  of  the  church,  12 — 16'.  III.  The  im¬ 
 prisonment  of  the  apostles,  17—26'.  IV.  Their  arraignment 
 
 before  the  great  Sanhedrin,  27—33.  V.  Gamaliel’s  counsel. 
 
 34 — 40.  VI.  The  apostles’  cheerful  progress  in  their  work, 
 
 41,42. 
 
 UT  a  certain  man  named  Ananias,  Avith 
 Sapphira  his  Avife,  sold  a  possession, 
 
 2  And  kept  back  part  of  the  price,  his 
 Avife  also  being  privy  to  it,  and  brought  a 
 certain  part,  and  laid  it  at  the  apostles^  feet. 
 
 AVicked  aud  unholv  instruments  were  employed  in  the  e.xecuting 
 of  God’s  design,  though  they  meant  not  so,  neither  did  their  heart 
 think  so.  Herod  and  Pilate,  Gentiles  and  Jews,  who  had  been  at 
 variance  with  each  other,  united  against  Christ.  And  God’s  serv¬ 
 ing  his  own  purposes  by  what  they  did,  was  no  excuse  at  all  for 
 their  malice  and  wickedness  in  the  doing  of  it,  any  more  than  God’s 
 making  the  blood  of  the  martyrs  the  seed  of  the  church,  extenu¬ 
 ated  the  guilt  of  their  bloody  persecutors.  Sin  is  not  the  less  evil 
 for  God’s  bringing  good  out  of  it,  but  he  is  by  that  the  more  glori¬ 
 fied,  and  will  be  so,  when  the  mystery  of  God  shall  be  finished. 
 
 The  prayer  of  the  disciples,  without  doubt  was  accepted,  for  it 
 was  answered.  They  were  all  filled  with  the  Holy  Ghost  more  than 
 ever,  by  which  they  were  not  only  encouraged,  but  enabled  to 
 speak  the  word  of  God  with  boldness,  and  not  to  be  afraid  of  the 
 proud  and  haughty  looks  of  men.  The  Holy  Ghost  taught  them 
 not  only  what  to  speak,  but  how  to  speak.  Those  that  were  en¬ 
 dued  habitually  with  the  powers  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  yet  had  occa¬ 
 sion  for  fresh  supplies  of  the  spirit  according  as  the  various  occur¬ 
 rences  of  their  service  were.  They  were  filled  with  the  Holy 
 Ghost  at  the  bar,  v.  2,  and  now  filled  with  the  Holy  Ghost  in  the 
 pulpit,  which  teaches  us  to  live  in  an  actual  dependance  upon  the 
 grace  of  God  according  as  the  duty  of  every  day  requires. 
 
 32 — 37.  There  were  two  among  the  apostles  that  were  called 
 Boanerges,  Sons  of  Thunder,  Mark  hi.  17.  but  here  was  a  Son  of 
 Consolation  with  them ;  each  had  their  secret  gift,  neither  must 
 censure  the  other,  but  both  ease  one  another,  let  the  one  search 
 the  wound,  and  then  let  the  other  heal  it  and  bind  it  up. 
 
 I  CHAP.  V.  1— 11  Observe  here  the  sin  ot  Ananias  and  Sap- 
 
 327 
 
ACTS. 
 
 3  But  Peter  said,  Ananias,  ^vh.y  liath  Sa¬ 
 tan  filled  thine  heart  to  lie  to  the  Holy 
 Ghost,  and  to  keep  h^ck  part  of  the  price  of 
 the  land  ? 
 
 4  Whiles  it  remained,  was  it  not  thine 
 own  ?  and  after  it  was  sold,  was  it  not  in 
 thine  own  power  ?  why  hast  thou  conceived 
 this  thing  in  thine  heart  ?  thou  hast  not  lied 
 unto  men,  but  unto  God. 
 
 5  And  Ananias,  hearing  these  words,  fell 
 down,  and  gave  up  the  ghost :  and  great  fear 
 came  on  all  them  that  heard  these  things. 
 
 6  And  the  young  men  arose,  wound  him 
 up,  and  carried  him  out,  and  buried  him. 
 
 7  And  it  was  about  the  space  of  three 
 hours  after,  when  his  wife,  not  knowing 
 what  was  done,  came  in. 
 
 p  And  Peter  answered  unto  her.  Tell  me 
 whether  ye  sold  the  land  for  so  much  ?  And 
 she  said.  Yea,  for  so  much. 
 
 9  Then  Peter  said  unto  her.  How  is  that 
 ye  have  agreed  together  to  tempt  the  Spirit 
 of  the  Lord  ?  Behold,  the  feet  of  them  which 
 have  buried  thy  husband  are  at  the  door, 
 and  shall  carry  thee  out, 
 
 10  Then  fell  she  down  straightway  at  his 
 feet,  and  yielded  up  the  ghost :  and  the 
 young  men  came  in,  and  found  her  dead, 
 and  carrying  her  forth,  buried  her  by  her 
 husband . 
 
 11  And  great  fear  came  upon  all  the 
 church,  and  upon  as  many  as  heard  these 
 things. 
 
 12  f  And  by  the  hands  of  the  apostles 
 were  many  signs  and  wonders  wrought  among 
 the  people  :  (and  they  were  all  with  one  ac¬ 
 cord  in  Solomon's  porch. 
 
 phira  his  wife;  first,  That  they  were  ambitious  of  being  thought 
 eminent  disciples,  and  of  the  first  rank,  when  really  they  were  not 
 true  disciples  ;  would  pass  for  some  of  the  most  fruitlul  trees  in 
 Christ’s  vineyard,  when  really  the  root  of  the  matter  was  not  found 
 in  them  :  second.  That  they  were  covetous  of  the  wealth  of  the 
 world,  and  distrustful  of  God  and  his  providence  :  third.  That  they 
 thought  to  deceive  the  apostles,  and  make  them  believe  they 
 brought  the  whole  purchase-money,  when  really  it  was  but  a  part. 
 They  come  with  as  good  an  assurance,  and  as  great  a  show  of 
 piety  and  devotion  as  any  of  them,  and  laid  the  money  at  the 
 apostles'  feet,  as  if  it  were  their  all.  They  dissembled  with  God  and 
 his  Spirit,  with  Christ  and  his  church  and  ministers;  and  this  was 
 their  sin. 
 
 12 — 17.  Believers  are  added  to  the  Lord  Jesus,  joined  to  him, 
 and  so  joined  to  his  mystical  body,  from  which  nothing  can  sepa¬ 
 rate  us  and  cut  us  off,  but  that  which  separates  us  and  cuts  us  ofl 
 from  Christ.  Many  have  been  brought  to  the  Lord,  and  yet  there 
 is  room  for  others  to  be  added  to  him,  added  to  the  number  of 
 528 
 
 13  And  of  the  rest  durst  no  man  join  hirn- 
 selt  to  them  :  but  the  people  magnified  them. 
 
 14  And  believers  were  the  more  added  to 
 the  Lord,  multitudes  both  of  men  and  wo¬ 
 men  :) 
 
 15  Insomuch  that  they  brought  forth  the 
 sick  into  the  streets,  and  laid  them  on  beds 
 and  couches,  that  at  the  least  the  shadow  of 
 Peter  passing  by  might  overshadow  some  of 
 them. 
 
 16  There  came  also  a  multitude  out  of  the 
 cities  round  about  unto  Jerusalem,  bringing- 
 sick  folks  and  them  which  were  vexed  with 
 unclean  spirits  :  and  they  were  healed  every 
 one. 
 
 17  f  Then  the  high  priest  rose  up,  and  all 
 they  that  were  with  him,  (which  is  the  sect 
 of  the  Sadducees,)  and  were  filled  with  in¬ 
 dignation, 
 
 18  And  laid  their  hands  on  the  apostles, 
 and  put  them  in  the  common  prison. 
 
 19  But  the  angel  of  the  Lord  by  night 
 opened  the  prison-doors,  and  brought  them 
 forth,  and  said, 
 
 20  Go,  stand  and  speak  in  the  temple  to 
 the  people  all  the  words  of  this  life. 
 
 21  And  when  they  heard  that,  they  entered 
 into  the  temple  early  in  the  morning  and 
 taught.  But  the  high  priest  came,  and  they 
 that  were  with  him,  and  called  the  council 
 together,  and  all  the  senate  of  the  children 
 of  Israel,  and  sent  to  the  prison  to  have 
 them  brought. 
 
 22  But  when  the  officers  came,  and  found 
 them  not  in  the  prison,  they  returned,  and 
 told, 
 
 23  Saying,  The  prison  truly  found  we 
 
 those  that  are  united  to  him  ;  and  additions  will  still  be  in  the 
 making  till  the  mystery  of  God  shall  be  finished,  and  the  number 
 of  the  elect  accomplished.  Notice  is  taken  of  the  conversion  of 
 women  as  well  as  men  ;  more  notice  than  generally  was  in  the  .lew- 
 ish  church,  in  which  they  neither  received  the  sign  of  circumci¬ 
 sion,  nor  were  obliged  to  attend  the  solemn  feasts  ;  and  the  court 
 of  the  women  was  one  of  the  outer  courts  of  the  temple.  But  as 
 among  those  that  followed  Christ,  while  he  was  upon  earth,  so 
 among  those  that  believed  on  him  after  he  went  to  heaven,  great 
 notice  was  taken  of  the  good  women. 
 
 1 7 — 25.  There  is  no  prison  so  dark,  so  strong,  but  God  can  both 
 visit  his  people  in  it,  and  if  he  pleaseth  fetch  them  out  of  it. 
 This  discharge  of  the  apostles  out  of  prison  by  an  angel,  was  a  rc- 
 semblence  of  Christ’s  resurrection,  and  discharge  out  of  the 
 prison  of  the  grave,  and  would  help  to  confirm  the  apostles’ 
 preaching  of  it.  They  arc  charged,  and  legally  charged  to  go  on 
 with  their  work,  so  as  thereby  to  be  discharged  from  the  prohibi¬ 
 tion  which  the  high  priest  laid  them  under;  the  angel  bid  .hem 
 
CHAP.  V. 
 
 shut  mth  all  safety,  and  the  keepers  standing 
 without  before  the  doors  :  but  when  we  had 
 opened,  we  found  no  man  within. 
 
 24  Now,  Avhen  the  high  priest,  and  the 
 captain  of  the  temple,  and  the  chief  priests, 
 heard  these  things,  they  doubted  of  them 
 whereunto  this  would  grow. 
 
 25  Then  came  one  and  told  them,  saying. 
 Behold,  the  men  whom  ye  put  in  prison  are 
 standing  in  the  temple,  and  teaching  the 
 people. 
 
 26  Then  went  the  captain  with  the  offi¬ 
 cers,  and  brought  them  without  violence  i 
 (for  they  feared  the  people,  lest  they  should 
 have  been  stoned.) 
 
 27  And,  when  they  had  brought  them, 
 they  set  the?n  before  the  council :  and  the 
 high  priest  asked  them, 
 
 28  Saying,  Did  not  we  straitly  command 
 you  that  ye  should  not  teach  in  this  name  ? 
 and,  behold,  ye  have  filled  Jerusalem  with 
 your  doctrine,  and  intend  to  bring  this  man^s 
 blood  upon  us. 
 
 29  ^  Then  Peter  and  the  other  apostles 
 answered,  and  said.  We  ought  to  obey  God 
 rather  than  men. 
 
 30  The  God  of  our  fathers  raised  up  Jesus, 
 whom  ye  slew,  and  hanged  on  a  tree  : 
 
 31  Him  hath  God  exalted  with  his  right 
 hand  to  be  a  Prince  and  a  Saviour,  for  to  give 
 repentance  to  Israel,  and  forgiveness  of  sins. 
 
 32  And  we  are  his  witnesses  of  these 
 things  ;  and  so  is  also  the  Holy  Ghost,  whom 
 God  hath  given  to  them  that  obey  him. 
 
 3v3  ^  When  they  heard  that  they  were  cut 
 to  the  heart,  and  took  counsel  to  slay  them. 
 
 Go,  stand,  and  speak  in  the  temple  to  the  people  all  the  words  of 
 this  life,  20.  The  gospel  is  concerning  matters  of  life  and  death, 
 and  ministers  must  preach  it,  and  people  hear  it  accordingly. 
 They  must  speak  all  the  words  of  this  life,  and  not  conceal  any 
 for  fear  of  offending,  or  in  hope  of  ingratiating  themselves  with 
 their  rulers.  Christ’s  witnesses  are  sworn  to  speak  the  whole  truth. 
 
 26 — 42.  This  Gamaliel  is  here  said  to  be  a  Pharisee  by  his  pro¬ 
 fession  and  sect,  and  by  office  a  doctor  of  the  law,  one  that  studied 
 the  scriptures  of  the  Old  Testament,  read  lectures  upon  the  sacred 
 authors,  and  trained  up  pupils  in  the  knowledge  of  them ;  Paul 
 was  brought  up  at  his  feet,  Acts  xxii,  3,  and  tradition  saith,  that 
 so  were  Stephen  and  Barnabas.  Some  say  he  was  the  son  of  that 
 Simeon  that  took  up  Christ  in  his  arms  when  he  was  presented  in 
 the  temple,  and  grandson  of  the  famous  Hillel.  He  is  here  said  to 
 be  in  reputation  among  all  the  peojtle,  for  his  wisdom  and  con¬ 
 duct,  it  appearing  by  this  passage,  that  he  was  a  moderate  man, 
 and  not  apt  to  go  in  with  furious  measures.  Men  of  temper  and 
 charity  are  justly  had  in  reputation,  for  checking  the  incendiaries 
 that  otherwise  would  set  the  world  on  fire. 
 
 34  Then  stood  there  up  one  in  the  council, 
 a  Pharisee,  named  Gamaliel,  a  doctor  of  the 
 law,  had  in  reputation  among  all  the  people, 
 and  commanded  to  put  the  apostles  forth  a 
 little  space  ; 
 
 35  And  said  unto  them.  Ye  men  of  Israel, 
 take  heed  to  yourselves  Avhat  ye  intend  to  do 
 as  touching  these  men. 
 
 36  For  before  these  days  rose  up  Theu- 
 das,  boasting  himself  to  be  somebody  ;  to 
 whom  a  number  of  men,  about  four  hun¬ 
 dred,  joined  themselves,  who  was  slain  ;  and 
 all,  as  many  as  obeyed  him,  where  scattered 
 and  brought  to  nought. 
 
 37  After  this  man  rose  up  Judas  of  Gali¬ 
 lee  in  the  days  of  the  taxing,  and  drew  away 
 much  people  after  him  :  he  also  perished  ; 
 and  all,  even  as  many  as  obeyed  him,  were 
 dispersed. 
 
 38  And  now,  I  say  unto  you.  Refrain  from 
 these  men,  and  let  them  alone  :  for  if  this 
 counsel,  or  this  work  be  of  men,  it  will  come 
 to  nought. 
 
 39  But  if  it  be  of  God,  ye  cannot  over¬ 
 throw  it ;  lest  haply  ye  be  found  even  to 
 fight  against  God. 
 
 40  And  to  him  they  agreed  :  and  when 
 they  had  called  the  apostles,  and  beaten 
 them,  they  commanded  that  they  should  not 
 speak  in  the  name  of  Jesus,  and  let  them  go. 
 
 41  And  they  departed  from  the  presence 
 of  the  council,  rejoicing  that  they  were  count¬ 
 ed  worthy  to  suffer  shame  for  his  name. 
 
 42  And  daily  in  the  temple,  and  in  every 
 house,  they  ceased  not  to  teach  and  preach 
 Jesus  Christ. 
 
 There  was  one  Theudas,  that  made  a  mighty  noise  for  a  while, 
 as  one  sent  of  God,  boasting  himself  to  be  somebody,  some  great 
 one,  so  the  word  is,  either  a  teacher  or  a  prince  with  a  divine  com¬ 
 mission,  to  effect  some  great  revolution  either  in  the  church  or  in 
 the  state;  and  he  observes  here,  36',  concerning  him,  first,  How 
 far  he  prevailed  ;  a  number  of  men,  about  four  hun<lred  in  all, 
 joined  themselves  to  him,  that  knew  not  what  to  do  with  them¬ 
 selves,  or  hoped  to  mend  themselves ;  and  they  seemed  then  a  for¬ 
 midable  body  :  second.  How  soon  his  pretensions  were  all  dash¬ 
 ed  ;  for  when  he  was  slain,  probably  in  war,  and  melted  away  like 
 snow  before  the  sun.  Now  compare  that  case  with  this,  you  have 
 slain  Jesus  the  ringleader  of  this  faction,  you  have  taken*  him  off; 
 now  if  he  was,  as  you  say  he  was,  an  impostor  and  pretender,  his 
 death,  like  that  of  Theudas,  will  be  the  death  of  his  cause,  and  the 
 final  dispersion  of  his  followers.  From  what  has  been  said  we  may 
 infer  what  will  be  in  a  like  case  ;  the  smiting  of  a  shepherd  will  be 
 the  scattering  of  the  sheep;  and  if  the  God  of  peace  had  not 
 brought  again  from  the  dead  that  great  Shepherd,  the  dispersion 
 of  the  sheep  at  his  death  had  been  total  and  final.  We  wish  this 
 
 529 
 
ACTS. 
 
 CHAP.  VI. 
 
 Deacons  chosen. 
 
 A  ND  in  those  days,  when  the  number  of 
 the  disciples  was  multiplied,  there 
 arose  a  murmuring  of  the  Grecians  against 
 the  Hebrews,  because  their  widows  were 
 neglected  in  the  daily  ministration. 
 
 2  Then  the  twelve  called  the  multitude 
 of  the  disciples  nnto  them,  and  said.  It  is  not 
 reason  that  we  should  leave  the  word  of  God 
 and  serve  tables. 
 
 3  Wherefore,  brethren,  look  ye  out  among 
 you  seven  men  of  honest  report,  full  of  the 
 Holy  Ghost  and  wisdom,  Avhom  we  may 
 appoint  over  this  business. 
 
 4  But  we  will  give  ourselves  continually 
 to  prayer,  and  to  the  ministry  of  the  word. 
 
 5  ^  And  the  saying  pleased  the  whole 
 multitude  ;  and  they  chose  Stephen,  a  man 
 full  of  faith  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  and 
 Philip,  and  Prochorus,  and  Nicanor,  and 
 Timon,  and  Parmenas,  and  Nicolas  a  pro¬ 
 selyte  of  Antioch  ;  * 
 
 6  Whom  they  set  before  the  apostles ; 
 and,  when  they  had  prayed,  they  laid  their 
 hands  on  them. 
 
 7  ^  And  the  word  of  God  increased  :  and 
 the  number  of  the  disciples  multij)lied  in 
 Jerusalem  greatly  ;  and  a  great  company 
 of  the  priests  were  obedient  to  the  faith. 
 
 8  %  And  Stephen,  full  of  faith  and  power, 
 did  great  wonders  and  miracles  among  the 
 people. 
 
 9  ^  Then  there  arose  certain  of  the  syna¬ 
 gogue,  which  is  called  the  synagogue  of  the 
 Libertines,  and  Cyrenians,and  Alexandrians, 
 and  of  them  of  Cilicia,  and  of  Asia,  disputing 
 with  Stephen. 
 
 10  And  they  were  not  able  to  resist  the 
 wisdom  and  the  spirit  by  which  he  spake. 
 
 11  Then  they  suborned  men,  which  said, 
 We  have  heard  him  speak  blasphemous 
 words  against  Moses,  and  against  God. 
 
 12  And  they  stirred  up  the  peojile,  and 
 the  elders,  and  the  scribes,  and  came  upon 
 hhn,  and  caught  him,  and  brought  iiitn  to 
 the  council, 
 
 13  And  set  up  false  witnesses  which  said. 
 This  man  ceaseth  not  to  speak  blasphemous 
 words  against  this  holy  place,  and  the  law. 
 
 14  For  we  have  heard  him  say.  That  this 
 Jesus  of  Nazareth  shall  destroy  this  place, 
 and  shall  change  the  customs  which  Moses 
 delivered  us. 
 
 15  And  all  that  sat  in  the  council,  look¬ 
 ing  stedfastly  on  him,  saw  his  face  as  it  had 
 been  the  face  of  an  angel. 
 
 CHAP.  VH. 
 
 The  martyrdom  of  Stephen. 
 
 Then  said  the  high  priest.  Are  these 
 things  so  ? 
 
 2  And  he  said,  ]\Ien,  brethren,  and  fa¬ 
 thers,  hearken  ;  The  God  of  glory  appeared 
 unto  our  father  Abraham,  when  he  was  in 
 Mesopotamia,  before  he  dwelt  in  Charran. 
 
 3  And  said  unto  him.  Get  thee  out  of  thy 
 
 advice  of  Gamaliel  were  ckily  considered  by  those  that  persecute 
 for  conscience’  sake ;  for  it  was  a  good  thought,  and  natural 
 enough,  though  we  are  uncertain  what  the  man  was. 
 
 chap.  VI.  1—7.  The  complaint  of  these  Grecians  was.  That 
 their  widows  were  neglected  in  the  daily  ministration,  i.  e.  in  the 
 distribution  of  the  public  charity,  and  the  Hebrew  widows  had 
 more  care  taken  of  them.  The  first  contention  in  the  Christian 
 church  was  about  a  money-matter  ;  but  it  is  pity  that  the  little 
 things  of  this  world  should  be  make-bates  among  those  that  pro¬ 
 fess  to  be  taken  up  with  the  great  things  of  another  world.  A 
 great  deal  of  money  was  gathered  for  the  relief  of  the  poor;  but 
 as  useth  to  be  in  such  cases,  it  was  impossible  to  please  every  body 
 in  the  laying  of  it  out.  The  apostles,  at  whose  feet  it  was  laid, 
 did  their  best  to  dispose  of  it  so  as  to  answer  the  intentions  of  the 
 donors  ;  and,  no  doubt,  designed  to  do  it  with  the  utmost  impar¬ 
 tiality,  and  were  far  from  respecting  the  Hebrews  more  than  the 
 Grecians ;  and  yet  here  they  are  complained  to,  and  implicitly 
 complained  of,  that  the  Grecian  widows  were  neglected,  though 
 they  were  as  real  objects  of  charity,  yet  they  had  not  so  much 
 allowed  them,  or  not  so  many,  or  not  so  duly  paid  them,  as  the 
 Hebrews.  While  the  number  of  the  disciples  was  few,  the  apostles 
 might  manage  this  matter  without  making  it  any  considerable 
 avocation  from  their  main  business  :  but  now  their  number  was 
 increased  they  could  not  do  it.  It  is  not  reason,  it  is  not  fit  or 
 commendable,  that  we  should  neglect  the  business  of  feeding  souls 
 530 
 
 with  the  bread  of  life,  to  attend  the  business  of  relieving  the  bodies 
 of  the  poor.  Preaching  the  gosjjcl  is  the  best  work,  and  the  most 
 proper  and  needful  that  a  minister  can  be  employed  in  ;  and  that 
 which  he  must  give  himself  wholly  to,  1  Tim.  iv.  13,  which  that 
 he  may  do,  he  must  not  entangle  himself  in  the  aflairs  of  this  life, 
 2  Tim.  ii.  4,  no  not  in  the  outward  business  of  the  house  of  God, 
 Nch.  xi.  16'.  They  therefore  desire  that  seven  men  might  be  cho¬ 
 sen  well  qualified  for  the  purpose,  whose  business  it  should  be  to 
 serve  tables,  to  be  deacons  to  the  tables,  v.  3. 
 
 8 — 15.  Stephen,  no  doubt  was  diligent  and  faithful  in  the  dis¬ 
 charge  of  his  office  as  distributor  of  the  church’s  charity,  and  laid 
 out  himself  to  put  that  affair  in  a  good  method,  and  did  it  to  uni¬ 
 versal  satisfaction  ;  and  though  it  appears  here  that  he  was  a  man 
 of  uncommon  gifts,  and  fitted  for  a  higher  station,  yet  being 
 called  to  that  office,  he  did  not  think  it  below  him  to  do  the  duty 
 of  it.  And  being  faithful  in  a  little,  he  was  soon  intrusted  with 
 more:  and  though  we.  do  not  find  him  propagating  the  gospel 
 by  preaching  and  baptizing,  yet  we  find  him  here  called  out  to 
 verv  honourable  services,  and  owned  in  them. 
 
 CHAP.  VII.  1— 16.  The  discourse  is  far  from  being  a  long 
 ramble  only  to  amuse  the  hearers,  and  give  them  a  diversion  by 
 telling  them  an  old  storv.  No,  it  is  all  pertinent,  and  ad  reny  o 
 shew  them  that  God  had  not  his  heart  so  much  upon  that  holy 
 place  and  the  law,  as  they  had  ;  but  as  he  had  a  church  m 
 world  many  ages  before  that  holy  place  was  founded,  and  tne 
 
CHAP.  VII. 
 
 *  country,  and  from  Uiy  kindred,  and  cornel 
 into  the  land  which  I  shall  shew  thee. 
 
 4  'Then  came  he  out  of  the  land  of  the 
 Chaldeans,  and  dwelt  in  Charran  ;  and  from 
 thence,  '\'hen  his  lather  ^\as  de<id,  he  re¬ 
 moved  him  into  this  land,  wherein  ye  now 
 dwell. 
 
 5  And  he  gave  him  none  inheritance  in  it, 
 no,  not  so  much  as  to  set  his  foot  on ;  yet  he 
 jiromiscd  that  he  would  ftive  it  to  him  fori 
 a  possession,  and  to  his  seed  after  him,  wdien 
 as  yet  he  had  no  child. 
 
 6  And  God  spake  on  this  wise.  That  his 
 seed  should  sojourn  in  a  strange  land  :  and 
 that  they  should  bring  them  into  bondage, 
 and  entreat  them  evil  four  hundred  years. 
 
 7  And  the  nation  to  whom  they  shall  be 
 in  bondage  wall  I  judge,  said  God:  and  after 
 that  shall  they  come  forth,  and  serve  me  in 
 this  place. 
 
 8  And  he  gave  him  the  covenant  of  cir¬ 
 cumcision  :  and  so  Abraham  begat  Isaac, 
 and  circumcised  him  the  eighth  day  :  and 
 Isaac  begat  Jacob;  and  Jacob  begat  the 
 twelve  patriarchs. 
 
 9  ^  And  the  patriarchs  moved  with  envy, 
 sold  Joseph  into  Egypt :  but  God  was  with 
 him, 
 
 10  And  delivered  him  out  of  all  his  afflic¬ 
 tions,  and  gave  him  favour  and  wisdom  in 
 the  sight  of  Pharaoh  king  of  Egypt ;  and 
 he  made  him  governor  over  Egypt,  and  all 
 his  house. 
 
 11  Now,  there  came  a  dearth  over  all  the 
 land  of  Egypt  and  Canaan,  and  great 
 affliction :  and  our  fathers  found  no  sus¬ 
 tenance. 
 
 12  But  when  Jacob  heard  that  there  was 
 corn  in  Egy|)t,  he  sent  out  our  fathers  first. 
 
 13  And  at  the  second  time  Jose[)h  was 
 made  known  to  his  brethren  ;  and  Joseph’s 
 kindred  Avas  made  knov/n  unto  Pharaoh. 
 
 14  Then  sent  Joseph,  and  called  his  fa¬ 
 ther  Jacob  to  hitn,  and  all  his  kindred,  three¬ 
 score  and  fifteen  souls. 
 
 15  So  Jacob  Avent  doAvn  into  Egypt,  and 
 died,  he,  and  our  fathers. 
 
 16  And  Avere  carried  over  into  Sychem, 
 and  laid  in  the  sepulchre  that  Abraham 
 bought  for  a  sum  of  money  of  the  sons  of 
 Emmor,  the  father  of  Sychem. 
 
 17  ^  But  Avhen  the  time  of  the  promise 
 dreAV  nigh,  Avhich  God  had  sworn  to  Abra¬ 
 ham,  the  people  greAV  and  multiplied  in 
 Egypt, 
 
 18  Till  another  king  arose,  Avhich  kneAV 
 not  Joseph. 
 
 19  The  same  dAvelt  subtilly  Avith  our 
 kindred,  and  evil  entreated  our  fathers,  so 
 that  they  cast  out  their  young  children,  tc 
 the  end  they  might  not  live. 
 
 .  20  In  Avhich  time  Moses  Avas  born,  and 
 Avas  exceeding  fair,  and  nourished  up  in  his 
 1  father’s  house  three  months  : 
 
 21  AndjAvhen  he  AA^as  cast  out,  Pharoah’s 
 daughter  took  him  up,  and  nourished  him 
 for  her  OAvn  son. 
 
 22  And  Moses  Avas  learned  in  all  the  Avis- 
 dom  of  the  Egyptians,  and  Avas  mighty  in 
 Avords  and  in  deeds. 
 
 23  And,  Avhen  he  Avas  full  forty  years  old, 
 it  came  into  his  heart  to  visit  his  brethren  the 
 children  of  Israel. 
 
 24  And  seeing  one  of  them  suffer  Avron'g, 
 
 ceremonial  law  given,  so  he  would  have,  when  they  should  both 
 have  had  their  period.  First,  He  still  minds  them  of  the  mean 
 beginning  of  the  Jewish  nation,  as  a  check  to  their  priding  of 
 themselves  in  the  glories  of  that  nation  ;  and  that  it  was  by  a 
 miracle  of  mercy  that  they  were  raised  up  out  of  nothing  to  what 
 they  were,  from  so  small  a  number  to  be  so  great  a  nation  ;  but  if 
 they  answer  not  the  intention  of  their  being  so  raised,  they  can 
 expect  no  other  but  to  be  destroyed.  The  prophets  frequently 
 put  them  in  mind  of  their  contempt  of  the  law  of  God,  and  here  it 
 is  urged  upon  them  as  an  aggravation  of  their  contempt  of  the 
 Gospel  of  Christ.  Second,  He  minds  them  likewise  of  the  wicked¬ 
 ness  of  those  that  were  the  patriarchs  of  their  tribes,  in  envying 
 iheir  brother  Joseph,  and  selling  him  into  Egypt;  and  the  same 
 spirit  was  still  working  in  them  towards  Christ  and  his  ministers. 
 Third,  Their  holy  land  they  doted  so  much  upon,  their  fathers 
 were  long  kept  out  of  the  possession  of,  and  met  with  dearth  anr 
 great  affliction  in  it ;  and  therefore  let  them  not  think  it  strange  i 
 after  it  has  been  so  long  polluted  with  sin  it  be  at  length  destroyed. 
 
 Fourth,  The  faith  of  the  patriarchs  in  desiring  to  be  buried  in  the 
 land  of  Canaan,  plainly  shewed  that  they  had  an  eye  to  the  hea¬ 
 venly  country,  which  it  was  the  design  of  this  Jesus  to  lead  them  to 
 17 — 29.  Now  Stephen  seems  to  observe  this  to  them,  not  only 
 that  they  might  further  see  how  mean  their  beginnings  were,  fitly 
 represented  (perhaps  with  an  eye  to  the  exposing  of  the  young 
 children  in  Egypt)  by  the  forlorn  state  of  a  helpless  out-cast 
 infant,  Ezek.  xvi.  4.  And  how  much  they  were  indebted  to  God 
 for  his  care  of  them,  which  they  had  forfeited,  and  made  them¬ 
 selves  unworthy  of,  but  also  that  they  might  consider  that  what 
 they  were  now  doing  against  the  Christian  church  in  its  infancy, 
 was  as  impious  and  unjust,  and  rvould  be  in  the  issue  as  fruitless 
 and  ineffectual  as  that  was  which  the  Egyptians  did  against  the 
 Jewish  church  in  its  infancy.  You  think  you  deal  subtilely  in  your 
 evil  intreating  us,  and  in  persecuting  young  converts  you  do  as 
 they  did  in  casting  out  the  youg  children,  but  you  will  find  its  to 
 no  purpose  ;  in  spite  of  your  malice,  Chris‘’s  disciples  will  increase 
 and  multiply. 
 
 531 
 
"ACTS. 
 
 he  defended  him,  and  avenged  him  that  was 
 oppressed,  and  smote  the  Egyptian  : 
 
 25  For  he  supposed  his  brethen  would 
 have  understood  how  that  God  by  his  hand 
 would  deliver  them  ;  but  they  understood 
 not. 
 
 26  And  the  next  day  he  shewed  himself 
 unto  them  as  they  strove,  and  would  have 
 set  them  at  one  again,  saying.  Sirs,  ye  are 
 brethren  ;  why  do  ye  wrong  one  to  another  ? 
 
 27  But  he  that  did  his  neighbour  wrong 
 thrust  him  aAvay,  saying.  Who  made  thee  a 
 ruler  and  a  judge  over  us  ? 
 
 28  Wilt  thou  kill  me,  as  thou  didst  the 
 Egyptian  yesterday  ? 
 
 29  Then  fled  Moses  at  this  saying,  and 
 was  a  stranger  in  the  land  of  Madian,  where 
 he  begat  two  sons. 
 
 30  And,  when  forty  years  were  expired, 
 there  appeared  to  him,  in  the  wilderness  of 
 mount  Sina,  an  angel  of  the  Lord  in  a  flame 
 of  fire  in  a  bush. 
 
 31  When  Moses  saw  it  he  wondered  at 
 the  sight :  and,  as  he  drew  near  to  behold  il> 
 the  voice  of  the  liOrd  came  unto  him, 
 
 32  Saying,  I  am  the  God  of  thy  fathers, 
 the  God  of  Abraham,  and  the  God  of  Isaac, 
 and  the  God  of  Jacob.  ThenMoses  trembled, 
 and  durst  not  behold. 
 
 33  Then  said  the  Lord  to  him.  Put  off 
 thy  shoes  from  thy  feet ;  for  the  place  where 
 thou  standest  is  holy  ground. 
 
 34  I  have  seen,  I  have  seen  the  affliction 
 of  my  people  which  is  in  Egypt,  and  I  have 
 heard  their  groaning,  and  am  come  down  to 
 deliver  them.  And  now  come,  I  will  send 
 thee  into  Egypt. 
 
 35  This  Moses,  whom  they  refused,  say¬ 
 ing,  Who  made  thee  a  ruler  and  a  judge  ? 
 
 Stephen  was  charged  with  having  spoken  blasphemous  words 
 against  Moses,  in  answer  to  which  charge  he  here  speaks  very  ho¬ 
 nourably  of  liim.  Now  by  all  this  Stephen  will  make  it  appear, 
 that  notwithstanding  the  malicious  insinuations  of  his  persecutors, 
 he  had  as  high  and  honourable  thoughts  of  Moses  as  they  had. 
 
 30 — 41.  Stephen  here  proceeds  in  his  story  of  Moses;  and  let 
 any  one  judge  whether  these  be  the  words  of  one  that  was  a  blas¬ 
 phemer  of  Moses.  No,  nothing  could  be  spoken  more  honour¬ 
 able  of  him.  So  far  is  he  from  blaspheming  Moses,  that  he  ad¬ 
 mires  him  as  a  glorious  instrument  in  the  hand  of  God  for  the 
 forming  of  the  Old  Testament  church  ;  but  it  doth  not  at  all  de¬ 
 rogate  from  his  just  honour  to  say,  that  he  was  but  an  instrument ; 
 ^nd  that  he  is  out-shone  by  this  Jesus,  whom  he  cncourageth 
 iiiese  Jews  yet  to  close  with,  and  to  come  into  his  interest,  not 
 fearing  but  then  they  should  be  received  into  his  favour,  and  re- 
 
 the  same  did  God  send  to  be  a  ruler  and  a' 
 deliverer  by  the  hand  of  the  angel  which  ap¬ 
 peared  to  him  in  the  bush. 
 
 36  He  brought  them  out,  after  that  he  had 
 shewed  wonders  and  signs  in  the  land  of 
 Egypt,  and  in  the  Red  sea,  and  in  the  wil¬ 
 derness  forty  years. 
 
 37  %  This  is  that  Moses  which  said  unto 
 the  children  of  Israel,  A  prophet  shall  the 
 Lord  your  God  raise  up  unto  you  of  your 
 brethren,  like  unto  me  ;  him  shall  ye  hear. 
 
 38  This  is  he  that  was  in  the  church  in 
 the  wilderness  with  the  angel  which  spake 
 to  him  in  the  mount  Sina,  and  zdth  our  fa¬ 
 thers  ;  who  received  the  lively  oracles  to  give 
 unto  us ; 
 
 39  To  whom  our  fathers  would  not  obey, 
 but  thrust  him  from  them,  and  in  their  hearts 
 turned  back  again  into  Egypt, 
 
 40  Saying  unto  Aaron,  Make  us  gods  to 
 go  before  us,  for  as  for  this  Moses,  which 
 brought  us  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  we  wot 
 not  what  is  become  of  him. 
 
 41  And  they  made  a  calf  in  those  days, 
 and  offered  sacrifice  unto  the  idol,  and  re¬ 
 joiced  in  the  works  of  their  own  hands. 
 
 42  Then  God  turned,  and  gave  them  up 
 to  worship  the  host  of  heaven ;  as  it  is  writ¬ 
 ten  in  the  book  of  the  prophets,  O  ye  house 
 of  Israel,  have  ye  offered  to  me  slain  beasts 
 and  sacrifices  by  the  space  of  forty  years  in 
 the  wilderness  ? 
 
 43  Yea,  ye  took  up  the  tabernacle  of 
 Moloch,  and  the  star  of  your  god  Remphan, 
 figures  which  ye  made  to  worship  them : 
 and  I  will  carry  you  away  beyond  Babylon. 
 
 44  ^  Our  fathers  had  the  tabernacle  of 
 witness  in  the  wilderness,  as  he  had  ap- 
 pbinted,  speaking  unto  Moses,  that  he 
 
 ceive  benefit  by  him,  as  the  people  of  Israel  were  delivered  by 
 Moses,  though  they  had  once  refused  him.  Moses  not  only  was 
 a  type  of  Christ,  many  were  so  that  perhaps  had  not  an  actual 
 fore-sight  of  his  day,  but  he  spoke  of  him,  v.  37-  This  is  that 
 Moses  which  said  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  a  prophet  shall 
 the  Lord  3'our  God  raise  up  unto  you  of  your  brethren.  This  is 
 spoken  of  as  one  of  the  greatest  honours  God  put  upon  him  ; 
 nay,  as  that  which  exceeded  all  the  rest,  that  by  him  he  gave  no¬ 
 tice  to  the  children  of  Israel  of  the  great  prophet  that  should 
 come  into  the  world,  raised  their  expectation  of  nim,  and  obliged 
 them  to  receive  him. 
 
 42 — 50.  Two  things  we  have  in  these  verses.  First,  Stephen 
 upbraids  them  in  the  idolatry  of  their  fathers.  Second,  He  gives 
 an  answer  particularly  to  the  charge  exhibited  against  him  rela¬ 
 ting  to  the  temple,  that  he  spoke  blasphemous  words  against 
 
CHAP.  VlIX. 
 
 should  make  it  according  to  the  fashion 
 that  he  had  seen  ; 
 
 45  Which  also  our  fathers  that  came  after 
 brouo-ht  in  with  Jesus  into  the  possession 
 of  the  Gentiles,  whom  God  drave  out  be¬ 
 fore  the  face  of  our  fathers,  unto  the  days 
 of  David  ; 
 
 46  Who  found' favour  before  God,  and 
 desired  to  find  a  tabernacle  for  the  God  of 
 Jacob. 
 
 47  But  Solomon  built  him  an  house. 
 
 48  Howbeit  the  most  High  dwelleth  not 
 in  temples  made  with  hands  ;  as  saith  the 
 prophet, 
 
 49  Heaven  is  my  throne,  and  earth  is  my 
 footstool :  what  house  will  ye  build  me  ? 
 saith  the  Lord  :  or  what  is  the  place  of  my 
 rest  ? 
 
 50  Hath  not  my  hand  made  all  these 
 things  ? 
 
 51  ^  Ye  stift-necked  and  uncircumcised 
 in  heart  and  ears,  ye  do  always  resist  the 
 Holy  Ghost ;  as  your  fathers  did,  so  do  ye. 
 
 52  Which  of  the  prophets  have  not  your 
 fathers  persecuted  ?  and  they  have  slain 
 them  which  shewed  before  of  the  coming  of 
 the  just  One,  of  whom  ye  have  been  now 
 the  betray  ers  and  murderers  ; 
 
 53  Who  have  received  the  law  by  the  dis¬ 
 position  of  angels,  and  have  not  kept  it. 
 
 that  holy  place,  44 — 50,  he  was  accused  for  saying  that  Jesus 
 would  destroy  this  holy  place.  And  what  if  I  did  say  so,  saith 
 Stephen,  the  glory  of  the  Holy  God  is  not  bound  up  in  the  glory 
 of  this  holy  place,  but  that  may  be  preserved  untouched,  though 
 this  be  laid  in  the  dust. 
 
 51 — 53.  Stephen  was  going  on  in  his  discourse  (as  it  should 
 seem  by  the  thread  of  it)  to  shew  that  as  the  temple,  so  the  temple 
 service  must  come  to  an  end,  and  it  would  be  the  glory  of  both 
 to  give  way  to  that  worship  of  the  Father  in  spirit  and  in  truth, 
 which  was  to  be  established  in  the  kingdom  of  the  Messiah,  stript 
 of  the  pompous  ceremonies  of  the  old  law,  and  so  was  going  to 
 apply  all  this  which  he  had  said  more  closely  to  his  present  pur¬ 
 pose  ;  but  he  perceived  they  could  not  bear  it ;  they  could  pa¬ 
 tiently  hear  the  history  of  the  Old  Testament  told,  it  was  a  piece 
 of  learning  which  they  themselves  dealt  much  in,  but  if  Stephen 
 go  about  to  tell  them  that  their  power  and  tyranny  must  come 
 down,  and  that  the  church  must  be  governed  by  a  spirit  of  holi¬ 
 ness  and  love,  and  heavenly-mindedness,  they  will  not  so  much 
 as  give  him  the  hearing.  It  is  probable  he  perceived  this,  and 
 that  they  were  going  to  silence  him  :  and  therefore  he  breaks  off 
 abruptly  in  the  midst  of  his  discourse,  and  by  that  spirit  of  wis¬ 
 dom,  courage,  and  power,  wherewith  he  was  filled,  he  sharply 
 .  rebuked  his  persecutors  and  gave  them  their  own ;  for  if  they 
 will  not  admit  the  testimony  of  the  gospel  to  them,  it  shall  be¬ 
 come  a  testimony  against  them. 
 
 54— -6o.  We  have  here  the  death  of  the  first  martyr  of  the 
 Christian  church,  and  there  is  in  this  story  a  lively  instance  of  the 
 outrage  and  fury  of  the  persecutors,  such  as  we  may  e.xpect  to 
 meet  with  if  we  are  called  out  to  suffer  for  Christ :  and  of  the 
 courage  and  comfort  of  the  persecuted  that  are  thus  called  out. 
 
 54  ^  When  they  heard  these  things  they 
 were  cut  to  the  heart,  and  they  gnashed  on 
 him  with  their  teeth. 
 
 55  But  he,  being  full  of  the  Holy  Ghost, 
 looked  up  stedfastly  into  heaven,  and  saw 
 the  glory  of  God,  and  Jesus  standing  on  the 
 right  hand  of  God  : 
 
 56  And  said.  Behold,  I  see  the  heavens 
 opened,  and  the  Son  of  man  standing  on  the 
 right  hand  of  God. 
 
 57  'J  hen  they  cried  out  with  a  loud  voice, 
 and  stopped  their  ears,  and  ran  upon  him 
 with  one  accord, 
 
 58  And  cast  him  out  of  the  city,  and 
 stoned  him  :  and  the  witnesses  laid  down 
 their  clothes  at  a  young  many’s  feet,  whose 
 name  was  Saul. 
 
 59  And  they  stoned  Stephen,  calling  up¬ 
 on  God,  and  saying.  Lord  Jesus,  receive 
 my  spirit. 
 
 60  And  he  kneeled  down,  and  cried  with 
 a  loud  voice,  Lord,  lay  not  this  sin  to  their 
 charge.  And  when  he  had  said  this  he  fell 
 asleep. 
 
 CHAP.  VIII. 
 
 I.  The  church  suffering,  1 — 3.  II.  The  church  spreading  by  the 
 
 ministry  of  Philip  and  others.  III.  The  gospel  brought  to  Sa¬ 
 maria.  IV.  The  gospel  sent  to  Ethiopia,  26 — 40. 
 
 A  ND  Saul  was  consenting  unto  his  death. 
 
 And  at  that  time  there  was  a  great 
 persecution  against  the  church  which  was 
 
 Here’s  hell  in  its  fire  and  darkness,  and  heaven  in  its  light  and 
 brightness ;  and  these  here  serve  as  foils  to  set  oft'  each  other. 
 It  is  not  here  said,  that  the  votes  of  the  council  were  taken  upon 
 his  case,  and  that  by  the  majority  he  was  found  guilty,  and 
 then  condemned,  and  ordered  to  be  stoned  to  death,  according  to 
 the  law,  as  a  blasphemer  ;  but  it  is  likely  so  it  was,  and  that  it  was 
 not  by  the  violence  of  the  people  without  order  of  the  council 
 that  he  was  put  to  death  ;  for  here  is  the  usual  ceremony  of  re¬ 
 gular  executions,  he  was  cast  out  of  the  city,  and  the  hands  of  the 
 witnesses  were  first  upon  him.  Two  short  prayers  Stephen  offered 
 up  to  God  in  his  dying  moments,  and  in  them  as  it  were  breathed 
 out  his  soul.  First,  Here’s  a  prayer  for  himself ;  Lord  Jesus,  re¬ 
 ceive  my  spirit.  Thus  Christ  had  himself  resigned  his  Spirit  imme¬ 
 diately  into  the  hands  of  the  Father  ;  we  are  here  taught  to  resign 
 ours  into  the  hands  of  Christ  as  Mediator,  by  him  to  be  recom- 
 nriended  to  the  Father.  Stephen  saw  Jesus  standing  at  the  Father’s 
 right  hand,  and  he  thus  calls  to  him,  Blessed  Jesus,  do  that  for 
 me  now,  which  thou  standest  there  to  do  for  all  thine,  receive  my 
 departing  spirit  into  thine  hand.  Second,  Here’s  a  prayer  for  his 
 persecutors,  60.  First,  The  circumstances  of  this  prayer  are  ob¬ 
 servable,  for  it  seems  to  have  been  offered  up  with  something 
 more  of  solemnity  than  the  former.  1.  He  kneeled  down; 
 which  was  an  expression  of  his  humility  in  prayer.  2.  He  cried 
 with  a  loud  voice ;  which  was  an  expression  of  his  importunity. 
 Second,  The  prayer  itself:  Lord,  lay  not  this  sin  to  their 
 charge;  therein  he  followed  the  example  of  his  dying  master, 
 who  set  an  example  to  all  following  sufferers  in  the  cause  of 
 Christ,  thus  to  pray  for  those  that  persecute  them. 
 
 CHAP.  VIII.  1 — 3.  Saul  was  bred  a  scholar,  a  gentleman, 
 and  yet  did  not  think  it  beneath  him  to  be  employed  in  the  dirtiest 
 
 533 
 
ACTS. 
 
 at  Jerusalem ;  and  they  were  all  scattered 
 abroad  throughout  the  regions  of  Judea  and 
 Samaria  except  the  apostles. 
 
 2  And  devout  men  carried  Stephen  to  his 
 burial,  and  made  great  lamentation  over 
 him. 
 
 3  As  for  Saul,  he  made  havock  of  the 
 church,  entering  into  every  house,  and, 
 haling  men  and  women,  committed  lAem  to 
 prison. 
 
 4  Therefore  they  that  were  scattered 
 abroad  went  every  where  preaching  the  word. 
 
 5  Then  Philip  went  down  to  the  city  of 
 Samaria,  and  preached  Christ  unto  them. 
 
 6  And  the  people  with  one  accord  gave 
 heed  unto  those  things  which  Philip  spake, 
 hearing  and  seeing  the  miracles  Avhich  he 
 did. 
 
 7  For  unclean  spirits,  crying  with  loud 
 voice,  came  out  of  many  that  Avere  possessed 
 with  them  :  and  many  taken  Avith  palsies,  and 
 that  Avere  lame,  Avere  healed. 
 
 8  And  there  Avas  great  joy  in  that  city. 
 
 9  ^  But  there  Avas  a  certain  man  called 
 Simon,  Avhich  before  time  in  the  same  city 
 used  sorcery,  and  beAvitched  the  people  of 
 Samaria,  giving  out  that  himself  Avas  some 
 great  one  : 
 
 10  To  Avhom  they  all  gave  heed,  from  the 
 least  to  the  greatest,  saying.  This  man  is  the 
 great  poAver  of  God, 
 
 11  And  to  him  they  had  regard,  because 
 
 work  of  that  kind.  1.  He  entered  into  every  house,  making  no 
 difficulty  of  breaking  open  doors  night  or  day,  having  a  force 
 attending  him  for  that  purpose.  He  entered  into  every  house 
 where  they  used  to  keep  their  meetings,  or  every  house  that  had 
 any  Christians  in  it,  or  was  thought  to  have.  No  man  could  be 
 secure  in  his  own  house,  though  it  is  his  castle.  2.  He  haled  with 
 the  utmost  contempt  and  cruelty  both  men  and  women,  dragged 
 them  along  the  streets  without  any  regard  to  the  tenderness  of  the 
 weaker  sex  ;  he  stooped  so  low  as  to  take  cognizance  of  the  meanest 
 that  were  leavened  with  the  gospel,  so  extremely  bigotted  was  he. 
 3.  He  committed  them  to  prison,  in  order  to  their  being  tried  and 
 put  to  death,  unless  they  would  renounce  Christ:  and  some  we 
 find  were  compelled  by  him  to  blaspheme.  The  preachers  were 
 all  scattered  except  the  apostles,  who  probably  were  directed  by 
 the  spirit  to  continue  at  Jerusalem  yet  for  some  time,  they  being 
 by  the  special  providence  of  God  screened  from  the  storm,  and 
 by  the  special  grace  of  God  enabled  to  face  the  storm.  They  tar¬ 
 ried  at  Jerusalem  that  they  might  be  ready  to  go  where  their  assist¬ 
 ance  was  most  needed. 
 
 4—13.  These  Samaritans,  though  they  were  not  idolaters  as  the 
 Gentiles,  nor  prejudiced  against  the  gospel  by  traditions  received 
 from  their  fathers,  yet  they  had  of  late  been  drawn  to  follow  Si¬ 
 mon  a  conquerer,  (for  so  Magus  signifies)  that  made  a  mighty  noise 
 among  them,  and  had  strangely  bewitched  them.  Simon  assured 
 to  himself  that  which  was  considerable  ;  he  gave  out  that  himself 
 was  some  grea.  one,  and  would  have  all  people  to  believe  so,  and  to 
 534 
 
 that  of  long  time  he  had  beAvitched  them  Avith 
 sorceries. 
 
 12  But  Avhen  they  ,  believed  Philip  preach¬ 
 ing  the  things  concerning  the  kingdom  of 
 God,  and  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ,  they 
 were  baptized,  both  men  and  Avomen. 
 
 13  Then  Simon  himself  believed  also ; 
 and,  Avhen  he  Avas  baptized,  he  continued 
 Avith  Philip,  and  Avondered,  beholding  the 
 miracles  and  signs  Avhich  Avere  done. 
 
 14  ^  Noav  Avhen  the  apostles,  Avhich  Avere 
 at  Jerusalem,  heard  that  Samaria  had  receiv¬ 
 ed  the  Avord  of  God,  they  sent  unto  them 
 Peter  and  John. 
 
 15  Who,  Avhen  they  Avere  come  doAvn, 
 prayed  for  them,  that  they  mio-lit  receive  the 
 Holy  Ghost. 
 
 16  (For  as  yet  he  Avas  fallen  upon  none 
 of  them  ;  only  they  Avere  baptized  in  the 
 name  of  the  Lord  Jesus.) 
 
 17  Then  laid  they  their  hands  on  them, 
 and  they  received  the  Holy  Ghost. 
 
 18  ^  And  Avhen  Simon  saAv  that  through 
 laying  on  of  the  apostles  hands  the  Holy 
 Ghost  Avas  given,  he  offered  them  money, 
 
 19  Saying,  Give  me  also  this  poAver,  that 
 on  Avhomsoever  I  lay  hands,  he  may  receive 
 the  Holy  Ghost. 
 
 20  But  Peter  said  unto  him,  Thy  money 
 perish  Avith  thee,  because  thou  hast  thought 
 that  the  gift  of  God  may  be  jAurchased  Avith 
 money. 
 
 pay  him  respect  accordingly,  and  then  as  to  every  thing  else  they 
 might  do  as  they  pleased  ;  he  had  no  design  to  reform  their  lives, 
 or  improve  their  worship  and  devotion,  only  to  make  them  be¬ 
 lieve  that  he  was  some  divine  person  or  other.  Justin  Martyr 
 saith,  he  would  be  worshipped  as  the  chief  God.  He  gave  out 
 himself  to  be  the  Son  of  God,  the  Messiah,  so  some  think.  Or, 
 to  be  an  angel  or  a  prophet ;  perhaps  he  was  uncertain  within 
 himself  what  title  of  honour  to  pretend  to,  but  he  would  be  thought 
 some  great  one.  Pride  and  ambition,  and  an  affectation  of  gran¬ 
 deur,  have  always  been  the  principle  of  abundance  of  mischief  both 
 to  the  world,  and  to  the  church.  Notwithstanding  the  influence 
 Simon  Magus  had  had  upon  them,  and  the  lothness  there  gene¬ 
 rally  is  in  people  to  own  themselves  in  an  error,  and  to  retract  it, 
 yet  when  they  saw  the  difference  between  Simon  and  Philip,  they 
 quitted  Simon,  gave  heed  no  longer  to  him,  but  to  Philip.  Simon 
 Magus  himself  became  a  convert  to  the  faith  of  Christ,  in  shew 
 and  profession  for  a  time.  Is  Saul  also  among  the  prophets  ?  Yes, 
 V.  13.  Simon  himself  believed  also;  he  was  convinced  that  Philip 
 preached  a  true  doctrine,  because  he  saw  it  confirmed  by  real 
 miracles,  which  he  w'as  the  better  able  to  judge  of  because  he  was 
 conscious  to  himself  of  the  trick  of  his  own  pretended  ones. 
 
 14 — 25.  Simon  was  ambitious  to  have  the  honour  of  an  apostle, 
 but  not  at  all  solicitous  to  have  the  spirit  and  disposition  of  a 
 Christian  ;  he  was  more  desirous  to  gain  honour  to  himself  than  to 
 do  good  to  others.  Now  in  making  this  motion,  Simon  put  a 
 great  affront  upon  the  apostles,  as  if  they  were  mercenary  meu, 
 
CHAP.  Vlll. 
 
 21  Thou  hast  neither  part  nor  lot  in  this 
 matter  :  for  thy  heart  is  not  right  in  the  sight 
 of  God. 
 
 22  Repent,  therefore,  of  this  thy  wicked¬ 
 ness  ;  and  pray  God,  if  perhaps  the  thought 
 of  thine  heart  may  be  forgiven  thee. 
 
 23  For  I  perceive  that  thou  art  in  the  gall 
 of  bitterness,  and  in  the  bond  of  iniquity. 
 
 24  Then  answered  Simon,  and  said.  Pray 
 ye  to  the  Lord  for  me,  that  none  ot  these 
 things  which  ye  have  spoken  come  upon 
 me. 
 
 25  And  they,  when  they  had  testified  and 
 preached  the  word  of  the  Lord,  returned  to 
 Jerusalem,  and  preached  the  gospel  in  many 
 villages  of  the  Samaritans. 
 
 26  And  the  angel  of  the  Lord  spake  un¬ 
 to  Philip,  saying.  Arise,  and  go  toward  the 
 south,  unto  the  way  that  goeth  down  from 
 Jerusalem  unto  Gaza,  which  is  desert. 
 
 27  And  he  arose  and  went :  and,  behold, 
 a  man  of  Ethiopia,  an  eunuch  of  great  au¬ 
 thority  under  Candace  queen  of  the  Ethio¬ 
 pians,  who  had  the  charge  of  all  her  trea¬ 
 sure,  and  had  come  to  Jerusalem  for  to  wor¬ 
 ship, 
 
 28  Was  returning,  and,  sitting  in  his  cna- 
 riot,  read  Esaias  the  prophet. 
 
 29  Then  the  Spirit  said  unto  Philip,  Cfo 
 near,  and  join  thyself  to  this  chariot. 
 
 30  And  Philip  ran  thither  to  him,  and 
 heard  him  read  the  prophet  Esaias,  and  said, 
 Understandest  thou  what  thou  readest? 
 
 31  x\nd  he  said.  Flow  can  I,  except  some 
 
 would  do  any  thing  for  money,  and  loved  it  as  well  as  he  did  ; 
 whereas  they  had  left  what  they  had  for  Christ,  so  far  were  they 
 from  aiming  to  make  it  more.  We  have  the  just  rejection  of  his 
 proposal,  and  the  cutting  reproof  Peter  gave  him  for  it,  20,  21, 
 22,  23.  He  reads  him  his  doom  and  gives  him  good  counsel,  and 
 though  he  was  angry  with  him,  yet  he  did  not  abandon  him  ;  and 
 though  he  would  have  him  see  his  case  to  be  very  bad,  yet  he 
 would  not  have  him  think  it  desperate;  yet  now  there  is  hope  in 
 Israel.  Simon  was  startled  and  put  into  confusion  by  that  which 
 Peter  said  ;  finding  that  resented  thus,  which  he  thought  would 
 have  been  embraced  with  both  arms;  and  he  cries  out.  Pray  ye  to 
 the  Lord  for  me,  that  none  of  the  things  which  ye  have  spoken  come 
 upon  me.  Here  was  first  something  well ;  that  he  was  affected  with 
 the  reproof  given  him,  and  terrified  by  the  character  given  of  him, 
 enough  to  make  the  stoutest  heart  to  tremble.  And  that  being 
 so,  he  begged  the  prayers  of  the  apostles  for  him,  wishing  to  have 
 an  interest  in  them,  who,  he  believed,  had  a  gOod  interest  in  hea¬ 
 ven.  Second,  Something  wanting ;  he  begged  of  them  to  pray  for 
 him,  but  did  not  pray  for  himself  as  he  ought  to  have  done.  And 
 Jn  desiring  them  to  pray  for  him,  his  concern  is  more  that  the 
 judgments  he  had  made  himself  liable  to,  might  be  prevented, 
 than  that  his  corruptions  might  be  mortified,  and  his  heart  by  di¬ 
 vine  grace  be  made  right  in  the  sight  of  God,  Like  Pharaoh, 
 
 man  should  guide  me  ?  And  he  desired 
 Philip  that  he  would  come  up  and  sit  with 
 him. 
 
 32  The  place  of  the  scripture  which  lie 
 read  was  this,  He  was  led  as  a  sheep  to  the 
 slaughter  :  and  like  a  lamb  dumb  before  his 
 shearer,  so  opened  he  not  his  mouth  : 
 
 33  In  his  humiliation  his  judgment  was 
 taken  away  ;  and  who  shall  declare  his  gene¬ 
 ration  ?  for  his  life  is  taken  from  the  earth. 
 
 34  And  the  eunuch  answered  Philip,  and 
 said,  I  pray  thee,  of  whom  speaketh  the 
 prophet  this  ?  of  himself,  or  of  some  other 
 man  ? 
 
 35  Then  Philip  opened  his  mouth,  and 
 began  at  the  same  scripture,  and  preached 
 unto  him  Jesus. 
 
 36  And,  as  they  went  on  their  way,  they 
 came  unto  a  certain  water  :  and  the  eunuch 
 said.  See  here  is  water  ;  what  doth  hinder 
 me  to  be  baptized  ? 
 
 37  And  Philip  said.  If  thou  believest  with 
 all  thine  heart  thou  mayest.  And  he  an¬ 
 swered,  and  said,  I  believe  that  Jesus  Christ 
 is  the  Son  of  God. 
 
 38  And  he  commanded  the  chariot  to 
 stand  still  :  and  they  went  down  both  into 
 the  water,  both  Philip  and  the  eunuch  ;  and 
 he  baptized  him. 
 
 39  And  when  they  were  come  up  out  of 
 the  water,  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  caught 
 away  Philip,  that  the  eunuch  saw  him  no 
 more  :  and  he  went  on  his  way  rejoicing. 
 
 40  But  Philip  was  found  at  Azotus  :  and, 
 
 who  would  have  JMoscs  intreat  the  Lord  for  him,  that  he  would 
 take  away  this  death  only,  not  that  he  would  take  away  this  sin, 
 this  hardness  of  heart,  Exod.  xiii.  8,  x.  \  J. 
 
 26 — 40.  This  man  was  a  person  of  quality,  a  great  man  in  his 
 own  country.  An  eunuch,  not  in  body,  but  in  office.  Lord  Cham¬ 
 berlain,  or  steward  of  the  household.  And  cither  by  the  dignity 
 of  his  place,  or  by  his  personal  character,  which  commanded  re¬ 
 ject,  he  was  of  great  authority,  and  bore  a  mighty  sway  under 
 Candace,  queen  of  the  Ethiopians,  who  probably  was  successor  to 
 the  queen  of  Sheba,  who  is  called  the  queen  of  the  south  ;  that 
 country  being  governed  by  queens,  to  whom  Candace  was  a  com¬ 
 mon  name,  as  Pharaoh  to  the  kings  of  Egypt.  He  had  the  charge  , 
 of  all  her  treasure,  so  great  a  trust  did  she  repose  in  him.  Not 
 many  mighty,  not  many  noble  are  called,  but  some  are.  He  was 
 a  proselyte  to  the  Jewish  religion,  for  he  came  to  Jerusalem  for  to 
 worship.  Some  think  he  was  a  proselyte  of  righteousness,  that 
 was  circumcised  and  kept  the  feasts ;  others  that  he  was  only  a 
 proselyte  of  the  gate,  a  Gentile,  but  that  had  renounced  idolatVj’, 
 and  worshipped  the  God  of  Israel  occasionally  in  the  courts  of 
 the  Gentiles.  But  if  so,  then  Peter  was  not  the  first  that  preach¬ 
 ed  the  Gospel  to  the  Gentiles,  as  he  saith  he  was.  Some  think 
 there  were  remains  of  the  knowledge  of  the  true  God  in  this  coun¬ 
 try,  ever  since  the  queen  of  Sheba’s  lime  ;  and  probably  the 
 
ACTS 
 
 passing  through,  he  preached  in  all  the  cities, 
 till  he  came  to  Cesarea. 
 
 CHAP.  IX. 
 
 St.  Paul’s  conversion. 
 
 ^  ND  Saul,  yet  breathing  out  threaten- 
 ings  and  slaughter  against  the  disciples 
 of  the  Lord,  went  unto  the  high  priest, 
 
 2  And  desired  of  him  letters  to  Damascus 
 to  the  synagogues,  that  if  he  found  any  of 
 this  way,  whether  they  were  men  or  women, 
 he  might  bring  them  bound  unto  Jerusalem. 
 
 3  And,  as  he  journeyed,  he  came  near 
 Damascus;  and  suddenly  there  shined  round 
 about  him  a  light  from  heaven  : 
 
 4  And  he  fell  to  the  earth,  and  heard  a 
 voice,  saying  unto  him,  Saul,  Saul,  why  per- 
 secutest  thou  me  ? 
 
 5  And  he  said.  Who  art  thou.  Lord  ?  And 
 the  Lord  said,  I  am  Jesus,  whom  thou  per- 
 secutest.  It  is  hard  for  thee  to  kick  against 
 the  pricks. 
 
 6  And  he,  trembling  and  astonished,  said. 
 Lord,  what  wilt  thou  have  me  to  do  ?  And 
 the  Lord  said  unto  him.  Arise,  and  go  into 
 the  city,  and  it  shall  be  told  thee  what  thou 
 must  do. 
 
 7  And  the  men  which  journeyed  with  him 
 stood  speechless,  hearing  a  voice,  but  see¬ 
 ing  no  man. 
 
 8  And  Saul  arose  from  the  earth  :  and 
 when  his  eyes  were  opened  he  saw  no  man  ; 
 but  they  led  him  by  the  hand,  and  brought 
 hhn  into  Damascus. 
 
 ancestor  of  this  eunuch  was  one  of  her  attendants,  who  transmitted 
 to  his  posterity  what  he  learned  at  Jerusalem.  The  chapter  he  was 
 reading  was  the  33d  of  Isaiah,  two  verses  of  which  arc  here  quoted, 
 32,  33.  Part  of  the  7th  and  8th  verses  ;  they  are  set  down  accord¬ 
 ing  to  the  septuagint  version,  which  in  some  things  differs  from  the 
 original  Hebrew. 
 
 CHAP.  IX.  1 — 9.  We  found  mention  made  of  Saul  twice  or 
 thrice  in  the  story  of  Stephen,  for  the  sacred  penman  even  longed 
 to  come  to  his  story  ;  and  now  we  are  come  to  it,  not  quite  taking 
 leave  of  Peter,  but  from  henceforward  being  mostly  taken  up 
 with  Paul  the  apostle  of  the  Gentiles,  as  Peter  was  of  the  circum¬ 
 cision.  His  name  in  Hebrew  was  Saul,  desired,  though  as  remark¬ 
 ably  little  in  stature,  as  his  name-sake  king  Saul  was  tall  and 
 stately  ;  one  of  the  ancients  calls  him  homo  triaibitalis,  but  four  foot 
 and  a  half  in  height;  his  Roman  name  which  he  went  by  among 
 the  citizens  of  Rome  was  Paul,  Little.  He  was  born  in  Tarsus,  a 
 city  of  Cilicia,  a  free  city  of  the  Romans,  and  himself  a  freeman 
 of  that  city.  His  father  and  mother  were  both  native  Jews,  there¬ 
 fore  he  calls  himself  a  Hebrew  of  the  Hebrews:  he  was  of  the 
 tribe  of  Benjamin,  which  adhered  to  Judah.  His  education  was 
 in  the  schools  of  Tarsus  first,  which  was  a  little  Athens  for  learn¬ 
 ing;  there  he  acquainted  himself  with  the  philosophy  and  poetry 
 of  the  Greeks.  Thence  he  was  sent  to  the  university  at  Jerusalem 
 to  study  divinity  and  the  Jewish  law  ;  his  tutor  was  Gamaliel  an 
 336' 
 
 9  And  he  was  three  days  without  sight, 
 and  neither  did  eat  nor  drink. 
 
 10  ^  And  there  was  a  certain  disciple  at 
 Damascus,  named  Ananias :  and  to  him 
 said  the  Lord  in  a  vision,  Ananias.  And 
 he  said.  Behold,  I  am  here.  Lord. 
 
 11  And  the  Lord  said  unto  him.  Arise, 
 and  go  into  the  street  which  is  called  Straight, 
 and  enquire  in  the  house  of  Judas  for  one 
 called  Saul  of  Tarsus :  for,  behold,  he  pray- 
 eth, 
 
 12  And  hath  seen  in  a  vision  a  man  named 
 Ananias  coming  in,  and  putting  his  hand  on 
 him,  that  he  might  receive  his  sight. 
 
 13  Then  Ananias  answered.  Lord,  I  have 
 heard  by  many  of  this  man,  how  much  evil 
 he  hath  done  to  thy  saints  at  Jerusalem  ; 
 
 14  And  here  he  hath  authority  from  the 
 chief  priests  to  bind  all  that  call  on  thy 
 name. 
 
 15  But  the  Lord  said  unto  him.  Go  thv 
 way  :  for  he  is  a  chosen  vessel  unto  me,  to 
 bear  my  name  before  the  Gentiles,  and  kings, 
 and  the  children  of  Israel. 
 
 16  For  I  will  shew  him  how  great  things 
 he  must  suffer  for  my  name's  sake. 
 
 17  And  Ananias  went  his  way,  and  enter¬ 
 ed  into  the  house  ;  and  putting  his  hands  on 
 him,  said.  Brother  Saul,  the  Lord,  even  Jesus, 
 that  appeared  unto  thee  in  the  way  as  thou 
 earnest,  hath  sent  me,  that  thou  mightest 
 receive  thy  sight,  and  be  filled  with  the  Floly 
 Ghost. 
 
 eminent  Pharisee ;  he  had  extraordinary  natural  parts,  and  im¬ 
 proved  mightily  in  learning  ;  he  had  likewise  a  handy-craft  trade, 
 was  bred  to  tent  making,  which  was  common  with  those  .among 
 the  Jews  that  were  bred  scholars  (as  Dr.  Lightfoot  saith)  for  the 
 earning  of  their  maintenance,  and  the  avoiding  of  idleness.  This 
 is  the  young  man  on  whom  the  graee  of  God  wrought  this  mighty 
 chance  here  recorded,  about  a  year  after  the  ascension  of  Christ, 
 or  little  more.  Paul’s  address  to  Jesus  Christ  when  he  was  in  this 
 frame,  was,  Lord,  What  wilt  thou  have  me  to  do Did  not  he 
 know  what  he  had  to  do?  Had  he  not  his  commission  in  his  pocket, 
 and  what  had  he  to  do  but  to  execirte  it  ?  No,  he  had  done  enough 
 of  this  work  already,  and  resolves  now  to  change  his  master,  and 
 employ  himself  better ;  now  it  is  not.  What  will  the  high-priest  and 
 elders  have  me  to  do?  What  will  my  own  wicked  appetites  and 
 passions  have  me  to  do?  But,  What  wilt  thou  have  me  to  do? 
 The  great  change  in  conversion  is  wrought  upon  the  will,  and  con¬ 
 sists  in  the  resignation  of  that  to  the  will  of  Christ. 
 
 10 — 22.  As  fuf'.God  his  work  is  perfect;  if  he  begin  he  will 
 make  an  end ;  a  good  work  was  begun  in  Saul,  when  he  was 
 brought  to  Christ’s  feet  in  that  word.  Lord,  what  wilt  thou  have 
 me  to  do  ?  And  never  did  Christ  leave  any  that  were  brought  to 
 that.  -  Though  Saul  was  sadly  mortified  when  he  lay  three  days 
 blind,  yet  he  was  not  abandoned.  Christ  here  takes  care  of  the 
 work  of  his  own  bunds ;  he  that  hath  torn  will  heal,  that  hath 
 
CHAP.  IX 
 
 18  And  immediately  there  fell  from  his 
 eyes  as  it  had  been  scales  ;  and  he  received 
 sight  forthwith,  and  arose,  and  was  bap¬ 
 tized. 
 
 19  And  when  he  had  received  meat  he 
 was  strengthened.  Then  was  Saul  certain 
 days  with  the  disciples  which  were  at  Da¬ 
 mascus. 
 
 20  And  straightway  he  preached  Christ 
 in  the  synagogues,  that  he  is  the  Son  of 
 God. 
 
 21  But  all  that  heard  him  were  amazed, 
 and  said,  Is  not  this  he  that  destroj^ed  them 
 which  called  on  this  name  in  Jerusalem, 
 and  came  hither  for  that  intent,  that  he 
 might  bring  them  bound  unto  the  chief 
 priests  ? 
 
 22  But  Saul  increased  the  more  in 
 strength,  and  confounded  the  Jews  which 
 dwelt  at  Damascus,  proving  that  this  is  very 
 Christ. 
 
 23  ^  And  after  that  many  days  were  ful 
 filled  the  Jews  took  counsel  to  kill  him  : 
 
 24  But  their  laying  await  was  known  of 
 Saul :  and  they  watched  the  gates  day  and 
 night  to  kill  him. 
 
 25  Then  the  disciples  took  him  by  night, 
 and  let  him  down  by  the  wall  in  a  basket. 
 
 26  ^  And  when  Saul  was  come  to  Jerusa¬ 
 lem  he  assayed  to  join  himself  to  the  disci¬ 
 ples  :  but  they  were  all  afraid  of  him,  and 
 believed  not  that  he  was  a  disciple. 
 
 27  But  Barnabas  took  him,  and  brought 
 him  to  the  apostles,  and  declared  unto  them 
 how  he  had  seen  the  Lord  in  the  way,  and 
 that  he  had  spoken  to  him  :  and  how  he  had 
 
 smitten  will  blind  up,  that  has  convinced  will  comfort.  The  per¬ 
 son  employed  is  Ananias,  a  certain  disciple  at  Damascus,  not 
 lately  driven  thither  from  Jerusalem,  but  a  native  of  Damascus, 
 lor  it  is  said,  Acts  xxii.  12,  that  he  had  a  good  report  of  all  the 
 Jews  which  dwelt  there,  as  a  devout  man  according  to  the  law, 
 he  had  lately  embraced  the  gospel,  and  given  up  his  name  to 
 Christ,  and  as  it  should  seem  officiated  as  a  minister  at  least  pro 
 hac  vice,  though  it  doth  not  appear  he  was  apostolically  ordained. 
 But  why  were  not  some  of  the  apostles  from  Jerusalem  sent  for 
 upon  this  great  occasion,  or  Philip  the  evangelist,  who  had  lately 
 baptized  the  eunuch,  and  might  have  been  fetched  hither  by  the 
 spirit  in  a  little  time  ?  surely  because  Christ  would  employ  va¬ 
 riety  of  hands  in  eminent  services,  that  the  honours  might  not  be 
 monopolized  or  engrossed  by  a  few.  And  would  put  work  into  the 
 hands,  and  thereby  put  honour  upon  the  heads  of  those  that  were 
 mean  and  obscure,  to  encourage  them ;  and  would  direct  us  to 
 juake  much  of  the  ministers  that  are  where  our  lot  is  cast,  if  they 
 have  obtained  mercy  to  be  faithful  though  they  are  not  of  the  most 
 
 preached  boldly  at  Damascus  in  the  name  of 
 Jesus. 
 
 28  And  he  was  with  them  coming  in  and 
 going  out  at  Jerusalem. 
 
 29  And  he  spake  boldly  in  the  name  of 
 the  Lord  Jesus,  and  disputed  against  the 
 Grecians  :  but  they  went  about  to  slay  him. 
 
 30  Which  when  the  brethren  knew,  they 
 brought  him  down  to  Cesarea,  and  sent  him 
 forth  to  Tarsus. 
 
 31  Then  had  the  churches  rest  through¬ 
 out  all  Judea,  and  Galilee,  and  Samaria, 
 and  were  edified  ;  and,  walking  in  the  fear 
 of  the  Lord,  and  in  the  comfort  of  the  Holy 
 Ghost,  were  multiplied. 
 
 32  ^  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  Peter  passed 
 throughout  all  quarters,  he  came  down  also 
 to  the  saints  which  dwelt  at  Lydda : 
 
 33  And  there  he  found  a  certain  man 
 named  Eneas,  which  had  kept  his  bed  eight 
 years,  and  was  sick  of  the  palsy. 
 
 34  And  Peter  said  unto  him,  Eneas,  Jesus 
 Christ  maketh  thee  Avhole  :  arise,  and  make 
 thy  bed.  And  he  arose  immediately, 
 
 35  And  all  that  dwelt  in  Lydda  and  Saron 
 saw  him,  and  turned  to  the  Lord. 
 
 36  ^  Now  there  was  at  Joppa  a  certain 
 disciple,  named  Tabitha,  which,  by  inter¬ 
 pretation,  is  called  Dorcas :  this  woman 
 was  full  of  good  works  and  alms-deeds  which 
 she  did. 
 
 37  And  it  came  to  pass  in  those  days  that 
 she  was  sick,  and  died :  whom  Avhen  they 
 had  washed,  they  laid  her  in  an  upper  cham¬ 
 ber. 
 
 38  And  forasmuch  as  Lydda  was  nigh 
 
 23—35.  Luke  here  makes  no  mention  of  Paul’s  journey  into 
 Arabia,  which  he  tells  us  himself  was  immediately  after  his  con¬ 
 version,  Gal.  i.  l6',  17.  As  soon  as  God  revealed  his  Son  in 
 him,  that  he  might  preach  him,  he  went  up  to  Jerusalem,  to  re¬ 
 ceive  instructions  from  the  apostles,  as  any  other  convert  would 
 have  done  that  was  designed  for  the  ministrv,  but  he  went  to  Arabia, 
 where  there  was  new  ground  to  break  up,  and  where  he  would 
 have  opportunity  ot  teaching,  but  not  of  learning.  Thence  he  re¬ 
 turned  to  Damascus,  and  there,  three  vears  after  his  conversion, 
 this  happened  which  is  here  recorded.  '  All  that  dwelt  at  Lydda 
 and  Saron  saw  him  and  turned  to  the  Lord.  We  can  scarce  think 
 that  every  individual  person  in  those  countries  took  cognizance  of 
 the  miracle,  and  was  wrought  upon  by  it,  but  many,  the  gene¬ 
 rality  of  the  people  in  the  town  of  Lydda,  and  in  the  country  o/ 
 S’.  Sharon,  a  fruitful  plain  or  valley,  of  which  it  was  fore 
 told  Sharon  should  be  a  fold  of  flocks,  Isa.  Ixv.  10. 
 
 36—43.  Those  that  have  not  estates  wherewith  to  give  in  chari¬ 
 ty,  may  yet  be  able  to  do  in  charity,  working  with  their  hands,  or 
 \Nalking  with  their  feetj  for  the  bcDefi^  of  the  poor.  And  those 
 
 537 
 
ACTS. 
 
 to  Joppa,  and  the  disciples  had  heard  that 
 Peter  was  there,  they  sent  unto  him  two 
 men,  desiring  him  that  he  would  not  delay 
 to  come  to  them. 
 
 39  Then  Peter  arose,  and  went  with  them. 
 When  he  was  come,  they  brought  him  into 
 the  upper  chamber  :  and  all  the  widows 
 stood  by  him  weeping,  and  shewing  the 
 coats  and  garments  which  Dorcas  made 
 while  she  was  with  them. 
 
 40  But  Peter  put  them  all  forth,  and 
 kneeled  down  and  prayed  ;  and,  turning  him 
 to  the  body,  said,  Tabitha,  arise.  And  she 
 opened  her  eyes  :  and,  when  she  saw  Peter, 
 she  sat  up. 
 
 41  And  he  gave  her  his  hand,  and  lifted 
 her  up  :  and,  when  he  had  called  the  saints 
 and  widows,  he  presented  her  alive. 
 
 42  And  it  was  known  throughout  all  Jop¬ 
 pa  ;  and  many  believed  in  the  Lord. 
 
 43  And  it  came  to  pass,  that  he  tarried 
 many  days  in  Joppa  Avith  one  Simon  a  tan¬ 
 ner. 
 
 CHAP.  X. 
 
 _  Peter  visits  Cornelius. 
 
 rgTHERE  Avas  a  certain  man  in  Cesarea 
 called  Cornelius,  a  centurion  of  the 
 band  called  the  Italian  band, 
 
 2  A  devout  man,  and  one  that  feared  God, 
 Avith  all  his  house,  Avhich  gave  much  alms  to 
 the  people,  and  prayed  to  God  alvvay  : 
 
 3  PJe  saAv  in  a  vision  evidently,  about  the 
 ninth  hour  of  the  day,  an  angel  of  God 
 coming  in  to  him,  and  saying  unto  him,  Cor¬ 
 nelius. 
 
 who  will  not  do  a  charitable  deed,  whatever  they  may  pretend,  if 
 they  were  rich  would  not  bestow  a  charitable  gift. 
 
 CHAP.  X.  1 — 8.  The  bringing  of  the  gospel  to  the  Gentiles, 
 and  the  bringing  of  them  who  had  been  strangers  and  foreigners  to 
 be  fellow-citizens  with  the  saints,  and  of  the  household  of  God, 
 was  such  a  mystery  to  the  apostles  themselves,  and  such  a  sur- 
 jirize,  Eph.  iii.  3 — o,  that  it  concerns  us  carefully  to  observe  all  the 
 circumstances  of  the  beginning  of  this  great  work,  this  part  of  the 
 mystery  of  godliness,  Christ  preached  to  the  Gentiles,  and  believed 
 on  in  tire  world,  1  Tim.  iii.  l6.  It  is  not  unlikely  that  some  Gen¬ 
 tiles  might  before  now  step  into  a  synagogue  of  the  Jews,  and  hear 
 the  gospel  preached,  but  the  gospel  was  never  yet  designedly 
 Tireached  to  the  Gentiles,  nor  any  of  them  baptized ;  Cornelius 
 was  the  first.  » 
 
 Officers  in  an  army  that  have  such  a  great  power  over  the  sol¬ 
 diers,  as  we  find  the  centurion  had.  Matt.  vii.  p,  have  a  great  op¬ 
 portunity  of  promoting  religion,  at  least  of  restraining  vice  and 
 profaneness  in  those  under  their  command,  if  they  would  but  im¬ 
 prove  it.  •  When  this  centurion  was  to  choose  some  of  his  soldiers 
 to  attend  his  person,  and  to  be  always  about  him,  he  pitched  upon 
 ^uch  of  them  as  were  devout,  they  shall  be  preferred  and  counte-. 
 
 52S 
 
 4  And,  Avhen  he  looked  on  him,  he  Avas 
 afraid,  and  said.  What  is  it.  Lord  And  he 
 said  unto  him.  Thy  prayers  and  thine  alms 
 are  come  up  for  a  memorial  before  God. 
 
 5  And  noAV  send  men  to  Joppa,  and  call 
 for  one  Simon,  Avhose  surname  is  Peter  ; 
 
 6  He  lodgeth  Avith  one  Simon  a  tanner, 
 Avhose  house  is  by  the  sea-side  :  he  shall  tell 
 thee  Avhat  thou  oughtest  to  do. 
 
 7  And,  Avhen  the  angel  Avhich  spake  unto 
 Cornelius  Avas  departed,  he  called  two  of  his 
 household  servants,  and  a  devout  soldier  of 
 them  that  Avaited  on  him  continually  : 
 
 8  And,  Avhen  he  had  declared  all  time 
 things  unto  them,  he  sent  them  to  Joppa. 
 
 On  the  morrow  as  they  Avent  on  their 
 journey,  and  dreAv  nigh  unto  the  city,  Peter 
 Avent  up  upon  the  house-top  to  pray  about 
 the  sixth  hour. 
 
 10  And  he  became  very  hungry,  and 
 Avould  have  eaten  :  but,  Avhile  they  made 
 ready,  he  1‘ell  into  a  trance, 
 
 1 1  And  saAv  heaven  opened,  and  a  certain 
 vessel  descending  unto  him,  as  it  had  been 
 a  great  sheet  knit  at  the  four  corners,  and 
 let  down  to  the  earth  ; 
 
 12  AV herein  Avere  all  manner  of  four-footed 
 beasts  of  the  earth,  and  Avild  beasts,  and 
 creeping  things,  and  foAvls  of  the  air. 
 
 13  And  there  came  a  voice  to  him.  Rise, 
 Peter  ;  kill,  and  eat. 
 
 14  But  Peter  said.  Not  so.  Lord  ;  for  I 
 have  never  eaten  any  thing  that  is  common 
 or  unclean. 
 
 15  And  the  voice  spake  unto  him  again 
 
 nanced,  to  encourage  others  to  be  so  ;  he  went  by  David’s  rule, 
 Psal.  ci.  6',  Mine  eyes  shall  be  upon  the  faithful  in  the  land,  that 
 they  may  dwell  with  me. 
 
 9 — 18.  Peter  went  up  upon  the  house-top  to  pray,  thither  he 
 retired  for  privacy,  where  he  could  neither  hear  nor  be  heard,  and 
 so  might  avoid  both  distraction  and  ostentation.  There  upon  the 
 roof  of  the  house  he  had  a  full  view  of  the  heavens,  which  might 
 assist  his  pious  adoration  of  the  God  he  prayed  to,  and  there  he  had 
 also  a  full  view  of  the  city  and  country  which  might  assist  his  pious 
 compassion  of  the  people  he  prayed  for.  The  vision  he  had  was 
 not  so  plain  as  that  to  Cornelius,  but  more  figurative  and  enigma¬ 
 tical,  to  make  the  deeper  impression.  By  this  vision  we  are  taught 
 to  see  all  the  benefit  and  service  we  have  from  the  inferior  crea¬ 
 tures  coming  down  to  us  from  heaven,  it  is  the  gift  of  God  who 
 made  them,  made  them  fit  for  us,  and  then  gave  to  man  a  right  to 
 them  and  dominion  over  them.  Lord,  what  is  man  that  heshoukt 
 be  thus  magnified,  Psal.  viii.  4,  5,  6',  7,  8.  How  would  it  double 
 our  comfort  in  the  creatures,  and  our  obligations  to  serve  God  in 
 the  use  of  them,  to  see  them  thus  let  down  to  us  out  of  heaven. 
 
 Those  who  make  this  vessel  to  represent  the  church  including  botn 
 Jews  and  Gentiles,  as  this  did  both  clean  and  unclean  creatires 
 
CHAP.  X. 
 
 the  second  time,  What  God  hath  cleansed 
 
 that  call  not  thou  common. 
 
 16  This  Avas  done  thrice  :  and  the  vessel  I 
 was  received  up  again  into  heaven. 
 
 17  f  Now,  while  Peter  doubted  in  himself 
 what  this  Ausion  which  he  had  seen  should 
 mean,  behold,  the  men  which  were  sent  from 
 Cornelius  had  made  enquiry  for  Simon's 
 house,  and  stood  before  the  gate, 
 
 18  And  called,  and  asked  whether  Simon, 
 Avhich  Avas  surnamed  Peter,  Avere  lodged 
 
 there.  .  . 
 
 19  f  While  Peter  thought  on  the  vision, 
 
 the  Spirit  said  unto^him.  Behold,  three  men 
 seek  thee. 
 
 20  Arise,  therefore,  and  get  thee  down, 
 and  go  Avith  them,  doubting  nothing  ;  for  I 
 have  sent  them. 
 
 21  Then  Peter  Avent  doAvn  to  the  men 
 Avhich  Avere  sent  unto  him  from  Cornelius, 
 and  said.  Behold,  1  am  he  Avhom  ye  seek  : 
 Avhat  is  the  cause  Avherefore  ye  are  come  ? 
 
 22  And  they  said,  Cornelius  the  centurion, 
 a  just  man,  and  one  that  feareth  God,  and  of 
 
 ood  report  among  all  the  nation  of  the 
 CAvs,  Avas  Avarned  from  God  by  an  holy  angel 
 to  send  for  thee  into  his  house,  and  to  hear 
 Avords  of  thee. 
 
 23  Then  called  he  them  in,  and  lodged 
 them.  And  on  the  morroAV  Peter  Avent  aAvay 
 Avith  them,  and  certain  brethren  from  Joppa 
 accompanied  him. 
 
 24  And  the  morroAV  after  they  entered 
 into  Cesarea.  And  Cornelius  Avaited  for 
 them,  and  had  called  together  his  kinsmen 
 and  near  friends, 
 
 25  %  And,  as  Peter  Avas  coming  in,  Corne¬ 
 lius  met  him,  and  fell  doAvn  at  his  feet,  and 
 Avorshipped  hi?n. 
 
 make  this  very  aptly  to  signify  the  admission  of  the  believing  Gen¬ 
 tiles  into  the  church,  and  into  heaven  too,  into  the  Jerusalem 
 above  ;  Christ  has  opened  the  kingdom  of  heaven  to  all  believers, 
 and  there  we  shall  find,  besides  those  that  are  sealed  out  of  all  the 
 tribes  of  Israel,  an  innumerable  company  out  of  every  nation. 
 Rev.  vii.  9,  but  they  are  such  as  God  has  cleansed. 
 
 19 — 33.  We  have  here  the  meeting  between  Peter  the  apostle, 
 and  Cornelius  the  centurion.  Though  Paul  was  designed  to  be 
 the  apostle  of  the  Gentiles,  and  to  gather  in  the  harvest  among 
 them,  and  Peter  to  be  the  apostle  of  the  circumcision,  yet  it  is  or¬ 
 dered  that  Peter  shall  break  the  ice,  and  reap  the  first  fruits  of  the 
 Gentiles,  that  the  believing  Jews  who  retained  too  much  of  the  ole 
 leaven  of  ill-will  to  the  Gentiles  might  be  the  better  reconciled  to 
 their  admission  into  t|je  church,  when  they  were  first  brought  in 
 by  their  own  apostle,  which  Peter  urgeth  against  those  that  woulc 
 
 26  But  Peter  took- him  up,  saying,  Stand 
 up  ;  I  myself  also  am  a  man. 
 
 27  And,  as  he  talked  with  him,  he  Avent 
 in,  and  found  many  that  Avere  come  to¬ 
 gether. 
 
 28  And  he  said  unto  them,  Ye  knoAV  hoAV 
 that  it  is  an  unlaAvful  thing  for  a  man  that  is 
 a  JeAV  to  keep  company,  or  come  unto  one 
 of  another  nation  :  But  God  hath  sheAved  me 
 that  I  should  not  call  any  man  common  or 
 unclean. 
 
 29  Therefore  came  I  ujito  you  Avithout 
 gainsaying,  as  soon  as  I  Avas  sent  for  :  I  ask, 
 therefore,  for  Avhat  intent  ye  have  sent  for 
 me  ? 
 
 30  And  Cornelius  said.  Four  days  ago  I 
 Avas  fasting  until  this  hour  :  and  at  the  ninth 
 hour  I  prayed  in  my  house,  and,  behold,  a 
 man  stood  before  me  in  bright  clothing, 
 
 31  And  said,  Cornelius,  thy  prayer  is 
 heard,  and  thine  alms  are  had  in  remem¬ 
 brance  in  the  sight  of  God. 
 
 32  Send,  therefore,  to  Joppa,  and  call 
 hither  Simon,  Avhose  surname  is  Peter  ;  he  is 
 lodged  in  the  house  of  one  Simon  a  tanner, 
 by  the  sea-side  ;  Avho,  Avhen  he  cometh,  shall 
 speak  unto  thee. 
 
 33  Immediately,  therefore,  I  sent  to  thee  ; 
 and  thou  hast  AA^ell  done  that  thou  art  come. 
 Noav,  therefore,  are  Ave  all  here  present  be¬ 
 fore  God,  to  hear  all  things  that  are  com¬ 
 manded  thee  of  God. 
 
 34  %  Then  Peter  opened  his  mouth,  and 
 said.  Of  a  truth  I  perceive  that  God  is  no 
 respecter  of  persons  : 
 
 35  But  in  every  nation  he  that  feareth 
 him,  and  Avorketh  righteousness,  is  accepted 
 with  him. 
 
 36  The  Avord  Avhich  God  sent  unto  the 
 
 have  imposed  circumcision  upon  the  Gentile  converts,  Acts  xv.  7, 
 Ye  know  that  God  made  choice  among  us  that  the  Gentiles  by  my 
 mouth  should  hear  the  word  of  the  gospel. 
 
 Peter  that  had  taught  his  new  converts  to  save  themselves  from 
 the  untoward  generation  of  wicked  men,  chap.  ii.  40,  is  now  him¬ 
 self  taught  to  join  himself  with  the  towardly  generation  of  devout 
 Gentiles  :  ceremonial  characters  w'ere  abolished,  that  more  regard 
 might  be  had  to  moral  ones.  Peter  thought  it  necessary  to  let 
 them  know  how  he  came  to  change  his  mind  in  this  matter,  and 
 that  it  was  by  a  divine  revelation,  lest  he  should  be  upbraided  with 
 it  as  having  used  lightness. 
 
 34 — 43.  God  is  no  respecter  of  persons,  doth  not  know  favour 
 in  judgment,  as  the  Hebrew  phrase  is.  But  in  every  nation,  and 
 under  every  denomination,  he  that  fears  God,  and  works  righteous¬ 
 ness,  is  accepted  of  hitn,  v.  3.  Not  that  any  man  since  the  fall  cap 
 
 339 
 
ACTS. 
 
 children  of  Israel,  preaching  peace  by  Je¬ 
 sus  Christ ;  (he  is  Lord  of  all ;) 
 
 37  That  word,  I  say,  ye  know,  which  was 
 published  throughout  all  Judea,  and  began 
 trom  Galilee,  after  the  baptism  which  John 
 preached  ; 
 
 38  How  God  anointed  Jesus  of  Nazareth 
 with  the  Holy  Ghost  and  with  power ;  who 
 went  about  doing  good,  and  healing  all  tha 
 were  oppressed  of  the  devil :  for  God  was 
 with  him. 
 
 39  And  we  are  witnesses  of  all  things  which 
 he  did,  both  in  the  land  of  the  Jews,  and  in 
 Jerusalem  ;  whom  they  slew,  and  hanged  on 
 a  tree  : 
 
 40  Him  God  raised  up  the  third  day,  anc 
 shewed  him  openly  ; 
 
 41  Not  to  all  the  people,  but  unto  wit¬ 
 nesses  chosen  before  of  God,  even  to  us  who 
 did  eat  and  drink  with  him  after  he  rose  from 
 the  dead. 
 
 42  And  he  commanded  us  to  preach  unto 
 the  people,  and  to  testify  that  it  is  he  which 
 was  ordained  of  God  to  be  the  judge  of  quid 
 and  dead. 
 
 43  To  him  give  all  the  prophets  witness, 
 that,  through  his  name,  whosoever  believeth 
 in  him  shall  receive  remission  of  sins. 
 
 44  ^  While  Peter  yet  sjDake  these  words, 
 the  Holy  Ghost  fell  on  all  them  which  heard 
 the  Avord. 
 
 45  And  they  of  the  circumcision  Avhich 
 believed  Avere  astonished,  as  many  as  came 
 Avith  Peter,  because  that  on  the  Gentiles  also 
 Avas  poured  out  the  gift  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 
 
 46  For  they  heard  them  speak  with 
 tongues,  and  magnify  God.  Then  ansAvered 
 Peter, 
 
 47  Can  any  man  forbid  Avater,  that  these 
 should  not  be  baptized,  Avhich  have  received 
 the  Holy  Ghost  as  Avell  as  Ave  ? 
 
 48  And  he  commanded  them  to  be  bap- 
 
 tized  in  the  name  of  the  Lord .  Then  prayed 
 they  him  to  tarry  certain  days. 
 
 CHAP.  XI. 
 
 f.  Peter’s  vindication  of  himself,  1^ — is  If  Tho  ocnrl  c. 
 of  the  gospel  a  Antioch.  19-21.  lit  ThJ  minlstpv  S' R?’ 
 nabas^o22-26.  IV.  A  predic.on  of  approaeSng 
 
 obtain  the  favour  of  God,  otherwise  than  through  the  mediation 
 of  Jesus  Christ  and  by  the  grace  of  God  in  him  ;  but  those  that 
 have  not  the  knowledge  of  him,  and  therefore  cannot  have  an  ex¬ 
 plicit  regard  to  him,  may  yet  receive  grace  from  God,  for  his  sake, 
 to  fear  God,  and  to  work  righteousness.  And  wherever  God  gives 
 grace  to  do  so,  as  he  did  to  Cornelius,  he  will  through  Christ  ac¬ 
 cept  the  work  of  his  own  hands. 
 
 44 — 48.  Now  it  appears  why  the  spirit  was  given  them  before 
 they  were  baptized,  because  otherwise  Peter  could  not  have  per¬ 
 suaded  himscll  to  baptize  them,  no  more  than  to  have  preached  to 
 540 
 
 A  ND  the  apostles  and  brethren  that  Avere 
 in  Judea  heard  that  the  Gentiles  had 
 also  received  the  Avord  of  God. 
 
 2  And  Avhen  Peter  Avas  come  up  to  Jeru¬ 
 salem,  they  that  were  of  the  circumcision 
 contended  Avith  him, 
 
 3  Saying,  Thou  Aventest  in  to  men,  uncir¬ 
 cumcised,  and  didst  eat  Avith  them. 
 
 4  But  Peter  rehearsed  the  matter  from  the 
 beginning,  and  expounded  it  by  order  unto 
 them,  saying, 
 
 5  I  Avas  in  the  city  of  Joppa  praying  :  and 
 in  a  trance  I  suav  a  vision,  A  certain  vessel 
 descended,  as  it  had  been  a  great  sheet,  let 
 doAvn  from  heaven  by  four  corners ;  and  it 
 came  even  to  me  : 
 
 6  U pon  the  Avhich,  Avhen  I  had  listened 
 mine  eyes,  I  considered,  and  saAv  four-footed 
 beasts  of  the  earth,  and  Avdld  beasts,  and 
 creejung  things,  and  fowls  of  the  air. 
 
 7  And  I  heard  a  voice  saying  unto  me. 
 Arise,  Peter  :  slay,  and  eat. 
 
 8  But  I  said.  Not  so.  Lord  :  for  nothing 
 common  or  unclean  hath  at  any  time  entered 
 into  my  mouth. 
 
 9  But  the  voice  ansAA^ered  me  again  from 
 heaven.  What  God  hath  cleansed,  that  call 
 not  thou  common. 
 
 10  And  this  Avas  done  three  times  :  and 
 all  Avere  draAvn  up  again  into  heaven. 
 
 11  And,  behold,  immediately  there  Avere 
 three  men  already  come  unto  the  house 
 Avhere  I  Avas,  sent  from  Cesarea  unto  me. 
 
 12  And  the  Spirit  bade  me  go  Avith  them, 
 nothing  doubting.  Moreover,  these  six  bre- 
 
 them,  if  he  had  not  been  ordered  to  do  it  by  a  vision  ;  at  least  could 
 not  have  avoided  the  censure  of  those  of  the  circiiincision  that  be* 
 ieved.  Thus  is  there  one  unusual  step  of  divine  grace  taken  alter 
 another,  to  bring  the  Gentiles  into  the  church.  How  well  is  it  for 
 us  that  the  grace  of  a  good  God  is  so  much  more  e.xtensivc  than 
 the  charity  even  of  some  good  men. 
 
 CHAP.  XI.  1 — 18.  Those  that  hinder  the  conversion  of  souls 
 withstand  God  ;  and  those  take  too  much  upon  them  who  con¬ 
 trive  how  to  exclude  those  from  their  communion  whom  God 
 ,uis  taken  into  communion  with  himself. 
 
CHAP.  XII. 
 
 'thren  accompanied  me,  and  we  entered  into 
 the  man's  house  : 
 
 13  And  he  shewed  us  hoAV  he  had  seen  an 
 ano-el  in  his  house,  which  stood,  and  said 
 unto  him.  Send  men  to  Joppa,  and  call  for 
 Simon,  whose  surname  is  Peter ; 
 
 14  Who  shall  tell  thee  words,  whereby 
 thou  and  all  thy  house  shall  be  saved. 
 
 15  And  as  I  began  to  speak  the  Holy 
 Ghost  fell  on  them,  as  on  us  at  the  begin¬ 
 ning. 
 
 16  Then  remembered  I  the  word  of  the 
 Lord,  how  that  he  said,  John  indeed  bap¬ 
 tized  with  water ;  but  ye  shall  be  baptized 
 with  the  Holy  Ghost. 
 
 17  Forasmuch  then,  as  God  gave  them 
 the  like  gift  as  he  did  unto  us  who  believed 
 on  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ :  what  was  I  that  I 
 could  withstand  God  ? 
 
 18  When  they  heard  these  things  they  held 
 their  peace,  and  glorified  God,  saying,  Then 
 hath  God  also  to  the  Gentiles  granted  re¬ 
 pentance  unto  life. 
 
 19  ^  Now  they  which  were  scattered 
 abroad  upon  the  persecution  that  arose 
 about  Stephen  travelled  as  far  as  Phenice, 
 and  Cyprus,  and  Antioch,  preaching  the 
 word  to  none  but  unto  the  Jews  only. 
 
 20  And  some  of  them  were  men  of  Cy¬ 
 prus  and  Cyrene,  which,  when  they  were 
 come  to  Antioch,  spake  unto  the  Grecians, 
 preaching  the  Lord  Jesus. 
 
 21  And  the  hand  of  the  Lord  was  with 
 them  :  and  a  great  number  believed,  and 
 turned  unto  the  Lord. 
 
 22  ^  Then  tidings  of  these  things  came 
 
 19 — 26'.  We  have  here  an  account  of  the  planting  and  watering 
 of  a  church  at  Antioch,  the  chief  city  of  Syria,  reckoned  afterwards 
 the  third  most  considerable  city  of  the  empire,  only  Rome  and 
 Alexandria  being  preferred  before  it,  next  to  whose  patriarch  that 
 of  Antioch  took  place.  It  stood  where  Hamath  or  Riblah  did, 
 which  we  read  of  in  the  Old  Testament.  The  first  preachers  of 
 the  gospd  there,  were  such  as  were  dispersed  from  Jerusalem  by 
 persecution,  that  persecution  which  arose  five  or  six  years  ago  (as 
 some  compute)  at  the  time  of  Stephen’s  death,  19,  They  travelled 
 as  far  as  Phocnice,  and  other  places,  preaching  the  worl.  There¬ 
 fore  God  suffered  them  to  be  persecuted,  that  thereby  they  might 
 be  dispersed  in  the  world,  sown  as  seed  to  God,  in  order  to  their 
 bringing  forth  much  fruit.  The  enemies  designed  to  scatter  and 
 lose  them,  Christ  designed  to  scatter  and  use  them.  Thus  the 
 wrath  of  man  is  made  to  praise  God. 
 
 At  Antioch  the  disciples  were  first  called  Christians.  It  is  likely 
 they  called  themselves  so,  incorporated  themselves  by  that  title  ; 
 vvhether  by  some  solemn  act  of  the  church  or  ministers,  or  whether 
 this  name,  insensibly  obtained  there  by  its  being  frequently  used 
 10  their  praying  and  preaching,  we  are  not  told ;  but  it  should 
 
 unto  the  ears  of  the  church  which  was  in  Je¬ 
 rusalem  :  and  they  sent  forth  Barnabas,  that 
 he  should  go  as  far  as  Antioch  : 
 
 23  Who,  when  he  came,  and  had  seen  the 
 grace  of  God,  was  glad,  and  exhorted  them 
 all,  that  with  purpose  of  heart  they  Avould 
 cleave  unto  the  Lord. 
 
 24  For  he  was  a  good  man,  and  full  of 
 the  Holy  Ghost  and  of  faith  ;  and  much 
 people  was  added  unto  the  Lord. 
 
 25  Then  departed  Barnabas  to  Tarsus  for 
 to  seek  Saul : 
 
 26  And,  when  he  had  found  him,  he 
 brousfht  him  unto  Antioch.  And  it  came  to 
 pass,  that  a  whole  year  they  assembled  them¬ 
 selves  with  the  church,  and  taught  much 
 people.  And  the  disciples  were  called 
 Christians  first  in  Antioch. 
 
 27  And  in  these  days  came  prophets 
 from  Jerusalem  unto  Antioch. 
 
 28  And  there  stood  up  one  of  them,  named 
 Agabus,  and  signified  by  the  Spirit  that  there 
 should  be  great  dearth  throughout  all  the 
 world  :  which  came  to  pass  in  the  days  of 
 Claudius  Cesar. 
 
 29  Then  the  disciples,  every  man  accord¬ 
 ing  to  his  ability,  determined  to  send  relief 
 unto  the  brethren  which  dwelt  in  Judea  :  * 
 
 30  Which  also  they  did,  and  sent  it  to  the 
 elders  by  the  hands  of  Barnabas  and  Saul. 
 
 CHAP.  XII. 
 
 I.  The  martyrdom  of  James,  1 — 4.  11.  The  deliverance  of  Peter, 
 
 5 — 19.  Hi.  The  cutting  off  of  Herod,  20 — 23.  IV.  Barnabas 
 
 and  Saul  return  to  Antioch,  24,  25. 
 
 OW,  about  that  time,  Herod  the  king 
 stretched  forth  his  hands  to  vex  certain 
 of  the  church. 
 
 seem  that  two  such  great  men  as  Paul  and  Barnabas,  continuing 
 there  so  long,  being  exceedingly  followed,  and  meeting  with  no  op¬ 
 position,  Christian  assemblies  made  a  greater  figure  there  than  anv 
 where,  and  be.came  more  considerable,  which  was  the  reason  of 
 their  being  called  Christians  first  there  ;  which  if  there  were  to  be 
 a  mother  church  to  rule  over  all  other  churches,  would  give  An¬ 
 tioch  a  better  title  to  the  honour  than  Rome  can  pretend  to. 
 Hitherto  they  who  gave  up  their  names  to  Christ  were  called  dis¬ 
 ciples,  learners,  scholars,  trained  up  under  him  in  order  to  their 
 being  employed  by  him.  But  from  henceforward  they  were  called 
 Christians. 
 
 27 — 30.  When  our  Lord  Jesus  ascended  on  high,  he  gave  gifts 
 unto  men,  not  only  apostles  and  evangelists,  but  prophets,  who 
 were  enabled  by  the  spirit  to  foresee  and  foretel  things  to  come, 
 which  not  only  served  for  a  confirmation  of  the  truth  of  Christi¬ 
 anity,  for  all  that  these  prophets  foretold  came  to  pass,  which 
 proved  that  they  were  sent  of  God,  Deut.  xviii,  22,  Jer.  xxviii.  9, 
 but  it  was  also  of  great  use  to  the  church,  and  served  very  much  for 
 its  conduct. 
 
 CHAP.  XII.  1 — 4.  The  martyr  was  James  the  brother  of  John, 
 
 341 
 
A  Cl’S. 
 
 2  And  he  killed  James,  the  brother  of 
 John,  Avith  the  sword. 
 
 3  And,  because  he  saw  it  pleased  the 
 Jews,  he  proceeded  further  to  take  Peter 
 also.  (Then  were  the  days  of  unleavenec 
 bread.) 
 
 4  And,  when  he  had  apprehended  him, 
 he  put  him  in  prison,  and  delivered  him  to 
 four  quaternions  of  soldiers  to  keep  him,  in¬ 
 tending  after  Easter  to  bring  him  forth  to 
 the  people. 
 
 5  Peter,  therefore,  was  kept  in  prison  : 
 but  prayer  Avas  made  Avithout  ceasing  of  the 
 church  unto  God  for  him. 
 
 6  And  Avhen  Herod  Avould  have  brought 
 him  forth,  the  same  night  Peter  Avas  sleep¬ 
 ing  betAveen  tAVO  soldiers,  bound  Avith  two 
 chains :  and  the  keepers  before  the  door 
 xept  the  prison. 
 
 7  And,  behold,  the  angel  of  the  Lord  came 
 upon  him,  and  a  light  shined  in  the  prison  ; 
 and  he  smote  Peter  on  the  side,  and  raisec 
 him  up,  saying.  Arise  up  quickly.  And  his 
 chains  fell  off  from  his  hands. 
 
 8  And  the  angel  said  unto  him.  Gird  thy¬ 
 self,  and  bind  on  thy  sandals  :  and  so  he  did. 
 And  he  saith  unto  him.  Cast  thy  garment 
 about  thee,  and  follow  me. 
 
 9  And  he  Avent  out,  and  followed  him  ; 
 and  Avist  not  that  it  Avas  true  Avhich  Avas  done 
 by  the  angel :  but  thought  he  saAf  a  vision. 
 
 10  When  they  Avere  past  the  first  and  the 
 second  Avard,  they  came  unto  the  iron  gate 
 that  leadeth  unto  the  city  ;  Avhich  opened 
 to  them  of  his  OAvn  accord  :  and  they  Avent 
 
 so  called  to  distinguish  him  from  the  other  James,  the  brother  of 
 Joses.  This  that  was  here  crowned  with  martyrdom  was  one  of 
 the  first  three  of  Christ’s  discii)Ies,  one  of  those  that  were  the  wit¬ 
 nesses  of  his  transfiguration  and  agony,  whereby  he  was  prepared 
 for  martyrdom.  He  was  one  of  those  whom  Christ  called  Boan¬ 
 erges,  Sons  of  Thunder,  and  perhaps  by  his  powerful,  awakening 
 preaching,  he  had  provoked  Herod,  or  those  about  him,  as  John 
 Baptist  did  the  other  Herod,  and  that  was  the  occasion  of  his 
 coming  into  this  trouble.  He  was  one  of  those  sons  of  Zebedee 
 whom  Christ  told,  that  they  should  drink  of  the  cup  that  he  was  to 
 drink  of,  and  be  baptized  with  the  baptism  that  he  was  to  be  baptized 
 ■with.  Matt.  23.  And  now  those  words  of  Christ  were  made 
 good  in  him  ;  but  it  was  in  order  to  his  sitting  at  Christ’s  right 
 hand  ;  for  if  we  sutler  with  him,  we  shall  reign  with  him. 
 
 5 — 19.  Prayer  was  made  without  ceasing  ;  it  was  fervent  pra5^er ; 
 it  is  the  word  that  is  used  concerning  Christ’s  praying  in  his  agony 
 more  earnestly.  It  is  the  fervent  prayer  of  righteous  men  that  is 
 effectual  and  availcth  much.  Some  think  it  notes  the  constancy 
 and  continuance  of  their  prayers  ;  so  we  take  it :  they  prayed  with¬ 
 out  ceasing  ;  it  was  an  extended  prayer.  They  prayed  for  his  re¬ 
 lease  in  their  public  assemblies,  private  ones,  perhaps,  for  fear  of 
 the  Jews  ;  they  then  went  home,  and  prayed  for  it  in  thoir  fami 
 542 
 
 out,  and  passed  on  through  one  street ;  and 
 forthAvith  the  angel  departed  from  him. 
 
 11  And,  Avhen  Peter  Avas  come  to  him¬ 
 self,  he  said,  Noav  I  knoAv  of  a  surety  that 
 the  Lord  hath  sent  his  angel,  and  hath  de¬ 
 livered  me  out  of  the  hand  of  Herod,  and 
 from  all  the  expectation  of  the  people  of  the 
 JeAvs. 
 
 12  And,  Avhen  he  had  considered  the  things 
 he  came  to  the  house  of  Mary  the  mother 
 of  John,  Avhose  surname  Avas  Mark  ;  Avhere 
 many  Avere  gathered  together  praying. 
 
 13  And,  as  Peter  knocked  at  the  door  of 
 the  gate,  a  damsel  came  to  hearken,  named 
 Rhoda. 
 
 14  And,  Avhen  she  knew  Peter’s  voice,  she 
 opened  not  the  gate  for  gladness,  but  ran  in 
 and  told  hoAv  Peter  stood  before  the  sate. 
 
 15  And  they  said  unto  her.  Thou  art  mad. 
 But  she  constantly  affirmed  that  it  Ayas  even 
 so.  Then  said  they.  It  is  his  angel. 
 
 16  But  Peter  continued  knocking ;  and 
 Avhen  they  had  opened  the  door,  and  saAv  him 
 they  Avere  astonished. 
 
 17  But  he,  beckoning  unto  them  Avith  the 
 hand  to  hold  their  peace,  declared  unto  them 
 hoAv  the  l/ord  had  brought  him  out  of  the 
 prison.  And  he  said.  Go,  shcAV  these  things 
 unto  James,  and  to  the  brethren.  And  he 
 departed,  and  Avent  into  another  place. 
 
 18  Noav,  as  soon  as  it  Avas  day,  there  Avas 
 no  small  stir  among  the  soldiers  Avhat  Avas 
 become  of  Peter. 
 
 19  And  Avhen  Herod  had  sought  for  him, 
 and  found  him  not,  he  examined  the  keepers, 
 
 ics,  then  retired  into  their  closets,  and  prayed  for  it  there  ;  so  they 
 prayed  without  ceasing;  or,  first  one  knot  of  them,  and  then  an¬ 
 other,  and  then  a  third  kept  a  day  of  prayer,  or  rather  a  night  of 
 prayer  for  him,  12.  Times  of  public  distress  and  danger  should 
 je  praying  times  with  the  church.  We  must  pray  always,  but 
 then  especially. 
 
 This  deliverance  of  Peter  represents  to  us  our  redemption  by 
 Christ,  which  is  often  spoken  of  as  the  setting  of  prisoners  free,  not 
 only  the  proclaiming  of  liberty  to  the  captives,  but  the  bringing  of 
 them  out  of  the  prison-house.  The  application  of  the  redemption  in 
 the  conversion  of  souls  is  the  sending  forth  of  the  prisoners,  by  the 
 jlood  of  the  covenant,  out  of  the  pit  wherein  is  no  water,  Zech. 
 ix.  1 1.  The  grace  of  God  like  this  angel  of  the  Lord,  brings  light 
 first  into  the  prison,  by  the  opening  of  the  understanding,  smites 
 the  sleeping  sinner  on  the  side,  by  the  awakening  of  the  conscience  ; 
 causeth  the  chains  to  fiill  off  from  the  hands,  by  the  renewing  of 
 the  will ;  and  then  gives  the  word  of  command.  Gird  thyself,  and 
 follow  me.  Difficulties  are  to  be  passed  through,  and  the  opposi¬ 
 tion  of  Satan  and  his  instruments,  a  first  and  second  ward,  an  un¬ 
 toward  generation,  from  which  we  are  concerned  to  save  ourselves ; 
 and  shall  be  saved  by  the  grace  of  God,  if  we  put  ourselves  under 
 the  divine  conduct.  And  at  length  the  iron^ate  shall  be  opened 
 
CHAP.  XIII. 
 
 and  commanded  that  therj  should  be  put  to 
 death.  And  he  went  down  from  Judea  to 
 
 Cesarea,  and  there  abode. 
 
 20  ^  And  Herod  was  highly  displeased 
 
 with  them  of  Tyre  and  Sidon :  but  they  eame 
 with  one  accord  to  him  ;  and  having  made 
 Blastus,  the  king's  chamberlain,  their  friend, 
 desired  peace ;  because  their  country  was 
 
 nourished  by  the  king  s  country. 
 
 21  And,  upon  a  set  day,  Herod,  arrayed 
 in  royal  apparel,  sat  upon  his  throne,  and 
 
 made  an  oration  unto  them. 
 
 22  And  the  people  gave  a  shout,  saying, 
 It  is  the  voice  of  a  god,  and  not  of  a  man. 
 
 23  And  immediately  the  angel  of  the 
 Lord  smote  him,  because  he  gave  not  God 
 the  glory  :  and  he  was  eaten  of  worms,  and 
 gave  up  the  ghost. 
 
 24  ^  But  the  word  of  God  grew  and  mul¬ 
 tiplied.  ,  ,  . 
 
 25  And  Barnabas  and  Saul  .returned  from 
 
 Jerusalem,  when  they  had  fulfilled  theii  mi¬ 
 nistry,  and  took  with  them  John,  whose  sur¬ 
 name  was  Mark. 
 
 CHAP.  XHI. 
 
 1,  The  solemn  ordination  of  Barnabas  and  Saul,  1—3.  II.  Their 
 ■  preaching  the  Gospel  in  Cyprus,  4—13.  III.  ihe  heads  o 
 a  sermon  which  Paul  preached  to  the  Jews  at  Antioch  in  Pisidia, 
 .  14—41  IV.  The  preaching  of  the  Gospel  to  the  Oentiles, 
 
 4o_4f)‘  V.  The  trouble  which  the  infidel  Jews  gave  to  the 
 Apostles,  50 — 52. 
 
 NOW,  there  were  in  the  church  that 
 was  at  Antioch  certain  prophets  and 
 teachers  ;  as  Barnabas,  and  Simeon  that  was 
 called  Niger,  and  Lucias  of  Cirene,  and 
 Manaen,  which  had  been  brought  up  with 
 Herod  the  tetrarch,  and  Saul. 
 
 2  As  they  ministered  to  the  Lord,  and 
 fasted,  the  Holy  Ghost  said.  Separate  me, 
 Barnabas  and  Saul  for  the  work  whereunto 
 I  have  called  them. 
 
 3  And  when  they  had  fasted  and  prayed, 
 and  laid  their  hands  on  them,  they  sent  them 
 
 away.  ^  i  it  i 
 
 4  So  they,  being  sent  forth  by  the  Holy 
 
 Ghost,  departed  unto  Seleucia ;  and  from 
 thence  they  sailed  to  Cyprus. 
 
 5  And  when  they  were  at  Salamis  they 
 preached  the  word  of  God  in  the  synagogues 
 of  the  Jews  :  and  they  had  also  John  to 
 their  minister. 
 
 6  ^  And  when  they  had  gone  through  the 
 isle  unto  Paphos,  they  found  a  certain  sor¬ 
 cerer,  a  false  prophet,  a  Jew,  whose  name 
 teas  Bar-jesus  ; 
 
 7  Which  was  with  the  deputy  of  the  coun¬ 
 try,  Sergius  Paulus,  a  prudent  man ;  who 
 called  for  Barnabas  and  Saul,  and  desired 
 to  hear  the  word  of  God. 
 
 8  But  Elymas  the  sorcerer  (for  so  is  his 
 name  by  interpretation)  withstood  them, 
 seeking  to  turn  away  the  deputy  from  the 
 faith. 
 
 9  Then  Saul,  (who  also  is  called  Paul,) 
 filled  with  the  Holy  Ghost,  set  his  eyes  on 
 him, 
 
 10  x\nd  said,  O  full  of  all  subtilty,  and 
 all  mischief,  thou  child  of  the  devil,  thou  ene¬ 
 my  of  all  righteousness  !  wilt  thou  not  cease 
 to  pervert  the  right  ways  of  the  Lord  ? 
 
 11  And  now,  behold,  the  hand  of  the 
 Lord  is  upon  thee,  and  thou  shalt  be  blind. 
 
 to  US  to  enter  into  the  new  Jerusalem,  where  we  shall  be  perfectly 
 freed  from  all  the  marks  of  our  captivity,  and  brought  into  the  glo¬ 
 rious  liberty  of  the  children  of  God. 
 
 20—25.  This  story  of  the  death  of  Herod,  is  particularly  re¬ 
 lated  bv  Josephus,  a  Jew,  Antiq.  lib.  xix,  cap.  vii.  thus:  “That 
 Herod  came  down  to  Cesarea  to  celebrate  a  festival  in  honour  of 
 Cesar ;  that  the  second  day  of  the  festival,  he  went  in  the  morn¬ 
 ing  to  the  theatre,  clothed  with  that  splendid  robe  mentioned  be¬ 
 fore  ;  that  his  flatterers  saluted  him  as  a  god,  begged  that  he  would 
 be  propitious  to  them  ;  that  hitherto  they  had  reverenced  him  as 
 a  man,  but  now  they  would  confess  to  be  in  him  something 
 more  e.xcellent  than  a  mortal  nature.  That  he  did  not  refuse  or 
 correct  this  impious  flattery;  (so  the  historian  expresseth  it)  but 
 presently  after  looking  up  he  saw  an  owl  perched  over  his  head, 
 and  was  at  the  same  instant  seized  with  a  most  violent  pain  in  his 
 bowels,  and  gripes  in  his  belly,  which  were  exquisite  from  the  very 
 first ;  that  he  turned  his  eyes  from  his  friends,  and  said  to  this  pur¬ 
 pose  ;  now  I  whom  thou  called  a  god,  and  therefore  immortal, 
 must  be  proved  a  man,  and  mortal.  That  his  torture  continued 
 without  intermission,  or  the  least  abatement,  and  then  he  died  in 
 the  54th  vear  of  his  aye,  when  he  had  been  king  seven  years.” 
 
 Vol.  II.  90  4  A 
 
 CHAP.  XIII.  1—3.  As  it  was  an  instance  of  the  humility  of 
 Barnabas* and  Saul,  that  they  submitted  to  the  imposition  of  the 
 hands  of  those  that  were  their  equals,  and  rather  their  interiors,  so 
 it  was  of  the  good  disposition  of  the  other  teachers,  that  they  did 
 not  envv  Barnabas  and  Saul  the  honour  to  which  they  were  pre- 
 ferred,  but  cheerfully  committed  it  to  them,  with  hearty  prayers  for 
 them.  And  they  sent  them  away  with  all  expedition,  out  of  a 
 cern  for  those  countries  where  they  were  to  break  up  tallow  ground. 
 
 4—13,  Paphos  was  a  place  famous  for  a  temple  built  to  Venus 
 there,  thence  called  Paphia  Venus;  and  therefore  there  was  more 
 than  ordinary  need  that  the  Son  of  God  should  be  manifested  to 
 destroy  the  works  of  the  devil  ;  and  there  the  deputy,  a  Gentile, 
 Sergius  Paulus  by  name,  encouraged  the  apostles,  ai.d  was  willing 
 to  hear  their  message.  He  was  governor  of  the  country,  under 
 the  Roman  emperor,  pro-consul,  or  proprietor,  such  an  one  as 
 we  would  call  lord  lieutenant  of  the  island.  Elymas  was  a  pre¬ 
 tender  to  the  gift  of  prophecy,  a  sorcerer,  a  false  prophet;  one 
 that  would  be  taken  for  a  divine,  because  he  was  skilful  in  the  arts 
 of  divination,  was  a  conjurer,  and  took  on  him  to  tell  people  their 
 fortune,  and  to  discover  things  lost,  and  probably  was  in  a  leagut 
 with  the  devil  for  that  purpose.  His  name  was  Bar-jesus,  ihi 
 
 543 
 
ACTS. 
 
 not  seeing  the  sun  for  a  season.  And  im¬ 
 mediately  there  fell  on  him  a  mist,  and  a 
 darkness  :  and  he  went  about  seeking  some 
 to  lead  him  by  the  hand. 
 
 12  Then  the  deputy,  when  he  saw  .what 
 was  done,  believed,  being  astonished  at  the 
 doctrine  of  the  Lord. 
 
 13  ^  Now,  when  Paul  and  his  company 
 loosed  from  Paphos,  they  came  to  Perga  in 
 Pamphylia  ;  and  John,  departing  from  them, 
 returned  to  Jerusalem. 
 
 14  But  when  they  departed  from  Perga, 
 they  came  to  Antioch  in  Pisidia,  and  went 
 into  the  synagogue  on  the  sabbath-day,  and 
 sat  down. 
 
 15  And  after  the  reading  of  the  law  and 
 the  prophets,  the  rulers  of  the  synagogue 
 sent  unto  them,  saying.  Ye  men  and  bre¬ 
 thren,  if  ye  have  any  word  of  exhortation 
 for  the  people,  say  on. 
 
 16  Then  Paul  stood  up,  and,  beckoning 
 with  hk  hand,  said.  Men  of  Israel,  and  ye 
 that  fear  God,  give  audience. 
 
 17  The  God  of  this  people  of  Israel  chose 
 our  fathers,  and  exalted  the  people  when 
 they  dwelt  as  strangers  in  the  land  of  Egypt, 
 and  with  an  high  arm  brought  he  them  out 
 of  it. 
 
 18  And  about  the  time  of  forty  years  suf¬ 
 fered  he  their  manners  in  the  wilderness. 
 
 19  And  when  he  had  destroyed  seven  na¬ 
 tions  in  the  land  of  Chanaan,  he  divided  their 
 land  to  them  by  lot. 
 
 20  And  after  that  he  gave  unto  them 
 mdges  about  the  space  of  four  hundred  and 
 fifty  years,  until  Samuel  the  prophet. 
 
 21  And  afterward  they  desired  a  king  : 
 and  God  gave  unto  them  Saul,  the  son  of 
 Cis,  a  man  of  the  tribe  of  Benjamin,  by  the 
 space  of  forty  years. 
 
 son  of  Joshua,  it  signifies  the  Son  of  salvation,  but  the  Syriac  calls 
 him  Bar-Shoma,  the  Son  of  Pride;  Filius  inflationis.  He  made 
 it  his  business  to  withstand  Barnabas  and  Saul,  as  the  magicians 
 of  Egypt  in  Pharaoh’s  court  withstood  Moses  and  Aaron,  2  Tim. 
 iii.  8.  He  set  up  himself  to  be  a  messenger  from  heaven,  and 
 deny  that  they  were.  And  thus  he  sought  to  turn  away  the  deputy 
 from  the  faith,  8,  to  keep  him  from  receiving  the  Gospel,  which 
 be  saw  him  inclined  to  do.  Satan  is  in  a  special  manner  busy 
 with  great  men,  and  men  in  power  to  keep  them  from  being  re^- 
 ligious,  because  he  knows  their  example  whether  good  or  bad 
 will  have  an  influence  upon  many.  And  those  who  are  any  way 
 instrumental  to  prejudice  people  against  the  truths  and  ways  of 
 Christ  are  doing  the  devil's  work. 
 
 14 — 41.  Perga  in  Pamphylia  was  a  noted  place,  especially  for 
 544 
 
 22  And  when  he  had  removed  him  he 
 raised  up  unto  them  David  to  be  their  king ; 
 to  whom  also  he  gave  testimony,  and  said, 
 I  have  found  David,  the  son  of  Jesse,  a  man 
 after  mine  own  heart,  which  shall  fulfil  all  my 
 will. 
 
 23  Of  this  man's  seed  hath  God,  accord¬ 
 ing  to  his  promise,  raised  unto  Israel  a  Sa¬ 
 viour,  Jesus  ; 
 
 24  When  John  had  first  preached  before 
 his  coming,  the  baptism  of  repentance  to  all 
 the  people  of  Israel. 
 
 25  And  as  John  fulfilled  his  course  he 
 said.  Whom  think  ye  that  I  am?  I  am  not 
 he  :  but,  behold,  there  cometh  one  after  me, 
 whose  shoes  of  his  feet  I  am  not  worthy  to 
 loose. 
 
 26  Men  and  brethren,  children  of  the  stock 
 of  Abraham,  and  whosoever  among  you 
 feareth  God,  to  you  is  the  word  of  this 
 salvation  sent. 
 
 27  For  they  that  dwell  at  Jerusalem,  and 
 their  rulers,  because  they  knew  him  not,  nor 
 yet  the  voices  of  the  prophets  which  are 
 read  every  sabbath-day,  they  have  fulfilled 
 them  in  condemning  him. 
 
 28  And  though  they  found  no  cause  of 
 death  in  hitn,  yet  desired  they  Pilate  that  he 
 should  be  slain. 
 
 29  And  when  they  had  fulfilled  all  that 
 was  written  of  him,  they  took  him  down 
 from  the  tree,  and  laid  him  in  a  sepulchre. 
 
 30  But  God  raised  him  from  the  dead ; 
 
 31  And  he  was  seen  many  days  of  them 
 which  came  up  with  him  from  Galilee  to 
 Jerusalem,  who  are  his  witnesses  unto  the 
 people. 
 
 32  And  we  declare  unto  you  glad  tidings, 
 how  that  the  promise  which  was  made  unto 
 the  fathers, 
 
 a  temple  there  erected  to  the  goddess  Diana ;  yet  nothing  at  all 
 is  related  of  what  Paul  and  Barnabas  did  there,  only  thither  they 
 came,  13,  and  thence  they  departed,  14.  But  the  history  ot 
 the  apostles’  travels,  as  that  of  Christ’s,  passeth  by  many  things 
 worthy  to  have  been  recorded ;  because  if  all  should  have  been 
 written,  the  world  could  not  have  contained  the  books.  •  But  the 
 next  place  we  find  them  in,  is  another  Antioch,  said  to  be  in  Pisi¬ 
 dia,  to  distinguish  it  from  that  Antioch  in  Syria,  from  whence 
 they  were  sent  out.  Pisidia  was  a  province  of  the  Lesser  Asia, 
 bordering  upon  Pamphylia  ;  this  Antioch  it  is  likely  was  the  me¬ 
 tropolis  of  it;  abundance  of  Jews  lived  there,  and  to  them  the 
 Gospel  was  to  be  first  preached;  and  Paul’s  sermon  to  them,  is 
 what  we  have  in  these  verses  ;  which  it  is  likely  is  the  substance 
 of  what  was  preached  by  the  apostles  generally  to  the  Jews  in  all 
 
CHAP.  XIV. 
 
 53  God  hath  fulfilled  the  same  unto  us 
 their  children,  in  that  he  hath  raised  up 
 Jesus  a<^ain  j  as  it  is  also  written  in  the  se¬ 
 cond  pSilm,  Thou  art  my  Son,  this  day  have 
 I  begotten  thee. 
 
 .  34  And  as  concerning  that  he  raised  him 
 up  from  the  dead,  nozs)  no  more  to  return  to 
 corruption,  he  said  on  this  wise,  I  will  give 
 you  the  sure  mercies  of  David. 
 
 35  Wherefore  he  saith  also  in  another 
 psalm,  Thou  shalt  not  suffer  thine  holy  One 
 to  see  corruption. 
 
 36  For  David,  after  he  had  served  his  own 
 generation  by  the  will  of  God,  fell  on  sleep, 
 and  was  laid  unto  his  fathers,  and  saw  cor¬ 
 ruption  : 
 
 37  But  he  whom  God  raised  again  saw 
 no  corruption. 
 
 38  Be  it  known  unto  you,  therefore,  men 
 and  brethren,  that  through  this  man  is  preach¬ 
 ed  unto  you  the  forgiveness  of  sins  ; 
 
 39  And  by  him  all  that  believe  are  justi¬ 
 fied  from  all  things,  from  which  ye  could  not 
 ]je  justified  by  the  law  of  Moses. 
 
 40  Beware,  therefore,  lest  that  come  upon 
 you  which  is  spoken  of  in  the  prophets  ; 
 
 41  Behold,  ye  despisers,  and  wonder, 
 and  perish  :  for  I  work  a  work  in  your  days, 
 a  work  which  ye  shall  in  no  wise  believe, 
 though  a  man  declare  it  unto  you. 
 
 42  ^  And  when  the  Jews  were  gone  out 
 of  the  synagogue,  the  Gentiles  besought  that 
 these  words  might  be  preached  to  them  the 
 next  sabbath. 
 
 43  Now  when  the  congregation  was  bro¬ 
 ken  up,  many  of  the  Jews  and  religious 
 proselytes  followed  Paul  and  Barnabas ; 
 
 places ;  for  in  dealing  with  them,  the  proper  way  was  to  shew 
 them  how  the  New  Testament,  which  they  would  have  them  to 
 receive,  exactly  agreed  with  the  Old  Testament,  which  they  not 
 only  received,  but  were  zealous  for. 
 
 42 — 52.  The  impudence  of  the  enemies  of  the  Gospel  instead 
 of  frightening,  should  rather  embolden  the  friends  of  its  cause,  for 
 they  are  sure  they  have  a  good  cause,  and  they  know  whom  they 
 have  trusted  to  bear  them  out.  Now  Paul  and  Barnabas  having 
 m.ade  them  a  fair  offer  of  Gospel  grace,  here  gives  them  fair  notice 
 of  their  bringing  it  to  the  Gentiles,  if  by  any  means  (as  Paul  saith) 
 Rom.  xi.  19,  they  might  provoke  them  to  emulation.  They  jus¬ 
 tify  themselves  in  this  by  a  divine  warrant,  v.  47.  For  so  hath 
 the  Lord  commanded  us,  the  Lord  Jesus  gave  us  directions  to 
 witness  to  him  in  Jerusalem,  and  Judea  first,  and  after  that  to  the 
 utmost  parts  of  the  earth,  to  preach  the  Gospel  to  every  creature, 
 to  disciple  all  nations,  and  this  is  according  to  what  was  foretold 
 lin  the  Old  Testament,  when  the  Messiah  in  the  prospect  of  the 
 ,  Jcvvs’  infidelity  was  ready  to  say,  I  have  laboured  in  vain,  he  was 
 told  to  his  satisfaction,  that  though  Israel  was  not  gathered,  yet 
 
 who,  speaking  to  them,  persuaded  them  to 
 continue  in  the  grace  of  God. 
 
 44  ^  And  the  next  sabbath-day  came  al¬ 
 most  the  whole  city  together  to  hear  the  word 
 of  God. 
 
 45  But  when  the  Jews  saw  the  multitudes, 
 they  were  filled  with  envy,  and  spake  against 
 those  things  which  were  spoken  by  Paul, 
 contradicting  and  blaspheming. 
 
 46  Then  Paul  and  Barnabas  waxed  bold, 
 and  said.  It  was  necessary  that  the  word  of 
 God  should  first  have  been  spoken  to  you  : 
 but  seeing  ye  put  it  from  you,  and  judge 
 yourselves  unworthy  of  everlasting  life,  lo, 
 we  turn  to  the  Gentiles  : 
 
 47  For  so  hath  the  Lord  commanded  us, 
 saying,  I  have  set  thee  to  be  a  light  of  the 
 Gentiles,  that  thou  shouldest  be  for  salva¬ 
 tion  unto  the  ends  of  the  earth. 
 
 48  And  when  the  Gentiles  heard  this  they 
 were  glad,  and  glorified  the  word  of  the 
 Lord  :  and  as  many  as  were  ordained  to 
 eternal  life  believed. 
 
 49  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  was  pub¬ 
 lished  throughout  all  the  region. 
 
 50  But  the  Jews  stirred  up  the  devout 
 and  honourable  women,  and  the  chief  men 
 of  the  city,  and  raised  persecution  against 
 Paul  and  Barnabas,  and  expelled  them  out 
 of  their  coasts. 
 
 51  But  they  shook  off  the  dust  of  their 
 feet  against  them,  and  come  unto  Iconium. 
 
 52  And  the  disciples  were  filled  with  joy, 
 and  with  the  Floly  Ghost. 
 
 CHAP.  XIV. 
 
 1.  The  successful  preaching  of  the  Gospel  at  Iconium,  1 — 7. 
 
 II.  Their  healing  of  a  lame  man  at  Lystra,  8 — 18.  111.  The 
 
 outrage  of  the  people  against  Paul,  19,  20.  IV.  The  visit 
 
 he  should  be  glorious  ;  that  his  blood  should  not  be  shed  in  vain, 
 nor  his  purchase  made  in  vain,  nor  his  doctrine  preached  in  vain, 
 nor  his  Spirit  sent  in  vain,  for  I  have  set  thee,  not  only  raised  thee 
 up,  but  established  thee  to  be  a  light  of  the  Gentiles,  not  only  a 
 shining  light  for  a  time,  but  a  standing  light,  set  for  a  light;  that 
 thou  shouldst  be  for  salvation  unto  the  ends  of  the  earth.  Christ  is 
 not  only  the  Saviour,  but  the  salvation,  is  himself  our  righteous¬ 
 ness,  and  life,  and  strength.  Wherever  Christ  is  designed  to  be 
 salvation,  he  is  set  up,  to  be  a  light ;  he  enlightens  the  understand¬ 
 ing,  and  so  saves  the  soul.  He  is,  and  is  to  be  light  and  salvation 
 to  the  Gentiles,  to  the  ends  of  the  earth.  Those  of  any  nation 
 should  be  vyelcome  to  him,  some  of  every  nation  have  heard  of 
 him,  Rom.  x.  18.  And  all  nations  shall  at  length  become  his 
 kingdoms.  This  prophecy  has  had  its  accomplishment  in  part,  in 
 the  setting  up  of  the  kingdom  of  Christ  in  this  island  of  ours,  which 
 lies  as  it  were  in  the  ends  of  the  earth,  a  corner  of  the  world,  and 
 shall  be  accomplished  more  and  more,  when  the  time  comes  for 
 the  bringing  in  of  the  fulness  of  the  Gentiles. 
 
 CHAP.  XIV.  1 — 7*  In  the  close  of  the  foregoing  chapter  the 
 
 545 
 
ACTS. 
 
 which  Paul  and  Barnabas  made  to  the  churches,  21 — 25.  V. 
 Their  return  to  Antioch,  24—28. 
 
 A  ND  it  came  to  pass  in  Iconium,  that 
 they  went  both  together  into  the  syna¬ 
 gogue  of  the  Jews,  and  so  spake,  that  a  great 
 multitude,  both  of  the  Jews,  and  also  of 
 the  Greeks,  believed. 
 
 2  But  the  unbelieving  Jews  stirred  up  the 
 Gentiles,  and  made  their  minds  evil  affected 
 against  the  brethren. 
 
 3  Long  time,  therefore,  abode  they,  speak¬ 
 ing  boldly  in  the  Lord  ;  which  gave  testi¬ 
 mony  unto  the  word  of  his  grace,  and  grant¬ 
 ed  signs  and  wonders  to  be  done  by  their 
 hands. 
 
 4  But  the  multitude  of  the  city  was  di¬ 
 vided  ;  and  part  held  with  the  Jews,  and 
 part  with  the  apostles. 
 
 5  And  when  there  was  an  assault  made, 
 both  of  the  Gentiles,  and  also  of  the  Jews 
 with  their  rulers,  to  use  them  despitefully, 
 and  to  stone  them, 
 
 6  They  were  ware  of  it,  and  fled  unto 
 Lystra  and  Derbe,  cities  of  Lycaonia,  and 
 unto  the  region  that  lieth  round  about ; 
 
 7  And  there  they  preached  the  gospel. 
 
 8  5[  And  there  sat  a  certain  man  at  Lys¬ 
 tra,  impotent  in  his  feet,  being  a  cripple 
 from  his  mother's  womb,  who  never  had 
 walked  ; 
 
 9  The  same  heard  Paul  speak  ;  who  sted- 
 
 gospel  was  preached  first  to  the  Jews,  and  some  of  them  believed  ; 
 then  to  the  Gentiles,  and  some  of  them  believed  ;  but  here  they 
 are  put  together,  being  put  upon  the  same  level.  The  Jews  have 
 not  so  lost  their  preference  as  to  be  thrown  behind,  only  the  Gen¬ 
 tiles  are  brought  to  stand  upon  even  terrns  with  them  ;  both  arc 
 reconciled  to  God  in  one  body,  Eph.  ii.  16',  and  both  together  ad¬ 
 mitted  into  the  church  without  distinction.  There  seems  to  have 
 been  something  remarkable  in  the  manner  of  the  apostles  preach¬ 
 ing  here  which  contributed  to  their  success  ;  they  so  spake,  that 
 a  great  multitude  believed  ;  so  plainly,  so  convincingly,  with  such 
 an  evidence  and  demonstration  of  the  Spirit,  and  with  such  power  ; 
 they  spake  so  warmly,  so  affectionately,  and  with  such  a  mani¬ 
 fest  concern  for  the  souls  of  men  ;  they  so  spake,  as  that  one  might 
 perceive  they  were  not  only  convinced,  but  filled  with  the  things 
 they  spake  of;  and  that  what  they  spake  came  from  the  heart, 
 and  therefore  was  likely  to  reach  to  the  heart ;  they  so  spake,  so 
 earnestly  and  seriously,  so  bo'dly  and  courageously,  that  they 
 who  heard  them  could  not  but  say,  God  was  with  them  of  a 
 truth,  yet  the  success  was  not  to  be  attributed  to  the  manner  of 
 their  preaching,  but  to  the  Spirit  of  God,  who  made.use  of  that 
 means. 
 
 8  —18.  The  temple  of  Jupiter  was  it  seems  before  the  gate  of 
 their  city,  as  its  protector  and  guardian  ;  and  the  priest  of  that 
 idol  and  temple,  hearing  the  people  cry  out  thus,  took  the  hint 
 presently,  and  thought  it  was  time  for  him  to  bestir  himself  to  do 
 his  duty.  Many  a  costly  sacrifice  he  had  offered  to  the  image  of 
 Jupiter,  but  if  Jupiter  be  among  them  himself,  it  concerns  him  to 
 546 
 
 fastly  beholding  him,  and  perceiving  that 
 he  had  faith  to  be  healed, 
 
 10  Said,  with  a  loud  voice.  Stand  up¬ 
 right  on  thy  feet.  And  he  leaped  and  walked. 
 
 11  And  when  the  people  saw  what  Paul 
 had  done,  they  lifted  up  their  voices,  saying, 
 In  the  speech  of  Lycaonia,  The  gods  are 
 come  down  to  us  in  the  likeness  of  men. 
 
 12  And  they  called  Barnabas  Jupiter,  and 
 Paul  Mercurius,  because  he  was  the  chief 
 speaker. 
 
 13  Then  the  priest  of  Jupiter,  which  was 
 before  their  city,  brought  oxen  and  gar¬ 
 lands  unto  the  gates,  and  would  have  done 
 sacrifice  with  the  people. 
 
 14  Which  when  the  apostles,  Barnabas 
 and  Paul,  heard  of,  they  rent  their  clothes, 
 and  ran  in  among  the  people,  crying  out, 
 
 15  And  saying.  Sirs,  why  do  ye  these 
 things  ?  we  also  are  men  of  like  passions 
 with  you,  and  preach  unto  you  that  ye  should 
 turn  from  these  vanities  unto  the  living  God, 
 which  made  heaven  and  earth,  and  the  sea, 
 and  all  things  that  are  therein : 
 
 16  Who  in  times  past  suffered  all  nations 
 to  walk  in  their  own  ways. 
 
 17  Nevertheless  he  left  not  himself  with¬ 
 out  witness,  in  that  he  did  good,  and  gave 
 us  rain  from  heaven,  and  fruitful  seasons, 
 filling  our  hearts  with  food  and  gladness. 
 
 18  And  with  these  sayings  scarce  restrain- 
 
 do  him  the  utmost  honours  imaginable,  and  the  people  are  ready 
 to  join  with  him  in  it.  See  how  easily  vain  minds  are  carried  away 
 w'th  a  popular  out-cry  !  If  the  crowd  give  a  shout,  here’s  Jupiter ; 
 the  priest  of  Jupiter  takes  the  first  hint,  and  ofl'er  his  services  pre¬ 
 sently.  When  Christ  the  Son  of  God  came  down  and  appeared 
 in  the  likeness  of  men,  and  did  many,  very  many  miracles,  yet 
 they  were  so  far  from  doing  sacrifice  to  him,  that  they  made  him 
 a  sacrifice  to  their  pride  and  malice  ;  He  was  in  the  world,  and  the 
 world  knew  him  not;  He  came  to  his  own,  and  his  own  received 
 him  not:  but  Paul  and  Barnabas  upon  the  working  of  one  mi¬ 
 racle,  are  deified  presently.  The  same  power  of  the  God  of  this 
 world,  which  prejudiced  the  carnal  mind  against  truth,  makes 
 errors  and  mistakes  to  find  easy  admission,  and  both  ways  his  turn 
 is  served.  They  brought  oxen  to  be  sacrificed  to  them,  and  gar¬ 
 lands  with  which  to  crown  the  sacrifices  :  these  garlands  were  made 
 up  of  flowers  and  ribbons ;  and  they  gilded  the  horns  of  the  oxen 
 to  be  sacrificed. 
 
 So  beasts  for  sacrifice  do  feed. 
 
 First  to  be  crown’d  and  then  to  bleed. 
 
 We  may  see  here  what  gave  rise  to  the  pagan  idolatry,  it  was 
 terminating  those  regards  in  the  instruments  of  our  comfort  which 
 should  have  passed  through  them  to  the  author  ;  Paul  and  Bai^ 
 nabas  have  cured  a  cripple,  and  therefore  they  deify  them, 
 of  glorifying  God  for  giving  them  such  power;  which  should 
 make  us  very  cautious  that  we  do  not  cither  give  that  honour  to 
 another  or  take  it  to  ourselves  which  is  due  to  God  only 
 
CHAP.  XV. 
 
 ed  they  the  people,  that  they  had  not  clone 
 
 sacrifice  unto  them.  , 
 
 19  And  there  came  thither  certaiu  Jews 
 
 from  Antioch  and  Iconium,  who  persuaded 
 the  oeople ;  and  having  stoned  Paul,  drew 
 him  Lt  of  the  city,  supposing  he  had  been 
 
 20  Howbeit,  as  the  disciples  stood  round 
 about  him  he  rose  up,  and  came  into  the 
 city  ;  and  the  next  day  he  departed  with 
 Barnabas  to  Derbe. 
 
 21  51  And  when  they  had  preached  the 
 gospel  to  that  city,  and  had  taught  many, 
 they  returned  again  to  Lystra,  and  to  Ico¬ 
 nium,  and  Antioch, 
 
 22  Confirming  the  souls  of  the  disciples, 
 and  exhorting  them  to  continue  in  the  faith, 
 and  that  we  must  through  much  tribulation 
 enter  into  the  kingdom  of  God. 
 
 23  And  when  they  had  ordained  them 
 elders  in  every  church,  and  had  prayed  with 
 fasting,  they  commended  them  to  the  Lord, 
 on  whom  they  believed. 
 
 24  And  after  they  had  passed  throughout 
 
 Pisidia,  they  came  to  Pamphylia  :  • 
 
 25  And  when  they  had  preached  the  Avord 
 in  Perga,  they  Avent  doAvn  into  Attalia ; 
 
 26  And  thence  sailed  to  Antioch,  from 
 Avhence  they  had  been  recommended  to  the 
 grace  of  God  for  the  Avork  Avhich  they  ful¬ 
 filled. 
 
 27  And  Avhen  they  Avere  come,  and  had 
 gathered  the  church  together,  they  rehears¬ 
 ed  all  that  God  had  done  Avith  them,  and 
 how  he  had  opened  the  door  of  faith  unto 
 the  Gentiles. 
 
 28  And  there  they  abode  long  time  Avith 
 the  disciples. 
 
 19—28.  God’s  faithful  servants  though  they  may  be  brought 
 within  a  step  of  death,  and  may  be  looked  upon  as  dead  both  by 
 friends  and  enemies,  shall  not  die  as  long  as  he  has  work  for  them 
 to  do.  They  are  cast  down  but  not  destroyed,  2  Cor.  iv.  9-  They 
 drew  him  out  of  the  city,  19,  but  as  one  that  set  them  at  defi¬ 
 ance,  he  came  into  the  city  again,  to  shew  that  he  did  not  fear 
 them;  none  even  of  these  things  move  him.  However  their  being 
 persecuted  here  is  a  known  indication  to  them  to  seek  for  oppor¬ 
 tunities  of  usefulness  elsewhere,  and  therefore  for  the  present  they 
 quit  Lystra.  They  exhorted  them  to  continue  in  the  faith  ;  or 
 (as  it  may  be  read)  they  encouraged  them.  They  told  them  it 
 was  both  their  duty  and  interest  to  persevere  ;  to  abide  in  the  be¬ 
 lief  of  Christ’s  being  the  Son  of  God,  and  the  Saviour  of  the  wor<d. 
 AVe  must  go  down  to  trouble  but  we  shall  come  up  again.  ,Wc 
 shall  not  only  get  through  it,  but  get  through  it  into  the  kingdom 
 of  God  ;  and  the  jov  and  glory  of  the  end  will  make  abundant 
 amends  for  all  the  difficulties  and  hardships  we  may  meet  with  in 
 
 CHAP.  XV. 
 
 A  consultation  of  the  church  at  Jerusalem  respecting  the  Gentile 
 
 converts. 
 
 And  certain  men  Avhich  came  down  from 
 Judea  taught  the  brethren,  and  said, 
 Except  ye  be  circumcised  after  the  manner 
 of  Moses  ye  cannot  be  saved. 
 
 2  When,  therefore,  Paul  and  Barnabas 
 had  no  small  dissension  and  disputation  Avith 
 them,  they  determined  that  Paul  and  Barna¬ 
 bas,  and  certain  other  of  them,  should  go  up 
 to  Jerusalem  unto  the  apostles  and  elders 
 about  this  question. 
 
 3  And,  being  brought  on  their  Avay  by 
 the  church,  they  passed  through  Phenice 
 and  Samaria,  declaring  the  conversion  of 
 the  Gentiles  :  and  they  caused  great  joy  un¬ 
 to  all  the  brethren. 
 
 4  And  Avhen  they  AA’ere  come  to  Jeru¬ 
 salem  they  Avere  received  of  the  church,  and 
 of  the  apostles  and  elders,  and  they  de- 
 elared  all  things  that  God  had  done  Avith 
 them. 
 
 5  %  But  there  arose  up  certain  of  the  sect 
 of  the  Pharisees  Avhich  believed,  saying.  That 
 it  Avas  needful  to  circumcise  them,  and  to 
 command  them  to  keep  the  laAV  of  Moses. 
 
 6  And  the  apostles  and  elders  came  toge¬ 
 ther,  for  to  consider  ot  this  matter. 
 
 7  f  And  Avhen  there  had  been  much  dis¬ 
 puting,  Peter  rose  up,  and  said  unto  them. 
 Men  and  brethren,  ye  knoAv  hoAV  that,  a 
 good  Avhile  ago,  God  made  choice  among  us, 
 that  the  Gentiles  by  my  mouth  should  hear 
 the  Avord  of  the  Gospel,  and  belieA^e. 
 
 8  And  God,  Avhich  knoAveth  the  hearts, 
 bare  them  Avitness,  giving  them  the  Holy 
 Ghost,  even  as  he  did  unto  us  ; 
 
 the  way.  It  is  true  we  must  go  by  the  cross,  but  it  is  as  true  that 
 if  we  keep  in  the  way,  and  do  not  turn  aside  or  turn  back,  wc  shall 
 go  to  the  crown,  and  the  believing  prospect  of  that  will  make  the 
 tribulation  easy  and  pleasant. 
 
 CHAP.  XV.  1 — 5.  It  is  common  for  proud  imposers  to  enforce 
 their  own  inventions  under  pain  of  damnation,  and  to  tell  people, 
 unless  they  believe  just  as  they  would  have  them  believe,  and  do 
 just  as  they  would  have  them  do,  they  cannot  be  saved,  it  is  ina- 
 possible  they  should ;  not  only  their  case  is  hazardous,  but  it  is 
 desperate.  Thus  the  Jews  tell  the  brethren,  that  except  they  be 
 of  their  church,  and  come  into  their  communion,  and  conform  to 
 the  ceremonies  A  their  worship,  though  otherwise  good  men  and 
 believers  in  Christ,  yet  they  cannot  be  saved  ;  salvation  itself  can¬ 
 not  save  them.  None  are  in  Chiist,  but  they  that  are  within  their 
 pale.  We  ought  to  see  ourselves  well  warranted  by  the  word  of 
 God  before  we  say,  except  you  do  so  and  so,  you  cannot  be  saved. 
 6—21.  We  have  here  a  counsel  called  not  by  writ,  but  by  con- 
 
 647 
 
ACTS. 
 
 9  And  put  no  difference  between  Us  and 
 them,  purifying  their  hearts  by  faith. 
 
 10  Now,  therefore,  why  tempt  ye  God, 
 to  put  a  yoke  upon  the  neck  of  the  disciples, 
 which  neither  our  fathers  nor  we  were  able 
 to  bear  ? 
 
 11  But  we  believe  that,  through  the  grace 
 of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  we  shall  be  saved, 
 even  as  they. 
 
 12  ^  Then  all  the  multitude  kept  silence, 
 and  gave  audience  to  Barnabas  and  Paul, 
 declaring  what  miracles  and  wonders  God 
 had  wrought  among  the  Gentiles  by  them. 
 
 13  ^  And,  after  they  had  held  their  peace, 
 James  answered,  saying,  Men  and  brethren, 
 hearken  unto  me  : 
 
 14  Simeon  hath  declared  how  God  at  the 
 first  did  visit  the  Gentiles,  to  take  out  of 
 them  a  people  for  his  name. 
 
 13  And  to  this  agree  the  words  of  the 
 prophets  ;  as  it  is  written, 
 
 l6  After  this  I  will  return,  and  will  build 
 again  the  tabernacle  of  David,  which  is 
 fallen  down;  and  I  will  build  again  the 
 ruins  thereof,  and  I  will  set  it  up  ; 
 
 sent,  on  this  occasion,  v.  6'.  The  apostles  and  presbyters  came  to¬ 
 gether,  to  consider  of  this  matter  :  Peter  did  not  in  the  least  pre¬ 
 tend  to  any  primacy  or  headship  in  this  Synod,  he  was  not  master 
 of  this  assembly,  not  so  much  as  chair-man,  or  moderator,  pro- 
 hac  vice;  for  we  do  not  find  that  cither  he  spoke  first  to  open  the 
 Synod,  there  having  been  much  disputing  before  he  rose  up,  nor 
 that  he  spoke  last,  to  sum  up  the  cause,  and  collect  tiie  suffrages  ; 
 but  he  was  a  faithful,  prudent,  zealous  member  of  this  assembly; 
 and  offered  that  which  was  very  much  to  the  purpose,  and  which 
 would  come  better  from  him  than  from  another,  because  he  had 
 himself  been  the  first  that  preached  the  gospel  to  the  Gentiles. 
 The  distinction  of  meats  was  a  heavy  yoke  not  only  as  it  rendered 
 conversation  less  pleasant,  but  as  it  embarrassed  conscience  with 
 endless  scruples.  The  ado  that  was  made  about  even  the  un¬ 
 avoidable  touch  of  a  grave  or  a  dead  body,  the  pollution  con¬ 
 tracted  by  it,  and  the  many  rules  about  purifying  from  that  pol¬ 
 lution  was  a  heavy  burthen.  This  yoke  Christ 'came  to  ease  us  of, 
 and  called  those  that  were  weary  and  heavy  laden  under  it,  to 
 come  and  take  his  yoke  upon  them,  his  easy  yoke  ;  now  for  these 
 teachers  to  go  about  to  lay  that  yoke  upon  the  neck  of  the  Gentiles, 
 which  he  came  to  free  even  the  Jews  from,  was  the  greatest  in¬ 
 jury  imaginable  to  them.  What  Barnabas  and  Paul  said  in  this 
 Synod,  did  not  need  to  be  related,  for  they  only  gave  in  a  nai^ 
 lativc  of  what  was  recorded  in  the  foregoing  chapters,  what 
 miracles  and  wonders  God  had  wrought  among  the  Gentiles  by 
 them,  V.  1‘2.  This  they  had  given  into  the  church  at  Antioch, 
 chap.  xiy.  27.  to  their  brethren  by  the  way,  chap.  xv.  3.  and 
 now  again  to  the  Synod  ;  and  it  was  very'  proper  to  be  given  in 
 here;  that  which  was  contended  for  was,  that  the  Gentiles  ought 
 to  submit  to  the  law  of  Moses,  now  in  opposition  to  this,  Paul  and 
 Barna.bas  undertake  to  she\y,  by  a  plain  relation  of  matters  of  fact, 
 that  God  owned  the  preaching  of  the  pure  Gospel  to  them  without 
 the  law,  and  therefore  to  press  the  law  upon  them  now  was  to 
 undo  what  God  hath  done.  James  did  not  interrupt  Paul  and 
 Barnabas  from  the  first,  but  after  they  had  held  their  peace :  then 
 James  stood  up.  Ye  may  all  prophesy,  one  by  one,  1  Cor.  xiv  31. 
 But  James  waves  the  more  illustrious  prophecies  of  this,  and 
 pitches  upon  one  that  seemed  more  obscure  \  It  is  written,  Amos 
 4118 
 
 17  That  the  residue  of  men  might  seek 
 
 after  the  Lord,  and  all  the  Gentiles,  upon 
 whom  my  name  is  called,  saith  the  Lord 
 who  doeth  all  these  things.  ’ 
 
 18  Known  unto  God  are  all  his  works  from 
 the  beginning  of  the  world. 
 
 1.9  Wherefore  my  sentence  is,  that  we 
 trouble  not  them  which  from  among  the 
 Gentiles  are  turned  to  God  :  ° 
 
 20  But  that  we  write  unto  them  that  they 
 abstain  from  pollutions  of  idols,  and  from 
 fornication,  and  from  things  strangled,  and 
 from  blood. 
 
 21  For  Moses  of  old  time  hath  in  every 
 city  them  that  preach  him,  being  read  in 
 the  synagogues  every  sabbath-day. 
 
 22  f  Then  pleased  it  the  apostles  and  el¬ 
 ders,  with  the  whole  church,  to  send  chosen 
 men  of  their  own  company  to  Antioch  with 
 Paul  and  Barnabas;  namebj,  Judas  siir- 
 named  Barsabas,  and  Silas,  chief  men  among 
 the  brethren  : 
 
 23  And  they  wrote  letters  by  them  after 
 this  manner ;  The  apostles,  and  elders,  and 
 brethren,  send  greeting  unto  the  brethren 
 
 is  foretold,  the  setting  up  of  the  kingdom  of 
 the  Messiah,  10,  I  will  raise  up  the  tabernacle  of  David  that  is 
 fallen.  The  bringing  in  of  the  Gentiles  as  the  efiect  and  conse- 
 fjuence  of  this,  17,  That  the  residue  of  men  might  seek  after  the 
 Lord  ;  not  the  Jews  only,  who  thought  they  had  the  monopoly 
 of  the  tabernacle  of  David,  but  the  residue  of  men,  such  as  had 
 hitherto  been  left  out  of  the  pale  of  the  visible  church  ;  they 
 must  now  upon  this  re-edifying  of  the  tabernacle  of  David,  be 
 brought  to  seek  after  the  Lord,  and  to  inejuire  how  they  inav  ob¬ 
 tain  his  favour,  when  David’s  tabernacle  is  set  up,  they  shall  seek 
 the  Lord  their  God,  and  David  their  king,  IIos.  iii.  1.  Jer.  xxx.  9. 
 He  advises  what  was  to  be  done  in  the  present  case.  First,  That 
 circumcision  and  observation  of  the  ceremonial  law  be  by  no 
 means  imposed  upon  the  Gentile  converts  no,  nor  so  much  as  re¬ 
 commended  or  mentioned  to  tnem.  Second,  That  yet  it  would 
 be  well,  that  in  some  things  which  gave  most  offence  to  the  Jews, 
 the  Gentiles  should  comply  with  them ;  because  they  must  not 
 humour  them  so  far  as  to  be  circumcised  and  keep  the  whole  law, 
 it  doth  not  therefore  follow  that  they  must  act  in  a  continual 
 contradiction  to  them,  and  study  how  to  provoke  them.  It  will 
 please- the  Jews,  (and  if  a  little  thing  will  oblige  them,  better  do 
 so  than  cross  them)  it  the  Gentile  converts  abstain,  1.  From  pol¬ 
 lutions  of  idols,  and  from  fornication,  which  arc  two  bad  things, 
 and  always  to  be  abstained  from  ;  but  writing  to  them  particularly 
 and  expressly  to  abstain  from  them,  (because  in  these  things  the 
 Jews  were  jealous  of  the  Gentile  converts  lest  they  should  trans¬ 
 gress)  would  very  much  gratify  the  Jews.  2.  From  things  strang¬ 
 led,  and  from  bloody  which  though  not  evil  in  themselves,  as  the 
 other  two,  nor  designed  to  be  always  abstained  from,  as  those 
 were  ;  yet  they  had  been  forbidden  by  the  precepts  of  morals, 
 Gen.  ix.  4,  before  the  giving  of  the  law  of  Moses.  And  the  Jews 
 had  a  great  dislike  to  them,  and  to  all  those  that  took  a  liberty  to 
 use  them ;  and  therefore  to  avoid  giving  offence,  let  the  Gentile 
 converts  abridge  themselves  of  their  liberty  herein,  1  Cor.  viii. 
 9 — 13,  Thus  we  must  become  all  things  to  ail  men. 
 
 22 — 35.  Those  they  sent  were  not  inferior  persons,  who  might 
 serve  to  carry  the  letters,  and  attest  the  receipt  of  them  from  the 
 apostles;  but  they  were  chosen  men,  and  chief  men  among  the 
 
CHAP.  XVI 
 
 which  are  of  the  Gentiles  in  Antioch,  and 
 Syria,  and  Cilicia  : 
 
 24  Forasmuch  as  we  have  heard  that  cer¬ 
 tain  Avhich  went  out  from  us  have  troubled 
 you  with  words,  subverting  your  souls,  say- 
 in<>-.  Ye  must  be  circumcised,  and  keep  the 
 law ;  to  whom  we  gave  no  such  command¬ 
 ment  ; 
 
 25  It  seemed  good  unto  us,  being  as¬ 
 sembled  with  one  accord,  to  send  chosen 
 men  unto  you  with  our  beloved  Barnabas 
 and  Paul ; 
 
 26  Men  that  have  hazarded  their  lives 
 for  the  name  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
 
 27  We  have  sent,  therefore,  Judas  and 
 Silas,  who  shall  also  tellyo?^  the  same  things 
 by  mouth. 
 
 28  For  it  seemed  good  to  the  Holy  Ghost 
 and  to  us,  to  lay  upon  you  no  greater  bur- 
 
 ’  den  than  these  necessary  things  ; 
 
 29  That  ye  abstain  from  meats  offered  to 
 idols,  and  from  blood,  and  from  things 
 strangled,  and  from  fornication  ;  from  which, 
 if  ye  keep  yourselves,  ye  shall  do  well.  Fare 
 ye  well. 
 
 30  So,  when  they  were  dismissed,  they 
 came  to  Antioch  ;  and  when  they  had  ga¬ 
 thered  the  multitude  together,  they  deliver¬ 
 ed  the  epistle  : 
 
 31  Which  when  they  had  read,  they  re¬ 
 joiced  for  the  consolation. 
 
 32  And  Judas  and  Silas,  being  prophets 
 also  themselves,  exhorted  the  brethren  with 
 many  words,  and  conf  rmed  them. 
 
 33  And  after  they  had  tarried  there  a 
 space,  they  were  let  go  in  peace  from  the 
 brethren  unto  the  apostles. 
 
 34  Notwithstanding  it  pleased  Silas  to 
 abide  there  still. 
 
 35  Paul  also,  and  Barnabas  continued  in 
 Antioch,  teaching  and  preaching  the  word  of 
 the  Lord,  with  many  others  also. 
 
 36  x4nd  some  days  after  Paul  said  unto 
 Barnabas,  Let  us  go  again  and  visit  our 
 brethren  in  every  city  where  we  have  preach¬ 
 ed  the  word  of  the  Lord,  and  sec  how  they 
 do. 
 
 37  And  Barnabas  determined  to  take 
 with  them  John,  whose  surname  was  Mark. 
 
 38  But  Paul  thought  not  good  to  take 
 him  with  them,  wLo  departed  from  them 
 from  Pamphylia,  and  went  not  with  them 
 to  the  work. 
 
 39  And  the  contention  was  so  sharp  be¬ 
 tween  them,  that  they  departed  asunder  one 
 from  the  other  ;  and  so  Barnabas  took  Mark, 
 and  sailed  unto  Cyprus  ; 
 
 40  And  Paul  chose  Silas,  and  departed  ; 
 being  recommended  by  the  brethren  unto  the 
 grace  of  God. 
 
 41  And  he  went  through  Syria  and  Cili¬ 
 cia  confirming  the  churches. 
 
 CHAP.  XVI. 
 
 Paul  and  Silas  imprisoned. 
 
 rM^HEN  came  he  to  Derbe  and  Lystra  : 
 
 and,  behold,  a  certain  disciple  was 
 there,  named  Timotheus,  the  son  of  a  cer¬ 
 tain  woman  which  was  a  Jewess,  and  believ¬ 
 ed  :  but  his  father  was  a  Greek  : 
 
 2  Which  was  well  reported  of  by  the 
 brethren  that  were  at  Lystra  and  Iconium  : 
 
 3  Him  would  Paul  have  to  go  forth  with 
 him  ;  and  took  and  circumcised  him,  be¬ 
 cause  of  the  Jews  which  were  in  those  quar- 
 
 brethren,  men  of  eminent  gifts,  graces,  and  usefulness  ;  for  those 
 are  the  things  which  denominate  men  chief  among  the  brethren, 
 and  qualify  them  to  be  the  messengers  of  the  churches.  They  are 
 here  named,  Judas,  who  was  called  Barsabas,  probably  the  bro¬ 
 ther  of  that  Joseph  who  is  called  Barsabas,  that  was  a  candidate 
 for  the  apostlcship,  chap.  i.  23.  The  character  which  these  men 
 had  in  the  church  of  Jerusalem,  would  have  some  influence  upon 
 them  that  came  from  Judea,  as  those  false  teachers  did,  and  en¬ 
 gage  them  to  pay  the  more  difference  to  the  message  that  was  sent 
 by  them. 
 
 36 — 4.1.  We  have  seen  one  unhappy  difference  among  the  bre¬ 
 thren,  that  was  of  a  public  nature,  brought  to  a  good  issue;  but 
 here  we  have  a  private  quarrel  between  two  ministers,  no  less  men 
 than  Paul  and  Barnabas,  not  compromised  indeed,  yet  ending 
 well.  More  places  are  hereby  visited ;  Barnabas  went  one  way, 
 he  sailed  to  Cyprus,  39,  that  famous  island  where  they  began 
 their^ork,  chap.  xiii.  4,  and  which  was  his  own  country,  chap.  iv. 
 30  i  aul  went  another  way,  into  Cilicia,  which  was  his  own  coun¬ 
 
 try,  Acts  XX.  39*  Each  seem  to  be  influenced  by  their  affection 
 to  their  native  soil,  as  usual,  and  yet  God  served  his  own  purposes 
 by  it,  for  the  diffusing  of  Gospel  light.  More  hands  are  hereby 
 employed  in  the  ministry  of  the  Gospel  among  the  Gentiles ;  for 
 1,  John  Mark  that  had  been  an  unfaithful  hand,  is  not  rejected, 
 but  is  again  made  use  of  against  Paul’s  mind,  and  for  aught  we 
 know,  proves  a  very  useful  and  successful  hand;  though  many 
 think  it  was  not  the  same  with  that  Mark  that  wrote  the  gospel, 
 and  founded  the  church  at  Alexandria,  that  was  he  whom  Peter 
 calls  his  son,  1  Pet.  v.  13.  2.  Silas,  that  was  a  new  hand,  and  ne¬ 
 ver  yet  employed  in  that  work,  nor  designed  to  be,  but  to  return 
 to  the  service  of  the  church  at  Jerusalem,  had  not  God  changed  his 
 mind,  v.  33,  34,  he  is  brought  in,  and  engaged  in  that  noble 
 work. 
 
 CHAP.  XVI.  1—5.  Paul  circumcised  Timothy,  not  as  those 
 teachers  designed  in  imposing  circumcision  to”  oblige  him  to 
 keep  the  ceremonial  law,  but  only  to  render  his  conversation 
 and  ministry  passable:  and,  if  it  might  be  acceptable  among 
 
 549 
 
ACTS. 
 
 ters  ;  for  they  knew  all  that  his  father  was 
 a  Greek. 
 
 4  And  as  they  went  through  the  cities 
 the}^  delivered  them  the  decrees  for  to  keep, 
 that  were  ordained  of  the  apostles  and  elders 
 which  were  at  Jerusalem. 
 
 5  And  so  were  the  churches  established 
 in  the  faith,  and  increased  in  number  daily. 
 
 6  Now  when  they  had  gone  throughout 
 Phrygia,  and  the  region  of  Galatia,  and  were 
 forbidden  of  the  Holy  Ghost  to  preach  the 
 word  in  Asia. 
 
 7  After  they  were  come  to  Mysia  they 
 assaj^ed  to  go  into  Bithynia  :  but  the  Spirit 
 suffered  them  not. 
 
 8  And  they  passing  by  Mysia,  came 
 down  to  Troas. 
 
 9  ^  And  a  vision  appeared  to  Paul  in  the 
 night ;  There  stood  a  man  of  Macedonia, 
 and  prayed  him,  saying.  Come  over  into 
 Macedonia,  and  help  us. 
 
 10  And,  after  he  had  seen  the  vision,  im¬ 
 mediately  we  endeavoured  to  go  into  Mace¬ 
 donia,  assuredly  gathering  that  the  Lord  had 
 •called  us  for  to  preach  the  gospel  unto  them. 
 
 1 1  Therefore,  loosing  from  Troas,  we  came 
 with  a  straight  course  to  Samothracia,  and 
 the  next  day  to  Neapolis  ; 
 
 12  And  from  thence  to  Philippi,  which 
 is  the  chief  city  of  that  part  of  Macedonia, 
 and  a  colony  :  and  we  were  in  that  city  abid¬ 
 ing  certain  days. 
 
 IS  And  on  the  sabbath  we  went  out  of 
 the  city  by  a  river  side,  where  prayer  was 
 wont  to  be  made  :  and  we  sat  down,  and 
 spake  unto  the  women  which  resorted  thi¬ 
 ther.  _ 
 
 the  Jews  that  abounded  in  those  quarters.  He  knew  'limothy 
 was  a  man  likely  to  do  a  great  deal  of  good  with  them,  being  ad¬ 
 mirably  qualified  for  the  ministry.  Paul  made  no  difficulty  of 
 taking  him  to  be  his  companion,  though  he  was  uncircumciscd  ; 
 but  the  Jews  would  not  hear  him  if  he  were,  and  therefore  Paul 
 will  humour  them  herein.  It  is  probable  that  it  was  at  this  time 
 that  Paul  laid  his  hands  on  Timothy,  for  Ue  conferrincf  of  the  gift 
 of  the  Holv  Ghost  upon  him,  2  Tim.  i.  6. 
 
 6' — 15.  In  this  story  of  the  Acts,  we  have  not  only  tne  conver- 
 Eion  of  places  recorded,  but  of  many  particular  persons,  for  such 
 IS  the  worth  of  souls,  that  the  reducing  of  one  to  God  is  a  great 
 matter;  nor  have  we  only  the  conversions  that  were  done  by  mi¬ 
 racle  as  Paul’s,  but  some  that  were  done  by  the  ordinary  methods 
 of  grace,  as  Lydia’s  here.  She  worshipped  God  according  to  the 
 knowledge  she  had,  she  was  one  of  the  devout  women  :  sometimes 
 the  grace  of  God  wrought  upon  those  who  before  their  conversion 
 were  very  wicked  and  vile,  Publicans  and  Harlots  ;  such  were  some 
 of  you,  1  Cor.  vi.  11.  but  sometimes  it  fastened  upon  those  that 
 were  of  a  good  character,  that  had  some  good  in  them,  as  the- 
 550 
 
 14  ^  And  a  certain  woman  named  J^ydia, 
 a  seller  of  purple,  of  the  city  of  Thyatira, 
 which  worshipped  God,  heard  us  :  whose 
 heart  the  Lord  opened,  that  she  attended 
 unto  the  things  which  were  spoken  of  Paul. 
 
 15  And  when  she  was  baptized,  and  her 
 household,  she  besought  us,  saying.  If  ye 
 have  judged  me  to  be  faithful  to  the  Lord, 
 come  into  my  house,  and  abide  there.  And 
 she  constrained  us. 
 
 16  ^  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  we  went  to 
 prayer,  a  certain  damsel  possessed  with  a 
 spirit  of  divination  met  us,  which  brought  her 
 masters  much  gain  by  soothsaying  : 
 
 17  The  same  followed  Paul  and  us,  and 
 cried,  saying.  These  men  are  the  servants 
 of  the  most  high  God,  which  shew  unto  us 
 the  way  of  salvation. 
 
 18  And  this  did  she  many  days.  But 
 Paul,  being  grieved,  turned,  and  said  to  the 
 spirit,  I  command  thee,  in  the  name  of  Jesus 
 Christ,  to  come  out  of  her.  And  he  came  out 
 the  same  hour. 
 
 19  f  And  when  her  masters  saw  that  the 
 hope  of  their  gains  was  gone,  they  caught 
 Paul  and  Silas,  and  drew  them  into  the  mar¬ 
 ket-place  unto  the  rulers, 
 
 20  And  brought  them  to  the  magistrates, 
 saying.  These  men,  lieing  Jews,  do  exceed¬ 
 ingly  trouble  our  city, 
 
 21  And  teach  customs  which  are  not  law¬ 
 ful  for  us  to  receive,  neither  to  observe,  Ijeing 
 Romans. 
 
 22  And  the  multitude  rose  up  together 
 against  them  :  and  the  magistrates  rent  oft 
 their  clothes,  and  commanded  to  beat  thejfi. 
 
 23  And  when  they  had  laid  many  stripes 
 
 Eunuch,  Cornelius,  and  Lydia  here.  Note,  It  is  not  enough  to  be 
 worshippers  of  God,  but  we  must  be  believers  in  Jesus  Christ,  for 
 there  is  no  coming  to  God  as  a  Father,  but  by  him  as  Mediator, 
 But  those  who  worshipped  God  according  to  the  light  they  had, 
 stood  fair  for  the  discoveries  of  Christ  and  his  grace  to  them,  Gr 
 to  him  ‘hat  has  shall  be  given.  And  to  fhem  Christ  would  be  wel¬ 
 come  ;  for  they  that  know  what  it  is  to  worship  G  vi,  see  their  need 
 of  Christ,  and  know  what  use  to  make  of  his  mediation 
 
 _ 24  'Fhis  damsel  was  Pythonissa  possessed  witn  such  a 
 
 spirit  of  divination,  as  that  damsel  was  by  whom  the  oracles  of 
 Apollo  at  Delphos  were  delivered  ;  she  was  actuated  by  an  evil 
 spirit,  that  dictated  ambiguous  answers  to  those  who  consulted  her, 
 which  served  to  gratify  tlmir  vain  desire  of  knowing  things  to  come ; 
 but  oft  deceived  them.  In  those  times  of  ignorance,  infidelity  and 
 idolatry,  the  devil  bv  the  divine  permission,  thus  led  men  captive 
 at  his  will ;  and  he  could  not  have  gained  such  adoration  from 
 them  as  he  had,  if  he  had  not  pretended  to  give  oracles  to  fhem  ; 
 for  bv  both  his  usurpation  is  maintained  as  the  God  of  this  world. 
 'Fhis  damsel  brought  her  master  much  gain  by  soothsaying;  manr 
 
CHAP.  XVI. 
 
 upon  them,  they  cast  them  into  prison,  charg¬ 
 ing  the  jailor  to  keep  them  safely  : 
 
 24  Who,  having  received  such  a  charge, 
 thrust  them  into  the  inner  prison,  and  made 
 their  feet  fast  in  the  stocks. 
 
 25  ^  And  at  midnight  Paul  and  Silas 
 prayed,  and  sang  praises  unto  God  ;  and  the 
 prisoners  heard  them. 
 
 26  And  suddenly  there  was  a  great  earth¬ 
 quake,  so  that  the  foundations  of  the  prison 
 were  shaken  :  and  immediately  all  the  doors 
 were  opened,  and  every  one's  bands  were 
 loosed. 
 
 27  And  the  keeper  of  the  prison  awaking 
 out  of  his  sleep,  and  seeing  the  prison-doors 
 open,  he  drew  out  his  sword,  and  would  have 
 killed  himself,  supposing  that  the  prisoners 
 had  been  tied. 
 
 28  But  Paul  cried  with  a  loud  voice,  say¬ 
 ing,  Do  thyself  no  harm,  for  we  are  all  here. 
 
 29  Then  he  called  for  a  light,  and  sprang 
 in,  and  came  trembling,  and  fell  down  be¬ 
 fore  Paul  and  Silas, 
 
 30  And  brought  them  out,  and  said.  Sirs, 
 what  must  I  do  to  be  saved  ? 
 
 came  to  consult  this  witch  for  the  discovery  of  robberies,  the  find¬ 
 ing  of  things  lost,  and  especially  to  be  told  their  fortune  ;  and 
 none  came  but  with  the  rewards  of  divination  in  their  hands,  ac¬ 
 cording  to  the  quality  of  the  person,  and  the  importance  of  the 
 case.  Probably  there  were  many  that  were  thus  kept  for  fortune¬ 
 tellers,  but  it  should  seem  this  was  more  in  repute  than  any  of 
 them  ;  for  while  others  brought  some  gain,  this  brought  much  gain 
 to  her  masters,  being  consulted  more  than  any  other. 
 
 23 — 34.  Paul  and  Silas  prayed  together;  prayed  to  God  to  suj> 
 ort  them,  and  comfort  them  in  their  afflictions,  to  visit  them  as 
 e  did  Joseph  in  the  prison,  and  to  be  with  them  ;  prayed  that 
 their  consolations  in  Christ  might  abound  as  their  afflictions  for 
 him  did  ;  prayed  that  even  their  bonds  and  stripes,  might  turn  to 
 the  furtherance  of  the  Gospel ;  prayed  for  their  persecutors,  that 
 God  would  forgive  them,  and  turn  their  hearts.  This  was  not  an 
 hour  of  prayer,  but  at  midnight ;  it  was  not  a  house  of  prayer,  but 
 in  a  dungeon;  yet  it  was  seasonable  to  pray,  and  the  prayer  was 
 acceptable.  As  in  the  dark  so  out  of  the  depths,  we  may  cry  un¬ 
 to  God  ;  no  place,  no  time  amiss  for  prayer  if  the  heart  be  lifted 
 up  to  God.  They  sang  praises  to  God  ;  they  praised  God  ;  for  we 
 must  in  every  thing  give  thanks.  We  never  want  matter  for 
 praise,  if  we  do  not  want  a  heart :  and  what  should  put  the  heart 
 of  a  child  of  God  out  of  tune  for  that  duty,  if  a  dungeon  and  a  pair 
 of  stocks  will  not  do  it.  Thejfc  praised  God  that  they  were  counted 
 worthy  to  suffer  shame  for  hi^wrne  ;'^rid  that  they  were  so  won¬ 
 derfully  supported  and  borne  up  under  their  sufferings,  and  felt 
 divine  consolations  so  sweet,  so  strong  in  their  souls.  We  had 
 the  house  of  prayer  shaken  in  answer  to  prayer,  and  as  a  token  of 
 God’s  acceptance  of  it,  cnap.  iv.  31,  and  here  the  prison  shaken. 
 The  Lord  was  in  these  earthquakes  to  shew  his  resentment  of  the 
 indignities  done  to  his  servants,  to  testify  to  those  whose  confi¬ 
 dence  is  in  the  earth,  the  weakness  and  instability  of  that  which 
 they  confide  in,  and  to  teach  his  people,  that  though  the  earth  be 
 removed,  yet  they  need  not  fear.  The  prison  doors  were  thrown 
 open,  and  the  prisoners’  fetters  were  knocked  off,  every  man’s 
 ))ands  were  loosed.  Perhaps  the  prisoners  when  they  heard  Paul 
 and  Silas  pray  and  sing  psalms,  admired  them,  and  spake  honour- 
 
 Vol.  II.  9q  4  B 
 
 31  And  they  said,  Believe  on  the  Lord 
 Jesus  Christ,  and  thou  shalt  be  saved,  and 
 thy  house. 
 
 32  And  they  spake  unto  him  the  word  of 
 the  Lord,  and  to  all  that  were  in  his  house. 
 
 33  And  he  took  them  the  same  hour  of 
 the  night,  and  washed  their  stripes ;  and 
 was  baptized,  he  and  all  his,  straightway. 
 
 34  And,  when  he  had  brought  them  into 
 his  house,  he  set  meat  before  them,  and  re¬ 
 joiced,  believing  in  God  with  all  his  house. 
 
 35  And,  when  it  was  day,  the  magistrates 
 sent  the  serjeants,  saying.  Let  those  men 
 go. 
 
 36  And  the  keeper  of  the  prison  told  this 
 saying  to  Paul,  The  magistrates  have  sent 
 to  let  you  go  :  now,  therefore  depart,  and 
 go  in  peace. 
 
 37  But  Paul  said  unto  them.  They  have 
 beaten  us  openly  uncondemned,  being  Ro¬ 
 mans,  and  have  cast  us  into  prison  ;  and 
 now  do  they  thrust  us  out  privily  ?  nay, 
 verily  ;  but  let  them  come  themselves  and 
 fetch  us  out. 
 
 38  And  the  serjeants  told  these  words  unto 
 
 ably  of  them,  and  said  what  the  damsel  had  said  of  them  ;  surely 
 these  men  are  the  servants  of  the  living  God,  and  to  recompense 
 them  for,  and  confirm  them  in  their  good  opinion  of  them,  they 
 share  in  the  miracle  and  have  their  bands  loosed;  as  afterwards 
 God  gave  to  Paul  all  those  that  were  in  the  ship  with  him,  chap. 
 .\.\vii.  24,  so  now  he  gave  them  all  those  that  were  in  the  prison 
 with  him.  God  hereby  signified  to  these  prisoners,  (as  Grotius 
 observes)  that  the  apostles  in  preaching  the  Gospel  were  public 
 blessings  to  mankind,  as  they  proclaimed  liberty  to  the  captives, 
 and  the  opening  of  the  prison-doors  to  them  that  were  bound, 
 Isa.  Ixi.  1.  The  jailor  thought  there  was  no  harm  in  anticipating 
 his  own  death.  But  Christianity  by  this  proves  itself  to  be  of  God, 
 that  it  keeps  us  to  the  law  of  our  creation,  revives,  enforces,  and 
 establishes  that;  obliges  us  to  be  just  to  our  own  lives,  and  teaches 
 us  cheerfully  to  resign  them  to  our  graces,  but  courageously  to 
 hold  them  out  against  our  corruptions.  Paul  stopped  him  from 
 his  proceeding  against  himself,  28.  He  cried  with  a  loud  voice, 
 not  only  to  make  him  hear,  but  to  make  him  heed,  saying.  Do  not 
 ractise  any  evil  to  thyself.  Do  thyself  no  harm.  He  is  afraid 
 e  shall  lose  his  soul,  and  Paul  makes  him  easy  as  to  that  care  too. 
 One  concern  leads  him  to  the  other,  and  a  much  greater :  and 
 being  hindered  from  hastening  himself  out  of  this  world,  he  begins 
 to  think  if  he  had  pursued  his  intention,  whither  death  would  have 
 brought  him,  and  what  would  have  become  of  him  on  the  other 
 side  death  :  a  very  proper  thought  for  such  as  have  been  snatched 
 as  brands  out  of  the  fire,  when  there  was  but  a  step  between  them 
 and  death.  And  perhaps  the  heinousness  of  the  sin  he  was  run¬ 
 ning  into,  helped  to  alarm  him.  Here  is  the  sum  of  the  whole 
 Gospel,  the  covenant  of  grace  in  a  few  words.  Believe  in  the  Lord 
 Jesus  Christ,  and  thou  shalt  be  saved,  and  thy  house.  Here  is,  l.The 
 happiness  promised  ;  Thou  shalt  be  saved  :  not  only  rescued  from 
 eternal  ruin,  but  brought  to  eternal  life  and  blessedness.  2.  The 
 condition  required  ;  Believe  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  3.  The  ex¬ 
 tent  of  this  to  his  family  ;  Thou  shalt  be  saved,  and  thy  house ;  i.  e. 
 God  will  be  in  Chnst  a  God  to  thee  and  to  thy  seed,  as  he  was  to 
 Abraham, 
 
 35—40.  The  Magistrates  were  frightened  when  they  were  told 
 
 351 
 
ACTS. 
 
 tne  magistrates,  and  they  feared  when  they 
 heard  that  they  were  Romans. 
 
 39  x\nd  they  came  and  besought  them, 
 and  brought  them  out,  and  desired  them  to 
 depart  out  of  the  city. 
 
 40  And  they  went  out  of  the  prison,  and 
 entered  into  the  house  of  Lydia  :  and,  when 
 they  had  seen  the  brethren,  they  comforted 
 them,  and  departed. 
 
 CHAP.  XVII. 
 
 I.  Paul  preaches  at  Thcssalonica,  1 — 9*  It  At  Berea,  10  15. 
 
 III.  At  Athens,  16'— 34. 
 
 OW  when  they  had  passed  through 
 Amphipolis  and  Apollonia,  the}^  came 
 to  Thcssalonica,  where  was  a  synagogue  of 
 the  Jews. 
 
 2  And  Paul,  as  his  manner  was,  went  in 
 unto  them,  and  three  sabbath-days  reasoned 
 with  them  out  of  the  scriptures  ; 
 
 3  Opening  and  alleging  that  Christ  must 
 needs  have  suffered,  and  risen  again  from 
 the  dead  :  and  that  this  Jesus  whom  I  preach 
 unto  you,  is  Christ. 
 
 4  And  some  of  them  believed,  and  con¬ 
 sorted  with  Paul  and  Silas  ;  and  of  the  de¬ 
 vout  Greeks  a  great  multitude,  and  of  the 
 chief  women  not  a  few. 
 
 5  ^  But  the  Jews  which  believed  not, 
 moved  with  envy,  took  unto  them  certain 
 lewd  fellows  of  the  baser  sort,  and  gathered 
 a  company,  and  set  all  the  city  on  an  up¬ 
 roar,  and  assaulted  the  house  of  Jason,  and 
 sought  to  bring  them  out  to  the  people. 
 
 6  And,  when  they  found  them  not,  they 
 drew  Jason,  and  certain  brethren,  unto  the 
 rulers  of  the  city,  crying.  These  that  have 
 turned  the  world  upside  down  are  come  hi¬ 
 ther  also ; 
 
 7  Whom  Jason  hath  received  :  and  these 
 
 all  do  contrary  to  the  decrees  of  Cesar,  say, 
 ing.  That  there  is  another  king,  07ie  Jesus. 
 
 8  And  they  troubled  the  people,  and  the 
 rulers  of  the  city,  when  they  heard  these 
 things. 
 
 9  And  when  they  had  taken  security  of 
 Jason,  and  of  the  other,  they  let  them  go. 
 
 10  And  the  brethren  immediately  sent 
 away  Paul  and  Silas  by  night  unto  Berea ; 
 who,  coming  thither,  went  into  the  synagogue 
 of  the  Jews. 
 
 11  These  were  more  noble  than  those  in 
 Thcssalonica,  in  that  they  received  the  word 
 with  all  readiness  of  mind,  and  searched  the 
 scriptures  daily,  whether  those  things  were 
 so. 
 
 12  Therefore  many  of  them  believed  ;  also 
 of  honourable  women  which  were  Greeks, 
 and  of  men  not  a  few. 
 
 13  But  when  the  Jews  of  Thcssalonica 
 had  knowledge  that  the  word  of  God  was 
 preached  of  Paul  at  Berea,  they  came  thi¬ 
 ther  also,  and  stirred  up  the  people. 
 
 14  And  then  immediately  the  brethren 
 sent  away  Paul  to  go  as  it  were  to  the  sea  : 
 but  Silas  and  Timotheus  abode  there  still. 
 
 15  And  they  that  conducted  Paul  brought 
 him  unto  Athens  :  and,  receiving  a  com¬ 
 mandment  unto  Silas  and  Timotheus  for  to 
 come  to  him  with  all  speed,  they  departed. 
 
 lb  ^  Now,  while  Paul  waited  for  them 
 at  Athens,  his  spirit  Avas  stirred  in  him, 
 when  he  saw  the  city  wholly  given  to  ido¬ 
 latry. 
 
 17  Therefore  disputed  he  in  the  syna¬ 
 gogue  Avith  the  JcAVs,  and  Avith  the  devout 
 persons,  and  in  the  market  daily  Avith  them 
 that  met  Avith  him. 
 
 18  Then  certain  philosophers  of  the  Epi- 
 
 (though  it  may  be  they  knew  it  before)  that  Paul  was  a  Roman. 
 They  feared  when  they  heard  it,  lest  some  of  his  friends  should 
 inform  the  government  what  they  had  done,  and  they  should  fare 
 the  worse  for  it.  God  can  make  the  enemies  of  his  people  ashamed 
 of  their  envy,  and  enmity  to  them,  Isa.  xxvi. 
 
 CHAP.  XVII.  1 — 9-  Paul’s  two  epistles  to  the  Thessalonians  ; 
 the  two  first  he  wrote  by  inspiration  give  such  a  shining  character 
 of  that  church,  that  we  cannot  but  be  glad  here  in  the  history  to 
 meet  with  an  account  of  the  first  founding  of  the  church  there. 
 The  preaching  of  the  gospel  should  be  both  scriptural  preaching 
 and  rational;  such  Paul's  was,  for  he  reasoned  out  of  the  scrip¬ 
 tures.  We  must  take  the  scriptures  for  our  foundation,  our  oracle, 
 and  touchstone,  and  then  reason  out  of  them,  and  upon  them,  and 
 against  those  who,  though  they  pretend  zeal  for  the  scriptures,  as 
 the  Jews  did,  yet  wrest  them  to  their  own  destruction  Reason 
 552 
 
 lUSt  not  be  set  up  m  competition  with  the  scripture,  but  it  must 
 e  made  use  of  in  explaining  and  applying  the  scripture. 
 
 10 — 15.  Searching  the  scriptures  must  be  our  daily  work  ;  they 
 lat  heard  the  word  in  the  synagogue  on  the  sabbath-day  did  not 
 link  that  enough,  but  were  searching  it  every  day  in  the  week, 
 latthey  might  improve  what  they  had  heard  the  sabbath  before, 
 nd  prepare  for  what  they  were  to  hear  the  sabbath  after.  1  hose 
 re  truly  noble,  and  are  in  a  fair  way  to  be  more  and  more  so,  that 
 lake  the  scriptures  their  oracle  and  touchstone,  and  consult 
 lem  accordingly.  Those  that  rightly  study  the  scriptures,  and 
 leditate  therein  day  and  night,  have  their  minds  filled  with  noble 
 loughts,  fixed  to  noble  principles,  and  formed  for  noble  aims  an 
 esig'ns  ;  these  are  more  noble. 
 
 16'— 21.  To  tell  and  hear  the  new  occurrences  of  providence 
 oncerning  the  public,  in  our  own  and  other  nations,  and  concern- 
 
CHAP.  XVIII. 
 
 rnreans  and  of  the  Stoics,  encountered 
 him.  And  some  said,  What  will  this  babbler 
 sav  ^  other  some.  He  seemeth  to  be  a  setter 
 forth  of  strange  gods  :  because  he  preached 
 unto  them  Jesus,  and  the  resurrection 
 
 19  And  they  took  him,  and  brought  him 
 unto  Areopagus,  saying.  May  we  know 
 what  this  new  doctrine,  whereof  thou  speak- 
 
 0st  ts  ^ 
 
 20  For  thou  bringest  certain  strange  things 
 to  our  ears  :  we  would  know,  therefore,  what 
 
 these  things  mean,  ^ 
 
 21  (For  all  the  Athenians,  and  strangers 
 which  were  there,  spent  their  time  in  nothing 
 else,  but  either  to  tell  or  to  hear  some  new 
 
 ^^^22  f  Then  Paul  stood  in  the  midst  of 
 Mars-hill,  and  said,  Te  men  of  Athens,  I 
 perceive  that  in  all  things  ye  are  too  super¬ 
 stitious. 
 
 23  For  as  I  passed  by,  and  beheld  your 
 devotions,  I  found  an  altar  with  this  in- 
 scription,  TO  THE  UNKNOWN  GOD, 
 Whom,  therefore,  ye  ignorantly  worship. 
 
 him  declare  I  unto  you. 
 
 24  God  that  made  the  world,  and  al 
 things  therein,  seeing  that  he  is  Lord  o 
 heaven  and  earth,  dwelleth  not  in  temples 
 
 made  with  hands ;  .  ,  , 
 
 25  Neither  is  worshipped  with  mens 
 hands,  as  though  he  needed  any  thing  see¬ 
 ing  he  giveth  to  all  life,  and  breath,  and  al. 
 
 things  ; 
 
 26  And  hath  made  of  one  blood  all  na¬ 
 tions  of  men  for  to  dwell  on  all  the  face  of 
 the  earth,  and  hath  determined  the  times 
 
 before  appointed,  and  the  bounds  of  their 
 habitation ; 
 
 27  That  they  should  seek  the  Lord,  if 
 laply  they  might  feel  after  him,  and  find 
 him,  though  he  be  not  far  from  every  one  of 
 
 us  ; 
 
 28  For  in  him  we  live,  and  move,  and 
 have  our  being  ;  as  certain  also  of  your  own 
 hoets  have  said,  F^or  we  are  also  his  off¬ 
 spring. 
 
 29  Forasmuch  then  as  we  are  the  on- 
 spring  of  God,  we  ought  not  to  think  that 
 :he  Godhead  is  like  unto  gold,  or  silver,  or 
 stone,  graven  by  art  and  man^s  device. 
 
 30  And  the  times  of  this  ignorance  God 
 winked  at ;  but  now  commandeth  all  men 
 every  where  to  repent : 
 
 31  Because  he  hath  appointed  a  day  in 
 the  which  he  will  judge  the  world  in  righte¬ 
 ousness  by  that  man  Avhom  he  hath  ordain¬ 
 ed  ;  whereoj  he  hath  given  assurance  unto  all 
 7nen,  in  that  he  hath  raised  him  from  the 
 dead. 
 
 32  %  And  when  they  heard  of  the  resur¬ 
 rection  of  the  dead  sonie  mocked;  and 
 others  said,  We  will  hear  thee  again  of  this 
 matter. 
 
 33  So  Paul  departed  from  among  them. 
 
 34  Howbeit  certain  men  clave  unto  him, 
 and  believed  ;  among  the  which  was  Dio¬ 
 nysius  the  Areopagite,  and  a  woman  named 
 Damaris,  and  others  with  them. 
 
 CHAP.  XVIII. 
 
 1,  Paul’s  coming  to  Corinth,  1 — 6.  II.  The  great  success  of  his 
 ministry  there,  7 — 11.  HI.  The  molestation  which  he  mCw 
 with  there  from  the  Jews,  12 — 17-  The  progress  Paul 
 
 made  through  many  countries,  18 — 23.  \.  An  account  oi 
 
 AdoIIos.  24 — 28.  • 
 
 ing  our  neighbours  and  friends,  is  of  good  use  .now  and  then,  but 
 to  set  up  for” news-mongers,  and  to  spend  our  time  in  nothing  else, 
 is  to  lose  that  which  is  very  precious  for  the  gain  of  that  which  is 
 
 "^^2— 3  n  We  have  here  St.  Paul’s  sermon  at  Athens  ;  divers  ser¬ 
 mons  we  have  had  which  the  apostles  preached  to  the  Jews,  or 
 such  Gentiles  as  had  an  acquaintance  with,  and  veneration  for 
 the  Old  'festament,  and  were  worshippers  of  the  true  and  living 
 God  ;  and  all  they  had  to  do  with  them  was  to  open  and  allege 
 that  Jesus  is  the  Christ ;  but  here  we  have  a  sermon  to  heathens 
 that  worshipped  false  gods,  and  were  without  the  true  God  in  the 
 world  and  to  them  the  scope  of  their  discourse  was  quite  different 
 from  what  it  was  to  the  other.  In  the  former  case  their  busine.ss 
 was  to  lead  their  hearers  by  prophecies  and  miracles  to  the  know¬ 
 ledge  of  the  Redeemer,  and  faith  in  him  ;  in  the  latter  it  was  to 
 lead  them  by  the  common  works  of  providence  to  the  knowledge 
 of  the  Creator,  and  worship  of  him.  One  discourse  of  this  kind  we 
 had  before  to  the  rude  idolaters  of  Lystra,  that  defied  the  apostles, 
 chap,  xiv.  13 ;  this  here  is  to  the  more  polite  and  defied  idolaters 
 
 at  Athens,  and  an  admirable  discourse  it  is,  and  every  way  suited 
 to  bis  auditorv,  and  the  design  he  had  upon  them. 
 
 32—34.  T^e  gospel  had  as  little  success  at  Athens  as  any  where, 
 for  the  pride  of  the  philosophers  there,  as  of  the  Pharisees  at  Je¬ 
 rusalem,  prejudiced  them  against  the  gospel  of  Christ.  i  et  there 
 were  some  that  were  wn'Ught  upon,  34.  ’Fwo  are  particularly 
 named  :  one  was  an  eminent  man,  Dionysius  the  Areopagite,  one 
 of  that  high  court,  or  great  council  that  sat  in  Areopagus,  oi 
 Mars-hill,  a  judge,  a  senator,  one  of  those  before  whom  Paul  was 
 summoned  to  appear;  his  judge  becomes  his  convert.  And  a 
 woman  named  Damaris  (as  some  think)  the  wifc  of  Dionysius ; 
 but  rather  some  other  person  of  quality.  And  though  there  was 
 not  so  great  a  harvest  gathered  in  at  Athens  as  there  was  at  some 
 other  places,  yet  these  few  being  wrought  uoon  there,  Paul  had  no 
 reason  to  say  he  had  laboured  in  vain. 
 
 CHAP.  XVIII.  1 — 6'.  Concerning  this  Aquila  we  are  here  told 
 that  the  reason  of  his  leaving  Italy  was,  because  by  a  late  edict  of 
 the  emperor  Claudius  Cesar  all  Jews  were  banished  from  Rome, 
 for  the  Jews  were  generally  disgusied,  and  everv  occasion  was 
 
 553 
 
ACTS. 
 
 After  these  things  Paul  departed  from 
 Athens,  and  came  to  Corinth ; 
 
 2  And  found  a  certain  Jew  named  Aquila, 
 born  in  Pontus,  lately  come  from  Italy,  with 
 his  wife  Priscilla,  (because  that  Claudius 
 had  commanded  all  Jews  to  depart  from 
 Rome,)  and  came  unto  them. 
 
 3  And  because  he  was  of  the  same  craft, 
 he  abode  with  them  and  wrought :  (for  by 
 their  occupation  they  were  tent-makers,) 
 
 4  And  he  reasoned  in  the  synagogue  every 
 sabbath,  and  persuaded  the  Jews  and  the 
 Greeks. 
 
 5  And,  when  Silas  and  Timotheus  were 
 come  from  Macedonia,  Paul  was  pressed  in 
 spirit,  and  testified  to  the  Jews  that  Jesus 
 zt'as  Christ. 
 
 6  And  when  they  opposed  themselves, 
 and  blasphemed,  he  shook  his  raiment,  and 
 said  unto  them.  Your  blood  he  upon  your 
 own  heads  :  I  am  clean  ;  from  henceforth  I 
 will  go  unto  the  Gentiles. 
 
 7  And  he  departed  thence,  and  entered 
 into  a  certain  man's  house,  named  Justus, 
 one  that  worshipped  God,  whose  house  join¬ 
 ed  hard  to  the  synagogue. 
 
 8  And  Crispus,  the  chief  ruler  of  the  sy¬ 
 nagogue,  believed  on  the  Lord  with  all  his 
 house ;  and  m-any  of  the  Corinthians  hear¬ 
 ing,  believed  and  were  baptized. 
 
 9  f  Then  spake  the  Lord  to  Paul  in  the 
 night  by  a  vision,  Be  not  afraid,  but  speak, 
 and  hold  not  thy  peace  : 
 
 10  For  I  am  with  thee,  and  no  man  shall 
 set  on  thee  to  hurt  thee  :  for  I  have  much 
 people  in  this  city. 
 
 11  And  he  continued  there  a  year  and  six 
 months,  teaching  the  word  of  God  among 
 them. 
 
 12  f  And,  when  Gallio  was  the  deputy 
 
 taken  to  put  hardship  and  disgrace  upon  them ;  God’s  heritage 
 was  a  speckled  bird,  the  birds  round  about  were  against  her,  Jer.  xii. 
 9.  Aquila,  though  a  Christian,  was  banished  because  he  had 
 been  a  Jew  ;  and  the  Gentiles  had  such  confused  notions  of  the 
 thing,  that  they  could  not  distinguish  between  a  Jew  and  a  Chris¬ 
 tian.  Suetonius,  in  the  life  of  Claudius,  speaks  of  this  decree  in 
 the  ninth  year  of  his  reign,  and  saith,  the  reason  was,  because 
 the  Jews  were  a  turbulent  people,  assiduo  tumultuantes,  and  that 
 it  was  impulsore  Christo,  upon  the  account  of  Christ,  some  zealous 
 for  him,  others  bitter  against  him,  which  occasioned  great  heats, 
 such  as  gave  umbrage  to  the  government,  and  provoked  the  em¬ 
 peror,  who  was  a  jealous  timorous  man,  to  order  them  all  to  be 
 gone.  If  Jews  persecute  Christians  it  is  not  strange  if  heathens 
 persecute  them  both. 
 
 554r 
 
 cf  Achaia,  the  Jews  made  insurrection  with 
 one  accord  against  Paul,  and  brought  him 
 to  the  judgment-seat, 
 
 13  'Saying,  This persuadeth  men  to 
 worship  God  contrary  to  the  law. 
 
 14  And  when  Paul  was  now  about  to 
 open  his  mouth,  Gallio  said  unto  the  Jews, 
 If  it  were  a  matter  of  wrong  or  wicked 
 lewdness,  O  ye  Jews !  reason  would  that  I 
 should  bear  with  you  : 
 
 15  But  if  it  be  a  question  of  words,  and 
 names,  and  o/’ your  law,  look  ye  to  it;  for 
 I  will  be  no  judge  of  such  matters. 
 
 16  And  he  drave  them  from  the  judg¬ 
 ment-seat. 
 
 17  Then  all  the  Greeks  took  Sosthenes, 
 the  chief  ruler  of  the  synagogue,  and  beat 
 him  before  the  judgment-seat ;  and  Gallio 
 cared  for  none  of  those  things. 
 
 18  ^  And  Paul  after  this  tarried  Mere  yet 
 a  good  while,  and  then  took  his  leave  of  the 
 brethren,  and  sailed  thence  into  Syria,  and 
 with  him  Priscilla  and  Aquila  ;  having  shorn 
 his  head  in  Cenchrea  :  for  he  had  a  vow. 
 
 19  And  he  came  to  Ephesus,  and  left 
 them  there :  but  he  himself  entered  into 
 the  synagogue,  and  reasoned  with  the 
 Jews. 
 
 20  When  they  desired  him  to  tarry  longer 
 time  with  them  he  consented  not ; 
 
 21  But  bade  them  farewell:  saying,  I 
 must  by  all  means  keep  this  feast  that  com- 
 eth  in  Jerusalem :  but  I  will  return  again 
 unto  you,  if  God  will.  And  he  sailed  from 
 Ephesus. 
 
 22  And  when  he  had  landed  at  Cesarea, 
 and  gone  up  and  saluted  the  church,  he 
 went  down  to  Antioch. 
 
 23  And  after  he  had  spent  some  time 
 there  he  departed,  and  went  over  all  the 
 
 7 — 17.  Many  conjectures  there  are  concerning  this  matter,  be¬ 
 cause  it  is  uncertain  who  this  Sosthenes  was,  and  who  the  Greeks 
 were  that  abused  him.  It  seems  most  probable  that  Sosthenes  was 
 a  Christian,  and  Paul’s  particular  friend,  that  appeared  for  hini 
 on  this  occasion,  and  probably  had  taken  care  of  his  safety,  and 
 conveyed  him  away  when  Gallio  dismissed  the  cause  ;  so  that 
 when  they  could  not  light  on  Paul,  they  fell  foul  on  him  who  pro¬ 
 tected  him.  It  is  certain  there  was  one  Sosthenes  that  was  a  friend 
 of  Paul,  and  well  known  at  Corinth  ;  it  is  likely  he  was  a  minister, 
 for  Paul  calls  him  his  brother,  and  joins  him  with  himself  m  his 
 first  epistle  to  the  church  at  Corinth,  1  Cor.  i.  1 ,  as  he  doth  Timo¬ 
 thy  in  his  second  :  and  it  is  probable  this  was  he.  t>  i 
 
 'is— 23.  The  Jews  at  Ephesus  were  so  far  from  driving  t  auj 
 away  that  they  courted  bis  stay  with  them  20.  They  desire 
 
CHAP.  XIX. 
 
 country  of  Galatia  and  Phrygia  in  order, 
 strengthening  all  the  disciples. 
 
 24  %  And  a  certain  Jew  named  Apollos, 
 born  at  Alexandria,  an  eloquent  man  a?icl 
 mighty  in  the  scriptures,  came  to  Ephesus. 
 
 25  This  man  was  instructed  in  the  way  of 
 the  Lord  ;  and,  being  fervent  in  the  spirit, 
 he  spake  and  taught  diligently  the  things  of 
 the  Lord,  knowing  only  the  baptism  of 
 John. 
 
 26  And  he  began  to  speak  boldly  in  the 
 synagogue  :  whom,  when  Aquila  and  Pris¬ 
 cilla  had  heard,  they  took  him  ujUo  them, 
 and  expounded  unto  him  the  way  of  God 
 more  perfectly. 
 
 ;  27  And  when  he  was  disposed  to  pass 
 
 into  Achaia  the  brethren  wrote,  exhorting 
 the  disciples  to  recieve  him  :  who,  when  he 
 was  come,  helped  them  much  which  had 
 believed  through  grace  ; 
 
 28  For  he  mightily  convinced  the  Jews, 
 ami  that  publicly,  shewing  by  the  scripture, 
 that  Jesus  was  Christ. 
 
 CHAP.  XIX. 
 
 Paul  at  Ephesus. 
 
 And  it  came  to  pass,  that,  while  Apollos 
 was  at  Corinth,  Paul,  having  passed 
 through  the  upper  coasts,  came  to  Ephesus  ; 
 and,  finding  certain  disciples, 
 
 2  He  said  unto  them.  Have  3^e  received 
 the  Floly  Ghost  since  ye  believed  ?  And 
 they  said  unto  him.  We  have  not  so  much 
 as  heard  whether  there  be  any  Holy 
 Ghost. 
 
 him  to  tarry  longer  with  them,  to  instruct  them  in  the  gospel  of 
 Christ.  These  were  more  noble  and  better  bred,  than  those  Jews 
 at  Corinth  and  other  places  ;  and  it  was  a  sign  that  God  had  not 
 quite  cast  away  his  people,  but  had  a  remnant  among  them. 
 
 24 — 28.  See  an  instance  of  truly  Christian  Charity  in  Aquila 
 and  Priscilla,  they  did  good  according  to  their  ability.  Aquila, 
 though  a  man  of  great  knowledge,  yet  did  not  undertake  to  speak 
 in  the  synagogue,  because  he  had  not  such  gifts  for  public  works 
 as  Apollos  had,  but  he  furnished  Apollos  with  matter,  and  then 
 left  him  to  clothe  it  with  acceptable  words.  Instructing  young 
 Christians  and  young  ministers  privately  in  conversation,  who 
 mean  well  and  perform  well  as  far  as  they  go,  is  a  piece  of  very 
 good  service  both  to  them  and  to  the  church.  Young  scholars 
 may  gain  a  great  deal  by  converse  with  old  Christian*,  as  young 
 students  in  the  law  may  by  old  practisers.  Apollos,  though  he 
 was  instructed  in  the  way  of  the  Lord,  did  not  rest  in  the  know¬ 
 ledge  he  had  attained,  nor  thought  he  understood  Christianity  as 
 well  as  any  man,  which  proud  conceited  young  men  are  apt  to  do, 
 but  was  willing  to  have  it  expounded  to  him  more  perfectly. 
 They  that  know  much  should  covet  to  know  more,  and  what  they 
 know  to  know  it  better,  pressing  forwards  towards  perfection. 
 
 Here  is  an  instance  of  a  good  woman,  though  not  permitted  to 
 speak  in  the  church  or  in  the  synagogue,  yet  doing  good  with  the 
 
 3  And  he  said  unto  them.  Unto  what 
 then  were  ye  baptized  ?  And  they  said,  unto 
 John^s  baptism. 
 
 4  Then  said  Paul,  John  verily  baptized 
 with  the  baptism  of  repentance,  saying  unto 
 the  people,  that  they  should  believe  on  him 
 which  should  come  after  him,  that  is,  on 
 Christ  Jesus. 
 
 5  When  they  heard  this,  they  Avere  bap¬ 
 tized  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus. 
 
 6  And  when  Paul  had  laid  his  hands 
 upon  them,  the  Holy  Ghost  came  on  them  ; 
 and  they  spake  Avith  tongues,  and  prophe¬ 
 sied. 
 
 7  And  all  the  men  Avere  about  tiA^elve. 
 
 8  ^  And  he  Avent  into  the  synagogue,  and 
 spake  boldly  for  the  space  of  three  months, 
 disputing  and  persuading  the  things  con¬ 
 cerning  the  kingdom  of  God. 
 
 9  But  Avhen  divers  Avere  hardened,  and 
 believed  not,  but  spake  evil  of  that  Avay 
 before  the  multitude,  he  departed  from 
 them,  and  separated  the  disciples,  disputing 
 daily  in  the  school  of  one  Tyrannus. 
 
 10  And  this  continued  by  the  space  of 
 tAvo  years  ;  so  that  all  they  which  dAvelt  in 
 Asia  heard  the  Avord  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  both 
 JcAvs  and  Greeks. 
 
 11  And  God  AATought  special  miracles  by 
 the  hands  of  Paul ; 
 
 12  So  that  from  his  body  Avere  brought 
 unto  the  sick  handkerchiefs  or  aprons,  and 
 the  diseases  departed  from  them,  and  the 
 evil  spirits  Avent  out  of  them. 
 
 knowledge  God  had  given  her  in  private  converse.  Paul  will  have 
 the  aged  women  to  be  teachers  of  good  things,  1  Tim.  ii.  3,  4. 
 
 CHAP.  XIX.  1—7.  Whether  there  be  a  Holy  Ghost  is  more 
 than  we  know  ;  that  there  is  a  promise  of  the  Holy  Ghost  we  know 
 from  the  scriptures  of  the  Old  Testament,  and  that  that  promise 
 will  be  fulfilled  in  its  season  we  doubt  not.  But  so  much  have  we 
 been  out  of  the  way  of  intelligence  in  this  matter,  that  we  have 
 not  so  much  as  heard  whether  the  Holy  Ghost  be  indeed  yet  given 
 as  a  spirit  of  prophecy. 
 
 Paul  explains  to  them  the  true  intent  and  meaning  of  John's 
 baptism,  as  principally  referring  to  Jesus  Christ,  and  so  rectifies 
 the  mistake  of  those  who  had  baptized  them  into  the  baptism  of 
 John,  and  had  not  directed  them  to  look  any  further,  but  to  rest 
 in  that.  They  that  have  been  left  in  ignorance  or  led  into  error 
 by  any  infelicities  of  their  education,  should  not  therefore  be  de¬ 
 spised  or  rejected  by  those  who  are  more  knowing  and  orthodox, 
 but  should  be  compassionately  instructed,  and  better  taught,  as 
 those  here  were  by  Paul. 
 
 8 — 12.  Now  was  fulfilled  that  w’ord  of  Christ  to  his  disciples, 
 Greater  works  than  these  shall  ye  do.  We  read  of  one  that  was 
 cured  by  the  touch  of  Christ's  garment,  when  it  was  upon  him, 
 and  he  perceived  that  virtue  went  out  of  him  ;  but  here  were  peo¬ 
 ple  cured  bv  Paul’s  garments  when  they  were  taken  from  him. 
 
 555 
 
ACTS. 
 
 13  ^  Then  certain  of  the  vagabond  Jews 
 exorcists,  took  upon  them  to  call  over  them 
 which  had  evil  spirits  in  the  name  of  the 
 Lord  Jesus,  saying.  We  adjure  you  by  Jesus 
 whom  Paul  preacheth. 
 
 14  And  there  were  seven  sons  of  one 
 Sceva,  a  Jew,  and  chief  of  the  priests,  which 
 did  so. 
 
 15  And  the  evil  spirit  ansv/ered  and  said, 
 Jesus  I  know,  and  Paul  I  know  :  but  who 
 are  ye  ? 
 
 16  And  the  man  in  whom  the  evil  spirit 
 was  leaped  on  them,  and  overcame  them 
 and  prevailed  against  them,  so  that  they  lied 
 out  of  that  house  naked  and  wounded. 
 
 17  And  this  was  known  to  all  the  Jews 
 and  Greeks  also  dwelling  at  Ephesus  ;  and 
 fear  fell  on  them  all,  and  the  name  of  the 
 Lord  Jesus  was  magnified. 
 
 18  And  many  that  believed  came,  and 
 confessed,  and  shewed  their  deeds. 
 
 19  Many  of  them  also  which  used  curious 
 arts  brought  their  books  together,  and  burn¬ 
 ed  them  before  all  men ;  and  they  counted 
 the  price  of  them,  and  found  it  fifty  thou¬ 
 sand  pieces  of  silver. 
 
 20  So  mightily  grew  the  word  of  God, 
 and  prevailed. 
 
 21  ^  After  these  things  were  ended,  Paul 
 purposed  in  the  Spirit,  when  he  had  passed 
 through  Macedonia  and  Achaia,  to  go  to 
 Jerusalem-,  saying.  After  I  have  been  there 
 I  must  also  see  Rome. 
 
 22  So  he  sent  into  Macedonia  two  of 
 them  that  ministered  unto  him,  Timotheus 
 and  Erastus  ;  but  he  himself  stayed  in  Asia 
 for  a  season. 
 
 23  And  the  same  time  there  arose  no 
 small  stir  about  that  way  : 
 
 24  For  a  certain  man  named  Demetrius, 
 a  silversmith,  which  made  silver  shrines  for 
 
 13 — 20.  Here  is  the  confusion  of  some  of  Satan’s  servants,  some 
 vagabond  Jews  that  were  exorcists,  who  made  use  of  Christ’s  name 
 profanely  and  wickedly  m  their  diabolical  enchantments,  but  were 
 made  to  pay  dear  for'their  presumption. 
 
 21—41.  Demetrius  was  a  silversmith,  a  principal  man,  it  is 
 likely,  of  the  trade,  and  one  that  would  be  thought  to  understand 
 and  consult  the  interests  of  it  more  than  others  of  the  company. 
 Whether  he  worked  in  other  sort  of  plate  or  no  we  are  not  told  ; 
 but  the  most  advantageous  branch  of  his  trade  was,  making  silver 
 shrines  for  Diana,  24.  Some  think  these  were  medals  stamped 
 with  the  effigies  of  Diana,  or  her  temple,  or  both  ;  others  think 
 they  were  representations  of  the  temple,  with  the  image  of  Diana 
 
 Diana,  brought  no  small  gain  unto  the 
 craftsmen  ; 
 
 25  Whom  he  called  together,  with  the 
 workmen  of  like  occupation,  and  said.  Sirs, 
 ye  know  that  by  this  craft  we  have  our 
 wealth. 
 
 26  Moreover,  ye  see  and  hear,  that  not 
 alone  at  Ephesus,  but  almost  throughout  all 
 Asia,  this  Paul  hath  persuaded  and  turned 
 away  much  people,  saying.  That  they  be  no 
 gods  which  are  made  with  hands  : 
 
 27  So  that  not  only  this  our  craft  is  in 
 danger  to  be  set  at  nought ;  but  also  that 
 the  temple  of  the  great  goddess  Diana  should 
 be  despised,  and  her  magnificence  should 
 be  destroyed,  whom  all  Asia  and  the  world 
 worshippeth. 
 
 28  And  when  they  heard  these  savings, 
 they  were  full  of  wrath,  and  cried  out,  say¬ 
 ing,  Great  is  Diana,  of  the  Ephesians  ! 
 
 29  And  the  whole  city  was  filled  with 
 confusion  :  and  having  caught  Gaius  and 
 Aristarchus,  men  of  Macedonia,  Paul's  com¬ 
 panions  in  travel,  they  rushed  with  one  ac¬ 
 cord  into  the  theatre. 
 
 30  And  when  Paul  would  have  entered 
 in  unto  the  people,  the  disciples  suffered  him 
 not. 
 
 31  And  certain  of  the  chief  of  Asia,  which 
 were  his  friends,  sent  unto  him,  desiring  him 
 that  he  would  not  adventure  himself  into  the 
 theatre. 
 
 32  Some,  therefore,  cried  one  thing,  and 
 some  another  :  for  the  assembly  was  con¬ 
 fused  ;  and  the  more  part  knew  not  where¬ 
 fore  they  were  come  together. 
 
 33  And  they  drew  Alexander  out  of  the 
 multitude,  the  Jews  putting  him  forward. 
 And  Alexander  beckoned  with  the  hand, 
 and  would  have  made  his  defence  unto  the 
 people. 
 
 in  it  in  miniature;  all  of  silver,  but  so  small,  that  people  might 
 carry  them  about  with  them,  as  the  papists  do  their  crucifixes. 
 Those  that  came  from  far  to  pay  their  devotions  at  the  temple  oi 
 Ephesus,  when  they  weni  home  bought  these  little  temples,  or 
 shrines,  to  carry  home  with  them,  for  the  gratifying  of  the  cu¬ 
 riosity  of  their  friends,  and  to  preserve  in  their  own  minds  the  idea 
 of  tha't  stately  edifice. 
 
 The  temple  of  Diana  at  Ephesus  was  a  very  rich  and  sumptuous 
 structure,  but  it  should  seem  the  image  of  Diana,  in  the  temple 
 because  they  thought  it  sanctified  the  temple,  was  had  in  greater 
 veneration  than  the  temple  ;  for  they  persuaded  the  people,  that 
 it  fell  down  from  Jupiter,  and  therefore  was  none  of  the  gods  that 
 
CHAP.  XX. 
 
 34  But  when  they  knew  that  he  was  a 
 Jew,  all  with,  one  voice,  about  the  space  of 
 two  hours  cried  out,  Oreat  is  Diana  of  the 
 Ephesians. 
 
 35  And  when  the  town-clerk  had  appeased 
 the  people,  he  said.  Ye  men  of  Ephesus,  what 
 man  is  there  that  knoweth  not  how  that  the 
 city  of  the  Ephesians  is  a  worshipper  of  the 
 great  goddess  Diana,  and  of  the  image  which 
 fell  down  from  Jupiter  ? 
 
 36  Seeing  then  that  these  things  cannot 
 be  spoken  against,  ye  ought  to  be  quiet,  and 
 
 to  do  nothing  rashly. 
 
 37  For  ye  have  brought  hither  these  men, 
 ,^vhich  are  neither  robbers  of  churches,  nor 
 
 yet  blasphemers  of  your  goddess. 
 
 38  Wherefore  if  Demetrius  and  the  crafts¬ 
 men  which  are  with  him,  have  a  mat¬ 
 ter  against  any  man,  the  law  is  open,  and 
 there  are  deputies,  let  them  implead  one 
 another. 
 
 39  But  if  ye  inquire  any  thing  concerning 
 other  matters,  it  shall  be  determined  in  a  law¬ 
 ful  assembly. 
 
 40  For  we  are  in  danger  to  be  called  in 
 question  for  this  day’s  uproar,  there  being  no 
 cause  whereby  we  may  give  an  account  ot 
 this  concourse. 
 
 41  And  when  he  had  thus  spoken  he  dis¬ 
 missed  the  assembl3^ 
 
 CHAP.  XX. 
 
 I.  Paul’s  travels,  1—6’.  II.  He  celebrates  the  Lord’s  Supper  at 
 Troas.  and  raises  Eulychus,  7—12.  III.  His  visiting  of  the 
 churches  he  had  planted,  13—16.  IV.  His  farewel  sermon 
 at  Ephesus,  17—33.  V.  The  sorrowful  parting  between  him 
 and  them,  36 — 38. 
 
 An D  after  the  uproar  w'as  ceased,  Paul 
 called  unto  him  the  disciples,  and  em¬ 
 braced  them,  and  departed  for  to  go  into 
 Macedonia. _ 
 
 were  made  with  men’s  hands.  See  how  easily  the  credulity  of  su¬ 
 perstitious  people  is  imposed  upon  by  the  fraud  of  designing  men  : 
 because  this  image  of  Diana  had  been  set  up  time  out  of  mind,  and 
 nobody  could  tell  who  made  it,  they  made  the  people  believe  it  fell 
 down  from  Jupiter. 
 
 CHAP.  XX.  1 — 6.  Paul  left  Ephesus,  soon  after  the  uproar  was 
 ceased  ;  looking  upon  that  disturbance  he  met  with  there  to  be 
 an  indication  of  providence  to  him,  not  to  stay  there  any  longer, 
 1.  His  remove  might  somewhat  appease  the  rage  of  his  adversa¬ 
 ries,  ami  gain  better  quarters  for  the  Christians  there  ;  it  is  good 
 to  lie  by  in  a  storm.  Yet  some  think  that  before  he  now  left 
 Ephesus,  he  wrote  the  first  epistle  to  the  Corinthians,  aivd  that  his 
 fighting  with  beasts  at  Ephesus,  which  he  mentions  in  that  epistle, 
 was  a  figurative  description  of  this  uproar  ;  but  1  rather  take  that 
 literally. 
 
 7 — 12.  He  fell  down  from  the  third  loft,  and  was  taken  up  dead. 
 
 3  And  when  he  had  gone  over  those  parts,’ 
 and  had  given  them  much  exhortation,  he 
 came  into  Greece. 
 
 3  And  there  abode  three  months  :  and 
 when  the  Jew  s  laid  wait  for  him,  as  he  w  as 
 about  to  sail  into  Syria,  he  purposed  to  re¬ 
 turn  through  Macedonia. 
 
 4  And  there  accompanied  him  into  Asia, 
 Sopater  of  Berea  ;  and  of  the  Thessalonians 
 Aristarchus  and  Secundus  ,  and  Gains  of 
 Derbe,  and  Timotheus  ;  and  of  Asia,  Ty- 
 chicus  and  Trophimus. 
 
 5  These,  going  before,  tarried  for  us  at 
 Troas. 
 
 6  And  we  sailed  away  from  Philippi  after 
 the  days  of  unleavened  bread,  and  came 
 unto  them  to  Troas  in  five  days  ;  w^here  we 
 abode  seven  days. 
 
 7  And  upon  the  first  day  of  the  w’eek, 
 when  the  disciples  came  together  to  break 
 bread,  Paul  preached  unto  them,  ready  to 
 depart  on  the  morrow ;  and  continued  his 
 speech  until  midnight. 
 
 8  And  there  were  many  lights  in  the 
 upper  chamber  where  they  xvere  gathered 
 together. 
 
 9  And  there  sat  in  a  window  a  certain 
 young  man  named  Eutychus,  being  fallen 
 into  a  deep  sleep  :  and,  as  Paul  was  long 
 preaching,  he  sunk  down  with  sleep,  and 
 fell  down  from  the  third  loft,  and  was  taken 
 up  dead. 
 
 10  And  Paul  went  down,  and  fell  on 
 him,  and,  embracing  him,  said.  Trouble  not 
 yourselves  ;  for  his  life  is  in  him. 
 
 11  When  he,  therefore,  was  come  up 
 again,  and  had  broken  bread,  and  eaten, 
 and  talked  a  long  while,  even  till  break  of 
 day,  so  he  departed. 
 
 Some  think  the  hand  of  Satan  was  in  it  by  the  divine  permission, 
 and  that  he  designed  it  for  a  disturbance  to  this  assembly,  and  a 
 reproach  to  Paul  and  it :  others  think  God  designed  it  for  a  wain 
 ing  to  all  people  to  take  heed  of  sleeping  when  they  are  hearing  the 
 word  preached  ;  ^nd  certainly  we  are  to  make  that  use  of  it. 
 We  must  look  upon  it  as  an  evil  thing,  as  a  bad  sign  of  our  low 
 esteem  of  the  word  of  God,  and  a  great  hindrance  to  our  profiting 
 b}^  it.  VVe  must  be  afraid  of  it,  do  what  we  can  to  prevent 
 our  being  sleepy,  not  compose  ourselves  to  sleep,  but  get  our 
 hearts  affected  with  the  word  we  hear  to  such  a  degree  as  may 
 drive  sleep  far  enough  ;  let  us  watch  and  pray  that  we  enter  not 
 into  this  temptation,  and  by  it  into  worse.  Let  the  pu-nishment  of 
 Eutychus  strike  an  awe  up.on  us,  and  shew  us  how  jealous  God 
 is  in  the  matters  of  his  worship:  be  not  deceived,  God  is  not 
 mocked.  See  how  severely  God  visited  an  iniquity  that  seemed 
 little  and  but  in  a  youth,  and  say,  Who  is  able  to  stand  before 
 
 557 
 
ACTS. 
 
 12  And  they  brought  the  young  man 
 alive,  and  ^\•ere  not  a  little  comforted 
 
 13  ^  And  we  went  before  to  ship,  and 
 sailed  unto  Assos,  there  intending  to  take 
 in  Paul ;  for  so  had  he  appointed,  minding 
 himseh'  to  go  afoot. 
 
 14  And  when  he  met  with  us  at  Assos, 
 we  took  him  in,  and  came  to  Mitylene. 
 
 15  And  we  sailed  thence,  and  came  the 
 next  clay  over  against  Chios  ;  and  the  next 
 clay  we  arrived  at  Samos,  and  tarried  at 
 Trogy Ilium  :  and  the  next  dew  we  came  to 
 Miletus. 
 
 16  For  Paul  had  determined  to  sail  by 
 Ephesus,  because  he  Avould  not  spend  the 
 time  in  Asia;  for  he  hasted,  if  it  were  pos¬ 
 sible  for  him,  to  be  at  Jerusalem  the  day  of 
 Pentecost. 
 
 -  17  %  And  from  Miletus  he  sent  to  Ephe¬ 
 sus,  and  called  the  elders  of  the  church. 
 
 18  And,  when  they  were  come  to  him, 
 he  said  unto  them.  Ye  know,  from  the  first 
 day  that  I  came  into  Asia,  after  what  man¬ 
 ner  I  have  been  with  you  at  all  seasons 
 
 19  Serving  the  Lord  with  all  humility  of 
 mind,  and  with  many  tears,  and  tempta¬ 
 tions  which  betel  me  by  the  lying  in  wait 
 of  the  Jews, 
 
 20  And  how  I  kept  back  nothing  that 
 was  profitable  nnto  you,  but  have  shewed 
 you,  and  have  taught  you  publicly,  and 
 from  house  to  house, 
 
 this  Holy  Lord  God?  Apply  to  this  story  tliat  lamenlaticn,  Jer. 
 
 ix.  20,  21,  Mcarthe  word  of  the  Lord,  for  death  is  come  up  into  our 
 windows  to  cut  oft’  the  children  from  without,  and  the  young  men 
 from  the  street. 
 
 13 — 16.  When  Paul  has  a  call  to  Jerusalem,  he  will  not  loiter 
 away  the  time  in  Asia,  though  he  had  more  and  kinder  friends 
 there.  This  is  not  the  world  we  are  to  be  together  in  :  we  hope  to 
 be  so  in  the  other  world. 
 
 17 — 35.  Two  things  this  great  and  good  man  is  in  care  about, 
 and  if  he  gain  them  it  is  no  matter  to  him  what  comes  of  life. 
 First,  That  he  may  be  found  faithful  to  the  trust  reposed  in  him  ; 
 that  he  may  finish  the  ministry  which  he  has  received  of  the  Lord 
 Jesus,  the  work  of  his  ministry  was  to  testify,  the  gospel  of  the 
 grace  of  God,  to  publish  it  to  the  world  to  prove  it,  and  to  re¬ 
 commend  it ;  and  being  the  gospel  of  the  grace  of  God,  it  has 
 enough  in  it  to  recommend  itself;  it  is  a  proof  of  God’s  good-will 
 to  us,  and  a  means  of  his  good  w'ork  in  us  ;  it  shews  him  gracious 
 towards  us,  and  tends  to  make  us  gracious,  and  so  is  the  gospel  of 
 the  grace  of  God.  Paul  made  it  the  business  of  his  life  to  testify 
 this,  and  desired  not  to  live  a  day  longer  than  he  might  be  instru¬ 
 mental  to  spread  the  knowledge,  and  savour,  and  power  of  this 
 gospel. 
 
 Second,  That  he  may  finish  well  :  lie  cares  not  when  the  period 
 of  his  life  comes,  nor  how,  be  it  never  so  soon,  never  so  sudden, 
 never  so  sad  as  to  outward  circumstances,  so  that  he  may  but 
 finish  his  course  with  joy.  First,  He  looks  upon  his  life  as  a 
 coui^,  a  race,  so  the  word  is:  our  life  is  a  race  set  before  us, 
 Ileb.  xii.  1.  This  intimates,  tb-n  we  have  our  labours  appointed 
 358 
 
 21  Testifying  both  to  the  Jews,  and  also 
 to  the  Greeks,  repentance  toward  God,  and 
 faith  toward  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
 
 22  And  now,  behold,  I  go  bound  in  the 
 spirit  unto  Jerusalem,  not  knowing  the  thinos 
 that  shall  befal  rhe  there  ; 
 
 23  Save  that  the  Holy  Ghost  witnesseth 
 in  every  city,  saying,  that  bonds  and  afflic¬ 
 tions  abide  me. 
 
 24  But  none  of  these  things  move  me  ; 
 neither  count  I  my  life  dear  unto  myself,  so 
 that  I  might  finish  my  course  with  joy,  and 
 the  ministry  which  1  have  received  of  the 
 Lord  Jesus  to  testify  the  gospel  of  the  grace 
 of  God. 
 
 25  And  now,  behold,  I  know  that  ye  all, 
 among  whom  I.  have  gone  preaching  the 
 kingdom  of  God  shall  see  my  face  no  more. 
 
 26  Wherefore  I  take  you  to  record  this 
 day,  that  I  am  pure  from  the  blood  of  all 
 men. 
 
 27  For  I  have  not  shunned  to  declare 
 unto  you  all  the  counsel  of  God. 
 
 28  ^  Take  heed,  therefore,  unto  your¬ 
 selves,  and  to  all  the  flock  over  the  which 
 the  Holy  Ghost  hath  made  you  overseers, 
 to  feed  the  church  of  God  which  he  hath 
 purchased  with  his  own  blood. 
 
 29  For  I  know  this,  that  after  my  depart¬ 
 ing  shall  grievous  wolves  enter  in  among  you, 
 not  s[)aring  the  flock. 
 
 30  Also  of  your  own  selves  shall  men 
 
 for  us,  for  we  were  not  sent  into  the  •world  to  be  idle,  and  our 
 limits  appointed  us,  fur  we  were  not  sent  into  the  world  to  be  here 
 always,  but  to  pass  through  the  world,  nay,  to  run  through  it; 
 and  it  is  soon  run  through  ;  I  may  add,  to  run  the  gauntlet 
 through  it.  Second,  He  counts  upon  the  finishing  of  this  course, 
 and  speaks  of  it  as  sure  and  near,  and  that  which  he  had  his 
 thoughts  continually  upon.  Dying  is  the  end  of  our  race,  udicn 
 we  come  oft'  cither  with  honour  or  shame.  Third,  he  is  full  o. 
 care  to  finish  it  well,  which  imjilies  a  holy  desire  of  obtaining, 
 and  a  holy  fear  of  coming  short.  O  that  I  may  but  finish  my 
 course  with  joy  ;  and  then  all  will  be  well,  perfectly  and  eternally 
 well.  Fourth,  He  thinks  nothing  too  much  to  do,  or  too  hard  to 
 suft'er,  so  that  he  might  but  finish  well,  finish  with  joy.  ^Ve  must 
 look  upon  it  as  the  business  of  our  life  to  provide  for  a  joyful  death, 
 that  we  may  not  only  die  safely,  but  die  comfortably. 
 
 'I'ake  heed  to  the  (lock,  for  wolves  are  abroad  that  seek  to  de¬ 
 vour,  29,  I  know  this,  that  after  mv  departing  grievous  wolves 
 shall  enter  in  among  you.  Some  understand  it  of  persecutors,  that 
 will  inform  against  the  Christians,  and  incense  the  magistrates 
 against  them,  and  will  have  no  compassion  on  the  flock.  It  is 
 rather  to  be  understood  of  seducers  and  false  teachers  ;  probably 
 he  has  an  eye  to  those  of  the  circumcision,  that  preached  up  the 
 ceremonial  law.  'i’ake  heed  to  yourselves,  Iwr  some  shejiherds 
 will  apostatize,  30,  also  of  your  ownselves,  among  the  members, 
 nay,  perhaps  among  the  ministers  of  your  own  church,  among 
 you  that  I  am  now'  speaking  to  (though  1  am  willing  to  hope  it 
 doth  not  go  so  far  as  that)  shall  men  arise  speaking  perverse  things, 
 i.  e.  things  contrary  to  the  right  rule  of  the  gospel,  and  ue.structivc 
 
CHAP.  XXI. 
 
 arise,  speaking  perverse  things,  to  draw  away 
 disciples  after  them. 
 
 31  Therefore  watch,  and  remember,  that 
 by  the  space  of  three  years,  I  ceased  not  to 
 warn  every  one  night  and  day  with  tears. 
 
 32  And  now,  &ethren,  I  commend  you 
 to  God,  and  to  the  word  of  his  grace,  which 
 is  able  to  build  you  up,  and  to  give  you  an 
 inheritance  among  all  them  which  are  sancti¬ 
 fied. 
 
 33  I  have  coveted  no  man’s  silver,  or  gold, 
 or  apparel. 
 
 34  Yea,  ye  yourselves  know,  that  these 
 hands  have  ministered  unto  my  necessities, 
 and  to  them  that  were  with  me. 
 
 35  I  have  shewed  you  all  things,  how 
 that  so  labouring  ye  ought  to  support  the 
 weak  ;  and  to  remember  the  words  of  the 
 Lord  Jesus,  how  he  said.  It  is  more  blessed 
 to  give  than  to  receive. 
 
 36'  ^  And  when  he  had  thus  spoken,  he 
 kneeled  down  and  prayed  with  them  all. 
 
 37  And  they  all  wept  sore,  and  fell  on 
 Paul’s  neck,  and  kissed  him : 
 
 38  Sorrowing  most  of  all  for  the  words 
 which  he  spake,  that  they  should  see  his  face 
 no  more.  And  they  accompanied  him  unto 
 the  ship. 
 
 CHAP.  XXL 
 
 I,  A  journal  of  Paul’s  voyage  from  Ephesus  to  Cassarca,  I--/. 
 J!.  The  struggles  he  had  with  his  friends  at  Ctesarea,  2—14. 
 111.  Paul’s  journe}'  from  Ctesarca  to  Jerusalem,  15—17.  IV. 
 Thecompliance  with  the  persuasion  of  the  brethren  there,  18—26'. 
 
 of  the  great  intentions  of  it.  This  was  there  fulfilled  in  Phygcllus 
 and  Hermogenes,  who  turned  away  from  Paul  and  the  doctrine 
 he  preached  ;  2  Tim.  i.  15,  and  in  Hymeneus  and  Philetus,  who 
 concerning  the  truth  erred,  and  overthrew  the  faith  of  some,  2.  Tim. 
 ii.  18,  which  explains  this  here.  But  though  there  were  some 
 such  seducers  in  the  church  of  liphesus,  yet  it  should  seem  by  St. 
 Paul’s  epistle  to  that  church,  wherein  we  do  not  find  such  corn- 
 plaints  and  reprehensions  as  we  meet  with  in  some  other  of  his 
 epistles,  that  that  church  was  not  so  much  infested  with  false 
 teachers,  at  least  not  so  much  infected  with  their  false  doctrine, 
 as  some  other  churches  were  ;  but  its  peace  and  purity  w'ere  pre¬ 
 served  by  the  blessing  of  God  on  the  pains  and  vigilance  of  these 
 presbyters,  to  w’hom  the  apostle  in  the  actual  foresight  and  con¬ 
 sideration  of  the  rise  of  heresies  and  schisms,  as  well  as  of  his  owm 
 death,  committed  the  government  of  this  church. 
 
 We  must  labour  in  an  honest  employment  not  only  that  we 
 mav  be  able  to  live,  but  that  we  may  be  able  to  give.  This  might 
 seem  a  hard  saying,  and  therefore  Paul  backs  it  with  a  saying  of 
 our  Master’s  which  he  would  have  them  always  to  remember. 
 These  words  our  Lord  Jesus  said  ;  it  should  seem  they  were  words 
 he  often  used  to  his  disciples,  when  he  himself  did  so  much  good 
 gratis,  and  bid  them  do  so  too.  Matt.  x.  8,  9  :  he  added  this  say¬ 
 ing,  which  though  no  where  recorded  by  the  evangelists,  yet  Paul 
 had  by  word  of  mouth  from  Peter,  or  some  other  of  the  disciples, 
 and  an  excellent  saying  it  is,  and  has  something  of  a  parado.x  in 
 U,  It  is  mere  blessed  to  give  than  to  receive. 
 
 Vol.  II. 
 
 V.  The  turning  of  this  very  thing  against  him  by  the  Jews, 
 
 27 _ 30.  The  fair  escape  he  had  of  being  pulled  to  pieces  by 
 
 the  rabble,  31 — 40. 
 
 ND  it  came  to  pass,  that  after  we  were 
 gotten  from  them,  and  had  launched, 
 we  came  with  a  straight  course  unto  Coos, 
 and  the  day  following  unto  Rhodes,  and  from 
 thence  unto  Patara : 
 
 2  And  finding  a  ship  sailing  over  unto 
 Phenicia,  we  went  aboard,  and  set  forth. 
 
 3  Now,  when  we  had  discovered  Cyprus, 
 we  left  it  on  the  left  hand,  and  sailed  unto 
 Syria,  and  landed  at  Tyre  :  for  there  the 
 ship  was  to  unlade  her  burden. 
 
 4  And,  finding  disciples,  we  tarried  there 
 seven  days:  who  said  to  Paul  through  the 
 Spirit,  that  he  should  not  go  up  to  Jerusalem. 
 
 5  And  when  we  had  accomplished  those 
 days  we  departed,  and  went  our  way ;  and 
 they  all  brought  us  on  our  way,  with  wives 
 and  children,  till  we  were  out  of  the  city :  and 
 we  kneeled  down  on  the  shore  and  prayed. 
 
 6  And  when  ,we  had  taken  our  leave  one 
 of  another  we  took  ship ;  and  they  returned 
 home  again. 
 
 7  And  when  we  had  finished  our  course 
 from  Tyre  we  came  to  Ptolemais,  and  saluted 
 the  brethren,  and  abode  with  them  one  day. 
 
 8  And  the  next  day  we  that  were  of  Paul’s 
 company  departed,  and  came  unto  Cesarea  : 
 and  we  entered  into  the  house  of  Philip  the 
 evangelist,  (which  was  one  of  the  seven,)  and 
 abode  with  him. 
 
 CHAP.  XXI.  1 — 7-  'I  he  disciples  at  Tyre  were  endowed  with 
 such  gifts,  that  they  could  by  the  Spirit  foretel  the  troubles  Paul 
 would  meet  with  at  Jerusalem  ;  for  the  Holy  Ghost  witnessed  it 
 in  every  city,  chap.  xx.  23.  It  being  a  thing  that  would  be  so 
 much  talked  of  when  it  came  to  pass,  God  saw  fit  to  have  it  much 
 prophesied  of  before,  that  the  people’s  faith  instead  of  being  offend¬ 
 ed,  might  be  confirmed  ;  and  withal  they  were  endowed  with  such 
 graces,  that  foreseeing  his  troubles,  out  of  love  to  him,  and  con¬ 
 cern  for  the  church,  especially  the  churches  of  the  Gentiles,  that 
 could  ill  spare  him,  they  begged  of  him  that  he  would  not  go  up 
 to  Jerusalem,  for  they  hoped  the  decree  was  conditional,  if  he  go 
 up  he  will  come  into  trouble  there  ;  as  the  prediction  to  David, 
 that  the  men  of  Keilah  will  deliver  him  up,  that  is,  if  he  venture 
 himself  wdth  them  ;  and  therefore  they  said  to  him  by  the  Spirit, 
 that  he  should  not  go  up,  because  they  concluded  it  would  be 
 most  for  the  glory  of  God,  that  he  should  continue  at  liberty  ■ 
 and  it  was  not  at  all  their  fault  to  think  so,  and  consequently  to 
 dissuade  him.  But  it  was  their  mistake  ;  for  his  trial  would  be 
 for  the  glory  of  God,  and  the  furtherance  of  the  Gospel,  ana  he 
 knew  it,  and  the  importunity  that  was  used  with  him  to  dissuade 
 him  from  it,  renders  his  pious  and  truly  heroic  resolution  the  more 
 illustrious. 
 
 8—14.  When  we  see  trouble  coming,  and  particularly  that  of 
 our  ministers  being  silenced  or  removed  from  us,  it  becomes  ns 
 to  say.  The  will  of  the  Lord  be  done.  God  is  wise  and  knows  how 
 to  make  all  work  for  good,  and  therefore  w'elcome  his  holy  will, 
 t  559 
 
 4C 
 
ACTS. 
 
 1 1  And  when  I  could  not  see  for  the  glory 
 of  that  light,  being  led  by  the  hand  of  them 
 that  were  with  me,  I  came  into  Damascus. 
 
 12  And  one  Ananias,  a  devout  man  ac¬ 
 cording  to  the  law,  having  a  good  report  of 
 all  the  J ews  which  dwelt  there, 
 
 13  Came  unto  me,  and  stood,  and  said 
 unto  me,  Brother  Saul,  receive  thy  sight. 
 And  the  same  hour  I  looked  up  upon  him. 
 
 14  And  he  said,  The  God  of  our  fathers 
 hath  chosen  thee,  that  thou  shouldest  know 
 his  will,  and  see  that  Just  One,  and  shouldest 
 hear  the  voice  of  his  mouth. 
 
 15  For  thou  shalt  be  his  witness  unto  all 
 men  of  what  thou  hast  seen  and  heard. 
 
 16  And  now,  why  tarriest  thou  ?  arise, 
 and  be  baptised,  and  wash  away  thy  sins, 
 calling  on  the  name  of  the  Lord. 
 
 17  And  it  came  to  pass,  that,  when  I  was 
 come  again  to  Jerusalem,  even  while  I  pray¬ 
 ed  in  the  temple,  I  was  in  a  trance  ; 
 
 18  And  saw  him  saying  unto  me.  Make 
 haste  and  get  thee  quickly  out  of  Jerusalem  : 
 for  they  will  not  receive  thy  testimony  con¬ 
 cerning  me. 
 
 19  And  I  said.  Lord,  they  know  that  I 
 imprisoned  and  beat  in  every  synagogue 
 them  that  believed  on  thee  : 
 
 20  And  when  the  blood  of  thy  martyr 
 Stephen  was  shed,  I  also  was  standing  by, 
 and  consenting  unto  his  death,  and  kept  the 
 raiment  of  them  that  slew  him. 
 
 21  And  he  said  unto  me.  Depart  :  for  I 
 will  send  thee  far  hence  unto  the  Gentiles. 
 
 22  ^  And  they  gave  him  audience  unto 
 this  word,  and  then  lifted  up  their  voices, 
 and  said,  Away  with  such  fellow  from  the 
 earth  ;  for  it  is  not  fit  that  he  should  live. 
 
 23  And  as  they  cried  out,  and  cast  off 
 their  clothes,  and  threw  dust  into  the  air, 
 
 24  The  chief  captain  commanded  him  to 
 be  brought  into  the  castle,  and  bade  that 
 he  should  be  examined  by  scourging  ;  that 
 
 that  enemy  to  their  church  and  nation,  to  their  law  and  temple, 
 
 as  they  took  him  to  be.  And  that  what  he  did  in  preaching  Christ, 
 and  particularly  in  preaching  him  to  the  Gentiles,  he  did  by  a  di¬ 
 vine  commission. 
 
 22—30,  See  here  the  benefit  of  humane  laws  and  magistracy, 
 and  what  reason  we  have  to  be  thankful  to  God  lor  them  :  lor  even 
 when  they  have  given  no  countenance  or  special  protection  to 
 God’s  people  and  ministers,  yet  by  their  general  support  of  equity 
 and  fair  dealing  between  man  and  man.  they  have  served  to  check 
 .5^2 
 
 he  might  know  wherefore  they  cried  so 
 against  him. 
 
 25  And,  as  they  bound  him  with  , thongs, 
 Paul  said  unto  the  centurion  that  stood  by. 
 Is  it  lawful  for  you  to  scourge  a  man  that  is 
 a  Roman  and  uncondemned  ? 
 
 26  When  the  centurion  heard  that,  he 
 went  and  told  the  chief  captain,  saying, 
 Take  heed  what  thou  doest ;  for  this  man  is 
 a  Roman. 
 
 27  Then  the  chief  captain  came,  and  said 
 unto  him.  Tell  me,  art  thou  a  Roman  ?  He 
 said.  Yea. 
 
 28  And  the  chief  captain  answered.  With 
 a  great  sum  obtained  1  this  freedom.  And 
 Paul  said,  but  I  wiisfree  born. 
 
 29  Then  straightway  they  departed  from 
 him  which  should  have  examined  him  :  and 
 the  chief  captain  also  was  afraid,  after  he 
 knew  that  he  was  a  Roman,  and  because  he 
 had  bound  him. 
 
 30  On  the  morrow,  because  he  would 
 have  known  the  certainty  wherefore  he  was 
 accused  of  the  Jews,  he  loosed  him  from  his 
 bands,  and  commanded  the  chief  priests  and 
 all  their  council  to  appear,  and  brought  Paul 
 down  and  set  him  before  them. 
 
 CHAP.  XXIII. 
 
 Paul  sent  to  Felix. 
 
 A  ND  Paul,  earnestly  beholding  the  coun- 
 cil,  said.  Men  and  brethren,  I  have 
 lived  in  all  good  conscience  before  God  until 
 this  day. 
 
 2  And  the  high  priest  Ananias  eommand- 
 ed  them  that  stood  by  him  to  smite  him  on 
 the  mouth. 
 
 3  Then  saith  Paul  unto  him,  God  shall 
 smite  thee,  thou  whited  wall :  for  sittest  thou 
 to  judge  me  after  the  law,  and  commandest 
 me  to  be  smitten  eontrary  to  the  law  ? 
 
 4  And  they  that  stood  by  said,  Revilest 
 thou  God's  high  priest  ? 
 
 5  Then  said  Paul,  I  wist  not  brethren, 
 
 the  rage  of  wicked  and  unreasonable  illegal  men  that  otherwise 
 
 would  know  no  bounds,  and  to  say.  Hitherto  it  shall  come,  but  no 
 further:  Here  shall  its  proud  waves  be  stayed. 
 
 CHAP.  XXIII.  1—5.  I  wist  not  brethren,  that  he  was  the 
 ligh  priest.  I  did  not  just  then  think  of  the  dignity  ot  his  own  place, 
 or  else  I  would  have  spoken  more  respecttully  to  him.  I  see  not 
 row  we  can  with  any  probability  think  that  Paul  did  not  know 
 lim  to  be  the  high  priest,  for  Paul  had  been  seven  days  in  the 
 temple  at  the  time  of  the  feast  where  he  could  not  miss  of  seeing 
 
CHAP. 
 
 that  he  was  the  high  priest  ;  for  it  is  written, 
 Thou  shalt  not  speak  evil  of  the  ruler  of  thy 
 people. 
 
 6  %  But  when  Paul  perceived  that  the  one 
 part  were  Sadducees,  and  the  other  Phari¬ 
 sees,  he  cried  out  in  the  council.  Men  and 
 brethren,  I  am  a  Pharisee,  the  son  of  a  Pha¬ 
 risee  :  of  the  hope  and  resurrection  of  the 
 dead  I  am  called  in  question. 
 
 7  And,  when  he  had  so  said,  there  arose 
 a  dissension  between  the  Pharisees  and  the 
 Sadducees  :  and  the  multitude  was  divided. 
 
 8  For  the  Sadducees  say  that  there  is  no 
 resurrection,  neither  angel  nor  spirit ;  but 
 the  Pharisees  confess  both. 
 
 9  And  there  arose  a  great  cry  :  and  the 
 scribes  that  were  of  the  Pharisees'  part  arose 
 and  strove,  saying.  We  find  no  evil  in  this 
 man  ;  but  if  a  spirit  or  an  angel  hath  spoken 
 to  him,  let  us  not  fight  against  God. 
 
 10  ^  And  when  there  arose  a  great  dis¬ 
 sension,  the  chief  captain,  fearing  lest  Paul 
 should  have  been  pulled  in  pieces  of  them, 
 commanded  the  soldiers  to  go  down,  and  to 
 take  him  by  force  from  among  them,  and  to 
 bring  him  into  the  castle. 
 
 1 1  And  the  night  following  the  Lord  stood 
 by  him,  and  said.  Be  of  good  cheer,  Paul : 
 for  as  thou  hast  testified  of  me  in  Jerusalem, 
 so  must  thou  bear  witness  also  at  Rome. 
 
 12  ^  And  when  it  was  day,  certain  of  the 
 Jews  banded  together,  and  bound  themselves 
 under  a  curse,  saying.  That  they  would  nei¬ 
 ther  eat  nor  drink  till  they  had  killed  Paul. 
 
 13  And  they  were  more  than  forty  which 
 had  made  this  conspiracy. 
 
 14  And  they  came  to  the  chief  priests  and 
 
 the  high  priest?  and  his  telling  him  that  he  sat  to  judge  him  after 
 the  law,  shews  that  he  knew  who  he  was  ;  but  saith  he,  1  did  not 
 consider  it.  Dr.  Whitby  puts  this  sense  upon  it;  that  the  pro¬ 
 phetic  impulse  that  was  upon  him,  and  inwardly  moved  him  to 
 say  what  he  did,  did  not  permit  him  to  advert  that  it  was  the  high 
 priest,  lest  this  law  should  have  restrained  him  from  complying 
 with  that  impulse,  but  the  Jews  acknowledge  that  prophets  might 
 use  a  liberty  in  speaking  of  rulers  which  others  might  not,  as  Isa. 
 i.  10 — 23.  Or,  (as  he  quotes  the  sense  of  Grotius  and  Lightfoot,) 
 Paul  doth  not  go  about  to  excuse  what  he  had  said  in  the  least, 
 but  rather  to  justify  it ;  I  own  that  God’s  high  priest,  is  not  to  be 
 reviled,  but  I  do  not  own  this  Ananias  to  be  high  priest,  he  is  an 
 usurper,  he  came  to  the  office  by  bribery  and  corruption ;  and 
 the  Jewish  rabbins  say.  That  he  who  doth  so  is  neither  a  judge,  nor 
 to  be  honoured  as  such. 
 
 — 11.  Many  are  the  troubles  of  the  righteous,  but  someway 
 or  other  the  Lord  delivereth  them  out  of  them  all.  Paul  owned 
 he  had  experienced  the  truth  of  thi;  in  the  persecutions  he  had 
 
 XXIIT. 
 
 elders,  and  said.  We  have  bound  ourselves 
 under  a  great  curse,  that  we  will  eat  nothing 
 until  we  have  slain  Paul. 
 
 15  Now,  therefore,  ye  with  the  council 
 signify  to  the  chief  captain,  that  he  bring 
 him  down  unto  you  to-morrow,  as  though 
 ye  would  enquire  something  more  perfectly 
 concerning  him  ;  and  we,  or  ever  he  come 
 near,  are  ready  to  kill  him. 
 
 16  And  when  Paul's  sister's  son  heard  of 
 their  lying  in  wait,  he  went  and  entered  in¬ 
 to  the  castle,  and  told  Paul. 
 
 17  Then  Paul  called  one  of  the  centurions 
 unto  him,  and  Said,  Bring  this  young  man 
 unto  the  chief  captain  ;  for  he  hath  a  cer¬ 
 tain  thing  to  tell  him. 
 
 18  So  he  took  him,  and  brought  him  to 
 the  chief  captain,  and  said,  Paul  the  pri¬ 
 soner  called  me  tmto  him,  and  prayed  me  to 
 bring  this  young  man  unto  thee,  who  hath 
 something  to  say  unto  thee. 
 
 19  Then  the  chief  captain  took  him  by  the 
 hand,  and  went  with  him  aside  privately,  and 
 asked  him.  What  is  that  thou  hast  to  tell  me  ? 
 
 20  And  he  said,  The  Jews  have  agreed 
 to  desire  thee  that  thou  wouldest  bring  down 
 Paul  to-morrow  into  the  council,  as  though 
 they  would  enquire  somewhat  of  him  more 
 perfectly. 
 
 21  But  do  not  thou  yield  unto  them  :  for 
 there  lie  in  wait  for  him  of  them  more  than 
 forty  men,  which  have  bound  themselves 
 with  an  oath,  that  they  will  neitlier  eat  nor 
 drink  till  they  have  killed  him  ;  and  now  are 
 they  ready,  looking  for  a  promise  from  thee. 
 
 22  So  the  chief  captain  then  let  the  young 
 man  depart,  and  charged  him.  See  thou  tell 
 
 undergone  among  the  Gentiles,  see  2  Tim.  iii.  11,  out  of  them  all 
 the  Lord  delivered  me.  And  now  he  finds  that  he  that  has  deliver¬ 
 ed,  doth  and  will.  He  that  delivered  him  in  the  foregoing  chapter 
 from  the  tumult  of  the  people,  here  delivers  him  from  that  of  the 
 elders.  Paul  seems  to  have  had  a  particular  fancy,  and  an  innocent 
 one,  to  go  to  Rome,  to  preach  the  gospel  there,  though  it  was 
 already  preached,  and  a  church  planted  there ;  yet  being  a  citizen 
 of  Rome,  he  longed  for  a  journey  thither,  and  had  designed  it, 
 chap.  xix.  21.  After  I  have  been  at  Jerusalem,  1  must  also  see 
 Rome.  And  he  had  written  to  the  Romans  some  time  ago,  that 
 belonged  to  see  them,  Rom.  i.  11.  Now  he  was  ready  to  con¬ 
 clude,  that  this  had  broke  his  measures,  and  he  should  never  see 
 Rome.  But  even  in  that  Christ  tells  him  he  should  be  gratified, 
 since  he  desired  it  for  the  honour  of  Christ,  and  to  do  good. 
 
 12 — 35.  See  how  justly  God  brought  the  Jewish  nation  under 
 the  Roman  yoke,  when  such  a  party  of  the  Roman  army  was  ne¬ 
 cessary  to  restrain  them  from  the  most  execrable  villanies.  There 
 needed  not  all  this  force,  there  needed  not  any  of  it  to  keep  Paul 
 
 563 
 
ACTS. 
 
 no  man  that  thou  hast  shewed  these  things 
 to  me. 
 
 23  ^  And  he  called  unto  him  two  centu¬ 
 rions,  saying,  Make  ready  two  hundred 
 soldiers  to  go  to  Cesarea,  and  horsemen  three¬ 
 score  and  ten,  and  spearmen  two  hundred, 
 at  the  third  hour  of  the  night ; 
 
 24  And  provide  them  beasts,  that  they 
 may  set  Paul  on,  and  bring  him  safe  unto 
 Felix  the  governor. 
 
 25  And  he  wrote  a  letter  after  this  man¬ 
 ner  : 
 
 26  Claudius  Lysias,  unto  the  most  excel¬ 
 lent  governor  Felix,  sendcth  greeting. 
 
 27  d'his  man  was  taken  of  the  Jews,  and 
 should  have  been  killed  of  them  :  then  came 
 I  with  an  army,  and  rescued  him,  having- 
 understood  that  he  was  a  Roman. 
 
 28  And,  when  I  would  have  known  the 
 cause,  whereof  they  accused  him,  I  brought 
 him  forth  into  their  council  : 
 
 29  Whom  1  perceived  to  be  accused  of 
 questions  of  their  law,  but  to  have  nothing 
 laid  to  his  charge  worthy  of  death  or  of 
 bonds. 
 
 30  Ancf  when  it  was  told  me  how  that 
 the  Jews  laid  Avait  for  the  man,  I  sent 
 straightway  to  thee,  and  gave  command¬ 
 ment  to  his  accusers  also  to  say  before  thee 
 Avhat  they  had  against  him.  Farewel. 
 
 31  Then  the  soldiers,  as  it  was  command¬ 
 ed  them,  took  Paul,  and  brought  him  by 
 night  to  Antipatris. 
 
 32  On  the  morrow  they  left  the  horsemen 
 to  go  Avith  him,  and  returned  to  the  castle  ; 
 
 33  Who,  Avhen  they  came  to  Cesarea, 
 and  delivered  the  epistle  to  the  governor, 
 presented  Paul  also  before  him. 
 
 34  And  Avhen  the  governor  had  read  the 
 letter,  he  asked  of  Avhat  province  he  Avas. 
 And  Avhen  he  understood  that  he  was  of 
 Cilicia ; 
 
 35  I  will  hear  thee,  said  he,  Avhen  thine 
 accusers  are  also  come.  And  he  command¬ 
 ed  him  to  be  kept  in  Herod’s  judgment-hali. 
 
 CHAP.  XXIV’. 
 
 Paul’s  trial  before  Pclix. 
 
 And  after  five  days  Ananias  the  high 
 priest  descended  Avith  the  elders,  and 
 with  a  certain  orator  named  ’I’ertullus,  Avho 
 informed  the  governor  against  Paul. 
 
 2  And,  Avhen  he  Avas  called  forth,  Ter- 
 tullus  began  to  accuse  him,  saying.  Seeing 
 that  by  thee  we  enjoy  great  quietness,  and 
 that  very  Avorthy  deeds  are  done  unto  this 
 nation  by  thy  jirovidence, 
 
 3  We  accept  it  ahvays,  and  in  all  places, 
 most  noble  Felix,  Avith  all  thankfulness. 
 
 4  NotAvithstanding,  that  1  be  not  further 
 tedious  unto  thee,  1  jiray  thee  that  thou 
 Avouldest  hear  us  of  thy  clemency  a  few 
 Avords. 
 
 5  For  Ave  have  found  this  man  a  pestilent 
 fellow,  and  a  mover  of  sedition  among  all 
 the  JeAvs  throughout  the  Avorld,  and  a  ring¬ 
 leader  of  the  sect  of  the  Nazarenes  : 
 
 6  Who  also  hath  gone  about  to  profane 
 the  temple  ;  Avhom  Ave  took,  and  AV'^ould  have 
 judged  according  to  our  laAv  : 
 
 7  But  the  chief  captain  Lysias  came  upon 
 us,  and  Avith  great  violence  took  him  aAvay 
 out  of  our  hands. 
 
 8  Commanding  his  accusers  to  come  unto 
 thee  :  by  examining  of  Avhom,  thyself  may est 
 take  knoAvledge  of  all  these  things  Avhere- 
 of  Ave  accuse  him. 
 
 from  .being  rescued  by  his  friends  ;  ten  times  this  force  would  not 
 have  kept  him  from  being  rescued  by  an  angel,  if  it  had  pleased 
 God  to  work  his  deliverance  that  wa}^  as  he  had  sometimes  done. 
 But,  1.  The  chief  captain  designed  here  to  expose  the  Jews,  as  a 
 headstrong,  tumultuous  people,  that  would  not  be  kept  within  the 
 bounds  of  duty  and  decency  by  the  ordinary  ministers  of  justice, 
 but  needed  to  be  awed  by  such  a  train  as  this :  and  hearing  how 
 many  were  in  the  conspiracy  against  Paul,  he  thought  less  would 
 not  serve  to  defeat  their  attempt.  2.  God  designed  hereby  to 
 encourage  Paul ;  for  being  thus  attended  he  was  not  only  kept  safe 
 jn  the  hands  of  his  friends,  but  out  of  the  hands  of  his  eneinies : 
 yet  Paul  did  not  desire  such  a  guard,  no  more  than  Ezra  did,  Ezra 
 viii.  22,  and  for  the  same  reason,  because  he  trusted  in  God’s  all- 
 sufficiency ;  but  it  was  owing  to  the  governor’s  own  care.  But  he 
 •was  also  made  considerable  ;  thus  his  bonds  in  Christ  were  made 
 manifest  all  the  country  over,  Phi),  i.  13.  And  so  great  an  honour 
 56'4 
 
 having  been  put  upon  them  before  by  the  prediction  of  them,  it 
 was  agreeable  enough  that  they  should  be  thus  honourably  atteud- 
 »d,  that  the  brethren  in  the  Lord  might  wax  the  more  confident 
 ay  his  bonds,  when  they  saw  him  rather  guarded  as  the  patriot  oi 
 ais  country,  than  guarded  against  as  the  best  of  his  country,  and 
 io  great  a  jircacher  made  so  great  a  prisoner.  .  . 
 
 CHAP.  XXIV.  1 — 9.  Felix  is  represented  by  the  historians  oi 
 ais  own  nation,  as  well  as  by  Josephus  the  Jew,  as  a  very  ill  man, 
 :hat  depending  upon  his  interest  in  the  court,  allowed  himselt  in 
 ill  manner  of  wickedness,  was  a  great  oppressor,  very  cruel  an 
 I'ery  covetous,  patronizing  and  protecting  assassins,  Joseph,  Antiq- 
 1 .  20,  ch.  6.  And  yet  Tertullus  here,  in  the  name  of  the  high  pri^ 
 and  elders,  and  probably  by  particular  direcnons  from  the  , 
 ind  according  to  the  instructions  of  his  breviate,  complime 
 dim,  and  extols  him  to  the  sky,  as  if  he  were  so  good  a 
 IS  never  was  the  like.  And  this  comes  the  worse  from  the  hio^ 
 
CHAP.  XXIV. 
 
 -  9  And  the  J ews  also  assented,  saying,  That 
 these  things  were  so. 
 
 10  Then  Paul,  after  that  the  governor 
 had  beckoned  unto  him  to  speak,  answered. 
 Forasmuch  as  I  know  that  thou  hast  been 
 of  many  years  a  judge  unto  this  nation,  I 
 do  the  more  cheerfully  answer  for  myself ; 
 
 11  Because  that  thou  mayest  understand, 
 that  there  are  yet  but  twelve  days  since  I 
 went  up  to  Jerusalem  for  to  worship. 
 
 12  And  they  neither  found  me  in  the 
 temple  disputing  with  any  man,  neither 
 raising  up  the  people,  neither  in  the  syna¬ 
 gogues,  nor  in  the  city  : 
 
 13  Neither  can  they  prove  the  things 
 whereof  they  now  accuse  me. 
 
 14  But  this  I  confess  unto  thee,  that  after 
 the  way  which  they  call  heresy,  so  worship 
 I  the  God  of  my  fathers,  believing  all  things 
 which  are  written  in  the  law,  and  in  the 
 prophets. 
 
 15  And  have  hope  toward  God,  which 
 they  themselves  also  allow,  that  there  shall 
 be  a  resurrection  of  the  dead,  both  of  the 
 just  and  unjust. 
 
 16  And  herein  do  I  exercise  myself,  to 
 have  always  a  conscience  void  of  offence  to¬ 
 ward  God,  and  toward  men. 
 
 17  Now,  after  many  years  I  came  to  bring 
 alms  to  my  nation,  and  offerings. 
 
 18  Whereupon  certain  Jews  from  Asia 
 found  me  purified  in  the  temple,  neither  with 
 multitude,  nor  with  tumult : 
 
 priest  and  the  elders ;  beoause  he  had  given  a  late  instance  of  his 
 enmity  to  their  order;  'for  Jonathan,  the  high  priest,  or  one  of  the 
 chief  priests,  having  offended  him  by  too  free  an  invective  against 
 the  tyranny  of  his  government,  he  got  him  murdered  by  some  vil¬ 
 lains  whom  he  hired  for  that  purpose,  and  who  afterwards  did  the 
 like  for  others,  as  they  were  hired. 
 
 10 — 21.  It  is  no  new  thing  for  the  right  way  of  worshipping 
 God  to  be  called  heresy,  and  for  the  best  of  God's  servants  to  be 
 stigmatized  and  run  down  as  sectaries.  The  reformed  churches 
 arc  called  heretical  ones  by  those  who  themselves  hate  to  be  re¬ 
 formed  and  arc  themselves  heretics.  Let  us  therefore  never  be 
 driven  off  from  any  good  way  by  its  being  put  into  an  ill  name,  for 
 true  and  pure  Christianity  is  never  the  worse,  nor  to  be  the  worse 
 thought  of,  for  its  being  called  heresy  ;  no,  not  though  it  be  called 
 so  by  the  high  priest  and  the  elders. 
 
 22—27.  Felix  has  a  mind  to  talk  with  Paul  more  freely  than  he 
 could  in  open  court,  where  he  observed  Paul  upon  his  guard, 
 concerning  the  faith  of  Christ;  and  this  only  to  satisfy  his  cu¬ 
 riosity,  or  rather  the  curiosity  of  his  wife  Drusilla,  who  was  a 
 Jewess,  daughter  of  Herod  Agrippa,  that  was  eaten  of  worms  ; 
 and  being  educated  in  the  Jewish  religion,  she  was  the  more  in¬ 
 quisitive  concerning  the  Christian  religion,  which  pretended  to  be 
 ^e  perfection  of  that,  and  desired  to  hear  Paul  discourse  of  it. 
 But  it  was  no  great  matter  what  religion  she  was  of,  for  whatever 
 >t  was,  she  was  a  reproach  and  a  scandal  to  it ;  a  Jewess,  but  an 
 
 19  Who  ought  to  have  been  here  before 
 thee,  and  object,  if  they  had  ought  against 
 me. 
 
 20  Or  else  let  these  same  here  say,  if  they 
 have  found  any  evil-doing  in  me  while  I 
 stood  before  the  council. 
 
 21  Fxcept  it  be  for  this  one  voice,  that  I 
 cried  standing  among  them.  Touching  the 
 resurrection  of  the  dead,  I  am  called  in  ques¬ 
 tion  by  you  this  day. 
 
 22  ^  And  when  Felix  heard  these  things, 
 having  more  perfect  knowledge  of  that  way, 
 he  deferred  them,  and  said,  When  Lysias 
 the  chief  captain  shall  come  down,  I  will 
 know  the  uttermost  of  your  matter. 
 
 23  And  he  commanded  a  centurion  to 
 keep  Paul,  and  to  let  him  have  liberty,  and 
 that  he  should  forbid  none  of  his  acquaint¬ 
 ance  to  minister  or  come  unto  him. 
 
 24  ^  And  after  certain  days,  when  Felix 
 came  with  his  wife  Drusilla,  who  was  a 
 Jewess,  he  sent  for  Paul,  and  heard  him 
 concerning  the  faith  in  Christ. 
 
 25  And  as  he  reasoned  of  righteousness, 
 temperance,  and  judgment  to  come,  Felix 
 trembled  ;  and  answered.  Go  thy  way  for 
 this  time  ;  when  I  have  a  convenient  season, 
 I  will  call  for  thee. 
 
 26  He  hoped  also  that  money  should 
 have  been  given  him  of  Paul,  that  he  might 
 loose  him  :  wherefore  he  sent  for  him  the 
 oftener,  and  communed  with  him. 
 
 27  But,  after  two  years,  Porcius  Festus 
 
 adulteress.  She  was  another  man’s  wife  when  Felix  took  her  to  be 
 his  wife,  and  she  lived  with  him  in  whoredom,  and  was  noted  for 
 an  impudent  woman  ;  yet  she  desires  to  hear  concerning  the  faith, 
 of  Christ.  Many  are  fond  of  new  notions  and  speculations  in  re¬ 
 ligion,  and  can  hear  and  speak  of  them  with  pleasure,  who  yet 
 hate  to  come  under  the  power  and  influence  of  religion ;  can  be 
 content  to  have  their  judgments  informed,  but  not  their  lives  re¬ 
 formed.  Observe  what  the  account  was  which  Paul  gave  him  of 
 the  Christian  religion  ;  by  the  idea  he  had  of  it,  he  expected  to  be 
 amused  with  a  mystical  divinity,  but  as  Paul  represents  it  to  him, 
 he  is  alarmed  with  a  practical  divinity  :  Paul  being  asked  con¬ 
 cerning  the  faith  in  Christ,  reasoned  (for  Paul  was  always  a  ra¬ 
 tional  preacher)  concerning  righteousness,  temperance,  and  judg¬ 
 ment  to  come.  It  is  probable  he  mentioned  to  him  the  peculiar 
 doctrine  of  Christianity  concerning  the  death  and  resurrection  of 
 the  Lord  Jesus,  and  his  being  the  Mediator  between  God  and  man ; 
 hut  he  hastened  to  his  application,  in  which  he  designed  to  come 
 home  to  the  consciences  of  his  hearers,  and  he  discoursed  with 
 clearness  and  warmth,  of  righteousness,  temperance,  and  judgment 
 to  come.  Felix  trembled,  being  .put  into  a  fright,  or  made  a 
 terror  to  himself,  a  magor-missabib,  as  Pashur,  Jer.  xx.  3,  4. 
 Paul  never  trembled  before  him  ;  but  he  was  made  to  tremble 
 before  Paul.  If  this  be  so,  as  Paul  saith,  what  will  become  of  me 
 in  another  world  ?  If  the  unrighteous  and  intemperate  will  be  con¬ 
 demned  in  the  judgment  to  come,  I  am  undone,  for  ever  undone 
 
ACTS. 
 
 came  into  Feljx’  room  ;  and  Felix,  willing 
 to  shew  the  Jews  a  pleasure,  left  Paul 
 bound. 
 
 CHAP.  XXV. 
 
 Cognizance  is  here  taken  of  Panl’s  case,  I.  By  Festus  the  governor, 
 1—12.  II.  By  king  Agrippa,  13—27. 
 
 NOW  when  Festus  was  come  into  the 
 province,  after  three  days  he  ascended 
 from  Cesarea  to  Jerusalem. 
 
 2  Then  the  high  priest,  and  the  chief  of 
 the  Jews  informed  him  against  Paul,  and 
 besought  him, 
 
 3  And  desired  favour  against  him,  that 
 he  would  send  for  him  to  Jerusalem,  laying 
 wait  in  the  way  to  kill  him. 
 
 4  But  Festus  answered,  that  Paul  should 
 be  kept  at  Cesarea,  and  that  he  himself 
 would  depart  shortly  thither. 
 
 5  Let  them,  therefore,  said  he,  which 
 among  you  are  able  to  go  down  with  we  and 
 accuse  this  man,  if  there  be  any  wickedness 
 in  him. 
 
 6  And  when  he  had  tarried  among  them 
 more  than  ten  days,  he  went  down  unto  Ce¬ 
 sarea  ;  and  the  next  day,  sitting  in  the 
 judgment-seat,  commanded  Paul  to  be 
 brought. 
 
 7  And,  when  he  was  come,  the  Jews 
 which  came  down  from  Jerusalem  stood 
 round  about  and  laid  many  and  grievous 
 complaints  against  Paul,  which  they  could 
 
 not  prove ;  .  ^vt  • 
 
 8  ^  While  he  answered  for  himself,  IN  ei¬ 
 ther  against  the  law  ot  the  Jews,  neithei 
 against  the  temple,  nor  yet  against  Cesar, 
 have  I  offended  any  thing  at  all. 
 
 9  But  Festus,  willing  to  do  the  Jews  a 
 jileasure,  answered  Paul,  and  said.  Wilt 
 thou  go  up  to  Jerusalem,  and  there  be 
 judged  of  these  things  before  me  ? 
 
 ‘  lb  Then  said  Paul,  1  stand  at  Cesar’s 
 
 judgment-seat,  where  I  ought  to  be  judged  : 
 to  the  Jews  have  I  done  no  wrong  as  thou 
 very  well  knowest. 
 
 11  For  if  I  be  an  offender,  or  have  com¬ 
 mitted  any  thing  worthy  of  death,  I  refuse 
 not  to  die  ;  but  if  there  be  none  of  these 
 things  whereof  these  accuse  me,  no  man 
 may  deliver  me  unto  them.  I  appeal  unto 
 Cesar. 
 
 12  Then  Festus,  when  he  had  conferred 
 with  the  council,  answered.  Hast  thou  ap¬ 
 pealed  unto  Cesar  ?  unto  Cesar  shalt  thou 
 go. 
 
 13  ^  And  after  certain  days,  king  Agrip¬ 
 pa  and  Bernice  came  unto  Cesarea  to  salute 
 Festus. 
 
 14  And  when  they  had  been  there  many 
 days,  Festus  declared  Paul’s  cause  unto  the 
 king,  saying.  There  is  a  certain  man  left  in 
 bonds  by  Felix  ; 
 
 15  About  whom,  when  I  was  at  Jerusa¬ 
 lem,  the  chief  priests  and  the  elders  of  the 
 Jews  informed  me,  desiring  to  have  judgment 
 against  him. 
 
 16  To  whom  I  answered.  It  is  not  the 
 manner  of  the  Bomans  to  deliver  any  man 
 to  die,  before  that  he  which  is  accused  have 
 the  accusers  face  to  face,  and  have  licence 
 to  answer  for  himself  concerning  the  crime 
 laid  against  him. 
 
 17  "Therefore,  when  they  were  come  hi¬ 
 ther,  without  any  delay,  on  the  morrow  I 
 sat  on  the  judgment-seat,  and  commanded 
 the  man  to  be  brought  forth : 
 
 18  Against  whom,  when  the  accusers 
 stood  up,  they  brought  none  accusation  of 
 such  things  as  I  supposed  : 
 
 19  But  had  certain  (questions  against  him 
 of  their  own  superstition,  and  of  one  Jesus 
 which  was  dead,  whom  Paul  affirmed  to  be 
 alive. 
 
 unless  I  lead  a  new  course  of  life.  We  do  not  find  that  Drusilla 
 trembled,  though  she  was  equally  guilty  ;  for  she  was  a  Jewess, 
 and  depended  upon  the  ceremonial  law  which  she  adhered  to  the 
 observince  of,  to  justify  her.  But  helix,  for  the  present,  could 
 fasten  upon  nothing  to  pacify  his  conscience,  and  therefoie  trem 
 
 bled 
 
 CHAP.  XXV.  1—12.  Festus  was  willing  to  do  the  Jews  a  plea¬ 
 sure,  inclined  to  gratify  the  prosecutors  rather  than  the  prisoner 
 as  far  as  he  could  go  with  safety  against  one  that  was  a,  citizen  of 
 Home,  and  therefore  asked  him  whether  he  would  be  willing  to  go 
 up  to  Jerusalem,  and  clear  himself  there  where  he  had  been  ac¬ 
 cused  and  where  he  mi«ht  have  witnesses  ready  to  vouch  for 
 ’  5(S6 
 
 him,  and  confirm  what  he  said.  He  would  not  offer  to  turn  him 
 over  to  the  high  priest  and  the  sanhedrin,  as  the  Jews  would  have 
 had  him,  but,  wilt  thou  go  thither  and  be  judged  of  these  things 
 before  me?  The  president  if  he  had  pleased,  might  have  ordered 
 him  thither,  but  he  would  not  do  it  without  his  own  consent, 
 which  if  he  could  have  wheedled  him  to  give,  would  have  taken 
 oft' the’ odium  of  it.  In  sufi'ering  times  the  prudence  of  the  Lord  s 
 neoplc  is  tried  as  well  as  their  patience ;  being  sent  forth,  theie- 
 
 fore,  as  sheep  in  the  midst  of  wolves,  they  have  need  be  as  wise 
 
 serpems.  ^  We  have  here  the  preparation  that  was  made  for  am 
 other  hearing  of  Paul  before  king  Agrippa,  not  in  order  to  his  giv- 
 
CHAP.  XXVI. 
 
 20  And,  because  I  doubted  of  such  man¬ 
 ner  of  questions,  I  asked  him  whether  he 
 would  go  to  Jerusalem,  and  there  be  judged 
 of  these  matters. 
 
 21  But  when  Paul  had  appealed  to  be 
 reserved  unto  the  hearing  ot  Augustus,  I 
 commanded  him  to  be  kept  till  I  must  send 
 him  to  Cesar. 
 
 22  Then  Agrippa  said  unto  Festus,  I 
 would  also  hear  themanmyself.  To-morrow, 
 said  he,  thou  shalt  hear  him. 
 
 23  f  And,  on  the  morrow,  when  Agrippa 
 was  come,  and  Bernice,  with  great  pomp, 
 and  was  entered  into  the  place  of  hearing, 
 with  the  chief  captains  and  principal  men 
 of  the  city,  at  Festus"  commandment  Paul 
 was  brought  forth. 
 
 24  And  Festus  said.  King  Agrippa,  and 
 all  men  which  are  here  present  with  us,  ye 
 see  this  man,  about  whom  all  the  multitude 
 of  the  Jews  have  dealt  with  me,  both  at  Je¬ 
 rusalem,  and  also  here,  crying  that  he  ought 
 not  to  live  any  longer. 
 
 25  But  when  I  found  that  he  had  com¬ 
 mitted  nothing  worthy  of  death,  and  that 
 he  himself  hath  appealed  to  Augustus,  I 
 have  determined  to  send  him. 
 
 26  Of  whom  I  have  no  certain  thing  to 
 write  unto  my  lord.  Wherefore  I  have 
 brought  him  forth  before  you,  and  spe¬ 
 cially  before  thee,  O  king  Agrippa,  that, 
 after  examination  had,  I  might  have  some¬ 
 what  to  write.  • 
 
 27  For  it  seemeth  to  me  unreasonable  to 
 send  a  prisoner  and  not  withal  to  signify  the 
 crimes  laid  against  him. 
 
 CHAP.  XXVI. 
 
 Paul’s  address  to  king  Agrippa. 
 
 Then  Agrippa  said  unto  Paul,  Thou 
 art  permitted  to  speak  for  thyself.  Then 
 
 Paul  stretched  forth  the  hand,  and  answered 
 for  himself : 
 
 2  I  think  myself  happy,  king  Agrippa, 
 because  I  shall  answer  for  myself  this  day 
 before  thee,  touching  all  the  things  whereof 
 I  am  accused  of  the  Jews  ; 
 
 3  Especially  because  I  know  thee  to  be 
 expert  in  all  customs  and  questions  which 
 are  among  the  Jews  ;  wherefore  I  beseech 
 thee  to  hear  me  patiently. 
 
 4  My  manner  of  life  from  my  youth, 
 which  was  at  the  first  among  mine  own  na¬ 
 tion  at  Jerusalem,  know  all  the  Jews  ; 
 
 5  Which  knew  me  from  the  beginning, 
 (if  they  would  testify,)  that  after  the  most 
 straitest  sect  of  our  religion  I  lived  a  Pha¬ 
 risee. 
 
 6  And  now  I  stand  and  am  judged  for 
 the  hope  of  the  promise  made  of  God  unto 
 our  fathers  : 
 
 7  Unto  which  promise  our  twelve  tribes, 
 instantly  serving  God  day  and  night,  hope 
 to  come  ;  for  which  hope"s  sake,  king  Agrip¬ 
 pa,  I  am  accused  of  the  Jews. 
 
 8  Why  should  it  be  thought  a  thing  in¬ 
 credible  with  you  that  God  should  raise  the 
 dead  ? 
 
 .9  I  verily  thought  with  myself,  that  I 
 ought  to  do  many  things  contrary  to  the 
 name  of  Jesus  of  Nazareth. 
 
 10  Which  thing  I  also  did  in  Jerusalem  : 
 and  many  of  the  saints  did  I  shut  up  in  pri¬ 
 son,  having  received  authority  from  the 
 chief  priests  ;  and  when  they  were  put  to 
 death  I  gave  my  voice  against  them. 
 
 11  And  I  punished  them  oft  in  every  sy¬ 
 nagogue,  and  compelled  them  to  blaspheme  ; 
 and,  being  exceedingly  mad  against  them, 
 I  persecuted  them  even  unto  strange  cities. 
 
 12  Whereupon,  as  I  went  to  Damascus 
 
 ingjudgment  upon  him,  but  in  older  to  his  giving  advice  concern¬ 
 ing  him,  or  rather  only  to  gratify  his  curiosity.  Christ  had  said 
 concerning  his  followers,  that  they  should  be  brought  before  go¬ 
 vernors  and  kings.  In  the  former  part  of  this  chapter  Paul  was 
 brought  before  Festus  the  governor,  here  before  Agrippa  the  king, 
 for  a  testimony  to  both. 
 
 CHAP.  XXVI.  1  — 11.  Paul  acknowledgeth,  that  while  he  con¬ 
 tinued  a  Pharisee  he  was  a  bitter  enemy  to  Christians  and  Christi¬ 
 anity,  and  thought  he  ought  to  be  so,  and  continued  so.  to  the 
 moment  that  Christ  wrought  that  wonderful  change  in  him.  This 
 he  mentions,  first.  To  shew  that  his  becoming  a  Christian  and  a 
 preacher  was  not  the  product  and  result  of  any  previous  dispo¬ 
 sition  or  inclination  that  way,  or  any  gradual  advance  of  thought 
 on  favour  of  the  Christian  doctrine;  he  did  not  reason  himself 
 
 Vol.  II.  y .  4  D 
 
 into  Christianity  by  a  chain  of  arguments,  but  was  brought  into 
 the  highest  degree  of  an  assurance  of.it,  immediately  from  the 
 highest  degree  of  prejudice  against  it :  by  which  it  appeared,  that 
 he  was  made  a  Christian  and  a  preacher  by  a  supernatural  power, 
 so  that  his  conversion  in  such  a  miraculous  way  w’as  not  only  tc> 
 himself,  but  to  others  also  a  convincing  proof  of  the  truth  of 
 Christianity.  Second,  Perhaps  he  designs  it  for  such  an  excuse 
 of  his  persecutors  as  Christ  made  for  his,  when  he  said.  They 
 know  not  what  they  do,  Paul  himself,  when  the  time  w  as,  thought 
 he  did  what  he  ought  to  do  w-hen  he  persecuted  the  disciples  of 
 Christ,  and  he  charitably  thinks  they  laboured  under  the  like 
 mistake, 
 
 12—23.  Paul  had  no  other  help  but  help  from  heaven,  and 
 supported  and  carried  on  bv  that  he  went  on  in  this  great  worK, 
 
 567 
 
ACTS. 
 
 with  authority  and  commission  from  the 
 chief  priests, 
 
 13  At  mid-day,  O  king,  I  saw  in  the  way 
 a  light  from  heaven,  above  the  brightness  of 
 the  sun,  shining  round  about  me,  and  them 
 which  journeyed  with  me. 
 
 14  And,  when  we  were  all  fallen  to  the 
 earth,  I  heard  a  voice  speaking  unto  me, 
 and  saying  in  the  Hebrew  tongue,  Saul, 
 Saul,  why  persecutest  thou  me  ?  It  is  hard 
 for  thee  to  kick  against  the  pricks. 
 
 15  And  I  said.  Who  art  thou.  Lord  ? 
 And  he  said,  I  am  Jesus,  whom  thou  perse¬ 
 cutest. 
 
 16  But  rise,  and  stand  upon  thy  feet :  for 
 I  have  appeared  unto  thee  for  this  purpose, 
 to  make  thee  a  minister  and  a  witness,  both 
 of  these  things  which  thou  hast  seen,  and 
 of  those  things  in  the  which  I  will  appear 
 unto  thee  ; 
 
 17  Delivering  thee  from  the  people,  and 
 from  the  Gentiles,  unto  whom  now  1  send 
 thee, 
 
 18  To  open  their  eyes,  and  to  turn  them 
 from  darkness  to  light,  and /rom  the  power 
 of  Satan  unto  God,  that  they  may  receive 
 forgiveness  of  sins,  and  inheritance  among 
 them  which  are  sanctified  by  faith  that  is  in 
 me. 
 
 19  Whereupon,  O  king  Agrippa,  I  was 
 not  disobedient  unto  the  heavenly  vision  : 
 
 20  But  shewed  first  unto  them  of  Da¬ 
 mascus,  and  at  Jerusalem,  and  throughout 
 all  the  coasts  of  Judea,  and  then  to  the 
 Gentiles,  that  they  should  repent,  and  turn 
 to  God,  and  do  works  meet  for  repentance. 
 
 21  For  these  causes  the  Jews  caught  me 
 in  the  temple,  and  went  about  to  kill  me. 
 
 22  Maxing,  therefore  obtained  help  from  God,  I  continue  unto 
 
 this  day,  I  liave  stood,  my  life  has  been  preserved,  and  my  work 
 continued.  I  have  stood  my  ground,  and  have  not  been  beaten 
 off'  I  have  stood  to  what  I  said,  and  have  not  been  afraid  or 
 ashamed  to  persist  in  it.  It  was  now  above  twenty  years  since 
 Paul  was  converted,  and  all  that  time  he  had  been  very  busy 
 preaching  the  gospel  in  the  midst  of  hazards,  and  what  was  it  that 
 bore  him”up,  not  any  strength  of  his  own  resolutions,  but  having 
 obtained  help  of  God  ;  for  therefore,  because  the  work  was  so 
 great,  and  he  had  so  much  opposition,  he  could  not  otherwise 
 have  cone  on  in  it,  but  by  help  ol^aincd  of  God.  Note,  Fhose 
 who  are  employed  in  work  for  God  shall  obtain  help  fioin 
 God  ;  for  he  will  not  be  wanting  in  necessary  assistances  to  his 
 servants  :  and  our  continuance  to  this  day  must  be  attributed  to 
 help  obtained  of  God.  We  had  sunk  if  he  had  not  borne  us  up. 
 had  fallen  otf  if  he  not  carried  us  on,  and  it  must  be  acknovv- 
 •  o6'S 
 
 22  Having,  thererore,  obtained  help  of 
 God,  I  continue  unto  this  day,  witnessing 
 both  to  small  and  great,  saying  none  other 
 things  than  those  which  the  prophets  and 
 Moses  did  say  should  come  ; 
 
 23  That  Christ  should  suffer,  and  that  he 
 should  be  the  first  that  should  rise  from  the 
 dead,  and  should  shew  light  unto  the  peo¬ 
 ple,  and  to  the  Gentiles. 
 
 24  %  And,  as  he  thus  spake  for  himself, 
 Festus  said  Avith  a  loud  voice,  Paul,  thou 
 art  beside  thyself ;  much  learning  doth  make 
 thee  mad. 
 
 25  But  he  said,  I  am  not  mad,  most  no¬ 
 ble  Festus  ;  but  speak  Ibrth  the  words  of 
 truth  and  soberness. 
 
 26  For  the  king  knoweth  of  these  things 
 before  Avhom  also  I  speak  freely  :  for  1  am 
 persuaded  that  none  of  these  things  are 
 hidden  from  him  :  for  this  thing  Avas  not 
 done  in  a  corner. 
 
 27  King  Agrippa,  believest  thou  the  pro¬ 
 phets  ?  I  knoAv  tliat  thou  believest. 
 
 28  Then  Agrippa  said  unto  Paul,  Almost 
 thou  persuadest  me  to  be  a  Christian. 
 
 29  And  Paul  said,  1  would  to  God,  that 
 not  only  thou,  but  also  all  that  hear  me 
 this  day,  Avere  both  almost  and  altogether 
 such  as  I  am,  except  these  bonds. 
 
 30  f  And,  Avhen  he  had  thus  spoken,  the 
 king  rose  up,  and  the  governor,  and  Beniice, 
 and  they  that  sat  Avith  them. 
 
 31  And,  Avhen  they  AA^ere  gone  aside,  they 
 talked  betAvxen  themselves,  saying.  This  man 
 doeth  nothing  Avorthy  of  death,  or  of  bonds. 
 
 32  Then  said  Agrippa  unto  Festus,  This 
 man  might  have  been  set  at  liberty,  if  he 
 had  not  appealed  unto  Cesar. 
 
 ledgccl  with  thankfulness  to  his  praise,  Paul  mentions  it  as  an 
 evidence  that  he  had  his  commission  from  God,  that  from  him  he 
 had  ability  to  execute  it.  The  preachers  of  the  gospel  could  never 
 have  done,  and  suftered,  and  prospered  as  they  did,  it  they  had 
 not  had  immediate  help  from  heaven,  which  they  would  not  have 
 had  if  it  had  not  been  the  cause  of  God  that  they  were  now  plead- 
 in2« 
 
 24 _ 32.  Though  Festus  gave  Paul  this  base  and  contemptuous 
 
 usage,  not  becoming  a  gentleman,  much  less  a  judge,  yet  Paul  is 
 so  farVrom  resenting  it,  and  being  provoked  by  it,  that  he  gives 
 him  all  possible  respect,  compliments  him  with  his  title  of  honoui, 
 most  noble  Festus,  to  teach  us  not  to  render  railing  for  railing,  uo*' 
 one  invidious  character  for  ancJther,  but  to  speak  civilly  to 
 who  speak  slightly  of  us.  It  becomes  us  upon  all  occasions 
 speak  the  words  of  truth  and  soberness,  and  then  we  may  despi 
 the  unjust  censures  of  men. 
 
CHAP.  XXVII. 
 
 '  CHAP.  XXVII. 
 
 Paul’s  voyage  towards  Rome. 
 
 And  when  it  was  determined  that  we 
 should  sail  into  Italy,  they  delivered 
 Paul,  and  certain  other  prisoners,  unto  owe 
 named  Julius,  a  centurion  of  Augustus' 
 band. 
 
 2  And,  entering  into  a  ship  of  Adramyt- 
 tium,  we  launched,  meaning  to  sail  by  the 
 coasts  of  Asia,  one  Aristarchus,  a  Mace¬ 
 donian  of  Thessalonica,  being  with  us. 
 
 3  And  the  next  day  we  touched  at  Sidon. 
 And  Julius  courteously  entreated  Paul,  and 
 gave  him.  liberty  to  go  unto  his  friends  to 
 refresh  himself. 
 
 4  And  when  we  had  launched  from  thence 
 we  sailed  under  Cyprus,  because  the  winds 
 were  contrary. 
 
 5  And  when  we  had  sailed  over  the  sea  of 
 Cilicia  and  Pamphylia,  we  came  to  Myra, 
 a  city  of  Lycia  : 
 
 than  those  things  which  were  spoken  by 
 Paul. 
 
 12  ^  And,  because  the  haven  was  not 
 commodious  to  winter  in,  the  more  part  ad¬ 
 vised  to  depart  thence  also,  if  by  any  means 
 they  might  attain  to  Phenice,  and  there  to 
 winter  ;  which  is  an  haven  of  Crete,  and  lieth 
 toward  the  south-west  and  north-west. 
 
 13  And  when  the  south  wind  blew  softly, 
 supposing  that  they  had  obtained  their  pur¬ 
 pose,  loosing  thence,  they  sailed  close  by 
 Crete  • 
 
 14  But  not  long  after  there  arose  against 
 it  a  tempestuous  wind,  called  Euroclydon. 
 
 15  And  when  the  ship  was  caught,  and 
 could  not  bear  up  into  the  wind,  we  let 
 
 her  drive.  .  •  i 
 
 16  And  running  under  a  certain  island, 
 
 which  is  called  Clauda,  we  had  much  work 
 to  come  by  the  boat : 
 
 17  Which,  when  they  had  taken  up,  they 
 
 eVnd  the  centurion  found  a  ship  used  helps,  undergirdin^  the  ship ;  and,  fear- 
 
 .  .r  1  .  .1*  Tx_1 . loef  tbpV  should  full  lUtO  tllC  nUlCkSaUdS, 
 
 of  Alexandria  sailing  into  Italy  :  and  he  put 
 us  therein. 
 
 7  And  when  Ave  had  sailed  slowly  many 
 days,  and  scarce  were  come  over  against 
 Cnidus,  the  wind  not  suffering  us,  Ave  sailed 
 under  Crete,  over  against  Salmone  ; 
 
 8  And,*  hardly  passing  it,  came  unto  a 
 place  AA'hich  is  called  the  Fair  HaA^ens, 
 nigh  Avhere  unto  Avas  the  city  of  Lasea. 
 
 ing  lest  they  should  fall  into  the  quicksands, 
 strake  sail,  and  so  Avere  drivpi. 
 
 18  And  Ave,  being  exceedingly  tossed  AAuth 
 a  tempest,  the  next  day  they  lightened  the 
 ship  ; 
 
 19  And  the  third  day  Ave  cast  out  Avith 
 our  OAvn  hands  the  tackling  of  the  ship. 
 
 20  And  Avhen  neither  sun  nor  stars  in 
 many  days  appeared,  and  no  small  tempest 
 
 U1  WllCIC  UlitU  »  evo  J  a-*- - J - J  11  '  1111  1 
 
 9  ^  Noav,  Avhen  much  time  Avas  spent,  I  lay  on  ns,  all  hope  that  Ave  should  be  saved 
 
 and  Avhen  sailing  Avas  noAv  dangerous,  be¬ 
 cause  the  fast  Avas  now  already*  past,  Paul 
 admonished  them, 
 
 10  And  said  unto  them.  Sirs,  I  perceive 
 that  this  voyage  Avill  be  Avith  hurt  and  much 
 damage,  not  only  of  the  lading  and  ship, 
 but  also  of  our  lives. 
 
 11  Nevertheless  the  centurion  believed 
 the  master  and  the  OAvner  of  the  ship  more 
 
 Asrippit  owns  there  was  a  great  deal  of  reason  in  what  laul 
 said,  28,  Almost  thou  persuadest  me  to  be  a  Christian.  Many 
 are  almost  persuaded  to  be  religious  that  are  not  quite  persuaded  ; 
 they  are  under  strong  convictions  of  their  duty,  and  of  the  excel- 
 iency  of  tlie  wavs  of  God,  but  yet  are  over-ruled  by  some  exter¬ 
 nal  inducements',  and  do  not  pursue  their  convictions. 
 
 CHAP.  XXVIl.  1 — 11.  A  Joseph,  a  Paul,  are  not  to  be  used 
 as  common  prisoners:  God  herein  encourageth  those  that  suffer 
 for  him  to  trust  in  him,  for  he  can  put  it  into  the  hearts  of  those 
 to  befriend  them  from  whom  they  least  expect  it  ;  can  make  them 
 to  be  pitied,  nay,  can  make  them  to  be  prized  and  valued  even  in 
 the  eyes  of  those  that  carry  them  captive,  Psal.  cvi.  40’.  And  it  is 
 
 was  then  taken  away. 
 
 21  f  But,  after  long  abstinence,  Paul 
 stood  forth  in  the  midst  of ’them,  and  said. 
 Sirs,  ye  should  have  hearkened  unto  me,  and 
 not  haA^e  loosed  from  Crete,  and  to  have 
 gained  this  harm  and  loss. 
 
 22  And  now,  I  exhort  you  to  be  of  good 
 cheer  ;  for  there  shall  be  no  loss  of  ajiy  man  s 
 life  among  you,  but  ot  the  ship. 
 
 likewise  an  instance  of  Paul  s  fidelity,  that  when  the  centurion  was 
 so  civil  as  to  give  him  his  liberty,  he  did  not  go  about  to  make 
 his  escape,  which  he  might  have  easily  done.  ’1  he  centurion  was 
 very  civil  to  Paul,  3,  and  yet  would  not  be  governed  by  his  ad. 
 vice.  Many  will  shew  respect  to  good  ministers  that  will  not  tak., 
 their  advice,  Ezek.  xxxiii.  31-  r  ■ 
 
 12 _ 20.  Why  did  not  Paul,  by  the  power  of  Christ,  and  in  his 
 
 name,  lay  this  storm  ?  AVhy  did  he  not  sav  to  the  winds  and  waves. 
 Peace,  be  still  as  his  Master  had  done  ?  Surely  it  was  because  the 
 apostles  wrought  miracles  for  the  confirmation  of  their  doctrine, 
 not  for  the  serving  of  a  turn  for  themselves  or  their  friends. 
 
 21 — 44  Kow  observe  here  the  solemn  profession  Paul  makt-s 
 
 569 
 
ACTS. 
 
 23  For  there  stood  by  me  this  night  the 
 angel  of  God,  whose  I  am,  and  whom  I 
 serve, 
 
 24  Saying,  Fear  not,  Paul  ;  thou  must 
 be  brought  before  Cesar  :  and,  lo,  God 
 hath  given  thee  all  them  that  sail  with 
 thee. 
 
 25  Wherefore,  Sirs,  be  of  good  cheer  ; 
 for  I  believe  God,  that  it  shall  be  even  as 
 it  was  told  me. 
 
 26  Howbeit  we  must  be  cast  upon  a  cer¬ 
 tain  island. 
 
 27  But  when  the  fourteenth  night  was 
 come,  as  we  were  driven  up  and  down  in 
 Adria,  about  midnight  the  shipmen  deemed 
 that  they  drew  near  to  some  country  ; 
 
 28  And  sounded,  and  found  it  twenty 
 fathoms :  and  when  they  had  gone  a  little 
 further  they  sounded  again,  and  found  it 
 fifteen  fathoms. 
 
 29  Then,  fearing  lest  we  should  have 
 fallen  upon  rocks,  they  cast  four  anchors 
 out  of  the  stern,  and  wished  for  the  day. 
 
 30  And  as  the  shipmen  were  about  to 
 flee  out  of  the  ship,  when  they  had  let  down 
 the  boat  into  the  sea,  under  colour  as  though 
 they  Avould  have  cast  anchors  out  of  the 
 foreship, 
 
 31  Paul  said  to  the  centurion,  and  to  the 
 soldiers.  Except  these  abide  in  the  ship  ye 
 cannot  be  saved. 
 
 32  Then  the  soldiers  cut  off  the  ropes  of 
 the  boat,  and  let  her  fall  off. 
 
 33  And,  while  the  day  was  coming  on, 
 Paul  besought  them  all  to  take  meat,  saying, 
 This  day  is  the  fourteenth  day  that  ye  have 
 tarried,  and  continued  fasting,  having  taken 
 nothing. 
 
 34  Wherefore  I  pray  you  to  take  some 
 
 of  relation  to  God,  the  God  from  whom  he  had  this  favourable 
 intelligence  ;  it  is  he,  whose  I  am,  and  whom  I  serve.  He  looks 
 unto  God,  first.  As  his  rightful  owner,  that  has  a  sovereign  un- 
 contestible  title  to  him,  and  dominion  over  him,  whose  I  am.  Be¬ 
 cause  God  made  us,  and  not  we  ourselves,  therefore  we  are  not 
 our  own  but  his.  His  we  are  by  creation,  for  he  made  us,  by  pre¬ 
 servation,  for  he  maintains  us  ;  by  redemption  for  he  bought  us. 
 We  are  more  his  than  our  own.  Second,  As  his  sovereign  ruler 
 and  Master;  that  having  given  him  being,  has  a  right  to  give  him 
 law  ;  whom  I  serve.  Now  this  he  tells  the  company,  that  seeing 
 their  relief  coming  from  his  God,  whose  he  was,  and  whom  he 
 served,  they  might  thereby  be  drawn  in  to  take  him  for  their  God, 
 and  to  serve  him  likewise  ;  for  the  same  reason  Jonah  said  to  his 
 mariners,  I  fear  the  Lord,  the  God  of  heaven,  which  has  made  the 
 sea  and  the  dry  land,  Jonah  i.  9. 
 
 570 
 
 meat ;  for  this  is  for  your  health  :  for  there 
 shall  not  an  hair  fall  from  the  head  of  any 
 of  you. 
 
 35  And  when  he  had  thus  spoken,  he  took 
 bread,  and  gave  thanks  to  God  in  presence 
 of  them  all ;  and,  when  he  had  broken  it, 
 he  began  to  eat. 
 
 36  Then  were  they  all  of  good  cheer,  and 
 they  also  took  some  meat. 
 
 37  And  we  were  in  all  in  the  ship  two 
 hundred  threescore  and  sixteen  souls. 
 
 38  And  when  they  had  eaten  enough  they 
 lightened  the  ship,  and  cast  out  the  wheat 
 into  the  sea. 
 
 39  And  when  it  was  day  they  knew  not 
 the  land  :  but  they  discovered  a  certain 
 creek  with  a  shore,  into  the  which  they  were 
 minded,  if  it  were  possible,  to  thrust  in  the 
 ship. 
 
 io  And  when  they  had  taken  up  the  an¬ 
 chors,  they  committed  themselves  unto  the 
 sea,  and  loosed  the  rudder-bands,  and  hoist¬ 
 ed  up  the  main-sail  to  the  wind,  and  made 
 toward  shore. 
 
 41  And,  falling  into  a  place  where  two 
 seas  met,  they  ran  the  ship  aground  :  and 
 the  fore-part  stuck  fast,  and  remained  im¬ 
 moveable,  but  the  hinder-part  was  broken 
 with  the  violence  of  the  waves. 
 
 42  And  the  soldiers’  counsel  was  to  kill 
 the  prisoners,  lest  any  of  them  should  swim 
 out  and  escape. 
 
 43  But  the  centurion,  willing  to  save 
 Paul,  kept  them  from  their  purpose,  and 
 commanded  that  they  which  could  swim 
 should  cast  themselves  first  into  the  sea,  and 
 get  to  land  : 
 
 44  And  the  rest,  some  on  boards,  and 
 some  on  broken  pieces  of  the  ship  :  and  so  it 
 
 See  here  an  instance  of  the  special  providence  of  God  in  'he 
 preservation  of  peoples’  lives,  and  particularly  in  the  deliverance 
 of  many  from  perils  by  waters,  ready  to  sink,  and  yet  kept  from 
 sinking,  the  deep  from  swallowing  them  up,  and  the  water-floods 
 from  overflowing  them  :  the  storm  turned  into  a  calm,  they 
 rescued  from  the  dreaded  sea,  and  brought  to  the  desired  haven  ; 
 O  that  men  would  praise  the  Lord  for  his  goodness,  Psal.  cyii.  30, 
 31.  Here  was  an  instance  of  the  performance  of  a  particular 
 word  of  promise  which  God  gave,  that  all  the  persons  in  this  ship 
 should  be  saved  for  Paul’s  sake.  Though  there  rnay  be  great  dif¬ 
 ficulty  in  the  way  of  the  promised  salvation,  yet  it  shall  without 
 ail  be  accomplished  ;  and  even  the  wreck  of  the  ship  may  furnish 
 oat  means  for  the  saving  of  the  lives,  and  when  all  seems  to  be 
 gone,  all  proves  to  be  safe,  though  it  be  on  boards  and  broken  pieces 
 
CHAP.  XXVII. 
 
 came  to  pass,  that  they  escaped  all  safe  to 
 land. 
 
 CHAP.  XXVIII. 
 
 I.  Paul  a  shipwrecked  passenger  at  Mehta,  1—10.  II.  A  prisoner 
 
 at  Rome.  1 1 — 31. 
 
 ND  when  they  were  escaped,  then  they 
 knew  that  the  island  was  called  Me- 
 
 A 
 
 2  And  the  barbarous  people  shewed  us 
 no  little  kindness  ;  for  they  kindled  ^ 
 and  received  us  every  one,  because  ot  the 
 present  rain,  and  because  of  the  cold. 
 
 3  ^  And  when  Paul  had  gathered  a  bun¬ 
 dle  of  sticks,  and  laid  them  on  the  fire,  there 
 came  a  viper  out  of  the  heat,  and  fastened 
 on  his  hand. 
 
 4  And  when  the  barbarians  saw  the  venom¬ 
 ous  beast  hang  on  his  hand,  they  said  among 
 themselves.  No  doubt  this  man  is  a  mur¬ 
 derer,  whom,  though  he  hath  escaped  the 
 sea,  yet  vengeance  suffereth  not  to  live. 
 
 5  And  he  shook  off  the  beast  into  the  fire, 
 
 and  felt  no  harm. 
 
 6  Howbeit  they  looked  when  he  should 
 have  swollen,  or  fallen  down  dead  suddenly  . 
 but  after  they  had  looked  a  great  while,  and 
 saw  no  harm  come  to  him,  they  changed 
 their  minds,  and  said  that  he  was  a  god. 
 
 7  f  In  the  same  quarters  were  posses- j 
 sions  of  the  chief  man  of  the  island,  whose 
 name  was  Publius  ;  who  received  us,  and 
 lodged  us  three  days  courteously. 
 
 8  And  it  came  to  pass,  that  the  father  ofj 
 
 CHAP.  XXVIII.  1—10.  What  a  great  variety  of  places  and 
 circumstances  do  we  find  Paul  in !  He  was  a  planq,  and  not  a 
 fixed  star.  Here  we  have  him  in  an  island  to  which  in  all  proba¬ 
 bility  he  had  never  come  if  he  had  not  been  thrown  upon  it  bj  a 
 storm;  and  yet  it  seems  God  has  work  for  him  to  do  here.  Even 
 stormy  winds  fulfil  God’s  counsel,  and  an  ill  wind  it  is  indeed  that 
 blows  nobody  any  good.  This  ill  wind  blew  good  to  the  island  ot 
 Melita,  for  it  gave  them  Paul’s  company  for  three  months,  who 
 
 w'as  a  blessing  to  every  place  he  came  to.  ,  .  ,  r  ■ 
 
 Here  we  have  the  kind  reception  which  the  inhabitants  oi  this 
 island  gave  to  the  distressed  strangers  that  were  shipwrecked  on 
 their  coast.  So  far  were  they  from  making  a  prey  of  this  s^hip- 
 wreck  as  many  I  fear  who  are  called  Christian  people  would  have 
 done  that  they  laid  hold  on  it  as  an  opportunity  of  shewing  rnercy. 
 The  Samaritan  is  a  better  neighbour  to  the  poor  wounded  man 
 than  the  priest  or  Levite ;  and  verily  we  have  not  found  greater 
 humanitv  among  Greeks,  or  Homans,  or  Christians,  tnan  among 
 those  baVbarous  people;  and  it  is  written  for  our  imitation,  that 
 we  may  hence  learn  to  be  compassionate  to  those  that  are  in  dis¬ 
 tress  and  misery,  and  to  relieve  and  succour  them  to  the  utmost 
 of  our  ability  ;  a’s  those  that  know  we  ourselves  also  arc  in  the 
 body,  we  should  be  ready  to  entertainf  strangers,  as  Abraham, 
 who  sat  at  his  tent-door  to  invite  passengers  in,  Heb.  xiii.  2  ;  hut 
 esjiecially  strangers  in  distress  as  these  were  :  honour  all  men. 
 Iforovidence  hath  so  appointed  the  bounds  of  our  habitation  as 
 
 Publius  lay  sick  ot  a  fever  and  ot  a  bloody 
 flux  :  to  whom  Paul  entered  in,  and  prayed, 
 and  laid  his  hands  on  him,  and  healed  him. 
 
 9  So  when  this  was  done,  others  also, 
 which  had  diseases  in  the  island,  came  and 
 were  healed : 
 
 10  Who  also  honoured  us  with  many  ho¬ 
 nours  ;  and,  when  we  departed,  they  laded 
 us  with  such  things  as  were  necessary. 
 
 11  And  after  three  months  we  departed 
 in  a  ship  of  Alexandria,  which  had  wintered 
 in  the  isle,  whose  sign  was  Castor  and  Pol¬ 
 lux. 
 
 12  And  landing  at  Syracuse,  we  tarried 
 there  three  days. 
 
 13  And  from  thence  we  fetched  a  com¬ 
 pass,  and  came  to  Rhegium  :  and  after  one 
 day  the  south  wind  blew,  and  we  came  the 
 next  day  to  Puteoli ; 
 
 14  Where  we  found  brethren,  and  were 
 desired  to  tarry  with  them  seven  days  ;  and 
 so  we  went  toward  Rome. 
 
 15  And  from  thence,  when  the  brethren 
 heard  of  us,  they  came  to  meet  us  as  far  as 
 Appii  Porum  and  The  Three  Taverns  ;  whom, 
 when  Paul  saw,  he  thanked  God,  and  took 
 
 [courage. 
 
 16  And,  when,  we  came  to  Rome,  the 
 centurion  delivered  the  prisoners  to  the  cap¬ 
 tain  of  the  guard  ;  but  Paul  was  suffered  to 
 dwell  by  himself  with  a  soldier  that  kept 
 him. 
 
 17  ^  And  it  came  to  pass,  that,  after 
 
 to  give  us  an  opportunity  of  being  frequently  serviceable  to  persons 
 at  a  loss,  we  should  not  place  it  among  the  inconveniencies  of  our 
 lot,  but  the  advantages  of  it,  because  it  is  more  blessed  to  give  than 
 to  receive ;  who  knows  but  these  barbarous  people  had  their  lot 
 cast  in  this  island  for  such  a  time  as  this. 
 
 It  doth  not  appear  that  the  viper’s  fastening  on  Paul’s  hand  put 
 him  into  any  fright  or  confusion  at  all  ;  he  did  not  shriek  or  start, 
 nor,  as  it  would  be  natural  for  us  to  do,  throw  it  off  with  terror 
 and  precipitation,  for  he  suffered  it  to  hang  on  so  long,  as  that 
 the  people  had  time  to  take  notice  of  it,  and  to  make  their  re¬ 
 marks  upon  it.  Such  a  wonderful  presence  of  mind  he  had,  and 
 such  a  composure,  as  no  man  could  have  had  upon  such  a  sudden 
 accident,  but  by  the  special  aids  of  divine  grace,  and  the  actual 
 belief  and  consideration  of  that  word  of  Christ  concerning  his  dis¬ 
 ciples,  Mark  xvi.  18,  They  shall  take  up  serpents.  Thus  it  is  to 
 have  the  heart  fixed,  trusting  in  God. 
 
 11  —  16'.  This  may  encourage  God’s  prisoners,  that  he  can  give 
 them  favour  in  the  eyes  of  those  that  carry  them  captives.  Psalm 
 cvi.  46',  as  Joseph  in  the  eyes  of  his  keeper,  Gen.  xxxix.  21,  and 
 Jehoiachin  in  the  eyes  of  the  king  of  Babylon,  2  Kings  xxv.  27, 
 28.  When  God  doth  not  deliver  his  people  presently  out  of  bond¬ 
 age,  yet  if  he  either  makes  it  easy  to  them,  or  them  easy  under  it, 
 they  have  reason  to  be  thankful. 
 
 17 — 22.  It  is,  and  always  has  been  the  lot  of  Christ’s  holy  reli¬ 
 gion,  to  be  evera'  where  spoken  against. 
 
ACTS 
 
 three  days;  Paul  called  the  chief  of  the  Jews 
 together .  and,  when  they  were  come  to¬ 
 gether,  he  said  unto  them.  Men  and  bre- 
 thren,  though  I  have  committed  nothin «• 
 against  the  people  or  customs  of  our  father^ 
 yet  was  I  delivered  prisoner  from  Jerusalem 
 into  the  hands  of  the  Romans. 
 
 when  they  had  examined  me, 
 would  have  let  me  go,  because  there  was  no 
 "ause  of  death  in  me. 
 
 19  Rut  when  the  Jews  spake  against  it 
 1  was  constrained  to  appeal  unto  Cesar; 
 
 not  that  I  had  ought  to  accuse  my  nation 
 of. 
 
 20  For  this  cause,  therefore,  have  I  called 
 tor  you,  to  see  ijou,  and  to  speak  with  you  • 
 because  that  for  the  hope  of  Israel  I  am 
 bound  with  this  chain. 
 
 ^I  And  they  said  unto  him.  We  neither 
 received  letters  out  of  Judea  concernino’ 
 thee,  neither  any  of  the  brethren  that  came 
 shewed  or  spake  any  harm  of  thee. 
 
 22  But  we  desire  to  hear  of  thee  what 
 thou  thinkest :  for  as  concerning  this  sect, 
 we  know  that  every  where  it  is  spoken 
 against. 
 
 23  f  And,  when  they  had  appointed  him 
 a  day,  there  came  many  to  him  into  his 
 lodging :  to  whom  he  expounded  and  tes¬ 
 tified  the  kingdom  of  God,  persuading  them 
 concerning  Jesus,  both  out  of  the  faw  of 
 
 •  argue,  and  to  be  ashamed 
 
 into  the  belief  of  the  gospel  by  the  welcome  it  met  with  among  the 
 Gentiks  ;  and  if  it  had  not  that  effect  upon  them,  it  would  agor  i- 
 vate  their  condemnation  as  it  did  that  of  the  scribes  and  Pharisees 
 that  when  they  saw  the  publicans  and  harlots  submit  to  John’s 
 baptism,  they  did  not  afterwards  thereupon  repent  of  their  follv 
 that  they  might  believe  him.  Matt.  xxi.  32. 
 
 30,  31.  During  these  two  years  imprisonment  he  wrote  his  epis¬ 
 tle  to  the  Galatians,  then  his  second  epistle  to  I'imothy  then 
 those  to  the  Ephesians,  Philippians,  Colossians,  and  to  Philemon 
 in  which  he  mentions  several  things,  particularlv  concerning  his 
 imprisonment;  and  lastly  his  epistle  to  the  Hebrews  just  after  he 
 was  set  at  liberty,  as  Timothy  also  was,  who,  coming  to  visit  him 
 was  upon  some  account  or  other  made  his  fellow-prisoner-  (with 
 him  writes  1  aul  to  the  Hebrews,  xiii.  23,)  if  he  come  shortl.v  I 
 will  see  you.  But  how  or  by  what  means  he  obtained  his  libertv 
 we  are  not  told,  only  that  two  years  he  was  a  prisoner.  Tradition 
 saith,  that  after  his  discharge  he  went  from  Italy  to  Spain,  thence 
 
 inj  dll  eTenS 
 
 24  And  some  believed  the  thino-«  ,  u-  i 
 were  spoken,  and  some  believed  not. 
 
 2o  And  when  they  agreed  nnt  orw 
 themselves  they  departed*  after  that  Paul 
 had  spoken  one  word.  Well  spake  the  HoW 
 
 ^  ^  prophet  unto  our  fathers^ 
 
 26  Saying  Go  unto  this  people,  and  sav 
 Hearing  ye  shal  hear,  and  shall  not  under’ 
 
 stand  ;  and  seeing  ye  shall  see,  and  not 
 perceive:  , 
 
 27  For  the  heart  of  this  people  is  waxed 
 gross,  and  their  ears  are  dull  of  hearing,  and 
 their  eyes  have  they  closed  ;  lest  they  should 
 see  with  then-  eyes,  ami  hear  with  tL-  ears 
 and  understand  with  their  heart,  and  should’ 
 be  converted,  and  I  should  heal  them. 
 
 2b  Ue  It  known,  therefore,  unto  you,  that 
 -he  salvation  of  God  is  sent  unto  the  Gen 
 Ules,  and  that  they  will  hear  it. 
 
 29  And  wlien  he  had  said  these  words  tlie 
 yws  departed,  and  had  great  reasoning 
 among  themselves.  ® 
 
 .  30  f  And  Paul  divelt  two  whole  years 
 m  his  own  hired  house,  and  received  all 
 that  came  in  unto  him. 
 
 31  Preaching  the  kingdom  of  God,  and 
 teaching  those  things  wliich  concern  the 
 Lord  Jesus  Christ,  with  all  confidence,  no 
 man  forbiddiiifr  him. 
 
 1”  S'rih"’ch„“  dies'  Vigils  'tlit 
 
 Home,  and  there  was  beheaded  in  the  last  vear  of Bm  Ba^ 
 
 11, arty,, lorn  ;  tut  it  is  s.i.l  by  ,1,1,  „  1,'; 
 
 began  to  plav  the  tyrant,  set  himself  aff  iiiwt  tl.o  n 
 persecuted  them,  (a^d  he  was  thrirL'S'llSlXcmc 
 a  law  agamst  them,  as  'lertulban  saith,  Apol.  cJp.  v.)  t  ch  ‘r  i 
 at  Rome  was  much  weakened  bv  that  rerserminn .  !i 
 brought  Paul  the  second  time  to  Rome,  to  re-establish  the  chu  ch 
 here,  and  to  com  ort  the  souls  of  the  disciples  that  were  leff  •  and 
 so  he  fell  a  second  time  into  Nero’s  hand.  And  Chrysostom  Te- 
 ates,  that  a  young  woman  that  was  one  of  Nero’s'  mistresses 
 
THE  EPISILE  OF  PAUL  TO  THE 
 
 R  O  M  A  IV  S. 
 
 The  whole  scripture  is  indeed  an  epistle  from  heaven  to  earth  :  but  in  it  we  have  upon  record  several  particular  ep  sties,  tnore  of  St. 
 Pa^il  S  of  ;  for  he  was  the  chief  of  the  apostles,  and  laboured  more  abundantly  than  they  all.  Fourteen  of  his  epistles 
 
 we  have  in  the  lanon  of  scripture.  This  epistle  to  the  Romans  is  placed  first,  not  beca-use  of  the  priority  of  its  date,  but  because  of 
 tl.e  superlative  place  to  which  it  is  written.  Chrysostom  would  have  this  epistle  read  over  to  him  twice  a  week. 
 
 CHAP.  L 
 
 I.  The  preface,  1— 16.  II.  A  description  of  the  deplorable  con¬ 
 dition  of  the  Gentile  world,  17. 
 
 PAUL,  a  servant  of  Jesus  Christ,  called 
 to  be  an  apostle,  separated  unto  the  gos¬ 
 pel  of  God, 
 
 2  (Which  he  had  promised  afore  by  his 
 prophets  in  the  holy  scriptures,) 
 
 3  Concerning  his  Son  Jesus  Christ  our 
 Lord,  which  was  made  of  the  seed  of  David 
 according  to  the  tlesh. 
 
 4  And  declared  to  be  the  Son  of  God  with 
 poAver,  according  to  the  Spirit  of  holiness, 
 by  the  resurrection  from  the  dead  ; 
 
 5  By  whom  we  have  received  grace  and 
 apostleship,  for  obedience  to  the  faith  among 
 all  nations  for  his  name  ; 
 
 6  Among  whom  are  ye  also  the  called  of 
 Jesus  Christ : 
 
 7  To  all  that  be  in  Rome,  beloved  of  God, 
 called  to  be  saints  ;  Grace  to  you,  and  peace, 
 from  God  our  Father,  and  the  Lord  Jesus 
 Christ. 
 
 8  First,  I  thank  my  God  through  Jesus 
 Christ  for  you  all,  that  your  faith  is  spoken 
 of  throughout  the  whole  world. 
 
 CHAP.  1.  1 — 7.  Observe  when  Paul  mentions  Christ,  how  he 
 heaps  up  his  names  and  titles,  his  Son  .lesus  Christ  our  Lord,  as 
 one  that  took  a  plcasureun  speaking  of  him  ;  and  having  mentioned 
 him,  he  cannot  go  on  iirhis  discourse  without  some  expression  of 
 iove  and  honour,  as  here,  where  in  one  part  he  shews  us  his  two 
 distinct  natures. 
 
 8 — 15.  We  must  express  our  love  lo  our  friends,  not  only  by 
 praying  for  them,  but  by  praising  God  for  them.  God  must  have 
 the  glory  of  all  the  comfort  we  have  in  our  friends  ;  for  every  crea¬ 
 ture  is  that  to  us,  and  no  more  than  God  makes  it  to  be.  Many 
 of  these  Romans  Paul  had  no  personal  acquaintance  with,  and  yet 
 
 9  For  God  is  my  wdtness,  whom  I  serve 
 with  my  spirit  in  the  Gospel  of  his  Son,  that 
 without  ceasing  I  make  mention  of  you  al¬ 
 ways  in  my  prayers  ; 
 
 10  Making  request,  if  by  any  means  now 
 at  length  I  might  have  a  prosperous  journey 
 by  the  will  of  God  to  come  unto  you. 
 
 11  For  I  long  to  see  you,  that  I  may  im¬ 
 part  unto  you  some  spiritual  gift,  to  the  end 
 ye  may  be  established  ; 
 
 12  That  is,  that  I  may  be  comforted  to>- 
 gether  with  you^  by  the  mutual  faith  both 
 of  you  and  me. 
 
 13  Now,  I  would  not  have  you  ignorant, 
 brethren,  that  oftentimes  I  purposed  to  come 
 unto  you,  (but  was  let  hitherto,)  that  I  might 
 have  some  fruit  among  you  also,  even  as 
 among  other  Gentiles. 
 
 14  I  am  debtor  both  to  the  Greeks  and 
 to  the  Barbarians,  both  to  the  wise  and  to 
 the  unwise. 
 
 15  So,  as  much  as  in  me  is,  I  am  ready 
 to  preach  the  Gospel  to  you  that  are  at  Rome 
 also. 
 
 16  For  I  am  not  ashamed  of  the  gospel  of 
 Christ ;  for  it  is  the  power  of  God  unto  sal- 
 
 he  could  heartily  rejoice  in  their  gifts  and  graces.  When  some  of 
 the  Roman  Christians  met  him.  Acts  xxviii.  15,  he  thanked  God 
 for  them,  and  took  courage  :  but  here  his  true  Catholic  love  ex¬ 
 tends  itself  further,  and  he  thanks  God  for  them  all ;  not  only  for 
 those  among  them  that  were  his  helpers  in  Christ,  and  that  bestow'- 
 ed  much  labour  upon  him,  whom  he  speaks  of,  chap.  xvi.  3,  6', 
 but  for  them  all. 
 
 .l6 — 18,  This  evangelical  righteousness  is  called  the  righteous¬ 
 ness  of  God  ;  it  is  of  God’s  appointing,  of  God’s  approving  and  ac¬ 
 cepting.  It  is  so  called,  to  cut  off  all  pretentions  to  a  righteous¬ 
 ness  resulting  from  the  merit  of  our  own  works.  It  is  the  righteous- 
 
ROMANS 
 
 vation  to  every  one  that  believeth  ;  to  the 
 Jew  first,  and  also  to  the  Greek. 
 
 17  For  therein  is  the  righteousness  of  Goc 
 revealed  from  faith  to  faith  :  as  it  is  written, 
 The'just  shall  live  by  faith. 
 
 18  1  or  the  wrath  of  God  is  revealed  from 
 heaven  against  all  ungodliness  and  unrighte¬ 
 ousness  of  men,  who  hold  the  truth  in  un¬ 
 righteousness  ; 
 
 19  Because  that  which  may  be  known  o 
 God  is  manifest  in  them  ;  for  God  hath  shew¬ 
 ed  it  unto  them. 
 
 20  For  the  invisible  things  of  him  from 
 the  creation  of  the  world  are  clearly  seen, 
 being  understood  by  the  things  that  are 
 made,  even  his  eternal  power  and  Godhead  ; 
 so  that  they  are  without  excuse ; 
 
 21  Because  that,  when  they  knew  God, 
 they  glorified  him  not  as  God,  neither  were 
 thankful :  but  became  vain  in  their  imagi¬ 
 nations,  and  their  foolish  heart  was  dark¬ 
 ened. 
 
 22  Professing  themselves  to  be  wise,  they 
 became  fools ; 
 
 23  And  changed  the  glory  of  the  uncor¬ 
 ruptible  God  into  an  image  made  like  to 
 corruptible  man,  and  to  birds,  and  four-foot¬ 
 ed  beasts,  and  creeping  things. 
 
 24  Wherefore  God  also  gave  them  up  to 
 uncleanness  through  the  lusts  of  their  own 
 hearts,  to  dishonour  their  own  bodies  between 
 themselves. 
 
 25  Who  changed  the  truth  of  God  into  a 
 lie,  and  worshipped  and  served  the  creature 
 
 ness  of  Christ,  who  is  God,  resulting  from  a  satisfaction  of  infinite 
 value.  It  is  said  to  be  from  faith  to  faith  ;  from  the  faithfulness  of 
 God  revealing  to  the  faith  of  man  receiving  ;  so  some.  From  the 
 faith  of  dependance  upon  God,  and  dealing  with  him  immediately, 
 as  Adam  before  the  fall,  to  the  faith  of  dependance  upon  a  Media¬ 
 tor,  and  so  dealing  with  God  ;  so  others.  From  the  first  faith,  by 
 which  we  are  put  into  ajustified  state,  to  after  faith,  by  which  we 
 live,  and  are  continued  in  that  state.  And  the  faith  that  justifies 
 is  no  less  than  our  taking  Christ  for  our  Saviour,  and  becoming 
 true  Christians  according  to  the  tenor  of  the  baptismal  cove¬ 
 nant.  From  faith  engrafting  us  into  Christ,  to  faith  deriving  vir¬ 
 tue  from  him  as  our  root :  both  implied  in  the  ne.xt  words.  The 
 just  shall  live  by  faith.  Just  by  faith,  there  is  faith  justifying  us  ; 
 live  by  faith,  there  is  faith  maintaining  us;  and  so  there  is  righte¬ 
 ousness  from  faith  to  faith.  Faith  is  all  in  all,  both  in  the  begin¬ 
 ning  and  progress  of  a  Christian  life.  It  is  not  from  faith  to  works  ; 
 as  if  faith  put  us  into  ajustified  state,  and  then  works  preserved  and 
 maintained  us  in  it;  but  it  is  all  along  from  faith  to  faith,  as  2  Cor. 
 iii.  18,  From  glory  to  glory.  It  is  increasing,  continuing,  perse¬ 
 vering  faith  ;  faith  pressing  forward,  and  getting  ground  of  unbe- 
 
 It  has  been  observed,  that  the  most  refined  nations, 
 the  greatest  shew  of  wisdom,  were  the  arrantest  fools  in 
 
 more  than  tne  Creator,  who  is  blessed  for 
 ever.  Amen. 
 
 26  lor  this  cause  God  gave  them  up  unto 
 vile  affections  ;  for  even  their  women  did 
 change  the  natural  use  into  that  which  is 
 against  nature : 
 
 27  And  likewise  also  the  men,  leaving  the 
 natural  use  of  the  woman,  burned  in  their 
 lust  one  toward  another :  men  with  men 
 working  that  Avhich  is  unseemly,  and  receiv¬ 
 ing  in  themselves  that  recompence  of  their 
 error  which  was  meet. 
 
 28  And  even  as  they  did  not  like  to  retain 
 God  in  their  knowledge,  God  gave  them  over 
 to  a  reprobate  mind,  to  do  those  things  which 
 are  not  convenient : 
 
 29  Being  filled  with  all  unrighteousness, 
 fornication,  wickedness,  covetousness,  mali¬ 
 ciousness ;  full  of  envy,  murder,  debate,  de¬ 
 ceit,  malignity  ;  whisperers, 
 
 30  Backbiters,  haters  of  God,  despiteful, 
 proud,  boasters,  inventors  of  evil  things,  dis¬ 
 obedient  to  parents  ; 
 
 31  Without  understanding,  covenant- 
 breakers,  without  natural  aflection,  implac¬ 
 able,  unmerciful ; 
 
 32  Who,  knowing  the  judgment  of  God, 
 that  they  which  commit  such  things  are 
 worthy  of  death,  not  only  do  the  same,  but 
 have  pleasure  in  them  that  do  them. 
 
 CHAP.  II. 
 
 Tlie  scope  of  the  two  first  chapters  of  this  epistle,  may  be  gathered 
 from  chap.  111.9,  we  have  before  proved  both  Jews' and  Gentiles 
 that  they  are  all  under  sin.  This  he  had  jiroved  upon  the  Gen- 
 tiles,  chap.  1,  now  in  this  chapter  he  proves  it  upon  the  Jews. 
 
 religion.  The  barbarians  adored  sun  and  moon,  which  of  all 
 others  was  the  most  specious  idolatry  ;  while  the  learned  Efryptians 
 worshipped  an  o.x  and  an  onion.  The  Grecians,  that  e.xcelled  them 
 in  wisdom,  adored  diseases  and  human  passions:  the  Romans,  the 
 wisest  of  all,  w'orshipped  the  furies  :  and  at  this  day  the  poor 
 Americans  worship  the  thunder;  while  the  ingenious  Chinese  adore 
 the  devil.  Thus  the  world  by  wisdom  knew  not  God,  1  Cor.  i.  21. 
 As  a  profession  of  wisdom  is  an  aggravation  of  follyl  so  a  proud 
 conceit  of  wisdom  is  the  cause  of  a  great  deal  of  foUv.  Hence  we 
 read  of  few-  philosophers  that  were  converted  to  Christianity  ;  and 
 Paul’s  preaching  was  no  where  so  laughed  at,  and  ridiculed  as 
 among  the  learned  Athenians,  Acts  xvii.  18,  32. 
 
 See  what  wickedness  there  is  in  the  nature  of  man,  how  abomi¬ 
 nable  and  filthy  is  man  !  Lord,  what  is  man  !  says  David  ;  what  a 
 vile  creature  is  he,  when  left  to  himself!  How  much  are  we  be- 
 lolden  to  the  restraining  grace  of  God,  for  the  preserving  any 
 thing  of  the  honour  and  decency  of  the  human  nature  !  for,  were 
 it  not  for  that,  inan  that  was  made  but  little  lower  than  the  angels, 
 would  make  himself  a  great  deal  lower  than  the  devils.  'I’his  is  said 
 to  be  that  recompence  of  their  error  which  was  meet.  The  judge 
 of  all  the  earth  doth  right,  and  observes  a  meetness  between  the  sin 
 and  the  punishment  of  it. 
 
 CHAP.  H.  1 — 16.  See  here  what  method  God  takes  to  bring 
 
CHAP.  II 
 
 THEREPOllE  thou  art  inexcusable,  O 
 man,  whosoever  thou  art  that  judgest  : 
 for  wherein  thou  judgest  another,  thou  con- 
 demnest  thyself ;  for  thou  that  judgest  doest 
 the  same  things. 
 
 2  But  we  are  sure  that  the  judgment  of 
 God  is  according  to  truth  against  them  which 
 commit  such  things. 
 
 3  And  thinkest  thou  this,  O  man,  that 
 ’udgest  them  which  do  such  things,  and 
 doest  the  same,  that  thou  shalt  escape  the 
 judgment  of  God  ? 
 
 4  Or  despisest  thou  the  riches  of  His  good¬ 
 ness,  and  forbearance,  and  long-suffering ; 
 not  knowing  that  the  goodness  of  God  lead- 
 eth  thee  to  repentance  ? 
 
 5  But,  after  thy  hardness  and  impenitent 
 heart,  treasurest  up  unto  thyself  wrath 
 against  the  day  of  wrath  and  revelation  of 
 the  righteous  judgment  of  God  ; 
 
 6  Who  will  render  to  every  man  accord¬ 
 ing  to  his  deeds  : 
 
 7  'J'o  them  who,  by  patient  continuance 
 in  well-doing,  seek  for  glory,  and  honour, 
 and  immortalit}^  eternal  life  : 
 
 8  But  unto  them  that  are  contentious, 
 and  do  not  obey  the  truth,  but  obey  unrigh¬ 
 teousness,  indignation,  and  wrath, 
 
 9  Tribulation  and  anguish,  upon  every 
 soul  of  man  that  doeth  evil ;  of  the  Jew  first, 
 and  also  of  the  Gentile  : 
 
 10  But  glory,  honour,  and  peace,  to  every 
 man  that  worketh  good  ;  to  the  Jew  first, 
 and  also  to  the  Gentile. 
 
 1 1  For  there  is  no  respect  of  persons  with 
 God. 
 
 12  For  as  many  as  have  sinned  without 
 law  shall  also  perish  without  law  ;  and  as 
 
 sinners  to  repentance.  He  leads  them  ;  not  drives  them  like  beasts, 
 but  leads  them  like  rational  creatures,  Hos.  ii.  14,  and  it  is  good¬ 
 ness  that  leads,  bonds  of  love,  Hos.  xi.  4,  comp.  Jer.  xxxi.  3. 
 The  consideration  of  the  goodness  of  God,  his  common  goodness 
 to  all,  (the  goodness  of  his  providence,  of  his  patience,  and  of  his 
 offers)  should  be  effectual  to  bring  us  all  to  repentance  :  and  the 
 reason  why  so  many  continue  in  impenitency,  is  because  they  do 
 not  know  and  consider  this. 
 
 Conscience  is  a  witness,  and  first  or  last  will  bear  witness,  though 
 for  a  time  it  may  be  bribed  or  brow-beaten.  It  is  instead  of  a 
 thousand  witnesses,  testifying  of  that  which  is  most  secret;  and 
 their  thoughts  accusing  or  excusing,  i.  e.  passing  a  judgment  up¬ 
 on  the  testimony  of  conscience,  by  applying  the  law  to  the  fact. 
 The  heathen  hare  witnessed  to  the  comfort  of  a  good  conscience  ; 
 and  to  the  terror  of  a  bad  one:  their  thoughts  the  mean  while, 
 among  themselves,  or  one  with  another.  The  same  light  and  law 
 Vol.  II.  4  E  -  -  ' 
 
 many  as  have  sinned  in  the  law,  shall  be 
 judged  by  the  law. 
 
 13  (For  not  the  hearers  of  the  law  cjre  just 
 before  God,  but  the  doers  of  the  law  shall 
 be  justified ; 
 
 14  For  when  the  Gentiles,  which  have  not 
 the  law,  do  by  nature  the  things  contained 
 in  the  law,  these,  having  not  the  law%  are  a 
 law  unto  themselves  ; 
 
 15  Which  shew  the  work  of  the  law  writ¬ 
 ten  in  their  hearts,  their  conscience  also 
 bearing  witness,  and  tAeir  thoughts  the  mean 
 while  accusing  or  else  excusing  one  another.) 
 
 16  In  the  day  when  God  shall  judge  the 
 secrets  of  men  by  Jesus  Christ,  according  to 
 my  gospel. 
 
 17  Behold,  thou  art  called  a  Jew,  and 
 restest  in  the  law,  and  makest  thy  boast  of 
 God, 
 
 18  And  knowest  /ns  will,  and  approves! 
 the  things  that  are  more  excellent,  being  in¬ 
 structed  out  of  the  law  ; 
 
 19  And  art  confident  that  thou  thyself 
 art  a  guide  of  the  blind,  a  light  of  them 
 which  are  in  darkness, 
 
 20  An  instructor  of  the  foolish,  a  teacher 
 of  babes,  which  hast  the  form  of  knowledge 
 and  of  the  truth  in  the  law. 
 
 21  Thou  therefore,  which  teachest  another, 
 teachest  thou  not  thyself?  thou  that  preach¬ 
 es!  a  man  should  not  steal,  dost  thou  steal  ? 
 
 22  Thou  that  sayest  a  man  should  not 
 commit  adultary,  dost  thou  commit  adultary? 
 thou  that  abhorrest  idols,  dost  thou  commit 
 sacrilege  ? 
 
 23  Thou  that  makest  thy  boast  of  the 
 law,  through  breaking  the  law  dishonourest 
 thou  God? 
 
 of  nature  that  witnesscth  against  sin  in  them,  and  witnesseth  against 
 it  in  others,  accused  or  excused  one  another.  Some  read  it,  by 
 turns  :  according  as  they  observed  or  broke  these  natural  laws  and 
 dictates,  their  consciences  did  either  acquit  or  condemn  them. 
 All  which  did  evidence,  that  they  had  that  which  was  to  them  in¬ 
 stead  of  a  law,  which  they  might  have  been  governed  by,  and 
 which  will  condemn  them,  because  they  were  not  so  guided  and 
 governed  by  it :  so  that  the  guilty  Gentiles  are  left  without  excuse. 
 God  is  justified  in  condemning  them  ;  they  cannot  plead  igno 
 ranee,  and  therefore  are  like  to  perish,  if  they  have  not  something 
 else  to  plead. 
 
 17 — 29.  Teaching  is  a  piece  of  that  charity  which  begins  at 
 home,  though  it  must  not  end  there.  It  was  the  hypocrisy  of  the 
 Pharisees,  that  they  did  not  do  as  they  taught.  Matt,  xxiii.  3,  but 
 pulled  down  with  their  lives  what  they  built  up  with  their  preach¬ 
 ing  :  for  who  will  believe  those  who  do  not  believe  themselves^ 
 
ROMANS. 
 
 24  For  the  name  of  God  is  blasphemed 
 among  the  Gentiles  through  you,  as  it  is 
 written. 
 
 25  For  circumcision  verily  profiteth  if 
 thou  keep  the  law  :  but  if  thou  be  a  breaker 
 of  the  law,  thy  circumcision  is  made  uncir¬ 
 cumcision. 
 
 26  Therefore,  if  the  uncircumcision  keep 
 the  righteousness  of  the  law,  shall  not  his 
 uncircuincision  be  counted  for  circumcision  ? 
 
 27  And  shall  not  uncircumcision  which  is 
 by  nature,  if  it  fulfil  the  law,  judge  thee, 
 who  by  the  letter  and  circumcision  dos  ; 
 transgress  the  law  ? 
 
 28  For  he  is  not  a  Jew  which  is  one  out¬ 
 wardly  ;  neither  is  that  circumcision  which 
 is  outward  in  the  flesh  : 
 
 29  But  he  is  a  Jew  which  is  one  inwardly  ; 
 and  circumcision  is  that  of  the  heart,  in  the 
 spirit,  and  not  in  the  letter  :  whose  praise  is 
 not  of  men,  but  of  God. 
 
 CHAP.  III. 
 
 He  had  already  proved  the  guilt  both  of  Gentiles  and  Jews.  Now 
 
 in  this  chapter,  1.  He  answers  seme  objections,  1 — 9.  II.  He 
 
 asser^the  guilt  and  corruption  of  mankind  in  common,  9 — 18. 
 
 III.  He  argues  from  thence  that  justification  must  needs  be  bv 
 
 faith,  19,  ad  fin. 
 
 ‘It^HAT  advantage  then  hath  the  Jew, 
 or  Avhat  profit  is  there  of  circumcision  ? 
 
 2  Much  every  way  ;  chiefly,  because  that 
 unto  them  were  committed  the  oracles  of 
 God. 
 
 3  For  what  if  some  did  not  believe  ?  shall 
 their  unbelief  make  the  faith  of  God  with¬ 
 out  effect  ? 
 
 4  God  forbid  :  yea,  let  God  be  true,  but 
 every  man  a  liar  ;  as  it  is  written.  That  thou 
 mightest  be  justified  in  thy  sayings,  and 
 mightest  overcome  when  thou  art  judged. 
 
 5  But  if  our  unrighteousness  commend 
 the  righteousness  of  God,  what  shall  we  say  5 
 
 Examples  will  govern  more  than  rules.  The  greatest  obstructons 
 of  the  success  of  the  word,  are  those  whose  bad  lives  contradict 
 their  good  doctrine  ;  that  in  the  pulpit  preach  so  well,  that  it  is  a 
 pity  they  should  ever  come  out ;  and  out  ol  the  pulpit  live  so  ill, 
 that  it  is  a  pity  they  should  ever  come  in.  He  instanceth  in  three 
 particular  sins  that  did  abound  among  the  Jews  :  first,  Stealing  : 
 second.  Adultery,  22  :  third.  Sacrilege.  Those  will  be  severely  I 
 reckoned  with  another  day,  that  while  they  condemn  sin  in  others, 
 do  the  same,  or  as  bad,  or  worse  themselves.  ’ 
 
 CHAP.  Ill,  1 — 19.  The  Jews  were  the  Christians’  library- 
 keepers  were  intrusted  with  that  sacred  treasure  for  their  own  use 
 and  benefit  in  the  first  place,  and  then  for  the  advantage  of  the 
 world  :  and  preserving  the  letter  of  the  scripture,  they  were  very 
 
 Is  God  unrighteous  who  taketh  vengeance  ? 
 (I  speak  as  a  man,) 
 
 6  God  forbid  :  for  then  how  shall  God 
 judge  the  world  ? 
 
 7  For  if  the  truth  of  God  hath  more 
 abounded  through  my  lie  unto  his  glory, 
 
 y^t  I  also  judged  as  a  sinner? 
 
 8  And  not  rather,  (as  we  be  slanderously 
 reported  and  as  some  affirm  that  we  say,) 
 Let  us  do  evil,  that  good  may  come  ?  whose 
 damnation  is  just. 
 
 9  What  then  ?  are  we  better  than  they  ? 
 No,  in  no  wise  :  for  we  have  before  proved 
 both  Jews  and  Gentiles,  that  they  are  all 
 under  sin ; 
 
 10  As  it  is  written.  There  is  none  righte¬ 
 ous,  no,  not  one  : 
 
 1 1  There  is  none  that  understandeth ; 
 there  is  none  that  seeketh  after  God  : 
 
 12  They  are  all  gone  out  of  the  way,  they 
 are  together  become  unprofitable ;  there  is 
 none  that  doeth  good,  no,  not  one  : 
 
 13  Their  throat  is  an  open  sepulchre  ;  with 
 their  tongues  they  have  used  deceit;  the 
 poison  of  asps  is  under  their  lips  : 
 
 14  Whose  mouth  is  full  of  cursing  and 
 bitterness  : 
 
 15  Their  feet  are  swift  to  shed  blood  ; 
 
 16  Destruction  and  misery  are  in  their 
 ways ; 
 
 17  And  the  way  of  peace  have  they  not 
 known  : 
 
 18  There  is  no  fear  of  God  before  their 
 eyes. 
 
 19  Now,  we  know,  that  what  things  soever 
 the  law  saith,  it  saith  to  them  who  are  under 
 the  law  ;  that  every  mouth  may  be  stopped, 
 and  all  the  world  may  become  guilty  before 
 jrOd. 
 
 20  Therefore  by  the  deeds  of  the  law  there 
 
 faithful  in  their  trust,  did  not  lose  one  iota  or  tittle  :  in  which  we 
 are  to  acknowledge  God’s  gracious  care  and  providence.  The 
 Jews  had  the  means  of  salvation,  but  they  had  not  the  monopoly 
 of  salvation. 
 
 Let  God  be  true,  but  every  man  a  liar :  i.  e.  let  us  abide  by  this 
 irinciple,  that  God  is  true  to  every  word  which  he  has  spoken,  and 
 will  let  none  of  his  oracles  fall  to'the  ground  ;  though  thereby  we 
 give  the  lie  to  man  :  better  question  and  overthrow  the  credit  of  all 
 the  men  in  the  world,  than  doubt  of  the  faithfulness  of  God. 
 
 19 — 21.  Man  was  placed  in  the  top  of  the  visible  creation,  ac¬ 
 tively  to  glorify  that  great  Creator  whom  the  inferior  creatures 
 could  glorify  only  objectively ;  but  man,  by  sin,  comes  short  of 
 this,  and  instead  of  glorifying  God,  doth  dishonour  him  It  is  a 
 
CHAP.  IV. 
 
 shall  no  flesh  be  justified  in  his  sight :  for  by 
 the  law  is  the  knowledge  of  sin. 
 
 21  But  now  the  righteousness  of  God 
 without  the  law  is  manifested,  being  witness¬ 
 ed  by  the  law  and  the  prophets  ; 
 
 22  Even  the  righteousness  of  God,  which 
 is  by  faith  of  Jesus  Christ  unto  all  and  upon 
 all  them  that  believe ;  for  there  is  no  dif¬ 
 ference  I 
 
 23  For  all  have  sinned,  and  come  short  of 
 the  glory  of  God  ; 
 
 24  Being  justified  freely  by  his  grace, 
 through  the  redemption  that  is  in  Christ  Je¬ 
 sus  ; 
 
 25  Whom  God  hath  set  forth  to  he  a  pro¬ 
 pitiation  through  faith  in  his  blood,  to  declare 
 his  righteousness  for  the  remission  of  sins  that 
 are  past,  through  the  forbearance  of  God  ; 
 
 26  To  declare,  I  say,  at  this  time  his  righ¬ 
 teousness  ;  that  he  might  be  just,  and  the 
 justifier  of  him  which  believeth  in  Jesus. 
 
 27  Where  is  boasting  then  ?  It  is  excluded. 
 By  what  law  ?  of  works?  Nay  ;  but  by  the 
 law  of  faith. 
 
 28  Therefore  we  conclude,  that  a  man  is 
 justified  by  faith  without  the  deeds  of  the 
 law. 
 
 29  Is  he  the  God  of  the  Jews  only  ?  is  he 
 not  also  of  the  Gentiles  ?  Yes,  of  the  Gen¬ 
 tiles  also  : 
 
 30  Seeing  it  is  one  God  which  shall  justify 
 the  circumcision  by  faith,  and  uncircum¬ 
 cision  through  faith. 
 
 31  Do  we  then  make  void  the  law  through 
 faith  ?  God  forbid  ;  yea,  we  establish  the  law. 
 
 very  melancholy  consideration,  to  look  upon  the  children  of  men 
 that  were  made  to  glorify  God,  and  to  think  how  few  there  be  that 
 do  it.  We  arc  also  coine  short  of  being  glorified  by  God.  Come 
 short  of  justification  and  acceptance  with  God,  which  is  glory  be¬ 
 gun  ;  come  short  of  that  holiness  and  sanctification  which  is  the 
 glorious  image  of  God  upon  man  ;  and  have  overthrown  all  hopes 
 and  expectations  of  being  glorified  w  ith  God  in  heaven,  by  any 
 righteousness  of  their  own.  It  is  impossible  now  to  get  to  heaven 
 in  the  way  of  spotless  innocency  :  that  passage  is  blocked  up; 
 there  is  a  cherub  and  a  flaming  sword  set  to  keep  that  way  to  the 
 tree  of  life.  Christ  is  the  propitiation,  there  is  the  healing  plaster 
 provided :  faith  is  the  applying  of  this  plaster  to  the  wounded 
 soul.  And  this  faith  iri  the  business  of  justification  hath  a  special 
 regard  to  the  blood  of  Christ,  as  that  which  made  the  atonement ; 
 for  such  was  the  divine  appointment,  that  without  blood  there 
 should  be  no  remission,  and  no  blood  but  his  would  do  it  efi'ectu- 
 ally.  Here  may  be  an  allusion  to  the  sprinkling  of  the  blood  of 
 the  sacrifices  under  the  law,  as  Exod.  xxiv.  8.  Faith  is  the  bunch 
 of  hyssop,  and  the  blood  of  Christ  is  the  blood  of  sprinkling. 
 
 chap.  IV.  1 — 8.  Now  the  scripture  saith,  that  Abraham  be¬ 
 lieved,  and  that  was  counted  to  him  for  righteousness,  Gen.  xv.  6', 
 tlieretore  he  had  not  whereof  to  glory  before  God  it  being  purely 
 
 CHAP.  IV. 
 
 I.  Paul  proves  that  Abraham  was  justified  not  by  works,  but  by 
 faith  1—8.  II.  He  observes  when  and  why  he  was  so  justi¬ 
 fied,  in-  He  describes  and  commends  that  faith  of  his, 
 
 iy_l22.  IV,  He  applies  all  this  to  us,  23 — 25. 
 
 WHAT  shall  we  say  then  that  Abraham, 
 our  father  as  pertaining  to  the  flesh, 
 hath  found  ? 
 
 2  For  if  Abraham  were  justified  by  works, 
 he  hath  whereof  to  glory,  but  not  before  God. 
 
 3  For  what  saith  the  scripture  ?  Abraham 
 believed  God,  and  it  was  counted  unto  him 
 for  righteousness. 
 
 4  Now  to  him  that  worketh  is  the  reward 
 not  reckoned  of  grace,  but  of  debt. 
 
 5  But  to  him  that  worketh  not,  but  be¬ 
 lieveth  on  him  that  justifieth  the  ungodly, 
 his  faith  is  counted  for  righteousness. 
 
 6  Evemas  David  also  describeth  the  bless¬ 
 edness  of  the  man  unto  whom  God  imputeth 
 righteousness  without  works, 
 
 7  Saying,  Blessed  are  they  whose  iniqui¬ 
 ties  are  forgiven,  and  whose  sins  are  covered. 
 
 8  Blessed  is  the  man  to  whom  the  Lord 
 will  tiot  impute  sin. 
 
 9  Cometh  this  blessedness  then  upon  the 
 circumcision  only,  or  upon  the  uncircurnci- 
 sion  also  ?  for  we  say  that  faith  was  reckoned 
 to  Abraham  for  righteousness. 
 
 10  How  was  it  then  reckoned  ?  when  he 
 was  in  circumcision,  or  in  uncircumcision  ? 
 Not  in  circumcision,  but  in  uncircumcision. 
 
 11  And  he  received  the  sign  of  circum¬ 
 cision,  a  seal  of  the  righteousness  of  the  faith 
 which  he  had  yet  being  uncircumcised  ;  that 
 he  might  be  the  father  of  all  them  that  be- 
 
 of  free  grace  that  it  was  so  imputed,  and  having  not  in  itself  any 
 thing  of  the  formal  nature  of  a  righteousness,  further  than  as  God 
 himself  was  graciously  pleased  so  to  count  it  to  him.  It  is  men¬ 
 tioned  in  Genesis,  upon  occasion  of  a  very  signal  and  remarkable 
 act  of  faith  concerning  the  promised  seed  :  and  the  more  observ¬ 
 able,  in  that  it  followed  upon  a  grievous  conflict  he  had  with  un¬ 
 belief;  his  feith  was  now  a  victorious  faith,  newly  returned  from 
 the  battle.  It  is  not  the  perfect  faith  that  is  required  to  justifica¬ 
 tion  ;  there  may  be  acceptable  faith,  where  there  are  remainders  of 
 unbelief ;  but  the  prevailing  faith,  the  faith  that  has  the  upper  hand 
 of  unbelief. 
 
 Pardoned  people  are  the  only  blessed  people.  The  sentiments 
 of  the  world  are,  those  are  hajipy  that  have  a  clear  estate,  and  are 
 out  of  debt  to  man  ;  but  the  world  of  the  word  is,  that  those  are 
 happy  that  have  their  debts  to  God  discharged.  O  how  much 
 thei-efore  is  it  our  interest  to  make  it  sure  to  ourselves  that  our  sins 
 are  pardoned,  for  that  is  the  foundation  of  all  other  benefits  !  So 
 and  so  I  will  do  for  them  ;  for  I  will  be  merciful,  Heb,  viii.  12. 
 See  Psal.  xxxii.  12. 
 
 9 — 17.  Circumcision  is  here  said  to  be,  first,  A  sign  ;  a  sign 
 of  that  original  corruption  which  we  are  all  born  with,  and 
 which  is  cut  off  by  spiritual  circumcision,  a  commemorating 
 
ROMANS. 
 
 lieve,  though  they  be  not  circumciseo  :  that 
 righteousness  might  be  imputed  unto  them 
 also  : 
 
 12  And  the  father  of  circumcision  to  them 
 who  are  not  of  the  circumcision  only,  but 
 who  also  walk  in  the  steps  of  that  faith  of 
 our  father  Abraham,  which  he  had  being  yet 
 uncircumcised. 
 
 13  For  the  promise,  that  he  should  be  the 
 heir  of  the  world,  u'as  not  to  Abraham,  or 
 to  his  seed,  through  the  law,  but  through  the 
 righteousness  of  faith. 
 
 14  For  if  they  which  are  of  the  \ii\y  he 
 heirs,  faith  is  made  void,  and  the  promise 
 made  of  none  effect ; 
 
 15  Because  the  law  worketh  wrath  ;  for 
 where  no  law  is,  there  is  no  transgression. 
 
 16  Therefore  it  is  of  faith,  that  it  might  be 
 by  grace  ;  to  the  end  the  promise  might  be 
 sure  to  all  the  seed  ;  not  to  that  only  which 
 is  of  the  law,  but  to  that  also  which  is  of  the 
 faith  of  Abraham,  who  is  the  father  of  us  all, 
 
 17  (As  it  is  written,  I  have  made  thee  a 
 father  of  many  nations,)  before  him  whom 
 he  believed,  even  God,  who  quickeneth  the 
 dead,  and  calleth  those  things  which  be  not 
 as  though  they  v/ere  : 
 
 18  Who  against  hope  believed  in  hope, 
 that  he  might  become  the  father  of  many 
 nations,  according  to  that  which  was  spoken. 
 So  shall  thy  seed  be. 
 
 19  And  being  not  weak  in  faith,  he  con¬ 
 sidered  not  his  own  body  now  dead,  when 
 he  was  about  an  hundred  years  old,  neither 
 yet  the  deadness  of  Sara's  womb  : 
 
 sign  of  God’s  covenant  with  Abraham  ;  a  distinguishing  sign  be¬ 
 tween  Jews  and  Gentiles  ;  a  sign  of  admission  into  the  visible 
 church  :  a  seal  of  the  righteousness  of  the  faith.  In  general  it 
 was  a  seal  of  the  covenant  of  grace,  particularly  of  justification  by 
 faith  ;  the  covenant  of  grace,  called  the  righteousness  which  is  o-f 
 faith,  Rom.  x.  6',  and  it  refers  to  an  Old  Testament  promise,  Deut. 
 XXX.  12. 
 
 17 — 22.  This  way  of  glorifying  God  by  a  firm  reliance  on  his 
 bare  promise,  was  so  very  agreeable  to  God’s  design,  and  so  very 
 conducive  to  his  honour,  that  he  graciously  accepted  it  as  a  righ¬ 
 teousness,  and  justified  him,  though  there  was  not  that  in  the  thing 
 itself  which  could  merit  such  an  acceptance.  This  shews  why 
 faith  is  chosen  to  be  the  primfe  condition  of  our  justification,  be¬ 
 cause  it  is  a  grace  that  of  all  other  gives  glory  to  God. 
 
 23 — 25.  Upon  the  whole  matter  it  is  very  evident,  that  we  are 
 not  justified  by  the  merit  of  our  own  works,  but  by  a  fiducial  obe¬ 
 diential  dcpendanc-e  upon  Jesus  Christ  and  his  righteousness,  as 
 The  condition  on  our  part  of  our  right  to  impunity  and  salvation  ; 
 which  was  the  truth  that  Paul  in  this  and  the  foregoing  chapter 
 had  been  fixing  as  the  Ereat  sJUriiio  and  foundation  of  all  our  com¬ 
 fort. 
 
 20  He  staggered  not  at  the  promise  of 
 
 God  through  unbelief ;  but  was  strono- 
 faith,  giving  glory  to  God  ,  ° 
 
 21  And  being  fully  persuaded  that  wiiai 
 he  had  promised  he  was  able  also  to  perform. 
 
 22  And  therefore  it  was  imputed  to  him 
 for  righteousness. 
 
 23  Now,  it  was  not  written  for  his  sake 
 alone  that  it  was  imputed  to  him  ; 
 
 24  But  for  us  also,  to  whom  it  shall  be 
 imputed,  if  Ave  believe  on  him  that  raised 
 up  Jesus  our  Lord  from  the  dead  : 
 
 25  Who  Avas  delivered  for  our  offences, 
 and  Avas  raised  again  for  our  justification. 
 
 CHAP.  V. 
 
 r.  The  apostle  shews  the  fruits  of  justification,  ] — 5.  II.  The 
 fountain  and  foundation  of  justification,  in  the  death  of  Jesus 
 Christ,  6" — 21. 
 
 ^^HEREFORE,  being  justified  by  faith, 
 Ave  have  peace  Avith  God  through  our 
 Lord  Jesus  Christ : 
 
 2  By  Avhom  also  Av^e  have  access  by  faith 
 into  this  grace  AA'herein  aa^c  stand,  and  rejoice 
 in  hope  of  the  glory  of  God. 
 
 3  And  not  only  so,  but  Ave  glory  in  tribu¬ 
 lations  also  ;  knoAAung  that  tribulation  Avork- 
 eth  patience  ; 
 
 4  And  patience,  experience  ;  and  expe¬ 
 rience,  hope : 
 
 5  And  hope  maketh  not  ashamed  ;  be¬ 
 cause  the  loA’e  of  God  is  shed  abroad  in  our 
 hearts  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  Avhich  is  given 
 unto  us. 
 
 6  For  Avhen  Ave  were  yet  Avithout  strength, 
 in  due  time  Christ  died  for  the  ungodly. 
 
 7  For  scarcely  for  a  righteous  man  will 
 
 CHAP.  V.  1 — 5.  Observe  what  a  gr»wing  increasing  happiness 
 the  happiness  of  the  saints  is.  One  would  tnink  such  peace,  such 
 grace,  such  glory,  and  such  a  joy  in  hope  of  it,  were  more  than 
 such  poor  undeserving  creatures  as  we  are  could  pretend  to  ;  and 
 yet  it  is  not  only  so,  there  are  more  instances  of  our  happiness  ;  we 
 glory  in  tribulations  also,  especially  tribulations  for  righteousness 
 sake,  which  seemed  the  greatest  objection  against  the  saints’  hap¬ 
 piness  ;  whereas  really  their  happiness  did  not  only  consist  with, 
 but  take  rise  from  those  tribulations ;  They  rejoiced  that  they  were 
 counted  worthy  to  suffer.  Acts  v.  41. 
 
 This  being  the  hardest  point,  he  sets  himself  to  shew  the  grounds 
 and  reasons  of  it.  How  came  we  to  glory  in  tribulation }  A\  hy, 
 because  tribulations,  by  a  chain  of  causes,  greatly  befriend  hope; 
 which  he  shews  in  the  method  of  its  influence.’ 
 
 6' — 21.  Sin  entered  into  the  w'orld  by  Adam,  for  in  him  we  all 
 sinned  ;  as  Cor.  .xv.  22,  in  Adam  all  die;  so  here,  in  him  all  have 
 sinned  ;  far  it  is  agreeable  to  the  law  of  all  sations,  that  the  acts  of 
 a  public  person  are  accounted  theins  whom  they  represent ;  and 
 what  the  whole  body  doth,  every  member  of  the  same  b.ody  may  be 
 said  to  do.  Now  Adam  acted  thus  as  a  public  person,  by  the  s<> 
 vereign  ordination  and  apuointment  of  God,  and  yet  that  founded 
 
 578 
 
CHAP.  VI 
 
 one  die  ;  yet  peradventure  for  a  good  man 
 some  would  even  dare  to  die. 
 
 8  But  God  commendeth  his  love  towards 
 us,  in  that,  while  we.  were  yet  sinners,  Christ  j 
 
 teousness,  shall  reign  in  life  by  one,  Jesus 
 Christ;) 
 
 18  Therefore,  as  by  the  offence  of  one 
 mdgment  came  upon  all  men  to  condemna¬ 
 tion  :  even  so  by  the  righteousness  of  one  the 
 free  gift  came  upon  all  men  unto  justification 
 
 died  for  us.  ^ 
 
 9  Much  more  then,  being  now  justified  by 
 his  blood,  we  shall  be  saved  from  wrath 
 through  him 
 
 10  For  if,  when  we  were  enemies,  we  were 
 reconciled  to  God  by  the  death  of  his  Son  ; 
 much  more,  being  reconciled,  we  shall  be 
 saved  by  his  life. 
 
 11  And  not  only  so,  but  we  also  joy  in 
 God  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  by  whom 
 we  have  now  received  the  atonement. 
 
 12  Wherefore,  as  by  one  man  sin  entered 
 into  the  world,  and  death  by  sin  :  and  so 
 death  passed  upon  all  men,  for  that  all  have 
 sinned  : 
 
 13  (For  until  the  law  sin  was  in  the  world  : 
 but  sin  is  not  imputed  when  there  is  no  law. 
 
 14  Nevertheless  death  reigned  from  Adam 
 to  Moses,  even  over  them  that  had  not  sin¬ 
 ned  after  the  similitude  of  Adam’s  transgres¬ 
 sion,  who  is  the  figure  of  him  that  was  to 
 come. 
 
 15  But  not  as  the  offence,  so  also  is  the 
 free  sift :  for  if  through  the  offence  of  one 
 many  be  dead  ;  much  more  the  grace  of 
 God,  and  the  gift  by  grace,  zidiich  is  by  one 
 man,  Jesus  Christ,  hath  abounded  unto 
 many . 
 
 16  And  not  as  it  teas  by  one  that  sinned, 
 .so  is  the  gift :  for  the  judgment  zms  by  one 
 to  condemnation,  but  the  free  gift  is  of  many 
 offences  unto  justification. 
 
 17  Forif  byone  man’s  offence  death  reign¬ 
 ed  by  one  ;  much  more  they  which  receive 
 abundance  of  grace,  and  of  the  gift  of  righ¬ 
 
 of  life. 
 
 19  For  as  by  one  man’s  disobedience 
 many  were  made  sinners,  so  by  the  obe¬ 
 dience  of  one  shall  many  be  made  righteous. 
 
 20  Moreover,  the  law  entered  that  the  of¬ 
 fence  might  abound  :  but  where  sin  abound¬ 
 ed,  grace  did  much  more  abound. 
 
 21  That  as  sin  hath  reigned  unto  death, 
 even  so  might  grace  reign  through  righteous¬ 
 ness  unto  eternal  life  by  Jesus  Christ  our 
 Lord . 
 
 CHAP.  VI. 
 
 The  apostle  presses  the  absolute  necessity  of  sanctification,  and  a. 
 holy  life,  as  the  inseparable  fruit  and  companion  of  justification. 
 
 FIAT  shall  we  say  then  ?  Shall  we  con- 
 ^  "  tinue  in  sin  that  grace  may  abound  ? 
 
 2  God  forbid.  How  shall  we  that  are 
 dead  to  sin  live  any  longer  therein  ? 
 
 3  Know  ye  not,  that  so  many  of  us  as 
 were  baptized  into  Jesus  Christ  were  bap¬ 
 tized  into  his  death  ? 
 
 4  Therefore  we  are  buried  with  him  by 
 baptism  into  death  ;  that  like  as  Christ  was 
 raised  up  from  the  dead  by  the  glory  of  the 
 Father,  even  so  we  also  should  walk  in  new¬ 
 ness  of  life. 
 
 3  For  if  Ave  have  been  planted  together 
 in  the  likeness  of  his  death,  Ave  shall  be  also 
 ill  the  likeness  of  his  resurrection  : 
 
 6  KnoAving  this,  that  our  old  man  is  cruci¬ 
 fied  Avith  him,  that  the  body  of  sin  might  be 
 destroyed,  that  henceforth  Ave  should  not 
 serve  sin. 
 
 upon  a  natural  necessity ;  for  God,  as  the  author  of  nature,  had 
 made  this  the  law  of  nature,  that  man  should  beget  in  his  own  like¬ 
 ness,  and  so  the  other  creatures.  In  Adam  therefore,  as  in  a  com¬ 
 mon  receptacle,  the  whole  nature  of  man  was  rc{)osited,  from  him 
 to  flow  down  in  a  channel  to  his  posterity  ;  for  all  mankind  is  made 
 of  one  blood.  Acts  xvii.  26’,  so  that  according  as  this  nature  proves 
 through  his  standing  or  falling,  before  he  puts  it  out  of  his  ^nds, 
 accorclinglv  it  is  propagated  from  him:  Adam  therefore  sinning 
 and  falling”,  the  nature  became  guilty  and  corrupted,  and  is  so  de¬ 
 rived.  'rhus  in  him  all  have  sinned. 
 
 The  reign  of  death  seems  especially  to  refer  to  those  violent  and 
 extraordinarv  judgments  which  were  long  before  Moses,  as  the 
 deluge  and  the  destruction  of  Sodom,  which  involved  infants.  It 
 is  a  great  proof  of  original  sin,  that  little  children,  who  were  never 
 guil’ty  of  any  actual  transgression  yet  are  liable  to  very  terrible 
 
 diseases,  casualties,  and  death  ;  which  could  by  no  means  be  re¬ 
 conciled  with  the  justice  and  righteousness  of  God,  if  they  were 
 not  chargeable  with  guilt.  In  correspondence  to  this,  Christ,  as  a 
 public  person,  communicates  righteousness  and  life  to  all  true  be¬ 
 lievers,  that  are  his  spiritual  seed  ;  and  in  this  he  shews  not  only 
 wherein  the  resemblance  holds,  but  wherein  the  communication 
 of  grace  and  love  by  Christ  go  beyond  the  communication  of  guilt 
 and  wrath  by  Adam. 
 
 CHAP.  VI.  1 — 23.  The  members  of  our  bodies,  when  with¬ 
 drawn  from  the  service  of  sin,  are  not  to  lie  by  idle,  but  to  be  made 
 use  of  in  the  service  of  God.  AVhen  the  strong  man  armed  is  dis¬ 
 possessed,  let  him,  whose  right  it  is,  divide  the  spoils.  Though  the 
 powers  and  faculties  of  the  soul  be  the  immediate  subject  of  holi¬ 
 ness  and  righteousness,  yet  the  members  of  the  body  are  to  be  in¬ 
 struments  :  the  body  must  be  always  ready  to  serve  the  soul  in  the 
 
 579 
 
ROMANS. 
 
 7  For  he  that  is  dead  is  freed  from  sin. 
 
 8  Now,  if  we  be  dead  with  Christ,  we  be¬ 
 lieve  that  we  shall  also  live  with  him  ; 
 
 9  Knowing  that  Christ,  being  raised  from 
 the  dead,  dieth  no  more:  death  hath  no  more 
 dominion  over  him. 
 
 10  For  in  that  he  died,  he  died  unto  sin 
 once  :  but  in  that  he  liveth,  he  liveth  unto 
 God. 
 
 11  Likewise  reckon  ye  also  yourselves  to 
 be  dead  indeed  unto  sin,  but  alive  unto  God 
 through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
 
 12  Let  not  sin,  therefore,  reign  in  your 
 mortal  body,  that  ye  should  obey  it  in  the 
 lusts  thereof. 
 
 13  Neither  yield  ye  your  members  as  in¬ 
 struments  of  unrighteousness  unto  sin  ;  but 
 yield  yourselves  unto  God,  as  those  that  are 
 alive  from  the  dead,  and  your  members  as 
 instruments  of  righteousness  unto  God. 
 
 14  For  sin  shall  not  have  dominion  over 
 you  :  for  ye  are  not  under  the  law,  but  under 
 grace. 
 
 15  What  then  ?  shall  we  sin,  because  we 
 are  not  under  the  law,  but  under  grace  ? 
 God  forbid. 
 
 16  Know  ye  not,  that  to  whom  ye  yielc 
 yourselves  servants  to  obey,  his  servants  ye 
 are  to  whom  ye  obey,  whether  of  sin  unto 
 death,  or  of  obedience  unto  righteousness  ? 
 
 17  But  God  be  thanked  that  ye  were  the 
 servants  of  sin  ;  but  ye  have  obeyed  from 
 the  heart  that  form  of  doctrine  which  was 
 
 delivered  you. 
 
 18  Being  then  made  free  from  sm,  ye  be¬ 
 came  the  servants  of  righteousness. 
 
 19  I  speak  after  the  manner  of  men,  be¬ 
 cause  of  the  infirmity  of  your  fiesh  :  for  as 
 ye  have  yielded  your  members  servants  to 
 
 service  of  Gok  Thus  v.  14,  Yield  your  members  servams  tu 
 
 rit^hteousness  unto  holiness.  Let  them  be  under  the  conduct  and 
 aUhe  command  of  the  righteous  law  of  God,  and  that  principle  of 
 inherent  righteousness,  which  the  spirit,  as  a  sanctifier,  plants  in  the 
 
 Righteousness  unto  holiness  ;  which  intimates  growth,  Pro¬ 
 gress,  and  ground  got.  As  every  sinful  act  confirms  the  sinful  ha¬ 
 bit,  and  makes  the  nature  more  and  more  prone  to  sin  ;  hence  the 
 members  of  a  natural  man  are  here  said  to  be  servants  to  iniquity 
 unto  iniquity  ;  one  sin  makes  the  heart  more  disposed  for  another  * 
 so  every  gracious  act  confirms  the  gracious  habit  :  serving  righte¬ 
 ousness  is  unto  holiness  :  one  duty  fits  us  for  another ;  and  the  moic 
 we  do,  the  more  we  may  do  for  God.  Or,  serving  righteousness 
 
 is  an  evidence  of  santification.  ^  i.i..uvr'r 
 
 The  death  is  the  wages  of  sin,  it  comes  by  desert ;  but  the  lile  is 
 
 580 
 
 uncleanness,  and  to  iniquity  unto  iniquity 
 even  so  now  yield  your  members  servants  to 
 righteousness  unto  holiness. 
 
 20  For  when  ye  were  the  servants  of  sin 
 ye  were  free  from  righteousness. 
 
 2 1  What  fruit  had  ye  then  in  those  things 
 whereof  ye  are  now  ashamed  ?  for  the  end 
 of  those  things  is  death. 
 
 22  But  now  being  made  free  from  sin, 
 and  become  servants  to  God,  ye  have  your 
 fruit  unto  holiness,  and  the  end  everlasting 
 life. 
 
 23  For  the  wages  of  sin  is  death  ;  but  tbe 
 gift  of  God  is  eternal  life  through  Jesus  Christ 
 our  Lord. 
 
 CHAP.  VII. 
 
 We  may  observe  in  this  chapter,  I.  Our  freedom  from  the  law  fur¬ 
 ther  urged  as  an  argument  to  press  upon  us  sanctification,  1 — 6. 
 II.  The  excellency  and  usefulness  of  the  law,  7 — 14.  III.  A 
 description  of  the  contlict  between  grace  and  corruption  in  the 
 heart,  14,  15,  &:c. 
 
 Know  ye  not,  brethren,  (for  I  speak  to 
 them  that  know  the  law,)  how  that  the 
 law  hath  dominion  over  a  man  as  long  as  he 
 liveth ; 
 
 2  For  the  woman  which  hath  an  husband 
 is  bound  by  the  law  to  her  husband  so  long 
 as  he  liveth  ;  but  if  the  husband  be  dead, 
 she  is  loosed  from  the  law'  of  her  husband. 
 
 3  So  then,  if  while  her  husband  liveth  she 
 be  married  to  another  man,  she  shall  be 
 called  an  adulteress  ;  but  if  her  husband  be 
 dead,  she  is  free  from  that  law  :  so  that  she 
 is  no  adulteress  though  she  be  married  to 
 another  man. 
 
 4  Wherefore,  my  brethren,  ye  also  arc  be¬ 
 come  dead  to  the  law  by  the  body  of  Christ 
 that  ye  should  be  married  to  another,  even 
 to  him  who  is  raised  from  the  dead,  that  w^e 
 should  bring  forth  fruit  unto  God. _ 
 
 a  gift,  it  came  by  favour.  Sinners  merit  hell,  but  saints  do  not 
 merit*  heaven  :  there  is  no  proportion  between  the  glory  of  heaven 
 and  our  obedience  ;  we  must  thank  God,  and  not  ourselves,  if  ever 
 we  get  to  heaven.  And  this  gift  is  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
 It  is  Christ  that  purchased  it,  prepared  it,  prepares  us  for  it,  pre¬ 
 serves  us  to  it ;  he  is  the  Alpha  and  Omega,  all  in  all  in  our  salva- 
 
 CHAP.  VII.  1 — 6.  Good  works  are  the  children  of  the  new 
 lature  the  products  of  our  union  with  Christ;  as  the  fruitfulness 
 jf  the  Vine  is  the  product  of  its  union  with  the  root.  Whatever  our 
 professions  and  pretensions  be,  there  is  no  fruit  brought  lorth  to 
 God  till  we  are  married  to  Christ ;  it  is  in  Christ  Jesus  that  we  are 
 •'•reated  unto  good  works,  Eph.  ii.  10.  That  is  t^  only  frmt  turn 
 mg  to  a  good  account,  which  is  brought  forth  in  Christ.  This  dis- 
 liiTguisheth  the  good  works  of  believers  from  the  good  works  of 
 
CHAP.  VII. 
 
 5  For  when  we  were  in  the  flesh,  the  mo¬ 
 tions  of  sin,  which  were  by  the  law,  did 
 work  in  our  members  to  bring  forth  fruit 
 unto  death. 
 
 6  But  now  we  are  delivered  from  the  law, 
 that  being  dead  wherein  we  were  held  :  that 
 we  should  serve  in  newness  of  spirit,  and 
 not  in  the  oldness  of  the  letter. 
 
 7  What  shall  we  say  then  ?  Is  the  law  sin  ? 
 God  forbid.  Nay,  I  had  not  known  sin  but 
 by  the  law  :  for  I  had  not  known  lust,  ex¬ 
 cept  the  law  had  said.  Thou  shalt  not  covet. 
 
 8  But  sin,  taking  occasion  by  the  com¬ 
 mandment,  wrought  in  me  all  manner  of 
 concupiscence.  For  without  the  law  sin  was 
 dead. 
 
 9  For  I  was  alive  without  the  law  once  : 
 but  when  the  commandment  came,  sin  re¬ 
 vived,  and  I  died. 
 
 10  And  the  commandment,  which  was  or¬ 
 dained  to  life,  I  found  to  be  unto  death. 
 
 11  For  sin,  taking  occasion  by  the  com¬ 
 mandment,  deceived  me,  and  by  it  slew  me, 
 
 12  Wherefore  the  law  is  holy,  and  the 
 commandment  holy,  and  just,  and  good. 
 
 13  Was  then  that  which  is  good  made 
 death  unto  me?  God  forbid.  But  sin,  that 
 it  might  appear  sin,  working  death  in  me  by 
 
 hypocrites,  that  they. are  brought  forth  in  marriage,  done  in  union 
 with  Christ,  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  Col.  iii.  17.  This  is, 
 without  controversy,  one  of  the  great  m3’steries  of  godliness. 
 
 7 — 14.  Paul  had  in  him  all  manner  of  concupiscence;  though 
 one  of  the  best  unregenerate  men  that  ever  was  ;  as  touching  the 
 righteousness  of  the  law,  blameless,  and  yet  sensible  of  all  manner 
 of  concupiscence.  And  it  was  sin  that  wrought  it,  i.  e.  indwelling 
 sin,  his  corrupt  nature,  he  speaks  of  a  sin  that  did  work  sin  ;  and 
 it  took  occasion  by  the  commandment.  The  corrupt  nature  would 
 not  have  swelled  and  raged  so  much,  if  it  had  not  been  for  the  re¬ 
 straints  of  the  law  ;  as  the  peccant  humours  of  the  body  are  raised 
 and  more  inflamed  by  medicine  that  is  not  strong  enough  to  carry 
 them  off.  Ever  since  Adam  ate  forbidden  fruit,  we  have  all  been 
 fond  of  forbidden  paths  ;  the  diseased  appetite  is  carried  out  most 
 strongly  towards  that  which  is  hurtful  and  prohibited.  Without 
 the  law  sin  was  dead,  as  a  snake  in  winter,  which  the  sun-beams  of 
 the  law  quicken  and  irritate. 
 
 15 — 25.  Here  is  a  description  of  the  conflict  between  grace  and 
 corruption  in  the  heart ;  betwixt  the  law  of  God  and  the  law  of 
 sin.  And  it  is  applicable  two  ways  :  first,  To  the  struggles  that 
 are  in  a  convinced  soul,  but  yet  unregenerate  :  in  the  person  of 
 whom,  it  is  supposed  by  some,  that  Paul  speaks  :  secondly.  To 
 the  struggles  that  are  in  a  renewed  sanctified  soul,  but  yet  in  a  state 
 of  imperfection,  as  others  apprehend.  And  a  great  controversy 
 there  is,  of  which  of  these  we  are  to  understand  the  apostle  here, 
 so  far  doth  the  evil  prevail  here,  when  he  speaks  of  one  sold  under 
 sin,  doing  it,  not  performing  that  which  is  good,  that  it  seems  hard 
 to  apply  it  to  the  regenerate,  who  are  described  to  walk  not  after 
 the  flesi),  but  after  the  Spirit.  And  yet  so  far  doth  the  good  prevail 
 in  hating  sin,  consenting  to  the  law,  delighting  in  it,  serving  the  law 
 of  God  with  the  mind,  that  it  is  more  hard  to  apply  it  to  the  unre¬ 
 generate,  that  are  dead  in  trespasses  and  sin. 
 
 that  Avhich  is  good  :  that  sin  by  the  com¬ 
 mandment  might  become  exceeding  sinful. 
 
 14  For  we  know  that  the  law  is  spiritual, 
 but  I  am  carnal,  sold  under  sin. 
 
 15  For  that  which  I  do  I  allow  not  :  for 
 what  I  would,  that  do  I  not ;  but  what  I 
 hate,  that  do  I. 
 
 16  If  then  I  do  that  which  I  would  not,  I 
 consent  unto  the  law  that  it  is  good. 
 
 17  Now  then,  it  is  no  more  I  that  do  it, 
 but  sin  that  dwelleth  in  me. 
 
 18  For  I  know  that  in  me  (that  is,  in  my 
 flesh)  dwelleth  no  good  thing  :  for  to  will  is 
 present  Avith  me ;  but  hoza  to  perform  that 
 Avhich  is  good  I  find  not. 
 
 19  For  the  good  that  I  would,  I  do  not ; 
 but  the  evil  Avhich  I  Avould  not,  that  I  do. 
 
 20  Noav,  if  I  do  that  I  Avould  not,  it  is  no 
 I  that  do  it,  but  sin  that  dwelleth  in 
 
 me. 
 
 21  I  find  then  a  laAV,  that,  Avhen  I  would 
 do  good,  evil  is  present  Avith  me. 
 
 22  For  I  delight  in  the  laAv  of  God  after 
 the  inAvard  man  : 
 
 23  But  I  see  another  laAv  in  my  members 
 Avarring  against  the  laAV  of  my  mind,  and 
 bringing  me  into  captivity  to  the  laAv  of  sin 
 Avhich  is  in  my  members. 
 
 It  seems  best  to  be  understood  of  the  struggles  that  are  between 
 grace  and  corruption  in  sanctified  souls.  That  there  are  remainders 
 of  indwelling  corruption,  even  there  where  there  is  a  living  prin¬ 
 ciple  of  grace,  is  past  dispute  ;  that  that  corruption  is  daily  break¬ 
 ing  forth  in  sins  of  infirmity,  such  as  are  consistent  with  a  state  of 
 grace,  is  n«  less  certain.  If  we  say  that  we  have  no  sin,  we  deceive 
 ourselves,  1  John  i.  8 — 10.  That  true  grace  strives  against  these 
 sins  and  corruptions,  doth  not  allow  of  them,  hates  them,  mourns 
 over  them,  groans  under  them  as  a  burden,  is  likewise  certain.  Gal. 
 V.  17,  The  flesh  lusteth  against  the  spirit,  and  the  spirit  against  the 
 flesh  ;  and  these  are  contrary  the  one  to  the  other,  so  that  ye  can¬ 
 not  do  the  things  that  ye  would.  These  are  the  truths  which  are 
 contained  in  the  apostles  discourse.  And  his  design  is  further  to 
 open  the  nature  of  sanctification,  that  it  doth  not  attain  to  a  sinless 
 perfection  in  this  life :  and  therefore  to  quicken  us  to,  and  encou¬ 
 rage  us  in  our  conflicts  with  remaining  corruptions ;  our  case  is  not 
 singular ;  that  which  we  do  sincerely  strive  against,  shall  not  be 
 laid  to  our  charge  :  and  through  grace  the  victory  is  sure  at  last. 
 
 O  wretched  man  that  I  am,  who  shall  deliver  me  from  the  body 
 of  this  death  !  The  thing  he  complains  of  is  a  body  of  death  ;  either 
 the  body  of  flesh,  which  is  a  mortal,  dying  body  ;  while  we  carry 
 this  body  about  with  us,  we  shall  be  troubled  with  corruption  ; 
 when  we  are  dead  we  shall  be  freed  from  sin,  and  not  before  :  or 
 the  body  of  sin,  the  old  man,  the  corrupt  nature,  which  tends  to 
 death,  i.  e.  to  tbe  ruin  of  the  soul :  or,  comparing  it  to  a  dead  body, 
 the  touch  of  which  was,  by  the  ceremonial  law,  defiling.  If  actual 
 transgression  be  dead  works,  Heb.  ix.  14,  original  corruption  is  a 
 dead  body.  It  was  as  troublesome  to  Paul  as  if  he  had  had  a  dead 
 body  tied  to  him,  which  he  must  have  carried  about  with  him. 
 This  made  him  cry  out,  O  wretched  man  that  I  am  !  A  man  that 
 had  learnt  in  every  state  to  be  content,  yet  complains  thus  of  his 
 corrupt  nature. 
 
 581 
 
HOMANS. 
 
 24  O  wretched  man  that  I  am  !  who  shall 
 deliver  me  from  the  body  of  this  death  ? 
 
 25  I  thank  God  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
 Lord.  So  then,  with  the  mind  I  myself 
 serve  the  law  of  God,  but  with  the  flesh  the 
 law  of  sin. 
 
 There  is,  therefore,  now  no  condemna¬ 
 tion  to  them  which  are  in  Christ  Jesus, 
 who  walk  not  after  the  flesh,  but  after  the 
 spirit. 
 
 2  For  the  law  of  the  spirit  of  life  in  Christ 
 Jesus  hath  made  me  free  from  the  law  of  sin 
 and  death. 
 
 3  For  what  the  law  could  not  do,  in  that 
 it  was  weak  through  the  flesh,  God  sending 
 his  own  Son  in  the  likeness  of  sinful  flesh, 
 and  for  sin  condemned  sin  in  the  flesh  : 
 
 4  That  the  righteousness  of  the  law  might 
 be  fulfilled  in  us,  who  walk  not  after  the 
 flesh,  but  after  the  spirit. 
 
 5  For  they  that  are  after  the  flesh  do  mind 
 the  things  of  the  flesh  ;  but  they  that  are 
 after  the  Spirit  the  things  of  the  Spirit. 
 
 6  For  to  be  carnally  minded  is  death  : 
 but  to  be  spiritually  minded  is  life  and 
 peace  ; 
 
 7  Because  the  carnal  mind  is  enmity 
 against  God  for  it  is  not  subject  to  the  law 
 of  God,  neither  indeed  can  be. 
 
 8  So  then,  they  that  are  in  the  flesh  can¬ 
 not  please  Gcd. 
 
 9  But  ye  are  not  in  the  flesh,  but  in  the 
 Spirit,  if  so  be  that  the  spirit  of  God  dwell 
 in  you.  Now,  if  any  man  have  not  the  Spi¬ 
 rit  of  Christ,  he  is  none  of  his. 
 
 10  And  if  Christ  he  in  you,  the  body  is 
 dead  because  of  sin  ;  but  the  spirit  is  life 
 because  ol’  righteousness. 
 
 11  But  if  the  Spirit  of  him  that  raised  up 
 Jesus  from  the  dead  dwell  in  you,  he  that 
 raised  *up  Christ  from  the  dead  shall  also 
 quicken  your  mortal  bodies  by  his  Spirit  that 
 dwelleth  in  you. 
 
 12  Therefore,  brethren,  Ave  are  debtors, 
 not  to  the  flesh,  to  live  after  the  flesh  : 
 
 13  For  if  ye  live  after  the  flesh,  ye  shall 
 die  :  but  if  ye  through  the  Spirit  do  mortify 
 the  deeds  of  the  body,  ye  shall  live. 
 
 14  For  as  many  as  are  led  by  the  Spirit 
 of  God,  they  are  the  sons  of  God. 
 
 15  For  ye  have  not  received  the  spirit  of 
 bondage  again  to  fear  ;  but  ye  have  received 
 the  Spirit  of  adoption,  Avhereby  we  cry, 
 Abba,  Father. 
 
 16  The  Spirit  itself  beareth  witness  with 
 our  sj)irit,  that  Ave  are  the  children  of  God  ; 
 
 17  And  if  children,  then  heirs;  heirs  of 
 God,  and  joint  heirs  Avith  Christ  :  if  so  be 
 that  Avc  suffer  Avith  him,  that  Ave  may  be  also 
 glorified  together. 
 
 18  For  1  reckon  that  the  sufferings  of  this 
 present  time  are  not  Avorthy  to  he  compared 
 
 CHAP.  VIII. 
 
 I.  The  particular  instances  of  Christian  privileges,  1 — 28.  II. 
 The  ground  thereof  laid  in  predestination,  29.30.,  HI.  Ihel 
 apostle’s  triumph  herein,  in  the  name  of  all  the  saints,  31, 
 ad  tin. 
 
 All  that  are  savingly  regenerate  and  born  again,  do  truly  delight 
 in  the  law  of  God  ;  delight  to  know  it,  to  do  it  :  cheerfully  submit 
 to  the  authority  of  it,  and  take  a  complacency  in  that  submission  ; 
 never  better  pleased  than  when  heart  and  life  are  in  the  strictest 
 conformity  to  the  law  and  will  of  God.  .  . 
 
 CHAP.  Vlll.  1—9.  It  is  the  unspeakable  privilege  and  com¬ 
 fort  of  all  those  that  are  in  Christ  Jesus,  that  there  is  therefore  now 
 no  condemnation  to  them.  He  doth  not  say  there  is  no  accusa¬ 
 tion  against  them,  for  that  there  is;  but  the  accusation  is  thrown 
 out  and  the  indictment  quashed.  He  doth  not  say  there  is  no¬ 
 thing  in  them  that  deserves  condemnation,  for  that  there  is,  and 
 they  see  it,  and  own  it,  and  mourn  over  it,  and  condemn  them¬ 
 selves  for  It ;  but  it  shall  not  be  their  ruin.  He  doth  not  say  there 
 is  no  cross,  no  affliction  to  them,  nor  no  displeasure  in  the  afflic¬ 
 tion  for  that  there  may  be  ;  but  no  condemnation.  They  mav  be 
 chastened  of  the  Lord,  but  not  condemned  with  the  world,  ^ow 
 this  arises  from  their  being  in  Christ  Jesus  ;  by  virtue  ot  their  union 
 with  him  through  faith,  they  are  thus  secured.  1  hey  are  in  Christ 
 Jesus,  as  in  their  city  of  refuge,  and  so  are  proteqed  from  the 
 avenger  of  blood.  He  is  their  advocate,  and  so  brings  them  ott. 
 
 IS,  ihcvcforc  no  condcmn3.tion,  because  they  are  interested 
 in  the  satisfaction  that  Christ  by  dying  made  to  the  law.  In  Christ, 
 God  doth  not  only  not  condemn  them,  but  is  well  pleased  with 
 them,  Matt.  xvii.  5. 
 
 582 
 
 All  the  saints  have  flesh  and  spirit  in  them  ;  but  to  be  in  the  flesh, 
 and  to  be  in  the  spirit,  are  contrary.  It  notes  our  being  overcome 
 and  subdued  by  one  of  these  princiiilcs  :  as  we  say  a  man  is  in  love, 
 or  in  drink,  i.  e.  overcome  by  them.  Now  the  great  question  is, 
 whether  we  are  in  the  flesh,  or  in  the  spirit ;  and  how  'nc 
 
 come  to  know  it  ?  Why,  by  enquiring  whether  the  Spirit  ol  God 
 dwell  in  us.  The  spirit  idwelling  in  us,  is  the  best  evidence  of  our 
 being  in  the  spirit,  for  the  indwelling' is  mutual,  I  John  iv.  lo. 
 Dwcdleth  in  God,  and  God  in  him. 
 
 Abba  is  a  Svriac  word  signifying  Father,  or  my  Father  ;  pater 
 a  Greek  word':  and  why  both,  Abba,  Father .?  Because  Christ  sau 
 so  iiT  prayer.  Matt.  xiv.'sG,  Abba,  Father  :  and  we  have  received 
 the  Spirit  of  the  Son.  It  notes  an  affectionate  endearing  importu- 
 nitv,  and  a  believing  stress  laid  upon  the  relation.  Little  children 
 begoing  of  their  parents  can  say  little  but  father,  father,  and  that 
 is  rhetoric  enough..  It  also  notes  that  the  adoption  is  common 
 both  to  Jews  and  Gentiles  ;  the  JewS  call  him  Abba  in  their  lan¬ 
 guage,  the  Greeks  may  call  him  pater  in  their  language;  tor  in 
 ChrTst  Jesus  there  is  neither  Greek  nor  Jew.  ' 
 
 17 _ 25.  By  the  creature  here  we  understand,  not  as  some  do, 
 
 the  Gentile  world,  and  their  expectation  of  Christ  and  the  gospe  ; 
 which  is  an  exposition  very  foreign  and  forced  :  but  the  "'h° 
 frame  of  nature,  especially  that  of  this  lower  world  ;  the  . 
 •creation,  the  company  of  inanimate  and  sensible  creatures;  wn 
 
CHAP.  VIII. 
 
 4 
 
 with  the  glory  which  shall  be  revealed  in 
 us. 
 
 19  Por  the  earnest  expectation  of  the  crea¬ 
 ture  waiteth  for  the  manifestation  of  the  sons 
 of  God. 
 
 20  For  the  creature  was  made  subject  to 
 vanity,  not  willingly,  but  by  reason  of  him 
 who  hath  subjected  the  same  in  hope  ; 
 
 21  Because  the  creature  itself  also  shall 
 be  delivered  from  the  bondage  of  corruption 
 into  the  glorious  liberty  of  the  children  of 
 God . 
 
 22  For  we  know  that  the  whole  creation 
 groaneth  and  travaileth  in  pain  together  un¬ 
 til  now  :  . 
 
 23  And  not  only  they^  but  ourselves  also, 
 which  have  the  first-fruits  of  the  Spirit,  even 
 we  ourselves  groan  within  ourselves,  waiting 
 for  the  adoption,  to  zcit,  the  redemption  of 
 our  body. 
 
 24  For  we  are  saved  by  hope  :  but  hope 
 that  is  seen  is  not  hope  ;  for  what  a  man  seeth, 
 why  doth  he  yet  hope  lor  ? 
 
 25  But  if  we  hope  for  that  we  see  not, 
 then  do  we  with  patience  wait  for  it. 
 
 26  Likewise  the  Spirit  also  helpcth  our 
 infirmities  :  for  we  know  not  what  we  should 
 pray  for  as  we  ought ;  but  the  Spirit  itself 
 maketh  intercession  for  us  with  groanings 
 which  cannot  be  uttered. 
 
 27  And  he  that  searcheth  the  hearts 
 
 knoweth  what  is  the  mind  of  the  Spirit,  be¬ 
 cause  he  maketh  intercession  for  the  saints 
 according  to  the  will  of  God. 
 
 28  And  we  know  that  all  things  work  to¬ 
 gether  for  good  to  them  that  love  God,  to 
 them  who  are  the  called  according  to  his 
 purpose. 
 
 29  For  whom  he  did  foreknow  he  also  did 
 predestinate  to  he  conformed  to  the  image  of 
 his  Son,  that  he  might  be  the  first-born 
 among  many  brethren. 
 
 30  Moreover,  whom  he  did  predestinate, 
 them  he  also  called  ;  and  whom  he  called, 
 them  he  also  justified  :  and  whom  he  justi¬ 
 fied,  them  he  also  glorified.' 
 
 31  AVhat  shall  w  e  then  say  to  these  things  ? 
 If  God  he  for  us,  w  ho  can  he  against  us  ? 
 
 32  Fie  that  spared  not  his  own  Son,  but 
 delivered  him  up  for  us  all,  how^  shall  he  not 
 with  him  also  freely  give  us  all  thino-s  ? 
 
 33  AVho  shall  lay  any  thing  to  the  charge 
 of  God’s  elect  ?  It  is  God  that  justifieth. 
 
 34  AVho  is  he  that  condemneth  ?  It  is 
 Christ  that  died,  yea  rather,  that  is  risen 
 again,  who  is  even  at  Jthe  right  hand  of  God 
 who  also  maketh  intercession  for  us. 
 
 35  Who  shall  separate  us  from  the  love  of 
 
 Christ  ?  shall  tribulation,  or  distress,  or  perse¬ 
 cution,  or  famine,  or  nakedness,  or  peril  or 
 sword  ?  ’ 
 
 66  (As  it  is  wTitten,  For  thy  sake  we  are 
 
 because  of  their  harmony  and  mutual  dcpendance,  and  because 
 they  all  constitute  and  make  up  one  world,  are  spoken  of  in  the 
 singular  number,  as  the  creature.  The  sense  of  the  apostle  in 
 these  four  verses  we  may  take  in  these  observations  :  first.  That 
 there  is  a  present  vanity,  which  the  creature  bv  reason  of  the  sin 
 of  man  is  made  subject  to,  v.  ‘20.  W'hen  man'  sinned,  the  ground 
 was  cursed  for  man’s  sake,  and  with  it  all  the  creatures  (especially 
 of  this  lower  world  where  our  acquaintance  lies)  became  subject 
 to  that  curse  ;  became  mutable  and  mortal,  under  the  bondage  of 
 corruption,  v.  21.  And  this,  not  willingly,  not  of  their  own 
 choice;  all  the  creatures  desire  their  own  perfection  and  consum¬ 
 mation.  W'hen  they  are  made  instruments  of  sin,  it  is  not  willintf- 
 /y.  Or,  they  are  thus  captivated,  not  for  any  sin  of  their  ow^li 
 which  they  had  committed,  but  for  man’s  sin,  b}'  reason  of  him  who 
 hath  subjected  the  same:  second.  That  the  creatures  groan  and 
 travail  in  pain  together  under  this  vanity  and  corruption,  22.  It  is 
 a  figurative  expression  :  third.  That  the  creature,  that  is  now  thus 
 liurdened,  shall,  at  the  time  of  the  restitution  of  all  things,  be  de¬ 
 livered  from  this  bondage  into  the  glorious  liberty  of  the  children 
 ot  God,  21,  i.  e.  they  shall  no  more  be  subject  to  vanity  and  cor¬ 
 ruption,  and  the  other  fruits  of  the  curse  ;  but,  on  the  contrary, 
 this  lower  world  shall  be  renewed  ;  when  there  will  be  new  he'a- 
 vens,  there  will  be  a  new  earth,  2  Pet.  iii.  13,  Rev.  xxi.  1.  If  it 
 be  objected,  what  use  will  they  be  of  to  glorified  saints  >  We  may 
 suppose  them  of  as  much  use  as  they  were  to  Adam  in  innocenev': 
 and  if  it  be  only  to  illustrate  the  wisdom,  power,  and  goodness'oi' 
 that  is  enough.  Compare  with  this,  Psalm  xevi. 
 ^  Let  the  heavens  rejoice  before  the  Lord,  for 
 
 Vol.  II.  Q.2  4  p 
 
 he  cometh  ;  fourth.  That  the  creature  doth  therefore  earnestly  ex¬ 
 pect  and  wait  for  the  manifestation  of  the  children  of  God  10 
 And  this  redemption  of  the  creature  is  rescr-ved  till  then  •  for  as  it 
 was  with  man  and  for  man  that  they  fell  under  the  curse  so  with 
 man  and  for  man  they  shall  be  delivered.  This  the  whole  creation 
 looks  and  longs  for;  and  it  may  serve  as  a  reason  why  now  a  eood 
 man  should  be  merciful  to  his  beast.  '  ^ 
 
 26'— 28.  All  things  work  together  for  good  to  them,  i.  e.  all  the 
 providcMices  of  God  that  are  concerning  them.  All  that  God  per¬ 
 forms  he  performs  for  them,  Psal.  Ivii.  2.  Either  directly,  or  in- 
 directlv,  every  providence  hath  a  tendency  to  the  spiritual  good  of 
 those  that  love  God  ;  breaking  them  off  from  sin,  bringing  them 
 nearer  to  God,  weaning  them  from  the  world,  fitting  them  for  hea- 
 
 2.9-30.  This  is  a  might.y  encouragement  to  our  faith  and  hope  • 
 or,  as  for  God,  his  way,  his  xyork  is  perfect;  he  that  hath  laid 
 he  foundation  will  build  upon  it  ;  and  the  top-stone  will  at  lenath 
 be  brought  forth  with  shoutings,  and  it  will  be  our  eternal  work 
 to  cry,  grace,  grace  to  it. 
 
 31— 39.  Observe,  the  love  that  is  between  God  and  true  Up 
 heyers,  is  through  Christ;  he  is  the  Mediator  of  our  love  •  i«  in 
 and  through  him  that  God  can  love  us,  and  that  we  dare  love  God 
 That  IS  the  ground  of  fhe  stedfastness  of  the  love;  therefore  GnH 
 rests  in  his  love,  Zeph.  iii.  17,  because  Jesus  Christ,  in  whoin  he 
 loves  us,  is  the  same  yesterday,  to-dav,  and  for  evur 
 Mr.  Hugh  Henned'y,  an  eminent  Christian,  of  Avr  in  Scotland 
 when  he  was  dying,  called  for  a  bible  ;  but  finding  h’is  sight  goi  e 
 he  said,  Turn  me  to  the  eighth  of  the  Romans,  and  set  mv  finger  ai 
 
 3s3 
 
ROMANS. 
 
 killed  all  the  day  long  :  we  are  accounted  as 
 sheep  for  the  slaughter.) 
 
 37  Nay,  in  all  these  things  we  are  more 
 than  conquerors  through  him  that  loved  us. 
 
 38  Por  I  am  persuaded  that  neither  death, 
 nor  life,  nor  angels,  nor  principalities,  nor 
 powers,  nor  things  present,  nor  things  to 
 come, 
 
 39  Nor  height,  nor  depth,  nor  any  other 
 creature,  shall  be  able  to  separate  us  from 
 ^he  love  of  God,  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus  our 
 Lord. 
 
 CHAP  IX. 
 
 The  rejection  of  the  Jews,  and  calling  of  the  Gentiles. 
 
 'g'  SAY  the  truth  in  Christ,  I  lie  not,  my 
 conscience  also  bearing  me  witness  in  the 
 Holy  Ghost, 
 
 2  That  I  have  great  heaviness  and  conti¬ 
 nual  sorrow  in  my  heart. 
 
 3  For  I  could  wish  that  myself  were  ac¬ 
 cursed  from  Christ  for  m}’^  brethren,  my 
 kinsmen  according  to  the  flesh  : 
 
 4  Who  are  Israelites  ;  to  whom  pertaincth 
 the  adoption,  and  the  glory,  and  the  cove¬ 
 nants,  and  the  giving  of  the  law,  and  the  ser¬ 
 vice  of  God,  and  the  promises  ; 
 
 5  Whose  are  ihe  fathers,  and  of  whom,  as 
 concerning  the  flesh,  Christ  came,  who  is 
 over  all,  God  blessed  for  ever.  Amen. 
 
 6  Not  as  though  the  word  of  God  hath 
 taken  none  effect.  For  they  are  not  all  Is¬ 
 rael  which  are  of  Israel  : 
 
 7  Neither  because  they  are  the  seed  of 
 Abraham  are  they  all  children  ;  but.  In  Isaac 
 shall  thy  seed  be  called  : 
 
 8  That  is.  They  which  are  the  children  of 
 the  flesh,  these  are  not  the  children  of  God  : 
 but  the  children  of  the  promise  are  counted 
 for  the  seed. 
 
 those  words,  I  am  persuaded  that  neither  death  nor  life,  &c.  Now, 
 said  he,  is  iny  finger  upon  them  ?  And  when  they  told  him  it  was, 
 without  speaking  any  more,  he  said,  Now  God  be  with  you,  my 
 children  ;  I  have  breakfasted  with  you,  and  shall  sup  with  my  Lord 
 Jesus  Christ  this  night ;  and  so  departed. 
 
 CHAP.  IX.  1 — 5.  Love  uses  to  be  bold  and  venturous,  and  self- 
 denying.  Because  the  glory  of  God’s  grace  in  the  salvation  of 
 many,  is  to  be  preferred  before  the  welfare  and  happiness  of  a 
 single  person;  Paul,  i-f  they  were  put  in  competition,  would  be 
 content  to  fi'rego  all  his  own  happiness  to  purchase  theirs. 
 
 6 — 13.  They  are  not  all  really  Israel  that  are  so  in  name  and 
 profession.  It  doth  not  follow,  that  because  they  arc  the  seed  of 
 Abraham,  therefore  they  must  needs  be  the  children  of  God, 
 though  they  themselves  fancied  so,  boasted  much  of,  and  built 
 much  upon  their  relation  to  Abraham,  Matt.  iii.  John  viii. 
 oti4 
 
 9  For  this  is  the  word  of  promise.  At  this 
 time  will  I  come,  and  Sarah  shall  have  a  son. 
 
 10  And  not  only  this,  but  when  Rebecca 
 also  had  conceived  by  one,  €ve7i  by  our  fa¬ 
 ther  Isaac, 
 
 11  (For  the  children  being  not  yet  born, 
 neither  having  done  any  good  or  evil,  that 
 the  purpose  of  God  according  to  election 
 toight  stand,  not  of  works,  but  of  him  that 
 calleth, 
 
 12  It  was  said  unto  her,  The  elder  shall 
 serve  the  younger. 
 
 13  As  it  is  written,  Jacob  have  I  loved, 
 but  Esau  have  I  hated. 
 
 14  What  shall  we  say  then  ?  Is  there  un¬ 
 righteousness  with  God  ?  God  forbid. 
 
 15  For  he  saith  to  Moses,  I  will  have 
 mercy  on  whom  I  will  have  mercy,  and  I  will 
 have  compassion  on  whom  I  will  have  com¬ 
 passion. 
 
 16  So  then,  it  is  not  of  him  that  willeth, 
 nor  of  him  that  runneth,  but  of  God  that 
 sheweth  mercy. 
 
 17  For  the  scripture  saith  unto  Pharaoh, 
 Even  for  this  same  purpose  have  1  raised 
 thee  up,  that  I  might  shew  my  power  in  thee, 
 and  that  my  name  might  be  declared 
 throughout  all  the  earth 
 
 18  Therefore  hath  he  mercy  on  whom  he 
 will  have  mercy,  and  whom  he  will  he  hard- 
 eneth. 
 
 19  Thou  wilt  say  then  unto  me.  Why 
 doth  he  yet  find  fault  ?  for  who  hath  resisted 
 his  will  ? 
 
 20  Nay,  but,  O  man,  who  art  thou  that 
 repliest  against  God  ?  Shall  the  thing  formed 
 say  to  him  that  formed  it.  Why  hast  thou 
 made  me  thus  ? 
 
 21  Hath  not  tne  potter  power  over  the 
 
 33 — 39.  Grace  doth  not  run  iu  a  blood  ;  nor  arc  saving  benefits 
 inseparably  annexed  to  external  church-privileges;  though  it  is 
 common  for  people  thus  to  stretch  the  meaning  of  God’s  oromise, 
 to  bolster  them  up  in  a  vain  hope. 
 
 14 — 24.  Such  is  the  method  of  God’s  grace  towaids  all  that  par¬ 
 take  of  it,  for  he  is  found  ot  them  that  sought  him  not,  Isa.  Ixv. 
 1.  In  this  preventing,  effectual,  distinguishing  grace,  he  acts  as 
 a  benefactor,  whose  grace  is  his  own.  Our  eye  therefore  must  not 
 be  evil,  because  he  is  good  :  but  of  all  the  grace  that  we  or  others 
 lave,  he  must  have  the  glory:  Not  unto  us,  Psal.  cxy.  1.  God’s 
 sovereigntv  manifested  in  the  ruin  of  sinners,  is  here  discovered  in 
 the  instance  of  Pharaoh  ;  it  is  quoted  from  Exod.  ix.  lb'.  If  Pha¬ 
 raoh  had  not  been  so  high  and  mighty,  so  bold  and  hardy,  the 
 power  of  God  had  not  been  so  illustrious  in  the  running  of  him  : 
 but  the  taking  off  of  the  spirit  of  such  a  prince  who  hectored  at 
 
CHAP.  X. 
 
 clay,  of  the  same  lump  to  make  one  vessel 
 unto  honour,  and  another  unto  dishonour  ? 
 
 22  JVhat  if  God,  willing  to  shew  his  wrath, 
 and  to  make  his  power  know’^n,  endured 
 with  much  long-suffering  the  vessels  of  wrath 
 fitted  to  destruction  ; 
 
 23  And  that  he  might  make  known  the 
 riches  of  his  glory  on  the  vessels  of  mercy 
 which  he  had  afore  prepared  unto  glory, 
 
 24  Even  us,  whom  he  hath  called,  not  of 
 the  Jews  only,  but  also  of  the  Gentiles  ? 
 
 25  As  he  saith  also  in  Osee,  I  will  call 
 them  my  people  which  were  not  my  people ; 
 and  her  beloved,  which  was  not  beloved. 
 
 26  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  in  the 
 place  where  it  was  said  unto  them,  Ye  are 
 not  my  people :  there  shall  they  be  called. 
 The  children  of  the  living  God. 
 
 ^  ^  27  Esaias  also  crieth  concerning  Israel, 
 1  hough  the  number  of  the  children  of  Israel 
 be  as  the  sand  of  the  sea,  a  remnant  shall 
 be  saved  : 
 
 28  Eor  he  will  finish  the  work,  and  cut  it 
 short  in  righteousness  ;  because  a  short  work 
 will  the  Lord  make  upon  the  earth. 
 
 29  And  as  Esaias  said  before.  Except  the 
 Lord  of  sabaoth  had  left  us  a  seed,  we  had 
 been  as  Sodonia,  and  been  made  like  unto 
 Gomorrha. 
 
 30  AVhat  shall  we  say  then?  That  the 
 Gentiles  Mhich  followed  not  after  righteous¬ 
 ness,  have  attained  to  righteousness,  even  the 
 righteousness  which  is  of  faith  ; 
 
 31  But  Israel,  whch  followed  alter  the 
 law  of  righteousness,  hath  not  attained  to 
 the  law  of  righteousness. 
 
 32  AVheretore  ?  Because  they  sought  it  not 
 by  faith,  but  as  it  were  by  the  works  of  the 
 
 law  :  for  they  stumbled  at  that  stumblino-- 
 I  stone  ;  ® 
 
 33  As  it  is  written.  Behold,  I  lay  in  Sion 
 la  stumbhng-stone,  and  rock  of  offence  :  and 
 whosoever  believeth  on  him  shall  not  be 
 I  ashamed. 
 
 CHAP.  X. 
 
 To  two  great  truths  1  would  reduce  this  chapter,  I.  That  there  is 
 a  great  diflerence  between  the  righteousness  of  the  law,  which 
 the  unbelieving  Jews  were  wedded  to,  and  the  righteousness  of 
 faith  oftered  in  the  gospel,  1-11.  II.  That  there  is  no  differ¬ 
 ence  between  Jews  and  Gentiles ;  but  in  point  of  justification 
 and  acceptance  with  God,  the  gospel  sets  them  both  upon  the 
 
 same  level,  12,  ad  fin. 
 
 RETHREN,  my  hearPs  desire  and 
 prayer  to  God  for  Israel  is,  that  they 
 might  be  saved. 
 
 2  For  I  bear  them  record,  that  they  have 
 a  zeal  of  God,  but  not  according  to  know¬ 
 ledge. 
 
 3  For  they,  being  ignorant  of  God^s  righ¬ 
 teousness,  and  going  about  to  establish  their 
 own  righteousness,  have  not  submitted  them¬ 
 selves  unto  the  righteousness  of  God. 
 
 4  I  or  Christ  is  the  end  of  the  law  for  righ¬ 
 teousness  to  every  one  that  believeth. 
 
 5  lor  Moses  descril^eth  the  righteousness 
 which  is  of  the  law.  That  the  man  which 
 doeth  those  things  shall  live  by  them. 
 
 6  But  the  righteousness  which  is  of  faith 
 speaketh  on  this  wise.  Say  not  in  thine  heart 
 Who  shall  ascend  into  heaven  ?  (that  is,  to 
 bring  Christ  down /row  above  : ) 
 
 1  Or,  Who  shall  descend  into  the  deep  ? 
 
 (that  is,  to  bring  up  Christ  again  from  the 
 dead  :) 
 
 8  But  what  saith  it  ?  The  word  is  nicrh 
 thee,  even  in  thy  mouth,  and  in  thy  heart  ; 
 that  is,  the  word  of  faith,  which  we  preach. 
 
 9  That  if  thou  shalt  confess  with  thy 
 
 that  rate,  did  indeed  proclaim  God  glorious  in  holiness,  fearful  in 
 praises,  doing  wonders,  Lxod.  XV.  11. 
 
 25  2.9.  Ihe  Gentilp  had  not  been  the  people  of  God:  not 
 owning  him,  or  owned  by  him  in  that  relation  :  but,  saith  he,  1  will 
 call  them  my  people,  make  them  such,  and  own  them  as  such 
 notwithstanding  all  their  unworthiness.  A  blessed  change  !  Former 
 badness  IS  no  bar  to  God’s  present  grace  and  merev.  And  her  be¬ 
 loved  which  was  not  beloved.  Those  that  God  calfs  his  people,  he 
 calls  beloved  ;  he  loves  those  that  are  his  own.  And  lest  it  miaht 
 be  supposed  that  they  should  become  Gpd’s  people  onlv  bv  befng 
 prose  yted  to  their  Jewish  religion,  and  made  members  of  that  na- 
 tion,  he  adds  from  Hos.  i  la  In  the  place  where  it  was  said,  &c. 
 there  shall  they  be  called.  They  need  not  be  embodied  with  the 
 
 ‘'Pl  to  to  'worship ;  but  wherever  they  are 
 
 scattered  over  the  face  of  the  earth,  there  will  God  own  them 
 Observe  the  great  dignity  and  honour  of  the  saints,  tha^  they  are 
 
 called  the  children  of  the  living  God  -  and  his  callincr 
 
 alf  his  manner  of  love  !  This  honour  hale 
 
 30-33.  The  apo^le  comes  here  at  last  to  fix  the  true  reason  oi 
 he  rccej:nion  of  the  Gentiles,  and  the  rejection  of  the  Jews.  There 
 
 .-'j  .he" 
 
 ‘*.1  1 — .,7 .  mere 
 
 though  still  It  was  the  free  grace  of  God 
 
 was  that  different  success 
 that  made  them  differ. 
 
 f  of  the  law  was  to  bring  them  to  per 
 
 feet  obedience  and  so  to  obtain  a  justification :  this  is  now^bc 
 come  impossible  by  reason  of  the  power  of  sin  and  rlu^  r-or...  ^ 
 
 of  nature:  but  Christ  is  the  end  of  the  law  \he 
 stroyed,  nor  the  intention  of  the  lawgiver  frustrated  "  but  fnU  ^ 
 tisfaction  being-made  by  the  death  of  Christ  f^  ouf^,eae/o  Tt 
 law,  the  end  is  attained,  an^d  we  put  in  another  way  of  justifica  ''on 
 Christ  IS  thus  the  end  of  the  law  for  righteousness^  i.  e.  for  jusS 
 
 585 
 
ROMANS. 
 
 mouth  the  Lord  Jesus,  and  shalt  believe  in 
 thine  heart  that  God  hath  raised  him  from 
 the  dead,  thou  shalt  be  saved. 
 
 10  For  with  the  heart  man  believeth  unto 
 righteousness  :  and  with  the  mouth  confes¬ 
 sion  is  made  unto  salvation. 
 
 11  For  the  scripture  saith.  Whosoever  be¬ 
 lieveth  on  him 'shall  not  be  ashamed. 
 
 12  For  there  is  no  difference  between  the 
 Jew  and  the  Greek  :  for  the  same  Lord  over 
 all  is  rich  unto  all  that  call  upon  him. 
 
 13  For  whosoever  shall  call  upon  the 
 name  of  the  Lord  shall  be  saved. 
 
 14  How  then  shall  they  call  on  him  in 
 whom  they  have  not  believed  ?  and  how 
 shall  they  believe  in  him  of  whom  they  have 
 not  heard  ?  and  how  shall  they  hear  without 
 a  preacher  ? 
 
 15  And  how  shall  they  preach  except  they 
 be  sent  ?  as  it  is  written.  How  beautiful  are 
 the  feet  of  them  that  preach  the  gospel  of 
 peace,  and  bring  glad  tidings  of  good  things  ! 
 
 16  But  they  have  not  all  obeyed  the  gos¬ 
 pel  :  for  Esaias  saith.  Lord,  who  hath  be¬ 
 lieved  our  report  ? 
 
 17  So  then,  faith  cometh  by  hearing,  and 
 hearing  by  the  word  of  God. 
 
 18  But  I  say.  Have  they  not  heard  ?  Yes 
 verily,  their  sound  went  into  all  the  earth, 
 and  their  words  unto  the  ends  of  the  world. 
 
 19  But  I  say.  Did  not  Israel  know  ?  First 
 Moses  saith,  I  will  provoke  you  to  jealousy 
 by  them  that  are  no  people,  and  by  a  foolish 
 nation  I  will  anger  you. 
 
 20  But  Esaias  is  very  bold,  and  saith,  I 
 was  found  of  them  that  sought  me  not  ;  I 
 was  made  manifest  unto  them  that  asked 
 not  after  me. 
 
 21  But  to  Israel,  he  saith.  All  day  long  I 
 
 cation  ;  but  it  is  only  to  every  one  that  believeth  ;  upon  our  be¬ 
 lieving,  i.  e.  our  humble  consent  to  the  terms  of  the  gospel,  w'e  be¬ 
 come  interested  in  Christ’s  satisfaction,  and  so  are  justified  through 
 the  redemption  that  is  in  Jesus. 
 
 12 — 21.  The  gospel  ought  to  be  welcome  to  those  to  whom  it 
 was  preached;  because  it  shewed  the  way  to  salvation,  *1.5. 
 For  this  he  quotes  Isa.  lii.  7.  The  like  passage  we  have,  Nahum  i. 
 15,  which  if  it  point  at  the  glad  tidings  of  the  deliverance  of  Is¬ 
 rael  out  of  Babylon  in  the  type,  yet  it  looks  further  to  the  gospel, 
 i.  e,  the  good  news  of  our  salvation  by  Jesus  Christ.  He  appeals 
 to  two  passages  of  the  Old  Testament,  to  shew  how  ine.xcusable 
 they  are  too.  Did  not  Israel  know,  viz.  that  the  Gentiles  were 
 to  be  called  in  ?  They  might  have  known  it  from  Moses  and  Isaiah  : 
 first.  One  is  taken  from  Deut.  xx.'cii.  21,  I  will  provoke  you  to 
 jealousy  ;  second,  Another  is  taken  from  Isa.  Ixv.  1,  2,  which  is 
 586’ 
 
 have  stretched  forth  my  hands  unto  a  disobe¬ 
 dient  and  gainsaying  people. 
 
 CHAP.  XI. 
 
 I.  The  apostle  shews  at  large  what  the  mercy  is  that  is  mi.xcd  with 
 this  wrath,  1 — 32.  II.  He  infers  from  thence  the  infinite  wis¬ 
 dom  and  sovereignty  of  God,  33 — 36'. 
 
 IT  SAY  then,  hath  God  cast  away  his 
 people  ?  God  forbid.  For  I  also  am  an 
 Israelite  of  the  seed  of  Abraham,  of  the 
 tribe  of  Benjamin. 
 
 2  God  hath  not  cast  away  his  people  which 
 he  foreknew.  Wot  ye  not  what  the  scrip¬ 
 ture  saith  of  Elias  ?  how  he  maketh  inter¬ 
 cession  to  God  against  Israel,  saying, 
 
 3  Lord,  they  have  killed  thy  prophets, 
 and  digged  down  thine  altars  :  and  I  am  left 
 alone,  and  they  seek  my  life. 
 
 4  But  what  saith  the  answer  of  God  unto 
 him  ?  I  have  reserved  to  myself  seven  thou¬ 
 sand  men,  who  have  not  bowed  the  knee  to 
 the  image  of  Baal. 
 
 5  Even  so  then,  at  this  present  time  also, 
 there  is  a  remnant  accordimi;  to  the  election 
 of  <>;race. 
 
 6  And  if  by  grace,  then  is  it  no  more  of 
 works ;  otherwise  grace  is  no  more  grace. 
 But  if  it  be  of  works,  then  is  it  no  more 
 o;race  ;  otherwise  work  is  no  more  work. 
 
 7  What  then  ?  Israel  hath  not  obtained 
 that  which  he  seeketh  for  :  but  the  election 
 hath  obtained  it,  and  the  rest  were  blinded. 
 
 8  (According  as  it  is  written,  God  hath 
 given  them  the  spirit  of  slumber,  eyes  that 
 they  should  not  see,  and  ears  that  they 
 should  not  hear)  unto  this  day. 
 
 9  And  David  saith.  Let  their  table  be 
 made  a  snare,  and  a  trap,  and  a  stumbling- 
 block,  and  a  recompence  unto  them  : 
 
 10  Let  their  eyes  be  darkened,  that  they 
 may  not  see,  and  bow  down  their  back  alway. 
 
 very  full,  and  in  it  Esaias  is  very  bold  ;  boKl  indeed  to  speak  so 
 plainly  of  the  rejection  of  his  own  countrymen.  Those  that  will 
 be  found  faithful,  have  need  to  be  very  bold  :  those  that  are  re¬ 
 solved  to  please  God,  must  not  be  afraid  to  displease  any  man. 
 
 CHAP.  XI.  1 — 32.  God  will  have  a  church  in  the  world,  will 
 have  the  wedding  furnished  with  guests  ;  and  if  one  will  not  come, 
 another  will,  or  why  was  the  oft'er  made  ?  The  Jews  had  the  re¬ 
 fusal,  and  so  the  tender  came  to  the  Gentiles.  See  how  infinite 
 wisdom  brings  light  out  of  darkness,  good  out  of  evil,  meat  out  of 
 the  eater,  and  sweetness  out  of  the  strong.* 
 
 To  the  same  purpose  he  saith,  v.  12,  The  fall  of  them  was  the 
 riches  of  the  world,  i.  e.  it  hastened  the  gospel  so  much  the  sooner 
 into  the  Gentile  world.  The  gospel  is  the  greatest  riches  of  the 
 place  where  it  is  ;  it  is  better  than  thousands  of  gold  and  silver, 
 Or,  the  riches  of  the  Gentiles  was  the  multitude  of  converts  among 
 
CHAP.  XI. 
 
 11  I  say  tlien,  Have  they  stumbled  that 
 they  should  fall  ?  God  forbid  :  but  rather 
 through  their  fall  salvation  u  come  unto  the 
 Gentiles,  for  to  provoke  them  to  jealousy. 
 
 12  ‘Now,  if  the  fall  of  them  be  the  riches 
 of  the  world,  and  the  diminishing  of  them 
 the  riches  of  the  Gentiles,  how  much  more 
 their  fulness  ? 
 
 13  For  I  speak  to  you  Gentiles,  in  as  much 
 as  I  am  the  apostle  of  the  Gentiles,  I  mag¬ 
 nify  mine  office  : 
 
 14  If  by  any  means  I  may  provoke  to 
 emulation  them  which  are  my  flesh,  and 
 might  save  some  of  them. 
 
 15  For  if  the  casting  away  of  them  he  the 
 reconciling  of  the  world,  what  shall  the  re¬ 
 ceiving  of  them  he  but  life  from  the  dead  ? 
 
 16  For  if  the  first-fruit  he  holj,  the  lump 
 is  also  holy  :  and  if  the  root  he  holy,  so  are 
 the  branches. 
 
 17  And  if  some  of  the  branches  be  broken 
 off,  and  thou,  being  a  wild  olive-tree,  wert 
 graffed  in  among  them,  and  with  them  par- 
 takest  of  the  root  and  fatness  of  the  olive- 
 tree  ; 
 
 18  Boast  not  against  the  branches  :  but 
 if  thou  boast,  thou  bearest  not  the  root,  but 
 the  root  thee. 
 
 19  Thou  wilt  say  then.  The  branches  were 
 broken  off,  that  I  might  be  graffed  in. 
 
 20  Well :  because  of  unbelief  they  were 
 broken  off,  and  thou  standest  by  faith.  Be 
 not  high-minded,  but  fear  : 
 
 21  For  if  God  spared  not  the  natural 
 branches,  take  heed  lest  he  also  spare  not  thee. 
 
 22  Behold,  therefore,  the  goodness  and 
 severity  of  God  ;  on  them  which  fell,  seve¬ 
 rity  ;  but  toward  thee,  goodness,  if  thou 
 
 continue  in  his  goodness  :  otherwise  thou  also 
 shalt  be  cut  off. 
 
 23  And  the^r  also,  if  they  abide  not 
 in  unbelief,  shall  be  graffed  in  :  for  God  is 
 able  to  graff  them  in  again. 
 
 24  For  if  thou  wert  cut  out  of  the  olive- 
 tree,  which  is  wild  by  nature,  and  wert  graffed 
 contrary  to  nature  into  a  good  olive-tree  ; 
 how  much  more  shall  these,  which  be  the 
 natural  branches,  be  graffed  into  their  own 
 olive-tree  ? 
 
 25  For  I  would  not,  brethren,  that  ye 
 should  be  ignorant  of  this  mystery,  (lest  ye 
 should  be  wise  in  your  own  conceits,)  that 
 blindness  in  part  is  happened  to  Israel,  un¬ 
 til  the  fulness  of  the  Gentiles  be  come  in. 
 
 26  And  so  all  Israel  shall  be  saved ;  as  it 
 is  written.  There  shall  come  out  of  Sion  the 
 Deliverer,  and  shall  turn  away  ungodliness 
 from  Jacob. 
 
 27  For  this  is  my  covenant  unto  them, 
 when  I  shall  take  away  their  sins. 
 
 28  As  concerning  the  gospel,  they  are  ene¬ 
 mies  for  your  sakes  ;  but  as  touching  the 
 election,  they  art  beloved  for  the  fathers’ 
 sakes. 
 
 29  For  the  gifts  and  calling  of  God  are 
 without  repentance. 
 
 30  For  as  ye  in  times  past  have  not  be¬ 
 lieved  God,  yet  have  now  obtained  mercy 
 through  their  unbelief : 
 
 31  Even  so  have  these  also  now  not  be¬ 
 lieved,  that  through  your  mercy  they  also 
 may  obtain  mercy. 
 
 32  For  God  hath  concluded  them  all  in 
 unbelief,  that  he  might  have  mercy  upori  all. 
 
 33  O  the  depth  of  the  riches  both  of  the 
 wisdom  and  knowledge  of  God  !  how  un  « 
 
 them.  True  believers;  are  God’s  jewels.  To  the  same  purpose, 
 V.  15  The  casting  away  of  them  is  the  leconciling  of  the  worlcl. 
 God’s’ displeasure  towards  them  made  way  for  his  favour  t^'ards 
 the  Gentiles.  God  was  in  Christ  reconciling  the  world,  2  Cor.  v. 
 10  •  and  therefore  he  took  occasion  from  the  unbelief  of  the  Jews 
 one’nlv  to  disavow  and  disown  them,  though  they  had  been  his  pe- 
 culiaf -favourites ;  to  shew,  that  in  dispensing  his  favours  he 
 would  now  no  longer  act  in  such  a  way  of  peculiarity  and  restric¬ 
 tion  but  that  in  'every  nation  he  that  feared  Ood,  and  wrought 
 righteousness,  should  be  accepted  of  him.  Acts  x.  34,  3o. 
 
 The  Gentiles  being  graffed  into  the  church, 
 nrivilei^cs  that  the  Jews  did,  the  root  and  fatness.  Hie  olive-tree 
 fs  the  visible  church,  called  so,  Jer.  xi,  l6,  the  root  of  this  tree  was 
 Abraham-  not  the  root  of  communication,  Christ  only  is  the 
 roo  but  Ihu  root  of  admiuistratiou,  he  the  first  w.th  whom 
 
 the  covenant  was  so  solemnly  made.  Now  the  believing  Gentiles 
 
 partake  of  this  root ;  he  also  is  a  son  of  Abraham,  Luke  xix.  9» 
 the  blessing  of  Abraham  comes  upon  the  Gentiles,  Gal.  iii.  14,  the 
 same  fatness  of  the  olive-tree,  the  same  for  substance,  special  pro¬ 
 tection,  lively  oracles,  means  of  salvation,  a  standing  ministry,  in¬ 
 stituted  ordinances  ;  and,  among  the  rest,  the  visible  church  mem 
 bership  of  their  infant  seed,  which  was  part  of  the  fatness  of  th 
 olive-tree  that  the  Jews  had,  and  cannot  be  imagined  to  be  deniea 
 to  the  Gentiles. 
 
 He  quotes  Isaiah  lix.  20,  21,  where  we  may  observe  the  coming 
 of  Christ  promised.  Christ’s  errand  into  the  world  was  to  turn 
 away  ungodliness,  to  turn  away  the  guilt  by  the  purchase  of  par¬ 
 doning  mercy,  and  to  turn  aw'ay  the  power  by  the  pouring  out  of 
 renewing  grace :  to  save  his  people  from  their  sins.  Matt.  i.  21,  to 
 part  betwixt  us  and  our  sins  ;  that  iniquity  might  not  be  our  ruin, 
 and  that  it  might  not  be  our  ruler. 
 
 33 — 36.  Paul  had  been  discoursing  at  large  of  the  counsels  o* 
 
 587 
 
romans. 
 
 searchable  are  his  judgments,  and  his  ways 
 past  finding  out ! 
 
 34  For  who  hath  known  the  mind  of  the 
 Lord  ?  or  who  hath  been  his  counsellor  ? 
 
 35  Or  who  hath  first  given  to  him,  and  it 
 shall  be  recompensed  unto  him  again  ? 
 
 36  For  of  him,  and  through  him,  and  to 
 him,  are  all  things  ;  to  whom  he  glory  for 
 ever.  Amen. 
 
 CHAP.  XII. 
 
 The  particular  exhortations  of  this  chapter  are  reducible  to  the 
 
 three  principal  heads  of  Christian  duty;  our  duty  to  God,  to 
 
 ourselves,  and  to  our  brothers. 
 
 ■f  BESEECH  you,  therefore,  brethren,  by 
 the  mercies  of  God,  that  ye  present  your 
 bodies  a  living  sacrifice,  holy,  acceptable 
 unto  God,  whicJi  is  your  reasonable  service. 
 
 2  And  be  not  conformed  to  this  world  : 
 but  be  ye  transformed  by  the  renewing  of 
 your  mind,  that  jq  may  prove  what  h  that 
 good,  that  acceptable,  and  perfect  Avill  of 
 God. 
 
 3  For  I  say,  through  the  grace  given  unto 
 me,  to  every  man  that  is  among  you,  not 
 to  think  of  himself  more  highly  than  he 
 ought  to  think  ;  but  to  think  soberly,  ac¬ 
 cording  as  God  hath  dealt  to  every  man  the 
 measure  of  faith. 
 
 4  For  as  we  have  many  members  in  one 
 body,  and  all  members  have  not  the  same 
 office  : 
 
 5  So  Ave,  being  many,  are  one  body  in 
 Christ,  and  every  one  members  one  of 
 another. 
 
 God  concerning  man,  sifting  the  point  with  a  groat  deal  of  ac¬ 
 curacy  ;  but  alter  all  he  concludes  with  the  acknowledgment  of 
 the  divine  sovereignty,  as  that  into  which  all  these  things  must  be 
 ultimately  resolved,  and  in  which  alone  the  mind  can  safely  and 
 sweetly  rest.  This  is,  if  not  the  scholastic  way,  yet  the  Christian 
 way  of  disputation  :  whatever  are  the  premises,  let  God’s  glory  be 
 the  conclusion ;  espeeially  when  we  come  to  talk  of  the  divine 
 counsels  and  actings,  it  is  best  for  us  to  turn  oUr  arguments  into 
 awful  and  serious  adorations.  The  glorified  saints,  that  see  fur¬ 
 thest  into  these  mysteries,  never  dispute,  but  praise  to  eternity. 
 
 CHAP.  Xir.  1—21.  We  are  both  temple,  priest,  and  sacrifice; 
 as  Christ  was  in  his  peculiar  sacrificing.  'I’here  were  sacrifices  of 
 atonement,  and  sacrifices  of  acknowledgment :  Christ  is  the  only 
 sacrifice  of  atonement,  who  w  as  once  offered  to  bear  the  sins  of 
 many,  but  our  persons  and  performances  rendered  to  God  through 
 Christ'our  Priest,  are  as  sacrifices  of  acknowledgment  to  the  hO- 
 nour  of  God.  VVhat  ever  we  do  in  religion,  it  is  pleasing  to  (iod 
 no  further  than  it  is  done  with  our  spirits,  w'rought  upon  bv  the 
 Spirit  of  God.  And  there  must  be  fervency  in  the  spirit;  a  holv 
 zeal  and  warmth,  and  ardency  of  affection  in  all  we  do  :  as  those 
 that  love  God  not  only  with  the  heart  and  soul,  but  with  all  our 
 hearts,  and  with  all  our  souls.  This  is  the  only  fire,  that  kindles 
 the  sacrifice,  and  carries  it  up  to  heaven,  an  oficring  of  sweet 
 smelling  savour. 
 
 5  88 
 
 6  Having  then  gifts  differing  according 
 to  the  grace  that  is  given  to  us,  Avhether 
 prophecy,  let  ns  prophecy,  according  to  the 
 proportion  of  faith  ; 
 
 7  Or  ministry,  let  ns  wait  on  onr  minister¬ 
 ing  ;  or  he  that  teacheth,  on  teaching  ; 
 
 8  Or  he  that  exhorteth,  on  exhortation  ; 
 he  that  giveth,  let  him  do  it  Avith  simplicity  ; 
 he  that  ruleth,  Avith  diligence ;  he  that 
 sheweth  mercy  ,  Avith  cheerfulness. 
 
 9  love /le  Avithout  dissimulation.  Ab¬ 
 hor  that  Avhich  is  evil ;  cleave  to  that  which 
 is  good. 
 
 10  Be  kindly  affectioned  one  to  another 
 Avith  brotherly  love,  in  honour  preferring  one 
 
 11  Not  slothful  in  business  ;  fervent  in 
 spirit ;  serving  the  Lord  ; 
 
 12  Rejoicing  in  hope  ;  patient  in  tribula¬ 
 tion  ;  continuing  instant  in  prayer  ; 
 
 13  Distributing  to  the  necessity  of  saints  ; 
 given  to  hospitality. 
 
 14  Bless  them  which  persecute  you  ;  bless, 
 and  curse  not. 
 
 15  Rejoice  Avith  them  that  do  rejoice,  and 
 wee[)  Avith  them  that  Aveep. 
 
 16  Be  of  the  same  mind  one  toward  ano¬ 
 ther,  Mind  not  high  things,  but  condescend 
 to  men  of  low  estate.  Be  not  Avise  in  your 
 OAvn  conceits. 
 
 17  Recompense  to  no  man  evil  for  evil. 
 Provide  things  honest  in  the  sight  of  all 
 men. 
 
 Observe,  the  meiisure  of  spiritual  gifts  he  calls  the  measure  of 
 faith  ;  for  that  is  the  radical  grace  :  what  we  have  and  do,  that  is 
 good,  is  so  far  right  and  acceptable,  as  it  is  founded  in  faith,  and 
 (lows  from  faith,  and  no  further.  Now  faith  and  other  spiritual 
 gifts  with  it  aiXMlcalt  b}'  measure,  according  as  infinite  wisdom  secs 
 meet  for  us.  Christ  had  the  Spirit  given  him  without  measure, 
 Job  iii.  34.  But  the  saints  have  it  by  measure  :  see  Kph.  iv.  7 
 Christ,  who  had  gifts  without  measure,'was  meek  and  lowly;  and 
 shall  we  that  arc  stinted  be  proud  and  self-conceited  !  First,  All 
 the  saints  do  make  up  one  body  in  Christ,  who  is  the  head  of  the 
 body,  and  the  common  centre  of  their  unity.  Believers  lie  not  in 
 the  world  as  in  a  confused  disorderly  heap,  but  are  organized  and 
 knit  together,  as  they  are  united  to  one  common  hc.ad,  and  acted 
 and  animated  by  one  common  spirit :  second,  Particular  believers 
 are  members  of  this  body,  constituent  parts,  which  speak  them  less 
 than  the  whole,  and  in  relation  to  tlie  whole,  deriving  lit  and  spi¬ 
 rits  from  the  head.  Some  members  in  the  body  are  bigger  and 
 more  useful  than  others,  and  each  receives  siniits  Irom  the  head, 
 according  to  its  proportion  ;  if  the  little  finger  should  receive  as 
 much  nourishment  as  the  leg,  how  unseemly  and  prejudicial  would 
 it  be.  We  must  remember  that  we  arc  ftot  the  whole  ;  we  think 
 above  w  hat  is  meet  if  we  think  so  ;  we  are  but  parts  and  members  • 
 third,  All  the  members  have  not  the  same  office,  4,  but  each  hath 
 its  respective  place  and  work  assigned  it.  The  ofiiec  of  the  eye  is 
 
CHAP.  XIII. 
 
 18  If  it  be  possible,  as  much  as  lieth  in 
 you,  live  peaceably  with  all  men. 
 
 19  Dearly  beloved,  avenge  not  yourselves, 
 but  rather  give  place  unto  wrath  :  for  it  is 
 written.  Vengeance  is  mine ;  I  will  repay, 
 saith  the  Lord. 
 
 20  Therefore,  if  thine  enemy  hunger,  feed 
 him  :  if  he  thirst,  give  him  drink  :  for  in  so 
 doing  thou  shalt  heap  coals  of  fire  on  his  head. 
 
 2 1  Be  not  overcome  of  evil,  but  overcome 
 evil  with  good. 
 
 CHAP.  XIII. 
 
 There  are  three  good  lessons  taught  us  in  this  chapter.  I.  Subjec¬ 
 tion  to  lawful  authority,  1—6’.  II.  Justice  and  love  to  our 
 
 brethren,  7 — 10.  III.  Sobriety  and  godliness  in  ourselves,  1 1 , 
 
 ad  fin. 
 
 y  ET  every  soul  be  subject  unto  the  higher 
 powers  :  for  there  is  no  power  but  of 
 God  :  the  powers  that  be  are  ordained  of 
 God. 
 
 2  Whosoever,  therefore,  resisteth  the  power, 
 resisteth  the  ordinance  of  God,  and  they  that 
 resist  shall  receive  to  themselves  damnation  : 
 
 3  For  rulers  are  not  a  terror  to  good  works, 
 but  to  the  evil.  Wilt  thou  then  not  be 
 afraid  of  the  power  ?  do  that  which  is  good, 
 and  thou  shalt  have  praise  of  the  same  : 
 
 4  For  he  is  the  minister  of  God  to  thee 
 for  good.  But  if  thou  do  that  which  is  evil, 
 be  afraid  ;  for  he  beareth  not  the  sword  in 
 vain  :  for  he  is  the  minister  of  God,  a  re¬ 
 venger  to  execute  wrath  upon  him  that  doeth 
 evil. 
 
 o  Wherefore  ye  must  needs  be  subject, 
 not  only  for  wrath,  but  also  for  conscience 
 sake. 
 
 6  For,  for  this  cause  pay  ye  tribute  also 
 for  they  are  God^s  ministers,  attending  con¬ 
 tinually  upon  this  very  thing. 
 
 7  Render,  therefore,  to  all  their  dues  : 
 tribute  to  whom  tribute  is  due ;  custom  to 
 whom  custom  ;  fear  to  whom  fear ;  honour 
 to  whom  honour. 
 
 8  Owe  no  man  any  thing,  but  to  love  one 
 another  :  for  he  that  loveth  another  hath 
 fulfilled  the  law. 
 
 9  For  this.  Thou  shalt  not  commit  adul¬ 
 tery,  Thou  shalt  not  kill,  Thou  shalt  not 
 steal.  Thou  shalt  not  bear  false  witness.  Thou 
 shalt  not  covet ;  and  if  there  he  any  other 
 commandment  it  is  briefly  comprehended  in 
 this  saying,  namely.  Thou  shalt  love  thy 
 neighbour  as  thyself. 
 
 10  Love  worketh  no  ill  to  his  neigh¬ 
 bour :  therefore  love  is  the  fulfilling  of  the 
 law. 
 
 11  And  that  knowing  the  time,  that  now 
 it  is  high  time  to  awake  out  of  sleep  :  for 
 now  is  our  salvation  nearer  than  when  we  be¬ 
 lieved. 
 
 12  The  night  is  far  spent,  the  day  is  at 
 hand  :  let  us,  therefore,  cast  off  the  works 
 of  darkness,  and  let  us  put  on  the  armour  of 
 light. 
 
 13  Let  us  walk  honestly,  as  in  the  day, 
 not  in  rioting  and  drunkenness,  not  in  cham¬ 
 bering  and  wantonness,  not  in  strife  and  en¬ 
 vying  : 
 
 14  But  put  ye  on  the  Lord  Jesus  Chiist, 
 and  make  not  provision  for  the  flesh,  to  ful¬ 
 fil  the  lusts  thereof. 
 
 to  see,  the  office  of  the  hand  is  to  woik,  &c.  So  in  the  mystical 
 body,  some  are  qualified  for,  and  called  to,  one  sort  of  work  ;  others 
 are,  in  like  manner,  fitted  for,  and  called  to,  another  sort  of  work. 
 Magistrates,  ministers,  people  in  a  Christian  common-wealth,  have 
 their  several  offices,  and  must  not  intrude  one  upon  another,  or 
 clash  in  the  discharge  of  their  several  offices. 
 
 Rather  give  place  unto  wrath.  Not  to  our  own  wrath  ;  to  give 
 place  to  that,  is  to  give  place  to  the  devil,  Eph,  iv.  26,27.  We 
 must  resist  and  stifle,  and  smother  and  suppress  that  ;  but  first, 
 To  the  wrath  of  our  enemy  :  give  place  to  it,  i.  e.  be  of  a  yielding 
 temper  ;  do  not  answer  wrath  with  wrath,  but  with  love  rather  ; 
 yielding  pacifies  great  offences,  Eccl.  x.  4 ;  second,  Many  apply  it 
 to  the  wrath  of  God  ;  give  place  to  that,  make  room  for  him  to 
 take  the  throne  of  judgment,  and  let  him  alone  to  deal  with  thine 
 adversary. 
 
 CHAP.  XIII.  1—6.  We  are  here  taught  how  to  carry  ourselves 
 towards  magistrates,  and  those  that  are  in  authority  over  us,  called 
 here,  the  higher  powers ;  intimating  their  authority,  they  are 
 powers  ;  and  their  dignity,  they  are  higher  powers  :  including  not 
 only  the  king  as  supreme,  but  all  inferior  magistrates  under  him  : 
 and  yet  it  is  expressed,  not  by  the  persons  that  are  in  that  power, 
 
 but  the  place  of  power  itself  in  which  they  are.  However  the  ner- 
 sons  themselves  may  be  wicked,  and  of  those  vile  persons  which 
 the  citizens  of  Sion  contemneth,  Psal.  xv.  4,  yet  the  just  power 
 which  they  have  must  be  submitted  to  and  obeyed.  ^ 
 
 7--10.  This  proves  that  love  is  the  fulfilling  of  the  law,  answers 
 all  the  ends  of  it ;  for  what  else  is  that,  but  to  restrain  us  from  evil- 
 doing,  and  to  constrain  us  to  well-doing?  Love  is  a  living,  active 
 principle  of  obedience  to  the  whole  law.  The  whole  law  is  written 
 in  the  heart,  if  the  law  of  love  be  there. 
 
 r  fornication  is' the  chamberins 
 
 forbidden;  lascivious  thoughts  and  afifections,  lascivious  looks 
 words,  books,  songs,  gestures,  dances,  dalliances,  which  lead  to’ 
 inn  arc  degrees  of  that  unclcanncss,  are  the  wantonness  here  for¬ 
 bidden  ;  whatsoever  transgresseth  the  pure  and  sacred  law  of 
 chastity  and  modesty.  We  are  not  forbidden  barely  to  provide 
 for  the  body,  it  is  a  lamp  that  must  be  supplied  with  oil  •  but  we 
 are  forbidden  to  fulfil  the  lusts  thereof.  The  necessiti^  of  the 
 body  must  be  considered,  but  the  lusts  of  it  must  not  be  gratified 
 
 Skeiln  ri  but  wanton  appetites  must  be 
 
 checked  and  denied.  To  ask  meat  for  our  necessities  is  d.itv,  ive 
 
 aie  taught  to  pray  for  our  daily  bread;  but  to  ask  meat  for  our 
 
ROMANS. 
 
 CHAP.  XIV. 
 
 The  apostle  comes  in  this,  and  part  of  the  following  chapter,  to 
 
 direct  our  demeanour  one  towards  another  in  sacred  things, 
 
 which  pertain  more  immediately  to  conscience  and  religion,  and 
 
 which  we  observe  as  members  of  the  church. 
 
 IM  that  is  weak  in  the  faith  receive 
 ye,  hut  not  to  doubtful  disputations. 
 
 2  For  one  believeth  that  he  may  eat  all 
 things  ;  another,  who  is  weak,  eateth  herbs. 
 
 3  Let  not  him  that  eateth  despise  him 
 that  eateth  not :  and  let  not  him  which  eat¬ 
 eth  not  judge  him  that  eateth  :  for  God  hath 
 received  him. 
 
 4  Who  art  thou  that  judgest  another  man's 
 servant  ?  to  his  own  niaster  he  standeth  or 
 falleth  ;  yea,  he  shall  be  holden  up  ;  for  God 
 is  able  to  make  him  stand. 
 
 5  One  man  esteemeth  one  day  above 
 another :  another  esteemeth  every  day  alike. 
 Let  every  man  be  fully  persuaded  in  his  own 
 mind. 
 
 6  He  that  regardeth  the  day,  regardeth  it 
 unto  the  Lord  ;  and  he  that  regardeth  not 
 the  day,  to  the  Lord  he  doth  not  regard  it 
 He  that  eateth,  eateth  to  the  Lord,  for  he 
 giveth  God  thanks  ;  and  he  that  eateth  not, 
 to  the  Lord  he  eateth  not,  and  giveth  God 
 thanks. 
 
 7  For  none  of  us  liv^eth  to  himself,  and  no 
 man  dieth  to  himself. 
 
 8  For  whether  we  live,  we  live  unto  the 
 Lord  ;  and  whether  we  die,  we  die  unto  the 
 Lord  ;  whether  we  live,  therefore,  or  die,  we 
 are  the  Lord's. 
 
 9  For  to  this  end  Christ  both  died,  and 
 
 rose,  and  revived,  that  he  might  be  Lord 
 both  of  the  dead  and  living. 
 
 10  But  why  dost  thou  judge  thy  brother? 
 or  why  dost  thou  set  at  nought  thy  brother  ? 
 for  we  shall  all  stand  before  the  iudoment  seat 
 of  Christ. 
 
 11  For  it  is  written.  As  ^  live,  saith  the 
 Lord,  every  knee  shall  bow  to  me,  and  every 
 tongue  shall  confess  to  God. 
 
 12  So  then,  every  one  of  us  shall  give  ac¬ 
 count  of  himself  to  God. 
 
 13  Let  us  not,  therefore,  judge  one  ano¬ 
 ther  any  more :  but  judge  this  rather,  that 
 no  man  put  a  stumbling-block,  or  an  occa¬ 
 sion  to  fall,  in  his  brother’s  way. 
 
 14  I  know,  and  am  persuaded  by  the 
 
 Lord  Jesus,  that  there  is  nothing  unclean  of 
 itself :  but  to  him  that  esteemeth  any  thing 
 to  be  unclean,  to  him  it  is  unclean.  * 
 
 15  But  if  thy  brother  be  grieved  with  thy 
 meat,  now^  walkest  thou  not  charitably. 
 Destroy  not  him  with  thy  meat  for  whom 
 Christ  died. 
 
 16  Let  not  then  your  good  be  evil  spoken 
 of : 
 
 17  For  the  kingdom  of  God  is  not  meat 
 and  drink  ;  but  righteousness,  and  peace, 
 and  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost. 
 
 18  For  he  that  in  these  things  serveth 
 Christ  is  acceptable  to  God,  and  approved 
 of  men. 
 
 19  Let  us,  thcrelorc,  follow  after  the 
 things  which  make  for  peace,  and  things 
 wherewith  one  may  edify  another. 
 
 lusts,  is  provoking,  Psal.  l.Kxviii.  18.  Those  who  profess  to  walk 
 in  the  Spirit,  must  not  fulfil  the  lusts  of  the  flesh,  Gal.  v.  16’. 
 
 CHAP.  XIV.  1 — 23.  Here  the  apostle  speaks  of  the  distino 
 tion  of  meats  and  days  as  things  indifferent,  when  it  went  no  further 
 than  the  opinion  and  practice  of  some  particular  persons,  who  had 
 been  trained  up  all  their  days  to  such  observances,  and  therefore 
 were  the  more  excusable  if  they  hardly  parted  with  them  ;  but  in 
 the  epistle  to  the  Galatians,  where  he  deals  with  those  that  were 
 originally  Gentiles,  but  were  influenced  by  some  judaizing  teachers, 
 not  only  to  believe  such  a  distinction,  and  to  practise  accordingly, 
 but  to  lay  a  stress  upon  it  as  necessary  to  salvation,  and  to  make 
 the  observation  of  the  Jewish  festivals  public  and  congregational  • 
 here  the  case  was  altered,  and  it  is  charged  upon  them  as  the 
 frustrating  of  the  design  of  the  gospel,  falling  from  grace.  Gal.  iv. 
 9<  10,  11.  These  here  did  it  out  of  weakness,  the  Galatians  did  it 
 out  of  wilfulness  and  wickedness;  and  therefore  the  apostle 
 handles  them  thus  differently.  This  epistle  is  supposed  to  have 
 been  written  some  time  before  that  to  the  Galatians.  The  apostle 
 seerns  willing  to  let  the  ceremonial  law  wither  by  degrees,  and  to 
 let  it  have  an  honourable  burial ;  now  these  weak  Romans  seem 
 to  be  only  following  it  weepings  to  the  grave,  but  those  Galatians 
 were  raking  it  out  of  its  ashes.  Whether  we  li  ve  or  die  we  are  the 
 590 
 
 Loid  a,  devoted  to  him,  depending  on  him,  designed  and  designing 
 for  him.  I  hough  some  Christians  arc  weak,  and  others  strong; 
 an(j  thev  of  different  sizes,  capacities,  apprehensions,  and  practices 
 I  j  things,  yet  they  are  all  the  Lord’s  ;  all  eying,  and  serving, 
 and  approving  themselves  to  Christ,  and  are  accordingly'  owned 
 him.  Is  it  for  us  then  to  judge  or  despise  them, 
 as  if  we  were  their  masters,  and  they  w'ere  to  make  it  their  business 
 to  jilease  us,  and  to  stand  or  fall  by  our  dooms  Destroy  not  him 
 I  with  thy  meat,  for  whom  Christ  died,  v,  15.  First,  Drawing  of  a 
 soul  to  sin  threatens  the  destruction  of  that  soul.  By  shaking  his 
 faith,  provoking  his  passion,  and  tempting  him  to  act  against  the 
 light  ot  his  own  conscience,  thou  dost  as  much  as  in  thee  lies  to 
 [destroy  him,  giving  him  an  occasion  to  return  tojudaism  again. 
 It  notes  an  utter  destruction  ;  the  beginning  of  sin  is  as  the  letting 
 forth  of  water  ;  we  are  not  sure  that  it  will  stop  any  where  on  this 
 side  eternal  destruction.  Second,  The  consideration  of  the  love  of 
 Christ  in  doing  for  souls,  should  make  us  very  tender  of  the  hap¬ 
 piness  and  salvation  of  souls,  and  careful  not  to  do  any  thing  which 
 may  obstruct  and  hinder  it.  Did  Christ  quit  a  lil€  for  souls,  such 
 I  a  life,  and  shall  not  we  quit  a  morsel  of  meat  for  them  ?  Shall  we 
 despise  those  whom  Christ  valued  at  so  high  a  rate .?  Did  he  think 
 it  worth  while  to  deny  himself  so  much  for  them,  as  to  die  for 
 
CHAP.  XV. 
 
 20  For  meat  destroy  not  the  work  of  God. 
 All  things  indeed  are  pure  ;  but  it  is  evil  for 
 that  man  who  eateth  with  offence. 
 
 21  It  is  good  neither  to  eat  Hesh,  nor  to 
 drink  wine,  nor  any  thing  whereby  thy  bro¬ 
 ther  stumbleth,  or  is  offended,  or  is  made 
 weak. 
 
 22  Hast  thou  faith  ?  have  it  to  thyself  be¬ 
 fore  God.  Happy  is  he  that  condemneth 
 not  himself  in  that  thing  which  he  alloweth. 
 
 23  And  he  that  doubteth  is  damned  if  he 
 eat,  because  he  eateth  not  of  faith  ;  for  what¬ 
 soever  is  not  of  faith  is  sin. 
 
 CHAP.  XV. 
 
 The  apostle  in  this  chapter  continues  the  discourse  of  the  former, 
 concerning  mutual  forbearance  in  indifferent  things,  and  so  draws 
 towards  a  conclusion  of  the  epistle. 
 
 then  that  are  strong  ought  to  bear 
 *  ^  the  infirmities  of  the  weak,  and  not 
 to  please  ourselves. 
 
 2  Let  every  one  of  us  please  his  neigh¬ 
 bour  for  his  good  to  edification  : 
 
 3  For  even  Christ  pleased  not  himself; 
 but,  as  it  is  written,  The  reproaches  of  them 
 that  reproached  thee  fell  on  me. 
 
 4  For  whatsoever  things  were  written 
 aforetime  were  written  for  our  learning  ;  that 
 we,  through  patience  and  comfort  of  the 
 scriptures,  might  have  hope. 
 
 5  Now,  the  God  of  patience  and  conso¬ 
 lation  grant  you  to  be  like-minded  one 
 toward  another,  according  to  Christ  Jesus  ; 
 
 6  That  ye  may  with  one  mind  and  one 
 mouth  glorify  God,  even  the  Father  of  our 
 Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
 
 them,  and  shall  not  we  think  it  worth  while  to  deny  ourselves  so 
 little  for  them,  as  abstaining  from  flesh  comes  to  ?  W'e  cannot 
 edify  one  another  while  we  are  quarrelling  and  contending. 
 There  are  many  ways  by  which  we  may  edify  one  another,  if  we 
 did  but  seriously  mind  it;  by  good  counsel,  reproof,  instruction, 
 example,  building  up  not  only  ourselves,  but  one  another,  in  the 
 most  holy  faith.  W'e  are  God’s  building,  God’s  temple,  and  have 
 need  to  be  edified  ;  and  therefore  must  study  to  promote  the 
 spiritual  growth  one  of  another.  None  so  strong  but  they  may 
 be  edifird,  none  so  weak  but  may  edify  ;  and  while  we  edify  others 
 we  benent  ourselves. 
 
 CHAP.  XV.  1 — 4.  Even  he  who  was  infinitely  happy  in  the 
 enjoyment  of  himself,  who  needed  not  us  or  our  services;  even  he 
 who  thought  it  no  robbery  to  be  equal  with  God,  who  had  reason 
 enough  to  please  himself,  and  no  reason  to  be  concerned,  much 
 less  to  be  crossed  for  us  ;  even  he  pleased  not  himself,  even  he 
 bore  our  sins  ;  and  should  not  we  be  humble  and  self-denying,  and 
 ready  to  consider  one  another,  who  are  members  one  of  another  ? 
 
 5, '6  The  apostle  having  delivered  two  exhortations,  before  he 
 proceeds  to  more,  intermixes  here  a  prayer  for  the  success  of  what 
 he  had  said.  Faithful  ministers  water  their  preaching  with  their 
 Vol.  11,  03  4  G 
 
 7  Wherefore  receive  ye  one  another,  as 
 Christ  also  received  us,  to  the  glory  of  God. 
 
 8  Now  I  say,  that  Jesus  Christ  was  a  mi¬ 
 nister  of  the  circumcision  for  the  truth  of 
 God,  to  confirm  the  promises  made  unto  the 
 fathers  : 
 
 9  And  that  the  Gentiles  might  glorify 
 God  for  his  mercy  ;  as  it  is  written.  For  this 
 cause  I  will  confess  to  thee  among  the  Gen¬ 
 tiles,  and  sing  unto  thy  name. 
 
 10  And  again  he  saith.  Rejoice,  ye  Gen¬ 
 tiles,  with  his  people. 
 
 11  And  again.  Praise  the  Lord,  all  ye 
 Gentiles  ;  and  laud  him,  all  ye  people. 
 
 12  And  again  Esaias  saith.  There  shall 
 be  a  root  of  Jesse,  and  he  that  shall  rise  to 
 reign  over  the  Gentiles,  in  him  shall  the 
 Gentiles  trust. 
 
 13  Now,  the  God  of  hope  fill  you  with 
 all  joy  and  peace  in  believing,  that  ye  may 
 abound  in  hope,  through  the  power  of  the 
 Holy  Ghost. 
 
 14  And  I  myself  also  am  persuaded  of 
 you,  my  brethren,  that  ye  also  are  full  of 
 goodness,  filled  with  all  knowledge,  able  also 
 to  admonish  one  another. 
 
 15  Nevertheless,  brethren,  I  have  written 
 the  more  boldly  unto  you  in  some  sort,  as 
 putting  you  in  mind,  because  of  the  grace 
 that  is  given  to  me  of  God, 
 
 16  That  I  should  be  the  minister  of  Jesus 
 Christ  to  the  Gentiles,  ministering  the  gos¬ 
 pel  of  God,  that  the  offering  up  of  the  Gen¬ 
 tiles  might  be  acceptable,  being  sanctified  by 
 the  Holy  Ghost. 
 
 prayers,  because  whoever  sows  the  seed,  it  is  God  that  gives  the 
 increase.  We  can  but  speak  to  the  ear,  it  is  God’s  prerogative  to 
 speak  to  the  heart. 
 
 7 — 12.  I  will  confess  to  thee  among  the  Gentiles,  v.  5,  i.  e.  thy 
 name  shall  be  known,  and  owned  in  the  Gentile  world  ;  there  shall 
 gospel-grace  and  love  be  celebrated.  This  is  quoted  from  Psal. 
 xviii.  49,  I  will  give  thanks  unto  thee,  O  Lord,  among  the  heathen. 
 Praise  the  Lord,  all  ye  Gentiles.  This  is  quoted  out  of  that  short 
 psalm,  Psal.  cxvii.  1.  Converting  grace  sets  people  a  praising 
 God,  furnisheth  with  the  richest  matters  for  praise,  and  gives  a 
 heart  to  it.  The  Gentiles  had  been  for  many  ages  praising  their 
 idols  of  wood  and  stone,  but  now  they  are  brought  to  praise  the 
 Lord  ;  and  this  David  in  spirit  speaks  of.  In  calling  upon  all  the 
 nations  to  praise  the  Lord,  it  is  intimated  that  they  shall  have 
 the  knowledge  of  him,  v.  12,  quoted  from  Isa.  xi.  10. 
 
 13.  Here  is  another  prayer  directed  to  God  as  the  God  of  hope  , 
 and  it  is,  as  the  former,  3,  6,  for  spiritual  blessings.  Those  are 
 the  best  blessings,  and  to  be  first  and  chiefly  prayed  for. 
 
 14 — 16'.  It  was  a  great  credit  to  the  Romans  to  be  commended 
 by  Paul,  a  man  of  so  great  judgment  and  integrity,  too  skilful  tu 
 be  deceived,  and  too  honest  to  flatter. 
 
 501 
 
ROMANS. 
 
 17  I  have,  therefore,  whereof  I  may  glory 
 through  Jesus  Christ  in  those  things  which 
 pertain  to  God. 
 
 18  For  I  will  not  dare  to  speak  of  any  of  I 
 those  things  which  Christ  hath  not  wrought 
 by  me,  to  make  the  Gentiles  obedient,  by 
 word  and  deed. 
 
 19  Through  mighty  signs  and  wonders, 
 by  the  power  of  the  Spirit  of  God  ;  so  that 
 from  Jerusalem,  and  round  about  unto  Illy 
 ricum,  I  have  fully  preached  the  gospel  of 
 Christ. 
 
 20  Yea,  so  have  I  strived  to  preach  the 
 gospel,  not  where  Christ  was  named,  lest  1 
 should  build  upon  another  man’s  founda¬ 
 tion  : 
 
 21  But,  as  it  is  written.  To  whom  he  was 
 not  spoken  of,  they  shall  see  ;  and  they  that 
 have  not  heard  shall  understand. 
 
 22  For  which  cause  also  I  have  been  much 
 hindered  from  coming  to  you. 
 
 23  But  now,  having  no  more  place  in 
 these  parts,  and  having  a  great  desire  these 
 many  years  to  come  unto  you  ; 
 
 24  Whensoever  I  take  my  journey  into 
 Spain  I  will  come  to  you  :  for  I  trust  to  see 
 you  in  my  journey,  and  to  be  brought  on  my 
 way  thitherward  by  you,  if  first  I  be  some¬ 
 what  filled  with  your  company. 
 
 25  But  now  I  go  unto  Jerusalem  to  minis¬ 
 ter  unto  the  saints. 
 
 26  For  it  hath  pleased  them  of  Macedo¬ 
 
 nia  and  Achaia  to  make  a  certain  contribu¬ 
 tion  for  the  poor  saints  which  are  at  Jerusa¬ 
 lem. 
 
 27  It  hath  pleased  them  verily  ;  and  their 
 debtors  they  are.  For  if  the  Gentiles  have 
 been  made  partakers  of  their  spiritual  things, 
 their  duty  is  also  to  minister  unto  them  in 
 carnal  things* 
 
 28  When,  therefore,  I  have  performed 
 this,  and  have  sealed  to  them  this  fruit,  I 
 will  come  by  you  into  Spain. 
 
 29  And  I  am  sure  that,  when  I  come  unto 
 you,  I  shall  come  in  the  fulness  of  the  bless¬ 
 ing  of  the  gospel  of  Christ. 
 
 30  Now,  I  beseech  you,  brethren,  for  the 
 Lord  J esus  Christ’s  sake,  and  for  the  love  of 
 the  spirit,  that  ye  strive  together  with  me  in 
 your  prayers  to  God  for  me  ; 
 
 31  That  I  may  be  delivered  from  them  that 
 do  not  believe  in  Judea?  and  that  my  ser¬ 
 vice  which  I  have  for  Jerusalem  may  be  ac- 
 ce])ted  of  the  saints  ; 
 
 32  J  hat  I  may  come  unto  you  with  joy  by 
 the  will  ot  God,  and  may  with  you  be  refreshed, 
 
 33  Now  the  God  of  peace  he  with  you  all. 
 Amen. 
 
 CHAP.  XVI. 
 
 Now  in  this  closing  chapter  wc  niav  observe,  I.  Paul’s  recom¬ 
 mendation  of  one  friend  to  the  Pohian  Christians,  and  his  par¬ 
 ticular  salutation  of  several  among  them.  1  — 16'.  II.  A  cau¬ 
 tion  U>  take  heed  of  those  who  caused  divisions,  17 _ 20. 
 
 III.  Salutations  added  from  some  who  were  with  Paul,  21 _ 24. 
 
 IV.  He  concludes  with  a  solemn  celebration  of  the  clorV  of  God.* 
 
 25—27.  ^ 
 
 17 — 21.  The  apostle  here  gives  some  account  of  himself  and  of 
 his  own  affairs.  Having  mentioned  his  ministry  and  apostleship, 
 he  goes  on  further  to  magnify  his  office  in  the  efficacy  of  it ;  and  to 
 mention  to  the  glory  of  God  the  great  success  of  his  ministry, 
 and  the  wonderful  things  that  God  hath  done  by  him  ;  for  encou 
 ragement  to  the  Christian  church  at  Rome,  that  they  were  not 
 alone  in  the  profession  of  Christianity  ;  but  though  compared  with 
 the  multitude  of  their  idolatrous  neighbours,  they  were  but  a  little 
 flock,  yet  up  and  down  the  country  there  were  many  that  were 
 their  companions  in  the  kingdom  and  patience  of  Jesus  Christ. 
 He  preached  in  many  places,  from  Jerusalem  whence  the  law  went 
 forth  as  a  lamp  that  shineth,  and  round  about  unto  Illyricum, 
 many  hundred  miles  distant  from  Jerusalem.  We  have  in  the 
 book  of  the  Acts  an  account  of  Paul’s  travels.  'I’here  wc  find 
 him  after  he  was  sent  forth  to  preach  to  the  Gentiles,  Acts  xiii. 
 labouring  in  that  blessed  work  in  Seleucia,  Cyprus,  Pamphylia, 
 Pisidia,  and  Lycaonia,  chap.  xiii.  xiv.  Afterwards  travelling 
 through  Syria  and  Cilicia,  Phrygia,  Galatia,  Mysia,  Troas ;  and 
 thence  called  over  to  Macedonia,  and  so  into  Europe,  chap.  xv. 
 xvi.  Then  we  find  him  very  busy  at  I’hessalonica,  Berea,  Athens, 
 Corinth,  Ephesus,  and  the  parts  adjacent :  and  those  that  know 
 the  extent  and  distance  of  these  countries,  will  conclude  Paul  an 
 active  man,  rejoicing  as  a  strong  man  to  run  a  race.  Illyricum 
 is  the  country  now  called  Sclavonia,  bordering  upon  Hungary. 
 Some  take  it  for  the  same  witli  Bulgaria;  others  for  the  Lower 
 Pannonia;  however  it  was  a  great  way  from  Jerusalem. 
 
 592 
 
 22—29.  Spam  was  then  a  province  of  the  empire,  well  known 
 to  the  Romans,  who  had  a  great  corresjumdenre  with  it,  and 
 therefore  they  might  be  helpful  to  Paul  in  his  voyage  thither;  and 
 it  was  not  barely  the  accom|)anying  of  him  parf  of  the  way,  but 
 their  furthering  him  in  his  expedition  that  he  counted  upon  ;  not 
 only  out  of  their  respect  to  Paul,  but  out  of  respect  to  the  souls  of 
 those  ()oor  Spaniards  that  Paul  was  going  to  preach  to.  It  is 
 justly  exjiected  from  all  Christians  that  they  should  lay  out  them¬ 
 selves  for  the  promoting  and  furthering  of  every  good  work,  espe¬ 
 cially  that  blessed  work  of  the  conversion  of  souls  ;  which  they 
 should  contrive  to  make  as  easy  as  may  be  to  their  ministers,  and 
 as  successful  as  may  be  to  |)oor  souls. 
 
 30— n.'J.  The  Lord  of  hosts,  the  God  of  battle,  is  the  God  of 
 peace,  the  author  of  love  and  peace.  He  describes  God  under 
 this  title  here,  because  of  the  divisions  among  them,  to  recom¬ 
 mend  peace  to  them  ;  if  God  be  the  God  of  pi’ace,  let  us  be  men 
 of  peace.  The  Old  Testament  blessing  was.  Peace  be  with  you ; 
 now.  The  God  of  peace  be  with  you.  They  who  have  the  fountain 
 cannot  want  any  of  the  streams.  With  you  all  ;  both  weak  and 
 strong.  To  dispose  them  to  the  nearer  union  he  puts  them  all 
 together  in  this  prayer.  Those  who  are  united  in  the  blessing  of 
 God,  should  be  united  in  affection  one  to  another. 
 
 CHAP.  XVT.  1 — 16.  Phoebe  seems  to  have  been  a  person  ot 
 some  account ;  and  yet  it  was  no  disparagement  to  her  to  be  a 
 servant  to  the  church.  Probably  they  used  to  meet  at  her  house, 
 and  she  undertook  the  care  of  entertaining  the  ministers,  espcci- 
 
CHAP.  XVI. 
 
 I  COMMEND  unto  you  Puebe  our  sister, 
 which  is  a  servant  of  the  church  which 
 is  at  Cenchrea ; 
 
 2  That  ye  receive  her  in  the  Lord,  as  be- 
 cometh  saints ;  and  that  ye  assist  her  in 
 whatsoever  business  she  hath  need  of  you  : 
 for  she  hath  been  a  succourer  of  many,  and 
 of  myself  also. 
 
 3  Greet  Priscilla  and  Aquila,  my  helpers 
 in  Christ  Jesus  ; 
 
 4  Who  have  for  my  life  laid  down  their 
 own  necks  :  unto  whom  not  only  I  give 
 thanks,  but  also  all  the  churches  of  the  Gen¬ 
 tiles. 
 
 5  Likewise  greet  the  church  that  is  in  their 
 house.  Salute  my  well-beloved  Epenetus, 
 who  is  the  hrst-fruits  of  Achaia  unto  Christ. 
 
 6  Greet  Mary,  who  bestowed  much  la¬ 
 bour  on  us. 
 
 7  Salute  Andronicus  and  Junia  my  kins¬ 
 men,  and  my  fellow-prisoners,  who  are  of 
 note  among  the  apostles,  who  also  were  in 
 Christ  before  me. 
 
 8  Greet  Amplias,  my  beloved  in  the 
 Lord. 
 
 9  Salute  Urbane,  our  helper  in  Christ, 
 and  Stachys  my  beloved. 
 
 10  Salute  Apelles,  approved  in  Christ. 
 Salute  them  which  are  of  Aristobulus's  house¬ 
 hold. 
 
 11  Salute  Herodian  my  kinsman.  Greet 
 them  that  be  of  the  household  of  Narcissus, 
 which  are  in  the  Lord. 
 
 12  Salute  Tryphena  and  Tryphosa,  Avho 
 labour  in  the  Lord.  Salute  the  belov¬ 
 ed  Persis,  which  laboured  much  in  the 
 Lord . 
 
 13  Salute  Rufus  chosen  in  the  Lord,  and 
 his  mother  and  mine. 
 
 14  Salute  Asyncritus,  Phlegon,  Hermas, 
 Patrobas,  Hermes,  and  the  brethren  which 
 are  with  them. 
 
 ally  strangers.  Every  one  in  their  place  should  strive  to  serve 
 the  church,  for  therein  they  serve  Christ,  and  it  will  turn  to  a 
 good  account  another  day.  Cenchrea  was  a  small  sca^port  town 
 adjoining  to  Corinth,  about  twelve  furlongs  distant.  Some  think 
 there  was  a  church  there  distinct  from  that  at  Corinth,  though  be¬ 
 ing  so  near  it  is  very  probable  that  the  church  of  Corinth  is 
 called  the  church  at  Cenchrea,  because  their  place  of  meeting 
 might  be  there,  because  of  the  great  opposition  to  them  in  the 
 city.  Acts  xviii.  12. 
 
 17 — 20.  The  apostle  having  endeavoured  by  his  endearing  sa¬ 
 lutations  to  unite  them  together,  it  was  not  improper  to  subjoin 
 
 15  Salute  Philologus,  and  Julia,  Nereus 
 and  his  sister,  and  Olympas,  and  all  the 
 saints  which  are  with  them. 
 
 16  Salute  one  another  with  an  holy  kiss. 
 The  churches  of  Christ  salute  you. 
 
 17  Now,  I  beseech  you,  brethren,  mark 
 them  which  cause  divisions  and  offences, 
 contrary  to  the  doctrine  which  ye  have  learn¬ 
 ed  :  and  avoid  them. 
 
 18  Eor  they  that  are  such,  serve  not  our 
 Lord  Jesus  Christ,  but  their  own  belly  ;  and 
 by  good  words  and  fair  speeches  deceive  the 
 hearts  of  the  simple. 
 
 19  For  your  obedience  is  come  abroad 
 unto  all  men.  I  am  glad,  therefore,  on  your 
 behalf :  but  yet  I  would  have  you  wise  unto 
 that  which  is  good,  and  simple  concerning 
 
 20  And  the  God  of  peace  shall  bruise  Sa¬ 
 tan  under  your  feet  shortly.  The  grace  of 
 our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  be  with  you.  Amen. 
 
 21  Timotheus  my  work-fellow,  and  Lu¬ 
 cius,  and  Jason,  and  Sosipater,  my  kins¬ 
 men,  salute  you. 
 
 22  I  Tertius  who  wrote  this  epistle,  salute 
 you  in  the  Lord. 
 
 23  Gains  mine  host  and  of  the  whole 
 church,  saluteth  you.  Erastus,  the  cham¬ 
 berlain  of  the  city,  saluteth  you,  and  Quar- 
 tus  a  brother. 
 
 24  The  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  he 
 with  you  all.  Amen. 
 
 25  Now,  to  him  that  is  of  power  to 
 stablish  you  according  to  my  gospel,  and 
 the  preaching  of  Jesus  Christ,  (according  to 
 the  revelation  of  the  mystery  which  was  kept 
 secret  since  the  world  began, 
 
 26  But  now  is  made  manifest,  and  by  the 
 scriptures  of  the  prophets,  according  to  the 
 commandment  of  the  everlasting  God,  made 
 known  to  all  nations  for  the  obedience  of 
 faith  ;) 
 
 a  caution  to  take  heed  of  those  whose  principles  and  practices 
 were  destructive  to  Christian  love. 
 
 21  24  Gaius  mine  host.  It  is  uncertain  whether  this  was 
 
 Gams  of  Derbe,  Acts  xx.  4,  or  Gaius,  of  Macedonia,  Acts  xix.  2Q 
 or  rather  Gaius  of  Corinth,  1  Cor.  i.  14,  and  whether  any  of  these 
 was  he  to  whom  John  wrote  his  third  epistle.  However,  Paul 
 recommends  him  for  his  great  hospitality,  not  only  to  himsdf,  but 
 to  the  whole  church. 
 
 25  27-  Here  the  apostle  solemnly  closes  his  epistle  with  a  mag- 
 
 nihcent  ascription  of  glory  to  the  blessed  God,  as  one  that  termi¬ 
 nated  all  in  the  praise  and  glory  of  God,  and  studied  to  return  aU 
 
I.  CORINTHIANS. 
 
 27  To  God  only  wise,  he  glory  through 
 Jesus  Christ  for  ever.  Amen. 
 
 ^  Written  to  the  Romans  from  Corinthus, 
 
 and  sent  by  Phebe,  servant  of  the  church 
 at  Cenchrea. 
 
 to  him,  seeing  all  is  of  him,  and  from  him.  He  doth  as  it  were 
 breathe  out  his  soul  to  these  Romans  in  the  praise  of  God,  chusing 
 
 to  make  that  the  end  of  his  epistle,  which  he  made  the  end  of  his 
 life. 
 
 THE  FIRST  EPISTLE  OF  PAUL  TO  THE 
 
 CORINTHIANS. 
 
 Corinth  was  a  principal  city  of  Greece,  in  that  particular  division  of  it  which  was  called  Achaia.  It  was  situate  on  the  Isthmus  for 
 u  1  eloponesus  to  the  rest  of  Greece,  on  the  southern  side,  and  had  two  ports  adjoining  ;  one  at  the  bottom 
 
 ot  the  Gorimhian  gulf,  called  Lechaeum,  not  far  from  the  city,  from  whence  they  traded  to  Italy  and  the  west;  the  other  at  the 
 bottom  of  the  Sinus  Saronicus,  called  Cenchrea,  at  a  more  remote  distance,  from  whence  they  traded  to  Asia.  From  this  situation 
 It  is  no  wonder  that  Corinth  should  be  a  place  of  great  trade  and  wealth.  And,  as  affluence  is  apt  to  produce  luxury  of  all  kinds’ 
 neither  is  it  to  be  wondered  if  a  place  so  famous  for  wealth  and  arts,  should  be  famous  for  vice.  Yet  in  this  le\\'d  city'did  Paul  bv 
 the  blessing  of  God  on  his  labours,  plant  and  raise  a  Christian  church,  chielly  among  the  Gentiles,  as  seems  verv  jirobable  from 
 the  history  oi  this  matter.  Acts  xviii.  1 — 18,  compared  with  some  passages  in  this  epistle,  particularly  chap.  .xi'i.  6'.  Sometime 
 alter  he  left  them  he  wrote  this  epistle  to  them,  to  water  what  he  had  planted,  and  rectify  some  gross  disorders,  that  durin"  his 
 absence  had  been  introduced,  partly  from  the  interest  some  false  teacher  or  teachers  had  obtained  amongst  them,  and  partly  from 
 
 the  leaven  of  their  old  maxims  and  manners,  that  had  not  been  thoroughly  purged  out  bv  the  Christian  principles  they  had  enter- 
 tained.  '  i  t  j 
 
 CHAP  I. 
 
 I.  The  introduction  to  the  whole  epistle,  1 — 10.  II.  Their  di¬ 
 visions,  and  the  original  of  them,  10 — 13.  III.  An  account  of 
 Paul’s  ministry  among  them,  13 — IJ.  IV.  The  manner  wherein 
 he  preached  the  gospel,  17,  ad  fin. 
 
 T>AUL,  called  to  he  an  apostle  of  Jesus 
 Christ  through  the  will  of  God,  and  Sos- 
 thenes  oiir  brother, 
 
 2  Unto  the  church  of  God  which  is  at 
 Corinth,  to  them  that  are  sanctified  in  Christ 
 Jesus,  called  to  he  saints,  with  all  that  in  every 
 place  call  upon  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ  our 
 Lord,  both  theirs  and  ours  : 
 
 3  Grace  he  unto  you,  and  peace,  from 
 God  our  Father,  and  from  the  Lord  Jesus 
 Christ. 
 
 4  I  thank  my  God  always  on  your  behalf 
 for  the  grace  of  God  v/hich  is  given  you  by 
 Jesus  Christ : 
 
 CHAP.  1.  1 — 9.  In  conjunction  with  the  church  at  Corinth, 
 Paul  directs  the  epistle  to  all  that  in  every  place  call  on  the  name 
 of  Christ  .Tesus  our  Lord,  both  theirs  and  ours.  Hereby  Christians 
 are  distinguished  from  the  profane  and  atheistical,  that  they  dare 
 not  live  without  prayer :  and  hereby  they  are  distinguished  from 
 Jewr  and  Pagans,  that  thev  call  on  the  name  of  Christ.  He  is 
 rgi  . 
 
 5  That  in  eveiy  thing  ye  are  enriched  by 
 him,  in  all  utterance,  and  in  all  knowledge  : 
 
 6  Even  as  the  testimony  of  Christ  was 
 confirmed  in  you  : 
 
 7  So  that  ye  come  behind  in  no  gift ;  wait¬ 
 ing  for  the  coming  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  : 
 
 8  Who  shall  also  confirm  you  unto  the  end, 
 t/iat  ye  may  he  blameless  in  the  day  of  oui 
 Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
 
 9  God  is  faithful,  by  whom  ye  were  call 
 ed  unto  the  fellowship  of  his  Son  Jesus  Christ 
 our  Lord. 
 
 10  Now,  I  beseech  you,  brethren,  by  the 
 name  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  that  ye  all 
 speak  the  same  thing,  and  that  there  be  no 
 divisions  among  you  :  but  that  ye  be  per¬ 
 fectly  joined  together  in  the  same  mind,  and 
 in  the  same  judgment. 
 
 their  common  head  and  Lord.  In  every  place  in  the  Chris¬ 
 tian  world  there  are  some  that  call  on  the  name  of  Christ. 
 God  hath  a  remnant  in  all  places  ;  and  we  should  have  a  common 
 concern  for,  andlhold  communion  with,  all  that  call  on  Christ’s 
 name, 
 
 10  —13.  Paul  and  Apollos  were  both  faithful  ministers  of  Jesus 
 
CHAP.  II. 
 
 11  For  it  hath  been  declared  unto  me  o 
 you,  my  brethren,  by  them  which  are  of  the 
 house  of  Chloe,  that  there  are  eontentions 
 among  you. 
 
 12  Now  this  I  say,  that  every  one  of  you 
 saith  I  am  of  Paul,  and  I  of  A  polios,  and  I  of 
 Cephas,  and  I  of  Christ. 
 
 13  Is  Christ  divided  ?  was  Paul  crucified 
 for  you  ?  or  were  ye  baptized  in  the  name  of 
 Paul  ? 
 
 14  I  thank  God  that  I  baptized  none  of 
 you,  but  Crispus  and  Gains ; 
 
 15  Lest  any  should  say  that  I  had  bap¬ 
 tized  in  mine  own  name. 
 
 16  And  I  baptized  also  the  household  of 
 Stephanas  ;  besides  I  know  not  whether  I 
 baptized  any  other. 
 
 17  For  Christ  sent  me  not  to  baptize,  but 
 to  preach  the  gospel :  not  with  wisdom  of 
 words,  lest  the  cross  of  Christ  should  be 
 made  of  none  effect. 
 
 18  For  the  preaching  of  the  cross  is  to 
 them  that  perish  foolishness  ;  but  unto  us 
 which  are  saved  it  is  the  power  of  God. 
 
 19  For  it  is  written,  I  will  destroy  the 
 wisdom  of  the  wise,  and  will  bring  to  nothing 
 the  understanding  of  the  prudent. 
 
 20  Where  is  the  wise  ?  where  is  the  scribe  ? 
 where  is  the  disputer  of  this  world  ?  hath 
 not  God  made  foolish  the  wisdom  of  this 
 world  ? 
 
 2 1  For  after  that,  in  the  wisdom  of  God 
 tlie  world  by  wisdom  knew  not  God,  it  pleas¬ 
 ed  God  by  the  foolishness  of  preaching  to 
 save  them  that  believe. 
 
 Christ,  and  helpers  of  their  faith  and  joy  :  but  those  who  were  dis¬ 
 posed  to  be  contentious,  broke  into  parties,  and  set  their  ministers 
 at  the  head  of  their  several  factions  ;  some  cried  up  Paul,  perhaps 
 as  the  most  sublime  and  spiritual  teacher.  Others  cried  up 
 Apollos,  perhaps  as  the  most  eloquent  speaker.  Some  Cephas  or 
 Peter,  perhaps  for  the  authority  of  his  age,  or  because  he  was  the 
 apostle  of  the  circumcision.  And  some  were  for  neither,  but  Christ 
 only.  So  liable  are  the  best  things  in  the  world  to  be  corrupted, 
 and  the  gospel  and  its  institutions,  which  are  at  perfect  harmony 
 with  themselves  and  one  another,  to  be  made  the  engines  of  vari¬ 
 ance,  discord,  and  contention.  This  is  no  reproach  to  our  religion, 
 but  a  very  melancholy  evidence  of  the  corruption  and  pravity  of 
 human  nature.  How  far  will  pride  carry  Christians  in  opposition 
 to  one  another  '•  Even  so  far  as  to  set  Christ  and  his  own  apostles 
 at  variance,  and  make  them  rivals  and  competitors. 
 
 14—16’.  Paul  left  it  to  other  ministers  to  baptize,  whilst  he  set 
 himself  to  more  useful  work  ;  and  filled  up  his  time  with  preach¬ 
 ing  the  gospel.  This  he  thought  more  his  business,  being  the 
 most  important.  He  had  assistants  that  could  baptize,  when  none 
 could  discharge  the  other  part  of  his  office  as  well  as  himself. 
 
 17 — 31.  Christ  crucified  is  a  stumbling-block  to  the  Jews.  They 
 had  a  conceit  that  their  expected  Messiah  w'as  to  be  a  great  tem- 
 
 22  For  the  Jews  require  a  sign,  and  the 
 Greeks  seek  after  wisdom, 
 
 23  But  we  preach  Christ  crucified,  unto 
 the  Jews  a  stumbling-block,  and  unto  the 
 Greeks  foolishness  ; 
 
 24  But  unto  them  which  are  called,  both 
 Jews  and  Greeks,  Christ  the  power  of  God, 
 and  the  wisdom  of  God. 
 
 25  Because  the  foolishness  of  God  is 
 wiser  than  men ;  and  the  weakness  of  God 
 is  stronger  than  men. 
 
 26  For  ye  see  your  calling,  brethren, 
 low  that  not  many  wise  men  after  the 
 ffesh,  not  many  mighty,  not  many  noble,  are 
 called : 
 
 27  But  God  hath  chosen  the  foolish  things 
 of  the  world  to  confound  the  wise  ;  and  God 
 lath  chosen  the  weak  things  of  the  world  to 
 confound  the  things  which  are  mighty  ; 
 
 28  And  base  things  of  the  world,  and 
 things  which  are  despised,  hath  God  cho¬ 
 sen,  yea,  and  things  which  are  not,  to  bring 
 to  nought  things  that  are  ; 
 
 29  That  no  flesh  should  glory  in  his  pre¬ 
 sence. 
 
 30  But  of  him  are  ye  in  Christ  Jesus,  who 
 of  God  is  made  unto  us  wisdom,  and  righ¬ 
 teousness,  and  sanctification,  and  redemp¬ 
 tion  ; 
 
 31  That,  according  as  it  is  written.  He 
 that  glorieth,  let  him  glory  in  the  Lord. 
 
 CHAP.  II. 
 
 I.  The  apostle  reminds  the  Corinthians  of  the  plain  manner  where¬ 
 in  he  delivered  the  gospel  to  them,  1 — 5.  11.  But  yet  shews 
 them  that  he  had  communicated  to  them  a  treasure  of  the 
 truest  and  highest  wisdom,  6. 
 
 poral  prince,  and  therefore  would  never  own  one  who  made  so 
 mean  an  appearance  in  life,  and  died  so  accursed  a  death,  for  their 
 deliverer  and  king.  They  despised  him,  and  looked  upon  him  as 
 execrable,  because  he  was  hanged  on  a  tree,  and  because  he  did 
 not  gratify  them  with  a  sign  to  their  mind,  though  his  divine 
 power  shone  out  in  innumerable  miracles.  The  Jews  require  a 
 sign,  V.  22,  see  Matt.  xii.  38.  He  was  to  the  Greeks  foolishness. 
 They  laughed  at  the  story  of  a  crucified  Saviour,  and  despised  the 
 apostles  way  of  telling  it.  They  sought  for  wisdom.  I’hey  were 
 men  of  wit  and  reading,  men  that  had  cultivated  arts  and  sciences, 
 and  had  for  some  ages  been  in  a  manner  the  very  mint  of  know¬ 
 ledge  and  learning.  There  was  nothing  in  the  plain  doctrine  of 
 the  cross  to  suit  their  taste,  or  humour  their  vanity,  or  gratify  a 
 curious  and  rangling  temper;  they  entertained  it  therefore  with 
 scorn  and  contempt.  What,  hope  to  be  saved  by  one  that  could 
 not  save  himself.?  and  trust  in  one  who  was  condemned  and  cruci¬ 
 fied  for  a  malefactor,  a  man  of  mean  birth  and  poor  condition  in 
 life,  and  cut  off  by  so  vile  and  opprobrious  a  death  ?  This  was 
 what  the  pride  of  human  reason  and  learning  could  not  relish.  But 
 those  who  are  saved  are  reconciled  to  the  doctrine  of  the  cross, 
 and  led  into  an  experimental  acquaintance  with  the  mysteries  ol 
 Christ  crucified. 
 
 59^ 
 
I.  COlilNTHIANS. 
 
 A  ND  I,  brethren,  when  1  came  to  you 
 came  not  with  excellency  of  speech,  or 
 of  wisdom,  declaring  unto  you  the  testi¬ 
 mony  of  God. 
 
 2  For  I  determined  not  to  know  any 
 thing  among  you,  save  Jesus  Christ,  and  him 
 crucified.. 
 
 3  And  I  was  with  you  in  weakness,  and 
 in  fear,  and  in  much  trembling. 
 
 4  And  my  speech  and  my  preaching  zidqs 
 not  with  enticing  words  of  man^s  wisdom, 
 but  in  demonstration  of  the  spirit  and  of 
 poAver  ; 
 
 5  That  your  faith  should  not  stand  in 
 the  Avisdom  of  men,  but  in  the  poAver  of 
 God. 
 
 6  floAvbeit  Ave  speak  Avisdom  among  them 
 that  are  perfect ;  yet  not  the  Avisdom  oi*  this 
 world,  nor  of  the  princes  of  this  world,  that 
 come  to  nous^ht : 
 
 7  But  we  speak  the  Avisdom  of  God  in  a 
 mystery,  even  the  hidden  wisdom  Avhich  God 
 ordained  before  the  Avorld  unto  our  glory  ; 
 
 8  Which  none  of  the  princes  of  this  Avorld 
 knew ;  for  had  they  knoAvn  it,  they  Avould 
 not  have  crucified  the  Lord  of  glory. 
 
 9  But  as  it  is  Avritten,  Eye  hath  not  seen, 
 nor  ear  heard,  neither  have  entered  into  the 
 heart  of  man,  the  things  Avhich  God  hath 
 prepared  for  them  that  love  him. 
 
 10  But  God  hath  revealed  them  unto  us 
 by  his  Spirit :  for  the  Spirit  searcheth  all 
 things,  yea,  the  deep  things  of  God. 
 
 11  For  Avhat  man  knoweth  the  things  of 
 a  man,  save  the  spirit  of  man  Avhich  is  in 
 him?  even  so,  the  things  of  God  knoAv^ethj 
 no  man,  but  the  Spirit  of  God. 
 
 12  Noav  Ave  haA^e  received,  not  the  spirit 
 of  the  Avorld,  but  the  Spirit  Avhich  is  of  God  ; 
 
 that  Ave  might  knoAv  the  things  that  are  free 
 
 ly  given  to  us  of  God. 
 
 1  1  •  1  in  tne 
 
 words  which  mans  wisdom  teacheth,  but 
 
 which  the  Holy  Ghost  teacheth  :  comparing 
 Spiritual  things  Avith  spiritual.  ® 
 
 14  But  the  natural  man  receiveth  not  the 
 things  of  the  Spirit  of  God  :  for  they  are 
 foolishness  unto  him  ;  neither  can  he  know 
 them,  because  they  are  spiritually  discerned. 
 
 But  he  that  is  spiritual  judgeth  all 
 things,  yet  he  himself  is  judged  of  no  man. 
 
 16  For  who  hath  known  the  mind  of  the 
 Lord,  that  he  may  instruct  him?  But  Ave 
 have  the  mind  of  Christ. 
 
 CHAP.  III. 
 
 I.  The  apostle  blames  the  Corinthians  for  their 
 visions,  1 — 4.  II.  He  instructs  them  how 
 among  them  might  be  rectified,  o— 23. 
 
 carnatity  and  di- 
 whal  was  amiss 
 
 A  ND  I,  brethren,  could  not  speak  unto 
 you  as  unto  spiritual,  but  as  unto  car¬ 
 nal,  even  as  unto  babes  in  Christ. 
 
 2  I  have  fed  you  Avith  milk,  and  not  with 
 meat :  for  hitherto  ye  Avere  not  able  to  bear 
 it,  neither  yet  noAv  are  ye  able. 
 
 3  Tor  ye  are  yet  carnal:  for  Avhereas  Mere 
 
 IS  among  you  envying,  and  strife,  and  divi¬ 
 sions,  are  ye  not  carnal,  and  Avalk  as  men  ? 
 
 4  For  Avhile  one  saith,  I  am  of  Paul ;  and 
 another,  I  am  of  Apollos  ;  are  ye  not  car¬ 
 nal  ? 
 
 5  Who  then  is  Paul,  and  who  is  Apollos, 
 but  ministers  by  Avdiom  ye  belie A’ed,  even  as 
 the  Lord  gave  to  every  man  ? 
 
 ^  6  1  have  planted,  Apollos  Av^atered  ;  but 
 God  gave  the  increase. 
 
 7  then,  neither  is  he  that  planteth  any 
 thing,  neither  he  that  Avatereth  :  but  God 
 that  giveth  the  increase. 
 
 CHAP.  II.  1 — 5.  When  nothing  but  Christ  crucified  was  plainly 
 preached,  the  success  must  be  entirely  attributed  to  a  divine  power 
 accompanying  the  word  ;  their  faith  must  be  founded  not  on  hu¬ 
 man  wisdom,  but  divine  evidence  and  operation.  The  gospel  was 
 so  preached  that  God  might  appear  and  be  glorified  in  all. 
 
 6— 16‘.  Such  wisdom  as  could  not  have  been  discovered  without 
 a  revelation  ;  according  to  what  the  prophet  Esay  saith,  Isa.  l.xiv. 
 4,  Eye  hath  not  seen,  nor  ear  heard,  nor  hath  entered  into  the  heart 
 of  man,  the  things  which  God  hath  prepared  for  them  that  love  him  : 
 for  him  that  waiteth  for  him,  that  waiteth  for  his  mercy,  as  the 
 LXX.  It  was  a  testimony  of  love  to  God  in  Jewish  believers  to 
 live  in  expectation  of  the  accomplishment  of  evangelical  promises. 
 The  great  truths  of  the  gospel  are  things  lying  out  of  the  sphere  of 
 human  discovery.  Eve  hath  not  seen,  nor  ear  heard  them,  nor  have 
 
 they  entered  into  the  heart  of  man.  AVere  they  objects  of  sense 
 could  they  be  discovered  by  an  eye  of  reason,  and  communicated 
 jy  the  oui,  as  niattcis  of  common  human  knowlpdgc  mav  there  had 
 been  no  need  of  a  revelation.  But  laying  out  of  the  sphere  of  na¬ 
 ture,  we  cannot  discover  them  but  by  the  light  of  revelation. 
 And  therefore  we  must  take  them  as  thej'  lie  in  the  scriptures,  and 
 as  God  has  been  pleased  to  reveal  them. 
 
 CHAP.  HI.  1  4.  Contentions  and  quarrels  about  religion  are 
 
 sad  evidences  of  remaining  carnality.  True  religion  makes  men 
 peaceable,  and  not  contentious.  Factious  spirits  act  upon  human 
 principles,  ncit  upon  principles  of  true  religion  ;  they  are  guided  by 
 their  own  pride  and  passions,  and  not  by  rules  of  Christianity;  do 
 ye  not  walk  as  men  .? 
 
 5  —  10.  All  the  faithful  ministers  of'Cliiist  are.on'e,  in  the  great 
 
CHAP.  IV 
 
 8  Now,  he  that  planteth  and  he  that  wa- 
 tereth  are  one  ;  and  every  man  shall  receive 
 his  own  reward,  according  to  his  own  la¬ 
 bour. 
 
 9  For  we  are  labourers  together  with  God  : 
 ye  are  God's  husbandry  ;  ye  are  God's  build¬ 
 
 ing. 
 
 10  According  to  the  grace  of  God  which 
 is  given  unto  me,  as  a  wise  master-builder  I 
 have  laid  the  foundation,  and  another  build- 
 eth  thereon.  But  let  every  man  take  heed 
 how  he  buildeth  thereupon. 
 
 11  For  other  foundation  can  no  man  lay 
 than  that  is  laid,  which  is  Jesus  Christ. 
 
 12  Now,  if  any  man  build  upon  this  foun¬ 
 dation  gold,  silver,  precious  stones,  wood, 
 hay,  stubble  ; 
 
 13  Every  man's  work  shall  be  made  ma¬ 
 nifest  :  for  the  day  shall  declare  it,  because 
 it  shall  be  revealed  by  fire  ;  and  the  fire  shall 
 try  every  man's  work  of  what  sort  it  is. 
 
 14  If  any  man’s  work  abide  which  he 
 hath  built  thereupon,  he  shall  receive  a  re¬ 
 ward. 
 
 15  If  any  man's  work  shall  be  burnt  he 
 shall  suffer  loss :  but  he  himself  shall  be 
 saved  ;  ^xt  so  as  by  fire. 
 
 16  Know  ye  not  that  ye  are  the  temple  of 
 God,  and  that  the  Spirit  of  God  dwelleth  in 
 you? 
 
 17  If  any  man  defile  the  temple  of  God, 
 him  shall  God  destroy  ;  for  the  temple  of 
 God  is  holy,  which  temple  ye  are. 
 
 18  Let  no  wan  deceive  himself  :  if  any 
 
 business  and  intentions  of  their  ministry.  They  may  have  difference 
 of  sentiment  in  lesser  things;  they  may  have  their  debates  and 
 rontests  ;  but  they  heartily  concur  in  the  great  design  of  honouring 
 God  and  saving  souls,  by  promoting  true  Christianity  in  the  world. 
 And  all  such  may  expect  a  glorious  recompence  of  their  fidelity 
 and  in  proportion  to  it.  ’ 
 
 But  let  every  man  take  heed  how  he  buildeth  thereon.  This  is  a 
 proper  caution  ;  there  may  be  verv  indifferent  building  on  a  good 
 foundation.  It  is  easy  to  err  here,  and  great  care  should  be  used, 
 not  only  to  lay  a  sure  and  right  foundation,  but  to  erect  a  regular 
 building  upon  it.  Nothing  must  be  laid  upon  it  but  what  the 
 foundation  will  bear,  and  what  is  of  a  piece  with  it.  Gold  and 
 dirt  must  not  be  mingled  together.  Ministers  of  Christ  should  take 
 great  care  that  they  do  not  build  their  own  fancies  or  false  reason¬ 
 ings  on  the  foundation  of  divine  revelations.  What  they  preach 
 should  be  the  plain  doctrine  of  their  Master,  or  what  is  perfectly 
 agreeable  with  it. 
 
 11—15.  They  who  spread  true  and  pure  religion  in  all  branches 
 of  it,  and  whose  work  will  abide  in  the  great  day,  shall  receive  a 
 reward.  There  are  others  whose  work  shall  be  burnt,  13,  whose 
 corrupt  opinions  and  doctrines,  or  vain  inventions  and  usages  in 
 the  worship  of  God,  shall  be  discovered,  disowned,  and  rejected 
 in  that  day  :  shall  be  first  manifested  to  be  corrupt,  and  then  dis¬ 
 
 mal!  among  you  seemeth  to  be  wise  in  this 
 world,  let  him  become  a  fool,  that  he  may 
 be  wise. 
 
 19  For  the  wisdom  of  this  world  is  fool¬ 
 ishness  with  God  :  for  it  is  written.  Fie  taketh 
 the  wise  in  their  own  craftiness. 
 
 20  And  again,  The  Lord  knoweth  the 
 thoughts  of  the  wise,  that  they  are  vain. 
 
 21  Therefore  let  no  man  glory  in  men  : 
 for  all  things  are  yours  ; 
 
 22  Whether  Paul,  or  Apollos,  or  Cephas, 
 or  the  world,  or  life,  or  death,  or  things  pre¬ 
 sent,  or  things  to  come  ;  all  are  j'^ours  ; 
 
 23  And  ye  are  Christ's,  and  Christ  is  God's. 
 
 CHAP.  IV. 
 
 I.  The  apostle  directs  them  how  to  account  of  him  and  his  fellow'- 
 ministci's,  1 — 6'.  II.  He  cautions  them  against  pride,  7 — 14 
 HI.  He  challenges  their  regard  to  him  as  their  father  in  Christ’ 
 I'S— 17-  Iv-  He  tells  them  of  his  having  sent  Timothy,  18, 
 ad  fin. 
 
 T  ET  a  man  so  account  of  us  as  of  the  mi- 
 nisters  of  Christ,  and  stewards  of  the 
 mysteries  of  God. 
 
 2  Moreover,  it  is  required  in  stewards  that 
 a  man  be  found  faithful. 
 
 3  But  with  me  it  is  a  very  small  thing 
 that  I  should  be  judged  of  you,  or  of  man's 
 judgment ;  yea,  I  judge  not  mine  own  self. 
 
 4  For  I  know  nothing  by  myself;  yet  am 
 
 I  not  hereby  justified  :  but  he  that  judgeth 
 me  is  the  Lord.  ’  ^ 
 
 5  Therefore  judge  nothing  before  the 
 time,  until  the  Lord  come,  who  both  will 
 bring  to  light  the  hidden  things  of  darkness, 
 and  will  make  manifest  the  counsels  of  the 
 
 approved  of  God,  and  rejected.  Those  who  hold  the  foundation 
 of  Christianity,  though  they  build  hay,  wood,  and  stubble  uiion  it 
 may  be  saved.  This  may  help  to  enlarge  our  charity.  We  Lould 
 not  reprobate  men  for  their  weakness  ;  for  nothing  Will  damn  men 
 
 tto  ^re  St  of 
 
 ™n,uL  ''hich  wm 
 
 S’’  Tl'ose  who  spread  loose  principles,  that  have  a  direct 
 endency  to  po  lute  the  church  of  God,  and  render  it  unholy  and 
 1  f  destruction  on  themselves. 
 
 •tf  taketh  the  wise  in  their  own  craftiness.  As  it  is 
 
 vvritten.  Job  v.  13,  he  catches  them  in  their  own  nets,  and  entangles 
 them  in  meir  oiyn  snares  :  he  turns  their  most  studied,  and  plau¬ 
 sible  and  promising  schemes,  against  themselves;  and  ruins  them 
 by  their  own  contrivance.  Nay,  He  knows  the  thoughts  of  the 
 w'ise,  thaUhey  are  vain,  v.  20,  that  they  are  vanity,  Psal.  xciv.  11 
 21—23.  All  things  are  the  believer’s,  that  Christ  might  have 
 honour  in  his  great  undertaking,  and  God  in  all  might  have  the 
 glory.  God  in  Christ  reconciling  a  sinful  world  to  himself  and 
 shedding  abroad  the  riches  of  his  grace  on  a  reconciled  world  is 
 the  sum  and  substance  of  the  gospel.  ’ 
 
 mention  his  own  name, 
 and  the  name  of  a  faithful  fellow-labourer,  than  the  names  of  any 
 
 597 
 
1.  CORINTHIANS. 
 
 hearts  ;  and  then  shall  every  man  have  praise 
 of  God. 
 
 6  And  these  things,  brethren,  I  have  in  a 
 figure  transferred  to  myself  and  to  Apollos 
 for  your  sakes  ;  that  ye  might  learn  in  us 
 not  to  think  of  men  above  that  which  is  writ¬ 
 ten,  that  no  one  of  you  be  puffed  up  for  one 
 against  another. 
 
 7  For  who  maketh  thee  to  differ  from 
 another  ?  and  what  hast  thou  that  thou  didst 
 not  receive  ?  Now,  if  thou  didst  receive  it, 
 why  dost  thou  glory  as  if  thou  hadst  not  re¬ 
 ceived  it  ? 
 
 8  Now  ye  are  full,  now  ye  are  rich,  ye 
 have  reigned  as  kings  without  us  ;  and  1 
 would  to  God  ye  did  reign,  that  we  also 
 might  reign  with  you. 
 
 9  For  I  think  that  God  hath  set  forth  us 
 the  apostles  last,  as  it  were  appointed  to 
 death  ;  for  we  are  made  a  spectacle  unto  the 
 world,  and  to  angels,  and  to  men. 
 
 10  We  are  fools  for  Christ’s  sake,  but  ye 
 are  wise  in  Christ ;  we  are  weak,  but  ye  are 
 strong  ;  ye  are  honourable,  but  we  are  de¬ 
 spised. 
 
 11  Even  unto  this  present  hour  we  both 
 hunger,  and  thirst,  and  are  naked,  and  are 
 buffeted,  and  have  no  certain  dwelling-place  ; 
 
 12  And  labour,  working  with  our  own 
 hands  :  being  reviled,  we  bless  :  being  per¬ 
 secuted,  we  suffer  it ; 
 
 13  Being  defamed,  we  entreat ;  we  are 
 made  as  the  filth  of  the  earth,  and  are  the 
 off-scouring  of  all  things  unto  this  day. 
 
 14  1  write  not  these  things  to  shame  you, 
 but,  as  my  beloved  sons,  I  warn  yon. 
 
 15  For  though  ye  have  ten  thousand  in¬ 
 structors  in  Christ,  yet  have  ye  not  many  fa¬ 
 thers  ;  for  in  Christ  Jesus  I  have  begotten 
 you  through  the  gospel. 
 
 heads  of  factions  amongst  them,  that  hereby  he  might  avoid  what 
 would  provoke,  and  so  procure  his  advice  the  greater  regard. 
 
 7 — 13.  The  disciples  of  Christ,  and  especially  his  ministers, 
 should  hold  fast  their  integrity,  and  keep  a  good  conscience,  what¬ 
 ever  opposition  or  hardships  they  meet  with  from  the  world. 
 VVhatcver  they  suffer  from  men,  they  must  follow  the  example,  and 
 fulfil  the  will  and  precepts  of  tiieir  Lord.  They  must  be  content 
 with  him,  and  for  him,  to  be  despised  and  abused. 
 
 14—16.  As  ministers  are  to  set  a  pattern,  others  must  take  it. 
 They  should  follow  them  as  far  as  they  are  satisfied  they  follow 
 Ci)rist  in  faith  and  practice. 
 
 17 — 21.  If  they  continued  perverse  among  themselves  and  with 
 him,  it  would  be  necessary  to  come  with  a  rod  ;  that  is,  to  exert 
 598 
 
 16  Wherefore  I  beseech  you,  be  ye  fol¬ 
 lowers  of  me. 
 
 17  For  this  cause  have  I  sent  unto  you 
 Timotheus,  who  is  my  beloved  son,  and 
 faithful  in  the  Lord,  who  shall  bring  you 
 into  remembrance  of  my  ways  which  be  in 
 Christ,  as  I  teach  every  where  in  every 
 church. 
 
 18  Now  some  are  puffed  up,  as  though  I 
 would  not  come  to  3"ou. 
 
 19  But  I  will  come  to  you  shortly,  if  the 
 Lord  will,  and  will  know,  not  the  speech  of 
 them  which  are  puffed  up,  but  the  power. 
 
 20  For  the  kingdom  of  God  is  not  in 
 word,  but  in  power. 
 
 21  What  will  ye?  shall  I  come  unto  you 
 with  a  rod,  or  in  love,  and  in  the  spirit  of 
 meekness  ? 
 
 CHAP.  V. 
 
 I.  The  apostle  blames  them  for  their  indulgence  in  the  case  of  the 
 incestuous  person,  V.  1—7.  H.  Exhorts  them  to  Christian  pu¬ 
 rity,  y.  7,  8.  HI.  Directs  them  to  shun  even  the  common  con¬ 
 versation  of  those  who  were  guilty  of  any  notorious  wickedness, 
 v.  9,  ad  fin. 
 
 T  is  reported  commonly  that  there  is  for¬ 
 nication  among  you,  and  such  fornication 
 as  is  not  so  much  as  named  among  the  Gen¬ 
 tiles,  that  one  should  have  his  father’s  wife. 
 
 2  And  ye  are  puffed  uj),  and  have  not 
 rather  mourned,  that  he  that  hath  done  this 
 deed  might  be  taken  awa>^  from  among  you. 
 
 3  For  I,  verily,  as  absent  in  body,  but  pre¬ 
 sent  in  spirit,  have  judged  alread  y,  as  though 
 I  were  present,  concerning  him  that  hath  so 
 done  this  deed, 
 
 4  In  the  name  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
 when  ye  are  gathered  together,  and  my  spirit, 
 with  the  power  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
 
 5  To  deliver  such  an  one  unto  Satan  for 
 the  destruction  of  the  flesh,  that  the  spirit 
 may  be  saved  in  the  day  of  the  Lord  Jesus. 
 
 his  apostolical  power  in  chastising  them,  by  making  some  exam¬ 
 ples,  and  inflicting  some  diseases  and  corporal  punishments,  or  by 
 other  censures  for  their  faults. 
 
 CHAP.  V.  1 — 6.  Some  think  the  apostle  is  not  to  be  under¬ 
 stood  of  mere  excommunication,  but  of  a  miraculous  power  or  au¬ 
 thority  they  had,  and  of  delivering  a  scandalous  sinner  into  the 
 power  of  Satan,  to  have  bodily  diseases  inflicted,  and  to  be  tor¬ 
 mented  by  him  with  bodily  pains,  which  is  their  meaning  of  the 
 destruction  of  the  flesh.  In  this  sense  the  destruction  of  the  flesh 
 has  been  an  happ)y  occasion  of  the  salvation  of  the  spirit.  It  is 
 probable  this  was  a  mixed  case.  It  was  an  extraordinary  instance  ; 
 and  the  church  was  to  proceed  against  him  by  just  censure;  and 
 the  apostle  when  the.y  did  so,  put  forth  an  act  of  extraordinary 
 
CHAP.  VI. 
 
 6  Your  glorying  is  not  good.  Know  ye 
 not  that  a  little  leaven  leaveneth  the  whole 
 lump  ? 
 
 7  Purge  out,  therefore,  the  old  leaven, 
 that  ye  may  be  a  new  lump,  as  ye  are  un¬ 
 leavened.  For  even  Christ  our  passover  is 
 sacrificed  for  us  : 
 
 8  Therefore  let  us  keep  the  feast,  not  with 
 old  leaven,  neither  with  the  leaven  of  malice 
 and  wickedness ;  but  with  the  unleavened 
 bi'ead  of  sincerity  and  truth. 
 
 9  I  wrote  unto  you  in  an  epistle  not  to 
 company  with  fornicators  : 
 
 10  Yet  not  altogether  with  the  fornicators 
 of  this  world,  or  with  the  covetous,  or  extor¬ 
 tioners,  or  Avith  idolators  ;  for  then  must  ye 
 needs  go  out  of  the  world. 
 
 11  But  now  I  have  Avritten  unto  you  not 
 to  keep  company,  if  any  man  that  is  called  a 
 brother  be  a  fornicator,  or  covetous,  or  an 
 idolater,  or  a  railer,  or  a  drunkard,  or  an  ex¬ 
 tortioner  ;  Avith  such  an  one  no  not  to  eat. 
 
 12  For  Avhat  have  I  to  do  to  judge  them 
 also  that  are  Avithout  ?  do  not  ye  judge  them 
 that  are  Avithin  ? 
 
 13  But  them  that  are  Avithout  God  judg- 
 eth.  Therefore  put  aAvay  from  among  your¬ 
 selves*  that  Avicked  person. 
 
 CHAP.  VI. 
 
 I.  The  apostle  reproves  them  for  going  to  law,  1 — 8.  II.  He  takes 
 occasion  hence  to  warn  them  against  gross  sins,  9 — 12.  HI. 
 And  vehemently  dehorts  them  from  fornication,  12,  ad  fin. 
 
 Jj^ARF  any  of  you,  having  a  matter  against 
 another,  go  to  laAV  before  the  unjust, 
 and  not  before  the  saints  ? 
 
 2  Do  ye  not  knoAV  that  the  saints  shall 
 judge  the  Avorld  ?  and  if  the  Avorld  shall 
 be  judged  by  you,  are  ye  unAvorthy  to  judge 
 the  smallest  matters  ? 
 
 3  KnoAv  ye  not  that  Ave  shall  judge  angels? 
 
 how  much  more  things  that  pertain  to  this 
 life  ? 
 
 4  If  then  ye  have  judgments  of  things  per¬ 
 taining  to  this  life,  set  them  to  judge  Avho 
 are  least  esteemed  in  the  church. 
 
 5  I  speak  to  your  shame.  Is  it  so  that 
 there  is  not  a  Avise  man  among  you  ?  no-,  not 
 one  that  shall  be  able  to  judge  betAveen  his 
 brethren  ? 
 
 6  But  brother  goeth  to  laAv  Avith  brother, 
 and  that  before  the  unbelievers. 
 
 7  Noav,  therefore,  there  is  utterly  a  fault 
 among  you,  because  ye  go  to  laAv  one  Avith 
 another  ;  Avhy  do  ye  not  rather  take  wrong  ? 
 Avhy  do  ye  not  rather  suffer  yourselves  lo  be 
 defrauded  ? 
 
 8  Nay,  ye  do  Avrong,  and  defraud,  and 
 that  your  brethren. 
 
 9  KnoAv  ye  not  that  the  unrighteous  shall 
 not  inherit  the  kingdom  of  God  ?  Be  not  de¬ 
 ceived  ;  neither  fornicators,  nor  idolaters,  nor 
 adulterers,  nor  effeminate,  nor  abusers  of 
 themselves  Avith  mankind, 
 
 10  Nor  thieves,  nor  covetous,  nor  drunk¬ 
 ards,  nor  revilers,  nor  extortioners,  shall  in¬ 
 herit  the  kingdom  of  God. 
 
 11  And  such  Avere  some  of  you:  but  ye 
 are  Avashed,  but  ye  are  sanctified,  but  ye  are 
 justified,  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  and 
 by  the  Spirit  of  our  God. 
 
 12  All  things  are  lawful  unto  me,  but  all 
 things  are  not  expedient :  all  things  are  law¬ 
 ful  for  me,  but  I  Avill  not  be  brought  under 
 the  power  of  any. 
 
 13  Meats  for  the  belly,  and  the  belly  for 
 meats  :  but  God  shall  destroy  both  it  and 
 them.  Noav,  the  body  is  not  for  fornication, 
 but  for  the  Lord,  and  the  Lord  for  the  body! 
 
 14  And  God  hath  both  raised  up  the 
 
 power,  and  gave  him  up  to  Satan  ;  not  for  his  destruction,  but  de¬ 
 liverance,  at  least  for  the  destruction  of  the  flesh,  that  the  soul 
 might  be  saved. 
 
 7,  8.  We  must  have  new  hearts,  and  lead  new  lives.  The  whole 
 life  of  a  Christian  must  be  a  feast  of  unleavened  bread.  His  com¬ 
 mon  conversation,  and  his  religious  performances,  must  be  holy. 
 He  must  purge  out  the  old  leaven,  and  keep  the  feast  with  the  un- 
 iaveried  bread  of  sincerity  and  truth.  He  must  be  without  guilt 
 in  his  carriage  towards  God  and  man.  And  the  more  there  is  of 
 sincerity  in  our  profession,  the  less  shall  we  censure  that  of  others. 
 
 9—13.  Heathens  were  such  as  Christians  had  nothing  to  do  to 
 iudge,  and  censure,  and  avoid  upon  a  censure  past :  for  they  arc 
 without,  12;  must  be  left  to  God’s  judgment,  13.  But  as  to 
 rnembers  of  the  church,  they  are  within,  are  professedly  bound  by 
 the  laws  and  rules  of  Christianity,  and  not  only  liable  to  the  iud^i- 
 Vol.  II.  93  4  H  , 
 
 ment  of  God,  but  to  the  censures  of  those  who  are  set  over  them 
 and  the  fellow  members  of  the  same  body,  when  they  transgress 
 those  rules.  Every  Christian  is  bound  to  judge  them  unfit  for  com¬ 
 munion  and  familiar  converse. 
 
 CHAP.  VI.  1 — 8.  It  is  utterly  a  fault  to  wrong  and  defraud 
 any  ;  but  it  is  an  aggravation  of  this  fault  to  defraud  our  Christian 
 brethren.  The  ties  of  mutual  love  ought  to  be  stronger  between 
 them  than  between  others.  And  love  worketh  no  ill  to  his  neigh- 
 bom-,  Rom.  xii.  10.  Those  who  love  the  brotherhood,  can  never 
 under  the  influence  of  this  principle,  hurt  or  injure  them  ’ 
 
 .  ‘  ‘he  guilt  of  sin,  and  reconciled 
 
 to  God  through  Christ,  but  those  who  are  also  sanctified  bv  his 
 bpint  All  w'ho  are  made  righteous  in  the  sight  of  God,  are  ^ade 
 holy  by  the  grace  of  God. 
 
 12  20.  The  sin  of  fornication  is  a  great  injury  in  a  Christian 
 
 599 
 
I.  CORINTHIANS. 
 
 Lord,  and  will  also  raise  up  us  by  his  own 
 power. 
 
 15  Know  ye  not  that  your  bodies  are  the 
 members  of  Christ  ?  shall  1  then  take  the 
 members  ot  Christ  and  make  thtiii  the  mem¬ 
 bers  of  an  harlot  ?  God  forbid. 
 
 16  What !  know  ye  not  that  he  which  is 
 joined  to  an  harlot  is  one  body  ?  for  two 
 (saith  he)  shall  be  one  flesh. 
 
 17  But  he  that  is  joined  unto  the  Lord  is 
 one  spirit. 
 
 18  Flee  fornication.  Every  sin  that  a  man 
 doeth  is  without  the  body  ;  but  he  that  com- 
 mitteth  fornication  sinneth  against  his  own 
 body. 
 
 19  What !  know  ye  not  that  your  body  is 
 the  temple  of  the  Holy  Ghost  z^h'c/i  is  in  you, 
 which  ye  have  of  God  ?  and  ye  are  not  your 
 own  ; 
 
 20  For  ye  are  bought  with  a  price  :  there¬ 
 fore  glorify  God  in  your  body,  and  in  your 
 spirit,  which  are  GocPs. 
 
 CHAP.  VII. 
 
 The  apostle  ans>vers  some  cases  about  marriage. 
 
 T^OW,  concerning  the  things  whereof  ye 
 
 ^  wrote  unto  me  ;  It  is  good  for  a  man 
 not  to  touch  a  woman. 
 
 2  Nevertheless,  to  ovoid  fornication,  let 
 every  man  have  his  own  wife,  and  let  every 
 woman  have  her  own  husband. 
 
 3  Let  the  husband  render  unto  the  wife 
 due  benevolence  ;  and  likewise  also  the  wife 
 unto  the  husband. 
 
 4  The  wife  hath  not  power  of  her  own 
 body,  but  the  husband  :  and  likewise  also 
 the  husband  hath  not  power  of  his  own  bo¬ 
 dy,  but  the  wife. 
 
 5  Defraud  ye  not  one  the  other,  except 
 it  he  with  consent  for  a  time  ;  that  yo  may 
 give  yourselves  to  fasting  and  prayer  :  and 
 come  together  again,  that  Satan  tempt  you 
 not  for  your  incontinency. 
 
 to  his  head  and  Lord,  and  a  great  reproach  and  blot  on  his  profes- 
 tiion.  It  is  no  wonder,  therefore,  the  apostle  sliould  sav.  Flee  for¬ 
 nication,  18.  Avoid  it,  keep  out  of  the  reach  of  teniptations  to 
 it,  ot  provoking  objects.  Direct  the  eyes  and  mind  to  other  things 
 and  tlioughts.  Other  vices  may  be  conquered  in  light,  this  onlv 
 by  flight,  say  many  of  the  fathers. 
 
 CHAP.  VII.  1 — lb.  But  to  tlie  rest  speak  I,  not  the  Lord,  i.  e. 
 the  Lord  had  not  so  expressly  spoken  to  this  case,  as  to  the  former, 
 of  divorce.  It  doth  not  mean  that  the  apostle  spoke  without  au¬ 
 thority  from  the  Lord,  or  decided  this  case  by  liis  onn  wisdom 
 
 600  ■ 
 
 6  But  I  speak  this  by  permission,  ood  not 
 of  commandment. 
 
 7  For  I  would  that  all  men  were  even  as 
 I  myself:  but  every  man  hath  his  proper 
 gift  of  God,  one  after  this  manner,  and  an¬ 
 other  after  that. 
 
 8  I  say,  therefore,  to  the  unmarried  and 
 widows.  It  is  good  for  them  if  they  abide  even 
 
 as  I. 
 
 9  But  if  they  cannot  contain  let  them 
 marry  :  for  it  is  better  to  marry  than  to  burn. 
 
 10  And  unto  the  married  1  command, 
 not  J,  but  the  Lord,  Let  not  the  wife  depart 
 from  he?-  husband. 
 
 11  But,  and  it  she  depart,  let  her  remain 
 unmarried,  or  be  reconciled  to  /le?'  husband  : 
 and  let  not  the  husband  put  awav  wife. 
 
 12  But  to  the  rest  speak  1,  not  the  Lord  : 
 if  any  brother  hath  a  wife  that  believeth  not, 
 and  she  be  pleased  to  dwell  with  him,  let  him 
 not  put  her  away. 
 
 13  And  the  woman  which  hath  an  hus- 
 vand  that  lielieveth  not,  and  if  he  be  pleased 
 to  dwell  with  her,  let  her  not  leave  him. 
 
 14  For  the  unbelieving  husband  is  sancti¬ 
 fied  by  the  wife,  and  the  unbelieving  wife  is 
 sanctified  by  the  husband  :  else  were  your 
 children  unclean  ;  but  now  they  are  holy. 
 
 15  But  if  the  unbelieving  depart,  let  him 
 depart.  A  brother  or  a  sister  is  not  under 
 bondage  in  such  coses:  but  God  hath  called 
 us  to  peace. 
 
 16‘  For  what  knowest  thou,  O  wife,  whe 
 ther  thou  shalt  save  t/n/  husband  ?  or,  how 
 knowest  thou,  O  man,  whether  thou  shalt 
 save  t/ny  wife  ? 
 
 17  But  as  God  hath  distributed  to  every 
 man,  as  the  Lord  hath  called  every  one, 
 so  let  him  walk  :  and  so  ordain  1  in  all 
 churches. 
 
 18  Is  any  man  called  being  circumcised  ? 
 et  him  not  become  uncircumcised  :  is  any 
 
 without  the  inspiration  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  He  closes  this  subject 
 with  a  declaration  to  the  contrary,  40.  1  think  also,  that  I  have 
 
 the  Spirit  of  God. 
 
 17 — 24.  Let  every  man  wherein  he  is  called  abide  therein  with 
 God,  24.  This  is  to  be  understood  of  the  state  wherein  a  man 
 is  converted  to  Christianity.  No  man  should  make  his  faith  or 
 religion  an  argument  to  break  through  any  natural  or  civil  obliga¬ 
 tions.  He  should  quietly  and  comfortably  abide  in  the  condition 
 in  which  he  is,  and  this  he  may  well  do  when  he  may  abide  therein 
 with  God. 
 
CHAP.  Vll 
 
 called  in  uncircumcision  ?  let  him  not  be 
 circumcised. 
 
 19  Circumcision  is  nothing,  and  uncircum- 
 I  cision  is  nothing,  but  the  keeping  of  the 
 
 commandments  of  God. 
 
 20  Let  every  man  abide  in  the  same  call¬ 
 ing  wherein  he  was  called. 
 
 21  Art  thou  called,  a  servant?  care 
 not  for  it ;  but  if  thou  mayest  be  made  free, 
 use  it  rather. 
 
 22  For  he  that  is  called  in  the  Lord,  heins: 
 a  servant,  is  the  Lord’s  free-man  ;  likewise  also 
 he  that  is  called,  being  free  is  ChrisFs  servant. 
 
 23  Ye  are  bought  with  a  price;  be  not 
 ye  the  servants  of  men. 
 
 24  Brethren,  let  every  man  wherein  he  is 
 called  therein  abide  with  God. 
 
 25  Now,  concerning  virgins,  I  have  no 
 commandment  of  the  Lord  ;  yet  I  give  my 
 judgment,  as  one  that  hath  obtained  mercy 
 of  the  Lord  to  be  faithful. 
 
 26  I  suppose,  therefore,  that  this  is  good 
 for  the  present  distress  :  I  say,  that  it  is  good 
 for  a  man  so  to  be. 
 
 27  Art  thou  bound  unto  a  wife  ?  seek  not 
 to  be  loosed.  Art  thou  loosed  from  a  wife  ? 
 seek  not  a  wife. 
 
 28  But  and  if  thou  marry,  thou  hast  not 
 sinned  ;  and  if  a  virgin  marry,  she  hath  not 
 sinned  :  nevertheless,  such  shall  have  trouble 
 in  the  desli  ;  but  I  spare  you. 
 
 29  But  this  I  say,  brethren,  the  time  is 
 short :  it  remaineth,  that  both  they  that  have 
 M’ives  be  as  though  they  had  none  ; 
 
 30  And  they  that  wee}),  as  though  they 
 wept  not  ;  and  they  that  rejoice,  as  though 
 they  rejoiced  not ;  and  they  that  buy,  as 
 though  they  })ossessed  not ; 
 
 31  And  they  that  use  this  world,  as  not 
 
 ^.5-— 35.  I  hat  conclitioii  of  life  should  be  chosen  by  the  Christian, 
 in  which  it  is  most  likely  he  shall  have  the  best  helps  and  the  least 
 hindrances  in  the  service  of  God,  and  the  affairs  of  his  own  salva¬ 
 tion. 
 
 30 — 38.  In  this  passage  the  apostle  is  commonly  supposed  to 
 give  advice  about  the  disposal  of  children  in  marriage,  upon  the 
 foot  of  his  former  determination.  In  which  view,'  the  general 
 meaning  is  plain.  It  was  in  that  age,  and  those  parts  of  the  world, 
 and  especially  among  the  Jews,  reckoned  a  disgrace  for  a  woman 
 to  remain  unmarried  past  a  certain  number  of  years.  It  gave  a 
 suspicion  of  somewhat  that  was  not  for  her  reputation.  Now,  savs 
 tlie  apostle.  If  any  man  thinks  he  behave  unhandsomelv  towards 
 his  daughter,  and  that  it  is  not  for  her  credit  to  remain  unmarried, 
 wnen  she  is  at  full  age,  and  that  upon  this  foot  it  is  needful  to  dis¬ 
 
 abusing  it :  for  the  fashion  of  this  world  pass- 
 eth  away. 
 
 32  But  I  Avould  have  you  without  care¬ 
 fulness.  He  that  is  unmarried  careth  for  the 
 things  that  belong  to  the  Lord,  how  he  may 
 please  the  Lord  : 
 
 33  But  he  that  is  married  careth  for  the 
 things  that  are  of  the  Avorld,  how  he  may 
 please  his  Avife. 
 
 34  There  is  difference  also  betAveen  a  Avife 
 and  a  Aurgin.  The  unmarried  Avoman  careth 
 for  the  things  of  the  Lord,  that  she  may  be 
 holy  both  in  body  and  in  spirit :  but  she 
 that  is  married  careth  for  the  things  of  the 
 Avorld ,  hoAv  she  may  please  her  husband. 
 
 35  And  this  I  speak  for  your  OAvn  })rofit : 
 not  that  I  may  cast  a  snare  upon  you,  but 
 for  that  Avhich  is  comely,  and  that  ye  may 
 attend  upon  the  Lord  Avithout  distraction. 
 
 36  But  if  any  man  think  that  he  behaveth 
 himselt  uncomely  toAvard  his  virgin,  if  she 
 pass  the  floAver  of  her  age,  and  need  so  re¬ 
 quire,  let  him  do  Avhat  he  Avill  he  sinneth  not : 
 let  them  marry. 
 
 37  Nevertheless,  he  that  standeth  stedfast 
 
 in  his  heart,  having  no  necessity,  but  hath 
 poAver  over  his  OAvn  Avill,  and  hath  so  decreed 
 in  his  heart,  that  he  aa511  keep  his  viro^in, 
 doeth  well.  ^ 
 
 38  So  then,  he  that  giveth  her  in  marriage 
 doeth  Avell :  but  he  that  giveth  her  not  in 
 marriage  doeth  better. 
 
 39  The  Avife  is  bound  by  the  laAv  as  long 
 as  her  husband  liveth  :  but  if  her  husband  be 
 dead,  she  is  at  liberty  to  be  married  to  Avhom 
 she  Avill :  only  in  the  Lord. 
 
 40  But  she  is  happier  if  she  so  abide,  after 
 my  judgment :  and  I  think  also  that  I  have 
 the  S|)irit  of  God. 
 
 pose  of  her  in  marriage,  he  may  use  his  pleasure.  It  is  no  sin  in 
 him  to  dispose  of  her  to  a  suitable  mate.  But  if  a  rnan  has  deter¬ 
 mined  in  himselt  to  keep  her  a  virgin,  and  stands  to  this  determina¬ 
 tion,  and  is  under  no  necessity  to  dispose  of  her  in  marriage,  but  is 
 at  liberty,  with  her  consent,  to  pursue  his  purpose,  he  doth  well  in 
 keeping  her  a  virgin.  In  short,  he  that  giveth  her  in  marriage  does 
 well,  but  he  that  keeps  her  single,  if  she  can  be  easy  and  innocent 
 in  such  a  state,  does  what  is  better;  that  is,  more  convenient  for 
 lier  in  the  pn  sent  state  of  things. 
 
 39,  40.  Change  of  condition  in  marriage  is  so  important  a  mat¬ 
 ter,  thy  it  ought  not  to  be  made  but  upon  due  deliberation,  after 
 caretu  consideration  of  circumstances,  and  upon  very  probable 
 grounds  at  least,  that  it  will  be  a  change  to  advantage  in  our  spv^ 
 ritual  concerns.  - 
 
 601 
 
I.  CORINTHIANS. 
 
 CHAP.  VIII. 
 
 The  apostle  in  this  chapter  answers  another  case,  about  eating 
 those  things  that  had  been  sacrificed  to  idols. 
 
 OW,  as  touching  things  offered  unto 
 idols,  we  know  that  we  all  have  know¬ 
 ledge.  Knowledge  puffeth  up,  but  charity 
 ediheth. 
 
 2  And  if  any  man  think  that  he  knoweth 
 any  thing,  he  knoweth  nothing  yet  as  he 
 ought  to  know. 
 
 3  But  if  any  man  love  God,  the  same  is 
 known  of  him. 
 
 4  As  concerning,  therefore,  the  eating  of 
 those  things  that  are  offered  in  sacrifice  unto 
 idols,  we  know  that  an  idol  is  nothing  in  the 
 world,  and  that  there  is  none  other  god  but 
 one. 
 
 5  For  though  there  be  that  are  called 
 gods,  whether  in  heaven  or  in  earth,  (as 
 there  be  gods  many,  and  lords  many,) 
 
 6  But  to  us  there  is  but  one  God,  the  Fa¬ 
 ther  of  whom  ai'e  all  things,  and  we  in  him  ; 
 and  one  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  by  whom  are 
 all  things,  and  we  by  him. 
 
 7  Howbeit  there  is  not  in  every  man  that 
 knowledge  :  for  some,  with  conscience  of 
 the  idol,  unto  this  hour  eat  it  as  a  thing 
 offered  unto  an  idol ;  and  their  conscience 
 being  weak  is  defiled. 
 
 8  But  meat  commendeth  us  not  to  God  : 
 for  neither,  if  we  eat,  are  we  the  better  ;  nei¬ 
 ther,  if  we  eat  not,  are  we  the  worse. 
 
 9  But  take  heed,  lest  by  any  means  this 
 liberty  of  yours  become  a  stumbling-block 
 to  them  that  are  weak. 
 
 10  lor  if  any  man  see  thee  which  hast 
 knowledge  sit  at  meat  in  the  idofs  temple, 
 shall  not  the  conscience  of  him  which  is 
 weak  be  emboldened  to  eat  those  things 
 which  are  offered  to  idols  ; 
 
 11  And  through  thy  knowledge  shall  the 
 weak  brother  perish  for  whom  Christ  died  ? 
 
 12  But  when  ye  sin  so  against  the  bre¬ 
 thren,  and  wound  their  weak  conscience,  ye 
 sin  against  Christ. 
 
 13  Wherefore,  if  meat  make  my  brother 
 to  offend,  I  will  eat  no  flesh  while  the  world 
 standeth,  lest  I  make  my  brother  to  offend. 
 
 CHAP.  IX. 
 
 In  this  chapter  the  apostle  seems  to  answer  some  cavils  against 
 
 himself. 
 
 AM  I  not  an  apostle?  am  I  not  free? 
 have  I  not  seen  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord  ? 
 are  not  ye  my  work  in  the  Lord  ? 
 
 2  It  I  be  not  an  apostle  unto  others,  yet 
 doubtless  I  am  to  you  :  for  the  seal  of  mine 
 apostleship  are  ye  in  the  Lord. 
 
 3  Mine  answer  to  them  that  do  examine 
 me  is  this  ; 
 
 4  Have  we  not  power  to  eat  and  to  drink  ? 
 
 3  Have  we  not  power  to  lead  about  a 
 
 sister,  a  wife,  as  well  as  other  apostles,  and 
 as  the  brethren  of  the  Lord,  and  Cephas  ? 
 
 CHAP.  VIII.  1 — 3.  Knowledge,  or  at  least  a  high  conceit  of  it, 
 is  very  apt  to  swell  the  mind,  to  fill  it  with  wind,  and  so  pufl’it  np. 
 This  tends  to  no  good  to  ourselves,  but  in  many  instances  is  much 
 to  the  hurt  of  others.  But  true  love  and  tender  regard  to  our  bre¬ 
 thren,  will  put  us  upon  consulting  their  interest,  and  acting  as  may 
 be  for  their  edification. 
 
 4 — 6.  It  is  the  great  privilege  of  us  Christians,  that  we  know  the 
 true  God,  and  true  IMediator  between  God  and  men  :  I'he  true 
 God  and  Jesus  Christ  whom  he  hath  sent,  John  .xvii.  3. 
 
 7 — 15.  Some  of  those  who  were  turned  from  Heatheni.sm  to 
 Christianity  among  the  Corinthians,  seem  to  have  retained  a  venera¬ 
 tion  for  their  idols,  utterly  irreconcileable  with  those  great  princi¬ 
 ples  ;  so  as  when  an  opportunity  ofiered  to  eat  things  offered  to 
 idols,  they  did  not  abstain,  to  testify  their  abhorrence  of  idolatry, 
 nor  eat  with  a  professed  contempt  of  the  idol,  by  declaring  they 
 looked  upon  it  to  be  nothing;  and  so  their  conscience  being  weak, 
 was  defiled,  i.e.  they  contracted  guilt,  they  ate  out  of  respect  to 
 the  idol,  with  an  imagination  that  it  had  something  divine  in  it, 
 and  so  committed  idolatry;  whereas  the  design  of  the  gospel  was 
 to  turn  men  from  dumb  idols  to  the  living  God.  They  were  weak 
 in  their  understanding,  not  thoroughly  apprised  of  the  vanity  of 
 idols:  and  while  they  ate  what  was  sacrificed  to  them  out  of  ve¬ 
 neration  for  them,  contracted  the  guilt  of  idolatry,  and  so  greatly 
 polluted  themselves.  This  seems  to  be  the  sense  of  the  place, 
 though  some  understand  it  of  weak  Christians  defiling  themselves 
 in  eating  what  was  offered  to  an  idol,  with  an  apprehension  that. 
 
 thereby  it  became  unclean,  and  made  them  so  in  a  moral  sense  who 
 should  eat  it:  every  one  not  having  a  knowledge  that  the  idol  was 
 nothing,  and  therefore  that  it  could  not  render  what  was  offered  to 
 it  in  this  sense  unclean.  We  should  be  careful  to  do  nothing  that 
 may  occasion  weak  Christians  to  defile  their  consciences. 
 
 CHAP.  IX.  1,  2.  Blessed  Paul,  in  the  work  of  his  ministry, 
 not  only  met  with  ojiposition  from  those  without,  but  discourage¬ 
 ment  from  those  within.  He  was  under  rejiroach,  false  brethren 
 questioned  his  apostleship,  and  were  very  industrious  to  lessen  his 
 character,  and  sink  his  reputation  ;  par'ticularlv  here  at  Corinth, 
 a  place  to  which  he  had  been  instrumental  of  doing  much  good, 
 and  from  which  he  had  deserved  well  ;  and  yet  there  were  those 
 among  them  who  upon  these  heads  created  him  great  uneasiness. 
 Note,  It  is  no  strange  or  new  thing  for  a  minister  to  meet  with 
 very  unkind  returns  for  great  good-will  to  a  people,  and  diligent 
 and  successful  services  among  them.  Some  among  the  Corinthians 
 questioned,  if  they  did  not  disown,  his  apostolical  character.  'I’o 
 their  cavils  he  here  answ'ers,  and  in  such  a  manner  as  to  set  forth 
 himself  as  a  remarkable  e.xample  of  that  self-denial,  for  the  good  of 
 others,  which  he  had  been  recommending  in  the  former  chapter. 
 
 3 — 14.  It  is  the  people’s  duty  to  maintain  their  minister  by 
 Christ’s  appointment,  though  it  be  not  a  duty  bound  on  a  ministe. 
 to  call  for,  or  accept  it.  He  may  wave  hi-s  right,  as  Paul  did, 
 without  being  a  sinner ;  but  they  transgress  an  appointment  of 
 Christ,  who  deny  or  withhold  ib  They  who  preach  the  gospel 
 have  a  right  to  live  by  it,  and  they  who  attend  on  their  ministry 
 
CHAP.  IX. 
 
 6  Or  I  only  and  Barnabas,  have  not  \vc 
 
 power  to  forbear  working  ? 
 
 7  Who  goeth  a  Avarfare  any  lime  at  his 
 own  charges?  who  planteth  a  Nincyarc),  and 
 ealeth  not  of  the  fruit  thereof?  or  who 
 feedcth  a  dock,  and  eateth  not  ot  the  milk 
 of  the  dock  ? 
 
 8  Say  1  these  things  as  a  man  ?  or  saith 
 not  the  law  the  same  also  ? 
 
 9  For  it  is  written  in  the  law  of  Moses, 
 Thou  shall  not  muzzle  the  mouth  of  the  ox 
 that  trcadeth  out  the  corn.  Doth  God  take 
 care  for  oxen  ? 
 
 10  Or  saith  he  it  altogether  for  our  sakes  ? 
 For  our  sakes,  no  doubt,  this  is  written  :  that 
 he  that  ploweth  should  plow  in  hope  ;  and 
 that  he  that  thresheth  in  hope  should  be  par¬ 
 taker  of  his  hope. 
 
 11  If  Ave  have  sown  unto  you  spiritual 
 things,  is  it  a  great  thing  if  we  shall  reap 
 your  carnal  things? 
 
 12  If  others  be  partakers  of  this  power 
 over  you,  are  not  Ave  rather?  Nevertheless 
 Ave  lu‘  »’e  not  used  this  pOAver  ;  but  sulVer  all 
 things,  lest  we  should  hinder  the  gospel  of 
 Christ. 
 
 13  Do  ye  not  know,  that  they  Avhich 
 minister  about  holy  things  live  of  the  things 
 of  the  temple?  and  they  which  Avait  at  the 
 altar  arc  partakers  Avith  the  altar  ? 
 
 14  Even  so  hath  the  Lord  ordained,  that 
 they  which  preach  the  gospel  should  live  of 
 the  gospel. 
 
 15  But  I  have  used  none  of  these  things  ; 
 neither  have  I  Avritten  these  things  that  it 
 should  be  so  done  unto  me  ;  for  it  were  better 
 for  me  to  die  than  that  any  man  should 
 make  my  glorying  void. 
 
 16  For  though  I  preach  the  gospel  I  have 
 nothing  to  glory  ol  :  for  necessity  is  laid 
 
 and  vol  take  no  lliought  about  their  subsistence,  fail  very  much  in 
 their  duty  to  Christ,  and  the  respect  owing  to  them. 
 
 15—18.  The  apostle  would  never  use  his  power  or  privilege  of 
 belli"  maintained  bv  his  ministry,  so  as  to  frustrate  the  ends  of  it, 
 but  would  willmglv'and  cheerfully  deny  himself,  for  the  honour  of 
 Christ,  and  the  interest  of  souls.  And  that  minister  who  follows 
 his  cxhiiplc  may  have  cheerful  expectations  of  a  full  recompcnce. 
 
 19—03.  An  lieart  warmed  with  zeal  to  God,  and  breathing  after 
 the  salvation  of  men,  will  not  plead  and  insist  upon  rights  and  pri¬ 
 vileges  m  bar  to  this  design,  'they  manifestly  abuse  their  power 
 in  the  gospel,  who  employ  it  not  to  edification  but  destruction 
 and  therefore  breathe  nothing  of  its  spirit. 
 
 24—2?"  In  these  verses  the  apostle  hints  at  the  great  cncouragc- 
 
 upou  me  :  yea,  Avoe  is  unto  me  if  I  preach 
 not  the  gospel. 
 
 17  For  if  1  do  this  thing  willingly,  I  have 
 
 a  reward  :  but  if  against  my  Avill,  a  dis¬ 
 pensation  of  the  gospel  is  committed  unto 
 me.  i 
 
 18  What  is  my  reward  then?  Veribj  that, 
 when  I  preach  the  gospel,  1  may  make  the 
 gospel  of  Christ  Avithout  charge,  that  I 
 abuse  not  my  poAAcr  in  the  gospel. 
 
 19  For  though  I  be  free  from  all  men^  yet 
 have  I  made  myself  servant  unto  all,  that  I 
 might  gain  the  more. 
 
 20  And  unto  the  Jcavs  1  became  as  a  Jcav, 
 that  I  might  gain  the  Jcavs  ;  to  them  that 
 are  under  the  hiAv,  as  under  the  laAv,  that  1 
 might  gain  them  that  are  under  the  laAv  ; 
 
 21  To  them  that  are  Avithout  laAV,  as 
 Avithout  hiAv,  (being  not  Avithout  hiAv  to  God, 
 but  under  the  hiAV  to  Christ,)  that  I  might 
 gain  them  that  are  Avithout  hiAV. 
 
 22  To  the  Aveak  became  1  as  Aveak,  that 
 I  might  gain  the  Aveak  ;  I  am  made  all 
 things  to  all  men^  that  I  might  by  all  means 
 save  some. 
 
 23  And  this  I  do  for  the  gospel’s  sake, 
 that  I  might  be  partaker  thereof  Avith  you. 
 
 24  KnoAv  ye  not  that  they  Avhich  run  in 
 a  race  run  all,  but  one  receiveth  the  prize  ? 
 So  run  that  ye  may  obtain. 
 
 25  And  every  man  that  striveth  for  the 
 mastery  is  temperate  m  all  things.  Noav, 
 they  do  it  to  obtain  a  corruptible  croAvn,  but 
 Ave  an  incorru[)tible. 
 
 26  I  therelbre  so  run,  not  as  uncertainly  ; 
 so  fight  I,  not  as  one  that  beateth  the  air  : 
 
 27  But  1  keep  under  my  body,  and  bring 
 
 it  into  subjection  :  lest  that  by  any  means, 
 Avhen  I  have  preached  to  others,  I  myself 
 should  be  a  cast-aAvay  ' ' 
 
 merit  he  had  to  act  in  this  manner.  He  had  a  glorious  prize,  an 
 incorruptible  crown  in  view.  And  upon  this  head  he  compares 
 himself  to  the  racers  and  combatants  in  the  Isthmian  games,  an 
 allusion  wcdl  known  to  the  Corinthians,  because  they  were  cele¬ 
 brated  in  their  neighbourhood.  Know  ye  not  that  they  which  run 
 in  a  race,  run  all,  but  one  obtaineth  the  prize?  v.  24.  All  run  at 
 your  games,  but  one  gets  the  race  only,  and  wins  the  crown. 
 A  preacher  of  salvation  may  yet  miss  it.  He  may  shew  others 
 the  way  to  heaven,  and  never  gel  thither  himself.  To  prevent 
 this,  Paul  took  so  much  pains  in  subduing  and  keeping  under 
 bodily  inclinations,  lest  by  any  means  he  himself  who  had  preached 
 to  others,  should  yet  miss  the  crown,  be  disapproved  and  rejected 
 ,by  his  sovereign  Judae.  An  holy  fear  of  himself  was  necessary  to 
 
I.  CORINTHIANS. 
 
 CHAP.  X. 
 
 In  this  chapter  the  apostle  prosecutes  the  argument  at  the  close  of 
 
 the  last,  and  warns  the  Corinthians  against  security,  bv  the  ex¬ 
 ample  of  the  Jews. 
 
 j  OREOVER,  brethren,  I  would  not 
 that  ye  should  be  ignorant,  how  that 
 all  our  fathers  were  under  the  cloud,  and  all 
 passed  through  the  sea  ; 
 
 2  And  were  all  baptized  unto  Moses  in  the 
 cloud,  and  in  the  sea  ; 
 
 3  And  did  all  eat  the  same  spiritual 
 meat ; 
 
 4  And  did  all  drink  the  same  spiritual 
 drink  ;  (for  they  drank  of  that  spiritual  Rock 
 that  followed  them ;  and  that  Rock  was 
 Christ :) 
 
 5  But  with  many  of  them  God  was  not 
 well  jjleased  :  for  they  were  overthrown  in 
 the  wilderness. 
 
 6  Now  these  things  were  our  examples, 
 to  the  intent  we  should  not  lust  after  evi 
 things,  as  they  also  lusted. 
 
 7  Neither  be  ye  idolaters,  as  r£'c/*e  some  of 
 them  ;  as  it  is  written.  The  people  sat  down 
 to  eat  and  drink,  and  rose  up  to  play. 
 
 8  Neither  let  us  commit  fornication,  as 
 some  of  them  committed,  and  fell  in  one 
 day  three  and  twenty  thousand. 
 
 9  Neither  let  us  tempt  Christ,  as  some  of 
 them  also  tempted,  and  were  destroyed  of 
 serpents. 
 
 10  Neither  murmur  ye,  as  some  of  them 
 also  murmured,  and  were  destroyed  of  the 
 destroyer. 
 
 11  Now,  all  these  things  happened  unto 
 them  for  ensamples  :  and  they  are  Avritten 
 for  our  admonition,  upon  Avhom  the  ends  of 
 the  Avorld  are  come. 
 
 12  Wherefore,  let  him  that  thinketh  he 
 standeth  take  heed  lest  he  fall. 
 
 preserve  the  fidelity  of  an  apostle.  And  how-  much  more  neces¬ 
 sary  is  it  to  our  preservation  ?  Holy  fear  of  ourseives,  and  not  pre¬ 
 sumptuous  confidence,  is  the  best  security  against  apostacy  from 
 God,  and  final  rejection  by  him, 
 
 CHAP.  X.  1—5.  Men  may  enjoy  many  and  great  spiritual  pri¬ 
 vileges  in  this  world,  and  yet  come  sliort  of  eternal  life.  Manv  ot 
 those  who  were  baptized  unto  Moses  in  the  cloud  and  sea.  i.  e.  had 
 their  faith  of  his  divine  commission  confirmed  by  these  miracles 
 yet  were  overthrown  in  the  wilderness,  and  never  saw  the  promised 
 land.  Let  none  presume  upon  their  great  privileges,  or  profession 
 of  the  truth  ;  these  will  not  secure  heavenly  luippine.ss,  nor  prevent 
 divine  judgments  here  on  earth,  exccot  the  root  of  the  matter  be 
 in  us, 
 
 6'04 
 
 13  There  hath  no  temptation  taken  you- 
 but  such  as  is  common  to  man  :  but  God  is 
 faithful  who  Avill  not  suffer  you  to  be  tempt¬ 
 ed  above  that  ye  are  able  :  but  Avill  with  the 
 temptation  also  make  a  way  to  escape,  that 
 ye  may  be  able  to  bear  it. 
 
 14  Wherefore,  my  dearly  beloved,  flee 
 from  idolatry. 
 
 15  I  speak  as  to  Avise  men ;  iud2:e  ve 
 
 what  I  say.  ^ 
 
 16  The  cup  of  blessing  Avhich  Ave  bless,  is 
 it  not  the  communion  of  the  blood  of  Christ  ? 
 the  bread  Avhich  Ave  break,  is  it  not  the  com¬ 
 munion  of  the  body  of  Christ  ? 
 
 17  For  Ave,  hthig  many,  are  one  bread, 
 and  one  body  :  for  Ave  are  all  partakers  of 
 that  one  bread. 
 
 18  Behold  Israel  after  the  flesh.  Are 
 not  they  Avhich  eat  of  the  sacriliccs  partakers 
 of  the  altar  ? 
 
 19  What  say  I  then  ?  that  the  idol  is  any 
 thing  ?  or  that  Avhich  is  oflered  in  sacrifice 
 to  idols  is  any  thing  ? 
 
 ^  20  But  I  say,  that  the  things  Avhich  the 
 Gentiles  sacrifice,  they  sacrifice  to  devils, 
 and  not  to  God  :  anil  I  Avould  not  that  ye 
 should  have  felloAVshij)  Av.ith  devils. 
 
 21  Ye  cannot  drink  the  cup  of  the  Lord 
 and  the  cup  of  devils  :  ye  cannot  be  par¬ 
 takers  of  the  Lord's  table  and  of  the  table  of 
 devils. 
 
 22  Do  Ave  provoke  the  I.ord  to  jealousy  ? 
 are  we  stronoer  than  he  ? 
 
 O 
 
 23  All  things  are  lawful  for  me,  but  all 
 things  are  not  exjicdicnt :  all  things  are  kiAV- 
 ful  for  me,  but  all  things  edify  not. 
 
 24  Let  no  man  seek  his  oAvn,  but  every 
 man  another's  wealth, 
 
 25  Whatsoever  is  sold  in  the  shambles  that 
 eat,  asking  no  question  for  conscience  sake  : 
 
 6'— 14.  AVo  luivcall  the  encouragement  in  the  world  to  fice  sin, 
 and  )n'ove  faillilul  to  God.  We  cannot  fall  by  a  temptation,  if  we 
 cleave  fast  to  liim. 
 
 15  22.  Attention  to  the  greatness  of  God’s  power  should  re¬ 
 
 strain  us  from  provoking  his  jealousy,  from  doing  any  thing  to 
 displease  him.  Shall  we  rouse  almighty  wrath  .?  And  how  shall 
 we  withstand  it  Are  we  a  match  for' God  Can  we  resist  his 
 power,  or  cemtroul  it.^  And  if  not,  shall  we  arm  it  against  us,  bv 
 provoking  him  to  jealousy  No,  let  us  fear  this  oower,  and  let 
 this  restrain  us  from  all  provocation. 
 
 23 — 33.  Our  own  humour  and  appetite  must  not  neterminc  our 
 practice,  but  the  honour  of  God,  and  the  good  edification  of  the 
 church.  Wc  should  not  so  much  consult  our  own  oleasure  and 
 
CHAP.  XL 
 
 26  For  the  earth  is  the  Lord's,  and  the 
 fulness  thereof. 
 
 27  If  any  of  them  that  believe  not  bid  you 
 to  a  feast,  and  ye  be  disposed  to  go  ;  what¬ 
 soever  is  set  before  you  eat,  asking  no  ques¬ 
 tion  for  conscience  sake. 
 
 28  But  if  any  man  say  unto  you,  This  is 
 offered  in  sacrifice  unto  idols,  eat  not,  for  his 
 sake  that  shewed  it,  and  for  conscience  sake: 
 for  the  earth  is  the  Lord's,  and  the  fulness 
 thereof. 
 
 29  Conscience,  I  say,  not  thine  own,  but 
 of  the  other  :  for  why  is  my  liberty  judged  of 
 another  man’s  conscience  ? 
 
 30  For  if  I  by  grace  be  a  partaker,  why 
 am  I  evil  spoken  of,  for  that  for  which  I  give 
 thanks  ? 
 
 31  Whether,  therefore,  ye  eat,  or  drink, 
 or  whatsoever  ye  do,  do  all  to  the  glory  of 
 God. 
 
 32  Give  none  offence,  neither  to  the 
 Jews,  nor  to  the  Gentiles,  nor  to  the  church 
 of  God  : 
 
 33  Even  as  I  please  all  jnen  in  all  things, 
 not  seeking  mine  own  profit,  but  the  proft  of 
 many  ;  that  they  may  be  saved. 
 
 CHAP.  XL 
 
 In  this  chapter  the  apostle  blames,  and  endeavours  to  rectify  some 
 great  indecencies,  and  manifest  disorders  in  the  church  of  Co¬ 
 rinth. 
 
 E  ye  followers  of  me,  even  as  I  also  am 
 of  Christ. 
 
 2  Now,  I  praise  you,  brethren,  that  ye  re¬ 
 mem  l)er  me  in  all  things,  and  keep  the  or¬ 
 dinances,  as  I  delivered  them  to  you. 
 
 3  But  I  would  have  you  know,  that  the 
 head  of  every  man  is  Christ ;  and  the  head 
 of  the  woman  is  the  man  :  and  the  head  of 
 Christ  is  God. 
 
 4  Every  man  praying  or  prophesying. 
 
 interest,  as  the  advancement  of  the  kingdom  of  God  among  men. 
 A  Christian  should  be  a  man  devoted  to  God,  and  of  a  public- 
 spirit. 
 
 CHAP.  XI.  1  — 16'.  It  is  indeed  an  apostolical  Canon,  that  the 
 women  should  keep  silence  in  the  churches,  chap.  xiv.  34,  1  Tim.  iu 
 12.  Which  some  understand  without  limitation,  as  if  a  woman 
 under  inspiration  also  must  keep  silence;  which  seems  very  well 
 to  agree  with  the  connexion  of  the  apostle’s  discourse,  chap.  xiv. 
 Others  with  a  limitation  :  though  a  woman  might  not  from  her 
 own  abilities  pretend  to  teach,  or  so  much  as  question  and  debate 
 any  thing  in  the  church,  yet  when  under  inspiration  the  case  was 
 altered.  She  had  liberty  to  speak.  Or  though  she  might  not 
 preach  even  by  inspiration,  because  teaching  is  the  business  of  a 
 
 having  his  nead  covered,  dishonoureth  his 
 head. 
 
 5  But  every  woman  that  prayeth  or  pro- 
 phesieth  with  her  head  uncovered  dishonour¬ 
 eth  her  head  ;  for  that  is  even  all  one  as  if 
 she  were  shaven. 
 
 6  For  if  the  woman  be  not  covered,  let 
 her  also  be  shorn  ;  but  if  it  be  a  shame  for  a 
 woman  to  be  shorn  or  shaven,  let  her  be  co¬ 
 vered. 
 
 7  For  a  man,  indeed,  ought  not  to  cover 
 his  head,  forasmuch  as  he  is  the  image  and 
 glory  of  God  :  but  the  woman  is  the  glory  of 
 the  man. 
 
 8  For  the  man  is  not  of  the  woman  ;  but 
 the  woman  of  the  man. 
 
 9  Neither  was  the  man  created  for  the 
 woman  ;  but  the  woman  for  the  man. 
 
 10  For  this  cause  ought  the  woman  to 
 have  power  on  her  head,  because  of  the 
 angels. 
 
 11  Nevertheless,  neither  is  the  man  with¬ 
 out  the  woman,  neither  the  woman  without 
 the  man,  in  the  Lord. 
 
 12  For  as  the  woman  is  of  the  man,  even 
 so  is  the  man  also  by  the  woman  :  but  all 
 things  of  God. 
 
 13  Judge  in  yourselves  ;  is  it  comely  that 
 a  woman  pray  unto  God  uncovered  ? 
 
 14  Doth  not  even  nature  itself  teach  you, 
 that  if  a  man  have  long  hair,  it  is  a  shame 
 unto  him  ? 
 
 15  But  if  a  woman  have  long  hair,  it  is  a 
 glory  to  her  :  for  her  hair  is  given  her  for  a 
 covering. 
 
 16  But  if  any  man  seem  to  be  contentious, 
 we  have  no  such  custom,  neither  the  churches 
 of  God. 
 
 17  Now,  in  this  that  I  declare  unto 
 you,  I  praise  you  not,  that  ye  come  to- 
 
 superior,  yet  she  might  pray  or  utter  hymns  by  inspiration,  even 
 in  the.  public  assembly.  She  did  not  shew  any  affection  of  supe¬ 
 riority  over  the  man  by  such  acts  of  public  worship.  It  is  plain, 
 the  apostle  doth  not  in  this  place  prohibit  the  thing,  but  the  man¬ 
 ner  of  doing  it.  And  yet  he  might  utterly  disallow  the  thing,  and 
 lay  an  unlimited  restraint  on  the  women,  in  another  part  of  the 
 epistle.  'I'hese  things  are  not  contradictory.  It  is  to  his  present 
 purpose  to  reprehend  the  manner  wherein  the  woman  prayed  and 
 in-ophesied  in  the  church,  without  determining  in  this  place  whe¬ 
 ther  they  did  well  or  ill  in  praying  or  prophesying. 
 
 17  22.  It  is  an  heinous  evil,  and  si'verely  to  be  censured,  for 
 
 Christians  to  treat  their  fellow  Christians  with  contempt  and  in¬ 
 solence,  but  especially  at  the  Lord’s  table.  This  is  doing  what 
 
 b05 
 
1.  CORINTHIANS. 
 
 gether  not  for  the  better,  but  for  the 
 worse. 
 
 18  For,  first  of  all,  when  ye  come  toge¬ 
 ther  in  the  church,  I  hear  that  there  be  di¬ 
 visions  among  you  ;  and  I  partly  believe  it. 
 
 19  For  there  must  be  also  heresies  among 
 you,  that  they  which  are  approved  may  be 
 made  manifest  among  you. 
 
 20  When  ye  come  together,  therefore, 
 into  one  place,  this  is  not  to  eat  the  Lord's 
 supper. 
 
 21  For  in  eating,  every  one  taketh  before 
 other  his  own  supper ;  and  one  is  hungry, 
 and  another  is  drunken. 
 
 22  AVhat !  have  ye  not  houses  to  eat  and 
 to  drink  in  ?  or  despise  ye  the  church  of  God, 
 and  shame  them  that  have  not  ?  What  shall 
 I  say  to  you  ?  shall  I  praise  you  in  this  ?  1 
 praise  you  not. 
 
 23  For  I  have  received  of  the  Lord  that 
 which  also  I  delivered  unto  you.  That  the 
 Lord  Jesus,  the  same  night  in  which  he  was 
 betrayed,  took  bread  : 
 
 24  And,  when  he  had  given  thanks,  he 
 brake  it,  and  said.  Take,  eat ;  this  is  my  body, 
 which  is  broken  for  you  :  this  do  in  remem¬ 
 brance  of  me. 
 
 25  After  the  same  manner  also  he  took 
 the  cup,  wdien  he  had  supped,  saying,  This 
 cup  is  the  new  testament  in  my  blood  :  this 
 do  ye,  as  oft  as  ye  drink  it,  in  remembrance 
 of  me. 
 
 26  For  as  often  as  ye  eat  this  bread,  and 
 drink  this  cup,  ye  do  shew  the  Lord's  death 
 till  he  come. 
 
 27  Wherefore,  whosoever  shall  eat  this 
 bread,  and  drink  this  cup  of  the  Lord  un- 
 
 they  can  to  pour  contempt  on  divine  ordinances.  And  we  should 
 look  carcf^ully  to  it,  that  nothing  in  our  carriage  at  ihe  Lord’s  table 
 have  the  appearance  of  contemning  so  sacred  an  institution, 
 
 23 — 34.  He  lays  before  the  Corinthians  the  danger  of  receiving 
 unworthily  :  of  prostituting  this  institution  as  they  did,  and  using 
 it  to  the  purposes  of  feasting  and  faction ;  with  intentions  opposite 
 to  its  design,  or  a  temper  of  mind  altogether  unsuitable  to  it :  or 
 keeping  up  the  covenant  with  sin  and  death,  whilst  they  are  there 
 professedly  renewing  and  confirming  their  covenant  with  God. 
 (1.)  It  is  great  guilt  which  such  contract.  They  shall  be  guilty 
 of  the  body  and  blood  of  the  Lord,  27,  of  violating  this  sacred 
 institution  ;  of  despising  his  body  and  blood.  They  act  as  if  they 
 counted  the  blood  of  the  covenant,  w'herewith  they  are  sanctified, 
 an  unholy  thing,  Hob.  ix.  26'.  They  profane  the  institution,  and  in  a 
 manner  crucify  their  Saviour  over  again.  Instead  of  being  cleansed 
 by  his  blood,  they  are  guilty  of  his  blood.  (2-)  It  is  a  great  hazard 
 they  run-  They  eat  and  "dr/nk  judgment  to  themselves,  v.  29- 
 They  provoke  God.  and  arc  likely  to  bring  down  punishment  on, 
 
 ■  606 
 
 worthily,  shall  be  guilty  of  the  body  and 
 blood  of  the  Lord. 
 
 28  But  let  a  man  examine  himself,  and 
 so  let  him  eat  of  that  bread,  and  drink  of  that 
 cup. 
 
 29  For  he  that  eateth  and  drinketh  un¬ 
 worthily,  eateth  and  drinketh  damnation  to 
 himself,  not  discerning  the  Lord's  body. 
 
 30  For  this  cause  many  are  weak  and 
 sickly  among  you,  and  many  sleep. 
 
 31  For  if  we  would  judge  ourselves,  we 
 should  not  be  judged. 
 
 32  But  when  we  are  judged  we  are  chast¬ 
 ened  of  the  Lord,  that  we  should  not  be  con¬ 
 demned  with  the  world. 
 
 33  Wherefore,  my  brethren,  when  ye 
 come  together  to  eat,  tarry  one  for  another. 
 
 34  And  if  any  man  hunger,  let  him  eat 
 at  home  ;  that  ye  come  not  together  unto 
 condemnation.  And  the  rest  wall  I  set 
 in  order  when  I  come. 
 
 CHAP.  XII. 
 
 The  case  of  spiritual  gifts. 
 
 OW,  concerning  spiritual  gifts,  bre¬ 
 thren,  I  would  not  have  you  ignorant. 
 
 2  Ye  know  that  ye  were  Gentiles,  carried 
 away  unto  these  dumb  idols,  even  as  ye 
 were  led. 
 
 3  Wherefore  I  give  you  to  understand, 
 that  no  man  speaking  by  the  S[)irit  of  Gocl 
 calleth  Jesus  accursed  ;  and  that  no  man 
 can  say  that  Jesus  is  the  Lord  but  lyy  the 
 Holy  Ghost. 
 
 4  Now,  there  are  diversities  of  gifts,  but 
 the  same  Spirit. 
 
 themselves.  No  doubt  but  they  incur  great  guilt,  and  sw  render 
 themselves  liable  to  damnation,  to  spiritual  judgments,  and  eter¬ 
 nal  miser}’.  Every  sin  is  in  its  own  nature  damning  ;  and  therefore 
 so  henious  a  sin  as  profaning  such  an  holy  ordinance,  to  be  sure 
 is  so.  And  it  is  profaned  in  the  grossest  sense,  by  sucli  irreve¬ 
 rence  and  rudeness  as  the  Corinthians  were  guilty  of.  But  fearful 
 believers  should  not  be  discouraged  from  attending  at  this  holy 
 ordinance,  by  the  sound  of  these  words,  as  if  they  bound  upon 
 themselves  the  sentence  of  damnation  by  coming  to  the  table  of  the 
 Lord  unprepared.  This  sin,  as  well  as  all  others,  leaves  room  Ibr 
 forgiveness  upon  repentance.  And  the  holy  Spirit  never  indited 
 this  passage  of  scripture  to  deter  serious  Christians  from  their  duty, 
 though  the  devil  has  often  made  this  advantage  of  it,  and  roblu'd 
 good  Christians  of  their  choicest  comfort. 
 
 CHAP.  XII.  1 — 11.  The  apostle  comes  now  to  treat  of  spiritua. 
 gifts,  which  abounded  in  the  church  of  Corinth,  but  were 
 greatly  abused.  What  these  gifts  were,  is  at  large  told  in  the  body 
 of  the  chapter.  E.xtraordinary  offices  and  powers,  bestowed  on 
 
criAP.  xii. 
 
 5  And  there  are  differences  of  adminis¬ 
 trations,  but  the  same  Lord. 
 
 6  And  there  are  diversities  of  operations, 
 but  it  is  the  same  God  which  worketh  all 
 in  all. 
 
 7  But  the  manifestation  of  the  Spirit  is 
 given  to  every  man  to  profit  Avithal. 
 
 8  For  to  one  is  given  by  the  Spirit  the 
 word  of  Musdom ;  to  another  the  word  of 
 knowledge  by  the  same  Spirit ; 
 
 9  To  another  faith  by  the  same  Spirit ; 
 to  another  the  gifts  of  healing  by  the  same 
 Spirit ; 
 
 10  To  another  the  working  of  miracles  ; 
 to  another  prophecy  ;  to  another  discerning 
 of  spirits  ;  to  another  divers  kinds  of  tongues  ; 
 to  another  the  interpretation  of  tongues. 
 
 11  But  all  these  worketh  that  one  and 
 the  self-same  Spirit,  dividing  to  every  man 
 severally  as  he  will. 
 
 12  For  as  the  body  is  one,  and  hath  many 
 members,  and  all  the  members  of  that  one 
 body,  being  many,  are  one  body  ;  so  also 
 is  Christ. 
 
 13  For  by  one  spirit  are  we  all  baptized 
 into  one  body,  whether  we  be  Jews  or  Gen¬ 
 tiles,  whether  we  be  bond  or  free  ;  and  have 
 been  all  made  to  drink  into  one  Spirit. 
 
 14  For  the  body  is  not  one  member,  but 
 many. 
 
 15  If  the  foot  shall  say.  Because  I  am 
 not  the  hand,  I  am  not  of  the  body  ;  is 
 it  therefore  not  of  the  body  ? 
 
 16‘  And  if  the  car  shall  say.  Because  I 
 am  not  the  eye,  I  am  not  of  the  body  ;  is  it 
 therefore  not  of  the  body  ? 
 
 17  If  the  whole  body  were  an  eye,  where 
 were  the  hearing  ?  if  the  whole  zvere  hearing, 
 where  were  the  smelling  ? 
 
 18  But  now  hath  God,  set  the  members 
 
 ministers  and  Christians  in  the  first  ages,  for  conviction  of  unbe- 
 iievcrs,  and  propagation  of  the  gospel.  Gifts  and  graces  greatly 
 differ.  Both  indeed  were  freely  given  of  God.  But  where  grace 
 is  given,  it  is  for  the  salvation  of  those  who  have  it.  Gifts  are  be¬ 
 stowed  for  the  advantage  and  salvation  of  others.  And  there  may 
 be  great  gifts  where  there  is  not  a  drachm  of  grace,  but  persons  pos¬ 
 sessed  of  them  are  utterly  out  of  the  divine  favour.  I’hcy  are  great 
 instances  of  divine  benignity  to  men,  but  do  not  by  themselves 
 prove  those  who  have  made  them  the  objects  of  divine  compla 
 cency.  'I'his  church  was  rich  in  gifts,  but  there  were  many  things 
 scandalously  out  of  order  in  it.  94  4  1 
 
 Vol.  II. 
 
 every  one  of  them  in  the  body,  as  it  hath 
 pleased  him. 
 
 19  And  if  they  were  all  one  member, 
 where  were  ihe,  body  ? 
 
 20  But  now  are  they  many  members,  yet 
 but  one  body. 
 
 21  And  the  eye  cannot  say  unto  the  hand, 
 I  have  no  need  of  thee ;  nor  again,  the 
 head  to  the  feet,  I  have  no  need  of  you. 
 
 22  Nay,  much  more  those  members  of 
 the  body,  which  seem  to  be  more  feeble, 
 are  necessary. 
 
 23  And  those  members  of  the  body,  which 
 we  think  to  be  less  honourable,  upon  these 
 we  bestow  more  abundant  honour ;  and  our 
 uncomely  yarts  have  more  abundant  come¬ 
 liness. 
 
 24  For  our  comely  parts  have  no  need  , 
 but  God  hath  tempered  the  body  together, 
 having  given  more  abundant  honour  to  that 
 part  which  lacked  : 
 
 25  That  there  should  be  no  schism  in  the 
 body  ;  but  that  the  members  should  have 
 the  same  care  one  for  another. 
 
 26  And  whether  one  member  suffer,  all 
 the  members  suffer  with  it :  or  one  member 
 be  honoured,  all  the  members  rejoice  with  it. 
 
 27  Now  ye  are  the  body  of  Christ,  and 
 members  in  particular. 
 
 28  And  God  hath  set  some  in  the  church  ; 
 first,  apostles  ;  secondarily,  prophets  ;  third¬ 
 ly,  teachers  ;  after  that  miracles  ;  then  gifts 
 of  healings  ;  helps,  governments,  diversities 
 of  tongues. 
 
 29  Are  all  apostles  ?  are  all  prophets  ?  are 
 all  teachers  ?  are  all  workers  of  miracles  ? 
 
 30  Have  all  the  gifts  of  healing  ?  do  all 
 speak  with  longues  ;  do  all  interpret  ? 
 
 31  But  covet  earnestly  the  best  gifts  :  and 
 yet  shew  I  unto  you  a  more  excellent  way. 
 
 12 — 20.  The  members  of  the  natural  body  are  made  to  have  a 
 care  and  concern  for  each  other,  to  prevent  a  schism  in  it.  So 
 should  it  be  in  Christ’s  body  :  the  members  shovild  sympathize 
 with  each  other.  As  in  the  natural  body,  the  pain  of  the  one  p-art 
 afflicts  the  whole,  the  ease  and  pleasure  of  one  part  affects  the 
 whole;  so  should  Christians  reckon  themselves' honoured  in  the 
 honours  of  their  fellow  Christians,  and  should  suffer  in  their  suffer¬ 
 ings. 
 
 27 — 31.  True  charity  is  greatly  fo  be  preferred  to  the  most 
 glorious  gifts.  To  have  the  heart  glow  with  mutual  love,  is  vastly 
 belter  than  to  glare  with  the  most  pompous  titles,  offices,  or  powers, 
 
 6'07 
 
I.  CORINTHIANS. 
 
 CHAP.  XIII. 
 
 In  this  chapter  the  Apostle  goes  on  to  shew  more  particularly 
 
 what  that  more  excellent  way  was,  of  which  he  had  just  before 
 
 been  speaking. 
 
 rg^nOUGH  I  speak  with  the  tongues 
 of  men  and  of  angels,  and  have  not 
 charity,  I  am  become  sounding  brass,  or 
 a  tinkling  cymbal. 
 
 2  And  though  J  have  the  gift  of  prophecv, 
 and  understand  all  mysteries,  and  all  know 
 ledge  ;  and  though  1  have  all  faith,  so  that 
 I  could  remove  mountains,  and  have  not 
 charity,  I  am  nothin o;. 
 
 3  And  though  I  bestow  all  my  goods  to 
 feed  the  poor,  and  though  I  give  my  body  to 
 be  burned,  and  have  not  charity,  it  profiteth 
 me  nothing. 
 
 4  Charity  suffereth  long,  and  is  kind  ; 
 charity  envieth  not ;  charity  vaunteth  not 
 itself,  is  not  puHed  up, 
 
 5  Doth  not  behave  itself  unseemly,  seek- 
 eth  not  her  own,  is  not  easily  provoked, 
 thinketh  no  evil ; 
 
 6  Rejoiceth  not  in  iniquity,  but  re- 
 joiceth  in  the  truth  ; 
 
 7  Beareth  all  things,  belie veth  all  things, 
 hopeth  all  things,  endureth  all  things. 
 
 8  Charity  never  faileth  ;  but  whether  there 
 be  prophecies,  they  shall  tail ,  whether  there 
 he  tongues,  they  shall  cease  ;  whether  there 
 be  knowledge,  it  shall  vanish  away. 
 
 9  For  we  know  in  part,  and  we  prophesy 
 m  part. 
 
 10  But  when  that  which  is  perfect  is  come. 
 
 then  that  which  is  in  part  shall  be  done  away. 
 
 1 1  When  I  was  a  child,  I  spake  as  a  child* 
 I  understood  as  a  child,  I  thought  as  a  child  ’ 
 but  when  I  became  a  man  I  put  awav  childish 
 
 I  thino:s. 
 
 12  For  now  we  see  through  a  glass  darkly; 
 but  then  face  to  face  :  now  I  know  in  part 
 but  then  shall  I  know  even  as  also  I  am  known. 
 
 13  And  now  abideth  faith,  hope,  charity  ; 
 these  three  ;  but  the  greatest  of  these  wcharit3^ 
 
 CHAP.  XIV. 
 
 In  this  chapter  the  apostle  directs  them  about  the  use  of  their 
 spiritual  gifts,  preferring  those  most  that  are  best,  ami  fitted  to  do 
 the  greatest  good. 
 
 ^]j^OLLOW  after  charity,  and  desire  spi- 
 ritual  gifts,  but  rather  that  ye  may  pro¬ 
 phesy. 
 
 2  For  he  that  speaketh  in  an  unknown 
 tongue,  speaketh  not  unto  men,  but  unto 
 God  ;  for  no  man  understandeth  hint  ;  how- 
 beit  in  the  spirit  he  speaketh  mysteries. 
 
 3  But  he  that  prophesieth,  speaketh  unto 
 men  to  edification,  and  exhortation,  and 
 comfort. 
 
 4  He  that  speaketh  in  an  unknown  tongue 
 edifleth  himself;  but  he  that  prophesieth 
 edifieth  the  church. 
 
 3  I  would  that  ye  all  spake  with  tongues  : 
 but  rather  that  ye  prophesied  :  for  greater 
 is  he  that  prophesieth  than  lie  that  sjieaketh 
 with  tongues,  except  he  interpret,  that  the 
 church  may  receive  edifying. 
 
 b  Now,  ])rethren,  if  I  come  unto  you 
 speaking  with  tongues,  what  shall  1  profit 
 
 CHAP.  XIII.  1 — 3.  Here  the  apostle  shews  that  more  excel¬ 
 lent  way  he  meant,  or  had  in  view  in  the  close  of  the  former  chap^ 
 ter,  vi2.  charity,  or  as  it  is  commonly  elsewhere  rendered  love. 
 Not  what  is  meant  by  charity  in  our  common  use  of  the  word, 
 which  most  men  understand  of  alms-giving;  but  love  in  its  fullest 
 and  most  extensive  meaning.  True  love  to  God  and  man.  A  be¬ 
 nevolent  disposition  of  mind  towards  our  fellow-christians,  grow¬ 
 ing  out  of  sincere  and  fervent  devotion  to  God.  'J'his  living  jirin-, 
 ciple  of  all  duty  and  obedience,  is  the  more  excellent  w'ay,  of| 
 which  the  apostle  speaks:  preferable  to  all  gifts.  Nay,  without 
 this,  the  most  glorious  gifts  are  nothing  ;  of  no  account  to  us,  of  I 
 no  esteem  in  the  sight  of  God. 
 
 4 — 7.  How  amiable  a  thing  is  Christian  charity  !  How  lovely  a 
 mind  is  that  which  is  tinctured  throughout  with  such  benevolence, 
 has  it  diffused  over  its  whole  frame  !  Happy  the  man  who  has  this 
 heavenly  fire  glowing  in  his  heart,  flowing  out  of  his  mouth,  and 
 diffusing  his  warmth  over  all  with  whom  he  has  to  do  !  How  love!}' 
 a  thing  would  Christianity  appear  to  the  world,  if  those  that  pro¬ 
 fess  it  were  more  actuated  and  animated  by  this  divine  principle,  and 
 paid  a  due  regard  to  a  command  on  which  its  blessed  author  laid  a 
 chief  stress.  A  new  commandment  give  I  to  you,  that  ye  love  one 
 another  ;  as  I  have  loved  you,  that  ye  also  love  one  another,  John 
 xiii,  34.  By  this  shall  all  men  know  that  ve  are  my  disciples,  35, 
 60cS 
 
 Bles.sed  Jesus  !  how  few  of  thy  profes.sed  disciples  are  to  be  distin¬ 
 guished  and  marked  out  by  this  characteristic. 
 
 8—13.  d'he  ajiostle  is  plainly  speaking  of  miraculous  gifts,  and 
 therefore  of  knowledge  to  be  had  out  of  the  common  way;  see 
 chap.  xiv.  6’,  a  knowledge  of  mysteries  supernaturally  communi¬ 
 cated.  Such  know  ledge  was  to  vanish  away.  Some  indeed  un¬ 
 derstand  it  of  common  knowledge  acquired  by  instruction,  taught 
 and  learnt.  This  way  of  knowledge  is  to  vanish  awav,  though  the 
 knowledge  itself  once  acquired,  will  not  be  lost.  But  it  is  plain 
 the  apos-tle  is  here  setting  the  grace  of  charity  in  opposition  to 
 supernatural  gifts.  And  it  is  more  valuable  because  more  dura¬ 
 ble.  It  shall  last  when  they  shall  be  no  more.  It  shall  inter  into 
 heaven,  where  they  will  have  no  place,  because  they  will  be  of  no 
 use.  Though  in  a  sense  even  our  common  knowledge  may  be  said 
 to  ce.ase  in  heaven,  by  reason  of  the  improvement  that  will  then 
 be  made  in  it.  'I'he  light  of  a  candle  is  perfectly  obscured  by  the 
 sun  shining  in  its  strength. 
 
 CHAP.  XIV.  1 — .5.  That  makes  most  for  the  honour  of  a  mi¬ 
 nister,  that  is  most  for  the  church’s  edification,  not  w  hat  shews  his  ' 
 gifts  to  most  advantage.  He  acts  in  a  narrow  sphere  w  hilst  he  aims 
 at  himself,  but  his  spirit  and  character  increase  in  proportion  to  his 
 usefulness,  1  mean  his  own  intention  and  endeavours  to  be  useful. 
 
 6 — 14.  It  should  be  the  concern  of  such  as  pray  in  public,  to 
 
CPIAP.  XIV. 
 
 jou,  except  1  shall  speak  to  you  either  by 
 revelation,  or  by  knowledge,  or  by  prophe¬ 
 sying,  or  by  doctrine  ? 
 
 7  And  even  things  without  life  giving 
 sound,  whether  pipe  or  harp,  except  they 
 give  a  distinction  in  the  sounds,  how  shall  it 
 be  known  what  is  piped  or  harped  ? 
 
 8  P'or  if  the  trumpet  give  an  uncertain 
 sound,  who  shall  prepare  himself  to  the  bat¬ 
 tle  ? 
 
 9  So  likewise  ye,  except  ye  utter  by  the 
 tongue  words  easy  to  be  understood,  how 
 shall  it  be  known  what  is  spoken  ?  for  ye 
 shall  speak  into  the  air. 
 
 10  There  are,  it  may  be,  so  many  kinds  of 
 voices  in  the  world,  and  none  of  them  is  with¬ 
 out  signification. 
 
 11  "Therefore,  if  I  know  not  the  meaning 
 of  the  voice,  1  shall  be  unto  him  that  speak- 
 eth  a  barbarian,  and  he  that  speaketh  shall 
 be  a  barbarian  unto  me. 
 
 12  Ex  en  so  ye,  forasmuch  as  ye  are  zeal¬ 
 ous  of  spiritual  gifts,  seek  that  ye  may  excel 
 to  the  edifying  of  the  church. 
 
 13  AVherefore,  let  him  that  speaketh  in 
 an  anknozm  tongue  pray  that  he  may  inter¬ 
 pret. 
 
 14  For  if  I  jway  in  an  nnknown  tongue, 
 my  sjfirit  prayeth,  but  my  understanding  is 
 unfruitful. 
 
 15  What  is  it  then?  I  will  pray  with  the 
 spirit,  and  1  will  pray  with  the  understand¬ 
 ing  also  ;  1  will  sing  with  the  spirit  and  I 
 will  sing  with  the  understanding  also. 
 
 16  Else  when  thou  shalt  bless  with  the 
 spirit,  how  shall  he  that  occupieth  the  room 
 of  the  unlearned  say  Amen  at  thy  giving  of 
 thanks,  seeing  he  understandeth  not  what 
 thou  sayest  ? 
 
 17  For  thou,  verily,  givest  thanks  well, 
 but  the  other  is  not  edified. 
 
 18  I  thank  my  God,  I  speak  with  tongues 
 
 more  than  ye  all :  _ 
 
 pray  intelligibly  ;  notin  a  foreign  language,  nor  in  a  language  that 
 if  it  he  not  foreign  is  above  the  level  of  his  audience.  Language 
 that  is  most  obvious  and  easy  to  be  understood,  is  the  most  proper 
 for  public  devotion,  and  other  religious  exorcises. 
 
 15_20.  The  apostle  here  sums  up  the  argument  hitherto,  and 
 directs  them  how  thev  should  sing  and  pray  in  public,  ver.  15. 
 What  is  it  then?  I  will  pray  with  the  spirit,  and  I  will  pray  with 
 the  understanding  also.  I  will  sing  with  the  spirit,  &c.  He  does 
 not  forbid  their  praying  or  singing  under  a  divine  afflatus,  or  when 
 they  were  inspired  for  this  purpose  or  had  such  a  spiritual  gift 
 
 19  Yet  in  the  church  I  had  rather  speak 
 five  words  with  my  understanding,  that  by 
 my  voice  I  might  teach  others  also,  than  ten 
 thousand  words  in  an  unknown  tongue. 
 
 20  Brethren,  be  not  children  in  under¬ 
 standing  :  howbeit  in  malice  be  ye  children, 
 but  in  understanding  be  men. 
 
 21  In  the  law  it  is  written.  With  men  of 
 other  tongues,  and  other  lips,  will  I  speak 
 unto  this  people ;  and  yet  for  all  that  will 
 they  not  hear  me,  saith  the  Lord. 
 
 22  Wherefore  tongues  are  for  a  sign,  not 
 to  them  that  believe,  but  to  them  that  be¬ 
 lieve  not  :  but  prophesying  sevveth  not  for 
 them  that  believe  not,  but  for  them  which 
 believe. 
 
 23  If,  therefore,  the  whole  church  be  come 
 together  into  one  place,  and  all  speak  with 
 tongues,  and  there  come  in  those  that  are  un¬ 
 learned,  or  unbelievers,  will  they  not  say 
 that  ye  are  mad  ? 
 
 24  But  if  all  prophesy,  and  there  come 
 in  one  that  believeth  not,  or  one  unlearned, 
 he  is  convinced  of  all,  he  is  judged  of  all ; 
 
 25  And  thus  are  the  secrets  of  his  heart 
 made  manifest ;  and  so,  falling  down  on  his 
 face,  he  will  worship  God,  and  report  that 
 God  is  in  you  of  a  truth. 
 
 26  How  is  it  then,  brethren,  when  ye 
 come  together,  every  one  of  you  hath  a 
 psalm,  hath  a  doctrine,  hath  a  tongue,  hath 
 a  revelation,  hath  an  interpretation  ?  Let 
 all  things  be  done  unto  edifying. 
 
 27  If  any  man  speak  in  an  unknown  tongue, 
 let  it  he  by  two,  or  at  the  most  by  three,  and 
 that  by  course  ;  and  let  one  interpret. 
 
 28  But  if  there  be  no  interpreter,  let  him 
 keep  silence  in  the  church  ;  and  let  him 
 speak  to  himself,  and  to  God. 
 
 29  Let  the  prophets  speak  two  or  three, 
 and  let  the  other  judge. 
 
 30  If  any  thing  be  revealed  to  another 
 that  sitteth  by,  let  the  first  hold  his  peaee. 
 
 communicated  to  them  ;  but  he  would  have  them  pertorm  both, 
 so  to  be  understood  by  others,  that  others  might  join  with 
 them.  Public  worship  should  be  performed  so  as  to  be  undcr- 
 
 21 _ 25.  Religious  exercises  in  Christian  assemblies,  should  be 
 
 such  as  are  fit  to  edify  the  faithful,  and  convince,  affect,  and  con¬ 
 vert  unbelievers.  The  ministry  was  not  instituted  to  make  osten¬ 
 tation  of  gifts  and  parts,  but  to  save  souls. 
 
 25’ — 33.  The  honour  of  God  requires  that  things  should  be  ma¬ 
 naged  in  Christian  assemblies  so  as  not  to  transgress  the  rules  of 
 
I.  CORINTHIANS. 
 
 31  For  ye  may  all  prophesy  one  by  one, 
 that  all  may  learn,  and  all  may  be  comfort¬ 
 ed. 
 
 32  And  the  spirits  of  the  prophets  are 
 subject  to  the  prophets. 
 
 33  For  God  is  not  the  author  of  confusion, 
 but  of  peace,  as  in  all  churches  of  the  saints. 
 
 34  Let  your  women  keep  silence  in  the 
 churches  ;  for  it  is  not  permitted  unto  them 
 to  speak  :  but  they  are  commanded  to  be 
 under  obedience,  as  also  saith  the  law. 
 
 35  And  if  they  will  learn  any  thing,  let 
 them  ask  their  husbands  at  home  :  for^ it  is 
 a  shame  for  women  to  speak  in  the  church. 
 
 36  What !  came  the  word  of  God  out 
 from  you  ?  or  came  it  unto  you  only  ? 
 
 37  II  any  man  think  himself  to  be  a  pro¬ 
 phet,  or  spiritual,  let  him  acknowledge  that 
 the  things  that  I  write  unto  you  are  the  com¬ 
 mandments  of  the  Lord. 
 
 38  But  if  any  man  be  ignorant,  let  him 
 be  ignorant. 
 
 39  Wherefore,  brethren,  covet  to  pro¬ 
 phesy,  and  forbid  not  to  speak  with  tongues. 
 
 40  Let  all  things  be  done  decently,  and 
 in  order. 
 
 CHAP.  XV. 
 
 In  this  chapter  the  apostle  treats  of  that  great  article  of  Christianity, 
 the  resurrection  of  the  dead. 
 
 ]%#OREOVER,  brethren,  I  declare  unto 
 you  the  gospel  which  I  preached  unto 
 you,  which  al§o  ye  have  received,  and  Avhere- 
 in  ye  stand  ; 
 
 2  By  Avhich  also  ye  are  saved,  if  ye  keej) 
 
 natural  decency.  It  they  are  manaiied  in  a  tumultuous  and  confused 
 
 manner,  what  a  notion  must  this  give  of  the  God  who  is  wor¬ 
 shipped  to  considerate  observers.?  Doth  it  look  as  if  he  were  the 
 God  of  peace  and  order,  and  an  enemy  to  confusion  .?  Things 
 should  be  managed  so  in  divine  worship  as  that  no  unlovelv  or 
 dishonourable  notion  of  God  should  be  formed  in  the  minds  of 
 observers. 
 
 34,  3.5.  Here  the  apostle,  first.  Enjoins  silence  to  their  women 
 in  public  assemblies,  and  to  such  a  degree,  that  thev  must  not  ask 
 questions  for  their  own  information  in  the  church,  but  ask  tlu'ir 
 husbands  at  home.  1  hey  are  to  learn  in  silence  with  all  subjec¬ 
 tion  ;  but  saith  the  apostle,  1  suffer  them  not  to  teach. 
 
 36'— 40.  Manifest  indecencies  and  disorders  are  to  be  carefully 
 kept  out  of  ail  Christian  churches  and  every  part  of  divine  worshii) 
 
 CHAP .  XV.  1  —  I  I.  I[  is  the  apostle’s  business  in  this  chap¬ 
 ter  to  assert  and  establish  the  doctrine  of  the  resurrection  of  the 
 dead,  which  some  of  the  Corinthians  flatly  denied,  ver.  10.  Wlie- 
 thfi’  thc'y  turned  this  doctrine  into  allegory,  as  did  Hymencus 
 and  1  hiletus,  by  saying  it  was  already  past,  2  Tim.  ii.  ly,'  ]  8^  a,),] 
 several  of  the  antient  heretics,  by  making  it  mean  no  inore'than 
 a  changing  their  course  of  life  :  or  whether  the.y  njected  it  as  ab¬ 
 surd,  upon  princi|)le-s  of  reason  and  science:  it  seems  they  denied 
 it  the  jiroper  sense.  And  they  disowned  a  future  state  of  re- 
 compences,  by  denying  the  resurrection  of  the  dead.  Now  that 
 
 in  memory  Avhat  I  preached  unto  you,  un¬ 
 less  ye  have  believed  in  vain. 
 
 3  For  I  delivered  unto  you,  first  of  all, 
 that  Avhich  I  also  received,  how  that  Christ 
 died  for  our  sins  according  to  the  scriptures  ; 
 
 4  And  that  he  was  buried,  and  that  he 
 rose  again  the  third  day,  according  to  the 
 scriptures  ; 
 
 5  And  that  he  Avas  seen  of  Cephas,  then 
 of  the  tAvelve. 
 
 6  After  that  he  Avas  seen  of  above  five 
 hundred  brethren  at  once  ;  of  Avhom  the 
 greater  part  remain  unto  this  present ;  but 
 some  are  fallen  asleep. 
 
 7  After  that  he  Avas  seen  of  James,  then 
 of  all  the  apostles. 
 
 8  And  last  of  all  he  Avas  seen  of  me  also, 
 as  of  one  born  out  of  due  time. 
 
 9  For  I  am  the  least  of  the  apostles,  that 
 am  not  meet  to  be  called  an  apostle,  be¬ 
 cause  I  })ersecuted  the  church  of  God. 
 
 10  But  by  the  grace  of  God  I  am  Avhat 
 I  am  ;  and  his  grace,  Avhich  zcas  bestowed 
 upon  me,  AA’^as  not  in  ATiin  ;  but  I  labour¬ 
 ed  more  abundantly  than  they  ull  i  yet 
 not  I,  but  the  grace  of  God  Avhich  Avas  Avith 
 me. 
 
 11  Therefore,  Avhether  it  were  I  or  they, 
 so  Ave  j)reach,  and  so  ye  believed. 
 
 12  Now,  if  Christ  be  preached  that  he 
 rose  from  the  dead,  hoAV  say  some  among 
 you  that  there  is  no  resurrection  of  the  dead? 
 
 13  But  it  there  be  no  resurrection  of  the 
 dead,  then  is  Christ  not  risen. 
 
 heathens  and  infidels  should  deny  this  truth,  doth  not  seem  so 
 strange.  Put  that  Christians,  who  had  their  religion  by  revelation, 
 shourd  deny  a  truth  so  plainly  discovered,  is  surprising,  esiiecially 
 whem  It  IS  a  truth  of  such  importance.  It  was  time  for  the  apostle  to 
 confirm  theni  in  this  truth,  when  the  staggering  of  their  faith  in  this 
 point  was  likely  to  shake  their  chnslianitv?  and  they  were  yet  in 
 great  danger  of  having  their  faith  staggered".  Paul  reckons  up  five 
 several  appearances  of  Christ,  besides  that  to  himself,  lie  was 
 seen  of  Cephas,  or  of  Peter,  then  of  the  twelve,  called  so,  though 
 .Judas  was  no  longer  among  them,  because  this  was  their  usual 
 number  :  then  he  was  seen  of  above  five  hundred  breihren  at  once, 
 many  of  which  were  living  when  the  apostle  wrote  this  epistle, 
 though  some  were  fallen  asleej).  This  was  in  Galilee,  Matt,  x.wiii! 
 10.  After  that  he  was  seen  of  James  singly,  aid  then  bv  all  the 
 .qjostles  when  he  was  taken  up  into  heaven.  'JTis  was  oh  Mount 
 Olivet,  Luke  .x.xiv.  50.  compare  Acts  i.  2,  5,  6,  ?.  How  uncon- 
 troulabiy  evidint  was  Christ’s  resurrection  from  the  dead,  w'hen  so 
 many  eyes  saw  him  at  so  manv  several  times  alive,  and  when  he 
 ndulged  the  weakness  of  one  disciple  so  faf,  as  to  h't  him  handle 
 lim,  to  put  his  resurrection  out  of  doubt.?  And  what  reason  have 
 we  to  believe  them,  who  were  so  steady  in  maintaining  this  truth, 
 though  they  hazarded  all  that  was  dear  to  them  in  this  world,  by 
 endeavouring  to  assert  and  propagate  it ! 
 
 12 — 19.  If  Christ  be  not  raised,  your  faith  is  vain  ;  vc  are  yet 
 
CHAP.  XV 
 
 14  And  if  Christ  be  not  risen,  then  is  our 
 preaching  vain,  and  your  faith  is  also  vain. 
 
 15  Yea,  and  we  are  found  false  witnesses 
 of  God  :  because  we  have  testified  of  God 
 that  he  raised  up  Christ ;  whom  he  raised 
 not  up,  if  so  be  that  the  dead  rise  not. 
 
 16  For  if  the  dead  rise  not,  then  is  not 
 Christ  raised  ; 
 
 17  And  if  Christ  be  not  raised,  your  faith 
 is  vain  :  ye  are  yet  in  your  sins. 
 
 18  Then  they  also  which  are  fallen  asleep 
 in  Christ  are  perished. 
 
 19  If  in  this  life  only  we  have  hope  in 
 Christ,  we  are  of  all  men  most  miserable. 
 
 20  But  now  is  Christ  risen  from  the  dead, 
 and  become  the  first-fruits  of  them  that 
 slept. 
 
 21  For  since  by  man  came  death,  by  man 
 came  also  the  resurrection  of  the  dead. 
 
 22  For  as  in  Adam  all  die  even  so  in 
 Christ  shall  all  be  made  alive. 
 
 23  But  every  man  in  his  own  order : 
 Christ  the  first-fruits  ;  afterward  they  that 
 are  Christy’s  at  his  coming. 
 
 24  Then  cometh  the  end,  when  he  shall 
 have  delivered  up  the  kingdom  to  God,  even 
 the  Father  ;  when  he  shall  have  put  down 
 all  rule,  and  all  authority  and  power. 
 
 25  For  he  must  reign,  till  he  hath  put  all 
 enemies  under  his  feet. 
 
 26  The  last  enemy  that  shall  be  destroyed 
 is  death. 
 
 27  For  he  hath  put  all  things  under  his 
 feet.  But  when  he  saith.  All  things  are  put 
 
 in  your  sins,  vcr.  l6’.  Yet  under  the  guilt  and  condemnation  of 
 sin  because  it  is  through  his  death  and  sacrifice  tor  sin  alone,  that 
 forgiveness  is  to  lx;  had.  ^Ve  have  redemption  thiough  his  blood, 
 the  forgiveness  ot  sins,  Eph.  i.  7-  No  remission  ot  sins  is  to  be  had, 
 but  through  the  shedding  of  his  blood.  And  had  his  blood  been 
 shed  and  his  life  taken  awav  without  ever  being  restored,  what 
 evidence  could  we  have  had,  that  through  him  we  shmild  have 
 iustification  and  eternal  life?  Had  he  remained  under  the  power 
 of  death,  how  should  he  have  delivered  us  from  its  fiowei-j  And 
 how  vain  a  thing  is  faith  in  him,  upon  this  supposition?  He  must 
 rise  for  our  Justification,  who  w'as  delivered  for  our  sms,  or  in 
 iSn  we  look  fo:  any  such  benefit  by  him.  There  had  been  no 
 iustification  nor  salvation,  if  Christ  had  not  risen.  And  must  not 
 
 faith  ip  Christ  be  vain,  and  ot  no  signification,  if  he  be  still  among 
 
 *■^20—34  But  what  is  this  baptism  for  the  dead  ?  It  is  necessarv 
 to  be  known,  that  the  apostle’s  argument  may  be  understood.  It 
 IS  as  easy  an  explanation  of  the  phrase,  as  any  1  have  met  with,  and 
 as  nertinent  to  the  argument,  to  suppose  the  words  to  mean  some 
 among  the  Coiinthians,  who  had  been  taken  oft  by  the  hand  o 
 God  We  read,  that  many  were  sickly  among  them,  and  mmiy  slept, 
 Slap  xi,  38,  because  of  their  disorderly  behaviour  at  the  Lord  s 
 table!  These  executions  might  ternty  some  into  Christianity ;  as 
 
 under  him,  it  is  manifest  that  he  is  excepted 
 which  did  put  all  things  under  him. 
 
 28  And  when  all  things  shall  be  subdued 
 unto  him,  then  shall  the  Son  also  himself  be 
 subject  unto  him  that  put  all  things  under 
 him,  that  God  may  be  all  in  all. 
 
 29  Flse  what  shall  they  do  which  are 
 baptized  for  the  dead,  if  the  dead  rise  not 
 at  all  ?  why  are  they  then  baptized  for  the 
 dead  ? 
 
 30  And  Avhy  stand  we  in  jeopardy  every 
 hour  ? 
 
 31  I  protest  by  your  rejoicing  which  I 
 have  in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord,  I  die  daily. 
 
 32  If  after  the  manner  of  men  I  have 
 fought  with  beasts  at  Ephesus,  what  advan- 
 tageth  it  me,  if  the  dead  rise  not  ?  let  us  eat 
 and  drink  ;  for  to-morrow  we  die. 
 
 33  Be  not  deceived  :  evil  communications 
 corrupt  good  manners. 
 
 34  Awake  to  righteousness,  and  sin  not : 
 for  some  have  not  the  knowledge  of  God  ;  I 
 speak  this  to  your  shame. 
 
 35  But  some  ?n an  wiW  say.  How  are  the 
 dead  raised  up  ;  and  with  what  body  do  they 
 come  ? 
 
 36  Thou  fool !  that  which  thou  sowest  is 
 not  quickened  except  it  die. 
 
 37  And  that  which  thou  sowest,  thou  sow¬ 
 est  not  that  body  that  shall  be,  but  bare 
 grain,  it  may  chance  of  wheat,  or  of  some 
 other  grain : 
 
 38  But  God  giveth  it  a  body  as  it  hath 
 pleased  him,  and  to  every  seed  his  own  body. 
 
 the  miraculous  earthquake  did  the  jailor,  Acts  xvi.  2P,  30,  &c. 
 Persons  baptized  on  such  an  occasion  might  be  properly  said  to  be 
 baptized  for  the  dead,  i.  e.  on  their  accounts.  And  the  (the  bap¬ 
 tized)  and  the  (the  dead)  answer  to  one  another ;  and  upon  this 
 supposition  the  Corinthians  could  not  mistake  the  apostles  mean¬ 
 ing.  Now  says  he  what  shall  they  do,  and  why  were  they  baptized, 
 if  the  dead  rise  not  ?  You  have  a  general  persuasion  these  men  have 
 done  right,  and  acted  wisely  and  as  they  ought  on  this  occasion. 
 But  ^vhy,  it  the  dead  rise  not?  Seeing  they  may  perhaps  hasten 
 their  death  by  provoking  a  jealous  God,  and  have  no  hopes  be- 
 vxmd  it?  But  whether  this  be  the  meaning,  or  whatever  else  be, 
 doubtless  the  apostle's  argument  was  good,  and  intelligible  to  the 
 Corinthians.  Nothing  but  the  hopes  of  better  things  hereafter  can 
 enable  a  man  to  forego  all  the  comforts  and  pleasures  here,  and 
 embrace  poverty,  contempt,  misery  and  death.  J  hus  did  the 
 apostles  and  primitive  Christians  :  but  how  wretched  was  their  case, 
 and  how  foolish  their  conduct,  if  they  deceived  theinselves,  and 
 abused  the  world  with  vain  and  false  hopes  .  • 
 
 35_50  All  this  is  to  intimate  to  us,  that  the  bodies  ot  the 
 dead  when  they  rise  will  be  so  far  changed,  that  they  will  be  fitted 
 for  the  heavenlv  regions,  and  that  there  vvill  be  a  variety  of  glories 
 among  the  bodies  of  the  dead  when  they  shall  be  raised,  as  there  is 
 among  the  sun,  and  moon,  and  stars,  nay  among  the  stars  them- 
 
1.  CORINTHIANS. 
 
 39  All  flesh  is  not  the  same  flesh  ;  but 
 there  is  one  kind  of  flesh  of  men,  another 
 flesh  of  beasts,  another  of  fishes,  and  another 
 of  birds. 
 
 40  There  are  also  celestial  bodies,  and 
 bodies  terrestrial :  but  the  glory  of  the  celes¬ 
 tial  is  one,  and  the  glory  of  the  terrestrial  is 
 another. 
 
 41  There  is  one  glory  of  the  sun,  and  ano¬ 
 ther  glory  of  the  moon,  and  another  glory  of 
 the  stars  ;  for  one  star  diflereth  from  another 
 star  in  glory. 
 
 42  So  also  is  the  resurrection  of  the  dead  : 
 it  is  sown  in  corruption,  it  is  raised  in  incor¬ 
 ruption  : 
 
 43  It  is  sown  in  dishonour,  it  is  raised  in 
 dory  :  it  is  sown  in  weakness,  it  is  raised  in 
 power  : 
 
 44  It  is  sown  a  natural  body,  it  is  raised 
 a  spiritual  body.  There  is  a  natural  body, 
 and  there  is  a  spiritual  body. 
 
 4.5  And  so  it  is  written.  The  first  man 
 Adam  was  made  a  living  soul,  the  last  Adam 
 was  made  a  quickening  spirit. 
 
 46  Ilowbeit  that  was  not  first  which  is 
 spiritual,  but  that  which  is  natural  ;  and 
 afterward  that  which  is  spiritual. 
 
 47  The  first  man  is  of  the  earth,  earthy  ; 
 the  second  man  is  the  Lord  from  heaven. 
 
 48  As  is  the  earthy,  such  are  they  also 
 that  arc  earthy  ;  and  as  is  the  lieavemly,  such 
 qre  they  also  that  are  heavenly. 
 
 49  And  as  we  have  borne  the  image  of 
 the  earthy,  we  shall  also  bear  the  image  of 
 the  heavenly. 
 
 50  Now  this  I  say,  brethren,  that  flesh 
 
 selves.  And  all  this  carries  an  intimation  along  with  it,  that  it 
 must  be  as  easy  to  divine  power  to  raise  the  dead,  and  recover 
 their  mouldered  bodies,  as  out  ol  the  same  materials  to  form  so 
 many  different  kinds  of  flesh  and  plants,  and  for  aught  we  know 
 celestial  bodies  as  well  as  terrestrial  ones.  The  sun  and  stars  may 
 for  au"ht  we  know  be  composed  of  the  same  materials  as  the  earth 
 we  tread  on,  though  so  much  refined  and  changed  by  the  divine 
 skill  and  power.  And  can  he  out  of  the  same  materials  tonn  such 
 various  beings,  and  yet  not  be  able  to  raise  the  dead  ? 
 
 _ 5'7',  To  conforiR  wh*it  he  lia-d  snid  to  lliis  chun^e,  he  here 
 
 tclis  them  what  had  been  concealed  from  them,  or  unknown  to 
 them,  till  then,  that  all  the  saints  should  riot  die,  but  all  uould  be 
 changed.  They  that  are  alive  at  our  Lord’s  coming,  will  be  caught 
 ui)  into  the  clouds,  without  dying,  1  Ihess.  iv.  I/*  jt  is  plain 
 from  this  passage,  that  it  will  not  be  without  cminging  from  cor- 
 rup'ion  to  incorruption.  The  frame  of  their  livins;  bodies  shall  be 
 thus  altered  as  well  as  those  that  are  dead.  And  tins  in  a  moment, 
 in  the  twinkling  of  an  eye,  52.  What  cannot  Almighty  power 
 effect.?  That  power  that  calls  the  dead  into  life,  can  surely  thus 
 noon  and  suddenly  change  the  living.  For  changed  they  must  ba 
 6lf2 
 
 and  blood  cannot  inberit  the  kingdom  of 
 God  ;  neither  doth  corruption  inherit  incor¬ 
 ruption. 
 
 51  Behold,  I  shew  you  a  mystery  ;  We 
 shall  not  all  sleep,  but  we  shall  all  be  chang¬ 
 ed. 
 
 52  In  a  moment,  in  the  twinkling  of  an 
 eye,  at  the  last  trump  ;  (for  the  trumpet  shall 
 sound  ;)  and  the  dead  shall  be  raised  incor¬ 
 ruptible,  and  we  shall  be  changed. 
 
 53  For  this  corruptible  must  put  on  in¬ 
 corruption,  and  this  mortal  ?nust  put  on  im¬ 
 mortality. 
 
 54  So  when  this  corruptible  shall  have 
 put  on  incorruption,  and  this  mortal  shall 
 have  put  on  immortality,  then  shall  be 
 brought  to  pass  the  saying  that  is  written, 
 Death  is  swallowed  up  in  victory. 
 
 55  O  death  !  where  is  thy  sting  ?  O  grave  ! 
 where  is  thy  victory  ? 
 
 56  The  sting  of  death  is  sin  ;  and  the 
 strength  of  sin  is  the  law. 
 
 57  But  thanks  be  to  God,  which  giveth 
 us  the  victory,  through  our  Lord  Jesus 
 Christ. 
 
 58  Therefore,  my  beloved  brethren,  be 
 VC  stedfast,  immoveable,  always  abounding 
 in  the  work  of  the  Lord  ;  forasmuch  as  ye- 
 know  that  your  labour  is  not  vain  in  the 
 Lord. 
 
 CHAP.  XVI. 
 
 I.  How  to  proceed  for  tlie  relief  of  llie  brethren,  1  13.  II.  Ad* 
 
 monition,  — ly.  And  saiiition. 
 
 NOW,  concerning  the  collection  for  the 
 saints,  as  I  have  given  order  to  the 
 churches  of  Galatia,  even  so  do  ye. 
 
 _  4  - —  - -  ■ 
 
 as  well  as  the  dead,  because  flesh  and  blood  cannot  inherit  the  king¬ 
 
 dom  of  God.  This  is  the  mystery  wliich  tlie  apostle  shews  the 
 Corinthians  :  Behold  I  shew  you  a  mystery,  or  bring  into  open  light 
 a  truth  dark  and  unknown  before.  How  many  springs  of  joy  to 
 the  saints,  and  thanksgiving  to  God  are  opened  by  the  death  and 
 resurrection,  the  sufferings  and  conquests  of  our  Bedeciner.?  With 
 what  acclamations  will  saints  rising  from  the  dead  applaud  him  ! 
 How  will  the  heaven  of  heavens  resound  his  praise  for  ever! 
 'Fhanks  be  to  God  will  be  the  burden  of  their  song,  and  angels  wdl 
 join  in  the  chorus,  and  declare  their  consent  with  a  loud  amen, 
 
 'fhey  that  serve  God  have  good  wages.  They  cannot  do  too 
 much  nor  suffer  too  much  for  so  good  a  Master.  Il^fy. 
 him  now,  they  shall  see  him  hereafter  ;  if  they  suffer  for  him  on 
 earth  they  shall  reign  with  him  in  heaven  ;  if  they  die  for  his  sake, 
 they  shall  rise  again  from  the  dead,  be  crowned  with  glory,  honour 
 and  immortality,  and  inherit  eternal  life. 
 
 CHAP.  XVI.  1—4.  In  tins  chapter  Paul  closes  this  long  epistle 
 with  some  particular  matters  of  less  moment.  But  as  all  was 
 written  by  divine  inspiration,  it  is  all  possible  for  our  instruction. 
 
CHAP.  XYl. 
 
 2  Upon  the  first  day  of  the  week,  let 
 every  one  of  you  lay  by  him  store,  as  God 
 hath  prospered  him,  that  there  be  no  gather¬ 
 ings  when  I  come. 
 
 3  And  when  I  come,  whomsoever  ye  shall 
 approve  by  your  letters,  them  will  I  send  to 
 bring  your  liberality  unto  Jerusalem. 
 
 4  And  if  it  be  meet  that  I  go  also,  they 
 shall  go  with  me. 
 
 5  Now  I  will  come  unto  you,  when  I 
 shall  pass  through  Macedonia,  (for  I  do 
 pass  through  Macedonia  ;) 
 
 6  And  it  may  be  that  I  will  abide,  yea, 
 and  winter  with  you,  that  je  may  bring  me 
 on  my  journey  whithersoever  I  go. 
 
 7  For  1  will  not  see  you  now  by  the  way  ; 
 but  I  trust  to  tarry  awhile  with  you,  if  the 
 Lord  permit. 
 
 8  But  I  will  tarry  at  Ephesus  until  Pente¬ 
 cost. 
 
 9  For  a  great  door  and  effectual  is  open¬ 
 ed  unto  me,  and  there  are  many  adversaries. 
 
 10  Now  if  Timotheus  come,  see  that  he 
 may  be  with  you  without  fear  ;  for  he  work- 
 eth  the  work  of  the  Lord,  as  I  also  do. 
 
 11  Let  no  man,  therefore,  despise  him  ; 
 but  conduct  him  forth  in  j)eace,  that  he 
 may  come  unto  me  :  for  I  look  for  him  with 
 the  brethren. 
 
 12  As  touching  our  brother  Apollos,  I 
 greatly  desired  him  -to  come  unto  you  with 
 the  brethren  ;  but  his  will  was  not  at  all  to 
 come  at  this  time  ;  but  he  will  come  when 
 he  shall  have  convenient  time. 
 
 He  begins  with  directing  them  about  a  charitable  collection  on  a 
 particular  occasion,  viz.  the  distresses  and  poverty  of  the  Christians 
 in  Judea,  that  at  this  time  were  extraordinary,  partly  through  the 
 general  calamities  of  that  nation,  and  partly  through  the  particular 
 sufferings  to  which  they  were  exposed. 
 
 5 — 9-  Adversaries  and  opposition  do  not  break  the  spirit  of 
 faithful  and  successful  ministers,  but  only  warm  their  zeal,  and  in¬ 
 spire  them  with  fresh  courage.  Indeed,  to  labour  in  vain  is  heart¬ 
 less  and  discouraging.  This  damps  the  spirits,  and  breaks  the 
 heart.  But  success  will  give  life  and  vigour  to  a  minister,  though 
 e'nemies  rage  and  blaspheme,  and  persecute.  It  is  not  the  opposi¬ 
 tion  of  enemies,  but  the  hardness  and  obstinacy  of  his  hearers,  and 
 the  backslidings  and  revolt  of  professors,  that  damp  a  faithful  mi¬ 
 nister  and  break  his  heart. 
 
 10 — 12.  Though  one  party  amongst  them  had  declared  for 
 Apollos  against  Paul,  (if  that  passage  be  to  be  understood  literal¬ 
 ly,  vide  chap.  iv.  6.)  yet  Paul  did  not  hinder  Apollos  from  going  to 
 Corinth  in  his  absence,  nay,  he  pressed  him  to  go  thither.  He 
 had  no  suspicions  of  Apollos,  as  if  he  would  lessen  Paul’s  interest 
 and  respect  among  them  to  the  advancement  of  his  ow  n.  Note, 
 
 13  Watch  ye,  stand  fast  in  the  faith,  quit 
 
 y’ou  like  men,  be  strong. 
 
 1 4  Let  all  y  our  things  be  done  with  charity. 
 
 13  1  oeseech  you,  brethren,  (ye  know  the 
 
 house  of  Stephanas,  that  it  is  the  first-lfuits 
 ofAchaia,  and  that  .they  have  addicted 
 themselves  to  the  ministry  of  the  saints,) 
 
 16  That  ye  submit  yourselves  unto  such, 
 and  to  every  one  that  helpeth  with  us,  and 
 laboureth. 
 
 17  I  am  glad  of  the  coming  of  Stephanas, 
 and  Fortunatus,  and  Achaicus,  for  that 
 which  was  lacking  on  your  part  they  have 
 supplied. 
 
 18  For  they  have  refreshed  my  spirit  and 
 yours  ;  therefore  acknowledge  ye  them  that 
 are  such. 
 
 19  The  churches  of  Asia  salute  you.  Aquila 
 and  Priscilla  salute  you  much  in  the  Lord, 
 with  the  church  that  is  in  their  house. 
 
 20  All  the  brethren  greet  you.  Greet  ye 
 one  another  with  an  holy  kiss. 
 
 21  The  salutation  of  vie  Paul  with  mine 
 own  hand. 
 
 22  If  any  man  love  not  the  Lord  Jesus 
 Christ,  let  him  be  Anathema  Maran-atha. 
 
 23  The  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  be 
 with  you. 
 
 24  My  love  he  with  you  all  in  Christ  Jesus, 
 Amen. 
 
 f  The  first  epistle  to  the  Corinthians  was 
 written  from  Philippi,  by  Stephanas, 
 and  Fortunatus,  and  Achaicus,  and  Ti¬ 
 motheus. 
 
 Faithful  ministers  are  not  apt  to  entertain  jealousies  of  each  other 
 
 or  suspect  selfish  designs.  True  charity  and  brotherly  love  think 
 no  evil,  ^nd  where  should  these  reign,  if  not  in  the  breasts  of  the 
 ministers  oi  Christ  ? 
 
 13—18.  A  Christian  is  ahvays  in  danger,  and  therefore  should 
 ever  be  on  the  watch.  But  the  danger  is  greater  at  some  times, 
 and  under  some  circumstances.  The  Corinthians  w'ere  in  mani¬ 
 fest  danger  upon  many  accounts.  Their  feuds  run  high,  the  ir¬ 
 regularities  among  them  were  very  great,  there  were  deceivers  got 
 amongst  them  that  endeavoured  to  corrupt  their  faith  in  the  most 
 important  article,  those  without  which  the  practice  of  virtue  and 
 piety  could  never  subsist.  And  sure  in  such  dangerous  circum¬ 
 stances  it  was  their  concern  to  watch. 
 
 19 — 24.  We  should  be  cordial  lovers  of  all  that  are  in  Christ, 
 and  that  love  him  in  sincerity.  Not  but  we  should  love  all  men, 
 and  wish  them  well,  and  do  them  what  good  is  in  ®ur  power-  but 
 they  must  have  our  dearest  afiection,  who  are  dear  to  Christ!  and 
 lovers  of  him.  May  our  love  be  with  all  them  that  are  in  Christ 
 Jesus.  Ameu 
 
 61.3 
 
THE  SECOND  EPISLE  OF  PAUL  TO  THE 
 
 CORINTHIANS. 
 
 In  his  former  epistle  the  apostle  had  signified  his  intentions  of  coming  to  Corinth  as  he  passed  through  Macedonia,  chap.  xvi. 
 being  providentially  hindered  for  some  time,  he  writeth  this  second  epistle  to  them  about  a  year  after  the  former. 
 
 6,  but 
 
 CHAP.  I. 
 
 After  the  introduction,  1,  2,  the  apostle  begins  with  the  narrative 
 of  his  troubles,  and  God’s  goodness,  2—1 1.  Then  he  attests  his 
 and  his  fellow-labourer’s  integrity,  12,  13,  14.  1  he  imputation 
 
 of  inconstancy,  15 — 24. 
 
 PAUL,  an  apostle  of  Jesus  Christ  by  the 
 will  of  God,  and  Timothy  our  brother, 
 unto  the  church  of  God  which  is  at  Corinth, 
 with  all  the  saints  which  are  in  all  Achaia  . 
 
 2  Grace  be  to  you,  and  peace  from  God 
 our  Father,  ?Lnd  Jroin  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
 
 3  Llessed  be  God,  even  the  Father  of  our 
 Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  Father  of  mercies, 
 
 and  the  God  of  all  comfort ; 
 
 4  Who  comforteth  us  in  all  our  tribula¬ 
 tion,  that  we  may  be  able  to  comfort  them 
 which  are  in  any  trouble,  by  the  comfort 
 wherewith  we  ourselves  are  comforted  of 
 
 God.  ^1-1  1 
 
 5  For  as  the  sufferings  of  Christ  abounci 
 
 in  us,  so  our  consolation  also  aboundeth  by 
 
 Christ.  .  1  •  • 
 
 6  And  whether  we  be  afflicted  w  lor 
 
 your  consolation  and  salvation  which  is  ef¬ 
 fectual  in  the  enduring  of  the  same  sufferings, 
 which  we  also  suffer  ;  or  whether  we  be  com¬ 
 forted  it  is  for  your  consolation  and  salvation. 
 7  And  our  hope  of  you  is  stedfast,  know¬ 
 
 ing,  that  as  ye  are  partakers  of  the  sufferings, 
 so  shall  ye  he  also  of  the  consolation. 
 
 8  For  we  would  not,  brethren,  have  you 
 ignorant  of  our  trouble  which  came  to  us  in 
 Asia,  that  we  were  pressed  out  of  measure, 
 above  strength,  insomuch  that  we  despaired 
 even  of  life  : 
 
 9  But  we  had  the  sentence  of  death  in 
 ourselves,  that  we  should  not  trust  in  our¬ 
 selves,  but  in  God  which  raiseth  the  dead  ; 
 
 10  Who  delivered  us  from  so  great  a  death, 
 and  doth  deliver  :  in  whom  we  trust  that  he 
 will  yet  deliver  us  : 
 
 11  You  also  helping  together  by  prayer  for 
 us,  that  for  the  gift  bestowed  upon  us  by  the 
 means  of  many  persons,  thanks  may  be  given 
 by  many  on  our  behalf. 
 
 12  For  our  rejoicing  is  this,  the  testimony 
 of  our  conscience,  that  in  simiilicity  and 
 godly  sincerity,  not  with  fleshly  wisdom,  l)ut 
 by  the  grace  of  God,  we  have  had  our  con¬ 
 versation  in  the  world,  and  more  abundantly 
 to  you- ward. 
 
 13  For  we  write  none  other  things  unto 
 you  than  what  you  read  or  acknowledge  ;  and 
 I  trust  ye  shall  acknowledge  even  to  the  end. 
 
 14  As  also  ye  have  acknowledged  us  in 
 
 CHAP  I  1  2.  Paul’s  dignifying  Timothy  with  the  title  of 
 brother  (either ’in  the  common  faith,  or  in  the  work  of  the  mi¬ 
 nistry)  sheweth  the  humility  of  this  great  apostle,  and  his  desire  to 
 recommend  Timothy,  though  he  was  then  a  young  man,  to  he 
 esteem  of  the  Corinthians,  and  give  him  a  reputation  among  the 
 
 churches^  1^^  apostles  met  with  many  tribulations,  but  they  found 
 comfort  in  them  all.  Their  sufferings,  which  are  called  the  suf- 
 ferinos  of  Christ,  5,  because  Christ  sympathized  with  his  members 
 when  sutfering  for  his  sake,  did  abound,  but  their  consolation  by 
 CJirist  did  abound  also. 
 
 7 _ 11.  We  should  pray  for  ourselves,  and  for  one  another. 
 
 The  apostle  had  himself  a  great  interest  in  the  throne  of  grace, 
 yet  he  desireth  the  help  of  others’  prayers.  And  if  we  thus  help 
 one  another  by  our  prayers,  we  may  hope  for  an  occasion  of  giv-. 
 iiig  thanks  by  many  for  answer  of  prayers.  And  it  is  our  duty  not 
 only  to  help  one  another  with  prayer,  but  in  praise  and  thanksgiv¬ 
 ing  and  thereby  to  make  suitable  returns  for  benefits  received. 
 
 12 _ 14  It  is  happy  when  ministers  and  people  do  rejoice  in  each 
 
 other  here,  and  this  joy  will  be  complete  in  that  day,  when  the 
 great  Shepherd  of  the  sheep  shall  appear. 
 
 15—24.  Good  men  should  be  careful  to  oreserve  the  reputation 
 
I 
 
 CHAP.  II 
 
 part,  that  we  are  your  rejoicing,  even  as  ye 
 also  are  ours,  in  the  day  of  the  Lord  Jesus. 
 
 15  And  in  this  confidence  I  was  minded 
 to  come  unto  you  before,  that  ye  might  have 
 a  second  benefit ; 
 
 16  And  to  pass  by  you  into  Macedonia, 
 and  to  come  a  sain  out  of  Macedonia  unto 
 
 O 
 
 you,  and  of  you  to  be  brought  on  my  way 
 toward  Judea. 
 
 17  When  I,  therefore,  was  thus  minded, 
 did  I  use  lightness  ?  or  the  things  that  I 
 purpose,  do  1  purpose  according  to  the  flesh, 
 that  with  me  there  should  be  yea,  yea,  and 
 nay,  nay  ? 
 
 18  But  as  God  is  true,  our  word  toward 
 you  was  not  yea  and  nay. 
 
 19  Por  the  Son  of  God,  Jesus  Christ,  who 
 was  preached  among  you  by  us,  even  by  me, 
 and  Silvanus,  and  Timotheus,  was  not  yea 
 and  nay,  but  in  him  was  yea. 
 
 20  Por  all  the  promises  of  God  in  him  are 
 yea,  and  in  him,  amen,  unto  the  glory  of  God 
 by  us. 
 
 2 1  Now  he  which  establisheth  us  with  you 
 in  Christ,  and  hath  anointed  us,  is  God  ; 
 
 22  Who  hath  also  sealed  us,  and  given  the 
 earnest  of  the  Spirit  in  our  hearts. 
 
 23  Moreover,  1  call  God  for  a  record  up¬ 
 on  my  soul,  that  to  spare  you  I  came  not  as 
 yet  unto  Corinth. 
 
 24  Not  for  that  we  have  dominion  over 
 your  faith,  but  are  helpers  of  your  joy  ;  for 
 by  faith  ye  stand. 
 
 CHAP.  H. 
 
 I.  The  apostle’s  reasons  why  he  did  not  come  to  Corinth,  1 — 4. 
 
 II.  Concerning  the  incestuous  person  that  lay  under  censure, 
 
 5 — 11.  in.  And  afterwards,  informeth  them  of  his  preaching 
 
 the  gospel  in  several  places,  12 — 17- 
 
 TEJUT  I  determined  this  with  myself,  that 
 I  would  not  come  again  to  you  in  hea¬ 
 viness. 
 
 2  Por  if  I  make  you  sorry,  who  is  he  then 
 
 of  sincerity  and  constancy  :  they  should  not  resolve  but  upon  ma¬ 
 ture  deliberation,  and  they  will  now  change  their  resolves  but  for 
 weighty  reasons.  'I'hcre  is  an  inviolable  constancy  and  unquestion¬ 
 able  sincerity  and  certainty  in  all  the  parts  of  the  gospel  of  Christ. 
 If  in  the  promises  that  the  ministers  of  the  gospel  do  make  as 
 common  men,  and  about  their  own  affairs,  they  see  cause  some¬ 
 times  to  vary  from  them,  yet  the  promises  of  the  gospel-covenant 
 which  they  preach,  stand  firm  and  inviolable.  Bad  men  are 
 false,  good  men  are  fickle  ;  but  God  is  true,  neither  fickle  nor 
 false. 
 
 CHAP.  II.  1  --4.  Even  in  reproofs,  admonitions,  and  acts  of 
 discipline,  faithful  ministers  shew  their  love.  Needful  censure 
 
 Vol.  II,  4 
 
 that  maketh  me  glad,  but  the  same  which  is 
 made  sorry  by  me  ? 
 
 3  And  I  wrote  this  same  unto  you,  lest, 
 when  I  came,  I  should  have  sorrow  from 
 them  of  whom  I  ought  to  rejoice  ;  having 
 confidence  in  you  all,  that  my  joy  is  the  joy 
 of  you  ail. 
 
 4  Por  out  of  much  affliction  and  anguish 
 of  heart  I  wrote  unto  you  with  many  tears  : 
 not  that  ye  should  be  grieved,  but  that  ye 
 might  know  the  love  which  I  have  more 
 abundantly  unto  you. 
 
 5  But  if  any  have  caused  grief,  he  hath 
 not  grieved  me  but  in  part ;  that  I  may  not 
 overcharge  you  all. 
 
 6  Sufficient  to  such  a  man  is  this  punish¬ 
 ment,  which  zms  injlicted  of  many. 
 
 7  So  that  contrariwise  ye  ought  rather  to 
 forgive  him,  and  comfort  him,  lest  perhaps 
 such  an  one  should  be  swallowed  up  with 
 overmuch  sorrow. 
 
 8  Wherefore  I  beseech  you  that  ye  would 
 confirm  your  love  toward  him. 
 
 9  Por  to  this  end  also  did  I  write,  that  I 
 might  know  the  proof  of  you,  whether  ye  be 
 obedient  in  all  things. 
 
 10  To  whom  ye  forgive  any  thing,  I  for¬ 
 give  also  :  for  if  I  forgave  any  thing,  to 
 whom  I  forgave  it,  for  your  sakes  forgave  I 
 it  in  the  person  of  Christ ; 
 
 11  Lest  Satan  should  get  an  advantage 
 of  us  ;  for  we  are  not  ignorant  of  his  devices. 
 
 12  Purthermore,  when  I  came  to  Troas 
 to  'preach  Christ's  gospel,  and  a  door  was 
 opened  unto  me  of  the  Lord, 
 
 13  I  had  no  rest  in  my  spirit,  because  I 
 found  not  Titus  my  brother  :  but  taking  my 
 leave  of  them.,  I  went  from  thence  into  Ma¬ 
 cedonia. 
 
 14  Now  thanks  he  unto  God,  which  al¬ 
 ways  causeth  us  to  triumph  in  Christ,  and 
 
 and  the  exercise  of  church-discipline  towards  offenders,  is  a  grief 
 to  tender  spirited  ministers,  and  are  administered  with  regret. 
 
 5 — 11.  Paul  mentions  his  readiness  to  forgive  this  penitent,  and 
 concur  with  them  in  this  matter;  to  whom  ye  forgive,  I  forgive 
 also,  V.  10,  i.  e.  I  will  readily  concur  with  you  in  forgiving  him. 
 And  this  he  would  do  for  their  sakes,  for  love  to  them,  and  for 
 their  advantage  :  and  for  Christ’s  sake,  or  in  his  name,  as  his 
 apostle,  and  in  conformity  to  his  doctrine  and  example,  which  is 
 so  full  of  kindness  and  tender  mercy  towards  all  them  that  truly 
 rejient. 
 
 12—17.  Paul  did  not  mix  his  own  notions  with  the  doctrines 
 and  institutions  of  Christ ;  he  durst  not  add  to  nor  diminish  from 
 
 6l3 
 
IJ.  CORINTHIANS. 
 
 maketli  manifest  the  savour  of  his  knowledge 
 by  us  in  every  place. 
 
 15  For  we  are  unto  God  a  s’vveet  savour 
 of  Christ,  in  them  that  are  saved,  and  in, 
 them  that  perish. 
 
 16  To  the  one  we  are  the  savour  of  death 
 unto  death  ;  and  to  the  other  the  savour  ot 
 life  unto  life  :  and  who  is  sufficient  for  these 
 things. 
 
 17  For  we  are  not  as  many,  which  cor¬ 
 rupt  the  word  of  God  ;  but  as  of  sincerity, 
 but  as  of  God,  in  the  sight  of  God  speak 
 we  in  Christ. 
 
 CHAP.  III. 
 
 The  apostle  makes  mi  apology  for  his  seeming  to  commend  him¬ 
 self  and  God,  1 — 5.  He  then  runs  a  comparison  between  the 
 Old  Testament  and  the  New,  6— 11.  From  whence  he  infers 
 what  is  the  duty  of  gospel-ministers,  and  the  advantage  of  those 
 who  live  under  the  gospel,  12. 
 
 DO  we  begin  again  to  commend  our¬ 
 selves  ?  or  need  we,  as  some  others, 
 epistles  of  commendation  to  you,  or  letters 
 
 of  commendation  from  vou  ? 
 
 •/ 
 
 2  Ye  are  our  epistle  written  in  our  hearts, 
 known  and  read  of  all  men  ; 
 
 3  Forasmuch  as  ye  are  manifestly  declared 
 to  be  the  epistle  of  Christ,  ministered  by  us, 
 written  not  with  ink,  but  with  the  Spirit  ot 
 the  living  God  ;  not  in  tables  of  stone,  but 
 in  fleshly  tables  of  the  heart. 
 
 4  And  such  trust  have  Ave  through  Christ 
 
 to  God-Avard  : 
 
 5  Not  that  Ave  are  sufficient  of  ourselves 
 to  think  any  thing  as  of  ourselves  ;  but  our 
 
 sufficiency  is  of  God  ; 
 
 6  Who  also  hath  made  us  able  ministers 
 of  the  NeAV  Testament ;  not  ot  the  letter, 
 but  of  the  spirit :  for  the  letter  killeth,  but 
 the  spirit  giveth  life. 
 
 7  But  if  the  ministration  of  death,  Avrit- 
 ten  and  engraven  in  stones,  Avas  glorious,  so 
 
 the  word  of  God  ;  he  was  faithful  in  dispensing  the  gospel,  as  he 
 
 received  it  from  the  Lord,  and  had  no  secular  turn  to  serve  ;  his 
 aim  was  to  approve  himself  to  God,  remembering  his  eye  was 
 always  ution  him,  he  therefore  spake  and  acted  dways  m  the 
 sight'ofGod,  and  therefore  in  sincerity.  Note,  what  we  to  in 
 religion  that  is  not  of  God,  doth  not  come  from  God  will  not 
 reach  to  God,  unless  it  be  done  in  sincerity,  as  in  the  sight  ot  God. 
 
 CHAP.  Ill.  1— .A.  We  are  not  sufficient  of  ourselves, y.  3.  \i  e 
 could  never  have  made  such  good  impressions  on  your  hearts,  nor 
 upon  our  own  •.  such  is  our  weakness  and  inability  that  we  cannot 
 of  ourselves  think  a  good  thought,  much  less  raise  anv  good 
 thoughts  or  affections  in  other  men.  All  our  sufficiency  is  of  (md  ; 
 to  him  therefore  is  owing  all  the  praise  and  glory  of  that  good 
 
 iiul  s-iriiigth 
 
 CO  nini  V.--  ,  .  ‘ 
 
 which  is  done,  and  from  him  we  must  receive  grace 
 
 .0  do  more.  .  , 
 
 Here  the  apostle  runs  a  comparison  between  tiie 
 
 GlG 
 
 Gld 
 
 that  the  children  of  Israel  coultl  not  sted- 
 fastly  behold  the  face  of  Moses  lor  the 
 glory  of  his  countenance  :  Avhich  g/o/ y  was 
 to  be  done  aAvay  : 
 
 8  Hoav  shall  not  the  ministration  of  the 
 Spirit  be  rather  glorious  ? 
 
 9  For  if  the  ministration  of  condemnation 
 be  glory,  much  more  doth  the  ministration  of 
 righteousness  exceed  in  glory. 
 
 10  For  even  that  Avhich  Avas  made  glori¬ 
 ous,  had  no  glory  in  this  respect,  by  reason 
 of  the  glory  that  excelleth. 
 
 11  For  if  that  Avhich  is  done  aAvay  zms 
 glorious,  much  more  that  Avhich  remaineth 
 is  glorious. 
 
 12  Seeing  then  that  Ave  have  such  hope, 
 Ave  use  great  plainness  of  speech  ; 
 
 13  And  not  as  Moses,  Avhich  put  a  A^eil 
 over  his  face,  that  the  children  of  Israel 
 could  not  stedfastly  look  to  the  end  of  that 
 Avhich  is  abolished  : 
 
 14  But  their  minds  Avere  blinded :  for 
 until  this  day  remaineth  the  same  veil  un¬ 
 taken  aAvay  in  the  reading  of  the  Old  Testa¬ 
 ment  :  Avhich  red  is  done  away  in  Christ. 
 
 15  But  even  unto  this  day,  Avhen  Moses 
 is  read,  the  veil  is  upon  their  heart. 
 
 16  Nevertheless,  Avhen  it  shall  turn  to  the 
 Lord,  the  veil  shall  be  taken  away. 
 
 17  Noav  the  Lord  is  that  Spirit;  and  Avhere 
 the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  is,  there  is  liberty. 
 
 18  But  Ave  all  with  o})en  lace  beholding, 
 as  in  a  glass,  the  glory  of  the  I^ord,  are 
 changed  into  the  same  image,  from  glory  to 
 glory,  even  as  by  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord. 
 
 CHAP.  IV. 
 
 n  this  chapter  we  have  an  account,  I.  Of  the  constancy  of  the 
 apostle  ami  his  fellow-labouiers  in  their  work,  1—7.  H.  Of 
 their  courage  ami  patience  under  their  sufferings,  8 — 18,  ad  fin. 
 
 estament  and  the  New,  the  law  of  Moses  and  the  gospel  of  Jesus 
 
 hiist  •  and  valueth  himself  ami  fellow-labourers  by  this,  that 
 ey  were  able  ministers  of  the  New  Testament,  that  God  had 
 a’de  them  so,  v.  5.  And  this  he  doth  in  answer  to  the  accusations 
 ■  false  teachers,  who  magnify  greatly  the  law  of  Moses. 
 
 Those  who  lived  under  the  legal  dispensation  had  their 
 inds  blinded,  14,  and  there  was  a  veil  upon  their  hearts,  15. 
 hus  it  was  formerly,  and  so  it  was,  especially  as  to  them  who  re- 
 ained  in  Judaism  after  the  coming  of  the  Messian,  ami  the  pub- 
 :ation  of  his  gospel.  Nevertheless  the  apostle  tells  us  there  is 
 time  coming,  when  this  veil  also  shall  be  taken  away,  and  w  hen 
 (Z  body  of  that  people)  shall  turn  to  the  Lon  I  l6.  Or  when 
 IV  particular  person  is  converted  to  God,  then  the  \pl  of  igno- 
 nce  is  taken  away;  the  blindness  of  the  mind,  and  hardness  of 
 
 CIIaV.  IV,  1—7.  Christ’s  design  by  the  gospel  is  to  make  a 
 
CHAP.  IV.  V. 
 
 Therefore,  seeing  we  have  this  mi¬ 
 nistry,  as  we  have  received  mercy,  we 
 faint  not : 
 
 2  But  have  renounced  the  hidden  things 
 of  dishonesty,  not  walking  in  craftiness,  nor 
 handling  the  word  of  God  deceitfully ;  but 
 by  manifestation  of  the  truth,  commending 
 ourselves  to  every  man’s  conscience  in  the 
 sight  of  God. 
 
 3  But  if  our  gospel  be  hid,  it  is  hid  to 
 them  that  are  lost : 
 
 4  In  whom  the  god  of  this  world  hath 
 blinded  the  minds  of  them  which  believe 
 not,  lest  the  light  of  the  glorious  gospel  of 
 Christ,  who  is  the  image  of  God  should  shine 
 unto  them. 
 
 5  For  we  preach  not  ourselves,  but  Christ 
 Jesus  the  Lord  ;  and  ourselves  your  servants 
 for  Jesus  sake. 
 
 6  For  God,  who  commanded  the  light  to 
 shine  out  ot  darkness,  hath  shined  in  our 
 hearts,  to  give  the  light  of  the  knowledge  of 
 the  glory  ot  God  in  the  face  of  Jesus  Christ. 
 
 7  But  we  have  this  treasure  in  earthen 
 vessels  that  the  excellency  of  the  power  may 
 be  of  God,  and  not  of  us. 
 
 8  JJ  e  are  troubled  on  every  side,  yet  not 
 distressed  :  we  are  perplexed,  but  not  in  des¬ 
 pair  : 
 
 9  Persecuted,  but  not  forsaken ;  cast 
 down,  but  not  destroyed  ; 
 
 10  Always  bearing  about  in  the  body  the 
 dying  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  that  the  life  also 
 of  Jesus  might  be  made  manifest  in  our 
 body. 
 
 11  For  we  which  live  are  alway  delivered 
 unto  death  for  Jesus’  sake,  that  the  life  also 
 of  Jesus  might  be  made  manifest  in  our 
 mortal  flesh. 
 
 12  So  then  death  worketh  in  us,  but  life 
 in  you. 
 
 13  We  having  the  same  spirit  of  faith,  ac- 
 
 glorious  discovery  of  God  to  the  minds  of  men  :  thus  as  the  image 
 of  God,  he  demonstrateth  the  power  and  wisdom  of  God,  and  the 
 grace  and  niercy  of  God  for  their  salvation.  But,  2,  The  design 
 of  the  devil  is  to  keep  men  in  ignorance ;  and  when  he  could  not 
 keep  the  light  of  the  gospel  out  of  the  world,  he  maketh  it  his 
 great  business  to  keep  it  out  of  the  hearts  of  men. 
 
 8 — 18.  The  apostle  and  his  fellow-sufferers  saw  their  affliction? 
 working  towards  heaven,  and  that  there  they  would  end  at  lasf, 
 17.  Whereupon  they  weighed  things  aright  in  the  balance  of 
 the  sanctuary  ;  they  did  as  it  were  put  the  heavenly  glory  in  one 
 scale,  and  their  earthly  sufferings  in  the  other;  and  pondering 
 
 cording  as  it  is  written,  I  believed,  and  there¬ 
 fore  have  I  spoken  ;  we  also  believe  and 
 therefore  speak  : 
 
 14  Knowing  that  he  which  raised  up  the 
 Lord  Jesus,  shall  raise  up  us  also  by  Jesus, 
 and  shall  present  us  with  you. 
 
 15  For  all  things  are  for  your  sakes,  that 
 the  abundant  grace  might  through  the 
 thanksgiving  of  many,  redound  to  the  glory 
 of  God. 
 
 16  For  which  cause  we  faint  not ;  but 
 though  our  outward  man  perish,  yet  the  in¬ 
 ward  man  is  renewed  day  by  dajG 
 
 17  For  our  light  affliction,  which  is  but 
 for  a  moment,  worketh  for  us  a  far  more  ex¬ 
 ceeding  and  eternal  weight  of  glory  ; 
 
 18  While  we  look  not  at  the  things  which 
 are  seen,  but  at  the  things  Avhich  are  not 
 seen  ;  for  the  things  which  are  seen  are  tem¬ 
 poral,  but  the  things  which  are  not  seen  are 
 eternal. 
 
 CHAP.  V. 
 
 The  apostle  proceedeth  in  shewing  the  reasons  why  they  did  not 
 faint  under  their  afflictions,  viz. 'their  expectation,  desire,  and 
 assurance  of  happiness  after  death. 
 
 "I^OR  we  know,  that,  if  our  earthly  house 
 ot  this  tabernacle  were  dissolved,  we 
 have  a  building  of  God,  an  house  not  made 
 with  hands,  eternal  in  the  heavens. 
 
 2  For  in  this  we  groan,  earnestly  desirino- 
 to  be  clothed  upon  with  our  house  which  is 
 from  heaven  : 
 
 3  If  so  be  that  being  clothed,  we  shall  not 
 be  found  naked. 
 
 4.  For  we  that  are  in  this  tabernacle  do 
 groan,  being  burdened  :  not  for  that  we 
 would  be  unclothed,  but  clothed  upon,  that 
 mortality  might  be  swallowed  up  of  life. 
 
 5  Now  he  that  hath  wrought  us  for  the 
 self-same  thing  is  God,  Avho  also  hath  given 
 unto  us  the  earnest  of  the  Spirit. 
 
 6  Therefore  we  are  always  confident, 
 
 things  in  their  thoughts  they  found  afflictions  to  be  light,  and  the 
 glory  of  heaven  to  be  a  far  more  exceeding  weight. 
 
 Their  faith  enabled  them  to  make  this  right  judgment  of  things. 
 We  look  not  at  the  things  which  are  seen,  but  at  the  things  which" 
 are  not  seen,  18.  It  is  by  faith  we  see  God,  who  is  invisible, 
 Heb.  xi.  27,  and  by  that  we  look  to  an  unseen  heaven  and  hell,, 
 and  faith  is  the  evidence  of  things  not  seen. 
 
 CHAP.  V.  1  — 11.  Let  us  take  notice  what  heaven  is  in  the 
 eye  and  hope  of  a  believer;  he  looketh  upon  it  as  an  house,  or 
 habitation^;  a  dwelling-place,  a  resting-place,  an  hiding-place; 
 our  father’s  house  where  there  are  many  mansions,  and  cur  ever- 
 
 617 
 
II.  CORINTHIANS. 
 
 knowing  that,  whilst  we  are  at  home  in  the 
 body,  we  are  absent  from  the  Lord  ; 
 
 7  (For  w^e  walk  by  faith,  not  by  sight ;) 
 
 8  We  are  confident,  I  soy,  and  willing 
 rather  to  be  absent  from  the  body,  and  to  be 
 present  with  the  Lord, 
 
 9  Wherefore  we  labour,  that,  whether 
 present  or  absent,  we  may  be  accepted  of 
 him. 
 
 10  For  we  must  all  appear  before  the 
 ]udgment-seat  of  Christ ;  that  every  one 
 may  receive  the  things  done  in  his  body, 
 accordino'  to  that  he  hath  done,  whether  it 
 
 &e  good  or  bad. 
 
 11  Knowing,  therefore,  the  terror  of  the 
 Lord,  we  persuade  men  :  but  we  are  made 
 manifest  unto  God  :  and  I  trust  also,  are 
 made  manifest  in  your  consciences. 
 
 12  For  we  commend  not  ourselves  again 
 unto  you,  but  give  you  occasion  to  glory  on 
 our  behalf,  that  ye  may  have  somewhat  to 
 answer  them  which  glory  in  appearance  and 
 not  in  heart. 
 
 13  For  whether  we  be  beside  ourselves, 
 it  is  to  God  ;  or  whether  we  be  sober,  it  is 
 for  your  cause. 
 
 14  For  the  love  of  Christ  constraineth  us  ; 
 because  we  thus  judge,  that  if  one  died  for 
 
 all,  then  were  all  dead  :  ,  i  .  i 
 
 15  And  that  he  died  for  all,  that  they  which 
 live  should  not  henceforth  live  unto  them¬ 
 selves,  but  unto  him  which  died  for  them 
 and  rose  again. 
 
 10  Wherefore,  henceforth  know  we  no 
 man  alter  the  flesh  ;  yea,  though  we  have 
 known  Christ  after  the  flesh,  yet  now  hence 
 
 forth  know  we  him  no  more.  •  i  • 
 
 17  Therefore,  if  any  man  he  in  Christ  he  is 
 
 a  new  creature  :  old  things  are  passed  away  ; 
 behold,  all  things  are  beconae  new. 
 
 18  And  all  things  are  of  God,  who  hath 
 
 lasting  home  :  It  is  an  house  in  the  heavens,  in  that  high  and  holy 
 place'"  which  cloth  as  far  excel  all  the  palaeiis  of  this  c^arth,  as  tlie 
 hettvfns  are  hish  above  the  earth  :  it  is  a  building  of  God,  whose 
 builder  and  maker  is  God,  and  therefore  is  worthy  ot^ 
 the  happiness  of  the  future  state  is  what  God  hath  prepared  for 
 them  that  love  him  :  It  is  eternal  in  the  heavens,  everlasting  habi¬ 
 tations,  not  like  the  earthly  tabernac.es,  the  poor  cottages  of  clay, 
 in  which  our  souls  now  dwell,  that  are  mouldering  and  decaying, 
 whose  foundations  arc  in  the  dust.  ,  ou  •  ^  .i,  if 
 
 2  2 — 15.  We  should  not  make  ourselves,  but  Christ,  the  end  of 
 
 our  living  and  acting:  And  it  was  one  end  of  Christs  death  to 
 cure  us  of  this  self-love,  and  to  excite  us  always  to  act  under  the 
 018 
 
 reconciled  us  to  himself  by  Jesus  Christ,  and 
 hath  given  to  us  the  ministry  of  reconcilia¬ 
 tion  ; 
 
 19  To  wit,  that  God  Avas  in  Christ,  recon¬ 
 ciling  the  Avorld  unto  himself,  not  imputing 
 their  trespasses  unto  them  ;  and  hath  com¬ 
 mitted  unto  us  the  Avord  of  reconciliation. 
 
 20  Noav  then,  Ave  are  ambassadors  for 
 Christ,  as  though  God  did  beseech  you  by 
 us  :  Ave  pray  ifou  in  ChrisCs  stead,  be  ye  re¬ 
 conciled  to  God. 
 
 21  For  he  hath  made  him  to  he  sin  for  us, 
 who  kneAv  no  sin  ;  that  Ave  might  be  made 
 
 ^  ^  •  t  • 
 
 the  righteousnesss  of  God  in  him. 
 
 CHAP.  VI. 
 
 In  this  chapter  the  apostle  giveth  an  account  of  his  general  errand 
 to  all  that  he  preached  unto. 
 
 WE  then,  as  Avorkers  together  with  him, 
 beseech  ifou  also  that  ye  receive  not 
 the  grace  of  God  in  vain. 
 
 2  (For  he  saith,  I  have  heard  thee  in  a 
 time  accepted,  and  in  the  day  of  salvation 
 have  I  succoured  thee  ;  behoid,  noAV  is  the 
 accepted  time  ;  behold,  noAV  is  the  day  of 
 salvation.) 
 
 3  Giving  no  offence  in  any  thing,  that  the 
 ministry  be  not  blamed  : 
 
 4  But  in  all  things  approving  ourselves  as 
 the  ministers  of  God,  in  much  patience,  in 
 afflictions,  in  necessities,  in  distresses, 
 
 5  In  stripes,  in  imprisonments,  in  tumults, 
 in  labours,  in  Avatchings,  in  lastings  ; 
 
 6  By  pureness,  by  knoAv  ledge,  by  long- 
 suffering,  by  kindness,  by  the  Holy  Ghost, 
 by  love  unfeigned, 
 
 7  By  the  Avord  of  truth,  by  the  poAver  of 
 God,  by  the  armour  of  righteousness  on  the 
 right  hand  and  on  the  left, 
 
 8  By  honour  and  dishonour,  by  evil  re¬ 
 port  and  good  report ;  as  deceivers,  and  yet 
 true  : 
 
 icommaiiding  influence  of  his  love.  A  Christian’s  life  should  be 
 
 consecrated  to  Christ:  and  then  we  do  live  as  we  ought  to  live, 
 
 when  we  live  to  Christ,  who  died  for  us. 
 
 ,  ]()• _ 21,  As  Christ  that  knew  no  sin  of  his  own  was  made  sm 
 
 for  us,  so  we  that  have  no  righteousness  of  our  own  are  made  the 
 riffhteousness  of  God  in  him.  Our  reconciliation  to  God  is  only 
 th'rough  Jesus  Christ,  and  for  the  sake  of  his  inerip  on  him 
 therefore  we  must  rely,  and  make  mention  of  his  righteousness, 
 
 and  his  onlv.  ...  , 
 
 CHAP.  VI.  1 — 10.  The  present  time  is  the  only  proper  sea¬ 
 son  to  accept  of  the  grace  that  is  offered,  and 
 
 which  is  afforded.  NOW’  is  the  accepted  time,  NO\;  is  tlie  day  of 
 
CHAP.  Vll. 
 
 9  As  unknown,  ancf  yet  well  known  ;  as 
 dying,  and  behold  we  live ;  as  chastened, 
 and  not  killed  ; 
 
 10  As  sorrowful,  yet  alway  rejoicing ; 
 as  poor,  yet  making  many  rich  ;  as  having 
 nothing,  and  yet  possessing  all  things. 
 
 11  O  ye  Corinthians  !  our  mouth  is  open 
 unto  you,  our  heart  is  enlarged. 
 
 12  Ye  are  not  straitened  in  us,  but  ye  are 
 straitened  in  your  own  bowels. 
 
 13  Now,  for  a  recompence  in  the  same, 
 (I  speak  as  unto  my  children,)  be  ye  also 
 enlarged. 
 
 14  Be  ye  not  unequally  yoked  together 
 with  unbelievers  ;  for  what  fellowship  hath 
 righteousness  with  unrighteousness?  and  what 
 communion  hath  light  with  darkness. 
 
 15  And  what  concord  hath  Christ  with 
 Belial  ?  or  what  part  hath  he  that  believeth 
 with  an  infidel  ? 
 
 lb  And  what  agreement  hath  the  temple 
 of  God  with  idols  ?  for  ye  are  the  temple  of 
 the  living  God  ;  as  God  hath  said,  I  will 
 dwell  in  them,  and  walk  in  them  :  and  I  will 
 be  their  God,  and  they  shall  be  my  people. 
 
 17  Wherefore,  come  out  from  among 
 them,  and  be  ye  separate,  saith  the  Lord, 
 and  touch  not  the  unclean  thing ;  and  I  will 
 receive  you, 
 
 18  And  will  be  a  father  unto  you,  and 
 ye  shall  be  my  sons  and  daughters,  saith  the 
 Lord  Almighty. 
 
 CHAP.  VII. 
 
 I.  He  exhorteth  to  purity  of  life,  3,  and  shevvcth  the  source  of  his 
 comfort  in  afflictions. 
 
 Having,  therefore,  these  promises, 
 dearly  beloved,  let  us  cleanse  our- 
 
 salvation,  2.  The  gospel-day  is  a  day  of  salvation,  and  the 
 means  of  grace  the  means  of  salvation,  and  the  offers  of  the  gospel, 
 the  offers  of  salvation,  and  the  present  time  the  only  proper  time 
 to  accept  of  these  offers  :  'I'o-day,  while  it  is  called  to-day.  The 
 morrow  is  none  of  ours  ;  we  know  not  what  will  be  on  the  mor¬ 
 row,  nor  where  we  shall  be  :  and  we  should  remember  that  pre¬ 
 sent  seasons  of  grace  are  short  and  uncertain,  and  cannot  be  re¬ 
 called  when  they  are  passed.  It  is  therefore  our  duty  and  interest 
 to  improve  them  whilst  we  enjoy  them,  and  no  less  than  our  sal¬ 
 vation  depends  upon  our  so  doing. 
 
 Such  a  parado.K  as  the  apostle  here  describes,  is  a  Christian's 
 life,  and  through  such  a  variety  of  conditions  and  reports  lieth  our 
 way  to  heaven,  and  w'e  should  be  careful  in  all  these  things  to  ap¬ 
 prove  ourselves  to  God. 
 
 11 — 18.  It  is  an  ill  thing  for  good  people  to  join  in  affinity  with 
 the  wicked  and  profane  :  these  will  draw  different  ways,  and  that 
 will  be  galling  and  grievous.  Those  relations  that  are  our  choice, 
 must  be  chosen  by  rule ;  and  it  is  good  for  those  that  are  them-I 
 
 selves  from  all  filthiness  of  the  hesh  and 
 spirit,  perfecting  holiness  in  the  fear  of  God. 
 
 2  Receive  us  :  we  have  wronged  no  man, 
 we  have  corrupted  no  man,  we  have  defraud¬ 
 ed  no  man. 
 
 3  I  speak  not  this  to  condemn  you  :  for 
 I  have  said  before,  that  ye  are  in  our  hearts 
 to  die  and  live  with  you. 
 
 4  Great  is  my  boldness  of  speech  toward 
 you  ;  great  is  my  glorying  of  you  ;  I  am 
 tilled  with  comfort,  I  am  exceeding  joyful 
 in  all  our  tribulation. 
 
 5  For  when  we  were  come  into  Macedo¬ 
 nia  our  flesh  had  no  rest,  but  we  were 
 troubled  on  every  side  :  without  mere  fight¬ 
 ings,  within  were  fears. 
 
 6  Nevertheless  God,  that  comforted  those 
 that  are  cast  down,  comforted  us  by  the 
 coming  of  Titus  ; 
 
 7  And  not  by  his  coming  only,  but  by 
 the  consolation  wherewith  he  was  comforted 
 in  you,  when  he  told  us  your  earnest  desire, 
 your  mourning,  your  fervent  mind,  toward 
 me  ;  so  that  I  rejoiced  the  more. 
 
 8  For  though  I  made  you  sorry  with  a 
 letter,  I  do  not  repent,  though  I  did  repent  : 
 for  I  perceive  that  the  same  epistle  hath 
 made  you  sorry,  though  it  were  but  for  a 
 season. 
 
 9  Now  I  rejoice  not  that  ye  were  made 
 sorry  but  that  ye  sorrowed  to  repentance  ; 
 for  ye  were  made  sorry  after  a  godly  man¬ 
 ner,  that  ye  might  receive  damage  by  us  in 
 nothin 
 
 10  For  godly  sorrow  worketh  repentance 
 to  salvation,  not  to  be  repented  of:  but  the 
 sorrow  of  the  world  worketh  death. 
 
 selves  the  children  of  God,  to  join  with  those  that  are  so  likewise, 
 'or  there  is  more  danger  that  the  bad  will  damage  the  good,  than 
 lope  that  the  good  will  benefit  the  bad. 
 
 CHAP.  VII.  1—4.  We  must  be  still  perfecting  holiness,  and 
 not  be  contended  with  sincerity,  which  is  our  gospel  perfection, 
 without  aiming  at  sinless  perfection,  though  we  shall  always  come 
 short  of  it  whilst  we  are  in  this  world  ;  ai^d  this  we  must  do  in  the 
 rear  of  God,  which  is  the  root  and  principle  of  all  religion,  and 
 there  is  no  holiness  without  it.  Faith  and  hope  in  the  promises  of 
 God,  must  not  destroy  our  fear  of  God,  who  taketh  pleasure  in 
 them  that  fear  him,  and  hope  in  his  mercy.  . 
 
 5 — 11.  There  seemeth  to  be  a  connection  between  chap.  ii.  13. 
 (where  the  apostle  said  he  had  no  rest  in  his  spirit  when  he  found 
 not  Titus  at  Troas)  and  the  5th  verse  of  this  chapter  ;  and  so  great 
 was  his  affection  to  the  Corinthians,  and  his  concern  about  their 
 lehaviour  in  relation  to  the  incestuous  person,  that  in  his  further 
 travels  he  still  had  no  rest  till  he  heard  from  them. 
 
 There  is  a  great  difference  between  this  sorrow  of  a  godly  sort 
 
 Oli^' 
 
11.  CORINTHIANS. 
 
 11  For,  behold,  this  self-same  thing,  that 
 ye  sorrowed  after  a  godly  sort,  what  care- 
 ftilness  it  wrought  in  you,  yea,  what  clearing 
 of  yourselves,  yea,  what  indignation,  yea, 
 what  fear,  yea,  what  vehement  desire,  yea, 
 what  zeal,  yea,  what  revenge  !  In  all  things 
 yQ  have  approved  yourselves  to  be  clear  in 
 this  matter. 
 
 12  Wherefore,  though  I  wrote  unto  you, 
 I  did  it  not  for  his  cause  that  hath  done  the 
 wrong,  nor  for  his  cause  that  suffered  wrong, 
 but  that  our  care  for  you  in  the  sight  of  God 
 might  appear  unto  you. 
 
 13  Therefore  we  were  comforted  in  your 
 comfort ;  yea,  and  exceedingly  the  more 
 ioyed  we  for  the  joy  of  Titus,  because  his 
 spirit  was  refreshed  by  you  all. 
 
 14  For  if  I  have  boasted  any  thing  to  him 
 of  you,  I  am  not  ashamed  :  but  as  we  spake 
 all  things  to  you  in  truth,  even  so  our  boast- 
 ins’,  which  I  made  before  Titus,  is  found  a 
 truth. 
 
 15  And  his  inward  affection  is  more  abun¬ 
 dant  toward  you,  whilst  he  remembereth  the 
 obedience  of  you  all,  how  with  fear  and 
 trembling  ye  received  him. 
 
 16  I  rejoice,  therefore,  that  I  have  confi¬ 
 dence  in  you  in  all  things, 
 
 CHAP.  VIII. 
 
 In  this  and  the  following  chapter,  Paul  is  exhorting  and  directi-ng 
 the  Corinthians  about  a  particular  work  of  charity,  to  relieve 
 the  necessities  of  the  poor  saints  at  derusahun,  and  in  Judea,  ac¬ 
 cording  to  the  good  example  of  the  churches  in  Macedonia, 
 Rom.  15,  26. 
 
 Moreover,  brethren,  we  do  you  to  wit 
 of  the  grace  of  God  bestowed  on  the 
 churches  of  Macedonia  ; 
 
 2  How  that  in  a  great  trial  of  affliction, 
 the  abundance  of  their  joy,  and  their  deep 
 poverty,  abounded  unto  the  riches  of  their 
 liberality. 
 
 3  For  to  their  power,  (I  bear  record,)  yea, 
 and  beyond  their  power  they  were  willing  of 
 themselves ; 
 
 4  Praying  us  with  much  entreaty  that  we 
 would  receive  the  gift,  and  take  upon 
 ns,  the  fellowship  of  the  ministering  to  the 
 saints. 
 
 3  And  this  they  did,  not  as  we  hoped  ;  but 
 first  gave  their  own  selves  to  the  Lord,  and 
 unto  us  by  the  will  of  God  : 
 
 6  Insomuch  that  we  desired  Titus,  that 
 as  he  had  besun,  so  he  would  also  finish  in 
 you  the  same  grace  also. 
 
 7  Therefore,  as  ye  abound  in  every  thing, 
 in  faith,  and  utterance,  and  knowledge,  and 
 in  all  diligence,  and  in  your  love  to  us  ;  see 
 that  ye  abound  in  this  grace  also. 
 
 8  I  speak  not  by  commandment,  but  by 
 occasion  of  the  forwardness  of  others,  and  to 
 prove  the  sincerity  of  your  love. 
 
 9  For  ye  know  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
 Christ,  that,  though  he  was  rich,  yet  for  your 
 sakes  he  became  poor,  that  ye  through  his 
 poverty  might  be  rich. 
 
 10  And  herein  I  give  my  advice  ;  for  this 
 is  expedient  for  you,  who  have  begun  before, 
 not  only  to  do,  but  also  to  be  forward  a 
 year  ago. 
 
 11  Now,  therefore,  perform  the  doing  of 
 it ;  that,  as  there  was  a  readiness  to  will,  so 
 there  may  be  a  performance  also  out  of  that 
 which  ve  have. 
 
 12  For  if  there  be  first  a  willing  mind, 
 it  is  accepted  according  to  that  a  man  hath, 
 and  not  according  to  that  he  hath  not. 
 
 13  For  I  mean  not  that  other  men  be 
 eased,  and  you  burdened  ; 
 
 14  But  by  an  equality,  that  now  at  this 
 time  your  abundance  may  he  a  supply  for 
 their  want,  that  their  abundance  also  may 
 
 and  the  sorrow  of  this  world.  Godly  sorrow  produceth  repentance 
 and  reformation,  and  will  end  in  salvation ;  but  worldly  sorrow 
 worketh  death. 
 
 12— 16.  It  is  a  great  comfort  and  joy  to  a  faithful  minister,  to 
 have  to  do  with  a  people  that  he  can  confide  in,  and  that  he  hath 
 reason  to  hope  will  comply  with  every  thing  be  proposeth  to  them, 
 that  is  for  the  glory  of  God,  the  credit  of  the  gospel,  and  their 
 advantage. 
 
 CHAP.  VIll.  V.  1—6’.  The  Macedonian  Christians  first  gave 
 themselves  to  the  Lord,  and  then  they  gave  unto  us  their  contri¬ 
 butions,  liy  the  will  of  God,  5,  i.  e.  according  as  it  was  the  will  of 
 God  it  should  be,  and  for  his  glory.  This  it  scemeth  exceedeth  the 
 expectation  of  the  apostle,  it  was  more  than  he  hoped  for,  to  see 
 6'20 
 
 such  warm  and  pious  affections  shining  in  these  Macedonians,  and 
 this  good  work  performed  with  so  much  devotion  and  solemnity. 
 They  solemnly,  jointly,  and  unanimously  made  a  fresh  surrender 
 of  themselves,  and  all  they  had  unto  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
 
 7 — 15.  And  ye  know,  saith  the  apostle,  the  grace  of  our  Lord 
 Jesus  Christ,  9.  That  though  he  was  rich,  as  being  God,  equal 
 in  power  and  glory  with  the  Father,  rich  in  all  the  glory  and  bless¬ 
 edness  of  the  upper  world,  yet  for  your  sakes  he  became  j)o^ ; 
 not  only  did  become  man  for  us,  but  he  became  poor  also.  He 
 was  born  in  poor  circumstances,  lived  a  poor  lile,  and  died  in  po¬ 
 verty;  and  this  was  for  our  sakes,  that  we  thereby  luight  be  made 
 rich  ;  rich  in  the  love  and  favour  ot  God  :  rich  in  the  blessings 
 and  promises  of  the  new  covenant  ;  rich  in  the  hopes  of  eternal 
 
CIJAP.  IX. 
 
 be  a  supply  for  your  want,  that  there  may  be 
 equality  : 
 
 15  As  it  is  written,  He  that  had  gathered 
 mueh  had  nothing  over ;  and  he  that  had 
 gathered  little  had  no  lack. 
 
 16  But  thanks  be  to  God  which  put  the 
 same  earnest  care  into  the  heart  of  Titus  for 
 you. 
 
 17  For  indeed  he  accepted  the  exhorta¬ 
 tion  ;  but.  being  more  forward,  of  his  own 
 accord  he  went  unto  you. 
 
 18  And  we  have  sent  with  him  the  bro¬ 
 ther,  whose  praise  is  in  the  gospel  through¬ 
 out  all  the  churches  : 
 
 19  And  not  that  on\y,  but  who  was  also 
 chosen  of  the  churches  to  travel  with  us  with 
 this  grace,  which  is  administered  by  us  to 
 the  glory  of  the  same  Lord,  and  declaration  of 
 your  ready  mind  : 
 
 20  Avoiding  this,  that  no  man  should 
 blame  us  in  this  abundance  which  is  admi¬ 
 nistered  by  us  : 
 
 21  Providing  for  honest  things,  not  only 
 in  the  sight  of  the  Lord,  but  also  in  the 
 sight  of  men. 
 
 22  And  we  have  sent  with  them  our  bro¬ 
 ther,  whom  we  have  oftentimes  proved  dili¬ 
 gent  in  many  things,  but  now  much  more 
 diligent,  uj)on  the  great  confidence  which  I 
 have  in  you. 
 
 23  Whether  any  do  inquire  of  Titus,  he  is 
 my  partner,  and  fellow-helper  concerning 
 you  ;  or  our  brethren  be  inquired  of,  they  are 
 the  messengers  of  the  churches,  and  the 
 glory  of  Christ. 
 
 24  Wherefore  shew  ye  to  them,  and  before 
 the  churches,  the  proof  of  your  love,  and  of 
 our  boasting  on  your  behalf. 
 
 CHAP.  IX. 
 
 In  this  chapter  the  apostle  secmeth  to  excuse  his  earnestness  in 
 pressing  the  Corinthians  to  the  duty  of  charity. 
 
 X^OR  as  touching  the  ministering  to  the 
 saints,  it  is  superfluous  for  me  to  Avrite 
 to  you  : 
 
 2  For  I  know  the  forwardness  of  your 
 mind,  for  which  I  boast  of  you  to  them  of 
 Macedonia,  that  Achaia  Avas  ready  a  year 
 ago ;  and  your  zeal  hath  provoked  very 
 many. 
 
 3  Yet  have  I  sent  the  brethren,  lest  our 
 boasting  of  you  should  be  in  vain  in  this  be¬ 
 half  ;  that,  as  I  said,  ye  may  be  ready  : 
 
 4  Lest  haply  if  they  of  Macedonia  come 
 with  me,  and  hnd  you  unprepared,  Ave  (that 
 we  say  not  ye)  should  be  ashamed  in  this 
 same  confident  boasting. 
 
 3  Therefore  I  thought  it  necessary  to  ex¬ 
 hort  the  brethren,  that  they  AA^ould  go  before 
 unto  you,  and  make  up  beforehand  your 
 bounty,  Avhereof  ye  had  notice  before,  that 
 the  same  might  be  ready  as  a  matter  of 
 bounty,  and  not  as  of  covetousness. 
 
 6  But  this  I  say,  He  Avhich  soweth  spar¬ 
 ingly  shall  reap  also  sparingly  ;  and  he  Avhich 
 soweth  bountifully  shall  reap  also  bounti¬ 
 fully. 
 
 7  Every  man,  according  as  he  purposeth  in 
 his  heart,  so  let  him  give  ;  not  grudgingly,  or 
 of  necessity  ;  for  God  loveth  a  cheerful  giver. 
 
 8  And  God  is  able  to  make  all  grace 
 abound  toAvard  you  ;  that  ye,  always  having 
 all-sufhciency  in  all  things,  may  abound  to 
 every  good  Avork  : 
 
 9  (As  it  is  Avritten,  He  hath  dispersed 
 abroad ;  he  hath  giA^en  to  the  poor  :  his 
 righteousness  remaineth  for  ever. 
 
 10  Noav  he  that  ministereth  seed  to  the 
 sower,  both  minister  bread  ior  your  food,  and 
 multiply  your  seed  soAvn,  and  increase  the 
 fruits  of  your  righteousness  :) 
 
 11  Being  enriched  in  every  thing  to  all 
 bountifulness,  Avhich  causeth  through  us 
 thanksgiving  to  God. 
 
 12  For  the  administration  of  this  service 
 not  only  supplieth  the  Avant  of  the  saints, 
 but  is  abundant  also  by  many  thanksmvino-s 
 unto  God. 
 
 13  (Whiles  by  the  experiment  of  this  mi- 
 
 life  being  heirs  of  the  kingdom.  This  is  a  good  reason  why  we 
 should  be  charitable  to  the  poor  out  of  what  we  have,  because  we 
 ourselves  live  upon  the  charity  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
 
 16 — 24..  We  live  in  a  censorious  world,  and  should  cut  off  oc¬ 
 casion  from  them  that  seek  occasion  to  speak  reproachfully.  It  is 
 the  crime  of  others  if  they  reproach  or  censure  us  without  occa¬ 
 sion  ;  and  it  is  our  imprudence,  at  least,  if  we  give  them  any  occa- 
 «on,  when  there  may  not  be  ajust  cause  for  them  so  to  do. 
 
 CHAP.  IX.  1 — 5..  In  these  verses  the  apostle  speaketh  very  re- 
 specttully  to  the  Corinthians,  and  with  great  skill  ;  and  while  he 
 seemeth  to  excuse  his  urging  them  so  earnestly  to  charitv.  doth 
 still  press  them  thereto,  and  sheweth  how  much  his  heart  was  set 
 upon  this  matter. 
 
 6’— 15.  AVorks  of  charity  are  so  far  from  impoverishing  us,  that 
 they  are  the  prof)er  means  truly  to  enrich  us,  or  make  us  trulv 
 rich.  Those  whose  wants  were  supplied  would  make  the  best  re- 
 
11.  CORINTHIANS. 
 
 nistration  they  giorify  God  for  your  pro¬ 
 fessed  subjection  unto  the  gospel  ot  Christ, 
 and  for  your  liberal  distribution  unto  them, 
 and  unto  all  men  :) 
 
 14  And  by  their  prayer  for  you,  which 
 long  after  you  for  the  exceeding  grace  ol 
 God  in  you. 
 
 15  Thanks  be  unto  God  for  his  unspeak¬ 
 able  gift. 
 
 CHAP.  X. 
 
 I,  He  wisheth  for  no  cause  to  exerfhis  spiritual  power,  y.  1  H. 
 11.  The  difference  between  the  arrogant  and  his  mild  demea¬ 
 nour,  V.  12^18. 
 
 N  OW  I  Paul  myself  beseech  you,  by  the 
 meekness  and  gentleness  of  Christ, 
 who  in  presence  am  base  among  you,  but 
 being  absent  am  bold  toward  you  : 
 
 2  But  I  beseech  you,  that  I  may  not  be 
 bold  when  I  am  present  with  that  confidence 
 wherewith  I  think  to  be  bold  against  some, 
 which  think  of  us  as  if  we  walked  according 
 to  the  flesh. 
 
 3  For  though  we  walk  in  the  flesh,  we  do 
 not  war  after  the  flesh ; 
 
 4  (For  the  weapons  of  our  warfare  are  not 
 carnal,  but  mighty  through  God  to  the  pul¬ 
 ling  down  of  strong  holds  ;) 
 
 5  Casting  down  imaginations,  and  every 
 high  thing  that  exalteth  itself  against  the 
 knowledge  of  God,  and  bringing  into  cap¬ 
 tivity  every  thought  to  the  obedience  of 
 Christ : 
 
 6  And  having  in  readiness  to  reveng’e 
 all  disobedience,  when  your  obedience  is 
 fulfilled . 
 
 7  Do  ye  look  on  things  after  the  outward 
 appearance  ?  if  any  man  trust  to  himsell 
 that  he  is  ChrisFs,  let  him  of  himself  think 
 this  again,  that  as  he  is  Christ’s,  even  so  are 
 we  Christ’s. 
 
 8  For  though  I  should  boast  somewhat 
 more  of  our  authority,  which  the  Lord  hath 
 
 turns  they  were  able,  by  sending  up  many  prayers  to  God  for 
 
 those  who  had  relieved  them.  ,  ,  .  i 
 
 CHAP  X  1 _ 6.  The  apostle  spcaketh  not  of  personal  re, 
 
 venge,  but  of  punishing  disobedience  to  the  gospel,  and  disorderly 
 walking  among  church  membeis,  by  inflicting  church-censures. 
 Though  the  apostle  shewed  meekness  and  gentleness,  yet  he  would 
 not  betray  his  authority;  and  therefore  intimateth,  that  when  he 
 would  commend  them  whose  obedience  was  fulfilled  or  manifested, 
 
 others  would  fall  under  severe  censures.  ,  .  , 
 
 ]2 — IS.  The  apostle  refuseth  to  justify  himself,  or  to  act  by 
 rules  as  tlie  fa%  apostles  did,  12.  He  plainly  intimamth  they 
 took  a  wrong  m^hod  to  coiomend  themselves,  in  measuring  them 
 
 given  us  for  edification  and  not  for  your  de¬ 
 struction,  I  should  not  be  ashamed  ; 
 
 9  That  I  may  not  seem  as  if  I  would  ter¬ 
 rify  you  by  letters. 
 
 10  For  his  letters  (say  they)  are  weighty 
 and  powerful :  but  his  bodily  presence  is 
 weak,  and  his  speech  contemjitible. 
 
 11  Let  such  an  one  think  this,  that  such 
 as  we  are  in  word  by  letters,  when  Ave  are 
 absent,  such  will  we  be  also  in  deed  Avhen  Ave 
 are  present. 
 
 12  For  Ave  dare  not  make  ourselves  of  the 
 number,  or  compare  ourselves  Avith  some 
 that  commend  themselves  ;  l)ut  they,  mea¬ 
 suring  themselves  by  themselves,  and  com¬ 
 paring  themselves  among  themselves,  are  not 
 wise. 
 
 13  But  we  Avill  not  boast  of  things  Avith- 
 out  our  measure,  but  according  to  the  mea¬ 
 sure  of  the  rule  Avhich  God  hath  distrilmted 
 to  us,  a  measure  to  reach  even  unto  you. 
 
 14  For  Ave  stretch  not  ourselves  beyond 
 
 our  measure,  as  though  Ave  reached  not  unto 
 you  ;  for  Ave  are  come  as  far  as  to  you  also 
 in  preaching  the  gospel  of  Christ. 
 
 15  Not  boasting  of  things  Avithout  our 
 measure,  that  is,  of  other  men’s  labours : 
 but  having  hope,  Avhen  your  faith  is  in¬ 
 creased,  that  Ave  shall  be  enlarged  by  you 
 according  to  our  rule  abundantly, 
 
 16  To  preach  the  gos})el  in  the  regions 
 beyond  you  i  aiid  not  to  boast  in  another 
 man’s  line  of  things  made  ready  to  our  hand. 
 
 17  But  he  that  glorieth,  let  him  glory  in 
 the  Lord. 
 
 18  For  not  he  that  commendeth  himself 
 is  approv'ed,  but  Avhom  the  Lord  commend¬ 
 eth. 
 
 CHAP.  XL 
 
 I  Paul  unwillingly  entercth  into  a  commendation  of  himself  with 
 the  other  apostles,  1—6'.  II.  He  declineth  being  chargeable, 
 7—22.  HI.  He  sheweth  his  sufferings  for  the  gospel,  23. 
 
 1  selves  bv  themselves,  and  comparing  themselves  which  was  not 
 
 wise.  They  were  pleased,  and  did  pride  themselves  m  they  own 
 •ittainments  and  never  considered  those  that  fare.xceedcd  them 
 Iniiriml  graces,  ia  power  and  authority;  and  this  made  the.n 
 hau"hty  and  insolent.  If  we  would  compare  ourselves  with  olheis 
 thardo  excel  us,  this  would  be  a  good  method  to  keep  us  hmnble  ; 
 we  should  be  pleased  and  thankful  for  what  we  have  of  gifts  oi 
 
 ^^^-tcerbut  never  pride  ourselves  therein,  as  if  there  were  none  to 
 
 be  compared  with  us  or  that  do  excel  us.  The  apostle  wou  d  no 
 beofEumber  of  such  vain  men:  let  us  resolve  we  will  not 
 
 make  ourselves  of  that  number.  ,, 
 
 CHAP.  XI.  1—4.  It  is  Ob  pleasure  to  a  good  man  to  speak  veil 
 
CHAP.  XL 
 
 WOULD  to  God  you  could  bear  with 
 me  a  little  in  my  folly  :  and  indeed 
 bear  with  me. 
 
 2  For  I  am  jealous  over  you  with  godly 
 jealousy  :  for  1  have  espoused  you  to  one 
 husband,  that  I  may  present  you  as  a  chaste 
 virgin  to  Christ. 
 
 i  But  I  fear,  lest  by  any  means,  as  the 
 serpent  beguiled  Eve  through  his  subtilty, 
 so  your  minds  should  be  corrupted  from  the 
 simplicity  that  is  in  Christ. 
 
 4  For  if  he  that  cometh  preacheth  ano¬ 
 ther  Jesus  whom  we  have  not  preached,  or  if 
 ye  receive  another  spirit,  which  ye  have  not 
 received,  or  another  gospel,  which  ye  have 
 not  accepted,  ye  might  well  bear  with  him. 
 
 5  For  I  suppose  1  was  not  a  whit  behind 
 the  very  chiefest  apostles. 
 
 6  But  though  I  be  rude  in  speech,  yet  not 
 in  knowledge  :  but  we  have  been  throughly 
 made  manifest  among  you  in  all  things. 
 
 7  Have  I  committed  an  offence  in  abas¬ 
 ing  myself,  that  ye  might  be  exalted,  be¬ 
 cause  I  have  preached  to  you  the  gospel  of 
 God  freely  ? 
 
 8  I  rol3bed  other  churches,  taking  wages 
 of  them,  to  do  you  service. 
 
 9  And  when  I  was  present  with  you,  and 
 wanted,  I  was  chargeable  to  no  man  ;  for 
 that  which  was  lackino;  to  me  the’ brethren 
 which  came  from-  ^lacedonia  supplied  ;  and 
 in  all  things  I  have  kept  myself  from  being 
 burdensome  unto  you,  and  so  Avill  I  keep 
 mysef. 
 
 id  As  the  truth  of  Christ  is  in  me,  no  man 
 shall  stoj)  me  of  this  boasting  in  the  regions 
 of  Achaia, 
 
 11  AVhercfore?  because  I  love  you  not? 
 God  knoweth. 
 
 12  But  what  I  do,  that  1  will  do;  that  I 
 may  cut  off  occasion  from  them  which  de¬ 
 sire  occasion  ;  that  w'herein  they  glory,  they 
 may  be  found  even  as  we. 
 
 of  liimself,  vet  in  some  cases  it  is  lawful,  viz.  when  it  is  for  the 
 advantage  of  others,  or  for  our  own  necessary  vindication  ;  as  thus 
 It  was  here. 
 
 5-15.  Paul  was  not  a  whit  behind  the  very  chiefest  of  the  apostles, 
 3.  'I'liis  he  expresseth  very  modestly,  I  suppose  so,  and  he  might 
 have  spoken  vi  i  v  positively.  The  apostlcship,  as  an  office,  was 
 equal  in  all  the  aposllps  ;  but  the  apostles,  like  other  Christians, 
 did  differ  one  from  another ;  these  stars  differed  one  from  another 
 in  glory,  and  Paul  was  indeed  of  the  first  magnitude;  yet  he 
 Vol.  JI.  95  4  L 
 
 13  For  such  are  false  apostles,  deceitful 
 workers,  transforming  themselves  into  the 
 apostles  of  Christ. 
 
 14  And  no  marvel :  for  Satan  himself  is 
 transformed  into  an  angel  of  light. 
 
 15  Therefore  it  is  no  great  thing  if  his 
 ministers  also  be  transformed  as  the  mi¬ 
 nisters  of  righteousness  :  whose  end  shall  be 
 according  to  their  works. 
 
 16  I  say  again,  Let  no  man  think  me  a 
 fool :  if  otherwise,  yet  as  a  fool  receive  me, 
 that  I  may  boast  myself  a  little. 
 
 17  That  Avhich  1  speak,  I  speak  it  not 
 after  the  Lord,  but  as  it  were  foolishly,  in 
 this  confidence  of  boasting. 
 
 18  Seeing  that  many  glory  after  the  fle.sh, 
 I  will  glory  also. 
 
 19  For  ye  suffer  fools  gladly,  seeing  ye 
 yourselves  are  wise. 
 
 20  For  ye  suffer  if  a  man  bring  you  into 
 bondage,  if  a  man  devour  you,  if  a  man  take 
 of  you,  if  a  man  exalt  himself,  if  a  man  smite 
 you  on  the  face. 
 
 21  I  speak  as  concerning  reproach,  as 
 though  we  had  been  weak.  Howbeit,  where¬ 
 insoever  any  is  bold,  (I  speak  foolishly,)  I 
 am  bold  also. 
 
 22  Are  they  Hebrews?  so  am  I.  Are 
 they  Israelites  ?  so  am  I.  Are  they  the  seed 
 of  Abraham  ?  so  am  I. 
 
 23  Are  they  ministers  of  Christ?  (1  sj)eak 
 as  a  fool,)  1  am  more ;  in  labours  more 
 abundant,  in  stripes  above  measure,  in  j)ri- 
 sons  more  frequent,  in  deaths  oft. 
 
 24  Of  the  Jews  five  times  received  I  forty 
 stripes  save  one. 
 
 25  Thrice  was  I  beaten  with  rods,  once 
 was  I  stoned,  thrice  I  suflercd  shipwreck,  a 
 night  and  a  day  I  have  been  in  the  deep  ; 
 
 .  26  /a  journeyings  often,  in  perils  of  water, 
 in  perils  of  robbers,  in  perils  by  ?nine  ozm 
 countrymen,  in  perils  by  the  heathen,  in 
 perils  in  the  city,  in  perils  in  the  wilderness, 
 
 speakclli  modestly  of  himself,  and  humbly  ownclh  his  personal 
 infirmity,  that  he  was  rude  in  speech,  i.  e.  he  had  not  such  a  grace¬ 
 ful  delivery  as  some  others  might  have. 
 
 l6'— 21.  It  is  the  duty  and  practice  of  Christians,  in  obedience 
 to  the  command  and  example  of  the  Lord,  rather  to  humble  and 
 abase  themselves,  yet  prudence  must  direct  in  what  circumstance 
 it  is  needful  to  do  that  which  we  may  do  lawfully,  even  speak  of 
 what  God  hath  wrought  for  us,  and  in  us,  and  by  us  too.  ^ 
 
 22,  23  Here  the  apostle  gives  a  large  account  of  his  own  quali- 
 
 6'23 
 
II.  CORINTHIANS. 
 
 in  penis  in  the  sea,  in  perils  among  false 
 
 brethren ;  •  i.  i 
 
 27  In  weariness  and  painfulness,  in  watch¬ 
 ings  often,  in  hunger  and  thirst,  in  fastings 
 often,  in  cold  and  nakedness. 
 
 28  Besides  those  things  that  are  without, 
 that  which  cometh  upon  me  daily,  the  care 
 of  all  the  churches. 
 
 29  Who  is  weak,  and  I  am  not  weak  { 
 who  is  offended  and  I  burn  not  ? 
 
 30  If  I  must  needs  glory,  I  will  glory  ot 
 the  things  ivhich  concern  mine  infirmities. 
 
 31  The  God  and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
 Christ,  which  is  blessed  for  evermore,  know- 
 
 eth  that  I  lie  not. 
 
 32  In  Damascus  the  governor  under  Are- 
 tas  the  king  kept  the  city  of  the  Damascenes 
 with  a  garrison,  desirous  to  apprehend  me  . 
 
 33  And  through  a  window  in  a  basket 
 was  I  let  down  by  the  wall,  and  escaped  his 
 hands. 
 
 CHAP.  XII. 
 
 In  this  chanter  the  apostle  proceedeth  in  maintaining  the  honoui 
 
 of  his  apostleship. 
 
 T  is  not  expedient  for  me  doubtless  to 
 glory  ;  I  will  come  to  visions  and  revela¬ 
 tions  of  the  Lord. 
 
 2  I  knew  a  man  in  Christ  above  fourteen 
 years  ago,  (whether  in  the  body,  1  cannot 
 tell ;  or  whether  out  of  the  body,  I  cannot 
 tell ;  God  knoweth  ;)  such  an  one  caught 
 
 up  to  the  third  heaven. 
 
 3  And  I  knew  such  a  man,  (whether  m 
 the  body  or  out  of  the  body,  I  cannot  tell 
 God  knoweth  ;) 
 
 4  How  that  he  was  caught  up  into  para 
 disc,  and  heard  unspeakable  words,  which  it 
 is  not  lawful  for  a  man  to  utter. 
 
 5  Of  such  an  one  will  I  glory  :  yet  of  my¬ 
 self  I  ‘^vili  not  glory,  but  in  mine  infirmities. 
 
 ()  For  though  1  would  desire  to  glory,  1 
 
 ficationT'  labours  and  sufferings,  not  out  of  pride  or  vainglory, 
 but  to  the  honour  of  God,  who  had  enabled  him  to  do  and  sufter  so 
 much  for  the  cause  of  Christ ;  and  wherein  he  expdlcd  the  false 
 apostles,  that  would  lessen  his  character  and  usefulness  among  the 
 
 ^^HAlb'xU.  1  —  10.  The  modest  and  humble  manner  in  which 
 the  apostle  meiuioneth  tiffs  matter,  is  observable.  One  would  be 
 ai)t  to  think  that  one  who  had  had  such  visions  and  revelations  as 
 these,  should  have  boasted  greatly  of  them;  but,  saith  he.  It  is  not 
 e.\t'/i'<iient  for  me  doubtless  to  glory,  v.  1,  He  therefoie_  did  not 
 nuiinoii  this  immediaHely,  not  till  above  fourteen  years  after,  v.  ... 
 Ami  then  it  is  not  without  some  rcluctancy,  as  a  thing  which  in  a 
 6’21 
 
 shall  not  be  a  fool ;  for  I  will  say  the  truth  : 
 but  now  I  forbear,  lest  any  man  should  think 
 of  me  above  that  which  he  seeth  me  to  be, 
 or  that  he  heareth  of  me. 
 
 7  And  lest  I  should  be  exalted  abov£ 
 measure  through  the  abundance  of  the  reve¬ 
 lations,  there  was  given  to  me  a  thorn  in  the 
 flesh,  the  messenger  of  Satan  to  buffet  me, 
 lest  I  should  be  exalted  above  measure. 
 
 8  For  this  thing  I  besought  the  Lord 
 thrice,  that  it  might  depart  from  me. 
 
 9  And  he  said  unto  me.  My  grace  is  suf¬ 
 ficient  for  thee  ;  for  my  strength  is  made 
 perfect  in  Aveakness.  Most  gladly,  there¬ 
 fore,  Avill  I  rather  glory  in  my  infirmities, 
 that  the  poAver  of  Christ  may  rest  upon  me. 
 
 10  Therefore,  I  take  pleasure  in  infirmi¬ 
 ties,  in  reproaches,  in  necessities,  in  persecu¬ 
 tions,  in  distresses,  for  Christ’s  sake  :  for 
 when  I  am  Aveak,  then  am  I  strong. 
 
 11  I  am  become  a  fool  in  glorying ;  ye 
 have  compelled  me:  for  I  ought  to  liaAe 
 been  commended  ot  you  ;  for  in  nothing  am 
 I  behind  the  very  chiefest  apostles,  though  I 
 be  nothing. 
 
 12  Truly  the  signs  of  an  apostle  Avere 
 Avrought  among  you  in  all  patiencej^  in  signs 
 
 and  Avonders,  and  mighty  deeds. 
 
 13  For  Avhat  is  it  Avherein  you  were  inferior 
 to  other  churches,  except  it  be  that  I  myself 
 Avas  not  burdensome  to  you  ?  Ibrgive  me  this 
 
 Avrong. 
 
 14"  Behold,  the  third  time  I  am  ready  to 
 come  to  you  ;  and  I  Avill  not  be  burdcnsoine 
 to'you  ;  for  I  seek  not  yours,  but  you  :  for 
 the  children  ought  not  to  lay  up  tor  the  pa¬ 
 rents,  but  the  parents  for  the  children. 
 
 15  And  I  Avill  very  gladly  spend  and  be 
 spent  for  you,  though  the  more  abundantly 
 I  loA’e  you,  the  less  I  be  loA'ed. 
 
 16  But  be  it  so,  I  did  not  burden  you, 
 
 I  manner  he  was  forced  to,  by  the  necessity  of  the  case.  .Again  he 
 
 sneaketh  of  himself  in  the  third  person,  and  doth  not  sa\,  I  am 
 the  man  that  was  thus  honoured  above  otlier  men.  Again  his 
 humility  appeareth  by  the  check  he  seemeth  to  init  upon  '’^sclf 
 in  r^'  winch  plainly  sheweih  he  deliglileth  not  to  dwell  upon  this 
 heme  Thus  was  L,  who  was  not  behind  the  chic  est  of  the 
 
 mcmt^ai.d  'j^osc  that  dtase  Ut°w^ 
 
CHAP.  xm. 
 
 nevertheless,  being  crafty,  1  caught  you 
 vAth  guile. 
 
 17  Did  I  make  a  gain  of  you  by  any  o  ■ 
 them  whom  I  sent  unto  you  ? 
 
 18  I  desired  Titus,  and  with  him  I  sent  a 
 orother  ;  did  Titus  make  a  gain  of  you  ? 
 walked  we  not  in  the  same  spirit  ?  walked  w( 
 not  in  the  same  steps  ? 
 
 19  Again,  think  ye  that  we  excuse  our¬ 
 selves  unto  you  ?  we  speak  before  God  in 
 Christ :  but  we  do  all  things,  dearly  beloved, 
 for  your  edifying. 
 
 20  For  I  fear,  lest  when  I  come,  I  shall 
 not  find  you  such  as  I  would,  and  that  I 
 shall  be  found  unto  you  'such  as  ye  would 
 not ;  lest  there  he  debates,  envyings,  wraths, 
 strifes,  backbitings,  whisperings,  swellings, 
 tumults  ; 
 
 21  And  lest,  when  I  come  again  my  God 
 will  humble  me  among  you,  and  that  I  shall 
 bewail  many  which  have  sinned  already,  and 
 have  not  rejiented  of  the  uncleanness,  and 
 fornication,  and  lasciviousness,  which  they 
 have  committed. 
 
 CHAP.  XIII. 
 
 4  For  though  he  was  crucified  through 
 weakness,  yet  he  liveth  by  the  power  of  God  : 
 for  we  also  are  weak  in  him,  but  we  shall 
 live  with  him  by  the  power  of  God  toward 
 you. 
 
 5  Examine  yourselves  whether  ye  be  in 
 the  faith  ;  prove  your  OAvn  selves,  know  ye 
 not  your  own  selves,  how  that  Jesus  Christ 
 is  in  you,  except  ye  be  reprobates  ? 
 
 6  But  I  trust  that  ye  shall  know  that  we 
 are  not  reprobates. 
 
 7  Now,  I  pray  to  God  that  ye  do  no  evil  : 
 not  that  we  should  appear  approved,  but 
 that  ye  should  do  that  which  is  honest, 
 though  we  be  as  reprobates. 
 
 8  For  we  can  do  nothing  against  the 
 truth,  but  for  the  truth. 
 
 9  For  we  are  glad  when  we  are  weak,  and 
 ye  are  strong  :  and  this  also  we  wish,  even 
 your  perfection. 
 
 10  Therefore  I  write  these  things  being 
 absent,  lest  being  present  I  should  use  sharp¬ 
 ness,  according  to  the  power  which  the  Lord 
 hath  given'  me  to  edification,  and  not  to  de¬ 
 struction 
 
 In  this  chapter  the  u{)0Stle  threatcneth  to  be  severe  a  ainst  obstinate 
 
 sinners. 
 
 is  the  third  ti)ne  I  am  coming  to 
 you.  In  the  mouth  of  two  or  three 
 witnesses  shall  every  word  be  established. 
 
 2  I  told  you  before,  and  forctel  you,  as 
 if  I  were  present  the  second  time  :  and,,  be¬ 
 ing  absent,  now  I  write  to  them  which  here- 
 tolbre  have  sinned,  and  to  all  other,  that  if  I 
 come  again,  I  will  not  spare  : 
 
 3  Since  ye  seek  a  proof  of  Christ  speaking 
 in  me,  which  to  you-ward  is  not  weak,  but 
 is  mighty  in  you. 
 
 they  ought  to  have  clone,  and  so  made  it  the  more  needful  for  him 
 to  insist  so  much  on  his  own  vindication.  Second,  He  givctli  a 
 large  account  ol  his  behaviour  and  kind  intentions  towards  them  ; 
 III  which  we  may  observe  the  characters  of  a  faithful  minister  of  the 
 gospel. 
 
 'yhat  the  apostle  here  saith  of  the  duty  of 
 the  Coiinthians  tci  examine  themselves,  Sec.  with  the  particular 
 viciw  already  mentioned,  is  applicable  to  ihe  great  duty  of  all  that 
 call  themselves  Christians,  to  e.xaminc  themselves  concerning  their 
 spiritual  state.  We  should  examine  w'hether  we  be  in  the  faith, 
 because  it  is  a  matter  in  which  we  may  be  easily  deceived,  and 
 wherein  a  deceit  is  highly  dangerous;  we  are  therefore  concerned 
 to  prove  our  own  selves,  to  put  the  question  to  our  own  souls, 
 whether  Christ  be  in  us  or  not ;  and  Christ  is  in  us,  except  we  be 
 reprobates  :  so  that  either  we  arc  true  Christians,  or  we  are  great 
 dieats ;  and  what  a  reproachful  thing  is  it  for  a  man  not  to  know 
 ins  own  mind  ^ 
 
 7—10.  Here  we  have  first,  The  apostle’s  prayer  to  God  for 
 
 4r 
 
 11  Finally,  brethren,  hirewel.  Be  per¬ 
 fect,  be  of  good  comfort,  be  of  one  mind, 
 live  in  peace  ;  and  the  God  of  love  and  peace 
 shall  be  with  you. 
 
 12  Greet  one  another  with  an  holv 
 kiss. 
 
 13  All  the  saints  salute  you. 
 
 14  The  grace  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
 and  the  love  of  God,  and  the  communion  of 
 the  Holy  Ghost,  he  with  you  all.  Amen. 
 
 %  The  ^second  epistle  to  the  Corinthians 
 was  written  from  Philippi,  a  dtp  of 
 Macedonia,  by  Titus  and  Lucas. 
 
 the  Corinthians,  that  they  might  do  no  evil,  7.  'I’his  is  the  most 
 desirable  thing  we  can  ask  of  God,  both  to  ourselves  and  for  our 
 inends,  to  be  kept  from  sin,  that  we  and  they  may  do  no  evil  ;  and 
 It  is  most  needful,  that  we  often  pray  to  Clod  for  his  grace  to  keep 
 us,  because  without  that  we  cannot  keep  purselvcs.  V.’c  are  more 
 concerned  to  pray  that  we  may  not  do  evil,  than  that  wc  mav  not 
 suffer  evil.  •• 
 
 -1'*.  iiiis  a 
 
 - W'-y  solemn  benediction,  and  we  should  give 
 
 f  ,  to  inherit  this  blessing,  viz.  the  grace  of  Christ,  the 
 
 love  ot  Cod,  and  the  communion  (or  communication)  of  the  llolv 
 Chost :  the  grace  of  Christ  as  Redeemer,  the  love  of  Clod  that  sent 
 the  Kedeemer,  and  all  the  communication  of  this  grace  and  love 
 
 t'lmHofv  r'i  communication  of 
 
 rn  ••  t  ^  us  for  an  interest  in  the  grace  of 
 
 jisi  ,  and  the  lo\c  ot  :  and  wc  can  desire  no  more  to  make 
 us  happy,  than  the  grace  of  Christ,  the  love  of  God,  and  the  com- 
 munion  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 
 
 625 
 
THE  EPISLE  OF  PAUL  TO  THE 
 
 GALATIANS. 
 
 Thh'cpistle  of  Paul  is  directed  not  to  the  church  or  churches  of  the  single  city,  as  some  others  are,  but  of  a  country  or  province ;  for  so 
 Galatia  was.  It  is  very  probable  that  these  Galatians  weie  first  converted  to  the  Christian  faith  by  his  ministry  ;  but  if  he  was  not 
 the  instrumenfof  planting,  yet  at  least  he  had  been  employed  in  watering  these  churches,  as  is  evident  from  this  epistle  itself,  and 
 also  from  Acts  xviii.  23,  where  we  find  him  going  over  all  the  country  of  Galatia  and  Phrygia  in  order,  strengthening  all  the 
 disciples. 
 
 CHAP.  1. 
 
 In  this  chapter,  after  the  preface  or  introduction,  the  apostle 
 severely  reproves  these  churches  for  their  defection  from  the 
 faith. 
 
 PAUL,  an  apostle,  (not  of  men,  neither 
 'by  man  but  by  Jesus  Christ,  and  God 
 the  Lather,  who- raised  him  from  the  dead,) 
 2  And  all  the  brethren  which  are  with  me, 
 unto  the  churches  of  Galatia  : 
 
 3  Grace  he  to  you,  and  peace,  from  God 
 the  Father,  and  from  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
 4  Who  gave  himself  for  our  sins,  that  he 
 might  deliver  us  from  this  present  evil  world, 
 according  to  the  will  of  God  and  our  Fa¬ 
 ther  : 
 
 5  To  whom  he  glory  for  ever  and  ever. 
 Amen. 
 
 6  I  marvel  that  ye  are  so  soon  removed 
 from  him  that  called  you  into  the  grace  of 
 Christ  unto  another  gospel : 
 
 7  AVhich  is  not  another ;  but  there  be 
 some  that  trouble  you,  and  would  pervert 
 the  gospel  of  Christ. 
 
 8  But  though  we,  or  an  angel  from  heaven, 
 preach  any  other  gospel  unto  you  than  that 
 which  we  have  preached  unto  you,  let  him 
 be  accursed. 
 
 CHAP.  I.  1 — 5.  This  doxology  may  be  considered  as  referring 
 both  to  God  the  Father  and  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  from  whom 
 he  had  just  before  been  wishing  grace  and  peace.  They  are  both 
 the  proper  objects  of  our  worship  and  adoration,  and  all  honour 
 and  glory  is  perpetually  due  to  them,  both  on  the  account  of  their 
 owH  infinite  excellencies,  and  also  on  the  account  of  the  blessings 
 we  receive  from  them. 
 
 C— 9.  This  will  not  justify  our  thundering  out  anathemas 
 
 626 
 
 9  As  we  said  before,  so  say  I  now  again, 
 If  any  man  preach  any  other  gospel  unto  you 
 than  that  ye  have  received,  let  him  be  ac¬ 
 cursed  . 
 
 10  For  do  I  now  persuade  men,  or  God  ? 
 or  do  I  seek  to  please  men  ?  for  if  1  yet 
 pleased  men,  I  should  not  be  the  servant  of 
 Christ. 
 
 11  But  I  certify  you,  brethren,  that  the 
 gospel  which  was  preached  of  me  is  not 
 after  man. 
 
 12  For  I  neither  received  it  of  man,  nei¬ 
 ther  was  I  taught  it,  but  by  the  revelation  of 
 Jesus  Christ. 
 
 '  13  For  ye  have  heard  of  my  conversation 
 
 in  time  past  in  the  Jews"  religion,  how  that 
 beyond  measure  I  persecuted  the  church  of 
 God,  and  wasted  it; 
 
 14  And  profited  in  the  Jews"  religion 
 above  many  my  equals  in  mine  own  nation, 
 being  more  exceedingly  zealous  of  the.  tradi¬ 
 tions  of  my  fathers. 
 
 15  But  when  it  pleased  God,  who  sepa¬ 
 rated  me  from  my  mother"s  womb,  and 
 called  me  by  his  grace, 
 
 16  To  reveal  his  Son  in  me,  that  I  might 
 preach  him  among  the  heathen  ;  imme- 
 
 against  those  that  differ  from  us  in  lesser  things.  It  is  only  against 
 those  that  forge  a  new  gospel,  that  overturn  the  foundation  of  the 
 covenant  of  grace,  by  sitting  up  the  works  of  the  law  in  the  place 
 of  Christ’s  righteousness,  and  corrupting  Christianity  with  judaism 
 that  Paul  denounces  this. 
 
 10 — 24.  I’he  design  of  his  ministry  was  not  to  persuade  men, 
 but  God,  &c.  The  meaning  of  this  may  be,  cither,  that  in  his 
 preaching  the  gospel  he  did  not  act  in  obedience  to  men  but  God, 
 
CHAP.  II. 
 
 diately  f  conferred  not  with  flesh  and 
 blood  ; 
 
 17  Neither  went  I  up  to  Jerusalem  to 
 them  which  were  apostles  before  me  ;  but 
 I  went  into  Arabia,  and  returned  again  unto 
 Damascus. 
 
 18  Then,  after  three  years,  I  went  up  to 
 Jerusalem  to  see  Peter,  and  abode  with  him 
 fifteen  days. 
 
 19  But  other  of  the  apostles  saw  I  none, 
 save  James  the  Lord^s  brother. 
 
 20  Now,  the  things  which  I  write  unto 
 you,  behold,  before  God,  I  lie  not. 
 
 21  Afterwards  I  came  into  the  regions  o 
 Syria  and  Cilicia ; 
 
 22  And  was  unknown  by  face  unto  the 
 churches  of  Judea  which  were  in  Christ : 
 
 23  But  they  had  heard  only,  that  he 
 which  persecuted  us  in  times  past,  now 
 preacheth  the  faith  which  once  he  destroyed. 
 
 24  And  they  glorified  God  in  me. 
 
 CHAP.  II. 
 
 The  apostle  in  this  chapter  continues  the  relation  of  his  past  life 
 
 and  conduct. 
 
 npHEN,  fourteen  years  after,  I  went  up 
 ■-  again  to  Jerusalem  with  Barnabas,  and 
 took  Til  us  with  me  also. 
 
 Christ  Jesus,  that  they  might  bring  us  into 
 bondage ; 
 
 o  lo  wnom  we  gave  place  by  subjection, 
 no,  not  for  an  hour ;  that  the  truth  of  the 
 gospel  might  continue  with  you. 
 
 6  But  of  those  who  seemed  to  be  some¬ 
 what,  whatsoever  they  were,  it  maketh  no 
 matter  to  me ;  God  accepteth  no  maiTs 
 person  ;  for  they  who  seemed  to  he  somewhat 
 in  conference  added  nothing  to  me  : 
 
 7  But  contrariwise,  when  they  saw  that 
 the  gospel  of  the  uncircumcision  was  com¬ 
 mitted  unto  me,  as  the  gospel  of  the  circum¬ 
 cision  was  unto  Peler  : 
 
 8  (For  he  that  wrought  effectually  in  Pe¬ 
 ter  to  the  apostleship  of  the  circumcision, 
 the  same  was  mighty  in  me  toward  the  Gen¬ 
 tiles  :) 
 
 9  And  when  James,  Cephas,  and  John, 
 who  seemed  to  ^  be  pillars,  perceived  the 
 grace  that  was  given  unto  me,  they  gave  to 
 me  and  Barnabas  the  right  hands  of  fellow¬ 
 ship  that  we  should  go  unto  the  Heathen, 
 and  they  unto  the  circumcision. 
 
 10  Only  they  zmuld  that  we  should  re¬ 
 member  the  poor ;  the  same  which  I  also 
 was  forward  to  do. 
 
 2  And  I  w  ent  up  by  revelation,  and  com¬ 
 municated  unto  them  that  gospel  wdiich  I 
 preach  among  the  Gentiles,  but  privately 
 to  them  which  were  of  reputation,  lest  by 
 any  means  I  should  run,  or  had  run,  in 
 vain. 
 
 3  But  neither  Titus,  who  was  with  me, 
 being  a  Greek,  was  compelled  to  be  circum¬ 
 cised  : 
 
 4  And  that  because  of  false  brethren 
 unawares  brought  in,  who  came  in  privily 
 to  spy  out  our  liberty  which  we  have  in 
 
 who  had  called  him  to  this  work  and  office ;  or,  that  his  aim  there¬ 
 in  was  not  to  bring  persons  to  the  obedience  of  men  but  of  God. 
 As  he  professed  to  act  by  a  commission  from  God,  so  that  which 
 he  chiefly  aimed  at  was  to  promote  his  glory  by  recovering  sinners 
 into  a  state  of  subjection  to  him.  Paul  acquaints  them  that  he 
 had  his  knowledge  of  the  gospel,  as  well  as  his  authority  to  preach 
 it,  directly  from  the  Lord  Jesus;  the  gospel  which  he  preached 
 was  not  after  man,  he  neither  received  it  of  man,  nor  was  he  taught 
 it  by  man,  but  by  immediate  inspiration  or  revelation  from  Christ 
 himself. 
 
 CHAP.  II.  1 — 10.  It  should  seem  by  the  account  Paul  gives  of 
 himself  in  this  chapter,  that  from  the  very  preaching  and  planting 
 of  Christianity,  there  was  a  difference  of  apprehension  between 
 those  Christians  that  had  first  been  Jews,  and  those  that  had  first 
 been  Gentiles.  Many  of  those  that  had  been  first  Jews,  retained 
 a  regard  to  the  ceremonial  law,  and  strove  to  keep  up  the  repu- 
 
 11  But  when  Peter  was  come  to  Antioch 
 I  withstood  him  to  the  face,  because  he  was 
 to  be  blamed. 
 
 12  For  before  that  certain  came  from 
 James,  he  did  eat  with  the  Gentiles  :  but 
 when  they  were  come  he  withdrew,  and 
 separated  himself,  fearing  them  which  were 
 of  the  circumcision. 
 
 13  And  the  other  Jews  dissembled  like¬ 
 wise  with  him;  insomuch  that  Barnabas 
 also  was  carried  away  with  their  dissimula- 
 
 lon. 
 
 ’  but  those  that  had  first  been  Gentiles  had  no  rc- 
 g  to  the  law  of  Moses,  but  took  pure  christianitv  as  perfective 
 ol  natural  rdigion,  and  resolved  to  stick  to.  that.  Peter  was  the 
 apostle  of  the  circumcision,  preached  the  gospel  to  them  ;  and  the 
 -eiemonial  law,  though  dead  with  Christ,  yet  not  being  as  vet 
 buried,  he  connived  at  the  respect  kept  for  it.  But  Paul  was  the 
 apostle  of  the  Gentiles  ;  and  though  he  was  a  Hebrew  of  the  He¬ 
 brews,  yet  he  adhered  to  pure  Christianity.  Now  in  this  chantpr 
 
 partiiukV'rh''[^^''^'^-’^^  apostles,  mid 
 
 particularly  between  him  and  Peter  hereupon.  That  the  issue  of 
 
 this  conversation  was,  that  the  other  apostles  were  fullv  convinced 
 
 an V  c  ‘ffi  -  ^fi”^  having  thus  established  his  character  and  office, 
 and  sufficiently  shewn  that  he  was  not  inferior  to  any  of  the 
 apostles,  no  not  to  Peter  himself;  from  the  account  of  reproof  Ir, 
 
 627 
 
GALATIANS. 
 
 14  But  when  I  saw  that  they  walked  not 
 uprightly,  according  to  the  truth  of  the  gos¬ 
 pel,  I  said  unto  Peter  before  them  all,  If 
 thou,  being  a  Jew,  livest  after  the  manner 
 of  Gentiles,  and  not  as  do  the  Jews,  why  com- 
 pellest  thou  the  Gentiles  to  live  as  do  the  Jews? 
 
 15  We  who  are  Jews  by  nature,  and  not 
 sinners  of  the  Gentiles, 
 
 16  Knowing  that  a  man  is  not  justified 
 by  the  works  of  the  law,  but  by  the  faith  of 
 Jesus  Christ ;  even  we  have  believed  in  Jesus 
 Christ,  that  we  might  be  justified  by  the 
 faith  of  Christ,  and  not  by  the  works  of  the 
 law  :  for  by  the  works  of  the  law  shall  no 
 flesh  be  justified. 
 
 17  Blit  if,  while  we  seek  to  be  justified 
 by  Christ,  we  ourselves  also  are  found  sinners, 
 is  therefore  Christ  the  minister  of  sin  ?  God 
 forbid. 
 
 18  Por  if  I  build  again  the  things  which 
 I  destroyed,  I  make  myself  a  transgressor. 
 
 19  For  I  through  the  law  am  dead  to  the 
 law,  that  I  might  live  unto  God. 
 
 20  I  am  crucified  with  Christ  :  neverthe¬ 
 less  I  live  ;  yet  not  I,  but  Christ  liveth  in 
 me  :  and  the  life  Avhich  I  now  live  in  the 
 flesh,  I  live  by  the  faith  of  the  Son  of  God 
 who  loved  me,  and  gave  himself  for  me. 
 
 21  I  do  not  frustrate  the  grace  of  God  ; 
 for  if  righteousness  come  by  the  laAV,  then 
 Christ  is  dead  in  vain. 
 
 CHAP.  III. 
 
 The  apostle  in  this  chapter,  I.  Reproves  the  Galatians  for  their 
 folly  in  suffering  themselves  to  be  drawn  away  from  the  faith  of 
 the  gospel.  II.  He  proves  the  doctrine  which  he  had  reproved 
 them  for  departing  from,  viz.  That  of  justification  by  faith  with¬ 
 out  the  works  of  the  law. 
 
 FOOLISH  Galatians,  Avho  hath  be- 
 Avitched  you,  that  ye  should  not  obey 
 the  truth,  before  Avhose  eyes  Jesus  Christ 
 hath  been  evidently  set  forth  crucified  among 
 you  ? 
 
 gave  him,  he  takes  occasion  to  speak  of  that  great  fundamental 
 doctrine  of  the  gospel,  viz.  That  justification  is  only  by  faith  in 
 Christ,  and  not  by  the  works  of  the  law,  (though  some  think  all 
 that  he  saith  to  the  end  of  the  chapter  is  what  he  said  to  Peter  at 
 Antioch)  which  doctrine  condemned  Peter  for  his  symbolizing 
 with  the  Jews.  For,  if  it  was  the  principle  of  his  religion,  that  the 
 gospel  is  the  instrument  of  our  justification,  and  not  the  law; 
 then  he  did  very  ill  in  countenancing  them  that  kept  up  the  lav/, 
 and  were  for  mixing  it  with  faith  in  the  business  of  our  justifica¬ 
 tion.  This  was  the  doctrine  which  Paul  had  preached  among  the 
 Galatians,  which  he  still  adhered  to,  and  which  it  is  his  great 
 business  in  this  epistle  to  mention  and  confirm. 
 
 0'28 
 
 2  This  only  Avould  I  learn  of  you.  Re¬ 
 ceived  ye  the  spirit  by  the  Avorks  of  the  Lav, 
 or  by  the  hearing  of  faith  ? 
 
 3  Are  ye  so  foolish  ?  having  begun  in  the 
 Spirit,  are  ye  now  made  perfect  by  the  flesh  ? 
 
 4  Have  ye  suffered  so  many  things  in  vain 
 if  it  he  yet  in  vain  ? 
 
 5  He,  therefore,  that  ministereth  to  you 
 the  Spirit,  and  Avorketh  miracles  among  you, 
 cloeth  he  it  by  the  Avorks  of  the  Lav,  or  by  the 
 hearing  of  faith  ? 
 
 6  Even  as  Abraham  belicAed  God,  and 
 it  Avas  accounted  to  him  for  riohteousness. 
 
 o 
 
 7  KnoAV  ye,  therefore,  that  they  ANdiich 
 are  of  faith,  the  same  are  the  children  of 
 Abraham. 
 
 8  And  the  scripture,  foreseeing  that  God 
 Avould  justify  the  heathen  through  faith, 
 preached  before  the  gospel  unto  Abraham, 
 saifing,  In  thee  shall  all  nations  be  blessed. 
 
 9  So  then,  they  Avhich  be  of  faith  are  bless¬ 
 ed  Avith  faithful  Abraham. 
 
 10  For  as  many  as  are  of  the  AVorks  of 
 the  kiAV  are  under  the  curse  :  for  it  is  Avritten, 
 Cursed  is  every  one  that  continueth  not  in 
 all  thina:s  Avhich  are  Avritten  in  the  book  of 
 the  law  to  do  them. 
 
 11  But  that  no  man  is  justified  by  the 
 kiAV  in  the  sight  of  God  it  is  evident :  for. 
 The  just  shall  IIa  c  by  faith. 
 
 12  And  the  hiAv  is  not  of  faith  :  but,  The 
 man  that  doeth  them  shall  live  in  them. 
 
 13  Christ  hath  redeemed  us  from  the 
 curse  of  the  kiAv  being  made  a  curse  I'or  us  : 
 for  it  is  Avritten,  Cursed  is  everv  one  that 
 hangeth  on  a  tree : 
 
 14  That  the  blessing  of  Abraham  might 
 come  on  the  Gentiles  through  Jesus  Christ  : 
 that  Ave  might  receive  the  promise  of  the  Spi¬ 
 rit  through  faith. 
 
 15  Brethren,  I  speak  after  the  manner 
 
 CHAP.  III.  1 — 5.  It  is  the  folly  of  apostates,  that  they  lose  the 
 benefit  of  all  they  have  done  in  religion,  or  suffered  for  it. 
 
 6' — 18.  The  condition  of  life  by  the  law  is  perfect,  personal,  and 
 perpetual  obedience  ;  the  language  of  it  is,  do  this  and  live  ;  or,  as 
 V.  12,  The  man  that  doeth  them  shall  live  in  them  :  and  for  every 
 failure  herein  the  law  denounces  a  curse.  Unless  our  obedience 
 be  universal,  continuing  in  all  things  that  are  written  in  the  book 
 of  the  law,  and  unless  it  be  perpetual  too  ;  if  in  any  instance  at 
 any  time  we  fail  and  come  short,  we  fall  under  the  curse  of  the 
 law.  The  curse  is  wrath  revealed,  and  ruin  threatened.  It  is  a 
 separation  unto  all  evil,  and  this  is  in  full  force,  power,  and  virtue 
 against  all  SHiners,  and  therefore  against  all  men  ;  fur  alHhave 
 
CHAP.  JV. 
 
 of  men  ;  Though  it  be  but  a  man’s  covenant, 
 jet  if  it  be  confirmed,  no  man  disannulleth, 
 or  addcih  thereto. 
 
 16'  Now,  to  Abraham  and  his  seed  were 
 the  promises  made.  He  saith  not.  And  to 
 seeds,  as  ol  many  ;  but  as  of  one.  And  to 
 thy  seed,  which  is  Christ. 
 
 17  And  this  1  say,  that  the  covenant,  that 
 was  confirmed  before  of  God  in  Christ,  the 
 law,  which  was  four  hundred  and  thirty  years 
 alter,  cannot  disjinnul,  that  it  should  make 
 the  promise  of  none  ell'ect. 
 
 18  hor  il  the  inheritance  be  of  the  law,  it 
 is  no  more  ol  promise  ;  but  God  gave  it  to 
 Abraham  by  promise. 
 
 19  herel'ore  tlien  serveth  the  law?  It 
 was  added  because  of  transgressions,  till  the 
 seed  should  come  to  whom  the  promise  was 
 made  :  and  it  zais  ordained  by  angels  in  the 
 hand  of  a  mediator. 
 
 20  Now,  a  mediator  is  not  a  mediator  of 
 one  ;  but  God  is  one. 
 
 21  Js  the  law  then  against  the  promises 
 of  God  ?  God  forbid  :  for  if  there  had  been 
 a  law  given  which  could  have  given  life, 
 verily  righteousness  should  have  been  by  the 
 law. 
 
 22  Hut  the  scri])ture  hath  concluded  all 
 under  sin,  that  the  promise  by  faith  of  Jesus 
 Christ  might  be  given  to  them  that  believe. 
 
 23  But  before  faith  came  we  were  kept 
 under  the  law,  shut  uj)  unto  the  faith  which 
 should  atterwards  be  revealed. 
 
 24  \\  hcrefore  the  law  was  our  schoolmas¬ 
 ter  to  bring  ns  unto  Christ,  that  we  might  be 
 justified  by  faith. 
 
 25  But  alter  that  faith  is  come,  we  are  no 
 longer  under  a  schoolmaster. 
 
 26  lor  ye  are  all  the  children  of  God  by 
 faith  in  Christ  Jesus. 
 
 siii?icd  and  are  become  guilty  before  God.  And  if  as  transgressors 
 of  the  law  we  are  under  the  curse  of  it,  it  must  be  a  vain  thing  to 
 look  for  justihcatioii  by  it.  But  though  this  is  not  to  be  expected 
 from  the  law,  3x1  the  apostle  afterwards  acquaints  us  that  there  is 
 a  \vay  open  to  our  escaping  this  curse,  and  regaining  the  favour  of 
 '  CiOcl,  viz.  thruugn  laith  in  Christ,  who,  as  he  says,  v,  13,  Has 
 redeemed  us  from  the  curse  of  the  law,  iic. 
 
 19  29.  1  hough  the  law,  considered  as  the  law  of  nature,  is 
 
 always  in  force,  and  still  continues  to  be  of  use,  to  convince  men 
 of  sin,  and  to  restrain  them  from  it;  j’et  we  arc  now  no  longer 
 under  the  bondage  and  terror  of  that  legal  covenant.  1'he  law 
 thcji  was  not  intended  to  discover  another  way  of  Justification, 
 ditferent  from  that  revealed  by  the  promise,  but  only  to  lead  men 
 to  see  their  need  of  the  promise,  by  shewing  them  the  sinfulness  ol 
 
 27  T^r  as  many  of  you  as  have  been  bajv 
 tized  into  Christ  have  put  on  Christ. 
 
 28  'I’herc  is  neither  Jew  nor  Greek,  there 
 i.s  neither  bond  nor  free,  there  is  neither  male 
 nor  female  ;  For  ye  are  all  one  in  Christ  Jesus. 
 
 29  And  if  ye  be  Christ’s,  then  are  ye 
 Abraham’s  seed,  and  heirs  according  to  the 
 promise. 
 
 CHAP.  IV. 
 
 The  apostle  in  this  chapter  is  still  carrying  on  the  same  general  de¬ 
 sign  as  in  the  former,  representing  their  weakness  and  folly  in 
 suffering  themselves  to  be  drawn  away  from  the  gospel  doctrine 
 of  justification,  and  to  be  deprived  of  their  freedom  from  the 
 bondage  of  the  law  of  Moses. 
 
 NOW  I  say.  That  the  heir,  as  long  as  he 
 is  a  child,  differeth  nothing  from  a  ser¬ 
 vant,  though  he  be  lord  of  all ; 
 
 2  But  is  under  tutors  and  governors,  until 
 the  time  appointed  of  the  father. 
 
 3  Even  so  we,  when  we  were  children, 
 were  in  bondage  under  the  elements  of  the 
 world  : 
 
 4  But  when  the  fulness  of  the  time  was 
 come,  God  sent  forth  his  Son,  made  of  a 
 woman,  made  under  the  law, 
 
 5  To  redeem  them  that  were  under  the 
 law,  that  we  might  receive  the  adoption  of 
 sons. 
 
 6  And,  because  ye  are  sons,  God  hath 
 sent  forth  the  Spirit  of  his  Son  into  your 
 hearts,  crying,  Abba,  Father. 
 
 7  Wherefore  thou  art  no  more  a  servant, 
 but  a  son  ;  and  if  a  son,  then  an  heir  of  God 
 through  Christ. 
 
 8  Howbeit  then,  when  ye  knew  not  God 
 ye  did  service  unto  them  which  by  nature 
 are  no  gods. 
 
 9  But  now,  after  that  ye  have  known  God, 
 or  rather  are  known  of  God,  how  turn  ye 
 again  to  the  weak  and  beggarly  elements, 
 whereunto  ye  desire  again  to  be  in  bondage  ? 
 
 sin  and  to  point  them  to  Christ,  through  whom  alone  they  could 
 be  pardoned  and  justified. 
 
 CHAP.  IV.  1 — 7*  From  what  the  apostle  says  in  these  verses, 
 we  may  observe,  first,  The  wonders  of  divine  love  and  mercy 
 towards  us,  particularly  of  God  the  Father  in  sending  his  Son  into 
 the  world  to  redeem  and  save  us  ;  of  the  Son  of  God  in  submit¬ 
 ting  so  low,  and  su tiering  so  much  for  us  in  pursuance  of  that 
 design  ;  and  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  in  condescending  to  dwell  in  the 
 hearts  of  believers  for  such  gracious  purposes.  Second,  The  great 
 and  invaluable  advantages  which  Christians  enjoy  under  the  gos¬ 
 pel.  * 
 
 8—11.  Here  note,  first,  That  it  is  possible  for  those  who  have 
 made  great  professions  of  religion,  to  be  afterwards  drawn  into 
 very  great  deleciions  from  the  purity  and  simplicity  of  it,  for  this 
 ^  t)29 
 
GALATIANS. 
 
 10  Ye  observe  days,  and  months,  and 
 times,  and  years. 
 
 11  I  am  afraid  of  you,  lest  I  have  bestow¬ 
 ed  upon  you  labour  in  vain. 
 
 12  Brethren,  I  beseech  you,  be  as  I  am ; 
 for  I  am  as  ye  are  :  ye  have  not  injured  me 
 at  all. 
 
 13  Ye  know  how,  through  infirmity  of  the 
 flesh,  I  preached  the  gospel  unto  you  at  the 
 first. 
 
 14  And  my  temptation,  which  was  in  my 
 flesh,  ye  despised  not,  nor  rejected  ;  but  re¬ 
 ceived  me  as  an  angel  of  Ood,  even  as  Christ 
 Jesus. 
 
 15  Where  is  then  the  blessedness  ye  spake 
 of?  for  I  bear  you  record,  that  if  it  had  been 
 possible,  ye  would  have  plucked  out  your 
 own  eyes,  and  have  given  them  to  me. 
 
 16  Am  I,  therefore,  become  your  enemy, 
 because  I  tell  you  the  truth  ? 
 
 17  They  zealously  affect  you,  hut  not 
 well :  yea,  they  would  exclude  you,  that  ye 
 might  affect  them. 
 
 18  But  it  is  good  to  be  zealously  affectec 
 always  in  a  good  thing,  and  not  only  when  I 
 
 am  present  with  you. 
 
 19  My  little  children,  of  whom  I  travai 
 in  birth  again  until  Christ  be  formed  in  you, 
 
 20  I  desire  to  be  present  with  you  now, 
 and  to  change  my  voice  ;  for  I  stand  in  doubt 
 
 of  you. 
 
 21  Tell  me,  ye  that  desire  to  be  under 
 the  law,  do  ye  not  hear  the  law  ? 
 
 22  For  it  is  written,  that  Abraham  had 
 two  sons  :  the  one  by  a  bond-maid,  the  other 
 by  a  free-woman. 
 
 was  the  case  of  these  Christians.  And,  second.  That  the  more 
 mercy  God  has  shewn  to  any  in  bringing  them  into  an  acquaim- 
 ance  with  the  gospel,  and  the  liberties  and  privileges  ^  ® 
 
 greater  is  their  sin  and  folly  in  suflering  themselves  to  be  deprived 
 of  them;  for  this  the  apostle  lays  a  special  stress  upon,  that  after 
 they  had  known  God,  or  rather  were  known  of  him,  they  desired 
 to  be  in  bondage  under  the  weak  and  beggarly  elements  of  the 
 
 ^^^2— 16  Those  that  have  left  their  first  love  would  do  well  to 
 consider,  where  is  now  the  blessedness  they  once  spake  of,  what  is 
 become  of  that  pleasure  they  used  to  take  in  communion  with  God, 
 
 and  in  the  company  of  his  servants?  _ 
 
 17  18  It  is  good  to  be  zealously  affected  always  in  a  good  thing. 
 What  oui  translation  renders  in  a  good  thing,  some  choose  to  render 
 to  a  good  man,  and  so  consider  the  apostle  as  pointing  to  himselt  ; 
 and  this  sense  they  think  is  favoured  both  by  the  preceding  context 
 and  also  by  the  words  immediately  following. 
 
 IQ  20.  Though  ministers  too  often  find  it  necessary  to  repiove 
 those  they  have  to  do  with,  yet  this  is  no  grateful  work  to  them, 
 they  had  niuch  rather  there  was  no  occasion  for  it,  nnd  tre  alw^cy*- 
 630 
 
 23  But  he  who  was  of  the  bond-woman 
 was  born  after  the  flesh  :  but  he  of  the  free- 
 woman  was  by  promise. 
 
 24  Which  things  are  an  allegory ;  for 
 
 these  are  the  two  covenants  ;  the  one  from 
 the  mount  Sinai,  which  gendereth  to  bondage, 
 which  is  Agar.  '  .  .  . 
 
 25  For  this  Agar  is  mount  Sinai  in  Arabia, 
 and  answereth  to  Jerusalem  which  now  is, 
 and  is  in  bondage  with  her  children. 
 
 26  But  Jerusalem  which  is  above  is  free, 
 which  is  the  mother  of  us  all. 
 
 27  For  it  is  written.  Rejoice,  thou  barren 
 that  bearest  not ;  break  forth  and  cry,  thou 
 that  travailest  not :  for  the  desolate  hath 
 many  more  children  than  she  which  hath  an 
 husband. 
 
 28  Now  we,  ^brethren,  as  Isaac  was,  are 
 
 the  children  of  promise. 
 
 29  But  as  then,  he  that  was  born  after  the 
 flesh  persecuted  him  that  was  bom  after  the 
 Spirit,  even  so  it  is  now. 
 
 30  'Nevertheless,  what  saith  the  scripture  ? 
 Cast  out  the  bond-AVoman  and  her  son  :  lor 
 the  son  of  the  bond-woman  shall  not  be  heir 
 with  the  son  of  the  free-woman. 
 
 31  So  then,  brethren,  avc  are  not  children 
 of  the  bond-woman,  but  of  the  free. 
 
 CHAP.  V.  ^ 
 
 In  this  chapiter  the  apostle  conus  to  make  application  for  his  fore¬ 
 going  discourse. 
 
 ^TAND  fast,  therefore,  in  the  liberty 
 Avherewith  Christ  hath  made  us  free, 
 and  be  not  entangled  again  with  the  yoke  of 
 bondage.  _ _ 
 
 glad  when  they  see  reason  to  change  their  voice  towards  them. 
 
 2\ _ 31,  In  these  verses  the  apostle  illustrates  the  dinercnce  be- 
 
 tween  believers  that  rested  in  Christ  only,  and  those  Jiidaizers  that 
 trusted  in  the  law,  by  a  comparison  taken  from  the  story  of  Isaac 
 and  Ishmael.  This  he  introduces  in  sUch  a  manner  as  was  proper 
 to  strike  and  impress  their  minds,  and  to  convince  tlmm  of  their 
 great  weakness  in  departing  from  the  truth,  and  suffering  them¬ 
 selves  to  be  deprived  of  the  liberty  of  the  gospel.  I  ell  saj  s  he 
 yc  that  desire  to  be  under  the  law,  do  you  not  hear  the  law  ?  He  takes 
 it  for  granted  that  they  did  hear  the  law,  for  among 
 was  wont  to  be  read  in  their  public  assemblies  every  sabbath-day 
 and  since  they  were  so  very  fond  ot  being  under  it,  lie  would  ha.c 
 them  dulv  to  consider  what  was  written  therein,  referring  to  "haUs 
 recorded,  Gen.  6,  and  chap.  21,  which  if  they  would  do,  they 
 miaht  soon  see  bow  little  reason  they  had  for  it. 
 
 CHAP  V.  1 — 12.  But  though  Paul  assures  thorn  that  neither 
 circumcision’nor  uncircumcision  would  avail  to  their  acceptance 
 with  God,  yet  he  acquaints 
 
 fqith  which  worketh  by  love :  such  a  faith  in  Christ  as  aisco  e.eu 
 iuclflo  be  (rue  and  genuine  by  a  sincere  love  lo  (ood  and  our 
 
CHAP.  VI. 
 
 2  Behold,  I  Paul,  say  unto  you,  that  if 
 ye  be  circumcised,  Christ  shall  profit  you 
 nothing. 
 
 3  For  I  testify  again  to  every  man  that 
 is  circumcised,  that  he  is  a  debtor  to  do  the 
 whole  law. 
 
 4  Christ  is  become  of  no  effect  unto  you, 
 whosoever  of  you  are  justified  by  the  law  ; 
 ye  are  fallen  from  grace. 
 
 5  For  we  through  the  Spirit  wait  for  the 
 hope  of  righteousness  by  faith. 
 
 6’  For  in  Jesus  Christ  neither  circumcision 
 availeth  any  thing,  nor  uncircumcision  :  but 
 faith  which  worketh  by  love. 
 
 7  Ye  did  run  well ;  who  did  hinder  you, 
 that  ye  should  not  obey  the  truth  ? 
 
 8  This  persuasion  cometh  not  of  him  that 
 calleth  you. 
 
 9  A  little  leaven  leaveneth  the  whole 
 lump. 
 
 10  I  have  confidence  in  you  through  the 
 Lord,  that  ye  will  be  none  otherwise  mind¬ 
 ed  :  but  he  that  troubleth  you  shall  bear  his 
 judgment,  whosoever  he  be. 
 
 11  And  I,  brethren,  if  I  yet  preach  circum¬ 
 cision,  why  do'  I  yet  suffer  persecution  ? 
 then  is  the  offence  of  the  cross  ceased. 
 
 12  I  would  they  were  even  cut  off  which 
 trouble  you. 
 
 13  For  brethren,  ye  have  been  called 
 unto  liberty  :  only  use  not  liberty  for  an  oc¬ 
 casion  to  the  flesh,  but  by  love  serve  one 
 another. 
 
 14  For  all  the  law  is  fulfilled  in  one  word, 
 even  in  this.  Thou  shalt  love  thy  neighbour 
 as  thyself. 
 
 15  But  if  ye  bite  and  devour  one  another, 
 take  heed  that  ye  be  not  consumed  one  of 
 another. 
 
 16  This  I  say  then,  AValk  in  the  Spirit, 
 and  ye  shall  not  fulfil  the  lust  of  the  flesh. 
 
 17  For  the  flesh  lusteth  against  the  Spirit, 
 
 neighbour.  If  they  had  this;  it  mattered  not  whether  they  were 
 circumcised  or  uncircumcised,  but  without  it  nothing  else  would 
 stand  them  in  any  stead.  No  external  privileges,  or  profession, 
 will  avail  to  our  acceptance  with  God,  without  a  sincere  faith  in 
 our  Lord  Jesus.  Faith,  where  it  is  true,  is  a  working  grace,  it 
 works  by  love,  love  to  God,  and  love  to  our  brethren”  and  faith 
 thus  working  by  love,  is  all  in  all  in  our  Christianity. 
 
 13—26’.  The  best  antidote  against  the  poison  of  sin  is  to  walk 
 m  the  Spirit ;  to  be  much  in  conversing  with  spiritual  things,  to 
 mind  the  things  of  the  soul,  which  is  the  spiritual  part  of  man. 
 
 Vol.  II.  (J5  Ym 
 
 and  the  Spirit  against  the  flesh and  these 
 are  contrary  the  one  to  the  other  :  so  that 
 ye  cannot  do  the  things  that  ye  would. 
 
 18  But  if  ye  be  led  of  the  Spirit,  ye  are 
 not  under  the  law. 
 
 19  Now  the  works  of  the  flesh  are  mani¬ 
 fest,  which  are  these  ;  Adultery,  fornication, 
 uncleanness,  lasciviousness, 
 
 20  Idolatry,  witchcraft,  hatred,  variance, 
 emulations,  wrath,  strife,  seditions,  heresies, 
 
 21  Envyings,  murders,  drunkenness,  re- 
 vellings,  and  such  like  :  of  the  which  I  tell 
 you  before,  as  I  have  also  told  you  in  time 
 past,  that  they  which  do  such  things  shall 
 not  inherit  the  kingdom  of  God. 
 
 22  But  the  fruit  of  the  Spirit  is  love,  joy, 
 peace,  long-suffering,  gentleness,  goodness, 
 faith, 
 
 23  Meekness,  temperance  ;  against  such 
 there  is  no  law. 
 
 24  And  they  that  are  Christ's  have  cruci¬ 
 fied  the  flesh,  Avith  the  affections  and  lusts.  ^ 
 
 25  If  Ave  live  in  the  Spirit,  let  us  also 
 Avalk  in  the  Spirit. 
 
 26  Let  us  not  be  desirous  of  vain  glory, 
 provoking  one  another,  eiwying  one  ano¬ 
 ther. 
 
 CHAP.  VI. 
 
 I.  This  chapter  chiefly  consists  of  two  parts:  in  the  former  the 
 apostle  gives  us  several  plain  and  practical  directions,  which 
 more  especially  tend  to  instruct  Christians  in  their  duty  to  one 
 another,  1 — 10.  II.  In  the  latter  he  revives  the  main  design  of 
 the  epistle,  which  was  to  fortify  the  Galatians  against  the  arts  of 
 their  judaizing  teachers,  11 — 18. 
 
 ^>RETHREN,  if  a  man  be  overtaken 
 in  a  fault,  ye  Avhich  are  spiritual  restore 
 such  an  one  in  the  spirit  of  meekness  ;  con¬ 
 sidering  thyself,  lest  thou  also  be  tempted. 
 
 2  Bear  ye  one  another's  burdens,  and  so 
 fulfil  the  laAV  of  Christ. 
 
 3  For  if  a  man  think  himself  to  be  some 
 thing,  Avhen  he  is  nothing,  he  deceiveth 
 himself : 
 
 more  than  those  of  the  body,  which  is  his  carnal  part;  to  commit 
 ourselves  to  the  guidance  of  the  word,  wherein  the  holy  Spirit 
 makes  known  the  will  of  God  concerning  us,  and  in  the  way  of 
 our  duty  to  act  in  dependance  on  his  aid  and  influences. 
 
 CHAP.  VI.  1 — 10.  Every  man  shall  bear  his  own  burden,  5. 
 The  meaning  of  which  is,  that  at  the  great  day  every  one  shall  be 
 reckoned  with  according  as  his  behaviour  here  has  been.  He  sup¬ 
 poses  that  there  is  a  day  coming  when  we  must  all  give  an  account 
 of  ourselves  to  God  ;  and  he  declares,  that  then  the  judgment  will 
 proceed  and  the  sentence  pass,  not  according  to  the  sentiment 
 
 631 
 
EPHESIANS. 
 
 4  But  let  every  man  prove  his  own  work, 
 and  then  shall  he  have  rejoicing  in  himself 
 alone,  and  not  in  another. 
 
 5  For  every  man  shall  bear  his  own  burden. 
 
 6  Let  him  that  is  taught  in  the  word  com¬ 
 municate  unto  him  that  teacheth  in  all  good 
 things. 
 
 7  Be  not  deceived  ;  God  is  not  mocked  ; 
 for  whatsoever  a  man  soweth,  that  shall  he 
 also  reap. 
 
 8  For  he  that  soweth  to  his  flesh,  shall  of 
 the  flesh  reap  corruption  :  but  he  that  sow¬ 
 eth  to  the  Spirit,  shall  of  the  Spirit  reap  life 
 everlasting. 
 
 9  And  let  us  not  be  weary  in  well-doing  : 
 for  in  due  season  we  shall  reap,  if  we  faint 
 
 not. 
 
 10  As  we  have,  therefore,  opportunity,  let 
 us  do  good  unto  all  men,  especially  unto 
 them  who  are  of  the  household  of  faith. 
 
 11  Ye  see  how  large  a  letter  I  have  writ¬ 
 ten  unto  you  with  mine  own  hand. 
 
 12  As  many  as  desire  to  make  a  fair  shew 
 
 ofthewoiTd  concerning  us,  or  any  ungrounded  dpinion  \vc  may- 
 have  had  of  ourselves,  or  upon  our  having  been  better  or  worse 
 than  others  ;  but  according  as  our  state  and  behaviour  have  really 
 
 been  in  the  sight  of  God.  ,  ,  ,  ,  •  i  i  .  . 
 
 The  charity  of  Christians  should  be  extensive  charity  ;  but  ye 
 therein  a  pahicular  respect  is  to  be  had  to  good  people.  God 
 doth  good  to  all,  but  in  an  especial  manner  he  is  good  to  his  own 
 servants  ;  and  we  must  in  doing  good  be  followers  of  God  as  dear 
 
 11 _ 18.  The  apostle  having  at  large  established  the  doctrine  of 
 
 in  the  flesh,  they  constrain  you  to  be  cir^ 
 cumcised  ;  only  lest  they  should  suffer  per 
 secution  for  the  cross  of  Christ. 
 
 13  For  neither  they  themselves  who  are 
 circumcised  keep  the  law ;  but  desire  to 
 have  you  circumcised,  that  they  may  glory 
 in  your  flesh. 
 
 14  But  God  forbid  that  I  should  glory, 
 save  in  the  cross  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
 by  whom  the  world  is  crucified  unto  me,  and 
 I  unto  the  world. 
 
 15  For  in  Christ  Jesus  neither  circumcision 
 availeth  any  thing  ;  nor  uncircumcision,  but 
 a  new  creature. 
 
 16  And  as  many  as  walk  according  to 
 this  rule,  peace  be  on  them,  and  mercy,  and 
 upon  the  Israel  of  God. 
 
 17  From  henceforth  let  no  man  trouble 
 me  ;  for  I  bear  in  my  body  the  marks  of  the 
 Lord  Jesus. 
 
 18  Brethren,  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
 Christ  be  with  your  spirit.  Amen. 
 
 ^  Unto  the  Galatians,  written  from  Rome. 
 
 the  gospel,  and  endeavoured  to  persuade  tnese  Christians  to  a  be¬ 
 
 haviour  agreeable  to  it,  seems  as  if  he  intended^  here  to  have  put 
 an  end  to  the  epistle.  But  such  was  his  aflection  to  them,  and 
 concern  to  recover  them  from  the  ill  impressions  made  upon  them 
 by  their  false  teachers,  that  he  cannot  break  oft  till  he  has  once 
 again  given  them  the  true  character  of  those  teachers,  and  an  ac¬ 
 count  of  his  own  contrary  temper  and  behaviour;  that  by  com¬ 
 paring  these  together,  they  might  the  more  easily  see  how  little 
 reason  they  had  to  depart  from  the  doctrine  he  had  taught  them, 
 and  to  comply  with  theirs. 
 
 THE  EPISTLE  OF  PAUL  TO  THE 
 
 EPHESIANS. 
 
 .  ,  ,  .  f  have  observed  that  what  this  apostle  wrote,  when  he  was  a  prisoner,  had  the  greatest 
 
 This  epistle  bears  date  out  of  a  prison  .  a  ^wKcn  his  tribulations  did  abound,  his  consolations  and  experiences  did  much  more 
 
 relish  and  savour  in  It  m  the  things  of  people,  and  particularly  of  his  ministers,  do  often- 
 
 truth  ;  and  further  to  acquaint  them  with  the  mystery  of  the  gospel  in  order  to  it. 
 
 CHAP.  I. 
 
 Hereis,  I.  The  introduction  to  the  whole  epistle,  1 ,  2.  II.  The 
 apostle’s  praises  to  God  for  the  believing  Ephesians,  3  14. 
 
 III.  His  earnest  prayers  to  God  in  their  behalt,  15  26. _ 
 
 CHAP.  I.  1,2.  They  arc  not  saints  who  are  not  fahhful,  be- 1 
 Ueving  in  Christ,  firmly  adhering  to  him,  and  true  to  the  profes-| 
 632 
 
 PAUL,  an  apostle  of  Jesus  Christ  by  the 
 will  of  God,  to  the  saints  which  are  at 
 Ephesus,  and  to  the  faithful  in  Christ  Jesus  ; 
 
 sion  they  make  of  relation  to  their  Lord.  It  is  not  only  the  honour  of 
 ministers,  but  of  private  Christians  too,  to  have  obtained  mercy  ot 
 
CHAP.  1. 
 
 2  Grace  he  to  you,  and  peace,  from  God 
 our  Father,  and  from  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
 
 3  Blessed  be  the  God  and  Father  of  our 
 Lord  Jesus  Christ  who  hath  blessed  us  with 
 all  spiritual  blessings  in  heavenly  places  in 
 Christ ; 
 
 4  Accordino;  as  he  hath  chosen  us  in  him 
 before  the  foundation  of  the  world,  that  we 
 should  be  holy,  and  without  blame  before 
 him  in  love  : 
 
 5  Having  predestinated  us  unto  the  adop¬ 
 tion  of  children  by  Jesus  Christ  to  him¬ 
 self,  according  to  the  good  pleasure  of  his 
 will, 
 
 6  To  the  praise  of  the  glory  of  his  grace, 
 wherein  he  hath  made  us  accepted  in  the 
 Beloved  : 
 
 7  In  whom  we  have  redemption  through 
 his  blood,  the  forgiveness  of  sins,  according 
 to  the  riches  of  his  grace  ; 
 
 8  W  herein  he  hath  abounded  toward  us 
 in  all  wisdom  and  prudence  ; 
 
 9  Having  made  known  unto  us  the  mystery 
 ol  his  will,  according  to  his  good  pleasure 
 which  he  had  ])arj)osed  in  himself: 
 
 10  That,  in  the  dispensation  of  the  fulness 
 ot  times,  he  might  gather  together  in  one 
 all  things  in  Christ,  both  which  are  in  heaven, 
 and  which  are  on  earth,  even  in  him, 
 
 1 1  In  whom  also  we  have  obtained  an  in¬ 
 heritance,  being  predestinated  according  to 
 the  purpose  of  him  who  worketh  all  .things 
 after  the  counsel  of  his  own  will ; 
 
 12  That  we  should  be  to  the  praise  of  his 
 glory,  who  first  trusted  in  Christ. 
 
 13  In  whom  ye  also  trusted,  after  that  ye 
 heard  the  word  of  truth,  the  gospel  of  your 
 salvation  :  in  whom  also,  after  that  ye  be¬ 
 lieved,  ye  were  sealed  with  that  Holy  Spirit 
 of  promise, 
 
 14  Which  is  the  earnest  of  our  inheritance 
 until  the  redemption  of  the  purchased  pos¬ 
 session,  unto  the  praise  of  his  glory. 
 
 15  Wherefore  I  also,  after  I  heard  of  your 
 faith  in  the  Lord  Jesus,  and  love  unto  all  the 
 saints, 
 
 16  Cease  not  to  give  thanks  for  you, 
 making  mention  of  you  in  my  prayers  ; " 
 
 17  That  the  God  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
 the  Father  of  glory,  may  give  unto  you  the 
 Spirit  of  wisdom  and  revelation  in  the  know¬ 
 ledge  of  him  ; 
 
 18  The  eyes  of  your  understanding  being 
 enlightened  ;  that  ye  may  know  what  is  the 
 hope  of  his  calling,  and  what  the  riches  of 
 the  glory  of  his  inheritance  in  the  saints  ; 
 
 19  And  what  is  the  exceeding  greatness 
 of  his  power  to  us-ward  who  believe,  accord¬ 
 ing  to  the  working  of  his  mighty  powder, 
 
 20  Which  he  wrought  in  Christ,  when  he 
 raised  him  from  the  dead,  and  set  him  at  his 
 own  right  hand  in  the  heavenly  places, 
 
 2 1  Far  above  all  principality,  and  power, 
 and  might,  and  dominion,  and  every  name 
 that  is  named,  not  only  in  this  w^orld,  but  also 
 in  that  which  is  to  come  ; 
 
 the  Lord  to  be  faithful.  In  Christ  Jesus,  from  whom  they  derive 
 
 all  their  grace  and  spiritual  strength,  and  in  whom  their  persons 
 and  all  they  perform  are  made  accepted. 
 
 3  1-4.  Where  God  blesses  with  spiritual  blessings,  he  blesses 
 
 with  all.  'I  hey  are  spiritual  blessings  in  heavenly  places,  i.  e.  sav 
 soiiie,  in  the  church  distinguished  from  the  world,  and  called  out 
 of  it.  Or,  it  may  be  read  in  heavenly  things,  such  as  come  from 
 heaven,  and  are  designed  to  prepare  men  for  it,  and  to  secure 
 their  receittion  into  it.  We  sliould  hence  learn  to  mind  spiritual 
 and  heavenly  things  as  the  principal  things,  spiritual  and  heavenly 
 Irlessings  as  the  best  blessings,  with  which  we  cannot  be  miserable, 
 and  >yithout  which  we  cannot  but  be  so.  Set  not  your  affections 
 on  things  on  the  earth,  but  on  those  things  which  are  above.  Those 
 we  are  blessed  with  in  Christ ;  for  as  all  our  services  ascend  to  God 
 through  Christ,  so  all  our  blessings  are  conveyed  to  us  the  same 
 way  ;  he  being  the  mediator  betwi.xt  God  and  us. 
 
 The  apostle  mentions  the  great  end  and  design  of  God  in  bestow¬ 
 ing  each  one,  and  all  these  spiritual  privileges ;  That  we  should 
 be  to  the  praise  of  his  gloly  who  first  trusted  in  Christ,  i.  e,  we  to 
 whom  the  gospel  was  first  preached,  and  who  were  first  converted 
 to  the  faith  of  Christ,  and  to  the  placing  our  hope  and  trust  in 
 him. 
 
 15—23.  We  are  come  to  the  last  part  of  this  chapter,  which 
 consists  of  -St.  Paul’s  earnest  prayer  to  God  in  behalf  of  these 
 I'.phcsians.  We  should  pray  for  the  persons  for  whom  we  give  thanks. 
 
 Our  apostles  blessed  God  fur  what  he  had  done  for  them,  and  then 
 he  prays  he  would  do  more  for  them  :  he  gives  thanks  for  spiritual 
 blessings,  and  prays  for  further  supplies  of  them.  For  God  will 
 for  this  be  inquired  of  by  the  house  of  Israel,  to  do  it  for  them 
 He  has  laid  up  these  spiritual  blessings  for  us  in  the  hands  of  his 
 bon  the  Lord  Jesus;  but  then  he  has  appointed  us  to  draw  them 
 out,  and  fetch  them  in  by  prayer.  We  have  no  part  nor  lot  in  the 
 matter,  any  further  than  we  claim  it  by  faith  and  prayer. 
 
 What  IS  It  that  St.  Paul  prays  form  their  behalf?  Whv,  not 
 that  they  might  be  freed  from  persecution  ;  not  that  theymiofit 
 possess  the  riches,  honours,  or  pleasures  of  the  rvorld  ;  but  the 
 great  thing  he  prays  for  is,  the  illumination  of  their  understand¬ 
 ings,  and  that  their  knowledge  might  increase  and  abound  •  he 
 means  It  of  a  practical  and  experimental  knowledge.  The  graces 
 and  comforts  of  the  spirit  are  communicated  to  the  soul  by  the 
 enlightning  of  the  understanding.  In  this  way  he  gains  and  keeps 
 possession.  Satan  takes  a  contrary  way,  he  gets  possession  by  the 
 senses  and  passions  ;  Christ  by  the  understanding. 
 
 Jesus  Christ  fillcth  all  in  all ;  he  supplies  all  defects  in  all  his 
 members,  fills  them  with  his  Spirit,  and  even  with  the  fulness  of 
 God,  chap.  m.  19.  And  yet  the  church  is  said  to  be  his  fulness  - 
 because  Christ  as  Mediator  would  not  be  comnlete,  if  he  had  not 
 a  church  How  co.ip.e  be  a  King  if  he  hid  n’o!  a  kin|dom1 
 1  his  therefore  comes  into  the  honour  of  Christ  as  Mediator,  that 
 the  church  is  his  fulness. 
 
 633 
 
EPHESIANS. 
 
 22  And  hath  put  all  things  under  his  feet, 
 and  gave  him  to  he  the  head  over  all  things  to 
 the  church, 
 
 23  Which  is  his  body,  the  fulness  of  him 
 that  filleth  all  in  all. 
 
 CHAP.  II. 
 
 This  chapter  contains  an  account,  I.  Of  the  rniserable  condition 
 of  these  Ephesians  by  nature,  1 — 3,  and  again,  11,  12.  II.  Of 
 the  glorious  change  that  was  wrought  in  them  by  converting 
 grace,  4—10,  and  again,  13.  III.  Of  the  great  privileges  that 
 converts  receive  from  Christ,  14 — 22. 
 
 And  you  hath  he  quickened^  who  were 
 dead  in  trespasses  and  sins  ; 
 
 2  Wlierein,  in  time  past,  ye  walked  ac¬ 
 cording  to  the  course  of  this  world,  accord¬ 
 ing  to  the  prince  of  the  power  of  the  air,  the 
 spirit  that  now  worketh  in  the  children  of 
 disobedience  ; 
 
 3  Among  whom  also  we  all  had  our  con¬ 
 versation  in  times  past  in  the  lusts  of  our 
 flesh,  fulfilling  the  desires  of  the  flesh  and  of 
 the  mind  ;  and  were  by  nature  the  children 
 of  wrath,  even  as  others. 
 
 4  But  God  who  is  rich  in  mercy,  for  his 
 great  love  wherewith  he  loved  us, 
 
 5  Even  when  we  w^ere  dead  in  sins,  hath 
 quickened  us  together  with  Christ;  (by  grace 
 ye  are  saved  :) 
 
 6  And  hath  raised  ns  up  together,  and 
 made  ns  sit  together  in  heavenly  places  in 
 Christ  Jesus  ; 
 
 7  That  in  the  ages  to  come  he  might  shew 
 the  exceeding  riches  of  his  grace,  in  his 
 kindness  toivard  us  through  Christ  Jesus. 
 
 8  For  by  grace  are  ye  saved  through  faith  ; 
 and  that  not  of  yourselves  :  it  is  the  gilt  of 
 God  ; 
 
 9  Not  of  -works  lest  any  man  should 
 boast. 
 
 10  For  we  are  his  workmanship,  created 
 in  Christ  Jesus  unto  good  works,  wdiich  God 
 
 hath  before  ordained  that  we  should  walk  in 
 them. 
 
 1 1  Wherefore  remember,  that  ye  being  in 
 time  past  Gentiles  in  the  flesh,  Avho  are  called 
 Uncircumcision  by  that  which  is  called  the 
 Circumcision  in  the  flesh  made  by  hands  ; 
 
 12  That  at  that  time  ye  were  without 
 Christ,  being  aliens  from  the  commonwealth 
 of  Israel,  and  strangers  from  the  covenants 
 of  promise,  having  no  hope,  and  without 
 God  in  the  world  : 
 
 13  But  now  in  Christ  Jesus,  ye  who  some¬ 
 times  Avere  far  off,  are  made  nigh  by  the 
 blood  of  Christ. 
 
 14  For  he  is  our  peace,  Avho  hath  made 
 both  one,  and  hath  broken  down  the  middle 
 wall  of  partition  between  ns  ; 
 
 15  Having  abolished  in  his  flesh  the  en¬ 
 mity,  even  the  law  of  commandments  con¬ 
 tained  in  ordinances  ;  for  to  make  in  him¬ 
 self  of  Bvain  one  new'  man,  so  making  peace  ; 
 
 16  And  that  he  might  reconcile  both  un¬ 
 to  God  in  one  body  by  the  cross,  having  slain 
 the  enmity  thereby  ; 
 
 17  And  came  and  preached  peace  to  you 
 Avhich  were  afar  off,  and  to  them  that  Avere 
 nigh. 
 
 18  For  through  him  w'e  l)oth  have  access 
 by  one  Spirit  unto  the  Father. 
 
 19  Now,  therefore,  ye  are  no  more  stran¬ 
 gers  and  foreigners,  but  felloAV-citizens  Avith 
 the  saints,  and  of  the  household  of  God  : 
 
 20  And  are  built  upon  the  foundation  of 
 the  apostles  and  prophets,  Jesus  Christ  him¬ 
 self  being  the  chief  corner-stone  ; 
 
 21  In  Avhom  all  the  building,  fitly  framed 
 together,  ciroAveth  unto  an  holy  temple  in 
 the  Lord  ; 
 
 22  In  Avhom  ye  also  are  builded  together 
 for  an  habitation  of  God  through  the 
 Spirit. 
 
 CHAP.  II.  1 — 3.  Our  state  and  course  are  such  as  deserve  wrath, 
 and  would  end  in  eternal  wrath,  if  divine  grace  did  not  interpose. 
 What  reason  have  sinners  then  to  be  looking  out  for  that  grace  that 
 will  make  them  of  children  of  wrath,  children  of  God,  and  heirs 
 of  glory  ?  I'hus  far  the  apostle  has  desci  ibed  the  misery  of  a  natural 
 state  in  these  verses,  which  we  shall  find  him  pursuing  again  in 
 
 some  following  ones.  '  ^  ,  o  ,  •  •  r  r 
 
 4 — 13.  The  saints  are  a  people  near  to  God.  Salvation  is  tar  from 
 the  wicked,  but  God  is  a  help  at  hand  to  his  people ;  and  this  is  hy 
 the  blood  of  Christ,  i.  e.  by  the  merit  of  his  sufierings  and  death. 
 Every  believing  sinner  owes  his  nearness  to  God,  and  his  interest  in 
 his  favour,  to  the  death  and  sacrifice  of  Christ. 
 
 634 
 
 ]4 _ 22.  The  church  is  the  place  which  God  hath  chosen  to 
 
 It  his  name  there  ;  and  it  becomes  such  a  temple  by  grace  and 
 renath  derived  from  himself.  The  universal  church  being  built 
 loifchrist  as  the  foundation-stone,  and  united  in  Christ  as  the 
 irner-stonc,  comes  at  length  to  be  glorified  in  him  as  the  top- 
 ane.  Not  only  the  universal  church  is  called  the  temple  of  Cod, 
 it  particular  churches;  and  even  every  true  believer  is  a  living 
 mJ^le,  is  an  habitation  of  God  through  the 
 
 all  believers  now;  they  being  become  the  temple  of  God  through 
 ;e  operations  of  the  blessed  Spirit;  and  his  dwdling  wi  h  them 
 )w  is  an  earnest  of  their  dwelling  together  with  him  to  eter¬ 
 
 nity. 
 
CHAP.  UT.  IV. 
 
 CHAP.  III. 
 
 This  chapter  consists  of  two  parts.  I,  Of  the  account  which  St. 
 
 Paul  gives  the  Ephesians  concerning  himself,  as  he  was  appoint¬ 
 ed  by  God  to  be  the  apostle  of  the  Gentiles,  1 — 13.  11.  O; 
 ^'his  devout  and  affectionate  prayer  to  God  for  the  Ephesians, 
 
 14—21. 
 
 this  cause,  I,  Paul,  the  prisoner  of 
 Jesus  Christ  for  you  Gentiles  ; 
 
 2  (If  ye  have  heard  of  the  dispensation  of 
 the  grace  of  God,  which  is  given  me  to  you¬ 
 ward  ; 
 
 3  How  that  by  revelation  he  made  known 
 unto  me  the  mystery,  as  I  wrote  afore  in 
 few  words : 
 
 4  Whereby,  when  ye  read,  ye  may  under¬ 
 stand  my  knoAvledge  in  the  mystery  of 
 Christ, 
 
 5  Which  in  other  ages  was  not  made 
 known  unto  the  sons  of  men,  as  it  is  now  re¬ 
 vealed  unto  his  holy  apostles  and  prophets 
 by  the  Spirit. 
 
 6  That  the  Gentiles  should  be  fellow-heirs, 
 and  of  the  same  body,  and  partakers  of  his 
 promise  in  Christ  by  the  gospel : 
 
 7  W  hereof  I  was  made  a  minister,  ac¬ 
 cording  to  the  gift  of  the  grace  of  God  given 
 unto  me,  by  the  effectual  working  of  his 
 power. 
 
 8  Unto  me,  who  am  less  than  the  least  of 
 all  saints,  is  this  grace  given,  that  I  should 
 preach  among  the  Gentiles  the  unsearchable 
 riches  of  Christ ; 
 
 9  And  to  make  all  men  see  what  is  the 
 fellowship  of  the  mystery,  which  from  the 
 beginning  of  the  world  hath  been  hid  in 
 God,  who  created  all  things  by  Jesus  Christ : 
 
 CHAP.  III.  1 — 13.  Observe,  fii'st.  Those  whohave  received  grace 
 and  signal  favours  from  God,  stand  in  need  of  prayer,  that  they 
 may  improve  and  advance,  and  continue  to  act  as  becomes  them. 
 And  seeing  Paul,  while  he  was  a  prisoner,  employed  himself  in 
 such  prayers  to  God  in  behalf  of  the  Ephesians,  we  should  learn 
 that  no  particular  suffering  of  our  own  should  make  us  so  solicit¬ 
 ous  about  ourselves  as  to  neglect  the  cases  of  others  in  our  sup- 
 plicyions  and^  addresses  to  God.  Second,  Not  only  the  faithful 
 ministers  of  Christ  themselves,  but  their  people  too,  have  some 
 special  cause  for  joy  and  glorying,  when  they  suffer  for  the  sake 
 of  dispensing  the  gospel.  Third,  That  what  God  calls  men  to,  he 
 ^ts  them  for,  and  doth  it  with  an  Almighty  power.  There  is  an 
 affectual  working  of  divine  power  attending  the  gifts  of  divine 
 grace. 
 
 As  God  appointed  Paul  to  the  office  of  an  apostle,  so  he  did 
 eminently  qualify  him  for  it,  by  a  special  revelation  that  he  made 
 Unto  him  :  and  he  makes  mention  both  of  the  mystery  that  was 
 revealed,  and  of  the  revelation  of  it. 
 
 Fourth,  That  the  conversion  of  the  Gentile  world  to  the  faith  of 
 Christ  was  an  adorable  mystery,  and  we  ought  to  bless  God  for  it. 
 Who  would  have  imagined  that  those  v  ho  had  been  so  long  in  the 
 
 10  To  the  intent  that  now  unto  the  prin¬ 
 cipalities  and  powers  in  heavenly  places 
 might  be  known  by  the  church  the  manifold 
 wisdom  of  God, 
 
 1 1  According  to  the  eternal  purpose  which 
 he  purposed  in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord  : 
 
 12  In  whom  we  have  boldness  and  access 
 with  confidence  by  the  faith  of  him. 
 
 13  Wherefore  I  desire  that  ye  faini*'  not  at 
 my  tribulations  for  you,  which  is  your  glory. 
 
 14  For  this  cause  I  bow  my  knees  unto 
 the  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
 
 15  Of  whom  the  whole  family  in  heaven 
 and  earth  is  named, 
 
 16  That  he  would  grant  you,  according 
 to  the  riches  of  his  glory,  to  be  strengthened 
 with  might  by  his  Spirit  in  the  inner  man  ; 
 
 17  That  Christ  may  dwell  in  your  hearts 
 3y  faith  ;  that  ye,  being  rooted  and  ground¬ 
 ed  in  love, 
 
 18  May  be  able  to  comprehend,  with  all 
 saints,  what  is  the  breadth,  and  length,  and 
 depth,  and  height ; 
 
 19  And  to  know  the  love  of  Christ,  which 
 Dasseth  knowledge,  that  ye  might  be  filled 
 with  all  the  fulness  of  God. 
 
 20  Now,  unto  him  that  is  able  to  do  ex¬ 
 ceeding  abundantly  above  all  that  we  ask 
 or  think,  according  to  the  power  that  work- 
 eth  in  us, 
 
 21  Unto  him  he  glory  in  the  church  by 
 Christ  Jesus,  throughout  all  ages,  world 
 without  end.  Amen. 
 
 CHAP.  IV. 
 
 Divers  exhortations  to  important  dqties. 
 
 dark,  and  at  so  great  a  distance,  should  be  enlightened  with  the 
 marvellous  light,  and  be  made  nigh  ?  Let  us  learn  from  hence  not 
 to  despair  of  the  worst ;  of  the  worst  of  persons,  and  of  the  worst 
 of  nations.  Nothing  is  too  hard  for  divine  grace  to  do:  none 
 so  unworthy  but  God  may  please  to  confer  great  grace  upon  them. 
 And  how  much  are  we  ourselves  interested  in  this  affair ;  not  onir 
 as  we  live  in  a  time  in  which  this  mystery  is  revealed,  but  particu¬ 
 larly  as  we  are  a  part  of  the  nations  which  in  times  past  were 
 foreigners  and  strangers,  and  lived  in  gross  idolatry ;  but  are  now 
 enlightened  with  the  everlasting  gospel,  and  partake  of  the  pro¬ 
 mises  of  it? 
 
 14  21.  Of  whom  the  whole  family  in  heaven  and  earth  is 
 ■lamed.  The  Jews  were  wont  to  boast  of  Abraham  as  their  fa- 
 her ;  but  now  both  Jews  and  Gentiles  are  denominated  from 
 Christ ;  so  some  :  while  others  understand  it  of  the  saints  in  hea¬ 
 ven,  who  wear  the  crown  of  glory  and  of  saints  on  earth,  who  are 
 going  on  in  the  work  of  grace  here :  both  the  one  and  the  other 
 make  but  one  family,  one  household:  and  from  him  they  are 
 named  Christians,  as  they  really  are  such  ;  acknowledging  their 
 dependance  upon,  and  their  relation  to  Christ  . 
 
 CHAP,  IV.  1.  Christians  ought  to  accommodate  themselves 
 
EPHESIANS. 
 
 ITHEREPORE,  the  prisoner  of  the  Lord, 
 beseech  you,  that  ye  walk  worthy  of  the 
 vocation  wherewith  ye  are  called, 
 
 2  With  all  lowliness  and  meekness,  with 
 long-suffering,  forbearing  one  another  in 
 love  ; 
 
 3  Endeavouring  to  keep  the  unity  of  the 
 Spirit  in  the  bond  of  peace. 
 
 4  There  is  one  body  and  one  Spirit,  even 
 as  ye  are  called  in  one  hope  of  your  calling  ; 
 
 5  One  Lord,  one  faith,  one  baptism, 
 
 6  One  God  and  Father  of  all,  who  is  above 
 all,  and  through  all,  and  in  you  all. 
 
 7  But  unto  every  one  of  us  is  given  grace 
 according  to  the  measure  of  the  gift  of 
 Christ. 
 
 8  Wherefore  he  saith,  When  he  ascended 
 up  on  high,  he  led  captivity  captive,  and 
 gave  gifts  unto  men. 
 
 9  (Now,  that  he  ascended,  Avhat  is  it  but 
 that  he  also  descended  first  into  the  lower 
 parts  of  the  earth  ? 
 
 10  He  that  descended  is  the  same  also  that 
 ascended  up  far  above  all  heavens,  that  he 
 might  fill  all  things. 
 
 11  And  he  gave  some,  apostles  ;  and  some, 
 prophets  ;  and  some,  evangelists  ;  and  some, 
 pastors  and  teachers  : 
 
 12  For  the  perfecting  of  the  saints,  for 
 the  work  pf  the  ministry,  for  the  edifying  of 
 the  body  of  Christ : 
 
 13  Till  we  all  come  in  the  unity  of  the 
 faith,  and  of  the  knowledge  of  the  Son  of 
 God,  unto  a  perfect  man,  unto  the  measure 
 of  the  stature  of  the  fulness  of  Christ ; 
 
 14  That  we  henceforth  be  no  more  chil¬ 
 dren,  tossed  to  and  fro,  and  carried  about 
 with  every  wind  of  doctrine,  by  the  sleight 
 
 to  the  gospel  by  which  they  are  called,  and  to  the  glory  to  which 
 they  are  called  ;  both  are  their  vocation.  We  are  called  Chris¬ 
 tians,  we  must  answer  that  name,  and  live  like  Christians.  \Ve 
 are  called  to  God’s  kingdom  and  glory  ;  that  kingdom  and  glory 
 therefore  we  must  mind,  and  walk  as  becomes  the  heirs  of  them. 
 
 2—16.  Here  the  apostle  proceeds  to  more  particular  exhorta¬ 
 tions.  Two  he  enlarges  upon  in  this  chapter,  viz.  To  unity  and 
 puritv,  holiness  and  love,  which  Christians  should  very  much 
 study.  We  do  not  walk  worthy  of  the  vocation  wherewith  we  are 
 called,  if  we  be  not  faithful  friends  to  all  Christians,  and  sworn 
 enemies  to  all  sin.  That  mutual  love  among  Christians  is  a  g}"eat 
 friend  to  spiritual  growth.  It  is  in  love  that  the  body  edifies 
 itself ;  whereas  a  kingdom  divided  against  itself  cannot  stan^ 
 
 17 — 3*2.  Christ  is  the  lesson,  we  must  learn  Christ,  and  Christ 
 is  the  teacher  ;  we  are  '^^taught  by  him — As  the  truth  is  in  Jesus. 
 This  may  be  understood  two  ways  ;  cither.  First,  You  have  been 
 laindit  ihe  real  truth,  as  held  forth  by  Christ  himself,  both  in  his 
 
 of  men,  and  cunning  craftiness,  whereby 
 ‘^hey  lie  in  wait  to  deceive  ; 
 
 15  But  speaking  the  truth  in  love,  may 
 grow  up  into  him  in  all  things,  which  is 
 lead,  even  Christ : 
 
 16  From  whom  the  whole  body,  fitly 
 joined  together,  and  compacted  by  that 
 which  every  joint  supplieth,  according  to 
 the  effectual  working  in  the  measure  of  every 
 part,  maketh  increase  of  the  body  unto  the 
 edifying  of  itself  in  love. 
 
 17  This  I  say,  therefore,  and  testify  in  the 
 Lord,  that  ye  henceforth  walk  not  as  other 
 Gentiles  walk,  in  the  vanity  of  their  mind  : 
 
 18  Having  the  understanding  darkened, 
 being  alienated  from  the  life  of  God  through 
 the  ignorance  that  is  in  them,  because  of 
 the  blindness  of  their  heart : 
 
 19  Who  being  past  feeling,  have  given 
 themselves  over  unto  lasciviousness,  to  work 
 all  uncleanness  with  greediness. 
 
 20  But  ye  have  not  so  learned  Christ ; 
 
 21  If  so  be  that  ye  have  heard  him,  and 
 have  been  taught  by  him,  as  the  truth  is  in 
 Jesus  ; 
 
 22  That  ye  put  off,  concerning  the  for¬ 
 mer  conversation,  the  old  man,  which  is  cor¬ 
 rupt  according  to  the  deceitful  lusts  ; 
 
 23  And  be  renewed  in  the  s])irit  of  your 
 mind  ; 
 
 24  And  that  ye  put  on  the  new  man, 
 which  after  God  is  created  in  righteousness 
 and  true  holiness. 
 
 25  Wherelbre,  putting  away  lying,  sjjeak 
 every  man  truth  with  his  neighbour  :  for  we 
 are  members  one  of  another. 
 
 26  Be  ye  angry,  and  sin  not :  let  not  the 
 sun  go  down  upon  your  wrath  : 
 
 doctrine  and  in  his  life.  Or,  Second,  Tims  the  truth  has  made 
 
 such  an  impression  on  your  hearts,  in  your  nuasurc,  as  it  did  up¬ 
 on  the  heart  of  Jesus.  The  truth  of  Christ  then  a))pears  in  its 
 beauty  and  power,  when  it  appears  as  in  Jesus. 
 
 Another  branch  of  the  general  exhortation  follows  in  those 
 words,  That  ye  put  off  concerning  the  former  conversation,  the  old 
 man,  &c.  22—24.  This  is  a  great  part  of  the  doctrine  which 
 has  been  taught  you,  and  that  you  have  learned.  Here  the 
 apostle  expresses  himself  in  metaphors  taken  from  garments. 
 The  princi})les,  habits,  and  dispositions  of  the  soul,  must  be  chang¬ 
 ed,  before  there  can  be  a  saving  change  of  the  life.  There  must 
 be  sanctification  ;  which  consists  of  these  two  things,  first,  Ine 
 old  man  must  be  put  off.  The  corrupt  nature  is  called  a  man,  be¬ 
 cause,  like  the  human  body,  it  consists  of  divers  mutually 
 
 supporting  and  strengthening  one  another.  It  is  *^^'6  3® 
 
 old  as  Adam,  from  whom  we  derived  it.  Second,  The  new  mar 
 must  be  put  on.  It  is  not  enough  to  shake  off  corrupt  principles  • 
 
CHAP.  V. 
 
 27  Neither  give  place  to  the  devil. 
 
 28  Let  him  that  stole  steal  no  more ;  but 
 rather  let  him  labour,  working  with  his  hands 
 the  thing  which  is  good,  that  he  may  have  to 
 give  to  him  that  needeth. 
 
 29  Let  no  corrupt  communication  pro¬ 
 ceed  out  of  your  mouth,  but  that  which  is 
 good  to  the  use  of  edifying,,  that  it  may  mi¬ 
 nister  grace  unto  the  hearers. 
 
 30  And  grieve  not  the  Holy  Spirit  of  God, 
 whereby  ye  are  sealed  unto  the  day  of  re¬ 
 demption. 
 
 31  Let  all  bitterness,  and  wrath,  and  an¬ 
 ger,  and  clamour,  and  evil  speaking,  be  put 
 away  from  you,  with  all  malice  : 
 
 32  And  be  ye  kind  one  to  another,  ten¬ 
 der  hearted,  forgiving  one  another,  even  as 
 God  for  Christ's  sake  hath  forgiven  you. 
 
 CHAP.  V. 
 
 1.  An  exhortation  to  mutual  love,  1,2.  II.  Against  all  manner 
 of  uncleanness,  3 — 20.  III.  I'o  the  conscientious  discharge  of 
 relative  duties,  21. 
 
 IJE  ye,  therefore,  followers  of  God,  as 
 dear  children  ; 
 
 2  And  walk  in  love,  as  Christ  also  hath 
 loved  us,  and  hath  given  himself  for  us  an 
 offering  and  a  sacrifice  to  God  for  a  sweet¬ 
 smelling  savour. 
 
 3  But  fornication,  and  all  uncleanness, 
 or  covetousness,  let  it  not  be  once  named 
 among  you,  as  becometh  saints  : 
 
 4  Neither  fflthiness,  nor  foolish  talking, 
 nor  jesting  which  are  not  convenient ;  but 
 rather  giving  of  thanks. 
 
 5  For  this  ye  know,  that  no  whoremon- 
 ger,  nor  unclean  person,  nor  covetous  man 
 
 but  we  must  he  actuated  by  gracious  ones.  We  must  embrace  them, 
 espouse  them,  and  get  them  written  on  our  hearts  ;  it  is  not  enough 
 to  cease  to  do  evil,  hut  we  must  learn  to  do  well.  Be  renewed  in 
 the  Spirit  of  your  mind,  23,  i.  e.  use  the  proper  and  prescribed 
 means  in  order  to  have  t’he  mind,  w  hich  is  a  Spirit,  renewed  more 
 and  more.  And  that  ye  put  on  the  new  man,  24.  By  the  new 
 man  is  meant  the  new  nature,  the  new  creature,  which  is  actuated 
 by  a  new  principle,  even  regenerating  grace,  enabling  a  man  to 
 lead  a  new  lile;  that  life  of  righteousness  and  holiness  whicli 
 Christianity  requires.  This  new  man  is  created,  or  produced  out 
 of  confusion  and  emptiness,  by  God’s  Almighty  Power,  whose 
 workmanship  it  is  ;  truly  excellent  and  beautiful. 
 
 CHAP.  V.  1,  2.  As  the  sacrifice  of  Christ  was  efficacious  with 
 God,  so  his  example  should  be  prevailing  with  us,  and  we  should 
 carefully  copy  after  it. 
 
 3—20.  These  verses  contain  a  caution  against  all  manner  of  un¬ 
 cleanness,  with  ])roper  arguments  and  remedies  proposed:  and 
 some  further  cautions  arc  added,  and  other  duties  recommended. 
 Filthy  lusts  must  be  suppressed,  in  order  to  the  supporting  of  hoi}' 
 love.  Walk  in  love,  and  shun  fornication  and  all  unclcannesL 
 Fornication  is  folly  committed  between  unmarried  persons.  All 
 
 who  is  an  idolater,  hath  any  inheritance  in 
 the  kingdom  of  Christ  and  of  God. 
 
 6  Let  no  man  deceive  you  with  vain 
 words  :  for  because  of  these  things  comet h 
 the  wrath  of  God  upon  the  children  of  dis¬ 
 obedience. 
 
 7  Be  not  ye,  therefore,  partakers  with 
 them. 
 
 8  For  ye  were  sometimes  darkness,  but 
 now  are  ye  light  in  the  Lord  :  walk  as  chil¬ 
 dren  of  light ; 
 
 9  (For  the  fruit  of  the  Spirit  is  in  all  good¬ 
 ness,  and  righteousness,  and  truth :) 
 
 10  Proving  what  is  acceptable  unto  the 
 Lord. 
 
 11  And  have  no  fellowship  with  the  un¬ 
 fruitful  works  of  darkness,  but  rather  reprove 
 them. 
 
 12  For  it  is  a  shame  even  to  speak  of 
 those  things  which  are  done  of  them  in 
 secret. 
 
 13  But  all  things  that  are  reproved, 
 are  made  manifest  by  the  light ;  for  what¬ 
 soever  doth  make  manifest  is  light. 
 
 14  Wherefore  he  saith,  Awake,  thou  that 
 sleepest,  and  arise  from  the  dead,  and  Christ 
 shall  give  thee  light. 
 
 15  See  then  that  ye  walk  circumspectly, 
 not  as  fools,  but  as  wise, 
 
 16  Redeeming  the  time,  because  the  days 
 are  evil. 
 
 17  Wherefore  be  ye  not  unwise,  but  un¬ 
 derstanding  what  the  will  of  the  Lord  is. 
 
 18  And  be  not  drunk  with  wine,  wherein 
 is  excess  ;  but  be  filled  with  the  Spirit ; 
 
 19  Speaking  to  yourselves  in  psalms  and 
 
 uncleanness  includes  all  other  sorts  of  filthy  lusts,  which  were  too 
 
 common  among  the  Gentiles.  Or  covetousness ;  which  being 
 thus  connected,  and  mentioned  as  a  thing  which  should  not  be 
 once  named,  some  understand  it  in  the  chaste  style  of  the  scrip¬ 
 ture,  of  exhorbitant,  unnatural  Inst;  while  others  take  it,  in  the 
 more  common  sense,  for  an  immoderate  desire  of  gain,  or  an  in¬ 
 satiable  love  of  riches,  which  is  spiritual  adultery  :  for  by  this  the 
 soul,  which  was  espoused  to  God,  goes  astray  from  him,  and  ein- 
 braceth  the  bosom  of  a  stranger;  and  therefore  carnal  worldlings 
 arc  called  adulterers.  Neither  filthiness,  v.  4,  by  which  may  be 
 understood  all  wanton  and  unseemly  gestures  and  behaviour. 
 Nor  foolish  talking,  i.  e.  obscene  and  lewd  discourse;  or,  more 
 generally,  such  vain  discourse  as  betrays  muph  folly  and  indiscre¬ 
 tion,  and  is  far  from  edifying  the  hearers,  Nor  jestiim.  The 
 Greek  word  is  the  same  which  Aristotle  in  his  Ethicks  makes  a 
 virtue ;  pleasantness  of  conversation  ;  and  there  is,  no  doubt, 
 an  innocent  and  inoffensive  jesting,  which  we  cannot  suppose  the 
 apostle  does  here  forbid.  Christianity  is  an  enemy  to  profane 
 mirth,  yet  it  encourages  joy  and  gladness,  and  the  proper  expres¬ 
 sions  of  these  in  the  professors  of  it.  God’s  people  have  reason 
 to  rejoice  and  to  sing  for  joy.  They  are  to  sing  and  to  make 
 
EPHESIANS. 
 
 hymns,  and  spiritual  songs,  singing  and 
 making  melody  in  your  heart  to  the  Lord  ; 
 
 20  Giving  thanks  always  for  all  things 
 unto  God  and  the  Father,  in  the  name  of  our 
 Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
 
 21  Submitting  yourselves  one  to  another 
 in  the  fear  of  God. 
 
 22  Wives,  submit  yourselves  unto  your 
 own  husbands,  as  unto  the  Lord. 
 
 23  For  the  husband  is  the  head  of  the 
 wife,  even  as  Christ  is  the  head  of  the  church 
 and  he  is  the  Saviour  of  the  body. 
 
 24  Therefore,  as  the  church  is  subject  un¬ 
 to  Christ,  so  let  the  wives  he  to  their  own 
 husbands  in  every  thing. 
 
 25  Husbands,  love  your  wives,  even  as 
 Christ  also  loved  the  church,  and  gave  him¬ 
 self  for  it ; 
 
 26  That  he  might  sanctify  and  cleanse  it 
 with  the  washing  of  water  by  the  word  ; 
 
 27  That  he  might  present  it  to  himself  a 
 glorious  church,  not  having  spot,  or  wrinkle, 
 or  any  such  thing  ;  but  that  it  should  be 
 holy,  and  without  blemish. 
 
 28  So  ought  men  to  love  their  wives  as 
 their  own  bodies  :  he  that  loveth  his  wife 
 loveth  himself. 
 
 29  For  no  man  ever  yet  hated  his  owm 
 flesh,  but  noLirisheth  and  cherisheth  it,  even 
 as  the  Lord  the  church  : 
 
 30  For  we  are  members  of  his  body,  of  his 
 flesh,  and  of  his  bones. 
 
 31  For  this  cause  shall  a  man  leave  his 
 father  and  mother,  and  shall  be  joined  unto 
 his  wife,  and  they  two  shall  be  one  flesh. 
 
 32  This  is  a  great  mystery  :  but  I  speak 
 concerning  Christ  and  the  church. 
 
 melody  in  their  hearts;  not  only  with  their  voices,  but  with  in¬ 
 ward  affection ;  and  then  their  doing  this  will  be  as  delightful  and 
 acceptable  to  God  as  music  used  to  be  to  us.  And  it  must  be 
 with  a  design  to  please  him  and  to  promote  his  glory  that  we  do 
 this  ;  and  then  it  will  be  done  to  the  Lord. 
 
 21 — 33.  The  apostle  refers  to  the  words  of  Adam,  when  Eve 
 was  given  to  him  for  a  help  meet,  Gen.  ii.  24.  We  are  not  to  un¬ 
 derstand  by  them,  as  though  a  man’s  obligation  to  other  relations 
 were  cancelled  upon  his  marriage ;  but  only  that  this  relation  is 
 to  be  preferred  to  all  others  ;  there  being  a  nearer  union  betwixt 
 these  two,  than  betwixt  any  others  ;  that  the  man  must  rather 
 leave  any  of  those  than  his  wife.  And  they  two  shall  be  one  flesh, 
 that  is,  by  virtue  of  the  matrimonial  bond.  This  is  a  great 
 mystery,  32.  Those  words  of  Adam  just  mentioned  by  the 
 apostle,  are  spoken  literally  of  marriage ;  but  they  have  also  a 
 hidden  mystical  sense  in  them,  relating  to  the  union  betwixt 
 Christ  and  his  church,  of  which  the  conjugal  union  betwixt  Adam 
 and  the  mother  of  us  all,  was  a  type  ;  though  not  instituted  or 
 appointed  by  God  to  signify  this  i  yet  it  was  a  kind  of  a  natural 
 
 33  Nevertheless,  let  every  one  of  you  in 
 particular  so  love  his  wife  even  as  himself ; 
 and  the  wife  see  that  she  reverence  her  hus¬ 
 band. 
 
 CHAP.  VI. 
 
 I.  The  apostle  proceeds  in  the  exhortation  to  relative  duties,  1 — p. 
 II.  He  directs  Christians  how  to  behave  themselves  in  the  sni- 
 ritual  warfare  with  the  enemies  of  the  souls,  10 — 18.  III.  He 
 takes  his  leave  of  them,  recommending  himself  to  the  pra}'ers  of 
 the  believing  Ephesians,  and  praying  for  them,  ip — 24. 
 
 /CHILDREN,  obey  your  parents  in  the 
 Lord  :  for  this  is  right. 
 
 2  Honour  thy  father  and  mother,  (which 
 is  the  first  commandment  with  promise,) 
 
 3  That  it  may  be  well  with  thee,  and  thou 
 mayest  live  long  on  the  earth. 
 
 4  And,  ye  fathers,  provoke  not  your  chil¬ 
 dren  to  wrath ;  but  bring  them  up  in  the 
 nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord. 
 
 5  Servants,  be  obedient  to  them  that  are 
 your  masters  according  to  the  flesh,  with 
 fear  and  trembling,  in  singleness  of  your 
 heart,  as  unto  Christ ; 
 
 6  Not  with  eye-service,  as  men-pleasers  ; 
 but  as  the  servants  of  Christ,  doing  the  will 
 of  God  from  the  heart ; 
 
 7  With  good-will  doing  service,  as  to  the 
 Lord,  and  not  to  men  ; 
 
 8  Knowing,  that  whatsoever  good  thing 
 any  man  doeth,  the  same  shall  he  receive  of 
 the  Lord,  whether  he  he  bond  or  free. 
 
 9  And,  ye  masters,  do  the  same  things 
 unto  them,  forbearing  threatening  ;  know¬ 
 ing  that  your  Master  also  is  in  heaven  ;  nei¬ 
 ther  is  there  respect  of  persons  with  him. 
 
 10  Finally,  my  brethren,  be  strong  in  the 
 Lord,  and  in  the  power  of  his  might. 
 
 11  Put  on  the  whole  armour  of  God,  that 
 
 type,  as  having  a  resemblance  to  it.  I  speak  concerning  Christ 
 and  the  church.  •  -« 
 
 CHAP.  VI.  1 — p.  Obedient  children  are  often  rewarded  with 
 outward  prosperity  ;  not  indeed  that  it  is  always  so.  There  are 
 instances  of  such  children  who  meet  with  much  affliction  in  this 
 ife  ;  but  ordinarily  it  is  thus  rewarded  :  and  where  it  is  not,  it  is 
 made  up  with  something  better.  First,  The  gospel  has  its  temporal 
 promises  as  well  as  spiritual  ones.  Second,  Although  the  authority 
 of  God  be  sufficient  to  engage  us  in  our  duty,  yet  we  are  allowed 
 to  have  respect  to  the  promised  reward  :  And,  third.  Though  it 
 contains  some  temporal  advantage,  even  that  may  be  considered  as 
 a  motive  and  encouragement  to  our  obedience.  If  masters  and  ser¬ 
 vants  would  both  consider  their  relation  and  obligation  to  God, 
 and  the  account  they  must  shortly  give  to  him,  they  would  be 
 more  careful  of  their  duty  to  each  otner. 
 
 10—18.  The  apostle  instances  the  particular  of  this  armour 
 30th  offensive  and  defensive.  Here  is  the  military  girdle  or  belt: 
 the  breast-plate,  the  greaves,  or  soldiers’  shoes  :  the  shield  :  the 
 helmet  and  the  sword.  It  is  observable,  among  them  all,  there 
 
CHAP.  VI. 
 
 ye  may  be  able  to  stand  against  the  wiles  of 
 the  devil. 
 
 12  For  we  wrestle  not  against  flesh  and 
 blood,  but  against  principalities,  against 
 powers,  against  the  rulers  of  the  darkness  of 
 this  world,  against  spiritual  wickedness  in 
 high  places. 
 
 13  Wherefore  take  unto  you  the  whole 
 armour  of  God,  that  ye  may  be  able  to 
 withstand  in  the  evil  day,  and  having  done 
 all,  to  stand. 
 
 14  Stand,  therefore,  having  your  loins 
 girt  about  with  truth,  and  having  on  the 
 breast-plate  ot  righteousness  ; 
 
 lo  And  your  teet  shod  with  the  prepara¬ 
 tion  of  the  gospel  of  peace  ; 
 
 16’  Above  all,  taking  the  shield  of  faith, 
 wherewith  ye  shall  be  able  to  quench  all  the 
 fiery  darts  of  the  wicked. 
 
 17  And  take  the  helmet  of  salvation,  and 
 the  sword  of  the  Spirit,  Avhich  is  the  word  of 
 God  ; 
 
 18  Praying  always  with  all  prayer  and 
 supplication  in  the  Spirit,  and  watching 
 
 thereunto  with  all  perseverance  and  suppli* 
 cation  for  all  saints ; 
 
 19  And  for  me,  that  utterance  may  be 
 given  unto  me,  that  I  may  open  my  mouth 
 boldly,  to  make  known  the  mystery  of  the 
 gospel, 
 
 20  For  which  I  am  an  ambassador  in 
 bonds  ;  that  therein  I  may  speak  boldly,  as 
 I  ought  to  speak. 
 
 21  But  that  ye  also  may  know  my  affairs, 
 and  how  I  do,  Tychicus,  a  beloved  brother, 
 and  faithful  minister  in  the  Lord,  shall  make 
 known  to  you  all  things  : 
 
 22  Whom  I  have  sent  unto  you  for  the 
 same  purpose,  that  ye  might  know  our  affairs, 
 and  that  he  might  comfort  your  hearts. 
 
 23  Peace  be  to  the  brethren,  and  love 
 with  faith,  from  God  the  Father,  and  the 
 Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
 
 24  Grace  with  all  them  that  love  om 
 Lord  Jesus  Christ  in  sincerity.  Amen. 
 
 ^  Written  from  Rome  unto  the  Ephe¬ 
 sians,  by  Tychicus. 
 
 IS  none  for  the  back  ;  if  we  turn  our  back  upon  the  enemy,  we  lie 
 exposed.  First,  Truth  or  sincerity  is  our  girdle,  14.  It  was 
 prophesied  of  Christ,  Isa.  xi.  5,  that  righteousness  should  be  the 
 girdle  m  Im  loins,  and  faithfulness  the  girdle  of  his  reins.  That 
 which  Christ  was  girt  with  all  Christians  must  be  girt  with.  This 
 JS  the  strength  of  our  loins.  Second,  Righteousness  must  be  our 
 breast-plate.  I  he  breast-plate  secures  the  vitals,  shelters  the 
 heart.  I  he  righteousness  of  Christ,  imputed  to  us,  is  our  breast¬ 
 plate  against  the  arrows  of  divine  wrath.  The  righteousness  of 
 Christ,  implanted  in  us,  is  our  breast-plate  to  fortify  the  heart 
 against  the  attacks  which  Satan  makes  against  us.  Third,  Reso¬ 
 lution  must  be  as  the  greaves  to  our  legs  ;  and  their  feet  shod  with 
 t^he  preparation  of  the  gospel  of  peace,  15.  Shoes,  or  greaves  of 
 brass,  or  the  like,  were  formerly  part  of  the  military  armour  1 
 Sam.  xvii.  6  ;  and  the  use  of  them  was  to  defend  their  feet 
 against  the  gall-traps,  and  sharp  sticks,  which  were  wont  to  be 
 laid  privily  in  the  way,  to  obstruct  the  marching  of  the  enemy. 
 
 1  he  preparation  of  the  gospel  of  peace  signifies  a  prepared  ami 
 resolved  frame  of  heart  to  adhere  to  the  gospel,  and  abide  by  it  • 
 which  will  enable  us  to  walk  with  a  steady  pace  in  the  way  of  re- 
 Jigion,  notwithstanding  the  difficulties  and  dangers  that  may  be  in 
 It.  hourth.  Faith  must  be  our  shield. ,  Above  all,  or  chiefly,  tak¬ 
 ing  the  shidd  of  ffiith,  v.  16.  This  is  more  necessary  than  any  of 
 them,  raith  IS  all  in  all  to  us  in  an  hour  of  temptation  The 
 breast-plate  secures  the  vitals;  but  with  the  shield  we  turn  every 
 way.  Fifth,  Salvation  must  be  our  helmet,  17,  i.  e.  hope,  which 
 has  salvation  for  its  object ;  so,  1  Thess.  v.  8,  The  helmet  secures 
 
 ao  4  N 
 
 salvation,  well  founded,  and  well  built, 
 
 w  11  both  purify  the  soul,  and  keep  it  from  being  defiled  by  Satan : 
 and  It  will  comfort  the  soul,  and  keep  it  from  being  troubled  and 
 tormented  by  Satan.  He  would  tempt  us  to  despair;  but  good 
 hope  keeps  us  trusting  in  God,  and  rejoicing  in  him.  Sixth,  The 
 word  of  God  is  the  sword  of  the  spirit.  The  sword  is  a  verv 
 necessary  and  useful  part  of  a  soldier’s  furniture.  The  word  of 
 Cod  IS  very  necessary,  and  of  great  use  to  the  Christian,  in  order  to 
 his  maintaining,  and  his  succeeding  in,  the  spiritual  warfare 
 
 armou^’v^Tr''  Christian 
 
 ni.r  dif’  With  all  these  graces  for 
 
 our  defence  against  these  spiritual  enemies  :  imploring  help  and 
 
 requires.  And  we  mu^st  pray  al- 
 '  ajs,  not  as  though  we  were  to  do  nothing  else  but  pray  for 
 there  are  other  duties  of  religion,  and  of  our  respective^stJt  ons 
 we  shrift-'^'^  are  to  be  done  in  their  place  aSd  Lson  :  K 
 th?m.^  constant  times  of  prayer,  and  be  constant  to 
 
 sinc?iTtv^‘in?ri‘?K^  to  Christ  is  not  acceptable  unless  it  be  in 
 
 ever  iSi’  "  i"°  ® Christ,  what- 
 
 mav  sincerity.  The  words 
 
 ChHst  in  be  with  all  them  that  love  oui  Lord  Jesus 
 
 to  h  m  so  '•  continue  constant  in  their  love 
 
 o  him,  so  as  not  to  be  corrupted  out  of  it  by  any  baits  or  seduc- 
 hons  whatsoever  :  and  whose  love  to  him  is  uncorrupted  by  any 
 opposite  lust,  or  the  love  of  any  thing  displeasing  to  him  ^  ' 
 
THE  EPISTLE  OF  PAUL  TO  THE 
 
 P  H  I  li  I  P  P  I  A  N  S. 
 
 Philippi  was  a  chief  city  of  the  western  part  of  Macedonia,  Acts  xvi.  12.  It  took  its  name  from  Philip,  the  famous  king  of  Maccdon 
 who  repaired  and  beautified  it;  and  was  afterwards  made  a  Roman  colony.  It  is  remarkable  among  Christians  for  this  epistle', 
 which  was  written  when  Paul  was  prisoner  at  Rome,  A.  D.  62.  St.  Paul  seems  to  have  had  a  very  particular  kindness  for  the 
 church  at  Philippi,  which  he  himself  had  been  instrumental  in  planting;  and  though  he  had  the  care  of  all  the  churches,  he  had, 
 upon  that  account,  a  particular  fatherly  tender  care  of  this.  Those  whom  God  has  employed  us  to  do  any  good  to,  we  should  look 
 upon  ourselves  both  encouraged  and  engaged  to  study  to  do  more  good  to.  He  looked  upon  them  as  his  children,  and  having  be¬ 
 gotten  them  to  the  gospel,  he  was  desirous  by  the  same  gospel  to  nourish  and  nurse  them  up. 
 
 CHAP.  I. 
 
 Paul’s  thankfulness  to  God. 
 
 PAUL  and  Timothens,  the  servants  of 
 Jesus  Christ,  to  all  the  saints  in  Christ 
 Jesus  which  are  at  Philippi,  with  the  bishops 
 and  deacons  : 
 
 2  Grace  he  unto  you,  and  peace,  from 
 God  our  Father,  and  from  the  Lord  Jesus 
 Christ. 
 
 3  I  thank  my  God  upon  every  remem¬ 
 brance  of  you. 
 
 4  (Always,  in  every  prayer  of  mine  for 
 you  all,  making  request  with  joy,) 
 
 5  For  your  fellowship  in  the  gospel,  from 
 the  first  day  until  now  ; 
 
 6  Being  confident  of  this  very  thing,  that 
 he  which  hath  begun  a  good  work  in  you, 
 will  perform  it  until  the  day  of  Jesus 
 Christ : 
 
 7  Even  as  it  is  meet  for  me  to  think  this 
 of  you  ail,  because  I  have  you  in  my  heart ; 
 in  as  much  as  both  in  my  bonds,  and  in  the 
 defence  and  confirmation  of  the  gospel,  ye 
 all  are  partakers  of  my  grace. 
 
 CHAP.  I.  1,2.  Christ  as  Mediator  is  the  channel  of  conveyance 
 of  all  spiritual  blessings  to  the  church,  and  directs  the  disposal  of 
 them  to  all  its  mem’oers. 
 
 3 — 6.  The  w'ork  of  grace  will  never  be  perfected  till  the  day  of 
 Jesus  Christ,  i.  e.  the  day  of  his  appearance  ;  when  he  shall  come 
 to  judge  the  world,  and  finish  his  mediation,  then  this  work  will  be 
 complete,  and  the  top-stone  will  be  brought  forth  with  shouting. 
 We  have  the  same  expression,  v.  10. 
 
 7,  8.  Fellow'-suflerers  should  be  dear  one  to  another;  they  who 
 have  ventured  and  suffered  in  the  same  good  cause  of  God  and  re¬ 
 ligion,  should  for  that  reason  love  one  another  dearly. 
 
 640 
 
 8  For  God  is  my  record,  how  greatly  I 
 long  after  you  all  in  the  bowels  of  Jesus 
 Christ. 
 
 9  And  this  I  pray,  that  your  love  may 
 abound  yet  more  and  more  in  knowledge, 
 and  in  all  judgment ; 
 
 10  That  ye  may  approve  things  that  are 
 excellent ;  that  ye  may  be  sincere,  and  with¬ 
 out  offence,  till  the  day  of  Christ  ; 
 
 1 1  Being  filled  with  the  fruits  of  righteous¬ 
 ness,  which  are  by  Jesus  Christ,  unto  the 
 glory  and  praise  of  God. 
 
 12  But  I  would  ye  should  understand, 
 brethren,  that  the  things  khic/i  happened  un¬ 
 to  me  have  fallen  out  rather  unto  the  fur¬ 
 therance  of  the  gospel ; 
 
 13  So  that  my  bonds  in  Christ  are  mani¬ 
 fest  in  all  the  palace,  and  in  all  other  places : 
 
 14  And  many  of  the  brethren  in  the  Lord 
 waxing  confident  by  my  bonds,  are  much 
 more  bold  to  speak  the  word  without  fear. 
 
 15  Some  indeed  preach  Christ  even  of 
 envy  and  strife  ;  and  some  also  of  good  will. 
 
 16  The  one  preach  Christ  of  contention, 
 
 9 — 11.  These  verses  contain  the  prayers  he  put  up  for  them. 
 Paul  often  lets  his  friends  know  what  it  was  he  begged  of  God  for 
 them,  that  they  might  know  what  to  beg  for  themselves,  and  be 
 directed  in  their  own  prayers:  and  that  they  might  be  encouraged 
 to  hope  thev'  should  receive  from  God  the  quickening,  strengthen¬ 
 ing,  establishing,  comforting  grace,  which  so  powerful  an  inter¬ 
 cessor,  as  Paul  was,  asked  of  God  for  them. 
 
 12 — 20.  'Phat  the  great  desire  of  every  true  Christian  is,  that 
 Christ  may  be  magnified  and  glorified  ;  that  his  name  may  be  great, 
 and  his  kingdom  come. 
 
CHAP.  II. 
 
 not  sincerely,  supposing  to  add  affliction  to 
 mj  lionds  : 
 
 17  But  the  other  of  love,  knowing  that  I 
 am  set  for  the  defence  of  the  gospel. 
 
 18  AVhat  then  ?  notwithstanding  every 
 
 way,  whether  in  pretence  or  in  truth,  Christ 
 is  preached  ;  and  I  therein  do  rejoice,  yea, 
 and  will  rejoice.  ’ 
 
 19  For  I  know  that  this  shall  turn  to  my 
 salvation  through  your  prayer,  and  the  sup¬ 
 ply  of  the  Spirit  of  Jesus  Christ, 
 
 20  According  to  my  earnest  expectation, 
 and  mij  hope,  that  in  nothing  I  shall  be 
 ashamed,  but  that  with  all  boldness,  as 
 alvays,  so  now  also,  Christ  shall  be  magni¬ 
 fied  in  my  body,  whether  it  be  by  life,  or  by 
 death. 
 
 21  For  to  me  to  live  is  Christ,  and  to  die 
 
 IS  gam. 
 
 22  But  it  I  live  in  the  flesh,  this  is  the 
 
 fruit  of  my  labour :  yet  what  I  shall  choose 
 1  wot  not. 
 
 23  lor  I  am  in  a  strait  betv/ixt  two,  hav- 
 ing  a  desire  to  depart,  and  to  be  with  Christ ; 
 which  is  far  better  : 
 
 24  Nevertheless  to  abide  in  the  flesh  is 
 more  needful  for  you. 
 
 25  And,  having  this  confidence,  I  know 
 that  I  shall  abide  and  continue  with  you  all 
 tor  your  furtherance  and  joy  of  faith  ; 
 
 26  That  your  rejoicing,  may  be  more 
 abundant  in  Jesus  Christ  for  me,  by  my 
 coming  to  you  again. 
 
 27  Only  let  your  conversation  be  as  it 
 becometh  the  gospel  of  Christ ;  that  whe¬ 
 ther  1  come  and  see  you,  or  else  be  absent, 
 
 1  may  hear  of  your  affiiirs,  that  ye  stand 
 last  in  one  spirit,  with  one  mind,  striving 
 together  for  the  faith  of  the  gospel  j 
 
 28  And  in  nothing  terrified  by  your  ad- 
 versaries  :  which  is  to  them  an  evident 
 
 ,.  r*3,ul  s  strait  was  not  between  living  in  the  world  and 
 
 hving  in  heaven;  between  these  two  there  is  no  comnarison ’•  Km 
 
 his  strait  was,  between  serving  Christ  in  thic  M,r.ri  i 
 
 him  in  another.  Still  i^yas' c\Srh1s'L^;\v:: 
 
 advance  the  interest  of  Christ  and  his  church  he  chose  rathfr  o 
 
 den'^v  .oppositions  and  difficulties,  and  o 
 
 den.v  himself  for  a  while  the  satisfaction  of  his  reward.  • 
 
 I  to  keep  close  to  our  orofession 
 
 and  to  be  constant  to  it :  "hatsoever  oppositions  we  mplt  wift.  ’ 
 
 mustn,,,  l,c  frishtened  at  them,  cor,sidSnMl;lTonditiorr,f' ,r 
 
 enhc'Xct.mn''’ 
 
 token  of  perdition,  but  to  you  of  salvation, 
 and  that  of  God. 
 
 29  For  unto  you  it  is  given  in  the  behalf 
 of  Christ,  not  only  to  believe  on  him,  but 
 also  to  suffer  for  his  sake  ; 
 
 30  Having  the  same  conflict  which  ye  saw 
 m  me,  and  now  hear  to  he  in  me. 
 
 CHAP.  11. 
 
 E.xhortations  to  several  duties. 
 
 'WF  there  be,  therefore,  any  consolation  in 
 Christ,  if  any  comfort  of  love,  if  any  fel- 
 lowship  of  the  Spirit,  if  any  bowels  and 
 mercies, 
 
 2  Pulfil  ye  my  joy,  that  ye  be  like-mind¬ 
 ed,  havmg  the  same  love,  hemg  of  one  accord, 
 ot  one  mind  : 
 
 3  Let  nothing  be  done  through  strife  or 
 vam  glory;  but  in  lowliness  of  mind  let 
 each  esteem  other  better  than  themselves. 
 
 4  Look  not  every  man  on  his  own  things 
 but  every  man  also  on  the  things  of  others. 
 
 5  Let  this  mind  be  in  you,  which  was  also 
 m  Christ  Jesus  ; 
 
 6  Who,  being  in  the  form  of  God,  thought 
 It  not  robbery  to  be  equal  with  God  : 
 
 7  But  made  himself  of  no  reputation,  and 
 took  upon  him  the  form  of  a  servant,  and 
 was  made  in  the  likeness  of  men  j 
 
 8  And,  being  found  in  fashion  as  a  man, 
 he  humbled  himself,  and  became  obedient 
 I  unto  death,  even  the  death  of  the  cross  • 
 
 9  Wherefore  God  also  hath  highly  exalted 
 him,  and  given  him  a  name  which  is  above 
 every  name  : 
 
 10  That  at  the  name  of  Jesus  every  knee 
 
 should  bow,  of  t/rings  in  heaven,  and  t/imas 
 in  earth,  and  t/iings  under  the  earth  ;  ^ 
 
 .n  Vt  should  confess 
 
 that  Jesus  Christ  is  Lord,  to  the  glory  of  God 
 the  kather. 
 
 12  Wherefore,  my  beloved,  as  ye  have 
 
 Sborrou^seWerand  ^"^t'lCour 
 
 must  be  of  Christ’s  mind  :  we  must  bear  fre'^smSance 
 w^uld  have  the  benefit  of  his  death.  .  If  we  have  not 
 of  Christ  we  are  none  of  his,  Rom.  viii.  Q  Now  who,  ^ 
 mind  of  Christ  ?  Why  he  was  eminontl,.  i^'  ^bat  was  the 
 
 we  are  peculiarly  toLrn  of  him  •  Learn 
 and  lowly  in  heart,  Matt.  xi.  29.  ^  ^ 
 
 >  3  Though  we  must  use  our  utmost  endeavours  in  working 
 
 64l 
 
PIllLIPPlANS. 
 
 your  messenger,  and  he  that  ministered  to 
 my  wants. 
 
 26  Por  he  longed  after  you  all,  and  was 
 full  of  heaviness,  because  that  ye  had  heard 
 that  he  had  been  sick. 
 
 27  Por  indeed  he  was  sick  nigh  unto  death: 
 but  God  had  mercy  on  him  ;  and  not  on 
 him  only,  but  on  me  also,  lest  I  should  have 
 sorrow  upon  sorrow. 
 
 28  I  sent  him,  therefore,  the  more  care¬ 
 fully,  that,  when  ye  see  him  again,  ye  may 
 rejoice,  and  that  I  may  be  the  less  sorrow- 
 ful. 
 
 29  Receive  him,  therefore,  in  the  Lord 
 with  all  gladness,  and  hold  such  in  reputa¬ 
 tion  : 
 
 30  Because  for  the  work  of  Christ  he  was 
 nigh  unto  death,  not  regarding  his  life,  to 
 I  supply  your  lack  of  service  toward  me. 
 
 CHAP.  HI. 
 
 always  obeyed,  not  as  in  my  presence  only,! 
 but  now  much  more  in  my  absence,  work  out 
 your  own  salvation  with  fear  and  trembling  . 
 
 13  Por  it  is  God  which  worketh  in  you 
 both  to  will  and  to  do  of  his  good  pleasure. 
 
 14  Do  all  things  without  murmurings  and 
 disputings  ; 
 
 15  That  ye  may  be  blameless  and  harm-| 
 less,  the  sons  of  God  without  rebuke,  in  the 
 midst  of  a  crooked  and  perverse  nation, 
 among  whom  ye  shine  as  lights  in  the  world  , 
 
 16  folding  forth  the  word  of  life  ;  that 
 I  may  rejoice  in  the  day  of  Christ  that  I  have 
 not  run  in  vain,  neither  laboured  in  vain. 
 
 17  Yea,  and  if  I  be  otfered  upon  the  sa¬ 
 crifice  and  service  of  your  faith,  I  joy  and 
 rejoice  with  you  all. 
 
 '  18  Por  the  same  cause  also  do  ye  joy  and 
 rejoice  with  me. 
 
 ‘  19  But  I  trust  in  the  Lord  Jesus  to  sendi 
 Timotheus  shortly  unto  you,  that  I  also  may  I 
 be  of  good  comfort  when  I  know  your 
 
 state.  .  .11  1 
 
 20  Por  I  have  no  man  like-minded,  who 
 
 will  naturally  care  for  your  state. 
 
 21  Por  all  seek  their  own,  not  the  things 
 
 which  are  Jesus  Christ’s. 
 
 22  But  ye  know  the  proof  of  him,  that, 
 as  a  son  with  the  father,  he  hath  served  with 
 me  in  the  gospel. 
 
 23  Him,  therefore,  I  hope  to  send  pre¬ 
 sently,  so  soon  as  I  shall  see  how  it  will  go 
 with  me. 
 
 24  But  1  trust  in  the  Lord,  that  1  also 
 
 myself  shall  come  shortly. 
 
 25  Yet  I  supposed  it  necessary  to  send 
 to  you  Ppaphroditus,  my  brother,  and  com¬ 
 panion  in  labour,  and  fellow-soldier,  but 
 
 out  our  salvation,  vet  still  we  must  go  forth,  and  go  on  in  a  depend¬ 
 ence  upon  the  grace  of  God.  His  grace  worketh  in  us  in  a  way 
 suitable  to  our  natures,  and  in  concurrence  with  our  endeavours  , 
 and  the  operations  of  God's  grace  in  us  are  so  far  from  excusing 
 that  they  are  intended  to  quicken  and  engage  our  endeavours  ;  and 
 work  out  your  salvation  with  fear  and  trembling,  for  he  worketh  in 
 
 ^  14—18.  It  is  o'ur  duty  not  only  to  hold  I  (^hap  lu.  i  — ->•  i  . . . '  •  r  r. 
 
 the  word  of  life;  »ot  ^^nly  to  hold  it  fast  for  our  own  beneht,  u  o  I  jja  Ivi  *10,  to  which  the  apostle  here  seems  to  refer.  Dogs 
 
 hold  it  forth  for  the  benefit  of  others;  tp  hold  it  forth  as  the  can  lie-  dogs,  ^ofessors  of  the  gospel  of 
 
 stick  holds  forth  the  candle,  which  makes  it  appear  to  adyan  age  for  their  malice  , 
 to  all  round  :  or  as  the  luminaries  of  the  heavens,  which  shed  their 
 
 influence  far  and  wide.  ,  v.  r  u-  •  i;„ 
 
 ig — 30.  The  apostle  does  not  blame  Epaphroditus  for  his  indis-l 
 
 cretion  in  hazarding  his  life,  but  reckons  they  ought  to  love  him 
 the  more  upon  that  account.  Observe,  first,  They  who  truly  lovej 
 642 
 
 Against  judaizing  seducers. 
 
 Finally,  my  brethren,  rejoice  in  the 
 Lord.  To  write  the  same  things  to  you 
 to  me  indeed  is  not  grievous,  but  for  you  it 
 is  safe. 
 
 2  Beware  of  dogs,  beware  of  evil  workers, 
 
 beware  of  the  concision.  ^ 
 
 3  Por  we  are  the  circumcision,  which 
 worship  God  in  the  Spirit,  and  rejoice  in 
 Christ  Jesus,  and  have  no  confidence  in  the 
 
 desh  : 
 
 4  Though  I  might  also  have  confidence 
 in  the  flesh.  If  any  other  man  thinketh  that 
 he  hath  whereof  he  might  trust  in  the  flesh, 
 
 I  more :  .  ,  ,  ,  r  i 
 
 5  Circumcised  the  eighth  day,  of  the 
 
 stock  of  Israel,  0/ the  tribe  of  Benjamin,  an 
 
 rbrist  and  are  hcartv  in  the  interests  of  his  kingdom,  will  think 
 U  .er^vJll  Ihcir  while  to  haeanl  thoi,  health  an.l  hfe  to  tlo 
 
 him  service,  and  promote  the  edification  of  his  church.  Observe, 
 second  They  were  to  receive  him  with  jov,  as  newly  recovered 
 from  sicknei.  It  is  an  endearing  consideration  to  have  our 
 mercies  restored  to  us  after  danger  of  removal  :  and  should  make 
 them  the  more  valued  and  improved.  What  is  given  us  in  answei 
 1  to  nraver  should  be  received  with  great  thankfulness  and  joy. 
 CHAP.  III.  i-3-ThP™P'’“ 
 
 :>gs,  I 
 ,  ir  the 
 
 Paul  had  quitted  all  his  honours  and  advantages  as  a 
 Tew  and  a  Pharisee,  and  submitted  to  all  4® 
 
 which  attended  the  profession  and  preaching  of  the  gospel.  U  hen 
 heiaSin  ilmbottom  of  the  Christian  religion  he  ventured 
 
CHAP.  IV. 
 
 Hebrew  of  the  Hebrews ;  as  touching  the 
 law,  a  Pharisee  : 
 
 6  Concerning  zeal,  persecuting  the  church; 
 touching  the  righteousness  which  is  in  the 
 law,  blameless. 
 
 7  But  what  things  were  gain  to  me,  those  I 
 I  counted  loss  for  Christ. 
 
 8  Yea,  doubtless,  and  I  count  all  things! 
 l?ui  loss  for  the  excellency  of  the  knowledge 
 of  Christ  Jesus  my  Lord  ;  for  whom  I  have! 
 suffered  the  loss  of  all  things,  and  do  count 
 them  but  dung,  that  I  may  win  Christ, 
 
 9  And  be  found  in  him,  not  having  mine 
 own  righteousness,  which  is  of  the  law,  but 
 that  which  is  through  the  faith  of  Christ,  the 
 righteousness  which  is  of  God  by  faith ; 
 
 10  That  I  may  know  him,  and  the  power 
 of  his  resurrection,  and  the  fellowship  of  his 
 sufferings,  being  made  conformable  unto  his  I 
 death ; 
 
 11  If  by  any  means  I  might  attain  unto 
 the  resurrection  of  the  deacf , 
 
 ^  12  Not  as  though  I  had  already  attained, 
 either  were  already  perfect,  but  I  follow 
 after,  if  that  I  may  apprehend  that  for  which 
 also  I  am  apprehended  of  Christ  Jesus. 
 
 13  Brethren,  I  count  not  myself  to  have 
 apprehended  ,  but  i/iis  one  thing  J  r/o,  for-j 
 getting  those  things  which  are  behind,  and' 
 reaching  forth  unto  those  things  which  are 
 before, 
 
 14  I  press  toward  the  mark,  for  the  p*rize 
 of  the  high  calling  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus. 
 
 15  Let  us,  therefore,  as  many  as  be  per¬ 
 fect  be  thus  minded  :  and  if  in  any  thing  ye  I 
 
 be  otherwise  minded,  God  shall  reveal  even 
 this  unto  you. 
 
 16  Nevertheless,  whereto  we  have  already 
 
 attained,  let  us  walk  by  the  same  rule,  let  usj 
 mind  the  same  thing.  I 
 
 all  in  It,  and  suffered  the  loss  of  all,  for  the  privileges  of  a  Christian. 
 Nay,  he  not  only  counted  them  loss,  but  dung,  offals'  thrown  to 
 dogs ;  they  are  not  only  less  valuable  than  Christ,  but  in  the  highest 
 degree  coruemptible,  when  they  come  in  competition  with  hin?. 
 
 1  he  happiness  of  heaven  is  here  called  the  resurrection  of 
 the  dead,  because  though  the  souls  of  the  faithful  when  they  depart 
 are  immediately  with  Christ,  yet  their  happiness  will  not  be  com¬ 
 plete  till  the  genera  resurrection  of  the  dead  at  the  last  day,  when 
 soul  and  body  shall  be  glorified  together. 
 
 15.  1  O'.  The  apostle  haying  proposed  himself  as  an  example;  he 
 urges  the  Phihppians  to  follow  it.  Let  the  same  mind  be  in  us 
 which  was  in  blessed  Paul.  We  see  here  how  he  was  minded  •  let 
 us  be  like-mindcd,  and  set  our  hearts  upon  Christ  and  heaven  as  he 
 
 17  Brethren  be  followers  together  of  me, 
 cind  mnrk  them  which  wsilk  so,  us  ye  have  us 
 for  an  ensample. 
 
 18  (For  many  walk,  of  whom  I  have  told 
 lyou  often,  and  now  tell  you  even  weeping, 
 u/int  they  are  the  enemies  of  the  cross  of 
 I  Christ ; 
 
 19  Whose  end  is  destruction,  whose  god 
 jw  their  belly,  and  whose  glory  is  in  their 
 shame,  who  mind  earthly  things.) 
 
 20  For  our  conversation  is  in  heaven ; 
 from  whence  also  we  look  for  the  Saviour, 
 
 '  the  Lord  J  esus  Christ ; 
 
 21  Who  shall  change  our  vile  body,  that 
 it  may  be  fashioned  like  unto  his  glorious' 
 body,  according  to  the  working  whereby  he 
 is  able  even  to  subdue  all  things  unto  him¬ 
 self. 
 
 CHAP.  IV. 
 
 I _  Exhortations  to  several  Christian  duties. 
 
 'THEREFORE,  my  brethren,  dearly  be¬ 
 loved  and  longed  for,  my  joy  and  crown. 
 
 Iso  stand  fast  in  the  Lord,  my  dearly  beloved. 
 
 2  I  beseech  Euodias,  and  beseech  Syn- 
 
 tyche,  that  they  be  of  the  same  mind  in  the 
 Lord. 
 
 3  And  I  entreat  thee  also*  true  yoke-fel¬ 
 low,  help  those  women  which  laboured  with 
 me  in  the  gospel,  with  Clement  also,  and 
 mith  other  my  fellow-labourers,  whose  names 
 \are  in  the  book  of  life. 
 
 I  4  Rejoice  in  the  Lord  alway  ;  and,  again 
 I  say,  Rejoice. 
 
 5  Let  your  moderation  be  known  unto  all 
 men.  The  Lord  is  at  hand. 
 
 6  Be  careful  for  nothing  i  but  in  every 
 thing  by  prayer  and  supplication,  with 
 thanksgiving,  let  your  requests  be  made 
 known  unto  God. 
 
 ^  And  the  peace  of  God,  Avhich  passeth 
 
 17—2L  Good  Christians,  even  while  they  are  here  on  earth 
 have  their  conversation  in  heaven.  Their  citizenship  is  there’ 
 
 citizens  of  the  New  Jerul 
 Salem.  This  world  is  not  our  home,  but  that  is.  There  our 
 greatest  privileges  and  concerns  lie.  And  because  our  citizenshio 
 IS  there,  our  conversation  is  there ;  being  related  to  that  world  we 
 “  u  ^  correspondence  with  it.  The  life  of  a  Christian  is  in  hea- 
 
 '^^cre  he  hopes  to  be 
 
 shortly ;  he  sets  his  affections  upon  things  above  •  and  where  bis 
 heart  IS,  there  will  his  conversation  be.  ’ 
 
 his  to  stand  fast  in 
 
 clairlihio^ln’  his  grace;  not  trusting  in  ourselves,  and  dis- 
 
 I  old  ^  strong  in  the 
 
 Lord,  and  in  the  power  of  his  might,  Lph.  vi.  10.  The  apostle  would 
 
 6'43 
 
COLOSSIANS. 
 
 all  understanding,  shall  keep  your  hearts 
 and  minds  through  Christ  Jesus. 
 
 8  Finally,  brethren,  whatsoever  things 
 are  true,  whatsoever  things  are  honest,  what¬ 
 soever  things  are  just,  whatsoever  things  are 
 pure,  whatsoever  things  are  lovely,  whatso¬ 
 ever  things  are  of  good  report ;  if  there  be  any 
 virtue,  and  if  there  be  any  praise,  think  on 
 these  things. 
 
 9  Those  things  which  ye  have  both  learn¬ 
 ed  and  received,  and  heard  and  seen  in  me, 
 do  :  and  the  God  of  peace  shall  be  with  you. 
 
 10  But  I  rejoiced  in  the  Lord  greatly, 
 that  now  at  the  last  your  care  of  me  hath 
 flourished  again  ;  wherein  ye  were  also  care¬ 
 ful,  but  ye  lacked  opportunity. 
 
 -  11  Not  that  I  speak  in  respect  of  want  : 
 for  I  have  learned,  in  whatsoever  state  I  am, 
 therewith  to  be  content. 
 
 12  I  know  both  how  to  be  abased,  and 
 I  know  how  to  abound  :  every  where,  and 
 in  all  things,  I  am  instructed  both  to  be  full 
 and  to  be  hungry,  both  to  abound  and  suf¬ 
 fer  need. 
 
 13  I  can  do  all  things  through  Christ 
 v/hich  strengthened  me. 
 
 14  Notwithstanding  ye  have  well  done 
 that  ye  did  communicate  with  my  affliction. 
 
 have  the  Christians  learn  any  thing  which  was  good  ol  their  liea- 
 
 then  neighbours.  If  there  be  any  virtue — think  of  these  things. 
 We  should  walk  in  all  the  ways  of  virtue,  and  abide  therein,  and 
 then  whether  our  praise  be  of  men  or  no,  it  will  be  of  God,  Rom,  ii. 
 29. 
 
 10—19.  A  good  man  will  soon  have  enough  of  this  world ;  not 
 only  of  living  in  it,  but  of  receiving  from  it.  A  covetous  worldling, 
 
 15  Now,  ye  Fhilippians,  know  also,  that 
 in  the  beginning  of  the  gospel,  when  I  de¬ 
 parted  from  Macedonia,  no  church  com¬ 
 municated  with  me,  as  concerning  giving  and 
 receiving,  but  ye  only. 
 
 16  For  even  in  Thessalonica  ye  sent  once 
 and  again  unto  my  necessity. 
 
 17  Not  because  I  desire  a  gift ;  but  1 
 desire  fruit  that  may  abound  to  your  ac¬ 
 count. 
 
 18  But  I  have  all,  and  abound  :  I  am 
 full,  having  received  of  Epaphroditus  the 
 things  which  were  sent  from  you,  an  odour  of 
 a  sweet  smell,  a  sacrifice  acceptable,  well¬ 
 pleasing  to  God. 
 
 19  But  my  God  shall  supply  all  your  need, 
 according  to  his  riches  in  glory,  by  Christ 
 Jesus. 
 
 20  Now,  unto  God  and  our  Father  be 
 glory  for  ever  and  ever.  Amen, 
 
 21  Salute  every  saint  in  Christ  Jesus.  The 
 brethren  which  are  v/ith  me  greet  you. 
 
 22  All  the  saints  salute  you,  chiefly  they 
 that  are  of  Cesar's  household  : 
 
 23  The  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  be 
 with  you  all.  Amen. 
 
 ^  It  was  written  to  the  Fhilippians  from 
 Rome  by  Ej)aphroditus. 
 
 if  he  has  never  so  much,  would  stdl  have  more;  but  a  heavenly 
 
 Christian,  though  he  hath  little  hath  enough. 
 
 20 — 23.  'I'hough  Paul  was  imprisoned  at  Rome  for  preaching 
 tlie  gospel,  by  the  emperor’s  command ;  yet  there  were  some 
 Christians  in  his  own  family,  'i’he  gospel  early  obtained  among 
 some  of  the  rich  and  great.  Perhaps  the  apostle  fared  the  better, 
 and  received  some  favour  by  the  means  of  his  friends  at  court. 
 
 THE  EPISTLE  OF  PAUL  TO  THE 
 
 COIiOSSIAN  S. 
 
 Colossc  was  a  considerable  city  of  Phrygia,  and  probably  not  far  from  Laodicea  and  Hierapolis ;  we  find  these  three 
 ■  gethcr,  chap.  iv.  13.  It  is  now  buried  in  ruins,  and  the  memory  of  it  chiefly  preserved  in  this  .^his  A  ColoLe  w^ 
 
 flomans,  was  written  to  those  whom  he  had  never  seen,  nor  had  any  personal  acquaintance  '"'dh.  T  ,  ,  .  f  .  nreachthe  eosoel 
 
 ‘  not  by  Paul’s  ministry,  but  by  the  ministry  of  Epaphras  or  Epaphroditus,  an  evangelist,  one  whom  he  g  P 
 
 among  the  Gentiles. 
 
CHAP.  I. 
 
 CHAP.  I. 
 
 raul  thanks  God  for  the  faith  of  the  Colossians,  prays  for  the 
 
 growth  in  grace,  and  gives  them  a  summary  of  the  Christian 
 .  doctrine. 
 
 "S^AUL,  an  apostle  of  Jesus  Christ  by  the 
 will  of  God  and  Timotheus  our  brother, 
 
 2  To  the  saints  and  faithful  brethren  in 
 Christ  which  are  at  Colosse :  Grace  he  unto 
 you,  and  peace,  from  God  our  Father,  and 
 the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
 
 3  e  give  thanks  to  God  and  the  Father 
 of  oui  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  praying  always  for 
 you, 
 
 4  Since  we  heard  of  your  faith  in  Christ 
 
 Jesus,  and  ot  the  love  which  ye  have  to  all  the 
 saints. 
 
 5  lor  the  hope  which  isdaid  up  for  you 
 m  heaven,  whereof  ye  heard  before  in  the 
 woid  of  the  truth  ot  the  gospel  j 
 
 6  A\  hich  is  come  unto  you,  as  it  is  in  all 
 the  world  ;  and  bringeth  forth  fruit,  as  it 
 doth  also  in  you,  since  the  day  ye  heard  of 
 It,  and  knew  the  grace  of  God  in  truth. 
 
 7  As  ye  also  learned  of  Epaphras,  our 
 dear  fellow-servant,  who  is  for  you  a  faithfu 
 minister  ol’  Christ ; 
 
 8  AVho  also  declared  unto  us  your  love  in 
 the  Spirit. 
 
 9  For  this  cause  we  also,  since  the  day 
 w^e  heard  it,  do  not  cease  to  pray  for  vou, 
 and  to  desire  that  ye  might  be  filled  with 
 the  knowledge  of  his  wall,  in  all  wisdom  and 
 spiritual  understanding : 
 
 10  lhat  ye  might  w^alk  w^orthy  of  the 
 Lord  unto  all  pleasing,  being  fruitful  in  every 
 
 good  work,  and  increasing  in  the  knowledge 
 of  God  ;  . 
 
 1 1  Strengthened  with  all  might,  according 
 to  his  glorious  power,  unto  all  patience  and 
 long-suffering  with  joyfulness  ; 
 
 12  Giving  thanks  unto  the  Father,  which 
 hath  made  us  meet  to  be  partakers  of  the 
 inheritance  of  the  saints  in  light ; 
 
 13  Who  hath  delivered  us  from  the  powder 
 of  darkness,  and  hath  translated  iis  into  the 
 kingdom  of  his  dear  Son  ; 
 
 14  In  whom  we  have  redemption  through 
 lis  blood,  even  the  forgiveness  of  sins  ; 
 
 13  Who  is  the  image  of  the  invisible  God, 
 the  first-born  of  every  creature  ; 
 
 16  For  by  him  w^ere  all  things  created  that 
 are  in  heaven,  and  that  are  in  earth,  visible 
 and  invisible,  whether  they  he  thrones,  or 
 dominions,  or  principalities,  or  powders  ;  all 
 things  w^ere  created  by  him,  and  for  him  : 
 
 17  And  he  is  before  all  things,  and  by 
 him  all  things  consist : 
 
 18  And  he  is  the  head  of  the  body,  the 
 
 church  ;  who  is  the  beginning,  the  first-born 
 from  the  dead  ,  that  in  all  things  he  mio’ht 
 have  the  pre-eminence  :  ^ 
 
 19  For  it  pleased  the  Father,  that  in  him 
 should  all  fulness  dwell  ; 
 
 20  And  (having  made  peace  through  the 
 blood  of  his  cross)  by  him  to  reconmle  all 
 things  unto  himself;  by  him,  1  say,  whether 
 they  he  things  in  earth,  or  things  in  heaven. 
 
 21  And  you,  that  were  sometime  alien¬ 
 ated,  and  enemies  in  your  mind  by'wdcked 
 works,  yet  now  hath  he  reconciled. 
 
 CII AI  I.  1—8.  \\  hat  IS  laid  out  upon  believers  in  this  world  is 
 much,  but  what  is  laid  up  tor  them  in  heaven  is  much  more.  And 
 we  have  reason  to  give  thanks  to  God  for  the  hope  of  heaven,  which 
 good  Christians  have;  or  their  well-grounded  e.xpectation  of  the 
 fuluie  gli'rv-  1  hat  wherever  the  gospel  comes,  it  will  bring.forth 
 fruit  to  the  honour  and  g  ory  of  God.  It  bringeth  forth  IVuif,  as  it 
 doth  also  ,n  you.  We  mistake,  if  we  think  to  monopolize  the  com- 
 
 forth  ? » SiSothT;  '^""8 
 
 it  ?ro'f  Go"  1 
 
 12  29.  Mere  is  a  summary  of  the  doctrine  of  the  gospel  con¬ 
 cerning  the  great  work  of  our  redemption  by  Christ.  It  comes  in 
 here  not  as  a  matter  of  a  sermon,  but  as  the  matter  of  thanksgiving  • 
 for  our  salvation  by  Christ  furnishes  us  with  abundant  matter  of 
 thanksgiving  in  every  view  of  it.  The  order  and  connexion  of  the 
 apost  e  s  discourse  may  be  considered  in  the  following  manner 
 
 (1.)  lie  speaks  concerning  the  operations  of  the  Spirit  of  grace 
 upon  us.  ^ 
 
 1  hath  delivered  us  from  the  power  of  darkness,  v.  13.  2  He 
 
 hath  translated  us  into  the  kingdom  of  his  dear  Son,  i.  e.  brought  us 
 
 nto  the  gospel  state,  and  made  us  members  of  the  church  of 
 Christ,  which  ,s  a  state  of  light  and  purity.  The  conversion  of  a 
 
 sinner  IS  the  translation  of  a  soul  into  the  kingdom  of  Christ  mu 
 of  the  kingdom  of  the  devil.  3.  He  hath  not  only  done  th^s’.  Cl 
 hath  made  us  meet  to  pai  take  of  the  inheritance  of  the  saints  in  light 
 v.^12,  1.  c.  H.3  hath  prepared  us  for  the  eternal  happiness  of  hea- 
 
 (2-)  Concerning  the  person  of  the  Redeemer 
 1 .  He  IS  the  image  of  the  invisible  God.  He  is  so  the  imace  of 
 God  as  the  son  is  the  image  of  his  father,  who  ha?  a  natural  likened 
 o  him  ,  and  as  he  who  hath  seen  him  hath  seen  the  Father  •  and 
 T  glory  of  the  only  begotten  of  the  Father  John  i 
 
 14,  John  XIV.  9.  2.  He  is  the  first-born  of  every  creature  •  nm 
 that  he  IS  himself  a  creature;  for  it  is  born  or  begotten  before  all 
 the  creation,  or  any  creature  w'as  made.  3.  He  is  so  far  from  be 
 mg  himself  a  creature,  that  he  is  the  Creator.  For  by  him  were  all 
 things  created  which  are  in  heaven  and  earth,  visible  and  invisib?e 
 V.  16.  He  made  all  things  out  of  nothing;  the  highest  anc^el  hi 
 heaven  as  well  as  men  upon  earth.  4.  He  is  before  all  thine? 
 He  had  a  being  before  the  world  was  made;  before  the  beginning 
 of  time,  and  therefore  from  all  eternity.  5.  By  him  all  thii^s 
 
 645 
 
COLOsSIANS. 
 
 22  In  the  body  of  his  flesh  through  death, 
 to  present  you  holy,  and  unblameable,  and 
 unreproveable,  in  his  sight ; 
 
 23  If  ye  continue  in  the  faith  grounded 
 and  .settled,  and  he  not  moved  away  from 
 the  hope  of  the  gospel,  which  ye  have  heard, 
 and  which  was  preached  to  every  creature 
 which  is  under  heaven,  whereof  I  Paul,  am 
 made  a  minister  ; 
 
 24  Who  now  rejoice  in  my  sufterings  for 
 YOU,  and  fill  up  that  which  is  behind  of  the 
 afflictions  of  Christ  in  my  flesh  for  his 
 body's  sake,  which  is  the  church  : 
 
 25  Whereof  I  am  made  a  minister,  ac¬ 
 cording  to  the  dispensation  of  God,  which 
 is  given  to  me  for  you,  to  fulfil  the  word  of 
 God. 
 
 26  Even  the  mystery  which  hath  been 
 hid  from  ages,  and  from  generations,  but 
 now  is  made  manifest  to  his  saints  ; 
 
 27  To  whom  God  would  make  known 
 what  is  the  riches  of  the  glory  of  this  mystery 
 arnono;  the  Gentiles  ;  which  is  Christ  in  you, 
 the  hope  of  glory  : 
 
 28  Whom  we  preach,  warning  every  man, 
 and  teaching  every  man  in  all  wisdom  ;  that 
 we  may  present  every  man  perfect  in  Christ 
 Jesus  ; 
 
 29  W hereunto  I  also  labour,  striving  ac¬ 
 cording  to  his  working,  which  worketh  in 
 me  mightily. 
 
 CHAP.  II. 
 
 A  caution  against  judaizing  teachers  and  gentile  philosophers. 
 
 OR  I  would  that  ye  knew  what  great 
 conflict  I  have  for  you,  and  for  them 
 
 at  Laodicea,  and  for  as  many  as  have  not 
 seen  my  face  in  the  flesh ; 
 
 2  That  their  hearts  might  be  comforted, 
 being  knit  together  in  love,  and  unto  all 
 riches  of  the  full  assurance  of  understanding, 
 to  the  acknowledgement  of  the  mystery  of 
 God,  and  of  the  Father,  and  of  Christ ; 
 
 3  In  whom  are  hid  all  the  treasures  of 
 wisdom  and  knowledge. 
 
 4  And  this  I  say,  lest  any  man  should  be¬ 
 guile  you  with  enticing  words. 
 
 5  For  though  I  be  absent  in  the  flesh,  yet 
 am  I  with  you  in  the  spirit,  joying  and  be¬ 
 holding  your  order,  and  the  stedtastness  ot 
 your  faith  in  Christ. 
 
 6  As  3^e  have,  therefore,  received  Christ 
 Jesus  the  Lord,  so  walk  ye  in  him  ; 
 
 7  Rooted  and  built  up  in  him,  and  stab- 
 lished  in  the  faith,  as  ye  have  been  taught, 
 abounding  therein  with  thanksgiving. 
 
 8  Beware  lest  any  man  spoil  you  through 
 philosophy  and  vain  deceit,  alter  the  tradi¬ 
 tion  of  men,  after  the  rudiments  of  the  world, 
 and  not  after  Christ  ; 
 
 9  For  in  him  dwelleth  all  the  fulness  ot 
 the  Godhead  bodily. 
 
 10  And  ye  are  complete  in  him,  which 
 is  the  head  of  all  principality  and  power ; 
 
 1 1  In  whom  also  ye  are  circumcised  with 
 the  circumcision  made  without  hands,  in 
 putting  off  the  body  ot  the  sins  ot  the  flesh 
 b^'  the  circumcision  of  Christ ; 
 
 12  Buried  with  him  in  baptism,  wherein 
 also  ye  are  risen  with  him  through  the  faith 
 of  the  operation  of  God  who  hath  raised 
 him  from  the  dead. 
 
 consist.  The  whole  creation  is  kept  together  by  the  power  of  the 
 Son  of  God,  and  made  to  consist  in  its  proper  frame. 
 
 The  apostle  next  shews  what  he  is  as  Mediator,  18,  IQ,  1.  He 
 is  the  head  of  the  body  the  church,  2.  He  is  the  beginning,  the 
 first-born  from  the  dead.  3.  He  hath  in  all  things  the  pre-emi¬ 
 nence.  4.  All  fulness  dwells  in  him,  and  it  pleased  the  Father  it 
 
 should  do  so,  ir.  ,  r  ,  ■  TT  1  f  L 
 
 (3.)  Concerning  the  work  of  redemption.  He  speaks  ot  the 
 
 nature  of  it,  or  wherein  it  consists ;  and  of  the  means  of  it  by  which 
 
 it  was  procured.  ,  . 
 
 1.  Wherein  it  consists.  And  it  is  made  to  lie  in  two  things. 
 First,  In  the  remission  of  sin.  Second,  In  reconciliation  to  God. 
 God  by  him  reconciled  all  things  to  himself,  20.  2,  How  the 
 redemption  is  procured.  It  is  through  his  blood,  14  ;  and  he 
 has  made  peace  through  the  blood  of  his  cross,  20.  The  gospel 
 which  was  preached.  We  have  an  account  of  that.  Even  the 
 mystery  which  hath  been  hid  from  ages  and  from  generations,  but 
 is  now  made  manifest  to  his  saints,  26',  27-  Those  who  are  interested 
 in  this  redemption  must  continue  in  the  faith,  grounded  and  settled 
 646 
 
 and  be  not  moved  away  from  the  hope  of  the  gospel  which  ye  have 
 heard,  23. 
 
 CHAP.  II.  1 — 3.  We  may  observe  here  the  great  concern  which 
 Paul  had  for  these  Colossians,  and  the  other  churches,  which  he 
 had  not  any  personal  knowledge  ot.  We  may  keep  up  a  commu¬ 
 nion  by  faith,  hope,  and  holy  love,  even  with  those  churches  and 
 fellow-christians,  of  whom  we  have  no  personal  knowledge,  or  any 
 conversation  with.  We  can  think  and  pray,  and  be  concerned  for 
 one  another,  at  the  greatest  distance  ;  and  those  we  never  saw  in  the 
 flesh,  we  may  hope  to  meet  in  heaven. 
 
 4_12.  We  cannot  be  built  up  in  Christ,  unless  we  are  first  rooted 
 in  him.  We  must  be  united  to  him  by  a  lively  faith,  and  heartilv 
 consent  to  his  covenant;  and  then  we  shall  grow  up  in  him  in  all 
 things :  as  ye  have  been  taught :  According  to  the  rule  ol  Jh^  chns- 
 nan  doctrine,  in  which  you  have  been  instructed.  1  here  is  a 
 ohilosophy  which  is  a  noble  exercise  of  our  reasonable  lacuities, 
 and  highly  serviceable  to  religion  ;  such  a  study  of  the  works  of 
 God,  as  leads  us  to  the  knowledge  of  God,  and  confirms  our  faith 
 in  him.  But  there  is  a  philosophy,  which  is  vain  and  deceitful; 
 
CHAP.  III. 
 
 13  And  you,  being  dead  in  your  sins  and 
 the  uncircumcision  of  your  flesh,  hath  he 
 quickened  together  with  him,  having  for¬ 
 given  you  all  trespasses  ; 
 
 14  Blotting  out  the  hand-writing  of  or¬ 
 dinances  thal  was  against  us,  which  was  con¬ 
 trary  to  us,  and  took  it  out  of  the  way,  nail¬ 
 ing  it  to  his  cross. 
 
 15  And^  having  spoiled  principalities  and 
 powers,  he  made  a  shew  of  them  openly, 
 triumphing  over  them  in  it. 
 
 16  Let  no  man,  therefore,  judge  you  in 
 meat,  or  in  drink,  or  in  respect  of  an  holy- 
 
 day,  or  of  the  new  moon,  or  of  the  sabbath- 
 days  ; 
 
 17  M  hich  are  a  shadow  of  things  to  come  : 
 but  the  body  is  of  Christ. 
 
 18  Let  no  man  beguile  you  of  your  re- 
 'vvciid,  in  a  voluntary  humility,  and  worship- 
 j)ing  of  angels,  intruding  into  those  things 
 which  he  hath  not  seen,  vainly  puffed  up  by 
 his  fleshly  mind  ; 
 
 19  And  not  holding  the  head,  from  which 
 all  the  body  by  joints  and  bands,  having 
 nourishment  ministered,  and  knit  together, 
 increaseth  with  the  increase  of  God. 
 
 20  AMierefore,  if  ye  be  dead  with  Christ 
 from  the  rudiments  of  the  world,  why,  as 
 though  living  in  the  world,  are  ye  subject  to 
 ordinances, 
 
 21  (Touch  not,  taste  not,  handle  not ; 
 
 22  A\  Inch  all  are  to  })erish  with  the  using,) 
 
 after  the  commandments  and  doctrines  of 
 men  ? 
 
 23  Inch  things  have  indeed  a  shew  of 
 wisdom  in  Avill- worship  and  humility,  and 
 
 neglecting  of  the  body  nof  in  any  honour 
 to  the  satisfying  of  the  flesh 
 
 CHAP.  Ill 
 
 'The  apostle  exhorts  to  set  our  hearts  upon  heaven,  1-4.  To 
 momfy  sin^,  5  12.  Earnestly  presses  to  mutual  love,  13 
 
 18—25'^"^  concludes  with  exhortations  to  relative  duties, 
 
 F  ye  then  be  risen  with  Christ,  seek  those 
 things  which  are  above,  where  Christ 
 sitteth  on  the  right  hand  of  God. 
 
 2  Set  your  affection  on  things  above,  not 
 on  things  on  the  earth. 
 
 3  For  ye  are  dead,  and  your  life  is  hid 
 with  Christ  in  God. 
 
 4  When  Christ  w/io  is  our  life,  shall  ap¬ 
 pear,  then  shall  ye  also  appear  with  him  in 
 glory. 
 
 5  Mortify,  therefore,  your  members  which 
 are  upon  the  earth ;  fornication,  uncleanness, 
 inordinate  affection,  evil  concupiscence,  and 
 covetousness,  which  is  idolatry  ; 
 
 6  For  which  things^  sake  the  wrath  of 
 God  cometh  on  the  children  of  disobedience. 
 
 7  In  the  which  ye  also  walked  some  time, 
 when  ye  lived  in  them. 
 
 8  But  now  ye  also  put  off  all  these  ;  anger 
 nrath,  malice,  blasphemy,  filthy  communi¬ 
 cation  out  of  your  mouth. 
 
 9  Lie  not  one  to  another,  seeing  that  ye 
 have  put  off  the  old  man  with  his  deeds  ; 
 
 And  have  put  on  the  new  man,  which 
 is  renewed  in  knowledge,  after  the  image  of 
 him  that  created  him  : 
 
 11  Where,  there  is  neither  Greek  nor  Jew 
 circumcision  nor  uncircumcision.  Barbarian’ 
 
 Scythian,  bond  jior  free  ;  but  Christ  is  all’ 
 and  in  all.  ’ 
 
 which  is  j)irjudicial  to  religion,  and  sets  up  the  wisdom  of  man  in 
 competition  with  the  wisdom  of  God;  and  while  it  pleases  men’s 
 tancies,  ruins  their  faith. 
 
 "  ‘s  unable  to  help  himself  bv  any 
 
 power  of  his  own,  so  an  habitual  sinner  is  morally  impotent- 
 though  he  has  a  natural  power,  or  the  power  of  a  reasonable 
 creature,  he  has  not  a  spiritual  power,  till  he  has  the  divine  life 
 or  a  renewed  nature.  ’ 
 
 16  ^^23.  Pretending  to  describe  the  orders  of  angels,  and  their 
 r^pectue  ministers,  which  God  hath  hid,  though  there  was  a 
 shew  of  humility  in  the  practice,  there  was  a  real  pride  in  the  prin- 
 aple.  Ihey  advanced  those  notions  to  gratify  their  own  carnal 
 
 thought  wiser  than  other  people. 
 ^Vherefo^elf  you  be  dead  with  Christ  from  the  rudiments  of  the 
 world,  why,  as  though  living  in  the  world,  are  ye  subject  to  ordi- 
 ‘  11^*  Christians  you  are  dead  to  the  observances  ofl 
 
 the  ceremomal  law,  why  are  you  subject  to  them  ?  Such  obser 
 ''^nces,  as,  Touch  not,  taste  not,  handle  not,  21,  22. 
 
 K  is  a  believer’s  life.’  I  jive,  vet  not  I, 
 
 but  Christ  lives  in  me,  Gal.  ii.  20.  He  is  the  principle'  and  end 
 
 yo  4  0 
 
 of  the  Christian’s  life.  He  lives  in  us  bv  his  snirit 
 
 h.mjn  all  we  do.  To  me  to  l„e  i,  Chr^sr,  PhH  i  20  '  “ 
 
 and  regi;.d^trwridl?wa:'lTL^ 
 
 m  -alMnitv  in  itratTi ^nPom  higfe “t'ot 
 
 ing  to  Cod  than  is  commonly  thought  Anri  if-  ic  ^  yy 
 
 that  among  all  ,he  other  insLcea  "ol  dnwldch  go^rmt^aS  e"’ 
 
 bul'l.om"'  have  fallen  into;  and  there  is  scarce  anv 
 
 but  some  or  Other,  in  one  or  other  part  of  their  life  havp 
 
 char’ppS^^^yi* instance  in  all  the  scripture  of  any  good  man 
 
 chaiged  with  covetousness.  In  the  privilcee  and  fliu/rff 
 
 cation  there  is  neither  Greek  nor  Jews  circfmciln^ 
 
 ciMon,  Barbarian,  Scythian,  bond  nor  free,  11,  Theie  is 
 
 diftrence  arising  from  different  country,  ’or  different 
 
 and  circumstances  of  life  :  it  is  as  much  the  duty  of  tbp 
 
 the  other  to  be  holy  ;  and  as  much  the  privilefrp  of 
 
 the  other,  to  receive  from  God  the  grace  to  he  one  as  or 
 
 to  take  down  all  partition  walls,  that  all  mielif  came 
 
 evel  before  God,  both  in  duty  and  pJivileie  f 
 
 because  Chrisf  is  all  all.  dhr.st  is'^rcfeianfil.'his'cu’lXd’ 
 
 647 
 
COLOSSIANS. 
 
 12  Put  on,  therefore,  as  the  elect  of  God, 
 holy  and  beloved,  bowels  of  mercies,  kind¬ 
 ness,  humbleness  of  mind,  meekness,  long- 
 suffering  : 
 
 13  Forbearing  one  another,  and  forgiv¬ 
 ing  one  another,  if  any  man  have  a  quarrel 
 against  any  ;  even  as  Christ  forgave  you,  so 
 also  do  ye. 
 
 14  And,  above  all  these  things,  put  on 
 charity,  which  is  the  bond  of  perfeetriess. 
 
 15  And  let  the  peace  of  God  rule  in  your 
 hearts,  to  the  which  also  ye  are  called  in  one 
 body  ;  and  be  ye  thankful. 
 
 l6'  Let  the  word  of  Christ  dwell  in  you 
 richly  in  all  wisdom ;  teaching  and  ad¬ 
 monishing  one  another  in  psalms,  and  hymns, 
 and  spiritual  songs,  singing  with  grace  in 
 your  hearts  to  the  Lord. 
 
 17  And  whatsoever  ye  do  in  word  or 
 deed,  do  all  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus, 
 giving  thanks  to  God,  and  the  Father  by 
 him. 
 
 18  Wives,  submit  yourselves  unto  your 
 own  husbands,  as  it  is  fit  in  the  Lord, 
 
 19  Husbands,  love  your  wives,  and  be 
 not  bitter  against  them. 
 
 20  Children,  obey  your  parents  in  all 
 things  ;  for  this  is  well  pleasing  unto  the 
 Lord. 
 
 21  Fathers,  provoke  not  your  children  to 
 anger,  lest  they  be  discouraged. 
 
 22  Servants,  obey  in  all  things  your  mas¬ 
 ters  according  to  the  flesh  ;  not  with  eye- 
 service,  as  men  pleasers  :  but  in  singleness 
 of  heart,  fearing  God  ; 
 
 23  And  whatsoever  ye  do,  do  it  heartily, 
 as  to  the  Lord,  and  not  unto  men  ; 
 
 and  Saviour,  and  all  his  hope  and  happiness.  And  to  those  who 
 are  sanctified,  one  as  well  as  another,  and  whatever  they  are  in 
 other  respects,  lie  is  all  in  all,  the  Alpha  and  Omega,  the  begin¬ 
 ning  and  the  end  :  he  is  all  in  all  things  to  them. 
 
 12 _ 17.  Above  all  things  put  on  charity:  over  all  things.  Let 
 
 thiske  the  upper  garment,  the  robe,  the  livery,  the  mark  of  our 
 
 dignitv  and  distinction.  . 
 
 18—25.  It  is  probable  the  apostle  has  a  particular  respect  in  all 
 these  instances  of  duty  to  the  case  mentioned,  1  Cor.  vi.  of  reve¬ 
 lations  of  a  different  religion  ;  as  a  Christian  and  heathen,  a  Jewish 
 convert  and  an  uncircumcised  Gentile  ;  where  there  was  room  to 
 doubt  whether  they  were  obliged  to  the  proper  duties  of  their  seve¬ 
 ral  relations  to  such  persons.  And  if  it  hold  in  such  cases  it  is 
 much  stronger  upon  Christians  one  towards  another,  and  where 
 both  are  of  the  same  religion.  And  how  happy  would  the  gospel- 
 religion  make  the  world,  if  it  every  where  prevailed;  and  how 
 much  would  it  influence  every  state  of  things,  and  every  relation  of 
 life! 
 
 24  Knowing  that  of  the  Lord  ye  shall  re¬ 
 ceive  the  reward  of  the  inheritance  ;  for  ye 
 serve  the  Lord  Christ. 
 
 25  But  he  that  doeth  wrono;  shall  receive 
 
 O 
 
 for  the  wrong  which  he  hath  done  ;  and 
 there  is  no  respect  of  persons. 
 
 CHAP.  IV. 
 
 He  continues  his  account  of  the  duty  of  Masters,  1,2.  E.\horts 
 to  prayer,  .S,  4.  Carriage  towards  those  with  whom  we  con¬ 
 verse,  5,  6.  Closes  with  the  mention  of  several  of  his  friends, 
 7—18. 
 
 ASTERS,  give  unto  your  servants  that 
 which  is  just  and  equal ;  knowing  that 
 ye  also  have  a  Master  in  heaven. 
 
 2  Continue  in  prayer,  and  watch  in  the 
 same  with  thanksgiving  : 
 
 3  Withal  praying  also  for  us,  that  God 
 would  open  unto  us  a  door  of  utterance,  to 
 speak  the  mystery  of  Christ,  for  which  1  am 
 also  in  bonds  ; 
 
 4  That  I  may  make  it  manifest,  as  I  ought 
 to  speak. 
 
 5  Walk  in  wisdom  toward  them  that  are 
 without,  redeeming  the  time. 
 
 6  Let  your  speech  be  always  with  grace, 
 seasoned  with  salt,  that  ye  may  know  how 
 ye  ought  to  answer  every  man. 
 
 7  All  ray  state  shall  Tychicus  declare  un¬ 
 to  you,  zidio  is  a  beloved  brother,  and  a 
 faithful  minister,  and  fellow-servant  in  the 
 Lord  : 
 
 8  Whom  I  have  sent  unto  you  for  the 
 same  purpose,  that  he  might  know  your 
 estate,  and  comfort  your  hearts  ; 
 
 9  With  Onesimus,  a  faithful  and  beloved 
 brother,  who  is  one  of  you  :  they  shall  make 
 known  unto  you  all  things  which  are  done 
 here. 
 
 CHAP.  IV.  1.  You,  who  are  masters  of  others,  have  a  Master 
 yourselves,  and  are  servants  of  another  Lord.  You  are  not  lords 
 of  yourselves,  and  are  accountable  to  one  above  you. 
 
 2 _ 4.  Paul  knew  as  well  as  any  man  how  to  speak,  and  yet  he 
 
 begs  their  prayers  for  him,  that  he  might  be  taught  to  speak.  I’he 
 best  and  mok  eminent  Christians  need  the  prayers  of  meaner 
 Christians,  and  are  not  above  asking  them,  d'he  chief  speakers 
 need  pray,  that  God  would  give  them  a  door  of  utterance,  and 
 that  they  may  speak  as  they  ought  to  speak. 
 
 5,  6'.  'We  have  need  of  a  great  deal  of  wisdom  and  grace  to  give 
 proper  answers  to  every  man:  particularly  in  answeiing  the  ques¬ 
 tions  and  objections  ofadversaries  against  our  religion  ;  giving  the 
 reasons  of  our  faith,  and  shewing  the  unreasonableness  ot  their 
 exceptions  and  cavils,  to  the  best  advantage  to  our  cause,  and 
 
 least  prejudice  to  ourselves.  j  e  . 
 
 7 — 18.  Luke  is  here  mentioned,  whom  he  calls  a  beloved  phjy 
 sician.  This  is  he  who  wrote  the  gospel  and  Acts,  and  was  1  aul  s 
 companion.  Observe,  he  was  both  a  physician  and  an  evangelist. 
 
CHAP.  1. 
 
 10  Aristarchus  my  fellow-prisoner,  salut 
 eth  you,  and  Marcus,  sister's  son  to  Bar¬ 
 nabas,  (touching  whom  ye  received  com¬ 
 mandments  ;  if  he  come  unto  you,  receive 
 him ;) 
 
 11  And  Jesus,  which  is  called  Justus, 
 who  are  of  the  circumcision.  These  only 
 are  my  fellow-workers  unto  the  kingdom  of 
 God,  which  have  been  a  comfort  unto  me. 
 
 12  Epaphras,  who  is  one  of  you,  a  ser¬ 
 vant  of  Christ,  saluteth  you,  always  labour¬ 
 ing  fervently  for  you  in  prayers,  that  ye  may 
 stand  perfect  and  complete  in  all  the  will  of 
 God. 
 
 13  For  I  bear  him  record,  that  he  hath 
 a  great  zeal  for  you,  and  them  that  are  in 
 Laodicea,  and  them  in  Ilierapolis. 
 
 Christ  hiniscll  both  ttiught  and  healed,  and  was  a  m’eat  physician 
 35  well  as  a  prophet  of  the  church.  He  was  the  beloved  physician  ; 
 
 14  Luke,  the  beloved  physician,  and  De- 
 mas,  greet  you. 
 
 15  Salute  the  brethren  which  are  in  Lao¬ 
 dicea,  and  Nymphas,  and  the  church  which 
 is  in  his  house. 
 
 16  And  when  this  epistle  is  read  among 
 you,  cause  that  it  be  read  also  in  the  church 
 of  the  Laodiceans  :  and  that  ye  likewise  read 
 the  epistle  from  Laodicea. 
 
 17  And  say  to  Archippus,  Take  heed  to 
 the  ministry  which  thou  hast  received  in  the 
 Lord  that  thou  fulfil  it. 
 
 18  The  salutation  by  the  hand  of  me 
 Paul.  Bemember  my  bonds.  Grace  be  with 
 you.  Amen. 
 
 %  Written  from  Rome  to  the  Colossians 
 by  Tychicus  and  Onesimus. 
 
 one  "'ho  recommended  himself  more  than  ordinary  to  the  affec¬ 
 tions  of  his  friends.  ^  •. 
 
 THE  FIRST  EPISTLE  OF  PAUL  TO  THE 
 
 T  H  ESSAILONIANS. 
 
 Thcssa.onica  was  formerly  the  metropolis  of  Macedonia  •  it  IS  now  c'llled  :  ft,  t  *  i  . 
 
 for  commerce  in  the  Levant.  'I’his  epistle  to  the  church  of  Christ  at  ThlLlonfca  "houeh  it'Ts^  Ed 
 
 this  apostle,  IS  supposed  to  be  first  in  time  of  all  Paul’s  epistles,  and  to  be  written  aboii  A  D  other  epistles  ot 
 
 express  the  ihanklulness  of  this  apostle  for  the  fiood  success  his  nrcarhina  l,nd  whereof  is  to 
 
 persuade  them  to  a  holy  conversation.  ^  preaching  had  among  them,  and  to  establish  them  in  the  faith,  and 
 
 CHAP.  1. 
 
 'I  he  apostle  thanks  God  for  the  benefits  received  by  the  Thcssalo- 
 nians,  and  shews  they  were  very  great. 
 
 ■pAUL,  and  Silvanus,and  Timotheus,  unto 
 the  church  of  the  Thessalonians  which 
 is  in  God  the  Father,  and  i?i  the  Lord  Jesus 
 Christ ;  Grace  he  unto  you,  and  peace,  from 
 God  our  Father,  and  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
 
 2  We  give  thanks  to  God  always  for 
 
 chap.  I.  1—5.  The  election  of  these  Thessalonians  was  know 
 to  the  apostle,  and  therefore  might  be  known  to  themselves  ar 
 that  by  the  fruits  and  effects  thereof,  viz.  their  sincere  faith  ’  ar 
 hope,  and  love ;  by  the  successful  preaching  of  the  gospel  a’moi 
 them.  Observe,  First,  That  all  those  who  in  the  fulness  of  tin 
 
 you  all,  making  mention  of  you  in  our 
 prayers ; 
 
 3  Remembering  without  ceasing  your 
 work  of  faith,  and  labour  of  love,  and  pati¬ 
 ence  of  hope,  in  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  in  the 
 sight  of  God  and  our  Father  ; 
 
 ^  4  Knowing,  brethren  beloved,  your  elec¬ 
 tion  of  God. 
 
 5  For  our  gospel  came  not  unto  you  in 
 
 are  ettectually  called  and  sanctified,  were  from  eternitv  elected 
 his  otE  - Second,  That  that  election  of  feoTis  of 
 merit  in 
 
 CO  sa  vation.  second,  I  hat  that  election  of  God  is  of 
 n  pod  pleasure  and  mere  grace,  not  for  the  sake  of  anv. 
 n  them  that  are  chosen  Third,  That  the  election  of 
 
 may  be  known  by  the  fruits  thereof. 
 
 Fourth,  That  vvhenev 
 (' 
 
 ‘>h'l 
 
I.  THESSALONIANS. 
 
 3  For  this  is  the  will  of  God,  even  your 
 sanctificcition,  that  ye  should  abstain  from 
 fornication  : 
 
 4  That  every  one  of  you  should  know  how 
 to  possess  his  vessel  in  sanctification  and 
 honour ; 
 
 5  Not  in  the  lust  of  concupiscence,  even 
 as  the  Gentiles  which  know  not  God  : 
 
 6  That  no  man  go  beyond  and  defraud 
 his  brother  in  ani/  matter ;  because  that  the 
 Lord  is  the  avenger  of  all  such,  as  we  also 
 have  forewarned  you,  and  testified. 
 
 7  For  God  hath  not  called  us  unto  un¬ 
 cleanness,  but  unto  holiness. 
 
 8  He,  therefore,  that  despiseth,  despiseth 
 not  man,  but  God,  who  also  hath  given  unto 
 us  his  Holy  Spirit. 
 
 9  But  as  touching  brotherly  love,  ye  need 
 not  that  I  write  unto  you  :  for  ye  yourselves 
 are  taught  of  God  to  love  one  another. 
 
 10  And  indeed  ye  do  it  toward  all  the 
 brethren  which  are  in  all  Macedonia  ;  but 
 we  beseech  you  brethren,  that  ye  increase 
 more  and  more ; 
 
 11  And  that  ye  study  to  be  quiet,  and  to 
 do  your  own  business,  and  to  work  with 
 your  own  hands,  as  Ave  commanded  you  ; 
 
 12  That  ye  may  Avalk  honestly  toward 
 them  that  are  without,  and  that  ye  may  have 
 lack  of  nothing.  , 
 
 13  But  I  would  not  have  you  to  be  igno¬ 
 rant,  brethren,  concerning  them  which  are 
 asleep,  that  ye  sorroAV  not,  even  as  others 
 Avhich  have  no  hope. 
 
 14  For  if  Ave  believe  that  Jesus  died,  and 
 rose  again,  even  so  them  also  Avhich  sleep  in 
 Jesus  Avill  God  bring  Avith  him. 
 
 15  For  this  Ave  say  unto  you  by  the  Avord 
 of  the  Lord,  that  Ave  Avhich  are  alive,  and  re¬ 
 
 cated  and  set  apart  for  him,  it  should  be  kept  clean  and  pure  for 
 his  service.  And  as  chastity  is  one  branch  of  our  sanctification, 
 so  this  is  one  thing  God  commands  in  his  law  and  what  his  grace 
 eftects"  in  all  true  believers. 
 
 .9 — 12.  Those  who  are  busy-bodies,  meddling  in  other  men’s 
 matters,  generally  have  but  little  quiet  in  their  own  minds;  and 
 cause  great  disturbances  among  their  neighbours  ;  at  least  they 
 seldom  mind  the  other  e.xhortation  to  be  diligent  in  their  own 
 calling,  to  work  with  their  own  hands.  And  3'et  this  was  what  the 
 apostle  commanded  them,  and  what  is  required  of  us  also.  Chris¬ 
 tianity  doth  not  discharge  us  of  the  work  and  duty  of  our  particu¬ 
 lar  callings,  but  teachetli  us  to  be  diligent  therein. 
 
 13 — ik  The  doctrine  of  the  resurrection,  and  the  second  com¬ 
 ing  of  Christ,  is  a  groat  antidote  against  the  fears  of  death,  and  in- 
 652 
 
 main  unto  the  coming  of  the  Lord,  shall  not 
 prevent  them  Avhich  are  asleep. 
 
 16  For  the  Lord  himself  shall  descend  from 
 heaven  Avith  a  shout,  Avith  the  voice  of  the 
 archangel,  and  Avith  the  trump  of  God  :  and 
 the  dead  in  Christ  shall  rise  first ; 
 
 17  Then  AA'e  Avhich  are  alive  and  remain, 
 shall  be  caught  up  together  Avith  them  in  the 
 clouds,  to  meet  the  Lord  in  the  air :  and  so 
 shall  we  ever  be  Avith  the  Lord. 
 
 18  Wherefore,  comfort  one  another  Avith 
 these  Avords. 
 
 CHAP.  V. 
 
 He  proceeds  in  the  description  of  Christ’s  second  coming,  and 
 gives  them  divers  precepts. 
 
 UT  of  the  times  and  the  seasons,  bre¬ 
 thren,  ye  have  no  need  that  I  write  unto 
 
 you. 
 
 2  For  yourselves  know  perfectly,  that  the 
 day  of  the  Lord  so  cometh  as  a  thief  in  the 
 night. 
 
 3  For  Avhen  they  shall  say,  Peace  and 
 safety,  then  sudden  destruction  cometh  ujaoii 
 them,  as  travail  upon  a  Avoman  Avith  child  ; 
 and  they  shall  not  escape. 
 
 4  But  ye,  brethren,  are  not  in  darkness, 
 that  that  day  should  overtake  you  as  a  thief. 
 
 5  Ye  are  all  the  children  of  lio;ht,  and  the 
 children  of  the  day  :  Ave  are  not  of  the  night, 
 nor  of  darkness. 
 
 6  Therefore  let  us  not  sleep  as  do  others  ; 
 but  let  us  Avatch  and  be  sober. 
 
 7  For  they  that  sleej),  sleejA  in  the  night ; 
 and  they  that  be  drunken,  are  drunken  in  the 
 night. 
 
 8  But  let  us  Avho  are  of  the  day  be  sober, 
 putting  on  the  breast-plate  of  faith  and  love  ; 
 and  for  an  helmet  the  hope  of  salvation  : 
 
 9  For  God  hath  not  appointed  us  to  wrath, 
 
 ortlinate  sorrow  for  the  death  of  our  Christian  fricRds  ;  and  this 
 doctrine  we  have  a  full  assurance  of,  because  we  believe  that  Jesus 
 died  and  rose  again,  14.  The  death  and  resurrection  of  Christ 
 are  fundamental  articles  of  the  Christian  religion,  and  give  us  hope 
 of  d  joyful  resurrection. 
 
 CllAP.  V.  1 — 5.  It  was  at  least  their  own  fault  if  thev  were 
 surprised  by  that  day.  They  had  fair  warning  and  sufficient  helps 
 to  provide  against  that  day,  and  might  hope  to  stand  with  comlort 
 and  confidence  before  the  Son  of  man.  Tliis  would  be  a  time  of 
 refreshing  to  them  from  the  presence  of  the  Lord,  who  to  them  that 
 look  for  him  will  appear  without  sin  unto  their  salvation,  and 
 will  come  to  them  as  a  friend  in  the  day,  not  as  a  thief  in  the 
 night.  ,  , 
 
 6'- 10.  What  shall  Christians,  who  have  the  light  of  the  blessed 
 
CHAP.  1. 
 
 bat  to  obtain  salvation  by  our  Lord  Jesus 
 Christ. 
 
 10  Who  died  for  us,  that,  whether  we  wake 
 or  sleep,  we  should  live  together  with  him. 
 
 1 1  Wherefore  comfort  yourselves  together, 
 and  edify  one  another,  even  as  also  ye  do. 
 
 12  And  we  beseech  you,  brethren,  to 
 know  them  which  labour  among  you,  and 
 are  over  you  in  the  Lord,  and  admonish  you  : 
 
 13  And  to  esteem  them  very  highly  in 
 love  for  their  \»>ork's  sake.  And  be  at  peace 
 among  yourselves. 
 
 14  Now  we  exhort  you,  brethren,  warn 
 them  that  are  unriil}',  comfort  the  feeble¬ 
 minded,  support  the  weak,  be  |)atient  to¬ 
 ward  all  men. 
 
 15  See  that  none  render  evil  Ibr  evil  unto 
 any  man  ;  but  ever  follow  that  which  is  good 
 both  among  yourselves,  and  to  all  men. 
 
 16*  KeJ  oice  evermore. 
 
 17  Pray  without  ceasing. 
 
 18  In  every  thing  give  thanks;  forthisisthe 
 
 wiil  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus  concerning  you. 
 
 - _ _ _ _  ® 
 
 20spel  ihiiiiiig  in  iheir  faces,  bo  careless  about  tlicir  souls,  aiul 
 niiiiilless  of  aiiolhcr  world.* 
 
 J  1  — 1 I'aitliful  minislers  ought  to  be  so  far  from  being  lightly 
 esteemed  because  of  their  work,  that  they  should  be  hi"hlv  es¬ 
 teemed  on  the  account  thereof.  °  " 
 
 He  giveth  divers  other  e.xhortaiions,  touching  the  duty  Christians 
 owe  to  one  another. 
 
 16’— 22.  Here  we  have  divers  short  cxhort.ations,  that  will  i^ot 
 burthen  our  memories,  but  will  be  of  great  use  to  direct  the  mo- 
 
 19  Quench  not  the  Spirit. 
 
 20  Despise  not  prophesyings. 
 
 21  Prove  all  things  ;  hold  fast  that  which 
 is  good. 
 
 22  Abstain  from  all  appearance  of  evil. 
 
 23  And  the  very  God  of  peace  sanctify 
 you  wholly ;  And  I  pray  God  your  whole 
 sj)irit,  and  soul,  and  body,  be  preserved 
 blameless  unto  the  coming  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
 Christ. 
 
 24  Faithful  is  he  that  calleth  you,  who 
 also  will  do  it. 
 
 25  Brethren  pray  for  us. 
 
 26  Greet  all  the  brethren  with  aii.  holy 
 viss. 
 
 27  I  charge  you  by  the  Lord,  that 
 -his  epistle  be  read  unto  all  the  holy  bre¬ 
 thren. 
 
 28  J’he  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  he 
 with  you.  Amen. 
 
 ^  J'he  first  epistle  unto  the  Thessalonians 
 was  written  from  Athens. 
 
 lions  of  our  hearts  and  lives;  for  these  duties  are  of  great  impor¬ 
 tance,  and  we  may  observe  how  they  are  connected  together,  and 
 have  a  dependance  upon  one  another. 
 
 23  28.  And  all  those  who  are  sanctified  in  Christ  Jesus  shall 
 
 be  preserved  to  the  coming  of  our  Lord  Jesus  CJirisl.  And  because 
 if  God  did  not  carry  on  his  good  work  in  the  soul,  that  would  mis¬ 
 carry  ;  we  should  pray  CJod  to  jicrfcct  his  work  and  preserve  us 
 blameless. 
 
 - — ana—— Bata—— —MM— 
 
 THE  SECOND  EPISTLE  OF  PAUL  TO  THE 
 
 THESSALONIANS. 
 
 thing,  ho  writoth  about  for  their  consolation  u’ntlor  ,t,frori?.g,,™U."'i„, rL^tSiS,  iil  Vutv.''  ““ 
 
 CHAP.  1. 
 
 After  the  introduction,  1,  2,  the  apostle’s  high  esteem  for  these 
 1  hessalonians,  3,  4.  He  comforteth  them  under  their  afllic- 
 lions,  5 — 10.  And  tells  them  what  his  prayers  w'erc  to  God  for 
 
 them,  11,  12. 
 
 ¥^AUL,  and  Silvanus,  and  Timotheus, 
 unto  the  church  of  the  Thessalonians 
 in  God  our  Father,  and  the  Lord  Jesus 
 Christ : 
 
 CHAP.  I,  1—10.  Though  many  may  be  the  troubles  of  the 
 HSntcous  now,  yet  God  will  deliver  them  out  of  them  all.  The 
 
 futuie  rest  will  abundantly  recompense  all  their  present  troubles. 
 I  he  sufferings  of  this  present  time  are  not  worthy  to  be  compared 
 
II.  THESSALONIANS. 
 
 2  Grace  unto  you,  and  peace,  from  God 
 our  Father,  and  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
 
 3  We  are  bound  to  thank  God  always 
 for  you,  brethren,  as  it  is  meet,  because  that 
 your  faith  groweth  exceedingly,  and  the 
 charity  of  every  one  of  you  all  toward  each 
 other  aboundeth  ; 
 
 4  So  that  we  ourselves  glory  in  you  in  the 
 churches  of  God,  for  your  patience  and  faith 
 in  all  your  persecutions  and  tribulations  that 
 ye  endure  , 
 
 5  Which  is  a  manifest  token  of  the  righte¬ 
 ous  judgment  of  God,  that  ye  may  be 
 counted  worthy  of  the  kingdom  of  God,  for 
 which  ye  also  suffer  : 
 
 6  Seeing  it  is  a  righteous  thing  with  God 
 to  recompense  tribulation  to  them  that 
 trouble  you. 
 
 7  And  to  you  who  are  troubled  rest  with 
 us,  when  the  Lord  Jesus  shall  be  revealed 
 from  heaven  with  his  mighty  angels, 
 
 8  In  flaming  fire,  taking  vengeance  on 
 them  that  know  not  God,  and  that  obey  not 
 the  gospel  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ ; 
 
 9  Who  shall  be  punished  with  everlasting 
 destruction  from  the  presenee  of  the  Lord, 
 and  from  the  glory  of  his  power  ; 
 
 10  When  he  shall  come  to  be  glorified  in 
 his  saints,  and  to  be  admired  in  all  them  that 
 believe  (because  our  testimony  among  you 
 was  believed)  in  that  day. 
 
 11  Wherefore  also  we  pray  always  for  you, 
 that  our  God  would  count  you  worthy  of 
 this  calling,  and  fulfil  all  the  good  pleasure 
 of  his  goodness,  and  the  work  of  faith  with 
 power  ; 
 
 12  That  the  name  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
 Christ  may  be  glorified  in  you,  and  ye  in 
 him,  according  to  the  grace  of  our  God,  and 
 the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
 
 ^yith  the  glory  that  shall  be  revealed.  There  is  enough  in  heaven  ‘b 
 countervail  all  that  we  may  lose  or  suffer  for  the  name  of  Christ 
 in  this  world.  The  apostle  saith,  To  you  that  are  tioubled  rest 
 with  us.  In  heaven  ministers  and  people  shall  rest  together,  and 
 rejoice  together  here ;  and  the  meanest  Christian  shall  rest  with 
 the  greatest  apostlos  nay,  what  is  far  more,  if  we  suffer  for  Christ,  j 
 w'c  shall  also  reign  with  him,  2  Tim.  ii.  12. 
 
 11,  12.  Our  good  works  should  so  shine  before  men,  that  others 
 may  glorify  God,  that  Christ  may  be  glorified  in  and  by  us,  and 
 then  we  shall  be  glorified  in  and  with  him.  And  tliis  is  the  great 
 end  and  design  of-the  grace  of  our  God,  and  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
 which  is  manifested  to  us,  and  wrought  in  us. 
 
 CHAP.  II.  1,  2.  If  errors  and  mistakes  arise  among  chris- 
 654 
 
 CHAP.  11. 
 
 The  man  of  sin. 
 
 NOW,  we  beseech  you  brethren,  by  the 
 coming  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and 
 by  our  gathering  together  unto  him, 
 
 2  That  ye  be  not  soon  shaken  in  mind,  or 
 be  troubled,  neither  by  spirit,  nor  by, word, 
 nor  by  letter  as  from  us,  as  that  the  day  of 
 Christ  is  at  hand. 
 
 3  Let  no  man  deceive  you  by  any  means  : 
 for  that  day  shall  not  come,  except  there  come 
 a  falling  away  first,  and  that  man  of  sin  lie 
 revealed,  the  son  of  jicrdition  ; 
 
 4  Who  opposeth  and  exalteth  himself 
 above  all  that  is  called  God,  or  that  is  wor¬ 
 shipped  ;  so  that  he,  as  God,  sittetli  in  the 
 temple  of  God,  shewing  himself  that  he  is 
 God. 
 
 5  Remember  ye  not,  that,  when  I  was 
 yet  with  you,  I  told  you  these  things  ? 
 
 6  And  now  ye  know  what  withholdetli, 
 that  he  might  be  revealed  in  his  lime. 
 
 7  For  the  mystery  of  ini([uity  doth  already 
 work  ;  only  he  who  now  letteth  xcill  let,  until 
 he  be  taken  out  of  the  way  : 
 
 8  And  then  shall  that  wicked  be  revealed, 
 whom  the  Lord  shall  consume  with  the  Spirit 
 of  his  mouth,  and  shall  destroy  with  the 
 brightness  of  his  coming  ; 
 
 9  Even  him,  whose  coming  is  after  the 
 working  of  Satan,  with  all  power,  and  signs, 
 and  lying  wonders, 
 
 10  And  with  all  deceivablencss  of  un¬ 
 righteousness  in  them  that  j^crish  ;  because^ 
 tlmy  received  not  the  love  of  the  truth,  that 
 they  might  be  saved. 
 
 11  And  for  this  cause  God  shall  send 
 them  strong  delusion,  that  they  should  be¬ 
 lieve  a  lie  : 
 
 12  That  they  all  might  be  damned  who 
 
 tians,  we  should  take  the  first  opportunity  to  rectify  them,  and 
 hinder  the  spreading  thereof;  and  good  men  will  be  especially 
 careful  to  suppress  errors  that  may  arise  from  a  mistake  of  their 
 words  and  actions,  though  that  which  was  spoken  or  done  was 
 never  so  innocent  ©r  well. 
 
 3 — 12,  In  these  words  the  apostle  confuteth  the  error  he  had 
 cautioned  them  against,  and  giveth  the  reasons  why^  they  should 
 not  expect  the  coming  of  Christ  as  just  at  hand.^  There  were 
 several  events  previous  to  the  coming  of  Christ;  in  particular  he 
 tells  them,  first.  There  would  be  a  general  apostacy,  there  would 
 come  a  falling  away  first,  3 ;  second.  There  would  be  a  revela¬ 
 tion  of  that  man  of  sin,  3,  i.  e.  Great  disputes  have  been,  who  or 
 what  is  intended  by  this  man  of  sin,  and  son  of  perdition  ;  and  if  it 
 
CHAP.  Ill, 
 
 believed  not  the  truth,  but  had  pleasure  in 
 unrighteousness. 
 
 13  But  we  are  bound  to  give  thanks  al- 
 way  to  God  for  you,  brethren  beloved  of 
 the  Lord,  because  God  hath  from  the  be-* 
 ginning  chosen  you  to  salvation  through 
 sanctification  of  the  Spirit,  and  belief  of  the 
 truth  ; 
 
 14  Whereunto  he  called  you  by  our  gos- 
 J)el  to  the  obtaining  of  the  glory  of  our 
 Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
 
 lo  Therefore,  brethren,  stand  fast,  and 
 hold  the  traditions  which  ye  have  been 
 taught,  whether  by  word  or  our  epistle. 
 
 l6'  Now  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  himself, 
 and  God,  even  our  Father,  which  hath  loved 
 us,  and  hath  given  iis  everlasting  consolation 
 and  good  hope  through  grace, 
 
 17  Comfort  your  hearts,  and  stablish  you 
 in  every  good  word  and  work. 
 
 ^  CHAP.  HI. 
 
 The  apostle  desircth  their  prayers,  1-5.  He  then  proccedeth 
 to  give  them  directions  for  them,  ver.  6’— 15.  And  concludeth 
 '^n  benedictions  and  prayers,  ver.  I6 — 18. 
 
 J^INALLY,  brethren,  pray  for  us,  that 
 the  word  of  the  Lord  may  have  free 
 course,  and  be  glorified,  even  as  it  is  with 
 you  ; 
 
 2  And  that  we  may  be  delivered  from 
 unreasonable  and  wicked  men  ;  for  all  men 
 have  not  faith. 
 
 3  I^ut  the  Lord  is  faithful,  who  shall 
 stablish  you,  and  keep  you  from  evil. 
 
 4  And  we  have  confidence  in  the  Lord 
 touching  you,  that  ye  both  do  and  will  do 
 the  things  which  we  command  you. 
 
 5  And  the  Lord  direct  your  hearts  into 
 the  love  of  God,  and  into  the  patient  wait¬ 
 ing  for  Christ. 
 
 6  Now  we  command  you,  brethren  in 
 the  name  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  that  ye 
 withdraw  yourselyes  from  eyery  brother  that 
 walketh  disorderly,  and  not  after  the  tradi¬ 
 tion  which  he  receiyed  of  us. 
 
 7  For  yourselyes  know  how  ye  ought  to 
 follow  us  :  for  we  behayed  not  ourselyes  dis¬ 
 orderly  among  you  ; 
 
 8  Neither  did  we  eat  any  man's  bread  for 
 nought ;  but  wrought  with  labour  and  tra- 
 yail,  night  and  day,  that  we  might  not  be 
 chargeable  to  any  of  you  r 
 
 9  Not  because  we  have  not  power,  but  to 
 make  ourselves  an  ensample  unto  you  to  fol¬ 
 low  us. 
 
 10  For  eyen  when  we  were  with  you,  this 
 we  commanded  you,  that  if  any^:  would  not 
 work,  neither  should  he  eat. 
 
 11  For  we  hear  that  there  are  some  which 
 walk  among  you  disorderly,  working  not  at 
 all,  but  are  busy-bodies. 
 
 12  Now  them  that  are  such  we  command, 
 and  exhort  by  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  that 
 
 with  quietness  they  work,  and  eat  their  own 
 bread. 
 
 13  But  ye,  brethren,  be  not  weary  in  well 
 doing. 
 
 14  And  if  any  man  obey  notour  word  by 
 this  epistle,  note  that  man,  and  have  no 
 company  with  him,  that  he  may-  be  ashamed. 
 
 1  ^  count  /lim  not  as  an  enemy,  but 
 admonish  /nm  as  a  brother. 
 
 16  Now,  the  Lord  of  peace  himself  .give 
 
 you  peace  always,  by  all  means.  The  Lord 
 
 with  you  all.  icj^oiQ 
 
 17  The  salutation  of  Paul  with  mine  own  ' 
 
 Twrite"^^^^^*  epistle  :  so 
 
 is  not  ccrtiiin  that  the  papal  power  and  fvmnnv  ic  *  n 
 
 lAhaU  T  callerthlrlTckid  ''one' 
 
 or  that  lawless  person  who  sets  up  a  human  power  in  competS 
 
 loH  contradiction  to  the  divine  dominion  and  power^of  the 
 Lord  Jesus  Christ:  but  as  he  would  thus  manifest  himself  in  Ko 
 the  man  ot  sin,  so  the  revelation  and  discovery  of  this  to  the  world 
 bephe  sure, presage,  and  the  means  of  hh  ruin! 
 
 there7an  hp  without  which 
 
 obSngsjIvatwI,™'  Pi^rsevora,.cc  iu  grace,  nor 
 
 16,  17.  We  must  be  established  in  every  good  word  and  wnrL- 
 
 Vol  righteousness:  And  Christ 
 
 •  •  97  4  p 
 
 may  hope  for  comfok  fnd 
 
 be  completed.  ’  ^t  length  our  ho 
 
 engaging  the  example  !?foLs*^greSkko^le^  h< 
 
 prayer  himself,  and  yet  desfdsed  rnk  the  piaveTorn 
 Christian,  but  desired  an  interest  in  them."'' 
 
 ti-  pas.;  ‘ 
 
 line  to  come,  proccedeth  to  give  them  commanrt  ^ 
 
 to  some  that  were  faulty,  cciTrectinnomo 
 
 among  them.  The  best'society  of  chriS?nn.  ^ 
 
 persons  among  them,  and  soml  things  tha  k"'7 
 
 Perfection  is  not  to  be  found  on  tbic  k  1!®  refonne 
 
 lounu  oa  this  side  heaven ;  evil  manne 
 
 635 
 
I.  TIMOTHY. 
 
 18  The  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  be^ 
 with  you  all.  Amen. 
 
 beget  good  laws ;  the  disorders  that  Paul  was  informed  to  be  amoiiE.' 
 the  Thessalonians,  occasioned  the  good  laws  we  find  in  these  verses-  i 
 that  are  of  constant  use  to  us  and  all  others  whom  they  may  con¬ 
 cern. 
 
 ^  The  second  epistle  to  the  Thessalonians 
 was  written  from  Athens 
 
 16 — 18.  It  is  the  presence  of  God  that  maketh  heaven  to  be  hea¬ 
 ven,  and  that  will  make  this  earth  to  be  like  to  heaven.  .No  mat¬ 
 ter  where  we  are  if  God  be  with  us  nor  who  is  absent  if  God  be 
 present  with  us. 
 
 THE  FIRST  EPISTLE  OF  PAUL  TO 
 
 TIMOTHY. 
 
 Hitherto  Paul’s  epistles  were  directed  4o  churches,  now  follow  some  to  particular  persons ;  two  to  Timothy,  one  to  Titus,  and  another  to 
 Philemon  ;  all  three  ministers  :  Timothy  and  Titus  were  evangelists,  an  inferior  order  to  the  apostles,  as  appears  by  that,  Eph.  4.  1 1 . 
 Some  prophets,  some  apostles,  some  evangelists.  Their  commission  and  work  was  much  the  same  with  that  of  the  apostles,  to  plant 
 churches,  and  water  the  churches  that  were  planted,  and  accordingly  they  were  itinerants,  as  we  find  l  imothv  was.  limothy  was 
 first  converted  by  Paul,  and  therefore  he  calls  him  his  own  son  in  the  faith ;  we  read  of  his  conveision,  Acts  lo,  23. 
 
 CHAP.  I. 
 
 I.  The  charge  given  to  Timothy,  4.  II.  The  true  end  of  the  law, 
 5_I2,  ill.  His  own  call  to  be  an  apostle,  12—16.  do.\- 
 
 ology,  17"  V.  A  renewal  of  the  charge  to  Timothy,  18.  And  oi 
 Hymeneus  and  Alexander,  19>  20. 
 
 PAUL,  an  apostle  of  Jesus  Christ,  by  the 
 commandment  of  God  our  Saviour,  and 
 Lord  Jesus  Christ,  which  is  our  hope ; 
 
 2  Unto  Timothy  my  own  son  in  the  faith  : 
 Grace,  mercy,  and  peace,  from  God  our  Fa¬ 
 ther,  and  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
 
 3  As  I  besought  thee  to  abide  still  at 
 Ephesus,  when  I  went  into  Macedonia,  that 
 thou  mightest  charge  some  that  they  teach 
 no  other  doctrine. 
 
 4  Neither  give  heed  to  fables,  and  endless 
 genealogies,  which  minister  questions  rather 
 than  godly  edifying  which  is  in  faith  ;  so  do. 
 
 5  Now,  the  end  of  the  commandment  is 
 charity,  out  of  a  pure  heart,  and  of  a  good 
 conscience,  and  oj  faith  unfeigned  ; 
 
 6  Erom  which  some,  having  swerved,  have 
 turned  aside  unto  vain  jangling  ; 
 
 7  Desiring  to  be  teachers  of  the  law  ;  un¬ 
 derstanding  neither  what  they  say,  nor 
 whereof  they  affirm. 
 
 8  But  we  know  that  the  law  is  good,  if  a 
 man  use  it  lawfully  ; 
 
 9  Knowing  this,  that  the  law  is  not 
 made  for  a  righteous  man,  but  for  the  law¬ 
 less  and  disobedient,  for  the  ungodly  and 
 for  sinners,  for  unholy  and  profane,  for  mur¬ 
 derers  of  fathers,  and  murderers  of  mothers, 
 for  manslayers, 
 
 10  For  whoremongers,  for  them  that  de¬ 
 file  themselves  with  mankind,  for  men-stcal- 
 ers,  for  liars,  for  perjured  persons,  and  if 
 there  be  any  other  thing  that  is  contrary  to 
 sound  doctrine  : 
 
 1 1  According  to  the  glorious  gospel  of  the 
 blessed  God  which  was  committed  to  my 
 trust. 
 
 12  And  I  thank  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord, 
 who  hath  enabled  me,  for  that  he  counted 
 me  faithful,  putting  me  into  the  ministry  ; 
 
 CHAP.  I.  1—4.  That  which  ministers  questions  is  not  for  edify- 
 incf;  that  which  gives  occasion  for  doubtful  disputes  gulls  down 
 the  church  rather  than  builds  it  up.  Aud  i  think  by  a  parity  of 
 /cason,  every  thing  else  that  ministers  questions  rather  than  godly 
 edifying,  should  be  disclaimed  and  disregarded  by  us. 
 
 636 
 
 5 — 11.  Jangling,  especially  in  religion,  is  vain,  it  is  unprofitable 
 and  useless  as  to  all  that  is  good,  and  it  is  very  pernicious  and 
 hurtful ;  and  yet  many  people’s  religion  consist  oi  little  else  but 
 
 vain  jangling.  i  ..  .  t 
 
 12 — 17»  Here  we  have  the  sum  of  the  whole  gospel  that  Jesus 
 
CHAP.  II.  HI. 
 
 ,  13  Who  was  'before  a  blasphemer,  and  a 
 persecutor,  and  injurious  :  but  I  obtained 
 mercy,  because  I  did  it  ignorantly  in  un¬ 
 belief. 
 
 14  And  the  grace  of  our  Lord  was  ex¬ 
 ceeding  abundant,  with  faith  and  love  which 
 is  in  Christ  Jesus. 
 
 10  This  is  a  faithful  saying,  and  worthy 
 of  all  acceptation,  that  Christ  Jesus  came 
 into  the  world  to  save  sinners,  of  whom  I  am 
 chief. 
 
 16  Howbeit  for  this  cause  I  obtained 
 mercy,  that  in  me  first  Jesus  Christ  mightshew 
 for  th  all  long  suffering,  for  a  pattern  to  them 
 which  should  hereafter  believe  on  him  to  life 
 everlasting. 
 
 17  Now,  unto  the  King  eternal,  immortal, 
 invisible,  the  only  wise  God,  he  honour  and 
 glory  for  ever  and  ever.  Amen. 
 
 18  This  charge  I  commit  unto  thee,  son 
 Timothy,  according  to  the  prophecies  which 
 went  before  on  thee,  that  thou  by  them 
 mightest  war  a  good  warfare  ; 
 
 19  Holding  faith  and  a  good  conscience  , 
 which  some  having  put  away,  concerning 
 faith  have  made  shipwreck  ; 
 
 20  Of  whom  is  Hymeneus  and  Alexander : 
 whom  J  have  delivered  unto  Satan,  that  they 
 may  learn  not  to  blasjrheme. 
 
 CHAP.  II. 
 
 In  this  chapter  St*  Paul  treats  of  viirious  subjects. 
 
 T  EXHORT,  therefore,  that,  first  of  all,  sup- 
 
 plications,  })rayers,  intercessions,  and  giv¬ 
 ing  of  thanks,  be  made  for  all  men  ; 
 
 2  For  kings,  and/or  all  that  are  in  autho- 
 1  ity  ,  that  we  may  lead  a  cfuiet  and  peace- 
 idde  life  in  ail  godliness  and  honesty  : 
 
 '3  For  this  w  good  and  acceptable  in  the 
 sight  of  God  our  Saviour  ; 
 
 4  Who  will  have  all  men  to  be  saved,  and 
 to  come  unto  the  knowledge  of  the  truth. 
 
 5  For  there  is  one  God,  and  one  Mediator 
 between  God  and  men,  the  man  Christ  Jesus ; 
 
 6  Who  gave  himself  a  ransom  for  all,  to 
 be  testified  in  due  time. 
 
 7  Whereunto  I  am  ordained  a  preacher, 
 and  an  apostle,  (I  speak  the  truth  in  Christ, 
 and  lie  not,)  a  teacher  of  the  Gentiles  in 
 faith  and  verity. 
 
 8  I  will,  therefore,  that  men  pray  every 
 where,  lifting  up  holy  hands,  without  wrath 
 and  doubting. 
 
 9  In  like  manner  also,  that  women  adorn 
 themselves  in  modest  apparel,  with  shame¬ 
 facedness  and  sobriety ;  not  with  broidered 
 hair,  or  gold,  or  pearls,  or  costly  array  : 
 
 10  But  (which  becometh  women  pro¬ 
 fessing  godliness)  with  good  works. 
 
 11  Let  the  woman  learn  in  silence  with 
 all  subjection. 
 
 12  But  I  suffer  not  a  woman  to  teach, 
 nor  to  usurp  authority  over  the  man,  but 
 to  be  in  silence. 
 
 13  For  Adam  was  first  formed,  then  Eve. 
 
 14  And  Adam  was  not  deceived  :  but  the 
 
 woman,  being  deceived,  was  in  the  transores- 
 sion.  ^ 
 
 lo  Notwithstanding  she  shall  be  saved  in 
 child-bearing,  if  they  continue  in  faith,  and 
 charity,  and  holiness,  with  sobriety 
 
 CHAP.  III. 
 
 In  this  chapter  our  apostle  treats  of  church  offices. 
 
 ^HIS  is  a  true  saying.  If  a  man  desire  the 
 office  of  a  bishop,  he  desireth  a  good 
 work. 
 
 Christ  came  into  the  world.  The  Son  of  God  took  upon  him  our 
 nature,  was  rnade  of  flesh  and  dwelt  among  us,  .John  i.  14.  He  came 
 into  the  woidd  not- to  call  the  righteous  but  sinners  to  repentance. 
 Matt.  IX.  13.  And  in  the  close  of  the  verse  Paul  applies  it  to 
 himself,  of  whom  .  arn  chief.  I  aul  was  a  sinner  of  the  first  rank  • 
 so  he  acknowledges  himseif  to  have  been,  for  he  breathed  oiu 
 threatenmgs  and  slaughter  against  the  disciples  of  the  Lord  &c 
 Acts  IX.  1,  2.  l^rsecutors  are  some  of  the  worst  of  sinners- 
 such  a  one  Paul  -had  been;  or,  of  whom  I  am  chief,  i.  e.  of  pari 
 doned  sinners  I  am  chief.  It  is  an  expression  of  his  great  humilitv 
 he  that  elsewhere  calls  himself  the  least  of  saints,  Ephes.  iii.  8.  here 
 calls  nimseli  the  chief  of  sinners. 
 
 ’  S— 20.  Those  that  have  put  away  a  good  conscience  and  made 
 cejlti'^l^^^^  of  faith,  will  not  sticic  at  any  thing,  blasphemy  not  ex- 
 
 the  kings  at  this  time  were  heathens, 
 enemies  to  Christianity,  and  persecutors  of  Christians,  yet  they 
 
 for  them,  because  it  is  for  the  public  good  that  there 
 
 A  mediator  supposes  a  controversy.  Sin  had  made  a 
 between  us  and  God  ;  Jesus  Christ  is  a  Mediator  that  undertake 
 to  make  peace,  to  bring  God  and  man  together,  in  the  nature  o 
 
 profess  godliness,  should  in  their  dress  as  well 
 as  other  things,  carry  it  as  becomes  their  profession  ;  instead  oflv 
 mg  out  their  money  on  fine  clothes,  they  must  lav  it  out  In  Y" 
 of  p,e.y  and  Cham,,  which  a.e  properl/calM'.l^k™ £ 
 ynai.  lu,  1—5.  Jhe  two  epistles  to  Timothy  and  that  m 
 /tus  contain  a  scripture  plan  of  church  government  ora  dffiec 
 non  to  ministers.  And  here  we  have  the  ’  r  “  I 
 
 minister,  whose  office  it  is,  as  a  bishop,  ^  pr^esidrinYUrS" 
 
 congregation  of  Christians.  P'esiue  m  a  particuiai 
 
 65? 
 
1.  TIMOTHY. 
 
 2  A  bishop  then  must  be  blameless,  the 
 husband  of  one  wife,  vigilant,  sober,  of  good 
 behaviour,  given  to  hospitality,  apt  to  teach  ; 
 
 3  Not  given  to  wine,  no  striker,  not 
 greedy  of  filthy  lucre  ;  but  patient,  no't  a 
 brawler,  not  covetous  ; 
 
 4  One  that  ruleth  well  his  own  house, 
 having  his  children  in  subjection  with  all 
 gravity ; 
 
 5  (For  if  a  man  know  not  how  to  rule  his 
 own  house,  how  shall  he  take  care  of  the 
 church  of  God  ?) 
 
 6  Not  a  novice,  lest  being  lifted  up  with 
 pride,  he  fall  into  the  condemnation  of  the 
 devil. 
 
 7  Moreover,  he  must  have  a  good  report 
 of  them  which  are  without ;  lest  he  fall  into 
 reproach,  and  the  snare  of  the  devil. 
 
 8  Likewise  must  the  deacons  he  grave,  not 
 double-tongued,  not  given  to  much  wine, 
 not  greedy  of  filthy  lucre  ; 
 
 9  Holding  the  mystery  of  the  faith  in  a 
 pure  conscience. 
 
 10  And  let  these  also  first  be  proved ; 
 then  let  them  use  the  office  of  a  deacon, 
 being  found  blameless. 
 
 1 1  Even  so  must  their  wives  he  grave,  not 
 slanderers  ;  sober,  faithful  in  all  things. 
 
 12  Let  the  deacons  be  the  husbands  of 
 one  wife,  ruling  their  children  and  their  own 
 houses  well. 
 
 13  For  they  that  have  used  the  office  of  a 
 deacon  well  purchase  to  themselves  a  good 
 degree,  and  great  boldness  in  the  faith  which 
 is  in  Christ  Jesus. 
 
 14  These  things  write  I  unto  thee,  hoping 
 to  come  unto  thee  shortly  : 
 
 1.5  But  if  I  tarry  long,  that  thou  mayest 
 
 Have  briefly  gone  through  the  qualifications  of  a  gospel  bishop, 
 we  may,  1,  with  great  reason  cry  out  as  St.  Paul  doth,  who  is  suf- 
 ficient'for  these  things?  2  Cor.  ii.  l6'.  This  is  a  work  indeed. 
 What  piety,  what  prudence,  what  zeal,  what  courage,  what  faith¬ 
 fulness,  what  watchfulness,  over  ourselves,  our  lusts,  appetites  and 
 passions,  and  over  those  under  our  charge ;  I  say,  What  holy 
 watchfulness  is  necessary  in  this  work  !  But  for  the  encouragement 
 of  all  faithful  ministers,  we  have  Christ’s  gracious  word  of  promise, 
 Lo,  1  am  with  you  alway,  even  unto  the  end  of  the  world.  Matt, 
 x.wiii.  20.  And  if  he  be  with  us,  he  will  fit  us  forour  work  in  some 
 measure,  and  carry  us  through  the  difficulties  of  it  with  comfort. 
 
 S — 13.  We  have  here  the  character  of  deacons;  those  had  the 
 care  of  temporal  concerns  of  the  church,  that  is,  the  maintenance 
 and  support  of  the  ministers,  and  provisions  of  the  poor:  it  was 
 requisite  the  deacons  should  have- a  good  character,  because  they 
 were  assistants  of  the  ministers,  appeared  and  acted  publicly  and 
 658 
 
 know  how  thou  oughtest  to  behave  thyself  in 
 the  house  of  God,  which  is  the  church  of  the 
 living  God,  the  pillar  and  ground  of  the 
 truth. 
 
 16  And,  without  controversy,  great  is  the 
 mystery  of  godliness  ;  God  was  manifest  in 
 the  flesh,  justified  in  the  Spirit,  seen  of  angels, 
 preached  unto  the  Gentiles,  believed  on  in 
 the  world,  received  up  into  glory. 
 
 CHAP.  IV. 
 
 St.  Paul  here  foretels,  I.  A  dreadful  apostacy,  1 , 2, 3.  II.  He  treats 
 of  Christian  liberty,  4,  5.  III.  He  gives  Timothy  divers  di¬ 
 rections. 
 
 IVT  OW  the  Spirit  speaketh  expressly,  that 
 in  the  latter  times  some  shall  depart 
 from  the  faith,  giving  heed  to  seducing  spirits 
 and  doctrines  of  devils  ; 
 
 2  Speaking  lies  in  hypocrisy  ;  having  their 
 conscience  seared  with  a  hot  iron  ; 
 
 3  Forbidding  to  marry,  and  eommanding 
 to  abstain  from  meats,  which  God  hath 
 created  to  be  received  with  thankssivins  of 
 them  which  believe  and  know  the  truth. 
 
 4  For  every  creature  of  God  is  good,  and 
 nothing  to  be  refused,  if  it  be  received  with 
 thanksgiving. 
 
 5  For  it  is  sanctified  by  the  word  of  God 
 and  prayer. 
 
 6  If  thou  put  the  brethren  in  remembrance 
 of  these  things,  thou  shalt  be  a  good  minister 
 of  Jesus  Christ,  nourished  up  in  the  words 
 of  faith  and  of  good  doctrine,  whercunto 
 thou  hast  attained. 
 
 7  But  refuse  profane  and  old  wives"  fables, 
 and  exercise  thyself  rather  unto  godliness. 
 
 8  For  bodily  exercise  profiteth  little  ;  but 
 godliness  is  profitable  unto  all  things,  having 
 
 had  a  great  trust  reposed  in  them.  Their  wives  likewise  must 
 have  a  good  character.  All  that  are  related  to  ministers  must 
 double  their  care  to  walk  as  becomes  the  gospel  of  Christ,  lest  if 
 they  in  any  thing  walk  disorderly  the  ministry  be  blamed. 
 
 14 — 16'.  Godliness  is  a  mystery  in  all  its  parts  and  branches, 
 from  the  beginning  to  the  end,  from  Christ’s  incarnation  to  his  as- 
 sension.  It  being  a  great  mystery  we  should  rather  humbly  adore 
 it,  and  piously  believe  it,  than  curiously  pry  into  it,  or  be  too  posi¬ 
 tive  in  our  explications  of  it,  and  determinations  about  it,  further 
 than  the  Ploly  Scriptures  have  revealed  it  to  us. 
 
 CHAP.  IV.  1 — 5.  We  have  here  a  prophecy  of  the  apostacy 
 of  the  latter  times,  which  he  had  spoken  of  a?  a  thing  expected  and 
 taken  for  granted  among  Christians,  2  Thess.  2.  In  the  close  of 
 the  foregoing  chapter  we  had  the  mystery  of  godliness  summed  up, 
 and  therefore  very  fitly  in  the  beginning  of  this  chapter  we  have  tl^ 
 mystery  of  iniquity  summed  up. 
 
-CHAP.  V. 
 
 promise  of  the  life  that  now  is,  and  of  that 
 which  is  to  come. 
 
 9  This  is  a  faithful  saving,  and  worthy  of 
 all  acceptation. 
 
 10  For  therefore  we  both  labour  and  suffer 
 reproach,  because  we  trust  in  the  living  God, 
 who  is  the  Saviour  of  all  men,  especially  of 
 those  that  believe. 
 
 11  These  things  command  and  teach. 
 
 12  Let  no  man  despise  thy  youth  :  but 
 be  thou  an  example  of  the  believers,  in  word, 
 in  conversation,  in  charity,  in  spirit,  in  faith, 
 in  purity. 
 
 13  Till  I  come,  give  attendance  to  reading, 
 to  exhortation,  to  doctrine. 
 
 14  Neglect  not  the  gift  that  is  in  thee, 
 which  was  given  thee  by  prophecy,  with  the 
 laying  on  of  the  hands  of  the  presbytery. 
 
 15  Meditate  upon  these  things  ;  give  thy¬ 
 self  wholly  to  them ;  that  thy  profiting  may 
 appear  to  all. 
 
 16  Take  heed  unto  thyself,  and  unto  the 
 doctrine ;  continue  in  them  :  for  in  doing 
 this  thou  shalt  both  save  thyself,  and  them 
 that  hear  thee. 
 
 CHAP.  V. 
 
 Here  the  apostle  gives  Timothy  divers  directions. 
 
 TJ  EBUKE  not  an  elder,  but  entreat  Iwn 
 as  a  father ;  and  the  younger  men  as 
 brethren  ; 
 
 2  The  elder  women  as  '  mothers,  the 
 younger  as  sisters,  with  all  purity. 
 
 3  Honour  widows  that  are  widows  in¬ 
 deed. 
 
 4  But  if  any  widow  have  children  or  ne¬ 
 phews,  let  them  learn  first  to  shew  piety  at 
 home,  and  to  requite  their  parents  :  for  that 
 is  good  and  acceptable  before  God. 
 
 5  Now  she  that  is  a  widow  indeed,  and 
 desolate,  trusteth  in  God,  and  continueth  in 
 supplications  and  prayers  night  and  day. 
 
 6  But  she  that  liveth  in  pleasure  is  dead 
 while  she  liveth. 
 
 7  And  these  things  give  in  charge,  that 
 they  may  be  blameless. 
 
 8  But  if  any  provide  not  for  his  own,  and 
 specially  for  those  of  his  own  house,  he  hath 
 denied  the  faith,  and  is  worse  than  an  in¬ 
 fidel. 
 
 9  Let  not  a  widow  be  taken  into  the 
 number  under  threescore  years  old,  having 
 been  the  wife  of  one  man. 
 
 10  Well  reported  of  for  good  works  :  if 
 she  have  brought  up  children,  if  she  have 
 lodged  strangers,  if  she  have  washed  the 
 sainPs  feet,  if  she  have  relieved  the  afflicted, 
 if  she  have  diligently  followed  every  good 
 work. 
 
 11  But  the  younger  widows  refuse  :  for 
 when  they  have  begun  to  wax  wanton  against 
 Christ  they  will  marry  ; 
 
 12  Having  damnation,  because  they  have 
 cast  off  their  first  faith. 
 
 13  And  withal  they  learri  to  he  idle,  wan¬ 
 dering  about  from  house  to  house ;  and  not 
 only  idle,  but  tattlers  also,  and  busy  bodies, 
 speaking  things  which  they  ought  not. 
 
 14  I  will,  therefore,  that  the  younger  wo¬ 
 men  marry,  bear  children,  guide  the  house, 
 give  none  occasion  to  the  adversary  to  speak 
 reproachfully. 
 
 15  For  some  are  already  turned  aside  after 
 Satan. 
 
 16  If  any  man  or  woman  that  belie veth 
 have  widows,  let  them  relieve  them,  and  let 
 not  the  church  be  charged  ;  that  it  may  re¬ 
 lieve  them  that  are  widows  indeed. 
 
 17  Let  the  elders  that  rule  well  be  count¬ 
 ed  worthy  of  double  honour,  especially  they 
 who  labour  in  the  word  and  doctrine. 
 
 18  For  the  scripture  saith,  Thou  shalt 
 not  muzzle  the  ox  that  treadeth  out  the 
 corn.  And,  The  labourer  is  worthy  of  his 
 reward. 
 
 19  Against  an  elder  receive  not  an  accusa¬ 
 tion,  but  before  two  or  three  witnesses. 
 
 9—1 6.  The  care  of  ministers  should  be  in  the  first  place  to  save 
 themselves;  save  thyself  in  the  first  place,  so  shalt 'thou  be  in-| 
 strumental  to  save  them  that  hear  thee. 
 
 CHAP.  I.  1,  2.  Great  difference  is  to  be  made  in  our  reproofs! 
 according  to  the  age,  quality,  and  other  circumstances  of  the  per¬ 
 sons  rebuked  ;  thus,  an  elder  in  age  or  office  must  be  intreated 
 as  a  Father  ;  of  some  have  compassion  making  a  difference,  Jude  22.  | 
 .'I  -Iff.  Christianity  obliges  its  professors  to  relieve  their  indi- 
 
 pnt  friends,  particularly  poor  widows,  that  the  church  mav  not 
 be  charged  with  them,  that  it  may  relieve  them  that  are  widoiv^s 
 indeed  ;  rich  people  should  be  ashamed  to  burthen  the  church 
 
 that  those  are 
 
 supplied  who  ^ve  no  children  or  nephews,  that  is,  grand  chil¬ 
 dren,  that  are  in  a  capacity  to  relieve  them.  ^ 
 
 suddenly  on  no  man,  22,  seems  to  be 
 , meant  of  the  ordaining  of  men  to  the  office  of  the  ministry,  which 
 
 639 
 
T/TIMDTHY. 
 
 20  Them  that  sin  rebuke  before  all,  that 
 others  also  may  fear. 
 
 21  I  charge  thee  before  God,  and  the 
 Lord  Jesus  Christj  and  the  elect  angels,  that 
 thou  observe  these  things,  without  preferring 
 one  before  another,  doing  nothing  by  par¬ 
 tiality^ 
 
 22  Lay  hands  suddenly  on  no  man,  nei¬ 
 ther  be  partaker  of  other  men's  sins  :  keep 
 thyself  pure. 
 
 23  Drink  no  longer  water,  but  use  a  little 
 wine  for  thy  stomach's  sake,  and  thine  often 
 infirmities. 
 
 24  Some  men's  sins  are  open  before-hand, 
 going  before  to  judgment ;  and  some  men 
 they  follow  after. 
 
 25  Likewise  also  the  good  works  of  some 
 are  manifest  beforehand  ;  and  they  that  are 
 otherwise  cannot  be  hid. 
 
 CHAP.  VI. 
 
 He  treats  of  the  various  duties  and  characters. 
 
 ET  as  many  servants  as  are  under  the 
 yoke  count  their  own  masters  worthy 
 of  all  honour,  that  the  name  of  God  and  his 
 doctrine  be  not  blasphemed. 
 
 2  And  they  that  have  believing  masters, 
 let  them  not  despise  them,  because  they  are 
 brethren  ;  but  rather  do  them  service,  be¬ 
 cause  they  are  faithful  and  beloved,  par¬ 
 takers  of  the  benefit.  These  things  teach 
 and  exhort. 
 
 3  If  any  man  teach  otherwise,  and  con¬ 
 sent  not  to  wholesome  words,  even  the  words 
 of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  to  the  doc¬ 
 trine  which  is  according  to  godliness, 
 
 4  He  is  proud,  knowing  nothing,  but 
 doting  about  questions  and  strifes  of  words, 
 whereof  cometh  envy,  strife,  railings,  evil 
 surmisings, 
 
 5  Perverse  disputings  of  men  of  corrupt 
 minds,  and  destitute  of  the  truth,  supposing 
 
 ought  not  to  be  done  rashly  and  inconsiderately,  and  before  due 
 trial  made  of  their  gifts  and  graces,  their  abilities  and  qualifications 
 for  it. 
 
 CHAP.  VI.  1—5.  If  the  professors  of  religion  misbehave  them¬ 
 selves,  the  name  of  God  and  his  doctrine  is  in  danger  of  being 
 blasphemed,  by  those  that  take  occasions  to  speak  evil  of  that 
 ’vorthy  name  by  which  we  are  called.  And  this  is  a  good  reason 
 why  we  should  all  carry  ourselves  well  that  we  may  prevent  the  oc¬ 
 casion,  which  many  seek  and  will  be  very  apt  to  lay  hold  of,  to 
 npeak  ill  of  religion  for  our  sakes 
 6'6'0 
 
 that  gain  is  godliness  :  from  such  withdraw 
 thyself. 
 
 6  But  godliness  with  contentment  is  great 
 gain. 
 
 7  For  we  brought  nothing  into  this  world, 
 and  it  is  certain  we  can  carry  nothing  out. 
 
 8  And  having  food  and  raiment,  let  us  be 
 therewith  content. 
 
 9  But  they  that  will  be  rich  fall  into 
 temptation,  and  a  snare,  and  into  many 
 foolish  and  hurtful  lusts,  which  drown  men 
 in  destruction  and  perdition. 
 
 10  For  the  love  of  money  is  the  root  of 
 all  evil ;  which  while  some  coveted  after  they 
 have  erred  from  the  faith,  and  pierced  them¬ 
 selves  through  with  many  sorrows. 
 
 1 1  But  thou,  O  man  of  God  !  tlee  these 
 things  ;  and  follow  after  righteousness,  god¬ 
 liness,  faith,  love,  patience,  meekness. 
 
 12  Fight  the  good  fight  of  faith,  lay  hold 
 on  eternal  life,  whereunto  thou  art  also  call¬ 
 ed,  and  hast  professed  a  good  profession  be¬ 
 fore  many  witnesses. 
 
 13  I  give  thee  charge  in  the  sight  of  God, 
 who  quickeneth  all  things,  and  before  Christ 
 Jesus,  who  l:)efore  Pontius  Pilate  witnessed 
 a  good  confession, 
 
 14  That  thou  keep  this  commandment 
 without  spot,  unrebukeablc,  until  the  ap})ear- 
 ing  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ : 
 
 15  Which  in  his  times  he  shall  shew  who 
 is  the  blessed  and  only  Potentate,  the  King 
 of  kings,  and  Lord  of  lords  ; 
 
 16‘  Who  only  hath  immortality,  dwelling 
 in  the  light  which  no  man  can  aj)proach  un¬ 
 to  ;  whom  no  man  hath  seen,  nor  can  see ; 
 to  whom  be  honour  and  power  everlasting. 
 Amen. 
 
 17  Charge  them  that  are  rich  in  this  world 
 that  they  be  not  high-minded,  nor  trust  in 
 uncertain  riches,  but  in  the  living  God,  who 
 giveth  us  richly  all  things  to  enjoy  ; 
 
 6 — 12.  To  arm  Timothy  against  the  love  of  the  world,  he  directs 
 him  to  follow  that  which  is  good,  follow  after  righteousness,  godli¬ 
 ness,  faith,  love,  patience,  and  meekness.  They  that  follow  after 
 righteousness  and  godliness  from  a  principle  of  faith  and  love,  have 
 need  to  put  on  patience  and  meekness.  Patience  to  bear  both  the 
 rebukes  of  providence,  and  the  reproaches  of  men  ;  meekness  where¬ 
 with  to  instruct  gainsayers,  and  pass  by  the  affronts  and  injuries 
 that  are  done  to  us. 
 
 13 — 21.  Every  minister  is  a  trustee,  and  it  is  a  treasure  com¬ 
 mitted  to  his  trust  which  he  bath  to  keep.  The  truths  of  God  the 
 
CHAP.  I. 
 
 *  i8  That  they  do  good,  that  they  be  rich 
 in  good  works,  ready  to  distribute,  willing 
 to  communicate ; 
 
 19  Laying  up  in  store  for  themselves  a 
 good  foundation  against  the  time  to  come, 
 that  they  may  lay  hold  on  eternal  life. 
 
 20  0  Timothy,  keep  that  which  is  com¬ 
 mitted  to  thy  trust,  avoiding  profane  and 
 
 ordinances  of  God,  keep  these,  avoiding  profane  and  vain  bab¬ 
 bling.  Not  affecting  human  eloquence,  which  the  apostle  calls 
 vain  babbling,  or  human  learning,  which  many  times  opposes  the 
 
 vain  babblings  and  oppositions  of  science 
 falsely  so  called  : 
 
 21  Which  some  professing  have  erred 
 concerning  the  faith.  Grace  be  with  thee. 
 Amen. 
 
 f  The  first  to  Timothy  was  written  from 
 Laodicea,  which  is  the  chiefest  city  of 
 Phrygia  Pacatiana. 
 
 truths  of  God,  but  keep  close  to  the  written  word,  for  that  is 
 committed  to  our  trust. 
 
 THE  SECOND  EPISTLE  OF  PAUL  TO 
 
 T  I  M  O  T  H  Y. 
 
 ITiis  second  epistle  Paul  wrote  to  Timothy  from  Rome,  when  he  was  a  prisoner  there,  and  in  danger  of  his  life.  Where  Timothy  now 
 vyas,  is  not  certain  :  the  scope  of  this  epistle  somewhat  differs  from  that  of  the  former,  not  so  much  relating  to  his  office  as  an  evanse- 
 list,  as  to  his  personal  conduct  and  behaviour.  "  ° 
 
 CHAP.  I. 
 
 After  the  introduction,  1,  2,  we  have,  I.  Paul’s  sincere  love  to 
 ,  Timothy,  3 — 6.  II.  Divers  exhortations,  6' — 15. 
 
 T>AUL,  an  apostle  of  Jesus  Christ,  by  the 
 *-  will  of  God,  according  to  the  promise 
 of  life  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus, 
 
 2  To  Timothy,  wiy  dearly  beloved  son  : 
 Grace,  mercy,  a?id  peace,  from  G  od  the  Fa¬ 
 ther,  and  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord. 
 
 3  I  thank  God,  whom  I  serve  from  my 
 forefathers  with  pure  conscience,  that  without 
 ceasing,  I  have  remembrance  of  thee  in  my 
 prayers  night  and  day  ; 
 
 4  Greatly  desiring  to  see  thee,  being 
 mindful  of  thy  tears,  that  I  may  be  filled 
 with  joy. 
 
 5  When  I  call  to  remembrance  the  un¬ 
 feigned  faith  that  is  in  thee,  which  dwelt 
 
 ifirst  in  thy  grandmother  Lois,  and  thy  mo¬ 
 ther  Eunice ;  and  I  am  persuaded  that  in 
 thee  also. 
 
 6  Wherefore  I  put  thee  in  remembrance, 
 that  thou  stir  up  the  gift  of  God  which  is  in 
 thee,  by  the  putting  on  of  my  hands. 
 
 7  For  God  hath  not  given  us  the  spirit  of 
 fear ;  but  of  power,  and  of  love,  and  of  a 
 sound  mind. 
 
 8  Be  not  thou,  therefore,  ashamed  of  the 
 testimony  of  our  Lord,  nor  of  me  his  prisoner: 
 but  be  thou  partaker  of  the  afflictions  of  the 
 gospel  according  to  the  power  of  God  ^ 
 
 9  Who  hath  saved  us,  and  called  us  with 
 an  hol}^  calling,  not  according  to  our  works, 
 but  according  to  his  own  purpose  and  grace^, 
 which  was  given  us  in  Christ  Jesus  before 
 the  world  began ; 
 
 CHAP.  I.  1—5.  It  was  the  matter  of  St.  Paul’s  thanksgiving, 
 that  Timothy  inherited  the  faith  of  his  mother  Eunice  and  his 
 grandmother  Lois,  and  ought  to  be  ours,  whenever  we  see  the  like ; 
 we  should  rejoice  wheresoever  we  see  the  grace  of  God. 
 
 6—14.  First,  Good  men  often  suffer  many  things,  for  the  best 
 cause  in  the  world,  for  the  which  cause  I  suffer  these  things ;  that 
 
 IS  for  my  preaching,  and  adhering  to  the  gospel.  Second  Thev 
 need  not  to  be  ashamed,  the  cause  will  beL  them  out  but  thosl 
 
 feL'Tf  shame. 'obserV'  Third 
 
 Those  that  trust  m  Christ  know  whom  they  have  trusted.  He 
 speaks  with  a  holy  triumph  and  exultation,  as  much  as  to  say,  I 
 stand  on  firm  ground.  I  know  I  have  lodged  the  great  trust  in 
 
 661 
 
II.  TIMOTHY. 
 
 10  But  is  now  made  manifest  by  the  ap¬ 
 pearing  of  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  who 
 hath  abolished  death,  and  hath  brought  life 
 and  immortality  to  light  through  the  gospel ; 
 
 11  Whereunto  I  am  appointed  a  preacher, 
 and  an  apostle,  and  a  teacher  of  the  Gentiles. 
 
 12  For  the  which  cause  I  also  suffer  these 
 things  :  nevertheless  I  am  not  ashamed ;  for 
 I  know  whom  I  have  believed,  and  am  par- 
 suaded  that  he  is  able  to  keep  that  which  I 
 have  committed  unto  him  against  that  day. 
 
 13  Hold  fast  the  form  of  sound  Avords, 
 Avhich  thou  hast  heard  of  me,  in  faith  and 
 love  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus. 
 
 14  That  good  thing  Avhich  Avas  committed 
 unto  thee,  keep  by  the  Holy  Ghost  Avhich 
 dwelleth  in  us.  ' 
 
 15  This  thou  knowest,  that  all  they  Avhich 
 are  in  Asia  be  turned  aAvay  from  me ;  of 
 Avhom  are  Phygellus  and  Hermogenes. 
 
 lb  The  Lord  give  mercy  unto  the  house 
 of  Onesiphorus  ;  for  he  oft  refreshed  me, 
 and  Avas  not  ashamed  of  my  chain  : 
 
 17  'But  Avhen  he  Avas  in  E.ome  he  sou^^ht 
 me  out  very  diligently,  and  found  me. 
 
 18  The  Lord  grant  unto  him  that  he  may 
 find  mercy  of  the  Lord  in  that  day  ;  and  in 
 hoAv  many  things  he  ministered  unto  me  at 
 Ephesus  thou  knoAvest  very  Avell. 
 
 CHAP.  II. 
 
 In  this  chapter  our  apostle  gives  Timothy  many  exhortations  and 
 
 directions. 
 
 Thou,  therefore,  my  son,  be  strong  in 
 the  grace  that  is  in  Christ  Jesus. 
 
 2  And  the  things  that  thou  hast  heard  of 
 me  among  many  Avitnesses,  the  same  com¬ 
 mit  thou  to  faithful  men,  avIio  shall  be  able 
 to  teach  others  also. 
 
 3  Thou  therefore,  endure  hardness,  as  a 
 good  soldier  of  Jesus  Christ. 
 
 4  No  man  that  Avarreth  entangleth  him- 
 
 the  hands  of  the  best  trustee.  There  is  a  day  coming,  and  it  will 
 
 be  a  very  solemn  and  awful  day,  when  we  must  give  an  account  of 
 our  stewardship,  Luke  xvi.  2,  give  an  account  of  our  souls ;  now  if 
 by  an  active  obedient  faith  we  commit  it  to  Jesus  Christ,  we  may 
 be  sure  he  is  able  to  keep  it,  and  it  shall  be  forth  coming  to  our 
 comfort  in  that  day. 
 
 J5_18.  Finally,  the  best  tnmg  we  can  ask,  either  for  ourselves 
 or  our  friends  is,  that  the  Lord  will  grant  to  them,  that  they  may 
 find  mercy  of  the  Lord  in  that  day,  when  they  must  pass  out  of 
 time  into  eternity,  and  exchange  this  world  for  the  other,  and  ap¬ 
 pear  before  the  judgment  scat  of  Christ ;  the  Lord  then  grant  unto 
 all  of  us  that  we  may  find  mercy  of  the  Lord  in  that  day. 
 
 66’2 
 
 self  Avith  the  affairs  of  this  life,  that  he  may 
 please  him  who  hath  chosen  him  to  be  a  sol¬ 
 dier. 
 
 5  And  if  a  man  also  strive  for  masteries, 
 yet  is  he  not  croAvned  except  he  strive  Iuav- 
 fully.  . 
 
 6  The  husbandman  that  laboureth  must 
 be  first  partaker  of  the  fruits. 
 
 7  Consider  Avhat  I  say  ;  and  the  Lord 
 give  thee  understanding  in  all  things. 
 
 8  Remember  that  Jesus  Christ,  of  ihe 
 seed  of  David,  Avas  raised  from  the  dead, 
 according  to  my  gospel ; 
 
 9  Wherein  I  sutl’er  trouble  as  an  evil-doer, 
 even  unto  bonds  ;  but  the  Avord  of  God  is 
 not  bound. 
 
 10  Therefore  I  endure  all  things  for  the 
 elect’s  sake,  that  they  may  also  obtain  the 
 salvation  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus,  Avith  eter¬ 
 nal  glory. 
 
 11  is  a  faithful  saying.  For  if  Ave  be 
 dead  Avith  him,  Av^e  shall  also  live  Avith  him  : 
 
 12  If  Ave  suffer,  Ave  shall  also  reign  Avith 
 him :  if  Ave  deny  him,  he  Avill  also  deny  us  : 
 
 13  If  Ave  believe  not,  yet  he  abideth  1‘ailh- 
 ful ;  he  cannot  deny  himself. 
 
 14  Of  these  things  j)ut  the?n  in  remem¬ 
 brance,  charging  them  before  the  Lord  that 
 they  strive  not  about  Avords  to  no  ])rofit,  hut 
 to  the  subverting  of  the  hearers. 
 
 15  Study  to  sheAV  thyself  a])proved  unto 
 God,  a  Avorkman  that  needeth  not  to  be 
 ashamed,  rightly  dividing  the  Avord  of  truth. 
 
 16  But  shun  profane  and  vain  babblings  : 
 for  they  Avill  increase  unto  more  ungodli¬ 
 ness. 
 
 17  And  their  Avord  Avill  eat  as  doth  a  can¬ 
 ker  :  of  Avhom  is  Hymeneus  and  Philetus  ; 
 
 18  Who  concerning  the  truth  have  erred, 
 saying.  That  the  resurrection  is  past  already  ; 
 and  overthroAV  the  faith  of  some. 
 
 CHAP.  II.  1 — 7.  Tbe  great  care  of  a  soldier  should  be  to 
 please  his  general ;  so  the  great  care  of  a  Christian  should  be  to 
 please  Christ,  to  approve  ourselves  to  him.  The  way  to  please 
 him,  who  hath  chosen  us  to  be  soldiers,  is  not  to  entangle  ourselves 
 with  the  affairs  of  this  life,  but  to  be  free  from  such  entanglements 
 as  would  hinder  us  in  our  holy  warfare. 
 
 8 — 13.  If  we  deny  him  out  of  fear  or  shame,  or  for  the  sake  of 
 some  temporal  advantage  he  will  det  y  and  disovyn  us,  and  will  jiot 
 deny  himself,  but  will  continue  faithful  to  his  word  when  lie 
 threatens,  as  well  as  when  he  promises. 
 
 14 — 18.  The  resurrection  of  the  dead,  is  one  of  the  great  doc¬ 
 trines  of  Christ.  Now  see  the  sublilty  of  the  serpent,  and  th« 
 
CHAP.  III. 
 
 19  Nevertheless  the  foundation  of  God 
 standeth  sure,  having  this  seal,  the  Lord 
 knoweth  them  that  are  his.  And,  let  every 
 one  that  nameth  the  name  of  Christ  depart 
 from  iniquity. 
 
 20  But  in  a  great  house  there  are  not 
 only  vessels  of  gold  and  of  silver,  but  also  ol' 
 wood  and  of  earth  ;  and  some  to  honour,  and 
 some  to  dishonour. 
 
 21  If  a  man  therefore  purge  himself  from 
 these,  he  shall  be  a  vessel  unto  honour,  sanc¬ 
 tified  and  meet  for  the  master's  use,  and  pre¬ 
 pared  unto  every  good  work. 
 
 22  Flee  also  youthful  lusts  :  but  follow 
 righteousness,  faith,  charity,  peace,  with 
 them  that  call  on  the  Lord  out  of  a  pure 
 heart. 
 
 23  But  foolish  and  unlearned  questions 
 avoid,  knowing  that  they  do  gender  strifes. 
 
 24  And  the  servant  of  the  Lord  must  not 
 strive ;  but  be  gentle  unto  all  men,  apt  to 
 teach,  patient ; 
 
 25  In  meekness  instructing  those  that 
 
 oppose  themselves  ;  it  God  peradventurc  will 
 give  them  reiientance  to  the  acknowledoino- 
 of  the  truth  ;  ° 
 
 26  And  that  they  may  recover  themselves 
 out  of  the  snare  of  the  devil,  who  are  taken 
 captive  by  him  at  his  will. 
 
 CHAP.  III. 
 
 “ihoroif  bo  with  the  reasons 
 
 10  ad  lin.  ^  remedies  against  them, 
 
 ^^HIS  know  also,  that  in  the  last  days 
 jierilous  times  shall  come  : 
 
 2  For  men  shall  be  lovers  of  their  own- 
 selves,  covetous,  boasters,  proud,  blasphe¬ 
 mers,  disobedient  to  parents,  unthankful 
 unholy, 
 
 serpems  seed.  They  did  not  deny  the  resurrection,  for  that  had 
 been  boldly  and  avowedly  to  confront  the  word  of  Christ  but  thev 
 put  a  coi  riipt  interpretation  upon  that  true  doctrine,  saving  That 
 the  resurrection  is  past  already,  i.  e.  that  what  Christ  spoke  con¬ 
 cerning  the  resurrection  is  to  be  understood  mystical,  and  by  wav 
 of  aHegory,  that  it  must  be  meant  of  a  spiritual  resurrection. 
 
 -1.  All  the  attacks  which  the  powers  of  darkness  have 
 made  upon  the  doctrine  of  Christ,  cannot  shake  it,  it  stands  firm 
 f  which  have  been  raised  against  it  ' 
 
 l  outhful  lusts  are  very  dangerous,  for  which  r’eason 
 even  hopeful  young  people  should  be  warned  of  them,  for  they  war 
 against  the  soul,  1  Pet.  ii.  11.  ’  ^ 
 
 CHAP.  III.  15.  Observe  here,  First,  Men  may  be  very  bad 
 
 IhemTeKS  W  of  religion  ;  they  may  be  lovlr^f 
 
 themselves,  cS.c.  yet  have  a  form  of  godliness.  Second.  4  foim  of 
 
 97  4Q 
 
 3  Without  natural  affection,  truce-break¬ 
 ers,  false  accusers,  incontinent,  fierce,  des- 
 pisers  of  those  that  are  good, 
 
 4  Traitors,  heady,  high-minded,  lovers  of 
 pleasures  more  than  lovers  of  God  ; 
 
 5  Flaving  a  form  of  godliness,  but  denyinrr 
 the  power  thereof :  from  such  turn  away.  ^ 
 
 6  For  of  this  sort  are  they  which  creep  in¬ 
 to  houses,  and  lead  captive  silly  women  laden 
 with  sins,  led  away  with  divers  lusts  ; 
 
 7  Ever  learning,  and  never  able  to  come 
 to  the  knowledge  of  the  truth. 
 
 8  Now  as  Jannes  and  Jambres  withstood 
 
 Aloses,  so  do  these  also  resist  the  truth  :  men 
 of  corrupt  minds,  reprobate  concerning  the 
 faith.  •  ° 
 
 9  But  they  shall  proceed  no  further,  for 
 their  folly  shall  be  manifest  unto  all  men,  as 
 theirs  also  was. 
 
 10  But  thou  hast  fully  known  my  doctrine 
 manner  of  life,  purpose,  faith,  long-sufferino- 
 charity,  patience, 
 
 11  Perseeutions,  afflictions,  which  came 
 untome  at  Antioch,  at  Iconium,  at  Lystra  • 
 what  persecutions  I  endured:  But  out  of 
 them  all  the  Lord  delivered  me. 
 
 Yea,  and  all  that  will  liv^e  godly  in 
 Christ  Jesus  shall  suffer  persecution. 
 
 13  But  evil  men  and  seducers  shall  wax 
 
 worse  and  worse,  deceiving  and  being  de¬ 
 ceived.  ° 
 
 14  But  continue  thou  in  the  things  which 
 thou  hast  learned,  and  hast  been  assured  of 
 knowing  of  whom  thou  hast  learned  them  i 
 
 15  And  that  from  a  child  thou  hast  known 
 the  holy  seriptures,  whieh  are  able  to  make 
 thee  wise  unto  salvation  through  faith  which 
 IS  in  Christ  Jesus. 
 
 16  All  scripture  is  given  by  inspiration  of 
 
 pdlincss  IS  a  very  different  thing  from  the  nower  of  if 
 have  the  one,  and  be  wholly  destitute  of  the  mLr  -  ve.’  d 
 It,  at  least,  practicallv  in  their  lives  Third  From  sio-h 
 bans  must  withdravvihemselves.  ’ 
 
 6  9.  Here  Paul  warns  Timothy  to  take  heed  of  e^rfoi,,  j 
 
 their  seduction.  ®  charge  against 
 
 10— IF  We  see  the  scripture  hath  various  nsec  q,.,!  „ 
 diveis  ends,  and  purposes,  it  is  profitable  for  doctrine  f 
 for  correction  of  all  errors  in  judorment  and  nraef'  ’ 
 struction  in  righteousness  The  practice,  and  for  m- 
 
 prac,ice/all;!  was 
 
 well  as  the  Christian  who  is  devoted  to  Tod  f 
 
 doctrine.  unvoted  to  bod,  for  it  is  profitable  for 
 
 663 
 
H,  TIMOTHY. 
 
 God,  and  is  profitable  for  doctrine,  for  re¬ 
 proof,  for  correction,  for  instruction  in  righte¬ 
 ousness  ; 
 
 17  That  the  man  of  God  may  be  perfect, 
 thoroughly  furnished  unto  all  good  works. 
 
 CHAP.  IV. 
 
 in  this  chapter  St.  Paul  presses  Timothy  to  the  diligent  discharge 
 
 of  his  work. 
 
 I  CHARGE  thee  therefore  before  God, 
 and  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  shall 
 judge  the  quick  and  the  dead  at  his  appear¬ 
 ing  and  his  kingdom, 
 
 2  Preach  the  word  ;  be  instant  in  season, 
 out  of  season  ;  reprove,  rebuke,  exhort,  with 
 all  long-suffering  and  doctrine. 
 
 3  For  the  time  will  come  when  they  will 
 not  endure  sound  doctrine  ;  but  after  their 
 own  lusts  shall  they  heap  to  themselves 
 teachers,  having  itching  ears  ; 
 
 4  And  they  shall  turn  away  their  ears 
 from  the  truth,  and  shall  be  turned  unto 
 fables. 
 
 5  But  watch  thou  in  all  things,  endure 
 afflictions,  do  the  work  of  an  evangelist,  make 
 full  proof  of  thy  ministry. 
 
 6  For  I  am  now  ready  to  be  offered,  and 
 the  time  of  my  departure  is  at  hand  : 
 
 7  I  have  fought  a  good  fight,  I  have  finish¬ 
 ed  my  course,  I  have  kept  the  faith : 
 
 8  Henceforth  there  is  laid  up  for  me  a 
 crown  of  rightousness,  which  the  Lord,  the 
 righteous  Judge,  shall  give  me  at  that  day  : 
 and  not  to  me  only,  but  unto  all  them  also 
 that  love  his  appearing. 
 
 9  Do  thy  diligence  to  come  shortly  unto 
 me  : 
 
 10  For  Demas  hath  forsaken  me,  having 
 loved  this  present  world,  and  is  departed  un¬ 
 to  Thessalonica  ;  Crescens  to  Galatia,  Titus 
 unto  Dalmatia. 
 
 11  Only  Luke  is  with  me.  Take  Mark, 
 and  bring  him  with  thee :  for  he  is  profit¬ 
 able  to  me  for  the  ministry. 
 
 12  And  Tychicushave  I  sent  to  Ephesus. 
 
 13  The  cloak  that  I  left  at  Troas  with 
 Carpus,  when  thou  comest  bring  with  thee, 
 and  the  books,  but  especially  the  parch¬ 
 ments. 
 
 14  Alexander  the  coppersmith  did  me 
 much  evil ;  the  Lord  reward  him  according 
 to  his  works. 
 
 15  Of  whom  be  thou  ware  also  ;  for  he 
 hath  greatly  withstood  our  words. 
 
 16  At  my  first  answer  no  man  stood  with 
 me,  but  all  men  forsook  me  ;  I  pray  God  that 
 it  may  not  be  laid  to  their  charge. 
 
 17  Notwithstanding  the  Lord  stood  with 
 me,  and  strengthened  me ;  that  by  me  the 
 preaching  might  be  fully  known,  and  that  all 
 the  Gentiles  might  hear  ;  and  I  was  deliver¬ 
 ed  out  of  the  mouth  of  the  lion. 
 
 18  And  the  Lord  shall  deliver  me  from 
 every  evil  work,  and  will  preserve  me  unto 
 his  heavenly  kingdom  :  to  wdiom  he  glory  for 
 ever  and  ever.  Amen. 
 
 19  Salute  Prisca  and  Aquila,  and  the 
 household  of  OnesijJiorus. 
 
 20  Erastus  abode  at  Corinth  :  but  Tro¬ 
 phimus  have  I  left  at  Miletum  sick. 
 
 21  Do  thy  diligence  to  come  before  win¬ 
 ter.  Eubulus  greeteth  thee,  and  Pudens, 
 and  Linus,  and  Claudia,  and  all  the  bre¬ 
 thren. 
 
 22  The  Lord  Jesus  Christ  he  with  thy  spi¬ 
 rit.  Grace  he  with  you.  Amen. 
 
 ^  The  second  epistle  unto  Timotheus, 
 ordained  the  first  bishop  of  the  church  of 
 the  Ephesians,  was  written  from  Rome, 
 when  Paul  was  brought  before  Nero  the 
 second  time. 
 
 CHAP.  IV.  1 — 8.  It  is  a  great  comfort  to  a  dying  saint,  when 
 he  can  look  back  upon  his  past  life,  and  say  with  our  apostle,  I 
 have  fought,  &c.  1  have  kept  the  faith,  the  doctrine  of  faith,  and 
 
 the  grace  of  faith,  towards  the  end  of  our  days  to  be  able  to  speak 
 in  this  manner  ;  what  comfort,  unspeakable  comfort  will  it  afford  ? 
 Let  it  then  be  our  constant  endeavour,  by  the  grace  of  God,  that 
 we  may  finish  our  course  with  joy,  Acts  xx.  24. 
 
 9 — 22.  We  need  no  more  to  make  us  happy  than  to  have  the 
 Lord  Jesus  Christ  with  our  spirits;  for  in  him  all  spiritual  bless¬ 
 ings  are  summed  up.  Audit  is  the  best  prayer  we  can  put  up 
 for  our  friends,  that  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  may  be  with  their 
 spirits,  to  sanctify  and  save  them,  and  at  last  to  receive  them  to 
 himself. 
 
THE  EPISTLE  OF  PAUL  TO 
 
 TITUS. 
 
 The  epistle  of  Paul  to  Titus  is  touch  of  the  same  nature  with  those  to  Timothy  ;  both  were  converts  of  Paul,  and  his  companions  in 
 labour  and  sufferings?  both  in  the  office  of  evangelists,  whose  work  was  to  water  the  churches  planted  by  the  apostles,  and  to  set 
 in  order  the  things  that  were  wanting  in  them. 
 
 CHAP.  I. 
 
 Why  Titus  was  left  at  Crete. 
 
 PAUL,  a  servant  of' God,  and  an  apostle 
 of  Jesus  Christ,  according  to  the  faith' 
 of  God^s  elect,  and  the  acknowledging  of  the 
 truth  which  is  after  godliness  ; 
 
 2  In  hope  of  eternal  life,  which  God,  that 
 cannot  lie,  promised  before  the  world  be- 
 gan  ; 
 
 3  But  hath  in  due  times  manifested  his 
 word  through  preaching,  which  is  committed 
 unto  me,  according  to  the  commandment  of 
 God  our  Saviour ; 
 
 4  To  Titus,  ?mfie  own  son  after  the  com¬ 
 mon  faith :  Grace,  mercy,  and  peace,  from 
 God  the  Father,  and  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ 
 our  Saviour. 
 
 5  For  this  cause  left  I  thee  in  Crete,  that 
 thou  shouldest  set  in  order  the  things  that 
 are  wanting,  and  ordain  elders  in  every  city, 
 as  I  had  appointed  thee. 
 
 6  If  any  be  blameless,  the  husband  of. 
 one  wife,  having  faithful  children,  not  ac¬ 
 cused  of  riot,  or  unruly. 
 
 7  For  a  bishop  must  be  blameless,  as  the 
 
 CHAP.  I.  1 — 3.  Divine  faith  rests  not  on  fallible  reasonings,  or 
 probable  opinions  ;  but  on  the  infallilile  word,  the  truth  itself, 
 which  is  after  godliness,  i.  e.  of  a  godly  nature  and  tendency,  pure 
 and  purifying  the  heart  of  the  believer. 
 
 4,  5.  Human  traditions  and  inventions  may  not  be  brought  into 
 the  church  of  God.  Prudent  disposals  for  carrying  on  the  ends 
 of  Christ’s  appointments,  according  to  the  General  rules  of  the 
 word,  such  may,  yea,  must  be ;  but  none  may  alter  any  thing  in 
 the  substance  of  the  faith,  or  worship,  or  order  and  discipline  of 
 the  churches  ;  if  an  evangelist  might  not  do  any  thing,  but  by  ap¬ 
 pointment,  much  less  pi  ay  others. 
 
 steward  of  God ;  not  self-willed,  not  soon 
 angry,  not  given  to  wine,  no  striker,  not  given 
 to  filthy  lucre ; 
 
 8  But  -  a  lover  of  hospitality,  a  lover  of 
 good  men,  sober,  just,  holy,  temperate  ; 
 
 9  Holding  fast  the  faithful  word  as  he 
 hath  been  taught,  that  he  may  be  able  by 
 sound  doctrine  both  to  exhort  and  to  con¬ 
 vince  the  gainsayers.  . 
 
 10  For  there  are  i^any  unruly  and  vain 
 talkers  and  deceivers,  especially  they  of  the 
 circumcision  : 
 
 1 1  Whose  mouths  must  be  stopped  ;  who 
 subvert  whole  houses,  teaching  things  which 
 they  ought  not  for  filthy  lucre's  sake. 
 
 12  One  of  themselves,  even  a  prophet  of 
 their  own,  said.  The  Cretians  a?‘e  alway  liars, 
 evil  beasts,  slow-bellies. 
 
 13  This  w'itness  is  true :  wherefore  re¬ 
 buke  them  sharply,  that  they  may  be  sound 
 in  the  faith  ; 
 
 14  Not  giving  heed  to  Jewish  fables,  and 
 commandments  of  men,  that  turn  from  the 
 truth. 
 
 15  Unto  the  pure  all  things  are  pure  :  but 
 unto  them  that  are  defiled  and  unbelieving  is 
 
 6' — 9-  See  w  e  here  summarily  the  work  of  the  ministry,  to  exhort 
 those  who  are  willing  to  know  and  do  their  duty. 
 
 10 — 14.  Such  scandalous  vices  as  were  the  reproach  of  hea¬ 
 thens,  should  be  far  from  Christians :  falsehood  and  lying,  invidi¬ 
 ous  craft  and  cruelty,  all  beastly  and  sensual  practices,  and  idle¬ 
 ness  and  sloth,  are  sins  condemned  by  the  light  of  nature  •  for 
 these  were  the  Cretians  taxed  by  their  own  poets. 
 
 1 5,  l6'.  To  good  Christians  that  are  sound  in  the  faith  and  there¬ 
 by  purified,  all  things  are  pure ;  but  to  them  that  are  defiled,  and 
 unbelieving,  nothing  is  pure ;  things  lawful  and  good  they  abuse 
 and  turn  to  sin. 
 
 665 
 
TITUS. 
 
 nothing  pure  :  but  even  their  mind  and  con¬ 
 science  is  defiled. 
 
 16  They  profess  that  they  know  God,  but 
 in  works  they  deny  him^  being  abominable 
 and  disobedient,  and  unto  every  good  work 
 reprobate. 
 
 CHAP.  II. 
 
 The  apostle  here  directs  'I’itus  about  the  faithful  discharge  of  his 
 
 own  office. 
 
 UT  speak  thou  the  things  which  become 
 sound  doctrine. 
 
 2  That  the  aged  men  be  sober,  grave, 
 temperate,  sound  in  faith,  in  charity,  in  pa¬ 
 tience. 
 
 3  The  aged  women  likewise,  that  they  he 
 in  behaviour  as  becometh  holiness  ;  not  false 
 accusers,  not  given  to  much  wine,  teachers 
 of  good  things ; 
 
 4  That  they  may  teach  the  young  wo¬ 
 men  to  be  sober,  to  love  their  husbands,  to 
 love  their  children. 
 
 5  To  he  discreet,  chaste,  keepers  at  home, 
 good,  obedient  to  their  own  husbands,  that 
 the  word  of  God  be  not  blasphemed. 
 
 6  Young  men  likewise  exhort  to  be  sober- 
 minded. 
 
 7  In  all  things  shewing  thyself  a  pattern 
 of  good  works  :  in  doctrine  shezmng  uncor¬ 
 ruptness,  gravity,  sincerity, 
 
 8  Sound  speech  that  cannot  be  condemn¬ 
 ed  ;  that  he  that  is  of  the  contrary  part  may 
 be  ashamed,  having  noevil  thing  to  say  of  you. 
 
 9  Exhort  servants  to  be  obedient  unto 
 their  own  masters,  and  to  please  them  well 
 in  all  things ;  not  answering  again  : 
 
 10  Not  purloining,  but  shewing  all  good 
 fidelity  :  that  they  may  adorn  the  doctrine 
 of  God  our  Saviour  in  all  things. 
 
 11  For  the  grace  of  God  that  bringeth 
 salvation  hath  appeared  to  all  men. 
 
 12  Teaching  us  that,  denying  ungodli¬ 
 ness  and  worldly  lusts,  we  should  live  soberly, 
 righteously,  and  godly,  in  this  present  world. 
 
 CHAP.  II.  1 — 5.  The  word  of  God  and  gospel  of  Christ  is  pure, 
 and  excellent,  and  glorious  in  itself,  and  the  excellency  of  it  should 
 be  expressed  and  shewn  in  the  lives  and  carriage  of  its  professors, 
 especially  in  relative  duties:  failures  here  brings  disgrace,  Rom.  ii. 
 21.  The  name  of  God  is  blasphemed  among  the  Gentiles  through 
 you. 
 
 7 — 15.  Redemption  from  sin,  and  sanctification  of  nature,  go 
 together,  and  both  make  a  peculiar  people  unto  God :  freedom 
 from  guilt  and  condemnation,  and  from  the  power  of  lusts,  and 
 purification  of  soul  by  the  spirit. 
 
 m 
 
 13  Looking  for  that  blessed  hope,  and  the 
 glorious  appearing  of  the  great  God  and  our 
 Saviour  Jesus  Christ ; 
 
 14  Who  gave  himself  for  us,  that  he  might 
 redeem  us  from  all  iniquity,  and  purify  unto 
 himself  a  peculiar  people,  zealous  of  good 
 works. 
 
 15  These  things  speak,  and  exhort,  and 
 rebuke  with  all  authority.  Let  no  man  des¬ 
 pise  thee. 
 
 CHAP.  III. 
 
 duties  which  concern  Christians  more  in  common. 
 
 JpUT  thepa  in  mind  to  be  subject  to  prin- 
 ^  cipalities  and  powers,  to  obey  magis¬ 
 trates,  to  be  ready  to  every  good  work ; 
 
 2  To  speak  evil  of  no  man,  to  be  no  braw¬ 
 lers,  hut  gentle,  shewing  all  meekness  unto 
 all  men. 
 
 3  For  we  ourselves  also  were  sometimes 
 foolish,  disobedient,  deceived,  serving  divers 
 lusts  and  pleasures,  living  in  malice  and  en¬ 
 vy,  hateful,  and  hating  one  another. 
 
 4  But  after  that  the  kindness  and  love  of 
 God  our  Saviour  toward  man  appeared, 
 
 5  Not  by  works  of  righteousness  which 
 we  have  done,  but  according  to  his  mercy 
 he  saved  us,  by  the  washing  of  regeneration, 
 and  renewing  of  the  Holy  Ghost : 
 
 6  Which  he  shed  on  usabundantly  through 
 Jesus  Christ  our  Saviour  ; 
 
 7  That,  being  justified  by  his  grace,  we 
 should  be  made  heirs  according  to  the  hope 
 of  eternal  life. 
 
 8  This  is  a  faithful  saying,  and  these  things 
 I  will  that  thou  affirm  constantly,  that  they 
 which  have  believed  in  God  might  be  care¬ 
 ful  to  maintain  good  works.  These  things 
 are  good  and  profitable  unto  men. 
 
 9  But  avoid  foolish  questions,  and  gene¬ 
 alogies,  and  contentions,  and  strivings  about 
 the  law  ;  for  they  are  unprofitable  and  vain. 
 
 10  A  man  that  is  an  heretic,  after  the 
 irst  and  second  admonition,  reject. 
 
 CHAP.  III.  1 — 3.  What  vile  slaves  and  sinners,  while  they  con-  ’ 
 ceit  themselves  free ;  The  lusts  that  tempt  them  promise  liberty, 
 jut  in  yielding  they  become  the  servants  of  corruption ;  for  of 
 whom  a  man  is  overcome,  of  the  same  is  he  brought  into  bondage. 
 
 4—8.  Ministers  in  teaching  must  see  that  they  deliver  what  is 
 sound  and  good  in  itself,  and  profitable  to  them  that  hear:  all 
 must  be  to  the  use  of  edifying  both  of  persons  and  societies. 
 
 9 — 14.  Christianity  is  not  a  fruitless  protection:  the  professors 
 of  it  must  be  filled  with  the  fruits  of  righteousness,  which  are  bv 
 .  esus  Christ  to  the  glory  and  praise  of  God.  It  is  not  enough  that 
 
CHAP.  I. 
 
 11  Knowing  that  he  that  is  such  is  sub¬ 
 verted,  and  sinneth,  being  eondemned  of 
 himself. 
 
 12  When  I  shall  send  Artemas  unto  thee, 
 or  Tj^chicus,  be  diligent  to  come  unto  me  to 
 Nicopolis :  for  I  have  determined  there  to 
 winter. 
 
 13  Bring  Zenas  the  lawyer  and  A  polios  on 
 their  journey  diligently,  that  nothing  be 
 wanting  unto  them. 
 
 they  be  harmless,  but  they  must  be  profitable,  doing  good  as  well 
 as  eschewing  evil. 
 
 14  And  let  ours  also  learn  to  maintain 
 good  works  for  necessary  uses,  that  they  be 
 not  unfruitful. 
 
 15  All  that  are  with  me  salute  thee.  Greet 
 them  that  love  us  in  the  faith.  Grace  be 
 with  you  all.  Amen. 
 
 f  It  was  written  to  Titus,  ordained  the 
 first  bishop  of  the  church  of  the  Cre- 
 tians,  from  Nicopolis  of  Macedonia. 
 
 15.  Grace  is  the  chief  thing  to  be  wished  and  begged  for,  with 
 
 respect  to  ourselves  or  others;  it  is  summarily  all  good. 
 
 THE  EPISTLE  OF  PAUL  TO 
 
 PHIIiEMON. 
 
 Philemon,  one  of  note,  and  probably  a  minister  in  the  church  of  Coloss,  a  city  of  Phrygia,  had  a  servant  nampd  l  u 
 
 mg  purloined  his  goods,  ran  away  from  him,  and  in  his  rambles  came  to  Rome,  vvhere  Paul  was  ^ 
 providentially  coming  under  his  preaching  there,  was  by  the  blessing  of  God  converted  by  him  •  after  which  he  minfstS-rf  1’ 
 to  the  apostle  in  bonds,  and  might  have  been  further  useful  to  him,  but  understanding  him  to  be  another  man’s  servant  bl  ? 
 LndImd"rLeptb“  but  sends  him  back  with  this  letter  commendator|,  wherein  he  earnestly  sLs  for  hl^ 
 
 CHAP.  I. 
 
 In  this  chapter  we  have  the  preface,  1 — 7.  The  substance  and 
 body  of  it,  8 — 21.  And  then  the  conclusion,  22,  to  the 
 
 end. 
 
 ‘pAUL,  a  prisoner  of  Jesus  Christ,  and 
 Timothy  our  brother,  unto  Philemon, 
 our  dearly  beloved,  and  fellow-labourer  ; 
 
 2  And  to  our  beloved  Apphia,  and  Ar- 
 chippus  our  fellow-soldier,  and  to  the  church 
 in  thy  house  : 
 
 3  Grace  to  you,  and  peace,  from  God  our 
 Father,  and  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
 
 4  I  thank  my  God,  making  mention  of 
 thee  always  in  my  prayers. 
 
 CHAP.  1.  1 — 7*  Paul  thanked  God  not  only  for  the  good  that 
 was  in  the  churches,  but  in  the  particular  persons  ye  wrote  to  :  and 
 though  he  had  his  account  by  report :  Hearing  of  the  love  and  faith 
 which  thou  hast  toward  the  Lord  Jesus,  and  towards  all  saints  : 
 this  was  what  he  inquired  after  concerning  his  friends,  the  truth" 
 and  growth,  and  fruitfulness  of  their  grace,  their  faith  in  Christ’ 
 and  love  to  him,  and  to  all  the  saints.  Love  to  saints,-  if  it  be 
 
 5  Hearing  of  thy  love  and  faitli,  which 
 thou  hast  toward  the  Lord  Jesus,  and  to¬ 
 ward  all  saints ; 
 
 6  That  the  communication  of  thy  faith 
 may  become  effectual  by  the  acknowledg- 
 
 mg  of  every  good  thing  which  is  in  you  in 
 Christ  Jesus. 
 
 •  "'e  have  great  joy  and  consolation 
 
 m  thy  love,  because  the  bowels  of  the  saints 
 are  refreshed  by  thee,  brother. 
 
 8  Wherefore,  though  I  might  be'  much 
 bold  in  Christ  to  enjoin  thee  that  which  is 
 convenient, 
 
 9  Yet,  for  lovers  sake,  I  rather  beseech 
 
 V  *  catholic  and  universal,  love  toward  all  saints  •  but 
 
 667 
 
HEBREWS. 
 
 thee,  being  such  an  one  as  Paul  the  aged, 
 and  now  also  a  prisoner  of  Jesus  Christ. 
 
 10*  I  beseech  thee  for  my  son  Onesimus, 
 whom  I  have  begotten  in  my  bonds  : 
 
 11  Which  in  times  past  was  to  thee  un¬ 
 profitable  ;  but  now  profitable  to  thee  and 
 to  me ; 
 
 12  Whom  I  have  sent  again  :  thou  there¬ 
 fore  receive  him  that  is  mine  own  bowels  ; 
 
 13  Whom  I  would  have  retained  with  me, 
 that  in  thy  stead  he  might  have  ministered 
 unto  me  in  the  bonds  of  the  gospel. 
 
 14  But  without  thy  mind  would  1  do  no¬ 
 thing  :  that  thy  benefit  should  not  be  as  it 
 were  of  necessity,  but  willingly. 
 
 15  For  perhaps  he  therefore  departed  for 
 a  season,  that  thou  shouldest  receive  him  for 
 ever. 
 
 16  Not  now  as  a  servant,  but  above  a  ser¬ 
 vant,  a  brother  beloved,  specially  to  me, 
 but  how  much  more  unto  thee,  both  in  the 
 fiesh  and  in  the  Lord  ? 
 
 17  If  thou  count  me  therefore  a  partner, 
 receive  him  as  myself. 
 
 12 — 19.  The  communion  of  saints  does  not  destroy  distinction 
 of  property  :  Onesimus  now  converted  and  become  a  brother  Ire- 
 loved,  yet  is  Philemon’s  servant  still,  and  indebted  to  him  for 
 wrongs  that  he  had  done,  and  not  to  be  discharged  but  by  free  and 
 voluntary  remission,  or  on  reparation  made  by  himself,  or  some 
 
 18  If  he  hath  wronged  thee,  or  oweth  thee 
 ought,  put  that  on  mine  account. 
 
 19  I  Paul  have  written  it  with  mine  own 
 hand,  I  will  repay  it :  albeit  I  do  not  say  to 
 thee  how  thou  owest  unto  me  even  thine 
 own  self  besides. 
 
 20*  Yea,  brother,  let  me  have  joy  of  thee 
 in  the  Lord :  refresh  my  bowels  in  the 
 Lord. 
 
 21  Having  confidence  in  thy  obedience 
 I  wrote  unto  thee,  knowing  that  thou  wilt 
 also  do  more  than  I  say. 
 
 22  But  withal  prepare  me  also  a  lodging  ; 
 for  I  trust  that  through  your  prayers  I  shall 
 be  given  unto  you. 
 
 23  There  salute  thee  Epaphras,  my  fellow 
 prisoner  in  Christ  Jesus  ; 
 
 24  Marcus,  Aristarchus,  Demas,  Lucas, 
 my  fellow  labourers. 
 
 25  The  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  be 
 with  your  spirit.  Amen. 
 
 Written  from  Rome  to  Philemon  by 
 Onesimus  a  servant. 
 
 other  in  his  behalf;  which  part,  rather  than  fail,  the  apostle  un¬ 
 dertakes  for  him. 
 
 20 — 23.  Grace  is  the  best  wish  for  ourselves  and  others;  with 
 this  the  apostle  begins  and  ends. 
 
 THE  EPISTLE  OF  PAUL  TO  THE 
 
 •  J  i  * 
 
 HEBREWS. 
 
 As  to  the  divine  amanuensis  or  penman  of  this  epistle,  we  are  not  so  certain  ;  it  bearcth  not  the  name  of  any  in  the  front  of  it,  as  the 
 rest  of  the  epistles  do,  and  there  has  been  some  dispute  among  the  learned  to  wliom  thev  should  ascribe  it.  It  must  be  acknowl«lged 
 there  are  many  things  in  this  epistle  hard  to  be  understood,  but  the  sweetness  \ye  shal  find  therein  will  make  us  abundant  amends  for 
 all  the  pains  we  take  to  understand  it.  And  indeed  if  we  compare  all  the  epistles  ol  the  New  lestament,  we  shall  not  find  an\  of 
 them  more  replenished  with  divine  heavenly  matter  than  this  to  the  Hebrews. 
 
 CHAP.  I. 
 
 A  twofold  comparison,  I.  Between  the  evangelic^  and  legal  dis¬ 
 pensation,  1,  2,  3.  II.  Between  the  glory/ot  Christ,  and  that 
 of  the  highest  creatures,  4.  _ _ _ 
 
 CHAP.  I.  1 — 3.  The  person  of  the  Son  is  the  true  image  and 
 character  of  the  person  of  the  Father;  being  of  the  same  nature, 
 b'GS 
 
 OD,  who  at  sundry  times,  and  in  divers 
 manners,  spake  in  time  past  unto  the 
 fathers  by  the  propliets, 
 
 he  must  bear  the  same  image  and  likeness.  In  beholding  the 
 power,  wisdom,  and  goodness  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  we  bcholn 
 
CHAP.  II. 
 
 2  Hath  in  these  last  days  spoken  unto  us 
 by  his  Son,  whom  he  hath  appointed  heir 
 of  all  things,  by  whom  also  he  made  the 
 w'orlds  ; 
 
 3  Who,  being  the  brightness  of  his  glory, 
 and  the  express  image  of  his  person,  and  up¬ 
 holding  all  things  by  the  word  of  his  power, 
 when  he  had  by  himself  purged  our  sins,  sat 
 down  on  the  right  hand  of  the  Majesty  on 
 high ; 
 
 4  Being  made  so  much  better  than  the 
 angels,  as  he  hath  by  inheritance  obtained  a 
 more  excellent  name  than  they. 
 
 5  For  unto  which  of  the  angels  said  he  at 
 any  time.  Thou  art  my  Son,  this  day  have  I 
 begotten  thee  !  And  again,  I  will  be  to  him 
 a  Father,  and  he  shall  be  to  me  a  Son  ! 
 
 6  And  again,  when  he  bringeth  in  the 
 first-begotten  into  the  world,  he  saith.  And 
 let  all  the  angels  of  God  worship  him. 
 
 7  And  of  the  angels  he  saith.  Who  maketh 
 his  angels  spirits,  and  his  ministers  a  flame 
 of  fire. 
 
 8  But  unto  the  Son,  he  saith,  Thy  throne, 
 O  God  ,  is  for  ever  and  ever  :  a  sceptre  of 
 righteousness  is  the  sceptre  of  thy  kingdom. 
 
 9  Thou  hast  loved  righteousness,  and  hated 
 iniquity  ;  therefore  God,  eveji  thy  God,  hath 
 anointed  thee  with  the  oil  of  gladness  above 
 thy  fellows. 
 
 10  And  Thou,  Lord,  in  the  beginning 
 hast  laid  the  foundation  of  the  earth  ;  and 
 the  heavens  are  the  works  of  thine  hands  : 
 
 11  They  shall  perish,  but  thou  remainest ; 
 
 the  power,  wisdom  and  goodness  of  the  Father,  for  he  hath  the 
 nature  and  perfections  of  God  in  him.  He  that  hath  seen  the  Son 
 hath  seen  the  Father ;  that  is,  he  hath  seen  the  same  being.  He 
 that  hath  known  the  Son  hath  known  the  Father,  John  xiv.  7,  8, 
 9.  For  the  Son  is  in  the  Father  and  the  Father  is  in  the  Son,  the 
 personal  distinction  is  no  other  than  will  consist  with  essential 
 union.  This  is  the  glory  of  the  person  of  Christ;  the  fulness  of 
 the  godhead  dwells,  not  typically,  but  really  in  him. 
 
 4 — 9-  I'he  apostle  having  proved  the  pre-eminence  of  the  gos¬ 
 pel  above  the  law,  from  the  pre-eminence  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ 
 above  the  prophets,  now  proceeds  to  shew  that  he  is  not  only 
 much  superior  to  the  prophets,  but  to  the  angels  themselves.  In 
 this  he  obviates  an  objection,  that  the  Jewish  zealots  would  be  rea¬ 
 dy  to  make,  that  the  law  was  not  only  delivered  by  men,  but  ob¬ 
 tained  by  angels.  Gal.  iii.  19,  tha^  they  attended  at  the  giving  forth 
 of  the  law  ;  the  host  of  heaven  were  drawn  forth  to  attend  the  Lord 
 Jehovah  on  that  awful  occasion.  Now  the  angels  are  very  glorious 
 beings,  far  more  glorious  and  excellent  than  men ;  the  scripture 
 always  represents  them  as  the  most  excellent  of  all  creatures,  and 
 we  know  of  no  other  being  but  God  himself,  that  is  higher  than  the 
 angels ;  and  therefore  that  Law  that  was  ordained  by  angels  ought 
 to  be  held  in  great  esteem.  To  take  off  the  force  of  this  argument, 
 the  penman  of  this  epistle  proceeds  to  state  the  comparison  be- 
 
 and  they  all  shall  wax  old  as  doth  a  gar¬ 
 ment  ; 
 
 12  And  as  a  vesture  shalt  thou  fold  them 
 up,  and  they  shall  be  changed  ;  but  thou  art 
 the  same,  and  thy  years  shall  not  fail. 
 
 13  But  to  which  of  the  angels  said  he  at 
 any  time.  Sit  on  my  right  hand,  until  I 
 make  thine  enemies  thy  footstool  ? 
 
 14  Are  they  not  all  ministering  spirits, 
 sent  forth  to  minister  for  them  who  shall  be  • 
 heirs  of  salvation  ? 
 
 CHAP.  II. 
 
 I.  Some  application  of  the  doctrine  laid  down  in  the  chapter 
 foregoing,  1,  2,  3,  4.  II.  Enlarges  farther  upon  the  pre-emi¬ 
 nence  of  Christ,  5,  fi,  7-  HI.  He  proceeds  to  remove  the 
 scandal  of  the  cross,  10—16.  IV.  To  assert  the  incarnation  of 
 Christ,  16. 
 
 Therefore  we  ought  to  give  the 
 
 more  earnest  heed  to  the  things  which 
 we  have  heard,  lest  at  any  time  we  should 
 let  them  slip. 
 
 2  For  if  the  word  spoken  by  angels  was 
 stedfast,  and  every  transgression  and  disobe¬ 
 dience  received  a  just  recompence  of  re¬ 
 ward  ; 
 
 3  How  shall  we  escape  if  we  neglect  so 
 great  salvation,  which  at  the  first  began  to 
 be  spoken  by  the  Lord,  and  was  confirmed 
 unto  us  by  them  that  heard  him  ; 
 
 4  God  also  bearing  them  witness,  both 
 with  signs  and  wonders,  and  with  divers 
 miracles,  and  gifts  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  ac¬ 
 cording  to  his  own  will  ? 
 
 5  For  unto  the  angels  hath  he  not  put  in 
 
 tween  Jesus  Christ  and  the  holy  angels,  both  in  nature  and  office 
 and  to  prove,  that  Christ  is  vastly  superior  to  the  angeis  thenf 
 selves.  Being  rnade  so  much  better  than  the  angels  as  he  hath  by 
 inheritance  obtained  a  more  excellent  name  than  they. 
 
 10 — 14.  What  hath  God  said  of  the  angels?  He  never  said  to 
 them  as  he  said  to  Christ,  Sit  ye  at  my  right  hand  ;  but  he  has  said  of 
 them  there,  that  they  are  ministering  spirits,  sent  forth  to  minister 
 for  them  who  shall  be  the  heirs  of  salvation.  Bless  God  for  the 
 ministration  of  angels,  keep  in  God’s  way,  and  take  the  comfort  of 
 this  promise,  that  he  will  give  his  angels  charge  over  you,  to  keep 
 you  in  all  your  ways.  They  shall  bear  you  up  in  their  hands,  lest 
 you  dash  your  feet  against  a  stone,  Psal.  xci.  11,  12. 
 
 CHAP.  1.  1 — 4.  The  despisers  of  this  salvation  are  condemn¬ 
 ed  already,  under  arrest,  and  in  the  hands  of  justice  already.  So 
 they  were  by  the  sin  of  Adam  ;  and  they  have  strengthened  their 
 bonds  by  their  personal  transgression,  John  iii.  18.  He  that  be- 
 lieveth  not  is  condemned  already.  There  is  no  escaping  out  of  this 
 condemned  stale,  but  by  accepting  the  great  salvation  discovered 
 in  the  gospel ;  as  for  these  that  neglect  it,  the  wrath  of  God  is 
 upon  them,  and  it  abides  upon  them,  they  cannot  disengage  them¬ 
 selves,  they  cannot  emerge,  they  cannot  get  from  under  the 
 curse. 
 
 5—13  Christ  and  believers  are  brethren  ;  not  only  bone  of  his 
 
 669 
 
HEBREWS. 
 
 subjection  the  world  to  come,  whereof  we 
 speak . 
 
 6  But  one  in  a  certain  place  testified,  say¬ 
 ing,  AVhat  is  man,  that  thou  art  mindful  of 
 him  ?  or  the  son  of  man  that  thou  visitest 
 him  ? 
 
 7  Thou  madest  him  a  little  lower  than 
 the  angels  ;  thou  crowned st  him  with  glory 
 and  honour,  and  didst  set  him  over  the 
 works  of  thy  hands  : 
 
 8  Thou  hast  put  all  things  in  subjection 
 under  his  feet.  Bor  in  that  he  put  all  in 
 subjection  under  him,  he  left  nothing  that  is 
 not  put  under  him.  But  now  we  see  not 
 yet  all  things  put  under  him  : 
 
 9  But  we  see  Jesus,  who  was  made  a  lit¬ 
 tle  lower  than  the  angels  for  the  suffering  of 
 death,  crowned  with  glory  and  honour,  that 
 he  by  the  grace  of  God  should  taste  death 
 for  every  man. 
 
 10  Bor  it  became  him,  for  whom  are  all 
 things,  and  by  whom  are  all  things,  in  bring¬ 
 ing  many  sons  unto  glory,  to  make  the  Cap¬ 
 tain  of  their  salvation  perfect  through  suf¬ 
 ferings. 
 
 1 1  Bor  both  he  that  sanctifieth,  and  they 
 who  are  sanctified  ore  all  of  one  :  for  which 
 cause  he  is  not  ashamed  to  call  them  bre¬ 
 thren  ; 
 
 12  Saying,  I  will  declare  thy  name  unto 
 my  brethren  ;  in  the  midst  of  the  church 
 will  I  sing  praise  unto  thee. 
 
 13  And  again,  1  will  put  my  trust  in  him. 
 And  again.  Behold  I  and  the  children  which 
 God  hath  given  me. 
 
 14  Borasmuch  then  as  the  children  are 
 partakers  of  flesh  and  blood,  he  also  himself 
 likewise  took  part  of  the  same  ;  that  through 
 death  he  might  destroy  him  that  had  the 
 power  of  death,  that  is,  the  devil , 
 
 bone  and  flesh  of  his  flesh,  but  spirit  of  his  spirit ;  brethren  bv  the 
 whole  blood,  in  what  is  heavenly,  as  well  as  in  what  is  earthly, 
 Christ  is  not  ashamed  to  own  this  relation  ;  he  is  not  ashamed  to 
 call  them  brethren,  which  is  wonderful  goodness  and  condescension 
 in  him,  considering  their  meanness  by  nature,  and  vileness  by  sm  ; 
 but  he  will  never  be  ashamed  of  any  that  are  not  ashamed  of  him, 
 and  that  take  care  not  to  be  a  shame  and  reproach  to  him,  and  to 
 
 14, _ 18.  The  devil  was  the  first  sinner,  and  the  first  tempter  to 
 
 sin  and  sin  w'as  the  procuring  cause  of  death;  and  he  rnay  be 
 said  to  have  the  power  of  death,  as  he  draws  men  into  sin,  the 
 wavs  whereof  is  death,  and  as  he  is  often  permitted  to  terrify  the 
 consciences  of  men  w'lth  the  fear  of  death,  and  as  he  is  the  cxccu- 
 670 
 
 15  And  deliver  them  who  through  fear  of 
 death  were  all  their  lifetime  subject  to  bond- 
 age. 
 
 16  Bor  verily  he  took  not  on  Mm  the  na¬ 
 ture  of  angels  ;  but  he  took  on  him  the  seed 
 of  Abraham. 
 
 17  Wherefore  in  all  things  it  behoved  him 
 
 to  be  made  like  unto  his  brethren  :  that  he 
 might  be  a  merciful  and  faithful  high  priest 
 in  pertainmg  to  God,  to  make  recon¬ 
 
 ciliation  for  the  sins  of  the  people. 
 
 18  Bor  in  that  he  himself  hath  suffered, 
 being  tempted,  he  is  able  to  succour  them 
 that  are  tempted. 
 
 CHAP.  III. 
 
 The  apostle  applies  what  he  had  said  in  the  chapter  foregoing  con- 
 eerning  the  priesthood  of  Christ. 
 
 WHEREBORE,  holy  brethren,  par¬ 
 takers  of  the  heavenly  calling,  con¬ 
 sider  the  Apostle  and  High  Priest  of  our 
 profession,  Christ  Jesus  ; 
 
 2  Who  was  faithful  to  him  that  appointed 
 him,  as  also  Moses  was  faithful  in  all  his 
 house. 
 
 3  Bor  this  man  was  counted  worthy  of 
 more  glory  than  Moses,  inasmuch  as  he  who 
 hath  budded  the  house  hath  more  honour  than 
 the  house. 
 
 4  Bor  every  house  is  builded  by  some  man  ; 
 but  he  that  built  all  things  is  God. 
 
 5  And  IMoses  verily  zcas  faithtul  in  all  his 
 house  as  a  servant,  for  a  testimony  of  those 
 things  which  were  to  be  spoken  alter  ; 
 
 6  But  Christ  as  a  Son  over  his  own  house  ; 
 whose  house  are  we,  it  we  hold  last  the  con¬ 
 fidence  and  the  rejoicing  of  the  hope  firm  un¬ 
 to  the  end. 
 
 7  Wherefore  (as  the  Holy  Ghost  saith.  To¬ 
 day  if  ye  will  hear  his  voice, 
 
 8  Harden  not  your  hearts,  as  in  the  pro- 
 
 tioner  of  divine  justice,  haling  their  souls  from  their  bodies  to  tlie 
 tribunal  of  God,  there  to  receive  their  doom  ;  and  then  being  their 
 tormentor,  as  he  was  before  their  tempter;  in  these  respects  he 
 
 mav  be  said  to  have  had  the  power  of  death. 
 
 CHAP.  in.  1 — 6.  No  less  power  was  requisite  to  make  the 
 church,  than  to  make  the  world;  the  world  was  made  out  ()f 
 nothing,  the  church  made  out  of  materials  altogether  unfit  lor 
 such  aTuilding.  Christ,  who  is  God,  drew  the  platform  ot  the 
 church,  provided  the  materials,  and  by  Almighty  Power  disposed 
 them  to  receive  the  form  ;  he  has  compacted  and  united  this  his 
 house,  and  has  settled  the  orders  of  it,  and  crowned  all  with  his 
 own  presence,-  which  is  the  true  glory  of  this  house  of  God. 
 
 7—19.  Here  the  apostle  proceeds,  pressing  upon  them  serious 
 
.  CHAP.  IV. 
 
 , vocation,  in  the  day  of  temptation  in  the 
 wilderness  : 
 
 9  When  your  fathers  tempted  me,  proved 
 me,  and  saw  my  works  forty  3^ears. 
 
 10  Wherefore  I  was  grieved  with  that 
 generation,  and  said.  They  do  alway  err  in 
 thei7‘  heart :  and  they  have  not  known  my 
 ways. 
 
 11  So  I  swear  in  my  wrath.  They  shall 
 not  enter  into  my  rest.) 
 
 12  Take  heed  brethren,  lest  there  be  in 
 any  of  you  an  evil  heart  of  unbelief,  in  de¬ 
 parting  from  the  living  God. 
 
 13  But  exhort  one  another  daily,  while 
 it  is  called  To-day  ;  lest  any  of  you  be  har¬ 
 dened  through  the  deceitfulness  of  sin. 
 
 14  For  we  are  made  partakers  of  Christ, 
 if  we  hold  the  beginning  of  our  confidence 
 stedfast  unto  the  end  ; 
 
 15  While  it  is  said.  To-day,  if  ye  will  hear 
 his  voice,  harden  not  your  hearts,  as  in  the 
 jirovocation. 
 
 lb  For  some,  when  they  had  heard,  did 
 provoke  :  howbeit  not  all  that  came  out  of 
 Egypt  by  Moses. 
 
 17  But  with  whom  was  he  grieved  forty 
 years  ?  was  it  not  with  them  that  had  sinned, 
 whose  carcases  fell  in  the  wilderness  ? 
 
 18  And  to  whom  sware  he  that  they 
 should  not  enter  into  his  rest,  but  to  them 
 that  believed  not  ? 
 
 19  So  we  see  that  they  could  not  enter  in 
 because  of  unbelief. 
 
 CHAP.  IV. 
 
 0 
 
 I.  Our  privileges  under  the  gospel  exce®ed  the  privileges  of  the 
 Jewish  church  under  Moses,  1,  2,3,4.  II.  Why  the  antient 
 Hebrews  did  not  profit  by  their  religious  privileges,  2.  Then, 
 III.  The  privileges  of  those  that  believe,  and  the  misery  of  those 
 that  continue  in  unbelief,  from  3—10.  IV.  Motives  to  faith 
 and  obedience.. 
 
 T  ET  us  therefore  fear,  lest  a  promise  be- 
 ing  left  iis,  of  entering  into  his  rest,  any 
 of  you  should  seem  to  come  short  of  it. 
 
 2  For  unto  us  was  the  gospel  preached  as 
 
 counsels  and  cautions  to  the  close  of  the  chapter,  and  he  recites  a 
 passage  out  of  Psal.  xcv.  7,  &c. 
 
 CHAP.  V.  1  10.  The  apostle  declares  that  bur  privileges  b\' 
 
 Christ  under  the  gospel  are  not  only  as  great,  but  greater  than 
 those  enjoyed  under  the  mosaical  law.  And  he  instances  in  this 
 that  we  have  a  promise  left  us  of  entering  into  his  rest ;  that  is,  of 
 entering  into  a  covenant  relation  to  Christ,  and  a  state  of  com¬ 
 munion  with  God  through  Christ,  and  of  growing  up  therein,  till 
 we  are  made  perfect  in  glory.  We  have  discoveries  of  this  ^est 
 
 Vol.  II.  98  4  R 
 
 well  as  unto  them  :  but  the  word  preached 
 did  not  profit  them,  not  being  mixed  Avith 
 faith  in  them  that  heard  it. 
 
 3  For  Ave  Avhich  have  believed  do  enter 
 into  rest :  as  he  said.  As  I  have  SAvorn  in  my 
 Avrath,  if  they  shall  enter  into  my  rest :  al¬ 
 though  the  Avorks  Avere  finished  from  the 
 foundation  of  the  Avorld. 
 
 4  For  he  spake  in  a  certain  place  of  the 
 seventh  day  on  this  Avise,  And  God  did  rest 
 the  seventh  day  from  all  his  Avorks. 
 
 5  And  in  this  ylace  again.  If  they  shall 
 enter  into  ni}^  rest. 
 
 6  Seeing,  therefore,  it  remaineth  that 
 some  must  enter  therein,  and  they  to  Avhom 
 it  Avas  first  preached  entered  not  in  because 
 of  unbelief : 
 
 7  (Again,  he  limiteth  a  certain  day,  saying 
 in  David,  To-day,  after  so  long  a  time  as  it 
 is  said.  To-day,  if  ye  Avill  hear  his  voice,  har¬ 
 den  not  your  hearts. 
 
 r  tiesus  field  given  them  rest,  then 
 Avould  he  not  afterAvard  have  spoken  of  ano¬ 
 ther  day. 
 
 9  There  remaineth  therefore  a  rest  to  the 
 people  of  God. 
 
 10  For  he  that  is  entered  into  his  rest,  he 
 also  hath  ceased  from  his  OAvn  Avorks,  as  God 
 did  from  his.) 
 
 11  Let  us  labour  therefore  to  enter  into 
 that  rest,  lest  any  man  fall  after  the  same  ex¬ 
 ample  of  unbelief. 
 
 .  12  For  the  Avord  of  God  is  quick,  and 
 poAverful,  and  sharper  than  any  tAvo-edged 
 SAvord,  piercing  even  to  the  dividing  asun¬ 
 der  of  soul  and  spirit,  and  of  the  joints  and 
 marroAV,  and  is  a  discerner  of  the  thoughts 
 and  intents  of  the  heart.  ^ 
 
 13  Neither  is  there  any  creature  that  is 
 not  manifest  in  his  sight ;  but  all  things  are 
 naked  and  opened  unto  the  eyes  of  him  Avith 
 Avhom  Ave  have  to  do. 
 
 14  Seeing  then  that  Ave  have  a  great  high 
 
 rpi*  *  .  '  ^  .  .  .  ,  wKz  iiiav  diidin  unto 
 
 Ibis  pronuse  of  spiritual  rest,  IS  a  promise  left  us  by  the  Lc 
 Jesus  Christ,  in  his  last  will  and  testament,  as  a  precious  lecai 
 Our  busmt-ss  is  tu  see  to  i.,  that  we  be  the  legates  That  wf 
 
 3  .'sVT"  dolinior/of Tin,  salt 
 
 and  the  flesh,  by  which  the  souls  ot  men  are  kept  in  servitude  a 
 deprived  of  the  true  rest  of  the  soul.  ^  ’ 
 
 ^  mediator,  we  could  have  no  boldness 
 coming  to  God ;  for  we  are  guilty  and  polluted  creatures  ;  all  ■ 
 
 671 
 
HEBREWS. 
 
 priest,  that  is  passed  into  the  heavens,  Jesus 
 the  Son  of  God,  let  us  hold  fast  our  pro¬ 
 fession. 
 
 15  For  we  have  not  an  high  priest  which 
 cannot  be  touched  with  the  feeling  of  our 
 infirmities  ;  but  was  in  all  points  tempted 
 like  as  we  are^  yet  without  sin. 
 
 16  Let  us  therefore  come  boldly  unto  the 
 throne  of  grace,  that  we  may  obtain  mercy, 
 and  find  grace  to  help  in  time  of  need. 
 
 CHAP.  V. 
 
 The  apostle  continues  his  discourse  upon  the  priesthood  of  Christ. 
 
 X^OR  every  high  priest  taken  from  among 
 men  is  ordained  for  men  in  things  'per¬ 
 taining  to  God,  that  he  may  offer  both  gifts 
 md  sacrifices  for  sins  : 
 
 2  Who  can  have  compassion  on  the  ig¬ 
 norant,  and  on  them  that  are  out  of  the 
 way  :  for  that  he  himself  also  is  compassed 
 with  infirmity. 
 
 3  And  by  reason  hereof  he  ought,  as  for 
 the  people,  so  also  for  himself,  to  offer  for 
 sins. 
 
 4  And  no  man  taketh  this  honour  unto 
 himself,  but  he  that  is  called  of  God,  as  was 
 Aaron. 
 
 5  So  also  Christ  glorified,  not  himself  to 
 be  made  an  high  priest ;  but  he  that  said 
 unto  him.  Thou  art  my  Son,  to-day  have  I 
 begotten  thee. 
 
 6  As  he  saith  also  in  another  place^  Thou 
 art  a  priest  for  ever,  after  the  order  of  Mel- 
 chisedec. 
 
 7  Who,  in  the  days  of  his  flesh,  when  he 
 had  offered  up  prayers  and  supplications, 
 with  strong  crying  and  tears,  unto  him  that 
 was  able  to  save  him  from  death,  and  was 
 heard  in  that  he  feared  : 
 
 8  Though  he  were  a  Son,  yet  learned  he 
 obedience  by  the  things  which  he  suffered  : 
 
 9  And  being  made  perfect,  he  became 
 
 the  author  of  eternal  salvation  unto  all  them 
 that  obey  him  : 
 
 JLO  Called  of  God  an  high  priest,  after  the 
 order  of  Melchisedec  : 
 
 11  Of  whom  we  have  many  things  to  say, 
 and  hard  to  be  uttered,  seeing  ye  are  dull  of 
 hearing. 
 
 12  For  when  for  the  time  ye  ought  to  be 
 teachers,  ye  have  need  that  one  teach  you 
 again  which  he  the  first  principles  of  the  ora¬ 
 cles  of  God  ;  and  are  become  such  as  have 
 need  of  milk,  and  not  of  strong  meat. 
 
 13  For  every  one  that  useth  milk  is  un¬ 
 skilful  in  the  word  of  righteousness  :  for  he 
 is  a  babe. 
 
 14  But  strong  meat  belongeth  to  them 
 that  are  of  full  age,  even  those  who  by  rea¬ 
 son  of  use  have  their  senses  exercised  to  dis¬ 
 cern  both  good  and  evil. 
 
 CHAP.  VI. 
 
 The  apostle  persuades  the  Hebrews  to  make  a  better  proficiency 
 
 in  religion. 
 
 Therefore,  leaving  the  principles 
 of  the  doctrine  of  Christ,  let  us  go  on 
 unto  perfection  ;  not  laying  again  the  foun¬ 
 dation  of  repentance  from  dead  Avorks  and 
 of  faith  toAvard  God, 
 
 2  Of  the  doctrine  of  baptisms,  and  of  lay¬ 
 ing  on  of  hands,  and  of  resurrection  of  the 
 dead,  and  of  eternal  judgment. 
 
 3  And  this  Avill  Ave  do,  if  God  permit. 
 
 4  For  it  is  impossible  for  those  avIio  Avere 
 once  enlightened,  and  have  tasted  of  the 
 heavenly  gift,  and  AAcre  made  j)artakers  of 
 the  Holy  Ghost, 
 
 5  And  have  tasted  the  good  Avord  of  God, 
 and  the  poAvers  of  the  Avorld  to  come, 
 
 6  If  they  shall  fall  aAvay,  to  rcncAv  them 
 again  unto  repentance  ;  seeing  they  crucify 
 to  themselves  the  Son  of  God  afresh,  and 
 
 put  him  to  an  open  shame. 
 
 do  is  polluted  ;  we  cannot  go  into  the  presence  of  God  alone;  we 
 must  either  go  in  the  hand  of  a  mediator,  or  our  hearts  and  our 
 hope  will  fail  us.  ,, 
 
 CHAP.'  V.  10-9.  It  is  not  sufficient  that  we  have  some  doc¬ 
 trinal  knowledge  of  Christ,  or  that  we  make  a  profession  of  faith 
 in  him,  but  we  must  hearken  to  his  word,  and  obey  him,  tor  those 
 that  obey  him,  devoting  themselves  to  him,  denying  themselves, 
 and  taking  up  their  cross  and  following  him,  he  will  be  the  Author 
 of  their  salvation,  and  they  shall  own  him  as  such  lor  ever. 
 
 10 — 14.  We  have  more  particular  account  of  this  Melchisedec 
 in  chap.  7.  Some  think  the  things  which  the  apostle  means,  that 
 were  hard  to  be  uttered,  were  not  so  much  concerning  Melchise- 
 6T2 
 
 dec  himself,  as  concerning  Christ,  of  whom  Melchisedec  was  the 
 type.  And  doubtless  this  apostle  had  many  things  to  say  con¬ 
 cerning  Christ,  that  were  very  mysterious,  hard  to  be  uttered ; 
 there  are  great  mysteries  in  the  person  and  offices  of  the  Redeemer ; 
 Christianity  is  the  great  mystery  of  godliness. 
 
 CtlAP.  "VI.  1—8.  The  apostle  describes  the  dreadful  case  of 
 such  as  fall  away  after  they  had  gone  so  far  in  profession  ot 
 religion.  First,  The  greatness  of  the  sin  of  the  apostacy.  Second, 
 The  great  misery  of  apostates.  It  is  impossible  to  renew  them 
 again  unto  repentance;  it  is  extremely  hazardous;  very  few  in¬ 
 stances  can  be  given  of  those  that  have  gone  so  tar  and  tallen  away, 
 and  yet  ever  brought  to  true  rcoentance,  such  a  repentance  as  in 
 
CHAP.  vn. 
 
 7  For  the  earth,  which  drinketh  in  the 
 rain  that  cometh  oft  upon  it,  and  bringeth 
 forth  herbs  meet  for  them  by  whom  it  is 
 dressed,  receiveth  blessing  from  God  ; 
 
 8  But  that  which  beareth  thorns  and 
 briers  is  rejected,  and  is  nigh  unto  cursing ; 
 whose  end  is  to  be  burned. 
 
 9  But,  beloved,  we  are  persuaded  better 
 things  of  you,  and  things  that  accompany 
 salvation,  though  we  thus  speak. 
 
 10  For  God  is  not  unrighteous  to  forget 
 your  work  and  labour  of  love,  which  ye  have 
 shewed  toward  his  name,  in  that  ye  have 
 ministered  to  the  saints,  and  do  minister. 
 
 11  And  we  desire  that  every  one  of  you 
 do  shew  the  same  diligence  to  the  full  as¬ 
 surance  of  hope  unto  the  end  : 
 
 12  That  ye  be  not  slothful,  but  followers 
 of  them  who  through  faith  and  patience  in¬ 
 herit  the  promises. 
 
 13  For  when  God  made  promise  to  Abra¬ 
 ham,  because  he  could  swear  by  no  greater, 
 he  sware  by  himself, 
 
 14  Saying,  Surely  blessing  I  will  bless 
 thee,  and  multiplying  I  will  multiply  thee. 
 
 15  And  so,  after  he  had  patiently  endured, 
 he  obtained  the  promise. 
 
 16  lor  men  verily  swear  by  the  greater: 
 and  an  oath  for  confirmation  is  to  them  an 
 end  of  all  strife. 
 
 17  Wherein  God,  willing  more  abund¬ 
 antly  to  shew  unto  the  heirs  of  promise  the 
 immutability  of  his  counsel,  confirmed  it  by 
 an  oath  : 
 
 18  That  by  two  immutable  things,  in 
 which  it  was  impossible  for  God  to  lie,  we 
 might  have  a  strong  consolation,  who  have 
 fled  for  refuge  to  lay  hold  upon  the  hope  set 
 before  us  : 
 
 19  Which  hope  we  have  as  an  anchor  of 
 
 the  soul,  both  sure  and  stedfast,  and  which 
 jentereth  into  that  within  the  veil ; 
 
 20  Whither  the  forerunner  is  for  us  enter- 
 led,  even  Jesus,  made  an  high  priest  for  ever 
 I  after  the  order  of  Melchisedec. 
 
 CHAP.  VH. 
 
 _  IMelchisciIcc  and  Christ. 
 
 T|^OR  this  Melchisedec,  king  of  Salem, 
 priest  of  the  most  high  God,  who  met 
 Abraham  returning  from  the  slaughter  of  the 
 kings,  and  blessed  him  ; 
 
 2  To  wdiom  also  Abraham  gave  a  tenth 
 
 part  of  all :  first  being,  by  interpretation, 
 king  of  righteousness,  and  after  that  also 
 king  of  Salem,  which  is.  King  of  peace  : 
 
 3  Without  father,  without  mother,  with¬ 
 out  descent,  having  neither  beginning  of 
 days  nor  end  of  life ;  but,  made  like  unto 
 the  Son  of  God,  abideth  a  priest  continually, 
 
 4  Now  consider  how  great  this  man  was, 
 unto  whom  even  the  patriarch  Abraham 
 gave  the  tenth  of  the  spoils. 
 
 5  And  verily  they  that  are  the  sons  of 
 Levi,  who  receive  the  office  of  the  priest¬ 
 hood,  have  a  commandment  to  take  tithes 
 of  the  people  according  to  the  law,  that  is 
 of  their  brethren,  though  they  come  out  of 
 the  loins  of  Abraham  • 
 
 6  But  he  whose  descent  is  not  counted 
 from  them  received  tithes  of  Abraham,  and 
 blessed  him  that  had  the  promises. 
 
 7  And  without  all  contradiction  the  less 
 is  blessed  of  the  better. 
 
 8  And  here  men  that  die  receive  tithes  ; 
 but  there  he  receiveth  them,  of  whom  it  is 
 witnessed  that  he  liveth. 
 
 9  And,  as  1  may  so  say,  Levi  also,  who 
 receiveth  tithes,  payed  tithes  in  Abraham. 
 
 10  For  he  was  yet  in  the  loins  of  his  Fa¬ 
 ther  when  Melchisedec  met  him. 
 
 indeed  a  renovation  of  the  soul.  Some  have  thought  this  is  a  sin 
 against  the  Holv  Ohost  but  without  ground.  Xhe  sin  here  men¬ 
 tioned  is  plainly  apostacy,  both  from  the  truth  and  ways  of  Christ  • 
 God  can  renew  them  to. repentance,  but  he  seldom  does  it  ■  and 
 with  men  themselves  it  is  impossible.  ’ 
 
 9—20.  'I'he  promise  of  blessedness  which  God  has  made  to  be-' 
 lievcrs  IS  not  a  rash  and  hasty  thing,  but  the  result  of  God’s  eter- 
 nal  purpose.  1  hat  this  purpose  of  God  was  agreed  upon  in  coun- 
 cil,  settled  there  between  the  ctenial  Father,  Son,  and  Spirit,  'i’hese 
 counsels  of  God  can  never  be  altered  ;  it  is  immutable  ;  God  nevop 
 ’H>eds  to  change  his  counsels;  for  nothing  new  can  arise  to  him 
 evbo  sees  the  end  from  the  beginning. 
 
 CHAP.  VII.  1—3.  Who  was  this  Melchisedec?  All  the  ac¬ 
 count  we  have  of  him  in  the  Old  Testament  is  Gen.  xiv.  18  10 
 &c.  and  in  Psal.  cx.  4.  Indeed  we  are  much  in  the  dark  about 
 him;  God  has  thought  fit  to  leave  us,  that  this  Melchisedec  mi^ht 
 be  a  more  lively  type  of  him  whose^  generation  none  can  declare. 
 It  men  will  not  be  satisfied  with  what  is  revealed,  thev  must  rove 
 about  in  the  dark  in  endless  conjectures.  See  notes  on  Gen.  xiv. 
 
 *  f  »  -tG* * 
 
 4-10.  Levi  received  the  office  of  the  priesthood  from  God, 
 and  \y^as  to  take  tithes  of  the  people,  yet  even  Levi  paid  tithes  to 
 Melchisedec:,  as  to  a  greater  and  higher  priest  than  himself;  there- 
 loie  that  high  priest  who  should  aitorwar’ds  appear,  of  whom  Mel*- 
 
HEBREWS. 
 
 11  If,  therefore,  perfection"  were  by  the 
 Levitical  priesthood,  (for  under  it  the  peo¬ 
 ple  received  the  law,)  what  further  need  was 
 there  that  another  priest  should  rise  after 
 the  order  of  Melchisedec,  and  not  be  called 
 after  the  order  of  Aaron? 
 
 12  Eor  the  priesthood  being  changed, 
 there  is  made  of  necessity  a  change  also  of 
 the  law, 
 
 13  Eor  he  of  whom  these  things  are  spo¬ 
 ken  pertaineth  to  another  tribe,  of  which  no 
 man  gave  attendance  at  the  altar. 
 
 14  Eor  it  is  evident  that  our  Lord  sprang 
 out  of  Judah  ;  of  which  tribe  Moses  spake 
 nothing  concerning  priesthood. 
 
 15  And  it  is  yet  far  more  evident :  for 
 that  after  the  similitude  of  Melchisedec  there 
 ariseth  another  priest, 
 
 16  Who  is  made  not  after  the  law  of  a 
 carnal  commandment,  but  after  the  power 
 of  an  endless  life. 
 
 17  Eor  he  testifieth.  Thou  art  a  priest  for 
 ever  after  the  order  of  Melchisedec. 
 
 18  Eor  there  is  veril}^  a  disannulling  of 
 the  commandment  going  before  for  the 
 weakness  and  unprofitableness  thereof. 
 
 19  Eor  the  law  made  nothing  perfect,  but 
 the  bringing  in  of  a  better  hope  did ;  by  the 
 which  we  draw  nigh  unto  God. 
 
 20  And  in  as  much  as  not  without  an 
 oath  he  was  made  priest : 
 
 21  (Eor  those  priests  were  made  without 
 an  oath ;  but  this  with  an  oath  by  him  that 
 said  unto  him.  The  Lord  sware,  and  will  not 
 repent.  Thou  art  a  'priest  for  ever,  after  the 
 order  of  Melchisedec  :) 
 
 22  By  so  much  was  Jesus  made  a  surety 
 of  a  better  testament. 
 
 23  And  they  truly  were  many  priests,  be¬ 
 cause  they  were  not  suffered  to  continue  by 
 reason  of  death  . 
 
 chisedec  was  a  type,  must  be  much  superior  to  any  of  the  Levitical 
 priests,  who  paid  tithes  in  Abraham  to  Melchisedec. 
 
 11—28.  The  Levitical  priests  brought  nothing  to  perfection; 
 it  could  not  justify  men’s  persons  from  guilt :  it  could  not  cleanse 
 the  consciences  ol  the  worshippers  from  dead  works  ;  all  it  could 
 do  was  to  lead  them  to  the  Antitype.  But  the  priesthood  ot 
 Christ  carries  in  it,  and  brings  along  with  it,  a  better  hope  ;  it 
 shews  us  the  true  foundation  of  all  that  hope  we  have  towards  God 
 lor  pardon  and  salvation  ;  and  it  more  clearly  discovers  the  great 
 .objects  of  our  hope  ;  and  so  it  tends  to  work  in  us  a  more  strong 
 and  lively  hope  of  acceptance  with  God.  And  by  this  bope  we 
 
 24  But  this  man  because  he  continueth 
 ever,  hath  an  unchangeable  priesthood. 
 
 25  Wherefore  he  is  able  to  save  them 
 to  the  uttermost  that  come  unto  God  bv  him, 
 seeing  he  ever  liveth  to  make  intercession  for 
 them. 
 
 26  Eor  such  an  high  priest  became  us, 
 who  is  holy,  harmless,  undefiled,  separate 
 from  sinners,  and  made  higher  than  the  hea¬ 
 vens  : 
 
 27  Who  needeth  not  daily,  as  those  high 
 priests,  to  offer  up  sacrifice,  first  for  his  own 
 sins  and  then  for  the  people’s  :  for  this  he  did 
 once,  when  he  offered  up  himself. 
 
 28  Eor  the  law  maketh  men  high  priests 
 which  have  infirmity  ;  but  the  word  of  the 
 oath,  which  was  since  the  law,  maketh  the 
 Son,  who  is  consecrated  for  evermore. 
 
 CHAP.  VIII. 
 
 I.  The  priesthood  of  Christ,  1,  2.  The  e.xccllcncy  of  the  priest¬ 
 hood  of  Christ. 
 
 OW  of  the  things  which  we  have  spo¬ 
 ken  this  is  the  sum  :  We  have  such  an 
 high  priest,  who  is  set  on  the  right  hand  of 
 the  throne  of  the  Majesty  in  the  heavens  ,• 
 
 2  A  minister  of  the  sanctuary,  and  of  the 
 true  tabernacle  which  the  Lord  pitched,  and 
 not  man. 
 
 3  Eor  every  high  priest  is  ordained  to 
 offer  gifts  and  sacrifices  :  wherefore  it  is  of 
 necessity  that  this  man  have  somewhat  also 
 to  offer. 
 
 4  Eor  if  he  were  on  earth  he  should  not 
 be  a  priest,  seeing  that  there  are  priests  that 
 offer  gifts  according  to  the  law  : 
 
 5  AVho  serve  unto  the  example  and  sha¬ 
 dow  of  heavenly  things,  as  Moses  was  ad¬ 
 monished  of  God  when  he  was  about  to 
 make  the  tabernacle  :  for.  See,  (saith  he)  that 
 thou  make  all  things  according  to  the  pat¬ 
 tern  shewed  to  thee  in  the  mount. 
 
 are  encouraged  to  draw  nigh  unto  God  ;  to  enter  into  a  covenant 
 union  with  him  ;  to  live  a  life  of  converse  and  communion  with 
 
 CHAP.  VIII.  1 — 5.  Christ  is  the  subject  and  end  of  the  law  for 
 righteousness.  Something  therefore  there  must  ^  in  Christ’s 
 priesthood,  that  answers  to  the  high  priest’s  entering  within  the 
 veil  to  make  intercession,  without  which  he  coulTnot  have  been  a 
 perfect  priest ;  and  what  is  that  but  the  ascension  to  Christ  into 
 heaven,  and  his  appearance  there  in  the  sight  of  God  for  his  people, 
 to  present  their  prayers  and  plead  their  cause  .? 
 
 t) — 13.  The  new  covenant  was  promised  in  Jer.  xxxi.  31,  32, 
 
CHAP.  IX. 
 
 6  But  now  hath  he  obtained  a  more  ex¬ 
 cellent  ministry,  but  how  much  also  he  is  the 
 mediator  of  a  better  covenant,  which  was 
 established  upon  better  promises. 
 
 7  For  if  that  lirst  covenant  had  been  fault¬ 
 less,  then  should  no  place  have  been  sought 
 for  the  second. 
 
 8  For  finding  fault  with  them,  he  saith. 
 Behold,  the  days  come,  saith  the  Lord,  when 
 I  will  make  a  new  covenant  with  the  house 
 of  Israel,  and  with  the  house  of  Judah  : 
 
 9  Not  according  to  the  covenant  that  1 
 made  with  their  fathers,  in  the  day  when  I 
 took  them  by  the  hand  to  lead  them  out  of 
 the  land  of  Egypt ;  because'they  continued 
 not  in  my  covenant,  and  I  regarded  them 
 not,  saith  the  Lord. 
 
 10  For  this  is  the  covenant  that  I  will 
 make  with  the  house  of  Israel,  After  those 
 days,  saith  the  Lord,  I  will  put  my  laws  in¬ 
 to  their  mind,  and  write  them  in  their  hearts  : 
 and  I  will  be  to  them  a  God,  and  they  shall 
 be  to  me  a  people  ; 
 
 11  And  they  shall  not  teach  every  man 
 his  neighbour,  and  every  man  his  .brother, 
 saying,  Know  the  Lord  :  for  all  shall  know 
 me,  from  the  least  to  the  greatest. 
 
 12  For  I  will  be  merciful  to  their  unrigh¬ 
 teousness,  and  their  sins  and  their  iniquities 
 will  I  remember  no  more. 
 
 13  In  that  he  saith,  A  hqw covenant^  he  hath 
 made  the  first  old.  Now  that  which  decay- 
 eth  and  waxeth  old  is  ready  to  vanish  away. 
 
 CHAP.  IX. 
 
 _  The  tabernacle  and  its  worship. 
 
 rjlHEN  verily  the  first  covenant  had  also 
 ordinances  of  divine  service,  and  a 
 worldly  sanctuary. 
 
 2  For  there  was  a  tabernacle  made;  the 
 first,  wherein  'was  the  candlestick,  and  the 
 table,  and  the  shew-bread  :  which  is  called. 
 The  sanctuary. 
 
 3  And  after  the  second  veil  the  taberna¬ 
 cle,  which  is  called.  The  Holiest  of  all ; 
 
 and  accomplished  in  Christ :  this  will  always  be  a  new  covenant, 
 in  which  all  that  truly  take  hold  of  it,  shall  be  always  found  pi^e- 
 served  by  the  power  of  God  ;  it  is  God’s  covenant ;  his  mercy, 
 love  and  grace,  moved  for  it ;  his  wisdom  devised  it ;  his  Son  pur¬ 
 chased  it ;  his  Spirit  brings  souls  into  it,  and  builds  them  up  in  it. 
 
 CHAP.  IX.  1 — 5.  This  tabernacle,  of  which  we  have  the  model, 
 Ej^pd,  XXV.  26,  was  a  moving  temple,  shadowing  forth  the  unsettled  I 
 
 4  Which  had  the  golden  censer,  and  the 
 ark  of  the  covenant  overlaid  round  about 
 with  gold,  wherein  was  the  golden  pot  that 
 had  manna,  and  Aaron's  rod  that  budded, 
 and  the  tables  of  the  covenant ; 
 
 5  And  over  it  the  cherubims  of  glory  sha¬ 
 dowing  the  mercy-seat ;  of  which  we  cannot 
 now  speak  particularly. 
 
 6  Now,  when  these  things  were  thus  or¬ 
 dained,  the  priests  went  always  into  the 
 first  tabernacle,  accomplishing  the  service 
 of  God : 
 
 7  But  into  the  second  went  the  high  priest 
 alone  once  every  year,  not  without  blood, 
 which  he  offered  for  himself,  and /br  the  er¬ 
 rors  of  the  people  : 
 
 8  The  Holy  Ghost  this  signifying,  that 
 the  way  into  the  holiest  of  all  was  not  yet 
 made  manifest,  while  as  the  first  tabernacle 
 was  yet  standing  : 
 
 9  Which  was  a  figure  for  the  time  then 
 present,  in  which  were  offered  both  gifts  and 
 sacrifices,  that  could  not  make  him  that  did 
 the  service  perfect,  as  pertaining  to  the  con¬ 
 science  ; 
 
 10  Which  stood  only  in  meats  and  drinks, 
 and  divers  washings,  and  carnal  ordinances, 
 imposed  on  them  until  the  time  of  reforma¬ 
 tion. 
 
 11  But  Christ,  being  comean  high  priest 
 of  good  things  to  come,  by  a  greater  and 
 more  perfect  tabernacle,  not  made  Avith 
 hands,  that  is  to  say,  not  of  this  building  ; 
 
 12  Neither  by  the  blood  of  goats  and 
 calves,  but  by  his  own  blood,  he  entered  in 
 once  into  the  holy  place,  having  obtained 
 eternal  redemption /or  iis. 
 
 13  For  if  the  blood  of  bulls,  and  of  goats, 
 and  the  ashes  of  an  heifer,  sprinkling  the  un¬ 
 clean,  sanctifieth  to  the  purifying  of  the 
 lesh : 
 
 14  How  much  more  shall  the  blood  of 
 Christ,  Avho  through  the  eternal  Spirit  offer¬ 
 ed  himself  without  spot  to  God,  purge  your 
 
 state  of  the  church  militant,  and  the  human  nature  of  the  Lord 
 .  esus  Christ,  in  whom  the  fulness  of  the  Godhead  dwelt  bodily. 
 
 6 — 11.  These  Old  Testament  records  are  of  great  use  and  signi- 
 ficancy  not  only  to  those  that  first  received  them,  but  even  to 
 Christians,  who  ought  not  to  satisfy  themselves  to  read  the  institute* 
 of  the  Levitical  law,  but  to  learn  what  the  Holy  Ghost  signifies, 
 
 ■  and  suggests  to  them  thereby. 
 
 675 
 
HEBREWS. 
 
 conscience  from  dead  works  to  serve  the 
 living  God  ; 
 
 15  And  for  this  cause  he  is  the  mediator 
 of  the  new  testament,  that  by  means  of 
 death,  for  the  redemption  of  the  transgres¬ 
 sions  that  were  under  the  first  testament,  they 
 which  are  called  might  receive  the  promise 
 of  eternal  inheritance. 
 
 16  For  where  a  testament  is,  there  must 
 also  of  necessity  be  the  death  of  the  testator. 
 
 17  For  a  testament  is  of  force  after  men 
 are  dead  :  otherwise  it  is  of  no  strength  at  all 
 whilst  the  testator  liveth. 
 
 18  AVhereupon  neither  the  first  testament 
 was  dedicated  without  blood. 
 
 19  For  when  Moses  had  spoken  every 
 precept  to  all  the  people  according  to  the 
 law,  he  took  the  blood  of  calves  and  of  goats, 
 with  water,  and  scarlet  wool,  and  hyssop, 
 and  sprinkled  both  the  book  and  all  the  peo- 
 ple, 
 
 20  Saying,  This  is  the  blood  of  the  testa¬ 
 ment  which  God  hath  enjoined  unto  you. 
 
 21  Moreover  he  sprinkled  likewise  with 
 blood  both  the  tabernacle  and  all  the  vessels 
 of  the  ministry. 
 
 22  And  almost  all  things  are  by  the  law 
 purged  with  blood  :  and  without  shedding  of 
 blood  is  no  remission. 
 
 23  It  was  therefore  necessary  that  the 
 patterns  of  things  in  the  heavens  should  be 
 purified  with  these  ;  but  the  heavenly  things 
 themselves  with  better  sacrifices  than  these. 
 
 24  For  Christ  is  not  entered  into  the  holy 
 places  made  with  hands,  which  are  the  figures 
 of  the  true  ;  but  into  heaven  itself,  now  to 
 appear  in  the  presence  of  God  for  us  : 
 
 25  Nor  yet  that  he  should  offer  himself 
 often,  as  the  high  priest  entereth  into  the 
 holy  place  every  year  with  blood  of  others  ; 
 
 26  (For  then  must  he  often  have  suffered 
 
 since  the  foundation  of  the  world;)  but  now 
 once  in  the  end  of  the  world  hath  he  ap¬ 
 peared,  to  put  away  sin  by  the  sacrifice  of 
 himself.  _ _ 
 
 15 — 28.  From  the  inefficacy  of  the  legal  sacrifices,  and  the  effi- 
 cacv  of  Christ’s  sacrifice,  the  legal  sacrifices  could  not  ot  them¬ 
 selves  put  away  sin ;  neither  procure  pardon  for  it,  nor  power 
 against  it.  Sin  would  still  have  lain  upon  us,  and  had  dominion 
 over  us,  but  Jesus  Christ  by  one  sacrifice  has  made  an  end  of  sin : 
 he  has  destroyed  the  works  of  the  devil. 
 
 676 
 
 27  And  as  it  is  appointed  unto  men  once 
 to  die,  but  after  this  the  judgment ; 
 
 28  So  Christ  was  once  offered  to  bear  the 
 sins  of  many  :  and  unto  them  that  look 
 for  him  shall  he  appear  the  second  time  with¬ 
 out  sin  unto  salvation. 
 
 CHAP.  X. 
 
 The  superiority  of  Christ’s  priesthood  to  that  of  Aaron. 
 
 For  the  law,  having  a  shadow  of  good 
 things  to  come,  and  not  the  very  image 
 of  the  things,  can  never  with  those  sacrifices, 
 which  they  offered  year  by  year  continually, 
 make  the  comers  thereunto  perfect : 
 
 2  For  then  would  they  not  have  ceased  to 
 be  offered?  because  that  the  worshippers 
 once  purged  should  have  had  no  more  con¬ 
 science  of  sins. 
 
 3  But  in  those  sacrifices  there  is  a  remem¬ 
 brance  again  made  of  sins  every  year. 
 
 4  For  it  is  not  possible  that  the  blood  of 
 bulls  and  of  goats  should  take  away  sins. 
 
 5  Wherefore,  when  he  cometh  into  the 
 world,  he  saith.  Sacrifice  and  offering  thou 
 would est  not,  but  a  body  hast  thou  prepared 
 me  : 
 
 6  In  burnt-offerings  and  sacrifices  for  sin 
 thou  hast  had  no  pleasure  : 
 
 7  Then  said  I,  Lo,  1  come  (in  the  volume 
 of  the  book  it  is  written  of  me)  to  do  thy 
 will,  O  God. 
 
 8  Above,  when  he  said.  Sacrifice  and  of¬ 
 fering,  and  burnt-offerings,  and  offering  for 
 sin,  thou  wouldest  not,  neither  hadst  plea¬ 
 sure  therein  ;  (which  are  offered  by  the  law  ;) 
 
 9  Then  said  he,  Lo,  1  come  to  do  thy  will, 
 O  God.  He  taketh  away  the  first  that  he 
 may  establish  the  second. 
 
 10  By  the  which  will  we  are  sanctified, 
 through  the  offering  of  the  body  of  Jesus 
 Christ  once  for  all. 
 
 11  And  every  priest  standeth  daily  mi¬ 
 nistering,  and  offering  oftentimes  the  same 
 sacrifices,  which  can  never  take  away  sins. 
 12  But  this  man,  after  he  had  offered 
 
 CHAP.  X.  1—6.  The  time  of  the  repeal  of  the  Levitkal  laws 
 was  foretold  by  David,  Psal.  xl.  7,  and  is  recited  here  as  now  come. 
 I'hiis  industriously  docs  the  apostle  lay  low  the  Mosaical  dispen¬ 
 sation.  ,  ,  ,  •  r  . 
 
 When  no  less  sacrifice  would  be  proper  satisfaction  to 
 
 the  justice  of  God  than  that  of  Christ  himself,  then  Christ  volr.n- 
 
CHAP.  XL 
 
 one  sacrifice  for  sins,  for  ever  sat  down  on 
 the  right  hand  of  God  : 
 
 13  Prom  henceforth  expecting  till  his  ene¬ 
 mies  be  made  his  footstool. 
 
 14  For  by  one  offering  he  hath  perfected 
 for  ever  them  that  are  sanctified ; 
 
 13  Whereof  the  Holy  Ghost  also  is  wit¬ 
 ness  to  us  :  for  after  that  he  had  said  before, 
 
 16  This  is  the  covenant  that  I  will  make 
 with  them.  After  those  days,  saith  the  Lord,* 
 I  will  put  my  laws  into  their  hearts,  and  in 
 their  minds  will  I  write  them ; 
 
 17  And  their  sins  and  iniquities  will  I  re¬ 
 member  no  more. 
 
 18  Now,  where  remission  of  these  w,  there 
 is  no  more  offering  for  sin. 
 
 19  Having,  therefore,  brethren,  boldness 
 to  enter  into  the  holiest  by  the  blood  of 
 Jesus, 
 
 20  By  a  new  and  Jiving  way,  which  he 
 hath  consecrated  for  us  through  the  veil,  that 
 is  to  say,  his  flesh : 
 
 21  And  having  an  high  priest  over  the 
 house  of  God, 
 
 22  Let  us  draw  near  with  a  true  heart  in 
 full  assurance  of  faith,  having  our  hearts 
 sprinkled  from  an  evil  conscience,  and  our 
 bodies  washed  with  pure  water. 
 
 23  Let  us  hold  fast  the  profession  of  our 
 faith  without  wavering  ;  for  he  is  faithful  that 
 promised  : 
 
 24  And  let  us  consider  one  another,  to 
 provoke  unto  love  and  to  good  works  : 
 
 23  Not  forsaking  the  assembling  of  our¬ 
 selves  together,  as  the  manner  of  some  is ; 
 but  exhorting  one  another  :  and  so  much  the 
 more,  as  ye  see  the  day  approaching. 
 
 26  For  if  we  sin  wilfully  after  that  we 
 have  received  the  knowledge  of  the  truth, 
 there  remaineth  no  more  sacrifice  for  sins. 
 
 27  But  a  certain  fearful  looking  for  of 
 judgment  and  fiery  indignation,  which  shall 
 devour  the  adversaries. 
 
 tarily  came  in  to  it.  Lo,  I  come !  I  delight  to  do  thy  will,  O  God ! 
 Let  thy  curse  fall  upon  me,  but  let  these  go  their  way:-  Father,  I 
 delight  to  fulfil  thy  counsels,  and  my  covenant  with  thee  for  them  ; 
 
 1  delight  to  perform  all  thy  promises,  to  fulfil  all  the  prophecies. 
 This  should  endear  Christ  and  our  bibles  to  us,  that  in  Christ  we 
 have  the  fulfilling  of  the  scriptures. 
 
 19 — S9  The  greatest  part  of  the  saints’  happiness  is  in  promise  ; 
 that  they  must  first  do  the  will  of  God  before  they  receive  the  pro¬ 
 mise  ;  and  that  after  they  have  done  the  will  of  God,  they  have 
 
 28  He  that  despised  Moses"  laws  died  with¬ 
 out  mercy,  under  two  or  three  witnesses  ; 
 
 29  Of  how  much  sorer  punishment,  sup¬ 
 pose  ye,  shall  he  be  thought  worthy,  who 
 hath  trodden  under  foot  the  Son  of  God, 
 and  hath  counted  the  blood  of  the  covenant, 
 wherewith  he  was  sanctified,  an  unholy  thing,, 
 and  hath  done  despite  unto  the  Spirit  of 
 grace  ? 
 
 30  For  we  know  him  that  hath  said.  Ven¬ 
 geance  helongeth  unto  me,  I  will  recompense, 
 saith  the  Lord.  And  again.  The  Lord  shall 
 judge  his  people. 
 
 SI  It  is  a  fearful  thing  to  fall  into  the 
 hands  of  the  living  God. 
 
 32  But  call  to  remembrance  the  former 
 days,  in  which,  after  ye  were  illuminated, 
 ye  endured  a  great  fight  of  afflictions  ; 
 
 33  Partly,  whilst  ye  were  made  a  gazing- 
 stock  both  by  reproaches  and  afflictions  ; 
 and  partly,  whilst  ye  became  companions  of 
 them  that  were  so  used. 
 
 34  For  ye  had  compassion  of  me  in  my 
 bonds,  and  took  joyfully  the  spoiling  of  your 
 goods,  knowing  in  yourselves  that  ye  have 
 in  heaven  a  better  and  an  enduring  sub¬ 
 stance. 
 
 35  Cast  not  away,  therefore,  your  confi¬ 
 dence  which  hath  great  recompence  of  reward. 
 
 36  For  ye  have  need  of  patience;  that, 
 after  ye  have  done  the  will  of  God,  ye  might 
 receive  the  promise. 
 
 37  For  yet  a  little  while,  and  ye  that  shall 
 come  will  come,  and  will  not  tarry. 
 
 38  Now,  the  just  shall  live  by  faith  ;  but 
 if  any  man  draw  back,  my  soul  shall  have  no 
 pleasure  in  him. 
 
 39  But  we  are  not  of  them  who  draw 
 back  unto  perdition  ;  but  of  them  that  be¬ 
 lieve  to  the  saving  of  the  soul. 
 
 CHAP.  XI. 
 
 The  great  examples  w'e  have  in  the  Old  Testament  of  those  that 
 
 lived  by  faith. 
 
 need  of  patience  to  wait  for  the  time  when  the  promise  shall  be  ful¬ 
 filled  ;  they  have  need  of  patience  to  live  till  God  calls  them  away. 
 It  is  a  trial  of  the  patience  of  Christians  to  be  content  to  live  after 
 their  work  is  done,  and  to  stay  for  the  reward  till  God’s  time  to 
 give  it  them  is  come.  We  must  be.  God’s  waiting  servants,  when 
 we  can  be  n©  longer  his  working  servants  ;  they  that  have  had  and 
 exercised  much  patience  already,  must  have  and  exercise  more 
 till  they  die. 
 
 CHAP.  XL  1 — 3  Believers  in  the  exercise  of  faith  are  filled 
 
 67? 
 
HEBREWS. 
 
 NOW  faith  is  the  substance  of  things 
 hoped  for,  the  evidence  of  things  not 
 
 seen. 
 
 2  Eor  by  it  the  elders  obtained  a  good  re- 
 port. 
 
 3  Through  faith  we  understand  that  the 
 Avorlds  were  framed  by  the  word  ot  God  :  so 
 that  things  which  are  seen  were  not  made  of 
 things  which  doth  appear. 
 
 “  4  By  faith  Abel  offered  unto  God  a  more 
 excellent  sacrifice  than  Cain,  by  which  he 
 obtained  witness  that  he  was  righteous,  God 
 testifying  of  his  gifts ;  and  by  it  he,  being 
 dead,  yet  speaketh. 
 
 5  By  faith  Enoch  was  translated  that  he 
 should  not  see  death  ;  and  was  not  found, 
 because  God  had  translated  him  :  for  before 
 his  translation  he  had  this  testimony ,  that  he 
 pleased  God. 
 
 6  But  without  faith  it  is  impossible  to 
 please  him  :  for  he  that  cometh  to  God  must 
 believe  that  he  is,  and  that  he  is  a  rewarder 
 of  them  that  diligently  seek  him. 
 
 7  By  faith  Noe,  being  warned  of  God  of 
 things  not  seen  as  yet,  moved  with  fear, 
 prepared  an  ark  to  the  saving  of  his  house , 
 by  the  which  he  condemned  the  world,  anc 
 became  heir  of  the  righteousness  which  is  by 
 faith. 
 
 8  By  faith  Abraham,  when  he  was  callec 
 to.  go  out  into  a  place  which  he  should  after 
 receive  for  an  inheritance,  obeyed  :  and  he 
 went  out,  not  knowing  whither  he  went. 
 
 9  By  faith  he  sojourned  in  the  land  of 
 promise,  as  in  a  strange  country,  dwelling  in 
 tabernacles  with  Isaac  and  Jacob,  the  heirs 
 with  him  of  the  same  promise  : 
 
 10  For  he  looked  for  a  city  which  hath 
 foundations,  whose  builder  and  maker  is 
 God. 
 
 11  Through  faith  also  Sara  herself  received 
 strength  to  conceive  seed,  and  was  delivered 
 of  a  child  when  she  was  past  age,  because 
 she  judged  him  faithful  who  had  promised. 
 
 12  Therefore  sprang  there  even  of  one 
 and  him  as  good  as  dead,  so  many  as  the 
 stars  of  the  sky  in  multitude,  and  as  the 
 sand  which  is  by  the  sea-shore  innumerable. 
 
 13  These  all  died  in  faith,  not  having  re¬ 
 ceived  the  promises,  but  having  seen  them 
 afar  off,  and  were  persuaded  of  them^  and 
 embraced  them,  and  confessed  that  they 
 were  strangers  and  pilgrims  on  the  earth. 
 
 14  For  they  that  say  such  things,  declare 
 plainly  that  they  seek  a  country. 
 
 15  And  truly  if  they  had  been  mindful  of 
 that  country  from  whence  they  came  out, 
 they  might  have  had  opportunity  to  have 
 returned  ; 
 
 16  But  now  they  desire  a  better  country, 
 that  is,  an  heavenly  ;  Avherefore  God  is  not 
 ashamed  to  be  called  their  God  ;  for  he  hath 
 prepared  for  them  a  city. 
 
 17  By  faith  Abraham,  when  he  was  tried, 
 offered  up  Isaac  :  and  he  that  had  received 
 the  promises  offered  up  his  only  l)egotten  son. 
 
 18  Of  whom  it  was  said.  That  in  Isaac 
 
 shall  thy  seed  be  called  :  ^  ^ 
 
 19  Accounting  that  God  was  able  to  raise 
 him  up,  even  from  the  dead  :  from  whence 
 also  he  received  him  in  a  figure. 
 
 20  By  faith  Isaac  blessed  Jacob  and 
 Esau  concerning  things  to  come. 
 
 21  By  faith  Jacob,  when  he  was  a  dying, 
 blessed  both  the  sons  of  Joseph;  and  wor¬ 
 shipped,  leaning  upon  the  top  of  his  stall'. 
 
 22  By  faith  Joseph,  when  he  died,  made 
 mention  of  the  departing  of  the  children  of 
 Israel ;  and  gave  commandment  concerning 
 his  bones. 
 
 with  joy  unspeakable,  and  full  of  glory.  Christ  dwells  in  the  soul 
 by  faith,  and  the  soul  is  filled  with  the  fulness  of  God  as  far  as  his 
 present  measure  will  admit;  he  experiences  a  substantial  reality 
 
 4!!. l^l^^Abe”^  brought  a  sacrifice  of  atonement,  brought  of  the 
 firstlings  of  the  flock,  acknowledging  himsdf  to  be  a  sinner  that 
 deserved  to  die,  and  only  hoped  for  mercy  through  the  great  sacri¬ 
 fice..  Cain  brought  only  a  sacrifice  of  acknowledgment,  a  mere 
 thank-offering,  the  fruit  of  the  ground,  which  might  and  perhaps 
 must  have  been  offered  in  innocency.  Here  was  no  confession  o 
 sin  no  regard  to  the  ransom  ;  this  was  an  essential  defect  m  Cain  s 
 offering.  There  will  always  be  difference  between  those  that  wor¬ 
 ship  the  true  God ;  some  will  compass  him  about  with  lies,  others 
 678 
 
 will  be  faithful  with  the  saints.  Some  like  the  Pharisee  will  lean 
 to  their  own  righteousness,  others  like  the  publican  will  wnl«s 
 their  sin,  and  cast  themselves  upon  the  mercy  of  God  in  Christ. 
 Abraham  was  the  friend  of  God,  and  father  of  the  faithlul,  m 
 whom  the  Hebrews  boasted,  and  from  whom  thev  derived  their  pe¬ 
 digree  and  privileges.  And  therefore  the  apostle,  that  he  might 
 both  please  and  profit  them,  enlarges  more  upon  heroic  achieve¬ 
 ments  of  Abraham’s  faith,  than  any  other  of  the  patriarch  s ;  and  in 
 the  midst  of  his  account  of  the  faith  of  Abraham,  he  inserts  the 
 storv  of  Sarah’s  faith,  whose  daughters  those  women  are  that  con- 
 
 ^'^20 _ 31.  Faith  has  its  greatest  work  to  do  at  last,  to  help  the 
 
 liever  to  finish  well,  to  die  to  the  Lord  so  as  to  honour  him,  by 
 
CHAP.  xn. 
 
 23  By  faith  Moses,  when  he  was  born, 
 was  hid  three  months  of  his  parents,  be¬ 
 cause  they  saw  he  was  a  proper  child  ;  and 
 they  were  not  afraid  of  the  king  s  command¬ 
 ment. 
 
 24  By  faith  Moses,  when  he  was  come 
 to  years,  refused  to  be  called  the  son  of  Pha¬ 
 raoh's  daughter ; 
 
 25  Choosing  rather  to  suffer  affliction 
 with  the  people  of  God,  than  to  enjoy  the 
 pleasures  of  sin  for  a  season  : 
 
 26  Esteeming  the  reproach  of  Christ 
 greater  riches  than  the  treasures  in  Egypt : 
 for  he  had  respect  unto  the  recompence  of 
 the  reward. 
 
 27  By  faith  he  forsook  Egypt,  not  fear¬ 
 ing  the  wrath  of  the  king  :  for  he  endured, 
 as  seeing  him  who  is  invisible. 
 
 28  Through  faith  he  kept  the  passover, 
 and  the  sprinkling  of  blood,  lest  he  that 
 destroyed  the  first-born  should  touch  them. 
 
 29  By  faith  they  passed  through  the  Red 
 sea  as  by  dry  land :  which  the  Egyptians 
 assaying  to  do  were  drowned. 
 
 30  By  faith  the  walls  of  Jericho  fell  down, 
 after  they  were  compassed  about  seven 
 days. 
 
 31  By  faith  the  harlot  Rahab  perished 
 not  with  them  that  believed  not,  when  she 
 had  received  the  spies  with  peace. 
 
 32  And  what  shall  I  more  say  ?  for  the 
 time  would  fail  me  to  tell  of  Gedeon,  and  of 
 Barak,  and  ^Samson,  and  o/'Jephthae:  of 
 David  also,  and  Samuel,  and  of  the  prophets  ; 
 
 33  Who  through  faith  subdued  kingdoms, 
 wrought  righteousness,  obtained  promises, 
 stopped  the  mouths  of  lions, 
 
 34  Quenched  the  violence  of  fire,  escaped 
 the  edge  of  the  sword,  out  of  weakness  were 
 
 patience,  hope  and  joy  ;  so  as  to  leave  a  witness  behind  them  of  the 
 truth  of  God’s  word,  and  the  excellency  of  his  ways  for  the  convic¬ 
 tion  and  establishment  of  all  that  attend  them  in  their  dying  mo¬ 
 ments.  The  best  way  in  which  parents  can  finish  their  course  is, 
 blessing  their  families,  and  worshipping  their  God.  By  the  faith  we 
 mav  see  this  invisible  God,  we  may  be  fully  assured  of  his  existence, 
 and  of  his  providence  and  of  his  gracious  and  powerful  presence 
 with  us.  8uch  a  sight  of  God  will  enable  believers  to  endure  to  the 
 end,  whatever  they  may  meet  with  in  the  way. 
 
 23—31.  Here  is  a  most  honourable  character  and  commendation 
 from  God,  the  true  Judge  and  fountain  of  honour,  i.  e.  that  the 
 world  was  not  worthy  of  such  men  :  the  w'orld  did  not  deserve  such 
 blessings  ;  they  did  not  know  how  to  value  them,  nor  how  to  use 
 them.  Wicked  men  think  the  righteous  are  not  worthy  to  live  in 
 Vol.  II.  98  4  S 
 
 made  strong,  waxed  valiant  in  fight,  turned 
 to  flight  the  armies  of  the  aliens. 
 
 35  Women  received  their  dead  raised  to 
 life  again  :  and  others  were  tortured,  not  ac¬ 
 cepting  deliverance  :  that  they  might  ob¬ 
 tain  a  better  resurrection  : 
 
 36  And  others  had  trials  of  cruel  mock- 
 ings  and  scourgings,  yea,  moreover,  of  bonds 
 and  imprisonment : 
 
 37  They  were  stoned,  they  were  sawn 
 asunder,  were  tempted,  were  slain  with  the 
 sword  :  they  wandered  about  in  sheep-skins 
 and  goat-skins ;  being  destitute,  afflicted, 
 tormented, 
 
 38  (Of  whom  the  world  was  not  worthy,) 
 they  wandered  in  deserts,  and  in  mountains, 
 and  in  dens,  and  caves  of  the  earth. 
 
 39  And  these  all,  having  obtained  a  good 
 report  through  faith,  received  not  the  pro¬ 
 mise  : 
 
 40  God  having  provided  some  better  thing 
 for  us,  that  they  without  us  should  not  be 
 made  perfect. 
 
 CHAP.  XII. 
 
 The  apostle  applies  what  he  had  collected  in  the  chapter  fore 
 
 going. 
 
 HEREFORD,  seeing  we  also  are 
 ^ "  compassed  about  with  so  great  a 
 cloud  of  witnesses,  let  us  lay  aside  every 
 Aveight,  and  the  sin  which  doth  so  easily  be¬ 
 set  us  ,  and  let  us  run  with  patience  the  race 
 that  is  set  before  us, 
 
 2  Looking  unto  Jesus  the  author  and 
 finisher  of  our  faith  ;  Avho,  for  the  joy  that 
 was  set  before  him,  endured  the  cross,  des¬ 
 pising  the  shame,  and  is  set  down  at  the 
 right  hand  of  the  throne  of  God. 
 
 3  For  consider  him  that  endured  such  con- 
 
 thc  world  ;  and  God  declares,  the  world  is  not  worthy  of  them  ; 
 and  though  they  widely  differ  in  their  judgment,  they  agree  in  this, 
 that  it  is  not  fit  good  men  should  have  their  rest  in  this  world,  and 
 therefore  God  receives  them  out  of  it  to  that  world  that  is  suitable 
 to  them,  and  yet  far  beyond  the  merit  of  all  their  services  and  suf¬ 
 ferings. 
 
 CHaP.  XII.  1 — 3.  The  great  duty  which  the  apostle  urges  upon 
 the  Hebrews,  and  which  he  so  much  desires  they  would  comply 
 with,  and  that  is,  to  lay  aside  every  weight,  and  the  sin  that  did  so 
 easily  beset  them,  and  run  with  patience  the  race  set  before  them. 
 Christians  have  a  greater  example  to  animate  and  encourage  them 
 in  their  Christian  course,  than  any  or  all  that  have  been  mentioned 
 before,  and  that  is  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  v.  2,  Looking  unto  Jesus 
 the  author  and  finisher  of  our  faith. 
 
 679 
 
HEBREWS. 
 
 tradiction  of  sinners  against  himself,  lest 
 ye  be  wearied  and  faint  in  your  minds. 
 
 4  Ye  have  not  yet  resisted  unto  blood, 
 strivino;  asfainst  sin. 
 
 5  And  ye  have  forgotten  the  exhortation, 
 which  speaketh  unto  you  as  unto  children. 
 My  son,  despise  not  thou  the  chastening  of 
 the  Lord,  nor  faint  when  thou  art  rebuked  of 
 him  : 
 
 6  Eor  whom  the  Lord  loveth  he  chasten- 
 eth,  and  scourgeth  every  son  whom  he  re- 
 ceiveth. 
 
 7  If  ye  endure  chastening,  God  dealeth 
 with  you  as  with  sons  ;  for  what  son  is  he 
 whom  the  father  chasteneth  not  ? 
 
 8  But  if  ye  be  without  chastisement, 
 whereof  all  are  partakers,  then  are  ye 
 bastards,  and  not  sons. 
 
 9  Furthermore,  we  have  had  fathers  of  our 
 flesh,  which  corrected  ws,  and  we  gave  them 
 reverence :  shall  we  not  much  rather  be 
 in  subjection  unto  the  Father  of  spirits,  and 
 live  ? 
 
 10  For  they  verily  for  a  few  days  chasten¬ 
 ed  us  after  their  own  pleasure  ;  but  he  for 
 our  profit,  that  we  might  be  partakers  of  his 
 holiness. 
 
 11  Now,  no  chastening  for  the  present 
 seemeth  to  be  joyous,  but  grievous :  never¬ 
 theless,  afterward  it  yieldeth  the  peaceable 
 fruit  of  righteousness  unto  them  which  are 
 exercised  thereby. 
 
 12  Wherefore  lift  up  the  hands  which 
 hang  down,  and  the  feeble  knees ; 
 
 13  And  make  straight  paths  for  your  feet, 
 lest  that  which  is  lame  be  turned  out  of  the 
 way  ;  but  let  it  rather  be  healed. 
 
 14  Follow  peace  with  all  men,  and  holi¬ 
 ness,  without  which  no  man  shall  see  the 
 Lord  : 
 
 15  Looking  diligently,  lest  any  man  fail 
 of  the  grace  of  God  :  lest  any  root  of  bitter¬ 
 ness  springing  up  trouble  you,  and  thereby 
 many  be  defiled  : 
 
 16  Lest  there  he  any  fornicator  or  pro- 
 
 4 — 17.  God’s  correction  is  no  condemnation;  his  children  may 
 at  first  fear  lest  affliction  should  come  upon  that  dreadful  errand 
 and  u’C  crv,  Do  not  condemn  me,  but  shew  me  wherefore  thou  con* 
 tendest  with  me,  Job  x.  2.  But  that  is  so  far  from  being  the  design 
 of  God  to  his  own  people,  that  he  therefore  chastens  thern  now,  tlmt 
 they  may  not  be  condemned  with  the  world,  1  Cor,  xi.  32.  He 
 680 
 
 fane  persons,  as  Esau,  who  for  one  morsel 
 of  meat  sold  his  birthright. 
 
 17  For  ye  know  how  that  afterward,  when 
 he  would  have  inherited  the  blessing,  he  was 
 rejected  ;  for  he  found  no  place  of  repent¬ 
 ance,  though  he  sought  it  carefully  with 
 tears. 
 
 18  For  ye  are  not  come  unto  the  mount 
 that  might  be  touched,  and  that  burned  with 
 fire,  nor  unto  blackness,  and  darkness,  and 
 tempest, 
 
 19  And  the  sound  of  a  trumpet,  and  the 
 voice  of  words  ;  Avhich  voice  they  that  heard 
 entreated  that  the  word  should  not  be  spoken 
 to  them  any  more  ; 
 
 20  (For  they  could  not  endure  that  which 
 was  commanded.  And  if  so  much  as  a  beast 
 touch  the  mountain,  it  shall  be  stoned,  or 
 thrust  through  with  a  dart : 
 
 21  And  so  terrible  was  the  sight,  that 
 Moses  said,  I  exceedingly  lear  and  quake  :) 
 
 22  But  ye  are  come  unto  mount  Sion,  and 
 unto  the  city  of  the  living  God,  the  heaven¬ 
 ly  Jerusalem,  and  to  an  innumerable  com¬ 
 pany  of  angels. 
 
 23  To  the  general  assembl}’^  and  church  of 
 the  first-born,  which  arc  written  in’  heaven, 
 and  to  God  the  Judge  of  all,  and  to  the  spi¬ 
 rits  of  just  men  made  perfect, 
 
 24  And  to  Jesus  the  mediator  of  the  new 
 covenant,  and  to  the  blood  of  sprinkling, 
 that  speaketh  better  things  than  that  oj 
 Abel. 
 
 25  See  that  ye  refuse  not  him  that  speak¬ 
 eth.  For  if  they  escaped  not  who  refused  him 
 that  spake  on  earth,  much  more  shall  not  we 
 escape,  if  we  turn  away  from  him  that  speak¬ 
 eth  from  heaven  ; 
 
 26  Whose  voice  then  shook  the  earth  :  but 
 now  he  hath  promised,  saying.  Yet  once 
 more  I  shake  not  the  earth  only,  but  also 
 heaven. 
 
 27  And  this  word.  Yet  once  more,  signi- 
 fieth  the  removing  of  those  things  that  are 
 shaken,  as  of  things  that  are  made,  that 
 
 does  it  to  prevent  the  death  and  destruciion  of  their  souls,  that  they 
 may  live  to  God  and  like  God,  and  for  ever  with  him. 
 
 18 — 29.  He  shews  how  much  the  gospel  church  represents  the 
 church  triumphant  in  heaven  ;  what  communication  there  is  be¬ 
 tween  the  one  and  the  other.  The  gospel  church  is  called  Mount 
 SioD  and  heavenly  Jerusalem;  which  is  free ;  in  opposition  to 
 
CHAP.  XIIL 
 
 those  things  which  cannot  be  shaken  may 
 remain. 
 
 28  Wherefore,  we  receiving  a  kingdom 
 which  cannot  be  moved,  let  us  have  grace, 
 whereby  we  may  serve  God  acceptably,  with 
 reverence  and  godly  fear  : 
 
 29  For  our  God  is  a  consuming  fire. 
 
 CHAP.  XIII. 
 
 Various  duties  here  commended. 
 
 ET  brotherly  love  continue. 
 
 2  Be  not  forgetful  to  entertain  stran¬ 
 gers  :  for  thereby  some  have  entertained 
 angels  unawares. 
 
 3  Remember  them  that  are  in  bonds,  as 
 bound  with  them ;  and  them  which  suffer 
 adversity,  as  being  yourselves  also  in  the 
 body. 
 
 4  Marriage  is  honourable  in  all,  and  the 
 bed  undefiled  ;  but  whoremongers  and  adul¬ 
 terers  God  will  judge. 
 
 5  Let  your  conversation  he  without  covet¬ 
 ousness  ;  and  be  content  with  such  things  as 
 ye  have  :  for  he  hath  said,  I  will  never  leave 
 thee,  nor  forsake  thee. 
 
 6  So  that  we  may  boldly  say.  The  Lord 
 is  my  helper,  and  I  will  not  fear  what  man 
 shall  do  unto  me. 
 
 7  Remember  them  which  have  the  rule 
 over  you,  who  have  spoken  unto  you  the 
 word  of  God  :  whose  faith  follow,  consider¬ 
 ing  the  end  of  their  conversation  ; 
 
 8  Jesus  Christ  the  same  yesterday,  and 
 to-day,  and  for  ever. 
 
 9  Be  not  carried  about  with  divers  and 
 strange  doctrines  :  for  it  is  a  good  thing  that 
 the  heart  be  established  with  grace  ;  not 
 with  meats,  which  have  not  profited  them 
 that  have  been  occupied  therein. 
 
 10.  We  have  an  altar,  whereof  they  have 
 no  right  to  eat  which  serve  the  tabernacle. 
 
 11  For  the  bodies  of  those  beasts,  whose 
 blood  is  brought  into  the  sanctuary  by  the 
 high  priest  for  sin,  are  burnt  wifhout  the 
 camp. 
 
 12  Wherefore  Jesus  also,  that  he  might  - 
 sanctify  the  people  with  his  own  blood,  suf¬ 
 fered  without  the  gate. 
 
 13  Let  us  go  forth  therefore  unto  him 
 without  the  camp,  bearing  his  reproach. 
 
 14  For  here  have  we  no  continuing  city, 
 but  w^e  seek  one  to  come. 
 
 15  By  him  therefore  let  us  offer  the  sacri¬ 
 fice  of  praise  to  God  continually,  that  is,  the 
 fruit  of  our  lips,  giving  thanks  to  his  name. 
 
 16  But  to  do  good,  and  to  communicate, 
 forget  not :  for  with  such  sacrifices  God  is 
 well  pleased. 
 
 17  Obey  them  that  have  the  rule  over  you, 
 and  submit  yourselves  :  for  they  watch  for 
 your  souls,  as  they  that  must  give  account ; 
 that  they  may  do  it  with  joy,  and  not  with 
 grief :  for  that  is  unprofitable  for  you. 
 
 18  Pray  for  us  ;  for  we  trust  we  have  a 
 good  conscience,  in  all  things  willing  to  live 
 honestly. 
 
 19  But  I  beseech  yow  the  rather  to  do  this, 
 that  I  may  be  restored  to  you  the  sooner. 
 
 20  Now,  the  God  of  peace,  that  brought 
 again  from  the  dead  our  Lord  Jesus,  that 
 great  Shepherd  of  the  sheep,  through  the 
 blood  of  the  everlasting  covenant, 
 
 21  Make  you  perfect  in  every  good  work 
 to  do  his  will,  working  in  you  that  which  is 
 well-pleasing  in  his  sight,  through  Jesus 
 Christ :  to  whom  be  glory  for  ever  and  ever. 
 Amen. 
 
 22^  And  I  beseech  you,  brethren,  suffer 
 
 Mount  Sinai,  whicli  tendeth  to  bondage,  Gal.  iv.  24.  This  was  the 
 hill  on  which  God  set  his  King  fhe  Messiah.  Now,  in  coming  to 
 Mount  Sion,  believers  come  into  heavenly  places,  and  into  a  hea¬ 
 venly  society. 
 
 CHAP.  XIII.  1—17-  God  hath  said,  I  will  never  leave  thee  nor 
 forsake  thee,  v.  5,  6'.  This  was  said  to  Joshua,  chap.  i.  5,  but  be¬ 
 longs  to  all  the  faithful  servants  of  God  ;  Old  Testament  promises 
 may  be  applied  to  New  Testament  saints.  This  promise  contains 
 the  sum  and  substance  of  all  the  promises,  I  will  never,  no  never 
 leave  thee,  nor  never  forsake  thee.  Here  are  no  less  than  five 
 negatives  heaped  together  to  confirm  the  promise.  The  true  be¬ 
 liever  shall  have  the  gracious  promise  of  God  with  him  in  life,  at 
 rleath,  and  for  ever.'  Sin,  sinner’s  death,  will  not  suffer  us  to  con¬ 
 tinue  long  here ;  and  therefore  we  should  go  forth  now  by  faith, 
 and  seek  in  Christ  that  rest  and  settlement  that  this  world  cannot 
 
 afford  us,  V.  14.  Let  us  make  a  right  use  of  this  altar  ;  not  only 
 partake  of  the  privileges  of  it,  but  discharge  the  duties  of  the  altar 
 as  those  that  Christ  had  made  priests  to  attend  on  this  altar  Let 
 us  bring  our  sacrifice  to  this  altar,  and  to  this  our  high-priest  and 
 Oliver  them  up  by  him,  v.  15,  16'.  Now  what  are  the  sacrifices 
 which  we  must  bring  and  offer  on  this  altar,  even  Christ ;  not  anv 
 expiatory  sacrifices  ;  there  is  no  need  of  them  ;  Christ  has  offered 
 the  great  sacrifice  of  atonement :  ours  are  only  the  sacrifices  of 
 acknowledgment. 
 
 •  S.ood  conscience,  in  all  things  wil- 
 
 mg  to  live  honestly.  We  trust,  he  might  have  said  we  know,  but 
 he  chose  to  speak  in  a  humble  style,  to  teach  us  all  not  to  be  too 
 confident  of  ourselves,  but  to  maintain  a  godly  jealousy  over  our 
 own  hearts.  We  trust  we  have  a  good  conscience,  an  enlightened  and 
 well-informed  conscience,  a  clean  and  pure  conscience,  a  tender 
 
 681 
 
JAMES. 
 
 the  word  of  exhortation  ;  for  I  have  written 
 a  letter  unto  you  in  few  words. 
 
 23  Know  ye  that  our  brother  Timothy  is 
 sQJt  at  liberty  ;  with  whom,  if  he  come  short¬ 
 ly,  I  will  see  you. 
 
 24  Salute  all  them  that  have  the  rule 
 
 and  faithful  conscience,  a  conscience  testifying  for  us,  not  against 
 us ;  a  good  conscience  in  all  things,  in  the  duties  both  of  the  first 
 and  second  table,  towards  God,  and  towards  men  ;  and  especially 
 
 over  you,  and  all  the  saints.  They  of  Ital}" 
 salute  3^ou. 
 
 25  Grace  be  with  you  all.  Amen. 
 
 €  Written  to  the  Hebrews  from  Italy  by 
 Timothy. 
 
 in  all  things  pertaining  to  our  ministry,  we  would  act  honestly  and 
 sincerely  in  all  things. 
 
 THE  GENERAL  EPISTLE  OP 
 
 JAMES. 
 
 The  writer  of  this  epistle  was  not  James  the  son  of  Zebedee,  for  he  was  put  to  death  by  Herod,  Acts  xii.  before  Christianity  had 
 gained  so  much  ground  among  the  Jews  of  the  dispersion,  as  is  here  implied.  But  it  was  the  other  James,  the  son  of  Alphcus, 
 who  was  cousin-german  to  Christ,  and  one  of  the  twelve  ^stles.  Matt.  x.  3.  The  time  when  this  epistle  was  written  is  un¬ 
 certain.  The  design  of  it  is  to  reprove  Christians  for  their  great  degeneracy  both  in  faith  and  manners,  and  to  pievcnt  the 
 spreading  of  those  libertine  doctrines  which  threatened  the  destruction  of  all  practical  godliness. 
 
 CHAP.  L 
 
 I.  Inscription  and  salutation,  v.  1.  II.  Christians  are  taught  how  to 
 carry  the  cross,  v.  2 — 12.  III.  But  those  sins  which  bring  suf¬ 
 ferings,  are  by  no  means  to  be  imputed  to  God,  v.  13—18.  IV. 
 
 All  passion  and  rash  anger,  and  vile  affections,  ought  to  be  sup¬ 
 pressed.  The  word  of  God  should  be  made  our  chief  study, 
 wherein  pure  religion  consists,  v.  19 — 27. 
 
 JAMES,  a  servant  of  God,  and  of  the 
 Lord  Jesus  Christ,  to  the  twelve  tribes 
 which  are  scattered  abroad,  greeting. 
 
 2  My  brethren,  count  it  all  joy  when  ye 
 fall  into  divers  temptations  ; 
 
 3  Knowing  this,  that  the  trying  of  your 
 faith  worketh  patience. 
 
 4  But  let  patience  have  her  perfect  work, 
 that  ye  may  be  perfect  and  entire,  wanting 
 nothing. 
 
 5  If  any  of  you  lack  wisdom,  let  him  ask 
 
 chap.  I.  1—12.  Prayer  is  a  duty  recommended  also  to  suf¬ 
 fering  Christians.  And  here  the  apostle  shews,  what  we  ought 
 more  especially  to  pray  for ;  wisdom.  If  any  lack  wisdom,  let 
 him  ask  of  God.  We  should  not  pray  so  much  for  the  removal 
 of  an  affliction,  as  for  wisdom  to  make  a  right  use  of  it.  And  who 
 is  there  that  docs  not  want  wisdom  under  any  great  trials  or  exer¬ 
 cises,  to  guide  him  both  in  his  judging  of  things,  and  in  the  conduct, 
 of  his  own  spirit  and  temper,  and  in  the  management  of  his  affairs  ? 
 682 
 
 of  God,  that  giveth  to  all  men  liberally,  and 
 upbraideth  not ;  and  it  shall  be  given  him. 
 
 6  But  let  him  ask  in  faith,  nothing  wa¬ 
 vering  :  for  he  that  wavereth  is  like  a  wave 
 of  the  sea  driven  with  the  wind  and  tossed  : 
 
 7  For  let  not  that  man  think  that  he  shall 
 receive  any  thing  of  the  Lord. 
 
 8  A  double-minded  man  is  unstable  in 
 all  his  wavs. 
 
 9  Let  the  brother  of  low  degree  rejoice 
 in  that  he  is  exalted  ; 
 
 10  But  the  rich,  in  that  he  is  made  low  ; 
 because  as  the  flower  of  the  grass  he  shall 
 pass  away. 
 
 11  For  the  sun  is  no  sooner  risen  with  a 
 burning  heat  but  it  withereth  the  grass,  and 
 the  flower  thereof  falleth,  and  the  grace  of 
 
 To  be  wise  in  trying  times  is  a  special  gift  of  God  ;  and  to  him 
 we  must  seek  for  it.  A  mind  that  has  but  one  single  and  pre¬ 
 vailing  regard  to  its  spiritual  and  eternal  interest,  and  that  keeps 
 steady  in  its  purposes  for  God,  will  grow  wise  by  afflictions,  will 
 continue  fervent  in  its  devotions,  and  wiU  be  superior  to  all  trials 
 and  oppositions. 
 
 The  tried  Christian  shall  be  a  crowned  one  :  and  the  crown  he 
 shall  wear  will  be  a  crown  of  life.  It  will  be  life  and  bliss  to  him. 
 
CHAP.  11. 
 
 the  fashion  of  it  perishefh  *  so  also  shall  the 
 rich  man  fade  away  in  his  ways. 
 
 12  Blessed  is  the  man  that  endureth 
 temptation  :  for  when  he  is  tried  he  shall  re¬ 
 ceive  the  crown  of  life,  which  the  Lord 
 hath  promised  to  them  that  love  him. 
 
 13  Let  no  man  say,  when  he  is  tempted, 
 I  am  tempted  of  God  :  for  God  cannot  be 
 tempted  with  evil,  neither  tempteth  he  any 
 man  : 
 
 14  But  every  man  is  tempted,  when  he 
 is  drawn  away  of  his  own  lust,  and  enticed. 
 
 15  Then  when  lust  hath  conceived,  it 
 bringeth  forth  sin  ;  and  sin,  when  it  is  finish¬ 
 ed,  bringeth  forth  death. 
 
 16  Do  not  err,  my  beloved  brethren. 
 
 17  Every  good  gift  and  every  perfect  gift 
 is  from  above,  and  cometh  down  from  the 
 Father  of  lights,  with  whom  is  no  variable¬ 
 ness,  neither  shadow  of  turning. 
 
 13  Of  his  own  will  begat  he  us  with  the 
 word  of  truth,  that  we  should  be  a  kind  of 
 first-fruits  of  his  creatures. 
 
 19  Wherefore,  my  beloved  brethren,  let 
 every  man  be  swift  to  hear,  slow  to  speak, 
 slow  to  wrath  : 
 
 20  For  the  wrath  of  man  worketh  not  the 
 righteousness  of  God. 
 
 21  Wherefore  lay  apart  all  filthiness  and 
 superfluity  of  naughtiness,  and  receive  with 
 meekness  the  ingrafted  word,  which  is  able 
 to  save  your  souls. 
 
 22  But  be  ye  doers  of  the  word,  and  not 
 hearers  only,  deceiving  your  ownselves. 
 
 23  For  if  any  be  a  hearer  of  the  word,  and 
 not  a  doer,  he  is  like  unto  a  man  beholding 
 his  natural  face  in  a  glass  : 
 
 24  For  he  beholdeth  himself,  and  goeth 
 
 his  way,  and  straightway  forgettcth  what 
 manner  of  man  he  was. 
 
 25  But  whoso  looketh  into  the  perfect  law 
 of  liberty,  and  continueth  therein,  he  being 
 not  a  forgetful  hearer,  but  a  doer  of  the 
 work,  this  man  shall  be  blessed  in  his  deed. 
 
 26  If  any  man  among  you  seem  to  be  re¬ 
 ligious,  and  bridleth  not  his  tongue,  but  de- 
 ceiveth  his  own  heart,  this  man's  religion  is 
 vain. 
 
 27  Pure  religion  and  undefiled  before 
 God  and  the  Father  is  this.  To  visit  the  fa¬ 
 therless  and  widows  in  their  affliction,  and 
 to  keep  himself  unspotted  from  the  world. 
 
 CHAP.  11. 
 
 In  this  chapter  the  apostle  condemns  a  sinful  regarding  the  rich, 
 and  despising  the  poor. 
 
 My  brethren,  have  not  the  faith  of  our 
 Lord  Jesus  Christ  the  Lord  of  glory, 
 with  respect  of  persons. 
 
 2  For  if  there  come  unto  your  assembly 
 a  man  with  a  gold  ring,  in  goodly  apparel, 
 and  there  come  in  also  a  poor  man  in  vile 
 raiment ; 
 
 3  And  ye  have  respect  to  him  that  wear- 
 eth  the  gay  clothing,  and  say  unto  him.  Sit 
 thou  here  in  a  good  place ;  and  say  to  the 
 poor.  Stand  thou  there,  or  sit  here  under  my 
 footstool ; 
 
 4  Are  ye  not  then  partial  in  yourselves, 
 and  are  become  judges  of  evil  thoughts  ? 
 
 5  Hearken,  my  beloved  brethren  ;  Hath 
 not  God  chosen  the  poor  of  this  world  rich 
 in  faith,  and  heirs  of  the  kingdom  which  he 
 hath  promised  to  them  that  love  him  ? 
 
 6  But  ye  have  despised  the  poor.  Do 
 not  rich  men  oppress  you,  and  draw  you  be¬ 
 fore  the  judgment-seats  ? 
 
 and  it  will  last  for  ever.  We  only  bear  the  cross  for  a  while,  but 
 we  shall  wear  the  crown  to  eternity. 
 
 13— 18.  We  must  own  God  as  the  author  of  all  those  powers 
 and  perfections  that  are  in  the  creature,  and  the  giver  of  all  the 
 benefits  which  we  have  by  those  powers :  but  none  of  their  im¬ 
 perfections,  or  their  ill  actions,  are  to  be  charged  on  the  Father 
 of  lights :  from  him  proceeds  every  good  and  perfect  gift,  both  per¬ 
 taining  to  this  life,  and  that  which  is  to  come. 
 
 19—27-  These  sins  of  the  tongue  were  the  great  sins  of  that  age 
 m  which  St  James  writ  (as  other  parts  of  this  epistle  fully  shew) 
 and  it  is  an  ill  sign  of  a  vain  religion  (says  Dr.  Manton)  to  be  car¬ 
 ried  away  with  the  evil  of  the  times.  This  has  ever  been  a  leading 
 sin  with  hypocrites ;  that  the  more  ambitious  they  have  been  to 
 seem  well  themselves,  the  more  free  they  are  in  censuring  and  run¬ 
 ning  down  others.  And  there  is  such  quick  intercourse  betwixt  the 
 tongue  and  the  heart,  that  the  one  may  be  known  by  the  other.  On 
 
 these  accounts  it  is  that  the  apostle  has  made  an  ungoverned  tongue 
 an  undoubted  certain  proof  of  a  vain  religion.  There  is  no  strength 
 nor  power  in  that  religion  which  will  not  enable  a  man  to  bridle 
 his  tongue. 
 
 CHAP.  II.  1 — 5.  Assembly  here  is  meant  of  those  meetings 
 which  were  appointed  for  deciding  matters  of  difference  among  the 
 members  of  the  church ;  or,  for  determining  when  censures 
 should  be  passed  upon  any,  and  what  those  censures  should  be. 
 Therefore  the  Greek  word  here  used  signifies  such  an  assembly  as 
 that  in  the  Jewish  synagogues,  when  they  met  to  do  justice.  But 
 we  must  be  careful  not  to  apply  what  is  here  said  to  the  common 
 assemblies  for  worship.  For  in  these  certainly  there  may  be  ap¬ 
 pointed  different  places  for  persons,  according  to  their  rank  and 
 circumstances,  without  sin.  They  do  not  understand  the  apostle 
 who  fix,  his  severity  here  upon  this  practice. 
 
 6 — 13.  The  consideration  of  our  being  judged  by  the  gospel 
 
 683 
 
JAMES. 
 
 7  Do  not  the}’  blaspheme  that  worthy 
 name  by  the  which  ye  are  called  ? 
 
 8  If  ye  fulfil  the  royal  law  according  to 
 the  scripture,  Thou  shalt  love  thy  neighbour 
 as  thyself,  ye  do  well 
 
 9  But  if  ye  have  respect  to  persons  ye 
 commit  sin,  and  are  convinced  of  the  law  as 
 transgressors. 
 
 10  For  whosoever  shall  keep  the  whole 
 law,  and  yet  offend  in  one  point,  he  is  guilty 
 of  all. 
 
 11  For  he  that  said.  Do  not  commit 
 adultery,  said  also.  Do  not  kill.  Now,  if 
 thou  commit  no  adultery,  yet  if  thou  kill, 
 thou  art  become  a  transgressor  of  the  law. 
 
 12  So  speak  ye,  and  so  do,  as  they  that 
 shall  be  judged  by  the  law  of  liberty. 
 
 13  For  he  shall  have  judgment  without 
 mercy  that  hath  shewed  no  mercy  ;  and 
 mercy  rejoiceth  against  judgment. 
 
 14  What  doth  it  profit, my  brethren,  though 
 a  man  say  he  hath  faith,  and  have  not  works  ? 
 can  faith  save  him  ? 
 
 15  If  a  brother  or  sister  be  naked,  and 
 destitute  of  daily  food, 
 
 16  And  one  of  you  say  unto  them.  Depart 
 in  peace,  be  pe  warmed  and  filled  :  notwith¬ 
 standing  ye  give  them  not  those  things  which 
 are  needful  to  the  body,  what  doth  it  profit? 
 
 17  Even  so  faith,  if  it  hath  not  works,  is 
 dead,  being  alone. 
 
 18  Yea,  a  man  may  say.  Thou  hast  faith, 
 and  I  have  works :  shew  me  thy  faith  with¬ 
 out  thy  works,  and  I  will  shew  thee  my 
 faith  by  my  works. 
 
 19  Thou  believest  that  there  is  one  God ; 
 thou  doest  well ;  the  devils  also  believe  and 
 tremble. 
 
 20  But  wilt  thou  know,  O  vain  man  !  that 
 faith  without  works  is  dead  ? 
 
 21  Was  not  Abraham  our  father  justified 
 
 should  engage  us  more  especially  to  be  merciful  in  our  regards  to 
 the  poor,  13.  For  he  shall  have  judgment  without  mercy,  that 
 hath  shewed  no  mercy ;  and  mercy  rejoiceth  against  judgment. 
 I'ake  notice  here,  that  the  doom  which  will  be  passed  upon 
 nitent  sinners  at  last,  is  judgment  without  mercy.  1  here  will  be 
 no  niixlurc^s  or  allays  in  the  cup  of  wrath  and  of  ticnibling,  the 
 dregs  ol  which  they  must  drink.  _  . 
 
 When  St.  Paul  says,  that  a  man  is  justified  by  faith, 
 without  the  deeds  of  the  law,  Rom.  :ii.  28,  he  plainly  speaks  of  other 
 sort  of  works  than  St.  James  does,  but  not  of  another  sort  of  faith. 
 St.  Paul  speaks  of  works  wrought  in  obedience  to  the  law  of  Moses, 
 and  before  men’s  embracing  the  faith  of  the  gospel  \  and  he  had  to. 
 
 By  works,  when  he  had  offered  Isaac  his  son 
 upon  the  altar? 
 
 22  Seest  thou  how  faith  wrought  with  his 
 works,  and  by  works  was  faith  made  perfect  ? 
 
 23  And  the  scripture  was  fulfilled,  which 
 saith,  Abraham  believed  God,  and  it  was 
 imputed  unto  him  for  righteousness  :  and  he 
 was  called  the  Friend  of  God. 
 
 24  Ye  see  then  how  that  by  works  a  man 
 is  justified,  and  not  by  faith  only. 
 
 25  Likewise  also,  was  not  Rahab  the  har¬ 
 lot  justified  by  works,  when  she  had  received 
 the  messengers,  and  had  sent  them  out  ano¬ 
 ther  way  ? 
 
 26  For  as  the  body  without  the  spirit  is 
 dead,  so  faith  without  works  is  dead  also. 
 
 CHAP.  III. 
 
 The  apostle  here  reproves  ambition,  and  an  arrogant  magisterial 
 tongue  ;  shews  the  duty  and  advantage  of  bridling  it,  because  of 
 its  power  to  do  mischief. 
 
 Y  brethren,  be  not  many  masters, 
 knowing  that  we  shall  receive  the 
 greater  condemnation. 
 
 2  For  in  many  things  we  offend  all.  If 
 any  man  offend  not  in  word,  the  same  w  a 
 perfect  man,  and  able  also  to  bridle  the  whole 
 body. 
 
 3  Behold,  we  put  bits  in  the  horses’ 
 mouths,  that  they  may  obey  us  ;  and  we 
 turn  about  their  whole  body. 
 
 4  Behold  also  the  ships,  which,  though 
 thep  be  so  great,  and  are  driven  of  fierce 
 winds,  yet  are  they  turned  about  with  a  very 
 small  helm,  whithersoever  the  governor 
 listeth. 
 
 5  Even  so  the  tongue  is  a  little  member, 
 and  boasteth  great  things.  Behold  how 
 great  a  matter  a  little  fire  kindleth  ! 
 
 6  And  the  tongue  is  a  fire,  a  world  of  ini- 
 ([uity  :  so  is  the  tongue  among  our  mem¬ 
 bers,  that  it  defileth  the  whole  body,  and 
 
 do  with  those  who  valued  themselves  so  highly  upon  those  works, 
 that  they  rejected  the  gospel,  as  Rom.  x.  the  beginning  niost  ex¬ 
 pressly  declares.  But  St.  James  speaks  of  works  done  in  obedi¬ 
 ence  to  the  gospel,  and  as  the  proper  and  necessary  effects  and 
 fruits  of  a  sound  believing  in  Clirist  Jesus.  Both  are  concerned  to 
 magnify  the  faith  of  the  gospel,  as  that  which  alone  could  save  us, 
 and  justify  us  :  but  St.  Paul  magnifies  it,  by  shewing  the  insufii- 
 ciency  of  any  works  of  the  law  before  faith,  or  in  op()osition  to  the 
 doctrine  of  justification  by  Jesus  Christ:  St.  Janies  magnifies  the 
 same  faith,  by  shewing  what  are  the  genuine  and  necessary  products 
 and  operations  of  it.  ^  ,  , 
 
 CHAP.  III.  1—12.  We  are  taught  to  think  of  the  use  wc  m.ike 
 
CHAP.  IV 
 
 settetli  on  fire  the  course  of  nature ;  and  it 
 is  set  on  fire  of  hell. 
 
 7  Por  every  kind  of  beasts,  and  of  birds, 
 and  of  serpents,  and  of  things  in  the  sea,  is 
 tamed,  and  hath  been  tamed  of  mankind  : 
 
 8  But  the  tongue  can  no  man  tame  ;  it  is 
 an  unruly  evil,  full  of  deadly  poison. 
 
 9  Therewith  bless  we  God,  even  the  Fa¬ 
 ther  ;  and  therewith  curse  we  men,  which 
 are  made  after  the  similitude  of  God. 
 
 10  Out  of  the  same  mouth  proceedeth 
 blessing  and  cursing.  My  brethren,  these 
 things  ought  not  to  be  so. 
 
 11  Doth  a  fountain  send  forth  at  the  same 
 place  sweet  watei'  and  bitter  ? 
 
 12  Can  the  fig-tree,  my  brethren,  bear 
 olive-berries  ?  either  a  vine,  figs  ?  so  can  no 
 fountain  both  yield  salt  water  and  tresh. 
 
 13  Who  is  a  wise  man  and  endued  with 
 knowledge  among  you  ?  let  him  shew,  out 
 of  a  good  conversation,  his  works  with 
 meekness  of  wisdom. 
 
 14  But  if  ye  have  bitter  envying  and  strife 
 in  your  hearts  glory  not,  and  lie  not  against 
 the  truth. 
 
 Id  This  wisdom  descendeth  not  from 
 above,  but  is  earthly,  sensual,  devilish. 
 
 16  For  where  envying  and  strife  is,  there 
 is  confusion,  and  every  evil  work. 
 
 17  But  the  wisdom  that  is  from  above  is 
 first  pure,  then  peaceable,  gentle,  and  easy 
 to  be  entreated,  full  of  mercy  and  good  fruits, 
 without  partiality,  and  without  hypocrisy. 
 
 18  And  the  fruit  of  righteousness  is  sown 
 in  peace  of  them  that  make  peace. 
 
 CHAP.  IV. 
 
 In  this  chapter  we  are  directed  to  consider,  I.  Some  causes  of  con-i 
 tention,  1-5.  II  Wc  are  taught  to  abandon  the  friendship  of 
 this  /vorld  4— 10.  HI.  All  detraction  to  be  carefully  avoided, 
 
 I  ’  y *^^st  pay  deference  to  the  disposals  of  provi¬ 
 dence,  13,  ad  fin.  ' 
 
 TC^ROM  whence  come  wars  and  fightings 
 among  you  ?  co?7ie  they  not  hence,  even 
 of  your  lusts  that  war  in  your  members  ? 
 
 of  our  tongues  in  religion,  and  in  the  service  of  God,  and  by  su-h  I 
 
 a  consideration  to  keep  it  from  cursing,  censuring,  and  every 
 thing  that  is  evil  on  other  occasions,  Q,  10.  ^  ^  \ 
 
 13—18.  Observe  here  that  true  wisdom’  is  God’s  gift.  It  is  not 
 gained  by  conversing  with  men,  or  by  the  knowledge  of  the  world 
 ^as  some  think  and  speak)  but  it  comes  from  above.  '  ’  i 
 
 CHAP.  IV.  1—10.  Worldly  people  are  here  called  adulterers 
 and  adulteresses,  because  of  their  perfidiousness  to  God  vvhilst 
 they  give  their  best  affections  to  the  world.  Covetousness  is  else- 
 
 2  Ye  lust,  and  have  not;  ye  kill,  and  de¬ 
 sire  to  have,  and  cannot  obtain  ;  ye  fight  and 
 war,  yet  ye  have  not,  because  ye  ask  not : 
 
 3  Ye  ask,  and  receive  not,  because  ye 
 ask  amiss,  that  ye  may  consume  it  upon 
 your  lusts. 
 
 4  Ye  adulterers  and  adulteresses,  know 
 ye  not  that  the  friendship  of  the  world  is 
 enmity  with  God  ?  whosoever,  therefore, 
 will  be  a -friend  of  the  world,  is  the  enemy 
 of  God. 
 
 5  Do  ye  think  that  the  scripture  saith  in 
 vain.  The  spirit  that  dwelleth  in  us  lusteth  to 
 envy  ? 
 
 6  But  he  giveth  more  graee :  wherefore 
 he  saith,  God  resisteth  the  proud,  but  giveth 
 grace  unto  the  humble. 
 
 7  Submit  yourselves,  therefore  to  God. 
 Resist  the  devil,  and  he  will  flee  from  you. 
 
 8  DraAV  nigh  to  God,  and  he  will  draw 
 nigh  to  you.  Cleanse  your  hands,  sin¬ 
 ners  ;  and  purify  your  hearts,  ye  double- 
 minded. 
 
 9  Be  afflieted,  and  mourn,  and  weep  :  let 
 your  laughter  be  turned  to  mourning,  and 
 your  ]oy  to  heaviness. 
 
 id  Humble  yourselves  in  the  sight  of  the 
 Lord,  and  he  shall  lift  you  up. 
 
 11  Speak  not  evil  one  of  another,  brethren. 
 He  that  speaketh  evil  of  his  brother,  and 
 ijudgeth  his  brother,  speaketh  evil  of  the  law, 
 and  judgeth  the  law  ;  but  if  thou  judge  the 
 law,  thou  art  not  a  doer  of  the  law,  but  a 
 judge.^ , 
 
 12  There  is  one  law-giver,  who  is  able  to 
 save  and  to  destroy  :  who  art  thou  that  iudg- 
 est  another  ? 
 
 13  Go  to  now,  ye  that  say.  To-day,  or  to¬ 
 morrow,  we  will  go  into  sueh  a  city,  and 
 continue  there  a  year,  and  buy  and  sell,  and 
 get  gain ; 
 
 14  Whereas  ye  know  not  what  shall  he 
 on  the  morrow  :  for  what  is  your  life  ?  It  is 
 
 where  called  idolatry,  and  it  is  here  called  idolatry  ■  It  is  a  for- 
 tb.-nL®  are  devoted  and  espoused  to  cleave  to  other 
 
 is  enmity  to  God'  worldly-mindedness,  that  it 
 
 leaVeY.od  projecting  men  are  to 
 
 bin!  I  ^ 'Vhen  any  are  set  upon  earthly 
 
 he  ^  engrossing  the  thoughts  an'd 
 
 the  heart.  We  should  therefore  have  a  care  of  growing  intent  or 
 eager  in  our  pursuits  after  any  thing  here  below.  We  are  not  sure 
 
 683 
 
JAMES. 
 
 even  a  vapour,  that  appeareth  for  a  little 
 time,  and  then  vanisheth  away. 
 
 15  Eor  that  ye  ought  to  say.  If  the  Lord 
 will,  we  shall  live,  and  do  this  or  that. 
 
 l6‘  But  now  ye  rejoice  in  your  boastings ; 
 all  such  rejoicing  is  evil. 
 
 17  Therefore  to  him  that  knoweth  to  do 
 good,  and  do  it  not,  to  him  it  is  sin. 
 
 CHAP.  V. 
 
 In  this  chapter  the  apostle  denounces  the  judgments  of  God  upon 
 those  rich  men  that  oppress  the  poor. 
 
 O  to  now,  ye  rich  men,  weep  and  howl 
 for  your  miseries  that  shall  come  upon 
 
 G 
 
 you. 
 
 2  Your  riches  are  corrupted,  and  your  gar¬ 
 ments  are  moth-eaten. 
 
 3  Your  gold  and  silver  is  cankered  ;  and 
 the  rust  of  them  shall  be  a  witness  against 
 you,  and  shall  eat  your  flesh  as  it  were  fire. 
 Ye  have  heaped  treasure  together  for  the  last 
 days. 
 
 4  Behold,  the  hire  of  the  labourers  which 
 have  reaped  down  your  fields,  which  is  of 
 you  kept  back  by  fraud,  crieth ;  and  the 
 cries  of  them  which  have  reaped  are  entered 
 into  the  ears  ot  the  Lord  of  Sabaoth. 
 
 5  Ye  have  lived  in  pleasure  on  the  earth, 
 and  been  wanton  :  ye  have  nourished  your 
 hearts,  as  in  a  day  of  slaughter. 
 
 6  Ye  have  condemned  and  killed  the  just ; 
 
 and  he  doth  not  resist  you. 
 
 7  Be  patient,  therefore,  brethren,  unto  the 
 coming  ot  the  Lord.  Behold,  the  husbandr 
 man  waiteth  for  the  precious  fruit  of  the 
 earth,  and  hath  long  patience  for  it,  until  he 
 receive  the  early  and  latter  rain. 
 
 Be  ye  also  patient ;  slablish  your  hearts; 
 for  the  coming  of  the  Lord  draweth  nigh. 
 
 9  Grudge  not  one  against  another,  bre¬ 
 
 thren,  lest  ye  be  condemned :  behold,  the 
 Judge  standeth  before  the  door. 
 
 10  Take,  my  brethren,  the  prophets,  who 
 have  spoken  in  the  name  of  the  Lord,  for  an 
 example  of  suffering  affliction,  and  of  pa¬ 
 tience. 
 
 11  Behold,  we  count  them  happy  which 
 endure.  Ye  have  heard  of  the  patience  of 
 Job,  and  have  seen  the  end  of  the  Lord  ; 
 that  the  Lord  is  very  pitiful,  and  of  tender 
 mercy. 
 
 12  But,  above  all  things,  my  brethren, 
 swear  not ;  neither  by  heaven,  neither  by 
 the  earth,  neither  by  any  other  oath  ;  but  let 
 your  vea  be  yea,  and  your  nay  nay  ;  lest  ye 
 fall  into  condemnation. 
 
 13  Is  any  among  you  afflicted  ?  let  him 
 pray.  Is  any  merry  ?  let  him  sing  psalms. 
 
 14  Is  any  sick  among  you  ?  let  him  call 
 for  the  elders  of  the  church  ;  and  let  them 
 pray  over  him,  anointing  him  with  oil  in  the 
 
 name  of  the  Lord  :  ^ 
 
 15  And  the  prayer  of  faith  shall  save  the 
 sick,  and  the  Lord  shall  raise  him  up  ;  and 
 if  he  have  committed  sins,  they  shall  be  for¬ 
 given  him. 
 
 16  Confess  faults  one  to  another,  and 
 pray  one  for  another,  that  ye  may  be  healed. 
 The  effectual  fervent  prayer  of  a  righteous 
 man  availeth  much. 
 
 17  Elias  was  a  man  subject  to  like  passioip 
 as  we  arc,  and  he  prayed  earnestly  that  it 
 might  not  rain;  and  it  rained  not  on  the  earth 
 by  the  space  of  three  years  and  six  months. 
 
 18  And  he  prayed  again,  and  the  heaven 
 gave  rain,  and  the  earth  brought  torth  her 
 fruit. 
 
 19  Brethren,  if  any  of  you  do  err  from  the 
 
 truth,  and  one  convert  him  ;  _ 
 
 of  life  itself,  since  it  is  but  a  vapour  :  something  m  a])peamnce,  but 
 nothing  solid  or  certain  ;  easily  scattered  and  gone.  We  can  fix 
 the  hour  and  minute  of  the  sun’s  rising  and  setting  to-morrow  ;  but 
 we  cannot  fix  the  certain  time  of  vapour’s  being  scattered:  such 
 ►s  our  life.  It  appears  but  for  a  little  time,  and  then  vanishes  away. 
 It  vanishes  as  to  this  world,  but  there  is  a  life  that  will  continue  in 
 the  ot^r  world.  •  And  since  this  life  is  so  uncertain,  it  concerns  us 
 
 all  t^repare,  and  lay  up  in  store  for  that  to  come. 
 
 CHAP.  V.  1 — 11,  The  apostle  seemeth  to  me  (sa>s  D.  Man- 
 ton)  to  be  here  taxing  those  mutual  injuries  and  animosities, 
 wherewith  the  Christians  of  those  times,  having  banded  under  the 
 names  of  circumcision  and  uncircumcision,  did  grieve  one  another, 
 and  give  each  other  cause  to  groan  ;  so  that  they  did  not  only  sigh 
 under  the  oppressions  of  the  rich  persecutors,  but  under  the  in¬ 
 juries  which  they  sustained  from  many  of  the  brethren,  who  toge- 
 686' 
 
 thcr  with  them  did  profess  the  hoiy  taith.  I  hose  who  are  in  the 
 midst  of  common  enemies,  and  in  any  suffering  circumstances, 
 should  be  more  especially  careful  not  to  pieve,  or  to  grudge  against 
 one  another  ;  or  otherwise  judgments  will  come  upon  them  as  well 
 as  others  ;  and  the  more  such  grudgings  prevail,  the  nearer  do  Uhm 
 
 shew  judgment  to  be.  ,  ■  c 
 
 12 _ 20.  If  we  are  instrumental  in  the  conversion  ot  any,  we  are 
 
 said  to  convert  them,  though  this  be  principally  and  efficiently  the 
 work  of  God.  And  if  we  can  do  no  more  toward  the  conversion  o 
 sinners,  vet  we  may  do  this;  pray  for  the  grace  and  bpmt  ot  t.iOd 
 to  convert  and  change  them.  And  let  those,  that  arc  any  wa> 
 serviceable  to  convert  others,  know  what  will  be  the  happy  con¬ 
 sequences  of  their  doing  this.  'I'hcy  may  take  great  comtort  in  it 
 at  present,  and  they  will  meet  with  a  crown  at  last. 
 
CHAP.  I. 
 
 20  Let  liim  know,  that  he  which  convert- 1  shall  save  a  soul  from  death,  and  shall  hide 
 eth  the  sinner  from  the  error  of  his  way  a  multitude  of  sins. 
 
 THE  FIRST  EPISTLE  GENERAL  OF 
 
 PETER. 
 
 Two  epistles  we  have  enrolled  in  the  sacred  canon  of  the  scripture,  written  by  Peter,  who  was  a  most  eminent  anostle  of  CKrUf 
 and  whose  character  shines  bright,  a^it  is  described  in  the  four  gospels,  and  in  the  acts  of  the  apostles  The  I iesr/n  of  ft,  J 
 epistle  is,  Firsi,  To  explain  more  fully  the  doctrines  of  Christianity  to  these  newlv  converted  Jews  ^  Second  To  AWoh  ■  ^ 
 
 tfem,  to  an  holy  conversation,  in  the  faithful  discharge  of  all  personal  and  relative  do  ies  wTerAv  thev  wmdit 
 peace,  and  confute  the  slanders  and  reproaches  of  thdr  enemieL  Third,  To  prepare  them  forsXi^ngs.^ 
 
 CHAP.  I. 
 
 U  The  apostle  describes  the  persons  to  whoi#  he  writes,  1,  2  ; 
 blesseth  God  for  their  salvation,  3 — 5.  iT.  In  the  hopes  of 
 which  salvation,  he  shews  they  had  great  cause  of  rejoicing, 
 6 — 9-  III.  This  is  that  salvation  which  the  prophets  foretold, 
 10 — 12.  IV.  He  exhorteth  them  to  sobriety  and  holiness, 
 13 — 20.  V.  And  to  brotherly  love,  22 — 25. 
 
 KBETER,  an  apostle  of  Jesus  Christ,  to  the 
 strangers  scattered  throughout  PontUs, 
 Galatia,  Cappadocia,  Asia,  and  Bithynia, 
 
 2  Elect  according  to  the  fore-knowledge 
 of  God  the  Father,  through  sanctification  of 
 the  Spirit  unto  obedience  and  sprinkling  of 
 the  blood  of  Jesus  Christ :  grace  unto  you, 
 and  peace  be  multiplied. 
 
 3  Blessed  be  the  God  and  Father  of  our 
 Lord  Jesus  Christ,  which,  according  to  his 
 abundant  mercy,  hath  begotten  us  again  un¬ 
 to  a  lively  hope,  by  the  resurrection  of  Jesus 
 Christ  iiorn  the  dead, 
 
 4  To  an  inheritance  incorruptible,  and 
 
 undefiled,  and  that  fadeth  not  away,  reserv¬ 
 ed  in  heaven  for  you, 
 
 5  Who  are  kept  by  the  power  of  God 
 through  faith  unto  salvation,  ready  to  be  re¬ 
 vealed  in  the  last  time  : 
 
 6  Wherein  ye  greatly  rejoice,  though  now 
 tor  a  season  (if  need  be)  ye  are  in  heaviness 
 through  manifold  temptations  : 
 
 7  Fhat  the  trial  of  your  faith,  being  much 
 more  precious  than  of  gold  that  perisheth, 
 though  It  be  tried  with  fire,  might  be  found 
 unto  praise,  and  honour,  and  glory,  at  the 
 appearing  of  Jesus  Christ; 
 
 8  Whom  having  not  seen,  ye  love;  in 
 whom,  though  now  ye  see  him  not,  yet  be- 
 heving  ye  rejoice  with  joy  unspeakable, 
 and  full  of  glory  ; 
 
 9  Receiving  the  end  of  your  faith,  even  the 
 salvation  of  your  souls. 
 
 10  Of  which  salvation  the  prophets  have 
 
 CHAP.  I.  1—3.  The  resurrection  c^t' Jesus  Christ  from  the  dead 
 IS  the  ground  or  foundation  of  a  Christian’s  hope.  The  resurrec¬ 
 tion  of  Christ  is  the  act  of  the  Father  as^a  judge,  of  the  Son  as  a  con¬ 
 queror;  his  resurrection  demonstrates  that  the  Father  accepts  his 
 (loath  in  full  discharge  for  our  ransom.  That  he  is  victorious  over 
 death,  the  grave,  and  all  our  spiritual  enemies.  And  it  is  also  an 
 assurance  of  our  own  resurrection,  ‘there  being  an  inseparable 
 union  between  Christ  and  his  flock  ;  they  rise  by  virtue  of  his  re¬ 
 surrection  as  an  head,  rather  than  by  virtue  of  his  power  as  a  judge 
 We  are  risen  with  Christ,  Col.  iii.  1. 
 
 4-.  This  inheritance  is  notour  purchase,  but  bur  Father’s  gift; 
 not  wages  that  we  merit,  but  the  effect  of  grace  which  first  makes 
 Vol.  II.  99  4  i' 
 
 uL'lmraSe’covenan?  inheritance  upon  us  by  a  firm 
 
 troubles  that  lie  heavy  never  come  upon  us  but 
 when  we  have  need,  and  never  stay  any  longer  than  needs  must 
 7,  o.  Irue  Christians  have  adear  ove  to  lesns  .u  u 
 
 ICVC  ...  him.  This  love  discovers  itself  hfblgre^tecm  to  Itof  af‘ 
 
 ous  in  prying  into  them.  They'cclSrthc’^ 
 
 703 
 
1  PETER. 
 
 enquired,  and  searched  diligently,  who  pro¬ 
 phesied  of  the  grace  that  should  come  unto 
 
 you  , 
 
 11  Searching  what,  or  what  manner  of 
 time,  the  Spirit  of  Christ  which  was  in  them 
 did  signify,  when  it  testified  beforehand  the 
 sufferings  of  Christ,  and  the  glory  that  should 
 follow. 
 
 12  Unto  whom  it  was  revealed,  that  not 
 unto  themselves,  but  unto  us,  they  did  mi¬ 
 nister  the  things  which  are  now  reported  un¬ 
 to  you,  by  them  that  have  preached  the  gos¬ 
 pel  unto  you  with  the  Holy  Ghost  sent  down 
 from  heaven ;  which  things  the  angels  de¬ 
 sire  to  look  into. 
 
 13  Wherefore  gird  up  the  loins  of  your 
 mind,  be  sober,  and  hope  to  the  end  for  the 
 grace  that  is  to  be  brought  unto  you  at  the 
 revelation  of  Jesus  Christ : 
 
 14  As  obedient  children,  not  fashioning 
 yourselves  according  to  the  former  lusts  in 
 your  ignorance  : 
 
 15  But  as  he  which  hath  called  you  is  holy, 
 so  be  ye  holy  in  all  manner  of  conversation  ; 
 
 16  Because  it  is  written.  Be  ye  holy  :  for 
 [  am  holy. 
 
 17  And  if  ye  call  on  the  Father,  who 
 Avithout  respect  of  persons  judgeth  accord¬ 
 ing  to  every  man^s  work,  pass  the  time  of 
 3'our  sojourning  here  in  fear. 
 
 18  Forasmuch  as  ye  know  that  ye  were 
 not  redeemed  Avith  corruptible  things,  as  sil¬ 
 ver  and  gold,  from  your  A^ain  conversation 
 received  by  tradition  from  your  fathers, 
 
 19  But  AAuth  the  precious  blood  of  Christ, 
 
 man’s  redemption  with  deep  attention  and  admiration,  particularly 
 these  points  the  apostle  had  been  discoursing  of :  which  things  the 
 angels  desire  to  stoop  down  and  look  into,  as  the  cherubim  did 
 
 continually  towards  the  mercy-seat.  u  .u  .u  r  .,n 
 
 13,  14.  The  lusts  and  extravagancies  of  sinners  are  both  the  truits 
 
 and  signs  of  their  ignorance.  ...  u 
 
 The  consideration  of  our  redemption  ought  to  ^  a  con¬ 
 stant  and  powerful  inducement  to  holiness  and  the  tear  of  God. 
 
 20  21.  Great  is  the  happiness  of  the  last  times  in  comparison 
 with  what  the  former  ages  of  the  world  did  enjoy.  'The  clearness 
 of  litrht,  the  supports  of  faith,  the  efficacy  of  ordinances,  and  the 
 proportion  of  comforts  ;  these  are  all  much  larger  since  the  mani¬ 
 festation  of  Christ  than  they  were  before.  Our  gratitude  and  ser¬ 
 vices  should  be  suitable  to  such  favours. 
 
 22,  23.  Those  that  are  regenerate  should  love  one  another  with 
 a  pure  heart  fervently.  Brethren  by  nature  are  bound  to  love  one 
 another;  but  llie  obligation  is  double  where  there  is  a  spiritual 
 relation  ;  they  are  under  the  same  government,  partake  or  the  same 
 privileges,  and  are  embarked  in  the  same  interest. 
 
 24,  25.  The  apostle  having  given  an  account  of  the  excellency 
 of  the  renewed  spiritual  man  as  born  again  not  of  corruptible,  but 
 "  704 
 
 as  of  a  lamb  Avithout  blemish  and  Avithout 
 spot : 
 
 20  Who  verily  was  fore-ordained  before 
 the  foundation  of  the  Avorld,  but  Avas  mani¬ 
 fest  in  these  last  times  for  you; 
 
 2^  Who  by  him  do  believe  in  God  that 
 raised  him  up  from  the  dead,  and  gave  him 
 glory  ;  that  your  faith  and  hope  might  be  in 
 God. 
 
 22  Seeing  ye  have  purified  your  souls  in 
 obeying  the  truth  through  the  Spirit  unto 
 unfeigned  love  of  the  brethren,  see  that  ye 
 love  one  another  Avith  a  pure  heart  fervently: 
 
 23  Being  born  again,  not  of  corruptible 
 seed,  but  of  incorruptible,  by  the  Avord  of 
 God,  which  liveth  and  abideth  for  cA’er. 
 
 24  For  all  flesh  is  as  grass,  and  all  the 
 glory  of  man  as  the  floAver  of  grass.  The  grass 
 Avithereth,  and  the  floAver  thereof  falleth 
 aAvay  ; 
 
 25  But  the  Avord  of  the  Lord  endureth  for 
 ever.  And  this  is  the  Avord  Avhich  by  the 
 gospel  is  preached  unto  you. 
 
 CHAP.  II. 
 
 The  general  exhortation  to  holiness  is  contiHued  and  enforced. 
 
 WHEREFORE,  laying  aside  all  malice, 
 and  all  guile,  and  hypocrisies,  and 
 envies,  and  all  evil-speakings, 
 
 2  As  neAv-born  babes  desire  the  sincere 
 milk  of  the  Avord,  that  ye  may  groAV  thereby  : 
 
 3  If  so  be  ye  have  tasted  that  the  Lord  is 
 gracious  : 
 
 4  To  Avhom  coming,  as  unto  a  living  stone, 
 disalloAved  indeed  ot  men,  but  chosen  of  God, 
 and  precious.  _ _ 
 
 ncorruptlblc  seed,  he  now  sets  before  us  the  vanity  of  the  natural 
 nan  taking  him  with  all  his  ornaments  and  ad  vartages  about  him  ; 
 or  ail  flesh  is  as  grass,  and  all  the  glory  ot  man  as  _the  flower  of 
 'rass,  and  nothing  can  make  him  a  solid  substantial  being,  but 
 iic  being  born  again  of  the  incorruptible  seed,  the  word  ot  God, 
 vhich  will  transform  him  into  a  most  excellent  creature,  whose 
 rlory  will  not  fade  like  a  flower,  but  shine  like  an  angel :  and  this 
 ’vord  is  daily  set  before  you  in  the  preaching  of  the  gospel. 
 
 CHAP.  II.  1,  2.  Growth  and  improvement  in  wisdom  and  grace 
 s  the  design  and  desire  of  every  Christian  ;  all  spiritual  means  arc 
 'or  edification  and  improvement.  The  word  of  God  rightly  us' d 
 Joes  not  leave  a  man  as  it  finds  him,  but  improves  and  makes  him 
 
 ^^^'^  'rhev  that  feed  upon  the  sincere  milk  of  the  *‘^*^*: 
 
 ind  experience  most  of  his  grace.  In  our  converse  with  his  word 
 ,ve  should  endeavour  always  to  understand  and  experience  more 
 
 4 _ g.  What  was  asserted  before  of  Clirist  his  bdng  a  living  stone 
 
 See.  is  here  proved  from  Isa.  xxviii.  l6'.  Jesus  Christ  is  a  comer- 
 itone  for  the  support  and  salvation  of  none  but  sudi  as  are  his 
 sincere  people.  None  but  Zion,  and  such  as  are  of  Zion  ,  not 
 
CHAP.  III. 
 
 5  Ye  also,  as  lively  stones,  are  built  up  a 
 spiritual  house,  an  holy  priesthood,  to  offer 
 up  spiritual  sacrifices,  acceptable  to  God  by 
 Jesus  Christ. 
 
 6  Wherefore  also  it  is  contained  in  the 
 Scripture,  Behold,  I  lay  in  Sion  a  chief  cor¬ 
 ner-stone,  elect,  precious  ;  and  he  that  be- 
 iieveth  on  him  shall  not  be  confounded. 
 
 7  Unto  you,  therefore,  Avhich  believe  he  is 
 precious  :  but  unto  them  which  be  disobe¬ 
 dient  the  stone  which  the  builders  disallow¬ 
 ed,  the  same  is  made  the  head  of  the  cor¬ 
 ner, 
 
 8  And  a  stone  of  stumbling,  and  a  rock 
 of  offence,  even  to  them  which  stumble  at  the 
 word,  being  disobedient;  whereunto  also 
 they  were  appointed. 
 
 9  But  ye  are  a  chosen  generation,  a  royal 
 priesthood,  an  holy  nation,  a  peculiar  peo¬ 
 ple  ;  that  ye  should  shew  forth  the  praises 
 of  him  who  hath  called  you  out  of  darkness 
 into,  his  marvellous  light ; 
 
 10  Which  in  time  past  were  not  a  people, 
 but  are  now  the  people  of  God  :  which  had 
 not  obtained  mercy,  but  now  have  obtained 
 merey. 
 
 11  Dearly  beloved,  I  beseech  you,  as 
 strangers  and  pilgrims,  abstain  from  fleshly 
 lusts,  which  war  against  the  soul : 
 
 12  Having  your  conversation  honest 
 among  the  Gentiles ;  that  whereas  they  speak 
 against  you  as  evil-doers,  they  may  by  your 
 good  works,  which  they  shall  behold,  glorify 
 God  in  the  day  of  visitation. 
 
 13  Submit  yourselves  to  every  ordinance 
 of  man  for  the  Lord^s  sake  ;  whether  it  be  to 
 the  king  as  supreme  ; 
 
 14  Or  unto  governors,  as  unto  them  that 
 are  sent  by  him  for  the  punishment  of  evil¬ 
 doers,  and  for  the  praise  of  them  that  do  well. 
 
 15  For  so  is  the  will  of  God,  that  with 
 
 Babylon,  not  for  his  enemies.  True  faith  in  Jesus  Christ  is  the  only 
 way  to  prevent  a  man’s  utter  confusion.  Three  things  put  a  man 
 into  great  confusion  and  faith  prevents  them  all :  disappointment, 
 sin,  and  judgment.  Faith  hath  a  remedy  for  each. 
 
 7 — 11.  Of  all  sorts  of  sin,  none  more  injurious  to  the  soul  than 
 fleshly  lusts.  Carnal  appetites,  lewdness,  and  sensuality,  are  most 
 odious  to  God,  and  destructive  to  man’s  soul.  It  is  a  sore  judgment 
 to  be  given  up  to  them. 
 
 12.  Christian  people  are  here  exhorted  to  adorn  their  profes¬ 
 sion  by  an  honest  conversation.  Their  conversation  in  every  turn, 
 every  instance,  and  every  action  of  their  lives,  ought  to  be  honest ; 
 that  is,  good,  lovely,  decent,  amiable  and  without  blame. 
 
 well-doing  ye  may  puf  to  silence  the  igno¬ 
 rance  of  foolish  men  : 
 
 16  As  free,  and  not  using  your  liberty  for 
 a  clo^k  of  maliciousness,  but  as  the  servants 
 of  God. 
 
 17  Honour  all  men.  Love  the  brother¬ 
 hood.  Fear  God.  Honour  the  king. 
 
 18  Servants,  he  subject  to  your  masters 
 with  all  fear ;  not  only  to  the  good  and  gen¬ 
 tle,  but  also  to  the  froward, 
 
 19  For  this  is  thank-worthy,  if  a  man  for 
 conscience  toward  God  endure  grief,  suffer¬ 
 ing  wrongfully. 
 
 20  For  what  glory  is  it,  if,  when  ye  be 
 buffeted  for  your  faults,  ye  shall  take  it  pa¬ 
 tiently  ?  but  if,  when  ye  do  well,  and  suffer 
 for  it,  ye  take  it  patiently,  this  is  acceptable 
 with  God. 
 
 21  For  even  hereunto  were  ye  called  :  be¬ 
 cause  Christ  also  suffered  for  us,  leaving  us 
 an  example,  that  ye  should  follow  his  steps  : 
 
 22  Who  did  no  sin,  neither  was  guile 
 found  in  his  mouth  : 
 
 23  Who,  when  he  was  reviled,  reviled  not 
 again  ;  when  he  suffered,  he  threatened  not ; 
 but  committed  himself  to  him  that  judgeth 
 righteously  : 
 
 24  Who  his  own  self  bare  our  sins  in  his 
 own  body  on  the  tree,  that  we,  being  dead 
 to  sins,  should  live  unto  righteousness :  b}^ 
 whose  stripes  ye  were  healed. 
 
 25  For  ye  were  as  sheep  going  astray  ; 
 mt  are  now  returned  unto  the  Shepherd  and 
 Bishop  of  your  souls. 
 
 CHAP.  III. 
 
 .  Wherein  the  apostle  describes  the  duties  of  husbands  and  wives 
 one  to  another,  1—7.  II.  He  exhorts  Christians  to  unity,  love, 
 compassion,  peace,  and  patience  under  sufferings. 
 
 J"  IKE  WISE,  ye  wives,  be  in  subjection 
 to  your  own  husbands :  that  if  any 
 obey  not  the  word,  they  also  may  without 
 
 13 — 21.  The  sufferings  of  Christ  should  quiet  us  under  the  most 
 unjust  and  cruel  sufferings  we  meet  with  in  the  world.  He  suffered 
 voluntarily,  not  for  him,self,  but  for  us,  with  the  utmost  readiness, 
 with  perfect  patience,  from  all  quarters :  and  all  this,  though  he 
 was  God-man ;  shall  not  we,  sinners,  that  deserve  the  worst  sub¬ 
 mit  to  the  light  afflictions  of  this  life,  which  work  for  us  unspeak¬ 
 able  advantages  afterwards  ^ 
 
 22 — 25.  Those  that  expect  the  love  and  care  of  this  universal 
 pastor,  must  return  to  him;  must  die  unto  sin,  and  live  unto 
 righteousness. 
 
 CHAP.  III.  1 — 3.  The  outward  adorning  of  the  body  is  very 
 often  sinful  and  excessive.  For  instance ;  when  it  is  immoderate, 
 
 705 
 
I.  PETER. 
 
 the  word  won  by  the  conversation  of  the 
 wives  ; 
 
 2  While  they  behold  your  chaste  conver¬ 
 sation  coupled  with  fear : 
 
 3  Whose  adorning,  let  it  not  be  that  out¬ 
 ward  adorning  of  plaiting  the  hair,  and  of 
 wearing  of  gold,  or  of  putting  on  of  apparel ; 
 
 4  But  let  it  he  the  hidden  man  of  the 
 heart,  in  that  which  is  not  corruptible, 
 even  the  ornament  of  a  meek  and  quiet 
 spirit,  which  is  in  the  sight  of  God  of  great 
 price. 
 
 5  For  after  this  manner  in  the  old  time, 
 the  holy  women  also,  who  trusted  in  God, 
 adorned  themselves,  being  in  subjection  un¬ 
 to  their  own  husbands  ; 
 
 6  Even  as  Sara  obeyed  Abraham,  calling 
 him  lord  :  whose  daughters  ye  are  as  long  as 
 ye  do  well,  and  are  not  afraid  with  any 
 amazement. 
 
 7  Likewise,  ye  husbands,  dwell  with  them 
 according  to  knowledge,  giving  honour  unto 
 the  wife,  as  unto  the  weaker  vessel,  and  as 
 being  heirs  together  of  the  grace  of  life :  that 
 your  prayers  be  not  hindered. 
 
 8  Finally,  he  ye  all  of  one  mind,  having 
 compassion  one  of  another ;  love  as  brethren, 
 he  pitiful,  be  courteous  : 
 
 9  Not  rendering  evil  for  evil,  or  railing  for 
 railing  :  but  contrariwise  blessing  ;  knowing 
 that  ye  are  thereunto  called,  that  ye  should 
 inherit  a  blessing. 
 
 10  For  he  that  will  love  life,  and  see  good 
 days,  let  him  refrain  his  tongue  from  evil, 
 and  his  lips  that  they  speak  no  guile  : 
 
 11  Let  him  eschew  evil,  and  do  good  : 
 let  him  seek  peace,  and  ensue  it. 
 
 12  For  the  eyes  of  the  Lord  are  over  the 
 
 and  above  your  degree  and  station  in  the  world  ;  when  you  are 
 proud  of  it,  and  puffed  up  with  it ;  when  you  dress  designing  to 
 allure  and  tempt  others;  when  your  apparel  is  too  rich,  curious, 
 or  superfluous  ;  when  your  fashions  are  fantastical,  imitating  the 
 levity  and  vanity  of  the  worst  people  ;  and  when  they  are  im¬ 
 modest  and  wanton.  The  attire  of  an  harlot  can  never  become  a 
 Christian  matron 
 
 4.  The  endowments  of  the  inner  man  are  tne  chief  ornaments  of 
 a  Christian  ;  but  especially  a  composed,  calm,  and  quiet  spirit, 
 renders  either  man  or  woman  beautiful  and  lovely. 
 
 5—7.  The  weakness  of  the  female  sex  is  no  just  reason  either 
 for  separation,  or  contempt,  but  on  the  contrary  it  is  a  reason  for 
 honour  and  respect ;  giving  honour  to  the  wife  as  unto  the  weaker 
 vessel.  All  married  people  should  take  care  to  behave  themselves 
 so  lovingly  and  peaceably  one  to  another,  that  they  may  not  by 
 their  broils  hinder  the  success  of  their  prayers. 
 
 8 — 'll.  We  have  here  an  excellent  prescription  fora  comfort- 
 706 
 
 righteous,  and  his  ears  are  open  unto  their 
 prayers  ;  but  the  face  of  the  Lord  is  against 
 them  that  do  evil. 
 
 13  And  who  is  he  that  will  harm  you,  it 
 ye  be  followers  of  that  which  is  good  ? 
 
 14  But,  and  if  ye  suffer  for  righteousness* 
 sake,  happy  are  ye;  and  be  not  afraid  of  their 
 terror,  neither  be  troubled  ; 
 
 15  But  sanctify  the  Lord  God  in  your 
 hearts  :  and  be  ready  always  to  give  an  an¬ 
 swer  to  every  man  that  asketh  you  a  reason 
 of  the  hope  that  is  in  you  with  meekness  and 
 fear : 
 
 16  Having  a  good  conscience:  that  where¬ 
 as  they  speak  evil  of  you  as  of  evil-doers, 
 they  may  be  ashamed  that  falsely  accuse 
 your  good  conversation  in  Christ. 
 
 17  For  it  is  better,  if  the  will  of  God  be  so, 
 that  ye  suffer  for  well-doing  than  for  evil- 
 doing. 
 
 18  For  Christ  also  hath  once  suffered  for 
 sins,  the  just  for  the  unjust,  that  he  might 
 bring  us  to  God,  being  put  to  death  in  the 
 flesh,  but  quickened  by  the  Spirit : 
 
 19  By  which  also  he  went  and  preached 
 unto  the  spirits  in  prison  ; 
 
 20  Which  sometime  were  disobedient, 
 when  once  the  long-suffering  of  God  waited 
 in  the  days  of  Noah,  while  the  ark  was  a 
 preparing,  wherein  few,  that  is,  eight  souls, 
 were  saved  by  water. 
 
 21  The  like  figure  whereunto  even  baptism 
 doth  also  now  save  us,  (not  the  putting  away 
 of  the  filth  of  the  flesh,  but  the  answer  of 
 a  good  conscience  towards  God,)  by  the  re¬ 
 surrection  of  Jesus  Christ: 
 
 22  Who  is  gone  into  heaven,  and  is  on 
 the  right  hand  of  God  ;  angels,  and  authori- 
 
 able  happv  life  in  this  quarrelsome  ill-natured  world,  taken  Iroin 
 Psal  xxxfv.  12,  13,  14  IT  you  earnestly  desire  that  your  lile 
 should  be  long,  and  your  days  peacealdc  and  prosperous  keep  yrmi 
 toMSue  from  reviling,  evil-speaking,  and  slandering,  and  jour  Iqa 
 from  Iving,  deceit,  and  dissimulation.  Avoid  doing  any  real  da¬ 
 mage  or  hurt  to  your  neighbour,  but  be  ever  ready  to  do  good,  and 
 
 to  overcome  evil  for  good.  . 
 
 12 — 15.  Christians  should  have  a  reason  ready  for  their 
 Christianity,  that  it  may  appear  they  are  not  actuated  cither  by  tolly 
 
 _ ^8.  The  issue  and  event  of  Christ’s  suffering  as  to  himself 
 
 wasdiis,  He  was  put  to  death  in  his  human  nature,  but  he  was 
 
 ouickened  and  raised  again  by  the  Spirit. 
 
 iq — 22.  Theexternm  participation  ot  baptism,  will  save  no  man 
 without  an  answerable  good  conscience  and  convmsation.  i  here 
 must  be  the  answer  of  a  good  conscience  towards  ood. 
 
CHAP  IV. 
 
 ?Ies,  and  powers,  being  made  subject  unto 
 him. 
 
 CHAP.  IV. 
 
 The  work  of  a  Christian  is  two-fold,  doing  the  will  of  God,  and  suf¬ 
 fering  his  pleasure.  This  chapter  directs  us  in  both. 
 
 “B^ORASMUCH  then  as  Christ  hath  suf¬ 
 fered  for  us  in  the  flesh,  arm  yourselves 
 likewise  with  the  same  mind  :  for  he  that 
 hath  suffered  in  the  flesh  hath  ceased  from 
 sin  ; 
 
 2  That  he  no  longer  should  live  the  rest  liiuu‘ 
 of  his  time  in  the  flesh  to  the  lusts  of  men,  vou  * 
 
 but  to  the  will  of  God. 
 
 3  Por  the  time  past  of  oui'  life  may  suffice 
 us  to  have  wrought  the  will  of  the  Gentiles, 
 when  we  Avalked  in  lasciviousness,  lusts,  ex¬ 
 cess  of  wine,  revellings,  banquetings,  and 
 abominable  idolatries  : 
 
 4  V  herein  they  think  it  strange  that  ye 
 run  not  with  them  to  the  same  excess  of 
 not,  speaking  evil  of  you  ; 
 
 5  AVho  shall  give  account  to  him  that  is 
 ^ the  quick  and  the  dead. 
 
 >  T  or,  for  this  cause  was  the  gospel  preach¬ 
 ed  also  to  them  that  are  dead,  that  they 
 in igbt  be  judged  according  to  men  in  the 
 tlesli  but  live  according  to  God  in  the  spirit. 
 
 7  but  the  end  of  all  things  is  at  hand:  be 
 ye  therefore  sober,  and  watch  unto  prayer 
 
 8  And  above  all  things  have  fervent  chari¬ 
 ty  among  yourselves :  for  charity  shall  cover 
 the  multitude  of  sms. 
 
 9  b  se  hospitality  one  to  another  without 
 grudging. 
 
 10  As  every  man  hath  received  the  gift, 
 €xeii  so  minister  the  same  one  to  another,  as 
 
 good  stewards  of  the  manifold  o-race  of 
 God. 
 
 11  If  any  man  speak,  let  him  speak  as  the 
 oracles  of  God  ;  if  any  man  minister,  let  him 
 do  it  as  of  the  ability  which  God  giveth  ;  that 
 God  in  all  things  may  be  glorified  through 
 Jesus  Christ:  to  whom  be  praise  and  do¬ 
 minion  for  ever  and  ever.  Amen. 
 
 12  Beloved,  think  it  not  strange  concern¬ 
 ing  the  fiery  trial  which  is  to  try  you,  as 
 though  some  strange  thing  happened  unto 
 
 ^  actions  of  religious  people  can¬ 
 
 not  escape  the  censures  and  slanders  of  them  that  are  irrelisious. 
 Those  actions  which  cost  a  good  man  the  most  pains,  hazard,  and 
 self-denial,  shall  be  most  censured  by  the  uncharitable  and  ill- 
 
 .evil  of  good  people,  though  they 
 themselves  reap  the  fruits  of  their  charity,  piety,  and  goodness. 
 
 5,0.  Some  understand  this  difficult  place  thus:  for  this  cause 
 was  thc  gospel  preached  to  all  the  faithful  of  old,  that  are  now 
 dead  in  Chiist,  that  thereby  they  might  be  taught  and  encouraffcd 
 to  bear  the  ^unrighteous  Judgments  and  persecutions  which  the 
 rage  of  men  did  put  upon  them  in  the  flesh,  but  might  live  in  the 
 ppirit  unto  God.  Others  take  the  expression,  that  they  might  be 
 judged  according  to  men  in  the  flesh.  In  a  sf.iritual  sense  thus- 
 the  gospel  was  preached  to  them,  to  judge  them,  condemn  them’ 
 and  reprove  them  lor  the  corruption  of  their  natures,  and  the’ 
 viciousness  of  their  lives ;  which  they  lived  after  the  manner  of 
 the  heathen,  or  the  mere  natural  man  ;  and  that  having  thus 
 ritual  lifc^*’*"’ ^  might  live  according  to  God,  a  new  spi- 
 
 7—10.  In  receiving  and  using  the  manifold  gifts  of  God,  we 
 
 13  But  rejoice,  inasmuch  as  ye  are  par¬ 
 takers  of  Ciirisbs  sufferings  :  that  when  his 
 glory  shall  be  revealed,  ye  may  be  glad  also 
 with  exceeding  joy. 
 
 14  If  ye  be  reproached  for  the  name  of 
 Christ,  happy  are  ye  ;  for  the  Spirit  of  glory 
 and  of  God  resteth  upon  you  :  on  their  part 
 he  is  evil  spoken  of,  but  on  yOur  part  he  is 
 j  glorified. 
 
 15  But  let  none  of  you  suffer  as  a  mur¬ 
 derer,  or  as  a  thief,  or  as  an  evil-doer,  or  as 
 a  busy-body  in  other  men’s  matters. 
 
 16  Yet  if  any  man  suffer  as  a  Christian,  let 
 him  not  be  ashamed  ;  but  let  him  glorify 
 God  on  this  behalf. 
 
 17  lor  the  time  is  come  that  judgment 
 must  begin  at  the  house  of  God :  and  if  it 
 first  begin  at  us,  what  shall  the  end  he  of  them 
 that  obey  not  .the  gospel  of  God? 
 
 18  And  if  the  righteous  scarcely  be  saved, 
 
 where  shall  the  ungodly  and  the  sinner  ap¬ 
 pear  ?  ^ 
 
 19  Wherefore,  let  them  that  suffer  ac- 
 cording  to  the  will  of  God  commit  the  keep- 
 
 11—13.  Christians  ought  not  only  to  be  natipnt  • 
 
 tokciir  of  r  sufferings  for  Christ,  because  they  are 
 
 ff  Xrf  ThPv  In”'’’-  the  gospel,  and  prepare 
 
 pfm-n  11^5  rejoice  in  their  suffering  for  Christ  shall 
 
 etei nally  truimph  and  rejoice  with  him  in  glory  ’ 
 
 tionITf  Tl'  ^  s^fff’npof  good  people  in  this  life,  are  demonstra- 
 tions  of  the  unspeakable  torments  that  are  comins  unnn  tKo 
 obedient  and  unbelieving.  What  shall  the  eSd  be  o’fTho™ 
 
 e°nV„ifl'  it?  how 
 
 .  18.  The  whole  verse  is  taken  from  Prov  xi  31 
 
 SS^nftl,''  "-“Oh  -o-  >h'e 
 
 19.  Good  people,  when  they  are  in  affliction  have  sreat  f-n 
 
 S3  ?;rafS  bec’au^e^rS 
 
 707 
 
II.  PETER. 
 
 ing  of  their  souls  to  him  in  well-doing,  as  un¬ 
 to  a  faithful  Creator. 
 
 CHAP.  V. 
 
 Particular  directions  to  Christian  duties. 
 
 The  elders  which  are  among  you  I  ex¬ 
 hort  who  am  also  an  elder,  and  a  wit¬ 
 ness  of  the  sufferings  of  Christ,  and  also  a 
 partaker  of  the  glory  that  shall  be  revealed  ; 
 
 2  Feed  the  flock  "of  God  which  is  among 
 you,  taking  the  oversight  thereof,  not  by 
 constraint,  but  willingly  ;  not  tor  filthy  lucre, 
 but  of  a  ready  mind  ; 
 
 3  Neither  as  being  lords  over  God’s  herit¬ 
 age,  but  being  ensamples  to  the  flock  : 
 
 4  And  when  the  chief  Shepherd  shall  ap¬ 
 pear,  ye  shall  receive  a  crown  of  glory  that 
 tadeth  not  away. 
 
 5  Likewise,  ye  younger,  submit  yourselves 
 unto  the  elder ;  yea,  all  of  you  be  subject 
 one  to  another,  and  be  clothed  with  humi¬ 
 lity  :  for  God  resisteth  the  proud,  and  giveth 
 grace  to  the  humble. 
 
 6  Humble  yourselves,  therefore,  under 
 the  mighty  hand  of  God,  that  he  may  exalt 
 you  in  due  time  ; 
 
 CHAP.  V.  1 — 4.  Jesus  Christ  is  the  chief  Shepherd  of  the  whole 
 flock  and  heritage  of  God.  He  bought  them,  and  ruleth  them. 
 He  defendeth  and  saves  them  for  ever.  He  is  also  the  chief 
 Shepherd  over  all  the  inferior  shepherds ;  they  derive  their  au¬ 
 thority  from  him,  act  in  his  name,  and  are  accountable  to  him  at 
 last. 
 
 5—7.  Throw  your  cares  which  are  so  cutting  and  distracting, 
 that  wound  your  souls,  and  pierce  your  hearts,  upon  the  wise  and 
 
 7  Casting  all  your  care  upon  him  ;  for  he 
 careth  for  you. 
 
 8  Be  sober,  be  vigilant ;  because  your 
 adversary  the  devil,  as  a  roaring  lion,  walk- 
 eth  about,  seeking  whom  he  may  devour ; 
 
 9  Whom  resist  stedfast  in  the  faith,  know¬ 
 ing  that  the  same  afflictions  are  accomplish¬ 
 ed  in  your  brethren  that  are  in  the  world. 
 
 10  But  the  God  of  all  grace,  who  hath 
 called  us  unto  his  eternal  glory  by  Christ 
 Jesus  after  that  ye  have  suffered  a  while, 
 make  you  perfect,  stablish,  strengthen,  settle 
 you  : 
 
 11  To  whom  be  glory  and  dominion  for 
 ever  and  ever.  Amen. 
 
 12  B3^Silvanus,  a  faithful  brother  unto  you 
 as  I  suppose,  I  have  written  briefly,  exhort¬ 
 ing,  and  testifying  that  this  is  the  true  grace 
 of  God  wherein  ye  stand. 
 
 13  The  church  that  is  at  Babylon,  elected 
 together  with  you,  salute th  3'ou  ;  and  so  doth 
 Marcus  my  son. 
 
 14  Greet  ye  one  another  with  a  kiss  of 
 charity.  Peace  be  with  you  all  that  are  in 
 Christ  Jesus.  Amen. 
 
 gracious  providence  of  God  ;  trust  in  him  with  a  firm  composed 
 mind,  for  he  careth  for  you. 
 
 8—14.  He  exhorts  them  to  fervent  love  and  charity  one  to¬ 
 wards  another,  and  to  express  this  by  giving  the  kiss  of  peace,  ac¬ 
 cording  to  the  common  custom  of  those  times  and  countries  ;  and 
 so  concludes  with  a  benediction,  which  he  confines  to  those  only 
 that  are  in  Christ  Jesus,  united  to  him  by  faith,  and  sound  members 
 of  his  mystical  body. 
 
 THE  SECOND  EPISTLE  GENERAL  OF 
 
 PETER. 
 
 The  design  of  this  second  epistle  is  the  same  with  that  of  the  former,  as  is  evident  from  the  first  verse  of  the  third  chapter  ;  w 
 observi,  that  in  the  things  of  God  we  have  need  of  precept  upon  precept,  and  line  upon  line,  and  all  little  enough  to  keep  it 
 
 whence 
 in  re¬ 
 
 membrance. 
 
 CHAP.  I. 
 
 An  exhortation  to  advance  and  improve  in  all  Christian  graces. 
 
 CHAP.  I.  1 — 4.  The  preciousness  of  faith,  as  well  as  our  ob- 
 
 708 
 
 ^IMON  Peter,  a  servant  and  an  apostle 
 ^  of  Jesus  Christ,  to  them  that  have  ob¬ 
 
 taining  it  is  through  the  righteousness  of  Christ.  The  satisfactory 
 
CHAP.  1. 
 
 tained  like  precious  faith  with  us  through! 
 the  rifrhteousness  of  God  and  our  Saviour 
 Jesus  Christ: 
 
 2  Grace  and  peace  be  multiplied  unto 
 you  through  the  knowledge  of  God,  and  of 
 Jesus  our  Lord. 
 
 3  According  as  his  divine  power  hath 
 given  unto  us  all  things  that  pertain  unto  life 
 and  godliness,  through  the  knowledge  of 
 him  that  hath  called  us  to  glory  and  virtue  : 
 
 4  Whereby  are  given  unto  us  exceeding 
 great  and  precious  promises  ;  that  by  these 
 ye  might  be  partakers  of  the  divine  nature, 
 having  escaped  the  corruption  that  is  in  the 
 world  through  lust. 
 
 5  And  besides  this,  giving  all  diligence, 
 add  to  your  faith,  virtue ,  and  to  virtue, 
 knowledge  ; 
 
 6  And  to  knowledge,  temperance ;  and 
 to  temperance,  patience  ;  and  to  patience, 
 godliness  ; 
 
 7  And  to  godliness,  brotherly-kindness  ; 
 and  to  brotherly-kindness,  charity. 
 
 8  For  if  these  thino's  be  in  vou,  and 
 abound,  they  make  yojt  that  yc  shall  neither 
 he  barren  nor  unliuitful  in  the  knowledge  of 
 our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
 
 '  9  But  he  that  lacketh  these  things  is  blind, 
 and  cannot  see  afar  off,  and  hath  forgotten 
 that  he  was  |)urged  from  his  old  sins. 
 
 10  M  herefore  the  rather,  brethren,  give 
 diligence  to  make  your  calling  and  election 
 sure  ;  for  if  ve  do  these  thimis  ye  shall  never 
 fall  : 
 
 12  Wherefore  I  will  not  be  negligent  to 
 put  you  always  in  remembrance  of  these 
 things,  though  ye  know  them,  and  be  es¬ 
 tablished  in  the  present  truth. 
 
 13  Yea,  I  think  it  meet,  as  long  as  I  am 
 in  this  tabernacle,  to  stir  you  up,  by  putting 
 yo^i  in  remembrance  ; 
 
 14  Knowing  that  shortly  I  must  put  off 
 this  my  tabernacle,  even  as  our  Lord  Jesus 
 Christ  hath  shewed  me. 
 
 15  Moreover,  I  will  endeavour  that  ye 
 may  be  able,  after  my  decease  to  have  these 
 things  always  in  remembrance. 
 
 16  For  we  have  not  followed  cunningly- 
 devised  fables  when  we  made  known  unto 
 you  the  power  and  coming  of  our  Lord  Je¬ 
 sus  Christ,  but  were  eye-witnesses  of  his 
 majesty. 
 
 17  For  he  received  from  God  the  Father 
 honour  and  glory,  when  there  came  such  a 
 voice  to  him  from  the  excellent  glory.  This 
 is  my  beloved  Son,  in  whom  1  am  well 
 pleased . 
 
 18  And  this  voice  which  came  from  hea¬ 
 ven  we  heard,  Avhen  we  w'ere  with  him  in 
 the  holy  mount. 
 
 19  We  have  also  a  more  sure  word  of  pro- 
 phec}^ ;  whereunto  ye  do  well  that  ye  take 
 heed,  as  unto  a  light  that  shineth  in  a  dark 
 place,  until  the  day  dawn,  and  the  day-star 
 arise  in  your  hearts  ; 
 
 20  Knowing  this  first,  Jhat  no  prophec}^ 
 of  the  scripture  is  of  any  private  interpreta  . 
 tion. 
 
 11  For  so  an  entrance  shall  be  ministered 
 unto  you  abundantly  into  the  everlasting 
 kingdom  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus 
 Christ. 
 
 21  For  the  prophecy  came  not  in  old  time 
 by  the  will  of  man  ;  but  holy  men  of  God 
 spake  as  they  were  moved  by  the  Holy 
 Ghost. 
 
 meritorious  rigliteousncss  and  obedience  of  Christ  gives  faith  all 
 its  value  and  preciousness  :  and  the  righteousness  of  such  a  person 
 cannot  but  be  of  infinite  value  to  those  who  by  faith  receive  it. 
 
 5—1 1 .  It  requires  a  great  deal  of  diligence  and  labour  to  make 
 sure  our  calling  and  election.  There  niust  be  a  very  close  ex¬ 
 amination  of  ourselves,  a  very  narrow  search  and  strict  en¬ 
 quiry,  whether  we  are  thoroughly  converted,  our  minds  enlight¬ 
 ened,  our  wills  renewed,  and  our  whole  souls  changed,  to 
 the  bent  and  inclination  thereof.  And  to  come  to  a  fixed  cer¬ 
 tainty  in  this,  requires  the  utmost  diligence,  and  cannot  be  at- 
 taiiu'd  and  kept  without  divine  assistance,  as  we  may  learn  from 
 ^’salin  cxxxix.  23.  Rom.  viii,  16'. 
 
 12 — 15.  The  apostle  would  have  tliem  alwavs  to  remember 
 these  things,  and  not  only  to  keep  them  in  mind,  but  also  to  make 
 mention  of  them,  as  the  original  words  do  import.  They  who  fear 
 the  Lord  make  mention  of  his  name,  and  talk  of  his  loving-kind¬ 
 ness.  This  is  the  way  to  spread  the  knowledge  of  the  Lord  ;  and 
 
 this  the  apostle  had  ,at  heart ;  and  they  w'ho  have  the  written 
 word  of  God  are  thereby  put  into  a  capacity  to  do  this. 
 
 16’— 18.  The  w'ay  of  salvation  by  Jesus  Christ  is  eminently  the 
 counsel  of  God,  the  most  e.xcellent  contrivance  of  the  infinitely 
 wise  Jehovah  ;  it  w-as  he  invented  this  way  of  saving  sinners  bv 
 Jesus  Christ,  whose  power  and  coming  are  set  forth  in  the  gospel, 
 and  the  apostle’s  preaching  was  a  making  these  things  knowm.  ’ 
 
 19 — 21.  In  these  worels  the  apostle  lays  down  another  argument 
 to  prove  the  truth  and  reality  of  the  gospel,  and  intimates,  that 
 this  second  proof  is  more  strong  and  convincing  than  the  former; 
 and  does  more  unanswerably  make  out,  that  the  doctrine  of  the 
 power  and  coming  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  is  not  a  mere  fable  or 
 cunning  contrivance  of  men,  but  the  w'ise  and  w'onderful  counsel 
 of  the  holy  and  gracious  God.  For  this  is  foretold  by  the  pro- 
 j)hets  and  penmen  of  the  Old  Testament  who  spake  and  wrote  un¬ 
 der  the  influence,  and  according  to  the  direction  of  the  Spirit  jf 
 God. 
 
 ?0P 
 
11.  PETER 
 
 CHAP.  II. 
 
 The  apostle  gives  them  warning  of  false  teachers. 
 
 XJ UT  there  were  false  prophets  also  among 
 the  people,  even  as  there  shall  be 
 false  teachers  among  3’'ou,  who  privily  shall 
 bring  in  damnable  heresies,  even  denying 
 the  Lord  that  bought  them,  and  bring  upon 
 themselves  swift  destruction. 
 
 2  And  many  shall  follow  their  pernicious 
 ways,  by  reason  of  whom  the  way  of  truth 
 shall  be  evil  spoken  of. 
 
 3  And  through  covetousness  shall  they 
 with  feigned  words  make  merchandise  of 
 you  :  whose  judgment  now  of  a  long  time 
 lingereth  not,  and  their  damnation  slumber- 
 eth  not. 
 
 4  For  if  God  spared  not  the  angels  that 
 sinned,  but  cast  them  down  to  hell,  and  de¬ 
 livered  them  into  chains  of  darkness  to  be 
 reserved  unto  judgment ; 
 
 5  And  spared  not  the  old  world,  but 
 saved  Noah,  the  eighth  person,  a  preacher  of 
 righteousness,  bringing  in  the  flood  upon  the 
 world  of  the  ungodly  ; 
 
 6  And  turning  the  cities  of  Sodom  and 
 Gomorrhainto  ashes,  condemned  them  with 
 an  overthrow,  making  them  an  ensample  un¬ 
 to  those  that  after  should  live  ungodly  ; 
 
 7  And  delivered  just  Lot,  vexed  with  the 
 filthy  conversation  of  the  wicked  : 
 
 8  (For  that  righteous  man,  dwelling  among 
 them,  in  seeing  and  hearing,  vexed  his  righte¬ 
 ous  soul  from  day  to  day  with  their  unlawful 
 deeds  :) 
 
 9  The  Lord  knoweth  how  to  deliver  the 
 godly  out  of  temptations,  and  to  reserve  the 
 unjust  unto  the  day  of  judgment  to  be 
 punished  ; 
 
 10  But  chiefly  them  that  walk  after  the 
 flesh  in  the  lust  of  uncleanness,  and  despise 
 government.  Presumptuous  are  they,  self- 
 willed,  they  are  not  afraid  to  speak  evil  of 
 dignities  : 
 
 CHAP.  II.  1—3.  In  all  ages  of  the  church,  and  under  all  dis¬ 
 pensations,  when  God  sends  true  prophets,  the  devil  sends  some  to 
 seduce  and  deceive.  False  prophets  in  tho  Old  Testament,  and 
 false  christs,  and  false  apostles,  and  seducing  teachers  in  the  New. 
 
 3 — 7-  1  he  preservation  of  impenitent  sinners  is  only  a  reserving 
 them  to  the  day  of  the  revelation  of  the  righteous  judgment  ot  God. 
 
 10 — 22.  The  apostle’s  design  begin  to  warn  us  of,  and  arm  us 
 against  seducers,  he  now  returns  to  discourse  more  particular  o 
 them,  and  give  us  an  account  of  their  character  and  conduct,! 
 
 710 
 
 11  Whereas  angels,  which  are  greater  in 
 power  and  might,  bring  not  railing  accusa¬ 
 tion  against  them  before  the  Lord. 
 
 12  But  these,  as  natural  brute  beasts, 
 made  to  be  taken  and  destroyed,  speak  evil 
 of  the  things  that  they  understand  not,  and 
 shall  utterly  perish  in  their  own  corruption  ; 
 
 13  And  shall  receive  the  reward  of  un¬ 
 righteousness,  as  they  that  count  it  pleasure 
 to  riot  in  the  day-time.  Spots  they  are  and 
 blemishes,  sporting  themselves  with  their  own 
 deceivings  while  they  feast  with  you  ; 
 
 14  Having  eyes  full  of  adulter}^  and  that 
 cannot  cease  from  sin  ;  beguiling  unstable 
 souls  :  an  heart  they  have  exercised  with 
 covetous  praetices  ;  cursed  children  : 
 
 15  Whieh  have  forsaken  the  right  way, 
 and  are  gone  astray,  following  the  Avay  of 
 Balaam  the  son  of  Bosor,  wlm  loved  the 
 Avages  of  unrighteousness  ; 
 
 16  But  Avas  rebuked  for  his  iniejuity  ;  the 
 dumb  ass,  speaking  Avith  man^s  voice,  forbad 
 the  madness  of  the  prophet. 
 
 17  These  are  Avells  Avithout  Avater,  clouds 
 that  are  carried  Avith  a  tempest ;  to  Avhom 
 the  mist  of  darkness  is  reserved  for  ever. 
 
 18  For  Avhen  they  speak  great  SAvelling 
 words  of  vanity,  they  allure  through  the  lusts 
 of  the  flesh,  through  much  Avantonness,  those 
 that  Avere  clean  escaped  from  them  avIio  live 
 in  error. 
 
 19  While  they  promise  them  liberty  they 
 themselves  are  the  servants  of  corruption  : 
 for  of  Avhom  a  man  is  overcome,  of  the  same 
 is  he  brought  in  bondage. 
 
 20  For  if  after  they  have  escaped  the  pol¬ 
 lutions  of  the  Avorld  throuoh  the  knoAvledo-e 
 
 O  O 
 
 of  the  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  they 
 are  again  entangled  therein,  and  overcome, 
 the  latter  end  is  Avorse  Avith  them  than  the 
 beginning. 
 
 21  For  it  had  been  better  for  them  not  to 
 have  knoAvn  the  Avay  of  righteousness,  than 
 
 which  (Iocs  abundantly  justify  the  righteous  judge  of  the  world  in 
 reserving  them  in  especial  manner  for  the  most  severe  and  hea¬ 
 vy  doom  ;  as  Cain  is  taken  under  special  protection,  that  he  might 
 be  kept  for  uncommon  vengeance.  But  why  will  God  deal  thus 
 with  these  false  teachers.''  This  he  shews  in  what  follows. 
 
 The  good  angels  mingle  no  bitter  reviling,  or  base  reproaches 
 with  any  of  their  accusations  or  charges  they  bring  against  the 
 wickedest  and  worst  of  criminals.  Let  us,  who  pray  that  God’s 
 will  may  be  done  on  earth  as  it  is  in  heaven,  imitate  the  angels  in 
 
CHAP.  HI. 
 
 after  they  have  known  zV,  to  turn  from  the 
 holy  commandment  delivered  unto  them. 
 
 22  But  it  is  ha])pened  unto  them  accord¬ 
 ing  to  the  true  proverb,  The  dog  is  turned 
 to  his  own  vomit  again  ;  and,  The  sow  that 
 was  Avashed  to  her  AvalloAving  in  the  mire. 
 
 CHAP.  III. 
 
 Design  of  the  apostle’s  second  epistle. 
 
 This  second  epistle,  beloved,  I  now 
 Avrite  unto  you ;  in  both  which  I  stir  up 
 your  pure  minds  by  Avay  of  remembrance ; 
 
 2  That  ye  may  be  mindful  of  the  Avords 
 Avhich  Avere  spoken  before  by  the  holy  pro¬ 
 phets,  and  of  the  commandment  of  us  the 
 apostles  of  the  Lord  and  Saviour  : 
 
 3  KnoAving  this  first,  that  there  shall  come 
 in  the  last  days  scoffers,  Avalking  after  their 
 OAvn  lust, 
 
 4  And  saying.  Where  is  the  promise  of 
 his  coming  ?  for  since  the  fathers  fell  asleep 
 all  things  continue  as  they  were  from  the  be¬ 
 ginning  of  the  creation. 
 
 5  For  this  they  Avillingly  are  ignorant  of, 
 that  by  the  Avord  of  God  the  heavens  Avere 
 of  old,  and  the  earth  standing  out  of  the  Ava- 
 ter  and  in  the  Avater  : 
 
 6  hereby  the  Avorld  that  then  Avas,  be¬ 
 ing  overtiowed  Avith  Avater,  perished  : 
 
 7  ]3ut  the  heavens  and  the  earth  Avhich 
 are  noAv,  by  the  same  Avord  are  kept  in  store, 
 reserved  unto  fire  against  the  da}^  of  judg¬ 
 ment  and  jierdition  of  ungodly  men. 
 
 8  J3ut,  beloved,  be  not  ignorant  of  this 
 one  thing,  that  one  day  is  Avith  the  Lord  as 
 a  thousand  years,  and  a  thousand  years  as 
 one  day. 
 
 9  The  Lord  is  not  slack  concerning  his 
 promise,  as  some  men  count  slackness  ;  but 
 is  long-suffering  to  us-Avard,  not  Avilling  that 
 any  should  perish,  but  that  all  should  come 
 to  repentance. 
 
 10  But  the  day  of  the  Lord  Avill  come  as 
 a  thief  in  the  night ;  in  the  Avkich  the  hea¬ 
 vens  shall  pass  aAvay  Avith  a  great  noise,  and 
 the  elements  shall  melt  Avitk  fervent  heat, 
 the  earth  also,  and  the  Avorks  that  are  there¬ 
 in,  shall  be  burnt  up. 
 
 11  Seeing  then  that  all  these  things  shall 
 be  dissolved,  Avhat  manner  of  persons  ought 
 ye  to  be  in  all  holy  conversation  and  godli¬ 
 ness  ; 
 
 12  Looking  for  and  hasting  unto  the 
 coming  of  the  day  of  God,  Avherein  the  hea¬ 
 vens  being  on  fire  shall  be  dissolved,  and  the 
 elements  shall  melt  Avith  fervent  heat  ? 
 
 13  Nevertheless  Ave,  according  to  his  pro¬ 
 mise,  look  for  neAV  heavens,  and  a  neAv  earth, 
 Avherein  dAvelleth  righteousness. 
 
 14  Wherefore,  beloved,  seeing  that  ye 
 look  for  such  things,  be  diligent  that  ye  may 
 be  found  of  him  in  peace,  Avithout  spot,  and 
 blameless  : 
 
 15  And  account  that  the  long-suffering  of 
 our  Lord  is  salvation  ;  even  as  our  beloA^ed 
 brother  Paul  also,  according  to  the  wisdom 
 given  unto  him,  hath  Avritten  unto  you  ; 
 
 16  As  also  in  all  his  epistles  speaking  in 
 them  of  these  things  ;  in  which  are  some 
 things  hard  to  be  understood,  Avhich  they 
 that  are  unlearned  and  unstable  Avrest,  as 
 they  do  also  the  other  scriptures,  unto  their 
 own  destruction. 
 
 this  particular.  If  we  complain  of  wicked  men,  let  it  be  to  God, 
 and  that  not  with  rage  and  reviliiiL',  but  with  compassion  and 
 composedness  of  mind,  that  may  evidence  that  we  belong  to  him 
 who  is  meek  and  merciful. 
 
 CHAP.  III.  1,  2.  What  God  hath  spoken  by  the  prophets  of  the 
 Old  Testament,  and  Christ  has  commanded  by  the  apostles  of  the 
 New,  cannot  but  demand  and  deserve  to  be  frequently  remember¬ 
 ed  ;  and  they  w  ho  meditate  on  these  things  feel  the  quickening  vir¬ 
 tue  therepf.  It  is  by  these  things  the  pure  minds  of  Christians  are 
 to  be  stirred  up,  that  they  may  be  active  and  lively  in  the  work  of 
 holiness,  and  zealous  and  unwearied  in  the  way  to  heaven. 
 
 3 — 7-  It  is  hard  to  persuade  men  to  believe,  what  they  are  not 
 willing  to  find  true  ;  they  are  ignorant  in  many  cases,  because  they 
 are  willing  to  be  ignorant ;  and  they  do  not  know',  because  they  do 
 not  care  to  know.  But  let  not  sinners  think  that  such  ignorance 
 as  this  will  be  admitted  as  an  excuse  for  whatever  sin  it  may  be¬ 
 tray  them  into;  they  who  crucified  Christ  did  not  know  wlio  he 
 was  ;  for  had  they  known  they  would  not  have  crucified  the  Lord  of 
 glory,  1  Cor.  ii.  8,  but  though  ignorant,  tlicy  were  not  therefore 
 innocent ;  their  ignorance  itself  was  a  sin,  willing  and  wilful  igno- 
 
 Vol.  II.  99  4  pj 
 
 ranee  ;  and  one  siti  can  be  no  excuse  for  another.  So  it  is  here  • 
 had  these  known  of  the  dreadful  vengeance  with  which  God  swept 
 away  a  whole  world  of  ungodly  wretches  at  once,  thev  would  not 
 surely  have  scoffed  at  his  thfeatenings  of  anv  after,  equally  terrible 
 judgment.  But  here  they  were  willingly  ignorant ;  they  did  not 
 know  what  God  had  done,  because  they  had  no  mind  to  know  it. 
 
 j  A  he  Lord  will  come  in  a  dav  when  we  look  not  for  him 
 and  an  hour  when  men  are  not  aware.  That  time  which  men  think  t<» 
 be  the  most  improper  and  unlikely,  and  therefore  are  most  secure 
 will  be  the  time  of  the  Lord’s  coming.  Let  us  then  beware  how 
 we  in  our  thoughts  and  imaginations  put  that  day  far  away  from 
 us  :  but  rather  suppose  it  to  be  so  much  nearer  in  reality,  by  how 
 much  farther  off  it  is,  in  the  opinion  of  the  ungodly  world. 
 
 11  —  18.  See  that  you  raise  and  regulate  your  “expectations  of 
 all  the  great  things  that  are  to  come  according  to  the  word  of  God 
 and  as  to  the  new  heaven  and  new  earth  look  for  them,  as  God  has 
 allowed  and  directed  by  the  passages  we  have  in  this  portion  of 
 scripture  now  before  you,  and  in  Isa.  Ixv.  17,  Ixvi.  22,  to  which 
 the  apostle  may  bethought  to  allude.  Those  who  are  not  well 
 instiucted  and  well  established  in  the  truth  arc  in  great  danger  of 
 
 711 
 
CHAP,  I. 
 
 17  Ye  therefore,  beloved,  seeing  ye  know 
 these  things  before,  beware  lest  ye  also,  be¬ 
 ing  led  away  with  the  error  of  the  wicked, 
 fall  from  your  own  stedfastness  : 
 
 18  But  grow  in  grace,  and  in  the  know¬ 
 ledge  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ, 
 To  him  he  glory  both  now  and  for  ever. 
 Amen. 
 
 perverting  the  word  of  God.  They  who  have  heard,  and  learned  vine  power  to  establish  as  well  as  to  instruct  men  in  divine  truth 
 of  the  Father,  are  best  secured  from  misunderstanding  and  mis-  persons  are  effectually  secured  from  falling  into  errors, 
 applying  any  part  of  the  word  of  God;  and  where  there  is  a  di- 
 
 THE  FIRST  EPISTLE  GENERAL  OF 
 
 JOHN. 
 
 The  epistle  is  styled  general,  as  being  not  inscribed  to  any  particular  church  ;  it  is  as  a  circular  letter,  (or  a  visitational  charge)  sent  to 
 divers  churches  (some  say  of  Parthia)  in  order  to  confirm  them  in  their  stedfast  adherence  to  the  Lord  Christ,  and  the  sacred  doc¬ 
 trine  concerning  his  person  and  office,  against  seducers;  and  to  instigate  them  to  adorn  their  doctrine  by  love  to  God  and  man,  and 
 particularly  to  each  other  as  being  descended  from  God,  united  by  the  same  head,  and  travelling  towards  the  same  eternal  life. 
 
 CHAP.  I. 
 
 The  excellency  of  Christ,  and  the  holiness  of  the  Christian’s  walk. 
 
 rs^HAT  which  was  from  the  beginning, 
 Avhich  we  have  heard,  which  we  have 
 seen  with  our  eyes,  which  we  have  looked 
 upon,  and  our  hands  have  handled,  of  the 
 Word  of  life  ; 
 
 2  (For  the  Life  was  manifested,  and  we 
 have  seen  it,  and  bear  witness,  and  shew 
 unto  you  that  eternal  Life  which  was  with 
 the  Father,  and  was  manifested  unto  us  ;) 
 
 3  That  wdiich  we  have  seen  and  heard 
 declare  we  unto  you,  that  ye  also  may  have 
 fellowship  with  us  :  and  truly  our  fellowship 
 is  with  the  Father,  and  Avith  his  Son  Jesus 
 Christ. 
 
 4  And  these  things  Avrite  Ave  unto  you, 
 that  your  joy /may  be  full. 
 
 CHAP.  1.  1 — 4.  See  for  what  end  the  eternal  life  was  made  flesh, 
 viz.  that  he  might  advance  us  to  eternal  life  in  communion  with 
 the  Father  and  himself.  See  how  far  they  live  beneath  the  dignity, 
 life,  and  end  of  the  Christian  faith  and  institution,  that  have  not 
 ^iritual,  blessed,  communion  with  the  Father  and  the  Son  Jesus 
 Christ. 
 
 5 — 10.  God  has  given  his  testimony  to  the  continued  sin  and 
 sinfulness  of  the  world,  by  his  providing  a  sufficient,  effectual 
 712 
 
 5  This  then  is  the  message  Avhich  A\’e  liaA  e 
 heard  of  him,  and  declare  unto  you,  that 
 God  is  light,  and  in  him  is  no  darkness  at 
 all. 
 
 6  If  we  say  that  Ave  have  felloAvship  Avith 
 him,  and  Avalk  in  darkness,  Ave  lie,  and  do 
 not  the  truth  : 
 
 7  But  if  Ave  Avalk  in  the  light,  as  he  is  in 
 the  light,  Ave  have  fellowship  one  Avith  ano¬ 
 ther  ;  and  the  blood  of  Jesus  Christ  his  Son 
 cleanseth  us  from  all  sin. 
 
 8  If  Ave  say  that  we  haA'e  no  sin  Av^e  de¬ 
 ceive  ourselves,  and  the  truth  is  not  in  us. 
 
 9  If  we  confess  our  sins,  he  is  faithful  and 
 just  to  forgive  us  onr  sins,  and  to  cleanse  us 
 from  all  unrighteousness. 
 
 10  If  Ave  say  that  Ave  have  not  sinned,  Ave 
 make  him  a  liar,  and  his  Avord  is  not  in  us. 
 
 sacrifice  for  sin,  that  will  be  needed  in  all  ages.  And  to  the  con¬ 
 tinued  sinfulness  of  believers  themselves,  by  requiring  them  con¬ 
 tinually  to  confess  their  sins,  and  aj)ply  themselves  by  faith  to  the 
 blood  of  that  sacrifice.  And  therefore,  if  we  say,  either  that  wc  have 
 not  sinned,  or  do  not  yet  sin,  the  word  of  God  is  notin  us,  cither 
 in  our  minds,  as  to  the  acquaintance  we  should  have  with  it,  or  in 
 our  hearts,  as  to  the  practical  influence  it  should  have  upon  us. 
 
CHAP.  II. 
 
 CHAP.  H. 
 
 Various  duties  and  cautions. 
 
 My  little  children,  these  things  write  I 
 unto  you  that  ye  sin  not.  And  if  any 
 man  sin,  we  have  an  advocate  with  the 
 Father,  Jesus  Christ  the  righteous  : 
 
 2  And  he  is  the  propitiation  for  our  sins; 
 and  not  for  ours  only,  but  also  for  the  sins  of 
 the  whole  world. 
 
 3  And  hereby  we  do  know  that  we  know 
 him,  if  we  keep  his  commandments. 
 
 4  He  that  saith,  I  know  him,  and  keep- 
 eth  not  his  commandments^  is  a  liar,  and 
 the  truth  is  not  in  him. 
 
 5  But  whoso  keepeth  his  word,  in  him 
 verily  is  the  love  of  God  perfected  :  hereby 
 know  we  that  we  are  in  him. 
 
 6  He  that  saith  he  abideth  in  him,  ought 
 himself  also  so  to  walk,  even  as  he  walked. 
 
 7  Brethren,  I  write  no  new  command¬ 
 ment  unto  you,  but  an  old  commandment, 
 ^vhich  ye  had  from  the  beginning  :  the  old 
 commandment  is  the  word  which  ye  have 
 heard  from  the  beoinniiisi: 
 
 ^  o  o 
 
 8  Again,  a  new  commandment  I  write 
 unto  you,  which  thing  is  true  in  him  and  in 
 you  ;  because  the  darkness  is  past,  and  the 
 true  light  now  shineth. 
 
 9  He  that  saith  he  is  in  the  light,  and 
 hateth  his  brother,  is  in  darkness  even  until 
 now. 
 
 10  He  that  loveth  his  brother  abideth  in 
 the  light,  and  there  is  none  occasion  of 
 stumbling  in  him  : 
 
 1 1  But  he  that  hateth  his  brother  is  in 
 darkness,  and  walketh  in  darkness,  and 
 knoweth  not  whither  he  goeth,  because  that 
 darkness  hath  blinded  his  eyes. 
 
 12  1  write  unto  you,  little  children,  be- 
 
 CHAP.  II.  1 — 5.  What  knowledge  of  God  can  that  be,  that 
 secs  not  that  he  is  most  worthy  of  our  entire  obedience?  And 
 if  that  be  seen  and  known,  how  rain  and  superficial  is  even  that 
 knowledge  when  it  sways  not  the  heart  unto  obedience!  A  dis¬ 
 obedient  life  is  the  confutation  and  shame  of  pretended  religious 
 knowledge  ;  it  gives  the  lie  to  such  boast  and  pretences,  and  shews 
 that  there  is  neither  religion  nor  honesty  in  them. 
 
 7 — 11.  The  Lord  Jesus  that  is  the  great  master  of  love.  It  is 
 the  school  (his  own  church)  that  is  the  school  of  love.  His  dis¬ 
 ciples  are  the  disciples  of  love ;  and  his  family  must  be  the  family 
 of  love. 
 
 12 — 17-  Young  men  arc  wont  to  glory  in  their  strength.  It 
 will  be  the  glory  of  youthful  persons  to  be  strong  in  Christ,  and 
 in  his  grace:  it  will  be  their  glory,  and  it  will  try  their  strength 
 
 cause  your  sins  are  forgiven  you  for  his 
 name^s  sake. 
 
 13  I  write  unto  you>  fathers,  because  ye 
 have  known  him  that  is  from  the  beginning. 
 1  write  unto  you, young  men,  because  ye  have 
 overcome  the  wicked  one.  I  write  unto  you, 
 little  children,  because  ye  have  known  the 
 Father. 
 
 14  I  have  written  unto  you,  fathers,  be¬ 
 cause  ye  have  known  him  that  is  from  the  be¬ 
 ginning.  I  have  written  unto  you,  young- 
 men,  because  ye  are  strong,  ^pd  the  word 
 of  God  abideth  in  you,  and  ye  have  over¬ 
 come  the  wicked  one. 
 
 13  Love  not  the  world,  neither  the  things 
 ure  in  the  world.  If  any  man  love  the 
 world ,  the  love  of  the  Father  is  not  in  him. 
 
 16  For  all  that  is  in  the  world,  the  lust  of 
 the  flesh,  and  the  lust  of  the  eyes,  and  the 
 pride  of  life,  is  not  of  the  Father,  but  is  of 
 the  world. 
 
 17  And  the  world  passeth  away,  and  the 
 lust  thereof :  but  he  that  doeth  the  will  of 
 God  abideth  for  ever. 
 
 18  Little  children,  it  is  the  last  time  ; 
 and  as  ye  have  heard  that  antichrist  shall 
 come,  even  now  are  there  many  antichrists  ; 
 whereby  we  know  that  it  is  the  last  time. 
 
 19  They  Avent  out  from  us,  but  they  Avere 
 not  of  us  :  for  if  they  had  been  of  us,  they 
 Avould  no  doubt  have  continued  Avith  us  ;  but 
 they  went  out,  that  they  might  be  made  ma¬ 
 nifest  that  they  Avere  not  all  of  us. 
 
 20  But  ye  have  an  unction  from  the  Holy 
 One,  and  ye  knoAV  all  things. 
 
 21  I  have  not  Avritten  unto  you  because 
 ye  knoAv  not  the  truth,  but  because  ye  knoAv 
 it,  and  that  no  lie  is  of  the  truth. 
 
 22  Who  is  a  liar,  but  he  that  denieth  that 
 
 to  overcome  the  devil.  If  they  are  not  too  hard  for  the  devil,  he 
 w'ill  be  too  hard  for  them.  Let  vigorous  Christians  shew  their 
 strength  in  conquering  die  world. 
 
 18,  19.  The  church  knows  not  well  who  are  its  vital  members, 
 and  who  are  not.  And  therefore  the  church  considered  as  inter¬ 
 nally  sanctified,  may  well  be  styled  invisible. 
 
 20 — 26'.  He  is  antichrist  that  denieth  the  Father  and  the  Son, 
 22.  He  that  opposes  Christ  denies  the  witness  and  testimony  of 
 the  Father,  and  the  seal  that  he  hath  given  to  his  Son  ;  For  him 
 hath  God  the  Father  sealed,  John  vi.  27.  And  he  that  denies  the 
 witness  and  testimony  of  the  Father  concerning  Jesus  Christ, 
 denies  that  God  is  the  Father  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  And  con¬ 
 sequently  abandons  the  knowledge  of  God  in  Christ ;  thereupon, 
 the  whole  revelation  of  God  in  Christ,  and  particularly  of  C«od  in 
 
 713 
 
1.  JOHN. 
 
 Jesus  is  the  Christ?  He  is  aritichrist  that 
 denieth  the  Father  and  the  Son. 
 
 23  Whosoever  denieth  the  Son,  the  same 
 
 hath  not  the  Father:  he  that  acknowledg- 
 
 eth  the  Son  hath  the  Father  also. 
 
 24  Let  that  therefore  abide  in  you  which 
 ye  have  heard  from  the  beginning.  If  that 
 which  ye  have  heard  from  the  beginning 
 shall  remain  in  you,  ye  also  shall  continue 
 in  the  Son  and  in  the  Father. 
 
 25  And  this  is  the  promise  that  he  hath 
 promised  us,  even  eternal  life. 
 
 26  These  things  have  I  written  unto  you 
 concerning  them  that  seduce  you. 
 
 27  But  the  anointing,  Avhich  ye  have  re¬ 
 ceived  of  him,  abideth  in  you  ;  and  ye  need 
 not  that  any  man  teach  you :  but  as  the 
 same  anointing  teacheth  you  of  all  things, 
 and  is  truth,  and  is  no  lie,  and  even  as  it 
 hath  taught  you,  ye  shall  abide  in  him. 
 
 28  And  now,  little  children,  abide  in  him  ; 
 that,  when  he  shall  appear,  we  may  have 
 confidence,  and  not  be  ashamed  before  him 
 at  his  coming. 
 
 29  If  ye  know  that  he  is  righteous,  ye 
 know  that  every  one  that  doeth  righteous¬ 
 ness  is  born  of  him. 
 
 CHAP.  III. 
 
 The  apostle  here  magnifies  the  love  of  God  in  our  adoption,  1,  2. 
 He  thereupon  urges  to  various  duties,  3 — 24. 
 
 EHOLD  what  manner  of  love  the  Fa¬ 
 ther  hath  bestowed  u[)on  us,  that  we 
 should  be  called  the  sons  of  G  od  !  therefore 
 the  world  knoweth  us  not,  because  it  knew 
 him  not. 
 
 2  Beloved,  now  are  we  the  sons  of  God  : 
 and  it  doth  not  yet  appear  Avhat  we  shall  be  : 
 but  we  know  that,  when  he  shall  appear,  we 
 
 Christ,  reconciling  the  world  unto  himself.  And  therefore  the 
 apostle  may  well  infer,  Whosoever  denies  the  Son,  the  same  hath 
 not  the  Father,  23.  *■ 
 
 28,29-  He  that  is  constant  to  the  practice  of  religion  in  trying 
 times,  gives  good  evidence  that  he  is  born  from  above,  from  the 
 Lord  Christ.  The  Lord  Christ  is  an  everlasting  Father.  It  is  a 
 great  privilege  and  dignity  to  be  born  of  him.  They  that  are  so, 
 are  the  children  of  God.  To  as  many  as  receive  him,  to  them  gave 
 he  power  to  become  the  sons  of  God,  John  i.  12.  And  this  in¬ 
 troduces  the  context  of  the  following  chapter. 
 
 CHAP,  III.  1—5.  It  is  wonderful,  condescending  love  of  the 
 eternal  Father,  that  such  as  we  should  be  made  and  called  his 
 sons  ;  we  that  by  nature  are  heirs  of  sin  and  guilt,  and  the  curse  ol 
 God  !  We,  that  by  practice  are  children  of  corruption,  disobedi¬ 
 ence,  and  ingratitude  !  Strange,  that  the  Holy  God  is  not  ashamed 
 to  be  called  our  Fatlier,  and  to  call  us  his  sons. 
 
 714 
 
 shall  be  like  him  ;  for  we  shall  see  him  as  he 
 is. 
 
 3  And  every  man  that  hath  this  hope  in 
 him  purifieth  himself,  even  as  he  is  pure. 
 
 4  Whosoever  committeth  sin  transgresseth 
 also  the  law  :  for  sin  is  the  transgression  of 
 the  law. 
 
 5  And  ye  know  that  he  was  manifested 
 to  take  away  our  sins  ;  and  in  him  is  no  sin. 
 
 6  Whosoever  abideth  in  him  sinneth  not ; 
 whosoever  sinneth  hath  not  seen  him,  neither 
 known  him. 
 
 7  Little  children,  let  no  man  deceive  you  ; 
 he  that  doeth  righteousness  is  righteous,  even 
 as  he  is  righteous. 
 
 8  He  that  committeth  sin  is  of  the  devil ; 
 for  the  devil  sinneth  from  the  beginning. 
 For  this  purpose  the  Son  of  God  was  mani¬ 
 fested,  that  he  might  destroy  the  works  of 
 the  devil. 
 
 9  Whosoever  is  born  of  God  doth  not 
 commit  sin  ;  for  his  seed  remaineth  in  him  : 
 and  he  cannot  sin,  because  he  is  born  of 
 God. 
 
 10  In  this  the  children  of  God  are  mani¬ 
 fest,  and  the  children  of  the  devil:  whosoever 
 doeth  not  righteousness  is  not  of  God,  nei¬ 
 ther  he  that  loveth  not  his  brother. 
 
 11  For  this  is  the  message  that  ye  heard 
 from  the  beginning,  that  we  should  love  one 
 another. 
 
 12  Not  as  Cain,  who  was  of  that  wicked 
 one,  and  slew  his  brother.  And  wherefore 
 slew  he  him  ?  Because  his  own  works  were 
 evil,  and  his  brother’s  righteous. 
 
 13  Marvel  not,  my  brethren,  if  the  world 
 hate  you. 
 
 14  We  know  that  we  have  passed  from 
 
 4 — 10.  To  be  born  of  God,  is  to  be  inwardly  renewed,  and  re¬ 
 stored  to  an  holy  integrity  or  rectitude  of  nature,  by  the  power  of 
 the  Spirit  of  God.  Such  an  one  committeth  not  sin,  docs  not 
 work  iniquity  and  practise  disobedience;  that  is  contrary  to  his 
 new  nature  and  the  regenerate  complexion  of  his  spirit.  Tic  can¬ 
 not  continue  in  the  course  and  practice  of  sin.  He  cannot  so  sin,  as 
 to  denominate  him  a  sinner,  in  opposition  to  a  saint  or  servant  of 
 God.  Again,  he  cannot  sin  comparatively,  as  he  did  before  he 
 was  born  of  Clod,  and  as  others  do  that  are  not  so.  And  the  rea¬ 
 son  is  because  he  is  born  of  God. 
 
 1 1 — 19-  This  love  will  evince  our  sincerity  in  religion,  and  give 
 us  hope  towards  God ;  and  hereby  we  know  that  we  are  of  the  truth, 
 and  shall  assure  our  hearts  before  him,  I9.  It  is  a  great  happiness 
 to  be  assured  of  our  integrity  in  religion.  They  that  arc  so  assured, 
 may  have  holy  baldness  or  confidence  towards  God  ;  tliey  may 
 appeal  to  him  from  the  censures  and  condemnation  of  the  world 
 
CHAP.  IV. 
 
 death  unto  life,  because  we  love  the  brethren. 
 He  that  loveth  not  his  brother  abideth  in 
 death. 
 
 15  Whosoever  hateth  his  brother  is  a  mur¬ 
 derer  :  and  ye  know  that  no  murderer  hath 
 eternal  life  abiding  in  him. 
 
 16  Hereby  perceive  we  the  love  of  God, 
 because  he  laid  down  his  life  for  us  ;  and 
 we  ought  to  lay  down  our  lives  for  the  bre¬ 
 thren. 
 
 17  But  whoso  hath  this  world^s  good,  and 
 seeth  his  brother  have  need,  and  shutteth  up 
 his  bowels  of  compassion  from  him,  how  dwell- 
 eth  the  love  of  God  in  him  ? 
 
 18  My  little  children,  let  us  not  love  in 
 word,  neither  in  tongue  ;  but  in  deed  and  in 
 truth. 
 
 19  And  hereby  we  know  that  we  are  of 
 the  truth,  and  shall  assure  our  hearts  before 
 him. 
 
 20  For  if  our  heart  condemn  us,  God  is 
 greater  than  our  heart,  and  knoweth  all 
 things. 
 
 21  Beloved,  if  our  heart  condemn  us  not, 
 then  have  we  confidence  toward  God. 
 
 22  And  whatsoever  we  ask  we  receive  of 
 him,  because  we  keep  his  commandments, 
 and  do  those  things  that  are  pleasing  in  his 
 sight. 
 
 23  And  this  is  his  commandment.  That 
 we  should  believe  on  the  name  of  his  Son 
 Jesus  Christ,  and  love  one  another,  as  he 
 gave  us  commandment. 
 
 24  And  he  that  keepeth  his  command¬ 
 ments  dwelleth  in  him,  and  he  in  him  :  and 
 
 hereby  we  know  that  he  abideth  in  us,  by 
 the  Spirit  which  he  hath  given  us. 
 
 CHAP.  IV. 
 
 In  this  chapter,  I.  The  apostle  exhorts  to  try  spirits,  1 — 6.  II. 
 Urges  Christian  love,  7 — 16.  III.  Describes  our  love  to  God 
 and  the  effect  of  it,  17 — 21. 
 
 Beloved,  believe  not  every  spirit,  but 
 try  the  spirits  whether  they  are  of  God  : 
 because  many  false  prophets  are  gone  out 
 into  the  world. 
 
 2  Hereby  know  ye  the  Spirit  of  God  , 
 Every  spirit  that  confesseth  that  Jesus  Christ 
 is  come  in  the  flesh  is  of  God  : 
 
 3  And  every  spirit  that  confesseth  not 
 that  Jesus  Christ  is  come  in  the  flesh  is  not 
 of  God  :  and  this  is  that  spirit  of  antichrist, 
 whereof  ye  have  heard  that  it  should  come ; 
 and  even  now  already  is  it  in  the  Avorld. . 
 
 4  Ye  are  of  God,  little  children,  and  have 
 overcome  them  ;  because  greater  is  he  that 
 is  in  you  than  he  that  is  in  the  world. 
 
 5  They  are  of  the  world,  therefore  speak 
 they  of  the  world,  and  the  world  hcareth 
 them. 
 
 6  We  are  of  God :  he  that  knoweth 
 God,  heareth  us;  he  that  is  not  of  God,  hear- 
 eth  not  us.  Hereby  know  we  the  spirit  of 
 truth  and  the  spirit  of  error. 
 
 7  Beloved,  let  us  love  one  another  ;  for 
 love  is  of  God  ;  and  every  one  that  loveth 
 is  born  of  God,  and  knoweth  God. 
 
 8  He  that  loveth  not  knoweth  not  God  ; 
 for  God  is  love. 
 
 9  In  this  was  manifested  the  love  of  God 
 toward  us,  because  that  God  sent  his  only 
 
 The  way  to  arrive  at  the  knowledge  of  our  own  truth  and  up¬ 
 rightness  in  Christianity,  and  to  secure  our  inward  peace,  is  to 
 abound  in  love,  and  in  the  works  of  love  towards  the  Christian 
 brethren. 
 
 20 — 22.  Our  heart  here  is  our  self-reflecting,  judicial  power, 
 that  noble  excellent  ability,  whereby  we  can  take  cognizance  of 
 ourselves,  of  our  spirits,  or  dispositions  and  actions  ;  and  accord¬ 
 ingly  pass  a  judgment  upon  our  state  towards  God.  And  so  it  is 
 the  same  with  conscience,  or  the  power  of  moral  self-conscious¬ 
 ness.  This  power  can  act  both  as  witness,  judge,  and  executioner 
 of  judgment.  It  either  accuses  or  excuses,  condemns  or  justifies. 
 It  IS  set  and  placed  in  this  office  by  God  himself.  The  spirit  of  man 
 (a  luminary  lighted  and  set  up  by  the  Lord)  searching  all  the  in¬ 
 ward  part  of  the  belly.  (Taking  into  scrutiny  and  viewing  the 
 penetralia,  the  private  recesses,  and  secret  transactions  of  the  inner 
 man,)  Prov.  xx.  27-  Conscience  is  God’s  vicegerent,  calls  the 
 court  in  his  name,  and  acts  for  him.  The  answer  of  a  good  con¬ 
 science  towards  God,  1  Pet.  iii.  21.'  God  is  chief  Judge  of  the 
 court,  if  our  heart  condemn  us,  God  is  greater  than  our  heart, 
 i.  e.  superior  to  our  heart  and  conscience,  in  power  and  judgment. 
 
 23,  24.  Faith  is  a  needful  requisite  to  those  that  would  be  inv- 
 
 i  valent  petitioners  with  God.  Because  it  is  by  the  Son,  that  we 
 must  come  to  the  Father  ;  through  his  grace  and  righteousness  our 
 persons  must  be  accepted  or  ingratiated  with  the  Father,  Eph.  i.  6'. 
 Through  his  purchase,  all  our  desired  blessings  must  come  ;  and 
 through  his  intercession,  our  prayers  must  be  heard  and  answered. 
 This  is  the  first  part  of  the  commandment,  that  must  be  observed 
 by  acceptable  worshippers. 
 
 CHAP.  IV.  1—3.  The  antichristian  spirit  began  betimes,  even 
 in  the  apostles’  days.  Dreadful  and  unsearchable  is  the  judgment 
 of  God,  that  people  should  be  given  over  to  an  antichristian  spi¬ 
 rit,  and  to  such  darkness  and  delusion,  as  to  set  themselves  against 
 the  Son  of  God,  and  all  the  testimony  that  the  Father  hath  given 
 to  the  Son.  But  we  have  bden  foretold  and  forewarned  that  such 
 ojiposition  would  arise.  We^ould  therefore  ceasy  to  be  offended  • 
 and  the  more  we  sec  the  word  of  Christ  fulfilled,  the  more  confirm¬ 
 ed  we  should  be  in  the  truth  of  it. 
 
 4 — 13.  The  objects  of  the  divine  love  should  be  the  objects  of 
 ours.  Shall  we  refuse  to  love  those  whom  the  eternal  God  hath 
 loved  ?  We  should  be  admirers  of  his  love,  and  lovers  of  his  love 
 (of  that  benevolence  and  complacency  that  is  m  him)  and  conse- 
 uuently  lovers  of  those  whom  he  loves.  The  peculiar  love  of 
 
 713 
 
L  JOHN. 
 
 begotten  Son  into  the  world,  that  we  might 
 live  through  him. 
 
 10  Herein  is  love,  not  that  we  loved  God, 
 but  that  he  loved  us,  and  sent  his  Son  to  he 
 the  propitiation  for  our  sins. 
 
 11  Beloved,  if  God  so  loved  us,  we  ought 
 also  to  love  one  another. 
 
 12  No  man  hath  seen  God  at  any  time. 
 If  we  love  one  another,  God  dwelleth  in  us, 
 and  his  love  is  perfected  in  us. 
 
 13  Hereby  know  we  that  we  dwell  in  him, 
 and  he  in  us,  because  he  hath  given  us  of  his 
 Spirit. 
 
 14  And  we  have  seen,  and  do  testify,  that 
 the  Father  sent  the  Son  to  he  the  Saviour  of 
 the  world. 
 
 15  Whosoever  shall  confess  that  Jesus  is 
 the  Son  of  God,  God  dwelleth  in  him,  and 
 he  in  God. 
 
 16  And  we  have  known  and  believed  the 
 love  that  God  hath  to  us,  God  is  love  ;  and 
 he  that  dwelleth  in  love  dwelleth  in  God, 
 and  God  in  him. 
 
 17  Herein  is  our  love  made  perfect,  that 
 we  may  have  boldness  in  the  day  of  judg¬ 
 ment  ;  because  as  he  is,  so  are  we  in  this 
 world. 
 
 18  There  is  no  fear  in  love  :  but  perfect 
 love  casteth  out  fear  ;  because  fear  hath  tor¬ 
 ment.  He  that  feareth  is  not  made  perfect 
 in  love. 
 
 19  We  love  him,  because  he  first  loved 
 us. 
 
 20  If  a  man  say,  I  love  God,  and  hateth 
 his  brother,  he  is  a  liar  :  for  he  that  loveth 
 not  his  brother  whom  he  hath  seen,  how  can 
 he  love  God  whom  he  hath  not  seen  ? 
 
 21  And  this  commandment  have  we  from 
 
 God  to  the  church  and  to  the  saints  should  be  productive  of  a 
 peculiar  love  there.  If  God  so  loved  us,  we  ought  surely  (in  some 
 measure  suitably  thereto)  to  love  one  another. 
 
 14—21.  There  must  be  a  day  of  universal  judgment.  Happy 
 ihev  that  shall  have  holy,  fiducial  boldness  bcfoic  the  Judge  at 
 that  day  !  that  shall  be  able  to  lift  up  their  heads  and  to  look 
 him  in  the  face,  as  knowing  he  is  their  friend  ahd  advocate!  hap¬ 
 py  they  that  have  holy  boldness  and  assurance  in  the  prospect  of 
 that  day  1  that  look  and  wait  for  it,  and  for  the  J udge  s  appear¬ 
 ance  !  so  do,  and  so  may  do  the  lovers  of  God. 
 
 CHAP.  V.  1—5.  It  is  (in  Revelation)  that  we  see  what  is  the 
 occasion  and  ground  of  the  quarrel  and  contest  between  the  Holy 
 God  and  this  rebellious  world.  It  is  there  we  meet  with  sacred 
 doctrine  (both  speculative  and  practical)  that  is  quite  cemtrary 
 to  the  tenour,  temper,  and  tendency  of  this  world,  it  is  by  that 
 doctrine  that  a  spirit  is  communicated  and  diffused,  that  is  superior 
 71() 
 
 him,  That  he  who  loveth  God  love  his  bro¬ 
 ther  also. 
 
 CHAP.  V. 
 
 The  character  and  privilege  of  such  as  love  God. 
 
 HOSOEVER  believeth  that  Jesus  is 
 the  Christ  is  born  of  God  :  and  every 
 one  that  loveth  him  that  begat,  loveth  him 
 also  that  is  begotten  of  him. 
 
 2  By  this  we  know  that  we  love  the  chil¬ 
 dren  of  God,  when  we  love  God,  and  keep 
 his  commandments. 
 
 3  For  this  is  the  love  of  God,  that  we  keep 
 his  commandments:  and  his  commandments 
 are  not  grievous. 
 
 4  For  whatsoever  is  born  of  God  over- 
 cometh  the  world  :  and  this  is  the  victory 
 that  overcometh  the  world,  even,  our  faith. 
 
 5  Who  is  he  that  overcometh  the  world, 
 but  he  that  believeth  that  Jesus  is  the  Son 
 of  God  ? 
 
 6  This  is  he  that  came  by  water  and  blood, 
 even  Jesus  Christ :  not  by  water  only,  but 
 by  water  and  blood  :  and  it  is  the  Spirit  that 
 beareth  witness,  because  the  Spirit  is  truth. 
 
 7  For  there  are  three  that  bear  record  in 
 heaven,  the  Father,  the  Word,  and  the  Holy 
 Ghost :  and  these  three  are  one. 
 
 8  And  there  are  three  that  bear  witness 
 in  earth,  the  Spirit,  and  the  water,  and  the 
 blood  :  and  these  three  agree  in  one. 
 
 9  If  we  receive  the  witness  of  men  the 
 witness  of  God  is  greater  :  for  this  is  the  wit¬ 
 ness  of  God  which  he  hath  testified  of  his 
 Son. 
 
 10  He  that  believeth  on  the  Son  of  God, 
 hath  the  witness  in  himself;  he  that  believeth 
 not  God  hath  made  him  a  liar;  because  he 
 
 and  adverse  to  the  spiric  of  the  world.  It  is  there  wc  sec  tiiat  the 
 Saviour  himself  was  not  of  this  world,  that  his  kingdom  was  not 
 and  is  not  so  ;  that  it  must  be  separated  from  the  world,  and  ga¬ 
 thered  out  of  it  for  heaven  and  for  God. 
 
 6—9.  Here  is  the  most  e.Ncellent  abridgement  or  breviate  of  the 
 motives  to  faith  in  Christ,  of  the  credentials  the  Saviour  brings 
 with  him,  of  the  evidences  of  our  Christianity,  that  is  to  be  found 
 (I  think)  in  the  book  of  God  ;  upon  which  .single  account  the  en¬ 
 tire  text  is  worthy  of  all  acceptation.  ■  , 
 
 10 — 13.  And  that  ye  may  believe  on  the  name  of  the  Son  of  God, 
 13,  i.  e.  may  go  on  believing.  Believers  must  persevere,  or  they 
 do'nothing.  To  withdraw  from  believing  on  the  name  of  the  Son 
 of  God,  is°to  renounce  eternal  life,  and  to  di  aw  back  unto  perdi¬ 
 tion.  And,  therefore,  the  evidences  of  religion,  and  the  advantage 
 of  faith,  are  to  be  presented  to  believers,  in  order  to  hearten  and 
 encourage  them  to  persevere  to  the  end. 
 
CHAP.  I. 
 
 believeth  not  the  record  that  God  gave  of 
 his  Son. 
 
 1 1  And  this  is  the  record  that  God  hath 
 given  to  us  eternal  life ;  and  this  life  is  in 
 his  Son. 
 
 12  He  that  hath  the  Son  hath  life  ;  and 
 he  that  hath  not  the  Son  of  God  hath  not 
 life. 
 
 13  These  things  have  I  written  unto  you 
 that  believe  on  the  name  of  the  Son  of  God, 
 that  ye  may  know  that  ye  have  eternal  life, 
 and  that  ye  may  believe  on  the  name  of  the 
 Son  of  God. 
 
 14  And  this  is  the  confidence  that  we 
 have  in  him.  That,  if  we  ask  any  thing 
 according  to  his  will,  he  heareth  us ; 
 
 15  And  if  we  know  that  he  hear  us,  what¬ 
 soever  we  ask,  we  know  that  we  have  the 
 petitions  that  we  desired  of  him. 
 
 16  If  any  man  see  his  brother  sin  a  sin 
 
 14 — 21.  We  know  that  whosoever  is  born  of  God,  (and  the  be¬ 
 liever  in  Christ  is  born  of  God,  v.  1.)  sinneth  not,  v.  18,  sinneth 
 not  with  that  fulness  of  heart  and  spirit,  as  the  unregenerate  do ; 
 as  was  said,  chap.  iii.  6 — 9,  and  consequently  not  with  that  ful¬ 
 ness  of  guilt  that  attends  the  sins  of  others  ;  and  so  he  is  secured 
 
 which  is  not  unto  death,  he  shall  ask,  and  he 
 shall  give  him  life  for  them  that  sin  not  unto 
 death.  There  is  a  sin  unto  death  :  I  do  not 
 say  that  he  shall  pray  for  it. 
 
 17  All  unrighteousness  is  sin ;  and  there 
 is  a  sin  not  unto  death. 
 
 18  We  know  that  whosoever  is  born  of 
 God  sinneth  not :  but  he  that  is  begotten  of 
 God  keepeth  himself,  and  that  wicked  one 
 toucheth  him  not. 
 
 19  And  we  know  that  we  are  of  God,  and 
 the  whole  world  lieth  in  wickedness. 
 
 20  And  we  know  that  the  Son  of  God  is 
 come,  and  hath  given  us  an  understanding, 
 that  we  may  know  him  that  is  true  ;  and  we 
 are  in  him  that  is  true,  even  in  his  Son  Jesus 
 Christ.  This  is  the  true  God,  and  eternal 
 life. 
 
 21  Little  children,  keep  yourselves  from 
 idols.  Amen. 
 
 against  that  sin  that  is  unavoidably  unto  death,  or  that  infallibly 
 binds  the  sinner  over  unto  the  wages  of  eternal  death.  The  new 
 nature,  and  the  inhabitation  of  the  divine  Spirit  thereby,  prevent 
 the  admission  of  such  unpardonable  sin. 
 
 THE  SECOND  EPISTLE  GENERAL  OF 
 
 JOHN. 
 
 Here  we  find  a  canonical  epistle  inscribed  (principally)  not  only  to  a  single  person,  but  to  one  also  of  the  softer  sex  !  And  why  not  to 
 one  of  that  sex  .>  In  gospel-redemption,  privilege,  and  dignity,  there  is  neither  male  nor  female;  they  are  both  one  in  Christ  Jesus 
 \'ynper  then,  that  an  heroine  in  Christian  religion,  honoured  by  divine  providence,  and  distinguished  by  divine  grace  should  be 
 dignified  also  by  an  apostolic  epistle.  &  > 
 
 CHAP.  I. 
 
 1  he  ai  ostle  warns  an  honourable  matron  and  her  children  to  be¬ 
 ware  of  deceivers. 
 
 ^THHE  elder  unto  the  elect  lady  and  her 
 •*-  children,  whom  I  love  in  the  truth  :  and 
 
 CRaP.  I.  1 — 4.  From  the  apostle’s  joy  herein,  we  may  observe, 
 
 that  It  is  pleasant  to  see  children  treading  in  good  oarents’  steps, 
 
 not  I  only,  but  also  all  they  that  have  known 
 the  truth  ; 
 
 2  For  the  truth's  sake,  which  dwelleth  in 
 us,  and  shall  be  with  us  for  ever  : 
 
 3  Grace  be  with  you,  mercy,  and  peace, 
 
 and  they  that  see.  this  may  well  congratulate  the  parents  there¬ 
 upon  ;  and  that,  both  to  excite  their  thankfulness  to  God  for,  and 
 
 7i7 
 
III.  JOHN. 
 
 from  God  the  Father,  and  from  the  Lord 
 Jesus  Christ,  the  Son  of  the  Father,  in  truth 
 and  love. 
 
 4  I  rejoiced  greatly  that  I  found  of  thy 
 children  walking  in  truth,  as  we  have  re¬ 
 ceived  a  commandment  from  the  Father. 
 
 o  And  now  I  beseech  thee,  lady,  not  as 
 though  I  wrote  a  new  commandment  unto 
 thee,  but  that  which  we  had  from  the  be¬ 
 ginning,  that  we  love  one  another. 
 
 6  And  this  is  love,  that  we  walk  after  his 
 commandments.  This  is  the  commandment,* 
 That  (as  ye  have  heard  from  the  beginning) 
 ye  should  walk  in  it. 
 
 7  For  many  deceivers  are  entered  into  the 
 world  who  confess  not  that  Jesus  Christ  is 
 come  in  the  flesh.  This  is  a  deceiver  and 
 an  antichrist. 
 
 to  enlarge  their  comfort  in,  so  ^reat  a  blessing.  How  happy  a 
 lady  was  this,  that  had  brought  forth  so  many  children  for  heaven 
 and  for  God  !  And  how  great  a  joy  must  it  be  to  her  to  hear  so 
 good  an  account  of  them  from  so  good  a  judge! 
 
 5 — 1 3.  How  judicious  and  how  cautious  should  the  Christian  be ! 
 
 8  Look  to  yourselves,  that  we  lose  not 
 those  things  which  we  have  wrought,  but 
 that  we  receive  a  full  reward. 
 
 9  Whosoever  transgresseth,  and  abideth 
 not  in  the  doctrine  of  Christ,  hath  not  God  : 
 he  that  abideth  in  the  doctrine  of  Christ,  he 
 hath  both  the  Father  and  the  Son. 
 
 10  If  there  come  any  unto  you,  and  bring 
 not  this  doctrine,  receive  him  not  into  your 
 house,  neither  bid  him  God  speed. 
 
 11  For  he  that  biddeth  him  God  speed 
 is  partaker  of  his  evil  deeds. 
 
 12  Having  many  things  to  write  unto  you, 
 I  would  not  wn’ie  with  paper  and  ink  :  but  I 
 trust  to  come  unto  you,  and  speak  face  to 
 face,  that  our  joy  may  i)e  full. 
 
 13  The  children  of  thy  elect  sister  greet 
 thee.  Amen. 
 
 'fhere  are  many  ways  ot  sharing  the  guilt  of  other  folks’  trans¬ 
 gressions  ;  it  may  be  done  by  culpable  silence,  indolence,  uncon¬ 
 cernedness,  private  contribution,  public  countenance  and  assist¬ 
 ance,  inward  approbation,  open  apology  and  defence.  The  Lord 
 pardon  our  guilt  of  other  persons’  sins .' 
 
 THE  THIRD  EPISTLE  OF 
 
 JOHN. 
 
 Christian  communion  is  exerted  and  cherished  by  letter.  Christians  are  to  be  commended  in  the  practical  proof  of  their  professed 
 subjection  to  the  gospel  of  Christ.  The  animating  and  countenancing  of  generous  and  public-spirited  persons,  as  doing  good  to 
 many. 
 
 CHAP.  1. 
 
 In  this  epistle,  I.  The  jostle  congratulates  Gaius  upon  various  ac¬ 
 counts,  1 — 6.  II.  He  complains  of  Diotrephes,  9>  10.  III. 
 Recommends  Demetrius,  12.  IV.  And  hopes  to  visit  Gaius 
 shortly,  13,  14. 
 
 rMlHE  elder  unto  the  well-beloved  Gaius 
 whom  I  love  in  the  truth. 
 
 2  Beloved,  I  wish  above  all  things  that 
 
 thou  mayest  prosper  and  be  in  health,  even 
 as  thy  soul  prospereth. 
 
 3  For  I  rejoiced  greatly  when  the  bre¬ 
 thren  came  and  testified  of  the  truth  that  is 
 in  thee,  even  as  thou  walkest  in  the  truth. 
 
 4  I  have  no  greater  joy  than  to  hear  that 
 my  children  walk  in  truth. 
 
 CHAP.  1.  1,2.  Grace  and  health  are  two  rich  companions. 
 Grace  will  improve.health,  health  will  employ  grace.  We  may 
 well  wish  and  pray  that  they  that  have  prosperous  souls,  may 
 
 have  healthful  bodies  too.  Their  grace  will  shine  in  a  larger 
 sphere  of  activity. 
 
 3 — 11.  Here  is  a  very  different  e.xample  and  character.  As 
 
CHAP  I 
 
 5  Beloved,  thou'  doest  faithfully  whatso¬ 
 ever  thou  doest  to  the  brethren,  and  to 
 
 trangers  ; 
 
 6  Which  have  borne  witness  of  thy  charity 
 before  the  church  :  whom  if  thou  bring  for¬ 
 ward  on  their  journey  after  a  godly  sort,  thou 
 shalt  do  well : 
 
 7  Because  that  for  his  name's  sake  they 
 went  forth,  taking  nothing  of  the  Gentiles. 
 
 8  We,  therefore,  ought  to  receive  such, 
 that  we  might  be  fellow-helpers  to  the  truth. 
 
 9  I  wrote  unto  the  church  :  but  Diotre- 
 phus,  who  loveth  to  have  the  pre-eminence 
 among  them,  receiveth  us  not. 
 
 10  Wherefore,  if  I  come,  1  will  remember 
 his  deeds  which  he  doeth,  prating  against  us 
 with  malicious  words ;  and  not  content 
 
 officer,  a  minister  in  the  church  less  generous,  catholic,  and  com¬ 
 municative  than  the  private  Christians.  Ministers  may  sometimes 
 be  out-shone,  out-done.  He  loves  to  have  the  pre-eminence. 
 This  ferment  sprung  and  wrought  betimes.  It  is  an  ill  unbeseem¬ 
 ing  character  of  Christ's  minister,  to  love  pre-eminence  ;  to  affect 
 precedency  in  the  church  of  God. 
 
 4 — 14.  Probably,  this  Demetrius  was  known  to  the  church  ^ 
 
 therewith,  neither  doth  he  himself  receive 
 the  brethren,  and  forbiddeththem  that  would, 
 and  casteth  them  out  of  the  church. 
 
 11  Beloved,  follow  not  that  which  is  evil, 
 but  that  which  is  good.  He  that  doeth  good 
 is  of  God  :  but  he  that  doeth  evil  hath  not 
 seen  God. 
 
 12  Demetrius  hath  good  report  of  all  men, 
 and  of  the  truth  itself:  yea,  and  we  also  bear 
 record  ;  and  ye  know  that  our  record  is 
 true. 
 
 13  I  had  many  things  to  write,  but  I  Avill 
 not  with  ink  and  pen  write  unto  thee. 
 
 14  But  I  trust  I  shall  shortly  see  thee, 
 and  we  shall  speak  face  to  face.  Peace  he 
 to  thee.  Our  friends  salute  thee.  Greet 
 the  friends  by  name. 
 
 where  the  apostle  now  resided,  and  to  that  where  Gains  was.  It 
 is  good  to  be  well  known,  or  known  for  good.  We  must  be  ready 
 to  bear  our  testimony  to  those  that  are  good.  It  is  a  debt  to  vir¬ 
 tue  and  goodness.  It  is  well  for  those  that  are  commended,  when 
 those  that  commend  them  can  appeal  to  the  conscience  of  those 
 that  know  them  most. 
 
 THE  GENERAL  EPISTLE  OF 
 
 JUDE. 
 
 •Ihis epistle  (as  some  few  others  are)  is  styk^  or  catholic;  for  that  it  is  not  immediately  directed  to  any  particular  nerson 
 
 family  or  church  ;  but  to  he  whole  society  ot  Christians  oj  that  time,  lately  converted  to  the  faith  of  Christ,  whether  from  Judaism’ 
 last*^°^"'^*”*  standing,  lasting,  and  special  use  in  and  to  the  church  as  long  as  Christianity,  that  is,  as  time  shall 
 
 TUDE,  the  servant  of  Jesus  Christ,  and 
 ^  brother  of  J ames,  to  them  that  are  sanc¬ 
 tified  by  God  the  Father,  and  preserved  in 
 Jesus  Christ,  and  called  : 
 
 2  Mercy  unto  you,  and  peace,  and  love, 
 be  multiplied. 
 
 3  Beloved,  when  I  gave  all  diligence  to 
 write  unto  you  of  the  common  salvation,  it 
 was  needful  for  me  to  write  unto  you,  and 
 exhort  that  ye  should  earnestly  contend 
 for  the  faith  which  was  once  delivered  unto 
 the  saints. 
 
 1—3.  We  have  here  the  design  of  the  apostle  in  writing  this 
 epistle  to  the  lately  converted  Jews  and  Gentiles,  namely  to  esta¬ 
 blish  them  in  the  Christian  faith,  and  a  practice  and  conversation 
 
 II.  100  4  X 
 
 lirvlrl  iHtitunco,  and  in  an  open  and 
 
 wliotP  ‘■ssion  theieof;  especially  in  limes  of  notorious  opposition, 
 rer  y  artful  seduction,  or  violent  and  inhuman  persecution. 
 
 '*1Q 
 
JUDE. 
 
 4  For  there  are  certain  men  crepf  in  un¬ 
 awares,  who  were  before  of  old  ordained  to 
 this  condemnation ;  ungodly  men,  turning 
 the  grace  of  our  God  into  lasciviousness, 
 and  denying  the  only  Lord  God,  and  our 
 Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
 
 5  I  will  therefore  put  you  in  remembrance, 
 though  ye  once  knew  this,  how  that  the 
 Lord,  having  saved  the  people  out  of  the 
 land  of  Egypt,  afterward  destroyed  them 
 that  believed  not. 
 
 6  And  the  angels  which  kept  not  their 
 first  estate,  but  left  their  own  habitation,  he 
 hath  reserved  in  everlasting  chains  under 
 darkness  unto  the  judgment  of  the  great 
 day. 
 
 7  Even  as  Sodom  and  Gomorrha,  and  the 
 cities  about  them,  in  like  manner  giving 
 themselves  over  to  fornication,  and  going 
 after  strange  flesh,  are  set  forth  for  an  ex¬ 
 ample,  suffering  the  vengeance  of  eternal 
 fire. 
 
 8  Likewise  also  these  filthy  dreamers  de¬ 
 file  the  flesh,  despise  dominion,  and  speak 
 evil  of  dignities. 
 
 9  Yet  Michael  the  archangel,  when  con¬ 
 tending  with  the  devil,  (he  disputed  about 
 the  body  of  Moses,)  durst  not  bring  against 
 him  a  railing  accusation,  but  said.  The  Lord 
 rebuke  thee. 
 
 10  But  these  speak  evil  of  those  things 
 which  they  know  not :  but  what  they  know 
 naturally,  as  brute  beasts,  in  those  things 
 they  corrupt  themselves. 
 
 11  Woe  unto  them !  for  they  have  gone 
 in  the  way  of  Cain,  and  ran  greedily  alter 
 the  error  of  Balaam  for  reward,  and  perished 
 in  the  gainsaying  of  Core. 
 
 12  These  are  spots  in  your  feasts  of 
 charity,  wdien  they  feast  with  you,  feeding 
 themselves  without  fear :  clouds  they  are 
 
 4 — 7.  We  have  here  a  recital  of  the  former  judgments  of  God 
 upon  sinners,  with  design  to  awaken  and  terrify  those  to  whom 
 warning  is  given  in  this  epistle. 
 
 8 — 13.  Sin  is  filthiness.  It  renders  men  odious  and  vile  in  the 
 sight  of  the  most  Holy  God.  And  makes  them  (sooner  or  later 
 as  penitent  or  as  punished  to  extremity,  and  without  resource) 
 vile  in  their  own  eyes  ;  and  in  awhile  they  became  vile  in  the  eyes 
 of  all  about  them. 
 
 14 — 16.  Some  say  this  prophecy  of  Enoch  was  preserved  by 
 tradition  in  the  Jewish  church,  others  that  the  apostle  Jude  was 
 immediately  inspired  with  the  notice  of  it.  Bo  tnat  how  it  will, 
 it  is  certain  there  was  such  a  prophecy  of  ancient  date,  of  long 
 720 
 
 without  water,  carried  about  of  winds  ;  trees 
 
 whose  fruit  withereth,  without  fruit,  ’  twice 
 
 dead,  plucked  up  by  the  roots : 
 
 13  Raging  waves  of  the  sea,  foaming  out 
 their  own  shame  ;  wandering  stars,  to  whom 
 is  reserved  tlie  blackness  of  darkness  for 
 ever. 
 
 14  And  Enoch  also,  the  seventh  from 
 Adam,  prophesied  of  these,  saying,  Behold, 
 the  Lord  cometh  with  ten  thousand  of  his 
 saints, 
 
 15  To  execute  judgment  upon  all,  and  to 
 convince  all  that  are  ungodly  among  them 
 of  all  their  ungodly  deeds  which  they  have 
 ungodly  committed  ;  and  of  all  their  hard 
 speeches  which  ungodly  sinners  have  spoken 
 against  him. 
 
 16  These  are  murmurers,  complainers, 
 walking  after  their  own  lusts;  and  their 
 mouth  speaketh  great  swelling  words^  having 
 men's  persons  in  admiration  because  of  ad¬ 
 vantage. 
 
 17  But,  beloved,  remember  ye  the  words 
 which  were  s])oken  before  of  the  apostles  of 
 our  Lord  J  esus  Christ ; 
 
 18  How  that  they  told  you  there  should 
 be  mockers  in  the  last  time,  who  should 
 walk  after  their  own  ungodlv  lusts. 
 
 19  These  be  they  who  separate  themselves, 
 sensual,  having  not  the  Spirit. 
 
 20  But  ye,  beloved,  building  up  your¬ 
 selves  on  your  most  holy  faith,  praying  in  the 
 Holy  Ghost, 
 
 21  Keep  yourselves  in  the  love  of  God, 
 looking  for  the  mercy  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
 Christ  unto  eternal  life. 
 
 22  And  of  some  have  comj)assion,  mak¬ 
 ing  a  ditference  : 
 
 23  And  others  save  with  fear,  pulling 
 them  out  of  the  fire  :  hating  even  the  gar¬ 
 ment  spotted  by  the  flesh. 
 
 standing  and  universally  received  in  the  Old  Testament  church  ; 
 and  it  is  a  main  point  of  the  New  Testament  creed. 
 
 17 — 25.  All  real  sincere  believers  shall  be  presented,  at  the 
 Lord  Redeemer’s  appearance  and  coming,  by  him  their  glorious 
 head,  to  the  Father  in  order  to  his  approbation,  acceptance,  and 
 reward.  Thev  were  given  him  of  the  Father,  and  of  all  that  were 
 so  given  him  he  has  lost  none,  nor  will  lose  any  one,  not  an  indi¬ 
 vidual,  a  single  soul,  but  will  present  them  all  ’perfectly  holy  and 
 happy,  when  he  shall  surrender  his  mediatorial  kingdom  to  his 
 God  and  our  God  ;  his  Father  and  our  Father,  John  vi.  39,  witli 
 chap.  xvii.  12.  1  Cor.  .\v.  24. 
 
CHAP.  I. 
 
 24  Now,  unto  him  that  is  able  to  keep 
 you  from  tailing,  and  to  present  you  faultless 
 before  the  presence  of  his  glory  with  exceed- 
 
 25  To  the  only  wise  God  our  Saviour,  be 
 glory  and  majesty,  dominion  and  power, 
 both  now  and  ever.  Amen. 
 
 ihgjoy, 
 
 REVELATION 
 
 OF  ST.  JOHN  THE  DIVINE. 
 
 From  the  beginning  the  church  of  God  has  been  blessed  with  prophecy  ;  that  glorious  prediction  of  breaking  the  serpent’s  head,  was 
 the  stay  and  support  of  the  patriarchal  age,  and  the  many  prophecies  there  were  concerning  the  JMessiali  to  come,  were  the  gospel 
 of  the  Old  Testament.  Christ  himself  prophesied  of  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem  ;  and  about  the  time  in  which  that  was  accom¬ 
 plished,  he  entrusted  the  apostle  John  with  this  book  of  Revelation,  to  deliver  it  to  the  church  as  a  prediction  of  the  most  important 
 events  that  should  happen  to  it  to  the  end  of  time,  for  the  support  of  the  faith  of  his  people,  and  the  direction  of  their  hope.  It  is 
 called  the  Revelation,  because  God  therein  discovers  those  things  which  could  never  have  been  sifted  out  by  the  reasonings  of  hu¬ 
 man  understanding ;  those  deep  things  of  God  which  no  man  knows,  but  the  Spirit  of  God  and  those  to  whom  he  reveals  them. 
 
 CHAP.  I. 
 
 This  chapter  is  a  general  preface  to  the  whole  book. 
 
 rB'lHE  Revelation  of  Jesus  Christ,  which 
 God  gave  unto  him,  to  shew  unto  his 
 servants  things  which  must  shortly  come  to 
 pass  ;  and  he  sent  and  signified  it  by  his 
 angel  unto  his  servant  John  : 
 
 2  Who  bare  record  of  the  word  of  God, 
 and  of  the  testimony  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  of 
 all  things  that  he  saw. 
 
 3  Blessed  is  he  that  readeth,  and  they 
 that  hear  the  words  of  this  prophecy,  and 
 keep  those  things  which  are  written  therein  : 
 for  the  time  is  at  hand. 
 
 4  TOHN  to  the  seven  churches  which  are 
 ^  in  Asia  :  Grace  be  unto  you,  and  peace 
 
 CH.'\P.  I.  1 — 3.  Though  Christ  is  himself  God,  and  as  such  has 
 light  and  life  in  himself ;  yet  as  he  sustains  the  office  of  mediator 
 between  God  and  man,  he  receives  his  instructions  from  the  Father. 
 The  human  nature  of  Christ,  though  endowed  with  the  greatest 
 sagacity,  judgment  and  penetration,  yet  could  not  in  a  way  of  rea¬ 
 son  discover  these  great  events,  which  not  being  produced  by  na¬ 
 tural  causes,  but  wholly  depending  upon  the  will  of  God,  could 
 only  be  the  object  of  divine  prescience,  and  must  come  to  a  created 
 mind  only  by  revelation.  Our  Lord  Jesus  is  the  great  trustee  of 
 divine  revelation;  it  is  to  him  we  owe  the  knowledge  vve  have  of 
 w  hat  we  are  to  expect  from  God,  and  what  he  expects  from  us. 
 
 3—8.  It  is  not  sufficient  to  our  blessedness  that  we  read  and 
 hear  the  scriptures,  but  we  must  keep  the  things  that  arc  written ; 
 
 j  from  him  which  is,  and  which  was,  and  which 
 is  to  come ;  and  from  the  seven  spirits 
 which  are  before  his  throne  : 
 
 5  And  from  Jesus  Christ,  who  is  the  faith¬ 
 ful  Witness,  (ind  the  first-begotten  of  the 
 dead,  and  the  Prince  of  the  kings  of  the  earth. 
 Unto  him  that  loved  us,  and  washed  us  from 
 our  sins  in  his  own  blood, 
 
 6  And  hath  made  us  kings  and  priests  un¬ 
 to  God  and  his  Father  ;  to  him  be  glory  and 
 dominion  for  ever  and  ever.  Amen. 
 
 7  Behold,  he  cometh  with  clouds;  and 
 every  eye  shall  see  him,  and  they  also  which 
 pierced  him :  and  all  kindreds  of  the  earth 
 shall  wail  because  of  him.  Even  so.  Amen. 
 
 8  I  am  Alpha  and  Omega,  the  beginning 
 
 we  must  keep  them  in  our  memories,  in  our  minds,  in  our  affec¬ 
 tions,  and  in  practice,  and  we  shall  be  blessed  in  the  deed. 
 
 Christ  the  great  friend  of  his  church  and  people  ;  one  that  has 
 done  great  things  for  them,  and  this  out  of  pure  disinterested  af¬ 
 fection  ;  he  has  loved  them,  and  in  pursuance  of  that  everlasting 
 love,  he  has  washed  them  from  their  sins  in  his  own  blond.  He 
 hath  made  them  priests,  given  them  access  to  God,  enabled  them 
 to  enter  into  the  holiest,  and  to  offer  spiritual  and  acceptable  sa¬ 
 crifices  ;  has  given  them  an  unction  suitable  to  this  character  • 
 and  for  these  high  honours  and  favours  they  are  bound  to  ascribe 
 to  him  dominion  and  glory  for  ever.  This  account  of  Christ  is 
 ratified  and  confirmed  by  himself,  8,  in  which  our  Lord  Jesus 
 justly  challenges  the  same  honour  and  power  that  is  ascribed  to 
 
 721 
 
REVELATION. 
 
 and  the  ending,  saith  the  Lord,  which  is, 
 and  which  Avas,  and  Avhich  is  to  come,  the 
 Almio;htv. 
 
 9  1  John,  Avho  also  am  your  brother,  and 
 companion  in  tribulation,  and  in  the  king¬ 
 dom  and  patience  of  Jesus  Christ,  was  in 
 the  isle  that  is  called  Patmos,  for  the  word 
 ot  God,  and  for  the  testimony  of  Jesus  Christ. 
 
 10  I  Avas  in  the  Spirit  on  the  Lord's  dav, 
 and  heard  behind  me  a  great  voice,  as  of  a 
 trumpet, 
 
 11  Saying,  I  am  Alpha  and  Omega,  the 
 first  and  the  last;  and.  What  thou  seest 
 Avrite  in  a  book,  and  send  it  unto  the  seven 
 churches  Avhich  are  in  Asia ;  unto  Ephesus, 
 and  unto  Smyrna,  and  unto  Pergamos,  and 
 unto  Thyatira,  and  unto  Sardis,  and  unto 
 Philadelphia,  and  unto  Laodicea. 
 
 12  And  I  turned  to  see  the  voice  that 
 spake  Avith  me.  And,  being  turned,  I  saAv 
 scA'en  golden  candlesticks  ; 
 
 13  And  in  the  midst  of  the  seven  candle¬ 
 sticks  one  like  unto  the  Son  of  man,  clothed 
 Avith  a  garment  doAvn  to  the  foot,  and  girt 
 about  the  paps  Avith  a  golden  girdle. 
 
 14  His  head  and  his  hairs  were  Avhite  like 
 Avool,  as  Avhite  as  snoAv  ;  and  his  eyes  were 
 as  a  flame  of  fire,; 
 
 15  And  his  feet  like  unto  fine  brass,  as  if 
 they  burned  in  a  furnace ;  and  his  voice  as 
 the  sound  of  many  Avaters. 
 
 16  And  he  had  in  his -right  hand  seven 
 stars  :  and  out  of  his  mouth  Avent  a  sharp 
 tAvo-edged  SAVord  ;  and  his  countenance  xms 
 as  the  sun  shineth  in  his  strength. 
 
 17  And  when  I  saw  him  I  fell  at  his  feel 
 as  dead.  And  he  laid  his  right  hand  upon 
 me,  saying  unto  me.  Fear  not;  I  am  the 
 first  and  the  last ; 
 
 Id  he  that  liveth  and  Avas  dead  ; 
 
 and,  behold,  I  am  aliA^e  for  evermore.  Amen  ; 
 and  have  the  keys  of  hell  and  of  death. 
 
 19  Write  the  things  Avhich  thou  hast  seen, 
 and  the  things  Avhich  are,  and  the  things 
 Avhich  shall  be  hereafter ; 
 
 20  The  mystery  of  the  seven  stars  Avhich 
 thou  saAvest  in  my  right  hand,  and  the  seven 
 golden  candlesticks.  The  seven  stars  are 
 the  angels  of  the  seven  churches  ;  and  the 
 seven  candlesticks  Avhich  thou  saAvest  are 
 the  seven  churches. 
 
 CHAP.  H. 
 
 In  this  chapter  we  have,  I.  The  message  sent  to  Ephesus,  from 
 1— 8.  H.  To  Smyrna,  from  8—12.  III.  To  Pergamos,  from 
 12 — 18.  IV.  To  Thyatira,  from  18  to  the  end. 
 
 TTNTO  the  angel  of  the  church  of  Ephe- 
 ^  sus  Avrite  ;  these  things  saith  he  that 
 holdeth  the  seven  stars  in  his  right  hand, 
 Avho  Avalketh  in  the  midst  of  the  seA'en  gol¬ 
 den  candlesticks  : 
 
 2  I  knoAV  thy  Avorks,  and  thy  labour,  and 
 thy  patience,  and  Iioav  thou  canst  not  l)ear 
 them  Avhich  are  evil:  and  thou  hast  tried 
 them  Avhich  they  say  are  apostles,  and  are 
 not,  and  hast  found  them  liars  : 
 
 3  And  hast  borne,  and  hast  patience,  and 
 for  iny  name's  sake  hast  laboured,  and  hast 
 not  fainted. 
 
 4  Nevertheless  I  have  somewhat  against 
 thee,  because  thou  hast  left  thy  first  love. 
 
 the  Father,  4.  He  is  the  beginning  and  the  end;  all  things  are 
 from  him  and  for  him  ;  he  is  the  Almighty  ;  he  is  the  same  eternal 
 and  unchangeable  One.  And  surely  whoever  presumes  to  blot  out 
 one  character  of  this  name  of  Christ,  deserves  to  have  his  name 
 blotted  out  of  the  book  of  life.  'I'hey  that  honour  him  he  will 
 honour;  but  they  that  despise  him  shall  be  lightly  esteemed. 
 
 9 — 20.  John  was  in  the  isle  Patmos  ;  he  does  not  say  who  ba 
 nished  him  thither;  it  becomes  Christians  to  speak  sparingly  and 
 modestly  of  their  own  sufferings.  Patmos  is  said  to  be  an  island 
 m  the  Aegean  Sea,  one  of  those  called  Cyclades,  and  was  about 
 thirty-five  miles  in  compass  ;  but  under  this  confinement  it  was  the 
 apostle’s  comfort  that  he  did  not  sufi’er  as  an  evil-doer,  but 
 it  was  for  the  testimony  of  Jesus,  for  bearing  witness  to  Christ 
 as  the  Immanuel,  the  Saviour.  This  was  a  cause  w'orth  suffering 
 lor ;  and  the  Spirit  of  glory  and  of  God  rested  upon  this  persecuted 
 apostle.  He  had  this  vision  on  the  Lord’s  day;  the  day  which  Christ 
 had  separated  and  set  apart  for  himself,  as  the  Eucharist  is  called 
 the  Lord’s  supper.  Surely  this  can  be  no  other  than  the  Christian 
 sabbath  ;  the  first  day  of  the  week,  to  be  observed  in  remembrance 
 of  the  resurrection  of  Christ.  Let  us  who  call  him  our  Lord, 
 honour  him  on  his  own  day  ;  the  day  which  the  Lord  hath  made, 
 722 
 
 and  in  which  wc  ought  to  rejoice.  The  churches  arc  compared 
 to  candlesticks,  because  they  hold  forth  the  light  of  the  gos¬ 
 pel  to  advantage.  '1  he  churches  are  not  candles,  Christ  only 
 IS  our  light,  and  his  gospel  our  lamp,  but  they  receive  their  light 
 Irom  Christ  and  the  gospel,  and  hold  it  forth  to  others.  'Phev 
 are  gohlen  candlesticks,  for  they  should  be  precious  and  pure, 
 comjiarable  to  fine  gold  ;  not  only  the  ministers  but  the  mem¬ 
 bers  ot  the  churches  ought  to  be  such  ;  their  light  should  so  shine 
 before  men,  as  to  engage  dthers  to  give  glory  to  God.  Me  saw  a 
 representation  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  in  the  midst  of  the  golden 
 candlesticks  ;  for  he  has  jiromised  to  be  with  his  churches  alwavs 
 to  the  end  of  the  world,  filling  them  with  light,  and  life,  and  love, 
 for  ho  is  the  very  animating,  informin^A  soulof  the  church. 
 
 CHAP.  H.  1 — 7.  The  Nicolaitanes  were  a  loose  sect,  that  shelter¬ 
 ed  themselves  under  the  name  of  Christianity;  they  held  hateful 
 doctrines,  and  they  were  guilty  of  hateful  deeds,  hateful  to  Christ, 
 and  to  all  true  Christians;  and  it  is  mentioned  to  the  praise  of  the 
 church  of  L|)hcsus,  that  they  had  a  just  zeal  and  abhorrence  of 
 those  wicked  doctrines  and  practices.  An  indifference  of  Spirit, 
 between  truth  and  error,  good  and  evil,  may  be  called  charity,  and 
 meekness,  but  is  not  pleasing  unto  Christ.  Our  Saviour  siibjcun 
 
CHAP.  II. 
 
 5  Remember,  therefore,  from  Avhence 
 thou  an  fallen  ;  and  repent,  and  do  the  first 
 works  ;  or  else  I  will  come  unto  thee  quick¬ 
 ly,  and  will  remove  thy  candlestick  out  of 
 his  place,  except  thou  repent. 
 
 6  But  this  thou  hast  that  thou  hatest  the 
 deeds  of  the  Nicolaitanes,  which  I  also  hate. 
 
 7  He  that  hath  an  ear,  let  him  hear  what 
 the  Spirit  saith  unto  the  churches  ;  To  him 
 that  overcometh  will  I  give  to  eat  of  the 
 tree  of  life,  which  is  in  the  midst  of  the  pa¬ 
 radise  of  God. 
 
 8  And  unto  the  angel  of  the  church  in 
 Sni^yrna  write ;  These  things  saith  the  first 
 and  the  last,  which  was  dead,  and  is  alive  : 
 
 9  I  know  thy  works,  and  tribulation,  and 
 poverty,  (but  thou  art  rich,)  and  I  know  the 
 blasphemy  of  them  Avhich  say  they  are  Jews, 
 and  are  not,  but  ore  the  synagogue  of  Satan. 
 
 10  Fear  none  of  those  things  which  thou 
 shalt  suffer  :  behold,  the  devil  shall  cast  some 
 of  you  into  prison,  that  ye  may  be  tried  ; 
 and  ye  shall  have  tribulation  ten  days  :  be 
 thou  faithful  unto  death,  and  I  Avill  give 
 thee  a  crown  of  life. 
 
 11  He  that  hath  an  ear,  let  him  hear 
 what  the  Sjiirit  saith  unto  the  churches  ;  He 
 that  overcometh  shall  not  be  hurt  of  the  se¬ 
 cond  death. 
 
 12  And  to  the  an2:el  of  the  church  in  Per- 
 gamos  write  ;  J'hese  things  saith  he  which 
 hath  the  sharp  sword  with  two  edges. 
 
 this  kind  commendation  to  his  severe  threatening,  to  make  the  ad¬ 
 vice  more  effectual.  The  Christian  life  is  a  warfare  against  sin, 
 Satan,  the  world,  and  the  flesh.  It  is  not  enough  that  we  engage 
 in  this  warfare,  but  we  must  pursue  it  to  the  end  ;  we  must  never 
 yield  to  our  spiritual  enemies,  but  light  the  good  tight,  till  we  gain 
 the  victory,  as  all  persevering  Christians  shall  do,  and  the  warfare 
 and  victory  .shall  have  a  glorious  trium|)h  and  reward.  That 
 which  is  here  promised  is  to  eat  of  the  tree  of  life  which  is  in  the 
 midst  of  the  paradise  of  God.  They  shall  have  that  perfection  ot 
 holiness,  and  that  confirmation  therein  that  Adam  should  have 
 had  :  if  he  had  gone  well  through  the  course  of  his  trial,  then  he 
 should  have  eaten  of  the  I’rce  of  Life  that  was  in  the  midst  of  Pa¬ 
 radise,  and  that  would  have  been  the  sacfamcnt  of  confirmation  to 
 him  in  his  holy  and  happy  state.  So  all  that  persevere  in  their 
 Christian  trial  and  warfare,  shall  derive  from  Christ  as  the  'Free  of 
 Life,  perfection  and  confirmation  in  holiness  and  happiness  in  the 
 paradise  of  God  ;  not  in  the  earthly  parad'se,  but  the  heavenly, 
 chap.  x.\ii.  1,  2. 
 
 8—  1 1.  I  know  the  blasphemy  of  them  that  say  they  are  Jews,  but 
 are  not,  that  is,  1.  Of  those  that  pretend  to  be  the  only  peculiar  co¬ 
 venant  people  of  God,  as  the  Jews  boasted  themselves  to  be,  even 
 after  God  had  rejected  them.  Or,  2.  Of  those  that  would  be  set¬ 
 ting  up  the  Jewish  rites  and  ceremonies  that  were  now  not  only 
 antiquated  but  abrogated.  'I'hese  may  say  they  only 'are  the 
 church  of  God  in  the  world,  when  indeed  they  are  the  synagogue 
 
 13  I  know  thy  works,  and  where  thou 
 dwellest,  even  where  Satan's  seat  is;  and  thou 
 boldest  fast  my  name,  and  hast  not  denied 
 my  faith,  even  in  those  days  wherein  Anti- 
 pas  was  my  faithful  martyr,  who  was  slain 
 among  you,  where  Satan  dwelleth. 
 
 14  But  I  have  a  few  things  against  thee, 
 because  thou  hast  there  them  that  hold  the 
 doctrine  of  Balaam,  who  taught  Balac  to 
 cast  a  stumbling-block  before  the  children 
 of  Israel,  to  eat  things  sacrificed  unto  idols, 
 and  to  commit  fornication. 
 
 15  So  hast  thou  also  them  that  hold  the 
 doctrine  of  the  Nicolaitanes,  which  thing  I 
 hate. 
 
 16  Repent;  or  else  I  will  come  unto  thee 
 quickly,  and  will  fight  against  them  with 
 the  sword  of  my  mouth. 
 
 17  He  that  hath  an  ear,  let  him  hear  what 
 the  Spirit  saith  unto  the  churches  ;  To  him 
 that  overcometh  will  I  give  to  eat  of  the  hid¬ 
 den  manna,  and  will  give  him  a  white  stone, 
 and  in  the  stone  a  new  name  v/ritten,  which 
 no  man  knoweth  saving  he  that  receiveth  it. 
 
 18  And  unto  the  angel  of  the  church  in 
 Thyatira  write  ;  These  things  saith  the  Son 
 of  God,  who  hath  his  eyes  like  unto  a  flame 
 of  fire,  and  his  feet  are  like  fine  brass  ; 
 
 19  I  know  thy  works,  and  charity,  and 
 service,  and  faith,  and  thy  patience,  and  thy 
 works  ;  and  the  last  to  be  more  than  the 
 first. 
 
 of  Satan.  The  people  of  God  must  look  for  a  scries  and  succession 
 of  troubles  in  this  world;  and  their  troubles  usually  rise  higher; 
 they  had  been  impoverished  by  their  tribulations  before,  now  they 
 must  be  imprisoned.  Be  thou  faithful  to  death,  and  I  will  give  thee 
 a  crown  of  life.  The  sureness  of  the  reward,  1  will  give  thee.  He 
 hath  said  it  that  is  able  to  do  it,  and  he  has  undertaken  that  he 
 will  do  it ;  they  shall  have  the  reward  from  his  own  hand,  and 
 none  of  their  enemies  shall  be  able  to  wrest  it  out  of  his  hand,  or 
 to  pull  it  from  their  heads.  The  suitableness  of  it.  A  crown  to 
 reward  their  poverty,  and  their  fidelity,  and  their  conflict.  A 
 crown  of  life  to  reward  those  that  are  faithful  even  unto  death,  are 
 faithful  till  they  die,  and  that  part  with  life  itself  in  fidelity  to 
 Christ ;  that  life  so  worn  out  in  his  service,  or  laid  down  in  his  cause, 
 shall  be  rewarded  with  another,  and  a  much  better  life  that  shall 
 be  eternal. 
 
 12 — 17.  There  were  some  that  taught  it  was  lawful  to  eat  things 
 sacrificed  to  idols,  and  that  simple  fornication  was  no  sin.  They 
 by  an  impure  worship,  drew  men  into  impure  practices,  as  Balaam 
 did  the  Israelites. 
 
 18 — 29.  Wicked  seducers  arc  compared  to  Jezebel,  and  called 
 by  her  name.  Jezebel  was  a  persecutor  of  the  prophets  of  the 
 Lord,  and  a  great  patroness  of  idolaters  and  false  prophets.  The 
 sin  of  these  seducers,  which  was  then  attempted  to  draw  the  ser¬ 
 vants  of  God  into  fornication,  was  to  offer  sacrifices  to  idols.  They 
 I  called  themselves  prophets,  and  so  would  claim  a  superior  autho- 
 
 723 
 
REVELATION. 
 
 20  Notwithstanding  I  have  a  few  things 
 against  thee,  because  thou  su*fferest  that 
 woman  Jezebel,  which  calleth  herself  a  pro¬ 
 phetess,  to  teach  and  to  seduce  my  servants 
 to  commit  fornication,  and  to  eat  things  sa¬ 
 crificed  unto  idols. 
 
 2 1  And  I  gave  her  space  to  repent  of  her 
 fornication  ;  and  she  repented  not. 
 
 22  Behold,  I  will  cast  her  into  a  bed,  and 
 them  that  commit  adultery  with  her  into 
 great  tribulation,  except  they  repent  of  their 
 deeds. 
 
 23  And  I  will  kill  her  children  with  death  ; 
 and  all  the  churches  shall  know  that  I  am  he 
 which  searcheth  the  reins  and  hearts  ;  and  I 
 will  give  unto  every  one^pf  you  according  to 
 your  works, 
 
 24  But  unto  you  I  say,  and  unto  the  rest 
 in  Thyatira,  (as  many  as  have  not  this  doc¬ 
 trine,  and  which  have  not  known  the  depths 
 of  Satan,  as  they  speak,)  I  will  put  upon 
 you  none  other  burden  ; 
 
 25  But  that  which  ye  have  already,  hold 
 fast  till  I  come. 
 
 26  And  he  that  overcometh,  and  keepeth 
 my  works  unto  the  end,  to  him  will  I  give 
 power  over  the  nations. 
 
 27  And  he  shall  rule  them  with  a  rod  of 
 iron  ;  as  the  vessels  of  a  potter  shall  they  be 
 broken  to  shivers  :  even  as  I  received  of  my 
 Father. 
 
 28  And  I  will  give  him  the  morning  star. 
 
 29  He  that  hath  an  ear,  let  him  hear  what 
 the  Spirit  saith  unto  the  churches. 
 
 CHAP.  III. 
 
 Here  we  have  three  more  of  the  epistles  of  Christ  to  the  churches. 
 I.  To  Sardis  from  1  to  /.  II.  To  Philadelphia,  from  ^  to  14, 
 III.  To  Laodicea,  from  14,  to  the  end  of  the  chapter. 
 
 And  unto  the  angel  of  the  church  in 
 Sardis  write ;  These  things  saith  he 
 
 rity  and  regard  to  the  ministers  of  that  church.  God  is  known  by 
 the  judgments  that  he  executeth  ;  and  by  this  revenge  taken  upon 
 seducers  he  would  make  known,  1.  His  infallible  knowledge  oi 
 the  hearts  of  men,  of  their  principles,  designs,  frame  and  temper ; 
 their  formality,  their  indifference,  their  secret  inclinations  to  sym¬ 
 bolize  with  idolaters.  2.  His  impartial  justice,  in  giving  every  one 
 according  to  his  work ;  that  the  name  of  Christians  should  be  no 
 protection,  their  churches  should  be  no  sanctuaries  for  sin  and 
 sinners. 
 
 CHAP.  HI.  l-yO'.  It  is  a  diflicult  thing  to  keep  up  to  the  life! 
 and  power  of  godliness  ourselves,  when  we  sec  an  universal  dcad- 
 ness  and  decU'iision  prevailing  round  about  us.  I  have  not  found 
 thy  works  perfect  before  God  ;  not  filled  up;  there  is  something 
 '^24  ' 
 
 that  hath  the  seven  Spirits  of  God,  and  the 
 seven  stars  ;  I  know  thy  works,  that  thou 
 hast  a  name  that  thou  livest,  and  art  dead. 
 
 2  Be  watchful,  and  strengthen  the  things 
 which  remain,  that  are  ready  to  die  :  for  I 
 have  not  found  thy  works  perfect  before 
 God. 
 
 3  Remember,  therefore,  how  thou  hast 
 received  and  heard,  and  hold  fast,  and  re¬ 
 pent.  If,  therefore,  thou  shalt  not  watch,  I 
 will  come  on  thee  as  a  thief,  and  thou  shalt 
 not  know  what  hour  I  will  come  upon  thee. 
 
 4  Thou  hast  a  few  names  even  in  Sardis, 
 which  have  not  defiled  their  garments  ;  and 
 they  shall  walk  with  me  in  white :  for  they 
 are  worthy. 
 
 5  He  that  overcometh,  the  same  shall  be 
 clothed  in  white  raiment ;  and  I  will  not  blot 
 out  his  name  out  of  the  ()Ook  of  life,  but  I 
 will  confess  his  name  before  my  Father, 
 and  before  his  angels. 
 
 6  He  that  hath  an  ear,  let  him  hear  what 
 the  Spirit  saith  unto  the  churches. 
 
 7  And  to  the  angel  of  the  church  in  Plii- 
 ladelohia  write  *  These  things  saith  he  that 
 is  holy,  he  that  is  true,  he  that  hath  the  key 
 of  David,  he  that  openeth,  and  no  man 
 shutteth;  and  shutteth,  and  no  man  openeth  ; 
 
 8  I  know  thy  works  :  behold,  I  have  set 
 before  thee  an  ojien  door,  and  no  man  can 
 shut  it :  for  thou  hast  a  little  strength,  and 
 hast  kept  my  word,  and  hast  not  denied  my 
 name. 
 
 9  Behold,  I  will  make  them  of  the  syna. 
 gogue  of  Satan,  which  say  they  are  Jews, 
 and  are  not,  but  do  lie  ;  behold,  I  will  make 
 them  to  come  and  worship  before  thy  feet, 
 and  to  know  that  I  have  loved  thee. 
 
 10  Because  thou  hast  kept  the  word  of 
 my  patience,  I  also  will  keep  thee  from  the 
 
 wanting  in  them ;  there  is  the  shell,  but  not  the  kernel;  there  is 
 the  carcase,  but  not  the  soul  :  the  shadow  but  not  tlic  substance. 
 The  inward  thing  is  wanting,  thy  works  arc  hollow  and  empty. 
 Prayers  are  not  filled  up  with  holy  desires,  alnis-<lceds  not  tilled 
 up  with  true  charity  ;  sabbaths  not  filled  up  with  suitable  devotion 
 of  soul  to  God  ;  there  arc  not  inward  atl'ections  suitable  to  outward 
 acts  and  expressions  ;  now  when  the  spirit  is  wanting,  the  form  can¬ 
 not  long  subsist. 
 
 7 — 13,  True  grace,  though  weak,  has  the  divine  ap}nobation ; 
 but  though  Christ  accepts  a  little  strength,  yet  believers  should 
 not  rest  satisfied  in  a  little,  but  should  strive  to  grow  in  grace,  to 
 jc  strong  in  faith,  giving  glory  to  God.  True  grace,  though  weak, 
 will  tlo  more  than  the  greatest  gifts,  or  highest  degrees  of  coinmou 
 
CHAP.  IV. 
 
 hour  of  temptation,  which  shall  come  upon 
 all  the  world,  to  try  them  that  dwell  upon 
 the  earth. 
 
 11  Behold,  I  come  quickly  :  hold  that 
 fast  which  thou  hast,  that  no  man  take  thy 
 crown . 
 
 12  Him  that  overcometh  will  I  make  a 
 pillar  in  the  temple  of  my  God,  and  he 
 shall  go  no  more  out :  and  1  will  write  upon 
 him  the  name  of  my  God,  and  the  name  of 
 the  city  of  my  God,  which  is  new  Jerusalem, 
 which  cometh  down  out  of  heaven  from  my 
 God;  and  I  will  write  upon  him  my  new  name. 
 
 13  He  that  hath  an  ear,  let  him  hear  what 
 the  Spirit  saith  unto  the  churches. 
 
 14  And  unto  the  angel  of  the  church  of 
 the  Laodiceans  write;  These  things  saith  the 
 Amen,  the  faithful  and  true  Witness,  the  be¬ 
 ginning  of  the  creation  of  God  ; 
 
 15  1  know  thy  works,  that  thou  art  nei¬ 
 ther  cold  nor  hot :  1  would  thou  wert  cold 
 or  hot. 
 
 lb  So  then,  because  thou  art  luke-warm, 
 and  neither  cold  nor  hot,  I  will  spue  thee 
 out  of  my  mouth. 
 
 17  Because  thou  sayest,  I  am  rich,  and 
 increased  with  goods,  and  have  need  of 
 nothing ;  and  knowcst  not  that  thou  art 
 wretched,  and  miserable,  and  poor,  and 
 blind,  and  naked  ; 
 
 18  1  counsel  thee  to  buy  of  me  gold  tried 
 in  the  fire,  that  thou  mayest  be  rich ;  and 
 white  raiment,  that  thou  mayest  be  clothed, 
 and  that  the  shame  ot  thy  nakedness  do  not 
 appear  ;  and  anoint  thine  eyes  with  eye- 
 salve  that  thou  mayest  see. 
 
 19  As  many  as  I  love  I  rebuke  and 
 chasten  :  be  zealous,  therefore,  and  repent. 
 
 20  Behold,  I  stand  at  the  door,  and 
 knock  :  if  any  man  hear  my  voice,  and  open 
 the  door,  I  will  come  in  to  him,  and  will 
 sup  with  him,  and  he  with  me. 
 
 21  To  him  that  overcometh  will  I  grant 
 to  sit  with  me  in  my  throne,  even  as  1  also 
 overcame,  and  am  sat  down  with  my  Fa¬ 
 ther  in  his  throne. 
 
 22  He  that  hath  an  ear,  let  him  hear 
 what  the  Spirit  saith  unto  the  churches. 
 
 CHAP.  IV. 
 
 Rrace  for  it  will  enable  the  Christian  to  keep  the  word  of  Christ, 
 luul  not  to  deny  his  name.  Obedience,  fidelity,  and  a  free  con¬ 
 fession  of  the  name  of  Christ,  are  the  fruits  of 'true  prace,  and  are 
 pleasing  to  Christ  as  such.  1.  He  shall  be  a  monumental  pillar  in 
 the  temple  ot  Cod;  not  a  pillar  to  support  the  temple;  heaven 
 needs  no  such  pro])s,  but  a  monument  of  the  free  and  powerful 
 grace  of  God,  a  monument  that  shall  never  be  defaced  or  removed, 
 as  many  statel}’  pillars  erected  in  lionour  to  the  Roman  emperors 
 and  generals  are.  Q.  On  this  monumental  pillar  there  shall  be  an 
 honourable  inscri|)tion,  as  in  those  cases  is  usual.  1.  The  name 
 of  God,  in  whose  cause  he  engaged,  whom  he  served,  and  for 
 whom  he  suffered  in  this  warlare  ;  and  the  name  of  that  city  of 
 Crod,  the  church  of  God,  the  new  Jerusalem  which  came  down 
 from  heaven.  On  this  pillar  shall  be  recordi  d  all  the  services  the 
 believer  did  to  the  church  of  God.  And  then  another  part  of  the 
 inscription  is  the  new  name  of  Christ,  the  .Mediator,  the  Redeemer, 
 the  Captain  of  our  salvation;  by  this  it  will  appear  under  whose 
 banner  this  conquering  believer  was  listed,  under  whose  conduct 
 he  acted,  by  w'hose  c.xample  he  was  encouraged,  and  under  whose 
 •influence  he  fought  the  good  fight,  and  came  off  victorious. 
 
 Glorious  appearance  of  the  throne  in  heaven. 
 
 A  FTER  this  I  looked,  afid,  behold,  a  door 
 zi)as  opened  in  heaven :  and  the  first 
 voice  which  I  heart!  was  as  it  were  of  a 
 trumpet  talking  with  me  ;  which  said.  Come 
 up  hither,  and  I  Avill  shew  thee  things  which 
 must  be  hereafter. 
 
 2  And  immediately  I  was  in  the  Spirit : 
 and,  behold,  a  throne  Avas  set  in  heaven,  and 
 one  sat  on  the  throne. 
 
 3  And  he  that  sat  Avas  to  look  upon  like  a 
 
 asper  and  a  sardine  stone  :  and  there  was  a 
 rainboAv  round  about  the  throne,  in  sioht 
 'ike  unto  an  emerald.  ^ 
 
 4  And  round  about  the  throne  were  four 
 and  tAventy  seats  ;  and  upon  the  seats  I  saAv 
 four  and  tAventy  elders  sitting,  clothed  in 
 Avhite  raiment ;  and  they  had  on  their  heads 
 croAvns  of  gold. 
 
 5  And  out  of  the  throne  proceeded  light¬ 
 nings,  and  thunderings,  and  voices;  and  there 
 zirere  seven  lamps  of  fire  burning  before  the 
 throne,  Avhich  are  the  seven  Spirits  of  God. 
 
 1  r--22.  Perhaps  they  were  well  provided  for  as  to  their  bodies 
 and  that  made  them  overlook  the  necessities  of  their  souls  •  thev 
 had  learning,  and  they  took  it  for  religion  ;  they  had  gifts,  and  the'v 
 took  them  for  grace ;  they  had  wit,  and  they  took  it  for  true  wis- 
 dom;  niey  had  ordinances,  and  they  took  up  with  them  instead 
 ot  the  God  of  ordinances.  How  careful  should  we  be  not  to  nut 
 the  cheat  upon  our  own  souls  !  Doubtless  there  are  many  in  hell 
 that  once  thought  themselves  to  be  in  the  wav  to  heaven.  Let  us 
 daily  beg  of  God  that  we  may  not  be  left  to  fl'atterand  deceive  our¬ 
 selves  in  the  concerns  of  our  souls. 
 
 CHAP  IV.  1-7.  Heaven  is  the  throne  of  God  ;  there  he  re- 
 sdes  m  glory,  and  from  thence  he  gives  laws  to  the  church,  and  to 
 the  whole  world  ;  and  all  earthly  thrones  are  under  the  iuris 
 diction  of  this  throne  that  is  set  in  heaven.  He  saw  four  and 
 twenty  seats  round  about  the  throne,  not  emptv,  but  filled  with 
 tour  and  twenty  elders,  presbyters  representihg  very  probably 
 the  whole  church  of  God,  both  in  the  Old  Testament  and  New 
 Testament  state.  Not  the  ministers  of  the  church,  but  rather  the 
 representatives  of  the  people.  Their  sitting  denotes  their  honour 
 and  their  rest,  and  satisfaction :  their  sitting  about  the  throne’ 
 
 725 
 
REVELATION. 
 
 6  And  before  the  throne  there  was  a  sea  of 
 glass,  like  unto  crystal and  in  the  midst  of 
 the  throne,  and  round  about  the  throne  were 
 four  beasts  full  of  eyes  before  and  behind. 
 
 7  And  the  first  beast  was  like  a  lion,  and 
 the  second  beast  like  a  calf,  and  the  third 
 beast  had  a  face  as  a  man,  and  the  fourth 
 beast  was  like  a  flying  eagle. 
 
 8  And  the  four  beasts  had  each  of  them 
 six  wings  about  /lim ;  and  ihet/  were  full  of 
 eyes  within :  and  they  rest  not  day  and  night, 
 saying.  Holy,  holy,  holy,  Lord^  God  Al- 
 mifhty,  which  was,  and  is,  and  is  to  come. 
 
 9  And  when  those  beasts  give  glory  and 
 honour,  and  thanks,  to  him  that  sat  on  the 
 throne,  who  liveth  for  ever  and  ever, 
 
 10  The  four  and  twenty  elders  fall  down 
 before  him  that  sat  on  the  throne,  and  wor¬ 
 ship  him  that  liveth  for  ever  and  ever,  and 
 cast  their  crowns  before  the  throne,  saying, 
 
 11  Thou  art  worthy,  O  Lord,  to  receive 
 glory,  and  honour,  and  power  ;  for  thou  hast 
 created  all  things,  and  for  thy  pleasure  they 
 are  and  were  created. 
 
 CHAP.  V. 
 
 The  sealed  book. 
 
 And  I  saw  in  the  right  hand  of  him  that 
 sat  on  the  throne'a  book,  written  within 
 and  on  the  back-side,  sealed  with  seven 
 seals. 
 
 2  And  I  saw  a  strong  angel  proclaiming 
 with  a  loud  voice.  Who  is  worthy  to  open  the 
 book,  and  to  loose  the  seals  thereof  ? 
 
 3  And  no  man  in  heaven,  nor  in  earth, 
 neither  under  the  earth,  was  able  to  open 
 the  book,  neither  to  look  thereon. 
 
 4  And  I  wept  much,  because  no  man  was 
 bund  worthy  to  open  and  to  read  the  book, 
 neither  to  look  thereon. 
 
 5  And  one  of  the  elders  saith  unto  me. 
 Weep  not :  behold,  the  Lion  of  the  tribe  ot 
 Judah,  the  Root  of  David,  hath  prevailed 
 to  open  the  book,  and  to  loose  the  seven  seals 
 thereof. 
 
 6  And  I  beheld,  and,  lo,  in  the  midst  of 
 the  throne,  and  of  the  four  beasts,  and  in 
 the  midst  of  the  elders,  stood  a  Lamb,  as  it 
 had  been  slain,  having  seven  horns,  and  se¬ 
 ven  eyes,  which  are  the  seven  Spirits  of  God 
 sent  forth  into  all  the  earth. 
 
 7  And  he  came  and  took  the  book  out  of 
 the  right  hand  of  him  that  sat  upon  the 
 throne. 
 
 8  And  when  he  had  taken  the  book,  the 
 four  beasts  and  four  and  twenty  elders  fell 
 down  before  the  Lamb,  having  every  one 
 of  them  harps,  and  golden  vials  full  of 
 odours,  which  are  the  prayers  of  saints. 
 
 9  And  they  sung  a  new  song,  saying. 
 Thou  art  worthy  to  take  the  book,  and  to 
 
 signifies  their  relation  to  God,  their  nearness  to  him,  the  sight  and 
 enjoyment  they  have  of  him,  and  their  continual  regards  to  him. 
 They  are  clothed  in  white  raiment  the  righteousness  of  the  saints, 
 both  imputed  and  inherent;  they  had  on  their  heads  crowns  o 
 gold,  signifying  the  honour  and  authority  given  them  ot  God,  and 
 the  glory  they  have  with  him.  All  these  may  in  a  lower  sense  be 
 applied  to  the  gospel  church  on  earth,  in  its  worshipping  assemblies; 
 and  in  the  highest  sense,  to  the  church  triumphant  in  heaven.  He 
 saw  four  animals,  living  creatures,  between  tlie  ihione  and  the 
 circle  of  the  elders  (as  seems  most  probable)  standing  between 
 God  and  the  people  ;  these  seem  to  signify  the  ministers  of  the 
 wospel,  not  only  because  of  this  their  situation  nearer  to  God,  and 
 between  him  and  the  elders  and  representatives  of  the  Christian  peo¬ 
 ple  and  because  fewer  in  number  than  the  people;  but  as  thej 
 are’ described  :  1.  By  their  many  eyes,  denoting  sagacity,  vigi¬ 
 lance  and  circumspection.  2.  By  their  lion-like  courage,  their 
 great  labour  and  diligence,  in  which  they  resemble  the  o.x  :  their 
 prudence  and  discretion  becoming  men,  and  their  sublime  attec- 
 tions  and  speculations,  by  which  they  mount  up  with  wings  like 
 eagles  tow'ards  heaven,  7,  and  these  wings  full  of  eyes  within, 
 to  shew  that  in  all  their  meditations  and  ministrations  they  are 
 to  act  with  knowledge,  and  especially  should  be  wml  acquaintec 
 with  themselves  and'thc  state  of  their  own  souls,  and  see  their  own 
 concern  in  the  great  doctrines  and  duties  of  religion,  w'atcmng 
 over  their  own  souls  as  well  as  the  souls  of  the  people.  3.  by  then 
 continual  employment,  and  that  is  praising  God,  and  not  ceasing 
 to  do  so  night  and  day.  The  elders  sit  and  are  ministered  unto, 
 they  stand  and  minister,  they  rest  night  and  dav.  I  his  now  leads 
 to  the  other  part  of  the  representation. 
 
 8 _ 11.  They  cast  down  their  crowns  before  the  throne;  they 
 
 are  God  the  glorv  of  that  holiness  wherewith  he  had  crowm  d 
 heir  souls  on  earth,  and  that  honour  and  happiness  with  which  he 
 rowns  them  in  heaven  :  ihe}^  owe  all  their  graces  and  all  iheir 
 lories  to  him,  and  acknowledge  tliat  his  crown  is  infinitely  more 
 jorious  than  theirs,  and  that  it  is  their  glory  to  be  glorifying 
 
 ^CIIAP.  V.  1—5.  The  designs  and  methods  of  divine  provi- 
 Icncc  towards  the  church  and  the  world  arc  stated  and  fixed  ; 
 hey  are  resolved  upon,  and  agreed  to,  as  that  which  is  written  in 
 I  book  ;  their  great  design  is  laid,  every  part  adjusted,  all  deter- 
 nined,  and  every  thing  passed  into  decree,  and  made  a  matter  of 
 ■ecord’.  The  original  and  first  draught  of  this  book,  is  the  boiik 
 )f  God’s  decrees^  laid  up  in  his  own  cabinet,  in  his  eternal  mind  : 
 )iit  there  is  a  transcript  of  so  much  as  was  necessary  to  be  kiiovMi, 
 n  the  book  of  the  scripture  in  general  ;  in  the  prophetical  part  of 
 cripture  especially,  and  in  this  prophecy  in  particulai.  1  his  tells 
 IS  with  what  inscrutiblc  secrecy  the  counsels  ot  C.od  are  laid, 
 low  impenetrable  liy  the  eye  and  intellect  ()f  the  creature  ;  and 
 ilso  points  to  us  seven  several  parts  ol  this  book  of  Goii  s  counsels  ; 
 ■ach  part  seems  to  have  its  iiarlicular  seal,  and  when  opened  t  is- 
 •overs  its  proper  events  ;  and  these  seven  parts  are  not  unsealed 
 ind  opened  at  once,  but  successively,  one  scene  of  providence  in- 
 roducing  another,  and  explaining  it,  till  the  whole  mystery  of 
 Jod’s  counsel  and  conduct  be  finished  in  the  world. 
 
 No  sooner  had  Christ  received  this  book  out  of  the 
 Father’s  hand,  but  he  receives  the  applauses  and  adorations  of 
 ingels  and  men,  yea,  of  every  creature.  And  indeed,  it  is  just 
 natter  of  joy  to  all  the  world  to  see  that  God  does  not  deal  with 
 
 6' 
 
CHAP.  VI. 
 
 open  the  seals  thereof :  for  thou  wast  slain, 
 and  hast  redeemed  us  to  God  by  thy  blood, 
 out  of  every  kindred,  and  tongue,  and  peo¬ 
 ple,  and  nation ; 
 
 10  And  hast  made  us  unto  our  God  kings 
 and  priests :  and  we  shall  reign  on  the 
 earth. 
 
 1 1  And  I  beheld,  and  I  heard  the  voice  of 
 many  angels  round  about  the  throne,  and 
 the  beasts,  and  the  elders,  and  the  number 
 of  them  was  ten  thousand  times  ten  thou¬ 
 sand,  and  thousands  of  thousands  ; 
 
 12  Saying,  with  a  loud  voice,  Worth}'^  is 
 the  Lamb  that  was  slain  to  receive  power, 
 and  riches,  and  wisdom,  and  strength,  and 
 honour,  and  glory,  and  blessing. 
 
 13  And  every  creature  which  is  in  hea¬ 
 ven,  and  on  the  earth,  and  under  the  earth, 
 and  such  as  are  in  the  sea,  and  all  that  are  in 
 them,  heard  I  saying.  Blessing,  and  honour, 
 and  glory,  and  power,  be  unto  him  that 
 sitteth  upon  the  throne,  and  unto  the  Lamb, 
 for  e\  er  and  ever. 
 
 14  And  the  four  beasts  said.  Amen.  And 
 the  four  and  twenty  elders  fell  down  and 
 worshipped  him  that  liveth  for  ever  and 
 ever. 
 
 CHAP.  VI. 
 
 In  this  chapter  six  of  the  seven  seals  are  opened,  and  the  visions 
 attendinjt  them  are  related  :  'I'lie  first  seal  in  v.  1,  2,  the  se¬ 
 cond  seal  in  v.  3,  4,  the  third  seal  in  v.  5,  6'.  the  fourth  seal  in 
 V,  7,  8,  the  fifth  seal  in  v,  <),  10,  11,  the  sixth  seal  in  v.  12,  13, 
 <Stc.  to  the  end  of  the  chapter. 
 
 men  in  a  way  ot  absolute  power  and  strict  justice,  but  in  a  way  of 
 grace  and  mercy,  through  the  lledeemer  :  he  governs  the  world, 
 not  merely  as  creator  and  law-giver,  but  as  our  God  and  Saviour. 
 All  the  world  has  reason  to  rejoice  in  this. 
 
 CHAP.  VI.  1,  2.  The  Lord  Jesus  appears,  riding  on  a  white 
 horse.  White  horses  are  generally  refused  in  war,  because  they 
 make  the  rider  a  mark  for  the  enemy  ;  but  our  Lord  redeemer 
 was  sure  of  the  victory,  and  a  glorious  triumph,  and  he  rides  on 
 the  white  horse  of  a  pure  but  despised  gospel,  with  great  swiftness 
 through  the  world. 
 
 3 — 8.  'I’he  three  next  seals  give  us  a  sad  prospect  of  great  and 
 desolating  judgments,  with  which  God  uses  to  punish  those  that 
 either  refure  or  abuse  the  everlasting  gospel  ;  though  some  under¬ 
 stand  them  of  the  persecutions  that  befel  the  chrrch  of  Christ,  and 
 others  of  the  destruction  of  the  Jews,  they  rather  seem  more 
 generally  to  represent  God’s  terrible  judgments,  by  which  he 
 avenges  the  quarrel  of  his  covenant  upon  those  that  make  light  ot 
 it. 
 
 1.  Upon  opening  the  second  seal,  to  which  John  was  called  to 
 .Tttend,  another  horse  appears,  of  a  different  colour  from  the  former, 
 a  red  horse,  ver.  4.  This  signifies  the  desolating  judgment  of 
 war.  2.  Upon  opening  the  third  seal,  which  John  is  bid  to  ob¬ 
 serve,  another  horse  appears  different  fiom  the  former,  a  black 
 horse,  signifving  famine,  that  terrible  judgment  ;  and  he  that 
 sat  on  that  horse,  had  a  pair  of  balances  in  his  hand,  5,  sig- 
 rifying,  that  men  must  now  cat  their  bread  by  weight,  as  was 
 \ol.  II.  100  4  V 
 
 A  ND  I  saw  when  the  Lamb  opened  one 
 of  the  seals  ;  and  I  heard,  as  it  were 
 the  noise  of  thunder,  one  of  the  four  beasts 
 saying.  Come  and  see. 
 
 2  And  I  saw,  and,  behold,  a  white  horse  ; 
 and  he  that  sat  on  him  had  a  bow  and  a 
 crown  was  given  unto  him :  and  ho  went 
 forth  conquering,  and  to  conquer. 
 
 3  And  when  he  had  opened  the  second 
 seal,  I  heard  the  second  beast  say.  Come 
 and  see, 
 
 4  And  there  went  out  another  horse  that 
 was  red ;  and  power  was  given  to  him  that 
 sat  thereon  to  take  peace  from  the  earth, 
 and  that  they  should  kill  one  another :  and 
 there  was  given  unto  him  a  great  sword. 
 
 5  And  when  he  had  opened  the  third 
 seal,  I  heard  the  third  beast  say.  Come  and 
 see.  And  I  beheld,  and  lo,  a  black  horse  ; 
 and  he  that  sat  on  him  had  a  pair  of  balances 
 in  his  hand. 
 
 6  And  I  heard  a  voice  in  the  midst  of  the 
 four  beasts  say,  A  measure  of  wheat  for  a 
 penny,  and  three  measures  of  barley  for  a 
 penny  ;  and  see  thou  hurt  not  the  oil  and  the 
 wine. 
 
 7  And  when  he  had  opened  the  fourth 
 seal,  1  heard  the  voice  of  the  fourth  beast 
 say.  Come  and  see. 
 
 8  And  I  looked,  and,  behold,  a  pale 
 horse  ;  and  his  name  that  sat  on  him  was 
 Death,  and  hell  followed  with  him :  and 
 
 threatened.  Lev.  xxvi.  26,  They  shall  deliver  your  bread  to  you 
 by  weight.  3.  Upon  opening  the  fourth  seal,  which  John  is  com¬ 
 manded  to  observe,  there  appears  another  horse  of  a  pale  colour. 
 The  name  of  the  rider.  Death,  the  king  of  terrors  ;  the  pestilence, 
 which  is  death  in  its  empire,  death  reigning  over  a  place  or  na¬ 
 tion  ;  death  on  horseback,  marching  about  and  making  fresh 
 conquests  every  hour.  The  attendants  or  followers  of  this  king 
 of  terrors  ;  and  that  is  hell,  a  state  of  eternal  misery  to  all  those 
 that  die  in  their  sins  ;  and  in  times  of  such  a  general  destruction, 
 multitudes  go  down  unprepared  into  the  valley  of  destruction.  It  is 
 an  awful  thought,  and  enough  to  make  the  whole  world  to  tremble, 
 that  eternal  damnation  immediately  follows  upon  the  death  of  an 
 impenitent  sinner.  There  is  a  natural,  as  well  as  judicial  connec¬ 
 tion  between  one  judgment  and  another  :  w'ar  is  a  wasting  calamity 
 and  draws  scarcity  and  famine  after  it ;  and  famine  not  allowing 
 men  proper  sustenance,  and  forcing  them  to  take  that  which  is 
 unwholesome,  often  draws  the  pestilence  after  it.  To  the  three 
 great  judgments  of  war,  famine,  and  pestilence,  is  here  added  the 
 beasts  of  the  earth,  another  of  God’s  sore  judgments,  mentioned, 
 Ezek.  xiv.  21,  and  mentioned  the  last;  because  when  a  nation  is 
 depopulated  by  the  sword,  famine,  and  pestilence,  the  small  rem¬ 
 nant  that  continued  in  a  waste  and  howling  wilderness,  encourage 
 the  wild  beasts  to  make  heads  against  them,  and  they  become  an 
 easy  prey.  Others,  by  the  beasts  of  the  field,  understand  brutish, 
 cruel,  savage  men,  that  having  divested  themselves  of  all  humanity 
 delight  to  be  the  instruments  of  the  destruction  of  others. 
 
 727 
 
REVELATION. 
 
 power  was  given  unto  them  over  the  fourth 
 part  of  the  earth,  to  kill  with  sword,  and 
 with  hunger,  and  with  death,  and  with  the 
 beasts  of  the  earth. 
 
 9  And  when  he  had  opened  the  fifth  seal, 
 I  saw  under  the  altar  the  souls  of ‘them  that 
 were  slain,  for  the  word  of  God,  and  for  the 
 testimony  which  they  held  : 
 
 10  And  they  cried  with  a  loud  voice, 
 saying.  How  long,  O  Lord,  holy  and  true, 
 dost  thou  not  Judge  and  avenge  our  blood  on 
 them  that  dwell  on  the  earth  ? 
 
 1 1  And  white  robes  were  given  unto  every 
 one  of  them  ;  and  it  w'as  said  unto  them, 
 that  they  should  rest  yet  for  a  little  season, 
 until  their  fellow-servants  also  and  their  bre¬ 
 thren,  that  should  be  killed  as  they  were^ 
 should  be  fulfilled. 
 
 12  And  I  beheld,  when  he  had  opened 
 the  sixth  seal,  and,  lo,  there  was  a  great 
 earthquake  :  and  the  sun  became  black  as 
 sackcloth  of  hair,  and  the  moon  became  as 
 blood ; 
 
 13  And  the  stars  of  heaven  fell  unto  the 
 earth,  even  as  a  fig-tree  casteth  her  untimely 
 figs,  when  she  is  shaken  of  a  mighty 
 w  ind  : 
 
 14  And  the  heaven  departed  as  a  scroll 
 when  it  is  rolled  together  ;  and  every  moun¬ 
 tain  and  island  were  moved  out  of  their 
 places  : 
 
 15  And  the  kings  of  the  earth,  and  the 
 areat  men,  and  the  rich  men,  and  the  chief 
 captains,  and  the  mighty  men,  and  every 
 bond  man,  and  every  free  man,  hid  them¬ 
 selves  in  the  dens,  and  in  the  rocks  of  the 
 mountains  ; 
 
 g — 17.  Even  the  spirits  of  just  men  made  perfect,  retain  a 
 proper  resentment  of  the  wrong  they  have  sustained  by  their  cruel 
 enemies ;  and  though  they  die  in  charity,  praying  as  Christ  did, 
 that  God  would  forgive  them,  yet  they  are  desirous,  that  for  the 
 honour  of  God,  and  Christ,  and  the  gospel,  and  for  the  terror  and 
 conviction  of  others,  God  will  take  a  just  revenge  upon  the  sin  of 
 persecution,  even  while  he  pardons  and  saves  persecutors.  They 
 commit  their  cause  to  him  to  whom  vengeance  belongeth,  and 
 leave  it  in  his  hand  ;  they  are  not  for  avenging  themselves,  but 
 leave  all  to  God.  There  will  be  joy  in  heaven  at  the  destruction 
 of  the  implacable  enemies  of  Christ  and  Christianity,  as  well  as  at 
 the  conversion  of  other  sinners  :  When  Babylon  falls,  it  will  be 
 said.  Rejoice  over  her,  O  thou  heavens,  and  ye  holy  apostles  and 
 prophets,  for  God  hath  avenged  you  on  her.  Rev.  xviii.  20.  Some 
 refer  the  sixth  seal  to  the  great  revolutions  in  the  empire  in  Con¬ 
 stantine’s  time,  the  dovvnfal  of  paganism  ;  others,  with  great  pro¬ 
 bability,  to  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem,  as  an  emblem  of  the 
 general  judgment,  and  destruction  of  the  wicked  at  the  end  of  the 
 728 
 
 16  And  said  to  the  mountains  and  rocks, 
 Fall  on  us,  and  hide  us  from  the  face  of  him 
 that  sitteth  on  the  throne,  and  from  the 
 wrath  of ‘the  Lamb  : 
 
 17  For  the  great  day  of  his  wrath  is  come; 
 and  who  shall  be  able  to  stand  ? 
 
 CHAP.  VIL 
 
 I.  An  account  of  the  restraint  laid  upon  the  winds,  1,  2,  3.  II. 
 
 The  sealing  ot  the  servants  of  God,  4 — 8.  III.  The  songs  of 
 
 angels  and  saints  on  this  occasion,  9 — *3.  IV.  A  description 
 
 of  the  honour  of  those  that  had  faithfully  served  Christ,  14, 
 
 ad  fin. 
 
 A  ND  after  these  things  I  saw  four  angels 
 standing  on  the  four  corners  of  the 
 earth,  holding  the  four  Avinds  of  the  earth, 
 that  the  Avind  should  not  bloAv  on  the  earth, 
 nor  on  the  sea,  nor  on  any  tree. 
 
 2  And  I  saAV  another  angel  ascend  ins  from 
 the  east,  having  the  seal  of  the  living  God  : 
 and  he  cried  Avith  a  loud  voice  to  the  four 
 angels,  to  Avhom  it  Avas  given  to  hurt  the 
 earth  and  the  sea, 
 
 3  Saying,  Hurt  not  the  earth,  neither  the 
 sea,  nor  the  trees,  till  Ave  have  sealed  the 
 servants  of  our  God  in  their  foreheads. 
 
 4  And  I  heard  the  number  of  them  Avhich 
 Avere  sealed  :  a/id  there  zeere  sealed  an  hun¬ 
 dred  aiid  forty  ajid  four  thousand  of  all  the 
 tribes  of  the  children  of  Israel. 
 
 5  Of  the  tribe  of  Judah  zzere  sealed  tAvelve 
 thousand.  Of  the  tribe  of  Reuben  zeere 
 sealed  tAvelve  thousand.  Of  the  tribe  of 
 Gad  K’ere  sealed  tAvelve  thousand. 
 
 6  Of  the  tribe  of  Aser  ziere  sealed  twelve 
 thousand.  Of  the  tribe  of  Nephthalim  uere 
 sealed  tAvelve  thousand.  Of  the  tribe  of 
 Manasses  zuere  sealed  tAvelve  thousand. 
 
 7  Of  the  tribe  of  Simeon  were  sealed 
 
 world.  And  indeed  the  awful  characters  of  this  event  are  so  much 
 the  same  with  those  signs  mentioned  by  our  Saviour,  as  foreboding 
 the  destruction  of  Jerusalem,  that  it  hardly  leaves  any  room  for 
 doubting  but  that  the  same  thing  is  meant  in  both  places  :  though 
 some  think  that  event  was  past  already,  see  Matt.  xxiv.  29.  30. 
 
 CH.AP.  Vll.  1 — 3.  God  has  a  particular  care  and  concern  for 
 his  own  servants,  in  times  of  temptation  and  corruption  ;  and  he 
 has  a  way  to  secure  them  from  the  common  infection ;  he  first 
 establishes  them,  and  then  he  tries  them  ;  he  has  the  timing  of 
 their  trials  in  his  own  hand. 
 
 4 — 8.  Some  take  these  to  be 'a  select  number  of  Jews,  that  were 
 reserved  for  mercy,  at  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem;  others  think 
 that  time  was  past,  and  therefore  it  is  to  be  more  generally  applied 
 to  God’s  chosen  remnant  in  the  world ;  but  if  the  destruction 
 Jerusalem  was  not  over,  (and  I  think  it  hard  to  prove  that  it 
 was)  it  seems  more  proper  to  understand  this  of  the  remnant  of 
 that  people  which  God  had  reserved  according  to  4^  election  of 
 grace  ;  only  here  we  have  a  definite  number  for  an  indefinite. 
 
CPIAP.  VlII. 
 
 twelve  thousand.  Of  the  tribe  of  Levi  were 
 sealed  twelve  thousand.  Of  the  tribe  of 
 Issachar  were  sealed  twelve  thousand. 
 
 8  Of  the  tribe  of  Zabulon  were  sealec 
 twelve  thousand.  Of  the  tribe  of  Joseph 
 were  sealed  twelve  thousand.  Of  the  tribe 
 of  Benjamin  were  sealed  twelve  thousand. 
 
 9  After  this  I  beheld,  and,  lo,  a  great 
 multitude,  which  no  man  could  number, 
 of  all  nations,  and  kindreds,  and  people,  and 
 tongues,  stood  before  the  throne,  and  before 
 the  Lamb,  clothed  with  white  robes,  and 
 palms  in  their  hands, 
 
 10  And  cried  with  a  loud  voice,  saying. 
 Salvation  to  our  God  which  sitteth  upon  the 
 throne,  and  unto  the  Lamb. 
 
 11  And  all  the  angels  stood  round  about 
 the  throne,  and  about  the  elders  and  the  four 
 beasts,  and  fell  before  the  throne  on  their 
 faces,  and  worshi})ped  God, 
 
 12  Saying,  Amen  :  Blessing,  and  glory, 
 and  wisdom,  and  thanksgiving,  and  honour, 
 and  power,  and  might,  be  unto  our  God  for 
 ever  and  ever.  Amen. 
 
 13  And  one  of  the  ciders  answered,  say¬ 
 ing  unto  me,  AVhat  are  these  which  are 
 arrayed  in  white  robes  ?  and  whence  came 
 they  ? 
 
 14  And  I  said  unto  him.  Sir,  thou  know- 
 est.  And  he  said  to  me.  These  are  they 
 which  came  out  of  great  tribulation,  and 
 have  washed  their  robes,  and  made  them 
 w  hite  in  the  blood  of  the  Lamb  : 
 
 15  Therefore  are  they  before  the  throne 
 of  God,  and  serve  him  day  and  night  in  his 
 temj)le  :  and  he  that  sitteth  on  the  throne 
 shall  dwell  among  them. 
 
 9 — 12.  The  praises  offered  up  by  the  saints,  and,  as  it  seems  to 
 me,  by  the  Gentile  believers,  for  the  care  of  God  in  reserving  so 
 large  a  remnant  of  the  Jews,  and  saving  them  from  infidelity  and 
 destruction.  The  Jewish  church  prayed  for  the  Gentiles  before 
 their  conversion,  and  the  Gentile  churches  have  reason  to  bless 
 God  for  his  distinguished  mercy  to  so  many  of  the  Jews,  when  the 
 rest  were  cut  off.  . 
 
 13 — 17,  Here  we  have  a  description  of  the  honour  and  happi¬ 
 ness  of  those  that  have  faithfully  served  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and 
 suffered  for  him.  They  have  formerly  had  their  sorrows,  and 
 shed  many  tears,  both  upon  the  account  of. sin  and  affliction  :  but 
 God  himself,  with  his  own  gentle  and  gracious  hand,  will  wipe 
 those  tears  away,  and  they  shall  return  no  more  for  ever ;  and 
 they  would  not  have  been  without  those  tears,  when  God  comes 
 to  wipe  them  away.  In  this  he  deals  with  them  as  a  tender  fa¬ 
 ther,  that  finds  his  beloved  child  in  tears,  he  comforts  him,  he 
 wipes  his  eyes,  and  turns  his  sorrow  into  rejoicing.  This  should 
 moderate  the  Christian’s  sorrow  in  his  present  state,  and  support 
 
 16  They  shall  hunger  no  more,  neither 
 ’  thirst  any  more ;  neither  shall  the  sun  light 
 
 on  them,  nor  any  heat : 
 
 17  Tor  the  Lamb,  which  is  in  the  midst  of 
 the  throne,  shall  feed  them,  and  shall  lead 
 them  unto  living  fountains  of  waters ;  and 
 God  shall  wipe  away  all  tears  from  their 
 eyes. 
 
 CHAP.  VIII. 
 
 I.  A  prelude  to  the  sounding  of  the  trumpets,  1 — J.  II.  The 
 sounding  of  the  four  trumpets,  7,  ad  fin. 
 
 And  when  he  had  opened  the  seventh 
 seal,  there  was  silence  in  heaven  about 
 the  space  of  half  an  hour. 
 
 2  And  I  saw  the  seven  angels  which  stood 
 before  God  ;  and  to  them  were  given  seven 
 trumpets. 
 
 3  And  another  angel  came  and  stood  at 
 the  altar,  having  a  golden  censer ;  and  there 
 was  given  unto  him  much  incense,  that  he 
 should  ofl'er  it  with  the  prayers  of  all,  saints 
 upon  the  golden  altar  which  was  before  the 
 throne. 
 
 4  And  the  smoke  of  the  incense,  which 
 came  with  the  prayers  of  the  saints,  ascended 
 up  before  God  out  of  the  angeks  hand. 
 
 5  And  the  angel  took  the  censer,  and 
 filled  it  with  fire  of  the  altar,  and  cast  it 
 into  the  earth  :  and  there  were  voices,  and 
 thunderings,  and  lightnings,  and  an  earth- 
 (juake. 
 
 6  And  the  seven  angels,  which  had  the 
 seven  trumpets,  prepared  themselves  to 
 sound. 
 
 7  The  first  angel  sounded,  and  there  fol- 
 owed  hail  and  fire  mingled  with  blood,  and 
 they  were  cast  upon  the  earth  :  and  the 
 
 lim  under  all  the  troubles  of  it ;  for  they  that  sow  in  tears,  shall 
 reap  in  joy ;  and  they  that  now  go  forth  weeping,  bearing  precious 
 seed,  shall  doubtless  come  again  rejoicings  bringing  their  sheaves 
 with  them. 
 
 CHAP.  VIII.  1 — 6.  The  prayers  of  the  saints  come  up  before 
 God  in  a  cloud  of  incense ;  no  prayer  thus  recommended  was 
 ever  denied  audience  and  acceptance.  These  prayers  that  were 
 thus  accepted  in  heaven  produced  great  changes  upon  the  earth 
 in  return  to  them  ;  the  same  angel  that  in  his  censer  offered  up 
 the  prayers  of  the  saints,  in  the  same  censer  took  of  the  fire  of  the 
 altar,  and  cast  it  into  the  earth,  and  this  presently  caused  strange 
 commotions,  voices,  and  thunderings,  and  lightnings,  and  an 
 earthquake.  These  were  the  answers  God  gave  to  the  prayers  of 
 lis  saints,  and  tokens  of  his  anger  against  the  world,  and  that  he 
 would  do  great  things  to  avenge  himself  and  his  people  of  their 
 enemies  ;  and  now  all  things  being  thus  prepared,  the  angels  dis¬ 
 charge  their  duty. 
 
 7 — 13.  The  first  angel  sounded  the  first  trumpet,  and  the  event-t 
 
 739 
 
REVELATION. 
 
 third  part  of  trees  was  burnt  up,  and  all 
 green  grass  was  burnt  up. 
 
 8  And  the  second  angel  sounded,  and  as 
 it  were  a  great  mountain  burning  with  fire 
 was  cast  into  the  sea  :  and  the  third  part  ot 
 the  sea  became  blood  : 
 
 9  And  the  third  part  of  the  creatures 
 which  were  in  the  sea,  and  had  life,  died  ; 
 and  the  third  part  of  the  ships  were  de¬ 
 stroyed. 
 
 10  And  the  third  angel  sounded,  and 
 there  fell  a  great  star  from  heaven,  burning 
 as  it  were  a  lamp,  and  it  fell  upon  the  third 
 part  of  the  rivers,  and  upon  the  fountains  of 
 waters  ; 
 
 11  And  the  name  of  the  star  is  called 
 Wormw'ood  :  and  the  third  part  of  the  wa¬ 
 ters  became  wormwood ;  and  many  men 
 died  of  the  waters,  because  they  were  made 
 bitter. 
 
 12  And  the  fourth  angel  sounded,  and 
 the  third  part  of  the  sun  was  smitten,  and 
 the  third  part  of  the  moon,  and  the  third 
 part  of  the  stars  ;  so  as  the  third  part  ot 
 them  was  darkened,  and  the  day  shone  not 
 for  a  third  part  of  it,  and  the  night  like¬ 
 wise. 
 
 13  And  I  beheld,  and  heard  an  angel 
 flying  through  the  midst  of  heaven,  saying 
 with  a  loud  voice.  Woe,  woe,  woe,  to  the 
 inhabiters  of  the  earth,  by  reason  of  the 
 other  voices  of  the  trumpet  of  the  three 
 angels  which  are  yet  to  sound  ! 
 
 which  followed  were  very  dismal,  7,  There  followed  hail  and 
 fire  mingled  with  blood,  &c.  Here  was  a  terrible  storm  ;  but  whe¬ 
 ther  it  is  to  be  understood  of  a  storm  of  heresies,  a  mixture  of 
 monstrous  errors  falling  on  the  church,  or  a  storm  and  tempest  of 
 war  falling  on  the  civil  state,  expositors  are  not  agreed.  How¬ 
 ever,  here  we  observe,  first.  That  it  was  a  very  terrible  storm, 
 fire,  hail,  and  blood ;  a  strange  mixture.  Second,  The  limita¬ 
 tion  of  it ;  for  the  most  severe  calamities  have  their  bounds  and 
 limits  set  them  by  the  great  God.  The  second  angel  sounded,  and 
 the  alarm  was  followed  as  in  the  first,  with  t<‘rrible  events,  8. 
 A  great  mountain  burning  with  fire  was  cast  into  the  sea,  and  the 
 third  part  of  the  sea  became  blood.  By  this  mountain  some  un¬ 
 derstand  the  leader  or  leaders  ot  the  heretics  ;  others,  as  Mr. 
 Medc,  the  city  of  Rome,  which  was  five  times  sacked  by  the 
 Goths  and  Vandals,  within  the  compass  of  13/  yeais,  first  bv 
 Alaricus  in  the  year  410,  with  great  slaugliter  and  cruelty.  In 
 these  calamities  a  third  part  ot  the  people,  called  here  the*  sea,  or 
 collection  of  waters,  were  destroyed  ;  here  was  still  a  limitation 
 to  the  third  part,  for  in  the  midst  of  judgment  God  remembers 
 mercv.  This  storm  fell  heavy  upon  the  maritime  and  merchan¬ 
 dizing  cities  and  countries  of  the  Roman  empire.  The  third  angel 
 sounded,  and  the  alarm  had  the  like  effects  as  before,  ver.  lO, 
 There  fell  a  great  star  from  heaven,  he.  Some  take  this  to  be  a 
 political  st.ar,  some  eminent  governor ;  and  they  apply  it  to  Agus- 
 
 CHAP.  IX. 
 
 In  this  chapter  we  have  an  account  of  the  sounding  of  the  fifth 
 
 and  sixth  trumpets. 
 
 And  the  fifth  angel  sounded,  and  I  saw 
 a  star  fall  from  heaven  unto  the  earth  ; 
 and  to  him  was  given  the  key  of  the  bottom¬ 
 less  pit. 
 
 2  And  he  opened  the  bottomless  pit ;  and 
 there  arose  a  smoke  out  of  the  pit,  as  the 
 smoke  of  a  great  furnace  ;  and  the  sun  and 
 the  air  were  darkened  by  reason  of  the 
 smoke  of  the  pit. 
 
 3  And  there  came  out  of  the  smoke  lo¬ 
 custs  upon  the  earth  ;  and  unto  them  was 
 given  power,  as  the  scorpions  of  the  earth 
 have  power. 
 
 4  And  it  was  commanded  them  that  they 
 should  not  hurt  the  grass  of  the  earth,  nei¬ 
 ther  any  green  thing,  neither  any  tree  ;  but 
 only  those  men  which  have  not  the  seal  ot 
 God  in  their  foreheads. 
 
 5  And  to  them  it  was  given  that  they 
 should  not  kill  them,  but  that  they  should 
 be  tormented  five  months  ;  and  their  tor¬ 
 ment  was  as  the  torment  of  a  scorpion,  when 
 he  striketh  a  man. 
 
 6  And  in  those  days  shall  men  seek  death, 
 and  shall  not  find  it :  and  shall  desire  to  die, 
 and  death  shall  flee  from  them. 
 
 7  And  the  shapes  of  the  locusts  were  like 
 unto  horses  prepared  unto  battle :  and  on  their 
 heads  were  as  it  were  crowns  like  gold,  and 
 their  faces  were  as  the  faces  of  men. 
 
 tulus,  who  was  forced  to  resign  the  empire  to  Odoacer,  in  the 
 year  480.  Others  take  it  to  be  an  ecclesiastical  star,  some  eminent 
 person  in  the  church,  compared  to  a  burning  lamp  ;  and  they  fix 
 it  upon  Pclagius,  who  proved  about  this  time  a  falling  star,  and 
 greatly  corrupted  the  churches  of  Christ.  The  fourth  angel 
 sounded,  and  the  alarm  was  followed  with  further  calamities. 
 The  nature  of  this  calamity,  it  was  darkness ;  it  fell  therefore 
 upon  the  great  luminaries  of  the  heaven  that  give  light  to  the 
 world,  the  sun,  and  the  moon,  and  the  stars;  either  the  guides 
 and  governors  of  the  church,  or  the  state,  who  are  placed  in 
 higher  orbs  than  the  people,  and  are  to  dispense  light  and  benign 
 influences  to  them.  If  lesser  judgments  do  not  take  effect  but 
 the  church  and  the  world  grow  worse  under  them,  they  must  ex¬ 
 pect  greater,  and  God  will  be  known  by  judgments  that  he  exe¬ 
 cutes  ;  and  he  expects  when  he  comes  to  jjunish  the  world,  the 
 inhabi’tants  thereof  shall  tremble  before  him 
 
 CHAP.  IX.  1  — 12.  Some  think  this  star  represents  some  emi¬ 
 nent  bishop  in  the  Christian  church,  some  angel  of  the  church  , 
 for  in  the  same  way  of  speaking  by  which  pastors  arc  called  stars, 
 the  church  is  called  heaven;  but  vyho  this  is,  expiwitors  do  not 
 asrcc :  some  understand  it  of  Boniface,  the  third  bishop  of  Rome, 
 assumed  the  title  of  universal  bishop,  by  the  favour  of  the  empCTor 
 Phocas,  who  being  an  usurper  and  tyrant  in  the  state,  aliowe.i 
 Boniface  to  be  so  in  the  church  as  the  reward  of  his  flattery.  Gut 
 
CHAP.  X. 
 
 8  And  they  had  hair  as  the  hair  of  women, 
 and  theii  teeth  were  as  the  teeth  of  lions. 
 
 9  And  they  had  breast-plates,  as  it  were 
 breast-plates  of  iron  ;  and  the  sound  of  their 
 wings  was  as  the  sound  of  chariots  of  many 
 horses  running  to  battle. 
 
 10  And  they  had  tails  like  unto  scor¬ 
 pions  ;  and  there  were  stings  in  their  tails  : 
 and  their  power  was  to  hurt  men  five  months. 
 
 11  And  they  had  a  king  over  them, 
 which  is  the  angel  of  the  bottomless  pit, 
 whose  name  in  the  Hebrew  tongue  is  Abad¬ 
 don,  but  in  the  Greek  tongue  hath  his  name 
 Apollyon. 
 
 12  One  woe  is  past ;  aucJ,  behold,  there 
 come  two  woes  more  hereafter. 
 
 13  And  the  sixth  angel  sounded,  and  I 
 heard  a  voice  from  the  four  horns  of  the 
 golden  altar  which  is  before  God, 
 
 14  Saying  to  the  sixth  angel  which  had 
 the  trumpet,  Loose  the  four  angels  which 
 are  bound  in  the  great  river  Euphrates. 
 
 15  And  the  four  angels  were  loosed,  which 
 were  prepared  for  an  hour,  and  a  day,  and  a 
 month,  and  a  year,  for  to  slay  the  third 
 part  of  men. 
 
 16  And  the  number  of  the  army  of  the 
 horsemen  zeere  two  hundred  thousand  thou¬ 
 sand  :  and  1  heard  the  number  of  them. 
 
 17  And  thus  I  saw  the  horses  in  the  vision, 
 and  them  that  sat  on  them,  having  breast¬ 
 plates  of  fire,  and  of  jacinth  and  brimstone  ; 
 and  the  heads  of  the  horses  zcerc  as  the  heads 
 of  lions  ;  and  out  of  their  mouths  issued  fire, 
 and  smoke,  and  brimstone. 
 
 18  By  tliese  three  was  the  third  part  of 
 men  killed,  by  the  fire,  and  by  the  smoke, 
 and  by  the  lorimstone,  which  issued  out  of 
 their  mouths. 
 
 of  this  dark  smoke  there  came  a  swarm  of  locusts,  one  of  the 
 plagues  of  Kgypt,  the  devil’s  emissaries  headed  by  antichrist,  all 
 the  rout  and  rabble  of  antichristian  orders,  to  promote  supersti¬ 
 tion,  idolatry,  error,  and  cruelty  ;  and  these  had,  and  by  the  just 
 permission  of  God,  power  to  hurt  those  that  had  not  the  mark  of 
 God  in  their  foreheads. 
 
 13 — 21.  The  instruments  that  God  makes  use  of  to  punish  a 
 people,  may  sometimes  lie  at  a  great  distance  from  them,  so  as 
 that  no  danger  may  be  apprehended  from  them.  These  four  mes¬ 
 sengers  of  divine  judgment  lay  bound  in  the  river  Euphrates,  a 
 great  way  from  the  European  nations.  Here  the  Turkish  power 
 had  its  rise,  which  seems  to  be  the  story  of  this  vision.  Their  ar¬ 
 tillery  by  which  they  made  such  slaughter,  which  is  described  by 
 fire,  smoke,  and  brimstone  issuing  out  of  the  mouths  of  their 
 
 19  For  their  power  is  in  their  moutn  and 
 in  their  tails  :  for  their  tails  were  like  unto 
 serpents,  and  had  heads,  and  with  them 
 they  do  hurt. 
 
 20  And  the  rest  of  the  men  which  were 
 not  killed  by  these  plagues  yet  repented  not 
 of  the  works  of  their  hands,  that  they  should 
 not  worship  devils,  and  idols  of  gold,  and 
 silver,  and  brass,  and  stone,  and  of  wood  ; 
 which  neither  can  see,  nor  hear,  nor  walk  : 
 
 21  Neither  repented  they  of  their  mur¬ 
 ders,  nor  of  their  sorceries,  nor  of  their  for¬ 
 nication,  nor  of  their  thefts. 
 
 CHAP.  X. 
 
 An  angel  with  an  open  book. 
 
 A  ND  I  saw  another  mighty  angel  co  ne 
 down  from  heaven,  clothed  with  a 
 cloud  ;  and  a  rainbow  was  upon  his  he  d, 
 and  his  face  zn^'as  as  it  were  the  sun,  and  his 
 feet  as  pillars  of  fire  : 
 
 2  And  he  had  in  his  hand  a  little  book 
 open  :  and  he  set  his  right  foot  upon  the 
 sea,  and  his  left  foot  on  the  earth, 
 
 3  And  cried  with  a  loud  voice  as  zn^hen 
 a  lion  roareth  ;  and,  when  he  had  cried, 
 seven  thunders  uttered  their  voices. 
 
 4  And  when  the  seven  thunders  had  uttered 
 their  voices,  I  was  about  to  write  :  and  I 
 heard  a  voice  from  heaven,  saying  unto  me. 
 Seal  up  those  things  which  the  seven  thun¬ 
 ders  uttered,  and  write  them  not. 
 
 5  And  the  angel  which  I  saw  stand  upon 
 the  sea  and  upon  the  earth,  lifted  up  his 
 hand  to  heaven, 
 
 6  And  sware  by  him  that  liveth  for  ever 
 and  ever,  who  created  heaven,  and  the 
 things  that  therein  are,  and  the  earth,  and 
 the  things  that  therein  are,  and  the  sea. 
 
 horses,  and  the  stings  that  were  in  their  tails.  It  is  Mr.  Mede's 
 opinion,  that  this  is  a  prediction  of  great  guns,  those  instruments 
 of  cruelty,  which  make  such  destruction  ;  and  observes!,  these 
 were  first  used  by  the  Turks  at  the  siege  of  Constantinople,  and 
 being  new  and  strange,  were  very  terrible,  and  did  great  execu¬ 
 tion  :  however,  here  seems  to  be  an  allusion  to  what  is  mentioned 
 in  the  former  vision,  that  as  antichrist  had  his  forces  of  a  spiritual 
 nature,  like  scorpions  poisoning  the  minds  of  men  with  error  and 
 idolatry  ;  so  the  Turks,  that  were  raised  up  to  punish  the  anti¬ 
 christian  apostacy,  had  their  scorpions  and  their  stings  too,  to 
 ,hui  t  and  kill  their  bodies,  who  had  been  the  murderers  of  so  many 
 souls. 
 
 CHAP.  X.  1 — 7*  That  there  shall  be  now  no  longer  delay  in 
 fulfilling  the  predictions  of  this  book  than  till  the  last  angel  shall 
 
 7^1 
 
REVELATION. 
 
 and  the  thin2;s  which  therein  are,  that  there 
 should  be  time  no  longer  : 
 
 7  But  in  the  days  of  the  voice  of  the 
 seventh  angel,  when  he  shall  begin  to  sound, 
 the  mystery  of  God  should  be  finished,  as 
 he  hath  declared  to  his  servants  the  pro¬ 
 phets. 
 
 8  And  the  voice  which  I  heard  from  hea¬ 
 ven  spake  unto  me  again,  and  said.  Go,  and 
 take  the  little  book  which  is  open  in  the 
 hand  of  the  angel  which  standeth  upon  the 
 sea  and  upon  the  earth. 
 
 9  And  I  went  unto  the  angel,  and  said 
 unto  him,  Give  me  the  little  book.  And  he 
 said  unto  me.  Take  it,  and  eat  it  up  ;  and  it 
 shall  make  thy  belly  bitter,  but  it  shall  be  in 
 thy  mouth  sweet  as  honey. 
 
 10  And  I  took  the  little  book  out  of  the 
 angefs  hand,  and  ate  it  up ;  and  it  was  in 
 my  mouth  sweet  as  honey  ;  and  as  soon  as 
 I  had  eaten  it  my  belly  was  bitter. 
 
 11  And  he  said  unto  me.  Thou  must  pro¬ 
 phesy  again  before  many  peoples,  and  na¬ 
 tions,  and  tongues,  and  kings. 
 
 CHAP.  XI. 
 
 Two  witnesses  of  God. 
 
 And  there  was  given  me  a  reed  like 
 unto  a  rod  :  and  the  angel  stood,  say¬ 
 ing,  Rise,  and  measure  the  temple  of  God, 
 and  the  altar,  and  them  that  worship  therein. 
 
 2  But  the  court  which  is  without  the 
 temjilc  leave  out,  and  measure  it  not ; 
 for  it  is  given  unto  the  Gentiles  :  and  the 
 holy  city  shall  they  tread  under  foot  forty 
 and  two  months. 
 
 3  And  I  will  give  power  unto  my  two 
 witnesses,  and  they  shall  prophesy  a  thou¬ 
 sand  two  hundred  and  threescore  days, 
 clothed  in  sackcloth. 
 
 sound,  then  every  thing  should  be  put  into  speedy  execution,  the 
 mystery  of  God  shall  be  finished,  v.  7-  1  li^t  when  this  mystery  of 
 
 God  is'finished,  time  itself  shall  be  no  more  ;  as  is  the  measure  of 
 things  that  are  in  a  mutual  changing  state  ;  but  all  things  shall  be 
 at  length  for  ever  fixed,  and  so  time  itself  swallowed  up  in  eter¬ 
 nity. 
 
 8—11.  Here  John's  prophetical  commission  seems  to  be  renew¬ 
 ed,  and  he  is  ordered  to  prepare  for  another  embassy,  to  convey 
 those  declarations  of  the  mind  and  will  of  God  which  arc  of  great 
 importance  to  all  the  world,  and  to  the  highest  and  greatest  men 
 in  the  world,  throughout  every  period  of  its  duration,  and  such 
 should  be  read  and  recorded  in  many  languages  ;  and  so  it  is  ;  we 
 have  them  in  our  language,  and  are  all  obliged  to  attend  unto 
 them,  and  humbly  inquiring  into  the  meaning  of  them,  and  firmly 
 732 
 
 4  These  are  the  two  olive-trees  and  the 
 two  candlesticks  standing  before  the  God  of 
 the  earth. 
 
 5  And  if  any  man  will  hurt  them,  fire 
 proceedeth  out  of  their  mouth,  and  devour- 
 eth  their  enemies  :  and  if  any  man  will  hurt 
 them,  he  must  in  this  manner  be  killed. 
 
 6  These  have  power  to  shut  heaven,  that 
 it  rain  not  in  the  days  of  their  prophecy :  and 
 have  power  over  waters  to  turn  them  to  blood, 
 and  to  smite  the  earth  with  all  plagues,  as 
 often  as  they  will. 
 
 7  And  when  they  shall  have  finished 
 their  testimony,  the  beast  that  ascendeth 
 out  of  the  bottomless  pit  shall  make  war 
 against  them,  and  shall  overcome  them, 
 and  kill  them. 
 
 8  And  their  dead  bodies  shall  lie  in  the 
 street  of  the  great  city,  which  spiritually  is 
 called  Sodom  and  Egypt,  where  also  our 
 Lord  was  crucified. 
 
 9  And  they  of  the  people,  and  kindreds, 
 and  tongues,  and  nations,  shall  see  their 
 dead  bodies  three  days  and  an  hall’,  and 
 
 I  shall  not  sufi'er  their  dead  bodies  to  be  jmt 
 in  graves. 
 
 10  And  they  that  dwell  upon  the  earth 
 shall  rejoice  over  them,  and  make  merry, 
 and  shall  send  gifts  one  to  another  ;  bec'ause 
 these  two  prophets  tormented  them  that 
 dwelt  on  the  earth. 
 
 11  And  after  three  days  and  an  half  the 
 Spirit  of  life  from  God  entered  into  them, 
 and  they  stood  ujion  their  feet ;  and  great 
 fear  fell  upon  them  which  saw  them. 
 
 12  And  they  heard  a  great  voice  from 
 heaven,  saying  unto  them.  Come  up  hither. 
 And  they  ascended  up  to  heaven  in  a  cloud, 
 and  their  enemies  beheld  them.. 
 
 to  believe  that  every  thing  shall  have  its  accoinplishniont  in  the 
 proper  time  :  and  when  the  prophecies  are  fulfilled,  the  sense  and 
 ruth  of  them  will  appear,  and  the  omniscience,  power,  and  faith¬ 
 fulness  of  the  great  God  will  be  adore'd. 
 
 CHAP.  XI.  1 — 2.  God  will  have  a  temple  and  an  altar  in  the 
 world,  till  the  end  of  time.  He  has  a  strict  regard  to  this  temple, 
 and  observes  how  every  thing  is  managed  in  it.  'I’hose  that  wor¬ 
 ship  in  the  outer  court,  will  be  rejected  ;  and  only  those  that  wor¬ 
 ship  within  the  veil  accepted.  The  holy  citv,  the  visible  church, 
 is  very  much  trampled  upon  in  the  world.  The  desolations  of  the 
 church  are  for  a  limited  time,  and  for  a  short  time,  and  she  shall 
 je  delivered  out  of  all  her  troubles. 
 
 3 — 13.  Some  think  these  two  witnesses  are  Enoch  and  Elias, 
 that  arc  to  return  to  the  earth  for  a  time.  Others,  the  cliurch  of 
 
CHAP.  xir. 
 
 13  And  the  same  hour  was  there  a  great 
 earthquake,  and  the  tenth  part  of  the  city 
 fell,  and  in  the  earthquake  were  slain  of  men 
 seven  thousand ;  and  the  remnant  were 
 affrighted,  and  gave  glory  to  the  God  of  hea¬ 
 ven. 
 
 14  The  second  woe  is  past :  and,  behold, 
 the  third  woe  cometh  quickly. 
 
 15  And  the  seventh  angel  sounded  ;  and 
 there  were  great  voices  in  heaven,  saying. 
 The  kingdoms  of  this  world  are  become  the 
 kingdoms  of  our  Lord,  and  of  his  Christ ; 
 and  he  shall  reim  for  ever  and  ever. 
 
 16  And  the  four  and  twenty  elders,  which 
 sat  before  God  on  their  seats,  fell  upon  their 
 faces,  and  worshipped  God, 
 
 17  Saying,  We  give  thee  thanks,  O  Lord 
 God  Almighty,  which  art,  and  wast,  and  art 
 to  come ;  because  thou  hast  taken  to  thee 
 thy  great  power,  and  hast  reigned. 
 
 18  And  the  nations  were  angry,  and  thy 
 wrath  is  come,  and  the  time  of  the  dead 
 that  they  should  Ipe  judged,  and  that  thou 
 shouldest  give  reward  unto  thy  servants  the 
 prophets,  and  to  the  saints,  and  them  that 
 fear  thy  name,  small  and  great;  and  shouldest 
 destroy  them  which  destroy  the  earth. 
 
 19  And  the  temple  of  God  was  opened  in 
 heaven,  and  there  was  seen  in  his  temple  the 
 ark  of  his  testament :  and  there  were  light¬ 
 nings,  and  voices,  and  thunderings,  and  an 
 eartlujuake,  and  great  hail. 
 
 CHAP.  XII. 
 
 In  this  chapter  \vc  have  an  account  of  the  contest  between  the 
 church  and  antichrist;  the  seed  of  the  woman,  and  the  seed  of 
 the  serpent. 
 
 the  believing  Jews,  and  that  of  the  Gentiles  ;  it  should  rather 
 seem  they  are  God’s  eminent  faithful  ministers,  that  shall  not  only 
 continue  to  profess  the  Christian  religion,  but  to  preach  it  in  the 
 worst  of  times.  The  time  of  their  prophesying,  or  bearing  their 
 testimony  for  Christ ;  a  thousand  two  hundred  and  threescore  days. 
 That  is,  (as  many  think)  to  the  period  of  the  reign  of  antichrist ; 
 and  if  the  beginning  of  that  interval  could  be  ascertained,  this 
 number  of  pniphetical  days,  taking  a  day  for  a  year,  would  give 
 us  a  prophet  when  the  end  shall  be.  In  consequence  of  their 
 ascension;  and  there  was  a  mighty  shock  and  convulsion  in.  the 
 antichristian  empire,  and  a  fall  of  the  tenth  part  of  the  city.  Some 
 refer  this  to  the  beginning  of  the  reformation  from  popery;  when 
 many  princes  and  states  fell  off  from  their  subjection  to  Rome. 
 This  groat  work  met  with  great  opposition,  all  the  western  world 
 felt  a  great  concussion,  and  the  antichristian  interest  received  a 
 great  blow,  and  lost  a  great  deal  of  ground  and  interest. 
 
 14 — 19.  By  the  opening  of  the  temple  of  God  in  heaven,  may  be 
 meant,  that  here  is  now  a  more  free  communication  between  hea¬ 
 ven  and  earth  ;  prayer  and  praises  more  freely  and  frequently  as¬ 
 cending,  and  graces  and  blessings  plentifully  descending :  but  it 
 
 And  there  appeared  a  great  wonder  in 
 heaven ;  a  woman  clothed  with  the 
 sun,  and  the  moon  under  her  feet,  and  upon 
 her  head  a  crown  of  twelve  stars  : 
 
 2  And  she,  being  Avith  child,  cried,  tra¬ 
 vailing  in  birth,  and  pained  to  be  delivered. 
 
 3  And  there  appeared  another  Avonder  in 
 heaven ;  and,  behold,  a  great  red  dragon, 
 having  seven  heads  and  ten  horns,  and  seven 
 croAvns  upon  his  heads. 
 
 4  And  his  tail  drcAV  the  third  part  of  the 
 stars  of  heaven,  and  did  cast  them  to  the 
 earth  ;  and  the  dragon  stood  before  the  avo- 
 man  Avhich  Avas  ready  to  be  delivered,  for 
 to  devour  her  child  as  soon  as  it  Avas  born. 
 
 5  And  she  brought  forth  a  man-child, 
 Avho  Avas  to  rule  all  nations  Avith  a  rod  or 
 iron  :  and  her  child  Avas  caught  up  unto  God, 
 and  to  his  throne. 
 
 6  And  the  Avoman  fled  into  the  Avilder- 
 ness,  Avhere  she  hath  a  place  prepared  of 
 God,  that  they  should  feed  her  there  a  thou¬ 
 sand  tAvo  hundred  and.  threescore  days. 
 
 7  And  there  Avas  Avar  in  heaven  ;  Mi¬ 
 chael  and  his  angels  fought  against  the  dra¬ 
 gon  ;  and  the  dragon  fought  and  his  angels, 
 8  And  prevailed  not ;  neither  Avas  their 
 place  found  any  more  in  heaven. 
 
 9  And  the  great  dragon  Avas  cast  out,  that 
 old  serpent,  called  the  Devil,  and  Satan, 
 Avhich  decciveth  the  Avhole  Avorld  ;  he  Avas 
 cast  out  into  the  earth,  and  his  angels  were 
 cast  out  Avith  him. 
 
 10  And  1  heard  a  loud  voice  saying  in 
 leaven,  Noav  is  come  salvation,  and  strength, 
 and  the  kingdom  of  our  God,  and  the  power 
 
 rather  seems  to  intend,  the  church  of  God  on  earth,  a  heavenly 
 temple.  And  it  is  an  allusion  to  the  various  circumstances  of 
 things  in  the  time  of  the  first  temple,  under  idolatrous  and  wicked 
 princes,  it  was  shut  up  and  neglected  ;  but  under  religious  and 
 reforming  princes,  it  was  opened  and  frequented;  so  during  the 
 power  of  antichrist  the  temple  of  God  seemed  to  be  shut  up,  and 
 was  so  in  a  great  degree;  but  now  it  was  opened  again.  Lightnings, 
 voices,  thunderings,  an  earthquake,  and  great  hail.  The  great  bless¬ 
 ing  of  the  reformation  was  attended  with  very  awful  providences; 
 and  by  terrible  things  in  righteousness  God  would  answer^  those 
 jrayers  that  vvere  presented  in  his  holy  temple  now  opened.  All 
 the  great  revolutions  of  the  world  are  concerted  in  heaven,  and  are 
 the  answers  of  the  prayers  of  the  saints. 
 
 CHAP.  XII.  1 — 11.  The  church  is  represented  in  this  vision 
 as  a  woman,  the  weaker  part  of  the  world ;  but  the  spouse  of 
 Christ,  arid  the  mother  of  saints.  The  grand  enemy  of  the 
 church  is  represented  as  a  great  red  dragon ;  a  dragon  for 
 strength  and  terror ;  a  red  dragon  for  fierceness  and  cruelty.  As 
 laving  seven  heads ;  that  is,  placed  on  seven  hills,  as  Rome  was, 
 and  therefore  it  is  probable  Pagan  Rome  is  here  meant.  As  having 
 
 733 
 
REVELATION. 
 
 of  his  ^  Christ :  for  the  accuser  of  our  bre¬ 
 thren  is  cast  down,  which  accused  them  be¬ 
 fore  our  God  day  and  night. 
 
 11  And  they  overcame  him  by  the  blood 
 of  the  Lamb,  and  by  the  word  of  their  testi¬ 
 mony  ;  and  they  loved  not  their  lives  unto 
 the  death. 
 
 12  Therefore  rejoice,  ye  heavens,  and  ye 
 that  dwell  in  them.  Woe  to  the  inhabiters 
 of  the  earth  and  of  the  sea !  Eor  the  devil 
 is  come  down  unto  you,  having  great  wrath, 
 because  he  knoweth  that  he  hath  but  a 
 short  time. 
 
 13  And  when  the  dragon  saw  that  he 
 was  cast  unto  the  earth,  he  persecuted  the 
 woman  which  brought  forth  the  m?m-chilcL 
 
 14  And  to  the  woman  were  given  two  wings 
 of  a  great  eagle,  that  she  might  fly  into  the 
 wilderness,  into  her  place  ;  where  she  is 
 nourished  for  a  time,  and  times,  and  half  a 
 time,  from  the  face  of  the  serpent. 
 
 15  And  the  serpent  cast  out  of  his  mouth 
 water,  as  a  flood,  after  the  woman,  that  he 
 might  cause  her  to  be  carried  away  of  the 
 flood. 
 
 16  And  the  earth  helped  the  woman  ;  and 
 the  earth  opened  her  mouth,  and  swallowed 
 up  the  flood  which  the  dragon  cast  out  of  his 
 mouth. 
 
 17  And  the  dragon  was  wroth  with  the 
 
 ten  horns,  divided  into  ten  provinces,  as  the  Roman  empire  was 
 by  Augustus  Cesar.  As  having  seven  crowns  upon  his  heads, 
 which  is  after  expounded  to  be  seven  kings,  chap,  xvii.  10,  As 
 drawing  with  his  tail  a  third  part  of  the  stars  of  heaven,  and  cast¬ 
 ing  them  down  to  the  earth  :  turning  the  ministers  and  professors 
 of  the  Christian  religion  out  of  their  places  and  privileges ;  and 
 making  them  as  weak  and  useless  as  he  could.  As  standing  before 
 the  woman,  to  devour  her  child  as  soon  as  it  should  be  born;  very 
 vigilant  to  crush  the  Christian  religion  in  its  birth,  and  entirely  to 
 prevent  the  growth  and  comi nuance  of  it  in  the  world.  A  man- 
 child,  v.  5;  by  which  some  understand  Christ:  others,  Con¬ 
 stantine  ;  but  others,  with  greater  propriety,  a  race  of  true  be¬ 
 lievers,  strong  and  united,  resembling  Christ,  and  designed,  under 
 him,  to  rule  the  nations  with  a  rod  of  iron  :  that  is,  shall  judge  the 
 world  ;  by  their  doctrine  and  lives  now,  and  as  assessors  with 
 Christ  at  the  great  day.  » 
 
 12 — 17-  Observe  the  continual  malice  of  the  dragon  against  the 
 church,  her  obscurity  could  not  altogether  protect  her;  the  old 
 subtle^serpent,  that  at  first  lurked  in  Paradise,  now  follows  the 
 church  into  the  wilderness,  and  casts  out  a  flood  of  water  after 
 her  to  carry  her  away  :  this  is  thought  to  be  meant  of  a  flood  of 
 errors  and  heresy,  which  was  breathed  by  Arius,  Ncstorious,  Pela- 
 gius,  and  many  more  ;  by  which  the  church  of  God  was  in  danger 
 of  being  overwhelmed  and  carried  away.  The  church  of  God  is 
 in  more  danger  from  heretics,  than  from  persecutors  ;  and  here¬ 
 sies  are  as  certainly  from  the  devil,  as  open  force  and  violence. 
 The  seasonable  help  was  provided  for  the  church  in  this  danger¬ 
 ous  juncture,  16,  the  earth  helped  the  woman,  and  opened  Tier 
 mouth,  and  swallowed  up  the  flood.  Some  think  we  are  to  under- 
 734. 
 
 woman,  and  went  to  make  war  with  the 
 remnant  of  her  seed,  which  keep  the  com¬ 
 mandments  of  God,  and  have  the  testimony 
 of  Jesus  Christ. 
 
 CHAP.  XIII. 
 
 A  further  discovery  and  description  of  the  two  beasts, 
 
 A  ND  I  stood  upon  the  sand  of  the  sea, 
 and  saw  a  beast  rise  up  out  of  the  sea, 
 having  seven  heads  and  ten  horns,  and  upon 
 his  horns  ten  crowns,  and  upon  his  heads  the 
 name  of  blasphemy. 
 
 2  And  the  beast  which  I  saw  was  like 
 unto  a  leopard,  and  his  feet  were  as  the  feet 
 of  a  bear,  and  his  mouth  as  the  mouth  of  a 
 lion  ;  and  the  dragon  gave  him  his  power, 
 and  his  seat,  and  great  authority. 
 
 3  And  I  saw  one  of  his  heads  as  it  were 
 wounded  to  death  ;  and  his  deadly  wound 
 was  healed  :  and  all  the  world  wondered 
 after  the  beast. 
 
 4  And  they  worshipped  the  dragon,  which 
 gave  power  unto  the  beast :  and  they  wor¬ 
 shipped  the  beast,  saying,  AVho  is  like  unto 
 the  beast  ?  who  is  able  to  make  war  with 
 him  ? 
 
 5  And  there  was  given  unto  him  a  mouth 
 speaking  great  things  and  blas])hemies  ;  and 
 power  was  given  unto  him  to  continue  forty 
 and  two  months. 
 
 stand  the  swarms  of  Goths  and  Vandals  that  invaded  the 
 Roman  empire,  and  found  work  for  the  Arian  rulers,  that 
 otherwise  would  have  been  as  furious  persecutors  as  the  Pagan  had 
 been,  and  had  exercised  great  cruelties  already,  but  (iod  opened  a 
 breach  of  war,  and  the  flood  was  in  a  manner  swallowed  up 
 thereby,  and  the  church  enjoyed  some  respite.  And  when  men 
 choose  new  gods,  then  there  is  danger  of  war  in  the  gate  ;  intes¬ 
 tine  broils  and  contentions,  often  end  in  the  invasion  of  a’  com¬ 
 mon  enemy.  The  devil  being  thus  defeated  in  his  designs  upon  the 
 universal  church,  now  turns  his  rage  against  particular  persons 
 and  places  :  his  malice  against  the  woman  pushes  him  on  to  make 
 war  with  the  remnant  of  her  seed.  Some  think  hereby  are  meant 
 Albigcnses,  that  were  first  by  Dioclesian  driven  up  into  barren 
 and  mountainous  places,  and  afterward  eruellv  murdered  by 
 Popish  rage  and  power,  for  several  generations  ;  aiid  lor  no  other 
 reason,  but  because  thev  kept  the  commandments  of  God,  and 
 held  the  testimotiy  of  Jesus  Christ;  their  fidelitv  to  God  and 
 Christ,  both  in  doctrine,  worship,  and  practice,  was  that  which 
 exposed  them  to  the  rage  of  Satan  atid  his  instruments,  and  wilf'do 
 so  still,  less  or  more,  to  the  end  of  the  world,  when  the  last  enemy 
 shall  be  destroyed. 
 
 CHAP.  XIII.  1 — 10.  Some  think,  by  the  wounded  head,  we  are 
 to  understand  the  abolishing  of  Pagan  'idolatry  ;  and  by  the  heal¬ 
 ing  of  the  wound,  the  introducing  the  Popish  idolatry,  the  same 
 in  substance  with  the  former,  only  a  new  dress,  and  which  as 
 effectually  answers  the  devil’s  design  as  that  did.  He  blasphemed 
 God,  the  name  ot  God,  the  tabernacle  of  God,  and  all  them  that 
 dwell  in  heaven;  and  he  made  war  with  the  saints,  and  overcame 
 them,  and  gained  a  sort  of  universal  empire  in  the  world.  His 
 
CHAP.  XIV. 
 
 6  And  he  opened  his  mouth  in  blasphemy 
 against  God,  to  blaspheme  his  name  and  his 
 tabernacle,  and  them  that  dwell  in  heaven. 
 
 7  And  it  was  given  unto  him  to  make  war 
 with  the  saints,  and  to  overcome  them  :  and 
 power  was  given  him  over  all  kindreds,  and 
 tongues,  and  nations. 
 
 8  And  all  that  dwell  upon  the  earth  shall 
 worship  him,  whose  names  are  not  written  in 
 the  book  of  life  of  the  Lamb  slain  from  the 
 foundation  of  the  world. 
 
 9  If  any  man  have  an  ear,  let  him  hear. 
 
 10  lie  that  leadethinto  captivity  shall  go 
 into  captivity  ;  he  that  killeth  with  the 
 sword  must  be  killed  with  the  sword.  Here 
 is  the  patience  and  the  faith  ot  the  saints. 
 
 11  And  I  beheld  another  beast  coming 
 up  out  of  the  earth  ;  and  he  had  two  horns 
 like  a  lamb,  and  he  spake  as  a  dragon. 
 
 12  And  he  exerciseth  all  the  ])ower  of  the 
 first  beast  before  him,  and  causeth  the  earth, 
 and  them  that  dwell  therein,  to  worship 
 the  first  beast,  whose  deadly  wound  was 
 healed. 
 
 13  And  he  doeth  great  wonders,  so  that 
 he  maketh  lire  come  down  Irom  heaven  on 
 the  earth  in  the  sight  of  men, 
 
 14  And  deceiveth  them  that  dwell  on  the 
 earth  by  the  means  of  those  miracles  which  he 
 had  power  to  do  in  the  sight  ot  the  beast ; 
 saying  to  them  that  dwell  on  the  earth,  that 
 thev  should  make  an  image  to  the  beast, 
 which  had  the  wound  by  a  sword,  and  did 
 live. 
 
 15  And  he  had  power  to  give  life  unto 
 the  image  of  the  beast,  that  the  image  of 
 the  lieast  should  both  s})eak,  and  cause  that 
 
 as  many  as  would  not  worship  the  image  of 
 the  beast  should  be  killed. 
 
 16  And  he  caused  all,  both  small  and 
 great,  rich  and  poor,  free  and  bond,  to  re¬ 
 ceive  a  mark  in  their  right  hand,  or  in  their 
 foreheads  : 
 
 17  And  that  no  man  might  buy  or  sell, 
 save  he  that  had  the  mark,  or  the  name  of 
 the  beast,  or  the  number  of  his  name. 
 
 18  Here  is  wisdom.  Let  him  that  hath 
 understanding  count  the  number  of  the 
 beast :  for  it  is  the  number  of  a  man  ;  and 
 his  number  is  six  hundred  threescore  and 
 six. 
 
 CHAP.  XIV. 
 
 I.  The  Lord  Jesus  at  the  head  of  his  faithful  followers.  II.  Tf^ee 
 angels  sent  successively  to  proclaim  the  fall  of  Babylon.  111.  1  he 
 vision  of  the  harvest. 
 
 And  I  looked,  and,  lo,  a  Lamb  stood  on 
 the  mount  Sion,  and  with  him  an  hun¬ 
 dred  forty  and  four  thousand,  having  his  Fa¬ 
 thers  name  written  in  their  foreheads. 
 
 2  And  I  heard  a  voice  from  heaven,  as 
 the  voice  of  many  waters,  and  as  the  voice 
 of  great  thunder,  and  I  heard  the  voice  of 
 harpers  harping  with  their  harps  : 
 
 3  And  they  sung  as  it  were  a  new  song 
 before  the  throne,  and  before  the  fouf  Ijeasts 
 and  the  elders  :  and  no  man  could  learn  that 
 song  but  the  hundred  and  forty  and  four 
 thousand,  which  were  redeemed  from  the 
 earth. 
 
 4  These  are  they  which  are  not  defiled 
 with  women  ;  for  they  are  virgins.  These 
 are  they  which  follow  the  Lamb  whitherso¬ 
 ever  he  ffoeth.  These  are  redeemed  from 
 among  men,  being  the  first-fruits  unto  God, 
 and  to  the  Lamb. 
 
 mslicc  was  j)rincij)ally  levelled  at  the  God  of  heaven  and  his  hea¬ 
 venly  atU'udancc  ;  at  God,  in  making  images  ol  him  that  is  in¬ 
 visible,  and  in  worshipping  them  ;  at  tlie  tabeinaclcof  God,  that 
 is,  sav  some,  at  the  human  nature  of  the  Loid  Jesus  Christ,  in 
 which  God  dwells  as  in  a  tabernacle  ;  this  is  dishonoured  by  their 
 doctrine  of  transubstantiation,  that  will  not  suffer  his  body  to  be  a 
 true  body,  and  will  put  it  into  the  power  of  every  priest  to  pre¬ 
 pare  a  bhdy  for  Christ;  and  against  them  that  dwell  m  heaven, 
 the  (^lorified  saints,  by  putting  them  into  the  place  of  the  Pagan 
 demons,  and  praying  to  them  ;  which  they  are  so  far  from  being 
 pleased  with,  that  they  truly  judge  themselves  wronged  and  dis- 
 nonoured  by  it.  Thus  the  malice  of  the  devil  shews  itself  against 
 heaven,  and  the  blessed  inhabitants  of  heaven  :  these  are  above 
 the  reach  of  his  power ;  all  he  can  do  is  to  blaspheme  them.  But 
 the  saints  on  earth  are  more  exposed  lo  his  cruelty,  and  he  some¬ 
 times  is  permitted  lo  triumph  over  them,  and  trample  upon  them. 
 
 11  —  18.  Those  that  think  the  first  beast  signifie.s*  Rome  Pagan, 
 Vol.  II.  4Z 
 
 by  this  second  beast  would  undestand  Rome  Papal,  that  does 
 promote  idolatry  and  tyranny,  but  in  a  more  soft  and  lamb-like 
 manner.  Those  that  understand  the  first  beast,  of  the  secular 
 power  of  papacy,  take  the  second  to  intend  its  spiritual  and  eccle¬ 
 siastical  powers,  which  act  under  the  disguise  of  religion  and  cha> 
 rity  to  the  souls  of  men.  We  have  here  the  number  of  the  beast 
 in  such  a  manner  given,  as  shews  the  infinite  wisdom  of  God,  and 
 will  sufficiently  exercise  all  the  wdsdom  and  accuracy  of  men  ;  the 
 number  is,  the  number  of  man,  computed  after  the  usual  manner 
 among  men,  and  it  is  6’6'6'.  Whether  this  be  the  number  of  . the 
 errors”and  heresies  that  are  contained  in  Popery  ;  or  rather,  as 
 others,  the  number  of  the  years  from  its  rise  to  its  fall,  is  not  cer¬ 
 tain  ;  much  less  what  that  period  is,  which  is  described  by  these 
 prophetic  numbers. 
 
 CHAP.  XIV.  1 — 5.  Here  is  plain  evidence  of  a  special  redemp¬ 
 tion,  they  were  redeemed  from  among  men  ;  some  of  the  children 
 of  men  are  by  redeeming  mercy  distinguished  from  others  ;  they 
 
REVELATION. 
 
 5  And  in  their  mouth  was  found  no  guile ; 
 for  they  are  without  fault  before  the  throne 
 of  Goq 
 
 6  And  I  saw  another  angel  fly  in  the 
 midst  of  heaven,  having  the  everlasting 
 gospel  to  preach  unto  them  that  dwell  on  the 
 earth,  and  to  every  nation,  and  kindred,  and 
 tongue,  and  people, 
 
 7  Saying  with  a  loud  voice.  Fear  God, 
 and  give  glory  to  him  ;  for  the  hour  of  his 
 judgment  is  come  :  and  worship  him  that 
 made  heaven,  and  earth,  and  the  sea,  and 
 the  fountains  of  waters.  ' 
 
 8  And  there  followed  another  angel,  say¬ 
 ing,  Babylon  is  fallen,  is  fallen,  that  great 
 city,  because  she  made  all  nations  drink  of 
 the  wine  of  the  wrath  of  her  fornication. 
 
 9  And  the  third  angel  followed  them, 
 saying  with  a  loud  voice.  If  any  man  wor¬ 
 ship  the  beast  and  his  image,  and  receive  his 
 mark  in  his  forehead,  or  in  his  hand, 
 
 10  The  same  shall  drink  of  the  wine  of  the 
 wrath  of  God,  which  is  poured  out  without 
 mixture  into  the  cup  of  his  indignation  ;  and 
 he  shall  be  tormented  with  fire  and  brim¬ 
 stone  in  the  presence  of  the  holy  angels,  and 
 in  the  presence  of  the  Lamb. 
 
 11  And  the  smoke  of  their  torment  as- 
 cendeth  up  for  ever  and  ever  :  and  they 
 have  no  rest  day  nor  night  who  worship  the 
 beast  and  his  image,  and  whosoever  receiveth 
 the  mark  of  his  name. 
 
 12  Here  is  the  patience  of  the  saints  :  here 
 are  they  that  keep  the  commandments  of 
 God,  and  the  faith  of  Jesus. 
 
 13  And  I  heard  a  voice  from  heaven, 
 saying  unto  me.  Write,  Blessed  are  the  dead 
 which  die  in  the  Lord  from  henceforth:  Yea, 
 
 saith  the  Spirit,  that  they  may  rest  from  their 
 labours  ;  and  their  works  do  follow  them. 
 
 14  And  I  looked,  and,  behold,  a  white 
 cloud,  and  upon  the  cloud  one  sat  like 
 unto  the  Son  of  man,  having  on  his  head  a 
 golden  crown,  and  in  his  hand  a  sharp  sickle. 
 
 15  And  another  angel  came  out  of  the 
 temple,  crying  with  a  loud  voice  to  him  that 
 sat  on  the  cloud.  Thrust  in  thy  sickle,  and 
 reap  ;  for  the  time  is  come  for  thee  to  reap  ; 
 for  the  harvest  of  the  earth  is  ripe. 
 
 16  And  he  that  sat  on  the  cloud  thrust 
 in  his  sickle  on  the  earth  ;  and  the  earth  was 
 reaped. 
 
 17  And  another  angel  came  out  of  the 
 temple  which  is  in  heaven,  he  also  having  a 
 sharp  sickle. 
 
 18  And  another  angel  came  out  from  the 
 altar,  which  had  power  over  fire ;  and 
 cried  with  a  loud  cry  to  him  that  had  the 
 sharp  sickle,  saying.  Thrust  in  thy  sharp 
 sickle,  and  gather  the  clusters  of  the  vine  of 
 the  earth  ;  for  her  grapes  are  fully  ripe. 
 
 19  And  the  angel  thrust  in  his  sickle  into 
 the  earth,  and  gathered  the  vine  of  the  earth, 
 and  cast  it  into  the  great  wine-press  of  the 
 wrath  of  God. 
 
 20  And  the  wine-j)ress  was  trodden  with¬ 
 out  the  city  ;  and  blood  came  out  of  the 
 wine-press  even  unto  the  horse-bridles,  by  the 
 space  of  a  thousand  and  six  hundred  furlongs. 
 
 CHAP.  XV. 
 
 This  chapter  contains  an  awful  introduction  or  preparation  for 
 rtic  pouring  out  of  the  vials. 
 
 A  ND  I  saw  another  sign  in  heaven,  great 
 and  marvellous,  seven  angels  having 
 the  seven  last  j)lagues  :  for  in  them  is  filled 
 up  the  wrath  of  God. 
 
 were  the  first-fruits  to  God  and  to  the  Lamb,  his  choice  ones,  emi¬ 
 nent  in  every  grace,  and  the  earnest  of  many  more  that  should  be 
 followers  of  them  as  they  were  of  Christ. 
 
 6' — 12.  In  this  part  of  the  chapter  we  have  three  angels  or  mes- 
 sengers^nt  from  heaven,  to  give  notice  of  the  fall  of  Babylon,  and 
 of  those  things  that  were  antecedent  and  consequent  to  that  great 
 event.  Idolatry,  both  Pagan  and  Papist,  is  a  damning  sin  in  its 
 own  nature,  and  will  prove  fatal  to  those  that  persist  in  it  after 
 fair  warning  given  by  the  word  of  providence;  they  that  refuse  to 
 come  out  of  Babylon  when  thus  called,  and  resolve  to  partake  of 
 her  sins,  .nusi  receive  of  her  plagues.  And  the  guilt  and  ruin  of 
 such  incorrigible  idolaters,  will  serve  to  set  forth  the  excellency  of 
 ‘he  patience  and  obedience  of  the  saints. 
 
 13 — 20.  By  an  harvest,  14,  15,  an  emblem  that  sometimes 
 signifies  the  cutting  down  of  the  wicked,  when  ripe  for  ruin,  by  the 
 judgments  of  God  ;  and  sometimes  the  gathering  m  of  the  righte- 
 736' 
 
 Otis,  when  ripe  for  heaven,  by  the  mercy  of  God.  This  seems 
 rather  to  represent  God’s  judgments  against  the  wicked.  A  vin¬ 
 tage,  17-  Some  think  these  two  are  only  different  emblems  of 
 the  same  judgment ;  others,  that  they  refer  to  distinct  events  of 
 irovidence  before  the  end  of  all  things.  The  quantity  of  the  \A  inc, 
 hat  is,  of  the  blood  that  was  drawn  forth  by  this  judgment ;  it  war 
 or  depth  up  to  the  horses’  bridles,  and  for  breadth  and  length  a 
 thousand  and  six  liundred  furlongs,  v.  <20,  that  is,  say  some,  200 
 Italian  miles,  w'hich  isthouglitto  be  the  measure  of  the  holy  land, 
 and  may  be  meant  of  the  patrimony  of  the  holy  see,  encompassing 
 the  city  of  Rome.  But  here  we  arc  left  to  doubtful  conjectures. 
 Perhaps  this  great  event  has  not  yet  had  its  accoiriplishment,  but 
 the  vision  is  for  an  appointed  time  ;  and,  therefore,  though  it  mav 
 seem  to  tarry,  w'e  are  to  wait  for  it.  But  who  shall  live  when  the 
 liord  does  this  ! 
 
 CHAP.  XV.  1 — 4.  Here  we  have  the  preparation  of  matters  for 
 
CHAP.  XVI. 
 
 2  And  I  saw  as  it  were  a  sea  of  glass 
 mingled  with  fire  ;  and  them  that  had  gotten 
 the  victory  over  the  beast,  and  over  his 
 image,  and  over  his  mark,  and  over  the 
 number  of  his  name,  stand  on  the  sea  of 
 glass,  having  the  harps  of  God. 
 
 3  And  they  sing  the  song  of  Moses  the 
 servant  of  God,  and  the  song  of  the  Lamb, 
 saying.  Great  and  marvellous  are  thy  works. 
 Lord  God  Almighty  ;  just  and  true  are  thy 
 ways,  thou  King  of  saints. 
 
 4  Who  shall  not  fear  thee,  O  Lord,  and 
 glorify  thy  name  ?  for  thou  only  art  holy  ; 
 for  all  nations  shall  come  and  worship 
 before  thee  ;  for  thy  judgments  are  made 
 manifest. 
 
 5  And  after  that  I  looked,  and,  behold, 
 the  temple  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  testimony 
 in  heaven  was  opened  : 
 
 6  And  the  seven  angels  came  out  of  the 
 temple,  having  the  seven  plagues,  clothed  in 
 pure  and  white  linen,  and  having  their 
 breasts  girded  with  golden  girdles. 
 
 7  And  one  of  the  four  beasts  gave  unto 
 the  seven  angels  seven  golden  vials  lull  o( 
 the  wrath  of  God,  wholiveth  foreverand  ever. 
 
 8  And  the  tem[)le  was  filled  with  smoke 
 from  the  glory  of  God,  and  from  his  power  ; 
 and  no  man  was  able  to  enter  into  the  temple 
 till  the  seven  plagues  of  the  seven  angels  were 
 fulfilled. 
 
 the  jiouring  out  ot  the  seven  vials,  which  was  committed  to  seven 
 
 angels  ;  and  observe,  'these  angels  appeared  to  the  apostle,  in 
 heaven,  in  a  wotiderful  manner,  ami  that  upon  the  account, 
 first.  Of  the  work  they  had  to  do,  and  that  was,  to  finish  the  de¬ 
 struction  of  antichrist.  God- was  now  about  to  pour  out  his  seven 
 last  plagues  ujwn  that  interest ;  and  as  tlie  measure  of  Babylon’s 
 sins  was  filled  up,  they  should  now  find  the  full  nieasure  of  his 
 vindictive  wrath.  Second,  'I'he  spectators  and  witnesses  of  this 
 their  cojinmission,  all  that  had  gotten  the  victory  over  the  beast, 
 &c.  'I'hese  stood  on  a  sea  of  glass,  representing  this  world,  as  some 
 think  it  a  brittle  thing,  that  shall  be  broken  to  pieces  ;  or,  as  others, 
 the  gospel  covenant,  alluding  to  the  brazen  sea  in  the  temple.  'I  he 
 faithful  servants  of  God  extol  the  greatness  of  God’s  works,  and 
 the  justice  and  truth  of  his  wavs,  both  in  delivering  his  people, 
 and  destroving  their  enemies ;  tliey  rejoiced  in  hope,  and  the  near 
 prospect  they  had  of  this,  though  it  was  not  yet  accomplished. 
 They  call  upon  all  nations  to  render  unto  God  that  fear,  glory,  and 
 worship,  w  hich  was  <luc  to  such  a  discovery  of  his  truth  and  jus¬ 
 tice,  V.  4,  Who  shall  not  fear  thee 
 
 5_8.  'rhe  interests  of  antichrist  were  so  interwoven  witn  the 
 civil  interests  of  the  nations,  that  he  could  not  be  destroyed  with¬ 
 out  giving  a  great  shock  to  all  the  world.  And  the  people  of  God 
 would  have  but  little  rest  and  leisure  to  assemble  tliemselves  before 
 him,  while  this  great  work  was  a  doing  :  for  the  present  their  sab¬ 
 baths  would  be  interrupted,  ordinances  of  public  worship  inter¬ 
 mitted,  and  all  thrown  into  a  general  confusion.  God  himself  was 
 now  preaching  to  the  church,  and  to  all  the  world,  by  terrible 
 things  in  righteousness;  but  when  this  w'ork  was  done,  then 
 the  churches  would  have  rest,  the  temple  would  be  opened  and 
 
 CHAP.  XVI. 
 
 In  this  chapter  we  have  an  account  of  the  pouring  forth  of  these 
 vials,  that  were  filled  with  the  wrath  of  God. 
 
 And  I  heard  a  great  voice  out  of  the 
 temple,  saying  to  the  seven  angels, 
 Go  your  ways,  and  pour  out  the  vials  of  the 
 wrath  of  God  upon  the  earth. 
 
 2  And  the  first  went,  and  poured  out  his 
 vial  upon  the  earth  ;  and  there  fell  a  noisome 
 and  grievous  sore  upon  the  men  which  had 
 the  mark  of  th6  beast,  and  upon  them  which 
 worshipped  his  image. 
 
 3  And  the  second  angel  poured  out  his 
 vial  upon  the  sea  ;  and  it  became  as  the 
 blood  of  a  dead  man  :  and  every  living  soul 
 died  in  the  sea. 
 
 4  And  the  third  angel  poured  out  his  vial 
 upon  the  rivers  and  fountains  of  waters  ;  and 
 they  became  blood. 
 
 5  And  1  heard  the  angel  of  the  waters 
 say.  Thou  art  righteous,  O  Lord,  which  art, 
 and  wast,  and  shalt  be,  because  thou  hast 
 judged  thus : 
 
 6  For  they*  have  shed  the  blood  of  sainU 
 and  prophets,  and  thou  hast  given  them 
 blood  to  drink  ;  for  they  are  worthy. 
 
 7  And  I  heard  another  out  of  the  altar 
 say,  Even  so,  Lord  God  Almighty,  true  and 
 righteous  are  thy  judgments. 
 
 8  And  the  fourth  angel  poured  out  his 
 
 the  solemn  assemblies  gathered,  edified,  and  multiplied.  The 
 
 greatest  deliverances  of  the  church  are  brought  about  by  awful 
 and  astonishing  steps  of  providence. 
 
 CHAP.  XVI.  1 — 7.  'I’he  first  angel  who  poured  out  his  vial,  2; 
 and  observe,  first,  w-here  it  fell,  upon  the  earth ;  that  is,  say 
 some,  upon  the  common  people;  others,  upon  the  body  of  the 
 Romish  clergy,  that  were  the  basis  of  the  Papacy,  and  of  an 
 earthly  spirit,  all  carrying  on  eaithly  designs.  Second,  What  it 
 produced,  noisome  and  grievous  sores  on  all  that  had  the  mark  of 
 the  beast.  They  had  marked  themselves  by  their  sin,  now  Cod 
 marks  them  out  by  his  judgments.  This  sore,  some  think,  sig¬ 
 nifies  some  of  the  first  appearances  of  providence  against  their 
 state  and  interest,  which  gave  them  great  uneasiness,  as  it  dis¬ 
 covered  their  inward  distemper,  and  was  a  token  of  farther  evil  ; 
 the  plague  tokens  appeared.  I'he  second  angel  poured  out  his 
 vial ;  and  here  we  see  where  it  fell,  upon  the  sea,  that  is,  say 
 some,  upon  the  jurisdiction  and  dominion  of  the  Papacy;  others, 
 upon  the  whole  system  of  their  religion,  their  false  doctrines,  cor¬ 
 rupt  glosses,  their  superstitious  rites,  their  idolatrous  iVorship, 
 their  pardons,  indulgences,  a  great  conflux  of  wicked  inventions 
 and  institutions,  by  which  they  maintain  a  trade  and  traffic  advan¬ 
 tageous  to  themselves,  but  injurious  to  all  that  deal  with  them. 
 The  next  angel  poured  out  his  vial,  and  we  are  told  where  that 
 fell,  upon  the  rivers,  and  upon  the  fountains  of  waters.  That 
 is,  say  some  very  learned  men,  upon  their  emissaries,  and  especially 
 the  Jesuits,  who  like  streams  conveyed  the  venom  and  poison  of 
 their  errors  and  idolatries  from  the  spring-head  through  the  earth. 
 
 8 — 1 1.  The  angel  poured  out  his  vial,  and  that  fell  upon  the  sun  ; 
 that  is,  sav  some,  upon  some  eminent  prince  of  the  Popish  com- 
 
 7-37 
 
REVELATION. 
 
 vial  upon  the  sun ;  and  power  was  given 
 unto  him  to  scorch  men  with  fire. 
 
 9  And  men  were  scorched  with  great 
 heat,  and  blasphemed  the  name  of  God, 
 which  hath  power  over  these  plagues :  and 
 they  repented  not  to  give  him  glory. 
 
 10  And  the  fifth  angel  poured  out  his  vial 
 upon  the  seat  of  the  beast ;  and  his  kingdom 
 was  full  of  darkness  ;  and  they  gnawed  their 
 tongues  for  pain, 
 
 11  And  blasphemed  the  God  of  heaven, 
 l^ecause  of  their  pains  and  their  sores,  and 
 repented  not  of  their  deeds. 
 
 12  And  the  sixth  angel  poured  out  his 
 vial  upon  the  great  river  Euphrates  ;  and 
 the  water  thereof  was  dried  up,  that  the 
 way  of  the  king  of  the  east  might  be  pre¬ 
 pared. 
 
 13  And  I  saw  three  unclean  spirits  like 
 frogs  come  out  of  the  mouth  of  the  dragon, 
 and  out  of  the  mouth  of  the  beast,  and  out 
 of  the  mouth  of  the  false  prophet. 
 
 14  For  they  are  the  spirits  of  devils,  work¬ 
 ing  miracles,  which  go  forth  unto  the  kings 
 of  the  earth,  and  of  the  whole  world,  to  ga¬ 
 ther  them  to  the  battle  of  that  great  day  of 
 God  Almighty. 
 
 15  ^  Behold,  I  come  as  a  thief.  Blessed 
 is  he  that  watcheth,  and  keepeth  his  gar¬ 
 ments,  lest  he  walk  naked,  and  they  see 
 Liis  shame 
 
 16  And  he  gathered  them  together  into  a 
 
 inunion  that  should  renounce  their  false  religion  a  little  while 
 before  its  utter  downfal ;  and  some  expect  it  will  be  the  German 
 emperor.  And  now  what  will  be  the  consequence  of  this  ?  That 
 sun  which  before  cherished  them  with  warm  and  benign  influences, 
 shall  now  grow  hot  against  these  idolaters,  and  shall  scorch  them  : 
 which  yet  would  be  so  far  from  bringing  them  to  repentance,  that 
 it  should  cause  them  to  curse  God  and  their  king,  and  look  up¬ 
 ward,  throwing  out  their  blasphemous  speeches  against  the  God 
 of  heaven;  they  were  hardened  to  their  ruin.  The  angel  poured 
 out  his,  V.  10,  and  observe,  first,  where  that  fell,  upon  the  seat  of 
 the  beast ;  and  Rome  itself,  the  mystical  Babylon,  the  head  of 
 the  antichristian  empire.  VVhat  effect  it  had  there;  the  whole 
 kingdom  of  the  beast  was  full  of  darkness  and  distress;  from  that 
 very  city  which  was  the  seat  of  their  policy,  and  source  of  all  their 
 learning,  and  all  their  knowledge,  and  all  Their  pomp  and  pleasure. 
 It  now  |)ecomcs  a  source  of  darkness,  and  pain,  and  anguish. 
 
 12 — 16'.  The  sixth  angel  poured  out  his  vial,  and  observe,  first, 
 where  it  fell,  upon  the  great  river  Euphrates.  Some  take  it  lite¬ 
 rally  from  the  place  where  the  Turkish  power  and  empire  begun  ; 
 and  they  think  this  is  a  prophecy  of  the  destruction  of  the  Turkish 
 monarchy  and  idolatry,  which  they  think  will  be  effected  about 
 the  same  time  with  that  of  the  Papacy,  as  another  antichrist,  and 
 that  thereby  a  way  shall  be  made  for  the  conveniency  of  the  Jews, 
 those  princes  of  the  east.  Others  take  it  for  the  river  Tiber ;  for 
 as  Rome  is  mystical  Babylon,  Tiber  is  mystical  Euphrates.  And 
 when  Rome  is  destroyed,  her  river  and  merchandise  must  suffer 
 738 
 
 place  called  in  the  Hebrew  tongue  Armaged¬ 
 don. 
 
 17  And  the  seventh  angel  poured  out  his 
 vial  into  the  air ;  and  there  came  a  great 
 voice  out  of  the  temple  of  heaven,  from  the 
 throne,  saying.  It  is  done. 
 
 18  And  there  were  voices,  and  thunders, 
 and  lightnings  ;  and  there  was  a  great  earth¬ 
 quake,  such  as  was  not  since  men  were  upon 
 the  earth,  so  mighty  an  earthquake,  and  so 
 great. 
 
 19  And  the  great  city  was  divided  into 
 three  parts,  and  the  cities  of  the  nations 
 fell :  and  great  Babylon  came  in  remem¬ 
 brance  before  God,  to  give  unto  her  the 
 cup  of  the  wine  of  the  fierceness  of  his 
 wrath. 
 
 20  And  every  island  fled  away,  and  the 
 mountains  were  not  found. 
 
 21  And  there  fell  upon  men  a  great  hail 
 out  of  heaven,  eve?'//  stone  about  the  weight 
 of  a  talent :  and  men  blasjihemed  God  be¬ 
 cause  of  the  plague  of  the  hail ;  for  the 
 plague  thereof  was  exceeding  great. 
 
 CHAP.  XVII. 
 
 Antichrist  had  been  before  represented  as  a  beast,  and  is  now 
 described  as  a  great  wliore. 
 
 And  there  came  one  of  the  seven  angels 
 which  had  the  seven  vials,  and  talked 
 with  me,  saying  unto  me.  Come  hither ;  I 
 will  shew  unto  thee  the  judgment  of  the 
 great  whore  that  sitteth  ujion  many  waters ; 
 
 with  her.  A  way  is  hereby  prepared  for  the  kings  of  the  oast. 
 The  idolatry  of  the  church  of  Rome  had  been  a  great  hindrance 
 both  to  the  conversion  of  the  Jews,  who  had  been  long  cured  ot 
 their  inclination  to  idols,  and  of  the  Gentiles,  who  are  hardened  in 
 their  iddlatry,  by  seeing  that  which  so  much  symbolizes  with  it 
 among  those  called  Christians.  And  therefore  it  is  very  probable, 
 the  downfal  of  popery,  removing  these  obstructions,  will  open  a 
 way  for  both  the  Jews,  and  other  eastern  nations,  to  come  into  the 
 true  church  of  Christ.  This  place  had  been  famous  for  two  events 
 of  a  very  different  nature,  the  first  very  happy  for  the  church  of 
 God,  the  latter  very  unhaiipy  ;  but  it  should  now  be  the  field  of 
 the  last  battle  in  which  the  church  shall  be  engaged,  and  she  shall 
 be  victorious.  This  battle  required  time  to  prepare  for  it,  and 
 therefore  the  farther  account  of  it  is  suspended  till  we  come  to  the 
 nineteenth  chapter,  J9,  20. 
 
 17 — 21.  This  downfal  extended  farther  than  to  the  seat  of  an¬ 
 tichrist  ;  it  reached  from  the  center  to  the  circumference ;  and 
 every  island,  and  every  mountain,  that  seemed  by  nature  and  si¬ 
 tuation  the  most  secured,  were  carried  awa3'  in  the  deluge  of  this 
 ruin.  The  greatest  calamities  that  can  befal  men,  will  not  bring 
 them  to  repentance  without  the  grace  of  God  working  with  them. 
 Those  who  are  not  made  better  by  the  judgments  of  God,  are  al¬ 
 ways  the  worse  for  them.  To  be  hardened  in  sin,  and  enmity 
 against  God  by  his  righteous  judgments,  is  a  certain  token  of  ut¬ 
 ter  destruction. 
 
 CHAP.  XVII.  1 — 6.  Her  principal  scat  and  residence  is  on 
 
CHAP.  XVII. 
 
 2  With  whom  the  kings  of  the  earth  have 
 committed  fornication,  and  the  inhabitants 
 of  the  earth  have  been  made  drunk,  with  the 
 Avine  of  her  fornication. 
 
 3  So  he  carried  me  aAvay  in  the  spirit  into 
 the  wilderness  :  and  I  saAV  a  woman  sit  upon 
 a  scarlet-coloured  beast,  full  of  names  of 
 blasphemy,  having  seven  heads  and  ten 
 horns. 
 
 4  And  the  Avoman  Avas  arrayed  in  purple 
 and  scarlet-colour,  and  decked  Avith  gold, 
 and  precious  stones,  an.d  pearls,  having  a 
 golden  cup  in  her  hand  full  of  abominations 
 and  filthiness  of  her  fornication. 
 
 5  And  upon  her  forehead  u'as  a  name 
 Avritten,  MYSFERY,  BABYLON  THE 
 GREAT,  THE  MOTHER  OF  HAR- 
 LOTS,  AND  ABOMINATIONS  OF  THE 
 EARTH. 
 
 6  And  I  saAv  the  Avoman  drunken  Avith 
 the  blood  of  the  saints,  and  Avith  the  blood 
 of  the  martyrs  of  Jesus  :  and  Avhen  1 
 saAv  her,  1  Avondcred  with  great  admira¬ 
 tion. 
 
 7  And  the  angel  said  unto  me,  Where¬ 
 fore  didst  thou  marvel  ?  1  Avill  tell  thee  the 
 m3’stery  of  the  Avoman,  and  of  the  beast  that 
 carrieth  her,  Avhich  hath  the  seven  heads  and 
 ten  horns. 
 
 8  The  beast  that  thou  sawest  Avas  and  is 
 not ;  and  shall  ascend  out  of  the  bottomless 
 pit,  and  go  into  perdition  ;  and  they  that 
 (IavcII  on  the  'earth  shall  Avonder,  (avIiosc 
 names  Avere  not  Avrittcn  in  the  book  of  life 
 from  the  foundation  of  the  Avorld,)  Avhen 
 they  behold  the  beast  that  aaqs,  and  is  not, 
 and  yet  is. 
 
 Ihe  beast  that  had  seven  heads,  and  ten  horns,  &c.  That  is  to  say, 
 llomc,  the  city  of  seven  hills,  infamous  for  idolatry,  tyranny,  and 
 blasphemy. 
 
 7—13.  This  beast  had  seven  heads  ;  which  have  a  double  signifi¬ 
 cation.  First,  Seven  mountains  ;  the  seven  hills  on  which  Rome 
 stands  ;  and  second.  Seven  kings,  or  sorts  of  government.  Rome  was 
 governed  by  kings,  consuls,  tribunes,  decemviri,  dictators,  em¬ 
 perors  that  were  Pagan,  and  emperors  that  were  Christians  :  five 
 of  these  were  extinct  when  this  prophecy  was  writ;  one  was  then 
 m  being,  that  is,  the  Pagan  emperor  ;  and  the  other,  that  is,  the 
 Christian  emperor,  was  yet  to  come,  v.  10.  This  beast,  the  Pa¬ 
 pacy,  makes  an  eighth  governor,  and  sets  up  idolatry  again.  Third, 
 This  beast  had  ten  horns,  which  are  said  to  be  ten  kings,  which 
 as  yet  have  received  no  kingdoms ;  as  yet,  that  is,  as  some,  shall 
 not  rise  up  till  th*  Roman  empire  be  broken  in  pieces;  or,  as 
 
 9  And  here  is  the  mind  Avhich  hath  Avis- 
 dom.  The  seven  heads  are  seven  mountains, 
 on  Avhich  the  Avoman  sitteth. 
 
 10  And  there  are  seven  kings  :  five  are 
 fallen,  and  one  is,  and  the  other  is  not  yet 
 come ;  and  Avhen  he  cometh  he  must  con¬ 
 tinue  a  short  space. 
 
 11  And  the  beast  that  Avas,  and  is  not, 
 even  he  is  the  eighth,  and  is  of  the  seven,  and 
 goeth  into  perdition. 
 
 12  And  the  ten  horns  Avhich  thou  sawest 
 are  ten  kings,  Avhich  haA^e  received  no  king¬ 
 dom  as  yet ;  but  receive  power  as  kings  one 
 hour  Avith  the  beast. 
 
 13  These  have  one  mind,  and  shall  give 
 their  poAver  and  strength  unto  the  beast. 
 
 14  These  shall  make  war  Avith  the  Lambi 
 and  the  Lamb  shall  overcome  them  :  for  he 
 is  Lord  of  lords,  and  King  of  kings  ;  and 
 they  that  are  Avith  him,  ai'e  called,  and  chosen, 
 and  faithful. 
 
 15  And  he  saith  unto  me,  The  Avaters 
 Avhich  thou  saAvest,  where  the  Avhore  sitteth, 
 are  peoples,  and  multitudes,  and  nations, 
 and  tongues. 
 
 16  And  the  ten  horns  Avhich  thou  saAvest 
 upon  the  beast,  these  shall  hate  the  Avhore, 
 and  shall  make  her  desolate  and  naked, 
 and  shall  eat  her  flesh,  and  burn  her  Avith 
 fire. 
 
 17  For  God  hath  put  in  their  hearts  to 
 fulfil  his  Avill,  and  to  agree,  and  give  their 
 kingdom  unto  the  beast,  until  the  Avords  of 
 God  shall  be  fulfilled. 
 
 18  And  the  Avoman  Avhich  thou  sawest  is 
 that  great  city,  Avhich  reigneth  over  the 
 kings  of  the  earth. 
 
 others,  shall  nbt  rise  up  till  near  the  end  of  antichrist’s  reign  ;  and 
 so  shall  reign  but  as  it  were  one  hour  with  her,  but  shall  for  that 
 time  be  very  unanimous  and  very  zealous  in  that  interest,  and  en¬ 
 tirely  devoted  to  it,  divesting  themselves  of  their  prerogatives  arui 
 revenues,  (things  so  dear  to  princes)  out  of  an  unaccountable  fond¬ 
 ness  for  the  papacy. 
 
 14 — 18.  It  was  of  God,  and  to  fulfil  his  will,  that  these  kings 
 agreed  to  give  their  kingdom  unto  the  beast ;  they  were  judicially 
 bounded  and  hardened  to  do  s6 :  it  was  of  God,  that  afterwards 
 their  hearts  were  turned  against  the  whore,  to  hate  her,  and  to 
 make  her  desolate  and  naked,  and  to  eat  her  flesh,  and  burn  her 
 with  fire ;  they  shall  at  length  see  their  folly,  and  how  they  have 
 been  bewitched  and  enslaved  by  the  papacy,  and  out  of  a  just  re¬ 
 sentment  shall  not  only  fall  off  from  Rome,  but  shall  be  made  the 
 instruments  of  God’s  providence  in  her  destruction. 
 
 739 
 
UEVELATION. 
 
 CHAP.  xvm. 
 
 Fall  of  Babylon. 
 
 And  after  these  things  I  saw  another 
 angel  come  down  from  heaven,  having 
 great  power  ;  and  the  earth  was  lightened 
 with  his  glory. 
 
 2  And  he  cried  mightily  with  a  strong 
 voice,  saying,  Babylon  the  great  is  fallen, 
 is  fallen,  and  is  become  the  habitation  of 
 devils,  and  the  hold  of  every  foul  spirit, 
 and  a  cage  of  every  unclean  and  hateful 
 bird. 
 
 3  For  all  nations  have  drunk  of  the  wine 
 of  the  wrath  of  her  fornication,  and  the  kings 
 of  the  earth  have  committed  fornication 
 with  her,  and  the  merchants  of  the  earth  are 
 waxed  rich  through  the  abundance  of  her 
 delicacies. 
 
 4  And  I  heard  another  voice  from  heaven, 
 saying.  Come  out  of  her,  my  people,  that 
 ye  be  not  partakers  of  her  sins,  and  that  ye 
 receive  not  of  her  plagues  : 
 
 5  For  her  sins  have  reached  unto  heaven, 
 and  God  hath  remembered  her  iniquities. 
 
 6  Reward  her  even  as  she  rewarded  you, 
 and  double  unto  her  double,  according  to 
 her  works  :  in  the  cup  which  she  hath  filled, 
 fill  to  her  double. 
 
 7  How  much  she  hath  glorified  herself 
 and  lived  deliciously,  so  much  torment  and 
 sorrow  give  her  ;  for  she  saith  in  her  heart, 
 I  sit  a  queen,  and  am  no  widow,  and  shall 
 see  no  sorrow. 
 
 8  Therefore  shall  her  plagues  come  m 
 one  day,  death,  and  mourning,  and  famine  ; 
 and  she  shall  be  utterly  burnt  with  fire  : 
 for  strong  is  the  Lord  God  who  judgeth 
 her. 
 
 9  And  the  kings  of  the  earth,  who  have 
 committed  fornication  and  lived  deliciously 
 with  her,  shall  bewail  her,  and  lament  for 
 her,  when  they  shall  see  the  smoke  of  her 
 burning. 
 
 10  Standing  afar  off  for  the  fear  of  her 
 
 torment,  saying,  Alas,  alas,  that  great  city 
 Babylon,  that  mighty  city !  for  in  one  horn 
 is  thy  judgment  come. 
 
 11  And  the  merchants  of  the  earth  shall 
 weep  and  mourn  over  her  :  for  no  man  buy- 
 eth  their  merchandise  any  more. 
 
 12  The  merchandise  of  gold,  and  silver, 
 and  precious  stones,  and  of  pearls,  and  fine 
 linen,  and  purple,  and  silk,  and  scarlet,  and 
 all  thyine,  wood,  and  all  manner  vessels  of 
 ivory,  and  all  manner  vessels  of  most  pre¬ 
 cious  wood,  and  of  brass,  and  iron,  and 
 marble, 
 
 13  And  cinnamon,  and  odours,  and  oint¬ 
 ments,  and  frankincense,  and  wine,  and  oil, 
 and  fine  flour,  and  wheat,  and  beasts,  and 
 sheep,  and  horses,  and  chariots,  and  slaves, 
 and  souls  of  men. 
 
 14  And  the  fruits  that  thy  soul  lusted 
 after  are  departed  from  thee,  and  all  things 
 which  were  dainty  and  goodly  are  dejiarted 
 [from  thee,  and  thou  shalt  find  them  no  more 
 at  all. 
 
 15  The  merchants  of  these  things,  which 
 were  made  rich  by  her,  shall  stand  atar  off 
 for  the  fear  of  her  torment,  weeping  and 
 wailing, 
 
 16  And  saying,  Alas,  alas  !  that  great 
 city,  that  was  clothed  in  fine  linen,  and  pur¬ 
 ple,  and  scarlet,  and  decked  with  gold,  and 
 precious  stones  and  })earls  ! 
 
 1 7  For  in  one  hour  so  gTOdt  riches  is  come 
 to  nought.  And  every  shiimiaster,  and  all 
 the  company  in  ships,  and  sailors,  and  as 
 many  as  trade  by  sea,  stood  afar  ofl, 
 
 18  And  cried,  when  they  saw  the  smoke 
 of  her  burning,  saying.  What  city  is  like  unto 
 this  great  city  ? 
 
 19  And  they  cast  dust  on  their  heads,  and 
 cried,  weeping  and  wailing, saying,  Alas, alas! 
 that  great  city,  wherein  were  made  rich  all 
 that  had  ships  in  the  sea  by  reason  of  her 
 costliness !  for  in  one  hour  is  she  made 
 desolate. 
 
 CHAP.  XVIII.  1—3.  The  wickedness  of  Babylon  had  been  veiy 
 creat,  for  she  had  not  only  forsaken  the  true  God  herself,  and  set 
 up  idols,  but  had  with  great  art  and  industry  drawn  all  sorts  of 
 men  into  the  spiritual  adultery,  and  by  her  wealth  and  luxury  had 
 retained  them  in  her  interest,  3. 
 
 4 _ 8.  Here  is  a  fair  warning  given  to  all  that  expect  mercy  fiom 
 
 God,  they  should  not  only  come  out  of  her,  but  be  assisting  in  her 
 
 q _ iq  The  church  of  God  may  tall  for  a  time,  but  she  shall 
 
 rise  a«mn  ;  but  the  hill  of  Babylon  will  be  an  utter  overthrow, 
 like  that  of  Sodom  and  Gomorrha.  Godly  sorrow  is  some  support 
 under  affliction,  but  mere  worldly  sorrow  adds  to  the  calamity. 
 
CHAP.  XIX. 
 
 20  Rejoice  over  her^  thou  heaven,  and  ye 
 holy  apostles  and  prophets  ;  for  God  hath 
 avenged  you  on  her.  ’  ‘ 
 
 21  And  a  mighty  angel  took  up  a  stone 
 like  a  great  millstone,  and  cast  it  into  the 
 sea,  saying.  Thus  with  violence  shall  that 
 great  city  Babylon  be  thrown  down  and 
 shall  be  found  no  more  at  all. 
 
 22  And  the  voice  of  harpers  and  musi¬ 
 cians,  and  of  pipers,  and  trumpeters,  shall  be 
 heard  no  more  at  all  in  thee ;  and  no  crafts¬ 
 man,  of  whatsoever  craft  he  be,  shall  be 
 Ibund  any  more  in  thee  ;  and  the  sound  of  a 
 millstone  shall  be  heard  no  more  at  all  in 
 thee  ; 
 
 23  And  the  light  of  a  candle  shall  shine 
 no  more  at  all  in  thee  :  and  the  voice  of  the 
 bridegroom  and  of  the  bride  shall  be  heard 
 no  more  at  all  in  thee  :  for  thy  merchants 
 were  the  great  men  of  the  earth  ;  for  by  thy 
 sorceries  were  all  nations  deceived. 
 
 24  And  in  her  was  found  the  blood  of 
 prophets,  and  of  saints,  and  of  all  that  were 
 slain  upon  the  earth. 
 
 CHAP.  XIX. 
 
 The  marriage  between  Christ  and  the  church, 
 
 AND  after  these  things  1  heard  a  great 
 voice  of  much  people  in  heaven,  say¬ 
 ing,  Alleluia ;  Salvation,  and  glory,  and 
 honour,  and  power,  unto  the  Lord  our  God  : 
 
 2  For  true  and  righteous  are  his  judg¬ 
 ments  ;  for  he  hath  judged  the  great  whore, 
 which  did  corrupt  the  earth  with  her  forni¬ 
 cation,  and  hath  avenged  the  blood  of  his 
 servants  at  her  hand. 
 
 3  And  again  they  said.  Alleluia.  And 
 her  smoke  rose  up  for  ever  and  ever. 
 
 4  And  the  four  and  twenty  elders  and 
 the  four  l^easts  fell  down  and  Avorshipped 
 God  that  sat  on  the  throne,  saying.  Amen  ; 
 Alleluia. 
 
 5  And  a  voice  came  out  of  the  throne, 
 
 20 — 24.  We  have  here  an  account  of  the  joy  and  triumph  there 
 was  both  in  heaven  and  earth  at  the  irrecoverable  fall  of  Baby¬ 
 lon ;  while  her  own  people  are  bewailing  her,  the  servants  of  God 
 arc  called  to  rtjoice  over  her,  20. 
 
 CHAB.  XIX.  1 — 4.  The  surest  way  to  have  our  deliverances 
 continued  and  completed,  is  to  give  Gtxl  the  glory  of  what  he  has 
 done  for  us  ;  praising  God  for  what  we  have,  is  praying  in  the  most 
 effectual  manner  for  what  is  yet  further  to  be  done  for  us;  the 
 praises  of  the  saints  blow  up  the  fire  of  God's  wrath  against  the 
 common  enemy. 
 
 I  saying.  Praise  our  God  all  ye  his  servants, 
 and  ye  that  fear  him,  both  small  and  great. 
 
 6  And  I  heard  as  it  were  the  voice  of  a 
 great  multitude,  and  as  the  voice  of  many 
 Avaters,  and  as  the  voice  of  mighty  thunder- 
 ings,  saying.  Alleluia  :  for  the  Lord  God 
 Omnipotent  reigneth. 
 
 7  Let  us  be  glad  and  rejoice,  and  give 
 honour  to  him  :  for  the  marriage  of  the 
 Lamb  is  come,  and  his  Avife  hath  made  her¬ 
 self  ready. 
 
 18  And  to  her  it  was  granted  that  she  should 
 be  arrayed  in  fine  linen,  clean  and  Avhite  ; 
 for  the  fine  linen  is  the  righteousness  of 
 saints. 
 
 9  And  he  saith  unto  me.  Write,  Blessed 
 a?‘e  they  Avhich  are  called  unto  the  marriage- 
 supper  of  the  Lamb.  And  he  saith  unto 
 me.  These  are  the  true  sayings  of  God. 
 
 10  And  I  fell  at  his  feet  to  Avorship  him. 
 And  he  said  unto  me.  See  thou  dq  it  not ;  I 
 am  thy  felloAV  servant,  and  of  thy  brethren 
 that  have  the  testimony  of  Jesus.  Worship 
 God  ;  for  the  testimony  of  Jesus  is  the  spirit 
 of  prophecy. 
 
 11  And  I  saAv  heaven  opened,  and,  be¬ 
 hold,  a  Avhite  horse  ;  and  he  that  sat  upon 
 him  wan  called  Faithful  and  True  ;  and  in 
 righteousness  he  doth  judge  and  make  Avar. 
 
 12  His  eyes  were  as  a  flame  of  fire,  and 
 on  his  head  were  many  croAvns  :  and  he  had 
 a  name  Avritten  that  no  man  kneAv  but  he 
 himself : 
 
 13  And  he  was  clothed  Avith  a  vesture 
 dipped  in  blood  ;  and  his  name  was  called 
 The  Word  of  God. 
 
 14  And  the  armies  Avhieh  were  in  heaven 
 folloAved  him  upon  Avhite  horses,  clothed  in 
 fine  linen,  Avhite  and  clean. 
 
 13  And  out  of  his  mouth  goeth  a  sharp 
 sword,  that  Avith  it  he  should  smite  the  na¬ 
 tions  ;  and  he  shall  rule  them  with  a  rod  of 
 
 he  promise  opened,  applied,  sealed,  and  earnested  by 
 the  Spirit  of  God  in  holy  eucharistical  ordinances,  are  the  niar- 
 riage-feast :  and  the  whole  collective  body  of  all  those  that  partake 
 of  this  feast,  is  ihc  bride,  the  Lamb’s  wife  ;  they  eat  into  one  body, 
 and  drink  into  one  spirit,  and  are  not  mere  spectators  of  guests,’ 
 but  coalesce  into  the  espoused  party,  the  mvstical  body  of  Chris^t,’ 
 11—21.  The  victory  is  gained  by  the  gfcat  and  glorious  head  of 
 the  church ;  ^hc  beast  and  the  false  prophet,  the  leaders  of  the 
 army  were  taken  prisoners,  both  he  that  led  thpm  bv  power,  and 
 he  that  led  them  by  policy  and  falsehood,  these  are  taken  and  cast 
 
 741 
 
REVEI.ATION. 
 
 iron  *.  and  he  treadeth  the  wine-press  of  the 
 fierceness  and  wrath  of  Almighty  God.  • 
 
 16  And  he  hath  on  his  vesture  and  on  his 
 thfgh  a  name  written,  KING  OF  KINGS, 
 AND  LORD  OF  LORDS. 
 
 17  And  I  saw  an  angel  standing  in  the 
 sun ;  and  he  cried  with  a  loud  voice,  saying 
 to  all  the  fowls  that  fly  in  the  midst  of  hea¬ 
 ven,  Come  and  gather  yourselves  together 
 unto  the  supper  of  the  great  God  : 
 
 18  That  ye  may  eat  the  flesh  of  kings, 
 and  the  flesh  of  captains,  and  the  flesh  of 
 mighty  men,  and  the  flesh  of  horses,  and  of 
 them  that  sit  on  them,  and  the  flesh  of  all 
 7ne?}i  ^oth  free  and  bond,  both  small  and  great. 
 
 19  And  I  saw  the  beast,  and  the  kings  ot 
 the  earth,  and  their  armies,  gathered  toge¬ 
 ther  to  make  war  against  him  that  sat  on 
 the  horse,  and  against  his  army. 
 
 20  And  the  beast  was  taken,  and  with 
 him  the  false  prophet  that  wrought  miracles 
 before  him,  with  which  he  deceived  them  that 
 had  received  the  mark  of  the  beast,  and 
 them  that  worshipped  his  image.  These 
 both  were  cast  alive  into  a  lake  of  fire 
 burning  with  brimstone. 
 
 21  And  the  remnant  were  slain  with  the 
 sword  of  him  that  sat  upon  the  horse,  which 
 sword  proceedeth  out  ot  his  mouth  :  and  al 
 the  fowls  were  filled  with  their  flesh. 
 
 CHAP.  XX. 
 
 This  chapter  is  thought  by  some  to  be  the  darkest  part  of  all  this 
 prophecy;  it  is  very  probable  the  things  contained  in  it  are  not 
 yet  accomplished,  and  therefore  it  is  the  wiser  'vay  to  content 
 ourselves  with  general  observations,  than  to  be  positive  and  par¬ 
 ticular  in  our  explications  of  it. 
 
 And  I  saw  an  angel  come  down  from 
 heaven,  having  the  key  of  the  bottom¬ 
 less  pit,  and  a  great  chain  in  his  hand. 
 
 2  And  he  laid  hold  on  the  dragon,  tUat 
 old  serpent,  which  is  the  Devil,  and  Satan, 
 and  bound  him  a  thousand  years, 
 
 3  And  cast  him  into  the  bottomless  pit,  and 
 shut  him  up,  and  set  a  seal  upon  him,  that 
 he  should  deceive  the  nations  no  more,  till 
 the  thousand  years  should  be  fulfilled  ;  and 
 after  that  he  must  be  loosed  a  little  season. 
 
 4  And  I  saw  thrones,  and  they  sat  upon 
 them,  and  judgment  was  given  unto  them ; 
 and  I  saw  the  souls  of  them  that  were  be¬ 
 headed  for  the  witness  of  Jesus,  and  for  the 
 word  of  God,  and  which  had  not  worship¬ 
 ped  the  beast,  neither  his  image,  neither  had 
 received  his  mark  upon  their  foreheads,  or 
 in  their  hands  ;  and  they  lived  and  reigned 
 with  Christ  a  thousand  years. 
 
 5  But  the  rest  of  the  dead  lived  not  again 
 until  the  thousand  years  were  finished.  This 
 is  the  first  resurrection. 
 
 6  Blessed  and  holy  is  he  that  hath  part 
 in  the  first  resurrection  ;  on  such  the  second 
 death  hath  no  power  :  but  they  shall  be 
 priests  of  God  and  of  Christ,  and  shall  reign 
 with  him  a  thousand  years. 
 
 7  And  when  the  thousand  years  are  ex¬ 
 pired,  Satan  shall  be  loosed  out  of  his  })ri- 
 son, 
 
 8  And  shall  go  out  to  deceive  the  na¬ 
 tions  which  are  in  the  four  (quarters  of  the 
 earth,  Gog,  and  IMagog,  to  gather  them 
 together  to  battle  :  the  number  of  whom  is 
 as  the  sand  of  the  sea. 
 
 9  And  they  went  up  on  the  breadth  of 
 the  earth,  and  compassed  the  cani[)  of  the 
 saints  about,  and  the  beloved  city  ;  and  fire 
 came  down  from  God  out  of  heaven,  and  de¬ 
 voured  them. 
 
 into  the  burning  lake,  made  incapable  of  molesting  the  church  of 
 God  any  more  ;  and  their  followers,  whether  officers  or  common 
 soldiers,  are  given  up  to  military  execution,  and  made  a  feast  for 
 the  fowls  of  heaven  ;  though  the  divine  vengeance  will  chiefly  fall 
 upon  the  beast  and  the  false  prophet,  yet  it  will  be  no  excuse  to 
 those  that  fight  under  their  banner,  that  they  only  followed  their 
 leaders,  and  obeyed  their  command  ;  since  they  would  fight  for 
 them  they  must  fall  and  perish  with  them.  Be  wise  now,  therefore, 
 O  ye  Kings,  be  instructed,  ye  Rulers  of  the  earth  ;  kiss  the  Son, 
 lest  he  be  angrv,  and  ye  perish  from  the  way,  rsal.  ii.  10,  1 1. 
 
 CHAP.  XX“  1 — 3.  We  have  here  a  prophecy  of  the  binding  of 
 Satan  for  a  certain  term  of  time,  in  which  he  should  have  much 
 less  power,  and  the  church  much  more  peace,  than  before.  1  he 
 power  ofSatan  was  broken  in  part  by^etting  up  of  the  gospel  king¬ 
 dom  in  the  world ;  it  was  further  reduced  by  the  empire  s  becoming 
 Christian  ;  it  was  yet  further  broken  by  the  downfal  of  the  mystical 
 742 
 
 Babylon  :  but  still  this  serpent  had  many  heads,  and  when  one  is 
 wounded,  another  has  life  remaining  in  it. 
 
 4  3.  They  reigned  with  Christ  a  thousand  years  ;  they  that 
 suffer  with  Christ  shall  reign  with  Christ;  they  shall  reign  with  him 
 in  his  spiritual  and  heavenly  kingdom,  in  a  glorious  conformity  to 
 him,  in  wisdom,  righteousness,  and  holiness,  beyond  what  had 
 been  known  before  in  the  world.  'Phis  is  called  the  first  resur¬ 
 rection,  which  none  but  those  that  have  served  Christ  and  suffered 
 for  him'  shall  be  favoured  with  :  As  for  the  wicked,  they  shall  not 
 be  raised  up  and  restored  to  the  power  again  till  Satan  be  let  loose. 
 This  may  be  called  a  resurrectioH,  as  the  conversion  of  the  Jews 
 is  said  to  be  life  from  the  dead, 
 
 j _ 10.  We  have  the  names  of  the  principal  commanders  in  the 
 
 army  under  the  dragon,  Gog  and  IMagog.  We  need  not  be  too  in¬ 
 quisitive  what  particular  powers  are  meant  by  these  names,  since 
 the  urmy  w'us  gathered  frorn  all  parts  of  the  world,  fhese  uanics 
 
 /■ 
 
CHAP.  XXI. 
 
 10  And  the  devil  that  deceived  them  was 
 cast  into  the  lake  of  fire  and  brimstone, 
 where  the  beast  and  the  false  prophet  are, 
 and  shall  be  tormented  day  and  night  for 
 ever  and  ever. 
 
 11  And  I  saw  a  great  white  throne,  and 
 him  that  sat  on  it,  from  whose  face  the 
 earth  and  the  heaven  fled  away  ;  and  there 
 was  found  no  place  for  them. 
 
 12  And  I  saw  the  dead,  small  and  great, 
 stand  before  God  :  and  the  books  were 
 opened ;  and  another  book  was  opened, 
 which  is  the  book  of  life :  and  the  dead  were 
 judged  out  of  those  things  which  were  writ¬ 
 ten  in  the  books,  according  to  their  works. 
 
 13  And  the  sea  gave  up  the  dead  which 
 were  in  it ;  and  death  and  hell  delivered  up 
 the  dead  which  were  in  them :  and  they  were 
 judged  every  man  according  to  their  works. 
 
 14  And  death  and  hell  were  cast  into  the 
 lake  of  fire.  This  is  the  second  death. 
 
 15  And  whosoever  was  not  found  written 
 in  the  book  of  life  was  cast  into  the  lake  of  fire. 
 
 CHAP.  XXL 
 
 In  this  chapter  you  have,  1.  An  introduction  to  the  vision  of  the 
 new  Jerusalem.  II.  The  vision  itself. 
 
 And  1  saw  a  new  heaven  and  a  new 
 earth  :  for  the  first  heaven  and  the  first 
 earth  were  passed  away ;  and  there  Avas  no 
 more  sea. 
 
 2  And  I  John  saw  the  holy  city,  new  Je¬ 
 rusalem,  coming  down  from  God  out  of 
 heaven,  prepared  as  a  bride  adorned  for  her 
 husband. 
 
 3  And  I  heard  a  great  voice  out  of  hea¬ 
 ven,  saying.  Behold,  the  tabernacle  of  God 
 is  with  men,  and  he  will  dwell  with  them,  and 
 
 are  found  in  other  parts  of  scripture.  Magog  we  reari  of  in  Gen. 
 X.  2.  He  was  one  of  the  sons  of  Japhael,  and  peopled  the  country 
 called  Syria,  from  which  his  descendants  spread  into  many  other 
 parts.  Of  Gog  and  Magog  together  we  only  read  in  Ezekiel 
 xxxviii.  2,. a  prophecy  from  whence  this  in  the  revelation  borrows 
 many  of  its  images. 
 
 11—15.  The  utter  destruction  of  the  devil’s  kingdom  very  pro- 
 oerly  leads  to  an  account  of  the  day  of  judgment,  which  will  deter¬ 
 mine  every  man’s  everlasting  state.  And  we  may  be  assured  there 
 will  be  a  judgment  when  we  see  the  prince  of  this  world  is  judged, 
 John  xvi.  11.  This  will  be  a  great  day,  the  great  day  when  all 
 shall  appear  before  the  judgment-seat  of  Christ.  The  Lord  help  us 
 firmly  to  believe  this  doctrine  of  the  judgment  to  come  !  Let  it  be 
 our  great  concern  to  see  on  what  terms  we  stand  with  our  bibles, 
 wheUier  they  justify  us  or  condemn  us  now  ;  for  the  judge  of  all 
 will  proceed  by  that  rule.  Christ  shall  judge  the  secrets  of  al 
 men  according  to  the  gospel,  blappy  are  they  that  have  so  or¬ 
 dered  and  stated  their  cause  according  to  the  gospel,  as  to  know 
 Vol.  II.  101  5  A 
 
 they  shall  be  his  people,  and  God  himself 
 shall  be  with  them,  and  be  their  God. 
 
 4  And  God  shall  wipe  away  all  tears 
 from  their  eyes  ;  and  there  shall  be  no  more 
 death,  neither  sorroAv  nor  crying,  neither 
 shall  there  be  any  more  pain  :  for  the  former 
 things  are  passed  away. 
 
 5  And  he  that  sat  upon  the  throne  said. 
 Behold,  I  make  all  things  new.  And  he 
 said  unto  me.  Write :  for  these  words  arc 
 true  and  faithful. 
 
 6  And  he  said  unto  me.  It  is  done.  I  am 
 Alpha  and  Omega,  the  beginning  and  the 
 end  :  I  Avill  give  unto  him  that  is  athirst  of 
 the  fountain  of  the  water  of  life  freely. 
 
 7  He  that  overcometh  shall  inherit  all 
 things ;  and  I  will  be  his  God,  and  he  shall 
 be  my  son  : 
 
 8  But  the  fearful,  and  unbelieving,  and 
 the  abominable,  and  murderers,  and  Avhore- 
 mongers,  and  sorcerers,  and  idolaters,  and 
 all  liars,  shall  have  their  part  in  the  lake 
 which  burneth  Avith  fire  and  brimstone ; 
 Avhich  is  the  second  death. 
 
 9  And  there  came  unto  me  one  of  the 
 seven  angels  Avhich  had  the  seven  vials  full 
 of  the  seven  last  plagues,  and  talked  Avith 
 me,  saying,  Come  hither,  I  Avill  shcAV  thee  the 
 bride,  the  Lamb's  wife. 
 
 10  And  he  carried  me  away  in  the  spirit 
 to  a  great  and  high  mountain,  and  shcAved 
 me  that  great  city,  the  holy  Jerusalem,  de¬ 
 scending  out  of  heaven  from  God, 
 
 1 1  Having  the  glory  of  God:  and  her 
 light  was  like  unto  a  stone  most  precious, 
 even  like  a  jasper-stone,  clear'as  crystal : 
 
 12  And  had  a  wall  great  and  high,  and 
 
 before-hand,  that  they  shall  be  justified  in  the  great  day  of  the 
 Lord. 
 
 CHAP.  XXL  1 — 8.  Those  that  were  so  dastardly  as  not  t@  dare 
 to  take  up  the  cross  of  Christ,  and  discharge  their  duty  to  him, 
 were  yet  so  desperate  as  to  run  into  all  manner  of  abominable 
 wickedness,  murder,  adultery,  sorcery,  idolatry,  and  lying.  They 
 must  die  another  death  after  their  natural  death.  The  agonies  and 
 terrors  of  the  first  death  will  consign  them  over  to  the  far  greater 
 terrors  and  agonies  of  the  eternal  death  ;  to  die,  and  to  be  always 
 dying.  This  misery  will  be  their  proper  part  and  portion,  what  they 
 have  justly  deserved,  what  they  have  in  effect  chosen,  and  what 
 they  have  prepared  themselves  for  by  their  sins.  Thus  the  misery 
 of  the  damned  will  illustrate  the  blessedness  of  those  that  are  saved, 
 and  their  blessedness  will  aggravate  the  other’s  misery. 
 
 9 — 21.  The  foundations  arc  .  described  by  their  number  and  by 
 their  matter.  By  their  number,  twelve ;  alluding  to  the  twelve 
 apostles,  14,  whose  gospel-doctrines  are  the  foundations  upon 
 which  the  church  is  built.  Christ  himself  being  the  chief  corner- 
 
 743 
 
REVELATION. 
 
 twelve  gates,  and  at  the  gates  twelve  angels, 
 and  names  written  thereon,  which  are  the 
 names  of  the  twelve  tribes  of  the  children  of 
 Israel. 
 
 13  On  the  east,  three  gates  ;  on  the  north, 
 three  gates  ;  on  the  south,  three  gates ;  and 
 on  Ihe  west,  three  gates. 
 
 14  And  the  wall  of  the  city  had  twelve 
 foundations,  and  in  them  the  names  of  the 
 twelve  apostles  of  the  Lamb. 
 
 15  And  he  that  talked  with  me  had  a 
 golden  reed  to  measure  the  city,  and  the 
 gates  thereof,  and  the  wall  thereof. 
 
 16  And  the  city  lieth  four-square,  and 
 the  length  is  as  large  as  the  breadth  :  and  he 
 measured  the  city  -with  the  reed,  twelve 
 thousand  furlongs.  The  length,  and  the 
 breadth,  and  the  height  of  it  are  equal. 
 
 17  And  he  measured  the  wall  thereof,  an 
 hundred  and  forty  and  four  cubits,  according 
 to  the  measure  of  a  man,  that  is,  of  the  angel. 
 
 18  And  the  building  of  the  wall  of  it  was 
 of  jasper  ;  and  the  city  was  pure  gold,  like 
 unto  clear  glass. 
 
 19  And  the  foundations  of  the  wall  of 
 the  city  were  garnished  with  all  manner  of 
 precious  stones.  The  first  foundation  was 
 jasper ;  the  second,  sapphire  ;  the  third,  a 
 chalcedony  ;  the  fourth,  an  emerald  ; 
 
 20  The  fifth,  sardonyx  ;  the  sixth,  sar- 
 dius  ;  the  seventh,  chrysolite ;  the  eighth, 
 beryl ;  the  ninth,  a  topaz ;  the  tenth,  a 
 chrysoprasus  ;  the  eleventh,  a  jacinth  ;  the 
 twelfth,  an  amethyst. 
 
 21  And  the  twelve  gates  were  twelve 
 pearls  ;  every  several  gate  was  of  one  pearl  : 
 and  the  street  of  the  city  was  pure  gold,  as  it 
 were  transparent  glass. 
 
 22  And  I  saw  no  temple  therein  :  for  the 
 Lord  God  Almighty  and  the  Lamb  are  the 
 temple  of  it. 
 
 _  ■■  ■  ■  ■"  --TP - ~  ' 
 
 stoHC.  AkicI  as  the  matter  of  these  foundations,  it  was  various  and 
 precious,  set  forth  by  twelve  sorts  of  precious  stones,  denoting  the 
 variety  and  excellency  of  the  doctrines  of  the  gospel,  or  of  the 
 graces  of  the  holy  Spirit,  or  the  personal  excellencies  of  the  Lord 
 Jesus  Christ. 
 
 22 — 27-  Whatever  is  excellent  and  valuable  in  this  world,  shall 
 b?  there  enjoyed  in  a  more  refined  kind,  and  to  a  far  greater  de¬ 
 gree.  Brighter  crowns,  a  better  and  more  enduring  substance, 
 more  sweet  and  satisfying  feast,  a  more  glorious  attendance,  a 
 truer  sense  of  honour,  and  far  higher  posts  of  honour,  a  more  glo- 
 I.XOUS  temper  of  mind,  and  a  more  glorious  form  and  countenance, 
 than  ever  was  known  in  this  worhl. 
 
 744 
 
 23  And  the  city  had  no  need  of  the  sun, 
 neither  of  the  moon,  to  shine  in  it :  for  the 
 glory  of  God  did  lighten  it,  and  the  Lamb  is 
 the  light  thereof. 
 
 24  And  the  nations  of  them  which  are 
 saved  shall  walk  in*" the  light  of  it :  and  the 
 kings  of  the  earth  do  bring  their  glory  and 
 honour  into  it. 
 
 25  And  the  gates  of  it  shall  not  be  shut 
 at  all  by  day ;  for  there  shall  be  no  night 
 there. 
 
 26  And  they  shall  bring  the  glory  and 
 honour  of  the  nations  into  it. 
 
 27  And  there  shall  in  no  wise  enter  into  it 
 any  thing  that  defileth,  neither  whatsoever 
 worketh  abomination,  or  maketh  a  lie  :  but 
 they  which  are  written  in  the  Lamb's  book 
 of  life. 
 
 CHAP.  XXII. 
 
 In  this  chapter  we  have,  I.  A  further  description  of  the  heavenly 
 
 state  of  the  church,  from  the  first  to  the  sixth  verse.  II.  A  coii- 
 
 ^rmation  of  this  and  all  the  other  visions  of  this  book.  111.  The 
 
 conclusion. 
 
 A  ND  he  shewed  me  a  pure  river  of  wa- 
 ter  of  life,  clear  as  crystal,  proceeding 
 out  of  the  throne  of  God  and  of  the  Lamb. 
 
 2  In  the  midst  of  the  street  of  it,  and  of 
 either  side  of  the  river,  was  there  the  tree  of 
 life,  which  bare  twelve  manner  of  fruits,  and 
 yielded  her  fruit  every  month  :  and  the 
 leaves  of  the  tree  were  for  the  healing  of  the 
 nations. 
 
 3  And  there  shall  be  no  more  curse  :  but 
 the  throne  of  God  and  of  the  Lamb  shall  be 
 in  it  ;  and  his  servants  shall  serve  him. 
 
 4  And  they  shall  see  his  face  ;  and  his 
 name  shall  be  in  their  foreheads. 
 
 5  And  there  shall  be  no  night  there ;  and 
 they  need  no  candle,  neither  light  of  the 
 sun  ;  for  the  Lord  God  giveth  them  light  ; 
 and  they  shall  reign  for  ever  and  ever. 
 
 6  And  he  said  unto  me,  These  savings  « re 
 
 CHAP.  XXII.  1 — 5.  The  heavenly  state  which  was  before  de¬ 
 scribed  as  a  city,  and  called  the  new  Jerusalem,  is  here  described 
 as  a  paradise  ;  alluding  to  the  earthly  paradise  which  was  lost  by 
 the  sin  of  the  first  Adam  ;  here  is  another  paradise  restored  by  the 
 second  Adam.  A  paradise  in  a  city  !  or  a  whole  city  in  a  para¬ 
 dise  !  In  the  first  paradise  there  were  only  two  persons  to  behold 
 the  beauty  and  taste  the  pleasures  of  it ;  but  in  this  second  para¬ 
 dise  whole  cities  and  nations  shall  find  abundant  delight  and  satis¬ 
 faction. 
 
 6 — 19-  We  have  here  a  solemn  ratification  of  the  contents  of 
 this  book,  and  particularly  of  this  last  vision,  though  some  think 
 it  may  not  only  refer  to  the  whole  book,  but  to  the  whole  Nx'v/ 
 
CHAP.  XXII. 
 
 faithful  and  true :  and  the  Lord  God  of  the 
 holy  prophets  sent  his  angel  to  shew  unto 
 his  servants  the  things  which  must  shortly 
 be  done. 
 
 7  Behold  I  come  quickly  :  blessed  is  he 
 that  keepeth  the  sayings  of  the  prophecy  of 
 this  book. 
 
 8  And  I  John  saw  these  things,  and  heard 
 them.  And,  when  I  had  heard  and  seen,  I 
 fell  down  to  Avorship  before  the  feet  of  the 
 angel  Avhich  shewed  me  these  things. 
 
 9  Then  saith  he  unto  me.  See  thou  do  it 
 not :  for  I  am  thy  felloAV-servant,  and  of  thy 
 brethren  the  prophets,  and  of  them  Avhich 
 keep  the  sayings  of  this  book.  Worship  God. 
 
 10  And  he  saith  unto  me.  Seal  not  the 
 sayings  of  the  prophecy  of  this  book  :  for 
 the  time  is  at  hand. 
 
 11  lie  that  is  unjust,  let  him  be  unjust 
 still  ;  and  he  which  is  filthy,  let  him  be 
 filthy  still ;  and  he  that  is  righteous  let  him 
 be  righteous  still ;  and  he  that  is  holy,  let 
 him  be  holy  still. 
 
 12  And,  behold,  I  come  quickly  ;  and 
 my  reward  is  with  me,  to  give  every  man 
 according  as  his  Avork  shall  be. 
 
 13  J  am  Aljiha  and  Omega,  the  beginning 
 and  the  end,  the  first  and  the  last. 
 
 14  Blessed  are  they  that  do  his  com¬ 
 mandments,  that  they  may  have  right  to 
 
 'I’cstarm'nt,  yea,  to  the  whole  Bible,  completing  and  confirming 
 the  canon  of  scripture.  He  that  adds  to  the  word  of  God  draws 
 down  upon  himself  all  the  plagues  written  in  this  book  ;  and  he 
 that  takes  any. thing  away  from  it,  cuts  himself  off  from  all  the 
 promises  and  privileges  of  it ;  this  sanction  is  like  afiaming  sword 
 to  guard  the  canon  of  the  scripture  from  profane  hands.  Such  a 
 fence  as  this  God  set  about  the  law.  Dent.  iv.  2,  and  the  whole 
 Old  Testament,  Mai.  ir.  4,  and  now  in  the  most  solemn  manner 
 about  the  whole  Bible  ;  assuring  us  that  it  is  a  book  of  the  most 
 sacred  nature,  divine  authority,  and  of  the  last  importance,  and 
 therefore  the  peculiar  care  of  the  great  God. 
 
 20,  21.  Christ  seems  now,  after  he  had  been  discovering  these 
 things  to  his  people  on  earth,  to  take  leave  of  them,  and  return  to 
 heaven  ;  but  he  parts  with  them  in  great  kindness,  and  assures 
 them  it  shall  not  be  long  before  he  comes  again  to  them  ;  Behold, 
 
 1  come  quickly  ;  and  when  he  ascended  into  heaven  at  his  re¬ 
 surrection,  he  parted  with  a  promise  of  his  gracious  presence,  so 
 here  he  parts  with  a  promise  of  a  speedy  return.  If  any  say. 
 Where  is  the  promise  of  liis  coming,  when  so  many  ages  are  now 
 past  since  this  was  written  r  let  them  know  he  is  not  slack  to  his 
 pf'oplo,  but  long-suft'ering  to  his  enemies  ;  his  comitig  will  be  sooner 
 tlian  they  are  aware,  sooner  than  they  are  prepared,  sooner  than 
 
 the  tree  of  life,  and  may  enter  in  through 
 the  gates  into  the  city. 
 
 15  For  Avithout  are  dogs,  and  sorcerers, 
 and  whoremongers,  and  murderers,  and  ido¬ 
 laters,  and  whosoever  loveth  and  maketh  a 
 lie. 
 
 16  I  Jesus  have  sent  mine  angel  to  testify 
 unto  you  these  things  in  the  churches.  I 
 am  the  root  and  the  offspring  of  David,  and 
 the  bright  and  morning  star. 
 
 17  And  the  Spirit  and  the  bride  say, 
 Come.  And  let  him  that  heareth  say.  Come. 
 And  let  him  that  is  athirst  come.  And 
 \vlTosoever  will,  let  him  take  the  water  of  life 
 freely. 
 
 18  For  I  testify  unto  every  man  that 
 heareth  the  Avords  of  the  prophecy  of  this 
 book.  If  any  man  shall  add  unto  these 
 things,  God  shall  add  unto  him  the  plagues 
 that  are  written  in  this  book  : 
 
 19  And  if  any  man  shall  take  aAvay  from 
 the  Avords  of  the  book  of  this  prophecy,  God 
 shall  take  aAvay  his  part  out  of  the  book  of 
 life,  and  out  of  the  holy  city,  and  from  the 
 things  Avhich  are  Avritten  in  this  book. 
 
 20  He  Avhich  testifieth  these  things  saith, 
 surely  I  come  quickly.  Amen.  EA’^en  so, 
 come.  Lord  Jesus. 
 
 21  The  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christie 
 Avith  you  all.  Amen. 
 
 they  desire;  and  to  his  people  it  will  be  seasonable;  the  visi(m  is 
 for  an  appointed  time,  and  will  not  tarry,  he  will  come  quickly  ; 
 let  this  word  be  always  sounding  in  our  ear,  and  let  us  give  all  dili¬ 
 gence  that  we  may  be  found  of  him  in  peace,  without  spot,  and 
 blameless. 
 
 The  Bible  ends  with  a  clear  proof  of  the  godhead  of  Christ, 
 since  the  spirit  of  God  teaches  the  apostle  to  bless  his  people  in  the 
 name  of  Christ,  and  to  beg  from  Christ  a  blessing  for  them  ;  this  is 
 a  proper  act  of  adoration.  Therefore,  nothing  should  be  more  de¬ 
 sired  by  us,  than  that  the  grace  of  Christ  may  be  with  us  in  this 
 world,  to  prepare  us  for  the  glory  of  Chi’ist  in  the  other  world  :  it 
 is  by  his  grace  that  we  must  be  kept  in  a  joyful  expectation  of  his 
 glory,  and  fitted  for  it,  and  preserved  to  it,  and  his  glorious 
 appearance  will  be  welcome  and  joyful  to  those  that  are  par¬ 
 takers  of  his  grace  and  favour  here ;  and  therefore  to  this 
 most  comprehensive  prayer  we  should  all  add  our  hearty  Amen, 
 most  earnestly  thirsting  after  great  measures  of  the  gracious  in¬ 
 fluences  of  the  blessed  Jesus  in  our  souls,  and  his  gracious  presence 
 with  us,  till  glory  has  perfected  all  his  grace  towards  us,  for  he  is  a 
 sun  and  a  shield,  he  gives  grace  and  glory,  and  no  good  thing  will 
 he  withhold  from  them  that  walk  uprightly. 
 
 End  of  the  NEW  TESTAMENT 
 
TABLE  OF  SCRIPTURE  MEASURES 
 
 FIRST  TABLE  OF  MEASURES  AND  MONEY. 
 
 MEASURES  OF  LENGTH. 
 
 CUBIT 
 
 Span,  or  half  a  Cubit 
 Hand-breadth 
 Finger  _  _  - 
 
 Ezekiel’s  Reed 
 Measuring  Line 
 
 Feet. 
 
 -  1 
 -  0 
 -  0 
 -  0 
 -  10 
 -145 
 
 Inches.  I 
 
 9,888 
 
 10,994 
 
 3,648 
 
 0,912 
 
 11,328 
 
 11,640 
 
 Miles.  Paces.  Feet. 
 
 Sabbath-day’s  journey  -  -  -  0  729  3 
 
 Eastern  Mile  -  -  -  -  -  1  403 
 
 Stadium  or  Furlong  -  -  -  -  0  145 
 
 Day’s  Journey  -  -  -  -  -  33  172 
 
 Note,  5  Feet  is  1  pace,  1056  paces  1  mile. 
 
 1 
 4,6 
 4 
 
 MEASURES  OF  LIQUIDS. 
 
 Galls.  Pints.  Inches. 
 
 Homer  or  Cor 
 Bath 
 Hin 
 Log 
 Firkin 
 
 75 
 
 .7 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 Note,  29  inches  1  pint  nearly 
 
 5 
 
 4 
 
 2 
 
 0 
 
 7 
 
 7,6 
 
 15.2 
 2.5 
 
 24.3 
 4,9 
 
 DRY  MEASURE. 
 
 Homer 
 Lethech 
 Epbah 
 Seah 
 Omer  -  • 
 Cab  - 
 
 Bushels.  Pecks.  Pints.  I 
 
 -  8  0  1,6 
 
 -  * 
 
 4 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 3 
 
 1 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 8 
 
 3,4 
 
 U 
 
 5,1 
 
 2,9 
 
 MONEY. 
 
 Mite,  half  a  farthing. 
 
 Assary,  3  farthings. 
 
 Gerah,  3  halfpence. 
 Drachm,  7  pence  halfpenny. 
 
 'j. 
 
 .  w 
 
 Dedrachm  or  Shekel  - 
 Shekel  of  the  Sanctuary 
 Mina,  or  Pound  - 
 Talent  of  Silver  - 
 
 Iji  s»  d* 
 
 -013 
 .026 
 -326 
 -187  10  0 
 
 746 
 
 Shekel 
 
 Pound 
 
 Talent 
 
 GOLD  COIN. 
 
 0  15 
 75  0 
 2,250  0 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 SECOND  TABLE  OF  WEIGHTS  AND  MONEY. 
 WEIGHTS. 
 
 Shekel 
 
 Maneh 
 
 Talent 
 
 lbs.  ozs.dwts.  grs. 
 
 0  0  9  2.6 
 2  3  6  10,3 
 113  10  1  10,3 
 
 MONEY. 
 
 Shekel  -  -  - 
 
 Bekah  -  -  - 
 
 Zuza  -  -  - 
 
 Gerah  -  -  - 
 
 Tancb,  or  Mina 
 Talent  -  -  - 
 
 Shekel  of  Gold 
 Talent  of  Gold 
 Golden  Daric  or  Dram 
 
 L.  s.  d. 
 
 0  2  3.3 
 
 0  1  1.7 
 
 0  0  6,8 
 
 0  0  1,4 
 
 .  50  13  10 
 
 -  341  10  4,3 
 
 1  16  5,1 
 
 -5,464  5  8,6 
 
 1  1  10,3 
 
 Piece  of  Silver,  (Drachm) 
 Tribute  Money,  ( Dedrachm) 
 Piece  of  Silver,  f  Stater^  - 
 Pound,  (Mina) 
 
 Penny,  ( Denarius )  - 
 
 Farthing,  ( Assarium) 
 Farthing,  (  Quadrans) 
 
 Mite  -  -  -  - 
 
 5*  d*  /*• 
 
 0  7  3 
 
 13  2 
 
 2  7  0 
 
 64  7  0 
 
 0  7  8 
 
 9  0  1,5 
 
 0  0  0,8 
 
 0  0  0,4 
 
 TABLE  OF  TIME. 
 
 First  day  of  the  week,  Sunday. 
 Second,  Monday. 
 
 Third,  Tuesday. 
 
 Fourth,  Wednesday. 
 
 Fifth,  Thursday. 
 
 Sixth,  Friday. 
 
 Seventh,  Saturday. 
 
 Hours  of  the  day  1  2  3  4  5  6 
 
 Morning  -  7  8  9  10  11  12 
 
 Afternoon  -  1  2  3  4  5  6 
 
 WATCHES. 
 
 First  watch  from  evening  till  nine  o’clock. 
 
 Second,  or  middle  watch,  from  nine  till  midnight. 
 Third  watch,  or  cock-crowing,  from  midnight  till  three 
 the  morning. 
 
 Fourth,  or  morning  watch,  from  nine  till  morning. 
 
A 
 
 T  A  B  li  E 
 
 OF 
 
 OFFICES  AND  CONDITIONS  OF  MEN. 
 
 PATRIARCHS,  or  Fathers  of  Families,  suchj 
 as  Abraham,  Isaac,  and  Jacob,  and  his  Sons.  | 
 Judges,  Temporary  Supreme  Governors,  im¬ 
 mediately  appointed  by  God,  over  the  childien  o 
 XsF£L0l 
 
 Kings,  And  they  either  of  the  whole  nation,  or, 
 after  the  falling  off  of  the  ten  tribes,  of  Judah,  or 
 X  ST'£L0l 
 
 Elders,  Senators,  the  LXX.  or  Sanhedrin. 
 
 Officers,  Provosts,  Sheriffs,  or  Executioneis. 
 Judges,  Inferior  Rulers,  such  as  determined  on- 
 roversies  in  particular  Cities. 
 
 Israelites,  Hebrews,  Descendants  from  Jacob. 
 
 An  Hebrew  of  the  Hebrews,  An  Israelite  by  ori¬ 
 ginal  Extraction. 
 
 A  Proselyte  of  the  Covenant,  who  was  circum¬ 
 cised  and  submitted  to  the  whole  Law. 
 
 A  Proselyte  of  the  Gate,  or  Stranger,  who  wor¬ 
 shipped  one  God,  but  remained  uncircumcised. 
 
 Officers  under  the  Assyrian,  or  Persian  Monarchs. 
 
 Tirshatha,  or  Governor,  appointed  by  the  Kings 
 
 of  Assyria  or  Persia.  ^  ^  i  -i 
 
 Heads  of  the  Captivity,  the  Chief  of  each  Tribe 
 or  Family,  who  exercised  a  precarious  Government 
 during  the  Captivity. 
 
 Under  the  Grecian  Monarchs. 
 
 Superior  Officers. 
 
 Maccabees,  the  successors  of 
 beus.  High  Priests,  who  presided  with  kingly 
 
 power. 
 
 Under  the  Roman  Emperors. 
 
 Presidenic,  or  Governors,  sent  from  Rome  with 
 
 imperial  power. 
 
 ■Vol.ll. 
 
 Tetrarchs,  who  had  kingly  Power  in  four  Pro 
 vinces. 
 
 Proconsuls,  or  deputies  of  Provinces. 
 
 Inferior  Officers. 
 
 Publicans,  or  Tax-gatherers. 
 
 Centurions,  Captains  of  an  hundred  Men 
 
 Ecclesiastical  Officers,  or  Sects  of  Men. 
 
 Hi(rh  Priest,  who  only  might  enter  the  Holy 
 
 of  Holies.  ,.11  Tj-  u 
 
 Second  Priests,  or  Sagan,  who  supplied  the  High 
 
 Priest’s  Office,  in  case  he  were  disabled 
 
 High  Priests  for  the  War,  set  apart  for  the  Uc- 
 
 casion  of  an  Expedition.  j-  •  j  j 
 
 Priests,  Levites  of  the  Sons  of  Aaron,  divided 
 into  twenty-four  Ranks,  each  Rank  serving  ^veekly 
 
 in  the  Temple.  ^  ,  r  a  ’ 
 
 Levites,  of  the  Tribe  of  Levi,  but  not  of  Aaron  s 
 Family ;  of  these  were  three  Orders,  Gershonites, 
 Koathites,  Merarites  :  several  sons  of  Levi. 
 
 Nethinims,  Inferior  Servants  to  the  Pnests  and 
 Levites  (not  of  their  Tribe,)  to  draw  Water,  and 
 
 cleave  Wood,  &c.  „  ,  c  u  c 
 
 Prophets,  anciently  called  Seers,  who  foretold 
 
 future  events,  and  denounced  God’s  Judgments. 
 Children  of  the  Prophets,  their  Disciples  or 
 
 Wise  Men,  called  so  in  imitation  of  the  Eastern 
 
 Magi,  or  Gentile  Philosophers.  ^  ,  t 
 Scribes,  Writers  and  Expounders  of  the  Law. 
 Disputers,  that  raised  and  determined  Question.'. 
 
 out  of  the  Law. 
 
 Rabbies  or  Doctors,  Teachers  of  Israel. 
 Libertines,  Freed  men  of  Rome,  w-ho,  being 
 Jews  or  Proselytes,  had  a  Synagogue  or  Oratory 
 for  themselves.  .. 
 
A  TABLE,  (See. 
 
 Galomtes,  Galileans,  who  pretended  it  unlawful 
 to  Qbey  an  heathen  Magistrate. 
 
 -  Herodians,  who  shaped  their  Religion  to  the 
 Times,  and  particularly  flattered  Herod. 
 
 Epicureans,  who  placed  all  happiness  in  Plea- 
 *  sure. 
 
 Stoicks,  who  denied  the  liberty  of  the  Will, 
 and  pretended  all  Events  were  determined  by  fatal 
 Necessity. 
 
 Smon  Magus,  Author  of  the  Heresy  of  the 
 Gnosticks,  who  taught  that  Men,  however  vicious 
 their  practice  was,  should  be  saved  by  their  Know¬ 
 ledge.  -ft 
 
 Nicholaitanes,  from  one  Nicholas  of  Antioch, 
 who  taught  the  community  of  wives. 
 
 Nazarites,  who,  under  a  Vow,  abstained  from 
 Wine,  &c. 
 
 Nazarenes,  Jews  professing  Christianity. 
 
 Zelots,  Sicarii,  or  Murderers,  who,  under  Pre¬ 
 tence  of  the  Law,  thought  themselves  authorised  to 
 commit  any  outrage.  * 
 
 Pharisees,  Separatists,  who,  upon  the  Opinion  o- 
 their  own  Godliness^  despised  all  others. 
 
 Sadducees,  who  denied  the  Resurrection  of  the 
 Dead,  Angels,  and  Spirits. 
 
 Samaritans,  Mongrel  Professors,  partly  Heathen 
 and  partly  Jews,  the  Offspring  of  the  Assyrians 
 sent  to  Samaria. 
 
 Apostles,  Missionaries,  or  persons  sent ;  they 
 who  were  sent  by  our  Saviour,  from  their  Number, 
 were  called  The  Twelve. 
 
 Bishops,  Successors  of  the  Apostles  in  the  Go¬ 
 vernment  of  the  Church.^ 
 
 Deacons,  Officers  chosen  by  the  Apostles  to  take 
 care  of  the  Poor. 
 
 A  Calculation  of  the  Humber  of  Books,  Chapters,  Verses,  Words,  Letters,  rj-c.  in  thf  '^kl  and 
 
 Hew  Testament,  and  the  Apocrypha. 
 
 838,380  3,566,480 
 
 OLD  TEST.  NEW  TEST.  TOTAL. 
 
 Books  39  27  66 
 
 Chapters  929  260  1,189 
 
 Verses  23,214  7,959  31,173 
 
 Words  592,439  181,153  773,602 
 
 Letters  2,728,100 
 
 apocrypha. 
 
 Chapters  1 83 
 
 Verses  60,81 
 
 Words  152,185 
 
 The  Middle  Chapter,  and  the  least  in  the  Bible 
 
 is  Psalm  117.  ^  ^  ^  i 
 
 The  Middle  Verse  is  the  8th  of  the  118th 
 
 I^S3.1rn 
 
 The  Middle  time  is  II.  of  Chronicles,  4th  Chap¬ 
 ter,  16  ver^e. 
 
 The  word  AND  occurs  in  the  Old  Testament 
 35,543  times. 
 
 ''  The  same  in  the  New  Testament  occurs  10,674 
 times. 
 
 The  word  Jehovah  occurs  9)855  times. 
 
 OLD  TESTAMENT. 
 
 I  he  Middle  Book  is  Proverbs. 
 
 The  Middle  Chapter  is  Job  29- 
 
 The  Middle  Verse  is  the  11.  Chronicles,  20th 
 Chapter,  between  the  17th  and  18th  Verses. 
 
 The  least  Verse  is  Chronicles,  the  1st  v.  &  1st  ch. 
 
 The  2 1  St  Verse  of  the  7th  Chapter  of  Ezra  has 
 all  the  Letters  of  the  Alphabet. 
 
 The  19th  Chapter  of  the  11.  of  Kings  and  the 
 37th  of  Isaiah  are  alike. 
 
 NEW  TESTAMENT. 
 
 The  Middle  Book  is  the  II.  of  Thessalonians. 
 
 The  Middle  Chapter  is  between  13th  and  14tk 
 Romans. 
 
 The  Middle  Verse  is  17th  Chapter  Acts,  17th 
 Verse. 
 
 The  Least  Verse  is  the  11th  Chapter  of  John 
 Verse  35. 
 
 FINIS. 
 
V 
 
 ■ 
 
 NY' 
 
 n 
 
 •f 
 
 /